bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrafast Nonadiabatic Photoisomerization Dynamics Mechanism for the UV Photoprotection of Stilbenoids in Grape Skin
Authors: Shi Yanan , Zhao Xiaoying , Wang Chao , Wang Ye , Zhang Song , Li Peng , Feng Xia , Jin Bing , Yuan Minghu , Cui Shen , Sun Yan , Zhang Bing , Sun Shuqing , Jin Xiaoning , Wang Haiyuan , Zhao Guangjiu
Published: March 2020

Natural UV photoprotection plays a vital role in physiological protection. It has been reported that UVC radiation can make resveratrol (RSV) and piceatannol (PIC) accumulate in grape skin. In this work, we demonstrated that RSV and PIC could significantly absorb UVA and UVB, and confirmed their satisfactory photostability. Furthermore, we clarified the UV photoprotection mechanism of typical stilbenoids of RSV and PIC for the first time by using combined femtosecond transient absorption (FTA) spectroscopy and time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) calculations. RSV and PIC can be photoexcited to the excited state after UVA and UVB absorption. Subsequently, the photoisomerized RSV and PIC quickly relax to the ground state via nonadiabatic transition from the S1 state at a conical intersection (CI) position between potential energy surfaces (PESs) of S1 and S0 states. This ultrafast trans‐cis photoisomerization will take place within a few tens of picoseconds. As a result, the UV energy absorbed by RSV and PIC could be dissipated by an ultrafast nonadiabatic photoisomerization process.
Decreasing postoperative opioid use while managing pain: A prospective study of men who underwent scrotal surgery
Authors: Greer Aubrey B. , Ramos Libert , Dubin Justin M. , Ramasamy Ranjith
Published: March 2020

Objective

To compare postoperative pain control among men who received different quantities of narcotic prescriptions following scrotal surgery. We hypothesized that men receiving eight vs four pills of acetaminophen 300 mg/codeine 30 mg there would be no significant difference in mean pain following scrotal and inguinal surgery.

Patients and methods

In this prospective, open‐label study, men who underwent scrotal surgery received eight or four acetaminophen 300 mg/codeine 30 mg pills. Men were encouraged to take scheduled non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), apply ice on the incision, and take acetaminophen 300 mg/codeine 30 mg as needed for breakthrough pain. Men were evaluated within 1‐2 weeks after surgery. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel and Stata/IC 15.1.

Results

A total of eighty‐seven men met inclusion criteria, fifty‐four men received eight acetaminophen/codeine pills, and thirty‐three men received four pills. There was no significant difference in mean pain score (0‐10) of men receiving eight pills vs four pills in the week after surgery (3.6 ± 1.9 vs 3.3 ± 1.8, P = .5004). Of men who used NSAIDs and ice, 93.5% and 92.3% found them to be moderately or very helpful.

Conclusion

Reducing the total prescription of combined narcotic/non‐narcotic medication is not associated with increased postoperative pain in patients undergoing scrotal/inguinal surgery. There was no difference in postoperative pain in men taking eight or four acetaminophen 300 mg/codeine 30 mg pills. A limited prescription of eight or four pills was adequate for pain control in the majority of men who underwent scrotal surgery. NSAIDs and ice were found to be useful adjuncts for pain relief by those who used them.
Dynamic prediction of time to a clinical event with sparse and irregularly measured longitudinal biomarkers
Authors: Zhu Yayuan , Huang Xuelin , Li Liang
Published: March 2020

In clinical research and practice, landmark models are commonly used to predict the risk of an adverse future event, using patients' longitudinal biomarker data as predictors. However, these data are often observable only at intermittent visits, making their measurement times irregularly spaced and unsynchronized across different subjects. This poses challenges to conducting dynamic prediction at any post‐baseline time. A simple solution is the last‐value‐carry‐forward method, but this may result in bias for the risk model estimation and prediction. Another option is to jointly model the longitudinal and survival processes with a shared random effects model. However, when dealing with multiple biomarkers, this approach often results in high‐dimensional integrals without a closed‐form solution, and thus the computational burden limits its software development and practical use. In this article, we propose to process the longitudinal data by functional principal component analysis techniques, and then use the processed information as predictors in a class of flexible linear transformation models to predict the distribution of residual time‐to‐event occurrence. The measurement schemes for multiple biomarkers are allowed to be different within subject and across subjects. Dynamic prediction can be performed in a real‐time fashion. The advantages of our proposed method are demonstrated by simulation studies. We apply our approach to the African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension, predicting patients' risk of kidney failure or death by using four important longitudinal biomarkers for renal functions.
miR‐21‐3p regulates AGE/RAGE signalling and improves diabetic atherosclerosis
Authors: Shao Mingzhe , Yu Muyu , Zhao Jun , Mei Jiacai , Pan Ye , Zhang Jian , Wu Haisheng , Yu Min , Liu Fang , Chen Guangming
Published: March 2020

To explore the effects of miR‐21‐3p on diabetic atherosclerosis. Using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), we also detected the levels of soluble receptor for advanced glycation endproducts RAGE (sRAGE) in the cellular supernatant of vascular endothelial cells after transfecting them with adenovirus vector having miR‐21‐3p mimic or inhibitor. We found decrease in the expression levels of miR‐21‐3p in vascular endothelial cells (VECs) induced by high‐concentration glucose. We also observed that the introduction of miR‐21‐3p mimic significantly increased the expression of ADAM10 in the VECs. Similarly, significantly higher levels of sRAGE were found in the cultured supernatant after administration of miR‐21‐3p mimic in human vein endothelial cells. The production of reactive oxygen species and expression of inflammatory cytokines in VECs induced by LPS and high‐concentration glucose were significantly decreased after administration of miR‐21‐3p. in vivo studies revealed that intravenous injection of miR‐21‐3p at regular intervals would reduce the area of atherosclerotic lesion and elevate the serum levels of sRAGE in atherosclerotic diabetic mice. miR‐21‐3p may be beneficial in diabetic atherosclerosis by promoting the cleaved form of sRAGE and inhibition of RAGE/NADPH oxidase signalling depending on the increased expression of ADAM10.

Significance of the Study

We identified a novel microRNA, miR‐21‐3p, which is characteristically at elevated levels in serum derived from diabetic patients and responsible for target degradation of ADAM10 mRNA. Further, we show that miR‐21‐3p aggravates the atherosclerotic lesion via dysfunction of the ectodomain shedding of molecular binding RAGE in the diabetic atherosclerotic mice.
Effect of Ultrasonic Irradiation on the Probability of Primary Nucleation of L‐Arginine Hydrochloride
Authors: Ike Yuki , Hirasawa Izumi
Published: March 2020

Most of the amino acids that are utilized as medical raw materials and food additives show polymorphism. To improve the functionality of amino acid crystals, an effective method of polymorph control is required in the crystallization process. Here, primary nucleation of L‐arginine hydrochloride by ultrasonication was investigated. L‐Arginine hydrochloride exhibits polymorphism, and it crystallizes into three distinct crystal forms. A cooling crystallization experiment was performed, and nucleation of each polymorph upon ultrasonication was observed. In addition, the nucleation was analyzed using the nucleation probability theory. The results indicate that ultrasonic irradiation would significantly induce the nucleation of a particular polymorph.
The diagnostic utility of next‐generation sequencing on FNA biopsies of melanocytic uveal lesions
Authors: Han Lucy M. , Khanafshar Elham , Afshar Armin R. , Calkins Sarah M.
Published: March 2020

Background

Uveal melanoma is highly aggressive, and overall prognosis depends on mutation status. Fine‐needle aspiration biopsies (FNABs) play an important role in obtaining fresh tissue for cytologic diagnosis and molecular studies. It has been suggested that, although FNAB usually provides high diagnostic accuracy, there may be limited cellularity, which may compromise diagnostic potential for molecular studies. FNABs of uveal melanocytic lesions were evaluated to assess sample adequacy for both cytologic evaluation and next‐generation sequencing (NGS).

Methods

The authors retrospectively evaluated 36 cases of melanocytic uveal lesions from 2015 to 2018. Samples were obtained by ophthalmologist‐performed FNAB and aliquoted for cytology and NGS. Various combinations of direct smears, liquid‐based cytology slides, cell blocks, and immunohistochemical stains for melanocytic markers were performed. All samples were tested for molecular alterations using hybrid‐capture–based NGS.

Results

There was sufficient material for cytologic diagnosis in 33 of 36 cases (92%), for NGS testing in 30 of 36 cases (83%), and for both cytologic diagnosis and NGS testing in 28 of 36 cases (78%). Of 7 cases that were cytologically categorized as indeterminate or diagnosed as “atypical” or “nondiagnostic,” NGS testing was sufficient and diagnostic for melanoma in 5 cases. Of the cases diagnosed as melanoma on pathology, 20 cases (87%) had concordant NGS testing results, 2 lacked molecular alterations, and 1 was insufficient for testing.

Conclusions

FNA sampling of melanocytic uveal lesions is adequate for both cytologic diagnosis and NGS testing. In a subset of cases in which pathologic findings were indeterminate, NGS testing results were clarifying for diagnosis. In addition, specific molecular alterations identified can aid in evaluating prognosis and guide further management.
Levocetirizine Oral Disintegrating Tablet: A Randomized Open‐Label Crossover Bioequivalence Study in Healthy Japanese Volunteers
Authors: Ino Hiroko , Shiramoto Masanari , Eto Takashi , Haranaka Miwa , Irie Shin , Terao Takumi , Ogura Hirofumi , Wakamatsu Akira , Hoyano Keiko , Nakano Atsushi
Published: March 2020

Levocetirizine is classified as a second‐generation antihistamine. Levocetirizine is available for the treatment of allergic disorders such as allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria. This was a single‐center, single‐dose, open‐label, randomized, 2‐way crossover study in healthy Japanese male subjects consisting of 2 parts. Part 1 compared the bioavailability of levocetirizine oral disintegrating tablet (ODT) and levocetirizine immediate‐release tablet (IRT) taken with water in the fasted state in 24 subjects; all subjects completed this part of the trial. In part 2, the bioavailability of levocetirizine ODT without water was compared with that of levocetirizine IRT with water in the fasted state in 48 subjects; 47 subjects completed this part of the trial. Bioequivalence was demonstrated between levocetirizine IRT 5 mg and ODT 5 mg. The safety profiles were generally similar between levocetirizine ODT and levocetirizine IRT, with no serious adverse events, deaths, or adverse events leading to withdrawal reported during the study.
Sulfur vs. Selenium as Bridging Ligand in Di‐Iron Complexes: A Theoretical Analysis
Authors: Spiller Nico , Chilkuri Vijay Gopal , DeBeer Serena , Neese Frank
Published: March 2020

The replacement of S with Se is a useful technique for studying iron‐sulfur clusters. The substitution is typically considered a small perturbation to the electronic structure of the cluster. The advantage is that element specific techniques, such as X‐ray absorption and emission spectroscopy, can be used to selectively investigate the environment of the Se atoms in the cluster. In this work, the effect of this perturbation has been studied quantitatively with the help of high‐level electronic structure calculations. We present a systematic comparison of iron‐sulfur monomers and dimers and their Se analogs using wave function‐based ab initio methods. First, the local electronic structure of the Fe–S and Fe–Se bonds is studied using ab initio ligand field theory (AILFT) in conjunction with the angular overlap model (AOM). Second, the effect of Se substitution on the low‐energy spectrum in homo‐valent (Fe3+Fe3+) and the mixed‐valent (Fe2+Fe3+) iron‐sulfur dimers is investigated in detail. We find that Se‐based ligands generally induce a weaker ligand field, possess a smaller donor strength, and reduce the coupling between the iron centers compared to their S counterparts. Furthermore, the differences between S and Se can affect the energy ordering of electronic states in cases with close‐lying electronic states.
Dimensional Control of Assembling Metal Chalcogenide Clusters
Authors: Gadjieva Natalia A. , Champsaur Anouck M. , Steigerwald Michael L. , Roy Xavier , Nuckolls Colin
Published: March 2020

The ability to synthesize novel functional materials at the nanoscale relies on the design and synthesis of versatile, tunable, atomically precise building blocks. Clusters of atoms exhibit physical properties beyond those of their constituent atoms, and new phenomena (e.g. electronic, magnetic) can emerge in such materials. This minireview describes a method to create site‐differentiated clusters and presents various synthetic approaches toward creating materials from these building blocks. The cobalt selenide clusters fundamental to this study are members of a larger class of clusters with the [M6E8] stoichiometry (M = metal, E = chalcogen). There are two ways to prepare suitably reactive [M6E8] monomeric clusters for bonded assemblies: (1) incorporating a secondary functionality on the capping ligand, and (2) introducing removable, reactive ligands on the cluster surface. Rationally designed chemical transformations give us precise control over the extent and dimensionality of the resulting materials. The new bottom‐up approaches towards extended solids presented in this minireview reveal how to build from 0‐dimensional building blocks into 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐dimensional systems that comprise clusters.
Reversible Phase Transition, Switchable Second‐Order Nonlinear Optical and Dielectric Properties in a Bismuth(III)‐Based Compound: (R)‐3‐(Fluoropyrrolidinium)2BiBr5
Authors: Wang BiQin , Li Yan , Xie Hao
Published: March 2020

A new Bi(III)‐based hybrid organic‐inorganic compound, (R)‐3‐(fluoropyrrolidinium)2BiBr5 (1), has been synthesized by solution evaporation. It undergoes a drastic reversible phase transition that appears above the room temperature centered at 407 K, exhibiting a recognizable second‐order nonlinear optical response and noteworthy dielectric anomaly. Variable‐temperature single‐crystal structural analyses exhibit its structure consists of one‐dimensional zigzag chains of [BiBr5]∞ containing cis‐connected anionic octahedra and (R)‐3‐(Fluoropyrrolidinium) cations. We speculate, the existence of phase transition properties of 1 triggered by thermal stimulus probably originates from the deformation of anions and order‐disorder transition of the cations in the crystal lattice. All of those findings will provide a new way to design and fabricate of hybrid organic‐inorganic multifunctional stimuli‐responsive materials.
Tree Nut Oils: Chemical Profiles, Extraction, Stability, and Quality Concerns
Authors: Maestri Damián , Cittadini María Cecilia , Bodoira Romina , Martínez Marcela
Published: March 2020

Tree nuts are globally consumed. Their kernels are calorie‐rich, nutrient‐dense foods and contain several bioactive and health‐promoting components. While some nut crops have expanded through the world since ancient times (almond, hazelnut, walnut), more recently, there has been a parallel development of underexploited promising species (Brazil nut, macadamia, pecan). Nut kernels have high lipid content, ranging from 40% to 80% depending on nut species and varieties. In general, nut oils contain significant proportions of nutritionally and medicinally desirable fatty acids and nutraceutical compounds (sterols, tocopherols, and other phenolics). A considerable genetic variability in oil content and composition is present in nut genetic resources worldwide. This suggests the possibility of different breeding lines focused to enhance oil yields, chemical and quality traits. Regarding extraction, screw‐pressing is suitable to achieve high oil recovery and good quality standards, but seed materials should be conditioned appropriately. Seed moisture content and pressing temperature appear as key variables to enhance oil recovery. This article presents an overview on chemical profiles, mechanical extraction, and quality concerns of oils from the most widely produced tree nut crops. The revision is also aimed at identifying areas where knowledge is insufficient and to set priorities for further research.

Practical applications: The review updates and increases knowledge about oils from tree nut genetic resources, encompassing genetic variability and environmental effects on oil yield and compositional traits. It also analyzes findings regarding oil extraction and provides useful insights to establish better conditions for achieving sustainable oil yields and good quality standards.
Electrochemical Selenation/Cyclization of Quinones: A Rapid, Green and Efficient Access to Functionalized Trypanocidal and Antitumor Compounds
Authors: Kharma Ammar , Jacob Claus , Bozzi Ícaro A. O. , Jardim Guilherme A. M. , Braga Antonio L. , Salomão Kelly , Gatto Claudia C. , Silva Maria Francilene S. , Pessoa Claudia , Stangier Maximilian , Ackermann Lutz , da Silva Júnior Eufrânio N.
Published: March 2020

Electrochemical selenation in undivided electrochemical cells allows the preparation of selenium‐containing naphthoquinones. The rapid, green and efficient protocol avoids chemical oxidants and enables the synthesis of target molecules in a fast and reliable way. This strategy provides and efficient and general method for the synthesis of quinoidal compounds with activity against five cancer cell lines and Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease.
Heatwave duration: Characterizations using probabilistic inference
Authors: Raha Sohini , Ghosh Sujit K.
Published: March 2020

Characterization of heatwave duration is becoming increasingly important in environmental research as they pose a significant threat to many human lives worldwide. Although several quantification of the extremities of a heatwave have been proposed in literature, they are mostly improvised and there does not exist a universally accepted definition of heatwave. In this article, we devise a probabilistic inferential framework to characterize heatwave and come up with a definition that can capture the essence of all existing ad hoc definitions. We derive an exact distribution on the frequency of such durations for a stationary Markov process and also an approximate distribution of durations for a stationary non‐Markov time series. For a given site, using a daily time series (of ambient temperature or heat‐index), we define a heatwave as the number of sustained days above a given threshold using the probability distribution of the durations. We illustrate the proposed methodology using daily time series of ambient temperature for a fixed site (of Atlanta) and also using the USCRN consisting of 126 sites across the United States. Furthermore, we also derive an empirical quadratic curve based relationship between expected durations and extreme thresholds. The proofs of the theorems, datasets, algorithms, and computer codes are provided in the supplementary materials.
A systematic review of outcomes following residential treatment for eating disorders
Authors: Peckmezian Tina , Paxton Susan J
Published: March 2020

Objective

Residential centres for the treatment of eating disorders are becoming increasingly common, yet data following residential care are scarce. We reviewed outcomes of residential treatment for eating disorders across all diagnoses, age groups and genders. A secondary goal was to identify treatment elements and patient characteristics that predicted a greater response to treatment.

Method

Peer‐reviewed studies published in the last 20 years were identified through a systematic search of the electronic databases PubMed and Cochrane Library.

Results

Nineteen open‐label studies reporting changes between admission and discharge were included in this review. Most took an eclectic approach to treatment, integrating elements from several different techniques without a unifying theoretical framework. All studies reported improvements in most outcomes at discharge, including changes in eating disorders psychopathology, weight, depression, anxiety and quality of life. Eight studies reported outcomes at some interval after discharge, with largely positive outcomes.

Conclusions

While residential care was associated with consistently positive outcomes, the variability in program characteristics and poor quality of research designs prevent firm conclusions from being drawn about their efficacy. Future research should include controlled studies that evaluate specific theoretical approaches and program elements, include long‐term follow‐up, and compare residential care to other treatment settings.
Connectivity evaluation for three‐dimensional fracture network in support‐based model: A case study in the Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Huang Fan , Yao Chi , Zhang Xiaobo , Shao Yulong , He Chen , Zhou Chuangbing
Published: March 2020

Connectivity is an effective indicator to describe the flow paths and mechanical behavior of reservoir fractured rock masses. The connectivity evaluation of fracture networks plays an important role in the design, assessment, and development of reservoirs in several important engineering applications, such as geothermal recovery and petroleum industry. Based on Allard's definition of a connectivity index, a 3D connectivity evaluation method is proposed in this study by building the connectivity functions of the supports. Meanwhile, different connectivity functions are built for different situations. In addition, a convex polygon is used to simulate the fracture to make the fracture network as real as possible. The accuracy of the generated fracture network was verified by comparing three parameters of fracture, and the results showed that the relative error was less than 5%. Some examples in the Ordos Basin, China, are given to verify the correctness of the program and method. Analysis results show that the 3D method is more realistic than the 2D connectivity evaluation, and the connectivity field of the fracture network is more reliable in the 3D method. Moreover, the proposed method can show the potential preferential flow path in a stereoscopic manner and thus greatly extends the function of connectivity analysis. This method provides important information for the prediction of paths and the evaluation of the connectivity of the fracture network and is important in evaluating the optimal location of geothermal recovery and petroleum industry.
Game theory based framework of smart food quality assessment
Authors: Bhatia Munish
Published: March 2020

Internet of Things (IoT) technology backed by fog‐cloud computing has conceptualized the notion of Industry 4.0. Motivated from this, smart restaurants presents a novel vision of provisioning effective food quality assessment based on game‐theoretic decision‐modeling techniques. This research presents an IoT‐inspired framework to analyze restaurants and food‐hubs for food quality perspective. Specifically, IoT technology is used to acquire ubiquitous data inside restaurant environment that can impact food quality directly and indirectly. This data is analyzed over the fog‐cloud computing platform to formulate a quantification measure in terms of probability of food quality using Bayesian modeling technique. In addition to this, food quality assurance index is estimated to present a unifying factor for food quality assessment over temporal scale. Finally, a three‐player game‐model is presented for food quality‐based decision making by the customers, restaurant managers, and monitoring officials. For validation purposes, the proposed model is deployed in four restaurants of Amritsar, India. The comparative analysis was performed with state‐of‐the‐art decision‐making modeling techniques, which showed the superiority of the presented technique in terms of temporal efficiency, statistical performance enhancement, correlation analysis, stability, and reliability. Moreover, a mathematical evaluation has been performed to depict the overall performance enhancement for the proposed decision‐making.
Culturally tailored tobacco control: Aboriginal community perspectives in Sydney, Australia
Authors: Khan Raquiba J. , Poder Natasha , Kovai Vilas , Robinson Laurel , Wright Darryl , Spinks Mark , Heathcote Jeremy , Millen Elizabeth , Welsh Kerry , Bedford Karen
Published: March 2020

Introduction

A community‐based project was developed to support quit attempts and denormalise smoking in Aboriginal communities. This qualitative study evaluates the effectiveness of project strategies, messages and the partnership process, and explores impacts observed by Aboriginal community members, complementing findings from a quantitative evaluation.

Methods

The study comprised five focus groups (40 participants) and 14 in‐depth interviews (with 15 community members). Data were analysed thematically by manual and NVivo software methods.

Results

Results demonstrate that the project attracted community attention, was well recalled and messages were considered convincing and persuasive. Participants reported being more likely to quit and to discuss smoking with family and friends, and noticed that many people were quitting. Participants observed an increase in asking people not to smoke in the home and fewer people smoking at events, but noted that many smokers struggled to stay quit. The partnership and participation of Aboriginal Health Workers were viewed as crucial.

Conclusion

The qualitative findings reinforce quantitative evaluation findings suggesting that the project contributed to denormalising smoking and motivating quit attempts.

So what

The evaluation provided insight into how the project changed attitudes and motivated community members to make quit attempts and provided ideas to meet the ongoing challenge.
Systematic Review and Weight of Evidence Are Integral to Ecological and Human Health Assessments: They Need an Integrated Framework
Authors: Suter Glenn , Nichols Jennifer , Lavoie Emma , Cormier Susan
Published: March 2020

Scientific assessments synthesize the various results of scientific research for policy and decision making. Synthesizing evidence in environmental assessments can involve either or both of 2 systems: systematic review (SR) and weight of evidence (WoE). Systematic review was developed to systematically assemble results of clinical trials to be combined by meta-analysis. Weight-of-evidence approaches have evolved from jurisprudence to make inferences from diverse bodies of evidence in various fields. Our objectives are to describe the similarities and differences between SR and WoE and to suggest how their best practices can be combined into a general framework that is applicable to human health and ecological assessments. Integrating SR and WoE is based on the recognition that 2 processes are required, assembling evidence and making an inference. Systematic review is characterized by methodical literature searching, screening, and data extraction, originally for meta-analysis but now for various inferential methods. Weight of evidence is characterized by systematically relating heterogeneous evidence to considerations appropriate to the inference and making the inference by weighing the evidence. Systematic review enables the unbiased assembly of evidence from literature, but methods for assembling other information must be considered as well. If only 1 type of quantitative study estimates the assessment endpoint, meta-analysis is appropriate for inference. Otherwise, the heterogeneous evidence must be weighed. A framework is presented that integrates best practices into a methodical assembly and weighing of evidence. A glossary of terms for the combined practice and a history of the origins of SR and WoE are provided in Supplemental Data. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2020;16:718–728. Published 2020. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Postdiagnostic metformin use and survival of patients with colorectal cancer: A Nationwide cohort study
Authors: Huang Wen‐Kuan , Chang Shu‐Hao , Hsu Hung‐Chih , Chou Wen‐Chi , Yang Tsai‐Sheng , Chen Jen‐Shi , Chang John Wen‐Cheng , Lin Yung‐Chang , Kuo Chang‐Fu , See Lai‐Chu
Published: March 2020

Epidemiological evidence for the association between postdiagnostic metformin use and survival in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) remains limited. Using the Taiwan Cancer Registry database, a cohort of 16,676 diabetic patients newly diagnosed with CRC from January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2014, followed until December 31, 2016, was identified. Postdiagnostic use of metformin (two or more prescriptions after CRC diagnosis) was defined as a time‐dependent covariate with 6‐month lag. Multivariate Cox regression model and stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) were used to estimate adjusted effects of metformin on all‐cause mortality and CRC‐specific mortality during follow‐up. A number of 11,438 (69%) received metformin after CRC diagnosis. Overall, 7,393 deaths, including 4,845 CRC‐specific deaths, were observed during 64,322 person‐years of follow‐up. After adjustment for demographic and clinical covariates, metformin users had lower all‐cause mortality than did nonusers (hazard ratio [HR], 0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40–0.44) and lower CRC‐specific mortality (HR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.39–0.44). Similar but somewhat attenuated effects were observed after stabilized IPTW (HR for all‐cause mortality, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.53–0.59; HR for CRC‐specific mortality, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.55–0.61). Similar results were observed in stratified analyses of 2,112 patients with no prediagnostic metformin use and 14,564 patients with prediagnostic metformin use. Findings for both outcomes were consistent in multiple sensitivity analyses. Use of postdiagnostic metformin was associated with significantly lower all‐cause mortality and CRC‐specific mortality, regardless of prior metformin use. These findings support the use of metformin as an adjunct to standard care of diabetic patients with CRC.
Elastomeric polyurethane porous film functionalized with gastrodin for peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Li Qing , Li Limei , Yu Mali , Zheng Meng , Li Yao , Yang Jian , Dai Min , Zhong Lianmei , Sun Lin , Lu Di
Published: March 2020

The extracellular matrix provides cells with a support structure and an attachment site in actual substrate. Its biochemical and surface properties play an important role in and have significant impact on cell attachment, proliferation, migration, differentiation, and gene expression. Leveraging the hydrophilicity and neuroprotective of gastrodin, a gastrodin/polyurethane (PU) elastomer was developed utilizing in situ polymerization and salt‐leaching methods. The results showed that gastrodin/PU film had a good flexibility and supporting strength, as well as hydrophilicity. Thus film possessed highly surface area, interconnected porous structure with a pore size (10~60 μm) for cell attachment, and could provide surface cues to augment neurite extension. For PC12 cells cultured within the films, especially the 5gastrodin/PU group, presented a progressive increase with time, coupled with the upregulation of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and glial cell derived neurotrophic factor expression. This is the first report on the construction of a gastrodin/PU porous film, and the results reveal its promise as a scaffold material for neural tissue engineering.
Fragmentation at sp2 carbon atoms in fragment molecular orbital method
Authors: Akinaga Yoshinobu , Kato Koichiro , Nakano Tatsuya , Fukuzawa Kaori , Mochizuki Yuji
Published: March 2020

In the fragment molecular orbital (FMO) method, a given molecular system is usually fragmented at sp3 carbon atoms. However, fragmentation at different sites sometimes becomes necessary. Hence, we propose fragmentation at sp2 carbon atoms in the FMO method. Projection operators are constructed using sp2 local orbitals. To maintain practical accuracy, it is essential to consider the three‐body effect. In order to suppress the corresponding increase of computational cost, we propose approximate models considering local trimers. Numerical verification shows that the present models are as accurate as or better than the standard FMO2 method in total energy with fragmentation at sp3 carbon atoms.
Clinical application of red cell distribution width, mean platelet volume, and cancer antigen 125 detection in endometrial cancer
Authors: Zhang Hongyu , Liang Ka , Ke Liuhua , Tang Shifu
Published: March 2020

Background

Red cell distribution width (RDW) and mean platelet volume (MPV) are considered to be associated with tumors. We investigated the diagnostic value of RDW, MPV, and cancer antigen 125 (CA125), alone or in combination, in the diagnosis of endometrial cancer and endometrial hyperplasia.

Methods

This study included 144 patients with endometrial cancer (stage I: 32; II: 42; III: 48; and IV: 22), 104 patients with endometrial hyperplasia, and 80 healthy control subjects. The whole blood cell parameters were analyzed by a Mindray Blood Cell Analyzer (CAL8000), whereas CA125 was analyzed using an Architect i2000 Analyzer (Abbott).

Results

Significant differences in RDW, MPV, and CA125 level were observed in the endometrial cancer, endometrial hyperplasia, and control groups (P < .05). Red cell distribution width was positively correlated (r = .735) whereas MPV was negatively correlated with (r = −.736) endometrial cancer staging. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the combined diagnosis of endometrial cancer based on RDW, MPV, and CA125 was 0.924 (95% CI: 0.881‐0.955). The sensitivity and specificity of the combined diagnosis were larger than those of the independent detections involving RDW, MPV, and CA125.

Conclusions

The combination of RDW, MPV, and CA125 can improve the differential diagnosis of endometrial cancer and endometrial hyperplasia.
Racial disparities in breast cancer hereditary risk assessment referrals
Authors: Peterson Jennifer M. , Pepin Abigail , Thomas Rehema , Biagi Tara , Stark Elizabeth , Sparks Andrew D. , Johnson Kerry , Kaltman Rebecca
Published: March 2020

For poorly understood reasons, Black non‐Hispanic (BNH) women meeting National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) criteria for genetic testing for breast cancer risk are less likely than White non‐Hispanic (WNH) women to undergo testing (Armstrong, Micco, Carney, Stopfer, & Putt, JAMA, 293, 1729 and 2005). We compared physician referral rates and uptake for genetic testing of BNH and WNH women meeting select NCCN criteria (breast cancer under age 50, two primary breast cancers, triple‐negative disease under age 60) in the Cancer Center at George Washington University (GWCC) between 2015 and 2018. Of the 723 BNH and WNH patients treated for breast cancer at GWCC, 28% met study criteria for genetic counseling referral (n = 252; BNH n = 115, WNH n = 137). Physician referral rates to genetic counseling differed significantly by race (BNH 75.7%, n = 87 and WNH 92.7%; n = 127; χ2 = 14.19, p‐value < .01). Once referred, though, there was no significant difference in uptake of genetic counseling by race (BNH 95.4%, n = 83; WNH 97.6%, n = 124, χ2 = 1.33, p‐value = .25) for patients appropriately referred.
Factors associated with parental knowledge of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1): Parental affected status and genetic counseling
Authors: Solem Emily P. , Primiano Michelle , McQuillen Marshall P. , Zak Goelz Monika
Published: March 2020

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic condition characterized by various cutaneous, neurological and psychological manifestations. The present study examined whether parental knowledge of NF1 is associated with a parent's NF1 status, affected or unaffected, and exposure to genetic counseling. Parents of children with NF1 were invited to complete an online survey answering true or false and multiple‐choice questions to evaluate their overall knowledge of NF1. The study included 274 respondents, of which NF1 knowledge scores were significantly higher for unaffected parents (p < .001), and for parents who reported previously meeting with a genetic counselor (p < .001). Items pertaining to NF1‐related cancer were least likely to be answered correctly. The results of the current study revealed lower overall NF1 knowledge in affected parents and knowledge gaps identifying areas where focused NF1 education may be beneficial.
Effects of the North Atlantic Subtropical High on summertime precipitation organization in the southeast United States
Authors: Nieto Ferreira Rosana , Rickenbach Thomas M.
Published: March 2020

This study analyzes the effect of the location of the North Atlantic Subtropical High (NASH) western ridge on the daily variability of precipitation organization in the southeastern United States (SE US). The western side of the NASH, also known as the NASH western ridge, plays an important role in the variability of summertime precipitation in this region. In this study, the mean summertime position of the NASH western ridge was determined and used to classify each summer day during 2009–2012 into one of four quadrants. Composites of synoptic‐scale circulation and precipitation from mesoscale and isolated precipitation features (MPF and IPF) were calculated for each NASH western ridge quadrant. MPF contributed most (about 65%) of the total summertime precipitation and accounted for most of the differences between the four NASH quadrants. Domain‐averaged precipitation was highest (lowest) during NASH‐SW (NASH‐NW) when IPF (MPF) precipitation was strongest (weakest). The regionality of MPF precipitation maxima was generally associated with the location of low‐level jets and upper‐level troughs. For instance, positive MPF anomalies occurred across the SE US during NASH‐SW when the Great Plains low‐level jet turned eastward bringing moisture to fuel convection in the SE US. In contrast, IPF rain was distributed more uniformly across the SE US. Finally, this study revealed a dipole of precipitation that is controlled by the position of the NASH western ridge and its associated low‐level jets. In one extreme of the dipole NASH‐SE, periods are associated with enhanced MPF precipitation along the coast and offshore for days at a time, and suppressed MPF precipitation inland. The opposite pattern occurs during NASH‐NW when MPF precipitation is enhanced inland and suppressed along the coast and offshore.
Improvement of aggregate‐associated organic carbon and its stability in bauxite residue by substrate amendment addition
Authors: Tian Tao , Liu Zheng , Zhu Feng , Hartley William , Ye Yuzhen , Xue Shengguo
Published: March 2020

Bauxite residue has extreme alkalinity, poor aggregate stability, and low organic carbon content, which limits plant growth on large expanses of bauxite residue disposal areas. Soil formation of bauxite residue is one of the effective approaches to transform bauxite residue into a soil‐like medium for revegetation. In order to improve aggregate stability and organic carbon content in the short term, addition of substrate amendments is crucial to accelerate soil formation of bauxite residue. Nevertheless, the effect of different amendments on the stability, organic and humic substances distribution in bauxite residue aggregate is unclear. Therefore, a column experiment was used to investigate the distribution and stability of aggregate, and aggregate‐associated carbon by adding phosphogypsum and vermicompost (PVC), and biosolids and microorganism (BSM). The average particle sizes of CK (control check), PVC, and BSM treatments were observed to be ~114, ~157, and ~188 nm, respectively. Compared with CK treatment, the contents of organic carbon, humic acid, and fulvic acid following PVC treatment increased by 1.65, 1.59, and 1.57 times, respectively, and the increased contents of organic carbon, humic acid, and fulvic acid following BSM treatment reached 2.90, 2.69, and 2.60 times, respectively. Results demonstrated that amendment additions enhanced aggregate stability and carbon sequestration, but the effects of BSM treatment were better than those of PVC treatment. The findings offer an evidence that BSM treatment is a feasible approach to accelerate soil formation of bauxite residue, which shows promising applications to reclaim bauxite residue disposal areas.
Regional pattern of soil organic carbon density and its influence upon the plough layers of cropland
Authors: Duan Liangxia , Li Zhenwei , Xie Hongxia , Yuan Hong , Li Zhiming , Zhou Qing
Published: March 2020

Understanding regional spatial pattern of soil organic carbon density (SOCD) and its potential influencing factors in cropland is of paramount importance when evaluating soil quality and assess the carbon sequestration potential. However, little information is available regarding the regional SOCD for the plough layer of the cropland soils with high‐density sampling sites. In this context, 14,058 soil samples were collected at a regional scale (21 × 104 km2) to investigate the spatial variation in SOCD and to identify the dominant factors influencing this variation using classical statistics, principal component analysis (PCA), residual maximum likelihood (REML), and geostatistical methods, such as semivariogram and ordinary kriging methods. The results indicated that soil organic carbon (SOC) and SOCD both demonstrated moderate variability ranging from 2.61 to 35.67 g kg−1 and 2.61 to 35.67 kg C m−2, respectively. Geostatistical analysis showed that the nugget‐to‐sill ratios for SOC and SOCD were 0.59 and 0.61, respectively, which demonstrated moderate spatial dependence. The PCA and a minimum data set method identified that organic nitrogen fertilizer, accumulated temperature ≥ 0°C, rice straw incorporation, precipitation, and soil pH were the major factors affecting the spatial variability in SOCD. The REML analysis showed that geomorphologic features, soil types, and irrigation conditions also exerted substantial influence on SOC and SOCD. This study provided reliable estimates of spatial variation in SOCD and thus is helpful in the formulation of strategic sustainable SOC management and regional policy decision making.
Thermally Reversible Crosslinked Polyurethanes Based on Blocking and Deblocking Reaction
Authors: Han Feilong , Xu Bowen , Shah Sayyed Asim Ali , Zhang Junying , Cheng Jue
Published: March 2020

New self‐healing crosslinked bisphenol‐S polyurethane (BPS/PU) including thermal reversible urethane bonds is prepared to balance the mechanical and self‐healing properties. BPS/PU is synthesized with BPS as chain extender to improve the mechanical property in the effect of high molecular regularity of BPS and extra stronger physical crosslinking in BPS/PU. The crosslinked structure of BPS/PU is confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectra and swelling‐dissolution test. BPS/PU demonstrates great thermal reversability after three heating and cooling cycles and exhibits shorter relaxation time (3.3 min). The tensile strength and the tensile elongation of BPS/PU are up to 14.54 MPa and 877.12%, respectively, which are much higher than the value reported in literature. The qualitative self‐healing analysis of BPS/PU confirms that the cracks can be healed largely after healing progress, and the quantitative self‐healing analysis exhibits great healing properties with the healing efficiency of up to 77.92%.
Effect of Polymer Concentration on Autoclaved Cryogel Properties
Authors: Memic Adnan , Rezaeeyazdi Mahboobeh , Villard Pierre , Rogers Zachary J. , Abdullah Turdimuhammad , Colombani Thibault , Bencherif Sidi A.
Published: March 2020

Biomaterial sterilization is a prerequisite prior to patient's use, especially for scaffold implantation or injection. Various sterilization processes are mandated by the Food and Drug Administration including high‐pressure steam sterilization. Although high‐pressure steam or autoclave sterilization eliminates pathogens, it often leads to irreversible damages on soft materials such as hydrogels. In the current study, the impact of autoclave sterilization on cryogels made from several naturally‐derived polymeric precursors (alginate, hyaluronic acid, and gelatin) is analyzed. Specifically, the impact of polymer concentration on the structural and physical properties of autoclaved cryogels such as mechanics, swelling ratio, pore interconnectivity, and shape‐memory features is studied. The results demonstrate that at a given optimal polymer concentration, unique for each biopolymer investigated, autoclave sterilization does not substantially alter the microarchitectural or physical characteristics of cryogels, including their syringe injectability signature. In summary, when formulated under optimized polymer concentrations, autoclavable cryogels hold great potential for several biomedical applications, as they can be easily translated into clinical practice to benefit public health.
Improving the Stability of R2R Printed 1‐Bit Code Generator through Spin‐Coated Multilayer‐Encapsulation Method
Authors: Jung Younsu , Kale Amol Marotrao , Park Jinwha , Park Hyejin , Sun Junfeng , Koirala Gyan Raj , Shrestha Kiran , Shrestha Sagar , Parajuli Sajjan , Maskey Bijendra Bishow , Cho Gyoujin
Published: March 2020

Roll‐to‐roll (R2R) printed electronic devices have great advantages for developing large scale flexible and disposable devices when compared to current Si‐based technology. For practical realization of these advantages, however, R2R printed devices need to surmount device functionality limitations, most urgently high‐power dissipation and poor device stability. To resolve both imperative challenges at once, herein, an all R2R printed complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) 1‐bit code generator with spin‐coated multilayer encapsulation method is developed. In order to print CMOS devices by an all‐R2R gravure printing method, electrical amphoteric property of the single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) is utilized to fabricate both p‐type and n‐type SWCNT based thin film transistors (TFTs). In addition, printable encapsulating polymeric materials (CYTOP and FG‐3650) are developed to effectively prevent H2O permeation. The resulting CMOS 1‐bit code generator is able to continuously operate for 2 h under ambient conditions without any variation in output voltage and frequency.
Contaminated and misidentified cell lines commonly use in cancer research
Authors: Cheung Siu Tim , Chan Stephen L. , Lo Kwok Wai
Published: March 2020

Cell line authentication is important for credibility concern and scientific reproducibility. Authenticated cancer cell lines retain the properties of the cancers of origin and serve valuable resources for medical research. Experimental results commonly will be validated in more than one cell line to avoid specific cell line effect not generalizable to the disease on the whole. The use of appropriate and verified cell lines would therefore be very important in preclinical studies of translational research, bridging basic research to clinics.
COVID‐19 outbreak represents a new way of mental health service delivery
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2020

Increased mental health disorders, prolonged isolation, hospital bed adequacy, lost revenue and staff safety are among the myriad of concerns the field is dealing with in the wake of the COVID‐19 epidemic. And for some staff, protective gear is in order.