bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An unusual and severe case of paclitaxel‐induced hand‐foot syndrome
Authors: Ben Abdallah Ichrak , Ben Nasr Sonia , Zribi Aref , Ayarai Jihene , Fendri Sana , Mehdi Balti , Abderrazek Haddaoui
Published: November 2020

Although paclitaxel is known to cause mild skin toxicity, it may induce severe HFS requiring drug withdrawal. Patients with high disease burden might receive prolonged paclitaxel chemotherapy. Hence, a grade 2 toxicity would better indicate withdrawal of paclitaxel instead of suspension and rechallenge, to prevent such severe HFS requiring long‐time recovery.
Review on Current Progress of MnO2‐Based Ternary Nanocomposites for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Majumdar Dipanwita
Published: November 2020

Manganese dioxide (MnO2) has proved itself as a popular pseudocapacitive material with low fabrication cost, high availability, low toxicity, and improved handling safety compared to many other inorganics or carbon‐based systems existing in the market. However, the specific capacitance reported to date has been far inferior to that of the theoretically predicted value (ca. 1370 Fg−1), which is mainly attributed to the issues associated with poor conductivity, nanostructure agglomeration, low porosity, rapid electrolyte‐mediated dissolution, and so forth, which have considerably limited its commercial effectiveness. Thus, to bring about improvement in the electrochemical performance of MnO2‐based supercapacitors, novel designs of MnO2 nanomaterials through composite formations with other substances, such as nanocarbons, conducting polymers or inorganic materials, namely metal oxides and sulfides, have been comprehensively explored. Extensive studies on these MnO2 binary nanocomposites revealed significant improvement in the electrochemical features compared to pristine phases; nevertheless, the achieved state is still far below practicability. Hence, scientists have opted for MnO2‐based ternary nanocomposites achieved by blending appropriate proportions the three components (MnO2 nanostructures being one of the constant components) that would promote synergism to attain suitable dimensions, crystallinity, crystal structure, conductivity, mass loading, and electrolyte selectivity so as to confer superior capacitance, charge transfer kinetics, better utilization of electroactive materials, energy and power densities, as well as improved mechanical stability and environmental adaptability. Herein, recent developments and advancements in the research of various MnO2‐based ternary nanocomposites employed for supercapacitor applications have been discussed and are compared with binary analogs with special emphasis on correlating their composition, morphology, and the electrochemical properties that are noticeably modified upon introduction of the third component. The associated challenges encountered in their progress toward commercialization and the probable ideas of persuading better strategic designs of these ternary systems for high‐performance supercapacitor applications have also been delineated.
Aiming for life cycle sustainability assessment of cement‐based composites: A trend study for wall systems of carbon concrete: Dresden Nexus Conference 2020—Session 4—Circular economy for building with secondary construction materials to minimise resource use and land use
Authors: Scope Christoph , Guenther Edeltraud , Schütz Julia , Mielecke Torsten , Mündecke Eric , Schultze Konstantin , Saling Peter
Published: November 2020

The narrative sustainable building is core message of European politics. Strategies discussed in this regard concern above all material minimization by using new more efficient manufacturing technologies, new form finding approaches for load‐bearing structures or new high‐performance materials. The goal of the research project V2.10, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, refers to the latter by assessing the sustainability potential of building components made of innovative textile reinforced concrete. We conceptualized a life cycle sustainability assessment framework and applied it to variants of sandwich wall systems made of carbon concrete composites and steel‐reinforced concrete. Results indicate hotspots in technology and material choices that could be addressed by circular strategies, for example, refuse, reduce or recycling. Overall, one design variant made of carbon concrete composites is the best performing with respect to all dimensions of sustainability.
Ultrasound and air‐disturbance‐based enhancement of spiral microchannel extraction of Cu2+
Authors: Yang Xingdong , Xiao Wenqiang , Dai Shuang , Qu Jiyan , Luo Jianhong
Published: November 2020

In this work, we evaluated the enhancement effect on the extraction of Cu2+ from water by introducing ultrasound and air disturbance in a spiral microchannel device. We used 2‐ethylhexyl phosphonic acid mono‐2‐ethylhexyl ester (P507) as an extractant and used kerosene as a solvent. The effects of flow rate, temperature, initial pH of water, organic/aqueous phase ratio (O/A), the concentration of extractant, and the inner diameter of the pipe on the extraction of Cu2+ were investigated in liquid‐liquid micro‐extraction (LLME), ultrasonic micro‐extraction (UME), and liquid‐liquid‐gas micro‐extraction (LLGME). We found that, at a similar extraction rate, the extraction capacity per unit of time of UME was five times that of LLME, and the extraction capacity per unit of time of LLGME was 10 times that of LLME. By comparing the effects of three methods on extracting Cu2+, we followed the following priority order: LLGME > UME > LLME. The results of three‐stage extraction under optimum conditions were also studied. The results revealed that the highest extraction rate of the three methods could reach about 92% with the processing time of 72 seconds under optimal conditions.
Influence of lignin structure change during extrusion on properties and recycling of lignin‐polyethylene thermoplastic composites
Authors: Tang Yong , Jean Michel , Pourebrahimi Sina , Rodrigue Denis , Ye Zhibin
Published: November 2020

Kraft lignin has been widely investigated for the production of composite plastics by blending with different synthetic polymers. In the present study, softwood kraft lignin‐polyethylene (PE) composites are produced by extrusion. The change in lignin structure during the extrusion has been investigated and the influences of the lignin structure change on the properties and recyclability of the composites have been investigated. Extrusion reduces the content of functional groups in lignin (especially aromatic OH group) and decreases its glass transition temperature, but increases its weight‐average molecular weight and polydispersity index. In the lignin‐PE composites, lignin and PE only blend at the macroscopic level and there is no intermolecular interaction between them. Because extrusion reduces Tg and particle size of lignin, a lower temperature is needed to reprocess the lignin‐PE composites. These recycled composites have similar thermal properties, but enhanced mechanical properties. This work shows that lignin can be used as a potential component to reduce the usage of synthetic polymers, thus partially eliminating white pollution.
Use of fibroin polypeptide from silk processing waste as an effective biosorbent for heavy metal removal
Authors: Huang Yifeng , Farooq Muhammad Usman , Kundu Prodip , Hazarika Swapnali , Feng Xianshe
Published: November 2020

Silk fibroin was extracted from Bombyx mori cocoon and used as a biosorbent to remove Pb2+, CrO42−, Cu2+, and Co2+ from aqueous solutions. The sorption isotherms for the metals in fibroin were determined, and a thermodynamic analysis (ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS°) of the sorption process showed that the metal sorption in fibroin was physical, spontaneous, and endothermic. The sorption kinetics data was found to match well with the modified pseudo‐second‐order rate model, and the sorption rate constant was determined based on a rectified approach of model fitting. It was shown that the sorption rate constant was largely independent of the initial sorbate concentration, which was expected because it is a specific quantity characterizing the relationship between sorbate concentration and the rate of sorption. The metal‐loaded fibroin could be regenerated easily by stripping the metal off fibroin using ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, and the sorption performance of the regenerated fibroin remained the same as pristine fibroin. When used repeatedly over 10 sorption‐regeneration cycles, the fibroin biosorbent showed no change in sorption capacity, which demonstrates the excellent stability and reusability of the fibroin biopolymer for metal capture from water.
Composition dependence of cyclohexane‐extracted gangue drying at ambient conditions
Authors: Khalkhali Reza , Choi Phillip
Published: November 2020

The drying of residue cyclohexane in a series of reconstituted gangue samples at ambient conditions was studied. The reconstituted gangue samples contained controlled amounts of residual bitumen, water, and fines (solid particles <45 μm). Regardless of the gangue composition, the initial drying flux was constant, and more than 90% of the residual cyclohexane was removed in this stage. The initial drying was driven by the liquid film flow induced by the differences in liquid film's radii of curvature along the pore channels. The liquid was a diluted bitumen solution that was transported to the surface, where cyclohexane evaporated with a rate comparable to that of pure cyclohexane evaporation. Upon the solvent evaporation, the dissolved bitumen was deposited on the sample surface. The residual bitumen content exerted an adverse effect on the initial drying flux because the dissolved bitumen significantly increased the solution viscosity, thereby reducing the liquid film flow rate. There existed an optimum water content range (3.9‐6.0 wt%) that facilitated the formation of bitumen solution film in the pores, favouring drying. When there was a high concentration of water or no water, the initial drying flux was decreased remarkably. The initial drying flux was insensitive to the fines content. Adding fines may have two counteracting effects on the drying process. Fines decreased the mean pore size, thereby lowering the liquid film flow rate. However, the hydrophobicity of the pore surfaces was increased as fines are usually covered by asphaltenes. This favours liquid film formation.
BN Fused Diazulenyl‐Carbazole: Synthesis, Structure, and Properties
Authors: Zhuang Fang‐Dong , Yang Jing‐Hui , Sun Ze‐Hao , Zhang Peng‐Fei , Chen Qi‐Ran , Wang Jie‐Yu , Pei Jian
Published: November 2020

Main observation and conclusion

By combination of two special structural units, a boron‐nitrogen‐fused polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and azulene with strong intramolecular dipoles, a novel BN aromatics, BN‐Az, has been designed and synthesized with unique characteristics. The structure, optical and electrochemical properties, as well as charge transport property of BN‐Az have been investigated. Notably, BN‐Az selectively responds to fluoride ions and protons with a significant color change, which could also be monitored by NMR spectra and single‐crystal X‐ray analysis, indicating its potential as an effective ion sensing material in stimuli‐responsive electronic devices.
Radical Carbonylation under Low CO Pressure: Synthesis of Esters from Activated Alkylamines at Transition Metal‐Free Conditions
Authors: Zhao Fengqian , Ai Han‐Jun , Wu Xiao‐Feng
Published: November 2020

Main observation and conclusion

High CO pressure (> 40 bar) is usually needed in radical carbonylation reactions in the absence of metal catalyst. In this communication, we developed a transition‐metal‐free radical carbonylation of activated alkylamines with phenols and alcohols under low CO pressure (1—6 bar). Various esters were obtained in moderate to excellent yields under simple reaction conditions with good functional group compatibility.
When orofacial pain needs a heart repair
Authors: Adamo Daniela , Calabria Elena , Coppola Noemi , Pecoraro Giuseppe , Buono Giuseppe , Mignogna Michele Davide
Published: November 2020

Objectives

The association of chronic orofacial pain (COFP) and congenital heart disease has never previously been reported. We report the first case of COFP secondary to a right‐to‐left shunt (RLS) due to asymptomatic patent foramen ovale (PFO) in a patient with prothrombotic states.

Materials and methods

A 48‐year‐old female patient presented with a 10‐month history of left‐sided facial pain who was initially diagnosed with persistent idiopathic facial pain (PIFP) on account of its similar characteristics. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed gliosis and carotid siphon tortuosity; in addition, hyperhomocysteinaemia due to the homozygosis mutation for 5,10 MethyleneTetraHydroFolate Reductase was identified. Transcranial doppler ultrasonography was requested from a neurology consultant which revealed a high degree of RLS. Subsequently, a cardiological evaluation was performed; the specialist requested a transesophageal echocardiography that detected an interatrial septum aneurysm with PFO.

Results

Based on the analysis of the patient's high degree of RLS, prothrombotic state and gliosis in relation to age, the cardiological consultant chose to perform a percutaneous closure of the PFO to avoid the risk of a cryptogenic stroke. After PFO closure, a complete remission of the pain was obtained.

Conclusions

The disappearance of the pain supports the possible association between RLS and COFP. PFO with RLS has been suggested as a risk factor for cryptogenic stroke, especially in association with other thromboembolic risk factors. Therefore, the early detection, in this case, could be considered a possible lifesaver. Communication between different care providers is essential when the patient presents symptoms of facial pain which are of an atypical nature.
Enhanced cognitive behavior therapy for severe and extreme anorexia nervosa: An outpatient case series
Authors: Calugi Simona , Sartirana Massimiliano , Frostad Stein , Dalle Grave Riccardo
Published: November 2020

Objective

The study aimed to assess outcomes in patients with severe and extreme anorexia nervosa managed with enhanced cognitive behavior therapy (CBT‐E) in a real‐world outpatient setting.

Method

Thirty patients with anorexia nervosa and body mass index (BMI) <16 aged ≥17 years were recruited from consecutive referrals to an eating disorder service clinic offering outpatient CBT‐E. BMI and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE‐Q), Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), and Clinical Impairment Assessment (CIA) scores were recorded at admission, end of treatment, and 20‐ and 60‐week follow‐ups for treatment completers.

Results

Twenty patients (66.7%) completed the treatment and showed both considerable weight gain (Cohen's f = 1.43), and significantly reduced scores for clinical impairment (f = 1.26) and eating‐disorder (f = 1.03) and general psychopathology (f = 0.99). Changes remained stable at both follow‐ups. About half of the patients who completed treatment had a BMI ≥18.5 at the end of treatment and follow‐ups.

Discussion

CBT‐E seems suitable and promising for patients with severe and extreme anorexia nervosa seeking treatment in a real‐world clinical setting, provided that their medical conditions are stable, and they have no current major depressive episodes or substance abuse; it may represent a valid alternative to inpatient treatment for those who are able to sustain engagement in a full course of outpatient treatment.
Impact of sex differences in co‐morbidities and medication adherence on outcome in 25 776 heart failure patients
Authors: Gürgöze Muhammed T. , van der Galiën Onno P. , Limpens Marlou A.M. , Roest Stefan , Hoekstra René C. , IJpma Arne S. , Brugts Jasper J. , Manintveld Olivier C. , Boersma Eric
Published: November 2020

Aims

Health insurance claims (HIC) databases in the Netherlands capture unselected patient populations, which makes them suitable for epidemiological research on sex differences. Based on a HIC database, we aimed to reveal sex differences in heart failure (HF) outcomes, with particular focus on co‐morbidities and medication.

Methods and results

The Achmea HIC database included 14 517 men and 11 259 (45%) women with a diagnosis treatment code for chronic HF by January 2015. We related their sex, co‐morbidities, and medication adherence (medication possession rate >0.8) with the primary endpoint (PE) of all‐cause mortality or HF admission during a median follow‐up of 3.3 years, using Cox regression. Median age of men and women was 72 and 76 years, respectively. Prevalence of co‐morbidities and use of disease‐modifying drugs was higher in men; however, medication adherence was similar. At the end of follow‐up, 35.1% men and 31.8% women had reached the PE. The adjusted hazard ratio for men was 1.25 (95% confidence interval: 1.19–1.30). A broad range of co‐morbidities was associated with the PE. Overall, these associations were stronger in women than in men, particularly for renal insufficiency, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/asthma, and diabetes. Non‐adherence to disease‐modifying drugs was related with a higher incidence of the PE, with similar effects between sexes.

Conclusions

In a representative sample of the Dutch population, as captured in a HIC database, men with chronic HF had a 25% higher incidence of death or HF admission than women. The impact of co‐morbidities on the outcome was sex dependent, while medication adherence was not.
Advanced cancer is also a heart failure syndrome: a hypothesis
Authors: Anker Markus S. , Sanz Ana Pardo , Zamorano José L. , Mehra Mandeep R. , Butler Javed , Riess Hanno , Coats Andrew J.S. , Anker Stefan D.
Published: November 2020

We present the hypothesis that advanced stage cancer is also a heart failure syndrome. It can develop independently of or in addition to cardiotoxic effects of anti‐cancer therapies. This includes an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias. We suggest the pathophysiologic link for these developments includes generalized muscle wasting (i.e. sarcopenia) due to tissue homeostasis changes leading to cardiac wasting associated cardiomyopathy. Cardiac wasting with thinning of the ventricular wall increases ventricular wall stress, even in the absence of ventricular dilatation. In addition, arrhythmias may be facilitated by cellular wasting processes affecting structure and function of electrical cells and conduction pathways.

We submit that in some patients with advanced cancer (but not terminal cancer), heart failure therapy or defibrillators may be relevant treatment options. The key points in selecting patients for such therapies may be the predicted life expectancy, quality of life at intervention time, symptomatic burden, and consequences for further anti‐cancer therapies.

The cause of death in advanced cancer is difficult to ascertain and consensus on event definitions in cancer is not established yet. Clinical investigations on this are called for. Broader ethical considerations must be taken into account when aiming to target cardiovascular problems in cancer patients.

We suggest that focused attention to evaluating cardiac wasting and arrhythmias in cancer will herald a further evolution in the rapidly expanding field of cardio‐oncology.
Stereoselective Mannich Reaction Driven by Crystallization
Authors: Čierna Michaela , Markus Jozef , Doháňošová Jana , Moncol Ján , Jakubec Pavol , Berkeš Dušan , Caletková Oľga
Published: November 2020

Herein we disclose an efficient and experimentally straightforward method for the stereoselective synthesis of a variety of α‐substituted Mannich salts. This direct three‐component Mannich reaction operates on readily available reagents in almost stoichiometric ratio and enables the preparation of both enantiomers. Crystallization controlled epimerization allows isolation of the target compounds in high enantio‐ and diastereomeric purities by a simple filtration. The efficiency of this chromatography‐free approach predestines it for the gram‐scale synthesis and industrial applications.
Quantification of the bisphosphonate alendronate using capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry with dynamic pH barrage junction focusing
Authors: Zhao Tingting , Wang Lingyu , Li Yueyang , Chen Sijia , Wang Rizhi , Chen David Da Yong
Published: November 2020

A quantitative method was developed for the direct identity confirmation and quantification of alendronate using CE‐MS combined with a pH‐assisted focusing technique, dynamic pH barrage junction focusing. A pH‐induced variation in electrophoretic mobility led to online focusing of alendronate at the sample/pH barrage boundary, significantly improving the detection sensitivity. In addition, the use of a flow‐through microvial CE electrospray interface and the multiple reaction monitoring mode of MS further improved the specificity and quantification capability of this technology. This quantitative method presented a wide linear dynamic range over 8–2000 ng/mL and an LOD of 2 ng/mL. A 460‐fold improvement in sensitivity was obtained when pH barrage junction focusing was applied during the CE process, in comparison to when normal CE was conducted without online sample stacking. The superior detection sensitivity over previously reported methods enables direct analysis of bisphosphonate compounds, eliminating tedious pre‐column sample enrichment and derivatization. Validation of alendronate content in a commercial drug tablet further proved the reliability and power of this method. This simple method with no sample derivatization, superior sensitivity, and short run time (<8 min) is a promising alternative for accurate quantification of alendronate and other types of bisphosphonate compounds in both drug formulations and plasma samples.
Fast grid search and bootstrap‐based inference for continuous two‐phase polynomial regression models
Authors: Son Hyunju , Fong Youyi
Published: November 2020

Two‐phase polynomial regression models (Robison, 1964; Fuller, 1969; Gallant and Fuller, 1973; Zhan et al., 1996) are widely used in ecology, public health, and other applied fields to model nonlinear relationships. These models are characterized by the presence of threshold parameters, across which the mean functions are allowed to change. That the threshold is a parameter of the model to be estimated from the data is an essential feature of two‐phase models. It distinguishes them, and more generally, multiphase models, from the spline models and has profound implications for both computation and inference for the models. Estimation of two‐phase polynomial regression models is a nonconvex, nonsmooth optimization problem. Grid search provides high‐quality solutions to the estimation problem, but is very slow when performed by brute force. Building upon our previous work on piecewise linear two‐phase regression models estimation, we develop fast grid search algorithms for two‐phase polynomial regression models and demonstrate their performance. Furthermore, we develop bootstrap‐based pointwise and simultaneous confidence bands for mean functions. Monte Carlo studies are conducted to demonstrate the computational and statistical properties of the proposed methods. Three real datasets are used to help illustrate the application of two‐phase models, with special attention on model choice.
Affectionless control: A parenting style associated with obesity and binge eating disorder in adulthood
Authors: Amianto Federico , Martini Matteo , Olandese Francesco , Davico Chiara , Abbate‐Daga Giovanni , Fassino Secondo , Vitiello Benedetto
Published: November 2020

Objective

Obesity is rising globally with a heavy health and economic burden. Early attachment experiences are relevant to the development of obesity. The purpose of this study was to investigate if parental care and attachment style experienced in childhood is associated with obesity, with or without binge eating disorder (BED), in adulthood.

Method

Parental style, personality traits, and psychopathology were assessed in 810 clinically referred adults with obesity, of whom 357 with BED and 453 without BED (non‐BED), and 463 healthy subjects (HS). Assessments included the Parental Bonding Instrument, Temperament and Character Inventory, Eating Disorder Inventory‐2, Symptom Checklist‐90 and Beck Depression Inventory‐II.

Results

Both BED and non‐BED reported lower maternal and paternal care and higher overprotection than HS. BED reported worse levels of parental care than non‐BED and HS. ‘Affectionless control’ parenting style was more frequently reported by both BED and non‐BED than HS. No significant differences in parenting style emerged between BED and non‐BED.

Conclusions

Perception of parental ‘affectionless control’ was associated with obesity in adults, and lower quality of parental care was more frequently reported by participants with BED. Parental style may constitute an important target for early interventions to prevent obesity.
Influence of germinated brown rice‐based flour modified by MAse on type 2 diabetic mice and HepG2 cell cytotoxic capacity
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc Thi Le , Nguyen Binh Duong Thanh , Dai Trang Thi Xuan , Co Son Hong , Do Thao Thi , Tong Thi Anh Ngoc , Oladapo Ibitoye Joshua , Nguyen Cong Ha
Published: November 2020

This study aimed to discover whether using maltogenic amylase (MAse) to modify starch in germinated brown rice flour may enhance slow digestion starch and release more bioactive compounds (BCs) content. To achieve this aim, the starch was modified with four levels of MAse (0 U, 133 U, 266 U and 399 U MAse/g flour) for 1 hr at pH 5 and then spray‐dried to make modified flour. The biochemical impacts of the products were then accessed in normal and type 2 diabetic mice for 4 weeks. The result showed that when the starch was modified by MAse 266 U/g, a significant reduction of rapidly digested starch to 22.35% from 61.56%, an increase in slowly digested starch to 33.09% while resistant starch as 2.92% corresponding to the increase of γ‐amino butyric acid to 528.1 ± 44.1 mg/L and 120.6 ± 10.9 mg/L of ferulic acid. The extract from modified flour showed very strong cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cell (>80% inhibition). The result in vivo showed that the type‐2 diabetic mice fed with this modified product could better improve the stability of the glycemic index. Also, atherosclerotic plaque assessment further supports these findings. The results indicated that BCs released considerably couple with the changes in starch properties caused by MAse enhanced the effectiveness of this product to diabetes as well as positive effect on cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cell.
Homologous recombination deficiency in breast cancer: Implications for risk, cancer development, and therapy
Authors: Ali Rayhaan M. M. , McIntosh Stuart A. , Savage Kienan I.
Published: November 2020

An underlying cause of breast cancers has been largely attributed to defects in the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway. In particular, the homologous recombination (HR) pathway repairs double‐stranded breaks (DSBs) in DNA, ultimately protecting the cell from genomic instability and thus preventing the accumulation of transforming mutations. In line with this, mutations in a number of genes encoding HR proteins are a well‐studied cause of HR deficiency (HRD), and, at the germline level, can confer risk to breast cancer but also occur somatically, contributing to sporadic breast cancer development, progression and response to therapy. Our understanding of the biological processes involved in HR and how these become compromised during breast cancer development has led to a better understanding of how HRD cells can be targeted with specific DNA damaging agents and/or with synthetic lethal targeting approaches such as PARP inhibition. Additionally, in vitro and preclinical modeling has supported the development of clinical trials to assess targeted therapies such as PARP inhibitors (PARPis), ultimately leading to development of therapies with greater clinical benefit. A number of challenges have been encountered, including resistance to therapy; however, addressing these challenges head‐on and continually driving scientific research and clinical trials with innovative therapies will contribute to our ability to target HRD in breast cancers. Ongoing research efforts into HRD in breast cancer development are therefore essential, even in the era of targeted therapies, to provide innovative strategies for improved tumor responses.
Dp71 contribution to the molecular scaffold anchoring aquaporine‐4 channels in brain macroglial cells
Authors: Belmaati Cherkaoui Mehdi , Vacca Ophélie , Izabelle Charlotte , Boulay Anne‐Cécile , Boulogne Claire , Gillet Cynthia , Barnier Jean‐Vianney , Rendon Alvaro , Cohen‐Salmon Martine , Vaillend Cyrille
Published: November 2020

Intellectual disability in Duchenne muscular dystrophy has been associated with the loss of dystrophin‐protein 71, Dp71, the main dystrophin‐gene product in the adult brain. Dp71 shows major expression in perivascular macroglial endfeet, suggesting that dysfunctional glial mechanisms contribute to cognitive impairments. In the present study, we investigated the molecular alterations induced by a selective loss of Dp71 in mice, using semi‐quantitative immunogold analyses in electron microscopy and immunofluorescence confocal analyses in brain sections and purified gliovascular units. In macroglial pericapillary endfeet of the cerebellum and hippocampus, we found a drastic reduction (70%) of the polarized distribution of aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) channels, a 50% reduction of β‐dystroglycan, and a complete loss of α1‐syntrophin. Interestingly, in the hippocampus and cortex, these effects were not homogeneous: AQP4 and AQP4ex isoforms were mostly lost around capillaries but preserved in large vessels corresponding to pial arteries, penetrating cortical arterioles, and arterioles of the hippocampal fissure, indicating the presence of Dp71‐independent pools of AQP4 in these vascular structures. In conclusion, the depletion of Dp71 strongly alters the distribution of AQP4 selectively in macroglial perivascular endfeet surrounding capillaries. This effect likely affects water homeostasis and blood–brain barrier functions and may thus contribute to the synaptic and cognitive defects associated with Dp71 deficiency.
Circular RNA circ_0004507 contributes to laryngeal cancer progression and cisplatin resistance by sponging miR‐873 to upregulate multidrug resistance 1 and multidrug resistance protein 1
Authors: Yi Xuehan , Chen Wei , Li Chen , Chen Xiaoqiang , Lin Qin , Lin Shuchun , Wang Desheng
Published: November 2020

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play critical roles in various types of cancer and chemosensitivity.

Methods

The expression levels of circ_0004507 and microRNA‐873 (miR‐873) were measured by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). The interaction between circ_0004507 and miR‐873 was predicted by circinteractome and verified by dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull‐down assay. Xenograft tumor model was established to confirm the biological role of circ_0004507 in vivo.

Results

circ_0004507 was highly expressed and miR‐873 was lowly expressed in laryngeal cancer tissues. circ_0004507 knockdown or miR‐873 overexpression inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and increased apoptosis and cisplatin sensitivity in laryngeal cancer cells. miR‐873 was identified as a direct target of circ_0004507. circ_0004507 interference inhibited tumor growth and promoted cisplatin sensitivity by upregulating miR‐873 in vivo.

Conclusion

Knockdown of circ_0004507 inhibited laryngeal cancer progression and cisplatin resistance by sponging miR‐873, providing a potential target for laryngeal cancer therapy.
Free convection and thermal radiation of a nanofluid inside an inclined L‐shaped microelectronic module under the Lorentz forces' impact
Authors: Massoudi Mohamed Dhia , Ben Hamida Mohamed Bechir
Published: November 2020

This study aims to study numerically the free convection and thermal radiation of an Ag‐water nanofluid inside an L‐shaped inclined microelectronic module under inclined Lorentz forces and uniform heat generation/absorption effects. The study is established using the software COMSOL Multiphysics based on the finite element method. The main results obtained show that convection heat flow enhances by increasing the Rayleigh number, radiation parameter and nanoparticles shape factor, however, it reduces with increasing the Hartmann number and the aspect ratio. In addition, the presence of uniform heat absorption improves the convection heat flow, by contrast, the presence of uniform heat generation damages this. Besides this, the Lorentz forces' directional impact on the convection heat flow is linked to module inclination. The average Nusselt reaches a maximum for module inclination .
FIGO position paper on reference charts for fetal growth and size at birth: Which one to use?
Authors: Visser Gerard H. A. , Nicholson Wanda K. , Barnea Eytan R. , Ramasauskaite Diana , Nassar Anwar H. ,   For the FIGO Safe Motherhood, Newborn Health Committee
Published: November 2020

Publication of the Intergrowth‐21st and WHO growth charts raises the question of which growth data prenatal providers should use in clinical practice. Is it better to use a universal chart applied globally, or metrics based on local or regional growth patterns? And what about customized charts versus local charts? FIGO has reviewed the different growth charts and studies assessing their reproducibility and predictive values for small‐ and large‐for‐gestational age newborns and, where available, adverse fetal outcomes. It concludes that local or regional charts are likely to be best for identifying the 10th percentile of newborns at highest risk. However, international standards for growth may also be used when coupled with locally appropriate thresholds for risk interpretation.
Changes of embryonic development, locomotor activity, and metabolomics in zebrafish co‐exposed to chlorpyrifos and deltamethrin
Authors: Hu Yi , Hu Jingying , Li Weihua , Gao Yu , Tian Ying
Published: November 2020

Organophosphates (OPs) and pyrethroids (PYRs) are extensively used pesticides and often occur in the form of mixture, whereas little was known about their joint toxicities. We aim to investigate the individual and joint effects of OPs and PYRs exposure on zebrafish embryo by employing chlorpyrifos (CPF) and deltamethrin (DM) as representatives. Zebrafish embryos at 2 hours post fertilization (hpf) were exposed to CPF (4.80, 39.06, and 78.13 μg/L), DM exposure (0.06, 1.60, and 3.19 μg/L), and CPF + DM (4.80 + 0.06, 39.06 + 1.60, and 78.13 + 3.19 μg/L) until 144 hpf. Embryonic development, locomotor activity, and metabolomic changes were recorded and examined. Results displayed that individual exposure to CPF and DM significantly increased the mortality and malformation rate of zebrafish embryos, but decreased hatching rate was only found in CPF + DM co‐exposure groups (p < .05). Meanwhile, individual CPF exposure had no detrimental effect on locomotor activity, high dose of individual CPF exposure decreased the swimming speed but had adaptability to the conversion from dark to light, whereas high dose of CPF + DM co‐exposure exhibited not only significant decline in swimming speed but also no adaptability to the repeated stimulations, suggesting deficit in learning and memory function. In metabolomic analysis, individual CPF exposure mainly influenced the metabolism of glycerophospholipids and amino acids, individual DM exposure mainly influenced glycerophospholipids, and CPF + DM co‐exposure mainly influenced glycerophospholipids and amino acids. Taken together, our findings suggested the embryonic toxicities and neurobehavioral changes caused by CPF and/or DM exposure. The disorder metabolomics of glycerophospholipids and amino acids might be involved in the underlying mechanism of those toxicities.
Three‐dimensional spatial reconstruction of coronary arteries based on fusion of intravascular optical coherence tomography and coronary angiography
Authors: Zhu Yanan , Zhu Fengyu , Ding Zhenyang , Tao Kuiyuan , Lai Tianduo , Kuang Hao , Hua Peidong , Shang Mingjian , Hu Jingqi , Yu Yin , Liu Tiegen
Published: November 2020

We present a three‐dimensional (3D) spatial reconstruction of coronary arteries based on fusion of intravascular optical coherence tomography (IVOCT) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Centerline of vessel in DSA images is exacted by multi‐scale filtering, adaptive segmentation, morphology thinning and Dijkstra's shortest path algorithm. We apply the cross‐correction between lumen shapes of IVOCT and DSA images and match their stenosis positions to realize co‐registration. By matching the location and tangent direction of the vessel centerline of DSA images and segmented lumen coordinates of IVOCT along pullback path, 3D spatial models of vessel lumen are reconstructed. Using 1121 distinct positions selected from eight vessels, the correlation coefficient between 3D IVOCT model and DSA image in measuring lumen radius is 0.94% and 97.7% of the positions fall within the limit of agreement by Bland–Altman analysis, which means that the 3D spatial reconstruction IVOCT models and DSA images have high matching level.
Bone Strength/Bone Mass Discrepancy in Glucocorticoid‐Treated Adult Mice
Authors: Dubrovsky Alanna M. , Nyman Jeffrey S. , Uppuganti Sasidhar , Chmiel Kenneth J. , Kimmel Donald B. , Lane Nancy E
Published: November 2020

Glucocorticoids increase bone fragility in patients in a manner that is underestimated by bone mass measurement. This study aimed to determine if the adult mouse could model this bone strength/bone mass discrepancy. Forty‐two 13‐week‐old BALB/cJ mice were randomized into vehicle and glucocorticoid groups, implanted with vehicle or 6‐methylprednisolone pellets, and necropsied after 60 and 120 days. Bone strength and bone mass/microarchitecture were assessed at the right central femur (CF; cortical‐bone–rich) and sixth lumbar vertebral body (LVB6; trabecular‐bone–rich). Bound water (BW) of the whole right femur was analyzed by proton‐nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) relaxometry. Data were analyzed by two‐factor ANOVA with time (day 60 and day 120) and treatment (vehicle and glucocorticoid) as main effects for all data. Significant interactions were further analyzed with a Tukey's post hoc test. Most bone strength measures in the CF were lower in the glucocorticoid group, regardless of the duration of treatment, with no time × treatment interaction. However, bone mass measures in the CF showed a significant time × treatment interaction (p = 0.0001). Bone strength measures in LVB6 showed a time × treatment interaction (p < 0.02) such that LVB6 strength was lower after 120 days of glucocorticoids compared with 120 days of vehicle treatment. Whole‐femur–BW was lower with both glucocorticoid treatment (p = 0.0001) and time (p < 0.02), with a significant time × treatment interaction (p = 0.005). Glucocorticoid treatment of male BALB/cJ mice resulted in the lowering of bone strength in both cortical and trabecular bone that either appeared earlier or was greater than the treatment‐related changes in bone mass/microarchitecture. The adult mouse may be a good model for investigating the bone strength/mass discrepancy observed in glucocorticoid‐treated patients. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Novel long noncoding RNA LINC02323 promotes cell growth and migration of ovarian cancer via TGF‐β receptor 1 by miR‐1343‐3p
Authors: Li Yingchun , Zhao Zheng , Sun Dan , Li Yanfei
Published: November 2020

Background

This study was aimed at investigating the effects of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) LINC02323 in ovarian cancer and its possible mechanism.

Methods

Microarray analysis and QPCR were utilized to identify lncRNA LINC02323 expression in patients with ovarian cancer. MTT assay was used for analysis of ovarian cancer cell proliferation. Western blot was utilized to investigate its possible mechanism.

Results

In patients with ovarian cancer, lncRNA LINC02323 expression was up‐regulated and miR‐1343‐3p expression was down‐regulated. Over‐expression of lncRNA LINC02323 promoted cell growth and reduced LDH activity levels in vitro model by suppression of miR‐1343‐3p expression. Down‐regulation of lncRNA LINC02323 reduced cell growth and increased LDH activity levels in vitro model by induction of miR‐1343‐3p expression. Over‐expression of miR‐1343‐3p reduced cell growth and reduced LDH activity levels in vitro model by suppression of TGF‐β receptor. Down‐regulation of miR‐1343‐3p promoted cell growth and reduced LDH activity levels in vitro model by induced of TGF‐β receptor.

Conclusion

Our findings show that Novel long noncoding RNA LINC02323 promotes cell growth of ovarian cancer via TGF‐β receptor 1 by miR‐1343‐3p.
Gas–liquid interfacial area and its influence on oxygen transfer coefficients in a simulated hydrocarbon bioprocess in a bubble column reactor
Authors: Abufalgha Ayman A , Pott Robert WM , Cloete Jannean C , Clarke Kim G
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

The overall volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient (KLa) is a critical parameter in evaluating the oxygen transfer in any aerobic bioprocess, e.g. a hydrocarbon‐based bioprocess. However, KLa comprises the oxygen transfer coefficient (KL) and the gas–liquid interfacial area, which are commonly affected by operating conditions of a bioprocess system. Therefore, this study has experimentally measured KLa and interfacial area in a model hydrocarbon‐based bioprocess under a range of operating conditions such as alkane (n‐C14–20) concentration (HC), solids (cornflour) loading (SL) and superficial gas (air) velocity (UG) in a bubble column reactor (BCR).

RESULTS

It was found that the value of KLa increased with increasing UG in the BCR. The most significant impact on KLa was obtained through an increase in UG, where an increase of UG from 1 to 3 cm s−1 resulted in a 133% increase in KLa. Furthermore, a relationship between KLa and SL was identified and showed an optimal level at SL of 3 g L−1, indicating increased dispersion viscosity in the system as SL increased up to a certain point. However, HC showed an insignificant change in both the interfacial area and KLa with the range considered (2.5 to 20% v/v) of HC.

CONCLUSIONS

This study expands on previous work by including an inert solid (cornflour) phase, which ultimately furthers our understanding of the effect of the solids type and size, and operational conditions (HC, SL and UG) on the behaviour of overall oxygen transfer in a bubble column hydrocarbon bioprocess.
Intrathyroid metastasis of breast cancer: Sonographic findings
Authors: Jung Hyun Kyung , Kim Bomi , Ryu Ji Hwa
Published: November 2020

Metastasis of ductal carcinoma of the breast to the thyroid gland is uncommon and usually detected at autopsy. The incidences of metastases to the thyroid have been reported at 3%, and the most common primary malignancy is renal cell carcinoma. We report a rare case of intrathyroid metastatsis of breast ductal carcinoma in a patient who was treated for breast cancer 15 years earlier.
Validation of an instructional module to help dental students learn to avoid plagiarism
Authors: Graham Bruce S. , O'Donnell Jean A. , Roucka Toni M. , Sullivan Timothy P. , Viana M. Grace Costa
Published: November 2020

Objective

This study aimed to validate the learning effectiveness of an instructional module in helping first‐year dental students and international graduate advanced standing students learn to avoid plagiarism in their scientific writing.

Method

The module was administered to a total of 226 first year dental students (157 at the University of Pittsburgh, in 2018 and 2019; 69 at the University of Illinois at Chicago, in 2019), and a total of 102 international graduate advanced standing students at the University of Illinois at Chicago, in 2019 and 2020. Psychometric analysis of the module's test items confirmed reliability and validity.

Results

An independent sample t‐test performed on the module pretest scores determined that the first ‐year dental students entered their programs with more knowledge about plagiarism than the international graduate advanced standing students. Mean differences were calculated between pretest and posttest scores for each group and indicated that the module was equally effective at helping both groups learn to avoid plagiarism. An independent sample t‐test compared the posttest mean scores of the 2 groups and determined that the first ‐year students achieved a greater learning outcome from the module. An independent sample t‐test for Equality of Means with Levene's Test for Equality of Variances were performed to compare the mean differences between posttest and pretest scores for the 2 groups. These tests indicated that the 2 groups learned to avoid plagiarism at the same rate.

Conclusions

The instructional module proved to be valid, reliable, effective, and time‐efficient in improving student knowledge about avoiding plagiarism.
Ionic liquid mediated synthesis andin vitromechanistic exploration of polycyclic cage‐like heterocyclic hybrid
Authors: Kumar Raju Suresh , Almansour Abdulrahman I. , Arumugam Natarajan , Kotresha D. , Menéndez J. Carlos , Kumar Raju Ranjith
Published: November 2020

A three‐component, [3 + 2]‐cycloaddition/annulation domino protocol is described for the synthesis in excellent yield of a polycyclic cage‐like heterocyclic hybrid (PCHH) that comprises various advantaged structural units viz., α,β‐unsaturated ketone moiety, 4‐pyridinone and pyrroloisoquinoline in a cage‐like framework. The antitumor activity of PCHH on human breast (MCF7), colon (HCT116), cervical (JURKAT) and lung (NCI‐H460) malignant cell lines inhibited the propagation of all cell lines. This hybrid molecule displayed increased broad‐spectrum anticancer activity with higher doses of PCHH. Furthermore, the compound induced 45.21% of early apoptosis and 46.32% of late apoptosis in the Jurkat cancer cell line. Cell cycle analysis showed that this cage‐like compound caused cell cycle arrest of Jurkat cells at the S phase and sub G0/G1 phase. Additionally, it led to increased DNA fragmentation and mitochondrial membrane permeabilization through activation of caspase‐3 enzyme. Present investigation demonstrates the specific cytotoxic activity of the cage‐like compound and the induction of apoptosis through the intrinsic pathway of Jurkat cells.
Risk factors prediction, clinical outcomes, and mortality in COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Alizadehsani Roohallah , Alizadeh Sani Zahra , Behjati Mohaddeseh , Roshanzamir Zahra , Hussain Sadiq , Abedini Niloofar , Hasanzadeh Fereshteh , Khosravi Abbas , Shoeibi Afshin , Roshanzamir Mohamad , Moradnejad Pardis , Nahavandi Saeid , Khozeimeh Fahime , Zare Assef , Panahiazar Maryam , Acharya U. Rajendra , Islam Sheikh Mohammed Shariful
Published: November 2020

Preventing communicable diseases requires understanding the spread, epidemiology, clinical features, progression, and prognosis of the disease. Early identification of risk factors and clinical outcomes might help in identifying critically ill patients, providing appropriate treatment, and preventing mortality. We conducted a prospective study in patients with flu‐like symptoms referred to the imaging department of a tertiary hospital in Iran between March 3, 2020, and April 8, 2020. Patients with COVID‐19 were followed up after two months to check their health condition. The categorical data between groups were analyzed by Fisher's exact test and continuous data by Wilcoxon rank‐sum test. Three hundred and nineteen patients (mean age 45.48 ± 18.50 years, 177 women) were enrolled. Fever, dyspnea, weakness, shivering, C‐reactive protein, fatigue, dry cough, anorexia, anosmia, ageusia, dizziness, sweating, and age were the most important symptoms of COVID‐19 infection. Traveling in the past 3 months, asthma, taking corticosteroids, liver disease, rheumatological disease, cough with sputum, eczema, conjunctivitis, tobacco use, and chest pain did not show any relationship with COVID‐19. To the best of our knowledge, a number of factors associated with mortality due to COVID‐19 have been investigated for the first time in this study. Our results might be helpful in early prediction and risk reduction of mortality in patients infected with COVID‐19.