bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pelvic Desmoid Tumour Imitating Uterine Leiomyoma in a Nigerian Premenopausal Woman
Authors: Ajani Mustapha Akanji , Ngubor Taamaka Davis , Nkwogu Nkadinma Florence , Sotunsa John , Yusuf Adebola
Published: March 2020

Aim: To describe a rare case of pelvic desmoid tumour simulating as a huge uterine leiomyoma causing a diagnostic dilemma in a premenopausal woman.

Case Presentation:  This was a 44-year-old, para 2 (2 alive) who was referred to our gynaecology clinic from a secondary health facility on account of slowly increasing abdominal swelling of 2 years duration. There was no nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. There was associated mild to moderate dull lower abdominal pain that did not radiate to any other part of the body. There was no change in her monthly menstrual flow. Physical examination revealed a pelvic mass about 32 weeks pregnancy size and firm. Computed Topography scan showed a huge pedunculated sub-serous uterine fibroid. A huge mass adherent to the anterior surface of the body of the uterus was completely surgically excised at exploratory laparotomy. Histology of the excised tumour revealed a definitive histological diagnosis of pelvic desmoid tumour. The patient was clinically stable and discharged home 10 days post operation and was followed-up on out-patient gynaecology clinic basis.

Discussion: Pelvic desmoid is a rare mesenchymal tumour caused by abnormal proliferation of fibroblasts.  It is three times more common in women and occurs mostly between 25 and 35 years of age which correspond to the same age peak incidence for uterine fibroids. The tumour can easily be misdiagnosed as uterine leiomyoma and imaging cannot reliably distinguish the two conditions.

Conclusion: Pelvic desmoid tumour should be considered as a differential diagnosis in premenopausal women who present with abdominal swelling. Relevant clinical history, Radiological imaging and Histopathological assessment are essential in making prompt accurate diagnosis.
Inflation Dynamics in Nigeria
Authors: Augustine Ojeah Ikechukwu , Uche Nwogwugwu C. C. , Joan N. Ozoh
Published: March 2020

Inflation remains a central issue to policy makers and analysts. High inflation induces uncertainty, adversely affects financial sector development and it is the goal of monetary authorities to achieve price stability in consonance with the general consensus that price stability aids growth of the economy. Despite the goal of single-digit inflation rate by monetary authority (CBN), the Nigerian economy is still practically characterized by high cost of living, increased variability of relative prices of goods and services; therefore the reliability of the monetary aggregates as the main signal for the conduct of monetary policy for control of inflation has become increasingly questionable. Against this backdrop, this research examined the determinants of dynamics of inflation in Nigeria over a period of 36 years (1982-2016); using New Keynesian Philips Curve theoretical framework, Ordinary Least Square estimation techniques (OLS), ARDL bounds testing approach to cointegration and Vector Autoregressive (VAR) econometric techniques to ascertain if inflation is only a monetary phenomenon in Nigeria having inflation as dependent variable and exchange rate (Ex), interest rate (Ir), Unemployment (U), Real Gross Domestic Product (RGDP) as independent variable. The result of the estimation shows that inflation is not only a monetary phenomenon by the statistical significance of EX and RGDP at short and long-run, U and IR at long-run. Therefore, it was thus recommended that exchange rate and inflation targeting monetary policy framework that will revalue the naira should be implemented to reduce inflation while expansionary fiscal policy that will increase RGDP is also recommended for reduction of inflation.
Wafer Thinning Process and Its Critical Manufacturability Requirements
Authors: Bacquian Bryan Christian S.
Published: March 2020

Wafer Thinning as a major semiconductor process steps to attain miniaturization of Integrated Circuit or IC. Wafer back grinding up to 70 µm thickness is considered critical due to its fragility. The paper will discuss the definition and establishment of critical equipment check items to lessen the risk of breakage. Equipment covered was an inline wafer back grinding and wafer mounting. The research has used a qualitative approach by applying process mapping to identify critical sub-process steps. Thereafter, the results show the establishment of critical equipment subprocess steps such as grinding, lamination and de taping. Foreign material and alignment control are considered areas for improvement and have incorporated the control at the equipment preventive maintenance. After all the evaluation, wafer thinning process was successfully released and proliferated from development to manufacturing.
Mircowave-Assisted Extraction of Phytochemical Constituents in Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)
Authors: Nguyen Minh Phuoc
Published: March 2020

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is natural source of valuable components such as phenolics, flavonoids and anthocyanins. Anthocyanin is normally used in the food technology to replace synthetic pigments as well as medicinal properties due to antioxidants. Microwave irradiation is a feasible green solvent extraction method receiving great attention as it utilizes solvent at elevated temperature and controlled pressure conditions. Microwave extraction emerges as a promising inexpensive, simple and efficient technique. In our research, various variable like microwave power (20, 40, 60, 80, 100 W), microwave frequency (10, 20, 30, 40, 50 GHz), the microwave irradiation duration (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 min), liquid to solid ratio (water: material, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 6:1), extraction temperature (50, 55, 60, 65, 70°C), number of extraction cycles (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) influencing to the microwave-assisted extraction of phytochemicals in roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) calyx were thoroughly examined. Total total phenolic (mg GAE/ 100 g), total flavonoid (mg GE/ 100 g), anthocyanin (mg/100 g) were key indicators to define the optimal variable. Our results revealed that microwave power at 80 W, frequency 40 GHz, duration 15 min, liquid to solid ratio 4:1, temperature 55°C, 4 cycles of extraction were appropriate for extraction of phytochemical components inside roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) calyx.
Racial Differences in Pain and Function Following Knee Arthroplasty: A Secondary Analysis From a Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Riddle Daniel L. , Slover James , Keefe Francis J. , Ang Dennis C. , Dumenci Levent , Perera Robert A.
Published: March 2020

Objective

The assessment of racial differences in pain and function outcome following knee arthroplasty (KA) has received little attention despite very substantial literature exploring a variety of other prognostic factors. The present study was undertaken to determine whether race was associated with KA outcome after accounting for potential confounding factors.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial of 384 participants with moderate‐to‐high pain catastrophizing who underwent KA. Preoperative measures included race/ethnicity status as well as a variety of potential confounders, including socioeconomic status, comorbidity, and bodily pain. Outcome measures were Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain and function scales as well as performance measures. Linear mixed‐effects models compared outcomes over a 1‐year follow‐up period for African American versus non–African American participants.

Results

WOMAC pain scores differences for African American versus non–African American participants averaged ~2 points in unadjusted analyses and 1–1.5 points in adjusted analyses. In adjusted analyses, follow‐up WOMAC function scores differed by 6 points for African Americans compared to non–African Americans (P = 0.002).

Conclusion

African Americans generally had worse pain, function, and performance prior to KA and worse scores after surgery, but differences were small and attenuated by ~25–50% after adjustment for potential confounding. Only WOMAC function scores showed clinically important postsurgical differences in adjusted analyses. Clinicians should be aware that after adjustment for potential confounders, African Americans have approximately equivalent outcomes compared to others, with the exception of WOMAC function score.
A Population‐Based Approach to Reporting System–Level Performance Measures for Rheumatoid Arthritis Care
Authors: Barber Claire E. H. , Marshall Deborah A. , Szefer Elena , Barnabe Cheryl , Shiff Natalie J. , Bykerk Vivian , Homik Joanne , Thorne J. Carter , Ahluwalia Vandana , Benseler Susanne , Mosher Dianne , Twilt Marinka , Lacaille Diane
Published: March 2020

Objective

To operationalize and report on nationally endorsed rheumatoid arthritis (RA) performance measures (PMs) using health administrative data for British Columbia (BC), Canada.

Methods

All patients with RA in BC ages ≥18 years were identified between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 2009 using health administrative data and followed until December 2014. PMs tested include: the percentage of incident patients with ≥1 rheumatologist visit within 365 days; the percentage of prevalent patients with ≥1 rheumatologist visit per year; the percentage of prevalent patients dispensed disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy; and time from RA diagnosis to DMARD therapy. Measures were reported on patients seen by rheumatologists, and in the total population.

Results

The cohort included 38,673 incident and 57,922 prevalent RA cases. The percentage of patients seen by a rheumatologist within 365 days increased over time (35% in 2000 to 65% in 2009), while the percentage of RA patients under the care of a rheumatologist seen yearly declined (79% in 2001 to 39% in 2014). The decline was due to decreasing visit rates with increasing follow‐up time rather than calendar effect. The percentage of RA patients dispensed a DMARD was suboptimal over follow‐up (37% in 2014) in the total population but higher (87%) in those under current rheumatologist care. The median time to DMARD in those seen by a rheumatologist improved from 49 days in 2000 to 23 days in 2009, with 34% receiving treatment within the 14‐day benchmark.

Conclusion

This study describes the operationalization and reporting of national PMs using administrative data and identifies gaps in care to further examine and address.
Combined estimation of the parameters and states for a multivariable state‐space system in presence of colored noise
Authors: Cui Ting , Chen Feiyan , Ding Feng , Sheng Jie
Published: March 2020

This article addresses the combined estimation issues of parameters and states for multivariable systems in the state‐space form disturbed by colored noises. By utilizing the Kalman filtering principle and the coupling identification concept, we derive a Kalman filtering based partially coupled recursive generalized extended least squares (KF‐PC‐RGELS) algorithm to jointly estimate the parameters and the states. Using the past and the current data in parameter estimation, we propose a Kalman filtering based multi‐innovation partially coupled recursive generalized extended least‐squares algorithm to enhance the parameter estimation accuracy of the KF‐PC‐RGELS algorithm. Finally, a simulation example is provided to test and compare the performance of the proposed algorithms.
Tailoring the Dynamic Actuation of 3D‐Printed Mechanical Metamaterials through Inherent and Extrinsic Instabilities
Authors: Vangelatos Zacharias , Zhang Zhizhou , Gu Grace X. , Grigoropoulos Costas P.
Published: March 2020

The design of smart flexible structures, such as controlled waveguides or soft robotics, has been accentuated, because they can accomplish energy harvesting, precise motion, and high rigidity. Advanced 3D printing techniques are used to improve these designs through the fabrication of complex 3D architected structures encompassing nonlinear elastic behavior. Nevertheless, the materials used for the fabrication process are also highly viscoelastic, obstructing high deformations or the transport of mechanical signals due to high energy dissipation. Herein, how the resonance of 3D‐printed structures that require large actuations can be tailored through inherent and extrinsic instabilities is demonstrated. The 3D complex structures are designed such that buckling is evinced, ushering large deformations. In addition, prebuckling of the undeformed samples substantially diminishes the effective viscosity of the structure. Performing vibrational response simulations on both the undeformed and the prebuckled designs and high‐speed imaging on fabricated samples, it is observed that the resonant frequency amplitude is enhanced, more resonant frequencies are reinvigorated, and deformation transcends through the whole structure. The results promulgate the utility of the architected design, combined with controlled instabilities, in the modeling of complex smart structures facilitating large deformations, low energy dissipation, and controlled stiffness.
Asymmetric Synthesis of N‐Fused 1,3‐Oxazolidines via Pd‐Catalyzed Decarboxylative (3+2) Cycloaddition
Authors: Park Jong‐Un , Ahn Hye‐In , Cho Ho‐Jun , Xuan Zi , Kim Ju Hyun
Published: March 2020

Efficient synthesis of optically active N‐fused 1,3‐oxazolidines containing quaternary and tertiary stereocenters was achieved via Pd‐catalyzed asymmetric (3+2) cycloadditions of sulfamate‐derived cyclic imines and vinylethylene carbonates. Using a chiral phosphoramidite ligand, the cycloadditions proceeded effectively providing sulfamidate‐fused 1,3‐oxazolidines in high yields (up to 96%) with stereoselectivities (up to 25:1 dr; >99% ee). Additionally, the scale‐up reaction and further transformations of the product were also achieved demonstrating the synthetic utility toward the construction of useful heterocycles such as chiral oxazoline bearing a quaternary stereocenter.

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Iron‐Mediated Ring‐Opening and Rearrangement Cascade Synthesis of Polysubstituted Pyrroles from 4‐Alkenylisoxazoles
Authors: Yang Wen , Liu Xiaochen , Leung Pak‐Hing , Li Yongxin , Yang Dingqiao , Chen Yu
Published: March 2020

An iron‐mediated ring‐opening and rearrangement cascade from 4‐alkenylisoxazoles to polysubstituted pyrroles is described. The cascade reaction conditions are compatible with a variety of functional groups, including ketones, esters, amides, and aryl halides. High reactivity is maintained even if the reaction scale is expanded to 0.5 grams. It is the first iron‐catalyzed rearrangement of 4‐alkenylisoxazoles to pyrroles that is independent of the presence of the alkoxy or amino group at position 5 of the isoxazole substrates. A plausible mechanism of the iron‐mediated cascade reaction is proposed.

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Is selfing a reproductive assurance promoting polyploid establishment? Reduced fitness, leaky self‐incompatibility and lower inbreeding depression in neotetraploids
Authors: Siopa Catarina , Dias Maria C. , Castro Mariana , Loureiro João , Castro Sílvia
Published: March 2020

Premise

Newly formed polyploids face significant obstacles to persistence and population establishment because of fitness costs of intercytotype mating. Selfing provides the opportunity to escape mate limitation, enabling production of new individuals and increasing the likelihood of fixation of new polyploid lineages. Still, association between self‐compatibility and polyploidy is not always clear. We compared self‐incompatibility and inbreeding depression in neotetraploids and their diploid progenitor to explore the direct effects of whole genome duplications on self‐incompatibility and the implications of ploidy‐driven changes for polyploid establishment.

Methods

Outcross and self‐pollinations were performed in diploids and synthetic neotetraploids ofJasione maritimavar.maritima, and reproductive success was measured through fruit and seed production and seed germination. Self‐ and outcross offspring were grown under controlled conditions, and plant performance was measured through several fitness parameters.

Results

Neotetraploids showed an overall lower performance than diploids. Reproductive success was negatively affected by selfing in both cytotypes. However, greater variation in the expression of self‐incompatibility was observed in neotetraploids; additionally, developmental and physiological parameters were not affected by selfing on neotetraploids, with an overall similar fitness of outcrossed and selfed individuals, resulting in lower inbreeding depression indexes.

Conclusions

Neotetraploids might have benefited from selfing at initial stages after their formation. Genome duplications resulted in leaky self‐incompatibility, enabling the production of offspring under minority cytotype disadvantage with similar fitness as outcrossed offspring. Our results support theoretical assumptions that selfing might be important for neopolyploid establishment, although changes in self‐incompatibility might not be abrupt.
The management of embedded metal fragment patients and the role of chelation Therapy: A workshop of the Department of Veterans Affairs—Walter Reed National Medical Center
Authors: Gaitens Joanna M. , Potter Benjamin K. , D'Alleyrand Jean‐Claude G. , Overmann Archie L. , Gochfeld Michael , Smith Donald R. , Breyer Richard , McDiarmid Melissa A.
Published: March 2020

Exposure to retained metal fragments from war‐related injuries can result in increased systemic metal concentrations, thereby posing potential health risks to target organs far from the site of injury. Given the large number of veterans who have retained fragments and the lack of clear guidance on how to medically manage these individuals, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) convened a meeting of chelation experts and clinicians who care for embedded fragment patients to discuss current practices and provide medical management guidance. Based on this group's clinical expertise and review of published literature, the evidence presented suggests that, at least in the case of lead fragments, short‐term chelation therapy may be beneficial for embedded fragment patients experiencing acute symptoms associated with metal toxicity; however, in the absence of clinical symptoms or significantly elevated blood lead concentrations (greater than 80 µg/dL), chelation therapy may offer little to no benefit for individuals with retained fragments and pose greater risks due to remobilization of metals stored in bone and other soft tissues. The combination of periodic biomonitoring to assess metal body burden, longitudinal fragment imaging, and selective fragment removal when metal concentrations approach critical injury thresholds offers a more conservative management approach to caring for patients with embedded fragments.
Occupational risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders among railroad maintenance‐of‐way workers
Authors: Landsbergis Paul , Johanning Eckardt , Stillo Marco , Jain Rahul , Davis Michelle
Published: March 2020

Background

Our objective was to examine occupational risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders of the neck, back, and knee among railroad maintenance‐of‐way (MOW) workers.

Methods

Four thousand eight‐hundred sixteen active, retired, and disabled members of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED) completed a survey. We computed adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) using Poisson regression for neck, back, and knee musculoskeletal symptoms by work exposures, adjusted for age, region, race/ethnicity, smoking, and potential second job and spare time vehicle vibration exposure.

Results

Among active male BMWED members, we found associations between use of high‐vibration vehicles and neck pain (aPR = 1.47, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07‐2.03) and knee pain (aPR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.04‐1.82) for more than 1.9 years (vs 0) of full‐time equivalent use; but not back pain. Back pain radiating below the knee (sciatica indicator) was associated with high‐vibration vehicle use greater than 0.4 and less than 1.9 years (aPR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.15‐2.18). We also found significant associations between often or always lifting, pushing, pulling, or bending on the job (vs seldom or never) and neck pain (aPR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.20‐4.90), back pain (aPR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.24‐3.03), the sciatica indicator (aPR = 5.18, 95% CI: 1.28‐20.95), and knee pain (aPR = 2.84, 95% CI: 1.47‐5.51), along with positive gradients in the outcome by exposure time.

Conclusions

Biomechanical work exposures, including force and nonneutral postures, were associated with neck, lower back, and knee pain. Whole‐body vibration, as measured by the duration of use of high‐vibration vehicles, was associated with neck pain, knee pain, and sciatica. Prevention programs should address occupational risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders among MOW workers.
Assessing the accuracy of the death certificate injury at work box for identifying fatal occupational injuries in Michigan
Authors: Oliveri Anthony N. , Wang Ling , Rosenman Kenneth D.
Published: March 2020

Background

Death certificates contain a box labeled “Injury at Work” which is to be marked “Yes” for all fatal occupational injuries. The accuracy of this box in Michigan is not fully characterized.

Methods

The accuracy of the Injury at Work box on the Michigan death certificate was compared to deaths identified from 2001 through 2016 by the Michigan Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation multi‐source surveillance system. The sensitivity was calculated across this time period, while specificity and positive and negative predictive values were derived for 2011‐2016. Univariate and multivariate regression were used to examine differences in the sensitivity over time and across demographic variables, industry, and the type of death.

Results

We found a sensitivity for the Injury at Work box of 73.1% among 2156 deaths. The sensitivity showed a significant declining trend over the 17 years, from 79.8% to 63.1%. Sensitivity varied significantly across incident type (aircraft, animal‐related, drug overdose, motor vehicle, and suicides having particularly lower sensitivities, and electrocutions, falls, and machine‐related incidents having higher sensitivities), and industry sector (construction, manufacturing, public safety, transportation, and trade sectors having higher sensitivities, and agriculture and services sectors showing lower sensitivities). Across nearly all categories the sensitivity was significantly below 1.

Conclusions

The Injury at Work box on the Michigan death certificate was often incorrectly completed and has become less accurate with time, though the degree of this inaccuracy varies by the industry of the victim and the type of incident.
Chiral Fused 1,2,3‐Triazoles: A Synthetic Overview
Authors: Dhameja Manoj , Kumar Hariom , Gupta Preeti
Published: March 2020

Triazoles have always occupied a pivotal position in the field of medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry. Recently, the area of chiral fused triazoles has gained attention. The synthetic routes to access chiral fused triazole may involve either a natural or synthetic chiral starting material with a suitably functionalized azide and alkyne component or isomer resolution to achieve chirality. Asymmetric synthesis methods using chiral complexes and organocatalysis have also emerged for obtaining chiral fused triazoles. Herein, we have described an up‐to‐date overview of different synthetic protocols applied to construct chiral fused 1,2,3‐triazoles.
Normative Cognitive Decline in Old Age
Authors: Wilson Robert S. , Wang Tianhao , Yu Lei , Bennett David A. , Boyle Patricia A.
Published: March 2020

Objective

To characterize trajectories of normative cognitive aging.

Methods

Older persons without dementia at study enrollment (n = 1,010) had annual cognitive testing for up to 24 years (mean = 9.9 years, standard deviation = 5.0), died, and underwent a neuropathologic examination to quantify 9 postmortem markers of common neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular conditions. To accommodate the heterogeneity in cognitive trajectories, we used functional mixed effects models, which allow individuals to have different patterns of cognitive decline under a unified model structure.

Results

In a functional mixed effects model, postmortem markers (Alzheimer disease pathology, Lewy bodies, transactive response DNA‐binding protein 43 pathology, hippocampal sclerosis, atherosclerosis, gross infarcts) were associated with global cognitive decline. Residual global cognitive decline after adjustment for neuropathologic burden was weakly related to age at death; it occurred in only about one‐third of participants, mostly proximate to death. Results were comparable after eliminating the initial cognitive assessments to minimize retest learning or controlling for frailty proximate to death. Analyses were also conducted with composite measures of episodic memory and perceptual speed. Residual decline not attributable to neuropathologic burden was confined to a subset for each outcome and was most evident proximate to death. Age at death was unrelated to residual decline in episodic memory but was related to residual decline in perceptual speed.

Interpretation

Late life cognitive loss mainly reflects non‐normative pathologic and mortality‐related processes rather than normative age‐related processes. ANN NEUROL 2020;87:816–829
Tuning the Hybridization of Local Exciton and Charge‐Transfer States in Highly Efficient Organic Photovoltaic Cells
Authors: Xu Ye , Yao Huifeng , Ma Lijiao , Hong Ling , Li Jiayao , Liao Qing , Zu Yunfei , Wang Jingwen , Gao Mengyuan , Ye Long , Hou Jianhui
Published: March 2020

Decreasing the energy loss is one of the most feasible ways to improve the efficiencies of organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells. Recent studies have suggested that non‐radiative energy loss (
) is the dominant factor that hinders further improvements in state‐of‐the‐art OPV cells. However, there is no rational molecular design strategy for OPV materials with suppressed
. Herein, taking molecular surface electrostatic potential (ESP) as a quantitative parameter, we establish a general relationship between chemical structure and intermolecular interactions. The results reveal that increasing the ESP difference between donor and acceptor will enhance the intermolecular interaction. In the OPV cells, the enhanced intermolecular interaction will increase the charge‐transfer (CT) state ratio in its hybridization with the local exciton state to facilitate charge generation, but simultaneously result in a larger
. These results suggest that finely tuning the ESP of OPV materials is a feasible method to further improve the efficiencies of OPV cells.
Ultrathin 2D Graphitic Carbon Nitride on Metal Films: Underpotential Sodium Deposition in Adlayers for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Lu , Yan Runyu , Oschatz Martin , Jiang Lei , Antonietti Markus , Xiao Kai
Published: March 2020

Efficient and low‐cost anode materials for the sodium‐ion battery are highly desired to enable more economic energy storage. Effects on an ultrathin carbon nitride film deposited on a copper metal electrode are presented. The combination of effects show an unusually high capacity to store sodium metal. The g‐C3N4 film is as thin as 10 nm and can be fabricated by an efficient, facile, and general chemical‐vapor deposition method. A high reversible capacity of formally up to 51 Ah g−1 indicates that the Na is not only stored in the carbon nitride as such, but that carbon nitride activates also the metal for reversible Na‐deposition, while forming at the same time an solid electrolyte interface layer avoiding direct contact of the metallic phase with the liquid electrolyte.
Superoxide Dismutase 1 in Health and Disease: How a Frontline Antioxidant Becomes Neurotoxic
Authors: Trist Benjamin G. , Hilton James B. , Hare Dominic J. , Crouch Peter J. , Double Kay L.
Published: March 2020

Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) is a frontline antioxidant enzyme catalysing superoxide breakdown and is important for most forms of eukaryotic life. The evolution of aerobic respiration by mitochondria increased cellular production of superoxide, resulting in an increased reliance upon SOD1. Consistent with the importance of SOD1 for cellular health, many human diseases of the central nervous system involve perturbations in SOD1 biology. But far from providing a simple demonstration of how disease arises from SOD1 loss‐of‐function, attempts to elucidate pathways by which atypical SOD1 biology leads to neurodegeneration have revealed unexpectedly complex molecular characteristics delineating healthy, functional SOD1 protein from that which likely contributes to central nervous system disease. This review summarises current understanding of SOD1 biology from SOD1 genetics through to protein function and stability.
Discrete Hf18 Metal‐oxo Cluster as a Heterogeneous Nanozyme for Site‐Specific Proteolysis
Authors: Moons Jens , de Azambuja Francisco , Mihailovic Jelena , Kozma Karoly , Smiljanic Katarina , Amiri Mehran , Cirkovic Velickovic Tanja , Nyman May , Parac‐Vogt Tatjana N.
Published: March 2020

The selective hydrolysis of proteins by non‐enzymatic catalysis is difficult to achieve, yet it is crucial for applications in biotechnology and proteomics. Herein, we report that discrete hafnium metal‐oxo cluster [Hf18O10(OH)26(SO4)13⋅(H2O)33] (Hf18), which is centred by the same hexamer motif found in many MOFs, acts as a heterogeneous catalyst for the efficient hydrolysis of horse heart myoglobin (HHM) in low buffer concentrations. Among 154 amino acids present in the sequence of HHM, strictly selective cleavage at only 6 solvent accessible aspartate residues was observed. Mechanistic experiments suggest that the hydrolytic activity is likely derived from the actuation of HfIV Lewis acidic sites and the Brønsted acidic surface of Hf18. X‐ray scattering and ESI‐MS revealed that Hf18 is completely insoluble in these conditions, confirming the HHM hydrolysis is caused by a heterogeneous reaction of the solid Hf18 cluster, and not from smaller, soluble Hf species that could leach into solution.
Antibiotics Separation with MXene Membranes Based on Regularly Stacked High‐Aspect‐Ratio Nanosheets
Authors: Li Zhong‐Kun , Wei Yanying , Gao Xue , Ding Li , Lu Zong , Deng Junjie , Yang Xianfeng , Caro Jürgen , Wang Haihui
Published: March 2020

The uncontrolled release of antibiotics and pharmaceuticals into the environment is a worldwide increasing problem. Thus, highly efficient treatment technologies for wastewater are urgently needed. In this work, seven kinds of typical antibiotics (including water and alcohol soluble ones) are successfully separated from the corresponding aqueous and ethanolic solutions using highly regular laminated membranes. Our membranes are assembled with 2–4 μm titanium carbide nanosheets. The solvent permeance through such titanium carbide membrane is one order of magnitude higher than that through most polymeric nanofiltration membranes with similar antibiotics rejection. This high flux is due to the regular two‐dimensional (2D) structure resulting from the large aspect ratio of titanium carbide nanosheets. Moreover, the electrostatic interaction between the surface terminations and the antibiotics also affects the rejection and enhances the antifouling property. Such 2D titanium carbide membranes further broaden the application scope of laminated materials for separation and purification of high value added drugs in academia and industry.
Visible‐Light‐Induced Palladium‐Catalyzed Generation of Aryl Radicals from Aryl Triflates
Authors: Ratushnyy Maxim , Kvasovs Nikita , Sarkar Sumon , Gevorgyan Vladimir
Published: March 2020

A mild visible‐light‐induced Pd‐catalyzed intramolecular C−H arylation of amides is reported. The method operates by cleavage of a C(sp2)−O bond, leading to hybrid aryl Pd‐radical intermediates. The following 1,5‐hydrogen atom translocation, intramolecular cyclization, and rearomatization steps lead to valuable oxindole and isoindoline‐1‐one motifs. Notably, this method provides access to products with readily enolizable functional groups that are incompatible with traditional Pd‐catalyzed conditions.
In Vitro Selection of a DNA Aptamer Targeting Degraded Protein Fragments for Biosensing
Authors: Liu Meng , Wang Jiayi , Chang Yangyang , Zhang Qiang , Chang Dingran , Hui Christy Y. , Brennan John D. , Li Yingfu
Published: March 2020

Protein biomarkers often exist as degradation fragments in biological samples, and affinity agents derived using a purified protein may not recognize them, limiting their value for clinical diagnosis. Herein, we present a method to overcome this issue, by selecting aptamers against a degraded form of the toxin B protein, which is a marker for diagnosing toxigenic Clostridium difficile infections. This approach has led to isolation of a DNA aptamer that recognizes degraded toxin B, fresh toxin B, and toxin B spiked into human stool samples. DNA aptamers selected using intact recombinant toxin B failed to recognize degraded toxin B, which is the form present in stored stool samples. Using this new aptamer, we produced a simple paper‐based analytical device for colorimetric detection of toxin B in stool samples, or in the NAP1 strain of Clostridium difficile. The combined aptamer‐selection and paper‐sensing strategy can expand the practical utility of DNA aptamers in clinical diagnosis.
An Activatable AIEgen Probe for High‐Fidelity Monitoring of Overexpressed Tumor Enzyme Activity and Its Application to Surgical Tumor Excision
Authors: Li Haidong , Yao Qichao , Xu Feng , Li Yueqing , Kim Dayeh , Chung Jeewon , Baek Gain , Wu Xiaofeng , Hillman Prima Fitria , Lee Eun Young , Ge Haoying , Fan Jiangli , Wang Jingyun , Nam Sang‐Jip , Peng Xiaojun , Yoon Juyoung
Published: March 2020

Monitoring fluctuations in enzyme overexpression facilitates early tumor detection and excision. An AIEgen probe (DQM‐ALP) for the imaging of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was synthesized. The probe consists of a quinoline‐malononitrile (QM) core decorated with hydrophilic phosphate groups as ALP‐recognition units. The rapid liberation of DQM‐OH aggregates in the presence of ALP resulted in aggregation‐induced fluorescence. The up‐regulation of ALP expression in tumor cells was imaged using DQM‐ALP. The probe permeated into 3D cervical and liver tumor spheroids for imaging spatially heterogeneous ALP activity with high spatial resolution on a two‐photon microscopy platform, providing the fluorescence‐guided recognition of sub‐millimeter tumorigenesis. DQM‐ALP enabled differentiation between tumor and normal tissue ex vivo and in vivo, suggesting that the probe may serve as a powerful tool to assist surgeons during tumor resection.
Anatomy Students That are “Team‐Taught” May Achieve Better Results Than Those That are “Sole‐Taught”
Authors: McDonald Aaron C. , Green Rodney A. , Zacharias Anita , Whitburn Laura Y. , Hughes Diane L. , Colasante Meg , McGowan Heath
Published: March 2020

Anatomy practical classes have traditionally been taught by a team of demonstrators (team‐taught) in a large dissection room. More recently, particularly in nonmedical contexts, practical classes have been taught by one teacher (sole‐taught) to smaller student groups. The aim of this study was to compare student outcomes when the same course was delivered with practical classes team‐taught at one campus (metropolitan) and sole‐taught at a second campus (regional) while maintaining similar staff to student ratios. This anatomy course, for physiotherapy and lower academically credentialed exercise science/physiology students, utilized blended delivery whereby most content was delivered online and practical classes comprised the main face‐to‐face teaching. In 2018, the metropolitan campus introduced team‐teaching practical classes while the regional campus continued with sole‐teaching. Student marks and engagement with online content were compared between campuses and to the previous year (2017) when both campuses had sole‐taught practical classes. While final marks for the course increased overall in 2018 (P < 0.01), exercise science/physiology students at the metropolitan campus (team‐taught) improved their final marks (53.5 ± 1.1%) compared to a slight decrease for the regional (sole‐taught) campus (44.8 ± 1.4%) (P < 0.01). There were no differences between campuses for physiotherapy students in 2018. Student engagement with online content did not contribute to the improvement in marks for exercise science/physiology students. Introduction of a team‐teaching format improved student marks, particularly for the lower academically credentialed students. Team‐teaching should be considered as the preferred format for anatomy practical classes, particularly in courses involving students with diverse academic credentials.
Multifluorinated Aryl Azides for the Development of Improved H2S Probes, and Fast Strain‐promoted Azide‐Alkyne Cycloaddition and Staudinger Reactions
Authors: Kang Xueying , Cai Xuekang , Yi Long , Xi Zhen
Published: March 2020

The development of advanced bioorthogonal reactions for detection and labeling of biomolecules is significant in chemical biology. Recently, researchers have found that multifluorinated aryl azides hold great potential for the development of improved bioorthogonal reactions. The fluorine atom can be a perfect substituent group because of its properties of excellent electronegativity and small steric hindrance. In this Minireview, we discuss recent developments of improved hydrogen sulfide (H2S) fluorescence probes, fast strain‐promoted azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC) and nonhydrolysis Staudinger reactions based on the use of multifluorinated aryl azides. Additionally, kinetic studies and biological applications of these reactions are also presented.
Development of a Pre‐assembled Through‐Bond Energy Transfer (TBET) Fluorescent Probe for Ratiometric Sensing of Anticancer Platinum(ll) Complexes
Authors: Ong Jun Xiang , Ang Wee Han
Published: March 2020

Fluorescence microscopy has emerged as an attractive technique to probe the intracellular processing of Pt‐based anticancer compounds. Herein, we reported the first through‐bond energy transfer (TBET) fluorescent probe NPR1 designed for sensitive detection and quantitation of PtII complexes. The novel TBET probe was successfully applied for ratiometric fluorescence imaging of anticancer PtII complexes such as cisplatin and JM118 in cells. Capitalizing on the ability of the probe to discriminate between PtII complexes and their PtIV derivatives, the probe was further applied to study the activation of PtIV prodrug complexes that are known to release active PtII species after intracellular reduction.
Study of the migration behaviours of imidazoline corrosion inhibitor in concrete using UV–vis spectrophotometry
Authors: Zhao Zhijie , Zhang Chen , Zhao Jingmao , Zahedi Asl Vahdat , Wang Wei , Wei ShiXiong , Junaid Anjum Muhammad
Published: March 2020

In this study, UV–visible light spectrophotometry was used for the first time to examine the migration behaviours of cationic and nonionic imidazoline corrosion inhibitors in concrete. Imidazoline can react with bromocresol purple resulting in a reduction in absorbance, which can be used to calculate quantitatively imidazoline concentration. The results showed that the migration rate of nonionic imidazoline was faster than that of cationic imidazoline with or without the presence of an electric field, possibly because of the better water solubility of nonionic imidazoline. The electric field could significantly accelerate the migration rate of the cationic and nonionic imidazoline. However, the penetration performance of nonionic imidazoline was much improved compared with that of cationic imidazoline in concrete. From X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, the N element could be detected on steel, verifying the migration behaviour of the nonionic imidazoline. This nonionic imidazoline could markedly retard steel corrosion according to potentiodynamic polarization.
Crosstalk between Endo/Exocytosis and Autophagy in Health and Disease
Authors: Papandreou Margarita‐Elena , Tavernarakis Nektarios
Published: March 2020

Imbalance between the main intracellular degradative, trafficking and intercellular shuttling pathways has been implicated in disease pathogenesis. Autophagy controls degradation of cellular components, while vesicular trafficking permits transport of material in and out of the cell. Emerging evidence has uncovered the extensive interconnectivity between these pathways, which is crucial to maintain organismal homeostasis. Thus, therapeutic intervention and drug development strategies targeting these processes, particularly in neurodegeneration, should account for this broad crosstalk, to maximize effectiveness. Here, recent findings underlining the highly dynamic nature of the crosstalk between autophagy, endosomal transport, and secretion is reviewed. Synergy of autophagy and endosomes for degradation, as well as, competition of autophagy and secretion are discussed. Perturbation of this crosstalk triggers pathology especially neurodegeneration.
Highly efficient production of diverse rare ginsenosides using combinatorial biotechnology
Authors: Cao Linggai , Wu Hao , Zhang He , Zhao Quan , Yin Xue , Zheng Dongran , Li Chuanwang , Kim Min‐Jun , Kim Pyol , Xue Zheyong , Wang Yu , Li Yuhua
Published: March 2020

The rare ginsenosides are recognized as the functionalized molecules after the oral administration of Panax ginseng and its products. The sources of rare ginsenosides are extremely limited because of low ginsenoside contents in wild plants, hindering their application in functional foods and drugs. We developed an effective combinatorial biotechnology approach including tissue culture, immobilization, and hydrolyzation methods. Rh2 and nine other rare ginsenosides were produced by methyl jasmonate‐induced culture of adventitious roots in a 10 L bioreactor associated with enzymatic hydrolysis using six β‐glycosidases and their combination with yields ranging from 5.54 to 32.66 mg L−1. The yield of Rh2 was furthermore increased by 7% by using immobilized BglPm and Bgp1 in optimized pH and temperature conditions, with the highest yield reaching 51.17 mg L−1 (17.06% of protopanaxadiol‐type ginsenosides mixture). Our combinatorial biotechnology method provides a highly efficient approach to acquiring diverse rare ginsenosides, replacing direct extraction from Panax plants, and can also be used to supplement yeast cell factories.
Patient‐reported outcome after treatment for definite Lyme neuroborreliosis
Authors: Eikeland Randi , Ljøstad Unn , Helgeland Geir , Sand Geir , Flemmen Heidi Øyen , Bø Margrete Halvorsen , Nordaa Ludmila , Owe Jone Furulund , Mygland Åse , Lorentzen Åslaug Rudjord
Published: March 2020

Objective

To chart patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) in Norwegian patients treated for definite neuroborreliosis (NB).

Material and Methods

Adult patients treated for definite NB 1–10 years earlier supplied demographics, symptoms and treatment during NB, and answered validated questionnaires; Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), health‐related quality of life questionnaire (RAND‐36), and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐15).

Results

A higher proportion of NB‐treated persons reported severe fatigue, defined as FSS score ≥ 5, than in Norwegian normative data, but when removing persons with confounding fatigue associated comorbidities (n = 69) from the analyses, there was no difference between groups. Physical health‐related quality of life (RAND‐36 PCS), mean FSS score, proportions of persons reporting moderate or severe somatic symptom burden (PHQ‐15 score ≥ 10), anxiety (HADS‐A ≥ 8), or depression (HADS‐D ≥ 8) did not differ between NB‐treated persons and reference scores. Mental health‐related quality of life (RAND‐36 MCS) was poorer than in normative data (47.1 vs. 53.3), but associated with anxiety, depression and current moderate or severe somatic symptom burden, and not with NB characteristics.

Conclusions

Results on validated PROM questionnaires measuring fatigue, anxiety, depression, self‐reported somatic symptom burden, and physical health‐related quality did not differ between persons treated for definite NB 1–10 years earlier and reference scores. NB‐treated persons tended to report a slightly poorer mental health‐related quality of life than found in normative data, but when adjusting for confounders the causative connection is questionable. Overall, the long‐term prognosis of definite NB seems to be good.
A rule‐based self‐regulated learning assistance scheme to facilitate personalized learning with adaptive scaffoldings: A case study for learning computer software
Authors: Su Jun‐Ming
Published: March 2020

Many studies indicate that most students find it difficult to learn effectively in computer‐based learning environments because of a lack of self‐regulated learning (SRL) abilities. Therefore, based on the design approach of the rule‐based system, this paper proposes a rule‐based self‐regulated learning assistance scheme (SRL‐RuAS) to intelligently facilitate personalized learning with SRL‐based adaptive scaffolding support for learning computer software. In the SRL‐RuAS scheme, SRL‐based adaptive scaffolding strategies (SRL‐AS) are defined according to SRL behaviors, the subject knowledge is formatted using the concept ontology technique, the relations of learning resources and the portfolio of students are modeled by the proposed learning analysis data model, and the learning analysis rules of adaptive scaffolding are defined according to SRL‐AS. Consequently, an intelligent learning environment with SRL‐RuAS can intelligently give learning support to actively assist students in understanding the learning status and guiding learning improvement. Hence, the learning process with SRL‐based assistance is able to improve learning motivation and effectiveness. Experimental results of a case study for learning computer software show that the SRL‐RuAS scheme is beneficial for learning achievement and the satisfaction of students, and its scaffolding strategies and application domain can thus be manageable and extended because of the rule‐based system design.
Identification of hub methylated‐CpG sites and associated genes in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Dai Yuxin , Lv Qiaoli , Qi Tingting , Qu Jian , Ni Hongli , Liao Yongkang , Liu Peng , Qu Qiang
Published: March 2020

To improve personalized diagnosis and prognosis for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) by identification of hub methylated‐CpG sites and associated genes, weighted gene comethylation network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to examine and identify hub modules and CpG sites correlated with OSCC. Here, WGCNA modeling yielded blue and brown comethylation modules that were significantly associated with OSCC status. Following screening of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from gene expression microarrays and differentially methylated‐CpG sites (DCGs), integrated multiomics analysis of the DEGs, DCGs, and hub CpG sites from the modules was performed to investigate their correlations. Expression levels of 16 CpG sites‐associated genes were negatively correlated with methylation patterns of promoter. Moreover, Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis of the hub CpG sites and associated genes was carried out using 2 public databases, MethSurv and GEPIA. Only 5 genes, ACTA1, ACTN2, OSR1, SYNGR1, and ZNF677, had significant overall survival using GEPIA. Hypermethylated‐CpG sites ACTN2‐cg21376883 and OSR1‐cg06509239 were found to be associated with poor survival by MethSurv. Methylation status of specific site and expression levels of associated genes were determined using clinical samples by quantitative methylation‐specific PCR and real‐time PCR. Pearson's correlation analysis showed that methylation levels of cg06509239 and cg18335068 were negatively related to OSR1 and ZNF677 expression levels, respectively. Our classification schema using multiomics analysis represents a screening framework for identification of hub CpG sites and associated genes.