bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial Disorders of DNA Polymerase γ Dysfunction: From Anatomic to Molecular Pathology Diagnosis
Authors: Zhang Linsheng , Chan Sherine S. L. , Wolff Daynna J.
Published: February 2021

Context.—Primary mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the most common causes of inherited disorders predominantly involving the neuromuscular system. Advances in the molecular study of mitochondrial DNA have changed our vision and our approach to primary mitochondrial disorders. Many of the mitochondrial disorders are caused by mutations in nuclear genes and are inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. Among the autosomal inherited mitochondrial disorders, those related to DNA polymerase γ dysfunction are the most common and the best studied. Understanding the molecular mechanisms and being familiar with the recent advances in laboratory diagnosis of this group of mitochondrial disorders are essential for pathologists to interpret abnormal histopathology and laboratory results and to suggest further studies for a definitive diagnosis.

Objectives.—To help pathologists better understand the common clinical syndromes originating from mutations in DNA polymerase γ and its associated proteins and use the stepwise approach of clinical, laboratory, and pathologic diagnosis of these syndromes.

Data Sources.—Review of pertinent published literature and relevant Internet databases.

Conclusions.—Mitochondrial disorders are now better recognized with the development of molecular tests for clinical diagnosis. A cooperative effort among primary physicians, diagnostic pathologists, geneticists, and molecular biologists with expertise in mitochondrial disorders is required to reach a definitive diagnosis.
Recurrence Risk and Margin Status in Granular Cell Tumors of the Breast: A Clinicopathologic Study of 13 Patients
Authors: Papalas John A. , Wylie John D. , Dash Rajesh C.
Published: February 2021

Context.—Granular cell tumors (GCTs) of the breast are rare neoplasms that mimic epithelial malignancy clinically and rarely occur in association with it. Granular cell tumors of the breast are not infrequently excised with positive margins. Reports describing risk of recurrence including data on margin status and follow-up are lacking.

Objective.—To review our series of GCTs of the breast to determine the risk of recurrence if excised with positive or close margins.

Design.—Cases of GCT of the breast were reviewed. Margin status of specimens was recorded as positive, close (<1 mm), and negative.

Results.—Thirteen female patients with GCT of the breast were identified. Mean patient age at presentation was 45 years. Seventy-seven percent of patients were African American and 23% were white. African American patients presented on average 13 years earlier than white patients. Average tumor size was 1.22 cm. Fifteen percent of lesions had positive margins on excisional biopsy or lumpectomy and 31% had tumor cells within 1 mm of the margin. One of 13 patients (8%) had coexistent invasive ductal carcinoma. Average follow-up for the entire group was 77 months. Patients with positive margins remained free of tumor progression or recurrence for 89 months and patients with close margins also remained disease free during a 64-month follow-up period. No tumors recurred out of the entire group.

Conclusion.—Granular cell tumors of the breast have little long-term risk for recurrence, even when excised with positive margins. Surgical evaluation after nonexcisional biopsy may still be indicated to assess for the possible association of colocalized carcinoma.
Revolution in Lung Cancer: New Challenges for the Surgical Pathologist
Authors: Cagle Philip T. , Allen Timothy C. , Dacic Sanja , Beasley Mary Beth , Borczuk Alain C. , Chirieac Lucian R. , Laucirica Rodolfo , Ro Jae Y. , Kerr Keith M.
Published: February 2021

Context—Traditionally, lung cancer has been viewed as an aggressive, relentlessly progressive disease with few treatment options and poor survival. The traditional role of the pathologist has been primarily to differentiate small cell carcinoma from non–small cell carcinoma on biopsy and cytology specimens and to stage non–small cell carcinomas that underwent resection. In recent years, our concepts of lung cancer have undergone a revolution, including (1) the advent of successful, new, molecular-targeted therapies for lung cancer, many of which are associated with specific histologic cell types and subtypes; (2) new observations on the natural history of lung cancer derived from ongoing high-resolution computed tomography screening studies and recent histologic findings; and (3) proposals to revise the classification of lung cancers, particularly adenocarcinomas, in part because of the first 2 developments.

Objective—To summarize the important, new developments in lung cancer, emphasizing the role of the surgical pathologist in personalized care for patients with lung cancer.

Data Sources—Information about the new developments in lung cancer was obtained from the peer-review medical literature and the authors' experiences.

Conclusions—For decades, we have perceived lung cancer as a relentlessly aggressive and mostly incurable disease for which the surgical pathologist had a limited role. Today, surgical pathologists have an important and expanding role in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, and it is essential to keep informed of new advances.
Are There Barriers to the Release of Paraffin Blocks for Clinical Research Trials? A College of American Pathologists Survey of 609 Laboratories
Authors: Fitzgibbons Patrick L.
Published: February 2021

Context.—The number of paraffin blocks submitted for patients enrolled in clinical research trials appears to be declining.

Objective.—To obtain information on laboratory policies and procedures in complying with requests to submit paraffin blocks for research.

Design.—A questionnaire was sent to members of a voluntary market research panel composed of pathologists representing a broad spectrum of experience and practice settings. The questions addressed departmental policies and the likely responses to requests to submit pathology materials for patients enrolled in clinical trials.

Results.—The survey was completed by 609 of 762 pathologists (80%) who responded to the invitation. More than 90% of respondents stated that they comply with these requests. Although 14% have a policy precluding the release of blocks for research, 84% of those will send limited tissue samples in lieu of blocks. When tumor is confined to a single block, most laboratories will not release the block but will send unstained slides. Very few laboratories require reimbursement before releasing tissues.

Conclusions.—Pathologists attempt to comply with requests for materials but usually refuse to release the only diagnostic paraffin block so that materials are retained for possible future needs. Other problems identified in this survey include difficulties in getting blocks returned when needed and poor communication between researchers and laboratories. Lack of reimbursement and inadequate consent are not significant barriers to release of materials.
Feeling prepared to face COVID-19 pandemic among Venezuelans in Chile: findings from an opinion poll
Authors: Cabieses Báltica , Darrigrandi Florencia , Blukacz Alice , Obach Alexandra , Silva Claudia
Published: February 2021

Introduction International migration is a social determinant of health. The past decade has seen a large exodus of Venezuelans within Latin America, including Chile. In the past months, the world has been facing the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic and its respiratory disease COVID-19. Objective To explore what factors are associated with feeling prepared to face the COVID-19 pandemic among the Venezuelan population residing in Chile. Methods Cross-sectional quantitative study with an opinion poll design. An online self-reported survey in Spanish and Creole was designed and piloted with experts and international migrants. It was disseminated to various international migrant groups through networks of migrant and pro-migrant organizations and the Chilean public health care network across the national territory. An effective sample size for analysis of 1690 participants was reached, of which 1008 (60%) were from Venezuela and included in this analysis. Feeling prepared to face the COVID-19 pandemic (yes/no) among Venezuelan migrants was described, as well as relevant variables like sex, level of education, length of stay, healthcare provision, anxiety or depression due to COVID-19, confinement, and evaluation of the quality of the information provided by the COVID-19 government. Results 65% of the Venezuelan participants reported not feeling prepared for the pandemic. Compared to Venezuelan migrants who feel prepared to face the COVID-19 pandemic, migrants who reported not feeling prepared were in a higher proportion female, with secondary education level, had arrived in Chile in the past year, do not have a job but want to work, and belong to the public healthcare provision. Discussion Receiving good quality information on the pandemic and mental health symptoms are important factors associated with feeling prepared to face COVID-19 in Venezuelan migrants in Chile, suggesting that increased attention towards the physical and mental health of Venezuelan migrants in Chile and the region is needed.
Collaborative effort to increase the physiotherapist’s competency in rehabilitation of torture survivors
Authors: Alme Maria Nordheim , Jalovcic Djenana , Fricker Ilona , Peters Sarah , Vårdal Rolf , Rocca Patricia , Hale William , Alagöz Esra , Leskovsek Nika , Benyaich Aicha , McGowan Emer , Pettersson Anna , Boström Carina , Giusti Line Merethe , Landry Michel , Lowe Rachael , Wilhelmsen Kjersti Thulin , Van Wijchen Joost
Published: February 2021

Thank you for this opportunity to share perspectives from our work within the Physiotherapy and Refugees Education Project, PREP, an Erasmus+ funded project within the KA2 strategic partnership program. Researchers, educators, students, and clinicians within institutions of higher education, health services and humanitarian organisations, have worked together in this project to define competencies that physiotherapists need in working with refugees. Based on this, we have made a course openly available for physiotherapists worldwide. A central aim of the work in PREP has been the creation of a network in which educators, students and clinicians can meet, discuss, and learn from each other. We welcome everyone who shares our interest to join us in this network. In this perspective paper, we want to share our thoughts and opinions on how such a collaboration can be used for building competence. We will discuss topics that are central for physiotherapists working with victims of torture, and finally, we will discuss what we believe are the important next steps within physiotherapy to be able to support this group.
Basis of specificity for a conserved and promiscuous chromatin remodeling protein
Authors: Donovan Drake A , Crandall Johnathan G , Truong Vi N , Vaaler Abigail L , Bailey Thomas B , Dinwiddie Devin , Banks Orion GB , McKnight Laura E , McKnight Jeffrey N
Published: February 2021

Eukaryotic genomes are organized dynamically through the repositioning of nucleosomes. Isw2 is an enzyme that has been previously defined as a genome-wide, nonspecific nucleosome spacing factor. Here, we show that Isw2 instead acts as an obligately targeted nucleosome remodeler in vivo through physical interactions with sequence-specific factors. We demonstrate that Isw2-recruiting factors use small and previously uncharacterized epitopes, which direct Isw2 activity through highly conserved acidic residues in the Isw2 accessory protein Itc1. This interaction orients Isw2 on target nucleosomes, allowing for precise nucleosome positioning at targeted loci. Finally, we show that these critical acidic residues have been lost in the Drosophila lineage, potentially explaining the inconsistently characterized function of Isw2-like proteins. Altogether, these data suggest an ‘interacting barrier model,’ where Isw2 interacts with a sequence-specific factor to accurately and reproducibly position a single, targeted nucleosome to define the precise border of phased chromatin arrays.
Effects of dry-wet cycles on nitrous oxide emissions in freshwater sediments: a synthesis
Authors: Pinto Renata , Weigelhofer Gabriele , Brito António Guerreiro , Hein Thomas
Published: February 2021

Background

Sediments frequently exposed to dry-wet cycles are potential biogeochemical hotspots for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during dry, wet and transitional phases. While the effects of drying and rewetting on carbon fluxes have been studied extensively in terrestrial and aquatic systems, less is known about the effects of dry-wet cycles on N2O emissions from aquatic systems. As a notable part of lotic systems are temporary, and small lentic systems can substantially contribute to GHG emissions, dry-wet cycles in these ecosystems can play a major role on N2O emissions.

Methodology

This study compiles literature focusing on the effects of drying, rewetting, flooding, and water level fluctuations on N2O emissions and related biogeochemical processes in sediments of lentic and lotic ecosystems.

Results

N2O pulses were observed following sediment drying and rewetting events. Moreover, exposed sediments during dry phases can be active spots for N2O emissions. The general mechanisms behind N2O emissions during dry-wet cycles are comparable to those of soils and are mainly related to physical mechanisms and enhanced microbial processing in lotic and lentic systems. Physical processes driving N2O emissions are mainly regulated by water fluctuations in the sediment. The period of enhanced microbial activity is driven by increased nutrient availability. Higher processing rates and N2O fluxes have been mainly observed when nitrification and denitrification are coupled, under conditions largely determined by O2 availability.

Conclusions

The studies evidence the driving role of dry-wet cycles leading to temporarily high N2O emissions in sediments from a wide array of aquatic habitats. Peak fluxes appear to be of short duration, however, their relevance for global emission estimates as well as N2O emissions from dry inland waters has not been quantified. Future research should address the temporal development during drying-rewetting phases in more detail, capturing rapid flux changes at early stages, and further explore the functional impacts of the frequency and intensity of dry-wet cycles.
Assessment of Effect of Low Dose Succinylcholine on Facilitating Insertion of Laryngeal Mask Airway- A Single-blind Randomised Study
Authors: Rao Shivani , Modak Anjali
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) insertion is often associated with complications such as gagging, laryngospasm and mobility of the head and neck while insertion. To overcome this and achieve a smooth insertion, many drugs are tried one of them is being succinylcholine. Aim: To assess the effects of low dose succinylcholine (0.1 mg/kg) on facilitation of LMA insertion to achieve adequate conditions with fewer or no side effects. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I and II grade were posted for elective surgeries under general anaesthesia with LMA. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups of 30 each. Control group (Group C) received a bolus dose of 2 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride IV post induction. Study Group (Group S) received a bolus of succinylcholine 0.1 mg/kg diluted in 2 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride IV post induction. Following activities like jaw relaxation, coughing/gagging, head and limb movements, presence or absence of laryngospasm and duration of apnea were noted and were compared using chi-square test, while performing LMA insertion under general anaesthesia. Results: It was found that the number of incidences of gagging (mild) and coughing (mild) in Group S was 3.33% and 0%, respectively, while it was 23.33% and 26.66% in Group C. It was found that group S had excellent insertion conditions in 94% of patients as compared to 36% of group C (p<0.001). In 93.33% of patients, LMA was inserted in 1st attempt in group S, whereas 40% of patients in group C required more than one insertion attempt and also 93.3% of patients in group S did not require excess propofol, whereas supplement doses of propofol in control group was required in 60% of patients. Conclusion: Low dose succinylcholine provides better LMA insertion conditions with reduced number of attempts, incidences of gagging and coughing.
Effectiveness of Intravenous Dexmedetomidine vs. Fentanyl for Attenuation of Haemodynamic Response to Pneumoperitoneum in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Randomised Double Blind Study
Authors: Meena Reema , Parashar Chandrakant , Jain Priyanka , Soni Manoj
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Laparoscopy is a widely performed minimal invasive surgical procedure, wherein various haemodynamic changes are faced by anaesthesiologists during Pneumoperitoneum (PNP). Aim: To compare the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine vs fentanyl for attenuating the haemodynamics response to PNP in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (LC). Materials and Methods: A total of 84 patients of 18-50 years age, American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) Class I/II of either sex for elective LC were included. The patients were divided into two groups (A, B) of 42 patients each. Group A received dexmedetomidine and Group B received fentanyl. Both the drugs were given as loading dose of one μg/kg over ten min followed by maintenance 0.2 μg/kg/h throughout the surgery. Haemodynamic parameters were recorded at different time intervals throughout the surgery. In recovery room patients were observed for postoperative analgesia by using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), sedation level using RAMSAY Sedation score at every 30 minutes till the time of giving first rescue analgesia and side effects, if any. Results: Intraoperatively, throughout the period of PNP, Group A showed statistically better attenuation of haemodynamic responses in comparison to Group B (p<0.05). After creating PNP, rise in Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) was observed in both group A and group B, 99.38±6.32 and 103.43±9.81, respectively but this rise was more in group B which was statistically significant (p<0.05) throughout the surgery except 40 minutes after PNP creation. Time to first rescue analgesia or mean duration of postoperative analgesia (VAS>3) was significantly longer in dexmedetomidine group (102.14±32.50 minutes) than fentanyl group (42.86±15.03 minutes). There was better control of pain but more sedation in Group A than in Group B. Conclusion: This study concludes that intravenously administered dexmedetomidine shows better attenuation of haemodynamic responses to CO2 insufflation as compared to fentanyl. Dexmedetomidine also provides better sedation and has more analgesic sparing effect.
Management of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy with Secondary Large Left Ventricular Apical Clot using Novel Oral Anticoagulants: A Case Report
Authors: Aggarwal Mrigakshi , Aggarwal Manav , Aggarwal Prem
Published: February 2021

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a major life-threatening complication of pregnancy, as only half of them or slightly more patients show improvement of Left Ventricular (LV) dysfunction. A 28-year-old woman with a history of gestational hypertension and diabetes during pregnancy, underwent full-term normal vaginal delivery. She started developing dyspnea, Class II which progressed to Class IV postpartum. Kidney and liver functions were found to be grossly deranged along with thrombocytopenia. Provisional diagnosis of Haemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes and Low Platelets (HELLP) was made. Electrocardiography (ECG) revealed the left anterior fascicular block. Eventually, bedside echocardiogram revealed severe LV dysfunction and the presence of a large soft LV apical clot with an Ejection Fraction (EF) of 30%. Adequate anticoagulation was achieved using Novel Oral Anticoagulants (NOAC). After six days and a 3-month follow-up, an echocardiogram demonstrated a significant improvement of LV function (EF-45%) and a complete resolution of LV apical clot, respectively.
Painful Bladder Syndrome’s Diagnostic and Therapeutic Controversies: A Review
Authors: Almutairi Sulaiman
Published: February 2021

Painful Bladder Syndrome (PBS) is a controversial disease with no consensus on its nomenclature, diagnostic criteria, or aetiology. Interstitial Cystitis (IC), PBS, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, and Hypersensitive Bladder Syndrome (HBS) are closely related clinical diseases. Hence, underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis of PBS and consequent failure of disease management may occur. This review aims to explore the established and emerging controversies regarding the epidemiology, aetiology, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, workup and management strategies of PBS. A literature search was carried out in the following electronic databases, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar, Directory of Open Access Journals and Cochrane electronic databases from starting of May to first week of June 2020. Keywords including Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS), aetiology, histopathology, management and diagnosis were used to search these various databases. Accurate data on the prevalence of PBS is scarce, primarily as there is no standardised definition. Furthermore, there are there no fixed criteria for diagnosis, leading to variability in the reported prevalence of PBS in the literature. Management approaches in patients with PBS must be individualised and tailored to each case in terms of aetiology, diagnosis, and treatment.
Socio-economic Factors Affecting Uptake of Banana Value Addition among Smallholders in Chuka Sub-county, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya
Authors: Muigai Josphat K. , Gathungu Geofrey K. , Thogori Miriam
Published: February 2021

Banana farmers in most parts of Kenya have not embraced value addition despite its accrued economic benefits and emphasis by stakeholders. A study was done in Chuka Sub-County, Tharaka Nithi County to identify the socio-economic factors affecting uptake of banana value addition by farmers. The study was based on the diffusion of innovations theory to establish the relationship between farming experience, group membership, access to credit and uptake of banana value addition. The study adopted a descriptive research design whereby frequency tables were generated whilst both qualitative and quantitative data was collected. The target population was 20,180 banana farming households in Chuka Sub-County and 3 key informants. Purposive sampling, Random sampling and snowballing techniques were used to select the 156 banana farmers. A pilot study of 24 (15% of sample size) households was done in Imenti South and the questionnaire was found to be reliable (Cronbach alpha value, α˂0.785). With a 90% questionnaire return rate, the data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 25 and presented using frequency tables. Binary logistic regression was used to test the levels of significance of variables and the model through the Hosmer & Lemeshow test of the goodness of fit suggested that the it was good for fit to the data as p=0.480 (>0.05) while ANOVA analyses were used to check the presence of multicollinearity. It was observed that only 31.9% of farmers uptake banana value addition and there were no banana value addition technologies identified with 35.6% and 64.4% of those who uptake doing banana ripening for sale and bulk packaging respectively. The results [P=0.05] showed that group membership [p=0.019] and access to credit [p=0.004] had a positive and significant effect on the uptake of banana value addition by farmers at varying levels. It was observed that farming experience had a positive effect on the uptake, but was statistically insignificant. The study recommended that; farmers should be encouraged to form cooperatives on value addition and the government and other stakeholders in conjunction with financial institutions need to streamline policies to enhance farmer’s access credit for effective farming among others.
Silica –Gel Drying an Effective Preservation Technique for Value Addition of Orchid Flowers
Authors: Jeevitha K. M. , Jadhav Veena S.
Published: February 2021

Aim: Demand of dry flowers is cumulative day by day equally in national and international marketplace, as dried flowers have a prodigious potential as substitute of fresh flowers. This study aims to know the effect of Silica-gel drying technique on the quality of Orchid flowers.

Study Design: The experimental research design was adopted and flowers were subjected to Silica-gel drying technique.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was during October 2017- November 2020 in the Department of Family Resource Management, College of Community Science, Dharwad.

Methodology: White and Purple Orchid were selected and collected from local growers. Moisture loss, time taken for drying, Effect on Qualitative parameters were statistically analyzed. Dried flowers were added value through application of color. Dyed flowers were used in development of products such as frames and potpourris. Cost of each product was estimated and 30 consumers selected randomly assessed the products for consumer acceptability.

Results: The results reveal that in Silica-gel drying technique Orchid has taken 5 days to dry completely. Maximum moisture loss was 81-83 per cent. Color of Orchid had faded and appearance became lusterless. Hence value addition of color was required for these flowers. The most suitable value addition was Fabric paints, Oil and Spray paints. Some value added products were prepared from dried orchids such as frames and potpourris. The consumer acceptability of these products was extremely acceptable.

Conclusion: The existing technology has the prospective to employ thousands of people especially to unemployed youths, Schools and College drop-outs, housewives and rural women’s as limitless aesthetic products can be shaped using dry flower technology, it can start up a small scale industry from their householdscan perform exceptionally to begin new markets. There is a necessity to generate adequate consciousness about the potential of this technology by workshops and seminars etc.
Human Papilloma Virus Types 16/18 Distribution in Invasive Cervical Cancer: An Evidence for Vaccination in Bihar, India
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Trivedi Vinita , Chauhan Richa , Parwez Akhtar , Pal Biplab , Murti Krishna , Ravichandiran V. , Ali Mohammad
Published: February 2021

There is high incidence of cervical cancer in Bihar, India. Vaccination for cervical cancer in developed countries has played a crucial role in limiting the incidence rate of cervical cancer worldwide. In consideration of debate on clinical efficacy of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine in India, study on the prevalence of high risk HPV 16/18 strains in different regions of the nation becomes very crucial. Few individual states have started vaccination but centralised vaccination program does not exist due to lack of sufficient genotypic study of Human Papilloma Virus in different parts of India. Bihar is the third most populous state of India and HPV 16/18 distribution has not been reported yet. The nationwide data of HPV 16/18will help to develop a unified centralised vaccination program. We carried out a distribution study of high risk HPV type 16 and 18 in cervical cancer patients attending a tertiary care hospital of Bihar, India.HPV 16/18 types were analysed in cervical cancer tissues (n = 96) of patients attending the regional cancer hospital of Bihar. Tissue samples were analysed for HPV 16 and HPV 18 using a Real Time PCR technique. The results suggest very high prevalence of HPV 16/18. HPV was identified in all the samples (96/96). About, 74 (77.08%) samples presented with HPV 16 whereas, 16 (16.67%) of the samples presented with HPV 18. 6 Co-infection was presented in 6 (6.25%) of the samples of cervical cancer tissues. HPV 16/18 prevalence is more in the women aged between 41 to 61 years.We report 100% prevalence of HPV16/18 in the cervical cancer tissue samples. A way to minimise this gynaecological concern would be to introduce prophylactic vaccines and early screening in the state of Bihar. The data generated would be crucial in drafting for community screening of HPV. We strongly emphasize the prophylactic HPV Vaccination against HPV 16 to control the alarming rate of cervical cancer in one of the most populous state of India, Bihar.
Effects of intestinal lymphatic ligation on intestinal immunity in rats with severe acute pancreatitis
Authors: Liu Yuanqi , Chen Li , Wang Lulu , Xiong Yuxia
Published: February 2021

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is one of the most common diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, characterized by a complicated pathogenesis, multiple organ failure, and high mortality. The primary aim of the present study was to observe the effect of intestinal lymphatic ligation on intestinal injury and modification in rats with SAP. Male Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into: (a) Saline group (SO); (b) SAP group; and (c) SAP + ligation group. We evaluated the effect of mesenteric lymphatic duct ligation on the pancreas and intestine tissue by HE. The histopathology of the pancreas in SAP + ligation rats was alleviated slightly compared with SAP rats, but aggravated in the intestine of SAP + ligation rats. Treatment of mesenteric lymphatic duct ligation resulted in an increase in the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, and myeloperoxidase compared with the small intestinal tissues of SAP rats. In addition, the expression of nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain‐like receptors 3, apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (CARD) (ASC), and caspase‐1 in the intestine were higher in the SAP + ligation group. The ratio of Th1/Th2 and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the mesenteric lymph nodes of the SAP group was lower than those in the SAP + ligation group. The present results indicated that ligation of the mesenteric lymph duct can effectively prevent intestinal inflammatory mediators entering the body through the mesenteric lymph duct, but these mediators assembled in the intestine where they induced an excessive immune response and intestinal injury during SAP.
Palladium Catalyzed Aminocarbonylation of Benzylic Ammonium Triflates with Nitroarenes: Synthesis of Phenylacetamides
Authors: Yang Li‐Miao , Li Shan‐Shan , Zhang You‐Ya , Lu Jin‐Liang , Deng Jing‐Tong , Ma Ai‐Jun , Zhang Xiang‐Zhi , Zhang Shu‐Yu , Peng Jin‐Bao
Published: February 2021

A palladium catalyzed reductive aminocarbonylation of benzylic ammonium triflates with nitroarenes for the synthesis of phenylacetamides was developed. Using Pd(acac)2/DPPF catalyst system, a range of different substituted phenylacetamides were prepared in moderate to good yields from benzylic ammonium triflates and nitroarenes through Csp3−N bond cleavage. A variety of alkyl, aryl, and halide substituents on both substrates can be used, and many useful functional groups can be tolerated.

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Asymmetric Catalysis of Chiral Bifunctional Selenides and Selenonium Salts Bearing a Urea Group
Authors: Okuno Ken , Nakamura Takumi , Shirakawa Seiji
Published: February 2021

Catalytic asymmetric reactions with chiral organoselenium catalysts have become one of the most important research topics in the field of organocatalysis. Despite the presence of several effective chiral selenium catalysts, further developments of new chiral organoseleniums are still desired due to their remarkable potential as asymmetric organocatalysts. Herein, we report the synthesis and asymmetric catalysis of chiral bifunctional selenides and selenonium salts bearing a urea group. The new chiral bifunctional selenide organocatalysts promote asymmetric halocyclizations with good to high levels of enantioselectivity. Furthermore, we report a reaction involving a precious example of a chiral tertiary selenonium salt‐catalyzed asymmetric phase‐transfer conjugate addition.
Cinchona Derivatives as Bifunctional H‐bonding Organocatalysts in Asymmetric Vinylogous Conjugate Addition Reactions
Authors: Joshi Harshit , Singh Vinod K.
Published: February 2021

Asymmetric vinylogous conjugate addition reactions constitute an essential class of enantioselective C−C bond‐forming transformations characterized by remote functionalization of substrates and the construction of distal stereocenters. After the renaissance of organocatalysis in 2000, vinylogous addition methodologies have seen new horizons of development. Cinchona alkaloids and some of their derivatives have appeared as efficient chiral catalysts in several organic transformations. Their non‐toxicity, low cost, availability in pseudo‐enantiomeric forms, and “open flask” reaction procedures have been the main reasons behind their success in asymmetric synthesis. These organocatalysts have also shown remarkable applications in vinylogous chemistry. This mini‐review covers the developments of asymmetric vinylogous conjugate addition (VCA) reactions under bifunctional cinchona alkaloids/derivatives catalysis.
Rotaxanes as Cages to Control DNA Binding, Cytotoxicity, and Cellular Uptake of a Small Molecule**
Authors: Kench Timothy , Summers Peter A. , Kuimova Marina K. , Lewis James E. M. , Vilar Ramon
Published: February 2021

The efficacy of many drugs can be limited by undesirable properties, such as poor aqueous solubility, low bioavailability, and “off‐target” interactions. To combat this, various drug carriers have been investigated to enhance the pharmacological profile of therapeutic agents. In this work, we demonstrate the use of mechanical protection to “cage” a DNA‐targeting metallodrug within a photodegradable rotaxane. More specifically, we report the synthesis of rotaxanes incorporating as a stoppering unit a known G‐quadruplex DNA binder, namely a PtII‐salphen complex. This compound cannot interact with DNA when it is part of the mechanically interlocked assembly. The second rotaxane stopper can be cleaved by either light or an esterase, releasing the PtII‐salphen complex. This system shows enhanced cell permeability and limited cytotoxicity within osteosarcoma cells compared to the free drug. Light activation leads to a dramatic increase in cytotoxicity, arising from the translocation of PtII‐salphen to the nucleus and its binding to DNA.
Ultrabright Fluorescent Organic Nanoparticles Based on Small‐Molecule Ionic Isolation Lattices**
Authors: Chen Junsheng , Fateminia S. M. Ali , Kacenauskaite Laura , Bærentsen Nicolai , Grønfeldt Stenspil Stine , Bredehoeft Jona , Martinez Karen L. , Flood Amar H. , Laursen Bo W.
Published: February 2021

Ultrabright fluorescent nanoparticles (NPs) hold great promise for demanding bioimaging applications. Recently, extremely bright molecular crystals of cationic fluorophores were obtained by hierarchical coassembly with cyanostar anion‐receptor complexes. These small‐molecule ionic isolation lattices (SMILES) ensure spatial and electronic isolation to prohibit aggregation quenching of dyes. We report a simple, one‐step supramolecular approach to formulate SMILES materials into NPs. Rhodamine‐based SMILES NPs stabilized by glycol amphiphiles show high fluorescence quantum yield (30 %) and brightness per volume (5000 M−1 cm−1/nm3) with 400 dye molecules packed into 16‐nm particles, corresponding to a particle absorption coefficient of 4×107 M−1 cm−1. UV excitation of the cyanostar component leads to higher brightness (>6000 M−1 cm−1/ nm3) by energy transfer to rhodamine emitters. Coated NPs stain cells and are thus promising for bioimaging.
Exclusively Relativistic: Periodic Trends in the Melting and Boiling Points of Group 12
Authors: Mewes Jan‐Michael , Schwerdtfeger Peter
Published: February 2021

First‐principles simulations can advance our understanding of phase transitions but are often too costly for the heavier elements, which require a relativistic treatment. Addressing this challenge, we recently composed an indirect approach: A precise incremental calculation of absolute Gibbs energies for the solid and liquid with a relativistic Hamiltonian that enables an accurate determination of melting and boiling points (MPs and BPs). Here, we apply this approach to the Group 12 elements Zn, Cd, Hg, and Cn, whose MPs and BPs we calculate with a mean absolute deviation of only 5 % and 1 %, respectively, while we confirm the previously predicted liquid aggregate state of Cn. At a non‐relativistic level of theory, we obtain surprisingly similar MPs and BPs of 650±30 K and 1250±20 K, suggesting that periodic trends in this group are exclusively relativistic in nature. Ultimately, we discuss these results and their implication for Groups 11 and 14.
Synthesis, Molecular Docking and Biological Evaluation of 2‐Aryloxy‐N‐Phenylacetamide and N′‐(2‐Aryloxyoxyacetyl) Benzohydrazide Derivatives as Potential Antibacterial Agents
Authors: Yele Vidyasrilekha , Azam Mohammad Afzal , Wadhwani Ashish D.
Published: February 2021

A new class of 2‐aryloxy‐N‐phenylacetamide and N′‐(2‐aryloxyoxyacetyl) benzohydrazide derivatives with different active moieties were synthesized and screened for their antibacterial activity. Structural characterization of synthesized compounds was performed using HR‐MS, 1H‐NMR, and 13C‐NMR spectral data. Amongst the synthesized compounds, 4‐{2‐[2‐(2‐chloroacetamido)phenoxy]acetamido}‐3‐nitrobenzoic acid (3h) and 2‐chloro‐N‐(2‐{2‐[2‐(2‐chlorobenzoyl)hydrazinyl]‐2‐oxoethoxy}phenyl)acetamide (3o) have shown good antibacterial activity against a selected panel of bacteria. Besides, compounds also exhibited bactericidal activity against P. aeruginosa (3h, 0.69 μg/mL) and S. aureus (3o, 0.62 μg/mL) as evident by MBC and time‐kill kinetics studies. In silico molecular docking and ADMET properties of newly synthesized compounds revealed that compounds could be considered as promising antibacterial agents.
Correlations among SRC, Mixolab®, process, and technological parameters of protein‐enriched biscuits
Authors: Nogueira Amanda de Cássia , Aguiar Etiene Valéria de , Capriles Vanessa Dias , Steel Caroline Joy
Published: February 2021

Background and objectives

There is a growing demand for food products with higher protein content; however, the addition of high‐protein sources to food formulations can affect both the process and the final product, in addition to hindering with product development. In this study, wheat flour (WF) was partially replaced by pea (PPI), soy (SPI), and whey (WPI) protein isolates, at 0%–30% levels for each isolate, following a 23 central composite rotatable design (CCRD). The WF and its protein isolates blends were characterized using solvent retention capacity (SRC) and Mixolab® apparatuses, and results were correlated with process and technological parameters of molded biscuits.

Findings

Changes were observed in SRC and Mixolab® parameters, relative to those for the control WF, mainly due to the high water absorption capacities of the protein blends, which affected process and technological characteristics, such as increased formula water additions to the biscuits doughs and shorter baking times, and increased expansion factor, moisture content, and browning of the biscuits. Among the three isolates, a smaller effect of added PPI was observed.

Conclusions

Even with the observed differences in biscuit quality characteristics, baked biscuit appearance (i.e., size, shape, and color) was similar to that of the control, thus enabling as much as a 72% overall substitution of WF by the isolates blends, resulting in an increase of up to as much as ~80% in the protein content of the biscuits. These findings demonstrated that both SRC and Mixolab® parameters can be used to help predict biscuit process and product characteristics and suggested that protein blends can be used in maintaining WF parameters and functional baking properties acceptable and suitable for biscuit making.

Significance and novelty

SRC and Mixolab® parameters can be used to help predict the functional behavior of protein blends, aimed at obtaining quality‐baked products such as biscuits. Different high‐protein sources affect their mixtures with WF in different ways, and their combinations can be used to help maintain WF parameters and functional baking properties acceptable and suitable for healthful, high‐protein biscuits making.
White esophagus accompanying multiple circumferential duodenal erosions extending to upper jejunum
Authors: Kanzaki Akinori , Maeda Tetsuo , Otsuka Akihito , Ichihara Kikuo , Koyama Hidenori , Katayama Satoru , Nakamura Tadashi
Published: February 2021

Although white esophagus is an extremely rare disease, careful diagnosis and intensive treatment are required because of a relationship with black esophagus. Further case accumulation including duodenal and jejunum lesion is needed.
A rare mimic of cecal neoplasia
Authors: Albrecht Thomas , von Frankenberg Moritz , Goeppert Benjamin
Published: February 2021

Appendiceal intussusception is a rare, but relevant differential diagnosis of colorectal neoplasia on endoscopy. Misdiagnosis as polyp and endoscopic removal may result in severe iatrogenic complications.
Efficacy of lorlatinib treatment in ALK rearrangement lung cancer with severe symptomatic central nervous system metastases and poor performance status
Authors: Taketa Tomoyo , Nakamura Takahito
Published: February 2021

Lorlatinib treatment should be positively considered even for patients with ALK‐positive NSCLC with severe neurocognitive disturbance and poor performance status due to CNS metastases, including leptomeningeal carcinomatosis.
Transfer Hydrogenation of Flavanones and ortho‐Hydroxychalcones to 1,3‐Diarylpropanols Catalyzed by CNN Pincer Ruthenium Complexes
Authors: Soto Martín , Gotor‐Fernández Vicente , Rodríguez‐Solla Humberto , Baratta Walter
Published: February 2021

The transfer hydrogenation of flavanones and ortho‐hydroxychalcones catalyzed by ruthenium pincer complexes RuCl(CNNPh)(disphosphine) has allowed the synthesis of ortho‐hydroxy 1,3‐diarypropanols in 80–88 % yield, under mild reaction conditions and short reaction times (1 h) in 2‐propanol. The amount of the co‐catalyst NaOiPr has been found crucial for the selective reduction of flavanones to ortho‐hydroxy 1,3‐diarypropanols vs. flavan‐4‐ols. Preliminary results show that with pincer catalysts bearing (S,R)‐Josiphos, flavanone is reduced to the corresponding (S)‐alcohol in moderate conversion (36 %) and up to 92 % ee.
Biological and Medical Applications of Calcium Phosphate Nanoparticles
Authors: Sokolova Viktoriya , Epple Matthias
Published: February 2021

Calcium phosphate nanoparticles have a high biocompatibility and biodegradability due to their chemical similarity to human hard tissue, for example, bone and teeth. They can be used as efficient carriers for different kinds of biomolecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, peptides, antibodies, or drugs, which alone are not able to enter cells where their biological effect is required. They can be loaded with cargo molecules by incorporating them, unlike solid nanoparticles, and also by surface functionalization. This offers protection, for example, against nucleases, and the possibility for cell targeting. If such nanoparticles are functionalized with fluorescing dyes, they can be applied for imaging in vitro and in vivo. Synthesis, functionalization and cell uptake mechanisms of calcium phosphate nanoparticles are discussed together with applications in transfection, gene silencing, imaging, immunization, and bone substitution. Biodistribution data of calcium phosphate nanoparticles in vivo are reviewed.
Advances in Electrochemical Modification Strategies of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Simoska Olja , Rhodes Zayn , Weliwatte Samali , Cabrera‐Pardo Jaime R. , Gaffney Erin M. , Lim Koun , Minteer Shelley D.
Published: February 2021

The development of electrochemical catalytic conversion of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) has recently gained attention as a potentially scalable approach for both oxidation and reduction processes yielding value‐added products. While the possibility of electrocatalytic HMF transformations has been demonstrated, this growing research area is in its initial stages. Additionally, its practical applications remain limited due to low catalytic activity and product selectivity. Understanding the catalytic processes and design of electrocatalysts are important in achieving a selective and complete conversion into the desired highly valuable products. In this Minireview, an overview of the most recent status, advances, and challenges of oxidation and reduction processes of HMF was provided. Discussion and summary of voltammetric studies and important reaction factors (e. g., catalyst type, electrode material) were included. Finally, biocatalysts (e. g., enzymes, whole cells) were introduced for HMF modification, and future opportunities to combine biocatalysts with electrochemical methods for the production of high‐value chemicals from HMF were discussed.
Effects of mangrove cover on coastal erosion during a hurricane in Texas, USA
Authors: Pennings Steven C. , Glazner Rachael M. , Hughes Zoe J. , Kominoski John S. , Armitage Anna R.
Published: February 2021

We tested the hypothesis that mangroves provide better coastal protection than salt marsh vegetation using 10 1,008‐m2 plots in which we manipulated mangrove cover from 0 to 100%. Hurricane Harvey passed over the plots in 2017. Data from erosion stakes indicated up to 26 cm of vertical and 970 cm of horizontal erosion over 70 months in the plot with 0% mangrove cover, but relatively little erosion in other plots. The hurricane did not increase erosion, and erosion decreased after the hurricane passed. Data from drone images indicated 196 m2 of erosion in the 0% mangrove plot, relatively little erosion in other plots, and little ongoing erosion after the hurricane. Transects through the plots indicated that the levee (near the front of the plot) and the bank (the front edge of the plot) retreated up to 9 m as a continuous function of decreasing mangrove cover. Soil strength was greater in areas vegetated with mangroves than in areas vegetated by marsh plants, or nonvegetated areas, and increased as a function of plot‐level mangrove cover. Mangroves prevented erosion better than marsh plants did, but this service was nonlinear, with low mangrove cover providing most of the benefits.
LightBox: A multiwell plate illumination system for photoactive molecule characterization
Authors: Bounds A. D. , Bailey R. D. , Adams C. T. , Callaghan D.C. , Girkin J. M.
Published: February 2021

Multiwell plates (MWPs) are the workhorses of the life sciences. However, biophotonics research with MWPs is limited, in part due to the lack of equipment suitable for photo‐irradiation of photoactive molecules in a MWP‐suitable, high‐throughput manner, either commercially or through open‐source MWP systems. Here we present “LightBox”, a calibrated controllable MWP illumination system with broad applications including screening of photoactive molecules and characterization of photocatalytic chemicals. LightBox is a high intensity, accurately controllable, uniform illumination system designed for MWPs with electronics and a control unit that provides a simple and intuitive interface. LightBox can reach intensities of 0.23 mW/mm2 at wavelengths of 405 nm with variance between well sites of <5%. The usefulness of LightBox is demonstrated by assessing the IC50 of a photosensitizing compound using a live/dead assay following simultaneous irradiation of the sample at a range of concentrations, eliminating uncontrolled variables between concentrations and drastically increasing assessment speed.