bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A charge‐separation‐type ionic solid composed of hexanuclear complexes with a macrocyclic tetragold(I) metalloligand
Authors: Pratikha Rycce S. , Inoue Takahiro , Arai Yuka , Kojima Tatsuhiro , Yoshinari Nobuto , Konno Takumi
Published: June 2020

The reaction of Na[CoIII(d‐ebp)] (d‐H4ebp = N,N′‐ethylenebis[d‐penicillamine]) with [(AuICl)2(dppe)] (dppe = 1,2‐bis[diphenylphosphino]ethane) gave a cationic AuI4CoIII2 hexanuclear complex, [CoIII2(LAu4)]2+ ([1]2+), where [LAu4]4− is a cyclic tetragold(I) metalloligand with a 32‐membered ring, [AuI4(dppe)2(d‐ebp)2]4−. Complex [1]2+ crystallized with NO3− to produce a charge‐separation (CS)‐type ionic solid of [1](NO3)2. In [1](NO3)2, the complex cations are assembled to form cationic supramolecular hexamers of {[1]2+}6, which are closely packed in a face‐centered cubic (fcc) lattice structure. The nitrate anions of [1](NO3)2 were accommodated in hydrophilic and hydrophobic tetrahedral interstices of the fcc structure to form tetrameric and hexameric nitrate clusters of {NO3−}4 and {NO3−}6, respectively. An analogous CS‐type ionic solid formulated as [NiIICoIII(LAu4)](NO3) ([2](NO3)) was obtained when a 1:1 mixture of Na[CoIII(d‐ebp)] and [NiII(d‐H2ebp)] was reacted with [(AuICl)2(dppe)], accompanied by the conversion of the diamagnetic, square‐planar [NiII(d‐H2ebp)] to the paramagnetic, octahedral [NiII(d‐ebp)]2−. While the overall fcc structure in [2](NO3) was similar to that of [1](NO3)2, none of the nitrate anions were accommodated in any hydrophobic tetrahedral interstice, reflecting the difference in the complex charges between [1]2+ and [2]+.
Cognitive risk, coping‐oriented substance use, and increased avoidance tendencies among depressed outpatients: A prospective investigation
Authors: Heggeness Luke F. , Bean Christian A. L. , Kalmbach David A. , Ciesla Jeffrey A.
Published: June 2020

Objective

The present study was designed to assess the interplay between depressive cognition, coping‐oriented substance use, and future behavioral disengagement tendencies. Cognitive risk subtypes examined include brooding rumination, attributional bias (internal/stable/global), and dysfunctional attitudes.

Method

Individuals were recruited from outpatient treatment settings and met criteria for a unipolar depressive disorder (N = 70; 66% female; 81% White; Mage = 31; SDage = 13.2). Participants completed self‐report measures of brooding rumination, attributional style, dysfunctional attitudes, coping‐oriented substance use, and behavioral disengagement tendencies following a 3‐week period.

Results

Brooding rumination, stable attributional style, and dysfunctional attitudes were positively associated with later behavioral disengagement tendencies. Coping‐oriented substance use moderated associations between both internal attributional style, as well as dysfunctional attitudes onto later behavioral disengagement.

Conclusions

With regard to stress‐related avoidance, subsyndromal substance use may play a detrimental role among cognitively vulnerable, depressed outpatients when said drug or alcohol use serves as a means of coping.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Vemurafenib in Children With Recurrent/Refractory BRAF Gene V600E‐Mutant Astrocytomas
Authors: Wang Hechuan , Long‐Boyle Janel , Winger Beth Apsel , Nicolaides Theodore , Mueller Sabine , Prados Michael , Ivaturi Vijay
Published: June 2020

Vemurafenib (Zelboraf) is an orally available BRAFV600E inhibitor approved for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic BRAFV600E‐mutant melanoma. The primary objective of this work was to characterize the pharmacokinetics (PK) of vemurafenib in pediatric patients with recurrent/refractory astrocytomas harboring the BRAFV600E mutation. The study was also designed to evaluate the feasibility of replacing whole vemurafenib tablets with crushed tablets in young children unable to swallow tablets. Twenty‐five pediatric patients (median age, 8.8 years; range, 3.3‐19.2) with recurrent/refractory BRAFV600E‐mutant astrocytomas received whole (n = 19) or crushed (n = 6) vemurafenib tablets twice daily. Plasma samples were collected on days 1, 15, and 22 in cycle 1 of vemurafenib treatment. Descriptive PK analyses demonstrated significant variability (approximately 6‐fold) in drug exposure. A 1‐compartment model with first‐order absorption and elimination was developed by adjusting the vemurafenib PK model previously validated in adults with mutant BRAFV600E melanoma. After inclusion of allometric scaling on total body weight, the model adequately described the PK of vemurafenib in children between a wide age range of 3 to 19 years old. In the crushed‐tablet cohort, relative bioavailability was approximately 96% (95% confidence interval, 49%‐142%) compared to that seen in pediatric patients receiving whole tablets based on the preliminary comparison analysis results. Moderate intrapatient variability (48%) of vemurafenib clearance was observed. There was significant correlation (R2 = 0.83) between area under the plasma concentration–time curve and trough concentration at steady state. These results will help increase the number of pediatric patients for whom vemurafenib is accessible and facilitate improved dosing in pediatric patients with recurrent/refractory BRAFV600E astrocytomas.
The effects of gastrointestinal symptoms on structural grey matter volume in youth
Authors: Pirwani Atiqa F. , Fang Zhuo , Li Bo , Smith Andra , Northoff Georg , Ismail Nafissa
Published: June 2020

Previous neuroimaging studies have examined the association between changes in brain structure and gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS), seen in disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Irritable Bowel Disease. Studies in adults have found changes in white and grey matter volume (GMV) in patients with various gastrointestinal disorders. However, it is unclear whether GIS‐related structural changes in the brain are limited to adults or could be present throughout the lifespan. Given that gastrointestinal disorders are typically diagnosed between 4 and 18 years old, we investigated GIS‐induced morphological changes in pre‐adolescents (8–10), adolescents (12–16 years) and young adults (17–21 years). Using a voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) analysis, we compared regional grey matter volume (GMV) between participants with GIS and controls, using structural brain images from the Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort (PNC) database. A total of 211 participants (107 participants with GISs and 104 control participants) who had undergone structural magnetic resonance imaging were analysed. VBM analysis was used to objectively analyse GMV across the whole brain and compare between participants with GIS and controls. Participants experiencing GIS showed smaller GMV in regions within the limbic system/basal ganglia (bilateral caudate, bilateral ventral hippocampus, bilateral amygdala and bilateral superior orbital frontal cortex), and larger GMV in regions within the pain‐matrix (thalamus, bilateral putamen, right mid‐frontal gyrus) compared to controls. These differences were most prominent in the adolescent and young adult groups compared to pre‐adolescents. In conclusion, the structural differences found in participants with GIS support the need for further research into the neurophysiological impact of these symptoms.
Predictive value of gadoxetic acid enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for posthepatectomy liver failure after a major hepatectomy
Authors: Orimo Tatsuya , Kamiyama Toshiya , Kamachi Hirofumi , Shimada Shingo , Nagatsu Akihisa , Asahi Yoh , Sakamoto Yuzuru , Abo Daisuke , Taketomi Akinobu
Published: June 2020

Background

We assessed the usefulness of gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for the prediction of posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) after a major hepatectomy.

Methods

We reviewed 140 cases involving a hepatectomy of two or more sections between 2010 and 2016 (study cohort). We used the standardized remnant hepatocellular uptake index (SrHUI) which was calculated by: SrHUI = future remnant liver volume × [(signal intensity of remnant liver on hepatobiliary phase images/signal intensity of spleen on hepatobiliary phase images) − 1]/body surface area. Validation of the SrHUI was performed in another cohort of 52 major hepatectomy cases between 2017 and 2018 (validation cohort).

Results

The SrHUI of patients with PHLF was significantly lower than that of non‐PHLF cases. Receiver operating characteristic analysis and the Youden index revealed that the SrHUI cutoff value for the prediction of PHLF and PHLF grade ≥ B were 0.313 L/m2 and 0.257 L/m2, respectively. In the validation cohort, the cutoff value of SrHUI for the prediction of PHLF or PHLF grade ≥ B had a sensitivity of 75.0% or 88.8%, and specificity of 78.1% or 91.6%, respectively.

Conclusions

The SrHUI value is a predictor for PHLF after a major hepatectomy.
The functional role of surface molecules on extracellular vesicles in cancer, autoimmune diseases, and coagulopathy
Authors: Lam Katy C K , Lam Moses K N , Chim C S , Chan Godfrey C F , Li James C B
Published: June 2020

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized particles that have emerged as mediators for intercellular communication in physiologic and pathologic conditions. EVs carry signaling information on their bilipid membrane as well as cargo within, allowing them to perform a wide range of biologic processes and contribute to pathophysiologic roles in a wide range of diseases, including cancer, autoimmune diseases and coagulopathy. This review will specifically address the function of surface molecules on EVs under normal and diseased conditions, as well as their potential to emerge as therapeutic targets in clinical settings, and the importance of further research on the surface topography of EVs.
Roles of IL-2 in bridging adaptive and innate immunity, and as a tool for cellular immunotherapy
Authors: Bendickova Kamila , Fric Jan
Published: June 2020

IL-2 was initially characterized as a T cell growth factor in the 1970s, and has been studied intensively ever since. Decades of research have revealed multiple and diverse roles for this potent cytokine, indicating a unique linking role between adaptive and innate arms of the immune system. Here, we review the literature showing that IL-2 is expressed in a plethora of cell types across the immune system, where it has indispensable functions in orchestrating cellular interactions and shaping the nature and magnitude of immune responses. Emerging from the basic research that has revealed the molecular mechanisms and the complexity of the biologic actions of IL-2, several immunotherapeutic approaches have now focused on manipulating the levels of this cytokine in patients. These strategies range from inhibition of IL-2 to achieve immunosuppression, to the application of IL-2 as a vaccine adjuvant and in cancer therapies. This review will systematically summarize the major findings in the field and identify key areas requiring further research in order to realize the potential of IL-2 in the treatment of human diseases.
Effect of Exposure to Gadodiamide and Brain Irradiation on T1‐Weighted Images and ADC Maps of the Dentate Nucleus
Authors: Mallio Carlo A. , Parillo Marco , Zobel Bruno Beomonte , Parizel Paul M. , Quattrocchi Carlo C.
Published: June 2020

Background

Brain irradiation is considered a cofactor influencing the dentate nucleus (DN) signal intensity (SI) on unenhanced T1‐weighted images in patients exposed to gadolinium‐based contrast agents (GBCAs).

Purpose

To assess the effect of gadodiamide and whole‐brain radiation therapy (WBRT) on T1‐weighted images and on apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps of DN.

Study Type

Single‐center retrospective.

Population

In all, 125 patients who underwent brain MRIs were classified into four groups: 1) patients who did neither receive intravenous GBCAs injections nor irradiation (controls); 2) patients having ≥3 GBCAs‐enhanced scans and no WBRT; 3) patients having WBRT and < 3 GBCAs‐enhanced scans; and 4) patients having WBRT and ≥ 3 GBCAs‐enhanced scans.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5T magnet, echo‐planar diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and unenhanced T1‐weighted sequences.

Assessment

The DN‐to‐pons SI ratio on unenhanced T1‐weighted images and ADC values of the DN were calculated. Values were compared between groups and relative to the cumulative gadolinium dose and to the time delay after WBRT.

Statistical Tests

Statistical analysis included the Mann−Whitney U‐test and Spearman's rank‐order correlation.

Results

DN ADC values were not significantly different (P = 0.34) between patients exposed to gadodiamide (0.81 ± 0.06) and controls (0.83 ± 0.07).

There were no differences in DN ADC values (P = 0.28) and DN‐to‐pons SI ratios (P = 0.42) between patients exposed to WBRT (ADC values: 0.85 ± 0.09; SI ratio: 1.11 ± 0.10) and controls (ADC values: 0.83 ± 0.06; SI ratio: 1.09 ± 0.06).

There was a significant negative correlation between DN ADC values and the time (days) since the end of WBRT (r = − 0.33; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.55, −0.06; P < 0.05).

Data Conclusion

We did not find changes suggestive of gadolinium‐related tissue microstructural damage of the DN. The ADC values of the DN are associated with the time from WBRT.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy Stage

5
Deep‐Learning‐Based Artificial Intelligence for PI‐RADS Classification to Assist Multiparametric Prostate MRI Interpretation: A Development Study
Authors: Sanford Thomas , Harmon Stephanie A. , Turkbey Evrim B. , Kesani Deepak , Tuncer Sena , Madariaga Manuel , Yang Chris , Sackett Jonathan , Mehralivand Sherif , Yan Pingkun , Xu Sheng , Wood Bradford J. , Merino Maria J. , Pinto Peter A. , Choyke Peter L. , Turkbey Baris
Published: June 2020

Background

The Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI‐RADS) provides guidelines for risk stratification of lesions detected on multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) of the prostate but suffers from high intra/interreader variability.

Purpose

To develop an artificial intelligence (AI) solution for PI‐RADS classification and compare its performance with an expert radiologist using targeted biopsy results.

Study Type

Retrospective study including data from our institution and the publicly available ProstateX dataset.

Population

In all, 687 patients who underwent mpMRI of the prostate and had one or more detectable lesions (PI‐RADS score >1) according to PI‐RADSv2.

Field Strength/Sequence

T2‐weighted, diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI; five evenly spaced b values between b = 0–750 s/mm2) for apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mapping, high b‐value DWI (b = 1500 or 2000 s/mm2), and dynamic contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted series were obtained at 3.0T.

Assessment

PI‐RADS lesions were segmented by a radiologist. Bounding boxes around the T2/ADC/high‐b value segmentations were stacked and saved as JPEGs. These images were used to train a convolutional neural network (CNN). The PI‐RADS scores obtained by the CNN were compared with radiologist scores. The cancer detection rate was measured from a subset of patients who underwent biopsy.

Statistical Tests

Agreement between the AI and the radiologist‐driven PI‐RADS scores was assessed using a kappa score, and differences between categorical variables were assessed with a Wald test.

Results

For the 1034 detection lesions, the kappa score for the AI system vs. the expert radiologist was moderate, at 0.40. However, there was no significant difference in the rates of detection of clinically significant cancer for any PI‐RADS score in 86 patients undergoing targeted biopsy (P = 0.4–0.6).

Data Conclusion

We developed an AI system for assignment of a PI‐RADS score on segmented lesions on mpMRI with moderate agreement with an expert radiologist and a similar ability to detect clinically significant cancer.

Level of Evidence

4

Technical Efficacy Stage

2
Serum deprivation limits loss and promotes recovery of tenogenic phenotype in tendon cell culture systems
Authors: van Vijven Marc , Wunderli Stefania L. , Ito Keita , Snedeker Jess G. , Foolen Jasper
Published: June 2020

Current knowledge gaps on tendon tissue healing can partly be ascribed to the limited availability of physiologically relevant culture models. An unnatural extracellular matrix, high serum levels and random cell morphology in vitro mimic strong vascularization and lost cell elongation in pathology, and discord with a healthy, in vivo cell microenvironment. The thereby induced phenotypic drift in tendon‐derived cells (TDCs) compromises the validity of the research model. Therefore, this research quantified the extracellular matrix (ECM)‐, serum‐, and cell morphology‐guided phenotypic changes in tendon cells of whole tendon fascicle explants with intact ECM and TDCs cultured in a controlled microenvironmental niche. Explanted murine tail tendon fascicles were cultured in serum‐rich or serum‐free medium and phenotype was assessed using transcriptome analysis. Next, phenotypic marker gene expression was measured in in vitro expanded murine tail TDCs upon culture in serum‐rich or serum‐free medium on aligned or random collagen I patterns. Freshly isolated fascicles or TDCs served as native controls. In both systems, the majority of tendon‐specific genes were similarly attenuated in serum‐rich culture. Strikingly, 1‐week serum‐deprived culture—independent of cell morphology—converged TDC gene expression toward native levels. This study reveals a dynamic serum‐responsive tendon cell phenotype. Extracting fascicles or TDCs from their native environment causes large changes in cellular phenotype, which can be limited and even reversed by serum deprivation. We conclude that serum‐derived factors override matrix‐integrity and cell morphology cues and that serum‐deprivation stimulates a more physiological microenvironment for in vitro studies.
Multivariate optimization of a new LC–MS/MS method for the determination of 156 pesticide residues in milk and dairy products
Authors: Görel‐Manav Özün , Dinç‐Zor Şule , Akyildiz Emir , Alpdoğan Güzin
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Pesticides are widely utilized worldwide to control undesirable life forms during the planting procedure in agriculture. But they can pollute the nature and jeopardize human wellbeing. Additionally, on account of high resistance and biological activity; pesticides are able to accumulate in living organs and lead to acute and long‐term negative effects along with toxicity. Milk and dairy products constitute an important part of a humans’ diet since they contain fundamental supplements and nutrients, however they may also be the source of unhealthy components including pesticides. Therefore efficient, accurate and sensitive determination methods must be improved to quantify pesticide residues in these food samples.

RESULTS

Multivariate optimization strategy was employed to optimize an efficient and robust liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method for the determination of 156 pesticide residues in milk and dairy products. Three independent variables considered and their levels in the Box–Behnken design were as follows: initial percentage of eluent A in mobile phase (30, 40, 50%), flow rate of the mobile phase (0.1, 0.2, 0.3 mL min−1), and ammonium formate concentration in mobile phase (0.0, 0.5, 1.0 mmol L−1). Under optimized conditions, average recoveries of target analytes were obtained in the range of 70.38% to 119.04%. Detection and quantification limits ranged from 0.06 to 2.70 μg kg−1 and from 0.22 to 8.10 μg kg−1, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The validated method was successfully implemented to the analysis of 20 milk and dairy products including cream, cheese and yogurt. This method could be applied in many laboratories to reduce analysis time and cost. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Adjunctive application of solid‐state culture products and its freeze‐dried powder from Aspergillus sojae for semi‐hard cheese
Authors: Chintagavongse Napaporn , Yoneda Tomoki , Ming‐Hsuan Chi , Hayakawa Toru , Wakamatsu Jun‐ichi , Tamano Koichi , Kumura Haruto
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Species belonging to the genus Aspergillus have been used in traditional Japanese fermented foods. Aspergillus sojae is a species responsible for strong proteolytic activity. Freeze‐drying treatments followed by physical disruption enables the pulverization of the mycelia of A. sojae RIB 1045 grown in whey protein‐base solid media. Intracellular proteases were extracted using this protocol to compare extracellular protease activity in terms of the reaction’s pH dependence in the presence or absence of inhibitors.

RESULT

With different sensitivities to inhibitors, intracellular and extracellular proteases showed the strongest activity under acidic conditions, which were considered suitable for cheese application. The raw culture product (CP) and its freeze‐dried product (FDP) were mixed with cheese curds, prepared according to Gouda‐type cheese‐making methods, and were allowed to ripen for 3 months. Chemical analysis of the products showed 13.3% water‐soluble nitrogen (WSN) in the control, which had received noncultured media, whereas 20.0% and 21.1% WSN was found in the CP and FDP experimental cheeses, respectively. Although these adjuncts significantly increased WSN, an insignificant difference was found between CP and FDP. Free fatty acids in all experimental cheeses were similar, showing that CP and FDP caused no rancid defects.

CONCLUSION

The introduction of freeze‐drying treatments accompanied by cell disruption resulted in a negligible effect in terms of WSN. However, the application of A. sojae can be beneficial when it comes to increasing the level of WSN compared with A. oryzae, as shown in our previous study. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation and characterization of β‐cyclodextrin–oregano essential oil microcapsule and its effect on storage behavior of purple yam
Authors: Huang Haohe , Huang Chongxing , Yin Cheng , Khan Muhammad RU , Zhao Hui , Xu Yangfan , Huang Lijie , Zheng Dantong , Qi Minghui
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Natural plant essential oils have antimicrobial properties; however, essential oils are difficult to maintain in a system because of their volatile nature. First, we prepared microcapsules from β‐cyclodextrin and oregano essential oil and characterized their properties. Second, the effect of microcapsules on the preservation of freshly cut purple yam was studied using an edible coating technique. Purple yams immersed in distilled water were used as control, and their characteristics were compared with yams coated with citric acid, citric acid + sodium alginate, and citric acid + sodium alginate + β‐cyclodextrin–oregano essential oil microcapsules (CA–SA–MC) and stored at 4 °C for 5 days.

RESULTS

Microcapsules of oregano essential oil and β‐cyclodextrin solution were successfully prepared via the inclusion method, with an optimal encapsulation efficiency of 55.14%. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis showed strong bonds between β‐cyclodextrin and oregano essential oil. All edible coatings, particularly CA–SA–MC, significantly (P ≤ 0.05) maintained firmness, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid content, and anthocyanin content compared with control treatment. This treatment also prevented browning and extended the shelf life of purple yam.

CONCLUSION

Oregano essential oil can be successfully encapsulated into cyclodextrin microcapsules. It has a great impact on the shelf life extension of purple yam and could be successfully applied to other fresh produce. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of processing methods and oral mastication on the carotenoid bioaccessibility of restructured carrot chips
Authors: Yi Jianyong , Zhao Yuanyuan , Bi Jinfeng , Hou Chunhui , Peng Jian , Guo Yuxia
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Carrot carotenoids are typically located in chromoplasts, forming a crystalline substructure. Cell walls and chromoplasts therefore constitute two major physical barriers to the release of carotenoids from the food matrix during digestion. The release of carotenoids from these physical barriers is supposed to be substantially affected by mechanical factors during food processing and oral mastication. Given the implications of this, the effects of four different processing procedures, and various mastication levels, on the carotenoid bioaccessibility of carrot chips were evaluated.

RESULTS

Restructuring and drying methods substantially affected the carotenoid bioaccessibility of carrot chips. The highest carotenoid bioaccessibility was obtained for the air‐dried combined with instant pressure‐drop‐dried (AD‐DIC) restructured chips. Although the fresh carrots possessed the highest carotenoid content, their bioaccessibility was lower than that of the carrot chips. The evolution of the particle sizes of the samples was responsible for the changes in carotenoid bioaccessibility due to oral masitication. The particle size of the fresh carrots decreased with increasing oral masitication, which favored carotenoid bioaccessibilty. However, the restructured chips that combined freeze drying with instant pressure‐drop drying (R‐FD‐DIC) demonstrated the opposite trend, probably caused by the severe aggregation of the sample during digestion, which compromised the effect of mastication on the release of carotenoid.

CONCLUSION

Data regarding the effects of the drying process and oral mastication digestion behavior on the samples suggested that AD‐DIC‐dried restructured carrot chips are effective in enhancing carotenoid bioaccessibility, which explains the key factors involved in the release of carotenoids from carrot chips prepared by different processes. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Elevated CO2, temperature and nitrogen levels impact growth and development of invasive weeds in the Mediterranean region
Authors: Jabran Khawar , Doğan Mehmet N
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Invasive plant species present a serious threat to the environment, as well as human and animal health. An interaction may exist between the climatic changes and invasive plant species. In this 2‐year study, we investigated the effects of warming, CO2 and nitrogen application on the biomass, growth and leaf tissue nitrogen concentration of three invasive weed species. Treatments were: (i) simulated (elevated) CO2 (approximately 800–900 ppm); (ii) warming or high temperature (day/night 25/15 °C); (iii) simulated (elevated) CO2 combined with high temperature (CO2 = approximately 800–900 ppm; temperature day/night 25/15 °C); and (iv) control conditions (CO2 = approximately 400–450 ppm; temperature day/night 20/10 °C). The doses of nitrogen were: (i) 0 kg ha−1 (control; low); (ii) 60 kg ha−1 (medium); and (iii) 120 kg ha−1 (high).

RESULTS

Elevated CO2 and elevated CO2 combined with high temperature improved biomass and the growth of the tested invasive weed species: Lactuca serriola L., Hordeum murinum L. and Bromus tectorum L. Nitrogen application had little effect on grasses, whereas the broadleaved weed mostly had a positive response to nitrogen application. Invasive weed species were generally negatively or neutrally affected by warming.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study demonstrate that nitrogen fertilization under different climatic conditions improved few of the parameters, whereas elevated CO2 promoted most of the growth parameters of invasive weeds. Overall, is it concluded that these weeds will be more invasive under climate change conditions. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Management of patients with ovarian cancer in the COVID‐19 era
Authors: Bogani Giorgio , Casarin Jvan , Pinelli Ciro , Di Donato Violante , Bosio Sara , Ruisi Simona , Brusadelli Claudia , Guerrisi Rocco , Sarpietro Giuseppe , Ditto Antonino , Ghezzi Fabio , Raspagliesi Francesco
Published: June 2020

At the beginning of 2020, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) spreads worldwide. Patients with ovarian cancer should be considered at high‐risk of developing severe morbidity related to COVID‐19. Most of them are diagnosed in advanced stages of disease, and they are fragile. Here, we evaluated the major impact of COVID‐19 on patients with ovarian cancer, discussing the effect of the outbreak on medical and surgical treatment.
Exploring tourists' experience at private social dining: Dimensionality and satisfaction
Authors: Qian Jianwei , Law Rob , Fan Daisy X. F.
Published: June 2020

Private social dining is a new form of service emerging in culinary tourism. Although its popularity has been increasing worldwide, studies on private social dining, especially its influence on tourism, are limited. The present work aims to explore tourists' experiences using private social dining as a context by constructing the dimensions for tourist experience. A qualitative research method is utilized to analyze reviews from top service providers in three popular destinations. Results confirm seven dimensions of the three types of experience existing in tourists' private social dining experiences, which affect tourist satisfaction. These results lay the foundation for future studies.
Remarks on infinitely many solutions for a class of Schrödinger equations with sublinear nonlinearity
Authors: Cheng Rong , Wu Yijia
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we study the existence of multiple nontrivial solutions for the following semilinear Schrödinger equation:

where the potential V is continuous and allowed to be sign‐changing and f(x,u) satisfies more general sublinear growth conditions than those in previous studies. The first result of this paper obtains the existence of a nontrivial solution of (1). The second establishes an existent result on infinitely many nontrivial solutions of (1) by using a variant fountain theorems.
Sulforaphane Inhibits Autophagy and Induces Exosome‐Mediated Paracrine Senescence via Regulating mTOR/TFE3
Authors: Zheng Kai , Ma Jingxin , Wang Yifei , He Zhendan , Deng Kejun
Published: June 2020

Scope

The development of novel compounds that trigger non‐apoptotic cell death may represent alternative therapeutic strategies for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treatment. Cellular senescence suppresses tumorigenesis by halting the proliferation of tumor cells, implying the induction of senescence as a promising anticancer strategy, especially when combined with senolytic agents that specially kill senescent cells. This study is designed to screen novel anti‐ESCC compounds from a natural product resource and identify its mechanism‐of‐action.

Methods and Results

Identified are the significant anti‐cancer effect and underlying mechanism of SFN, an isothiocyanate derived from cruciferous vegetables, through RNA sequencing, western blot, and immunofluorescent assays. It is found that SFN inhibits proliferation of ESCC cells through inducing senescence. Mechanistically, SFN induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) via disrupting the balance between glutathione and oxidized glutathione, leading to DNA damage. In addition, ROS deregulates autophagy and promotes lysosome abnormal biogenesis through regulating mTOR/TFE3 axis. Finally, the inhibited autophagic flux facilitates exosome production, resulting in exosome‐mediated paracrine senescence.

Conclusions

This study suggests the important roles of autophagy and exosome‐mediated paracrine senescence in cancer therapy and highlights SFN as a potent anti‐ESCC drug candidate.
Multi‐parametric artificial neural network fitting of phase‐cycled balanced steady‐state free precession data
Authors: Heule Rahel , Bause Jonas , Pusterla Orso , Scheffler Klaus
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Standard relaxation time quantification using phase‐cycled balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP), eg, motion‐insensitive rapid configuration relaxometry (MIRACLE), is subject to a considerable underestimation of tissue T1 and T2 due to asymmetric intra‐voxel frequency distributions. In this work, an artificial neural network (ANN) fitting approach is proposed to simultaneously extract accurate reference relaxation times (T1, T2) and robust field map estimates (

, ΔB0) from the bSSFP profile.

Methods

Whole‐brain bSSFP data acquired at 3T were used for the training of a feedforward ANN with N = 12, 6, and 4 phase‐cycles. The magnitude and phase of the Fourier transformed complex bSSFP frequency response served as input and the multi‐parametric reference set [T1, T2,

, ∆B0] as target. The ANN predicted relaxation times were validated against the target and MIRACLE.

Results

The ANN prediction of T1 and T2 for trained and untrained data agreed well with the reference, even for only four acquired phase‐cycles. In contrast, relaxometry based on 4‐point MIRACLE was prone to severe off‐resonance‐related artifacts. ANN predicted

and ∆B0 maps showed the expected spatial inhomogeneity patterns in high agreement with the reference measurements for 12‐point, 6‐point, and 4‐point bSSFP phase‐cycling schemes.

Conclusion

ANNs show promise to provide accurate brain tissue T1 and T2 values as well as reliable field map estimates. Moreover, the bSSFP acquisition can be accelerated by reducing the number of phase‐cycles while still delivering robust T1, T2,

, and ∆B0 estimates.
Für Biopharma und Life Sciences
Authors: Zbikowski Frauke
Published: June 2020

Anfang des Jahres schätzten die Hersteller von Labor‐ und Analysengeräten ihre Geschäftslage optimistisch ein. Heute sind es noch diejenigen, die PCR‐ und Sequenziermaschinen sowie das Zubehör dafür herstellen.
Umbenannt und verschoben
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: June 2020

Der Spezialchemiekonzern Lanxess baut sich um. Die Lederchemie führt er nicht weiter, er nennt ein Segment um und verschiebt Geschäftsbereiche zwischen den Segmenten.
Silicium und Silikone
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: June 2020

Die Münchner Wacker‐Chemie ist zufrieden mit dem Jahr 2019. Das Unternehmen hat größere Mengen verkauft. Allerdings waren die Preise geringer als im Vorjahr.
Transaktionen: Corona bremst das Fusionskarussel
Authors: Schneider Bernd
Published: June 2020

Das Jahr 2019 war weltweit geprägt von weniger Zusammenschlüssen und Akquisitionen im Chemiemarkt als im Jahr zuvor. Im ersten Quartal des laufenden Jahres kündigten noch weniger Unternehmen Deals an.
Versuche auf Video?
Authors: Zbikowski Frauke
Published: June 2020

Als das Sommersemester an den Fachhochschulen in Deutschland startete, stoppte durch Covid‐19 gerade das öffentliche Leben.
Medication‐related incidents at 19 hospitals: A retrospective register study using incident reports
Authors: Cottell Maria , Wätterbjörk Inger , Hälleberg Nyman Maria
Published: June 2020

Aim

To examine (a) when medication incidents occur and which type is most frequent; (b) consequences for patients; (c) incident reporters’ perceptions of causes; and (d) professional categories reporting the incidents.

Design

A descriptive multicentre register study.

Methods

This study included 775 medication incident reports from 19 Swedish hospitals during 2016–2017. From the 775 reports, 128 were chosen to establish the third aim. Incidents were classified and analysed statistically. Perceived causes of incidents were analysed using content analysis.

Results

Incidents occurred as often in prescribing as in administering. Wrong dose was the most common error, followed by missed dose and lack of prescription. Most incidents did not harm the patients. Errors in administering reached the patients more often than errors in prescribing. The most frequently perceived causes were shortcomings in knowledge, skills and abilities, followed by workload. Most medication incidents were reported by nurses.
Histological 3D reconstruction and in vivo lineage tracing of the human endometrium
Authors: Tempest Nicola , Jansen Marnix , Baker Ann‐Marie , Hill Christopher J. , Hale Mike , Magee Derek , Treanor Darren , Wright Nicholas A. , Hapangama Dharani K.
Published: June 2020

Regular menstrual shedding and repair of the endometrial functionalis is unique to humans and higher‐order primates. The current consensus postulates endometrial glands to have a single‐tubular architecture, where multi‐potential stem cells reside in the blind‐ending glandular‐bases. Utilising fixed samples from patients, we have studied the three‐dimensional (3D) micro‐architecture of the human endometrium. We demonstrate that some non‐branching, single, vertical functionalis glands originate from a complex horizontally interconnecting network of basalis glands. The existence of a multipotent endometrial epithelial stem cell capable of regenerating the entire complement of glandular lineages was demonstrated by in vivo lineage tracing, using naturally occurring somatic mitochondrial DNA mutations as clonal markers. Vertical tracking of mutated clones showed that at least one stem‐cell population resides in the basalis glands. These novel findings provide insight into the efficient and scar‐less regenerative potential of the human endometrium. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
To Challenge the Morning Lark and the Night Owl: Using Smartphone Sensing Data to Investigate Day–Night Behaviour Patterns
Authors: Schoedel Ramona , Pargent Florian , Au Quay , Völkel Sarah Theres , Schuwerk Tobias , Bühner Markus , Stachl Clemens
Published: June 2020

For decades, day–night patterns in behaviour have been investigated by asking people about their sleep–wake timing, their diurnal activity patterns, and their sleep duration. We demonstrate that the increasing digitalization of lifestyle offers new possibilities for research to investigate day–night patterns and related traits with the help of behavioural data. Using smartphone sensing, we collected in vivo data from 597 participants across several weeks and extracted behavioural day–night pattern indicators. Using this data, we explored three popular research topics. First, we focused on individual differences in day–night patterns by investigating whether ‘morning larks’ and ‘night owls’ manifest in smartphone–sensed behavioural indicators. Second, we examined whether personality traits are related to day–night patterns. Finally, exploring social jetlag, we investigated whether traits and work weekly day–night behaviours influence day–night patterns on weekends. Our findings highlight that behavioural data play an essential role in understanding daily routines and their relations to personality traits. We discuss how psychological research can integrate new behavioural approaches to study personality.
Evaluating the impact of functional groups on membrane‐mediated CO2/N2 gas separations using a common polymer backbone
Authors: Higgins Morgan A. , Maroon Christopher R. , Townsend Jacob , Wang Xinyi , Vogiatzis Konstantinos D. , Long Brian K.
Published: June 2020

Polymeric membranes have shown tremendous promise for the separation of CO2 from flue gas streams. However, few systematic studies have been conducted to better understand the impact that chemical functionalities have on membrane‐based gas separation performance. To address this gap, we herein describe the synthesis and gas separation performance of a series of vinyl‐addition polynorbornenes bearing various CO2‐philic functional groups. To facilitate direct comparison between functional groups, each material was designed to maintain a common polymer backbone. Though the incorporation of CO2‐philic moieties within a dense polymeric membrane is frequently hypothesized to enhance CO2 solubility, and thereby increase CO2/N2 selectivity, our results demonstrate that the incorporation of CO2‐philic groups onto a common polymer backbone do not necessarily result in increased gas separation performance. Experimental and computational results demonstrate that the incorporation of amidoxime groups onto a polynorbornene backbone increase CO2/N2 selectivity, whereas commonly employed ethereal side chains only increased permeability.
Efficiency of self‐assembled etoricoxib containing polyelectrolyte complex stabilized cubic nanoparticles against human cancer cells
Authors: Malviya Rishabha , Sharma Pramod Kumar , Dubey Susheel Kumar
Published: June 2020

Introduction

The aim of the present research was to formulate chitosan‐kheri gum polyelectrolyte complex (CKGPEC) stabilized etoricoxib containing cubic nanoparticles and evaluate against various human cancer cell lines.

Methods

The novel solvent‐antisolvent method was utilized for the fabrication of nanoparticles using CKGPEC as a stabilizer. 32 factorial designs were applied to investigate the effect of concentration of chitosan (Ch) and kheri gum (KG) over entrapment efficiency and size of nanoparticles. Nanoparticles were characterized and evaluated against the human breast cancer cell line (MCF7), human colon cancer cell line (HT‐29), and human skin cancer cell lines (SK‐MEL‐2).

Results

It was observed that the concentration of Ch and KG significantly affects the entrapment efficiency and size of nanoparticles. The entrapment efficiency of nanoparticles was found in the range of 70.21 ± 0.42% (K4) to 82.77 ± 0.29% (K6) while the size was observed 79.3 nm (K5) to 490.1 nm (K1). SEM clearly showed the cubic shape of nanoparticles. All the formulations followed Baker‐Lonsdale kinetic model of drug release. The utilization of the egg membrane and tomato membrane as a biological barrier was not altering the release kinetics of the drug. Prepared nanoparticles were found to be effective against various human cancer cells but the better effect was observed against SK‐MEL‐2 cells than MCF‐7 cells, followed by HT‐29 cell in in vitro conditions.

Discussion

Taken together, it can be concluded that Ch‐KG PEC stabilized nanoparticles were successfully formulated and could be utilized against various human cancer. In future clinical studies could be performed for the exact determination of therapeutic potential.
Quizalofop‐p‐ethyl resistance in Polypogon fugax involves glutathione S‐transferases
Authors: Chen Wen , Wu Lamei , Wang Junzhi , Yu Qin , Bai Lianyang , Pan Lang
Published: June 2020

Background

Asia minor bluegrass (Polypogon fugax) is one of the main weeds invading Chinese canola fields. The P. fugax resistant population SC‐R, which survived quizalofop‐p‐ethyl at the field‐recommended rate (67.5 g ha−1), was collected from a canola field in Qingsheng County in China. The present study aimed to (1) characterize the SC‐R resistance pattern to acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACCase)‐inhibiting herbicides, and (2) investigate the mechanism of quizalofop‐p‐ethyl resistance in this population.

Results

Dose–response studies showed that resistance to quizalofop‐p‐ethyl and haloxyfop occurred in the SC‐R population. Four transcripts/genes encoding the plastidic ACCase carboxyl‐transferase domain were isolated from the P. fugax plants. No mutations in the four ACCase genes were detected in the SC‐R population compared to the SC‐S population. Pre‐treatment with the known glutathione S‐transferase (GST) inhibitor 4‐chloro‐7‐nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBDCl), reversed resistance to quizalofop‐p‐ethyl and partially reversed resistance to haloxyfop‐R‐methyl in the resistant population (SC‐R). However, the cytochrome P450 inhibitor malathion did not reverse the resistance. There was no difference in basal GST activity (using CDNB as a substrate), but there was higher inducible GST activity in SC‐R relative to SC‐S. Two GST genes, GST2c and GSTL3, were constitutively overexpressed in the resistant SC‐R population.

Conclusion

This study confirmed that resistance to quizalofop‐p‐ethyl in the resistant P. fugax population is likely nontarget‐site based involving GST, and this resistance mechanism also partially confers haloxyfop‐R‐methyl resistance. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The effects of garlic (Allium sativum) supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers, fatigue, and clinical symptoms in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Moosavian Seyedeh Parisa , Paknahad Zamzam , Habibagahi Zahra , Maracy Mohammadreza
Published: June 2020

Based on the antiinflammatory properties of garlic, current study was conducted to evaluate the garlic supplement effects on serum levels of some inflammatory biomarkers, clinical symptoms, and fatigue in women with active rheumatoid arthritis. In this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial study, 70 women with RA were randomly divided into two groups: The intervention group was supplemented with 1,000 mg of garlic, and the control group received placebo for 8 weeks. At baseline and at the end of the study, clinical symptoms, fatigue, serum level of C‐reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor‐a (TNF‐a), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were determined. After intervention, serum levels of CRP (p = .018) and TNF‐a (p < .001) decreased significantly in the garlic group as compared with the placebo group. Also, pain intensity, tender joint count, disease activity score (DAS‐28), and fatigue were significantly decreased in the intervention group compared with the control group (p < .001; for all). Swollen joint count was significantly decreased in the garlic group (p < .001), but not in the placebo group (p = .123). No significant changes were observed for ESR. Garlic supplementation by improving inflammatory mediators and clinical symptoms can be considered as a potential adjunct treatment in patients with RA. However, further studies with larger duration are needed.
Impurity profiling of alfentanil hydrochloride by liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight high‐resolution mass spectrometric techniques for drug enforcement
Authors: Wang Ye , Xu Lei , Lu Yu‐ting , Sun Fan‐mei , Wu Dong‐feng , Wang Jing‐qi , Di Bin , Xu Hui , Hang Tai‐jun , Song Min
Published: June 2020

Rationale

Fentanyl and its analogues play important roles in the hospital and clinic setting as anesthetics. However, illicitly manufactured fentanyl as well as the new psychoactive substances (NPS) account for 30% of all deaths in the United States. Since fentanyl derivatives and NPS are designed to produce similar effects, their related substances are similar or even have the same active groups. A comprehensive analysis of the related substances of alfentanil hydrochloride can provide a basis for the identification and supervision of fentanyl derivatives and NPS.

Methods

A liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC/QTOF‐MS/MS) method was developed for the separation and characterization of related substances in alfentanil hydrochloride. Degradation studies were conducted according to the ICH‐prescribed stress conditions. The compounds were identified mainly through positive electrospray ionization QTOF high‐resolution mass spectrometric measurements of the accurate masses of the precursor and product ions and their calculated elemental compositions. Their formation mechanisms were also discussed.

Results

Seventeen related substances were detected in alfentanil hydrochloride and its stressed samples. Among them, nine were process‐related substances and the other eight were degradation products. The stress study results demonstrated that alfentanil hydrochloride was unstable under acid, alkaline, and oxidative stress conditions, while relatively stable under dry photolytic and thermal stress conditions. Alfentanil hydrochloride was most susceptible for degradation at the N‐phenylpropanamide and piperidine sites.

Conclusions

Process‐related alfentanil hydrochloride compounds are useful for determination of synthetic routes and entangling of fentanyl analogues. The stress study results can provide a sound scientific basis for the waste water monitoring of alfentanil. These results are important for routine quality control in the manufacturing and storage of alfentanil hydrochloride, as well as for drug enforcement of fentanyl and its analogues.