bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agronomic Performances and Nutritional Assessment of Three Sweet Potato Varieties (Ipomoea batatas (L) Lam.) Introduced in an Agro-ecological Zone of Groundnut Basin in Senegal
Authors: Sylla Papa Mamadou Dit Doudou , Ndoye Fatou , Badiane Abdou , Mbaye Mame Samba , Tall Laure , Cisse Ndeye Sokhna , Diouf Adama , Mergeai Guy , Dossou Nicole , Donnen Philippe , Wade Salimata , Noba Kandioura
Published: August 2020

Aims: To evaluate the agronomic and nutritional performances of three varieties of sweet potato (Kandee, Caromex and Gandiol1) cultivated for the first time in the agro-ecological zone of the groundnut basin in Senegal.

Study Design: The experiment was arranged in Randomized Completely Block Design.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted during two growing seasons from April to August 2017 and from October 2018 to February 2019 in Sagna village (Kaffrine, Senegal).

Methodology: The planting of the cuttings was done with a density of 0.3 x 1 m or 3333.3 cuttings ha-1. Drip irrigation was used and mineral fertilization with 15-15-15 was applied. In each elementary plot, 5 plants were checked monthly for growth and phytosanitary monitoring. The harvest took place at 145 days after planting. The yields and agro-morphological characteristics of the roots were determined as well as their nutritional value and the incidence of bio-aggressor attacks.

Results: The success percentage of cuttings was 90.1, 90.5 and 88% for Kandee, Caromex and Gandiol1, respectively. The length development of sweet potato stems was variable between the 3 varieties. The Gandiol1 variety with stems longer than 1.6 m was very spread out contrary to Caromex whose average stem length did not exceed 0.5 m. The marketable tuber yields obtained were comparable between the varieties and were 21.5, 22.5 and 13.4 t ha-1 respectively for Kandee, Caromex and Gandiol1. The morphology of the tubers was different in shape (diameter and length) but also in flesh color. Kandee had orange flesh, rich in carotenoids (101.1 mg/kg; P<0.001), Caromex a cream color with carotenes of 43.2 mg kg-1 and Gandiol1 a white flesh. Caromex had the best proportion of dry matter (40.6%; P<0.001) compared to the other varieties. This amount of dry matter was correlated with the marketable root yield (r=0.54; P=0.04) and the carbohydrates amount (r = 0.52; P=0.05). Bio-aggressor incidence on tubers was lower for the Kandee variety (10.3%; P=0.01).

Conclusion: Sweet potato varieties performed well in the agro-ecological conditions of the groundnut basin and showed comparable agronomic performance. The three varieties can be discriminated on the level of their nutritional quality, particularly on their β-carotene content.
Determining Connections between Attachments in Romantic Relationships and Emotional Intelligence in Female University Students
Authors: Dominika Doktorová , Zuzana Mičková , Michal Masár
Published: August 2020

The aim of the research is to determine whether there is a statistically significant relationship between attachment and emotional intelligence. We used a revised questionnaire (ECR-R) to determine the relationship and we used the TEIQue-SF questionnaire to determine emotional intelligence. The research sample consisted of 260 respondents from 22 to 25 years, where the average age was 23.45 years. Within the results, we found that there is a moderately strong negative relationship between avoidant attachment and emotional intelligence and a strong negative relationship between anxious attachment and emotional intelligence.
Towards a cancer mission in Horizon Europe: recommendations
Authors: Berns Anton , Ringborg Ulrik , Celis Julio E. , Heitor Manuel , Aaronson Neil K. , Abou‐Zeid Nancy , Adami Hans‐Olov , Apostolidis Kathi , Baumann Michael , Bardelli Alberto , Bernards René , Brandberg Yvonne , Caldas Carlos , Calvo Fabien , Dive Caroline , Eggert Angelika , Eggermont Alexander , Espina Carolina , Falkenburg Frederik , Foucaud Jérôme , Hanahan Douglas , Helbig Ulrike , Jönsson Bengt , Kalager Mette , Karjalainen Sakari , Kásler Miklós , Kearns Pamela , Kärre Klas , Lacombe Denis , de Lorenzo Francesco , Meunier Françoise , Nettekoven Gerd , Oberst Simon , Nagy Péter , Philip Thierry , Price Richard , Schüz Joachim , Solary Eric , Strang Peter , Tabernero Josep , Voest Emile
Published: August 2020

A comprehensive translational cancer research approach focused on personalized and precision medicine, and covering the entire cancer research–care–prevention continuum has the potential to achieve in 2030 a 10‐year cancer‐specific survival for 75% of patients diagnosed in European Union (EU) member states with a well‐developed healthcare system. Concerted actions across this continuum that spans from basic and preclinical research through clinical and prevention research to outcomes research, along with the establishment of interconnected high‐quality infrastructures for translational research, clinical and prevention trials and outcomes research, will ensure that science‐driven and social innovations benefit patients and individuals at risk across the EU. European infrastructures involving comprehensive cancer centres (CCCs) and CCC‐like entities will provide researchers with access to the required critical mass of patients, biological materials and technological resources and can bridge research with healthcare systems. Here, we prioritize research areas to ensure a balanced research portfolio and provide recommendations for achieving key targets. Meeting these targets will require harmonization of EU and national priorities and policies, improved research coordination at the national, regional and EU level and increasingly efficient and flexible funding mechanisms. Long‐term support by the EU and commitment of Member States to specialized schemes are also needed for the establishment and sustainability of trans‐border infrastructures and networks. In addition to effectively engaging policymakers, all relevant stakeholders within the entire continuum should consensually inform policy through evidence‐based advice.
Methods of Nitriles Synthesis from Amines through Oxidative Dehydrogenation
Authors: Patil Rajendra D. , Gupta Maneesh Kumar
Published: August 2020

In recent years, oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of amines has proven to be an efficient, clean and fundamental route for the synthesis of nitriles. This review focuses on the different types of reactions for the oxidation of amines to nitriles such as transition metal‐catalysis, photoactivation, acceptorless dehydrogenation, nitroxyl radical‐mediated, and N,O‐doped mesoporous carbon. Emphasis is placed on the ODH of amines to the corresponding nitriles using ruthenium catalysts. Metal free systems utilizing iodine, TEMPO and its derivatives, TCCA with or without additives are also discussed. The ODH of amines using N,O‐doped mesoporous carbon is elaborated. Attention is also given to major improvements, achievements, and challenges that still remain in the field of nitrile synthesis from amines.

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Fluorination and Fluoroalkylation Reactions Mediated by Hypervalent Iodine Reagents
Authors: Han Zhou‐Zhou , Zhang Cheng‐Pan
Published: August 2020

This review summarizes the progress in the fluorination and fluoroalkylation of electron‐rich systems with diverse fluorine (F) and fluoroalkyl (Rfn) reagents employing hypervalent iodine compounds as initiators in the last few decades. Because of the strong electrophilicity, high oxidizing properties, low toxicity, air and moisture stability, ready availability, ease of handling, and mild reaction conditions, the hypervalent iodine reagents have been widely utilized in modern organic chemistry. In particular, the use of hypervalent iodine reagents to initiate the C−F and C−Rfn (Rfn=CF2H, CF3, perfluoroalkyl, OCH2CF3, SCF3, SeCF3 and etc) bond formation has been increasingly developed. In these reactions, hypervalent iodine compounds behave as powerful oxidants or electrophiles and activate the fluorination/fluoroalkylation reagents, the transition‐metal catalysts, or the substrates to in situ form electrophilic or radical intermediates, which subsequently participate in fluorination, difluoromethylation, trifluoromethylation, perfluoroalkylation, trifluoroethoxylation, fluoroalkylthiolation, trifluoromethylselenolation and others under mild conditions. Although great achievements have been made in this area, they are just the initial phase and still require a wide scope for improvement. It is anticipated that this review will draw much attention from the organic chemistry community and inspire more contributions in the development of new hypervalent‐iodine‐mediated fluorination and fluoroalkylation reactions.

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An Approach to α‐ and β‐Amino Peroxides via Lewis Acid Catalyzed Ring Opening‐Peroxidation of Donor‐Acceptor Aziridines andN‐Activated Aziridines
Authors: Singh Kuldeep , Kumar Pramod , Jagadeesh Chenna , Patel Manveer , Das Dinabandhu , Saha Jaideep
Published: August 2020

Site‐selective ring‐opening process of two different aziridine classes with hydroperoxide is described herein that provides access to various α‐ and β‐amino and α‐(imino)‐peroxy compounds. This strain‐release‐driven peroxide addition to aziridines represents an alternative approach for entries to biologically significant heteroatom substituted organic peroxides and complements existing methods in the field. The peroxide products obtained by this method displayed a different reactivity during peroxide‐specific rearrangement processes promoted by either acid or base. Mechanistic studies and useful synthetic elaboration of the products have also been presented.

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Corn and hardwood biochars affected soil microbial community and enzyme activities
Authors: Pérez‐Guzmán Lumarie , Lower Brian H. , Dick Richard P.
Published: August 2020

Biochar has gained interest as a soil amendment to improve soil quality and as means to help mitigate climate change. With the recent focus given to the soil as a living system and the essential functions it provides, knowledge of different effects of biochar on the microbial community is critical. A laboratory incubation (120 d) study was conducted on a Bennington silt loam (fine, illitic, mesic Aeric Epiaqualf) amended with corn (Zea maysL.) and hardwood biochars produced under slow pyrolysis. Biochars were analyzed for their chemical and physical properties and were added to the soil on a C content basis without exceeding 2.5% w/w. Microbial community abundance and composition were evaluated by phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) analysis, and potential enzyme activities by β‐glucosidase, and fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolysis. There were no significant differences in the abundance of saprophytic fungi or bacteria in samples incubated with biochars when compared to the control. However, soils incubated with corn biochar had significantly (P < .05) higher abundance of Actinobacteria markers than hardwood biochar. The FDA hydrolysis did not show significant differences between soils incubated with biochar when compared with the control. Conversely, the β‐glucosidase activity was significantly higher (P < .05) in soils incubated with either biochar than in control. Since biochar can influence changes in microbial community composition and enzyme activity it may influence cellulose degradation and soil organic matter dynamics in the agricultural soil evaluated.
Autoimmune enteropathy in adults
Authors: Shihaz Ambalathu Veettil Hussain , Paul Jayanta
Published: August 2020

Autoimmune enteropathy (AIE) is one of the differential diagnoses of chronic intractable diarrhea, malnutrition, and weight loss. This mixed‐type diarrhea with protein‐losing enteropathy usually involves the small intestine but gastric and colonic involvements are not rare. Small intestinal biopsy is characterized by villous atrophy of variable severity, crypt hyperplasia, and infiltration of mononuclear cell. It is usually diagnosed by presence of clinical features, circulating auto antibodies against enterocytes, presence of histological characters and executions of other causes of villous atrophy. Majority of AIE patients respond to corticosteroid therapy but patients who are not responding to steroid, treated by immunomodulators. We are trying to give an overall idea on AIE in this review article.
Management of gastrointestinal subepithelial tumors with endoscopic resection
Authors: Chou Chu‐Kuang , Liao Kai‐Sheng , Chen Chi‐Yi , Lin I‐Li , Tsai Kun‐Feng
Published: August 2020

The diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal subepithelial tumors (GI SETs) have been under debate because of the low biopsy yield rate and risk of surgery. Owing to the advancement in endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER), GI SETs may be resected under acceptable risk, and the nature of GI SETs can be studied. However, the efficacy of endoscopic resection in the diagnosis and management of GI SETs remains unclear. We present our single‐hospital experience of resecting GI SETs with ESD and STER to explore the efficacy of this technique and the nature of GI SETs. Thirty‐nine patients with GI SETs who underwent ESD and STER were analyzed retrospectively. Patients' clinical data, procedure parameters, pathologic diagnosis, and outcomes were collected and analyzed. Thirty‐nine GI SETs were resected, 36 by ESD, and 3 by STER. Thirty‐eight (97.4%) tumors were from the submucosal layer and one from the muscular layer. Fifteen, 13, and 11 tumors were located in the esophagus, stomach, and colon, respectively. The mean tumor size was 16.8 ± 1.3 mm. In the esophagus, leiomyomas were the most common diagnosis, followed by the lymphoepithelial cyst, epithelial hyperplasia, focal lymphoid hyperplasia, and dilated submucosal gland. The esophageal tumor from the muscularis propria was GI stromal tumor (GIST). In the stomach, 53.8% of the submucosal tumors were ectopic pancreas, followed by lipoma, calcifying fibrous tumor, GIST, submucosal inflammation, and angiodysplasia with focal ulcers. The submucosal tumors in the colon were diagnosed as neuroendocrine tumors (NETs, n = 5), lipomas (n = 4), leiomyoma (n = 1), and foreign body‐related granuloma (n = 1). Seven (17.9%) of all tumors were NETs and GISTs with malignant potential. All cases were resected completely. The overall procedural time was 37.9 ± 4.6 minutes. Severe fibrosis was more likely encountered in the stomach with a rate of 46.1%, with the gastric ectopic pancreas having a 71.4% severe fibrosis rate. Only 13 patients completed follow‐up endoscopic ultrasound or endoscopy within 1 year after ESD and STER, and no recurrence was noted. There were no major complications, and none of the patients required admission to the intensive care unit or surgery. Three perforations were encountered during STER, which were smoothly managed with hemoclips without surgery. ESD and STER can be an effective modality for the diagnosis and management of GI SETs in a selected group of patients. Most of the lesions are benign, whereas some have malignant potential. More studies on the nature of GI SETs are required to justify the indications of endoscopic resection.
Tetra‐benzothiadiazole‐based [12]Cycloparaphenylene with Bright Emission and Its Supramolecular Assembly
Authors: Qiu Zhen‐Lin , Tang Chun , Wang Xin‐Rong , Ju Yang‐Yang , Chu Ke‐Shan , Deng Ze‐Ying , Hou Hao , Liu Yu‐Min , Tan Yuan‐Zhi
Published: August 2020

The radial conjugated π‐system of cycloparaphenylenes (CPPs) makes them intriguing fluorophores and unique supramolecular hosts. However, the bright photoluminescence (PL) of CPPs was limited to the blue light and the supramolecular assembly behavior of large CPPs was rarely investigated. Here we present the synthesis of tetra‐benzothiadiazole‐based [12]cycloparaphenylene (TB[12]CPP), which exhibits a lime to orange PL with an excellent quantum yield up to 82 % in solution. The PL quantum yield of TB[12]CPP can be further improved to 98 % in polymer matrix. Benefiting from its enlarged size, TB[12]CPP can accommodate a fullerene derivative or concave–convex complexes of fullerene and buckybowl through the combined π–π and C−H⋅⋅⋅π interactions. The latter demonstrates the first case of a ternary supramolecule of CPPs.
Intermolecular Alkene Difunctionalization via Gold‐Catalyzed Oxyarylation
Authors: Zhang Shuyao , Wang Chenhuan , Ye Xiaohan , Shi Xiaodong
Published: August 2020

The gold‐catalyzed intermolecular oxyarylation of alkenes is reported. This work employed the oxidative addition of aryl iodides to Me−DalphosAu+ for the formation of a AuIII−Ar intermediate. The better binding ability of alkenes over O nucleophiles ensured the success of intermolecular oxyarylation, giving desired products with a broad substrate scope and high efficiency (>50 examples with up to 95 % yield). One‐pot converting of methoxy groups into other nucleophiles allowed achieving alkene difunctionalization with the construction of C−N, C−S, and C−C bonds under mild conditions.
Preparation of tetrafluoro‐λ6‐sulfanyl bridged‐bonding perfluoroalkyl styrene and its emulsion copolymerization with acrylate monomers for cotton fabrics finishing
Authors: Liu Kexin , Chen Lei , Li Zhanxiong
Published: August 2020

4‐(Perfluorobutyl)styrene, 4‐(Perfluorohexyl)styrene, 4‐[Perfluorobutyl(tetrafluoro‐λ6‐sulfanyl)]styrene (C4F9SF4styrene), and 4‐[Perfluorohexyl(tetrafluoro‐λ6‐sulfanyl)]styrene (C6F13SF4styrene) were prepared in two or three steps. The short‐chain perfluoroalkyl groups are modified through the insertion of tetrafluoro‐λ6‐sulfanyl linked groups (SF4). The prepared perfluoroalkyl styrene acts as functional monomers to react with butyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, and hydroxyethyl methacrylate for emulsion copolymerization to obtain side‐chain fluoropolymers. The long‐chain fluoropolymer formed in contrast to the tetrafluorosulfanyl (SF4) modified ones. The emulsions were applied on cotton fabrics to give hydrophobicity. The result showed that the fabrics treated with tetrafluorosulfanyl‐modified fluoropolymers were more hydrophobic, indicating that the introduction of SF4 was beneficial to provide lower surface energy and obtain better water repellent performance. The water contact angles record the varying degrees of variation in polymer degradation under UV exposure. The result showed that, as the perfluoroalkyl is bonded by SF4, when comparing with the carbon‐chain perfluoroalkyl polymer, the tetrafluorosulfanyl‐modified fluoropolymer is more degradable during UV irradiation.
Photodegradation of polybenzimidazole/polyvinyl chloride composites and polybenzimidazole: Density functional theory and experimental study
Authors: Jin Dandan , Khanal Santosh , Zhang Chao , Xu Shiai
Published: August 2020

In this study, density functional theory (DFT) and experimental study were conducted to investigate the photodegradation of PVC composites. The results indicate that chain crosslinking, chain scission, dehydrochlorination, and photooxidation are suppressed, while the tensile strength retention of PVC composite reaches a maximum with the incorporation of polybenzimidazole (PBI) and polyacrylic acid modified carbon black. The allyl group can obviously reduce Gibb's free energy (∆G) of PVC in attack by triplet state oxygen (3O2), and photooxidation of PVC is accelerated in the presence of PBI due to the photogeneration of singlet state oxygen (1O2). Photodegradation of PBI was also studied by UV–vis spectroscopy and matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectroscopy, while the possible photodegradation pathways of PBI were proposed. The disappearance of UV‐absorption of PBI in PVC matrix after 600 h UV‐weathering is probably related to the byproducts and molecular properties.
Synthesis and characterization of UV‐curable nanocellulose/ZnO/AlN acrylic flexible films: Thermal, dynamic mechanical and piezoelectric response
Authors: Signore Maria Assunta , De Pascali Chiara , Duraccio Donatella , Malucelli Giulio , Fioravanti Ambra , Melissano Enrico , Martucci Maria Concetta , Masieri Maurizio , Siciliano Pietro , Francioso Luca
Published: August 2020

This work is aimed at fabricating nanocomposites based on zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures and nanocellulose dispersed in a UV‐cured acrylic matrix (EC) for application as functional coatings for self‐powered applications. Morphological, thermal, and dynamic mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were characterized by X‐Ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. The piezoelectric behavior was evaluated in terms of root mean square (RMS) open circuit voltage, at different accelerations applied to cantilever beams. The generated voltage was correlated with ZnO nanostructures morphology, aluminum nitride film integration on the beam and proof mass insertion at the tip. Nitride layer increased the RMS voltage from 1 to 2.4 mV up to 3.9 mV (using ZnO nanoflowers). As confirmed by XRD analyses, the incorporation of ZnO nanostructures into the acrylic matrix favored an ordered structural arrangement of the deposited AlN layer, hence improving the piezoelectric response of the resulting nanocomposites. With proof mass insertion, the output voltage was further increased, reaching 4.5 mV for the AlN‐coated system containing ZnO nanoflowers.
A Snapshot of Water and Sewer Affordability in the United States, 2019
Authors: Teodoro Manuel P. , Saywitz Robin Rose
Published: August 2020

Key Takeaways

In 2019, US utilities on average charged the equivalent of 10.1 hours’ labor at minimum wage for basic monthly water and sewer service for a four‐person household.

Basic water and sewer service cost an average of 12.4% of disposable income for a four‐person household at the 20th percentile income.

US water and sewer service on average became less affordable over the past two years, varying by region and utility ownership, driven by increasing water and nonwater prices.
Breitband‐Schallabsorber für Räume mit besonderen Akustik‐Anforderungen
Authors: Fuchs Helmut V. , Alexander Bradley , Weinzierl Stefan
Published: August 2020

Mit ehrendem Gedenken an Prof. Dr.‐Ing. Wolfgang Fasold geschrieben

Für Räume, die eine mühelose und ungestörte Sprachkommunikation ermöglichen sollen, gelten erhöhte akustische Anforderungen. Als besondere Herausforderung hat sich hierbei eine Dämpfung der tieffrequenten Schallanteile erwiesen. Hierfür geeignete, genügend breitbandig wirksame Absorber wie Verbundplatten‐Resonatoren belegen jedoch eine große Wand‐ oder Deckenfläche und sind für viele Anwendungen zu sperrig und teuer. Das hier vorgestellte, neuartige Modul, das allseitig stabil von einem nur teilweise perforierten Metallgehäuse umschlossen ist, weist demgegenüber nicht nur eine höhere Wirksamkeit auf, sondern eignet sich aufgrund seiner modularen Bauweise und geringer Herstellungskosten für eine Vielzahl von Raumtypen, auch für eine Nachrüstung bei laufendem Betrieb. Messwerte aus dem Hallraum und von ersten raumakustischen Sanierungen bestätigen die theoretischen Erwartungen und stellen eine praktikable Lösung für ein allgegenwärtiges Problem der Bauphysik in Aussicht.
Association between serum NPTX2 and cognitive function in patients with vascular dementia
Authors: Shao Keke , Shan Shiqin , Ru Wenwen , Ma Cuihua
Published: August 2020

Objective

Neuronal Pentraxin 2 (NPTX2) has recently been widely reported as a novel biomarker for Alzheimer's disease (AD), but its correlation with vascular dementia (VaD) has not been elucidated. This study aimed to explore the correlation between NPTX2 and the cognitive function of VaD patients.

Methods

112 VaD patients and 76 healthy controls were included in the study. Upon admission, clinical baseline data for all subjects were collected. Serum NPTX2 levels were determined using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). At the same time, the Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) scale was used to measure cognitive function. Multivariate regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between serum NPTX2 level and the cognitive function of VaD patients.

Results

Compared with healthy controls, VaD patients had lower serum NPTX2 levels (p < .001). The results of Spearman's correlation analysis showed that serum NPTX2 levels in VaD patients were positively correlated with MoCA scores (r = .347, p = .042). The results of multivariate regression analysis showed that after adjusting for common risk factors, serum NPTX2 levels in VaD patients were still significantly associated with MoCA scores (β = 0.346, p = .039).

Conclusions

Serum NPTX2 level was independently associated with cognitive function in patients with VaD. Serum NPTX2 level may be a novel predictor for cognitive function in VaD.
The pathway toward pollution mitigation: Does institutional quality make a difference?
Authors: Danish  , Ulucak Recep
Published: August 2020

Institutions in a country ensure sustainability and play a significant role in economic development by encouraging best practices in governmental interventions. A strong and transparent institutional framework opposes corruption and improves the management of public finances, which may also yield desired outcomes for the environment and society. However, the role of institutions in environmental issues is still under‐investigated in the literature. This study aims to investigate the relationship between renewable energy consumption, institutional quality, economic performance, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in 18 Asia‐Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) countries for the period 1992–2015. To this end, robust panel data estimation techniques are employed. The study confirms that a cointegration relationship exists among study variables. Evidence from the empirical results reveals that institutions have beneficial environmental effects. Likewise, renewable energy reduces carbon emissions to mitigate climate change, but nonrenewable energy harms the environment. Institutional quality helps to form the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis in APEC countries. Finally, causality analysis refers to the unidirectional causality running from institutional quality to CO2 emissions. Results reveal that stronger institutional arrangements in APEC countries could be the solution for implementations of effective environmental regulation to combat rising environmental challenges without sacrificing higher economic growth.
Generation of FX−/− and Gmds−/−CHOZN host cell lines for the production of afucosylated therapeutic antibodies
Authors: Liu Weiyi , Padmashali Roshan , Monzon Omar Quintero , Lundberg Dianna , Jin Shan , Dwyer Brian , Lee Yun‐Jung , Korde Anisha , Park Sophia , Pan Clark , Zhang Bohong
Published: August 2020

Antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) is the primary mechanism of actions for several marketed therapeutic antibodies (mAbs) and for many more in clinical trials. The ADCC efficacy is highly dependent on the ability of therapeutic mAbs to recruit effector cells such as natural killer cells, which induce the apoptosis of targeted cells. The recruitment of effector cells by mAbs is negatively affected by fucose modification of N‐Glycans on the Fc; thus, utilization of afucosylated mAbs has been a trend for enhanced ADCC therapeutics. Most of afucosylated mAbs in clinical or commercial manufacturing were produced from Fut8−/− Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO) host cells, generally generating low yields compared to wildtype CHO host. This study details the generation and characterization of two engineered CHOZN® cell lines, in which the enzyme involved in guanosine diphosphate (GDP)‐fucose synthesis, GDP mannose‐4,6‐dehydratase (Gmds) and GDP‐L‐fucose synthase (FX), was knocked out. The top host cell lines for each of the knockouts, FX−/− and Gmds−/−, were selected based on growth robustness, bulk MSX selection tolerance, production titer, fucosylation level, and cell stability. We tested the production of two proprietary IgG1 mAbs in the engineered host cells, and found that the titers were comparable to CHOZN® cells. The mAbs generated from either KO cell line exhibited loss of fucose modification, leading to significantly boosted FcγRIIIa binding and ADCC effects. Our data demonstrated that both FX−/− and Gmds−/− host cells could replace Fut8−/− CHO cells for clinical manufacturing of antibody therapeutics.
Efficacy of surgery and chemotherapy for stage IV small bowel adenocarcinoma: A population‐based analysis using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result Program database
Authors: Liu Tongtong , Wu Yunlong , Jiang Tao
Published: August 2020

Background

The role of surgery and chemotherapy for stage IV small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA) is still confused. The results from previous analyses have been limited by small sample sizes and different treatment regimens.

Methods

Patients with stage IV SBA were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result Program (SEER) database. Cause‐specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated with Kaplan‐Meier methods and log‐rank test. Multiple logistic and Cox regression identified covariates associated with treatment options and survival.

Results

1219 eligible patients were involved in this study. The median age was 67 (range, 20‐95) with 655 (53.7%) males and 564 (46.3%) females. Age and primary tumor site were significantly associated with surgery performance, age was also significantly associated with chemotherapy (P < .01). To reduce bias, further six subgroups were divided by age (≤65 and >65) and primary tumor site (duodenum, jejunum and ileum). Chemotherapy and surgery conferred a benefit on survival of the whole cohort (the median CSS of different treatment groups were 17, 9, 4, and 1 month respectively, P < .001) and most subgroups (83.3%, 5/6). In multivariate analysis, surgery (P = .006), and chemotherapy (P = .038) are still independent factors of favorable CSS and OS. For patients with surgery (n = 362), radical surgery was not associated with better survival.

Conclusion

For stage IV SBA patients, the present study showed that age and primary tumor site were significantly associated with treatment preference. Surgery and chemotherapy were consistently correlated with favorable survival for the whole cohort or most specific subgroups. However, compared with palliative surgery, significant association was not found in patients with radical surgery with better outcome. More prospective well‐defined cohorts would add knowledge for this rare disease.
Cardiovascular disease, risk factors, and health behaviors among cancer survivors and spouses: A MEPS Study
Authors: Song Lixin , Guan Ting , Guo Peiran , Song Fengyu , Van Houtven Courtney , Tan Xianming , Keyserling Thomas C.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalences of CVD, CVD risk factors. and health behaviors among cancer survivor‐spouse dyads, assess how these prevalences differ by role (survivor vs spouse) and gender, and report congruences in health behaviors between survivors and their spouses.

Methods

We identified 1026 survivor‐spouse dyads from the 2010‐2015 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. We used weighted multivariable logistic and linear regressions to analyze the data related to CVD, CVD risk factors, and health behaviors.

Results

Survivors and spouses reported high prevalences of CVD and CVD risk factors but low engagement in healthy behaviors, including non‐smoking, physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight (proxy for healthy diet). Gender and role differences were significantly related to the prevalence of CVD, CVD risk factors, and health behaviors among survivors and spouses. From 39% to 88% of survivors and spouses were congruent in their current smoking status, physical activity engagement/disengagement, and BMI.

Conclusion

Cancer survivors and spouses have high rates of CVD and CVD risk factors and poor engagement in healthful lifestyle behaviors. A high proportion of survivors and spouses were congruent in their current smoking status, physical activity engagement/disengagement, and BMI. Effective lifestyle interventions are needed for this high‐risk population. Couple‐focused interventions may be well‐suited for these dyads and warrant further study.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Both cancer survivors and their spouses need to be non‐moking, more physically active, and maintain normal BMI in order to reduce their high risk of CVD and CVD risk factors.
Off‐label prescribing of targeted anticancer therapy at a large pediatric cancer center
Authors: Lim Mir , Shulman David S. , Roberts Holly , Li Anran , Clymer Jessica , Bona Kira , Al‐Sayegh Hasan , Ma Clement , DuBois Steven G.
Published: August 2020

Background

Off‐label drug prescribing is common in pediatric clinical medicine, though the extent and impact of this practice in pediatric oncology has not yet been characterized.

Methods

We completed a retrospective single‐institution cohort study evaluating prevalence, characteristics, and clinical outcomes of off‐label prescribing of 108 FDA‐approved targeted anticancer drugs in patients < 30 years old treated for cancer from 2007 to 2017. Dosing strategies were adjusted for body size and compared to FDA‐approved adult dosing regimen. A composite toxicity endpoint was defined as a patient having unplanned clinic visits, emergency department visits, or unplanned hospital admissions that were at least possibly related to the off‐label treatment.

Results

The overall prevalence of off‐label use of targeted therapies was 9.2% (n = 374 patients). The prevalence increased significantly over the study period (P < .0001). Patients treated off‐label were more likely to have neuro‐oncology diagnoses compared to patients not treated off‐label (46% vs 29%; P < .0001). Of the 108 potential agents, 38 (35%) were used by at least one patient. The median starting dose was below the FDA‐approved normalized dose for 44.4% of agents. Fifteen percent of patients had a complete response while receiving off‐label therapy, 38% experienced toxicity as defined, and 13% discontinued off‐label therapy due to toxicity.

Conclusions

In this real‐world evaluation of prescribing at a large pediatric cancer center, off‐label prescribing of FDA‐approved targeted therapies was common, increasing in prevalence, encompassed a broad sample of targeted agents, and was tolerable. Clinicians commonly start dosing below the equivalent FDA‐approved dose.
LncRNA TTN‐AS1/miR‐134‐5p/PAK3 axis regulates the radiosensitivity of human large intestine cancer cells through the P21 pathway and AKT/GSK‐3β/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Zuo Zhenkui , Ji Shuling , He Lulu , Zhang Yage , Peng Zining , Han Jiarui
Published: August 2020

Radiotherapy is an important adjuvant treatment for large intestine cancer even though it does not cause any response in many patients. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the TTN antisense RNA 1 (TTN‐AS1) long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) on radiotherapy dynamics of large intestine cancer cells and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. TTN‐AS1 expression was evaluated by reverse‐transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and cellular immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry analysis was used to measure apoptosis. Radiotherapy was simulated in vitro by exposing cancer cells to X‐ray. TTN‐AS1 was highly expressed in large intestine cancer cells after an X‐ray exposition for 24 hr. TTN‐AS1 knockdown improved the radiosensitivity of large intestine cancer cells and promoted apoptosis by increasing Bax/Bcl2 protein expression and the active‐caspase 3/caspase 3 ratios following X‐ray treatment. In addition, TTN‐AS1 negatively regulated miR‐134‐5p expression, and miR‐134‐5p‐mimic transfection decreased PAK3 protein expression in large intestine cancer cells. Importantly, TTN‐AS1 promoted PAK3 and P21 protein expression in HT29 cells after X‐ray treatment. Moreover, the knockdown of P21 protein expression improved radiosensitivity and promoted X‐ray‐induced apoptosis of HT29 cells. Finally, PAK3 knockdown expression decreased the p‐AKT/AKT and p‐GSK‐3β/GSK‐3β ratios and promoted the β‐catenin transfer from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. These data suggest that the TTN‐AS1 lncRNA promoted resistance to radiotherapy of large intestine cancer cells by increasing PAK3 expression via miR‐134‐5p inhibition, and this may be related to the P21 and AKT/GSK‐3β/β‐catenin pathway.
Endogenous enzymes of triticale used as natural sweeteners of wheat‐triticale cookies
Authors: Arizmendi‐Cotero Daniel , Bernal‐Estrada Miguel A. , Dominguez‐Lopez Aurelio , Díaz‐Ramírez Mayra , Ponce‐García Nestor , Villanueva‐Carvajal Adriana
Published: August 2020

Background and objectives

Triticale (x Triticosecale Wittmack) is a cereal grain with a reduced capacity for bread making but useful as a raw ingredient for cookies baking. Triticale has a high content of lysine, phenolic compounds, arabinoxylans, β‐glucans, and α‐amylase activity. Triticale's α‐amylase activity was promoted by submitting cookies dough to different time and temperature resting conditions in order to enhance the sweetness of cookies.

Findings

The level of glucose‐based carbohydrates increased with temperature, but time showed a significantly higher contribution to this variable. Texture showed significant changes in cookies dough, but fracture force showed a non‐significant difference in cookies. Sensory panelists preferred cookies obtained from the dough kept at 65°C for 25 min.

Conclusions

Sweetness in wheat/triticale cookies increased after a time/temperature in situ enzymatic process using endogenous enzymes, maintaining some texture and sensory properties that can be predicted using the model used.

Significance and novelty

The manuscript shows the possibility of using triticale flour as a source of endogenous enzymes to increase the sweetness of wheat/triticale cookies when the dough is subjected to previous treatment of dough resting, combining time/temperature conditions.
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma mimicking a liver abscess
Authors: Yacoub Haythem , Hassine Hajer , Boukriba Seif , Haouet Slim , Ayari Asma , Kchir Hela , Maamouri Nadia
Published: August 2020

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma masquerading as liver abscess, and presenting with fever, is a very rare situation and should be considered in nonresolving liver abscess. Only few cases were reported in the literature. This entity is characterized by late diagnosis and poor prognosis.
Effects of metal promoters in bimetallic catalysts in hydrogenolysis of lignin derivatives into value‐added chemicals
Authors: Li Tingting , Ji Na , Jia Zhichao , Diao Xinyong , Wang Zhenjiao , Liu Qingling , Song Chunfeng , Lu Xuebin
Published: August 2020

Bimetallic catalysts have been widely employed in the lignin hydrogenolysis research, which is attributed to that the interaction between the two metals can regulate the catalyst surface properties, thus improving the catalytic performance. The metal promoters can change the adsorption strength and orientation between the catalyst surface and the substrates, the active sites dispersion and the catalyst stability, so the activity, selectivity and stability of bimetallic catalysts are better than those of the corresponding monometallic catalysts in lignin hydrogenolysis. The effects between the two metals can be divided into the following four types: the electronic (ligand) effect, synergistic effect, stabilizing effect and geometric (ensemble) effect. Herein, these four different effects between the two metals and the reaction mechanisms over different bimetallic catalysts in lignin hydrogenolysis are discussed in this minireview, aiming to point out the challenges and further perspectives in the design of efficient bimetallic catalysts.
Patterns of cancer family history and genetic counseling eligibility among African Americans with breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers: A Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors cohort study
Authors: Purrington Kristen S. , Schwartz Ann G. , Ruterbusch Julie J. , Manning Mark A. , Nair Mrudula , Wenzlaff Angela S. , Pandolfi Stephanie S. , Simon Michael S. , Beebe‐Dimmer Jennifer
Published: August 2020

Background

Family history (FH) remains one of the strongest risk factors for many common cancers and is used to determine cancer genetic counseling (CGC) eligibility, but the understanding of familial cancer patterns in African Americans is limited.

Methods

This study evaluated cancer FH among African Americans with invasive breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, or colorectal cancer (CRC) in the Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors (ROCS) cohort. Associations between participant cancer type, site‐specific FH, and meeting national guidelines for CGC were evaluated via logistic regression. Cancer FH patterns were evaluating via hierarchical clustering.

Results

Among 1500 ROCS participants, 71% reported at least 1 first‐degree relative or grandparent with cancer. FHs of breast cancer, CRC, lung cancer, and prostate cancer were most common among participants with the same diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] for breast cancer, 1.14; P < .001; OR for CRC, 1.08; P = .003; OR for lung cancer, 1.09; P = .008; OR for prostate cancer, 1.14; P < .001). Nearly half of the participants (47%) met national CGC guidelines, and 24.4% of these participants met CGC criteria on the basis of their cancer FH alone. FH was particularly important in determining CGC eligibility for participants with prostate cancer versus breast cancer (OR for FH vs personal history alone, 2.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.94‐4.35; P < .001). In clustering analyses, breast and prostate cancer FH–defined clusters were common across all participants. Clustering of CRC and breast cancer FHs was also observed.

Conclusions

ROCS participants reported high rates of cancer FH. The high rate of eligibility for CGC among ROCS participants supports the need for interventions to increase referrals and uptake of CGC among African Americans.
Integrated Mechanistic Model of Minimal Residual Disease Kinetics With Venetoclax Therapy in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Sathej , Wierda William , Chyla Brenda , Menon Rajeev , Miles Dale , Humerickhouse Rod , Awni Walid , Salem Ahmed Hamed , Mensing Sven , Freise Kevin J.
Published: August 2020

Minimal residual disease (MRD) is an important emerging clinical end point in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The objective of this research was to develop an integrated mechanistic model to evaluate the impact of venetoclax‐rituximab combination therapy on MRD kinetics. Using data from 435 patients with relapsed or refractory CLL, an integrated model was developed and validated that accounted for venetoclax dosing and pharmacokinetics, rituximab treatment, absolute lymphocyte count, and blood and bone marrow (BM) MRD data. Simulations of venetoclax‐rituximab (six cycles) combination predicted the proportion (90% confidence interval) of patients with BM MRD below 10−4 to be 57% (54–61%) and 63% (59–67%) at 12 and 24 months of treatment, respectively. Continued venetoclax treatment to 48 months only increased the predicted rate of negative BM MRD to 66% (63–70%). These results indicate that treatment with venetoclax‐rituximab combination for a finite 2‐year period would nearly maximize the rate of negative BM MRD (< 10−4). Preliminary clinical data agree with these predictions and more long‐term follow‐up data are awaited to confirm the same.
Do CSR activities increase organizational citizenship behavior among employees? Mediating role of affective commitment and job satisfaction
Authors: Khaskheli Asadullah , Jiang Yushi , Raza Syed A. , Qureshi Muhammad A. , Khan Komal A. , Salam Javeria
Published: August 2020

When employees do work by “going beyond” or by “giving their all.” They look at their job as more than just a paycheck and eager to do all they can to make their work environment more effective, though such actions are not associated with their job descriptions. Such behaviors are sometimes because of the personality of an individual, but sometimes organizations boost such behaviors by providing a peaceful environment. Thus, this research is conducted to examine the effects of employees' corporate social responsibility perception on their affective commitment, job satisfaction, considering both intrinsic and extrinsic, and organizational citizenship behavior. The survey was conducted to test the variables from employees' perspectives in the organizations of Pakistan. The findings reveal that employees' CSR perception has a positive and significant association with organizational citizenship behavior. Moreover, employees' CSR perception depicts similar results, that is, positive and significant with affective commitment and intrinsic job satisfaction, but there is a negative association with extrinsic job satisfaction. Furthermore, findings reveal that affective commitment and intrinsic job satisfaction portray a positive and significant association with organizational citizenship behavior. In contrast, extrinsic job satisfaction has a negative relationship with organizational citizenship behavior. Lastly, mediation analyses depict that all variables, that is, affective commitment, intrinsic, and extrinsic job satisfaction partially mediates the association between employees' CSR perception and organizational citizenship behavior.
Molecular Oxygen Lignin Depolymerization: An Insight into the Stability of Phenolic Monomers
Authors: Mathieu Yannick , Vidal Juan D. , Arribas Martínez Lourdes , Abad Fernández Nerea , Iborra Sara , Corma Avelino
Published: August 2020

During oxidative depolymerization of lignin in aqueous alkaline medium using molecular oxygen as oxidant, the highly functionalized primary phenolic monomers are not stable products, owing to various not fully identified secondary reaction mechanisms. However, better understanding of the mechanisms responsible for the instability of the main part of the products of interest derived from lignin is of much interest. Evaluation of their individual reactivities under oxidative conditions should significantly help to find a better way to valorize the lignin polymer and to maximize the yields of target value‐added products. Consequently, the main objective of this study is to assess the individual stabilities of some selected lignin‐based phenolic compounds, such as vanillin, vanillic acid, and acetovanillone, together with some other pure chemical compounds such as phenol and anisole to give an insight into the mechanisms responsible for the simultaneous formation and repolymerization of those products and the influence of the oxidation conditions. Various complementary strategies of stabilization are proposed, discussed, and applied for the oxidative depolymerization reactions of a technical lignin extracted from pinewood with a high content of β‐O‐4 interconnecting bonds to try to obtain enhanced yields of value‐added products.
Emerging Strategies for Modifying Lignin Chemistry to Enhance Biological Lignin Valorization
Authors: Zhao Zhi‐Min , Liu Zhi‐Hua , Pu Yunqiao , Meng Xianzhi , Xu Jifei , Yuan Joshua S. , Ragauskas Arthur J.
Published: August 2020

Biological lignin valorization represents a promising approach contributing to sustainable and economic biorefineries. The low level of valuable lignin‐derived products remains a major challenge hindering the implementation of microbial lignin conversion. Lignin's properties play a significant role in determining the efficiency of lignin bioconversion. To date, despite significant progress in the development of biomass pretreatment, lignin fractionation, and fermentation over the last few decades, little efforts have gone into identifying the ideal lignin substrates for an efficient microbial metabolism. In this Minireview, emerging and state‐of‐the‐art strategies for biomass pretreatment and lignin fractionation are summarized to elaborate their roles in modifying lignin structure for bioconversion. Fermentation strategies aimed at enhancing lignin depolymerization for microbial utilization are systematically reviewed as well. With an improved understanding of the ideal lignin structure elucidated by comprehensive metabolic pathways and/or big data analysis, modifying lignin chemistry could be more directional and effective. Ultimately, together with the progress of fermentation process optimization, biological lignin valorization will become more competitive in biorefineries.