bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differentially expressed genes and key molecules of BRCA1/2-mutant breast cancer: evidence from bioinformatics analyses
Authors: Li Yue , Zhou Xiaoyan , Liu Jiali , Yin Yang , Yuan Xiaohong , Yang Ruihua , Wang Qi , Ji Jing , He Qian
Published: January 2020

Background

BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are currently proven to be closely related to high lifetime risks of breast cancer. To date, the closely related genes to BRCA1/2 mutations in breast cancer remains to be fully elucidated. This study aims to identify the gene expression profiles and interaction networks influenced by BRCA1/2 mutations, so as to reflect underlying disease mechanisms and provide new biomarkers for breast cancer diagnosis or prognosis.

Methods

Gene expression profiles from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were downloaded and combined with cBioPortal website to identify exact breast cancer patients with BRCA1/2 mutations. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to analyze some enriched pathways and biological processes associated BRCA mutations. For BRCA1/2-mutant breast cancer, wild-type breast cancer and corresponding normal tissues, three independent differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis were performed to validate potential hub genes with each other. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks, survival analysis and diagnostic value assessment helped identify key genes associated with BRCA1/2 mutations.

Results

The regulation process of cell cycle was significantly enriched in mutant group compared with wild-type group. A total of 294 genes were identified after analysis of DEGs between mutant patients and wild-type patients. Interestingly, by the other two comparisons, we identified 43 overlapping genes that not only significantly expressed in wild-type breast cancer patients relative to normal tissues, but more significantly expressed in BRCA1/2-mutant breast patients. Based on the STRING database and cytoscape software, we constructed a PPI network using 294 DEGs. Through topological analysis scores of the PPI network and 43 overlapping genes, we sought to select some genes, thereby using survival analysis and diagnostic value assessment to identify key genes pertaining to BRCA1/2-mutant breast cancer. CCNE1, NPBWR1, A2ML1, EXO1 and TTK displayed good prognostic/diagnostic value for breast cancer and BRCA1/2-mutant breast cancer.

Conclusion

Our research provides comprehensive and new insights for the identification of biomarkers connected with BRCA mutations, availing diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and BRCA1/2-mutant breast cancer patients.
Optimization of Conditions for Callus Induction from BC2F1 Population (Ranbir Basmati x PAU148) through Anther Culture
Authors: Sharma Mridhu , K. Singh A. , K. Salgotra R. , Sharma Manmohan , Ku. Sharma Bupesh , K. Gupta S. , Sharma Vikas
Published: January 2020

With different culture conditions and concentrations of growth regulators and supplements, Anther culture technique can be easily employed for the production of haploids under in vitro conditions.

Aims: The present study was undertaken with the objective to optimize the development of doubled haploids using anthers for in vitro induction of callus on N6 medium.

Place and Duration of Study: The samples (BC2F1 seeds) were raised previously in Skuast-J. From total degree program of 3 years, this work related to tissue culture technique was done in one year from January 2018 to January 2019.

Methodology: The effect of levels of 2, 4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2, 4-D) i.e. 0 to 3 mg/L in basal N6 media was observed on callus induction frequency (CIF). The effect of duration of cold pre-treatment was observed on callus induction frequency at 2.5 mg/L of 2, 4-D by giving the cold pre-treatment at 4ºC from 8 to 12 days. Also the effect of different amino acids was checked on callus induction frequency.

Results: Highest callus induction frequency of 9.39 per cent was observed in N6 medium fortified with 2.5 mg/L 2, 4-D and lowest callus induction frequency of 2.52 per cent at the concentration of 1.0 mg/L. The cold pre-treatment for 10 days gave highest callus induction frequency of 1.44 per cent and lowest callus induction frequency of 0.44 per cent was obtained at cold pre treatment for 8 days. The highest callus induction frequency of 12.55 per cent was observed in case of media supplemented with 25 mg/L tryptophan and 40 mg/L cysteine and lowest callus induction frequency of 7.18 per cent was observed when media was supplemented with 560 mg/L proline.

Conclusion: The cold pre-treatment of 10 days at 4ºC on media supplemented with 2.5 mg/L of 2, 4-D and combination of 25 mg/L tryptophan and 40 mg/L cysteine proves to provide best androgenesis conditions for anthers from BC2F1 population.
Elevated Anti–Citrullinated Protein Antibodies Prior to Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis and Risks for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or Asthma
Authors: Zaccardelli Alessandra , Liu Xinyi , Ford Julia A. , Cui Jing , Lu Bing , Chu Su H. , Schur Peter H. , Speyer Cameron B. , Costenbader Karen H. , Robinson William H. , Sokolove Jeremy , Karlson Elizabeth W. , Camargo Carlos A. , Sparks Jeffrey A.
Published: January 2020

Objective

To investigate elevation of anti–citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) before diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and risks for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma.

Methods

We performed a matched cohort study nested within the Nurses’ Health Studies among women who donated blood. Women with incident RA after blood draw (self‐reported, then confirmed by medical records) were each matched to 3 controls by age, cohort, year, and menopausal factors. Pre‐RA ACPA positivity was defined as >99th percentile of control distribution by a research assay or by cyclic citrullinated peptide in a subset. Incident COPD and asthma after index date (date of blood draw) were identified by questionnaires. Cox regression estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for incident COPD or asthma (in separate analyses) associated with pre‐RA, pre‐RA ACPA+, or pre‐RA ACPA– phenotypes each compared to their matched non‐RA controls.

Results

We analyzed 283 women who were pre‐RA and 842 controls; blood was donated a mean ± SD of 9.7 ± 5.8 years before RA diagnosis. Fifty‐nine women (20.8%) were pre‐RA ACPA+. There were 107 cases of incident COPD and 105 incident asthma cases during 21,489 person‐years of follow‐up. Pre‐RA ACPA+ was associated with increased COPD risk (HR 3.04 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.33–7.00]) after adjusting for covariates including smoking pack‐years. Pre‐RA ACPA+ had an HR for asthma of 1.74 (multivariable 95% CI 0.72–4.24), similar to the risk of asthma for pre‐RA ACPA– (HR 1.65 [95% CI 1.11–2.46]).

Conclusion

Women with elevated ACPA before RA diagnosis had increased risk for developing COPD compared to controls. Women who later developed RA were more likely to develop asthma than controls, regardless of pre‐RA ACPA status.
Contribution of Sex and Autoantibodies to Microangiopathy Assessed by Nailfold Videocapillaroscopy in Systemic Sclerosis: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: van Leeuwen Nina M. , Ciaffi Jacopo , Schoones Jan W. , Huizinga Tom W. J. , de Vries‐Bouwstra Jeska K.
Published: January 2020

Objective

Microangiopathy and dysregulation of the immune system play important roles in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Factors that trigger vascular injury in SSc have not been elucidated so far. We undertook this study to evaluate whether sex or expression of specific antinuclear autoantibodies might associate with the degree of microangiopathy through performance of a systematic review that summarizes what is known about these associations.

Methods

A standardized search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were performed to identify studies that described autoantibodies in SSc patients and microangiopathy and, for the second search, those that described sex and microangiopathy.

Results

We included 11 studies that described the relationship between SSc‐specific autoantibodies and microangiopathy and 6 studies that reported on the association between sex and microangiopathy. Contradictory results were found on the association between SSc‐specific autoantibodies and microangiopathy, and no association was found between sex and microangiopathy based on the current literature.

Conclusion

Based on this review of the literature, we can conclude that sex does not seem to influence degree of microangiopathy in SSc, while results on association between SSc‐specific autoantibodies and degree of microangiopathy were inconclusive.
Self‐Assembled/Drug‐Composed Nanomedicine for Synergistic Photonic Hyperthermia and Targeted Therapy of Breast Cancer by Inhibiting ERK, AKT, and STAT3 Signaling Cascades
Authors: He Chao , Yu Luodan , Ding Li , Chen Yu , Hao Yongqiang
Published: January 2020

Superior to chemotherapy, photonic hyperthermia and targeted therapy have made attractive impacts on cancer treatment by virtue of their profound advantages such as high specificity and minimal invasiveness, but the rational integration of corresponding therapeutic drugs for achieving concurrent photothermal ablation/targeted therapy is still challenging. Herein, a self‐assembled nanomedicine Anlotinib@IR820 is constructed with drug formulations for highly efficient and synergistic photonic hyperthermia and targeted therapy against breast cancer. Specifically, the constructed Anlotinib@IR820 nanomedicine presents high accumulation at the tumor site owing to the enhanced permeability and retention effect and simultaneously overcomes the obstacles of poor water solubility of Anlotinib (for targeted therapy) and the short lifetime of IR820 (for photonic ablation). The photothermal ablation as activated by near‐infrared laser can not only irradiate cancer cells but also promote the cellular uptake of Anlotinib, which presents a profound synergistic function both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanically, Anlotinib@IR820 nanomedicine can induce apoptosis and cause cell cycle arrest in breast cancer through inhibiting ERK, AKT, and STAT3 pathways. Therefore, the rationally designed drug‐composed Anlotinib@IR820 nanomedicine exhibits high clinical translation potential because of its therapeutic nanoformulation, which provides an alternative option for efficient combinational therapy of breast cancer.
Solution‐Processed GaSe Nanoflake‐Based Films for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting and Photoelectrochemical‐Type Photodetectors
Authors: Zappia Marilena Isabella , Bianca Gabriele , Bellani Sebastiano , Serri Michele , Najafi Leyla , Oropesa‐Nuñez Reinier , Martín‐García Beatriz , Bouša Daniel , Sedmidubský David , Pellegrini Vittorio , Sofer Zdeněk , Cupolillo Anna , Bonaccorso Francesco
Published: January 2020

Gallium selenide (GaSe) is a layered compound, which has been exploited in nonlinear optical applications and photodetectors due to its anisotropic structure and pseudodirect optical gap. Theoretical studies predict that its 2D form is a potential photocatalyst for water splitting reactions. Herein, the photoelectrochemical (PEC) characterization of GaSe nanoflakes (single‐/few‐layer flakes), produced via liquid phase exfoliation, for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in both acidic and alkaline media is reported. In 0.5 m H2SO4, the GaSe photoelectrodes display the best PEC performance, corresponding to a ratiometric power‐saved metric for HER (Φsaved,HER) of 0.09% and a ratiometric power‐saved metric for OER (Φsaved,OER) of 0.25%. When used as PEC‐type photodetectors, GaSe photoelectrodes show a responsivity of ≈0.16 A W−1 upon 455 nm illumination at a light intensity of 63.5 µW cm−2 and applied potential of −0.3 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). Stability tests of GaSe photodetectors demonstrated a durable operation over tens of cathodic linear sweep voltammetry scans in 0.5 m H2SO4 for HER. In contrast, degradation of photoelectrodes occurred in both alkaline and anodic operation due to the highly oxidizing environment and O2‐induced (photo)oxidation effects. The results provide new insight into the PEC properties of GaSe nanoflakes for their exploitation in photoelectrocatalysis, PEC‐type photodetectors, and (bio)sensors.
An Excitation Navigating Energy Migration of Lanthanide Ions in Upconversion Nanoparticles
Authors: Lei Zhendong , Ling Xiao , Mei Qingsong , Fu Shuai , Zhang Jing , Zhang Yong
Published: January 2020

Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) doped with lanthanide ions that possess ladder‐like energy levels can give out multiple emissions at specific ultra‐violet or visible wavelengths irrespective of excitation light. However, precisely controlling energy migration processes between different energy levels of the same lanthanide ion to generate switchable emissions remains elusive. Herein, a novel dumbbell‐shaped UCNP is reported with upconverted red emission switched to green emission when excitation wavelength changed from 980 to 808 nm. The sensitizer Yb ions are doped with activator Er ions and energy modulator Mn ions in NaYF4 core nanocrystal coated with an inner NaYF4:Yb shell to generate red emission after harvesting 980 nm excitation light, while an outer NaNdF4:Yb shell is coated to form a dumbbell shape to generate green emission upon 808 nm excitation. Such specially designed UCNPs with switchable green and red emissions are further explored for imaging of latent fingerprint and detection of explosive residues in the fingerprint simultaneously. This work suggests a novel research interest in fine‐tuning of upconversion emissions through precisely controlling energy migration processes of the same lanthanide activator ion. Furthermore, use of these nanoparticles in other applications such as simultaneous dual‐color imaging or orthogonal bidirectional photoactivation can be explored.
Mild Palladium‐Catalyzed Cyanation of Unprotected 2‐Iodoglycals in Aqueous Media as Versatile Tool to Access Diverse C2‐Glycoanalogues
Authors: Malinowski Maciej , Van Tran Thanh , de Robichon Morgane , Lubin‐Germain Nadège , Ferry Angélique
Published: January 2020

Access to unprotected 2‐cyano‐glycals via a mild palladium‐catalyzed cyanation of protecting groups‐free 2‐iodoglycals in aqueous media has been developed. Diverse glycal substrates including disaccharide‐type were successfully obtained in good to excellent yields. These unprotected 2‐cyano‐glycal scaffolds were successfully derivatized to different C2‐glycoanalogues.

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Artificial Humic Acids: Sustainable Materials against Climate Change
Authors: Yang Fan , Antonietti Markus
Published: January 2020

Humic acid, as a natural organic matter, is widely distributed in surface soil, oceans, rivers, and other ecological environments throughout the whole earth ecosystem. Humic acid provides abundant organic carbon and helps to maintain a hydrated, pH and redox buffered environment hosting the soil microbiome. Humic acid is however also a largely ignored polymer material full of exciting functional properties, and its scale is enormous. This perspective article discusses its synthesis and management as a tool to tackle parts of the climate crisis as well its use in technological applications, as made by chemical conversion of agricultural side products to artificial humic acids.
A Lesson from Plants: High‐Speed Soft Robotic Actuators
Authors: Baumgartner Richard , Kogler Alexander , Stadlbauer Josef M. , Foo Choon Chiang , Kaltseis Rainer , Baumgartner Melanie , Mao Guoyong , Keplinger Christoph , Koh Soo Jin Adrian , Arnold Nikita , Suo Zhigang , Kaltenbrunner Martin , Bauer Siegfried
Published: January 2020

Rapid energy‐efficient movements are one of nature's greatest developments. Mechanisms like snap‐buckling allow plants like the Venus flytrap to close the terminal lobes of their leaves at barely perceptible speed. Here, a soft balloon actuator is presented, which is inspired by such mechanical instabilities and creates safe, giant, and fast deformations. The basic design comprises two inflated elastomer membranes pneumatically coupled by a pressurized chamber of suitable volume. The high‐speed actuation of a rubber balloon in a state close to the verge of mechanical instability is remotely triggered by a voltage‐controlled dielectric elastomer membrane. This method spatially separates electrically active and passive parts, and thereby averts electrical breakdown resulting from the drastic thinning of an electroactive membrane during large expansion. Bistable operation with small and large volumes of the rubber balloon is demonstrated, achieving large volume changes of 1398% and a high‐speed area change rate of 2600 cm2 s−1. The presented combination of fast response time with large deformation and safe handling are central aspects for a new generation of soft bio‐inspired robots and can help pave the way for applications ranging from haptic displays to soft grippers and high‐speed sorting machines.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Catalyzed Activation of Ynals for the Construction of Functional Pyridines
Authors: Li Jia‐Hui , Duan Xiao‐Yong , Tian Zhao‐Hui , Zheng Yi‐Fan , Qi Jing
Published: January 2020

N‐heterocyclic carbene‐catalyzed activation of ynals for rapid synthesis of pyridine derivatives with important utilities has been reported. This successful strategy using NHC‐bound alkynyl acyl azolium as the key intermediate further improved the application of N‐Ts 2‐aminoacrylate as a nucleophile. Importantly, this work introduces an ester substituent to pyridines that could be easily transformed to other functional groups.
Rhodium(III)‐Catalyzed Directed C−H Bond Naphthylation with 7‐Azabenzonorbornadiene as the Naphthylating Reagent
Authors: Li Honghe , Guo Weicong , Jiang Jijun , Wang Jun
Published: January 2020

An efficient rhodium(III)‐catalyzed C−H bond naphthylation reaction is described for the synthesis of diverse anilides and benzamides bearing naphthyl substituents. The substrate scope is broad. The products could be facilely elaborated to various synthetically useful intermediates. To the best of our knowledge, using 7‐azabenzonorbornadienes to achieve naphthylation via transition‐metal‐catalyzed C−H activation has not been reported before.
Predicting body mass of bonobos (Pan paniscus) with human‐based morphometric equations
Authors: Yapuncich Gabriel S. , Bowie Aleah , Belais Raphaël , Churchill Steven E. , Walker Christopher S.
Published: January 2020

A primate's body mass covaries with numerous ecological, physiological, and behavioral characteristics. This versatility and potential to provide insight into an animal's life has made body mass prediction a frequent and important objective in paleoanthropology. In hominin paleontology, the most commonly employed body mass prediction equations (BMPEs) are “mechanical” and “morphometric”: uni‐ or multivariate linear regressions incorporating dimensions of load‐bearing skeletal elements and stature and living bi‐iliac breadth as predictor variables, respectively. The precision and accuracy of BMPEs are contingent on multiple factors, however, one of the most notable and pervasive potential sources of error is extrapolation beyond the limits of the reference sample. In this study, we use a test sample requiring extrapolation—56 bonobos (Pan paniscus) from the Lola ya Bonobo sanctuary in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo—to evaluate the predictive accuracy of human‐based morphometric BMPEs. We first assess systemic differences in stature and bi‐iliac breadth between humans and bonobos. Due to significant differences in the scaling relationships of body mass and stature between bonobos and humans, we use panel regression to generate a novel BMPE based on living bi‐iliac breadth. We then compare the predictive accuracy of two previously published morphometric equations with the novel equation and find that the novel equation predicts bonobo body mass most accurately overall (41 of 56 bonobos predicted within 20% of their observed body mass). The novel BMPE is particularly accurate between 25 and 45 kg. Given differences in limb proportions, pelvic morphology, and body tissue composition between the human reference and bonobo test samples, we find these results promising and evaluate the novel BMPE's potential application to fossil hominins.
Against all odds: Numerical assessment by tufted capuchin monkeys
Authors: Scarry Clara J.
Published: January 2020

When competitors are able to assess the asymmetry in the resource holding potential before interacting, individuals or groups should avoid interacting with stronger opponents, thereby avoiding the energy costs and risk of injury associated with aggressive intergroup encounters. Thus, escalated aggression is expected only between closely matched competitors. Among Argentine tufted capuchin monkeys (Sapajus nigritus), intergroup dominance is decided by the asymmetry in male group size. Using playback experiments, I simulated intergroup encounters with neighboring groups, manipulating both the apparent numerical asymmetry and the resource context. During experimental trials, I recorded the approach behavior of the focal individual, as well as changes in neighbor density and individual travel speed following the presentation of the playback stimulus, to assess whether individual willingness to participate in resource defense was affected by the probability of winning the encounter. In spite of the competitive disadvantage, neither males nor females showed a decreased probability of approach when the numerical odds strongly favored the opposing group. Instead decisions regarding whether to participate appear to be driven primarily by the resource context. Nevertheless, changes in individual behavior during approaches suggest that tufted capuchin monkeys are sensitive to the relative odds. Individuals accelerated less when approaching a larger group, although no changes in neighbor density were apparent. The absence of an effect of the numerical asymmetry on willingness to approach the playback speaker suggests that subordinate groups benefit from engaging in intergroup aggression with larger neighbors, despite the high probability of losing. These encounters may serve to assess the current subjective resource valuation of the neighboring group or limit territorial expansion by large groups by decreasing the marginal value of home range exclusivity. Because these encounters are riskier, however, individuals appear to alter their approaches, becoming more tentative as the numerical odds increasingly favor the opposing group.
A Smart, Autocatalytic, DNAzyme Biocircuit for in Vivo, Amplified, MicroRNA Imaging
Authors: Wei Jie , Wang Huimin , Wu Qiong , Gong Xue , Ma Kang , Liu Xiaoqing , Wang Fuan
Published: January 2020

DNAzymes have been recognized as promising transducing agents for visualizing endogenous biomarkers, but their inefficient intracellular delivery and limited amplification capacity (including insufficient cofactor supply) preclude their extensive biological application. Herein, an autocatalytic DNAzyme (ACD) biocircuit is constructed for amplified microRNA imaging in vivo based on a hybridization chain reaction (HCR) and DNAzyme biocatalysis, sustained by a honeycomb MnO2 nanosponge (hMNS). The hMNS not only delivers DNA probes, but also supplies Mn2+ as a DNAzyme cofactor and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) agent. Through the subsequent cross‐activation of HCR and DNAzyme amplicons, the ACD amplifies the limited signal resulting from miRNA recognition. The hMNS/ACD system was used to image microRNA in vivo, thus demonstrating its great promise in cancer diagnosis.
Deconstructive Reorganization: De Novo Synthesis of Hydroxylated Benzofuran
Authors: Zhang Ling , Cao Tongxiang , Jiang Huanfeng , Zhu Shifa
Published: January 2020

An unprecedented deconstructive reorganization strategy for the de novo synthesis of hydroxylated benzofurans from kojic acid‐ or maltol‐derived alkynes is reported. In this reaction, both the benzene and furan rings were simultaneously constructed, whereas the pyrone moiety of the kojic acid or maltol was deconstructed and then reorganized into the benzene ring as a six‐carbon component. Through this strategy, at least one free hydroxyl group was introduced into the benzene ring in a substitution‐pattern tunable fashion without protection–deprotection and redox adjustment. With this method, a large number of hydroxylated benzofuran derivatives with different substitution‐patterns have been prepared efficiently. This methodology has also been shown as the key step in a collective total synthesis of hydroxylated benzofuran‐containing natural products (11 examples).
Molecular Fluorescence Imaging Spectroscopy for Mapping Low Concentrations of Red Lake Pigments: Van Gogh's PaintingThe Olive Orchard
Authors: Dooley Kathryn A. , Chieli Annalisa , Romani Aldo , Legrand Stijn , Miliani Costanza , Janssens Koen , Delaney John K.
Published: January 2020

Vincent van Gogh used fugitive red lake pigments that have faded in some paintings. Mapping their distribution is key to understanding how his paintings have changed with time. While red lake pigments can be identified from microsamples, in situ identification and mapping remain challenging. This paper explores the ability of molecular fluorescence imaging spectroscopy to identify and, more importantly, map residual non‐degraded red lakes. The high sensitivity of this method enabled identification of the emission spectra of eosin (tetrabromine fluorescein) lake mixed with lead or zinc white at lower concentrations than elemental X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy used on account of bromine. The molecular fluorescence mapping of residual eosin and two carmine red lakes in van Gogh's The Olive Orchard is demonstrated and compared with XRF imaging spectroscopy. The red lakes are consistent with the composition of paint tubes known to have been used by van Gogh.
A Universal Nano‐capillary Based Method of Catalyst Immobilization for Liquid‐Cell Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Tarnev Tsvetan , Cychy Steffen , Andronescu Corina , Muhler Martin , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Chen Yen‐Ting
Published: January 2020

A universal nano‐capillary based method for sample deposition on the silicon nitride membrane of liquid‐cell transmission electron microscopy (LCTEM) chips is demonstrated. It is applicable to all substances which can be dispersed in a solvent and are suitable for drop casting, including catalysts, biological samples, and polymers. Most importantly, this method overcomes limitations concerning sample immobilization due to the fragility of the ultra‐thin silicon nitride membrane required for electron transmission. Thus, a straightforward way is presented to widen the research area of LCTEM to encompass any sample which can be externally deposited beforehand. Using this method, NixB nanoparticles are deposited on the μm‐scale working electrode of the LCTEM chip and in situ observation of single catalyst particles during ethanol oxidation is for the first time successfully monitored by means of TEM movies.
New “one‐pot” Pd(II) and Zn(II) complexes of Schiff bases, derivatives of 1‐amino‐1‐deoxy‐d‐sorbitol: Spectroscopic studies and biological and catalytic activities
Authors: Szady‐Chełmieniecka A. , Rzuchowska A. , Markowska‐Szczupak A. , Schilf W. , Rozwadowski Z.
Published: January 2020

New Pd(II) and Zn(II) Schiff base complexes, derivatives of various salicylaldehydes and 1‐amino‐1‐deoxy‐d‐sorbitol, synthesized in one step, have been investigated using TG, NMR, UV–Vis, and IR spectroscopy. Zinc(II) complexes show antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger, while palladium(II) complexes show catalytic activity in Heck reaction of styrene and bromobenzene.
A rht‐Type Luminescent Zn (II)‐MOF Constructed by Triazine Hexacarboxylate Ligand: Tunable Luminescent Performance and White‐light Emission Regulation through doping Eu3+/Tb3+
Authors: Zhang Na , Guan Qing‐Lin , Liu Chun‐Hong , Sun Ying , Li Bing , Xing Yong‐Heng , Bai Feng‐Ying
Published: January 2020

White‐light emitting materials have become a hot research field of luminescent MOF (Metal–Organic Framework) because of its high practical application value. Herein, we successfully synthesized and characterized a rht‐type fluorescent MOF Zn‐TDPAT [H6TDPAT = 2,4,6‐tris(3,5‐dicarboxylphenylamino)‐1,3,5‐triazine] with a topology of (3, 24) connected nodes. A series of MOFs materials x%Tb + y%Eu@Zn‐TDPAT were prepared by incorporating different concentrations of green emission center Tb3+ and red emission center Eu3+ into the blue‐emitting Zn‐MOF. The luminescence properties of MOFs materials x%Tb + y%Eu@Zn‐TDPAT can be effectively adjusted by incorporating different concentrations of Tb3+ and Eu3+ and can obtain multi‐color luminescence properties from blue, blue‐green, green, yellow green, yellow, blue‐red, yellow‐red and white. According to trichromatic mechanism, by reasonably matching the intensity of blue light, green light and red light emitted by x%Tb + y%Eu@Zn‐TDPAT at 420, 543 and 616 nm, MOFs materials 0.75%Tb + 5%Eu@Zn‐TDPAT, 0.65%Tb + 5.5%Eu@Zn‐TDPAT and 0.5%Tb + 7.5%Eu@Zn‐TDPAT with white‐light emission are obtained. Their CIE coordinates are 0.3162, 0.3345 (0.3162, 0.3345), (0.3138, 0.3339) and (0.3329, 0.3222), respectively, which are very close to ideal white‐light emission (0.3333,0.3333).
Soft mixed ionic–electronic conductive electrodes for noninvasive stimulation
Authors: Colachis Matthew , Shqau Krenar , Colachis Samuel , Annetta Nicholas , Heintz Amy M.
Published: January 2020

A new material, classified as a soft mixed ionic–electronic conductor (MIEC), was fabricated through casting and curing of different ratios of single walled carbon nanotube (SWNTs), hyaluronic acid (HA), and acrylonitrile butadiene copolymer latex (NBR) and developed for noninvasive stimulation for electrotherapeutics. The morphology of the composite yielded high electrical conductivity and retention of elasticity. The interfacial charge transfer of the material showed that by increasing the HA loading the capacitive contribution decreased, while increasing SWNT loading decreased the interfacial resistance. The soft MIEC materials interfacial charge transfer was superior than current state‐of‐the art electrodes on the market. A layered configuration with high HA ratio at the skin interface and high SWNTs ratio at the stainless‐steel interface was created to induce the most optimal charge transfer. These soft MIEC electrodes will be extremely helpful in electrotherapeutic applications to eliminate the need for hydrogels, which can be unsuitable due the their lack long term durability and instability.
Methionine Commits Cells to Differentiate Into Plasmablasts Through Epigenetic Regulation of BTB and CNC Homolog 2 by the Methyltransferase EZH2
Authors: Zhang Mingzeng , Iwata Shigeru , Hajime Maiko , Ohkubo Naoaki , Todoroki Yasuyuki , Miyata Hiroko , Ueno Masanobu , Hao He , Zhang Tong , Fan Jie , Nakayamada Shingo , Yamagata Kaoru , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: January 2020

Objective

Plasmablasts play important roles in autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Activation of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is regulated by amino acid levels. In patients with SLE, mTORC1 is activated in B cells and modulates plasmablast differentiation. However, the detailed mechanisms of amino acid metabolism in plasmablast differentiation remain elusive. We undertook this study to evaluate the effects of methionine in human B cells.

Methods

Purified CD19+ cells from healthy donors (n = 21) or patients with SLE (n = 35) were cultured with Toll‐like receptor 7/9 ligand, interferon‐α (IFNα), and B cell receptor crosslinking, and we determined the types of amino acids that were important for plasmablast differentiation and amino acid metabolism. We also identified the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms induced by amino acid metabolism, and we assessed B cell metabolism and its relevance to SLE.

Results

The essential amino acid methionine strongly committed cells to plasmablast differentiation. In the presence of methionine, Syk and mTORC1 activation synergistically induced methyltransferase EZH2 expression. EZH2 induced H3K27me3 at BTB and CNC homolog 2 (Bach2) loci and suppressed Bach2 expression, leading to induction of B lymphocyte–induced maturation protein 1 and X‐box binding protein 1 expression and plasmablast differentiation. CD19+ cells from patients with SLE overexpressed EZH2, which was correlated with disease activity and autoantibody production.

Conclusion

Our findings show that methionine activated signaling by controlling immunologic metabolism in B cells and played an important role in the differentiation of B cells into plasmablasts through epigenome modification of Bach2 by the methyltransferase EZH2.
Versuchstechnische Untersuchungen zu Korrosionsschäden an Winkelstützmauern
Authors: Rebhan Matthias J. , Vorwagner Alois , Burtscher Stefan L. , Kwapisz Maciej , Marte Roman
Published: January 2020

Stützbauwerke unterliegen, wie andere Bauwerke auch, einer Alterung und Beeinflussung durch ihre Umwelt. Bei Bauwerken aus Stahlbeton resultiert dies oftmals in Betonabplatzungen, vermehrter Rissbildung oder der Korrosion von Bewehrungselementen. Winkelstützmauern werden zumeist in schlanker Bauweise und damit mit einem hohen Bewehrungsgrad hergestellt. Die Hauptbewehrung liegt dabei auf der erdberührten Rückseite und ist von außen nicht sichtbar. Bei der Untersuchung von Stützmauern wurden – besonders in der Arbeitsfuge von Fundament und aufgehender Mauer – vermehrt Korrosionserscheinungen gefunden. Diese beeinflussen die Tragfähigkeit und damit auch die Standsicherheit stark. Großflächigere Untersuchungen haben auch gezeigt, dass das Ausmaß der Korrosion entlang der Arbeitsfuge stark unterschiedlich sein kann. Es ist mit herkömmlichen Methoden schwierig bzw. zumeist nicht möglich, die Bereiche außerhalb der Untersuchungsstellen zu beurteilen. In diesem Beitrag erfolgt ein Überblick zu Schadensbildern, deren Ursachen sowie die Möglichkeiten von Bauwerksuntersuchungen. Darauf aufbauend wird ein Konzept zur messtechnischen Überwachung von Korrosionsschäden an der Hauptbewehrung vorgestellt. Abschließend werden Messergebnisse aus einer experimentellen Versuchsreihe den Ergebnissen einer numerischen Parameterstudie zur Bewehrungskorrosion gegenübergestellt.
Postoperative pressure injuries in adults having surgery under general anaesthesia: systematic review of perioperative risk factors
Authors: Haisley M , Sørensen J A , Sollie M
Published: January 2020

Background

Pressure injuries (PIs) after surgery affect thousands of people worldwide. Their management is expensive, a cost that can be reduced with proper preventive measures. Patients having surgery under general anaesthesia are at risk of developing PI, yet no specific tool has been developed to assess the risk in these patients. This review aimed to summarize the published data on perioperative risk factors associated with the development of PI in adults having surgery under general anaesthesia.

Methods

All studies reporting on risk factors associated with the development of PI were included. Data were extracted from all articles and meta-analysis was performed when three or more studies reported on a specific variable.

Results

The analysis identified five factors significantly associated with the development of PIs: cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, diabetes mellitus, low haemoglobin level and longer duration of surgery. Factors not associated included serum albumin concentration, use of vasopressors during surgery, use of corticosteroids, sex and age.

Conclusion

Cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, diabetes mellitus, anaemia and duration of surgery should be taken into consideration when trying to identify surgical patients at high risk of developing PIs. These factors could be used to predict PIs after surgery.
The novel GLP‐1/GIP analogue DA5‐CH reduces tau phosphorylation and normalizes theta rhythm in the icv. STZ rat model of AD
Authors: Li Cheng , Liu Weizhen , Li Xiaohui , Zhang Zijuan , Qi Huaxin , Liu Shijin , Yan Ningning , Xing Ying , Hölscher Christian , Wang Zhiju
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common progressive neurodegenerative disease for which there is no cure. Recent studies have shown a close link between type 2 diabetes and AD, which suggested that drugs for type 2 diabetes may be effective for AD. GLP‐1 and GIP are incretin hormones that can ameliorate diabetes.

Methods

In the present study, we tested the novel dual GLP‐1/GIP receptor agonist DA5‐CH in the icv. streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced insulin desensitization model of AD in rats to explore the protective effects of DA5‐CH.

Results

The results show that DA5‐CH could reverse the STZ‐induced working memory impairments in a Y‐maze tests, and spatial memory impairments in the water maze task, and decrease the levels of phosphorylated tauS396 protein in the hippocampus. In EEG recordings, STZ treatment diminished the power of the theta band frequency. DA5‐CH was able to increase the energy of theta band activity in the hippocampal CA1 region. The drug also increased the expression of synapse‐related proteins in the hippocampus. After DA5‐CH treatment, mitochondrial stress was alleviated as shown by the improved ratio of Bax/Bcl‐2 in the hippocampus. Growth factor signaling was also normalized as shown by the increased level of the transcription factor P‐CREBS133. In addition, we were able to show that DA5‐CH can cross the blood–brain barrier at an increased rate compared with other dual GLP‐1/GIP or single GLP‐1 receptor agonists.

Conclusion

Therefore, our results demonstrate that DA5‐CH has neuroprotective effects in the STZ‐induced animal model and that DA5‐CH has potential to treat neurodegenerative disorders such as AD.
Intranasal deferoxamine can improve memory in healthy C57 mice, suggesting a partially non‐disease‐specific pathway of functional neurologic improvement
Authors: Fine Jared M. , Kosyakovsky Jacob , Baillargeon Amanda M. , Tokarev Julian V. , Cooner Jacob M. , Svitak Aleta L. , Faltesek Katherine A. , Frey William H. , Hanson Leah R.
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Intranasal deferoxamine (IN DFO) has been shown to decrease memory loss and have beneficial impacts across several models of neurologic disease and injury, including rodent models of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

Methods

In order to assess the mechanism of DFO, determine its ability to improve memory from baseline in the absence of a diseased state, and assess targeting ability of intranasal delivery, we treated healthy mice with IN DFO (2.4 mg) or intraperitoneal (IP) DFO and compared behavioral and biochemical changes with saline‐treated controls. Mice were treated 5 days/week for 4 weeks and subjected to behavioral tests 30 min after dosing.

Results

We found that IN DFO, but not IP DFO, significantly enhanced working memory in the radial arm water maze, suggesting that IN administration is more efficacious as a targeted delivery route to the brain. Moreover, the ability of DFO to improve memory from baseline in healthy mice suggests a non‐disease‐specific mechanism of memory improvement. IN DFO treatment was accompanied by decreased GSK‐3β activity and increased HIF‐1α activity.

Conclusions

These pathways are suspected in DFO's ability to improve memory and perhaps represent a component of the common mechanism through which DFO enacts beneficial change in models of neurologic disease and injury.
Corporate governance beyond the shareholder–stakeholder dichotomy: Lessons from Japanese corporations' environmental performance
Authors: Endo Kazumi
Published: January 2020

Although corporate environmental performance (CEP) is determined by corporate governance (CG) typified by board and ownership structures, in‐depth research on stakeholder‐oriented CG is sparse. This study seeks to fill this void and promote an alternative vision of good governance. Japanese corporations have often been criticized for their stakeholder‐oriented practices such as less independent boards and the dominance of stable domestic shareholders. However, these practices are not necessarily problematic if effective monitoring mechanisms are in place. Using a database of Japanese listed corporations over 2012–2015, this study shows that both board size and composition enhance CEP, confirming the advisory function of boards. Contrastingly, foreign blockholders, who are expected to play a monitoring role, significantly constrain CEP. Japanese corporations are evolving toward a hybrid CG that aims to narrow the shareholder–stakeholder divide, and the findings will offer useful lessons for the modification of shareholder‐oriented CG.
Police endorsement of color‐blind racial beliefs and propensity to interact with youth of color
Authors: April Keisha , Cole Lindsey M. , Goldstein Naomi E.S.
Published: January 2020

The beliefs of police, as the point of first contact with the justice system, may help to explain disproportionate minority contact between police and young people. Color‐blind racial beliefs, a form of implicit racism in which racial differences are denied, are more strongly endorsed by police than by laypeople. Using a 2 (youth race) × 3 (offense severity) experimental design, 339 officers participated in an online study examining the influence of youth race, offense severity, and officers' color‐blind racial beliefs on officers' reported likelihood of interacting with young people. Officers with lower levels of color‐blind beliefs reported they would be less likely to interact with Black youth. Additionally, attrition analyses indicated that officers assigned to the Black youth condition were more likely to drop out when asked to complete the measure of color‐blind beliefs. Policy and practice implications are discussed, with a focus on promoting greater discussion of color‐blind ideologies in multicultural trainings for police officers and increasing frank discussions about race and racial issues.
Patient‐reported symptom burden as a prognostic factor in treatment with first‐line cetuximab plus chemotherapy for unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer: Results of Phase II QUACK trial
Authors: Ooki Akira , Morita Satoshi , Iwamoto Shigeyoshi , Hara Hiroki , Tanioka Hiroaki , Satake Hironaga , Kataoka Masato , Kotaka Masahito , Kagawa Yoshinori , Nakamura Masato , Shingai Tatsushi , Ishikawa Masashi , Miyake Yasuhiro , Suto Takeshi , Hashiguchi Yojiro , Yabuno Taichi , Sakamoto Junichi , Tsuji Akihito , Ando Masahiko , Yamaguchi Kensei
Published: January 2020

Background

It remains unclear whether patients’ self‐perceptions of symptoms at baseline clinically impact the prognostic relevance, treatment efficacy, or toxicity profiles in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients treated with the first‐line cetuximab and standard chemotherapy.

Methods

The data were collected from a prospective trial that assessed the relationships between quality of life (QOL), treatment efficacy, and adverse events (AEs).

Results

The analysis of 137 mCRC patients revealed a significant association between the presence of baseline tumor‐related symptoms and a lower overall survival (OS) compared to the absence of symptoms (HR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.37‐4.62; P = .003). The asymptomatic responders had favorable outcomes compared to the symptomatic nonresponders (2‐year OS rates: 83.6% and 35.9%, respectively), while the symptomatic responders had similar outcomes to the asymptomatic nonresponders. The median postprogression survival differed significantly: 10.2 months for the symptomatic patients and 15.9 months for the asymptomatic patients (HR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.25‐4.29, P = .008). The objective response rates and patient toxicity profiles were similar irrespective of the severity of baseline symptoms.

Conclusion

Baseline symptoms were associated with worse OS but not with impaired treatment efficacy or more frequent AEs in mCRC patients treated with cetuximab in addition to chemotherapy.
Structural Investigation of Hybrid Peptide Foldamers Composed of α‐Dipeptide Equivalent β‐Oxy‐δ5‐amino Acids
Authors: Reja Rahi M. , Kumar Vivek , George Gijo , Patel Rajat , Puneeth Kumar DRGKoppalu R. , Raghothama Srinivasarao , Gopi Hosahudya N.
Published: January 2020

Due to their equivalent lengths, δ‐amino acids can serve as surrogates of α‐dipeptides. However, δ‐amino acids with proteinogenic side chains have not been well studied because of synthetic difficulties and because of their insolubility in organic solvents. Recently we reported the spontaneous supramolecular gelation of δ‐peptides composed of β(O)‐δ5‐amino acids. Here, we report the incorporation of β(O)‐δ5‐amino acids as guests into the host α‐helix, α,γ‐hybrid peptide 12‐helix and their single‐crystal conformations. In addition, we studied the solution conformations of hybrid peptides composed of 1:1 alternating α and β(O)‐δ5‐amino acids. In contrast to the control α‐helix structures, the crystal structure of peptides with β(O)‐δ5‐amino acids exhibit α‐helical conformations consisting of both 13‐ and 10‐membered H‐bonds. The α,δ‐hybrid peptide adopted mixed 13/11‐helix conformation in solution with alternating H‐bond directionality. Crystal‐structure analysis revealed that the α,γ4‐hybrid peptide accommodated the guest β(O)‐δ5‐amino acid without significant deviation to the overall helix folding. The results reported here emphasize that β(O)‐δ5‐amino acids with proteinogenic side chains can be accommodated into regular α‐helix or 12‐helix as guests without much deviation of the overall helix folding of the peptides.
Increasing Complexity: A Practical Synthetic Approach to Three‐Dimensional, Cyclic Sulfoximines and First Insights into Their in Vitro Properties
Authors: Boulard Emilie , Zibulski Vivien , Oertel Luisa , Lienau Philip , Schäfer Martina , Ganzer Ursula , Lücking Ulrich
Published: January 2020

A short synthetic approach with broad scope to access five‐ to seven‐membered cyclic sulfoximines in only two to three steps from readily available thiophenols is reported. Thus, simple building blocks were converted to complex molecular structures by a sequence of S‐alkylation and one‐pot sulfoximine formation, followed by intramolecular cyclization. Seventeen structurally diverse cyclic sulfoximines were prepared in high overall yields. In vitro evaluation of these underrepresented, three‐dimensional, cyclic sulfoximines with respect to properties relevant to medicinal chemistry did not reveal any intrinsic flaw for application in drug discovery.