bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and Identification of Salmonella and Escherichia coli from Raw Goat Meat in Uyo Metropolis, Akwaibom State
Authors: Ajulo Hephzibah Oluwatoyin , Ajulo Matthew Olugbenga , Ekereumoh N. S. E. Udo
Published: April 2020

Introduction: In Nigeria, abattoirs have become a source of infection and pollution, attracting domestic animals, wild carnivores and rodents due to lack of adequate slaughtering and disposal facilities. Improper processing of meat consumed by the majority of people in Nigeria is a serious public health issue.

Aims: This study was aimed at isolating, characterizing, and identifying Salmonella sp. and Escherichia coli from raw goat meat in Uyo metropolis.

Study Design: Fresh goat meat samples were collected from different locations within Uyo metropolis namely; such as goat meat collected at Itam junction market (GTI), Anua junction market (GTA), Ikot Okubo junction market (GTO), Itak Uyo market (GTU), Etuk market (GTE), Ndueh Otong market (GTN) and Mbiere Ebeh market (GTM).

Results: The analysis of fresh raw goat meat in Uyo metropolis showed that the total viable count of bacterial load detected on the fresh raw goat meat samples ranged from 9.1X102cfu/g to 1.07X104cfu/g. The highest bacterial count for E. coli was obtained from raw goat meat obtained from GTA1 (3.4X103 cfu/g) followed by GTM2 (3.2X103 cfu/g). The highest bacterial count for Salmonella was obtained from raw goat meat obtained from GTO1 (1.07X104) followed by GTM 2 (1.02X104). The result showed that in addition to E. coli (100%) that was found in all goat meat samples, the most common isolated microorganisms from the fresh raw goat meat samples was Salmonella choleraesuis (38.8%) followed by Salmonella salaemae (34.4%) and Salmonella kauffmanni (9.5%) respectively.

Conclusion: This study has indicated high microbial contamination of Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. in the raw goat meats sold at the selected junctions of Uyo metropolis which suggested a high level of contamination of raw goat meats use for consumed in homes within Uyo metropolis.
Economic Analysis of Crayfish Marketing in Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors: Okeke Uche , Nwankwo Temple
Published: April 2020

The study examined the economics of crayfish marketing in Anambra State, Nigeria, Its specifically described the socio-economic characteristics of crayfish marketers: Identified the marketing channels of crayfish in the area; estimated the profitability of crayfish marketing by the intermediaries; estimated the marketing efficiency level attained .by the intermediaries; established the determinants of net marketing income realized by the marketers and identified constraints to crayfish marketing in the area. The multistage sampling procedure was used to select two agricultural zones (Onitsha and Awka), 12 daily markets and 120 respondents (60 wholesalers and 60 retailers) for the study. Well, a structured questionnaire was administered to the respondents for the cross-sectional data collection on the marketing variables. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, budgetary technique, Shephard-Futrell technique and multiple regression analysis. Findings on the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents revealed that there were more female than male in crayfish marketing and the majority (91%) of the respondents had no access to credit facilities. The study revealed three level marketing channels where the majority (78%) of the respondents identified channels one (fishermen/supplier wholesalers retailers consumers) as the most frequently patronized. The second channel was (fishermen retailers consumers), while the third was (fishermen wholesalers -restaurants/hotels). The report also indicated that the retailers realized more profit than the wholesalers and there was a high level of inefficiency among the wholesalers (95.12%) than the retailers (81.67%). Findings on the effects of socio-economic factors of the respondents on net marketing income showed that marital status, marketing cost, access to credit and product price had significant influences on net marketing income while age, gender, educational level and marketer's years of experience were not significant. The wholesalers identified inadequate storage facilities as the highest constraint to crayfish marketing in the area; followed by high transportation cost, high market fees, unstable price, lack of access to loan and inadequate capital. While the retailers implicated high market fees as their major constraint, followed by inadequate capital, unstable price, lack of access to loan, inadequate storage facility and high cost of transportation as the least problem.
Electroencephalography for Enhanced Understanding of Consumer Preference
Authors: Neeharika B. , Suneetha W. Jessie , Kumari B. Anila
Published: April 2020

Conventional measurements used to study consumer response to food products may be subject to cognitive bias, as measurement data was consumer’s reported thoughts or through questionnaires. Therefore, for an unbiased approach electroencephalography (EEG), an electrophysiological method can provide implicit and extensive data. EEG uses electrical activity of brain to record and explain perceptive, attentive as well as emotional processes of consumer towards foods. The asymmetry of EEG signal between right and left hemispheres of anterior (frontal lobe) or posterior (parietal and occipital lobe) parts of brain can be used to determine acceptability of stimuli in a stimulated person. The accurate measurement through EEG enables marketers to compare consumer response to different marketing stimuli and impact moments associated with particular product or brand for better positioning of product in market.
The Impact of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle on LH, FSH, and Testosterone Hormones in Mature Male NMRI Rats
Authors: Mozaffari Ziba , Parivar Kazem , Roodbari Nasim Hayati , Irani Shiva
Published: April 2020

Nanoparticles are widely applied in all aspects of modern life because of their unique features such as small size and high surface area. Several types of research have been carried out to discover the feasible detrimental impacts of Nano-particles on human reproduction. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of zinc oxide nanoparticles in mature male rats through examining LH, FSH, and testosterone sex hormones. Therefore, 30 Naked Mole-Rat Initiative (NMRI) rats were divided into 5 groups. Different doses of zinc oxide nanoparticles (250, 500 and 700 mg.kg-1) were intra peritoneally injected to animals only once. Then, the serum level of luteinizing hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and testosterone hormones were measured using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method after 21 days. The results were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey tests. The results indicated that zinc oxide nanoparticles doses caused a significant increase in FSH and testosterone level of blood (Respectively) in 250 and 700mg.kg-1 in comparison with the control group. Moreover, this research illustrated that zinc oxide nanoparticle can cause a dose-related increase in Testosterone and FSH hormones levels while causing no significant change in LH hormone level.
Feeling time in nature: The influence of directed and undirected attention on time awareness
Authors: Ehret Sonja , Roth Sibylle , Zimmermann Salome U. , Selter Andy , Thomaschke Roland
Published: April 2020

In the present study, we examined the impact of the interaction of environmental and task‐induced attentional focus on time perception, specifically awareness of the time flow. We tested 48 participants in either a natural or urban setting over three 25‐ to 35‐min sessions. We manipulated the within‐subjects factor task by means of two tasks—one requiring directed attention on the task itself, the other undirected attention on the environment—alongside a control condition with no specific task. We measured time awareness, passage of time judgments, felt time judgments, and estimated time as dependent variables. For time awareness, we found an interaction between environment and task: in the natural environment, only a task requiring directed attention reduced time awareness; whereas, in the urban environment, both tasks reduced time awareness compared to the control condition. The results suggest that natural environments increase time awareness unless we focus our attention on a task.
Triple Selection Strategy for In Situ Labeling of Circulating Tumor Cells with High Purity and Viability toward Preclinical Personalized Drug Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Mu Hsuan‐Yo , Ou Yen‐Chuan , Chuang Han‐Ni , Lu Tsai‐Jung , Jhan Pei‐Pei , Hsiao Tzu‐Hung , Huang Jen‐Huang
Published: April 2020

Ex vivo culture of viable circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from individual patients has recently become an emerging liquid biopsy technology to investigate drug sensitivity and genomic analysis in cancer. However, it remains challenging to retrieve the CTCs with high viability and purity from cancer patients’ blood using a rapid process. Here, a triple selection strategy that combines immunonegative enrichment, density gradient, and microfluidic‐based size‐exclusion methods is developed for in situ drug sensitivity testing. The CTC isolation chip consists of 4 independent microchannels that can evenly distribute the captured CTCs, allowing for independent in situ analysis event. The cancer cells are retrieved within 5 min with high viability (>95%), captured efficiency (78%), and high purity (99%) from 7.5 mL of blood cell mixed samples. Furthermore, the CTCs can be isolated from prostate cancer patients’ blood samples and verified in situ using cancer‐specific markers within 1.5 h, demonstrating the possibility to be applied to clinical practice. In situ drug sensitivity analysis demonstrates that the captured CTCs without and with cisplatin treatment for 1 day have survival rates of 87.5% and 0%, respectively. It is envisioned that this strategy may become a potential tool to identify suitable therapies prior to the treatment.
Improvement in the Current Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using a Systems Medicine Approach
Authors: Ozcan Mehmet , Altay Ozlem , Lam Simon , Turkez Hasan , Aksoy Yasemin , Nielsen Jens , Uhlen Mathias , Boren Jan , Mardinoglu Adil
Published: April 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer‐related death primarily due to the lack of effective targeted therapies. Despite the distinct morphological and phenotypic patterns of HCC, treatment strategies are restricted to relatively homogeneous therapies, including multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Therefore, more effective therapy options are needed to target dysregulated metabolic and molecular pathways in HCC. Integrative genomic profiling of HCC patients provides insight into the most frequently mutated genes and molecular targets, including telomerase reverse transcriptase, the TP53 gene, and the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway oncogene (CTNNB1). Moreover, emerging techniques, such as genome‐scale metabolic models may elucidate the underlying cancer‐specific metabolism, which allows for the discovery of potential drug targets and identification of biomarkers. De novo lipogenesis has been revealed as consistently upregulated since it is required for cell proliferation in all HCC patients. The metabolic network‐driven stratification of HCC patients in terms of redox responses, utilization of metabolites, and subtype‐specific pathways may have clinical implications to drive the development of personalized medicine. In this review, the current and emerging therapeutic targets in light of molecular approaches and metabolic network‐based strategies are summarized, prompting effective treatment of HCC patients.
Catalyst‐Free Synthesis of Few‐Layer Graphdiyne Using a Microwave‐Induced Temperature Gradient at a Solid/Liquid Interface
Authors: Yin Chen , Li Jiaqiang , Li Tianran , Yu Yue , Kong Ya , Gao Peng , Peng Hailin , Tong Lianming , Zhang Jin
Published: April 2020

Graphdiyne (GDY), a 2D carbon allotrope, is predicted to possess high carrier mobility and an intrinsic bandgap. However, the controlled synthesis of mono‐ or few‐layer GDY with good crystallinity remains challenging because of the instability of the monomers. Herein, a rapid and catalyst‐free synthetic method is presented for few‐layer GDY involving the use of a solid/liquid interface and a microwave‐induced temperature gradient. Sodium chloride, which can absorb microwave energy, is used as the solid substrate in a nonabsorbing solvent. A temperature gradient is formed at the solid/liquid interface under microwave irradiation, facilitating the cross‐coupling reaction of monomers at the solid surface and stabilizing the monomers in the bulk solution. Few‐layer GDY with an average thickness of less than 2 nm, a field‐effect mobility of 50.1 cm2 V−1 s−1, and p‐type characteristics is successfully obtained. This wet chemical approach may be extended to the synthesis of other few‐layered 2D materials with improved quality.
Microbe‐Mediated Extracellular and Intracellular Mineralization: Environmental, Industrial, and Biotechnological Applications
Authors: Qin Wen , Wang Chen‐yu , Ma Yu‐xuan , Shen Min‐juan , Li Jing , Jiao Kai , Tay Franklin R. , Niu Li‐na
Published: April 2020

Microbe‐mediated mineralization is ubiquitous in nature, involving bacteria, fungi, viruses, and algae. These mineralization processes comprise calcification, silicification, and iron mineralization. The mechanisms for mineral formation include extracellular and intracellular biomineralization. The mineral precipitating capability of microbes is often harnessed for green synthesis of metal nanoparticles, which are relatively less toxic compared with those synthesized through physical or chemical methods. Microbe‐mediated mineralization has important applications ranging from pollutant removal and nonreactive carriers, to other industrial and biomedical applications. Herein, the different types of microbe‐mediated biomineralization that occur in nature, their mechanisms, as well as their applications are elucidated to create a backdrop for future research.
Biaryl Cross‐Coupling Enabled by Photo‐Induced Electron Transfer
Authors: Hayashi Hirohito , Wang Bin , Wu Xiangyang , Teo Shi Jie , Kaga Atsushi , Watanabe Kohei , Takita Ryo , Yeow Edwin K. L. , Chiba Shunsuke
Published: April 2020

We report a protocol for aryl cross‐coupling of electron‐deficient aryl halides with electron‐rich (hetero)arenes that is driven solely by violet light. This process takes advantage of formation of photo‐excited state of electron‐deficient aryl halides, that are reduced by electron‐rich (hetero)arenes to form a pair of aryl anion and cation radicals. The resulting aryl anion radicals of aryl halides undergo mesolysis of the carbon‐halogen bond to generate aryl radicals, that are coupled most likely with aryl cation radicals to afford functionalized biaryls.

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Photocatalyzed Amidoarylation of 1,3‐Butadiene
Authors: Gosset Cyrille , Moncomble Aurélien , Dumont Clément , Pellegrini Sylvain , Bousquet Till , Sauthier Mathieu , Pélinski Lydie
Published: April 2020

1,3‐Butadiene is involved in a photocatalyzed amidoarylation reaction that allows the synthesis of N‐allyl amides. The reaction was evaluated on a wide range of aryl diazonium salts and nitriles as co‐reactants. Selectivity issues were studied from the help of a computational approach.

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Fe(III)‐Catalyzed, Cyclizative Coupling between 2‐Alkynylbenzoates and Carbinols: Rapid Generation of Polycyclic Isocoumarins and Phthalides and Mechanistic Study
Authors: Gandhi Soniya , Baire Beeraiah
Published: April 2020

FeCl3 catalyzed, highly regioselective cyclizative coupling of internal alkynes with alcohols has been reported for the rapid synthesis of structurally divergent, complex isocoumarins and phthalides respectively in intermolecular and intramolecular fashion. This strategy exhibited very high substrate scope and efficiency and proceeds through the simultaneous formation of C−O and C−C bonds. Observations from a series of control experiments supported a) the mechanism as Lewis acid catalyzed dual activation of ester and alcohol, b) the role of carbocation for the enhanced rates of cyclization, i. e., activation of alkyne by carbocation, and c) no role of HCl in the reported cascade process.

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Number of samples for accurate visual estimation of mean herbage mass in Campos grasslands
Authors: Do Carmo Martin , Cardozo Gerónimo , Mecatti Fulvia , Soca Pablo , Hirata Masahiko
Published: April 2020

The number of samples is a major issue when estimating the mean herbage mass of grazed paddocks. The aim of this study was to assess the number of samples required for accurate visual estimation of mean herbage mass in relation to the herbage mass heterogeneity and size of paddocks. Data were collected across scales of space and time (273 sampling events) from paddocks on Campos grasslands in Uruguay, using the visual estimation technique. The mean herbage mass of the paddocks ranged from 270 to 6350 kg of dry matter (DM) per hectare with coefficient of variation (CV) of 0.13 to 1.26. Twenty‐four events representing four levels of herbage mass heterogeneity (CV = 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1.0) × three levels of paddock size (small, 5–13 ha; medium, 41–67 ha; large, 100–140 ha) were chosen (two replicates per group), and analyzed for the probability that the estimation error exceeded 10% of the mean (10% error probability) using the bootstrap technique. The number of samples required for controlling the 10% error probability below 0.1 increased gradually from 50 to 150 per paddock as the CV increased from 0.3 to 0.7, then sharply to 350 until the CV increased to 1.0, with no effect of paddock size. Taking account of the distribution of CV (< 0.7 in nearly 80% of the events), we propose a general recommendation to take a minimum of 150 samples per paddock for accurate estimation of mean herbage mass in Campos grasslands irrespective of the size of paddocks.
Evaluation of vitamin D3 metabolites in Callithrix jacchus (common marmoset)
Authors: Goodroe Anna E. , Fitz Casey , Power Michael L. , Colman Ricki J. , Capuano Saverio , Ziegler Toni E.
Published: April 2020

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is endogenously produced in the skin of primates when exposed to the appropriate wavelengths of ultraviolet light (UV‐B). Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) maintained indoors require dietary provision of vitamin D3 due to lack of sunlight exposure. The minimum dietary vitamin D3 requirement and the maximum amount of vitamin D3 that can be metabolized by marmosets is unknown. Observations of metabolic bone disease and gastrointestinal malabsorption have led to wide variation in dietary vitamin D3 provision amongst research institutions, with resulting variation in circulating 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3), the accepted marker for vitamin D sufficiency/deficiency. Multiple studies have reported serum 25(OH)D3 in captive marmosets, but 25(OH)D3 is not the final product of vitamin D3 metabolism. In addition to serum 25(OH)D3, we measured the most physiologically active metabolite, 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), and the less well understood metabolite, 24,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (24,25(OH)2D3) to characterize the marmoset's ability to metabolize dietary vitamin D3. We present vitamin D3 metabolite and related serum chemistry value colony reference ranges in marmosets provided diets with 26,367 (Colony A, N = 113) or 8,888 (Colony B, N = 52) international units (IU) of dietary vitamin D3 per kilogram of dry matter. Colony A marmosets had higher serum 25(OH)D3 (426 ng/ml [SD 200] vs. 215 ng/ml [SD 113]) and 24,25(OH)2D3 (53 ng/ml [SD 35] vs. 7 ng/ml [SD 5]). There was no difference in serum 1,25(OH)2D3 between the colonies. Serum 1,25(OH)2D3 increased and 25(OH)D3 decreased with age, but the effect was weak. Marmosets tightly regulate metabolism of dietary vitamin D3 into the active metabolite 1,25(OH)2D3; excess 25(OH)D3 is metabolized into 24,25(OH)2D3. This ability explains the tolerance of high levels of dietary vitamin D3 by marmosets, however, our data suggest that these high dietary levels are not required.
Hybrides Tragwerk des 18‐stöckigen Studentenwohnheims “Tall Wood Building“ in Vancouver und Alternative in Holz
Authors: Tannert Thomas , Connolly Thomas Jamie
Published: April 2020

Im ersten Teil dieses Beitrags wird der Entwurf eines der höchsten Holz‐Hybridgebäude der Welt diskutiert – des 18‐stöckigen, 53 m hohen Studentenwohnheims auf dem Campus der Universität von British Columbia in Vancouver, Kanada. Das Gebäude besteht aus 17 Stockwerken in Massivholzbauweise auf einem Stockwerk in Stahlbeton. Zwei vertikale Betonkerne sorgen für die erforderliche horizontale Aussteifung. Das Holzbausystem besteht aus Brettsperrholzplatten, die punktuell auf Brettschichtholzstützen gelagert sind. Während der Bau der Betonkerne 14 Wochen dauerte, nahm der gesamte Massivholzaufbau nur zehn Wochen in Anspruch. Eine wesentliche Verkürzung der Projektlaufzeit und Verringerung des ökologischen Fußabdrucks des Gebäudes hätte erreicht werden können, wenn auch für die Kerne Massivholz verwendet worden wäre. Im zweiten Teil dieser Arbeit wird die Möglichkeit untersucht, das Gebäude mit Massivholzkernen zu gestalten. Die Ergebnisse eines validierten numerischen Modells zeigen, dass mit Massivholzkernen die Kriterien für die Erdbeben‐ und Windbemessung gemäß der aktuellen kanadischen Baunormung erfüllt werden können.
Electroantennogram reveals a strong correlation between the passion of honeybee and the properties of the volatile
Authors: Zhao Jieliang , Li Zhiqiang , Zhao Zhen , Yang Yunqiang , Yan Shaoze
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Insects use their antennae to detect food, mates, and predators, mainly via olfactory recognition of specific volatile compounds. Honeybees also communicate, learn complex tasks, and show adaptable behavior by recognizing and responding to specific odors. However, the relationship between the electroantennogram and the passion of honeybee has not been determined.

Methods

We established a four‐channel maze system to detect the degree of sensitivity of the honeybee's antenna to different odors. In addition, electroantennography (EAG) signal was recorded from the right antennae of the honeybees in our experiments to explore electrophysiological responses to different volatiles.

Results

The olfactory sensilla on the antennae of honeybees engender distinct electrophysiological responses to different volatiles. The bees were exposed to honey, 1‐hexanol and formic acid, and EAG parameters like depolarization time, falling slope, and amplitude were measured. The EAG indicators varied significantly between honey and formic acid, indicating either “happy” or “anxious” moods.

Conclusions

Honeybee can express its passion by the characteristic changes of EAG parameters. We defined a preference factor (F) to quantify the preference of bees to varying concentrations of different compounds, where greater positive values indicate an increased passion. Our findings provide novel insights into the understanding of odor recognition in insects.
Fomitopsis officinalis: a Species of Arboreal Mushroom with Promising Biological and Medicinal Properties
Authors: Muszyńska Bożena , Fijałkowska Agata , Sułkowska‐Ziaja Katarzyna , Włodarczyk Anna , Kaczmarczyk Piotr , Nogaj Ewa , Piętka Jacek
Published: April 2020

Medicinal mushrooms of the order Polyporales have a long history of use, which is evidenced by the finding of dissected fruiting bodies with Ötzi, who lived over 5000 years ago. Because of its valuable biological properties and its use in 18th and 19th‐century pharmacy, Fomitopsis officinalis used to be mass‐collected. Moreover, the large demand for larch wood and non‐wood materials (resin) caused an excessive exploitation of larch forests, which directly contributed to the disappearance of F. officinalis from its natural environment. The qualities of medicinal preparations obtained from the F. officinalis fruiting bodies are determined by the unique composition of its bioactive compounds, such as: triterpenoids, polysaccharides, organic acids, coumarins and phenolic compounds. It has been proved that both crude extracts and the compounds isolated from F. officinalis have a wide spectrum of therapeutic effects, including anti‐inflammatory, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial effects.
Intersecting Xenobiology and Neometabolism To Bring Novel Chemistries to Life
Authors: Nieto‐Domínguez Manuel , Nikel Pablo I.
Published: April 2020

The diversity of life relies on a handful of chemical elements (carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorus) as part of essential building blocks; some other atoms are needed to a lesser extent, but most of the remaining elements are excluded from biology. This circumstance limits the scope of biochemical reactions in extant metabolism – yet it offers a phenomenal playground for synthetic biology. Xenobiology aims to bring novel bricks to life that could be exploited for (xeno)metabolite synthesis. In particular, the assembly of novel pathways engineered to handle nonbiological elements (neometabolism) will broaden chemical space beyond the reach of natural evolution. In this review, xeno‐elements that could be blended into nature's biosynthetic portfolio are discussed together with their physicochemical properties and tools and strategies to incorporate them into biochemistry. We argue that current bioproduction methods can be revolutionized by bridging xenobiology and neometabolism for the synthesis of new‐to‐nature molecules, such as organohalides.
Synthesis of Oligonucleotides Containing the N6‐(2‐Deoxy‐α,β‐d‐erythropentofuranosyl)‐2,6‐diamino‐4‐hydroxy‐5‐formamidopyrimidine (Fapy⋅dG) Oxidative Damage Product Derived from 2′‐Deoxyguanosine
Authors: Yang Haozhe , Tang Joel A. , Greenberg Marc M.
Published: April 2020

N6‐(2‐Deoxy‐α,β‐d‐erythropentofuranosyl)‐2,6‐diamino‐4‐hydroxy‐5‐formamidopyrimidine (Fapy⋅dG) is a major DNA lesion produced from 2′‐deoxyguanosine under oxidizing conditions. Fapy⋅dG is produced from a common intermediate that leads to 7,8‐dihydro‐8‐oxo‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OxodGuo), and in greater quantities in cells. The impact of Fapy⋅dG on DNA structure and function is much less well understood than that of 8‐OxodGuo. This is largely due to the significantly greater difficulty in synthesizing oligonucleotides containing Fapy⋅dG than 8‐OxodGuo. We describe a synthetic approach for preparing oligonucleotides containing Fapy⋅dG that will facilitate intensive studies of this lesion in DNA. A variety of oligonucleotides as long as 30 nucleotides are synthesized. We anticipate that the chemistry described herein will provide an impetus for a wide range of studies involving Fapy⋅dG.
Reversible Photoswitching in Poly(2‐oxazoline) Nanoreactors
Authors: Kuepfert Michael , Qu Peiyuan , Cohen Aaron E. , Hoyt Caroline B. , Jones Christopher W. , Weck Marcus
Published: April 2020

This contribution reports light responsive catalytic nanoreactors based on poly(2‐oxazoline) diblock copolymers. The hydrophobic block of the copolymer is a random copolymer consisting of a spiropyran functionalized 2‐oxazoline (SPOx) and 2‐(but‐3‐yn‐1‐yl)‐4,5‐dihydrooxazole (ButynOx), while the hydrophilic block is based on 2‐methyl‐2‐oxazoline (MeOx). The block copolymer is terminated with tris(2‐aminoethyl) amine (TREN) that serves as catalyst in a Knoevenagel condensation. Four block copolymers with different ButynOx/SPOx and hydrophilic/hydrophobic ratios are synthesized and self‐assembled through solvent exchange. Micelles and vesicles of various sizes are observed by TEM, which undergo morphological and size changes in response to irradiation with UV light. We hypothesize that these transformations in the nanostructures are caused by increases in the hydrophilicity of the hydrophobic block when spiropyran (SP) isomerizes to merocyanine (MC) in the presence of UV light. The reversible transition from micellar to vesicular nanoreactors resulted in increased reaction kinetics through improved substrate accessibility to the catalytic site, or termination of the catalytic reaction due to polymer precipitation. These nanoreactors present a promising platform towards photoregulating reaction outcomes based on changes in nanostructure morphology.
Free‐Standing Black Phosphorus Foils for Energy Storage and Catalysis
Authors: Wu Bing , Kovalska Evgeniya , Luxa Jan , Marvan Petr , Cintl Štěpán , Sofer Zdenek
Published: April 2020

Few‐layered black phosphorus (BP) is a two‐dimensional material that has attracted intensive attention for applications in energy storage and catalysis due to its large surface area and good electrical and thermal conductivity. Herein, a comparable study of BP electrochemical exfoliation in various solutions of tetrabutylammonium salts (TBAX; X is PF6−, BF4−, and ClO4−) in DMSO is reported. Based on morphological and structural analyses, it is shown that TBAPF6/DMSO medium was specifically appropriate for the production of high‐quality BP nanosheets with micrometer lateral size and a thickness of about 2.4 nm. TBAPF6/DMSO‐processed, few‐layered BP exhibits enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalytic activity compared with that of samples exfoliated with the assistance of BF4− and ClO4− ions. Finally, the fabrication of flexible, free‐standing BP films and their performance in an all‐solid‐state supercapacitor device are demonstrated.
Ligand‐Controlled Diastereoselective Cobalt‐Catalysed Hydroalkynylation of Terminal Alkynes to E‐ or Z‐1,3‐Enynes
Authors: Weber Sebastian M. , Queder Jona , Hilt Gerhard
Published: April 2020

A diastereoselective hydroalkynylation of terminal alkynes to form the head‐to‐head dimerization products by two different cobalt‐phosphine catalyst system is reported. The use of the bidentate ligand dppp and additional triphenylphosphine led to the selective formation of the (E)‐1,3‐enynes (E:Z>99:1) in good to excellent yields, while the tridentate ligand TriPhos led to the corresponding (Z)‐1,3‐enynes in moderate to good yields with excellent stereoselectivities (up to E:Z=1:99). Both pre‐catalysts are easy to handle, because of their stability under atmospheric conditions. The optimized reaction conditions were identified by the Design of Experiments (DoE) approach, which has not been used before in cobalt‐catalysed reaction optimisation. DoE decreased the number of required reactions to a minimum.
Probing the Reorganization of Ionic Liquids’ Structure Induced by CO2 Sorption
Authors: Lepre Luiz Fernando , Costa Gomes Margarida , Ando Rômulo Augusto
Published: April 2020

The sorption of CO2 is often used to modify the macroscopic properties of liquids and solids. In the particular case of ionic liquids, different from molecular liquids, the sorption of CO2 may not induce volume expansions due to the strong Coulombic interactions between the ions of the fluid. However, a considerable viscosity decrease has been systematically observed. In order to understand the mechanisms of properties modifications in ionic fluids, herein we used Raman spectroscopy to probe the effect of CO2 on the structure of ionic liquids. It is shown that CO2 perturbs the electrostatic interactions between cations and anions, thus inducing a change in the polar domain of ionic liquids. It is observed that ionic liquids having bulkier ions are more prone to be perturbed by CO2 in comparison to ionic liquids having smaller ions. These results reveal new means of controlling the electrostatic forces between the ions and contributes to the mechanistic understanding of the modification of the macroscopic properties of ionic liquids by CO2 sorption.
Handling and Processing of Blood Specimens from Patients with COVID‐19 for Safe Studies on Cell Phenotype and Cytokine Storm
Authors: Cossarizza Andrea , Gibellini Lara , De Biasi Sara , Lo Tartaro Domenico , Mattioli Marco , Paolini Annamaria , Fidanza Lucia , Bellinazzi Caterina , Borella Rebecca , Castaniere Ivana , Meschiari Marianna , Sita Marco , Manco Gianrocco , Clini Enrico , Gelmini Roberta , Girardis Massimo , Guaraldi Giovanni , Mussini Cristina
Published: April 2020

The pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 heavily involves all those working in a laboratory. Samples from known infected patients or donors who are considered healthy can arrive, and a colleague might be asymptomatic but able to transmit the virus. Working in a clinical laboratory is posing several safety challenges. Few years ago, International Society for Advancement of Cytometry published guidelines to safely analyze and sort human samples that were revised in these days. We describe the procedures that we have been following since the first patient appeared in Italy, which have only slightly modified our standard one, being all human samples associated with risks. © 2020 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Palladium‐Catalyzed Selective Reduction of Carbonyl Compounds
Authors: Sarkar Nabin , Mahato Mamata , Nembenna Sharanappa
Published: April 2020

Two new examples of structurally characterized β‐diketiminate analogues i.e., conjugated bis‐guanidinate (CBG) supported palladium(II) complexes, [LPdX]2; [L= {(ArHN)(ArN)–C=N–C=(NAr)(NHAr)}; Ar = 2,6‐Et2‐C6H3], X = Cl (1), Br (2) have been reported. The synthesis of complexes 1–2 was achieved by two methods. Method A involves deprotonation of LH by nBuLi followed by the treatment of LLi (insitu formed) with PdCl2 in THF, which afforded compound 1 in good yield (75 %). In Method B, the reaction between free LH and PdX2 (X = Cl or Br) in THF allowed the formation of complexes 1 (Yield 73 %) and 2 (Yield 52 %), respectively. Moreover, these complexes were characterized thoroughly by several spectroscopic techniques (1H, 13C NMR, UV/Vis, FT‐IR, and HRMS), including single‐crystal X‐ray structural and elemental analyses. In addition, we tested the catalytic activity of these complexes 1–2 for the hydroboration of carbonyl compounds with pinacolborane (HBpin). We observed that compound 1 exhibits superior catalytic activity when compared to 2. Compound 1 efficiently catalyzes various aldehydes and ketones under solvent‐free conditions. Furthermore, both inter‐ and intramolecular chemoselectivity hydroboration of aldehydes over other functionalities have been established.
Validated Voltammetric Method for the Simultaneous Determination of Anti‐diabetic Drugs, Linagliptin and Empagliflozin in Bulk, Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Biological Fluids
Authors: Rizk Mohamed , Attia Ali K. , Mohamed Heba Y. , Elshahed Mona S.
Published: April 2020

A cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co3O4NPs) and multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) modified carbon paste electrodes were used to study the electrochemical behavior of linagliptin and empagliflozin in Britton Robinson buffer solution of pH 8.0 using cyclic and square wave voltammetry. The above mentioned modified electrodes showed highly sensitive sensing and gave an excellent anodic response for both drugs. The peak current varied linearly over the concentration ranges: 3.98×10−5–1.53×10−3 mol L−1(18.82–723.00 μg/mL) and 7.94×10−6–1.07×10−4 mol L−1(3.65–48.25 μg/mL) with determination coefficients of 0.9999 and 0.9998 for linagliptin and empagliflozin, respectively. The recoveries and relative standard deviations were found in the following ranges: 98.80 %–102.00 % and 0.23 %–1.90 % for linagliptin and 98.30 %–101.80 % and 0.11 %–1.86 % for empagliflozin. The detection and quantification limits were 1.13×10−5and 3.76×10−5 mol L−1(5.34and17.77 μg/mL) for linagliptin, 1.71×10−6and 5.68×10−6 mol L−1(0.77 and 2.56 μg/mL) for empagliflozin. The proposed sensors have been successfully applied for the determination of the drugs in bulk, pharmaceutical formulations and biological fluids.
Ceftriaxone‐induced radiation recall dermatitis
Authors: Patel Nirav V. , Samuels Michael , Elsayyad Nagy
Published: April 2020

Background

Radiation recall dermatitis (RRD) is an acute inflammatory skin reaction occurring in a skin area previously exposed to radiotherapy and triggered by subsequent intake of a drug, most commonly a chemotherapeutic agent. RRD secondary to antibiotics has also been reported but is a rare phenomenon overall and there are no reports of RRD in association with ceftriaxone exposure.

Methods

We report on a 59‐year‐old patient who had received radiotherapy to the neck bilaterally and who developed RRD 6 months later after a single dose of intramuscular ceftriaxone.

Results

The patient's rash resolved without further intervention over the ensuing 2 days following administration of a single dose of ceftriaxone.

Conclusion

This case illustrates that while RRD secondary to antibiotic exposure is rare, it is part of the differential diagnosis to be considered for acute dermatitis when there is a past history of radiotherapy to the same skin area.
Risk factors for progression to blast phase and outcome in 589 patients with myelofibrosis treated with ruxolitinib: Real‐world data
Authors: Palandri Francesca , Breccia Massimo , Tiribelli Mario , Bonifacio Massimiliano , Benevolo Giulia , Iurlo Alessandra , Elli Elena M. , Binotto Gianni , Tieghi Alessia , Polverelli Nicola , Martino Bruno , Abruzzese Elisabetta , Bergamaschi Micaela , Heidel Florian H. , Cavazzini Francesco , Crugnola Monica , Bosi Costanza , Isidori Alessandro , Auteri Giuseppe , Forte Dorian , Latagliata Roberto , Griguolo Davide , Cattaneo Daniele , Trawinska Malgorzata , Bartoletti Daniela , Krampera Mauro , Semenzato Gianpietro , Lemoli Roberto M. , Cuneo Antonio , Di Raimondo Francesco , Vianelli Nicola , Cavo Michele , Palumbo Giuseppe A.
Published: April 2020

The impact of ruxolitinib therapy on evolution to blast phase (BP) in patients with myelofibrosis (MF) is still uncertain. In 589 MF patients treated with ruxolitinib, we investigated incidence and risk factors for BP and we described outcome according to disease characteristics and treatment strategy. After a median follow‐up from ruxolitinib start of 3 years (range 0.1‐7.6), 65 (11%) patients transformed to BP during (93.8%) or after treatment. BP incidence rate was 3.7 per 100 patient‐years, comparably in primary and secondary MF (PMF/SMF) but significantly lower in intermediate‐1 risk patients (2.3 vs 5.6 per 100 patient‐years in intermediate‐2/high‐risk patients, P < .001). In PMF and SMF cohorts, previous interferon therapy seemed to correlate with a lower probability of BP (HR 0.13, P = .001 and HR 0.22, P = .02, respectively). In SMF, also platelet count <150 × 109/l (HR 2.4, P = .03) and peripheral blasts ≥3% (HR 3.3, P = .004) were significantly associated with higher risk of BP. High‐risk category according to dynamic International Prognostic Score System (DIPSS) and myelofibrosis secondary to PV and ET Collaboration Prognostic Model (MYSEC‐PM predicted BP in patients with PMF and SMF, respectively. Median survival after BP was 0.2 (95% CI: 0.1‐0.3) years. Therapy for BP included hypomethylating agents (12.3%), induction chemotherapy (9.2%), allogeneic transplant (6.2%) or supportive care (72.3%). Patients treated with supportive therapy had a median survival of 6 weeks, while 73% of the few transplanted patients were alive at a median follow‐up of 2 years. Progression to BP occurs in a significant fraction of ruxolitinib‐treated patients and is associated with DIPSS and MYSEC‐PM risk in PMF and SMF, respectively.
Radiological findings and clinical characteristics of pregnant women with COVID‐19 pneumonia
Authors: Wu Xiaoqing , Sun Ruihong , Chen Jianpu , Xie Yuanliang , Zhang Shutong , Wang Xiang
Published: April 2020

Objective

To study chest CT images and clinical characteristics of COVID‐19 pneumonia in pregnant patients to examine any correlation.

Methods

Between December 31, 2019 and March 7, 2020, 23 hospitalized pregnant patients with confirmed COVID‐19 were enrolled in the study. Clinical presentations were collected retrospectively from records, including laboratory testing, chest CT imaging, and symptoms. Descriptive analysis and correlation of patients’ clinical and CT characteristics were performed. Laboratory results from time of first admission and CT absorption (defined as reduction in lesion area, decrease in density, and absorption of some solid components) were compared between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.

Results

Fifteen (65.2%) patients were asymptomatic with patchy ground‐glass opacity in a single lung lobe. Eight (34.8%) patients were symptomatic with multiple patchy ground‐glass shadows, consolidation, and fibrous stripes. Differences in lymphocyte percentage and neutrophil granulocyte rate between first admission and CT absorption were significant (P<0.001). Median absorption time was shorter in the asymptomatic group compared with the symptomatic group (5 vs 10 days; P<0.001). Median hospitalization time between asymptomatic and symptomatic patients was 14 vs 25.5 days; P>0.001. Median absorption time and length of hospitalization for all patients was 6 days (IQR 5–8) and 17 days (IQR 13–25), respectively.

Conclusion

Radiological findings and clinical characteristics in pregnant women with COVID‐19 were similar to those of non‐pregnant women with COVID‐19. Median absorption time and length of hospitalization in asymptomatic patients were significantly shorter than in symptomatic patients. Lymphocyte percentage and neutrophil granulocyte rate may be used as laboratory indicators of CT absorption.
Management of ovarian cancer during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Mandato Vincenzo Dario , Aguzzoli Lorenzo
Published: April 2020

A new strategy of avoiding ultra‐radical surgery and increasing neoadjuvant therapy for the treatment of ovarian cancer is required during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Ocean Swimmer, Woodchopper, Road Tripper: Using Metaphor to Develop Students’ Identities as Writers
Authors: Perrow Margaret , Feldstein Mary (Lauren) , Sieler Arlene
Published: April 2020

Students who understand their writing process and see themselves as writers are more likely to successfully tackle unfamiliar genres and writing tasks. In this self‐study, a college English professor and two first‐year college students make a case for an extended‐metaphor assignment that helps students build stronger identities as writers. Metaphor plays a critical role in our understanding of the world and, hence, has high pedagogical value. By giving students a familiar framework with which to analyze their (less familiar) writing process, the metaphor essay develops students’ identities as academic writers, in turn helping them think more strategically about future writing tasks. Excerpts from each author’s own metaphor essay are interwoven with reflections on how the extended‐metaphor essay assignment scaffolded their awareness of the writing process and supported their development as writers. Comments from students suggest that they drew strategically on their extended metaphor in subsequent writing tasks.
Study on the optical and biological properties in vitro of IR808‐PEG‐FA
Authors: Wang Sujun , Tang Qianqian , Ya Huiyuan , Fan Yanli , Feng Wenjing , Du Jie , Fang Shengtao , Shi Chunmeng
Published: April 2020

IR808, an IR780 derivative, is capable of fluorescently imaging and photodynamic therapy in vitro and in vivo. However, its application is greatly hampered by hydrophobicity, toxicity and nonspecific delivery to the targeting tissue and that causes accumulation in the liver and kidney. In order to overcome these limitations, we prepared IR808‐PEG‐FA from IR808, amino‐terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (NH2‐PEG‐NH2, denoted as PEG) and folate (FA). PEG, an accepted hydrophilic medicinal agent, was introduced to improve hydrophobicity, and FA was used to increase targeting ability of the conjugate. The obtained product provides a good water solubility and stronger light intensity in near infrared (NIR)‐imaging, and CCK‐8 test demonstrated which had no appreciable toxicity. In addition, the cell uptake results indicated that IR808‐PEG‐FA was specifically targeted to positive tumors cells with folate receptor (FR) compared with IR808, and thus it may be used as a novel diagnostic agent or imaging‐guided agent for cancer treatment. So this article provides a way to improve hydrophobicity, optical stability and targeting ability in the field of nano‐probe for fluorochromes.
Developing and testing a readiness tool for interpersonal violence prevention partnerships with community‐based projects
Authors: Andrews Naomi C. Z. , Motz Mary , Pepler Debra J.
Published: April 2020

Community‐based projects that serve vulnerable families have the opportunity to identify and respond to interpersonal violence (IPV). We developed a readiness assessment tool to support selection of projects to participate in an initiative that involved implementing a community‐based IPV intervention for mothers. The overarching aim of the current study was to describe the development of this tool and examine the reliability of coding, validity, and utility of the tool. After developing and refining the tool, 41 community‐based projects completed the tool. Responses were coded and scored; scores were used to select projects for the initiative. Preliminary validation for the tool included (a) expert opinion, (b) uptake/implementation of the intervention, and (c) feedback and responses from service providers in terms of the usefulness and importance of the tool. This tool can be used by both researchers and service providers to assess community project readiness and capacity to provide trauma‐informed services for vulnerable families.
ATP6AP1‐CDG: Follow‐up and female phenotype
Authors: Lipiński Patryk , Rokicki Dariusz , Bogdańska Anna , Lesiak Justyna , Lefeber Dirk J. , Tylki‐Szymańska Anna
Published: April 2020

In 2016, 11 male patients were reported with immunodeficiency and hepatic, gastric and (in some) neurological disease due to X‐linked ATP6AP1 deficiency (ATP6AP1‐CDG). In 2018, three other patients were reported with additional features: connective tissue abnormalities, sensorineural hearing loss, hyperopia, glomerular and tubular dysfunction, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and altered amino acid and lipid metabolism. We here present a follow‐up of three reported siblings showing progression of deafness to total hearing loss, progressive loss of hair up to alopecia, chestnut skin and, at last follow‐up, in some of them proteinuria. Three female carriers showed a normal serum transferrin isoelectrofocusing but in two of them there was a persistent proteinuria.
“Real Recognize Real”: Hip‐Hop Spoken Word Therapy and Humanistic Practice
Authors: Levy Ian P.
Published: April 2020

Youth of color often experience counseling professionals as inauthentic. This presents a concern, especially considering the low utilization and retention rates of racial minority groups in counseling. This article describes a series of culturally sensitive interventions that are rooted in hip‐hop definitions of authenticity.