bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Awareness about Hepatitis B and/or C Viruses among Residents of Adama and Assela Cities. Oromia Regional State, Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Betela Birhanu , Kemal Feysal
Published: November 2019

Background: The word Hepatitis means an inflammation of the liver, and caused by one of many things, including a viral infection, bacterial infection, liver injury caused by a toxin (poison) or even an attack to the liver by the body’s own immune system.

Objective: The study has been undertaken with the aim to assess the level of awareness of hepatitis B and/or C viruses and factors that may affect the awareness level among residents of Adama and Assela cities.

Methods: Two stages stratified random sampling technique with stratifications formed by sub city applied to this study. Classical Logistic Regression Model has been employed to predict the probability of awareness (dependent variable), on the base of a set of predictor variables.

Results: Educational level, age, monthly income, total family size, reading habit and use of media had shown statistically significant association with response variable (awareness level) for both Adama and Assela cities. Only about 45.8% and 44.9% of the respondents at Adama and Assela cities respectively are aware of the infectious disease while the rest are not aware. Although 33.5% and 33.3% of the respondents on Adama and Assela cities respectively were aware of the availability of vaccine for Hepatitis B, only 6.6% and 6.8% of the respondents are vaccinated for Hepatitis B.

Conclusions: Variables significantly influencing awareness of residents at Adama and Assela cities towards Hepatitis B and/or C were educational level, monthly income, reading habit, uses of media.
Antimicrobial Resistance in Isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae during January 2016 to December 2017 in Dr. Lal Path Labs, Delhi
Authors: Malik Shalabh , Singh Puneeta , Lal Vandana
Published: November 2019

Aims and Objectives:  The aim and objectives of this study is to assess drug resistance pattern of Streptococcus pneumoniae in Dr Lal Path Labs, Delhi. We did retrospective study from January 2016 to December 2017 on 86 isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Materials and Methods: At study sites, total 86 isolates from pulmonary and extra pulmonary grown on Columbia 5% sheep Blood agar (BioMerieux) plates after incubation for 24 to 48 hours at 36± 1°C in 5% CO2 incubator. Identified by MALDI TOF-MS (Bruker Daltonics) & Antibiotic susceptibility testing were also done using VITEK® 2 GP card. / S. pneumoniae susceptibility card (AST ST01 Card –BioMerieux, India) as per as CLSI M100-S-28.

Results: A total 86 isolates from pulmonary (21%) and extra pulmonary (79%) specimens were analysed for their antibiotic resistance pattern. 30% were from samples collected from children below between 0-10 years and 17.4% were collected from adults above 60 years of age.

The most prevalent source was blood (45.34%), followed by Sputum (20.93%), CSF (12.79%), Pus (n= 9.3%) throat (4.76%), ear (3.5%), nasal (2.3%) and eye (1.19%).

Evaluating the antimicrobial susceptibility with 12 antibiotics we found strains were most susceptible to Chloramphenicol (98.8%), Linezolid (93%) and Vancomycin (88.37%). However most resistance were seen in Erythromycin (62.8%), Tetracycline (59.3%), Co-trimoxazole (62.8%) and Penicillin resistance were (22.1%).

Discussion and Conclusion: In our study we found the infection is most common in extremes of age i e:  30% (0-10 y) & 17.4% (60-80y). Alarming thing found is the emergence of resistance in Vancomycin (11.62%) and Linezolid (6.97%) in India which is also reported by other studies.

We found Chloramphenicol and Linezolid are most susceptible drugs against Streptococcus pneumoniae whereas maximum resistance was observed for Erythromycin (62.8%), Tetracycline (59.3%), Co-trimoxazole (62.8%) and Penicillin resistance is very much present in pulmonary isolates in comparision to extrapulmonary isolates.
Brief Epidemiological Report on Chikungunya Outbreak in Bihar, India in 2017: Implications for Control
Authors: Mishra Ragini , Mishra Navin
Published: November 2019

Aims: The present study was done to identify the epidemiology of the disease outbreak in Bihar in 2017 and suggest remedial measures for the prevention of possible future outbreaks of Chikungunya.

Study Design:  Daily reports on Chikungunya were collected in prescribed format from the District Surveillance Unit, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) that included case details from Govt. Medical Colleges and various Private Hospitals in the State.

Place and Duration of Study: Index case of Chikungunya was reported in Bihar, India on 15 Feb 2017. After that, few scattered cases were reported till 23 Aug 2017. Cases started increasing from 24 Aug 2017 onwards. From 15 Feb till 31 Dec 2017, total 1223 cases were reported from 32 districts in Bihar.

Methodology: The cases were analysed concerning time, place and person. Daily reporting on the health conditions of the cases and the status of the control measures like fogging and larvicidal spray in the affected area was monitored at the State level.

Results: Case Fatality Rate (CFR) due to the disease was Nil in the State. The outbreak peak laid from 3-Nov to 12-Nov when 218 cases were reported. Out of 1223 cases, 100% cases were ELISA confirmed. Almost all age groups were affected, but the frequency was greater in the age group 21-30 (25%)> 31-40 (21%)>11-20 (19%). Males (61%) were more affected than females (39%). Out of the total 1223 cases, 100% of the cases were reported from Govt. institutions. State Health Department, Govt. of Bihar took many measures to limit the outbreak, and through strengthening the surveillance and response activities, transmission of the disease was curtailed in the State.    

Conclusion: Patna district was most affected followed by Nalanda and Vaishali. Young adults of age group 21-30 were most affected. Males were more affected than females.
Gig Economy
Authors: Jamie Kimberly , Musilek Karel
Published: November 2019

The so‐called “gig economy,” whereby self‐employed workers are paid for completing discrete tasks, is changing the landscape of work in the west. Although freelance work has always been a part of the labor market, it was typically concentrated in areas such as the creative industries. Owing to the coalescence of diverse technological, economic, and political factors, freelance work through the gig economy is becoming an increasingly common way of organizing labor. The gig economy has a number of advantages and disadvantages for both organizations and workers.
A simple knowledge‐based tool for stereotactic radiosurgery pre‐planning
Authors: Goldbaum Daniel S. , Hurley Justin D. , Hamilton Russell J.
Published: November 2019

We studied the dosimetry of single‐isocenter treatment plans generated to treat a solitary intracranial lesion using linac‐based stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). A common metric for evaluating SRS plan quality is the volume of normal brain tissue irradiated by a dose of at least 12 Gy (V12), which is important because multiple studies have shown a strong correlation between V12 and incidence of radiation necrosis. Unrealistic expectations for values of V12 can lead to wasted planning time. We present a model that estimates V12 without having to construct a full treatment plan. This model was derived by retrospectively analyzing 50 SRS treatment plans, each clinically approved for delivery using circular collimator cone arc therapy (CAT). Each case was re‐planned for delivery via dynamic conformal arc therapy (DCAT), and then scaling arguments were used to extend dosimetric data to account for different prescription dose (PD) values (15, 18, 21, or 24 Gy). We determined a phenomenological expression for the total volume receiving at least 12 Gy (TV12) as a function of both planning target volume (PTV) and PD: , where are fit parameters, and a separate set of values is determined for each plan type. In addition, we generated a sequence of plots to clarify how the relationship between conformity index (CI) and TV12 depends on plan type (CAT vs DCAT), PTV, and PD. These results can be used to suggest realistic plan parameters and planning goals before the start of treatment planning. In the absence of access to more sophisticated pre‐planning tools, this model can be locally generated and implemented at relatively low cost with respect to time, money, and expertise.
Construction of MnO2 Artificial Leaf with Atomic Thickness as Highly Stable Battery Anodes
Authors: Jia Binbin , Chen Wenxing , Luo Jun , Yang Zhao , Li Lidong , Guo Lin
Published: November 2019

The leaf‐like structure is a classic and robust structure and its unique vein support can reduce structural instability. However, biomimetic leaf structures on the atomic scale are rarely reported due to the difficulty in achieving a stable vein‐like support in a mesophyll‐like substrate. A breathable 2D MnO2 artificial leaf is first reported with atomic thickness by using a simple and mild one‐step wet chemical method. This homogeneous ultrathin leaf‐like structure comprises of vein‐like crystalline skeleton as support and amorphous microporous mesophyll‐like nanosheet as substrate. When used as an anode material for lithium ion batteries, it first solves the irreversible capacity loss and poor cycling issue of pure MnO2, which delivers high capacity of 1210 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and extremely stable cycle life over 2500 cycles at 1.0 A g−1. It exhibits the most outstanding cycle life of pure MnO2 and even comparable to the most MnO2‐based composite electrode materials. This biomimetic design provides important guidelines for precise control of 2D artificial systems and gives a new idea for solving poor electrochemical stability of pure metal oxide electrode materials.
Processing Optimization and Property Predictions of Hot‐Extruded Bi–Te–Se Thermoelectric Materials via Machine Learning
Authors: Wang Zhi‐Lei , Adachi Yoshitaka , Chen Zhong‐Chun
Published: November 2019

Traditional experiment‐based materials research is becoming increasingly insufficient to thoroughly understand materials’ characteristics and thus it is becoming difficult to develop novel materials with better performance. Machine learning is applied to hot‐extruded CuxBi2Te2.85+ySe0.15 thermoelectric materials, and the relationships between the processing, microstructure, and properties are further investigated via a data‐driven approach. A properties‐to‐microstructure‐to‐processing inverse analysis is proposed and performed by a genetic algorithm. The analysis results indicate that hot‐extruded materials have a potential best figure of merit (ZT) value of 1.15, which is 1.32 times larger than their best experimental value (0.87). To obtain this optimal property, processing variables such as higher extrusion temperature and larger Cu content and microstructure with a larger average grain size and higher density are required. The proposed data‐driven approach is expected to provide a new avenue for designing high‐performance Bi–Te–Se thermoelectric materials and thus to accelerate discoveries of novel materials.
Rare copy number variants in individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis: Enrichment of synaptic/brain‐related functional pathways
Authors: Jagannath Vinita , Grünblatt Edna , Theodoridou Anastasia , Oneda Beatrice , Roth Alexander , Gerstenberg Miriam , Franscini Maurizia , Traber‐Walker Nina , Correll Christoph U. , Heekeren Karsten , Rössler Wulf , Rauch Anita , Walitza Susanne
Published: November 2019

Schizophrenia is a complex and chronic neuropsychiatric disorder, with a heritability of around 60–80%. Large (>100 kb) rare (<1%) copy number variants (CNVs) occur more frequently in schizophrenia patients compared to controls. Currently, there are no studies reporting genome‐wide CNVs in clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR‐P) individuals. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of rare genome‐wide CNVs in 84 CHR‐P individuals and 124 presumably healthy controls. There were no significant differences in all rare CNV frequencies and sizes between CHR‐P individuals and controls. However, brain‐related CNVs and brain‐related deletions were significantly more frequent in CHR‐P individuals than controls. In CHR‐P individuals, significant associations were found between brain‐related CNV carriers and attenuated positive symptoms syndrome or cognitive disturbances (OR = 3.07, p = .0286). Brain‐related CNV carriers experienced significantly higher negative symptoms (p = .0047), higher depressive symptoms (p = .0175), and higher disturbances of self and surroundings (p = .0029) than noncarriers. Furthermore, enrichment analysis of genes was performed in the regions of rare CNVs using three independent methods, which confirmed significant clustering of predefined genes involved in synaptic/brain‐related functional pathways in CHR‐P individuals. These results suggest that rare CNVs might affect synaptic/brain‐related functional pathways in CHR‐P individuals.
Synthesis of ferrocenyl‐containing silicone rubbers via platinum‐catalyzedSi–Hself‐cross‐linking
Authors: Deriabin Konstantin V. , Lobanovskaia Ekaterina K. , Kirichenko Sergey O. , Barshutina Marie N. , Musienko Pavel E. , Islamova Regina M.
Published: November 2019

Self‐cross‐linkable ferrocenyl‐containing polymethylhydrosiloxanes were synthesized. Karstedt's catalyst andcis‐[PtCl2(BnCN)2] were examined as cross‐linking catalysts at room temperature for the reaction between Si–H groups of the ferrocenyl‐containing polymethylhydrosiloxanes.Cis‐[PtCl2(BnCN)2] is an effective catalyst that allows cross‐linked ferrocenyl‐containing silicones (silicone rubbers) to be obtained withno visiblemechanical defects (bubbles or cracks) compared with Karstedt's catalyst. The ferrocene content of the ferrocenyl‐containing silicone rubbers was found to be approximately 50 wt.% by energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis. Compared with cross‐linked non‐modified polymethylhydrosiloxanes, the ferrocenyl‐containing silicone rubbers exhibited improved tensile properties (the tensile strength increased from 0.47 to 0.75 MPa) and a 1.5–2.5 times lower cross‐linking degree. The surface resistivity of the ferrocenyl‐containing silicone rubbers (50 wt.% ferrocenyl units) was approximately 7 × 109 Ω/□, which was 10,000 times lower than that of pure polymethylhydrosiloxane. The obtained flexible electroactive ferrocenyl‐containing silicone rubbers can potentially be applied as coatings for electronic and electrostatic‐sensitive devices, interfaces, and sensors.
Poly(vinyl alcohol) foams reinforced with carbon nanotubes for stapedial annular ligament applications
Authors: Bhinder Jasdeep , Agnihotri Prabhat K.
Published: November 2019

This study aims to develop carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) foams as a possible material for stapedial annular ligament (SAL) application. As‐grown (AG) and purified CNTs are used as reinforcing fillers for PVA foams. Uniaxial and cyclic compression tests reveal that specific modulus and energy dissipation behavior improve after reinforcing foam with CNTs. A relatively higher improvement in specific modulus is recorded for purified CNTs as they tend to produce stiffer cell walls. Thermogravimetric analysis shows thermal stability improves after addition of CNTs in PVA foams. The 50 wt % degradation temperature is higher for PVA_AG foam in comparison to neat PVA foam. Under dynamic loading storage, modulus is found to be higher for CNT doped foams with higher relative improvement with purified CNTs than AG CNTs. It is shown that reinforcing PVA foams with purified CNTs is a feasible strategy to improve their average mechanical properties and microstructure for SAL application. While the specific elastic modulus of neat PVA foam found to be in range of 0.05–0.06 MPa gcc−1 with almost zero porosity. The addition of CNTs provides a wide range of specific elastic modulus 0.1–1.3 MPa gcc−1 with an average pores size of about 300 μm. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48736.
Synergistic therapeutic effects of Duzhong Jiangya Tablets and amlodipine besylate combination in spontaneously hypertensive rats using 1H‐NMR‐ and MS‐based metabolomics
Authors: Li Jingwei , Zhao Min , Jiang Xue , Liu Tingting , Wang Miao , Zhao Chunjie
Published: November 2019

Duzhong Jiangya Tablet (DJT) composed of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. and several other traditional Chinese medicines is a Chinese herbal compound, which is clinically used to treat hypertension. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antihypertensive effect of DJT and amlodipine besylate (AB) on the synergistic treatment of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), and to explore its antihypertensive mechanism. The synergistic therapeutic effect of DJT in combination with AB on SHR was studied using two metabolomics methods based on mass spectrum (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance. Metabolomics analysis of plasma, urine, liver, and kidney and the combination of orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis was performed to expose potential biomarkers. Then, the overall metabolic characteristics and related abnormal metabolic pathways in hypertensive rats were constructed. Blood pressure measurements showed that DJT combined with AB has better effects in treating hypertension than it being alone. A total of 30 biomarkers were identified, indicating that hypertension disrupted the balance of multiple metabolic pathways in the body, and that combined administration restored metabolite levels better than their administration alone. The changes of biomarkers revealed the synergistic therapeutic mechanism of DJT combined with AB, which provided a reference for the combination of Chinese and Western medicines.
Nystagmus‐related FRMD7 gene influences the maturation and complexities of neuronal processes in human neurons
Authors: Pu Jiali , Dai Shaobing , Gao Ting , Hu Jing , Fang Yi , Zheng Ran , Jin Chongyao , Zhang Baorong
Published: November 2019

Aims

Idiopathic congenital nystagmus (ICN) is an oculomotor disorder caused by the defects in the ocular motor control regions of the brain. Mutations in FRMD7, a member of the FERM family of proteins, associated with cytoskeletal dynamics, are the most frequent causes of X‐linked ICN. Previous studies illustrated that FRMD7 is involved in the elongation of neurites during neuronal development; however, almost all the studies were performed on mice cell models. The complexity in the human neuronal network might suggest a unique vulnerability of human neurons to FRMD7 mutations.

Methods

Herein, we successfully established human neuronal cell models with FRMD7 mutations, from fibroblasts‐reprogrammed neurons (iNs). In these neurons, the complexity of the neuronal processes was measured by the induced ratio, total neurite length, the number of terminals, and the number of maturation neurons.

Results

The complexity of the neuronal processes was greatly reduced during various reprogramming stages in the presence of FRMD7 mutations. Consistently, the expression of the three main Rho GTPases was significantly increased by FRMD7 mutations. Interestingly, a slightly diverse phenotype is observed in different derived neurons.

Conclusion

We established ideal human neuron models and confirmed that the mutation in FRMD7 influences the maturation and complexities of neuronal processes, which might be involved with the Rho GTPase signaling.
Identification of a 6‐lncRNA prognostic signature based on microarray re‐annotation in gastric cancer
Authors: Ma Bin , Li Yongmin , Ren Yupeng
Published: November 2019

Gastric cancer (GC) remains an important malignancy worldwide with poor prognosis. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) can markedly affect cancer progression. Moreover, lncRNAs have been proposed as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers of GC. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore lncRNA‐based prognostic biomarkers for GC. LncRNA expression profiles from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were first downloaded. After re‐annotation of lncRNAs, a univariate Cox analysis identified 177 prognostic lncRNA probes in the training set GSE62254 (n = 225). Multivariate Cox analysis of each lncRNA with clinical characteristics as covariates identified a total of 46 prognostic lncRNA probes. Robust likelihood‐based survival and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) models were used to establish a 6‐lncRNA signature with prognostic value. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were employed to compare survival prediction in terms of specificity and sensitivity. Patients with high‐risk scores exhibited a significantly worse overall survival (OS) than patients with low‐risk scores (log‐rank test P‐value <.0001), and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) for 5‐year survival was 0.77. A nomogram and forest plot were constructed to compare the clinical characteristics and risk scores by a multivariable Cox regression analysis, which suggested that the 6‐lncRNA signature can independently make the prognosis evaluation of patients. Single‐sample GSEA (ssGSEA) was used to determine the relationships between the 6‐lncRNA signature and biological functions. The internal validation set GSE62254 (n = 75) and the external validation set GSE57303 (n = 70) were successfully used to validate the robustness of our 6‐lncRNA signature. In conclusion, based on the above results, the 6‐lncRNA signature can effectively make the prognosis evaluation of GC patients.
Reversing microtubule‐directed chemotherapeutic drug resistance by co‐delivering α2β1 inhibitor and paclitaxel with nanoparticles in ovarian cancer
Authors: Zheng Weihong , Ge Dandi , Meng Guohua
Published: November 2019

Previous reports indicated that integrins associated signals are tightly related to tumor progression. Here, we observed elevated expression of integrin α2β1 in tumor tissues from microtubule‐directed chemotherapeutic drugs (MDCDs) resistant patients compared with the samples from chemosensitive patients. More importantly, we sorted the integrin α2β1+ tumor cells and found those cells revealed high MDCDs resistance, whereas MDCDs shows effective cytotoxicity to those integrin α2β1− tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that integrin α2β1 could induce MDCDs resistance through the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Applying MPEG‐PLA to co‐encapsulate the integrin α2β1 inhibitor E7820 and MDCDs could effectively reverse MDCDs resistance, resulting in enhanced anticancer effects while avoiding potential systemic toxicity in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, the expression of integrin α2β1 contributes to MDCDs resistance, while applying E7820 combination treatment by MPEG‐PLA nanoparticles could reverse the resistance.
Selective interstitial doxorubicin for recurrent glioblastoma
Authors: Matcovschii Valerii , Lisii Dan , Gudumac Valentin , Dorosenco Stanislav
Published: November 2019

Poor delimitation from the viable brain, great genetic heterogeneity, lack of tumor vascularisation are factors that preclude intravenous chemotherapy. Interstitial chemotherapy could be a strategy to avoid a blood‐brain barrier and to assure a minimal dose concentration of the chemotherapy agent. Doxorubicin might be devoid of neurotoxic effects and still efficient on remaining far‐infiltrated tumor cells.
Incorporating sepiolite and kaolinite to improve the performance of SPEEK composite membranes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells
Authors: Çalı Aygün , Şahin Alpay , Ar İrfan
Published: November 2019

SPEEK polymer based thermally crosslinked polymer membranes are prepared by sol‐gel synthesis using kaolinite and sepiolite clays as additives. Characterization tests, ie, mechanical stability, thermal gravimetric analysis, ion exchange capability, swelling properties, water uptake capacities, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of the membranes were conducted. The sepiolite and kaolinite addition enhanced the thermal stability and the thermal crosslinking reduced the swelling capacity of the synthesized membranes. Proton conductivity results were increased from 0.172 to 0.268 S cm−1 by adding 9% of kaolinite, and to 0.329 S cm−1 at 80°C by adding 9% of sepiolite to the SPEEK membrane's polymer structure. The fuel cell current density and potential measurements of 141 mA cm−2 and 84.6 mW cm−2 were found respectively at 0.6 V for the SPEEK/S9 membrane, whereas values of 600 mA cm−2 and 348 mW cm−2 were found for the Nafion commercial membrane.
Raw material management networks based on an improved P‐graph integrated carbon emission pinch analysis (CEPA‐P‐graph) method
Authors: Mu Peng , Yang Yu , Han YongMing , Gu Xiangbai , Zhu QunXiong
Published: November 2019

Raw material management plays an essential role in the environment production and carbon emission problem. A P‐graph is an effective tool that can be used to solve the raw material management problem. However, raw material management based on the P‐graph is complicated and inaccurate. Therefore, this paper proposes an improved P‐graph integrating carbon emission pinch analysis (CEPA‐P‐graph) method to resolve raw material management problem with simpler structures and less results. The proposed method is applied in raw material planning in terms of the regional energy planning problem, and two ethylene plants under carbon emission constraints are examined. As the parameter information of the problem is utilized by pinch technology, the search domain of structure optimization is further reduced, and the computing complexity is reduced, while the advantages of the P‐graph multi‐solution are guaranteed. The experimental results demonstrate the validity of the proposed method. Furthermore, the CEPA‐P‐graph could reduce the complexity of solution structure generation by ~70% and reduce the carbon emission per unit product by 17%.
Sequential modular simulation of circulating fluidized bed reactors
Authors: Jafari Hasan , Sheikhi Amir , Sotudeh‐Gharebagh Rahmat
Published: November 2019

Bypassing the mathematical complexity of equation‐oriented approaches in predicting the performance of chemical reactors has recently stimulated a significant amount of interest. Among chemical reactors, circulating fluidized bed reactors (CFBRs) have secured an important role in a broad range of applications in energy sectors due to their advantages, including high fluid‐solid contact efficiency, uniform temperature, and enhanced heat and mass transfer rates. Accordingly, modelling and predicting the performance of these reactors is of great importance. In this study, a sequence‐based model was developed to predict the behaviour of CFBRs. Complex phenomena in CFBRs were mimicked by two sub‐models, namely the hydrodynamics module, which addressed the physical changes, and the reaction kinetics module, which described the chemical evolution of species. The performance of the proposed model was validated with a library of catalytic ozone decomposition experimental data in CFBRs. This work introduces a new infrastructure for modelling CFBRs, which may be combined with the current process simulation software, such as Aspen Plus©, for advanced process modelling applications.
Quantification of the Activation Capabilities of Lewis/Brønsted Acid for Electrophilic Trifluoromethylthiolating Reagents†
Authors: Kang Huiying , Zhou Biying , Li Man , Xue Xiao‐Song , Cheng Jin‐Pei
Published: November 2019

Summary of main observation and conclusion

Electrophilic trifluoromethylthiolation has emerged as an important and efficient methodology for installing the SCF3 moiety onto an array of organic molecules. Due to the low reactivities of trifluoromethylthiolating reagents, these transformations often require activation through an exogenous Lewis/Brønsted acid. We report herein the quantification of the activation capabilities of Lewis/Brønsted acids for trifluoromethylthiolating reagents through computing the difference in trifluoromethylthio cation donor ability (Tt+DA) between the "activated” and “unactivated” reagent. A moderate correlation is found to exist between the activation capability and Lewis acidity.
Safety and efficacy of the ThermoCool SmartTouch SurroundFlow catheter for atrial fibrillation ablation: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Chao‐Feng , Gao Xiao‐Fei , Liu Mei‐Jun , Jin Chao‐Lun , Xu Yi‐Zhou
Published: November 2019

Background

The ThermoCool Smarttouch Surroundflow catheter (STSFc) is an advanced catheter, which integrating contact force sensing and surroundflow technology. However, comparative data between STSFc and contact force sensing catheter (Thermocool SmartTouch catheter [STc]) are limited.

Hypothesis

We thought that STSFc might bring more clinical benefits. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to compare the safety and efficiency between the STSFc and the STc for treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

The Medline, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies comparing STSFc and STc.

Results

Four trials involving 727 patients were included in the study. Pool‐analyses demonstrated that, as compared STc ablation, STSFc ablation was more beneficial in terms of procedural times (standard mean difference [SMD]: −0.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.37 to −0.07, P = .005) and irrigation fluid volume (SMD: −1.94; 95% CI, −2.65 to −1.22, P < .0001). There was no significant difference between STSFc and STc (risk ratio [RR]: 1.02; 95% CI: 0.86 to 1.21, P = .79) for free from AF. Evidence of complications were low and similar for both groups (RR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.19‐3.55, P = .80). Additionally, patients administered STSFc ablation tended to have shorter fluoroscopic times (SMD: −0.20; 95% CI, −0.63‐0.23, P = .21).

Conclusions

STSFc ablation was associated with reducing procedural times and irrigation fluid volume. Further, STSFc ablation tended to shorten fluoroscopic times. Therefore, STSFc ablation would be a better choice for AF patients especially in patients with heart failure.
New Challenges in Drug Discovery – July 8–11, 2019, Vitoria‐Gasteiz, Spain
Authors: Alonso Concepción , de los Santos Jesús M. , Palacios Francisco
Published: November 2019

The 2019 edition “New Challenges in Drug Discovery”, one of the biennial meetings under the patronage of the SEQT and EFMC, was held at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of the Basque Country in Vitoria‐Gasteiz from July 8 to 11, 2019. On this occasion, attendees from Spain as well as from five EU countries and three non‐EU countries were spectators of many scientific highlights related with the main research areas for different diseases and with protein−protein interactions, analytical tools and methods in discovery and development of drugs and computer‐assisted methods in medicinal chemistry. The interesting scientific program was also complemented by an entertaining social program: a gastronomic opening ceremony held at the Museum of Fine Arts of Alava, visits to the Medieval Old City of Gasteiz and a gala dinner in a typical restaurant nestled in a building from the XVth Century.
Diagnosis and grading of basaloid salivary gland tumors using the Milan System for reporting salivary gland cytopathology
Authors: Faquin William C.
Published: November 2019

In this issue of Cancer Cytopathology, Gargano et al. describe their experience using the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology for the diagnosis and grading of a subset of salivary gland tumors with basaloid features. Among salivary gland tumors, this subset of basaloid tumors is considered by many to be the most problematic to classify cytologically.
Pseudoglandular schwannoma mimicking alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma: A diagnostic challenge on fine‐needle cytology
Authors: Yaprak Bayrak Büşra , Vural Çiğdem , Paksoy Nadir
Published: November 2019

Pseudoglandular schwannoma (PGS) is a rare morphological variant of benign schwannoma. PGS is quite distinct from the somewhat better characterized glandular schwannoma variant. PGS is characterized by the presence of gland‐like structures lined with pseudocolumnar or cuboidal‐like neoplastic Schwann cells lining variably sized cystic space cells. Herein, we describe a rare case of PGS in a 17‐year‐old adolescent boy with a neck mass 8.5 cm in diameter present for 2 years with a recent increase in size. Fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) demonstrated abundant rhabdoid‐like cuboidal cells, plasmacytoid cells, binucleation, clusters of round to oval cells with scant cytoplasm, and a lack of stromal cells with spindle or oval nuclei. These findings were challenging and were reminiscent of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma on FNA. Magnetic resonance imaging was also suggestive of malignancy. However, the histologic picture and the immunohistochemical analysis of the resected mass were consisted with PGS. The numerous rhabdoid‐like cuboidal neoplastic Schwann cells with a plasmacytoid appearance, paving cystic spaces, and the lack of blunt‐ended proliferating stromal cells on smears mimicked alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma on FNA. To our knowledge, cytological features of PGS have not been previously reported. This is the first published report of an unusual PGS case located in the neck region causing a diagnostic dilemma on cytology.
Irisin increases the expression of anorexigenic and neurotrophic genes in mouse brain
Authors: Natalicchio Annalisa , Marrano Nicola , Biondi Giuseppina , Dipaola Lucia , Spagnuolo Rosaria , Cignarelli Angelo , Perrini Sebastio , Laviola Luigi , Giorgino Francesco
Published: November 2019

Background

Irisin, a newly discovered muscle‐derived hormone, acts in different organs and tissues, improving energy homeostasis. In this study, we assessed, for the first time, the effects of intraperitoneal irisin injections on circulating levels of leptin and ghrelin, mRNA expression of the major hypothalamic appetite regulators and brain neurotrophic factors, as well as feeding behaviour in healthy mice.

Methods

Twelve male 6‐week‐old C57BL/6 mice were randomized into two groups and intraperitoneally injected daily with irisin (0.5 μg/g body weight) or vehicle (phosphate‐buffered saline [PBS]) for 14 days. On the last day of observation, leptin and ghrelin levels were measured with an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). mRNA levels of genes of interest were analysed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) in brain extracts.

Results

Irisin administration did not change leptin or ghrelin serum concentrations. However, irisin injection increased CART, POMC, NPY, and BDNF mRNA levels, without affecting the mRNA expression of AgRP, orexin, PMCH, and UCP2. Finally, over the time frame of irisin treatment, body weight and feeding behaviour were unaltered.

Conclusions

These results suggest that intraperitoneal injection of irisin, although without effects on feeding behaviour and body weight, can increase the expression of anorexigenic and neurotrophic genes in mouse brain.
Down syndrome as a genetic model to evaluate the role of oxidative stress and transsulfuration abnormalities in autism spectrum disorder: A 10‐year longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Geier David A. , Kern Janet K. , Geier Mark R.
Published: November 2019

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which evidence reveals oxidative stress and transsulfuration pathway abnormalities. Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder characterized by similar oxidative stress and transsulfuration pathway abnormalities. This hypothesis‐testing longitudinal cohort study determined whether transsulfuration abnormalities and oxidative stress are important susceptibility factors in ASD etiology by evaluating the rate of ASD diagnoses in DS as compared to the general population. The Independent Healthcare Research Database was analyzed for healthcare records prospectively generated in Florida Medicaid. A cohort of 101,736 persons (born: 1990–1999) with ≥10 outpatient office visits and continuously followed for 120 months after birth was examined. There were 942 children in the DS cohort (ICD‐9 code: 758.0) and 100,749 children in the undiagnosed cohort (no DS diagnosis). ASD diagnoses were defined as autistic disorder (ICD‐9 code: 299.00) or Asperger's disorder/pervasive developmental disorder—not otherwise specified (ICD‐9 code: 299.80). ASDs were diagnosed in 5.31% of the DS cohort and 1.34% of the undiagnosed cohort. The risk ratio of being diagnosed with an ASD in the DS cohort as compared to the undiagnosed cohort was 3.97‐fold significantly increased with a risk difference of 3.97%. Among children diagnosed with DS, less than 6% were also diagnosed with an ASD. Among children diagnosed with an ASD, less than 5% were also diagnosed with DS. Children diagnosed with DS are apparently more susceptible to ASD diagnosis relative to the general population suggesting oxidative stress and transsulfuration pathway abnormalities are important susceptibility factors in ASD.
Use of social networking sites and desire for slimness among 10‐year‐old girls and boys: A population‐based birth cohort study
Authors: Sugimoto Noriko , Nishida Atsushi , Ando Shuntaro , Usami Satoshi , Toriyama Rie , Morimoto Yuko , Koike Shinsuke , Yamasaki Syudo , Kanata Sho , Fujikawa Shinya , Furukawa Toshiaki A. , Sasaki Tsukasa , Hiraiwa‐Hasegawa Mariko , Kasai Kiyoto
Published: November 2019

Objective

Desire for slimness (DS) is a well‐established risk factor for eating disorders among adolescents, particularly girls. It is known that exposure to traditional media such as television can increase DS. However, the association between DS and the use of new media, such as social networking sites (SNS), adjusting for relevant potential confounders, has not been examined to‐date. In this study, we assessed the relationship between DS and SNS use among early adolescent girls and boys, adjusting for body mass index (BMI), time spent watching television, and Internet use.

Method

DS, SNS use, and confounding variables were assessed using self‐report questionnaires and face‐to‐face interviews from a cross‐sectional population‐based survey of 4,478 10‐year‐old Japanese adolescents (2,100 girls and 2,378 boys).

Results

After adjusting for confounding variables, SNS use was associated with increased risk of DS among girls (odds ratio [OR] = 1.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17–3.18, p = .010), but not among boys (OR = 1.07; 95% CI, 0.64–1.80, p = .786).

Discussion

Exposure to SNS was associated with an increased risk of DS among early adolescents, especially girls. Targeting SNS use in early adolescence seems a promising approach to prevention of DS and subsequent eating problems, particularly among girls.
Strong phenotypic divergence in spite of low genetic structure in the endemic Mangrove Warbler subspecies (Setophaga petechia xanthotera) of Costa Rica
Authors: Chavarria‐Pizarro Tania , Gomez Juan Pablo , Ungvari‐Martin Judit , Bay Rachael , Miyamoto Michael M. , Kimball Rebecca
Published: November 2019

Despite the enormous advances in genetics, links between phenotypes and genotypes have been made for only a few nonmodel organisms. However, such links can be essential to understand mechanisms of ecological speciation. The Costa Rican endemic Mangrove Warbler subspecies provides an excellent subject to study differentiation with gene flow, as it is distributed along a strong precipitation gradient on the Pacific coast with no strong geographic barriers to isolate populations. Mangrove Warbler populations could be subject to divergent selection driven by precipitation, which influences soil salinity levels, which in turn influences forest structure and food resources. We used single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and morphological traits to examine the balance between neutral genetic and phenotypic divergence to determine whether selection has acted on traits and genes with functions related to specific environmental variables. We present evidence showing: (a) associations between environmental variables and SNPs, identifying candidate genes related to bill morphology (BMP) and osmoregulation, (b) absence of population genetic structure in neutrally evolving markers, (c) divergence in bill size across the precipitation gradient, and (d) strong phenotypic differentiation (PST) which largely exceeds neutral genetic differentiation (FST) in bill size. Our results indicate an important role for salinity, forest structure, and resource availability in maintaining phenotypic divergence of Mangrove Warblers through natural selection. Our findings add to the growing body of literature identifying the processes involved in phenotypic differentiation along environmental gradients in the face of gene flow.
Determination of priority areas and principal environmental factors for water ecosystem health remediation
Authors: Zhao Changsen , Pan Xu , Xiang Hua , Yang Shengtian , Zhao Jin , Gan Xinjuan , Dong Baoen , Ding Suyuan
Published: November 2019

Globally, the deterioration of aquatic ecosystems has attracted wide concentrations of scholars and governments, and how to wisely remediate the damaged ecosystem is a hot issue. Determination of prior areas is critical for ecosystem remediation. However, there are very few systematically feasible methods available for comprehensively addressing the issue, and consequently, the benefits of water ecosystem remediation projects are reduced. Therefore, this paper proposes a framework for determining priority areas based on phytoplankton response to environmental factors. Phytoplankton constitute the main component of global aquatic biomes and water blooms. The effects of water ecosystem remediation projects are highly related to phytoplankton. First, we identified the dominant species of phytoplankton using a dominance accumulation model. Then, we determined the main environmental factors of phytoplankton using detrended correspondence analysis and canonical correspondence analysis. Afterwards, we calculated the adaptability of a single species to all principal environmental factors and the responsiveness of all dominant species to a single environmental factor using methods of integrated habitat suitability index and multispecies‐based habitat suitability index. On the basis of these results, we finally developed a new model of the suitability of aquatic biomes to habitat factors (IHSIA) whereby to determine the priority areas and the principal environmental factors by time–space coupling analysis. We applied the method to Jinan, a pilot city for the construction of a civilized ecological city in China. The results indicated that waters in urban areas are priority areas for remediation; principal environmental factors in both the whole study area and the priority areas for phytoplankton are NH3‐N, water temperature, total phosphorus, and dissolved oxygen where the NH3‐N is the most urgent environmental factor to be remediated in the study area. Reducing the concentration of NH3‐N can facilitate phytoplankton biome remediation. We found that dominant phytoplankton species can reflect the actual status of phytoplankton populations and can provide important reference data for global aquatic life research; space–time scale is an important factor in selecting principal environmental factors; limiting environmental factors that are poorly adaptable to dominant species could help provide a new path for water bloom prevention; the newly proposed model IHSIA can make the ecological environment remediation more objective. These results can help water managers reduce the scale of phytoplankton biomes by adjusting the environmental factors. The presented framework can provide new ways for water bloom prevention and can serve as the theoretical and scientific basis for the high success rate of water ecosystem restoration projects across the world.
MOF‐Derived Spinel NiCo2O4 Hollow Nanocages for the Construction of Non‐enzymatic Electrochemical Glucose Sensor
Authors: Feng Yun , Xiang Dong , Qiu Yaru , Li Li , Li Yusheng , Wu Keyan , Zhu Liande
Published: November 2019

Non‐enzymatic glucose sensor is greatly expected to take over its enzymatic counterpart in the future. In this paper, we reported on a facile strategy to construct a non‐enzymatic glucose sensor by use of NiCo2O4 hollow nanocages (NiCo2O4 HNCs) as catalyst, which was derived from Co‐based zeolite imidazole frame (ZIF‐67). The NiCo2O4 HNCs modified glassy carbon electrode (NiCo2O4 HNCs/GCE), the key component of the glucose sensor, showed highly electrochemical catalytic activity towards the oxidation of glucose in alkaline media. As a result, the proposed non‐enzymatic glucose sensor afforded excellent analytical performances assessed with the aid of cyclic voltammetry and amperometry (i–t). A wide linear range spanning from 0.18 μΜ to 5.1 mM was achieved at the NiCo2O4 HNCs/GCE with a high sensitivity of 1306 μA mM−1 cm−2 and a fast response time of 1 s. The calculated limit of detection (LOD) of the sensor was as low as 27 nM (S/N=3). Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the non‐enzymatic glucose sensor showed considerable anti‐interference ability and excellent stability. The practical application of the sensor was also evaluated by determination of glucose levels in real serum samples.
Probabilistic modeling and analysis of sequential cyber‐attacks
Authors: Liu Qisi , Xing Liudong , Zhou Chencheng
Published: November 2019

Security is one of the major challenges for promoting the computer industry. Existing models for assessing security have mostly assumed that different hazards causing the security breach are independent of each other. Dependencies however can exist among different hazardous actions and they may affect the system security attribute greatly. This paper advances the state of the art in quantitative security risk assessment by modeling one such dependency, where multiple sequence‐dependent hazardous actions are performed to launch a successful security cyber‐attack. Continuous‐time Markov chain and semi‐Markov process–based methods are proposed to estimate the occurrence probability of a security risk for systems undergoing the sequential cyber‐attacks. While the CTMC method is limited to the exponential state transition time, the proposed semi‐Markov process–based approach is applicable to analyzing attacks with any arbitrary types of transition time distributions. Both methods are illustrated using case studies where Trojan attacks in the banking application are modeled and analyzed.
Nonsymmetrical loading protocols for shear links in eccentrically braced frames
Authors: Al‐Janabi Musab Aied Qissab , Topkaya Cem
Published: November 2019

The AISC Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings (AISC 341‐16) provide a testing protocol for qualification of link‐to‐column connections in eccentrically braced frames (EBFs). This symmetrical testing protocol was developed by conducting nonlinear time history analysis on representative EBFs designed according to the International Building Code. Although the testing protocol is intended for qualification of link‐to‐column connections, many research programs have employed this recommended protocol for testing of shear links. Recent numerical investigations on constructed EBFs and archetype models showed that links can be subjected to one‐sided loadings with significantly higher link rotation angles than the codified limits. A numerical study has been undertaken to develop nonsymmetrical loading protocols for shear links in EBFs. Pursuant to this goal, 20 EBF archetypes were designed according to the ASCE7‐16 standard. The main parameters investigated were the link length to bay width ratio (e/L), number of stories, type of EBF, and the ground motion level. The archetypes were subjected to maximum considered earthquake and collapse level earthquake as recommended by FEMA P695. The results showed that the history of link rotation is single sided and depends strongly on e/L and the level of ground motion. Nonsymmetrical loading protocols that depend on the aforementioned variables were developed and are presented herein.
A new species of Passiflora (subgenus Passiflora, Passifloraceae) from Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Imig Daniela Cristina , Amano Érika
Published: November 2019

A new species of Passiflora subgenus Passiflora from the Brazilian flora is described and illustrated in this article. Passiflora faleiroi was collected in Prado, state of Bahia, and belongs to the supersection Stipulata, section Granadillastrum. Passiflora faleiroi is compared to two similar species, P. mucronata Lam. and P. silvestris Vell.