bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supramolecular Tubule from Seesaw Shaped Amphiphile and Its Hierarchical Evolution into Sheet
Authors: Sun Haonan , Dong Longlong , Kim Yongju , Lee Myongsoo
Published: July 2020

Although supramolecular one‐dimensional (1D) and two‐dimensional (2D) structures with various unique properties have been extensively studied, the reversible switching between tubules and sheets via lateral association remains challenging. Here, we report the unique structures of a supramolecular tubular bamboo culm in which the hollow‐tubular interior is separated, at intervals, by nodes per 1.3 nm. Interestingly, the discrete tubules are able to hierarchically assemble into a flat sheet in response to an aromatic guest. The addition of trans‐azobenzene, as a guest, enables the tubules to form a hierarchical sheet assembly via the lateral interaction. The hierarchical sheet structures are disassembled into their constituent tubules upon UV irradiation due to trans‐cis isomerization. The recovery from cis‐azobenzene to trans‐form induces repeatedly the hierarchical sheet assembly, indicative of a reversible switching behavior between tubules and sheets triggered by an external stimulus.
Guidelines for practical navigation systems based on wide‐field‐integration of optic flow
Authors: Kobayashi Naoto , Bando Mai , Hokamoto Shinji , Kubo Daisuke
Published: July 2020

This paper shows some guidelines to improve the estimation accuracy of a navigation system, which is based on wide‐field‐integration (WFI) of optic flow. Optic flow is a vector field of relative velocities obtained by photoreceptors in image sensors, and WFI of optic flow enables motion estimation robust by integrating wide range of optic flow. Since the system has several attractive features (small size, light weight, and low computation), it is applicable to an autonomous control system of micro air vehicles. However, due to some restrictions of real systems, WFI of optic flow theory should be applied while considering sensor arrangement for better estimation. In this paper, first an adequate number and adequate optical‐axes of image sensors are investigated. Then, a new estimation system combining a gyro sensor with WFI of optic flow is discussed by numerical simulations. Finally, the essential effect for the number of cameras are verified in experiments.
An exercise program throughout pregnancy: Barakat model
Authors: Barakat Ruben
Published: July 2020

The physiologic processes of pregnancy and childbirth can determine the future well‐being of mothers and children due to the great quantity and quality of modifications that these processes require in all areas of the female body and fetus. Recent evidence has confirmed that modern unhealthy lifestyles negatively affect pregnancy outcomes. Engaging in unhealthy habits during pregnancy increases the risk of chronic disease in both the mother and the fetus. Regarding physical exercise during pregnancy, throughout history, many professionals and scientists have reported the best gestational conditions for the mother, fetus, and newborn. The perspectives and advice have changed over time, including periods of strong conservatism. This history has affected the recommendations for the type and amount of exercise that a healthy woman should perform during pregnancy. The aim of this article is to determine the basic aspects that physical exercise programs during pregnancy should define in the near future. Additionally, from the results of this article, we propose an exercise program model that includes many exercises spanning throughout pregnancy (3 blocks = until 20 weeks, until 30 weeks and until the end of the pregnancy). An exercise session model divided into seven parts and recommendations of operative position to exercise during pregnancy are also provided.
A rapid UHPLC–MS/MS method for the quantification of ARQ531 in rat plasma: Validation and its application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Liu Jizhen , Ji Musi , Li Zhidong , Xu Xun , Li Lili , Li Huawen , Tian Yuguang , Su Xiaohua
Published: July 2020

A simple and sensitive ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric (UHPLC–MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the determination of ARQ531, a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor in rat plasma. After protein precipitation with acetonitrile, the samples were separated on a UPLC BEH C18 column with 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile as mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.4 ml/min. The mass detection was performed on a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer by multiple reaction monitoring with precursor‐to‐product ion transitions of m/z 479.1 > 365.1 and m/z 441.2 > 138.1 for ARQ531 and internal standard, respectively. Good linearity (correlation coefficient > 0.9988) was achieved over the concentration range of 0.5–1,000 ng/ml and the lower limit of quantitation was 0.5 ng/ml. The accuracy ranged from −13.50 to 11.35% and the precision was <8.87%. The extraction recovery was >85.56%. ARQ531 was demonstrated to be stable under the tested conditions. The validated method was further applied to a pharmacokinetic study of ARQ531 in rats after intravenous (1 mg/kg) and oral (1, 3 and 10 mg/kg) administration. The results demonstrated that ARQ531 displayed linear pharmacokinetic profiles over the oral dose range of 1–10 mg/kg and good oral bioavailability (>50%).
Simultaneous determination of colchicine and febuxostat in rat plasma: Application in a rat pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Gabani Bhavesh Babulal , Saini Neeraj Kumar , Jairam Ravi Kumar , Shrinivas Pavan , Trivedi Ravi Kumar , Srinivas Nuggehally R. , Mullangi Ramesh
Published: July 2020

A selective, sensitive and rapid LC–MS/MS method has been developed and validated as per US Food and Drug Administration regulatory guidelines for the simultaneous quantitation of colchicine and febuxostat in rat plasma. Colchicine and febuxostat were extracted from the rat plasma using 10% tert‐butyl methyl ether in ethyl acetate using colchicine‐d6 as an internal standard (IS). The chromatographic separation of colchicine, febuxostat and the IS was achieved using a mobile phase comprising 5 mm ammonium formate and 0.025% formic acid in acetonitrile (20:80, v/v) in isocratic mode on an Eclipse XDB‐C18 column. The injection volume and flow rate were 5.0 μl and 0.9 ml/min, respectively. Colchicine and febuxostat were detected by positive electrospray ionization in multiple reaction monitoring mode using transition pairs (Q1 → Q3) of m/z 400.10 → 358.10 and 317.05 → 261.00, respectively. The assay was linear in the ranges of 0.25–254 and 2.60–622 ng/ml for colchicine and febuxostat, respectively. The inter‐ and intra‐day precision values were 0.58–13.0 and 1.03–4.88% for colchicine and febuxostat, respectively. No matrix or carryover effects were observed during the validation. Both analytes were stable on the bench‐top, in the autosampler and in storage (freeze–thaw cycles and long‐term storage at −80°C). A pharmacokinetic study in rats was performed to show the applicability of the validated method.
An Overview of Ag‐catalyzed Synthesis of Six‐membered Heterocycles
Authors: Neetha Mohan , Aneeja Thaipparambil , Afsina C. M. A. , Anilkumar Gopinathan
Published: July 2020

Heterocyclic chemistry is an immensely expanding field in organic synthesis owing to its potency in various disciplines like natural products chemistry, pharmaceuticals, drug discovery and industry. Silver catalysis has gained much attraction in recent years mainly in the scenario of heterocyclic synthesis. Among heterocycles, the six membered heterocycles are the most popular and widely applied in various fields. This review discusses on the investigations on various silver‐catalyzed synthesis of six‐membered heterocycles and covers literatures up to 2020.
A New Catalytic System with Balanced Activity and Durability toward Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Cao Zhenming , Xie Minghao , Cheng Haoyan , Chen Ruhui , Lyu Zhiheng , Xie Zhaoxiong , Xia Younan
Published: July 2020

We report a new catalytic system by partially covering the uniform Pt nanocrystals on a carbon support with an ultrathin film derived from polyacrylonitrile (PAN). The use of Pt nanocrystals uniform in both size and shape effectively suppresses Ostwald repining, while partially covering them with a PAN‐derived film prevents migration, aggregation, and detachment from the support. In addition, the pyridinic N atoms on the edges of the thermally‐treated PAN film can also weaken the O=O bond, accelerating the reduction of oxygen. Upon optimization, the new catalyst exhibits a mass activity of 0.51 mA ⋅ μg−1Pt toward oxygen reduction, substantially enhanced relative to the same catalyst without PAN (0.22 mA ⋅ μg−1Pt) and a commercial Pt/C (0.41 mA ⋅ μg−1Pt). The mass activity is essentially retained after 10,000 cycles of accelerated durability test between 0.6 V and 1.1 V in oxygen‐saturated HClO4. Even after aging in H3PO4 at 220 °C for one week, the electrochemical surface area of the catalyst is still maintained. This catalytic system holds great promise for use in various types of fuel cells with a long lifetime.
Lignin Biodegradation by a Cytochrome P450 Enzyme: A Computational Study into Syringol Activation by GcoA
Authors: Ali Hafiz Saqib , Henchman Richard H. , de Visser Sam P.
Published: July 2020

A recently characterized cytochrome P450 isozyme GcoA activates lignin components through a selective O‐demethylation or alternatively an acetal formation reaction. These are important reactions in biotechnology and, because lignin is readily available; it being the main component in plant cell walls. In this work we present a density functional theory study on a large active site model of GcoA to investigate syringol activation by an iron(IV)‐oxo heme cation radical oxidant (Compound I) leading to hemiacetal and acetal products. Several substrate‐binding positions were tested and full energy landscapes calculated. The study shows that substrate positioning determines the product distributions. Thus, with the phenol group pointing away from the heme, an O‐demethylation is predicted, whereas an initial hydrogen‐atom abstraction of the weak phenolic O‐H group would trigger a pathway leading to ring‐closure to form acetal products. Predictions on how to engineer P450 GcoA to get more selective product distributions are given.
Polymer‐Assisted Electrophoretic Synthesis of N‐Doped Graphene‐Polypyrrole Demonstrating Oxygen Reduction with Excellent Methanol Crossover Impact and Durability
Authors: Mohmad Ghulam , Sarkar Subhajit , Biswas Ashmita , Roy Kingshuk , Dey Ramendra Sundar
Published: July 2020

The design and synthesis of metal‐free catalysts with superior electrocatalytic activity, high durability, low cost, and under mild conditions is extremely desirable but remains challenging. To address this problem, a polymer‐assisted electrochemical exfoliation technique of graphite in the presence of an aqueous acidic medium is reported. This simple, cost‐effective, and mass‐scale production approach could open the possibility for the synthesis of high‐quality nitrogen‐doped graphene–polypyrrole (NG‐PPy). The NG‐PPy catalyst displays an improved half wave potential (E1/2=0.77 V) in alkaline medium compared with G‐PPy (E1/2=0.66 V). Most importantly, this catalyst demonstrates excellent stability with high methanol tolerance, and it outperforms the commercial Pt/C catalyst and other previously reported metal‐free catalysts. The content of graphitic nitrogen atoms is the key factor for the enhancement of electrocatalytic activity towards oxygen reduction reactions (ORR). Interestingly, the NG‐PPy catalyst can be used as a cathode material in a zinc–air battery, which demonstrates a higher peak power density (59 mW cm−2) than G‐PPy (36.6 mW cm−2), highlighting the importance of the low‐cost material synthesis approach towards the development of metal‐free efficient ORR catalysts for fuel cell and metal–air battery applications. Remarkably, the polymer‐assisted electrophoretic exfoliation of graphite with a high yield (≈88 wt %) of few‐layer graphene flakes could pave the way towards the mass production of high‐quality graphene for a variety of applications.
Beiß mich nicht Ich leuchte
Authors: Emden Markus , Hild Pitt , Kallinna Kirsten , Murer Livia
Published: July 2020

Anliegen der in loser Folge erscheinenden Versuche ist es, Impulse für chemische Versuche zu geben, die gefahrlos zu Hause mit haushaltsüblichen Gegenständen durchgeführt werden können. Sie können damit als Quelle für das gemeinsame Ausprobieren mit Kindern zuhause dienen, in Kindergärten oder an Schulen sowie zur Verwendung bei Tagen der offenen Tür. Ein Stückweit sind sie zu verstehen als Antwort auf den oft gehörten Satz: „Ach, Du bist Chemiker/in? Dann mach doch mal eben ein Experiment.“
First‐Generation Bispidine Chelators for 213BiIII Radiopharmaceutical Applications
Authors: Bruchertseifer Frank , Comba Peter , Martin Bodo , Morgenstern Alfred , Notni Johannes , Starke Miriam , Wadepohl Hubert
Published: July 2020

Hepta‐ and octadentate bispidines (3,7‐diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane, diaza‐adamantane) with acetate, methyl‐pyridine, and methyl‐picolinate pendant groups at the amine donors of the bispidine platform have been prepared and used to investigate BiIII coordination chemistry. Crystal structure and solution spectroscopic data (NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry) confirm that the rigid and relatively large bispidine cavity with an axially distorted geometry is well suited for BiIII and in all cases forms nine‐coordinate complexes; this is supported by an established hole size and shape analysis. It follows that nonadentate bispidines probably will be more suited as bifunctional chelators for 213BiIII‐based radiopharmaceuticals. However, two isomeric picolinate‐/acetate‐based heptadentate ligands already show very efficient complexation kinetics with 213BiIII at ambient temperature and kinetic stability that is comparable with the standard ligands used in this field. The experimentally determined hydrophilicities (log D7.4 values) show that the BiIII complexes reported are relatively hydrophilic and well suited for medicinal applications. We also present a very efficient and relatively accurate method to compute charge distributions and hydrophilicities, and this will help to further optimize the systems reported here.
Chiral, Thermally Irreversible and Quasi‐Stealth Photochromic Dopant to Control Selective Reflection Wavelength of Cholesteric Liquid Crystal
Authors: Kurosaki Yoshihisa , Sagisaka Toshiya , Matsushima Tomoo , Ubukata Takashi , Yokoyama Yasushi
Published: July 2020

The front cover artwork is provided by the group of Prof. Emeritus Yasushi Yokoyama and Prof. Takashi Ubukata. The image shows the generation of a colored image, whose origin is the UV‐controlled selective reflection of visible light from a cholesteric liquid crystal containing chiral photochromic molecules. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/cphc.202000309.
Porphycene Protonation: A Fast and Reversible Reaction Enabling Optical Transduction for Acid Sensing
Authors: Bossi Alberto , Waluk Jacek , Yivlialin Rossella , Penconi Marta , Campione Marcello , Bussetti Gianlorenzo
Published: July 2020

Nano‐sensor materials, especially if they target biological purposes, require fine control and tuning of the properties at the molecular scale when intramolecular properties have to be exploited, for example, in optical sensors. By means of optical spectroscopies (namely, spectrophotometry, spectrofluorimetry, and surface differential reflectivity), we demonstrate that thin films of porphycene show a spectacular chromatic change when exposed to acid vapors (specifically to hydrochloric acid). After exposure, the original optical properties of the porphycene films are recovered within a few seconds and without any thermal annealing. In addition, since clear spectroscopic signatures are observed both in absorption and in reflectivity, the parent porphycene is shown to be suitable even for deposition of films onto opaque substrates. These findings are of significant interest in view of potential engineering of the molecules and implementation in devices.
Chemistry of Dicationic Diboranes
Authors: Widera Anna , Filbeck Erik , Himmel Hans‐Jörg
Published: July 2020

Cationic monoboranes are commonly associated with elusive and highly electrophilic compounds used in modern organic synthesis. By contrast, only a few cationic diboranes are known and their chemistry comparatively underdeveloped. This review highlights some aspects of these species and their reactivity focusing primarily on especially stable guanidinate‐bridged cations investigated by our group. Contrary to the intuitive presumption, sp2‐hybridized cationic diboranes discussed herein serve not exclusively as Lewis acids, but also as two electron donors capable for reduction of organic π‐acidic substrates. The latter proves them both as versatile synthetic reagents and valuable building blocks for the synthesis of remarkably stable macrocyclic structures with interesting electronic properties. The high tendency for formation of nonclassical multicenter bonding reflects in the dimerization behavior of cationic diborane species presented herein, leading to highly electron‐deficient tetraboranes with unprecedented aromatic structures.
Seismic fracture evaluation of diaphragm joints in welded beam‐to‐box column moment connections
Authors: Tsai Ching‐Yi , Tsai Keh‐Chyuan , Li Chao‐Hsien , Wu Chung‐Che , Lin Ker‐Chun , Jhuang Sheng‐Jhih
Published: July 2020

Steel box columns are widely used in steel building structures in Taiwan due to their dual strong axes. To transfer the beam‐end moment to the column, diaphragm plates of the same thickness and elevations as the beam flanges are usually welded inside the box column. The electro‐slag welding (ESW) process is widely used to connect the diaphragms to the column flanges in Taiwan because of its convenience and efficiency. However, ESW may increase the hardness of the welds and heat‐affected zones (HAZs), while reducing the Charpy‐V notch strength in the HAZ. This situation can cause premature fracture of the diaphragm‐to‐column flange welds before a large plastic rotation is developed in the beam‐to‐box column joints. To quantify the critical eccentricity and the effectiveness of fracture prediction, this study uses fracture prediction models and finite element model (FEM) analysis to correlate the test results. In this study, two beam‐to‐box column connection subassembly tests are conducted with different loading protocols and ESW chamber shapes. To implement a fracture prediction model, the material parameters are established from circumferential notched tensile tests and FEM analysis. Test results indicate that the fracture instances can be predicted on the basis of the cumulative plastic deformation in the HAZs. Analytical results indicate that fracture instances and locations are sensitive to the relative locations of the ESW joints and beam flange. Tests also confirm that the possible fracture of the diaphragm‐to‐column flange joints can be mitigated by enlarging the chamber of the ESW joint.
Geomorphic connectivity and its application for understanding landscape complexities: a focus on the hydro‐geomorphic systems of India
Authors: Singh Manudeo , Sinha R. , Tandon S.K.
Published: July 2020

Geomorphic processes operate at multiple spatio‐temporal scales and different levels of hierarchy. It is therefore necessary to understand the linkages of landscapes across various scales and levels to gain insights into their interactions and feedbacks. Connectivity is an emergent property of the hydro‐geomorphic systems, and it is gradually evolving into a unifying concept in geomorphology. The connectivity approach has the potential to be applied extensively to diverse hydro‐geomorphic systems of India to understand their complexity as well as for designing effective management practices for river systems and wetlands, optimizing water resources for agriculture, and monitoring and restoration of habitats. Studies on connectivity, particularly in geomorphic context, have been growing steadily in India, albeit at a much slower pace compared to the global trends. This article undertakes a brief overview of the global developments particularly in terms of providing some clarity among the different types of geomorphic connectivity and their inter‐relationships and feedbacks. We then take stock of the connectivity research in India in recent years as applied in different hydrogeomorphic systems across the country. We utilize a number of Indian case studies to illustrate the important developments and applications of connectivity concepts, and also present future perspective of this important field with special relevance to India. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generation of pralatrexate resistant T‐cell lymphoma lines reveals two patterns of acquired drug resistance that is overcome with epigenetic modifiers
Authors: Scotto Luigi , Kinahan Cristina , Casadei Beatrice , Mangone Michael , Douglass Eugene , Murty Vundavalli V. , Marchi Enrica , Ma Helen , George Changchun , Montanari Francesca , Califano Andrea , O'Connor Owen A.
Published: July 2020

While pralatrexate (PDX) has been successfully developed for the treatment of T‐cell lymphoma, the mechanistic basis for its T‐cell selectivity and acquired resistance remains elusive. In an effort to potentially identify synergistic combinations that might circumnavigate or delay acquired PDX resistance, we generated resistant cells lines over a broad concentration range. PDX‐resistant cell lines H9‐12 and H9‐200 were developed, each exhibiting an IC50 of 35 and over 1000 nM, respectively. These lines were established in vitro from parental H9 cells. Expression analysis of the proteins known to be important determinants of antifolate pharmacology revealed increase expression of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) due to gene amplification, and reduced folate carrier1 downregulation, as the putative mechanisms of resistance in H9‐12 and H9‐200 cells. Cross resistance was only seen with methotrexate but not with romidepsin, azacitidine (AZA), decitabine, gemcitabine, doxorubicin, or bortezomib. Resistance to PDX was reversed by pretreatment with hypomethylating agents in a concentration‐dependent fashion. Comparison of gene expression profiles of parental and resistant cell lines confirmed markedly different patterns of gene expression, and identified the dual specificity phosphatase four (DUSP4) as one of the molecular target of PDX activity. Reduced STAT5 phosphorylation following exposure to PDX was observed in the H9 but not in the H9‐12 and H9‐200 cells. These data suggest that combination with hypomethylating agents could be potent, and that DUSP4 and STAT5 could represent putative biomarkers of PDX activity.
COVID‐19 in two infants in China
Authors: Li Anni , Zhou Xiaolin , Lu Wei , Zhou Yuanhong , Liu Qiang
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Since December 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has spread rapidly around the world and caused more than 487 000 infections and 22 000 deaths worldwide.

Methods

We report two infant cases with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in Yichang, Hubei, China. The younger of the two is only 5‐months old. We recorded their clinical manifestations, epidemiological history, laboratory examination, and treatment in detail. In addition, we provide computed tomographic images of their chest, which are the most serious imaging manifestation among the infants recorded so far.

Results

Although both of them eventually recovered and were discharged from the hospital, they were complicated with varying degrees of liver and myocardial injury. In addition, one of them was complicated with mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.

Conclusions

Pediatricians should consider the potential risks of developing severe illness of infants infected by SARS‐CoV‐2 and take them seriously.
Anxiety and depression scores in maternity healthcare workers during the Covid‐19 pandemic
Authors: Corbett Gillian A. , Milne Sarah J. , Mohan Suruchi , Reagu Shuja , Farrell Tom , Lindow Stephen W. , Hehir Mark P. , O’Connell Michael P.
Published: July 2020

Healthcare workers are at significant risk of psychological morbidity during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Anxiety and depression is highest in young, female, and supportive workers.
Factors Associated With Kyphosis and Kyphosis Progression in Older Men: The MrOS Study
Authors: Woods Gina N , Huang Mei-Hua , Lee Joo-Hyun , Cawthon Peggy M , Fink Howard A , Schousboe John T , Kado Deborah M
Published: July 2020

Hyperkyphosis (HK), or increased anterior curvature of the thoracic spine, is common in older persons. Although it is thought that vertebral fractures are the major cause of HK, only about a third of those with the worst degrees of kyphosis have underlying vertebral fractures. In older men, HK is associated with increased risk of poor physical function, injurious falls, and earlier mortality, but its causes are not well understood. We studied 1092 men from the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Study aged 64 to 92 years (mean age 72.8 years) who had repeated standardized radiographic measures of Cobb angle of kyphosis to identify risk factors for HK (defined as ≥50 degrees) and kyphosis progression over an interval of 4.7 years. Specifically, we examined the associations with age, body mass index (BMI), weight, weight loss, health behaviors, family history of HK, muscle strength, degenerative disc disease (DDD), bone mineral density (BMD), prevalent thoracic vertebral fractures, and incident thoracic vertebral fractures (longitudinal analyses only). Men had an average baseline kyphosis of 38.9 (standard deviation [SD] 11.4) degrees. Fifteen percent had HK (n = 161) with a mean Cobb angle of 56.7 (SD = 6.0) degrees; these men were older (p < 0.01), had lower BMI (p < 0.01), lower BMD (p < 0.01), were more likely to have family history of HK (p = 0.01), and prevalent thoracic vertebral fracture (p < 0.01) compared with the men without HK. During follow-up, men experienced an average of 1.4 degrees of kyphosis progression with DDD (p = 0.04) and lower hip BMD (p < 0.01) being identified as statistically significant and incident vertebral fractures (p = 0.05) nearly significant factors associated with worse progression. These results suggest that in older men, HK results from not only low BMD and vertebral fractures but that DDD also may play a significant role in kyphosis progression. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Rhodojaponin II inhibits TNF‐α‐induced inflammatory cytokine secretion in MH7A human rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast‐like synoviocytes
Authors: Kong Lingli , Wang Laifang , Zhao Qing , Di Guijuan , Wu Huiqiang
Published: July 2020

Rhodojaponin II (R‐II) has been shown to possess anti‐inflammatory activity. Herein, we aimed to explore the effect of R‐II on tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α)‐induced inflammation in MH7A rheumatoid arthritis (RA) fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLSs). We found that R‐II treatment at high concentration suppressed the viability of MH7A cells. R‐II suppressed the levels of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2, and inhibited messenger RNA expression and concentrations of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6 and matrix metalloproteinase‐1 in TNF‐α‐stimulated RA‐FLSs. Additionally, R‐II repressed TNF‐α‐induced activation of the Akt, nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), and toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)/MyD88 pathways in MH7A cells. Inhibition of the Akt, NF‐κB, and TLR4/MyD88 pathways by the corresponding inhibitors reinforced the inhibitory effect of R‐II on TNF‐α‐induced inflammatory cytokine secretion in MH7A cells. R‐II ameliorated the severity of collagen‐induced arthritis in mice by inhibiting inflammation. In conclusion, R‐II repressed TNF‐α‐induced inflammatory response in MH7A cells by inactivating the Akt, NF‐κB, and TLR4/MyD88 pathways.
Evaluation of in vitro inhibitory effects of some natural compounds on tyrosinase activity and molecular docking study: Antimelanogenesis potential
Authors: Taslimi Parham
Published: July 2020

Tyrosinase enzyme is a functional oxidase that is extensively divided in nature. It is the main enzyme in melanin synthesis and is also involved in designating the color of mammalian hair and skin. Additionally, it is accountable for the unfavorable enzymatic browning that happens in plant‐derived foods, limiting the shelf‐life of new‐cut crops with the resultant economic harm. Recently, there has been a remarkable concern to study the inhibitory activity of the tyrosinase enzyme and some inhibitory molecules isolated from natural sources. For tyrosinase enzyme, afzelin, narcissoside, justiciresinol, thalassiolin B, carpachromene, neobavaisoflavone, and kojic acid (as standard) as natural phenols have IC50 values in the range of 2.37‐7.90 µM. Theoretical methods, such as gaussian software program and molecular modeling, were used to compare the biological and chemical activity values of molecules. To compare the biochemical and chemical activity values of molecules, chemical activities with quantum chemical parameters, and biological activities against tyrosinase with the ID of 5M8L molecules were investigated.
Reliability of glycosylated hemoglobin in the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Rayis Duria A. , Ahmed Abdel B. A. , Sharif Manal E. , ElSouli Amir , Adam Ishag
Published: July 2020

Background

Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) performed at 24‐28 weeks gestation is the current recommended method to the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Many recent studies investigating HbA1c in detecting GDM yield different results. There are no published data on HbA1c in the diagnosis of GDM in Sub‐Saharan countries including Sudan.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was carried out at the antenatal care of Saad Abuelela Maternity Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan during the period from February to November 2018 to assess the reliability of HbA1c in the diagnosis of GDM. GDM was diagnosed according to the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups using a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test.

Results

Three hundred and forty‐eight women were enrolled. The mean (SD) of the age, gravidity, and gestational age of the enrolled women were 27.8 (5.6) years, 2.36 (2.2) and 26.26 (2.43) weeks, respectively. Sixty‐eight women (19.5%) had GDM. A poor productively for HbA1c in diagnosis GDM was shown (AUC = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.55‐0.69). At HbA1c level of 4.150%, the sensitivity and specificity of the diagnosis for GDM were 76.51% and 37.85%, respectively. At HbA1c level of 5.850%, the sensitivity and specificity of the diagnosis for GDM were 13.24% and 91.43%, respectively. While there was no significant (Spearman) correlation between fasting blood glucose and HbA1c, there were significant correlations between HbA1c and OGTT 1 and 2 hours of OGTT.

Conclusion

In this study, HbA1c has a poor reliability, insufficient sensitivity or specificity for use to diagnose GDM.
Social functioning in schizotypy: How affect influences social behavior in daily life
Authors: Minor Kyle S. , Hardin Kathryn L. , Beaudette Danielle M. , Waters Lesley C. , White Anna L. , Gonzenbach Virgilio , Robbins Megan L.
Published: July 2020

Objective

Social deficits are already exhibited by people at risk for schizophrenia‐spectrum disorders. Technological advances have made passive detection of social deficits possible at granular levels.

Method

In this real‐world study, we tested if schizotypy status (high/low) predicted two types of social behavior: (1) being around other people; and (2) actively socializing with others. We also examined if schizotypy influences relationships between social behavior and affect using subjective and objective instruments.

Results

Our findings revealed that socializing with others was significantly decreased in the high schizotypy group. Positive affect increased in social situations and predicted later social behavior in those low, but not high, in schizotypy.

Conclusion

Decreased social behavior in schizotypy may be explained, in part, by these individuals being less incentivized than their peers to pursue social situations. Future studies should test this explanation in larger samples exhibiting elevated positive, negative, and disorganized schizotypy traits.
Use of daratumumab in high risk multiple myeloma: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Premkumar Vikram , Pan Samuel , Lentzsch Suzanne , Bhutani Divaya
Published: July 2020

Daratumumab is approved for use in newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM), however the patients most likely to benefit from its addition to standard anti‐myeloma therapy is unclear. This meta‐analysis included 2340 newly diagnosed MM patients (1982 with standard risk and 358 with high risk cytogenetics) and 673 patients with relapsed/refractory MM (513 with standard risk and 160 with high risk cytogenetics) to assess which cytogenetic subgroups derived PFS benefit from Daratumumab. Studies included were the CASSIOPEIA, MAIA and ALCYONE (for newly diagnosed MM) and the CASTOR and POLLUX trials (for relapsed/refractory MM). Daratumumab's addition led to a clear benefit in standard risk newly diagnosed MM (HR 0.43; 95% CI, 0.35‐0.53; P < .05) and both high and standard risk relapsed/refractory disease (HR 0.28; 95% CI, 0.21‐0.36; P < .05 and HR 0.48; 95% CI, 0.30‐0.76; P < .05, respectively). No clear benefit was seen in newly diagnosed high risk MM. These findings fail to demonstrate PFS benefit from Daratumumab's addition in high risk newly diagnosed MM. Data forthcoming from the GRIFFIN and MASTER trials may increase the power of the study and provide a definitive answer. Daratumumab remains important in standard risk upfront and relapsed/refractory MM and high risk relapsed/refractory MM.
Denoising and Multiple Tissue Compartment Visualization of Multi‐b‐Valued Breast Diffusion MRI
Authors: Tan Ek T. , Wilmes Lisa J. , Joe Bonnie N. , Onishi Natsuko , Arasu Vignesh A. , Hylton Nola M. , Marinelli Luca , Newitt David C.
Published: July 2020

Background

Multi‐b‐valued/multi‐shell diffusion provides potentially valuable metrics in breast MRI but suffers from low signal‐to‐noise ratio and has potentially long scan times.

Purpose

To investigate the effects of model‐based denoising with no loss of spatial resolution on multi‐shell breast diffusion MRI; to determine the effects of downsampling on multi‐shell diffusion; and to quantify these effects in multi‐b‐valued (three directions per b‐value) acquisitions.

Study Type

Prospective (“fully‐sampled” multi‐shell) and retrospective longitudinal (multi‐b).

Subjects

One normal subject (multi‐shell) and 10 breast cancer subjects imaging at four timepoints (multi‐b).

Field Strength/Sequence

3T multi‐shell acquisition and 1.5T multi‐b acquisition.

Assessment

The “fully‐sampled” multi‐shell acquisition was retrospectively downsampled to determine the bias and error from downsampling. Mean, axial/parallel, radial diffusivity, and fractional anisotropy (FA) were analyzed. Denoising was applied retrospectively to the multi‐b‐valued breast cancer subject dataset and assessed subjectively for image noise level and tumor conspicuity.

Statistical Tests

Parametric paired t‐test (P < 0.05 considered statistically significant) on mean and coefficient of variation of each metric—the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) from all b‐values, fast ADC, slow ADC, and perfusion fraction. Paired and two‐sample t‐tests for each metric comparing normal and tumor tissue.

Results

In the multi‐shell data, denoising effectively suppressed FA (–45% to –78%), with small biases in mean diffusivity (–5% in normal, +23% in tumor, and –4% in vascular compartments). In the multi‐b data, denoising resulted in small biases to the ADC metrics in tumor and normal contralateral tissue (by –3% to +11%), but greatly reduced the coefficient of variation for every metric (by –1% to –24%). Denoising improved differentiation of tumor and normal tissue regions in most metrics and timepoints; subjectively, image noise level and tumor conspicuity were improved in the fast ADC maps.

Data Conclusion

Model‐based denoising effectively suppressed erroneously high FA and improved the accuracy of diffusivity metrics.

Evidence Level

3

Technical Efficacy Stage

1
Absence of prostate oedema obviates the need for delay between fiducial marker insertion and radiotherapy simulation
Authors: Patel Deepti , Tan Alex , Brown Amy , Pain Tilley
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Fiducial markers (FMs) are commonly inserted into the prostate for image guided radiation therapy. This study aimed to quantify prostate oedema immediately following FM insertion compared to prostate volumes measured a week later, at the time of simulation for radiation therapy.

Methods

Thirty patients underwent a verification computed tomography (VCT) scan in treatment position immediately after the fiducial insertion and their planning computed tomography scan (PCT) one week after. Patient data sets were retrospectively evaluated, comparing prostate volumes and planning target volumes (PTV). Volumes were delineated by a single radiation oncologist, blinded to whether the scan was VCT or PCT. Distances between the FMs were measured on both scans. Descriptive statistics described the data, DICE similarity co‐efficient (DSC) calculated, and paired t‐tests were used to compare paired data.

Results

The median prostate volume was 35.09 cc and 36.31 cc for VCT and PCT data sets, respectively, and median PTV was 118.56 cc and 127.04 cc for VCT and PCT, respectively. There was no significant difference in prostate volumes (P = 0.3037) or PTV (P = 0.1279), with a DSC of 0.87 (range 0.76–0.91) and 0.91 (range 0.85 to 0.95), respectively. Similarly, there was no significant difference in distance between fiducial markers (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates no statistically significant difference in prostate or PTV volumes (P > 0.05) between the CT acquired at fiducial marker insertion compared with the CT acquired a week later. Therefore, oedema is not significant enough to justify a delay between FM insertion and simulation.
Relative importance of surface air temperature and density to interannual variations in monthly surface atmospheric pressure
Authors: Lu Er , Tu Juqing
Published: July 2020

The spatial inhomogeneity of air pressure drives the atmospheric circulation. The interannual variation of the pressure can be affected by both air temperature and density. The goal of this study is to identify, for the near‐surface air, whether the variation of the density or temperature is more important in the interannual variation of the pressure. The physical relation of the pressure (P) with density (D) and temperature (T), denoted as P = D ⋅ T for simplicity, is nonlinear. To be convenient for estimating the relative importance, a normalized linear regression is used to fit the relation, which is finally written as P = AD + BT. Tests show that the linear fitting is robust; it is perfect everywhere in the globe. Because of the normalizations, the D and T are in magnitude of 1, but can be positive or negative. Derivations and calculations indicate that the coefficients A and B are both positive. What they reflect are the partial correlations of the pressure with the D and T, which are both equal to 1 across the entire field. For the normalized fitting, the A and B can be used to estimate the contributions of the D and T to the variation of the pressure. The linear fitting method can provide quantitative results for the dominance. The original nonlinear relation, due to the special form for the issue, can be used to qualitatively deduce the dominance. Comparisons suggest that the results obtained from the linear fitting are consistent with those qualitatively reached from the nonlinear physical relation. The consistency is true, no matter what the relation is between the two influencing factors. Corresponding to the negative relation between the density and temperature, there are two patterns. One is that the pressure increases with density but decreases with temperature. In this case, density dominates the variation of pressure. The second is that the pressure increases with temperature but decreases with density, and thus temperature dominates the variation of pressure. The third pattern is for the positive relation between density and temperature. In this case, density and temperature both have positive contributions to the variation of pressure, and which of them is more important can further be assessed with the linear fitting method.
Comparative study on the novel umami‐active peptides of the whole soybeans and the defatted soybeans fermented soy sauce
Authors: Zhu Xiping , Sun‐Waterhouse Dongxiao , Chen Jiahui , Cui Chun , Wang Wei
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Two kinds of soy sauce produced via fermentation of the whole soybeans and the defatted soybeans (soy sauce termed ‘SSS’ and ‘SSD’, respectively) were subjected to the treatment using aqueous ethanol solutions with high concentrations. Then tasty peptides were separated from SSS and SSD by sensory guided fractionation, using macroporous resin and reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC), and identified by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS/MS).

Results

The result showed that umami‐active fractions and ≤ 3 kDa peptides were mainly concentrated in the supernatants resulted from the treatment with 60% ethanol and the precipitates resulted from the treatment with 80% ethanol. The contents of ammonia nitrogen, non‐salt solids, bitter amino acids, amino acids in peptides and the proportion of ≤ 3 kDa peptides in SSS were higher than those in SSD. Sixteen and fourteen tasty peptides were separated from SSS and SSD, among them five dipeptides (γ‐Glu‐Glu, Glu‐Glu, γ‐Glu‐Cys, γ‐Glu‐Leu, Glu‐Leu and Ile‐Glu) with a glutamic acid residue were identified both in SSS and SSD, which have been reported as umami/kokumi‐active peptides in soy sauce. Several peptides identified from SSS (Thr‐Gly‐Cys, Gly‐Leu‐Glu, Val‐Glu‐Ala‐Leu and Gly‐Gly‐Gly‐Glu) and SSD (Asp‐Arg, Asp‐Ala‐Glu, Glu‐Val‐Cys and Gly‐Gly‐Gly‐Glu) are tasty and/or umami‐active peptides but have not been reported as tasty peptides in the past.

Conclusion

Most of the peptides separated from SSD and SSS could impart an umami‐enhancing effect on soy sauce, and the marginally more kokumi and bitterness hydrophobic peptides were found in SSS than SSD. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Vacuum microwave dehydration decreases volatile concentration and soluble protein content of pea (Pisum sativum L.) protein
Authors: Yen Philip Pui‐Li , Pratap‐Singh Anubhav
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Peas are an inexpensive yet nutritious and sustainable source of protein. However, it is challenging to incorporate pea proteins into food formulations owing to their beany or green off‐flavours and their limited water solubility.

RESULTS

Vacuum microwave dehydration (VMD) of pea protein with an initial moisture content of 425% (dry basis, db) at 2 W g−1 specific microwave energy and 200 Torr vacuum level for 88 min led to an 83% reduction in total volatile compound concentration. VMD processing at high initial moisture contents facilitated the Maillard reaction, enhancing the extent of protein cross‐linking, leading to a marked decrease in soluble protein content, to 11 g kg−1. Reducing the initial moisture content to 56% db greatly retained protein solubility (112–113 g kg−1), but it only led to a minor reduction in total volatile compound concentration (2–11% reduction). A high microwave energy (20 W g−1)–short time (2 min) treatment at 200 Torr vacuum level was found optimal, reducing both volatile levels and soluble protein content by ~50%.

CONCLUSION

Evidently, it is difficult to employ VMD without reduction of pea protein solubility and corresponding changing in functionality. Yet, if optimized, VMD has the capability to decrease volatile concentrations while retaining protein solubility. Future sensory analysis should be conducted to determine whether the aforementioned reductions in total volatile compound concentration may have a notable effect on consumer palatability. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Surgical drain placement in distal pancreatectomy is associated with an increased incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula and higher readmission rates
Authors: Mangieri Christopher W. , Kuncewitch Michael , Fowler Brett , Erali Richard A. , Moaven Omeed , Shen Perry , Clark Clancy J.
Published: July 2020

Background

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) can result in significant morbidity after distal pancreatectomy (DP). It is common practice to place prophylactic surgical drains during DP to monitor and minimize POPF complications; however, their use is controversial.

Objective

The aim of this study is to determine if drainage helps to prevent adverse outcomes and decrease the need for additional interventions after DP.

Methods

All patients who underwent DP without vascular resection were identified in the 2014 Targeted Pancreatectomy American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Program Participant Use File. Patients undergoing emergency procedures, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) 5, or diagnosed with preoperative sepsis were excluded. Univariate and multiple variable analyses were performed to evaluate postoperative outcomes based on use of surgical drain.

Results

A total of 1158 patients (age median: 62; interquartile range: 16; female 58.6%) underwent elective DP with 85.1% (n = 985) having drain placed at time of operation. Laparoscopic technique was used in the majority of patients (54.1%, n = 619). POPF occurred in 201 patients (17.5%). Additional percutaneous drain was required in 106 patients (9.2%). POPF was higher in surgical drain group, 19.4% vs 6.9% (P < .001). Need for percutaneous drain was similar between drain and no drain groups, 9.3% vs 8.1% (P = .600). Postoperative sepsis, shock, major complication, reoperation, and 30‐day mortality was similar between drain and no drain groups (all P > .05). However, readmission was higher in the surgical drain group, 17.8% vs 10.4% (odds ratio [OR]: 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1‐3.1; P = .018). After adjusting for age, ASA, and operative time, readmission remained higher in the surgical drain group (OR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.1‐3.2; P = .016).

Conclusion

The use of surgical drainage during DP was associated with increased incidence of readmission and POPF. Drainage showed no effect on outcomes of postoperative sepsis, shock, major complications, reoperation, and 30‐day mortality. Based on these results, routine prophylactic drainage should be reconsidered for patients undergoing DP.