bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vanadium Containing Metal‐organic Frameworks as Highly Efficient Catalysts for the Oxidation of Refractory Aromatic Sulfur Compounds
Authors: Jamali Marjan Abdi , Arvani Alireza , Amini Mostafa M.
Published: September 2020

The wet impregnation method was applied to prepare vanadium species on the chromium(III) terephthalate metal‐organic framework (MIL‐101) and on the aluminum fumarate metal‐organic framework (A520), two highly efficient catalysts, as well as vanadium species on the zinc terephthalate metal‐organic framework (MOF‐5), using vanadium(V) oxytributoxide as a precursor. The prepared catalysts were characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), N2 sorption measurement (BET), thermal analysis (TGA‐DTA), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The prepared materials were utilized as catalysts for the oxidation of the refractory aromatic sulfur compound, dibenzothiophene (DBT), in a model diesel fuel. The catalytic oxidation of DBT to DBT‐sulfone was performed in the presence of tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) under mild operating conditions. The heterogeneous catalysts, OV(OtBu)3−x(OH)x@MIL‐101(Cr), OV(OtBu)3−x(OH)x@A520, and OV(OtBu)3−x(OH)x@MOF‐5 demonstrated activities of 98, 98, and 10 %, respectively, in the oxidative desulfurization (ODS) process at 60 °C. The catalysts were recycled easily and reused without a significant decrease in their activity. The oxidation of DBT to DBT‐sulfone was investigated using gas chromatography, and the formation of DBT‐sulfone was confirmed by FT‐IR and 1H NMR spectroscopies.
Career Adaptability, Resilience, and Life Satisfaction Among Italian and Belgian Middle School Students
Authors: Santilli Sara , Grossen Silke , Nota Laura
Published: September 2020

Youth need help with planning their future, developing positive life trajectories, and coping with socioeconomic conditions. Using a life design approach, we analyzed the relationship between career adaptability, resilience, and life satisfaction among Belgian (N = 158) and Italian (N = 158) middle school students. We hypothesized that career adaptability, directly and indirectly via resilience, would predict life satisfaction. Furthermore, we predicted that the conceptual model would be comparable between countries. Each participant completed self‐report measures to assess career adaptability, resilience, and life satisfaction. The results obtained using a two‐step approach to structural equation modeling suggest that career adaptability is directly and indirectly, through resilience, related to students' life satisfaction in both Italian and Belgian students. These results have important implications for supporting middle school students in their life design process.
Effect of Electrochemical Oxidation on Physicochemical Properties of Fe‐Containing Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Leppänen Elli , Sainio Sami , Jiang Hua , Mikladal Bjørn , Varjos Ilkka , Laurila Tomi
Published: September 2020

Metal catalysts are necessary for fabricating carbon nanotubes, but are often considered impurities in the end products, and arduous steps are used to remove catalyst residues from the nanotube structure. However, as metals can be electrocatalytic, instead of removing them we can utilize their role in detection of analgesics. Herein, we study the physicochemical properties of Fe‐containing single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), and the effect of simple oxidative pretreatment on them. We show that a gentle anodic pretreatment i) increased the amount of oxidized Fe nanoparticles, most likely exhibiting phases Fe3O4 and Fe2O3 and ii) effectively removed disordered carbonaceous material from SWCNT bundles surfaces. Pretreatment had only a marginal effect on sensitivity towards analgesics. However, interestingly, selectivity of Fe‐SWCNTs towards paracetamol and morphine could be modified with pretreatment. Through this kind of in‐depth investigation, we can, to a certain extent, correlate various material properties of SWCNTs with the observed electrochemical performance. This approach allows us to evaluate what factors in SWCNTs truly affect the electrochemical detection of biomolecules.
Construction of Bridged Polycyclic Skeletons via Transition‐Metal Catalyzed Carbon–Carbon Bond‐Forming Reactions
Authors: Wu Ting , Tang Wenjun
Published: September 2020

Transition‐metal catalysis has become one of most important methods for constructing molecules with diverse architectures. Bridged polycyclic skeletons are often considered one of most challenging structures in organic synthesis. This Minireview summarizes the recent progress on synthesis of bridged polycyclic skeletons by transition‐metal‐catalyzed carbon–carbon bond‐forming reaction. Four main ring‐forming strategies including connection via olefin or carbonyl functionality, enolate intermediacy, C−H functionality, and aryl functionality are detailed and some effective methods are discussed with particular emphasis on reaction design and mechanism.
Double Orthogonal Click Reactions for the Development of Antimicrobial Peptide Nanotubes
Authors: González‐Freire Eva , Novelli Federica , Pérez‐Estévez Antonio , Seoane Rafael , Amorín Manuel , Granja Juan R.
Published: September 2020

A new class of amphipathic cyclic peptides, which assemble in bacteria membranes to form polymeric supramolecular nanotubes giving them antimicrobial properties, is described. The method is based on the use of two orthogonal clickable transformations to incorporate different hydrophobic or hydrophilic moieties in a simple, regioselective, and divergent manner. The resulting cationic amphipathic cyclic peptides described in this article exhibit strong antimicrobial properties with a broad therapeutic window. Our studies suggest that the active form is the nanotube resulted from the parallel stacking of the cyclic peptide precursors. Several techniques, CD, FTIR, fluorescence, and STEM, among others, confirm the nanotube formation.
Education and communication are critical to effectively incorporating cannabis into cancer treatment
Authors: Hughes Kelly T. , Casarett David J.
Published: September 2020

Providers need to be better equipped to discuss medical cannabis with patients even if they are not willing to prescribe it. The oncology community would be well served to ensure that providers are aware of existing cannabis research and are able to incorporate it into their communications with patients instead of leaving patients to figure out medical cannabis on their own.
Symmetry Breaking Induced by Growth Kinetics: One‐Pot Synthesis of Janus Au−AgBr Nanoparticles
Authors: Takahashi Reki , Fujishima Musashi , Tada Hiroaki , Soejima Tetsuro
Published: September 2020

This study describes a one‐pot synthetic strategy consisting of concerted stabilization and photo and chemical reductions of metal ions to yield precise anisotropic nanostructures. Photoirradiation of an aqueous precursor solution containing Au3+, Ag+, Br−, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) forms Janus nanoparticles (NPs) composed of Au having a tiny Ag shell and AgBr. The Au NPs are initially generated by photoreduction of Au3+ in the precursor solution, in which the formation of silver halides is strongly inhibited by the coordination bond between Ag+ and the carbonyl groups in PVP. The coordinated PVP chains are adsorbed on the surfaces of the Au NPs, with the concomitant release of free Ag+ ions. The part of the surface of the Au NP is covered with a few Ag atoms via chemical reduction of Ag+ by PVP. AgBr nanocrystals grow at a bare site on the surface of each Au NP, resulting in the formation of nearly monodisperse Janus Au−AgBr NPs in high yield. A characteristic light absorption profile emerges due to the interface formed between Au and AgBr, which is demonstrated by finite‐difference time‐domain simulation. The precise nanostructures may be leveraged to elucidate mechanisms of photoelectrochemical processes and to construct advanced plasmonic photocatalysts.
Sharp Estimate of Global Coulomb Gauge
Authors: Wang Yu
Published: September 2020

Let A be a W1, 2‐connection on a principal SU(2)‐bundle P over a compact 4‐manifold M whose curvature FA satisfies . Our main result is the existence of a global section σ : M → P with finite singularities on M such that the connection form σ*A satisfies the Coulomb equation d*(σ*A) = 0 and admits a sharp estimate . Here ℒ4, ∞ is a new function space we introduce in this paper that satisfies L4(M) ⊊ ℒ4, ∞(M) ⊊ L4 − ϵ(M) for all ϵ > 0. More precisely, ℒ4, ∞(M) is the collection of measurable function u such that , where L4, ∞ is the classical Lorentz space and su is the L4‐integrability radius function associated to u defined by Briefly speaking, we achieve the estimate of by showing that σ*A is effectively L4‐integrable away from controllably many points on M. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Transition Threshold for the 3D Couette Flow in Sobolev Space
Authors: Wei Dongyi , Zhang Zhifei
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we study the transition threshold of the 3D Couette flow in Sobolev space at high Reynolds number Re. It was proved that if the initial velocity v0 satisfies for some c0 > 0 independent of Re, then the solution of the 3D Navier‐Stokes equations is global in time and does not transition away from the Couette flow. This result confirms the transition threshold conjecture proposed by Trefethen et al. in 1993. Moreover, we prove that the long‐time dynamics of the solution behaves as: for t ≲ Re, the solution will experience a transient growth from O(Re−1) to O(c0) due to the 3D lift‐up effect; for t ≳ Re1/3, the solution will rapidly converge to a streak solution due to the mixing‐enhanced dissipation effect. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
From Electronic Waste to Suzuki−Miyaura Cross‐Coupling Reaction in Water: Direct Valuation of Recycled Palladium in Catalysis
Authors: Lacanau Valentin , Bonneté Françoise , Wagner Patrick , Schmitt Martine , Meyer Daniel , Bihel Frédéric , Contino‐Pépin Christiane , Bourgeois Damien
Published: September 2020

Invited for this month′s cover is the group of Damien Bourgeois at the Marcoule Institute for Separation Chemistry (ICSM). The image shows how a short process chain can efficiently transform our waste into an active catalyst. The Full Paper itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.202001155.
Intratumoral administration of the Toll‐like receptor 7/8 agonist 3M‐052 enhances interferon‐driven tumor immunogenicity and suppresses metastatic spread in preclinical triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Zanker Damien J , Spurling Alex J , Brockwell Natasha K , Owen Katie L , Zakhour Jasmine M , Robinson Tina , Duivenvoorden Hendrika M , Hertzog Paul J , Mullins Stefanie R , Wilkinson Robert W , Parker Belinda S
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Loss of tumor‐inherent type I interferon (IFN) signalling has been closely linked to accelerated metastatic progression via decreased immunogenicity and antitumor immunity. Previous studies in murine models of triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) demonstrate that systemic IFN inducers are effective antimetastatic agents, via sustained antitumor CD8+ T‐cell responses. Repeated systemic dosing with recombinant IFNs or IFN inducers is associated with significant toxicities; hence, the use of alternate intratumoral agents is an active area of investigation. It is critical to investigate the impact of intratumoral agents on subsequent metastatic spread to predict clinical impact.

Methods

In this study, the local and systemic impact of the intratumoral Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 7/8 agonist 3M‐052 alone or in combination with anti‐PD1 was evaluated in metastatic TNBC models. The IFN‐α receptor (IFNAR1) blocking antibody, MAR1‐5A3, along with immune‐deficient mice and ex vivo assays are utilised to examine the key targets of this agent that are critical for an antimetastatic response.

Results

Single intratumoral administration of 3M‐052 reduced mammary tumor growth, induced a T‐cell‐inflamed tumor microenvironment (TME) and reduced metastatic spread to lung. Metastasis suppression was reliant on IFN signalling and an antitumor immune response, in contrast to primary tumor growth inhibition, which was retained in NSG and CD8+ T‐cell‐depleted mice. 3M‐052 action was demonstrated via dendritic cell activation and production of type I IFN and other pro‐inflammatory cytokines to initiate a T‐cell‐inflamed TME and promote tumor cell antigen presentation.

Conclusion

This work supports neoadjuvant TLR agonist‐based immunotherapeutics as realistic options for immune activation in the TME and long‐term metastatic protection in TNBC.
Repeated hybridization of two closely related gazelle species (Gazella bennettii and Gazella subgutturosa) in central Iran
Authors: Fadakar Davoud , Malekian Mansoureh , Hemami Mahmoud R. , Lerp Hannes , Rezaei Hamid R. , Bärmann Eva V.
Published: September 2020

Interspecific hybridization increasingly occurs in the course of anthropogenic actions, such as species translocations and introductions, and habitat modifications or occurs in sympatric species due to the shortage of conspecific mates. Compared with anthropogenically caused hybridization, natural hybridization is more difficult to prove, but both play an important role in conservation. In this study, we detected hybridization of two gazelle sister species, Gazella bennettii (adapted to dry areas) and Gazella subgutturosa (adapted to open plains), in five habitat areas, where G. bennettii naturally occur in central Iran. The hybrids have a nuclear genomic identity (based on two introns), habitat preference, and phenotype of G. bennettii, but the mitochondrial identity (based on cyt b) of G. subgutturosa. We suggest that natural hybridization of female G. subgutturosa and male G. bennettii happened twice in central Iran in prehistoric times, based on the haplotype pattern that we found. However, we found indications of recent hybridization between both species under special circumstances, for example, in breeding centers, due to translocations, or in areas of sympatry due to the shortage of conspecific mates. Therefore, these two species must be kept separately in the breeding centers, and introduction of one of them into the habitat of the other must be strictly avoided.
A 3D FIB‐SEM technique for quantitative characterization of oil shale's microstructure: A case study from the Shahejie Formation in Dongying Depression, China
Authors: Zhao Jianpeng , Dong Xu , Zhang Jinyan , Chen Hui , Zhang Wenjiao
Published: September 2020

Investigating the pore structure of shale rocks plays an important role in understanding the mechanism of shale oil accumulation and migration; thus, it has a notable influence on the exploration and development of shale oil resources. In the present study, the microstructure of oil shale samples extracted from the Shahejie Formation in the Dongying Depression was investigated through the joint usage of focused ion beam (FIB) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Herein, we selected four representative samples. The SEM images of the sample surfaces milled by FIB indicated that pores were found in both the organic and inorganic matter. Organic pores were less developed in the samples because of the low thermal maturity of the organic matter. Continuous 3D digital rock images of shale samples were generated by FIB grinding and SEM in situ imaging. Based on multithreshold segmentation, the shale rocks were separated into different parts including kerogen, inorganic matter, and pores. The pore connectivity and pore size distributions were analyzed via Avizo software and in‐house developed MATLAB scripts. The pore size and corresponding volume distributions suggested that mesoscale pores (2‐50 nm) were abundant in the samples but they contributed limitedly to the total pore volume. Macropores (>50 nm) accounted for a small proportion but they had a greater contribution to the overall pore space volume. The coordination numbers of the subject four samples were mainly 0 and 1, which means that isolated pores accounted for the vast majority of the pores. These observations are critical to conduct reliable petrophysical simulations in the oil shales and understand their intrinsic properties accurately.
Diagnosis of Chronic Hepatitis B Pericomplication: Risk factors and Trends Over Time
Authors: Lapointe‐Shaw Lauren , Chung Hannah , Holder Laura , Kwong Jeffrey C. , Sander Beate , Austin Peter C. , Janssen Harry L.A. , Feld Jordan J.
Published: September 2020

Background and Aims

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease, which can progress to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and death. A timely diagnosis allows for antiviral treatment, which can prevent liver‐related complications. Conversely, a late diagnosis signals a missed opportunity for earlier care and treatment. Our objective was to measure the proportion of chronic HBV diagnoses that are made within 6 months of presentation with a liver disease–related complication and examine associated factors and trends over time.

Approach and Results

We used provincial laboratory data to identify patients with chronic HBV diagnosed from 2003 to 2014. We measured the proportion who experienced a liver disease complication (decompensated cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, or liver transplant) within ±6 months of their HBV diagnosis date. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with HBV diagnosis pericomplication. Of 18,434 patients with chronic HBV, 1,279 (6.9%) developed an HBV‐related complication during the follow‐up period. Among these, 570 (44.6%) had a first diagnosis pericomplication. HBV diagnosis pericomplication did not decrease over time and was independently associated with older age at HBV diagnosis, rural residence, alcohol use, and moderate to high levels of comorbidity. Female patients, immigrants, and those with more outpatient physician visits were less likely to have an HBV diagnosis pericomplication.

Conclusions

A high proportion of patients with HBV‐related complications are first diagnosed with HBV pericomplication. These signal missed opportunities for earlier detection and treatment. Our findings support expansion of HBV screening.
Reducing the Global Burden of Alcohol‐Associated Liver Disease: A Blueprint for Action
Authors: Asrani Sumeet K. , Mellinger Jessica , Arab Juan P. , Shah Vijay H.
Published: September 2020

Alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD) is a major driver of global liver related morbidity and mortality. There are 2.4 billion drinkers (950 million heavy drinkers) and the lifetime prevalence of any alcohol use disorder (AUD) is 5.1%‐8.6%. In 2017, global prevalence of alcohol‐associated compensated and decompensated cirrhosis was 23.6 million and 2.5 million, respectively. Combined, alcohol‐associated cirrhosis and liver cancer account for 1% of all deaths worldwide with this burden expected to increase. Solutions for this growing epidemic must be multi‐faceted and focused on both population and patient‐level interventions. Reductions in ALD‐related morbidity and mortality require solutions that focus on early identification and intervention, reducing alcohol consumption at the population level (taxation, reduced availability and restricted promotion), and solutions tailored to local socioeconomic realities (unrecorded alcohol consumption, focused youth education). Simple screening tools and algorithms can be applied at the population level to identify alcohol misuse, diagnose ALD using non‐invasive serum and imaging markers, and risk‐stratify higher‐risk ALD/AUD patients. Novel methods of healthcare delivery and platforms are needed (telehealth, outreach, use of non‐healthcare providers, partnerships between primary and specialty care/tertiary hospitals) to proactively mitigate the global burden of ALD. An integrated approach that combines medical and AUD treatment is needed at the individual level to have the highest impact. Future needs include (1) improving quality of ALD data and standardizing care, (2) supporting innovative healthcare delivery platforms that can treat both ALD and AUD, (3) stronger and concerted advocacy by professional hepatology organizations, and (4) advancing implementation of digital interventions.
Age‐related alterations in functional connectivity along the longitudinal axis of the hippocampus and its subfields
Authors: Stark Shauna M. , Frithsen Amy , Stark Craig E.L.
Published: September 2020

Hippocampal circuit alterations that differentially affect hippocampal subfields are associated with age‐related memory decline. Additionally, functional organization along the longitudinal axis of the hippocampus has revealed distinctions between anterior and posterior (A‐P) connectivity. Here, we examined the functional connectivity (FC) differences between young and older adults at high‐resolution within the medial temporal lobe network (entorhinal, perirhinal, and parahippocampal cortices), allowing us to explore how hippocampal subfield connectivity across the longitudinal axis of the hippocampus changes with age. Overall, we found reliably greater connectivity for younger adults than older adults between the hippocampus and parahippocampal cortex (PHC) and perirhinal cortex (PRC). This drop in functional connectivity was more pronounced in the anterior regions of the hippocampus than the posterior ones, consistent for each of the hippocampal subfields. Further, intra‐hippocampal connectivity also reflected an age‐related decrease in functional connectivity within the anterior hippocampus in older adults that was offset by an increase in posterior hippocampal functional connectivity. Interestingly, the anterior–posterior dysfunction in older adults between hippocampus and PHC was predictive of lure discrimination performance on the Mnemonic similarity task (MST), suggesting a role in memory performance. While age‐related dysfunction within the hippocampal subfields has been well‐documented, these results suggest that the age‐related dysfunction in hippocampal connectivity across the longitudinal axis may also contribute significantly to memory decline in older adults.
Drivers of diversity on boards: The impact of the Sarbanes‐Oxley act
Authors: Upadhyay Arun , Triana María del Carmen
Published: September 2020

This study investigates how firm structure, chief executive officer (CEO) power, and federal legislation influence hiring of corporate directors from a diverse background. Combining the value‐in‐diversity hypothesis and the similarity‐attraction paradigm, we examine the impact of economically rational (i.e., business need) and social preference (i.e., similar‐to‐me bias) drivers of board diversity post‐the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX). Using a sample of S&P 1500 firms from an eight‐year period spanning SOX, we find that SOX is positively correlated with board diversity. Although SOX was not intended to increase board diversity, the changes it put in place have subsequently facilitated more board diversity. Results show that the economically rational predictor (firm operational complexity) had a positive and statistically significant effect on board diversity pre‐SOX but that effect disappeared post‐SOX. Meanwhile, CEO power, a social preference inhibitor of board diversity, had a negative and statistically significant relationship with board diversity pre‐SOX which also disappeared post‐SOX. It appears that SOX has mitigated both economically rational drivers to want more diversity as well as social preference drivers to want less diversity. Implications of these findings for research and practice are discussed.
Analysis of the impact of physical parameters on a water‐based Al2O3 nanofluid using the KKL model
Authors: Nayak B. , Mishra S. R.
Published: September 2020

A nanofluid is treated as a smart fluid that is useful for heat transfer enhancement, which is paramount in several industrial applications, transportation, biomedical as well as electronics. This is due to the enhanced thermophysical properties, such as Brownian motion and thermal conductivity of the suspended nanoparticles in the base fluid. The present investigation explores an electrically conducting flow of a water‐based nanofluid past a thin film placed horizontally. In particular, the Al2O3 nanoparticle is merged into the water for the preparation of the nanofluid. For the enhancement in heat transfer properties, the Brownian thermal conductivity based on the Koo‐Kleinstreuer‐Li model is introduced. The Adomian decomposition method, a semi‐analytical technique, is employed to handle the system of ordinary differential equations. The originality of the current investigation is the statistical analysis of the various characterizing parameters governing the flow phenomena. The influences of these physical parameters on the flow phenomena are displayed in graphs and tables. The major findings of the outcomes are listed as follows: an increase in particle diameter decreases the Brownian conductivity, whereas fluid temperature enhances it significantly. Also, the increase in volume concentration leads to a decrease in the fluid temperature, resulting in faster cooling processes for the production of materials in industries.
Spectral local linearisation method for MHD Casson fluid on stratified bioconvective porous medium flow due to gyrotactic microorganisms
Authors: Ayano Mekonnen S. , Magagula Vusi M. , Mathunjwa Jochonia S.
Published: September 2020

In this paper, the effect of hall parameter on the flow of Casson nanofluid containing gyrotactic microorganisms over a stretching boundary in a porous medium is studied. The stratification, porosity, and Casson fluid parameters are also examined. Using suitable similarity transformations, the basic equations describing the flow are converted to nonlinear differential equations, which are then solved computationally using the spectral local linearisation method. The effects of key parameters such as the Hall parameter, the thermophoresis parameter, the porosity parameter, and Casson fluid parameters are analyzed. The results obtained suggest that the Hall parameter has the effect of decreasing the secondary flow, the heat and mass transfer rate, and density of the motile microorganisms. A decrease in the the Hall parameter is found to cause an increase in the transfer rate, the mass transfer rate, and the density of the motile microorganisms. An increase in the porosity parameter leads to a decline in the skin friction, heat transfer rate, mass transfer rate, and density of the motile microorganisms. The applications of this study arise in industrial areas, including Hall current accelerators, planetary dynamics, Hall current sensors, and magnetohydrodynamic power generators.
Entropy and radiation on a pipe MHD flow with variable viscosity
Authors: Abdel‐Rahman Rashed Gamal M.
Published: September 2020

The present work, the entropy generation due to radiation and variable viscosity magnetohydrodynamic effects with a porous medium in a circular pipe, has been obtained and studied numerically. The governing continuity, momentum, and energy equations in cylindrical coordination are converted into a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations by means of similarity transformation. The resulting system of coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations is solved numerically by a Runge‐Kutta method and shooting technique. Numerical results are presented for velocity, temperature profiles, pressure profile, entropy generation rates, and Bejan number for different physical parameters of the problem. Also, the effects of the pertinent parameters on the skin friction and the rate of heat transfer are obtained and discussed numerically and illustrated graphically.
Aspirin and the risk of nondigestive tract cancers: An updated meta‐analysis to 2019
Authors: Santucci Claudia , Gallus Silvano , Martinetti Marco , La Vecchia Carlo , Bosetti Cristina
Published: September 2020

Aspirin has been associated with a reduced risk of colorectal and other selected digestive tract cancers, but the evidence for other neoplasms is still controversial. To provide an up‐to‐date quantification of the role of aspirin on lung, breast, endometrium, ovary, prostate, bladder, and kidney cancer, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of all observational studies published up to March 2019. We estimated pooled relative risk (RR) of cancer or cancer death for regular aspirin use vs non‐use by using random‐effects models, and, whenever possible, we investigated dose‐ and duration‐risk relations. A total of 148 studies were considered. Regular aspirin use was associated to a reduced risk of lung (RR = 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.79‐0.98), breast (RR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.85‐0.95), endometrial (RR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.84‐0.98), ovarian (RR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.85‐0.97) and prostate (RR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.89‐0.96) cancer. However, for most neoplasms, nonsignificant risk reductions were reported in cohort and nested case‐control studies and there was between‐study heterogeneity. No association was reported for bladder and kidney cancer. No duration‐risk relations were observed for most neoplasms, except for an inverse duration‐risk relation for prostate cancer. The present meta‐analysis confirms the absence of appreciable effect of regular aspirin use on cancers of the bladder and kidney and quantifies small and heterogeneous inverse associations for other cancers considered.
Evaluation of a novel biodegradable ureteral stent produced from polyurethane and magnesium alloys
Authors: Jin Lu , Yao Lei , Yuan Feng , Dai Guangcheng , Xue Boxin
Published: September 2020

Indwelling ureteral stents represent a very frequently used procedure in urological clinical practice that ensures the drainage of urine from the upper urinary tract. However, the stents could result in many stent‐associated complications, such as encrustation and patient discomfort. We developed a new type of biodegradable ureteral stents produced from degradable polyurethane and magnesium alloys. In the present study, we investigated the biocompatibility and the property of degradation of the biodegradable ureteral stents. We evaluated the cytotoxicity of biodegradable ureteral stent by the MTT assay in vitro. The rabbit dorsal muscle embedding test was used to assess the biocompatibility of the degradable stents. Inflammation and fibrosis of muscle tissue were noted to evaluate compatibility at 1, 2, 4, 6 weeks after stents implanted in muscle. The degradation of the biodegradable ureteral stents was assessed by measuring the weight loss of the samples in AUS (artificial urine solution). For validating the degradation property of degradable stents in vivo, we inserted a degradable stent or a conventional biostable stent into Bama pigs. Furthermore, blood studies, liver function tests, renal function tests, urine studies, and computerized tomography (CT) were performed postoperatively. Our study confirms that the degradable polyurethane‐based biodegradable ureteral stent has good biocompatibility. Our biodegradable ureteral stents were completely degraded within 4 weeks and provided a better ability of drainage than conventional stents. They hold promise for decreasing the need for a secondary procedure and stent related morbidity, such as infections.
Vitexin prevents Aβ proteotoxicity in transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans model of Alzheimer's disease by modulating unfolded protein response
Authors: Malar Dicson Sheeja , Prasanth Mani Iyer , Jeyakumar Mahalingam , Balamurugan Krishnaswamy , Devi Kasi Pandima
Published: September 2020

Alzheimer's disease (AD) accounts for an estimated 60% to 80% of all dementia cases. The present study is aimed at evaluating the neuroprotective efficacy of vitexin, an apigenin flavone glycoside using transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans strain (CL2006) of AD. The neuroprotective effect of vitexin was determined using physiological assays, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting. The results of survival and paralysis assay indicate that vitexin (200 μM) significantly extended the lifespan of the nematodes. Vitexin‐treated nematodes showed a significant reduction in the expression of Aβ, ace‐1, and ace‐2 genes when compared to control. Further, vitexin significantly upregulated the expression of acr‐8 and dnj‐14, and increased the lifespan of the nematodes. Vitexin was also found to modulate the unfolded protein response genes (hsp‐4, pek‐1, ire‐1, and xbp‐1) and suppress the expression of Aβ. Overall, the results show that vitexin acts as a neuroprotective agent and protects transgenic C. elegans strains from Aβ proteotoxicity.
Attenuation effect of polydeoxyribonucleotide on inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic factors induced by particulate matter (PM10) damage in human bronchial cells
Authors: Hwang Lakkyong , Ko Il‐Gyu , Jin Jun‐Jang , Kim Sang‐Hoon , Kim Chang‐Ju , Hwang Jae‐Joon , Choi Cheon Woong , Chang Bok Soon
Published: September 2020

Particulate matter (PM) of 10‐μm‐sized fine dust in the air penetrates the respiratory tract and contributes to the increasing incidence of various lung diseases, but its definite mechanism is not known. Recently, polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) has been shown to have anti‐inflammatory and regenerative effects in various tissues. However, the bronchial‐related mechanism is not well‐understood. Hence, this experiment is intended to demonstrate the beneficial effect of PDRN administration on PM10‐induced injury in human bronchial‐derived NCI‐H358 cells. To confirm the protective effect of PDRN, PM10 was applied after PDRN pretreatment to confirm changes in NCI‐H358 cells. Experiments were conducted to measure cell survival, cytotoxicity, inflammation, and apoptotic factor changes. WST‐8 assay was used to confirm cell viability, and lactate dehydrogenase assay was used to obtain cytotoxicity. In addition, changes in inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic factors were confirmed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot. Decreased cell viability and increased cytotoxicity, inflammatory cytokines, and apoptotic factors were observed after exposure to PM10. However, pretreatment with PDRN enhanced cell viability and reduced cytotoxicity. In addition, the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and IL‐1β, and cell death factors such as Apaf‐1, cyt c, caspase‐3, caspase‐9, Bid, and Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio were decreased by PDRN administration in PM10‐exposed NCI‐H358 cells. PDRN, an A2AR agonist, affects cAMP activation and regulation of phosphorylation of PKA and CREB. In addition, treatment with A2AR antagonist 3,7‐dimethyl‐1‐propargylxanthine significantly blocked PDRN's effect. These anti‐cytotoxicity, anti‐inflammation, and anti‐apoptosis effects of PDRN can be attributed to the adenosine A2AR enhancing effect on PM10‐exposed bronchial cells.
NDV‐D90 inhibits 17β‐estradiol‐mediated resistance to apoptosis by differentially modulating classic and nonclassic estrogen receptors in breast cancer cells
Authors: Shan Peng , Tang Bo , Xie Shanshan , Zhang Zengling , Fan Jiehou , Wei Zheng , Song Chun
Published: September 2020

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is endowed with the oncolytic ability to kill tumor cells, while rarely causing side effects in normal cells. Both estrogen receptor α (ERα) and the G protein estrogen receptor (GPER) modulate multiple biological activities in response to estrogen, including apoptosis in breast cancer (BC) cells. Here, we investigated whether NDV‐D90, a novel strain isolated from natural sources in China, promoted apoptosis by modulating the expression of ERα or the GPER in BC cells exposed to 17β‐estradiol (E2). We found that NDV‐D90 significantly killed the tumor cell lines MCF‐7 and BT549 in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. We also found that NDV‐D90 exerted its effects on the two cell lines mainly by inducing apoptosis but not necrosis. NDV‐D90 induced apoptosis via the intrinsic and extrinsic signaling pathways in MCF‐7 cells (ER‐positive cells) during E2 exposure not only by disrupting the E2/ERα axis and enhancing GPER expression but also by modulating the expression of several apoptosis‐related proteins through ERα‐and GPER‐independent processes. NDV‐D90 promoted apoptosis via the intrinsic signaling pathway in BT549 cells (ER‐negative cells), possibly by impairing E2‐mediated GPER expression. Furthermore, NDV‐D90 exerted its antitumor effects in vivo by inducing apoptosis. Overall, these results demonstrated that NDV‐D90 promotes apoptosis by differentially modulating the expression of ERα and the GPER in ER‐positive and negative BC cells exposed to estrogen, respectively, and can be utilized as an effective approach to treating BC.
Theoretical study of Aun clusters (n = 1–5) deposited on a rutile TiO2 (110) slab, concerning structure and stability
Authors: Agacino Valdés Esther , Tavizón Gustavo , de la Mora Pablo
Published: September 2020

The initial nucleation of gold clusters Aun (n = 1–5) on TiO2 rutile (110) reduced surface is studied using density functional theory and a full‐potential augmented‐plane‐wave method implemented in the WIEN2k code. The first two gold atoms remained tied to the surface with a bond length similar to those belonging to other well‐known related materials, while the other gold atoms do not spread over the surface; they preferred to form a new layer. The occurrence of relativistic effects produced a preferential triangle geometry for Au3 and a combination of triangular units for Au4 and Au5. The Au–Au average distance increased from n = 2 to n = 5, indicating an expansion with a tendency to the bond distance found in the bulk. We are reporting an early 2D→3D transition of small folding, from Au3→Au4, followed by an Au4→Au5 transition of evident 3D character.
Biembeddings of cycle systems using integer Heffter arrays
Authors: Cavenagh Nicholas J. , Donovan Diane M. , Yazıcı Emine Ş.
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we use constructions of Heffter arrays to verify the existence of face 2‐colorable embeddings of cycle decompositions of the complete graph. Specifically, for and and when then , there exist face 2‐colorable embeddings of the complete graph onto an orientable surface where each face is a cycle of a fixed length . In these embeddings the vertices of will be labeled with the elements of in such a way that the group, acts sharply transitively on the vertices of the embedding. This result is achieved by verifying the existence of nonequivalent Heffter arrays, , which satisfy the conditions: (1) for each row and each column the sequential partial sums determined by the natural ordering must be distinct modulo ; (2) the composition of the natural orderings of the rows and columns is equivalent to a single cycle permutation on the entries in the array. The existence of Heffter arrays that satisfy condition (1) was established earlier in Burrage et al. and in this current paper, we vary this construction and show, for , that there are at least such nonequivalent that satisfy both conditions (1) and (2).
The Prognostic Nutritional Index is associated with mortality of COVID‐19 patients in Wuhan, China
Authors: Wang Ruoran , He Min , Yin Wanhong , Liao Xuelian , Wang Bo , Jin Xiaodong , Ma Yao , Yue Jirong , Bai Lang , Liu Dan , Zhu Ting , Huang Zhixin , Kang Yan
Published: September 2020

Background

Declared as pandemic by WHO, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pneumonia has brought great damage to human health. The uncontrollable spread and poor progression of COVID‐19 have attracted much attention from all over the world. We designed this study to develop a prognostic nomogram incorporating Prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in COVID‐19 patients.

Methods

Patients confirmed with COVID‐19 and treated in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from January to February 2020 were included in this study. We used logistic regression analysis to find risk factors of mortality in these patients. A prognostic nomogram was constructed and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was drawn to evaluate the predictive value of PNI and this prognostic model.

Results

Comparison of baseline characteristics showed non‐survivors had higher age (P < .001), male ratio (P = .038), neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (P < .001), platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) (P < .001), and PNI (P < .001) than survivors. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, independent risk factors of mortality in COVID‐19 patients included white blood cell (WBC) (OR 1.285, P = .039), PNI (OR 0.790, P = .029), LDH (OR 1.011, P < .015). These three factors were combined to build the prognostic model. Area under the ROC curve (AUC) of only PNI and the prognostic model was 0.849 (95%Cl 0.811‐0.888) and 0.950 (95%Cl 0.922‐0.978), respectively. And calibration plot showed good stability of the prognostic model.

Conclusion

This research indicates PNI is independently associated with the mortality of COVID‐19 patients. Prognostic model incorporating PNI is beneficial for clinicians to evaluate progression and strengthen monitoring for COVID‐19 patients.
Differential effects of right and left heart failure on skeletal muscle in rats
Authors: Knapp Fabienne , Niemann Bernd , Li Ling , Molenda Nicole , Kracht Michael , Schulz Rainer , Rohrbach Susanne
Published: September 2020

Background

Exercise intolerance is a cardinal symptom in right (RV) and left ventricular (LV) failure. The underlying skeletal muscle contributes to increased morbidity in patients. Here, we compared skeletal muscle sarcopenia in a novel two‐stage model of RV failure to an established model of LV failure.

Methods

Pulmonary artery banding (PAB) or aortic banding (AOB) was performed in weanling rats, inducing a transition from compensated cardiac hypertrophy (after 7 weeks) to heart failure (after 22–26 weeks). Cardiac function was characterized by echocardiography. Skeletal muscle catabolic/anabolic balance and energy metabolism were analysed by histological and biochemical methods, real‐time PCR, and western blot.

Results

Two clearly distinguishable stages of left or right heart disease with a comparable severity were reached. However, skeletal muscle impairment was significantly more pronounced in LV failure. While the compensatory stage resulted only in minor changes, soleus and gastrocnemius muscle of AOB rats at the decompensated stage demonstrated reduced weight and fibre diameter, higher proteasome activity and expression of the muscle‐specific ubiquitin E3 ligases muscle‐specific RING finger 1 and atrogin‐1, increased expression of the atrophy marker myostatin, increased autophagy activation, and impaired mitochondrial function and respiratory chain gene expression. Soleus and gastrocnemius muscle of PAB rats did not show significant changes in muscle weight and proteasome or autophagy activation, but mitochondrial function was mildly impaired as well. The diaphragm did not demonstrate differences in any model or disease stage except for myostatin expression, which was altered at the decompensated stage in both models. Plasma interleukin (IL)‐6 and angiotensin II were strongly increased at the decompensated stage (AOB > > PAB). Soleus and gastrocnemius muscle itself demonstrated an increase in IL‐6 expression independent from blood‐derived cytokines only in AOB animals. In vitro experiments in rat skeletal muscle cells suggested a direct impact of IL‐6 and angiotensin II on distinctive atrophic changes.

Conclusions

Manifold skeletal muscle alterations are more pronounced in LV failure compared with RV failure despite a similar ventricular impairment. Most of the catabolic changes were observed in soleus or gastrocnemius muscle rather than in the constantly active diaphragm. Mitochondrial dysfunction and up‐regulation of myostatin were identified as the earliest signs of skeletal muscle impairment.
The impact of the use of magnifying dental loupes on the performance of undergraduate dental students undertaking simulated dental procedures
Authors: Braga Tiago , Robb Nigel , Love Robert Matthew , Amaral Rodrigo Rodrigues , Rodrigues Vandilson Pinheiro , de Camargo Jose Mauricio Paradella , Duarte Marco Antonio Hungaro
Published: September 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the use of magnification (2.5x dental loupes) for third‐year dental students in simulated endodontics and fixed prosthodontics assessments compared to those using no magnification.

Methods

Upon institutional review board exemption, third‐year dental students were assessed during endodontics and fixed prosthodontics exams in the simulation laboratory. The endodontic group (n = 93) consisted of students who made an endodontic access preparation on a plastic lower left first molar (Nissan). The prosthodontic group (n = 86) consisted of students who made porcelain fused to metal preparation (PFM) on a plastic lower right first molar mounted on an acrylic lower jaw model (Columbia Dentoform). The impact of the use of dental loupes was evaluated. Assessment of the tasks was undertaken by experts—calibrated, blinded examiners—using a standardized marking rubric for each task. The statistical analysis included Chi‐square test, one‐way ANOVA, and Logistic regression. The level of significance adopted was 5%.

Results

Students’ preparations using magnification were better compared with those without magnification. Students using magnification had a significantly higher pass rate than those not using magnification in both endodontic and prosthodontic groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

In conclusion, third‐year dental students who used loupes in the endodontics and prosthodontics simulation laboratory had significantly higher scores at the assessments.
Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy of bacterial colonies isolated from ras malai samples from different markets of Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Shaheen Shabnum , Khan Palwasha , Sadia Sehrish , Jaffer Mehwish , Khalid Sana , Siddique Riffat , Mukhtar Hanan , Iftikhar Tehreema , Sarwar Samina , Ilyas Sobia , Khan Farah
Published: September 2020

The current study investigates the total bacterial contamination in various packed and unpacked ras malai samples of 14 different localities of Lahore, Pakistan. The bacterial colonies such as Bacillus sp. and Gamella sp. were isolated from ras malai samples and grown on agar‐broth media under sterile environmental conditions. Serial dilution technique was used to compose the replicates to get a viable count of bacteria in the samples. Results indicated that in case of packed ras malai samples, maximum bacterial count was observed in Sample 1 (422 × 10−2 to 402 × 10−6) and minimum bacterial count was in Sample 4 (21 × 10−2 to 9.3 × 10−6). For unpacked ras malai samples, maximum bacterial count was in Sample 3 (200.3 × 10−2 to 181.3 × 10−6) and minimum bacterial count was observed in Sample 1 (110 × 10−2 to 90.4 × 10−6). It was concluded that the marketed samples contain more bacterial count as compared to the standard sterilization values. Such products could possibly become the cause of many health problems in children.