bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semi‐interpenetrating polymer network cryogels based on poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate and collagen as potential off‐the‐shelf platforms for cancer cell research
Authors: Masullo Ugo , Cavallo Anna , Greco Maria Raffaella , Reshkin Stephan J. , Mastrodonato Maria , Gallo Nunzia , Salvatore Luca , Verri Tiziano , Sannino Alessandro , Cardone Rosa Angela , Madaghiele Marta
Published: January 2021

In the present work, we investigated the potential of novel semi‐interpenetrating polymer network (semi‐IPN) cryogels, obtained through ultraviolet exposure of aqueous mixtures of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate and type I collagen, as tunable off‐the‐shelf platforms for 3D cancer cell research. We synthesized semi‐IPN cryogels with variable collagen amounts (0.1% and 1% w/v) and assessed the effect of collagen on key cryogel properties for cell culture, for example, porosity, degradation rate and mechanical stiffness. Then, we investigated the ability of the cryogels to sustain the long‐term growth of two pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell populations, the parenchymal Panc1 cells and their derived cancer stem cells. Results revealed that both cell lines efficiently infiltrated, attached and expanded in the cryogels over a period of 14 days. However, only when grown in the cryogels with the highest collagen concentration, both cell lines reproduced their characteristic growth pattern previously observed in collagen‐enriched organotypic cultures, biomimetic of the highly fibrotic PDAC stroma. Cellular preembedding in Matrigel, that is, the classical approach to develop/grow organoids, interfered with an efficient intra‐scaffold migration and growth. Although preliminary, these findings highlight the potential of the proposed cryogels as reproducible and tunable cancer cell research platforms.
Pleckstrin homology (PH) domain and Leucine Rich Repeat Phosphatase 1 (Phlpp1) Suppresses Parathyroid Hormone Receptor 1 (Pth1r) Expression and Signaling During Bone Growth
Authors: Weaver Samantha R , Taylor Earnest L , Zars Elizabeth L , Arnold Katherine M , Bradley Elizabeth W , Westendorf Jennifer J
Published: January 2021

Endochondral ossification is tightly controlled by a coordinated network of signaling cascades including parathyroid hormone (PTH). Pleckstrin homology (PH) domain and leucine rich repeat phosphatase 1 (Phlpp1) affects endochondral ossification by suppressing chondrocyte proliferation in the growth plate, longitudinal bone growth, and bone mineralization. As such, Phlpp1−/− mice have shorter long bones, thicker growth plates, and proportionally larger growth plate proliferative zones. The goal of this study was to determine how Phlpp1 deficiency affects PTH signaling during bone growth. Transcriptomic analysis revealed greater PTH receptor 1 (Pth1r) expression and enrichment of histone 3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) at the Pth1r promoter in Phlpp1-deficient chondrocytes. PTH (1-34) enhanced and PTH (7-34) attenuated cell proliferation, cAMP signaling, cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation, and cell metabolic activity in Phlpp1-inhibited chondrocytes. To understand the role of Pth1r action in the endochondral phenotypes of Phlpp1-deficient mice, Phlpp1−/− mice were injected with Pth1r ligand PTH (7-34) daily for the first 4 weeks of life. PTH (7-34) reversed the abnormal growth plate and long-bone growth phenotypes of Phlpp1−/− mice but did not rescue deficits in bone mineral density or trabecular number. These results show that elevated Pth1r expression and signaling contributes to increased proliferation in Phlpp1−/− chondrocytes and shorter bones in Phlpp1-deficient mice. Our data reveal a novel molecular relationship between Phlpp1 and Pth1r in chondrocytes during growth plate development and longitudinal bone growth. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Eugenol–piperine loaded polyhydroxy butyrate/polyethylene glycol nanocomposite‐induced apoptosis and cell death in nasopharyngeal cancer (C666‐1) cells through the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Sun Xiaopeng , Veeraraghavan Vishnu Priya , Surapaneni Krishna Mohan , Hussain Sardar , Mathanmohun Maghimaa , Alharbi Sulaiman Ali , Aladresi Aref Ali Mohammed , Chinnathambi Arunachalam
Published: January 2021

Nasopharyngeal cancer is a malignancy developing from the nasopharynx epithelium due to smoking and nitrosamine‐containing foods. Nasopharyngeal cancer is highly endemic to Southeast Asia. Eugenol and piperine have shown many anticancer activities on numerous cancer types, like colon, lung, liver, and breast cancer. In this study, we amalgamated eugenol and piperine loaded with a polyhydroxy butyrate/polyethylene glycol nanocomposite (Eu‐Pi/PHB‐PEG‐NC) for better anticancer results against nasopharyngeal cancer (C666‐1) cells. In the current study, nasopharyngeal cancer cell lines C666‐1 were utilized to appraise the cytotoxic potential of Eug‐Pip‐PEG‐NC on cell propagation, programmed cell death, and relocation. Eu‐Pi/PHB‐PEG‐NC inhibits cellular proliferation on C666‐1 cells in a dose‐dependent manner, and when compared with 20 µg/ml, 15 µg/ml of loaded mixture evidently restrained the passage aptitude of C666‐1 cells, this was attended with a downregulated expression of mitochondrial membrane potential. Treatment with 15 µg/ml Eu‐Pi/PHB‐PEG‐NC suggestively amplified cell apoptosis in the C666‐1 cells. Furthermore, its cleaved caspase‐3, 8, and 9 and Bax gene expression was augmented and Bcl‐2 gene expression was diminished after Eu‐Pi/PHB‐PEG‐NC treatment. Additionally, our data established that the collective effect of Eu‐Pi/PHB‐PEG‐NC loaded micelles inhibited the expansion of C666‐1 cells augmented apoptosis connected with the intrusion of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
Effect of fumonisin B1on oxidative stress and gene expression alteration of nutrient transporters in porcine intestinal cells
Authors: Chen Zhigang , Zhou Lihua , Yuan Qiaoling , Chen Huiyu , Lei Hongyu , Su Jianming
Published: January 2021

Fumonisin B1(FB1) is a common environmental mycotoxin produced by molds such asFusarium verticillioides. The toxin poses health risks to domestic animals, including pigs, through FB1‐contaminanted feed. However, the cytotoxicity of FB1to porcine intestines has not been fully analyzed. In the present study, the effects of FB1on oxidative stress and nutrient transporter‐associated genes of the porcine intestinal IPEC‐J2 cells were explored. FB1decreased IPEC‐J2 proliferation but did not trigger reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction. Meanwhile, FB1reduced the expression levels of the transportersl‐type amino acid transporter‐1 (y+LAT1), solute carrier family 7 member 1 (SLC7A1), solute carrier family 1 member 5 (ASCT2), and excitatory amino acid carrier 1 (EAAC1); in addition, FB1reduced the levels of the fatty acid transporters long‐chain fatty acid transport protein 1 (FATP1) and long‐chain fatty acid transport protein 4 (FATP4) as well as glucose transporters Na+/glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1) and glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2). FB1stimulation increased the expression levels of peptide transporter peptide transporter 1 (PepT1) and metal ion transport‐related gene zinc transporter 1 (ZNT1). Moreover, metal ion transporter divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) expression was depressed by a higher dosage of FB1. The data indicate that FB1results in aberrant expression of nutrient transporters in IPEC‐J2 cells, thereby exerting its toxicity even though it fails to exert ROS‐dependent oxidative stress.
Iron overload reduces adiponectin receptor expression via a ROS/FOXO1‐dependent mechanism leading to adiponectin resistance in skeletal muscle cells
Authors: Dahyaleh Karam , Sung Hye K. , Prioriello Michelle , Rengasamy Palanivel , Lam Nhat H. , Kim Jae B. , Gross Sean , Sweeney Gary
Published: January 2021

Iron overload (IO) is a common yet underappreciated finding in metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients. With the prevalence of MetS continuing to rise, it is imperative to further elucidate cellular mechanisms leading to metabolic dysfunction. Adiponectin has many beneficial effects and is a therapeutic target for the treatment of MetS and cardiovascular diseases. IO positively correlates with reduced circulating adiponectin levels yet the impact of IO on adiponectin action is unknown. Here, we established a model of IO in L6 skeletal muscle cells and found that IO‐induced adiponectin resistance. This was shown via reduced p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase phosphorylation in response to the small molecule adiponectin receptor (AdipoR) agonist, AdipoRon, in presence of IO. This correlated with reduced messenger RNA and protein levels of AdipoR1 and its facilitative signaling binding partner, APPL1. IO caused phosphorylation, nuclear extrusion, and thus inhibition of FOXO1, a known transcription factor regulating AdipoR1 expression. The antioxidant N‐acetyl cystine attenuated the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by IO, and blunted its effect on FOXO1 phosphorylation and removal from the nucleus, as well as subsequent adiponectin resistance. In conclusion, our study identifies a ROS/FOXO1/AdipoR1 axis as a cause of skeletal muscle adiponectin resistance in response to IO. This new knowledge provides insight into a cellular mechanism with potential relevance to disease pathophysiology in MetS patients with IO.
Extracellular vesicles mediate cellular interactions in renal diseases—Novel views of intercellular communications in the kidney
Authors: Zhang Ping L. , Liu Ming‐Lin
Published: January 2021

The kidney is a complicated and important internal organ receiving approximately 20% of the cardiac output and mediates numerous pathophysiologic actions. These include selectively filtering macromolecules of the blood, exquisite reclaimation of electrolyctes, urine concentration via an elegant osmotic mechanism, and excretion of an acid load. In addition, the renal tubules carry out secretory functions and produce hormones and cytokines. The kidney receives innervation and hormonal regulation. Therefore, dysfunction of the kidney leads to retention of metabolic waste products, and/or significant proteinuria and hematuria. In the past several decades, the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in intercellular communications, and the uptake of EVs by recipient cells through phagocytosis and endocytosis have been elucidated. The new knowledge on EVs expands over the classical mechanisms of cellular interaction, and may change our way of thinking of renal pathophysiology in the subcellular scale. Based on some ultrastructural discoveries in the kidney, this review will focus on the role of EVs in intercellular communications, their internalization by recipient cells, and their relationship to renal pathology.
Improvement of natamycin production by controlling the morphology of Streptomyces gilvosporeus Z8 with microparticle talc in seed preculture
Authors: Yue Chaoping , Xu Haitao , Yu Yingying , Yu Xin , Yu Min , Zhang Chen , You Qian , Xia Shaofan , Ding Zixian , Fu Hao , Zeng Xin , Li Feng
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Natamycin, an antifungal agent, has been widely used as a food preservative and medicine for fungal disease therapy. Seed preculture plays a crucial role in natamycin production, while studies on the effects of seed morphology on natamycin biosynthesis and corresponding regulation approaches are still absent.

RESULTS

Correlation analyses among spore age, seed morphology and natamycin production showed that old spores tended to form larger mycelial pellets, which gave rise to a significant reduction of natamycin biosynthesis. To solve this problem, microparticle talc was added to regulate the mycelial morphology in seed preculture. Optimal talc addition led to small mycelial pellets with hairy superficial mycelia and loose structure, resulting in higher glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase activity and energy charge. The seed morphology regulation effectively improved the natamycin titer and decreased the culture time, especially for old spores (age 28 days), with a 1.7‐fold higher natamycin titer and 16.9% culture time reduction. Unfortunately, direct talc addition proved to be infeasible for natamycin fermentation in a 5 L fermentor, which was attributed to physical damage from rapid agitation and excessive talc crashing. Therefore, the morphology engineering strategy was preferred in the seed preculture process rather than formal fermentation for natamycin production.

CONCLUSION

The new strategy proposed in this study could not only improve natamycin production, but also reduced the culture time. Furthermore, this work could provide references for other biochemicals production by filamentous bacteria or fungi, which would be of great significance in industrial antibiotic fermentation. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Animal models of attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Authors: Rahi Vikrant , Kumar Puneet
Published: January 2021

Attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) is a heterogeneous neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by three primary symptoms hyperactivity, attention deficit, and impulsiveness, observed in both children and adults. In childhood, this disorder is more common in boys than in girls, and at least 75% will continue to suffer from the disorder until adulthood. Individuals with ADHD generally have poor academic, occupational, and social functioning resulting from developmentally inappropriate levels of hyperactivity and impulsivity, as well as impaired ability to maintain attention on motivationally relevant tasks. Very few drugs available in clinical practice altogether abolish the symptoms of ADHD, therefore, to find new drugs and target it is essential to understand the neuropathological, neurochemical, and genetic alterations that lead to the progression of ADHD. With this contrast, an animal study is the best approach because animal models provide relatively fast invasive manipulation, rigorous hypothesis testing, as well as it provides a better angle to understand the pathological mechanisms involved in disease progression. Moreover, animal models, especially for ADHD, serve with good predictive validity would allow the assessment and development of new therapeutic interventions, with this aim, the present review collect the various animal models on a single platform so that the research can select an appropriate model to pursue his study.
Scanning electron microscopy analysis of conventional and controlled‐memory nickel titanium files before and after multi‐uses in root canals
Authors: Armagan Safa , Haznedaroglu Faruk
Published: January 2021

The current study aimed to examine changes in the physical properties of conventional and CM nickel–titanium instruments after repeated clinical use, disinfection‐sterilization processes, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Sixty extracted mandibular molar mesial roots were used in this ex vivo study. The 60 teeth underwent final apical shaping (#25/.06) by the Revo‐S SU (Revo‐S Group: #25/.06; Micromega; n = 10) and Hyflex CM (Hyflex CM group: #25/.06; Coltene–Whaledent; n = 10) groups. One instrument of each group was used to shape six different teeth (Revo‐S SU in 3 MB and 3 ML canals, and Hyflex CM in 3 MB and 3 ML canals), sequentially. The physical changes evident on the surfaces of the files after sequential use and sterilization processes were analyzed by SEM after the first, third, and sixth use. The first SEM examination was performed immediately after removal from the packages. Following first SEM examination, the files were sterilized before the first use as would be customary in practice. Qualitative evaluations were made by two evaluators, according to the following criteria: tip deformation, cutting edge deformation, debris, and microfracture. Revo‐S showed a significant difference in cutting edge deformation, tip deformation, and microcrack formation, as compared to Hyflex CM. There was no significant difference between the groups in debris with the increasing number of uses. In this study, Hyflex CM (CM nickel–titanium) files showed better performance in terms of deformation and microcrack formation as the number of uses increased than did Revo‐S (conventional nickel–titanium) files.
Self‐assembled Au and Pt nanoparticles in Poly(methyl methacrylate)
Authors: Salvadori Maria Cecília , de Sá Teixeira Fernanda , Cattani Mauro , Brown Ian G.
Published: January 2021

Nanocomposites formed by metal nanoparticles self‐assembled in an insulator matrix are of great technological importance. Applications include surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy based biosensors, optical devices, photovoltaic cells, and more. Self‐assembling of nanocomposites using low energy ion implantation offers a fast and low cost process. We report here on our work on nanocomposites formed by very low energy ion implantation of gold and platinum nanoparticles into Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), with description of the nanoparticle evolution as a function of implantation dose. The Au‐PMMA and Pt‐PMMA nanocomposites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, thus determining the nanoparticle density, their size distribution, and the distance between particles as a function of implantation dose. A comparison between Au‐PMMA and Pt‐PMMA reveals substantial differences in the formation processes of the nanoparticles. The results provide insight into basic nanoparticle formation processes, as well as crucial information important for design applications. In addition, the tunneling decay length ξ and the electron affinity ε of the implantation‐modified PMMA were obtained using a new and simple approach.
Casein‐enhanced uptake and disease‐modifying bioactivity of ingested extracellular vesicles
Authors: Aminzadeh Mark A. , Fournier Mario , Akhmerov Akbarshakh , Jones‐Ungerleider K. Candis , Valle Jackelyn B. , Marbán Eduardo
Published: January 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from cardiac stromal cells, developed as therapeutic candidates, improve dystrophic muscle function when administered parenterally, but oral delivery remains untested. We find that casein, the dominant protein in breast milk, enhances the uptake and bioactivity of ingested heart‐derived EVs, altering gene expression in blood cells and enhancing muscle function in mdx mice with muscular dystrophy. Thus, EVs, administered orally, are absorbed and exert disease‐modifying bioactivity in vivo. Formulating EVs with casein enhances uptake and markedly expands the range of potential therapeutic applications.
Cdc42 functions as a regulatory node for tumour‐derived microvesicle biogenesis
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhuang Xiangjin , Greene Kai Su , Si Ha , Antonyak Marc A. , Druso Joseph E. , Wilson Kristin F. , Cerione Richard A. , Feng Qiyu , Wang Hongyang
Published: January 2021

Tumour‐derived microvesicles (MVs) serve as critical mediators of cell‐to‐cell communication in the tumour microenvironment. So far, the underlying mechanisms of MV biogenesis, especially how key tumorigenesis signals such as abnormal EGF signalling regulates MV release, remain unclear. Here, we set out to establish reliable readouts for MV biogenesis and then explore the molecular mechanisms that regulate MV generation. We found that Rho family small G protein Cdc42 is a convergent node of multiple regulatory signals that occur in MV biogenesis. The binding of activated GTP‐bound Cdc42 and its downstream effector, Ras GTPase‐activating‐like protein 1 (IQGAP1), is required for MV shedding. Activated Cdc42 maintains sustained EGF signalling by inhibiting the internalization of cell surface receptors, including EGFR and the VEGF oligomer, VEGF90K, and then facilitates MV release. Subsequently, we further demonstrated that blocking these signalling pathways using the corresponding mutants effectively reduced MV shedding and significantly inhibited MV‐promoted in vivo tumour angiogenesis. These findings reveal a complex regulation of MV shedding by tumour cells, shedding light on the regulatory mechanism of MV biogenesis, and potentially contributing to strategies that target MVs in cancer therapy.
Highly efficient magnetic labelling allows MRI tracking of the homing of stem cell‐derived extracellular vesicles following systemic delivery
Authors: Han Zheng , Liu Senquan , Pei Yigang , Ding Zheng , Li Yuguo , Wang Xinge , Zhan Daqian , Xia Shuli , Driedonks Tom , Witwer Kenneth W. , Weiss Robert G. , van Zijl Peter C.M. , Bulte Jeff W.M. , Cheng Linzhao , Liu Guanshu
Published: January 2021

Human stem‐cell‐derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are currently being investigated for cell‐free therapy in regenerative medicine applications, but the lack of noninvasive imaging methods to track EV homing and uptake in injured tissues has limited the refinement and optimization of the approach. Here, we developed a new labelling strategy to prepare magnetic EVs (magneto‐EVs) allowing sensitive yet specific MRI tracking of systemically injected therapeutic EVs. This new labelling strategy relies on the use of ‘sticky’ magnetic particles, namely superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles coated with polyhistidine tags, to efficiently separate magneto‐EVs from unencapsulated SPIO particles. Using this method, we prepared pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)‐derived magneto‐EVs and subsequently used MRI to track their homing in different animal models of kidney injury and myocardial ischemia. Our results showed that iPSC‐derived EVs preferentially accumulated in the injury sites and conferred substantial protection. Our study paves a new pathway for preparing highly purified magnetic EVs and tracking them using MRI towards optimized, systemically administered EV‐based cell‐free therapies.
A family systems approach to genetic counseling: Development of narrative interventions
Authors: MacLeod Rhona , Metcalfe Alison , Ferrer‐Duch Mariangels
Published: January 2021

To what extent are family systems approaches relevant in the genomics era? What difference does it make to remember the wider social context within which ‘problems’ associated with a genetic diagnosis reside? How does this influence the conversations we have with our patients? These questions will be considered in relation to systemic approaches to genetic counseling practice. Narrative therapy with an emphasis on people's strengths, wishes, and ways of resisting the effects of a problem may be a particularly useful framework for genetic counselors. Narrative practice views people as multi‐storied and is concerned with the question of how we encourage people to tell their stories in ways that make them feel stronger. Increased uptake of genomic testing and the number of people seeking genetic counseling present opportunities to consider new ways of working, particularly around support following a new genetic diagnosis. One option is to realize the potential of group interventions. Family therapy and narrative practices have the potential to encourage communication and for families to learn from each other.
Graphs of bounded depth‐2 rank‐brittleness
Authors: Kwon O‐joung , Oum Sang‐il
Published: January 2021

We characterize classes of graphs closed under taking vertex‐minors and having no and no disjoint union of copies of the 1‐subdivision of for some . Our characterization is described in terms of a tree of radius 2 whose leaves are labeled by the vertices of a graph , and the width is measured by the maximum possible cut‐rank of a partition of induced by splitting an internal node of the tree to make two components. The minimum width possible is called the depth‐2 rank‐brittleness of . We prove that for all , every graph with sufficiently large depth‐2 rank‐brittleness contains or disjoint union of copies of the 1‐subdivision of as a vertex‐minor.
One‐potandtwo‐potmethods for chalcone derived pyrimidines synthesis and applications
Authors: Farooq Saba , Ngaini Zainab
Published: January 2021

Chalcone‐derived pyrimidine is a well‐known heterocyclic compound that is commonly present in ribonucleic acid (RNA) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) bio‐isosteres. Pyrimidine derivatives are effective in both the electronic industry and drug industries. This review highlights the synthesis of pyrimidines, namely mono‐pyrimidine, bis‐pyrimidine, fused pyrimidine, symmetric, and asymmetric pyrimidine via one‐pot and two‐pot methods. The one‐pot method is the direct reaction of amino derivatives with aldehydes and acetophenones, whereas the two‐pot method is frequently reported for the synthesis of chalcone before the cyclization to a pyrimidine. This review is important in organic synthesis, particularly in the heterocyclic field, regarding pyrimidines and their significance in therapeutic and electronic industries.
Mesenchymal stromal cells expressing a dominant-negative high mobility group A1 transgene exhibit improved function during sepsis
Authors: Kwon Min-Young , Ghanta Sailaja , Ng Julie , Castano Ana P , Han Junwen , Ith Bonna , Lederer James A , El-Chemaly Souheil , Chung Su Wol , Liu Xiaoli , Perrella Mark A
Published: January 2021

High mobility group (HMG)A proteins are nonhistone chromatin proteins that bind to the minor groove of DNA, interact with transcriptional machinery, and facilitate DNA-directed nuclear processes. HMGA1 has been shown to regulate genes involved with systemic inflammatory processes. We hypothesized that HMGA1 is important in the function of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), which are known to modulate inflammatory responses due to sepsis. To study this process, we harvested MSCs from transgenic (Tg) mice expressing a dominant-negative (dn) form of HMGA1 in mesenchymal cells. MSCs harvested from Tg mice contained the dnHMGA1 transgene, and transgene expression did not change endogenous HMGA1 levels. Immunophenotyping of the cells, along with trilineage differentiation revealed no striking differences between Tg and wild-type (WT) MSCs. However, Tg MSCs growth was decreased compared with WT MSCs, although Tg MSCs were more resistant to oxidative stress-induced death and expressed less IL-6. Tg MSCs administered after the onset of Escherichia coli-induced sepsis maintained their ability to improve survival when given in a single dose, in contrast with WT MSCs. This survival benefit of Tg MSCs was associated with less tissue cell death, and also a reduction in tissue neutrophil infiltration and expression of neutrophil chemokines. Finally, Tg MSCs promoted bacterial clearance and enhanced neutrophil phagocytosis, in part through their increased expression of stromal cell-derived factor-1 compared with WT MSCs. Taken together, these data demonstrate that expression of dnHMGA1 in MSCs provides a functional advantage of the cells when administered during bacterial sepsis.
Facile synthesis of 2‐deoxy‐2‐[18F]fluorosorbitol using sodium borohydride on aluminum oxide
Authors: Hasegawa Koki , Koshino Kazuhiro , Higuchi Takahiro
Published: January 2021

2‐Deoxy‐2‐[18F]fluorosorbitol (18F‐FDS) has become increasingly useful in functional renal imaging. FDS is synthesized by the one‐step reduction of 2‐deoxy‐2‐[18F]fluoroglucose (18F‐FDG). To develop a more simple and rapid procedure for 18F‐FDS synthesis, we examined reduction reactions with solid‐supported NaBH4. Synthetic yields using BH4–IRA400 (polymer‐based matrix) and NaBH4–Al2O3 (clay‐based matrix) as solid‐supported reagents were compared. NaBH4–Al2O3 was found to be far superior to BH4–IRA400 in the FDG reduction reaction. IRA 400 was not suitable for this reaction because it adsorbs FDG, in addition to glucose, with no FDS synthesized when using BH4–IRA400. By contrast, NaBH4–Al2O3 only required a filtration as workup, affording FDS in 90% yield after a total of 10 min. NaBH4 on alumina was readily consumed in the reaction within 1 min, regardless of the amount used, by simply stirring with a vortex mixer. Complicated procedures, such as microwave irradiation, were not necessary. This simple operation will allow kit formulation and is suitable for radiosynthesis. In conclusion, clay‐supported reagents showed low absorption and were time saving, which are highly compatible with 18F‐FDS synthesis.
Enzyme replacement therapy interruption in mucopolysaccharidosis type IVA patients and its impact in different clinical outcomes
Authors: Politei Juan , Porras‐Hurtado Gloria Liliana , Guelbert Norberto , Fainboim Alejandro , Horovitz Dafne Dain Gandelman , Satizábal José María
Published: January 2021

Mucopolysaccharidosis type IVA (MPS IVA) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the GALNS gene, which leads to deficient activity of N‐acetylglucosamine‐6‐sulfate sulfatase. MPS IVA patients usually present skeletal dysplasia, coarse features, short stature, airway obstruction, cervical spinal cord compression, dental abnormalities, and cardiac valvular alterations. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with elosulfase alfa is the only disease‐specific treatment available for MPS IVA patients and has been shown to improve important clinical and biochemical parameters; however, little is known about the effects of ERT interruption on these patients. In this article, we report the impact of different periods of treatment interruption on clinical outcomes of 18 MPS IVA patients. All MPS IVA patients included in this case series were treated and followed up in Latin American centers and had been receiving elosulfase alfa intravenously for at least 8 months before ERT was interrupted. Different clinical parameters and assessments were evaluated at variable timepoints following therapy interruption. Altogether, our report indicates that some beneficial ERT effects in MPS IVA patients may last after different periods of treatment interruption, as cardiac and respiratory function improvements. However, worsening of important disease parameters after ERT interruption, such as the increase in uGAGs, pain, joint and skeletal aspects, and surgery indications suggests that treatment discontinuation should be avoided in order to maintain the disease as stable as possible, aiming to optimize these patients' life expectancy and quality of life.
Analysis of food samples made easy by microextraction technologies directly coupled to mass spectrometry
Authors: Gionfriddo Emanuela , Gómez‐Ríos German Augusto
Published: January 2021

Because of the complexity and diversity of food matrices, their chemical analysis often entails several analytical challenges to attain accurate and reliable results, especially for multiresidue analysis and ultratrace quantification. Nonetheless, microextraction technology, such as solid‐phase microextraction (SPME), has revolutionized the concept of sample preparation for complex matrices because of its nonexhaustive, yet quantitative extraction approach and its amenability to coupling to multiple analytical platforms. In recent years, microextraction devices directly interfaced with mass spectrometry (MS) have redefined the analytical workflow by providing faster screening and quantitative methods for complex matrices. This review will discuss the latest developments in the field of food analysis by means of microextraction approaches directly coupled to MS. One key feature that differentiates SPME‐MS approaches from other ambient MS techniques is the use of matrix compatible extraction phases that prevent biofouling, which could drastically affect the ionization process and are still capable of selective extraction of the targeted analytes from the food matrix. Furthermore, the review examines the most significant applications of SPME‐MS for various ionization techniques such as direct analysis in real time, dielectric barrier desorption ionization, and some unique SPME geometries, for example, transmission mode SPME and coated blade spray, that facilitate the interface to MS instrumentation.
Trust and energy aware routing algorithm for Internet of Things networks
Authors: Mujeeb Shaik Mohammed , Sam Rachapudy Praveen , Madhavi Kasa
Published: January 2021

The expansion in the Internet of Things (IoT) has led to a shift towards smart technologies. IoT focuses on integrating networks to facilitate smooth services to humans. The interface between the mobility patterns and the routing protocols is considered to increase the performance of the network. However, incorporating security in the IoT network has been a major issue that continues to nurture with increasing IoT devices. This article addresses this issue by developing a novel technique, namely energy harvesting trust aware routing algorithm (EHTARA) for initiating a trust‐based routing model in the IoT network in the presence of ambient energy sources. The cost metric is newly devised by considering energy, distance, and trust parameters for determining the best path. At the base station, big data classification is performed using the adaptive exponential‐Bat (adaptive E‐Bat) algorithm based deep belief network (DBN). The training of DBN is performed using the adaptive E‐Bat algorithm, which is the combination of adaptive concept, exponential weighted moving average (EWMA), and Bat algorithm (BA). Here, the optimization‐based map‐reduce framework helps to deal with the imbalanced data by adapting the deep learning in classification. The proposed EHTARA outperformed other methods with a maximal energy of 0.927.
Numeric‐analytical solution of an LC circuit with nonlinear capacitor based on the symplectic conservative perturbation method
Authors: Yang Hongwei , Wang Yingying , Wang Yuqi , Lv Fandi
Published: January 2021

The LC circuit with a nonlinear capacitor is analyzed using the symplectic conservative perturbation method based on the symplectic matrix. By treating the electric charge and the flux linkage as dual variables, the LC circuit system can be transformed into a Hamiltonian system. Then we solve the nonlinear Hamiltonian matrix equation by the perturbation method. The Hamiltonian matrix can be cast into linear and nonlinear parts. Based on the exact solution of the linear part, the nonlinear part is solved perturbatively by a canonical transformation. Since the coefficient matrix of the obtained equation is still a Hamiltonian matrix, symplectic conservation is guaranteed. The validity of the method is demonstrated, and the stability, precision, and the efficiency of the method are discussed by comparing it with the fourth‐order Runge–Kutta method (RK4), the ordinary perturbation method, the small‐parameter perturbation method based on displacement (SPPD), and the harmonic balance (HB) method. Numerical results show that the proposed method has better stability, precision, and efficiency compared with the other methods and thus has great advantages in long‐term simulations.
A closer look at pathogenesis of cerebral mucormycosis in diabetic condition: A mini review
Authors: Khoshbayan Amin , Didehdar Mojtaba , Chegini Zahra , Taheri Fateme , Shariati Aref
Published: January 2021

Patients with diabetes are considered a high‐risk group involved with cerebral mucormycosis (CM). Due to the potential of Mucorales to invade sinuses and its rapid progression into orbit and retro‐orbital areas and even brain, in most cases, CM is fatal in patients with diabetes. In the last few decades, mucormycosis and background conditions responsible for the development of its infections have received a great deal of attention. Dysfunction of innate and adaptive immune system, the increased amount of available nutrition, expression of host factors, and free iron level in plasma in diabetic ketoacidosis are among the topics that have been mostly taken into account so far. Therefore, it is important to clarify the molecular mechanisms that let the Mucorales to involve the patients with diabetes, which even at early stages of diagnosis and treatment, there is minimum chance to control the disease.
Seasonal temperature trends on the Spanish mainland: A secular study (1916–2015)
Authors: Peña‐Angulo Dhais , Gonzalez‐Hidalgo José Carlos , Sandonís Leire , Beguería Santiago , Tomas‐Burguera Miquel , López‐Bustins Joan Albert , Lemus‐Canovas Marc , Martin‐Vide Javier
Published: January 2021

Trends in seasonal mean values of maximum and minimum temperature are analysed in the Spanish mainland from the new MOTEDAS_century database. This new data set has been developed combining the digitalized archives from the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) with information retrieved from Annual Books published by the former Meteorological Agency dating back to 1916, and covers the period 1916–2015. In all four seasons, mean seasonal temperature of maximum (Tmax) and minimum (Tmin) increased. The raising occurred in two main pulses separated by a first pause around the middle of the 20th century, but differed among seasons and also between maximum and minimum temperature. Analysis of the percentage of land affected by significant trends in maximum temperature reveals two increasing phases in spring and summer for Tmax, and in spring, summer, and autumn for Tmin. However, winter Tmax only rose during the recent decades, and autumn Tmax in the first decades. Negative significant trends were found in extended areas in spring Tmax, and in spring, autumn, and summer Tmin, confirming the first pause around the 1940's–1960's. Trends of seasonal mean values of Tmax and Tmin are not significant for at least the last 25–35 years of the study period, depending on the season. The areas under significant positive trend are usually more extended for Tmin than Tmax at any season and period. Areas with significant trend expand and contract in time according to two spatial gradients: south‐east to north‐west (east‐west) for Tmax, and west to east for Tmin. We hypothesize a relationship between atmospheric prevalent advection and relief as triggering factors to understand spatial and temporal differences in seasonal temperatures at regional scale during the 20th century in the Iberian Peninsula.
Functionality and consumer acceptability of low‐fat breakfast sausages processed with non‐meat ingredients of pulse derivatives
Authors: Pietrasik Zeb , Soladoye Olugbenga P
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Owing to recent changes in consumer eating behaviours as well as potential cost savings for processors, pulse ingredients are finding more application in the meat processing industry. In this study, pea ingredients (pea fibre, FB; pea starch, ST; pea flour, PF) and chickpea flour (CF) were used, at 4% addition level, as fat replacers in low‐fat breakfast sausages. The impact of these substitutions on processing and sensory characteristics of breakfast sausage was evaluated.

RESULTS

While reduction in fat content in breakfast sausage resulted in some detrimental changes in cooking as well as textural characteristics of the product, addition of binders significantly improved these attributes in low‐fat breakfast sausages. Overall, treatment formulation did not significantly affect the pH and the instrumental colour attributes of cooked breakfast sausage. Addition of all binders resulted in reduced cooking loss and increased moisture retention in low‐fat breakfast sausage (P < 0.05), whereas, FB and ST were significantly more effective in improving water holding capacity of low‐fat breakfast sausage. Furthermore, while both FB and ST increased the hardness, cohesiveness and chewiness parameters of low‐fat breakfast sausage (P < 0.05), PF and CF had no impact. Generally, the consumer overall liking and flavour acceptability of FB and ST in low‐fat breakfast sausage were significantly higher than those of PF and CF.

CONCLUSION

The use of ST or FB as a fat replacer in breakfast sausages offers processors improved cook yield without negatively impacting the important sensory attributes of breakfast sausages. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of lipase incorporation on gelling properties of catfish (Clarias lazera) surimi and its mechanism
Authors: Jiao Xidong , Su Ruihua , Zhu Huaping , Yan Bowen , Wang Qian , Cao Hongwei , Huang Jianlian , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Fan Daming
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Recently, fatty fish have been utilized as a potential approach for the fabrication of surimi products, with the yield of fatty fish surimi being > 10 000 tons in 2019. However, the gelling properties of catfish surimi can be influenced by intermuscular lipid. Lipase could effectively enhance the gel quality of catfish surimi gels, although the chemical forces involved in gel formation and alteration in lipid and protein oxidation status are not well understood. The present study investigated the gelation‐enhancing effects of lipase on catfish surimi based on changes in chemical oxidation interactions.

RESULTS

The addition of 7.5 g kg−1 lipase significantly increased the hydrophobic interactions and disulfide bond contents, both of which facilitated gel formation, in surimi gels. The 2‐thiobarbituric acid reactive substance and carbonyl concentrations demonstrated that lipase promoted lipid and protein oxidations. Furthermore, an appropriate dose of malondialdehyde accelerated protein oxidation, thereby resulting in the covalent cross‐linking of proteins. Consequently, the gel strength increased from 55.72 to 127.71 g × cm with lipase contents of up to 7.5 g kg−1, and strong chemical cross‐linking and a compact network were observed via sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and scanning electron microscopy. However, excessive oxidation led to the degeneration of the gel matrix. A schematic mechanism, mainly based on the chemical changes, is proposed.

CONCLUSION

The present study revealed the gelation mechanism of catfish surimi gels with lipase, and suggested that lipase treatments may be an effective approach for improving the textural properties of fatty fish surimi gels. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Protein films from black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, Diptera: Stratiomyidae) prepupae: effect of protein solubility and mild crosslinking
Authors: Nuvoli Daniele , Montevecchi Giuseppe , Lovato Francesca , Masino Francesca , Van Der Borght Mik , Messori Massimo , Antonelli Andrea
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

This work evaluated the performances of protein‐based bioplastics obtained from black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) prepupae. Protein films were synthesized by film casting, using both the whole proteins and their soluble fraction at pH = 10. The effects of glycerol as a plasticizer and of citric acid as a mild crosslinker on film properties were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Films obtained using the soluble protein fraction were the strongest, as well as the most homogeneous and transparent ones. Protein mild crosslinking improved film tensile properties, especially in films obtained with the whole protein fraction. Non‐crosslinked samples had a high affinity with water while crosslinking almost eliminated the ability of films to absorb water. All protein‐based films proved to be effective barriers to red light (transmittance less than 2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Bioplastics derived from black soldier fly prepupae may find applications in the agricultural sector (biodegradable pots, mulching films, utensils) and deserve to be tested for food and non‐food packaging. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation, evaluation, and application of dummy molecularly imprinted polymer for analysis of hesperidin in lime juice
Authors: Mohammadinejad Arash , Kamrani Rad Seyedeh Zohreh , Karimi Gholamreza , Motamedshariaty Vahideh Sadat , Mohajeri Seyed Ahmad
Published: January 2021

Lime juice as the most commonly used natural source production can be characterized using determination of flavonoids contents such as hesperidin. So, development of analyzing methods for checking the quality and healthiness of lime juices is necessary. In this study, we aimed to set up a selective solid phase extraction method using dummy molecularly imprinting approach for extraction and separation of hesperidin in lime juice to check the quality of commercial lime juice products of Mashhad city market. The imprinted polymers were synthesized by hesperitin as dummy template due to the hesperitin solubility in the wide range of porogenic solvents. The specificity extent of synthesized polymers toward hesperidin was tested and optimum one was used as adsorbent in solid‐phase extraction cartridge. The dummy molecularly imprinted polymer with high adsorption capacity for hesperidin (dissociation constant 0.12 μM) was successfully used for extraction and clean‐up of hesperidin in the lime juice matrix prior to analysis by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The analysis of hesperidin was done in the range of 0.312–50 μg/mL with detection limit of 0.05 μg/mL. This technique was successfully set up to remove the interfering compounds for analysis of hesperidin in commercial lime juice products.
Interobserver Agreement of Lung Ultrasound Findings of COVID‐19
Authors: Kumar Andre , Weng Yingjie , Graglia Sally , Chung Sukyung , Duanmu Youyou , Lalani Farhan , Gandhi Kavita , Lobo Viveta , Jensen Trevor , Nahn Jeffrey , Kugler John
Published: January 2021

Background

Lung ultrasound (LUS) has received considerable interest in the clinical evaluation of patients with COVID‐19. Previously described LUS manifestations for COVID‐19 include B‐lines, consolidations, and pleural thickening. The interrater reliability (IRR) of these findings for COVID‐19 is unknown.

Methods

This study was conducted between March and June 2020. Nine physicians (hospitalists: n = 4; emergency medicine: n = 5) from 3 medical centers independently evaluated n = 20 LUS scans (n = 180 independent observations) collected from patients with COVID‐19, diagnosed via RT‐PCR. These studies were randomly selected from an image database consisting of COVID‐19 patients evaluated in the emergency department with portable ultrasound devices. Physicians were blinded to any patient information or previous LUS interpretation. Kappa values (κ) were used to calculate IRR.

Results

There was substantial IRR on the following items: normal LUS scan (κ = 0.79 [95% CI: 0.72–0.87]), presence of B‐lines (κ = 0.79 [95% CI: 0.72–0.87]), ≥3 B‐lines observed (κ = 0.72 [95% CI: 0.64–0.79]). Moderate IRR was observed for the presence of any consolidation (κ = 0.57 [95% CI: 0.50–0.64]), subpleural consolidation (κ = 0.49 [95% CI: 0.42–0.56]), and presence of effusion (κ = 0.49 [95% CI: 0.41–0.56]). Fair IRR was observed for pleural thickening (κ = 0.23 [95% CI: 0.15–0.30]).

Discussion

Many LUS manifestations for COVID‐19 appear to have moderate to substantial IRR across providers from multiple specialties utilizing differing portable devices.

The most reliable LUS findings with COVID‐19 may include the presence/count of B‐lines or determining if a scan is normal. Clinical protocols for LUS with COVID‐19 may require additional observers for the confirmation of less reliable findings such as consolidations.