bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long noncoding RNA ERICD interacts with ARID3A via E2F1 and regulates migration and proliferation of osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Arman Kaifee , Saadat Khandakar A. S. M. , Igci Yusuf Z. , Bozgeyik Esra , Ikeda Masa‐Aki , Cakmak Ecir A. , Arslan Ahmet
Published: August 2020

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) dysregulation is known to be taking part in majority of cancers, including osteosarcoma. In one of our previous studies, we showed that lncRNA MEG3 is being regulated by microRNA‐664a (miR‐664a) suppresses the migratory potential of osteosarcoma cells (U‐2OS). We now report a novel lncRNA, namely, ERICD, which is linked to the transcription factor AT‐rich interaction domain 3A (ARID3A) in U‐2OS cells. We show that ARID3A binds to ERICD and indirectly interacts with each other via the E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1). Furthermore, small interfering RNA (siRNA)‐mediated knockdown of ERICD inhibited cell migration, formation of colonies, and proliferation in U‐2OS cells. Overexpression of ARID3A inhibited cell migration, colony formation, and proliferation, whereas siRNA‐mediated knockdown of ARID3A promoted cell migration, colony formation, and proliferation. Our findings indicate that ARID3A and lncRNA ERICD have plausible tumor suppressive and oncogenic functions, respectively, in osteosarcoma. Our data demonstrate the converse interaction between ARID3A and lncRNA ERICD that target DNA‐binding proteins and dysregulation of their expression through E2F1 augments osteosarcoma progression. The cell rescue experiment also indicated E2F1 to be involved in the regulation of ARID3A and ERICD.
Transforming growth factor‐β boosts the functionality of human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Kale Vaijayanti P.
Published: August 2020

Transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) is a negative regulator of hematopoiesis, and yet, it is frequently found at the active sites of hematopoiesis. Here, we show for the first time that bone marrow‐derived mononuclear cells (BM MNCs) secrete TGFβ1 in response to erythropoietin (EPO). We further show that human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) briefly exposed to the conditioned medium of EPO‐primed MNCs, or purified TGFβ1, gain significantly increased hematopoiesis‐supportive ability. Mechanistically, we show that this phenomenon involves TGFβ1‐mediated activation of nitric oxide (NO) signalling pathway in the BMSCs. The data suggest that EPO‐MNC‐TGFβ1 could be one of the regulatory axes operative in the bone marrow microenvironment involved in maintaining the functionality of the resident BMSCs.
Continuous Flow Pickering Emulsion Catalysis in Droplet Microfluidics Studied with In Situ Raman Microscopy
Authors: Vis Carolien M. , Nieuwelink Anne‐Eva , Weckhuysen Bert M. , Bruijnincx Pieter C. A.
Published: August 2020

Pickering emulsions (PEs), emulsions stabilized by solid particles, have shown to be a versatile tool for biphasic catalysis. Here, we report a droplet microfluidic approach for flow PE (FPE) catalysis, further expanding the possibilities for PE catalysis beyond standard batch PE reactions. This microreactor allowed for the inline analysis of the catalytic process with in situ Raman spectroscopy, as demonstrated for the acid‐catalyzed deacetalization of benzaldehyde dimethyl acetal to form benzaldehyde. Furthermore, the use of the FPE system showed a nine fold improvement in yield compared to the simple biphasic flow system (FBS), highlighting the advantage of emulsification. Finally, FPE allowed an antagonistic set of reactions, the deacetalization–Knoevenagel condensation, which proved less efficient in FBS due to rapid acid‐base quenching. The droplet microfluidic system thus offers a versatile new extension of PE catalysis.
A comparative 30‐day outcome analysis of inpatient evaluation vs outpatient testing in patients presenting with chest pain in the high‐sensitivity troponin era. A propensity score matched case‐control retrospective study
Authors: Mahmoud Osama , Mahmaljy Hadi , Elias Hadi , Campoverde Edwin Hernandez , Youniss Mohamed , Stanton Matthew , Young Katelyn , Patel Maulin , Kuppuraju Rajesh , Jacobs Steven , Hashmi Insia , Alsaid Amro
Published: August 2020

Background

The best disposition of chest pain patients who rule out for myocardial infarction (MI) but have non‐low clinical risk scores in the high‐sensitivity troponin era is not well studied.

Hypothesis

In carefully selected patients who rule out for MI, and have a high‐sensitivity troponin T ≤ 50 ng/L with an absolute increase less than 5 ng/L on repeat measurements, early emergency room (ER) discharge might be equivalent to inpatient evaluation in regards to 30‐day incidence of adverse cardiac events (ACEs) regardless of the clinical risk score.

Methods

A total of 12 847 chest pain patients presenting to our health system ERs from January 2017 to September 2019 were retrospectively investigated. A propensity score matching algorithm was used to account for baseline differences between admitted and discharged cohorts. We then estimated and compared the incidence of 30‐day and 1‐year composite ACEs (MI, urgent revascularization, or cardiovascular death) between both groups. A multivariate Cox regression model was used to evaluate the effect of admission on outcomes.

Results

A total of 2060 patients were matched in 1:1 fashion. The primary endpoint of 30‐day composite ACEs occurred in 0.6% and 0.4% of the admission and the discharged cohorts, respectively (P = .76). One‐year composite ACEs was also similar between both groups (4% vs 3.7%, P = .75). In a multivariate Cox regression model, the effect of inpatient evaluation was neutral (hazard ratio 1.1, confidence interval 0.62‐1.9, P = .75).

Conclusions

Inpatient evaluation was not associated with better outcomes in our selected group of patients. Larger‐scale randomized trials are needed to confirm our findings.
Pharmacokinetics, safety, and activity of trabectedin as first‐line treatment in elderly patients who are affected by advanced sarcoma and are unfit to receive standard chemotherapy: A phase 2 study (TR1US study) from the Italian Sarcoma Group
Authors: Grosso Federica , D’Ambrosio Lorenzo , Zucchetti Massimo , Ibrahim Toni , Tamberi Stefano , Matteo Cristina , Rulli Eliana , Comandini Danila , Palmerini Emanuela , Baldi Giacomo Giulio , DeCensi Andrea , Bergaglio Marina , Marra Domenico , Marchesi Emanuela , Siri Giacomo , D’Incalci Maurizio , Grignani Giovanni
Published: August 2020

Background

Although elderly patients (≥70 years) represent 30% of new diagnoses of soft tissue sarcoma (STS), they are underrepresented in clinical trials and are often unfit to receive standard anthracycline‐based chemotherapy. Trabectedin is registered as a second‐line treatment for advanced STS and is characterized by a favorable safety profile.

Methods

The aim of this single‐arm, phase 2 study was to investigate trabectedin (scheduled dose, 1.3‐1.5 mg/m2) as a first‐line treatment in elderly patients with advanced stage STS who are inoperable and are unfit to receive standard anthracycline‐based chemotherapy. The coprimary endpoints were progression‐free survival at 3 months (PFS3) and the rate of clinically limiting toxicities (CLTs). We also conducted an ancillary study on pharmacokinetics.

Results

Twenty‐four patients (12 men and 12 women) with a median age of 79 years (interquartile range [IQR], 74‐83 years) were enrolled. The histological subtype was leiomyosarcoma in 46%, liposarcoma in 33%, and other histotypes in 21%. The median number of trabectedin courses was 4 (IQR, 3‐6), with 7 patients (29%) receiving ≥6 cycles. Eight patients (33%) required dose reductions. The most frequent grade 3/4 adverse events were neutropenia in 9 patients (38%), fatigue in 5 patients (21%), and aminotransferase elevation in 5 patients (21%). PFS3, median PFS, and overall survival were 71% (80% CI, 57%‐81%), 4 months, and 12 months, respectively. Ten patients (42% [80% CI, 28%‐57%]) experienced CLTs. Trabectedin Cmax, half‐life, clearance, and distribution volume were 1.28 ng/mL (standard deviation [SD], 0.58 ng/mL), 26.70 hours (SD, 9.09 hours), 39.98 L/h/m2 (SD, 14.08 L/h/m2), and 1460 L/m2 (SD, 561 L/m2), respectively.

Conclusion

Trabectedin can be administered safely to elderly patients with STS who are unfit to receive anthracyclines. Pharmacokinetics in the elderly population was superimposable to historical data.
Trustworthy blockchain‐based medical Internet of thing for minimal invasive surgery training simulator
Authors: Tai Yonghang , Wang Yinjia , Wang Zhifeng , Li Feiyan , Wei Lei , Pan Lei , Zhang Jun , Shi Junsheng
Published: August 2020

Realistic modeling of mechanical behavior of soft tissue has been recognized as an essential part for medical Internet of thing for minimal invasive surgery (MIS) training simulator. Therefore, the blockchain‐based constitutive model is crucial for mechanical response of soft tissue modeling. In this article, based on the Ogden second order model, a novel hyperplastic model was presented to describe the stress‐stretch relationship in the MIS training system. To validate this theoretical model, two experimental techniques (uniaxial compression and uniaxial tensile) were conducted to obtain data related to stress‐strain in the blockchain system, which plays an important role in investigating the mechanical behavior of soft tissue. Our results show that the new model has a satisfied coincidence of the experimental data than other existing models. Furthermore, the viscoelastic properties of soft tissue were investigated and a viscoelastic model based on three‐parameter was utilized to interpret the viscoelastic behavior of the soft tissue. The contributions of this article include several biomechanical tests that were performed to investigate the soft tissue hyperelastic and viscoelastic properties in the MIS system, and theoretical guidance for simulating soft tissue mechanical behavior in the blockchain‐based simulation system.
Centerband‐Only Detection of Exchange NMR with Natural‐Abundance Correction Reveals an Expanded Unit Cell in Phenylalanine Crystals
Authors: Xue Kai , Dervisoglu Riza , Sowa Heidrun , Andreas Loren B.
Published: August 2020

The front cover artwork is provided by Dr. Loren Andreas's solid state NMR group. The image shows phenylalanine crystals and NMR data performed at low temperature that reveals the expanded unit cell. Read the full text of the Communication at 10.1002/cphc.202000517.
A Deep‐Red to Near Infrared (NIR) Fluorescent Probe Based on a Sulfur‐Modified Rhodamine Derivative with Two Spirolactone Rings
Authors: Tian Xinyu , Liu Huawei , Wei Fangfang , Wang Xiangchuan , Zhao Shunan , Liu Chuangjun , Tse Yu Chung , Wong Keith Man‐Chung
Published: August 2020

We report the synthesis, characterization, and photophysical and ion‐binding properties of deep‐red to near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescent rhodamine derivatives, bearing two spirolactone rings and substitution of the oxygen atoms in the xanthene ring with sulfur atoms (1‐S). The diastereoisomeric cis‐ and trans‐forms of the rhodamine derivative were separated and the cis‐form (cis‐1‐S) was structurally characterized by X‐ray crystallography. Upon treatment with Hg2+ ion, cis‐1‐S was converted into the dual spirolactone ring‐opened species, resulting in significant color change and fluorescence enhancement. Substitution of the oxygen atoms with sulfur and extended π‐conjugation across the fused six‐membered rings upon the two rings‐opening processes in the presence of Hg2+ ion led to a significant red‐shift of absorption (623 nm) and fluorescence (706 nm) peaks, compared to the ordinary rhodamine. Furthermore, the intracellular Hg2+‐sensing properties of the cis‐1‐S have been studied by confocal microscopy.
Détente: A Practical Understanding of P values and Bayesian Posterior Probabilities
Authors: Ruberg Stephen J.
Published: August 2020

Null hypothesis significance testing (NHST) with its benchmark P value < 0.05 has long been a stalwart of scientific reporting and such statistically significant findings have been used to imply scientifically or clinically significant findings. Challenges to this approach have arisen over the past 6 decades, but they have largely been unheeded. There is a growing movement for using Bayesian statistical inference to quantify the probability that a scientific finding is credible. There have been differences of opinion between the frequentist (i.e., NHST) and Bayesian schools of inference, and warnings about the use or misuse of P values have come from both schools of thought spanning many decades. Controversies in this arena have been heightened by the American Statistical Association statement on P values and the further denouncement of the term “statistical significance” by others. My experience has been that many scientists, including many statisticians, do not have a sound conceptual grasp of the fundamental differences in these approaches, thereby creating even greater confusion and acrimony. If we let A represent the observed data, and B represent the hypothesis of interest, then the fundamental distinction between these two approaches can be described as the frequentist approach using the conditional probability pr(A | B) (i.e., the P value), and the Bayesian approach using pr(B | A) (the posterior probability). This paper will further explain the fundamental differences in NHST and Bayesian approaches and demonstrate how they can co‐exist harmoniously to guide clinical trial design and inference.
Complications of hyaluronic fillers
Authors: Hall Mehreen , Glick Brad P.
Published: August 2020

Background

Nonsurgical facial rejuvenation has become increasingly popular between dermatologic and plastic surgery offices. Hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally produced polysaccharide in the human body is used in the esthetic field to restore facial volume loss. Injectors must have a keen understanding of facial anatomy and the properties behind HA soft‐tissue filler injections to minimize the likelihood of an adverse event. The objective of this article is to outline the complications that arise with HA soft‐tissue filler injectables and provide information on potential agents that can aid in reducing both short and long‐term adverse events.

Materials and Methods

PubMed search terms were utilized for this article.

Results

HA adverse events can be classified under early onset versus delayed onset depending when patients and providers first notice signs and symptoms. The early onset complications can be identified as erythema, pain, ecchymosis, nodules, the tyndall effect, and vascular occlusion. Late onset complications can be seen as biofilm and granulomas.

Conclusions

Though a plethora of complications can arise from HA filler, many are self‐resolving and do not leave the patient with any long‐term complications. As the arsenal of soft‐tissue injectables continues to expand, it is acutely important to understand the various properties of each soft‐tissue filler, its use, and where anatomically it is best suited. Moreover, injectors and providers must have a thorough understanding and ability to conceptualize facial anatomy and understand proper injection technique as well as correct planes of injection. This is the foundation to successful HA injection and patients must be aware of the risks associated with HA facial rejuvenation. Employing an aseptic cleansing technique, proper injection protocol, and early recognition and intervention should an adverse event occur, can decrease the risk of long‐term complications in this patient population.
Bone mineral density spectrum in individuals with type 1 diabetes, latent autoimmune diabetes in adults, and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Hu Yuhang , Li Xia , Yan Xiang , Huang Gan , Dai Ruchun , Zhou Zhiguang
Published: August 2020

Objective

To assess bone mineral density (BMD) and associated clinical factors in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D), latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), and type 2 diabetes (T2D) and in non‐diabetic subjects.

Methods

Total 108 age‐, sex‐, disease duration‐, and postmenopausal ratio‐matched patients with T1D, LADA, and T2D each and 216 age‐, sex‐, and postmenopausal ratio‐matched non‐diabetic controls. Anthropometric, biochemical, and BMD data were collected and analysed.

Results

BMD of total hip and lumbar spine of individuals in the LADA group was lower than those in the T2D and control groups but higher than those in the T1D group. After adjusting for body mass index (BMI), a significant difference in BMD in the lumbar spine was seen between groups. After adjustment for smoking, BMI, 25‐(OH) vitamin D, calcium, haemoglobin A1c, and diabetic complication scores, BMD values of patients in LADA group were not significantly different from those of patients in T1D and T2D groups. Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that BMD was (a) positively associated with weight and C‐peptide, and negatively associated with age in patients with diabetes, (b) positively associated with C‐peptide in the T1D and LADA groups. The proportion of patients with osteoporosis in the T1D, LADA, T2D, and control groups was 55.6%, 45.4%, 34.3%, and 26.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

BMD values in T1D, LADA, and T2D were in an increasing order of mention. Patients with autoimmune diabetes were more susceptible to osteoporosis. A lower C‐peptide level may be responsible for decreased BMD in individuals with autoimmune diabetes.
Forest density intensifies the importance of snowpack to growth in water‐limited pine forests
Authors: Gleason Kelly E. , Bradford John B. , D’Amato Anthony W. , Fraver Shawn , Palik Brian J. , Battaglia Michael A.
Published: August 2020

Warming climate and resulting declines in seasonal snowpack have been associated with drought stress and tree mortality in seasonally snow‐covered watersheds worldwide. Meanwhile, increasing forest density has further exacerbated drought stress due to intensified tree–tree competition. Using a uniquely detailed data set of population‐level forest growth (n = 2,495 sampled trees), we examined how inter‐annual variability in growth relates to snow volume across a range of forest densities (e.g., competitive environments) in sites spanning a broad aridity gradient across the United States. Forest growth was positively related to snowpack in water‐limited forests located at low latitude, and this relationship was intensified by forest density. However, forest growth was negatively related to snowpack in a higher latitude more energy‐limited forest, and this relationship did not interact with forest density. Future reductions in snowpack may have contrasting consequences, as growth may respond positively in energy‐limited forests and negatively in water‐limited forests; however, these declines may be mitigated by reducing stand density through forest thinning.
Genetic hitchhiking, mitonuclear coadaptation, and the origins of mt DNA barcode gaps
Authors: Hill Geoffrey E.
Published: August 2020

DNA barcoding based on mitochondrial (mt) nucleotide sequences is an enigma. Neutral models of mt evolution predict DNA barcoding cannot work for recently diverged taxa, and yet, mt DNA barcoding accurately delimits species for many bilaterian animals. Meanwhile, mt DNA barcoding often fails for plants and fungi. I propose that because mt gene products must cofunction with nuclear gene products, the evolution of mt genomes is best understood with full consideration of the two environments that impose selective pressure on mt genes: the external environment and the internal genomic environment. Moreover, it is critical to fully consider the potential for adaptive evolution of not just protein products of mt genes but also of mt transfer RNAs and mt ribosomal RNAs. The tight linkage of genes on mt genomes that do not engage in recombination could facilitate selective sweeps whenever there is positive selection on any element in the mt genome, leading to the purging of mt genetic diversity within a population and to the rapid fixation of novel mt DNA sequences. Accordingly, the most important factor determining whether or not mt DNA sequences diagnose species boundaries may be the extent to which the mt chromosomes engage in recombination.
Hydrological and productive impacts of recent land‐use and land‐cover changes in the semiarid Chaco: Understanding novel water excess in water scarce farmlands
Authors: Giménez Raul , Mercau Jorge L. , Bert Federico E. , Kuppel Sylvain , Baldi German , Houspanossian Javier , Magliano Patricio N. , Jobbágy Esteban G.
Published: August 2020

Over the last decades, the rapid replacement of native forests by crops and pastures in the Argentinean semiarid Chaco plains has triggered unprecedented groundwater level raises resulting from deep drainage increases, leading to the first massive waterlogging event on records (~25,000 Ha flooded in 2015 near Bandera, one of the most cultivated clusters of the Chaco). In this paper, we link this episode to the ongoing deforestation and cropping scheme shifts through the combined analysis of remote sensing data, agricultural surveys, local farmer information and hydrologic modelling. From 2000 to 2015, the agricultural area of Bandera increased from 21% to 50%, mostly at the expense of dry forests. In this period, agriculture migrated from more intensive (i.e., double‐cropping) to more water‐conservative (i.e., late‐summer single crops) schemes as a general strategy to reduce drought risks. These changes reduced regional evapotranspiration and increased the intensity of deep drainage in wet years. Contrasting cropping schemes displayed significant evapotranspiration differences, but all of them experienced substantial drainage losses (~100–200 mm) during the wettest year (2014/2015), suggesting that cropping adjustments have a limited capacity to halt the generation of water excesses. Nearly 50% of the cropped area in Bandera could not be sown or harvested following the groundwater recharge event of 2014/2015. In the ongoing context of shallow and rising water tables, the introduction of novel cropping schemes that include deep‐rooted perennials, to promote transpirative groundwater discharge, seems crucial to avoid the recurrence of water excesses and their associated dryland salinity risk in the region.
Why administrative leaders take pro‐environmental leadership actions: Evidence from an eco‐compensation programme in China
Authors: Wang Xiaohu , Xiao Hanyu , Chen Kai , Niu Xuejiao
Published: August 2020

Pro‐environmental leadership behaviours have been examined as the result of institutional forces, though anecdotes suggest the significant role of individual leaders. Little is known about this role in environmental policy implementation, and few empirical studies explore pro‐environmental leadership behaviours in the public sector. In this study, we empirically test a typology of pro‐environmental leadership behaviours and examine administrative leaders' motives for engaging in pro‐environmental behaviours. We then establish the relevance of our findings in environmental policy implementation. We empirically confirm the construct validity of pro‐environmental leadership behaviours that require leaders should articulate a policy vision, change followers' perception, and take symbolic actions. Our findings show that leaders' environmental efforts are largely prompted by legal compliance and motivated by instrumental self‐interest (e.g. increased economic opportunities), and normative values of engaging with broad sustainability issues may also have limited but potentially long‐lasting effects. Moreover, the evidence also suggests the importance of a workplace environment conducive to pro‐environmental leadership behaviours. These findings can be used to develop local strategies that stress policy implementation capacity building to induce pro‐environmental leadership behaviours in China.
Cost‐effectiveness of dapagliflozin as a treatment for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a multinational health‐economic analysis of DAPA‐HF
Authors: McEwan Phil , Darlington Oliver , McMurray John J.V. , Jhund Pardeep S. , Docherty Kieran F. , Böhm Michael , Petrie Mark C. , Bergenheim Klas , Qin Lei
Published: August 2020

Aim

To estimate the cost‐effectiveness of dapagliflozin added to standard therapy, vs. standard therapy only, in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), from the perspective of UK, German, and Spanish payers.

Methods and results

A lifetime Markov model was built to estimate outcomes in patients with HFrEF. Health states were defined by Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire total symptom score, type 2 diabetes and worsening HF events. The incidence of worsening HF and all‐cause mortality was estimated using negative binomial regression models and parametric survival analysis, respectively. Direct healthcare costs (2019 British pounds/Euro) and patient‐reported outcomes (EQ‐5D) were sourced from the existing literature and the Dapagliflozin And Prevention of Adverse‐outcomes in Heart Failure trial (DAPA‐HF), respectively; the median duration of follow‐up in DAPA‐HF was 18.2 months (range: 0–27.8). Future costs and effects were discounted at 3.0% for the Spanish and German analyses and 3.5% for the UK analysis. In the UK setting, treatment with dapagliflozin was estimated to increase life‐years and quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs) from 5.62 to 6.20 (+0.58) and 4.13 to 4.61 (+0.48), respectively, and reduce lifetime hospitalizations for HF (925 and 820 events per 1000 patients for placebo and dapagliflozin, respectively). Similar results were obtained for Germany and Spain. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios were £5822, €5379 and €9406/QALY in the UK, Germany and Spain, respectively. In probabilistic sensitivity analyses, more than 90% of simulations were cost‐effective at a willingness‐to‐pay threshold of £20 000/QALY in UK and €20 000/QALY in Germany and Spain.

Conclusion

Dapagliflozin is likely to be a cost‐effective treatment for HFrEF in the UK, German and Spanish healthcare systems.
A Base‐Stabilized Germylenyl Silaneditelluroate and 1,3‐Diaza‐2‐silaallylgermylene
Authors: Bin Ismail Muhammad Luthfi , Ong Melissa Xin‐Yi , So Cheuk‐Wai
Published: August 2020

The trapping of a transient base‐stabilized germylenylsilylene by elemental tellurium and arylazide is described. The reaction of the potassium 2‐imino‐5,6‐methylenedioxylphenylgermylidenide [LiminophenylGeK] (Liminophenyl = 2‐imino‐5,6‐methylenedioxylphenyl) with the amidinato chlorosilylene [LamidinateSiCl] {Lamidinate = PhC(NtBu)2} in THF at –78 °C afforded the transient base‐stabilized germylenylsilylene [LamidinateSiGeLiminophenyl] (3). It was unstable in solution, but can be trapped by reacting with elemental tellurium and 2,6‐diisopropylphenylazide ArN3 (Ar = 2,6‐iPr2C6H3) to form the first base‐stabilized germylenyl silaneditelluroate [LiminophenylGeTeSi(=Te)Lamidinate] (4) and 1,3‐diaza‐2‐silaallylgermylene complex [{LamidinateSi(NAr)2}GeLiminophenyl] (5), respectively. In these reactions, elemental tellurium and ArN3 insert into the :Si–Ge: bond in 3, followed by oxidation of the Si center with the substrates to form compounds 4 and 5, respectively. Compounds 4 and 5 were characterized by X‐ray crystallography.
Ir(I)‐Catalyzed Synthesis of (E)‐4‐Benzylidenylacridines and (E)‐2‐Styrylquinoline‐3‐carboxamide through Sequential Suzuki–Miyaura Coupling, Dehydrogenative Friedländer Reaction, and sp3‐C–H Activation
Authors: Prameela Soda , Nawaz Khan Fazlur‐Rahman
Published: August 2020

An efficient one‐pot strategy evolved in the synthesis of (E)‐4‐benzylidenylacridin‐1(2H)‐ones, (4 or 9) (E)‐2‐styryl quinoline‐3‐carboxamides (5 or 10) by sequential Suzuki–Miyaura coupling‐dehydrogenative Friedländer‐sp3 C–H activation. The 2‐amino‐5‐chloro benzhydrol 1, aromatic alcohol 2 or 6 ketones 3 or 3', and phenylboronic acid 7 underwent a smooth reaction in a basic deep eutectic solvent consisting of K2CO3 and ethylene glycol (DES‐1,1:1). DES‐1 could enable the Pd‐catalyzed Suzuki coupling reaction of 6, as well as the rapid oxidation of primary, secondary, and Suzuki coupled primary alcohols (2, 1, and 8) in the presence of an iridium catalyst and 1,10‐phenanthroline. The acidic DES‐2 (dimethyl urea/tartaric acid, 7:3) assists the Friedländer annulation and subsequent sp3‐C–H functionalization resulting in (E)‐4‐benzylidenylacridin‐1(2H)‐ones (4 or 9) and (E)‐2‐styryl quinoline‐3‐carboxamides (5 or 10).
Electrocatalysis of Methanol on the Platinum‐Gold Bimetallic Microstructures Codeposited with Silicate Sol‐gel on Indium Tin Oxide Electrode
Authors: Praveen Raju , Ramaraj Ramasamy
Published: August 2020

A facile one‐step electrochemical codeposition of platinum‐gold (PtAu) alloy materials embedded in N‐[3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl] ethylenediamine (EDAS) silicate sol‐gel on indium‐tin‐oxide electrode (ITO/EDAS‐PtAu) is reported. The x‐ray diffraction patterns, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, elemental mapping, line scan spectra and cyclic voltammetric studies showed the formation of PtAu bimetallic microstructures at the ITO/EDAS‐PtAu electrodes. The electrochemically codeposited PtAu alloy microstructures materials showed profound enhancement for methanol oxidation reaction in alkaline medium. The observed results revealed that the present facile synthetic methodology for the preparation of PtAu alloy microstructures materials embedded in silicate sol‐gel (ITO/EDAS‐PtAu) modified electrode is a promising approach and the modified electrode showed enhanced mass activity and stability towards methanol oxidation reaction.
Study on self‐assembly of colloidal particles at high ionic strength with stimulated emission depletion microscopy
Authors: Neupane Bhanu B. , Zhong Yaning , Wang Gufeng
Published: August 2020

Understanding the spatial organization of nano‐ and micro‐sized particle is very important in the fabrication of complex structures having unprecedented properties. Study on self‐assembly of submicroscopic colloidal particles at high ionic strength solution at single particle resolution can provide new insight into the nanoscale interactions. In this study, we studied the self assembly behavior of negatively charged 0.2 and 1 μm colloidal particles at high ionic strength on glass‐solution interface that is, in situ environment. The self‐assembled 0.2 μm particles could not be resolved with conventional confocal and epi‐fluorescent microscopy, so a home‐built continuous wave stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscope was used for the study. We found that particles self‐assemble into ordered and disordered structures at higher and lower ionic strength solution, respectively. The optical imaging methods allowed us to measure inter‐particle gap at second energy minimum directly. Interestingly, we found that the inter‐particle gap in the wet self‐assembly higher than the classical Derjaguin, Landau, Verwey, and Overbeek (DLVO) theory predicted. The in situ investigation of particle self‐assembly at high ionic strength will provide more insight for the understanding nanoscale interactions.
Validation of EpiTRAQ, a transition readiness assessment tool for adolescents and young adults with epilepsy
Authors: Clark Sarah J. , Beimer Nicholas J. , Gebremariam Acham , Fletcher Linda L. , Patel Anup D. , Carbone Lorrie , Guyot Jamie A. , Joshi Sucheta M.
Published: August 2020

Objective

To design and validate a transition readiness assessment tool for adolescents and young adults with epilepsy and without intellectual disability.

Methods

We adapted a general transition readiness assessment tool (TRAQ) to add epilepsy‐relevant items based on concepts in current epilepsy quality measures. The adapted tool, EpiTRAQ, maintained the original structure and scoring system. Concurrent with clinical implementation in pediatric and adult epilepsy clinics at an academic medical center, we assessed the validity and reliability of this adapted tool for patients 16‐26 years of age. This process included initial validation with 302 patients who completed EpiTRAQ between October 2017 and May 2018; repeat validation with 381 patients who completed EpiTRAQ between June 2018 and September 2019; and retest reliability among 153 patients with more than one completed EpiTRAQ.

Results

Mean scores were comparable between initial and repeat validation populations (absolute value differences between 0.05 and 0.1); internal consistency ranged from good to high. For both the initial and repeat validation, mean scores and internal consistency demonstrated high comparability to the original TRAQ validation results. Upon retest, few patients rated themselves with a lower score, while the majority rated themselves with higher scores.

Significance

EpiTRAQ is a valid and reliable tool for assessing transition readiness in adolescents and young adults with epilepsy and without intellectual disability.
Full‐scale hybrid test for realistic verification of a seismic upgrading technique of RC frames by BRBs
Authors: Qie Yi , Barbagallo Francesca , Marino Edoardo M. , Du Chunbo , Wang Tao
Published: August 2020

Scientific research proposing any type of device/technique for seismic protection of buildings is generally based on numerical models that adopt simplifications to make possible extensive analyses. This means that important details of the inelastic response could be neglected. Following this consideration, regardless of the device/technique invented, before it could be put into practice, an experimental verification of the actual structural performance should be conducted by full‐scale tests at building level. This issue is investigated in the paper considering seismic retrofit of reinforced concrete (RC) framed structures by buckling‐restrained braces (BRBs) as technique to be validated, while hybrid test is selected as tool for experimental validation at building level. The analysed seismic upgrading technique consists in the insertion of BRBs into the RC frame. The upgrading intervention is designed by a method developed in previous studies. This technique responds to an important need of the society. Indeed, existing RC frames showed high vulnerability in occurrence of past earthquakes when they were not originally conceived to sustain horizontal forces. The hybrid test is selected among the available experimental techniques because it allows the experimentation on full‐scale specimens with reasonable cost. In this study, a substructure hybrid test was conducted and the results are here presented to (a) evaluate the effectiveness of the design method of BRBs for seismic upgrading, (b) investigate the integration of BRBs in existing RC frame, and (c) show the potentiality of the substructure hybrid test for the experimental verification of innovative techniques for seismic protection of buildings.
Shift of microbial community structure by substrate level in dynamic membrane bioreactor for biohydrogen production
Authors: Kim Do‐Hyung , Park Jeong‐Hoon , Kim Sang‐Hyoun , Kumar Gopalakrishnan , Lee Byung‐Don , Kumar Sunil , Yoon Jeong‐Jun
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of biological hydrogen production (BHP) in a dynamic membrane bioreactor. Hydraulic retention time (HRT) was varied from 1 to 12 hours, and the microbial communities were analyzed. The major hydrogen‐producing bacterium was Clostridium chromiireducens, which was enriched up to 82% of the total bacteria with a 2 hour HRT, while Enterobacter cloacae was also observed in the range of 0.2% to 34.4% of total bacteria. When the level of the substrate in the reactor was low (<0.5 g/L), BHP dropped dramatically, and Sporolactobacillus putidus increased to 8.8% of the total bacteria. Differences in substrate affinity between S. putidus and C. chromiireducens likely promoted the dominance of S. putidus, which is more favorable for growth and metabolism at low substrate concentrations, and caused changes in the microbial community.
Relationship between tree height and landslide characteristics obtained by GIS assessment
Authors: Evans Jamie R. , Imaizumi Fumitoshi , Ohsaka Okihiro , Ogawa Shigeyuki
Published: August 2020

Landslides in forested landscapes have far‐reaching implications, beyond that of just destroying the forest itself, sometimes initiating large‐scale sediment disasters. Although vegetation increases slope stability through its root network, it is hard to evaluate its contribution to slope stability over a wide area. In this study, the relationship between tree height and landslide characteristics in the Ikawa catchment, central Japan, was investigated to develop a method for evaluating the effects of forest cover on slope stability over a regional extent. Catchment‐wide tree height was obtained using airborne LiDAR point cloud data and used in conjunction with the root depth profile, measured for trees of various height by digging trenches. Root tensile strength per unit area of soil was calculated from individual root diameters and empirical power law equations on the relationship between root diameter and root tensile force in order to better understand the effect that tree height has on slope stability. Landslide density in the Ikawa catchment shows that landslides occur more frequently in forests with shorter trees, with occurrence decreasing as tree height increases. This is likely due to the stabilizing features of larger trees having a greater network of roots, which is supported by the general increase in total root area and the deeper penetration of root biomass into the soil as the height of trees surveyed increases. Landslide density was not solely affected by tree height, but also by slope gradient and plane curvature. Decreasing landslide occurrence and landslide area as tree height increases suggests that slope stability increases with tree height, while the random distribution of results when comparing landslide depth to tree height suggests that while tree height has an impact on relative slope stability, the landslide failure depth is independent of tree height, and thus controlled by other factors. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of small scale n‐heptane fire extinguishing efficacy by natural antioxidants based pyrotechnic compositions: An experimental study
Authors: Pathak Tribhuvan Kumar , Kaushik Kumar , Dobhal Satya Prakash , Dixit Pradeep Kumar , Sharma Vandana , Johar Rajni , Jassal Pyar Singh , Singh Raj Pal
Published: August 2020

The conventional pyrotechnic compositions (PCs) for firefighting application mostly consist of potassium nitrate, chlorate or perchlorate as oxidants and organic resin‐like phenol‐formaldehyde, melamine‐formaldehyde, epoxy resin and polyurethanes are used as reducers. Unfortunately, there are also some potential disadvantages to the use of conventional compositions. These are related to high combustion temperature with the generation of heat and flame which may cause secondary fire chances and hazards associated with the use of organic resins. Exposure to phenol, melamine, epoxy resins and polyurethanes are considered as a life‐threatening occupational hazard. Under the present study, new pyrotechnic compositions were prepared with the combination of natural antioxidants like ascorbic acid and gallic acid as reductant and mixture of potassium nitrate with potassium chlorate as oxidant. Fire extinguishing efficacies, calorific value, burn rate, the flame temperature of newly developed compositions was evaluated against potassium nitrate and phenol‐formaldehyde resin‐based conventional composition. Although both the new and conventional composition has shown good fire extinguishing efficacies, extinguishing 4.57 KW of small scale n‐heptane pool fire in 3 to 4 seconds, these newly developed compositions showed 67% to 76% reduction in flame temperature. It was also found that these new compositions exhibit a faster burn rate and lower calorific value than the conventional composition. To understand the fire extinguishing mechanism by the discharged aerosol particulate, its physical and chemical characteristics were assessed by a series of techniques viz; HRXRD, SEM, FTIR, EDX.
A study revealing volatile aroma produced by Pediococcus pentosaceus in dough fermentation
Authors: Gong Yunxia , Qi Xiaobao
Published: August 2020

Pediococcus pentosaceus is important probiotics in Chinese Laomian. Its role in meat and fermented vegetable has been largely demonstrated, but few studies have investigated the role of P. pentosaceus in Chinese Laomian. For this purpose, we simulated Laomian fermentation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae and P. pentosaceus. Volatile aroma was detected by headspace solid‐phase microextraction gas–chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Real‐time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to determine dynamic growth of S. cerevisiae and P. pentosaceus in fermentation. Extracellular proteins were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Folin–Ciocalteu method was used to detect extracellular protease activity in different pH values. Owing to addition of P. pentosaceus, the types and contents of esters increase, the relative contents of acetic acid hexyl ester, formic acid octyl ester, and heptanoic acid ethyl ester rise obliviously; especially, the relative content of hexanoic acid ethyl ester was highly correlated with P. pentosaceus by increasing 20.61%. As the gel electrophoresis results display, due to mixed fermentation of S. cerevisiae and P. pentosaceus, the 25k Da and 51k Da proteins expression quantity of P. pentosaceus clearly increased. Under neutral and alkaline culture conditions, the extracellular protease activity of P. pentosaceus is higher. This research benefits to gain insight into the fermentation actions of P. pentosaceus in Chinese Laomian.
COVID‐19 in the geriatric population
Authors: Roy Justin , Jain Rohit , Golamari Reshma , Vunnam Rama , Sahu Nitasa
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The global COVID‐19 pandemic has caused rapid and monumental changes around the world. Older people, who already experience higher rates of social isolation and loneliness, are more susceptible to adverse effects as a result of the social distancing protocols enacted to slow the spread of COVID‐19. Based on prior outbreaks, we speculate the detrimental outcomes and offer solutions.

Methods

Reviewing the literature on the detrimental effects of social isolation and loneliness and higher mortality in the older population. Utilizing psychological study outcomes from prior major outbreaks such as in SARS, Ebola, H1N1 influenza, and Middle East respiratory syndrome offer predictions and the susceptibility in the geriatric age group.

Results

Organizations such as the WHO, Centers for Disease Control, and American Association of Retired Persons have put measures in place to provide networking on a local, regional, and national level. These efforts are designed to start mitigating such detrimental effects. A necessary follow‐up to this pandemic will be gathering data on unique populations such as the geriatric community, to better mitigate adverse outcomes given the certainty that COVID‐19 will not be the last global viral outbreak.

Conclusions

The results of worsened social isolation and loneliness is associated with significantly increased morbidity and mortality in the geriatric population. Various solutions including virtual interactions with loved ones, engaging in physical activity, continuing any spiritual or religious prayers remotely, and community services to provide aid for the older population are all efforts to minimize social isolation and loneliness.
Vision impairment and depression among older adults in low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Abou‐Hanna Jacob J. , Leggett Amanda N. , Andrews Chris A. , Ehrlich Joshua R.
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To investigate the association between visual impairment (VI) and depression in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) and the mediating role of disability and social participation.

Methods/Design

The World Health Organization Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) provided data on objective and subjective visual function, depression, disability (WHODAS‐12), and social participation for nationally representative samples of adults 50 years and older in China, India, Ghana, Mexico, Russia, and South Africa. Multivariable logistic and linear models were used to test the association between VI and depression and the indirect pathways through disability and social participation. Analyses were adjusted for sociodemographics, medical comorbidities, and complex survey design features.

Results

Visual acuity was worse in respondents with depression compared to those without depression in China (0.32 vs 0.23 logMAR; P < .001), Ghana (0.26 vs 0.18 logMAR; P < .001), and India (0.36 vs 0.30 logMAR; P < .001); self‐reported vision was also significantly worse in these three countries, but not in Mexico, Russia, or South Africa. Greater disability significantly mediated the association of both objective and self‐reported VI with depression in China and India. Social participation significantly mediated the association between subjective vision and depression in Ghana.

Conclusions

There is variability in the association between VI and depression across LMICs and in the mediating role of disability and social participation. Culture‐specific instruments may be needed to better characterize the association between VI and depression and further research is needed to assess causality.
Effects of systemic therapy and local therapy on outcomes of 873 breast cancer patients with metastatic breast cancer to brain: MD Anderson Cancer Center experience
Authors: Gao Chao , Wang Fuchenchu , Suki Dima , Strom Eric , Li Jing , Sawaya Raymond , Hsu Limin , Raghavendra Akshara , Tripathy Debu , Ibrahim Nuhad K.
Published: August 2020

Outcomes of treatments for patients with breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM) remain suboptimal, especially for systemic therapy. To evaluate the effectiveness of systemic and local therapy (surgery [S], stereotactic radiosurgery [SRS] and whole brain radiotherapy [WBRT]) in BCBM patients, we analyzed the data of 873 BCBM patients from 1999 to 2012. The median overall survival (OS) and time to progression in the brain (TTP‐b) after diagnosis of brain metastases (BM) were 9.1 and 7.1 months, respectively. WBRT prolonged OS in patients with multiple BM (hazard ratio [HR], 0.68; 95% CI, 0.52‐0.88; P = .004). SRS alone, and surgery or SRS followed by WBRT (S/SRS + WBRT), were equivalent in OS and TTP‐b (median OS, 14.9 vs 17.2 months; median TTP‐b, 8.2 vs 8.6 months). Continued chemotherapy prolonged OS (HR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.30‐0.41; P < .001) and TTP‐b (HR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.33‐0.70; P < .001), however, with no advantage of capecitabine over other chemotherapy agents used (median OS, 11.8 vs 12.4 months; median TTP‐b, 7.2 vs 7.4 months). Patients receiving trastuzumab at diagnosis of BM, continuation of anti‐HER2 therapy increased OS (HR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.34‐0.83; P = .005) and TTP‐b (HR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.23‐0.74; P = .003); no additional benefit was seen with switching over between trastuzumab and lapatinib (median OS, 18.4 vs 22.7 months; median TTP‐b: 7.4 vs 8.7 months). In conclusion, SRS or S/SRS + WBRT were equivalent for patients' OS and local control. Continuation systemic chemotherapy including anti‐HER2 therapy improved OS and TTP‐b with no demonstrable advantage of capecitabine and lapatinib over other agents of physicians' choice was observed.