bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La experiencia del embarazo adolescente mediada por Internet: información sobre salud e incertidumbre
Authors: Mondragón Ivonne
Published: July 2020

La presente investigación (1) tiene por objetivo integrar Internet en el análisis de la experiencia del embarazo adolescente, especialmente relacionado con búsquedas sobre salud y cuidado, y la sensación de incertidumbre que se genera alrededor de dichas pesquisas. Se mantiene que el ciberespacio resulta un referente de sentido atractivo para la formulación de riegos –y por tanto certezas–, debido a su carácter vinculante, a la mano, personalizable y anónimo. Para este caso, se ha optado por un abordaje fenomenológico (Couldry, Fotopoulou y Dickens, 2016) que integra la tecnología Internet –al igual que otros artefactos, actores, actrices y materialidad– como espacio desde donde y por medio del cual se genera sentido dentro de la experiencia perceptual encarnada (Ihde, 2004) de mujeres mexicanas que hayan acontecido un embarazo en su adolescencia. El estudio se realizó bajo un enfoque cualitativo, entre febrero y mayo de 2019. Se entrevistaron a diez mujeres residentes en el Estado de México que entre los 14 y 19 años continuaron un embarazo. Los resultados apuntan a que Internet es constantemente utilizada por las informantes, y que, aunque este espacio de interacción es percibido como riesgoso, los sentires se modelan a partir de una selección personalizada de experiencias, movilizándose entre diferentes fuentes de información. (1) Lo aquí expuesto proviene de la tesis de maestría en sociología desarrollada desde 2017 a la actualidad por la misma autora
Vivir entre mar y tierra: geografías marítimas desde el conocimiento háptico
Authors: Peláez Carolina
Published: July 2020

En este artículo se analiza la constitución de conocimientos hápticos entre un grupo de pescadores y la etnógrafa como un elemento central en la comprensión de una geografía sensorial durante el trabajo de campo dentro de un muelle industrial pesquero en el puerto de Mazatlán, ubicado al noroeste de México. Se busca enriquecer los estudios de los sentidos y las emociones desde un análisis sobre el papel que tiene el conocimiento háptico y su entrelazamiento entre lo humano y no-humano en la producción de una geografía marítima particular. Al respecto, se efectúa una reflexión en torno a la generación de información en el proceso de investigación, la cual está interconectada con ciertos artefactos como la cámara fotográfica que contribuyen al establecimiento de vínculos afectivos fundamentales para adentrarse en una comunidad. El texto apela al lector o lectora a sentir a través de las fotografías y la descripción de la autora tanto los desafíos de la entrada a campo como las experiencias sensoriales de los pescadores con las formas de materialidad que hacen del muelle un espacio esencial para comprender los saberes hápticos de una cultura marítima particular.
Cadê o dendê?: la sociabilidad de lo humano y lo no humano dentro de la comunidad emocional de la capoeira contemporánea
Authors: Serna Luna Erick
Published: July 2020

Este artículo supone un esfuerzo por conceptualizar la capoeira como una comunidad emocional que se construye a partir de la interrelación de componentes humanos y no humanos, tales como la música, los mitos, los instrumentos, el cuerpo y las personas que integran el ritual de la roda de capoeira. Así, con base en una investigación etnográfica y en el análisis de otros materiales narrativos, el objetivo del artículo es describir cómo se construyen las comunidades emocionales dentro de un grupo de capoeira contemporánea, tomando como ejemplo la construcción emotiva y cultural de la conducta que deben de manifestar las personas para expresar que tienen dendê.
Factors Influencing Crash Frequency on Colombian Rural Roads
Authors: Arévalo-Támara Andrea , Orozco-Fontalvo Mauricio , Cantillo Víctor
Published: July 2020

Traffic crashes in Colombia have become a public health problem causing about 7,000 deaths and 45,000 severe injuries per year. Around 40% of these events occur on rural roads, taking note that the vulnerable users (pedestrians, motorcyclists, cyclists) account for the largest percentage of the victims. The objective of this research is to identify the factors that influence the frequency of crashes, including the singular orography of the country. For this purpose, we estimated Negative Binomial (Poisson-gamma) regression, Zero-inflated model, and generalized the linear mixed model, thus developing a comparative analysis of results in the Colombian context. The data used in the study came from the official sources regarding records about crashes with consequences; that is, with the occurrence of fatalities or injuries on the Colombian roads. For collecting the highway characteristics, an in-field inventory was conducted, gathering information about both infrastructure and operational parameters in more than three thousand kilometres of the national network. The events were geo-referenced, with registries of vehicles, involved victims, and their condition. The results suggest that highways in flat terrain have higher crash frequency than highways in rolling or mountainous terrain. Besides, the presence of pedestrians, the existence of a median and the density of intersections per kilometre also increase the probability of crashes. Meanwhile, roads with shoulders and wide lanes have lower crash frequency. Specific interventions in the infrastructure and control for reducing crashes risk attending the modelling results have been suggested.
Estrogen exacerbates mammary involution through neutrophil-dependent and -independent mechanism
Authors: Lim Chew Leng , Or Yu Zuan , Ong Zoe , Chung Hwa Hwa , Hayashi Hirohito , Shrestha Smeeta , Chiba Shunsuke , Lin Feng , Lin Valerie Chun Ling
Published: July 2020

There is strong evidence that the pro-inflammatory microenvironment during post-partum mammary involution promotes parity-associated breast cancer. Estrogen exposure during mammary involution drives tumor growth through neutrophils’ activity. However, how estrogen and neutrophils influence mammary involution are unknown. Combined analysis of transcriptomic, protein, and immunohistochemical data in BALB/c mice showed that estrogen promotes involution by exacerbating inflammation, cell death and adipocytes repopulation. Remarkably, 88% of estrogen-regulated genes in mammary tissue were mediated through neutrophils, which were recruited through estrogen-induced CXCR2 signalling in an autocrine fashion. While neutrophils mediate estrogen-induced inflammation and adipocytes repopulation, estrogen-induced mammary cell death was via lysosome-mediated programmed cell death through upregulation ofcathepsin B, TnfandBidin a neutrophil-independent manner. Notably, these multifaceted effects of estrogen are mostly mediated by ERα and unique to the phase of mammary involution. These findings are important for the development of intervention strategies for parity-associated breast cancer.
Determination of Lead and Cadmium Levels in Water and Fish Muscle in Elshajara Area, Khartoum State-Sudan
Authors: Mhmoud Moatez Mohammed Elhassan , Elnasri Hind A.
Published: July 2020

This study aimed to investigate the levels of lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) in water and fish muscle obtained from Elshajara area - Khartoum - Sudan. This area is located near one of the important factories in the country and is also an important fishing site.

A total of 60 samples (30 water and 30 fish muscles) were obtained from 3 different sites in the targeted area. The levels of Pb and Cd were measured using Atomic Absorption   Spectrometry.

The overall mean level of Pb and Cd in water samples were 0.148±0.0104 µg/l and 0.014±0.002 µg/l, respectively. Regarding the fish samples, the levels of Pb and Cd were 0.28480±0.018 µg/kg and 0.027±0.004, respectively. The levels were below WHO acceptable limits.

The level Pb and Cd in water and fish obtained from area B   were the highest because this site is  closest to the factory effluent site and thus the high levels.

Adopting proper water disposal systems for factories and other industrial facilities is necessary to avoid contamination of the ecosystem. This may in the long run affect the human health through consumption of food contaminated with such metals.
An Effcient Method to Find Approximate Solutions for Emden-Fowler Equations of nth Order
Authors: Dabwan Nuha Mohammed , Hasan Yahya Qaid
Published: July 2020

In this research, Emden-Fowler equations of higher order with boundary conditions are considered and solved using Modied Adomian Decomposition Method (MADM). We dened a new differential operator under two conditions: rst condition when m ≤ 0 and second condition when m ≥ 0. From this operator, we got three types of Emden-Fowler equations of higher order. The new method is evaluated by using many examples, the results obtained through this method reveal the effectiveness of this method for these type of equations, especially when comparisons are made with the exact solution.
A Note on Second Order Slope Rotatable Designs under Intra-class Correlated Errors Using Pairwise Balanced Designs
Authors: Rajyalakshmi K. , Sulochana B. , Victorbabu B. Re.
Published: July 2020

In this paper, a study on second order slope rotatable designs under intra-class correlation structure of errors using pairwise balanced designs is suggested. Further, the variance function of the estimated slopes for different values of intra-class correlated coefficient ‘ ’ for 6 ≤ v ≤ 15 (v- number of factors) are studied.
UV Irradiation and Ozone Treatment of κ-Carrageenan: Kinetics and Products Characteristics
Authors: Prasetyaningrum Aji , Widayat Widayat , Jos Bakti , Dharmawan Yudhy , Ratnawati Ratnawati
Published: July 2020

The low molecular weight (LMW) of sulfated polysaccharides including k-carrageenan, is shows a wide spectrum of biological activities. This research investigates the influence of UV irradiation, ozone (O3), and the combination of O3/UV methods on the depolymerization of k-carrageenan. The depolymerization kinetics of k-carrageenan using the Advanced Oxidation Process (UV/O3) was also studied. Furthermore, the intrinsic viscosity method was used to determine the average molecular weight of the research sample, and a mathematical model was developed to predict the kinetic rate constant, as a function of ozone dosage and UV irradiation intensity. Therefore, the physicochemical and morphological properties of the degraded k-carrageenan were analyzed by FT-IR, SEM, and XRD. The intrinsic viscosity k-carrageenan decreases with increasing UV light intensity and ozone concentration. The combination of UV/O3 treatment appeared to be more effective than the individual approaches, as the highest kinetic rate constant for depolymerization was 1.924×10-4 min-1, using 125 mg/L ozone concentration and 40 mW/cm2 of UV lamp intensity. This research also evaluated the relationship between various experimental conditions, including UV lamp power dissipation and ozone concentration on the reaction kinetics model, and the results suggest that lower effect is contributed by UV irradiation intensity. In addition, FT-IR spectra showed the absence of any significant change in the functional properties of k-carrageenan treated with UV and O3 processes, although the morphological properties of the LMW k-carrageenan were rougher and more porous than the native k-carrageenan. Copyright © 2020 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Selective Reduction of Southeast Sulawesi Nickel Laterite using Palm Kernel Shell Charcoal: Kinetic Studies with Addition of Na2SO4 and NaCl as Additives
Authors: Shofi Achmad , Supriyatna Yayat Iman , Prasetyo Agus Budi
Published: July 2020

The aim of the reduction process is to concentrate nickel at high temperatures with a certain carbonaceous material as a reducing agent. The use of chemicals like Na2SO4 and NaCl in the reduction process can increase the content and recovery of nickel in ferronickel concentrates. A selective reduction of laterite nickel was carried out in a non-isothermal and an isothermal using palm kernel shell charcoal as a reductant and with Na2SO4 and NaCl as additives. Firstly, the raw material is made into a pellet and dried in an oven at 100 °C for two hours. The pellets are weighed before and after the reduction process. The non-isothermal reduction process used the Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) method from a temperature of 100 to 1300 °C, with a heat rate of 10 °C per minute. The isothermal reduction at temperatures 500, 600, 700, 950, 1050, and 1150 °C occurred with a reduction time of 30, 60, and 90 minutes. The analysis is Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) to determine the content of nickel and iron from the reduction process, X-ray Diffraction (XRD) to see changes in the phases formed after the selective reduction process, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDX) for viewing the microstructure of the phase. The Differential Thermal Analyzer-Temperature Gravimetric Analysis (DTA-TGA) results show the endothermic at 256 °C, and the exothermic peak at 935 °C with a total mass loss of 42.15% at 1238 °C. The shrinking core model was used for the kinetic studies of the reduction process. The closest kinetic model to the experimental results is the Ginstling-Brounshtein model, with an activation energy value of 8.73 kcal/mol. Copyright © 2020 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
42 CFR Part 2 update: OTPs reporting in to PDMPs
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2020

The final rule issued this month on 42 CFR Part 2 allows opioid treatment programs (OTPs) to put patient information into prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) (see “42 CFR Part 2 final rule: OTP input into PDMP, more law enforcement,” ADAW, July 20, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/adaw.32778). This possibility has haunted methadone patients, who feel that if their information were disclosed without their consent — as the final rule would allow — they could suffer discrimination, with some even considering tapering off the medication (see “As 42 CFR Part 2 faces possible demise, methadone patients panic, taper,” ADAW July 2, 2018, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.32018). The final rule takes effect Aug. 14.
Flexible Pr‐Doped Fe–Ga Composite Materials: Preparation, Microstructure, and Magnetostrictive Properties
Authors: Zhao Xuan , Tian Xiao , Yao Zhanquan , Zhao Lijuan , Wang Rui , Yan Jing , Liu Xinyu
Published: July 2020

Herein, the manufacture process and the results of investigations into the microstructure and magnetic properties of flexible Fe83Ga17Prx (x = 0, 0.2, 1.0) composite materials are presented. The Fe83Ga17Prx (x = 0, 0.2, 1.0) alloy powders with particle size of 75 μm and epoxy binder are bonded at a weight ratio of 2:1, and then orient under a constant applied magnetic field of 10 kOe and airdry 12 h, finally processed into composite material. The microstructure and magnetic properties of as‐cast alloy, unoriented (UN), and oriented (OR) composite materials are examined by X‐ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM/EDS), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and strain gauge method. The results show that the Pr‐doped Fe–Ga as‐cast samples consist of A2 matrix phase and rare‐earth‐rich phase. As the Pr content increases, the grain sizes of A2 matrix phase decrease. The OR composite materials show significant magnetic anisotropy. Compared with as‐cast and UN composite materials, the magnetostriction of OR composite materials increase. The highest value of magnetostriction (310 ppm) is obtained in the flexible Fe83Ga17Pr1.0 composite material.
A Copper Silicide Nanofoam Current Collector for Directly Grown Si Nanowire Networks and their Application as Lithium‐Ion Anodes
Authors: Aminu Ibrahim Saana , Geaney Hugh , Imtiaz Sumair , Adegoke Temilade E. , Kapuria Nilotpal , Collins Gearoid A. , Ryan Kevin M.
Published: July 2020

Silicon nanowires (Si NWs) have been identified as an excellent candidate material for the replacement of graphite in anodes, allowing for a significant boost in the capacity of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, high‐density Si NWs are grown on a novel 3D interconnected network of binary‐phase Cu‐silicide nanofoam (3D CuxSiy NF) substrate. The nanofoam facilitates the uniform distribution of well‐segregated and small‐sized catalyst seeds, leading to high‐density/single‐phase Si NW growth with an areal‐loading in excess of 1.0 mg cm−2 and a stable areal capacity of ≈2.0 mAh cm−2 after 550 cycles. The use of the 3D CuxSiy NF as a substrate is further extended for Al, Bi, Cu, In, Mn, Ni, Sb, Sn, and Zn mediated Si NW growth, demonstrating the general applicability of the anode architecture.
Surface‐Mediated Interconnections of Nanoparticles in Cellulosic Fibrous Materials toward 3D Sensors
Authors: Yan Shan , Shan Shiyao , Wen Jianguo , Li Jing , Kang Ning , Wu Zhipeng , Lombardi Jack , Cheng Han‐Wen , Wang Jie , Luo Jin , He Ning , Mott Derrick , Wang Lichang , Ge Qingfeng , Hsiao Benjamin S. , Poliks Mark , Zhong Chuan‐Jian
Published: July 2020

Fibrous materials serve as an intriguing class of 3D materials to meet the growing demands for flexible, foldable, biocompatible, biodegradable, disposable, inexpensive, and wearable sensors and the rising desires for higher sensitivity, greater miniaturization, lower cost, and better wearability. The use of such materials for the creation of a fibrous sensor substrate that interfaces with a sensing film in 3D with the transducing electronics is however difficult by conventional photolithographic methods. Here, a highly effective pathway featuring surface‐mediated interconnection (SMI) of metal nanoclusters (NCs) and nanoparticles (NPs) in fibrous materials at ambient conditions is demonstrated for fabricating fibrous sensor substrates or platforms. Bimodally distributed gold–copper alloy NCs and NPs are used as a model system to demonstrate the semiconductive‐to‐metallic conductivity transition, quantized capacitive charging, and anisotropic conductivity characteristics. Upon coupling SMI of NCs/NPs as electrically conductive microelectrodes and surface‐mediated assembly (SMA) of the NCs/NPs as chemically sensitive interfaces, the resulting fibrous chemiresistors function as sensitive and selective sensors for gaseous and vaporous analytes. This new SMI–SMA strategy has significant implications for manufacturing high‐performance fibrous platforms to meet the growing demands of the advanced multifunctional sensors and biosensors.
A Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Tandem Cyclization to Benzo[b]indeno[1,2‐e][1,4]diazepines from o‐Phenylenediamines and Ynones
Authors: Xie Fukai , Zhang Bo , Chen Yanyu , Jia Hongwei , Sun Lei , Zhuang Kaitong , Yin Lili , Cheng Maosheng , Lin Bin , Liu Yongxiang
Published: July 2020

A gold‐catalyzed tandem cyclization of o‐phenylenediamines with ynones to synthesize benzo[b]indeno[1,2‐e][1,4]diazepine has been developed. The mechanism was explored by control experiments. The method provides a way to access a range of benzo[b]indeno[1,2‐e][1,4]diazepine derivatives in diversity‐oriented synthesis aiming at discovering structurally diverse scaffolds.

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Enabling High‐Energy Solid‐State Batteries with Stable Anode Interphase by the Use of Columnar Silicon Anodes
Authors: Cangaz Sahin , Hippauf Felix , Reuter Florian Steffen , Doerfler Susanne , Abendroth Thomas , Althues Holger , Kaskel Stefan
Published: July 2020

All‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) with silicon anodes are promising candidates to overcome energy limitations of conventional lithium‐ion batteries. However, silicon undergoes severe volume changes during cycling leading to rapid degradation. In this study, a columnar silicon anode (col‐Si) fabricated by a scalable physical vapor deposition process (PVD) is integrated in all‐solid‐state batteries based on argyrodite‐type electrolyte (Li6PS5Cl, 3 mS cm−1) and Ni‐rich layered oxide cathodes (LiNi0.9Co0.05Mn0.05O2, NCM) with a high specific capacity (210 mAh g−1). The column structure exhibits a 1D breathing mechanism similar to lithium, which preserves the interface toward the electrolyte. Stable cycling is demonstrated for more than 100 cycles with a high coulombic efficiency (CE) of 99.7–99.9% in full cells with industrially relevant areal loadings of 3.5 mAh cm−2, which is the highest value reported so far for ASSB full cells with silicon anodes. Impedance spectroscopy revealed that anode resistance is drastically reduced after first lithiation, which allows high charging currents of 0.9 mA cm−2 at room temperature without the occurrence of dendrites and short circuits. Finally, in‐operando monitoring of pouch cells gave valuable insights into the breathing behavior of the solid‐state cell.
Lighter and Stronger: Cofabricated Electrodes and Variable Stiffness Elements in Dielectric Actuators
Authors: Piskarev Yegor , Shintake Jun , Ramachandran Vivek , Baugh Neil , Dickey Michael D. , Floreano Dario
Published: July 2020

The inherent compliance of soft robots often makes it difficult for them to exert forces on surrounding surfaces or withstand mechanical loading. Controlled stiffness is a solution to empower soft robots with the ability to apply large forces on their environments and sustain external loads without deformations. Herein, a compact, soft actuator composed of a shared electrode used for both electrostatic actuation and variable stiffness is described. The device operates as a dielectric elastomer actuator, while variable stiffness is provided by a shared electrode made of gallium. The fabricated actuator, namely variable stiffness dielectric elastomer actuator (VSDEA), has a compact and lightweight structure with a thickness of 930 μm and a mass of 0.7 g. It exhibits a stiffness change of 183×, a bending angle of 31°, and a blocked force of 0.65 mN. Thanks to the lightweight feature, the stiffness change per mass of the actuator (261× g−1) is 2.6 times higher than that of the other type of VSDEA that has no shared electrode.
Personal Outcomes in Community‐based Participatory Research Partnerships: A Cross‐site Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Rodríguez Espinosa Patricia , Sussman Andrew , Pearson Cynthia R. , Oetzel John G. , Wallerstein Nina
Published: July 2020

Community‐based participatory research (CBPR) has been embraced by diverse populations to address health inequities within their communities. CBPR has been shown to produce favorable health outcomes, but little is known about personal outcomes (e.g., individual growth and capacities) resulting from the direct involvement in a CBPR partnership. We empirically examine which CBPR partnerships’ processes and practices are associated with personal outcomes. We hypothesize that higher levels of collaborative approaches and adherence to CBPR principles and practices would be associated with personal outcomes. Based on a national cross‐site CBPR study, Research for Improved Health, we utilized mixed‐method data from a comprehensive community‐engagement survey (N = 450) and seven in‐depth case studies to explore the hypothesized relationships. Our multivariate mixed‐effects model revealed the importance of various partnering practices. Relationship dynamics emerged as key predictors including the following: respect in the partnership, voice and influence in decision‐making among partners, and stewardship. Qualitative findings highlighted individual, partnership, and community‐level impacts, within and beyond the partnership. Our findings have implications for CBPR best practices and highlight the potential role of personal outcomes for partnerships’ sustainability, long‐term outcomes, and health equity research.
Farber disease in a patient from China
Authors: Bao Xudong , Ma Mingsheng , Zhang Zhenjie , Xu Yiwen , Qiu Zhengqing
Published: July 2020

Farber disease (FD) is a rare lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutation of the ASAH1 gene. Classic symptoms of FD include subcutaneous nodules, joint pain and hoarseness. Most patients die during childhood. Here we report a 25‐year‐old female FD patient with rare osteolytic changes of bilateral hands and toes. Genetic analysis revealed novel compound heterozygous mutations in the ASAH1 gene (c.427T>G and c.358G>C). Further research is needed to elucidate the pathophysiological course.
Accuracy of point‐of‐care intestinal ultrasound for Crohn's disease
Authors: Wright Emily K. , Wang Ian , Wong Darren , Bell Sally J. , Connell William R. , Thompson Alexander J. , Novak Kerri L. , Kamm Michael A.
Published: July 2020

Background

Point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS), performed by a gastroenterologist, provides safe and convenient imaging allowing for immediate clinical decision in Crohn's disease. The minimum training required to gain competency, its accuracy and clinical utility requires evaluation.

Methods

In this pilot study, Crohn's disease activity and extent were assessed using POCUS (performed by a single gastroenterologist following the completion of 200 supervised scans), magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) and ileo‐colonoscopy. The presence of complications was assessed by POCUS and MRE. Accuracy of POCUS was analysed with respect to MRE and ileo‐colonoscopy. Agreement between modalities was assessed using kappa coefficient.

Results

Forty‐two patients had a POCUS paired with MRE. Thirty‐eight patients had a POCUS paired with ileo‐colonoscopy. When compared to MRE, POCUS was accurate in the assessment of disease activity (sensitivity 87.5%, specificity 61.1%, ROC 0.74), extent (sensitivity 77.8%, specificity 83.3%, ROC 0.81) and complications (sensitivity 85.7%, specificity 94.3%, ROC 0.90). Agreement between POCUS and MRE was moderate (kappa estimates 0.50, P < 0.001, 0.61, P < 0.001 and 0.76, P < 0.001) for disease activity, extent and complications, respectively. When compared to ileo‐colonoscopy, POCUS was accurate in the assessment of disease activity (sensitivity 72%, specificity 86%, ROC 0.79) and extent (sensitivity 85.7%, specificity 86%, ROC 0.86). For POCUS and ileo‐colonoscopy, kappa estimates were 0.55, P < 0.001 for disease activity and 0.62, P < 0.001 for disease extent.

Conclusion

POCUS performed by a gastroenterologist after completion of limited training is accurate for assessing Crohn's disease activity, extent and the presence of complications.
Openwork@Dendritic Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Lactate Depletion and Tumor Microenvironment Regulation
Authors: Tang Jie , Meka Anand Kumar , Theivendran Shevanuja , Wang Yue , Yang Yannan , Song Hao , Fu Jianye , Ban Wenhuang , Gu Zhengying , Lei Chang , Li Shumin , Yu Chengzhong
Published: July 2020

The direct depletion of lactate accumulated in the tumor microenvironment holds promise for cancer therapy but remains challenging. Herein, we report a one‐pot synthesis of openwork@ dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (ODMSNs) to address this problem. ODMSNs self‐assembled through a time‐resolved lamellar growth mechanism feature an openworked core and a dendritic shell, both constructed by silica nanosheets of ≈3 nm. With a large pore size, high surface area and pore volume, ODMSNs exhibited a high loading capacity (>0.7 g g−1) of lactate oxidase (LOX) and enabled intratumoral lactate depletion by >99.9 %, leading to anti‐angiogenesis, down‐regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor, and increased tumor hypoxia. The latter event facilitates the activation of a co‐delivered prodrug for enhancing anti‐tumor and anti‐metastasis efficacy. This study provides an innovative nano‐delivery system and demonstrates the first example of direct lactate‐depletion‐enabled chemotherapy.
Tuning Single‐Molecule Conductance in Metalloporphyrin‐Based Wires via Supramolecular Interactions
Authors: Aragonès Albert C. , Martín‐Rodríguez Alejandro , Aravena Daniel , Puigmartí‐Luis Josep , Amabilino David B. , Aliaga‐Alcalde Núria , González‐Campo Arántzazu , Ruiz Eliseo , Díez‐Pérez Ismael
Published: July 2020

Nature has developed supramolecular constructs to deliver outstanding charge‐transport capabilities using metalloporphyrin‐based supramolecular arrays. Herein we incorporate simple, naturally inspired supramolecular interactions via the axial complexation of metalloporphyrins into the formation of a single‐molecule wire in a nanoscale gap. Small structural changes in the axial coordinating linkers result in dramatic changes in the transport properties of the metalloporphyrin‐based wire. The increased flexibility of a pyridine‐4‐yl‐methanethiol ligand due to an extra methyl group, as compared to a more rigid 4‐pyridinethiol linker, allows the pyridine‐4‐yl‐methanethiol ligand to adopt an unexpected highly conductive stacked structure between the two junction electrodes and the metalloporphyrin ring. DFT calculations reveal a molecular junction structure composed of a shifted stack of the two pyridinic linkers and the metalloporphyrin ring. In contrast, the more rigid 4‐mercaptopyridine ligand presents a more classical lifted octahedral coordination of the metalloporphyrin metal center, leading to a longer electron pathway of lower conductance. This works opens to supramolecular electronics, a concept already exploited in natural organisms.
Identifying the Geometric Site Dependence of Spinel Oxides for the Electrooxidation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Lu Yuxuan , Dong Chung‐Li , Huang Yu‐Cheng , Zou Yuqin , Liu Zhijuan , Liu Yanbo , Li Yingying , He Nihan , Shi Jianqiao , Wang Shuangyin
Published: July 2020

Co‐based spinel oxides, which are of mixing valences with the presence of both Co2+ and Co3+ at different atom locations, are considered as promising catalysts for the electrochemical oxidation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). Identifying the role of each atom site in the electroxidation of HMF is critical to design the advanced electrocatalysts. In this work, we found that Co2+Td in Co3O4 is capable of chemical adsorption for acidic organic molecules, and Co3+Oh play a decisive role in HMF oxidation. Thereafter, the Cu2+ was introduced in spinel oxides to enhance the exposure degree of Co3+ and to boost acidic adsorption and thus to enhance the electrocatalytic activity for HMF electrooxidation significantly.
Salivary Excretion of Renal‐Clearable Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Tang Shaoheng , Huang Yingyu , Zheng Jie
Published: July 2020

Salivary elimination is an important pathway for the body to excrete small molecules with digestive enzymes. However, very few engineered nanoparticles can be excreted through salivary glands, which often host bacteria or viruses during infection and involve in disease transmission. Herein, we report that renal clearable glutathione coated AgNPs (GS‐AgNPs) can selectively accumulate in the submandibular salivary gland, followed by being excreted in its excretory duct. By conducting head‐to‐head comparison on in vivo transport and interactions of both GS‐AgNPs and glutathione coated gold nanoparticles (GS‐AuNPs) with the same sizes, we found that low‐density GS‐AgNPs showed much higher vascular permeability than GS‐AuNPs and can rapidly penetrate into submandibular salivary glands, be efficiently taken up by striated and excretory duct cells, and eventually secreted into saliva.
Site‐Specific C(sp3)–H Aminations of Imidates and Amidines Enabled by Covalently Tethered Distonic Radical Anions
Authors: Zhao Rong , Fu Kang , Fang Yuanding , Zhou Jia , Shi Lei
Published: July 2020

The utilization of N‐centered radicals to synthesize nitrogen‐containing compounds has attracted considerable attention recently, due to their powerful reactivities and the concomitant construction of C−N bonds. However, the generation and control of N‐centered radicals remain particularly challenging. We report a tethering strategy using SOMO‐HOMO‐converted distonic radical anions for the site‐specific aminations of imidates and amidines with aid of the non‐covalent interaction. This reaction features a remarkably broad substrate scope and also enables the late‐stage functionalization of bioactive molecules. Furthermore, the reaction mechanism is thoroughly investigated through kinetic studies, Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations, revealing that the aminations likely involve direct homolytic cleavage of N−H bonds and subsequently controllable 1,5 or 1,6 hydrogen atom transfer.
Selective Bragg reflection of visible light from coaxial electrospun fiber mats
Authors: Singh Upindranath , Mohan Saeed , Davis Fredrick
Published: July 2020

Electrospinning is a relatively unsophisticated technique for generating continuous fibers whose diameters can approach nanoscale dimensions. In coaxial electrospinning, two different liquids can be spun, one inside the other, to produce a composite fiber with a core‐sheath structure. We prepared dual‐core fibers consisting of poly vinyl‐pyrrolidone sheaths and cores of the short‐pitched chiral nematic mixture CB15:E9. The flow rates, polymer concentration, and applied voltage were optimized prior to fiber production. The fibers were deposited as uniform nonwoven mats that displayed selective reflection of visible light from the blue phase of the confined chiral liquid crystal. These reflections are both temperature dependent and reversible and such mats offer potential as flexible sensors.
Poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluorpropylene)/polyaniline conductive blends: Effect of the mixing procedure on the electrical properties and electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness
Authors: Pontes Ketly , Indrusiak Tamara , Soares Bluma G.
Published: July 2020

Poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene)/polyaniline (PVDF‐co‐HFP/PAni) conductive blends were prepared by two methodologies involving the in situ polymerization in two different media and dry blending approach using ball milling. Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA) was used both as surfactant and as protonating agent in PAni synthesis. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis were used for characterizing the blends. PAni and PVDF/PAni prepared by in situ polymerization in H2O/toluene medium exhibited superior electrical conductivity, higher thermal stability and significantly higher electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) than those prepared in H2O/dimethylformamide (DMF) medium. PVDF/PAni with high‐PAni content (>40%) prepared by the dry blend approach presented higher conductivity and EMI SE than those prepared by in situ polymerization. The molding temperature exerted significant influence on the conductivity and EMI SE for the blend containing higher amount of PAni. The free‐solvent dry blending approach using ball milling presented similar conductivity value but the higher EMI SE when compared with in situ polymerization, and is considered environmentally and technologically interesting.
American College of Rheumatology Guidance for the Management of Pediatric Rheumatic Disease During the COVID‐19 Pandemic: Version 1
Authors: Wahezi Dawn M. , Lo Mindy S. , Rubinstein Tamar B. , Ringold Sarah , Ardoin Stacy P. , Downes Kevin J. , Jones Karla B. , Laxer Ronald M. , Pellet Madan Rebecca , Mudano Amy S. , Turner Amy S. , Karp David R. , Mehta Jay J.
Published: July 2020

Objective

To provide clinical guidance to rheumatology providers who treat children with pediatric rheumatic disease (PRD) in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic.

Methods

The task force, consisting of 7 pediatric rheumatologists, 2 pediatric infectious disease physicians, 1 adult rheumatologist, and 1 pediatric nurse practitioner, was convened on May 21, 2020. Clinical questions and subsequent guidance statements were drafted based on a review of the queries posed by the patients as well as the families and healthcare providers of children with PRD. An evidence report was generated and disseminated to task force members to assist with 3 rounds of asynchronous, anonymous voting by email using a modified Delphi approach. Voting was completed using a 9‐point numeric scoring system with predefined levels of agreement (categorized as disagreement, uncertainty, or agreement, with median scores of 1–3, 4–6, and 7–9, respectively) and consensus (categorized as low, moderate, or high). To be approved as a guidance statement, median vote ratings were required to fall into the highest tertile for agreement, with either moderate or high levels of consensus.

Results

The task force drafted 33 guidance statements, which were voted upon during the second and third rounds of voting. Of these 33 statements, all received median vote ratings within the highest tertile of agreement and were associated with either moderate consensus (n = 6) or high consensus (n = 27). Statements with similar recommendations were combined, resulting in 27 final guidance statements.

Conclusion

These guidance statements have been generated based on review of the available literature, indicating that children with PRD do not appear to be at increased risk for susceptibility to SARS–CoV‐2 infection. This guidance is presented as a “living document,” recognizing that the literature on COVID‐19 is rapidly evolving, with future updates anticipated.
Shuttle Effect Quantification for Redox Ionic Liquid Electrolyte Correlated to the Coulombic Efficiency of Supercapacitors
Authors: Bodin Charlotte , Sekhar Bongur Chandra , Deschanels Mathieu , Catrouillet Sylvain , Le Vot Steven , Favier Frédéric , Fontaine Olivier
Published: July 2020

The use of redox‐active electrolytes is a good opportunity to increase the energy density of supercapacitors, the main limitation of this technology. The addition of redox molecules allows the storage of charge in the electrode and the electrolyte. The key to keeping the increase of charge is to avoid the shuttle effect of the redox molecule. Indeed, once the molecule is oxidized or reduced, it diffuses across the cell to react at the surface of the opposite electrode and the stored charge is lost. Is this shuttle effect however damageable for the device? This study proposes to answer this question by quantifying the shuttle effect and correlating it to the decrease of Coulombic efficiency of supercapacitors.
One‐step synthesis of cationic gold nanoclusters with high catalytic activity on luminol chemiluminescence reaction
Authors: Huang Yongxin , Yue Ningning , Li Ying , Han Lu , Fan Aiping
Published: July 2020

The present study reports a one‐step synthesis method for the preparation of cationic gold nanoclusters (Au NCs). Polyethyleneimine (PEI), a positively charged hyperbranched polyamine, was selected as the capping reagent. Glutathione showed a synergistic effect on the formation of the small size of cationic Au NCs. The prepared cationic Au NCs have a size less than 2 nm and carry a positive charge in solution with pH less than 11. The cationic PEI–Au NCs‐triggered luminol chemiluminescence (CL) reactions showed slow and intense CL profiles. The maximum CL intensity can be obtained within 10 min and the CL signal maintained almost the same within 30 min. A linear increase of CL intensity was observed in the presence of an increasing concentration of cationic Au NCs ranging from 0.030 μM to 15 μM. The linear response of the cationic Au NCs in the CL reaction and the glow‐type CL profile make the proposed CL reaction have broad application prospects in the field of biological analysis and CL imaging.
Improving the analytical toolbox to investigate copurifying host cell proteins presence: N‐(4)‐(β‐acetylglucosaminyl)‐l‐asparaginase case study
Authors: Clavier Séverine , Fougeron Delphine , Petrovic Suzana , Elmaleh Hagit , Fourneaux Céline , Bugnazet Dawid , Duffieux Francis , Masiero Alessandro , Mitra‐Kaushik Shibani , Genet Bruno , Fromentin Yann , Kreiss Patrick , Laborderie Bénédicte , Brault Dominique , Menet Jean‐Michel
Published: July 2020

Levels of host cell proteins (HCPs) in purification intermediates and drug substances (DS) of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) must be carefully monitored for the production of safe and efficacious biotherapeutics. During the development of mAb1, an immunoglobulin G1 product, unexpected results generated with HCP Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kit triggered an investigation which led to the identification of a copurifying HCP called N‐(4)‐(β‐acetylglucosaminyl)‐l‐asparaginase (AGA, EC3.5.1.26) by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). The risk assessment performed indicated a low immunogenicity risk for the copurifying HCP and an ad hoc stability study demonstrated no mAb glycan cleavage and thus no impact on product quality. Fractionation studies performed on polishing steps revealed that AGA was coeluted with the mAb. Very interestingly, the native digestion protocol implemented to go deeper in the MS–HCP profiling was found to be incompatible with correct AGA detection in last purification intermediate and DS, further suggesting a hitchhiking behavior of AGA. In silico surface characterization of AGA also supports this hypothesis. Finally, the combined support of HCP ELISA results and MS allowed process optimization and removal of this copurifying HCP.
Timing of paediatric orchidopexy in universal healthcare systems: international administrative data cohort study
Authors: Jay M A , Arat A , Wijlaars L , Ajetunmobi O , Fitzpatrick T , Lu H , Lei S , Skerritt C , Goldfeld S , Gissler M , Gunnlaugsson G , Hrafn Jónsson S , Hjern A , Guttmann A , Gilbert R
Published: July 2020

Background

International guidelines in 2008 recommended orchidopexy for undescended testis at 6–12 months of age to reduce the risk of testicular cancer and infertility. Using administrative data from England, Finland, Ontario (Canada), Scotland and Sweden (with data from Victoria (Australia) and Iceland in supplementary analyses), the aim of this study was to investigate compliance with these guidelines and identify potential socioeconomic inequities in the timing of surgery before 1 and 3 years.

Methods

All boys born in 2003–2011 with a diagnosis code of undescended testis and procedure codes indicating orchidopexy before their fifth birthday were identified from administrative health records. Trends in the proportion of orchidopexies performed before 1 and 3 years of age were investigated, as were socioeconomic inequities in adherence to the guidelines.

Results

Across all jurisdictions, the proportion of orchidopexies occurring before the first birthday increased over the study period. By 2011, from 7·6 per cent (Sweden) to 27·9 per cent (Scotland) of boys had undergone orchidopexy by their first birthday and 71·5 per cent (Sweden) to 90·4 per cent (Scotland) by 3 years of age. There was limited evidence of socioeconomic inequities for orchidopexy before the introduction of guidelines (2008). Across all jurisdictions for boys born after 2008, there was consistent evidence of inequities in orchidopexy by the first birthday, favouring higher socioeconomic position. Absolute differences in these proportions between the highest and lowest socioeconomic groups ranged from 2·5 to 5·9 per cent across jurisdictions.

Conclusion

Consistent lack of adherence to the guidelines across jurisdictions questions whether the guidelines are appropriate.
A dried blood spot assay with HPLC–MS/MS for the determination of larotrectinib in mouse blood and its application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Tripathy Harsha K. , Manju Nair S.V. , Dittakavi Sreekanth , Bestha Ram Murthi , Mullangi Ramesh
Published: July 2020

Larotrectinib is a first‐generation tropomyosin kinase inhibitor, approved for the treatment of solid tumors. In this paper, we present a validated dried blood spot (DBS) method for the quantitation of larotrectinib from mouse blood using HPLC–MS/MS, which was operated under multiple reaction monitoring mode. To the DBS disc cards, acidified methanol enriched with internal standard (IS; enasidenib) was added and extracted using tert‐butyl methyl ether as an extraction solvent with sonication. Chromatographic separation of larotrectinib and the IS was achieved on an Atlantis dC18 column using 10 mm ammonium formate–acetonitrile (30:70, v/v) delivered at a flow‐rate of 0.80 ml/min. Under these optimized conditions, the retention times of larotrectinib and the IS were ~0.93 and 1.37 min, respectively. The total run time was 2.50 min. Larotrectinib and the IS were analyzed using positive ion scan mode and parent–daughter mass to charge ion (m/z) transitions of 429.1 → 342.1 and 474.1 → 267.1, respectively, were used for the quantitation. The calibration range was 1.06–5,080 ng/ml. No matrix effect or carryover was observed. Hematocrit did not influence DBS larotrectinib concentrations. All of the validation parameters met the acceptance criteria. The applicability of the validated method was shown in a mouse pharmacokinetic study.
Quantitation of plasma and biliary cefpiramide concentrations in human samples using high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Yoon Jimin , Kwack Won Gun , Shim Wang‐Seob , Lee Jun Kyu , Jang Dong Kee , Gu Namyi , Cho Ji‐Yoon , Lee Kyung‐Tae , Chung Eun Kyoung
Published: July 2020

Cefpiramide is frequently used to treat biliary infections. However, no bioanalytical method has been validated to quantitate cefpiramide in human samples, particularly in bile. Therefore, this study was conducted to develop a simple, selective and validated high‐performance liquid chromatographic method to determine cefpiramide in human plasma and bile. A protein precipitation procedure was used to extract cefpiramide and cefoperazone (internal standard, IS) from 200 μl of plasma and bile. Utilizing a Capcell Pak C18 column (4.6 × 250 mm), cefpiramide and IS were separated using the timed‐gradient mobile phase consisting of 0.1 m sodium acetate (pH 5.2) and acetonitrile at a flow rate of 1 ml/min with photodiode array detector (wavelength set at 273 nm). The calibration curves showed linearity at concentrations ranging from 1 to 150 μg/ml in both plasma and bile (r2 > 0.999). The within‐ and between‐run coefficients of variation (CVs) for plasma samples were 0.570–4.43 and 1.10–2.76%, respectively; for bile samples, the within‐ and between‐day precision (CV) was 0.814–6.34 and 2.05–4.00%, respectively. Our newly developed bioanalytical method was successfully employed to quantify cefpiramide concentrations in both plasma and bile at multiple time points in patients with acute cholangitis.