bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetic properties of 4‐fluoroamphetamine in serum and oral fluid after oral ingestion
Authors: Toennes Stefan W. , Schneider David , Pogoda Werner , Paulke Alexander , Wunder Cora , Theunissen Eef L. , Kuypers Kim P.C. , de Sousa Fernandes Perna Eliza , Ramaekers Johannes G.
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Each year, synthetic drugs occur in high numbers on the illicit drug market. But data on their pharmacology and toxicology are scarce. Therefore, a controlled study was performed to evaluate pharmacokinetic parameters of 4‐fluoroamphetamine (4‐FA) in humans and to compare it with effects.

Methods

Twelve subjects ingested 100 mg and five subjects also received 150 mg 4‐FA in a bitter lemon drink. Blood and oral fluid samples were taken during the following 12 hours and analyzed for 4‐FA and traces of amphetamine as impurity by liquid chromatography−tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS).

Results

For 12 hours after ingestion, the concentration‐time course of 4‐FA was similar to that of amphetamine with maximal concentrations appearing in serum after about 2 hours (in median 195 ng/mL after the 100 mg dose, range 155–316 ng/mL). The elimination half‐life was approximately 8–9 hours and shorter than that of amphetamine but it exhibited a marked variation (5.5–16.8 hours). In oral fluid, 4‐FA could also be detected for 12 hours and concentrations were higher than in serum. During the first 3 hours after ingestion concentrations were higher, most probably due to oral contamination. Serum concentrations in forensic cases were in the range of those observed in the present study suggesting dosages in recreational use in the range of those tested here.

Conclusions

The pharmacokinetic properties of 4‐FA are similar to that of amphetamine including a marked variation in elimination. However, recreational dosages may already exhibit prominent adverse effects and may even have life‐threatening consequences.
Reactivity of an Unusual Divalent Chromium Aggregate Supported by a Multifunctional Bis(pyrazolate) Pincer Ligand
Authors: Labrum Nicholas S. , Pink Maren , Chen Chun‐Hsing , Caulton Kenneth G.
Published: March 2019

Reaction of Cr[N(SiMe3)2]2(THF)2 with equimolar bis‐pyrazolylpyridine, H2L, yields a product of empirical formula CrL. The kinetic product is [CrL]2, which transforms into the thermodynamic product, the S4 symmetric tetramer [CrL]4, with aggregation by bridging via half of the pyrazolate β‐nitrogen atoms. Dimeric [CrL]2 reacts with DMAP (4‐dimethylamino pyridine) to form square pyramidal LCr(DMAP)2, which weakly binds a third DMAP at low temperatures; that weak binding is associated with the Jahn–Teller effect which already weakens the axial Cr/DMAP bond in LCr(DMAP)2. To confirm its dimeric character, reaction of [CrL]2 with bis‐triphenyl iminium salt of chloride is shown to give the C2 symmetric anion [L2Cr2Cl]–. Reaction of phenol with [CrL]2 in the presence of adventitious water occurs with oxidation of half of the chromium, forming the hydroxyl‐bridged mixed‐valent species [(HL)(L)Cr2(µ‐OH)(OPh)(OH2)], containing five coordinate Cr(II) and six coordinate Cr(III); this multifunctional molecule exhibits several examples of hydrogen bonding. Wholly analogous mixed valent products [(HL)(L)Cr2(µ‐OH)(RCOO)(OH2)] are formed and characterized for benzoic and naphthoic acids. With naphthol, another mixed valent product, containing CrIICrIII, is obtained and characterized. This proton responsive reactivity is generalized to a number of acids HX, to yield mixed valent chromium aggregates where some protons are on pyrazole, and others have been reduced to H2, which is released; in every case the conjugate base of HX binds to the otherwise unsaturated Cr. Mechanistic aspects of reduction of protons to H2 exhibited here are analyzed for their impact on this conversion using various reduced chromium species.
Sowing date and sowing method influence on camelina cultivars grain yield, oil concentration, and biodiesel production
Authors: Neupane Dhurba , Solomon Juan K. Q. , Mclennon Everald , Davison Jason , Lawry Tom
Published: March 2019

Sowing date and sowing method can have a profound influence on the productivity of alternative crops like camelina in semiarid agroecosystems. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of sowing date, sowing method, and cultivar on morphology, phenology, grain yield, oil concentration, oil, and biodiesel production of camelina. A 2‐year study was carried out at the University of Nevada, Reno Main Station Field Laboratory, during the spring to early summer of 2016 and 2017. Treatments were two sowing dates (SD) of 18 March 2016 (early SD) and 17 April 2016 (late SD) in Year 1 and 11 April 2017 (early SD) and 11 May 2017 (late SD) in Year 2. The change in SD in the second year was due to the excessively wet field condition preventing land preparation and sowing. There were two sowing methods (SM) imposed (broadcast and drill) and three cultivars of camelina (Blaine Creek, Columbia, and Pronghorn) arranged in a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial in a randomized complete block design experiment with four replications. Responses were considered different if p < 0.05. Grain yield of camelina was influenced by SD in Year 1 and SD × SM interaction in Year 2. In Year 1, grain yield was greater for early (921 kg/ha) compared to late SD (503 kg/ha, SE = 101). In Year 2, for early SD grain yield was not different between SM (average = 594 kg/ha), but for late, it was greater for drill (676 kg/ha) than broadcast (130 kg/ha, SE = 75). For broadcast SM, grain yield was greater for early (587 kg/ha) compared to late SD (130 kg/ha, SE = 75), but for drill SM, grain yield was not different between SD (average = 639 kg/ha). Oil concentration was affected by SD in both years, and in Year 1, for example, it was greater for early (295 g/kg) versus late SD (284 g/kg SE = 2.7). Both oil and biodiesel production followed a similar pattern to grain yield in this study. Based on the magnitude of differences observed in both years of this study, late SD and broadcast sowing are not viable options for farmers who want to venture into camelina production in Nevada.
Relationship Between PNPLA3 rs738409 Polymorphism and Decreased Kidney Function in Children With NAFLD
Authors: Targher Giovanni , Mantovani Alessandro , Alisi Anna , Mosca Antonella , Panera Nadia , Byrne Christopher D. , Nobili Valerio
Published: March 2019

Emerging evidence suggests that patatin‐like phospholipase domain–containing protein‐3 (PNPLA3) rs738409 genotype (the major genetic variant associated with susceptibility to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD]) is associated with decreased kidney function in adults. Currently, it is uncertain whether this association also occurs in children/adolescents and whether any association is independent of liver disease severity. We enrolled a sample of 142 Caucasian children and adolescents with biopsy‐proven NAFLD, presenting to the Liver Unit of the “Bambino Gesù” Children's Hospital. The glomerular filtration rate (e‐GFR) was estimated using the Bedside Schwartz equation, whereas 24‐hour proteinuria was measured using a radioimmunoassay method. Genotyping for the PNPLA3 rs738409 genotype was undertaken using the single‐nucleotide polymorphism genotyping allelic discrimination method. Overall, 45 children had G/G, 56 had G/C, and 41 had C/C PNPLA3 rs738409 genotype, respectively. Children with G/G genotype had significantly lower e‐GFR (107.5 ± 20 versus 112.8 ± 18 versus 125.3 ± 23 mL/min/1.73 m2, P = 0.002) and higher 24‐hour proteinuria (58.5 ± 21 versus 53.9 ± 22 versus 42.9 ± 20 mg/day, P = 0.012) compared with those with either G/C or C/C genotypes. After adjustment for age, sex, systolic blood pressure, measures of adiposity, homeostasis model assessment–estimated insulin resistance and biopsy‐confirmed nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and stage of liver fibrosis, the presence of rs738409 G/G genotype was independently associated with both lower e‐GFR (β coefficient: −23.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −36.3 to −10.8; P < 0.001) and higher 24‐hour proteinuria (β coefficient: 15.3; 95% CI: 1.12 to 30.5; P = 0.046). Conclusion: Regardless of established renal risk factors and the histological severity of NAFLD, the PNPLA3 G/G genotype was strongly associated with decreasing kidney function and increasing 24‐hour proteinuria in children/adolescents with histologically confirmed NAFLD.
An ensemble approach for the analysis of extreme rainfall under climate change in Naples (Italy)
Authors: Padulano Roberta , Reder Alfredo , Rianna Guido
Published: March 2019

In the present paper, an ensemble approach is proposed to estimate possible modifications caused by climate changes in the extreme precipitation regime, with the rain gauge Napoli Servizio Idrografico (Naples, Italy) chosen as test case. The proposed research, focused on the analysis of extremes on the basis of climate model simulations and rainfall observations, is structured in several consecutive steps. In the first step, all the dynamically downscaled EURO‐CORDEX simulations at about 12 km horizontal resolution are collected for the current period 1971–2000 and the future period 2071–2100, for the RCP4.5 and the RCP8.5 concentration scenarios. In the second step, the significance of climate change effects on extreme precipitation is statistically tested by comparing current and future simulated data and bias‐correction is performed by means of a novel approach based on a combination of simple delta change and quantile delta mapping, in compliance with the storm index method. In the third step, two different ensemble models are proposed, accounting for the variabilities given by the use of different climate models and for their hindcast performances. Finally, the ensemble models are used to build novel intensity–duration–frequency curves, and their effects on the early warning system thresholds for the area of interest are evaluated.
A protocol for processing the delicate larval and prepupal salivary glands ofDrosophilafor scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Beňová‐Liszeková Denisa , Beňo Milan , Farkaš Robert
Published: March 2019

Although scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has been broadly used for the examination of fixed whole insects or their hard exoskeleton‐derived structures, including model organisms such asDrosophila, the routine use of SEM to evaluate vulnerable soft internal organs and tissues was often hampered by their fragile nature and frequent surface contamination. Here, we describe a simple four‐step protocol that allows for the reliable and reproducible preparation of the larval and prepupal salivary glands (SGs) ofDrosophilafor SEM devoid of any surface contamination. The steps are to: first, proteolytically digest the adhering fat body; second, use detergent washes to remove contaminating coarse tissue fragments, including sticky remnants of the fat body; third, use nonionic emulsifying polysorbate emulsifiers to remove fine contaminants from the SGs surface; and fourth, use aminopolycarboxylate‐based chelating agents to detach sessile hemocytes. Short but repeated rinses in 100 μL of a saline‐based buffer between steps ensure efficient removal of remnants removed by each treatment. After these steps, the SGs are fixed in glutaraldehyde, postfixed in osmium tetroxide, dehydrated, critically point‐dried, mounted on aluminum stubs, sputter coated with gold–palladium alloy and examined in the SEM.
Comparative study of the outcome between alcohol and gallstone pancreatitis in a high‐volume tertiary care center
Authors: Samanta Jayanta , Dhaka Narendra , Gupta Pankaj , Singh Anupam K , Yadav Thakur D , Gupta Vikas , Sinha Saroj K , Kochhar Rakesh
Published: March 2019

Background and Aim

The two most common etiologies of acute pancreatitis (AP) are alcohol and gallstone. Whether etiology contributes to the outcome in patients with AP is an unresolved issue, more so in the severe form of the disease. The aim is to study the effects of the etiological factors of alcohol and gallstone on the disease course and the role of etiology in the subgroup of severe AP.

Methods

Consecutive patients of AP with alcohol or gallstone etiology were included. Various severity parameters and various outcome measures, such as need for organ support, intensive care, surgical or radiological intervention, hospital stay, and mortality, were evaluated between the two groups.

Results

Of the 759 patients, alcoholic pancreatitis was seen in 368 (48.5%), while gallstone disease was observed in 246 (32.4%). Gallstone pancreatitis occurred in older age (P < 0.0001), had a higher female predilection (P < 0.001), and a higher body mass index (P = 0.002) compared to alcohol pancreatitis. Both groups were similar in terms of development of various organ failures and various severity assessment scores. Alcoholic AP had higher rates of necrosis (P = 0.05) and the need for percutaneous catheter drainage (P = 0.02). Outcome measures such as length of hospital stay, need for intensive care, organ support, surgical intervention, or mortality were similar between the two groups. Subset analysis of severe AP (303 patients) showed no difference between the two etiologies with regard to outcome.

Conclusion

The outcome of AP was independent of the etiology of the disease, alcohol or gallstone, and more so in the severe form of the disease. The number of local complications tends to be slightly higher in the alcoholic group.
Synthesis, Modification, and Anticonvulsant Activity of 3′‐R1‐Spiro[indoline‐3,6′‐[1,2,4]triazino[2,3‐c]quinazolin]‐2,2′(7′H)‐diones Derivatives
Authors: Voskoboynik Oleksii Y. , Kolomoets Oleksandra S. , Nosulenko Inna S. , Berest Galina G. , Bilyi Andrii K. , Karpenko Oleksandr V. , Belenichev Igor F. , Kovalenko Sergiy I.
Published: March 2019

Previously unknown 3′‐R1‐5‐R2‐spiro[indoline‐3,6′‐[1,2,4]triazino[2,3‐c]quinazoline]‐2,2′‐(7′H)‐diones and their N‐substituted analogues were obtained via reaction of 6‐R1‐3‐(2‐aminophenyl)‐1,2,4‐triazin‐5‐ones with isatin and its substituted derivatives. It was shown that alkylation of 3′‐R1‐5‐R2‐spiro[indoline‐3,6′‐[1,2,4]triazino[2,3‐c]quinazolin]‐2,2′‐(7′H)‐diones by N‐R3‐chloroacetamides or chloroacetonitrile in the presence of а base proceeds by N‐1 atom of isatin fragment. The spectral properties (1H and 13C NMR spectra) of synthesized compounds were studied, and features of spectral patterns were discussed. The high‐effective anticonvulsant and radical scavenging agents among 3′‐R1‐5‐R2‐spiro[indoline‐3,6′‐[1,2,4]triazino[2,3‐c]quinazolin]‐2,2′(7′H)‐diones and their N‐substituted derivatives were detected. It was shown that compounds 2.2, 2.8, and 3.1 exceed or compete the activity of the most widely used in modern neurology drug—lamotrigine on the pentylenetetrazole‐induced seizures model. The aforementioned fact may be considered as a reason for further profound study of synthesized compounds using other pathology models.
An empirical investigation of transaction dynamics in online surplus networks: A complex adaptive system perspective
Authors: Dhanorkar Suvrat , Kim Yusoon , Linderman Kevin
Published: March 2019

Online material and waste exchanges (OMWEs) provide an online platform connecting suppliers of surplus material with potential buyers. These exchanges aim to improve the environment by helping industrial organizations repurpose surplus material and avoid landfill disposal. OMWEs represent an emerging surplus‐driven supply network, which exhibits different internal complexities and dynamics from traditional supply networks, with similarly distinct transactional patterns and outcomes. Drawing on complex adaptive system (CAS) theory, this study investigates how the complex network adapts to alter the likelihood of transactions between buyers and suppliers. Using data from MNExchange.org, an OMWE operating in the US state of Minnesota, we observe that, at the node level, buyers adapt their searches for products over time to increase transaction success; at the dyadic level, buyer–supplier pairing patterns adapt over time through homophilous relations to facilitate negotiations and increase transaction success; and at the network level, the entire exchange system structurally self‐organizes to increase transaction rates. Throughout, buyers’ competition influences transaction success, contingent on whether the product has been on the market for a long time, and buyers with more experience more quickly identify favorable conditions (among products and suppliers) leading to higher transaction success than less experienced competitors. Overall, the results demonstrate multilevel network emergence, in which complex, adaptive, and longitudinal buyer–supplier interactions resolve uncertainty and increase transactions. These findings disentangle OMWEs' operation to allow managers and policymakers to increase the overall buyer–supplier transaction rates with an eye toward improved environmental outcomes.
Metabolic responses of osteochondral allografts to re‐warming
Authors: Stoker Aaron M. , Caldwell Katherine M. , Stannard James P. , Cook James L.
Published: March 2019

Symptomatic chondral and osteochondral defects affect a large and growing number of patients. A safe and effective surgical treatment for large articular defects is osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation. One of the major causes of failure for OCA transplantation is loss of essential chondrocyte viability during the preservation and storage period. It is also possible that metabolic responses of the OCA when transitioning from storage temperature to body temperature may contribute to mechanisms causing failure. The present study was designed to compare MOPSSM‐preserved OCAs to those stored using the current standard of care (SOC) method with respect to metabolic responses when rewarmed for transplantation to and maintenance at body temperature (37°C). It was theorized that grafts stored using the MOPSSM protocol would maintain significantly higher chondrocyte viability and produce significantly lower levels of inflammatory mediators and degradative enzymes, and significantly higher levels of chemokines compared to grafts stored using the SOC protocol. Left over SOC and MOPSSM‐stored OCA tissues were collected after surgery, and cartilage explants were cultured for 6 days. Media was analyzed for biomarkers using commercially available assays. Cartilage from SOC grafts released significantly higher levels of PGE2, MMP‐1, MMP‐2, and MMP‐13, and significantly lower levels of IL‐8 and Gro‐α, compared to cartilage from MOPSSM‐stored grafts. Clinical significance: These data suggest that OCAs stored using the MOPSSM protocol have potentially less detrimental initial inflammatory and degradative responses to re‐warming for transplantation compared to OCAs stored using the current tissue bank protocols. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:1530–1536, 2019.
Lock‐in detection in Raman spectroscopy with charge‐shifting CCD for suppression of fast varying backgrounds
Authors: Sowoidnich Kay , Towrie Michael , Matousek Pavel
Published: March 2019

The susceptibility to unwanted light interference significantly limits the potential of Raman spectroscopy by often restricting its applications to environments with controlled ambient light exposure. To overcome this issue, which is particularly relevant to portable, in‐field Raman instrumentation, we present an approach based on fast optical lock‐in detection using a charge‐shifting charge‐coupled device operation, with charge retention on the chip, for the rejection of varying ambient light interference. In proof‐of‐concept experiments we used polytetrafluoroethylene as a test sample and Raman spectra were recorded at 830‐nm excitation in the presence of fluorescent or incandescent ambient light. Results demonstrate that the charge‐shifting read‐out mode (carried out at 1,000 Hz) has a significant benefit over conventional read‐out (limited in practice often to ≲10 Hz) in terms of the removal of dynamically changing ambient light background contributions from Raman spectra. Library‐based spectral matching revealed superior reconstruction performance and improved reproducibility for individual spectra obtained using the charge‐shifting mode, particularly for interfering lights with spectrally narrow lines and spatially inhomogeneous emission profiles. The approach overcomes fundamental technical limitations of conventional charge‐coupled device operation and is of particular benefit to mobile Raman systems used in the field in the presence of dynamically changing background light conditions.
Comparison of clinical courses and mortality of connective tissue disease‐associated interstitial pneumonias and chronic fibrosing idiopathic interstitial pneumonias
Authors: Yıldırım Fatma , Türk Murat , Bitik Berivan , Erbaş Gonca , Köktürk Nurdan , Haznedaroğlu Şeminur , Türktaş Haluk
Published: March 2019

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common pulmonary manifestation of connective tissue diseases (CTD). Prognostic effect of radiological usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern in CTD‐associated interstitial lung disease (CTD‐ILD) is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the disease progression and mortality of patients with CTD‐ILD and idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIP) including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and idiopathic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia and the prognostic impact of the radiological UIP pattern on both disease groups. The medical records of 91 patients (55 with CTD‐ILD and 36 with IIP) diagnosed with ILD at pulmonary medicine department, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University from 2004 to 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients included whose baseline high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans showed either a UIP or non‐UIP pattern. While 67.3% (n = 37) of CTD‐ILD patients possessed UIP pattern, 38.9% (n = 14) of IIP patients had UIP pattern in HRCT. Respiratory functions including the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), functional vital capacity (FVC), and transfer coefficient for carbon monoxide (diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide [DLCO]) of IIP group at the time of diagnosis were significantly lower than CTD‐ILD group (P = .007, P = .002, and P = .019, respectively). There was no significant survival difference between CTD‐ILD and IIP by using the log‐rank test (P = .76). Multivariate analysis revealed that UIP pattern in HRCT (Hazard ratio: 1.85; 95% Confidence interval = 1.14‐3; P = .013), annual FVC (Hazard ratio: 0.521; 95% Confidence interval = 0.32‐0.84; P = .007), and annual DLCO declines (Hazard ratio: 0.943; 95% Confidence interval = 0.897‐0.991; P = .02) were independent risk factors for mortality in both CTD‐ILD and IIP groups. We found that UIP pattern in HRCT and annual losses in respiratory functions were the main determinants of prognosis of ILDs either idiopathic or CTD‐associated.
The Effects of Liver Transplantation in Children With Niemann‐Pick Disease Type B
Authors: Liu Yuan , Luo Yi , Xia Lei , Qiu Bijun , Zhou Tao , Feng Mingxuan , Xue Feng , Chen Xiaosong , Han Longzhi , Zhang Jianjun , Xia Qiang
Published: March 2019

We evaluated the effects of liver transplantation (LT) in children with Niemann‐Pick disease (NPD) type B. From October 2006 to October 2018, 7 of 1512 children who received LT at Ren Ji Hospital were diagnosed as NPD type B. The median age at diagnosis was 12 months (6‐14 months) with initial presentations of hepatosplenomegaly, growth retardation, repeated pneumonia, and diarrhea. Even after comprehensive supporting treatments, all patients developed liver dysfunction, severe interstitial pulmonary disease, compromised lung function, and hypersplenism, with hypertriglyceridemia in 4 patients. They were transferred to our hospital for transplantation (median age, 6.5 years; range, 2.2‐8.6 years). Among them, 4 patients received living donor LT, and 3 received whole‐liver orthotopic LT. Splenectomy was conducted spontaneously. All patients are alive with a median follow‐up of 10 months (range, 5‐53 months). Liver function normalized within 3 weeks after transplantation and maintained stability. Thrombocytopenia and leukopenia were cured, as was hypertriglyceridemia. Strikingly, pulmonary disease was relieved after transplantation, as evidenced by resolution of interstitial lung disease and restored lung function. Bronchitis occurred only once among the 3 patients with a quick recovery during follow‐up. Catch‐up growth was observed in all patients, especially in 1 male patient, as his height z score increased from −3.9 to −1 at 4 years after transplantation. Patients with follow‐up longer than 10 months indicated significant psychomotor ability improvement. Hypotonia was relieved in 4 patients after transplantation. However, intelligence developmental delay still existed in 4 patients during the follow‐up. Three of them have been receiving intelligence recovery therapy, although the longterm effect needs more investigation. In conclusion, LT is a safe and effective treatment for patients with NPD type B with severe liver and pulmonary dysfunction.
Phosphonylation Controls the Protein Corona of Multifunctional Polyglycerol‐Modified Nanocarriers
Authors: Danner Ann‐Kathrin , Schöttler Susanne , Alexandrino Evandro , Hammer Sophie , Landfester Katharina , Mailänder Volker , Morsbach Svenja , Frey Holger , Wurm Frederik R.
Published: March 2019

Nanocarriers are a platform for modern drug delivery. In contact with blood, proteins adsorb to nanocarriers, altering their behavior in vivo. To reduce unspecific protein adsorption and unspecific cellular uptake, nanocarriers are modified with hydrophilic polymers like poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). However, with PEG the attachment of further functional structures such as targeting units is limited. A method to introduce multifunctionality via polyglycerol (PG) while maintaining the hydrophilicity of PEG is introduced. Different amounts of negatively charged phosphonate groups (up to 29 mol%) are attached to the multifunctional PGs (Mn 2–4 kg mol−1, Ð < 1.36) by post‐modification. PGs are used in the miniemulsion/solvent evaporation procedure to prepare model nanocarriers. Their behavior in human blood plasma is investigated to determine the influence of the negative charges on the protein adsorption. The protein corona of PGylated nanocarriers is similar to PEGylated analogs (on same nanocarriers), but the protein pattern could be gradually altered by the integration of phosphonates. This is the first report on the gradual increase of negative charges on nanocarriers and intriguingly up to a certain amount of phosphonate groups per nanocarrier the protein pattern remains relatively unchanged, which is important for the future design of nanocarriers.
Corrosion testing on steel reinforced XD3 concrete samples prepared with a green inhibitor and two different superplasticizers
Authors: Abbas Abdulsada Shaymaa , Fazakas Éva , Török Tamás I.
Published: March 2019

In recent years, the use of corrosion inhibitors in producing high‐performance steel reinforced concrete structures has increased significantly to minimize the chloride and sulfate attacks. However, most inhibitors available in the market are toxic to the environment. Hence, one objective of the present investigation was to test a novel, eco‐friendly, so‐called green inhibitor extracted from a fruit waste (orange peel), and its effects were studied on the compression strength of the XD3 type concrete samples. The inhibitor was added to the concrete mix in concentrations of 1% and 3% by weight of cement in addition to two different superplasticizers (Mapei Dynamon SR 31, Budapest, Hungary and Oxydtron, Hungary). The test results on steel reinforced samples immersed in 3.5 wt% NaCl aqueous solutions at room temperature showed promising corrosion mitigating effects just after 6 months testing period. The lower corrosion currents (i.e., better corrosion resistance) after 6 months immersion were observed when the samples contained both green inhibitor and Oxydtron superplasticizer, especially with sample C2 (in this case 3% green inhibitor was added to the mixture of cement + Oxydtron superplasticizer).
Failure mechanism of MCrAlY coating at the coating‐substrate interface under type I hot corrosion
Authors: Zhang Pimin , Peng Ru Lin , Li Xin‐Hai
Published: March 2019

MCrAlY coatings are widely used to provide protection of hot component in modern gas turbine engines against high‐temperature oxidation and hot corrosion. Coating‐substrate interface, where the substrate is only partially covered by the ﻿coatings, is vulnerable to the hot corrosion attack. The accelerated degradation at the coating‐substrate interface can cause fast spallation of the coating, leading to the early failure of the gas turbine components. In this paper, MCrAlY powder was deposited on IN792 disks by high‐velocity oxygen‐fuel spraying. The hot corrosion behavior of the coated sample was investigated using (0.8Na, 0.2K)2SO
4 salt deposition at 900°C in lab air. Results showed a minor attack in the coating center, however, an accelerated corrosion attack at the coating‐substrate interface. The fast growth of corrosion products from substrate caused large local volume expansions at the coating‐substrate interface, resulting in an early coating spallation.
Effect of seawater constituents on the performance of thermal spray aluminum in marine environments
Authors: Echaniz Rosa G. , Paul Shiladitya , Thornton Rob
Published: March 2019

Thermally sprayed coatings are often used to mitigate corrosion of offshore structures. They act as a physical barrier to the aggressive marine environment and as a sacrificial distributed anode for low carbon steel. In such environments, the severity of material degradation depends on many factors. The effect of temperature, exposure time or the presence of micro‐organisms are the focus of many studies, for example, however, the effect of the different ions present in seawater remains largely unexplored. The chemical composition of the water changes considerably depending on the location; industrial, glacial, estuarine, and so forth. In addition, when thermal spray aluminum (TSA) protects steel in seawater, calcareous matter precipitates as a result of the cathodic polarization and subsequent localized increase in pH. Therefore, understanding how ions such as magnesium (II), calcium (II), or carbonates alter the coating properties in the marine environment is important. This paper reports the experimental work carried out with TSA‐coated steel samples with defects to simulate mechanical damage or erosion of the coating. The combination of electrochemical tests and surface characterization provided evidence of the efficiency of the calcareous bilayer that forms on top of steel reducing the TSA degradation.
Microspheres with Tunable Porosity Based on Reactive Block Copolymer: Preparation and Vapor‐Healing Behavior
Authors: Deng Yuanming , Tan Shaoling , Zhao Xiaoman , Yu Junyan , Tang Jiaoning
Published: March 2019

Herein, a simple route to prepare porous microspheres with tuned pore structure and potential functionality based on epoxy functionalized block copolymers, poly hydroxypropyl methacrylate‐b‐ poly glycidyl methacrylate (PHPMA‐b‐PGMA), through a water‐in‐oil‐in‐water (W/O/W) double emulsion is reported. The effect of surfactant concentration and the composition of block copolymers are investigated. The solvent vapor swelling behavior of porous microspheres before and after cross‐linking is studied. It is interesting that after the swelling, the cross‐linked open pores are self‐healed to form closed pores, whereas the uncross‐linked ones are collapsed. It is believed that this observation will be useful in guest carrying and control release, and find its application in biomedical and pharmaceuticals.
Genetic mimics of cerebral palsy
Authors: Pearson Toni S. , Pons Roser , Ghaoui Roula , Sue Carolyn M.
Published: March 2019

The term “cerebral palsy mimic” is used to describe a number of neurogenetic disorders that may present with motor symptoms in early childhood, resulting in a misdiagnosis of cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy describes a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by onset in infancy or early childhood of motor symptoms (including hypotonia, spasticity, dystonia, and chorea), often accompanied by developmental delay. The primary etiology of a cerebral palsy syndrome should always be identified if possible. This is particularly important in the case of genetic or metabolic disorders that have specific disease‐modifying treatment. In this article, we discuss clinical features that should alert the clinician to the possibility of a cerebral palsy mimic, provide a practical framework for selecting and interpreting neuroimaging, biochemical, and genetic investigations, and highlight selected conditions that may present with predominant spasticity, dystonia/chorea, and ataxia. Making a precise diagnosis of a genetic disorder has important implications for treatment, and for advising the family regarding prognosis and genetic counseling. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
JNK signaling in cancer cell survival
Authors: Wu Qinghua , Wu Wenda , Fu Bishi , Shi Lei , Wang Xu , Kuca Kamil
Published: March 2019

c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) is involved in cancer cell apoptosis; however, emerging evidence indicates that this Janus signaling promotes cancer cell survival. JNK acts synergistically with NF‐κB, JAK/STAT, and other signaling molecules to exert a survival function. JNK positively regulates autophagy to counteract apoptosis, and its effect on autophagy is related to the development of chemotherapeutic resistance. The prosurvival effect of JNK may involve an immune evasion mechanism mediated by transforming growth factor‐β, toll‐like receptors, interferon‐γ, and autophagy, as well as compensatory JNK‐dependent cell proliferation. The present review focuses on recent advances in understanding the prosurvival function of JNK and its role in tumor development and chemoresistance, including a comprehensive analysis of the molecular mechanisms underlying JNK‐mediated cancer cell survival. There is a focus on the specific “Yin and Yang” functions of JNK1 and JNK2 in the regulation of cancer cell survival. We highlight recent advances in our knowledge of the roles of JNK in cancer cell survival, which may provide insight into the distinct functions of JNK in cancer and its potential for cancer therapy.
Outcomes of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria in the pediatric age group in a resource‐constrained setting
Authors: Halder Rohan , Mishra Priyanka , Aggarwal Mukul , Mannivanan Prabhu , Dhawan Rishi , Seth Tulika , Tyagi Seema , Mahapatra Manoranjan , Pati Hara P. , Saxena Renu
Published: March 2019

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare acquired clonal stem cell disorder. Eculizumab and bone marrow transplantation are disease‐modifying treatments for PNH but may not be readily available in resource‐constrained settings. Of 52 pediatric patients with PNH, 20 had classical PNH and 32 had PNH/aplastic anemia (PNH/AA). Median time to diagnosis was 30 months in classical PNH patients. Renal failure was present in four patients (20%). Six (30%) achieved complete response, 10 (50%) achieved partial response with androgens in classical PNH. Two underwent allogenic stem cell transplantation. In the PNH/AA group, 16 (50%) were in CR and seven (21%) were in PR with anti‐thymocyte globulin ± cyclosporine.
Base‐Free Tandem Cyclooxidative Synthesis of Quinazolinones with GdxMn–ZnO (M= Mo, V, W) Catalysts
Authors: Hase Dattatraya V. , Jayaram Radha V. , Thirumalai Kuppulingam , Swaminathan Meenakshisundaram
Published: March 2019

In the present study, ZnO modified with rare earth oxides GdxMn; M=Mo, V, W) were synthesized by hydrothermal process and their catalytic activity was tested in an oxidative cyclization reaction for the selective synthesis of quinazolinones. The catalysts were characterized by various techniques such as BET surface area analysis, XRD, SEM‐EDX, DSC‐TGA, ICP‐MS and elemental color mapping. 5 wt% Gd2MoO6/ZnO exhibited good catalytic activity and gave 60–91% of Quinazolin‐4(3H) ones in toluene. The catalysts could be reused at least four times without loss of catalytic activity.
Calcium Chloride Activation of Mung Bean: A Low‐Cost, Green Route to N‐Doped Porous Carbon for Supercapacitors
Authors: Zhong Guoyu , Xie Haomin , Xu Zhihao , Xu Sanyou , Xu Shurui , Cai Zhuodi , Fu Xiaobo , Liao Wenbo , Miao Rongrong
Published: March 2019

N‐doped porous carbons were prepared from mung bean flour by chemical activation with calcium chloride and urea. Adjusting the precursor and preparation temperature had significant effect on the graphitization, specific surface area, porosity and surface chemical composition of the porous carbons. The material prepared from the mixture of mung bean flour, urea, and calcium chloride at 800 °C was the optimal sample. It exhibited an excellent specific capacitance (247.2 F g−1 at 2 mV s−1 and 300.5 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, respectively), outstanding rate performance (178.6 F g−1 at 200 and 225 F g−1 at 100 A g−1, respectively) and good durability (93.2 and 97.5% capacitance retention after 10000 cyclic voltammograms and 2000 galvanostatic charge/discharge, respectively) in 6 M KOH. The structure‐performance relationships reveal that the excellent specific capacitance of this sample arises from its plentiful porosities, abundant doped‐N and high carbonation.
Optimization of the Spray Drying Process of the Esterified Plantain Starch by Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Chávez‐Salazar Andres , Castellanos‐Galeano Francisco J. , Álvarez‐Barreto Cristina I. , Bello‐Pérez Luis A. , Cortés‐Rodríguez Misael , Hoyos‐Leyva Javier D.
Published: March 2019

The response surface methodology, with a rotatable central composite design, is used in this study for optimizing spray drying process conditions to obtain a fine modified starch powder from “Dominico Hartón” plantains, which are chemically modified with 2‐octenyl‐succinic anhydride. A pilot‐scale spray dryer is used, and the following process factors are evaluated: (A) air inlet temperature (136–154 °C), (B) air outlet temperature (69–81 °C), and (C) rotational atomizer speed (17666–34333 rpm). The response variables are yield, moisture content, and functional properties such as water absorption index (WAI); water solubility index (WSI), swelling power (SP) and degree of substitution (DS). The factors B and C significantly influence the functional properties. The following are the optimal conditions from the process: factor (A), 150 °C; factor (B), 80 °C; and factor (C), 34 858 rpm, with the desirability of 56.7%. Under these optimal conditions, chemically modified plantain starch with desirable quality properties of low moisture content, water activity, and solubility index and high process yield, water absorption index, swelling power, and degree of substitution could be produced.
Gender-Affirming Hormone Treatment Induces Facial Feminization in Transwomen and Masculinization in Transmen: Quantification by 3D Scanning and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures
Authors: Tebbens Marieke , Nota Nienke M. , Liberton Niels P.T.J. , Meijer Brigitte A. , Kreukels Baudewijntje P.C. , Forouzanfar Tim , Verdaasdonk Rudolf M. , den Heijer Martin
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Hormone treatment induces feminization of the body in transwomen and masculinization in transmen. However, the effect of hormone treatment on facial characteristics is still unknown.

Aim

We aimed to study whether hormone treatment induces facial feminization and masculinization and how this potential change affects satisfaction and self-esteem.

Methods

In this single-center cohort study, we included 27 transwomen and 15 transmen who received standardized hormone treatment in the Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam. Facial 3-dimensional images were obtained at baseline and at 3 and 12 months. At each image, 22 facial landmarks were placed. Furthermore, the FACE-Q Satisfaction with Facial Appearance Overall and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale were obtained at the same measurement points.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome measures included the relative local shift of skin in millimeters in the 22 landmarks in the transverse (x-axis), coronal (y-axis), and sagittal (z-axis) anatomic axes, the color maps, and the outcomes of the questionnaires.

Results

After 12 months, cheek tissue in transwomen increased, with 0.50 mm (95% CI 0.04–0.96) in the x-axis and 1.08 mm (95% CI 0.31–1.85) in the z-axis. Tissue in the jaws decreased with –0.60 mm (95% CI –1.28–0.08) in the x-axis and –0.18 mm (95% CI –0.03–0.33) in the y-axis. Cheek tissue in transmen decreased with –0.45 mm (95% CI –1.00–0.11) in the x-axis and –0.84 mm (95% CI –1.92–0.25) in the z-axis. These changes already started after 3 months. An increase in satisfaction with the facial appearance was found in both transwomen and transmen. There were no changes in reported self-esteem.

Clinical implication

These results could lead to more realistic expectations of facial changes. Furthermore, our results suggest that the face continues to change for at least a year, which could suggest that performing facial feminization surgery after 1 year of hormone treatment might be too early.

Strength & Limitations

This study is the first that provides insight into the facial changes in transgender individuals receiving hormone treatment, and it introduces an objective method to examine (small) facial changes. Our study is limited by the poor reliability of the landmarks, the difficulty of facial fixation, and the lack of gender-specific questions in the questionnaires.

Conclusions

Hormone treatment in transwomen induces an increase in cheek tissue and a decrease in jaw tissue. In transmen a tendency of decrease in cheek tissue and an increase in jaw tissue was found. These changes are in the direction of the desired gender.
3265 Analysis of High-Dimensional Patient Data in Characterizing Alzheimer’s Disease Progression
Authors: Baer Daniel , Lawson Andrew B. , Vaughan Brandon , Joseph Jane E.
Published: March 2019

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: Our research hypothesis is that resting state fMRI (rsfMRI) data can be used to identify regions of the brain which are associated with cognitive decline in patients – thereby providing a tool by which to characterize AD progression in patients. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We used data from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) to analyze Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) questionnaire scores from 14 patients diagnosed with AD at two measurement occasions. RsfMRI data was available at the first of these occasions for these patients. These rsfMRI data were summarized into 264 node-based graph theory measures of clustering coefficient and eigenvector centrality. To address our research hypothesis, we modeled changes in patient MMSE scores over time as a function of these rsfMRI data, controlling for relevant confounding factors. This model accounted for the high-dimensionality of our predictor data, the longitudinal nature of the outcome, and our desire to identify a subset of regions in the brain most associated with the MMSE outcome. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: The use of either the clustering coefficient or eigenvector centrality rsfMRI predictors in modeling MMSE scores for patients over time resulted in the identification of different subsets of brain regions associated with cognitive decline. This suggests that these predictors capture different information on patient propensity for cognitive decline. Further work is warranted to validate these results on a larger sample of ADNI patients. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: We conclude that different rsfMRI graph theory measures capture different aspects of cognitive function and decline in patients, which could be a future consideration in clinical practice.
3178 Effects of Motor Skill Training vs. Strength and Flexibility Exercise on Functional Limitations, Pain, and Movement Characteristics in People with Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Hooker Quenten L , Roles Kristen , Lanier Vanessa M. , Van Dillen Linda R.
Published: March 2019

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: Compare the short- and long-term effects of 2 treatments, MST and SF, on limitations in function, pain, and movement characteristics. The movement characteristics included the amount of early excursion (1st half of decent) of the knee, hip, and lumbar spine during a functional activity test of picking up an object. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: 154 participants were randomized to 6, 1-hour treatment sessions (once/week for 6 weeks) of MST or SF. The MST group received individualized training to modify pain-provoking altered movement patterns during functional activities. The SF group received exercises for trunk strength and trunk and limb flexibility. At baseline, post-treatment and 6-month follow-up participants completed the modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (MODQ, a functional limitation measure; 0-100%), the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS, average pain prior 7 days; 0-10) and a standardized pick up an object test, where sagittal plane knee, hip and lumbar spine excursion were calculated using 3D motion capture. A mixed model repeated measures ANOVA was used to examine the following effects: Treatment group (Tx), Time and Tx X Time for each self-report and movement variable. When the ANOVA was significant (p < 0.05), a priori planned contrasts were examined. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: There was a significant Tx X Time interaction (p < 0.01) for each outcome. Baseline: MST and SF were similar in MODQ scores [Δ 0.4% (−3.4 − 2.9)], NRS [Δ 0.0 (−0.6 − 0.6)], knee [Δ 2.2° (−6.7 − 2.5)], hip [Δ 0.4° (−2.9 − 2.5)], and lumbar spine [Δ 0.1° (−1.4 − 1.2)] early excursion. Post-Treatment: Both group’s MODQ and NRS scores decreased (p < 0.01), but MST had a greater reduction in MODQ scores [Δ −7.6% (−3.9 − −11.0)] and lower average NRS scores [Δ −0.8 (−0.1 − −1.4)] compared to SF. MST changed knee [Δ +18.6° (14.6 − 22.1)], hip [Δ +10.8° (8.5 − 13.1)], and lumbar spine [Δ −2.0° (−3.0 − −1.0)] early excursion, while SF did not change early joint excursion (all p > 0.72). 6-Month Follow-up: The differences between MST and SF were maintained for all outcomes (p > 0.26). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: MST was more effective at reducing functional limitations and pain and improving movement patterns during a functional activity compared to SF. For all variables, the differences identified during treatment between MST and SF were maintained at 6-month follow-up. Therefore compared to SF, MST that targets performance of altered movement patterns during functional activities appears to be superior for attaining and maintaining changes in functional limitations, pain, and movement characteristics in people with CLBP.