bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A combination of enhanced recovery after surgery and prehabilitation pathways improves perioperative outcomes and costs for robotic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Ploussard Guillaume , Almeras Christophe , Beauval Jean‐Baptiste , Gautier Jean‐Romain , Garnault Valérie , Frémont Natacha , Dallemagne Stéphanie , Loison Guillaume , Salin Ambroise , Tollon Christophe
Published: July 2020

Background

An enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway has shown benefit in oncologic surgery. However, literature is scarce regarding the impact of this pathway, alone or combined with prehabilitation (PreHab) programs, on outcomes after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

Methods

Included in this study were 507 consecutive patients undergoing RARP from 2014 to 2019. The primary endpoint was duration of hospital stay. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative blood loss, operative duration, readmission rate, and overall costs. Univariate and multivariate comparisons were performed according to the ERAS and PreHab program status.

Results

ERAS patients had shorter hospital stays (P < .001), reduced operative times (P < .001), and decreased blood loss (P < .001) in comparison with non‐ERAS patients. Shorter hospital stays were not associated with an increased readmission rate (7.9% [stable over time]; P = .757). Patients from an ERAS−/PreHab− group had a longer hospital stay (4.7 days) than those from an ERAS+/PreHab− group (3.5 days) and those from an ERAS+/PreHab+ group (1.6 days; P < .001). In a multivariate analysis, operative time and perioperative pathway (odds ratio for ERAS, 0.144; P < .001; odds ratio for ERAS and PreHab, 0.025; P < .001) were independently predictive for a prolonged length of stay (P < .001). Costs significantly decreased when ERAS and PreHab pathways were combined.

Conclusions

The implementation of ERAS and PreHab programs significantly changes the postoperative course of patients and may synergistically optimize RARP outcomes. The combination of these pathways improves patient recovery and is associated with reduced lengths of stay, blood loss, operative times, and costs without an increase in the postdischarge readmission rate.
The role of hydro‐environmental factors in Mayfly (Ephemeroptera, Insecta) community structure: Identifying threshold responses
Authors: Ramulifho Pfananani A. , Foord Stefan H. , Rivers‐Moore Nick A.
Published: July 2020

Freshwater organisms are threatened by changes in stream flow and water temperature regimes due to global climate change and anthropogenic activities. Threats include the disappearance of narrow‐tolerance species and loss of favorable thermal conditions for cold‐adapted organisms. Mayflies are an abundant and diverse indicator of river health that performs important functional roles. The relative importance of key hydro‐environmental factors such as water temperature and flow volumes in structuring these communities has rarely been explored in the tropical regions of Africa. Here, we investigate the response of mayfly species diversity to these factors in the Luvuvhu catchment, a strategic water source area in the arid northeastern region of South Africa. Mayfly larvae were sampled monthly in stones‐in‐current biotopes across 23 sites over a one‐year period. The relationship between these environmental drivers and mayfly diversity was modeled using linear mixed effects models (LMMs) and a model‐based multivariate approach. Threshold Indicator Taxa Analysis (TITAN) was used to model the response of mayfly species to important gradients and identify thresholds of change. Site‐specific characteristic were the most important predictor of mayfly diversity, and there was considerable variation over time, with mayfly diversity peaking during winter. Along this, gradient temperature was the best predictor of assemblage structure, with five out of six reliable indicator species being cold‐adapted, and a community threshold response at 19°C. Results support laboratory‐based thresholds of temperature for mayfly species survival and development, extending empirical evidence to include field‐based observations. Increased global (climate change) and local (riparian vegetation removal, impoundments) changes are predicted to have negative impacts on mayfly diversity and ultimately on ecosystem function.
Estimation of the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in Catalonia through two different registries: Pharmaceutical dispensing and diagnostic registration
Authors: Torrejón Sara , Vila Lluis , Soldevila Berta , Martín Montse , Puig‐Domingo Manel
Published: July 2020

Background

Population studies on the prevalence of thyroid dysfunctions are costly. The pharmacy dispensing (PDR) and diagnosis (DR) registers allow us to study the epidemiology of these pathologies in a simpler way. Our aims: 1/Estimate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in Catalonia based on data from the PDR and the DR, 2/to evaluate the concordance of the results obtained by both strategies.

Methods

The population studied was the one registered with the public health system in Catalonia(Catsalut). In the PDR analysis, the information obtained through the Pharmaceutical Provision file (during 2012, 2013, 2014) was used regarding the number of patients under treatment (NPT) (levothyroxine and antithyroid medication). The DR analysis (2014) was performed by ICD‐9 codes (hyperthyroidism 242 and hypothyroidism 243, 244).

Results

According to the NPT in the PDR analysis, the prevalence of treated hypothyroidism increased over 3 years: 2.81%(2012), 2.92%(2013) and 3.07%(2014) (P < .00001). The prevalence of hyperthyroidism in treatment was 0.14%(2012), 0.13%(2013) and 0.14%(2014). According to the DR analysis in 2014, the prevalence of hypothyroidism was 2.54% and 0.35% for hyperthyroidism. The PDR analysis estimated a higher hypothyroidism prevalence compared to that estimated by the DR (P < .0001) and vice versa in the case of hyperthyroidism.

Conclusion

Both PDR and DR prevalence estimations of thyroid dysfunction show some degree of discordance probably due to undercoding bias in the case of DR and the absence of subclinical pathology in the case of PDR. However, both approaches are valid and complementary for estimating the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction.
An expert consensus document on the management of cardiovascular manifestations of Fabry disease
Authors: Linhart Aleš , Germain Dominique P. , Olivotto Iacopo , Akhtar Mohammed M. , Anastasakis Aris , Hughes Derralynn , Namdar Mehdi , Pieroni Maurizio , Hagège Albert , Cecchi Franco , Gimeno Juan R. , Limongelli Giuseppe , Elliott Perry
Published: July 2020

Fabry disease (FD) is an X‐linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the α‐galactosidase A (GLA) gene that leads to reduced or undetectable α‐galactosidase A enzyme activity and progressive accumulation of globotriaosylceramide and its deacylated form globotriaosylsphingosine in cells throughout the body. FD can be multisystemic with neurological, renal, cutaneous and cardiac involvement or be limited to the heart. Cardiac involvement is characterized by progressive cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, arrhythmias, heart failure and sudden cardiac death. The cardiac management of FD requires specific measures including enzyme replacement therapy or small pharmacological chaperones in patients carrying amenable pathogenic GLA gene variants and more general management of cardiac symptoms and complications. In this paper, we summarize current knowledge of FD‐related heart disease and expert consensus recommendations for its management.
A Novel Bisoxazoline‐Imidazolium Salt in Ytterbium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Reduction of Ketone
Authors: Zhai Yujie , Xu Wenhao , Wang Dong , Zheng Purui , Zhao Xiaoming , XU Tao
Published: July 2020

Chiral N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC), a privileged ligand for transition metals, has had a profound impact on organometallic chemistry. The monodentate and bidentate chiral carbenes have been developed significantly, while the tridentate ones have been less exploited. Herein, we designed and synthesized a new bisoxazoline‐imidazolium salt as a carbene precursor, which owns three chelating sites and two kinds of chiral information centers. A preliminary investigation on the asymmetric ketone reduction was also studied.
Four‐step approach to efficiently develop capillary gel electrophoresis methods for viral vaccine protein analysis
Authors: Geurink Lars , van Tricht Ewoud , Dudink Justin , Pajic Bojana , Sänger – van de Griend Cari E.
Published: July 2020

Vaccines against infectious diseases are urgently needed. Therefore, modern analytical method development should be as efficient as possible to speed up vaccine development. The objectives of the study were to identify critical method parameters (CMPs) and to establish a set of steps to efficiently develop and validate a CE‐SDS method for vaccine protein analysis based on a commercially available gel buffer. The CMPs were obtained from reviewing the literature and testing the effects of gel buffer dilution. A four‐step approach, including two multivariate DoE (design of experiments) steps, was proposed, based on CMPs and was verified by CE‐SDS method development for: (i) the determination of influenza group 1 mini‐hemagglutinin glycoprotein; and (ii) the determination of polio virus particle proteins from an inactivated polio vaccine (IPV). The CMPs for sample preparation were incubation temperature(s) and time(s), pH, and reagent(s) concentration(s), and the detection wavelength. The effects of gel buffer dilution revealed the CMPs for CE‐SDS separation to be the effective length, the gel buffer concentration, and the capillary temperature. The four‐step approach based on the CMPs was efficient for the development of the two CE methods. A four‐step approach to efficiently develop capillary gel electrophoresis methods for viral vaccine protein analysis was successfully established.
Multiphase smoothed particle hydrodynamics modeling of forced liquid sloshing
Authors: Zheng Bo Xue , Sun Lei , Chen Zhen , Cheng Cong , Liu Chang Feng
Published: July 2020

In the present paper, an improved multiphase weakly compressible smoothed particle hydrodynamics model for balancing the accuracy and stability of the long‐term simulations is proposed to model the forced liquid sloshing in a tank. The governing equations of the multiphase flow are discretized by considering the density discontinuity over the interface. To suppress the pressure oscillation, a previous density correction term suitable only for single‐phase problems is modified and incorporated into the discrete continuity equation to suit multiphase problems. The modified density reinitialization algorithm is implemented to calculate the pressure of the boundary particles, and the coupled dynamic solid boundary treatment (SBT) is employed to determine the rigid wall condition. For convenience, a numerical probe algorithm is also proposed to accurately measure the wave height. The present model exhibits a better numerical stability than the previous multiphase smoothed particle hydrodynamics model, and its results well confirm with the experimental data of the forced sloshing of liquid excited by swaying or rolling.
Mexican oregano essential oils as alternatives to butylated hydroxytoluene to improve the shelf life of ground beef
Authors: Cantú‐Valdéz Jesús A. , Gutiérrez‐Soto Guadalupe , Hernández‐Martínez Carlos A. , Sinagawa‐García Sugey R. , Quintero‐Ramos Armando , Hume Michael E. , Herrera‐Balandrano Daniela D. , Méndez‐Zamora Gerardo
Published: July 2020

Oregano essential oils from Lippia berlandieri Schauer (Lb) and Poliomintha longiflora Gray (Pl) were tested against the antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (Bht) to evaluate effects on the shelf life of ground beef (GB) over 7 days of storage at 4°C. The treatments were GB1 = GB control, GB2 = GB +100 mg/kg of Bht, GB3 = GB +100 mg/kg of Lb, and GB4 = GB +100 mg/kg of Pl. Lightness, redness, hardness, and springiness showed differences (p < .05) between treatments and days interaction, which serve as indicators of ground beef preserved quality and consumer acceptance. Mesophilic, psychrophilic, and lactic acid bacteria numbers and antioxidant activity showed differences (p < .05) for treatments and days. Sensory attributes showed no differences between treatments. The oregano oils may provide extended shelf life for packaged meat products treated with these natural additives and hence may be used for ground beef preservation.
Etiologic heterogeneity of clear‐cell and papillary renal cell carcinoma in the Netherlands Cohort Study
Authors: van de Pol Jeroen A. A. , George Lisa , van den Brandt Piet A. , Baldewijns Marcella M. L. L. , Schouten Leo J.
Published: July 2020

At present, mostly case‐control and retrospective studies have investigated the association between etiologic risk factors and the development of histologic subtypes of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Therefore, we assessed the heterogeneity between body mass index (BMI), cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and hypertension across clear‐cell RCC (ccRCC) and papillary RCC (pRCC) risk in the prospective Netherlands Cohort Study on diet and cancer. In 1986, 120 852 participants aged 55 to 69 completed a self‐administered questionnaire on diet and other risk factors for cancer. Participants were followed up for cancer through record linkage. Tumor histology was assessed through centralized revision by two experienced uropathologists. After 20.3 years of follow‐up, 384 histologically verified RCC cases, including 315 ccRCC and 46 pRCC cases and 4144 subcohort members were eligible for case‐cohort analysis. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated by multivariable‐adjusted proportional hazards models. Overall, BMI was associated positively with ccRCC risk, but inversely with pRCC risk. Cigarette smoking was associated with an increased ccRCC, but a decreased pRCC risk. Alcohol consumption was inversely associated with both ccRCC and pRCC risk. Hypertension was associated with an increased risk of both ccRCC and pRCC. Statistically significant etiologic heterogeneity was observed for BMI, BMI change since age 20, and smoking duration in current smokers across ccRCC and pRCC risk. In conclusion, we observed potential heterogeneity for BMI, BMI change and smoking duration across ccRCC and pRCC risk.
Informing metastatic colorectal cancer patients by quantifying multiple scenarios for survival time based on real‐life data
Authors: Hamers Patricia A. H. , Elferink Marloes A. G. , Stellato Rebecca K. , Punt Cornelis J. A. , May Anne M. , Koopman Miriam , Vink Geraldine R.
Published: July 2020

Reported median overall survival (mOS) in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients participating in systemic therapy trials has increased to over 30 months. It is uncertain whether trial results translate to real‐life populations. Moreover, patients prefer presentation of multiple survival scenarios. Population‐based data of all stage IV CRC patients diagnosed between 2008 and 2016 were obtained from the Netherlands Cancer Registry, which has a case ascertainment completeness surpassing 95%. We calculated the following percentiles (scenarios) of OS per year of diagnosis for the total population, and for treatment subgroups: 10th (best‐case), 25th (upper‐typical), 50th (median), 75th (lower‐typical) and 90th (worst‐case). Twenty‐five percent of patients did not receive any antitumor treatment. From 2008 to 2016, mOS of the total population (n = 27275) remained unchanged at approximately 12 months. OS improved only for the upper‐typical and best‐case patients; by 4.2 to 29.1 months (P < .001), and by 6 to 62 months (P < .001), respectively. No clinically relevant change was observed among patients who received systemic therapy, with mOS close to 15 months and best‐case scenario approximately 40 months. A clinically relevant improvement in survival over time was observed in patients who initially received metastasectomy and/or HIPEC only. In contrast to the wide belief based on trial data that mOS of mCRC patients receiving systemic therapy has improved substantially, improvement could not be demonstrated in our real‐life population. Clinicians should consider quoting multiple survival scenarios based on real‐life data instead of point estimates from clinical trials, when informing patients about their life expectancy.
Perceived and actual option values of college enrollment
Authors: Gong Yifan , Stinebrickner Todd , Stinebrickner Ralph
Published: July 2020

An important feature of postsecondary schooling is the experimentation that accompanies sequential decision making. Specifically, by entering college, a student gains the option to decide at a future time whether it is optimal to remain in college or to drop out, after resolving uncertainty that existed at entrance about factors that affect the return to college. This paper uses data from the Berea Panel Study to quantify the value of this option. The unique nature of the data allows us to make a distinction between “actual” option values and “perceived” option values and to examine the accuracy of students' perceptions.
The effect of ellagic acid on spinal cord and sciatica function in a mice model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Khodaei Forouzan , Khoshnoud Mohammad Javad , Heidaryfar Sepideh , Heidari Reza , Karimpour Baseri Mohammad H. , Azarpira Negar , Rashedinia Marzieh
Published: July 2020

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a well‐known neurodegenerative disorder, causing toxicity in different organs, such as spinal cord tissue. The goal of this study was to investigate the protective effect of ellagic acid (EA) against spinal cord and sciatica function in cuprizone (Cup)‐induced demyelination model. Animals were divided into six equal groups. The first group received tap water as the control. Cup group was treated with Cup (0.2% w/w in fed). EA 100 group was orally treated with EA (100 mg/kg). EA + Cup groups were orally treated with three doses of 5, 50, and 100 mg/kg of EA plus Cup (0.2% w/w). All groups received treatment for 42 days. Open field, rotarod, and gait tests were done to evaluate the behavioral changes following Cup and/or EA treatment. Also, lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase enzymes activity in spinal cord was evaluated. Luxol fast blue (LFB) staining also the behavioral tests were performed to evaluate the model. Cup increased ROS levels and oxidative stress in their spinal cord tissues. Also, Cup reduced antioxidant capacity, SOD, and catalase activity. EA (especially at 100 mg/kg) prevented these abnormal changes. EA co‐treatment dose‐dependently was able to ameliorate behavioral impairments in mice that received Cup. EA might act as a protective agent in MS by modulating spinal cord function.
Aerobic training prevents cardiometabolic changes triggered by myocardial infarction in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Ruberti Olívia Moraes , Sousa Andressa Silva , Viana Laís Rosa , Pereira Gomes Moisés Felipe , Medeiros Alessandra , Gomes Marcondes Maria Cristina Cintra , Borges Luciano de Figueiredo , Crestani Carlos Cesar , Mostarda Cristiano , Moraes Telma Fátima da Cunha , Canevarolo Rafael Renatino , Delbin Maria Andreia , Rodrigues Bruno
Published: July 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of aerobic training (AT) on autonomic, cardiometabolic, ubiquitin‐proteasome activity, and inflammatory changes evoked by myocardial infarction (MI) in ovariectomized rats. Female Wistar rats were ovariectomized and divided into four groups: sedentary + sham (SS), sedentary + MI (SI), AT + sham surgery (TS), AT + MI (TI). AT was performed on a treadmill for 8 weeks before MI. Infarcted rats previously subjected to AT presented improved physical capacity, increased interleukin‐10, and decreased pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Metabolomic analysis identified and quantified 62 metabolites, 9 were considered significant by the Vip Score. SS, SI, and TS groups presented distinct metabolic profiles; however, TI could not be distinguished from the SS group. MI dramatically increased levels of dimethylamine, and AT prevented this response. Our findings suggest that AT may be useful in preventing the negative changes in functional, inflammatory, and metabolic parameters related to MI in ovariectomized rats.
Association between muscle strength and advanced fibrosis in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: a Korean nationwide survey
Authors: Kang Sunyoung , Moon Min Kyong , Kim Won , Koo Bo Kyung
Published: July 2020

Background

We investigated the association between muscle strength and the prevalence of advanced fibrosis among individuals with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) using a nationwide cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

Individuals, 20 to 79 years of age, from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES) from 2014 to 2016 were selected (N = 14 861), with sample weights applied. Muscle strength was quantified as the handgrip strength divided by the body mass index (BMI); low muscle strength (LMS) was defined as the lowest quartile (Q1) of the handgrip strength/BMI for our sample population. NAFLD was defined as hepatic steatosis index >36. Advanced fibrosis was defined as a fibrosis‐4 index score ≥1.30 (FibrosisFIB4).

Results

The mean age of the study population was 45.6 ± 0.2 years, and 42.4% were male. As muscle strength increased, the mean BMI and age decreased accordingly, and the proportions of diabetes, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, and obesity decreased significantly (P < 0.001 for all). In a crude analysis, the LMS was associated with an increased prevalence of NAFLD (odds ratio [OR] 3.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.25–4.03, P < 0.001), which remained significant even after adjustment for age, sex, obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.28–2.16, P < 0.001). In this logistic regression model, the prevalence of NAFLD decreased by 24% with each quartile increment in muscle strength (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.68–0.85, P < 0.001). Among individuals with NAFLD (n = 2092), LMS was significantly associated with the presence of advanced fibrosis (FibrosisFIB4) independently of age, sex, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.01–2.49, P = 0.015), which lost its statistical significance after additional adjustment for insulin resistance.

Conclusions

Low muscle strength is independently associated with NAFLD. The significant association between LMS and advanced fibrosis in NAFLD may be mediated through insulin resistance.
Early extinction effects following intermittent reinforcement: Little evidence of extinction bursts
Authors: Lattal Kennon A. , Kuroda Toshikazu , Cook Jemma E.
Published: July 2020

The occurrence of extinction bursts—transient increases in response rate in excess of those observed in baseline during the period immediately following discontinuation of reinforcement of a response—was examined. In Experiment 1, key pecking of pigeons was reinforced according to a multiple schedule in which a variable‐ratio schedule alternated with an interval schedule in which the reinforcers were yoked to the preceding variable‐ratio component. In Experiments 2 and 3, rats were screened such that the lever‐press response rates of different rats maintained by variable‐interval schedules were either relatively high or relatively low. Following these baseline conditions, in Experiments 1 and 2 responding was extinguished by eliminating the food reinforcer and in Experiment 3 by removing the response–reinforcer dependency. Responses immediately following extinction implementation were examined. Response increases relative to baseline during the first 20 min of a 324.75‐min extinction session (Experiment 1) or during the first 30‐min extinction session (Experiments 2 and 3) were rare and unsystematic. The results (a) reinforce earlier meta‐analyses concluding that extinction bursts may be a less ubiquitous early effect of extinction than has been suggested and (b) invite further experimentation to establish their generality as a function of preceding reinforcement conditions.
Prevalence of hepatitis E virus in children from Northeast of Argentina
Authors: Martínez Alfredo P. , Pereson Matías J. , Pérez Paula S. , Baeck María Inés , Mandó Pablo , López Saubidet Ignacio , Di Lello Federico A.
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in a young population from the Northeast region of Argentina. Four hundred and twelve patients under 18 years old, from rural areas of Chaco Province, were tested for anti‐HEV immunoglobulin G (IgG) using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Anti‐HEV IgG antibodies were detected in 7 out of 412 patients, accounting for an overall 1.7% prevalence. HEV infection in developing countries is associated to lack of clean drinking water. Consequently, the seroprevalence observed in children in rural areas of Chaco, Argentina, where the access to tap water is less than 15%, was unexpectedly low.
Changes in RT‐PCR test results and symptoms during the menstrual cycle of female individuals infected with SARS‐CoV‐2: Report of two cases
Authors: Zheng Hua , Tan Juan , Ma Ke , Meng Weihua
Published: July 2020

The implications of the menstrual cycle for disease susceptibility, development, and severity of acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection are largely unknown. Here, we describe two women infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 whose real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) test results and symptoms changed during the menstrual cycle. The first patient developed a fever on the first day of her menstrual period, and again on the first day of her next menstrual period after hospital discharge. RT‐PCR test results were positive during the first menstrual period before admission, but turned negative during hospitalization, and then were positive again during the second menstrual period after hospital discharge. Another one also developed a fever again on the first day of her menstrual period after hospital discharge. RT‐PCR test results were negative before admission and during hospitalization, but turned positive during the first menstrual period after hospital discharge. The cases indicate sex hormones may play an important role in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. For women with history of exposure to SARS‐CoV‐2, the management protocol should include assessment of the menstrual status.
Multiple‐pass‐enhanced multiple‐point gas Raman analyzer for industrial process control applications
Authors: Wen Chengwei , Huang Xin , Shen Chunlei
Published: July 2020

We report an advanced multiple‐pass multiple‐point Raman spectroscopy setup with enhanced sensitivity for industrial in situ monitoring and process control applications. The design of this multiple sampling setup enables high laser effective energy utilization ratio, and full laser energy is available for each sampling point. As a result, high sensitivity is obtained in every sampling point. The setup is simple, reliable, and robust, which is important for practical industrial applications. With eight passes configuration, gas samples in static cells are tested to show the analytical potential of this multiple sampling setup. The back‐to‐back experimental results show that the noise equivalent detection limit (3σ) of 40.6 (N2), 46.0 (O2), 22.9 (H2O), and 19.1 Pa (hydrogen isotopologues), which corresponds to relative abundance by volume at 1 bar total pressure of 406, 459, 229, and 191 ppm, respectively, can be achieved in 1 s with a 1.5‐W red laser. The analysis indicates that similar or even better sensitivity can be achieved for every sampling point in a practical 3‐point system. The system precision is characterized by long‐term measurement of static samples, and the results indicate high system stability. Although a 3‐point system is demonstrated in this investigation, this setup can be easily upgraded to incorporate more sampling positions by increasing the number of lenses inside the multiple‐pass cavity, which is important for practical applications. Important aspects regarding instrumentation engineering are also briefly discussed. The results obtained with this multiple‐pass‐enhanced multiple‐point Raman system are very promising. The system can be applied to hydrogen isotopologues monitoring and process control in international thermonuclear experimental reactor (ITER), as well as China fusion engineering test reactor (CFETR). Other industrial applications like automotive engine diagnosis and logging gas detection can also be benefited from current design.
Cover Image, Volume 100, Issue 11
Authors: Frankin Sivan , Kunta Srinivas , Abbo Shahal , Sela Hanan , Goldberg Ben Z , Bonfil David J , Levy Avraham A , Avivi‐Ragolsky Naomi , Nashef Kamal , Roychowdhury Rajib , Faraj Tomer , Lifshitz Dikla , Mayzlish‐Gati Einav , Ben‐David Roi
Published: July 2020

The cover image is based on the Research Article The Israeli Palestinian wheat landraces collection: restoration and characterization of lost genetic diversity by Sivan Frankin et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.9822.

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Hydrophobic, Pore‐Tunable Polyimide/Polyvinylidene Fluoride Composite Aerogels for Effective Airborne Particle Filtration
Authors: Qiao Shiya , Zhang Hao , Kang Shuai , Quan Jiayou , Hu Zuming , Yu Junrong , Wang Yan , Zhu Jing
Published: July 2020

Polyimide (PI) aerogels have great potential as filter materials, owing to their unique porous structure and excellent thermodynamic properties. In this work, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is introduced into the 3D network structure of crosslinked PI by phase separation to prepare PI/PVDF hybrid aerogels. By adding different amounts of PVDF, effective control of the aerogel porous structure is achieved, as a result, the air permeability of the hybrid aerogel is significantly improved while still achieving a filtration efficiency of airborne particulates of more than 99.8%. PVDF is aggregated and dispersed on the surface or inside of the aerogel in the form of nanoparticles, which effectively increases the hydrophobicity of the material. The contact angle of the prepared PI hybrid aerogel is ≈150°, and the water absorption is as low as 2.2%, which enables the aerogel to maintain structural stability in humid environments. In addition, the aerogel exhibits good adsorption effects on organic solvents.
Confined Microenvironments from Thermoresponsive Dendronized Polymers
Authors: Xu Gang , Liu Kun , Xu Biyi , Yao Yi , Li Wen , Yan Jiatao , Zhang Afang
Published: July 2020

Confined microenvironments in biomacromolecules arising from molecular crowding account for their well‐defined biofunctions and bioactivities. To mimick this, synthetic polymers to form confined structures or microenvironments are of key scientific value, which have received significant attention recently. To create synthetic confined microenvironments, molecular crowding effects and topological cooperative effects have been applied successfully, and the key is balance between self‐association of structural units and self‐repulsion from crowding‐induced steric hindrance. In this article, formation of confined microenvironments from stimuli‐responsive dendronized polymers carrying densely dendritic oligoethylene glycols (OEGs) moieties in their pendants is presented. These wormlike thick macromolecules exhibit characteristic thermoresponsive properties, which can provide constrained microenvironments to encapsulate effectively guest molecules including dyes, proteins, or nucleic acids to prevent their protonation or biodegradation. This efficient shielding effect can also mediate chemical reactions in aqueous phase, and even enhance chirality transferring efficiency. All of these can be switched off simply through the thermally‐induced dehydration and collapse of OEG dendrons due to the amphiphilicity of OEG chains. Furthermore, the switchable encapsulation and release of guests can be greatly enhanced when these dendronized polymers are used as major constituents for fabricating bulk hydrogels or nanogels, which provide a higher‐level confinement.
A Hybrid In Silico/In Vitro Target Fishing Study to Mine Novel Targets of Urolithin A and B: A Step Towards a Better Comprehension of Their Estrogenicity
Authors: Dellafiora Luca , Milioli Marco , Falco Angela , Interlandi Margherita , Mohamed Abdelrahman , Frotscher Martin , Riccardi Benedetta , Puccini Paola , Rio Daniele Del , Galaverna Gianni , Dall'Asta Chiara
Published: July 2020

Scope

Urolithin A and B are gut metabolites of ellagic acid and ellagitannins associated with many beneficial effects. Evidence in vitro pointed to their potential as estrogenic modulators. However, both molecular mechanisms and biological targets involved in such activity are still poorly characterized, preventing a comprehensive understanding of their bioactivity in living organisms. This study aimed at rationally identifying novel biological targets underlying the estrogenic‐modulatory activity of urolithins.

Methods and Results

The work relies on an in silico/in vitro target fishing study coupling molecular modeling with biochemical and cell‐based assays. Estrogen sulfotransferase and 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase are identified as potentially subject to inhibition by the investigated urolithins. The inhibition of the latter undergoes experimental confirmation either in a cell‐free or cell‐based assay, validating computational outcomes.

Conclusions

The work describes target fishing as an effective tool to identify unexpected targets of food bioactives detailing the interaction at a molecular level. Specifically, it described, for the first time, 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase as a target of urolithins and highlighted the need of further investigations to widen the understanding of urolithins as estrogen modulators in living organisms.
The combination of HPLC and biological analysis to determine the quality markers and its structural composition of Eclipta prostrata L.
Authors: Wang Long , Huang Bin , Li Chenzi , Yang Bin , Jia Xiaobin , Feng Liang
Published: July 2020

Introduction

The diversity and complexity of components are important reasons for the unstable efficacy and safety of Chinese materia medica (CMM) in quality control. The good and stable quality control may be related to the quality markers with structural composition of multi‐components.

Objective

In the present study, we take Eclipta prostrata L. as a representative example. The 11 samples were collected from the different areas in China, and the discrepancy in bioactivity and chemical composition of these samples were compared. DOX (doxorubicin hydrochloride)‐induced ICR mice were established for in vivo nephrotic syndrome experiments. The biochemical indicators including 24‐h urine protein, triglyceride (TG), etc. were measured and the pathological change of kidney tissue was observed. MPC‐5 cells damage model was induced to compare the difference of these samples in bio‐activity. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for 11 EEP (extract of Eclipta prostrata L.) samples were performed to analyse the content of the quality markers.

Results

In vivo experiments, EEP could mitigate the content or activity of urine protein, TG, etc. compared with the positive group (TG content was 2.53 ± 0.39 mmol/L, urinary protein quantification on 35th day was 16.79 ± 2.32 mg). In vitro experiments, CCE (coumestans component of Ecliptae) and EEP had equivalent effects on biochemical indicators such as cell viability, etc. According to the HPLC analysis, the content of wedelolactone was 45.88% and demethylwedelolactone was 23.74% in CCE.

Conclusion

The CCE with a ratio of 2:1 can be considered as a quality marker of Eclipta prostrata L.. This research may provide a perspective for quality control of CMM.
Poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate‐based constructs with novel characteristics for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications—A review
Authors: Sosa‐Hernández Juan Eduardo , Villalba‐Rodríguez Angel M. , Romero‐Castillo Kenya D. , Zavala‐Yoe Ricardo , Bilal Muhammad , Ramirez‐Mendoza Ricardo A. , Parra‐Saldivar Roberto , Iqbal Hafiz M. N.
Published: July 2020

Herein, we reviewed polymeric constructs of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) at large and poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate (P3HB), in particular, for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications. Polymeric constructs that can efficiently respond to numerous variations in their surroundings have gained notable attention from different industrial sectors such as biomedical, clinical, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical. Among them, considerable importance is given to their drug delivery and tissue engineering applications. PHAs with peculiar reference to P3HB are gaining prominence attention as candidate materials with such requisite potentialities. The unique structural and functional characteristics of PHAs and P3HB are of supreme interest and being used to engineer novel constructs for efficient drug delivery and tissue regeneration purposes. So far, an array of methodological approaches, such as in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo techniques have been exploited though using different materials with different geometries for a said purpose. However, a low‐level production majorly limits their proper exploitation. Various physiochemical characteristics and production strategies have been introduced in this review. The data have been summarized on PHAs production by several microorganisms aiming to cover the scope of the last 10 years. The present review highlights the recent applications of PHAs and P3HB‐based constructs, such as micro/nanoparticles, biocomposite, nanofibers, and hydrogels as novel drug carries for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. In summary, drug delivery and tissue engineering potentialities of PHAs and P3HB‐based constructs are discussed with suitable examples and envisioned directions of future developments.
Modeling Kinetic Glomerular Filtration Rate in Adults with Stable and Unstable Kidney Function: Vancomycin as the Motivating Example
Authors: Pai Manjunath P. , DeBacker Kenneth C.
Published: July 2020

Background

Equations used to estimate kidney function for drug dosing rely on the assumption of homeostasis to translate a single‐point measurement of serum creatinine into clearance (CL). Our objective was to rank order the performance of alternate kidney function equations as predictors of drug CL in stable and unstable patients.

Methods

Data were extracted from medical records at a single center for all adult patients treated with vancomycin over a 5‐year period for population pharmacokinetic analysis. This analysis focused on comparison of nine kidney function equations as covariates of vancomycin CL. Both body surface area (BSA) indexed (ml/min/1.73 m2) and unindexed units (ml/min) of kidney function were tested, as time‐varying and time‐invariant covariates of vancomycin CL.

Results

The final data set consisted of 2640 patients (62% male, 81% white) with 6628 concentration measurements. The median (5th, 95th percentile) of measurements per patient, age, weight, body mass index (BMI) was 2 (1, 7) concentrations, 61.5 (28, 83) years, 90.0 (56.7, 147) kg, and 30.0 (20.7, 48.0) kg/m2. Unstable kidney function was documented in 43.6% of patients, primarily as acute kidney injury (AKI) on admission with improvement (19.4%) and AKI during the admission (17.4%). Models based on time‐varying kidney function estimates performed better than as time‐invariant. Kidney function estimated by the Chen method was ranked higher than other estimation methods.

Conclusions

A time‐varying kinetic estimated glomerular filtration rate method not indexed to BSA was identified as the highest ranked covariate model of vancomycin CL.
Coaching college students in the development of positive learning dispositions: A randomized control trial embedded mixed‐methods study
Authors: Wang Qing , Lu Yujie
Published: July 2020

Enhancing college students' learning habits, attitudes, and capacities have been an important research topic in educational psychology. In this study, we designed, implemented, and evaluated a coaching program that integrated mindful agency coaching and motivational interviewing for the development of positive learning dispositions in college students. A randomized control trial embedded mixed‐methods design was employed. The quantitative phase with two experimental groups showed that the intervention group (n = 24) showed significant improvement in mindful agency, self‐efficacy, learning motivation, and emotional intelligence after the coaching, compared with the control group (n = 30). The qualitative phase with students in the intervention group (n = 15) revealed five themes: Task orientation, motivational management, openness and acceptance, self‐awareness and self‐regulation, and supporting factors for coaching. Integrated findings demonstrated whether and how coaching could be a promising approach to enhancing college students' various positive dispositions that are essential for them to be mindful, resilient, and self‐directed learners.
Personality Assessment Questionnaire for ICD‐11 personality trait domains: Development and testing
Authors: Kim Youl‐Ri , Tyrer Peter , Hwang Soon‐Taeg
Published: July 2020

Background

We aimed to develop a questionnaire suitable for the assessment of trait domains in the forthcoming International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD‐11). This questionnaire, the Personality Assessment Questionnaire for ICD‐11 (PAQ‐11) personality trait domains, was intended as a short and reliable self‐report measure.

Method

The initial items were derived from the relevant traits of an established version of the Personality Assessment Schedule. In Phase 1, item selection and scale construction proceeded iteratively using data from 334 female university students and 75 psychiatric patients (combined N = 409) in Korea. In Phase 2, a validation study of the scale was conducted in a subset of the sample from Phase 1, who were deemed to be at high risk of personality disorders (N = 210).

Results

Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of the Personality Assessment Schedule items created a 17‐item scale. This scale, PAQ‐11, demonstrated adequate convergent and discriminant validity with the five‐factor model, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition traits model and emotional difficulties. The results were consistent with its underlying theoretical structure.

Conclusions

The PAQ‐11 appears to be potentially promising in terms of clinical utility to assess the five domains of ICD‐11 personality disorders. More research must be conducted in other cultural backgrounds with gender‐balanced populations. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anion receptors with 1,3,5‐triazacyclohexane and 1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane scaffolds
Authors: Valadbeigi Yaser , Ilbeigi Vahideh , Valadbeigi Younes
Published: July 2020

Fluoride, chloride, and bromide affinities of 1,3,5‐triazacyclohexane (TACH) and 1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane (Cyclen) were studied theoretically using ωB97XD and B3LYP functionals and 6‐311++G(d,p) basis set. To enhance and modify the anion affinities of TACH and Cyclen, several anion receptors with –(CH2)nOH and –(CH2)nNH2 (n = 1–3) substituents were designed and investigated. These anion receptors are attached to the halides (X−) via formation of NH … X and OH … X hydrogen bonds. The anion affinities calculated by ωB97XD were larger than those obtained by B3LYP indicating the dispersion contribution to the anion affinities. It was found that the anion affinities of these compounds depend on both the alkyl chain length and nature of the interaction, NH … X or OH … X. The ωB97XD‐calculated fluoride affinities of TACH and Cyclen were 149.5 and 207.2 kJ mol−1, respectively. By substitution of –(CH2)nOH groups, anion receptors with F− affinities of 277 and 326 kJ mol−1 were obtained, which can be classified among the strongest organic anion receptors. The affinity of all TACH and Cyclen toward the halides was as F− > Cl− > Br−, while substitution of –(CH2)3OH and –(CH2)3NH2 into Cyclen changed the trend to F− > Br− > Cl−.
Reliability allocation methods: A systematic literature review
Authors: Forcina Antonio , Silvestri Luca , Di Bona Gianpaolo , Silvestri Alessandro
Published: July 2020

The choice of a reliability allocation method is not always easy or straightforward, since it depends on several factors. Some factors are directly related to the characteristics of the analyzed system, such as the level of complexity or the reliability configuration; on the other hand, additional aspects constitute boundary conditions, such as budget or experimentation time. In this scenario, the purpose of the present research is to present a systematic literature review on reliability allocation, proposing a guideline to choose the optimal allocation method in respect to the desired application, available resources, and required accuracy. The proposed review analyzes allocation methods in literature, determining main features and area of application.

Motivated by a lack of a comprehensive methods summarization present in literature, our research goal is to assist practitioners in choosing a well‐suited method and to provide an overview, to support academics in conducting new research in this area.

The results of the performed analysis are synthetized according to several criteria. The results are summarized and categorized in different clusters for each individuated application field. The proposed summarization design allows an easy and rapid consultation.
A Top‐Down Approach to Synthesis of pH‐Controlled Cu NPs: Their Catalytic Activity toward the One‐Pot Preparation of α‐Aminonitriles and 5‐Substituted 1H‐Tetrazoles from Aldehydes
Authors: He Zemin , Feng Li , Wu Pei , Li Shiyao , Kazemnejadi Milad
Published: July 2020

A new approach for the preparation of copper nanoparticles has been developed by the chemical decomposition of bulk‐waste copper wire using HNO3/ DMSO/ NaOCl (HDN) reagent. This is a two‐steps synthesis via a top‐down approach for the preparation of NPs. A mixture of Cu NPs was obtained in high basic pHs (>12) including CuO, Cu(OH)2 and Cu2(OH)3Cl NPs. The Cu NPs demonstrated high dependent on pH, which each of copper NPs were selectively prepared with pH control. Selective preparation of copper NPs lead to pure Botallackite Cu2(OH)3Cl, Cu(OH)2, and Tenorite CuO structures at pH =7, pH<7, and pH=11 respectively. The mixture and pure copper NPs were thoroughly characterized by various analytical techniques including XPS, EDX, XRD, DLS, FTIR, FE‐SEM, TEM, BET, and ICP methods. The resultant Cu NPs were used as an efficient heterogeneous, recyclable nanocatalyst for the preparation of α‐aminonitriles and 5‐substituted 1H‐tetrazoles with a synergistic effect. The nanocatalyst not only demonstrated high to excellent yields for the aminonitriles and tetrazoles under mild conditions, but also it can be recovered and reused for several times without considerable loss in activity. Kinetics for the preparation of α‐aminonitrile and 5‐substituted 1H‐tetrazole was studied and chemoselectivity of the method was evaluated by various combinations.