bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Family Influences on College Students' Anticipated Work‐Family Conflict, Social Self‐Efficacy, and Self‐Esteem
Authors: Wright Stephen L. , Kacmarski Jason A. , Firsick Dylan M. , Jenkins‐Guarnieri Michael A. , Kimm Abigail J.
Published: June 2020

The authors sought to test work‐family conflict (WFC) theory by examining how family relationships may influence WFC, social self‐efficacy, and self‐esteem. They developed and tested a structural model of the relationship between family career influence and self‐esteem through the mediating variables of anticipated emotion‐based WFC, behavior‐based WFC, and the cognitive variable of social self‐efficacy. Data were collected from 301 college students (208 women, 93 men) and analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results indicated that family career influence positively related to college students' self‐esteem through the mediating variables of social self‐efficacy and emotion‐based WFC. Behavior‐based WFC did not function as a mediating variable. When focusing on issues related to students' self‐esteem, career counselors should address ways that family influences anticipated emotion‐based WFC and use interventions designed to increase social self‐efficacy. Future researchers should consider and test additional mediating factors that may help explain how the dimensions of WFC relate to self‐esteem.
From Role Conflict to Job Burnout: A Mediation Model Moderated by Mindfulness
Authors: Park Hyung In , Nam Suk Kyung
Published: June 2020

This study examined the moderated mediating effect of mindfulness as an emotional resource on the relationship between role conflict and burnout (i.e., exhaustion, cynicism, and professional inefficacy) via negative affect. Participants were 481 adult employees in South Korea who provided self‐report data 2 times with a 2‐week interval. The results indicated that mindfulness moderated the relationship between role conflict and negative affect such that the effect of role conflict on negative affect was reduced when mindfulness was high. Furthermore, Time 1 role conflict had conditional indirect effects on 3 facets of burnout measured at Time 2 through Time 1 negative affect depending on the levels of Time 1 mindfulness. The findings suggest that mindfulness may prevent the development of negative affect from role conflict, ultimately reducing the impact of role conflict on burnout. Practitioners should introduce workplace mindfulness programs to help employees cope with burnout more effectively.
Simple and fast spectrophotometric method based on chemometrics for the measurement of multicomponent adsorption kinetics
Authors: Yang Xiaoxia , Muhammad Turghun , Bakri Mahinur , Muhammad Imran , Yang Jingjing , Zhai Honglin , Abdurahman Abdujelil , Wu Hailong
Published: June 2020

UV–Vis spectrophotometry has been widely applied in the quantitative analysis of different analytes in many fields, but it still faces challenges in the analysis of multicomponent solutions due to strong spectral overlap and low selectivity. In this paper, UV–Vis spectrophotometric method combined with chemometrics algorithms was established for the simultaneous determination of liquid‐phase adsorption kinetics of multicomponent for the first time. Partial least squares (PLS), stepwise regression, and multiway PLS (N‐PLS) models were established by using the original spectrum and processed spectrum pretreated by two different methods. The prediction results were validated by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). N‐PLS model showed the best prediction ability and the prediction relative error was within 9%. Adsorption kinetics studies indicated that the pseudo‐second‐order model can describe the adsorption behavior of rutin and quercetin on AB‐8 resin more accurately. This method was fast, low cost, accurate and reliable, simple, and efficient for the determination of multicomponent liquid‐phase adsorption kinetics.
Ratiometric Detection of ATP by Fluorescent Cyclophanes with Bellows‐Type Sensing Mechanism
Authors: Agafontsev Aleksandr M. , Shumilova Tatiana A. , Oshchepkov Aleksandr S. , Hampel Frank , Kataev Evgeny A.
Published: June 2020

Pyrene‐based cyclophanes have been synthesized with the aim to realize a bellows‐type sensing mechanism for the ratiometric detection of nucleotide concentrations in a buffered aqueous solution. The sensing mechanism involves the encapsulation of a nucleobase between two pyrene rings, which affects the monomer‐excimer equilibrium of the receptor in the excited state. The nature of the spacer and its connection pattern to pyrene rings have been varied to achieve high selectivity for ATP. The 1,8‐substituted pyrene‐based cyclophane with the 2,2’‐diaminodiethylamine spacer demonstrates the best selectivity for ATP showing a 50‐fold increase in the monomer‐excimer emission ratio upon saturation with the nucleotide. The receptor can detect ATP within the biological concentrations range over a wide pH range. NMR and spectroscopic studies have revealed the importance of hydrogen bonding and stacking interactions for achieving a required receptor selectivity. The probe has been successfully applied for the real‐time monitoring of creatine kinase activity.
O‐GlcNAcase: Emerging Mechanism, Substrate Recognition and Small‐Molecule Inhibitors
Authors: Elbatrawy Ahmed A. , Kim Eun Ju , Nam Ghilsoo
Published: June 2020

O‐GlcNAcylation is the dynamic and ubiquitous post‐translational glycosylation of nucleocytoplasmic proteins on serine/threonine residues; it is implicated in regulation of the cell cycle. This protein modification is mainly governed by a pair of enzymes: O‐GlcNAc transferase (OGT) adds the N‐acetylglucosamine moiety to acceptor proteins, and O‐GlcNAcase (OGA) hydrolyses the sugar moiety from protein acceptors. Irregular O‐GlcNAcylation is linked to several diseases including cancer, diabetes and neurodegeneration. Recently, the discovery of small‐molecule OGA inhibitors has enabled the physiological function of O‐GlcNAcylation to be investigated. However, the design of highly potent and selective inhibitors faces several challenges as no full structural data of human OGA has been discovered to date. Moreover, there are a number of mechanistically similar related enzymes such as β‐hexosaminidases (Hex), and the concomitant inhibition of these enzymes leads to undesirable lysosomal‐storage disorders. This review highlights recent insights into the structure of human O‐GlcNAcase and its isoforms. We focus on the catalytic mechanism and substrate recognition by OGA. In addition, it presents an updated overview of small‐molecule OGA inhibitors, with either carbohydrate or noncarbohydrate scaffolds. We discuss inhibitor structures, binding modes, and selectivity towards the enzyme, and potential outcomes in probing O‐GlcNAcylation at cellular levels.
Synthesis of Tetramic Acid Fragments Derived from Vancoresmycin Showing Inhibitory Effects towards S. aureus
Authors: Wingen Lukas Martin , Rausch Marvin , Schneider Tanja , Menche Dirk
Published: June 2020

An efficient route to various vancoresmycin‐type tetramic acids has been developed. The modular route is based on an effective Fries‐type rearrangement to introduce various appending acetyl residues. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the new tetramic acids against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were determined, revealing that three of the new compounds exhibit antimicrobial activity against S. aureus. These bioactive compounds were structurally most closely related to the authentic vancoresmycin building block. Additionally, the compounds induced a lial‐lux bioreporter, which responds to cell wall stress induced by antibiotics that interfere with the lipid II biosynthesis cycle. These data suggest the tetramic acid moiety to be a part of the vancoresmycin pharmacophore.
Financial conflicts of interest among National Comprehensive Cancer Network clinical practice guideline panelists in 2019
Authors: Desai Aakash P. , Chengappa Madhuri , Go Ronald S. , Poonacha Thejaswi K.
Published: June 2020

Background

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are evidence‐based guidelines that serve as a standard of care in oncology practice, reimbursements, and quality improvement initiatives. To our knowledge, the extent of financial conflicts of interest (FCOIs) in National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines have not been systemically evaluated. The current study evaluated the extent of FCOIs in the NCCN CPGs for the most common malignancies in the United States.

Methods

The authors examined the latest 2019 versions of the NCCN CPGs for the 10 most common cancers by incidence in the United States. Using disclosure lists, they catalogued the FCOIs for the panelists under various categories outlined in the CPG. The authors also tabulated the companies and institutions involved in each panel disclosure. An “episode” describes 1 instance of participation of a panelist in 1 company in 1 category of each guideline. “Affiliation” describes an industrial, commercial, or institutional affiliation reported by a panelist in each episode.

Results

Of the 491 panelists on the CPG panel, 483 (98.3%) completed FCOI disclosures. A total of 224 (46.4%) reported at least 1 FCOI episode. A total of 1103 episodes were disclosed with an average of 4.9 episodes reported per panelist with FCOIs. Acting as part of scientific advisory boards, as a consultant, or as an expert witness was the most common FCOI category (19.9%). A total of 191 companies were associated with 1103 episodes of FCOI. The top companies were Bristol‐Myers Squibb, Merck, Genentech, and AstraZeneca. Among cancers, the prevalence of FCOIs was highest for lung cancer (56%), bladder cancer (52%), pancreatic cancer (52%), non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (50%), kidney cancer (49%), colorectal cancer (43%), breast cancer (42%), melanoma (40%), prostate cancer (38%), and uterine cancer (32%). Among the panelists with FCOIs, 26%, 17%, and 57%, respectively, reported 1, 2, and >3 episodes. There were 127 episodes noted among the CPG chairs and/or vice chairs who reported FCOIs (mean, 6.4 episodes). The chairs and/or vice chairs of CPGs for uterine cancer, pancreatic cancer, melanoma, and prostate cancer were not found to have any FCOIs.

Conclusions

FCOIs are very prevalent among NCCN CPG panelists. In nearly one‐half of the CPGs, the majority of the panelists had at least 1 FCOI. Greater than one‐half of the CPG chairs and/or vice chairs reported multiple FCOIs. Further research studies are necessary to determine the impact of these FCOIs.
Bis‐Selenoureas for Anion Binding: A 1H NMR and Theoretical Study
Authors: Picci Giacomo , Mocci Rita , Ciancaleoni Gianluca , Lippolis Vito , Zielińska‐Błajet Mariola , Caltagirone Claudia
Published: June 2020

The anion binding ability of a family of bis‐selenoureas L1‐L3 obtained by the reaction of 1,3‐bis(aminomethyl)‐benzene and phenylisoselenocyanate, p‐methoxyphenylisoselenocyanate and naphtylisoselenocyanate, for L1, L2, and L3, respectively, has been tested and compared to that of previously described bis‐urea analogues. Results suggest that the introduction of selenium leads to an increase in the acidity of the urea NH hydrogen atoms, and therefore to a stronger affinity (more than three‐fold higher) towards anion species, in particular dihydrogen phosphate, in DMSO‐d6. Theoretical calculations allowed for the optimization of the adducts receptors corroborating the experimental results.
Exome Sequencing Reveals Common and Rare Variants in F5 Associated With ACE Inhibitor and Angiotensin Receptor Blocker–Induced Angioedema
Authors: Maroteau Cyrielle , Siddiqui Moneeza Kalhan , Veluchamy Abirami , Carr Fiona , White Myra , Cassidy Andrew J. , Baranova Ekaterina V. , Rasmussen Eva R. , Eriksson Niclas , Bloch Katarzyna M. , Brown Nancy J. , Bygum Anette , Hallberg Par , Karawajczyk Malgorzata , Magnusson Patrik K. E. , Yue Qun‐Ying , Syvänen Ann‐Christine , von Buchwald Christian , Alfirevic Ana , Maitland‐van der Zee Anke H. , Wadelius Mia , Palmer Colin N. A. ,   PREDICTION‐ADR
Published: June 2020

Angioedema occurring in the head and neck region is a rare and sometimes life‐threatening adverse reaction to angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). Few studies have investigated the association of common variants with this extreme reaction, but none have explored the combined influence of rare variants yet. Adjudicated cases of ACEI‐induced angioedema (ACEI‐AE) or ARB‐induced angioedema (ARB‐AE) and controls were recruited at five different centers. Sequencing of 1,066 samples (408 ACEI‐AE, ARB‐AE, and 658 controls) was performed using exome‐enriched sequence data. A common variant of the F5 gene that causes an increase in blood clotting (rs6025, p.Arg506Gln, also called factor V Leiden), was significantly associated with both ACEI‐AE and ARB‐AE (odds ratio: 2.85, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.89–4.25). A burden test analysis of five rare missense variants in F5 was also found to be associated with ACEI‐AE or ARB‐AE, P = 2.09 × 10−3. A combined gene risk score of these variants, and the common variants rs6025 and rs6020, showed that individuals carrying at least one variant had 2.21 (95% CI, 1.49–3.27, P = 6.30 × 10−9) times the odds of having ACEI‐AE or ARB‐AE. The increased risk due to the common Leiden allele was confirmed in a genome‐wide association study from the United States. A high risk of angioedema was also observed for the rs6020 variant that is the main coagulation defect‐causing variant in black African and Asian populations. We found that deleterious missense variants in F5 are associated with an increased risk of ACEI‐AE or ARB‐AE.
Pandemic Best Regulatory Practices: An Urgent Need in the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Lumpkin Murray M. , Lim John C. W.
Published: June 2020

As large numbers of candidate drugs and vaccines for potential use in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic are being investigated, medicine regulators globally must now make urgent, informed, contextually risk‐1based decisions regarding clinical trials and marketing authorizations. They must do this with the flexibility demanded by the pandemic while maintaining their core risk assessment and public safety functions. We lay out the critical role of regulators in the current crisis and offer eight “pandemic best regulatory practices.” These should support both the regulatory public heath imperative and assure timely patient access to effective, safe, quality products worldwide during this emergency—thus contributing to ending this pandemic as quickly, effectively, and safely as possible.
Contribution of immunophenotype to the investigation and differential diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma, double‐hit high‐grade B‐cell lymphoma, and single‐hit MYC‐rearranged diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Tsagarakis Nikolaos J. , Papadhimitriou Stefanos I. , Pavlidis Dimitris , Liapis Konstantinos , Gortzolidis Georgios , Kostopoulos Ioannis V. , Marinakis Theodoros , Paterakis Georgios
Published: June 2020

Background

There are no immunophenotypic guidelines for the investigation of MYC‐rearranged lymphomas. We aimed to identify simple immunophenotypic features that would help to differentiate between MYC‐rearranged lymphomas and guide cytogenetic analysis.

Methods

We reviewed diagnostic samples from patients diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma (BL), double‐hit lymphoma (DHL), MYC‐rearranged diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (MYC‐DLBCL), and standard (non‐MYC‐rearranged) DLBCL over the last decade in our Institution. Using flow cytometry (with antibodies CD20, CD10, CD38, bcl‐2, Ki‐67, FMC‐7, CD43, CD27, CD79b, CD23, and CD22) we determined antigen% expression and median‐fluorescence intensity ratios (MFIR). The forward scatter (FS) and side scatter (SS) characteristics of tumor B‐cells were compared with normal T‐cells (B/T ratios) for patients with MYC‐rearranged lymphomas.

Results

We identified 51 patients of whom 14 had BL, 10 had DHL (6 MYC+/BCL2+; 4 MYC+/BCL6+), 8 MYC‐DLBCL, and 19 standard DLBCL. The significant differences (p <.05) were: higher CD38% in BL than standard DLBCL; higher CD10% in BL and DHL versus MYC‐DLBCL and standard DLBCL; higher CD10MFIR in BL than MYC‐DLBCL and standard DLBCL; higher Ki‐67% in BL than DHL and MYC‐DLBCL; higher bcl‐2% in DHL than BL; higher FMC‐7% in BL than MYC‐DLBCL and standard DLBCL; and lower SS (B/T) ratio in DHL than MYC‐DLBCL.

Conclusions

The combination of CD38% > 90, CD10% > 80, CD10MFIR > 10, bcl‐2% < 30, and Ki‐67% > 70 was characteristic of BL. “Deviation” from these cut‐offs should raise suspicion for DHL and, therefore, BCL2 and/or BCL6 FISH is required. We also found that a diagnosis of DHL rather than of MYC‐DLBCL was significantly associated with CD10% > 60, Ki‐67% > 50, and SS (B/T) <1.5.
Moderate early life stress improves adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) working memory but does not affect social and anxiety‐like responses
Authors: Fontana Barbara D. , Gibbon Alistair J. , Cleal Madeleine , Sudwarts Ari , Pritchett David , Miletto Petrazzini Maria Elena , Brennan Caroline H. , Parker Matthew O.
Published: June 2020

Early life stress (ELS) is defined as a short or chronic period of trauma, environmental or social deprivation, which can affect different neurochemical and behavioral patterns during adulthood. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have been widely used as a model system to understand human neurodevelopmental disorders and display translationally relevant behavioral and stress‐regulating systems. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of moderate ELS by exposing young animals (6‐weeks postfertilization), for 3 consecutive days, to three stressors, and analyzing the impact of this on adult zebrafish behavior (16‐week postfertilization). The ELS impact in adults was assessed through analysis of performance on tests of unconditioned memory (free movement pattern Y‐maze test), exploratory and anxiety‐related task (novel tank diving test), and social cohesion (shoaling test). Here, we show for the first time that moderate ELS increases the number of alternations in turn‐direction compared to repetitions in the unconditioned Y‐maze task, suggesting increased working memory, but has no effect on shoal cohesion, locomotor profile, or anxiety‐like behavior. Overall, our data suggest that moderate ELS may be linked to adaptive flexibility which contributes to build “resilience” in adult zebrafish by improving working memory performance.
Dark diversity reveals importance of biotic resources and competition for plant diversity across habitats
Authors: Fløjgaard Camilla , Valdez Jose W. , Dalby Lars , Moeslund Jesper Erenskjold , Clausen Kevin K. , Ejrnæs Rasmus , Pärtel Meelis , Brunbjerg Ane Kirstine
Published: June 2020

Species richness is the most commonly used metric to quantify biodiversity. However, examining dark diversity, the group of missing species which can potentially inhabit a site, can provide a more thorough understanding of the processes influencing observed biodiversity and help evaluate the restoration potential of local habitats. So far, dark diversity has mainly been studied for specific habitats or large‐scale landscapes, while less attention has been given to variation across broad environmental gradients or as a result of local conditions and biotic interactions. In this study, we investigate the importance of local environmental conditions in determining dark diversity and observed richness in plant communities across broad environmental gradients. Using the ecospace concept, we investigate how these biodiversity measures relate to abiotic gradients (defined as position), availability of biotic resources (defined as expansion), spatiotemporal extent of habitats (defined as continuity), and species interactions through competition. Position variables were important for both observed diversity and dark diversity, some with quadratic relationships, for example, plant richness showing a unimodal response to soil fertility corresponding to the intermediate productivity hypothesis. Interspecific competition represented by community mean Grime C had a negative effect on plant species richness. Besides position‐related variables, organic carbon was the most important variable for dark diversity, indicating that in late‐succession habitats such as forests and shrubs, dark diversity is generally low. The importance of highly competitive species indicates that intermediate disturbance, such as grazing, may facilitate higher species richness and lower dark diversity.
Structural Similarity in a Series of Alkali Metal Aluminates with Heteroleptic tert‐Butoxide–Isobutyl Ligand Sets
Authors: Whitelaw Michael T. , Kennedy Alan R. , Mulvey R. E.
Published: June 2020

With the aim of increasing the number of well‐defined alkali metal aluminates, six new crystalline examples containing heteroleptic tert‐butoxide – isobutyl ligand sets are reported. NMR spectroscopic studies in C6D6 solution have determined their common general formula [(iBu)2Al(OtBu)2AM·(D)], where AM = Li, D = 2 THF, TMEDA or PMDETA; AM = Na, D = TMEDA or PMDETA; and AM = K, D = PMDETA. X‐ray crystallographic studies show that despite the different sized alkali metals involved all six complexes adopt a common dinuclear motif with [AlO(AM)O] ring cores. Though Al–OtBu–Li linkages are common, the heavier alkali metal examples reported here are exceptionally rare. These structures could be interpreted as co‐complexes between monomeric forms of tBuO(AM) and (iBu)2Al(OtBu).
The Bromine‐Chlorine Interhalides [Br3Cl5]2–, [Br4Cl4]2– and [Br6.56Cl1.44]2–
Authors: Abdelbassit Mohammed S. , Curnow Owen J. , Brooke Samuel J. , Waterland Mark R.
Published: June 2020

The bromine‐chlorine dianionic octahalide‐containing salts [C3(NEt2)3]2[Br4Cl4] (1c) and [C3(NEt2)3]2[Br3Cl5] (2d) were prepared using the triaminocyclopropenium cation as a template. The salt 1c was prepared in two steps, firstly, either by addition of BrCl to the triaminocyclopropenium chloride salt [C3(NEt2)3]Cl or addition of Cl2 to the bromide salt [C3(NEt2)3]Br to form the trihalide [BrCl2]– salt, secondly, addition of half an equivalent of Br2 gave the desired product upon crystallization at low temperature. Salt 2d is prepared by addition of excess BrCl to [C3(NEt2)3]Cl. Both salts are best described as two trihalides bridged by a dihalogen. When the tetraethylammonium cation is used, a salt of the formula [NEt4]2[Br4.56Cl0.44][ClBr2] (4), containing disordered [ClBr2]– and a chain of [ClBr4]– and [Br5]– pentahalides (in a ratio of 0.44 to 0.56, respectively). These interhalides were characterized by X‐ray crystallography, computational studies, Raman and Far‐IR spectroscopy, as well as by TGA and melting point.
Physicochemical Properties, Lipid Oxidation, and Fatty Acid Composition of Sausage Prepared with Meat of Young Nellore Bulls Fed a Diet with Lauric Acid
Authors: de Araújo Sergiane A. , Ribeiro Rebeca. D. X. , Lima Anny. G. V. O. , Nascimento Thiago V. C. , da Silva Júnior Jarbas M. , Barbosa Analivia M. , Pimentel Paulo R. S. , Santos Neiri J. A. , Bezerra Leilson. R. , Pereira Elzânia S. , Oliveira Ronaldo L.
Published: June 2020

This study evaluates the quality of sausage obtained from the meat of Nellore cattle fed diets containing different levels (0, 5, 10, and 15 g per kg total DM) of lauric acid (C12:0) from palm kernel cake. A linear reduction (p≤ 0.05) in lipid oxidation, as reflected by linear decreases in the lightness (L*), yellowness (b*), and saturation (C*) color parameters, is observed on days 7, 14, and 21 of maturation of sausage, and these decreases are accompanied by linear increases in the redness (a*) color and the linoleic (C18:2n–6) and linolenic (C18:3n–3) fatty acid contents. The inclusion of lauric acid in the diet induces linear reductions in the shear force and cooking loss and does not significantly affect various indices, including the centesimal composition, water activity, water holding capacity, composition of most fatty acids (FA), hypocholesterolemic‐to‐hypercholesterolemic FA ratio, atherogenicity, thrombogenicity, and desirable fatty acids. The use of dietary lauric acid from palm kernel cake is recommended at doses up to 15 g per kg because its presence reduces lipid oxidation and improves color parameters, softness, and linoleic and linolenic FA without affecting the FA composition of sausage from Nellore bull's meat.

Practical applications: Sausages are products manufactured from chopped or ground meats packaged into animal casings. This product appeared in Brazil through the adaptation of traditional recipes brought by German and Italian immigrant families to weather conditions and the national palate. However, due to its production characteristics, sausage can become a product with lipid characteristics that are undesirable for human consumption. The inclusion of lauric acid (C12:0) in the animal diet might change the biohydrogenation process in the rumen, improve the quality of the deposited FA and reduce lipid oxidation in sausage manufactured from meat. The FA composition and physicochemical properties of sausage predict its acceptance by the consumer market. An optimal advantage would be achieved if these products can be used as not only preservatives but also functional ingredients with antioxidant properties and products for the treatment of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases through atherogenic action.
A Star‐Shaped Triazine‐Based Vitamin B5 Copper(II) Nanocatalyst for Tandem Aerobic Synthesis of Bis(indolyl)methanes
Authors: Hasanpour Benyamin , Jafarpour Maasoumeh , Eskandari Ameneh , Rezaeifard Abdolreza
Published: June 2020

In this work, the catalytic efficiency of a novel bio‐relevant triazine (TA)‐based pantothenate (vitamin B5) copper(II) complex [Cu(II)‐TA/B5] in the aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohols and tandem synthesis of bis(indolyl)methanes was exploited. The star‐shaped catalyst was characterized by different techniques such as FT‐IR, EDX, ICP, TEM, and TGA. TEM images revealed a honeycomb structure resulting from the accumulation of nanoparticles with size ranging between 2–6 nm. The high yields and excellent selectivity were obtained for the production of various benzaldehydes and bis(indolyl)methanes under aerobic conditions. Recycling tests, spectroscopic data, and leaching experiments testified that the title heterogeneous bio‐relevant catalyst preserved its activity and structural integrity during oxidation and coupling reactions. The presented catalytic systems qualify all requirements for efficient catalytic systems for applied goals.
Competitive Adsorption of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons to Carbon Nanotubes and the Impact on Bioavailability to Fathead Minnow (Pimephales promelas)
Authors: Linard Erica N. , Lee Cindy M. , Karanfil Tanju , van den Hurk Peter
Published: June 2020

Recent studies investigating the influence of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the bioavailability of organic contaminants have mostly focused on single-solute systems; however, a more likely scenario in the natural environment is a multisolute system where chemical interactions at the surface of the CNT may alter the bioavailability of these chemicals. In the present study bisolute adsorption isotherms of pairs of chemically similar polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were established, in conjunction with quantifying the bioavailability of the 2 competing MWCNT-adsorbed PAHs to Pimephales promelas using bile analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. The results showed that whereas adsorption and bioavailability of chemically similar PAHs (anthracene and phenanthrene, and fluoranthene and pyrene) were the same in a single-solute system, in bisolute systems, PAHs that could better align or flex with the MWCNT surface due to morphological characteristics would outcompete the more rigid or planar PAHs. The bioavailability of individual PAHs in bisolute solutions increased by as much as 50% compared with single-solute solutions. However, the relationship between adsorption (i.e., Kd) and concentration of PAH in the fish bile was similar in single and bisolute systems. This finding indicates that competitive interactions at the surface of MWCNTs influence bioavailability by way of altering adsorption affinity in a moderately predictable manner. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1702–1711. © 2020 SETAC
Improving the international prognostic index score using peripheral blood counts: Results of a large multicenter study involving 520 patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Authors: Marcheselli Raffaella , Bari Alessia , Tadmor Tamar , Marcheselli Luigi , Cox Maria Christina , Papotti Robel , Ferrari Angela , Baldini Luca , Gobbi Paolo , Levy Ilana , Pugliese Giuseppe , Federico Massimo , Polliack Aaron , Pozzi Samantha , Sacchi Stefano
Published: June 2020

The main purpose of this study was to assess whether it is possible to improve the prognostic impact of international prognostic index (IPI) score by combining it with peripheral blood counts. Thus, we evaluated the prognostic power of lymphocyte, neutrophil, and monocyte counts in 520 patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma treated with R‐CHOP, confirming that these parameters have a strong impact on overall survival (OS). Using revised IPI (R‐IPI), 44% of patients were categorized as poor‐risk and showed an OS at 5 years of 46%. As OS at 5 years of the 520 patients is 67%, it is clearly evident that R‐IPI tends to overestimate the proportion of patients with poor prognosis. Accordingly, in an attempt to improve the discriminating power of R‐IPI, we evaluated and compared three different scores by combining the neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and absolute monocyte count (AMC) with the following values: (a) IPI score 3‐5, (b) age > 60 years and performance status, (c) age  ≥ 65 years and LDH > ULN. The three indexes studied, had a similar 5 years OS for the high‐risk group (46%‐52%), but the proportion of patients classified as poor‐risk were 37%, 20%, and 32%, respectively, which are lower than 44% identified with R‐IPI. Thus, while R‐IPI overestimates the number of high‐risk patients, after applying our models, it is possible to recognize patients who are truly at high‐risk. Of the three scores, the most accurate appears to be that based on NLR, AMC, LDH > ULN and age ≥ 65 years, which identifies 32% of high‐risk patients, correlating well with what is seen in clinical practice.
Influences on the use of antidepressants in primary care: All England general practice‐level analysis of demographic, practice‐level and prescriber factors
Authors: Heald Adrian H. , Stedman Mike , Davies Mark , Farman Sanam , Upthegrove Rachel , Taylor David , Gadsby Roger
Published: June 2020

Introduction

General practice (GP) antidepressants (ADs) prescribing in England has almost doubled in the past decade: how does location, GP characteristics, and prescribing selection influence antidepressant prescribing rate (ADPR) and growth.

Methods

Stepwise multivariate regression analysis was applied to national public relevant data for each general practice to establish associations between these factors and ADPR. The regression coefficient was applied to the actual change in the number of different ADs and costs/dose to extrapolate the impact of these on growth.

Results

In 2017–2018, 2.1 billion doses of antidepressant were prescribed into a population of 52 million people in 6,146 larger practices. In the model, location demographics accounted for 62% of the variation in ADPR: including practice size and health raised this to 71%, and local prescribing behaviour to 80%. Practices using more different drugs and lower‐cost/dose had higher ADPR. Extrapolation showed that 40% of growth in ADPR could be attributed to the historic changes in these factors.

Conclusions

While practice location factors do impact on AD prescription rates, local long‐term physical health condition prevalence and prescribing behaviours are almost as important. We hope that our findings can provide insights that are helpful to local clinical behaviour and medicines management.
Crosslinking of gum‐based composite scaffolds for enhanced strength and stability: A comparative study between sodium trimetaphosphate and glutaraldehyde
Authors: Joglekar Mugdha Makrand , Ghosh Devlina , Anandan Dhivyaa , Yatham Puja , Jayant Rahul Dev , Nambiraj N. Arunai , Jaiswal Amit Kumar
Published: June 2020

Tissue engineering is one of the potential fields in the domain of regenerative medicine. Engineered scaffolds are an excellent substitute for the conventional use of bone grafts as they are biocompatible, economic, and provide limitless supply with no risk of disease transmission. Gum‐based scaffolds present a good scope for studying tissue‐engineering models and analyzing controlled drug delivery. Uniform blending of the gums and the presence of the optimal concentration of appropriate crosslinkers are very crucial for biodegradability nature. Gum‐based scaffolds containing gellan gum, xanthan gum, polyvinyl alcohol, and hydroxyapatite, cross‐linked with either glutaraldehyde (GA) or sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP) were fabricated to study the efficiency of crosslinkers and were characterized for degradation profile, swelling capacity, porosity, mechanical strength, morphology, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared, and in vitro biocompatibility. Scaffolds crosslinked with STMP exhibited higher degradation rate at Day 21 than scaffolds crosslinked with GA. However, higher compressive strength was obtained for scaffolds cross‐linked with STMP signifying that they have a better ability to resist compressive forces. Superior cell viability was observed in STMP‐crosslinked scaffolds. In conclusion, STMP serves as a better crosslinker in comparison to GA and can be used in the fabrication of scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.
FoxA2 inhibits the proliferation of hepatic progenitor cells by reducing PI3K/Akt/HK2‐mediated glycolysis
Authors: Wang Ping , Cong Min , Liu Tianhui , Li Yaqiong , Liu Lin , Sun Shujie , Sun Liying , Zhu Zhijun , Ma Hong , You Hong , Zhang Haiyan , Jia Jidong
Published: June 2020

FoxA2 is an essential transcription factor for liver organogenesis and homeostasis. Although reduced expression of FoxA2 has been associated with chronic liver diseases, hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) that are activated in these circumstances express FoxA2. However, the functional effects and underlying mechanism of FoxA2 in HPCs are still unknown. As revealed by immunostaining, HPCs expressed FoxA2 in human cirrhotic livers and in the livers of choline‐deficient diet supplemented with ethionine (CDE) rats. Knocking down FoxA2 in HPCs isolated from CDE rats significantly increased cell proliferation and aerobic glycolysis. Moreover, gene transcription, protein expression, and the enzyme activities of hexokinase 2 (HK2) were upregulated, and blocking HK2 activities via 2‐deoxyglucose markedly reduced cell proliferation and aerobic glycolysis. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis revealed that FoxA2 knockdown enhanced the transcription of genes involved in the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway and triggered downstream Akt phosphorylation. Blocking the PI3K/Akt pathway by Ly294002 inhibited HK2 activities, aerobic glycolysis, and cell proliferation in FoxA2‐knockdown cells. Therefore, FoxA2 plays an important role in the proliferation and inhibition of HPCs by suppressing PI3K/Akt/HK2‐regulated aerobic glycolysis.
Triptolide decreases tumor‐associated macrophages infiltration and M2 polarization to remodel colon cancer immune microenvironment via inhibiting tumor‐derived CXCL12
Authors: Jiang Xuan , Cao Gang , Gao Guangyi , Wang Wei , Zhao Jiasheng , Gao Chao
Published: June 2020

Colon cancer is a common and deadly human digestive tract malignant tumor with poor prognosis. Immunotherapy has elicited tremendous success as a treatment modality for multiple solid tumors. Triptolide is extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F which shows various pharmacological actions including antitumor, anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifibrosis, and antirheumatic. However, the influence of triptolide treatment on remodeling tumor immune microenvironment is still unknown in colon cancer. This study was aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of triptolide treatment on colon cancer and the impact on tumor immune microenvironment and its underlying mechanism. We used CT26 subcutaneous tumors to conduct in vivo experiments and HT29, CT16, and Raw264.7 cells to perform in vitro assays. Triptolide had a therapeutic effect against colon cancer in vivo. Triptolide treatment distinctly inhibited the proliferation of colon cancer cells and induced apoptosis in vitro. In colon cancer immune microenvironment, triptolide treatment decreased the infiltration of tumor‐associated macrophages through downregulating tumor‐derived CXCL12 expression via nuclear factor kappa B and extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 axis to remodel the immune microenvironment. Triptolide‐educated colon cancers retarded the macrophages polarize to anti‐inflammatory M2 status by decreasing the expression of Arg‐1, CD206, and interleukin‐10. Moreover, triptolide inhibited the migration of colon cancer cells via decreasing vascular endothelial growth factor expression. Our results identified the role of triptolide treatment in remodeling colon cancer immune microenvironment along with the distinct cytotoxicity function against colon cancer cells, which may provide the evidence for triptolide treatment in clinical.
Role of inflammasomes in innate host defense against Entamoeba histolytica
Authors: Begum Sharmin , Gorman Hayley , Chadha Attinder , Chadee Kris
Published: June 2020

Intestinal amebiasis is the disease caused by the extracellular protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica (Eh) that induces a dynamic and heterogeneous interaction profile with the host immune system during disease pathogenesis. In 90% of asymptomatic infection, Eh resides with indigenous microbiota in the outer mucus layer of the colon without prompting an immune response. However, for reasons that remain unclear, in a minority of the Eh-infected individuals, this fine tolerated relationship is switched to a pathogenic phenotype and advanced to an increasingly complex host-parasite interaction. Eh disease susceptibility depends on parasite virulence factors and their interactions with indigenous bacteria, disruption of the mucus bilayers, and adherence to the epithelium provoking host immune cells to evoke a robust pro-inflammatory response mediated by inflammatory caspases and inflammasome activation. To understand Eh pathogenicity and innate host immune responses, this review highlights recent advances in our understanding of how Eh induces outside-in signaling via Mϕs to activate inflammatory caspases and inflammasome to regulate pro-inflammatory responses.
Influenza and COVID‐19 coinfection: Report of six cases and review of the literature
Authors: Ozaras Resat , Cirpin Rasim , Duran Arif , Duman Habibe , Arslan Ozgur , Bakcan Yasin , Kaya Metin , Mutlu Huseyin , Isayeva Leyla , Kebanlı Fatih , Deger Bekir A. , Bekeshev Eldar , Kaya Fatma , Bilir Suat
Published: June 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic caused infection in a season when influenza is still prevalent. Both viruses have similar transmission characteristics and common clinical manifestations. Influenza has been described to cause respiratory infection with some other respiratory pathogens. However, the information of COVID‐19 and influenza coinfection is limited. In this study, we reported our coinfected cases and reviewed the literature. We included all COVID‐19 diagnosed patients. All patients with a presumed diagnosis of COVID‐19 were routinely screened for influenza. Their thorax radiology was reviewed for COVID‐19‐influenza differentiation. During the study period, 1103 patients have been diagnosed with COVID‐19. Among them, six patients (0.54%) were diagnosed coinfected with influenza. There have been 28 more coinfected patients reported. Laboratory‐based screening studies reported more patients. Thorax radiology findings were compatible with COVID‐19 in five and with influenza in one of our patients. Our cases were mild to moderate in severity. The reported cases in the literature included patients died (n = 2) and those living ventilator dependent or under mechanical ventilation. COVID‐19 and influenza coinfection is rare. Screening studies report more cases, suggesting that unless screening patients with COVID‐19, the coinfection remains undiagnosed and underestimated. Increasing experience in thoracic radiology may contribute to diagnose the responsible virus(es) from the clinical illness. Influenza vaccine for larger population groups can be recommended to simplify clinicians' work.
Increasing host cellular receptor—angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 expression by coronavirus may facilitate 2019‐nCoV (or SARS‐CoV‐2) infection
Authors: Zhuang Meng‐Wei , Cheng Yun , Zhang Jing , Jiang Xue‐Mei , Wang Li , Deng Jian , Wang Pei‐Hui
Published: June 2020

The ongoing outbreak of a new coronavirus (2019‐nCoV, or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS‐CoV‐2]) has caused an epidemic of the acute respiratory syndrome known as coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) in humans. SARS‐CoV‐2 rapidly spread to multiple regions of China and multiple other countries, posing a serious threat to public health. The spike (S) proteins of SARS‐CoV‐1 and SARS‐CoV‐2 may use the same host cellular receptor, angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), for entering host cells. The affinity between ACE2 and the SARS‐CoV‐2 S protein is much higher than that of ACE2 binding to the SARS‐CoV S protein, explaining why SARS‐CoV‐2 seems to be more readily transmitted from human to human. Here, we report that ACE2 can be significantly upregulated after infection of various viruses, including SARS‐CoV‐1 and SARS‐CoV‐2, or by the stimulation with inflammatory cytokines such as interferons. We propose that SARS‐CoV‐2 may positively induce its cellular entry receptor, ACE2, to accelerate its replication and spread; high inflammatory cytokine levels increase ACE2 expression and act as high‐risk factors for developing COVID‐19, and the infection of other viruses may increase the risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Therefore, drugs targeting ACE2 may be developed for the future emerging infectious diseases caused by this cluster of coronaviruses.
Workforce agility and its links to emotional intelligence and workforce performance: A study of small entrepreneurial firms in India
Authors: Varshney Deepanjana , Varshney Nirbhay Krishna
Published: June 2020

Small businesses play a crucial role in the economy; however, small entrepreneurial firms often lack expertise and resources, meaning that it is challenging to run such businesses successfully. Using data from a survey of six small entrepreneurial firms in India, this research sets out to explore the relationship between workforce performance and emotional intelligence, looking in particular at the role that workforce agility plays. Workplace performance is split into three categories; task performance, adaptive performance, and contextual performance. Our results show that workforce agility acts as a mediator between emotional intelligence and work performance, but only in relation to adaptive and contextual performance; it does not have any significant influence on task performance. Against the backdrop of a volatile and uncertain business environment, we conclude by drawing a number of inferences from our work that small entrepreneurial firms could use to improve employee productivity and performance.
Barriers to Computerized Career Interventions in Community Outreach Centers
Authors: Morgan Michael J. , Wilkinson R. Tyler , Osborn Debra S.
Published: June 2020

This study used a survey design to investigate if computer experience and computer attitudes influence whether economically marginalized individuals desire access to computerized career services in community outreach centers. The majority (84%) of the sample reported a desire for access to computerized career services at community outreach centers. A multiple regression analysis indicated computer attitudes as most predictive of intention to use computerized career services (β = .29, p < .01). Results support extending access to computerized career services in community outreach centers to meet the needs of economically marginalized individuals.
Alterted Adipogenesis of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Photobiomodulation Using 1064 nm Laser Light
Authors: McColloch Andrew , Liebman Caleb , Liu Hanli , Cho Michael
Published: June 2020

Background and Objectives

Photobiomodulation (PBM) describes the influence of light irradiation on biological tissues. Laser light in the near‐infrared (NIR) spectrum has been shown to mitigate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote wound healing. The cellular mechanism that mediates PBM's effects is generally accepted to be at the site of the mitochondria, leading to an increased flux through the electron transport chain and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. Moreover, PBM has been demonstrated to reduce oxidative stress through an increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐sequestering enzymes. The aim of the study is to determine whether these PBM‐induced effects expedite or interfere with the intended stem cell differentiation to the adipogenic lineage.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

To determine the effects of 1064 nm laser irradiation (fluence of 8.8–26.4 J/cm2) on human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) undergoing adipogenic differentiation, the ATP and ROS levels, and adipogenic markers were quantitatively measured.

Results

At a low fluence (8.8 J/cm2) the ATP increase was essentially negligible, whereas a higher fluence induced a significant increase. In the laser‐stimulated cells, PBM over time decreased the ROS level compared with the non‐treated control group and significantly reduced the extent of adipogenesis. A reduction in the ROS level was correlated with a diminished lipid accumulation, reduced production of adipose‐specific genetic markers, and delayed the chemically intended adipogenesis.

Conclusion

We characterized the use of NIR light exposure to modulate adipogenesis. Both the ATP and ROS levels in hMSCs responded to different energy densities. The current study is expected to contribute significantly to the growing field of PBM as well as stem cell tissue engineering by demonstrating the wavelength‐dependent responses of hMSC differentiation. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Preparation and corrosion resistance of short basalt fiber/7075 aluminum composite
Authors: Ma Yinlong , Xiong Hongwei , Chen Baoyi
Published: June 2020

Aiming at the problem of poor corrosion resistance of aluminum alloy drill pipe materials in an alkaline environment, an innovative short basalt fiber/aluminum composite is prepared by vacuum hot‐press sintering technique. Also, the corrosion behavior of the composites is investigated by hydrogen evolution and electrochemical tests. The results show that the corrosion resistance of 7075 aluminum alloy is significantly improved after adding 1.0 wt% short basalt fiber. According to the results of scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, the main component of basalt fiber, SiO2, reacts with the aluminum matrix to produce a large amount of Al2O3. Meanwhile, Si atoms diffuse into the metal melt. This reaction improves the strength and density of the oxide film of the composite material, thereby improving its corrosion resistance.