bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Driving factors behind consumers' severe response to U.S. beef imports during the candlelight protest in South Korea
Authors: Jin Hyun J.
Published: October 2020

The South Korean government's reversal of a ban on American beef imports in 2008 caused enormous political and social upheaval in the country. The government's acquiescence to the United States' request to resume imports of boned beef and beef from cattle slaughtered over the age of 30 months led to overwhelming negative publicity, as mass media described the decision as yielding to U.S. pressure at the expense of public health. Koreans gathered to demonstrate against the agreement; the resulting “candlelight protest” quickly intensified, spreading across the country from May 2008 through August 2008. Given the different opinions regarding the main causes of the event, this study revisits the issue by empirically testing for switches in meat demand for different types of meat among South Korean consumers. The results indicate that there was no structural change in meat demand around the candlelight protest period, which suggests that variations in meat demand during that period can be explained by changes in relative prices between different types of meat. This implies that unlike the findings of previous studies, the negative consumer reaction was not associated with risk‐averse behavior concerning the consumption of U.S. beef.

[EconLit citations: C14; E20; Q11]
Expanding the phenotype of Wiedemann‐Steiner syndrome: Craniovertebral junction anomalies
Authors: Giangiobbe Sara , Caraffi Stefano Giuseppe , Ivanovski Ivan , Maini Ilenia , Pollazzon Marzia , Rosato Simonetta , Trimarchi Gabriele , Lauriello Anna , Marinelli Maria , Nicoli Davide , Baldo Chiara , Laurie Steven , Flores‐Daboub Josue , Provenzano Aldesia , Andreucci Elena , Peluso Francesca , Rizzo Renata , Stewart Helen , Lachlan Katherine , Bayat Allan , Napoli Manuela , Carboni Giorgia , Baker Janice , Mendel Alyssa , Piatelli Gianluca , Pantaleoni Chiara , Mattina Teresa , Prontera Paolo , Mendelsohn Nancy J. , Giglio Sabrina , Zuffardi Orsetta , Garavelli Livia
Published: October 2020

Wiedemann–Steiner syndrome (WDSTS) is a rare autosomal dominant condition caused by heterozygous loss of function variants in the KMT2A (MLL) gene, encoding a lysine N‐methyltransferase that mediates a histone methylation pattern specific for epigenetic transcriptional activation. WDSTS is characterized by a distinctive facial phenotype, hypertrichosis, short stature, developmental delay, intellectual disability, congenital malformations, and skeletal anomalies. Recently, a few patients have been reported having abnormal skeletal development of the cervical spine. Here we describe 11 such individuals, all with KMT2A de novo loss‐of‐function variants: 10 showed craniovertebral junction anomalies, while an 11th patient had a cervical abnormality in C7. By evaluating clinical and diagnostic imaging data we characterized these anomalies, which consist primarily of fused cervical vertebrae, C1 and C2 abnormalities, small foramen magnum and Chiari malformation type I. Craniovertebral anomalies in WDSTS patients have been largely disregarded so far, but the increasing number of reports suggests that they may be an intrinsic feature of this syndrome. Specific investigation strategies should be considered for early identification and prevention of craniovertebral junction complications in WDSTS patients.
Flow Photochemistry for Single‐Chain Polymer Nanoparticle Synthesis
Authors: Galant Or , Donmez Hasan Barca , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher , Diesendruck Charles E.
Published: October 2020

Single chain polymer nanoparticles (SCNP) are an attractive polymer architecture that provides functions seen in folded biomacromolecules. The generation of SCNPs, however, is limited by the requirement of a high dilution chemical step, necessitating the use of large reactors to produce processable quantities of material. Herein, the chemical folding of macromolecules into SCNPs is achieved in both batch and flow photochemical processes by the previously described photodimerization of anthracene units in polymethylmethacrylate (100 kDa) under UV irradiation at 366 nm. When employing flow chemistry, the irradiation time is readily controlled by tuning the flow rates, allowing for the precise control over the intramolecular collapse process. The flow system provides a route at least four times more efficient for SCNP formation, reaching higher intramolecular cross‐linking ratios five times faster than batch operation.
Enantio‐ and Diastereoselective Nucleophilic Addition of N‐tert‐Butylhydrazones to Isoquinolinium Ions through Anion‐Binding Catalysis
Authors: Matador Esteban , Iglesias‐Sigüenza Javier , Monge David , Merino Pedro , Fernández Rosario , Lassaletta José M.
Published: October 2020

A highly enantio‐ and diastereoselective thiourea‐catalyzed dearomatization of isoquinolines employing N‐tert‐butylhydrazones as neutral α‐azo carbanions and masked acyl anion equivalents has been developed. Experimental and computational data supports the generation of highly ordered complexes wherein the chloride behaves as a template for the catalyst, the hydrazone reagent, and the isoquinolinium cation, providing excellent stereocontrol in the formation of two contiguous stereogenic centers. The ensuing selective and high‐yielding transformations provide appealing dihydroisoquinoline derivatives.
Ordered Mesoporous Carbons with Graphitic Tubular Frameworks by Dual Templating for Efficient Electrocatalysis and Energy Storage
Authors: Baek Du San , Lee Kyung Ah , Park Jaehyun , Kim Jae Hyung , Lee Jungsoo , Lim June Sung , Lee So Young , Shin Tae Joo , Jeong Hu Young , Son Jae Sung , Kang Seok Ju , Kim Jin Young , Joo Sang Hoon
Published: October 2020

Ordered mesoporous carbons (OMCs) have attracted considerable interest owing to their broad utility. OMCs reported to date comprise amorphous rod‐like or tubular or graphitic rod‐like frameworks, which exhibit tradeoffs between conductivity and surface area. Here we report ordered mesoporous carbons constructed with graphitic tubular frameworks (OMGCs) with tunable pore sizes and mesostructures via dual templating, using mesoporous silica and molybdenum carbide as exo‐ and endo‐templates, respectively. OMGCs simultaneously realize high electrical conductivity and large surface area and pore volume. Benefitting from these features, Ru nanoparticles (NPs) supported on OMGC exhibit superior catalytic activity for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction and single‐cell performance for anion exchange membrane water electrolysis compared to Ru NPs on other OMCs and commercial catalysts. Further, the OMGC‐based full‐carbon symmetric cell demonstrates excellent performances for Li‐ion capacitors.
Extraction and derivatization for perfluorocarboxylic acids in liquid and solid matrices: A review
Authors: Stróżyńska Monika , Schuhen Katrin
Published: October 2020

Perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) are anthropogenic organic compounds with very unique and useful properties, for example, surfactant properties and immense stability. These substances are nowadays widely used in many industrial and consumer products. Their presence in human, biological, and environmental samples throughout the world has been described in numerous research articles. Unfortunately, PFCAs have also been found to be toxic, persistent, and bioaccumulative. Therefore, there is a great need for a constant and reliable detection of PFCAs in various matrices. Nowadays, the analysis based on liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC‐MS and LC‐MS/MS) is considered to be the method of choice. Determination of PFCAs by gas chromatography (GC) is not so well established as the LC methods. Nevertheless, GC can be considered as a complementary method, which can help to gain more reliable results and to crosscheck the LC analysis. The sample preparation is crucial, but also a time‐ and cost‐consuming part of the PFCAs analysis. This article reviews the two most important sample preparation steps for the analysis of PFCAs: extraction and derivatization. It discusses the possible enrichment of PFCA using various extraction techniques used both for LC and GC. The derivatizing agents used prior to the GC analysis are described. The sample pretreatment as well as the most relevant problems and the sensitivity of the methods are presented. Moreover, advantages and disadvantages of LC and GC analysis are discussed.
Evaluating the protective role of carrier microparticles in preserving protein secondary structure within electrospun meshes
Authors: Shaw Gauri Shankar , Dash Ricky A. , Samavedi Satyavrata
Published: October 2020

Direct incorporation of proteins into electrospun meshes using approaches such as blend electrospinning can promote adverse interactions with hydrophobic polymers, organic solvents and high voltage, potentially leading to loss of protein activity. However, pre‐encapsulation within a protective carrier phase can preserve protein conformation by avoiding exposure to harsh processing conditions. In this study, bovine serum albumin (BSA) was loaded within cellulose microparticles (MPs) and the BSA‐loaded MPs were dispersed in a solution of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). Particle‐mesh composites were created using a sacrificial fiber/co‐electrospinning approach in which the BSA/MP/PEO solution was simultaneously electrospun against a poly(caprolactone) (PCL) solution. Post‐fabrication, sacrificial PEO fibers were selectively dissolved by treatment with ethanol. Microscopy, weight loss analysis and FTIR spectroscopy together confirmed selective dissolution of PEO fibers and the retention of BSA‐loaded MPs within the PCL network without significant loss of either the MPs or the protein. Circular dichroism spectroscopy and intrinsic fluorescence measurements on BSA extracted from the co‐electrospun meshes indicated minimal disruption to secondary structure, although partial sheet induction was observed. In contrast, direct exposure of BSA to four commonly used electrospinning solvents resulted in a large decrease in helical content and significant induction of sheets, revealing significant changes to the secondary structure. In summary, our results demonstrate the protective role of MPs in minimizing adverse effects of electrospinning on the secondary structure of incorporated protein.
Pubertal Timing During Early Adolescence: Advanced Pubertal Onset in Females with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Corbett Blythe A. , Vandekar Simon , Muscatello Rachael A. , Tanguturi Yasas
Published: October 2020

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impaired social communication and poor adaptation to change; thus, the onset of puberty may be a pivotal transition. This cross‐sectional study measured pubertal timing to examine hypothesized differences for sex (female vs. male) and group (ASD vs. typical development [TD]). Participants included 239 children (137 ASD, 102 TD) between 10 and 13 years. The ASD group included 35 females and 102 males; the TDs included 44 females and 58 males. Pubertal onset measured by genital or pubic stage was investigated with linear regression using main effects of sex and age‐by‐sex interactions in TD and ASD groups and main effects of diagnosis and diagnosis‐by‐age interactions in males and females, controlling for body mass index, socioeconomic status, and race. In TD, examination of main effects for genital (penis/breast) stage showed no difference for male and female children (t = 1.33, P = 0.187, rdf = 92); however, there were significant differences in ASD (t = 2.70, P = 0.008, rdf = 121). For diagnosis modeled separately by sex, there was significantly earlier pubertal development in females with ASD (t = 1.97, P = 0.053, rdf = 70, but not males (t = 1.329, P = 0.186, rdf = 143). In addition, analysis of menses revealed females with ASD had significantly earlier onset than TD (t = −2.56, P = 0.018, rdf = 21). Examination of pubic stage revealed expected sex differences for TD (t = 2,674, P = 0.009, rdf = 91) and ASD (t = 3.482, P = 0.001, rdf = 121). Females with ASD evidence advanced pubertal onset relative to ASD males and TD females. Findings underscore the need for enhanced understanding of pubertal development in ASD, as differences may have significant psychological, social, physiological, and developmental consequences.

Lay Summary

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulty with social communication and respond poorly to change, which may include the onset and course of puberty. The study measured the timing of puberty in 239 children (137 ASD and 102 typical development [TD]) between 10 and 13 years based on pubertal stage of genital (breast/penis) and pubic hair development. Females with ASD evidence advanced pubertal onset relative to ASD males and TD females. Findings underscore the need for an enhanced understanding of pubertal development in ASD.
Commodity chemical production from third‐generation biomass: a techno‐economic assessment of lactic acid production
Authors: Grasa Elena T , Ögmundarson Ólafur , Gavala Hariklia N , Sukumara Sumesh
Published: October 2020

The unique characteristics and composition of macroalgae offer new possibilities for the production of bio‐based products such as biofuels and commodity chemicals. The technologies required for processing macroalgae are not currently mature enough, and those that exist are primarily oriented towards the production of biofuels. This study explores a production process to produce lactic acid (LA) from brown algae, designed with a capacity of 11 t h−1 of product. Four scenarios are simulated in Aspen Plus, for the production of polymer‐grade LA, utilizing Laminaria macroalgae as a feedstock. Techno‐economic models are established to investigate the feasibility of these new technologies. Configurations for heat recovery are suggested to maximize productivity, and a minimum viable selling price (MVSP) is calculated for LA to predict an optimal design configuration. The process does not recover investment, when using a composition represented by an avarage value for all the Laminaria sp. Moreover, the percentage difference between the MVSP and the current selling price (SP) is 34%. Nonetheless, when using Laminaria digitata, which comprises of higher carbohydrates, compared to other Laminaria sp, the percentage difference between the MVSP and the SP is estimated to be 28%. If the hypothetical fermentation of alginate is considered, the invested capital is recovered by the 11th year. These results also highlight the need for research into the valorization of the alginate fraction, improving the microorganisms’ ability to metabolize alginate to LA or other relevant products. The development of the respective processes would be a step that the scientific community would be justified in examining. © 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Thermoluminescence dosimetry properties and kinetic analysis of K3Ca2(SO4)3F:Dy3+ phosphor
Authors: Mehare C. M. , Mehare M. D. , Ghanty C. , Dhoble N. S. , Dhoble S. J.
Published: October 2020

A trivalent Dy3+‐activated K3Ca2(SO4)3F fluoride‐based phosphor was synthesized using a solid‐state reaction method and characterized for its thermoluminescence (TL) application. The crystal structure and surface morphology of the as‐synthesized material was analyzed using X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. A series of the K3Ca2(SO4)3F:Dy3+ phosphor was irradiated using γ‐rays from a 60Co source and TL glow curves were recorded using a Nucleonix 1009I TL reader. The glow curve of the prepared phosphor showed a prominent single peak at 278°C. TL characteristics were maximum intensity at 1 mol% of Dy3+ ion with a single TL glow peak. The TL glow curve revealed linearity with increase in exposure dose range from 0.1 kGy to 3.0 kGy. Theoretical analysis of the TL glow curve of the γ‐ray‐irradiated sample was carried out using a computerized glow curve deconvolution method and trapping parameters such as activation energy and frequency factor were calculated using the initial rise method and Ilich’s method. The synthesized Dy3+‐doped K3Ca2(SO4)3 phosphor revealed excellent TL properties and was found to be a potential candidate for dosimetric applications.
High‐throughput evolutionary optimization of the induction medium towards recombinant protein production in BY‐2 tobacco
Authors: Sadoch Jan , Pyc Monika , Urbanowicz Anna , Iglewski Adam , Pilarski Radosław
Published: October 2020

Bright yellow (BY‐2) tobacco cells combined with the XVE chemically inducible system are one of the most promising plant‐based platforms for recombinant protein production. This offers a range of benefits, including the separation of the cell growth and heterologous gene expression, lack of risk of infecting the end product with prions and human viruses or appropriate protein glycosylation and folding. However, low protein productivity remains a major obstacle that limits the extensive commercialization of bioproduction in plants. A number of molecular, cell culture and down processing approaches have been made to overcome this problem. Media development for the specific nutritional and hormonal requirements of transgenic plant cells is one of the most efficient cell‐culture approaches. We optimized the induction medium towards recombinant protein production in BY‐2 and demonstrated the usefulness of evolutionary medium optimization for high‐yield protein production in liquid plant cultures. A reliable XVE/GFP model, parallel conducting experiments in a microscale on 96‐well plates, and dedicated Gene Game evolutionary optimization software allowed for an effective search of 7611 possible solutions of 11‐component media. Within the 4608 formulations tested, the Induct X medium was found with a significant 107.14% increase in protein expression in relation to the standard BY‐2 medium.
New technologies in developing recombinant‐attenuated bacteria for cancer therapy
Authors: Liang Kang , Liu Qing , Kong Qingke
Published: October 2020

Cancer has always been a global problem, with more cases of cancer patients being diagnosed every year. Conventional cancer treatments, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery, are still unable to bypass their obvious limitations, and developing effective targeted therapies is still required. More than one century ago, the doctor William B. Coley discovered that cancer patients had tumor regression by injection of Streptococcus bacteria. The studies of cancer therapy using bacterial microorganisms are now very widespread. In particular, the facultative anaerobic bacteria Salmonella typhimurium is widely investigated as it can selectively colonize different types of tumors, locally deliver various antitumor drugs, and inhibit tumor growth. The exciting antitumor efficacy and safety observed in animal tumor models prompted the well‐known attenuated Salmonella bacterial strain VNP20009 to be tested in human clinical trials in the early 21st century. Regrettably, no patients showed significant therapeutic effects and even bacterial colonization in tumor tissue was undetectable in most patients. Salmonella bacteria are still considered as a promising agent or vehicle for cancer therapy. Recent efforts have been focused on the generation of attenuated bacterial strains with higher targeting for tumor tissue, and optimization of the delivery of therapeutic antitumor cargoes into the tumor microenvironment. This review will summarize new technologies or approaches that may improve bacteria‐mediated cancer therapy.
MS‐based metabolite analysis of two licorice chalcones in mice plasma, bile, feces, and urine after oral administration
Authors: Wu Jing , Zhong Qiao‐Qiao , Wang Tian‐Yun , Wang Chen‐Xiang , Du Yan , Ji Shuai , Wang Liang , Guo Meng‐Zhe , Tang Dao‐Quan
Published: October 2020

Isoliquiritigenin (ILG) and isoliquiritin (ILQ), two kinds of major flavonoids in licorice, are biological active substances with antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and tumor‐suppressive effects. However, their in vivo metabolites, possible material basis of this two licorice chalcones for the treatment of diseases, have not been studied completely. To determine the metabolism of ILG and ILQ, after oral administration of 100 mg/kg/day of these compounds for consecutive 8 days, the metabolites of these two licorice chalcones in mice plasma, urine, feces, and bile were determined using liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry in this study. The structures of those metabolites were tentatively identified according to their fragment pathways, accurate masses, characteristic product ions, metabolism law, and reference standards‐matching. As a result, a total of 25 and 29 metabolites of ILG and ILQ were identified, respectively. Seven main metabolic pathways, oxidation and reduction, deglycosylation and glycosylation, dehydroxylation and hydroxylation, demethoxylation and methoxylation, acetylation, glucuronidation, and sulfation, were summarized to tentatively explain how the metabolites were biologically transformed. These results provide the important information on the metabolism of ILG and ILQ, which may be helpful for the further research of their pharmacological mechanism.
ZNF582 hypermethylation promotes metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by regulating the transcription of adhesion molecules Nectin‐3 and NRXN3
Authors: Zhao Yin , Hong Xiao‐Hong , Li Kang , Li Ying‐Qing , Li Ying‐Qin , He Shi‐Wei , Zhang Pan‐Pan , Li Jun‐Yan , Li Qian , Liang Ye‐Lin , Chen Yang , Ma Jun , Liu Na , Chen Yu‐Pei
Published: October 2020

Background

Epigenetic regulation plays an important role in the development and progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, the epigenetic mechanisms underlying NPC metastasis remains poorly understood. We aimed to find functional genes which regulate the metastasis of NPC and identify therapeutic targets for NPC treatment.

Methods

Bisulfite pyrosequencing was used to analyze zinc finger protein 582 (ZNF582) methylation in NPC tissues and cell lines. Quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and Western blotting were used to determine the expression of ZNF582. In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to evaluate the biological function of ZNF582 in NPC. ZNF582‐targeting genes were identified by chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP‐seq) and were confirmed by ChIP‐qPCR and luciferase assay.

Results

ZNF582 promoter was hypermethylated in NPC, and both the mRNA and protein levels of ZNF582 were down‐regulated in NPC tissues and cell lines. The restoration of ZNF582 inhibited NPC migration, invasion, and metastasis, while the knockdown of ZNF582 promoted NPC migration, invasion, and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. ZNF582 directly regulated the transcription and expression of adhesion molecules Nectin‐3 and NRXN3. Both Nectin‐3 and NRXN3 were identified as functional targets of ZNF582, and the restoration or abrogation of these genes reversed the tumor suppressor effect of ZNF582 in NPC metastasis.

Conclusions

ZNF582 acts as a tumor suppressor gene in NPC by regulating the transcription and expression of adhesion molecules Nectin‐3 and NRXN3, which may provide novel therapeutic targets for NPC treatment.
Cytotoxic Yohimbine‐Type Alkaloids from the Leaves of Rauvolfia vomitoria
Authors: Zhan Guanqun , Miao Rongkun , Zhang Fuxin , Wang Xingbin , Zhang Xinxin , Guo Zengjun
Published: October 2020

Two new yohimbine‐type monoterpene indole alkaloids, rauvines A and B, and six known derivatives were obtained from the leaves of R. vomitoria. The structures of rauvines A and B were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses, 13C‐NMR, and ECD calculations. This is the first time to determine the absolute configurations of yohimbine‐type N‐oxides by quantum chemistry calculations (13C‐NMR and ECD calculations). All the isolates were tested for their cytotoxicity against five human cancer cell lines. Rauvine B showed moderate cytotoxicity on human MCF‐7 breast, SWS80 colon, and A549 lung cancer cell lines with IC50 values of 25.5, 22.6, and 26.0 μM, respectively.
Myogenic, genomic and non‐genomic influences of the vitamin D axis in skeletal muscle
Authors: Bollen Shelby E. , Atherton Philip J.
Published: October 2020

Despite vitamin D‐deficiency clinically presenting with myopathy, muscle weakness and atrophy, the mechanisms by which vitamin D exerts its homeostatic effects upon skeletal muscle remain to be fully established. Recent studies have shown that the receptor by which 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25[OH]2D3) exerts its biological actions (ie, the vitamin D receptor, VDR) elicits both genomic and non‐genomic effects upon skeletal muscle. The controversy surrounding skeletal muscle VDR mRNA/protein expression in post‐natal muscle has been allayed by myriad recent studies, while dynamic expression of VDR throughout myogenesis, and association of higher VDR levels during muscle regeneration/immature muscle cells, suggests a role in myogenesis and perhaps an enrichment of VDR in satellite cells. Accordingly, in vitro studies have demonstrated 1,25(OH)2D3 is anti‐proliferative in myoblasts, yet pro‐differentiation in latter stages of myogenesis. These effects involve modulation of gene expression (VDR as a transcriptional co‐activator controls ~3% of the genome) and post‐genomic intracellular signalling for example, via c‐Src and alterations to intramuscular calcium homeostasis and proteostasis. The aim of this review is to consider the biomolecular role for the vitamin D/VDR axis in myogenesis, while also exploring global evidence for genomic and non‐genomic mechanisms of action for 1,25(OH)2D3/VDR.
A novel technique to manage transcatheter aortic valve embolization
Authors: Chawla Kunal K. , Huang Xiangke , Hadro Neal , Islam Ashequl M.
Published: October 2020

We report a case of a 69‐year‐old male who was planned for a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with a 26 mm Sapien 3 Valve (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, California) for the treatment of symptomatic severe aortic stenosis. During rapid ventricular pacing and implantation of the TAVR valve, there was a loss of pacing capture and subsequent embolization of the valve into the aortic arch. Retrieval of the embolized valve was attempted unsuccessfully using several techniques. Finally, by using a 34 mm Evolut R Valve (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota), we were able to secure the embolized valve in the transverse segment of the aortic arch without compromising the branch vessels. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of using a valve‐in‐valve approach to fixate an embolized valve in the transverse aorta.
Comparative influence of bleeding and ischemic risk factors on diabetic patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with everolimus‐eluting stents
Authors: Goel Ridhima , Cao Davide , Chandiramani Rishi , Roumeliotis Anastasios , Blum Moritz , Bhatt Deepak L. , Angiolillo Dominick J. , Ge Junbo , Seth Ashok , Saito Shigeru , Krucoff Mitchell , Kozuma Ken , Makkar Rajendra M. , Bangalore Sripal , Wang Lijuan , Koo Kai , Neumann Franz‐Josef , Hermiller James , Stefanini Giulio , Valgimigli Marco , Mehran Roxana
Published: October 2020

Objective

To investigate the impact of ischemic and bleeding risk factors on long‐term clinical outcomes of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with everolimus‐eluting stents.

Background

Second‐generation drug‐eluting stents have substantially improved outcomes after PCI in the general population; however, DM patients continue to experience high rates of ischemic and bleeding complications.

Methods

DM patients from the pooled XIENCE V registry were divided into high or low bleeding and ischemic risk groups (HBR, LBR, HIR, and LIR) based on established bleeding (age ≥ 75 years; chronic kidney disease; anemia; prior stroke; oral anticoagulation; thrombocytopenia; prior major bleeding) and ischemic (acute coronary syndrome; prior myocardial infarction [MI]; ≥3 stents implanted; ≥3 vessels treated; ≥3 lesions treated; stent length > 60 mm; bifurcation treated with ≥2 stents; chronic total occlusion) risk factors. The primary outcomes were major adverse cardiac events (MACE; cardiac death, MI, or stent thrombosis) and major bleeding at 4‐year follow‐up.

Results

A total of 3,704 DM patients were divided into four groups (21.5% LBR/LIR; 39.0% LBR/HIR; 15.6% HBR/LIR; 23.9% HBR/HIR). Compared with LBR/LIR patients, those at HBR/HIR and HBR/LIR had a significantly higher risk of MACE (HR (95% CI) 2.7 (1.9–3.9) and 2.2 (1.5–3.2), respectively) and major bleeding (2.7 (1.6–4.8) and 2.6 (1.4–4.7), respectively), while LBR/HIR patients did not.

Conclusions

Among DM patients undergoing PCI, presence of bleeding risk factors was associated with a higher risk of both ischemic and bleeding events, whereas commonly used features of ischemic risk did not impact long‐term clinical outcomes.
Atopic dermatitis: Tofacitinib, an option for refractory disease
Authors: Berbert Ferreira Sineida , Berbert Ferreira Rachel , Scheinberg Morton Aaron
Published: October 2020

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disease, associated with high burden impact in quality of live, in moderate‐severe disease severity. Several targeted drugs are under development for AD. Here, we present a patient with refractory disease to systemic traditional immunosuppressive drugs, treated successfully with oral tofacitinib, with complete response.
Synthesis of Highly Accessible Gallosilicates via Impregnation Procedure: Enhanced Catalytic Performances in the Conversion of Glycerol into Solketal
Authors: Hussein Hussein , Vivian Alvise , Fusaro Luca , Devillers Michel , Aprile Carmela
Published: October 2020

Two mesoporous gallosilicates with extra‐small particle size were synthesized via wet impregnation starting from lactate or citrate‐type Ga(III) precursors. The structural and textural properties of the materials were extensively characterized by different techniques. Both materials consist of nanosized particles and display a remarkably high surface area and a pore size distribution typical of mesoporous MCM‐41‐like materials. The two solids were tested as catalysts in acetalization of glycerol with acetone to produce solketal (2,2‐dimethyl‐1,3‐dioxolane‐4‐methanol). Both catalysts displayed excellent performances and achieved higher turnover numbers compared to other Ga‐silicates reported in literature. The outstanding activity of these catalysts is attributed to the combination of acidity, large specific surface area as well as to the full accessibility of the active sites as consequence of the impregnation procedure. The best catalysts are truly heterogeneous with absence of Ga leaching and reusable in successive catalytic cycles after thermal treatment without significant deterioration of the catalytic performance.
Effects of water‐based binders on electrochemical performance of manganese dioxide cathode in mild aqueous zinc batteries
Authors: Chang Hee Jung , Rodríguez‐Pérez Ismael A. , Fayette Matthew , Canfield Nathan L. , Pan Huilin , Choi Daiwon , Li Xiaolin , Reed David
Published: October 2020

In the majority of rechargeable batteries including lithium‐ion batteries, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF) binders are the most commonly used binder for both anode and cathode. However, using PVdF binder requires the organic solvent of N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone which is expensive, volatile, combustible, toxic, and has poor recyclability. Therefore, switching to aqueous electrode processing routes with non‐toxic binders would provide a great leap forward towards the realization of ideally fully sustainable and environmentally friendly electrochemical energy storage devices. Various water‐soluble binders (aqueous binders) were characterized and compared to the performance of conventional PVdF. Our study demonstrates that the electrochemical performance of Zn/MnO2 aqueous batteries is significantly improved by using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) binder. In addition, CMC binders offer desirable adhesion, good wettability, homogeneous material distribution, and strong chemical stability at certain pH levels (3.5–5) without any decomposition for long‐cycle life.
Forage nutritive value of modern alfalfa cultivars
Authors: Jungers Jacob , Cherney Jerome , Martinson Krishona , Jaqueth Aubrey , Sheaffer Craig
Published: October 2020

Genetically engineered, reduced lignin (RL) alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivars have been developed for enhanced forage nutritive value. Research is needed to quantify the differences in forage nutritive value among conventionally bred cultivars marketed as high in nutritive value (HNV) and RL cultivars. The objective was to evaluate forage nutritive value and yield differences in HNV and RL cultivar groups compared with control cultivars. Research was conducted in the seeding and following years in New York and Minnesota, with sampling over multiple days within three harvest seasons. Annual yield was similar among control, HNV, and RL cultivars. Relative to the control and HNV cultivars, lignin was 12.5% lower and neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) was 5% higher for RL cultivars. Reduced lignin cultivars had higher relative forage quality (RFQ) than control and HNV cultivars for five of six site/season combinations. Within harvest seasons, lignin, acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) increased, whereas crude protein (CP), NDFD, RFQ, and milk production decreased with increasing growing degree‐days. Growing degree‐day responses were similar across cultivar market groups, with the exception of ADF, NDF, RFQ, and milk during the establishment year in Minnesota, where the rates of decrease in RFQ through time were lower for RL than for control and HNV. Overall, RL cultivars had improved forage nutritive value that persisted with maturity within cutting seasons. Control and HNV cultivars did not consistently differ in nutritive value. Growers can select cultivars for improved nutritive value without concern about compromising forage yield.
Molecular alterations in Hürthle cell neoplasms of thyroid: A fine needle aspiration cytology study with cytology‐histology correlation
Authors: Gilani Syed M. , Ross Julia A. , Prasad Manju L. , Hammers Lynwood , Cai Guoping , Adeniran Adebowale J.
Published: October 2020

Background

Hürthle cell features are frequently observed on the fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) cytology of thyroid nodules and often pose a diagnostic challenge because of a significant overlap between cytomorphologic features seen in benign and malignant lesions. Molecular alterations (MAs) associated with these lesions are not well described. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the molecular profile of Hürthle cell lesions classified as Hürthle cell neoplasm (HCN) on cytologic evaluation.

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed their electronic database for cytologic diagnoses of HCN from January 1, 2017 to March 31, 2020.

Results

In total, 279 cases from 275 patients who had a diagnosis of HCN were included in the study. Molecular testing results were available in 85 cases (51 with MAs and 34 without MAs) and, of those, 42 had histologic follow‐up available. Eight of 10 malignant cases had MAs, whereas the remaining 2 cases were negative for MAs. The most frequently encountered predominant genetic alterations or classifier findings were chromosome copy number alterations (n = 15), followed by NRAS (n = 8), KRAS (n = 7), suspicious (n = 6), EIF1AX (n = 4), TSHR (n = 3), gene overexpression (n = 3), positive microRNA classifier (n = 2), and 1 each of BRAF K601E, TERT, and HRAS mutations. One hundred thirty‐seven cases had histologic follow‐up available; of those, 28 were classified as malignant, and 109 were classified as benign (neoplastic and nonneoplastic). The overall risk of malignancy associated with HCN was 20%, and the risk of HCN with MAs was 25%.

Conclusions

The cytologic diagnosis of HCN includes various MAs without any obvious trend, and most malignant cases (80%) have some type of MA.
Measuring and describing the discoloration of liquid foundation
Authors: Yan Yuchun , Lee Juhyun , Hong Jongin , Suk Hyeon‐Jeong
Published: October 2020

Although it is widely known that the foundation color gradually changes over time after applying the makeup, no scientific clues are available, thereby remaining the “darkening” phenomenon equivocal. This study measured the discoloration of liquid foundations and suggested indices to describe the discoloration over time. Four liquid foundations were applied to opacity charts with a thickness of 100 μm, the surface color was obtained using a non‐contact spectrophotometer, and reported in the CIE 1976 L*a*b* color space. A long‐term measurement for 24 hours was conducted in that the initial 2 hours were measured with a 60‐second interval. The discoloration was observed as the decrease of both lightness and hue angle (h* of CIE L*C*h*) of liquid foundation over time. Different degrees and speed of color change were observed across the four foundations. Also, the discoloration was tested on three healthy human skins in 2‐hour intervals in repeated measurements. Positive correlations in changes of lightness and hue were found among the opacity charts and human skin. Furthermore, the study suggests indices, “Dt” and “TΔE” to describe the quantitative amount of discoloration over time and time duration of discoloration, respectively.
Developing dual‐resistant cassava to the two major viral diseases
Authors: Masinde Emily A. , Kimata Bernadetta , Ogendo Joshua O. , Mulwa Richard M. S. , Mkamilo Geoffrey , Maruthi Midatharahally N.
Published: October 2020

Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) are two important biotic constraints affecting cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) production in sub‐Saharan Africa, and the deployment of cassava varieties dually resistant to both diseases is the most effective and realistic way of reducing losses. Crosses were carried out between a Tanzanian local cassava cultivar (Namikonga) and a South American cassava genotype (AR37‐80) to develop dual‐resistant progenies, and they were evaluated for two seasons at Naliendele in Southern Tanzania, which is a CMD and CBSD hot spot area. The CMD‐resistant progenies had low foliar severities (≤1.8), similar to the CMD‐resistant parent. The CBSD‐resistant progenies had minimal foliar (≤2.0) and root necrosis (≤1.2) severities, similar to the CBSD resistant parent, whereas CBSD‐tolerant progenies had severe foliar severities up to 3.3 but minimal root necrosis severities (≤1.2). Traits with minimal environmental influence also had high heritability (≥0.65) and high selection accuracy (≥0.70), and they included CMD foliar symptoms, CBSD foliar symptoms at 6 mo after planting, root necrosis, root necrosis incidence, root weight, root number per plant, and harvest index. Correlation analysis showed that the presence of disease reduces usable roots, root weight, root number per plant, and harvest index. Dual resistance can improve yield as observed in Namar 050 and Namar 371, which had high root weights of 27.5 and 28.2 t ha−1 with high genetic gains of 56.1 and 58.5%, respectively. Dual‐resistant progenies identified were Namar 050, Namar 100, Namar 130, Namar 200, Namar 334, Namar 371, and Namar 479, as they had minimal CMD and CBSD symptom severities (≤2.0) and could be used for breeding cassava varieties with superior characteristics.
Increasing Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Efficiency through Cobalt‐Induced Intrastructural Enhancement and Electronic Structure Modulation
Authors: Zhang Xin , Zhang Lei , Zhu Yuanxin , Li Ziyao , Wang Yong , Wågberg Thomas , Hu Guangzhi
Published: October 2020

Electrolytic water splitting using surplus electricity represents one of the most cost‐effective and promising strategies for hydrogen production. The high overpotential of the oxygen‐evolution reaction (OER) caused by the multi‐electron transfer process with a high chemical energy barrier, however, limits its competitiveness. Here, a highly active and stable OER electrocatalyst was designed through a cobalt‐induced intrastructural enhancement strategy combined with suitable electronic structure modulation. A carved carbon nanobox was embedded with tri‐metal phosphide from a uniform Ni−Co−Fe Prussian blue analogue (PBA) nanocube by sequential NH3 ⋅ H2O etching and thermal phosphorization. The sample exhibited an OER activity in an alkaline medium, reaching a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of 182 mV and displayed a small Tafel slope of 47 mV dec−1, superior to the most recently reported OER electrocatalysts. Moreover, it showed impressive electrocatalytic durability, increasing by approximately 2.7 % of operating voltage after 24 h of continuous testing. The excellent OER activity and stability are ascribed to a favorable transfer of mass and charge provided by the porous carbon shell, synergistic catalysis between the three‐component metal phosphides originating from appropriate electronic structure modulation, more exposed catalytic sites on the hollow structure, and chainmail catalysis resulting from the carbon protective layer. It is foreseen that this successfully demonstrated design concept can be easily extended to other heterogeneous catalyst designs.
Adenomatous neuroendocrine tumors of the middle ear (MEANTs) with local invasion and lymph nodes metastasis: A brief report of a rare neoplasm
Authors: Yang Linlin , Asiry Saeed , Khader Samer N.
Published: October 2020

Adenomatous neuroendocrine tumors of the middle ear (MEANTs) are very rare neoplasms which are composed of both epithelial and neuroendocrine components. They have mostly bland histology and indolent biological behavior, yet they may recur and metastasize. Here we present a case of MEANT with ipsilateral local brain, bone and nerve invasion and bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy in a 48 years old male with history of recurrent chronic otitis media and cholesteatoma. The patient underwent an initial fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of an enlarged cervical lymph node followed by surgical excision of the tumor and immunohistochemistry which confirmed the diagnosis.
Unravelling androgens in sport: Altrenogest shows strong activation of the androgen receptor in a mammalian cell bioassay
Authors: Gillon Ashley , Ho Emmie N.M. , Chan George H.M. , Kauff Alexia , Hughes Gillian , Lund Rachel A. , Ashley Zoe , Wan Terence S.M. , Heather Alison K.
Published: October 2020

Altrenogest is a commonly used progestogen for the suppression of oestrus and associated distracting behaviours that interfere with training and performance of female racehorses. The steroid is derived from 19‐nor testosterone and is structurally similar to the anabolic androgenic steroid, trenbolone. In this study, the relative androgen potency of altrenogest was determined by a kidney (HEK293) cell androgen bioassay. The HEK293 bioassay shows that in its pure form, altrenogest has a high relative potency compared with testosterone but is not as strong as β‐trenbolone. Our results also show that altrenogest is able to activate the androgen receptor at the concentrations relevant to the administration regime of racehorses and retains its activity ex vivo. Thus, we show unequivocally that altrenogest, a progestogen used widely in female racehorses, acts as a strong androgen in a mammalian cell bioassay.
Teaching during a pandemic: Using high‐impact writing assignments to balance rigor, engagement, flexibility, and workload
Authors: Reynolds Julie A. , Cai Victor , Choi Julia , Faller Sarah , Hu Meghan , Kozhumam Arthi , Schwartzman Jonathan , Vohra Ananya
Published: October 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic has created new challenges for instructors who seek high‐impact educational practices that can be facilitated online without creating excessive burdens with technology, grading, or enforcement of honor codes. These practices must also account for the possibility that some students may need to join courses asynchronously and have limited or unreliable connectivity. Of the American Association of Colleges and University's list of 11 high‐impact educational practices, writing‐intensive courses may be the easiest for science faculty to adopt during these difficult times. Not only can writing assignments promote conceptual learning, they can also deepen student engagement with the subject matter and with each other. Furthermore, writing assignments can be incredibly flexible in terms of how they are implemented online and can be designed to reduce the possibility of cheating and plagiarism. To accelerate the adoption of writing pedagogies, we summarize evidence‐based characteristics of effective writing assignments and offer a sample writing assignment from an introductory ecology course. We then suggest five strategies to help instructors manage their workload. Although the details of the sample assignment may be particular to our course, this framework is general enough to be adapted to most science courses, including those taught in‐person, those taught online, and those that must be able to switch quickly between the two.
Efficacy of exogenous atrial natriuretic peptide in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: deficiency of atrial natriuretic peptide and replacement therapy
Authors: Matsumoto Shingo , Nakazawa Gaku , Ohno Yohei , Ishihara Mai , Sakai Katsuaki , Nakamura Norihito , Murakami Tsutomu , Natsumeda Makoto , Kabuki Takayuki , Shibata Atsushi , Kida Keisuke , Konishi Masaaki , Ishii Shunsuke , Ikeda Takanori , Ikari Yuji
Published: October 2020

Aims

Exogenous atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) may be a logical treatment for heart failure (HF) patients with ANP deficiency. Lower ANP concentrations may result from HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), which also results in lower brain natriuretic peptide levels in HFpEF relative to HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), although clinical features regarding circulating ANP in HFpEF and HFrEF have not been fully investigated during acute HF. Here, we characterized the differential regulation of circulating ANP and the efficacy of exogenous ANP (carperitide) in patients with acute HF, especially HFpEF.

Methods and results

Serum ANP levels before treatment and the diuretic effect of 0.0125 μg/kg/min of carperitide alone for the first 6 h were prospectively evaluated in 113 patients with acute HF who were divided into two groups: HFpEF vs. HFrEF. We mainly analysed the impact of baseline ANP levels and the presence of HFpEF on the diuretic effect of exogenous ANP. There was an inverse relationship between ANP levels and the diuretic effect of exogenous ANP (r2 = 0.19, P < 0.001). Patients with HFpEF had lower ANP levels (P < 0.001) and a greater diuretic effect of exogenous ANP than patients HFrEF (P < 0.001). HFpEF was an independent predictor of greater diuretic effect of exogenous ANP (P = 0.003), as with a lower baseline ANP level (P = 0.004).

Conclusions

Patients with HFpEF might have an aspect of ANP deficiency and represent a promising therapeutic target for modulating circulating ANP.