bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caveolin‐1 upregulates Fut8 expression by activating the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway to enhance HCC cell proliferative and invasive ability
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Wu Qiong , Huang Huang , Chen Xixi , Huang Tianmiao , Li Wenli , Zhang Jianing , Liu Yubo
Published: July 2020

Caveolin‐1 (Cav‐1), a critical structural protein of caveolae, plays an oncogenic role by participating in abnormal protein glycosylation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the mechanism by which Cav‐1 regulates glycosylation and glycosyltransferase expression has yet to be fully defined. Here, we show that Cav‐1 promotes the expression of α‐1,6‐fucosyltransferase (Fut8), which catalyzes the transfer of GDP‐fucose to the core structure of the N‐sugar chain. In this study, we show that the mouse HCC cell line, Hepa1‐6, which has low Fut8 transcriptional and protein levels, also lacks Cav‐1 expression, whereas the mouse HCC cell line, Hca‐F, has strong Fut8 expression and high transcriptional and protein levels of Cav‐1. Subsequently, Cav‐1 overexpression in Hepa1‐6 was found to activate Wnt/β‐catenin signaling, which leads to downstream binding of the T cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor to the Fut8 promoter region for activation of its transcription. In contrast, knockdown of Cav‐1 expression in Hca‐F caused the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway to be significantly inhibited, which attenuates the expression of Fut8. We further show that Cav‐1‐induced upregulation of Fut8 expression enhanced proliferation and invasion by mouse HCC cells in vitro. Our current findings provide molecular evidence that Cav‐1 plays an important role in regulating glycosyltransferase expression and may participate in abnormal glycosylation, which mediates the proliferation and invasion of HCC.
Tuning the Topological Landscape of DNA–Cyclodextrin Nanocomplexes by Molecular Design
Authors: Neva Tania , Carbajo‐Gordillo Ana I. , Benito Juan M. , Lana Hugo , Marcelo Gema , Ortiz Mellet Carmen , Tros de Ilarduya Conchita , Mendicuti Francisco , García Fernández José M.
Published: July 2020

Original molecular vectors that ensure broad flexibility to tune the shape and surface properties of plasmid DNA (pDNA) condensates are reported herein. The prototypic design involves a cyclodextrin (CD) platform bearing a polycationic cluster at the primary face and a doubly linked aromatic module bridging two consecutive monosaccharide units at the secondary face that behaves as a topology‐encoding element. Subtle differences at the molecular level then translate into disparate morphologies at the nanoscale, including rods, worms, toroids, globules, ellipsoids, and spheroids. In vitro evaluation of the transfection capabilities revealed marked selectivity differences as a function of nanocomplex morphology. Remarkably high transfection efficiencies were associated with ellipsoidal or spherical shapes with a lamellar internal arrangement of pDNA chains and CD bilayers. Computational studies support that the stability of such supramolecular edifices is directly related to the tendency of the molecular vector to form noncovalent dimers upon DNA templating. Because the stability of the dimers depends on the protonation state of the polycationic clusters, the coaggregates display pH responsiveness, which facilitates endosomal escape and timely DNA release, a key step in successful transfection. The results provide a versatile strategy for the construction of fully synthetic and perfectly monodisperse nonviral gene delivery systems uniquely suited for optimization schemes.
Electrocardiographic parameters and prognosis of renal light chain amyloidosis
Authors: Li Huixian , Wang Ying , Lan Ping , Xie Liyi , Zhao Yanhong , Lu Wanhong , Li Guoliang
Published: July 2020

Background

Cardiac involvement frequently occurs in patients with renal light chain (AL) amyloidosis, which predisposes these patients to heart failure, arrhythmia, or infarction with poor prognosis.

Hypothesis

Twelve‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters may be associated with prognosis in renal AL amyloidosis.

Methods

A retrospective single‐center cohort study was performed. Biopsy‐proven renal AL amyloidosis patients from January 2014 to December 2018 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University were enrolled. The baseline demographic information, laboratory tests, 12‐lead ECG parameters at the time of diagnosis were obtained from medical records. The endpoint was defined as the time to all‐cause death from baseline for all deceased patients and time to censor date (June 2019) for all other patients. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were conducted to identify the relationship between ECG parameters and all‐cause mortality.

Results

A total of 69 patients with a mean age of 61.5 ± 11.4 years were enrolled in this study. The median PR interval and QTc interval were 160 (140, 186) and 417 ± 42 ms. The mean follow‐up duration was 15.9 ± 13.8 months. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that regardless of adjustment for age, gender and serum creatinine, PR interval (HR 1.022, 95% CI: 1.007‐1.038, P = .005), and QTc interval (HR 1.012, 95% CI: 1.004‐1.021, P = .004) were independently associated with all‐cause mortality.

Conclusions

PR interval and QTc interval were independently associated with all‐cause mortality in renal AL amyloidosis patients. ECG parameters may provide prognostic potential of renal AL amyloidosis patients and promote the management of patients with renal AL amyloidosis.
Carborane‐Containing Matrix Metalloprotease (MMP) Ligands as Candidates for Boron Neutron‐Capture Therapy (BNCT)
Authors: Lutz Marlon R. , Flieger Sebastian , Colorina Andre , Wozny John , Hosmane Narayan S. , Becker Daniel P.
Published: July 2020

Based on the previously reported potent and selective sulfone hydroxamate inhibitors SC‐76276, SC‐78080 (SD‐2590), and SC‐77964, potent MMP inhibitors have been designed and synthesized to append a boron‐rich carborane cluster by employing click chemistry to target tumor cells that are known to upregulate gelatinases. Docking against MMP‐2 suggests binding involving the hydroxamate zinc‐binding group, key H‐bonds by the sulfone moiety with the peptide backbone residues Leu82 and Leu83, and a hydrophobic interaction with the deep P1’ pocket. The more potent of the two triazole regioisomers exhibits an IC50 of 3.7 nM versus MMP‐2 and IC50 of 46 nM versus MMP‐9.
Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Fluorinated Quinoxaline‐Based κ‐Opioid Receptor (KOR) Agonists Designed for PET Studies
Authors: Tangherlini Giovanni , Börgel Frederik , Schepmann Dirk , Slocum Samuel , Che Tao , Wagner Stefan , Schwegmann Katrin , Hermann Sven , Mykicki Nadine , Loser Karin , Wünsch Bernhard
Published: July 2020

κ‐Opioid receptors (KORs) play a predominant role in pain alleviation, itching skin diseases, depression and neurodegenerative disorders such as multiple sclerosis. Therefore, imaging of KOR by a fluorinated PET tracer was envisaged. Two strategies were followed to introduce a F atom into the very potent class of cis,trans‐configured perhydroquinoxalines. Whereas the synthesis of fluoroethyltriazole 2 has already been reported, fluoropyrrolidines 14 (1‐[2‐(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)acetyl]‐8‐[(R)‐3‐fluoropyrrolidin‐1‐yl]‐perhydroquinoxalines) were prepared by SN2 substitution of a cyclic sulfuric acid derivative with hydroxypyrrolidine and subsequent transformation of the OH moiety into a F substituent. Fluoropyrrolidines 14 showed similar low‐nanomolar KOR affinity and selectivity to the corresponding pyrrolidines, but the corresponding alcohols were slightly less active. In the cAMP and β‐arrestin assay, 14b (proton at the 4‐position) exhibited similar KOR agonistic activity as U‐50,488. The fluoro derivatives 14b and 14c (CO2CH3 at the 4‐position) revealed KOR‐mediated anti‐inflammatory activity as CD11c and the IFN‐γ production were reduced significantly in mouse and human dendritic cells. Compounds 14b and 14‐c also displayed anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity in mouse and human T cells. The PET tracer [18F]‐2 was prepared by 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition. In vivo, [18F]‐2 did not label KOR due to very fast elimination kinetics. Nucleophilic substitution of a mesylate precursor provided [18F]‐14c. Unfortunately, defluorination of [18F]‐14c occurred in vivo, which was analyzed in detail by in vitro studies.
Independent link between peripheral artery disease and muscle wasting in patients with heart failure
Authors: Ohori Katsuhiko , Yano Toshiyuki , Katano Satoshi , Kouzu Hidemichi , Inoue Takuya , Takamura Yuhei , Nagaoka Ryohei , Ishigo Tomoyuki , Koyama Masayuki , Nagano Nobutaka , Fujito Takefumi , Nishikawa Ryo , Miura Tetsuji
Published: July 2020

Aims

A high prevalence of muscle wasting, that is, reduction in muscle mass, in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and heart failure (HF) has been reported. However, whether the association between PAD and muscle wasting is independent of shared risk factors such as diabetes mellitus has not been examined.

Methods and results

We retrospectively enrolled 440 HF patients (mean age, 74 years; inter‐quartile range, 64–82 years; 52% male). Muscle wasting was defined as an appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) of <7.0 kg/m2 in men and <5.4 kg/m2 in women. PAD was defined as an ankle brachial index (ABI) of <0.9 in either leg. The prevalence of PAD in HF patients was 21%. ASMI was positively correlated with ABI in HF patients. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, ASMI and muscle wasting were selected as independent explanatory factors of the presence of PAD after adjustment for age, sex, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and smoking status, established risk factors of atherosclerosis. In propensity score‐matched analysis, frequency of muscle wasting was higher in patients with PAD than in patients with an ABI of ≧1.1 (72.1% vs. 52.5%, P = 0.04).

Conclusions

The results suggest that there is an independent link between PAD and muscle wasting in HF patients.
Amperometric Tyrosinase Biosensor Based on Carbon Black Paste Electrode for Sensitive Detection of Catechol in Environmental Samples
Authors: Wong Ademar , Santos Anderson M. , Fatibello‐Filho Orlando , Sotomayor Maria D. P. T.
Published: July 2020

In this work, a renewable tyrosinase‐based biosensor was developed for the detection of catechol, using a carbon black paste electrode, without any mediator. The effect of pH, type of electrolyte, and amount of tyrosinase enzyme were explored for optimum analytical performance. The best‐performing biosensor in amperometric experiments at potential −0.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl (3 mol L−1 KCl) was obtained using a 0.1 mol L−1 phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.0) as electrolyte. Under optimized conditions, the proposed biosensor had two concentration linear ranges from 5.0×10−9 to 4.8×10−8 and from 4.8×10−8 to 8.5×10−6 mol L−1 and a limit of detection of 1.5×10−9 mol L−1. The apparent Michaelis‐Menten constant (
) was calculated by the amperometric method, and the obtained value was 1.2×10−5 mol L−1 whose result was similar when compared with other studies previously. The biosensor was applied in river water samples, and the results were very satisfactory, with recoveries near 100 %.

In addition, the response of this biosensor for different compounds, taking into account their molecular structures was investigated and the results obtained showed no interference with the response potential of catechol. The electrochemical biosensor developed in this work can be considered highly advantageous because it does not require the use of a mediator (direct detection) for electrochemical response, and also because it is based on a low‐cost materials that can be used with success to immobilise other enzymes and/or biomolecules.
Voltammetric Detection of Nitrite Anions Employing Imidazole Functionalized Reduced Graphene Oxide as an Electrocatalyst
Authors: Tajiki Alireza , Abdouss Majid , Sadjadi Sodeh , Mazinani Saeedeh
Published: July 2020

A kind of metal free catalyst with excellent electrocatalytic activity toward nitrite anions oxidation was synthesized through functionalization of graphene oxide (GO) with imidazole aromatic rings. Imidazole rings linked to graphene oxide nanosheets via 3‐chloropropyl trimethoxysilane (CPTMS) mediators following simultaneous thermally reduction of GO during the functionalization, to form rGO−Im for modification of gold electrode (GE). The sensing platform characterized by SEM, XRD, IR and Raman methods. The resulting rGO−Im‐GE sensor, responded sensitively to nitrite concentrations within a wide linear range (1 to 1000 μM) and indicated a relative low detection limit (LOD=0.28 μM, S/N=3) without interfering with common ions existing in aqueous media. Furthermore acceptable recoveries were obtained when applying the proposed sensor to tap water samples.
Inhibition of Mild Steel Corrosion in Acidic Medium by Extract of Spilanthes Uliginosa Leaves
Authors: Durodola Solomon S. , Adekunle Abolanle S. , Olasunkanmi Lukman O. , Oyekunle John A. O.
Published: July 2020

Corrosion of mild steel in 2.0 M HCl was investigated in the presence of various concentration of methanolic extract of Spilanthes uliginosa leaves. Inhibition efficiency was evaluated by gravimetric and electrochemical methods and was found to increase with increase in concentration of the extract. The results showed that inhibitive actions of the extract occurred as a result of adsorption of molecular constituents of the leave extract on mild steel in acidic medium. Potentiodynamic polarization results confirmed that the extract act as mixed‐type inhibitor.
Voltammetric Study of the Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Formaldehyde on Pt−Pd Co‐catalyst Supported on Reduced Graphene Oxide¶
Authors: Galal Ahmed , Hassan Hagar K. , Atta Nada F.
Published: July 2020

Electrocatalysis on chemically converted graphene and decorated with Pt−Pd mixed‐catalyst (CCG/Pt−Pd) is described. Graphene sheets were chemically synthesizeed via microwave‐assisted method and modified with Pt−Pd mixed‐catalyst that was formed electrochemically. The hybrid layer, CCG/Pt−Pd displayed current oscillations for the electro‐oxidation of formaldehyde. Several factors influence both the number of oscillation in current peaks and their frequencies such as formaldehyde concentration, catalyst loading, potential scan rate and window, and temperature. CCG/Pt−Pd has high electrocatalytic activity toward formaldehyde conversion and increased oscillations were obtained at lower concentrations. Apparent activation energy for the oxidation process wasEa, of 6.29 kJ.mol−1.
Draining solar drying of sewage sludge: Experimental study and modeling
Authors: Masmoudi Azza , Ben Sik Ali Ahlem , Dhaouadi Hatem , Mhiri Hatem
Published: July 2020

The draining solar drying is considered as an innovative solution in the field of sanitation. The objective of this work is to investigate the feasibility and model the kinetics of the sludge solar drying in a lab‐scale draining greenhouse by varying the air flow rate during winter and summer. The first experiment was conducted without ventilation. Then, a series of experiences was carried out with increasing the air flow. The drying period varied between 3 and 6 days in summer and between 9 and 14 days in winter. By increasing the air velocity, the drying time decreased. For the drying rate curves, in summer, only the falling rate period existed. However, in winter, the curves did not follow any regular shape of drying kinetics. Nine mathematical equations existing in the literature were tested to identify the thin‐layer drying kinetics of sewage sludge inside the draining greenhouse. The Midilli‐Kucuk model was the most reliable for describing the evolution of reduced moisture content versus drying time in hot and cold periods. However, for different drying conditions, the Wang and Singh model was the least suitable. The results revealed also that the effective diffusivity increased when the air flow rate and the ambient temperature increased.
Optimization of energy, economic, and environmental indices in sunflower cultivation: A comparative analysis
Authors: Aghili Nategh Nahid , Banaeian Narges , Gholamshahi Alireza , Nosrati Mohammad
Published: July 2020

This study examined the input energy, economic indices, and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in sunflower farm enterprises of Kermanshah province of Iran. Different mechanization production systems involving traditional, semi‐mechanized, and mechanized ones were statistically compared. Results revealed that mechanized farms consumed more total inputs energy, while possessed significantly higher yield and better economic indices. In which, the human labor, diesel fuel, and fertilizer were the most predominant inputs in GHG emissions. In particular, traditional, semi‐mechanized and mechanized farms emitted 358, 386, and 438 kg CO2/ha, respectively. Also, technical efficiencies were reported as 0.88, 0.86, and 0.96, for traditional, semi‐mechanized, and mechanized farms, respectively. The relationship among different variables including energy inputs, GHG emissions, output energy, and benefit to cost ratio was studied using econometric modeling. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) and multi‐objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) were also applied to detect a set of Pareto frontiers in the combination of energy, environmental, and economic indices (energy consumption, GHG emissions, and benefit to cost ratio as three selected output parameters) for sunflower production. It has been observed that the capability of MOGA for energy saving was higher than DEA. Application results of DEA and MOGA combined algorithms showed that diesel fuel and water had the highest and lowest potential for total energy savings, respectively.
Preparation and surface characteristics of phosphoric acid‐activated carbon from coconut shell in air
Authors: Higai Daisuke , Huang Zhebin , Qian Eika W.
Published: July 2020

A process of chemical activation with phosphoric acid from coconut shell in air to produce activated carbon was developed. The effects of various preparation parameters on the porous texture and surface characteristics were investigated by means of the nitrogen physisorption, Fourier transform‐infrared spectra (FT‐IR), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The adsorption capacities of activated carbon for chromium, lithium, and cesium were also investigated. The surface modification of activated carbon using nitric acid was performed to enhance the adsorption capacities, and the relationship between the adsorption capacities and the surface functional groups was investigated. The oxygen‐containing functional groups on the surface of an activated carbon played a more important role than its textural structure in adsorption of metal ions, especially cesium ion.
Phytoremediation potential of coffee pod (Cassia tora): An in situ approach for attenuation of chromium from overburden soil of Sukinda Chromite Mine, India
Authors: Patra Deepak Kumar , Grahacharya Aradhana , Pradhan Chinmay , Patra Hemanta Kumar
Published: July 2020

Pot experiments were conducted for 60 days to investigate the phytoremediation potential of Cassia tora grown in different concentrations of chromium (Cr) rich overburden soil (OBS) of Sukinda Chromite Mine (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 70, and 100%). To assess the phytoaccumulation ability of C. tora, the tolerance index (TI), bio‐concentration factor (BCF), transportation index (Ti), and total accumulation rate (TAR) were measured. The results showed that at 100% OBS the TI, BCF, Ti, and TAR of C. tora have 23.89, 0.28, 60.25, and 7.46, respectively. The Cr recovery from contaminated soil by C. tora was notable as reported to be 6.25, 11.6, 12.75, 14.2, 17.35, 22.65, and 17.7 mg/kg, respectively. The outcome indicated that C. tora is a potential phytoremediator of Cr from contaminated sites due to its high bioaccumulation activity, high tolerance, and Ti. Therefore, C. tora can be suggested for phytostabilization program to lessen toxic Cr from chromite overburden mining sites.
Pretreatment methods affecting the color, flavor, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of jujube wine
Authors: Cai Wenchao , Tang Fengxian , Shan Chunhui , Hou Qiangchuan , Zhang Zhendong , Dong Yun , Guo Zhuang
Published: July 2020

In the case of wine production, the selection of optimal pretreatment methods and starter cultures are the 2 key points before fermentation. In this research, the fresh jujube was separately underwent alcoholic fermentation at 20°C with 3 different pretreatment methods (with peel, without peel, and juice) and 5 different starter cultures, respectively. Color analysis, electronic sense analysis, bioactive compound analysis, and antioxidant activity analysis combined with multivariate statistical analysis were applied to evaluated the effects of pretreatment methods and starter cultures on the overall quality of jujube wine. It was found that both pretreatment methods and starter cultures have effects on the quality of jujube wines, in which pretreatment methods have much more significant effects. The jujube wines fermented with different pretreatment methods were classified clearly by their overall quality, and that of the jujube wines fermented with peel was the best among all, since it can not only enhance the color and flavor quality of the wine, but also maximize the preservation of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of jujube for better consumer acceptance. This will provide a theoretical reference and application basis for the quality improvement of jujube wine.
Do servant, transformational, transactional, and passive avoidant leadership styles influence mentoring competencies for faculty? A study of a gender equity leadership development program
Authors: Sims Cynthia , Carter Angela , Moore De Peralta Arelis
Published: July 2020

This study examined whether women and men who were more skilled in one leadership style—servant, transformational, transactional, or passive avoidant—were better mentors and assessed if gender influenced leadership style or mentoring. Faculty (n = 56) who were members of one of two cohorts, participated in leadership development programs focused on gender equity at a university in the southeast U.S. The study used a quantitative cross‐sectional survey design and the units of analysis were individual program participants. Initial regression analysis revealed servant leadership was positively and statistically associated with mentoring and passive avoidant leadership was negatively and statistically associated with mentoring. Transformational and transactional leadership were not statistically associated with mentor competency. Gender was not found to be associated with leadership style or mentoring. Human Resource Development professionals and those who conduct gender equity and other leadership development programs should consider the benefits of servant leadership due to its gender‐neutral style and synergistic ability to develop leaders as skilled mentors.
GFEM analysis of MHD nanofluid flow toward a power‐law stretching sheet in the presence of thermodiffusive effect along with regression investigation
Authors: Goyal Rangoli , Vinita  , Sharma Naresh , Bhargava Rama
Published: July 2020

In the current study, we use Galerkin finite‐element simulation to analyze the concept of triple diffusive flow with magnetic field effect toward a power law stretching sheet. The fluid comprises dissolved solutal particles and nanoparticles in the base fluid. The three important mechanisms that are responsible for rise in phenomenon of convective transportation are diffusophoresis, thermophoresis along with Brownian motion have been considered. Recently, the proposed nanoparticles' mass flux and heat flux boundary conditions have been imposed. Nanoparticle mass transportation, solutal mass transportation with heat transportation for prominent physical parameters, such as stretching parameter, magnetic influence parameter, thermophoresis parameter, and Brownian motion parameter are calculated. To further verify and understand the strength of the relationship between heat transportation rate and controlling parameters, the multiple regression process is used. The finite difference approach was adopted to numerically solve the nonlinear governing equations and the linked boundary conditions. In the present study, we used MATLAB software for finding the final outcomes and relating the concluding results for with extant outcomes in the literature as a limiting case in the absence of the magnetic intensity parameter and an excellent agreement was noted. It was observed that the magnetic field has a positive effect on heat and mass transfer. This study also helps in understanding and thus controlling the velocity of the flow along with solutal depositions, which has a significant engineering application in the process of extrusion. The findings of the present study help to control the rate of heat and mass transfer, aiding manufacturing companies in obtaining the desired quality of product.
Effect of water excess on soil carbon dioxide, seepage water chemistry, and calcite speleothem growth: An experimental and modelling approach
Authors: Lang Marek , Faimon Jiří
Published: July 2020

The effect of the water excess in soil on soil gaseous carbon dioxide concentrations (cCO2) was studied based on field experiments. The gradual water addition of 15 and 30 L m−2 to leptosols and anthrosols, simulating 15 and 30 mm precipitation, respectively, caused the overall cCO2 increase of 1.53 × 10−1 mol m−3 (increase by 60%) and 1.61 × 10−1 mol m−3 (increase by 112%) in the soil airs. The effect of the cCO2 increment on seepage water, cave dripwater chemistry, and calcite speleothem overgrowths was deduced from geochemical modelling. It showed that the cCO2 increments may lead to the increments in total dissolved carbon, aqueous calcium, and dissolved solids of 1.10 × 10−3 mol L−1 (increase by 35%), 4.45 × 10−4 mol L−1 (increase by 30%), and 1.55 × 10−3 mol L−1 (increase by 34%), respectively. After the total degassing of CO2 in the cave, the increment in the saturation index of dripwater, SI, could reach up to ΔSI = 0.31, which means an increase by hundreds of percent. The water excess of 5 L m−2 following a dry period would cause the increment in saturation index ΔSI = 0.17. The modelling further showed that the cCO2 increase associated with the 30 L m−2 water excess could induce the calcite overgrowth up to 1 μm thick per 1 m2 surface area. The effect of water excess with additional water supplies gradually weakens, probably due to reduced CO2 diffusivity and soil microorganism activity. It can be assumed that the most contrasting peaks in dripwater chemistry are associated with the individual precipitation events after short dry periods. The increased supersaturation of dripwater is expected to lead to faster growth of speleothem and changes in calcite textures.
Achyrocline satureioides compounds, achyrobichalcone and 3‐O‐methylquercetin, induce mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in human breast cancer cell lines
Authors: Bianchi Sara E. , Pegues Melissa A. , Dias Camila K. , Mascia Francesca , Doneda Eduarda , Pittol Vanessa , Rao V. Ashutosh , Klamt Fábio , Bassani Valquiria L.
Published: July 2020

Natural products are a valuable source of new molecules and are important for drug discovery. Many chemotherapeutics currently in clinical use were originated from natural sources and are effective cytotoxic agents. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxic and pro‐apoptotic effects of achyrobichalcone (ACB) and 3‐O‐methylquercetin (3OMQ), two novel compounds isolated from the Achyrocline satureioides plant. Because extracts from this plant have been shown to have anticancer activity in vitro, we evaluated ACB and 3OMQ using a human breast cancer cell line, MDA‐MB‐231, and a nontumorigenic human breast epithelial cell line, MCF‐12A. We found that ACB demonstrates cytotoxic effects on MDA‐MB‐231 cells, but not MCF‐12A cells. 3OMQ also demonstrated cytotoxic effects on MDA‐MB‐231 cells, but with lower selectivity compared to treated MCF‐12A cells. Cell death by both compounds was associated with caspase‐9 and caspase‐3/7 activation. Using high‐resolution respirometry, we found that ACB and 3OMQ were able to cause acute mitochondrial dysfunction in MDA‐MB‐231‐treated cells. These results suggest that apoptosis in MDA‐MB‐231 cells is induced through the activation of the mitochondrial‐dependent pathway. Collectively, these findings suggest that ACB is a strong candidate for further anticancer in vivo tests.
Functional analysis and generalized treatment of disruptive behavior during dental exams
Authors: McConnell Kelly L. , Sassi Jessica L. , Carr Lauren , Szalwinski Julia , Courtemanche Aimee , Njie‐Jallow Fatoumatta , Cheney Wendy R.
Published: July 2020

Patient disruption during dental visits can impede treatment and may result in invasive approaches to care. The current study evaluated the efficacy of graduated exposure with and without extinction to decrease disruption during dental treatment for 4 young men with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Modified functional analyses confirmed that disruption was maintained by escape from dental demands for all four young men. Initial treatment consisted of graduated exposure, whereby exam steps were initially removed and then gradually reintroduced as disruption remained low; throughout this phase, disruption resulted in a break from the exam. During the subsequent treatment phase, graduated exposure procedures continued and extinction for disruption was added. Graduated exposure alone did not result in sufficient treatment effects; however, the addition of extinction resulted in greater reductions in disruption and increases in exam completion for all 4 young men, and treatment effects generalized to a dental clinic setting.
Elecrtospun methacrylic acid‐modified polystyrene nanofiber as solid phase adsorbent for preconcentration of methyl green from aqueous samples
Authors: Nasouri Batool , Shariati Shahab , Hashemifard Negar , Zanjanchi Pegah
Published: July 2020

This research describes the development of a new design of electrospun nanosorbent, polystyrene/methacrylic acid nanofibers (PS/MAA NFs), for the extraction and preconcentration of Methyl green (MG) from aqueous samples via solid phase extraction (SPE). The experimental parameters affecting the SPE extraction efficiency including sample flow rate through the sorbent, ionic strength and pH of the sample solution, weight of sorbent, volume and type of eluent were investigated, and optimized. Under the optimum conditions (40 ml of 1 mg/L MG, pH: 5, sample flow rate: 2 ml/min, 0.1 g PS/MAA NFs and eluting solvent: 3 ml MeOH), the calibration curve was linear in the MG concentration range of 25–1,000 μg/L. The limit of detection and enhancement factor of the proposed method, for extraction from 40 ml sample solution, were obtained as 10 μg/L and 8.3, respectively. MG dye was extracted from different real samples (urban, mineral and river waters) using the proposed adsorbent and the results showed that PS/MAA NFs were suitable for preconcentration and determination of trace amount of methyl green in wastewater samples.
Feasibility and Reliability of Automatic Quantitative Analyses of Mitral Annular Plane Systolic Excursion by Handheld Ultrasound Devices
Authors: Magelssen Malgorzata Izabela , Palmer Cameron Lowell , Hjorth‐Hansen Anna , Nilsen Hans Olav , Kiss Gabriel , Torp Hans , Mjolstad Ole Christian , Dalen Håvard
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Handheld ultrasound devices (HUDs) have previously been limited to grayscale imaging without options for left ventricle (LV) quantification. We aimed to study the feasibility and reliability of automatic measurements of mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) by HUDs.

Methods

An algorithm that automatically measured MAPSE from live grayscale recordings was implemented in a HUD. Twenty patients at a university hospital were examined by either a cardiologist or a sonographer. Standard echocardiography using a high‐end scanner was performed. The apical 4‐chamber view was recorded 4 times by both echocardiography and the HUD. MAPSE was measured by M‐mode and color tissue Doppler (cTD) during echocardiography and automatically by the HUD.

Results

The automatic method underestimated mean MAPSE ± SD versus M‐mode (9.6 ± 2.2 versus 10.9 ± 2.6 mm; difference, 1.2 ± 1.4 mm, P < .005). The difference between the automatic and cTD measurements was not significant (0.8 ± 1.8 mm; P = .073). The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) between automatic and M‐mode measurements was 0.85, and 0.81 for cTD measurements. There was good agreement between the methods, and the intra‐ and inter‐rater ICCs were excellent for all methods (≥0.86).

Conclusions

In this novel study evaluating automatic quantification of LV longitudinal function by HUD, we showed the high feasibility and reliability of the method. Compared to M‐mode imaging, the automatic method underestimated MAPSE by 8% to 10%, but the difference with cTD imaging was nonsignificant. We conclude that this study's method for automatic quantitative assessment of LV function can be integrated in HUDs.
Effects of Arytenoid Adduction Suture Position on Voice Production and Quality
Authors: Pillutla Pranati , Zhang Zhaoyan , Chhetri Dinesh K.
Published: July 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

Arytenoid adduction (AA) is performed to treat unilateral vocal fold paralysis with a large posterior glottal gap. However, the voice effects of AA suture position remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate voice production and quality as a function of AA suture position on the thyroid ala in a neuromuscularly intact in vivo larynx.

Study Design

Animal model.

Methods

Unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve and vagal paralysis were modeled in two canines. AA suture position was varied across five equidistant positions on the anterior inferior thyroid ala, from a paramedian position anteriorly to the oblique line posteriorly. Phonation was performed over 8 × 8 graded level combinations of recurrent and superior laryngeal nerve stimulation per suture position. The primary outcome was percent successful phonatory conditions. Secondary outcomes included fundamental frequency (F0), phonation onset pressure (PTP), cepstral peak prominence (CPP), and laryngeal posture.

Results

Anterior suture positions resulted in a greater percentage of successful phonatory conditions compared to posterior sutures. Suture position 2, located at the anterior inferior thyroid ala, resulted in the highest percentage of successful phonatory conditions, lowest PTP, and lower muscle activation levels to achieve higher CPP. Posterior sutures resulted in wider glottal gap and more effective F0 and vocal fold strain increase with cricothyroid muscle contraction, but with fewer successful phonatory conditions and higher PTP. Trends were consistent across both paralysis types.

Conclusions

AA suture placed in the anterior inferior thyroid ala resulted in the best acoustic, aerodynamic, and voice quality outcomes. This study provides scientific evidence for maintaining current clinical practice.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 131:846–852, 2021
Recommended Personal Protective Equipment for Cochlear Implant and Other Mastoid Surgery During the COVID‐19 Era
Authors: Lawrence Rachael J. , O'Donoghue Gerard , Kitterick Pádraig , O'Donoghue Kevin , Hague Richard , Mitchell Laura , Lycett‐Ranson Zoe , Hartley Douglas E.H.
Published: July 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

The overall aim of this study was to evaluate personal protective equipment (PPE) that may facilitate the safe recommencement of cochlear implantation in the COVID‐19 era, with the broader goal of minimizing the period of auditory deprivation in prelingually deaf children and reducing the risk of cochlear ossification in individuals following meningitis.

Methods

The study design comprised 1) an objective assessment of mastoid drilling‐induced droplet spread conducted during simulated cochlear implant (CI) surgery and its mitigation via the use of a protective drape tent and 2) an evaluation of three PPE configurations by otologists while performing mastoid drilling on ex vivo temporal bones. The various PPE solutions were assessed in terms of their impact on communication, vital physiological parameters, visual acuity and fields, and acceptability to surgeons using a systematic risk‐based approach.

Results

Droplet spread during simulated CI surgery extended over 2 m, a distance greater than previously reported. A drape tent significantly reduced droplet spread. The ensemble of a half‐face mask and safety spoggles (foam lined safety goggles) had consistently superior performance across all aspects of clinical usability. All other PPE options were found to substantially restrict the visual field, making them unsafe for microsurgery.

Conclusions

The results of this preclinical study indicate that the most viable solution to enable the safe conduct of CI and other mastoid surgery is a combination of a filtering facepiece (FFP3) mask or half‐face respirator with safety spoggles as PPE. Prescription spoggles are an option for surgeons who need to wear corrective glasses to operate. A drape tent reduces droplet spread. A multicenter clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of PPE should be the next step toward safely performing CI surgery during the COVID‐19 era.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:2693–2699, 2020
Inter‐community and on‐farm asymmetric organic matter allocation patterns drive soil fertility gradients in a rural Andean landscape
Authors: Caulfield Mark E. , Fonte Steven J. , Tittonell Pablo , Vanek Steven J. , Sherwood Stephen , Oyarzun Pedro , Borja Ross Mary , Dumble Sam , Groot Jeroen C. J.
Published: July 2020

Soil fertility in agricultural landscapes is driven by complex interactions between natural and anthropogenic processes, with organic matter (OM) inputs playing a critical role. Asymmetric allocation patterns of these resources among communities and within individual farms can lead to soil fertility gradients. However, the drivers and consequences of such patterns in different socioecological contexts remains poorly documented and understood. The objective of this study was to address this gap by assessing asymmetric OM allocation patterns and the associated consequences for soil fertility management in three indigenous communities located in the Central Ecuadorian Andes. We found that both distance from homestead and perception of fertility were associated with asymmetric OM allocation patterns to fields as well as with soil fertility gradients within farms. For example, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (N), available phosphorus (P), and exchangeable potassium (K) all decreased with distance from the homestead, while SOC, total N, and available P were positively correlated with a farmer's perception of soil fertility. We note that these fertility gradients remained even in the case of increased farm‐level OM inputs. Overall OM allocation patterns differed significantly among communities and were associated with significant differences in soil fertility, with the highest levels of available P and exchangeable K found in the community with the highest OM inputs. The results of this study indicate the importance of asymmetric OM allocation patterns encountered at different scales, both within farms and among neighboring communities, in rural Andean landscapes and their significant interactions with soil fertility gradients.
Effect of substituents on the inhibitive properties of newly synthesized 5‐benzoyl‐4‐methyl‐1,3,4,5‐tetrahydro‐2H‐1,5‐benzodiazepin‐2‐one derivatives against mild steel corrosion in an acidic medium
Authors: Al‐Fakih Abdo M. , Al‐Maqtari Helmi M. , Aziz Madzlan , Jamalis Joazaizulfazli , Emran Khadijah M.
Published: July 2020

Inhibition performance of three newly synthesized 1,5‐benzodiazepine derivatives with 4‐methoxybenzoyl (methoxyBBD), 3‐methylbenzoyl (methylBBD), and 2‐chlorobenzoyl (chloroBBD) groups was investigated against mild steel corrosion in 1 M hydrochloric acid. The potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and adsorption isotherms were used for characterization of the corrosion processes. Surface morphology was studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Quantum chemical calculations were carried out to establish the active sites of the inhibitors. The results show that the inhibitors inhibit mild steel corrosion and their inhibition efficiencies (IE) increase with the increase in concentration. The methoxyBBD shows a higher inhibiting effect with IE of 89.13% at 10−3 M, followed by methylBBD. All three inhibitors act as mixed‐type inhibitors with predominant control of cathodic reaction for chloroBBD and their adsorption obeys Langmuir isotherm. The SEM analysis confirms the inhibitors' adsorption on the mild steel surface. The active sites of the inhibitors were effectively established using the density functional theory method on the basis of natural atomic charge, highest occupied molecular orbital, and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital frontier molecular orbitals. The experimental and quantum results prove the inhibition performance trend of the inhibitors as follows: methoxyBBD > methylBBD > chloroBBD.
Corrosion of a 316L stainless steel in a gaseous environment polluted with HCl: Mechanism
Authors: Lequien Florence , Moine Gervaise
Published: July 2020

The corrosion of a 316L stainless steel (SS) exposed to a humid gas flow polluted with HCl has been studied. The mixture is carried out in a reactor connected to two gas feedthroughs: one with wet air and one with HCl(g). The corrosion mechanism comprehension is based on several steps. The presence of humid air polluted by HCl involves the creation of a precursor film that can evolve to droplet formation. In contact with this acid and chloride concentrated electrolyte, the 316L SS corrodes producing soluble ferrous chloride. This corrosion product can evolve to the oxide formation, depending of the HCl concentration. For high concentrations, 316L SS corrodes uniformly. However, this phenomenon is accompanied by pits when the HCl concentration is not sufficient or the HCl flow is not continuous. The particularity of the corrosion mechanisms is shown as well as the problems using materials in an HCl‐polluted gaseous environment.
Novel loss of function mutation in NOTCH1 in a family with bicuspid aortic valve, ventricular septal defect, thoracic aortic aneurysm, and aortic valve stenosis
Authors: Debiec Radoslaw , Hamby Stephen E. , Jones Peter D. , Coolman Sue , Asiani Manish , Kharodia Shireen , Skinner Gregory J. , Samani Nilesh J. , Webb Tom R. , Bolger Aidan
Published: July 2020

Background

Bicuspid aortic valve is the most common congenital valvular heart defect in the general population. BAV is associated with significant morbidity due to valve failure, formation of thoracic aortic aneurysm, and increased risk of infective endocarditis and aortic dissection. Loss of function mutations in NOTCH1 (OMIM 190198) has previously been associated with congenital heart disease involving the aortic valve, left ventricle outflow tract, and mitral valve that segregates in affected pedigrees as an autosomal dominant trait with variable expressivity.

Methods

We performed whole‐exome sequencing in four members of a three‐generational family (three affected and one unaffected subject) with clinical phenotypes including aortic valve stenosis, thoracic aortic aneurysm, and ventricular septal defect.

Results

We identified 16 potentially damaging genetic variants (one stop variant, one splice variant, and 14 missense variants) cosegregating with the phenotype. Of these variants, the nonsense mutation (p.Tyr291*) in NOTCH1 was the most deleterious variant identified and the most likely variant causing the disease.

Conclusion

Inactivating NOTCH1 mutations are a rare cause of familial heart disease involving predominantly left ventricular outflow tract lesions and characterized by the heterogeneity of clinical phenotype.
On the geometrically nonlinear vibration of a piezo‐flexomagnetic nanotube
Authors: Malikan Mohammad , Eremeyev Victor A.
Published: July 2020

In order to describe the behavior of thin elements used in micro‐electro‐mechanical systems (MEMS) and nano‐electro‐mechanical systems (NEMS), it is essential to study a nonlinear free vibration of nanotubes under complicated external fields such as magnetic environment. In this regard, the magnetic force applied to the conductive nanotube with piezo‐flexomagnetic elastic wall is considered. By the inclusion of Euler‐Bernoulli beam and using Hamilton's principle, the equations governing the system are extracted. More importantly, a principal effect existed in a nonlinear behavior such as axial inertia is thoroughly analyzed which is not commonly investigated. We then consider the effects of nanoscale size using the nonlocal strain gradient theory (NSGT). Hereafter, the frequencies are solved as semianalytical solutions on the basis of Rayleigh‐Ritz method. The piezo‐flexomagnetic nanotube (PF‐NT) is calculated with different boundary conditions. In order to validate, the results attained from the present solution have been compared with those available in the open literature. We realized that the nonlinear frequency analysis is so significant when a nanotube has fewer degrees of freedom at both ends and its length is long.
A two‐mechanism soil–structure interface model for three‐dimensional cyclic loading
Authors: Liu Jingmao , Zou Degao , Kong Xianjing
Published: July 2020

A three‐dimensional (3D) soil–structure interface model is proposed within the two‐mechanism constitutive theory and bounding surface theory originally established for soils. The proposed model has two main characteristics: first, the model is formulated based on two different and superposed deformation mechanisms. The first mechanism is due to the stress ratio increment, and the second is due to the normal stress increment. Each mechanism induces a shear strain component and a normal strain component. The proposed model can be reduced to the conventional single‐mechanism interface model. Second, the plastic modulus and stress dilatancy are defined using the bounding surface theory. The plastic flow rule under cyclic loading is modified and assumed to be dependent on both the stress state of the mapping point and the stress reversal loading direction. The proposed model was validated against the available 3D interface tests and was found to satisfactorily reflect the salient features of the interfaces under monotonic and cyclic loading paths with different normal boundaries. The problem in which the elastic normal stiffness in conventional single‐mechanism interface models is often underestimated to enhance the simulation performance under varying normal stress conditions is solved by incorporating the second mechanism. And the effect of the second mechanism on the modeling behavior is discussed. The modified plastic flow direction accurately simulates the 3D cyclic shear response, and the difference between the model simulation and test result increases with the number of cycles by use of the plastic flow direction defined in conventional bounding surface theory.