bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Fluoride‐Free and Super‐Wetting Functionalized‐Material with pH‐Responsiveness for Controllable Separation of Multiphase Oil/Water Mixtures
Authors: Qu Mengnan , Liu Lulu , Yang Xin , Yang Chen , Li Jiehui , Liu Qian , Peng Lei , Liu Xiangrong , He Jinmei
Published: October 2020

Nowadays, oily wastewater seriously endangers human health and living environment. Intelligent materials with switchable wettability gear up the broad application prospect in controllable oil/water separation and have received extensive attention. Herein, a simple and novel fluoride‐free method for preparing pH‐responsive super‐wetting material by monomer polymerization is reported. Surprisingly, the as‐prepared smart material can produce reversible wettability changes between superhydrophobicity/superoleophilicity and superhydrophilicity/underwater superoleophobicity by adjusting various pH values. Based on this fresh phenomenon, it can be used to separate various oil/water mixtures on‐demand with high separation performance. It is worth noting that the smart fabric also separates mixtures of highly corrosive liquids and oils. Moreover, the smart fabric also has excellent self‐cleaning and low surface adhesion. In addition, it also shows excellent mechanical and chemical stability under harsh conditions. All these advantages show that the smart fabric can play a vital function in solving the related severe conditions of marine oil pollution and industrial wastewater.
Assessing the Environmental Impacts of Agricultural Policies
Authors: Henderson Benjamin , Lankoski Jussi
Published: October 2020

This study investigates the potential impacts of a range of specific support measures on the environment, using farm and sector‐scale economic models, in a range of country settings. Market price support and payments based on unconstrained variable input use are found to be the most environmentally harmful among the various support policies assessed. In contrast, decoupled support payments based on noncurrent crop area are the least harmful. The impacts of support policies that directly change the competitiveness of one production activity in relation to another, such as payments based on current crop area or on animal numbers, are more equivocal.
Discursive constructions of consumer choice, performance measurement and the marketisation of disability services and aged care in Australia
Authors: O'Keeffe Patrick , David Christina
Published: October 2020

We show how policy discourses construct consumer choice, performance measurement and quality standards as key technologies in the marketisation of disability services and aged care in Australia. The emergence of performance outcome measurement and increased consumer access to these through diverse consumer facing and interactive platforms enables the state to “govern at a distance” through the management and shaping of outcome indicators rather than delivery of services. The state does this by creating market competition and establishing outcomes which reflect the construction people using services as informed and rational consumers rather than citizens. This construction and operationalisation frame marketisation as a rational solution to broken systems, assume choice is unproblematic and ignore diverse capacities to access and use information, resource differentials and contextual variables such as market maturity and service availability. The benign marketisation of human services thus discriminates against those who are already marginalised and disadvantaged unless equity strategies are clearly in place.
Chemoselective C−C σ‐Bond Activation of the Most Stable Ring in Biphenylene**
Authors: Kong Richard Y. , Crimmin Mark R.
Published: October 2020

The chemoselective cleavage of a six‐membered aromatic ring in biphenylene is reported using an aluminum(I) complex. This type of selectivity is unprecedented. In every example of transition metal mediated C−C σ‐bond activation reported to date, the reaction occurs at the central four‐membered ring of biphenylene. Insight into the origin of chemoselectivity was obtained through a detailed mechanistic analysis (isolation of an intermediate, DFT studies, activation strain analysis). In conclusion, the divergent reactivity can be attributed to differences in both the symmetry and radial extension of the frontier molecular orbitals of the aluminum(I) fragment compared to that of common transition metal fragments.
Synthesis of a Sidewall Fragment of a (12,0) Carbon Nanotube
Authors: Han Yi , Dong Shaoqiang , Shao Jiawei , Fan Wei , Chi Chunyan
Published: October 2020

Synthesis of a carbon nanobelt (CNB) is a very challenging task in organic chemistry. Herein, we report the successful synthesis of an octabenzo[12]cyclacene based CNB (6), which can be regarded as a sidewall fragment of a (12,0) carbon nanotube. The key intermediate compound, a tetraepoxy nanobelt (5), was first synthesized by Diels–Alder reaction, and subsequent reductive aromatization gave the fully conjugated CNB 6. X‐ray crystallographic analysis unambiguously confirmed the belt‐shaped structure of 6. 1H NMR spectrum and theoretical calculations (ACID, NICS, and 2D/3D ICSS) revealed localized aromaticity and stronger shielding chemical environment in the inner region of the belt. The optical properties (absorption and emission) of 6 were studied and correlated to its electronic structure. Strain analysis indicates that the phenyl substituents at the zigzag edges are crucial to the successful synthesis of 6. This report presents a new strategy towards highly strained CNBs.
Cobalt bis(2‐ethylhexanoate) and terpyridine derivatives as catalysts for the hydrosilylation of olefins
Authors: Dai Zinan , Yu Zehao , Bai Ying , Li Jiayun , Peng Jiajian
Published: October 2020

A simple method for the hydrosilylation of olefins by using air‐stable cobalt catalysts is developed. The catalyst system is composed of simple, cheap, and readily available cobalt(II) salts and well‐defined terpyridine derivatives as cocatalysts or ligands, and the hydrosilylation processes can be processed smoothly under mild conditions without either Grignard reagents or NaHBEt3 as activator.
In vitro biomolecular interaction studies and cytotoxic activities of copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes bearing ONS donor thiosemicarbazones
Authors: Mathews Nimya Ann , Kurup M.R. Prathapachandra
Published: October 2020

Among all the bio‐metals, zinc and copper derivatives of ONS donor thiosemicarbazone have aroused great interest because of their potential biological applications. Multisubstituted thiosemicarbazone ligand H2dspt (3,5‐dichlorosalicylaldehyde‐N4‐phenylthiosemicarbazone) derived new ternary complexes like [Zn(dspt)(phen)]‧DMF (1) and [Cu(dspt)(phen)]‧DMF (2), and another thiosemicarbazone, H2dsct (3,5‐dichlorosalicylaldehyde‐N4‐cyclohexylthiosemicarbazone), derived [Cu(dsct)(bipy)]‧DMF (3). These complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis (CHNS), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) spectra. The structures of the complexes were obtained by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Compounds1and2got crystallized in the monoclinicP21/cspace group. The complexes showed interesting supramolecular interaction, which in turn stabilizes the complexes. The ground state electronic configurations of the complexes were studied using the B3LYP/LANL2DZ basis set, and ESP plots of complexes were investigated. The interaction of the complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT‐DNA) was studied using absorption and fluorescence spectroscopic methods. A UV study of the interaction of the complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT‐DNA) has shown that the complexes can effectively bind to CT‐DNA, and [Cu(dspt)(phen)]·DMF (2) exhibited the highest binding constant to CT‐DNA (Kb= 3.7 × 104). Fluorescence spectral studies also indicated that Complex2binds relatively stronger with CT DNA through intercalative mode, exhibiting higher binding constant (Kq= 4.7 × 105). The DNA cleavage result showed that the complexes are capable of cleaving the DNA without the help of any external agent. Molecular docking studies were carried out to understand the binding of complexes with the molecular target DNA. Complex2exhibited the highest cytotoxicity against human breast cancer cell line MD‐MBA‐231 (IC50= 23.93 μg/mL) as compared to Complex1(IC50= 44.40 μg/mL).
Flexible polyurethane foams reinforced with organic and inorganic nanofillers
Authors: Ghasemi Shokoofeh , Amini Ezatollah Nima , Tajvidi Mehdi , Kiziltas Alper , Mielewski Deborah F. , Gardner Douglas J.
Published: October 2020

The effect of three different types of cellulose nanofillers on the morphology, mechanical, and thermal properties of flexible polyurethane foam was studied. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), cellulose nanofibrils (CNF), and cellulose filaments (CelFil) were used as fillers at 0.1–0.8 wt% loading levels. The comparison of the results showed that smaller loading levels resulted in foams with better performance in almost all cases. In the next step, the properties of foams containing CNC, CNF, or CelFil at 0.025%–0.1% loading levels were compared with those made with inorganic nanofillers including nanosilica (nSi), reduced graphene oxide, and halloysite nanotubes (HNT). Among all the properties evaluated, the tensile modulus of the foams was improved up to 40% by adding HNT at 0.05 wt% loading level whereas the addition of CNF resulted in a 44% increase in the compressive modulus of the foams at 0.1 wt% loading level.
Physicochemical and superficial characterization of a bilayer film of zein and pectin obtained by electrospraying
Authors: Gaona‐Sánchez Victor A. , Calderón‐Domínguez Georgina , Morales‐Sánchez Eduardo , Moreno‐Ruiz Luis A. , Terrés‐Rojas Eduardo , Salgado‐Cruz Ma. de la Paz , Escamilla‐García Monserrat , Barrios‐Francisco Rigoberto
Published: October 2020

The preparation by electrospraying of a bilayer film formed by a pectin layer (hydrophilic, polar) and a zein layer (hydrophobic, nonpolar), is a difficult task that has not yet been reported. Herein, the feasibility of producing films by electrostatic atomization was studied, as well as the changes in the superficial and physicochemical characteristics of the bilayer film. Results showed that it is possible to produce a flexible and yellow bilayer film (101.07 ± 8.11 μm) with a continuous surface structure and a well‐defined interface, without chemical interactions between both layers nor antimicrobial activity. This study is one of the first to show that the electrospraying technique can be used to generate biodegradable bilayer films using hydrophilic/hydrophobic biopolymer solutions.
Recent developments in phosphate materials for their thermoluminescence dosimeter (TLD) applications
Authors: Chand Sansar , Mehra Rohit , Chopra Vibha
Published: October 2020

The use of phosphate‐based thermoluminescence dosimeter (TLD) materials in current scenarios is presented here, particularly for the field of low dosimetry. TLD materials are currently researched for their use in for example environmental dosimetry, personal dosimetry, and medical dosimetry. There are several TLD materials available such as: sulphates, borates, fluorides, and sulphides, including some metal oxides and perovskites, which are the most used and have been widely explored. In the present scenario, new interest is being focused on the need for thermoluminescent materials for application in material science and radiation dosimetry for low‐dose dosimetry. These doped TLDs are prepared using different techniques including solid‐state reaction methods, combustion methods, wet chemical methods, and sol gel methods. Therefore, among the above stated TLDs, phosphates have opened a new door in radiation dosimetry, particularly in low‐dose dosimetry over the last few years. This paper mainly deals with a review of various phosphate‐based TLD materials and recent advancements in phosphates for TL dosimetry.
Designing scalable ultrafiltration/diafiltration process of monoclonal antibodies via mathematical modeling by coupling mass balances and Poisson–Boltzmann equation
Authors: Ambrožič Rok , Arzenšek Dejan , Podgornik Aleš
Published: October 2020

Ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF) operations are employed for achieving the desired therapeutic monoclonal antibody (mAb) formulations. Due to electrostatic interactions between the charged proteins, solute ions, and uncharged excipients, the final pH and concentration values are not always equal to those in the DF buffer. At high protein concentrations, typical for industrial formulations, this effect becomes predominant. To account for challenges occurring in industrial environments, a robust mathematical framework enabling the prediction of pH and concentration profiles throughout the UF/DF process is provided. The proposed mechanistic model combines a macroscopic mass balance approach with a molecular approach based on a Poisson–Boltzmann equation dealing with electrostatic interactions and accounting for protein exclusion volume effect. The mathematical model was validated with experimental data of two commercially relevant mAbs obtained from an industrial UF/DF process using scalable laboratory equipment. The robustness and flexibility of the model were tested by using proteins with different isoelectric points and net charges. The latter was determined via a titration curve, enabling realistic protein charge‐pH evaluation. In addition, the model was tested for different DF buffer types containing both monovalent and polyvalent ions, with various types of uncharged excipients. The model generality enables its implementation for the UF/DF processes of other protein varieties.
Systematic identification of safe harbor regions in the CHO genome through a comprehensive epigenome analysis
Authors: Hilliard William , Lee Kelvin H.
Published: October 2020

The Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines that are used to produce commercial quantities of therapeutic proteins commonly exhibit a decrease in productivity over time in culture, a phenomenon termed production instability. Random integration of the transgenes encoding the protein of interest into locations in the CHO genome that are vulnerable to genetic and epigenetic instability often causes production instability through copy number loss and silencing of expression. Several recent publications have shown that these cell line development challenges can be overcome by using site‐specific integration (SSI) technology to insert the transgenes at genomic loci, often called “hotspots,” that are transcriptionally permissive and have enhanced stability relative to the rest of the genome. However, extensive characterization of the CHO epigenome is needed to identify hotspots that maintain their desirable epigenetic properties in an industrial bioprocess environment and maximize transcription from a single integrated transgene copy. To this end, the epigenomes and transcriptomes of two distantly related cell lines, an industrially relevant monoclonal antibody‐producing cell line and its parental CHO‐K1 host, were characterized using high throughput chromosome conformation capture and RNAseq to analyze changes in the epigenome that occur during cell line development and associated changes in system‐wide gene expression. In total, 10.9% of the CHO genome contained transcriptionally permissive three‐dimensional chromatin structures with enhanced genetic and epigenetic stability relative to the rest of the genome. These safe harbor regions also showed good agreement with published CHO epigenome data, demonstrating that this method was suitable for finding genomic regions with epigenetic markers of active and stable gene expression. These regions significantly reduce the genomic search space when looking for CHO hotspots with widespread applicability and can guide future studies with the goal of maximizing the potential of SSI technology in industrial production CHO cell lines.
Role of circulating fibrocytes in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis
Authors: Zarog M A , O'Leary D P , Kiernan M G , Bolger J , Tibbitts P , Coffey S N , Lowery A , Byrnes G J , Peirce C , Dunne C P , Coffey J C
Published: October 2020

Background

Improved diagnostic biomarkers are required for acute appendicitis. The circulating fibrocyte percentage (CFP) is increased in inflammatory states, but has not been studied in acute appendicitis. This study aimed to determine CFP in acute appendicitis and compare diagnostic accuracy with standard serological biomarkers.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was carried out between June 2015 and February 2016 at University Hospital Limerick. The CFP was determined by dual-staining peripheral venous samples for CD45 and collagen I using fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and correlated with histopathological diagnoses. The accuracy of CFP in determining histological acute appendicitis was characterized and compared with the white cell count, C-reactive protein concentration, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count and neutrophil : lymphocyte ratio.

Results

Of 95 adults recruited, 15 were healthy individuals and 80 had suspected appendicitis at presentation. Forty-six of these 80 patients had an appendicectomy, of whom 34 had histologically confirmed appendicitis. The CFP was statistically higher in patients with pathologically proven acute appendicitis than in healthy controls (median 6·1 (i.q.r. 1·6–11·6) versus 2·3 (0·9–3·4) per cent respectively; P = 0·008). The diagnostic accuracy of CFP, as determined using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, was similar to that of standard biomarkers. In multinomial regression analysis, only raised CFP was retained as an independent prognostic determinant of acute appendicitis (odds ratio 1·57, 95 per cent c.i. 1·05 to 2·33; P = 0·027).

Conclusion

The CFP is increased in histologically confirmed acute appendicitis and is as accurate as standard serological biomarkers in terms of diagnosis.
A concise review of bioanalytical methods of small molecule immuno‐oncology drugs in cancer therapy
Authors: Sulochana Suresh P. , Trivedi Ravi Kumar , Srinivas Nuggehally R. , Mullangi Ramesh
Published: October 2020

Immuno‐oncology (IO) is an emerging option to treat cancer malignancies. In the last two years, IO has accounted for more than 90% of the new active drugs in various therapeutic indications of oncology drug development. Bioanalytical methods used for the quantitation of various IO small molecule drugs have been summarized in this review. The most commonly used are HPLC and LC–MS/MS methods. Determination of IO drugs from biological matrices involves drug extraction from the biological matrix, which is mostly achieved by simple protein precipitation, liquid–liquid extraction and solid‐phase extraction. Subsequently, quantitation is usually achieved by LC–MS/MS, but HPLC–UV has also been employed. The bioanalytical methods reported for each drug are briefly discussed and tabulated for easy access. Our review indicates that LC–MS/MS is a versatile and reliable tool for the sensitive, rapid and robust quantitation of IO drugs.
Continuous lenalidomide and low‐dose dexamethasone in patients with transplant‐ineligible newly diagnosed MM: FIRST trial subanalysis of Canadian/US patients
Authors: Belch Andrew , Bahlis Nizar , White Darrell , Cheung Matthew , Chen Christine , Shustik Chaim , Song Kevin , Tosikyan Axel , Dispenzieri Angela , Anderson Kenneth , Brown Diane , Robinson Suzanne , Srinivasan Shankar , Facon Thierry
Published: October 2020

The phase 3 FIRST trial demonstrated significant improvement in progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) with an immune‐stimulatory agent, lenalidomide, in combination with low‐dose dexamethasone until disease progression (Rd continuous) vs melphalan +prednisone + thalidomide (MPT) in transplant‐ineligible patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). Rd continuous similarly extended PFS vs fixed‐duration Rd for 18 cycles (Rd18). Outcomes in the Canadian/US subgroup (104 patients per arm) are reported in this analysis. Rd continuous demonstrated a significant improvement in PFS vs MPT (median, 29.3 vs 20.2 months; HR, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.49‐0.97]; p = 0.03326) and an improvement vs Rd18 (median, 21.9 months). Median OS was 56.9 vs 46.8 months with Rd continuous vs MPT (p = 0.15346) and 59.5 months with Rd18. The overall response rate was higher with Rd continuous and Rd18 (78.8% and 79.8%) vs MPT (65.4%). In the 49.0%, 52.9%, and 29.8% of patients with at least very good partial response in the Rd continuous, Rd18, and MPT arms, respectively, the median PFS was 56.0, 30.9, and 40.2 months, respectively. The most common grade 3/4 treatment‐emergent adverse events were neutropenia (28.4%, 30.1%, and 52.0%), anemia (23.5%, 21.4%, and 23.5%), and infections (37.3%, 30.1%, and 24.5%) with Rd continuous, Rd18, and MPT, respectively. These results were consistent with those in the intent‐to‐treat population, confirming the benefit of Rd continuous vs MPT in the Canadian/US subgroup and supporting the role of Rd continuous as a standard of care for transplant‐ineligible patients with NDMM.
Cancer risk in heart or lung transplant recipients: A comprehensive analysis of 21 prospective cohorts
Authors: Ge Fan , Li Caichen , Xu Xin , Huo Zhenyu , Wang Runchen , Wen Yaokai , Peng Haoxin , Wu Xiangrong , Liang Hengrui , Peng Guilin , Li Run , Huang Danxia , Chen Ying , Xiong Shan , Zhong Ran , Cheng Bo , Li Jianfu , He Jianxing , Liang Wenhua
Published: October 2020

We performed a meta‐analysis to determine cancer risks at multiple sites and their associations with tumor mutation burden (TMB), an index for immunogenicity, in heart or lung transplant recipients. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Medline was conducted. Random effects models were used to calculate standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) versus the general population and to determine the risks of different cancers. Weighted linear regression (WLR) was used to analyze the associations between the SIRs and TMBs. (PROSPERO CRD42020159599). Data from 21 studies including 116,438 transplant recipients (51,173 heart transplant recipients and 65,265 lung transplant recipients) with a total follow‐up of 601,330.7 person‐years were analyzed. Compared with the general population, heart transplant recipients displayed a 3.13‐fold higher cancer risk [SIR: 3.13; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.38–4.13; p < 0.001]; lung transplant recipients displayed a 4.28‐fold higher cancer risk [SIR: 4.28; 95% CI: 3.18–5.77; p < 0.001]. The correlation coefficients were 0.54 (p = 0.049) and 0.79 (p < 0.001) in heart and lung transplant recipients, respectively, indicating that 29% and 63% of the differences in the SIRs for cancer types might be explained by the TMBs. Our study demonstrated that both heart and lung transplant recipients displayed a higher risk of certain site‐specific cancers. These findings can provide individualized guidance for clinicians for detection of cancer among heart or lung transplantation recipients. In addition, we provided evidence that increased risks of post‐transplant cancers can be attributed to immunosuppression.
The influence of hyperglycemia on the safety of ultrasound in retinal pigment epithelial cells
Authors: Kang Heather , Yin Naibo , Lyon Heather , Rupenthal Ilva D. , Thakur Sachin S. , Mugisho Odunayo O.
Published: October 2020

Ultrasound (US) assisted drug delivery is receiving interest in treating posterior eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy due to its ability to maximize drug penetration into difficult to reach tissues. Despite its promise, the technique has only been investigated using healthy cell and tissue models, with no evidence to date about its safety in active disease. As a result, the aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of US administration in vitro in retinal pigment epithelial cells under normal and high glucose conditions. US protocols within the presently accepted safety threshold were applied and their influence on cell membrane and tight junction integrity as well as intracellular inflammation was evaluated using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), zona occludens‐1 (ZO‐1), fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐dextran dye leak and nuclear factor‐kappaB (NF‐κB) assays, respectively. Under high glucose conditions, US application increased LDH release and resulted in loss of ZO‐1 labeling at 2 h; however, normal levels were restored within 24 h. US within its safety parameters did not induce any FITC‐dextran dye leak or NF‐κB nuclear translocation in normal or high glucose conditions. In conclusion, our results suggest that while high glucose conditions increase cell susceptibility to US‐mediated stress, basal conditions can be restored within 24 h without long‐lasting cell damage.
Long noncoding RNA PVT1 facilitates high glucose‐induced cardiomyocyte death through the miR‐23a‐3p/CASP10 axis
Authors: Xia Yin‐Wen , Wang Shao‐Bo
Published: October 2020

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Long noncoding RNA plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) has been shown to be related to the pathogenesis of DCM. However, the mechanism by which PVT1 regulates DCM pathogenesis is unclear. High glucose level was employed to construct a DCM cell model in vitro. Cell viability was determined via cell counting kit‐8 assay. The level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was measured with the corresponding kit. Expression levels of PVT1, miR‐23a‐3p, and caspase‐10 (CASP10) messenger RNA were evaluated with a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry assay. Protein levels of B‐cell lymphoma 2‐associated X (Bax), cleaved‐caspase‐3 (cleaved‐casp‐3), and CASP10 were examined via western blot analysis. The relationship between PVT1 or CASP10 and miR‐23a‐3p was verified with dual‐luciferase reporter assay. We observed that PVT1 and CASP10 were upregulated while miR‐23a‐3p was downregulated in high glucose‐induced cardiomyocytes. High glucose levels repressed cardiomyocyte activity and induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis, but this influence was antagonized by PVT1 knockdown or miR‐23a‐3p overexpression. Furthermore, PVT1 acted as a sponge for miR‐23a‐3p, and miR‐23a‐3p inhibition counterbalanced the influence of PVT1 silencing on viability and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes under high glucose level treatment. PVT1 could increase CASP10 expression via sponging miR‐23a‐3p. In conclusion, PVT1 acted as a deleterious lncRNA in DCM. PVT1 facilitated cardiomyocyte death by regulating the miR‐23a‐3p/CASP10, which offered a new mechanism to comprehend the pathogenesis of DCM.
Esomeprazole overcomes paclitaxel‐resistance and enhances anticancer effects of paclitaxel by inducing autophagy in A549/Taxol cells
Authors: Bai Zhaoshi , Ding Nianyang , Ge Jianjuan , Wang Yue , Wang Lei , Wu Nan , Wei Qing , Xu Silu , Liu Xiaolin , Zhou Guoren
Published: October 2020

Non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common malignancies, and the occurrence of drug‐resistance severely limits the efficacy of anticancer drugs in the treatment of NSCLC. Identification of new agents to reverse drug‐resistance in NSCLC treatment is of great importance and urgency both clinically and scientifically. In the present study, we found that A549/Taxol cells displayed a high level of resistance to paclitaxel with the resistance index up to 231. Importantly, esomeprazole could potentiate the antiproliferative effect of paclitaxel in A549/Taxol cells, but not in A549 cells. Further exploration on the underlying mechanisms revealed that esomeprazole decreased the intracellular pH via inhibiting V‐ATPase expression in A549/Taxol cells. Meanwhile, esomeprazole pretreatment significantly promoted paclitaxel‐induced polymerization of tubulin and enhanced the proportion of G2/M‐arrested cells in A549/Taxol cells. Unfortunately, esomeprazole could only result in a slight decrease in the expression of P‐gp in A549/Taxol cells. Interestingly, esomeprazole significantly increased paclitaxel‐induced apoptosis, which was impeded by the autophagy inhibitor 3‐MA in A549/Taxol cells. Taken together, our data suggest that esomeprazole is a promising chemosensitizer against paclitaxel‐resistant NSCLC by inducing autophagy. Our study also offers a new strategy to solve the paclitaxel‐resistance problem during NSCLC treatment.
Same day discharge after chronic total occlusion interventions: A single center experience
Authors: Koutouzis Michael , Liontou Catherine , Xenogiannis Iosif , Tajti Peter , Tsiafoutis Ioannis , Lazaris Efstathios , Oikonomidis Nikolaos , Kontopodis Eleftherios , Rangan Bavana , Brilakis Emmanouil
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To assess the feasibility and safety of same day discharge (SDD) after chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Background

CTO PCI has been associated with higher complication rates and procedural and hospitalization costs. Shortening post‐PCI hospitalization length not only increases the patients' comfort but at the same time it consists an important part of cost reduction policies.

Methods

We retrospectively compared the 30‐day outcomes of patients who underwent CTO PCI at the Red Cross Hospital, Greece between January 2016 and June 2019 and underwent SDD versus non‐SDD. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were defined as the composite of death, myocardial infarction, urgent repeat target vessel revascularization, tamponade, and stroke.

Results

A total of 173 patients (mean age 63.7 ± 8.9 years) were included, of whom 51 (30%) underwent SDD. SDD patients were less likely to have diabetes mellitus (51 vs. 31%, p = .015), arterial hypertension (89 vs. 67%, p < .001), and acute coronary syndrome presentation (39.7 vs. 21.6%, p = .022), compared with non‐SDD patients. Forearm access was used in all SDD patients and in 83% of the non‐SDD patients. The 30‐day incidence of MACE was 0% in the SDD group and 1.6% in the non‐SDD group. Multivariable analysis showed that diabetes mellitus and longer procedural time were associated with lower probability of SDD (OR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.15, 0.73 and OR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.71, respectively).

Conclusions

SDD appears to be feasible and safe in selected patients undergoing an uncomplicated CTO PCI through forearm approach.
An Application of Steady‐state Isotopic‐transient Kinetic Analysis (SSITKA) in DeNOx Process
Authors: Jabłońska Magdalena
Published: October 2020

This Minireview presents an overview of the advancement and capabilities of the steady‐state isotopic transient kinetic analysis in the selective catalytic reduction of NOx. Firstly, a brief overview of the method and the kinetic parameters of catalyst‐surface reaction intermediates, including concentration and coverage of surface intermediates, surface residence time and intrinsic turnover frequency (TOF), is provided. Furthermore, the focus is on the application of SSITKA or a unique combination of SSITKA‐DRIFTS for the identification of active and/or inactive (spectators) species in NH3−SCR, H2−SCR and HCs−SCR. Different forms of adsorbed species and their formation rates revealing the main elementary steps on the catalyst's surface involving labeled molecules are discussed. The emphasis is laid on the optimization and design of industrial catalysts.
Liposomal FRET Assay Identifies Potent Drug‐Like Inhibitors of the Ceramide Transport Protein (CERT)
Authors: Samaha Doaa , Hamdo Housam H. , Cong Xiaojing , Schumacher Fabian , Banhart Sebastian , Aglar Öznur , Möller Heiko M. , Heuer Dagmar , Kleuser Burkhard , Saied Essa M. , Arenz Christoph
Published: October 2020

Ceramide transfer protein (CERT) mediates non‐vesicular transfer of ceramide from endoplasmic reticulum to Golgi apparatus and thus catalyzes the rate‐limiting step of sphingomyelin biosynthesis. Usually, CERT ligands are evaluated in tedious binding assays or non‐homogenous transfer assays using radiolabeled ceramides. Herein, a facile and sensitive assay for CERT, based on Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), is presented. To this end, we mixed donor and acceptor vesicles, each containing a different fluorescent ceramide species. By CERT‐mediated transfer of fluorescent ceramide, a FRET system was established, which allows readout in 96‐well plate format, despite the high hydrophobicity of the components. Screening of a 2 000 compound library resulted in two new potent CERT inhibitors. One is approved for use in humans and one is approved for use in animals. Evaluation of cellular activity by quantitative mass spectrometry and confocal microscopy showed inhibition of ceramide trafficking and sphingomyelin biosynthesis.
A Concept for an Integrated Process Scheme for By‐Products from Rice and Sugarcane Processing
Authors: Schaldach Katja , Schröder Hans‐Werner , Herdegen Volker , Nang Do Vinh
Published: October 2020

The material use of agricultural by‐products helps to not only reduce severe environmental problems, but also permits the production of value‐added products at the same time. Extensive experiments produced and tested different erosion control blankets, adsorbents, and soil improvers from rice straw, rice husks, and bagasse. This led to the creation of an integrated process scheme, which permits side streams from one branch to be reused in other process branches. This integrated process scheme is presented that is demonstrated and supported by the material balance numbers based on the test results.
Stimuli‐Responsive Ionic Liquids and the Regulation of Aggregation Structure and Phase Behavior†
Authors: Yuan Xiao‐Qing , Zhang Ya‐Qin , Li Zhi‐Yong , Huo Feng , Dong Yi‐Hui , He Hong‐Yan
Published: October 2020

Ionic liquids with stimuli‐responsive characteristics are an essential branch in the comprehensive ionic liquids' family, which can meet the controllable and reversible needs in practical applications with different stimulation means. In this review, we summarize the recent research progress of these stimuli‐responsive ionic liquids, mainly focusing on their chemical structures, properties, responsive mechanism, aggregation structures, and phase behaviors, which were driven by external stimuli, such as CO2, magnetism, light, temperature, redox, and pH. Then, the particular or potential applications of stimuli‐responsive ionic liquids are expounded in various fields of science, including catalytic reaction, extraction, separation, nanomaterial preparation, and gas absorption. In the end, the challenges and strategies of the subject are briefly presented. It is expected that this review will contribute to the rational design and applications of stimuli‐responsive ionic liquids in the future.
Access to Stereodefined Multifunctionalized β,γ‐Unsaturated Ketones via Chemo‐, Regio‐ and Diastereoselective Copper‐Catalyzed Diborylation of Cross‐Conjugated Enynones†
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Duan Xinhua , Li Pengfei
Published: October 2020

Main observation and conclusion

Stereodefined β,γ‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds are important yet synthetically challenging units in natural products and drugs. Disclosed herein is a mild, rapid copper‐catalyzed diborylation reaction of cross‐conjugated enynones as a step‐economic and modular approach to stereodefined multifunctionalized β,γ‐unsaturated ketones by fine control of chemo‐, regio‐, Z/E and diastereoselectivity. The substrate scope was examined and a possible catalytic cycle was proposed to explain the multifaceted selectivity.
Multitarget Inhibition of Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) and Phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K): Current and Future Prospects
Authors: Rodrigues Daniel A. , Pinheiro Pedro S. M. , Fraga Carlos A. M.
Published: October 2020

The discovery of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors is a hot topic in the medicinal chemistry community regarding cancer research. This is related primarily to two factors: success in the clinic, e. g., the four FDA‐approved HDAC inhibitors, and strong versatility to combine their pharmacophoric features to design new hybrid compounds with multitarget profiles. Thus, the selection of adequate pharmacophores to combine, i. e., combining targets that can result in a synergistic effect, is desirable, as it increases the probability of discovering a new useful therapeutic strategy. In this work, we highlight the design of multitarget HDAC/PI3K inhibitors. Although this approach is still in its early stages, many significant works have described the design and pharmacological evaluation of this new promising class of multitarget inhibitors, where compound CUDC‐907, which is already in clinical trials, stands out. Therefore, the question emerges of whether there still space for the design and evaluation of new multitarget HDAC/PI3K inhibitors. When considering the selectivity profile of the described multitarget compounds, the answer appears to be in the affirmative, especially since the first examples of compounds with a certain selectivity profile only recently appeared in 2020.
Improving Data Analysis in Chemistry and Biology Through Versatile Baseline Correction
Authors: Schneidewind Jacob , Olickel Hrishi
Published: October 2020

Accurate data analysis is a cornerstone for the meaningful interpretation of measurements in chemistry and biology. To enable accurate analysis, it is often necessary to remove the background from a measurement via baseline correction, as is commonly done for spectroscopy or chromatography. However, no equivalent methods for baseline correction exist for an entire group of measurements, which includes chemical reaction measurements, quantitative polymerase chain reaction and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy. This is because these measurements give rise to a different class of features in their signals, which prevent the application of classical baseline correction methods. In this work, a general method for baseline correction of these features is developed, which is shown to simplify and improve data analysis for these measurements. Through publicly accessible and easy to use software we expect this method to be broadly useful to improve and simplify data analysis for chemists and biologists.
A novelOFDMswitching algorithm for symmetric and asymmetricMIMOarchitectures
Authors: Mlayeh Yosra , Rouissi Fatma , Tlili Fethi , Ghazel Adel
Published: October 2020

In this article, we propose a new criterion for a switching algorithm to be used in MIMO‐OFDM systems. The switching algorithm, which selects between spatial multiplexing and MIMO diversity using the Demmel condition number as selection metrics, is first analyzed. Then, we show the limitation of this criterion, when increasing the receive antenna number. As a solution, we propose multiantenna processing and SNR switching criterion as a novel selection metric. The channel between the transmitter and the receiver is assumed a Rayleigh‐fading channel. Simulations results show that the proposed switching algorithm improves the performances in terms of bit error rate (BER) for symmetric and asymmetric MIMO systems. The gain is about 3 dB at BER = 10−4in (4×4) architecture and 2 dB at BER = 10−4in (3×2) architecture.
Flow Cytometric Measurement of Efflux in Candida Species
Authors: Iyer Kali R. , Robbins Nicole , Cowen Leah E.
Published: October 2020

A technique to assess the ability of distinct Candida strains to efflux substrates, as well as to compare the effectiveness of efflux inhibitors, is important for analysis of antifungal drug resistance mechanisms and the mode of action of antifungals. We describe a method that measures the ability of Candida species to extrude the fluorescent dye Nile red as an output for efflux activity. This involves exposing cells to Nile red and using flow cytometry to quantify cellular fluorescence, enabling numerous samples to be processed in a limited time frame. This protocol provides a simple, yet effective method for quantifying efflux in drug‐resistant Candida species. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC

Basic Protocol 1: Growth and sample preparation of stained Candida

Basic Protocol 2: Quantitative measurement of fluorescence by flow cytometry

Alternate Protocol: Qualitative determination of fluorescence using microscopy
A Tutorial for Pharmacogenomics Implementation Through End‐to‐End Clinical Decision Support Based on Ten Years of Experience from PREDICT
Authors: Liu Michelle , Vnencak‐Jones Cindy L. , Roland Bartholomew P. , Gatto Cheryl L. , Mathe Janos L. , Just Shari L. , Peterson Josh F. , Van Driest Sara L. , Weitkamp Asli O.
Published: October 2020

Vanderbilt University Medical Center implemented pharmacogenomics (PGx) testing with the Pharmacogenomic Resource for Enhanced Decisions in Care and Treatment (PREDICT) initiative in 2010. This tutorial reviews the laboratory considerations, technical infrastructure, and programmatic support required to deliver panel‐based PGx testing across a large health system with examples and experiences from the first decade of the PREDICT initiative. From the time of inception, automated clinical decision support (CDS) has been a critical capability for delivering PGx results to the point‐of‐care. Key features of the CDS include human‐readable interpretations and clinical guidance that is anticipatory, actionable, and adaptable to changes in the scientific literature. Implementing CDS requires that structured results from the laboratory be encoded in standards‐based messages that are securely ingested by electronic health records. Translating results to guidance also requires an informatics infrastructure with multiple components: (1) to manage the interpretation of raw genomic data to “star allele” results to expected phenotype, (2) to define the rules that associate a phenotype with recommended changes to clinical care, and (3) to manage and update the knowledge base. Knowledge base management is key to processing new results with the latest guidelines, and to ensure that historical genomic results can be reinterpreted with revised CDS. We recommend that these components be deployed with institutional authorization, programmatic support, and clinician education to govern the CDS content and policies around delivery.
Polyvinyl Chloride‐Derived Carbon Spheres for CO2 Adsorption
Authors: Wang Jing , Wang Fanan , Duan Hongmin , Li Yang , Xu Jinming , Huang Yanqiang , Liu Bin , Zhang Tao
Published: October 2020

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the world's third‐most widely produced plastic polymer. Directly transforming PVC to carbonaceous materials for CO2 capture provides an environmentally friendly and attractive strategy to recycle plastics. In this work, a simple and effective method was developed to prepare PVC‐derived carbon spheres. In this method, the classical “spheroidization” process shaped the original PVC powders into millimeter spheres, and a special dehalogenation and cross‐linking process in the presence of a phase‐transfer catalyst transferred the thermoplasticity of the PVC‐spheres into thermosetting, which stabilized the shape. Furthermore, by rationally adjusting the activation conditions, the porous structure of the carbon spheres was well optimized. With a specific surface area up to 1738 m2 g−1 and the developed microporous structure, the as‐prepared carbon spheres showed not only excellent performance in pure CO2 adsorption (8.93 mmol g−1, 39.3 wt% at 0 °C and 5.47 mmol g−1, 24.1 wt% at 25 °C), but also outstanding adsorption capacity and recyclability in low‐concentration CO2 capture, even superior to conventional molecular sieves.
Comparative analysis of gut microbiota diversity in endangered, economical, and common freshwater mussels using 16S rRNA gene sequencing
Authors: Liu Xiongjun , Cao Yanling , Ouyang Shan , Wu Xiaoping
Published: October 2020

Freshwater mussels are both among the most diverse and endangered faunas worldwide. The gut microbiota of species plays a key role in nutrition and immunity, such as preventing it from pathogen invasion, synthesizing beneficial secondary metabolites, and contributing to the digestion of complex nutrients. Information on the gut microbiota could have significant implications for conservation biology, especially for threatened or endangered species. However, there is relatively little study into the gut microbiota of freshwater mussels. Here, the gut microbiota diversity was analyzed in endangered (Solenaia carinata), economical (Sinohyriopsis cumingii), and common (Sinanodonta woodiana) freshwater mussels using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. This study represents the first to compare the gut microbiota diversity of endangered, economical, and common Chinese freshwater mussels. The results showed that 13,535 OTUs were found inS. carinata, 12,985 OTUs inS. cumingii,and 9,365 OTUs inS. woodiana. The dominant phylum inS. carinataandS. cumingiiwas Fusobacteria, and was Firmicutes inS. woodiana. Alpha diversity indices indicated thatS. carinataandS. cumingiihad a higher abundance and diversity of gut microbiota thanS. woodiana. The composition of gut microbiota was different among three freshwater mussels, but their composition variation was not significant. This study provides insight for the conservation of freshwater mussel biodiversity, which will not only help conserve these vulnerable groups but also, will offer wider benefits to freshwater ecosystems.
Structural implications of traditional agricultural landscapes on the functional diversity of birds near the Korean Demilitarized Zone
Authors: Kim Jae Hyun , Park Shinyeong , Kim Seung Ho , Kang Keunwon , Waldman Bruce , Lee Myung Hwa , Yu Minhye , Yang Hyunyoung , Chung Hyun Yong , Lee Eun Ju
Published: October 2020

Bird assemblages are sensitive to changes in landscape composition and the environment, such as those that result from drought. In this study, the relationship between landscape composition and avian functional diversity in traditional agricultural ecosystems in the Civilian Control Zone (CCZ) of Korea was examined. In addition, the resilience of biodiversity to changes in landscape elements resulting from drought conditions was investigated. The traditional agricultural landscape (TAL) of the sites studied was divided into three types: TAL 1 had a high proportion of rice paddies, TAL 2 included large forest areas, and TAL 3 represented areas with drylands. Of these, TAL 1 showed the highest species richness and functional richness, but these measures were most vulnerable to drought. Meanwhile, TAL 2 showed that the bird communities were more tolerant under drought event. This study shows that to conserve and enhance the diversity of birds in traditional agricultural landscapes of Northeast Asia, active management of forest areas is needed to protect bird populations. In addition, commercial pressures to develop this area will require urgent biodiversity conservation plans to protect the unique biodiversity of the Korean CCZ. This study thus provides landscape management guidance for conservation planning.