bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and SAR of Tetracyclic Inhibitors of Protein Kinase CK2 Derived from Furocarbazole W16
Authors: Kröger Lukas , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Ensan Deeba , Borgert Sebastian , Nienberg Christian , Lauwers Miriam , Steinkrüger Michaela , Jose Joachim , Pietsch Markus , Wünsch Bernhard
Published: March 2020

The serine/threonine kinase CK2 modulates the activity of more than 300 proteins and thus plays a crucial role in various physiological and pathophysiological processes including neurodegenerative disorders of the central nervous system and cancer. The enzymatic activity of CK2 is controlled by the equilibrium between the heterotetrameric holoenzyme CK2α2β2 and its monomeric subunits CK2α and CK2β. A series of analogues of W16 ((3aR,4S,10S,10aS)‐4‐{[(S)‐4‐benzyl‐2‐oxo‐1,3‐oxazolidin‐3‐yl]carbonyl}‐10‐(3,4,5‐trimethoxyphenyl)‐4,5,10,10a‐tetrahydrofuro[3,4‐b]carbazole‐1,3(3aH)‐dione ((+)‐3 a)) was prepared in an one‐pot, three‐component Levy reaction. The stereochemistry of the tetracyclic compounds was analyzed. Additionally, the chemically labile anhydride structure of the furocarbazoles 3 was replaced by a more stable imide (9) and N‐methylimide (10) substructure. The enantiomer (−)‐3 a (Ki=4.9 μM) of the lead compound (+)‐3 a (Ki=31 μM) showed a more than sixfold increased inhibition of the CK2α/CK2β interaction (protein‐protein interaction inhibition, PPII) in a microscale thermophoresis (MST) assay. However, (−)‐3 a did not show an increased enzyme inhibition of the CK2α2β2 holoenzyme, the CK2α subunit or the mutated CK2α′ C336S subunit in the capillary electrophoresis assay. In the pyrrolocarbazole series, the imide (−)‐9 a (Ki=3.6 μM) and the N‐methylimide (+)‐10 a (Ki=2.8 μM) represent the most promising inhibitors of the CK2α/CK2β interaction. However, neither compound could inhibit enzymatic activity. Unexpectedly, the racemic tetracyclic pyrrolocarbazole (±)‐12, with a carboxy moiety in the 4‐position, displays the highest CK2α/CK2β interaction inhibition (Ki=1.8 μM) of this series of compounds.
Analysis of a bone remodeling model with myeloma disease arising in cellular dynamics
Authors: Baldonedo Jacobo , Fernández José R. , Segade Abraham
Published: March 2020

In this work we study a bone remodeling model for the evolution of the myeloma disease. The biological problem is written as a coupled nonlinear system consisting of parabolic partial differential equations. They are written in terms of the concentrations of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, the density of the relative bone and the concentration of the tumor cells. Then, we deal with the numerical analysis of this variational problem, introducing a numerical approximation by using the finite element method and a hybrid combination of both implicit and explicit Euler schemes. We perform some a priori error estimates and show a few numerical simulations to demonstrate the accuracy of the approximation. Finally, we present the comparison with previous works and the behavior of the solution in two‐dimensional examples.
Approaching human vision perception to designing visual graph in data visualization
Authors: Tran Phuoc Vinh , Le Truong Xuan
Published: March 2020

In a data visualization system, data are converted into information and/or knowledge by human vision perception of graph representing these data. This research studies the characteristics of human vision perception and the relationships between data variables of dataset to constitute cube models representing dataset as a graph on the cube. The research proposes the process designing multidimensional graph considered as structural graph on cube model to represent multivariate data. Structural graph is designed in the light of the relationships between data variables and human vision perception. After mapping structural graph onto computer screen, the graph is integrated into retinal variables to improve objectively visual features and respond subjectively human perception of vision.
The role of psychological and social factors in the relationship between attachment and suicide: A systematic review
Authors: Green Jessica , Berry Katherine , Danquah Adam , Pratt Daniel
Published: March 2020

Insecure attachment is widely accepted to be a risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviour. To increase our understanding of this distal association, the current systematic review aimed to evaluate empirical evidence that has investigated the role of psychosocial mechanisms within this relationship. Sixteen original research articles were identified, with the majority carrying out mediational analyses to test their hypotheses. Substantial heterogeneity was found across studies with regards to their theoretical approach to assessing attachment, suicide‐related outcomes, sample population, statistical analyses, and the psychological factors under investigation. Nevertheless, this emergent evidence base indicates that a range of predisposing, precipitating, and crisis‐state factors may mediate the association between attachment security and suicidality. Studies that investigated moderating factors did not report significant findings, and the mediating role for psychiatric diagnoses remains unclear. Furthermore, this emerging research base is limited by an over‐reliance on cross‐sectional designs and self‐reported data. Longitudinal and experimental designs are required to verify causal pathways and to investigate whether trait vulnerabilities interact with acute stressors to increase suicide risk. Finally, disorganized attachment has been overlooked so far and should be given greater consideration going forward.
Transposable elements in individual genotypes of Drosophila simulans
Authors: Signor Sarah
Published: March 2020

Transposable elements are abundant, dynamic components of the genome that affect organismal phenotypes and fitness. In Drosophila melanogaster, they have increased in abundance as the species spread out of Africa, and different populations differ in their transposable element content. However, very little is currently known about how transposable elements differ between individual genotypes, and how that relates to the population dynamics of transposable elements overall. The sister species of D. melanogaster, D. simulans, has also recently become cosmopolitan, and panels of inbred genotypes exist from cosmopolitan and African flies. Therefore, we can determine whether the differences in colonizing populations are repeated in D. simulans, what the dynamics of transposable elements are in individual genotypes, and how that compares to wild flies. After estimating copy number in cosmopolitan and African D. simulans, I find that transposable element load is higher in flies from cosmopolitan populations. In addition, transposable element load varies considerably between populations, between genotypes, but not overall between wild and inbred lines. Certain genotypes either contain active transposable elements or are more permissive of transposition and accumulate copies of particular transposable elements. Overall, it is important to quantify genotype‐specific transposable element dynamics as well as population averages to understand the dynamics of transposable element accumulation over time.
Clinical determinants and prognostic implications of renin and aldosterone in patients with symptomatic heart failure
Authors: Kobayashi Masatake , Stienen Susan , ter Maaten Jozine M. , Dickstein Kenneth , Samani Nilesh J. , Lang Chim C. , Ng Leong L. , Anker Stefan D. , Metra Macro , Preud'homme Gregoire , Duarte Kevin , Lamiral Zohra , Girerd Nicolas , Rossignol Patrick , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Voors Adriaan A. , Zannad Faiez , Ferreira João Pedro
Published: March 2020

Aims

Activation of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system plays an important role in the pathophysiology of heart failure (HF) and has been associated with poor prognosis. There are limited data on the associations of renin and aldosterone levels with clinical profiles, treatment response, and study outcomes in patients with HF.

Methods and results

We analysed 2,039 patients with available baseline renin and aldosterone levels in BIOSTAT‐CHF (a systems BIOlogy study to Tailored Treatment in Chronic Heart Failure). The primary outcome was the composite of all‐cause mortality or HF hospitalization. We also investigated changes in renin and aldosterone levels after administration of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) in a subset of the EPHESUS trial and in an acute HF cohort (PORTO). In BIOSTAT‐CHF study, median renin and aldosterone levels were 85.3 (percentile25–75 = 28–247) μIU/mL and 9.4 (percentile25–75 = 4.4–19.8) ng/dL, respectively. Prior HF admission, lower blood pressure, sodium, poorer renal function, and MRA treatment were associated with higher renin and aldosterone. Higher renin was associated with an increased rate of the primary outcome [highest vs. lowest renin tertile: adjusted‐HR (95% CI) = 1.47 (1.16–1.86), P = 0.002], whereas higher aldosterone was not [highest vs. lowest aldosterone tertile: adjusted‐HR (95% CI) = 1.16 (0.93–1.44), P = 0.19]. Renin and/or aldosterone did not improve the BIOSTAT‐CHF prognostic models. The rise in aldosterone with the use of MRAs was observed in EPHESUS and PORTO studies.

Conclusions

Circulating levels of renin and aldosterone were associated with both the disease severity and use of MRAs. By reflecting both the disease and its treatments, the prognostic discrimination of these biomarkers was poor. Our data suggest that the “point” measurement of renin and aldosterone in HF is of limited clinical utility.
STADE‐HF (sST2 As a help for management of HF): a pilot study
Authors: Huet Fabien , Nicoleau Jean , Dupuy Anne‐Marie , Curinier Corentin , Breuker Cyril , Castet‐Nicolas Audrey , Lotierzo Manuela , Kalmanovich Eran , Zerkowski Laetitia , Akodad Mariama , Adda Jérôme , Agullo Audrey , Leclercq Florence , Pasquie Jean‐Luc , Battistella Pascal , Roubille Camille , Fesler Pierre , Mercier Grégoire , Bourel Guillaume , Cristol Jean‐Paul , Roubille François
Published: March 2020

Aims

Biomarkers are not recommended until now to guide the management of patients with heart failure (HF). Soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) appears as a promising biomarker. The current study considered pre‐discharged sST2 values as a guide for medical management in patients admitted for acute HF decompensation, in an attempt to reduce hospital readmission.

Methods and results

STADE‐HF was a blinded prospective randomized controlled trial and included 123 patients admitted for acute HF. They were randomized into the usual treatment group (unknown sST2 level) or the interventional treatment group, for whom sST2 level was known and used on Day 4 of hospitalization to guide the treatment. The primary endpoint was the readmission rate for any cause at 1 month. It occurred in 10 patients (19%) in the usual group and 18 (32%) in the sST2 group without statistical difference (P = 0.11). Post hoc analysis in the whole group shows that the mean duration of hospitalization was lower in patients with low sST2 (<37 ng/mL) at admission vs. high sST2 (8.5 ± 9.5 vs. 14.8 ± 14.9 days, respectively, P = 0.003). In addition, a decrease in sST2 greater than 18% is significantly associated with a lower readmission rate.

Conclusions

Soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2‐guided therapy over a short period of time does not reduce readmissions. However, sST2 was clearly associated with duration of hospitalization, and the decrease in sST2 was associated with decreased rehospitalizations. Long‐term outcome using sST2‐guided therapy deserves further investigations.
Eligibility for sacubitril–valsartan in patients with acute decompensated heart failure
Authors: Carballo David , Stirnemann Jérôme , Garin Nicolas , Marti Chistophe , Serratrice Jacques , Carballo Sebastian
Published: March 2020

Aims

Large‐scale clinical trials have demonstrated clinical benefits of sacubitril–valsartan in symptomatic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction patients (PARADIGM‐HF), with potential benefits in patients hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) (PIONEER‐HF) and fewer benefits in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (PARAGON‐HF). The aim of this study was to evaluate eligibility for sacubitril–valsartan using criteria described in PIONNER‐HF in non‐selected patients hospitalized for ADHF.

Methods and results

Between November 2014 and May 2019, 799 patients were recruited in a prospective registry of acute heart failure at the University Hospitals of Geneva (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02444416). The cohort consists of consecutive patients admitted to the Department of Medicine with ADHF. Eligibility for sacubitril–valsartan was determined using criteria described in PIONEER‐HF, including left ventricular ejection fraction, clinical parameters, and co‐morbidities. Of 799 patients, 123 (15.39%) were eligible for sacubitril–valsartan treatment. Clinical outcomes including all‐cause mortality and readmission were similar in eligible and non‐eligible groups, hazard ratio 1.02 (95% confidence interval 0.81–1.29, P = 083).

Conclusions

Using current criteria from randomized controlled trials, only 15% of non‐selected patients admitted for ADHF are theoretically eligible for sacubitril–valsartan. Eligibility for sacubitril–valsartan using published criteria is not associated with worse outcome, suggesting that further evaluation of benefits of sacubitril–valsartan in heart failure patients based on parameters other than left ventricular ejection fraction may be of interest.
Stepwise Functionalization of N2 at Mo: Nitrido to Imido to Amido – Factors Favoring Amine Elimination from the Amido Complex
Authors: Bennaamane Soukaina , Espada Maria F. , Yagoub Ikram , Saffon‐Merceron Nathalie , Nebra Noel , Fustier‐Boutignon Marie , Clot Eric , Mézailles Nicolas
Published: March 2020

Functionalization of nitrido complex [(PPhP2Cy)Mo(N)(I)] by a bis‐silane in concentrated medium generates the hydrido‐imido complex [(PPhP2Cy)Mo(H)(=NSiMe2CH2CH2SiMe2H)(I)]. Abstraction of the iodide by thallium salt TlX (X = PF6, OTf) results in a second N–Si bond formation and forms the bis‐hydride amide complex [(PPhP2Cy)Mo(H)2(NSiMe2CH2CH2SiMe2)]+. An alternative synthesis relies on the abstraction of the iodide from the nitride complex [(PPhP2Cy)Mo(N)(I)] to generate the corresponding cationic complex [(PPhP2Cy)Mo(N)]+ followed by addition of the bis‐silane. Addition of PMe3 to the [(PPhP2Cy)Mo(H)2(NSiMe2CH2CH2SiMe2)]+ complex liberates the silylamine and forms the Mo(II) cationic complex [(PPhP2Cy)Mo(H)(PMe3)]+. DFT calculations rationalizing the observed reactivity are presented.
Deprotection of N‐tert‐Butoxycarbonyl (Boc) Protected Functionalized Heteroarenes via Addition–Elimination with 3‐Methoxypropylamine
Authors: Gulledge Zachary Z. , Carrick Jesse D.
Published: March 2020

Continued pursuit of functionalized soft‐N‐donor complexant scaffolds with favorable solubility and kinetics profiles applicable for the separation of the trivalent minor actinides from the lanthanides has attracted significant interest over the last three decades. Recent work from this laboratory resulted in the production of various N‐Boc protected [1,2,4]triazinyl‐pyridin‐2‐yl indole Lewis basic procomplexants which necessitated the removal of the indole N‐Boc protecting group prior to evaluation of complexant efficacy in separations assays. Traditional deprotection strategies involving trifluoroacetic and other protic and Lewis acids proved unsuccessful in removal of the recalcitrant indole‐N‐Boc protecting group necessitating the development of a new strategy for deprotection of this complexant class. A serendipitous result facilitated utilization of 3‐methoxypropylamine as a mild deprotecting agent for various N‐Boc protected heteroarenes via a proposed addition–elimination mechanism. Method development, application to various heteroarenes including indoles, 1,2‐indazoles, 1,2‐pyrazoles, and related derivatives, a ten‐fold scale‐up reaction, and experimental evaluation of a preliminary mechanistic hypothesis are reported herein.
Unconventional Reactivity with DABCO‐Bis(sulfur dioxide): C–H Bond Sulfenylation of Imidazopyridines
Authors: Le Bescont Julie , Breton‐Patient Chloé , Piguel Sandrine
Published: March 2020

This work highlights the unexpected and unprecedented outcome of the reactivity with DABCO‐bis(sulfur dioxide). The use of this reagent led to the exclusive introduction of a sulfur atom on the C‐3 position of imidazopyridines instead of a sulfone group. The reaction methodology turned out to be robust, scalable and suitable for various imidazopyridines and aryl iodides both bearing substituents with different electronic and steric properties (38 examples). Beyond the fact that this synthetic method complements the previously reported protocols for sulfenylation reactions, this work is meant to underline the unconventional role of DABCO‐bis(sulfur dioxide).
Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases: An Ongoing Story
Authors: Ferrandi Erica Elisa , Bertuletti Susanna , Monti Daniela , Riva Sergio
Published: March 2020

Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSDHs) are NAD(P)(H)‐dependent enzymes which belong to the so‐called short‐chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDR) superfamily. These oxidoreductases catalyze the oxidation/reduction of hydroxyl/keto groups of steroids with high regio‐ and stereoselectivity. HSDHs were the first group of biocatalysts that was investigated by our group, as an original way to support the ongoing research activity in the area of steroid chemistry in the early seventies. Since then, the research activity on these enzymes has followed three main pathways: a) the isolation and production of new HSDHs; b) the development of new efficient enzymatic systems for the in situ regeneration of the cofactor NAD(P)(H); c) the synthetic exploitation of HSDHs. This minireview presents the results that have been published by various research groups in this area in the last 50 years, with a focus on the selective modification of bile acids.
Advances and Future Challenges of Wax Removal in Pipeline Pigging Operations on Crude Oil Transportation Systems
Authors: Li Weidong , Huang Qiyu , Wang Wenda , Gao Xuedong
Published: March 2020

Wax deposition is a severe flow assurance challenge that threatens waxy crude oil production and transportation. For wax remediation, pipeline pigging is the most widely used technique. However, the elusiveness of wax removal mechanism and the lack of reliable methods to evaluate wax breaking force and wax removal efficiency easily trigger pig stalling and wax blockage in field pigging operations. Modeling wax breaking force and wax removal efficiency, therefore, promotes the pigging confidence. This Review seeks to clarify the current picture of wax removal research in crude oil pipeline pigging. Relevant wax deposit properties including wax layer thickness and strength are discussed. Wax removal mechanisms are summarized from perspectives of wax–pig interaction, macroscopic force response, and scenarios with oil flow. Prediction models of wax breaking force and wax removal efficiency are analyzed comprehensively. Pig geometry optimization using this model is given. In addition, the key roles of wax deposit strength, viscoelasticity and thixotropy, foam pig investigation, and wax plug prediction are highlighted for guiding future endeavors in this area.
CO2 Methanation on Hydrotalcite‐Derived Catalysts and Structured Reactors: A Review
Authors: Huynh Huong Lan , Yu Zhixin
Published: March 2020

CO2 methanation reaction has attracted renewed interest since the power‐to‐gas (PtG) concept emerged as a promising alternative for CO2 emission abatement using surplus renewable electricity. Although the reaction has been reported for more than a century, improvements in the catalytic system and reactor design remain challenging. Recently, hydrotalcite (HT) materials known for their facile synthesis and high performance are extensively used as precursors for supported catalysts in a wide range of reactions, including CO2 hydrogenation to CH4. Herein, a comprehensive overview on HT‐derived catalysts applied for CO2 methanation is provided. More importantly, new reactor concepts are extensively investigated, such as honeycomb and microchannel reactors, to overcome issues related to the high exothermic nature of the reaction. The latest achievements with respect to structured reactors are also comprehensively reviewed and thoroughly discussed.
Investigation into Properties of Carbohydrate Polymers Formed from Acid‐Catalyzed Conversion of Sugar Monomers/Oligomers over Brønsted Acid Catalysts
Authors: Sun Kai , Zhang Lijun , Zhang Zhanming , Shao Yuewen , Sun Yifan , Zhang Shu , Liu Qing , Wang Yi , Hu Guangzhi , Hu Xun
Published: March 2020

Steric hindrance is an intrinsic issue for solid acid catalysts in catalyzing conversion of sugars with a certain size. Herein, the conversion of furfural and sugar monomers/oligomers over a heterogeneous catalyst (D008) and homogeneous acid (H2SO4) is conducted in aqueous medium. The results indicate the steric hindrance of D008 shows more significant effects on the conversion of the sugars than that of furfural, as the chain form of the sugar monomers/oligomers is much bigger than that of furfural in size. The high local concentration of hydrogen ions on D008 facilitates furfural polymerization via opening of the furan ring through hydration reactions. The deactivation of D008 is responsible for the low yield of volatile products when the polymer formed from the polymerization of the sugars fills the pores. The sugar structures determine the polymer's properties. Thermal stability of the coke derived from the sugar oligomers is lower than that from the sugar monomers due to more aliphatic structures in the resulting coke. In addition, the coke derived from the sugars is more hydrophilic than that from furfural, due to the multiple hydroxyl group in the sugar substrates.
Cerebral white matter diffusion properties and free‐water with obstructive sleep apnea severity in older adults
Authors: Baril Andrée‐Ann , Gagnon Katia , Descoteaux Maxime , Bedetti Christophe , Chami Sirin , Sanchez Erlan , Montplaisir Jacques , De Beaumont Louis , Gilbert Danielle , Poirier Judes , Pelleieux Sandra , Osorio Ricardo S. , Carrier Julie , Gosselin Nadia
Published: March 2020

Characterizing the effects of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on the aging brain could be key in our understanding of neurodegeneration in this population. Our objective was to assess white matter properties in newly diagnosed and untreated adults with mild to severe OSA. Sixty‐five adults aged 55 to 85 were recruited and divided into three groups: control (apnea‐hypopnea index ≤5/hr; n = 18; 65.2 ± 7.2 years old), mild (>5 to ≤15 hr; n = 27; 64.2 ± 5.3 years old) and moderate to severe OSA (>15/hr; n = 20; 65.2 ± 5.5 years old). Diffusion tensor imaging metrics (fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD), radial diffusivity, and mean diffusivity) were compared between groups with Tract‐Based Spatial Statistics within the white matter skeleton created by the technique. Groups were also compared for white matter hyperintensities volume and the free‐water (FW) fraction. Compared with controls, mild OSA participants showed widespread areas of lower diffusivity (p < .05 corrected) and lower FW fraction (p < .05). Participants with moderate to severe OSA showed lower AD in the corpus callosum compared with controls (p < .05 corrected). No between‐group differences were observed for FA or white matter hyperintensities. Lower white matter diffusivity metrics is especially marked in mild OSA, suggesting that even the milder form may lead to detrimental outcomes. In moderate to severe OSA, competing pathological responses might have led to partial normalization of diffusion metrics.
Numerical analysis of heat transfer under a radiant warmer
Authors: Baghel Devesh K. , Sinha Shobha L. , Dewangan Satish K.
Published: March 2020

The main objective of this paper is to present numerical modeling and assessment of heat transfer in neonatology. In the present study, numerical simulation is performed over a simplified infant model with specific boundary conditions in a closed chamber. The proposed approach is based on three‐dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation to capture the combined effect of air flow and heat transfer phenomena: natural convection and radiation heat transfer taking place around an infant and radiant lamp. A 3D model is numerically investigated using the commercial CFD package StarCCM+. The results presented are compared and found to be in qualitative agreement with the results available in the literature and published measurement data.
High impact physical activity and bone health of lower extremities in childhood cancer survivors: A cross‐sectional study of SURfit
Authors: Zürcher Simeon J. , Jung Ruedi , Monnerat Sophie , Schindera Christina , Eser Prisca , Meier Christian , Rueegg Corina S. , von der Weid Nicolas X. , Kriemler Susi
Published: March 2020

Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at risk of reduced bone health and premature osteoporosis. As physical activity with high impact loading (IL‐PA) is known to promote bone health, we compared bone densitometry and microstructure between groups of CCS who performed different amounts of physical activities in their daily life. We used baseline data of a single‐center PA trial including 161 CCS from the Swiss Childhood Cancer Registry, aged <16 at diagnosis, ≥16 at study and ≥5 years since diagnosis. Lower body bone health was assessed with peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). Daily IL‐PA (duration in activities >2 g acceleration and numbers of vertical impacts/hr >2 g) was captured using hip‐worn accelerometers (1–3 weeks). For both IL‐PA approaches, we formed low, middle and high activity groups based on tertiles. Bone health of the high and middle active groups was compared to the low active group. 63% of CCS had indication of at least one bone mineral density z‐score ≤ −1 measured by pQCT or DXA. The high IL‐PA group performing 2.8 min/day or 19.1 impact peaks/hr > 2 g (median) showed about 3–13% better microstructural and densitometric bone health as compared to the low IL‐PA group with 0.38 min/day or 0.85 peaks/hr > 2 g. Just a few minutes and repetitions of high IL‐PA as easily modifiable lifestyle factor may be sufficient to improve bone health in adult CCS. Future longitudinal research is needed to better understand pattern and dosage of minimal impact loading needed to strengthen bone in growing and adult CCS.
Randomized controlled trial of labor outcomes with action line placement at 2 hours versus 4 hours on the partograph
Authors: Orhue Augustine , Oseihie Ignis Iribhogbe , Aziken Michael , Ande Babatunde
Published: March 2020

Objective

To evaluate whether treatment of slow labor progress among term nulliparous women using a 2‐hour partograph action line reduces the incidence of prolonged labor versus a 4‐hour action line.

Methods

Randomized controlled trial of nulliparous women with a term singleton, non‐macrosomic, cephalic fetus in labor attending a university hospital in Nigeria (2008–2015). For labor supervision, women were randomly assigned to the 2‐hour (n=320) or 4‐hour (n=320) partograph action line group. slow labor progress was treated with oxytocin augmentation The primary outcome was incidence of prolonged labor (>12 hours). Delivery mode, neonatal outcomes, and maternal satisfaction with treatment were secondary outcomes.

Results

Prolonged labor rate did not significantly differ between the 2‐hour (7/320, 2.2%) and 4‐hour (8/320, 2.5%) action line groups. Secondary outcomes did not differ significantly. Oxytocin augmentation to treat slow labor progress was needed for 87 (27.2%) and 61 (19.1%) women in the respective 2‐ and 4‐hour groups (P=0.025). Mean duration of first and second labor stages differed significantly between the groups (P<0.05).

Conclusion

The 2‐hour partograph action line did not reduce incidence of prolonged labor relative to the 4‐hour action line. Partograph with a 4‐hour action line is recommended for labor supervision in all facilities.

Clinical trial registration: Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as (https://clinicaltrialsgov/show/NCT02911272).
Clinical role of combining alpha‐fetoprotein and lens culinaris agglutinin‐reactive fraction of alpha‐fetoprotein for hepatocellular carcinoma: Evidence from literature and an original study
Authors: Chen Siyuan , Li Junhong , Tan Xiaodan , Xu Qi , Mo Yuncong , Qin Hongyan , Zhou Lili , Ma Lingxiu , Wei Zhixiao
Published: March 2020

Background

To evaluate the clinical diagnostic efficacy of the combination of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) and lens culinaris agglutinin‐reactive fraction of AFP/total AFP (AFP‐L3%) for detecting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

A comprehensive and systemic literature search was executed in Web of Science, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library websites. Then, the related articles were reviewed and the quality of included studies was evaluated with the QUADAS tool. Further, serum samples were collected from 49 HCC patients, 52 cirrhosis patients, 47 hepatitis patients, and 48 healthy controls and these samples were tested for AFP and AFP‐L3% levels.

Results

A total of 16 eligible articles were included in our meta‐analysis. The overall sensitivity (SEN) of AFP + AFP‐L3% was higher than that of AFP or AFP‐L3 alone; the overall specificity (SPE) of AFP + AFP‐L3% was lower than that of AFP or AFP‐L3 alone. In the original study, the related statistics were, respectively, SEN = 0.592 and SPE = 0.918 for AFP; SEN = 0.367 and SPE = 1.000 for AFP‐L3%; and SEN = 0.592 and SPE = 0.918 for the combination.

Conclusion

The results of meta‐analysis indicate there is a beneficial effect of using the unity of AFP and AFP‐L3% for HCC diagnosing. However, in the original study, just for the results of sensitivity and specificity, there is no significant difference between AFP alone and AFP + AFP‐L3%.
Block of proliferation 1 promotes cell migration and invasion in human colorectal cancer cells via the JNK pathway
Authors: Chen Xiaoxi , Zhao Yu
Published: March 2020

Metastasis is one of the most common causes of death in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Block of proliferation 1 (BOP1) regulates tumorigenesis, epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition, migration, metastasis, and drug resistance in several tumor types. However, the role of BOP1 in the regulation of colorectal cancer cell migration and invasion is still largely unclear. In this study, the results of immunohistochemistry showed that BOP1 was upregulated in our cohort of CRC patients. BOP1 knockdown inhibited the migration and invasion of CRC cells, confirmed by the downregulation of the mRNA levels of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9. The overexpression of BOP1 in CRC cells exerted the opposite effect. SP600125, an inhibitor of JNK signaling, partially abolished the BOP1 overexpression‐mediated increase in the migratory and invasive ability of CRC cells. Our results indicated that BOP1 is an important regulator of CRC cell invasion and migration, predominantly through the JNK signaling pathway.
Custom and prefabricated PolyEtherKetoneKetone (PEKK) post‐core systems bond strength: Scanning electron microscopy evaluation
Authors: Güven Melahat Çelik , Dayan Süleyman Çağatay , Yıldırım Gülhan , Mumcu Emre
Published: March 2020

The present study evaluated the bond strengths of prefabricated PolyEtherKetoneKetone (PEKK) posts, PEKK posts custom‐configured according to root‐canal size, and conventional fiber posts. A total of 30 maxillary incisors were randomly divided into three groups, as follows: Group 1: fiber posts; Group 2: prefabricated PEKK posts; Group 3; custom‐made PEKK posts. Following endodontic treatment, post spaces were prepared, and posts were cemented with resin cement. Push‐out bond strength testing was performed using a universal testing machine, and fractures modes were examined under a scanning electron microscope. Data were analyzed using One‐way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD tests, with the level of significance set at .05. The highest bond‐strength values in the cervical section were observed with the custom‐made PEKK post (17.3470 MPa), whereas the highest bond‐strength values in the middle and apical sections were observed with the conventional fiber posts (11.5375 MPa and 6.8625 MPa, respectively). Bond‐strength values for all posts systems decreased in a cervical to apical direction. PEKK posts are a suitable alternative to fiber posts. Although custom‐made PEKK posts demonstrated better bond strength than prefabricated PEKK posts, further studies are needed to evaluate their clinical performance.
Reflections on diversity, equity, and inclusion in genetic counseling education
Authors: Bao Annie K. , Bergner Amanda L. , Chan‐Smutko Gayun , Villiers Janelle
Published: March 2020

Through self‐reflection, self‐education, and with a learning mindset each of us has embarked on a personal path to understand the impact of racism in our personal and professional lives. This personal work is ongoing, though it was through our individual paths that led us to engage in dialogue on race and racism at the 38th National Society of Genetic Counselors Annual Conference. We initially did not know each other; however, we were drawn by a mutual desire to further the conversation and sought connection with each other after the Conversations Around Diversity Platform Presentations. Through sustained, open dialogue we created a brave space for sharing our emotional and intellectual responses to the conference. Through this dialogue and through written reflections, we recognized an emboldened urgency to author a joint reflection on our shared responsibility as genetic counseling training program leaders to use our privilege in service to our students and future students. We have the evidence that we are not a diverse profession. We have more evidence now than we did before that our profession performs poorly with regards to inclusivity. Our inability to acknowledge, address, and discuss racism and other forms of oppression is damaging to each of us individually and as a group of professionals. We owe it to ourselves, our students, our patients, and colleagues to name our learned biases and behaviors, own them and interrupt them.
Proton MRI of the Lung: How to Tame Scarce Protons and Fast Signal Decay
Authors: Voskrebenzev Andreas , Vogel‐Claussen Jens
Published: March 2020

Pulmonary proton MRI techniques offer the unique possibility of assessing lung function and structure without the requirement for hyperpolarization or dedicated hardware, which is mandatory for multinuclear acquisition. Five popular approaches are presented and discussed in this review: 1) oxygen enhanced (OE)‐MRI; 2) arterial spin labeling (ASL); 3) Fourier decomposition (FD) MRI and other related methods including self‐gated noncontrast‐enhanced functional lung (SENCEFUL) MR and phase‐resolved functional lung (PREFUL) imaging; 4) dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI; and 5) ultrashort TE (UTE) MRI. While DCE MRI is the most established and well‐studied perfusion measurement, FD MRI offers a free‐breathing test without any contrast agent and is predestined for application in patients with renal failure or with low compliance. Additionally, FD MRI and related methods like PREFUL and SENCEFUL can act as an ionizing radiation‐free V/Q scan, since ventilation and perfusion information is acquired simultaneously during one scan. For OE‐MRI, different concentrations of oxygen are applied via a facemask to assess the regional change in T1, which is caused by the paramagnetic property of oxygen. Since this change is governed by a combination of ventilation, diffusion, and perfusion, a compound functional measurement can be achieved with OE‐MRI. The known problem of fast T2* decay of the lung parenchyma leading to a low signal‐to‐noise ratio is bypassed by the UTE acquisition strategy. Computed tomography (CT)‐like images allow the assessment of lung structure with high spatial resolution without ionizing radiation. Despite these different branches of proton MRI, common trends are evident among pulmonary proton MRI: 1) free‐breathing acquisition with self‐gating; 2) application of UTE to preserve a stronger parenchymal signal; and 3) transition from 2D to 3D acquisition. On that note, there is a visible convergence of the different methods and it is not difficult to imagine that future methods will combine different aspects of the presented methods.
An exclusive 42 amino acid signature in pp1ab protein provides insights into the evolutive history of the 2019 novel human‐pathogenic coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2)
Authors: Cárdenas‐Conejo Yair , Liñan‐Rico Andrómeda , García‐Rodríguez Daniel Alejandro , Centeno‐Leija Sara , Serrano‐Posada Hugo
Published: March 2020

The city of Wuhan, Hubei province, China, was the origin of a severe pneumonia outbreak in December 2019, attributed to a novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS‐CoV‐2]), causing a total of 2761 deaths and 81109 cases (25 February 2020). SARS‐CoV‐2 belongs to genus Betacoronavirus, subgenus Sarbecovirus. The polyprotein 1ab (pp1ab) remains unstudied thoroughly since it is similar to other sarbecoviruses. In this short communication, we performed phylogenetic‐structural sequence analysis of pp1ab protein of SARS‐CoV‐2. The analysis showed that the viral pp1ab has not changed in most isolates throughout the outbreak time, but interestingly a deletion of 8 aa in the virulence factor nonstructural protein 1 was found in a virus isolated from a Japanese patient that did not display critical symptoms. While comparing pp1ab protein with other betacoronaviruses, we found a 42 amino acid signature that is only present in SARS‐CoV‐2 (AS‐SCoV2). Members from clade 2 of sarbecoviruses have traces of this signature. The AS‐SCoV2 located in the acidic‐domain of papain‐like protein of SARS‐CoV‐2 and bat‐SL‐CoV‐RatG13 guided us to suggest that the novel 2019 coronavirus probably emerged by genetic drift from bat‐SL‐CoV‐RaTG13. The implication of this amino acid signature in papain‐like protein structure arrangement and function is something worth to be explored.
The effects of age, pathology, and fusion on cervical neural foramen area
Authors: LeVasseur Clarissa M. , Pitcairn Samuel , Shaw Jeremy , Donaldson William F. , Lee Joon Y. , Anderst William J.
Published: March 2020

Cervical radiculopathy is a relatively common neurological disorder, often resulting from mechanical compression of the nerve root within the neural foramen. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a common treatment for radicular symptoms that do not resolve after conservative treatment. One mechanism by which ACDF is believed to resolve symptoms is by replacing degenerated disc tissue with bone graft to increase the neural foramen area, however in vivo evidence demonstrating this is lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of age, pathology, and fusion on bony neural foramen area. Participants included 30 young adult controls (<35 years old), 23 middle‐aged controls (36 to 60 years old), and 36 cervical arthrodesis patients tested before and after ACDF surgery. Participants’ cervical spines were imaged in the neutral, full flexion, and full extension positions while seated within a biplane radiography system. A validated model‐based tracking technique determined three‐dimensional vertebral position and orientation and automated software identified the neural foramen area in each head position. The neural foramen area decreased throughout the entire sub‐axial cervical spine with age and pathology, however, no changes in neural foramen area were observed due solely to replacing degenerated disc tissue with bone graft. The neural foramen area was not associated with disc height in young adult controls, but moderate to strong associations were observed in middle‐aged controls. The results provide evidence to inform the debate regarding localized versus systemic spinal degeneration and provide novel insight into the mechanism of pain relief after ACDF.
System for quasi‐continuous simultaneous measurement of oxygen diffusion rate and redox potential in soil
Authors: Reiser René , Stadelmann Viktor , Weisskopf Peter , Grahm Lina , Keller Thomas
Published: March 2020

Oxygen diffusion rate (ODR) and redox potential (EH) are quantitative indices representing oxygen availability and redox status in soils, which is valuable information for better understanding causes and effects of soil aeration. Because these indices are spatially and temporally highly variable, continuous measurements and adequate numbers of repetitions are essential for accurate in situ monitoring. Here, we present a new, fully automated recording system for in situ measurements where ODR and EH are measured at the same platinum electrode. The conflict between electrode polarization for ODR and the resulting biased EH readings is solved by reducing the polarization time and introducing a recovery interval between two consecutive measurement cycles. The shorter polarization time ensures accurate EH readings. It also results in moderately overestimated ODR readings, but this can be corrected before data analysis. The recovery interval restricts temporal resolution of the EH‐ODR data pairs to 8 h. We illustrate the use of the system with measurements in a field experiment in Zürich, Switzerland. ODR curves at different depths ran roughly parallel to the corresponding curves of O2 concentration in soil air but ODR was much more sensitive to precipitation. Low ODR was a necessary but not a sufficient condition for declining EH. EH ran parallel to O2 concentration in soil air rather than to ODR. The fully automated system allows for time series of replicate measurements in multifactorial field studies with reasonable labor requirements. It may be particularly suitable for studies examining the effects of soil tillage, compaction, and irrigation, where structure‐related soil properties such as porosity, gas permeability, and soil aeration play a dominant role.
Yellow mombin and jackfruit seeds residues applied in the production of reducing sugars by a crude multi‐enzymatic extract produced by Penicillium roqueforti ATCC 101110
Authors: Marques George L , Aguiar‐Oliveira Elizama
Published: March 2020

Background

As an alternative to the use of widely investigated agro‐industrial residues, the present study aimed to promote the valorization of two selected residues, yellow mombin seed (YS) and jackfruit seed (JS), as a result of their enhanced performance.

Results

YS was applied as a solid state substrate for Penicillium roqueforti ATCC 101110 cultivation (25 °C, Aw = 0.963, 107 spores g−1 and 142 h) to produce a crude multi‐enzymatic extract (CE‐YS) containing activities of CMCase = 31.95 U g−1, xylanase = 56.85 U g−1, exoglucanase = 5.55 U g−1 and FPase = 24.60 U g−1. CE‐YS was then applied to six different residues saccharification and the best performance was obtained with jackfruit seed residue (JS), which was selected for enzymatic saccharification. The highest productivity of reducing sugars expressed as glucose (6.26 mg g−1 h−1) was obtained under the conditions: 40.7 g L−1 JS, 5 mmol L–1 MgCl2, 65 °C, 120 rpm, pH 3.0 (citrate buffer 50 mmol L–1) and 18 h.

Conclusion

The residues, YS and JS, can be used satisfactorily for the production of bioproducts of great industrial applicability, such as crude extracts (containing cellulolytic enzymes) and RS (which can be converted, for example, into bioethanol). © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Animal wastes as fertilizers enhance growth of young walnut trees under soil drought conditions
Authors: Zhang Yan , Liu Jing , Niu Shuqing , Kong Miao , Zhang Jie , Lu Yanfen , Yao Yuncong
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Using nutrient‐rich animal wastes as organic fertilizers in agricultural practices is a sustainable method for soil amendment and avoiding environmental pollution. In order to evaluate their practical effect, we applied different proportions of animal waste as fertilizers to wet or dry soils that were either planted or not planted with young walnut trees.

RESULTS

The results showed that animal waste could increase soil C accumulation and carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio and reduce soil organic nitrogen and total nitrogen contents as well as the nitrogen to phosphorus (N/P) ratio in the planted group soil. This framework of soil C and N composition (a high C/N ratio) resulted in high N and Mg contents as well as high Cu and Zn contents in the leaves of the young trees as well as a high dry matter weight/leaf N ratio, causing increased leaf photosynthesis, reduced transpiration and relatively high water use efficiency under soil drought conditions. Also, animal wastes as fertilizers caused the branching of walnut to switch from elongation growth to thickening growth under soil drought conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Principal component analysis and redundancy analysis demonstrated the mechanism by which the soil C/N ratio mediates the flux of available nutrients from the soil to the plant and thereby regulates plant dry matter accumulation and branching architecture under soil drought conditions. The results of this study provide new insights into the improvement of hilly soils using animal waste. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Stability of camu‐camu encapsulated with different prebiotic biopolymers
Authors: A Figueiredo Jayne , MT Lago Amanda , M Mar Josiana , S Silva Laiane , A Sanches Edgar , P Souza Tatiane , A Bezerra Jaqueline , H Campelo Pedro , A Botrel Diego , V Borges Soraia
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

A viable possibility for the best use of bioactive compounds present in camu‐camu, fruit native to the Amazonian rainforest, is the preparation of microcapsules using different biopolymers by the spray‐drying technique, which would increase the possibilities for innovation in the food industry, as well as facilitate the application in different food matrices. In this context, the chemical, physicochemical, and morphological properties and stability of camu‐camu extract (peel and pulp) spray‐dried using maltodextrin, inulin, and oligofructose as encapsulating agents were investigated, as well as lyophilized camu‐camu extract (CEL). Different relative humidities (22%, 51%, and 75%) and temperatures (25 °C and 45 °C) were evaluated.

RESULTS

The moisture, water activity, and solubility values varied from 18.4 to 107.9 g water per kilogram dry powder, 0.06 to 0.27, and 950.80 to 920.28 g microparticles per kilogram of water respectively. Retention of the bioactive compounds varied in the ranges 5.5–7.1 g per kilogram ascorbic acid fresh weight and 7.2–9.0 g per kilogram anthocyanins fresh weight. The increase in temperature and relative humidity during storage provided a significant decrease in the stability of the bioactive compounds for all treatments. However, the CEL presented higher water adsorption kinetics and degradation under all storage conditions, indicating the importance of the use of encapsulating agents.

CONCLUSION

In general, the prebiotic biopolymers used as encapsulating agents in the microencapsulation of extracts of camu‐camu by spray‐drying presented satisfactory results, suggesting that this technique is an effective strategy to increase the stability of bioactive compounds contained in fruits and vegetables. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Alleviation of abnormal NBTI phenomenon in LTPS TFTs on polyimide substrate for flexible AMOLED
Authors: Lee Jaeseob , Lee Yongsu , Kang Taewook , Chu Hyeyong , Kwag Jinoh
Published: March 2020

This letter investigates the negative‐bias temperature instability (NBTI) behavior of p‐channel low‐temperature polycrystalline silicon thin‐film transistors (LTPS TFTs) on plastic substrate. The measurements reveal that the threshold‐voltage positive shift is highly correlated to the passivation of grain boundary trap states. By applying the established phenomenon such as NBTI recovery and H diffusion from PI substrate, a new model is introduced to explain the mechanism and verified by the experiment. With the thick buffer and bottom metal layer or newly processed PI substrate, we succeeded in adjusting the NBTI behavior of LTPS TFTs on plastic substrate.