bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MITF reprograms the extracellular matrix and focal adhesion in melanoma
Authors: Dilshat Ramile , Fock Valerie , Kenny Colin , Gerritsen Ilse , Lasseur Romain Maurice Jacques , Travnickova Jana , Eichhoff Ossia M , Cerny Philipp , Möller Katrin , Sigurbjörnsdóttir Sara , Kirty Kritika , Einarsdottir Berglind Ósk , Cheng Phil F , Levesque Mitchell , Cornell Robert A , Patton E Elizabeth , Larue Lionel , de Tayrac Marie , Magnúsdóttir Erna , Ögmundsdóttir Margrét Helga , Steingrimsson Eirikur
Published: January 2021

The microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) is a critical regulator of melanocyte development and differentiation. It also plays an important role in melanoma where it has been described as a molecular rheostat that, depending on activity levels, allows reversible switching between different cellular states. Here, we show that MITF directly represses the expression of genes associated with the extracellular matrix (ECM) and focal adhesion pathways in human melanoma cells as well as of regulators of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) such as CDH2, thus affecting cell morphology and cell-matrix interactions. Importantly, we show that these effects of MITF are reversible, as expected from the rheostat model. The number of focal adhesion points increased upon MITF knockdown, a feature observed in drug-resistant melanomas. Cells lacking MITF are similar to the cells of minimal residual disease observed in both human and zebrafish melanomas. Our results suggest that MITF plays a critical role as a repressor of gene expression and is actively involved in shaping the microenvironment of melanoma cells in a cell-autonomous manner.
Stable transplantation of human mitochondrial DNA by high-throughput, pressurized isolated mitochondrial delivery
Authors: Sercel Alexander J , Patananan Alexander N , Man Tianxing , Wu Ting-Hsiang , Yu Amy K , Guyot Garret W , Rabizadeh Shahrooz , Niazi Kayvan R , Chiou Pei-Yu , Teitell Michael A
Published: January 2021

Generating mammalian cells with specific mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)–nuclear DNA (nDNA) combinations is desirable but difficult to achieve and would be enabling for studies of mitochondrial-nuclear communication and coordination in controlling cell fates and functions. We developed ‘MitoPunch’, a pressure-driven mitochondrial transfer device, to deliver isolated mitochondria into numerous target mammalian cells simultaneously. MitoPunch and MitoCeption, a previously described force-based mitochondrial transfer approach, both yield stable isolated mitochondrial recipient (SIMR) cells that permanently retain exogenous mtDNA, whereas coincubation of mitochondria with cells does not yield SIMR cells. Although a typical MitoPunch or MitoCeption delivery results in dozens of immortalized SIMR clones with restored oxidative phosphorylation, only MitoPunch can produce replication-limited, non-immortal human SIMR clones. The MitoPunch device is versatile, inexpensive to assemble, and easy to use for engineering mtDNA–nDNA combinations to enable fundamental studies and potential translational applications.
Identification and analysis of lncRNA, microRNA and mRNA expression profiles and construction of ceRNA network in Talaromyces marneffei-infected THP-1 macrophage
Authors: Li Yueqi , Wei Wudi , An Sanqi , Jiang Junjun , He Jinhao , Zhang Hong , Wang Gang , Han Jing , Liang Bingyu , Ye Li , Liang Hao
Published: January 2021

Background

Competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) reveals new mechanisms for interactions between RNAs, which have been considered to play a significant role in pathogen-host innate immune response. However, knowledge of ceRNA regulatory networks in Talaromyces marneffei (TM)-macrophages is still limited.

Methods

Next-generation sequencing technology (NGS) was used to obtain mRNA, miRNA and lncRNA expression profiles in TM-infected macrophages. The R package DESeq2 was used to identify differentially expressed lncRNA, miRNA and mRNA. The R package GOseq was used for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, and the ceRNA network of lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA interaction was constructed in Cytoscape. Similarly, functional enrichment analysis on mRNA in the ceRNA network. Finally, two mRNAs and four lncRNAs in the ceRNA network were randomly selected to verify the expression using qRT-PCR.

Results

In total, 119 lncRNAs, 28 miRNAs and 208 mRNAs were identified as differentially expressed RNAs in TM-infected macrophages. The constructed ceRNA network contains 38 lncRNAs, 10 miRNAs and 45 mRNAs. GO and KEGG analysis of mRNA in the ceRNA network indicated that activated pathways in TM-infected macrophages were related to immunity, inflammation and metabolism. The quantitative validation of the expression of four randomly selected differentially expressed lncRNAs, AC006252.1, AC090197.1, IL6R-AS1, LINC02009 and two mRNAs, CSF1, NR4A3 showed that the expression levels were consistent with those in the RNA-sequencing.

Conclusions

The ceRNA network related to immunity, inflammation and metabolism plays an important role in TM-macrophage interaction. This study may provide effective and novel insights for further understanding the underlying mechanism of TM infection.
Comparative Analysis of Nutrients Content and Characterization of Oil from Two Varieties of Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus)
Authors: Gadanya A. M. , Abubakar M. Y. , Maigari F. U. , Mudassir L. , Abubakar S. M.
Published: January 2021

Background: Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) belong to the family of Cyperaceae and the order of Commelinalis. It has been existing for more than 4,000 years ago.

Objective: To determine the nutritional composition (protein, fat, fiber, ash, moisture and carbohydrate) of nut, to extract and characterize oil from varieties of tiger nuts, to determine the mineral elements presence in the nut.

Study Design: A descriptive research design was adopted by this study to determine the nutritional composition (protein, fat, fiber, ash, moisture and carbohydrate) of nut, to extract and characterize oil from varieties of tiger nuts and to determine the mineral elements presence in the nut.

Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted at Biochemistry Department, Bayero University Kano, between April, 2019 to September, 2019.

Methods: The Proximate compositions were determined using the method describe by Association of official analytical chemist’s, while Carbohydrate were determined by difference. The physicochemical properties were determined using the method describe by American oil Chemist’s society and Mineral composition were determined.

Results: The proximate composition of the yellow variety was moisture (9.48%), ash (2.07%), fat (33.5%), protein (6.11%), crude fibre (17.5%) and carbohydrate (31.2%). Corresponding values of the brown variety was moisture (9.62%), ash (2.76%), fat (34.2%), protein (6.93%), crude fibre (15.3%) and carbohydrate (30.9%) respectively. The extracted oil has a golden colour and a nutty taste. The saponification, acid, peroxide, iodine and free fatty acid values of the yellow variety were found to be 210.8±4.28, 3.17±0.64, 1.00±0.52, 78.7±13.1 and 0.40±0.21 and the saponification, acid, peroxide, iodine and free fatty acid values of the yellow variety were also found to be 212.2±4.92, 3.36±0.56, 1.06±0.75, 76.5±14.6 and 0.42±0.04 and was not significantly (P> 0.05) different between th yellow and brown varieties respectively. The mineral element (mg/100g) of the brown variety is Mg 133.67, P 527.33, K 957.67, Ca 394, Cu 2.0 and Fe 1.86. Corresponding values for the yellow variety are Mg 118.13, P 159.61, K 384.33, Ca 152, Cu 2.0 and Fe 1.04. Lead and Cadmium were not detected in both varieties.

Conclusion: These results indicate that tiger nut tuber oil could be a good source of edible oil, highly nutritive and can provide a lot of energy like some starchy food.
In –Vitro Assessment of Probiotic Attributes of Propionibacterium freudenreichii Isolated from Dairy Cheese
Authors: Kumar K. Harish , Suvarna V. C. , Sarvani B. H. , Abhishek R. U. , Anil Veena S.
Published: January 2021

Dairy propionibacteria possess innumerable advantages as probiotics, in food preservation and vitamin production. Propionibacterium freudenreichii is one among them and is known to produce cyanocobalamine (Vitamin B12) in stable quantities. Deficiency of Vitamin B12 is a major health issue among vegetarians and vegans making it a global concern.  Hence, an attempt has been made to isolate Propionibacterium from dairy products. Propionibacterium isolates were enumerated by employing standard dilution plate count technique using yeast extract lactone agar (YELA). Gram’s reaction, pigmentation, catalase test, endospore production, nitrate reduction, gas production, fermentation of sucrose and maltose were performed to eliminate non-propionibacteria during isolation. Isolates that tested Gram positive, pigmented, catalase positive, non-endospore formation and could ferment sucrose as well as maltose were further used for identification by 16S rRNA sequencing. One isolate was confirmed to be Propionibacterium freudenreichii (PF) as identified by 16s rRNA gene amplification and Sanger’s sequencing. The confirmed isolate was subjected to various tests to check for its probiotic attributes. Haemolysis activity was tested to ensure non-pathogenicity using blood agar medium and isolate was found to be non-pathogenic. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolate was studied using currently prescribed seven antibiotics representing activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The isolate was found sensitive for all the seven antibiotics tested. The isolate was able to tolerate the pH till 2 and sustain by exhibiting minimal growth at 2.0 g L-1 of bile salts. Results reveal that PF, isolated native culture from cheese, proved to possess attributes for probiotic agent under in -vitro conditions.
Performance of Some Bivoltine Silkworm,Bombyx mori L. Hybrids during Summer
Authors: Nazim Naveena , Bhat Shabir Ahmad , Baqual M. F. , Mir Shakeel Ahmad
Published: January 2021

Aim: The present study was aimed to find out the robust hybrid during summer season under temperate climatic conditions.

Study Design: Completely Randomized Design (CRD).

Place and Duration of Study: College of Temperate Sericulture (CoTS) Mirgund, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), in the year 2014.

Methodology: The disease free layings (dfl’s) of the selected hybrids viz., SK31× SK13, SK6 × SK13 and CSR18× CSR19 were obtained from the Germplasm Bank maintained at College of Temperate Sericulture (CoTS) Mirgund, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, of Kashmir (SKUAST-K). Thesedfl’s were incubated, brushed and reared up to 3rd instar en masse following the standard rearing procedure. Just after 3rdmoult, 3 replications of 100 larvae in each treatment were maintained. Cocoon and post cocoon parameters viz, pupation rate, single cocoon weight, single shell weight, shell ratio, raw silk, denier and leaf cocoon ratio were calculated and recorded during the course of experimentation.

Results: No significant difference was recorded in pupation rate among the hybrids. H1 hybrid was found significantly superior over H2 and H3 for single cocoon and shell weight with mean value as 1.957 and 0.406 respectively. On the other hand influence of hybrids over shell ratio remained non significant. The performance of silkworm hybrids with respect to raw silk was recorded higher in H1 (17.98%) followed by H2 (17.96%) and H3 (17.93%), while the fine denier of 2.86 d was reported in H3 followed by H1 (2.94d) and H2 (3.01d). Leaf cocoon ratio was recorded lower in H1with mean value as 15.16 /100 dfl’s.

Conclusion: Significant differences among the hybrids were observed, but no hybrid performed better in all traits studied, however in maximum traits SK31× SK13, seems to be superior to the other two studied hybrids.
Optimum Allocation of Water and Land Resource for Maximizing Farm Income of Jabalpur District, Madhya Pradesh
Authors: Gautam Vinay Kumar , Awasthi M. K. , Trivedi Ayushi
Published: January 2021

The continuous decrease and irrational use of water resources is the key issue for the proper application of water resources in tribal areas of Jabalpur district. This study attempts to propose a new aspect of optimum allocation of land & water resources in Jabalpur District. The minimum cultivated area that ensures food requirement and land constraint have a direct impact on water resources allocation. To conduct an accurate program for land and water resource allocation for water deficit area a multi- constraint linear programming model (LPM) was developed by implanting land resource as a constraint on water resources allocation which has to be considered by the demand of water resources in the agriculture sector. The result shows that increase in major crops area like rice, wheat, gram, maize and oilseeds crop areas against the reduction in sorghum, lentil, and sugarcane. Existing cropping intensity of the district was 150 %. To achieve the maximum profit per unit of land i.e. cropping intensity more than 200% for district, therefore an extensive measures was made for district to fix out the water demand supply gap for agriculture. In this study a user friendly Linear programming software was used to develop a model for optimum allocation of resources under seasonal and multi-crop condition for Jabalpur district. The net annual profit is increased by 9.1% under optimal allocation conditions. The sensitivity analysis of model parameter shows that the superior price of crop is the most sensitive parameter followed by the crop area. The results obtained from this study will definitely help policy makers to decide how to properly utilize and promote the water and land resources for the available area.
Vegan Diet Induced Myopathy
Authors: Chalasani Vamsi , Shanmugam Sundar , Venkatasubramanian Shankar , Ramesh Rithvik
Published: January 2021

Background: Secondary hyperparathyroidism can present for the first time as myopathy in some patients. Strict vegans are at risk of vitamin D deficiency resulting in secondary hyperparathyroidism. A myopathic presentation may lead to investigations and misdiagnosis of neuromuscular disease, ratherthan a metabolic bone disease.

Methods: We report a young lady presenting with severe progressive limb girdle pattern myopathy, with brisk reflexes and periphral neuropathy. Electrophysiology confirmed the presence of ,yopathy and neuropathy, and labaotorial evaluation revealed vitamin D deficiency and elevated parathormone levels.

Results: She was supplemented with vitamin D, and on follow up was found to have a near complete improvement.

Conclusion: Hence it is imperative to evaluate for vitamin D deficiency in all

susceptible patients, especially with a history of strict vegetarianism.
The Efficacy of Autologous Nanofat Versus Enhanced Nanofat with Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Transfers in the Treatment of Atrophic Post Acne Scars
Authors: Elsamongy Marwa , Ayad Hashem , Eid Manal , Gheida Shereen , Latif Amany Abdel-
Published: January 2021

Background: Acne scarring is a visible reminder of acne vulgaris resulting from inappropriate healing of active lesions. Yet, no golden standard is present. Nanofat is an emulsified homogenous suspension of adipose tissue rich in adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs). Its application serves regenerative purposes.

Objective: To evaluate efficacy of nanofat versus enhanced nanofat with adipose-derived stem cells transfer in treating atrophic acne scars.

Methods and Materials: This study was carried on 40 patients with atrophic acne scars; grouped into two groups. Group A: 20 patients; treated with nanofat with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and group B: 20 patients; treated with enhanced nanofat with ADSCs and PRP. Histopathological examination was done before and 6-months after treatment, specimens were stained by haematoxylin and eosin, Mallory trichrome and Verhoeff-Van Gieson.

Results: In both groups; 70% showed excellent and very good improvement and patients’ satisfaction was 60% for both groups. Histopathological examination revealed increase in epidermal thickness, formation of new collagen and elastic fibers without significant difference between both groups.

Conclusion: Nanofat transfer is easy, cost-effective, and safe for treating acne scars, compared to enhanced nanofat with ADSCs transfer which is costly and time consuming
Groundwater Quality Characterisation of Selected Hand-dug Wells and Geological Implications in the Assin North Municipality, Ghana
Authors: Tetteh G. M. , Boateng P. Dwamena- , Donkor R. O.
Published: January 2021

Water from ten hand-dug wells from Assin North Municipality in Ghana were analysed at Ghana Water Company Limited Quality Assurance Laboratory, Ho in Ghana for various physico-chemical parameters. The analyses used standard methods with chemicals of AR grade; pH was measured with the Horiba Compact B-122 and Inolab 7300 Conductivity/TDS portable meter. Colour, turbidity, aluminium, copper, sulphate and total iron were analysed by spectrophotometry using Hach DR/2500 following standard methods. Flame photometer was used for determination of metal ions Na+, K+ and Ca2+. Silver nitrate method was used to estimate chloride, sulphate was determined by turbidimetric method. Total hardness was calculated by complexometric titration using EDTA. The results of the analyses show pH 6.0 to 7.2 with a mean of 6.5, conductivity from 300 to 800 μS/cm, TDS range from 90 to 400 mg/l. Piper Trilinear diagram revealed three main water types - calcium bicarbonate (Ca+Mg-HCO3) possibly sourced from Ca-plagioclase, biotite and amphibole; sodium chloride (Na-Cl) from Na-plagioclase, muscovite and chlorite; and mixed water types which may be due to the combined effect of Birimian metasedimentary rocks, Belt granitoid and pegmatites that released into the water through cation exchange and accounted for Na+ in the Na-Cl water type. Chloride in a few hand-dug wells may be linked to mineralogy crystallised from marine deposited sediments and infiltration of rainwater along fractures in the rocks. Hence most of the water samples have Na/Cl ratios<0.86. The rainwater in the area with weak acidity possibly infiltrated into the soil to cause appreciable concentration of HCO3- in the studied water. The total coliform values in water were less harmful as there was no faecal coliforms, though total microbial values in hand-dug wells X4 and X10 with total coliform values of 2.2 and 5.1 MPN/100ml respectively exceed the WHO guidelines. Hand-dug wells X4 and X6 in the study probably ended in aquifers in the weathered zone with the rest of the wells in fresh fractured horizons of the granitoids. Na/Cl ratios>1 (for water samples X1, X7 and X8) might have been due to contamination from anthropogenic sources. Pearson correlation indicates strong and positive correlation of TDS<Mg< Na with conductivity. All the water samples were safe for human consumption.
Prescribing of Xylometazoline in the Outpatient Department of a Public Hospital
Authors: Ahmed Nehad J. , Menshawy Menshawy A.
Published: January 2021

Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze the prescribing pattern of Xylometazoline in the outpatient department in a public hospital.

Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study that was conducted in a public hospital in alkharj. Prescription data was collected from electronic medical records in the outpatient department.

Results: A total of 600 patients received xylometazoline during the study time. 55% of them were males and more than 57% of them aged less than 10 years. More than 86% of the prescriptions were prescribe by the emergency department followed by E.N.T department (13%). Most of the patients received xylometazoline for 3 days and 15.17% of them received it for 5 days.

Conclusion: Xylometazoline was prescribed commonly in the outpatients department and could cause several adverse events so its prescribing should be assessed continuously to prevent its adverse effects and to decrease its interactions with drugs.
Isolation, Biochemical Characterization and Production of Immobilised β-Amylase Chitosan Beads Using Bacteria from Waste Water Effluents for its Industrial Production Aspect
Authors: Chandola Jyoti , Semwal Vandana , Sharma Narotam , Singh Pooja
Published: January 2021

Aims: An amylase, the enzyme that catalyses the hydrolysis of starch into sugars are produced in both animals and plants and as well as in some bacteria also. Nowadays, the use of amylase enzyme in different industrial sectors and particularly in controlling the industrial water pollution has been increased as this enzyme is effective against different types of industrial effluents such as wastes from dairies, confectionaries, municipal wastes, bakery and so on which are expelled out in water without giving any proper treatment. As, the production of synthetic amylase enzyme for this purpose is quite costly, in this study, the waste water effluent was used to isolate the amylase producing bacteria, hence, decreasing the cost.

Methodology: The samples were taken from drains coming from bakery, municipal waste, etc, and five bacterias were isolated at dilution 10-6  which were named accordingly as Tan1, Tan2, Tan3, Tan4 and Tan5 further followed by Gram staining and biochemical characterization tests for further confirmation of amylase producing bacteria followed by the immobilisation of the β-amylase enzyme produced by the bacteria.

Results and Conclusion: Two bacterias were identified as amylase producing, Tan1 and Tan2, in which Gram positive bacteria showed higher amylase production at 30°C(Tan1). Compared to the free β-amylase, the immobilised β-amylase enzyme showed broader pH and temperature ranges, enhanced thermal stability, better storage stability, reusability and higher accessibility of the substrate to the immobilised β-amylase. Improved activity recovery and enzymatic properties of immobilised β-amylase chitosan beads in present study holds a promising future in industrial applications.
Capturing Manganese Oxide Intermediates in Electrochemical Water Oxidation at Neutral pH by In Situ Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Cho Kang Hee , Park Sunghak , Seo Hongmin , Choi Seungwoo , Lee Moo Young , Ko Changwan , Nam Ki Tae
Published: January 2021

Electrochemical water splitting is a promising means to produce eco‐friendly hydrogen fuels. Inspired by the Mn4CaO5 cluster in nature, substantial works have been performed to develop efficient manganese (Mn)‐based heterogeneous catalysts. Despite improvements in catalytic activity, the underlying mechanism of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is not completely elucidated owing to the lack of direct spectroscopic evidence for the active Mn‐oxo moieties. We identify water oxidation intermediates on the surface of Mn3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) in the OER at neutral pH by in situ Raman spectroscopy. A potential‐dependent Raman peak was detected at 760 cm−1 and assigned to the active MnIV=O species generated during water oxidation. Isotope‐labeling experiments combined with scavenger experiments confirmed the generation of surface terminal MnIV=O intermediates in the Mn‐oxide NPs. This study provides an insight into the design of systems for the observation of reaction intermediates.
Helicity‐ and Molecular‐Weight‐Driven Self‐Sorting and Assembly of Helical Polymers towards Two‐Dimensional Smectic Architectures and Selectively Adhesive Gels
Authors: Li Yan‐Xiang , Xu Lei , Kang Shu‐Ming , Zhou Li , Liu Na , Wu Zong‐Quan
Published: January 2021

Self‐sorting plays a crucial role in living systems such as the selective assembly of DNA and specific folding of proteins. However, the self‐sorting of artificial helical polymers such as biomacromolecules has rarely been achieved. In this work, single‐handed helical poly(phenyl isocyanide)s bearing pyrene (Py) and naphthalene (Np) probes were prepared, which exhibited interesting self‐sorting properties driven by both helicity and molecular weight (Mn) in solution, solid state, gel, and on the gel surface as well. The polymers with the same helix sense and similarMncan self‐sort and assemble into well‐defined two‐dimensional smectic architectures and form stable gels in organic solvents. In contrast, mixed polymers with opposite handedness or differentMnwere repulsive to each other and did not aggregate. Moreover, the gels of helical polymers with the same handedness and similarMncan recognize themselves and adhere together to form a gel.
Folding‐upon‐Repair DNA Nanoswitches for Monitoring the Activity of DNA Repair Enzymes
Authors: Farag Nada , Mattossovich Rosanna , Merlo Rosa , Nierzwicki Łukasz , Palermo Giulia , Porchetta Alessandro , Perugino Giuseppe , Ricci Francesco
Published: January 2021

We present a new class of DNA‐based nanoswitches that, upon enzymatic repair, could undergo a conformational change mechanism leading to a change in fluorescent signal. Such folding‐upon‐repair DNA nanoswitches are synthetic DNA sequences containing O6‐methyl‐guanine (O6‐MeG) nucleobases and labelled with a fluorophore/quencher optical pair. The nanoswitches are rationally designed so that only upon enzymatic demethylation of the O6‐MeG nucleobases they can form stable intramolecular Hoogsteen interactions and fold into an optically active triplex DNA structure. We have first characterized the folding mechanism induced by the enzymatic repair activity through fluorescent experiments and Molecular Dynamics simulations. We then demonstrated that the folding‐upon‐repair DNA nanoswitches are suitable and specific substrates for different methyltransferase enzymes including the human homologue (hMGMT) and they allow the screening of novel potential methyltransferase inhibitors.
Development of a sensitive UHPLC–MS/MS method for the pharmacokinetics study of a novel tyrosine kinase inhibitors, 1‐[4‐(4‐{5‐Chloro‐4‐[2‐(propane‐2‐sulfonyl)‐phenylamino]‐pyrimidin‐2‐ylamino}‐phenyl)‐piperazin‐1‐yl]‐propenone in rats
Authors: Wang Lin , Li Xiangping , Kong Ying , Zhang Qiuyan , Xie Honglei
Published: January 2021

Targeted inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor has become an important means of chemotherapy for nonsmall cell lung cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer and other malignant tumors. Although remarkable curative effects have been achieved in the past few decades, the emergence of drug resistance is a problem. Therefore, new inhibitors need to be developed. XHL‐31 is a new candidate with significant inhibitory activity against T790M and C797S mutations in vitro. In order to study the pharmacokinetics in vivo, a sensitive and efficient UHPLC–MS/MS method was developed for the determination of XHL‐31 in rat plasma in this study. The lower limit of quantitation of this method was 1 ng/ml and the linear range was 1–2,000 ng/ml. Method validation showed a high accuracy and precision, a high stability, a high recovery and repeatability. The method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of XHL‐31 in rats. The results indicated that there were significant gender differences in oral absorption and the absolute bioavailability of XHL‐31 in female rats were extremely low (<10%).
Multiple antipsychotics linked to acute dystonic reactions in 7% of children
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2021

You have heard a lot about adverse effects of antipsychotics, but a recent study has found that acute dystonic reactions (ADRs) develop in only 7% of children and adolescents, and that the vast majority of these are due to poly‐prescribing.
Large adrenal tumor in a 76‐year‐old man
Authors: Kiriakopoulos Andreas
Published: January 2021

Among various adrenal tumors, metastatic ones are the most common. PET/CT scanning facilitates early detection. Occurrence of isolated and synchronous metastasis is very rare and poses serious diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
The cytology of salivary gland neoplasms with globules of extracellular matrix: Case‐based review of adenoid cystic carcinoma and its potential mimics
Authors: Saeed Omer A. , Whaley Rumeal D. , Segura Sheila , Wu Howard H. , Cramer Harvey
Published: January 2021

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology is an important tool for diagnosing salivary gland neoplasms and for guiding clinical management. The classic adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) is a basaloid neoplasm with abundant extracellular matrix. The presence globules of extracellular matrix are quite characteristic of AdCC but not diagnostic. We selected from our files six FNA cases that contained at least some globules of amorphous matrix that are similar to the ones seen in AdCC. The aim of this case‐based review is to discuss the pitfalls and some of the common differential diagnoses of AdCC in FNA cytology. By the end of this review, we hope to have shared with the readers the lessons we learned from these cases and to highlight the key criteria needed to make a correct diagnosis of AdCC based on cytomorphology. The importance of considering other entities, in addition to AdCC, whenever a salivary gland FNA presents with globules is emphasized.
Prunus armeniaca gum exudates: An overview on purification, structure, physicochemical properties, and applications
Authors: Salarbashi Davoud , Jahanbin Kambiz , Tafaghodi Mohsen , Fahmideh‐Rad Elham
Published: January 2021

Prunus armeniaca gum exudate (PAGE) is obtained from the trunk branches of apricot trees. PAGE is a high‐molecular‐weight polysaccharide with arabinogalactan structure. The physicochemical and rheological characteristics of this gum have been investigated in various researches. PAGE offers a good potential for use as an emulsifying, binding, and stabilizing agent in food and pharmaceutical industries. It also can be used as an organic additive in tissue culture media, synthesizing of metallic nanoparticles, binding potential in tablets, antioxidant agent, and corrosion inhibitor. For desirable emulsifying, stabilizing, shelf life‐enhancing properties, and antioxidant activity of PAGE, it can be used as additive in many foods. We present here a comprehensive review on the existing literatures on characterization of this source of polysaccharide to explore its potential applications in various systems.
Investigating the role of ranking household expenditures to reform the subsidies payment system as an economic policy for Iran
Authors: Izadi Hamidreza , Mohammadnejadi Moodi Mojtaba , Sayareh Morteza
Published: January 2021

Given the problems created by the high volume of subsidies and their significant share in government budgets, as well as, the failure to achieve the governmental goals in the field of subsidies, reform of the subsidies payment system has constantly been a concern of various governments. The welfare of society, especially the low‐income groups, has always been the focus of governments. To this end, subsidies are paid, particularly for basic goods, with the aim of decreasing prices and increasing purchasing power. However, since such payments are not targeted, a major part of subsidies will be granted to the upper classes and high‐income deciles. Therefore, targeting subsidies and paying attention to prioritizing costs in the household basket regarding subsidies payment will be an undeniable necessity. Currently, Iran faces fundamental problems in equitable management and distribution of subsidies, and the distribution of subsidies is extremely unfair. Given the importance of this issue and in order to provide a solution to reform the subsidy structure of Iran, present paper tries to examine the share of consuming expenditures in Iranian households using econometric methods and thus establish as a basis for ranking the costs. Accordingly, as a policy on targeting subsidies, we also aim to provide policymakers with better ways to implement policies. In general, the results indicate that targeting the subsidies in the household sector is different due to the different share of costs in the household budget and implementing the same approach to policy of targeting the subsidies is not appropriate for all households.
Efficient one‐pot synthesis of polyhydroquinoline derivatives through the Hantzsch condensation using IRMOF‐3 as heterogeneous and reusable catalyst
Authors: Rathod Vaishali N. , Bansode Nilam D. , Thombre Premkumar B. , Lande Machhindra K.
Published: January 2021

A mesoporous Zn‐based 2‐amino terephthalate metal organic framework (IRMOF‐3) catalyst was prepared using the solvothermal method. The synthesized catalyst was characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDAX), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analysis (BET). It was applied as an effective heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of one‐pot four‐component polyhydroquinoline derivatives via the Hantzsch condensation. The present method offers several advantages over other reported methods such as easy separation, mild reaction condition, and excellent yield of desired product. Furthermore, the catalyst can be reused without loss in activity.
Sorption behavior of tungsten and molybdenum on TVEX‐TOPO resin from nitric acid solution
Authors: Masry Botros A , Daoud Jacqueline A
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

TVEX‐TOPO, which is a commercial low‐cost macroporous copolymer resin containing 50% (w% Extractant fraction of total adsorbent mass) trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) was used for solid–liquid extraction of tungsten(VI) (W(VI)) and molybdenum(VI) (Mo(VI)) from nitric acid solution. The different parameters affecting the sorption process of both metal ions such as contact time, [HNO3], initial concentrations, V/m ratio and temperature were separately studied.

RESULTS

The maximum sorption capacity of TVEX‐ TOPO resin was found to be 17.6 mg g−1 Mo(VI) and 10.7 mg g−1 W(VI) after five sorption stages. Thermodynamic parameters ∆H, ∆G, ∆S were found to be −51.7, −4.3 kJ mol−1 and 157 J mol−1 K−1 for Mo(VI) and −27.4, 1 kJ mol−1 and −93 J mol−1 K−1 for W(VI), respectively. The maximum desorption of W(VI) and Mo(VI) of 97.5% was achieved by reductive stripping with 2% and 4% ascorbic acid, respectively. The highest separation coefficient SMo/W was found to be 13.5 and 10 at V/m = 100 and [HNO3] = 0.1 mol L–1. The W(VI)/TVEX‐TOPO system was found to obey the Langmuir isotherm model with regression factor R2 = 0.999 and qm = 10.5 mg g−1, which is close to the maximum sorption capacity, which equals 10.7 mg g−1. Adsorption kinetics results indicated that the pseudo‐first‐order model is more applicable to W(VI) as qe(exp.) = 4.2 mg g−1 is close to qe(cal.) = 4.3 mg g−1, but Mo(VI) was found to fit with the pseudo‐second order‐model.

CONCLUSION

Recovery of Mo(VI) and W(VI) was applied to dental metal filaments waste of (Co‐Cr‐Mo) alloys using TVEX‐TOPO and a flow sheet describing the proposed process was given. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
White matter injury in the neonatal hypoxic‐ischemic brain and potential therapies targeting microglia
Authors: Shao Rongjiao , Sun Dawei , Hu Yue , Cui Derong
Published: January 2021

Neonatal hypoxic–ischemic (H‐I) injury, which mainly causes neuronal damage and white matter injury (WMI), is among the predominant causes of infant morbidity (cerebral palsy, cognitive and persistent motor disabilities) and mortality. Disruptions to the oxygen and blood supply in the perinatal brain affect the cerebral microenvironment and may affect microglial activation, excitotoxicity, and oxidative stress. Microglia are significantly associated with axonal damage and myelinating oligodendrocytes, which are major pathological components of WMI. However, the effects of H‐I injury on microglial functions and underlying transformation mechanisms remain poorly understood. The historical perception that these cells are major risk factors for ischemic stroke has been questioned due to our improved understanding of the diversity of microglial phenotypes and their alterable functions, which exacerbate or attenuate injuries in different regions in response to environmental instability. Unfortunately, although therapeutic hypothermia is an efficient treatment, death and disability remain the prognosis for a large proportion of neonates with H‐I injury. Hence, novel neuroprotective therapies to treat WMI following H‐I injury are urgently needed. Here, we review microglial mechanisms that might occur in the developing brain due to neonatal H‐I injury and discuss whether microglia function as a double‐edged sword in WMI. Then, we emphasize microglial heterogeneity, notably at the single‐cell level, and sex‐specific effects on the etiology of neurological diseases. Finally, we discuss current knowledge of strategies aiming to improve microglia modulation and remyelination following neonatal H‐I injury. Overall, microglia‐targeted therapy might provide novel and valuable insights into the treatment of neonatal H‐I insult.
Assessment of the quality, oxidative status and dietary energy value of lipids used in non‐ruminant animal nutrition
Authors: Wealleans Alexandra L , Bierinckx Karen , Witters Erwin , di Benedetto Mauro , Wiseman Julian
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Fats and oils represent the most concentrated source of energy available to animal nutritionists and form an expensive part of the diet. Thorough understanding of lipid quality and composition are required for efficient and precise diet formulation. Therefore, 724 samples of commercially available fats and oils were assessed for fatty acid profile, oxidation status and energetic value as per the Wiseman equation, with consideration of a correction factor K, which is based on the presence of the energy diluting compounds moisture, impurities and unsaponifiables.

RESULTS

Energy diluting compounds were widespread across fat types and sources. Average MIU (moisture, insoluble impurities and unsaponifiable matter) presence in individual oils was 5.1–28.1 g kg−1. Using the adapted Wiseman equation presented in the current paper, which reflects the energy diluting potential of MIU, the calculated energy values of fats and oils is reduced by up to 46% in extreme cases compared to those predicted by the original equation. From the chemical parameters, it is clear that there is limited correlation between individual measures of oxidation, with only weak negative correlations between 2‐thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and Oxidative Stability Index (OSI) values (Spearman's ρ between −0.20 and −0.39) and a weak to moderate negative correlation between peroxide value (PV) and OSI (Spearman's ρ between −0.20 and −0.59) for certain fats and oils. A moderate to very strong positive correlation between FFA and the energy diluting compounds MIU was observed for all animal fats (Spearman's ρ between 0.40 and 1.00).

CONCLUSION

The current report highlights the large variation in composition and quality seen in commercially available fats and oils and encourages ongoing analysis and assessment rather than reliance on published values. The results also indicate that the oxidation parameters when interpreted as separate values lack the power of inferring oil and fat quality. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Combination of mutagenesis and adaptive evolution to engineer salt‐tolerant and aroma‐producing yeast for soy sauce fermentation
Authors: Li Yun‐Cheng , Rao Jia‐Wei , Meng Fan‐Bing , Wang Zhong‐Wei , Liu Da‐Yu , Yu Hua
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

The moromi fermentation of high‐salt liquid‐state fermentation (HLF) soy sauce is usually performed in high‐brine solution (17–20%, w/w), which decreases the metabolic activity of aroma‐producing yeast. To enhance the soy sauce flavors, increasing the salt tolerance of aroma‐producing yeasts is very important for HLF soy sauce fermentation.

RESULTS

In the present study, atmospheric and room‐temperature plasma (ARTP) was first used to mutate the aroma‐producing yeast Wickerhamomyces anomalus, and the salt tolerant strains were obtained by selection of synthetic medium with a sodium chloride concentration of 18% (w/w). Furthermore, adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) was used to improve the salt tolerance of the mutant strains. The results obtained indicated that the combination use of ARTP and ALE markedly increased the NaCl tolerance of the yeast by increasing the cellular accumulation of K+ and removal of cytosolic Na+, in addition to promoting the production of glycerin and strengthening the integrity of the cell membrane and cell wall. In soy sauce fermentation, the engineered strains improved the physicochemical parameters of HLF soy sauce compared to those produced by the wild‐type strain, and the engineered strains also increased the alcohol, acid and aldehyde production, and enriched the types of esters in the soy sauce.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study indicated that the combination of ARTP mutagenesis and ALE significantly improved the salt tolerance of the aroma‐producing yeast, and also enhanced the production of volatiles of HLF soy sauce. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Technical Note: Fully automatic segmental relaxometry (FASTR) for cardiac magnetic resonance T1 mapping
Authors: Bhatt Nitish , Ramanan Venkat , Gunraj Hayden , Guo Fumin , Biswas LaBonny , Qi Xiuling , Roifman Idan , Wright Graham A. , Ghugre Nilesh R.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Cardiac relaxometry techniques, particularly T1 mapping, have recently gained clinical importance in various cardiac pathologies. Myocardial T1 and extracellular volume are usually calculated from manual identification of left ventricular epicardial and endocardial regions. This is a laborious process, particularly for large volume studies. Here we present a fully automated relaxometry framework (FASTR) for segmental analysis of T1 maps (both native and postcontrast) and partition coefficient (λ).

Methods

Patients (N = 11) were imaged postacute myocardial infarction on a 1.5T clinical scanner. The scan protocol involved CINE‐SSFP imaging, native, and post‐contrast T1 mapping using the Modified Look‐Locker Inversion (MOLLI) recovery sequence. FASTR consisted of automatic myocardial segmentation of spatio‐temporally coregistered CINE images as an initial guess, followed by refinement of the contours on the T1 maps to derive segmental T1 and λ. T1 and λ were then compared to those obtained from two trained expert observers.

Results

Robust endocardial and epicardial contours were achieved on T1 maps despite the presence of infarcted tissue. Relative to experts, FASTR resulted in myocardial Dice coefficients (native T1: 0.752 ± 0.041; postcontrast T1: 0.751 ± 0.057) that were comparable to interobserver Dice (native T1: 0.803 ± 0.045; postcontrast T1: 0.799 ± 0.054). There were strong correlations observed for T1 and λ derived from experts and FASTR (native T1: r = 0.83; postcontrast T1: r = 0.87; λ: r = 0.78; P < 0.0001), which were comparable to inter‐expert correlation coefficients (native T1: r = 0.90; postcontrast T1: r = 0.93; λ: r = 0.80; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Our fully automated framework, FASTR, can generate accurate myocardial segmentations for native and postcontrast MOLLI T1 analysis without the need for manual intervention. Such a design is appealing for high volume clinical protocols.
Revealing the microstructure evolution of inorganic CsPbI2Br perovskite via synchrotron radiation grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction
Authors: Dong Yanan , Huang Keqing , Chang Jianhui , Zhang Jian , Yang Yingguo , Yang Junliang
Published: January 2021

Perovskite devices have been developed rapidly over the past decade and all‐inorganic perovskite devices have attracted wide interest due to their outstanding stability. The crystallization process and microstructures of inorganic perovskite play important roles on the device performance. Herein, synchrotron radiation grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction (GIXRD) was utilized to investigate the microstructure evolution of CsPbI2Br all‐inorganic perovskite film during post annealing, as well as its influence on the performance of CsPbI2Br perovskite solar cells (PSCs). It was found that high‐temperature (240°C) flash annealing accelerated the precursor solution to rapidly crystallize within a few seconds and reduced the generation of non‐perovskite phase. The centroid and full‐width at half‐maximum (FWHM) of perovskite diffraction peaks, corresponding to lattice constant and crystallite size of perovskite, respectively, changed gradually with the flash annealing time. The flash annealing time was optimized to be 10 seconds, leading to the suitable microstructure and crystallite size, as well as the best photovoltaic performance of PSCs. These results indicate that the microstructure evolution of all‐inorganic perovskite film during the post flash annealing plays a key role in the device performance.
Dark photon dark matter in the minimal B − L model
Authors: Choi Gong jun , Yanagida Tsutomu T. , Yokozaki Norimi
Published: January 2021

Abstract

The extension of the Standard model (SM) with three heavy right handed neutrinos, a complex scalar and the gauged U(1)B−L symmetry (the minimal B − L model) is considered the most compelling minimal one: the presence and the out-of-equilibrium decay of the heavy right handed neutrinos can account for the small masses of the active neutrinos and the baryon asymmetry of the universe. A natural accompanying question concerns whether the minimal B − L model can naturally accommodate an interesting dark matter (DM) candidate. We study the possibility where the current DM population is explained by the gauge boson of U(1)B−L symmetry. We discuss how the minimal set-up originally aimed at the seesaw mechanism and the leptogenesis is connected to conditions making the gauge boson promoted to a DM candidate.
Line and surface defects for the free scalar field
Authors: Lauria Edoardo , Liendo Pedro , van Rees Balt C. , Zhao Xiang
Published: January 2021

Abstract

For a single free scalar field in d ≥ 2 dimensions, almost all the unitary conformal defects must be ‘trivial’ in the sense that they cannot hold interesting dynamics. The only possible exceptions are monodromy defects in d ≥ 4 and co-dimension three defects in d ≥ 5. As an intermediate result we show that the n-point correlation functions of a conformal theory with a generalized free spectrum must be those of the generalized free theory.