bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simvastatin abolishes nitric oxide‐ and reactive oxygen species‐induced cyclooxygenase‐2 expression by blocking the nuclear factor κB pathway in rabbit articular chondrocytes
Authors: Yu Seon‐Mi , Han Yohan , Kim Song Ja 
Published: July 2020

AbstractNitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been shown to be linked with numerous diseases, including osteoarthritis (OA). Our study aimed to examine the effect of simvastatin on NO‐ or ROS‐induced cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression in OA. Simvastatin has attracted considerable attention since the discovery of its pharmacological effects on different pathogenic processes, including inflammation. Here, we report that simvastatin treatment blocked sodium nitroprusside (SNP)‐ and interleukin 1 beta (IL‐1β)‐induced COX‐2 production. In addition, simvastatin attenuated SNP‐induced NO production and IL‐1β‐induced ROS generation. Treatment with simvastatin prevented SNP‐ and IL‐1β‐induced nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) activity. Inhibiting NO production and ROS generation using N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) and NG‐monomethyl‐
l‐arginine (
l‐NMMA), respectively, accelerated the influence of simvastatin on NF‐κB activity. In addition, NAC blocked SNP and simvastatin‐mediated COX‐2 production and NF‐κB activity but did not alter IL‐1β and simvastatin‐mediated COX‐2 expression.
l‐NMMA treatment also abolished IL‐1β‐mediated COX‐2 expression and NF‐κB activation, whereas SNP and simvastatin‐mediated COX‐2 expression were not altered compared with the levels in the SNP and simvastatin‐treated cells. Our findings suggested that simvastatin blocks COX‐2 expression by inhibiting SNP‐induced NO production and IL‐1β‐induced ROS generation by blocking the NF‐κB pathway.
Butterfly‐Shaped Thiophene‐Pyridine Hybrids: Green Electroluminescence and Large Third‐Order Optical Nonlinearities
Authors: Kakekochi Viprabha , Gangadharappa Sathish Chatnahalli , Nikhil P. P. , Chandrasekharan Keloth , Darshan Vibhu , Narayanan Unni K. N. , Dalimba Udaya Kumar 
Published: July 2020

AbstractA set of four symmetric, butterfly‐shaped 4‐(4‐(decyloxy)phenyl)‐2,6‐di(thiophen‐2‐yl)pyridine (TPY) derivatives 2TPA‐TPY (TPY center and triphenylamine end groups), 2CBZ‐TPY (TPY center and N‐ethyl carbazole end groups), 2TPY‐TPA (triphenylamine center and TPY at the periphery) and 2TPY‐CBZ (N‐ethyl carbazole center and TPY at the periphery) was synthesized. The molecules show reverse saturable absorption (RSA) which is consistent with two‐photon absorption (2PA) associated with excited‐state absorption (ESA) when excited using a 532 nm laser beam. The molecules 2TPA‐TPY and 2TPY‐TPA possess extremely low limiting thresholds of 1.73 and 2.68 J cm−2, respectively. An organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) fabricated from 2TPA‐TPY exhibits green emission with a maximum luminance of 207 cd m−2, a current efficiency (ηCE) of 1.51cd A−1, a maximum power efficiency (ηPmax) of 0.46 lm W−1 and an external quantum efficiency (ηEQE) of 0.48 % at 100 cd m−2.
Anion‐Responsive Molecules That Exhibit Switching of Two‐Photon Optical Properties
Authors: Haketa Yohei , Kamada Kenji , Maeda Hiromitsu 
Published: July 2020

AbstractTwo‐photon‐excited fluorescent probes are important for two‐photon microscopy for biomedical studies. In contrast to the many examples of probes for cationic species, such as metal ions, there have been fewer reports on the control of two‐photon optical properties by anions because in such systems it is difficult to control the associated π‐electronic states. This Minireview summarizes anion‐responsive molecules that exhibit changes in two‐photon optical properties and describes their molecular design and anion‐response mechanisms, which are driven by changes in covalent bonds and noncovalent interactions. Results from a recent study of two‐photon systems, where geometries and optical properties are modulated by anion binding, are also discussed.
IPT: An Index to Rank Molecular Photothermal Agents
Authors: Ciancone Mathieu , Bellec Nathalie , Camerel Franck 
Published: July 2020

AbstractRecently, a large variety of photothermal agents have been developed and are currently under study, owing to their wide range of applications. Nonetheless, a comparison of their relative performances remains a challenge, and it appears that no tool is yet available for rationalizing the data reported in the literature. Indeed, we demonstrate in this paper that neither the temperature increase (ΔT) nor the photothermal efficiency (η) are sufficient to account for the performance of a photothermal agent. From this observation, we propose that a new index, IPTmax, could be used, in order to properly rank molecular photothermal agents according to their efficacy for converting light into heat, in a similar fashion that brilliance is used to compare luminescence properties.
Environmental risks and efficiency performances: The vulnerability of Italian forestry firms
Authors: Toma Pierluigi , Miglietta Pier Paolo , Morrone Domenico , Porrini Donatella 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis study adopts a nonparametric approach to assess the efficiency performances in the forestry firms and then stratifies them according to an environmental risk metric, revealing the existing nexus between economic profitability, environmental vulnerability and risks. Data cover the period 2013–2015 and refer to 69 Italian firms which carry out forestry and use forest areas. Results highlight that the input‐ and output‐oriented efficiency performances in Italy are, on average, higher for forestry firms belonging to the medium and high environmental risk classes. Nevertheless, forestry firms exposed to low environmental risk show greater improvement towards efficiency over time, demonstrating that the adoption of responsible firm strategy can lead to concrete operative results, both economically and environmentally, even in a short‐term perspective. As a scientific contribution, both methodological and empirical, the study highlights managerial and policy implications in terms of environmental risk management strategy for the Italian forestry firms and devoted regions.
Application of the Filippov Method to PV‐fed DC‐DC converters modeled as hybrid‐DAEs
Authors: Hayes Brendan , Condon Marissa , Giaouris Damian 
Published: July 2020

SummaryIn this article, a method to study the nonlinear dynamics of a PV‐fed boost converter is developed. The model for the solar panel introduces an algebraic constraint into the system and the resulting mathematical model is a set of hybrid differential algebraic equations (DAEs). The behavior of the system is observed to exhibit undesired operation as parameter values vary. Conventional mathematical tools developed to analyze DC‐DC converters are not directly applicable to systems modeled as a set of hybrid DAEs. In order to find the monodromy matrix to assess the eigenvalues of the system, we modify the Filippov method to calculate the saltation matrix. The derived formula is general and versatile such that it can be applied to any PV‐fed DC‐DC converter irrespective of the topology or control algorithm employed. Two case studies are investigated: current mode control and maximum power point tracking. Each case study serves to demonstrate different considerations that must be taken into account when conducting stability analysis of hybrid‐DAEs.
Potential applications of peptide nucleic acid in biomedical domain
Authors: Singh Kshitij RB , Sridevi Parikipandla , Singh Ravindra Pratap 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPeptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) are DNA/RNA synthetic analogs with 2‐([2‐aminoethyl] amino) acetic acid backbone. They partake unique antisense and antigene properties, just due to its inhibitory effect on transcription and translation; they also undergo complementary binding to RNA/DNA with high affinity and specificity. Hence, to date, many methods utilizing PNA for diagnosis and treatment of various diseases namely cancer, AIDS, human papillomavirus, and so on, have been designed and developed. They are being used widely in polymerase chain reaction modulation/mutation, fluorescent in‐situ hybridization, and in microarray as a probe; they are also utilized in many in‐vitro and in‐vivo assays and for developing micro and nano‐sized biosensor/chip/array technologies. Earlier reviews, focused only on PNA properties, structure, and modifications related to diagnostics and therapeutics; our review emphasizes on PNA properties and synthesis along with its potential applications in diagnosis and therapeutics. Furthermore, prospects in biomedical applications of PNAs are being discussed in depth.
Anti‐inflammatory effect ofAntirrhinum majusextract in lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages
Authors: Jang Mi , Hwang Inguk , Hwang Byungsoon , Kim Gichang 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAntirrhinum majus(AM) has attracted attention as a rich source of phytochemicals, which are beneficial for human health. However, the anti‐inflammatory effects of AM have not been studied scientifically. Therefore, we investigated the antioxidative properties and anti‐inflammatory effects of AM extract (AME) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. AME showed high radical‐scavenging ability. Viability of RAW 264.7 cells was not significantly altered by AME at the concentrations of 0–300 µg/ml. LPS‐induced nitric oxide (NO) production was decreased by treatment with 0–300 µg/ml AME in a concentration‐dependent manner. AME pretreatment significantly inhibited the protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) in a concentration‐dependent manner. AME also considerably inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor‐a (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1 β (IL‐1β), and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). These findings provide a foundation for further studies and use of AM in nutraceuticals.
Functional mechanisms of miR‐192 family in cancer
Authors: Mishan Mohammad Amir , Tabari Mohammad Amin Khazeei , Parnian Javad , Fallahi Jafar , Mahrooz Abdolkarim , Bagheri Abouzar 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBy growing research on the mechanisms and functions of microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs), the role of these noncoding RNAs gained more attention in healthcare. Due to the remarkable regulatory role of miRNAs, any dysregulation in their expression causes cellular functional impairment. In recent years, it has become increasingly apparent that these small molecules contribute to development, cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and tumor growth. In many studies, the miR‐192 family has been suggested as a potential prognostic and diagnostic biomarker and even as a possible therapeutic target for several cancers. However, the mechanistic effects of the miR‐192 family on cancer cells are still controversial. Here, we have reviewed each family member of the miR‐192 including miR‐192, miR‐194, and miR‐215, and discussed their mechanistic roles in various cancers.
Estimated global cancer incidence in the oldest adults in 2018 and projections to 2050
Authors: Pilleron Sophie , Soto‐Perez‐de‐Celis Enrique , Vignat Jerome , Ferlay Jacques , Soerjomataram Isabelle , Bray Freddie , Sarfati Diana 
Published: July 2020

AbstractUsing GLOBOCAN estimates, we describe the estimated cancer incidence among adults aged 80 years or older at the regional and global level in 2018, reporting the number of new cancer cases, and the truncated age‐standardised incidence rates (per 100 000) for all cancer sites combined for this age group. We also presented the five most frequent cancers diagnosed by region and globally among females and males aged 65 to 79 years old and 80 years or older. We, finally, estimated the number of new cancer cases in 2050, the proportion of cases aged 80 years or older, and the proportional increase between 2018 and 2050 by region, by applying population projections to the 2018 incidence rates. In 2018, an estimated 2.3 million new cancer cases (excluding nonmelanoma skin cancers) were aged 80 years or older worldwide (13% of all cancer cases), with large variation in the profiles at regional levels. Globally, breast, lung and colon were the most common cancer sites diagnosed in the oldest females, while prostate, lung and colon were most frequent in the oldest males. In 2050, an estimated 6.9 million new cancers will be diagnosed in adults aged 80 years or older worldwide (20.5% of all cancer cases). Due to the complexity of cancer management in the oldest patients, the expected increase will challenge healthcare systems worldwide, posing a tangible economic and social impact on families and society. It is time to consider the oldest population in cancer control policies.
Investors' trading behaviour and stock market volatility during crisis periods: A dual long‐memory model for the Korean Stock Exchange
Authors: Caporale Guglielmo Maria , Karanasos Menelaos , Yfanti Stavroula , Kartsaklas Aris 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis study examines the impact of investors’ buy and sell trades on Korean stock market volatility across two crisis events, the Asian crisis of 1997 and the 2008 global financial crash. We investigate the trading behaviour of domestic vs. foreign and institutional vs. individual investors. Our results suggest that the buy and sell trades have an asymmetric effect on volatility that depends on the type of investor trading and on the phase of the business cycle. Buy orders appear to be more informative than sell orders since they mostly lower volatility in the pre‐crisis periods, while sell and post‐crisis buy trades affect volatility positively regardless of who trades (institutional or individual investors) and on what information (member, non‐member). Most importantly, decomposing total buy and sell trades into trader‐type categories reveals that some institutional investors are more informed traders that stabilize the market compared to individuals that always increase volatility. Foreign investors reduce volatility with their purchases and total trading activity in the whole Asian crisis sample, but only in the pre‐crisis period before the recent global financial turmoil.
Novel silylphenol antioxidants by density functional theory
Authors: Ayoubi‐Chianeh Mojgan , Kassaee Mohamad Z. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe have scrutinized five novel silylphenol antioxidants, including 2‐silylphenol (1), 4‐silylphenol (2), 2,6‐disilylphenol (3), 2,4‐disilylphenol (4), and 2,4,6‐trisilylphenol (5), at M06/6–311++G** level of theory. To evaluate the antioxidant efficiency, the electronic effects on O─H bond dissociation energy (BDE) and vertical ionization potential (IPv) of 1–5 are investigated, which are mainly governed by electronic effects. The conductor‐like polarized continuum model (CPCM) is applied to measure the antioxidant capacity in the solution phase. The results show that antioxidants with the lowest BDE and IPv values can efficiently act via hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) and single electron transfer (SET) mechanisms, respectively. The stability of resulting radicals is measured by nucleus independent chemical shift (NICS) index, natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis, and nucleophilicity (N) index. The BDE shows lower values in the gas phase with respect to water, while water exhibits lower IPv values than gas. Structure 5 turns out as the most efficient antioxidant. The overall order of antioxidant efficiency in both gas and water phases is 5 > 2 > 3 > 4 > 1.
Detection profile of SARS‐CoV‐2 using RT‐PCR in different types of clinical specimens: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bwire George M. , Majigo Mtebe V. , Njiro Belinda J. , Mawazo Akili 
Published: July 2020

AbstractTesting is one of the commendable measures for curbing the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID‐19). But, it should be done using the most appropriate specimen and an accurate diagnostic test such as real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Therefore, a systematic review was conducted to determine the positive detection rate of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) in different clinical specimens using qRT‐PCR. A total of 8136 pooled clinical specimens were analyzed to detect SARS‐CoV‐2, the majority were nasopharyngeal swabs (69.6%). A lower respiratory tract (LRT) specimens had a positive rate (PR) of 71.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 60.3%‐82.3%) while no virus was detected in the urinogenital specimens. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BLF) specimen had the PR of 91.8% (95% CI: 79.9%‐103.7%), followed by rectal swabs; 87.8% (95% CI: 78.6%‐96.9%) then sputum; 68.1% (95% CI: 56.9%‐79.4%). A low PR was observed in oropharyngeal swabs; 7.6% (95% CI: 5.7%‐9.6%) and blood samples; 1.0% (95% CI: −0.1%‐2.1%) whereas no SARS‐CoV‐2 was detected in urine samples. Feces had a PR of 32.8% (95% CI:1 5.8%‐49.8%). Nasopharyngeal swab, a widely used specimen had a PR of 45.5% (95% CI: 31.2%‐59.7%). In this study, SARS‐CoV‐2 was highly detected in LRT specimens while no virus was detected in urinogenital specimens. BLF had the highest PR followed by rectal swab then sputum. Nasopharyngeal swab which is widely used had moderate PR. Low PR was recorded in oropharyngeal swab and blood samples while no virus was found in urine samples. Last, the virus was detected in feces, suggesting SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission by the fecal route.
Impact of COVID‐19 on pacemaker implant
Authors: Gonzales‐Luna Ana C. , Torres‐Valencia Javier O. , Alarcón‐Santos Javier E. , Segura‐Saldaña Pedro A. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of this article was to determine the change in the volume of pacemaker implantations with the COVID‐2019 pandemic and to assess the change in the number of pacemaker implants according to etiology during the pandemic.BackgroundThe establishment of a mandatory social isolation have generated a decrease in activities in cardiology units.MethodsDescriptive, cross‐sectional study that used a database of a Peruvian Hospital. Time was divided into three categories: Before COVID period and COVID period including Previous to Social isolation (SI) and Social Isolation. The number of pacemaker implantations were compared per the same amount of time.ResultsA reduction in the pacemaker implant of 73% (95% CI: 33‐113; P < .001) was observed during the COVID‐19 pandemic period, and a reduction of 78% of patients with the diagnosis of complete or high‐grade atrioventricular block and a reduction in the de‐novo pacemaker implant was observed, regardless of the etiology.ConclusionsOur results indicate a very significant reduction (73%) in de‐novo pacemaker implantation during the months of the COVID‐19 pandemic. The reduction in the number of de‐novo pacemaker occurred independent of the etiology.
Methods to fabricate and recycle plasmonic probes for ultrahigh vacuum scanning tunneling microscopy‐based tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Mahapatra Sayantan , Li Linfei , Schultz Jeremy F. , Jiang Nan 
Published: July 2020

AbstractScanning tunneling microscopy‐based tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) is a powerful analytical technique for surface characterization, providing both topological and chemical information with sub‐nm spatial resolution, well below the diffraction limit of light. In order to take advantage of plasmonic activity, it is necessary to use silver (Ag) probes due to their plasmonic range in the visible region. However, the Ag probe fabrication process remains challenging and is not yet standardized in practice, leading to inconsistent enhancements even for two similar types of tips prepared consecutively. In this work, we demonstrate an alternative way to reuse and recycle a plasmonic tip for distinct molecular systems inside an ultrahigh vacuum (UHV). We provide evidence of the ability to recycle tips without compromising the TERS experimental results. A long‐term preservation (>2 months) of plasmonically active probes inside UHV is demonstrated.
Short‐range ordering in the Li‐rich disordered rock salt cathode material Li2VO2F revealed by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Mozhzhukhina Nataliia , Kullgren Jolla , Baur Christian , Gustafsson Olof , Brant William R. , Fichtner Maximilian , Brandell Daniel 
Published: July 2020

AbstractLi‐rich disordered rock salt (DRS) materials are new promising high‐capacity cathode candidates for Li‐ion batteries. DRS structures were initially assumed to have a completely random cation and anion distribution, but recent reports suggest that some of these structures can exhibit local atomic arrangements, or short‐range ordering (SRO). Here, we prove the existence of SRO in the Li‐rich DRS material Li2VO2F by employing Raman spectroscopy supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Our results suggest that this combination of Raman spectroscopy with computational tools is useful for SRO estimation in this new class of Li‐rich DRS cathode materials.
Microencapsulation of probiotic lactobacilli with shellac as moisture barrier and to allow controlled release
Authors: Huang Xue , Gänzle Michael , Zhang Hui , Zhao Meng , Fang Yapeng , Nishinari Katsuyoshi 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDRapid dissolution in digestive tract and moisture sorption during ambient storage are the two challenges of dry probiotic preparations. To solve these problems, microcapsules with shellac (LAC) addition containing Limosilactobacillus reuteri TMW 1.656 were designed in this work to provide a good moisture barrier and to provide controlled release in digestive tract, based on the hydrophobicity and acid‐resistance of LAC. Four microcapsules were prepared using the method of emulsification/external gelation based on the crosslinking reaction between alginate or LAC with calcium ion, including alginate/sucrose (ALG), alginate/shellac/sucrose (ALG/LAC), alginate/whey protein isolate/sucrose (ALG/WPI) and alginate/whey protein isolate/shellac/sucrose (ALG/WPI/LAC).RESULTSMeasurements of physical properties showed that microcapsules with LAC addition (ALG/WPI/LAC and ALG/LAC) had larger particle size, much denser structure, lower hygroscopicity and slower solubilization in water, which agreed with the primary microcapsule design. Probiotic survivals in digestive juices followed the order of ALG/WPI/LAC ≥ ALG/WPI ≥ ALG/LAC > ALG. Probiotic stability after heating and ambient storage both exhibited the order of ALG/WPI/LAC > ALG/LAC ≈ ALG/WPI > ALG, which can be explained by the decreased hygroscopicity with adding LAC.CONCLUSIONLAC addition contributed to better probiotic survivals after freeze drying, simulated digestion, heating and ambient storage, and whey protein isolate (WPI) addition had a synergistic effect. Microcapsule hygroscopicity was closely related with probiotic survivals after heating and ambient storage, while microcapsule solubilization was closely related with probiotic survivals in simulated juices. Within our knowledge, this is the first report to improve probiotic stability during ambient storage based on LAC hydrophobicity. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry