bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gamma irradiating chromatography columns enables bioburden‐free integrated continuous biomanufacturing
Authors: Varner Chad , Patil Rohan , Godawat Rahul , Warikoo Veena , Konstantinov Konstantin , Brower Kevin P. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAn important consideration for integrated continuous biomanufacturing is that the downstream chromatography steps integrated with the bioreactor should maintain a low bioburden state throughout the entire duration of the operation. One potential strategy to achieve this is to start bioburden‐free and functionally close the chromatography system. While chromatography skids themselves can be rendered bioburden‐free, limitations exist in applying these methods to chromatography columns. The small column sizes used in continuous multicolumn chromatography enable gamma irradiation of disposable columns to render them bioburden‐free. However, this approach has not been widely implemented, likely because gamma irradiation can negatively impact resin performance. Here, several protective mobile‐phase modifiers were screened and shown to help chromatography resins retain naïve‐like performance. Gamma irradiated columns were then integrated into perfusion bioreactors for continuous capture. Successful integrated continuous capture downstream of perfusion bioreactors for greater than 40 days using protein A, custom affinity, and non‐affinity capture resins for multiple biologic modalities is demonstrated in development and commercial settings. No indications of time‐based performance decline or bioburden growth have been observed. This strategy enables bioburden‐free integrated continuous biomanufacturing operations and could allow full process closure and decreased environmental control requirements for facilities; thus, permitting simultaneous multi‐product operations in a ballroom arrangement.
An ultrasound assisted extraction–solid‐phase extraction–ultra‐performance liquid chromatography combined strategy for atropine determination in Atropa belladonna leaves
Authors: Koetz Mariana , Klein‐Junior Luiz C. , Santos Marí C. , da Silva Thamires A. , Toson Natally S.B. , Henriques Amélia T. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAtropine is an antimuscarinic alkaloid identified in Atropa belladonna. In pharmacopeias, percolation is standardized as an extraction method for A. belladonna leaves, along with liquid–liquid extraction as a cleanup procedure and titration as an analytical method for assaying the atropine in the leaves. In this study, a faster, solvent‐saving, and more reliable method for quality control of A. belladonna samples was developed. Ultrasound‐assisted extraction was proposed and optimized by fractional factorial design followed by Box–Behnken design. For modeling atropine content, the following optimal conditions were established: particle size, 180 μm; percentage methanol in water, 50%; volume of solvent, 15 ml; time of extraction, 60 min; and number of extractions, two. This led to a significant improvement in atropine extraction (P < 0.001). For cleanup, solid‐phase extraction was used as an alternative to liquid–liquid extraction, giving similar results, with higher reproducibility. Finally, for the atropine assay, a UPLC method was validated as a substitute for the classic titration method. Taken together, the development of an ultrasound‐assisted extraction–solid‐phase extraction–UPLC approach allowed the determination of atropine content in A. belladonna leaves in a time‐ and solvent‐saving manner, with high reliability.
Determination of dexamethasone acetate in CETETH 20‐based in liquid crystalline systems using HPLC
Authors: Oyafuso Márcia Helena , Fonseca‐Santos Bruno , Kogawa Ana Carolina , Carvalho Flávia Chiva , Gremião Maria Palmira Daflon , Chorilli Marlus 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDexamethasone acetate (DEX), a potent anti‐inflammatory, is used primarily in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. It was incorporated in CETETH 20 (polyoxyethylene 20 cetyl alcohol)–based liquid crystalline systems to enhance the purpose of the drug. Concomitant with the pharmaceutical technology performed, a HPLC method was developed and validated for the quantification of dexamethasone acetate in CETETH 20‐based liquid crystalline systems for the evaluation of the drug in the new matrix. The method was performed using a C18 column with acetonitrile:methanol:water (35:35:30, v/v/v) as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.8 mL min−1 at 239 nm. The method was linear in the range of 1–25 μg mL−1; the limit of quantification and limit of detection were 0.05 and 0.16 μg mL−1, respectively; the accuracy of the method was 99.92% (relative standard deviation < 1%), and it presented intra‐day and inter‐day precision with deviations less than 1%. In this context, the method was successfully used to determine the incorporation efficiency of DEX in CETETH 20‐based liquid crystalline systems and can be easily used by pharmaceutical companies and laboratories around the world.
Mental health consequences of infections by coronaviruses including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2)
Authors: Khan Suliman , Siddique Rabeea , Xiaoyan Wang , Zhang Ruiyi , Nabi Ghulam , Sohail Afzal Muhammad , Liu Jianbo , Xue Mengzhou 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundAnxiety and stress like mental illnesses are the common outcomes of viral epidemics and pandemics. Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) outbreak caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus virus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) was first reported in Wuhan, China, and then spread all over the world in a short time.ObjectivesTo highlight and discuss the impact of COVID‐19 pandemic on mental or psychological health.MethodLiterature search and collection of the information were performed using PubMed, the reports from the World health organization, and the Center for disease control and prevention.ResultsCOVID‐19 infection has already been declared as a global pandemic, which in association with infodemic has increased the risk of psychiatric/psychological disorders. A large population of the world is prone to develop anxiety, depressive disorders, and other mental abnormalities. Therefore, timely psychological interventions and preventive strategies are required. Moreover, the infection has been reported to be linked with cerebrovascular conditions; therefore, patients with underlying cerebrovascular diseases should be given attention.ConclusionCOVID‐19‐mediated mental health complications and cerebrovascular conditions may cause a huge burden on healthcare communities in the future. Therefore, timely intervention and the development or application of preventive strategies are required to decrease the risk of neurological consequences.
Biomarkers of treatment response in patients with progressive multiple sclerosis treated with high‐dose pharmaceutical‐grade biotin (MD1003)
Authors: Collongues Nicolas , Kuhle Jens , Tsagkas Charidimos , Lamy Julien , Meyer Nicolas , Barro Christian , Parmar Katrin , Amann Michael , Wuerfel Jens , Kappos Ludwig , Moreau Thibault , de Seze Jerome 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundHigh‐dose pharmaceutical‐grade biotin (MD1003) has positive effects on disability in progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS), but its mechanism of action remains unclear. The objective of our study was to quantify the effect of MD1003 in patients with PMS, using clinical response, plasma neurofilament light chain (pNfL) levels, and brain (BV) or cervical spinal cord volume (CSCV).Materials and methodsForty‐eight patients with PMS newly treated with MD1003 were followed during one year. Patients were assessed clinically using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), the nine‐hole peg test (9HPT), and the 25‐foot walk time (25FWT). CSCV was quantified using CORDIAL software and BV using SIENA or SIENAX. We measured pNfL level using SIMOA at several time points. Bayesian linear and logistic regressions were used to evaluate potential prognostic factors.ResultsTreatment response, defined as a significant decrease of EDSS, 25FWT, or 9HPT at 1 year, was observed in 13 patients (27%). A gain of volume was noted in 7/24 patients for brain and in 10/19 patients for cervical spinal cord. The strongest predictors of poor treatment response were a high pNfL level at MD1003 onset (OR 0.96; 95% CI [0.91; 1]), high age at MS onset (OR 0.95; 95% CI [0.89; 1.01]), and an increase in brain lesion load during MD1003 treatment (OR 0.81; 95% CI [0.55; 1.05]).ConclusionsMD1003 treatment was associated with clinical, BV, and CSCV improvement at 1 year. The correlation between the levels of pNfL at baseline, the age at multiple sclerosis onset, and a treatment response at M12 is consistent with a better effect in less disabled patients.
The Association between Neprilysin gene polymorphisms and Alzheimer’s disease in Tibetan population
Authors: Chen Siwei , Mima Dunzhu , Jin Haiqiang , Dan Qu , Wang Fei , Cai Juan , Shi Lin , Wang Huali , Du Ailian , Tang Ying , Sun Yongan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectivesAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a well‐known neurodegenerative disease, of which the hallmark is the disposition of β‐amyloid (Aβ) in the form of plaque in the brain. Neprilysin (NEP) is the major enzyme to degrade Aβ and prevent accumulation of Aβ. The present study was undertaken to elucidate the correlation between the NEP gene polymorphisms and AD in Chinese Tibetan population.MethodsNinety‐nine sporadic AD Tibetan patients and 113 healthy Tibetan controls were enrolled in this study. The genotype frequencies and allele frequencies of multiple NEP gene loci were analyzed using the case–control association analysis.ResultsNo significant correlation was found between polymorphisms of NEP gene loci (rs9829757, rs1816558, rs6776185, rs3736187, rs701109, rs989692) and the occurrence of AD in Tibetan population. However, allele C of NEP gene locus (rs701109) and allele T of gene locus (rs3736187) were possible risk factors of male AD patients in Tibetan population.ConclusionsNEP gene loci (rs701109, rs989692, rs9829757, rs3736187, rs1816558, rs6776185) were polymorphic in Tibetan population. No difference was found between these loci but for that male gender combined with allele C of NEP gene locus (rs701109) and T of gene locus (rs3736187) might be risk factors for AD in Tibet.
Effect of Non‐Volatile Constituents of Elsholtzia ciliata (Thunb.) Hyl. from Southern Vietnam on Reactive Oxygen Species and Nitric Oxide Release in Macrophages
Authors: Nguyen Dieu T. X. , Tran Hung , Schwaiger Stefan , Stuppner Hermann , Marzocco Stefania 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe extract of Elsholtzia ciliata aerial parts was subjected to bio‐guided isolation using the intercellular ROS reduction in J774A.1 macrophages to monitor the anti‐oxidative activity. Fifteen compounds were isolated from the active fractions including eleven flavonoids (vitexin, pedalin, luteolin‐7‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside, apigenin‐5‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside, apigenin‐7‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside, chrysoeriol‐7‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside, 7,3′‐dimethoxyluteolin‐6‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside, luteolin, 5,6,4′‐trihydroxy‐7,3′‐dimethoxyflavone, 5‐hydroxy‐6,7‐dimethoxyflavone (compound 13), 5‐hydroxy‐7,8‐dimethoxyflavone); three hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (caffeic acid, 4‐(E)‐caffeoyl‐l‐threonic acid, 4‐O‐(E)‐p‐coumaroyl‐l‐threonic acid) and one fatty acid (α‐linolenic acid). The biological evaluation of these compounds (10–2.5 μm) indicated that all of them exerted good antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities, in particular compound 13.
Granule morphological and structural variability of Thai certified glutinous rice starches in relation to thermal, pasting, and digestible properties
Authors: Thitisaksakul Maysaya , Sangwongchai Wichian , Mungmonsin Urairat , Promrit Pennapa , Krusong Kuakarun , Wanichthanarak Kwanjeera , Tananuwong Kanitha 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackground and objectivesVariation in composition and functionality of glutinous rice starch greatly affects their industrial application. This study examined the starch compositional, structural, and functional variability among five Thai glutinous rice cultivars, and the effect of molecular structure and composition on starch functionality was pinpointed.FindingsAmylose content, amylopectin chain‐length distribution (CLD), and relative crystallinity were not different among the cultivars (p ≤ .05), whereas RD14 possessed largest mean granule diameter. Conclusion temperature of gelatinization and peak viscosity (PV) were lowest in RD6 and RD10, respectively, while RD6, RD10, and RD14 had lower breakdown (BD) compared to others. Despite small variation within each parameter, multivariate analysis revealed the distinct characteristic of waxy donor, RD6, and RD10 compared to others. Proportion of amylopectin B1 chains and granule size showed negative correlation (r > 0.5) with PV and BD, respectively, whereas proportion of amylopectin B2 chains positively correlated (r > 0.5) with PV and final viscosity (FV).ConclusionAmylopectin CLD and starch granule size were the key factors determining starch pasting properties among these waxy rice genotypes.Significance and noveltyVariations in composition, structure, and properties of Thai glutinous rice starches were observed, which could be adopted for a diverse array of end uses.
Concealed urogenital schistosomiasis causing chronic pelvic pain: A case report
Authors: Majangara Karaga Rumbidzai 
Published: December 2020

AbstractUrogenital schistosomiasis may mimic or co‐exist with other disease. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for schistosomiasis in women from endemic areas and travelers to avoid significant morbidity and unnecessary interventions.
Black Phosphorus Quantum Dots Modified CdS Nanowires with Efficient Charge Separation for Enhanced Photocatalytic H2 Evolution
Authors: Liu Fulai , Wang Zhuan , Weng Yuxiang , Shi Rui , Ma Wangjing , Chen Yong 
Published: December 2020

AbstractConstructing a high‐quality interface with strong coupling interaction is highly desirable in composite photocatalysts for the efficient interfacial charge transfer. Herein, we prepared black phosphorus quantum dots/CdS (BPQDs/CdS) binary composites with tight interfacial contact via a facile electrostatic self‐assembly approach for efficient photocatalytic H2 evolution. The optimized H2 evolution rate of 3 wt % BPQDs/CdS can reach up to 9.9 mmol g−1 h−1 in lactic acid aqueous solution, 99 and 5.5 times greater than that of pristine BPQDs and CdS, respectively. Benefiting from the strong interface interaction between CdS and BPQDs in well‐contacted BPQDs/CdS composites, efficient charge separation can be achieved, leading to enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution activity. Notably, the rapid transfer of photogenerated electrons from CdS to BPQDs was unambiguously confirmed by time‐resolved transient absorption spectroscopy.
Size Refinement of Copper Nanoparticles: A Perspective from Electrochemical Nucleation and Growth Mechanism
Authors: Yang Guannan , Zeng Xian , Wang Pengyu , Li Chao , Xu Guangdong , Li Zhen , Luo Jiye , Zhang Yu , Cui Chengqiang 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn this paper, isotropic copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) were successfully sythesized by using Cu(CH3COO)2 and ascorbic acid in absolute ethanol solution. With the addition of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) protective additive, the size distribution range of the synthesized CuNPs was significantly reduced from 650±415 nm to 51±12 nm. Electrodeposition analysis revealed that PVP could greatly suppress the reduction of Cu but had no prominent effects on the deposition mechanism. Based on the potentiostatic deposition results, a growth model was proposed to improve the applicability of the Scharifker‐Hills model by considering both the surface inhibition effect and the mass diffusion during the growth process of Cu nuclei. The experimental data fitted well with the prediction results from the proposed model, indicating that the electrodeposition of Cu followed the progressive nucleation process. The PVP additive could inhibit the deposition and growth of Cu by increasing the surface inhibition for cation incorporation on the nuclei, which was probably the main reason for the refinement of the sythesized CuNPs. Our findings can provide insights for the preparation of metallic nanoparticles and the understanding of their deposition mechanism.
Polyoxometalate‐Based Nanomaterials Toward Efficient Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Lu Fei , Wang Mengzhen , Li Na , Tang Bo 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAs an emerging class of inorganic metal oxides, organically functionalized polyoxometalates (POMs) or POM‐based nanohybrids have been demonstrated promising potential for the inhibition of various cancer types by the virtue of their diversity in structures and significantly reduced toxicity. This contribution summarizes the latest achievement of POM‐based nanomaterials in cancer diagnosis and various therapeutics to put forward our fundamental viewpoints on the design principles of modified POMs based on their application. In addition, major challenges and perspectives in this field are also discussed. We expect that this review will provide a valuable and systematic reference for the further development of POM‐based nanomaterials.
Enantioselective Cleavage of Cyclobutanols Through Ir‐Catalyzed C−C Bond Activation: Mechanistic and Synthetic Aspects
Authors: Ratsch Friederike , Strache Joss Pepe , Schlundt Waldemar , Neudörfl Jörg‐Martin , Adler Andreas , Aziz Sarwar , Goldfuss Bernd , Schmalz Hans‐Günther 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe Ir‐catalyzed conversion of prochiral tert‐cyclobutanols to β‐methyl‐substituted ketones proceeds under comparably mild conditions in toluene (45–110 °C) and is particularly suited for the enantioselective desymmetrization of β‐oxy‐substituted substrates to give products with a quaternary chirality center with up to 95 % ee using DTBM‐SegPhos as a chiral ligand. Deuteration experiments and kinetic isotope effect measurements revealed major mechanistic differences to related RhI‐catalyzed transformations. Supported by DFT calculations we propose the initial formation of an IrIII hydride intermediate, which then undergoes a β‐C elimination (C−C bond activation) prior to reductive C−H elimination. The computational model also allows the prediction of the stereochemical outcome. The Ir‐catalyzed cyclobutanol cleavage is broadly applicable but fails for substrates bearing strongly coordinating groups. The method is of particular value for the stereo‐controlled synthesis of substituted chromanes related to the tocopherols and other natural products.
Ni2P Interlayer and Mn Doping Synergistically Expedite the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Kinetics of Co2P
Authors: Du Yunmei , Wang Wensi , Zhao Huimin , Liu Yanru , Li Shaoxiang , Wang Lei , Liu Bin 
Published: December 2020

AbstractTransition metal phosphide is regarded as one of the most promising candidates to replace noble‐metal hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts. Nevertheless, the controllable design and synthesis of transition metal phosphide electrocatalysts with efficient and stable electrochemical performance are still very challenging. Herein, a novel hierarchical HER electrocatalyst consisting of three‐dimensional (3D) coral‐like Mn‐doped Co2P@an intermediate layer of Ni2P generated in situ by phosphorization on Ni foam (MnCoP/NiP/NF) is reported. Notably, both the incorporation of Mn and introduction of the Ni2P interlayer promote Co atoms to carry more electrons, which is beneficial to reduce the force of the Co−H bond and optimize the adsorption energy of hydrogen intermediate (|ΔGH*|), thereby making MnCoP/NiP/NF exhibit outstanding HER performance with onset overpotential and Tafel slope as low as 31.2 mV and 61 mV dec−1, respectively, in 1 m KOH electrolyte.
Sensing Mechanism of Excited‐State Intermolecular Hydrogen Bond for Phthalimide: Indispensable Role of Dimethyl Sulfoxide
Authors: Wang Dongdong , Bai Tianxin , Wang Xue , Xiong Yuting , Zhang Yahui , Shi Zhenqiang , Zhang Fusheng , Lu Wenqi , Qing Guangyan 
Published: December 2020

Main observation and conclusionExcited‐state hydrogen bond strongly affects the intramolecular charge conversion process, which is very suitable for the design and development of high‐performance fluorescent probes. However, as one of the most common solvents or additives used in sensing, the role of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in the system of the excited‐state hydrogen bond is seldom explored. As the goal of this research, we investigated the sensing mechanism of a CORM3‐green fluorescent probe system for carbon monoxide releasing molecule (CORM‐3) detection and tracking in vivo, through quantum chemistry calculations based on density‐functional‐theory (DFT)/ time‐dependent density‐functional‐theory (TDDFT) methods. Based on the analysis of the solvent effect of DMSO by the reduced density gradient function and IR spectroscopy, we provided a new strategy to explain the fluorescence mechanism. Subsequently, we verified the result through the potential energy curve of Phthalimide (PTI, the reduced product of CORM3‐green). The excited‐state hydrogen bond between PTI and DMSO promotes radiation transition and leads to obvious difference in the photophysical properties of PTI and PTI‐DMSO.
Protein Sequence Analysis Using the MPI Bioinformatics Toolkit
Authors: Gabler Felix , Nam Seung‐Zin , Till Sebastian , Mirdita Milot , Steinegger Martin , Söding Johannes , Lupas Andrei N. , Alva Vikram 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe MPI Bioinformatics Toolkit (https://toolkit.tuebingen.mpg.de) provides interactive access to a wide range of the best‐performing bioinformatics tools and databases, including the state‐of‐the‐art protein sequence comparison methods HHblits and HHpred. The Toolkit currently includes 35 external and in‐house tools, covering functionalities such as sequence similarity searching, prediction of sequence features, and sequence classification. Due to this breadth of functionality, the tight interconnection of its constituent tools, and its ease of use, the Toolkit has become an important resource for biomedical research and for teaching protein sequence analysis to students in the life sciences. In this article, we provide detailed information on utilizing the three most widely accessed tools within the Toolkit: HHpred for the detection of homologs, HHpred in conjunction with MODELLER for structure prediction and homology modeling, and CLANS for the visualization of relationships in large sequence datasets. © 2020 The Authors.Basic Protocol 1: Sequence similarity searching using HHpredAlternate Protocol: Pairwise sequence comparison using HHpredSupport Protocol: Building a custom multiple sequence alignment using PSI‐BLAST and forwarding it as input to HHpredBasic Protocol 2: Calculation of homology models using HHpred and MODELLERBasic Protocol 3: Cluster analysis using CLANS