bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Theoretical Insights into Specific Ion Effects and Strong‐Weak Acid‐Base Rules for Ions in Solution: Deriving the Law of Matching Solvent Affinities from First Principles
Authors: Miranda‐Quintana Ramón Alain , Smiatek Jens 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWe present a detailed study of specific ion effects, volcano plots and the law of matching solvent affinities by means of a conceptual density functional theory (DFT) approach. Our results highlight that specific ion effects and the corresponding implications on the solvation energy are mainly due to differences in the electric chemical potentials and chemical hardnesses of the ions and the solvent. Our approach can be further used to identify reliable criteria for the validity of the law of matching solvent affinities. Basic expressions are derived, which allow us to study the limiting conditions for this empirical observation with regard to matching chemical reactivity indices. Moreover, we show that chaotropic and kosmotropic concepts and their implications for the stability of ion pairs are directly related to a generalized strong and weak acids and bases (SWAB) principle for ions in solution, which is also applicable to rationalize the shape of volcano plots for different solvents. In contrast to previous assumptions, all empirical findings can be explained by the properties of local solvent‐ion complexes which dominate the specific global behavior of ion pairs in solution.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide Microdoses in Healthy Participants
Authors: Holze Friederike , Liechti Matthias E. , Hutten Nadia R.P.W. , Mason Natasha L. , Dolder Patrick C. , Theunissen Eef L. , Duthaler Urs , Feilding Amanda , Ramaekers Johannes G. , Kuypers Kim P.C. 
Published: September 2020

“Microdoses” of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) are used recreationally to enhance mood and cognition. Increasing interest has also been seen in developing LSD into a medication. Therefore, we performed a pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic study using very low doses of LSD. Single doses of LSD base (5, 10, and 20 µg) and placebo were administered in a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled crossover study in 23 healthy participants. Test days were separated by at least 5 days. Plasma levels of LSD and subjective effects were assessed up to 6 hours after administration. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined using compartmental modeling. Concentration‐subjective effect relationships were described using pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic modeling. Mean (95% confidence interval) maximal LSD concentrations were 151 pg/mL (127–181), 279 pg/mL (243–320), and 500 pg/mL (413–607) after 5, 10, and 20 µg LSD administration, respectively. Maximal concentrations were reached after 1.1 hours. The mean elimination half‐life was 2.7 hours (1.5–6.2). The 5 µg dose of LSD elicited no significant acute subjective effects. The 10 µg dose of LSD significantly increased ratings of “under the influence” and “good drug effect” compared with placebo. These effects began an average of 1.1 hours after 10 µg LSD administration, peaked at 2.5 hours, and ended at 5.1 hours. The 20 µg dose of LSD significantly increased ratings of “under the influence,” “good drug effects,” and “bad drug effects.” LSD concentrations dose‐proportionally increased at doses as low as 5–20 µg and decreased with a half‐life of 3 hours. The threshold dose of LSD base for psychotropic effects was 10 µg.
Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Malignant Digestive System Gastrointestinal Neuroectodermal Tumor in a Lymph Node Metastasis from a Previously Diagnosed Liver Primary: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Gadde Ramya , Linos Konstantinos , Lisovsky Mikhail , Kerrigan Timothy , Loehrer Andrew P. , Kasumova Gyulnara , Kerr Darcy A. , Liu Xiaoying 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMalignant gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumor (GNET) is an extremely rare neoplasm. Immunohistochemically, GNET typically demonstrates neural differentiation but lacks melanocytic differentiation, making it distinct from clear cell sarcoma of the soft tissues (CCS). Herein we report for the first time the cytomorphologic features of lymph node metastasis from presumably liver GNET. A 36‐year‐old female presented with fevers, night sweats, loss of appetite, and a 20‐lbs weight loss. Radiographic imaging showed a 13 cm heterogeneously enhancing mass in the right lobe of the liver and a hypermetabolic 0.9 cm periportal lymph node on positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET/CT). Initially, a CT‐guided liver biopsy was performed followed by right hepatic lobectomy and portal lymphadenectomy. The liver biopsy and resection showed an S100‐protein and SOX10 positive malignant neoplasm and genomic profiling of liver biopsy revealed EWSR1‐CREB1gene rearrangement. These findings in conjunction with the morphologic and immunohistochemical profile were diagnostic of GNET. Two months later, she presented with recurrent lymphadenopathy in the upper abdomen. Fine needle aspiration of the periportal nodal mass revealed single and clusters of primitive, large to medium‐sized neoplastic cells with round to oval nuclei, high nuclear‐cytoplasmic ratio, vesicular chromatin, and prominent nucleoli. The tumor cells were S100 protein and SOX10 positive, consistent with metastasis of the patient's recently diagnosed malignant digestive system GNET. Palliative chemotherapy was administered but the patient died a few days later, 4 months from the initial diagnosis. Awareness of this entity and judicial use of ancillary studies including molecular testing are essential for achieving accurate diagnosis.
Practitioners' perspectives on ethical issues within the treatment of eating disorders: Results from a concept mapping study
Authors: Walker D. Catherine , Heiss Sydney , Donahue Joseph M. , Brooks Julia M. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveTreating patients with eating disorders (EDs) is associated with an array of ethical concerns, including balancing patients' health and autonomy, access to care, and use of harm‐reduction versus recovery‐oriented treatment models. The primary aim of the current study is to gain a better understanding of ethical issues faced by ED practitioners by using a concept mapping, or Q‐sort, approach.MethodA total of 12 practitioners completed the brainstorming phase and generated statements regarding ethical issues they faced while treating patients with EDs. A subsequent 38 practitioners completed a sorting task, where they created and labeled piles, into which they grouped each statement. Of those 38 participants, 30 rated both the frequency with which they encountered each ethical issue and its impact on patient care.ResultsA total of six clusters emerged: Insufficient Level of Care, Lack of Evidence‐Based Practice, Insurance Barriers, Family Involvement, Patient Autonomy, and Limited Access to Expertise. Lack of Evidence‐Based Practice, Insurance Barriers, and Insufficient Level of Care was the most frequent problem faced by ED practitioners, whereas Insurance Barriers and Patient Autonomy had the greatest impact.DiscussionFindings outline frequent and impactful areas of ethical concern that arise when treating patients diagnosed with EDs. Practitioners most commonly reported that patient‐ and insurance‐driven factors limited patient access to appropriate care. Regulations supporting the provision of evidence‐based care should be emphasized in public health policy and advocacy efforts, given their impact in limiting the delivery of adequate patient care.
Polyandry provides reproductive and genetic benefits in colonising populations
Authors: Lewis Rebecca C. , Pointer Michael D. , Friend Lucy A. , Vasudeva Ramakrishnan , Bemrose James , Sutter Andreas , Gage Matthew J. G. , Spurgin Lewis G. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPolyandry, when females mate with more than one male, is theorised to play an important role in successful colonisation of new habitats. In addition to possible benefits from sexual selection, even mild polyandry could facilitate colonisation by protecting against inbreeding and reducing the costs of mating with incompatible or infertile males. Here, we measure the importance of mild polyandry for population viability and reproductive fitness following experimental founder events into a higher‐temperature regime. Using colonisation experiments with the model beetle Tribolium castaneum, in which females can produce offspring for up to 140 days following a single mating, we founded more than 100 replicate populations using single females that had been given the opportunity to mate with either one or two males and then tracked their subsequent population dynamics. Following population viability and fitness across 10 generations, we found that extinction rates were significantly lower in populations founded by females given polyandrous opportunities to mate with two males (9%) compared to populations founded by monogamous females (34%). In addition, populations founded by females that had been provided with opportunities to store sperm from two different males showed double the median productivity following colonisation compared to monogamous‐founded populations. Notably, we identified short‐term and longer‐term benefits to post‐colonisation populations from double‐mating, with results suggesting that polyandry acts to both protect against mating with incompatible males through the founder event, and reduce inbreeding depression as the colonisation proceeds for 10 generations. Our results therefore show that even mild polyandry provides both reproductive and genetic benefits for colonising populations.
Scavenger community structure along an environmental gradient from boreal forest to alpine tundra in Scandinavia
Authors: Gomo Gjermund , Rød‐Eriksen Lars , Andreassen Harry P. , Mattisson Jenny , Odden Morten , Devineau Olivier , Eide Nina E. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractScavengers can have strong impacts on food webs, and awareness of their role in ecosystems has increased during the last decades. In our study, we used baited camera traps to quantify the structure of the winter scavenger community in central Scandinavia across a forest–alpine continuum and assess how climatic conditions affected spatial patterns of species occurrences at baits. Canonical correspondence analysis revealed that the main habitat type (forest or alpine tundra) and snow depth was main determinants of the community structure. According to a joint species distribution model within the HMSC framework, species richness tended to be higher in forest than in alpine tundra habitat, but was only weakly associated with temperature and snow depth. However, we observed stronger and more diverse impacts of these covariates on individual species. Occurrence at baits by habitat generalists (red fox, golden eagle, and common raven) typically increased at low temperatures and high snow depth, probably due to increased energetic demands and lower abundance of natural prey in harsh winter conditions. On the contrary, occurrence at baits by forest specialists (e.g., Eurasian jay) tended to decrease in deep snow, which is possibly a consequence of reduced bait detectability and accessibility. In general, the influence of environmental covariates on species richness and occurrence at baits was lower in alpine tundra than in forests, and habitat generalists dominated the scavenger communities in both forest and alpine tundra. Following forecasted climate change, altered environmental conditions are likely to cause range expansion of boreal species and range contraction of typical alpine species such as the arctic fox. Our results suggest that altered snow conditions will possibly be a main driver of changes in species community structure.
Efficacy and safety of sacubitril‐valsartan in heart failure: a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhang Hongzhou , Huang Tieqiu , Shen Wen , Xu Xiuxiu , Yang Pingping , Zhu Dan , Fang Haiyang , Wan Hongbing , Wu Tao , Wu Yanqing , Wu Qinghua 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimsSacubitril‐valsartan has been shown to have superior effects over angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers in patients with heart failure (HF) and hypertension. The efficacy and safety of sacubitril‐valsartan in patients with HF are controversial. We performed a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials to assess and compare the effect and adverse events of sacubitril‐valsartan, valsartan, and enalapril in patients with HF.Methods and resultsWe conducted a systematic search using PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Randomized controlled trials involving the use of sacubitril‐valsartan in patients with HF were included. We assessed the pooled odds ratio (OR) of all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and hospitalization for HF in fixed‐effects models and the pooled risk ratio (RR) of symptomatic hypotension, worsening renal function, and hyperkalaemia in fixed‐effects models. Of the 315 identified records, six studies involving 14 959 patients were eligible for inclusion. Sacubitril‐valsartan reduced the endpoints of all‐cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in three trials with pooled ORs of 0.83 (P = 0.0006) and 0.78 (P < 0.0001), respectively. Regarding the composite outcome of hospitalization for HF in five trials, the pooled OR was 0.79 (P < 0.00001). Compared with enalapril or valsartan, sacubitril‐valsartan was associated with a high risk of symptomatic hypotension (RR 1.47, P < 0.00001), low risk of worsening renal function (RR 0.81, P = 0.005), and low rate of serious hyperkalaemia (≥6.0 mmol/L) (RR 0.76, P = 0.0007) in all six trials.ConclusionsCompared with angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, sacubitril‐valsartan significantly decreased the risk of death from all causes or cardiovascular causes in HFrEF and hospitalization for HF in both patients with HFrEF and HF with preserved ejection fraction. Sacubitril‐valsartan reduced the risk of renal dysfunction and serious hyperkalaemia but was associated with more symptomatic hypotension.
Cost‐effectiveness of empagliflozin in the UK in an EMPA‐REG OUTCOME subgroup with type 2 diabetes and heart failure
Authors: Reifsnider Odette S. , Kansal Anuraag R. , Franke Jennifer , Lee Joseph , George Jyothis T. , Brueckmann Martina , Kaspers Stefan , Brand Sarah B. , Ustyugova Anastasia , Linden Stephan , Stargardter Matthew , Hau Nikco 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimsHeart failure (HF) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), common co‐morbidities, translate into worse patient prognoses and higher direct costs than for either condition alone. Empagliflozin has been shown to markedly reduce cardiovascular (CV) deaths and HF hospitalizations (HHF) in HF patients with T2D. This study evaluated the lifetime cost‐effectiveness of supplementing standard of care (SoC) with empagliflozin, relative to SoC alone, in HF patients with T2D from the UK payer perspective.Methods and resultsAn existing discrete‐event simulation model was adapted for the economic evaluation. Risk equations developed from time‐dependent parametric survival analyses using patient‐level HF subpopulation data from the EMPA‐REG OUTCOME trial were employed to predict CV and renal events. Non‐CV death, utility weights, and costs were drawn from UK sources. Quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) and costs were discounted at 3.5% per annum. Relative to SoC, empagliflozin with SoC yielded fewer first HHF, recurrent HHF, CV death, and non‐fatal myocardial infarction but more non‐fatal stroke events. Empagliflozin with SoC vs. SoC alone was associated with increased average life expectancy (10.80 vs. 9.59 LYs) and quality of life (6.27 vs. 5.62 QALYs), though at higher lifetime cost (£18 197 vs. £16 829) per person, resulting in an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of £2093 per QALY. The probability of empagliflozin being cost‐effective in the HF subpopulation at a £20 000 per QALY willingness‐to‐pay threshold was 91%.ConclusionsThis analysis suggests that adding empagliflozin to SoC in HF patients with T2D constitutes a cost‐effective use of UK healthcare resources and may provide long‐term health benefits to patients.
Tumor‐derived microparticles in tumor immunology and immunotherapy
Authors: Ma Jingwei , Zhang Huafeng , Tang Ke , Huang Bo 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMicrovesicles or microparticles, a type of cytoplasm membrane‐derived extracellular vesicles, can be released by cancer cells or normal cell types. Alteration of F‐actin cytoskeleton by various signals may lead to the cytoplasm membrane encapsulating cellular contents to form microparticles, which contain various messenger molecules, including enzymes, RNAs and even DNA fragments, and are released to extracellular space. The release of microparticles by tumor cells (T‐MPs) is a very common event in tumor microenvironments. As a result, T‐MPs not only influence tumor cell biology but also profoundly forge tumor immunology. Moreover, T‐MPs can act as a natural vehicle that delivers therapeutic drugs to tumor cells and immune cells, thus, remodeling tumor microenvironments and resetting antitumor immune responses, thus, conferring T‐MPs a potential role in tumor immunotherapies and tumor vaccines. In this review, we focus on the double‐edged sword role of T‐MPs in tumor immunology, specifically in TAMs and DCs, and emphasize the application of drug‐packaging T‐MPs in cancer patients. We aim to provide a new angle to understand immuno‐oncology and new strategies for cancer immunotherapy.
Fatty Acids and Sterol Rich Stem Back Extract of Shorea Roxburghii Attenuates Hyperglycemia, Hyperlipidemia, and Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Makinde Emmanuel Ayobami , Radenahmad Nisaudah , Zaman Raihan Uz , Olatunji Opeyemi Joshua 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis study investigates the effect of fatty acid and sterol rich extract from the stem back of S. roxburghii (MESS) on hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and oxidative stress induced by high fat diet/streptozotocin (HFD/STZ) in rats. The results indicate that MESS (100 and 400 mg kg−1) reduces fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum lipids including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). In addition, MESS significantly elevates antioxidant enzymes activities including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) and suppressed malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) content in the kidney and liver tissues. Furthermore, MESS enhances insulin secretion and ameliorate histological alterations in the pancreas, kidney, and liver treated diabetic rats. These results demonstrate that MESS exerts potent anti‐hyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and antioxidant effects and may have potentials to prevent diabetes.Practical Applications: The effects of the stem back of S. roxburghii (MESS) on hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and oxidative stress induced by high fat diet/streptozotocin (HFD/STZ) in rats are investigated. The results show that supplementation with MESS counteracted hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and oxidative stress in diabetic rats indicating its ameliorative effect on diabetes and hyperglycemia induced oxidative stress. This research provides a theoretical basis for the development of functional nutraceuticals from MESS diabetic patients.
Operation optimization and costs analysis of the wet desulfurization system in an ultra‐supercritical coal‐fired power plants
Authors: Wang Weishu , Luo Xiaoyu , Li Quangong , Xu Kai , Liu Jun 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWith the increasingly strict requirements on energy saving and environmental protection, the economical, efficient and environment friendly operation of large coal‐fired units are being more and more critical. In light of the technical problems of massive energy consumption and high cost in the operation of the wet desulfurization system in a 1,000 MW ultra‐supercritical boiler, the effects of slurry circulation pump combination, slurry pH and absorption tower liquid level on desulfurization efficiency under different unit loads were tested, and the total operating costs were calculated. The results showed that the power consumption under different conditions could be greatly reduced by changing the combination of slurry circulation pumps. The power cost increases from 1,059.42 to 1,146.99 yuan/hr as the combination of slurry circulation pump changes from AC pump combination to BD pump combination under 1,000 MW, increased by 7.63%. Considering all factors, the combination of BC circulating pump can effectively reduce the power consumption cost and achieve the optimal economical operation under the load of 1,000 and 750 MW. The desulfurization efficiency is in direct proportion to the increase of slurry pH. The optimal pH of slurry under 1,000 MW is in the range of 5.50–5.60, 4.80–4.90 under 750 MW, and 4.50–4.60 under 500 MW. Besides, the absorption tower liquid level has a significant impact on the energy consumption of desulfurization system. With the decrease of the absorption tower liquid level, the power consumption cost of desulfurization system shows a downward trend. To avoid the frequent adjustment of liquid level which may result in safety accidents, the optimal liquid level of absorption tower is maintained at 8.00–9.00 m under different unit loads. The research results can provide significant guidance for the operation optimization and fine management of the desulfurization system of the same type.
Microwave assisted solvothermal synthesis of quasi cubic F doped TiO2 nanostructures and its performance as dye sensitized solar cell photoanode
Authors: Madurai Ramakrishnan Venkatraman , Natarajan Muthukumarasamy , Pitchaiya Selvakumar , Santhanam Agilan , Velauthapillai Dhayalan , Pugazhendhi Arivalagan 
Published: September 2020

SummaryBy the process of doping in semiconducting nanomaterials, properties of the materials such as electronic, optical and photochemical properties can be effectively tuned. Here fluorine doped TiO2 nanostructures were synthesized by microwave assisted solvothermal technique. The X‐ray diffraction patterns (XRD) and Raman analysis results of the sample exhibits peaks characteristic of anatase TiO2. From the UV‐visible absorption analysis, an increase in visible light absorption with no significant change in the absorption edge was noticed. F doped TiO2 nanostructures were found to possess quasi cubic morphology through the transmission electron microscope images and from the presence of well‐defined ring pattern in selected area electron diffraction patterns the polycrystalline nature of the samples were confirmed. The presence of fluorine in the TiO2 lattice was confirmed through the presence of Ti3+ states using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis respectively. The prepared TiO2, F doped TiO2 nanostructures were coated over fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates, further they were subjected to dye sensitization and were used as photoanodes in dye sensitized solar cells and their power conversion efficiencies were studied.