bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phytochemical Screening and Toxicological Study of Neptunia oleracea Lour. (Mimosaceae) Extracts, Plant Used in Traditional Medicine
Authors: Ouedraogo Geoffroy G. , Somda Gaétan D. , Ilboudo Sylvain , Ouedraogo Noufou , Koudou Jean , Guissou Pierre I. 
Published: December 2019

Neptunia oleracea (Lourd.) Mimosaceae is a plant commonly used in traditional medicine for the treatment of several pathologies such as dysentery, jaundice, leucorrhoea, troubles of earache, among others.
Aim: The purpose of this study was to carry out preliminary phytochemical screening, acute toxicity studies and to evaluate the effect of the aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts of N. oleracea on intestinal motility in vivo.
Methodology: Preliminary qualitative phytochemical screening was conducted using standard procedures while acute toxicity studies was performed using OECD method. The effect of N. oleracea extracts on intestinal motility was evaluated using on normal and acetylcholine-induced transits.
Results: Preliminary qualitative phytochemical screening of aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts of N. oleracea revealed the presence of similar constituents including steroids, triterpenoids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, anthocyanidins, coumarins and carbohydrates. Alkaloids was absent in both the extracts. The oral median lethal dose (LD50) for both extracts was estimated to be 5000 mg/kg.
The effect of extracts on intestinal peristalsis in mice showed that the aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts of N. oleracea stimulate normal intestinal transit by 1.29 and 8.54% respectively at the dose of 50 mg/kg body weight, thus there was inhibition at higher doses. These extracts potentiate acetylcholine-induced intestinal transit by 23.9 and 14.39% respectively at 500 mg/kg body weight.
Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that the aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts of Neptunia oleracea contain bioactive constituents that have practically no toxic effect. This could justify the many forms of use of this plant in traditional medicine.
Development of a measurement method to determine the ceiling exposure concentration of ortho-phthalaldehyde handling workers
Authors: Yamamoto Shinobu , Takeuchi Akito , Ishidao Toru , Ohkuma Hiroaki , Ichiba Masayoshi , Hori Hajime 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Objectives
The purpose of this research was to develop and validate an analytical method for rapid determination of the exposure of workers to ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) at the ceiling threshold concentration.

Methods
A 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH)-silica cartridge was chosen as a sampler. OPA collected by the DNPH-silica cartridge was subsequently extracted with 5 mL of acetonitrile. A 50-µL aliquot of phosphoric acid/acetonitrile solution (2%, v/v) was added to 950 µL of the extraction solution and allowed to stand for 30 minutes at room temperature. This solution was then analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The basic characteristics of the proposed method, such as recovery, repeatability, limit of quantification, and storage stability of the samples, were examined.

Results
The overall recoveries of OPA from OPA-spiked DNPH-silica cartridges were 93.6%-100.1% with relative standard deviations, representing the repeatability, of 1.5%-10.8%. The limit of quantification was 0.165 ng/sample. The recovery of OPA from DNPH-silica cartridges after 5 days of storage in a refrigerator exceeded 95%.

Conclusions
The proposed method enabled the determination of the OPA concentration corresponding to the Threshold Limit Value-Ceiling of 0.1 ppb recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, with a minimum sampling time of 18 seconds (corresponding to a sampling volume of 300 mL at 25°C and 1 atm). Thus, this method will be useful for estimating worker exposures to OPA.
Zinc transporters maintain longevity by influencing insulin/IGF‐1 activity in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Novakovic Stevan , Molesworth Luke W. , Gourley Taylin E. , Boag Peter R. , Davis Gregory M. 
Published: December 2019

Adequate dietary intake of essential metals such as zinc is important for maintaining homeostasis. Abnormal zinc intake in Caenorhabditis elegans has been shown to increase or decrease normal lifespan by influencing the insulin/IGF‐1 pathway. Distribution of zinc is achieved by a family of highly conserved zinc transport proteins (ZIPT in C. elegans). This study investigated the role of the zipt family of genes and showed that depletion of individual zipt genes results in a decreased lifespan. Moreover, zipt‐16 and zipt‐17 mutants synthetically interact with the insulin/IGF cofactors daf‐16 and skn‐1, and cause abnormal localisation of DAF‐16. This study suggests that the zipt family of genes are required for maintaining normal lifespan through influencing the insulin/IGF‐1 pathway.
Ureaplasma
Authors: Dando Samantha J. , Sweeney Emma L. , Knox Christine L. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractU.re.a.plas'ma. N.L. fem. n.ureaurea; Gr. neut. n.plasmaanything formed or molded, image, figure; N.L. neut. n.Ureaplasmaurea form.Tenericutes / Mollicutes / Mycoplasmatales / Mycoplasmataceae / UreaplasmaBacteria in the genusUreaplasma, pleomorphic, small (100–800 nm in diameter), primarily coccoid cells, devoid of a cell wall, surrounded by a trilaminar‐membrane structure. Coccobacillary and filamentous forms also occur. These bacteria form exceptionally tiny (<0.2 mm) colonies on solid media. Similar to the closely related genusMycoplasma, ureaplasmas have small (0.75–1.01 Mb) A+T‐rich genomes, use the codon UGA to encode tryptophan, and are nutritionally fastidious. Unlike mycoplasmas they hydrolyze urea rather than glucose or arginine for ATP synthesis. DNA–DNA hybridizations, serotyping of phase‐variable surface‐exposed lipoproteins [the multiple‐banded antigen (MBA)], PCR, and sequencing of the multiple‐banded antigen gene (mba), 16S rRNA, and urease genes have defined the species and serovars for this genus. In nature, all species are commensals and/or opportunistic pathogens of vertebrate hosts. Based on the most recent comparative genome analyses, a consensus is emerging that strains associated with humans, the speciesUreaplasma urealyticumandUreaplasma parvum, undergo extensive horizontal gene transfer and may exist collectively as quasi‐species rather than as stable serovars in their native environment.DNA G + C content (mol%): 25.4–31.9 (complete genome sequences).Type species:Ureaplasma urealyticumShepard et al. 1974ALemend. Robertson et al. 2002.
Versatile Catalytic Reactions of Norbornadiene Derivatives with Alkynes
Authors: Khan Ruhima , Chen Jingchao , Fan Baomin 
Published: December 2019

AbstractNorbornadiene and its derivatives are important synthetic intermediates and useful building blocks in organic synthesis as they can serve as a general template to create highly substituted ring systems with high atom economy. Alkynes have always been one of the most important functional groups in organic chemistry because of their rigidity, electronic properties and numerous methods available for functionalization of the triple bond. The different kinds of reaction between these two classes of compounds, norbornadienes and alkynes, provide useful methods for the synthesis of various important compounds/frameworks, indicating the utility of these reactions in chemical synthesis. Indeed, norbornadienes undergo various reactions with alkynes – alkynylation, ring‐opening, cyclization, cycloaddition, Pauson–Khand and other tandem reactions. This review provides an overview of the achievements in the various reactions between norbornadiene and its derivatives with alkynes.magnified image
The phenotypic spectrum of Kabuki syndrome in patients of Chinese descent: A case series
Authors: Wang Yirou , Li Niu , Su Zhe , Xu Yufei , Liu Shijian , Chen Yao , Li Xin , Shen Yiping , Hung Christina , Wang Jian , Wang Xiumin , Bodamer Olaf 
Published: December 2019

AbstractKabuki syndrome (KS) is a rare disorder of transcriptional regulation with a complex phenotype that includes cranio‐facial dysmorphism, intellectual disability, hypotonia, failure to thrive, short stature, and cardiac and renal anomalies. Heterozygous, de novo dominant mutations in either KMT2D or KDM6A underlie KS. Limited information is available about the phenotypic spectrum of KS in China. Fourteen Chinese patients with genetically confirmed KS were evaluated in addition to 11 Chinese patients who were identified from the medical literature. The clinical phenotype spectrum of these patients was compared to that of 449 patients with KS from non‐Chinese ethnicities. Additionally, we explored the utility of a facial recognition software in recognizing KS. All 25 patients with KS carried de novo, likely pathogenic or pathogenic variants in either KMT2D or KDM6A. Eighteen patients were male, the age at diagnosis ranged from 2months to 11.6 years. The facial gestalt included arched and broad eyebrows (25/25; 100%), sparse lateral or notched eyebrows (18/18; 100%), short columella with a concave nasal tip (24/25; 96%) and large, prominent ears (24/24; 100%) which were more frequent in Chinese patients (p < .01). In contrast, microcephaly (2/25; 8%), cleft lip/palate (2/25; 8%), and cardiac defects (10/25; 40%) were less frequent in Chinese patients (not significant). The diagnosis of KS was correctly identified in 13 of 14 patients through facial recognition and clinical phenotyping, underscoring the utility of this approach. As expected, there is marked phenotypic overlap between Chinese and non‐Chinese patients with KS, although subtle differences were identified.
Optimal Geometrical Configuration of Cobalt Cations in Spinel Oxides to Promote Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Liu Zhijuan , Wang Guangjin , Zhu Xiaoyan , Wang Yanyong , Zou Yuqin , Zang Shuangquan , Wang Shuangyin 
Published: December 2019

AbstractMgCo2O4, CoCr2O4, and Co2TiO4 were selected, where only Co3+ in the center of octahedron (Oh), Co2+ in the center of tetrahedron (Td), and Co2+ in the center of Oh, can be active sites for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Co3+(Oh) sites are the best geometrical configuration for OER. Co2+(Oh) sites exhibit better activity than Co2+(Td). Calculations demonstrate the conversion of O* into OOH* is the rate‐determining step for Co3+(Oh) and Co2+(Td). For Co2+(Oh), it is thermodynamically favorable for the formation of OOH* but difficult for the desorption of O2. Co3+(Oh) needs to increase the lowest Gibbs free energy over Co2+(Oh) and Co2+(Td), which contributes to the best activity. The coexistence of Co3+(Oh) and Co2+(Td) in Co3O4 can promote the formation of OOH* and decrease the free‐energy barrier. This work screens out the optimal geometrical configuration of cobalt cations for OER and gives a valuable principle to design efficient electrocatalysts.
Functionalized expanded corn starch‐anchored Cu(I): An efficient and recyclable catalyst for oxidation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5‐diformylfuran
Authors: Hong Mei , Min Jie , Wu Shuangyan , Li Jiatong , Wang Jing , Wei Lifen , Ling Zhi , Li Kun , Wang Shifa 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe development of new strategies for the synthesis of biomass‐based non‐precious metal heterogeneous catalysts has recently received great interest from chemists because of the advantages of these catalytic systems being sustainable, low cost and green. An expanded corn starch‐supported CuBr catalyst (ECS‐SB‐CuBr) has been successfully prepared and well characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy/energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Further, ECS‐SB‐CuBr was used as a heterogeneous catalyst for the selective oxidation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) into 2,5‐diformylfuran (DFF) and a full HMF conversion is obtained with 98% DFF yield in acetonitrile under ambient pressure of dioxygen at 50°C. The catalyst also showed good reusability, could be easily recovered through filtration and washing and was reused in at least six consecutive runs with virtually no loss of catalytic performance.
High‐strength functionalized pectin/fibroin hydrogel with tunable properties: A structure–property relationship study
Authors: Khorshidi Sajedeh , Karkhaneh Akbar , Bonakdar Shahin , Omidian Mohammadmahdi 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTHydrogels possessing high mechanical strength and well‐controlled properties are of utmost interest in bone tissue engineering. In the current study, a strong self‐crosslinked hydrogel with variable properties has been developed from a combinatory composition of functionalized pectin and silk fibroin. Pectin chains underwent partial oxidation to be decorated with aldehyde functionalities. Later on, functionalized polysaccharide and protein were blended with different ratios, and corresponding variations in crystalline structure as well as in morphological, mechanical, and rheological properties have been monitored. Some theories have been used to better perceive the relation between blending ratio and hydrogel properties.Avrami equationbased on time sweep rheological analysis elucidated that in sample with equivalent ratio of oxidized pectin and fibroin, the crystallization was highly delayed due to dominance of Schiff's base reaction. The Herschel–Bulkley model based on flow curve rheology test corroborated that aforesaid composition revealed the most noticeable shear thinning behavior and accordingly the strongest crosslinked network. Finally, rubber elastic theory based on dynamic mechanical analysis implied that said formulation possessed the highest crosslinking density due to higher availability of aldehyde to amine functionalities. Moreover, cell culture studies proved that P50 F50 sample prevailed over other compositions with respect to cell viability and function. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2020,137, 48859.
Thermoresponsive hydrogels based on renewable resources
Authors: Isikci Koca Elif , Bozdag Gülnihal , Cayli Gökhan , Kazan Dilek , Cakir Hatir Pinar 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTThis work aims to synthesize novel thermoresponsive hydrogels from renewable resources, bacterial cellulose (BC), and castor oil (CO), and to investigate the effect of CO on physical and thermal behaviors of BC/Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) hydrogels. The structural properties of the hydrogels are analyzed by Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) technique and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) are also performed to examine the thermal properties of the hydrogels. The morphological differences of the hydrogels are analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The thermoresponsive performances of the hydrogels are examined by swelling and deswelling behaviors. The hydrogel with CO is found to be more sensitive to temperature changes than the one without CO. Deswelling study demonstrates 91 and 25% of water loss for hydrogels with and without CO, respectively. The present study shows a novel approach to synthesize thermoresponsive hydrogels with renewable resources for biomedical applications. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48861.
pH‐responsive variation of biomineralization via collagen self‐assembly and the simultaneous formation of apatite minerals
Authors: Shen Lirui , Bu Honghong , Yang Huan , Xu Songcheng , Li Guoying 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTCollagen self‐assembly and simultaneous mineralization by incubating a mixture containing collagen, calcium, and phosphate ions under physiological conditions, is an effective method to prepare bone‐like biomimetic materials. The formation of fibrils and minerals is related to pH of system. In the present work, we evaluated the effect of pH (7.9–10.4) on biomineralization process and synthesized composites. Turbidity kinetics and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) measurements revealed that increasing pH delayed the crystallization process from nucleation phase to plateau phase because of promoting chelation of Ca2+ with collagen. Typical peaks of phosphate in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy coupling with characteristic peaks of hydroxyapatite (HAp) in XRD spectra illustrated the formation of HAp after biomineralization. Scanning electron microscopy measurements indicated that the increase of pH promoted the deposition of spherical minerals in fibrils. Especially, the minerals tended to form cluster‐like structure at pH 10.4. The hyp content, Ca and P contents, and gel strength measurements suggested that higher pH promoted the formation of HAp with a Ca/P closed to 1.67 and the prolongation of crystallization gave the time for collagen self‐assembly leading to the increase of gel strength at higher pH (9.4–10.4). These results might provide some new ideas for designing biomimetic materials. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48876.
Quantification of carbon nanotube dispersion and its correlation with mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Tiwari Mayank , Billing Beant K. , Bedi Harpreet S. , Agnihotri Prabhat K. 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTAn experimental study is carried out to quantitatively assess the dispersion quality of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in epoxy matrix as a function of CNT variant and weight fraction. To this end, two weight fractions (0.05% and 0.25%) of as‐grown, oxidized, and functionalized CNTs are used to process CNT/epoxy nanocomposites. Scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared analysis of different variants of CNTs are used to establish the efficiency of purification route. While the relative change in mechanical properties is investigated through tensile and micro‐hardness testing, thermal conductivity of different nanocomposites is measured to characterize the effect of CNT addition on the average thermal properties of epoxy. Later on, a quantitative analysis is carried out to establish the relationship between the observed improvements in average composite properties with the dispersion quality of CNTs in epoxy. It is shown that carboxylic (‐COOH) functionalization reduces the average CNT agglomerate size and thus ensures better dispersion of CNTs in epoxy even at higher CNT weight fraction. The improved dispersion leads to enhanced interfacial interaction at the CNT/epoxy interface and hence provides higher relative improvement in nanocomposite properties compared to the samples prepared using as‐grown and oxidized CNTs. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48879.
Listing may not achieve conservation: A call for proactive approaches to threatened species management
Authors: Mamo Lea T. , Coleman Melinda A. , Dwyer Patrick G. , Kelaher Brendan P. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Species listing and subsequent conservation efforts are dependent on a number of political, social, and scientific factors, often to the disadvantage of uncharismatic taxa, such as small, cryptic, and rare species, and those that lack commercial value.
This case study examined the listing, impact assessment and conservation process of the critically endangered marine seaweed Nereia lophocladia (Nereia hereafter), which is a small and sporadically occurring species.
Nereia was initially listed as vulnerable, and upgraded to critically endangered, following the precautionary principle. Despite the elevation of its listing and the existence of a recovery plan, little conservation effort was devoted to Nereia.
A major upgrade to a large breakwater adjacent to Nereia's only known location triggered legislation and targeted searches for the species. Once found at the site, adaptive management actions, including modifications to the breakwater and some of the first targeted scientific surveys for this species took place.
The targeted surveys quickly revealed a far greater population of Nereia with a broader distribution than was previously realized. Given this, the breakwater upgrade probably caused less extinction risk to Nereia than predicted and a costly redesign may not have been necessary to secure the species' survival.
The case study argues for a proactive, evidentiary approach to species conservation, where conservation actions should be initiated as soon as species are listed and not when an immediate risk of extinction arises. Such approaches would improve conservation efforts and may also reduce the overall costs of saving species
A Web‐Based Virtual Microscopy Platform for Improving Academic Performance in Histology and Pathology Laboratory Courses: A Pilot Study
Authors: Lee Bai‐Chin , Hsieh Sung‐Tsang , Chang Yih‐Leong , Tseng Fen‐Yu , Lin Yu‐Jung , Chen Yuh‐Lien , Wang Shu‐Huei , Chang Yu‐Fong , Ho Yi‐Lwun , Ni Yen‐Hsuan , Chang Shan‐Chwen 
Published: December 2019

Virtual microscopy (VM) has been utilized to improve students' learning experience in microscope laboratory sessions, but minimal attention has been given to determining how to use VM more effectively. The study examined the influence of VM on academic performance and teacher and student perceptions and compared laboratory test scores before and after VM incorporation. A total of 662 third‐year students studying histology and 651 fourth‐year students studying pathology were divided into two groups. The light microscopy (LM) group used a light microscope in 2014 and 2015, while the LM + VM group used the VM platform and a light microscope in 2016 and 2017. Four factors positively predict laboratory scores (R square, 0.323; P < 0.001): (i) the pathology course and test‐enhanced learning, (ii) the VM platform and experience, (iii) medical students and lecture scores, and (iv) female students. The LM + VM group exhibited less score variability on laboratory examinations relative to their mean than the LM group. The LM + VM group was also associated with fewer failing grades (F grade; odds ratio, 0.336; P < 0.001) and higher scores (A grade; odds ratio, 2.084; P < 0.001) after controlling for sex, school, course, and lecture grades. The positive effect of the VM platform on laboratory test grades was associated with prior experience using the VM platform and was synergistic with more interim tests. Both teachers and students agreed that the VM platform enhanced laboratory learning. The incorporation of the VM platform in the context of test‐enhanced learning may help more students to master microscopic laboratory content.
Depicting the binding of furazolidone/furacilin with DNA by multiple spectroscopies, voltammetric as well as molecular docking
Authors: Bi Shuyun , Sun Xiaoyue , Li Xu , Zhao Rui , Shao Di 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe interaction between DNA and furazolidone/furacillin was investigated using various analytical techniques including spectroscopy and electroanalysis and molecular modelling. With the aid of acridine orange (AO), the fluorescence lifetimes of DNA–AO, DNA–furazolidone/furacillin–AO remained almost the same, which proved that the ground state complex was formed due to furazolidone/furacillin binding with DNA. Circular dichroism spectra and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the second structure of DNA changed. Viscosity experiments presented that relative viscosity of DNA was increased with the increasing concentrations of furazolidone and almost unchanged for furacilin. In addition, the results of melting temperature (Tm), ionic strength, site competition experiments, cyclic voltammetry, and molecular docking all proved the intercalation binding mode for furazolidone and groove binding mode for furacilin. The binding constants (Ka) obtained from Wolfe–Shimmer equation were calculated as 3.66 × 104 L mol−1 and 3.95 × 104 L mol−1 for furazolidone–DNA and furacilin–DNA, respectively.