bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the protective role of carrier microparticles in preserving protein secondary structure within electrospun meshes
Authors: Shaw Gauri Shankar , Dash Ricky A. , Samavedi Satyavrata 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDirect incorporation of proteins into electrospun meshes using approaches such as blend electrospinning can promote adverse interactions with hydrophobic polymers, organic solvents and high voltage, potentially leading to loss of protein activity. However, pre‐encapsulation within a protective carrier phase can preserve protein conformation by avoiding exposure to harsh processing conditions. In this study, bovine serum albumin (BSA) was loaded within cellulose microparticles (MPs) and the BSA‐loaded MPs were dispersed in a solution of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). Particle‐mesh composites were created using a sacrificial fiber/co‐electrospinning approach in which the BSA/MP/PEO solution was simultaneously electrospun against a poly(caprolactone) (PCL) solution. Post‐fabrication, sacrificial PEO fibers were selectively dissolved by treatment with ethanol. Microscopy, weight loss analysis and FTIR spectroscopy together confirmed selective dissolution of PEO fibers and the retention of BSA‐loaded MPs within the PCL network without significant loss of either the MPs or the protein. Circular dichroism spectroscopy and intrinsic fluorescence measurements on BSA extracted from the co‐electrospun meshes indicated minimal disruption to secondary structure, although partial sheet induction was observed. In contrast, direct exposure of BSA to four commonly used electrospinning solvents resulted in a large decrease in helical content and significant induction of sheets, revealing significant changes to the secondary structure. In summary, our results demonstrate the protective role of MPs in minimizing adverse effects of electrospinning on the secondary structure of incorporated protein.
Pubertal Timing During Early Adolescence: Advanced Pubertal Onset in Females with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Corbett Blythe A. , Vandekar Simon , Muscatello Rachael A. , Tanguturi Yasas 
Published: October 2020

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impaired social communication and poor adaptation to change; thus, the onset of puberty may be a pivotal transition. This cross‐sectional study measured pubertal timing to examine hypothesized differences for sex (female vs. male) and group (ASD vs. typical development [TD]). Participants included 239 children (137 ASD, 102 TD) between 10 and 13 years. The ASD group included 35 females and 102 males; the TDs included 44 females and 58 males. Pubertal onset measured by genital or pubic stage was investigated with linear regression using main effects of sex and age‐by‐sex interactions in TD and ASD groups and main effects of diagnosis and diagnosis‐by‐age interactions in males and females, controlling for body mass index, socioeconomic status, and race. In TD, examination of main effects for genital (penis/breast) stage showed no difference for male and female children (t = 1.33, P = 0.187, rdf = 92); however, there were significant differences in ASD (t = 2.70, P = 0.008, rdf = 121). For diagnosis modeled separately by sex, there was significantly earlier pubertal development in females with ASD (t = 1.97, P = 0.053, rdf = 70, but not males (t = 1.329, P = 0.186, rdf = 143). In addition, analysis of menses revealed females with ASD had significantly earlier onset than TD (t = −2.56, P = 0.018, rdf = 21). Examination of pubic stage revealed expected sex differences for TD (t = 2,674, P = 0.009, rdf = 91) and ASD (t = 3.482, P = 0.001, rdf = 121). Females with ASD evidence advanced pubertal onset relative to ASD males and TD females. Findings underscore the need for enhanced understanding of pubertal development in ASD, as differences may have significant psychological, social, physiological, and developmental consequences.Lay SummaryChildren with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulty with social communication and respond poorly to change, which may include the onset and course of puberty. The study measured the timing of puberty in 239 children (137 ASD and 102 typical development [TD]) between 10 and 13 years based on pubertal stage of genital (breast/penis) and pubic hair development. Females with ASD evidence advanced pubertal onset relative to ASD males and TD females. Findings underscore the need for an enhanced understanding of pubertal development in ASD.
Commodity chemical production from third‐generation biomass: a techno‐economic assessment of lactic acid production
Authors: Grasa Elena T , Ögmundarson Ólafur , Gavala Hariklia N , Sukumara Sumesh 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe unique characteristics and composition of macroalgae offer new possibilities for the production of bio‐based products such as biofuels and commodity chemicals. The technologies required for processing macroalgae are not currently mature enough, and those that exist are primarily oriented towards the production of biofuels. This study explores a production process to produce lactic acid (LA) from brown algae, designed with a capacity of 11 t h−1 of product. Four scenarios are simulated in Aspen Plus, for the production of polymer‐grade LA, utilizing Laminaria macroalgae as a feedstock. Techno‐economic models are established to investigate the feasibility of these new technologies. Configurations for heat recovery are suggested to maximize productivity, and a minimum viable selling price (MVSP) is calculated for LA to predict an optimal design configuration. The process does not recover investment, when using a composition represented by an avarage value for all the Laminaria sp. Moreover, the percentage difference between the MVSP and the current selling price (SP) is 34%. Nonetheless, when using Laminaria digitata, which comprises of higher carbohydrates, compared to other Laminaria sp, the percentage difference between the MVSP and the SP is estimated to be 28%. If the hypothetical fermentation of alginate is considered, the invested capital is recovered by the 11th year. These results also highlight the need for research into the valorization of the alginate fraction, improving the microorganisms’ ability to metabolize alginate to LA or other relevant products. The development of the respective processes would be a step that the scientific community would be justified in examining. © 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Thermoluminescence dosimetry properties and kinetic analysis of K3Ca2(SO4)3F:Dy3+ phosphor
Authors: Mehare C. M. , Mehare M. D. , Ghanty C. , Dhoble N. S. , Dhoble S. J. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA trivalent Dy3+‐activated K3Ca2(SO4)3F fluoride‐based phosphor was synthesized using a solid‐state reaction method and characterized for its thermoluminescence (TL) application. The crystal structure and surface morphology of the as‐synthesized material was analyzed using X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. A series of the K3Ca2(SO4)3F:Dy3+ phosphor was irradiated using γ‐rays from a 60Co source and TL glow curves were recorded using a Nucleonix 1009I TL reader. The glow curve of the prepared phosphor showed a prominent single peak at 278°C. TL characteristics were maximum intensity at 1 mol% of Dy3+ ion with a single TL glow peak. The TL glow curve revealed linearity with increase in exposure dose range from 0.1 kGy to 3.0 kGy. Theoretical analysis of the TL glow curve of the γ‐ray‐irradiated sample was carried out using a computerized glow curve deconvolution method and trapping parameters such as activation energy and frequency factor were calculated using the initial rise method and Ilich’s method. The synthesized Dy3+‐doped K3Ca2(SO4)3 phosphor revealed excellent TL properties and was found to be a potential candidate for dosimetric applications.
High‐throughput evolutionary optimization of the induction medium towards recombinant protein production in BY‐2 tobacco
Authors: Sadoch Jan , Pyc Monika , Urbanowicz Anna , Iglewski Adam , Pilarski Radosław 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBright yellow (BY‐2) tobacco cells combined with the XVE chemically inducible system are one of the most promising plant‐based platforms for recombinant protein production. This offers a range of benefits, including the separation of the cell growth and heterologous gene expression, lack of risk of infecting the end product with prions and human viruses or appropriate protein glycosylation and folding. However, low protein productivity remains a major obstacle that limits the extensive commercialization of bioproduction in plants. A number of molecular, cell culture and down processing approaches have been made to overcome this problem. Media development for the specific nutritional and hormonal requirements of transgenic plant cells is one of the most efficient cell‐culture approaches. We optimized the induction medium towards recombinant protein production in BY‐2 and demonstrated the usefulness of evolutionary medium optimization for high‐yield protein production in liquid plant cultures. A reliable XVE/GFP model, parallel conducting experiments in a microscale on 96‐well plates, and dedicated Gene Game evolutionary optimization software allowed for an effective search of 7611 possible solutions of 11‐component media. Within the 4608 formulations tested, the Induct X medium was found with a significant 107.14% increase in protein expression in relation to the standard BY‐2 medium.
New technologies in developing recombinant‐attenuated bacteria for cancer therapy
Authors: Liang Kang , Liu Qing , Kong Qingke 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCancer has always been a global problem, with more cases of cancer patients being diagnosed every year. Conventional cancer treatments, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery, are still unable to bypass their obvious limitations, and developing effective targeted therapies is still required. More than one century ago, the doctor William B. Coley discovered that cancer patients had tumor regression by injection of Streptococcus bacteria. The studies of cancer therapy using bacterial microorganisms are now very widespread. In particular, the facultative anaerobic bacteria Salmonella typhimurium is widely investigated as it can selectively colonize different types of tumors, locally deliver various antitumor drugs, and inhibit tumor growth. The exciting antitumor efficacy and safety observed in animal tumor models prompted the well‐known attenuated Salmonella bacterial strain VNP20009 to be tested in human clinical trials in the early 21st century. Regrettably, no patients showed significant therapeutic effects and even bacterial colonization in tumor tissue was undetectable in most patients. Salmonella bacteria are still considered as a promising agent or vehicle for cancer therapy. Recent efforts have been focused on the generation of attenuated bacterial strains with higher targeting for tumor tissue, and optimization of the delivery of therapeutic antitumor cargoes into the tumor microenvironment. This review will summarize new technologies or approaches that may improve bacteria‐mediated cancer therapy.
MS‐based metabolite analysis of two licorice chalcones in mice plasma, bile, feces, and urine after oral administration
Authors: Wu Jing , Zhong Qiao‐Qiao , Wang Tian‐Yun , Wang Chen‐Xiang , Du Yan , Ji Shuai , Wang Liang , Guo Meng‐Zhe , Tang Dao‐Quan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIsoliquiritigenin (ILG) and isoliquiritin (ILQ), two kinds of major flavonoids in licorice, are biological active substances with antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and tumor‐suppressive effects. However, their in vivo metabolites, possible material basis of this two licorice chalcones for the treatment of diseases, have not been studied completely. To determine the metabolism of ILG and ILQ, after oral administration of 100 mg/kg/day of these compounds for consecutive 8 days, the metabolites of these two licorice chalcones in mice plasma, urine, feces, and bile were determined using liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry in this study. The structures of those metabolites were tentatively identified according to their fragment pathways, accurate masses, characteristic product ions, metabolism law, and reference standards‐matching. As a result, a total of 25 and 29 metabolites of ILG and ILQ were identified, respectively. Seven main metabolic pathways, oxidation and reduction, deglycosylation and glycosylation, dehydroxylation and hydroxylation, demethoxylation and methoxylation, acetylation, glucuronidation, and sulfation, were summarized to tentatively explain how the metabolites were biologically transformed. These results provide the important information on the metabolism of ILG and ILQ, which may be helpful for the further research of their pharmacological mechanism.
ZNF582 hypermethylation promotes metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by regulating the transcription of adhesion molecules Nectin‐3 and NRXN3
Authors: Zhao Yin , Hong Xiao‐Hong , Li Kang , Li Ying‐Qing , Li Ying‐Qin , He Shi‐Wei , Zhang Pan‐Pan , Li Jun‐Yan , Li Qian , Liang Ye‐Lin , Chen Yang , Ma Jun , Liu Na , Chen Yu‐Pei 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundEpigenetic regulation plays an important role in the development and progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, the epigenetic mechanisms underlying NPC metastasis remains poorly understood. We aimed to find functional genes which regulate the metastasis of NPC and identify therapeutic targets for NPC treatment.MethodsBisulfite pyrosequencing was used to analyze zinc finger protein 582 (ZNF582) methylation in NPC tissues and cell lines. Quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and Western blotting were used to determine the expression of ZNF582. In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to evaluate the biological function of ZNF582 in NPC. ZNF582‐targeting genes were identified by chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP‐seq) and were confirmed by ChIP‐qPCR and luciferase assay.ResultsZNF582 promoter was hypermethylated in NPC, and both the mRNA and protein levels of ZNF582 were down‐regulated in NPC tissues and cell lines. The restoration of ZNF582 inhibited NPC migration, invasion, and metastasis, while the knockdown of ZNF582 promoted NPC migration, invasion, and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. ZNF582 directly regulated the transcription and expression of adhesion molecules Nectin‐3 and NRXN3. Both Nectin‐3 and NRXN3 were identified as functional targets of ZNF582, and the restoration or abrogation of these genes reversed the tumor suppressor effect of ZNF582 in NPC metastasis.ConclusionsZNF582 acts as a tumor suppressor gene in NPC by regulating the transcription and expression of adhesion molecules Nectin‐3 and NRXN3, which may provide novel therapeutic targets for NPC treatment.
Cytotoxic Yohimbine‐Type Alkaloids from the Leaves of Rauvolfia vomitoria
Authors: Zhan Guanqun , Miao Rongkun , Zhang Fuxin , Wang Xingbin , Zhang Xinxin , Guo Zengjun 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTwo new yohimbine‐type monoterpene indole alkaloids, rauvines A and B, and six known derivatives were obtained from the leaves of R. vomitoria. The structures of rauvines A and B were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses, 13C‐NMR, and ECD calculations. This is the first time to determine the absolute configurations of yohimbine‐type N‐oxides by quantum chemistry calculations (13C‐NMR and ECD calculations). All the isolates were tested for their cytotoxicity against five human cancer cell lines. Rauvine B showed moderate cytotoxicity on human MCF‐7 breast, SWS80 colon, and A549 lung cancer cell lines with IC50 values of 25.5, 22.6, and 26.0 μM, respectively.
A novel technique to manage transcatheter aortic valve embolization
Authors: Chawla Kunal K. , Huang Xiangke , Hadro Neal , Islam Ashequl M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe report a case of a 69‐year‐old male who was planned for a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with a 26 mm Sapien 3 Valve (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, California) for the treatment of symptomatic severe aortic stenosis. During rapid ventricular pacing and implantation of the TAVR valve, there was a loss of pacing capture and subsequent embolization of the valve into the aortic arch. Retrieval of the embolized valve was attempted unsuccessfully using several techniques. Finally, by using a 34 mm Evolut R Valve (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota), we were able to secure the embolized valve in the transverse segment of the aortic arch without compromising the branch vessels. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of using a valve‐in‐valve approach to fixate an embolized valve in the transverse aorta.
Comparative influence of bleeding and ischemic risk factors on diabetic patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with everolimus‐eluting stents
Authors: Goel Ridhima , Cao Davide , Chandiramani Rishi , Roumeliotis Anastasios , Blum Moritz , Bhatt Deepak L. , Angiolillo Dominick J. , Ge Junbo , Seth Ashok , Saito Shigeru , Krucoff Mitchell , Kozuma Ken , Makkar Rajendra M. , Bangalore Sripal , Wang Lijuan , Koo Kai , Neumann Franz‐Josef , Hermiller James , Stefanini Giulio , Valgimigli Marco , Mehran Roxana 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the impact of ischemic and bleeding risk factors on long‐term clinical outcomes of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with everolimus‐eluting stents.BackgroundSecond‐generation drug‐eluting stents have substantially improved outcomes after PCI in the general population; however, DM patients continue to experience high rates of ischemic and bleeding complications.MethodsDM patients from the pooled XIENCE V registry were divided into high or low bleeding and ischemic risk groups (HBR, LBR, HIR, and LIR) based on established bleeding (age ≥ 75 years; chronic kidney disease; anemia; prior stroke; oral anticoagulation; thrombocytopenia; prior major bleeding) and ischemic (acute coronary syndrome; prior myocardial infarction [MI]; ≥3 stents implanted; ≥3 vessels treated; ≥3 lesions treated; stent length > 60 mm; bifurcation treated with ≥2 stents; chronic total occlusion) risk factors. The primary outcomes were major adverse cardiac events (MACE; cardiac death, MI, or stent thrombosis) and major bleeding at 4‐year follow‐up.ResultsA total of 3,704 DM patients were divided into four groups (21.5% LBR/LIR; 39.0% LBR/HIR; 15.6% HBR/LIR; 23.9% HBR/HIR). Compared with LBR/LIR patients, those at HBR/HIR and HBR/LIR had a significantly higher risk of MACE (HR (95% CI) 2.7 (1.9–3.9) and 2.2 (1.5–3.2), respectively) and major bleeding (2.7 (1.6–4.8) and 2.6 (1.4–4.7), respectively), while LBR/HIR patients did not.ConclusionsAmong DM patients undergoing PCI, presence of bleeding risk factors was associated with a higher risk of both ischemic and bleeding events, whereas commonly used features of ischemic risk did not impact long‐term clinical outcomes.
Atopic dermatitis: Tofacitinib, an option for refractory disease
Authors: Berbert Ferreira Sineida , Berbert Ferreira Rachel , Scheinberg Morton Aaron 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disease, associated with high burden impact in quality of live, in moderate‐severe disease severity. Several targeted drugs are under development for AD. Here, we present a patient with refractory disease to systemic traditional immunosuppressive drugs, treated successfully with oral tofacitinib, with complete response.
Synthesis of Highly Accessible Gallosilicates via Impregnation Procedure: Enhanced Catalytic Performances in the Conversion of Glycerol into Solketal
Authors: Hussein Hussein , Vivian Alvise , Fusaro Luca , Devillers Michel , Aprile Carmela 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTwo mesoporous gallosilicates with extra‐small particle size were synthesized via wet impregnation starting from lactate or citrate‐type Ga(III) precursors. The structural and textural properties of the materials were extensively characterized by different techniques. Both materials consist of nanosized particles and display a remarkably high surface area and a pore size distribution typical of mesoporous MCM‐41‐like materials. The two solids were tested as catalysts in acetalization of glycerol with acetone to produce solketal (2,2‐dimethyl‐1,3‐dioxolane‐4‐methanol). Both catalysts displayed excellent performances and achieved higher turnover numbers compared to other Ga‐silicates reported in literature. The outstanding activity of these catalysts is attributed to the combination of acidity, large specific surface area as well as to the full accessibility of the active sites as consequence of the impregnation procedure. The best catalysts are truly heterogeneous with absence of Ga leaching and reusable in successive catalytic cycles after thermal treatment without significant deterioration of the catalytic performance.
Effects of water‐based binders on electrochemical performance of manganese dioxide cathode in mild aqueous zinc batteries
Authors: Chang Hee Jung , Rodríguez‐Pérez Ismael A. , Fayette Matthew , Canfield Nathan L. , Pan Huilin , Choi Daiwon , Li Xiaolin , Reed David 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn the majority of rechargeable batteries including lithium‐ion batteries, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF) binders are the most commonly used binder for both anode and cathode. However, using PVdF binder requires the organic solvent of N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone which is expensive, volatile, combustible, toxic, and has poor recyclability. Therefore, switching to aqueous electrode processing routes with non‐toxic binders would provide a great leap forward towards the realization of ideally fully sustainable and environmentally friendly electrochemical energy storage devices. Various water‐soluble binders (aqueous binders) were characterized and compared to the performance of conventional PVdF. Our study demonstrates that the electrochemical performance of Zn/MnO2 aqueous batteries is significantly improved by using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) binder. In addition, CMC binders offer desirable adhesion, good wettability, homogeneous material distribution, and strong chemical stability at certain pH levels (3.5–5) without any decomposition for long‐cycle life.
Forage nutritive value of modern alfalfa cultivars
Authors: Jungers Jacob , Cherney Jerome , Martinson Krishona , Jaqueth Aubrey , Sheaffer Craig 
Published: October 2020

AbstractGenetically engineered, reduced lignin (RL) alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivars have been developed for enhanced forage nutritive value. Research is needed to quantify the differences in forage nutritive value among conventionally bred cultivars marketed as high in nutritive value (HNV) and RL cultivars. The objective was to evaluate forage nutritive value and yield differences in HNV and RL cultivar groups compared with control cultivars. Research was conducted in the seeding and following years in New York and Minnesota, with sampling over multiple days within three harvest seasons. Annual yield was similar among control, HNV, and RL cultivars. Relative to the control and HNV cultivars, lignin was 12.5% lower and neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) was 5% higher for RL cultivars. Reduced lignin cultivars had higher relative forage quality (RFQ) than control and HNV cultivars for five of six site/season combinations. Within harvest seasons, lignin, acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) increased, whereas crude protein (CP), NDFD, RFQ, and milk production decreased with increasing growing degree‐days. Growing degree‐day responses were similar across cultivar market groups, with the exception of ADF, NDF, RFQ, and milk during the establishment year in Minnesota, where the rates of decrease in RFQ through time were lower for RL than for control and HNV. Overall, RL cultivars had improved forage nutritive value that persisted with maturity within cutting seasons. Control and HNV cultivars did not consistently differ in nutritive value. Growers can select cultivars for improved nutritive value without concern about compromising forage yield.