bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Discovery of 4H‐thieno[3,2‐b]pyrrole derivatives as potential anticancer agents
Authors: Fang Bo , Hu Chunsheng , Ding Yong , Qin Hongxia , Luo Yafei , Xu Zhigang , Meng Jiangping , Chen Zhongzhu 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this study, we describe the discovery of the 4H‐thieno[3,2‐b]pyrrole derivatives as an useful scaffold to obtain potent lead compounds for the treatment of colon cancer. We first started with the 4H‐thieno[3,2‐b]pyrrole derivatives which come from compound libraries screening, and then optimized their structures based on the cellular activities and pharmacophore models. The inhibition rate of cell growth assay demonstrated that this series compounds showed better inhibitory activities against colon cancer cells than other tested tumor cells. Moreover, the target of the most active compound 8i was explored by target fishing strategy and validated by molecular docking and biological activity analysis. The results of apoptosis and flow cytometry demonstrated that compound 8i induces cell apoptosis probably by inhibiting activity of methionine aminopeptidase 2, therefore compound 8i may be a potent inhibitor to methionine aminopeptidase 2.
Prevalence of fungi in fresh tomatoes and their control by chitosan and sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) peel essential oil coating
Authors: Sheikh Mehrunisa , Mehnaz Samina , Sadiq Muhammad Bilal 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDFungal contamination is a major cause of food spoilage. There is an urgent need to find and characterize natural preservatives. This study evaluates the prevalence of fungi in tomatoes and their control by using essential oil (EO) from sweet orange peel. Essential oils were extracted from dried and fresh sweet orange peels by using n‐hexane and ethanol as extraction solvents. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analyses were performed to identify the chemical composition of the EO. A combination of chitosan (CS) and EO was used to control the fungal decay of tomatoes inoculated with Aspergillus niger and Penicillium citrinum.RESULTSTomatoes obtained from local markets and supermarkets showed a high prevalence of Aspergillus and Penicillium spp. Essential oils extracted by ethanol from dried peels showed complete inhibition of A. niger and P. citrinum and hyphal degradation at a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 100 μL mL−1. The combination of EO with chitosan (2%) as a coating, effectively controlled the fungal decay of tomatoes until the eighth day of storage at 25 °C.CONCLUSIONDue to their edible nature, and their antifungal and preservative potential, EO‐ and CS‐based coatings can be used to extend the shelf life of tomatoes and other agriculture commodities. Essential oil‐ and CS‐based coating can be used as alternative to synthetic preservatives, which are associated with various health hazards. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Medicaid expansion and the management of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Hoehn Richard S. , Rieser Caroline J. , Phelos Heather , Sabik Lindsay M. , Nassour Ibrahim , Khan Sidrah , Kaltenmeier Christof , Paniccia Alessandro , Zureikat Amer H. , Tohme Samer T. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundMedicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act has improved access to screening and treatment for certain cancers. It is unclear how this policy has affected the diagnosis and management of pancreatic cancer.MethodsUsing a quasi‐experimental difference‐in‐differences (DID) approach, we analyzed Medicaid and uninsured patients in the National Cancer Data Base during two time periods: pre‐expansion (2011–2012) and postexpansion (2015–2016). We investigated changes in cancer staging, treatment decisions, and surgical outcomes.ResultsIn this national cohort, pancreatic cancer patients in expansion states had increased Medicaid coverage relative to those in nonexpansion states (DID = 17.49, p < 0.01). Medicaid expansion also led to an increase in early‐stage diagnoses (Stage I/II, DID = 4.71, p = 0.03), higher comorbidity scores among surgical patients (Charlson/Deyo score 0: DID = −13.69, p = 0.02), a trend toward more neoadjuvant radiation (DID = 6.15, p = 0.06), and more positive margins (DID = 11.69, p = 0.02). There were no differences in rates of surgery, postoperative outcomes, or overall survival.ConclusionMedicaid expansion was associated with improved insurance coverage and earlier stage diagnoses for Medicaid and uninsured pancreatic cancer patients, but similar surgical outcomes and overall survival. These findings highlight both the benefits of Medicaid expansion and the potential limitations of policy change to improve outcomes for such an aggressive malignancy.
A sensitive LC‐MS/MS method for the study of exogenously administered 13C‐oleoylethanolamide in rat plasma and brain tissue
Authors: Prentice Richard N. , Younus Mohammad , Krittaphol‐Bailey Woravimol , Rizwan Shakila B. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractOleoylethanolamide is an endogenous molecule with neuroprotective effects. It has been reported that exogenous oleoylethanolamide can be administered therapeutically, but the confounding presence of the endogenous molecule has led to conflicting reports regarding the mechanisms of the effects and highlights a need for an adequate methodology to differentiate them. We have developed a liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method to study oleoylethanolamide in rat plasma and brain using a 13C‐labeled isotope, 13C‐oleoylethanolamide. 13C‐oleoylethanolamide was extracted using a liquid–liquid extraction employing acetonitrile and tert‐butyl methyl ether (1:4). Analysis was performed using a gradient with a total run time of 12 min. 13C‐oleoylethanolamide, d4‐oleoylethanolamide (internal standard), and 12C‐oleoylethanolamide (endogenous background) eluted simultaneously at 1.64 min. The method was validated for specificity, sensitivity, accuracy, and precision and found to be capable of quantification within acceptable limits of ±15% over the calibration range of 0.39–25 ng/mL for the plasma and 1.17–75 ng/g for the brain. It was then applied to quantify 13C‐oleoylethanolamide over 90 min after intravenous administration of a solution (1 mg/kg) in rats. Results suggest that 13C‐oleoylethanolamide does not reach therapeutic concentrations in the brain, despite a relatively prolonged plasma circulation, suggesting that rapid degradation in the brain remains an obstacle to its clinical application to neurological disease.
Bricked Subwavelength Gratings: A Tailorable On‐Chip Metamaterial Topology
Authors: Luque‐González José Manuel , Ortega‐Moñux Alejandro , Halir Robert , Schmid Jens H. , Cheben Pavel , Molina‐Fernández Íñigo , Wangüemert‐Pérez J. Gonzalo 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIntegrated metamaterials are redefining the capabilities of silicon photonic chips. In providing lithographic control over dielectric permittivity, dispersion and anisotropy, they are enabling photonic devices with unprecedented performance. However, the implementation of these materials at telecom wavelengths often requires a fabrication resolution of the order of 100 nm and below, pushing current wafer‐scale fabrication technology to its limits and hindering the widespread exploitation of on‐chip metamaterials. Herein, a subwavelength grating metamaterial with bricked topology is proposed, that provides lithographic control over the metamaterial dispersion and anisotropy using a single etch Manhattan‐like geometry with pixel dimensions up to 150 × 150 nm2, thereby easing the path toward fabrication at wafer‐scale. The behavior of these structures as biaxial crystals is analytically shown, validating their use in high performance on‐chip beam‐splitters. Through engineering of the metamaterial anisotropy tensor, the splitters are shown to exhibit sub‐decibel insertion losses and imbalance over a 400 nm design bandwidth, via 3D FDTD simulations. The excellent device performance is demonstrated over a 140 nm bandwidth, limited by the measurement setup.
3D Printing for Biological Scaffolds using Poly(Ionic Liquid)/Gelatin/Sodium Alginate Ink
Authors: Zhang Manman , Li Liying , Wang Meiju , Li Tao , Song Kedong , Nie Yi , Ren Baozeng 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) have attracted a wide range of applications in thermo‐responsive materials, carbon materials, catalysis, porous polymers, separation and absorption materials, and biological field due to their favorable tunability and biological functions. However, the applications of PILs in bio‐scaffold are rarely studied. In the present work, the ionic liquid (IL) monomer (1‐vinyl‐3‐butylimidazolium chloride, [VBIM]Cl) is cross‐linked with other three compounds, respectively, to synthesize three kinds of PILs (PIL1, PIL2, and PIL3). Furthermore, individually cross‐linked PILs are added into gelatin (Gel)/sodium alginate (SA) solution aiming to prepare biological inks (bio‐inks) for 3D printing. The water absorption, degradation rate, and porosity of the bio‐scaffolds are measured to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics, while the PC12 cell line is used to evaluate the biocompatibility of the bio‐scaffolds through cell proliferation. These results demonstrate that the biological activity of the bio‐scaffold can be varied at the tendency of PIL1 < PIL3 < PIL2, providing a potential prospect for the application of PILs in tissue‐engineered bio‐scaffolds.
Dysfunction of RAB39B‐Mediated Vesicular Trafficking in Lewy Body Diseases
Authors: Koss David J. , Campesan Susanna , Giorgini Flaviano , Outeiro Tiago F. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIntracellular vesicular trafficking is essential for neuronal development, function, and homeostasis and serves to process, direct, and sort proteins, lipids, and other cargo throughout the cell. This intricate system of membrane trafficking between different compartments is tightly orchestrated by Ras analog in brain (RAB) GTPases and their effectors. Of the 66 members of the RAB family in humans, many have been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases and impairment of their functions contributes to cellular stress, protein aggregation, and death. Critically, RAB39B loss‐of‐function mutations are known to be associated with X‐linked intellectual disability and with rare early‐onset Parkinson's disease. Moreover, recent studies have highlighted altered RAB39B expression in idiopathic cases of several Lewy body diseases (LBDs). This review contextualizes the role of RAB proteins in LBDs and highlights the consequences of RAB39B impairment in terms of endosomal trafficking, neurite outgrowth, synaptic maturation, autophagy, as well as alpha‐synuclein homeostasis. Additionally, the potential for therapeutic intervention is examined via a discussion of the recent progress towards the development of specific RAB modulators. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Recent progress and new perspectives for diterpenoid biosynthesis in medicinal plants
Authors: Hu Zhimin , Liu Xiuyu , Tian Mei , Ma Ying , Jin Baolong , Gao Wei , Cui Guanghong , Guo Juan , Huang Luqi 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDiterpenoids, including more than 18,000 compounds, represent an important class of metabolites that encompass both phytohormones and some industrially relevant compounds. These molecules with complex, diverse structures and physiological activities, have high value in the pharmaceutical industry. Most medicinal diterpenoids are extracted from plants. Major advances in understanding the biosynthetic pathways of these active compounds are providing unprecedented opportunities for the industrial production of diterpenoids by metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. Here, we summarize recent developments in the field of diterpenoid biosynthesis from medicinal herbs. An overview of the pathways and known biosynthetic enzymes is presented. In particular, we look at the main findings from the past decade and review recent progress in the biosynthesis of different groups of ringed compounds. We also discuss diterpenoid production using synthetic biology and metabolic engineering strategies, and draw on new technologies and discoveries to bring together many components into a useful framework for diterpenoid production.
Genetic analysis in Japanese patients with osteogenesis imperfecta: Genotype and phenotype spectra in 96 probands
Authors: Higuchi Yousuke , Hasegawa Kosei , Futagawa Natsuko , Yamashita Miho , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Tsukahara Hirokazu 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundOsteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare connective‐tissue disorder characterized by bone fragility. Approximately 90% of all OI cases are caused by variants in COL1A1 or COL1A2. Additionally, IFITM5 variants are responsible for the unique OI type 5. We previously analyzed COL1A1/2 variants in 22 Japanese families with OI through denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography screening, but our detection rate was low (41%).MethodsTo expand the genotype‐phenotype correlations, we performed a genetic analysis of COL1A1/2 and IFITM5 in 96 non‐consanguineous Japanese OI probands by Sanger sequencing.ResultsOf these individuals, 54, 41, and 1 had type 1 (mild), type 2–4 (moderate‐to‐severe), and type 5 phenotypes, respectively. In the mild group, COL1A1 nonsense and splice‐site variants were prevalent (n = 30 and 20, respectively), but there were also COL1A1 and COL1A2 triple‐helical glycine substitutions (n = 2 and 1, respectively). In the moderate‐to‐severe group, although COL1A1 and COL1A2 glycine substitutions were common (n = 14 and 18, respectively), other variants were also detected. The single case of type 5 had the characteristic c.‐14C>T variant in IFITM5.ConclusionThese results increase our previous detection rate for COL1A1/2 variants to 99% and provide insight into the genotype‐phenotype correlations in OI.
Perception in HDR and Displays
Authors: Fairchild Mark D. , Jiang Fu , Xie Hao 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAlthough the world has been high dynamic range (HDR) all along, commercial HDR displays’ burgeoning availability provides new and interesting challenges for colorimetry and perceptual modeling. The biggest challenge stems from the way that large luminance changes spatial and temporal scales often compressed relative to the natural world. This results in veridical luminance/chromaticity reproduction not representing appearance reproduction. Here, the authors review some of the perceptual and colorimetric issues that create challenges in HDR image reproduction.
The deformation and failure of strip footings on anisotropic cohesionless sloping grounds
Authors: Gao Zhiwei , Zhao Jidong , Li Xin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractFooting foundations are sometimes built on sloping grounds of natural sand which is highly anisotropic. The anisotropic mechanical behaviour of sand can significantly influence the bearing capacity of a foundation and the failure mechanism of its supporting slope. Neglecting sand anisotropy may lead to overestimated bearing capacity and under‐design of foundations. A numerical investigation on the response of a supporting slope under a strip footing is presented, placing a special focus on the effect of sand anisotropy. A critical state sand model accounting for fabric evolution is used. The nonlocal method has been used to regularize the mesh‐dependency of the numerical solutions. Predictions of the anisotropic model on the bearing capacity of strip footings on slopes are validated by centrifuge test data on Toyoura sand. Compared to the centrifuge test data, an isotropic model may overpredict the bearing capacity of the footing by up to 100% when the model parameters are determined based on test data on a horizontal bedding plane case. When the isotropic model parameters are determined based on test data where the bedding plane is vertical, the predictions of bearing capacity can be improved for some cases but the settlement at failure may be significantly overestimated. The soil body tends to move along the bedding plane upon the footing loading due to the non‐coaxial strain increment caused by fabric anisotropy. The slip surface appears to be deeper with lower bearing capacity when the preferred soil movement direction caused by bedding plane is towards the slope.
All‐at‐once solution of linear wave equations
Authors: Danieli Federico , Wathen Andrew J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractEfficient parallel‐in‐time methods for hyperbolic partial differential equation problems remain scarce. Here we investigate an approach based on circulant preconditioned generalised minimal residual (GMRES) for the monolithic block Toeplitz equations which arise from constant time‐step discretizations. We present theoretical results which guarantee convergence in a number of iterations independent of the number of time‐steps and demonstrate the potential utility of the approach with numerical results employing several different finite difference schemes of varying orders of accuracy.
Leveraging Nature‐based Solutions for transformation: Reconnecting people and nature
Authors: Welden E. A. , Chausson Alexandre , Melanidis Marina S. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractNature‐based Solutions (NbS) have rapidly been gaining traction across the research, policy and practice spheres, advocated as transformative actions to jointly address biodiversity loss and climate change. However, there are multiple, alternative ways to conceptualize NbS across those three spheres.To inform the NbS discourses in research, policy and practice, we critically reflect on the prevailing framing of NbS. Although the concept links environmental health to human well‐being, we argue that its current dominant framing reinforces a dichotomy between people and nature by highlighting one, external nature working for the benefit of society. For the NbS concept to support transformation, we believe it must embody a reframing of human–nature relationships towards regenerative relationships between humans and nature.To support the transformative aspirations of NbS, we propose a novelcore framingof NbS making explicit the co‐dependence of people and nature, which underpins human well‐being and environmental health. We highlight how such a framing can support a transformation through influencing beliefs and normative values, and second, through the communication and application of the NbS concept in research, policy and practice.We then elaborate on how such a framing is key to support inclusivity and collaboration between diverse research perspectives, policy objectives across scales and implementation practices to deliver just and successful NbS.A freePlain Language Summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Preparation of bioactive aerogel material based on sodium alginate and chitosan for controlled release of levomycetin
Authors: Gorshkova Natalia , Brovko Olga , Palamarchuk Irina , Bogolitsyn Konstantin , Ivakhnov Artem 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis work was aimed at obtaining new highly porous two‐component alginate‐chitosan aerogels for use as a controlled‐release drug delivery system. Aerogel materials were prepared on the basis of the sodium alginate–chitosan interpolymer complex using sol–gel and supercritical fluid technologies. The effect of the ratio of sodium alginate and chitosan on the textural characteristics of aerogels and their water uptake capacity was studied. The obtained materials are characterized by a developed mesoporous structure and a specific surface area of up to 260 m2g−1. It was established that 1 g of alginate‐chitosan aerogel retains up to 35 g of water. The polyelectrolyte nature of the aerogel material, shape stability, high specific surface area, developed mesoporous structure, open cylindrical pore shape, and high water absorption make the alginate/chitosan aerogel material attractive for the purposes of sorption and application therapy. The aerogels can be used as drug delivery system demonstrating prolonged levomycetin release kinetics. The content of released levomycetin from the aerogel matrix within 4 h was up to 95%.
Using 13C‐NMR dereplication to aid in the identification of xanthones present in the stem bark extract of Calophyllum brasiliense
Authors: Silva‐Castro Lina Fernanda , Derbré Séverine , Le Ray Anne Marie , Richomme Pascal , García‐Sosa Karlina , Peña‐Rodriguez Luis Manuel 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIntroductionXanthones are metabolites with a variety of biological properties. The Clusiaceae family, which until recently included the genus Calophyllum, is recognised for its production of monohydroxylated and polyhydroxylated xanthones. Presently, C. brasiliense is the only Calophyllum spp. known to occur in the Yucatan peninsula.ObjectiveTo use a combination of traditional phytochemical methods and carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C‐NMR) dereplication analysis to identify xanthones in the stem bark of C. brasiliense.Material and methodsInitial fractionation and purification of the stem bark extract of C. brasiliense produced macluraxanthone (1). Additional xanthones, together with chromanones and terpenoids, were identified using 13C‐NMR dereplication analysis in different semipurified fractions obtained from the low and medium polarity fractions of the stem bark extract of C. brasiliense.ResultsInitial identification of macluraxanthone (1) was confirmed by 13C‐NMR dereplication analysis; additionally, 13C‐NMR dereplication analysis allowed the identification of a number of monohydroxylated and polyhydroxylated xanthones, together with chromanones and terpenoids.ConclusionThis study confirms C. brasiliense as a rich source of xanthones and the 13C‐NMR dereplication analysis as a suitable method to quickly identify the presence of different families of secondary metabolites in semipurified fractions.
Neuro‐oncological patients' and caregivers' psychosocial burden during the COVID‐19 pandemic—A prospective study with qualitative content analysis
Authors: Binswanger Julia , Kohl Carolin , Behling Felix , Noell Susan , Hirsch Sophie , Hickmann Anne‐Katrin , Tatagiba Marcos Soares , Tabatabai Ghazaleh , Hippler Melina , Renovanz Mirjam 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe COVID‐19 pandemic may reinforce psychosocial distress of neuro‐oncological patients. We aimed to (1) differentiate the burden caused by the pandemic versus the tumor and (2) establish topics relevant for brain tumor patients (BTPs) and caregivers.MethodsPatients and caregivers were prospectively assessed from April 2020–July 2020 by a 10‐item comprising interview over the phone, including qualitative and quantitative questions. They were quantitatively evaluated i.a. by the distress thermometer (DT, score 1–10). The qualitative questions were analyzed using structured content analysis: The interview questions defined the main categories. Subcategories were derived by an inductive approach assessing the frequency of patients' and caregivers' answers.ResultsA total of 69 patients and 20 caregivers were interviewed; n = 36 were female (49%), mean age was 53 years (range 32–81). Patients' disease‐related DT scores were higher than the COVID‐19‐related DT scores: the median of the disease‐related DT score was 7 (range 2–10) versus median of COVID‐19‐related distress: 5.0 (range 2–7). Caregivers perceived a higher burden due to the disease (DT median disease: 8; range 2–10 vs. DT pandemic: 3, range 0–10). A total of five main and 21 subcategories were elaborated, most frequently mentioned were “restrictions in public and private affairs” (28%), “changes in the psychological well‐being” (23%), “limited social interaction by contact restriction” (25%). Subcategories relevant for caregivers were similar to those of BTPs.ConclusionA considerable proportion of patients and caregivers still perceived the brain tumor disease as more burdensome than the pandemic. We established main and subcategories of interview items possibly of great relevance to patients during these difficult times, which could be implemented in the content‐related adaption of the psychosocial assessment.