bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recent developments in P(O/S)–N containing flame retardants
Authors: Nazir Rashid , Gaan Sabyasachi 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTSynthesis of organophosphorus compounds containing nitrogen as heteroatom and its application as a flame retardant (FR) have attracted much attention in the academic and industrial communities over the past decade. Such compounds are relatively easy to synthesize and offer advantages such as high thermal stability, which is useful for high temperature processing, improved char stability, density, and yield during the thermal decomposition of polymer, and release phosphorus species active in the flame inhibition process. Though a variety of phosphorus–nitrogen (P–N) compounds can be found in the literature, this review mostly summarizes the recent (since 2013) development in phosphorus (O)‐nitrogen containing flame retardants which have been published in peer‐reviewed journals. General strategies of synthesizing P(O)–N compounds as FRs from various phosphorus‐based starting materials are highlighted in this review. Some of the most common classes of researched P(O)–N containing compounds as FRs include the phosphinamides, phosphonamides, phosphoramides, phosphoramidates, phosphorodiamidates, phosphonamidates and their thio counterparts which are usually obtained via a one‐ or two‐step synthetic strategy. Incorporation of these compounds as FRs in various polymer systems such as polyurethane, epoxy resins, polyamides, cellulose, polylactide, poly(butylene terephthalate), polycarbonates, and acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene are discussed in detail in this review. Special emphasis on the various fire and thermal performances of the new materials are also summarized. The mechanical performance of new materials and the influence of these additives on polymer processing are also briefly discussed. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 47910.
Value of surgical pilot and feasibility study protocols
Authors: Fairhurst K , Blazeby J M , Potter S , Gamble C , Rowlands C , Avery K N L 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Background
RCTs in surgery are challenging owing to well established methodological issues. Well designed pilot and feasibility studies (PFS) may help overcome such issues to inform successful main trial design and conduct. This study aimed to analyse protocols of UK-funded studies to explore current use of PFS in surgery and identify areas for practice improvement.

Methods
PFS of surgical interventions funded by UK National Institute for Health Research programmes from 2005 to 2015 were identified, and original study protocols and associated publications sourced. Data extracted included study design characteristics, reasons for performing the work including perceived uncertainties around conducting a definitive main trial, and whether the studies had been published.

Results
Thirty-five surgical studies were identified, of which 29 were randomized, and over half (15 of 29) included additional methodological components (such as qualitative work examining recruitment, and participant surveys studying current interventions). Most studies focused on uncertainties around recruitment (32 of 35), with far fewer tackling uncertainties specific to surgery, such as intervention stability, implementation or delivery (10 of 35). Only half (19 of 35) had made their results available publicly, to date.

Conclusion
The full potential of pretrial work to inform and optimize definitive surgical studies is not being realized.
Systematic review of outcomes after total neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Zaborowski A , Stakelum A , Winter D C 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Background
Advances in surgical technique and the development of combined-modality therapy have led to significantly improved local control in rectal cancer. Distant failure rates however, remain high, ranging between 20 and 30 per cent. Additional systemic chemotherapy in the preoperative period has been proposed as a means of eradicating subclinical micrometastases and improving long-term survival. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the current evidence regarding induction chemotherapy in combination with standard neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, in terms of oncological outcomes, in patients with rectal cancer.

Methods
A systematic review of the literature was performed to evaluate oncological outcomes and survival in patients with rectal cancer who underwent induction chemotherapy and neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, followed by surgical resection. Four major databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane) were searched. The review included all original articles published in English reporting long-term outcomes, specifically survival data, and was limited to prospective studies only.

Results
A total of 686 studies were identified. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, ten studies involving 648 patients were included. Median follow-up was 53·7 (range 26–80) months. Five-year overall and disease-free survival rates were 74·4 and 65·4 per cent respectively. Weighted mean local recurrence and distant failure rates were 3·5 (range 0–7) and 20·6 (range 5–31) per cent respectively.

Conclusion
Total neoadjuvant therapy should be considered in patients with high-risk locally advanced rectal cancer owing to improved chemotherapy compliance and disease control. Further prospective studies are required to determine whether this approach translates into improved disease-related survival or increases the proportion of patients suitable for non-operative management.
Making glue from seeds and gums: Working with plant‐based polymers to introduce students to plant biochemistry
Authors: Mukherjee Thiya , Lerma‐Reyes Ruben , Thompson Kyle A. , Schrick Kathrin 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPlants and plant products are key to the survival of life on earth. Despite this fact, the significance of plant biochemistry is often underrepresented in science curricula. We designed an innovative laboratory activity to engage students in learning about the biochemical properties of natural polymers produced by plants. The focus of the hands‐on activity is on mucilages and gums, which contain complex polysaccharides that have applications in industry. The 1.5‐h activity is organized into three laboratory exercises. It begins with a demonstration of the water absorption property of seed coat mucilage upon hydration of seeds from psyllium, a plant that is grown commercially for mucilage production. The second exercise involves microscopy of a variety of plant seeds stained with ruthenium red dye to visualize pectin polysaccharides of the seed mucilage. Students learn about phenotypic variation among plant species and how the seed coat mucilage is beneficial to keep seeds hydrated during germination. The third exercise highlights an industrial application of plant gums as adhesives. The students prepare edible glue made with gum arabic, a type of plant polymer from the dried exudate of the Acacia plant. This three‐part activity has been implemented in conjunction with a Girls Researching Our World (GROW) summer workshop for sixth to eighth graders over a 4‐year period. It may be adapted as a laboratory activity for students of all ages, for example, to enhance biochemistry education for high‐school students or undergraduate non‐majors. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(4):468–475, 2019.
Analysis of Metal Effects on C‐Peptide Structure and Internalization
Authors: Stevenson Michael J. , Farran Ian C. , Uyeda Kylie S. , San Juan Jessica A. , Heffern Marie C. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe connecting peptide (C‐peptide) has received increased attention for its potential therapeutic effects in ameliorating illnesses such as kidney disease and diabetes. Although the mechanism of C‐peptide signaling remains elusive, evidence supports its internalization and intracellular function. Emerging research is uncovering the diverse biological roles metals play in controlling and affecting the function of bioactive peptides. The work presented herein investigates interactions between C‐peptide and first‐row d‐block transition metals, as well as their effects on C‐peptide internalization into cells. Through spectroscopic techniques, it is demonstrated that CrIII, CuII, and ZnII bind to C‐peptide with differing stoichiometries and biologically relevant affinities. In addition, metal binding elicits both subtle changes in secondary structure and inhibits adoption of an α‐helical character in environments where the dielectric constants are reduced. This study shows how metal ions can modulate peptide hormone activity through subtle structural changes to disrupt cellular uptake.
An optimized analysis of 2‐acetyl‐1‐pyrroline content diversity in the core collection of aromatic rice germplasm (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Xie Li‐Hong , Tang Shao‐Qing , Wei Xiang‐Jin , Jiao Gui‐Ai , Sheng Zhong‐Hua , Hu Pei‐Song 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackground and objectivesAromatic rice constitutes a small but a special group of rice varieties, considered as the best in quality. A headspace solid‐phase micro‐extraction (HS‐SPME) method, combined with a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) assay, was developed to enable the rapid, simple, and reliable quantification of 2‐acetyl‐1‐pyrroline (2AP) in rice.FindingsThe most effective release of 2AP was obtained using a divinylbenzene/carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane (DVB/CAR/PDMS) fiber and extracting brown flour or single whole brown grain at 80°C for 30 min. By the optimized protocol, the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for 2AP was 1.0 µg/kg of 2AP and 4.0 µg/kg of brown rice flour, respectively. The reproducibility and interday repeatability were <5.00% RSD (n = 10) and 12.5% RSD (n = 27), respectively. A good linearity was observed from 5 to 80 ng with a good correlation coefficient (R2) value of 0.9892. When the method was applied to a collection of aromatic rice germplasm, the 2AP content in 34 entries appeared to be below the limit of detection. The mean 2AP content in the set was 0.45 mg/kg, and the range was from undetectable to 2.73 mg/kg. Most entries contained 0.09–0.46 mg/kg 2AP.ConclusionsA rapid 2AP assay of brown flour or single brown whole grain, based on HS‐SPME combined with GC‐MS, was shown to generate reproducible and reliable outputs. When applied to a set of 228 aromatic rice entries, it was able to reveal the existence of substantial variation for 2AP content.Significance and noveltyThe results of this study produced an accurate, rapid, and highly reproducible assay, which are suitable for the screening of large numbers of samples and the helping of aromatic rice breeding.
N, P, S/Fe‐codoped Carbon Derived from Feculae Bombycis as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Meng Hongjie , Chen Xiaohong , Gong Tianle , Liu Haoran , Liu Yiming , Li Hong , Zhang Yongming 
Published: May 2019

AbstractDevelopment of efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) from resource‐abundant, eco‐friendly, and low‐cost materials is important for environmental‐friendly fuel cells. In this work, N, P, S/Fe‐codoped carbon (FBC−Fe) with hierarchical porous structure was successfully prepared by the simple pyrolysis of feculae bombycis (FB) in the presence of ferric nitrate and followed by an acid etching process. FBC−Fe exhibits an excellent long‐term durability and a remarkable methanol‐resistance as well as a high electrocatalytic activity (Eonset: 0.92 V vs RHE, E1/2: 0.81 vs RHE, and electron transfer number: 4.1) comparable to commercial platinum–carbon (Pt/C, 20 wt.%) catalysts for the ORR in alkaline media. This low‐cost and simple approach provides a straightforward route to synthesize excellent electrocatalysts for ORR from biomass.
Acyl‐Imidazoles: A Privileged Ester Surrogate for Enantioselective Synthesis
Authors: Lauberteaux Jimmy , Pichon Delphine , Baslé Olivier , Mauduit Marc , Marcia de Figueiredo Renata , Campagne Jean‐Marc 
Published: May 2019

AbstractSince the first report by Evans in asymmetric Friedel‐Crafts reactions, the use of acyl‐imidazoles has blossomed as powerful ester/amide surrogates. The imidazole scaffold indeed displays stability and special activation features allowing both better reactivity and selectivity in traditional ester/amide functionalizations: α‐(enolate chemistry), β‐(conjugate additions), α,β‐(cycloadditions) or γ/δ‐(vinylogous). An overview of the contemporary and growing interest in acyl‐imidazoles in metal‐ and organo‐catalyzed transformations (bio‐hybrid catalytic systems will be fully described in a back‐to‐back Minireview) will be highlighted. Moreover, post‐functionalization expediencies are also going to be discussed in this Minireview.
Site‐Selective, Remote sp3 C−H Carboxylation Enabled by the Merger of Photoredox and Nickel Catalysis
Authors: Sahoo Basudev , Bellotti Peter , Juliá‐Hernández Francisco , Meng Qing‐Yuan , Crespi Stefano , König Burkhard , Martin Ruben 
Published: May 2019

AbstractA photoinduced carboxylation of alkyl halides with CO2 at remote sp3 C−H sites enabled by the merger of photoredox and Ni catalysis is described. This protocol features a predictable reactivity and site selectivity that can be modulated by the ligand backbone. Preliminary studies reinforce a rationale based on a dynamic displacement of the catalyst throughout the alkyl side chain.
“When we were young, it really was a treat; now sugar is just the norm every day”—A qualitative study of parents’ and young adults’ perceptions and consumption of sugary drinks
Authors: Miller Caroline , Braunack‐Mayer Annette , Wakefield Melanie , Roder David , O'Dea Kerin , Dono Joanne , Ettridge Kerry 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIssue addressedSugar‐sweetened beverages (SSB) are the leading source of free sugars in Australian children's and adults’ diets. This study explores drivers of consumption among parents and young adults to inform interventions.MethodsEight focus groups (n = 59) stratified by gender, age/life stage and SES were analysed thematically.ResultsDaily SSB consumption was normalised. Participants drank SSBs to avoid perceived energy/sugar deficits, to treat themselves and as a function of familial influence. Frequent consumption was considered acceptable if “in moderation” and/or “balanced” with exercise/diet; however, there was a large disconnect between this language of moderation and actual consumption practices. Participants acknowledged that social norms had changed over time. There was little evidence of accurate knowledge of sugar content for any beverage type. Participants relied heavily on packaging and labelling, much of which conveyed a health halo effect. While participants could list health effects of excess consumption, they were considered long‐term or of low personal relevance. Awareness of health recommendations was low.ConclusionsConsumers’ adoption and use of concepts such as “treat,” “moderation” and “balance” reflect both food and beverage industry marketing and public health messaging. However, the disconnect between this language and knowledge and consumption practices is problematic.So what?SSB consumption is very high with serious implications for health. Curbing consumption among young adults and parents has potential to change the health trajectories for current and future generations. There is a clear need to increase health literacy around SSB consumption. Simple consumption guidelines, clearer sugar content labelling and health warnings offer potential.
Clinically complete response to abiraterone acetate in a patient with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Yanai Yoshinori , Kosaka Takeo , Hongo Hiroshi , Oya Mototsugu 
Published: May 2019

IntroductionAbiraterone acetate in combination with prednisone is now widely used for the treatment of castration‐resistant prostate cancer.Case presentationA 62‐year‐old patient with a bone metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer was started on abiraterone acetate at a dose of 1000 mg a day along with 10 mg prednisone. In spite of castrate testosterone level, the laboratory test showed a relatively high level of serum testosterone, which was 21 ng/dL. Within 6 months, the patient achieved a complete prostate‐specific antigen response. Follow‐up bone scintigraphy demonstrated no area of intense uptake. He had a history of hyperlipidemia and was started on atorvastatin at home just after starting abiraterone acetate.ConclusionThis report is a rare case of a clinically complete response to abiraterone acetate in a patient with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer.
Computing for social good: Supporting microfinance institutions in Zambia
Authors: Wakunuma Kutoma , Siwale Juliana , Beck Robert 
Published: May 2019

AbstractWe investigate whether information and communication technologies (ICTs) can be used to achieve social good as they are implemented in microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Zambia. We find through information gathered from interviews with MFI officials that their organizations are focused primarily on survival in a competitive financial climate. Additionally, our findings reveal that most MFI business within the context of ICTs only promotes social good by default and not by design. This means that social good is not a primary mover or something that MFIs plan to achieve when they integrate ICTs into their business models but that it happens because of the assumed mission of primarily serving the informal sector small business and microbusiness and the low‐income clients.
Antibacterial activity of copper‐bearing 316L stainless steel for the prevention of implant‐related infection
Authors: Zhuang Yifu , Zhang Shuyuan , Yang Ke , Ren Ling , Dai Kerong 
Published: May 2019

AbstractImplant‐related infection (IRI) is a devastating complication in orthopedic procedures. Traditional materials used in orthopedics are susceptible to bacterial infection. In this study, we developed a copper‐bearing 316L stainless steel (316L‐Cu SS) for the prevention of IRI. This 316L‐Cu SS allowed stable and continuous release of copper ions with a rate of 5.079 ng/cm2/day. Compared with 316L stainless steel (316L SS), 316L‐Cu SS exhibited a broad‐spectrum antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus epidermidis with the bacterial reduction percentages of 95.2, 94.8, and 94.1%, respectively. The antibiofilm activity was confirmed by crystal violet assay, scanning electron microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The in vivo antibacterial performance was tested on a rat model. When nails were treated with a low concentration of bacteria, 316L SS group exhibit a bone infection with a radiographic score of 8.9 ± 1.1 and a histological score of 10.4 ± 1.0, which were higher than 316L‐Cu SS group (1.2 ± 0.2 and 0.9 ± 0.2), indicating IRI was reduced by 316L‐Cu SS. When nails were treated with a high concentration of bacteria, IRI was also alleviated by 316L‐Cu SS. Together, these results demonstrated that 316L‐Cu SS is a promising material for preventing IRI.
Curcumin increased the expression of c‐FLIP in HTLV‐1‐associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) patients
Authors: Poursina Zohreh , Mohammadi Asadollah , Yazdi Shadi Zamanian , Humpson Ian , Vakili Veda , Boostani Reza , Rafatpanah Houshang 
Published: May 2019

AbstractHuman T‐cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV‐1)‐associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) disease is a chronic neuroinflammatory disease, which is associated with HTLV‐1 infection. There is no effective and satisfactory treatment of HAM/TSP. It has been shown that curcumin exhibits modulatory effects on apoptosis and cytotoxicity‐related molecules in HAM/TSP patients. In the present study, we examined the effect of curcumin on the gene expression of caspase‐8, caspase‐10, and anti‐apoptotic protein c‐FLIP, in HAM/TSP patients. Furthermore, we compared the expression of these molecules between HAM/TSP and asymptomatic carriers. Real‐time PCR was performed to examine the mRNA expression of caspase‐8, caspase‐10, and c‐FLIP in studied groups. The mRNA expression of caspase‐8 and caspase‐10 was similar before and after curcumin treatment in HAM/TSP patients (P > 0.05). The mRNA expression of c‐FLIPL and c‐FLIPs was higher after curcumin treatment compared with before treatment and significant differences were observed between the two groups (P = 0.004 and P = 0.044, respectively). The mRNA expression levels of caspase‐8, caspase‐10, c‐FLIPL, and c‐FLIPs were not statistically significant between HAM/TSP patients and asymptomatic carriers (P < 0.05).In conclusion, our results showed that curcumin increased the expression of c‐FLIP in HAM/TSP patients which might suggest that, this molecule is involved in the apoptosis of HTLV‐1‐infected cells. Further studies with large sample size could be useful to clarify the role of this supplement in HAM/TSP patients.
Assessment of the protective effect of KN‐93 drug in systemic epilepsy disorders induced by pilocarpine in male rat
Authors: Ebrahimi Fatemeh , Sadr Seyed Shahabeddin , Roghani Mehrdad , Khamse Safoura , Mohammadian Haftcheshmeh Saeed , Navid Hamidi Mojdeh , Mohseni‐Moghaddam Parvaneh , Zamani Elham 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackground and AimsEpileptic seizures occur as a consequence of a sudden imbalance between the stimuli and inhibitors within the network of cortical neurons in favor of the stimulus. One of the drugs that induce epilepsy is pilocarpine. Systemic injection of pilocarpine affects on muscarinic receptors. Increasing evidence has addressed the implication of KN‐93 by blocking Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation, and also reducing neuron decay. So, we aimed to evaluate the potential preventive effects of KN‐93 in systemic epilepsy disorders induced by pilocarpine.Materials and MethodsIn this animal study, male rats were divided into five groups including treatment group (KN‐93 with the dose of 5 mM/10 µL dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) before inducing epilepsy by 380 mg/kg pilocarpine) KN‐93 group (received 5 mM KN‐93), control group, epilepsy group (received 380 mg/kg pilocarpine Intraperitoneal), and sham group (received 10 µL DMSO). Oxidative stress was assessed by measuring its indicators including the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrite, glutathione (GSH), as well as the antioxidant activity of catalase. In addition, serum levels of proinflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) were determined.ResultsPretreatment with KN‐93 significantly reduced oxidative stress index by reducing the concentration of MDA, nitrite, and increasing the level of GSH. In addition, low concentrations of TNF‐α and IL‐1β were observed in hippocampus supernatant of KN‐93 pretreated rats in comparison with the pilocarpine groups. Moreover, administration of KN‐93 improved neuronal density and attenuated the seizure activity and behavior.ConclusionsOverall, our findings suggest that KN‐93 can effectively suppress oxidative stress and inflammation. Furthermore, KN‐93 is able to attenuate seizure behaviors by preventing its effects on neuron loss, so, it is valuable for the treatment of epileptic seizures.