bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluorescence polarisation for high‐throughput screening of adulterated food products via phosphodiesterase 5 inhibition assay
Authors: Mohd Yusop Ahmad Yusri , Xiao Linda , Fu Shanlin
Published: September 2020

The surge in the consumption of food products containing herbal aphrodisiacs has driven their widespread adulteration. A rapid screening strategy is, therefore, warranted to curb this problem. This study established an enzyme inhibition assay to screen phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors as adulterants in selected food products. Fluorescein‐labelled cyclic‐3′,5′‐guanosine monophosphate was utilised as substrates for the PDE5A1 enzyme, aided by the presence of nanoparticle phosphate‐binding beads on their fluorescence polarisation. The sample preparation was optimised to improve the enzyme inhibition efficiency and applied to calculate the threshold values of six blank food matrices. The assay was validated using sildenafil, producing an IC50 of 4.2 nM. The applicability of the assay procedure was demonstrated by screening 55 distinct food samples. The results were subsequently verified using confirmatory liquid chromatography–high‐resolution mass spectrometry (LC‐HRMS) analysis. Altogether, 49 samples inhibited the PDE5 enzyme above the threshold values (75.7%–105.5%) and were registered as potentially adulterated samples. The remaining six samples were marked as nonadulterated with percentage inhibition below the threshold values (−3.3%–18.2%). The LC‐HRMS analysis agreed with the assay results for all food products except for the instant coffee premix (ICP) samples. False‐positive results were obtained for the ICP samples at 32% (8/25), due to possible PDE5 inhibition by caffeine. Contrarily, all other food samples were found to produce 0% (0/30) false‐positive or false‐negative results. The broad‐based assay, established via a simple mix‐incubate‐read format, exhibited promising potential for high‐throughput screening of PDE5 inhibitors in various food products, except those with naturally occurring phosphodiesterase inhibitors such as caffeine.
Effects of Hedysarum leguminous plants on soil bacterial communities in the Mu Us Desert, northwest China
Authors: Zhou Ziyuan , Yu Minghan , Ding Guodong , Gao Guanglei , He Yingying , Wang Genzhu
Published: September 2020

This study assessed the influence of rhizocompartment types (i.e., root, rhizosphere soil, root‐zone soil, and intershrub bulk soil) on the diversity of soil microbial communities under desert leguminous plant shrubs. Moreover, the influence and variations of soil physicochemical factors in interactions among leguminous plants, soil, and microbes were investigated. Both 16S rRNA high‐throughput genome sequencing and conventional soil physicochemical index determination were used to characterize both the bacterial diversity and soil physicochemical properties in the rhizocompartments of two Hedysarum species (Hedysarum mongolicum and Hedysarum scoparium) in the Mu Us Desert of China. All nutrient indices (except total phosphorus and available phosphorus) in rhizosphere soil were uniformly higher than those in both root‐zone soil and intershrub bulk soil (p < .05). The bacterial community diversity in the root, undershrub soil (i.e., rhizosphere and root zone), and intershrub bulk soil also showed significant differences (p < .05). The bacterial community in the root is mainly composed of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Tenericutes, and Chloroflexi, among which bacteria of the Proteobacteria genus are dominant. Root endophyte and rhizosphere soil microbiomes were mainly influenced by soil nutrients, while bacterial communities in root‐zone soil and intershrub bulk soil were mainly influenced by soil pH and NH4+‐N. The rhizocompartment types of desert leguminous plants impose a significant influence on the diversity of soil microbial communities. According to these findings, nitrogen‐fixing rhizobia can co‐exist with nonsymbiotic endophytes in the roots of desert leguminous plants. Moreover, plants have a hierarchical filtering and enriching effect on beneficial microbes in soil via rhizocompartments. Soil physicochemical factors have a significant influence on both the structure and composition of microbial communities in various rhizocompartments, which is derived from the interactions among leguminous plants, soil, and microbes.
Background insect herbivory increases with local elevation but makes minor contribution to element cycling along natural gradients in the Subarctic
Authors: Kristensen Jeppe A. , Michelsen Anders , Metcalfe Daniel B.
Published: September 2020

Herbivores can exert major controls over biogeochemical cycling. As invertebrates are highly sensitive to temperature shifts (ectothermal), the abundances of insects in high‐latitude systems, where climate warming is rapid, is expected to increase. In subarctic mountain birch forests, research has focussed on geometrid moth outbreaks, while the contribution of background insect herbivory (BIH) to elemental cycling is poorly constrained. In northern Sweden, we estimated BIH along 9 elevational gradients distributed across a gradient in regional elevation, temperature, and precipitation to allow evaluation of consistency in local versus regional variation. We converted foliar loss via BIH to fluxes of C, nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) from the birch canopy to the soil to compare with other relevant soil inputs of the same elements and assessed different abiotic and biotic drivers of the observed variability. We found that leaf area loss due to BIH was ~1.6% on average. This is comparable to estimates from tundra, but considerably lower than ecosystems at lower latitudes. The C, N, and P fluxes from canopy to soil associated with BIH were 1–2 orders of magnitude lower than the soil input from senesced litter and external nutrient sources such as biological N fixation, atmospheric deposition of N, and P weathering estimated from the literature. Despite the minor contribution to overall elemental cycling in subarctic birch forests, the higher quality and earlier timing of the input of herbivore deposits to soils compared to senesced litter may make this contribution disproportionally important for various ecosystem functions. BIH increased significantly with leaf N content as well as local elevation along each transect, yet showed no significant relationship with temperature or humidity, nor the commonly used temperature proxy, absolute elevation. The lack of consistency between the local and regional elevational trends calls for caution when using elevation gradients as climate proxies.
African‐specific improvement of a polygenic hazard score for age at diagnosis of prostate cancer
Authors: Karunamuni Roshan A. , Huynh‐Le Minh‐Phuong , Fan Chun C. , Thompson Wesley , Eeles Rosalind A. , Kote‐Jarai Zsofia , Muir Kenneth ,   UKGPCS Collaborators, Lophatananon Artitaya , Tangen Catherine M. , Goodman Phyllis J. , Thompson Ian M. , Blot William J. , Zheng Wei , Kibel Adam S. , Drake Bettina F. , Cussenot Olivier , Cancel‐Tassin Géraldine , Menegaux Florence , Truong Thérèse , Park Jong Y. , Lin Hui‐Yi , Bensen Jeannette T. , Fontham Elizabeth T. H. , Mohler James L. , Taylor Jack A. , Multigner Luc , Blanchet Pascal , Brureau Laurent , Romana Marc , Leach Robin J. , John Esther M. , Fowke Jay , Bush William S. , Aldrich Melinda , Crawford Dana C. , Srivastava Shiv , Cullen Jennifer C. , Petrovics Gyorgy , Parent Marie‐Élise , Hu Jennifer J. , Sanderson Maureen , Mills Ian G. , Andreassen Ole A. , Dale Anders M. , Seibert Tyler M. ,   The PRACTICAL Consortium
Published: September 2020

Polygenic hazard score (PHS) models are associated with age at diagnosis of prostate cancer. Our model developed in Europeans (PHS46) showed reduced performance in men with African genetic ancestry. We used a cross‐validated search to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that might improve performance in this population. Anonymized genotypic data were obtained from the PRACTICAL consortium for 6253 men with African genetic ancestry. Ten iterations of a 10‐fold cross‐validation search were conducted to select SNPs that would be included in the final PHS46+African model. The coefficients of PHS46+African were estimated in a Cox proportional hazards framework using age at diagnosis as the dependent variable and PHS46, and selected SNPs as predictors. The performance of PHS46 and PHS46+African was compared using the same cross‐validated approach. Three SNPs (rs76229939, rs74421890 and rs5013678) were selected for inclusion in PHS46+African. All three SNPs are located on chromosome 8q24. PHS46+African showed substantial improvements in all performance metrics measured, including a 75% increase in the relative hazard of those in the upper 20% compared to the bottom 20% (2.47‐4.34) and a 20% reduction in the relative hazard of those in the bottom 20% compared to the middle 40% (0.65‐0.53). In conclusion, we identified three SNPs that substantially improved the association of PHS46 with age at diagnosis of prostate cancer in men with African genetic ancestry to levels comparable to Europeans.
Analysis of distinct asymmetries in financial integration‐growth nexus for industrial, emerging and developing countries
Authors: Yolcu Karadam Duygu , Öcal Nadir
Published: September 2020

This paper examines the threshold conditions in financial integration and growth relationship for a large set of threshold variables and different income group of countries employing Panel Smooth Transition Regression Models. Except developing countries, our findings strongly indicate nonlinear dynamics and imply that the impact of financial integration on growth is asymmetric depending on a number of indicators such as countries' degree of institutional quality, financial sector development, trade openness, budget deficit, inflation volatility and the level of financial integration. Our results show that these threshold effects substantially differ for emerging and industrial countries. As far as whole set of countries is concerned, our findings imply that countries having developed financial systems, qualified institutions and stable macroeconomic environment benefit from financial integration. Moreover, threshold effects are stronger and different for emerging countries compared to the industrial countries. Unlike emerging economies, higher levels of financial integration and trade openness decrease benefits from financial openness for the industrial countries. Besides, high fiscal deficit has more pronounced negative effect on the growth of the industrialized countries compared to emerging economies and other indicators.
DEPTOR Prevents Osteoarthritis Development Via Interplay With TRC8 to Reduce Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Chondrocytes
Authors: Li Kai , Yang Panpan , Zhang Yuwei , Zhang Yue , Cao He , Liu Peilin , Huang Bin , Xu Song , Lai Pinglin , Lei Guanghua , Liu Jia , Tang Yujin , Bai Xiaochun , Zou Zhipeng
Published: September 2020

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been shown to promote chondrocyte apoptosis and osteoarthritis (OA) progression, but the precise mechanisms via which ER stress is modulated in OA remain unclear. Here we report that DEP domain-containing mTOR-interacting protein (DEPTOR) negatively regulated ER stress and OA development independent of mTOR signaling. DEPTOR is ubiquitinated in articular chondrocytes and its expression is markedly reduced along with OA progression. Deletion of DEPTOR in chondrocytes significantly promoted destabilized medial meniscus (DMM) surgery-induced OA development, whereas intra-articular injection of lentivirus-expressing DEPTOR delayed OA progression in mice. Proteomics analysis revealed that DEPTOR interplayed with TRC8, which promoted TRC8 auto-ubiquitination and degraded by the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) in chondrocytes. Loss of DEPTOR led to TRC8 accumulation and excessive ER stress, with subsequent chondrocyte apoptosis and OA progression. Importantly, an inhibitor of ER stress eliminated chondrocyte DEPTOR deletion-exacerbated OA in mice. Together, these findings establish a novel mechanism essential for OA pathogenesis, where decreasing DEPTOR in chondrocytes during OA progression relieves the auto-ubiquitination of TRC8, resulting in TRC8 accumulation, excessive ER stress, and OA progression. Targeting this pathway has promising therapeutic potential for OA treatment. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Health Service Use and Quality of Life Recovery 12 Months Following Major Osteoporotic Fracture: Latent Class Analyses of the International Costs and Utilities Related to Osteoporotic Fractures Study (ICUROS)
Authors: Talevski Jason , Sanders Kerrie M , Busija Ljoudmila , Beauchamp Alison , Duque Gustavo , Borgström Fredrik , Kanis John A , Svedbom Axel , Connaughton Catherine , Stuart Amanda L , Brennan-Olsen Sharon L
Published: September 2020

Major osteoporotic fractures (MOFs) are associated with a rapid decline in health-related quality of life (HRQoL); however, there is limited knowledge about which healthcare services positively affect HRQoL postfracture. This study aimed to identify specific combinations of health service use associated with recovery of HRQoL 12 months post-MOF. The analyses included 4126 adults aged ≥50 years with an MOF (1657 hip, 1354 distal forearm, 681 vertebrae, 434 humerus) participating in the International Costs and Utilities Related to Osteoporotic fractures Study (ICUROS), a multinational observational study (Australia, Austria, Estonia, France, Italy, Lithuania, Mexico, Russia, Spain, United Kingdom, and United States). HRQoL at prefracture and 12 months postfracture was measured using the EuroQoL questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L). Health service use data were collected via participant interviews and medical record reviews including in-hospital care; outpatient care; community services; and medication use. Data analyses involved two stages: (i) latent class analyses to identify different combinations of health service use (“classes”); and (ii) logistic regression to assess effects of classes on HRQoL recovery. Analyses were repeated excluding hip fractures (non-hip MOFs). Overall, 2057 MOF participants (49.9%) recovered to their prefracture HRQoL at 12-month follow-up; this proportion was higher for non-hip MOFs (n = 1439; 58.3%). Several distinct classes were identified across countries (range, 2–5 classes). Classes that were associated with increased odds of HRQoL recovery were characterized by a combination of hospital presentations without admission; outpatient department visits; allied health visits; vitamin D/calcium supplementation; and/or non-opioid analgesic use. Similar classes were observed for non-hip MOFs. Understanding country-specific healthcare service pathways that influence greater recovery of HRQoL, particularly services that are uncommon in some countries and routine in others, could improve postfracture care on a global scale. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Differential microRNA expression in the peripheral blood from human patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Li Caixia , Hu Xiao , Li Leilei , Li Jin‐hui
Published: September 2020

Introduction

The coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), which play important roles in regulating gene expression and are also considered as essential modulators during viral infection. The aim of this study was to elucidate the differential expression of miRNAs in COVID‐19.

Methods

The total RNA was extracted and purified from the peripheral blood of ten patients with COVID‐19 and four healthy donors. The expression levels of various miRNAs were detected by high‐throughput sequencing, and correlation analysis was performed on the target genes that are primed by miRNAs.

Key findings

Compared with the healthy controls, 35 miRNAs were upregulated and 38 miRNAs were downregulated in the human patients with COVID‐19. The top 10 genes were listed below: hsa‐miR‐16‐2‐3P,hsa‐miR‐5695,hsa‐miR‐10399‐3P,hsa‐miR‐6501‐5P,hsa‐miR‐361‐3P,hsa‐miR‐361‐3p, hsa‐miR‐4659a‐3p, hsa‐miR‐142‐5p, hsa‐miR‐4685‐3p, hsa‐miR‐454‐5p, and hsa‐miR‐30c‐5p. The 10 genes with the greatest reduction were listed below: hsa‐miR‐183‐5p, hsa‐miR‐627‐5p, hsa‐miR‐941, hsa‐miR‐21‐5p, hsa‐miR‐20a‐5p, hsa‐miR‐146b‐5p, hsa‐miR‐454‐3p, hsa‐miR‐18a‐5p, hsa‐miR‐340‐5p, and hsa‐miR‐17‐5p. Remarkably, miR‐16‐2‐3p was the most upregulated miRNA, with a 1.6‐fold change compared to that of the controls. Moreover, the expression of miR‐6501‐5p and miR‐618 was 1.5‐fold higher in the COVID‐19 patients than in the healthy donors. Meanwhile, miR‐627‐5p was the most downregulated miRNA, with a 2.3‐fold change compared to that of the controls. The expression of other miRNAs (miR‐183‐5p, miR‐627‐5p, and miR‐144‐3p) was reduced by more than 1.3‐fold compared to that of the healthy donors. Cluster analysis revealed that all of the differentially expressed miRNA target genes were clustered by their regulation of cellular components, molecular functions, and biological processes. Importantly, peptidases, protein kinases, and the ubiquitin system were shown to be the highest enrichment categories by enrichment analysis.

Conclusions

The differential miRNA expression found in COVID‐19 patients may regulate the immune responses and viral replication during viral infection.
Is it time to incorporate physics into the Dental Admissions Test?
Authors: Tandon Rahul
Published: September 2020

Although physics is a pre‐requisite for dental students prior to matriculation it is not tested on the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). The concepts of physics are found throughout the dental profession, and by testing it on the DAT dental students will be better equipped to relate physics to their field and help advance it. The purpose of this paper is to make the argument for why it should be tested, as well as eliminating some of the superfluous topics on the DAT (ecology, environmental sciences, and plant physiology). This paper will focus on a few of concepts already taught in dentistry, and explore how physics principles apply to several of them. We want to emphasize the importance of physics and how testing even the most basic concepts will help prepare students to “think outside the box”. Classical physics, specifically Newtonian Mechanics, has several applications in nearly all areas of dentistry: restorative, orthodontics, prosthodontics, and surgery. The testing of basic formulas studied in the pre‐requisite physics classes will help ease the transition from college to dental school. Modern physics, namely Quantum Mechanics, also plays a significant role in current dental diagnostics and therapeutics. Additionally, with the development of the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) as a replacement for the old NBDE part 1 and 2, there are topics tested that specifically focus on physics: Foundational Knowledge Areas 2 and 3. Thus, it is critical that the student dentist be familiar with these concepts. It is important to note that scientific changes occurring in the health sciences almost mandates students be familiar with concepts rooted in physics. It is then proposed that physics be incorporated into the exam, either with the natural sciences or within the quantitative reasoning section, in addition to eliminating topics not relevant to the dental field.
Characterization of seminal parameters, sperm morphometry, micromorphology, and ultrastructure in gray brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira, Fischer, 1814)
Authors: Cunha Duanny Murinelly de Souza , de Souza Mírley Barbosa , Brito Bruna Farias , Silva Herlon Victor Rodrigues , Ribeiro Leandro Rodrigues , Xavier Júnior Francisco Antônio Félix , Evangelista Janaina Serra Azul Monteiro , Pereira Leda Maria Costa , Teixeira Dárcio Ítalo Alves
Published: September 2020

Populations of gray brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira) are declining; yet, knowledge on the reproductive biology of this species remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to describe morphology, viability, membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, morphometry, micromorphology, and ultrastructure of the gray brocket deer sperm. Three adult male gray brocket deer were used in the study. Semen collection was performed using electroejaculation. Semen were analyzed by evaluating pH, motilities, vigor, mass movement, volume, concentration, viability, membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, morphology, and morphometry. Micromorphology and ultrastructure of sperm were analyzed using scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), respectively. There was no significant difference among males regarding on pH, motilities, vigor, mass movement, volume, concentration, viability. High values for membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, and normal sperm were observed. The most frequent defects were simple bent tail and bowed midpiece. The head length, and width, midpiece, and tail length were 8.5, 4.4, 11.5, and 41.3 μm, respectively. SEM sperm showed paddle‐shaped heads, with apical ridge and serrated band on the equatorial segment. TEM revealed the nucleus, acrosome, plasma membrane, mitochondria sheath, proximal centrioles, segmented columns, axoneme, outer dense fibers, and fibrous sheath. SEM and TEM showed the presence of some abnormalities. These results are expected to provide baseline values of diverse semen parameters, contributing toward the development of reproductive biotechnologies for gray brocket deer and, other deer species at risk of extinction.
Analysis of hair and plasma samples for methotrexate (MTX) and metabolite using high‐performance liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) detection
Authors: Kim Duck Hyun , Yoo Yeong Suk , Yoo Hee Jin , Choi Yoon Ji , Kim Soon Ae , Sheen Dong‐Hyuk , Lee Sang Kwang , Lim Mi Kyoung , Cho Kun
Published: September 2020

Methotrexate (MTX), a folate antagonist, is the anchor drug used to treat several diseases. Therapeutic effects are attributed to intracellular levels of various methotrexate conjugates that are present in the cell as polyglutamates (MTX‐Glu). The present study was conducted to develop a new liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐ESI‐MS/MS)‐based assay to separately quantitate the MTX‐Glu in hair cells, red blood cells, and serum using internal standards. Sample preparation consisted of extraction with an organic solution followed by solid‐phase extraction. The presented methodology was applied for the analysis of methotrexate and its polyglutamates in hair cells, red blood cells, and serum obtained from clinical patients. The developed LC‐ESI‐MS/MS method for the quantitative measurement of MTX‐Glu was both sensitive and precise within the clinically relevant range. This method is possibly be superior with respect to sensitivity, selectivity, and speed than all previously described approaches and can be easily applied in routine clinical tests owing to the combination of a simple pretreatment process with robust LC‐MS/MS.
Bicomponent supramolecular self‐assemblies studied with tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Jiang Song , Zhang Rui , Zhang Xian‐Biao , Zhang Yang , Zhang Yao , Dong Zhen‐Chao
Published: September 2020

The formation of well‐ordered supramolecular self‐assembly based on cytosine and 4,4′‐bipyridine on Ag(111) has been investigated with subnanometer‐resolved tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) using a low‐temperature ultrahigh‐vacuum scanning tunneling microscope (STM). The co‐deposition of two molecules on the Ag(111) surface held at room temperature results in well‐ordered hydrogen‐bonded monolayer islands, which transform into well‐aligned double‐stranded chains after thermal annealing. Site‐dependent TERS spectra help to identify the packing structures of molecular assemblies. The changes of molecule‐specific vibrational fingerprints across the assemblies can be clearly monitored by combining high‐resolution TERS spectra with advanced multivariate analysis. Furthermore, the peak positions and relative intensities for characteristic vibrational modes of the two molecules are found to vary due to the changes of the local hydrogen bonding and interaction environment in different molecular samples. Our findings demonstrate that TERS is sensitive to the local molecular interactions, provides new potentials to monitor the functionality of molecular architectures on demand, and opens new opportunities to probe surface chemistry at the nanoscale.
Seasonal and spatial variability in surface pCO2 and air–water CO2 flux in the Chesapeake Bay
Authors: Chen Baoshan , Cai Wei‐Jun , Brodeur Jean R. , Hussain Najid , Testa Jeremy M. , Ni Wenfei , Li Qian
Published: September 2020

Interactions between riverine inputs, internal cycling, and oceanic exchange result in dynamic variations in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) in large estuaries. Here, we report the first bay‐wide, annual‐scale observations of surface pCO2 and air–water CO2 flux along the main stem of the Chesapeake Bay, revealing large annual variations in pCO2 (43–3408 μatm) and a spatial‐dependence of pCO2 on internal and external drivers. The low salinity upper bay was a net source of CO2 to the atmosphere (31.2 mmol m−2 d−1) supported by inputs of CO2‐rich Susquehanna River water and the respiration of allochthonous organic matter, but part of this region was also characterized by low pCO2 during spring and fall phytoplankton blooms. pCO2 decreased downstream due to CO2 ventilation supported by long water residence times, stratification, mixing with low pCO2 water masses, and carbon removal by biological uptake. The mesohaline middle bay was a net CO2 sink (−5.8 mmol m−2 d−1) and the polyhaline lower bay was nearly in equilibrium with the atmosphere (1.0 mmol m−2 d−1). Although the main stem of the bay was a weak CO2 source (3.7 ± 3.3 × 109 mol C) during the dry hydrologic (calendar) year 2016, our observations showed higher river discharge could decrease CO2 efflux. In contrast to many other estuaries worldwide that are strong sources of CO2 to the atmosphere, the Chesapeake Bay and potentially other large estuaries are very weak CO2 sources in dry years, and could even turn into a CO2 sink in wet years.
Plastics and the Environment—Current Status and Challenges in Germany and Australia
Authors: Wurm Frederik R. , Spierling Sebastian , Endres Hans‐Josef , Barner Leonie
Published: September 2020

Polymers and plastics play a very important part in the modern world and contribute to people's wellbeing and comfort. However, products made of them are contributing to land‐ and marine‐based environmental pollution due to littering and other ways of emission, and therefore threaten ecosystems worldwide. However, waste management and responses by governments and the consumer differ strongly from country to country. The current article provides an overview of several important aspects of polymer waste and plastic pollution as well as describes selected strategies to mitigate these using examples from Germany and Australia, and therefore aims to contribute to the resolution of the ever‐increasing problem of unsustainable plastic consumption, disposal, and pollution.
Novel Photoinitiators Based on Benzophenone‐Triphenylamine Hybrid Structure for LED Photopolymerization
Authors: Liu Shaohui , Brunel Damien , Sun Ke , Zhang Yijun , Chen Hong , Xiao Pu , Dumur Frédéric , Lalevée Jacques
Published: September 2020

In this study, a new generation of photoinitiator (PI) based on hybrid structures combining benzophenone and triphenylamine is proposed. Remarkably, these photoinitiators (noted monofunctional benzophenone‐triphenylamine (MBP‐TPA) and trifunctional benzophenone‐triphenylamine (TBP‐TPA)) are designed and developed for the photopolymerization under light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). Benzoyl substituents connected with triphenylamine moiety contribute to the excellent absorption properties which results in both high final conversions and polymerization rates in free radical photopolymerization (FRP). Remarkably, TBP‐TPA owning trifunctional benzophenone group exhibits a better Type II PI behavior than well‐known 2‐isopropylthioxanthone for photopolymerization under LED@365 and 405 nm irradiation. FRP and cationic photopolymerization of TBP‐TPA‐based systems are applied on 3D printing experiments, and good profiles of the 3D patterns are observed. The high molecular weight of TBP‐TPA associated with it trifunctional character can also be very interesting for a better migration stability of PIs that is a huge challenge. The development of this new generation of photoinitiators based on benzophenone hybrid structures is a real breakthrough. It reveals that the novel versatile photoinitiators based on benzophenone‐triphenylamine hybrid structures have great potentials for future industrial applications (e.g., 3D printing, composites, etc.).
Calystegines are Potential Urine Biomarkers for Dietary Exposure to Potato Products
Authors: Beckmann Manfred , Lloyd Amanda J. , Wilson Thomas , Torres Duarte P. M. , Goios Ana C. L. , Willis Naomi D. , Lyons Laura , Phillips Helen , Mathers John C. , Nash Robert J. , Sharp Hazel , Draper John
Published: September 2020

Scope

Metabolites derived from specific foods present in urine samples can provide objective biomarkers of food intake (BFIs). This study investigated the possibility that calystegines (a class of iminosugars) may provide BIFs for potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) product exposure.

Methods and results

Calystegine content is examined in published data covering a wide range of potato cultivars. Rapid methods are developed for the quantification of calystegines in cooked potato products and human urine using triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. The potential of calystegines as BFIs for potato consumption is assessed in a controlled food intervention study in the United Kingdom and validated in an epidemiological study in Portugal. Calystegine concentrations are reproducibly above the quantification limit in first morning void urines the day after potato consumption, showing a good dose‐response relationship, particularly for calystegine A3. The design of the controlled intervention mimicks exposure to a typical UK diet and showed that neither differences in preparation/cooking method or influence of other foods in the diet has significant impact on biomarker performance. Calystegine biomarkers also perform well in the independent validation study.

Conclusion

It is concluded that calystegines have many of the characteristics needed to be considered as specific BFIs for potato product intake.
Reduced specific force in patients with mild and severe facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
Authors: Lassche Saskia , Voermans Nicol C , Schreuder Tim , Heerschap Arend , Küsters Benno , Ottenheijm Coen AC , Hopman Maria TE , van Engelen Baziel GM
Published: September 2020

Background

Specific force, that is the amount of force generated per unit of muscle tissue, is reduced in patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). The causes of reduced specific force and its relation with FSHD disease severity are unknown.

Methods

Quantitative muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), measurement of voluntary maximum force generation and quadriceps force‐frequency relationship, and vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were performed in 12 genetically confirmed patients with FSHD and 12 controls.

Results

Specific force was reduced by ~33% in all FSHD patients independent of disease severity. Quadriceps force‐frequency relationship shifted to the right in severe FSHD compared to controls. Fiber type distribution in vastus lateralis muscle biopsies did not differ between groups.

Conclusions

Reduced quadriceps specific force is present in all FSHD patients regardless of disease severity or fatty infiltration. Early myopathic changes, including fibrosis, and non‐muscle factors, such as physical fatigue and musculoskeletal pain, may contribute to reduced specific force.
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children and adolescents with nonremission acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Okamoto Yasuhiro , Nakazawa Yozo , Inoue Masami , Watanabe Kenichiro , Goto Hiroaki , Yoshida Nao , Noguchi Maiko , Kikuta Atsushi , Kato Koji , Hashii Yoshiko , Atsuta Yoshiko , Kato Motohiro
Published: September 2020

Background

The appropriateness of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in children and adolescents with leukemia in whom complete remission is not possible remains unclear. This retrospective analysis aimed to investigate the outcomes associated with HSCT, and the risks of HSCT in children and adolescents with nonremission acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Procedure

Data from the Japan Society for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation registry on 325 patients with nonremission ALL (aged <21 years, with blasts in the peripheral blood and/or bone marrow) who had undergone HSCT between January 2001 and December 2015 were evaluated. To assess survival, we developed a scoring system using significant adverse pre‐HSCT variables.

Results

Overall, 247 patients died. The median length of follow up among survivors was 1145 days, and the 3‐year overall survival was 22% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 18‐27%). A low performance score, presence of >25% bone marrow blasts, T‐cell phenotype, poor‐risk or normal cytogenetics, and history of HSCT were predictors of a poor outcome. Patients scoring 0‐1 (n = 109), 2 (n = 91), and 3‐7 (n = 125) had a 3‐year overall survival of 41% (95% CI: 31‐51%), 21% (95% CI: 13‐31%), and 7% (95% CI: 3‐12%), respectively.

Conclusion

These results support HSCT in certain nonremission patients. Even in patients without complete remission, outcomes differed according to pre‐HSCT factors. A scoring system could help determine the appropriateness of HSCT in children and adolescents with nonremission ALL.
Electrical conductivity of poly(vinyl alcohol)/carbon nanotube multilayer thin films: Influence of sodium polystyrene sulfonate mediated carbon nanotube dispersion
Authors: Rama Prasad , Kummara Sreenivas , Bandyopadhyaya Rajdip , Panwar Ajay S. , Bhattacharyya Arup R.
Published: September 2020

This investigation was aimed to enhance the dispersibility of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) using sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Na‐PSS) polyelectrolyte. Subsequently, electrically conducting, multi‐layer thin films are prepared utilizing layer by layer assembly method with poly(vinyl alcohol) as a host matrix. The highest extent of MWCNT dispersion was observed in MWCNT:Na‐PSS ratio of 1:9 (wt/wt), which was estimated from UV‐Vis spectroscopic analysis. Zeta potential measurements of Na‐PSS modified MWCNT dispersion showed large negative potentials ranging from −52 to −64 mV in the most stable pH range of 4 to 10, suggesting the colloidal stability is due to the long‐range repulsive nature of electrostatic interactions from negatively charged sulfonate groups. Complementary molecular dynamics simulations showed that adsorption of Na‐PSS imparts a large negative potential to the carbon nanotube surface, which increases with an increase in Na‐PSS concentration. The multi‐layer thin film of (1:9) MWCNT:Na‐PSS exhibited a DC electrical conductivity of 2.96 × 102 S/m.
Decrease of oral microbial diversity might correlate with radiation esophagitis in patients with esophageal cancer undergoing chemoradiation: A pilot study
Authors: Xu Lei , Li Yan , Sun Shichang , Yue Jinbo
Published: September 2020

Objective

Radiation esophagitis (RE) is a common treatment‐emergent adverse event that leads to significant morbidity and mortality in patients with unresectable esophageal cancer undergoing chemoradiotherapy. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the correlation between oral bacterial diversity and RE in patients with esophageal cancer undergoing chemoradiotherapy.

Methods

This study included 21 patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy, and 10 patients undergoing chemotherapy for pathologically confirmed squamous cell esophageal cancer between July 2018 and February 2019 at Shandong Cancer Hospital. Oral mucosal swabs were collected from 10 patients without RE, 11 patients with grade 1 RE, and 10 patients with grade ≥2 RE. The RE grade was based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (v5.0). Oral bacterial diversity was assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Permutational multivariate analysis of variance was carried out to determine whether the overall bacterial community composition differed among the groups. Linear discriminant analysis effect size was used to analyze species with significant differences among groups. Metagenome content was predicted using phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states.

Results

The overall bacterial community composition was similar among the three groups. The abundance of the phylum Bacteroidetes was decreased in patients with RE compared with those without RE (linear discriminant analysis value >4, P < 0.05). There were significant functional differences in the flora between the patients without RE and patients with grade 1 RE, as well as between the patients without RE and patients with grade ≥2 RE (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

A decrease in oral bacterial diversity might be correlated with RE in patients with esophageal cancer undergoing chemoradiotherapy. These findings warrant further studies for the verification and elucidation of the underlying mechanisms, which will provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of RE.
Socio‐economic inequalities in rates of amenable mortality in Scotland: Analyses of the fundamental causes using the Scottish Longitudinal Study, 1991–2010
Authors: McMinn Megan A. , Seaman Rosie , Dundas Ruth , Pell Jill P. , Leyland Alastair H.
Published: September 2020

Socio‐economic inequalities in amenable mortality rates are increasing across Europe, which is an affront to universal healthcare systems where the numbers of, and inequalities in, amenable deaths should be minimal and declining over time. However, the fundamental causes theory proposes that inequalities in health will be largest across preventable causes, where unequally distributed resources can be used to gain an advantage. Information on individual‐level inequalities that may better reflect the fundamental causes remains limited. We used the Scottish Longitudinal Study, with follow‐up to 2010 to examine trends in amenable mortality by a range of socio‐economic position measures. Large inequalities were found for all measures of socio‐economic position and were lowest for educational attainment, higher for social class and highest for social connection. To reduce inequalities, amenable mortality needs to be interpreted both as an indicator of healthcare quality and as a reflection of the unequal distribution of socio‐economic resources.
Interrelated atrial fibrillation and leaks triggering and maintaining central sleep apnoea and periodic breathing in a CPAP‐treated patient
Authors: Prigent Arnaud , Serandour Anne‐Laure , Luraine Régis , Poineuf Jean Sébastien , Bosseau Christian , Pépin Jean‐Louis
Published: September 2020

We report the case of a 71‐year‐old obese continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)‐treated man who developed an acute cardiac failure (ACF) triggered by atrial fibrillation. CPAP data downloaded from the CPAP software (Rescan®) retrospectively demonstrated the progressive development of a high residual central apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) with Cheyne–Stokes respiration (CSR). The AHI decreased after cardioversion allowing normalization of cardiac rhythm and function. Raw data extracted from CPAP software showed a gradual decrease in the periodic breathing cycle length related to a simultaneous improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after cardioversion. During this clinical period of respiratory instability in the presence of cardiac failure, CSR episodes were exacerbated by ventilation overshoots followed by micro‐arousals induced by leaks. This might explain the high night to night variability of CSR occurrence in susceptible patients with impaired cardiac function. Beyond attempts to improve cardiac function, leak reduction might represent an important target for CSR management.
Event‐triggered output synchronization for nonhomogeneous agent systems with periodic denial‐of‐service attacks
Authors: Xu Yong , Fang Mei , Pan Ya‐Jun , Shi Kaibo , Wu Zheng‐Guang
Published: September 2020

This article presents a two‐layered framework to investigate the output synchronization problem in nonhomogeneous agent systems in the presence of periodic energy‐limited denial‐of‐service (DoS) attacks with an event‐triggered control strategy. Under the developed framework, the proposed controller for different agents is composed of a dynamic compensator and a regulator, where the dynamic compensator on the first layer can copy the dynamics of the leader node. DoS attacks with a periodic (partially known) attack strategy are based on a time sequence and interrupt the data exchange over a shard network consisting of the leader node and dynamic compensators in the first layer. An event‐triggered control protocol is proposed to reduce the update frequency of the controller, and it also ensures that the output of every dynamic compensator can track the output of the leader node without occurring “Zeno phenomenon.” Based on the output regulator theory, the regulator for every agent can guarantee that all nonhomogeneous agents can converge to the trajectory of every dynamic compensator in the bottom layer. Finally, a simulation example is demonstrated to verify the new design method developed.
Distributed event‐based consensus disturbance rejection with parameter uncertainties
Authors: Rong Lina , Yang Weidong , Jiang Guo‐Ping , Xu Shengyuan
Published: September 2020

This article investigates the distributed consensus disturbance rejection problem of general linear multiagent networks via the observer‐based event‐triggered control approach. By adopting the Lyapunov method, it can be proved that the distributed consensus is achieved in the presentence of matched disturbances under the proposed observer‐based event‐triggered controllers when the parameter uncertainties are not considered. Then the results are extended to the cases with parameter uncertainties. Compared to the related works, the main contribution is that the eigenvalue information of the Laplacian matrix is not required in both the controller design and the updating rule design. Moreover, continuous communications between agents can be avoided in the proposed event‐based control scheme. Simulation examples are provided to illustrative the effectiveness of theoretical results.
High‐Efficiency Ternary Organic Solar Cells Based on the Synergized Polymeric and Small‐Molecule Donors
Authors: Chen Xianjie , Zhang Qian , Wang Di , Xu Xin , Wang Zukun , Li Yuhao , Zhu Haiming , Lu Xinhui , Chen Wanzhi , Qiu Huayu , Li Chang-Zhi
Published: September 2020

Despite the impressive progress that has been achieved for organic solar cells (OSCs) in recent years, challenges remain for OSCs due to the presence of the trade‐off between photovoltage and photocurrent that sets limitation on the performance enhancement of regular bulk heterojunction (BHJ) blends. Herein, a new small‐molecule (SM) donor, BPR‐SCl, with the deep‐lying highest occupied molecular orbital and strong crystallinity has been developed, which, as the third component, is synergized with PM6:Y6 host blend. The introduction of BPR‐SCl enhances molecular packing, exciton dissociation, as well as charge mobilities of ternary blends, yielding simultaneous enhancement of open‐circuit voltage, short‐circuit current density, and fill factor of ternary OSCs (TOSCs). As a result, an optimal power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.74% is obtained for TOSCs with 25 wt% BPR‐SCl, accounting for 10% and 70% improvements over those of pristine PM6:Y6 and BPR‐SCl:Y6 binary devices, respectively. Overall, herein, it is demonstrated that the design of SM donor as the third component is effective in achieving high‐performance TOSCs.
A Mini Review on Superhydrophobic and Transparent Surfaces
Authors: Fei Ling , He Zizhou , LaCoste Jed D , Nguyen Thu Hoai , Sun Yingqiang
Published: September 2020

In recent years, self‐cleaning and transparent surfaces have been widely studied for application on smart windows, solar panels, camera lenses, and other optoelectronic devices. The self‐cleaning properties can possibly extend the lifetime of these products and decrease, even eliminate, the requirement of chemical detergents and high labor costs of cleaning. It can also promote the overall efficiency of outdoor optoelectronic devices (e. g. solar cell panels) since dirt accumulation and bacteria growth can be slowed down, even inhibited on such surfaces. In this mini review, the fundamentals and conditions that govern superhydrophobicity and transparency are introduced, followed by the discussion of roughness as the competing factor for superhydrophobicity and transparency. Representative examples of the surface design and fabrication are introduced and future perspectives are shared. This mini review can help the research community better understand such surfaces and further accelerate its development for innovative practical applications.
Numerical Analysis of Microcoil‐Induced Electric Fields and Evaluation of In vivo Magnetic Stimulation of the Mouse Brain
Authors: Sugai Shunsuke , Higuchi Hisaya , Nishikawa Jun , Satoh Kazuo , Murakami Shuichi , Tateno Takashi
Published: September 2020

Magnetic stimulation is widely used as a medical treatment for neurological diseases. A reduction in the size of magnetic stimulation devices is desirable, however, because the coils are relatively large compared with electrode stimulation devices. Furthermore, in transcranial magnetic stimulation, the exact magnetically evoked areas in the brain and the mechanisms of neural activation are largely unknown. This study aimed to develop a new implantable microcoil device that stimulates the brain locally, on the order of several tens of micrometers, as well as to understand the mechanisms of micromagnetic stimulation‐induced neural activity. First, to investigate the effects of microcoil shape on neural activation, the induced electric fields of semicircular microcoils with different diameters were calculated numerically in a microcoil model using the standard finite element method. Next, on the basis of the obtained numerical results from the microcoil model with different diameters, we compared the spatial properties of the possible activated areas in neural tissue and examined the most effective microcoil shape for neural activation. Finally, we measured microcoil‐evoked responses using autofluorescent flavoprotein imaging of the mouse brain in vivo, evaluated the validity of our proposed microcoil devices, and discussed possible future improvements for a chronic implant. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.