bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wound healing potential of mouth gel containing isopimarane diterpene from Kaempferia galanga rhizomes for treatment of oral stomatitis
Authors: Iadnut Anupon , Sae-lee Tanawan , Tewtrakul Supinya
Published: December 2024

Background

Oral ulcers have an impact on 25% of the global population including patients who are suffering from chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments. Kaempferia galanga L. has been traditionally used for treatment of mouth sores and tongue blisters. However, the wound healing study of isopimarane diterpenes isolated from K. galanga is still limited.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the wound healing potential of 6β-acetoxysandaracopimaradiene-1α,9α-diol (KG6), a compound isolated from Kaempferia galanga, by examining its biological activities. Additionally, we investigate the physicochemical and biological properties of (KG6) in formulated mouth gels.

Methods

The KG6 mouth gels at 0.10%, 0.25% and 0.50% w/w were formulated using sodium carboxymethylcellulose as a gelling agent, and their physicochemical and biological stabilities were assessed through a heating-cooling acceleration test. The quantification of KG6 contents in KG6 mouth gels was determined using gas chromatography. Both KG6 and KG6 mouth gels were evaluated for their wound healing properties including cell proliferation, cell migration, and antioxidant activity (H2O2-induced oxidative stress) in human gingival fibroblast (HGF-1-ATCC CRL-2014) (HGF-1). In addition, the anti-inflammatory activity against nitric oxide (NO) production was investigated in macrophage cells (RAW 264.7).

Results

After KG6 mouth gels were incubated under heating-cooling acceleration condition, the physicochemical properties of the KG6 mouth gels remain stable across various parameters, including appearance, color, smell, texture, pH, viscosity, separation, and KG6 content. The biological studies indicated that the KG6 compound possessed good wound healing potential. The 0.50% KG6 mouth gel exhibited marked anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting NO production with an IC50 of 557.7 µg/ml, comparable to that of Khaolaor mouth gel, a positive control. The 0.25% KG6 mouth gel increased HGF-1 cell proliferation to 101.7–103.5%, whereas all formulations of KG6 mouth gel enhanced HGF-1 cell migration to 94.7–98.9%, higher than Khaolaor mouth gel (73.5%). Moreover, 0.50% KG6 mouth gel also showed a good antioxidant effect under H2O2-induced oxidative stress.

Conclusion

This study substantiates the significant biological activities related to the wound healing property of 0.50% KG6 mouth gel for treatment of aphthous ulcers and oral stomatitis from chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments.
First discovery of actinopterygian cutting-edged teeth from the middle Norian (Late Triassic) at the Tulong section, southern Tibet, China
Authors: Fang Zichen , Cheng Long , Jiang Haishui , Wu Xianlang , Lai Xulong , Ogg James G.
Published: December 2024

Actinopterygians (ray-finned fishes) successfully passed through the Permian-Triassic Mass Extinction (PTME) and flourished in the Triassic with diverse feeding specializations and occupation of various trophic levels. Birgeria, one of the largest actinopterygian fish of the Triassic, was characterized by a strong, blunt rostrum and three rows of sharp cutting-edged teeth, making them the top predators in the Early Mesozoic oceanic ecosystem. These fishes rapidly radiated and diversified globally during the Early and Middle Triassic, but the fossil record is rare for the Neo-Tethys in the Late Triassic. Here, we report new actinopterygian teeth with cutting edges from Norian-age strata in the Tulong section, which was located on the northern margin of the Indian Plate at that time. The tooth features, such as the polished acrodin cap, the ratio of the acrodin cap in length, and the tiny vertical striae at the tooth base, suggest an affinity with Birgeria, which is reported in this region for the first time. Furthermore, we infer that the carnivorous Birgeria, which co-occurred with the enigmatic ichthyosaur Himalayasaurus tibetensis, played the role of predator in this part of the Neo-Tethys marine realm during the Late Triassic. These new findings increase the known diversity of actinopterygians during the Late Triassic and provide further insight into the marine fauna of this epoch.
Time series (ARIMA) as a tool to predict the temperature-humidity index in the dairy region of the northern desert of Mexico
Authors: Herrera-González José Luis , Rodríguez-Venegas Rafael , Legarreta-González Martín Alfredo , Robles-Trillo Pedro Antonio , De-Santiago-Miramontes Ángeles , Loya-González Darithsa , Rodríguez-Martínez Rafael
Published: December 2024

The environment in which an animal is situated can have a profound impact on its health, welfare, and productivity. This phenomenon is particularly evident in the case of dairy cattle, then, in order to quantify the impact of ambient temperature (°C) and the relative humidity (%) on dairy cattle, the temperature-humidity index (THI) is employed as a metric. This indicator enables the practical estimation of the stress imposed on cattle by ambient temperature and humidity. A seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) (4,1,0)(0,1,0)365 model was estimated using daily data from the maximum daily THI of 4 years (2016–2019) of the Comarca Lagunera, an arid region of central-northern Mexico. The resulting model indicated that the THI of any given day in the area can be estimated based on the THI values of the previous four days. Furthermore, the data demonstrate an annual increase in the number of days the THI indicates a risk of heat stress. It is essential to continue building predictive models to develop effective strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of heat stress in dairy cattle (and other species) in the region.
Antimicrobial activity of Ruta angustifolia L. Pers against periodontal pathogen: Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Bakri Husna Hazirah , Syed Abdul Rahman Syarifah Nur , Dol Bakri Zarith Safinaz , Munadziroh Elly , Wan Harun Wan Himratul Aznita
Published: December 2024

Background

Porphyromonas gingivalis is widely recognised as a periodontal pathogen. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of medicinal plant extracts as alternative treatments for periodontitis to combat the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Ruta angustifolia L. Pers has been traditionally used to treat various ailments, including oral bacterial infections. However, the antimicrobial potential of R. angustifolia extracts against the periodontal pathogen P. gingivalis remains unexplored. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity of R. angustifolia extracts against P. gingivalis.

Methods

The antimicrobial activity of R. angustifolia extracts (crude methanol, hexane and chloroform fractionated extracts) against P. gingivalis was evaluated using the well diffusion method. Additionally, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined. Biofilm biomass assessment and live/dead cell viability assays were performed to analyse the effect of R. angustifolia extracts. Ultrastructural morphological changes in P. gingivalis cells were determined using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM).

Results

It was found that P. gingivalis was susceptible to R. angustifolia extracts, with the chloroform fractionated extract exhibiting the highest inhibition zones. The MIC and MBC of chloroform fractionated extract were determined to be 6.25 mg/mL which substantially reduced P. gingivalis biofilm biomass. Live/dead cell viability assays showed the highest percentage of dead P. gingivalis cells after 48 h of incubation. FE-SEM confirmed that the chloroform fractionated extract effectively damaged the bacterial cell wall and altered the ultrastructural morphology of P. gingivalis.

Conclusion

The results indicated that extracts of R. angustifolia has the potential to be used as an alternative treatment in addition to conventional periodontal therapies.
Explorando la resiliencia: Un estudio cualitativo sobre grit en profesores
del sector rural
Authors:   , Bianchi Muñiz Florencia
Published: December 2024

En contexto del siglo XXI emergen como valores fundamentales la resiliencia
y la perseverancia para lograr metas a largo plazo; a esto se le denomina grit,
una habilidad particularmente necesaria para los profesionales en el rubro de la
educación. Los profesores trabajan con el grit día a día contribuyendo así a su
crecimiento y desarrollo como educadores, además de que este juega un rol clave
en mantener su bienestar psicológico en el contexto laboral. En esta misma
línea, varios estudios destacan que profesores con más grit reportan menos
agotamiento, mayor satisfacción laboral y una mejor salud psicológica a pesar
del estrés inherente de la profesión. Además, el grit aumenta la efectividad del
trabajo en aula y el compromiso con la mejora continua. Por lo anterior, este
estudio destaca la importancia de promover y trabajar el grit para potenciar el
éxito de profesores y alumnos en contextos educacionales rurales y otras
aplicaciones o actividades relacionadas. Con esta investigación se pudo ver que
al hacer intervenciones intencionadas que promuevan y enseñen sobre grit se
mejora la autopercepción de los profesores sobre su propio grit y el valor que
le ven a las aplicaciones de este.
Impactos da pandemia pela COVID-19 nos cuidados em serviços de referência ao HIV/AIDS do Sistema Único de Saúde
Authors: Ribeiro Denis Fernandes da Silva , Fidalski Solena Ziemer Kusma
Published: December 2024

Este trabalho objetiva analisar o impacto da pandemia pelo novo coronavírus no acesso e na integralidade dos cuidados às pessoas vivendo com o vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) vinculadas ao Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo mediado por entrevistas semiestruturadas em profundidade, realizadas com 15 pessoas vivendo com HIV usuárias do Sistema Único de Saúde entre os meses maio de 2022 e janeiro 2023. Os dados foram submetidos à análise categorial-temática, na perspectiva de Minayo. Na análise emergiram três categorias temáticas que abordam os desafios ao acesso, a integralidade e aos processos de comunicação dos serviços de referência ao HIV, as intervenções aos desafios interpostos pela Covid-19 e o reconhecimento de que “se não fosse o SUS, a coisa teria sido muito mais catastrófica”. Conclui-se que ainda que a pandemia pela COVID-19 tenha desafiado o atendimento integral em HIV, as percepções também apontaram para a rápida capacidade de resposta e resiliência do SUS. Diante das desestruturações proporcionadas pela COVID-19, os achados reforçam a urgência da retomada dos progressos alcançados no período pré-pandêmico.
Análise da estrutura de capital de curto prazo e práticas de governança nas pequenas e médias empresas do APL de confecções do agreste
Authors: Ramos Raquel Souza , Santos Joséte  Florêncio dos , Confessor Kliver Lamarthine Alves , Vasconcelos Adriana Fernandes de
Published: December 2024

Este artigo teve como objetivo identificar como os mecanismos de governança adotados pelas pequenas e pelas médias empresas que compõem o Arranjo Produtivo Local de confecções do Agreste de Pernambuco influenciam na sua estrutura de capital de curto prazo. Utilizou-se dados primários coletados com as instituições financeiras e as pequenas empresas analisadas, sendo analisados por Análise Fatorial Exploratória e Modelagem de Equações Estruturais. Os resultados deste estudo corroboram com a teoria da Estrutura de Capital e indicam que a governança corporativa desempenha algum papel na captação do crédito comercial, pois chegou-se à conclusão de que as empresas que conseguiram crédito comercial possuem maiores esforços na elaboração e divulgação de relatórios. No que tange às dívidas de curto prazo das empresas, observa-se que nenhum mecanismo de governança revelou-se significativo. O nível de tangibilidade foi suficiente para mitigar a assimetria informacional. Esse resultado sugere que as Pequenas e Médias Empresas ainda estão em estágios iniciais na adoção de práticas de governança corporativa
Conjoined Twins at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Mère-Enfant, Fondation Jeanne Ebori (CHUMEFJE) in Libreville: Difficulties in the Management of 2 Cases
Authors: E Mintsa Mi Nkama , TL Midili , A Lembet Mikolo , Maniaga Koumba , A Mekame Meye , FC Loembe , AM Mabery Grodet , L Kiba , G Bingoulou , A Manga Koumba , GM Nzila Matoumba , M MBoungani , G Dibungg , Busughu-Bu-Mbadinga  , P Loulouga , A Kwete , E Kuissi Kamgaing , S Ategbo
Published: December 2024

Conjoined twins (Siamese twins) are among the rare and complex complications of twin pregnancy, with a prevalence of 1 in 50,000 to 100,000 births. We report two cases of conjoined twins managed at the Mother-Child University Hospital Jeanne Ebori Foundation in Libreville. The first case involved craniopagus twins born prematurely by cesarean section at 30 weeks, both of whom experienced poor adaptation to extra-uterine life. The second case, omphalopagus twins, was a term vaginal delivery where one twin required resuscitation. Both cases highlight the importance of antenatal diagnosis for appropriate obstetric and postnatal management. This report highlights the challenges of managing such cases in resource-limited settings and the need for enhanced prenatal screening and multidisciplinary collaboration to improve outcomes.
Consumer Preferences of Chia Products: A Conjoint Analysis
Authors: Khanum Ruqsar , Siddayya  , Anand S. R.
Published: December 2024

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) is a nutrient-rich crop native to Mexico and Guatemala, valued for its high content of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. While historically significant for the Aztecs and Mayans, chia has become a globally cultivated crop due to its health benefits. Introduced to India by CFTRI Mysore in 2015, it has gained substantial traction, particularly in Karnataka, where it has emerged as a key crop. This study investigates chia seed consumption among 80 urban consumers in Bangalore using purposive sampling and structured questionnaires. Conjoint analysis evaluates consumer preferences, while Garrett's ranking technique identifies critical factors influencing consumption patterns. The findings reveal that chia seeds are widely integrated into daily diets, with their whole form being universally consumed. Products such as chia pudding, beverages, and snacks are favored weekly. Key preferences are shaped by health benefits, dietary trends, and accessibility, with moderate to high socio-economic status consumers showing greater engagement. Awareness about chia seeds is primarily driven by social media and direct interactions at food festivals, whereas organized retail outlets and online platforms are the dominant purchase channels. The study emphasizes the growing relevance of chia seeds in urban diets, aligning with global health trends and sustainable agriculture practices. However, limitations include a focus on a specific geographic area and consumer segment, which may not capture the diversity of broader consumer behavior. Future research could explore rural consumption patterns and strategies for expanding chia’s accessibility to diverse socio-economic groups, thereby enhancing its market potential and sustainability impact.
Metals
Authors: Rodgers Robert C. , Estes Edward R. ,   American Institute of Steel Construction,   HMC Architects, Inc., Egbert Charles F.D. , Cordero Vincente , Vitullo Richard J. ,   Industrial Perforators Association,   Diamond Manufacturing Company,   McKey Perforating Company,   Haas Automation, Inc., McGee Cline , Rager Donald D.
Published: February 2020

Metals and their alloys are classified in two broad categories: ferrous and nonferrous. Iron, steel, and their alloys are usually the most cost‐effective metal choice for structural applications. Nonferrous metals and their alloys can be categorized into seven major groups for architectural applications: those based on aluminum, copper, lead, zinc, tin, nickel, and magnesium. Corrosion, which is caused by galvanic action, occurs between dissimilar metals or between metals and other materials when sufficient moisture is present to carry an electrical current. For structural and exterior metal building products, such as structural metal framing, steel siding, and exterior lighting, function and operating environments are more important criteria. As‐fabricated finishes are the texture and surface appearance given to a metal by the fabrication process. Steel and iron are the metals most frequently used for decorative metal work. As an architectural component, perforated metals can be used as control devices or simply as decoration.
Light‐Boosting Highly Sensitive Pressure Sensors Based on Bioinspired Multiscale Surface Structures
Authors: Yu Shixiong , Li Lele , Wang Juanjuan , Liu Enping , Zhao Jingxin , Xu Fan , Cao Yanping , Lu Conghua
Published: February 2020

Pressure sensors have attracted tremendous attention because of their potential applications in the fields of health monitoring, human–machine interfaces, artificial intelligence, and so on. Improving pressure‐sensing performances, especially the sensitivity and the detection limit, is of great importance to expand the related applications, however it is still an enormous challenge so far. Herein, highly sensitive piezoresistive pressure sensors are reported with novel light‐boosting sensing performances. Rose petal–templated positive multiscale millimeter/micro/nanostructures combined with surface wrinkling nanopatterns endow the assembled pressure sensors with outstanding pressure sensing performance, e.g. an ultrahigh sensitivity (70 KPa−1, <0.5 KPa), an ultralow detection limit (0.88 Pa), a wide pressure detect ion range (from 0.88 Pa to 32 KPa), and a fast response time (30 ms). Remarkably, simple light illumination further enhances the sensitivity to 120 KPa−1 (<0.5 KPa) and lowers the detection limit to 0.41 Pa. Furthermore, the flexible light illumination offers unprecedented capabilities to spatiotemporally control any target in multiplexed pressure sensors for optically enhanced/tailorable sensing performances. This light‐control strategy coupled with the introduction of bioinspired multiscale structures is expected to help design next generation advanced wearable electronic devices for unprecedented smart applications.
A Novel Conductive Core–Shell Particle Based on Liquid Metal for Fabricating Real‐Time Self‐Repairing Flexible Circuits
Authors: Zheng Rongmin , Peng Zefei , Fu Ying , Deng Zhifu , Liu Shuqi , Xing Shuting , Wu Yaoyi , Li Junyun , Liu Lan
Published: February 2020

As a critical part of flexible electronics, flexible circuits inevitably work in a dynamic state, which causes electrical deterioration of brittle conductive materials (i.e., Cu, Ag, ITO). Recently, gallium‐based liquid metal particles (LMPs) with electrical stability and self‐repairing have been studied to replace brittle materials owing to their low modulus and excellent conductivity. However, LMP‐coated Ga2O3 needs to activate by external sintering, which makes it more complicated to fabricate and gives it a larger short‐circuit risk. Core–shell structural particles (Ag@LMPs) that exhibit excellent initial conductivity(8.0 Ω sq−1) without extra sintering are successfully prepared by coating nanosilver on the surface of LMPs through in situ chemical reduction. The critical stress at which rigid Ag shells rupture can be controlled by adjusting the Ag shell thickness so that LM cores with low moduli can release, achieving real‐time self‐repairing (within 200 ms) under external destruction. Furthermore, a flexible circuit utilizing Ag@LMPs is fabricated by screen printing, and exhibits outstanding stability and durability (R/R0 < 1.65 after 10 000 bending cycles in a radius of 0.5 mm) because of the functional core–shell structure. The self‐repairable Ag@LMPs prepared in this study are a candidate filler for flexible circuit design through multiple processing methods.
Sustainable Catalytic Synthesis for a Bio‐Based Alternative to the Reach‐Restricted N‐Methyl‐2‐Pyrrolidone
Authors: Barbaro Pierluigi , Liguori Francesca , Oldani Claudio , Moreno‐Marrodán Carmen
Published: February 2020

The catalytic conversion of biomass and its derivatives into valuable chemicals requires efficient, energy saving, and sustainable technologies. In this work, a variety of bifunctional catalysts are prepared combining immobilized metal nanoparticles and acid solid materials featuring Lewis or Brønsted acidity. The catalytic systems are tested in the reductive amination of bio‐derived levulinates with primary amines, using hydrogen as clean reducing agent, to obtain N‐substituted‐5‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidones, which are proposed as substitutes for the widely used, REACH‐restricted solvent N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone. The overall process is studied in depth to identify the best combination of metal and acid functionalities to be used in one‐pot and one stage. Pt immobilized onto the Brønsted solid acid Aquivion is shown to be the most efficient catalyst, with a productivity of N‐heptyl‐5‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone of 7.9 mmolgcat−1 h−1 reached at full conversion and 98.6% selectivity, under 120 °C, 4 bar H2 pressure and solvent‐free conditions.
EBV‐positive diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified: 2020 update on diagnosis, risk‐stratification and management
Authors: Beltran Brady E. , Castro Denisse , Paredes Sally , Miranda Roberto N. , Castillo Jorge J.
Published: February 2020

Disease Overview

Epstein Barr virus‐positive (EBV+) diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), not otherwise specified (NOS) is an entity included in the 2016 WHO classification of lymphoid neoplasms. EBV+ DLBCL, NOS, is an aggressive B‐cell lymphoma associated with chronic EBV infection, and a poor prognosis with standard chemotherapeutic approaches.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made through a careful pathological evaluation. Detection of EBV‐encoded RNA (EBER) is considered standard for diagnosis; however, a clear cutoff for positivity has not been defined. The differential diagnosis includes plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL), DLBCL associated with chronic inflammation and primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), among others.

Risk‐Stratification

The International Prognostic Index (IPI) and the Oyama score can be used for risk‐stratification. The Oyama score includes age >70 years and presence of B symptoms. The expression of CD30 and PD‐1/PD‐L1 are emerging as potential adverse but targetable biomarkers.

Management

Patients with EBV+ DLBCL, NOS, should be staged and managed following similar guidelines than patients with EBV‐negative DLBCL. EBV+ DLBCL, NOS, however, might have a worse prognosis than EBV‐negative DLBCL in the era of chemoimmunotherapy. There is an opportunity to study and develop targeted therapy in the management of patients with EBV+ DLBCL, NOS.
Dual‐Phase Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Luminogens: A Material for Time‐Resolved Imaging Independent of Probe Pretreatment and Probe Concentration
Authors: Li Xuping , Baryshnikov Gleb , Ding Longjiang , Bao Xiaoyan , Li Xin , Lu Jianjun , Liu Miaoqing , Shen Shen , Luo Mengkai , Zhang Man , Ågren Hans , Wang Xudong , Zhu Liangliang
Published: February 2020

Developing luminescent probes with long lifetime and high emission efficiency is essential for time‐resolved imaging. However, the practical applications usually suffer from emission quenching of traditional luminogens in aggregated states, or from weak emission of aggregation‐induced emission type luminogens in monomeric states. Herein, we overcome this dilemma by a rigid‐and‐flexible alternation design in donor–acceptor–donor skeletons, to achieve a thermally activated delayed fluorescence luminogen with high emission efficiency both in the monomeric state (quantum yield up to 35.3 %) and in the aggregated state (quantum yield up to 30.8 %). Such a dual‐phase strong and long‐lived emission allows a time‐resolved luminescence imaging, with an efficiency independent of probe pretreatment and probe concentration. The findings open opportunities for developing luminescent probes with a usage in larger temporal and spatial scales.
Synthesis, characterization, and antitumor activity of novel tumor‐targeted platinum(IV) complexes
Authors: Zhong Yunshuang , Jia Chunyan , Zhang Xinzhong , Liao Xiali , Yang Bo , Cong Yanwei , Pu Shaoping , Gao Chuanzhu
Published: February 2020

Four tumor‐targeted platinum(IV) complexes with ammonia and cyclohexylamine as the carrier groups and biotin as the axial group were designed, synthesized, and characterized. In vitro evaluation of the antitumor activity of complexes C1–C4 against lung cancer cells (A549), liver cancer cells (SMMC‐7721), breast cancer cells (MCF‐7), and colon cancer cells (SW480) was carried out. Complex C3 had the best cellular activity. Compared with cisplatin, complex C3 showed good anticancer activity against A549 cell line,complex C3 (6.34±0.44) is 3 times more cytotoxic than cisplatin (19.40±0.71),and against MCF‐7 cell line complex C3 (4.22±0.11) is 5.4 times more cytotoxic than cisplatin (22.96±0.58), and against SW480 cell line complex C3 (6.65±0.60) is 3.4 times more cytotoxic than cisplatin (23.15±0.22). (Table 1) Axial chloride increased the redox power of complex C3 to increase the intercellular accumulation and the introduction of mixed amine had the ability to overcome cisplatin resistance. Complex C3 works best on MCF‐7, then SW480, A549, and SMMC‐7721. Thus, complex C3 is targeted by the axial introduction of biotin.
Evaluation of additively manufactured ultraperformance polymers to use as thermal protection systems for spacecraft
Authors: Kafi Abdullah , Wu Hao , Langston Jon , Atak Ozen , Kim Haewon , Kim Steven , Fahy William P. , Reber Roderick , Misasi John , Bateman Stuart , Koo Joseph H.
Published: February 2020

In this study, high‐temperature thermoplastic polymers were three‐dimensional (3D) printed and evaluated for ablation performances for the first time. The purpose of this study is to fabricate, test, and evaluate several ultraperformance thermoplastics, including polyetherimide (PEI), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), and poly(ether ketone ketone) (PEKK) for thermal, flammability, and ablation properties using fused filament fabrication. Among all tested materials, PEKK exhibit the highest char yield while the two PEEKs exhibit the highest decomposition temperature. Although PEI have the lowest onset decomposition temperature, microscale combustion calorimetry results indicate that it has the lowest heat release properties. For the 15 s oxyacetylene test bed (OTB) ablation test, all five materials experienced various amount of intumescent or swelling behavior. Samples after 30 s test experienced greater mass loss among which PEKK and ULTEM 9085 shows the highest char yield. Scanning electron microscopy microstructural analysis of the char and pyrolysis zones reveal highly porous char structures caused by the rapid generation of the volatile decomposition products. To fully exploit the experimental data provided by the OTB, the flowfield generated during aerothermal testing using this heat source was modeled. Computational fluid dynamics analysis using Ansys/Fluent 19.1 code was used to the heat transfer between the ablative surface and the combustion gases generated by the OTB and compared with experimental results.
Endothelial dysfunction is an early indicator of sepsis and neutrophil degranulation of septic shock in surgical patients
Authors: Martin-Fernandez M , Vaquero-Roncero L M , Almansa R , Gómez-Sánchez E , Martín S , Tamayo E , Esteban-Velasco M C , Ruiz-Granado P , Aragón M , Calvo D , Rico-Feijoo J , Ortega A , Gómez-Pesquera E , Lorenzo-López M , López J , Doncel C , González-Sanchez C , Álvarez D , Zarca E , Ríos-Llorente A , Diaz-Alvarez A , Sanchez-Barrado E , Andaluz-Ojeda D , Calvo-Vecino J M , Muñoz-Bellvís L , Gomez-Herreras J I , Abad-Molina C , Bermejo-Martin J F , Aldecoa C , Heredia-Rodríguez M
Published: February 2020

Background

Stratification of the severity of infection is currently based on the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, which is difficult to calculate outside the ICU. Biomarkers could help to stratify the severity of infection in surgical patients.

Methods

Levels of ten biomarkers indicating endothelial dysfunction, 22 indicating emergency granulopoiesis, and six denoting neutrophil degranulation were compared in three groups of patients in the first 12 h after diagnosis at three Spanish hospitals.

Results

There were 100 patients with infection, 95 with sepsis and 57 with septic shock. Seven biomarkers indicating endothelial dysfunction (mid-regional proadrenomedullin (MR-ProADM), syndecan 1, thrombomodulin, angiopoietin 2, endothelial cell-specific molecule 1, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 and E-selectin) had stronger associations with sepsis than infection alone. MR-ProADM had the highest odds ratio (OR) in multivariable analysis (OR 11·53, 95 per cent c.i. 4·15 to 32·08; P = 0·006) and the best area under the curve (AUC) for detecting sepsis (0·86, 95 per cent c.i. 0·80 to 0·91; P < 0·001). In a comparison of sepsis with septic shock, two biomarkers of neutrophil degranulation, proteinase 3 (OR 8·09, 1·34 to 48·91; P = 0·028) and lipocalin 2 (OR 6·62, 2·47 to 17·77; P = 0·002), had the strongest association with septic shock, but lipocalin 2 exhibited the highest AUC (0·81, 0·73 to 0·90; P < 0·001).

Conclusion

MR-ProADM and lipocalin 2 could be alternatives to the SOFA score in the detection of sepsis and septic shock respectively in surgical patients with infection.
A TREML2 missense variant influences specific hippocampal subfield volumes in cognitively normal elderly subjects
Authors: Wang Si‐Yu , Xue Xiao , Duan Rui , Gong Peng‐Yu , E Yan , Jiang Teng , Zhang Ying‐Dong ,   For the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells‐like transcript 2 gene (TREML2) is a newly identified AD susceptibility gene. Its missense variant rs3747742‐C substantially decreases AD risk in both Caucasians and Han Chinese, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In the present study, to uncover the possible mechanisms by which TREML2 rs3747742‐C reduces AD risk, we investigated the possible relation of this variant with AD‐related brain structures using a cognitively normal elderly population from Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database.

Methods

In total, 158 cognitively normal elders from ADNI database with complete data for brain structures and TREML2 rs3747742 genotype were included in this study. The association of TREML2 rs3747742 genotype with the structures of three cerebral cortices (entorhinal cortex, middle temporal gyrus, and parahippocampal gyrus), two subcortical regions (amygdala and hippocampus), and three subfields of hippocampus (CA1, CA2 + CA3, and CA4 + dentate gyrus) was investigated.

Results

A significant difference was noted in the volume of right CA1 subfield among three genotypes of TREML2 rs3747742 (p = .0364). In the multivariate analysis, TREML2 rs3747742‐C significantly increased right CA1 subfield volume after adjusting for age, gender, education years, APOE ε4 status, and intracranial volume under the recessive genetic model (Bonferroni corrected p = .003586).

Conclusion

The present study provides the first evidence that TREML2 rs3747742‐C carriers have larger volumes of hippocampal CA1 subfield in a cognitively normal elderly population. These findings imply that enhancement of brain reserve may contribute to the protection of TREML2 rs3747742‐C in AD susceptibility.
Evidence of pseudoprogression in patients treated with PD1/PDL1 antibodies across tumor types
Authors: Martin‐Romano Patricia , Castanon Eduardo , Ammari Samy , Champiat Stéphane , Hollebecque Antoine , Postel‐Vinay Sophie , Baldini Capucine , Varga Andrea , Michot Jean Marie , Vuagnat Perrine , Marabelle Aurélien , Soria Jean‐Charles , Ferté Charles , Massard Christophe
Published: February 2020

Background

PD(L)1 antibodies (anti‐PD(L)‐1) have been a major breakthrough in several types of cancer. Novel patterns of response and progression have been described with anti‐PD(L)‐1. We aimed at characterizing pseudoprogression (PSPD) among patients with various solid tumor types treated by anti‐PD(L)‐1.

Methods

All consecutive patients (pts) enrolled in phase 1 trials with advanced solid tumors and lymphomas treated in phase I clinical trials evaluating monotherapy by anti‐PD(L)‐1 at Gustave Roussy were analyzed. We aimed to assess prevalence and outcome of PSPD across tumor types. We also intended to describe potential clinical and pathological factors associated with PSPD.

Results

A total of 169 patients treated with anti‐PD(L)‐1 were included in the study. Most frequent tumor types included melanoma (n = 57) and non‐small cell lung cancer (n = 19). At first tumor evaluation 77 patients (46%) presented with immune unconfirmed progressive disease. Six patients (8%) experienced PSPD: 2 patients with partial response; 4 patients with stable disease. Increase in target lesions in the first CT‐scan was more frequently associated to PSPD (67% vs 33%; P = .04). Patients with a PSPD had a superior survival when compared to patients progressing (median OS: 10.7 months vs 8.7 months; P = .07).

Conclusions

A small subset of PSPD patients may experience response after an initial progression. Assessment of the current strategy for immune‐related response evaluations may require further attention.
The Reverse Palatal Pedicle Graft for Maxillary Molar Palatal Recessions: Two Case Reports
Authors: Weinstein Bradley F. , Pham Charles M. , Nguyen Thomas T.
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Historically, the treatment of palatal recession was thought to be extremely challenging if not impossible due to the anatomy of the palate. A novel technique is presented for treating gingival recession on maxillary molars utilizing a rotated subepithelial connective tissue pedicle graft. The technique is designed to maximize perfusion to the graft as compared to a free graft

Case Presentations

The authors present two cases in which the technique was utilized to achieve attachment gain and root coverage. The cases were followed for at least 2 months.

Conclusions

More than 5 mm of attachment was gained and 55% to 60% root coverage achieved over recession defects on maxillary first molars. The following case reports demonstrate that the Reverse Palatal Pedicle Graft (RPPG) technique was successful in improving root coverage over maxillary palatal recession defects.
Feeling or following? A field‐experiment comparing social norms‐based and emotions‐based motives encouraging pro‐environmental donations
Authors: Bergquist Magnus , Nyström Lina , Nilsson Andreas
Published: February 2020

In this study, we design and explore interventions encouraging pro‐environmental donations by testing social norms and anticipated positive emotions. The social norms‐based intervention included descriptive and injunctive social normative information while the emotions‐based intervention included information about anticipated positive emotions. The two intervention techniques were tested in a field‐experiment; applying social norms‐based or emotions‐based messages to a real choice situation between retaining versus donating one's own money (i.e., using recycling machines giving people the choice to either retain money obtained from their recycled bottles, or to donate their money to a pro‐environmental organization). Results showed that more people donated their money after being exposed to the emotions‐based message, than the social norms‐based message or no message.
Fundamental Aspects of Xanthene Dye Aggregation on the Surfaces of Nanocluster Polyoxometalates: H‐ to J‐Aggregate Switching
Authors: Fazylova Victoria , Shevtsev Nikita , Mikhailov Sergey , Kim Grigoriy , Ostroushko Alexander , Grzhegorzhevskii Kirill
Published: February 2020

The induced aggregation of the xanthene dye rhodamine B (RhB) on metal oxide centers belonging to the highly symmetric surfaces of precise nanoscale templates with Keplerate (Mo132) or toroidal (Mo138) structures has been studied. With the joint use of the Langmuir isotherm and full Stern–Volmer models, the thermodynamic reasons for dye adsorption on the nanocluster surface, such as a mixture of monomer, H‐aggregate (H‐dimer), and J‐aggregate forms (which can coexist or switch one into another under the exact conditions), were established: this was shown through UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopies. By using the framework of the exciton model, it is shown that the angle (α) between the transition dipole moments of RhB is very sensitive to surface strain inside the dye sub‐monolayer. As a result, it is possible to switch from H‐ to J‐aggregates by the post‐functionalization of polyoxometalate (POM)‐RhB associates by the surfactant bilayer shell, which allows the surface strain to grow. Recommendations are provided for managing the appearance of H‐ or J‐aggregates on metal oxide (or polyelectrolyte) surfaces during photovoltaic or bioimaging applications.
Bromine‐Functionalized Covalent Organic Frameworks for Efficient Triboelectric Nanogenerator
Authors: Zhai Lipeng , Cui Siwen , Tong Boli , Chen Weihua , Wu Zijie , Soutis Constantinos , Jiang Donglin , Zhu Guangshan , Mi Liwei
Published: February 2020

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) enable precise integration of various organic building blocks into porous skeletons through topology predesign. Here, we report the first example of COFs by integrating electron withdrawing bromine group onto the skeletons for triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG). The resulting framework exhibits high surface area and good crystallinity. Thus, the bromine functionalized COF has more regular aligned π columns and arrays over the skeleton than bare COFs, which in turn significantly enhances charge transport ability. As a result, bromine functionalized COFs showed higher electrical output performance at 5 Hz with a peak value of short circuit current density of 43.6 μA and output voltage of 416 V, which is 2 and 1.3 times higher than those of bare COFs (21.6 μA and 318 V), respectively. These results demonstrated that this strategy for engineering electron withdrawing groups on the skeleton could open a new aspect of COFs for developing TENG devices.
Enhanced Electrosynthetic Hydrogen Evolution by Hydrogenases Embedded in a Redox‐Active Hydrogel
Authors: Ruth John C. , Milton Ross D. , Gu Wenyu , Spormann Alfred M.
Published: February 2020

Molecular hydrogen is a major high‐energy carrier for future energy technologies, if produced from renewable electrical energy. Hydrogenase enzymes offer a pathway for bioelectrochemically producing hydrogen that is advantageous over traditional platforms for hydrogen production because of low overpotentials and ambient operating temperature and pressure. However, electron delivery from the electrode surface to the enzyme's active site is often rate‐limiting. Here, it is shown that three different hydrogenases from Clostridium pasteurianum and Methanococcus maripaludis, when immobilized at a cathode in a cobaltocene‐functionalized polyallylamine (Cc‐PAA) redox polymer, mediate rapid and efficient hydrogen evolution. Furthermore, it is shown that Cc‐PAA‐mediated hydrogenases can operate at high faradaic efficiency (80–100 %) and low apparent overpotential (−0.578 to −0.593 V vs. SHE). Specific activities of these hydrogenases in the electrosynthetic Cc‐PAA assay were comparable to their respective activities in traditional methyl viologen assays, indicating that Cc‐PAA mediates electron transfer at high rates, to most of the embedded enzymes.
The Impact of Leadership on Absorptive Capacity: New insights from the UAE
Authors: Rezaei Zadeh Mohammad , Haak‐Saheem Washika , Darwish Tamer K. , Singh Satwinder
Published: February 2020

This paper investigates the impact of transformational and transactional leadership on the absorptive capacity of firms within an emerging market setting. Unlike some findings from the Western world, the results indicate that both transformational and transactional leadership styles positively influence the learning processes of absorptive capacity. More specifically, the results indicate that transactional leadership style positively influences the exploratory and transformative learning processes, while the transformational leadership style positively affects the exploitative learning process. Given the unique context under investigation and the fluid institutional arrangements associated with it, the results reflect the need for leadership guidance. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Beta‐blockers withdrawal in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and chronotropic incompetence: Effect on functional capacity rationale and study design of a prospective, randomized, controlled trial (The Preserve‐HR trial)
Authors: Palau Patricia , Seller Julia , Domínguez Eloy , Gómez Inés , Ramón José María , Sastre Clara , de la Espriella Rafael , Santas Enrique , Miñana Gema , Chorro Francisco J. , González‐Juanatey José Ramón , Núñez Julio
Published: February 2020

Background

The pathophysiology of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is complex and multifactorial. Chronotropic incompetence (ChI) has emerged as a crucial pathophysiological mechanism. Beta‐blockers, drugs with negative chronotropic effects, are commonly used in HFpEF, although current evidence does not support its routine use in these patients.

Hypothesis

We postulate beta‐blockers may have deleterious effects in HFpEF and ChI. This work aims to evaluate the short‐term effect of beta‐blockers withdrawal on functional capacity assessed by the maximal oxygen uptake (peakVO2) in patients with HFpEF and ChI.

Methods

This is a prospective, crossover, randomized (1:1) and multicenter study. After randomization, the clinical and cardiac rhythm will be continuously registered for 30 days. PeakVO2 is assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) at 15 and 30 days in both groups. Secondary endpoints include quality of life, cognitive, and safety assessment. Patients with stable HFpEF, functional class New York Heart Association (NYHA) II‐III, chronic treatment with beta‐blockers, and ChI will be enrolled. A sample size estimation [alfa: 0.05, power: 90%, a 20% loss rate, and delta change of mean peakVO2: +1.2 mL/kg/min (SD ± 2.0)] of 52 patients is necessary to test our hypothesis.

Results

Patients started enrolling in October 2018. As January 14th, 2020, 28 patients have been enrolled. It is projected to enroll the last patient at the end of July 2020.

Conclusions

Optimizing therapy that improves functional capacity remains an unmeet priority in HFpEF. Deprescribing beta‐blockers in patients with HFpEF and ChI seems a plausible intervention to improve functional capacity. This trial is an attempt towards precision medicine in this complex syndrome.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03871803.
Synthesis and J‐Dimer Formation of Tetrapyrazinoporphyrazines with Different Functional Groups for Potential Biomolecular Probe Applications
Authors: Demuth Jiri , Miletin Miroslav , Machan Matej , Kantor Michal , Zimcik Petr , Novakova Veronika
Published: February 2020

Though tetrapyrazinoporphyrazines (TPyzPzs) are generally presented as universal dark quenchers for oligonucleotide probes, the availability of TPyzPzs bearing different functional groups suitable for attachment to 3′, and 5′ ends or intrastrand positions remains rather limited. Therefore, a synthetic route to hexa(bis(2‐methoxyethyl)amino) or hexa(diethylamino) TPyzPzs functionalized by an azide, hydroxy, or carboxy group or their combinations was developed. Studies of self‐assembly into J‐dimers in nonpolar solvents and their stability upon titration with pyridine (association constants, KP values, ranging 0.32–12.7×102 M−1) revealed that smaller peripheral substituents and functionalization of TPyzPzs improves the stability of J‐dimers. ΦΔ and ΦF were low for the monomers (ΦF<0.0001, ΦΔ<0.008, DMF) due to quenching by intramolecular charge transfer; however, they increased in nonpolar solvents and after self‐assembly into J‐dimer (up to ΦF=0.027, ΦΔ=0.28).
Stress response and detoxification mechanisms involved in non‐target‐site herbicide resistance in sunflower
Authors: Vega Tatiana , Gil Mercedes , Martin Gabriela , Moschen Sebastián , Picardi Liliana , Nestares Graciela
Published: February 2020

The nature of non‐target‐site herbicide resistance (NTSR) to imidazolinone (IMI) in HA425 sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) has not yet been fully characterized but could be related to xenobiotic metabolism. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) and other detoxification‐related proteins in NTSR in sunflower. Two sunflower inbred lines were used: HA 425, which is IMI resistant (Imisun), and HA 89, which is IMI susceptible. The growth response to the IMI herbicide imazethapyr in combination with the P450 inhibitors 1‐aminobenzotriazole (ABT) or piperonyl butoxide (PBO) was evaluated in 15‐d‐old sunflower plantlets. Roots were collected, and label‐free quantitation (LFQ) proteomic analysis was carried out to characterize the NTSR mechanisms involved in the IMI resistance trait in sunflower. The increased phytotoxicity of imazethapyr observed in the resistant line when ABT or PBO were present agrees with the hypothesis that NTSR mechanisms may contribute to herbicide resistance in sunflower. The herbicide treatment also led to changes in the levels of biotic and abiotic stress‐related proteins, glutathione S‐transferases, and cytochrome P450s, among others. Plant growth and root protein expression response to IMI herbicides in sunflower would be a combination of stress‐related and detoxification mechanisms. Understanding the basis of NTSR becomes helpful to exploit this trait in sunflower crop and to develop xenobiotic‐resistant, soil‐remediating cultivars.
First EMC3‐EIRENE modelling of JT‐60SA edge plasmas with/without resonant magnetic perturbation field
Authors: Tanaka H. , Kawamura G. , Hoshino K. , Kobayashi M. , Matsunaga G. , Suzuki Y. , Lunt T. , Feng Y. , Ohno N.
Published: February 2020

The first EMC3‐EIRENE modelling for the JT‐60SA edge plasmas with/without the resonant magnetic perturbation field (RMP) was conducted. Both core degradation in the vacuum approximation and strike‐point splitting were observed due to the application of the RMP, as in previous studies in other devices. Toroidally averaged divertor heat fluxes with and without the RMP were fitted by using a one‐dimensional diffusive model function, showing similar profiles. To extract the modulation components of the divertor heat flux profile, the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) method was applied. By using the POD outputs, a modulation ratio with respect to the toroidally averaged profile was quantitatively calculated.