bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metal nanoparticle alters adenine induced charge transfer kinetics of vitamin K3 in magnetic field
Authors: Behera Ranjan Kumar , Sau Abhishek , Mishra Leepsa , Mondal Sankalan , Bera Kallol , Kumar Satish , Basu Samita , Sarangi Manas Kumar
Published: October 2020

In this article, we highlight the alterations in the photoinduced electron transfer (ET) and hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) pathways between an anti-tumor drug vitamin-K3 (MQ) and a nucleobase adenine (ADN) in the presence of gold (Au) and iron (Fe) nanoparticles (NPs). Inside the confined micellar media, with laser flash photolysis corroborated with an external magnetic field (MF), we have detected the transient geminate radicals of MQ and ADN, photo-generated through ET and HAT. We observe that the presence of AuNP on the MQ-ADN complex (AuMQ-ADN) assists HAT by limiting the ET channel, on the other hand, FeNP on the MQ-ADN complex (FeMQ-ADN) mostly favors a facile PET. We hypothesize that through selective interactions of the ADN molecules with AuNP and MQ molecules with FeNP, a preferential HAT and PET process is eased. The enhanced HAT and PET have been confirmed by the escape yields of radical intermediates by time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy in the presence of MF.
Association between plasma levels of homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12, and dietary folate intake and hypertension in a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tamura Takashi , Kuriyama Nagato , Koyama Teruhide , Ozaki Etsuko , Matsui Daisuke , Kadomatsu Yuka , Tsukamoto Mineko , Kubo Yoko , Okada Rieko , Hishida Asahi , Sasakabe Tae , Kawai Sayo , Naito Mariko , Takashima Naoyuki , Kadota Aya , Tanaka Keitaro , Hara Megumi , Suzuki Sadao , Nakagawa-Senda Hiroko , Takezaki Toshiro , Shimoshikiryo Ippei , Ikezaki Hiroaki , Murata Masayuki , Oze Isao , Ito Hidemi , Mikami Haruo , Nakamura Yohko , Kuriki Kiyonori , Arisawa Kokichi , Uemura Hirokazu , Takeuchi Kenji , Wakai Kenji
Published: October 2020

There are few studies examining the association between homocysteine (Hcy) level and the risk of hypertension with consideration for folate and vitamin B12 as related to Hcy level. We simultaneously examined the associations of plasma levels of Hcy, folate, and vitamin B12, and dietary folate intake with the prevalence of hypertension. Participants included 1046 men and 1033 women (mean age ± standard deviation: 56.0 ± 8.9 years) in the Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort Study. Dietary folate intake was estimated using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Hypertension was defined based on measured blood pressure and use of antihypertensive medication. A total of 734 participants (35.3%) had hypertension. Multivariate-adjusted odds ratios of hypertension for the highest quartile group of Hcy were 2.36 (95% CI 1.41–3.96) in men and 1.86 (95% CI 1.11–3.11) in women, as compared with the lowest group (P for trend = 0.014 and 0.005, respectively). Dietary folate intake was not correlated with hypertension in both men and women (P for trend = 0.099 and 0.703, respectively). Plasma vitamin B12 was positively associated with hypertension only in women (P for trend = 0.027). Plasma Hcy level was positively linked with hypertension after controlling for covariates, including folate and vitamin B12.
A general strategy to control antibody specificity against targets showing molecular and biological similarity: Salmonella case study
Authors: Marega Riccardo , Desroche N. , Huet A.-C. , Paulus M. , Pantaleon C. Suarez , Larose D. , Arbault P. , Delahaut P. , Gillard N.
Published: October 2020

The control of antibody specificity plays pivotal roles in key technological fields such as diagnostics and therapeutics. During the development of immunoassays (IAs) for the biosensing of pathogens in food matrices, we have found a way to rationalize and control the specificity of polyclonal antibodies (sera) for a complex analytical target (theSalmonellagenus), in terms of number of analytes (Salmonellaspecies) and potential cross-reactivity with similar analytes (other bacteria strains). Indeed, the biosensing ofSalmonellarequired the development of sera and serum mixtures displaying homogeneous specificity for a large set of strains showing broad biochemical variety (54Salmonellaserovars tested in this study), which partially overlaps with the molecular features of other class of bacteria (like specific serogroups ofE. coli). To achieve a trade-off between specificity harmonisation and maximization, we have developed a strategy based on the conversion of the specificity profiles of individual sera in to numerical descriptors, which allow predicting the capacity of serum mixtures to detect multiple bacteria strains. This approach does not imply laborious purification steps and results advantageous for process scaling-up, and may help in the customization of the specificity profiles of antibodies needed for diagnostic and therapeutic applications such as multi-analyte detection and recombinant antibody engineering, respectively.
Isolation of two salt-tolerant strains from activated sludge and its COD degradation characteristics from saline organic wastewater
Authors: Zhou Guizhong , Wang Xitong , Zhao Huiyang , Zhang Weiqian , Liu Guishan , Zhang Xinguo
Published: October 2020

The efficient biological treatment of saline wastewater has been limited by the low activities of microorganisms under saline conditions. High salinity poses unbalance osmotic stress across the cell wall and even leads to cell plasmolysis. In this work, we aim to isolate salt-tolerant bacterial strains from activated sludge, and apply them for degrading chemical oxygen demand (COD) of saline organic wastewater. Two salt-tolerant strains were screened and isolated from activated sludge, which was domesticated with salty water for over 300 days. The two strains were identified as Bacillus cereus (strain A) and Bacillus anthracis (strain B) through 16S rRNA sequencing. The degradation characteristics of strain A were explored. The results showed the relative membrane permeability of strain A remained stable under high salt stress, which glycine and proline play an important role to maintain cell osmotic. The protein and soluble sugar amounts of strain were increased by higher salt concentrations. In simulating saline wastewater, the optimum culture temperature, pH, salinity, influent COD concentration and inoculation amount of strain A were 35 °C, 9, 4%, 8000 mg L−1, 6%, respectively. Optimal conditions could provide guidance for the treatment of practical saline wastewater. The linear regression model of each impact factor built based on the result PB experiment revealed that cross-linking time has the most significant influence on COD removal for salt-tolerant strains. It will provide theoretical basis for biological treatment of saline organic wastewater.
Genome editing of CCR5 by CRISPR-Cas9 in Mauritian cynomolgus macaque embryos
Authors: Schmidt Jenna Kropp , Strelchenko Nick , Park Mi Ae , Kim Yun Hee , Mean Katherine D. , Schotzko Michele L. , Kang Hyun Jun , Golos Thaddeus G. , Slukvin Igor I.
Published: October 2020

The discovery that CCR5 serves as an R5-HIV-1 co-receptor, coupled with findings of protection from HIV infection in individuals lacking CCR5, led to the exploration of novel therapeutic strategies for HIV infection based on genome editing of CCR5. Advancing translation of CCR5-mutant-based cellular therapies for HIV requires development of novel physiologically relevant animal models. Mauritian cynomolgus macaques (MCMs), with high degree of MHC allele sharing, are valuable models for HIV-1 research and stem cell therapies. To facilitate the generation of a CCR5-mutant MHC-defined MCM model, we explored editing the CCR5 gene in MCM embryos via CRISPR-Cas9. We refined ovarian stimulation and in vitro fertilization (IVF) methods established for Chinese cynomolgus macaques to generate in vitro MCM embryos. Time-lapse embryo imaging was performed to assess the timing of MCM embryonic developmental events in control and CRISPR-Cas9 microinjected embryos. Using a dual-guide gene targeting approach, biallelic deletions in the CCR5 gene were introduced into ~ 23–37% of MCM embryos. In addition, single blastomere PCR analysis revealed mosaicism in CCR5 editing within the same embryo. Successful development of IVF and CCR5 editing protocols in MCM embryos lays a foundation for the creation of CCR5-mutant MCMs to assess novel stem cell-based HIV therapeutics.
Focused attention meditation changes the boundary and configuration of functional networks in the brain
Authors: Kajimura Shogo , Masuda Naoki , Lau Johnny King L. , Murayama Kou
Published: October 2020

Research has shown that focused attention meditation not only improves our cognitive and motivational functioning (e.g., attention, mental health), it influences the way our brain networks [e.g., default mode network (DMN), fronto-parietal network (FPN), and sensory-motor network (SMN)] function and operate. However, surprisingly little attention has been paid to the possibility that meditation alters the architecture (composition) of these functional brain networks. Here, using a single-case experimental design with intensive longitudinal data, we examined the effect of mediation practice on intra-individual changes in the composition of whole-brain networks. The results showed that meditation (1) changed the community size (with a number of regions in the FPN being merged into the DMN after meditation) and (2) led to instability in the community allegiance of the regions in the FPN. These results suggest that, in addition to altering specific functional connectivity, meditation leads to reconfiguration of whole-brain network architecture. The reconfiguration of community architecture in the brain provides fruitful information about the neural mechanisms of meditation.
A direct comparison of natural and acoustic-radiation-force-induced cardiac mechanical waves
Authors: Keijzer Lana B. H. , Caenen Annette , Voorneveld Jason , Strachinaru Mihai , Bowen Daniel J. , van de Wouw Jens , Sorop Oana , Merkus Daphne , Duncker Dirk J. , van der Steen Antonius F. W. , de Jong Nico , Bosch Johan G. , Vos Hendrik J.
Published: October 2020

Natural and active shear wave elastography (SWE) are potential ultrasound-based techniques to non-invasively assess myocardial stiffness, which could improve current diagnosis of heart failure. This study aims to bridge the knowledge gap between both techniques and discuss their respective impacts on cardiac stiffness evaluation. We recorded the mechanical waves occurring after aortic and mitral valve closure (AVC, MVC) and those induced by acoustic radiation force throughout the cardiac cycle in four pigs after sternotomy. Natural SWE showed a higher feasibility than active SWE, which is an advantage for clinical application. Median propagation speeds of 2.5–4.0 m/s and 1.6–4.0 m/s were obtained after AVC and MVC, whereas ARF-based median speeds of 0.9–1.2 m/s and 2.1–3.8 m/s were reported for diastole and systole, respectively. The different wave characteristics in both methods, such as the frequency content, complicate the direct comparison of waves. Nevertheless, a good match was found in propagation speeds between natural and active SWE at the moment of valve closure, and the natural waves showed higher propagation speeds than in diastole. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that the natural waves occur in between diastole and systole identified with active SWE, and thus represent a myocardial stiffness in between relaxation and contraction.
Trabeculae microstructure parameters serve as effective predictors for marginal bone loss of dental implant in the mandible
Authors: Zhang Hengguo , Shan Jie , Zhang Ping , Chen Xin , Jiang Hongbing
Published: October 2020

Marginal bone loss (MBL) is one of the leading causes of dental implant failure. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of machine learning (ML) algorithms based on trabeculae microstructure parameters to predict the occurrence of severe MBL. Eighty-one patients (41 severe MBL cases and 40 normal controls) were involved in the current study. Four ML models, including support vector machine (SVM), artificial neural network (ANN), logistic regression (LR), and random forest (RF), were employed to predict severe MBL. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity were used to evaluate the performance of these models. At the early stage of functional loading, severe MBL cases showed a significant increase of structure model index and trabecular pattern factor in peri-implant alveolar bone. The SVM model exhibited the best outcome in predicting MBL (AUC = 0.967, sensitivity = 91.67%, specificity = 100.00%), followed by ANN (AUC = 0.928, sensitivity = 91.67%, specificity = 93.33%), LR (AUC = 0.906, sensitivity = 91.67%, specificity = 93.33%), RF (AUC = 0.842, sensitivity = 75.00%, specificity = 86.67%). Together, ML algorithms based on the morphological variation of trabecular bone can be used to predict severe MBL.
Salinomycin induces autophagic cell death in salinomycin-sensitive melanoma cells through inhibition of autophagic flux
Authors: Liu Yajing , Hao Yinghua , Li Yuxia , Zheng Yadan , Dai Jiajing , Zhong Fubo , Wei Wei , Fang Zhengyu
Published: October 2020

Several literature has shown that salinomycin (Sal) is able to kill various types of cancer cells through different signaling pathways. However, its effect on melanoma has seldom been reported. We examined the anti-cancer efficacy of Sal in melanoma cell lines, and found six of eight cell lines were sensitive to Sal. Given the fact that the roles of Sal are diverse in different cancer types, we were eager to figure out the mechanism involved in the current study. We noticed the most sensitive line, SK-Mel-19, showed a typical morphological change after Sal treatment. The autophagy inhibitor, 3-MA, could effectively suppress Sal-induced cell death. It could also facilitate the increase of autophagic markers and reduce the turnover of autophagosomes, which resulted in an aberrant autophagic flux. On the other hand, Sal could stimulate endoplasmic reticulum stress and cause an accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria. We also discovered a potential correlation between LC3B mRNA level and its sensitivity to Sal in 43 clinical melanoma samples. Overall, our results indicated that Sal could have multiple effect on melanoma cells and induce autophagic cell death in certain kinds of cells, which provided a new insight into the chemotherapy for melanoma.
Endovascular treatment and cognitive outcome after anterior circulation ischemic stroke
Authors: Lattanzi Simona , Coccia Michela , Pulcini Alessandra , Cagnetti Claudia , Galli Federica Lucia , Villani Laura , Campa Serena , Dobran Mauro , Polonara Gabriele , Ceravolo Maria Gabriella , Silvestrini Mauro
Published: October 2020

The impact of reperfusion therapies on cognition has been poorly explored and little knowledge exists. We explored the influence of endovascular treatment (EVT) on cognitive outcome in patients with anterior circulation ischemic stroke. Patients presenting with ischemic stroke due to anterior large vessel occlusion who underwent intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) alone or EVT plus IVT were recruited. Cognitive abilities were evaluated at 6 months from stroke through a neuropsychological test battery. A total of 88 patients with a mean age of 66.3 ± 12.9 years were included, of which 38 treated with IVT alone and 50 with IVT plus EVT. Compared to patients treated with IVT alone, patients who received EVT plus IVT performed significantly better at the neuropsychological tests exploring executive functions, attention, abstract reasoning, visuospatial ability, visual and verbal and memory. At multivariable regression analysis, the EVT was independently associated with the 6-month cognitive performance after the adjustment for age, sex, admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, systolic blood pressure, glucose level, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score, side of stroke, site of occlusion, and Back Depression Inventory score [Stroop Test Word Reading: adjβ = 13.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) 8.47–19.50, p < 0.001; Stroop Test Colour Naming: adjβ = 6.63, 95% CI 2.46–10.81, p = 0.002; Trail Making Test-A: adjβ = − 92.98, 95% CI − 153.76 to − 32.20, p = 0.003; Trail Making Test-B: adjβ = − 181.12, 95% CI − 266.09 to − 96.15; p < 0.001; Digit Span Test Forward: adjβ = 1.44, 95% CI 0.77–2.10, p < 0.001; Digit Span Test Backward: adjβ = 1.10, 95% CI 0.42–1.77, p = 0.002; Coloured Progressive Matrices: adjβ = 5.82, 95% CI 2.71–8.93, p < 0.001; Rey Complex Figure Test-Copy: adjβ = 6.02, 95% CI 2.74–9.30, p < 0.001; Rey Complex Figure Test-Immediate recall: adjβ = 6.00, 95% CI 2.34–9.66, p = 0.002; Rey Complex Figure Test-Delayed recall: adjβ = 5.73, 95% CI 1.95–9.51, p = 0.003; Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test-Immediate recall: adjβ = 12.60, 95% CI 6.69–18.52, p < 0.001; Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test-Delayed recall: adjβ = 1.85, 95% CI 0.24–3.45, p = 0.025]. Patients treated with EVT plus IVT had better cognitive performance than patients treated with IVT alone at 6 months from anterior circulation ischemic stroke.
Predictors of new-onset heart failure and overall survival in metastatic breast cancer patients treated with liposomal doxorubicin
Authors: Szmit Sebastian , Grela-Wojewoda Aleksandra , Talerczyk Małgorzata , Kufel-Grabowska Joanna , Streb Joanna , Smok-Kalwat Jolanta , Iżycki Dariusz , Chmielowska Ewa , Wilk Michał , Sosnowska-Pasiarska Barbara
Published: October 2020

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the major cause of morbidity/mortality among breast cancer (BC) patients. Observation of the daily practice in eight experienced Polish oncology centers was conducted to find all possible predictors of new cases of heart failure (HF) and overall survival (OS) of metastatic BC patients treated with liposomal doxorubicin, taking into account the impact of pre-existing CVDs. HF was the cause of premature discontinuation of liposomal doxorubicin therapy in 13 (3.2%) of 402 patients. The probability of developing HF was higher in women with pre-existing CVDs (HR 4.61; 95%CI 1.38–15.38). Independent of CVDs history, a lower risk of HF was observed in those treated with a cumulative dose of liposomal doxorubicin > 300 mg/m2 (HR 0.14; 95% CI 0.04–0.54) and taxane-naive (HR 0.26; 95% CI 0.07–0.96). Multivariate analysis including the presence of pre-existing CVDs and occurrence of new HF, revealed a liposomal doxorubicin in cumulative doses of > 300 mg/m2 as a beneficial predictor for OS (HR 0.61; 95% CI 0.47–0.78) independently of subsequent chemotherapy (HR 0.72; 95% CI 0.57–0.92) or endocrine therapy (HR 0.65; 95% CI 0.49–0.87). Higher doses of liposomal doxorubicin can decrease mortality in metastatic BC without increasing the risk of HF. The clinical benefit is achieved regardless of pre-existing CVDs and subsequent anticancer therapy.
Persistent abnormal muscle response after microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm
Authors: Xu Li , Xu Wu , Wang Jing , Chong Yulong , Liang Weibang , Jiang Chengrong
Published: October 2020

To explore the causes of persistent abnormal muscle response (AMR) after microvascular decompression (MVD) for hemifacial spasm (HFS) and the clinical outcomes of these patients. MVDs performed in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital in 2017 were retrospectively studied, and 326 patients with HFS were classified into two groups based on whether AMR disappeared or persisted following MVD. The clinical features, treatment efficacy and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. 305 patients with disappeared AMR after decompression were classified as Group A. In Group B, the 21 patients exhibited persistent AMR after successful MVD. The preoperative duration of symptoms in Group B was significantly longer than that in Group A (P < 0.001), and no significant difference was identified between the two groups in terms of gender, side, age and offending vessels (P > 0.05). The immediate postoperative cure rate of Group A (88.9%)was significantly higher than that in Group B (28.6%,P < 0.001), furthermore, the two groups were not different in the long-term outcome and the incidence of surgical complications (P > 0.05). The long preoperative duration of HFS patients may account for persistent AMR after successful decompression, and it is more likely for these patients to get delayed cured, the long-term outcomes showed no difference compared to those in patients with disappeared AMR after MVD.
Masking terminal neo-epitopes of linear peptides through glycosylation favours immune responses towards core epitopes producing parental protein bound antibodies
Authors: Pon Robert , Marcil Anne , Chen Wangxue , Gadoury Christine , Williams Dean , Chan Kenneth , Zhou Hongyan , Ponce Amalia , Paquet Eric , Gurnani Komal , Chattopadhyay Anindita , Zou Wei
Published: October 2020

Glycosylation of hydrophobic peptides at one terminus effectively increases their water-solubility, and conjugation through the opposing end to a carrier protein, renders them more immunogenic. Moreover, the glycosylation minimizes antibody responses to potentially deleterious, non-productive terminal neo-epitope regions of the peptides, and consequently shifts peptide immunogenicity towards the core amino acid residues. As proof of concept, glycopeptide-protein conjugates related to influenza hemagglutinin (HA), neuraminidase (NA), and the dimerization loop region of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2), demonstrated a favorable production of core peptide specific antibodies as determined by ELISA studies. Furthermore, glycosylated Her2 peptide conjugate antisera were also shown to recognize full length Her2 protein by ELISA and at the cell surface through flow cytometry analysis. In contrast, unmasked peptide conjugates generated significant antibody populations that were specific to the terminal neo-epitope of the peptide immunogen that are notably absent in parental proteins. Antibodies generated in this manner to peptides in the dimerization loop of Her2 are also functional as demonstrated by the growth inhibition of Her2 expressing SKBR3 carcinoma cells. This method provides a technique to tailor-make epitope-specific antibodies that may facilitate vaccine, therapeutic and diagnostic antibody development.
Catalytic and Significant Stoichiometric Use of Sodium Species in Molecular Organic Synthesis
Authors: Bao W. , Kossen H. , Richards J. , Schneider U.
Published: October 2020

The catalytic and significant stoichiometric use of sodium species as a single metal mediator in molecular organic synthesis has been reviewed. Specific sodium compounds have been identified as: a Lewis acid catalyst; a critical component of a Brønsted acid catalyst; a critical component of a Lewis base or Brønsted base catalyst; electron-rich sodium species may also potentially trigger the formation of radical intermediates. In certain cases, (chiral) sodium compounds have been shown to be a pre-catalyst in (asymmetric) phase-transfer catalysis. Finally, sodium species have proved to display increased reactivity and/or selectivity in the catalysis facilitated by another metal compound (via modification of the catalyst structure and/or anion metathesis).
Asymmetric Catalysis with Chiral Magnesium and Calcium Systems
Authors: Saito S.
Published: October 2020

In this chapter we describe the recent developments in the context of asymmetric catalysis by chiral magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) species. Up to 1995, both metals were not very popular in the prominent field of asymmetric catalysis. However, critically important features – exploitable in (asymmetric) catalysis – of both Mg and Ca include: (i) a low electronegativity; (ii) a stable +II oxidation state, meaning that two covalent bonds with anions may be formed and applied in a variety of bond activations; (iii) the ability to offer various coordination sites due to their larger ionic radii. Furthermore, these group 2 metals show mild but significant Lewis acidity in acid–base interactions. Taken together, these characteristics render both Mg and Ca very promising metal components of highly functionalised acid–base catalyst systems. In this account, we describe the development of chiral alkaline-earth metal catalysts and their use in asymmetric carbon–carbon bond formations as well as the one-pot formation of several C–C and C–X bonds.
P: Asymmetric Acid Catalysis
Authors: Antilla Jon C. , Nimmagadda Sri Krishna
Published: October 2020

This chapter summarizes a variety of the important advances using chiral phosphoric acids as catalysts for enantioselectively controlled reactions (asymmetric catalysis). It will be evident that the variety of substrates and nucleophiles is quite large, so only a selected summary is shown. Exhaustive reviews have been addressed previously. The reactions have been described by nucleophile types (carbon, oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen), and also by types of electrophiles (imines, oxonium ions etc.) or by specific reaction types (pericyclic and phase-transfer reaction types, and atroposelective processes). In addition, the various types of addition modes are addressed and commented on through the chapter. We hope that the reader can gain a good grasp of how phosphorous is one of the most important elements for organocatalysis; its impact is only now starting to be fully exploited on the forefront of asymmetric catalysis.
Rapid single-cell detection of pathogenic bacteria for in situ determination of food safety
Authors: Kim Hee-Jung , Choi Suk-Jung
Published: October 2020

A highly sensitive in situ method to detect bacterial pathogens was developed using magnetic capture particles and europium-fluorescent labeling particles.
Manipulation of planar oxygen defect arrangements in multifunctional magnèli titanium oxide hybrid systems: from energy conversion to water treatment
Authors: Liu Yichen , Yang Jack , Liu Yang , Zheng Jian , Lee Wen , Shi Junjie , Horlyck Jonathan , Xie Jiangzhou , Tay Yee Yan , Tan Thiam Teck , Yu Dehong , Mole Richard , McIntyre Garry , Zhang Changyong , Toe Cui Ying , Waite T. David , Scott Jason , Wang Yu , Wu Tom , Han Shenghao , Li Sean
Published: October 2020

This work demonstrates that the layer structured Magnèli titanium oxides possess co-existing functionalities, which can be applied to both energy harvesting and water treatment using one material.
Thermodynamics of inclusion within cyclodextrins and structural evidence of Cu(indomethacin)2 and Zn(indomethacin)2 complexes in aqueous solutions
Authors: Hipólito-Nájera Adrián Ricardo , Rodríguez-Laguna Norma , Reyes-García Luis I. , Gómez-Vidales Virginia , Rojas-Hernández Alberto , Gómez-Balderas Rodolfo , Moya-Hernández Rosario
Published: October 2020

Cu(IMC)2 and Zn(IMC)2 inclusion within cyclodextrins is spontaneous, the former driven by entropic and the last by enthalpic contributions.
Periodic concentration–polarization-based formation of a biomolecule preconcentrate for enhanced biosensing
Authors: Park Sinwook , Buhnik-Rosenblau Keren , Abu-Rjal Ramadan , Kashi Yechezkel , Yossifon Gilad
Published: October 2020

Periodic concentration–polarization-based formation of a preconcentrated biomolecule plug using the sandwich immunoassay approach, wherein the target biomolecules bind between immobilized magnetic bead-conjugated antibodies and reporter antibodies.
A low-temperature oxyl transfer to carbon monoxide from the ZnII–oxyl site in a zeolite catalyst
Authors: Oda Akira , Kumagai Jun , Ohkubo Takahiro , Kuroda Yasushige
Published: October 2020

We demonstrated that the ZnII–oxyl bond specifically formed by the zeolite lattice ligation has the capability of transferring the oxyl to CO even at 150 K with the generation of a single ZnI˙ species.
Microwave-assisted green synthesis of levulinate esters as biofuel precursors using calix[4]arene as an organocatalyst under solvent-free conditions
Authors: Castro Gabriel Abranches Dias , Fernandes Sergio Antonio
Published: October 2020

Levulinic acid, one of the top 12 value-added chemicals, can be obtained by the transformation of biomass by acid catalysis.
Using reactive dissipative particle dynamics to understand local shape manipulation of polymer vesicles
Authors: Zhu Qinyu , Scott Timothy R. , Tree Douglas R.
Published: October 2020

Biological cells have long been of interest to researchers due to their capacity to actively control their shape.
A novel method to synthesize luminescent silicon carbide nanoparticles based on dielectric barrier discharge plasma
Authors: Yang Wenxi , Sun Mingxia , Song Hongjie , Su Yingying , Lv Yi
Published: October 2020

Fluorescent SiC NPs were synthesized based on DBD in the presence of H2O2, where the abundant and highly efficient oxidant, ˙OH, was produced. The nanoparticles showed good properties and realized the detection of gold(iii) ions in the aqueous phase.
Total saponins from Rubus parvifolius L. inhibits cell proliferation, migration and invasion of malignant melanoma in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Cao Jinfeng , Zhao Xue , Ma Yan , Yang Jian , Li Fuqiang
Published: October 2020

Background: Total saponins from Rubus parvifolius L. (TSRP) are the main bioactive fractions responsible for the anti-tumor activities. The work was aimed to evaluate the anti-tumor effect of TSRP in malignant melanoma (MM) in vitro and in vivo.

Methods and results: Anti-melanoma cell proliferation, invasion and migration effect of TSRP were detected in human MM A375 cells under the indicated time and dosages. In vivo anti-tumor effect of TSRP was measured in A375 xenograft immunodeficient nude mice. Sixty A375 xenografts were randomly divided into five groups: Vehicle, cyclophosphamide (CTX, 20 mg/kg), TSRP (25 mg/kg), TSRP (50 mg/kg) and TSRP (100 mg/kg) groups for 14 days’ treatment. In addition, the melanoma metastasis in lung in vivo of TSRP was detected in A375 tail vein injection mice, and the histopathalogical analysis of the lung metastasis was detected by Hematoxylin–Eosin (H&E) staining. TSRP significantly inhibited the cell proliferation, invasion and migration of A375 in vitro at the indicated time and dosages. TSRP treatment effectively blocked the tumor growth in immunodeficient nude mice. In addition, TSRP also significantly inhibited the lung metastasis of melanoma.

Conclusion: The present study indicated that the TSRP has a remarkable anti-MM effect, which mainly through the inhibition of the cell invasion, migration and tumor metastasis.
Capturing a Moment in Time: A Survey of School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists' Experiences in the Immediate Aftermath of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
Authors: Sylvan Lesley , Goldstein Erica , Crandall Megan
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Data collected by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association in the spring of 2020 showed that most speech-language pathologists (SLPs) experienced a moderate to major impact on their work practices as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency. This study focused on gaining a deeper understanding of the experiences of school-based SLPs at this unique moment in time.

Method

This study involved a survey of 280 school-based SLPs working across the United States in May 2020. The results of the survey were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively to identify key themes and trends related to participants' confidence levels, workload changes, and personal challenges.

Results

Results indicated that SLPs faced variation in the guidance, communication, and resources they were provided by employers and variations regarding the timelines and expectations for the pivot from traditional face-to-face school services to remote services. Few SLPs had previous experience with teletherapy, and many reported low levels of self-confidence and large increases in their workload. Additionally, SLPs faced high levels of stress in their personal lives.

Conclusions

Despite the challenges faced, participants largely reported they were able to adapt with the support of the SLP community. Participants reported concerns regarding the relative success of their students under new service delivery models, especially for students from disadvantaged groups, and worries regarding future legal challenges. This study identifies key issues to consider with respect to speech-language services in schools as the COVID-19 public health emergency continues to unfold.
Distributed finite‐time optimisation algorithm for second‐order multi‐agent systems subject to mismatched disturbances
Authors: Wang Xiangyu , Wang Guodong
Published: October 2020

In this study, the distributed finite‐time optimisation problem is investigated for second‐order multi‐agent systems subject to mismatched disturbances. The whole control design is conducted within a feedforward–feedback composite control framework, which consists of two main sessions. In the first session, based on homogeneous systems theory, a finite‐time optimisation control algorithm is presented for a nominal second‐order single system with a quadratic cost function. In the second session, via the result in the first session and by combining finite‐time disturbance observer, homogeneous systems theory, integral sliding‐mode control, and distributed finite‐time estimator techniques together, a distributed finite‐time optimisation control algorithm is proposed for second‐order multi‐agent systems with mismatched disturbances and quadratic local cost functions. Under the proposed control algorithm, the outputs of all the agents reach finite‐time consensus on the minimiser of the global cost function. Simulations demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed distributed finite‐time optimisation control algorithm.
Two‐stage off‐grid system for catering household AC appliances with reduced switches
Authors: Sunny Amal C. , Debnath Dipankar
Published: October 2020

This study presents a solar photovoltaic (PV)‐battery‐integrated multi‐input converter (PBMIC) based two‐stage off‐grid system for catering household ac appliances in areas where the grid is not available. The proposed single‐stage PBMIC facilitates the control of both PV array and the battery along with adequate voltage boosting by employing only two controlled switches. This reduces cost for semiconductor devices along with associated accessories and also reduces a number of power converter stages required for the overall system. Owing to the adequate voltage boosting capability, the proposed system facilitates the use of low‐voltage levels for both PV and battery, thereby eliminating the problems associated with the series connection of multiple units of them. The topological configuration of the PBMIC under different modes of operation is analysed. Furthermore, a novel control scheme that allows the converter to operate in various modes necessary for an off‐grid system along with a seamless transition between these modes is also devised. A 400 W prototype of the complete off‐grid system formed by connecting a full‐bridge dc–ac inverter at the output of PBMIC is fabricated for conducting experimental studies. The validity of the complete system is substantiated by comprehensive simulation and experimental performance.
Constant frequency error effects and their elimination in distributed ISAR fusion imaging
Authors: Kang Hailong , Li Jun , Guo Yifan , Ma Hui , Yu Zehua
Published: October 2020

Some new problems in distributed inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) fusion imaging may be caused by constant frequency errors (CFE) due to the imperfect match of two independent oscillators. In this study, the effects of the CFE on distributed ISAR coherent fusion imaging are first analysed, which show that the CFE will produce false images (incorrect scatterer number and position) in distributed ISAR fusion imaging. To eliminate the effects of the CFE, a novel CFE calibration scheme is devised by exploiting the echo signal phase relationship between different sensors and making some reasonable approximations. The echo signal of the active radar (transmit and receive) is used as a reference signal. After some derivation, the phase relationship between the reference signal and other signals with CFE can be derived. Based on the derived phase relationship, the CFE of each radar will be estimated by multiple signal classification algorithm. Then, the estimated CFE value is further used to calibrate the CFE of each radar before signal coherent fusion. As a result, the false image is eliminated. Simulation results prove the authors theoretical analysis and the effectiveness of their method.
Differenzialdiagnose ausgedehnter ossärer Destruktionen
– ein Fallbericht
Authors: Engel Kristin , Kayser Marten , Unger Leonore
Published: October 2020

Die Gicht ist die häufigste metabolische Arthropathie. Obwohl
Ätiologie und Pathogenese des Krankheitsbildes gut untersucht sind,
bereitet die Diagnosesicherung mittels des Nachweises von
Natriumuratkristallen aus einem Gelenkpunktat oder anderen betroffenen
Geweben mitunter große Schwierigkeiten. Wir berichten von einem
außergewöhnlich schweren Fall einer generalisierten
Gichtarthropathie mit atypischer Manifestation und kompliziertem Verlauf.
Dabei sollen wichtige Differenzialdiagnosen ausgedehnter ossärer
Destruktionen beleuchtet werden.
Osteoid Osteoma of the Atlas in a Boy: Clinical and Imaging Features–A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Valluzzi Adelaide , Donatiello Salvatore , Gallo Graziana , Cellini Monica , Maiorana Antonino , Spina Vincenzo , Pavesi Giacomo
Published: October 2020

Osteoid osteoma is a benign osteoblastic tumor, quite uncommon in the spine. We report a case of an osteoid osteoma involving the atlas in a 6-year-old boy, who presented with suboccipital pain and torticollis. Initial radiological findings were ambiguous as magnetic resonance imaging showed mainly edema of upper cervical soft tissues. The subsequent computed tomography depicted a lesion of left lamina of C1. As conservative treatment failed, the lesion was surgically resected and the patient became pain free. To our knowledge, this is the first case of osteoid osteoma involving the atlas associated with abnormal soft tissue reaction reported in literature.
Development of a Taxonomy for Medication-Related Patient Safety Events Related to Health Information Technology in Pediatrics
Authors: Wyatt Kirk D. , Benning Tyler J. , Morgenthaler Timothy I. , Arteaga Grace M.
Published: October 2020

Background Although electronic health records (EHRs) are designed to improve patient safety, they have been associated with serious patient harm. An agreed-upon and standard taxonomy for classifying health information technology (HIT) related patient safety events does not exist.

Objectives We aimed to develop and evaluate a taxonomy for medication-related patient safety events associated with HIT and validate it using a set of events involving pediatric patients.

Methods We performed a literature search to identify existing classifications for HIT-related safety events, which were assessed using real-world pediatric medication-related patient safety events extracted from two sources: patient safety event reporting system (ERS) reports and information technology help desk (HD) tickets. A team of clinical and patient safety experts used iterative tests of change and consensus building to converge on a single taxonomy. The final devised taxonomy was applied to pediatric medication-related events assess its characteristics, including interrater reliability and agreement.

Results Literature review identified four existing classifications for HIT-related patient safety events, and one was iteratively adapted to converge on a singular taxonomy. Safety events relating to usability accounted for a greater proportion of ERS reports, compared with HD tickets (37 vs. 20%, p = 0.022). Conversely, events pertaining to incorrect configuration accounted for a greater proportion of HD tickets, compared with ERS reports (63 vs. 8%, p < 0.01). Interrater agreement (%) and reliability (kappa) were 87.8% and 0.688 for ERS reports and 73.6% and 0.556 for HD tickets, respectively.

Discussion A standardized taxonomy for medication-related patient safety events related to HIT is presented. The taxonomy was validated using pediatric events. Further evaluation can assess whether the taxonomy is suitable for nonmedication-related events and those occurring in other patient populations.

Conclusion Wider application of standardized taxonomies will allow for peer benchmarking and facilitate collaborative interinstitutional patient safety improvement efforts.
Rehabilitation of a Patient with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder and Misocclusion Requiring Full Mouth Reconstruction, Based on the Multidisciplinary Approach: A Clinical Case
Authors: Dzalaeva Fatima , Chikunov Sergey , Utyuzh Anatoly , Mikhailova Maria , Budunova Marzhanat
Published: October 2020

This case report involved the development of a rehabilitation system for patient with edentulism and an algorithm for diagnostic and therapeutic measures to be planned based on the patient’s individual anatomical and physiological features. The results of treatment and rehabilitation made it possible to achieve the optimal distribution of loads on the dentition. It was shown that it is necessary to analyze casts in an articulator to reproduce a three-dimensional model of mandibular movements taking into account the individual features of the patient to obtain a satisfactory assessment and treatment planning of patients with edentulism requiring full mouth reconstruction. This case confirms that the developed algorithm is anatomically and pathogenetically justified, as it considers all changes and interrelationships of structures of the dentition.
Providing Inpatient Mobilization with a Mobility Technician Constrains Cost in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Novack Thomas A. , Mazzei Christopher J. , Patel Jay N. , Poletick Eileen B. , D'Achille Roberta , Wittig James C.
Published: October 2020

Since the 2016 implementation of the comprehensive care for joint replacement (CJR) bundled payment model, our institutions have sought to decrease inpatient physical therapy (PT) costs by piloting a mobility technician program (MTP), where mobility technicians (MTs) ambulate postoperative total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients under the supervision of nursing staff members. MTs are certified medical assistants given specialized gate and ambulation training by the PT department. The aim of this study was to examine the economic and clinical impact of MTs on the primary TKA postoperative pathway. We performed a retrospective review of TKA patients who underwent surgery at our institution between April 2018 and March 2019 and who were postoperatively ambulated by MTs. The control group included patients who had surgery during the same months of the prior year, preceding introduction of MTs to the floor. Inclusion criteria included: unilateral primary TKA for arthritic conditions and conversion to unilateral primary TKA from a previous knee surgery. Minitab Software (State College, PA) was used to perform the statistical analysis. There were 658 patients enrolled in the study group and 1,400 in the control group. The two groups shared similar demographics and an average age of 68 (p = 0.177). The median length of stay (LOS) was 2 days in both groups (p = 0.133) with 90.5% of patients in the study group discharged to home versus 81.5% of patients in the control group (p < 0.001). The ability of MTs to increase patient discharge to home without negatively impacting LOS suggest MTs are valuable both clinically to patients, and economically to the institution. Cost analysis highlighted the substantial cost savings that MTs may create in a bundled payment system. With the well-documented benefits of early ambulation following TKA, we demonstrate how MTs can be an asset to optimizing the care pathway of TKA patients.
Mechanisms Underlying Abnormal Expression of lncRNA H19 in Neonatal Hypoxic–Ischemic Encephalopathy
Authors: Zhu Hongwei , Wang Lei , Chen Juanjuan , Shen Huaiyun , Chen Zhenxiang
Published: October 2020

Objective Hypoxic–ischemic (HI)-related brain injury, especially HI encephalopathy (HIE) is a leading cause of morbidity and disability in newborns. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are implicated in the progress of HI brain damage. However, the mechanisms underlying the regulatory effects of lncRNA H19 on autophagy in HIE remain unknown. This study was designed to identify the potential mechanisms involving lncRNA H19 in HIE.

Study Design We selected three HIE newborns and three healthy newborns for neonatal behavioral neurological assessment and screened the differentially expressed lncRNAs by microarray analysis and detected H19 expression in serum. After that, neonatal HIE rats were established and injected with H19 overexpression lentivirus vector or autophagy activator Rapa. The structure and apoptotic levels of brain tissue were observed, and righting reflex and geotaxis reflex were utilized to evaluate the short-term neurological function of HIE rats. The Morris water maze was performed to measure the long-term neurological functions of HIE rats. The binding relationships among H19/miR-19b/protein kinase B3 (Akt3) were verified. Levels of Akt3- and autophagy-related proteins were measured.

Results H19 was upregulated in HIE newborns and rat models. The areas of cerebral infarction and apoptosis in neonatal HIE rats were increased, and the nerve functions were compromised. The overexpression of H19 alleviated nerve damage of neonatal HIE rats, and reduced autophagy of brain tissue. H19 upregulated Akt3 as a miR-29b sponge. The protective effects of overexpression of H19 on brain tissue and nerve functions of neonatal HIE rats were partially reversed by autophagy activator.

Conclusion H19 improved the brain tissue and alleviated nerve damage of neonatal HIE rats by upregulating the Akt3/mTOR pathway as a miR-29b sponge.

Key Points
Influence of a 3D electric field enhancement model on the Monte Carlo calculation of the dark current in pixel arrays
Authors: Lemière K. , Inguimbert C. , Nuns T.
Published: October 2020

A new three-dimensional (3D) electric field enhanced generation model has been developed to describe the electric field effects on the thermal electron–hole pair generation rate. The originality of this model lies in the full three-dimensional description of the synergetic mechanism between the Poole–Frenkel barrier lowering and the phonon-assisted tunneling mechanism. To do this, a classical one-dimensional (1D) model has been integrated over all possible directions of emission of the carriers. The 3D model has been implemented in a Monte Carlo tool devoted to the simulation of the dark current increase induced by radiations in image sensors. Our three-dimensional simulation has been compared to one-dimensional electric field effects’ simulations and experimental data found in the literature in the context of gold contamination. The consequence of using a three-dimensional electric field enhanced generation (EFEG) model is the reduction of the dispersive effect on the dark current distribution of the electric field; hence, each dark current peak is narrower and shows a higher peak's amplitude. The three-dimensional model needs to slightly change the cross-sectional parameters used for a 1D EFEG case to keep a realistic description of each dark current peak of the histogram. In the rest of the paper, we extended our work on constraints relative to space applications. The histograms of the simulated dark current taking into account one- and three-dimensional electric field enhancement effects have been estimated and compared to experimental data acquired after a proton irradiation at room temperature. The use of a three-dimensional model tends to give a more realistic prediction of the dark current non-uniformity in an irradiated pixel array.