bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PP012 Efficacy And Safety Of The ELIPSE Gastric Balloon For Weight Loss
Authors: Sánchez-Gómez Luis María , Luengo-Matos Setefilla , Polo-Desantos Mar , Orrego Juan Pablo Chalco
Published: April 2019

INTRODUCTION:

Conventional gastric balloons for weight loss require endoscopy for placement and removal. The ELIPSETM is a new gastric balloon designed for weight loss that is swallowed and does not require endoscopy or anesthesia. The device is designed to remain in the stomach and be expelled after a predetermined time of 4 months. The objective of this work is to assess the efficacy and safety of the ELIPSETM procedureless gastric balloon for weight loss.

METHODS:

The ELIPSETM procedureless gastric balloon was identified by the early Awareness and Alert System, “SINTESIS-new technologies,” of The Instituto De Salud Carlos III (AETS-ISCIII). An early assessment of the technology was conducted. The searched databases were: MEDLINE (PubMed), Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, and the Cochrane Library. Clinical studies using the device published in any language until 10 January 2017 were reviewed.

RESULTS:

A prospective, non-randomized, open label study supported by industry was retrieved. Thirty-four patients were enrolled. Six patients treated with an experimental device were excluded. Twenty-eight patients successfully swallowed the device. No endoscopy or anesthesia was required. All devices were excreted safely. Of the twenty-five patients finally studied, the mean percent total body weight loss was 10 percent (95 percent Confidence Interval, CI 7.3–12.7) and the mean waist circumference was reduced by 8.4cm (95 percent CI 5.7-11.8) at 4 months. Improvements were also seen in metabolic parameters (HbA1c, Low density lipoprotein, triglycerides and blood pressure). All aspects of quality of life measured by the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life (IWQoL) questionnaire demonstrated significant improvements. About safety, there were no serious adverse events or serious adverse device effects, however 64 percent of patients had vomiting, 54 percent experienced nausea, 25 percent had abdominal pain and 2 patients were excluded because of symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS:

The ELIPSETM gastric balloon for weight loss seems to be an effective therapy with an acceptable safety profile. However it would be necessary to continue further studies to confirm these results, including comparative studies with current treatments.
Mineral Alteration and Fracture Influence on the Elastic Properties of Volcaniclastic Rocks
Authors: Durán Evert L. , Adam Ludmila , Wallis Irene C. , Barnhoorn Auke
Published: April 2019

In geothermal environments, the physical properties of rocks, such as porosity and alteration, are highly variable and control the reservoir's elastic and hydraulic properties. Elastic wave velocity in volcaniclastic rocks and their relation to fractures, pore shapes, and mineral alteration is mostly unknown. We measure ultrasonic P and S wave speeds on volcanic rocks from the Ngatamariki Geothermal Reservoir, New Zealand. Data clustering of wave speed versus porosity and density allow us to classify lithotypes of variable propylitic and phyllic mineral alteration. Wave speeds increase first due to porosity reduction as a result of mineral alteration and welding and, second, due to the high elasticity of alteration minerals (epidote, chlorite, and carbonates). We model the rock porosity as composed of equant pores and oblate‐spheroidal microfractures following an elastic effective medium model. For our samples, microfracture porosities range from 4% in the volcaniclastic tuffs to less than 1% in the ignimbrites, which we validate with pycnometer porosity data under effective pressure. We quantify that within one geological volcaniclastic formation, wave speeds vary up to 47% due to rock alteration and welding, while the effect of microfractures and changes in effective stress on wave speeds is secondary (up to 11%) but not negligible. From the experimental and numerical results we show that equant pores remain open at reservoir conditions (2,000 m) and can retain considerable porosity (10%). Our analysis has implications for microfracture and pore network characterization in geothermal reservoirs, in particular, in vapor‐dominated systems where matrix porosity and permeability play a role.
Bromocriptine and cabergoline induce cell death in prolactinoma cells via the ERK/EGR1 and AKT/mTOR pathway respectively
Authors: Tang Chao , Sun Ruixin , Wen Guodao , Zhong Chunyu , Yang Jin , Zhu Junhao , Cong Zixiang , Luo Xiaoying , Ma Chiyuan
Published: April 2019

The treatment of hyperprolactinemia is based on the use of dopamine agonists, mainly bromocriptine (BRC) and cabergoline (CAB). They reduce tumour size effectively and restore gonadal function. However, there is a difference in drug sensitivity between CAB and BRC in patients with prolactinoma, although the underlying mechanisms are still unknown. Thus, we investigated whether there are differences in tumour sensitivity to CAB and BRC and their possible differential mechanisms in two prolactinoma cell lines. In our study, we found that GH3 cells are more sensitive to BRC and that MMQ cells are more sensitive to CAB. Moreover, BRC and CAB elicited cell death via different pathways; BRC induced prolactinoma cell death mainly through the apoptosis pathway, and CAB induced pituitary prolactinoma cell death mainly via the autophagic cell death pathway. Using gene microarray analysis, we found that BRC induces the apoptosis of prolactinoma cells through the ERK/EGR1 signalling pathway, whereas CAB induces autophagic death by inhibiting the AKT/mTOR signalling pathway. Our study showed the difference in tumour sensitivity and differential mechanisms in BRC- and CAB-treated prolactinoma cells, which provides a theoretical basis for the accurate treatment of prolactinoma.
Neural stem cell-derived small extracellular vesicles attenuate apoptosis and neuroinflammation after traumatic spinal cord injury by activating autophagy
Authors: Rong Yuluo , Liu Wei , Wang Jiaxing , Fan Jin , Luo Yongjun , Li Linwei , Kong Fanqi , Chen Jian , Tang Pengyu , Cai Weihua
Published: April 2019

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can cause severe irreversible motor dysfunction and even death. Neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation can promote functional recovery after acute SCI in experimental animals, but numerous issues, including low-transplanted cell survival rate, cell de-differentiation, and tumor formation need to be resolved before routine clinical application is feasible. Recent studies have shown that transplanted stem cells facilitate regeneration through release of paracrine factors. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), the smallest known membrane-bound nanovesicles, are involved in complex intercellular communication systems and are an important vehicle for paracrine delivery of therapeutic agents. However, the application of NSC-derived small extracellular vesicles (NSC-sEVs) to SCI treatment has not been reported. We demonstrate that NSC-sEVs can significantly reduce the extent of SCI, improve functional recovery, and reduce neuronal apoptosis, microglia activation, and neuroinflammation in rats. Furthermore, our study suggests that NSC-sEVs can regulate apoptosis and inflammatory processes by inducing autophagy. In brief, NSC-sEVs increased the expression of the autophagy marker proteins LC3B and beclin-1, and promoted autophagosome formation. Following NSC-sEV infusion, the SCI area was significantly reduced, and the expression levels of the proapoptotic protein Bax, the apoptosis effector cleaved caspase-3, and the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were significantly reduced, whereas the expression level of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was upregulated. In the presence of the autophagy inhibitor 3MA, however, these inhibitory effects of NSC-sEVs on apoptosis and neuroinflammation were significantly reversed. Our results show for the first time that NSC-sEV treatment has the potential to reduce neuronal apoptosis, inhibit neuroinflammation, and promote functional recovery in SCI model rats at an early stage by promoting autophagy.
Ultrathin electronic synapse having high temporal/spatial uniformity and an Al2O3/graphene quantum dots/Al2O3 sandwich structure for neuromorphic computing
Authors: Xu Zhongwei , Li Fushan , Wu Chaoxing , Ma Fumin , Zheng Yueting , Yang Kaiyu , Chen Wei , Hu Hailong , Guo Tailiang , Kim Tae Whan
Published: April 2019

An electronic synapse (e-synapse) based on memristive switching is a promising electronic element that emulates a biological synapse to realize neuromorphic computing. However, the complex resistive switching process it relies on hampers the reproducibility of its performance. Thus, achievement of a reproducible electronic synapse with a high rate of finished products has become a significant challenge in the development of an artificial intelligent circuit. Here, we demonstrate an ultrathin e-synapse having high yield (>95%), minimal performance variation, and extremely low power consumption based on an Al2O3/graphene quantum dots/Al2O3 sandwich structure that was fabricated using atomic layer deposition. The e-synapse showed both high device-to-device and cycle-to-cycle reproducibility with high stability, endurance, and switching uniformity, because the essential synaptic behaviors could be observed. This implementation of an e-synapse with an Al2O3/graphene quantum dots/Al2O3 structure should intensify motivation for engineering e-synapses for neuromorphic computing.
Hydroxyl super rotors from vacuum ultraviolet photodissociation of water
Authors: Chang Yao , Yu Yong , Wang Heilong , Hu Xixi , Li Qinming , Yang Jiayue , Su Shu , He Zhigang , Chen Zhichao , Che Li , Wang Xingan , Zhang Weiqing , Wu Guorong , Xie Daiqian , Ashfold Michael N. R. , Yuan Kaijun , Yang Xueming
Published: April 2019

Hydroxyl radicals (OH) play a central role in the interstellar medium. Here, we observe highly rotationally excited OH radicals with energies above the bond dissociation energy, termed OH “super rotors”, from the vacuum ultraviolet photodissociation of water. The most highly excited OH(X) super rotors identified at 115.2 nm photolysis have an internal energy of 4.86 eV. A striking enhancement in the yield of vibrationally-excited OH super rotors is detected when exciting the bending vibration of the water molecule. Theoretical analysis shows that bending excitation enhances the probability of non-adiabatic coupling between the $$\tilde B$$

B

̃

and $$\tilde X$$

X

̃

states of water at collinear O–H–H geometries following fast internal conversion from the initially excited $$\tilde D$$

D

̃

state. The present study illustrates a route to produce extremely rotationally excited OH(X) radicals from vacuum ultraviolet water photolysis, which may be related to the production of the highly rotationally excited OH(X) radicals observed in the interstellar medium.
New estimates of flood exposure in developing countries using high-resolution population data
Authors: Smith Andrew , Bates Paul D. , Wing Oliver , Sampson Christopher , Quinn Niall , Neal Jeff
Published: April 2019

Current estimates of global flood exposure are made using datasets that distribute population counts homogenously across large lowland floodplain areas. When intersected with simulated water depths, this results in a significant mis-estimation. Here, we use new highly resolved population information to show that, in reality, humans make more rational decisions about flood risk than current demographic data suggest. In the new data, populations are correctly represented as risk-averse, largely avoiding obvious flood zones. The results also show that existing demographic datasets struggle to represent concentrations of exposure, with the total exposed population being spread over larger areas. In this analysis we use flood hazard data from a ~90 m resolution hydrodynamic inundation model to demonstrate the impact of different population distributions on flood exposure calculations for 18 developing countries spread across Africa, Asia and Latin America. The results suggest that many published large-scale flood exposure estimates may require significant revision.
Felodipine induces autophagy in mouse brains with pharmacokinetics amenable to repurposing
Authors: Siddiqi Farah H. , Menzies Fiona M. , Lopez Ana , Stamatakou Eleanna , Karabiyik Cansu , Ureshino Rodrigo , Ricketts Thomas , Jimenez-Sanchez Maria , Esteban Miguel Angel , Lai Liangxue , Tortorella Micky D. , Luo Zhiwei , Liu Hao , Metzakopian Emmanouil , Fernandes Hugo J. R. , Bassett Andrew , Karran Eric , Miller Bruce L. , Fleming Angeleen , Rubinsztein David C.
Published: April 2019

Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease manifest with the neuronal accumulation of toxic proteins. Since autophagy upregulation enhances the clearance of such proteins and ameliorates their toxicities in animal models, we and others have sought to re-position/re-profile existing compounds used in humans to identify those that may induce autophagy in the brain. A key challenge with this approach is to assess if any hits identified can induce neuronal autophagy at concentrations that would be seen in humans taking the drug for its conventional indication. Here we report that felodipine, an L-type calcium channel blocker and anti-hypertensive drug, induces autophagy and clears diverse aggregate-prone, neurodegenerative disease-associated proteins. Felodipine can clear mutant α-synuclein in mouse brains at plasma concentrations similar to those that would be seen in humans taking the drug. This is associated with neuroprotection in mice, suggesting the promise of this compound for use in neurodegeneration.
AURKB as a target in non-small cell lung cancer with acquired resistance to anti-EGFR therapy
Authors: Bertran-Alamillo Jordi , Cattan Valérie , Schoumacher Marie , Codony-Servat Jordi , Giménez-Capitán Ana , Cantero Frédérique , Burbridge Mike , Rodríguez Sonia , Teixidó Cristina , Roman Ruth , Castellví Josep , García-Román Silvia , Codony-Servat Carles , Viteri Santiago , Cardona Andrés-Felipe , Karachaliou Niki , Rosell Rafael , Molina-Vila Miguel-Angel
Published: April 2019

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors harboring mutations in EGFR ultimately relapse to therapy with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR TKIs). Here, we show that resistant cells without the p.T790M or other acquired mutations are sensitive to the Aurora B (AURKB) inhibitors barasertib and S49076. Phospho-histone H3 (pH3), a major product of AURKB, is increased in most resistant cells and treatment with AURKB inhibitors reduces the levels of pH3, triggering G1/S arrest and polyploidy. Senescence is subsequently induced in cells with acquired mutations while, in their absence, polyploidy is followed by cell death. Finally, in NSCLC patients, pH3 levels are increased after progression on EGFR TKIs and high pH3 baseline correlates with shorter survival. Our results reveal that AURKB activation is associated with acquired resistance to EGFR TKIs, and that AURKB constitutes a potential target in NSCLC progressing to anti-EGFR therapy and not carrying resistance mutations.
Reconstitution of the lipid-linked oligosaccharide pathway for assembly of high-mannose N-glycans
Authors: Li Sheng-Tao , Lu Tian-Tian , Xu Xin-Xin , Ding Yi , Li Zijie , Kitajima Toshihiko , Dean Neta , Wang Ning , Gao Xiao-Dong
Published: April 2019

The asparagine (N)-linked Man9GlcNAc2 is required for glycoprotein folding and secretion. Understanding how its structure contributes to these functions has been stymied by our inability to produce this glycan as a homogenous structure of sufficient quantities for study. Here, we report the high yield chemoenzymatic synthesis of Man9GlcNAc2 and its biosynthetic intermediates by reconstituting the eukaryotic lipid-linked oligosaccharide (LLO) pathway. Endoplasmic reticulum mannosyltransferases (MTases) are expressed in E. coli and used for mannosylation of the dolichol mimic, phytanyl pyrophosphate GlcNAc2. These recombinant MTases recognize unique substrates and when combined, synthesize end products that precisely mimic those in vivo, demonstrating that ordered assembly of LLO is due to the strict enzyme substrate specificity. Indeed, non-physiological glycans are produced only when the luminal MTases are challenged with cytosolic substrates. Reconstitution of the LLO pathway to synthesize Man9GlcNAc2 in vitro provides an important tool for functional studies of the N-linked glycoprotein biosynthesis pathway.
Publisher Correction: Nitric oxide-dependent anaerobic ammonium oxidation
Authors: Hu Ziye , Wessels Hans J. C. T. , van Alen Theo , Jetten Mike S. M. , Kartal Boran
Published: April 2019

The original HTML version of this Article had an incorrect Published online date of 20 March 2019; it should have been 18 March 2019. This has been corrected in the HTML version of the Article. The PDF version was correct from the time of publication.
L amino acid transporter structure and molecular bases for the asymmetry of substrate interaction
Authors: Errasti-Murugarren Ekaitz , Fort Joana , Bartoccioni Paola , Díaz Lucía , Pardon Els , Carpena Xavier , Espino-Guarch Meritxell , Zorzano Antonio , Ziegler Christine , Steyaert Jan , Fernández-Recio Juan , Fita Ignacio , Palacín Manuel
Published: April 2019

L-amino acid transporters (LATs) play key roles in human physiology and are implicated in several human pathologies. LATs are asymmetric amino acid exchangers where the low apparent affinity cytoplasmic side controls the exchange of substrates with high apparent affinity on the extracellular side. Here, we report the crystal structures of an LAT, the bacterial alanine-serine-cysteine exchanger (BasC), in a non-occluded inward-facing conformation in both apo and substrate-bound states. We crystallized BasC in complex with a nanobody, which blocks the transporter from the intracellular side, thus unveiling the sidedness of the substrate interaction of BasC. Two conserved residues in human LATs, Tyr 236 and Lys 154, are located in equivalent positions to the Na1 and Na2 sites of sodium-dependent APC superfamily transporters. Functional studies and molecular dynamics (MD) calculations reveal that these residues are key for the asymmetric substrate interaction of BasC and in the homologous human transporter Asc-1.
Plasticiser loss from plastic or rubber products through diffusion and evaporation
Authors: Wei Xin-Feng , Linde Erik , Hedenqvist Mikael S.
Published: April 2019

Polymers experience degradation during storage and service. One of the main degradation mechanisms of plasticised-polymer products is the loss of plasticiser, which leads to poorer mechanical properties and eventual contamination of the surrounding environment. This paper addresses the kinetics and predictions of plasticiser migration from polymers to a surrounding gas phase, an important issue for plastic and rubber products exposed to high service temperature conditions and during accelerated ageing and testing. The features and factors influencing the two migration-rate-limiting modes (plasticiser evaporation and diffusion), as well as migration issues related to bio-based plasticisers and plasticiser-biopolymer systems, are discussed.
A dataset of publication records for Nobel laureates
Authors: Li Jichao , Yin Yian , Fortunato Santo , Wang Dashun
Published: April 2019

A central question in the science of science concerns how to develop a quantitative understanding of the evolution and impact of individual careers. Over the course of history, a relatively small fraction of individuals have made disproportionate, profound, and lasting impacts on science and society. Despite a long-standing interest in the careers of scientific elites across diverse disciplines, it remains difficult to collect large-scale career histories that could serve as training sets for systematic empirical and theoretical studies. Here, by combining unstructured data collected from CVs, university websites, and Wikipedia, together with the publication and citation database from Microsoft Academic Graph (MAG), we reconstructed publication histories of nearly all Nobel prize winners from the past century, through both manual curation and algorithmic disambiguation procedures. Data validation shows that the collected dataset presents among the most comprehensive collection of publication records for Nobel laureates currently available. As our quantitative understanding of science deepens, this dataset is expected to have increasing value. It will not only allow us to quantitatively probe novel patterns of productivity, collaboration, and impact governing successful scientific careers, it may also help us unearth the fundamental principles underlying creativity and the genesis of scientific breakthroughs.
Regeneration of Phaseolus vulgaris from epicotyls and hypocotyls via direct organogenesis
Authors: Hnatuszko-Konka Katarzyna , Kowalczyk Tomasz , Gerszberg Aneta , Glińska Sława , Grzegorczyk-Karolak Izabela
Published: April 2019

The tissue culture of Phaseolus vulgaris has always been considered difficult. Its regenerative capacity and response to culture conditions are highly genotype-dependent and hamper the application of genetic engineering. The objective of this study was to develop a repeatable technique for organogenic bud induction from selected explants of the common bean. Epicotyls and hypocotyls of six cultivars were investigated to determine the effect of the genotype, and four variants of two basal media (Murashige-Skoog and Gamborg) were tested. The composition of these medium variants was based on the published data suggesting the most universal medium compounds that show the advantage of being applicable to different cultivars. As a result, the common bean epicotyls showed undisputed regeneration superiority over the hypocotyls. Moreover, a well-known observation was confirmed, namely that common bean regeneration is cultivar-specific or at least specific to the cluster of related cultivars. However, efficient regeneration was achieved most often when the epicotyls were incubated on the MS or B5 media amended with AgNO3 and BAP. Additionally, the positive synergistic influence of activated charcoal and silver nitrate on bud formation was demonstrated. The highest values of the epicotyl in vitro response for the common bean cultivars could be presented as follows: Czerwona (70.00%) > Goldpantera (58.89%) and Ibiza (58.89%) > Plus (55.56%) > Laponia (50.56%) > Złota Saxa (46.11%).
Low molecular weight heparin and direct oral anticoagulants influence tumour formation, growth, invasion and vascularisation by separate mechanisms
Authors: Featherby Sophie , Xiao Yu Pei , Ettelaie Camille , Nikitenko Leonid L. , Greenman John , Maraveyas Anthony
Published: April 2019

The bidirectional association between coagulation and cancer has been established. However, anticoagulant therapies have been reported to have beneficial outcomes by influencing the vascularisation of the tumours. In this study the influence of a set of anticoagulants on tumour formation, invasion and vascularisation was examined. WM-266-4 melanoma and AsPC-1 pancreatic cancer cell lines were treated with LMWH (Tinzaparin and Dalteparin), and DOAC (Apixaban and Rivaroxaban) and the rate of tumour formation, growth and invasion were measured in vitro. In addition, the influence of these anticoagulants on vascularisation was examined using the chorioallantoic membrane assay (CAM) model and compared to the outcome of treatment with Bevacizumab. Using this model the influence of pharmacological concentrations of the anticoagulant on the growth, invasion and vascularisation of tumours derived from WM-266-4 and AsPC-1 cells was also measured in vivo. Tinzaparin and Daltepain reduced tumour formation and invasion by the cell lines in vitro, but with dissimilar potencies. In addition, treatment of CAM with LMWH reduced the local vascular density beyond that achievable with Bevacizumab, particularly suppressing the formation of larger-diameter blood vessels. In contrast, treatment with DOAC was largely ineffective. Treatment of CAM-implanted tumours with LMWH also reduced tumour vascularisation, while treatment of tumours with Apixaban reduced tumour growth in vivo. In conclusion, LMWH and DOAC appear to have anti-cancer properties that are exerted through different mechanisms.
Asymmetric dynamics of edge exchange spin waves in honeycomb nanoribbons with zigzag and bearded edge boundaries
Authors: Ghader D. , Khater A.
Published: April 2019

We report on the theoretical prediction of asymmetric edge spin waves, propagating in opposite directions at the boundaries of antiferromagnetic honeycomb nanoribbons with zigzag and bearded edges. The simultaneous propagation of edge spin waves along the same direction on both edges of the nanoribbons is forbidden. These asymmetric exchange spin waves at the edge boundaries are analogous to the nonreciprocal surface spin waves reported in magnetic thin films. Their existence is related to the nontrivial symmetry underlying these nanoribbons types. The discretized bulk and the edge exchange spin waves are calculated for the long wavelength part of the nanoribbon Brillouin zone (BZ), using the classical field spin wave theory and notably appropriate boundary conditions. In the absence of an external magnetic field in our study, the asymmetric edge spin waves propagate with equal frequencies and along opposite directions. The edge spin waves are characterized by linear dispersion relations for magnetically isotropic nanoribbons. For magnetically anisotropic nanoribbons, our calculations show that the energy gap between the edge and bulk spin waves is enhanced for both types of zigzag and bearded nanoribbons. The large energy gap separates the edge modes from overlapping the bulk ones. Also, we explain why our results for anisotropic zigzag nanoribbons go beyond previous studies based on a quantum approach in the linear spin wave approximation.
Machine learning accurately classifies age of toddlers based on eye tracking
Authors: Dalrymple Kirsten A. , Jiang Ming , Zhao Qi , Elison Jed T.
Published: April 2019

How people extract visual information from complex scenes provides important information about cognitive processes. Eye tracking studies that have used naturalistic, rather than highly controlled experimental stimuli, reveal that variability in looking behavior is determined by bottom-up image properties such as intensity, color, and orientation, top-down factors such as task instructions and semantic information, and individual differences in genetics, cognitive function and social functioning. These differences are often revealed using areas of interest that are chosen by the experimenter or other human observers. In contrast, we adopted a data-driven approach by using machine learning (Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Deep Learning (DL)) to elucidate factors that contribute to age-related variability in gaze patterns. These models classified the infants by age with a high degree of accuracy, and identified meaningful features distinguishing the age groups. Our results demonstrate that machine learning is an effective tool for understanding how looking patterns vary according to age, providing insight into how toddlers allocate attention and how that changes with development. This sensitivity for detecting differences in exploratory gaze behavior in toddlers highlights the utility of machine learning for characterizing a variety of developmental capacities.
Role of adipose tissue GLP-1R expression in metabolic improvement after bariatric surgery in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ejarque Miriam , Guerrero-Pérez Fernando , de la Morena Nuria , Casajoana Anna , Virgili Nuria , López-Urdiales Rafael , Maymó-Masip Elsa , Pujol Gebelli Jordi , Garcia Ruiz de Gordejuela Amador , Perez-Maraver Manuel , Pellitero Silvia , Fernández-Veledo Sonia , Vendrell Joan , Vilarrasa Nuria
Published: April 2019

We aimed to explore the relationship between GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) expression in adipose tissue (AT) and incretin secretion, glucose homeostasis and weight loss, in patients with morbid obesity and type 2 diabetes undergoing bariatric surgery. RNA was extracted from subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral (VAT) AT biopsies from 40 patients randomized to metabolic gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy or greater curvature plication. Biochemical parameters, fasting plasma insulin, glucagon and area under the curve (AUC) of GLP-1 following a standard meal test were determined before and 1 year after bariatric surgery. GLP-1R expression was higher in VAT than in SAT. GLP-1R expression in VAT correlated with weight (r = −0.453, p = 0.008), waist circumference (r = −0.494, p = 0.004), plasma insulin (r = −0.466, p = 0.007), and systolic blood pressure (BP) (r = −0.410, p = 0.018). At 1 year, GLP-1R expression in VAT was negatively associated with diastolic BP (r = −0.361, p = 0.039) and, following metabolic gastric bypass, with the increase of GLP-1 AUC, (R2 = 0.46, p = 0.038). Finally, GLP-1R in AT was similar independently of diabetes outcomes and was not associated with weight loss after surgery. Thus, GLP-1R expression in AT is of limited value to predict incretin response and does not play a role in metabolic outcomes after bariatric surgery.
The evaluation of monocyte lymphocyte ratio as a preoperative predictor in urothelial malignancies: a pooled analysis based on comparative studies
Authors: Zhu Xuan , Wu Shui-Qing , Xu Ran , Wang Yin-Huai , Zhong Zhao-Hui , Zhang Lei , Zhao Xiao-Kun
Published: April 2019

In recent years, several studies have reported monocyte lymphocyte ratio (MLR) to predict prognosis in various tumors. Our study was performed to evaluate the association between preoperative MLR between prognostic variables in urothelial carcinoma patients. Systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of science. The correlation between preoperative MLR and overall survival (OS), cancer specific survival (CSS), disease free survival (DFS)/relapse free survival (RFS), progression free survival(PFS) was evaluated in urothelial carcinoma patients. Meanwhile, the association between MLR and clinicopathological characteristics was assessed. Finally, 12 comparative studies comprising a total of 6209 patients were included for pooled analysis. The hazard ratios (HRs), odds ratios (ORs)and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were further analyzed as effect measures. The pooled results demonstrated that elevated preoperative MLR indicated unfavorable OS (HR = 1.29, 95%CI = 1.18-1.39, I2 = 33.6%), DFS/RFS (HR = 1.42, 95%CI = 1.30–1.55, I2 = 0.0%) and CSS (HR = 1.41, 95%CI = 1.29–1.52, I2 = 0.0%). Moreover, the pooled results also suggested that elevated preoperative MLR was correlated with high tumor stage (OR = 1.22, 95%CI = 1.07–1.37, I2 = 0.0%) in urothelial carcinoma patients. No significant association was found between preoperative MLR and PFS in upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UUTUC) patients. Collectively, elevated preoperative MLR predicted poor prognosis in urothelial carcinoma and have the potential to be a feasible and cost-effective prognostic predictor for management of urothelial carcinoma.
pH-Degradable imidazolium oligomers as antimicrobial materials with tuneable loss of activity
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Lim Diane S. W. , Wu Hong , Lu Hongfang , Zheng Yiran , Wan Andrew C. A. , Ying Jackie Y. , Zhang Yugen
Published: April 2019

Imidazolium oligomers containing pH-sensitive linkers degrade under basic conditions to less active fragments that slow the development of bacterial resistance.
Synthesis of glycopolymers with specificity for bacterial strains via bacteria-guided polymerization
Authors: Luo Yan , Gu Yan , Feng Ruyan , Brash John , Eissa Ahmed M. , Haddleton David M. , Chen Gaojian , Chen Hong
Published: April 2019

Glycopolymers with specificity to template strain of E. coli were synthesised by the bacteria-sugar monomer-aptation-polymerization.
Multiplexing cytokine analysis: towards reducing sample volume needs in clinical diagnostics
Authors: Yu Xiaowen , Scott Daniel , Dikici Emre , Joel Smita , Deo Sapna , Daunert Sylvia
Published: April 2019

Our work demonstrates the use of both spatial and temporal resolution to quantify multiple analytes based on bioluminescent labels.
Cobalt catalyzed stereodivergent semi-hydrogenation of alkynes using H2O as the hydrogen source
Authors: Li Kangkui , Khan Ruhima , Zhang Xuexin , Gao Yang , Zhou Yongyun , Tan Heng , Chen Jingchao , Fan Baomin
Published: April 2019

Cobalt-catalyzed stereodivergent semi-hydrogenation of internal alkynes to alkenes is developed.
peri-Acenoacenes
Authors: Gu Yanwei , Tullimilli Y. Gopalakrishna , Feng Jiaqi , Phan Hoa , Zeng Wangdong , Wu Jishan
Published: April 2019

Rhombic peri-fused acene dimers, peri-acenoacenes, showing less diradical character and higher stability compared to the respective rectangular peri-acenes, were synthesized.
In situ TEM and half cell investigation of sodium storage in hexagonal FeSe nanoparticles
Authors: Wu Kai , Chen Fei , Ma Zhongtao , Guo Bingkun , Lyu Yingchun , Wang Peng , Yang Hangsheng , Li Qianqian , Wang Hongtao , Nie Anmin
Published: April 2019

A hexagonal FeSe anode for sodium-ion batteries shows desirable electrochemical performance with an irreversible phase transition from the hexagonal to tetragonal phase.
Enhancing the utility of 1JCH coupling constants in structural studies through optimized DFT analysis
Authors: Buevich Alexei V. , Saurí Josep , Parella Teodor , De Tommasi Nunziatina , Bifulco Giuseppe , Williamson R. Thomas , Martin Gary E.
Published: April 2019

High accuracy for DFT-predicted 1JCH-couplings can be achieved without ad hoc corrections or empirical scaling by careful selection of the DFT method utilized for geometry optimization and J-coupling calculations.
Molecular interaction transfer among solvents and solutes modulates the formation of linezolid crystals
Authors: Wu Xitian , Zheng Shudan , Zhang Jinli , Li Wei
Published: April 2019

Molecular interaction transfer from solute–solvent to solute–solute pairs is the vital step for the nucleation of linezolid crystals.
Thermodynamics, kinetics and electronic properties of point defects in β-FeSi2
Authors: Chai Jun , Ming Chen , Du Xiaolong , Qiu Pengfei , Sun Yi-Yang , Chen Lidong
Published: April 2019

β-FeSi2, a semiconductor material made of two of the most earth-abundant elements, has important applications in thermoelectrics, photovoltaics and optoelectronics owing to its attractive properties such as suitable band gap and air stability over a wide temperature range. In this paper, we present a systematic study on point defects in this material.
Multivalent binding of concanavalin A on variable-density mannoside microarrays
Authors: Valles Daniel J. , Naeem Yasir , Rozenfeld Angelica Y. , Aldasooky Rawan W. , Wong Alexa M. , Carbonell Carlos , Mootoo David R. , Braunschweig Adam B.
Published: April 2019

Variable density glycan microarrays were used to study the multivalent binding of lectins.
Direct electrosynthesis for N-alkyl-C3-halo-indoles using alkyl halide as both alkylating and halogenating building blocks
Authors: Sun Linhao , Zhang Xing , Wang Chenguang , Teng Huailong , Ma Jimei , Li Zilong , Chen Hao , Jiang Hong
Published: April 2019

An electrochemically induced tandem reaction has been developed for selective N1-alkylation and C3-halogenation of indoles.
A designed bi-functional sugar-based surfactant: micellar catalysis for C–X coupling reaction in water
Authors: Ge Xin , Zhang Shihui , Chen Xinzhi , Liu Xuemin , Qian Chao
Published: April 2019

A bi-functional sugar-based surfactant ALA14 was designed as the ligand and micelle constructor and demonstrated to promote the copper-catalyzed C–X coupling reaction in water.
A new freeware tool for image processing and its application to high speed LA-ICP-MS imaging
Authors: Managh Amy J. , Reid Peter
Published: April 2019

New LA-ICP-MS imaging software has been developed and applied to perform fast, high spatial resolution imaging of zinc in retina tissue.
Energy framework approach to the supramolecular reactions: interplay of the secondary bonding interaction in Ph2E2(E = Se, Te)/p-I-C6F4-I co-crystals
Authors: Torubaev Yury V. , Rai Dhirendra K. , Skabitsky Ivan V. , Pakhira Srimanta , Dmitrienko Artem
Published: April 2019

Persistent packing patterns found in pure diorgano-dichalcogenides (Ph2E2) and their co-crystals suggest new, energy-based visualization and description of co-crystal formation.
Selective oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-diformylfuran over a Cu–acetonitrile complex
Authors: Wei Zuojun , Xiao Shuwen , Chen Mengting , Lu Meng , Liu Yingxin
Published: April 2019

Herein, Cu(NO3)2/acetonitrile was proven to be an efficient oxidation system in the oxidation of 5-HMF to DFF in an aqueous solution.
Synthesis, molecular docking and DFT studies on biologically active 1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazole-semicarbazone hybrid molecules
Authors: Naveen Naveen , Tittal Ram Kumar , Yadav Pinki , Lal Kashmiri , D. Ghule Vikas , Kumar Ashwani
Published: April 2019

Biologically active semicarbazone-triazole hybrid molecules designed and synthesized from semicarbazone linked with a terminal alkyne and aromatic azidesviaCu(i)-catalyzed cycloaddition reaction. The synthesized compounds exhibited potent antibacterial activities against the tested bacterial strains. Computational results are in good agreement with thein vitroantimicrobial results.
An AIE-based self-assembled fluorescent probe for COX-2 imaging
Authors: Cao Xiaozheng , Gao Tang , Dong Jie , Jiang Xinchen , Zou Hui , Liu Tingting , Yu Kunqian , Zeng Wenbin
Published: April 2019

The first AIE-based fluorescent probe TPI-IMC was developed for imaging of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in normal cells and cancer cells.
An efficient light on–off one-pot method for the synthesis of 3-styryl coumarins from aryl alkynoates
Authors: Kong Hongjun , Li Qingrui , Yin Yunnian , Huang Mengmeng , Kim Jung Keun , Zhu Yu , Li Yabo , Wu Yangjie
Published: April 2019

An efficient one-pot stepwise method to synthesize 3-styryl-4-arylcoumarins from simple alkynoates is demonstrated.
Gold–carbene assisted formation of tetraarylmethane derivatives: double X–H activation by gold
Authors: Purnachandar Dalovai , Suneel Kanaparthy , Balasubramanian Sridhar , Karunakar Galla V.
Published: April 2019

An efficient gold–carbene promoted generation of tetraarylmethane derivatives from enynones and indoles was accomplished by the formation of a new C–O bond and two C–C bonds. It is significant that addition of two nucleophiles resulted the desired compounds.
Adsorption–desorption behavior of the hydrophobically associating copolymer AM/APEG/C-18/SSS
Authors: Quan Hongping , Lu Qiangying , Chen Zhonghao , Huang Zhiyu , Jiang Qingying
Published: April 2019

In this study, the acrylamide, allyl polyethylene-1000, octadecyl dimethyl allyl ammonium chloride, and sodium styrene sulfonate were chosen to synthesize a quadripolymer which with a hydrophobic association existed between molecules.
Surface modification of Na2Ti3O7 nanofibre arrays using N-doped graphene quantum dots as advanced anodes for sodium-ion batteries with ultra-stable and high-rate capability
Authors: Kong Dezhi , Wang Ye , Huang Shaozhuan , Lim Yew Von , Zhang Jun , Sun Linfeng , Liu Bo , Chen Tupei , Valdivia y Alvarado Pablo , Yang Hui Ying
Published: April 2019

Highly ordered Na2Ti3O7@N-GQD nanofiber arrays on carbon textiles (CTs) exhibit high flexibility, excellent cycling stability, and high energy/power densities.
Diacylglycerol kinase control of protein kinase C
Authors: Mérida Isabel , Arranz-Nicolás Javier , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Cristina , Ávila-Flores Antonia
Published: April 2019

The diacylglycerol kinases (DGK) are lipid kinases that transform diacylglycerol (DAG) into phosphatidic acid (PA) in a reaction that terminates DAG-based signals. DGK provide negative regulation to conventional and novel protein kinase C (PKC) enzymes, limiting local DAG availability in a tissue- and subcellular-restricted manner. Defects in the expression/activity of certain DGK isoforms contribute substantially to cognitive impairment and mental disorders. Abnormal DGK overexpression in tumors facilitates invasion and resistance to chemotherapy preventing tumor immune destruction by tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Effective translation of these findings into therapeutic approaches demands a better knowledge of the physical and functional interactions between the DGK and PKC families. DGKζ is abundantly expressed in the nervous and immune system, where physically and functionally interacts with PKCα. The latest discoveries suggest that PDZ-mediated interaction facilitates spatial restriction of PKCα by DGKζ at the cell–cell contact sites in a mechanism where the two enzymes regulate each other. In T lymphocytes, DGKζ interaction with Sorting Nexin 27 (SNX27) guarantees the basal control of PKCα activation. SNX27 is a trafficking component required for normal brain function whose deficit has been linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. The enhanced PKCα activation as the result of SNX27 silencing in T lymphocytes aligns with the recent correlation found between gain-of-function PKCα mutations and AD and suggests that disruption of the mechanisms that provides a correct spatial organization of DGKζ and PKCα may lie at the basis of immune and neuronal synapse impairment.
Wideband mutual coupling reduction and scan blindness elimination in a microstrip patch phased array antenna with truncated soft surface structures
Authors: Toreinia Reza , Kazerooni Morteza , Fallah Mohsen
Published: April 2019

This article introduces a new type of soft surface as truncated soft surface (TSS) for the mutual coupling reduction in stacked aperture‐coupled microstrip patch phased array antennas. Also, a meandered TSS (MTSS) is introduced with a reduced size compared to the TSS. Conventional soft surfaces not only prevent the propagation of waves in the soft longitudinal direction but also guide the waves in the transversal direction. So, the mutual coupling decreases in the soft longitudinal direction and increases in the transversal direction. Truncation in the transversal direction prevents the waves from guidance on TSSs. Simulation results show that using this technique helps to decrease the mutual coupling in the E‐plane of a phased array antenna without any noticeable increase in the H‐plane coupling. Also, there is no blind spot in the desired scan range and the embedded element pattern will not have any null in the scan range. Using this technique, the acceptable scan range for an antenna substrate with a low relative permittivity of 2.33, can be increased up to 45°. Finally, measurement results show that using TSS leads to an 8‐dB decrement in the E‐plane mutual coupling.
Design of a simple circularly polarised dual‐frequency reconfigurable microstrip patch antenna array for millimetre‐wave applications
Authors: Famoriji Oluwole John , Yang Shitan , Li Yang , Chen Wenhao , Fadamiro Akinwale , Zhang Zhongxiang , Lin Fujiang
Published: April 2019

Reconfigurable antenna array has received a lot of attention in present‐day wireless communication systems. In this study, a simple design of a four‐element circularly polarised dual‐frequency reconfigurable microstrip patch antenna array for millimetre‐wave applications is proposed. The sequentially rotated series–parallel stub approach is employed in the feeding network design to provide symmetrical array elements positioning, and bringing about a good axial ratio of polarisation. Additionally, a matching branch per element is employed to generate spatial flexibility for element positioning and good impedance matching. Furthermore, due to high‐cost constraints of Ka‐band RF switches (such as PE42524 SPDT), switches are considered as transmission lines, and are placed within the fractal slots of each elements to reconfigure the frequency. The proposed array operates in two switching states: ON and OFF. Hence, it allows dual‐frequency reconfigurability of 27 and 35 GHz for the ON and OFF states, respectively. A full array prototype was then fabricated on a Rogers R5880 substrate and tested in an anechoic chamber. Simulation and measurement results corroborate quite well in general. Patch antenna array gives much better result characterised by reconfigurable behaviour with associated return loss, radiation pattern characteristics, and ˂ 3 dB axial ratio polarisation bandwidth than the single element. The proposed antenna array finds good applications in radar systems, satellite communications, and aerospace.
Therapie der Benzodiazepinabhängigkeit
Authors: Soyka Michael , München Bernau
Published: April 2019

Langzeitverordnungen von Benzodiazepinen entfallen vor allem auf ältere und weibliche Patienten. Entzugsbehandlungen sollten schrittweise über einen mehrwöchigen Zeitraum erfolgen. Begleitende Schlaf- und depressive Störungen im Benzodiazepinentzug kann man am ehesten mit sedierenden Antidepressiva behandeln. Die spärliche Studienlage deutet auf eine gewisse Effizienz von Psychoedukation, motivationalen Strategien und kognitiver Verhaltenstherapie.
Normal Visual Recovery after Optic Neuritis Despite Significant Loss of Retinal Ganglion Cells in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Sherif Mohamed , Bergin Ciara , Borruat François-Xavier
Published: April 2019

Background Optic neuritis (ON) is a frequent manifestation of demyelinating attack in multiple sclerosis (MS). Initial visual loss can vary from minimal to complete. Visual improvement occurs in about 95% of patients, some of them recovering to normal [visual acuity (VA), color vision, visual field (VF)]. We analyzed retinal ganglion cell layer (RGCL) thickness in MS patients who recovered their normal vision after ON to determine whether a relative preservation of RGCL existed in these patients.

Materials and Methods We conducted a retrospective study of all patients with MS and ON examined by one of us (F. X. B.) between 2013 and 2018. Inclusion criteria were strictly unilateral ON, full recovery of vision, computerized visual field, and OCT examinations. Full recovery of vision was defined as VA ≥ 10/10, Ishihara ≥ 11/13, and VF mean defect (MD) ≤ 2.6 dB. Evaluation of RGCL was obtained with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). The normal fellow eye of all patients served as the control group. Relative thinning of RGCL, expressed as percentage, was calculated by comparing results from the affected eye to the fellow eye of the same patient.

Results Twenty-one patients (21 affected eyes – Group 1, 21 normal fellow eyes – Group 2) satisfying the inclusion criteria were retrieved from our database. All patients exhibited the relapsing-remitting form of MS. There were 16 women and 5 men. Mean age was 39.3 years old. There were no statistically significant differences between Group 1 and Group 2 for either VA (p = 0.3934) or Ishihara (p = 0.140), but a significant difference was found for VF MD (p = 0.0405). A markedly significant difference for RGCL thickness (p = 0.0001) was found, without any correlation with the degree of visual recovery. A subgroup of patients (n = 14) was examined at the time of initial visual loss. We correlated their results of visual function to the final RGCL thickness, and a correlation was found between either the initial VA loss or the initial VF loss and the final loss of RGCL (R2 = 0.4075 and R2 = 0.00739, respectively).

Conclusions In our study, all patients with ON lost a significant amount of RGCL despite a full recovery of vision, as defined by our criteria. The percentage of RGCL loss varied from 5 – 27% and could not be correlated with any final visual indices. However, a correlation was found with the degree of initial visual loss. Despite sometimes marked RGCL loss after ON, patients with MS can recover normal visual function, according to standard clinical tests.