bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association of complex genetic background with the prognosis of acute leukemia with ambiguous lineage
Authors: Huang Jin , Zhou Jing , Xiao Min , Mao Xia , Zhu Li , Liu Songya , Li Qinlu , Wang Jin , Zhou Jianfeng , Cai Haodong , Wang Gaoxiang
Published: December 2021

Acute leukemia with ambiguous lineage (ALAL) is a rare and highly aggressive malignancy with limited molecular characterization and therapeutic recommendations. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed 1635 acute leukemia cases in our center from January 2012 to June 2018. The diagnose of ALAL was based on either EGIL or 2016 WHO criteria, a total of 39 patients were included. Four patients diagnosed as acute undifferentiated leukemia (AUL) by both classification systems. Among the patients underwent high-throughput sequencing, 89.5% were detected at least one mutation and the median number of gene mutation was 3 (0–8) per sample. The most frequently mutated genes were NRAS (4, 21%), CEBPA (4, 21%), JAK3 (3, 16%), RUNX1 (3, 16%). The mutations detected in mixed-phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) enriched in genes related to genomic stability and transcriptional regulation; while AUL cases frequently mutated in genes involved in signaling pathway. The survival analysis strongly suggested that mutation burden may play important roles to predict the clinical outcomes of ALAL. In addition, the patients excluded by WHO criteria had even worse clinical outcome than those included. The association of the genetic complexity of blast cells with the clinical outcomes and rationality of the diagnostic criteria of WHO system need to be evaluated by more large-scale prospective clinical studies.
Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography monitoring of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation in left atrium of living swine
Authors: Zhao Xiaowei , Ziv Ohad , Mohammadpour Reza , Crosby Benjamin , Hoyt Walter J. , Jenkins Michael W. , Snyder Christopher , Hendon Christine , Laurita Kenneth R. , Rollins Andrew M.
Published: December 2021

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is commonly used to treat atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the outcome is often compromised due to the lack of direct real-time feedback to assess lesion transmurality. In this work, we evaluated the ability of polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PSOCT) to measure cardiac wall thickness and assess RF lesion transmurality during left atrium (LA) RFA procedures. Quantitative transmural lesion criteria using PSOCT images were determined ex vivo using an integrated PSOCT-RFA catheter and fresh swine hearts. LA wall thickness of living swine was measured with PSOCT and validated with a micrometer after harvesting the heart. A total of 38 point lesions were created in the LA of 5 living swine with the integrated PSOCT-RFA catheter using standard clinical RFA procedures. For all lesions with analyzable PSOCT images, lesion transmurality was assessed with a sensitivity of 89% (17 of 19 tested positive) and a specificity of 100% (5 of 5 tested negative) using the quantitative transmural criteria. This is the first report of using PSOCT to assess LA RFA lesion transmurality in vivo. The results indicate that PSOCT may potentially provide direct real-time feedback for LA wall thickness and lesion transmurality.
Differential expression in humans of the viral entry receptor ACE2 compared with the short deltaACE2 isoform lacking SARS-CoV-2 binding sites
Authors: Williams Thomas L. , Strachan Gregory , Macrae Robyn G. C. , Kuc Rhoda E. , Nyimanu Duuamene , Paterson Anna L. , Sinha Sanjay , Maguire Janet J. , Davenport Anthony P.
Published: December 2021

ACE2 is a membrane protein that regulates the cardiovascular system. Additionally, ACE2 acts as a receptor for host cell infection by human coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2 that emerged as the cause of the on-going COVID-19 pandemic and has brought unprecedented burden to economy and health. ACE2 binds the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 with high affinity and shows little variation in amino acid sequence meaning natural resistance is rare. The discovery of a novel short ACE2 isoform (deltaACE2) provides evidence for inter-individual differences in SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility and severity, and likelihood of developing subsequent ‘Long COVID’. Critically, deltaACE2 loses SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding sites in the extracellular domain, and is predicted to confer reduced susceptibility to viral infection. We aimed to assess the differential expression of full-length ACE2 versus deltaACE2 in a panel of human tissues (kidney, heart, lung, and liver) that are implicated in COVID-19, and confirm ACE2 protein in these tissues. Using dual antibody staining, we show that deltaACE2 localises, and is enriched, in lung airway epithelia and bile duct epithelia in the liver. Finally, we also confirm that a fluorescently tagged SARS-CoV-2 spike protein monomer shows low binding at lung and bile duct epithelia where dACE2 is enriched.
MEK inhibition exerts temporal and myeloid cell-specific effects in the pathogenesis of neurofibromatosis type 1 arteriopathy
Authors: Tritz Rebekah , Hudson Farlyn Z. , Harris Valerie , Ghoshal Pushpankur , Singla Bhupesh , Lin Huiping , Csanyi Gabor , Stansfield Brian K.
Published: December 2021

Mutations in the NF1 tumor suppressor gene are linked to arteriopathy. Nf1 heterozygosity (Nf1+/–) results in robust neointima formation, similar to humans, and myeloid-restricted Nf1+/– recapitulates this phenotype via MEK-ERK activation. Here we define the contribution of myeloid subpopulations to NF1 arteriopathy. Neutrophils from WT and Nf1+/– mice were functionally assessed in the presence of MEK and farnesylation inhibitors in vitro and neutrophil recruitment to lipopolysaccharide was assessed in WT and Nf1+/– mice. Littermate 12–15 week-old male wildtype and Nf1+/– mice were subjected to carotid artery ligation and provided either a neutrophil depleting antibody (1A8), liposomal clodronate to deplete monocytes/macrophages, or PD0325901 and neointima size was assessed 28 days after injury. Bone marrow transplant experiments assessed monocyte/macrophage mobilization during neointima formation. Nf1+/– neutrophils exhibit enhanced proliferation, migration, and adhesion via p21Ras activation of MEK in vitro and in vivo. Neutrophil depletion suppresses circulating Ly6Clow monocytes and enhances neointima size, while monocyte/macrophage depletion and deletion of CCR2 in bone marrow cells abolish neointima formation in Nf1+/– mice. Taken together, these findings suggest that neurofibromin-MEK-ERK activation in circulating neutrophils and monocytes during arterial remodeling is nuanced and points to important cross-talk between these populations in the pathogenesis of NF1 arteriopathy.
The short and long-term effects of aerobic, strength, or mixed exercise programs on schizophrenia symptomatology
Authors: García-Garcés Laura , Sánchez-López María Inmaculada , Cano Sergio Lacamara , Meliá Yago Cebolla , Marqués-Azcona David , Biviá-Roig Gemma , Lisón Juan Francisco , Peyró-Gregori Loreto
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of three different physical exercise programs on the symptomatology, body composition, physical activity, physical fitness, and quality of life of individuals with schizophrenia. A total of 432 patients were assessed for eligibility and 86 were randomized into the aerobic (n = 28), strength (n = 29) or mixed (n = 29) groups. Positive, negative, and general symptoms of psychosis, body mass index (BMI), physical activity (IPAQ-SF), physical fitness (6-min walk test [6MWT] and hand-grip strength [HGS]), and quality of life (WHOQUOL-BREF) were assessed at baseline, post-intervention (16 weeks), and at 10-months. Our results at 16 weeks showed significant improvements in all three groups in the negative, general, and total symptoms with moderate to large effect sizes (P < 0.01, ηp2 > 0.11), no change in the BMI, 6MWT or IPAQ-SF, and a significant improvement in the HGS test in the strength and mixed groups (P ≤ 0.05, ηp2 > 0.08). Nonetheless, all the improvements had disappeared at 10 months. We concluded that 3 weekly sessions of a moderate to vigorous progressive exercise program for 16 weeks improved the symptomatology of individuals with schizophrenia in all three groups, with no differences between them. However, the effects had declined to baseline levels by the 10-month follow-up, suggesting that exercise interventions should be maintained over time.
Sustainable green approach to synthesize Fe3O4/α-Fe2O3 nanocomposite using waste pulp of Syzygium cumini and its application in functional stability of microbial cellulases
Authors: Srivastava Neha , Srivastava Manish , Alhazmi Alaa , Mohammad Akbar , Khan Saif , Pal Dan Bahadur , Haque Shafiul , Singh Rajeev , Mishra P. K. , Gupta Vijai Kumar
Published: December 2021

Synthesis of nanomaterials following green routes have drawn much attention in recent years due to the low cost, easy and eco-friendly approaches involved therein. Therefore, the current study is focused towards the synthesis of Fe3O4/α-Fe2O3nanocomposite using waste pulp of Jamun (Syzygium cumini) and iron nitrate as the precursor of iron in an eco-friendly way. The synthesized Fe3O4/α-Fe2O3nanocomposite has been extensively characterized through numerous techniques to explore the physicochemical properties, including X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Ultraviolet-Vis spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope, high resolution transmission electron microscope and vibrating sample magnetometer. Further, efficiency of the Fe3O4/α-Fe2O3nanocomposite has been evaluated to improve the incubation temperature, thermal/pH stability of the crude cellulase enzymes obtained from the lab isolate fungal strainCladosporium cladosporioidesNS2 via solid state fermentation. It is found that the presence of 0.5% Fe3O4/α-Fe2O3nanocomposite showed optimum incubation temperature and thermal stability in the long temperature range of 50–60 °C for 15 h along with improved pH stability in the range of pH 3.5–6.0. The presented study may have potential application in bioconversion of waste biomass at high temperature and broad pH range.
Assessing contribution of bottled water in nutrient absorption using the bottled water nutritional quality index (BWNQI) in Iran
Authors: Askari Masoomeh , Saeedi Reza , Nabizadeh Ramin , Zarei Ahmad , Ghani Maryam , Ehsani Marzieh , Alimohammadi Mahmood , Abtahi Mehrnoosh
Published: December 2021

In this study, the contribution of bottled water in the absorption of nutritional minerals in Iran has been investigated. To calculate the nutritional quality index of bottled water (BWNQI) and evaluate the contribution of bottled water in nutrient absorption; the concentration of nutrient minerals, the standard level of these elements in bottled water, the recommended amount of nutrient mineral and the total consumption of drinking water in different age-sex groups were analyzed. The results showed that the average contribution of bottled water in absorbing the recommended amount of the nutrients of fluoride (F), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) was 12.16, 4.98, 4.85, 2.12, 0.49, 0.33 and 0.02%, respectively. According to the BWNQI index, the bottled water quality was as follows: 53.5% poor, 36.6% marginal, 7% fair, 2.81% good. Although most of the bottled water studied in this research were mineral water, a significant portion of them had poor nutritional quality, so the addition of minerals needed by the body through bottled water should be given more attention by the bottled water manufacturers and suppliers.
Angicin, a novel bacteriocin of Streptococcus anginosus
Authors: Vogel Verena , Bauer Richard , Mauerer Stefanie , Schiffelholz Nicole , Haupt Christian , Seibold Gerd M. , Fändrich Marcus , Walther Paul , Spellerberg Barbara
Published: December 2021

As a conserved defense mechanism, many bacteria produce antimicrobial peptides, called bacteriocins, which provide a colonization advantage in a multispecies environment. Here the first bacteriocin of Streptococcus anginosus, designated Angicin, is described. S. anginosus is commonly described as a commensal, however it also possesses a high pathogenic potential. Therefore, understanding factors contributing to its host colonization and persistence are important. A radial diffusion assay was used to identify S. anginosus BSU 1211 as a potent bacteriocin producer. By genetic mutagenesis the background of bacteriocin production and the bacteriocin gene itself were identified. Synthetic Angicin shows high activity against closely related streptococci, listeria and vancomycin resistant enterococci. It has a fast mechanism of action and causes a membrane disruption in target cells. Angicin, present in cell free supernatant, is insensitive to changes in temperature from − 70 to 90 °C and pH values from 2 to 10, suggesting that it represents an interesting compound for potential applications in food preservation or clinical settings.
Weakly-supervised deep learning for ultrasound diagnosis of breast cancer
Authors: Kim Jaeil , Kim Hye Jung , Kim Chanho , Lee Jin Hwa , Kim Keum Won , Park Young Mi , Kim Hye Won , Ki So Yeon , Kim You Me , Kim Won Hwa
Published: December 2021

Conventional deep learning (DL) algorithm requires full supervision of annotating the region of interest (ROI) that is laborious and often biased. We aimed to develop a weakly-supervised DL algorithm that diagnosis breast cancer at ultrasound without image annotation. Weakly-supervised DL algorithms were implemented with three networks (VGG16, ResNet34, and GoogLeNet) and trained using 1000 unannotated US images (500 benign and 500 malignant masses). Two sets of 200 images (100 benign and 100 malignant masses) were used for internal and external validation sets. For comparison with fully-supervised algorithms, ROI annotation was performed manually and automatically. Diagnostic performances were calculated as the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Using the class activation map, we determined how accurately the weakly-supervised DL algorithms localized the breast masses. For internal validation sets, the weakly-supervised DL algorithms achieved excellent diagnostic performances, with AUC values of 0.92–0.96, which were not statistically different (allPs > 0.05) from those of fully-supervised DL algorithms with either manual or automated ROI annotation (AUC, 0.92–0.96). For external validation sets, the weakly-supervised DL algorithms achieved AUC values of 0.86–0.90, which were not statistically different (Ps > 0.05) or higher (P = 0.04, VGG16 with automated ROI annotation) from those of fully-supervised DL algorithms (AUC, 0.84–0.92). In internal and external validation sets, weakly-supervised algorithms could localize 100% of malignant masses, except for ResNet34 (98%). The weakly-supervised DL algorithms developed in the present study were feasible for US diagnosis of breast cancer with well-performing localization and differential diagnosis.
Bifurcation functional significance score as predictor of mortality: a validating study
Authors: Vassilev Dobrin , Mileva Niya , Collet Carlos , Nikolov Pavel , Sokolova Katerina , Karamfiloff Kiril , Naunov Vladimir , Sonck Jeroen , Rigatelli Gianluca , Kassab Ghassan S. , Gil Robert J.
Published: December 2021

Considerable progress has been made in the treatment of coronary bifurcation stenosis. Anatomical characteristics of the vessel and lesion, however, fail to give information about the functional significance of the bifurcation stenosis. To the best of our knowledge, there is no study that systematically establishes the baseline functional significance of coronary stenosis and its effect on procedural and clinical outcomes. Patients with significant angiographic bifurcation lesions defined as diameter stenosis > 50% in main vessel and/or side branch were included. FFR was performed in main vessel (MV) and side branch (SB) before and after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). 169 patients from Fiesta study (derivation cohort) and 555 patients from prospective bifurcation registry (clinical effect cohort) were analyzed to validate angiographic prediction score (BFSS) used to determine the potentially functional significance of coronary bifurcation stenosis. Bifurcation functional significance score (including the following parameters—SYNTAX ≥ 11, SB/MB BARI score, MV %DS ≥ 55%, main branch (MB) %DS ≥ 65%, lesion length ≥ 25 mm) with a maximum value of 11 was developed. A cut-off value of 6.0 was shown to give the best discriminatory ability—with accuracy 87% (sensitivity 77%, specificity 96%, p < 0.001). There was also a significant difference in all-cause mortality between patients with BFSS ≥ 6.0 vs. BFSS < 6.0–25.5% vs. 18.4%, log-rank p = 0.001 as well as cardiac mortality: BFSS ≥ 6.0 vs. BFSS < 6.0–17.7% vs. 14.5%, log-rank (p = 0.016). The cardiac mortality was significantly lower in patients with smaller absolute SB territory, p = 0.023. An angiographic score (BFSS) with good discriminatory ability to determine the functional significance of coronary bifurcation stenosis was developed. The value for BFSS ≥ 6.0 can be used as a discriminator to define groups with higher risk for all-cause and cardiac mortality. Also, we found that the smaller side branches pose greater mortality risk.
A Klebsiella pneumoniae DedA family membrane protein is required for colistin resistance and for virulence in wax moth larvae
Authors: Tiwari Vijay , Panta Pradip R. , Billiot Caitlin E. , Douglass Martin V. , Herrera Carmen M. , Trent M. Stephen , Doerrler William T.
Published: December 2021

Ineffectiveness of carbapenems against multidrug resistant pathogens led to the increased use of colistin (polymyxin E) as a last resort antibiotic. A gene belonging to the DedA family encoding conserved membrane proteins was previously identified by screening a transposon library of K. pneumoniae ST258 for sensitivity to colistin. We have renamed this gene dkcA (dedA of Klebsiella required for colistin resistance). DedA family proteins are likely membrane transporters required for viability of Escherichia coli and Burkholderia spp. at alkaline pH and for resistance to colistin in a number of bacterial species. Colistin resistance is often conferred via modification of the lipid A component of bacterial lipopolysaccharide with aminoarabinose (Ara4N) and/or phosphoethanolamine. Mass spectrometry analysis of lipid A of the ∆dkcA mutant shows a near absence of Ara4N in the lipid A, suggesting a requirement for DkcA for lipid A modification with Ara4N. Mutation of K. pneumoniae dkcA resulted in a reduction of the colistin minimal inhibitory concentration to approximately what is found with a ΔarnT strain. We also identify a requirement of DkcA for colistin resistance that is independent of lipid A modification, instead requiring maintenance of optimal membrane potential. K. pneumoniae ΔdkcA displays reduced virulence in Galleria mellonella suggesting colistin sensitivity can cause loss of virulence.
Analysis of light emission and Schlieren from short gap high voltage streamers representing lightning impulses
Authors: Mitchard D. , Widger P. , Haddad A.
Published: December 2021

Light emissions and Schlieren structures were simultaneously observed from streamers produced by tens of kilovolts 1.2/50 μs impulses, representing the high voltage component of lightning, applied across a 4 cm air gap between a variety of electrode geometries and a ground plane in an unconfined environment. The results demonstrated that the light emissions and Schlieren structures coincide along the same streamer filaments but on different timescales; the light existing only during the microsecond timeframe impulse whereas the Schlieren continued to develop into the millisecond timeframe, moving towards the centre of the air gap whilst diffusing into the surrounding air within 100 ms. If an electrical breakdown did occur, the Schlieren structures outside the arc remained visible. Streamer formation theory for high voltage impulses is subsequently refined to include the observed Schlieren mechanism.
Controlled rate slow freezing with lyoprotective agent to retain the integrity of lipid nanovesicles during lyophilization
Authors: Yang Eunhye , Yu Hyunjong , Choi SungHak , Park Kyung-Min , Jung Ho-Sup , Chang Pahn-Shick
Published: December 2021

We designed a novel lyophilization method using controlled rate slow freezing (CSF) with lyoprotective agent (LPA) to achieve intact lipid nanovesicles after lyophilization. During the freezing step, LPA prevented water supercooling, and the freezing rate was controlled by CSF. Regulating the freezing rate by various liquid media was a crucial determinant of membrane disruption, and isopropanol (freezing rate of 0.933 °C/min) was the optimal medium for the CSF system. Lyophilized lipid nanovesicle using both CSF and LPA retained 92.9% of the core material and had uniform size distributions (Z-average diameter = 133.4 nm, polydispersity index = 0.144), similar to intact vesicles (120.7 nm and 0.159, respectively), after rehydration. Only lyophilized lipid nanovesicle using both CSF and LPA showed no changes in membrane fluidity and polarity. This lyophilization method can be applied to improve storage stability of lipid nanocarriers encapsulating drugs while retaining their original activity.
Observation of spatial nonlinear self-cleaning in a few-mode step-index fiber for special distributions of initial excited modes
Authors: Mohammadzahery Zahra , Jandaghi Maryam , Aghayari Ebrahim , Nabavi Hasan
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we experimentally demonstrate that a nonlinear Kerr effect in suitable coupling conditions can introduce a spatially self-cleaned output beam for a few-mode step-index fiber. The impact of the distribution of the initial excited modes on spatial beam self-cleaning has been demonstrated. It is also shown experimentally that for specific initial conditions, the output spatial pattern of the pulsed laser can be reshaped into the LP11 mode due to nonlinear coupling among the propagating modes. Self-cleaning into LP11 mode required higher input powers with respect to the power threshold for LP01 mode self-cleaning. Our experimental results are in agreement with the results of numerical calculations.
Retrospective observational study evaluating zinc plasma level in patients undergoing thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair and its correlation with outcome
Authors: Rolles Benjamin , Wessels Inga , Doukas Panagiotis , Kotelis Drosos , Rink Lothar , Vieri Margherita , Beier Fabian , Jacobs Michael , Gombert Alexander
Published: December 2021

Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair is related to a relevant morbidity and in-hospital mortality rate. In this retrospective observational single-center study including serum zinc levels of 33 patients we investigated the relationship between zinc and patients’ outcome following TAAA repair. Six patients died during the hospital stay (18%). These patients showed significantly decreased zinc levels before the intervention (zinc levels before intervention: 60.09 µg/dl [survivors] vs. 45.92 µg/dl [non-survivors]). The post-interventional intensive care SOFA-score (Sepsis-related organ failure assessment) (at day 2) as well as the SAPS (Simplified Acute Physiology Score) (at day 2) showed higher score points in case of low pre-interventional zinc levels. No significant correlation between patient comorbidities and zinc level before intervention, except for peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which was significantly correlated to reduced baseline zinc levels, was observed. Septic shock, pneumonia and urinary tract infections were not associated to reduced zinc levels preoperatively as well as during therapy. Patients with adverse outcome after TAAA repair showed reduced pre-interventional zinc levels. We speculate that decreased zinc levels before intervention may be related to a poorer outcome because of poorer physical status as well as negatively altered perioperative inflammatory response.
A specific inhibitor of ALDH1A3 regulates retinoic acid biosynthesis in glioma stem cells
Authors: Li Jianfeng , Garavaglia Silvia , Ye Zhaofeng , Moretti Andrea , Belyaeva Olga V. , Beiser Alison , Ibrahim Md , Wilk Anna , McClellan Steve , Klyuyeva Alla V. , Goggans Kelli R. , Kedishvili Natalia Y. , Salter E. Alan , Wierzbicki Andrzej , Migaud Marie E. , Mullett Steven J. , Yates Nathan A. , Camacho Carlos J. , Rizzi Menico , Sobol Robert W.
Published: December 2021

Elevated aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity correlates with poor outcome for many solid tumors as ALDHs may regulate cell proliferation and chemoresistance of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Accordingly, potent, and selective inhibitors of key ALDH enzymes may represent a novel CSC-directed treatment paradigm for ALDH+ cancer types. Of the many ALDH isoforms, we and others have implicated the elevated expression of ALDH1A3 in mesenchymal glioma stem cells (MES GSCs) as a target for the development of novel therapeutics. To this end, our structure of human ALDH1A3 combined with in silico modeling identifies a selective, active-site inhibitor of ALDH1A3. The lead compound, MCI-INI-3, is a selective competitive inhibitor of human ALDH1A3 and shows poor inhibitory effect on the structurally related isoform ALDH1A1. Mass spectrometry-based cellular thermal shift analysis reveals that ALDH1A3 is the primary binding protein for MCI-INI-3 in MES GSC lysates. The inhibitory effect of MCI-INI-3 on retinoic acid biosynthesis is comparable with that of ALDH1A3 knockout, suggesting that effective inhibition of ALDH1A3 is achieved with MCI-INI-3. Further development is warranted to characterize the role of ALDH1A3 and retinoic acid biosynthesis in glioma stem cell growth and differentiation.
Neutrino physics with an opaque detector
Authors:   LiquidO Consortium, Cabrera A. , Abusleme A. , dos Anjos J. , Bezerra T. J. C. , Bongrand M. , Bourgeois C. , Breton D. , Buck C. , Busto J. , Calvo E. , Chauveau E. , Chen M. , Chimenti P. , Dal Corso F. , De Conto G. , Dusini S. , Fiorentini G. , Martins C. Frigerio , Givaudan A. , Govoni P. , Gramlich B. , Grassi M. , Han Y. , Hartnell J. , Hugon C. , Jiménez S. , de Kerret H. , Le Nevé A. , Loaiza P. , Maalmi J. , Mantovani F. , Manzanillas L. , Marquet C. , Martino J. , Navas-Nicolás D. , Nunokawa H. , Obolensky M. , Ochoa-Ricoux J. P. , Ortona G. , Palomares C. , Pessina F. , Pin A. , Porter J. C. C. , Pravikoff M. S. , Roche M. , Roskovec B. , Roy N. , Santos C. , Schoppmann S. , Serafini A. , Simard L. , Sisti M. , Stanco L. , Strati V. , Stutzmann J.-S. , Suekane F. , Verdugo A. , Viaud B. , Volpe C. , Vrignon C. , Wagner S. , Yermia F.
Published: December 2021

In 1956 Reines & Cowan discovered the neutrino using a liquid scintillator detector. The neutrinos interacted with the scintillator, producing light that propagated across transparent volumes to surrounding photo-sensors. This approach has remained one of the most widespread and successful neutrino detection technologies used since. This article introduces a concept that breaks with the conventional paradigm of transparency by confining and collecting light near its creation point with an opaque scintillator and a dense array of optical fibres. This technique, called LiquidO, can provide high-resolution imaging to enable efficient identification of individual particles event-by-event. A natural affinity for adding dopants at high concentrations is provided by the use of an opaque medium. With these and other capabilities, the potential of our detector concept to unlock opportunities in neutrino physics is presented here, alongside the results of the first experimental validation.
Systematic characterization of human gut microbiome-secreted molecules by integrated multi-omics
Authors: De Saedeleer Bianca , Malabirade Antoine , Ramiro-Garcia Javier , Habier Janine , Trezzi Jean-Pierre , Peters Samantha L , Daujeumont Annegrät , Halder Rashi , Jäger Christian , Busi Susheel Bhanu , May Patrick , Oertel Wolfgang , Mollenhauer Brit , Laczny Cédric C , Hettich Robert L , Wilmes Paul
Published: December 2021

The human gut microbiome produces a complex mixture of biomolecules that interact with human physiology and play essential roles in health and disease. Crosstalk between micro-organisms and host cells is enabled by different direct contacts, but also by the export of molecules through secretion systems and extracellular vesicles. The resulting molecular network, comprised of various biomolecular moieties, has so far eluded systematic study. Here we present a methodological framework, optimized for the extraction of the microbiome-derived, extracellular biomolecular complement, including nucleic acids, (poly)peptides, and metabolites, from flash-frozen stool samples of healthy human individuals. Our method allows simultaneous isolation of individual biomolecular fractions from the same original stool sample, followed by specialized omic analyses. The resulting multi-omics data enable coherent data integration for the systematic characterization of this molecular complex. Our results demonstrate the distinctiveness of the different extracellular biomolecular fractions, both in terms of their taxonomic and functional composition. This highlights the challenge of inferring the extracellular biomolecular complement of the gut microbiome based on single-omic data. The developed methodological framework provides the foundation for systematically investigating mechanistic links between microbiome-secreted molecules, including those that are typically vesicle-associated, and their impact on host physiology in health and disease.
Embedding a membrane protein into an enveloped artificial viral replica
Authors: Furukawa Hiroto , Inaba Hiroshi , Sasaki Yoshihiro , Akiyoshi Kazunari , Matsuura Kazunori
Published: December 2021

We demonstrate the embedding membrane protein, Cx43, on the enveloped artificial viral capsid using a cell-free expression system. The embedding of Cx43 on the envelope was evaluated by detection with anti-Cx43 antibody using FCS and TEM.
Phase-pure M1 MoVNbTeOx/TiO2nanocomposite catalysts: high catalytic performance for oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane
Authors: Dang Dan , Chen Yuxin , Chen Xin , Feng Kai , Yan Binhang , Cheng Yi
Published: December 2021

The introduction of TiO2can improve the catalytic performance of phase-pure M1 MoVNbTeOxin the ODHE process, in which the STY enhancement of M1/40TiO2at 400 °C andW/F= 7.55 gcath molC2H6−1reached ∼76%.
Intensifying strategy of ionic liquids for Pd-based catalysts in anthraquinone hydrogenation
Authors: Wang Fuying , Jia Yiming , Liang Jingyue , Han You , Zhang Jinli , Li Xiaoyan , Li Wei
Published: December 2021

Pd–IL complex catalyst was first employed in anthraquinone hydrogenation. ILs are uniformly dispersed around Pd species, which adjust acidic sites, accomplish charge transfers, stretch CO bond lengths and promote occurrence of desirable reactions.
In situ observations of the occlusion of a clay-sugar compound within calcite
Authors: Chi Jialin , Jia Chonghao , Zhang Wenjun , Putnis Christine V. , Wang Lijun
Published: December 2021

The observations of organo-clay-calcite interactions through combined mineral reactions in soil systems would provide a new perspective of carbon stabilization.
Progressive changes in crystallographic textures of biominerals generate functionally graded ceramics
Authors: Wallis David , Harris Joe , Böhm Corinna F. , Wang Di , Zavattieri Pablo , Feldner Patrick , Merle Benoit , Pipich Vitaliy , Hurle Katrin , Leupold Simon , Hansen Lars N. , Marin Frédéric , Wolf Stephan E.
Published: December 2021

Biominerals with gradually-changing crystallographic textures are an unrecognized class of elastically-graded materials that are intrinsically toughened by stress delocalisation.
Dually reactive multilayer coatings enable orthogonal manipulation of underwater superoleophobicity and oil adhesion via post-functionalization
Authors: Borbora Angana , Dupont Robert L. , Xu Yang , Wang Xiaoguang , Manna Uttam
Published: December 2021

Multilayer coatings with orthogonal reactive sites provide a basis for the design of responsive and patterned interfaces with independently controlled underwater superoleophobicity and oil adhesion.
Recent advances in flexible and wearable sensors for monitoring chemical molecules
Authors: Zhao Hang , Su Rui , Teng Lijun , Tian Qiong , Han Fei , Li Hanfei , Cao Zhengshuai , Xie Ruijie , Li Guanglin , Liu Xijian , Liu Zhiyuan
Published: December 2021

This review focuses on the wearability of chemical sensors and analyzes pros and cons relating to practical wearable applications. We also discuss the current challenges and outlook relating to flexible and wearable chemical sensors.
Deep X-ray lithography on “sol–gel” processed noble metal mesoarchitectured films
Authors: Gayrard Maxime , Marmiroli Benedetta , Chancerel Francois , Decorse Philippe , Amenitsch Heinz , Peron Jennifer , Cattoni Andrea , Faustini Marco
Published: December 2021

Noble metal coordination xerogel exhibit solubility switch when exposed to X-rays. The films can be used as recyclable negative tone resists for deep X-ray lithography that can be converted into metallic nanoarchitectured films.
Effect of ligand groups on photoexcited charge carrier dynamics at the perovskite/TiO2 interface
Authors: Johnson Landon , Kilin Dmitri
Published: December 2021

First principles modeling of excited state dynamics of charge carriers at the interface between the perovskite and electron transport layer in perovskite solar cells identifies an effect of the interface morphology onto efficiency of charge transfer.
Sulphonated graphene oxide catalyzed continuous flow synthesis of pyrazolo pyrimidinones, sildenafil and other PDE-5 inhibitors
Authors: Sthalam Vinay Kumar , Mahajan Bhushan , Karra Purushotham Reddy , Singh Ajay K. , Pabbaraja Srihari
Published: December 2021

Sulphonated graphene oxide was used for cascade condensation and cyclization reactions towards accessing substituted pyrazolo pyrimidinones.
Enhancing the dimethyl ether carbonylation performance over hydrogen-type mordenites modified by pyrazole hydrochloride
Authors: Liu Yiyin , Shen Yiyang , Geng Jianming , Dong Xinfa
Published: December 2021

Hydrogen-type mordenite (HMOR) modified with pyrazole hydrochloride (Pya·HCl) was prepared by the ion exchange method.
Design and construction of an electrochemical sensor for the determination of cerium(iii) ions in petroleum water samples based on a Schiff base-carbon nanotube as an ionophore
Authors: Ali Tamer Awad , Mohamed Gehad G.
Published: December 2021

A carbon paste and screen-printed sensor for Ce(iii)-selective determination were prepared using a 2,6-pyridine dicarbomethine-triethylene tetraamine macrocyclic Schiff base ligand and multi-walled carbon nanotubes as good sensing materials.
Microwave-assisted catalytic conversion of chitin to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural using polyoxometalate as catalyst
Authors: Islam Md. Saidul , Nakamura Manami , Rabin Nurun Nahar , Rahman Mohammad Atiqur , Fukuda Masahiro , Sekine Yoshihiro , Beltramini Jorge N. , Kim Yang , Hayami Shinya
Published: December 2021

We have demonstrated an efficient conversion of chitin to 5-HMF using a microwave aided method while using polyoxometalate (POM) as catalyst and DMSO/water as solvent.
Synergetic stability enhancement with magnesium and calcium ion substitution for Ni/Mn-based P2-type sodium-ion battery cathodes
Authors: Fu Hongwei , Wang Yun-Peng , Fan Guozheng , Guo Shan , Xie Xuesong , Cao Xinxin , Lu Bingan , Long Mengqiu , Zhou Jiang , Liang Shuquan
Published: December 2021

A synergetic effect involving Mg and Ca can reduce the adverse impact on redox reactions related to Ni–O bonding in Mg and Ca co-doped P2-Na0.67Ni0.33Mn0.66O2 material, leading to better overall properties than its singly-doped counterparts.
A three-dimensional coral-like Zn,O-codoped Ni3S2 electrocatalyst for efficient overall water splitting at a large current density
Authors: Cao Liyun , Zhang Yifei , Feng Liangliang , He Danyang , Liu Qianqian , Gong Yingbo , Li Guodong , Huang Jianfeng
Published: December 2021

A three-dimensional coral-like Zn,O-codoped Ni3S2 nanostructure is grown on nickel foam via a facile solvothermal method, exhibiting excellent electrocatalytic performance at high current density.
Chiral induction in a novel self-assembled supramolecular system composed of α-cyclodextrin porous liquids, chiral silver nanoparticles and planar conjugated molecules
Authors: Wang Yan , Feng Zhen , Sun Yawei , Zhu Lijun , Xia Daohong
Published: December 2021

A supramolecular system based on host–guest recognition and electrostatic interaction has been developed for a chiral transfer from α-cyclodextrin porous liquid to planar molecules via the bridge of azobenzene modified silver nanoparticles.
Advanced metal oxide infiltrated electrodes for boosting the performance of solid oxide cells
Authors: Orera Alodia , Betato Alejandro , Silva-Treviño Jorge , Larrea Ángel , Laguna-Bercero Miguel Á.
Published: December 2021

Pr and Mn infiltrated oxide nanoparticles are confirmed as excellent candidates for boosting the performance of standard lanthanum strontium manganese oxygen electrodes.
Simple thiazole-centered oligothiophene donor enables 15.4% efficiency all small molecule organic solar cells
Authors: Duan Tainan , Chen Qianqian , Yang Qianguang , Hu Dingqin , Cai Guilong , Lu Xinhui , Lv Jie , Song Hang , Zhong Cheng , Liu Feng , Yu Donghong , Lu Shirong
Published: December 2021

A simple oligothiophene donor (Tz6T) was developed for organic solar cells. The devices with Tz6T achieved power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of up to ca. 15.4%, representing one of the crest values achieved by oligothiophene donors.
A novel terahertz metasurface based on a single-walled carbon nanotube film for sensing application
Authors: Wang Yue , Zhang Xiang , Zhang Xiaoju , Zhou Tao , Cui Zijian , Zhang Kuang
Published: December 2021

A single-walled carbon nanotube film metasurface sensor for detection trace concentrate of pesticide based on the transmission resonance induced by THz surface plasmon polaritons was developed. The proposed sensor has a low detection limit of 10 ng.
Phospholipid polymer hydrogels with rapid dissociation for reversible cell immobilization
Authors: Moriwaki Sachi , Yoshizaki Yuta , Konno Tomohiro
Published: December 2021

Polymer hydrogels were prepared via gently mixing a PMB–MAPBA and PVA. The hydrogels can be easily dissociated after the addition of d-sorbitol, and immobilize cells without any reduction in bioactivity.
A calcein-modified Zr(iv)-based metal–organic framework as a visualized sensor for calcium ions
Authors: Gan Tianjue , Zhang Xiudu , Qin Guoxu , Ni Yonghong
Published: December 2021

A novel UiO-66-NH2@calcein fluorescent material is constructed for the selective detection of Ca2+ ions in an aqueous system based on the turn-on effect.
Effects of Cued and Uncued Swallowing in Patients With Dementia
Authors: Guastella Rebekah , Oppedisano Stefania , Riquelme Luis F. , Namasivayam-MacDonald Ashwini M.
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

Parameters such as bolus location at swallow onset (BLSO), stage transition duration (STD), pharyngeal transition duration (PTD), pharyngeal response duration (PRD), and pharyngeal phase duration (PPD) often vary between cued and uncued swallowing conditions. Research has demonstrated that cued swallows may offer functional benefits that mitigate pathophysiological processes. However, there are limited data assessing differences between cued and uncued swallows in disordered populations, such as dementia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if cued swallowing alters swallowing biomechanics in patients living with dementia.

Method:

Through a retrospective analysis of videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS), 105 swallows from 26 participants living with dementia (
M
age
= 81 years; 14 women) were analyzed in duplicate by blinded raters using the Analysis of Swallowing Physiology, Events, Kinematics, and Timing method. Only VFSS with at least one cued and one uncued swallow were included in the analysis. Chi-square tests were used to explore differences in BLSO. Repeated-measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were used to explore differences in STD, PTD, PRD, and PPD.

Results:

Results revealed no significant differences in BLSO between cued and uncued swallows for patients living with dementia (
p
= .934). Repeated-measures ANOVAs revealed no significant differences between the two types of swallows for STD (
p
= .995), PTD (
p
= .864), PRD (
p
= .807), or PPD (
p
= .660).

Conclusions:

This study suggests that there may be limited benefit to providing cued swallows to individuals living with dementia. Further research should investigate if this is due to impaired cognition and/or changes in motor control to volitionally complete the cued swallow.
Implantation einer Knietotalendoprothese
Authors: Aue Michelle , Hüber Jochen
Published: December 2021

Wenn das Kniegelenk verschlissen oder verletzt ist, hilft häufig nur eine Knietotalendoprothese (Knie-TEP). Dieses sogenannte künstliche Gelenk ersetzt das Kniegelenk vollständig 1, seine Beweglichkeit wird wiederhergestellt und die natürliche Knorpelgleitfläche substituiert. Wie die Implantation abläuft und was dabei zu beachten ist, schildert unsere Autorin vom Leopoldina-Krankenhaus Schweinfurt.
Praxisanleitung: Zeitfresser oder Investition in die nächste Generation?
Authors: Albrecht Andrea , Große Franziska , Marr Veikko
Published: December 2021

Am 01.01.2022 war es soweit: Das neue Gesetz für anästhesietechnische und operationstechnische Assistenten ist in Kraft getreten. Wie es sich auf die Ausbildung auswirkt und welche Anforderungen es an die Praxisanleitenden stellt, erläutern unsere Autoren.
High-Grade Transformation in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Bartholin Gland: Case Report
Authors: Santiago Aline Evangelista , Teunissen Nicky , Ricardo Bernardo Ferreira de Paula , Cândido Eduardo Batista , Furtado Rafaela de Souza , Silva Filho Agnaldo Lopes da
Published: December 2021

Introduction In the present study, we report a case of primary adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the Bartholin gland with high-grade transformation (HGT). Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the Bartholin gland is a rare tumor and HGT has only been reported in head and neck tumors.

Case Report A 77-year-old woman with a non-ulcerated vulvar lesion on the topography of the right Bartholin gland. The patient was submitted to tumor resection followed by V–Y island flap and adjuvant radiotherapy. The histopathological examination revealed primary ACC of the Bartholin gland, with areas of HGT and extensive perineural invasion. The immunohistochemical study with p53 showed a diffuse and strong positive reaction in areas with HGT. After 24 months of follow-up, the patient presented distant metastases and died, despite having undergone to chemotherapy.

Conclusion As far as we know, this case is the first description in the literature of HGT in ACC of the Bartholin gland, and HGT appears to be associated with tumor aggressiveness.
Analysis of the Role of Female Hormones During Infection by COVID-19
Authors: Pascoal David Balbino , Araujo Isabela Macêdo de , Lopes Lorenna Peixoto , Cruz Cristiane Monteiro da
Published: December 2021

Women have metabolic, immunological, and genetic variables that ensure more protection from coronavirus infection. However, the indication of treatment for several pathologies and contraception is determined by hormones that have adverse effects and raise doubts about their use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the present study searches women specificities and the relation between female sexual hormones and COVID-19, and reports the main recommendations in this background. To this end, a review of the literature was conducted in the main databases, auxiliary data sources, and official websites. Therefore, considering the hypercoagulability status of COVID-19, the debate about the use of contraceptives due to the relative risk of thromboembolic effects that they impose arises. However, the current available evidence, as well as the recommendations of main health organs around the world, demonstrate that the use of hormonal contraceptives must be maintained during the pandemic.
Expansion by migration and diffusion by contact is a source to the global diversity of linguistic nominal categorization systems
Authors: Allassonnière-Tang Marc , Lundgren Olof , Robbers Maja , Cronhamn Sandra , Larsson Filip , Her One-Soon , Hammarström Harald , Carling Gerd
Published: December 2021

Languages of diverse structures and different families tend to share common patterns if they are spoken in geographic proximity. This convergence is often explained by horizontal diffusibility, which is typically ascribed to language contact. In such a scenario, speakers of two or more languages interact and influence each other’s languages, and in this interaction, more grammaticalized features tend to be more resistant to diffusion compared to features of more lexical content. An alternative explanation is vertical heritability: languages in proximity often share genealogical descent. Here, we suggest that the geographic distribution of features globally can be explained by two major pathways, which are generally not distinguished within quantitative typological models: feature diffusion and language expansion. The first pathway corresponds to the contact scenario described above, while the second occurs when speakers of genetically related languages migrate. We take the worldwide distribution of nominal classification systems (grammatical gender, noun class, and classifier) as a case study to show that more grammaticalized systems, such as gender, and less grammaticalized systems, such as classifiers, are almost equally widespread, but the former spread more by language expansion historically, whereas the latter spread more by feature diffusion. Our results indicate that quantitative models measuring the areal diffusibility and stability of linguistic features are likely to be affected by language expansion that occurs by historical coincidence. We anticipate that our findings will support studies of language diversity in a more sophisticated way, with relevance to other parts of language, such as phonology.
A multidisciplinary approach to evaluate the impact of emotional dysregulation on adolescent decision making
Authors: Weinrabe Angé , Hickie Ian B.
Published: December 2021

Evaluating decision-making during youth is a complex area of research. Multiple factors influence the young person’s subjective decision-making at this stage of development. Sub-optimal decision-making can have lifelong consequences. Longer adolescence, life stressors, drugs and alcohol and adverse events impact the young person, making them vulnerable to emerging mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Behavioural economics with its cognitive and multidisciplinary approach examines decision-making in youth with emerging mood disorders, but few empirical studies exist outside of a laboratory setting. Of the few that apply a multidisciplinary approach, most focus on other mental disorders. This review qualitatively evaluates the decision science literature to firstly, investigate complex factors influencing decision-making between adolescence and young adulthood. Secondly, it investigates studies that have applied either a cognitive or multidisciplinary approach to evaluate how young people choose. With respect to the studies identified, this review found that as opposed to depression, clinical anxiety (trait) and its relationship to youth decision-making has not been well researched using the multidisciplinary approach. Studies that did apply this approach found that mood disordered young individuals overall performed worse than healthy controls. This review argues that applying the multidisciplinary approach to study subjective decision-making can provide an alternative measure to empirically evaluate early stages of psychopathology in a youth population. Investigating the critical time points where the decision process itself impacts affective states in individuals could further elucidate some of the challenges currently faced in decision-making studies.