bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, characterization, molecular docking, and biological activities of coumarin–1,2,3‐triazole‐acetamide hybrid derivatives
Authors: Sepehri Nima , Mohammadi‐Khanaposhtani Maryam , Asemanipoor Nafise , Hosseini Samanesadat , Biglar Mahmood , Larijani Bagher , Mahdavi Mohammad , Hamedifar Haleh , Taslimi Parham , Sadeghian Nastaran , Gulcin Ilhami
Published: July 2020

Coumarins and their derivatives are receiving increasing attention due to numerous biochemical and pharmacological applications. In this study, a series of novel coumarin–1,2,3‐triazole‐acetamide hybrids was tested against some metabolic enzymes including α‐glycosidase (α‐Gly), α‐amylase (α‐Amy), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), human carbonic anhydrase I (hCA I), and hCA II. The new coumarin–1,2,3‐triazole‐acetamide hybrids showed Ki values in the range of 483.50–1,243.04 nM against hCA I, 508.55–1,284.36 nM against hCA II, 24.85–132.85 nM against AChE, 27.17–1,104.36 nM against BChE, 590.42–1,104.36 nM against α‐Gly, and 55.38–128.63 nM against α‐Amy. The novel coumarin–1,2,3‐triazole‐acetamide hybrids had effective inhibition profiles against all tested metabolic enzymes. Also, due to the enzyme inhibitory effects of the new hybrids, they are potential drug candidates to treat diseases such as epilepsy, glaucoma, type‐2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and leukemia. Additionally, these inhibition effects were compared with standard enzyme inhibitors like acetazolamide (for hCA I and II), tacrine (for AChE and BChE), and acarbose (for α‐Gly and α‐Amy). Also, those coumarin–1,2,3‐triazole‐acetamide hybrids with the best inhibition score were docked into the active site of the indicated metabolic enzymes.
Cas9 Cuts and Consequences; Detecting, Predicting, and Mitigating CRISPR/Cas9 On‐ and Off‐Target Damage
Authors: Newman Anthony , Starrs Lora , Burgio Gaetan
Published: July 2020

Large deletions and genomic re‐arrangements are increasingly recognized as common products of double‐strand break repair at Clustered Regularly Interspaced, Short Palindromic Repeats ‐ CRISPR associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) on‐target sites. Together with well‐known off‐target editing products from Cas9 target misrecognition, these are important limitations, that need to be addressed. Rigorous assessment of Cas9‐editing is necessary to ensure validity of observed phenotypes in Cas9‐edited cell‐lines and model organisms. Here the mechanisms of Cas9 specificity, and strategies to assess and mitigate unwanted effects of Cas9 editing are reviewed; covering guide‐RNA design, RNA modifications, Cas9 modifications, control of Cas9 activity; computational prediction for off‐targets, and experimental methods for detecting Cas9 cleavage. Although recognition of the prevalence of on‐ and off‐target effects of Cas9 editing has increased in recent years, broader uptake across the gene editing community will be important in determining the specificity of Cas9 across diverse applications and organisms.
Time to definitive care within major trauma networks in England
Authors: Haslam N R , Bouamra O , Lawrence T , Moran C G , Lockey D J
Published: July 2020

Background

Significant mortality improvements have been reported following the implementation of English trauma networks. Timely transfer of seriously injured patients to definitive care is a key indicator of trauma network performance. This study evaluated timelines from emergency service (EMS) activation to definitive care between 2013 and 2016.

Methods

An observational study was conducted on data collected from the UK national clinical audit of major trauma care of patients with an Injury Severity Score above 15. Outcomes included time from EMS activation to: arrival at a trauma unit (TU) or major trauma centre (MTC); to CT; to urgent surgery; and to death.

Results

Secondary transfer was associated with increased time to urgent surgery (median 7·23 (i.q.r. 5·48–9·28) h versus 4·37 (3·00–6·57) h for direct transfer to MTC; P < 0·001) and an increased crude mortality rate (19·6 (95 per cent c.i. 16·9 to 22·3) versus 15·7 (14·7 to 16·7) per cent respectively). CT and urgent surgery were performed more quickly in MTCs than in TUs (2·00 (i.q.r. 1·55–2·73) versus 3·15 (2·17–4·63) h and 4·37 (3·00–6·57) versus 5·37 (3·50–7·65) h respectively; P < 0·001). Transfer time and time to CT increased between 2013 and 2016 (P < 0·001). Transfer time, time to CT, and time to urgent surgery varied significantly between regional networks (P < 0·001).

Conclusion

Secondary transfer was associated with significantly delayed imaging, delayed surgery, and increased mortality. Key interventions were performed more quickly in MTCs than in TUs.
Mandibular canal vs. inferior alveolar canal: Evidence‐based terminology analysis
Authors: Iwanaga Joe , Matsushita Yuki , Decater Tess , Ibaragi Soichiro , Tubbs R. Shane
Published: July 2020

Introduction

The mandibular canal, as it was formerly named in Terminologia Anatomica (TA), has also been called the inferior alveolar (nerve) canal in many scientific publications. This study was conducted to investigate how these terms have been understood in different regions and different areas of expertise and to discuss the appropriate future application of the term “mandibular canal.”

Methods

A literature search was conducted using PubMed, and articles using different terms for this structure were classified into two groups, inferior alveolar canal/inferior alveolar nerve canal (IAC/IANC) and the mandibular canal (MC). The 50 most recent articles in each group were included. Publication year, journal title, country of the first author, and affiliation of all authors were recorded in both groups for all 100 articles.

Results

There was a significant difference between the IAC/IANC and MC groups in the numbers of anatomy journals, other journals, and anatomy affiliations. Turkey published most frequently with a total of 15 articles, followed by Iran with 10 articles, and China/India/United States with seven each. When the six countries of the first author that had three or more publications in each group were compared, only Turkey appeared in both groups; otherwise, different countries were in the two groups.

Conclusions

Based on the results of this analysis, and considering that the tentative new term “inferior alveolar foramen” is used in the latest TA, we suggest that the mandibular canal should be renamed the “inferior alveolar canal.”
Switches of SOX17 and SOX2 expression in the development of squamous metaplasia and squamous intraepithelial lesions of the uterine cervix
Authors: Moshi Jobran M. , Hoogduin Klaas J. , Ummelen Monique , Henfling Mieke E. R. , van Engeland Manon , Wouters Kim A. D. , Stoop Hans , Demers Imke , Looijenga Leendert H. J. , Ramaekers Frans C. S. , Hopman Anton N. H.
Published: July 2020

Aims

The dynamics and topographical distribution of SOX17 and SOX2 expression was studied in the transformation zone (TZ) of the uterine cervix. This TZ is a dynamic area where switches from glandular into squamous epithelium can be recognized, new squamocolumnar junctions are formed, and premalignant lesions originate. SOX17 and SOX2 show mutually exclusive expression patterns in the normal uterine cervix, with SOX2 being exclusively found in squamous epithelium, while SOX17 is detected in endocervical columnar cells and reserve cells.

Methods and Results

Normal cervices and squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) were studied with immunohistochemistry, methylation of SOX17, human papilloma virus (HPV) genotyping, and in situ hybridization. In the TZ squamous metaplasia originating from these reserve cells can still show SOX17 expression, while also remnants of SOX17‐positive immature metaplasia can be recognized in the normal squamous epithelium. SOX17 expression is gradually lost during maturation, resulting in the exclusive expression of SOX2 in the majority of (SIL). This loss of SOX17 expression is independent of methylation of the CpG island in its promotor region. HPV can be detected in SOX17‐positive immature metaplastic regions in the immediate vicinity of SOX2‐positive SIL, suggesting that switches in SOX17 and 2 expression can occur upon HPV infection.

Conclusions

This switch in expression, and the strong association between the distribution of reserve cells and squamous areas within the columnar epithelium in the TZ, suggests that reserve cell proliferations, next to basal cells in the squamous epithelium, are potential targets for the formation of squamous lesions upon viral infection.
Population bias in somatic measurement of microsatellite instability status
Authors: Saul Michelle , Poorman Kelsey , Tae Hongseok , Vanderwalde Ari , Stafford Phillip , Spetzler David , Korn Wolfgang M. , Gatalica Zoran , Swensen Jeff
Published: July 2020

Microsatellite instability (MSI) is a key secondary effect of a defective DNA mismatch repair mechanism resulting in incorrectly replicated microsatellites in many malignant tumors. Historically, MSI detection has been performed by fragment analysis (FA) on a panel of representative genomic markers. More recently, using next‐generation sequencing (NGS) to analyze thousands of microsatellites has been shown to improve the robustness and sensitivity of MSI detection. However, NGS‐based MSI tests can be prone to population biases if NGS results are aligned to a reference genome instead of patient‐matched normal tissue. We observed an increased rate of false positives in patients of African ancestry with an NGS‐based diagnostic for MSI status utilizing 7317 microsatellite loci. We then minimized this bias by training a modified calling model that utilized 2011 microsatellite loci. With these adjustments 100% (95% CI: 89.1% to 100%) of African ancestry patients in an independent validation test were called correctly using the updated model. This poses not only a significant technical improvement but also has an important clinical impact on directing immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
Competing Roles of Two Kinds of Ligand during Nonclassical Crystallization of Pillared‐Layer Metal‐Organic Frameworks Elucidated Using Microfluidic Systems
Authors: Tanaka Yoko , Kitamura Yu , Kawano Ryuji , Shoji Kan , Hiratani Moe , Honma Tetsuo , Takaya Hikaru , Yoshikawa Hirofumi , Tsuruoka Takaaki , Tanaka Daisuke
Published: July 2020

To diversify metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), multi‐component MOFs constructed from more than two kinds of bridging ligand have been actively investigated due to the high degree of design freedom afforded by the combination of multiple ligands. Predicting the synthesis conditions for such MOFs requires an understanding of the crystallization mechanism, which has so far remained elusive. In this context, microflow systems are efficient tools for capturing non‐equilibrium states as they facilitate precise and efficient mixing with reaction times that correspond to the distance from the mixing point, thus enabling reliable control of non‐equilibrium crystallization processes. Herein, we prepared coordination polymers with pillared‐layer structures and observed the intermediates in the syntheses with an in‐situ measurement system that combines microflow reaction with UV/Vis and X‐ray absorption fine‐structure spectroscopies, thereby enabling their rapid nucleation to be monitored. Based on the results, a three‐step nonclassical nucleation mechanism involving two kinds of intermediate is proposed.
Linear Hydroaminoalkylation Products from Alkyl‐Substituted Alkenes
Authors: Warsitz Michael , Doye Sven
Published: July 2020

The regioselective conversion of alkyl‐substituted alkenes into linear hydroaminoalkylation products represents a strongly desirable synthetic transformation. In particular, such conversions of N‐methylamine derivatives are of great scientific interest, because they would give direct access to important amines with unbranched alkyl chains. Herein, we present a new one‐pot procedure that includes an initial alkene hydroaminoalkylation with an α‐silylated amine substrate and a subsequent protodesilylation reaction that delivers linear hydroaminoalkylation products with high selectivity from simple alkyl‐substituted alkenes. For that purpose, new titanium catalysts have been developed, which are able to activate the α‐C−H bond of more challenging α‐silylated amine substrates. In addition, a direct relationship between the ligand structure of the new catalysts and the obtained regioselectivity is described.
Synthesis and Insecticidal Evaluation of Novel Anthranilic Diamides Derivatives Containing 4‐Chlorine Substituted N‐Pyridylpyrazole
Authors: Li Huangong , Zhao Yangyang , Sun Pengwei , Gao Li , Li Yuxin , Xiong Lixia , Yang Na , Zhou Sha , Li Zhengming
Published: July 2020

Main observation and conclusion

To search for potent insecticides targeting at ryanodine receptors (RyRs), a series of novel anthranilic diamides analogs containing 4‐chlorine N‐pyridylpyrazole were designed and synthesized. Their insecticidal activities were evaluated and the preliminary structure‐activity relationships (SARs) were discussed. The insecticidal results showed that some of the compounds (8a—8h, 8m, 8n) exhibited good larvicidal activities against oriental armyworm at 2.5 mg·L–1, and compound 8m possessed 60% insecticidal activity at 0.5 mg·L–1. For diamondback moth, 8m exhibited better activity than Chlorantraniliprole at a hundred fold preference. The calcium imaging technique experiment results suggested that compound 8m could increase the intracellular [Ca2+]i. With the neurons preincubated experiment, the results confirmed that the target of this series of compounds could be RyRs in the central larvae neurons of oriental armyworm. The results indicated that compound 8m could respond as a potential modulator of the insect ryanodine receptor.
Effect of Alkali Metal Cations on Length and Strength of Hydrogen Bonds in DNA Base Pairs
Authors: Stasyuk Olga A. , Solà Miquel , Swart Marcel , Fonseca Guerra Célia , Krygowski Tadeusz Marek , Szatylowicz Halina
Published: July 2020

For many years, non‐covalently bonded complexes of nucleobases have attracted considerable interest. However, there is a lack of information about the nature of hydrogen bonding between nucleobases when the bonding is affected by metal coordination to one of the nucleobases, and how the individual hydrogen bonds and aromaticity of nucleobases respond to the presence of the metal cation. Here we report a DFT computational study of nucleobase pairs interacting with alkali metal cations. The metal cations contribute to the stabilization of the base pairs to varying degrees depending on their position. The energy decomposition analysis revealed that the nature of bonding between nucleobases does not change much upon metal coordination. The effect of the cations on individual hydrogen bonds were described by changes in VDD charges on frontier atoms, H‐bond length, bond energy from NBO analysis, and the delocalization index from QTAIM calculations. The aromaticity changes were determined by a HOMA index.
Effects of embryo energy, egg size, and larval food supply on the development of asteroid echinoderms
Authors: Trackenberg Stacy N. , Richardson Emily L. , Allen Jonathan D.
Published: July 2020

Organisms have limited resources available to invest in reproduction, causing a trade‐off between the number and size of offspring. One consequence of this trade‐off is the evolution of disparate egg sizes and, by extension, developmental modes. In particular, echinoid echinoderms (sea urchins and sand dollars) have been widely used to experimentally manipulate how changes in egg size affect development. Here, we test the generality of the echinoid results by (a) using laser ablations of blastomeres to experimentally reduce embryo energy in the asteroid echinoderms (sea stars), Pisaster ochraceus and Asterias forbesi and (b) comparing naturally produced, variably sized eggs (1.7‐fold volume difference between large and small eggs) in A. forbesi. In P. ochraceus and A. forbesi, there were no significant differences between juveniles from both experimentally reduced embryos and naturally produced eggs of variable size. However, in both embryo reduction and egg size variation experiments, simultaneous reductions in larval food had a significant and large effect on larval and juvenile development. These results indicate that (a) food levels are more important than embryo energy or egg size in determining larval and juvenile quality in sea stars and (b) the relative importance of embryo energy or egg size to fundamental life history parameters (time to and size at metamorphosis) does not appear to be consistent within echinoderms.
Yolk‐Shell Structured C/Mn3O4 Microspheres Derived from Metal–Organic Frameworks with Enhanced Lithium Storage Performance
Authors: Xu Ying , Qiu Yiwei , Zhang Chengkun , Gan Chuanhai , Huang Liuqing , Tang Xueyuan , Luo Xuetao
Published: July 2020

To solve the problem associated with the huge volume change and low conductivity of Mn3O4, a novel C/Mn3O4 microsphere with Mn3O4 layer and void space sandwiched by nitrogen‐doped carbon (NC) is designed and fabricated. In this composite, the NC is obtained from the metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and polydopamine (PDA). The preparation process is facile and effective without additional templates or redox solvents introduced. When used as anodes for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), the C/Mn3O4 composite incorporates the metrics of N‐doping, yolk‐shell structure, double carbon layer, mesoporous Mn3O4, showing an outstanding lithium storage of ≈1015.9 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 in the 250th cycle, high cycling stability (without clear capacity decay after 400 cycles), and excellent rate capability (capacity can fully recover as the current density returns back to the initial value of 0.2 A g−1). The yolk‐shell structure derived from MOFs can be expanded to fabricate other materials with improved performance.
Self‐Adhesive Polyimide (PI)@Reduced Graphene Oxide (RGO)/PI@Carbon Nanotube (CNT) Hierarchically Porous Electrodes: Maximizing the Utilization of Electroactive Materials for Organic Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Shuwu , Yang Haoqi , Sui Ling , Jiang Shaohua , Hou Haoqing
Published: July 2020

Although organic carbonyl polymers have been successfully used as electrodes for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), the operational capacity and energy density are still restricted due to their low utilization of active materials, poor electronic conductivity, and insulated binders. In this contribution, an efficient conductive network composed of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is introduced into polyimide (PI) via in‐situ polymerization. Benefitting from the intrinsic viscosity of PI precursor, the self‐adhesive PI@RGO/PI@CNT electrode can be obtained through imidization and thermal treatment without any insulated binders. Structural characterization reveals that PI uniformly grows on the RGO layer and connects with CNTs to form conductive networks, implying that a small amount of carbons can greatly improve the conductivity. As expected, the PI@RGO/PI@CNT electrode delivers a high initial capacity of 1291 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, an ultrahigh‐rate performance of 212 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1, and a stable cyclability with capacity retention of 96% at 10 A g−1. Compared with reported PI‐based electrodes, the PI@RGO/PI@CNTs electrode could achieve a superhigh utilization of active materials. This work proposes an effective method to improve the utilization of PI and provides a guideline on the electrode structural design and preparation process.
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Fish from European Lakes: Current Contamination Status, Sources, and Perspectives for Monitoring
Authors: Valsecchi Sara , Babut Marc , Mazzoni Michela , Pascariello Simona , Ferrario Claudia , De Felice Beatrice , Bettinetti Roberta , Veyrand Bruno , Marchand Philippe , Polesello Stefano
Published: July 2020

Concentrations in fish of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were reported for 7 deep lakes in the European subalpine area: Lakes Geneva, Lugano, Maggiore, Iseo, Como, Garda, and Mergozzo; one shallow lowland lake (Varese); and 2 high-altitude alpine lakes (>2000 m a.s.l). Fillets and, in selected cases, other body fractions (viscera, liver, and residual carcass) from 8 fish species were analyzed. The possibility of harmonizing the monitoring protocols was tested. Results suggest that the sampling season is not critical for PFASs and the total protein content cannot be used for normalization of tissue concentrations because PFASs bind to specific proteins. Moreover, the polar lipid content could be used to reduce the variability of PFAS concentrations in phospholipid rich fractions of fish such as viscera and carcass. The data comparison and analysis show that the PFAS contamination in lake fish is generally correlated with the degree of urbanization of the lake catchment; however, it is sometimes difficult to compare absolute concentrations in lake fish because the lake hydro-morphological characteristics play a substantial role in determining the chemical concentrations of persistent and mobile contaminants. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:658–676. © 2020 SETAC

Abstract

PFOS concentrations (blue bars) and ratio PFOS/∑LC-PFCA (dashed line) in fillet of fish as proxies for urbanized areas with point sources and without point sources of the PFAS in the lakes. PFOS = perfluorooctane sulfonate; ∑LC-PFCA = total long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids; PFAS = perfluoroalkyl substances.
The Crying Clinic: Increasing accessibility to Infant Mental Health services for immigrant parents at risk for peripartum depression
Authors: Bohr Y. , Bimm M. , Bint Misbah K. , Perrier R. , Lee Y. , Armour L. , Sockett‐DiMarco N.
Published: July 2020

Peripartum depression (PPD) is considered a major public health concern due to its profound impact on families, including infants. In this paper, we report on a pilot initiative designed to reduce barriers and stigma related to the use of traditional infant mental health services for immigrant parents deemed at high risk of PPD. The Crying Clinic (CC) is an innovative walk‐in service offered in a culturally diverse Canadian community to support maternal well‐being and healthy parent–infant relationships. The CC was designed to be a gateway to existing infant mental health services, through its emphasis on accessibility and cultural sensitivity. Support for concrete concerns, such as anxiety about normative infant behaviors like crying, is underscored in this approach to attract vulnerable families who would otherwise not access mental health support. A review of 44 users, utilization, plans for the use of additional services, and client evaluations suggests that the CC accomplished most of its goals. We conclude that gateway service models such as the CC have the potential to enhance traditional infant mental health programs by creatively addressing the challenge of engaging highly vulnerable parents from culturally diverse backgrounds.
“Take My Bone Away?” Hypoxia and bone: A narrative review
Authors: Hannah Scott S. , McFadden Sonyia , McNeilly Andrea , McClean Conor
Published: July 2020

To maintain normal cellular and physiological function, sufficient oxygen is required. Recently, evidence has suggested that hypoxia, either pathological or environmental, may influence bone health. It appears that bone cells are distinctly responsive to hypoxic stimuli; for better or worse, this is still yet to be elucidated. Hypoxia has been shown to offer potentially therapeutic effects for bone by inducing an osteogenic–angiogenic response, although, others have noted excessive osteoclastic bone resorption instead. Much evidence suggests that the hypoxic‐inducible pathway is integral in mediating the changes in bone metabolism. Furthermore, many factors associated with hypoxia including changes in energy metabolism, acid–base balance and the increased generation of reactive oxygen species, are known to influence bone metabolism. This review aims to examine some of the putative mechanisms responsible for hypoxic‐induced alterations of bone metabolism, with regard to osteoclasts and osteoblasts, both positive and negative.
Role of the small GTPase activating protein IQGAP1 in collagen phagocytosis
Authors: Nakajima Kei , Arora Pamela D. , Plaha Ajay , McCulloch Christopher A.
Published: July 2020

Many adult connective tissues undergo continuous remodeling to maintain matrix homeostasis. Physiological remodeling involves the degradation of collagen fibers by the intracellular cathepsin‐dependent phagocytic pathway. We considered that a multidomain, small GTPase activating protein, IQGAP1, which is involved in the generation of cell extensions, is required for collagen phagocytosis, possibly arising from its interactions with cdc42 and the actin‐binding protein Flightless I (FliI). We examined the role of IQGAP1 in collagen phagocytosis by human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and by IQGAP1+/+ and IQGAP1−/− mouse embryonic fibroblasts. IQGAP1 was strongly expressed by HGFs, localized to vinculin‐stained cell adhesions and sites where cell extensions are initiated, and colocalized with FliI. Immunoprecipitation showed that IQGAP1 associated with FliI. HGFs showed 10‐fold increases of collagen binding, 6‐fold higher internalization, and 3‐fold higher β1 integrin activation between 30 and 180 min after incubation with collagen. Compared with IQGAP1+/+ fibroblasts, deletion of IQGAP1 reduced collagen binding (1.4‐fold), collagen internalization (3‐fold), β1 integrin activation (2‐fold), and collagen degradation (1.8‐fold). We conclude that IQGAP1 affects collagen remodeling through its regulation of phagocytic degradation pathways, which may involve the interaction of IQGAP1 with FliI.
Duration of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA shedding and factors associated with prolonged viral shedding in patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Li Tong‐Zeng , Cao Zhen‐Huan , Chen Yu , Cai Miao‐Tian , Zhang Long‐Yu , Xu Hui , Zhang Jia‐Ying , Ma Chun‐Hua , Liu Yang , Gao Li‐Juan , Duan Zhong‐Hui , Mou Dan‐Lei , Liang Lian‐Chun
Published: July 2020

To investigate the factors associated with the duration of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 RNA shedding in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). A retrospective cohort of COVID‐19 patients admitted to a designated hospital in Beijing was analyzed to study the factors affecting the duration of viral shedding. The median duration of viral shedding was 11 days (IQR, 8‐14.3 days) as measured from illness onset. Univariate regression analysis showed that disease severity, corticosteroid therapy, fever (temperature>38.5°C), and time from onset to hospitalization were associated with prolonged duration of viral shedding (P < .05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that fever (temperature>38.5°C) (OR, 5.1, 95%CI: 1.5‐18.1), corticosteroid therapy (OR, 6.3, 95%CI: 1.5‐27.8), and time from onset to hospitalization (OR, 1.8, 95%CI: 1.19‐2.7) were associated with increased odds of prolonged duration of viral shedding. Corticosteroid treatment, fever (temperature>38.5°C), and longer time from onset to hospitalization were associated with prolonged viral shedding in COVID‐19 patients.
Acute HIV infection in a large teaching hospital in western China: Clinical, virological, and molecular epidemiological characteristics
Authors: Zhang Keyi , Wei Bin , Tang Zhuoyun , Wei Yinhao , Zhao Zhongyi , Li Dongdong , Tao Chuanmin
Published: July 2020

Objective

To provide information on clinical, virological, and molecular epidemiological characteristics for early identification, diagnosis, and treatment of acute HIV infection (AHI).

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted with patients with AHI from 2012 to 2017 in West China Hospital.

Results

A total of 47 patients with AHI were found using a fourth‐generation kit. Thirteen (27.66%) of these patients were negative if tested by third‐generation tests. Median age of patients with AHI was 26 and 91.49% of them were males. Homosexual contact was responsible for 46.81% of AHI transmission. Among the individuals with AHI, 80.85% were outpatients. Common symptoms/signs were fever, headache, rash, cough and sputum, and sore throat. The syphilis coinfection rate was 17.24%. Most of the AHI was distributed in Fiebig stages IV (61.70%) and II (27.66%) with different clinical and virological characteristics. The increasing trend of cut‐off index values was obvious in the course of AHI, helpful for auxiliary diagnosis. The main genetic forms of AHI were CRF07_BC and CRF01_AE, and a rare subtype CRF55_01B in Sichuan province was found. The drug resistance mutation rate was relatively high (17.65%) and five different mutations were identified.

Conclusions

Fourth‐generation assays are strongly recommended for screening AHI compared to third‐generation ones. Different clinical and virological characteristics in different Fiebig stages were found. Young individuals and outpatients were the majority of patients with AHI and this deserves special attention. Attention should also be paid to the rare CRF55_01B in Sichuan province and surveillance of HIV resistance ought to be strengthened.
Lineage analysis of human papillomavirus type 18 based on E6 region in cervical samples of Iranian women
Authors: Salavatiha Zahra , Shoja Zabihollah , Heydari Nasrin , Marashi Sayed Mahdid , Younesi Sarang , Nozarian Zohreh , Jalilvand Somayeh
Published: July 2020

Distinct human papillomavirus (HPV) 18 variants are thought to differ in oncogenic potential and geographic distribution. As such, understanding the regional variants of HPV 18 would be of great importance for evolutionary, epidemiological, and biological analysis. In this regard, the sequence variations of E6 gene were investigated to characterize more common variants of HPV 18 in normal cells, premalignant, and malignant samples collected from the cervix. In total, 99 samples of HPV 18 were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. In overall, lineages A was identified in all study subjects, among which sublineage A4 was dominant although the difference observed was not statistically significant with regard to different stages of disease. Sublineage A4 comprised 90.9% of samples and the remaining were belonged to sublineages A1, A2, A3, and A5 at the frequency of 6.1%, 1%, 1%, and 1%, respectively. In conclusion, our findings clearly highlight the sublineage A4 of HPV 18 as the most dominant variant in Iran.
Immune responses and pathogenesis in persistently PCR‐positive patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Yu Hai‐bin , Wang Wen‐jing , Tang Shan , Chen De‐xi , Xu Bin
Published: July 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 emerged in China in December 2019 and then rapidly spread worldwide. Why COVID‐19 patients with the same clinical condition have different outcomes remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the differences in the phenotype and functions of major populations of immune cells between COVID‐19 patients with same severity but different outcomes. Four common type adult inpatients with laboratory confirmed COVID‐19 from Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups based on whether or not COVID‐19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐negative conversion occurred within 3 weeks. Peripheral blood samples were collected to compare the differences in the phenotype and functions of major populations of immune cells between the two groups of patients. The result shows that the proportions of CD3+CD8+CD38+HLA‐DR+CD27− effector T killer cells generally declined, whereas that of CD3+CD4+CD8+ double‐positive T cells (DPTs) increased in the persistently PCR‐positive patients. In summary, considering the imbalance between effector T killer cells/CD3+CD4+CD8+ DPTs was a possible key factor for PCR‐negative conversion in patients with COVID‐19.
Using large ensemble modelling to derive future changes in mountain specific climate indicators in a 2 and 3°C warmer world in High Mountain Asia
Authors: Bonekamp P. N. J. , Wanders N. , van der Wiel K. , Lutz A. F. , Immerzeel W. W.
Published: July 2020

Natural disasters in High Mountain Asia (HMA) are largely induced by precipitation and temperatures extremes. Precipitation extremes will change due to global warming, but these low frequency events are difficult to analyse using (short) observed time series. In this study, we analysed large 2000 year ensembles of present day climate and of a 2 and 3°C warmer world produced with the EC‐Earth model. We performed a regional assessment of climate indicators related to temperature and precipitation (positive degree days, accumulated precipitation, [pre‐ and post‐] monsoon precipitation), their sensitivity to temperature change and the change in return periods of extreme temperature and precipitation in a 2 and 3°C warmer climate. In general, the 2°C warmer world shows a homogeneous response of changes in climate indicators and return periods, while distinct differences between regions are present in a 3°C warmer world and changes no longer follow a general trend. This non‐linear effect can indicate the presence of a tipping point in the climate system. The most affected regions are located in monsoon‐dominated regions, where precipitation amounts, positive degree days, extreme temperature, extreme precipitation and compound events are projected to increase the most. Largest changes in climate indicators are found in East Himalaya, followed by the Hindu Kush and West and Central Himalaya regions. Western regions will experience drier summers and wetter winters, while monsoon dominated regions drier winters and wetter summers and northern regions a wetter climate year round. We also found that precipitation increases in HMA in a 3°C warmer world are substantially larger (13%) compared to the global average (5.9%). Additionally, the increase in weather extremes will exacerbate natural hazards with large possible impacts for mountain communities. The results of this study could provide important guidance for formulating climate change adaptation strategies in HMA.
Meta‐analysis of continuous outcomes: Using pseudo IPD created from aggregate data to adjust for baseline imbalance and assess treatment‐by‐baseline modification
Authors: Papadimitropoulou Katerina , Stijnen Theo , Riley Richard D. , Dekkers Olaf M. , le Cessie Saskia
Published: July 2020

Meta‐analysis of individual participant data (IPD) is considered the “gold‐standard” for synthesizing clinical study evidence. However, gaining access to IPD can be a laborious task (if possible at all) and in practice only summary (aggregate) data are commonly available. In this work we focus on meta‐analytic approaches of comparative studies where aggregate data are available for continuous outcomes measured at baseline (pre‐treatment) and follow‐up (post‐treatment). We propose a method for constructing pseudo individual baselines and outcomes based on the aggregate data. These pseudo IPD can be subsequently analysed using standard analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) methods. Pseudo IPD for continuous outcomes reported at two timepoints can be generated using the sufficient statistics of an ANCOVA model, i.e., the mean and standard deviation at baseline and follow‐up per group, together with the correlation of the baseline and follow‐up measurements. Applying the ANCOVA approach, which crucially adjusts for baseline imbalances and accounts for the correlation between baseline and change scores, to the pseudo IPD, results in identical estimates to the ones obtained by an ANCOVA on the true IPD. In addition, an interaction term between baseline and treatment effect can be added. There are several modeling options available under this approach, which makes it very flexible. Methods are exemplified using reported data of a previously published IPD meta‐analysis of 10 trials investigating the effect of antihypertensive treatments on systolic blood pressure, leading to identical results compared with the true IPD analysis and of a meta‐analysis of fewer trials, where baseline imbalance occurred.
Preparation and growth‐promoting effect of selenium nanoparticles capped by polysaccharide‐protein complexes on tilapia
Authors: Ren Lirong , Wu Zhencong , Ma Ying , Jian Wenjie , Xiong Hejian , Zhou Lina
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Compared with traditional inorganic and organic selenium compounds, nano‐selenium exhibited higher biological safety and nutritional potency. However, the biological efficacy of nano‐selenium has not been comprehensively and accurately evaluated due to its dispersion instability.

RESULTS

In this study, novel selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) with high dispersion stability were successfully prepared using a polysaccharide‐protein complex (PSP) as the capping agent. This was isolated from abalone viscera. The average particle size and zeta potential of polysaccharide‐protein complex selenium nanoparticles (PSP‐SeNPs) were 63.33 nm, and −37.1 mV, respectively. The SeNPs were firmly capped by PSP through SeO and SeN bonds, as demonstrated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Due to this capping, the dispersion of PSP‐SeNPs remained stable for 12 months at 4 °C, as evidenced by visual inspection and multiple light scattering. Furthermore, PSP‐SeNPs imparted an excellent growth‐promoting effect on tilapia. The FBW, WGR, and SGR values of tilapia juveniles fed with PSP‐SeNPs supplemented diets (0.5–4.5 mg/kg) were significantly higher than those of the control (P < 0.05). A weight gain rate of 4.1%–43.4% and specific growth rate of 0.15%–1.74% were obtained in tilapia during 45‐day feeding.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of marine viscera polysaccharides is a promising, green method for the synthesis of selenium nanoparticles. There are good opportunities for the application of the synthesized PSP‐SeNPs in the life sciences. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Segmental Myorhythmia with Palatal Tremor Due to Bilateral Hypertrophic Olivary Degeneration in Wilson Disease
Authors: Seliverstov Yury , Suslin Aleksandr , Kremneva Elena , Krotenkova Marina
Published: July 2020

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Solutions of sum‐type singular fractional q integro‐differential equation with m‐point boundary value problem using quantum calculus
Authors: Ahmadian Ali , Rezapour Shahram , Salahshour Soheil , Samei Mohammad Esmael
Published: July 2020

Nowadays, many researchers have considerable attention to fractional calculus as a useful tool for modeling of different phenomena in the world. In this work, we investigate the sum‐type singular nonlinear fractional q integro‐differential equations with m‐point boundary value problem. The existence of positive solutions is obtained by the properties of the Green function, standard Caputo q derivative, Riemann–Liouville fractional q integral, and a fixed point theorem on a real Banach space
, which has a partial order by using a cone
. The proofs are based on solving the operators equation. By providing seven algorithms, four tables, and three figures, we give two numerical examples to illustrate our main result.
A neuromuscular‐based analysis of the open payments program
Authors: Harada Yohei , Sheng Sen , Thombre Vaishali A. , Ounpraseuth Songthip , Tommee Carolina Gil , Annapureddy Amarnath R. , Kamran Mudassar , Jasti Madhu S. , Katsuno Masahisa , Yadala Sisira , Veerapaneni Karthika , Kapoor Nidhi , Kovvuru Sukanthi , Onteddu Sanjeeva Reddy , Nalleballe Krishna
Published: July 2020

Introduction

In August 2013, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Open Payments Program (OPP) made eligible payment information publicly available. Data about industry payments to neuromuscular neurologists are lacking.

Method

Financial relationships were investigated between industry and US neuromuscular neurologists from January 2014 through December 2018 using the CMS OPP database.

Results

The total annual payments increased more than 6‐fold during the study period. The top 10% of physician‐beneficiaries collected 80% to 90% of total industry payments except in 2014. In 2018, the most common drugs associated with payments to neuromuscular neurologists were nusinersen, vortioxetine, eteplirsen, alglucosidase alpha, edaravone, and intravenous immunoglobulin.

Discussion

A substantial increase in the annual payments to neuromuscular physicians during the study period is likely due to the development of new treatments, including gene therapy.
Plasma medicine: Opportunities for nanotechnology in a digital age
Authors: Liu Dawei , Szili Endre J. , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken)
Published: July 2020

Advances in digital technologies have opened new opportunities for creating more reliable, time‐ and cost‐effective, safer and mobile methods of diagnosing, managing and treating diseases. A few examples of advanced nano‐ and digital technologies are already FDA‐approved for diagnosing and treating diseases. Plasma treatment is still emerging as a new healthcare technology, but it is showing a strong potential for treatment of many diseases including cancers and antimicrobial‐resistant infections, with little or no adverse side effects. Here, we argue that with the ever‐increasing complex healthcare challenges facing communities, including the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic, it is critical to consider combining unique properties of emerging healthcare technologies into a single multimodal treatment modality that could lead to unprecedented healthcare benefits. In this article, we focus on the healthcare opportunities created by establishing a nexus between plasma, nano‐ and digital technologies. We argue that the combination of plasma, nano‐ and digital technologies into a single multimodal healthcare package may significantly improve patient outcomes and comfort, and reduce the economic burden on community healthcare, as well as alleviate many problems related to overcrowded healthcare systems.
Stability Improvement of Perovskite Solar Cells by Adding Sb‐Xanthate to Precursor Solution
Authors: Nam Kyung-Su , Krishnamurthy Suvratha , Qing Shen , Toyoda Taro , Yoshino Kenji , Minemoto Takashi , Ma Tingli , Pandey Shyam , Hayase Shuzi
Published: July 2020

Herein, it is reported that the stability of a halogenated perovskite (PVK) solar cell consisting of an fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate/TiO2/CH3NH3PbI3/N2,N2,N2′,N2′,N7,N7,N7′,N7′‐octakis(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐9,9′‐spirobi[9H‐fluorene]‐2,2′,7,7′‐tetramine/Ag/Au structure is improved by adding Sb‐xanthate to the PVK layer without large loss of efficiency. The Sb‐element‐rich layer is observed on top of the PVK layer. From the X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) study, it is concluded that an inorganic SbxOy passivation layer on the PVK layer is prepared by baking the solution of the Sb‐xanthate and the PVK precursor. The inorganic layer prevents moisture and oxygen from penetrating into the PVK layer. This article provides a new method to obtain a passivation layer on a PVK layer by baking a mixture solution in one step for improving solar cell stability.
Pimenta dioica Mediated Biosynthesis of Gold Nanoparticles and Evaluation of Its Potential for Theranostic Applications
Authors: Kharey Prashant , Dutta Surjendu Bikash , Gorey Abhijeet , Manikandan M. , Kumari Anshu , Vasudevan Srivathsan , Palani I. A. , Majumder S. K. , Gupta Sharad
Published: July 2020

In recent years, gold nanoparticles have emerged as promising agents for plasmonic sensing, photoacoustic imaging, photothermal therapy, and other biomedical applications. In this work, green synthesis of plant‐mediated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using an aqueous leaf extract of Pimenta dioica was carried out and the synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐Vis) absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infra‐red (FTIR) spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. A plausible mechanism of the formation of gold nanoparticles from Pimenta dioica leaf extract was also proposed. Synthesized AuNPs were found to be safe for human cervical cancer (HeLa) and human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK 293) cell lines established using MTT (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiozol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. The potential of the synthesized nanoparticles for the plasmonic sensing of analyte molecule was carried out using the AuNPs as a surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrate. It was found that the AuNPs enhanced the Raman signal of analyte molecules with an enhancement factor of >105 in comparison to the normal Raman signal measured from the analyte, i. e., without nanoparticles. Further, the synthesized AuNPs showed excellent photoacoustic signal responses (PASR) and found to be the most efficient photoacoustic signal generators. The photothermal performance of these nanoparticles was also carried out. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that in future, these AuNPs could be used as a green alternative to conventionally used in‐vivo theranostic agents.
Design and Synthesis of Sulfonamide‐Attached 2‐(Isoxazol‐3‐yl)‐1H‐imidazoles as Anticancer Agents
Authors: Dende Satheesh Kumar , Korupolu Raghu Babu , Leleti Krishnakanth Reddy
Published: July 2020

Library of 2‐(isoxazol‐3‐yl)‐1H‐imidazole sulfonamide derivatives (4 a‐j) has been synthesized and structures were confirmed by 1HNMR, 13CNMR and mass spectral analysis. Further these compounds were tested for their anticancer activity against four human cancer cell lines, such as MCF‐7 (breast cancer), A549 (lung cancer), Colo‐205 (colon cancer) and A2780 (ovarian cancer) by MTT assay and etoposide used as positive control. Among them, compounds 4 b, 4 c, 4 d, 4 e, 4 g, 4 h and 4 i showed more potent anticancer activity against human cancer cell lines.
Insight into the Property Modification of Zr‐Incorporated Alumina Binary Mixed Oxides by XRD, TEM, XPS, TPD and IR
Authors: Lu Yaowei , Xie Xiaoguang , Fang Wenhao
Published: July 2020

Al2O3 is known to be the most stable aluminum oxide and shows a large variety of applications. Incorporating a second metal to alumina is regarded as an effective strategy to modify its pristine material property. In this work, the binary ZrXAlOY (0 < X ≤ 1) mixed oxides synthesized by co‐precipitation method were studied by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), NH3 temperature‐programmed desorption (NH3‐TPD) and pyridine adsorbed infrared (IR). It was disclosed that Zr incorporation (i. e., Zr content) and calcination temperature would bring about significant modifications on the material property of ZrXAlOY compounds, such as crystal structure, valence state, surface acidity etc. Among the series ZrXAlOY mixed oxides investigated, the Zr0.1AlOY solid calcined at 400 °C presented a highest reactive surface area and a strongest interaction between Zr4+ cations and Al3+ cations, located either in the homogeneously distributed Zr‐Al mixed oxide or at the ZrO2/Al2O3 interface. Thus an optimal proportion of Lewis acid sites with strong strength was obtained on this compound, which could be beneficial to acid‐catalyzed reactions either as catalyst or support material.