bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Stories and Casual Talk in Teaching Speaking
Authors: Prado Josephine
Published: September 2020

An ancient form of human communication, storytelling is a ubiquitous tool that imparts cultural, historical, and informational knowledge and beliefs. The timelessness of storytelling is due to the way the human brain processes information by using narrative structures, such as the basic structure of beginning (setup), middle (confrontation), and end (resolution). Because the brain is hardwired for narratives, teaching storytelling is appropriate for all ages. Stories employ a wide variety of formalized narrative structures, including myths, legends, folktales, and fairy tales. However, stories without formalized structures are an essential component during casual talk or small talk, a specific social interaction used to build personal and professional relationships. Although stories during casual talk are fluid and informally structured, underlying cultural norms, formulaic language, and expected patterns of interaction create difficulties for English learners. When teaching speaking, explicit instruction of stories and casual talk benefit English learners' proficiency from fluency to turn‐taking skills.
Concept Circles: A Graphic Organizer That Fosters Deeper Understanding of Critical Vocabulary and Concepts
Authors: Mallette Barbara
Published: September 2020

The quantity and complexity of content in upper elementary, middle, and high school classrooms continues to challenge English learners. Inherent in each content area is vocabulary critical to understanding key concepts. English learners can become overwhelmed by the sheer number and complexity of vocabulary in required courses. Teachers can utilize graphic organizers to assist students in learning vocabulary and content concepts. One graphic organizer will be discussed in this entry that fosters deeper understanding of critical content vocabulary and important concepts. Future directions regarding research efforts and applications of Concept Circles and other graphic organizers with English learners are offered.
Pseudofulvimonas
Authors: Kämpfer Peter , Glaeser Stefanie P.
Published: September 2020

Pseudofulvimonas
(Pseu.do.ful.vi.mo'nas. Gr. adj.
pseudes
false; N.L. fem. n.
Fulvimonas
generic name of a bacterium; N.L. fem. n.
Pseudofulvimonas
a false
Fulvimonas
.)

Proteobacteria / Gammaproteobacteria / Xanthomonadales / Rhodanobacteraceae / Pseudofulvimonas

Cells are nonmotile, non‐spore‐forming rods (approx. 2 μm in length). Gram‐stain‐negative, oxidase‐positive, showing an oxidative metabolism. Polyamine patterns comprise the predominant amine spermidine. The quinone system is ubiquinone Q‐8. The polar lipid profile is composed of the major lipids diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine (PME), and phosphatidylcholine (PC) and moderate amounts of phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and an unidentified lipid. The fatty acid profile contains high amounts of iso‐C
15:0
, iso‐C
17:1
ω9
c
, iso‐C
16:0
, and iso‐C
17:0
; iso‐C
10:0
and anteiso C
17:1
ω9
c
are not detected.

Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, the genus is closely related to the genus
Fulvimonas
and placed within the family
Rhodanobacteraceae
.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 68.5 (HPLC).

Type species
:
Pseudofulvimonas gallinarii
Kämpfer et al. 2010, 1429
VP
.
Muribacter
Authors: Christensen Henrik , Nicklas Werner , Bisgaard Magne
Published: September 2020

Mu.ri.bac'ter. L. masc. n.
mus
,
muris
the mouse, N.L. masc n.
bacter
rod, N.L. masc. n.
Muribacter
rod from mice.

Proteobacteria / Gammaproteobacteria / Pasteurellales / Pasteurellaceae / Muribacter

The genus
Muribacter
has a distinct phylogenetic position among the existing genera of
Pasteurellaceae
based on 16S rRNA gene and conserved protein sequence comparisons. Colonies are circular, nonhemolytic, low convex, and regular with an entire margin on bovine blood agar, reaching a diameter of 1.5–2.0 mm after 24 h of incubation at 37°C. The genus includes Gram‐negative and nonmotile bacteria which are catalase‐ and oxidase‐positive. There is no requirement for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (V factor) except for a single positive isolate. The phenotypic characterization of the genus is based on 474 strains, mainly from mice and a few from rats. Intragroup similarities of 96.7 and 97.2% were found for 16S rRNA and
rpoB
gene sequence comparisons, respectively. The closest related species outside the genus was
Rodentibacter pneumotropicus
with 95.9% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. The genus is based on the reclassification of (
Actinobacillus
)
muris
(Bisgaard taxon 12) with the emendation that acid is formed with variable reactions from (−)‐
d
‐mannitol and esculin, and the α‐glucosidase test is positive. Members of
Muribacter
form acid from (+)‐
d
‐glucose without gas, (+)‐
d
‐mannose, maltose, sucrose, trehalose, raffinose, salicin, and arbutin. Acid formation from cellobiose is positive or late positive. The major fatty acids of the type strain of
Muribacter muris
were C
14:0
, C
14:0
3OH/C
16:1
ISO I, C
16:1
ω7
c
, and C
16:0
. The profile shares high similarity to other genera of
Pasteurellaceae
.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 43.7 established by whole genomic sequencing (Nicklas et al., 2015).

Type species
:
Muribacter muris
Nicklas et al. 2015
VP
(basonym:
Actinobacillus muris
Bisgaard 1986, VL25).
Volucribacter
Authors: Christensen Henrik , Bisgaard Magne
Published: September 2020

Vo.lu.cri.bac'ter. L. fem. n.
volucris
bird; N.L. masc. n.
bacter
rod; N.L. masc. n.
Volucribacter
rod‐shaped bacterium of birds.

Proteobacteria / Gammaproteobacteria / Pasteurellales / Pasteurellaceae / Volucribacter

The genus
Volucribacter
includes Gram‐negative rods that form nonhemolytic colonies on bovine blood agar. Colonies are circular, opaque, and slightly raised with an entire margin and a smooth and shiny surface and a grayish tinge. Heavy growth may result in a greenish color around the colonies. The colonies are 1.0–1.5 mm in diameter after aerobic incubation on bovine blood agar at 37°C for 24 h. The consistency of the colonies is buttery, and the colonies do not adhere to the agar surface. Cells are nonmotile. There is no requirement for NAD (V‐factor) in the growth medium. Catalase and oxidase reactions are variable. The test for fermentation of (+)‐
d
‐glucose in Hugh and Leifson's medium is fermentative, and tests for porphyrin synthesis, methyl red at 37°C, and nitrate reduction are positive. The alanine aminopeptidase test is positive. Acid is formed from (−)‐
d
‐fructose, (+)‐
d
‐glucose, (+)‐
d
‐mannose, and sucrose. Acid formation from (−)‐
d
‐ribose, (+)‐
d
‐galactose, and raffinose is delayed positive. The alkaline phosphatase test is positive, but weak reactions might occur. The two species
Volucribacter psittacicida
and
Volucribacter amazonae
have been validly published and can be separated by acid formation from
meso
‐inositol, maltose, and dextrin and the ONPG (
o
‐nitrophenyl
d
‐galactopyranoside) test. The two species have been isolated from parrots, budgerigars, parakeets, aras, amazonas, and a chicken. The genus has mainly been associated with respiratory tract or septicemic lesions. The type species is
V. psittacicida
. Divergent strains are known within the genus that may represent new species.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 38.2 determined for the type strain of
V. psittacicida
by whole genomic sequencing.

Type species
:
Volucribacter psittacicida
Christensen et al. 2004
VP
.
Neurodegeneration trajectory in pediatric and adult/late DM1: A follow‐up MRI study across a decade
Authors: Labayru Garazi , Jimenez‐Marin Antonio , Fernández Esther , Villanua Jorge , Zulaica Miren , Cortes Jesus M. , Díez Ibai , Sepulcre Jorge , López de Munain Adolfo , Sistiaga Andone
Published: September 2020

Objective

To characterize the progression of brain structural abnormalities in adults with pediatric and adult/late onset DM1, as well as to examine the potential predictive markers of such progression.

Methods

21 DM1 patients (pediatric onset: N = 9; adult/late onset: N = 12) and 18 healthy controls (HC) were assessed longitudinally over 9.17 years through brain MRI. Additionally, patients underwent neuropsychological, genetic, and muscular impairment assessment. Inter‐group comparisons of total and voxel‐level regional brain volume were conducted through Voxel Based Morphometry (VBM); cross‐sectionally and longitudinally, analyzing the associations between brain changes and demographic, clinical, and cognitive outcomes.

Results

The percentage of GM loss did not significantly differ in any of the groups compared with HC and when assessed independently, adult/late DM1 patients and their HC group suffered a significant loss in WM volume. Regional VBM analyses revealed subcortical GM damage in both DM1 groups, evolving to frontal regions in the pediatric onset patients. Muscular impairment and the outcomes of certain neuropsychological tests were significantly associated with follow‐up GM damage, while visuoconstruction, attention, and executive function tests showed sensitivity to WM degeneration over time.

Interpretation

Distinct patterns of brain atrophy and its progression over time in pediatric and adult/late onset DM1 patients are suggested. Results indicate a possible neurodevelopmental origin of the brain abnormalities in DM1, along with the possible existence of an additional neurodegenerative process. Fronto‐subcortical networks appear to be involved in the disease progression at young adulthood in pediatric onset DM1 patients. The involvement of a multimodal integration network in DM1 is discussed.
Droplet‐Microarray: Miniaturized Platform for High‐Throughput Screening of Antimicrobial Compounds
Authors: Lei Wenxi , Demir Konstantin , Overhage Joerg , Grunze Michael , Schwartz Thomas , Levkin Pavel A.
Published: September 2020

Currently, there are no time‐saving and cost‐effective high‐throughput screening methods for the evaluation of bacterial drug‐resistance. In this study, a droplet microarray (DMA) system is established as a miniaturized platform for high‐throughput screening of antibacterial compounds using the emerging, opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) as a target. Based on the differences in wettability of DMA slides, a rapid method for generating microarrays of nanoliter‐sized droplets containing bacteria is developed. The bacterial growth in droplets is evaluated using fluorescence. The new method enables immediate screening with libraries of antibiotics. A novel simple colorimetric readout method compatible with the nanoliter size of the droplets is established. Furthermore, the drug‐resistance of P. aeruginosa 49, a multi‐resistant strain from an environmental isolate, is investigated. This study demonstrates the potential of the DMA platform for the rapid formation of microarrays of bacteria for high‐throughput drug screening.
Challenges and Opportunities for Multivalent Metal Anodes in Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , Lv Ruijing , Tang Wenjing , Li Guojie , Wang Aoxuan , Dong Anping , Liu Xingjiang , Luo Jiayan
Published: September 2020

Lithium metal has been deemed the “Holy Grail” anode for next‐generation,high‐energy‐density metal batteries. However, severe challenges in abundance, cost, and safety concerns have greatly hindered the practical use of Li metal anodes. Alternatively, multivalent metal anodes (Zn, Mg, Ca, Al, etc.) with less reactivity and much higher natural abundance are urgently summoned and increasingly investigated in recent years. The technologies for using multivalent metal anodes are not mature and are still in their infancy for practical applications. To comprehensively understand the challenges and opportunities for multivalent metal anodes, the fundamental mechanism and key issues are discussed here in detail, including electrolytes for reversible anode plating/stripping, notorious surface passivation, dendrite formation, and anode corrosion. Strategies for tackling these issues are summarized. A general perspective and future research directions are also presented in this review. It is expected that this review will provide a promising opportunity for newly emerging multivalent metal anodes and pave the way for next‐generation high‐energy‐density metal batteries.
Printed Degradable Optical Waveguides for Guiding Light into Tissue
Authors: Feng Jun , Zheng Yijun , Bhusari Shardul , Villiou Maria , Pearson Samuel , del Campo Aránzazu
Published: September 2020

Optogenetics and photonic technologies are changing the future of medicine. To implement light‐based therapies in the clinic, patient‐friendly devices that can deliver light inside the body while offering tunable properties and compatibility with soft tissues are needed. Here extrusion printing of degradable, hydrogel‐based optical waveguides with optical losses as low as 0.1 dB cm−1 at visible wavelengths is described. Core‐only and core‐cladding fibers are printed at room temperature from polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐based and PEG/Pluronic precursors, and cured by in situ photopolymerization. The obtained waveguides are flexible, with mechanical properties tunable within a tissue‐compatible range. Degradation times are also tunable by adjusting the molar mass of the diacrylate gel precursors, which are synthesized by linking PEG diacrylate (PEGDA) with varying proportions of DL‐dithiothreitol (DTT). The printed waveguides are used to activate photochemical and optogenetic processes in close‐to‐physiological environments. Light‐triggered migration of cells in a photoresponsive 3D hydrogel and drug release from an optogenetically‐engineered living material by delivering light across >5 cm of muscle tissue are demonstrated. These results quantify the in vitro performance, and reflect the potential of the printed degradable fibers for in vivo and clinical applications.
Reconstruction‐Determined Alkaline Water Electrolysis at Industrial Temperatures
Authors: Liu Xiong , Guo Ruiting , Ni Kun , Xia Fanjie , Niu Chaojiang , Wen Bo , Meng Jiashen , Wu Peijie , Wu Jinsong , Wu Xiaojun , Mai Liqiang
Published: September 2020

Evaluating the alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) at 50–80 °C required in industry can veritably promote practical applications. Here, the thermally induced complete reconstruction (TICR) of molybdate oxygen evolution reaction (OER) pre‐catalysts at 51.9 °C and its fundamental mechanism are uncovered. The dynamic reconstruction processes, the real active species, and stereoscopic structural characteristics are identified by in situ low‐/high‐temperature Raman, ex situ microscopy, and electron tomography. The completely reconstructed (CR) catalyst (denoted as cat.‐51.9) is interconnected by thermodynamically stable (oxy)hydroxide nanoparticles, with abundant boundaries and low crystallinity. For alkaline OER, cat.‐51.9 exhibits a low overpotential (282.3 mV at 20 mA cm−2, 25.0 °C) and ultrastable catalysis at 51.9 °C (250 h, with a negligible activity decay of 19.6 µV h−1). The experimental observations combined with theoretical analyses confirm the fast catalytic kinetics enabled by the co‐effect of boundaries and vacancies. The coupled cat.‐51.9 and MoO2‐Ni hydrogen‐evolving arrays provide stable electrolysis operation at 51.9 °C for 220 h. This work uncovers new reconstruction phenomenon of pre‐catalysts under realistic conditions and exceptional durability of CR catalysts toward practical high‐temperature AWE.
Organic Multiferroic Magnetoelastic Complexes
Authors: Wei Mengmeng , Song Kepeng , Yang Yuying , Huang Qikun , Tian Yufeng , Hao Xiaotao , Qin Wei
Published: September 2020

The design of crystal structures aids the discovery of interesting physical phenomena in organic crystals. In this work, the optimization of the coronene–tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) structure generates non‐degenerate energy levels of spin‐up and spin‐down electrons after charge transfer, producing spontaneous spin polarization, leading to pronounced ferromagnetism. The deformed crystal lattice can significantly affect the saturation magnetization of organic ferromagnets to present a remarkable magnetoelastic coupling. Furthermore, the magnetic‐field‐induced lattice shrinkage of the ferromagnetic crystals supports a spin–lattice‐interaction‐dependent magnetoelastic coupling. This concept of organic magnetoelastic coupling will pave the way for the rapid mechanical control of spin polarization in organic multiferroic magnetoelastic materials.
Observation and Ultrafast Dynamics of Inter‐Sub‐Band Transition in InAs Twinning Superlattice Nanowires
Authors: Xue Mengfei , Li Ming , Huang Yisheng , Chen Runkun , Li Yunliang , Wang Jingyun , Xing Yingjie , Chen Jianjun , Yan Hugen , Xu Hongqi , Chen Jianing
Published: September 2020

A variety of infrared applications rely on semiconductor superlattices, including, notably, the realization of high‐power, compact quantum cascade lasers. Requirements for atomically smooth interface and limited lattice matching options set high technical standards for fabricating applicable heterostructure devices. The semiconductor twinning superlattice (TSL) forms in a single compound with periodically spaced twin boundaries and sharp interface junctions and can be grown with convenient synthesis methods. Therefore, employing semiconductor TSL may facilitate the development of optoelectronic applications related to superlattice structures. Here, it is shown that InAs TSL nanowires generate inter‐sub‐band transition channels due to the band projection and the Bragg‐like electron reflection. The findings reveal the physical mechanisms of inter‐sub‐band transitions in TSL structure and suggest that TSL structures are promising candidates for mid‐infrared optoelectronic applications.
Pattern Directive Sensing Selectivity of Graphene for Wearable Multifunctional Sensors via Femtosecond Laser Fabrication
Authors: Ye Xiaohui , Qi Ming , Yang Yifan , Yu Miao , Huang Ting , Zhang Jinying , Yuan Xuebing , Suo Guoquan , Hou Xiaojiang , Feng Lei , Zhang Li , Yang Yanling
Published: September 2020

Graphene has great potential in wearable sensors. However, the sensing selectivity of graphene‐based sensors is still a big challenge, limiting their application in the multifunctional sensors. Herein, different types and distributions of defects are introduced into graphene by femtosecond laser patterning to realize sensing selectivity for wearable multifunctional sensors. The imperfect graphene with four pattern arrays, circle, square, triangle, and hexagon with none, right, acute, and obtuse angle, is fabricated by laser to control the types and distributions of defects. The graphene with different patterns shows remarkable sensing selectivity, owing to the dangling bonds and vacancies on the edge of patterns. The graphene‐based sensor with the circle pattern array is used to detect the strain variation; the triangle one is for temperature detection; and the hexagon one can collect the information of gas. The gauge factor is demonstrated to be as high as ≈104. The as‐produced sensor with the above‐mentioned four patterns can simultaneously detect body pulse, temperature, and harmful gas by attaching to human body or clothes, offering real‐time health monitoring and protection. The patterned graphene‐based sensors with high sensing selectivity are expected to develop multifunctional sensor platform and versatile artificial electronic skin.
Low‐Index‐Contrast Dielectric Lattices on Metal for Refractometric Sensing
Authors: Dong Jinwu , Chen Shuai , Huang Guangfei , Wu Qiong , Huang Xiaocong , Wang Lingfei , Zhang Yuan , Ao Xianyu , He Sailing
Published: September 2020

This article reports refractometric sensing using two optical resonances of different types supported by TiO2 nanopillar arrays on a gold film, which can be exposed to aqueous or organic environments. One lattice resonance, with enhanced electric fields extending into the surrounding environment, can maintain a quality factor Q > 200 when the bulk refractive index of the surrounding environment varies in a large range from 1.33 to 1.58. This lattice resonance exhibits not only sharp transitions of reflected light intensity but also rapid phase changes. The other resonance is of plasmonic nature with electric fields localized on the metal surface. Small changes in the bulk refractive index or the adsorbate layer (thickness and index) can be detected, with sensitivity comparable to that of plasmonic counterparts. The present hybrid metal–dielectric platform is promising for applications requiring dielectric instead of metallic sensing surfaces.
Advances in Asymmetric Amino Acid Synthesis Enabled by Radical Chemistry
Authors: Larionov Vladimir A. , Stoletova Nadezhda V. , Maleev Victor I.
Published: September 2020

Chiral amino acids (AAs), being the main “building” blocks of the living organisms, are also an important class of organic compounds which broadly applied in synthetic chemistry, biochemistry, catalysis and the designing of new drugs. According to the industrial‐commodity market, chiral non‐proteinogenic AAs containing various functional groups come to the fore. To date, radical cross‐coupling reactions are becoming an option as an attractive powerful tool for AA syntheses. Owing to mild reaction conditions and high functional‐group tolerance, radical chemistry represents an ideal strategy for the synthesis of challenging complex non‐proteinogenic AAs. Moreover, the radical cross‐coupling allows introducing AA residue into drug scaffolds and natural compounds. In the present review, we wish to summarize and discuss all the reported to date methods of the asymmetric synthesis of AAs using radical chemistry by presenting a comprehensive account of the literature in this field going back to 1990. We especially emphasize on a radical chemistry approach and, exclusively, on stereoselective synthesis of various α‐, β‐, γ‐AAs and derivatives employing a different type of radical initiators starting from AIBN and organostannes and ending with powerful photoredox catalysis. Furthermore, the mechanism of the reported reactions will be discussed.

magnified image
Covalent Organic Frameworks as Negative Electrodes for High‐Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Kandambeth Sharath , Jia Jiangtao , Wu Hao , Kale Vinayak S. , Parvatkar Prakash T. , Czaban‐Jóźwiak Justyna , Zhou Sheng , Xu Xiangming , Ameur Zied Ouled , Abou‐Hamad Edy , Emwas Abdul‐Hamid , Shekhah Osama , Alshareef Husam N. , Eddaoudi Mohamed
Published: September 2020

New covalent organic frameworks (COFs), encompassing redox‐functionalized moieties and an aza‐fused π‐conjugated system, are designed, synthesized, and deployed as negative electrodes in asymmetric supercapacitors (ASC), for the first time. The Hex‐Aza‐COFs are synthesized based on the solvothermal condensation reaction of cyclohexanehexone and redox‐functionalized aromatic tetramines with benzoquinone (Hex‐Aza‐COF‐2) or phenazine (Hex‐Aza‐COF‐3). The redox‐functionalized Hex‐Aza‐COFs show a specific capacitance of 585 F g−1 for Hex‐Aza‐COF‐2 and 663 F g−1 for Hex‐Aza‐COF‐3 in a three‐electrode configuration. These values are the highest among reported COF materials and are comparable with state‐of‐the‐art pseudocapacitive electrodes. The Hex‐Aza‐COFs exhibit a wide voltage window (0 to −1.0 V), which allow the construction of a two‐electrode ASC device by combining them with RuO2. The complementary potential windows of Hex‐Aza‐COF‐3 and RuO2 enable an asymmetric device with a high voltage window of 1.7 V. The RuO2//Hex‐Aza‐COF‐3 ASC device achieves an energy density value of 23.3 W h kg−1 at a power density of 661.2 W kg−1. The newly developed negative COF materials open new prospects for the development of high‐performance ASCs.
Galápagosization of sepsis management in Japan: a nationwide survey of current practices
Authors: Yamakawa Kazuma , Hasegawa Daisuke , Yasuda Hideto , Sakamoto So , Nishida Kazuki , Yatabe Tomoaki , Egi Moritoki , Ogura Hiroshi , Nishida Osamu ,   the committee of Japanese Clinical Practice Guidelines for Management of Sepsis, Septic Shock 2016 (J‐SSCG 2016)
Published: September 2020

Aim

Sepsis treatment has been standardized in many countries worldwide. However, treatment of sepsis in Japan has developed independently, and how Japanese physicians actually treat sepsis patients nationwide remains uninvestigated. The aim of this study was to clarify the current practice for septic patients in Japan and how it differs from standard care throughout the world.

Methods

This study was designed as a prospective, cross‐sectional, self‐reported questionnaire‐ and Web‐based electronic survey in Japan. The survey was undertaken to assess respondents’ clinical practices and preferences regarding treatment strategies, sepsis assessment, and management in the setting of critical illness. An exploratory factor analysis and a hierarchical cluster analysis were carried out to identify the treatments distinctive to Japan, called “Galápagos therapies”.

Results

The final analysis included 295 respondents. According to the factor analysis, we defined anticoagulant therapy for disseminated intravascular coagulation, antimediator renal replacement therapy, and others as Galápagos therapies. These Galápagos therapies were undertaken by approximately two‐thirds of the Japanese physicians who responded. We classified Japanese physicians according to three patterns of clinical practice carried out for sepsis: (i) those who do not perform Galápagos therapies but do perform worldwide standardized care, (ii) those who perform Galápagos therapies on top of worldwide standardized care, (iii) those who do not perform worldwide standardized care.

Conclusion

On the basis of a nationwide questionnaire‐based survey in Japan, we clarified distinctive sepsis treatments performed in Japan, such as antimediator renal replacement therapy and treatment for sepsis‐induced disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Late i.v. steroid treatment for severe COVID‐19‐induced acute respiratory distress syndrome: a case report
Authors: Kumakawa Yasuaki , Hirano Yohei , Sueyoshi Koichiro , Ishihara Tadashi , Kondo Yutaka , Kawasaki Takaaki , Takeuchi Yuji , Nakamura Yuki , Ishikawa Kouhei , Watanabe Yusuke , Saito Wataru , Matsuda Shigeru , Nakazawa Takeshi , Sasaki Shinichi , Okamoto Ken , Tanaka Hiroshi
Published: September 2020

Background

The efficacy of steroid treatment for coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) is unknown.

Case presentation

A 67‐year‐old man was transported to our hospital due to impaired consciousness and respiratory failure. After admission, tracheal aspirate of the patient was harvested, and it tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 nucleic acid. He required veno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to sustain his oxygenation. However, his respiratory failure did not improve for 20 days. On day 20 of admission, we started to use i.v. steroid therapy. On day 23, lung opacity on the chest X‐ray cleared and the patient’s oxygen saturation improved significantly. We successfully removed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation on day 27.

Conclusion

Our case report encourages more future trials to evaluate the therapeutic use of i.v. steroid in severe COVID‐19‐induced acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Synthesis, characterization, antifungal and antibacterial activities evaluation of copper (II), zinc (II) and cadmium (II) chloride and bromide complexes with new (E)‐1‐(3,4‐dimethoxybenzylidene)‐4‐methylthiosemicarbazone ligand
Authors: Jaafar Amani , Fix‐Tailler Adeline , Mansour Najwa , Allain Magali , Shebaby Wassim N. , Faour Wissam H. , Tokajian Sima , El‐Ghayoury Abdelkrim , Naoufal Daoud , Bouchara Jean‐Philippe , Larcher Gérald , Ibrahim Ghassan
Published: September 2020

The reactions of Cu (II), Zn (II) and Cd (II) chloride or bromide with (E)‐1‐(3,4‐dimethoxybenzylidene)‐4‐methylthiosemicarbazone (MTSVT) lead to the formation of new complexes. They were characterized by spectroscopic studies: IR, 1H and 13C NMR. The crystal structures of the compounds [MTSVT] (L), [ZnBr2(MTSVT)2] (2), [CdCl2(MTSVT)2] (3) and [CdBr2(MTSVT)2.H2O] (4) were determined by X‐ray diffraction. For complexes 2–4, the ion is coordinated through the sulfur atom. All compounds were tested for their antifungal activity against human pathogenic fungi Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus, and for their antibacterial activity against Gram (+) Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecalis as well as against Gram (−) bacteria such as Paracoccus yeei and Acinetobacter baumanii. The results indicated that the metal complexes exhibited a marked enhancement in antibacterial activity compared with the parent Schiff base.
Improving thermo‐responsive hydrogel films by gamma rays and loading of Cu and Ag nanoparticles
Authors: López‐Barriguete Jesús Eduardo , Flores‐Rojas Guadalupe Gabriel , López‐Saucedo Felipe , Isoshima Takashi , Bucio Emilio
Published: September 2020

This paper presents two modified copolymeric hydrogel films with thermo‐responsiveness. The final films are hydrogels containing N‐isopropylacrylamide, N‐N‐dimethylacrylamide, methyl methacrylate, and ethoxyethyl methacrylate. The incorporation of Ag and Cu in the smart hydrogel films endowed them with specific properties that could be useful in developing biological sensors, smart membranes, or flexible electronic components, which are proper for design and improvement on technology and biomedical applications. The films were synthesized in solution by gamma radiation at a dose rate of 10 kGy h−1, and an absorbed dose of 50 kGy. The characterization was realized by different spectroscopic and microscopic techniques as FTIR‐ATR, atomic force microscopy, SEM–EDX, TGA, and DSC. The hydrogel films were grafted with glycidyl methacrylate showing high resistance, biocompatibility, adequate adaptability, flexibility, in addition to the capacity of metal doping with silver and copper.
Literature‐based learning and experimental design model in molecular biology teaching for medical students at Tongji University
Authors: Wang Juan , Xu Xiaojuan , Shi Xiujuan , Zhang Jieping , Gao Furong , Li Jiao , Jia Song , Xu Jie , Zhang Junfang , Peng Luying , Li Li , Chen Jianjun , Li Siguang , Lu Lixia
Published: September 2020

In 2018, to help undergraduate medical students strengthen their self‐learning and scientific research skills, we introduced an instructional model that combined literature‐based learning with experimental design. We tested this model on the molecular biology class at Tongji University. In the first step of the model, a topic is chosen, and students find, read, and evaluate scientific papers in groups and deliver presentations. In the second step, they design scientific experiments in groups and discuss their proposed experiments in class, which is to be followed by further experimental verification in the lab course. This entire activity was given 20% weightage in the final score. The model led to better student‐centered teaching and self‐directed learning according to quantitative and qualitative assessment. Students showed great interest in literature and research. They enjoyed group work and gained experience in organization and presentation. Apart from a significant increase in final score, assessment data from students indicated that they were satisfied with this teaching model and considered it a positive experience. Looking at the positive impact of the literature‐based learning and experiment design model, we support its continued use for teaching molecular biology to undergraduate medical students.
Microsoft OneNote provides continuity for undergraduate biochemistry lab during a pandemic
Authors: Marvin Michael C.
Published: September 2020

This article illustrates the use of Microsoft OneNote as an Electronic Notebook for undergraduate biochemistry lab reports as well as student opinions of this use both before and during the online coursework shift during the pandemic.
Cartilage‐targeting ultrasmall lipid‐polymer hybrid nanoparticles for the prevention of cartilage degradation
Authors: Ai Xiangzhao , Duan Yaou , Zhang Qiangzhe , Sun Derrick , Fang Ronnie H. , Liu‐Bryan Ru , Gao Weiwei , Zhang Liangfang
Published: September 2020

Current drug delivery approaches for the treatment of cartilage disorders such as osteoarthritis (OA) remain inadequate to achieve sufficient drug penetration and retention in the dense cartilage matrix. Herein, we synthesize sub‐30 nm lipid‐polymer hybrid nanoparticles functionalized with collagen‐targeting peptides for targeted drug delivery to the cartilage. The nanoparticles consist of a polymeric core for drug encapsulation and a lipid shell modified with a collagen‐binding peptide. By combining these design features, the nanoparticles can penetrate deep and accumulate preferentially in the cartilage. Using MK‐8722, an activator of 5′‐adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), as a model drug, the nanoparticles can encapsulate the drug molecules in high capacity and release them in a sustained and controllable manner. When injected into the knee joints of the mice with collagenase‐induced OA, the drug‐loaded nanoparticles can effectively reduce cartilage damage and alleviate the disease severity. Overall, the ultrasmall targeted nanoparticles represent a promising delivery platform to overcome barriers of dense tissues for the treatment of various indications, including cartilage disorders.
New Human Islet Amyloid Polypeptide Fragments Susceptible to Aggregation
Authors: Rozniakowski Kamil , Fraczyk Andrzej , Galecki Krystian , Wietrzyk Joanna , Filip‐Psurska Beata , Fraczyk Justyna , Kaminski Zbigniew J. , Kolesinska Beata
Published: September 2020

Human Islet Amyloid Polypeptide (hIAPP) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of type II diabetes. The aim of this research was to search for new amyloidogenic fragments of hIAPP. An initial attempt to predict the amyloidogenic cores of polypeptides/proteins using five different computer programs did not provide conclusive results. Therefore, we synthesized hIAPP fragments covering the entire hormone. The fragments were assessed for their aggregation ability, using recommended methods to search for the amyloidogenic fragments of the polypeptides/proteins. It was found that fragments (18–22) H‐HSSNN‐OH and (33–37) H‐GSNTY‐NH2 aggregate and form stable amyloid‐like structures. Both of these fragments have a much higher antiproliferative activity relative to the RIN‐5F cell compared to the (23–27) H‐FGAIL‐OH fragment widely regarded as the amyloidogenic core of amylin. The analog of (33–37) H‐GSNTY‐NH2 containing a free carboxy group on the C‐terminal amino acid (H‐GSNTY‐OH) does not have amyloidogenic properties and can therefore be considered as a potential inhibitor of amylin aggregation. Research on the use of non‐aggregating amylin fragments as potential hormone aggregation inhibitors is ongoing.
Concurrent maxillary herpes zoster, meningitis, focal cerebral arteriopathy, and ischemic stroke: A case report
Authors: Liu Mao , Zhang Jing , Wen Mimi , Zhang Min
Published: September 2020

Secondary headache, fever, and upper motor neuron signs following facial herpes zoster during childhood should alert clinicians to the possibility of central nervous system complications of varicella‐zoster virus infection.
Ruthenium(II) Complexes Bearing Schiff Base Ligands for Efficient Acceptorless Dehydrogenation of Secondary Alcohols†
Authors: Hao Zhiqiang , Liu Kang , Feng Qi , Dong Qing , Ma Dongzhu , Han Zhangang , Lu Guo‐Liang , Lin Jin
Published: September 2020

Four ruthenium(II) complexes 1—4 [RN=CH‐(2,4‐(tBu)2C6H2O)]RuH(PPh3)2(CO) (R = C6H5, 1; R = 4‐MeC6H4, 2; R = 4‐ClC6H4, 3; R = 4‐BrC6H4, 4) bearing Schiff base ligands were prepared by treating RuHClCO(PPh3)3 with RN=CH‐(2,4‐(tBu)2C6H2OH (L1—L4) in the presence of triethylamine. Their structures were fully characterized by elemental analysis, IR, NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography. These Ru(II) complexes exhibit high catalytic performance and good functional‐group compatibility in the acceptorless dehydrogenation of secondary alcohols, affording the corresponding ketones in 82%—94% yields.
Proper cytoskeleton α‐tubulin distribution is concomitant to tyrosine phosphorylation during in vitro capacitation and acrosomal reaction in human spermatozoa
Authors: Sáez‐Espinosa Paula , Ferrández‐Rives Mariola , Huerta‐Retamal Natalia , Robles‐Gómez Laura , Aizpurua Jon , Romero Alejandro , Gómez‐Torres María José
Published: September 2020

Spermatozoa motility is a key parameter during the fertilization process. In this context, spermatozoa tyrosine protein phosphorylation and an appropriate cytoskeleton α‐tubulin distribution are some of the most important physiological events involved in motility. However, the relationship between these two biomarkers remains poorly defined. Here, we characterized simultaneously by immunocytochemistry the α‐tubulin (TUBA4A) distribution and the tyrosine phosphorylation at flagellum before capacitation, during different capacitation times (1 and 4 hr), and after acrosome reaction induction in human spermatozoa. We found that the absence of spermatozoa phosphorylation in tyrosine residues positively and significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with the terminal piece α‐tubulin flagellar distribution in all physiological conditions. Conversely, we observed a positive significant correlation (p < 0.01) between phosphorylated spermatozoa and continuous α‐tubulin distribution in spermatozoa flagellum, independently of the physiological condition. Similarly, the subpopulation of spermatozoa with tyrosine phosphorylated and continuous α‐tubulin increases with longer capacitation times and after the acrosome reaction induction. Overall, these findings provide novel insights into the post‐transcriptional physiological events associated to α‐tubulin and the tyrosine phosphorylation during fertilization, which present potential implications for the improvement of spermatozoa selection methods.
Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, Safety, and Tolerability of Oral Venglustat in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Peterschmitt M. Judith , Crawford Nigel P. S. , Gaemers Sebastiaan J. M. , Ji Allena J. , Sharma Jyoti , Pham Theresa T.
Published: September 2020

Venglustat is a small‐molecule glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) inhibitor designed to reduce the production of glucosylceramide (GL‐1) and thus is expected to substantially reduce formation of glucosylceramide‐based glycosphingolipids. Because of its effect on glycosphingolipid formation, GCS inhibition has therapeutic potential across many disorders affecting glycosphingolipid metabolism. Therefore, venglustat is under development for substrate reduction therapy in multiple diseases, including Gaucher disease type 3, Parkinson's disease associated withGBAmutations, Fabry disease, GM2 gangliosidosis, and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Phase 1 studies were conducted in healthy volunteers to determine venglustat pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, and tolerability and to assess food effects on pharmacokinetics (single‐dose and food‐effect studies: NCT01674036; repeated‐dose study: NCT01710826). Following a single oral dose of venglustatl‐malate (2, 5, 15, 25, 50, 100, or 150 mg), venglustat demonstrated linear pharmacokinetics, rapid absorption (median tmax, 3.00–5.50 hours), systemic exposure unaffected by food, low apparent total body clearance (mean CL/F, 5.18–6.43 L/h), and pooled geometric mean t1/2zof 28.9 hours. Following repeated once‐daily oral doses of venglustatl‐malate (5, 10, or 20 mg) for 14 days, apparent steady state occurred within 5 days of repeated dosing, with pooled accumulation ratios of 2.10 for Cmaxand 2.22 for AUC0–24, and no statistically significant effect of dose or sex on accumulation. The mean fraction of dose excreted unchanged in urine (fe0–24) was 26.3% to 33.1%. Plasma GL‐1 and GM3 decreased time‐ and dose‐dependently. Venglustat demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile.
Water Electrolysis in Saturated Phosphate Buffer at Neutral pH
Authors: Naito Takahiro , Shinagawa Tatsuya , Nishimoto Takeshi , Takanabe Kazuhiro
Published: September 2020

Hydrogen production from renewable energy and ubiquitous water has a potential to achieve sustainability, although current water electrolyzers cannot compete economically with the fossil fuel‐based technology. Here, we evaluate water electrolysis at pH 7 that is milder than acidic and alkaline pH counterparts and may overcome this issue. The physicochemical properties of concentrated buffer electrolytes were assessed at various temperatures and molalities for quantitative determination of losses associated with mass‐transport during the water electrolysis. Subsequently, in saturated K‐phosphate solutions at 80 °C and 100 °C that were found to be optimal to minimize the losses originating from mass‐transport at the neutral pH, the water electrolysis performance over model electrodes of IrOx and Pt as an anode and a cathode, respectively, was reasonably comparable with those of the extreme pH. Remarkably, this concentrated buffer solution also achieved enhanced stability, adding another merit of this electrolyte for water electrolysis.
The quest for substrates and binding partners: A critical barrier for understanding the role of ADAMTS proteases in musculoskeletal development and disease
Authors: Satz‐Jacobowitz Brandon , Hubmacher Dirk
Published: September 2020

Secreted ADAMTS metalloproteases are involved in the sculpting, remodeling, and erosion of connective tissues throughout the body, including in the musculoskeletal system. ADAMTS proteases contribute to musculoskeletal development, pathological tissue destruction, and are mutated in congenital musculoskeletal disorders. Examples include versican cleavage by ADAMTS9 which is required for interdigital web regression during limb development, ADAMTS5‐mediated aggrecan degradation in osteoarthritis resulting in joint erosion, and mutations in ADAMTS10 or ADAMTS17 that cause Weill‐Marchesani syndrome, a short stature syndrome with bone, joint, muscle, cardiac, and eye involvement. Since the function of ADAMTS proteases and proteases in general is primarily defined by the molecular consequences of proteolysis of their respective substrates, it is paramount to identify all physiological substrates for each individual ADAMTS protease. Here, we review the current knowledge of ADAMTS proteases and their involvement in musculoskeletal development and disease, focusing on some of their known physiological substrates and the consequences of substrate cleavage. We further emphasize the critical need for the identification and validation of novel ADAMTS substrates and binding partners by describing the principles of mass spectrometry‐based approaches and by emphasizing strategies that need to be considered for validating the physiological relevance for ADAMTS‐mediated proteolysis of novel putative substrates.
Evolutionary trajectory of fishPiscine novirhabdovirus(=Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus) across its Laurentian Great Lakes history: Spatial and temporal diversification
Authors: Stepien Carol A. , Niner Megan D.
Published: September 2020

Piscine novirhabdovirus = Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus (VHSV) first appeared in the Laurentian Great Lakes with large outbreaks from 2005 to 2006, as a new and novel RNA rhabdovirus subgenogroup (IVb) that killed >30 fish species. Interlude periods punctuated smaller more localized outbreaks in 2007, 2010, and 2017, although some fishes tested positive in the intervals. There have not been reports of outbreaks or positives from 2018, 2019, or 2020. Here, we employ a combined population genetics and phylogenetic approach to evaluate spatial and temporal evolutionary trajectory on itsG‐gene sequence variation, in comparison with whole‐genome sequences (11,083 bp) from a subset of 44 individual isolates (including 40 newly sequenced ones). Our results show that IVb (N = 184 individual fish isolates) diversified into 36G‐gene haplotypes from 2003 to 2017, stemming from two originals (“a” and “b”).G‐gene haplotypes “a” and “b” differed by just one synonymous single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) substitution, remained the most abundant until 2011, then disappeared. Group “a” descendants (14 haplotypes) remained most prevalent in the Upper and Central Great Lakes, with eight (51%) having nonsynonymous substitutions. Group “b” descendants primarily have occurred in the Lower Great Lakes, including 22 haplotypes, of which 15 (68%) contained nonsynonymous changes. Evolutionary patterns of the whole‐genome sequences (which had 34 haplotypes among 44 isolates) appear congruent with those from theG‐gene. Virus populations significantly diverged among the Upper, Central, and Lower Great Lakes, diversifying over time. Spatial divergence was apparent in the overall patterns of nucleotide substitutions, while amino acid changes increased temporally. VHSV‐IVb thus significantly differentiated across its less than two decades in the Great Lakes, accompanied by declining outbreaks and virulence. Continuing diversification likely allowed the virus to persist at low levels in resident fish populations, and may facilitate its potential for further and future spread to new habitats and nonacclimated hosts.
Miocene diversification of a golden‐thread nanmu tree species (Phoebe zhennan, Lauraceae) around the Sichuan Basin shaped by the East Asian monsoon
Authors: Xiao Jian‐Hua , Ding Xin , Li Lang , Ma Hui , Ci Xiu‐Qin , van der Merwe Marlien , Conran John G. , Li Jie
Published: September 2020

Understanding the role of climate changes and geography as drivers of population divergence and speciation is a long‐standing goal of evolutionary biology and can inform conservation. In this study, we used restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (RAD‐seq) to evaluate genetic diversity, population structure, and infer demographic history of the endangered tree, Phoebe zhennan which is distributed around the Sichuan Basin. Genomic patterns revealed two distinct clusters, each largely confined to the West and East. Despite sympatry of the two genomic clusters at some sites, individuals show little or no evidence of genomic introgression. Demographic modeling supported an initial divergence time between the West and East lineages at ~15.08 Ma with further diversification within the West lineage at ~7.12 Ma. These times largely coincide with the two independent intensifications of the East Asian monsoon that were initiated during the middle (Langhian) and late Miocene (Messinian), respectively. These results suggest that the Miocene intensification phases of the East Asian monsoon played a pivotal role in shaping the current landscape‐level patterns of genetic diversity within P. zhennan, as has been found for the interspecific divergence of other subtropical Chinese plants. Based on isolation‐by‐distance and species distribution modeling, we hypothesize that P. zhennan followed a ring diversification which was facilitated by the Sichuan Basin acting as barrier to gene flow. In situ and ex situ conservation management plans should consider the results obtained in this study to help secure the future of this beautiful and culturally significant endangered tree.