bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded renal biopsy tissues: an underexploited biospecimen resource for gene expression profiling in IgA nephropathy
Authors: Cox Sharon Natasha , Chiurlia Samantha , Divella Chiara , Rossini Michele , Serino Grazia , Bonomini Mario , Sirolli Vittorio , Aiello Francesca B. , Zaza Gianluigi , Squarzoni Isabella , Gangemi Concetta , Stangou Maria , Papagianni Aikaterini , Haas Mark , Schena Francesco Paolo
Published: September 2020

Primary IgA nephropathy (IgAN) diagnosis is based on IgA-dominant glomerular deposits and histological scoring is done on formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue (FFPE) sections using the Oxford classification. Our aim was to use this underexploited resource to extract RNA and identify genes that characterize active (endocapillary–extracapillary proliferations) and chronic (tubulo-interstitial) renal lesions in total renal cortex. RNA was extracted from archival FFPE renal biopsies of 52 IgAN patients, 22 non-IgAN and normal renal tissue of 7 kidney living donors (KLD) as controls. Genome-wide gene expression profiles were obtained and biomarker identification was carried out comparing gene expression signatures a subset of IgAN patients with active (N = 8), and chronic (N = 12) renal lesions versus non-IgAN and KLD. Bioinformatic analysis identified transcripts for active (DEFA4,TNFAIP6,FAR2) and chronic (LTB,CXCL6, ITGAX) renal lesions that were validated by RT-PCR and IHC. Finally, two of them (TNFAIP6 for active and CXCL6 for chronic) were confirmed in the urine of an independent cohort of IgAN patients compared with non-IgAN patients and controls. We have integrated transcriptomics with histomorphological scores, identified specific gene expression changes using the invaluable repository of archival renal biopsies and discovered two urinary biomarkers that may be used for specific clinical decision making.
Host phylogeny and life history stage shape the gut microbiome in dwarf (Kogia sima) and pygmy (Kogia breviceps) sperm whales
Authors: Denison Elizabeth R. , Rhodes Ryan G. , McLellan William A. , Pabst D. Ann , Erwin Patrick M.
Published: September 2020

Gut microbiomes perform crucial roles in host health and development, but few studies have explored cetacean microbiomes especially deep divers. We characterized the gut microbiomes of stranded dwarf (Kogia sima) and pygmy (K. breviceps) sperm whales to examine the effects of phylogeny and life stage on microbiome composition and diversity. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed diverse gut communities (averaging 674 OTUs) dominated by a few symbiont taxa (25 OTUs accounted for 64% of total relative abundance). Both phylogeny and life stage shaped community composition and diversity, with species-specific microbiome differences present early in life. Further analysis showed evidence of microbiome convergence with host maturity, albeit through different processes: symbiont ‘accumulation’ in K. sima and ‘winnowing’ in K. breviceps, indicating different methods of community assembly during host development. Furthermore, culture-based analyses yielded 116 pure cultures matching 25 OTUs, including one isolate positive for chitin utilization. Our findings indicate that kogiid gut microbiomes are highly diverse and species-specific, undergo significant shifts with host development, and can be cultivated on specialized media under anaerobic conditions. These results enhance our understanding of the kogiid gut microbiome and may provide useful information for symbiont assessment in host health.
Comparative proteomic profiling reveals mechanisms for early spinal cord vulnerability in CLN1 disease
Authors: Nelvagal Hemanth R. , Hurtado Maica Llavero , Eaton Samantha L. , Kline Rachel A. , Lamont Douglas J. , Sands Mark S. , Wishart Thomas M. , Cooper Jonathan D.
Published: September 2020

CLN1 disease is a fatal inherited neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disease of early childhood, caused by mutations in the CLN1 gene, which encodes the enzyme Palmitoyl protein thioesterase-1 (PPT-1). We recently found significant spinal pathology in Ppt1-deficient (Ppt1−/−) mice and human CLN1 disease that contributes to clinical outcome and precedes the onset of brain pathology. Here, we quantified this spinal pathology at 3 and 7 months of age revealing significant and progressive glial activation and vulnerability of spinal interneurons. Tandem mass tagged proteomic analysis of the spinal cord of Ppt1−/−and control mice at these timepoints revealed a significant neuroimmune response and changes in mitochondrial function, cell-signalling pathways and developmental processes. Comparing proteomic changes in the spinal cord and cortex at 3 months revealed many similarly affected processes, except the inflammatory response. These proteomic and pathological data from this largely unexplored region of the CNS may help explain the limited success of previous brain-directed therapies. These data also fundamentally change our understanding of the progressive, site-specific nature of CLN1 disease pathogenesis, and highlight the importance of the neuroimmune response. This should greatly impact our approach to the timing and targeting of future therapeutic trials for this and similar disorders.
Treatment of non-erosive reflux disease and dynamics of the esophageal microbiome: a prospective multicenter study
Authors: Park Chan Hyuk , Seo Seung In , Kim Joon Sung , Kang Sun Hyung , Kim Beom Jin , Choi Yoon Jin , Byun Hyo Joo , Yoon Jung-Ho , Lee Sang Kil
Published: September 2020

Non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) pathogenesis has not been thoroughly evaluated. Here, we assessed the response of patients with NERD to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy; changes in the microbiome and biologic marker expression in the esophageal mucosa were also evaluated. Patients with NERD (n = 55) received esomeprazole (20 mg) for eight weeks. The treatment response was evaluated at baseline, week four, and week eight. Esophageal mucosal markers and oropharyngeal and esophageal microbiomes were analyzed in patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at screening (n = 18). Complete and partial response rates at week eight were 60.0% and 32.7% for heartburn, and 61.8% and 29.1% for regurgitation, respectively. The expressions of several inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-8, and NF-κB, were decreased at week eight. Streptococcus, Haemophilus, Prevotella, Veillonella, Neisseria, and Granulicatella were prevalent regardless of the time-point (baseline vs. week eight) and organ (oropharynx vs. esophagus). The overall composition of oropharyngeal and esophageal microbiomes showed significant difference (P = 0.004), which disappeared after PPI therapy. In conclusion, half-dose PPI therapy for eight weeks could effectively control NERD symptoms. The expression of several inflammatory cytokines was reduced in the esophagus, and oropharyngeal and esophageal microbiomes in patients with NERD showed significant difference. However, the microbial compositions in the oropharynx and esophagus were not affected by PPI therapy in this study. Impact of PPI on the microbiome in patients with NERD should be more investigated in future studies.
A membrane transporter determines the spectrum of activity of a potent platinum–acridine hybrid anticancer agent
Authors: Yao Xiyuan , Watkins Noah H. , Brown-Harding Heather , Bierbach Ulrich
Published: September 2020

Cytotoxic drugs that are mechanistically distinct from current chemotherapies are attractive components of personalized combination regimens for combatting aggressive forms of cancer. To gain insight into the cellular mechanism of a potent platinum–acridine anticancer agent (compound 1), a correlation analysis of NCI-60 compound screening results and gene expression profiles was performed. A plasma membrane transporter, the solute carrier (SLC) human multidrug and toxin extrusion protein 1 (hMATE1, SLC47A1), emerged as the dominant predictor of cancer cell chemosensitivity to the hybrid agent (Pearson correlation analysis, p < 10–5) across a wide range of tissues of origin. The crucial role of hMATE1 was validated in lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549), which expresses high levels of the membrane transporter, using transporter inhibition assays and transient knockdown of the SLC47A1 gene, in conjunction with quantification of intracellular accumulation of compound 1 and cell viability screening. Preliminary data also show that HCT-116 colon cancer cells, in which hMATE1 is epigenetically repressed, can be sensitized to compound 1 by priming the cells with the drugs EPZ-6438 (tazemetostat) and EED226. Collectively, these results suggest that hMATE1 may have applications as a pan-cancer molecular marker to identify and target tumors that are likely to respond to platinum–acridines.
Extracellular vesicles produced by immunomodulatory cells harboring OX40 ligand and 4-1BB ligand enhance antitumor immunity
Authors: Semionatto Isadora Ferraz , Palameta Soledad , Toscaro Jéssica Marcelino , Manrique-Rincón Andrea Johanna , Ruas Luciana Pereira , Paes Leme Adriana Franco , Bajgelman Marcio Chaim
Published: September 2020

Genetically modified tumor cells harboring immunomodulators may be used as therapeutic vaccines to stimulate antitumor immunity. The therapeutic benefit of these tumor vaccines is extensively investigated and mechanisms by which they boost antitumor response may be further explored. Tumor cells are large secretors of extracellular vesicles (EVs). These EVs are able to vehiculate RNA and proteins to target cells, and engineered EVs also vehiculate recombinant proteins. In this study, we explore immunomodulatory properties of EVs derived from antitumor vaccines expressing the TNFSF ligands 4-1BBL and OX40L, modulating immune response mediated by immune cells and eliminating tumors. Our results suggest that the EVs secreted by genetically modified tumor cells harboring TNFSF ligands can induce T cell proliferation, inhibit the transcription factor FoxP3, associated with the maintenance of Treg phenotype, and enhance antitumor activity mediated by immune cells. The immunomodulatory extracellular vesicles have potential to be further engineered for developing new approaches for cancer therapy.
Predominant synthesis of giant myofibrillar proteins in striated muscles of the long-tailed ground squirrel Urocitellus undulatus during interbout arousal
Authors: Popova Svetlana , Ulanova Anna , Gritsyna Yulia , Salmov Nikolay , Rogachevsky Vadim , Mikhailova Gulnara , Bobylev Alexander , Bobyleva Liya , Yutskevich Yana , Morenkov Oleg , Zakharova Nadezda , Vikhlyantsev Ivan
Published: September 2020

Molecular mechanisms underlying muscle-mass retention during hibernation have been extensively discussed in recent years. This work tested the assumption that protein synthesis hyperactivation during interbout arousal of the long-tailed ground squirrel Urocitellus undulatus should be accompanied by increased calpain-1 activity in striated muscles. Calpain-1 is known to be autolysed and activated in parallel. Western blotting detected increased amounts of autolysed calpain-1 fragments in the heart (1.54-fold, p < 0.05) and m. longissimus dorsi (1.8-fold, p < 0.01) of ground squirrels during interbout arousal. The total protein synthesis rate determined by SUnSET declined 3.67-fold in the heart (p < 0.01) and 2.96-fold in m. longissimus dorsi (p < 0.01) during interbout arousal. The synthesis rates of calpain-1 substrates nebulin and titin in muscles did not differ during interbout arousal from those in active summer animals. A recovery of the volume of m. longissimus dorsi muscle fibres, a trend towards a heart-muscle mass increase and a restoration of the normal titin content (reduced in the muscles during hibernation) were observed. The results indicate that hyperactivation of calpain-1 in striated muscles of long-tailed ground squirrels during interbout arousal is accompanied by predominant synthesis of giant sarcomeric cytoskeleton proteins. These changes may contribute to muscle mass retention during hibernation.
Incidence of maternal near-miss in Kenya in 2018: findings from a nationally representative cross-sectional study in 54 referral hospitals
Authors: Owolabi Onikepe , Riley Taylor , Juma Kenneth , Mutua Michael , Pleasure Zoe H. , Amo-Adjei Joshua , Bangha Martin
Published: September 2020

Although the Kenyan government has made efforts to invest in maternal health over the past 15 years, there is no evidence of decline in maternal mortality. To provide necessary evidence to inform maternal health care provision, we conducted a nationally representative study to describe the incidence and causes of maternal near-miss (MNM), and the quality of obstetric care in referral hospitals in Kenya. We collected data from 54 referral hospitals in 27 counties. Individuals admitted with potentially life-threatening conditions (using World Health Organization criteria) in pregnancy, childbirth or puerperium over a three month study period were eligible for inclusion in our study. All cases of severe maternal outcome (SMO, MNM cases and deaths) were prospectively identified, and after consent, included in the study. The national annual incidence of MNM was 7.2 per 1,000 live births and the intra-hospital maternal mortality ratio was 36.2 per 100,000 live births. The major causes of SMOs were postpartum haemorrhage and severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia. However, only 77% of women with severe preeclampsia/eclampsia received magnesium sulphate and 67% with antepartum haemorrhage who needed blood received it. To reduce the burden of SMOs in Kenya, there is need for timely management of complications and improved access to essential emergency obstetric care interventions.
Changes in grassland management and linear infrastructures associated to the decline of an endangered bird population
Authors: Marques Ana Teresa , Moreira Francisco , Alcazar Rita , Delgado Ana , Godinho Carlos , Sampaio Hugo , Rocha Pedro , Sequeira Nuno , Palmeirim Jorge M. , Silva João Paulo
Published: September 2020

European grassland birds are experiencing major population declines, mainly due to changes in farmland management. We analyzed the role of habitat availability, grazing management and linear infrastructures (roads and power lines) in explaining spatial and temporal variation in the population density of little bustards (Tetrax tetrax) in Portugal, during a decade in which the species population size halved. We used data from 51 areas (totaling ca. 1,50,000 ha) that were sampled in two different periods (2003–2006 and 2016). In 2003–2006, when the species occurred at high densities, habitat availability was the only factor affecting spatial variation in bustard density. In the 2016 survey, variation in density was explained by habitat availability and livestock management, with reduced bird numbers in areas with higher proportions of cattle. Population declines across the study period were steeper in areas that initially held higher densities of bustards and in areas with a higher proportion of cattle in the total stocking rate. Areas with higher densities of power lines also registered greater density declines, probably due to avoidance behavior and to increased mortality. Overall, our results show little bustards are currently lacking high quality grassland habitat, whose persistence depends on extensive grazing regimes and low linear infrastructure densities.
Changes in the concentrations of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and its precursors in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Chen Lu , Chen Yong , Zhao Mingming , Zheng Lemin , Fan Dongsheng
Published: September 2020

To compare the plasma concentrations of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and its precursors in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, their spouses and healthy controls and to find associations between gut microbiota metabolites and ALS. ALS patients were recruited at Peking University Third Hospital from January 2015 to December 2018. Information was collected from their spouses at the same time. Age and gender matched healthy controls were recruited from individuals who visited the physical examination center for health checkups. Blood samples were collected after at least 4 h of fasting. Concentrations of the metabolites were quantified using stable isotope dilution liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Group differences were analyzed using parametric and nonparametric tests, as appropriate. In this study, 160 patients with ALS were recruited. In these patients, 63 were compared with their spouses, 148 were compared with age and gender matched controls, and 60 were compared with both their spouses and heathy controls in the same time. The carnitine concentration was significantly higher in patients than in their spouses, while there were no significant differences in the concentrations of other metabolites. The carnitine and betaine concentrations were higher, while the choline, TMAO and butyrobetaine concentrations were lower in ALS than in healthy controls. The concentrations of the metabolites in the spouses were more similar to the ALS patients rather than to the healthy controls. In the ALS group, the plasma concentrations of carnitine, betaine, choline and TMAO were inversely related to the severity of upper motor neuron impairment. The TMAO metabolic pathway of the gut microbiota is disturbed in both ALS patients and their spouses, which might suggest that the changes in the gut microbiota occurred before disease onset. The negative correlations between the involvement of UMNs and the concentrations of the metabolites might suggest that the inhibition of this metabolic pathway might lead to a better prognosis in ALS patients.
Improvement of nerve imaging speed with coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering rigid endoscope using deep-learning noise reduction
Authors: Yamato Naoki , Niioka Hirohiko , Miyake Jun , Hashimoto Mamoru
Published: September 2020

A coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) rigid endoscope was developed to visualize peripheral nerves without labeling for nerve-sparing endoscopic surgery. The developed CARS endoscope had a problem with low imaging speed, i.e. low imaging rate. In this study, we demonstrate that noise reduction with deep learning boosts the nerve imaging speed with CARS endoscopy. We employ fine-tuning and ensemble learning and compare deep learning models with three different architectures. In the fine-tuning strategy, deep learning models are pre-trained with CARS microscopy nerve images and retrained with CARS endoscopy nerve images to compensate for the small dataset of CARS endoscopy images. We propose using the equivalent imaging rate (EIR) as a new evaluation metric for quantitatively and directly assessing the imaging rate improvement by deep learning models. The highest EIR of the deep learning model was 7.0 images/min, which was 5 times higher than that of the raw endoscopic image of 1.4 images/min. We believe that the improvement of the nerve imaging speed will open up the possibility of reducing postoperative dysfunction by intraoperative nerve identification.
Association between dietary intake and the prevalence of tumourigenic bacteria in the gut microbiota of middle-aged Japanese adults
Authors: Watanabe Daiki , Murakami Haruka , Ohno Harumi , Tanisawa Kumpei , Konishi Kana , Tsunematsu Yuta , Sato Michio , Miyoshi Noriyuki , Wakabayashi Keiji , Watanabe Kenji , Miyachi Motohiko
Published: September 2020

The relative contribution of diet to colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence is higher than that for other cancers. Animal models have revealed that Escherichia coli containing polyketide synthase (pks+E. coli) in the gut participates in CRC development. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the relationship between dietary intake and the prevalence of pks+E. coli isolated from the microbiota in faecal samples of 223 healthy Japanese individuals. Dietary intake was assessed using a previously validated brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. The prevalence of pks+E. coli was evaluated using faecal samples collected from participants and specific primers that detected pks+E. coli. The prevalence of pks+E. coli was 26.9%. After adjusting for baseline confounders, the prevalence of pks+E. coli was negatively associated with the intake of green tea (odds ratio [OR], 0.59 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.30–0.88] per 100 g/1,000 kcal increment) and manganese (OR, 0.43 [95% CI 0.22–0.85] per 1 mg/1,000 kcal increment) and was positively associated with male sex (OR, 2.27 [95% CI 1.05–4.91]). While futher studies are needed to validate these findings, these results provide insight into potential dietary interventions for the prevention of CRC.
Effects of wound dressings containing silver on skin and immune cells
Authors: Nešporová Kristina , Pavlík Vojtěch , Šafránková Barbora , Vágnerová Hana , Odráška Pavel , Žídek Ondřej , Císařová Natálie , Skoroplyas Svitlana , Kubala Lukáš , Velebný Vladimír
Published: September 2020

Wound dressings with silver have been shown to be cytotoxic in vitro. However, the extrapolation of this cytotoxicity to clinical settings is unclear. We applied dressings with various forms of silver on porcine skin ex vivo and investigated silver penetration and DNA damage. We assessed antimicrobial efficacy, cytotoxicity to skin cells, and immune response induced by the dressings. All dressings elevated the DNA damage marker γ-H2AX and the expression of stress-related genes in explanted skin relative to control. This corresponded with the amount of silver in the skin. The dressings reduced viability, induced oxidative stress and DNA damage in skin cells, and induced the production of pro-inflammatory IL-6 by monocytes. The oxidative burst and viability of activated neutrophils decreased. The amount of silver released into the culture medium varied among the dressings and correlated with in vitro toxicity. However, antimicrobial efficiencies did not correlate strongly with the amount of silver released from the dressings. Antimicrobial efficiency and toxicity are driven by the form of silver and the construction of dressings and not only by the silver concentration. The damaging effects of silver dressings in ex vivo skin highlight the importance of thorough in vivo investigation of silver dressing toxicity.
Video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy is feasible for selected patients with clinical N2 non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Yun Jae Kwang , Lee Geun Dong , Choi Sehoon , Kim Hyeong Ryul , Kim Yong-Hee , Park Seung-Il , Kim Dong Kwan
Published: September 2020

Few studies have evaluated the usefulness of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for advanced-stage lung cancer. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of VATS for treating clinical N2 (cN2) lung cancer. A retrospective cohort analysis was performed with data from 268 patients who underwent lobectomy for cN2 disease from 2007 to 2016. Using propensity score-based inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW), perioperative and long-term survival outcomes were compared. We performed VATS and open thoracotomy on 121 and 147 patients, respectively. Overall, VATS was preferred for patients with peripherally located tumors (p < 0.001). After IPTW-adjustment, all preoperative information became similar between the groups. Compared to thoracotomy, VATS was associated with shorter hospitalization (7.7 days vs. 9.1 days, p = 0.028), despite equivalent complete resection rates (92.6% vs. 90.5%, p = 0.488) and dissected lymph nodes (mean, 31.9 vs. 29.4, p = 0.100). On IPTW-adjusted analysis, overall survival (50.5% vs. 48.4%, p = 0.127) and recurrence-free survival (60.5% vs 44.6%, p = 0.069) at 5 years were also similar between the groups. Among selected patients with resectable cN2 disease and peripherally located tumors, VATS is feasible, associated with shorter hospitalization and comparable perioperative and long-term survival outcomes, compared with open thoracotomy.
Attenuating hypoxia driven malignant behavior in glioblastoma with a novel hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha inhibitor
Authors: Renfrow Jaclyn J. , Soike Michael H. , West James L. , Ramkissoon Shakti H. , Metheny-Barlow Linda , Mott Ryan T. , Kittel Carol A. , D’Agostino Ralph B. , Tatter Stephen B. , Laxton Adrian W. , Frenkel Mark B. , Hawkins Gregory A. , Herpai Denise , Sanders Stephanie , Sarkaria Jann N. , Lesser Glenn J. , Debinski Waldemar , Strowd Roy E.
Published: September 2020

Hypoxia inducible factor (HIFs) signaling contributes to malignant cell behavior in glioblastoma (GBM). We investigated a novel HIF2α inhibitor, PT2385, both in vitro, with low-passage patient-derived cell lines, and in vivo, using orthotopic models of glioblastoma. We focused on analysis of HIF2α expression in situ, cell survival/proliferation, and survival in brain tumor-bearing mice treated with PT2385 alone and in combination with standard of care chemoradiotherapy. HIF2α expression increased with glioma grade, with over half of GBM specimens HIF2α positive. Staining clustered in perivascular and perinecrotic tumor regions. Cellular phenotype including proliferation, viability, migration/invasion, and also gene expression were not altered after PT2385 treatment. In the animal model, PT2385 single-agent treatment did improve median overall survival compared to placebo (p = 0.04, n = 21) without a bioluminescence correlate (t = 0.67, p = 0.52). No difference in animal survival was seen in combination treatment with radiation (RT)/temozolomide (TMZ)/PT2385 (p = 0.44, n = 10) or mean tumor bioluminescence (t 1.13, p = 0.32). We conclude that HIF2α is a reasonable novel therapeutic target as expressed in the majority of glioblastomas in our cohort. PT2385 as a single-agent was efficacious in vivo, however, an increase in animal survival was not seen with PT2385 in combination with RT/TMZ. Further study for targeting HIF2α as a therapeutic approach in GBM is warranted.
Distinct macrophage populations and phenotypes associated with IL-4 mediated immunomodulation at the host implant interface
Authors: Hachim Daniel , LoPresti Samuel T. , Rege Rahul D. , Umeda Yuta , Iftikhar Aimon , Nolfi Alexis L. , Skillen Clint D. , Brown Bryan N.
Published: September 2020

Macrophage populations and gene expression of the host response were studied under the effects of IL-4 released from eluting implants.
Brimonidine-LAPONITE® intravitreal formulation has an ocular hypotensive and neuroprotective effect throughout 6 months of follow-up in a glaucoma animal model
Authors: Rodrigo M. J. , Cardiel M. J. , Fraile J. M. , Mendez-Martinez S. , Martinez-Rincon T. , Subias M. , Polo V. , Ruberte J. , Ramirez T. , Vispe E. , Luna C. , Mayoral J. A. , Garcia-Martin E.
Published: September 2020

Brimonidine-LAPONITE® formulation is a potential intravitreal formulation for glaucoma treatment. It exhibits an early ocular hypotensive effect and functional and structural neuroretinal protection over 24 weeks of follow-up, after single injection.
A laser microdissection-based axotomy model incorporating the use of biomimicking fiber scaffolds reveals that microRNAs promote axon regeneration over long injury distances
Authors: Zhang Na , Lin Junquan , Chin Jiah Shin , Zhang Kunyu , Chew Sing Yian
Published: September 2020

A laser microdissection-based axotomy model coupled with an aligned electrospun fiber platform was developed, with which the distance of injury site from the cell soma can be precisely controlled.
Co(ii) coordination polymers constructed from a bent chiral linker: influencing framework topology using co-ligands
Authors: Tay Hui Min , Hua Carol
Published: September 2020

The reaction of a semi-rigid chiral ligand with Co(ii) and dipyridyl co-ligands of varying length yielded a series of 2D coordination frameworks, with the topology of the network mediated by the length of the co-ligands.
Solvated proton and the origin of the high onset overpotential in the oxygen reduction reaction on Pt(111)
Authors: Li Yuke , Liu Zhi-Feng
Published: September 2020

For the hydrogenation of O atoms on Pt(111), protonation can be bypassed by hydrolysis as the electrode potential rises.
A numerical investigation of the effect of external resistance and applied potential on the distribution of periodicity and chaos in the anodic dissolution of nickel
Authors: Rodrigues Caio da S. , dos Santos Caio G. P. , de Miranda Renan C. C. , Parma Eduardo , Varela Hamilton , Nagao Raphael
Published: September 2020

Low density, elongation, and suppression of the shrimp-like structures in the resistance-potential phase diagrams have been observed in the oscillatory dissolution of nickel.
Triarylborane catalysedN-alkylation of amines with aryl esters
Authors: Nori Valeria , Dasgupta Ayan , Babaahmadi Rasool , Carlone Armando , Ariafard Alireza , Melen Rebecca L.
Published: September 2020

B(C6F5)3is demonstrated to be an active catalyst forN-alkylation reactions of amine substrates with aryl esters.
Metal oxide-based materials as an emerging family of hydrogen evolution electrocatalysts
Authors: Zhu Yinlong , Lin Qian , Zhong Yijun , Tahini Hassan A. , Shao Zongping , Wang Huanting
Published: September 2020

Metal oxide-based materials are emerging as a promising family of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts.
One-pot hydrothermal synthesis of molybdenum nickel sulfide with graphene quantum dots as a novel conductive additive for enhanced supercapacitive performance
Authors: Sangabathula Omkar , Sharma Chandra S.
Published: September 2020

3D flower-like GQD induced metal doped nickel sulfide was grown on Ni-foam. The MNS-G-2.5 composite delivered a superior specific capacitance and an impressive cyclic stability. In addition, the MNS-G-2.5//rGO ASC has an exceptional energy density.
New developments in RiPP discovery, enzymology and engineering
Authors: Montalbán-López Manuel , Scott Thomas A. , Ramesh Sangeetha , Rahman Imran R. , van Heel Auke J. , Viel Jakob H. , Bandarian Vahe , Dittmann Elke , Genilloud Olga , Goto Yuki , Grande Burgos María José , Hill Colin , Kim Seokhee , Koehnke Jesko , Latham John A. , Link A. James , Martínez Beatriz , Nair Satish K. , Nicolet Yvain , Rebuffat Sylvie , Sahl Hans-Georg , Sareen Dipti , Schmidt Eric W. , Schmitt Lutz , Severinov Konstantin , Süssmuth Roderich D. , Truman Andrew W. , Wang Huan , Weng Jing-Ke , van Wezel Gilles P. , Zhang Qi , Zhong Jin , Piel Jörn , Mitchell Douglas A. , Kuipers Oscar P. , van der Donk Wilfred A.
Published: September 2020

This review provides a comprehensive update of the advances in discovery, biosynthesis, and engineering of ribosomally-synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs).
Analysis of the atomic structure of CdS magic-size clusters by X-ray absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Ying , Tan Lei , Cibin Giannantonio , Gianolio Diego , Han Shuo , Yu Kui , Dove Martin T. , Sapelkin Andrei V.
Published: September 2020

A methodology to construct atomistic models of magic-size clusters from X-ray absorption spectroscopy for subsequent simulations and in-depth analysis.
Recent advances in long-term stable black phosphorus transistors
Authors: Wan Da , Huang Hao , Wang Zhongzheng , Liu Xingqiang , Liao Lei
Published: September 2020

Two-dimensional black phosphorus (BP) presents extensive exciting properties attributed to the high mobility and non-dangling bonds uniform surface with simultaneously obtained atomically ultrathin body.
2D layered all-inorganic halide perovskites: recent trends in their structure, synthesis and properties
Authors: Acharyya Paribesh , Kundu Kaushik , Biswas Kanishka
Published: September 2020

Here, we discuss the recent development in all-inorganic 2D layered halide perovskites highlighting their crystal structure, synthesis, transformations, and optical, thermoelectric, magnetic, and catalytic properties.
Angular ladder-type meta-phenylenes: synthesis and electronic structural analysis
Authors: Boddeda Anitha , Hossain Mohammad Mosharraf , Saeed Mirzaei M. , Lindeman Sergey V. , Mirzaei Saber , Rathore Rajendra
Published: September 2020

First report of the synthesis and optoelectronic properties of angular ladder-type meta-phenylenes with two different bridging termini.
Molecularly imprinted polymeric coatings for sensitive and selective gravimetric detection of artemether
Authors: Arshad Usman , Mujahid Adnan , Lieberzeit Peter , Afzal Adeel , Bajwa Sadia Zafar , Iqbal Naseer , Roshan Sumaira
Published: September 2020

Chemical structures of the antimalarial drugs: artemisinin, artemether (a methyl ether derivative of artemisinin), and lumefantrine.
MOF-derived manganese oxide/carbon nanocomposites with raised capacitance for stable asymmetric supercapacitor
Authors: Wang By Ruoyu , Hu Yating , Pan Zhenghui , Wang John
Published: September 2020

Owing to immense application potentials in electrochemical energy storages, metal organic framework (MOF)-derived metal oxide/carbon nanocomposites have attracted extensive interest of research.
Engineering of NIR fluorescent PEGylated poly(RGD) proteinoid polymers and nanoparticles for drug delivery applications in chicken embryo and mouse models
Authors: Hadad Elad , Rudnick-Glick Safra , Grinberg Igor , Yehuda Ronen , Margel Shlomo
Published: September 2020

Synthesis of NIR/ICG PEGylated poly(RDGD) proteinoid NPs and their drug delivery towards mCherry-labeled 4T1 tumor.
Enhancing the stability of the Rh/ZnO catalyst by the growth of ZIF-8 for the hydroformylation of higher olefins
Authors: Chen Lele , Tian Jinghao , Song Huaxing , Gao Zhaohua , Wei Haisheng , Wang Wenhua , Ren Wanzhong
Published: September 2020

The stability of the Rh/ZnO catalyst in the hydroformylation of 1-dodecene obviously improved, which was attributed to that the ZIF-8 shell on the Rh/ZnO catalyst effectively prevented the leaching of metal Rh.
Modifying hydrophilic properties of polyurethane acryl paint substrates by atomic layer deposition and self-assembled monolayers
Authors: Beitner D. , Polishchuk I. , Asulin E. , Pokroy B.
Published: September 2020

A process of atomic layer deposition (ALD) combined with self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) was used to investigate the possible modification of polyurethane (PUR) paint surface wetting properties without altering their original hue.
Correction: High iodine adsorption performances under off-gas conditions by bismuth-modified ZnAl-LDH layered double hydroxide
Authors: Dinh Trinh Dinh , Zhang Dongxiang , Tuan Vu Ngoc
Published: September 2020

Correction for ‘High iodine adsorption performances under off-gas conditions by bismuth-modified ZnAl-LDH layered double hydroxide’ by Trinh Dinh Dinh et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 14360–14367, DOI: 10.1039/D0RA00501K.
Secondary effectiveness factors for catalytic reactions in series: extension to slab, cylindrical, and spherical geometries
Authors: Shayesteh Zadeh Armin , Peters Baron
Published: September 2020

‘Secondary’ effectiveness factors are developed for reactions in series that are useful for controlling the yield of the intermediate product (B).
Macrocyclization of bis-indole quinolines for selective stabilization of G-quadruplex DNA structures
Authors: Das Rabindra Nath , Andréasson Måns , Kumar Rajendra , Chorell Erik
Published: September 2020

Macrocyclization improves the selectivity, affinity, and ability to stabilize G4 DNA structures.
A protocol for the definition of supply chains in product social life cycle assessment: application to bioelectricity
Authors: Martín-Gamboa Mario , Dias Ana Cláudia , Arroja Luis , Iribarren Diego
Published: September 2020

Social life cycle assessment of a bioelectricity system encompassing more than 400 processes within seven tiers of the supply chain.
A nickel and cobalt bimetal organic framework with high capacity as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zheng Wen , Bi Wanying , Gao Xuenong , Zhang Zhengguo , Yuan Wenhui , Li Li
Published: September 2020

The Ni–Co-BTC anode shows excellent electrochemical performance, which could be ascribed to the intercalation/deintercalation mechanism and the synergistic effect of two cations.
Suppressing photoexcited electron–hole recombination in MoSe2/WSe2 lateral heterostructures via interface-coupled state engineering: a time-domain ab initio study
Authors: Zhou Zhaobo , Zhang Yehui , Zhang Xiwen , Niu Xianghong , Wu Guangfen , Wang Jinlan
Published: September 2020

Interface-coupled states play a vital role in photoexcited carrier lifetime of two-dimensional lateral heterostructure-based photovoltaic and photoelectric devices.
A nanoplatform based on mesoporous silica-coated gold nanorods for cancer triplex therapy
Authors: Liu Genhua , Liang Huining , He Ye , Lu Lu , Wang Lu , Liu Peng , Cai Kaiyong
Published: September 2020

A biocompatible nanocomposite of mesoporous silica-coated gold nanorods is fabricated for synergistic tumor therapy.
n-Channel organic phototransistors with an n-type conjugated polymer based on indacenodithiophene and naphthalenediimide units
Authors: Lee Saebom , Lee Chulyeon , Kim Hwajeong , Kim Youngkyoo
Published: September 2020

We report flexible n-channel organic phototransistors (OPTRs) with a soluble n-type conjugated polymer (PIDTT-NDI), as a sensing channel layer, which can effectively detect both blue and red light.
Embedded-grid silver transparent electrodes fabricated by selective metal condensation
Authors: Varagnolo Silvia , Park Keun-Woo , Lee Jin-Kyun , Hatton Ross A.
Published: September 2020

We report a new materials system for the fabrication of embedded silver grid electrodes with micron-sized linewidth >10 times narrower than can be achieved using the conventional printing techniques of screen, inject and flexographic printing.
Emerging uniform Cu2O nanocubes for 251st harmonic ultrashort pulse generation
Authors: Li Xiaohui , Feng Jiangjiang , Mao† Wenjing , Yin Feng , Jiang Jie
Published: September 2020

We experimentally demonstrated a 251st harmonic ultrashort pulse laser based on Cu2O nanocubes as a saturable absorber.
Discovery of a Ce3+-activated red nitride phosphor for high-brightness solid-state lighting
Authors: Xia Yonghui , Li Shuxing , Zhang Yingxue , Takeda Takashi , Hirosaki Naoto , Xie Rong-Jun
Published: September 2020

A Ce3+-doped red phosphor was screened and developed for high-power solid state lighting.
Robust adaptive beamforming for coprime array with steering vector estimation and covariance matrix reconstruction
Authors: Meng Zhen , Zhou Weidong
Published: September 2020

Coprime array exhibits many advantages over the uniform linear array (ULA) with the same number of physical sensors in resolution performance and interference suppression capability. In this study, the authors take the advantages of coprime array to improve the robustness of adaptive beamformer. In the coprime virtual ULA (CV‐ULA), they prove that a constructed Toeplitz matrix can be taken as the sample covariance matrix from the perspective of virtual signal characteristics. The CV‐ULA Capon spectrum estimator is modified to obtain the directions and powers of all impinging signals. Since the real directions of all impinging signals are located at different angular sectors, they form independent signal subspace for each impinging signal. They also assign independent steering vector mismatches for different impinging signals to obtain their real steering vectors. The steering vector mismatch of each impinging signal is independently obtained by solving its own convex optimisation problem. They reconstruct the interference‐plus‐noise covariance matrix (INCM) with precise steering vectors and powers of interference signals. The proposed weight vector is computed by combining the desired signal steering vector and the reconstructed INCM. Extensive simulations show that the proposed algorithm provides robustness against many types of model mismatches.
Combinatorial dynamics of protein synthesis time delay and negative feedback loop in NF‐κ B signalling pathway
Authors: Yan Fang , Liu Li , Wang Qingyun
Published: September 2020

The transcription factor NF‐κ B links immune response and inflammatory reaction and its different oscillation patterns determine different cell fates. In this study, a mathematical model with Iκ Bα protein synthesis time delay is developed based on the experimental evidences. The results show that time delay has the ability to drive oscillation of NF‐κ B via Hopf bifurcation. Meanwhile, the amplitude and period are sensitive to the time delay. Moreover, the time delay threshold is a function of four parameters characterising the negative feedback loop. Likewise, the parameters also have effects on the amplitude and period of NF‐κ B oscillation induced by time delay. Therefore, the oscillation patterns of NF‐κ B are collaborative results of time delay coupled with the negative feedback loop. These results not only enhance the understanding of NF‐κ B biological oscillation but also provide clues for the development of anti‐inflammatory or anti‐cancer drugs.
Design of dual hormone blood glucose therapy and comparison with single hormone using MPC algorithm
Authors: Dias Cifha Crecil , Kamath Surekha , Vidyasagar Sudha
Published: September 2020

The complete automated control and delivery of insulin and glucagon in type 1 diabetes is the developing technology for artificial pancreas. This improves the quality of life of a diabetic patient with the precise infusion. The amount of infusion of these hormones is controlled using a control algorithm, which has the prediction property. The control algorithm model predictive control (MPC) predicts one step ahead and infuses the hormones continuously according to the necessity for the regulation of blood glucose. In this research, the authors propose a MPC control algorithm, which is novel for a dual hormone infusion, for a mathematical model such as Sorenson model, and compare it with the insulin alone or single hormone infusion developed with MPC. Since they aim for complete automatic control and regulation, unmeasured disturbances at a random time are integrated and the performance evaluation is projected through statistical analysis. The blood glucose risk index (BGRI) and control variability grid analysis (CVGA) plot gives the additional evaluation for the comparative results of the two controllers claiming 88% performance by dual hormone evaluated through CVGA plot and 2.05 mg/dl average tracking error, 2.20 BGRI. The MPC developed for dual hormone significantly performs better and the time spent in normal glycaemia is longer while eliminating the risk of hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia.
Inflection point in the power spectrum of stellar brightness variations
Authors: Amazo-Gómez E. M. , Shapiro A. I. , Solanki S. K. , Kopp G. , Oshagh M. , Reinhold T. , Reiners A.
Published: September 2020

Context. Stellar rotation periods can be determined by observing brightness variations caused by active magnetic regions transiting visible stellar disk as the star rotates. Successful stellar photometric surveys stemming from the Kepler and TESS observations have led to the determination of rotation periods in tens of thousands of young and active stars. However, there is still a lack of information on the rotation periods of older and less active stars like the Sun. The irregular temporal profiles of light curves caused by the decay times of active regions, which are comparable to, or even shorter than, stellar rotation periods, in combination with the random emergence of active regions make period determination for such stars very difficult.

Aims. We tested the performance of a new method for the determination of stellar rotation periods against stars with previously determined rotation periods. The method is based on calculating the gradient of the power spectrum (GPS) and identifying the position of the inflection point (i.e. point with the highest gradient). The GPS method is specifically aimed at determining rotation periods of low-activity stars like the Sun.

Methods. We applied the GPS method to 1047 Sun-like stars observed by the Kepler telescope. We considered two stellar samples individually: one with near-solar rotation periods (24–27.4 d) and a broad range of effective temperatures (5000–6000 K) and the other with near-solar effective temperatures (5700–5900 K) and a broad range of rotation periods (15–40 d).

Results. We show that the GPS method returns precise values for stellar rotation periods. Furthermore, it allows us to constrain the ratio between facular and spot areas of active regions at the moment of their emergence. We also show that the relative facular area decreases with the stellar rotation rate.

Conclusions. Our results suggest that the GPS method can be successfully applied to retrieve the periods of stars with both regular and non-regular light curves.
Characterization of blast furnace flue dust – a multi analytical techniques approach
Authors: Ashrit Shrenivas S. , Sarkar Supriya , Singh Rashmi , Yadav Sundeep Z. , Chatti Ravikrishna V.
Published: September 2020

The blast furnace flue dust has potential reuse application in iron making process via the sinter making route mainly due to its high carbon content. The specific aim of this study was to use different analytical techniques like chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and petrography to identify the different phases present in the blast furnace flue dust of Tata Steel Limited, Jamshedpur and discuss on possible use of suitable separation techniques for economic utilization of flue dust and put those separated fractions for the innovative industrial applications.
Case report: Infant with a Fast-growing Soft Tissue Tumor on the
Thumb, Revealing a PLAG1-positive Connatal Lipoblastoma
Authors: Deeg Susanne , Wessel Lucas , Martel Richard , Porubsky Stefan , Svoboda Daniel
Published: September 2020

At the age of 4 months, an infant was presented to us with a nodular subcutaneous
tumor on the right thumb measuring 2cm, already seen prenatally via ultrasound.
An MRI in sedation performed at the age of 4.5 months had no diagnostic
specificity. By a biopsy at the age of 5 months malignancy could be excluded.
Finally at the age of 16 months the tumor which had meanwhile grown to a
monstrous size (5 cm of diameter) could be entirely removed by
microsurgical technique maintaining the integrity of all intrinsic structures.
The diagnosis of myxoid lipoblastoma was confirmed. According to literature,
Lipoblastomas often present as connatal rapid growing soft tissue tumors and are
benign. Total removal is essential for avoiding a local recurrence.
Development and Validation of a Stability Indicating LC-MS/MS Method for the Determination of Clenbuterol HCl
Authors: Prajapati Krunal J. , Kothari Charmy
Published: September 2020

Clenbuterol hydrochloride (CLT), β2 adrenergic agonist is used as a bronchodilator in the therapeutic treatment of asthma. It is important to know the stability behaviour of the drug in different degradation conditions as per ICH Q1A (R2) guidelines for safety and efficacy purpose. The main objective of the study is to develop and validate stability indicating LC-MS/MS method for the determination of Clenbuterol HCl. The separation was achieved using Phenomenex Gemini NX C18 (250*4.6 mm, 5 μ) column and the mobile phase consisting of ammonium acetate buffer (5 mM), 0.15% triethylamine (TEA), pH 7.5 with acetic acid: methanol (70:30, v/v) at flow rate 1 ml/min. The detection was done using PDA detector at 245 nm. The validation was performed as per ICH Q2 (R1) guideline. The drug was subjected to stress degradation conditions as per ICH Q1A (R2) guidelines. The significant degradation was observed in acidic (8.78%) and sunlight (liquid) (9%) condition while no degradation was observed in neutral, basic, oxidation and thermal condition. The drug and its degradation products were characterized using LC-MS/MS and the proposed degradation mechanism was communicated. The developed method was found to be stability-indicating, simple, specific, selective, sensitive, linear, accurate, robust and precise and used as a routine analysis in quality control laboratory.