bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microstructural degeneration and cerebrovascular risk burden underlying executive dysfunction after stroke
Authors: Veldsman Michele , Werden Emilio , Egorova Natalia , Khlif Mohamed Salah , Brodtmann Amy
Published: October 2020

Executive dysfunction affects 40% of stroke patients, but is poorly predicted by characteristics of the stroke itself. Stroke typically occurs on a background of cerebrovascular burden, which impacts cognition and brain network structural integrity. We used structural equation modelling to investigate whether measures of white matter microstructural integrity (fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity) and cerebrovascular risk factors better explain executive dysfunction than markers of stroke severity.
126 stroke patients (mean age 68.4 years) were scanned three months post-stroke and compared to 40 age- and sex-matched control participants on neuropsychological measures of executive function. Executive function was below what would be expected for age and education level in stroke patients as measured by the organizational components of the Rey Complex Figure Test, F(3,155) = 17, R2 = 0.25, p < 0.001 (group significant predictor at p < 0.001) and the Trail-Making Test (B), F(3,157) = 3.70, R2 = 0.07, p < 0.01 (group significant predictor at p < 0.001). A multivariate structural equation model illustrated the complex relationship between executive function, white matter integrity, stroke characteristics and cerebrovascular risk (root mean square error of approximation = 0.02).
Pearson’s correlations confirmed a stronger relationship between executive dysfunction and white matter integrity (r = − 0.74, p < 0.001), than executive dysfunction and stroke severity (r = 0.22, p < 0.01). The relationship between executive function and white matter integrity is mediated by cerebrovascular burden. White matter microstructural degeneration of the superior longitudinal fasciculus in the executive control network better explains executive dysfunction than markers of stroke severity. Executive dysfunction and incident stroke can be both considered manifestations of cerebrovascular risk factors.
Lipophilic dye-compatible brain clearing technique allowing correlative magnetic resonance/high-resolution fluorescence imaging in rat models of glioblastoma
Authors: Peviani Marco , Spano Giorgia , Pagani Antonella , Brugnara Gianluca , Covino Cesare , Galli Rossella , Biffi Alessandra , Politi Letterio S.
Published: October 2020

In this work we optimized a novel approach for combining in vivo MRI and ex vivo high-resolution fluorescence microscopy that involves: (i) a method for slicing rat brain tissue into sections with the same thickness and spatial orientation as in in vivo MRI, to better correlate in vivo MRI analyses with ex-vivo imaging via scanning confocal microscope and (ii) an improved clearing protocol compatible with lipophilic dyes that highlight the neurovascular network, to obtain high tissue transparency while preserving tissue staining and morphology with no significant tissue shrinkage or expansion. We applied this methodology in two rat models of glioblastoma (GBM; U87 human glioma cells and patient-derived human glioblastoma cancer stem cells) to demonstrate how vital the information retrieved from the correlation between MRI and confocal images is and to highlight how the increased invasiveness of xenografts derived from cancer stem cells may not be clearly detected by standard in vivo MRI approaches. The protocol studied in this work could be implemented in pre-clinical GBM research to further the development and validation of more predictive and translatable MR imaging protocols that can be used as critical diagnostic and prognostic tools. The development of this protocol is part of the quest for more efficacious treatment approaches for this devastating and still uncurable disease. In particular, this approach could be instrumental in validating novel MRI-based techniques to assess cellular infiltration beyond the macroscopic tumor margins and to quantify neo-angiogenesis.
Cep55 overexpression promotes genomic instability and tumorigenesis in mice
Authors: Sinha Debottam , Nag Purba , Nanayakkara Devathri , Duijf Pascal H. G. , Burgess Andrew , Raninga Prahlad , Smits Veronique A. J. , Bain Amanda L. , Subramanian Goutham , Wall Meaghan , Finnie John. W. , Kalimutho Murugan , Khanna Kum Kum
Published: October 2020

High expression of centrosomal protein CEP55 has been correlated with clinico-pathological parameters across multiple human cancers. Despite significant in vitro studies and association of aberrantly overexpressed CEP55 with worse prognosis, its causal role in vivo tumorigenesis remains elusive. Here, using a ubiquitously overexpressing transgenic mouse model, we show that Cep55 overexpression causes spontaneous tumorigenesis and accelerates Trp53+/− induced tumours in vivo. At the cellular level, using mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), we demonstrate that Cep55 overexpression induces proliferation advantage by modulating multiple cellular signalling networks including the hyperactivation of the Pi3k/Akt pathway. Notably, Cep55 overexpressing MEFs have a compromised Chk1-dependent S-phase checkpoint, causing increased replication speed and DNA damage, resulting in a prolonged aberrant mitotic division. Importantly, this phenotype was rescued by pharmacological inhibition of Pi3k/Akt or expression of mutant Chk1 (S280A) protein, which is insensitive to regulation by active Akt, in Cep55 overexpressing MEFs. Moreover, we report that Cep55 overexpression causes stabilized microtubules. Collectively, our data demonstrates causative effects of deregulated Cep55 on genome stability and tumorigenesis which have potential implications for tumour initiation and therapy development.
Subjective value and decision entropy are jointly encoded by aligned gradients across the human brain
Authors: Bobadilla-Suarez Sebastian , Guest Olivia , Love Bradley C.
Published: October 2020

Recent work has considered the relationship between value and confidence in both behavioural and neural representation. Here we evaluated whether the brain organises value and confidence signals in a systematic fashion that reflects the overall desirability of options. If so, regions that respond to either increases or decreases in both value and confidence should be widespread. We strongly confirmed these predictions through a model-based fMRI analysis of a mixed gambles task that assessed subjective value (SV) and inverse decision entropy (iDE), which is related to confidence. Purported value areas more strongly signalled iDE than SV, underscoring how intertwined value and confidence are. A gradient tied to the desirability of actions transitioned from positive SV and iDE in ventromedial prefrontal cortex to negative SV and iDE in dorsal medial prefrontal cortex. This alignment of SV and iDE signals could support retrospective evaluation to guide learning and subsequent decisions.
Upconverting nanoparticle clustering based rapid quantitative detection of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on lateral-flow immunoassay
Authors: Chand Rohit , Mittal Neha , Srinivasan Seshasai , Rajabzadeh Amin Reza
Published: October 2020

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is the most abused psychoactive drug worldwide.
Design of Fe,N co-doped multi-walled carbon nanotubes for efficient oxygen reduction
Authors: Du Peng , Bao Yan , Guo Chen , Wu Lawrence , Pan Jie , Zhao Chenghao , Ma Fei-Xiang , Lu Jian , Li Yang Yang
Published: October 2020

Fe and N co-doped multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Fe,N-MWCNTs) are designed and fabricated to efficiently catalyze the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
Inclusion crystals of V-shaped host molecules having trialkoxybenzene moieties with a carborane or benzoquinone derivative
Authors: Kawahata Masatoshi , Tominaga Masahide , Komatsu Ryota , Hyodo Tadashi , Yamaguchi Kentaro
Published: October 2020

Crystallization of an o-carborane or benzoquinone derivative with adamantane-based molecules possessing pyrogallol derivatives resulted in the formation of inclusion crystals through CH⋯O or lone pair⋯π interactions.
The bonding situation in heteromultimetallic carbonyl complexes
Authors: Ortolan Alexandre O. , Caramori Giovanni F. , Parreira Renato L. T. , Orenha Renato P. , Muñoz-Castro Alvaro , Frenking Gernot
Published: October 2020

The description of the metal–metal bonding situation in these complexes provides valuable information, useful to guide the synthesis of unprecedented multimetallic complexes containing coinage metals and other transition metals.
Studies on the influence of the nuclearity of zinc(ii) hemi-salen complexes on some pivotal biological applications
Authors: Kundu Bidyut Kumar , Pragti  , Mobin Shaikh M. , Mukhopadhyay Suman
Published: October 2020

Experimental and theoretical corroboration of the various biological applications of two nuclearity-dependent dimeric and trimeric Zn(ii) hemi-salen complexes.
Bi4O(I3O10)(IO3)3(SeO4): trimeric condensation of IO43− monomers into the I3O105− polymeric anion observed in a three-component mixed-anion NLO material
Authors: Mao Fei-Fei , Hu Jin-Yu , Li Bing-Xuan , Wu Hua
Published: October 2020

A three-component mixed-anion NLO iodate material containing the “pinwheel-like” I3O105− polyiodate group was formed from trimeric condensation of IO43− monomers.
Platform selection of engineered nanomaterials for water decontamination applications
Authors: Borovik Alina , Karanikola Vasiliki , Zucker Ines
Published: October 2020

Strategic pairing of engineered nanomaterials to platforms will advance safe and effective deployment of nano-enabled water decontamination.
Methionine promotes crop milk protein synthesis through the JAK2-STAT5 signaling during lactation of domestic pigeons (Columba livia)
Authors: Chen Meng-jie , Pan Neng-xia , Wang Xiu-qi , Yan Hui-chao , Gao Chun-qi
Published: October 2020

Methionine activates PRLR/JAK2/STAT5 by regulating prolactin to promote crop milk protein synthesis during lactation of domestic pigeons (Columba livia).
Interaction of myofibrillar proteins and epigallocatechin gallate in the presence of transglutaminase in solutions
Authors: Li Jinling , Munir Sadia , Yu Xiaoyue , Yin Tao , You Juan , Liu Ru , Xiong Shanbai , Hu Yang
Published: October 2020

The rheological behavior, assembly measurements, thermal stability, molecular conformation, and molecular interactions of myofibrillar proteins (MP) modified by transglutaminase (TGase) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) were investigated.
Plasma electrolysis of cellulose in polar aprotic solvents for production of levoglucosenone
Authors: A Lusi , Radhakrishnan Harish , Hu Haiyang , Hu Hui , Bai Xianglan
Published: October 2020

In this study, we demonstrated the use of plasma electrolysis in polar aprotic solvents as a low-energy, efficient method of producing levoglucosenone from cellulose. We found cellulose to dehydrate through a novel radical-based mechanism by plasma.
Enhancement in performance of ternary blend-polymer solar cells using a PEDOT:PSS–graphene oxide hole transport layerviaFörster resonance energy transfer and balanced charge transport
Authors: Guguloth Lalsingh , Singh Kuldeep , Channu V. S. Reddy , Kumari Kusum
Published: October 2020

We report high performance ternary blend polymer solar cells employing P3HT:PTB7-Th:PC71BM ternary blend as an active layer and PEDOT:PSS–graphene oxide composite as a hole transport layer, showing improved efficiency with better device stability.
Boronic acids for functionalisation of commercial multi-layer graphitic material as an alternative to diazonium salts
Authors: McLaren Rachel L. , Laycock Christian J. , Morgan David J. , Owen Gareth R.
Published: October 2020

Commercially obtained plasma-synthesised multi-layer graphene was functionalised with 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl groups utilising the corresponding boronic acid providing a safer alternative to diazonium salts.
Room-temperature efficient NO2 gas sensors fabricated by porous 3D flower-like ZnAl-layered double hydroxides
Authors: Hong Ye , Wang Di , Lin Chong , Luo Shuiting , Pan Qingjiang , Li Li , Shi Keying
Published: October 2020

Three-dimensional (3D) flower-like zinc and aluminum-sodium dodecyl sulfate-layered double hydroxides (ZnAl-SDS-LDHs) intercalated by anions were prepared using a simple one-step hydrothermal method.
A transparent-to-gray electrochromic device based on an asymmetric viologen
Authors: Ling Huan , Dai Hongbo , Su Fengyu , Tian Yanqing , Liu Yan Jun
Published: October 2020

A transparent-to-gray electrochromic device (ECD) based on an asymmetric viologen was fabricated and characterized.
Synthesis and antibacterial investigation of cationic waterborne polyurethane containing siloxane
Authors: Jia Runping , Hui Zi , Huang Zhixiong , Liu Xin , Zhao Cheng , Wang Dayang , Wu Dandan
Published: October 2020

Cationic waterborne polyurethane containing siloxane and quaternary ammonium salt in the side chain was synthesized, which showed an enhanced antibacterial property and hydrophobicity.
Elucidating the anomalous membrane permeability of Ag(i), Cu(ii), Zn(ii) and Au(iii) towards new nanoreactor strategies for synthesizing metal nanoparticles
Authors: Henriksen Jonas R. , Engel Trine B. , Petersen Anncatrine L. , Kempen Paul J. , Melander Fredrik , Roos Per , Jølck Rasmus I. , Andresen Thomas L.
Published: October 2020

The cations, Cu2+, Zn2+, Ag+and Au3+display anomalous membrane permeability, which is utilized for synthesis of gold nanoparticles inside liposomes.
Influence of 4f filling on electronic and magnetic properties of rare earth-Au surface compounds
Authors: Fernandez L. , Blanco-Rey M. , Castrillo-Bodero R. , Ilyn M. , Ali K. , Turco E. , Corso M. , Ormaza M. , Gargiani P. , Valbuena M. A. , Mugarza A. , Moras P. , Sheverdyaeva P. M. , Kundu Asish K. , Jugovac M. , Laubschat C. , Ortega J. E. , Schiller F.
Published: October 2020

HoAu2, YbAu2and GdAu2surface compounds are investigated by electron spectroscopies, microscopy and theory. Yb in YbAu2reveals a mixed valence character while Gd and Ho are trivalent. HoAu2is ferromagnetic with an out-of-plane easy axis andTC= 22 K.
Interconnection of smectic domains by polyethylene oxide networks for long-range conducting channels towards efficient and thermally stable dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Wang Caihong , Li Xueyong , Zhou Jiwen , Tian Wen , Ji Junyi , Tan Shuai , Wu Yong
Published: October 2020

Interconnection of smectic domains via PEO network-constructed, self-assembled, long-range conducting channels for an efficient and thermally stable solid-state DSSC.
A phosphine-mediated domino sequence of salicylaldehyde with but-3-yn-2-one: rapid access to chromanone
Authors: Xie Zhen-Zhen , Deng Zhi-Xiong , Zheng Yu , Chen Yan-Shan , Xiao Jun-An , Chen Kai , Xiang Hao-Yue , Yang Hua
Published: October 2020

Chromanone is a privileged structure with a wide range of unique biological activities.
Total synthesis and absolute structure of N55, a positive modulator of GLP-1 signaling
Authors: Lin Nai-Pin , Chein Rong-Jie
Published: October 2020

The absolute structure of N55, a positive modulator of Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) signaling, was determined by a 7-step total synthesis with 29% overall yield.
Lewis acid-catalyzed double addition of indoles to ketones: synthesis of bis(indolyl)methanes with all-carbon quaternary centers
Authors: Lee Si On , Choi Jeongin , Kook Seunghoon , Lee Sarah Yunmi
Published: October 2020

A boron or silicon Lewis acid-catalyzed synthesis of bis(indolyl)methanes with all-carbon quaternary centers, including a tetra-aryl carbon center, by the two-fold addition of indoles to a broad range of ketones has been developed.
8-Arylnaphthyl substituent retarding chain transfer in insertion polymerization with unsymmetrical α-diimine systems
Authors: Li Shuaikang , Dai Shengyu
Published: October 2020

The 8-arylnaphthyl substituent is highly effective for retarding the chain transfer process during ethylene (co)polymerization due to the appropriate aryl orientation.
Cathodic hydrogen production by simultaneous oxidation of methyl red and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate in aqueous solutions using PbO2, Sb-doped SnO2and Si/BDD anodes. Part 2: hydrogen production
Authors: Santos José Eudes L. , da Silva Djalma R. , Martínez-Huitle Carlos A. , dos Santos Elisama Vieira , Quiroz Marco A.
Published: October 2020

Efficient production of H2from the electrochemical oxidation of organic compounds with non-active anodes in a divided cell.
Cathodic hydrogen production by simultaneous oxidation of methyl red and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate aqueous solutions using Pb/PbO2, Ti/Sb-doped SnO2and Si/BDD anodes. Part 1: electrochemical oxidation
Authors: Santos José Eudes L. , da Silva Djalma R. , Martínez-Huitle Carlos A. , dos Santos Elisama Vieira , Quiroz Marco A.
Published: October 2020

In this work, the electrochemical oxidation of a dye and an herbicide was investigated on non-active anodes in aqueous acidic medium in order to understand its effect to produce simultaneously hydrogen as eco-friendly energy alternative.
Engineering of chiral nanomaterials for biomimetic catalysis
Authors: Zhang Hongyu , Li Si , Qu Aihua , Hao Changlong , Sun Maozhong , Xu Liguang , Xu Chuanlai , Kuang Hua
Published: October 2020

Chiral nanomaterial-based biomimetic catalysts can trigger a similar biological effect to natural catalysts and exhibit high performance in biological applications.
Fucosylated ubiquitin and orthogonally glycosylated mutant A28C: conceptually new ligands for Burkholderia ambifaria lectin (BambL)
Authors: Kuhaudomlarp Sakonwan , Cerofolini Linda , Santarsia Sabrina , Gillon Emilie , Fallarini Silvia , Lombardi Grazia , Denis Maxime , Giuntini Stefano , Valori Carolina , Fragai Marco , Imberty Anne , Dondoni Alessandro , Nativi Cristina
Published: October 2020

Metal free click reactions used to glycosylate ubiquitin and its mutant A28C afforded two protein scaffolds with high affinity for Burkholderia ambifaria lectin (BambL).
Cooperative catalytically active sites for methanol activation by single metal ion-doped H-ZSM-5
Authors: Lin Wei-Che , Wu Simson , Li Guangchao , Ho Ping-Luen , Ye Yichen , Zhao Pu , Day Sarah , Tang Chiu , Chen Wei , Zheng Anmin , Lo Benedict T. W. , Edman Tsang Shik Chi
Published: October 2020

Diffraction studies and DFT calculations show the formation of frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) over M-ZSM-5 for heterolytic cleavage of CH3OH.
Cooperative activating effects of metal ion and Brønsted acid on a metal oxo species
Authors: Chen Gui , Ma Li , Lo Po-Kam , Mak Chi-Keung , Lau Kai-Chung , Lau Tai-Chu
Published: October 2020

Combining a weak Lewis acid and weak Brønsted acid produces strong cooperative effects for activating metal oxo species towards alkane oxidation.
Et3SiH + KOtBu provide multiple reactive intermediates that compete in the reactions and rearrangements of benzylnitriles and indolenines
Authors: Smith Andrew J. , Dimitrova Daniela , Arokianathar Jude N. , Clark Kenneth F. , Poole Darren L. , Leach Stuart G. , Murphy John A.
Published: October 2020

The combination of potassiumtert-butoxide and triethylsilane provides simultaneous access to multiple reactive intermediates, radicals, H-atom donors, hydride donors and electron donors, giving scope for unprecedented reaction outcomes.
Polydopamine-based nanoreactors: synthesis and applications in bioscience and energy materials
Authors: Mei Shilin , Xu Xiaohui , Priestley Rodney D. , Lu Yan
Published: October 2020

The structural and compositional diversity of PDA-based nanoreactors has triggered fast development of their applications in bioscience and energy fields.
Competing pathways for the invagination of clathrin-coated membranes
Authors: Frey Felix , Schwarz Ulrich S.
Published: October 2020

An analytical theory describes how the invagination of flat clathrin lattices can be driven by changes in coat stiffness, preferred curvature or line tension.
Durable photoelectrochemical CO2 reduction with water oxidation using a visible-light driven molecular photocathode
Authors: Kamata Ryutaro , Kumagai Hiromu , Yamazaki Yasuomi , Higashi Masanobu , Abe Ryu , Ishitani Osamu
Published: October 2020

A durable molecular photocathode driving CO2 reduction with over 1200 of turnover number was developed by electropolymerization of Ru(ii) complexes. The cell with a suitable photoanode enabled CO2 reduction with H2O oxidation with no bias for 24 h.
Role of particle size and surface functionalisation on the flexibility behaviour of switchable metal–organic framework DUT-8(Ni)
Authors: Thompson Megan J. , Hobday Claire L. , Senkovska Irena , Bon Volodymyr , Ehrling Sebastian , Maliuta Mariia , Kaskel Stefan , Düren Tina
Published: October 2020

Functionalising the external surface of flexible MOF nanoparticles allows manipulating the gate opening/closing pressure.
Novel flame retardant rigid spirocyclic biphosphate based copolymer gel electrolytes for sodium ion batteries with excellent high-temperature performance
Authors: Zheng Jinyun , Yang Yiwan , Li Wenjie , Feng Xiangming , Chen Weihua , Zhao Yufen
Published: October 2020

Spirocyclic biphosphate based GPEs for flame retardant sodium ion batteries with excellent high-temperature performance.
Tailoring cellular microenvironments using scaffolds based on magnetically-responsive polymer brushes
Authors: Górka-Kumik Weronika , Garbacz Paula , Lachowicz Dorota , Dąbczyński Paweł , Zapotoczny Szczepan , Szuwarzyński Michał
Published: October 2020

A controlled cell detachment and transfer into a new place was triggered only by an external magnetic field.
Multiphoton absorption in low-dimensional cesium copper iodide single crystals
Authors: Guo Zhihang , Li Junzi , Gao Yang , Cheng Jiaji , Zhang Wenjing , Pan Ruikun , Chen Rui , He Tingchao
Published: October 2020

Two kinds of all-inorganic lead-free cesium copper iodide (CsCu2I3 and Cs3Cu2I5) single crystals (SCs) are synthesized and their multiphoton absorption (MPA) properties are comparatively investigated for the first time.
Identification and characterisation of the Volvox carteri Moco carrier protein
Authors: Hercher Thomas W. , Krausze Joern , Yang Jing , Kirk Martin L. , Kruse Tobias
Published: October 2020

The molybdenum cofactor (Moco) is a redox active prosthetic group found in the active site of Moco-dependent enzymes (Mo-enzymes). As Moco and its intermediates are highly sensitive towards oxidative damage, these are believed to be permanently protein bound during synthesis and upon maturation. As a major component of the plant Moco transfer and storage system, proteins have been identified that are capable of Moco binding and release but do not possess Moco-dependent enzymatic activities. The first protein found to possess these properties was the Moco carrier protein (MCP) from the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Here, we describe the identification and biochemical characterisation of the Volvox carteri (V. carteri) MCP and, for the first time, employ a comparative analysis to elucidate the principles behind MCP Moco binding. Doing so identified a sequence region of low homology amongst the existing MCPs, which we showed to be essential for Moco binding to V. carteri MCP.
Transmission and prevention of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Wang Zhongyi , Fu Yingying , Guo Zhendong , Li Jiaming , Li Jingjing , Cheng Hongliang , Lu Bing , Sun Qiang
Published: October 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by a novel virus of the β-coronavirus genus (SARS-CoV-2), has been spreading globally. As of July 2020, there have been more than 17 million cases worldwide. Determining multiple transmission routes of SARS-CoV-2 is critical to improving safety practices for the public and stemming the spread of SARS-CoV-2 effectively. This article mainly focuses on published studies on the transmission routes of SARS-CoV-2 including contact transmission, droplet transmission, aerosol transmission and fecal-oral transmission, as well as related research approaches, such as epidemiological investigations, environmental sampling in hospitals and laboratories and animal models. We also provide four specific recommendations for the prevention and control of SARS-CoV-2 that may help reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection under different environmental conditions. First, social distancing, rational use of face masks and respirators, eye protection, and hand disinfection for medical staff and the general public deserve further attention and promotion. Second, aerodynamic characteristics, such as size distribution, release regularity, aerosol diffusion, survival and decline, infectious dose and spread distance, still require further investigation in order to identify the transmissibility of COVID-19. Third, background monitoring of the distribution of pathogenic microorganisms and environmental disinfection in crowded public places, such as railway stations, schools, hospitals and other densely populated areas, can give early warning of outbreaks and curb the transmission routes of SARS-CoV-2 in those high-risk areas. Forth, establishing novel predictive models can help us to not only assess transmission and impacts in communities, but also better implement corresponding emergency response measures.
Emerging roles of lamins and DNA damage repair mechanisms in ovarian cancer
Authors: Sengupta Duhita , Mukhopadhyay Asima , Sengupta Kaushik
Published: October 2020

Lamins are type V intermediate filament proteins which are ubiquitously present in all metazoan cells providing a platform for binding of chromatin and related proteins, thereby serving a wide range of nuclear functions including DNA damage repair. Altered expression of lamins in different subtypes of cancer is evident from researches worldwide. But whether cancer is a consequence of this change or this change is a consequence of cancer is a matter of future investigation. However changes in the expression levels of lamins is reported to have direct or indirect association with cancer progression or have regulatory roles in common neoplastic symptoms like higher nuclear deformability, increased genomic instability and reduced susceptibility to DNA damaging agents. It has already been proved that loss of A type lamin positively regulates cathepsin L, eventually leading to degradation of several DNA damage repair proteins, hence impairing DNA damage repair pathways and increasing genomic instability. It is established in ovarian cancer, that the extent of alteration in nuclear morphology can determine the degree of genetic changes and thus can be utilized to detect low to high form of serous carcinoma. In this review, we have focused on ovarian cancer which is largely caused by genomic alterations in the DNA damage response pathways utilizing proteins like RAD51, BRCA1, 53BP1 which are regulated by lamins. We have elucidated the current understanding of lamin expression in ovarian cancer and its implications in the regulation of DNA damage response pathways that ultimately result in telomere deformation and genomic instability.
Regulation of cellular senescence by extracellular matrix during chronic fibrotic diseases
Authors: Blokland Kaj E.C. , Pouwels Simon D. , Schuliga Michael , Knight Darryl A. , Burgess Janette K.
Published: October 2020

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex network of macromolecules surrounding cells providing structural support and stability to tissues. The understanding of the ECM and the diverse roles it plays in development, homoeostasis and injury have greatly advanced in the last three decades. The ECM is crucial for maintaining tissue homoeostasis but also many pathological conditions arise from aberrant matrix remodelling during ageing. Ageing is characterised as functional decline of tissue over time ultimately leading to tissue dysfunction, and is a risk factor in many diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, dementia, glaucoma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and fibrosis. ECM changes are recognised as a major driver of aberrant cell responses. Mesenchymal cells in aged tissue show signs of growth arrest and resistance to apoptosis, which are indicative of cellular senescence. It was recently postulated that cellular senescence contributes to the pathogenesis of chronic fibrotic diseases in the heart, kidney, liver and lung. Senescent cells negatively impact tissue regeneration while creating a pro-inflammatory environment as part of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) favouring disease progression. In this review, we explore and summarise the current knowledge around how aberrant ECM potentially influences the senescent phenotype in chronic fibrotic diseases. Lastly, we will explore the possibility for interventions in the ECM–senescence regulatory pathways for therapeutic potential in chronic fibrotic diseases.
Formation of compact galaxies in the Extreme-Horizon simulation
Authors: Chabanier S. , Bournaud F. , Dubois Y. , Codis S. , Chapon D. , Elbaz D. , Pichon C. , Bressand O. , Devriendt J. , Gavazzi R. , Kraljic K. , Kimm T. , Laigle C. , Lekien J.-B. , Martin G. , Palanque-Delabrouille N. , Peirani S. , Piserchia P.-F. , Slyz A. , Trebitsch M. , Yèche C.
Published: October 2020

We present the Extreme-Horizon (EH) cosmological simulation, which models galaxy formation with stellar and active galactic nuclei (AGN) feedback and uses a very high resolution in the intergalactic and circumgalactic medium. Its high resolution in low-density regions results in smaller-size massive galaxies at a redshift of z = 2, which is in better agreement with observations compared to other simulations. We achieve this result thanks to the improved modeling of cold gas flows accreting onto galaxies. In addition, the EH simulation forms a population of particularly compact galaxies with stellar masses of 1010−11 M⊙ that are reminiscent of observed ultracompact galaxies at z ≃ 2. These objects form primarily through repeated major mergers of low-mass progenitors and independently of baryonic feedback mechanisms. This formation process can be missed in simulations with insufficient resolution in low-density intergalactic regions.
A new trigger mechanism for coronal mass ejections
Authors: James A. W. , Green L. M. , van Driel-Gesztelyi L. , Valori G.
Published: October 2020

Context. Many previous studies have shown that the magnetic precursor of a coronal mass ejection (CME) takes the form of a magnetic flux rope, and a subset of them have become known as “hot flux ropes” due to their emission signatures in ∼10 MK plasma.

Aims. We seek to identify the processes by which these hot flux ropes form, with a view of developing our understanding of CMEs and thereby improving space weather forecasts.

Methods. Extreme-ultraviolet observations were used to identify five pre-eruptive hot flux ropes in the solar corona and study how they evolved. Confined flares were observed in the hours and days before each flux rope erupted, and these were used as indicators of episodic bursts of magnetic reconnection by which each flux rope formed. The evolution of the photospheric magnetic field was observed during each formation period to identify the process(es) that enabled magnetic reconnection to occur in the β <  1 corona and form the flux ropes.

Results. The confined flares were found to be homologous events and suggest flux rope formation times that range from 18 hours to 5 days. Throughout these periods, fragments of photospheric magnetic flux were observed to orbit around each other in sunspots where the flux ropes had a footpoint. Active regions with right-handed (left-handed) twisted magnetic flux exhibited clockwise (anticlockwise) orbiting motions, and right-handed (left-handed) flux ropes formed.

Conclusions. We infer that the orbital motions of photospheric magnetic flux fragments about each other bring magnetic flux tubes together in the corona, enabling component reconnection that forms a magnetic flux rope above a flaring arcade. This represents a novel trigger mechanism for solar eruptions and should be considered when predicting solar magnetic activity.
Ionization potential depression and ionization balance in dense carbon plasma under solar and stellar interior conditions
Authors: Zeng Jiaolong , Li Yongjun , Hou Yong , Gao Cheng , Yuan Jianmin
Published: October 2020

Recent quantitative experiments on the ionization potential depression (IPD) in dense plasma show that the observational results are difficult to explain with the widely used analytical models for plasma screening. Here, we investigate the effect of plasma screening on the IPD and ionization balance of dense carbon plasma under solar and stellar interior conditions using our developed consistent nonanalytical model. The screening potential can be primarily attributed to the free electrons in the plasma and is determined by the microspace distribution of these free electrons. The ionization balance is determined by solving the Saha equation, including the effect of IPD. The predicted IPD and average ionization degree are larger than those obtained using the Stewart–Pyatt model for mass densities that are greater than 3.0 g cm−3. Under solar interior conditions, our results are in better agreement with the Ecker–Kröll model at electron temperatures and densities lower than 250 eV and 2.1 × 1023 cm−3 and in the best agreement with the ion-sphere model at 303 eV and 4.3 × 1023 cm−3. Finally, our results are compared with those obtained via a recent experiment on a CH-mixture plasma that has been compressed six times. The predicted average ionization degree of C in a CH mixture agrees better with the experiment than the Stewart–Pyatt and Thomas–Fermi models when the screening from free electrons contributed by hydrogen atoms is included. Our results provide useful information concerning the ionization balance and can be applied to investigate the opacity and equations of state for dense plasma under the solar and stellar interior conditions.
Probabilistic interpretation of a system of coupled Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman-Isaacs equations
Authors: Li Juan , Li Wenqiang , Wei Qingmeng
Published: October 2020

By introducing a stochastic differential game whose dynamics and multi-dimensional cost functionals form a multi-dimensional coupled forward-backward stochastic differential equation with jumps, we give a probabilistic interpretation to a system of coupled Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman-Isaacs equations. For this, we generalize the definition of the lower value function initially defined only for deterministic times t and states x to stopping times τ and random variables η ∈ L2(Ω, 𝓕τ, P; ℝ). The generalization plays a key role in the proof of a strong dynamic programming principle. This strong dynamic programming principle allows us to show that the lower value function is a viscosity solution of our system of multi-dimensional coupled Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman-Isaacs equations. The uniqueness is obtained for a particular but important case.
Test performance and predictors of accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration for diagnosing biliary strictures or masses
Authors: Raine Tim , Thomas John P. , Brais Rebecca , Godfrey Edmund , Carroll Nicholas R. , Metz Andrew J.
Published: October 2020

Background and study aims Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) has emerged as an important method for obtaining a preoperative tissue diagnosis for suspected cholangiocarcinoma. However, doubts remain about test sensitivity. This study assessed the value and limitations of EUS-FNA in clinical practice.

Patients and methods Patients undergoing EUS-FNA for biliary strictures/masses at a UK tertiary referral center from 2005 to 2014 were prospectively enrolled. Data on EUS-FNA findings, histology, and endoscopy and patient outcomes were collected to evaluate test performance and identify factors predictive of an inaccurate diagnostic result.

Results Ninety-seven patients underwent a total of 112 EUS-FNA procedures. Overall test sensitivity for an initial EUS-FNA for suspected cholangiocarcinoma was 75 % (95 % CI 64 %–84 %), with specificity 100 % (95 % CI 85 %–100 %) and negative predictive value 0.62 (95 % CI 0.47–0.75). Hilar lesions, the presence of a biliary stent, and a diagnosis of PSC were significantly independently associated with an inaccurate result. For the most difficult cases, repeat sampling and use of the Papanicolaou cytopathology grading scale led to an increase in test sensitivity from 17 % to 100 % (P = 0.015) with no loss of specificity.

Conclusions EUS-FNA was found to be a useful method for obtaining a preoperative tissue diagnosis for patients with suspected cholangiocarcinoma. This study identified markers that can reduce test accuracy and measures that can improve test performance of EUS-FNA.
CT imaging features of the normal parathyroid gland in the dog
Authors: Lautscham Esther , von Klopmann Clea , Schaub Sebastian , Stengel Christiane , Hartmann Antje
Published: October 2020

Gegenstand und Ziel Ziel dieser prospektiven Pilotstudie war zu beurteilen, ob die physiologische Glandula parathyroidea beim Hund computertomografisch dargestellt werden kann, und eine Beschreibung ihres CT-Erscheinungsbildes zu geben.

Material und Methoden In die Studie wurden 25 Hunde aufgenommen, bei denen aufgrund von Erkrankungen im Halsbereich ohne Bezug zu Schild- oder Nebenschilddrüse ein CT-Scan erfolgte. Einschlusskriterium waren unauffällige Befunde bei der allgemeinen klinischen Untersuchung und der Blutuntersuchung (Blutbild und blutchemische Analyse). CT-Bilder vor und nach Kontrastmittelapplikation (30–45 Sekunden nach der Kontrastmittelinjektion, frühe venöse Phase) wurden mit einem 16-Schichten-Spiral-CT unter Verwendung eines Field of View von 18 cm, einer Schichtdicke von 1 mm und einer Matrix von 512 × 512 angefertigt. Zwei Radiologen begutachteten die CT-Aufnahmen unabhängig voneinander. Die Sichtbarkeit der Parathyreoidea wurde erfasst und die Interobserver-Reliabilität ermittelt. Bei den darstellbaren Nebenschilddrüsen wurden folgende Parameter bestimmt: Größe, Dichte (in Hounsfield Units [HU], vor und nach Kontrastmittelgabe), Dichte der Schilddrüse, Abgrenzung (exzellent, mäßig, schlecht).

Ergebnisse Nur 20 bzw. 25 Nebenschilddrüsen waren durch die beiden Untersucher erkennbar. Die Anzahl differierte zwischen Nativaufnahmen und Bildern nach Kontrastmittelgabe nicht. Die Interobserver-Reliabilität hinsichtlich der Erkennbarkeit war moderat (κ = 0,40). Für Länge, Breite und Höhe der Nebenschilddrüsen (Mittelwert ± Standardabweichung) ergaben sich 4,2 × 2,5 × 2,9 mm ± 1,3 × 0,8 × 1,0 mm. Die Dichte betrug 39,7 ± 20,6 HU vor und 103,1 ± 47,1 HU nach Kontrastmittelgabe. Damit stellten sich die Nebenschilddrüsen im Vergleich zur Schilddrüse (vor und nach Kontrastmittelgabe 166,7 ± 34,3 HU bzw. 234,0 ± 60,1 HU) hypoattenuierend dar.

Schlussfolgerung Diese Studie liefert die erste Beschreibung des CT-Erscheinungsbilds der angenommen physiologischen Nebenschilddrüse beim Hund. Die Sichtbarkeit des Organs war jedoch schlecht.

Klinische Relevanz Trotz der schlechten Visualisierung der Nebenschilddrüse im CT ist sie gelegentlich wahrnehmbar. Die ermittelten Dimensionen waren teilweise größer als bisher für sonografische Darstellung beschrieben, ohne dass die untersuchten Hunde erkennbare Symptome eines Hyperparathyreodismus aufwiesen. Eine computertomografisch sichtbare Nebenschilddrüse impliziert daher möglicherweise nicht unbedingt eine Erkrankung. Weitere Studien dazu sind notwendig.
Ulzerative granulomatöse Kolitis durch Prototheca spp. bei einem Rhodesian Ridgeback in Deutschland
Authors: Geisen Vera , Mayer Christian , Harrer Julia , Hartmann Katrin , Ulrich Sebastian , Unterer Stefan
Published: October 2020

Ein 10 Monate alter, männlich intakter Rhodesian Ridgeback wurde wegen chronischen Dickdarmdurchfalls und Hämatochezie vorgestellt. Der Hund stammte aus Deutschland und hatte das Land nie verlassen. Die Laboruntersuchung des vorbehandelnden Tierarztes ergab neben einer Neutrophilie eine Hyperkaliämie und eine Hyponatriämie. Mit einem Serumbasalkortisolwert von 4,3 µg/dl konnte ein Hypoadrenokortizismus weitgehend ausgeschlossen werden. Eine vom Tierarzt durch geführte antibiotische Behandlung hatte keine Besserung bewirkt. Daher war der Hund mit Prednisolon behandelt worden. Unter 2-wöchiger Prednisolongabe kam es zu einer deutlichen Verstärkung des Durchfalls sowie einem Gewichtsverlust von 6 kg. Bei Vorstellung an der Medizinischen Kleintierklinik der LMU München war der Hund im Allgemeinbefinden mittelgradig reduziert, deutlich abgemagert, dehydriert, hypovolämisch und hatte eine rektale Körpertemperatur von 39,6 °C. Bei der sonografischen Untersuchung zeigte sich eine generalisiert verdickte Dickdarmwand und koloskopisch eine hochgradig ulzerativ veränderte Dickdarmschleimhaut. Histologischer Befund war eine ulzerative granulomatöse Kolitis. Durch die Periodic-Acid-Schiff-Reaktion ließen sich in den Schnitten der Dickdarmbioptate mikrobielle Strukturen darstellen, die für eine Algeninfektion diagnostisch waren. Die bei der mikrobiellen Untersuchung anzüchtbaren Prototheken wurden mittels MALDI-TOF-MS als Prototheca zopfii identifiziert. Zum Nachweis einer möglichen Immundefizienz wurden die Immunglobuline im Serum bestimmt. Die IgM-Konzentration war erniedrigt, während sich IgG- und IgA-Konzentration im Referenzbereich befanden. Aufgrund der Verschlechterung des Allgemeinbefindens, der vorsichtigen Prognose und der hohen Kosten eines Therapieversuchs wurde der Hund eine Woche später euthanasiert und der Tierkörper pathologisch untersucht. Histopathologisch wurden Prototheken auch in den abdominalen Lymphknoten, jedoch nicht in den Augen oder im zentralen Nervensystem identifiziert. Der Fall zeigt, dass eine Prototheken-Infektion auch bei Hunden aus Deutschland als Differenzialdiagnose für chronischen Dickdarmdurchfall in Betracht gezogen werden sollte, insbesondere bei Patienten mit ulzerativer granulomatöser Kolitis. Sie kann bei der histologischen Untersuchung ohne Spezialfärbung leicht übersehen werden.
Profiling and Quantification of the Key Phytochemicals from the Drumstick Tree (Moringa oleifera) and Dietary Supplements by UHPLC-PDA-MS
Authors: Fantoukh Omer I. , Wang Yan-Hong , Parveen Abidah , Hawwal Mohammed F. , Al-Hamoud Gadah A. , Ali Zulfiqar , Chittiboyina Amar G. , Khan Ikhlas A.
Published: October 2020

Moringa oleifera is known as a drumstick tree and is cultivated in the subtropics and tropics. It exhibits antihypertensive and antidiabetic effects. An ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed for the determination of 9 phytochemicals in M. oleifera leaves and marketed products. The efficient separation was achieved within 7 min with a temperature of 45 °C by using a C-18 column as the stationary phase and water/acetonitrile with 0.05% formic acid as the mobile phase. The method was validated for linearity, repeatability, limits of detection, and limits of quantification. The limits of detections of phenolic compounds 1 – 9 were as low as 0.2 µg/mL. The photodiode array detector at 220 and 255 nm wavelengths was recruited for quantification. The key phytochemicals were detected in the range of 0.42 to 2.57 mg/100 mg sample weight in 13 dietary supplements. This study considers the quantitative analysis for lignans in M. oleifera for the first time. Isoquercitrin (5) and quercetin 3-O-(6-O-malonyl)-β−D-glucopyranoside (6) predominates the leaves of M. oleifera with inherent degradable nature detected for compound 6. Niazirin (2) was detected in amounts between 0.010 – 0.049 mg/100 mg while compound 1 was undetectable and potentially an artifact because of the fractionation process. The characterization and confirmation of components were achieved by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry with extractive ion monitoring for the positive and negative ion modes. The developed and validated method is robust and rapid in the conclusive quantification of phytochemicals and authentication of the Moringa samples for quality assurance.
Beta-Hydroxybutyrat-Messung mit dem GlucoMen®LX Plus zur Diagnose der diabetischen Ketoazidose bei Hunden und Katzen
Authors: Schramm Fabian , Weiß Mirjam , Dahlem Dorothee
Published: October 2020

Gegenstand und Ziel Die Messung des Ketonkörpers Beta-Hydroxybutyrat (BOHB) spielt für die Diagnostik, Prognose und Therapiewahl bei der diabetischen Ketoazidose von Hund und Katze eine wichtige Rolle. Ziel dieser Studie war, für beide Tierarten klinisch anwendbare Cut-off-Werte für die BOHB-Messung mit dem Glukometer GlucoMen®LX Plus zu etablieren.

Material und Methoden Anhand von Anamnese und den Laborbefunden pH-Wert, Glukose-, HCO3 –-Konzentration und Anionenlücke wurden 4 Probandengruppen gebildet (diabetische Ketoazidose, Diabetes mellitus ohne Ketoazidose, katabole, nicht diabetische Stoffwechsellage, Kontrolle). Bei allen Tieren erfolgte eine Messung der BOHB-Konzentration mit dem GlucoMen®LX Plus. Die Ergebnisse wurden in einer ROC-Kurven-Analyse zur Ermittlung der Cut-off-Werte verwendet.

Ergebnisse In die Studie einbezogen wurden 47 Hunde und 55 Katzen. Der Cut-off-Wert zur Differenzierung zwischen Ketose und Ketoazidose betrug beim Hund 2,55 mmol/l und bei der Katze 4,05 mmol/l bei einer Sensitivität von 100 % und einer Spezifität von 82 % bzw. 100 % (Katze). Zwischen Ketose und kataboler Stoffwechsellage ergab sich ein Cut-off-Wert von 0,25 mmol/l beim Hund und 0,35 mmol/l bei der Katze bei einer Sensitivität von 58 % bzw. 59 % und einer Spezifität von 90 %.

Schlussfolgerung Die Messung mit dem GlucoMen®LX Plus eignet sich bei Hund und Katze zur sicheren Unterscheidung zwischen Ketoazidose und Ketose. Die ermittelten Cut-off-Werte liefern eine gute Sensitivität und Spezifität. Eine Unterscheidung zu anderen katabolen Stoffwechsellagen kann allerdings nicht sicher erfolgen.

Klinische Relevanz Anhand der ermittelten Cut-off-Werte können sichere Entscheidungen über Therapie und Prognose der diabetischen Ketose/Ketoazidose getroffen werden. Die Auswertung und Anpassung der Therapie kann direkt am Patienten bzw. mit dem Patientenbesitzer zusammen getroffen werden. Die BOHB-Messung eignet sich zur Spezifizierung der Diagnose einer DKA, die initiale Diagnose und Differenzierung zu anderen katabolen Störungen sollten allerdings nicht allein auf diesem Parameter beruhen. Hier muss zusätzliche Diagnostik erfolgen.
Novel polyp detection technology for colonoscopy: 3D optical scanner
Authors: Refai Hakki , Koudsi Badia , Kudsi Omar Yusef
Published: October 2020

Background and study aims Fifty-eight percent of American adults aged 50 to 75 undergo colonoscopies. Multiple factors result in missed lesions, at a rate of approximately 20 %, potentially subjecting patients to colorectal cancer. We report on use of a miniaturized optical scanner and accompanying processing software capable of detecting, measuring, and locating polyps with sub-millimeter accuracy, all in real time.

Materials and methods A prototype 3 D optical scanner was developed that fits within the dimensions of a standard endoscope. After calibration, the system was evaluated in an ex-vivo porcine colon model, using silicon-made polyps.

Results The average distance between two adjacent points in the 3 D point cloud was 94 µm. The results demonstrate high-accuracy measurements and 3 D models while operating at short distances. The scanner detected 6 mm × 3 mm polyps in every trial and identified polyp location with 95-µm accuracy. Registration errors were less than 0.8 % between point clouds based on physical features.

Conclusion We demonstrated that a novel 3 D optical scanning system improves the performance of colonoscopy procedures by using a combination of 3 D and 2 D optical scanning and fast, accurate software for extracting data and generating models. Further studies of the system are warranted.