bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immediate post-exercise blood pressure and arterial compliance in middle-aged and older normotensive females: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Costa Eduardo C. , Boreskie Kevin F. , Scott Kehler D. , Kent David E. , Hay Jacqueline L. , Arora Rakesh C. , Browne Rodrigo A. V. , Duhamel Todd A.
Published: June 2020

This study examined whether immediate post-exercise systolic blood pressure (SBP) is associated with arterial compliance in middle-aged and older normotensive females. A total of 548 normotensive, non-frail females aged 55 years and older with no previous history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) participated in this cross-sectional study. Large and small arterial compliance were assessed by pulse wave analysis. Reduced arterial compliance was defined based on age and sex cutoffs. SBP was measured at rest and immediately following a 3-min moderate step-test. CVD risk factors were also assessed (e.g. resting systolic and diastolic BP, fasting glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, body mass index). A total of 15.1% and 44.0% of the participants showed reduced large and small artery compliance, respectively. Immediate post-exercise SBP was associated with reduced large (OR 1.02 per 1 mmHg increase in post-exercise SBP, 95%CI 1.01–1.04; p = 0.010) and small (OR 1.02 per 1 mmHg increase in post-exercise SBP, 95%CI 1.00–1.03; p = 0.008) arterial compliance. Participants with highest immediate post-exercise SBP (quartile 4; i.e. ≥ 165 mmHg) showed increased odds ratios for reduced large (2.67, 95%CI 1.03–6.94; p = 0.043) and small (2.27, 95%CI 1.22–4.21; p = 0.010) arterial compliance compared to those with the lowest immediate post-exercise SBP (quartile 1; i.e. ≤ 140 mmHg), independent of other established CVD risk factors. Immediate post-exercise SBP following a brief moderate step-test seems to be able to discriminate reduced arterial compliance in middle-aged and older normotensive females.
Anthropometric measures and HbA1c to detect dysglycemia in young Asian women planning conception: The S-PRESTO cohort
Authors: Chu Anne H. Y. , Aris Izzuddin M. , Ng Sharon , Loy See Ling , Bernard Jonathan Y , Tint Mya Thway , Yuan Wen Lun , Godfrey Keith M. , Chan Jerry Kok Yen , Shek Lynette Pei-Chi , Chong Yap Seng , Tan Kok Hian , Ang Seng Bin , Tan Heng Hao , Chern Bernard S. M. , Yap Fabian , Lee Yung Seng , Lek Ngee , Leow Melvin Khee-Shing , Khoo Chin Meng , Chan Shiao-Yng
Published: June 2020

We investigated whether adding anthropometric measures to HbA1c would have stronger discriminative ability over HbA1c alone in detecting dysglycemia (diabetes and prediabetes) among Asian women trying to conceive. Among 971 Singaporean women, multiple regression models and area under receiver-operating characteristic (AUROC) curves were used to analyze associations of anthropometric (weight, height, waist/hip circumferences, 4-site skinfold thicknesses) and HbA1c z-scores with dysglycemia (fasting glucose ≥6.1 mmol/L with 2-hour glucose ≥7.8 mmol/l). The prevalence of dysglycemia was 10.9%. After adjusting for sociodemographic/medical history, BMI (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.62 [95%CI 1.32–1.99]), waist-to-height ratio (OR = 1.74 [1.39–2.17]) and total skinfolds (OR = 2.02 [1.60–2.55]) showed the strongest associations with dysglycemia but none outperformed HbA1c (OR = 4.09 [2.81–5.94]). After adjustment for history, adding BMI, waist-to-height ratio and total skinfolds (anthropometry trio) as continuous variables to HbA1c (AUROC = 0.80 [95%CI 0.75–0.85]) performed similarly to HbA1c alone (AUROC = 0.79 [0.74–0.84]). However, using clinically-defined thresholds without considering history, as in common clinical practice, BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2 + HbA1c ≥ 5.7% (AUROC = 0.70 [0.64–0.75]) and anthropometry trio + HbA1c ≥ 5.7% (AUROC = 0.71 [0.65–0.76]) both outperformed HbA1c ≥ 5.7% alone (AUROC = 0.61 [0.57–0.65]). In a two-stage strategy, incorporating BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2 alongside HbA1c ≥ 5.7% into first-stage screening to identify high risk women for subsequent oral glucose tolerance testing improves dysglycemia detection in Asian women preconception.
Comparison of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage grading scores in patients with aneurysm clipping and coiling
Authors: Fang Yuanjian , Lu Jianan , Zheng Jingwei , Wu Haijian , Araujo Camila , Reis Cesar , Lenahan Cameron , Zhu Suijun , Chen Sheng , Zhang Jianmin
Published: June 2020

Past studies revealed the prognosis differed between aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) patients with surgical clipping and endovascular coiling. We retrospectively reviewed aSAH patients in our institution to investigate the effectiveness of grading scores between two groups. In the surgical clipping group (n = 349), VASOGRADE had a favorable performance for predicting delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) (area under curve (AUC) > 0.750), and had better results than clinical (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS), Hunt & Hess (HH) and radiological scores (modified Fisher Scale (mFS), Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Early Brain Edema Score) (P < 0.05). Clinical and combined scores (VASOGRADE, HAIR) had favorable performance for predicting poor outcome (AUC > 0.750), and had better results than radiological scores (P < 0.05). In the coiling group (n = 320), none of the grading scores demonstrated favorable predictive accuracy for DCI (AUC < 0.750). Only WFNS and VASOGRADE had AUC > 0.700, with better performance than mFS (P < 0.05). The clinical and combined scores showed favorable performance for predicting a poor outcome (AUC > 0.750), and were better than the radiological scores (P < 0.05). Radiological scores appeared inferior to the clinical and combined scores in clipping and coiling groups. VASOGRADE can be an effective grading score in patients with clipping or coiling for predicting DCI and poor outcome.
A single Proteus mirabilis lineage from human and animal sources: a hidden reservoir of OXA-23 or OXA-58 carbapenemases in Enterobacterales
Authors: Bonnin Rémy A. , Girlich Delphine , Jousset Agnès B. , Gauthier Lauraine , Cuzon Gaëlle , Bogaerts Pierre , Haenni Marisa , Madec Jean-Yves , Couvé-Deacon Elodie , Barraud Olivier , Fortineau Nicolas , Glaser Philippe , Glupczynski Youri , Dortet Laurent , Naas Thierry
Published: June 2020

In Enterobacterales, the most common carbapenemases are Ambler’s class A (KPC-like), class B (NDM-, VIM- or IMP-like) or class D (OXA-48-like) enzymes. This study describes the characterization of twenty-four OXA-23 or OXA-58 producing-Proteus mirabilis isolates recovered from human and veterinary samples from France and Belgium. Twenty-two P. mirabilis isolates producing either OXA-23 (n = 21) or OXA-58 (n = 1), collected between 2013 and 2018, as well as 2 reference strains isolated in 1996 and 2015 were fully sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 22 of the 24 isolates, including the isolate from 1996, belonged to a single lineage that has disseminated in humans and animals over a long period of time. The blaOXA-23 gene was located on the chromosome and was part of a composite transposon, Tn6703, bracketed by two copies of IS15∆II. Sequencing using Pacbio long read technology of OXA-23-producing P. mirabilis VAC allowed the assembly of a 55.5-kb structure encompassing the blaOXA-23 gene in that isolate. By contrast to the blaOXA-23 genes, the blaOXA-58 gene of P. mirabilis CNR20130297 was identified on a 6-kb plasmid. The acquisition of the blaOXA-58 gene on this plasmid involved XerC-XerD recombinases. Our results suggest that a major clone of OXA-23-producing P. mirabilis is circulating in France and Belgium since 1996.
Engineering and use of proteinoid polymers and nanocapsules containing agrochemicals
Authors: Sasson Elisheva , Pinhasi Ruth Van Oss , Margel Shlomo , Klipcan Liron
Published: June 2020

To address global challenges such as population growth and climate change, introduction of new technologies and innovations in agriculture are paramount. Polymer-based formulations of agrochemicals have received much attention in recent years, and there is strong motivation to develop agrochemicals that are not harmful to the environment. Proteinoid polymers are produced by thermal step-growth polymerization of natural and unnatural amino acids. Under suitable gentle conditions, the proteinoid polymers may self-assemble to form nano-sized hollow proteinoid nanoparticles (NPs) of a relatively narrow size distribution. Agrochemical molecules may be encapsulated within these hollow proteinoid NPs, integrated in the crude proteinoid shell, or bound covalently/physically to the NP surface. In the present manuscript we prepared and characterized four model proteinoid polymers and NPs: P(KEf), P(KF), P(EWH-PLLA) and P(KWH-PLLA), where Ef denotes the unnatural herbicidal amino acid glufosinate. The NPs were fluorescently labeled and loaded with agrochemicals such as the plant hormone auxin. In addition, the NP surface was hydrophobized by covalent conjugation of dodecyl aldehyde via its surface primary amine groups. Following treatment of the plants with the different fluorescent-labeled NPs, fluorescent microscopic techniques enabled to localize the NPs and observe the accumulation in the plant’s vascular system. Next, using genetically modified plants, which express fluorescent protein and are responsive to the level of auxin, we demonstrated the possibility to deliver encapsulated agrochemicals into cells. We also illustrated that the proteinoid NPs are non-toxic to human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and apart from P(KEf) also to lettuce plants.
The Impact of Stress Caused By Light Penetration and Agrotechnological Tools on Photosynthetic Behavior of Apple Trees
Authors: Laužikė Kristina , Sirgedaitė-Šėžienė Vaida , Uselis Nobertas , Samuolienė Giedrė
Published: June 2020

The aim was to find out the impact of stress, caused by agrotechnological tools on photosynthetic behaviour of apple trees. The apple tree (Malus domestica Borkh.) cultivar Rubin was grafted on dwarfing rootstocks P60, planted in single rows spaced 1.25 m apart with 3.5 m between rows. In contrast to plant senescing reflectance index and nitrogen balance index, the photochemical reflectance index was significantly higher in 2018 compared with 2017. Such differences might be caused by drought stress on the summer and fast recovery before harvest time when measurements were made. The movement of nutrients and water disrupted by trunk incision had significantly negative effect on reflectance indices regardless on the year. Mechanical pruning with trunk incision and calcium-prohexadione lead to decreased dry to fresh weight ratio by 10–12% in first year of treatment. Mechanical pruning had significantly negative impact on photosynthetic rate, compared to pruning by super spindle it decreased 47%. Strong positive correlation between PRI and NBI 0,89–0,94, and strong negative correlations between PRI, NBI and PSRI −0.88 – (−0.91) were determined.
Investigations of the electrochemical performance and filling effects of additives on electroplating process of TSV
Authors: Wu Houya , Wang Yan , Li Zhiyi , Zhu Wenhui
Published: June 2020

Through silicon via (TSV) is one of the most important technologies used in three dimension (3D) packaging. The void-free filling of TSV can be achieved by adding additives into the electrolyte bath during the electrodeposition process. This paper focuses on the effects of three types of commercial additives (the suppressor, the leveler and the accelerator) and analyses additives’ interaction on electroplating through experimental investigations. The results showed that the suppressor, the leveler and the accelerator all have chemical behaviour of inhibition in different degrees to the copper electroplating. The interaction experiments of additives in pairs indicated that the suppressor absorbed on the cathode surface was gradually displaced by the accelerator as the concentration of the accelerator increased; the accelerator and the leveler presented a competitive adsorption relationship; the suppressor and the leveler had a synergistic effect for electroplating inhibition especially under high potential and low suppressor concentration. Experiments of micro via filling by electrodeposition have been conducted to investigated the effects of singular additive and multiple additives on the filling process of the micro vias.
The mechanoelectrical transducer channel is not required for regulation of cochlear blood flow during loud sound exposure in mice
Authors: Burwood George W. S. , Dziennis Suzan , Wilson Teresa , Foster Sarah , Zhang Yuan , Liu Gangjun , Yang Jianlong , Elkins Sean , Nuttall Alfred L.
Published: June 2020

The mammalian cochlea possesses unique acoustic sensitivity due to a mechanoelectrical ‘amplifier’, which requires the metabolic support of the cochlear lateral wall. Loud sound exposure sufficient to induce permanent hearing damage causes cochlear blood flow reduction, which may contribute to hearing loss. However, sensory epithelium involvement in the cochlear blood flow regulation pathway is not fully described. We hypothesize that genetic manipulation of the mechanoelectrical transducer complex will abolish sound induced cochlear blood flow regulation. We used salsa mice, a Chd23 mutant with no mechanoelectrical transduction, and deafness before p56. Using optical coherence tomography angiography, we measured the cochlear blood flow of salsa and wild-type mice in response to loud sound (120 dB SPL, 30 minutes low-pass filtered noise). An expected sound induced decrease in cochlear blood flow occurred in CBA/CaJ mice, but surprisingly the same sound protocol induced cochlear blood flow increases in salsa mice. Blood flow did not change in the contralateral ear. Disruption of the sympathetic nervous system partially abolished the observed wild-type blood flow decrease but not the salsa increase. Therefore sympathetic activation contributes to sound induced reduction of cochlear blood flow. Additionally a local, non-sensory pathway, potentially therapeutically targetable, must exist for cochlear blood flow regulation.
Rigor of Neurovascular Coupling (NVC) Assessment in Newborns Using Different Amplitude EEG Algorithms
Authors: Das Yudhajit , Liu Hanli , Tian Fenghua , Kota Srinivas , Zhang Rong , Chalak Lina F.
Published: June 2020

Birth asphyxia constitutes a major global public health burden for millions of infants with a critical need for real time physiological biomarkers. This proof of concept study targets the translational rigor of such biomarkers and aims to examine whether the variability in the amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG) outputs impact the determination of neurovascular coupling (NVC) in newborns with encephalopathy. A convenience sample with neonatal asphyxia were monitored for twenty hours in the first day of life with EEG and near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)-based cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (SctO2). NVC between aEEG and NIRS-SctO2 was assessed using wavelet transform coherence (WTC) analysis, specifically by the wavelet total pixel number of significant coherences within 95% confidence interval. The raw EEG was converted to aEEG using three different methods: Method (M1) derives from the algorithm by Zhang and Ding. Method (M2) uses a Neonatal EEG Analysis Toolbox (WU-NEAT). Method (M3) extracts output directly from a commercial platform with an undisclosed algorithm. Our results demonstrate excellent agreement with Bland Altman comparisons for WTC-based NVC irrespective of the algorithms used, despite significant heterogeneities in the aEEG tracings produced by three algorithms. Our findings confirm the robustness of NVC wavelet analysis in Neonatal Encephalopathy related to HIE.
Study of Conversion of Bio-oil Model Compounds in Supercritical Water Using Density Functional Theory
Authors: Agrawal Kushagra , Kishore Nanda
Published: June 2020

It is well known that supercritical water is a favourable medium for biomass conversion followed by its hydrodeoxygenation (HDO). Moreover, the actual kinetics and mechanism of reaction occurring in the supercritical water are not yet completely understood, either by experimental or computational approaches. Within the framework of DFT, the major challenge is non-availability of models to simulate supercritical phase. In this study, the authors manually define the descriptors of a solvation model to describe an implicit supercritical phase. In order to examine the suitability of supercritical water for thermal and hydrotreatment of bio-oil model compounds, nine different reactions involving conversion of furfural, tetrahydrofuran, xylose, phenol, guaiacol, ferulic acid, acetic acid, 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde and hydroxyacetone have been considered. Further these reactions are also studied in gas and liquid phase to compare results of different phases, including supercritical water. It was found that while HDO of aromatic compounds like phenol and 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde was favourable in the supercritical phase, smaller molecules like acetic acid and hydroxyacetone did not show much advantage in the supercritical phase over gas and liquid phase. It was also found that the thermochemical parameter - Gibbs free energy change (ΔG) was equally influenced by the solvation effect and the effect of temperature-pressure under supercritical conditions. In several instances, the two effects were found to offset each other in the supercritical phase.
Incidence & Risk Factors of Postoperative Delirium After Spinal Surgery in Older Patients
Authors: Kang Taewook , Park Si Young , Lee Jin Hyeok , Lee Soon Hyuck , Park Jong Hoon , Kim Seul Ki , Suh Seung Woo
Published: June 2020

Although postoperative delirium is a common complication in older patients, few papers have described risk factors after of spinal surgery. The purpose of this study was to analyze various perioperative risk factors for delirium after spinal surgery in older patients. This study was performed on retrospective data collection with prospective design. We analyzed 138 patients over 65 years of age who underwent spinal surgery. Preoperative factors were cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination-Korean (MMSE-K) and the Korean version of the Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98 (K-DRS 98)), age, sex, type of admission, American Society of Anesthesiologist classification, metabolic equivalents, laboratory findings, visual analog scale, and Oswestry Disability Index. Intraoperative factors were operation time, blood loss, and type of procedure. Postoperative factors were blood transfusion and type of postoperative pain control. Postoperative delirium developed in 25 patients (18.16%). Patients were divided into two groups: Group with delirium (group A) and group without delirium (group B). MMSE-K scores in Group A were significantly lower than in Group B (p < 0.001). K-DRS 98 scores were significantly higher in Group A than Group B (p < 0.001). The operation time was longer in Group A than Group B (p = 0.059). On multivariate regression analysis, the odds ratio of K-DRS 98 was 2.43 (p = 0.010). After correction for the interaction between age and MMSE-K, patients younger than 73 years old had a significantly lower incidence of delirium with higher MMSE-K score (p = 0.0014). Older age, low level of preoperative cognitive function, long duration of surgery, and transfusion were important risk factors of postoperative delirium after spinal surgery. It is important to recognize perioperative risk factors and manage appropriately.
Anodal block permits directional vagus nerve stimulation
Authors: Ahmed Umair , Chang Yao-Chuan , Cracchiolo Marina , Lopez Maria F. , Tomaio Jacquelyn N. , Datta-Chaudhuri Timir , Zanos Theodoros P. , Rieth Loren , Al-Abed Yousef , Zanos Stavros
Published: June 2020

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a bioelectronic therapy for disorders of the brain and peripheral organs, and a tool to study the physiology of autonomic circuits. Selective activation of afferent or efferent vagal fibers can maximize efficacy and minimize off-target effects of VNS. Anodal block (ABL) has been used to achieve directional fiber activation in nerve stimulation. However, evidence for directional VNS with ABL has been scarce and inconsistent, and it is unknown whether ABL permits directional fiber activation with respect to functional effects of VNS. Through a series of vagotomies, we established physiological markers for afferent and efferent fiber activation by VNS: stimulus-elicited change in breathing rate (ΔBR) and heart rate (ΔHR), respectively. Bipolar VNS trains of both polarities elicited mixed ΔHR and ΔBR responses. Cathode cephalad polarity caused an afferent pattern of responses (relatively stronger ΔBR) whereas cathode caudad caused an efferent pattern (stronger ΔHR). Additionally, left VNS elicited a greater afferent and right VNS a greater efferent response. By analyzing stimulus-evoked compound nerve potentials, we confirmed that such polarity differences in functional responses to VNS can be explained by ABL of A- and B-fiber activation. We conclude that ABL is a mechanism that can be leveraged for directional VNS.
Polypyrrole-coated needle as an electrospray emitter for ambient mass spectrometry
Authors: de Araújo Giovanna L. , de Aguiar Deborah V. A. , Pereira Igor , da Silva Lidya C. , Chaves Andréa R. , Vaz Boniek G.
Published: June 2020

A method employing a stainless steel needle coated with PPy film for analyte extraction and subsequent analysis by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) under ambient and open-air conditions are shown.
Injectable hydrogels based on MPEG–PCL–RGD and BMSCs for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Kim Hyun Joo , You Su Jung , Yang Dae Hyeok , Eun Jin , Park Hae Kwan , Kim Moon Suk , Chun Heung Jae
Published: June 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the osteogenic potential of BMSCs seeded on RGD-conjugated methoxy polyethylene glycol-polycaprolactone (MP–RGD) in vitro and in vivo.
In situ modulation of silica-supported MoO2/Mo2C heterojunction for enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Kumar Rajinder , Ahmed Zubair , Kumar Ravi , Jha Shambhu Nath , Bhattacharyya Dibyendu , Bera Chandan , Bagchi Vivek
Published: June 2020

Hydrogen being a promising source of clean energy, the production of hydrogen using electrocatalysis and the development of carbon-neutral energy conversion technologies are crucial.
Roles of salts in the chemical vapor deposition synthesis of two-dimensional transition metal chalcogenides
Authors: Xie Chunyu , Yang Pengfei , Huan Yahuan , Cui Fangfang , Zhang Yanfeng
Published: June 2020

This Frontier highlights the roles of added salts in the chemical vapor deposition synthesis of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides.
Cooperative strategies for CO homologation
Authors: Kong Richard Y. , Crimmin Mark R.
Published: June 2020

Recent approaches in which at least two metal or main-group centres are involved in the homologation of CO are reviewed.
Designing asymmetric Dy2 single-molecule magnets with two-step relaxation processes by the modification of the coordination environments of Dy(iii) ions
Authors: Huang Yuan , Li Jia-Xin , Ge Yu , Zhang Xia-Mei , Xu Yang , Li Yahong , Zhang Yi-Quan , Yao Jin-Lei
Published: June 2020

The reaction of Dy(NO3)3·6H2O and an asymmetric Schiff-base ligand H2L afforded two asymmetric dinuclear compound. Both complexes exhibit single-molecule magnet behavior with two-step slow relaxation processes.
[O2Pb3]2(BO3)I: a new lead borate iodide with 1∞[O2Pb3] double chains
Authors: Li Kuan , Yalikun Alimujiang , Su Zhi
Published: June 2020

A new lead borate iodide, [O2Pb3]2(BO3)I, exhibits 1∞[O2Pb3] double chains and large birefringence.
Towards a generic understanding of oxygen evolution reaction kinetics in polymer electrolyte water electrolysis
Authors: Schuler Tobias , Kimura Taro , Schmidt Thomas J. , Büchi Felix N.
Published: June 2020

The reaction order of water and the electro-kinetic parameters are determined for the oxygen evolution reaction on iridium oxide.
High amylose wheat starch structures display unique fermentability characteristics, microbial community shifts and enzyme degradation profiles
Authors: Bui Alexander T. , Williams Barbara A. , Hoedt Emily C. , Morrison Mark , Mikkelsen Deirdre , Gidley Michael J.
Published: June 2020

In vitro fermentation of wheat starch depends on amylose content in cooked but not granule forms, and shows that high amylose wheat is a promising source of fermentable carbohydrate in the large intestine.
Cost-effective materials discovery: Bayesian optimization across multiple information sources
Authors: Herbol Henry C. , Poloczek Matthias , Clancy Paulette
Published: June 2020

Multi-information source Bayesian optimization and how it can be used to capture relevant information from cheap approximations to accelerate research in the materials sciences.
Morphology-controlled silver nanowire synthesis using a cocamidopropyl betaine-based polyol process for flexible and stretchable electronics
Authors: Li Yuxiu , Li Yao , Fan Zhengyang , Yang Hongwei , Yuan Ximin , Wang Chuan
Published: June 2020

Ultra-long silver nanowires with a length of ∼120 μm were synthesised using a cocamidopropyl betaine-based polyol process.
Piezoelectric polymer nanofibers for pressure sensors and their applications in human activity monitoring
Authors: Zhu Minmin , Chng Soon Siang , Cai Weifan , Liu Chongyang , Du Zehui
Published: June 2020

Miniaturized, wearable and self-powered sensors are crucial for applications in artificial intelligence, robotics, healthcare, and communication devices.
A new dendrimer series: synthesis, free radical scavenging and protein binding studies
Authors: Makawana Dhaval , Singh Man
Published: June 2020

Superhydrophobic dendrimers with excellent antioxidant properties, and the ability to bind proteins and enzymes in their functional void spaces.
Direct regioisomer analysis of crude reaction mixtures via molecular rotational resonance (MRR) spectroscopy
Authors: Joyce Leo A. , Schultz Danielle M. , Sherer Edward C. , Neill Justin L. , Sonstrom Reilly E. , Pate Brooks H.
Published: June 2020

Direct analyses of crude reaction mixtures have been carried out using molecular rotational resonance (MRR) spectroscopy, allowing identification and quantification of major and minor components without sample purification or reference standards.
Foam trapping in a 3D porous medium: in situ observations by ultra-fast X-ray microtomography
Authors: Poryles Raphaël , Gland Nicolas , King Andrew , Rosenberg Elisabeth , Barré Loïc , Chevalier Thibaud
Published: June 2020

Micro-macro correlation applied to a foam flowing in a 3D porous medium using fast X-Ray tomography: trapped bubbles evolution versus pressure drop and saturation.
Hyperuniformity and density fluctuations at a rigidity transition in a model of biological tissues
Authors: Zheng Yuanjian , Li Yan-Wei , Ciamarra Massimo Pica
Published: June 2020

Density fluctuations are suppressed up to a length scale which diverges at the putative solid–liquid transition.
Enzymatically degradable, starch-based layer-by-layer films: application to cytocompatible single-cell nanoencapsulation
Authors: Moon Hee Chul , Han Sol , Borges João , Pesqueira Tamagno , Choi Hyunwoo , Han Sang Yeong , Cho Hyeoncheol , Park Ji Hun , Mano João F. , Choi Insung S.
Published: June 2020

Starch-based layer-by-layer (LbL) nanofilms are formed and enzymatically degraded on individualSaccharomyces cerevisiaein a highly cytocompatible fashion. Their enzymatic degradation by α-amylase is also exploited for the controlled release of DNA.
Mechanically adaptive implants fabricated with poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)-based negative photoresists
Authors: Monney Baptiste , Hess-Dunning Allison E. , Gloth Paul , Capadona Jeffrey R. , Weder Christoph
Published: June 2020

A negative photoresist approach towards physiologically responsive mechanically adaptive polymers that soften upon insertion into the body is reported. The framework relies on photoresists that can be processed into implants having complex shapes.
Local delivery of FTY720 in mesoporous bioactive glass improves bone regeneration by synergistically immunomodulating osteogenesis and osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Liu Lu , Zhao Fujian , Chen Xiaoyu , Luo Man , Yang Zhen , Cao Xiaodong , Miao Guohou , Chen Dafu , Chen Xiaofeng
Published: June 2020

FTY720@MBGs improve bone regeneration by synergistically immunomodulating osteogenesis and osteoclastogenesis.
A physiologically active interpenetrating collagen network that supports growth and migration of epidermal keratinocytes: zinc-polyP nanoparticles integrated into compressed collagen
Authors: Müller Werner E. G. , Schepler Hadrian , Tolba Emad , Wang Shunfeng , Ackermann Maximilian , Muñoz-Espí Rafael , Xiao Shichu , Tan Rongwei , She Zhending , Neufurth Meik , Schröder Heinz C. , Wang Xiaohong
Published: June 2020

It is demonstrated that polyphosphate, as a component in wound healing mats together with Zn2+, is essential for growth and migration of skin keratinocytes.
Synergetic defects boost charge separation in CN for enhanced photocatalytic water splitting
Authors: Chi Hualin , Liu Jiaxi , Zhang Xiuyun , Xue Xiaogang , Zhang Doudou , Lin Xiangcheng , Huang Pengru , Sun Lixian , Xiong Jian , Cai Ping , Zhang Jian
Published: June 2020

The synergetic modification of electronic structure by nitrogen vacancy (VN) and hydroxyl is more beneficial to carrier separation for superior photocatalytic hydrogen rates (∼2253.6 μmol h−1 g−1) than merely VN modification of CN, which proved to generate deep trap states of electrons.
Navigating LGBTQ+ discrimination in academia: where do we go from here?
Authors: Taylor Kirk A. ,   Anonymous
Published: June 2020

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and sexually/gender diverse (LGBTQ+) individuals have long been underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and these environments have often been portrayed as spaces in which personal identity does not matter. However, for LGBTQ+ individuals, this means suppressing their gender identity and expression and remaining closeted at work, creating an uncomfortable work environment, and this can affect their performance and mental health. Multiple reports have been published within the last decade investigating the experiences of LGBTQ+ people in science. These reports all highlight a common observation that, at some point in their time within science, the majority of individuals have experienced discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Here, in our opinion piece, we discuss our experiences of being LGBTQ+ in bioscience, the various types of discrimination that LGBTQ+ scientists may face in academia and some of the existing initiatives and campaigns in place to combat this.
Fusion in situ versus reduction for spondylolisthesis treatment: grading the evidence through a meta-analysis
Authors: He Rui , Tang Guo-lin , Chen Kun , Luo Zheng-liang , Shang Xifu
Published: June 2020

Purpose: During surgical procedure on lumbar spondylolisthesis, the role of reducing slip remains controversial. The purpose of the present study was to compare fusion in situ with reduction in clinical and radiographic outcomes.

Methods: A literature research was performed at PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. After screening by two authors, ten articles were brought into this meta-analysis finally, and the quality was evaluated by the modified Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). Isthmic, moderate, and serious spondylolisthesis were all analyzed separately. Sensitivity analyses were performed for high-quality studies, and the publication bias was evaluated by the funnel plot.

Results: Most criteria did not have statistical differences between reduction and fusion in situ groups. However, in reduction group, the union rate was significantly higher (P=0.008), the slippage was much improved (P<0.001) and the hospital stay was much shorter comparing to no-reduction group (P<0.001). Subgroup analysis (containing moderate and serious slip, or isthmic spondylolisthesis) and sensitivity analysis were all consistent with original ones, and the funnel plot indicated no obvious publication bias in this meta-analysis.

Conclusions: Both reduction and fusion in situ for lumbar spondylolisthesis were related with good clinical results. Reduction led to higher rate of fusion, better radiographic slippage, and shorter hospital stay. After sufficient decompression, reduction did not incur additional risk of neurologic impairment compared with fusion in situ.
Identification of metastasis and prognosis-associated genes for serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Yang Yijun , Qi Suwan , shi Can , Han Xiao , Yu Juanpeng , Zhang Lei , Qin Shanshan , Gao Yingchun
Published: June 2020

Serous ovarian cancer is one of the most fatal gynecological tumors with an extremely low 5-year survival rate. Most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage with wide metastasis. The dysregulation of genes serves an important role in the metastasis progression of ovarian cancer. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between primary tumors and metastases of serous ovarian cancer were screened out in the gene expression profile of GSE73168 from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Cytoscape plugin cytoHubba and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were utilized to select hub genes. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to screen out prognosis-associated genes. Furthermore, the Oncomine validation, prognostic analysis, methylation mechanism, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), TIMER database analysis and administration of candidate molecular drugs were conducted for hub genes. Nine hundred and fifty-seven DEGs were identified in the gene expression profile of GSE73168. After using Cytoscape plugin cytoHubba, 83 genes were verified. In co-expression network, the blue module was most closely related to tumor metastasis. Furthermore, the genes in Cytoscape were analyzed, showing that the blue module and screened 17 genes were closely associated with tumor metastasis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression revealed that the age, stage and STMN2 were independent prognostic factors. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) suggested that the up-regulated expression of STMN2 was related to poor prognosis of ovarian cancer. Thus, STMN2 was considered as a new key gene after expression validation, survival analysis and TIMER database validation. GSEA confirmed that STMN2 was probably involved in ECM receptor interaction, focal adhesion, TGF beta signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway. Furthermore, three candidate small molecule drugs for tumor metastasis (diprophylline, valinomycin and anisomycin) were screened out. The quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot showed that STMN2 was highly expressed in ovarian cancer tissue and ovarian cancer cell lines. Further studies are needed to investigate these prognosis-associated genes for new therapy target.
An Exploratory Study of Early Auditory Evoked Potentials in Cannabis Smokers
Authors: Baiduc Rachael R. , Mullervy Sarah , Berry Caitlin M. , Brumbach Samantha , Prabhu Shashidhar , Vance Eric A.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Cannabis is widely used for medicinal and recreational purposes. Studies have evaluated its health benefits and consequences, although there is limited work on its effects on the auditory system. In this exploratory study, we evaluate the effects of cannabis smoking on early auditory evoked potentials.

Method

We investigated auditory brainstem response (ABR) and electrocochleography waveforms in 18 cannabis smokers (44% women, 54% men;
M
age
= 23.06 years, range: 21–28 years) and 19 nonsmoker controls (63% women, 37% men;
M
age
= 23.74 years, range: 21–33 years). Threshold ABRs were recorded using rarefaction clicks at a rate of 17.7/s from 80 dB nHL to Wave V threshold. Resulting amplitudes and latencies for Waves I, III, and V were compared via independent-samples
t
tests. Electrocochleograms obtained with 90 dB nHL (7.1/s) alternating clicks were assessed for summating and compound action potentials, which were compared between groups using independent-samples
t
tests.

Results

ABR Wave I amplitudes were significantly lower in smokers (
M
= 0.14 μV,
SD
= 0.11) compared to nonsmokers (
M
= 0.21 μV,
SD
= 0.10,
p
= .039) at 80 dB nHL. Wave V latencies were significantly delayed in smokers at 80 dB nHL. Wave I and III latencies did not differ significantly between the two groups. Summating potential/compound action potential ratios were significantly elevated in smokers (
M
= 0.30,
SD
= 0.04) versus nonsmokers (
M
= 0.21,
SD
= 0.05,
p
= .042).

Conclusion

We identified significant differences in electrophysiological outcomes between cannabis smokers and nonsmokers. Cannabis smoking may have a subtle neurotoxic effect on the auditory system. Larger confirmatory studies are warranted.
Characteristics and Help-Seeking Behavior of People Failing a Smart Device Self-Test for Hearing
Authors: Schönborn Danielle , Asmail Faheema Mahomed , De Sousa Karina C. , Laplante-Lévesque Ariane , Moore David R. , Smits Cas , Swanepoel De Wet
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study investigated user characteristics, help-seeking behavior, and follow-up actions of people who failed an app-based digits-in-noise hearing screening test, considering their stage of change.

Method

Test and user characteristics of 3,092 listeners who failed the test were retrospectively analyzed. A posttest survey determining follow-up (verb) actions was sent to listeners who failed the test (
n
= 1,007), of which 59 responded.

Results

The majority of listeners were in the precontemplation stage (75.5%). Age and stage of change were significant (
p
< .05) predictors of the digits-in-noise speech recognition threshold (DIN SRT). Listeners in the precontemplation stage were significantly younger than in other stages (
p
< .05). Posttest survey response rate was low (5.9%). Of those, most (82.4%) did not think they had a hearing loss. Only 13.6% followed up with an audiologist.

Conclusion

Older people presented with poorer DIN SRTs and were typically in a more advanced stage of change. The majority of those who did not follow up after failing the screening test did not believe they had a hearing loss. A combination of factors, including poor DIN SRT, older age, and a more advanced stage of change inclined participants to follow up with audiological care.
Evaluating the Function of the Medial Olivocochlear Bundle in Patients With Bilateral Tinnitus
Authors: Cheng Lin-Hua , Wang Chih-Hung , Lu Rou-Huei , Chen Yu-Fu
Published: June 2020

Purpose

No study has investigated the effects of contralateral noise (CN) on speech-in-noise perception (SINP) in listeners with tinnitus. The mechanisms underlying the involvement of medial olivocochlear (MOC) reflex with SINP remain to be elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the MOC function in patients with bilateral tinnitus by measuring distortion product otoacoustic emission and SINP.

Method

Eighteen patients with bilateral tinnitus (one male and 17 females; age:M±SD= 45.61 ± 10.18 years) and 19 listeners without tinnitus (six males and 13 females; age:M±SD= 34.11 ± 8.35 years) were recruited for the study. Each subject underwent distortion product otoacoustic emission measurement and the SINP test for both ears. The effects of CN on these two measurements were compared between tinnitus ears (TEs) and no-tinnitus ears (NTEs).

Results

The presence of CN significantly reduced distortion product (DP) amplitudes and improved SINP for TEs, and the amounts of DP suppression and SINP improvement were similar to those in NTEs. Improvement of SINP was positively correlated with DP suppression at 6185 Hz for NTEs and at 1640 Hz for TEs.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that the amounts of DP suppression and SINP improvement were similar between listeners with and without tinnitus. For both ear groups, the MOC reflex was involved with SINP at specific frequencies. Any clinical test outcomes with regard to the MOC bundle in patients with tinnitus should be interpreted with caution until further studies are conducted.
Catalogue of the central stars of planetary nebulae
Authors: Weidmann W. A. , Mari M. B. , Schmidt E. O. , Gaspar G. , Miller Bertolami M. M. , Oio G. A. , Gutiérrez-Soto L. A. , Volpe M. G. , Gamen R. , Mast D.
Published: June 2020

Planetary nebulae represent a potential late stage of stellar evolution, however, their central stars (CSPNe) are relatively faint and, therefore, pertinent information is available for merely < 20% of the Galactic sample. Consequently, the literature was surveyed to construct a new catalogue of 620 CSPNe featuring important spectral classifications and information. The catalogue supersedes the existing iteration by 25% and includes physical parameters such as luminosity, surface gravity, temperature, magnitude estimates, and references for published spectra. The marked statistical improvement enabled the following pertinent conclusions to be determined: the H-rich/H-poor ratio is 2:1, there is a deficiency of CSPNe with types [WC 5-6], and nearly 80% of binary central stars belong to the H-rich group. The last finding suggests that evolutionary scenarios leading to the formation of binary central stars interfere with the conditions required for the formation of H-poor CSPN. Approximately 50% of the sample with derived values of log L⋆, log Teff, and log g, exhibit masses and ages consistent with single stellar evolutionary models. The implication is that single stars are indeed able to form planetary nebulae. Moreover, it is shown that H-poor CSPNe are formed by higher mass progenitors. The catalogue is available through the Vizier database.
The origin of the escape of Lyman α and ionizing photons in Lyman continuum emitters
Authors: Gazagnes S. , Chisholm J. , Schaerer D. , Verhamme A. , Izotov Y.
Published: June 2020

Context. Identifying the physical mechanisms driving the escape of Lyman continuum (LyC) photons is crucial for the search of Lyman continuum emitter (LCE) candidates.

Aims. To understand the physical properties involved in the leakage of LyC photons, we investigate the connection between the H I covering fraction, H I velocity width, the Lyman α (Lyα) properties, and the escape of LyC photons in a sample of 22 star-forming galaxies, which includes 13 confirmed LCEs.

Methods. We fit the stellar continuum, dust attenuation, and absorption lines between 920 Å and 1300 Å to extract the H I covering fractions and dust attenuation. Additionally, we measure the H I velocity widths of the optically thick Lyman series and derive the Lyα equivalent widths (EW), escape fractions (fesc), peak velocities, and fluxes at the minimum of the observed Lyα profiles.

Results. Overall, we highlight strong observational correlations between the presence of low H I covering fractions and the observation of (1) low Lyα peak velocities; (2) more flux at the profile minimum; and (3) larger EW(Lyα), fesc(Lyα), and fescobs(LyC). Hence, low column density channels are crucial ISM ingredients for the leakage of Lyα and LyC photons. Additionally, galaxies with narrower H I absorption velocity widths have higher Lyα equivalent widths, larger Lyα escape fractions, and lower Lyα peak velocity separations. This may suggest that these galaxies have low H I column density. Finally, we find that dust also regulates the amount of Lyα and LyC radiation that actually escapes the ISM.

Conclusions. The ISM porosity is one of the origins of strong Lyα emission, enabling the escape of ionizing photons in low-z leakers. However, this is not sufficient to explain the largest fescobs(LyC), which indicates that the most extreme LCEs are likely to be density-bounded along all lines of sight to the observer. Overall, the neutral gas porosity provides a constraint for a lower limit to the escape fraction of LyC and Lyα photons, which offers a key estimator for assessing the leakage of ionizing photons.
Psychedelika, Cannabinoide und Cathinone – Ergebnisse einer
lebensweltnahen Erhebung zum Konsum neuer psychoaktiver Substanzen (NPS) in
Deutschland und anderen europäischen Ländern
Authors: Werse Bernd , Kamphausen Gerrit
Published: June 2020

Ziele Die Studie hat unterschiedliche Gruppen von Personen, die
aktuell neue psychoaktive Substanzen (NPS) konsumieren –
Marginalisierte, Partybesucher und Onlineaffine – aus 6
EU-Ländern (DE, HU, IRL, NL, PL, PT) im Fokus: wie unterscheiden
sich diese Gruppen im Hinblick auf Konsumkennzahlen und Konsummotive? Wie
sind in Deutschland und anderen Ländern Konsummuster
unterschiedlicher NPS-Arten sowie Motive zu deren Konsum verbreitet?

Methodik Es wurde eine quantitative Erhebung mittels eines
Online-Fragebogens sowie Face-to-Face-Interviews durchgeführt. Es
wurden einfache statistische Auswertungen durchgeführt; aufgrund der
stark abweichenden Stichprobengrößen pro Land und Zielgruppe
und Gruppenüberschneidungen wurde auf Signifikanztests
verzichtet.

Ergebnisse Bereits bei der Rekrutierung wurde deutlich, dass
insbesondere marginalisierte Konsumenten in den beteiligten Ländern
sehr unterschiedlich vertreten sind, mit Schwerpunkt auf östlichen
Ländern. In allen Gruppen liegen umfangreiche Erfahrungen mit
illegalen Drogen vor. Insgesamt sind Stimulanzien bzw. Empathogene, gefolgt
von Cannabinoiden, am weitesten verbreitet, wobei es nur unter
Marginalisierten nennenswerte Anteile täglich Konsumierender gibt.
Deutsche Befragte weisen besonders hohe Werte für Psychedelika auf.
Auch die angegebenen Motive für den Konsum deuten bei deutschen
Befragten auf eine besondere Orientierung an psychedelischer Erfahrung
hin.

Schlussfolgerung Der Konsum von NPS hat sich auf niedrigem Niveau
etabliert, mit deutlichen Schwerpunkten bezüglich Substanzen,
Konsumierendengruppen und Motiven in unterschiedlichen Ländern.
Pflegerische Maßnahmen nach der Frühextubation bei Fontanpalliation
Authors: Tiemann Imke
Published: June 2020

Wartezeiten zum Lernen nutzen – das ist die Idee der One Minute Wonder. Wir stellen in loser Reihe OMWs zu verschiedenen Themen vor.
Pflegemodelle kritisch hinterfragt
Authors: Carter Bernie
Published: June 2020

Bernie Carter ist Professorin für Kinderkrankenpflege in Großbritannien. Ihre Forschung ist auf Kinder und junge Menschen fokussiert, deren Leben eingeschränkt wird durch Schmerz, Krankheit oder Behinderung. Im Folgenden setzt sich die Wissenschaftlerin kritisch mit den Modellen der familienzentrierten Pflege und der kindzentrierten Pflege auseinander – und gibt uns Lesern damit viele Infos zum Nachdenken.
Small intestinal dysmotility in cirrhotic patients: correlation with severity of liver disease and cirrhosis-associated complications
Authors: Gundling Felix , Luxi Margo , Seidel Holger , Schepp Wolfgang , Schmidt Thomas
Published: June 2020

Introduction Altered small intestinal motility has been observed in various manometry studies in patients with cirrhosis. Since small bowel manometry is available only in a few centers, interpretation of dysmotility in cirrhosis is controversial.

Patients and Methods In this study, both fasting and postprandial manometric tracings of 24-hour antroduodenojejunal manometries were analyzed using both visual analysis and computer-aided analysis.

Results In 34 patients (83 %), the mean migrating motor complex (MMC) cycle length was different compared with healthy controls. Phase II was prolonged in 27 patients (66 %), while phase I showed a reduced duration in 23 (56 %) and in phase III in 13 individuals (32 %). We also observed special motor patterns, e. g., migrating clustered contractions (MCCs) or retrograde clustered contractions (RCCs), which were present during fasting (69 %) and postprandial (92 %) motility, while none of the healthy controls showed any special motor patterns. Special motor patterns showed a significant correlation with the severity of cirrhosis (Child-Score; p > 0.05) and the existence of ascites (p < 0.05).

Discussion This study in a large cohort of patients with cirrhosis by using 24-hour, solid state portable manometry showed in most individuals disturbances of cyclic fasting motility. Special motor patterns like RCCs during fasting and postprandial motility could be observed exclusively in the cirrhosis group, showing a significant correlation with severity of cirrhosis and the occurence of associated complications.