bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palliative Liver Radiotherapy (RT) for Symptomatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
Authors: Yeung Cynthia S. Y. , Chiang C. L. , Wong Natalie S. M. , Ha S. K. , Tsang K. S. , Ho Connie H. M. , Wang B. , Lee Venus W. Y. , Chan Mark K. H. , Lee Francis A. S.
Published: January 2020

This study aims at evaluating the symptom response, response duration, and toxicity of single dose palliative liver radiotherapy (RT) for symptomatic HCC patients. We reviewed unresectable HCC patients treated with palliative RT in our institution. Eligible patients were unsuitable or refractory to trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), with an index symptom of pain or abdominal discomfort. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients with clinical improvement of index symptom at 1 month. Secondary outcomes were response duration, toxicities, alpha-feto protein (AFP) response, and radiological response. Fifty-two patients were included in the study. The index symptom was pain in 34 patients (65.4%), and abdominal discomfort (34.6%) in 18 patients. At 1 month, 51.9% of patients had improvement of symptoms. Median time to symptom progression was 89 days (range: 12–392 days). Treatment was well tolerated with only 2 patients (3.8%) developing grade 3 GI toxicities. AFP response, radiological response rate, and disease control rate at 3 months were 48.6%, 15.1%, and 54.5% respectively. Half of the patients had improvement of index symptoms after receiving palliative liver RT with median response duration of 3 months. The treatment was well tolerated with minimal toxicities.
Gene-Related Response of Basal Cell Carcinoma to Biologic Treatment with Vismodegib
Authors: Sternfeld Amir , Rosenwasser-Weiss Shirel , Ben-Yehuda Gur , Shefer Hila Kreizman , Friedman-Gohas Moran , Yassur Iftach , Tauber Gil , Bejar Jacob , Olshinka Asaf , Vardizer Yoav , Ad El Dean , Goldenberg-Cohen Nitza
Published: January 2020

We aimed to characterise the response of locally advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC) to systemic treatment with Vismodegib, a Hedgehog pathway inhibitor, by changes in the expression levels of Hedgehog pathway genes. Data were collected prospectively on 12 patients treated systemically for locally advanced BCC. Biopsy samples taken on admission and after treatment cessation were analysed pathologically and with the NanoString nCounter system to quantify the expression of 40 Hedgehog signaling pathway genes. Findings were compared before and after treatment, between complete and partial responders, and with localised BCC samples from 22 patients. Sixteen Hedgehog pathway genes changed significantly from before to after treatment. GAS1 was the only gene with a significantly different expression at baseline between complete responders (6 patients) and partial responders (4 patients) to Vismodegib (P = 0.014). GAS, GLIS2 and PRKACG1 showed different expression before treatment between the locally advanced and localised BCCs. The baseline expression level of GAS1 appears to be predictive of the response of locally advanced BCC to systemic Vismodegib treatment. A change in expression of many Hedgehog pathway genes, albeit expected by the known activity of Vismodegib, may nevertheless serve as an indicator of the response potential of the tumour.
Cancer cell’s neuroendocrine feature can be acquired through cell-cell fusion during cancer-neural stem cell interaction
Authors: Yin Liyuan , Hu Peizhen , Shi Xianping , Qian Weiping , Zhau Haiyen E. , Pandol Stephen J. , Lewis Michael S. , Chung Leland W. K. , Wang Ruoxiang
Published: January 2020

Advanced and therapy-resistant prostate tumors often display neural or neuroendocrine behavior. We assessed the consequences of prostate cancer cell interaction with neural cells, which are rich in the human prostate and resident of the prostate tumor. In 3-dimensional co-culture with neurospheres, red fluorescent human LNCaP cells formed agglomerates on the neurosphere surface. Upon induced neural differentiation, some red fluorescent cells showed morphology of fully differentiated neural cells, indicating fusion between the cancer and neural stem cells. These fusion hybrids survived for extended times in a quiescent state. A few eventually restarted cell division and propagated to form derivative hybrid progenies. Clones of the hybrid progenies were highly heterogeneous; most had lost prostatic and epithelial markers while some had acquired neural marker expression. These results indicate that cancer cells can fuse with bystander neural cells in the tumor microenvironment; and cancer cell fusion is a direct route to tumor cell heterogeneity.
Sex differences in Tfh cell help to B cells contribute to sexual dimorphism in severity of rat collagen-induced arthritis
Authors: Dimitrijević Mirjana , Arsenović-Ranin Nevena , Kosec Duško , Bufan Biljana , Nacka-Aleksić Mirjana , Pilipović Ivan , Leposavić Gordana
Published: January 2020

The study examined germinal centre (GC) reaction in lymph nodes draining inflamed joints and adjacent tissues (dLNs) in male and female Dark Agouti rat collagen type II (CII)-induced arthritis (CIA) model of rheumatoid arthritis. Female rats exhibiting the greater susceptibility to CIA mounted stronger serum CII-specific IgG response than their male counterparts. This correlated with the higher frequency of GC B cells in female compared with male dLNs. Consistently, the frequency of activated/proliferating Ki-67+ cells among dLN B cells was higher in females than in males. This correlated with the shift in dLN T follicular regulatory (Tfr)/T follicular helper (Tfh) cell ratio towards Tfh cells in females, and greater densities of CD40L and CD40 on their dLN T and B cells, respectively. The higher Tfh cell frequency in females was consistent with the greater dLN expression of mRNA for IL-21/27, the key cytokines involved in Tfh cell generation and their help to B cells. Additionally, in CII-stimulated female rat dLN cell cultures IFN-γ/IL-4 production ratio was shifted towards IFN-γ. Consistently, the serum IgG2a(b)/IgG1 CII-specific antibody ratio was shifted towards an IgG2a(b) response in females. Thus, targeting T-/B-cell interactions should be considered in putative further sex-based translational pharmacology research.
Quantitative analysis of therapeutic response in psoriatic arthritis of digital joints with Dual-energy CT iodine maps
Authors: Kayama Reina , Fukuda Takeshi , Ogiwara Sho , Momose Mami , Tokashiki Tadashi , Umezawa Yoshinori , Asahina Akihiko , Fukuda Kunihiko
Published: January 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of quantitative assessment of the therapeutic response in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) by measuring iodine uptake using a Dual-energy CT (DECT) iodine map. The study included 74 symptomatic and 74 matching non-symptomatic joints of 26 consecutive PsA patients who underwent two contrast enhanced DECTs of the hand or foot, pre and post medical interventions. Symptomatic and matched non-symptomatic control joints were scored with the PsA DECT Scoring System (PsADECTS), which was derived by modifying the PsA MRI Scoring System (PsAMRIS), a recently validated scoring system that assesses PsA changes on MRI. Quantified iodine uptake measured using the DECT iodine map was compared to the PsADECTS score. Efficacy of PsA treatment was confirmed by the improved clinical findings. Both PsADECTS and iodine uptake also showed significant improvement after treatment (Wilcoxon signed-rank test: z = 7.38, p < 0.005; z = 6.20, p < 0.005, respectively). The treatment effects of PsADECTS score and iodine uptake showed a good correlation with each other (Spearman’s ρ = 0.58 p < 0.005). Inter-reader agreement for PsADECTS score and iodine uptake were either moderate or good. In conclusion, our study showed that the DECT iodine map is a valid tool for quantitative assessment of the therapeutic response of PsA.
Coulomb explosion of CD3I induced by single photon deep inner-shell ionisation
Authors: Wallner M. , Eland J. H. D. , Squibb R. J. , Andersson J. , Roos A. Hult , Singh R. , Talaee O. , Koulentianos D. , Piancastelli M. N. , Simon M. , Feifel R.
Published: January 2020

L-shell ionisation and subsequent Coulomb explosion of fully deuterated methyl iodide, CD3I, irradiated with hard X-rays has been examined by a time-of-flight multi-ion coincidence technique. The core vacancies relax efficiently by Auger cascades, leading to charge states up to 16+. The dynamics of the Coulomb explosion process are investigated by calculating the ions’ flight times numerically based on a geometric model of the experimental apparatus, for comparison with the experimental data. A parametric model of the explosion, previously introduced for multi-photon induced Coulomb explosion, is applied in numerical simulations, giving good agreement with the experimental results for medium charge states. Deviations for higher charges suggest the need to include nuclear motion in a putatively more complete model. Detection efficiency corrections from the simulations are used to determine the true distributions of molecular charge states produced by initial L1, L2 and L3 ionisation.
A longitudinal study of pupillary light reflex in 6- to 24-month children
Authors: Kercher Clare , Azinfar Leila , Dinalankara Dinalankara M. R. , Takahashi T. Nicole , Miles Judith H. , Yao Gang
Published: January 2020

Pupillary light reflex (PLR) is an involuntary response where the pupil size changes with luminance. Studies have shown that PLR response was altered in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and other neurological disorders. However, PLR in infants and toddlers is still understudied. We conducted a longitudinal study to investigate PLR in children of 6–24 months using a remote pupillography device. The participants are categorized into two groups. The ‘high risk’ (HR) group includes children with one or more siblings diagnosed with ASDs; whereas the ‘low risk’ (LR) group includes children without an ASD diagnosis in the family history. The participants’ PLR was measured every six months until the age of 24 months. The results indicated a significant age effect in multiple PLR parameters including resting pupil radius, minimal pupil radius, relative constriction, latency, and response time. In addition, the HR group had a significantly larger resting and minimal pupil size than the LR group. The experimental data acquired in this study revealed not only general age-related PLR changes in infants and toddlers, but also different PLRs in children with a higher risk of ASD.
Kinetics of the radiative and nonradiative recombination in polar and semipolar InGaN quantum wells
Authors: Marona Lucja , Schiavon Dario , Baranowski Michał , Kudrawiec Robert , Gorczyca Iza , Kafar Anna , Perlin Piotr
Published: January 2020

We studied mechanisms of recombination in InGaN quantum wells in polar and semipolar structures. Photoluminescence measurements show that the optical emission linewidths for polar and semipolar structures are almost identical suggesting the same level of indium fluctuations in quanutm wells. Their “peak-energy-versus-temperature” relations demonstrate very pronounced “s-shape” effect. Emission linewidth measured by cathodoluminescence does not depend on area from which the light is collected meaning that the fluctuations are smaller that 100 nm. The time scale of recombination process are of the order of 80 ns for polar and 2 ns for semipolar. Energy dispersion of the recombination time is strong in polar structures and very weak in semipolar ones which can be interperted in terms of electric field influence on photoluminescence lifetime energy dispersion. At room temparture emmission is dominated by Schockley-Hall-Read recombination and does not show any dispersion. Rate equation analysis of photoluminescence transients show domination of excitonic recombination in the case of polar samples (low temperature) and bimolecular in the case of semipolar ones. Both types of quantum wells, polar and semipolar look similar from the point of view of localization but differ in their radiative recombination mechanisms.
Adaptive optical beam steering and tuning system based on electrowetting driven fluidic rotor
Authors: Cheng Weifeng , Liu Jiansheng , Zheng Zheng , He Xukun , Zheng Bowen , Zhang Hualiang , Cui Huachen , Zheng Xiaoyu , Zheng Tao , Gnade Bruce E. , Cheng Jiangtao
Published: January 2020

Reconfigurable beam steering components are indispensable to support optical and photonic network systems operating with high adaptability and with various functions. Currently, almost all such components are made of solid parts whose structures are rigid, and hence their functions are difficult to be reconfigured. Also, optical concentration beam steering is still a very challenging problem compared to radio frequency/microwave steering. Here we show a watermill-like beam steering system that can adaptively guide concentrating optical beam to targeted receivers. The system comprises a liquid droplet actuation mechanism based on electrowetting-on-dielectric, a superlattice-structured rotation hub, and an enhanced optical reflecting membrane. The specular reflector can be adaptively tuned within the lateral orientation of 360°, and the steering speed can reach ~353.5° s−1. This work demonstrates the feasibility of driving a macro-size solid structure with liquid microdroplets, opening a new avenue for developing reconfigurable components such as optical switches in next-generation sensor networks.
Original synthesis of radiolabeling precursors for batch and on resin one-step/late-stage radiofluorination of peptides
Authors: Richard Mylène , Specklin Simon , Roche Mélanie , Hinnen Françoise , Kuhnast Bertrand
Published: January 2020

Low temperature and late-stage radiolabeling of peptides with fluorine-18 enabled by electron-deficient pyridine tag. Transposition to an automated “on-resin” radiolabeling.
Visible-light-mediated arylation of ortho-hydroxyarylenaminones: direct access to isoflavones
Authors: Mkrtchyan Satenik , Iaroshenko Viktor O.
Published: January 2020

The first visible-light-promoted direct synthesis of isoflavones following the arylation of ortho-hydroxyarylenaminones by aryl onium salts was developed.
The role of gas-phase dynamics in interfacial phenomena during few-layer graphene growth through atmospheric pressure chemical vapour deposition
Authors: Fauzi Fatin Bazilah , Ismail Edhuan , Syed Abu Bakar Syed Noh , Ismail Ahmad Faris , Mohamed Mohd Ambri , Md Din Muhamad Faiz , Illias Suhaimi , Ani Mohd Hanafi
Published: January 2020

An in-depth systematic study on the importance of fluid dynamics at the gas–solid interface to graphene growth in APCVD.
The catalytic degradation of nitrobenzene by the Cu–Co–Fe-LDH through activated oxygen under ambient conditions
Authors: Wang Shaohong , Zhu Jiayi , Zhang SiSi , Zhang Xiwang , Ge Fei , Xu Yin
Published: January 2020

Efficient and low-cost catalysts for catalytic wet air oxidation (CWAO) under ambient conditions are of great significance for the degradation of hydrophobic organic contaminants.
Erythrocyte membrane nano-capsules: biomimetic delivery and controlled release of photothermal–photochemical coupling agents for cancer cell therapy
Authors: Li Shihao , Zhang Lin
Published: January 2020

A biomimetic nanoreactor Au/TiO2@RBC was fabricated for photothermal therapy by co-encapsulating photothermal agents and photocatalysts in red blood cell membranes.
Efficiency and mechanism of adsorption of low-concentration uranium from water by a new chitosan/aluminum sludge composite aerogel
Authors: Liu Wenjie , Zhang Lieyu , Chen Fengming , Wang Hongqiang , Wang Qingliang , Liang Kunqian
Published: January 2020

A novel chitosan/aluminum sludge composite aerogel was fabricated. It's capacity was up to 434.64 mg g−1. It has good selectivity for U(vi) when multiple ions coexist. U(vi) uptake was due to surface complexation.
A heat-set lanthanide metallogel capable of emitting stable luminescence under thermal, mechanical and water stimuli
Authors: Zhang Binbin , Dong Xuelin , Xiong Yuxiang , Zhou Qi , Lu Shan , Liao Yonggui , Yang Yajiang , Wang Hong
Published: January 2020

A luminescence-stable lanthanide-based metallogel prepared by a heat-set procedure.
Nickel on nitrogen-doped carbon pellets for continuous-flow hydrogenation of biomass-derived compounds in water
Authors: Brandi Francesco , Bäumel Marius , Molinari Valerio , Shekova Irina , Lauermann Iver , Heil Tobias , Antonietti Markus , Al-Naji Majd
Published: January 2020

A cheap, scalable and efficient nickel catalyst on nitrogen-doped carbon for the aqueous-phase hydrogenation of biomass-derived compounds in flow system.
Synthesis, characterization, and anticancer activity of folate γ-ferrocenyl conjugates
Authors: Bertuzzi Diego L. , Perli Gabriel , Braga Carolyne B. , Ornelas Catia
Published: January 2020

Novel folate γ-ferrocene conjugates were synthesized through a regiospecific route, and showed selectivity and enhanced cytotoxicity against Frα-positive malignant cells.
Mitochondria-targeted delivery and light controlled release of iron prodrug and CO to enhance cancer therapy by ferroptosis
Authors: Gao Fan , Wang Fei , Nie Xuan , Zhang Ze , Chen Guang , Xia Lei , Wang Long-Hai , Wang Chang-Hui , Hao Zong-Yao , Zhang Wen-Jian , Hong Chun-Yan , You Ye-Zi
Published: January 2020

Mitochondrial malfunction is considered to be a decisive signal of apoptosis.
Stereodivergent routes in organic synthesis: marine natural products, lactones, other natural products, heterocycles and unnatural compounds
Authors: Nájera Carmen , Foubelo Francisco , Sansano José M. , Yus Miguel
Published: January 2020

Enantio- and diastereodivergent routes to marine-origin natural products, lactones, other natural products, heterocycles and unnatural compounds are considered.
Copper-catalyzed and additive free decarboxylative trifluoromethylation of aromatic and heteroaromatic iodides
Authors: Johansen Martin B. , Lindhardt Anders T.
Published: January 2020

Low cost and widely available Cu2O has been identified as a superior catalyst towards decarboxylative aromatic trifluoromethylations in the absence of ligands and additives.
First enantioselective synthesis of gingesulfonic acids and unequivocal determination of their absolute stereochemistry
Authors: Bencivenni Grazia , Moccia Maria , Ravelli Andrea , Gillick-Healy Malachi W. , Kelly Brian G. , Adamo Mauro F. A.
Published: January 2020

The first enantioselective synthesis of gingesulfonic acids and shogasulfonic acids is herein reported alongside their absolute configurations, unequivocally confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffractometry.
Synthesis of chromone-containing polycyclic compounds via palladium-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 1] annulation
Authors: Li Mi-Zhuan , Tong Qi , Han Wen-Yong , Yang Si-Yi , Cui Bao-Dong , Wan Nan-Wei , Chen Yong-Zheng
Published: January 2020

A variety of chromone-containing polycyclic compounds are efficiently constructed in good yields with excellent diastereoselectivities via palladium-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 1] annulation of 3-iodochromones, α-bromo carbonyl compounds, and tetracyclododecene.
Rhodium(iii)-catalyzed ortho-C–H amidation of 2-arylindazoles with a dioxazolone as an amidating reagent
Authors: Ghosh Payel , Samanta Sadhanendu , Hajra Alakananda
Published: January 2020

A simple and efficient method for directed amidation of a wide range of 2-arylindazoles has been established for the first time through a rhodium-catalyzed C–H activation reaction with alkyl, aryl and heteroaryl dioxazolones.
Comparison of poly(ethylene glycol)-based networks obtained by cationic ring opening polymerization of neutral and 1,2,3-triazolium diepoxy monomers
Authors: Jourdain Antoine , Obadia Mona M. , Duchet-Rumeau Jannick , Bernard Julien , Serghei Anatoli , Tournilhac François , Pascault Jean-Pierre , Drockenmuller Eric
Published: January 2020

The properties of two cross-linked epoxy networks obtained by ring opening polymerization of a synthetic diepoxy 1,2,3-triazolium and a commercial poly(ethylene glycol)diglycidyl ether using benzylamine trifluoroborate as cationic initiator are compared.
Excitonic Au4Ru2(PPh3)2(SC2H4Ph)8 cluster for light-driven dinitrogen fixation
Authors: Sun Yongnan , Pei Wei , Xie Mingcai , Xu Shun , Zhou Si , Zhao Jijun , Xiao Kang , Zhu Yan
Published: January 2020

A molecular-like Au4Ru2 cluster supported on TiO2 with oxygen vacancies enables light harvesting to drive the fixation of N2.
Shape-morphing architectures actuated by Janus fibers
Authors: Zakharov Andrei , Pismen Len M. , Ionov Leonid
Published: January 2020

We investigate experimentally and theoretically the variety of shape transitions in structures actuated by Janus fibers. Such structures have a fast response time, well-controllable mechanics, and mimic an elementary cell of the web architecture.
One-step electrodeposition of NixFe3−xO4/Ni hybrid nanosheet arrays as highly active and robust electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Li Dongjie , Liu Suqin , Ye Guanying , Zhu Weiwei , Zhao Kuangmin , Luo Meng , He Zhen
Published: January 2020

NixFe3−xO4/Ni hybrid nanosheet arrays have been directly fabricated on different substratesviatemplate-free and annealing-free one-step electrodeposition, which show excellent catalytic performance for the oxygen evolution reaction.
Materials chemistry research at Tianjin University
Authors: Hu Wenping , Li Zhen , Li Liqiang
Published: January 2020

Wenping Hu, Zhen Li and Liqiang Li introduce the Materials Chemistry Frontiers themed collection on materials chemistry research at Tianjin University.
A novel protein biochip screening serum anti-sperm antibody expression and natural pregnancy rate in a follow-up study in Chinese infertility
Authors: Xu Feihong , Ye Lei , Hu Yuan , Cai Chengyun , Wang Zhen , Fan Liqing , Song Lihua , Xu Zhenshan , Du Weidong
Published: January 2020

Production of anti-sperm antibody (ASA) often suffers from autoimmune reaction against sperms in human infertility. The antibodies are measured in both blood and seminal plasma of males. Here, we reported a simple protein biochip methodology that takes advantage of a functionalized self-assembled monolayer modified by N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) and enables identification of anti-sperm antibody in Chinese male infertility. To validate this biochip platform, we immobilized purified sperm protein on the biochip surface and tested a variety of parameters in quality controls for the protein assay, respectively. Then, we analyzed serum samples from 368 patients with infertility and 116 healthy donors by means of this biochip simultaneously. We found that positive rate of serum ASA was 20.92% (77/368) in the cases and 1.72% (2/116) in the controls, respectively. Furthermore, we further corroborated the biochip assay in comparison with ELISA method. We found that both methods were compatible for the detection of serum ASA in the patients. In addition, a follow-up study for natural conception in ASA-positive and ASA-negative patients was conducted. The result showed a significant correlation between serum ASA expression and natural pregnancy rate 6.5% in ASA-positive patients while 18.9% in ASA-negative patients, indicating the potential roles of ASA in naturally reproductive processes.
High expression of sperm-associated antigen 5 correlates with poor survival in ovarian cancer
Authors: Zhang Mei , Sha Ling , Hou Ning , Shi Chuanbing , Tan Lin
Published: January 2020

Objectives: Sperm-associated antigen 5 (SPAG5), a spindle-binding protein, regulates the process of mitosis. The present study focused on the relationship between SPAG5 expression and the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of ovarian cancer. Methods: First, we used the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to analyze SPAG5 expression in ovarian cancer and its clinical relevance. Subsequently, qPCR test was used to detect SPAG5 mRNA expression in 20 cases of ovarian cancer. The expression of SPAG5 protein in a tissue microarray containing 102 cases of ovarian cancer was detected by immunohistochemistry. Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier survival analyses were performed to identify the prognostic factors for the 102 ovarian cancer patients. Results: In the GEO datasets, SPAG5 mRNA expression was significantly higher in ovarian cancer tissues than that in normal ovarian tissues (P < 0.001). qPCR and immunohistochemistry showed that SPAG5 expression in ovarian cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in paracancerous tissues (P = 0.002, P < 0.001). The high expression of SPAG5 in ovarian cancer was correlated with histological type (P = 0.009), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.001), distant metastasis (P = 0.001), TNM stage (P = 0.001), and prognosis (P = 0.001). The Kaplan–Meier curve indicated that rates of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were even lower in patients with high SPAG5 expression. Multivariate analysis showed that SPAG5 expression (P = 0.001) and TNM staging (P = 0.002) were independent prognostic factors for the DFS of ovarian cancer. Conclusions: These results suggest that high SPAG5 expression was correlated with multiple clinicopathological features of ovarian cancer and can be used as an evaluation indicator for a poor ovarian cancer prognosis.
Neuron-derived orphan receptor-1 modulates cardiac gene expression and exacerbates angiotensin II-induced cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Cañes Laia , Martí-Pàmies Ingrid , Ballester-Servera Carme , Herraiz-Martínez Adela , Alonso Judith , Galán María , Nistal J. Francisco , Muniesa Pedro , Osada Jesús , Hove-Madsen Leif , Rodríguez Cristina , Martínez-González José
Published: January 2020

Hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy (HCH) is a common cause of heart failure (HF), a major public health problem worldwide. However, the molecular bases of HCH have not been completely elucidated. Neuron-derived orphan receptor-1 (NOR-1) is a nuclear receptor whose role in cardiac remodelling is poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to generate a transgenic mouse over-expressing NOR-1 in the heart (TgNOR-1) and assess the impact of this gain-of-function on HCH. The CAG promoter-driven transgenesis led to viable animals that over-expressed NOR-1 in the heart, mainly in cardiomyocytes and also in cardiofibroblasts. Cardiomyocytes from TgNOR-1 exhibited an enhanced cell surface area and myosin heavy chain 7 (Myh7)/Myh6 expression ratio, and increased cell shortening elicited by electric field stimulation. TgNOR-1 cardiofibroblasts expressed higher levels of myofibroblast markers than wild-type (WT) cells (α 1 skeletal muscle actin (Acta1), transgelin (Sm22α)) and were more prone to synthesise collagen and migrate. TgNOR-1 mice experienced an age-associated remodelling of the left ventricle (LV). Angiotensin II (AngII) induced the cardiac expression of NOR-1, and NOR-1 transgenesis exacerbated AngII-induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. This effect was associated with the up-regulation of hypertrophic (brain natriuretic peptide (Bnp), Acta1 and Myh7) and fibrotic markers (collagen type I α 1 chain (Col1a1), Pai-1 and lysyl oxidase-like 2 (Loxl2)). NOR-1 transgenesis up-regulated two key genes involved in cardiac hypertrophy (Myh7, encoding for β-myosin heavy chain (β-MHC)) and fibrosis (Loxl2, encoding for the extracellular matrix (ECM) modifying enzyme, Loxl2). Interestigly, in transient transfection assays, NOR-1 drove the transcription of Myh7 and Loxl2 promoters. Our findings suggest that NOR-1 is involved in the transcriptional programme leading to HCH.
Deliberate Supervision: Practical Strategies for Success
Authors: Kleinhans Kelly A. , Brock Christina , Bland Lauren E. , Berry Bethany A.
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Clinical supervisors play a fundamental role in enabling students to transform knowledge into clinical skills. The 2020 changes to Speech-Language Pathology Certification Standards will require speech-language pathologists who want to serve as clinical supervisors of applicants for certification to complete a minimum of 9 months of practice experience postcertification and 2 hr of professional development in the professional practice domain of supervision postcertification prior to overseeing a student in a clinical supervisor capacity.

Conclusion

This article describes a framework for clinical supervisors of graduate students to use based on the premise that supervision should be an intentional reflective activity. The authors describe how to plan for clinical education across practice settings, provide appropriate feedback, and use questions effectively.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.11528250
Optical spectroscopy of type 2 LINERs
Authors: Hermosa Muñoz L. , Cazzoli S. , Márquez I. , Masegosa J.
Published: January 2020

Context.Type 2 Low-ionization Nuclear Emission-line Regions (LINERs) have been optically classified with the Palomar data as not presenting a broad component in the Balmer emission lines that are associated with the broad-line region (BLR) of the active galactic nuclei (AGN).

Aims.We aim to unveil the presence of different kinematic components of emission lines in the nuclear region of a sample of local (z ≤ 0.022) type 2 LINERs. We focus on the analysis of the true nature of LINERs by means of the detection (or nondetection) of a broad component that originated in the BLR of the AGN. Additionally, we search for the possible presence of nonrotational motions such as outflows in these LINERs.

Methods.We applied a decomposition of the nuclear emission lines using an spectroscopic analysis of the optical spectra of nine type 2 LINERs of intermediate-resolution spectroscopic data retrieved from theHubbleSpace Telescope (HST) archive. The study is completed with archival spectra from the Double Spectrograph from the Palomar Observatory.

Results.The emission line fitting reveals the presence of a broad component associated with the BLR in six out of the nine galaxies for the space-based data, and for two out of the eight from the ground-based spectra. The velocity dispersion for two galaxies (NGC 4486 and NGC 4594) measured in HST/STIS data suggest the presence of outflows.

Conclusions.The results indicate that the spatial resolution plays a major role in the detection of the BLR, as it appears diluted in the ground-based data (even after removing stellar contribution). This is also true for the emission line diagnostics, as the contaminant light contributes to lower emission line ratios toward the star-forming area of standard BPTs. We propose to reclassify NGC 4594 as a type 1 LINER, since a BLR component is seen in both space- and ground-based spectra. We find ambiguous results for the BLR component of NGC 4486. The modest outflow detection in our sample may indicate that they are not as frequent as seen for type 1 LINERs.
Type Ia supernovae from non-accreting progenitors
Authors: Antoniadis J. , Chanlaridis S. , Gräfener G. , Langer N.
Published: January 2020

Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) are manifestations of stars that are deficient in hydrogen and helium, and disrupt in a thermonuclear runaway. While explosions of carbon-oxygen white dwarfs are thought to account for the majority of events, part of the observed diversity may be due to varied progenitor channels. We demonstrate that helium stars with masses between ∼1.8 and 2.5 M⊙ may evolve into highly degenerate cores with near-Chandrasekhar mass and helium-free envelopes that subsequently ignite carbon and oxygen explosively at densities of ∼(1.8−5.9) × 109 g cm−3. This occurs either due to core growth from shell burning (when the core has a hybrid CO/NeO composition), or following ignition of residual carbon triggered by exothermic electron captures on 24Mg (for a NeOMg-dominated composition). We argue that the resulting thermonuclear runaway is likely to prevent core collapse, leading to the complete disruption of the star. The available nuclear energy at the onset of explosive oxygen burning suffices to create ejecta with a kinetic energy of ∼1051 erg, as in typical SNe Ia. Conversely, if these runaways result in partial disruptions, the corresponding transients would resemble SN Iax events similar to SN 2002cx. If helium stars in this mass range indeed explode as SNe Ia, then the frequency of events would be comparable to the observed SN Ib/c rates, thereby sufficing to account for the majority of SNe Ia in star-forming galaxies.
Gelo ethnicity water resources artistic design and utilization
Authors: Zhou Xi , Liu Kaige , Deng DeXiang
Published: January 2020

The artistic design and utilization of water resources have been in the field of the urban landscape for a long time, but the artistic design and utilization of rural water resources have hardly touched. Based on Gelo ethnicity religion, ecological collective unconscious, art, culture, traditional production, and living water, etc. on the basis of research conducted on the research of artistic design and enriched Gelo ethnicity superposition in the function of water resources utilization in additional value, based on this point, move Gelo ethnicity construction of modern ecological civilization leads the ecological economy and the development of national cultures.
Antifouling Ability of Hydrophilic PVDF-TiO2 membrane Evaluated by Critical Flux and Threshold Flux
Authors: Xie Wanying , Li Ji , Sun Feiyun , Dong Wenyi
Published: January 2020

The PVDF flat-membrane was modified by hydrophilic nano-TiO2, which blending by ultrasonication and mechanical stirring pretreatment in phase inversion method. To evaluate the permeate productivity and anti-fouling capacity of protein solution, both the critical flux (JCW) and threshold flux (JTH) of PVDF and PVDF-TiO2 membrane were firstly measured by Advanced Constant Pressure-step Method in cross-flow filtration apparatus. Some evaluation indicators were utilized to analyze the results, such as Flux vs. Time and TMP vs. Time Curves, flux decline rate (dFlux/dt) and TMP-Fluxave curve. Two type fluxes were compared, results exhibited that hydrophilic PVDF-TiO2 modified membrane possessed a higher level of both Jcw and JTH and better anti-protein fouling ability after testing by Advanced Constant Pressure-step Method.
Multilevel weighted least squares polynomial approximation
Authors: Haji-Ali Abdul-Lateef , Nobile Fabio , Tempone Raúl , Wolfers Sören
Published: January 2020

Weighted least squares polynomial approximation uses random samples to determine projections of functions onto spaces of polynomials. It has been shown that, using an optimal distribution of sample locations, the number of samples required to achieve quasi-optimal approximation in a given polynomial subspace scales, up to a logarithmic factor, linearly in the dimension of this space. However, in many applications, the computation of samples includes a numerical discretization error. Thus, obtaining polynomial approximations with a single level method can become prohibitively expensive, as it requires a sufficiently large number of samples, each computed with a sufficiently small discretization error. As a solution to this problem, we propose a multilevel method that utilizes samples computed with different accuracies and is able to match the accuracy of single-level approximations with reduced computational cost. We derive complexity bounds under certain assumptions about polynomial approximability and sample work. Furthermore, we propose an adaptive algorithm for situations where such assumptions cannot be verified a priori. Finally, we provide an efficient algorithm for the sampling from optimal distributions and an analysis of computationally favorable alternative distributions. Numerical experiments underscore the practical applicability of our method.
New records of spirurid nematodes (Nematoda, Spirurida, Guyanemidae, Philometridae & Cystidicolidae) from marine fishes off New Caledonia, with redescriptions of two species and erection ofIchthyofilaroidesn. gen.
Authors: Moravec František , Justine Jean-Lou
Published: January 2020

Recent examinations of spirurid nematodes (Spirurida) from deep-sea or coral reef marine fishes off New Caledonia, collected in the years 2006–2009, revealed the presence of the following five species:Ichthyofilaroides novaecaledoniensis(Moravec et Justine, 2009) n. gen., n. comb. (transferred fromIchthyofilariaYamaguti, 1935) (females) (Guyanemidae) from the deep-sea fishHoplichthys citrinus(Hoplichthyidae, Scorpaeniformes),Philometrasp. (male fourth-stage larva and mature female) (Philometridae) fromEpinephelus maculatus(Serranidae, Perciformes),Ascarophis(Dentiascarophis)adioryxMachida, 1981 (female) (Cystidicolidae) fromSargocentron spiniferum(Holocentridae, Beryciformes),Ascarophis(Ascarophis)nasonisMachida, 1981 (males and females) fromNaso lituratusandN.unicornis(Acanthuridae, Perciformes), andAscarophisnema tridentatumMoravec et Justine, 2010 (female) fromGymnocranius grandoculis(Lethrinidae, Perciformes). Two species,I.novaecaledoniensisandA.nasonis, are redescribed based on light microscopical (LM) and scanning electron microscopical (SEM) examinations, the latter used in these species for the first time. Morphological data on the specimen ofA.tridentatumfrom the new host species are provided.Philometrasp. (fromE.maculatus) most probably represents a new gonad-infecting species of this genus. The newly established genusIchthyofilaroidesn. gen. is characterized mainly by the presence of a small buccal capsule and by the number and distribution of cephalic papillae in the female; it is the sixth genus in the Guyanemidae.
Vagusnervstimulation bei affektiven Störungen
Authors: Dibué-Adjei Maxine , Kamp Marcel Alexander , Vogelsang Jonathan , Wiltfang Jens , Wolff-Menzler Claus
Published: January 2020

Vagusnervstimulation (VNS) ist ein minimalinvasives Neurostimulationsverfahren und wurde 1994 in Europa für die Behandlung von Kindern und Erwachsenen mit medikamentenresistenten Epilepsien zugelassen. Die Beobachtung, dass sich Depressionen, die häufigste Komorbidität der Epilepsie, signifikant unter VNS verbesserten, initiierte Studien der VNS bei Patienten mit therapieresistenten Depressionen (TRD), die 2001 zu der europäischen Zulassung der VNS für TRD führten. Heutzutage ist in Deutschland der Einsatz der VNS für TRD-Patienten auf wenige hochspezialisierte (oft universitäre) Zentren limitiert und das Verfahren in der psychiatrischen Praxis weitestgehend unbekannt. In dieser systematischen Übersicht identifizieren und diskutieren wir deshalb die aktuellsten Studien zu VNS bei TRD sowie Empfehlungen von Fachgesellschaften und diskutieren den Einsatz der VNS in der klinischen Praxis. In den letzten fünf Jahren wurden fünf Studien mit Evidenzgrad 2 und vier Studien mit Evidenzgrad 3 zu der Wirkung von VNS bei TRD-Patienten publiziert. Kurzfristige Wirksamkeit der VNS konnte in klinischen Studien nicht gezeigt werden. Mehrere Studien demonstrieren die Langzeitwirksamkeit der VNS. Die kürzlich publizierte größte Untersuchung der Thematik bestätigt signifikant bessere Behandlungsergebnisse bei Patienten, die eine Zusatztherapie mit VNS erhielten – im Vergleich zu Patienten, die nur Behandlung nach Goldstandard über fünf Jahre erhielten. Die langfristige Wirksamkeit der VNS bei TRD-Patienten ist mit Evidenz des Grades 2 belegt, jedoch ist es unklar, welche TRD-Patienten die höchste Wahrscheinlichkeit eines Ansprechens auf VNS haben, was die Patientenselektion in der Praxis erschweren kann. Zusätzlich wirkt sich möglicherweise die unklare und variable Definition der therapieresistenten Depression problematisch auf den rechtzeitigen Einsatz von Neurostimulationsverfahren aus.
Preparation and Characterization of Albumin Nanoparticles of Paclitaxel-Triphenylphosphonium Conjugates: New Approach to Subcellular Targeting
Authors: Hosseinifar Nastaran , Goodarzi Navid , Sharif Amir Abdolah Mehrdad , Amini Mohsen , Esfandyari-Manesh Mehdi , Dinarvand Rassoul
Published: January 2020

Mitochondria have been recognized as important targets in cancer therapy due to their role in the respiratory process of cells. One approach employed for mitochondrion targeting is conjugation of a delocalized cation such as triphenylphosphonium (TPP), with antineoplastic agents, for instance paclitaxel (PTX). In cell cytoplasm, TPP-PTX can come close to mitochondria due to its high positive charge, which has a strong tendency toward the enhanced negative charge of mitochondria. The esteric bond of TPP-PTX can break down in the acidic environment of tumor cells and release the PTX, which can act directly on mitochondria to kill tumor cells. TPP-PTX was synthesized in three steps: Succinic anhydride (SUC) reacted with PTX to achieve succinyl paclitaxel (SUC-PTX), which has an acid-labile esteric bond. Then 2-triphenylphosphonium ethylammonium (ATPP) was prepared by attaching 2-bromoethylammunium bromide to TPP. Finally, a TPP-PTX prodrug was synthesized by attaching these materials. The products of all steps were characterized by thin-layer chromatography (TLC), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR, 13C NMR). The purity of the products was determined by HPLC methods. TPP-PTX, as a prodrug, was loaded in to human serum albumin (HSA) nanoparticles by a method inspired by nab-technology with 130–160 nm particle size distribution, PdI=0.166 and Zeta potential −12.6 mV.
Morbidity Outcomes of Very Low Birth Weight Neonates Receiving Parenteral Nutrition with Fish Oil Enriched Lipid Emulsion or Lipid Emulsion with Soybean Oil: An Observational Study
Authors: Uberos José , Jiménez-Montilla Sara , Molina-Oya Manuel , Nieto-Gómez Pelayo , Millan Isabel Cubero
Published: January 2020

Intralipid (Fresenius Kabi) was the most commonly used lipid emulsion in parenteral nutrition (PN), with a 100% soybean oil composition, a low vitamin E content, and a ω-6: ω-3 ratio of 7:1. A recent alternative formulation is SMOFlipid (Fresenius Kabi), with a ω-6: ω-3 ratio of 5:2 and higher vitamin E content. A retrospective observational study was conducted to determine neonatal morbidity in very low birth weight (VLBW) premature infants during two periods: P1, when PN was based exclusively on Intralipid, and P2, when only SMOFlipid was supplied. In total, 170 VLBW neonates were analyzed, of whom 103 received PN for more than 6 days, 56 during P1, and 47 during P2. In both periods, the antenatal and neonatal characteristics of the cohort were comparable. In this analysis, the prevalence of associated comorbidities was determined. During P2, there were fewer cases of moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and of cholestasis, but more cases of late sepsis, mainly Staphylococcus epidermidis. No changes in the prevalence of other neonatal comorbidities were observed. We believe that the SMOFlipid used in PN could discreetly improve the prevalence of cholestasis or BPD.
Step-Headache: A Distinct Symptom of Migraine
Authors: Pradhan Sunil , Das Animesh , Ghosh Jayashri
Published: January 2020

Objectives The diagnosis of migraine depends on various characteristics of headache with their associated constitutional symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia. Relatively severe intensity, throbbing character, unilaterality, and aggravation with physical activity are the key features of migraine headache. We did this study to describe a new symptom (step-headache) in migraine in which some patients complained of uncomfortable or painful thump over the head with each footstep during walking or running.
Materials and Methods Self-designed proforma was filled in each clinically diagnosed patient of migraine or tension-type headache in an outpatient clinic setting. The symptom designated here as step-headache was evaluated in 150 patients of migraine including 26 patients with overlapping headache and 244 patients of tension-type headache. Binary logistic regression was used for association analysis of step-headache with subgroups of migraine and with other migraine features.
Statistical Analysis Frequency distributions were expressed as numbers (percentages) or mean ± standard deviation. Binary logistic regression was used for association analysis of step-headache with subgroups of migraine and with other migraine features.
Results Step-headache was experienced by 97 (64.67%) migraine patients with nearly equal distribution among the two clinical subtypes (61.5% for migraine with aura and 65.3% for migraine without aura) but with high prevalence among perimenopausal onset migraine. Of all the patients who had this symptom, 77.32% experienced it during all the migraine attacks. The step-headache was differentiable from throbs of migraine and their exacerbation during physical activity by its synchrony with footsteps and its presence during nonpulsatile headaches or nonheadache phases of migraine. Sensitivity of this symptom was 64.67% while specificity was 100%.
Conclusion Among primary headaches, step-headache is a less well-known but common and distinct symptom of migraine. It has good sensitivity and high specificity for migraine.
Imaging Evaluation of Disorders of Sex Development
Authors: Eapen Anu , Chandramohan Anuradha , Simon Betty , Putta Tharani , John Reetu , Kekre Aruna
Published: January 2020

Disorders of sex development (DSD) refer to congenital conditions with a typical development of chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomic sex. In the revised classification of DSD, there are three categories based on karyotype: 46,XX DSD; 46,XY DSD; and sex chromosome DSD. Imaging, as part of a multidisciplinary approach to management of DSD, has a key role in gender assignment. The main role of imaging is to help in identifying the gonads and the Müllerian structures. Ultrasound is useful, especially in the neonate with ambiguous genitalia. Magnetic resonance imaging is a useful modality to locate and characterize the gonads in young girls with primary amenorrhea and also to identify streak gonads, which have a risk of malignancy.
A Low 50-gram, 1-hour Glucose Challenge Test Value Predicts Neonatal Birth Weight Less than the 10th Percentile: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mitta Melanie , Sanchez-Ramos Luis , Roeckner Jared T. , Bennett Stevie , Kovacs Andrew , Kaunitz Andrew M.
Published: January 2020

Objective This study aimed to perform a systematic review with meta-analysis to investigate if women with a low 50-g, 1-hour glucose challenge test (GCT) value are at risk for having neonates with a birth weight less than the 10th percentile.

Study Design A computerized literature search was conducted to identify studies that compared outcomes of pregnant women with a low GCT value versus women with a normal GCT value during routine screening for gestational diabetes.

Results Sixteen cohort studies were included for analysis. Women with a low GCT value were noted to have a 43% increased odds of having neonates with birth weight less than the 10th percentile (odds ratio [OR]: 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.28–1.60) and 30% increased odds of having neonates with a birth weight less than 2,500 g (OR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.0–1.7) when compared with women with a normal GCT value. The rates of preterm delivery, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH)/preeclampsia, respiratory distress, NICU, and Apgar scores less than 7 were similar in the two groups.

Conclusion A low GCT value defined as less than 90 mg/dL identifies pregnancies at elevated risk for having neonates with a birth weight less than the 10th percentile.