bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leveraging biological and statistical covariates improves the detection power in epigenome-wide association testing
Authors: Huang Jinyan , Bai Ling , Cui Bowen , Wu Liang , Wang Liwen , An Zhiyin , Ruan Shulin , Yu Yue , Zhang Xianyang , Chen Jun
Published: April 2020

Background

Epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS), which seek the association between epigenetic marks and an outcome or exposure, involve multiple hypothesis testing. False discovery rate (FDR) control has been widely used for multiple testing correction. However, traditional FDR control methods do not use auxiliary covariates, and they could be less powerful if the covariates could inform the likelihood of the null hypothesis. Recently, many covariate-adaptive FDR control methods have been developed, but application of these methods to EWAS data has not yet been explored. It is not clear whether these methods can significantly improve detection power, and if so, which covariates are more relevant for EWAS data.

Results

In this study, we evaluate the performance of five covariate-adaptive FDR control methods with EWAS-related covariates using simulated as well as real EWAS datasets. We develop an omnibus test to assess the informativeness of the covariates. We find that statistical covariates are generally more informative than biological covariates, and the covariates of methylation mean and variance are almost universally informative. In contrast, the informativeness of biological covariates depends on specific datasets. We show that the independent hypothesis weighting (IHW) and covariate adaptive multiple testing (CAMT) method are overall more powerful, especially for sparse signals, and could improve the detection power by a median of 25% and 68% on real datasets, compared to the ST procedure. We further validate the findings in various biological contexts.

Conclusions

Covariate-adaptive FDR control methods with informative covariates can significantly increase the detection power for EWAS. For sparse signals, IHW and CAMT are recommended.
Single-cell RNA-seq highlights heterogeneity in human primary Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem/stromal cells cultured in vitro
Authors: Sun Changbin , Wang Lei , Wang Hailun , Huang Tingrun , Yao Wenwen , Li Jing , Zhang Xi
Published: April 2020

Background

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells with a promising application potential in regenerative medicine and immunomodulation. However, MSCs cultured in vitro exhibit functional heterogeneity. The underlying molecular mechanisms that define MSC heterogeneity remain unclear.

Methods

We investigated the gene expression profile via single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of human primary Wharton’s jelly-derived MSCs (WJMSCs) cultured in vitro from three donors. We also isolated CD142+and CD142−WJMSCs based on scRNA-seq data and compared their proliferation capacity and “wound healing” potential in vitro. Meanwhile, we analyzed publicly available adipose-derived MSC (ADMSCs) scRNA-seq data and performed transcriptome comparison between WJMSCs and ADMSCs at the single-cell level.

Results

GO enrichment analysis of highly variable genes (HVGs) obtained from WJMSCs revealed that these genes are significantly enriched in extracellular region with binding function, involved in developmental process, signal transduction, cell proliferation, etc. Pathway analysis showed that these HVGs are associated with functional characteristics of classic MSCs, such as inflammation mediated by chemokine and cytokine signaling, integrin signaling, and angiogenesis. After regressing out the batch and cell cycle effects, these HVGs were used for dimension reduction and clustering analysis to identify candidate subpopulations. Differentially expressed gene analysis revealed the existence of several distinct subpopulations of MSCs that exhibit diverse functional characteristics related to proliferation, development, and inflammation response. In line with our data, sorted CD142+and CD142−WJMSCs showed distinct proliferation capacity as well as “wound healing” potential. Although WJMSCs and ADMSCs were derived from different tissues and were displaying different differentiation potencies, their HVGs were largely overlapped and had similar functional enrichment.

Conclusion

HVGs identified in MSCs are associated with classic MSC function. Regarding therapeutic potential, these genes are associated with functional characteristics, on which the MSC clinical application were theoretically based, such as development and inflammation response. Altogether, these HVGs hold the potential to be used as candidate markers for further potency association studies.
Existence and uniqueness of mild solutions to the chemotaxis-fluid system modeling coral fertilization
Authors: Hu Die , Chen Peng , Ma Deyi
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we consider the egg-sperm chemotaxis model of coral with the incompressible fluid equations in the whole space. The existence of global mild solutions in scaling invariant spaces is proved with sufficient small initial data. Here the main tool we use is the implicit function theorem. Furthermore, we obtain the asymptotic stability of solutions when the time goes to infinity. Since the initial data could be in the weak $L^{p}$Lp-spaces, we finally get the existence of self-similar solutions when the initial data are small homogeneous functions.
The asymptotic behavior of the stochastic coupled Kuramoto–Sivashinsky and Ginzburg–Landau equations
Authors: Lin Lin , Li Mei
Published: April 2020

The stochastic coupled Kuramoto–Sivashinsky and Ginzburg–Landau equations (KS-GL) perturbed by additive noises is investigated in this paper. By making careful analysis, we first consider the existence and uniqueness of the solution with initial-boundary condition, and then we establish a random attractor for the stochastic KS–GL equations in$X=L^{2} \times H^{-1}$X=L2×H−1.
A predatory myxobacterium controls cucumber Fusarium wilt by regulating the soil microbial community
Authors: Ye Xianfeng , Li Zhoukun , Luo Xue , Wang Wenhui , Li Yongkai , Li Rui , Zhang Bo , Qiao Yan , Zhou Jie , Fan Jiaqin , Wang Hui , Huang Yan , Cao Hui , Cui Zhongli , Zhang Ruifu
Published: April 2020

Background

Myxobacteria are micropredators in the soil ecosystem with the capacity to move and feed cooperatively. Some myxobacterial strains have been used to control soil-borne fungal phytopathogens. However, interactions among myxobacteria, plant pathogens, and the soil microbiome are largely unexplored. In this study, we aimed to investigate the behaviors of the myxobacterium Corallococcus sp. strain EGB in the soil and its effect on the soil microbiome after inoculation for controlling cucumber Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum (FOC).

Results

A greenhouse and a 2-year field experiment demonstrated that the solid-state fermented strain EGB significantly reduced the cucumber Fusarium wilt by 79.6% (greenhouse), 66.0% (2015, field), and 53.9% (2016, field). Strain EGB adapted to the soil environment well and decreased the abundance of soil-borne FOC efficiently. Spatiotemporal analysis of the soil microbial community showed that strain EGB migrated towards the roots and root exudates of the cucumber plants via chemotaxis. Cooccurrence network analysis of the soil microbiome indicated a decreased modularity and community number but an increased connection number per node after the application of strain EGB. Several predatory bacteria, such as Lysobacter, Microvirga, and Cupriavidus, appearing as hubs or indicators, showed intensive connections with other bacteria.

Conclusion

The predatory myxobacterium Corallococcus sp. strain EGB controlled cucumber Fusarium wilt by migrating to the plant root and regulating the soil microbial community. This strain has the potential to be developed as a novel biological control agent of soil-borne Fusarium wilt.
The relation of alexithymia and attachment with type 1 diabetes management in adolescents: a gender-specific analysis
Authors: Shayeghian Zeinab , Moeineslam Mina , Hajati Elnaz , Karimi Mehrdad , Amirshekari Golshan , Amiri Parisa
Published: April 2020

Background

Several studies indicate the role of psychosocial factors in the management and control of chronic diseases in adolescents. In this regard, the roles of attachment and alexithymia in the management of type 1 diabetes in adolescents and related gender-specific patterns have rarely been the focus of empirical research. In this study we investigate the gender-specific relationship of alexithymia and attachment with self-care and blood glucose level in adolescents with type1 diabetes.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study conducted on adolescents aged 12–18 years, with type 1 diabetes. Participants were recruited from diabetes clinics and the Iranian Diabetes Society. Data were collected using the Farsi versions of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (FTAS-20), the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment (IPPA) and the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Scale (SDSCA). Blood glucose levels were measured by determining HbA1c which were abstracted from medical records. Data were analyzed using SPSS21 software.

Results

Participants were 150 adolescents (57% female), mean age 14.97 ± 2.30. Alexithymia (β = 0.10,P = 0.01), difficulty identifying feelings (β = 0.15,P = 0.03) and communication with mothers (β = − 0.08,P = 0.03) predicted HbA1c in girls, whereas no significant relationships were observed for HbA1c with alexithymia and attachment in boys. Factors that predicted self-care in girls were alexithymia (β = − 0.04,P = 0.02), difficulty identifying feelings (β = − 0.06,P = 0.04); in boys however in addition to these two factors predicting self-care [alexithymia (β = − 0.07,P = 0.01) and difficulty identifying feelings (β = − 0.11,P = 0.01)], we also found difficulty describing feelings (β = − 0.16,P = 0.02), communication with mother (β = 0.04,P = 0.04), alienation to mother (β = − 0.06,P = 0.03), to father (β = − 0.06,P = 0.01) and to peers (β = − 0.09,P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that, in a gender-specific pattern, alexithymia and attachment could affect self-care and blood glucose level in adolescents with type 1 diabetes; findings that can be used to facilitate more effective treatment strategies and interventions in this age group.
Phalaenopsis orchid miniaturization by overexpression of OsGA2ox6, a rice GA2-oxidase gene
Authors: Hsieh Kun-Ting , Liu Su-Hui , Wang I-Wen , Chen Liang-Jwu
Published: April 2020

Background

Phalaenopsis orchids are one of the most common potted orchids sold worldwide. Most Phalaenopsis cultivars have long inflorescences that cause shipping problems and increase handling costs. Miniaturization of Phalaenopsis orchids not only reduces overall production costs but also can expand the appeal of the orchids to a different group of consumers who prefer to keep flowers on desks or tabletops. Although some miniature Phalaenopsis plants can be obtained via hybridization or mutation, they are unpredictable and limited in variety. We therefore used the transgenic approach of overexpressing gibberellin 2-oxidase 6 (OsGA2ox6), a rice GA deactivation gene, to investigate its functional effect in miniaturizing Phalaenopsis and to create a stable miniaturization platform to facilitate a supply for the potential demands of the miniature flower market.

Results

A commercial moth orchid,PhalaenopsisSogo Yukidian ‘SPM313’, was transformed with the plasmid vectorUbi:OsGA2ox6and successfully overexpressed theOsGA2ox6genein planta. The transgenic lines displayed darker-green, shorter, and wider leaves, thicker roots and much shorter flower spikes (10 cm vs 33 cm) than thenontransgenicline with a normal flower size and blooming ability and are therefore an ideal miniaturized form of Phalaenopsis orchids.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that the ectopic expression ofOsGA2ox6can miniaturizePhalaenopsisSogo Yukidian ‘SPM313’ while preserving its blooming ability, providing an alternative, useful method for miniaturizing Phalaenopsis species. This miniaturization by a transgenic approach can be further expanded by using GA2ox genes from different plant species or different gene variants, thereby expanding the technical platform for miniaturizing Phalaenopsis species to meet the potential demands of the miniature Phalaenopsis flower market.
Improved shift-invariant sparse coding for noise attenuation of magnetotelluric data
Authors: Li Guang , Liu Xiaoqiong , Tang Jingtian , Deng Juzhi , Hu Shuanggui , Zhou Cong , Chen Chaojian , Tang Wenwu
Published: April 2020

Magnetotelluric (MT) method is widely used for revealing deep electrical structure. However, natural MT signals are susceptible to cultural noises. In particular, the existing data-processing methods usually fail to work when MT data are contaminated by persistent or coherent noises. To improve the quality of MT data collected with strong ambient noises, we propose a novel time-series editing method based on the improved shift-invariant sparse coding (ISISC), a data-driven machine learning algorithm. First, a redundant dictionary is learned autonomously from the raw MT data. Second, cultural noises are reconstructed using the learned dictionary and the orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP) algorithm. Finally, the de-noised MT data are obtained by subtracting the reconstructed cultural noises from the raw MT data. The synthetic data, field experimental data and measured data are tested to verify the effectiveness of the newly proposed method. The results show that our new scheme can effectively remove strong cultural noises and has better adaptability and efficiency than the predefined dictionary-based methods. The method can be used as an alternative when a remote reference station is not available.
Clinical efficacy and prognostic factors of CT-guided 125I brachytherapy for the palliative treatment of retroperitoneal metastatic lymph nodes
Authors: Yan Huzheng , Luo Ma , Wang Lifei , Qiu Zhenkang , Mo Zhiqiang , Xiang Zhanwang , Zhang Yanling , Chen Guanyu , Zhong Zhihui , Wang Xiuchen , Gao Fei , Zhang Fujun
Published: April 2020

Background

Due to the unique anatomical location of retroperitoneal metastatic lymph nodes, current treatment options are limited. This study was designed to explore the clinical efficacy and prognostic factors of CT-guided 125I brachytherapy for the treatment of retroperitoneal metastatic lymph nodes.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 92 patients received 125I brachytherapy for retroperitoneal metastatic lymph nodes. A layered Cox proportional hazards model was established to filter out the independent factors affecting local tumor progression-free survival (LTPFS).

Results

The median LTPFS was 8 months. Metastatic lymph node with uniform density (p-0.009), clear boundaries (p-0.011), regular morphology (P < 0.001), and < 3 organs at risk of metastasis (p-0.020) were associated with better LTPFS. Necrotic lymph nodes (p < 0.001), fusion (p-0.003), and invasion of vessels visible on images (p < 0.001) were associated with poor LTPFS. Puncture path through abdominal wall or paravertebral approach were also associated with better LTPFS than a hepatic approach (P < 0.05). A maximum diameter ≤ 3 cm (P-0.031) or 3–5 cm (P-0.018) were also associated with significantly better LTPFS than a maximum diameter ≥ 5 cm. The Cox proportional hazards model suggested that lymph nodes invaded the large vessels visible on images, maximum diameter and puncture path were independent risk factors for LTPFS.

Conclusion

CT-guided 125I brachytherapy is an optional palliative treatment modality for retroperitoneal metastatic lymph nodes, which can provide high local control without severe complications. Better preoperative planning, intraoperative implementation, better choice of puncture path, and selection of appropriate tumor size are important factors that can improve the clinical efficacy of 125I brachytherapy for retroperitoneal metastatic lymph nodes.
Thoracoscopic plication of the membranous portion of crescent-type tracheobronchomalacia in an elderly patient: a case report
Authors: Machino Ryusuke , Tagawa Tsutomu
Published: April 2020

Background

It is presumed that tracheobronchomalacia in adults is caused by airway pressure-induced injury due to chronic cough related to pulmonary emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Commonly, a posterolateral approach using stabilizing materials is the surgical technique of choice for treating tracheobronchomalacia. We report a case in which thoracoscopic plication of the membranous portion was performed instead of airway stent placement for tracheobronchomalacia in an elderly individual.

Case presentation

An 87-year-old man who had been treated for bronchial asthma, pulmonary emphysema, and tracheobronchomalacia was admitted to our hospital with acute exacerbation of dyspnea. The patient underwent tracheal intubation, which was followed by tracheostomy 16 days later. Insertion of the tip of the adjustable-length tracheostomy tube to the end of the stenotic lesion enabled him to breathe spontaneously. However, conservative management failed due to recurrent pneumonia caused by the tracheobronchomalacia. Crescent-type tracheobronchomalacia (Johnson’s classification grade III) was diagnosed, and the main narrowed area of the trachea was assumed to be approximately 3–10 cm from the tracheal bifurcation. A thoracoscopic approach was selected because a posterolateral approach was considered too invasive considering the patient’s age and general condition. We placed eight stitches on the tracheal membranous portion and four stitches on the membranous portion of the right main bronchus, using the horizontal mattress suture technique. The use of foreign materials was avoided because meropenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa was cultured in a tracheal specimen. Immediately after the operation, the expiratory airway stenosis improved, and subsequently, spontaneous ventilation was possible using a normal type of tracheostomy tube instead of an adjustable-length tracheostomy tube.

Conclusions

Tracheobronchomalacia is not a rare condition in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The thoracoscopic approach is less invasive than the posterolateral approach and is suitable in cases that are otherwise refractory to medical treatment. We believe that thoracoscopy may be a useful treatment option in cases where conservative treatment is not appropriate.
Role of PET/CT in patients with unexplained rising alpha fetoprotein post HCC interventional management
Authors: Ragheb Samar Ramzy , Abelsamad Amr Mahmoud Ahmed , Abelkawy Moustafa Mahmoud , Nasr Osama Abu Elnaga Khalaf
Published: April 2020

Background

Positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET/CT) is considered a powerful modality in the follow-up of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. In this study, PET/CT was done in an evaluation of patients with unexplained rising alpha fetoprotein (AFP) post hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) interventional management in 40 patients (16 females and 24 males); their age ranged from 25 to 82 years, had undergone interventional management for HCC and underwent PET/CT follow-up within an 8-month duration from their intervention. Whole-body PET/CT was performed after injection of (18)-FDG, and the results were read in a masked manner by two specialists, and diagnostic performance was assessed from the results of consensus masked reading. All the results were evaluated with the Barcelona criteria and biopsy correlation.

Results

During the follow-up PET/CT, 24 patients had complete response and 8 patients showed focal residual while the rest 8 patients showed newly developed lesions.

Conclusion

PET/CT is an excellent method for the evaluation of HCC patients with equivocal results after interventional management.
A global needs assessment in times of a global crisis: world psychiatry response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kaufman Kenneth R. , Petkova Eva , Bhui Kamaldeep S. , Schulze Thomas G.
Published: April 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has stunned the global community with marked social and psychological ramifications. There are key challenges for psychiatry that require urgent attention to ensure mental health well-being for all – COVID-19-positive patients, healthcare professionals, first responders, people with psychiatric disorders and the general population. This editorial outlines some of these challenges and research questions, and serves as a preliminary framework of what needs to be addressed. Mental healthcare should be an integral component of healthcare policy and practice towards COVID-19. Collaborative efforts from psychiatric organisations and their members are required to maximise appropriate clinical and educational interventions while minimising stigma.
Actin waves transport RanGTP to the neurite tip to regulate non-centrosomal microtubules in neurons
Authors: Huang Yung-An , Hsu Chih-Hsuan , Chiu Ho-Chieh , Hsi Pei-Yu , Ho Chris T. , Lo Wei-Lun , Hwang Eric
Published: April 2020

Microtubules (MTs) are the most abundant cytoskeleton in neurons, and control multiple facets of their development. While the MT-organizing center (MTOC) in mitotic cells is typically located at the centrosome, the MTOC in neurons switches to non-centrosomal sites. A handful of cellular components have been shown to promote non-centrosomal MT (ncMT) formation in neurons, yet the regulation mechanism remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the small GTPase Ran is a key regulator of ncMTs in neurons. Using an optogenetic tool that enables light-induced local production of RanGTP, we demonstrate that RanGTP promotes ncMT plus-end growth along the neurite. Additionally, we discovered that actin waves drive the anterograde transport of RanGTP. Pharmacological disruption of actin waves abolishes the enrichment of RanGTP and reduces growing ncMT plus-ends at the neurite tip. These observations identify a novel regulation mechanism for ncMTs and pinpoint an indirect connection between the actin and MT cytoskeletons in neurons.
The aerodynamic force platform as an ergometer
Authors: Deetjen Marc E. , Chin Diana D. , Lentink David
Published: April 2020

Animal flight requires aerodynamic power, which is challenging to determine accurately in vivo. Existing methods rely on approximate calculations based on wake flow field measurements, inverse dynamics approaches, or invasive muscle physiological recordings. In contrast, the external mechanical work required for terrestrial locomotion can be determined more directly by using a force platform as an ergometer. Based on an extension of the recent invention of the aerodynamic force platform, we now present a more direct method to determine the in vivo aerodynamic power by taking the dot product of the aerodynamic force vector on the wing with the representative wing velocity vector based on kinematics and morphology. We demonstrate this new method by studying a slowly flying dove, but it can be applied more generally across flying and swimming animals as well as animals that locomote over water surfaces. Finally, our mathematical framework also works for power analyses based on flow field measurements.
Photonic thermometer with a sub-millikelvin resolution and broad temperature range by waveguide-microring Fano resonance
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Kang Guoguo , Xiong Yiti , Xu Tongtong , Gu Linpeng , Gan Xuetao , Pan Yijie , Qu JiFeng
Published: April 2020

Fano resonance theoretically is an effective approach for sensitivity enhancement in photonic sensing applications, but the reported methods suffer from complicated structure and fabrication, narrow dynamic range, etc. In this article, we propose a photonic thermometer with sub-millikelvin resolution and broad temperature measurement range implemented by a simple waveguide-microring Fano structure. An air hole is introduced at the center of the coupling region of the waveguide of an all-pass microring resonator. The effective refractive index theory is used to design its equivalent phase shift and therefore the lineshape of the Fano resonance. Experimental results showed that the quality factor and the Fano parameter of the structure were invariant in a broad temperature range. The wavelength-temperature sensitivity was 75.3 pm/℃, the intensity-temperature sensitivity at the Fano asymmetric edge was 7.49 dB/℃, and the temperature resolution was 0.25 mK within 10℃ to 90℃.
Spectral CT imaging method based on blind separation of polychromatic projections with Poisson prior
Authors: Zhao Xiaojie , Chen Ping , Wei Jiaotong , Qu Zhaoyan
Published: April 2020

The linear reconstruction of narrow-energy-width projections can suppress hardening artifacts in conventional computed tomography (CT). We develop a spectral CT blind separation algorithm for obtaining narrow-energy-width projections under a blind scenario where the incident spectra are unknown. The algorithm relies on an X-ray multispectral forward model. Based on the Poisson statistical properties of measurements, a constrained optimization problem is established and solved by a block coordinate descent algorithm that alternates between nonnegative matrix factorization and Gauss-Newton algorithm. Experiments indicate that the decomposed projections conform to the characteristics of narrow-energy-width projections. The new algorithm improves the accuracy of obtaining narrow-energy-width projections.
Multitarget imaging through scattering media beyond the 3D optical memory effect
Authors: Li Wei , Liu Jietao , He Shunfu , Liu Lixian , Shao Xiaopeng
Published: April 2020

A robust method for efficient spatial separation optical imaging through scattering media regardless of the three-dimensional (3D) optical memory effect is proposed. In this method, the problems of imaging dealiasing, decomposition, and separation of speckle patterns are solved by employing independent component analysis. Multitarget imaging behind a scattering layer with diverse spatial positions is observed experimentally, for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. In this work, we demonstrate that, by knowing the number of targets and keeping each subtargets’ size in the optical memory effect range while isolating them beyond this range without overlap in the axial direction, speckle dealiasing and multitarget imaging are solved effectively. The strategy provides a potentially useful means for incoherent imaging through scattering media in a wide class of fields such as optical microscopy, biomedical imaging, and astronomical imaging.
Broadband two-dimensional hyperbolic metasurface for on-chip photonic device applications
Authors: Lee Chun-Ho , Seo Min-Kyo
Published: April 2020

Hyperbolic metasurfaces have attracted much interest due to novel optical properties including self-focusing, diffraction-less propagation, and negative refraction. However, conventional hyperbolic metasurfaces employing transverse-magnetic-like (TM-like) guided modes operate limited to short wavelengths. Here, we propose a broadband hyperbolic metasurface utilizing the transverse-electric-like (TE-like) guided modes of silver nanowires. The symmetric TE-like mode of the nanowire metasurface supports strong near-field coupling through the metallic element for hyperbolicity from visible to near-infrared wavelengths. Using numerical simulations, we examine the modal and dispersion properties depending on the wavelength and geometry. Particularly, negative refraction at the interface between a hyperbolic metasurface and the normal-dispersion planar waveguide is also demonstrated.
Controllable photonic spin Hall effect with phase function construction
Authors: He Yanliang , Xie Zhiqiang , Yang Bo , Chen Xueyu , Liu Junmin , Ye Huapeng , Zhou Xinxing , Li Ying , Chen Shuqing , Fan Dianyuan
Published: April 2020

Photonic spin Hall effect (SHE) provides new opportunities for achieving spin-based photonics applications. However, flexibly manipulating the spin-dependent splitting (SDS) of photonic SHE and imposing extra phase modulation on the two spin components are always a challenge. Here, a controllable SHE mechanism based on phase function construction is reported. It is concluded that the phases with specific functional structures performing a coordinate translation are equivalent to integrating a gradient phase to the original phases. Hence, the original phase can be used for independent phase modulation, and the gradient phase originating from the coordinate translation is capable of manipulating the SDS. A metasurface with Pancharatnam–Berry phase that can impose conjugate phases to the two spin components of light is fabricated to verify this mechanism. By shifting the light position, the SDS is continuously manipulated in the visible region, which is successfully used for detecting the polarization ellipticity. The extra phase modulation is also performed with the original phase and thus enables measuring singular beams. It is anticipated that the controllable SHE manipulation method may open new avenues in the fields of spin photonics, optical sensing, optical communications, etc.
TRATAMENTO DO COVID‑19 COM MEDICAMENTOS EXPERIMENTAIS EM TESTES CLÍNICOS: DESAFIOS E PERSPECTIVAS
Authors: Oliveira Anselmo Gomes de , Silveira Dâmaris
Published: April 2020

O primeiro número de 2020 de Infarma – Ciências Farmacêuticas está sendo publicado em meio a uma pandemia que avassala toda a população mundial, sem distinção de raça, cor, credo ou situação social e econômica. E, em um cenário no qual o número de mortos se multiplica exponencialmente, comprometendo qualquer sistema de saúde vigente, a busca, às vezes sem critério, por fármacos que possam combater e eliminar o agente causal ocupa uma posição de destaque. E notícias sobre “remédios milagrosos” são espalhadas em questão de segundos, levando a uma corrida frenética em busca da possibilidade de cura ou prevenção dacontaminação.
PROCESSO DE PADRONIZACAO DE MEDICAMENTOS ORAIS PARA ADMINISTRACAO VIA SONDA ENTERAL PARA HOSPITAL UNIVERSITÁRIO MATERNO‑INFANTIL
Authors: Da Silva Isadora Dávila , Silva Nunes Michelle , Mariz Batista Almária
Published: April 2020

A adaptação de formas farmacêuticas orais para uso via sonda enteral é necessária diante da escassez de formulações, especialmente para pacientes pediátricos, pacientes com transtornos de deglutição e pacientes  críticos internados em UTI. É necessária a avaliação do farmacêutico quando há necessidade de adaptar forma farmacêutica, para constatar se realmente é permitido fazê‑lo, se não há alternativa terapêutica disponível e, em caso de viabilidade de adaptação, realizar o procedimento. O estudo teve como objetivo a avaliação do processo de padronização de medicamentos administrados via oral que podem ser adaptados para administração via sonda enteral. Para isso, foi utilizada como base a lista de padronização de medicamentos da Maternidade Escola Januário Cicco e a consulta foi realizada nas fontes Micromedex, Dynamed, Handbook of Drug Administration via Enteral Feeding Tubes e Drugs.com. Das 68 formas farmacêuticas orais (63 princípios ativos), 76,47% podiam ser adaptadas e administradas por sonda enteral e para 13,23% não foram encontrados dados na literatura acerca da viabilidade da adaptação destas formas farmacêuticas. Além disso, 23,80% dos medicamentos possuíam vias alternativas de administração. Foram encontradas 46 interações medicamento‑alimento, sendo 15,22% da categoria Importante, 63,04% Moderada e 21,74% Menor/Secundária. As informações sobre adaptações de formas farmacêuticas para administração via sonda enteral ainda são escassas na literatura, sendo, portanto, imprescindível a compilação das informações disponíveis acerca do tema, uma vez que a não observância destas pode comprometer a segurança do paciente.
DESENVOLVIMENTO E AVALIAÇÃO DE HIDROGEIS DE CARBOXIMETILCELULOSE PARA O TRATAMENTO DE FERIDAS
Authors: Monteiro Mariana Sato de Souza Bustamante , Dos Santos Thais Menezes , Oliveira Catarina Amorim , Freitas Zaida Maria Faria de , Santos Elisabete Pereira dos
Published: April 2020

As feridas crônicas são um problema de saúde pública, uma vez que o retardo no processo de cicatrização aumenta os custos da assistência da saúde. O hidrogel de carboximetilcelulose (CMC) é um sistema disperso, semissólido, formado por CMC disperso em um veículo aquoso, muito utilizado no tratamento de feridas, pois estimula o desbridamento autolítico. O objetivo do trabalho foi desenvolver e caracterizar hidrogeis de CMC, variando as concentrações de CMC em 2%, 3,5% ou 5% p/v e as concentrações e o tipo de agente umectante, como glicerina ou propilenoglicol em 10%, 15% e 20% p/v. Foram avaliadas as características organolépticas e físico‑químicas, pH, oclusividade, espalhabilidade e reologia das formulações. Todas as formulações apresentaram pH em torno de 7,0. Os geis com maior espalhabilidade foram os aqueles com 2% de CMC e 10% de glicerina e propilenoglicol. Nas análises reológicas, os maiores valores de viscosidade foram apresentados pelas formulações contendo propilenoglicol. A viscosidade aumentou com o aumento da concentração de CMC, assim como a tensão de cisalhamento. As formulações contendo glicerina apresentaram maior proximidade entre os valores dos módulos de armazenamento (G’) e de perda (G’’). A única formulação que apresentou ponto de cedência foi o gel de CMC a 5% com 20% de glicerina. Dessa forma, foi possível desenvolver e avaliar hidrogeis de CMC para o tratamento de feridas.
EFEITOS DE POLISSACARÍDEOS DO JAMBO NO MODELO TUMORAL SOLIDO DE EHRLICH EM CAMUNDONGOS
Authors: Seko Gabriele Harumi , Mendonça Kamila Stelly , Turin-Oliveira Natalia Mulinari , Adami Eliana Rezende , Stipp Maria Carolina , Galindo Claudia Martins , Corso Claudia Rita , Milani Letícia , Rosa Camila Tamiello , Cordeiro Lucimara Mach Cortês , Queiroz-Telles José Ederaldo , Acco Alexandra
Published: April 2020

O tratamento de câncer envolve fármacos que podem causar diversos efeitos colaterais. Assim, existe uma busca por tratamentos com menor toxicidade. Dentre os compostos estudados, os polissacarídeos de plantas superiores destacam‑se como antioxidantes e antitumorais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos antitumorais in vivo de polissacarídeos do jambo (Syzygium jambos (L.) Alston) e da associação destes com um tratamento padrão (metotrexato), utilizando como ferramenta o tumor sólido de Ehrlich em camundongos. Os grupos de camundongos inoculados com células tumorais foram: I) Controle negativo (água destilada), II) PJ 100 (polissacarídeos do jambo, 100 mg/kg), III) PJ 150, IV) PJ 250, V) Controle positivo (metotrexato dose menor – MTX 1,5 mg/kg), VI) Controle positivo (MTX dose maior – 2,5 mg/kg) e VII) PJ 250 + MTX 2,5 mg/kg. Houve redução no peso tumoral pelos PJ, principalmente com PJ 250 (‑45%), semelhante à inibição causada pelo MTX 2,5 (‑43%), enquanto a associação PJ+MTX não potencializou esta inibição. No tecido tumoral, os PJ reduziram os níveis de parâmetros inflamatórios em relação ao controle negativo, porém a redução não foi dose‑dependente. Os PJ elevaram a atividade da superóxido dismutase tumoral e não causaram alterações hematológicas. Os PJ também não causaram danos relevantes ao fígado, órgão‑alvo de toxicidade de fármacos. Conclui‑se que os PJ reduziram o crescimento do tumor de Ehrlich, provavelmente por modulação do processo inflamatório no microambiente tumoral, evidenciando o potencial adjuvante dos PJ em quimioterapias. Assim, seus efeitos deverão ser ainda investigados em outros modelos tumorais e tipos celulares.
Kilka uwag na temat uteoretyzowania podstawowych kategorii dydaktycznych w konstruktywistycznym modelu kształcenia
Authors: Moroz Jacek
Published: April 2020

In my article I point to the essential meaning of the “theoretical content” of the accepted educational model. Lack of knowledge of the assumptions, assertions and implications resulting from a given concept or model generates simplifications and becomes the reason of inconsistencies in “didactic thinking” and acting. The purpose of this article is an attempt to provide justification for the claim about the absolutely theoretized character of considerations (of each type) in the field of education theory. As a consequence, I also put forward a thesis according to which we can not coherently and consistently use concepts such as knowledge and learning “beyond” the paradigmatic context (understood here as a specific theoretical model).
Carbon Monoxide, a Retrograde Messenger Generated in Postsynaptic Mushroom Body Neurons, Evokes Noncanonical Dopamine Release
Authors: Ueno Kohei , Morstein Johannes , Ofusa Kyoko , Naganos Shintaro , Suzuki-Sawano Ema , Minegishi Saika , Rezgui Samir P. , Kitagishi Hiroaki , Michel Brian W. , Chang Christopher J. , Horiuchi Junjiro , Saitoe Minoru
Published: April 2020

Dopaminergic neurons innervate extensive areas of the brain and release dopamine (DA) onto a wide range of target neurons. However, DA release is also precisely regulated. InDrosophila melanogasterbrain explant preparations, DA is released specifically onto α3/α′3 compartments of mushroom body (MB) neurons that have been coincidentally activated by cholinergic and glutamatergic inputs. The mechanism for this precise release has been unclear. Here we found that coincidentally activated MB neurons generate carbon monoxide (CO), which functions as a retrograde signal evoking local DA release from presynaptic terminals. CO production depends on activity of heme oxygenase in postsynaptic MB neurons, and CO-evoked DA release requires Ca2+efflux through ryanodine receptors in DA terminals. CO is only produced in MB areas receiving coincident activation, and removal of CO using scavengers blocks DA release. We propose that DA neurons use two distinct modes of transmission to produce global and local DA signaling.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTDopamine (DA) is needed for various higher brain functions, including memory formation. However, DA neurons form extensive synaptic connections, while memory formation requires highly specific and localized DA release. Here we identify a mechanism through which DA release from presynaptic terminals is controlled by postsynaptic activity. Postsynaptic neurons activated by cholinergic and glutamatergic inputs generate carbon monoxide, which acts as a retrograde messenger inducing presynaptic DA release. Released DA is required for memory-associated plasticity. Our work identifies a novel mechanism that restricts DA release to the specific postsynaptic sites that require DA during memory formation.
Gaining Situation Awareness through a Vibrotactile Display to Mitigate Motion Sickness in Fully-Automated Driving Cars
Authors: Md. Yusof Nidzamuddin , Karjanto J. , Terken J. M. B. , Delbressine F. L. M. , Rauterberg G. W. M.
Published: April 2020

Many previous studies mention that passive drivers or passengers of fully-automated driving cars have less awareness of the surrounding and more experience to motion sickness symptoms when engaging in non-driving tasks. This occurrence is especially magnified when riding in an urban area with lots of junctions and corners. The aim of the current study is to investigate the effects of peripheral information about upcoming manoeuvres through a vibrotactile display in increasing the fully-automated driving car passengers’ awareness of situations and mitigating their motion sickness level. Twenty participants took part in the experiment which used a Wizard of Oz method to simulate autonomous driving, and the experiment was conducted in an instrumented car on a real road environment. Objective and subjective measurements were gathered. The results show that the implementation of the vibrotactile display increased situation awareness but failed to reduce the motion sickness. This study concludes that in order to mitigate motion sickness inside a fully-automated driving car, more specific information need to be included in the peripheral information. In addition, a device that can actively help in controlling the posture movements should also be implemented in the vehicle.
A xenograft and cell line model of SDH-deficient pheochromocytoma derived from Sdhb+/− rats
Authors: Powers James F , Cochran Brent , Baleja James D , Sikes Hadley D , Pattison Andrew D , Zhang Xue , Lomakin Inna , Shepard-Barry Annette , Pacak Karel , Moon Sun Jin , Langford Troy F , Stein Kassi Taylor , Tothill Richard W , Ouyang Yingbin , Tischler Arthur S
Published: April 2020

Tumors caused by loss-of-function mutations in genes encoding TCA cycle enzymes have been recently discovered and are now of great interest. Mutations in succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) subunits cause pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma (PCPG) and syndromically associated tumors, which differ phenotypically and clinically from more common SDH-intact tumors of the same types. Consequences of SDH deficiency include rewired metabolism, pseudohypoxic signaling and altered redox balance. PCPG with SDHB mutations are particularly aggressive, and development of treatments has been hampered by lack of valid experimental models. Attempts to develop mouse models have been unsuccessful. Using a new strategy, we developed a xenograft and cell line model of SDH-deficient pheochromocytoma from rats with a heterozygous germline Sdhb mutation. The genome, transcriptome and metabolome of this model, called RS0, closely resemble those of SDHB-mutated human PCPGs, making it the most valid model now available. Strategies employed to develop RS0 may be broadly applicable to other SDH-deficient tumors.
Atrial-ventricular function in rheumatic mitral regurgitation using strain imaging
Authors: Meel Ruchika , Peters Ferande , Khandheria Bijoy K. , Libhaber Elena , Essop Mohammed
Published: April 2020

Background

Chronic mitral regurgitation (MR) historically has been shown to primarily affect left ventricular (LV) function. The impact of increased left atrial (LA) volume in MR on morbidity and mortality has been highlighted recently, yet the LA does not feature as prominently in the current guidelines as the LV. Thus, we aimed to study LA and LV function in chronic rheumatic MR using traditional volumetric parameters and strain imaging.

Methods: Seventy-seven patients with isolated moderate or severe chronic rheumatic MR and 40 controls underwent echocardiographic examination. LV and LA function were assessed with conventional echocardiography and 2D strain imaging.

Results: LA stiffness index was greater in chronic rheumatic MR than controls (0.95 ± 1.89 vs 0.16 ± 0.13, P = 0.009). LA dysfunction was noted in the reservoir, conduit, and contractile phases compared with controls (P < 0.05). LA peak reservoir strain (πR), LA peak contractile strain, and LV peak systolic strain were decreased in chronic rheumatic MR compared with controls (P < 0.05). Eighty-six percent of patients had decreased LA πR and 58% had depressed LV peak systolic strain. Decreased πR and normal LV peak systolic strain were noted in 42%. Thirteen percent had normal πR and LV peak systolic strain. One patient had normal πR with decreased LV peak systolic strain.

Conclusions: In chronic rheumatic MR, there is LA dysfunction in the reservoir, conduit, and contractile phases. In this study, LA dysfunction with or without LV dysfunction was the predominant finding, and thus, LA dysfunction may be an earlier marker of decompensation in chronic rheumatic MR.
Influence of hydrophilic polymers based on polyvinyl alcohol and starch on physiсo-mechanical properties of thermal insulation materials
Authors: Urkimbaeva Perizat , Bakytzhanuly Bauyrzhan , Dilmukhambetov Yesen , Mamutova Alua , Kenessova Zarina
Published: April 2020

Thermal insulating materials based on diatomite with burnable and reinforcing additives modified with synthetic and natural polymers have been developed. A mixture of polyvinyl alcohol and starch was used as modifying polymers. The parameters of linear shrinkage, density, tensile strengths in compression and bending, as well as the coefficient of thermal conductivity of the material were determined depending on the concentration and ratio of polymers. It was established that polymer additives had a positive effect on almost all specified characteristics of thermal insulating materials. For example, when adding polymers up to 1 mass.%, the linear shrinkage coefficients decrease from 14.5 to 4.5%, the ultimate compression strengths increase from 0.22 to 2.51 MPa, the ultimate bending strengths increase from 0.2 to 1.26 MPa, the coefficients of thermal conductivity decrease from 0.068 to 0.049 W/m∙K. The densities of materials are in the range of 0.592-0.491 g/cm3. The results of the work showed that the obtained heat-insulating materials can be used as plasticizers in the field of thermal energy.
Separation of DL-Phenylalanine by Chiral Selector‐Supported Ultrafiltration
Authors: Sema Salgın  , Seda Bahadır Öner  , Ugur Salgın
Published: April 2020

In this study, the enantiomeric separation of racemic phenylalanine using hydrophobic polyethersulfone and hydrophilic regenerated cellulose membranes was performed. BSA and lipase were used as chiral selector. The complexes of DL-PHE-chiral selector were ultrafiltrated by the stirred ultrafiltration cell. During the ultrafiltration, the samples taken from permeate were analyzed with liquid chromatography system using Chiral-pak AD-H column for the determination of D-PHE and L-PHE enantiomers. The effectiveness of chiral separation was char¬acterized in terms of the values of enantiomeric excess (ee%). Chemical structures and zeta potentials of membranes were determined by Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, and by an electrokinetic analyzer, respectively. BSA showed affinity to D-PHE, while lipase showed affinity to L-PHE. The higher enantiomeric excess was obtained using lipase chiral selector and PES membrane.
New records of Phyllanthus (Phyllanthaceae) for the Brazilian northeastern Atlantic Forest, and re-collection of the rare species Phyllanthus carvalhoi G.L. Webster
Authors: Marques Torres Alicia , Athiê de Souza Sarah Maria , Clebson Ribeiro Mendes Jone , Patrício Freire de Sá Cordeiro Wesley , Sales Margareth Ferreira de
Published: April 2020

During a taxonomic study of Phyllanthaceae in northeastern Brazil, three new occurrences of Phyllanthus were recorded (P. augustini Baill, P. hyssopifolioides Kunth., and P. riedelianus Müll. Arg.), and diagnoses, distribution information, conservation statuses, as well as affinity comments are provided here. Additionally, the rare species Phyllanthus carvalhoi G.L. Webster was collected, which is endemic to the Atlantic Forest in Bahia State, and we provide an updated morphological description, conservation status, photographs, and unpublished illustrations.
Impacto de investigaciones sobre grafitización de antracitas durante los años 1960-2018/Impact of research on anthracite graphitization during the years 1960 - 2018
Authors: Cely Bautista Ma. Mercedes , Vanegas Chamorro Marley , Piñeres Jorge
Published: April 2020

Este trabajo describe la contribución de los investigadores de todo el mundo en el campo de la grafitización de antracitas en el período comprendido entre 1960 – 2018.  Se desarrolló un análisis bibliométrico para examinar las publicaciones científicas en este campo utilizando las bases de datos Scopus Elsevier, Journal Citation Reports, Scimago Journal & Country Rank y herramientas informáticas.  Se analizaron diferentes aspectos de las publicaciones tales como tipo de publicación, principales áreas de investigación, principales revistas, citaciones,etc. Los artículos publicados provienen principalmente de China, Estados Unidos, Francia, España, Japón y Canadá con un número de publicaciones de 75, 37, 32, 27, 18 y 16 respectivamente.  Los resultados ayudarán a los investigadores a comprender la situación actual de la investigación en el campo de la grafitización de antracitas.