bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative transcriptome analyses reveal genes associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection of human lung epithelial cells
Authors: Chandrashekar Darshan S. , Athar Mohammad , Manne Upender , Varambally Sooryanarayana
Published: August 2021

During 2020, understanding the molecular mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 infection (the cause of COVID-19) became a scientific priority due to the devastating effects of the COVID-19. Many researchers have studied the effect of this viral infection on lung epithelial transcriptomes and deposited data in public repositories. Comprehensive analysis of such data could pave the way for development of efficient vaccines and effective drugs. In the current study, we obtained high-throughput gene expression data associated with human lung epithelial cells infected with respiratory viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, SARS, H1N1, avian influenza, rhinovirus and Dhori, then performed comparative transcriptome analysis to identify SARS-CoV-2 exclusive genes. The analysis yielded seven SARS-CoV-2 specific genes including CSF2 [GM-CSF] (colony-stimulating factor 2) and calcium-binding proteins (such as S100A8 and S100A9), which are known to be involved in respiratory diseases. The analyses showed that genes involved in inflammation are commonly altered by infection of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses. Furthermore, results of protein–protein interaction analyses were consistent with a functional role of CSF2 and S100A9 in COVID-19 disease. In conclusion, our analysis revealed cellular genes associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection of the human lung epithelium; these are potential therapeutic targets.
Comparison between Prostaglandin E-major urinary metabolite and C-reactive protein levels to reflect endoscopic scores in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Ishida Natsuki , Tamura Satoshi , Miyazu Takahiro , Tani Shinya , Yamade Mihoko , Iwaizumi Moriya , Hamaya Yasushi , Osawa Satoshi , Furuta Takahisa , Sugimoto Ken
Published: August 2021

Prostaglandin E-major urinary metabolite (PGE-MUM) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are useful biomarkers in patients with ulcerative colitis. However, whether changes in endoscopic scores over time are reflected in the values of these biomarkers has not been verified. This prospective observational study aimed to assess the relationship between changes in biomarker levels and endoscopic scores in patients with ulcerative colitis. A total of 100 colonoscopy intervals of patients with ulcerative colitis were enrolled. The relationship between variations in the Mayo endoscopic subscore over time and the accompanying changes in biomarker values were investigated. PGE-MUM levels showed a significant rise in the increased endoscopic score group (P = 0.007) and a decrease with reduced endoscopic score group (P = 0.023). CRP levels showed a significant decline with lower endoscopic values (P < 0.001); however, there was no corresponding increase with higher endoscopic scores (P = 0.141). Biomarker levels remained unchanged with stable endoscopic scores (P = 0.090 and P = 0.705). PGE-MUM levels varied significantly, and corresponded to the mucosal healing state (P = 0.019 and P = 0.009). The correlation between changes in PGE-MUM and the endoscopic score was stronger than that for CRP (r = 0.518, P < 0.001 vs. r = 0.444, P < 0.001, respectively). PGE-MUM reflected changes in endoscopic scores more accurately than CRP.
Effects of selective EP2 receptor agonist, omidenepag, on trabecular meshwork cells, Schlemm’s canal endothelial cells and ciliary muscle contraction
Authors: Nakamura Natsuko , Honjo Megumi , Yamagishi Reiko , Igarashi Nozomi , Sakata Rei , Aihara Makoto
Published: August 2021

This study investigated the effects of omidenepag (OMD), a novel selective EP2 receptor agonist, on human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells, monkey Schlemm’s canal endothelial (SCE) cells, and porcine ciliary muscle (CM) to clarify the mechanism of intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction involving conventional outflow pathway. In HTM and SCE cells, the effects of OMD on transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2)-induced changes were examined. The expression of actin cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation in HTM cells were evaluated using real-time quantitative PCR, immunocytochemistry, and western blotting. The expression of barrier-related proteins, ZO-1 and β-catenin, and permeability of SCE cells were evaluated using immunocytochemistry and transendothelial electrical resistance. The CM contraction was determined by contractibility assay. OMD significantly inhibited expression of TGF-β2 induced mRNA, protein, and MLC-phosphorylation on cytoskeletal and ECM remodeling in the HTM dose dependently. In SCE cells, OMD suppressed TGF-β2-induced expression of the barrier-related proteins and decreased SCE monolayer permeability. OMD at 3 µM significantly inhibited CM contraction, however, the effect was not significant at lower concentrations. IOP lowering effect of OMD through conventional outflow pathway is exerted by increasing outflow facilities with the modulation of TM cell fibrosis and SCE cell permeability.
Sleep duration and anthropometric indices in an Iranian population: the Fasa PERSIAN cohort study
Authors: Yazdanpanah Mohammad Hosein , Farjam Mojtaba , Naghizadeh Mohammad Mehdi , Jedi Fariba , Mohebi Kamand , Homayounfar Reza
Published: August 2021

Recent decades have seen a dramatic rise in the prevalence of obesity. While genetic factors can influence obesity, environmental factors and lifestyle may play important roles as well. Sleep can be regarded as one of these factors. This study aimed to examine sleep duration, as a potential risk factor for obesity in an Iranian population. In this cross-sectional study, the Fasa PERSIAN cohort study data was used and 10,136 subjects aged 35–70 were entered. Anthropometrics indices have been measured and the total body fat percentage (BFP) was obtained by Bio-Impedance Analysis. Also, physical activity and dietary intake have been recorded. Sleep duration was obtained and individuals categorized into two groups of “< 8” and “≥ 8” h of sleep. The mean age and sleep duration of the participants were 48.63 ± 9.57 years and 6.92 ± 1.62 h in the total population, respectively. All of the anthropometric indices were significantly higher in the “< 8 h of sleep” group than in the “≥ 8 h of sleep” group. Regarding BFP and fat mass index (FMI) the same results was seen (p-value < 0.05). Body mass index (BMI), Waist and hip circumferences (WC, HC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were in a significant negative association with night time sleep (p-value < 0.001), while these associations with daytime napping were positive (p-value < 0.001). After multi-variable adjusting, BMI, WC, HC, WHtR, and wrist circumference showed significant negative associations with 24-h sleep duration (p-value < 0.05). This study established the association between nocturnal, daytime napping, 24-h sleep duration and obesity parameters. Daytime napping was positively associated with obesity parameters and short 24-h sleep duration was associated with higher risk of overweight/obesity. These results indicate that insufficient sleep can be a screening indicator for an unhealthy lifestyle and poor health outcomes.
Rab1A promotes cell proliferation and migration by upregulating Gli1 in colorectal cancer
Authors: Peng Chaozhong , Li Xiao , Ye Zhixue , Wu Wenqing
Published: August 2021

Rab1A, as a highly conserved small guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase), plays contentious roles in different types of cancers. The role of Rab1A in colorectal cancer (CRC) has been described in previous studies, but the molecular mechanisms of Rab1A in CRC remain far from being addressed. In the present study, we found that Rab1A expression was significantly upregulated in CRC tissues and increased Rab1A expression correlated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis (LNM) and tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage of CRC patients. We also found that Rab1A exerts its promotive effect on CRC cell proliferation, migration and EMT progress. Further mechanistic experiments showed that glioma-associated oncogene-1 (Gli1), as a key transcriptional factor of the Hedgehog pathway, was implicated in Rab1A-mediated regulation of CRC cell proliferation and migration. In addition, Rab1A upregulated Gli1 expression through Smoothened homolog (SMO)-independent pathway. Finally, Rab1A activated mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling in CRC cells. Collectively, our results define Rab1A as a novel regulator of Gli1 to promote CRC cell proliferation and migration, and suggest that the Rab1A/mTOR/Gli1 axis may serve as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of CRC.
The predictive factors of nocturia in young Asian adult males: an online survey
Authors: Cheng Weiming , Fan Yu-Hua , Liou Ying-Jay , Hsu Yi-Ting
Published: August 2021

The present study investigated the association between severity of depressive mood and nocturia in young Asian adult men. Participants were 3127 adult male Facebook users aged 20–40 years who could read and write traditional Chinese. Participants completed online questionnaires on demographic characteristics, frequency of waking to urinate during the night (International Prostate Symptoms Score [IPSS]), and frequency of depressive symptoms (Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire [TDQ]). Those who awoke to pass urine during the main sleep period were considered to have nocturia. Student’s t test and Pearson’s chi square test were used to compare participants with and without nocturia. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to evaluate predictive factors for nocturia. One thousand four hundred thirty (45.7%) participants had nocturia, and 21.9% were suspected to have depression. Age over 30 years, body mass index over 25 kg/m2, and higher IPSS score (except times of nocturnal voiding) were factors predictive of nocturia. Higher TDQ somatic subscores, rather than affective/cognitive subscores, were also predictive of nocturia. Associations were found between normal-high TDQ scores and nocturia. Young men with nocturia at risk of developing depression should be identified with a culturally relevant questionnaire. Early referral for psychiatric assessment and intervention may be warranted.
Association of rs3750920 polymorphism in TOLLIP with clinical characteristics of fibrosing interstitial lung diseases in Japanese
Authors: Isshiki Takuma , Koyama Kazuya , Homma Sakae , Sakamoto Susumu , Yamasaki Akira , Shimizu Hiroshige , Miyoshi Shion , Nakamura Yasuhiko , Kishi Kazuma
Published: August 2021

TOLLIP polymorphism has been implicated in the development and prognosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), mainly in whites. However, ethnic differences in the characteristics of other interstitial pneumonia (non-IPF) subtypes are unclear. We evaluated the association between the rs3750920 genotype and the clinical characteristics of Japanese patients with fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (ILD). We genotyped 102 patients with fibrosing ILD (75 IPF and 27 non-IPF patients) and analyzed the interaction between the rs3750920 genotype distribution and their clinical characteristics. The overall frequencies of the C/C, C/T, and T/T genotypes were 69%, 25%, and 6%, respectively. The proportion of minor T allele carriers was larger in IPF patients than in non-IPF patients (37% vs. 15%, P = 0.031). In addition, survival at 3 years was significantly better for carriers than for non-carriers of the T allele. There was no significant association between genotype distribution and change in pulmonary function after introduction of antifibrotic agents. The frequency of the minor T allele of rs3750920 was low in Japanese patients with fibrosing ILD, particularly in non-IPF patients. Carriers of the minor T allele had better survival than non-carriers. Presence of the T allele might thus be an indicator of better outcomes for fibrosing ILD.
Beyond performance metrics: modeling outcomes and cost for clinical machine learning
Authors: Diao James A. , Wedlund Leia , Kvedar Joseph
Published: August 2021

Advances in medical machine learning are expected to help personalize care, improve outcomes, and reduce wasteful spending. In quantifying potential benefits, it is important to account for constraints arising from clinical workflows. Practice variation is known to influence the accuracy and generalizability of predictive models, but its effects on cost-effectiveness and utilization are less well-described. A simulation-based approach by Mišić and colleagues goes beyond simple performance metrics to evaluate how process variables may influence the impact and financial feasibility of clinical prediction algorithms.
AQPX-cluster aquaporins and aquaglyceroporins are asymmetrically distributed in trypanosomes
Authors: Tesan Fiorella Carla , Lorenzo Ramiro , Alleva Karina , Fox Ana Romina
Published: August 2021

Major Intrinsic Proteins (MIPs) are membrane channels that permeate water and other small solutes. Some trypanosomatid MIPs mediate the uptake of antiparasitic compounds, placing them as potential drug targets. However, a thorough study of the diversity of these channels is still missing. Here we place trypanosomatid channels in the sequence-function space of the large MIP superfamily through a sequence similarity network. This analysis exposes that trypanosomatid aquaporins integrate a distant cluster from the currently defined MIP families, here named aquaporin X (AQPX). Our phylogenetic analyses reveal that trypanosomatid MIPs distribute exclusively between aquaglyceroporin (GLP) and AQPX, being the AQPX family expanded in the Metakinetoplastina common ancestor before the origin of the parasitic order Trypanosomatida. Synteny analysis shows how African trypanosomes specifically lost AQPXs, whereas American trypanosomes specifically lost GLPs. AQPXs diverge from already described MIPs on crucial residues. Together, our results expose the diversity of trypanosomatid MIPs and will aid further functional, structural, and physiological research needed to face the potentiality of the AQPXs as gateways for trypanocidal drugs.
Mediterranean heat injection to the North Atlantic delayed the intensification of Northern Hemisphere glaciations
Authors: Kaboth-Bahr Stefanie , Bahr André , Stepanek Christian , Catunda Maria Carolina Amorim , Karas Cyrus , Ziegler Martin , García-Gallardo Ángela , Grunert Patrick
Published: August 2021

The intensification of Northern Hemisphere glaciations at the end of the Pliocene epoch marks one of the most substantial climatic shifts of the Cenozoic. Despite global cooling, sea surface temperatures in the high latitude North Atlantic Ocean rose between 2.9–2.7 million years ago. Here we present sedimentary geochemical proxy data from the Gulf of Cadiz to reconstruct the variability of Mediterranean Outflow Water, an important heat source to the North Atlantic. We find evidence for enhanced production of Mediterranean Outflow from the mid-Pliocene to the late Pliocene which we infer could have driven a sub-surface heat channel into the high-latitude North Atlantic. We then use Earth System Models to constrain the impact of enhanced Mediterranean Outflow production on the northward heat transport in the North Atlantic. In accord with the proxy data, the numerical model results support the formation of a sub-surface channel that pumped heat from the subtropics into the high latitude North Atlantic. We further suggest that this mechanism could have delayed ice sheet growth at the end of the Pliocene.
Porphyrinoids for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Melissari Z. , Williams R. M. , Senge M. O.
Published: August 2021

This chapter gives an overview of porphyrinoids for use in photodynamic therapy. It covers the characteristics, properties, and current treatments or porphyrin-based photosensitizers. The first section introduces the phototherapy and photodynamic therapy concepts and gives an overview of the principles of photophysical and photopharmacological aspects of potential photosensitizers. The subsequent section summarizes current treatments of clinically approved photosensitizers and those under development. A brief survey of the strategies for singlet oxygen generation enhancement and drug-delivery improvements is described in the last section.
Derivatization-assisted enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for identifying hallucinogenic mushrooms with enhanced sensitivity
Authors: Morita Izumi , Kiguchi Yuki , Oyama Hiroyuki , Takeuchi Atsuko , Tode Chisato , Tanaka Rie , Ogata Jun , Kikura-Hanajiri Ruri , Kobayashi Norihiro
Published: August 2021

Chemical derivatization into a larger molecule dramatically improved sensitivity of ELISA targeting psilocin, a major psychoactive compound in hallucinogenic mushrooms.
Biodegradable freestanding rare-earth nanosheets promote multimodal imaging and delivers CRISPR–Cas9 plasmid against tumor
Authors: Balachandran Yekkuni L. , Li Xuanyu , Jiang Xingyu
Published: August 2021

A heterogenic freestanding, biodegradable ErDy nanosheet was synthesized for multimodal bioimaging and to carry CRISPR–Cas9 plasmid to regress tumor growth.
A red-emissive two-photon fluorescent probe for mitochondrial sodium ions in live tissue
Authors: Juvekar Vinayak , Cho Myoung Ki , Lee Hyo Won , Lee Dong Joon , Kang Hyuk , Song Ju Man , Je Jong Tae , Kim Hwan Myung
Published: August 2021

A cyclocyanine (CC)-based organic small molecule two-photon (TP) fluorescent probe (CCNa1) was developed for mitochondrial sodium ion sensing.
Cycloreversion performance of coumarin and hetero-coumarin dimers under aerobic conditions: unexpected behavior triggered by UV-A light
Authors: Bieniek Nikolai , Inacker Sebastian , Hampp Norbert
Published: August 2021

Photochemical [2+2]-cycloadditions of coumarin-like monomers are the textbook paradigms of photo-formation and photo-cleavage reactions.
Strategy of regulating the electrophilic/nucleophilic ability by ionic ratio in poly(ionic liquid)s to control the coupling reaction of epoxide
Authors: Chen Shengxin , An Ran , Li Yingwei , Zhu Yuting , Zhu XinBao , Liu Ruixia , Li Xingang
Published: August 2021

The ionic ratio could control the chemical–physical properties of PILs, and show an enhanced catalytic performance under an optimized ionic ratio in the coupling reaction of epoxide and CO2 or methanol.
Synthesis and characterisation of two lithium-thiocyanate solvates with tetrahydrofuran: Li[SCN]·THF and Li[SCN]·2THF
Authors: Conrad Maurice , Joos Markus , Bette Sebastian , Dinnebier Robert E. , Maier Joachim , Schleid Thomas
Published: August 2021

Investigations into the system Li[SCN]–THF led to the synthesis and characterisation of two new, highly moisture-sensitive compounds with the compositions Li[SCN]·THF and Li[SCN]·2THF.
Effects of environmental factors on nitrofurantoin photolysis in water and its acute toxicity assessment
Authors: Biošić Martina , Dabić Dario , Škorić Irena , Babić Sandra
Published: August 2021

Pharmaceuticals have special attention of researchers over the world due to their possible effect on the environment and humans.
An integrated strategy using LC-MS/MS combined with in vivo microdialysis for the simultaneous determination of lignans of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. Fructus and endogenous neurotransmitters: application in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies
Authors: Fu Jun , Zhang Hongxu , Liu Shu , Wu Jiajie , Zhang Yuying , Gao Yang , Song Fengrui , Qin Yuhua , Hu Xiuli , Liu Zhongying
Published: August 2021

A schematic diagram of the systematic strategies for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies of SCF in the treatment of AD.
A high energy flexible symmetric supercapacitor fabricated using N-doped activated carbon derived from palm flowers
Authors: Sahoo Malaya K. , Rao G. Ranga
Published: August 2021

Nitrogen doped activated carbons of high surface area are synthesized using palm flower biomaterial by KOH activation followed by pyrolysis.
Anionic/nonionic surfactants for controlled synthesis of highly concentrated sub-50 nm polystyrene spheres
Authors: Al Najjar Taher , Allam Nageh K. , El Sawy Ehab N.
Published: August 2021

Highly concentrated (8%) and monodispersed sub-50 nm polystyrene spheres were synthesized using emulsion polymerization. Parameters such as the initiator/monomer/surfactant concentration and surfactant type were used to control the PS sphere sizes.
Design and synthesis of benzyl aminocoumarin and its anti-Alzheimer's activity
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Hao Canhua , Miao Yuhang , Yun Yinling , Sun Xiaoya , Pan Yinbo , Sun Jie , Wang Xiaojing
Published: August 2021

Benzylaminocoumarin is a kind of compound with coumarin skeleton and benzylamino side chain structure at positions 3 and 4.
Dielectric analysis of the percolation, interface polarization, and phase behavior of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate/TX-100/triethylamine microemulsions
Authors: Li Zhen , Fan Zhefeng , Lian Yiwei , Chen Zhen
Published: August 2021

Structure transitions, interface distinction and electrical parameters of a nonaqueous ionic liquid microemulsion reflected by concentration-dependent frequency domain dielectric spectroscopy.
Evaluation of substituent bioactivity and anion impact of linear and T-shaped silver(i) pyridinyl complexes as potential antiproliferative, antioxidant, antimicrobial agents and DNA- and BSA-binders
Authors: Adeleke Adesola A. , Islam Md. Shahidul , Olofinsan Kolawole , Salau Veronica F. , Mocktar Chunderika , Omondi Bernard
Published: August 2021

The impact of ligand substituents and anion variation on the bio-activity of pyridinyl Ag(I) complexes was evaluated. The complexes showed potential therapeutic ability with notable anticancer, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities.
Recent advances in the biosynthesis strategies of nitrogen heterocyclic natural products
Authors: Gao Bo , Yang Bo , Feng Xudong , Li Chun
Published: August 2021

Nitrogen heterocyclic natural products (NHNPs) are primary or secondary metabolites containing nitrogen heterocyclic (N-heterocyclic) skeletons.
Emerging strategies based on nanomaterials for ionizing radiation-optimized drug treatment of cancer
Authors: Yi Xuan , Shen Mengling , Liu Xinpei , Gu Jingyu
Published: August 2021

In this review, we summarized the nanomaterial-mediated emerging strategies for ionizing radiation-optimized drug delivery, release, activation and response in the synergetic drug-radiotherapy of cancer.
Enhancing upconversion of manganese through spatial control of energy migration for multi-level anti-counterfeiting
Authors: Yan Long , Wang Xixi , An Zhengce , Hu Zhiyong , Liu Huiming , Xu Shanhui , Zhou Bo
Published: August 2021

We report a mechanistic strategy to enhance the upconversion of Mn2+by designing a migratory NaGdF4interlayer in the core–shell nanostructure, showing great potential in multi-level anti-counterfeiting.
Using post-synthetic ligand modification to imprint chirality onto the electronic states of cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr3) perovskite nanoparticles
Authors: Debnath Gouranga H. , Georgieva Zheni N. , Bloom Brian P. , Tan Susheng , Waldeck David H.
Published: August 2021

Post-synthetic ligand modification to generate chiral CsPbBr3 NPs.
Amino acid acrylamide mimics: creation of a consistent monomer library and characterization of their polymerization behaviour
Authors: Wyers Dries , Goris Toon , De Smet Yana , Junkers Tanja
Published: August 2021

A novel consistent approach to mimic the structure of biopolymers via precision polymer synthesis with reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP).
Simultaneously enhancing the crystallization rate and fire retardancy of poly(lactic acid) by using a novel bifunctional additive trimethylamine phenylphosphonate
Authors: Jin Qin , Tian Guo-Qiang , He Rong , Gu Hai-Long , Wu Fang , Zhu Jiang
Published: August 2021

Simultaneously regulating the crystallizing and combustion behaviors of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) will be conducive to its further development in the fields of electronic appliances, automotive and rail transit materials.
Toxicity of Nd2WO6 nanoparticles to the microalga Dunaliella salina: synthesis of nanoparticles and investigation of their impact on microalgae
Authors: Hassanpour Mohammad , Hosseini Tafreshi Seyed Ali , Amiri Omid , Hamadanian Masood , Salavati-Niasari Masoud
Published: August 2021

In this work, Nd2WO6 nanoparticles were synthesized by the ultrasonic method for the first time. Also, for the first time, the impact of these nanoparticles on the environment was investigated.
Fabrication, characterization and high photocatalytic activity of Ag–ZnO heterojunctions under UV-visible light
Authors: Zhu Xiaodong , Wang Juan , Yang Daixiong , Liu Jiawei , He Lili , Tang Mao , Feng Wei , Wu Xiaoqiang
Published: August 2021

Ag–ZnO heterojunction promotes the separation of photogenerated pairs and thus exhibits high catalytic activity under UV-visible light.
A novel ER-targeted two-photon fluorescent probe for monitoring abnormal concentrations of HClO in diabetic mice
Authors: Zhang Weiyao , Song Wenhui , Lin Weiying
Published: August 2021

Diabetes is closely related to the presence of excess HClO induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress.
Two-dimensional heterostructures of AuSe/SnS for the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction with a Z-scheme
Authors: Yin Qi-Kang , Yang Chuan-Lu , Wang Mei-Shan , Ma Xiao-Guang
Published: August 2021

Two-dimensional (2D) AuSe/SnS heterostructures with the Z-scheme can significantly improve the recombination of the photogenerated charge pairs and increase the overpotential compared with the corresponding monolayers.
Phonon magic angle in two-dimensional puckered homostructures
Authors: Zhang Yufeng , An Meng , Song Dongxing , Fan Aoran , Chen Dongsheng , Wang Haidong , Ma Weigang , Zhang Xing
Published: August 2021

The phonon magic angle of 2D puckered homostructures, with the TP-1 and TP-2 directions overlapped, retains a high level or even an enhanced level of phonon transport capability due to van der Waals (vdW) confinement.
Dual-enhanced Raman scattering sensors incorporating graphene plasmonic nanoresonators
Authors: Feng Xiaoqiang , He Zhengyi , Yu Lingyan , Liu Zhiduo , Wang Gang , Yang Siwei , Ding Guqiao
Published: August 2021

Direct PECVD growth of VAGA heterostructures in situ on FTO to use as SERS substrates. The substrates were used to carry out the simultaneous, non-destructive, and repeatable detection of a diverse range of analytes.
Enhancement of electrical performance of atomic layer deposited SnO films via substrate surface engineering
Authors: Baek In-Hwan , Cho Ah-Jin , Lee Ga Yeon , Choi Heenang , Won Sung Ok , Eom Taeyong , Chung Taek-Mo , Hwang Cheol Seong , Kim Seong Keun
Published: August 2021

Substrate surface engineering improves structural and electrical properties of ALD-grown SnO films.
Supramolecular organic–inorganic domains integrating fullerene-based acceptors with polyoxometalate-bis-pyrene tweezers for organic photovoltaic applications
Authors: Giancane Gabriele , Bettini Simona , Valli Ludovico , Bracamonte Victoria , Carraro Mauro , Bonchio Marcella , Prato Maurizio
Published: August 2021

Polyoxometalate-bis-pyrene receptors for phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) provide an interfacial layer (IFL) material enhancing the open circuit voltage of the organic photovoltaic device of about 34% under applied bias of ±5 V.
Integrated mass spectrometry-based multi-omics for elucidating mechanisms of bacterial virulence
Authors: Man Lok , Klare William P. , Dale Ashleigh L. , Cain Joel A. , Cordwell Stuart J.
Published: August 2021

Despite being considered the simplest form of life, bacteria remain enigmatic, particularly in light of pathogenesis and evolving antimicrobial resistance. After three decades of genomics, we remain some way from understanding these organisms, and a substantial proportion of genes remain functionally unknown. Methodological advances, principally mass spectrometry (MS), are paving the way for parallel analysis of the proteome, metabolome and lipidome. Each provides a global, complementary assay, in addition to genomics, and the ability to better comprehend how pathogens respond to changes in their internal (e.g. mutation) and external environments consistent with infection-like conditions. Such responses include accessing necessary nutrients for survival in a hostile environment where co-colonizing bacteria and normal flora are acclimated to the prevailing conditions. Multi-omics can be harnessed across temporal and spatial (sub-cellular) dimensions to understand adaptation at the molecular level. Gene deletion libraries, in conjunction with large-scale approaches and evolving bioinformatics integration, will greatly facilitate next-generation vaccines and antimicrobial interventions by highlighting novel targets and pathogen-specific pathways. MS is also central in phenotypic characterization of surface biomolecules such as lipid A, as well as aiding in the determination of protein interactions and complexes. There is increasing evidence that bacteria are capable of widespread post-translational modification, including phosphorylation, glycosylation and acetylation; with each contributing to virulence. This review focuses on the bacterial genotype to phenotype transition and surveys the recent literature showing how the genome can be validated at the proteome, metabolome and lipidome levels to provide an integrated view of organism response to host conditions.
Cellular feedback dynamics and multilevel regulation driven by the hippo pathway
Authors: Park Jiwon , Hansen Carsten Gram
Published: August 2021

The Hippo pathway is a dynamic cellular signalling nexus that regulates differentiation and controls cell proliferation and death. If the Hippo pathway is not precisely regulated, the functionality of the upstream kinase module is impaired, which increases nuclear localisation and activity of the central effectors, the transcriptional co-regulators YAP and TAZ. Pathological YAP and TAZ hyperactivity consequently cause cancer, fibrosis and developmental defects. The Hippo pathway controls an array of fundamental cellular processes, including adhesion, migration, mitosis, polarity and secretion of a range of biologically active components. Recent studies highlight that spatio-temporal regulation of Hippo pathway components are central to precisely controlling its context-dependent dynamic activity. Several levels of feedback are integrated into the Hippo pathway, which is further synergized with interactors outside of the pathway that directly regulate specific Hippo pathway components. Likewise, Hippo core kinases also ‘moonlight’ by phosphorylating multiple substrates beyond the Hippo pathway and thereby integrates further flexibility and robustness in the cellular decision-making process. This topic is still in its infancy but promises to reveal new fundamental insights into the cellular regulation of this therapeutically important pathway. We here highlight recent advances emphasising feedback dynamics and multilevel regulation of the Hippo pathway with a focus on mitosis and cell migration, as well as discuss potential productive future research avenues that might reveal novel insights into the overall dynamics of the pathway.
Klotho and calciprotein particles as therapeutic targets against accelerated ageing
Authors: Kuro-o Makoto
Published: August 2021

The klotho gene, named after a Greek goddess who spins the thread of life, was identified as a putative ‘ageing-suppressor’ gene. Klotho-deficient mice exhibit complex ageing-like phenotypes including hypogonadism, arteriosclerosis (vascular calcification), cardiac hypertrophy, osteopenia, sarcopenia, frailty, and premature death. Klotho protein functions as the obligate co-receptor for fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23), a bone-derived hormone that promotes urinary phosphate excretion in response to phosphate intake. Thus, Klotho-deficient mice suffer not only from accelerated ageing but also from phosphate retention due to impaired phosphate excretion. Importantly, restoration of the phosphate balance by placing Klotho-deficient mice on low phosphate diet rescued them from premature ageing, leading us to the notion that phosphate accelerates ageing. Because the extracellular fluid is super-saturated in terms of phosphate and calcium ions, an increase in the phosphate concentration can trigger precipitation of calcium-phosphate. In the blood, calcium-phosphate precipitated upon increase in the blood phosphate concentration is adsorbed by serum protein fetuin-A to form colloidal nanoparticles called calciprotein particles (CPPs). In the urine, CPPs appear in the renal tubular fluid when FGF23 increases phosphate load excreted per nephron. CPPs can induce cell damage, ectopic calcification, and inflammatory responses. CPPs in the blood can induce arteriosclerosis and non-infectious chronic inflammation, whereas CPPs in the urine can induce renal tubular damage and interstitial inflammation/fibrosis. Thus, we propose that CPPs behave like a pathogen that accelerates ageing and should be regarded as a novel therapeutic target against age-related disorders including chronic kidney disease.
An analysis of hot‐started ADMM for linear MPC
Authors: Toyoda Mitsuru , Tanaka Mirai
Published: August 2021

A convergence analysis of the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) for linear model predictive control (MPC) problems with regularization terms is addressed here. Compared with conventional results, this paper focuses on the dynamical structure of the ADMM and derives the linear convergence of the state variables of the ADMM dynamics.In on‐line optimization problems associated with MPC problems, because the computation time is a significant issue, a hot‐start technique in which an initial point of the algorithm is set as the convergence point for the previous optimization problem is widely employed to improve the convergence property. Here, by utilizing the proposed convergence analysis framework, the effectiveness of the hot‐start is explored, and the upper bounds of the number of iterations to guarantee the required accuracy of an obtained iterative solution are deduced. The proposed hot‐start framework derives a criterion for choosing the penalty parameter of the ADMM in MPC problems and facilitates effective iteration, which is validated in a numerical example.
LR‐RoadNet: A long‐range context‐aware neural network for road extraction via high‐resolution remote sensing images
Authors: Li Panle , Tian Zhihui , He Xiaohui , Qiao Mengjia , Cheng Xijie , Song Dingjun , Chen Mingyang , Li Jiamian , Zhou Tao , Guo Xiaoyu , Li Zhiqiang , Li Daidong , Ding Zihao , Li Runchuan
Published: August 2021

Road extraction from high‐resolution remote sensing images (HRSIs) has great importance in various practical applications. However, most existing road extraction methods have considerable limitation in capturing long‐range shape feature of road, and thus, they are ineffective in extracting road region under complex scenes. To address this issue, a novel model called long‐range context‐aware road extraction neural network (LR‐RoadNet) is proposed. LR‐RoadNet takes advantage of strip pooling to capture long‐range context from horizontal and vertical directions, aiming to improve continuity and completeness of road extraction results. Specifically, the LR‐RoadNet consists of two parts: strip residual module (SRM) and strip pyramid pooling module (SPPM). The SRM is built based on residual unit, in which the strip pooling is employed to learn general and long‐range road feature from input image. Then, the SPPM is used to obtain long‐range feature from multiple scales by multiple parallel strip pooling operations. More importantly, a structural similarity (SS) loss function is introduced to further explore road structure for optimizing LR‐RoadNet. The experimental results show that the proposed method achieves great improvement than other state‐of‐the‐art methods on three challenging datasets, Cheng‐Roads, Zimbabwe‐Roads and Mass‐Roads.
LLAMA: Stellar populations in the nuclei of ultra-hard X-ray-selected AGN and matched inactive galaxies
Authors: Burtscher L. , Davies R. I. , Shimizu T. T. , Riffel R. , Rosario D. J. , Hicks E. K. S. , Lin M.-Y. , Riffel R. A. , Schartmann M. , Schnorr-Müller A. , Storchi-Bergmann T. , Orban de Xivry G. , Veilleux S.
Published: August 2021

The relation between nuclear (≲50 pc) star formation and nuclear galactic activity is still elusive; theoretical models predict a link between the two, but it is unclear whether active galactic nuclei (AGNs) should appear at the same time, before, or after nuclear star formation activity. We present a study of this relation in a complete, volume-limited sample of nine of the most luminous (logL14 − 195 keV > 1042.5erg s−1) local AGNs (the LLAMA sample), including a sample of 18 inactive control galaxies (six star-forming; 12 passive) that are matched by Hubble type, stellar mass (9.5 ≲ logM⋆/M⊙ ≲ 10.5), inclination, and distance. This allows us to calibrate our methods on the control sample and perform a differential analysis between the AGN and control samples. We performed stellar population synthesis on VLT/X-shooter spectra in an aperture corresponding to a physical radius of ≈150 pc. We find young (≲30 Myr) stellar populations in seven out of nine AGNs and in four out of six star-forming control galaxies. In the non-star-forming control population, in contrast, only two out of 12 galaxies show such a population. We further show that these young populations are not indicative of ongoing star formation, providing evidence for models that see AGN activity as a consequence of nuclear star formation. Based on the similar nuclear star formation histories of AGNs and star-forming control galaxies, we speculate that the latter may turn into the former for some fraction of their time. Under this assumption, and making use of the volume completeness of our sample, we infer that the AGN phase lasts for about 5% of the nuclear starburst phase.
Prevalence and infection risk factors of bovine Eimeria in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Dong-Li , Gong Qing-Long , Ge Gui-Yang , Wang Qi , Sheng Chen-Yan , Ma Bao-Yi , Chen Zi-Yang , Yang Yang , Li Jian-Ming , Shi Kun , Leng Xue , Du Rui
Published: August 2021

Eimeria spp. cause the disease coccidiosis, which results in chronic wasting of livestock and can lead to the death of the animal. The disease, common worldwide, has caused huge economic losses to the cattle industry in particular. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of bovine Eimeria in China. Our search of five databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chongqing VIP, and Wan Fang for articles published up to February 29, 2020 on the prevalence of Eimeria in cattle in mainland China yielded 46 articles, in which the prevalence of cattle ranged from 4.6% to 87.5%. The rate of bovine Eimeria infection has been decreasing year by year, from 57.9% before 2000 to 25.0% after 2015, but it is still high. We also analyzed the region, sampling years, detection methods, feeding model, seasons, and species of bovine Eimeria. We recommend that prevention strategies should focus on strengthening detection of Eimeria in calves in the intensive farming model.
ACE2 in tumor cells and tumor vasculature: Negligible intercellular transfer from cancer cells into endothelial cells
Authors: Liu Zhi-Jie , Mei Yan , Lu Jiang-Li , Lu Jia-Bin , Cao Yun , Cai Mu-Yan , Zheng Li-Sheng , Wang Ming-Dian , Peng Li-Xia , Li Yang , Huang Bi-Jun , Yun Jin-Ping , Qian Chao-Nan
Published: August 2021

Cancer patients are more susceptible to severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the functional host receptor for SARS-CoV-2 entering into human cells. Bioinformatics’ analyses have revealed that ACE2 is upregulated in some cancer cells. In the present study, we evaluated ACE2 protein expression levels in several common malignancies compared to non-cancerous normal tissues. ACE2 expression was elevated in colorectal adenocarcinoma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, gastric adenocarcinoma, and papillary renal cell carcinoma cancer. Yet, it was suppressed in chromophobe renal cell carcinoma, testicular germ cell tumors, and papillary thyroid carcinoma. Two tumor tissue microarrays were used to evaluate the prognostic value of ACE2 expression in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma, and colorectal adenocarcinoma without COVID-19. No significant survival benefit was found for patients with overexpression of ACE2 in the tumor. In the tumor vasculature, ACE2 expression was observed in only 54% of the tumor micro-vessels. Using an in vitro co-culture of endothelial cells and tumor cells overexpressing fusion protein ACE2-red fluorescent protein, we did not observe any clear and convincing intercellular transfer of ACE2 from cancer cells into endothelial cells. In summary, alteration of ACE2 expression was found in common malignancies, but there is no evidence of intercellular transfer of ACE2 from cancer cells to endothelial cells.
Brachytherapy for Peripheral Retinal Capillary Haemangioblastoma in von Hippel-Lindau Disease
Authors: Dalbah Sami , Bechrakis Nikolaos E. , Thomasen Henning , Flühs Dirk , Rating Philipp , Guberina Maja , Stuschke Martin , Fiorentzis Miltiadis , Bornfeld Norbert , Biewald Eva
Published: August 2021

Aim To report our experience with 106ruthenium-brachytherapy of peripheral capillary haemangioblastomas in patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease.

Design Retrospective case series.

Methods A total of 53 haemangioblastomas, treated with 106ruthenium-brachytherapy, were included in our study. The applied radiation dose, visual outcome, angioma activity, need for vitreoretinal surgery and incidence of secondary complications such as macular oedema, secondary glaucoma, vitreous haemorrhage, and epiretinal gliosis were assessed.

Results All treated eyes could be preserved. In 11 patients (20.8%), single brachytherapy did not achieve complete inactivation of the tumour. 31% developed macular oedema postoperatively. Tractional retinal detachment developed in 23.8%, and epiretinal gliosis was observed in 2.4% of patients. Vitreoretinal surgery was necessary in 50% of all treated eyes. At the end of the follow-up, 40.5% of all treated eyes achieved visual acuity (VA) of 0.6 or better, and one third reached a VA of less than 0.1. Mean irradiation dose to the tumour apex was 144 Gy. Higher apex doses correlated with better tumour control of irradiated haemanigoblastomas and lower complication rates.

Conclusions Brachytherapy of peripheral retinal capillary haemangioblastomas is an effective treatment modality. Higher irradiation doses seem to lead to more successful treatment.
Use of the Ophtec Artificial Iris Model C1 in Patients with Aniridia/Aphakia
Authors: Jakob-Girbig Juliane , Salewsky Susanne , Meller Daniel
Published: August 2021

In the present cases, the use of the Ophtec Arificial Iris model C1 is described in patients with traumatic or postoperative aniridia/aphakia. In one of the patients, it was combined with perforating keratoplasty because of corneal scarring. In both of the presented cases, improvement in visual acuity and a satisfactory aesthetic result without any serious complications can be shown. However, the short follow-up time must be emphasised.
Behandlung im Voraus Planen – ein Praxisprojekt zur Implementierung vorausschauender Versorgungsplanung in einer onkologischen Abteilung
Authors: Behringer Dirk , Henzler Dorothee , Badrakhan Curd-David , Behringer Birgitta , Stiel Stephanie
Published: August 2021

Hintergrund Vorausschauende Versorgungsplanung ist als notwendiger Bestandteil für eine bedürfniszentrierte Betreuung von Patient*innen mit fortgeschrittenen Krebserkrankungen anerkannt. Aufgrund des seit Langem von Pflegepersonal und Ärzt*innen thematisierten Bedarfs in der onkologischen Abteilung wurde das Konzept „Behandlung im Voraus Planen“ (BVP) u. a. wegen der klar strukturierten Vorgehensweise für die Implementierung ausgewählt.

Methode Fortgeschrittenen Krebspatient*innen wurde ein BVP-Gespräch angeboten. Der Prozess vom Gesprächsangebot bis zur Erstellung einer BVP-Patientenverfügung (BVP-PV), der weitere gesundheitliche Verlauf und die Adhärenz gegenüber der in der BVP-PV dokumentierten Therapiegrenze wurden dokumentiert. Diskrepanzen zwischen Behandlungswünschen und ärztlicher Indikation wurden analysiert.

Ergebnisse Zwischen März 2015 und August 2019 erhielten 230 Patienten ≥ 1 BVP-Gesprächsangebot. 126 Patienten nahmen ≥ 1 Gespräch wahr, 88 BVP-PV wurden erstellt. Zwischen Gesprächsangebot und Erstgespräch lagen im Median 56 Tage, zwischen Fertigstellung der BVP-PV und Erreichen des Endpunkts 107 Tage. Die mediane Erstgesprächsdauer betrug 60 min. Die Wünsche auf Therapieverzicht wurden berücksichtigt. Die Diskrepanz zwischen patientenseitigem Wunsch auf intensivmedizinische Maßnahmen und fehlender ärztlicher Indikation wurde in einigen Fällen nach erneuten ärztlichen Gesprächen angepasst.

Diskussion BVP ist ein hilfreiches Instrument für die Wahrnehmung der individuellen Bedürfnisse bei fortgeschrittenen Krebspatient*innen. Es zeigte sich eine hohe Akzeptanz sowohl bei Patient*innen als auch im Behandlungsteam. Der Umgang mit belastenden Emotionen von Beratenden wurde durch abteilungsinterne Fürsorgestrukturen erleichtert.

Schlussfolgerung Der routinemäßige Einsatz von BVP erfordert ein einrichtungsweites Umdenken und die Bereitstellung von Ressourcen, die über die vom BVP-Konzept vorgesehenen Instrumente hinausgehen, z. B. für den Umgang mit belastenden Emotionen. Vor dem Hintergrund des in der S3-Leitlinie hinterlegten Bedarfs und Nutzens der vorausschauenden Versorgungsplanung bei Patient*innen mit fortgeschrittenen Krebserkrankungen ist eine angemessene Finanzierung zwingend.
DRGs und Krankenhauspreissystem – wie kann es weitergehen?
Authors: Kaltenbach Tobias
Published: August 2021

Die deutschen DGRs stehen vor einer weiteren Reform. Der Anreiz-/Wirkungsmechanismus der DRGs als Preissystem für die deutschen Krankenhäuser wird nach Abweichungen vom Ideal als Instrument zur Durchsetzung von Regulierungszielen untersucht. Anschließend werden die Anforderungen an eine Reform des Krankenhauspreissystems unter Berücksichtigung objektiver betriebswirtschaftlicher Kriterien formuliert. Die sich daraus für eine Reform ergebenden maßgeblichen Prioritäten wie der Abbau bürokratischer Regeln und eine langfristige Lösung für die Finanzierung des Pflegeproblems und der ambulanten Leistungen werden ausgeführt.
A Facile Synthesis of 2-Aminopropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic Acid and Its Symmetrical Dimethyl Ester
Authors: Nizovtsev Alexey V. , Bovin Nicolai V.
Published: August 2021

A new convenient synthetic route to 2-aminopropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid is described. The first two stages of the three-step synthesis are performed in a one-pot procedure and include the cyclization of hippuric acid with DCC followed by treatment with methyl bromoacetate to yield an alkylated oxazolone. Its hydrolysis with HCl provides 2-aminopropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid as its HCl salt. Esterification of the resulting acid with methanol in the presence of thionyl chloride leads selectively to its symmetrical diester.