bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-positive Escherichia coli among carbapenem non-susceptible Enterobacteriaceae in Taiwan during 2016 to 2018
Authors: Huang Yu-Shan , Tsai Wan-Chen , Li Jia-Jie , Chen Pao-Yu , Wang Jann-Tay , Chen Ying-Tsong , Chen Feng-Jui , Lauderdale Tsai-Ling , Chang Shan-Chwen
Published: January 2021

New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) had been reported to be the predominant carbapenemase among Escherichia coli in Taiwan. However, studies focusing on the clonal background and epidemiology of plasmids carrying NDM genes were limited. Between 2016 and 2018, all clinical E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates that were non-susceptible to ertapenem, meropenem, and imipenem were tested for carbapenemase-encoding genes (CEGs) and antimicrobial susceptibilities. Molecular typing was performed on all carbapenemase-producing isolates. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on all NDM-positive E. coli isolates. Twenty-three (29.5%) of 78 carbapenem non-susceptible E. coli and 108 (35.3%) of 306 carbapenem non-susceptible K. pneumoniae isolates carried CEGs. The most prevalent CEGs in carbapenemase-producing E. coli (CPEc) were blaNDM (39.1%) and blaIMP-8 (30.4%), while that in carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae was Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) (72.2%). Fifteen sequence types were identified among 23 CPEc, and 55.6% of NDM-positive E. coli isolates belonged to ST410. WGS showed ST410 isolates were highly clonal and similar to those from other countries. All NDM-5-positive E. coli isolates carried identical IncX3 plasmid harboring blaNDM-5 but no other antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes. In each of the four NDM-1-positive E. coli isolates, the blaNDM-1 was present in a ∼ 300 kb IncHI2/IncHI2A plasmid which carried an array of AMR genes. NDMs are the most prevalent carbapenemase among CPEc in Taiwan. Awareness should be raised as the prevalence of NDM-positive E. coli might increase rapidly with IncX3 plasmid and globally distributed strain ST410 being the potential vectors for wide dissemination.
Inhibition of the CXCL9-CXCR3 axis suppresses the progression of experimental apical periodontitis by blocking macrophage migration and activation
Authors: Hasegawa Tatsuya , Venkata Suresh V. , Yahata Yoshio , Nakano Masato , Suzuki Shigeto , Suzuki Shigeki , Yamada Satoru , Kitaura Hideki , Mizoguchi Itaru , Noiri Yuichiro , Handa Keisuke , Saito Masahiro
Published: January 2021

Apical periodontitis (AP) is an acute or chronic inflammatory disease caused by complex interactions between infected root canal and host immune system. It results in the induction of inflammatory mediators such as chemokines and cytokines leading to periapical tissue destruction. To understand the molecular pathogenesis of AP, we have investigated inflammatory-related genes that regulate AP development. We found here that macrophage-derived CXCL9, which acts through CXCR3, is recruited by progressed AP. The inhibition of CXCL9 by a CXCR3 antagonist reduced the lesion size in a mouse AP model with decreasing IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα expression. The treatment of peritoneal macrophages with CXCL9 and LPS induced the transmigration and upregulation of osteoclastogenic cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6 and matrix metalloprotease 2, a marker of activated macrophages. This suggests that the CXCL9-CXCR3 axis plays a crucial role in the development of AP, mediated by the migration and activation of macrophages for periapical tissue destruction. Our data thus show that CXCL9 regulates the functions of macrophages which contribute to AP pathogenesis, and that blocking CXCL9 suppresses AP progression. Knowledge of the principal factors involved in the progression of AP, and the identification of related inflammatory markers, may help to establish new therapeutic strategies.
Author Correction: Loss-of-function uORF mutations in human malignancies
Authors: Schulz Julia , Mah Nancy , Neuenschwander Martin , Kischka Tabea , Ratei Richard , Schlag Peter M. , Castaños-Vélez Esmeralda , Fichtner Iduna , Tunn Per-Ulf , Denkert Carsten , Klaas Oliver , Berdel Wolfgang E. , von Kries Jens P. , Makalowski Wojciech , Andrade-Navarro Miguel A. , Leutz Achim , Wethmar Klaus
Published: January 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Population genetics and evolutionary history of the endangered Eld’s deer (Rucervus eldii) with implications for planning species recovery
Authors: Ghazi Mirza Ghazanfarullah , Sharma Surya Prasad , Tuboi Chongpi , Angom Sangeeta , Gurumayum Tennison , Nigam Parag , Hussain Syed Ainul
Published: January 2021

Eld's deer (Rucervus eldii) with three recognised subspecies (R. e. eldii, R. e. thamin,andR. e. siamensis) represents one of the most threatened cervids found in Southeast Asia. The species has experienced considerable range contractions and local extinctions owing to habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting, and illegal trade across its distribution range over the last century. Understanding the patterns of genetic variation is crucial for planning effective conservation strategies. This study investigated the phylogeography, divergence events and systematics of Eld's deer subspecies using the largest mtDNA dataset compiled to date. We also analysed the genetic structure and demographic history ofR. e. eldiiusing 19 microsatellite markers. Our results showed thatR. e. siamensisexhibits two divergent mtDNA lineages (mainland and Hainan Island), which diverged around 0.2 Mya (95% HPD 0.1–0.2), possibly driven by the fluctuating sea levels of the Early Holocene period. The divergence betweenR. e. eldiiandR. e. siamensisoccurred around 0.4 Mya (95% HPD 0.3–0.5), potentially associated with the adaptations to warm and humid climate with open grassland vegetation that predominated the region. Furthermore,R. e. eldiiexhibits low levels of genetic diversity and small contemporary effective population size (median = 7, 4.7–10.8 at 95% CI) with widespread historical genetic bottlenecks which accentuates its vulnerability to inbreeding and extinction. Based on the observed significant evolutionary and systematic distance between Eld’s deer and other species of the genusRucervus,we propose to classify Eld's deer (Cervus eldii) in the genusCervus, which is in congruent with previous phylogenetic studies. This study provides important conservation implications required to direct the ongoing population recovery programs and planning future conservation strategies.
Vertically integrated diffractive gratings on photonic crystal surface emitting lasers
Authors: Chen Lih-Ren , Hong Kuo-Bin , Chen Hsiu-Ling , Huang Kuan-Chih , Lu Tien-Chang
Published: January 2021

We designed and fabricated a photonic crystal surface emitting laser (PCSEL) with vertically integrated diffractive optical elements on their top to study the mechanism of static beam steering on a single chip. The deflected output beam by the self-formed periodic ITO cladding layer of the PCSEL can be further steered by changing the grating period and azimuthal angle of the diffractive gratings relative to the photonic crystal. Through the analysis of photonic band structure and lasing characteristics, the periodic ITO structure is coupled to the photonic crystal band, whereas the integrated grating serves the diffractive function only. The findings pave the way for the design of PCSELs enabling single or multiple output beam with varying direction capability. This type of laser is regarded as an ideal light source for various applications, such as light detection and ranging and three-dimensional sensing systems.
Oxycodone self-administration activates the mitogen-activated protein kinase/ mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinase (MAPK-MSK) signaling pathway in the rat dorsal striatum
Authors: Blackwood Christopher A. , McCoy Michael T. , Ladenheim Bruce , Cadet Jean Lud
Published: January 2021

To identify signaling pathways activated by oxycodone self-administration (SA), Sprague–Dawley rats self-administered oxycodone for 20 days using short—(ShA, 3 h) and long-access (LgA, 9 h) paradigms. Animals were euthanized 2 h after SA cessation and dorsal striata were used in post-mortem molecular analyses. LgA rats escalated their oxycodone intake and separated into lower (LgA-L) or higher (LgA-H) oxycodone takers. LgA-H rats showed increased striatal protein phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and MSK1/2. Histone H3, phosphorylated at serine 10 and acetylated at lysine 14 (H3S10pK14Ac), a MSK1/2 target, showed increased abundance only in LgA-H rats. RT-qPCR analyses revealed increased AMPA receptor subunits, GluA2 and GluA3 mRNAs, in the LgA-H rats. GluA3, but not GluA2, mRNA expression correlated positively with changes in pMSK1/2 and H3S10pK14Ac. These findings suggest that escalated oxycodone SA results in MSK1/2-dependent histone phosphorylation and increases in striatal gene expression. These observations offer potential avenues for interventions against oxycodone addiction.
Virome-wide serological profiling reveals association of herpesviruses with obesity
Authors: Hasan Mohammad Rubayet , Rahman Mahbuba , Khan Taushif , Saeed Amira , Sundararaju Sathyavathi , Flores Annaliza , Hawken Phillip , Rawat Arun , Elkum Naser , Hussain Khalid , Tan Rusung , Tang Patrick , Marr Nico
Published: January 2021

The relationship between viral infection and obesity has been known for several decades but epidemiological data is limited to only a few viral pathogens. The association between obesity and a wide range of viruses was assessed using VirScan, a pan-viral serological profiling tool. Serum specimens from 457 Qatari adults (lean = 184; obese = 273) and 231 Qatari children (lean = 111; obese = 120) were analyzed by VirScan. Associations with obesity were determined by odds ratio (OR) and Fisher’s test (p values), and by multivariate regression analysis to adjust for age and gender. Although there was no association of viral infections with obesity in the pediatric population, a nominal association of obesity with seropositivity to members of the Herpesviridae family is observed for the adult population (OR = 1.5–3.3; p < 0.05). After adjusting p values for multiple comparisons (Bonferroni correction) the odds of being obese is significantly higher in herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) seropositive Qatari adults (OR = 3.3; 95% CI 2.15–4.99; p = 2.787E − 08). By VirScan, the sero-prevalence of HSV1 is 81.3% and 57.1% among Qatari obese and lean adult populations, respectively. Higher prevalence of antibodies against several peptide epitopes of HSV-1/2 is positively associated with obesity (OR = 2.35–3.82; p ≤ 3.981E − 05). By multivariate regression analysis, HSV-1 was independently associated with obesity irrespective of age and gender. Our results suggest that obesity among Qataris may be associated with a higher prevalence of herpesvirus infections, in particular HSV-1. Furthermore, the high prevalence of antibodies against peptide antigens specific to HSV-1 and -2 in the obese population suggests that these viral peptides may play a role in adipogenesis. Further studies with these candidate peptides in cell culture or animal models may confirm their adipogenic roles.
Transcriptional coupling and repair of 8-OxoG activate a RecA-dependent checkpoint that controls the onset of sporulation in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Suárez Valeria P. , Martínez Lissett E. , Leyva-Sánchez Hilda C. , Valenzuela-García Luz I. , Lara-Martínez Reyna , Jiménez-García Luis F. , Ramírez-Ramírez Norma , Obregon-Herrera Armando , Cuéllar-Cruz Mayra , Robleto Eduardo A. , Pedraza-Reyes Mario
Published: January 2021

During sporulation Bacillus subtilis Mfd couples transcription to nucleotide excision repair (NER) to eliminate DNA distorting lesions. Here, we report a significant decline in sporulation following Mfd disruption, which was manifested in the absence of external DNA-damage suggesting that spontaneous lesions activate the function of Mfd for an efficient sporogenesis. Accordingly, a dramatic decline in sporulation efficiency took place in a B. subtilis strain lacking Mfd and the repair/prevention guanine oxidized (GO) system (hereafter, the ∆GO system), composed by YtkD, MutM and MutY. Furthermore, the simultaneous absence of Mfd and the GO system, (i) sensitized sporulating cells to H2O2, and (ii) elicited spontaneous and oxygen radical-induced rifampin-resistance (Rifr) mutagenesis. Epifluorescence (EF), confocal and transmission electron (TEM) microscopy analyses, showed a decreased ability of ∆GO ∆mfd strain to sporulate and to develop the typical morphologies of sporulating cells. Remarkably, disruption of sda, sirA and disA partially, restored the sporulation efficiency of the strain deficient for Mfd and the ∆GO system; complete restoration occurred in the RecA− background. Overall, our results unveil a novel Mfd mechanism of transcription-coupled-repair (TCR) elicited by 8-OxoG which converges in the activation of a RecA-dependent checkpoint event that control the onset of sporulation in B. subtilis.
Feature extraction and classification of surface discharges on an ice-covered insulator string during AC flashover using gray-level co-occurrence matrix
Authors: Liu Yong , Li Qiran , Du Boxue , Farzaneh Masoud
Published: January 2021

This study focuses on the feature extraction and classification of surface discharges of ice-covered insulator strings during process of alternating current flashover. The test specimen was the five units suspension ceramic insulators, which was artificially accreted with wet-grown ice in the cold-climate room of CIGELE. Based on the IEEE Standard 1783/2009, flashover experiments were conducted on iced insulators to measure the minimum flashover voltage (VMF) and record the propagating process of surface discharges to flashover by using a high-speed video camera. The gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) method has been used to extract four parameters of arc discharge images features that characterize different stages of flashover process. The parameters are angular second moment (ASM), contrast (CON), inverse difference moment (IDM) and entropy (ENT). These statistical parameters of GLCM can be extracted to reveal the underlying properties of ice flashover on the insulator surface from the quantitative perspective. The different values of these indicators are representative of the different stages in the process of arc discharge. Once the value of quantitative indicators (ASM, CON, IDM, ENT) of surface discharges exceeds the threshold value, the higher flashover risk of iced insulators will appear. Hence, the proposed methods are helpful to understand and monitor surface discharge on iced outdoor insulator strings for preventing flashover accidents.
The evaluation of Hashimoto's thyroiditis with event-related potentials and magnetic resonance spectroscopy and its relation to cognitive function
Authors: Waliszewska-Prosół Marta , Bladowska Joanna , Budrewicz Sławomir , Sąsiadek Marek , Dziadkowiak Edyta , Ejma Maria
Published: January 2021

Thyroid dysfunction is very often accompanied by cognitive and affective disorders. The frequency of these disorders in patients with compensated Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is unknown. The aim of the present study was to evaluate brain dysfunction in euthyroid HT patients by means of event-related potentials (ERP) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and to correlate it with cognitive function. 68 patients with HT (59 female, 9 male) and 45 healthy controls were included in the study. All the patients underwent ERP including an analysis of N200 and P300 response parameters. MRS voxels were located in the posterior cingulate gyrus (PCG) and the left parietal white matter (PWM). The NAA/Cr, mI/Cr, and Cho/Cr ratios were analysed. The ERP parameters, MRS metabolite ratios and hormonal concentrations (TSH, fT3, fT4) as well as TGAb and TPOAb titer were also correlated. There was a significant prolongation of the latencies of N200 and P300 potentials and a significant decrease of P300 amplitude in HT patients than in the control group. There was a significant positive correlation between the mI/Cr ratio in the PCG area and P300 latencies. NAA/Cr ratio in the PCG region showed significant negative correlations with all N200 latencies. The results may suggest brain dysfunction in neurologically asymptomatic HT patients. ERPs undergo significant changes in patients with HT and may, in combination with MRS, constitute an important element in the recognition and monitoring of cognitive functions in this group of patients.
Notch signaling-modified mesenchymal stem cells improve tissue perfusion by induction of arteriogenesis in a rat hindlimb ischemia model
Authors: Maeda Shusaku , Miyagawa Shigeru , Kawamura Takuji , Shibuya Takashi , Watanabe Kenichi , Nakagawa Takaya , Harada Akima , Chida Dai , Sawa Yoshiki
Published: January 2021

Notch signaling-modified human mesenchymal stem cell, SB623 cell, is a promising cell therapy product for ischemic stroke. With the aim to expand indications for their use for critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), we hypothesized that SB623 cells improved tissue perfusion by inducing angiogenesis or arteriogenesis in a hindlimb ischemia model rat. In Sprague–Dawley rats, hindlimb ischemia was generated by femoral artery removal, then seven days after ischemic induction 1 × 105 SB623 cells or PBS was injected into the ischemic adductor muscle. As compared with the PBS group, tissue perfusion was significantly increased in the SB623 group. While capillary density did not vary between the groups, αSMA- and vWF-positive arterioles with a diameter  > 15 μm were significantly increased in the SB623 group. Whole transcriptome analysis of endothelial cells co-cultured with SB623 cells showed upregulation of the Notch signaling pathway as well as several other pathways potentially leading to arteriogenesis. Furthermore, rat muscle treated with SB623 cells showed a trend for higher ephrin-B2 and significantly higher EphB4 expression, which are known as arteriogenic markers. In the hindlimb ischemia model, SB623 cells improved tissue perfusion by inducing arteriogenesis, suggesting a promising cell source for treatment of CLTI.
Retraction Note: Antibiotic growth promoters virginiamycin and bacitracin methylene disalicylate alter the chicken intestinal metabolome
Authors: Gadde Ujvala Deepthi , Oh Sungtaek , Lillehoj Hyun S. , Lillehoj Erik. P.
Published: January 2021

Editor's Note: this Article has been retracted; the Retraction Note is available at https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-82285-2.
Identification and analysis of circulating long non-coding RNAs with high significance in diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Pant Tarun , Dhanasekaran Anuradha , Zhao Ming , Thorp Edward B. , Forbess Joseph M. , Bosnjak Zeljko J. , Benjamin Ivor J. , Ge Zhi-Dong
Published: January 2021

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) lacks diagnostic biomarkers. Circulating long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can serve as valuable diagnostic biomarkers in cardiovascular disease. To seek potential lncRNAs as a diagnostic biomarker for DCM, we investigated the genome-wide expression profiling of circulating lncRNAs and mRNAs in type 2 diabetic db/db mice with and without DCM and performed bioinformatic analyses of the deregulated lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network. Db/db mice had obesity and hyperglycemia with normal cardiac function at 6 weeks of age (diabetes without DCM) but with an impaired cardiac function at 20 weeks of age (DCM) on an isolated Langendorff apparatus. Compared with the age-matched controls, 152 circulating lncRNAs, 127 mRNAs and 3355 lncRNAs, 2580 mRNAs were deregulated in db/db mice without and with DCM, respectively. The lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network analysis showed that five deregulated lncRNAs, XLOC015617, AK035192, Gm10435, TCR-α chain, and MouselincRNA0135, have the maximum connections with differentially expressed mRNAs. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that these five lncRNAs were highly associated with the development and motion of myofilaments, regulation of inflammatory and immune responses, and apoptosis. This finding was validated by the ultrastructural examination of myocardial samples from the db/db mice with DCM using electron microscopy and changes in the expression of myocardial tumor necrosis factor-α and phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in db/db mice with DCM. These results indicate that XLOC015617, AK035192, Gm10435, TCR-α chain, and MouselincRNA0135 are crucial circulating lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of DCM. These five circulating lncRNAs may have high potential as a diagnostic biomarker for DCM.
New particle formation from agricultural recycling of organic waste products
Authors: Ciuraru R. , Kammer J. , Decuq C. , Vojkovic M. , Haider K. , Carpentier Y. , Lafouge F. , Berger C. , Bourdat-Deschamps M. , Ortega I. K. , Levavasseur F. , Houot S. , Loubet B. , Petitprez D. , Focsa C.
Published: January 2021

Secondary organic aerosols (SOA) are one of the main sources of uncertainty in the current understanding of the Earth’s climate. Agriculture contributes to primary aerosol emissions, but there is no estimate of SOA formation from gaseous precursors. Organic waste products such as sewage sludge are applied to cropland as fertilizers. In this work, we show that sewage sludge is an unaccounted source of nucleation precursors, such as skatole (C9H9N). Skatole emission and nucleation rates up to 1.1 × 106 cm−3 s−1 owing to ozone reactivity were measured in the laboratory. Our results show that SO2 plays a key role in the oxidation of skatole and leads to intensive new particle formation. The products of ozone reactions with skatole and the possible ozonolysis reaction mechanism are discussed. This nucleation mechanism might aid our understanding of the organic waste agricultural recycling contribution to the aerosol balance in the atmosphere. Based on the measured particle emission flux, the surface area of sewage sludge spread in France and the time before sewage sludge incorporation into the soil, a rough estimate of the annual quantity of particles generated by this agricultural activity is in the range of one ton, which represents ~0.03% of the total PM1.0 emissions from the agricultural and forestry sectors in France. As spreading occurs over only a few days (mid-summer), these emissions may locally be of great concern for local and regional air quality during this period of the year.
Calcium-free double-layered cuprate superconductors with critical temperature above 100 K
Authors: Ninomiya Hiroki , Kawashima Kenji , Iyo Akira , Fujihisa Hiroshi , Ishida Shigeyuki , Ogino Hiraku , Yoshida Yoshiyuki , Gotoh Yoshito , Eisaki Hiroshi
Published: January 2021

Calcium is a vital constituent in multilayered cuprate superconductors with critical temperatures (Tc) above 100 K, because it plays a key role in separating CuO2 planes. Here, we demonstrate the synthesis of calcium-free double-layered cuprates: Sr2SrCu2O4(X,O)2(X = F, Cl, and Br) and M(Sr,Ba)2SrCu2Oy(M = Hg/Re, Tl, and B/C), where strontium exists between the CuO2 planes. Oxyfluoride and mercury-based materials show a Tc of 107 K and 110 K, respectively, which are high compared to existing calcium-free cuprates. These findings indicate Tc greater than 100 K can be realized by replacing both barium and calcium, which have been indispensable in conventional multilayered cuprates, with strontium. Furthermore, the non-toxicity of Sr2SrCu2O4F2 and (B,C)Sr2SrCu2Oy simplifies the synthesis process and ensures their safety in potential applications. We also perform a comparison of the characteristic structural parameters between the calcium-free and calcium-containing cuprates considering the number of CuO2 planes.
Biological functions of supramolecular assemblies of small molecules in the cellular environment
Authors: Wang Jingyu , Li Hui , Xu Bing
Published: January 2021

Supramolecular assemblies of small molecules, exhibiting emergent properties, are becoming a new and dynamic molecular platform for biological functions and for developing novel therapeutic approaches.
Recent progress on strategies for the preparation of 2D/2D MXene/g-C3N4 nanocomposites for photocatalytic energy and environmental applications
Authors: Biswal Lijarani , Nayak Susanginee , Parida Kulamani
Published: January 2021

This review summarizes the possible synthetic routes, optical and morphological features to explore the 2D/2D interface and mechanism path in 2D/2D MXene/g-C3N4 nanocomposites for photocatalytic applications.
The intrinsic effect of co-feeding water on the formation of active/deactivating species in the methanol-to-hydrocarbons reaction on ZSM-5 zeolite
Authors: Valecillos José , Elordi Gorka , Aguayo Andrés T. , Castaño Pedro
Published: January 2021

Water is formed and added in the conversion of methanol to hydrocarbons, slowing down both the reaction and deactivation rates. The retained species that are reaction intermediates and coke precursors are swept/desorbed, particularly those on silanol sites.
Understanding the varying mechanisms between the conformal interlayer and overlayer in the silicon/hematite dual-absorber photoanode for solar water splitting
Authors: Zhou Zhongyuan , Li Liujing , Niu Yongsheng , Song Haixiang , Xing Xiu-Shuang , Guo Zhanhu , Wu Shaolong
Published: January 2021

A conformal overlayer and interlayer of an Al2O3 film were separately introduced into a Si/α-Fe2O3 nanowire photoanode for solar water splitting.
An air-stable organometallic polymer containing titanafluorene moieties obtained by the Sonogashira–Hagihara cross-coupling polycondensation
Authors: Tanudjaja Alvin , Inagi Shinsuke , Kitamura Fusao , Takata Toshikazu , Tomita Ikuyoshi
Published: January 2021

A stable fused titanacycle-containing polymer is synthesized and its properties are described.
Impact of gastric coagulation on the kinetics of release of fat globules from milk of different species
Authors: Roy Debashree , Ye Aiqian , Moughan Paul J. , Singh Harjinder
Published: January 2021

Changes in protein and fat globules during dynamic gastric digestion of mammalian milks in the human gastric simulator at different digestion times.
Six weeks of Jilin ginseng root supplementation attenuates drop jump-related muscle injury markers in healthy female college students
Authors: Chen Yi-Ming , Wang I-Lin , Zhou Shu , Tsai Tsung-Yu , Chiu Yen-Shuo , Chiu Wan-Chun
Published: January 2021

Eccentric muscle contraction is an inherent component of numerous sporting movements but can result in muscle fatigue and injury, especially when engaging in unfamiliar exercise, which requires pharmacological intervention.
Near-infrared heavy-metal-free SnSe/ZnSe quantum dots for efficient photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation
Authors: Ren Shihuan , Wang Maorong , Wang Xiaohan , Han Guangting , Zhang Yuanming , Zhao Haiguang , Vomiero Alberto
Published: January 2021

We synthesized Zn-stabilized SnSe (SnSe/ZnSe) QDs with sizes from 5.7 nm to 10 nm. SnSe/ZnSe QDs were used for an efficient PEC hydrogen evolution. A saturated photocurrent density (J) as high as ∼7 mA cm−2 was obtained.
Solvent-specific, DAST-mediated intramolecular Friedel–Crafts reaction: access to dibenzoxepine-fused spirooxindoles
Authors: Samikannu Ramesh , Sethuraman Sankaranarayanan , Akula Nagaraja , Radhakrishnan Vignesh , Kamisetti Srinivasarao , Banu Shabana , Vetrichelvan Muthalagu , Gupta Anuradha , Li Jianqing , Rampulla Richard , Mathur Arvind
Published: January 2021

DAST-mediated intramolecular Friedel–Crafts cyclization is developed for the synthesis of novel spirooxindoles fused with dibenzoxepine moieties.
One step towards the 1T/2H-MoS2 mixed phase: a journey from synthesis to application
Authors: Das Sarmistha , Swain Gayatri , Parida Kulamani
Published: January 2021

The mixed phase 1T/2H-MoS2, synthesized by top-down and bottom-up approaches reveals intriguing properties due to the semiconducting 2H with metallic 1T phase and exhibits various applications including pollutant degradation, energy storage and conversion.
Treatment of rhodamine B with cavitation technology: comparison of hydrodynamic cavitation with ultrasonic cavitation
Authors: Ye Yu-Fang , Zhu Ying , Lu Na , Wang Xin , Su Zhi
Published: January 2021

This paper presents the use of hydrodynamic cavitation and ultrasonic cavitation technologies for treating rhodamine B (RhB) in simulated wastewater.
Relating atomic energy, radius and electronegativity through compression
Authors: Rahm Martin , Erhart Paul , Cammi Roberto
Published: January 2021

Compression is used to derive a long sought-after connection between two central chemical concepts – van-der-Waals (vdW) radii and electronegativity – and how these relate to the driving forces behind chemical and physical transformations.
Value-added chemicals from biomass-derived furans: radical functionalisations of 5-chloromethylfurfural (CMF) by metal-free ATRA reactions
Authors: Dasi Rajesh , Schmidhuber Daniel , Gronbach Lisa Marie , Rehbein Julia , Brasholz Malte
Published: January 2021

Biomass-derived 5-chloromethylfurfural (CMF) can efficiently be functionalised by way of metal-free, Et3B/O2-induced atom transfer radical addition (ATRA) reactions with styrenes.
Metal-free synthesis of 1,4-benzodiazepines and quinazolinones from hexafluoroisopropyl 2-aminobenzoates at room temperature
Authors: Chen Jiewen , Liang En , Shi Jie , Wu Yinrong , Wen Kangmei , Yao Xingang , Tang Xiaodong
Published: January 2021

A metal-free synthesis of 1,4-benzodiazepines and quinazolinones from hexafluoroisopropyl 2-aminobenzoates has been developed at room temperature.
Retraction: Long non-coding RNA TUG1 alleviates high glucose induced podocyte inflammation, fibrosis and apoptosis in diabetic nephropathy via targeting the miR-27a-3p/E2F3 axis
Authors: Fisher Laura
Published: January 2021

Retraction of ‘Long non-coding RNA TUG1 alleviates high glucose induced podocyte inflammation, fibrosis and apoptosis in diabetic nephropathy via targeting the miR-27a-3p/E2F3 axis’ by Yang Li et al., RSC Adv., 2019, 9, 37620–37629, DOI: 10.1039/C9RA06136C.
A facile preparation of PEO–LiClO4–fumed SiO2 composite solid-state electrolyte with improved electrochemical performance for lithium-metal batteries
Authors: Lei Ruyan , Yang Yanping , Yu Chenjuan , Xu Yinsi , Li Yuanzhuo , Li Jun
Published: January 2021

PEO–LiClO4–fumed SiO2 composite solid-state electrolyte is successfully fabricated with superior 3 migration capacity to Li+ and improved electrochemical performance for lithium-metal battery by a 4 facile preparation process.
One dimensional graphene nanoscroll-wrapped MnO nanoparticles for high-performance lithium ion hybrid capacitors
Authors: Yang Bingjun , Chen Jiangtao , Liu Bao , Ding Yunxia , Tang Yu , Yan Xingbin
Published: January 2021

We demonstrate a simple strategy for the preparation of 1D graphene nanoscroll wrapped MnO nanoparticles (GNS@MnO) as high-rate anode materials for lithium ion hybrid capacitors.
Generalized Learning of Dysarthric Speech Between Male and Female Talkers
Authors: Hirsch Micah E. , Lansford Kaitlin L. , Barrett Tyson S. , Borrie Stephanie A.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Perceptual training is a listener-targeted means for improving intelligibility of dysarthric speech. Recent work has shown that training with one talker generalizes to a novel talker of the same sex and that the magnitude of benefit is maximized when the talkers are perceptually similar. The current study expands previous findings by investigating whether perceptual training effects generalize between talkers of different sex.

Method

Forty new listeners were recruited for this study and completed a pretest, familiarization, and posttest perceptual training paradigm. Historical data collected using the same three-phase protocol were included in the data analysis. All listeners were exposed to the same talker with dysarthria during the pretest and posttest phases. For the familiarization phase, listeners were exposed to one of four talkers with dysarthria, differing in sex and level of perceptual similarity to the test talker or a control talker. During the testing phases, listener transcribed phrases produced by the test talker with dysarthria. Listener transcriptions were then used to calculate a percent words correct intelligibility score.

Results

Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that intelligibility at posttest was not predicted by sex of the training talker. Consistent with earlier work, the magnitude of intelligibility gain was greater when the familiarization and test talkers were perceptually similar. Additional analyses revealed greater between-listeners variability in the dissimilar conditions as compared to the similar conditions.

Conclusions

Learning as a result of perceptual training with one talker with dysarthria generalized to another talker regardless of sex. In addition, listeners trained with perceptually similar talkers had greater and more consistent intelligibility improvement. Together, these results add to previous evidence demonstrating that learning generalizes to novel talkers with dysarthria and that perceptual training is suitable for many listeners.
Low voltage and high voltage ride‐through technologies for doubly fed induction generator system: Comprehensive review and future trends
Authors: Din Zakiud , Zhang Jianzhong , Xu Zheng , Zhang Yaqian , Zhao Jin
Published: January 2021

The advantages, such as the mature control method, less volume of the converter and generator, make the doubly fed induction generator system prevalent in the wind power industry. Nevertheless, the doubly fed induction generator is more susceptible to grid faults and disturbances. The instantaneous high voltage fault may occur due to the excessive local reactive power after the doubly fed induction generator system achieving low voltage ride through, and then the wind turbine might be disconnected again. Hence, not only the low voltage ride through but also high voltage ride through capability should be required for the doubly fed induction generator system to meet the grid code requirements. A comprehensive review of the state of the art low voltage ride through and high voltage ride through technologies for the doubly fed induction generator system is presented. Firstly, different types of common low voltage ride through and high voltage ride through techniques are classified according to their features, i.e. auxiliary hardware, linear or nonlinear control strategies etc. The pros and cons of different low voltage ride through and high voltage ride through techniques are given. Furthermore, the latest developments of low voltage ride through and high voltage ride through technologies are introduced. Finally, the future trends of both the low voltage ride through and high voltage ride through technologies are discussed.
A Practical, One-Clinic Visit Protocol for Pharmacokinetic Profile Generation with the ADVATE myPKFiT Dosing Tool in Severe Hemophilia A Subjects
Authors: Blanchette Victor S. , Zunino Laura , Grassmann Viviane , Barnes Chris , Carcao Manuel D. , Curtin Julie , Jackson Shannon , Khoo Liane , Komrska Vladimir , Lillicrap David , Morfini Massimo , Romanova Gabriela , Stephens Derek , Zapotocka Ester , Rand Margaret L. , Blatny Jan
Published: January 2021

Standard pharmacokinetic (PK) assessments are demanding for persons with hemophilia A, requiring a 72-hour washout and 5 to 11 timed blood samples. A no-washout, single-clinic visit, sparse sampling population PK (PPK) protocol is an attractive alternative. Here, we compared PK parameters obtained with a traditional washout, 6-sampling time point PPK protocol with a no-washout, single-clinic visit, reverse 2-sampling time point PPK protocol in persons with severe hemophilia A (SHA) receiving ADVATE. A total of 39 inhibitor-negative males with SHA (factor VIII activity [FVIII:C] < 2%) were enrolled in a prospective sequential design PK study. Participants completed a washout, 6-sampling time point PPK protocol as well as a no-washout, reverse 2-sampling time point protocol, with samples taken during a single 3-hour clinic visit 24 hours post home infusion of FVIII and then 3 hours post infusion in clinic. FVIII:C levels were analyzed by one-stage and chromogenic assays; blood group and von Willebrand factor antigen (VWF:Ag) were determined; and PK parameters were analyzed using the ADVATE myPKFiT dosing tool. There was moderate to almost perfect agreement for the PK parameters obtained with the 2- and the 6- point PPK protocols using a one-stage FVIII:C assay and a substantial to almost perfect agreement using a chromogenic FVIII:C assay. Significant associations between specific PK parameters and blood group and VWF:Ag were observed. The no-washout, single-clinic visit, reverse 2-sampling time point PPK protocol can be used in the routine clinical setting since it demonstrates sufficient accuracy compared with the more demanding and less practical washout, 6-sampling time point PPK protocol in persons with SHA receiving ADVATE.
Patient Cohort Identification on Time Series Data Using the OMOP Common Data Model
Authors: Maier Christian , Kapsner Lorenz A. , Mate Sebastian , Prokosch Hans-Ulrich , Kraus Stefan
Published: January 2021

Background The identification of patient cohorts for recruiting patients into clinical trials requires an evaluation of study-specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. These criteria are specified depending on corresponding clinical facts. Some of these facts may not be present in the clinical source systems and need to be calculated either in advance or at cohort query runtime (so-called feasibility query).

Objectives We use the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) Common Data Model (CDM) as the repository for our clinical data. However, Atlas, the graphical user interface of OMOP, does not offer the functionality to perform calculations on facts data. Therefore, we were in search for a different approach. The objective of this study is to investigate whether the Arden Syntax can be used for feasibility queries on the OMOP CDM to enable on-the-fly calculations at query runtime, to eliminate the need to precalculate data elements that are involved with researchers' criteria specification.

Methods We implemented a service that reads the facts from the OMOP repository and provides it in a form which an Arden Syntax Medical Logic Module (MLM) can process. Then, we implemented an MLM that applies the eligibility criteria to every patient data set and outputs the list of eligible cases (i.e., performs the feasibility query).

Results The study resulted in an MLM-based feasibility query that identifies cases of overventilation as an example of how an on-the-fly calculation can be realized. The algorithm is split into two MLMs to provide the reusability of the approach.

Conclusion We found that MLMs are a suitable technology for feasibility queries on the OMOP CDM. Our method of performing on-the-fly calculations can be employed with any OMOP instance and without touching existing infrastructure like the Extract, Transform and Load pipeline. Therefore, we think that it is a well-suited method to perform on-the-fly calculations on OMOP.
Chemotherapy-Induced Serological Impact in Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Titers in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Akbayram Hatice T. , Pekpak Esra , Oren Ayse C. , Dogan İlkay , Zer Yasemin
Published: January 2021

Objective In our study, we aimed to assess the differences in antibody titers against hepatitis B virus (HBV) prior and post leukemia therapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Methods Serum hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) levels of 96 ALL patients were compared before and postcessation of leukemia therapy from patients' medical records.

Results Fifty-five patients were male (57.2%) and 41 patients were female (42.7%), and the mean age was 6.1 years (range, 1 ± 15 years) at the time of diagnosis. Thirty (32.3%) patients were anti-HBs negative, and 66 (68.7%) patients were anti-HBs positive at initial diagnosis. Anti-HBs–positive 66 patients were categorized into two groups, the first group consisted of 28 (42.4%) anti-HBs–negative patients, and the second group consisted of 38 (57.6%) anti-HBs–positive patients after leukemia therapy. On binary logistic regression analysis, lower initial anti-HBs titers were found to be related to anti-HBs negative results post leukemia therapy (relative risk = 3.696, 95% confidence interval: 2.046–6.678; p = 0.001). The area under the curve was 0.849 with 76.1% sensitivity (95% confidence interval: 0.60–0.87; p = 0.001) and 82.6% specificity (95% confidence interval: 0.69–0.91; p = 0.001); the initial anti-HBs titer cut-off value was found 42.9 IU/L.

Conclusion Patients with low-serum anti-HBs titers before leukemia therapy were likely to become anti-HBs negative post leukemia therapy. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate anti-HBs titers after completing immunosuppressive therapy in patients with ALL.
Paroxysmal Dyskinesias Revealing 3-Hydroxy-Isobutyryl-CoA Hydrolase (HIBCH) Deficiency
Authors: Spitz Marie-Aude , Lenaers Guy , Charif Majida , Wirth Thomas , Chelly Jameleddine , Abi-Warde Marie-Thérèse , Meyer Pierre , Leboucq Nicolas , Schaefer Elise , Anheim Mathieu , Roubertie Agathe
Published: January 2021

Paroxysmal dyskinesias (PD) are rare movement disorders characterized by recurrent attacks of dystonia, chorea, athetosis, or their combination, with large phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity. 3-Hydroxy-isobutyryl-CoA hydrolase (HIBCH) deficiency is a neurodegenerative disease characterized in most patients by a continuous decline in psychomotor abilities or a secondary regression triggered by febrile infections and metabolic crises.

We describe two PD patients from two pedigrees, both carrying a homozygous c.913A > G, p.Thr305Ala mutation in the HIBCH gene, associated with an unusual clinical presentation. The first patient presented in the second year of life with right paroxysmal hemidystonia lasting for 30 minutes, without any loss of consciousness and without any triggering factor. The second patient has presented since the age of 3 recurrent exercise-induced PD episodes which have been described as abnormal equinovarus, contractures of the lower limbs, lasting for 1 to 4 hours, associated with choreic movements of the hands. Their neurological examination and metabolic screening were normal, while brain magnetic resonance imaging showed abnormal signal of the pallidi.

We suggest that HIBCH deficiency, through the accumulation of metabolic intermediates of the valine catabolic pathway, leads to a secondary defect in respiratory chain activity and pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity and to a broad phenotypic spectrum ranging from Leigh syndrome to milder phenotypes. The two patients presented herein expand the spectrum of the disease to include unusual paroxysmal phenotypes and HIBCH deficiency should be considered in the diagnostic strategy of PD to enable adequate preventive treatment.
A versatile technique for in situ investigation of the effect of thin film cracking on gas permeation of coated flexible polymers
Authors: Kovács Réka Lilla , Langer Gábor , Gyöngyösi Szilvia , Erdélyi Zoltán
Published: January 2021

In this work, we report the development of a measurement chamber linked with a quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS) for in situ investigation of the effect of thin film cracking on the gas permeation of coated flexible polymeric substrates. The chamber enables the establishment of a bulged state of the substrate/coating system, which causes the cracking of the coating layer. The increase in the gas permeation rate due to the presence of cracks can be monitored precisely using the QMS without movement or re-clamping of the samples between each measurement step. This method eliminates the probability of uncontrollable mechanical changes in the sample, and with the mass spectrometer, high sensitivity, reliability, and reproducibility of the experimental data become available.
Giant reversible magnetoresistance effect in a Ni46Co3Mn35Cu2In14 polycrystalline alloy
Authors: Yang Jiajing , Li Zongbin , Zhang Xiaoliang , Yang Bo , Zhao Xiang , Zuo Liang
Published: January 2021

In this work, the reversible magnetoresistance properties in a Ni46Co3Mn35Cu2In14 polycrystalline alloy were studied. By using Co substitution for Ni to improve the magnetic properties and Cu substitution for Mn to reduce the transformation hysteresis, large magnetic field dependence of the transformation temperature up to 6.8 K T−1 and low transformation hysteresis of 11.5 K were achieved. Such optimized magnetostructural transformation parameters allowed the complete and reversible magnetic field induced inverse martensitic transformation to be realized under the field of 5 T, giving rise to a giant reversible magnetoresistance of −73.5%.
A theoretical study on the spatial effect of water-rich foundation pit instability failure
Authors: Wang Peng , Ma Shuyi , Yue Zhongwen , Wang Peng , Lu Congcong , Tian Shiying , Li Akang
Published: January 2021

According to the lack of theoretical research on the spatial effect of the foundation pit, the concept of the reasonable arch curve (bending moment on the curve is zero everywhere) is introduced to establish a new three-dimensional instability failure theoretical model of the water-rich foundation pit. Taking the K6 + 650 ∼ K6 + 880 section of the GUI River Foundation Pit as an example, the active earth pressure acting on the supporting structure per unit length, the critical length–depth ratio, the main influence range, and the influence coefficient of spatial effect are calculated and compared with previous research results and field monitoring data, in order to explore the influence law of the length, depth, and moisture content of soil layers on the spatial effect. The results show the following: (1) When the length–depth ratio is greater than 1, the foundation pit presents the failure mode of the end arch curve and middle straight line, and when the length–depth ratio is greater than 3, the main influence range has a linear relationship with the depth and a negative correlation with the moisture content, but little relationship with the length. (2) The active earth pressure is approximately a quadratic function of the depth, and there is a more than 16% increase when the moisture content increases from 21% to 25%. (3) The change law of the horizontal displacement of the pile top monitored verifies the rationality and progressiveness of the new instability failure model. Through this study, the spatial effect revealed can provide the theoretical basis for pile support of the foundation pit.
Mechanical characterization of P2 bacteriophage by using Young’s modulus measurements
Authors: Choi Seong Soo , Kim Kyoung Jin
Published: January 2021

The bacteriophage P2 capsids have been characterized by transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Studies have been carried out on fully filled and 2/3 filled capsids containing dsDNA genomes. In order to get the quantitative information of the capsid, a nanoindentation technique depending on the tip-shape and an effective spring constant technique with a homogeneous capsid shell model were adopted. The contact region of the AFM contact force curve in an approach mode has been used for the calculation of Young’s moduli as well as the internal pressures of the capsids. By using the continuum theory of elasticity of thin homogeneous capsid shells, Young’s moduli of fully filled and 2/3 filled phage capsids are measured to be 1.17 ± 0.10 GPa and 0.87 ± 0.10 GPa, respectively. These values are close to other reported results. Analysis of the force curves also presented that a fully filled capsid reveals a higher internal pressure than that of a 2/3 filled capsid.