bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smartphones and Apps to Control Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) Level in Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Martos-Cabrera María Begoña , Velando-Soriano Almudena , Pradas-Hernández Laura , Suleiman-Martos Nora , Cañadas-De la Fuente Guillermo A. , Albendín-García Luis , Gómez-Urquiza José L.
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic endocrine-metabolic disease, the evolution of which is closely related to people’s self-control of glycemic levels through nutrition, exercise, and medicines. Aim: To determine whether smartphone apps can help persons with diabetes to improve their % levels of glycosylated hemoglobin. Method: A systematic review and meta-analysis were done. ProQuest, Pubmed/Medline, and Scopus databases were used. The search equation used was “(Prevention and Control) AND Diabetes Mellitus AND Smartphones”. The inclusion criteria applied were clinical trials, conducted in 2014–2019. Results: n = 18 studies were included in the review. The studies tried different applications to monitor glycemia and support patients to improve glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. More than half of the studies found statistically significant differences in HbA1c in the intervention group compared with the control group. Eleven studies were included in the meta-analysis and the study sample was n = 545 for the experimental group and n = 454 for the control group. The meta-analytic estimation of the HbA1c % level means differences between intervention and control group was statistically significant in favour of the intervention group with a mean difference of –0.37 (–0.58, –0.15. 95% confidence interval). Conclusion: Smartphone apps can help people with diabetes to improve their level of HbA1c, but the clinical impact is low.
Inherited Metabolic Diseases and Cardiac Pathology in Adults: Diagnosis and Prevalence in a CardioMetabo Study
Authors: Brailova Marina , Clerfond Guillaume , Trésorier Romain , Minet-Quinard Régine , Durif Julie , Massoullié Grégoire , Pereira Bruno , Sapin Vincent , Eschalier Romain , Bouvier Damien
Published: March 2020

Many inherited metabolic diseases (IMD) have cardiac manifestations. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of IMD in adult patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and cardiac rhythm abnormalities that require cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). The study included a review of the medical files of patients aged 18 to 65 years who were followed in our cardiology department during the period 2010–2017. Metabolic explorations for Fabry disease (FD), mitochondrial cytopathies, and fatty-acid metabolism disorders were carried out in patients with unexplained etiology. The prevalence of IMD in patients with HCM was 5.6% (confidence interval (CI): 2.6–11.6). Six cases of IMD were identified: 1 mitochondrial encephalopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome, 1 Hurler syndrome, 2 Friedreich’s ataxia, 1 FD, and 1 short-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency. Three cases of IMD were identified in patients requiring CIEDs: 1 patient with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy, 1 FD, and 1 short chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (SCAD) deficiency. IMD prevalence in patients with CIEDs was 3.1% (CI: 1.1–8.8). IMD evaluation should be performed in unexplained HCM and cardiac rhythm abnormalities adult patients, since the prevalence of IMD is relatively important and they could benefit from specific treatment and family diagnosis.
The Impact of Cell-Expansion and Inflammation on The Immune-Biology of Human Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Buyl Karolien , Merimi Makram , Rodrigues Robim M. , Moussa Agha Douâa , Melki Rahma , Vanhaecke Tamara , Bron Dominique , Lewalle Philippe , Meuleman Nathalie , Fahmi Hassan , Rogiers Vera , Lagneaux Laurence , De Kock Joery , Najar Mehdi
Published: March 2020

Background: As a cell-based therapeutic, AT-MSCs need to create an immuno-reparative environment appropriate for tissue repair. In the presence of injury, MSCs may have to proliferate and face inflammation. Clinical application requires repeated administrations of a high number of cells with a well-established immune profile. Methods: We have established an immuno-comparative screening by determining the expression of 28 molecules implicated in immune regulation. This screening was performed during cell-expansion and inflammatory priming of AT-MSCs. Results: Our study confirms that AT-MSCs are highly expandable and sensitive to inflammation. Both conditions have substantially modulated the expression of a panel of immunological marker. Specifically, CD34 expression was substantially decreased upon cell-passaging. HLA-ABC, CD40 CD54, CD106, CD274 and CD112 were significantly increased by inflammation. In vitro cell-expansion also significantly altered the expression profile of HLA-DR, CD40, CD62L, CD106, CD166, HLA-G, CD200, HO-1, CD155 and ULBP-3. Conclusion: This study points out the response and characteristics of MSCs following expansion and inflammatory priming. It will strength our knowledge about the molecular mechanisms that may improve or hamper the therapeutic potential of MSCs. These immunological changes need to be further characterized to guarantee a safe cellular product with consistent quality and high therapeutic efficacy.
Parafoveal and Peripapillary Perfusion Predict Visual Field Recovery in Chiasmal Compression due to Pituitary Tumors
Authors: Lee Ga-In , Park Kyung-Ah , Oh Sei Yeul , Kong Doo-Sik
Published: March 2020

Background: To evaluate the potential of vessel density alterations for predicting postoperative visual field (VF) improvement in chiasmal compression using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A). Methods: The study investigated 57 eyes of 57 patients diagnosed with pituitary tumors and 42 eyes of 42 age and refractive error matched controls. All eyes with chiasmal compression for which preoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT-A, and pre- and postoperative VF data were available. Preoperative vessel densities of superficial retinal capillary plexus (SRCP), deep retinal capillary plexus (DRCP), and radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) segment were utilized by OCT-A. Results: Preoperative peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell layer complex thickness and vessel densities of SRCP and RPC segments in eyes with chiasmal compression were significantly reduced compared with healthy controls (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.007, and p = 0.020, respectively). In multivariate regression analysis, preoperative perimetric mean deviation (MD) (p = 0.002) and vessel density of SRCP (p = 0.025) were correlated significantly with postoperative perimetric MD. Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed significant correlations between preoperative MD on perimetry (r = 0.443, p = 0.001), vessel densities of SRCP (r = 0.288, p = 0.035) and RPC segment (r = 0.347, p = 0.009), and postoperative perimetric MD. Conclusions: Structural degeneration referred to as microvascular alterations measured by OCT-A and preoperative VF defects were associated with worse postoperative VF prognosis. Parafoveal and peripapillary vessel densities may serve as a sensitive, structural prognostic factors in the preoperative judgement of chiasmal compression.
Severe Infection in Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane Disease: A Retrospective Multicenter French Study
Authors: Caillard Pauline , Vigneau Cécile , Halimi Jean-Michel , Hazzan Marc , Thervet Eric , Heitz Morgane , Juillard Laurent , Audard Vincent , Rabant Marion , Hertig Alexandre , Subra Jean-François , Vuiblet Vincent , Guerrot Dominique , Tamain Mathilde , Essig Marie , Lobbedez Thierry , Quemeneur Thomas , Rebibou Jean-Michel , Ganea Alexandre , Peraldi Marie-Noëlle , Vrtovsnik François , Daroux Maïté , Lamrani Adnane , Makdassi Raïfah , Choukroun Gabriel , Titeca-Beauport Dimitri
Published: March 2020

In patients presenting with anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) disease with advanced isolated kidney involvement, the benefit of intensive therapy remains controversial due to adverse events, particularly infection. We aim to describe the burden of severe infections (SI) (requiring hospitalization or intravenous antibiotics) and identify predictive factors of SI in a large cohort of patients with anti-GBM disease. Among the 201 patients (median [IQR] age, 53 [30–71] years) included, 74 had pulmonary involvement and 127 isolated glomerulonephritis. A total of 161 SI occurred in 116 patients during the first year after diagnosis. These infections occurred during the early stage of care (median [IQR] time, 13 [8–19] days after diagnosis) with mainly pulmonary (45%), catheter-associated bacteremia (22%) and urinary tract (21%) infections. In multivariable analysis, positive ANCA (HR [95% CI] 1.62 [1.07−2.44]; p = 0.02) and age at diagnosis (HR [95% CI] 1.10 [1.00–1.21]; p = 0.047) remained independently associated with SI. Age-adjusted severe infection during the first three months was associated with an increased three-year mortality rate (HR [95% CI] 3.13 [1.24–7.88]; p = 0.01). Thus, SI is a common early complication in anti-GBM disease, particularly in the elderly and those with positive anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA). No significant association was observed between immunosuppressive strategy and occurrence of SI.
Pore Size Changes in Marine Soft Soil under Various Freezing Conditions
Authors: Kong Bowen , Xia Fan , Yu Bingqi , Xia Tangdai , Ding Zhi
Published: March 2020

Artificial freezing methods can help highlight the mechanical properties of marine clay. The construction of cross passages in metro tunnels employs the freezing method. Freeze–thaw circulation, which is part of the process, affects the engineering properties of clay and produces differential settling. This paper describes the percentages of specific diameters of frozen–thawed soil under different freezing temperatures, measured with the help of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). In response to the experimental results, a weakening effect of freezing temperature and speed on soft soil is proposed. All sizes of undisturbed soil pores tend to increase under various freezing temperatures. Owing to differences in free water content, the water in medium pores freezes quicker than that in tiny pores. The quicker the freezing, the greater the resulting void ratio. Finally, potential reasons for changes in pore size under different freezing conditions are explained from a microcosmic perspective.
Influence of Time and Frequency Domain Wave Forcing on the Power Estimation of a Wave Energy Converter Array
Authors: Ticona Rollano Fadia , Tran Thanh Toan , Yu Yi-Hsiang , García-Medina Gabriel , Yang Zhaoqing
Published: March 2020

Industry-specific tools for analyzing and optimizing the design of wave energy converters (WECs) and associated power systems are essential to advancing marine renewable energy. This study aims to quantify the influence of phase information on the device power output of a virtual WEC array. We run the phase-resolving wave model FUNWAVE-TVD (Total Variation Diminishing) to generate directional waves at the PacWave South site offshore from Newport, Oregon, where future WECs are expected to be installed for testing. The two broad cases presented correspond to mean wave climates during warm months (March–August) and cold months (September–February). FUNWAVE-TVD time series of sea-surface elevation are then used in WEC-Sim, a time domain numerical model, to simulate the hydrodynamic response of each device in the array and estimate their power output. For comparison, WEC-Sim is also run with wave energy spectra calculated from the FUNWAVE-TVD simulations, which do not retain phase information, and with wave spectra computed using the phase-averaged model Simulating WAves Nearshore (SWAN). The use of spectral data in WEC-Sim requires a conversion from frequency to time domain by means of random superposition of wave components, which are not necessarily consistent because of the linear assumption implicit in this method. Thus, power response is characterized by multiple realizations of the wave climates.
SUMOylation in Human Pathogenic Fungi: Role in Physiology and Virulence
Authors: Sahu Mahima Sagar , Patra Sandip , Kumar Kundan , Kaur Rupinder
Published: March 2020

The small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) protein is an important component of the post-translational protein modification systems in eukaryotic cells. It is known to modify hundreds of proteins involved in diverse cellular processes, ranging from nuclear pore dynamics to signal transduction pathways. Owing to its reversible nature, the SUMO-conjugation of proteins (SUMOylation) holds a prominent place among mechanisms that regulate the functions of a wide array of cellular proteins. The dysfunctional SUMOylation system has been associated with many human diseases, including neurodegenerative and autoimmune disorders. Furthermore, the non-pathogenic yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has served as an excellent model to advance our understanding of enzymes involved in SUMOylation and proteins modified by SUMOylation. Taking advantage of the tools and knowledge obtained from the S. cerevisiae SUMOylation system, research on fungal SUMOylation is beginning to gather pace, and new insights into the role of SUMOylation in the pathobiology of medically important fungi are emerging. Here, we summarize the known information on components of the SUMOylation machinery, and consequences of overexpression or deletion of these components in the human pathogenic fungi, with major focus on two prevalent Candida bloodstream pathogens, C. albicans and C. glabrata. Additionally, we have identified SUMOylation components, through in silico analysis, in four medically relevant fungi, and compared their sequence similarity with S. cerevisiae counterparts. SUMOylation modulates the virulence of C. albicans and C. glabrata, while it is required for conidia production in Aspergillus nidulans and A. flavus. In addition to highlighting these recent developments, we discuss how SUMOylation fine tunes the expression of virulence factors, and influences survival of fungal cells under diverse stresses in vitro and in the mammalian host.
A Feasibility Study of an Extrusion-Based Fabrication Process for Personalized Drugs
Authors: Yu Ilhan , Chen Roland K.
Published: March 2020

Developing a high-efficiency manufacturing system for personalized medicine plays an important role in increasing the feasibility of personalized medication. The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of a new extrusion-based fabrication process for personalized drugs with a faster production rate. This process uses two syringe pumps with a coaxial needle as an extruder, which extrudes two materials with varying ratios into a capsule. The mixture of hydrogel, polyethylene glycol (PEG), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, poly acrylic acid and the simulated active pharmaceutical ingredient, Aspirin, was used. To validate the method, samples with different ratios of immediate release (IR) and sustained release (SR) mixtures were fabricated. The results of a dissolution test show that it is feasible to control the release profile by changing the IR and SR ratio using this fabrication setup. The fabrication time for each capsule is about 20 seconds, which is significantly faster than the current 3D printing methods. In conclusion, the proposed fabrication method shows a clear potential to step toward the feasibility of personalized medication.
Evaluation of the Covalent Functionalization of Carbon Nano-Onions with Pyrene Moieties for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Velásquez José D. , Tomczykowa Monika , Plonska-Brzezinska Marta E. , Chaur Manuel N.
Published: March 2020

Herein, we report the surface functionalization of carbon nano-onions (CNOs) through an amidation reaction that occurs between the oxidized CNOs and 4-(pyren-4-yl)butanehydrazide. Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy methods were used to confirm the covalent functionalization. The percentage or number of groups in the outer shell was estimated with thermal gravimetric analysis. Finally, the potential applications of the functionalized CNOs as electrode materials in supercapacitors were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Functionalization increased the specific capacitance by approximately 138% in comparison to that of the pristine CNOs, while acid-mediated oxidation reduced the specific capacitance of the nanomaterial by 24%.
Analysis of Geometric Properties of Ternary Four-Point Rational Interpolating Subdivision Scheme
Authors: Ashraf Pakeeza , Nawaz Bushra , Baleanu Dumitru , Sooppy Nisar Kottakkaran , Ghaffar Abdul , Khan Muhammad Aqeel Ahmed , Akram Saima
Published: March 2020

Shape preservation has been the heart of subdivision schemes (SSs) almost from its origin, and several analyses of SSs have been established. Shape preservation properties are commonly used in SSs and various ways have been discovered to connect smooth curves/surfaces generated by SSs to applied geometry. With an eye on connecting the link between SSs and applied geometry, this paper analyzes the geometric properties of a ternary four-point rational interpolating subdivision scheme. These geometric properties include monotonicity-preservation, convexity-preservation, and curvature of the limit curve. Necessary conditions are derived on parameter and initial control points to ensure monotonicity and convexity preservation of the limit curve of the scheme. Furthermore, we analyze the curvature of the limit curve of the scheme for various choices of the parameter. To support our findings, we also present some examples and their graphical representation.
Kinematics in Biology: Symbolic Dynamics Approach
Authors: Correia Ramos Carlos
Published: March 2020

Motion in biology is studied through a descriptive geometrical method. We consider a deterministic discrete dynamical system used to simulate and classify a variety of types of movements which can be seen as templates and building blocks of more complex trajectories. The dynamical system is determined by the iteration of a bimodal interval map dependent on two parameters, up to scaling, generalizing a previous work. The characterization of the trajectories uses the classifying tools from symbolic dynamics—kneading sequences, topological entropy and growth number. We consider also the isentropic trajectories, trajectories with constant topological entropy, which are related with the possible existence of a constant drift. We introduce the concepts of pure and mixed bimodal trajectories which give much more flexibility to the model, maintaining it simple. We discuss several procedures that may allow the use of the model to characterize empirical data.
Modified Cyclotomic Polynomial and Its Irreducibility
Authors: Lee Ki-Suk , Yang Sung-Mo , Jung Soon-Mo
Published: March 2020

Finding irreducible polynomials over Q (or over Z ) is not always easy. However, it is well-known that the mth cyclotomic polynomials are irreducible over Q . In this paper, we define the mth modified cyclotomic polynomials and we get more irreducible polynomials over Q systematically by using the modified cyclotomic polynomials. Since not all modified cyclotomic polynomials are irreducible, a criterion to decide the irreducibility of those polynomials is studied. Also, we count the number of irreducible mth modified cyclotomic polynomials when m = p α with p a prime number and α a positive integer.
Correlations between Background Radiation Inside a Multilayer Interleaving Structure, Geomagnetic Activity, and Cosmic Radiation: A Fourth-Order Cumulant-Based Correlation Analysis
Authors: Iglesias-Martínez Miguel E. , Castro-Palacio Juan Carlos , Scholkmann Felix , Milián-Sánchez Victor , Fernández de Córdoba Pedro , Mocholí-Salcedo Antonio , Mocholí Belenguer Ferrán , Kolombet Valeriy A. , Panchelyuga Victor A. , Verdú Gumersindo
Published: March 2020

Time-series of background radiation (measured inside a multilayer structure), geomagnetic activity, and cosmic-ray activity has been analyzed using linear correlation analysis and a new correlation measure based on the one-dimensional component of the fourth-order cumulant. The new method is proposed based on the fact that the cumulant of a random process is zero if it is of Gaussian nature. The results show that this methodology is useful for detecting correlations between the analyzed time-series.
On Best Approximations for Set-Valued Mappings in

G

-convex Spaces
Authors: Mitrović Zoran D. , Hussain Azhar , Sen Manuel de la , Radenović Stojan
Published: March 2020

In this paper we obtain a best approximations theorem for multi-valued mappings in G -convex spaces. As applications, we derive results on the best approximations in hyperconvex and normed spaces. The obtain results generalize many existing results in the literature.
Discordance for Potter’s Syndrome in a Dichorionic Diamniotic Twin Pregnancy—An Unusual Case Report
Authors: Kostov Stoyan , Slavchev Stanislav , Dzhenkov Deyan , Strashilov Strahil , Yordanov Angel
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Potter’s syndrome, also known as Potter’s sequence, is an uncommon and fatal disorder. Potter’s sequence in a multiple pregnancy is uncommon, and its frequency remains unknown. Worldwide in a diamniotic twin pregnancy, there are only a few cases described. Case report: We present an unusual case discordance for Potter’s syndrome in a dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy. Twin A had the typical physical and histological Potter’s findings. Twin B had normal respiratory function and normal physical examination findings. There are many controversies about this condition in diamniotic twin pregnancy. One case report concluded that that the presence of a normal co-twin in diamniotic pregnancy prevented the cutaneous features seen in Potter’s syndrome and ameliorated the pulmonary complications, whereas two other case studies reported that the affected twin had extrarenal features typical of the syndrome. Conclusion: We performed an autopsy and calculated lung weight/body weight ratio to diagnose pulmonary hypoplasia. Histopathologic examination of lungs and kidneys was performed. We concluded that the appearance of extrarenal features in the affected twin depends on the amniocity.
Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-Mediated Food Allergy in Children: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Prevention, and Management
Authors: Barni Simona , Liccioli Giulia , Sarti Lucrezia , Giovannini Mattia , Novembre Elio , Mori Francesca
Published: March 2020

A food allergy is an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated hypersensitive reaction to food, which consists in the appearance of allergic symptoms; it can vary from common urticaria to even fatal anaphylaxis. The prevalence of food allergies has been increasing in the past twenty years and it represents a major public health problem in industrialized countries. The mechanism that leads to food allergies is the lack of immunologic and clinical tolerance to food allergens. The diagnosis of IgE-mediated food allergies is based on the combined use of a detailed medical history, in-vivo, and in-vitro research of specific IgE, the elimination diet, and the double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge. The only currently available treatment for allergies is the strict elimination diet. This type of attitude, which we could define as “passive”, does not overcome the risk of accidental reactions due to involuntary intake of the culprit food. For food allergy management, an “active” approach is urgently needed, such as specific allergen immunotherapy, which is currently under development and only used for research purposes. This article aims to give an updated review of IgE-mediated food allergies in pediatric populations in terms of epidemiology, pathogenesis, prevention, diagnosis, and management.
The Antioxidant and Antihyperglycemic Activities of Bottlebrush Plant (Callistemon lanceolatus) Stem Extracts
Authors: Kumar Ramesh , Gupta Ashutosh , Singh Amit Kumar , Bishayee Anupam , Pandey Abhay K.
Published: March 2020

Background: Diabetes mellitus, a metabolic disease, is a major health concern today throughout the world. Callistemon lanceolatus (Myrtaceae), commonly known as bottlebrush, has been used by Indian tribal communities for the treatment of many diseases. The purpose of this study was to explore antioxidant and antihyperglycemic potential of methanolic and aqueous extracts of the stem of C. lanceolatus in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Phytoconstituents of C. lanceolatus stem were extracted in methanol and water sequentially followed by phytochemical analysis. The in vitro antioxidant potential of aqueous and methanolic extracts was assessed by metal ion chelating, free radical scavenging, and reducing power assays. The in vivo antihyperglycemic activity of the oral methanolic extract was studied in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Bodyweight and blood glucose were monitored regularly. After the treatment period, serum was examined for total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), bilirubin, creatinine, urea, glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Results: Methanolic extract exhibited superior antioxidant activity to aqueous extract. A marked increase in levels of serum markers, viz., glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, bilirubin, urea, creatinine, SGOT, SGPT, and ALP along with a reduction in HDL was observed in diabetic rats. Methanol extract treatment for 28 days accounted for a decrease in blood glucose and other metabolic markers accompanied by an improvement in body weight and HDL level in hyperglycemic rats. Conclusions: The present study suggests that C. lanceolatus methanolic stem extract possesses antioxidant and antihyperglycemic activities and has potential as a therapeutic agent in diabetes.
An Origami Heat Radiation Fin for Use in a Stretchable Thermoelectric Generator
Authors: Akuto Momoe , Iwase Eiji
Published: March 2020

Recently, some studies have addressed the use of a folded substrate to realize stretchable electronic devices including stretchable thermoelectric generators (TEGs). However, the utilization of the folded substrate as a heat radiation fin has not been achieved. Herein, we have proposed the construction of a TEG with an origami-like folded structure substrate called an “origami-fin” that can achieve a high heat radiation performance and is also highly stretchable. The origami-fin increases the stretchability of the TEG by bending a non-stretchable material into a folded shape, and it also works as a heat radiator because of its large surface area compared to that of a flat structure. We evaluated the heat radiation performance of the origami-fin and the stability of the performance when it was stretched. The results demonstrate that the origami-fin works as a heat radiator and enhances the output of the TEG, while also exhibiting a high stretchability with only a slight output reduction.
Cross-Sectional Dimension Dependence of Electroosmotic Flow in Fractal Treelike Rectangular Microchannel Network
Authors: Jing Dalei , Zhan Xuekuan
Published: March 2020

The present work theoretically and numerically studies the electroosmotic flow (EOF) within a fractal treelike rectangular microchannel network with uniform channel height. To obtain minimum EOF fluidic resistance, the microchannel cross-sectional dimensions of the fractal network are optimized. It is found that the cross-sectional dimension dependence of EOF fluidic resistance within a symmetric fractal network is only dependent on the channel width when the total channel volume is constant, and the optimal microchannel widths to reach the minimum EOF fluidic resistance satisfy the scaling law of κ = N−1 (where κ is the width ratio of the rectangular channels at two successive branching levels, N is the branching number); however, for the symmetric fractal network with constant total surface area, the optimal cross-sectional dimensions should simultaneously satisfy κ = N−1 and H = S 4 l 0 1 − γ N 1 − ( γ N ) m + 1 (where H is the channel height, S is the total channel surface area, l0 is the channel length at the original branching level, γ is the channel length ratio at two successive branching levels and m is the total branching level) to obtain the minimum EOF fluidic resistance. The optimal scaling laws established in present work can be used for the optimization design of the fractal rectangular microchannel network for EOF to reach maximum transport efficiency.
An Electret-Augmented Low-Voltage MEMS Electrostatic Out-of-Plane Actuator for Acoustic Transducer Applications
Authors: Sano Chikako , Ataka Manabu , Hashiguchi Gen , Toshiyoshi Hiroshi
Published: March 2020

Despite the development of energy-efficient devices in various applications, microelectromechanical system (MEMS) electrostatic actuators yet require high voltages to generate large displacements. In this respect, electrets exhibiting quasi-permanent electrical charges allow large fixed voltages to be integrated directly within electrode structures to reduce or eliminate the need of DC bias electronics. For verification, a − 40   V biased electret layer was fabricated at the inner surface of a silicon on insulator (SOI) structure facing a 2 μm gap owing to the high compatibility of silicon micromachining and the potassium-ion-electret fabrication method. A − 10   V electret-augmented actuator with an out-of-plane motion membrane reached a sound pressure level (SPL) of 50 dB maximum with AC input voltage of V i n = 5   V pp alone, indicating a potential for acoustic transducer usage such as microspeakers. Such devices with electret biasing require only the input signal voltage, thus contributing to reducing the overall power consumption of the device system.
Fano-Resonance in Hybrid Metal-Graphene Metamaterial and Its Application as Mid-Infrared Plasmonic Sensor
Authors: Zhang Jianfa , Hong Qilin , Zou Jinglan , He Yuwen , Yuan Xiaodong , Zhu Zhihong , Qin Shiqiao
Published: March 2020

Fano resonances in nanostructures have attracted widespread research interests in the past few years for their potential applications in sensing, switching and nonlinear optics. In this paper, a mid-infrared Fano resonance in a hybrid metal-graphene metamaterial is studied. The hybrid metamaterial consists of a metallic grid enclosing with graphene nanodisks. The Fano resonance arises from the coupling of graphene and metallic plasmonic resonances and it is sharper than plasmonic resonances in pure graphene nanostructures. The resonance strength can be enhanced by increasing the number of graphene layers. The proposed metamaterial can be employed as a high-performance mid-infrared plasmonic sensor with an unprecedented sensitivity of about 7.93 μm/RIU and figure of merit (FOM) of about 158.7.
Recent Advances of Fluid Manipulation Technologies in Microfluidic Paper-Based Analytical Devices (μPADs) toward Multi-Step Assays
Authors: Kim Taehoon H. , Hahn Young Ki , Kim Minseok S.
Published: March 2020

Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) have been suggested as alternatives for developing countries with suboptimal medical conditions because of their low diagnostic cost, high portability, and disposable characteristics. Recently, paper-based diagnostic devices enabling multi-step assays have been drawing attention, as they allow complicated tests, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which were previously only conducted in the laboratory, to be performed on-site. In addition, user convenience and price of paper-based diagnostic devices are other competitive points over other point-of-care testing (POCT) devices, which are more critical in developing countries. Fluid manipulation technologies in paper play a key role in realizing multi-step assays via μPADs, and the expansion of biochemical applications will provide developing countries with more medical benefits. Therefore, we herein aimed to investigate recent fluid manipulation technologies utilized in paper-based devices and to introduce various approaches adopting several principles to control fluids on papers. Fluid manipulation technologies are classified into passive and active methods. While passive valves are structurally simple and easy to fabricate, they are difficult to control in terms of flow at a specific spatiotemporal condition. On the contrary, active valves are more complicated and mostly require external systems, but they provide much freedom of fluid manipulation and programmable operation. Both technologies have been revolutionized in the way to compensate for their limitations, and their advances will lead to improved performance of μPADs, increasing the level of healthcare around the world.
Cryptosporidium parvum gp40/15 Is Associated with the Parasitophorous Vacuole Membrane and Is a Potential Vaccine Target
Authors: Cui Zhaohui , Wang Luyang , Wang Yuexin , Li Juan , Wang Rongjun , Sun Mingfei , Zhang Longxian
Published: March 2020

Cryptosporidium parvum is a zoonotic intracellular protozoan responsible for the diarrheal illness cryptosporidiosis in humans and animals. Although a number of zoite surface proteins are known to be expressed during, and believed to be involved in, attachment and invasion of host cells, the molecular mechanisms by which C. parvum invades the host epithelial cells are not well understood. In the present study, we investigated the gene expression patterns, protein localization in developmental stages in culture, and in vitro neutralization characteristics of Cpgp40/15 and Cpgp40. Indirect immunofluorescence assay showed that Cpgp40/15 is associated with the parasitophorous vacuole membrane (PVM) during intracellular development. Both anti-gp40/15 and anti-gp40 antibodies demonstrated the ability to neutralize C. parvum infection in vitro. Further studies are needed to fully understand the specific role and functional mechanism of Cpgp40/15 (or gp40/15 complex) in the invasion of the host or in the PVM and to determine the feasibility of gp40/15 as a vaccine candidate for cryptosporidiosis in vivo.
Dietary Polyphenol Intake is Associated with HDL-Cholesterol and A Better Profile of other Components of the Metabolic Syndrome: A PREDIMED-Plus Sub-Study
Authors: Castro-Barquero Sara , Tresserra-Rimbau Anna , Vitelli-Storelli Facundo , Doménech Mónica , Salas-Salvadó Jordi , Martín-Sánchez Vicente , Rubín-García María , Buil-Cosiales Pilar , Corella Dolores , Fitó Montserrat , Romaguera Dora , Vioque Jesús , Alonso-Gómez Ángel , Wärnberg Julia , Martínez José , Serra-Majem Luís , Tinahones Francisco , Lapetra José , Pintó Xavier , Tur Josep , Garcia-Rios Antonio , García-Molina Laura , Delgado-Rodriguez Miguel , Matía-Martín Pilar , Daimiel Lidia , Vidal Josep , Vázquez Clotilde , Cofán Montserrat , Romanos-Nanclares Andrea , Becerra-Tomas Nerea , Barragan Rocio , Castañer Olga , Konieczna Jadwiga , González-Palacios Sandra , Sorto-Sánchez Carolina , Pérez-López Jessica , Zulet María , Bautista-Castaño Inmaculada , Casas Rosa , Gómez-Perez Ana , Santos-Lozano José , Rodríguez-Sanchez María , Julibert Alicia , Martín-Calvo Nerea , Hernández-Alonso Pablo , Sorlí José , Sanllorente Albert , Galmés-Panadés Aina , Cases-Pérez Eugenio , Goicolea-Güemez Leire , Ruiz-Canela Miguel , Babio Nancy , Hernáez Álvaro , Lamuela-Raventós Rosa , Estruch Ramon
Published: March 2020

Dietary polyphenol intake is associated with improvement of metabolic disturbances. The aims of the present study are to describe dietary polyphenol intake in a population with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and to examine the association between polyphenol intake and the components of MetS. This cross-sectional analysis involved 6633 men and women included in the PREDIMED (PREvención con DIeta MEDiterranea-Plus) study. The polyphenol content of foods was estimated from the Phenol-Explorer 3.6 database. The mean of total polyphenol intake was 846 ± 318 mg/day. Except for stilbenes, women had higher polyphenol intake than men. Total polyphenol intake was higher in older participants (>70 years of age) compared to their younger counterparts. Participants with body mass index (BMI) >35 kg/m2 reported lower total polyphenol, flavonoid, and stilbene intake than those with lower BMI. Total polyphenol intake was not associated with a better profile concerning MetS components, except for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), although stilbenes, lignans, and other polyphenols showed an inverse association with blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, and triglycerides. A direct association with HDL-c was found for all subclasses except lignans and phenolic acids. To conclude, in participants with MetS, higher intake of several polyphenol subclasses was associated with a better profile of MetS components, especially HDL-c.
Different Cell Wall-Degradation Ability Leads to Tissue-Specificity between Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola
Authors: Cao Jianbo , Chu Chuanliang , Zhang Meng , He Limin , Qin Lihong , Li Xianghua , Yuan Meng
Published: March 2020

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc) lead to the devastating rice bacterial diseases and have a very close genetic relationship. There are tissue-specificity differences between Xoo and Xoc, i.e., Xoo only proliferating in xylem vessels and Xoc spreading in intercellular space of mesophyll cell. But there is little known about the determinants of tissue-specificity between Xoo and Xoc. Here we show that Xoc can spread in the intercellular spaces of mesophyll cells to form streak lesions. But Xoo is restricted to growth in the intercellular spaces of mesophyll cells on the inoculation sites. In vivo, Xoc largely breaks the surface and inner structures of cell wall in mesophyll cells in comparison with Xoo. In vitro, Xoc strongly damages the cellulose filter paper in comparison with Xoo. These results suggest that the stronger cell wall-degradation ability of Xoc than that of Xoo may be directly determining the tissue-specificity.
Systematic Investigation of the Effect of Non-Ionic Emulsifiers on Skin by Confocal Raman Spectroscopy—A Comprehensive Lipid Analysis
Authors: Liu Yali , Lunter Dominique Jasmin
Published: March 2020

Non-ionic emulsifiers are commonly found in existing pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations and have been widely employed to enhance the penetration and permeation of active ingredients into the skin. With the potential of disrupting skin barrier function and increasing fluidity of stratum corneum (SC) lipids, we herein examined the effects of two kinds of non-ionic emulsifiers on intercellular lipids of skin, using confocal Raman spectroscopy (CRS) with lipid signals on skin CRS spectrum. Non-ionic emulsifiers of polyethylene glycol alkyl ethers and sorbitan fatty acid esters were studied to obtain a deep understanding of the mechanism between non-ionic emulsifiers and SC lipids. Emulsifier solutions and dispersions were prepared and applied onto excised porcine skin. Water and sodium laureth sulfate solution (SLS) served as controls. SC lipid signals were analysed by CRS regarding lipid content, conformation and lateral packing order. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) sorbitan esters revealed no alteration of intercellular lipid properties while PEG-20 ethers appeared to have the most significant effects on reducing lipid content and interrupting lipid organization. In general, the polyoxyethylene chain and alkyl chain of PEG derivative emulsifiers might indicate their ability of interaction with SC components. HLB values remained critical for complete explanation of emulsifier effects on skin lipids. With this study, it is possible to characterize the molecular effects of non-ionic emulsifiers on skin lipids and further deepen the understanding of enhancing substance penetration with reduced skin barrier properties and increased lipid fluidity.
Cell Penetrating Peptides, Novel Vectors for Gene Therapy
Authors: Taylor Rebecca E. , Zahid Maliha
Published: March 2020

Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs), also known as protein transduction domains (PTDs), first identified ~25 years ago, are small, 6–30 amino acid long, synthetic, or naturally occurring peptides, able to carry variety of cargoes across the cellular membranes in an intact, functional form. Since their initial description and characterization, the field of cell penetrating peptides as vectors has exploded. The cargoes they can deliver range from other small peptides, full-length proteins, nucleic acids including RNA and DNA, liposomes, nanoparticles, and viral particles as well as radioisotopes and other fluorescent probes for imaging purposes. In this review, we will focus briefly on their history, classification system, and mechanism of transduction followed by a summary of the existing literature on use of CPPs as gene delivery vectors either in the form of modified viruses, plasmid DNA, small interfering RNA, oligonucleotides, full-length genes, DNA origami or peptide nucleic acids.
Cow Milk and Intestinal Epithelial Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles as Systems for Enhancing Oral Drug Delivery
Authors: Carobolante Greta , Mantaj Julia , Ferrari Enrico , Vllasaliu Driton
Published: March 2020

Ingestion is the preferred way for drug administration. However, many drugs have poor oral bioavailability, warranting the use of injections. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from cow milk have shown potential utility in improving oral drug bioavailability. However, EVs produced by intestinal epithelial cells have not been investigated for this application. We compared the capacity of cow milk EVs and intestinal epithelial cell-derived counterparts to enhance oral drug bioavailability. EVs were isolated, fluorescently labelled, and loaded with curcumin (CUR) as a model poorly absorbable drug. These were then characterised before testing in an intestinal model (Caco-2). Epithelial cell-derived EVs showed notably higher cell uptake compared to cow milk EVs. Cell uptake was significantly higher in differentiated compared to undifferentiated cells for both types of EVs. While both milk- and cell-derived EVs improved the cell uptake and intestinal permeability of CUR (confirming oral drug bioavailability enhancement potential), epithelial cell EVs demonstrated a superior effect.
The COPHELA (Cooperation in Quality Assurance for Pharmacy Education and Training between Europe and Latin America) Project
Authors: Sánchez-Pozo Antonio , Cavaco Afonso , Blasi Paolo , Reynoso Mariana , Quirino-Barreda Carlos , Johnson Patricia , Moscoso Fernando , Rodrigues de Castilho Selma , Fegadolli Claudia , Zarwar Sergio , Atkinson Jeffrey ,   on behalf of the COPHELA Associated Partners
Published: March 2020

COPHELA (Cooperation in Quality Assurance for Pharmacy Education and Training between Europe and Latin America), a collaborative project between the European Union (EU) and Latin America, will produce on-line courses for the master degree in pharmacy. The program runs from 2019 through 2021. It is funded by the Erasmus+ program of the Education, Audio-visual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) of the European Commission. The partners are EU and Latin American universities. These are accompanied by associated partners from EU and Latin American universities, as well as from governmental and non-governmental organizations, such as pharmacy chambers and educational associations. The project is coordinated by the University of Granada, Spain (first author of this paper). It will produce distance learning master degree courses in a dozen fields of specialized pharmaceutical science education and practice, ranging from patient care to industrial pharmacy. This paper describes the design of the project and is intended to evoke constructive comments. It also represents a call for the recruitment of additional associated partners.
Breakthrough Knowledge Synthesis in the Age of Google
Authors: Brown Ronald B.
Published: March 2020

Epistemology is the main branch of philosophy that studies the nature of knowledge, but how is new knowledge created? In this perspective article, I introduce a novel method of knowledge discovery that synthesizes online findings from current and prior research. This web-based knowledge synthesis method is especially relevant in today’s information technology environment, where the research community has easy access to online interactive tools and an expansive selection of digitized peer-reviewed literature. Based on a grounded theory methodology, the innovative synthesis method presented here can be used to organize, analyze and combine concepts from an intermixed selection of quantitative and qualitative research, inferring an emerging theory or thesis of new knowledge. Novel relationships are formed when synthesizing causal theories—accordingly, this article reviews basic logical principles of associative relationships, mediators and causal pathways inferred in knowledge synthesis. I also provide specific examples from my own knowledge syntheses in the field of epidemiology. The application of this web-based knowledge synthesis method, and its unique potential to discover breakthrough knowledge, will be of interest to researchers in other areas, such as education, health, humanities, and the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Explaining Intricate Morphometric Variability with Environmental Predictors: The Case of Globularia cordifolia Species Complex
Authors: Innangi Michele , Friščić Maja , Hazler Pilepić Kroata , Danise Tiziana , Conti Fabio , Bartolucci Fabrizio , Fioretto Antonietta , Peruzzi Lorenzo
Published: March 2020

Globularia is a genus of small evergreen and perennial shrubs that are widespread in Europe. Globularia section Empetron includes a group of three species, G. cordifolia, G. meridionalis, and G. neapolitana, that have been taxonomically disputed for more than 150 years. Many morphological features have been proposed to discriminate these species. Nevertheless, evidence from both past and recent literature suggest that these differences among species are not consistent. In order to shed new light in this long-disputed group, we investigated 10 populations of the G. cordifolia species complex with both classical and geometric morphometrics and used environmental predictors in multivariate regression to explain patterns of variation. Our results showed that bract area and calyx teeth length are correlated with solar radiation and annual precipitation, whereas leaf dry mass per unit area can be explained by temperature seasonality. Leaf shape can be explained by temperature seasonality as well, although with a lower amount of explanatory and predictive power. Despite a comparatively low sample size in terms of populations, our results were based on a large number of individuals and were supported by a robust statistical approach. We can conclude that differences among the three species of Globularia could be related to the combined effects of several ecological variables and might not have taxonomical value. Our novel approach provided an ecological interpretation on a species complex that makes up a continuum of forms within the environmental framework of the Mediterranean basin.