bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel clock‐face method for characterizing peridevice leaks after left atrial appendage occlusion
Authors: Westcott Sarah K. , Wung William , Glassy Matthew , Singh Gagan D. , Smith Thomas W. , Fan Dali , Rogers Jason H.
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To propose a novel method for mapping leak location and frequency to a clock‐face representation of the left atrial appendage (LAA) ostium.

Background

LAA occlusion with the Watchman device (WD) is an established therapy to reduce thromboembolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and intolerance to long‐term oral anticoagulation. Postimplantation leaks are known sequelae, but leak locations and characteristics are poorly described.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 101 consecutive WD implants from April 2015 to February 2018. Leak locations from 6‐week post‐implant transesophageal echocardiograms were mapped to a clock‐face representation of the LAA ostium: 12:00 as cranial near the limbus, 3:00 as anterior toward the pulmonary artery, 6:00 as caudal near the mitral annulus, and 9:00 as posterior. Patient demographics, LAA dimensions, and procedural characteristics were also collected.

Results

Thirty‐four patients had ≥1 leak totaling 45 leaks at 6‐week follow‐up. Baseline patient demographics showed a mean age 77, CHA2DS2VASc 4.69, and 64% of patients with permanent AF. No patient had a detectable leak at the time of implant. At 6 weeks, mean leak size was 2.67 ± 0.89 mm with no leak over 5 mm (largest 4.60 mm). Most leaks occurred along the posterior 6:00–12:00 segment (39/45) and the 6:00–9:00 quadrant (16/45).

Conclusion

Six‐week post‐WD implant leaks localize to the posterior LAA ostium. This could result from the elliptical LAA orifice, differential LAA tissue composition, or implantation technique. This study provides a novel method for describing the location of post‐implant leaks and serves as the basis for further investigations.
Impact of optical coherence tomography‐derived neointimal tissue morphology on development of very late in‐stent restenosis
Authors: Fujii Kenichi , Otsuji Satoru , Yamamoto Wataru , Takiuchi Shin , Ishibuchi Kasumi , Tamaru Hiroto , Kakishita Mikio , Ibuki Motoaki , Hasegawa Katsuyuki , Ishii Rui , Nakabayashi Sho , Higashino Yorihiko
Published: February 2020

Objectives

This study evaluated the progression of very late in‐stent restenosis (VL‐ISR) by analyzing four serial coronary angiography (CAG) images and its correlation with neointimal tissue characterization of the VL‐ISR lesions on optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Background

Recently, VL‐ISR is occasionally observed beyond a few years after drug‐eluting stents (DESs) implantation.

Methods

This study analyzed 50 VL‐ISR lesions after DES in which 4 serial CAGs over a period of 2 years, including at baseline procedure, 9 months after baseline procedure, 12 months before VL‐ISR, and at the time of VL‐ISR, were performed. Neointimal tissue characteristics by OCT were categorized as homogeneous, heterogeneous with invisible strut (Type I), heterogeneous with visible strut (Type II), speckled (Type III), or heterogeneous with sharply delineated border (Type IV).

Results

From the development process, 23 VL‐ISRs (46%) were categorized as rapid progression and 27 (54%) as gradual progression. The five categories of neointimal tissue composition significantly differed between lesions with rapid and gradual progression. Homogeneous neointima and Type IV heterogeneous neointima were observed only in lesions with gradual progression. Moreover, most Type I heterogeneous neointima was identified in lesions with gradual progression. Instead, main neointimal tissue components of lesions with rapid progression were Type II (43%) and Type III (43%) heterogeneous neointima.

Conclusion

The progression rate of in‐stent atherosclerotic changes is gradual, whereas organized thrombus could be associated with an increased risk of rapid neointimal growth. The two types of stenosis progression provide a new insight into the mechanism of VL‐ISR development after DES implantation.
Metal Oxide Nanosheets as 2D Building Blocks for the Design of Novel Materials
Authors: Timmerman Melvin A. , Xia Rui , Le Phu T. P. , Wang Yang , ten Elshof Johan E.
Published: February 2020

Research into 2‐dimensional materials has soared during the last couple of years. Next to van der Waals type 2D materials such as graphene and h‐BN, less well‐known oxidic 2D equivalents also exist. Most 2D oxide nanosheets are derived from layered metal oxide phases, although few 2D oxide phases can be also made by bottom‐up solution syntheses. Owing to the strong electrostatic interactions within layered metal oxide crystals, a chemical process is usually needed to delaminate them into their 2D constituents. This Review article provides an overview of the synthesis of oxide nanosheets, and methods to assemble them into nanocomposites, mono‐ or multilayer films. In particular, the use of Langmuir–Blodgett methods to form monolayer films over large surface areas, and the emerging use of ink jet printing to form patterned functional films is emphasized. The utilization of nanosheets in various areas of technology, for example, electronics, energy storage and tribology, is illustrated, with special focus on their use as seed layers for epitaxial growth of thin films, and as electrochemically active electrodes for supercapacitors and Li ion batteries.
Chiroptical property tuning of supramolecular assemblies in polymer matrices
Authors: Jintoku Hirokuni , Ihara Hirotaka
Published: February 2020

Chiroptical materials have received much attention in diverse fields for applications such as displays, sensors, smart memory devices, and catalysis. Here, we develop a simple fabrication method for polymer films with tunable chiroptical properties using small amounts of self‐assembling fluorescent dye as an additive. Both the circular dichroism and circularly polarized luminescence signals of the film can be tuned between positive and negative values by thermal treatment. The chiroptical properties can be varied by slight changes in the orientation of chiral pyrene moieties in self‐assembled nanofibril networks.
Das Element Sauerstoff
Authors: Tappe Nadine A. , Kühn Fritz E.
Published: February 2020

Gasförmiger Disauerstoff war nicht immer Bestandteil der Erdatmosphäre und ist auch nicht für alle Lebensformen notwendig. Vielmehr haben sich die Lebewesen im Laufe der Erdgeschichte an die Gegenwart von (durch Fotosynthese freigesetzten) Disauerstoff in der Atmosphäre angepasst und können die Substanz, die ursprünglich einen Giftstoff darstellte, entweder tolerieren oder zu ihrem Nutzen (Energiegewinnung) verarbeiten (Tiere, Menschen). Die Freisetzung von Disauerstoff in die Erdatmosphäre und die Schwankungen in der Sauerstoffkonzentration hatten massive Folgen für die Evolution irdischen Lebens und initiierte sowohl Aussterbeereignisse wie tiefreifende Neuentwicklungen. Die Bildung der Ozonschicht war eine der Voraussetzungen für die Besiedelung des Festlandes mit höheren Lebensformen.

Trotz dieser großen Bedeutung für das Leben auf Erden hat man Sauerstoff lange Zeit nicht als Element erkannt. Die „Entdeckung“ von Sauerstoff als Element führte aber ab dem 19. Jahrhundert zu zahlreichen wichtigen Anwendungen in Industrie, Technik und Medizin und ermöglichte seine breite Anwendung in der Wissenschaft.
Tensor mutual information and its applications
Authors: Lu Liangfu , Ren Xiaohan , Cui Chenming , Luo Yun , Huang Maolin
Published: February 2020

Correlation analysis has long been a question of great interest in measuring the relationship among different variables and has been applied in many fields, such as dimension reduction, classification, and so on. However, current methods of correlation analysis take into account the linear relationship between multiple variables and only few works on nonlinear interaction of two variables have been considered. In this article, we first present a nonlinear analysis method of multiple (two or more) variables based on mutual information for tensor analysis (MITA). In addition, we extend the mutual‐information matrix analysis directly to MITA and show the multivariable mutual information formula based on Venn diagram. Experiments on multiview dimension reduction, including attacking internet traffic prediction, advertisement classification, and biometric structure prediction illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, especially in the case of low‐dimensional subspace.
Synchrotron Photoionization Study of the Diisopropyl Ether Oxidation
Authors: Giustini Andrea , Meloni Giovanni
Published: February 2020

Scientific evidence has shown oxygenates help to reduce dangerous pollutants arising from burning fossil fuel in the automotive sector. For this reason, their use as additives has spread widely. The aim of this work consists in providing a comprehensive identification of the main primary oxidation products of diisopropyl ether (DIPE), one of the most promising among etheric oxygenates. The Cl‐initiated oxidation of DIPE is examinated by using a vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) synchrotron radiation at the Advanced Light Source (ALS) of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Products are identified on the basis of their mass‐to‐charge ratio, shape of photoionization spectra, adiabatic ionization energies, and chemical kinetic profiles, at three different temperatures (298, 550, and 650 K). Acetone, propanal, propene, and isopropyl acetate have been identified as major reaction products. Acetone is the main primary product. Theoretical calculations using the composite CBS‐QB3 method provided useful tools to validate the postulated reaction mechanisms leading to experimentally observed species. The formation of other species is also discussed.
Nano and Micro Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): A New Grand Challenge for Precision Agriculture?
Authors: Gago Jorge , Estrany Joan , Estes Lyndon , Fernie Alisdair R. , Alorda Bartomeu , Brotman Yariv , Flexas Jaume , Escalona José Mariano , Medrano Hipólito
Published: February 2020

By collecting data at spatial and temporal scales that are inaccessible to satellite and field observation, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are revolutionizing a number of scientific and management disciplines. UAVs may be particularly valuable for precision agricultural applications, offering strong potential to improve the efficiency of water, nutrient, and disease management. However, some authors have suggested that the UAV industry has overhyped the potential value of this technology for agriculture, given that it is difficult for non‐specialists to operate UAVs as well as to process and interpret the resulting data. Here, we analyze the barriers to applying UAVs for precision agriculture, which range from regulatory issues to technical requirements. We then evaluate how new developments in the nano‐ and micro‐UAV (NAV and MAV, respectively) markets may help to overcome these barriers. Among the possible breakthroughs that we identify is the ability of NAV/MAV platforms to directly quantify plant traits using methods (e.g., object‐oriented classification) that require less image calibration and interpretation than spectral index–based approaches. We suggest that this potential, when combined with steady improvements in sensor miniaturization, flight precision, and autonomy as well as cloud‐based image processing, will make UAVs a tool with much broader adoption by agricultural managers in the near future. If this wider uptake is realized, then UAVs have real potential to improve agriculture's resource‐use efficiency. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
DNA Extraction from Plant Leaves Using a Microneedle Patch
Authors: Paul Rajesh , Ostermann Emily , Gu Zhen , Ristaino Jean B. , Wei Qingshan
Published: February 2020

Isolation of high‐quality DNA from infected plant specimens is an essential step for the molecular detection of plant pathogens. However, DNA isolation from plant cells surrounded by rigid polysaccharide cell walls involves complicated steps and requires benchtop laboratory equipment. As a result, plant DNA extraction is currently confined to well‐equipped laboratories and sample preparation has become one of the major hurdles for on‐site molecular detection of plant pathogens. To overcome this hurdle, a simple DNA extraction method from plant leaf tissues has been developed. A microneedle (MN) patch made of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) can isolate plant or pathogenic DNA from different plant species within a minute. During DNA extraction, the polymeric MN patch penetrates into plant leaf tissues and breaks rigid plant cell walls to isolate intracellular DNA. The extracted DNA is polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifiable without additional purification. This minimally invasive method has successfully extracted Phytophthora infestans DNA from infected tomato leaves. Moreover, the MN patch could be used to isolate DNA from other plant pathogens directly in the field. Thus, it has great potential to become a rapid, on‐site sample preparation technique for plant pathogen detection. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Basic Protocol: Microneedle patch‐based DNA extraction

Support Protocol 1: Microneedle patch fabrication

Support Protocol 2: Real‐time PCR amplification of microneedle patch extracted DNA
Dynamic traceable CP‐ABE with revocation for outsourced big data in cloud storage
Authors: Premkamal Praveen Kumar , Pasupuleti Syam Kumar , Alphonse PJA
Published: February 2020

Ciphertext‐policy attribute‐based encryption (CP‐ABE) is the recommended best practice for outsourced big data access control in the cloud environment. However, most of the existing CP‐ABE schemes do not address the issue of tracing and revoking the malicious user who leaks the secret key for profit, which in turn reduces the security of the CP‐ABE schemes. In this paper, we propose a dynamic traceable CP‐ABE with revocation (DTCP‐ABE) for outsourced big data in cloud storage. DTCP‐ABE scheme dynamically traces who decrypts the ciphertext during the outsourced decryption process, which helps to find the malicious user who leaks the secret key. Our scheme also automatically revokes the malicious users once they are identified. We prove that our scheme is secure against chosen‐plaintext, secret key forging, user collision, and proxy attacks. Furthermore, our scheme also achieves backward revocation security. Performance evaluation proves that our DTCP‐ABE scheme is efficient than other existing schemes.
Economic evaluation of charging/discharging control of electric vehicles as system flexibility considering control participation rate
Authors: Yoshioka Nanami , Asano Hiroshi , Bando Shigeru
Published: February 2020

In Japan, installed capacity of variable renewable generation (VRG) is rapidly increasing. Through the efforts to make VRG into one of main power resource, vehicle‐to‐grid (V2G) is considered as an effective source of flexibility, which is concerned to lack under large amount of VRG. In this study, we analyze the cost reduction effect of using V2G as system flexibility through calculation of day‐ahead unit commitment (UC) in Kyushu area. To consider uncertainty of day‐ahead UC, we calculate UC simulation with operation reserve requirement considering day‐ahead forecast error of photovoltaic generation, followed by economic dispatch simulation using actual photovoltaic generation. V2G as LFC reduces operation cost especially when demand is low, even with 180 000 electric vehicles (EVs). Cost reduction per EV is about 20‐80 JPY/day with 180 000 EVs, which saturates if more EV participates in the control. V2G as operation reserve reduces discharge from EV for about 0.5‐1.5 kWh/day/EV, which results in reducing degradation of EV battery.
Biomarkers of genome instability in normal mammalian genomes following drug‐induced replication stress
Authors: Minocherhomji Sheroy , Liu Yang , He Yudong D. , Fielden Mark R.
Published: February 2020

Genome instability is a hallmark of most human cancers and is exacerbated following replication stress. However, the effects that drugs/xenobiotics have in promoting genome instability including chromosomal structural rearrangements in normal cells are not currently assessed in the genetic toxicology battery. Here, we show that drug‐induced replication stress leads to increased genome instability in vitro using proliferating primary human cells as well as in vivo in rat bone marrow (BM) and duodenum (DD). p53‐binding protein 1 (53BP1, biomarker of DNA damage repair) nuclear bodies were increased in a dose‐dependent manner in normal proliferating human mammary epithelial fibroblasts following treatment with compounds traditionally classified as either genotoxic (hydralazine) and nongenotoxic (low‐dose aphidicolin, duvelisib, idelalisib, and amiodarone). Comparatively, no increases in 53BP1 nuclear bodies were observed in nonproliferating cells. Negative control compounds (mannitol, alosteron, diclofenac, and zonisamide) not associated with cancer risk did not induce 53BP1 nuclear bodies in any cell type. Finally, we studied the in vivo genomic consequences of drug‐induced replication stress in rats treated with 10 mg/kg of cyclophosphamide for up to 14 days followed by polymerase chain reaction‐free whole genome sequencing (30X coverage) of BM and DD cells. Cyclophosphamide induced chromosomal structural rearrangements at an average of 90 genes, including 40 interchromosomal/intrachromosomal translocations, within 2 days of treatment. Collectively, these data demonstrate that this drug‐induced genome instability test (DiGIT) can reveal potential adverse effects of drugs not otherwise informed by standard genetic toxicology testing batteries. These efforts are aligned with the food and drug administration's (FDA's) predictive toxicology roadmap initiative.
Dissipation of DvSnf7 RNA from Late-Season Maize Tissue in Aquatic Microcosms
Authors: Fischer Joshua R. , MacQuarrie Gillian R. , Malven Marianne , Song Zihong , Rogan Glennon
Published: February 2020

The commercialization of RNA-based agricultural products requires robust ecological risk assessments. Ecological risk is operationally defined as a function of exposure and adverse effects. Information on the environmental fate of RNA-based plant-incorporated protectants is essential to define routes and duration of exposure to potentially sensitive nontarget organisms. Providing these details in problem formulation helps focus the ecological risk assessment on the relevant species of concern. Postharvest plant residue is often considered to be the most significant route of exposure for genetically modified crops to adjacent aquatic environments. Previous studies have shown that DvSnf7 RNA from SmartStax PRO maize dissipates rapidly in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. Although these studies suggest that direct exposure to DvSnf7 RNA is likely to be low, little is known regarding the fate of DvSnf7 RNA produced in plants after entering an aquatic environment. This exposure scenario is relevant to detritivorous aquatic invertebrates that process conditioned maize tissues that enter aquatic environments. To assess potential exposure to shredders, dissipation of DvSnf7 RNA expressed maize tissue was evaluated following immersion in microcosms containing sediment and water. Concentrations of DvSnf7 RNA in the tissue were measured over a duration of 21 d. The DvSnf7 RNA dissipated rapidly from immersed maize tissue and was undetectable in the tissues after 3 d. Concentrations of DvSnf7 RNA found in tissue as well as calculated water column concentrations were below levels known to elicit effects in a highly sensitive surrogate species, supporting the conclusion of minimal risk to aquatic nontarget organisms. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1032–1040. © 2020 SETAC
Intriguing Carbon Flake Formation during Microwave‐Assisted Hydrothermal Carbonization of Sodium Lignosulfonate
Authors: Melilli Giuseppe , Adolfsson Karin H. , Impagnatiello Andrea , Rizza Giancarlo , Hakkarainen Minna
Published: February 2020

Elongated carbon structures, here denoted as carbon flakes (CF), are revealed after microwave‐assisted hydrothermal carbonization of sodium lignosulfonate. The morphology of formed CF is investigated by transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Interestingly, a wide range of length distributions (between 100 and 700 nm) and a relatively constant aspect ratio and thickness are observed, indicating structures clearly different from the carbon spheres commonly formed during hydrothermal carbonization of lignocellulosic biomass. Moreover, X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy provide further information of the chemical structure, which consist mainly of nanographitic domains with a high degree of defects such as oxygenated functional groups, hybridized sp3 carbon, and aliphatic side chains. Furthermore, new insights into the formation mechanisms are uncovered and the formation is speculated to proceed through the combined effect of microwave irradiation and a heterogeneous solid–solid conversion. The formed CF are anticipated as highly interesting products for a variety of material applications.
Exploring variations in health‐care expenditures—What is the role of practice styles?
Authors: Ahammer Alexander , Schober Thomas
Published: February 2020

Variations in medical resource usage, both across and within geographical regions, have been widely documented. In this paper, we explore physician practice styles as a possible determinant of these variations. In particular, we exploit patient mobility between physicians to identify practice styles among general practitioners (GPs) in Austria. We use a large administrative data set containing detailed information on a battery of different health‐care services and implement a model with additive patient and GP fixed effects that allows flexibly for systematic differences in patients' health states. We find that, although GPs explain only a small part of the overall variation in medical expenses, heterogeneities in spending patterns among GPs are substantial. Conditional on patient characteristics, we document a difference of € 751.47 per patient per year in total medical expenses (which amounts to roughly 45% of the sample mean) between high‐ and low‐spending GPs.
On the mixed convective carbon nanotube flow over a convectively heated curved surface
Authors: Acharya Nilankush , Bag Raju , Kundu Prabir K.
Published: February 2020

In this article, mixed convective boundary layer stream of nanofluid flow with carbon nanotube as nanoparticles and transmission of heat over a coiled stretched surface are studied. The influence of magnetic orientation and velocity slip is also encountered in this problem. Two classes of carbon nanotubes, SWCNT and MWCNT, are considered as nanoparticles and water as a pure liquid. The foremost leading partial differential equations (PDEs) are formulated through curvilinear coordinate system subjected to proper boundary conditions. To simplify this nonlinear PDE‐associated model, we have employed a compatible similarity conversion and acquired the nonlinear dimensionless ordinary differential equations (ODEs). To determine the requisite numerical solution of the transformed problem, a shooting procedure embedded with RK‐4 technique has been applied. Various pictorial attempts have been initiated against different parametric inputs to reveal the hydrothermal scenario. Some physical quantities like skin friction and Nusselt numbers are calculated to investigate flow distribution inside the preferred system. A comparison with earlier research depicts parallel outcomes. Results assured that velocity is a cumulative function with positive increment of curvature parameter, but an opposite scenario is shown for temperature for both type of nanofluids. The amount of heat transition has been declined against the improvement of the magnetic parameter.
New insights into the vancomycin‐induced nephrotoxicity using in vitro metabolomics combined with physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling
Authors: Du Haiyan , Li Zheng , Yang Yi , Li Xiao , Wei Yongxiang , Lin Yang , Zhuang Xiaomei
Published: February 2020

Vancomycin is a first‐line treatment for invasive infections caused by multidrug‐resistant gram‐positive bacteria. However, vancomycin‐induced nephrotoxicity is an increasing burden, particularly in patients with complex life‐threatening conditions. Vancomycin‐induced nephrotoxicity associated with clinically relevant exposure on the target site has not been well defined. This study aimed to acquire the concentration of vancomycin in the renal tubules and kidneys in humans using physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling and simulation. Based upon the exposure of vancomycin in the renal tubule, the toxicity of vancomycin in human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells was examined with the XTT assay and in vitro metabolomics analysis. A rat PBPK model predicting plasma and kidney concentration‐time profiles of vancomycin matched the observed behavior after a single administration of 10 mg/kg. The concentration of vancomycin in renal tubules was about 40‐50 times higher than that in plasma. The human PBPK model transferred from the rat model predicted renal tubule concentrations of vancomycin as 316.1‐2136.6 μg/mL at 500 mg every 6 hours, and 199.0‐3932.5 μg/mL at 1000 mg every 12 hours. Vancomycin showed significant nephrotoxicity at 4 mg/mL in XTT assessment. In total, 11 lysophosphatidylcholines and one lysophosphatidylethanolamine were identified by metabolomics analysis. The concentration‐dependent increase was evident in the release of lysophospholipids after vancomycin treatment (0.125‐4 mg/mL) for 24 hours. Our study revealed the relationship between the exposure of vancomycin in the kidney and toxicity of vancomycin at clinically relevant concentrations achieved from a mechanical PBPK model. A series of lysophospholipids as potential metabolic markers of renal toxicity were identified.
Wastewater‐derived antagonistic activities of G protein‐coupled receptor‐acting pharmaceuticals in river water
Authors: Ihara Masaru , Hanamoto Seiya , Ihara Mariko O. , Zhang Han , Tanaka Hiroaki
Published: February 2020

Pharmaceuticals are widely detected in aquatic environments, and their potential risks to aquatic species are of concern because they are designed to be biologically active. Here, we used an in vitro assay, called the transforming growth factor α shedding assay, to measure the biological activities of G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR)‐acting pharmaceuticals present in river water and effluents from municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Japan from 2014 to 2016. Antagonistic activities against angiotensin (AT1), dopamine (D2), adrenergic (β1), acetylcholine (M1) and histamine (H1) receptors were detected in river water, and were stronger downstream than upstream owing to effluent from WWTPs along the river. Ozonation at one WWTP reduced these activities. Concentrations of sulpiride (D2 antagonist) could explain 73% of antagonistic activities against the D2 receptor; those of metoprolol, atenolol and propranolol (β1 antagonists) could explain 16% of activities against the β1 receptor; and those of pirenzepine (M1 antagonist) could explain 15% of activities against the M1 receptor. Therefore, other receptor antagonists also occur. GPCR‐acting pharmaceuticals should be given more attention in environmental monitoring and toxicity testing.
Development of hyperthermia measurable fiber radiometric thermometer for thermotherapy
Authors: Franz Paris L. , Wang Hui
Published: February 2020

Temperature monitoring is extremely important during thermotherapy. Fiber‐optic temperature sensors are preferred because of their flexibility and immunity to electromagnetic interference. Although many types of fiber‐optic sensors have been developed, clinically adopting them remains challenging. Here, we report a silica fiber‐based radiometric thermometer using a low‐cost extended InGaAs detector to detect black body radiation between 1.7 and 2.4 μm. For the first time, this silica fiber‐based thermometer is capable of measuring temperatures down to 35°C, making it suitable for monitoring hyperthermia during surgery. In particular, the thermometer has potential for seamless integration with current silica fiber catheters, which are widely used in laser interstitial thermotherapy. The feasibility, capability and sensitivity of tracking tissue temperature variation were proved through ex vivo tissue studies. After further improvement, the technology has the potential to be translated into clinics for monitoring tissue temperature.
Exercise May Ameliorate the Detrimental Side Effects of High Vitamin D Supplementation on Muscle Function in Mice
Authors: Debruin Danielle A , Timpani Cara A , Lalunio Hannah , Rybalka Emma , Goodman Craig A , Hayes Alan
Published: February 2020

Vitamin D is commonly prescribed to normalize deficiencies and to treat osteoporosis. However, the effect vitamin D supplements have on skeletal muscle health is equivocal. Although vitamin D is known to play a role in the various processes that maintain muscle integrity and function, recent studies utilizing high bolus dose vitamin D supplementation has demonstrated an increased risk of falls. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of high vitamin D supplementation on skeletal muscle function with and without exercise enrichment. Four-week old C57BL/10 mice (n = 48) were separated into either normal vitamin D (1500 IU/kg diet; unsupplemented) or high vitamin D (20,000 IU/kg diet; supplemented) treatment groups. Each dietary group was further separated into interventional subgroups where mice either remained sedentary or received exercise-enrichment for 8 weeks in the form of voluntary running. Following the intervention period, whole body in vivo and ex vivo contractile analysis were performed. High vitamin D supplementation decreased force production in the slow-twitch soleus muscles of sedentary mice (p < .01); however, exercise normalized this effect. Eight weeks of exercise did not improve fatigue resistance of the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) or soleus muscles in unsupplemented mice, likely due to low levels of activation in these muscles. In contrast, fatigability was improved in the EDL (p < .01) and even more so in the soleus (p < .001) in the supplemented exercise-enriched group. Our data highlights that increasing vitamin D levels above normal reduces postural muscle force as seen in the soleus. Thus, unnecessary vitamin D supplementation may contribute to the increased risk of falls observed in some studies. Interestingly, when vitamin D supplementation was combined with exercise, force production was effectively restored, and fatigue resistance improved, even in muscles lowly activated. Regular exercise may modulate the effects of vitamin D on skeletal muscle, and be recommended for individuals receiving vitamin D supplements. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The next merger and acquisition hot spot in the Middle East (2009–2018): An Update
Authors: Metwalli Ali M. , Demello Jim P.
Published: February 2020

Mergers and acquisitions are being increasingly used by corporate managers, worldwide, to enter, develop, and enhance market share. Major economic, social, and political changes have taken place in various countries in the Middle East region during the past decade as a result of the global recession of 2008 and the Arab Spring of 2011 resulting in the implementation of policies fostering foreign direct investment, economic growth, and stability. Published research regarding the impact of these policies on business organizations, investment, trade, and competitive strategies is fairly sparse. This article provides an update regarding the merger and acquisition trends that have resulted in 19 countries of the Middle East, with a particular focus on Israel, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Egypt.
Ectopic expression of LAG‐3 in non–small‐cell lung cancer cells and its clinical significance
Authors: Ma Chenglong , Sun Xiao , Shen Dong , Sun Yuejun , Guan Naifu , Qi Chunjian
Published: February 2020

Background

Lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG‐3, also known as CD223) is an immune checkpoint molecule expressed on various types of lymphocytes, and it is mainly involved in maintaining immune homeostasis. However, there are currently no data on LAG‐3 expression in non–small‐cell lung cancer cells.

Methods

Human lung cancer cells were cultured using conventional methods. The expression of LAG‐3 was measured by Western blot and flow cytometry. Between April 2018 and May 2019, we collected 52 surgical specimens of stage I‐III non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Fourteen samples of benign lung tissue lesions were collected as the control group, and the expression levels of LAG‐3 in the lung cancer cells and tissue samples were measured via immunohistochemistry.

Results

Western blots showed that LAG‐3 was expressed in lung cancer cell lines. There was significant difference in the LAG‐3 expression levels in the NSCLC cells and benign lung tissue (χ2 = 13.055, P = .0003). The LAG‐3 expression level was significantly associated with the NSCLC clinical stage, and LAG‐3 expression was significantly higher in stage III patients (P < .05).

Conclusion

LAG‐3 is expressed in NSCLC tumor cells. Furthermore, LAG‐3 not only is expressed in tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes in NSCLC patients but also is ectopically expressed in tumor cells and associated with TNM stage.
A lesson learnt from the emergence of Zika virus: What flaviviruses can trigger Guillain‐Barré syndrome?
Authors: Leung Char
Published: February 2020

While Zika virus outbreaks raised the concern about rare viral infections in human, attention should also be paid to other Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) inducing viruses. This study aims to search for other flaviviruses likely to be associated with GBS. Amino acid (aa) sequence matching analysis was conducted to identify viruses molecularly similar to the Zika virus and human GBS‐related proteins. A systematic review of clinical literature was performed to summarize the clinical findings of the GBS‐associated flaviviruses identified in the aa sequence matching analysis. It was found that more than 10 pentapeptides were shared between 9 flaviviruses, Zika virus, and human GBS‐related proteins. Twenty‐six articles totaling 42 clinical cases were eligible for inclusion in the systematic review concerning the nine flaviviruses identified. While some patients showed signs of encephalitis, 5 out of 42 cases demonstrated typical GBS symptoms. Public health professionals should be aware of other GBS‐associated flaviviruses and GBS cases with mild symptoms.
GP73 facilitates hepatitis B virus replication by repressing the NF‐κB signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Long , Zhu Jianyong , Yang Jing , Li Xiaohua , Yuan Jie , Wu Jianguo , Liu Zhixin
Published: February 2020

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) chronically infects approximately 350 million people worldwide, and 600 000 deaths are caused by HBV‐related hepatic failure. Golgi protein 73 (GP73) is a serum biomarker for liver diseases, including chronic hepatitis B. Here, we determine the effect of HBV infection on GP73 production and characterized the role of GP73 in HBV replication. Initially, we show that GP73 is highly produced in the sera of HBV‐positive patients with chronic liver diseases and in HBV‐stimulated leukocytes. In addition, HBV stimulation promotes GP73 production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from healthy donors and in macrophages derived from human acute monocytic leukemia cells (THP‐1). Notably, the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), but not HBV replication, is required for the activation of GP73 expression. Moreover, in HepG2 cells and Huh7 cells, GP73 facilitates HBV replication and represses nuclear factor kappa B p50 expression, which in turn represses HBV replication and GP73 expression. Finally, we demonstrate that GP73 facilitates HBV replication by repressing the innate immune response and the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway. Taken together, we revealed a distinct positive feedback mechanism between HBV replication and GP73 production and suggest that GP73 acts as a potential antiviral target for HBV infection.
The Application of a Nuclease Enzyme to Clean Stubborn Soils and Odors in Laundry
Authors: Morales‐Garcia Ana L. , Hayward Adam S. , Malekpour Adam K. , Korzycka Karolina A. , Compson Rachael , Gori Klaus , Lant Neil J.
Published: February 2020

The inclusion of a nuclease, a new‐to‐laundry enzyme class in detergent formulations, reduces the concentration of recalcitrant soils on dirty clothing. Nucleases target extracellular DNA that, albeit present in minor quantities in soiled laundry items, disproportionately contributes to the accumulation of sebaceous soils and other compounds that affect the appearance of clothes. These lingering soils accumulate over multiple wear cycles and provoke a dingy appearance in clothing, characterized by dull colors, yellow staining, and an unpleasant malodor. The single and continued use of a nuclease in detergent formulations offers increased removal of these recalcitrant soils to produce less malodorous and visually preferred textiles. Furthermore, the nuclease is effective across different detergent forms, as well as in cotton short washing cycles, enabling improved cleaning in more sustainable laundry washing conditions.
Recent advances in the bioanalytical methods of polyethylene glycols and PEGylated pharmaceuticals
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Zhang Yuyao , Song Shiwen , Yin Lei , Sun Dong , Gu Jingkai
Published: February 2020

Polyethylene glycols are synthetic polymers composed of repeating oxyethylene subunits, which have been known for non‐toxic, non‐immunogenic, non‐antigenic, good solubility in water and therefore approved for pharmaceutical applications. Recently, attachment or amalgamation of polyethylene glycols to therapeutic small molecules, peptides, proteins, or nanoparticles has become a mature technology for the sake of improving their pharmacokinetic and pharmacological profiles, also referred to as PEGylation. By comparison, there are only a few PEGylated pharmaceuticals have been registered for further clinical trials and even less was approved for marketing. High failure rate of PEGylated pharmaceuticals in pre‐clinical and clinical trials could be majorly attributed to their unclear pharmacokinetic behaviors. Therefore, the in vivo fate of the PEGylated pharmaceuticals for the various routes of administration needs to be thoroughly investigated An accurate in vivo pharmacological study thereof highly depends on the precise detection of polyethylene glycols as well as their fragments in biological matrixes. The goal of this review is to highlight the analytical methods that were developed and applied to evaluate the polyethylene glycols in pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients, which bring us closer to bridging the gap between the development of polyethylene glycol‐based drug delivery systems and their clinical application.
Model simulation of seasonal growth of Fucus vesiculosus in its benthic community
Authors: Graiff Angelika , Karsten Ulf , Radtke Hagen , Wahl Martin , Eggert Anja
Published: February 2020

Numerical models are a suitable tool to quantify impacts of predicted climate change on complex ecosystems but are rarely used to study effects on benthic macroalgal communities. Fucus vesiculosus L. is a habitat‐forming macroalga in the Baltic Sea and alarming shifts from the perennial Fucus community to annual filamentous algae are reported. We developed a box model able to simulate the seasonal growth of the Baltic Fucus–grazer–epiphyte system. This required the implementation of two state variables for Fucus biomass in units of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N). Model equations describe relevant physiological and ecological processes, such as storage of C and N assimilates by Fucus, shading effects of epiphytes or grazing by herbivores on both Fucus and epiphytes, but with species‐specific rates and preferences. Parametrizations of the model equations and required initial conditions were based on measured parameters and process rates in the near‐natural Kiel Outdoor Benthocosm (KOB) experiments during the Biological Impacts of Ocean Acidification project. To validate the model, we compared simulation results with observations in the KOB experiment that lasted from April 2013 until March 2014 under ambient and climate‐change scenarios, that is, increased atmospheric temperature and partial pressure of carbon dioxide. The model reproduced the magnitude and seasonal cycles of Fucus growth and other processes in the KOBs over 1 yr under different scenarios. Now having established the Fucus model, it will be possible to better highlight the actual threat of climate change to the Fucus community in the shallow nearshore waters of the Baltic Sea.
Development and Evaluation of Biomimetic 3D Coated Composite Scaffold for Application as Skin Substitutes
Authors: Liu Sui‐Hong , Zhang Hai‐Guang , Hu Qing‐Xi , Wang Ben , Li Shuai , Zhang Chuck
Published: February 2020

Skin injuries are an urgent health issue, which raises a great concern in the clinic. Although numerous strategies have been proposed to fabricate skin substitutes for treatment of wounds over the past several decades, fabricating an ideal skin substitute to replace the damaged one can still be a problem. In this study, a novel biomimetic 3D composite skin scaffold is fabricated by combining electrohydrodynamic (EHD) jetting, electrospinning, and coating techniques. Here, the first polycaprolactone (PCL) porous structure is produced by the EHD jetting. Next, the second polylactic acid (PLA) membrane consisted of nanoscale fibers is prepared on the PCL porous structure via the electrospinning. The PCL porous structure and PLA fibers membrane can mimic the dermis and epidermis layer, respectively. Furthermore, gelatin is used as coating solution to enhance the biocompatibility of the scaffold. The structure and morphology of the fabricated scaffolds are analyzed, and the mechanical properties are investigated as well. Moreover, the in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate the biocompatibility of the materials and the fabrication process. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that the composite scaffold is effective and holds great potential for skin regeneration in the clinic.
Ionic Strength and Thermal Dual‐Responsive Bilayer Hollow Spherical Hydrogel Actuator
Authors: Zhou Shengzhu , Wu Baoyi , Zhou Qiang , Jian Yukun , Le Xiaoxia , Lu Huanhuan , Zhang Dachuan , Zhang Jiawei , Zhang Zhihui , Chen Tao
Published: February 2020

As one of the most promising intelligent materials, polymeric hydrogel actuators could produce reversible shape change upon external stimuli. Although complex shape deformation from 2D to 3D have been achieved, the realization of actuating behavior from 3D to 3D is still a significant challenge. Herein, an effective strategy to develop a novel bilayer hollow spherical hydrogel actuator is proposed. Through immersing a Ca2+ incorporated gelatin core into alginate solution, an ionic‐strength‐responsive alginate layer will be formed along the gelatin core via alginate–Ca2+ crosslinks, and then another thermo‐responsive alginate‐poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)(Alg‐PDMAEMA) layer is introduced to achieve a bilayer hydrogel with ionic strength and temperature dual responsiveness. A hollow hydrogel capsule could be obtained if a spherical gelatin core is applied, and it could produce complex shape deformations from 3D to 3D upon the trigger of ionic strength and temperatures changes. The present work may offer new inspirations for the development of novel intelligent polymeric hydrogel actuators.
Tensile Mechanical Behavior and Bioactivity of PLA/PCL Biopolyester Threads for Suture
Authors: Catauro Michelina , Scolaro Cristina , Barrino Federico , Visco Annamaria
Published: February 2020

In this paper the mechanical tensile static test of threads both in o‐knot of blends made by two biopolyesters, polylactic acid (PLA) and poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) (PCL), compatibilized with a triisocyanate (T) in a low amount (1 phr, per hundred resin), and high amount, 5 phr, is performed. The highest mechanical strength of the PLA/PCL/T threads is of about 30 MPa. PLA, PCL, and T are mixed in a twin extruder and the resulting blend is spinnable by a melt spinning process in order to produce thin threads of about 0.3 mm diameter. Compatibilizing filler improves the mechanical performance of the PLA/PCL blend for the chemical branching and/or cross‐linking reactions induced among the two typically immiscible biopolyesters. Chemical reactions link PLA with PCL, whose macromolecular structure complexity grows with the filler load. Blended biopolymers can be considered promising biomaterials because they seem to be bioactive and able to inhibit bacterial growth.
Organic Inorganic Hybrid Materials Synthesized via Sol–Gel for Controlled Drug Delivery
Authors: Bollino Flavia , Catauro Michelina
Published: February 2020

The aim of the present work is the synthesis of organic–inorganic hybrid (OIH) materials by means of the sol–gel technique for controlled release of anti‐inflammatory agents. The investigated materials consist of a silica (SiO2)–poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) OIH in which indomethacin (SiO2/PCL/IND) or ketoprofen (SiO2/PCL/KET) are embedded. Two OIH matrices are prepared by adding 6 and 12 wt% of PCL, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirms that all the synthesized samples are OIHs. Moreover, the bioactivity of the materials is evaluated verifying the hydroxyapatite present on their surfaces by SEM microscopy, after soaking in a simulated body fluid (SBF) solution. Subsequently, the release kinetic of the two drugs from the SiO2/PCL matrix is studied recording the amount of drug released in SBF with the time by means of UV–vis spectroscopy. The results show that the drug release depends on the PCL content and the drug molecule structure.
Study of Bioactive Materials Containing New Complex of Iron(II) Citrate
Authors: Gallo Monica , Barrino Federico , Blanco Ignazio , Poggetto Giovanni Dal , Ciaravolo Martina , Naviglio Daniele
Published: February 2020

Iron is an essential trace element for animals, in fact the human body is not able to produce iron independently and for this reason it must be obtained by dietary intake. Generally, with proper nutrition and intact intestinal flora, the required dose of iron can be taken through food. However, in case of deficiency, it is necessary to resort to the use of specific dietary supplements and in more serious cases, to a targeted drug therapy that is based on venous injection of iron compounds. The purpose of this work is to develop a bioactive material capable of releasing ferrous ions in a controlled manner. Therefore, a new iron(II) citrate complex is synthesized by a redox reaction between iron and citric acid. Subsequently, the complex obtained is subjected to a series of chemical analyses for its characterization and to RX diffraction to assess crystallinity of solid. Moreover, it is incorporated in a SiO2 matrix in different weight percentages, by means of a sol–gel pathway, to achieve a controlled release system of iron. Finally, a bioactivity test is performed in a simulated body fluid to assess its potential efficacy, using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy analysis.
Magnetosensitive Water‐Soluble Nanocomposite Based on Sodium Alginate and Fe2O3 Nanoparticles
Authors: Spiridonov Vasily , Panova Irina , Antonova Yulia , Makarova Lyudmila , Zezin Sergey , Yaroslavov Alexander
Published: February 2020

Magnetic nanocomposite based on maghemite nanoparticles and a natural polysaccharide, sodium alginate, is synthesized. Nanocomposite is characterized by spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and dynamic light scattering. The obtained composite demonstrates the high aggregative stability. An external magnetic field causes the nanocomposites to move in an aqueous dispersion.