bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leveraging large genomic datasets to illuminate the pathobiology of autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Searles Quick Veronica B. , Wang Belinda , State Matthew W.
Published: July 2020

“Big data” approaches in the form of large-scale human genomic studies have led to striking advances in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) genetics. Similar to many other psychiatric syndromes, advances in genotyping technology, allowing for inexpensive genome-wide assays, has confirmed the contribution of polygenic inheritance involving common alleles of small effect, a handful of which have now been definitively identified. However, the past decade of gene discovery in ASD has been most notable for the application, in large family-based cohorts, of high-density microarray studies of submicroscopic chromosomal structure as well as high-throughput DNA sequencing—leading to the identification of an increasingly long list of risk regions and genes disrupted by rare, de novo germline mutations of large effect. This genomic architecture offers particular advantages for the illumination of biological mechanisms but also presents distinctive challenges. While the tremendous locus heterogeneity and functional pleiotropy associated with the more than 100 identified ASD-risk genes and regions is daunting, a growing armamentarium of comprehensive, large, foundational -omics databases, across species and capturing developmental trajectories, are increasingly contributing to a deeper understanding of ASD pathology.
The ProtecT randomised trial cost-effectiveness analysis comparing active monitoring, surgery, or radiotherapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Noble Sian M. , Garfield Kirsty , Lane J. Athene , Metcalfe Chris , Davis Michael , Walsh Eleanor I. , Martin Richard M. , Turner Emma L. , Peters Tim J. , Thorn Joanna C. , Mason Malcolm , Bollina Prasad , Catto James W. F. , Doherty Alan , Gnanapragasam Vincent , Hughes Owen , Kockelbergh Roger , Kynaston Howard , Paul Alan , Paez Edgar , Rosario Derek J. , Rowe Edward , Oxley Jon , Staffurth John , Neal David E. , Hamdy Freddie C. , Donovan Jenny L.
Published: July 2020

Background

There is limited evidence relating to the cost-effectiveness of treatments for localised prostate cancer.

Methods

The cost-effectiveness of active monitoring, surgery, and radiotherapy was evaluated within the Prostate Testing for Cancer and Treatment (ProtecT) randomised controlled trial from a UK NHS perspective at 10 years’ median follow-up. Prostate cancer resource-use collected from hospital records and trial participants was valued using UK reference-costs. QALYs (quality-adjusted-life-years) were calculated from patient-reported EQ-5D-3L measurements. Adjusted mean costs, QALYs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated; cost-effectiveness acceptability curves and sensitivity analyses addressed uncertainty; subgroup analyses considered age and disease-risk.

Results

Adjusted mean QALYs were similar between groups: 6.89 (active monitoring), 7.09 (radiotherapy), and 6.91 (surgery). Active monitoring had lower adjusted mean costs (£5913) than radiotherapy (£7361) and surgery (£7519). Radiotherapy was the most likely (58% probability) cost-effective option at the UK NICE willingness-to-pay threshold (£20,000 per QALY). Subgroup analyses confirmed radiotherapy was cost-effective for older men and intermediate/high-risk disease groups; active monitoring was more likely to be the cost-effective option for younger men and low-risk groups.

Conclusions

Longer follow-up and modelling are required to determine the most cost-effective treatment for localised prostate cancer over a man’s lifetime.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials number, ISRCTN20141297: http://isrctn.org (14/10/2002); ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02044172: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov (23/01/2014).
A flexible ECG patch compatible with NFC RF communication
Authors: Zulqarnain Mohammad , Stanzione Stefano , Rathinavel Ganesh , Smout Steve , Willegems Myriam , Myny Kris , Cantatore Eugenio
Published: July 2020

With the advent of the internet of things, flexible wearable devices are gaining significant research interest, as they are unobtrusive, comfortable to wear and can support continuous observation of physiological signals, helping to monitor wellness or diagnose diseases. Amorphous Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide (a-IGZO) Thin Film Transistors (TFTs) fabricated on flexible substrates are an attractive option to build such bio-signal monitoring systems due to their flexibility, conformability to the human body, and low cost. This paper presents a flexible electrocardiogram (ECG) patch implemented on foil with self-aligned IGZO TFTs, which is capable to acquire the ECG signals, amplify them and convert them to a sequence of bits. The analogue frontend has a measured input-referred noise of 8 μVrms in the 1–100 Hz band. The system achieves experimentally 67.4 dB CMRR, 58.9 dB PSRR, and 16.5 MΩ input impedance at 50 Hz while using 1 kHz chopping. The signal from the electrodes is transformed to a 105.9-kb/s Manchester-encoded serial bit stream which could be sent wirelessly to a smart phone via Near Field Communication (NFC) for further elaboration. Power consumption is 15.4 mW for the digital and 280 μW for the analogue part. This contribution shows the fundamental steps to demonstrate intelligent plasters for biomedical applications based on flexible electronics providing an NFC-compatible digital output bit stream.
Accelerated corrosion of marine-grade steel by a redox-active, cysteine-rich barnacle cement protein
Authors: Murugan Vinod K. , Mohanram Harini , Budanovic Maja , Latchou Arvind , Webster Richard David , Miserez Ali , Seita Matteo
Published: July 2020

A serious consequence of marine biofouling on metallic structures is the insidious localized corrosion at the attachment sites of fouling organisms, such as barnacles. Albeit known, this phenomenon is poorly understood and currently mitigated using cost- and labor-intensive methods. In this work, we study the contribution to biofouling corrosion by a protein contained in the adhesive cement that barnacles secrete to attach to immersed substrates. We synthesize a specific cement protein of 20 kDa (CP20) from the barnacleMegabalanus rosaand study its corrosion behavior independently of the animal. Our results show that CP20 accelerates the corrosion rate of a marine-grade, mild steel from 0.7 to 1.6 mm year−1. Through chemical analysis of the corrosion products, protein adsorption studies on the metal surface, and cyclic voltammetry, we elucidate an intricate corrosion mechanism that relies on the strong adhesive properties of CP20 and its electrochemically active disulfide groups. Our results have far-reaching implications on the prediction and mitigation of biocorrosion in marine applications. Moreover, the protein-induced corrosion mechanism unveiled in our study may be extended to other scenarios to understand the degradation of metal alloys used in food storage and biomedical implants.
Author Correction: The Role of European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) in the Dissemination of Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli among Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations
Authors: Chandler Jeffrey C. , Anders Jennifer E. , Blouin Nicolas A. , Carlson James C. , LeJeune Jeffrey T. , Goodridge Lawrence D. , Wang Baolin , Day Leslie A. , Mangan Anna M. , Reid Dustin A. , Coleman Shannon M. , Hopken Matthew W. , Bisha Bledar
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Tuberculosis causes highly conserved metabolic changes in human patients, mycobacteria-infected mice and zebrafish larvae
Authors: Ding Yi , Raterink Robert-Jan , Marín-Juez Rubén , Veneman Wouter J. , Egbers Koen , van den Eeden Susan , Haks Mariëlle C. , Joosten Simone A. , Ottenhoff Tom H. M. , Harms Amy C. , Alia A. , Hankemeier Thomas , Spaink Herman P.
Published: July 2020

Tuberculosis is a highly infectious and potentially fatal disease accompanied by wasting symptoms, which cause severe metabolic changes in infected people. In this study we have compared the effect of mycobacteria infection on the level of metabolites in blood of humans and mice and whole zebrafish larvae using one highly standardized mass spectrometry pipeline, ensuring technical comparability of the results. Quantification of a range of circulating small amines showed that the levels of the majority of these compounds were significantly decreased in all three groups of infected organisms. Ten of these metabolites were common between the three different organisms comprising: methionine, asparagine, cysteine, threonine, serine, tryptophan, leucine, citrulline, ethanolamine and phenylalanine. The metabolomic changes of zebrafish larvae after infection were confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Our study identified common biomarkers for tuberculosis disease in humans, mice and zebrafish, showing across species conservation of metabolic reprogramming processes as a result of disease. Apparently, the mechanisms underlying these processes are independent of environmental, developmental and vertebrate evolutionary factors. The zebrafish larval model is highly suited to further investigate the mechanism of metabolic reprogramming and the connection with wasting syndrome due to infection by mycobacteria.
A first genetic linage map construction and QTL mapping for growth traits in Larimichthys polyactis
Authors: Liu Feng , Zhan Wei , Xie Qingping , Chen Honglin , Lou Bao , Xu Wantu
Published: July 2020

Larimichthys polyactisis a commercially important marine fish species in Eastern Asia, yet very few genetic resources exist. In particular, genetic linkage maps are critical tools for genetic breeding. In this study, we generated a high resolution linkage map from a family of 110 individuals and their parents by resequencing the individuals. 3,802 effective SNPs were mapped to 24 linkage groups (LGs). The map spanned 2,567.39 cm, with an average marker interval of 0.66 cm. We used the map to conduct QTL analysis for growth traits, and found 31 markers were significantly associated with growth-related traits. Specifically, three SNPs were identified for total length, nineteen SNPs for body length, and nine SNPs for body weight. The identified SNPs could explain 15.2–22.6% of the phenotypic variation. SNPs associated with growth traits were distributed on LG6 and LG11, and candidate genes included,kif26b,bat1,gna1,gbgt1, andamfr, which may regulate growth. The linkage map and mapped QTLs would be useful for improving the quality ofL. polyactisvia marker-assisted selection.
Superposition of semiconductor and semi-metal properties of self-assembled 2D SnTiS3 heterostructures
Authors: Tamalampudi Srinivasa Reddy , Lu Jin-You , Rajput Nitul , Lai Chia-Yun , Alfakes Boulos , Sankar Raman , Apostoleris Harry , P. Patole Shashikant , Almansouri Ibraheem , Chiesa Matteo
Published: July 2020

Two-dimensional metal dichalcogenide/monochalcogenide thin flakes have attracted much attention owing to their remarkable electronic and electrochemical properties; however, chemical instability limits their applications. Chemical vapor transport (CVT)-synthesized SnTiS3 thin flakes exhibit misfit heterojunction structure and are highly stable in ambient conditions, offering a great opportunity to exploit the properties of two distinct constituent materials: semiconductor SnS and semi-metal TiS2. We demonstrated that in addition to a metal-like electrical conductivity of 921 S/cm, the SnTiS3 thin flakes exhibit a strong bandgap emission at 1.9 eV, owing to the weak van der Waals interaction within the misfit-layer stackings. Our work shows that the misfit heterojunction structure preserves the electronic properties and lattice vibrations of the individual constituent monolayers and thus holds the promise to bridge the bandgap and carrier mobility discrepancy between graphene and recently established 2D transition metal dichalcogenide materials. Moreover, we also present a way to identify the top layer of SnTiS3 misfit compound layers and their related work function, which is essential for deployment of van der Waals misfit layers in future optoelectronic devices.
The bright and dark sides of protein conformational switches and the unifying forces of infections
Authors: Sannigrahi Achinta , De Nayan , Chattopadhyay Krishnananda
Published: July 2020

It is now established that a protein can switch between multiple conformations to enable altered functions. Several pathogens including SARS COV2 utilize context-dependent conformational switches of particular proteins to invade host membrane to establish infections. In this perspective, we first discuss the understanding of the conformational switch of a protein towards the productive infections as a dark side of nature. Next, the unexplored binary combination of the sequences of SARS COV2 spike protein and the similarity with diverse pathogen derived proteins have been discussed to obtain novel molecular insights into the process of infection.
Author Correction: Instantaneous fibrillation of egg white proteome with ionic liquid and macromolecular crowding
Authors: Bharmoria Pankaj , Mondal Dibyendu , Pereira Matheus M. , Neves Márcia C. , Almeida Mafalda R. , Gomes Maria C. , Mano João F. , Bdikin Igor , Ferreira Rute A. S. , Coutinho João A. P. , Freire Mara G.
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Additive manufacturing assisted van der Waals integration of 3D/3D hierarchically functional nanostructures
Authors: Fu Jui-Han , Lu Ang-Yu , Madden Nathan J. , Wu Christine C. , Chen Yen-Chang , Chiu Ming-Hui , Hattar Khalid , Krogstad Jessica A. , Chou Stanley S. , Li Lain-Jong , Kong Jing , Tung Vincent
Published: July 2020

Van der Waals (vdW) integration, in which pre-engineered two-dimensional building blocks are physically assembled together in a chosen sequence through weak vdW interactions, holds promise toward previously unattainable applications. However, when extended to create 3D/3D monoliths, the lack of physical bonding coupled with the inherent rigidity and surface roughness between 3D building blocks makes it challenging for broader implementation of composites, catalysis, and energy applications. Here we demonstrate that electrostatically exfoliated two-dimensional layered materials can be additively manufactured to create complex layouts with selectively engineered composition in both lateral and vertical directions. Subsequent room-temperature dewetting creates non-covalent hinges through folded edges to concurrently interlock and nanostructure the two-dimensional inks into 3D building blocks. The result is the 3D/3D vdW mono- and heterostructures that are mechanically robust, electrically conductive, electrochemically active over a broad pH range and even radiation tolerant in nature.
Machine Learning for Nonadiabatic Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Westermayr Julia , Marquetand Philipp
Published: July 2020

Nonadiabatic molecular dynamics simulations are one of the most important theoretical tools to study fundamental processes, such as photosynthesis or vision, but they are seriously limited by the expense of the underlying quantum chemistry calculations. Long nonadiabatic molecular dynamics simulations are out of reach when based on conventional ab initio methods, and the exploration of rare reaction channels is limited due to bad statistics. Here, the aforementioned limitations are circumvented by using machine learning models that can learn the relationship between a molecular structure and its photochemical properties computed with quantum chemistry in order to simulate nonadiabatic molecular dynamics on long time scales with ab initio accuracy. A central goal is to describe and highlight the challenges that arise when treating excited states and to provide a guide on how to generate a training set in a most efficient way. The machine learning models need to learn not only energies and forces but also couplings between the different electronic states. The photodynamics of a test system, the methylenimmonium cation, CH2NH2+, is used to show that machine learning models can accurately reproduce and speed up nonadiabatic dynamics simulations and can go beyond the abilities of conventional approaches to make long time scales in the range of nanoseconds possible. The chapter is focused on neural networks, but it provides a comparison of different types of regressors and representations to tackle excited-state properties.
Machine Learning in Science – A Role for Mechanical Sympathy?
Authors: Cartwright Hugh M.
Published: July 2020

In recent years, interest in applying Artificial Intelligence to scientific problems has grown rapidly. There is a danger, however, that, in one's enthusiasm for the new methods, potential challenges might be overlooked. This chapter covers some of those challenges and considers ways in which they can be circumvented or their effects minimised so that the computational tools of Artificial Intelligence can be used to greatest effect.
Machine Learning at the (Nano)materials-biology Interface
Authors: Winkler David A.
Published: July 2020

Machine learning has a long history of success in the pharmaceutical sector, helping discover and optimize new drugs and predicting useful physicochemical properties like aqueous solubility. Materials science has embraced similar approaches and transferred useful technologies from the pharmaceutical sector. Although materials are more complex than small organic molecules, ML approaches have shown impressive results in predicting the properties of materials for application in diverse fields like 2D photonics, porous materials for energy and environmental applications, and in the development of biomaterials and regenerative medicine therapies. Here, we summarize some of the challenges in ML modelling of materials and highlight some exciting recent applications.
A New Era of Inorganic Materials Discovery Powered by Data Science
Authors: Zhuo Ya , Tehrani Aria Mansouri , Brgoch Jakoah
Published: July 2020

Advances in the synthesis, characterization, and high-throughput computation of inorganic compounds are rapidly proliferating the quantity and complexity of data available to scientists. By taking advantage of these extensive data sets, it is now possible to transition the field of solid-state chemistry toward guided materials discovery. Machine learning and associated methods in data science have for decades been used to identify correlations and patterns from large amounts of complex data. Recent applications of data science in materials chemistry have also shown its outstanding potential to investigate the composition–structure–property-processing relationships using similar data-centered techniques. In this chapter, a high-level overview discussing the relevance of data science in material chemistry is first presented, followed by a description of the typical workflow and necessary procedures for applying machine learning to inorganic materials chemistry. A discussion on some of the most commonly used algorithms and approaches is also provided. The current status of data-driven inorganic materials research is subsequently reviewed, with a specific focus on applications of machine learning in materials synthesis optimization, inorganic crystal structure prediction, and advancing physical property prediction. Finally, current challenges and opportunities related to machine learning in inorganic materials chemistry are considered.
Machine Learning for Core-loss Spectrum
Authors: Mizoguchi T. , Kiyohara S.
Published: July 2020

Characterization is indispensable for developing functional materials and molecules. In particular, spectroscopy provides atomic configuration, chemical bonding, and vibrational information, which are crucial for understanding the mechanism underlying the functions of a material and molecule. Despite its importance, the interpretation of spectra using “human-driven” methods, such as manual comparison of experimental spectra with reference/simulated spectra, is becoming difficult owing to the increase in experimental data. To overcome the limitations of “human-driven” methods, new data-driven approaches based on machine learning were developed. In this chapter, we review our machine learning method for spectral analysis. Hierarchical clustering, a decision tree, and a feedforward neural network were combined to investigate the core loss spectroscopy, namely electron energy loss near edge structures (ELNES) spectrum, which is identical to the X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectrum. Hierarchical clustering and the decision tree are used to interpret and predict ELNES/XANES, while the feedforward neural network is used to obtain hidden information about the material structure and properties from the spectra. Further, we construct a prediction model that is robust against noise by data augmentation. Finally, we apply our method to noisy spectra and predict six properties accurately. In summary, the proposed approaches can pave the way for fast and accurate spectrum interpretation/prediction as well as the local measurement of material functions.
Surface configuration of CO adsorbed on nanostructured Pt electrodes probed using broadband sum frequency generation spectroscopy
Authors: Huang-Fu Zhi-Chao , Song Qian-Tong , He Yu-Han , Liu Xiao-Lin , Wang Jing-Jing , Sun Shi-Gang , Wang Zhao-Hui
Published: July 2020

Inhomogeneity of adsorbed CO introduced by the aggregation of Pt nanoparticles.
Lewis acid–base synergistic catalysis of cationic halogen-bonding-donors with nucleophilic counter anions
Authors: Torita Koki , Haraguchi Ryosuke , Morita Yoshitsugu , Kemmochi Satoshi , Komatsu Teruyuki , Fukuzawa Shin-ichi
Published: July 2020

1,3,4-Triaryl-5-iodotriazolium iodides have been developed as halogen-bonding based bifunctional catalysts for simultaneous activation of nucleophiles and electrophiles.
Highly sensitive optical temperature sensing based on upconversion luminescence in Gd9.33(SiO4)6O2:Yb3+–Er3+/Ho3+ phosphors
Authors: Zhang Jia , Qian Fangsheng
Published: July 2020

In this paper, new upconversion (UC) phosphors for Yb3+–Er3+ and Yb3+–Ho3+-doped Gd9.33(SiO4)6O2 (GSO) were designed via a solid-state reaction method.
Solid-phase synthesis and photoactivity of Ru-polypyridyl visible light chromophores bonded through carbon to semiconductor surfaces
Authors: Amiri Mona , Martinez Perez Octavio , Endean Riley T. , Rasu Loorthuraja , Nepal Prabin , Xu Shuai , Bergens Steven H.
Published: July 2020

Solid-phase synthesis of monomeric and dimeric Ru-polypyridyl visible light chromophores.
Recent progress in the performance of HAPG based laboratory EXAFS and XANES spectrometers
Authors: Schlesiger Christopher , Praetz Sebastian , Gnewkow Richard , Malzer Wolfgang , Kanngießer Birgit
Published: July 2020

New developments in the description and modeling of Highly Annealed Pyrolytic Graphite (HAPG) mosaic crystals have led to the possibility of designing optimized optical solutions for X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy.
Evolution of self-healing elastomers, from extrinsic to combined intrinsic mechanisms: a review
Authors: Utrera-Barrios Saul , Verdejo Raquel , López-Manchado Miguel A. , Hernández Santana Marianella
Published: July 2020

We propose a timeline classifying self-healing polymers in generations based on the healing mechanism, and correlated with historical development.
Seeded-growth preparation of high-performance Ni/MgAl2O4 catalysts for tar steam reforming
Authors: Zhu Tingting , Chen Zezhi , Gong Huijuan , Yu Huiqiang , Ning Ping , Zhou Shuyu , Zhou Yuchen
Published: July 2020

Preparing the high-performance catalyst by the novel seeded-growth strategy, which is green, simple and low-cost.
A short route to access oxaspiro[n,3,3]propellanes
Authors: Nassar Youssef , Piva Olivier
Published: July 2020

Two different oxapropellane derivatives have been prepared from a common α-propargyl-β-ketoester.
Mechanically alloyed NiTiO3/transition metal heterostructures: introducing oxygen vacancies for exceptionally enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction activity
Authors: Cheng Jiaqi , Liu Pu , Peng Ting , Liu Qinglei , Chen Wenshu , Liu Bowen , Yuan Yang , Zhang Wang , Song Fang , Gu Jiajun , Zhang Di
Published: July 2020

This work reports that a convenient and straightforward MA process can produce top-performing heterostructured catalysts for the HER in alkaline media.
Efficient CO2capture from ambient air with amine-functionalized Mg–Al mixed metal oxides
Authors: Zhu Xuancan , Ge Tianshu , Yang Fan , Lyu Meng , Chen Chunping , O'Hare Dermot , Wang Ruzhu
Published: July 2020

A new family of class 1 adsorbents is prepared using amine functionalized mixed metal oxides, which provides slit-like morphologies and defect-abundant nanostructures to achieve promising adsorption performance under ultradilute conditions.
The strong electrocaloric effect in molecular ferroelectric ImClO4with ultrahigh electrocaloric strength
Authors: Li Wenru , Jafri Hasnain Mehdi , Zhang Chao , Zhang Yujing , Zhang Haibo , Huang Houbing , Jiang Shenglin , Zhang Guangzu
Published: July 2020

Molecular ferroelectric shows high potential for electrocaloric effect (ECE) cooling due to its special polarization mechanism.
Ruthenium oxide nanoparticles immobilized over Citrus limetta waste derived carbon material for electrochemical detection of hexestrol
Authors: Chaudhary Karan , Mogha Navin Kumar , Lalwani Shubra , Sharma Raj Kishore , Masram Dhanraj T.
Published: July 2020

Development of RuO2@PCB as an electrode material from Citrus limetta waste derived porous carbon with immobilized ruthenium oxide nanoparticles which exhibit excellent performance toward the electrochemical detection of hexestrol.
Antioxidant shape amphiphiles for accelerated wound healing
Authors: Li Zhan , Zhang Jianhua , Fu Yu , Yang Lu , Zhu Fang , Liu Xianhu , Gu Zhipeng , Li Yiwen
Published: July 2020

We reported a series of POSS-based antioxidant shape amphiphiles for preventing cell oxidative damage and promoting wound healing.
Continuous production of uniform chitosan beads as hemostatic dressings by a facile flow injection method
Authors: Li Boxuan , Wang Juan , Gui Qin , Yang Hu
Published: July 2020

In this work, we developed a facile flow injection method to fabricate chitosan beads of uniform size in a continuous manner and assessed their properties as hemostatic dressings.
Structural and electronic evolution in the Cu3SbS4–Cu3SnS4solid solution
Authors: Chen Kan , Di Paola Cono , Laricchia Savio , Reece Michael J. , Weber Cedric , McCabe Emma , Abrahams Isaac , Bonini Nicola
Published: July 2020

Experimental and theoretical studies of the order–disorder transition in the Cu3SbS4–Cu3SnS4solid solution reveal evidence for S2−δspecies.
A N–H functionalized perylene diimide with strong red-light absorption for green solvent processed organic electronics
Authors: Harris Dylan H. , Brixi Samantha , Gelfand Benjamin S. , Lessard Benoît H. , Welch Gregory C.
Published: July 2020

The synthesis of a perylene diimide semiconductor using simple condensation chemistry that exhibits strong visible light absorption, green solvent solubility, and n-type charge mobility behavior.
A biocompatible cellulose-nanofiber-based multifunctional material for Fe3+ detection and drug delivery
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhu Hongxiang , Xu Guotao , Hou Xudong , He Hui , Wang Shuangfei
Published: July 2020

A nanoscale cellulose-nanofiber-based multifunctional material (CNF-DA) with excellent biocompatibility was prepared, which could be used to drug delivery, antibacterial properties, and spectrophotometric and solid colorimetric Fe3+ sensing.
Evaluation of epithelial progenitor cells and growth factors in a preclinical model of wound healing induced by mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Ramos-Gonzalez Giselle , Wittig Olga , Diaz-Solano Dylana , Salazar Lianeth , Ayala-Grosso Carlos , Cardier Jose E.
Published: July 2020

Background: Skin wounds continue to be a global health problem. Several cellular therapy protocols have been used to improve and accelerate skin wound healing. Here, we evaluated the effect of transplantation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) on the wound re-epithelialization process and its possible relationship with the presence of epithelial progenitor cells (EPC) and the expression of growth factors. Methods: An experimental wound model was developed in C57BL/6 mice. Human MSCs seeded on collagen membranes (CM) were implanted on wounds. As controls, animals with wounds without treatment or treated with CM were established. Histological and immunohistochemical (IH) studies were performed at day 3 post-treatment to detect early skin wound changes associated with the presence of EPC expressing Lgr6 and CD34 markers and the expression of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Results: MSC transplantation enhanced skin wound re-epithelialization, as compared with controls. It was associated with an increase in Lgr6+ and CD34+ cells and the expression of KGF and bFGF in the wound bed. Conclusion: Our results show that cutaneous wound healing induced by MSC is associated with an increase in EPC and growth factors. These preclinical results support the possible clinical use of MSC to treat cutaneous wounds.
Circular RNA S-7 promotes ovarian cancer EMT via sponging miR-641 to up-regulate ZEB1 and MDM2
Authors: Zhang Fenghua , Xu Yun , Ye Wenfeng , Jiang Jingting , Wu Changping
Published: July 2020

Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) is one lethal gynecologic cancer, with a 5-year survival rate approximately 47% and localized stage diagnosis of 15%. Circular RNAs are promising biomarkers for malignancies.

Methods: CiRS-7 expression was confirmed in 40 paired OC and normal adjacent tissues from 40 OC patients with different TNM stages, lymph node metastasis status and overall survival rate, also 5 different OC cell lines by qRT-PCR. Effects of ciRS-7 silence on OC cell phenotypes were determined in OC cells and Xenograft mouse model. StarBase was used to predict binding sites between ciRS-7 and micRNAs. Pearson correlation analysis and RNA-immunoprecipitation assay were used to determine the association between genes. Point mutation and rescue experiments were applied for molecular mechanism investigation.

Results: CiRS-7 expression was significantly higher in OC cells and tissues, which was significantly associated with the TNM stages, lymph node metastasis status and overall survival rate in OC patients. CiRS-7 silence inhibited OC cell growth and metastasis. CiRS-7 sponged miR-641 to up-regulate ZEB1 and MDM2 expression in OC development.

Conclusion: CiRS-7 serves as a competing endogenous RNA of miR-641 that promoted cell growth and metastasis in OC, via regulating ZEB1 and MDM2-mediated EMT. High ciRS-7 expression was a poor prognosis of TNM stages, lymph node metastasis status and overall survival rate in OC patients. Targeting ciRS-7/miR-641/ZEB1 or ciRS-7/miR-641/MDM2 axis may be a novel diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic strategy for OC.
Rapid elimination of small dust grains in molecular clouds
Authors: Silsbee Kedron , Ivlev Alexei V. , Sipilä Olli , Caselli Paola , Zhao Bo
Published: July 2020

We argue that impact velocities between dust grains with sizes of less than ∼0.1 μm in molecular cloud cores are dominated by drift arising from ambipolar diffusion. This effect is due to the size dependence of the dust coupling to the magnetic field and the neutral gas. Assuming perfect sticking in collisions up to ≈50 m s−1, we show that this effect causes rapid depletion of small grains, consistent with starlight extinction and IR and microwave emission measurements, both in the core center (n ∼ 106 cm−3) and envelope (n ∼ 104 cm−3). The upper end of the size distribution does not change significantly if only velocities arising from this effect are considered. We consider the impact of an evolved grain-size distribution on the gas temperature, and argue that if the depletion of small dust grains occurs as expected from our model, then the cosmic ray ionization rate must be well below 10−16 s−1 at a number density of 105 cm−3.
Hot Exoplanet Atmospheres Resolved with Transit Spectroscopy (HEARTS)
Authors: Seidel J. V. , Ehrenreich D. , Bourrier V. , Allart R. , Attia M. , Hoeijmakers H. J. , Lendl M. , Linder E. , Wyttenbach A. , Astudillo-Defru N. , Bayliss D. , Cegla H. M. , Heng K. , Lavie B. , Lovis C. , Melo C. , Pepe F. , dos Santos L. A. , Ségransan D. , Udry S.
Published: July 2020

Planet formation processes or evolution mechanisms are surmised to be at the origin of the hot Neptune desert. Studying exoplanets currently living within or at the edge of this desert could allow disentangling the respective roles of formation and evolution. We present the High Accuracy Radial velocity Planet Searcher (HARPS) transmission spectrum of the bloated super-Neptune WASP-166b, located at the outer rim of the Neptune desert. Neutral sodium is detected at the 3.4σ level (0.455 ± 0.135%), with a tentative indication of line broadening, which could be caused by winds blowing sodium farther into space, a possible manifestation of the bloated character of these highly irradiated worlds. We put this detection into context with previous work claiming a non-detection of sodium in the same observations and show that the high noise in the trace of the discarded stellar sodium lines was responsible for the non-detection. We highlight the impact of this low signal-to-noise ratio remnant on detections for exoplanets similar to WASP-166b.
Probabilistic prediction of geomagnetic storms and theKpindex
Authors: Chakraborty Shibaji , Morley Steven Karl
Published: July 2020

Geomagnetic activity is often described using summary indices to summarize the likelihood of space weather impacts, as well as when parameterizing space weather models. The geomagnetic indexKpin particular, is widely used for these purposes. Current state-of-the-art forecast models provide deterministicKppredictions using a variety of methods – including empirically-derived functions, physics-based models, and neural networks – but do not provide uncertainty estimates associated with the forecast. This paper provides a sample methodology to generate a 3-hour-aheadKpprediction with uncertainty bounds and from this provide a probabilistic geomagnetic storm forecast. Specifically, we have used a two-layered architecture to separately predict storm (Kp ≥ 5−) and non-storm cases. As solar wind-driven models are limited in their ability to predict the onset of transient-driven activity we also introduce a model variant using solar X-ray flux to assess whether simple models including proxies for solar activity can improve the predictions of geomagnetic storm activity with lead times longer than the L1-to-Earth propagation time. By comparing the performance of these models we show that including operationally-available information about solar irradiance enhances the ability of predictive models to capture the onset of geomagnetic storms and that this can be achieved while also enabling probabilistic forecasts.
Regionale Unterschiede in der Häufigkeit osteoporotischer Frakturen des Femurs in Deutschland: Eine Analyse von Frakturfallzahlen aus der GBE-Datenbank
Authors: Möckel Luis , Treusch Yvonne , Möckel Christina
Published: July 2020

Einleitung Ziel dieser Analyse war es, die Raten für Frakturen des Femurs (ICD-10 S72.*) der einzelnen Bundesländer mit der für Deutschland zu vergleichen.

Methodik Es wurden ICD-10 S72.* kodierte Krankenhaus-Fallzahlen aus dem Informationssystem der Gesundheitsberichterstattung des Bundes für 2017 verwendet, um daraus die Anzahl der osteoporotischen Frakturen des Femurs zu berechnen und die entsprechenden altersstandardisierten Raten der Bundesländer mit der für Deutschland zu vergleichen.

Ergebnisse Die altersstandardisierten Raten osteoporotischer Frakturen des Femurs schwankten in 2017 je nach Bundesland zwischen 379 (SE 13,8) und 608 (SE 13,6) pro 100000 Einwohnerinnen (Deutschland: 519/100000 [SE 2,4]) bei Frauen (50+ Jahre) sowie 159 (SE 10,7) bis 229 (SE 13,3) pro 100000 Einwohner (Deutschland: 200/100000 [SE 1,7]) bei Männern (50+ Jahre). Signifikant höhere Raten bei Frauen wurden für Bremen, Hamburg, Hessen und Schleswig-Holstein ermittelt sowie signifikant niedrigere für Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (Frauen und Männer), Sachsen und Sachsen-Anhalt (jeweils nur bei Frauen).

Schlussfolgerung Je nach Bundesland besteht ein unterschiedliches Risiko für eine ICD-10 S72.* kodierte, osteoporotische Fraktur des Femurs.
Ein langer Prozess – Verhandlungen zwischen Verbänden und Krankenkassen
Authors: Mischner Julia
Published: July 2020

Derzeit verhandeln die maßgeblichen Berufsverbände mit dem GKV-Spitzenverband den neuen Vertrag, der die Einzelheiten der Heilmittelversorgung in Deutschland klärt. Er soll am 1. Oktober 2020 bundesweit in Kraft treten. physiopraxis zeigt, wie der Verhandlungsprozess abläuft und welche Parteien daran beteiligt sind.
Validierung evidenzbasierter Empfehlung im Setting des Rehabilitationssports für Menschen mit Osteoporose-Erkrankung: Die randomisierte, kontrollierte Senioren Fitness- und Präventionsstudie (SEFIP)
Authors: Kemmler Wolfgang , von Stengel Simon
Published: July 2020

Eine wesentliche Limitation des Rehabilitationssports gemäß § 64 SGB IX ist die fehlende Evidenz seiner Effektivität auf indikationsspezifische Größen. Ziel der vorliegenden Untersuchung war es, den Effekt eines 18-monatigen Rehabilitationssport-Programmes (RS-Programm) gemäß § 64 SGB IX auf Frakturgrößen postmenopausaler Frauen zu evaluieren.

246 selbstständig lebende (cdw) Frauen ≥ 65 Jahr wurden randomisiert einer RS-Gruppe (RSG: n = 123) oder aktiven Kontroll-Gruppe (KG: n = 123) zugeteilt. Die RSG absolvierte ein intensitätsorientiertes Training mit maximal 4 Trainingseinheiten/Woche, die KG führte ein niedrig-intensives „Wellnessprogramm“ mit geringem Trainingsvolumen und -häufigkeit durch. Studienendpunkte waren Knochendichte (BMD) und Sturzhäufigkeit.

Signifikante Unterschiede zwischen RSG und KG wurden für die BMD an LWS (TG: 1,8 ± 2.7 % vs. 0,3 ± 3,1%; p = 0,001) und Schenkelhals (DXA: 1,0 ± 3,3 % vs. −1,1 ± 3,3%; p = 0,001) sowie für die Sturzrate (TG: 1,00 ± 1,32 vs. KG: 1,66 ± 1,80; p = 0,002) beobachtet. Unerwünschte Nebeneffekte oder Verletzungen wurden nicht berichtet.

Die vorliegende Untersuchung belegt klar, das RS positive Effekte auf Frakturgrößen von Frauen im höheren Lebensalter ausüben kann.
Effect of Velocity Loss on Strength Performance in Bench Press Using
a Weight Stack Machine
Authors: Rodiles-Guerrero Luis , Pareja-Blanco Fernando , León-Prados Juan Antonio
Published: July 2020

This study aimed to analyze the effects of three different velocity loss
thresholds (10%: VL10, 30%: VL30 and 50%: VL50) on
maximal strength and velocity at different intensities during bench press using
a weight stack machine (WSM-BP). Forty-five men were randomly assigned to three
groups: VL10 (n=15), VL30 (n=15) and VL50 (n=15), which
followed a 5-week (15 sessions) velocity-based WSM-BP program. Assessments
performed Pre- and Post-training included: a) estimated one-repetition maximum
(1RM) in WSM-BP; b) average velocity attained against all absolute loads common
to Pre- and Post-training tests in WSM-BP; c) average velocity attained against
all absolute loads that were lifted equal to or faster than 0.8
m·s−1 at Pre-training (light loads); and d) average velocity
attained against all absolute loads that were lifted slower than 0.8
m·s−1 at Pre-training (heavy loads). All groups showed
significant improvements in 1RM, velocity against all loads, and velocity
against heavy loads (P<0.001–0.01). However, only the VL10 group
showed significant enhancements in velocity against light loads
(P=0.05). Therefore, the VL10 group showed a higher training efficiency
compared to VL30 and VL50 interventions, since it obtained similar benefits by
performing fewer repetitions.
Eine Woche bei meinem Patienten – Erfahrungsbericht einer Physiotherapeutin
Authors: Kühnast Petra
Published: July 2020

Corona traf die einen härter als andere. Besonders heftig war es für pflegebedürftige Menschen, deren Versorgung von heute auf morgen nicht mehr gesichert war. So auch bei Herrn Fischer, dessen Physiotherapeutin einen ungewöhnlichen Schritt ging, um ihm zu helfen.
Involvement of the Benzodiazepine Site in the Anticonvulsant Activity of Tapinanthus globiferus against Pentylenetetrazole-induced Seizures in Mice
Authors: Elusiyan Christianah A. , Faria Ana Luiza Gonçalves , Mendes Ane Emanuelle Queiroga , Silva Iransé Oliveira , Martins José Luis Rodrigues , Rosa Daniel Alves , Pedrino Gustavo Rodrigues , Costa Elson Alves , Ibrahim Mohamed Ali , Zjawiony Jordan K. , Fajemiroye James Oluwagbamigbe
Published: July 2020

Tapinanthus globiferus is often referred to as an all-purpose herb for the treatment of stroke and epilepsy. The present study investigates the anticonvulsant effect of methanolic leaf extract, active fractions, and lupeol (isolate) of Tapinanthus globiferus in mice as well as the underlying mechanisms. Following phytochemical studies of T. globiferus, preliminary assays were performed to evaluate MLE-induced toxic effect and behavioral changes. The pentylenetetrazol (70 mg/kg, i. p.)-induced seizure was evaluated in mice that were pretreated orally with vehicle 10 mL/kg, MLE (4, 20, or 100 mg/kg), fractions (F1 to F6), lupeol 10 mg/kg or diazepam (3 mg/kg). Methanolic leaf extract preserved neuron viability as well as the relative organ weight, and hematological and biochemical parameters. The behavioral endpoints, neuromuscular coordination, and sensory response parameters revealed a dose-dependent effect of methanolic leaf extract. This extract, active fractions, lupeol, and diazepam potentiated the hypno-sedative effect of the barbiturate and attenuated PTZ-induced acute seizure. This antiseizure effect was completely reversed by flumazenil 2 mg/kg (benzodiazepine site antagonist). Altogether, the benzodiazepine site-mediated anticonvulsant effects of methanolic leaf extract, active fractions, and lupeol corroborate traditional application of T. globiferus against epilepsy.
Temporal trends and mortality of post-ERCP pancreatitis in the United States: a nationwide analysis
Authors: Mutneja Hemant Raj , Vohra Ishaan , Go Andrew , Bhurwal Abhishek , Katiyar Vatsala , Palomera Tejeda Emmanuel , Thapa Chhetri Kapil , Baig Muhammad Arslan , Arora Shilpa , Attar Bashar
Published: July 2020

Background Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) is the most common and most serious complication of ERCP. Our aim was to estimate the nationwide incidence, temporal trends, and mortality of PEP in the United States and to establish risk factors associated with PEP development.

Methods This was a retrospective cohort study analyzing Nationwide Inpatient Sample data from 2011 to 2017 using International Classification of Diseases codes. The primary outcomes were trends in PEP incidence and predictors of PEP development. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, and admission to the intensive care unit.

Results Of 1 222 467 adult patients who underwent inpatient ERCP during the study period, 55 225 (4.5 %) developed PEP. The hospital admission rate of PEP increased by 15.3 %, from 7735 in 2011 to 8920 in 2017 (odds ratio [OR] 1.23, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.04 – 1.46; P = 0.02). The overall rate of mortality increased from 2.8 % of PEP cases in 2011 to 4.4 % in 2017 (OR 1.62, 95 %CI 1.10 – 2.38; P = 0.01). Multiple patient-related (alcohol use, cocaine use, obesity, chronic kidney disease, heart failure), procedure-related (therapeutic ERCP, sphincterotomy, pancreatic duct stent placement, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction), and hospital-related (teaching hospitals, hospitals located in the West and Midwest) factors that impact the occurrence of PEP were identified.

Conclusions Our study showed rising hospital admission and mortality rates associated with PEP in the United States. This calls for a greater recognition of this life-threatening complication and amelioration of its risk factors, whenever possible.
Application of Benzofuran-Derived Azadienes as Two-Carbon Building Blocks in Annulations: Chemo- and Diastereoselective Construction of Spiro-Benzofuran Scaffolds
Authors: Zhang Jin-Peng , Tan Wei , Shi Feng , Wang Ye-Xin , Lu Yi-Nan , Xu Lin-Lin , Sheng Feng-Tao
Published: July 2020

A base-promoted (2+4) annulation of benzofuran-derived azadienes with para-quinone methide derivatives has been established, which afforded spiro-benzofuran derivatives in generally high yields (57–97%) and with good diastereoselectivities (85:15 to >95:5 dr). This reaction not only represents the first application of benzofuran-derived azadienes as two-carbon building blocks in annulations, but also provides an efficient protocol for the construction of spiro-benzofuran scaffolds with chemoselectivity and high diastereoselectivity. This approach will enrich the chemistry of benzofuran-derived azadiene-involved reactions.
ERNICA Consensus Conference on the Management of Patients with Long-Gap Esophageal Atresia: Perioperative, Surgical, and Long-Term Management
Authors: Dingemann Carmen , Eaton Simon , Aksnes Gunnar , Bagolan Pietro , Cross Kate M. , De Coppi Paolo , Fruithof JoAnne , Gamba Piergiorgio , Goldschmidt Imeke , Gottrand Frederic , Pirr Sabine , Rasmussen Lars , Sfeir Rony , Slater Graham , Suominen Janne , Svensson Jan F. , Thorup Joergen M. , Tytgat Stefaan H. A. J. , van der Zee David C , Wessel Lucas , Widenmann-Grolig Anke , Wijnen René , Zetterquist Wilhelm , Ure Benno M.
Published: July 2020

Introduction Evidence supporting best practice for long-gap esophageal atresia is limited. The European Reference Network for Rare Inherited Congenital Anomalies (ERNICA) organized a consensus conference on the management of patients with long-gap esophageal atresia based on expert opinion referring to the latest literature aiming to provide clear and uniform statements in this respect.

Materials and Methods Twenty-four ERNICA representatives from nine European countries participated. The conference was prepared by item generation, item prioritization by online survey, formulation of a final list containing items on perioperative, surgical, and long-term management, and literature review. The 2-day conference was held in Berlin in November 2019. Anonymous voting was conducted via an internet-based system using a 1 to 9 scale. Consensus was defined as ≥75% of those voting scoring 6 to 9.

Results Ninety-seven items were generated. Complete consensus (100%) was achieved on 56 items (58%), e.g., avoidance of a cervical esophagostomy, promotion of sham feeding, details of delayed anastomosis, thoracoscopic pouch mobilization and placement of traction sutures as novel technique, replacement techniques, and follow-up. Consensus ≥75% was achieved on 90 items (93%), e.g., definition of long gap, routine pyloroplasty in gastric transposition, and avoidance of preoperative bougienage to enable delayed anastomosis. Nineteen items (20%), e.g., methods of gap measurement were discussed controversially (range 1–9).

Conclusion This is the first consensus conference on the perioperative, surgical, and long-term management of patients with long-gap esophageal atresia. Substantial statements regarding esophageal reconstruction or replacement and follow-up were formulated which may contribute to improve patient care.