bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A prospective 5-year study on the use of transient elastography to monitor the improvement of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease following bariatric surgery
Authors: Liu Shirley Yuk-Wah , Wong Vincent Wai-Sun , Wong Simon Kin-Hung , Wong Grace Lai-Hung , Lai Carol Man-sze , Lam Candice Chuen-Hing , Shu Sally She-Ting , Chan Henry Lik-Yuen , Ng Enders Kwok-Wai
Published: March 2021

Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by transient elastography (TE) is a non-invasive assessment for diagnosing and staging liver fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Evidence on its role as a longitudinal monitoring tool is lacking. This study aims to evaluate the role of TE in monitoring NAFLD improvement following bariatric surgery. This study prospectively recruited 101 morbidly obese patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery for intraoperative liver biopsy. Thirty-seven patients of the cohort received perioperative TE. Postoperative anthropometric, biochemical and LSM data were collected annually for 5 years. In 101 patients receiving liver biopsy (mean age 40.0 ± 10.3 years, mean body-mass-index (BMI) 40.0 ± 5.7 kg/m2), NASH and liver fibrosis were diagnosed in 42 (41.6%) and 48 (47.5%) patients respectively. There were 29 (28.7%) stage 1, 11 (10.9%) stage 2, 7 (6.9%) stage 3, and 1 (1.0%) stage 4 fibrosis. In 37 patients receiving TE (mean age 38.9 ± 10.8 years, mean BMI 41.1 ± 5.6 kg/m2), the percentages of total weight loss were 21.1 ± 7.6% at 1 year, 19.7 ± 8.3% at 3 years, and 17.1 ± 7.0% at 5 years after surgery. The mean LSM reduced significantly from 9.8 ± 4.6 kPa at baseline to 6.9 ± 3.4 kPa at 1 year, 7.3 ± 3.0 kPa at 3 years, and 6.8 ± 2.6 kPa at 5 years (P = 0.002). Using pre-defined LSM cut-offs, the rates of significant fibrosis, advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis being ruled out at 5 years improved from baseline values of 43.7 to 87.5% (P < 0.001), 56.8 to 91.7% (P < 0.001), and 64.9 to 91.7% (P < 0.001), respectively. TE was a useful monitoring tool in demonstrating the improvement of liver fibrosis following bariatric surgery.
Plasticity in timing of avian breeding in response to spring temperature differs between early and late nesting species
Authors: Messmer David J. , Alisauskas Ray T. , Pöysä Hannu , Runko Pentti , Clark Robert G.
Published: March 2021

Plasticity for breeding dates may influence population vulnerability to climate change via phenological mismatch between an organism’s life cycle requirements and resource availability in occupied environments. Some life history traits may constrain plasticity, however there have been remarkably few comparisons of how closely-related species, differing in key traits, respond to common phenology gradients. We compared population- and individual-level plasticity in clutch initiation dates (CID) in response to spring temperature among five duck species with early- to late-season nesting life histories. Plasticity was strongest in females of the earliest breeding species (common goldeneye [Bucephala clangula], mallard [Anas platyrhynchos], and gadwall [Mareca strepera]), whereas late-nesting lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) and white-winged scoter (Melanitta fusca deglandi) did not respond. These results contrast with previous work in other bird families that suggested late-breeders are generally more flexible. Nevertheless, late-breeding species exhibited annual variation in mean CID, suggesting response to other environmental factors unrelated to spring temperature. Goldeneye and gadwall females varied in their strength of individual plasticity (‘individual × environment’ interactions) and goldeneye and scoter females showed evidence of interannual repeatability of CID. Fitness consequences of CID plasticity in response to spring phenology, including trophic mechanisms and population consequences, warrant investigation.
The role of vascular complexity on optimal junction exponents
Authors: Keelan Jonathan , Hague James P.
Published: March 2021

We examine the role of complexity on arterial tree structures, determining globally optimal vessel arrangements using the Simulated AnneaLing Vascular Optimization algorithm, a computational method which we have previously used to reproduce features of cardiac and cerebral vasculatures. In order to progress computational methods for growing arterial networks, deeper understanding of the stability of computational arterial growth algorithms to complexity, variations in physiological parameters (such as metabolic costs for maintaining and pumping blood), and underlying assumptions regarding the value of junction exponents is needed. We determine the globally optimal structure of two-dimensional arterial trees; analysing how physiological parameters affect tree morphology and optimal bifurcation exponent. We find that considering the full complexity of arterial trees is essential for determining the fundamental properties of vasculatures. We conclude that optimisation-based arterial growth algorithms are stable against uncertainties in physiological parameters, while optimal bifurcation exponents (a key parameter for many arterial growth algorithms) are affected by the complexity of vascular networks and the boundary conditions dictated by organs.
TEMImageNet training library and AtomSegNet deep-learning models for high-precision atom segmentation, localization, denoising, and deblurring of atomic-resolution images
Authors: Lin Ruoqian , Zhang Rui , Wang Chunyang , Yang Xiao-Qing , Xin Huolin L.
Published: March 2021

Atom segmentation and localization, noise reduction and deblurring of atomic-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) images with high precision and robustness is a challenging task. Although several conventional algorithms, such has thresholding, edge detection and clustering, can achieve reasonable performance in some predefined sceneries, they tend to fail when interferences from the background are strong and unpredictable. Particularly, for atomic-resolution STEM images, so far there is no well-established algorithm that is robust enough to segment or detect all atomic columns when there is large thickness variation in a recorded image. Herein, we report the development of a training library and a deep learning method that can perform robust and precise atom segmentation, localization, denoising, and super-resolution processing of experimental images. Despite using simulated images as training datasets, the deep-learning model can self-adapt to experimental STEM images and shows outstanding performance in atom detection and localization in challenging contrast conditions and the precision consistently outperforms the state-of-the-art two-dimensional Gaussian fit method. Taking a step further, we have deployed our deep-learning models to a desktop app with a graphical user interface and the app is free and open-source. We have also built a TEM ImageNet project website for easy browsing and downloading of the training data.
Prevalence of spine degeneration diagnosis by type, age, gender, and obesity using Medicare data
Authors: Parenteau Chantal S. , Lau Edmund C. , Campbell Ian C. , Courtney Amy
Published: March 2021

Identifying the prevalence of degenerative spinal pathologies and relevant demographic risk factors is important for understanding spine injury risk, prevention, treatment, and outcome, and for distinguishing acute injuries from degenerative pathologies. Prevalence data in the literature are often based on small-scale studies focused on a single type of pathology. This study evaluates the prevalence of diagnosis of selected degenerative spinal pathology diagnoses using Medicare insurance claim data in the context of published smaller-scale studies. In addition, the data are used to evaluate whether the prevalence is affected by age, sex, diagnosed obesity, and the use of medical imaging. The Medicare Claims 5% Limited Data Set was queried to identify diagnoses of degenerative spinal pathologies. Unique patient diagnoses per year were further evaluated as a function of age, gender, and obesity diagnosis. Participants were also stratified by coding for radiological imaging accompanying each diagnosis. The overall prevalence of diagnosed spinal degenerative disease was 27.3% and increased with age. The prevalence of diagnosed disc disease was 2.7 times greater in those with radiology. The results demonstrate that degenerative findings in the spine are common, and, since asymptomatic individuals may not receive a diagnosis of degenerative conditions, this analysis likely underestimates the general prevalence of these conditions.
A novel missense mutation in the HSF4 gene of giant pandas with senile congenital cataracts
Authors: You Yuyan , Bai Chao , Liu Xuefeng , Xia Maohua , Yin Yanqiang , Chen Yucun , Wang Wei , Jia Ting , Lu Yan , Pu Tianchun , Zhang Chenglin , Li Xiaoguang , Wang Liqin , Xiu Yunfang , Niu Lili , Zhou Jun , Du Yang , Liu Yanhui , Xu Suhui
Published: March 2021

Cataracts are a common cause of visual impairment and blindness in mammals. They are usually associated with aging, but approximately one third of cases have a significant genetic component. Cataracts are increasingly prevalent among aging populations of captive giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and it is therefore important to identify genetic determinants that influence the likelihood of cataract development in order to distinguish between congenital and age-related disease. Here we screened for cataract-related genetic effects using a functional candidate gene approach combined with bioinformatics to identify the underlying genetic defect in a giant panda with congenital cataracts. We identified a missense mutation in exon 10 of the HSF4 gene encoding heat shock transcription factor 4. The mutation causes the amino acid substitution R377W in a highly conserved segment of the protein between the isoform-specific and downstream hydrophobic regions. Predictive modeling revealed that the substitution is likely to increase the hydrophobicity of the protein and disrupt interactions with spatially adjacent amino acid side chains. The mutation was not found in 13 unaffected unrelated animals but was found in an unrelated animal also diagnosed with senile congenital cataract. The novel missense mutation in the HSF4 gene therefore provides a potential new genetic determinant that could help to predict the risk of cataracts in giant pandas.
Aerobic exercise and aerobic fitness level do not modify motor learning
Authors: Hung Andrea , Roig Marc , Gillen Jenna B. , Sabiston Catherine M. , Swardfager Walter , Chen Joyce L.
Published: March 2021

Motor learning may be enhanced when a single session of aerobic exercise is performed immediately before or after motor skill practice. Most research to date has focused on aerobically trained (AT) individuals, but it is unknown if aerobically untrained (AU) individuals would equally benefit. We aimed to: (a) replicate previous studies and determine the effect of rest (REST) versus exercise (EXE) on motor skill retention, and (b) explore the effect of aerobic fitness level (AU, AT), assessed by peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), on motor skill retention after exercise. Forty-four participants (20–29 years) practiced a visuomotor tracking task (acquisition), immediately followed by 25-min of high-intensity cycling or rest. Twenty-four hours after acquisition, participants completed a motor skill retention test. REST and EXE groups significantly improved motor skill performance during acquisition [F(3.17, 133.22) = 269.13, P = 0.001], but had no group differences in motor skill retention across time. AU-exercise (VO2peak = 31.6 ± 4.2 ml kg−1 min−1) and AT-exercise (VO2peak = 51.5 ± 7.6 ml kg−1 min−1) groups significantly improved motor skill performance during acquisition [F(3.07, 61.44) = 155.95, P = 0.001], but had no group differences in motor skill retention across time. Therefore, exercise or aerobic fitness level did not modify motor skill retention.
EEG-based diagnostics of the auditory system using cochlear implant electrodes as sensors
Authors: Somers Ben , Long Christopher J. , Francart Tom
Published: March 2021

The cochlear implant is one of the most successful medical prostheses, allowing deaf and severely hearing-impaired persons to hear again by electrically stimulating the auditory nerve. A trained audiologist adjusts the stimulation settings for good speech understanding, known as “fitting” the implant. This process is based on subjective feedback from the user, making it time-consuming and challenging, especially in paediatric or communication-impaired populations. Furthermore, fittings only happen during infrequent sessions at a clinic, and therefore cannot take into account variable factors that affect the user’s hearing, such as physiological changes and different listening environments. Objective audiometry, in which brain responses evoked by auditory stimulation are collected and analysed, removes the need for active patient participation. However, recording of brain responses still requires expensive equipment that is cumbersome to use. An elegant solution is to record the neural signals using the implant itself. We demonstrate for the first time the recording of continuous electroencephalographic (EEG) signals from the implanted intracochlear electrode array in human subjects, using auditory evoked potentials originating from different brain regions. This was done using a temporary recording set-up with a percutaneous connector used for research purposes. Furthermore, we show that the response morphologies and amplitudes depend crucially on the recording electrode configuration. The integration of an EEG system into cochlear implants paves the way towards chronic neuro-monitoring of hearing-impaired patients in their everyday environment, and neuro-steered hearing prostheses, which can autonomously adjust their output based on neural feedback.
The effect of flue-curing procedure on the dynamic change of microbial diversity of tobaccos
Authors: Hu Binbin , Gu Kaiyuan , Gong Jiangshiqi , Zhang Ke , Chen Dan , He Xian , Chen Yi , Gao Kaixian , Jin Yan , Huang Kun , Zhu Yanmei , Zou Congming
Published: March 2021

The purpose of the study is to explore the effect of flue-curing procedure on the diversity of microbial communities in tobaccos and the dynamic change of compositions of microbial communities in the flue-curing process. It expects to provide a theoretical basis for the application of microbes in tobacco leaves and a theoretical basis and idea for optimization of the flue-curing technologies. By investigating tobacco variety K326, the tests were carried out for comparing the conventional flue-curing procedure and dry-ball temperature set and wet-ball temperature degradation flue-curing procedure. Based on the culture-independent approach and high-throughput sequencing procedure, the relationship between the flue-curing procedure for tobaccos and microbial communities in tobaccos was revealed by measuring the dynamic change of microbial communities. The results indicated that:(1) Relative to surface wiping method, washing method was more suitable for the sampling of microbes on the surface of tobacco leaves; (2) Dry-ball temperature set and wet-ball temperature degradation flue-curing procedure was more favorable for maintaining the microbial diversity of tobaccos; (3) Relative to bacteria of the tobaccos, the succession rule of the fungal communities in tobaccos was relatively steady; (4)Compared with bacterial community diversity, the fungal community diversity presented an obvious negative correlation with temperature and humidity during the flue-curing process. (5) The function of bacterial communities in tobaccos matched with the material transformation law of tobaccos, having a direct correlation on the flue-curing process. In short, Dry-ball temperature set and wet-ball temperature degradation flue-curing procedure can more favorably maintain the microbial diversity of tobaccos; moreover, the function of the tobacco system involved in microbes in tobaccos was closely related to the material transformation law of tobaccos in the flue-curing process. It validated that the bacteria in tobaccos play an important role in the flue-curing process of tobaccos.
Complications and hospital stay after endoscopic retrieval of drug baggies in body stuffers: an observational prospective study
Authors: Shabani Mahtab , Kefayati Marzieh , Hassanian-Moghaddam Hossein , Zamani Nasim , McDonald Rebecca
Published: March 2021

Body stuffers routinely receive conservative treatment, i.e. administration of the laxative polyethylene glycol for the passage of ingested drug baggies and observation. Endoscopic baggie removal may offer a safe alternative that could result in shorter hospitalization. We aimed to compare complications, hospital stay, and final outcome in body stuffers assigned to endoscopy versus conservative treatment. This is an observational prospective study of body stuffers presenting to a clinical toxicology center in Tehran (Iran) in 2016–2019, irrespective of the drug ingested. Eligible patients had baggies in their upper gastrointestinal tract and presented without severe poisoning. Patients received either endoscopy or conservative treatment, and clinical outcomes were compared between the groups. A total of 69 patients were enrolled, with a median age of 29 years (range 18–64), among whom 1 was female (2%). Eighteen and 51 patients were endoscopically and conservatively managed, respectively. Drugs most commonly ingested were heroin in endoscopy patients (8/18 cases; 44%) and methamphetamine in the conservative group (28/51 cases; 55%). Endoscopy patients had a shorter hospital stay (median 1.5 vs. 2 days, P = 0.018). In the conservative group, one patient died, and the rate of complications was significantly higher, with more patients experiencing side effects (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.2, 1.7) and requiring intubation (OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.1, 1.5). Endoscopic retrieval was associated with fewer complications and shorter hospitalization. Endoscopy may be a safe treatment for body stuffers without severe poisoning on presentation.
Long-term monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater of the Frankfurt metropolitan area in Southern Germany
Authors: Agrawal Shelesh , Orschler Laura , Lackner Susanne
Published: March 2021

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is a great approach that enables us to comprehensively monitor the community to determine the scale and dynamics of infections in a city, particularly in metropolitan cities with a high population density. Therefore, we monitored the time course of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentration in raw sewage in the Frankfurt metropolitan area, the European financial center. To determine the SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentration in sewage, we continuously collected 24 h composite samples twice a week from two wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) influents (Niederrad and Sindlingen) serving the Frankfurt metropolitan area and performed RT-qPCR analysis targeting three genes (N gene, S gene, and ORF1ab gene). In August, a resurgence in the SARS-CoV-2 RNA load was observed, reaching 3 × 1013 copies/day, which represented similar levels compared to April with approx. 2 × 1014 copies/day. This corresponds to a continuous increase again in COVID-19 cases in Frankfurt since August, with an average of 28.6 incidences, compared to 28.7 incidences in April. Different temporal dynamics were observed between different sampling points, indicating local dynamics in COVID-19 cases within the Frankfurt metropolitan area. The SARS-CoV-2 RNA load to the WWTP Niederrad ranged from approx. 4 × 1011 to 1 × 1015 copies/day, the load to the WWTP Sindlingen from approx. 1 × 1011 to 2 × 1014 copies/day, which resulted in a preceding increase in these loading in July ahead of the weekly averaged incidences. The study shows that WBE has the potential as an early warning system for SARS-CoV-2 infections and a monitoring system to identify global hotspots of COVID-19.
A novel management for postprostatectomy urinary incontinence: platelet-rich plasma urethral sphincter injection
Authors: Lee Ping-Jui , Jiang Yuan-Hong , Kuo Hann-Chorng
Published: March 2021

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is the most innovative blood-derived product used in regenerative medicine. We aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of PRP urethral sphincter injection for the management of postprostatectomy incontinence (PPI). In total, 28 PPI patients with a mean age of 71.8 ± 8.9 years were prospectively enrolled. They received four PRP urethral sphincter injections each month. The clinical outcomes were assessed 3 months after the fourth injection as posttreatment Global Response Assessment (GRA) score, the newly designed visual analogue scale of stress urinary incontinence (VAS of SUI), and in urodynamic parameters. After injections, the posttreatment median GRA with quartiles was 2.0 (1.0, 2.0). Overall, six (21.4%) patients achieved complete continence and pad-free status, 20 (71.4%) achieved successful outcome (GRA score ≥ 2), and 26 (92.9%) showed clinical improvement (GRA score ≥ 1). The VAS of SUI significantly improved from 6.5 (5.0, 8.0) to 3.5 (2.0–5.8) (p < 0.001) as well as abdominal leak point pressure, from 57.5 (50.0, 115.0) to 126.0 (68.3, 150.0), (p = 0.004). After repeated PRP urethral sphincter injections, the SUI severity reduced significantly with high success rates. There was no major adverse event, except three patients with mild hematuria and micturition pain. In conclusion, PRP urethral sphincter injection is safe and effective as a novel management of PPI.
Bioconjugate synthesis, phytochemical analysis, and optical activity of NiFe2O4 nanoparticles for the removal of ciprofloxacin and Congo red from water
Authors: Taj Muhammad Babar , Alkahtani Muneera D. F. , Raheel Ahmad , Shabbir Saima , Fatima Rida , Aroob Sadia , yahya Rana , Alelwani Walla , Alahmadi Nadiyah , Abualnaja Matokah , Noor Sadia , Ahmad Raja Hammad , Alshater Heba
Published: March 2021

In this paper, Jr.NiFe2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized first time using the leaves extract of Juglans regia via a straightforward process. The physio and phytochemical analysis of plant confirm the presence of macromolecules which function as bio-reductant and stabilize the nanoparticles. The Jr.NiFe2O4 NPs were characterized by UV–visible, FTIR spectroscopy, PXRD pattern, SEM and TGA/DTA analysis. The nanoparticles proved to be optically active having a value of indirect bandgap of energy in the range of 1.53 eV. The Jr.NiFe2O4 NPs have the ability in scavenging 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) free radicals and showed 58.01% ± 1.2% scavenging activity at 100 µg/mL concentrations. The photocatalytic degradation study of ciprofloxacin (CIP) and Congo red (CR) reveals that the highest degradation rate was acquired for CIP using pH = 3, at 254 nm, while 85% of removal rate was analysed for CR. The kinetic studies in case of CR removal followed pseudo-first-order model with thermodynamic parameters (∆G° = − 5.87 kJ mol−1 K, ΔH° = 1393.50 kJ mol−1 and ΔS° = 22.537 kJ mol−1 K) with error analysis. Overall, these data recommend an innovative inspiring application of a plant-mediated synthesis of Jr.NiFe2O4 NPs.
Dynamic changes in marital status and survival in women with breast cancer: a population-based study
Authors: Ding Wu , Ruan Guodong , Lin Yingli , Zhu Jianming , Tu Chuanjian , Li Zhian
Published: March 2021

Marital status proved to be an independent prognostic factor for survival in patients with breast cancer. We therefore strove to explore the impact of dynamic changes in marital status on the prognosis of breast cancer patients. We selected patients meeting the eligibility criteria from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cancer database. We then used multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model to analyze the effect of dynamic changes in marital status on the prognosis of overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific special survival (BCSS). Compared with the patients in the Single–Single group and the divorced/separated/widowed–divorced/separated/widowed (DSW–DSW) group, patients in the Married–Married group were significantly associated with better BCSS (HR 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03–1.19, P < 0.001; HR 1.19, 95% CI: 1.14–1.25, P < 0.001, respectively) and OS (HR 1.25, 95% CI: 1.20–1.30, P < 0.001; HR 1.49, 95% CI: 1.45–1.54, P < 0.001, respectively). In contrast to the DSW–DSW group, the Single–Single group and the DSW–Married group showed similar BCSS (HR 0.98, 95% CI: 0.92–1.05, P = 0.660; HR 1.06, 95% CI: 0.97–1.15, P = 0.193, respectively) but better OS (HR 1.14, 95% CI: 1.09–1.19, P < 0.001; HR 1.32, 95% CI: 1.25–1.40, P < 0.001, respectively). Compared with the Single–Single group, the Single–Married group showed significantly better BCSS (HR 1.21, 95% CI: 1.07–1.36, P = 0.003) but no difference in OS (HR 1.08, 95% CI: 0.98–1.18, P = 0.102); In contrast to the Married–DSW group, the Married–Married group exhibited better BCSS (HR 1.11, 95% CI: 1.05–1.18, P < 0.001) and OS (HR 1.27, 95% CI: 1.22–1.32, P < 0.001). Our study demonstrated that, regardless of their previous marital status, married patients had a better prognosis than unmarried patients. Moreover, single patients obtained better survival outcomes than DSW patients. Therefore, it is necessary to proactively provide single and DSW individuals with appropriate social and psychological support that would benefit them.
Partial hepatectomy enhances the growth of CC531 rat colorectal cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Herrero de la Parte Borja , González-Arribas Mikel , Diaz-Sanz Iñaki , Palomares Teodoro , García-Alonso Ignacio
Published: March 2021

Partial hepatectomy (PHx) is the gold standard for the treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastases. However, after removing a substantial amount of hepatic tissue, growth factors are released to induce liver regeneration, which may promote the proliferation of liver micrometastases or circulating tumour cells still present in the patient. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of PHx on the growth of liver metastases induced by intrasplenic cell inoculation as well as on in vitro proliferation of the same cancer cell line. Liver tumours were induced in 18 WAG/RijHsd male rats, by seeding 250,000 syngeneic colorectal cancer cells (CC531) into the spleen. The left lateral lobe of the liver was mobilized and in half of the animals it was removed to achieve a 40% hepatectomy. Twenty-eight days after tumour induction, the animals were sacrificed and the liver was removed and sliced to assess the relative tumour surface area (RTSA%). CC531 cells were cultured in presence of foetal calf serum, non-hepatectomised (NRS) or hepatectomized rat serum (HRS), and their proliferation rate at 24, 48, and 72 h was measured. RTSA% was significantly higher in animals which had undergone PHx than in the controls (non-hepatectomised) (46.98 ± 8.76% vs. 18.73 ± 5.65%; p < 0.05). Analysing each lobe separately, this difference in favour of hepatectomized animals was relevant and statistically significant in the paramedian and caudate lobes. But in the right lobe the difference was scarce and not significant. In vitro, 2.5% HRS achieved stronger proliferative rates than the control cultures (10% FCS) or their equivalent of NRS. In this experimental model, a parallelism has been shown between the effect of PHx on the growth of colorectal cancer cells in the liver and the effect of the serum on those cells in vitro.
Conformal single cell hydrogel coating with electrically induced tip streaming of an AC cone
Authors: Pan Zehao , Bui Loan , Yadav Vivek , Fan Fei , Chang Hsueh-Chia , Hanjaya-Putra Donny
Published: March 2021

We report a high-throughput single-cell encapsulation method based on the “tip streaming” mode of alternating current (AC) electrospray, which can be universally applied to many types of hydrogels and stem cells toward a range of approaches in regenerative medicine.
Differential protection by anthocyanin-rich bilberry extract and resveratrol against lipid micelle-induced oxidative stress and monolayer permeability in Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Ershad Maryam , Shigenaga Mark K. , Bandy Brian
Published: March 2021

Excess dietary fat, and associated bile acids, can impair intestinal barrier integrity, produce intestinal or systemic inflammation and promote tumorigenesis.
Development of a neuron model based on DNAzyme regulation
Authors: Chen Cong , Wu Ranfeng , Wang Bin
Published: March 2021

The neuron model regulated by DNAzymes is simple to construct and possesses strong scalability, having great potential for use in the construction of large neural networks.
Non-purified commercial multiwalled carbon nanotubes supported on electrospun polyacrylonitrile@polypyrrole nanofibers as photocatalysts for water decontamination
Authors: Capilli Gabriele , Sartori Damian Rodríguez , Gonzalez Monica C. , Laurenti Enzo , Minero Claudio , Calza Paola
Published: March 2021

Under UV-Vis irradiation, the metallic impurities embedded in non-purified commercial carbon nanotubes generate radicals suitable for advanced oxidation processes. Semiconducting PPY membranes enhance the photo activity of a supported catalyst.
Chain dynamics and crystalline network structure of poly[R-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate] as revealed by solid-state NMR
Authors: Xia Zhijie , Zhao Haoyuan , Wang Yusong , Ma Yiming , Wang Xiaoliang , Meng Lingpu , Wang Daoliang , Sheng Junfang , Chen Wei
Published: March 2021

The chain dynamics and crystalline network structure of poly[R-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate] (P(3HB-co-4HB)) were systematically investigated by the combination of various solid-state NMR techniques.
Conducting polymers as anion-responsive chemical fuses
Authors: Kim Chungryeol , Lee Dongwhan
Published: March 2021

A conducting polymer functionalized with hydrogen-bonding donor groups undergoes anion-selective structural disassembly to regulate the electrical current flow.
[Bi6Mo3(CO)9]4−: a multiple local σ-aromatic cluster containing a distorted Bi6 triangular prism
Authors: Qiao Lei , Chen Dandan , Zhu Jun , Muñoz-Castro Alvaro , Sun Zhong-Ming
Published: March 2021

The first Zintl cluster containing a distorted Bi6 triangular prism, [Bi6Mo3(CO)9]4−, has been synthesized and structurally characterized.
Band alignment of monolayer CaP3, CaAs3, BaAs3 and the role of p–d orbital interactions in the formation of conduction band minima
Authors: Laurien Magdalena , Saini Himanshu , Rubel Oleg
Published: March 2021

We calculate the band alignment of the newly predicted phosphorene-like puckered monolayers with G0W0 according to the electron affinity rule and examine trends in the electronic structure. Our results give guidance for heterojunction design.
Design of an efficient photocatalyst: a type II heterojunction for enhanced hydrogen production driven by visible light
Authors: Feng Jin , Cui Mengdi , Liu Huining , Zhou Fengjie , Bi Siwei , Zhang Dapeng
Published: March 2021

The efficient water decomposition mechanism of Mg-por/g-C3N4.
Unveiling the urease like intrinsic catalytic activities of two dinuclear nickel complexes towards the in situ syntheses of aminocyanopyridines
Authors: Kundu Bidyut Kumar , Pragti  , Biswas Soumen , Mondal Abhijit , Mazumdar Shyamalava , Mobin Shaikh M. , Mukhopadhyay Suman
Published: March 2021

A kinetic study on urease mimetic activity of two dinickel(ii) complexes with liberation of ammonia from urea in aqueous solution followed by in-situ synthesis of biologically active products viz. aminocyanopyridines.
Musings on the future of scientific (physical but not socially distanced) conferences: testing the water with organizing the on-line MicroTAS2020
Authors: Le Gac Séverine , Lu Hang
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this article is to reflect on and share our on-line MicroTAS2020 adventure and our view on new opportunities and best practices, and hopefully prompt the community to contribute to the conversations about how we move forward in the post-pandemic world.
A DFT-D study on the reaction mechanism of selective catalytic reduction of NO by NH3 over the Fe2O3/Ni(111) surface
Authors: Xie Chaoyue , Zhu Baozhong , Sun Yunlan
Published: March 2021

The adsorption and SCR reaction mechanism of NH3, NO, and O2 molecules on the Fe2O3/Ni(111) catalyst surface was revealed.
Droplet nucleation in miniemulsion thiol–ene step photopolymerization
Authors: Le Cuong Minh Quoc , Vidal Loïc , Schmutz Marc , Chemtob Abraham
Published: March 2021

Reaction parameters, such as droplet size, initiator solubility and monomer solubility, which are important in favouring droplet nucleation in a miniemulsion thiol–ene step polymerization are reviewed.
Facile multifunctional IOL surface modification via poly(PEGMA-co-GMA) grafting for posterior capsular opacification inhibition
Authors: Xia Jiayi , Lu Duoduo , Han Yuemei , Wang Jiahao , Hong Yueze , Zhao Peiyi , Fang Qiuna , Lin Quankui
Published: March 2021

Drug eluting and hydrophilic intraocular lens surface coating was facilely fabricated via poly(PEGMA-co-GMA) grafting. Such a multifunctional coating reduced posterior capsular opacification incidence after implantation effectively.
Assembled small organic molecules for photodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy
Authors: Sun Lixin , Wang Jian , Yang Baochan , Wang Xinxin , Yang Gengxiang , Wang Xiqian , Jiang Yuying , Wang Tianyu , Jiang Jianzhuang
Published: March 2021

The hierarchical supramolecular assembly of small organic molecules has been developed for their use as photosensitizers or photothermal agents for PDT and PTT.
Achieving the potential multifunctional near-infrared materials Ca3In2−xGaxGe3O12:Cr3+using a solid state method
Authors: Cao Lingwei , Li Panlai , Cui Jia , Wang Xuejiao , Yao Yao , Zhang Mengya , Zheng Mingjie , Yang Zhibin , Suo Hao , Wang Zhijun
Published: March 2021

Near-infrared spectroscopy is developing rapidly in the fields of human detection and food analysis due to its fast response and non-invasive characteristics.
Topological defects of integer charge in cell monolayers
Authors: Endresen Kirsten D. , Kim MinSu , Pittman Matthew , Chen Yun , Serra Francesca
Published: March 2021

Using microscale topographic patterns to guide fibroblasts and epithelial cells to form topological defects in monolayers, we examine behaviors dependent on cell type as well as topological charge.
Simple production of cellulose nanofibril microcapsules and the rheology of their suspensions
Authors: Dhand Abhishek P. , Poling-Skutvik Ryan , Osuji Chinedum O.
Published: March 2021

The rheology of porous microcapsule suspensions can be tuned to generate controlled yield stresses by adding polymers to the internal phase.
Long-chain noncoding RNA-GAS5/hsa-miR-138-5p attenuates high glucose-induced cardiomyocyte damage by targeting CYP11B2
Authors: Zhuo Xiaozhen , Bai Kai , Wang Yingxian , Liu Peining , Xi Wen , She Jianqing , Liu Junhui
Published: March 2021

Objective : Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the complications experienced by patients with diabetes. In recent years, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been investigated because of their role in the progression of various diseases, including DCM. The purpose of the present study was to explore the role of lncRNA GAS5 in high glucose (HG)-induced cardiomyocyte injury and apoptosis.

Materials and methods: We constructed HG-induced AC16 cardiomyocytes and a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced rat diabetes model. GAS5 was overexpressed and knocked out at the cellular level, and GAS5 was knocked down by lentiviruses at the animal level to observe its effect on myocardial injury. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression of GAS5. Cell proliferation and apoptosis after GAS5 knockout were detected by CCK-8, TUNEL, and flow cytometry assays. ELISA was used to detect the changes in myocardial enzyme content in cells and animal myocardial tissues during the action of GAS5 on myocardial injury.

Results: GAS5 expression was up-regulated in HG-treated AC16 cardiomyocytes and the rat diabetic myocardial injury model. The down-regulation of GAS5 could inhibit HG-induced myocardial damage. This work proved that the down-regulation of GAS5 could reverse cardiomyocyte injury and apoptosis by targeting miR-138 to down-regulate CYP11B2.

Conclusion: We confirmed for the first time that the down-regulation of GAS5 could reverse CYP11B2 via the miR-138 axis to reverse HG-induced cardiomyocyte injury. This research might provide a new direction for explaining the developmental mechanism of DCM and potential targets for the treatment of myocardial injury.
Brain ACE2 activation following brain aminopeptidase A blockade by firibastat in salt-dependent hypertension
Authors: Hmazzou Reda , Marc Yannick , Flahault Adrien , Gerbier Romain , De Mota Nadia , Llorens-Cortes Catherine
Published: March 2021

In the brain, aminopeptidase A (APA), a membrane-bound zinc metalloprotease, generates angiotensin III from angiotensin II. Brain angiotensin III exerts a tonic stimulatory effect on the control of blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive rats and increases vasopressin release. Blocking brain angiotensin III formation by the APA inhibitor prodrug RB150/firibastat normalizes arterial BP in hypertensive deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt rats without inducing angiotensin II accumulation. We therefore hypothesized that another metabolic pathway of brain angiotensin II, such as the conversion of angiotensin II into angiotensin 1-7 (Ang 1-7) by angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) might be activated following brain APA inhibition. We found that the intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of RB150/firibastat in conscious DOCA-salt rats both inhibited brain APA activity and induced an increase in brain ACE2 activity. Then, we showed that the decreases in BP and vasopressin release resulting from brain APA inhibition with RB150/firibastat were reduced if ACE2 was concomitantly inhibited by MLN4760, a potent ACE2 inhibitor, or if the Mas receptor (MasR) was blocked by A779, a MasR antagonist. Our findings suggest that in the brain, the increase in ACE2 activity resulting from APA inhibition by RB150/firibastat treatment, subsequently increasing Ang 1-7 and activating the MasR while blocking angiotensin III formation, contributes to the antihypertensive effect and the decrease in vasopressin release induced by RB150/firibastat. RB150/firibastat treatment constitutes an interesting therapeutic approach to improve BP control in hypertensive patients by inducing in the brain renin–angiotensin system, hyperactivity of the beneficial ACE2/Ang 1-7/MasR axis while decreasing that of the deleterious APA/Ang II/Ang III/ATI receptor axis.
Autism-Centered Therapy for Childhood Apraxia of Speech (ACT4CAS): A Single-Case Experimental Design Study
Authors: Beiting Molly , Maas Edwin
Published: March 2021

Purpose

A subset of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has speech sound disorders, including childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). To date, virtually all speech treatment studies consider ASD an exclusionary criterion, resulting in little scientific evidence for treatment of CAS for children who also have ASD. This study proposes and tests a novel approach, Autism-Centered Therapy for Childhood Apraxia of Speech (ACT4CAS), as a theoretically and clinically informed speech treatment option for this population.

Method

Using a multiple-baseline design within and across participants, three children with co-occurring ASD and CAS received 11–18 treatment sessions. Treatment targets were individually designed and matched with untreated control words. Probes were administered at the start of each session to assess speech production accuracy perceptually. Changes in production accuracy were examined through visual inspection and quantified with effect sizes.

Results

Findings were mixed, with one child showing significant gains for half of the treated targets at follow-up and two children showing no clear improvement.

Conclusions

Preliminary evidence suggests potentially positive treatment effects for ACT4CAS when implemented as intended, although treatment intensity and disorder severity likely influence treatment outcome. Replication and comparison of ACT4CAS to other speech treatments is needed.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14110445
An optimization research on groove textures of a journal bearing using particle swarm optimization algorithm
Authors: Zhang Xiangyuan , Liu Chongpei , Zhao Bin
Published: March 2021

This study aims to optimize the distributions of groove textures in a journal bearing to reduce its friction coefficient. Firstly, A lubrication model of a groove textured journal bearing is established, and the finite difference and overrelaxation iterative methods are used to numerically solve the model. Then, the friction coefficient is adopted as the fitness function and the groove lengths are optimized by particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to evolve the optimal distributions. Furthermore, the effects of eccentricity ratios and rotary speeds on optimal distributions of groove textures are also discussed. The numerical results show the optimal distributions of groove textures are like trapeziums under different eccentricity ratios and rotary speeds, and the trapeziums become slenderer with increasing of eccentricity ratios. It is also found that the reductions of friction coefficients by optimal groove textures are more significant under lower eccentricity ratios. Briefly, this study may provide guidance on surface texture design to improve the tribological performance of journal bearings.
Innovation model of relations between Russia and China in the context of science and educational cooperation
Authors: Ivukina Yelena
Published: March 2021

This article is devoted to the investigation of Russia-China higher education cooperation. Both countries are involved in the modernization process in the framework of the global educational environment, which stimulates the achievement of a high level of teaching and provides a variety of research forms and international experience in joint adaptation. Special attention is paid to three main constituencies of academic innovative cooperation namely students’ engagement, lecturers and researchers’ involvement and creation of joint universities and research centers with their definite purposes, current status and priorities respectively. The article makes recommendations in terms of strengthening the bilateral Russian-Chinese educational process and overcoming the barriers that arise in this alliance.
Obesity and Pregnancy. Guideline of the German Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (S3-Level, AWMF Registry No. 015-081, June 2019)
Authors: Schaefer-Graf Ute , Ensenauer Regina , Gembruch Ulrich , Groten Tanja , Flothkötter Maria , Hennicke Julia , Köhrle Josef , Möhler Jantke , Kühnert Maritta , Schmittendorf Annett , Stroh Christine , Wirth Alfred , Schmidt Markus
Published: March 2021

Aims Obesity is an increasing problem, even in young women of reproductive age. Obesity has a negative impact on conception, the course of pregnancy, and neonatal outcomes. Caring for obese pregnant women is becoming an increasingly important aspect of standard prenatal care. This guideline aims to improve the care offered to obese pregnant women.

Methods This S3-guideline was compiled following a systemic search for evidence and a structured process to achieve consensus.

Recommendations Evidence-based recommendations for the care of obese pregnant women were developed, which cover such as areas as preconception counselling, identification of risks, special aspects of prenatal care and prenatal diagnostic procedures, intrapartum management, and long-term effects on mother and child.
Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Fevipiprant in Healthy Subjects and Asthma Patients using a Tukey’s g-and-h Distribution
Authors: Wang Xinting , Bartels Christian , Kulkarni Swarupa , Sangana Ramachandra , Jain Monish , Zack Julia , Yu Jing
Published: March 2021

Aim The objective of this analysis was to characterize the population pharmacokinetics (PK) of fevipiprant in asthma patients and to evaluate the effect of baseline covariates on the PK of fevipiprant.

Methods PK data from 1281 healthy subjects or asthma patients were available after single or once daily dosing of fevipiprant. Population PK analysis was conducted to describe fevipiprant plasma concentration data using a non-linear mixed effect modeling approach.

Results Fevipiprant PK was described by a two-compartment model with first-order absorption and first-order elimination. Exploration of fevipiprant PK in the population from the phase III studies revealed an over-dispersed and skewed distribution. This unusual distribution was described using Tukey’s g-and-h distribution (TGH) on the between-subject variability of apparent clearance (CL/F). The model identified a significant impact of disease status on CL/F, with the value in healthy subjects being 62% higher than that in asthma patients. Bodyweight, age and renal function showed statistically significant impact on fevipiprant clearance; however, compared with a typical asthma patient, the simulated difference in steady-state exposure was at most 16%.

Conclusion Fevipiprant PK was described by a two-compartment model with first-order absorption and first-order elimination. The TGH distribution was appropriate to describe the over-dispersed and skewed PK data as observed in the current studies. Asthma patients had approximately 37% higher exposure than healthy subjects did. Other covariates changed exposure by at most 16%.
Strategies of In Situ Generated Magnesium Catalysis in Asymmetric Reactions
Authors: Yang Dongxu , Wang Linqing
Published: March 2021

Magnesium (Mg) is a cheap, non-toxic, and recyclable alkaline earth metal that constitutes about 2% weight in the Earth’s crust. The use of magnesium catalysts to forge chiral moieties in molecules is highly attractive. Based on our work in recent years, we describe the current progress in the development of in situ generated magnesium catalysts and their application in asymmetric synthesis. In this perspective, a critically concise classification of in situ generated magnesium catalytic modes, with relevant examples, is presented, and representative mechanisms of each category are discussed. Building on the established diverse strategies, one can foresee that more innovative and structurally creative magnesium catalysts that are generated in situ will be developed to overcome more formidable challenges of catalytic enantioselective reactions.

1 Introduction

2 Magnesium Catalysts Generated in Situ from Chiral Ligands Containing Dual Reactive Hydrogens

3 Magnesium Catalysts Generated in Situ from Monoanionic Chiral Ligands

4 Bimetallic and Polymetallic Magnesium Catalysts Assembled in Situ

5 Summary and Outlook
Ion wind enhances plasma jets for sterilization, eliminating the need for large gas systems
Authors: Bandari Anashe
Published: March 2021

Existing atmospheric pressure plasma require massive gas carrier equipment, making their potential sterilization applications a challenge.