bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of copulatory courtship song in the Old World sand fly species Phlebotomus argentipes
Authors: Araki Alejandra S. , Brazil Reginaldo P. , Hamilton James G. C. , Vigoder Felipe M.
Published: March 2020

Acoustic communication in the form of courtship and mating songs are often involved in reproductive isolation between species of Diptera, such as Drosophila, mosquitoes and sand flies. The patterns of courtship songs in New World sand fly species evolve quickly under sexual selection; and therefore, represent an important trait that can be used as a marker to study the evolution of species complexes and may aid identification of sibling species with a complex. The ability to identify vector species within species complexes is of critical importance for effective and efficient vector control programs. Species-specific song patterns seems to contribute to reproductive isolation in New World sand fly species, suggesting that auditory communication signals may be widespread among these important vectors of leishmaniasis. The main goal of the present study was to characterize the copulatory courtship song of Phlebotomus argentipes, an important vector of visceral leishmaniasis in the Old World. Ph. argentipes males produce acoustic signals during copulation and two types of songs were observed. The one we called primary song is a ‘pulse song’ with similar length and amplitude to the previously observed ‘P1’ pattern recorded in Brazilian populations of Lu. longipalpis s.l. The secondary song has ‘sine song’ characteristics and is quite different from any song produced by New World species. The discovery of this copulation courtship songs in Ph. argentipes supports the possibility that acoustic communication in sandflies might be more widespread than previously thought, including Old World species. Our results highlight the importance of further research on acoustic communication in the Ph. argentipes species complex and other Old World vectors of leishmaniasis.
Assessing the impact of AGS-004, a dendritic cell-based immunotherapy, and vorinostat on persistent HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Gay Cynthia L. , Kuruc Joann D. , Falcinelli Shane D. , Warren Joanna A. , Reifeis Sarah A. , Kirchherr Jennifer L. , James Katherine S. , Dewey Morgan G. , Helms Alyson , Allard Brigitte , Stuelke Erin , Gamble Alicia , Plachco Ana , Gorelick Robert J. , Eron Joseph J. , Hudgens Michael , Garrido Carolina , Goonetilleke Nilu , DeBenedette Mark A. , Tcherepanova Irina Y. , Nicolette Charles A. , Archin Nancie M. , Margolis David M.
Published: March 2020

Approaches to deplete persistent HIV infection are needed. We investigated the combined impact of the latency reversing agent vorinostat (VOR) and AGS-004, an autologous dendritic cell immunotherapeutic, on the HIV reservoir. HIV+, stably treated participants in whom resting CD4+ T cell-associated HIV RNA (rca-RNA) increased after VOR exposure ex vivo and in vivo received 4 doses of AGS-004 every 3 weeks, followed by VOR every 72 hours for 30 days, and then the cycle repeated. Change in VOR-responsive host gene expression, HIV-specific T cell responses, low-level HIV viremia, rca-RNA, and the frequency of resting CD4+ T-cell infection (RCI) was measured at baseline and after each cycle. No serious treatment-related adverse events were observed among five participants. As predicted, VOR-responsive host genes responded uniformly to VOR dosing. Following cycles of AGS-004 and VOR, rca-RNA decreased significantly in only two participants, with a significant decrease in SCA observed in one of these participants. However, unlike other cohorts dosed with AGS-004, no uniform increase in HIV-specific immune responses following vaccination was observed. Finally, no reproducible decline of RCI, defined as a decrease of >50%, was observed. AGS-004 and VOR were safe and well-tolerated, but no substantial impact on RCI was measured. In contrast to previous clinical data, AGS-004 did not induce HIV-specific immune responses greater than those measured at baseline. More efficacious antiviral immune interventions, perhaps paired with more effective latency reversal, must be developed to clear persistent HIV infection.
Pectinolytic Bacterial Consortia Reduce Jute Retting Period and Improve Fibre Quality
Authors: Hasan Rajnee , Aktar Nasima , Kabir Shah Md. Tamim , Honi Ummay , Halim Abdul , Islam Rahin , Sarker Muhammad Delwar Hossain , Haque Md. Samiul , Alam Md. Monjurul , Islam Md. Shahidul
Published: March 2020

Jute fibre is the second most important fibre next to cotton. It is obtained from the bark of plant through microbial retting process. Here we report optimized microbial retting protocol that can lower retting period and produce high fibre quality. A total of 451 bacterial colonies have been isolated from five jute retting water samples in Bangladesh. Higher pectinolytic bacterial isolates were predominant in the later stage of jute retting. Out of these, 168 isolates have been screened by both semi-quantitative and quantitative pectinase, xylanase and cellulase enzyme assay. Among them, 144 isolates have been selected on the basis of extra cellular enzyme activity of these three enzymes. 16 s ribosomal gene sequencing analysis identified 2 phyla- Firmicutis (80.55%) and Proteobacteria (19.45%). To check the synergistic and antagonistic effect 10 selected isolates were tested in 167 different combinations. Three best combinations were identified that lowered retting period from 18–21 days to 10 days producing high quality fibre in both laboratory and field trial. This improved retting technology can be adopted in industrial scale for the production of quality jute fibre in a controlled condition in reduced water quantity without polluting the environment.
Performing the hand laterality judgement task does not necessarily require motor imagery
Authors: Mibu Akira , Kan Shigeyuki , Nishigami Tomohiko , Fujino Yuji , Shibata Masahiko
Published: March 2020

When people judge the laterality of rotated hand images, that is they perform the laterality judgement task (LJT), they are thought to use motor imagery. However, recent studies have suggested that its completion does not necessarily require the use of motor imagery. In this study, we investigated whether and how many people preferentially use motor imagery to perform the LJT in 37 healthy adults. We assessed the presence of behavioural features associated with motor imagery at the individual level, namely, the linear angle–response time (RT) relationship and the biomechanical constraints effect in the LJT and in the same-different judgement task (SDJT), in which people are not thought to use motor imagery. We found that at most 50% of participants showed both behavioural features in the palmar view condition of the LJT. Moreover, this proportion did not differ from that in the dorsal view condition of the LJT or that in both view conditions of the SDJT. These results demonstrate that a motor imagery–based strategy is not universally and specifically used to perform the LJT. Therefore, previous results of the LJT, in particular, regarding the biomechanical constraints effect, should be reinterpreted in light of our findings.
Intrauterine G-CSF Administration in Recurrent Implantation Failure (RIF): An Rct
Authors: Kalem Ziya , Namli Kalem Muberra , Bakirarar Batuhan , Kent Erkin , Makrigiannakis Antonios , Gurgan Timur
Published: March 2020

This study investigates the effects of intrauterine G-CSF on endometrial thickness, clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate in a recurrent implantation failure (RIF) group with normal endometrium. This study was designed as a prospective randomized controlled trial with the involvement of 157 RIF group pati; ents. The RIF group was formed on the basis of the RIF criteria: “The failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after the transfer of at least four good-quality embryos in a minimum of three fresh or frozen cycles to a woman under the age of 40 years. The study sample included 82 patients in the G-CSF group who received G-CSF once a day on hCG. The procedure was performed by administering 30 mIU of Leucostim®(Filgrastim [G-CSF] 30 mIU/mL; DEM Medical, Dong-A; South Korea) through slow infusion into the endometrial cavity using a soft embryo transfer catheter. Normal saline of 1 mL was infused into the endometrial cavity in the same way in 75 patients in the control group. The standard ICSI procedure was used for all patients, and fresh cycle embryos were transferred on the third or fifth day. No statistically significant difference was identified in clinical pregnancy rates, miscarriage rates and live birth rates between the G-CSF group and the control group (p = 0.112, p = 0.171, p = 0.644, respectively), and no difference was observed between the two groups regarding endometrial thickness (p = 0.965). The intervention of administration G-CSF into the uterine cavity in RIF patients with normal endometrium, did not alter the endometrial thickness, clinical pregnancy rates, or live birth rates.
Sfrp1 deficiency makes retinal photoreceptors prone to degeneration
Authors: Cisneros Elsa , di Marco Fabiana , Rueda-Carrasco Javier , Lillo Concepción , Pereyra Guadalupe , Martín-Bermejo María Jesús , Vargas Alba , Sanchez Rocío , Sandonís África , Esteve Pilar , Bovolenta Paola
Published: March 2020

Millions of individuals worldwide suffer from impaired vision, a condition with multiple origins that often impinge upon the light sensing cells of the retina, the photoreceptors, affecting their integrity. The molecular components contributing to this integrity are however not yet fully understood. Here we have asked whether Secreted Frizzled Related Protein 1 (SFRP1) may be one of such factors. SFRP1 has a context-dependent function as modulator of Wnt signalling or of the proteolytic activity of A Disintegrin And Metalloproteases (ADAM) 10, a main regulator of neural cell-cell communication. We report that in Sfrp1−/− mice, the outer limiting membrane (OLM) is discontinuous and the photoreceptors disorganized and more prone to light-induced damage. Sfrp1 loss significantly enhances the effect of the Rpe65Leu450Leu genetic variant -present in the mouse genetic background- which confers sensitivity to light-induced stress. These alterations worsen with age, affect visual function and are associated to an increased proteolysis of Protocadherin 21 (PCDH21), localized at the photoreceptor outer segment, and N-cadherin, an OLM component. We thus propose that SFRP1 contributes to photoreceptor fitness with a mechanism that involves the maintenance of OLM integrity. These conclusions are discussed in view of the broader implication of SFRP1 in neurodegeneration and aging.
An ecological analysis of snakes captured by C.J.P. Ionides in eastern Africa in the mid-1900s
Authors: Shine Richard , Spawls Stephen
Published: March 2020

Historical data can clarify ecological attributes of fauna in sites that have subsequently been altered by anthropogenic activities. We used the 1960s notebooks of pioneering East African naturalist C.J.P. Ionides to extract quantitative information on captures of 484 snakes of five species (rhinoceros vipers Bitis nasicornis, black mambas Dendroaspis polylepis, Jameson’s mambas D. jamesoni, water cobras Naja annulata, and eastern forest cobras N. subfulva). High capture rates suggest high abundances of all species. The relative numbers of each species collected changed over the years and differed seasonally, reflecting targeting by Ionides. Sex ratios and age-class distributions differed among species and were affected by factors such as month of collection and time of day. Habitat use was affected by species, sex and body size: for example, arboreality became less common with increasing body size in the rhinoceros viper and black mamba, and males were found in arboreal sites more often than were females. In both D. jamesoni and D. polylepis, adult males and females were recorded together in September-October, suggesting reproductive activity at this time of year. Although fragmentary, the data from Ionides’ notebooks provide a unique glimpse into ecological patterns of snakes within an African landscape half a century ago.
Enhanced expression of Cyclin D1 and C-myc, a prognostic factor and possible mechanism for recurrence of papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Sanjari Mojgan , Kordestani Zeinab , Safavi Moeinadin , Mashrouteh Mahdieh , FekriSoofiAbadi Maryam , Ghaseminejad Tafreshi Amirfarhad
Published: March 2020

A direct association has been shown between Cyclin D1 and C-myc gene expressions and the proliferation of human thyroid tumor cells. Our previous study showed that increased β catenin led to a reduction in disease-free probability in patients with papillary thyroid cancer. This study was designed to investigate Cyclin D1 and C-myc genes as targets for β catenin function in PTC and to determine the association between genes expression and staging, recurrence, metastasis, and disease-free survival of PTC. This study was conducted via a thorough investigation of available data from medical records as well as paraffin blocks of 77 out of 400 patients over a 10-year period. Cyclin D1 and C-myc gene expression levels were measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and the Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate disease-free survival. Higher levels of Cyclin D1 and C-myc gene expressions were observed in patients with recurrence by 8.5 (P = 0.004) and 19.5 (p = 0.0001) folds, respectively. A significant positive correlation was found between Cyclin D1 expression and the cumulative dose of radioactive iodine received by patients (r = −0.2, p value = 0.03). The ten-year survival rate in the patients included in this study was 98.25% while disease-free survival was 48.1%. Higher Cyclin D1 and C-myc gene expression levels were observed in patients with recurrence/distant metastasis. Inversely, lower expression of Cyclin D1 and C-myc genes were associated with better survival of patients (SD, 0.142-0.052) (Mantel-Cox test, P = 0.002). The enhancement of Cyclin D1 and C-myc gene expression may be a potential mechanism for recurrence and aggressiveness of PTC.
Optical and spectroscopic study of a supersonic flowing helium plasma: energy transport in the afterglow
Authors: Brandi F. , Labate L. , Rapagnani D. , Buompane R. , Leva A. di , Gialanella L. , Gizzi L. A.
Published: March 2020

Flowing plasma jets are increasingly investigated and used for surface treatments, including biological matter, and as soft ionization sources for mass spectrometry. They have the characteristic capability to transport energy from the plasma excitation region to the flowing afterglow, and therefore to a distant application surface, in a controlled manner. The ability to transport and deposit energy into a specimen is related to the actual energy transport mechanism. In case of a flowing helium plasma, the energy in the flowing afterglow may be carried by metastable helium atoms and long-lived helium dimer ions. In this work a systematic investigation of the optical and spectroscopic characteristics of a supersonic flowing helium plasma in vacuum and its afterglow as function of the helium gas density is presented. The experimental data are compared with numerical modeling of the plasma excitation and helium dimer ion formation supported by a Computational Fluid Dynamic simulation of the helium jet. The results indicate that the plasma afterglow is effectively due to helium dimer ions recombination via a three-body reaction.
Principal Components and Hierarchical Cluster Analyses of Trace Metals and Total Hydrocarbons in Gills, Intestines and Muscles of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)
Authors: Isibor Patrick Omoregie , Imoobe Tunde O. Thaddeus , Enuneku Alex Ajeh , Akinduti Paul Akinniyi , Dedeke Gabriel Adewunmi , Adagunodo Theophilus Aanuoluwa , Obafemi Dorcas Yemisi
Published: March 2020

The aim of the study was to comparatively analyze the interrelationships among iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) and total hydrocarbons (THCs) in the gills, intestines and muscles of Clarias gariepinus collected from Osse River, Nigeria, between the periods of April, 2013 to September, 2014. The trace metals in the fish tissues were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS, Philips model PU 9100), while total hydrocarbons were analyzed using High Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC,Prominence Dual brand from HGE) equipped with a detector Shimadzu UV-Visible (UV-Vis Prominence SPD 20 A). The concentrations of trace metals and THCs in the tissues were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA), in conjunction with hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), backed up by correlation analysis (CA). In the most prioritized component among the hierarchies of contaminants, characterized as principal component 1, results of communality extractions and rotated component matrices revealed the order of contaminants was Mn > Cu > Zn > Fe > Cr in the intestines, Cr > Cu > THCs > Mn > Fe in the muscle, while Pb > Cr > Fe > Mn was the order in the gills of the fish. Iron inhibited accumulation of the other trace metals in the gills, where its threshold of essentiality was maximal. Noteworthy is the fact that Mn and Cu were the most active components in the muscle and concurrently of excess concentrations in the tissue, which is the major edible part of fish, and constitutes its main body weight, hence holds its nutritional and economic values. High level of variability which occurred in the toxicant profile across the tissues of C. gariepinus is a function of uptake route, varied organ functions and specificity of tissue permeability of the compared organs. The study demonstrated variability in organ accumulation capacity and toxicant’s competitiveness irrespective of bioavailability. The study provides data useful for future ecotoxicological studies and safety of consumers of the fish.
Prehospital use of pelvic circumferential compression devices in a physician-based emergency medical service: A 6-year retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zingg Tobias , Piaget-Rossel Romain , Steppacher Julie , Carron Pierre-Nicolas , Dami Fabrice , Borens Olivier , Albrecht Roland , Darioli Vincent , Taffé Patrick , Maudet Ludovic , Pasquier Mathieu
Published: March 2020

Fractures of the pelvic ring are a potential source of significant bleeding. Pelvic circumferential compression devices (PCCDs) can reduce and immobilize unstable fractures, but their hemostatic effect is unproven. Our aim was to assess the current practice of prehospital PCCD application and to identify factors available in the field predictive of significant pelvic ring injuries. All interventions (n = 13,435) in the Lausanne University Hospital Emergency Medical Service (EMS) were screened for PCCD placements from January 2008 to November 2014. Significant pelvic ring injuries (Tile types B or C) were considered as potentially benefitting from a PCCD. Data were extracted from the local prehospital registry. During the study period, 2366 trauma missions were performed. A PCCD was applied to 552/2366 (23%) patients. Significant pelvic ring injuries were present in 105/2366 (4.4%). Factors associated with the presence of significant pelvic ring injury were increased respiratory rate (OR 1.04), prolonged capillary refill time (OR 2.11), increased shock index (OR 3.91), pedestrians hit by a vehicle (OR 2.19), and presenting with falls from more than 2 m (OR 1.91). Among patients with a significant pelvic ring injury, a PCCD was placed in 79 (75%) and omitted in 26 (25%). One sixth of patients with a PCCD had a final diagnosis of significant pelvic ring injury. Further studies are needed to better understand which patient-, or accident-related factors are associated with prehospital PCCD omission among patients with significant pelvic ring injury.
Targeted DNA demethylation of the Fgf21 promoter by CRISPR/dCas9-mediated epigenome editing
Authors: Hanzawa Nozomi , Hashimoto Koshi , Yuan Xunmei , Kawahori Kenichi , Tsujimoto Kazutaka , Hamaguchi Miho , Tanaka Toshiya , Nagaoka Yuya , Nishina Hiroshi , Morita Sumiyo , Hatada Izuho , Yamada Tetsuya , Ogawa Yoshihiro
Published: March 2020

Recently, we reported PPARα-dependent DNA demethylation of the Fgf21 promoter in the postnatal mouse liver, where reduced DNA methylation is associated with enhanced gene expression after PPARα activation. However, there is no direct evidence for the effect of site-specific DNA methylation on gene expression. We employed the dCas9-SunTag and single-chain variable fragment (scFv)-TET1 catalytic domain (TET1CD) system to induce targeted DNA methylation of the Fgf21 promoter both in vitro and in vivo. We succeeded in targeted DNA demethylation of the Fgf 21 promoter both in Hepa1-6 cells and PPARα-deficient mice, with increased gene expression response to PPARα synthetic ligand administration and fasting, respectively. This study provides direct evidence that the DNA methylation status of a particular gene may determine the magnitude of the gene expression response to activation cues.
Multifaceted Function of MicroRNA-299-3p Fosters an Antitumor Environment Through Modulation of Androgen Receptor and VEGFA Signaling Pathways in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Ganapathy Kavya , Staklinski Stephen , Hasan Md Faqrul , Ottman Richard , Andl Thomas , Berglund Anders E. , Park Jong Y. , Chakrabarti Ratna
Published: March 2020

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common cancers to affect men worldwide. Androgen receptor (AR) signaling is central to PCa and PCa therapy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in the regulation of prostate cancer through modulation of signaling pathways. In the present study, we illustrate the functional significance and therapeutic benefit of miR-299-3p, an AR targeting microRNA, in PCa progression. We noted loss of expression of miR-299-3p in prostate tumors compared to noncancerous prostate tissues. Replenishment of miR-299-3p in C4-2B, 22Rv-1 and PC-3 cells contributed to cell cycle arrest, reduced proliferation, migration and increased expression of apoptotic markers. Additionally, overexpression of miR-299-3p induced a reduction of AR, PSA and VEGFA expression. AGO-RNA pulldown experiment showed enrichment of AR, VEGFA and miR-299-3p in C4-2B cells overexpressing miR-299-3p. miR-299-3p overexpression also inhibited epithelial mesenchymal transition, expression of Slug, TGF-β3, phospho-AKT and phospho-PRAS40, but increased expression of E-cadherin. Furthermore, miR-299 overexpression resulted in reduced tumor growth in xenograft models and increased drug sensitivity. Overall, this study has identified novel mechanisms of antitumor and antimigration function of miR-299-3p through modulation of AR and VEGFA signaling pathways which lead to improved drug sensitivity of PCa.
Aggregation and Cellular Toxicity of Pathogenic or Non-pathogenic Proteins
Authors: Lee Sungmun , Choi Myung Chul , Al Adem Kenana , Lukman Suryani , Kim Tae-Yeon
Published: March 2020

More than 20 unique diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease are caused by the abnormal aggregations of pathogenic proteins such as amylin, β-amyloid (Aβ), and α-synuclein. All pathogenic proteins differ from each other in biological function, primary sequences, and morphologies; however, the proteins are toxic when aggregated. Here, we investigated the cellular toxicity of pathogenic or non-pathogenic protein aggregates. In this study, six proteins were selected and they were incubated at acid pH and high temperature. The aggregation kinetic and cellular toxicity of protein species with time were characterized. Three non-pathogenic proteins, bovine serum albumin (BSA), catalase, and pepsin at pH 2 and 65 °C were stable in protein structure and non-toxic at a lower concentration of 1 mg/mL. They formed aggregates at a higher concentration of 20 mg/mL with time and they induced the toxicity in short incubation time points, 10 min and 20 min only and they became non-toxic after 30 min. Other three pathogenic proteins, lysozyme, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and insulin, also produced the aggregates with time and they caused cytotoxicity at both 1 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL after 10 min. TEM images and DSC analysis demonstrated that fibrils or aggregates at 1 mg/mL induced cellular toxicity due to low thermal stability. In DSC data, fibrils or aggregates of pathogenic proteins had low thermal transition compared to fresh samples. The results provide useful information to understand the aggregation and cellular toxicity of pathogenic and non-pathogenic proteins.
Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cell Density and Bruch’s Membrane Thickness in Secondary versus Primary High Myopia and Emmetropia
Authors: Jonas Jost B. , Li Dong , Holbach Leonard , Panda-Jonas Songhomitra
Published: March 2020

To assess differences between secondary high myopia (SHM) due to congenital glaucoma and primary high myopia (PHM) and non-highly myopic eyes (NHM) in the relationships between axial length and Bruch’s membrane (BM) thickness and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) density. The histomorphometric study included human globes enucleated for reasons such as malignant uveal melanoma, end-stage painful secondary angle-closure glaucoma and congenital glaucoma. BM thickness and RPE cell density were measured upon light microscopy. The investigation included 122 eyes (mean axial length: 26.7 ± 3.7 mm; range: 20.0–37.0 mm): 7 eyes with SHM (axial length: 33.7 ± 2.1 mm; range: 31.0–37.0 mm), 56 eyes with PHM (mean axial length: 29.1 ± 2.4 mm; range: 26.0–36.0 mm) and 59 eyes in the NHM-group (axial length: 23.5 ± 1.3 mm; range: 20.0–25.5 mm). In the SHM group, longer axial length was associated with lower RPE cell density at the posterior pole (standardized regression coefficient beta: 0.92; non- standardized regression coefficient B: −2.76; 95% confidence interval (CI): −4.41, −1.10;P = 0.01), at the midpoint posterior pole/equator (beta: −0.87; B: −3.60; 95% CI: −6.48, −0.73;P = 0.03), and at the equator (beta: −0.88; B: −0.95; 95% CI: −1.68, −0.23; P = 0.02), but not at the ora serrata (P = 0.88). In the PHM-group and NHM group, RPE cell density at the posterior pole (P = 0.08) and ora serrata (P = 0.88) was statistically independent of axial length, while at the midpoint posterior pole/equator (P = 0.01) and equator (P < 0.001), RPE cell density decreased with longer axis. BM thickness in the SHM group decreased with longer axial length at the posterior pole (beta: −0.93;B: −0.29; 95% CI: −0.39, −0.14; P = 0.003), midpoint posterior pole/equator (beta: −0.79; B: −0.22; 95% CI: −0.42, −0.02; P = 0.035) and equator (beta: −0.84; B: −0.21; 95% CI: −0.37, −0.06; P = 0.017), while in the PHM-group and NHM-group, BM thickness at any ocular region was not statistically significantly correlated with axial length (all P > 0.05). In the SHM-group, but not in the PHM-group or NHM-group (P = 0.98), lower BM thickness was associated with lower RPE cell density (beta: 0.93; B: 0.09; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.14; P = 0.007), while in the eyes without congenital glaucoma the relationship was not statistically significant. In SHM in contrast to PHM, BM thickness and RPE cell density decrease in a parallel manner with longer axial length. The findings fit with the notion of BM being a primary driver in the process of axial elongation in PHM as compared to SHM.
Prevalence of Measles Antibodies in São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil: A serological survey model
Authors: Estofolete Cassia Fernanda , Milhim Bruno Henrique Gonçalves de Aguiar , França Carolina Cunha Galvão de , Silva Gislaine Celestino Dutra da , Augusto Marcos Tayar , Terzian Ana Carolina Bernardes , Zini Nathalia , Durigon Edison Luís , Oliveira Daniele Bruna Leal , Massad Eduardo , Nogueira Mauricio Lacerda
Published: March 2020

Measles is an acute and highly contagious but vaccine-preventable infectious disease. Despite years of being considered eliminated, decreased vaccination rates have produced virus reemergence in several countries, including Brazil. Measles can be controlled through immunization programs, through which aim to achieve 95% coverage with two doses of the vaccine. Measles can also be controlled if suspected cases can be properly identified in order to contain outbreaks. This cross-sectional study determined the prevalence of measles antibodies and their correlation with rubella antibodies (resulting from the combination vaccine used in Brazil’s public immunization program) in individuals aged higher 10 years old in São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil, participants of a prospective cohort of arbovirosis surveillance before virus reemergence in the country. Our findings presented that 32.9% of individuals aged 10–40 years old had not antibodies against measles; 39.3% of total individuals with documented evidence of measles vaccination did not have anti-measles IgG, though only 20.2% of individuals with documented evidence of rubella vaccination lacked anti-rubella IgG. Besides, the most of measles cases reported in the city, following the virus spreading in the country, occurred especially in groups defined by us as susceptible. Because the combination MMR vaccine is part of Brazil’s national vaccine schedule, the possible reasons for this relatively high rate of seronegativity need to be investigated further, once that it reflects outbreak risk.
Publisher Correction: Differences in antigenic sites and other functional regions between genotype A and G mumps virus surface proteins
Authors: Gouma Sigrid , Vermeire Tessa , Van Gucht Steven , Martens Lennart , Hutse Veronik , Cremer Jeroen , Rota Paul A. , Leroux-Roels Geert , Koopmans Marion , van Binnendijk Rob , Vandermarliere Elien
Published: March 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Publisher Correction: Lyso-Gb3 modulates the gut microbiota and decreases butyrate production
Authors: Aguilera-Correa John-Jairo , Madrazo-Clemente Patricia , del Carmen Martínez-Cuesta María , Peláez Carmen , Ortiz Alberto , Sánchez-Niño María Dolores , Esteban Jaime , Requena Teresa
Published: March 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Impact of scaffoldin mechanostability on cellulosomal activity
Authors: Galera-Prat Albert , Vera Andrés M. , Moraïs Sarah , Vazana Yael , Bayer Edward A. , Carrión-Vázquez Mariano
Published: March 2020

A low mechanostability cohesin between the two cellulosomal anchoring points lowers saccharification activity (top), in contrast to alternative configurations (bottom).
Water envelope has a critical impact on the design of protein–protein interaction inhibitors
Authors: Ratkova Ekaterina L. , Dawidowski Maciej , Napolitano Valeria , Dubin Grzegorz , Fino Roberto , Ostertag Michael S. , Sattler Michael , Popowicz Grzegorz , Tetko Igor V.
Published: March 2020

We show that a water envelope network plays a critical role in protein–protein interactions (PPI).
Coinage metalides: a new class of excess electron compounds with high stability and large nonlinear optical responses
Authors: Li Xiang-Hui , Zhang Xiao-Ling , Chen Qiao-Hong , Zhang Li , Chen Jing-Hua , Wu Di , Sun Wei-Ming , Li Zhi-Ru
Published: March 2020

A new class of NLO molecules, termed coinage metalides, was designed by using coinage metal atoms as excess electron acceptors.
Liposomes co-delivery system of doxorubicin and astragaloside IV co-modified by folate ligand and octa-arginine polypeptide for anti-breast cancer
Authors: Yue Guijuan , Wang Chengxiang , Liu Bo , Wu Mangang , Huang Yuangyuan , Guo Yuying , Ma Qun
Published: March 2020

To more efficiently co-deliver DOX and AS-IV, R8 was used as a “connecting bridge” to connect FA with cholesterol. A new liposome-targeted co-delivery system, co-modified by FA and R8 (FA-R8-LPs, for short), was prepared.
Effect of surface interactions on the settlement of particles on a sinusoidally corrugated substrate
Authors: Erramilli Shreya , Neumann Taylor V. , Chester Daniel , Dickey Michael D. , Brown Ashley C. , Genzer Jan
Published: March 2020

The interplay among the surface modulus, geometry, and interactions between the surface and the particle governs particle settlement on sinusoidally-corrugated substrates.
Slowness curve surface acoustic wave transducers for optimized acoustic streaming
Authors: O'Rorke Richard , Winkler Andreas , Collins David , Ai Ye
Published: March 2020

Adjusting focused IDT curvature according to the substrate slowness curve permits better focusing for enhanced acoustofluidic microparticle capture.
Synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles with an IDA or TED modified surface for purification and immobilization of poly-histidine tagged proteins
Authors: Zeng Kai , Sun En-Jie , Liu Ze-Wen , Guo Junhui , Yuan Chengqing , Yang Ying , Xie Hao
Published: March 2020

This article reports a novel approach for synthesizing magnetic nanoparticles with a modified surface for purification and immobilization of histidine-tagged proteins.
Electro-chemo-mechanical evolution of sulfide solid electrolyte/Li metal interfaces: operando analysis and ALD interlayer effects
Authors: Davis Andrew L. , Garcia-Mendez Regina , Wood Kevin N. , Kazyak Eric , Chen Kuan-Hung , Teeter Glenn , Sakamoto Jeff , Dasgupta Neil P.
Published: March 2020

Investigation of interfacial degradation of Li10GeP2S12 (LGPS) electrolytes and the effect of ALD artificial SEI interlayers in lithium metal solid state batteries using a suite of operando microscopy and spectroscopy techniques.
Amidoxime-based materials for uranium recovery and removal
Authors: Tang Ning , Liang Jie , Niu Chenggang , Wang Han , Luo Yuan , Xing Wenle , Ye Shujing , Liang Chao , Guo Hai , Guo Jiayin , Zhang Yafei , Zeng Guangming
Published: March 2020

This review provides a comprehensive overview of amidoxime-based materials for uranium recovery and removal from the perspectives of synthesis, characterizations, types, influence factors, binding mechanisms, and cost evaluation.
The synergistic promotion of osseointegration by nanostructure design and silicon substitution of hydroxyapatite coatings in a diabetic model
Authors: Liu Lu , Wang Xiuhui , Zhou Yuning , Cai Ming , Lin Kaili , Fang Bing , Xia Lunguo
Published: March 2020

Synergistic promotion of osseointegration by nanostructure design and silicon substitution of hydroxyapatite coatings in a diabetic model.
Formation mechanism and size control of ceria nanocubes
Authors: Dong Chunyan , Zhou Yan , Ta Na , Shen Wenjie
Published: March 2020

Ceria nanocubes of 10–20 nm were hydrothermally synthesized, involving Ce(OH)3 rods and small-sized CeO2 polyhedra/cubes as building blocks.
Heterobimetallic complexes from 0D clusters to 3D networks based on various polycyanometallates and [Cu(dmpn)2]2+ (dmpn = 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-diaminopropane): synthesis, crystal structures and magnetic properties
Authors: Hao Xiaoyun , Shi Jingwen , Dou Yong , Cao Tong , Zhou Zhen , Yang Lu , Li Dacheng , Liu Qingyun , Jiang Jianzhuang , Zhang Daopeng
Published: March 2020

Six new cyanide-bridged complexes (0–3D) have been assembled by employing one copper compound and six cyano precursors. Investigation of the magnetic properties revealed the ferro- or antiferromagnetic coupling between FeIII/CrI ion and CuII ion.
Probing the strong magnetic exchange behaviour of transition metal–radical complexes: a DFT case study
Authors: Singh Mukesh Kumar
Published: March 2020

Alteration of the structural parameters of metal–radical complexes may pave the way forward for fine tuning the magnetic exchange coupling value as high as >−500 cm−1 – a much sought-after parameter in the area of SMMs.
Cage-like silsesquioxanes-based hybrid materials
Authors: Du Yajing , Liu Hongzhi
Published: March 2020

This Perspective reviews recent advances in cage-like silsesquioxanes-based hybrid materials, ranging from monomer functionalization and materials preparation to application.
Adjustment of the performance and stability of isostructural zeolitic tetrazolate-imidazolate frameworks
Authors: Li Hai-Zhen , Du Dong-Ying , Sun Yayong , Wang Fei , Zhang Jian
Published: March 2020

By changing the substituents of tetrazole ligands, adjustment of the performance and stability of isostructural zeolitic tetrazolate-imidazolate frameworks was realized.
Exposure medium and particle ageing moderate the toxicological effects of nanomaterials to Daphnia magna over multiple generations: a case for standard test review?
Authors: Ellis Laura-Jayne A. , Valsami-Jones Eugenia , Lynch Iseult
Published: March 2020

Pristine engineered nanomaterials (NMs) entering the aquatic environment become ‘aged’ during their lifetime via chemical, physical and/or biological process.
Efficient synthesis of alkylboronic esters via magnetically recoverable copper nanoparticle-catalyzed borylation of alkyl chlorides and bromides
Authors: Shegavi Mahadev L. , Agarwal Abhishek , Bose Shubhankar Kumar
Published: March 2020

An efficient, easy to recover and reusable Cu nanocatalyst (Fe-DOPA-Cu) system has been developed for the borylation of alkyl halides, including benzyl chlorides and bromides with diboron reagents.
Single-chain magnet behavior in a 2p–3d–4f spin array with a nitronyl nitroxide biradical
Authors: Sun Juan , Xie Jing , Li Licun , Sutter Jean-Pascal
Published: March 2020

New nitronyl nitroxide biradical-bridged 3d–4f chains have been constructed in which improved SCM behavior is observed.
Ruthenium on phosphorous-modified alumina as an effective and stable catalyst for catalytic transfer hydrogenation of furfural
Authors: Fovanna Thibault , Campisi Sebastiano , Villa Alberto , Kambolis Anastasios , Peng Gael , Rentsch Daniel , Kröcher Oliver , Nachtegaal Maarten , Ferri Davide
Published: March 2020

Phosphorous induces structural changes in Ru/Al2O3 that make it more active and more stable for liquid phase hydrogenation of furfural.
Preparing and testing the reliability of long-afterglow SrAl2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+ phosphor flexible films for temperature sensing
Authors: Wang Li , Shang Zhaojiang , Shi Mingming , Cao Peiyuan , Yang Bobo , Zou Jun
Published: March 2020

Owing to its stability and environment-friendly properties, the SrAl2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+ (SAOED) phosphor has attracted major scientific interest.
Sulfonamide as amide isostere for fine-tuning the gelation properties of physical gels
Authors: Alegre-Requena Juan V. , Grijalvo Santiago , Sampedro Diego , Mayr Judith , Saldías César , Marrero-Tellado José Juan , Eritja Ramón , Herrera Raquel P. , Díaz David Díaz
Published: March 2020

Amide–sulfonamide isosteric substitution in a low-molecular-weight gelator enables fine-tuning of its gelation ability and the properties of the corresponding supramolecular gels.
Nano- and micro-structural control of WO3 photoelectrode films through aqueous synthesis of WO3·H2O and (NH4)0.33WO3 precursors
Authors: Uchiyama Hiroaki , Nagayasu Yuki
Published: March 2020

Nano- and micro-structured WO3 films obtained from WO3·H2O and (NH4)0.33WO3 precursors prepared by an aqueous route showed a good photoanodic performance depending on their morphologies.
Development of a novel cellulose solvent based on pyrrolidinium hydroxide and reliable solubility analysis
Authors: Seiler Elisabeth Rada Desideria , Takeoka Yuko , Rikukawa Masahiro , Yoshizawa-Fujita Masahiro
Published: March 2020

[C4mpyr][OH] enables rapid dissolution of up to 20 wt% Avicel® cellulose at 25 °C in aqueous solution (50 wt% water), making it an attractive new solvent for cellulose processing. Three solubility analysis methods were investigated and compared.
Intra-droplet particle enrichment in a focused acoustic field
Authors: Qin Xianming , Wang Hairong , Wei Xueyong
Published: March 2020

Particle enrichment is an important preparation/collection process in biomedical and biochemical experiments, but enrichment in droplets is harder to realize than in continuous fluid. We demonstrate an intra-droplet particle enrichment in a focused acoustic field.
Synthesis, crystal structures and magnetic properties of two heterometallic {Ln8Cr4} (Ln = Gd3+ and Tb3+) complexes with one-dimensional wave chain structure
Authors: Han Ye-Min , Li Ning-Fang , Yu Yan-Zhao , Cao Jia-Peng , Yang Mu-Xiu , Hong Ya-Lin , Kang Run-Kun , Yuan Peng , Xu Yan
Published: March 2020

Two heterometallic cluster {Ln8Cr4} were constructed from two classical “drum-like” {Ln4Cr2} building units associated by organic ligands HIN, displaying 1D wave chain structure. The MCE values for {Gd8Cr4} at 3 K and 7 T is 23.40 J kg−1 K−1.
Inter- and intramolecular excimer circularly polarised luminescence of planar chiral paracyclophane-pyrene luminophores
Authors: Hara Nobuyuki , Shizuma Motohiro , Harada Takunori , Imai Yoshitane
Published: March 2020

Two types of planar chiral [2,2]paracyclophane-pyrene luminophores (1 and 2) with different binding positions of the fluorescent pyrene units were synthesised.
Taking lanthanides out of isolation: tuning the optical properties of metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Anderson Samantha L. , Tiana Davide , Ireland Christopher P. , Capano Gloria , Fumanal Maria , Gładysiak Andrzej , Kampouri Stavroula , Rahmanudin Aiman , Guijarro Néstor , Sivula Kevin , Stylianou Kyriakos C. , Smit Berend
Published: March 2020

Computational and experimental study into two families of lanthanide-based metal organic frameworks with the same ligand, tuned to have different structural and optical properties.
Engineering the interfaces in water-splitting photoelectrodes – an overview of the technique development
Authors: Dai Yawen , Yu Jie , Cheng Chun , Tan Peng , Ni Meng
Published: March 2020

Electrochemical and optical techniques applied for interface study in photoelectrochemical systems are overviewed.
A one-pot synthesis of multifunctional Bi2S3 nanoparticles and the construction of core–shell Bi2S3@Ce6–CeO2 nanocomposites for NIR-triggered phototherapy
Authors: Zeng Lingwan , Zhao Huan , Zhu Yuda , Chen Suping , Zhang Yusheng , Wei Dan , Sun Jing , Fan Hongsong
Published: March 2020

Bi2S3 with photothermal and PA/CT imaging properties was synthesized, and further construction of core–shell Bi2S3@Ce6–CeO2 for synergetic PTT/PDT was explored.
Joint construction of micro-vibration stimulation and BCP scaffolds for enhanced bioactivity and self-adaptability tissue engineered bone grafts
Authors: Wu Jinjie , Chen Taijun , Wang Zhenxiong , Chen Xuening , Qu Shuxin , Weng Jie , Zhi Wei , Wang Jianxin
Published: March 2020

The bone defects caused by trauma and disease have become a major difficulty in the treatment of clinical bone defects, and bone tissue engineering has become a promising treatment strategy.
Highly stretchable and sensitive strain sensors based on carbon nanotube–elastomer nanocomposites: the effect of environmental factors on strain sensing performance
Authors: Nankali Mohammad , Nouri Norouz Mohammad , Navidbakhsh Mahdi , Geran Malek Nima , Amindehghan Mohammad Amin , Montazeri Shahtoori Abdolsamad , Karimi Marita , Amjadi Morteza
Published: March 2020

The impact of environmental parameters on the sensing behavior of carbon nanotube–elastomer nanocomposite strain sensors has been investigated, revealing significant effect of temperature and humidity variations on the sensing performance.
Piperidine-induced Switching of the direct band gaps of Ag(i)/Bi(iii) bimetallic iodide double perovskites
Authors: Lassoued Mohamed Saber , Bi Le-Yu , Wu Zhaoxin , Zhou Guijiang , Zheng Yan-Zhen
Published: March 2020

Here, we report two silver(i)–bismuth(iii)-based layered lead-free double perovskites with direct band gaps and high moisture stability.
ACE-domain selectivity extends beyond direct interacting residues at the active site
Authors: Cozier Gyles E. , Lubbe Lizelle , Sturrock Edward D. , Acharya K. Ravi
Published: March 2020

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is best known for its formation of the vasopressor angiotensin II that controls blood pressure but is also involved in other physiological functions through the hydrolysis of a variety of peptide substrates. The enzyme contains two catalytic domains (nACE and cACE) that have different affinities for ACE substrates and inhibitors. We investigated whether nACE inhibitor backbones contain a unique property which allows them to take advantage of the hinging of nACE. Kinetic analysis showed that mutation of unique nACE residues, in both the S2 pocket and around the prime subsites (S′) to their C-domain counterparts, each resulted in a decrease in the affinity of nACE specific inhibitors (SG6, 33RE and ketoACE-13) but it required the combined S2_S′ mutant to abrogate nACE-selectivity. However, this was not observed with the non-domain-selective inhibitors enalaprilat and omapatrilat. High-resolution structures were determined for the minimally glycosylated nACE with the combined S2_S′ mutations in complex with the ACE inhibitors 33RE (1.8 Å), omapatrilat (1.8 Å) and SG6 (1.7 Å). These confirmed that the affinities of the nACE-selective SG6, 33RE and ketoACE-13 are not only affected by direct interactions with the immediate environment of the binding site, but also by more distal residues. This study provides evidence for a more general mechanism of ACE inhibition involving synergistic effects of not only the S2, S1′ and S2′ subsites, but also residues involved in the sub-domain interface that effect the unique ways in which the two domains stabilize active site loops to favour inhibitor binding.
Immediate Effects of a Semi-Occluded Water Resistance Ventilation Mask on Objective and Subjective Vocal Outcomes in Musical Theater Students
Authors: Meerschman Iris , Van Lierde Kristiane , Redman Yvonne Gonzales , Becker Lidia , Benoy Ayla , Kissel Imke , Leyns Clara , Daelman Julie , D'haeseleer Evelien
Published: March 2020

Background

Traditional semi-occluded vocal tract exercises (SOVTEs) are restricted to single-phoneme tasks due to the semi-occlusion at the mouth, which hinders full articulation, continuous speech, and singing. Innovative SOVTEs should overcome this limitation by creating the semi-occlusion outside the oral cavity.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of a semi-occluded water resistance ventilation mask, which allows for continuous speech and singing, on objective (voice range, multiparametric voice quality indices) and subjective (auditory-perceptual, self-report) vocal outcomes in musical theater students.

Method

A pre-/posttest randomized controlled trial was used. Twenty-four musical theater students (16 women and eight men, with a mean age of 21 years) were randomly assigned into a study group and a control group. The study group received a vocal warm-up session with the innovative water resistance ventilation mask (tube attached to the mask “outside” the mouth), whereas the control group received the traditional water resistance approach (tube “inside” the mouth). Both sessions lasted 30 min and were similar with respect to vocal demand tasks. A multidimensional voice assessment including objective and subjective outcomes was performed pre- and posttraining by an assessor blinded to group allocation.

Results

The Dysphonia Severity Index significantly and similarly increased (improved) in both the study and control groups, whereas the Acoustic Voice Quality Index solely decreased (improved) in the control group. The intensity range significantly decreased (worsened) and the semitone range significantly increased (improved) in the study group, whereas no differences in voice range profile were found in the control group. Auditory-perceptually, a more strenuous speaking voice was noticed after the use of the traditional water resistance approach. The subjects perceived both SOVTEs as comfortable vocal warm-up exercises that decrease the amount of effort during speaking and singing, with a slight preference for the water resistance ventilation mask.

Conclusions

Both the innovative water resistance ventilation mask and the traditional water resistance exercise seem effective vocal warm-up exercises for musical theater students. The additional articulatory freedom of the mask might increase the phonatory comfort and the practical implementation of SOVTEs in the daily vocal warm-up of (future) elite vocal performers. The hypothesis of a higher transfer to continuous speech or singing in the mask condition has not been supported by the current study. Larger scale investigation and longer term follow-up studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.11991549