bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with seasonal influenza self-diagnosis: a prospective observational study in Japan
Authors: Maita Hiroki , Kobayashi Tadashi , Akimoto Takashi , Matsuoka Fumihiko , Osawa Hiroshi , Kato Hiroyuki
Published: March 2020

This prospective observational study, conducted at a community clinic in Japan during the influenza season, from December 2017 to April 2018 aimed to investigate the accuracy of factors used for influenza self-diagnosis. Data were collected from pre-examination checklists issued to patients with suspected influenza and electronic medical records. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed using a rapid influenza diagnostic test as the reference standard, and 2 × 2 contingency tables were analysed at each cut-off point. We analysed data from 290 patients (72.8% males, median age: 38 years, interquartile range: 26–50 years). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for patients who were aware of other patients presumed to have influenza within close proximity was 0.74 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.66–0.82). The AUCs for patients with a history of influenza, unvaccinated status, cough, or nasal discharge were 0.68 (95% CI: 0.60–0.75), 0.66 (95% CI: 0.59–0.73), 0.67 (95% CI: 0.59–0.75), and 0.70 (95% CI: 0.62–0.78), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and positive likelihood ratio at a 90% cut-off point was 19.5% (95% CI: 13.5–26.6%), 94.1% (95% CI: 88.7–97.4%) and 3.31 (95% CI: 1.57–6.98). The sensitivity, specificity and negative likelihood ratio at a 10% cut-off point was 95.5% (95% CI: 90.9–98.2%), 9.6% (95% CI: 5.2–15.8%) and 0.48 (95% CI: 0.20–1.16). After multivariate logistic regression analysis, the AUC increased significantly from 0.77 (95% CI: 0.70–0.83) to 0.81 (95% CI: 0.76–0.86) when self-diagnosis-related information was added to basic clinical information. We identified factors that improve the accuracy and validity of influenza self-diagnosis. Appropriate self-diagnosis could contribute to the containment efforts during influenza epidemics and reduce its social and economic burden.
Preparation and characterization of nanoclay-hydrogel composite support-bath for bioprinting of complex structures
Authors: Afghah Ferdows , Altunbek Mine , Dikyol Caner , Koc Bahattin
Published: March 2020

Three-dimensional bioprinting of cell-laden hydrogels in a sacrificial support-bath has recently emerged as a potential solution for fabricating complex biological structures. Physical properties of the support-bath strongly influence the bioprinting process and the outcome of the fabricated constructs. In this study, we reported the application of a composite Pluronic-nanoclay support-bath including calcium ions as the crosslinking agent for bioprinting of cell-laden alginate-based hydrogels. By tuning the rheological properties, a shear-thinning composite support-bath with fast self-recovery behavior was yielded, which allowed continuous printing of complex and large-scale structures. The printed structures were easily and efficiently harvested from the support-bath without disturbing their shape fidelity. Moreover, the results showed that support-bath assisted bioprinting process did not influence the viability of cells encapsulated within hydrogel. This study demonstrates that Pluronic-nanoclay support-bath can be utilized for bioprinting of complex, cell-laden constructs for vascular and other tissue engineering applications.
Transcriptomic analysis of female and male gonads in juvenile snakeskin gourami (Trichopodus pectoralis)
Authors: Boonanuntanasarn Surintorn , Jangprai Araya , Na-Nakorn Uthairat
Published: March 2020

The snakeskin gourami (Trichopodus pectoralis) exhibits sexual dimorphism, particularly in body size. Since the snakeskin gourami is usually marketed during sexual maturation, the sexual size dimorphism has become an economically important trait. Sex-biased gene expression plays a key role in phenotypic sexual dimorphism. Therefore, using high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technology, we aimed to explore the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in ovary and testis during sex differentiation in juvenile snakeskin gourami. Our results revealed a number of DEGs were demonstrated to be overexpressed in ovary (11,625 unigenes) and testis (16,120 unigenes), and the top 10 female-biased (rdh7, dnajc25, ap1s3, zp4, polb, parp12, trim39, gucy2g, rtbs, and fdxr) and male-biased (vamp3, nbl1, dnah2, ccdc11, nr2e3, spats1, pih1d2, tekt3, fbxo36, and mybl2) DEGs were suggested to be mainly associated with ovary and testis differentiation, respectively. Additionally, using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), validation of the differential expression of 21 genes that were previously shown to be related to gonad development was performed (ar, bHLH, cyp19a1, daz, dead-end, esrb, esrrg, gnrhr, gpa, gsg1l, hsd17B, mospd1, nanos-1, nanos-2, p53, piwi-1, piwi-2, rerg, rps6ka, tgf-beta, and VgR). The results showed a significantly positive correlation (0.84; P < 0.001) between the results of RNA-seq and qRT-PCR. Therefore, RNA-seq analysis in our study identified global genes that were associated with ovary and testis differentiation in the juvenile phase of the snakeskin gourami. Our findings provide valuable transcriptomic bioinformation for further investigation of reproductive biology and applications of sex manipulation.
RNA-Seq transcriptome profiling in three liver regeneration models in rats: comparative analysis of partial hepatectomy, ALLPS, and PVL
Authors: Colak Dilek , Al-Harazi Olfat , Mustafa Osama M. , Meng Fanwei , Assiri Abdullah M. , Dhar Dipok K. , Broering Dieter C.
Published: March 2020

The liver is a unique organ that has a phenomenal capacity to regenerate after injury. Different surgical procedures, including partial hepatectomy (PH), intraoperative portal vein ligation (PVL), and associated liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) show clinically distinct recovery patterns and regeneration. The observable clinical differences likely mirror some underlying variations in the patterns of gene activation and regeneration pathways. In this study, we provided a comprehensive comparative transcriptomic analysis of gene regulation in regenerating rat livers temporally spaced at 24 h and 96 h after PH, PVL, and ALPPS. The time-dependent factors appear to be the most important determinant of post-injury alterations of gene expression in liver regeneration. Gene expression profile after ALPPS showed more similar expression pattern to the PH than the PVL at the early phase of the regeneration. Early transcriptomic changes and predicted upstream regulators that were found in all three procedures included cell cycle associated genes (E2F1, CCND1, FOXM1, TP53, and RB1), transcription factors (Myc, E2F1, TBX2, FOXM1), DNA replication regulators (CDKN1A, EZH2, RRM2), G1/S-transition regulators (CCNB1, CCND1, RABL6), cytokines and growth factors (CSF2, IL-6, TNF, HGF, VEGF, and EGF), ATM and p53 signaling pathways. The functional pathway, upstream, and network analyses revealed both unique and overlapping molecular mechanisms and pathways for each surgical procedure. Identification of molecular signatures and regenerative signaling pathways for each surgical procedure further our understanding of key regulators of liver regeneration as well as patient populations that are likely to benefit from each procedure.
Dietary restriction for prevention of contrast-induced acute kidney injury in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary angiography: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Grundmann Franziska , Müller Roman-Ulrich , Hoyer-Allo Karla Johanna Ruth , Späth Martin Richard , Passmann Eva , Becker Ingrid , Pfister Roman , Baldus Stephan , Benzing Thomas , Burst Volker
Published: March 2020

Short-term dietary restriction (DR) may prevent organ damage from ischemic or toxic insults in animals, but clear evidence in humans is missing. While especially intraarterial administration of contrast media represents a cause of hospital-acquired acute kidney injury (AKI), targeted preventive strategies are not available. This trial investigated the feasibility and effectiveness of pre-interventional DR for preventing AKI in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients were randomized to receive a formula diet containing 60% of daily energy requirement (DR group) or ad-libitum food during the 4-day-interval before PCI. Primary endpoint was change of serum creatinine 48 h after PCI (Δcreatinine). Further analyses included incidence of AKI and safety evaluation. Δcreatinine post PCI in the DR group vs. the control group did not show any difference (DR: 0.03(−0.15,0.14)mg/dL vs. control: 0.09(−0.03,0.22)mg/dL;p = 0.797). Subgroup analyses revealed a significant beneficial impact of DR in patients that received ≤100 ml of contrast agent (DR n = 26: Δcreatinine −0.03(−0.20,0.08)mg/dL vs. control n = 24: Δcreatinine 0.10(−0.08,0.24)mg/dL; p = 0.041) and in patients with ≤2 risk factors for AKI (DR: n = 27; Δcreatinine −0.01(−0.18,0.07)mg/dL vs. control n = 31: Δcreatinine 0.09(−0.03,0.16)mg/dl; p = 0.030). Although the primary endpoint was not met, the results of this trial suggest a beneficial impact of DR in low-to-moderate risk patients.
Perioperative Safety and Efficacy of Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate in Patients Receiving Antithrombotic Therapy: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yuk Hyeong Dong , Oh Seung-June
Published: March 2020

We investigated the efficacy of and risk from holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) due to discontinuation of antithrombotics in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Patients in the prospective SNUH-BPH Database Registry who underwent HoLEP between December 2010 and December 2017 were enrolled. Preoperative evaluation included symptom score questionnaires, laboratory tests, urine tests, prostate-specific antigens, urodynamic study, and transrectal ultrasonography. Postoperative evaluation was performed at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. Information regarding the types of antithrombotics and their use, underlying disease, and antithrombotic management during surgery was collected. The study included 55 patients. The mean age and preoperative prostate volume were 68.7 ± 6.4 years and 70.3 ± 32.2 mL, respectively. The mean preoperative hemoglobin level was 13.5 ± 2.6 g/dL in the patients receiving antithrombotics. Of the patients, 71% were taking aspirin. Seventy-five (66.5%) and 70 patients (28.2%) discontinued the antithrombotic therapy 5–7 days and <1 week preoperatively, respectively. Three patients (1.21%) were switched to low-molecular-weight heparin therapy, and 10 (4.03%) continued antithrombotic therapy. No significant differences were found in the incidence rates of postoperative transfusion (p = 0.894) or complications from antithrombotic use, thrombosis (p = 0.946), haemorrhage requiring bladder irrigation (p = 0.959), transurethral coagulation (p = 0.894), cardiovascular events (p = 0.845), and cerebrovascular events (p = 0.848). Efficacy and complications related to the short-term antithrombotic withdrawal before and after HoLEP also showed no significant differences. HoLEP may be a beneficial surgical technique for patients with BPH who are receiving antithrombotics.
The invasive forest pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus boosts mortality and triggers niche replacement of European ash (Fraxinus excelsior)
Authors: Díaz-Yáñez Olalla , Mola-Yudego Blas , Timmermann Volkmar , Tollefsrud Mari Mette , Hietala Ari M. , Oliva Jonàs
Published: March 2020

Determining the impacts of invasive pathogens on tree mortality and growth is a difficult task, in particular in the case of species occurring naturally at low frequencies in mixed stands. In this study, we quantify such effects by comparing national forest inventory data collected before and after pathogen invasion. In Norway, Fraxinus excelsior is a minor species representing less than 1% of the trees in the forests and being attacked by the invasive pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus since 2006. By studying deviations between inventories, we estimated a 74% higher-than-expected average ash mortality and a 13% slower-than-expected growth of the surviving ash trees, indicating a lack of compensation by the remaining ash. We could confidently assign mortality and growth losses to ash dieback as no mortality or growth shifts were observed for co-occurring tree species in the same plots. The mortality comparisons also show regional patterns with higher mortality in areas with the longest disease history in Norway. Considering that ash is currently mostly growing in mixed forests and that no signs of compensation were observed by the surviving ash trees, a significant habitat loss and niche replacement could be anticipated in the mid-term.
A novel method to determine antibiotic sensitivity in Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus reveals a DHFR-dependent natural trimethoprim resistance
Authors: Marine Emanuele , Milner David Stephen , Lambert Carey , Sockett Renee Elizabeth , Pos Klaas Martinus
Published: March 2020

Bdellovibrio bacteriovorusis a small Gram-negative bacterium and an obligate predator of other Gram-negative bacteria. Prey resistance toB. bacteriovorusattack is rare and transient. This consideration together with its safety and low immunogenicity makesB. bacteriovorusa valid alternative to antibiotics, especially in the treatment of multidrug resistant pathogens. In this study we developed a novel technique to estimateB. bacteriovorussensitivity against antibiotics in order to make feasible the development and testing of co-therapies with antibiotics that would increase its antimicrobial efficacy and at the same time reduce the development of drug resistance. Results from tests performed with this technique show that among all tested antibiotics, trimethoprim has the lowest antimicrobial effect onB. bacteriovorus. Additional experiments revealed that the mechanism of trimethoprim resistance inB. bacteriovorusdepends on the low affinity of this compound for theB. bacteriovorusdihydrofolate reductase (Bd DHFR).
Rank orders of mammalian pathogenicity-related PB2 mutations of avian influenza A viruses
Authors: Lee Chung-Young , An Se-Hee , Choi Jun-Gu , Lee Youn-Jeong , Kim Jae-Hong , Kwon Hyuk-Joon
Published: March 2020

The PB2 gene is one of the key determinants for the mammalian adaptation of avian influenza A viruses (IAVs). Although mammalian pathogenicity-related mutations (MPMs) in PB2 genes were identified in different genetic backgrounds of avian IAVs, the relative effects of single or multiple mutations on viral fitness could not be directly compared. Furthermore, their mutational steps during mammalian adaptation had been unclear. In this study, we collectively compared the effects of individual and combined MPMs on viral fitness and determined their rank orders using a prototypic PB2 gene. Early acquired mutations may determine the function and potency of subsequent mutations and be important for recruiting multiple, competent combinations of MPMs. Higher mammalian pathogenicity was acquired with the greater accumulation of MPMs. Thus, the rank orders and the prototypic PB2 gene may be useful for predicting the present and future risks of PB2 genes of avian and mammalian IAVs.
Preterm infants with isolated cerebellar hemorrhage show bilateral cortical alterations at term equivalent age
Authors: Dijkshoorn Aicha B. C. , Turk Elise , Hortensius Lisa M. , van der Aa Niek E. , Hoebeek Freek E. , Groenendaal Floris , Benders Manon J. N. L. , Dudink Jeroen
Published: March 2020

The cerebellum is connected to numerous regions of the contralateral side of the cerebrum. Motor and cognitive deficits following neonatal cerebellar hemorrhages (CbH) in extremely preterm neonates may be related to remote cortical alterations, following disrupted cerebello-cerebral connectivity as was previously shown within six CbH infants. In this retrospective case series study, we used MRI and advanced surface-based analyses to reconstruct gray matter (GM) changes in cortical thickness and cortical surface area in extremely preterm neonates (median age = 26; range: 24.9–26.7 gestational weeks) with largeisolatedunilateral CbH (N = 5 patients). Each CbH infant was matched with their own preterm infant cohort (range: 20–36 infants) based on sex and gestational age at birth. On a macro level, our data revealed that the contralateral cerebral hemisphere of CbH neonates did not show less cortical thickness or cortical surface area than their ipsilateral cerebral hemisphere at term. None of the cases differed from their matched cohort groups in average cortical thickness or average cortical surface area in the ipsilateral or contralateral cerebral hemisphere. On a micro (i.e. vertex) level, we established high variability in significant local cortical GM alteration patterns across case-cohort groups, in which the cases showed thicker or bigger volume in some regions, among which the caudal middle frontal gyrus, insula and parahippocampal gyrus, and thinner or less volume in other regions, among which the cuneus, precuneus and supratentorial gyrus. This study highlights that cerebellar injury during postnatal stages may have  widespread bilateral influence on the early maturation of cerebral cortical regions, which implicate complex cerebello-cerebral interactions to be present at term birth.
Distributed source analysis of magnetoencephalography using a volume head model combined with statistical methods improves focus diagnosis in epilepsy surgery
Authors: Ishizaki Tomotaka , Maesawa Satoshi , Nakatsubo Daisuke , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Takai Sou , Shibata Masashi , Kato Sachiko , Natsume Jun , Hoshiyama Minoru , Wakabayashi Toshihiko
Published: March 2020

Deep-seated epileptic focus estimation using magnetoencephalography is challenging because of its low signal-to-noise ratio and the ambiguity of current sources estimated by interictal epileptiform discharge (IED). We developed a distributed source (DS) analysis method using a volume head model as the source space of the forward model and standardized low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography combined with statistical methods (permutation tests between IEDs and baselines and false discovery rate between voxels to reduce variation). We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the combined DS (cDS) analysis in surgical cases. In total, 19 surgical cases with adult and pediatric focal epilepsy were evaluated. Both cDS and equivalent current dipole (ECD) analyses were performed in all cases. The concordance rates of the two methods with surgically identified epileptic foci were calculated and compared with surgical outcomes. Concordance rates from the cDS analysis were significantly higher than those from the ECD analysis (68.4% vs. 26.3%), especially in cases with deep-seated lesions, such as in the interhemispheric, fronto-temporal base, and mesial temporal structures (81.8% vs. 9.1%). Furthermore, the concordance rate correlated well with surgical outcomes. In conclusion, cDS analysis has better diagnostic performance in focal epilepsy, especially with deep-seated epileptic focus, and potentially leads to good surgical outcomes.
A longitudinal study of prediagnostic metabolic biomarkers and the risk of molecular subtypes of colorectal cancer
Authors: Myte Robin , Harlid Sophia , Sundkvist Anneli , Gylling Björn , Häggström Jenny , Zingmark Carl , Burström Anna Löfgren , Palmqvist Richard , Guelpen Bethany Van
Published: March 2020

Body fatness increases the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Insulin resistance and altered adipokines are potential mechanisms, but previous biomarker studies have been inconsistent. Intertumoral heterogeneity might provide an explanation. We investigated insulin, C-peptide, adiponectin, and leptin in relation to CRC molecular subtypes using a nested case-control design (1010 cases, 1010 matched controls, median 12.3 years from baseline to CRC diagnosis) from the population-based Northern Sweden Health and Disease Study. Repeated samples were available from 518 participants. Risks of CRC and subtypes, defined by tumor BRAF and KRAS mutations and microsatellite instability (MSI) status, were estimated using conditional logistic regression and linear mixed models. Higher C-peptide and lower adiponectin were associated with increased CRC risk (odds ratios per standard deviation increase (95% CI): 1.11 (1.01, 1.23) and 0.91 (0.83, 1.00), respectively), though weakened when adjusted for body mass index. Insulin and leptin were not associated with CRC risk. Within-individual time trajectories were similar in cases and controls, and no subtype-specific relationships were identified (all Pheterogeneity > 0.1). Adiponectin was weakly inversely associated with the risk of KRAS-mutated (P = 0.08) but not BRAF-mutated or KRAS/BRAF-wildtype CRC, consistent with the one previous study. These findings contribute to an increased understanding of the complex role of body size in CRC.
Non-targeted urinary metabolomics in pregnancy and associations with fetal growth restriction
Authors: Clinton Chelsea M. , Bain James R. , Muehlbauer Michael J. , Li YuanYuan , Li Leping , O’Neal Sara K. , Hughes Brenna L. , Cantonwine David E. , Mcelrath Thomas F. , Ferguson Kelly K.
Published: March 2020

Our objective was to identify metabolites associated with fetal growth restriction (FGR) by examining early and late pregnancy differences in non-targeted urinary metabolites among FGR cases and non-FGR controls. An exploratory case-control study within LIFECODES birth cohort was performed. FGR cases (N = 30), defined as birthweight below the 10th percentile, were matched with controls (N = 30) based on maternal age, race, pre-pregnancy body mass index, and gestational age at delivery. Gas chromatography/electron-ionization mass spectrometry was performed on urine samples collected at 10 and 26 weeks of gestation. Differences in urinary metabolite levels in cases and controls at each time point and between the two time points were calculated and then changes compared across pregnancy. 137 unique urinary metabolites were annotated, and several identified that were higher in cases compared to controls. For example, urinary concentrations of benzoic acid were higher in cases compared to controls at both study visits (3.01-fold higher in cases at visit 1, p < 0.01; 3.10-fold higher in cases at visit 3, p = 0.05). However, these findings from our exploratory analysis were not robust to false-discovery-rate adjustment. In conclusion, using a high-resolution, non-targeted approach, we found specific urinary organic acids differed over pregnancy by FGR case status.
Relationships of diabetes and hyperglycaemia with intraocular pressure in a Japanese population: the JPHC-NEXT Eye Study
Authors: Hanyuda Akiko , Sawada Norie , Yuki Kenya , Uchino Miki , Ozawa Yoko , Sasaki Mariko , Yamagishi Kazumasa , Iso Hiroyasu , Tsubota Kazuo , Tsugane Shoichiro
Published: March 2020

Although a meta-analysis previously suggested a positive relationship between diabetes and intraocular pressure (IOP), the interrelationships among diabetes, IOP, and other ocular biometric parameters remain unclear. The present study investigated the relationships of diabetes, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and serum glucose with IOP and ocular hypertension (IOP > 21 mmHg) in non-glaucomatous Japanese adults living in Chikusei City. Diabetes was defined as a self-reported history of diabetes, the use of antidiabetic medication, or HbA1c levels ≥6.5%. Among 6,786 enrolled participants aged 40 years and above, 734 were classified as diabetic (10.8%). After adjusting for several confounders, the IOP values were significantly higher in participants with diabetes than in those without diabetes (14.4 ± 0.1 vs. 13.9 ± 0.1 mmHg, P < 0.001) and were also significantly increased in those with elevated HbA1c and serum glucose levels (both P < 0.001). Moreover, diabetes was significantly related to ocular hypertension (multivariable-adjusted odds ratio, 1.75; 95% confidence interval, 1.09–2.81; P < 0.05). The positive influence of diabetes with ocular hypertension was consistent even after adjustment for central corneal thickness. In conclusion, diabetes, elevated HbA1c, and increased serum glucose are significant contributing factors for elevated IOP.
Evidence that ERF transcriptional regulators serve as possible key molecules for natural variation in defense against herbivores in tall goldenrod
Authors: Takafuji Kento , Rim Hojun , Kawauchi Kentaro , Mujiono Kadis , Shimokawa Saki , Ando Yoshino , Shiojiri Kaori , Galis Ivan , Arimura Gen-ichiro
Published: March 2020

We collected Solidago altissima clones to explore their leaf damage resistance, and as a result identified five accessions that exhibited variable defense abilities against the generalist herbivore Spodoptera litura. In order to characterize molecules involved in such natural variation, we focused on ethylene response factors (ERFs) that exhibited distinct transcription patterns in the leaves of the five accessions (e.g., S1 and S2) after wounding: the transcript of SaERF1 and SaERF2 was induced in wounded S1 and S2 leaves, respectively. Although transcription levels of SaERFs in leaves of the five accessions did not correlate with the accessions’ phytohormone levels, these transcription levels accorded with the possibility that ethylene and jasmonate signaling play crucial roles in wound-induced transcription of SaERF1 in S1 leaves, and SaERF2 in S2 leaves, respectively. SaERF1 was found to be a positive regulator of the GCC box and DRE element in the upstream regions of promoters of defense genes, whereas SaERF2 served as a negative regulator of genes controlled through the GCC box. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing SaERF1 or SaERF2 showed enhanced and suppressed transcript levels, respectively, of a defensin gene, indicating that ERFs may be partly responsible for herbivore resistance properties of S. altissima accessions.
Stillbirth risk prediction using machine learning for a large cohort of births from Western Australia, 1980–2015
Authors: Malacova Eva , Tippaya Sawitchaya , Bailey Helen D. , Chai Kevin , Farrant Brad M. , Gebremedhin Amanuel T. , Leonard Helen , Marinovich Michael L. , Nassar Natasha , Phatak Aloke , Raynes-Greenow Camille , Regan Annette K. , Shand Antonia W. , Shepherd Carrington C. J. , Srinivasjois Ravisha , Tessema Gizachew A. , Pereira Gavin
Published: March 2020

Quantification of stillbirth risk has potential to support clinical decision-making. Studies that have attempted to quantify stillbirth risk have been hampered by small event rates, a limited range of predictors that typically exclude obstetric history, lack of validation, and restriction to a single classifier (logistic regression). Consequently, predictive performance remains low, and risk quantification has not been adopted into antenatal practice. The study population consisted of all births to women in Western Australia from 1980 to 2015, excluding terminations. After all exclusions there were 947,025 livebirths and 5,788 stillbirths. Predictive models for stillbirth were developed using multiple machine learning classifiers: regularised logistic regression, decision trees based on classification and regression trees, random forest, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and a multilayer perceptron neural network. We applied 10-fold cross-validation using independent data not used to develop the models. Predictors included maternal socio-demographic characteristics, chronic medical conditions, obstetric complications and family history in both the current and previous pregnancy. In this cohort, 66% of stillbirths were observed for multiparous women. The best performing classifier (XGBoost) predicted 45% (95% CI: 43%, 46%) of stillbirths for all women and 45% (95% CI: 43%, 47%) of stillbirths after the inclusion of previous pregnancy history. Almost half of stillbirths could be potentially identified antenatally based on a combination of current pregnancy complications, congenital anomalies, maternal characteristics, and medical history. Greatest sensitivity is achieved with addition of current pregnancy complications. Ensemble classifiers offered marginal improvement for prediction compared to logistic regression.
Speciation of chromium in waters using dispersive micro-solid phase extraction with magnetic ferrite and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry
Authors: López-García Ignacio , Marín-Hernández Juan José , Hernández-Córdoba Manuel
Published: March 2020

The combination of a solid-phase microextraction process with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry provides a very sensitive determination method for determining chromium in waters. Freshly prepared ferrite particles are used to retain the chromium species, and then separated by a magnet without the need for a centrifugation step. The solid phase is suspended in water and directly introduced into the graphite furnace to obtain the analytical signal. The complexation of Cr(III) with ethylenediaminetetraacetate allows the selective retention of Cr(VI), and thus the speciation of the metal. The procedure is sensitive (0.01 µg L−1detection limit when using a 10 mL sample aliquot) and reproducible (5% relative standard deviation for five consecutive experiments at the 0.3 µg L−1level). The reliability of the procedure is verified by analysing five certified water samples.
Circulating Diabetic Candidate Neurotrophic Factors, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Fibroblast Growth Factor 21, in Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Yen Hung-Hsuan , Hsieh Sung-Tsang , Chen Chi-Ling , Yang Wei-Shiung , Lee Po-Chu , Lin Ming-Tsan , Chen Chiung-Nien , Yang Po-Jen
Published: March 2020

Recent studies show brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) are neurotrophic factors associated with obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM). Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) can significantly reduce weight and improve DM. In this study, we enrolled 78 patients with obesity and evaluated the change of BDNF and FGF21 6 months after LSG. At baseline, the BDNF level was similar between the preoperative DM (n = 30) (17.1 ± 7.7 ng/ml) and non-DM (n = 48) (17.0 ± 6.9 ng/ml) patients with obesity, but FGF21 was significantly higher in the DM patients (201.5 ± 204.3 versus 107.6 ± 63.8 pg/ml). At 6 months after LSG, most of the preoperative DM patients (96.7%) had DM either resolved (66.7%) or improved (30%). BDNF increased and FGF21 decreased significantly regardless of the preoperative DM status, while FGF21 decreased more prominently in the preoperative DM patients (−92.6 ± 179.8 versus −4.6 ± 63.4 pg/ml). After adjusted for age, sex, and preoperative DM status, FGF21 became significantly and positively related to C-peptide (β = 18.887), insulin (β = 2.399), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (β = 8.566) after surgery. In conclusion, diabetic patients with obesity had higher FGF21 and similar BDNF levels compared to non-diabetic obese patients. BDNF increased and FGF21 decreased significantly after LSG. FGF21 became positively associated with several insulin-related profiles after surgery.
Author Correction: Carbon nanotubes promote cell migration in hydrogels
Authors: Ravanbakhsh Hossein , Bao Guangyu , Mongeau Luc
Published: March 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Future exacerbation of hot and dry summer monsoon extremes in India
Authors: Mishra Vimal , Thirumalai Kaustubh , Singh Deepti , Aadhar Saran
Published: March 2020

Summer monsoon (June-September) precipitation is crucial for agricultural activities in India. Extremes during the monsoon season can have deleterious effects on water availability and agriculture in the region. Here, we show that hot and dry extremes during the summer monsoon season significantly impact food production in India and find that they tend to occur during El Niño years during the observed record of 1951–2018. We then use an ensemble of climate simulations for the historic (1971–2000) and future (2006–2100) that capture this coupling between El Niño and the Indian monsoon to show that the frequency of concurrent hot and dry extremes increases by a factor of 1.5 under continued greenhouse warming during the 21st century. Despite projections of summer monsoon intensification on the order of ~10%, the rise in surface air temperatures as well as increase in rainfall variability contributes to more severe hot and dry monsoon extremes over India, thereby posing a substantial challenge to future food security in India.
The +2 oxidation state of Cr incorporated into the crystal lattice of UO2
Authors: Sun Mengli , Stackhouse Joshua , Kowalski Piotr M.
Published: March 2020

Doping by Cr is used to improve the performance of uranium dioxide (UO2)-based nuclear fuel. However, the mechanism of structural incorporation of Cr remains unclear. Here, in order to understand this process on the atomic scale and the redox state of Cr in UO2-based nuclear fuel, we performed intensive ab initio atomistic simulations of the Cr doped UO2 matrix. We unexpectedly found that Cr in UO2 exists as Cr2+ species and not as the widely claimed Cr3+. We re-evaluated previously published x-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy data and confirmed the computed redox state of Cr. Thermodynamic consideration shows that the favorable structural arrangement of Cr in UO2 is given by a pair of associated Cr2+ and oxygen vacancy. The realism of this doping mechanism is further demonstrated by a match to the measured maximum Cr solubility and small lattice contraction.
Carbon nanotube-supported Cu-based catalysts for oxidative carbonylation of methanol to methyl carbonate: effect of nanotube pore size
Authors: Zhao Dan , Zhang Guoqiang , Yan Lifei , Kong Lingqi , Zheng Huayan , Mi Jie , Li Zhong
Published: March 2020

The inner diameter of CNTs significantly affected the location, dispersion, autoreduction and stability of Cu species and thus the catalytic activity and stability for oxidative carbonylation of methanol to dimethyl carbonate.
Effects of ohmic heating on the immunoreactivity of β-lactoglobulin – a relationship towards structural aspects
Authors: Pereira Ricardo N. , Costa Joana , Rodrigues Rui M. , Villa Caterina , Machado Luís , Mafra Isabel , Vicente António
Published: March 2020

Ohmic heating changes the immunoreactivity of monomeric and aggregated β-LG forms.
Production of GABA-enrichedidliwith ACE inhibitory and antioxidant properties usingAspergillus oryzae: the antihypertensive effects in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Zareian Mohsen , Oskoueian Ehsan , Majdinasab Marjan , Forghani Bita
Published: March 2020

The present study aimed to develop a fermented food (idli) with enhanced γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory properties using a GABA-producing fungus.
Monovalent sulfur oxoanions enable millimeter-long single-crystallineh-WO3nanowire synthesis
Authors: Zhang Guozhu , Wang Chen , Mizukami Wataru , Hosomi Takuro , Nagashima Kazuki , Yoshida Hideto , Nakamura Kentaro , Takahashi Tsunaki , Kanai Masaki , Yasui Takao , Aoki Yuriko , Baba Yoshinobu , Yanagida Takeshi
Published: March 2020

Monovalent sulfur oxoanions (HSO4−and CH3SO3−), rather than the previously proposed SO42−, significantly promote the anisotropic nanowire growth of hexagonal WO3.
Targeting STAT3 anti-apoptosis pathways with organic and hybrid organic–inorganic inhibitors
Authors: Minus Matthew B. , Wang Haopei , Munoz Jaime O. , Stevens Alexandra M. , Mangubat-Medina Alicia E. , Krueger Michael J. , Liu Wei , Kasembeli Moses M. , Cooper Julian C. , Kolosov Mikhail I. , Tweardy David J. , Redell Michele S. , Ball Zachary T.
Published: March 2020

Recurrence and drug resistance are major challenges in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that spur efforts to identify new clinical targets and active agents.
Construction of H4xK2xSn2−xS4+x/TiO2 nanocomposites with enhanced visible light-driven photocatalytic performance
Authors: Wang Rongjing , Li Yaru , Sun Qianyi , Gao Kaihua , Pan Yufu , Li Meng , Zhang Feitian , Na Ping
Published: March 2020

The enhanced visible light photocatalytic performance of a newly fabricated nanostructure combined TiO2 with HKTS.
Synthesis, structure, and electronic properties of the Li11RbGd4Te6O30 single crystal
Authors: Zhu Zhi-An , He Yu-Cong , Lv Yang-Yang , Feng Jiang-He , Zhou Jian
Published: March 2020

The prime novelty of this research is the synthesis and theory analyses of a new kind of single crystal compound Li11RbGd4Te6O30 with Gd2O15 dimers.
Unprecedented surface stabilized InP quantum dots with bidentate ligands
Authors: Seo Haewoon , Bang Meehee , Kim Yongjin , Son Chaeyeon , Jeon Heung Bae , Kim Sang-Wook
Published: March 2020

For InP-based QDs, the current technology does not outperform CdSe-based QDs in many respects, one of which is stability.
Optimization of extraction parameters of Pleurotus eryngii polysaccharides and evaluation of the hypolipidemic effect
Authors: Zhao Yuanyuan , Chen Xuefeng , Zhao Yanni , Jia Wei , Chang Xiangna , Liu Huan , Liu Ning
Published: March 2020

The hot water extraction of polysaccharides from the fruiting body of Pleurotus eryngii was studied.
Enhancement performance of application mussel-biomimetic adhesive primer for dentin adhesives
Authors: Zhang Jiahui , Zhao Ying , Tian Zilu , Zhu Jiufu , Shi Zuosen , Cui Zhanchen , Zhu Song
Published: March 2020

In this study, a bioinspired adhesive primer monomer was prepared and evaluated for durable adhesion between dentin and composite resins.
Heterogeneous graph inference based on similarity network fusion for predicting lncRNA–miRNA interaction
Authors: Fan Yongxian , Cui Juan , Zhu QingQi
Published: March 2020

LncRNA and miRNA are two non-coding RNA types that are popular in current research.
Application of near-infrared hyperspectral imaging to identify a variety of silage maize seeds and common maize seeds
Authors: Bai Xiulin , Zhang Chu , Xiao Qinlin , He Yong , Bao Yidan
Published: March 2020

NIR-HSI and chemometrics were used to identify different varieties of common and silage maize seeds.
Identifying beliefs held by preservice chemistry teachers in order to improve instruction during their teaching courses
Authors: Kotul'áková Katarína
Published: March 2020

Today, science education demands preparation of scientifically literate people, emphasizing more the process of working with information than owning it. Such a task requires a deep understanding of pedagogical content knowledge by science teachers. This study focuses on revealing the beliefs of prospective chemistry teachers during their teaching preparation in order for them to be confronted and potentially changed. We focused on determining (a) how prospective chemistry teachers comprehend learning, (b) what they target for modification in students’ learning, (c) how they comprehend knowledge, and (d) how they see their role in science education. Q methodology was used to investigate the beliefs of 69 chemistry teacher candidates at all levels of teaching preparation having them rank and sort a series of 51 statements. The analysis showed three types of beliefs concerning science education: (1) active students do inquiry based on a constructivist approach (believed by more experienced and older preservice chemistry teachers), (2) the importance of learning facts and laws by exploring them, and (3) knowledge is the transfer of knowledge from a reliable source to the learner, a transmissive perspective predominantly held by the youngest preservice chemistry teachers. Based on the results, the study identifies particular issues which educators need to be aware of during preservice, preparation studies.
Wall teichoic acids govern cationic gold nanoparticle interaction with Gram-positive bacterial cell walls
Authors: Caudill Emily R. , Hernandez Rodrigo Tapia , Johnson Kyle P. , O'Rourke James T. , Zhu Lingchao , Haynes Christy L. , Feng Z. Vivian , Pedersen Joel A.
Published: March 2020

Cationic gold nanoparticle interaction with strains ofBacillus subtilisis dictated by wall teichoic acid structure and composition.
Recent progress in self-supported two-dimensional transition metal oxides and (oxy)hydroxides as oxygen evolution reaction catalysts
Authors: Zhang Jie , Si Conghui , Kou Tianyi , Wang Jianfeng , Zhang Zhonghua
Published: March 2020

The synthesis, activity enhancement methods and applications of 2D-SS-TMO OER catalysts are reviewed.
On-site growth method of 3D structured multi-layered graphene on silicon nanowires
Authors: Wallace Steaphan Mark , Jevasuwan Wipakorn , Fukata Naoki
Published: March 2020

A well-controlled sheet of multilayer graphene is grown on-site to conform to the shape of an underlying silicon nanowire substrate and which may be used in future photovoltaic device applications.
Methanol-induced fast CsBr release results in phase-pure CsPbBr3 perovskite nanoplatelets
Authors: Liu Xin , Luo Zhao , Yin Wenxu , Litvin Aleksandr P. , Baranov Alexander V. , Zhang Jiaqi , Liu Wenyan , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zheng Weitao
Published: March 2020

A suitable minor amount of a methanol additive leads to bright, monodispersed and phase-pure 8 unit-cell-thick CsPbBr3 NPLs.
Ambipolar transport in narrow bandgap semiconductor InSb nanowires
Authors: Dalelkhan B. , Göransson D. J. O. , Thelander C. , Li K. , Xing Y. J. , Maisi V. F. , Xu H. Q.
Published: March 2020

Excellent ambipolar transport characteristics are observed in nanowire field-effect transistors made from narrow bandgap semiconductor InSb nanowires.
Merging singlet-oxygen induced furan oxidations with organocatalysis: synthesis of enantiopure cyclopentanones and hydrindanes
Authors: Kalaitzakis Dimitris , Sofiadis Manolis , Tsopanakis Vasileios , Montagnon Tamsyn , Vassilikogiannakis Georgios
Published: March 2020

A general, flexible and highly effective method for the regio-, diastereo- & enantioselective one-pot synthesis of important carbocycles, namely, enantiopure cyclopentanones and their hydrindane congeners is presented.
Asymmetric trifluoromethylthiolation of azlactones under chiral phase transfer catalysis
Authors: Sicignano Marina , Rodríguez Ricardo I. , Capaccio Vito , Borello Fabio , Cano Rafael , De Riccardis Francesco , Bernardi Luca , Díaz-Tendero Sergio , Della Sala Giorgio , Alemán José
Published: March 2020

The first enantioselective method for the installation of the SCF3 group at the C-4 position of azlactones is described in the present communication under quinidinium phase transfer catalysis.
Photo-switching of surface wettability on micropatterned photopolymers for fast transport of water droplets over a long-distance
Authors: Rossegger E. , Nees D. , Turisser S. , Radl S. , Griesser T. , Schlögl S.
Published: March 2020

Long distance movement (>20 mm) of water droplets across thiol–acrylate photopolymers with inscribed wettability and Laplace pressure gradient is demonstrated.
Preparation of high-strength and lightweight microcellular polysulfone foam with a segregated CNT network for excellent electromagnetic shielding
Authors: Xie Yeping , Ye Fan , Chen Wenhua , Tang Jiahong , Liu Pengju
Published: March 2020

Microporous PSU/CNTs foams with segregated structure was prepared by combining the solid-phase milling and sc-CO2 foaming.
Assembly of graphene oxide on cotton fiber through dyeing and their properties
Authors: Zhou Jie , Luo Qiulan , Gao Pu , Ma Hui
Published: March 2020

Assembly structure of GO on the fiber in the dyeing process is more regular than that in the dip-drying process.
The retention of topic specific pck: a longitudinal study with beginning chemistry teachers
Authors: Miheso Josephat M. , Mavhunga Elizabeth
Published: March 2020

What evidence counts as teacher quality is a debate of continued interest to the teacher education community. Many education scholars have argued for the importance of retention of knowledge as an indicator of the quality of education acquired. This study explored the retention of the quality of planned Topic Specific Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TSPCK) in a case study of seven chemistry pre-service teachers in their final year of study towards a BEd degree. They were exposed to a TSPCK based intervention in either Organic Chemistry or Stoichiometry as a topic and subsequently followed two years later into their practice as beginning teachers. The study employed a longitudinal qualitative research design with sets of data collected at three different points: pre-intervention, post-intervention and delayed post-intervention (two years later). Data collected included a combination of completed TSPCK tools and audio-recorded stimulated recall interviews. The analysis of completed TSPCK tools entailed the use of a criterion-based rubric for shifts in the quality of planned TSPCK and the recorded interviews were analysed through content analysis. Evidence of learning during the intervention and in-practice was analysed using the qualitative in-depth analysis for developing TSPCK and the Vygotskian sociocultural theoretical framework. Findings from the first and second sets of data confirmed a gain in the quality of planned TSPCK at the end of the intervention. The findings from the second and third sets revealed the beginning teachers’ successful retention and continued growth two years in practice. Implications for teacher preparation are discussed.
A 1D/2D WO3 nanostructure coupled with a nanoparticulate CuO cocatalyst for enhancing solar-driven CO2 photoreduction: the impact of the crystal facet
Authors: Zhang Mengmeng , Zhao Kai , Xiong Jinyan , Wei Yi , Han Chao , Li Weijie , Cheng Gang
Published: March 2020

WO3 nanowires with a {110} dominant facet and WO3 nanosheets with a {001} dominant facet coupled with CuO nanoparticles are fabricated and the crystal facet impact on CO2 photoreduction is discussed.
Imidazolium cation enabled reversibility of a hydroquinone derivative for designing aqueous redox electrolytes
Authors: Ye Ruijie , Henkensmeier Dirk , Chen Ruiyong
Published: March 2020

Redox flow batteries are promising devices for large-scale stationary energy storage.
Patterning of colloids into spirals via confined drying
Authors: Mondal Ranajit , Basavaraj Madivala G.
Published: March 2020

The colloidal dispersions dried in parallel plate confinement leave intriguing spiral patterns. Such deposit patterns form irrespective of confinement spacing, concentration of particles, volume of the dispersion, particle shape and substrate wettability.
Real-time and reversible light-actuated microfluidic channel squeezing in dye-doped PDMS
Authors: Angelini Angelo , Agero Ubirajara , Ferrarese Lupi Federico , Fretto Matteo , Pirri Fabrizio , Frascella Francesca
Published: March 2020

Reversible and real time light-triggered control of flows in a microfluidic azo doped device.
Self-assembly and phase behavior of mixed patchy colloids with any bonding site geometry: theory and simulation
Authors: Zhu Yiwei , Bansal Artee , Xi Shun , Lu Jinxin , Chapman Walter G.
Published: March 2020

Novel theory incorporating multibody correlations accurately predicts aggregation and phase behavior in mixed Janus, Saturn ring, and Ternary patchy colloids.
The critical role of configurational flexibility in facilitating reversible reactive metal deposition from borohydride solutions
Authors: Hahn Nathan T. , Self Julian , Seguin Trevor J. , Driscoll Darren M. , Rodriguez Mark A. , Balasubramanian Mahalingam , Persson Kristin A. , Zavadil Kevin R.
Published: March 2020

The size-dependent coordination tendencies of metal dications determine their relative abilities to form associated ionic clusters and thus their relative performance in multivalent battery electrolytes.