bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphate clearance in peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Debowska Malgorzata , Gomez Rafael , Pinto Joyce , Waniewski Jacek , Lindholm Bengt
Published: October 2020

In renal failure, hyperphosphatemia is common and correlates with increased mortality making phosphate removal a key priority for dialysis therapy. We investigated phosphate clearance, removal and serum level, and factors associated with phosphate control in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory (CAPD), continuous cyclic (CCPD) and automated (APD) peritoneal dialysis (PD). In 154 prevalent PD patients (mean age 53.2 ± 17.6 year, 59% men, 47% anuric), 196 daily collections of urine and 368 collections of dialysate were evaluated in terms of renal, peritoneal and total (renal plus peritoneal) phosphorus removal (g/week), phosphate and creatinine clearances (L/week) and urea KT/V. Dialytic removal of phosphorus was lower in APD (1.34 ± 0.62 g/week) than in CAPD (1.89 ± 0.73 g/week) and CCPD (1.91 ± 0.63 g/week) patients; concomitantly, serum phosphorus was higher in APD than in CAPD (5.55 ± 1.61 vs. 4.84 ± 1.23 mg/dL; p < 0.05). Peritoneal and total phosphate clearances correlated with peritoneal (rho = 0.93) and total (rho = 0.85) creatinine clearances (p < 0.001) but less with peritoneal and total urea KT/V (rho = 0.60 and rho = 0.65, respectively, p < 0.001). Phosphate removal, clearance and serum levels differed between PD modalities. CAPD was associated with higher peritoneal removal and lower serum level of phosphate than APD.
Oxygen vacancies induced photoluminescence in $$\hbox {SrZnO}_2$$ nanophosphors probed by theoretical and experimental analysis
Authors: Manju  , Jain Megha , Madas Saibabu , Vashishtha Pargam , Rajput Parasmani , Gupta Govind , Kahaly Mousumi Upadhyay , Özdoğan Kemal , Vij Ankush , Thakur Anup
Published: October 2020

We report, for the first time, the influence of oxygen vacancies on band structure and local electronic structure of $$\hbox {SrZnO}_2$$

SrZnO
2

(SZO) nanophosphors by combined first principle calculations based on density functional theory and full multiple scattering theory, correlated with experimental results obtained from X-ray absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopies. The band structure analysis from density functional theory revealed the formation of new energy states in the forbidden gap due to introduction of oxygen vacancies in the system, thereby causing disruption in intrinsic symmetry and altering bond lengths in SZO system. These defect states are anticipated as origin of observed photoluminescence in SZO nanophosphors. The experimental X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) at Zn and Sr K-edges were successfully imitated by simulated XANES obtained after removing oxygen atoms around Zn and Sr cores, which affirmed the presence and signature of oxygen vacancies on near edge structure.
Ordered interpersonal synchronisation in ASD children via robots
Authors: Giannopulu Irini , Etournaud Aude , Terada Kazunori , Velonaki Mari , Watanabe Tomio
Published: October 2020

Children with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) experience persistent disrupted coordination in interpersonal synchronisation that is thought to be associated with deficits in neural connectivity. Robotic interventions have been explored for use with ASD children worldwide revealing that robots encourage one-to-one social and emotional interactions. However, associations between interpersonal synchronisation and emotional empathy have not yet been directly explored in French and Japanese ASD children when they interact with a human or a robot under analogous experimental conditions. Using the paradigm of actor-perceiver, where the child was the actor and the robot or the human the perceiver, we recorded the autonomic heart rate activation and reported emotional feelings of ASD children in both countries. Japanese and French ASD children showed different interpersonal synchronisation when they interacted with the human perceiver, even though the human was the same in both countries. However, they exhibited similar interpersonal synchronisation when the perceiver was the robot. The findings suggest that the mechanism combining interpersonal synchronisation and emotional empathy might be weakened but not absent in ASD children and that both French and Japanese ASD children do spontaneously and unconsciously discern non verbal actions of non human partners through a direct matching process that occurs via automatic mapping.
Incisional hernia after 2498 single-port access (SPA) gynecologic surgery over a 10-year period
Authors: Noh Joseph J. , Kim Tae-Hyun , Kim Chul-Jung , Kim Tae-Joong
Published: October 2020

The present study was conducted to report the perioperative outcomes of single-port access (SPA) laparoscopic gynecologic surgeries with focus on the incidence of postoperative incisional hernia from our cumulative data of 2498 patients. A retrospective review was performed on the women who had received SPA surgeries from 2008 to 2018. Patient characteristics and perioperative outcomes including the incidence of postoperative incisional hernia were analyzed. There were 2498 Korean patients who received SPA surgeries for various gynecologic diseases. The median age of the patients was 40.3 ± 9.2 years, and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 22.6 ± 3.2 kg/m2. A total of 3 postoperative incisional hernia occurred during the study period. Two patients whose fascial layers were closed in running sutures developed hernias 6 and 8 months after their operations. One patient whose fascial layers were closed in interrupted sutures developed hernia 11 months after her operation. The incidence of postoperative incisional hernia following SPA surgery is low in Asian women whose BMI is relatively lower than other patient populations. Interrupted suture technique may reduce postoperative incisional hernia by providing a distinct visualization of fascial layers during closure. Detailed descriptions of our surgical techniques of closing the port incision are provided.
Impacts of parent material on distributions of potentially toxic elements in soils from Pearl River Delta in South China
Authors: Hou Qingye , Yang Zhongfang , Yu Tao , You Yuanhang , Dou Lei , Li Kuo
Published: October 2020

Assessing the impacts of parent material on distributions of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soils has significant consequences in the apportionment of their sources. In this study, geochemical distributions and sources of PTEs in the soils developed in quaternary sediments and granite plutons of Pearl River Delta (PRD), South China, were investigated. The results indicate that there are systematic differences between the concentrations of oxides and PTEs in the soils developed in these two parent materials. The parent material predominantly determines the element distributions in the soils. The PTEs of the deep soils developed in quaternary sediments originated mainly from mafic, felsic, and carbonate sources materials as well as polymetallic deposits. For the deep soils developed in granite plutons, the element associations are governed mainly by their geochemical affinities and behaviors and the mineral compositions of granite plutons. Anthropogenic activities impact the features of the PTEs in the surface soils of PRD. However, superimposed regional-scale pollution was found to not hide the effect of the parent material on the distribution of PTEs in the surface soils.
Duodenal acidification induces gastric relaxation and alters epithelial barrier function by a mast cell independent mechanism
Authors: Vanheel Hanne , Vicario Maria , Beeckmans Dorien , Cocca Silvia , Wauters Lucas , Accarie Alison , Toth Joran , Rodewald Hans-Reimer , De Hertogh Gert , Matteoli Gianluca , Boeckxstaens Guy , Tack Jan , Farre Ricard , Vanuytsel Tim
Published: October 2020

Duodenal hyperpermeability and low-grade inflammation in functional dyspepsia is potentially related to duodenal acid exposure. We aimed to evaluate in healthy volunteers the involvement of mast cell activation on the duodenogastric reflex and epithelial integrity during duodenal acidification. This study consisted of 2 parts: (1) Duodenal infusion of acid or saline during thirty minutes in a randomized, double-blind cross-over manner with measurement of intragastric pressure (IGP) using high resolution manometry and collection of duodenal biopsies to measure epithelial barrier function and the expression of cell-to-cell adhesion proteins. Mast cells and eosinophils were counted and activation and degranulation status were assessed. (2) Oral treatment with placebo or mast cell stabilizer disodiumcromoglycate (DSCG) prior to duodenal perfusion with acid, followed by the procedures described above. Compared with saline, acidification resulted in lower IGP (P < 0.01), increased duodenal permeability (P < 0.01) and lower protein expression of claudin-3 (P < 0.001). Protein expression of tryptase (P < 0.001) was increased after acid perfusion. Nevertheless, an ultrastructural examination did not reveal degranulation of mast cells. DSCG did not modify the drop in IGP and barrier dysfunction induced by acid. Duodenal acidification activates an inhibitory duodenogastric motor reflex and, impairs epithelial integrity in healthy volunteers. However, these acid mediated effects occur independently from mast cell activation.
Implication of a new function of human tDNAs in chromatin organization
Authors: Iwasaki Yuki , Ikemura Toshimichi , Kurokawa Ken , Okada Norihiro
Published: October 2020

Transfer RNA genes (tDNAs) are essential genes that encode tRNAs in all species. To understand new functions of tDNAs, other than that of encoding tRNAs, we used ENCODE data to examine binding characteristics of transcription factors (TFs) for all tDNA regions (489 loci) in the human genome. We divided the tDNAs into three groups based on the number of TFs that bound to them. At the two extremes were tDNAs to which many TFs bound (Group 1) and those to which no TFs bound (Group 3). Several TFs involved in chromatin remodeling such as ATF3, EP300 and TBL1XR1 bound to almost all Group 1 tDNAs. Furthermore, almost all Group 1 tDNAs included DNase I hypersensitivity sites and may thus interact with other chromatin regions through their bound TFs, and they showed highly conserved synteny across tetrapods. In contrast, Group 3 tDNAs did not possess these characteristics. These data suggest the presence of a previously uncharacterized function of these tDNAs. We also examined binding of CTCF to tDNAs and their involvement in topologically associating domains (TADs) and lamina-associated domains (LADs), which suggest a new perspective on the evolution and function of tDNAs.
Lung function over the life course of paediatric and adult patients with cystic fibrosis from a large multi-centre registry
Authors: Earnest Arul , Salimi Farhad , Wainwright Claire E. , Bell Scott C. , Ruseckaite Rasa , Ranger Tom , Kotsimbos Tom , Ahern Susannah
Published: October 2020

A key measure of lung function in people with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second FEV1 percent predicted (FEV1pp). This study aimed to address challenges in identifying predictors of FEV1pp, specifically dealing with non-linearity and the censoring effect of death. Data was obtained from a large multi-centre Australian Cystic Fibrosis Data Registry (ACFDR). A linear mixed model was used to study FEV1pp as the endpoint. There were 3655 patients (52.4% male) included in our study. Restricted cubic splines were used to fit the non-linear relationship between age of visit and FEV1pp. The following predictors were found to be significant in the multivariate model: age of patient at visit, BMI z-score, age interaction with lung transplantation, insulin dependent diabetes, cirrhosis/portal hypertension, pancreatic insufficiency, Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection and baseline variability in FEV1pp. Those with P. aeruginosa infection had a lower mean difference in FEV1pp of 4.7 units, p < 0.001 compared to those who did not have the infection. Joint modelling with mortality outcome did not materially affect our findings. These models will prove useful for to study the impact of CFTR modulator therapies on rate of change of lung function among patients with CF.
A C-peptide complex with albumin and Zn2+ increases measurable GLUT1 levels in membranes of human red blood cells
Authors: Geiger M. , Janes T. , Keshavarz H. , Summers S. , Pinger C. , Fletcher D. , Zinn K. , Tennakoon M. , Karunarathne A. , Spence D.
Published: October 2020

People with type 1 diabetes (T1D) require exogenous administration of insulin, which stimulates the translocation of the GLUT4 glucose transporter to cell membranes. However, most bloodstream cells contain GLUT1 and are not directly affected by insulin. Here, we report that C-peptide, the 31-amino acid peptide secreted in equal amounts with insulin in vivo, is part of a 3-component complex that affects red blood cell (RBC) membranes. Multiple techniques were used to demonstrate saturable and specific C-peptide binding to RBCs when delivered as part of a complex with albumin. Importantly, when the complex also included Zn2+, a significant increase in cell membrane GLUT1 was measured, thus providing a cellular effect similar to insulin, but on a transporter on which insulin has no effect.
Extraordinary optical transmission through periodic Drude-like graphene sheets using FDTD algorithms and its unconditionally stable approximate Crank–Nicolson implementation
Authors: Wu Shihong , Sun Yumei , Chi Mingmei , Chen Xiangguang
Published: October 2020

Based upon the approximate Crank–Nicolson (CN) finite-difference time-domain method implementation, the unconditionally stable algorithm is proposed to investigate the wave propagation and transmission through extremely thin graphene layers. More precisely, by incorporating the CN Douglas–Gunn algorithm, the piecewise linear recursive convolution method and the auxiliary differential equation method, the analytical model is proposed for Drude-like graphene model. To obtain the solution of the governing equations, the perfectly matched layer and the periodic boundary condition are applied to the graphene structure with two dimensional nano-materials. Numerical examples are carried out for further investigation. During the simulation, the influences of the parameters such as the grating slit and its thickness on the wave transmission are investigated and discussed. The result shows that not only the graphene grating has high transmission performance but also the proposed methods have considerable performance and accuracy.
In vivo assessment of mitochondrial respiratory alternative oxidase activity and cyclic electron flow around photosystem I on small coral fragments
Authors: Vega de Luna Félix , Córdoba-Granados Juan José , Dang Kieu-Van , Roberty Stéphane , Cardol Pierre
Published: October 2020

The mutualistic relationship existing between scleractinian corals and their photosynthetic endosymbionts involves a complex integration of the metabolic pathways within the holobiont. Respiration and photosynthesis are the most important of these processes and although they have been extensively studied, our understanding of their interactions and regulatory mechanisms is still limited. In this work we performed chlorophyll-a fluorescence, oxygen exchange and time-resolved absorption spectroscopy measurements on small and thin fragments (0.3 cm2) of the coral Stylophora pistillata. We showed that the capacity of mitochondrial alternative oxidase accounted for ca. 25% of total coral respiration, and that the high-light dependent oxygen uptake, commonly present in isolated Symbiodiniaceae, was negligible. The ratio between photosystem I (PSI) and photosystem II (PSII) active centers as well as their respective electron transport rates, indicated that PSI cyclic electron flow occurred in high light in S. pistillata and in some branching and lamellar coral species freshly collected in the field. Altogether, these results show the potential of applying advanced biophysical and spectroscopic methods on small coral fragments to understand the complex mechanisms of coral photosynthesis and respiration and their responses to environmental changes.
Normalized difference vegetation index as the dominant predicting factor of groundwater recharge in phreatic aquifers: case studies across Iran
Authors: Parizi Esmaeel , Hosseini Seiyed Mossa , Ataie-Ashtiani Behzad , Simmons Craig T.
Published: October 2020

The estimation of long-term groundwater recharge rate ($${GW}_{r}$$

GW

r

) is a pre-requisite for efficient management of groundwater resources, especially for arid and semi-arid regions. Precise estimation of $${GW}_{r}$$

GW

r

is probably the most difficult factor of all measurements in the evaluation of GW resources, particularly in semi-arid regions in which the recharge rate is typically small and/or regions with scarce hydrogeological data. The main objective of this study is to find and assess the predicting factors of $${GW}_{r}$$

GW

r

at an aquifer scale. For this purpose, 325 Iran’s phreatic aquifers (61% of Iran’s aquifers) were selected based on the data availability and the effect of eight predicting factors were assessed on $${GW}_{r}$$

GW

r

estimation. The predicting factors considered include Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), mean annual temperature ($$T$$
T
), the ratio of precipitation to potential evapotranspiration ($${P/ET}_{P}$$

P
/
E
T

P

), drainage density ($${D}_{d}$$

D
d

), mean annual specific discharge ($${Q}_{s}$$

Q
s

), Mean Slope ($$S$$
S
), Soil Moisture ($${SM}_{90}$$

SM

90

), and population density ($${Pop}_{d}$$

Pop

d

). The local and global Moran’s I index, geographically weighted regression (GWR), and two-step cluster analysis served to support the spatial analysis of the results. The eight predicting factors considered are positively correlated to $${GW}_{r}$$

GW

r

and the NDVI has the greatest influence followed by the $$P/{ET}_{P}$$

P
/

ET

P

and $${SM}_{90}$$

SM

90

. In the regression model, NDVI solely explained 71% of the variation in $${GW}_{r}$$

GW

r

, while other drivers have only a minor modification (3.6%). The results of this study provide new insight into the complex interrelationship between $${GW}_{r}$$

GW

r

and vegetation density indicated by the NDVI. The findings of this study can help in better estimation of $${GW}_{r}$$

GW

r

especially for the phreatic aquifers that the hydrogeological ground-data requisite for establishing models are scarce.
Local and metastatic curative radiotherapy in patients with de novo oligometastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Reverberi C. , Massaro M. , Osti M. F. , Anzellini D. , Marinelli L. , Montalto A. , De Sanctis V. , Valeriani M.
Published: October 2020

The aim of this observational study is to investigate whether local consolidative treatment delivered to the primary site and metastatic tumour burden may add survival benefit to de novo oligometastatic prostate cancer (Oligo-PCa) patients. We retrospectively reviewed all Oligo-PCa patients treated with radiotherapy to the primary tumor sites and metastatic tumor burden at our institution between March 2010 and June 2019. All patients having ≤ 5 metastases involving nodes and/or bones, loco-regional and/or extra-pelvic sites, were included. Most of the patients had started androgen deprivation therapy with or without docetaxel as standard of care before radiotherapy. The Kaplan Meier analysis was performed to estimate survival outcomes. The univariate analysis tested possible prognostic factors increasing the rate of biochemical relapse. We analysed 37 Oligo-PCa patients. Twenty-eight (75.7%) had loco-regional metastases, in 9 patients (24.3%) the metastatic tumour burden was extra-pelvic. Nineteen (51.4%) had bone metastases, 21 (56.8%) nodal involvement and 7 (18.9%) both. Twenty (54.1%) had a single metastasis. The median follow-up was 55.5 months. The median overall survival (OS) was 68.8 months, the 2- and 5-year OS rates were 96.9% and 65.4%. The median biochemical relapse free survival (b-RFS) was 58 months and the 2- and 5-year b-RFS rates were 73.3% and 39.3%. The 2- and 5-year local relapse free survival rates were 93.9% and 83.7%. On the univariate analysis post-treatment PSA level ≤ 1 ng/ml was significantly related with the b-RFS (p = 0.004). Curative approach in Oligo-PCa patients involving both the primary tumor and metastatic sites may be feasible and well tolerate. Many patients presented longer survival and PSA at first follow-up was the most important prognostic factor. Further trials are needed to confirm our results and to evaluate if patients with PSA at first follow-up > 1 ng/ml may benefit from further treatments.
Accurate and sensitive detection of Salmonella in foods by engineered bacteriophages
Authors: Nguyen Minh M. , Gil Jose , Brown Matthew , Cesar Tondo Eduardo , Soraya Martins de Aquino Nathanyelle , Eisenberg Marcia , Erickson Stephen
Published: October 2020

Salmonella is a major causative agent of foodborne illness and rapid identification of this pathogen is essential to prevent disease. Currently most assays require high bacterial burdens or prolonged enrichment to achieve acceptable performance. A reduction in testing time without loss of sensitivity is critical to allow food processors to safely decrease product holding time. To meet this need, a method was developed to detect Salmonella using luciferase reporter bacteriophages. Bacteriophages were engineered to express NanoLuc, a novel optimized luciferase originating from the deep-sea shrimp Oplophorus gracilirostris. NanoLuc-expressing bacteriophages had a limit of detection of 10–100 CFU per mL in culture without enrichment. Luciferase reporters demonstrated a broad host range covering all Salmonella species with one reporter detecting 99.3% of 269 inclusivity strains. Cross-reactivity was limited and only observed with other members of the Enterobacteriaceae family. In food matrix studies, a cocktail of engineered bacteriophages accurately detected 1 CFU in either 25 g of ground turkey with a 7 h enrichment or 100 g of powdered infant formula with a 16 h enrichment. Use of the NanoLuc reporter assay described herein resulted in a considerable reduction in enrichment time without a loss of sensitivity.
Gender- and age-related differences in homocysteine concentration: a cross-sectional study of the general population of China
Authors: Xu Ranran , Huang Fei , Wang Yiru , Liu Qingquan , Lv Yongman , Zhang Qian
Published: October 2020

The primary goals of this study were to evaluate the gender- and age-related differences in homocysteine concentration in the general population of China and possible influencing factors. A total of 7872 subjects, divided into male and female groups, participated in this retrospective study. The average homocysteine level, prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia, and independent factors affecting homocysteine concentration were analyzed. The homocysteine level was significantly higher in males than in females in each age range (aged 20–30, aged 30–40, aged 40–50, aged 50–60, aged 60–80, aged over 80) (P < 0.0001), and the trend did not abate with age. The homocysteine concentration first decreased and then increased, being lowest at 30–50 years of age and significantly increased after 50 years of age. Factors associated with homocysteine concentration in males were smoking status (current smokers versus ex-smokers: β: 0.112), estimated glomerular filtration rate (β =  − 0.192), blood urea nitrogen (β =  − 0.14), diastolic blood pressure (β =  − 0.113), free triiodothyronine (β =  − 0.091), serum potassium (β =  − 0.107) and cystatin C (β = 0.173). In females, independent factors associated with homocysteine concentration were cystatin C (β = 0.319), albumin (β = 0.227), free thyroxine (β = 0.179), age (β = 0.148), free triiodothyronine (β =  − 0.217) and serum potassium (β =  − 0.153). The homocysteine level was significantly higher in males than in females and increased markedly after 50 years of age in both groups. The independent factors associated with increased homocysteine concentration differed between males and females.
Causal associations between urinary sodium with body mass, shape and composition: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Feng Qi , Yuan Shuai , Yang Qian , Lu Yingchang , Loos Ruth J. F. , LI Gloria H. Y. , Fei Yue , Tsoi Man Fung , Cheung Ching Lung , Cheung Bernard M. Y.
Published: October 2020

Observational studies have found associations between urinary sodium (UNa) with obesity, body shape and composition; but the findings may be biased by residual confounding. The objective of this two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was to analyze their causal associations in both sex-combined and sex-specific models. Genome-wide association studies of UNa, body mass index (BMI), BMI-adjusted waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body fat (BF) percentage and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were identified. We initially extracted fifty SNPs associated with UNa at significance level of 5 × 10–8, but further removed those SNPs with potential horizontal pleiotropy. Univariable and multivariable MR with adjustment for eGFR were performed. Inverse-variance weighted MR was performed as the primary analysis, with MR-Egger methods as sensitivity analysis. The potential bidirectional association between BMI and UNa was investigated. All exposure and outcomes were continuous, and the effect measure was regression coefficients (beta) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The total sample size was up to 322 154. UNa was causally associated with increased BMI in both men [eGFR-adjusted beta 0.443 (0.163–0.724)] and women [0.594 (0.333–0.855)]. UNa caused BF percentage increase in men [0.622 (0.268–0.976)] and women [0.334 (0.007–0.662)]. UNa significantly elevated BMI-adjusted WHR in men [0.321 (0.094–0.548)], but not in women [0.170 (− 0.052 to 0.391)]. Additionally, we found that BMI causally increased UNa [0.043 (0.023–0.063)]. UNa increased BMI and BF percentage. Salt intake affects male body shape by increasing BMI-adjusted WHR, but showed no effects on female body shape. The bidirectional association between BMI and UNa suggested that salt reduction measures and weight reduction measures should be implemented simultaneously to break the vicious cycle and gain more health benefits.
Preventive digital mental health interventions for children and young people: a review of the design and reporting of research
Authors: Bergin Aislinn D. , Vallejos Elvira Perez , Davies E. Bethan , Daley David , Ford Tamsin , Harold Gordon , Hetrick Sarah , Kidner Megan , Long Yunfei , Merry Sally , Morriss Richard , Sayal Kapil , Sonuga-Barke Edmund , Robinson Jo , Torous John , Hollis Chris
Published: October 2020

Digital health interventions (DHIs) have frequently been highlighted as one way to respond to increasing levels of mental health problems in children and young people. Whilst many are developed to address existing mental health problems, there is also potential for DHIs to address prevention and early intervention. However, there are currently limitations in the design and reporting of the development, evaluation and implementation of preventive DHIs that can limit their adoption into real-world practice. This scoping review aimed to examine existing evidence-based DHI interventions and review how well the research literature described factors that researchers need to include in their study designs and reports to support real-world implementation. A search was conducted for relevant publications published from 2013 onwards. Twenty-one different interventions were identified from 30 publications, which took a universal (n = 12), selective (n = 3) and indicative (n = 15) approach to preventing poor mental health. Most interventions targeted adolescents, with only two studies including children aged ≤10 years. There was limited reporting of user co-design involvement in intervention development. Barriers and facilitators to implementation varied across the delivery settings, and only a minority reported financial costs involved in delivering the intervention. This review found that while there are continued attempts to design and evaluate DHIs for children and young people, there are several points of concern. More research is needed with younger children and those from poorer and underserved backgrounds. Co-design processes with children and young people should be recognised and reported as a necessary component within DHI research as they are an important factor in the design and development of interventions, and underpin successful adoption and implementation. Reporting the type and level of human support provided as part of the intervention is also important in enabling the sustained use and implementation of DHIs.
Network integration and modelling of dynamic drug responses at multi-omics levels
Authors: Selevsek Nathalie , Caiment Florian , Nudischer Ramona , Gmuender Hans , Agarkova Irina , Atkinson Francis L. , Bachmann Ivo , Baier Vanessa , Barel Gal , Bauer Chris , Boerno Stefan , Bosc Nicolas , Clayton Olivia , Cordes Henrik , Deeb Sally , Gotta Stefano , Guye Patrick , Hersey Anne , Hunter Fiona M. I. , Kunz Laura , Lewalle Alex , Lienhard Matthias , Merken Jort , Minguet Jasmine , Oliveira Bernardo , Pluess Carla , Sarkans Ugis , Schrooders Yannick , Schuchhardt Johannes , Smit Ines , Thiel Christoph , Timmermann Bernd , Verheijen Marcha , Wittenberger Timo , Wolski Witold , Zerck Alexandra , Heymans Stephane , Kuepfer Lars , Roth Adrian , Schlapbach Ralph , Niederer Steven , Herwig Ralf , Kleinjans Jos
Published: October 2020

Uncovering cellular responses from heterogeneous genomic data is crucial for molecular medicine in particular for drug safety. This can be realized by integrating the molecular activities in networks of interacting proteins. As proof-of-concept we challenge network modeling with time-resolved proteome, transcriptome and methylome measurements in iPSC-derived human 3D cardiac microtissues to elucidate adverse mechanisms of anthracycline cardiotoxicity measured with four different drugs (doxorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin and daunorubicin). Dynamic molecular analysis at in vivo drug exposure levels reveal a network of 175 disease-associated proteins and identify common modules of anthracycline cardiotoxicity in vitro, related to mitochondrial and sarcomere function as well as remodeling of extracellular matrix. These in vitro-identified modules are transferable and are evaluated with biopsies of cardiomyopathy patients. This to our knowledge most comprehensive study on anthracycline cardiotoxicity demonstrates a reproducible workflow for molecular medicine and serves as a template for detecting adverse drug responses from complex omics data.
Curcumin Pharmacokinetics and Plasma Determination
Authors: Stohs Sidney J. , Preuss Harry G. , Ji Jin , Chen C. Y. Oliver , Ruff Kevin J. , Ray Sidhartha D. , Bucci Luke R.
Published: October 2020

Although curcumin has been shown to exert a plethora of desirable biochemical, physiological and pharmacological activities, poor solubility and poor absorption in the free form in the gastrointestinal tract as well as rapid biotransformation to inactive forms greatly limit its utility. As a consequence, various formulations have been developed to enhance curcumin bioavailability, including those with liposomes, micelles, gelatin and polysaccharide complexes, and nano-particulate preparations including nano-crystals, nano-gels, nano-emulsions, nano-micelles, polymers, dendrimers, solid dispersions and conjugates. For various reasons, including differences in curcumin dose and material (administered) dose, inappropriate use of hydrolysis, differences in subjects and variations in plasma sample handling and analytical methods, meaningful comparisons of efficacy and bioavailability have been difficult to achieve. Due to the low detectability of curcumin and its metabolites in early studies with unformulated curcumin, hydrolysis of curcumin conjugates in plasma samples has been employed to enhance detectable levels of curcumin. Unfortunately, this practice has continued, with most pharmacokinetic studies of curcumin in humans still employing hydrolysis of plasma samples. As a consequence, plasma levels of free, bioactive curcumin are not being determined. This chapter reviews human pharmacokinetic studies involving curcumin formulations that have been conducted and published to date.
Molecular Docking Studies of Curcumin
Authors: Baspinar Y.
Published: October 2020

Computation, such as high-throughput screening and virtual screening, which are essential tools of modern drug discovery research, has an important role in drug discovery. Molecular docking is an in silico method used to develop the homology model for a novel drug candidate. Due to the fact that curcumin is a well-known drug, molecular docking in that context can be performed either for investigating the binding capacities of curcumin with novel targeted molecules or for curcumin analogs. Molecular docking is very useful and reasonably reliable for predicting putative binding interactions, activities and affinities of drugs for macromolecules like proteins.
Nanodrug Delivery Formulations for Curcumin Absorption
Authors: Taghipour Yasamin Davatgaran , Samadian Hadi , Farzaei Mohammad Hosein
Published: October 2020

Curcumin (Curcuma Longa), a natural yellow phenolic extract of the rhizome turmeric, is a natural antioxidant that has been used for centuries in diets and traditional medicines. Curcumin has shown many pharmacological properties, for instance, anti-inflammatory, anti-Alzheimer, anti-microbial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, nephroprotective, antirheumatic, cardioprotective and antidiabetic activities in both preclinical and clinical studies. In spite of such a long list of brilliant advantages, curcumin suffers from low aqueous solubility, which has compromised the bioavailability and the biodistribution of curcumin. Nanotechnology and nanomaterials that deal with the substance in the molecular and nanometric levels can efficiently overcome these limitations. Nanomaterials can effectively isolate curcumin from aqueous media by encapsulation or entrapment into their vesicle or matrix, respectively. Various types of nanomaterials have been used not only for solubilization but also for targeted delivery of curcumin such as lipid-based, polymer-based, metal-based and protein/peptide-based nanostructures. This chapter provides an overview of nanoformulations that have been evaluated for curcumin delivery applications.
Cu(ii)-induced twisting of the biphenyl core: exploring the effect of structure and coordination environment of biphenyl-based chiral copper(ii) complexes on interaction with calf-thymus DNA
Authors: Ghosh Soumen , Khan Mehebub Ali , Bhattacharyya Arghyadeep , Alam Md. Akhtarul , Zangrando Ennio , Guchhait Nikhil
Published: October 2020

Biphenyl core-based clip-like receptors get twisted after complexation with Cu2+. The extent of interaction of the optically active complexes with ct-DNA varies depending on the structure and coordination environment.
A novel hybrid fluorescence probe sensor based on metal–organic framework@carbon quantum dots for the highly selective detection of 6-mercaptopurine
Authors: Mousavi Aida , Zare-Dorabei Rouholah , Mosavi Seyed Hossein
Published: October 2020

A new MIL-101(Fe)@amine-CQD fluorescent probe was synthesized to determine 6-MP via a post-synthetic method.
Carbon dots–MnO2 nanocomposites for As(iii) detection in groundwater with high sensitivity and selectivity
Authors: He Xiaoyu , Li Yong , Yang Chao , Lu Liqiang , Nie Yulun , Tian Xike
Published: October 2020

As(iii) pollution has caused increasing concern due to its significant impact in environmental safety and human health.
Cascaded bio-responsive delivery of eNOS gene and ZNF580 gene to collaboratively treat hindlimb ischemia via pro-angiogenesis and anti-inflammation
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Su Bin , Gao Bin , Zhou Jiaying , Ren Xiang-kui , Guo Jintang , Xia Shihai , Zhang Wencheng , Feng Yakai
Published: October 2020

The cascaded, bio-responsively delivered eNOS gene and ZNF580 gene overcome transfection bottlenecks and collaboratively exert anti-ischemic function via promoting angiogenesis and alleviating inflammation.
Complexation behaviour of LiCl and LiPF6– model studies in the solid-state and in solution using a bidentate picolyl-based ligand
Authors: Espinosa-Jalapa Noel Angel , Berg Nele , Seidl Michael , Shenderovich Ilya G. , Gschwind Ruth M. , Bauer Jonathan O.
Published: October 2020

Using a new bulky bidentate ligand and combining various structure elucidation methods, coordination modes of [ligand·LiX] (X = Cl, PF6) complexes both in solid-state and in solution have been revealed.
Hydrates of adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate sodium and their transformation
Authors: Yang Pengpeng , Jin Junyang , Wen Qingshi , Lin Chenguang , Fu JinQiu , Zhuang Wei , Wu Jinglan , Liu Dong , Zhu Chenjie , Ying Hanjie
Published: October 2020

The difference of crystal water behaviors for cAMPNa hydrates was attributed mainly to the steric effects in lattices. Excessive loss of crystal water would destroy the host structure, and result in the disability of reversible transformation.
Correction: The influence of diameter of multiwalled carbon nanotubes on mechanical, optical and electrical properties of Langmuir–Schaefer films
Authors: Rytel Karol , Kędzierski Kamil , Barszcz Bolesław , Widelicka Małgorzata , Stachowiak Alicja , Biadasz Andrzej , Majchrzycki Łukasz , Coy Emerson , Wróbel Danuta
Published: October 2020

Correction for ‘The influence of diameter of multiwalled carbon nanotubes on mechanical, optical and electrical properties of Langmuir–Schaefer films’ by Karol Rytel et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2020, DOI: 10.1039/d0cp03687k.
Iron and cobalt catalysis: new perspectives in synthetic radical chemistry
Authors: Kyne Sara H. , Lefèvre Guillaume , Ollivier Cyril , Petit Marc , Ramis Cladera Valérie-Anne , Fensterbank Louis
Published: October 2020

Iron and cobalt complexes are at the origin of high valuable synthetic pathways involving radical intemediates.
Guidelines for performing lignin-first biorefining
Authors: Abu-Omar Mahdi M. , Barta Katalin , Beckham Gregg T. , Luterbacher Jeremy S. , Ralph John , Rinaldi Roberto , Román-Leshkov Yuriy , Samec Joseph S. M. , Sels Bert F. , Wang Feng
Published: October 2020

With these guidelines, we aim to unite the lignin-first biorefining research field around best practices for performing or reporting feedstock analysis, reactor design, catalyst performance, and product yields.
Energy- and cost-effective non-sterilized fermentation of 2,3-butanediol by an engineered Klebsiella pneumoniae OU7 with an anti-microbial contamination system
Authors: Guo Ze-Wang , Ou Xiao-Yang , Xu Pei , Gao Hui-Fang , Zhang Liao-Yuan , Zong Min-Hua , Lou Wen-Yong
Published: October 2020

Non-sterilized fermentation of 2,3-butanediol by a robust K. pneumoniae in an energy- and cost-effective manner.
Correction: From wavelike to sub-diffusive motion: exciton dynamics and interaction in squaraine copolymers of varying length
Authors: Malý Pavel , Lüttig Julian , Turkin Arthur , Dostál Jakub , Lambert Christoph , Brixner Tobias
Published: October 2020

Correction for ‘From wavelike to sub-diffusive motion: exciton dynamics and interaction in squaraine copolymers of varying length’ by Pavel Malý et al., Chem. Sci., 2020, 11, 456–466, DOI: 10.1039/C9SC04367E.
The climatic response of thermally integrated photovoltaic–electrolysis water splitting using Si and CIGS combined with acidic and alkaline electrolysis
Authors: Bayrak Pehlivan İ. , Malm U. , Neretnieks P. , Glüsen A. , Müller M. , Welter K. , Haas S. , Calnan S. , Canino A. , Milazzo R. G. , Privitera S. M. S. , Lombardo S. A. , Stolt L. , Edoff M. , Edvinsson T.
Published: October 2020

Real data modelling of the hydrogen yield using different PV and electrolyzer combinations with hourly climatic data for mid-European climate.
Hierarchically nitrogen-doped carbon wrapped Ni0.6Fe0.4Se2 binary-metal selenide nanocubes with extraordinary rate performance and high pseudocapacitive contribution for sodium-ion anodes
Authors: Feng Jian , Luo Shao-hua , Yan Sheng-xue , Zhan Yang , Wang Qing , Zhang Ya-hui , Liu Xin , Chang Long-jiao
Published: October 2020

A hierarchically nitrogen-doped carbon wrapped Ni0.6Fe0.4Se2 binary-metal selenide composite (Ni0.6Fe0.4Se2@NC) with enhanced sodium storage is reported.
Stable organic thermoelectric devices for self-powered sensor applications
Authors: Mukaida Masakazu , Kirihara Kazuhiro , Horike Shohei , Wei Qingshuo
Published: October 2020

This review highlights recent pioneering studies involving the practical applications of organic thermoelectric devices.
Current advances in the nano-delivery of celastrol for treating inflammation-associated diseases
Authors: Fang Guihua , Tang Bo
Published: October 2020

Inflammation is ubiquitous in the body, and uncontrolled inflammation often contributes to various diseases.
Maturation strategies and limitations of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes
Authors: Wu Peng , Deng Gang , Sai Xiyalatu , Guo Huiming , Huang Huanlei , Zhu Ping
Published: October 2020

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have the ability to differentiate into cardiomyocytes (CMs). They are not only widely used in cardiac pharmacology screening, human heart disease modeling, and cell transplantation-based treatments, but also the most promising source of CMs for experimental and clinical applications. However, their use is largely restricted by the immature phenotype of structure and function, which is similar to embryonic or fetal CMs and has certain differences from adult CMs. In order to overcome this critical issue, many studies have explored and revealed new strategies to induce the maturity of iPSC-CMs. Therefore, this article aims to review recent induction methods of mature iPSC-CMs, related mechanisms, and limitations.
LncRNA NEAT1 promotes malignant phenotypes and TMZ resistance in glioblastoma stem cells by regulating let-7g-5p/MAP3K1 axis
Authors: Bi Chang-Long , Liu Jin-Fang , Zhang Ming-Yu , Lan Song , Yang Zhuan-Yi , Fang Jia-Sheng
Published: October 2020

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most malign brain tumors in adults. Temozolomide (TMZ) is an oral chemotherapy drug constituting the backbone of chemotherapy regimens utilized as first-line treatment of GBM. However, resistance to TMZ often leads to treatment failure. In the present study, we explored the expression and related mechanisms of nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) in glioma stem cells (GSCs). Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) showed that NEAT1 was up-regulated in serum samples of GBM patients and GSCs isolated from U87, U251 cell lines. Functional experiments showed that NEAT1 knockdown restrained malignant behaviors of GSC, including proliferation, migration and invasion. Dual-luciferase assays identified let-7g-5p was a downstream target and negatively adjusted by NEAT1. Restoration of let-7g-5p impeded tumor progression by inhibiting proliferation, migration and invasion. Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 1 (MAP3K1), as a direct target of let-7g-5p, was positively regulated by NEAT1 and involved to affect the regulation of NEAT1 on GSCs’ behaviors. In conclusion, our results suggested that NEAT1 promoted GSCs progression via NEAT1/let-7g-5p/MAP3K1 axis, which provided a depth insight into TMZ resistance mechanism.
Efficacy of tripterygium glycosides combined with ARB on diabetic nephropathy: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Xue , Huang Youye , Zhang Yao , He Chunling , Zhao Yongli , Wang Lizhuo , Gao Jialin
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the beneficial and adverse effects of tripterygium glycosides (TGs) combined with angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) on diabetic nephropathy (DN). We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database up to June 2017. Weighted mean difference (WMD) and standardized mean difference (SMD) were used for continuous variables and all variables were expressed by 95% confidence interval (CI). Twenty-three studies with 1810 DN patients were included in this meta-analysis. TG combined with ARB statistically significantly improved 24-h urinary total protein (24-h UTP) (SMD = −1.46; 95% CI = −1.84 to −1.09; P<0.00001), urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) (SMD = −6.9; 95% CI = −9.65 to −4.14, P<0.00001), serum creatinine (SCr) (WMD = −7.65.14; 95% CI = −12.99 to −2.31; P=0.005) and albumin (Alb) (WMD = 5.7; 95% CI = 4.44 to 6.96; P<0.00001) more than did ARB alone. TG combined with ARB statistically significantly affected the level of serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) (WMD = 1.08; 95% CI = 0.04 to 2.12, P=0.04) more than did ARB alone. Compared with ARB alone, TG combined with ARB showed no significant difference in improving blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Minor side effects from the combined treatment were observed and mainly focused on the abnormal liver function. TG combined with ARB offers a novel concept in treating DN, more high-quality RCTs are needed for better understanding and applying the combined treatment in DN.
Overview of Current Approaches to Aural Rehabilitation for Adults With Cochlear Implants
Authors: Glade Rachel , Taylor Erin , Culbertson Deborah S. , Ray Christin
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This clinical focus article provides an overview of clinical models currently being used for the provision of comprehensive aural rehabilitation (AR) for adults with cochlear implants (CIs) in the Unites States.

Method

Clinical AR models utilized by hearing health care providers from nine clinics across the United States were discussed with regard to interprofessional AR practice patterns in the adult CI population. The clinical models were presented in the context of existing knowledge and gaps in the literature. Future directions were proposed for optimizing the provision of AR for the adult CI patient population.

Findings/Conclusions

There is a general agreement that AR is an integral part of hearing health care for adults with CIs. While the provision of AR is feasible in different clinical practice settings, service delivery models are variable across hearing health care professionals and settings. AR may include interprofessional collaboration among surgeons, audiologists, and speech-language pathologists with varying roles based on the characteristics of a particular setting. Despite various existing barriers, the clinical practice patterns identified here provide a starting point toward a more standard approach to comprehensive AR for adults with CIs.
Classification of emotions from EEG signals using time‐order representation based on the S‐transform and convolutional neural network
Authors: Khare S.K. , Nishad A. , Upadhyay A. , Bajaj V.
Published: October 2020

Emotions are the most powerful information source to study the cognition, behaviour, and medical conditions of a person. Accurate identification of emotions helps in the development of affective computing, brain–computer interface, medical diagnosis system, etc. Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals are one such source to capture and study human emotions. In this Letter, a novel time‐order representation based on the S‐transform and convolutional neural network (CNN) is proposed for the identification of human emotions. EEG signals are transformed into time‐order representation (TOR) based on the S‐transform. This TOR is given as an input to CNN to automatically extract and classify the deep features. Emotional states of happiness, fear, sadness, and relax are classified with an accuracy of 94.58%. The superiority of the method is judged by evaluating four performance parameters and comparing it with existing state‐of‐the‐art on the same dataset.