bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of conserved extracellular cysteine residues in vasopressin V2 receptor function and properties of two naturally occurring mutant receptors with additional extracellular cysteine residues
Authors: Schülein Ralf , Zühlke Kerstin , Oksche Alexander , Hermosilla Ricardo , Furkert Jens , Rosenthal Walter
Published: July 2002

The G protein‐coupled vasopressin V2 receptor (V2 receptor) contains a pair of conserved cysteine residues (C112 and C192) which are thought to form a disulfide bond between the first and second extracellular loops. The conserved cysteine residues were found to be important for the correct formation of the ligand binding domain of some G protein‐coupled receptors. Here we have assessed the properties of the V2 receptor after site‐directed mutagenesis of its conserved cysteine residues in transiently transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) cells. Mutant receptors (C112S, C112A and C192S, C192A) were non‐functional and located mostly in the cell's interior. The conserved cysteine residues of the V2 receptor are thus not only important for the structure of the ligand binding domain but also for efficient intracellular receptor transport. In addition to the functional significance of the conserved cysteine residues, we have also analyzed the defects of two mutant V2 receptors which cause X‐linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) by the introduction of additional cysteine residues into the second extracellular loop (mutants G185C, R202C). These mutations are assumed to impair normal disulfide bond formation. Mutant receptor G185C and R202C were efficiently transported to the plasma membrane but were defective in ligand binding. Only in the case of the mutant receptor R202C, the more sensitive adenylyl cyclase activity assay revealed vasopressin‐stimulated cAMP formation with a 35‐fold increased EC50 value and with a reduced ECmax, indicating that ligand binding is not completely abolished. Taking the unaffected intracellular transport of both NDI‐causing mutant receptors into account, our results indicate that the observed impairment of ligand binding by the additional cysteine residues is not due to the prevention of disulfide bond formation between the conserved cysteine residues.
Identification of a conserved residue responsible for the autoinhibition of cGMP‐dependent protein kinase Iα and β
Authors: Yuasa Keizo , Michibata Hideo , Omori Kenji , Yanaka Noriyuki
Published: July 2002

We isolated a constitutively active form of cGMP‐dependent protein kinase Iα (cGK Iα) by PCR‐driven random mutagenesis. The replacement of Ile‐63 by Thr in the autoinhibitory domain results in the enhancement of autophosphorylation and the basal kinase activity in the absence of cGMP. The hydrophobicity at position 63 is essential for the inactive state of cGK Iα, and Ile‐78 of cGK Iβ is also required for the autoinhibitory property. Furthermore, cGK Iα (Ile‐63‐Thr) is constitutively active in vivo. These findings suggest that a conserved residue in the autoinhibitory domain was involved in the autoinhibition of both cGK Is.
Mother‐to‐infant transmission of TT virus in Japan
Authors: Iso Kazuo , Suzuki Yasunobu , Takayama Masaomi
Published: July 2002

Objective: The TT virus (TTV) was detected for the first time by Nishizawa and Okamoto et al. in 1997 in the serum of a patient with post‐transfusion hepatitis of unknown origin (non‐A‐non‐G type). TTV was subsequently, also found in the serum of blood donors with no history of blood transfusion, although at a lower rate than among donors with a history of blood transfusion. In the present study, we determined the percentage of TTV carriers among pregnant women with no history of blood transfusion, and evaluated the possibility of mother‐child transmission. Methods: Blood was sampled from 300 normal pregnant women with no history of blood transfusion, 10 infants born by vaginal delivery from TTV‐positive women, 10 infants born by abdominal cesarean section from TTV‐positive women at both 5 days and 3 months after birth, and 10 infants born from TTV‐positive women at 6 months after birth. Amniotic fluid and breast milk were sampled from 10 and 30 TTV‐positive women, respectively. Informed consent was obtained from all women before sampling. TTV DNA was detected by the nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Results: (1) Of the 300 normal pregnant women with no history of blood transfusion, 60 (20%) were TTV‐positive. (2) All infants from TTV‐positive mothers were TTV‐negative at both 5 days and 3 months after birth, regardless of whether they were born by vaginal delivery or abdominal cesarean section. (3) Of the 10 infants who were born from TTV‐positive mothers and examined 6 months after birth, 4 (40%) were TTV‐positive. (4) Amniotic fluid from all 10 TTV‐positive women was TTV‐negative. (5) Breast milk from 7 (23.3%) of the 30 TTV‐positive women was TTV‐positive. Conclusion: TTV was detected in 20% of pregnant women with no history of blood transfusion, suggesting that TTV infection can occur through non‐ blood‐mediated routes. The possibility of transfer of TTV into amniotic fluid was ruled out due to its absence in amniotic fluid samples. All infants from TTV‐positive women were TTV‐negative at both 5 days and 3 months after birth, regardless of whether they were born by vaginal delivery or abdominal cesarean section, suggesting that infection in the parturient canal or the pelvis is unlikely. Because TTV was detected in breast milk from TTV‐positive women and some of their infants were TTV‐positive, breast milk was thought to be a mother–child infection route. These findings suggest that horizontal infection is more likely than vertical infection in mother–child transmission of TTV.
Serum alpha l‐fucosidase enzyme activity in ovarian and other female genital tract tumors
Authors: Abdel‐Aleem H. , Ahmed A. , Sabra A.M. , Zakhari Madeha , Soliman M. , Hamed H.
Published: July 2002

Objectives: To assess the value of serum α‐l‐fucosidase as a tumor marker in the diagnosis of ovarian and other female genital tract tumors. Methods: One‐hundred fifty‐one patients were studied; 101 had different genital tract tumors (malignant ovarian tumors (48), carcinoma of the cervix (13), endometrial carcinoma (6), carcinoma of the vulva (6) and benign tumors (28)). A control group of 50 healthy female patients was included. Serum α‐l‐fucosidase activity was determined in all patients and controls. Serum CA 125 level was also determined in patients with malignant ovarian tumors. Results: Patients with malignant ovarian tumors showed the lowest level of α‐l‐fucosidase activity in comparison to other malignant and benign tumors of the female genital tract and also in comparison to control group. The majority of ovarian carcinoma patients (90%) had a serum level of < 275 u/ml of α‐l‐fucosidase activity, while more than 90% of the control group and other genital tumors had a serum level of > 275 u/ml. The sensitivity and specificity of serum α‐l‐fucosidase activity in diagnosing epithelial ovarian tumors were 88.5% and 98%, respectively (using a cut‐off level of < 275 u/ml). The corresponding figures for CA 125 were 96.2% and 100% (using a cut‐off level of > 35 u/ml). Conclusions: Serum α‐l‐fucosidase enzyme activity can be useful as a tumor marker in diagnosing advanced malignant epithelial ovarian tumors. Its sensitivity and specificity are comparable to CA 125. However, there is lack of data to support its usefulness in the diagnosis of early stage disease (Stage 1). The cost of doing the test is one‐third that of CA 125 and the test can be more widely applied in developing countries.
Prospective follow‐up of Japanese women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and various human papillomavirus types
Authors: Iwasaka T , Matsuo N , Yokoyama M , Uchiyama M , Fukuda K , Sugimori H
Published: July 2002

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of genital human papillomavirus (HPV) types in cervical neoplasias and to evaluate the biological activity of individual HPV types in cervical carcinogenesis. Method: Cellular samples from 318 patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) or invasive cervical carcinoma were examined for HPV DNA, using a polymerase chain reaction. Of these, 145 women with CIN grade I or II were prospectively followed to better understand the natural history of these precancerous lesions. Result: HPV DNA was detected in 88, 80 and 89%, of CIN grade I, II and III, respectively, and in 92% in invasive carcinomas. The CIN follow‐up data showed a significantly higher progression rate in patients with CIN II than in cases of CIN I, and our classification of HPV types based on HPV prevalence data correlates well with the prospective follow‐up data. A significantly higher progression rate was observed in HPV‐negative CINs. Conclusion: Classification of HPV types according to risk to a malignant state seems to be possible. It seems that HPV negative lesions are likely to progress to a malignant state.
Emergency postpartum hysterectomy in women with placenta previa and prior cesarean section
Authors: Yaegashi N , Chiba‐Sekii A , Okamura K
Published: July 2002

The combination of prior cesarean section and placenta previa is an especially ominous risk factor for emergency postpartum hysterectomy and life‐threatening bleeding following placental removal.
A short-term cognitive behavioural therapy for bulimia nervosa including brief hospitalisation
Authors: Léonard T , Mirabel-Sarron C , Foulon C , Melchior J-C , Rigaud D , Apfelbaum M , Samuel-Lajeunesse B
Published: July 2002

This was a metabolic study of bulimia nervosa required to design short-term cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) beginning with a brief admission to a psychiatric ward. The treatment produced significant improvements in eating behaviour and results are compared with those of previously published studies. The comparisons do not suggest that brief admission at the onset of therapy might enhance its effectiveness. In other respects, increase in normal meal intake was found to correlate significantly with decrease in hinging. This supports the notion that appropriate food intake at meal times should be an important issue in CBT for bulimia nervosa.
Evidence for an increase in functional platelet 5-HT2A receptors in depressed patients using the new ligand [125I]-DOI
Authors: Serres F. , Azorin J.-M. , Valli M. , Jeanningros R.
Published: July 2002

Abnormalities in the serotonergic system have been implicated in the pathophysiology of depressive disorders. Human platelets possess serotonin-2A (5-HT2A) receptors, and previous research using LSD or ketanserin as ligands have indicated that their number is increased in depressed patients. Compared to other ligands previously used in platelet studies, DOI is highly selective for the 5-HT2A receptor and binds to its high-affinity state, therefore labeling only the receptors that are biologically coupled to the G-protein. We determined the density (Bmax) and the affinity (Kd) of 5-HT2A receptors labeled by [125I]-DOI in platelets from 21 untreated patients with major depression and 21 healthy volunteers. The density of the 5-HT2A binding sites was found to be increased in platelets from female depressed patients as compared to controls. No changes were observed in the Kd. We did not find any relationship between the binding parameters and either the severity of the depressive episode or the suicidal tendencies of the patients. Our results show that the number of coupled platelet 5-HT2A receptors is increased in depressed patients, indicating that platelet 5-HT2A receptor function is enhanced in depression.
Intratumoral immunosuppression profiles in 11q‐deleted neuroblastomas provide new potential therapeutic targets
Authors: Coronado Esther , Yañez Yania , Vidal Enrique , Rubio Luis , Vera‐Sempere Francisco , Cañada‐Martínez Antonio José , Panadero Joaquín , Cañete Adela , Ladenstein Ruth , Castel Victoria , Font de Mora Jaime
Published: November 2020

High‐risk neuroblastoma (NB) patients with 11q deletion frequently undergo late but consecutive relapse cycles with fatal outcome. To date, no actionable targets to improve current multimodal treatment have been identified. We analyzed immune microenvironment and genetic profiles of high‐risk NB correlating with 11q immune status. We show in two independent cohorts that 11q‐deleted NB exhibits various immune inhibitory mechanisms, including increased CD4+ resting T cells and M2 macrophages, higher expression of programmed death‐ligand 1, interleukin‐10, transforming growth factor‐beta‐1, and indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase 1 (P < 0.05), and also higher chromosomal breakages (P ≤ 0.02) and hemizygosity of immunosuppressive miRNAs than MYCN‐amplified and other 11q‐nondeleted high‐risk NB. We also analyzed benefits of maintenance treatment in 83 high‐risk stage M NB patients focusing on 11q status, either with standard anti‐GD2 immunotherapy (n = 50) or previous retinoic acid‐based therapy alone (n = 33). Immunotherapy associated with higher EFS (50 vs. 30, P = 0.028) and OS (72 vs. 52, P = 0.047) at 3 years in the overall population. Despite benefits from standard anti‐GD2 immunotherapy in high‐risk NB patients, those with 11q deletion still face poor outcome. This NB subgroup displays intratumoral immune suppression profiles, revealing a potential therapeutic strategy with combination immunotherapy to circumvent this immune checkpoint blockade.
Developing and Validating Methods to Assemble Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Births in the Electronic Health Record
Authors: Barnado April , Eudy Amanda M. , Blaske Ashley , Wheless Lee , Kirchoff Katie , Oates Jim C. , Clowse Megan E. B.
Published: November 2020

Objective

Electronic health records (EHRs) represent powerful tools to study rare diseases. Our objective was to develop and validate EHR algorithms to identify systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) births across centers.

Methods

We developed algorithms in a training set using an EHR with over 3 million subjects and validated the algorithms at 2 other centers. Subjects at all 3 centers were selected using ≥1 code for SLE International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD‐9) or SLE International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐10‐CM) and ≥1 ICD‐9 or ICD‐10‐CM delivery code. A subject was a case if diagnosed with SLE by a rheumatologist and had a birth documented. We tested algorithms using SLE ICD‐9 or ICD‐10‐CM codes, antimalarial use, a positive antinuclear antibody ≥1:160, and ever checked double‐stranded DNA or complement, using both rule‐based and machine learning methods. Positive predictive values (PPVs) and sensitivities were calculated. We assessed the impact of case definition, coding provider, and subject race on algorithm performance.

Results

Algorithms performed similarly across all 3 centers. Increasing the number of SLE codes, adding clinical data, and having a rheumatologist use the SLE code all increased the likelihood of identifying true SLE patients. All the algorithms had higher PPVs in African American versus White SLE births. Using machine learning methods, the total number of SLE codes and an SLE code from a rheumatologist were the most important variables in the model for SLE case status.

Conclusion

We developed and validated algorithms that use multiple types of data to identify SLE births in the EHR. Algorithms performed better in African American mothers than in White mothers.
Linking Glass‐Transition Behavior to Photophysical and Charge Transport Properties of High‐Mobility Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Xiao Mingfei , Sadhanala Aditya , Abdi‐Jalebi Mojtaba , Thomas Tudor H. , Ren Xinglong , Zhang Tao , Chen Hu , Carey Remington L. , Wang Qijing , Senanayak Satyaprasad P. , Jellett Cameron , Onwubiko Ada , Moser Maximilian , Liao Hailiang , Yue Wan , McCulloch Iain , Nikolka Mark , Sirringhaus Henning
Published: November 2020

The measurement of the mechanical properties of conjugated polymers can reveal highly relevant information linking optoelectronic properties to underlying microstructures and the knowledge of the glass transition temperature (Tg) is paramount for informing the choice of processing conditions and for interpreting the thermal stability of devices. In this work, we use dynamical mechanical analysis to determine the Tg of a range of state‐of‐the‐art conjugated polymers with different degrees of crystallinity that are widely studied for applications in organic field‐effect transistors. We compare our measured values for Tg to the theoretical value predicted by a recent work based on the concept of effective mobility ζ. The comparison shows that for conjugated polymers with a modest length of the monomer units, the Tg values agree well with theoretically predictions. However, for the near‐amorphous, indacenodithiophene–benzothiadiazole family of polymers with more extended backbone units, values for Tg appear to be significantly higher, predicted by theory. However, values for Tg are correlated with the sub‐bandgap optical absorption suggesting the possible role of the interchain short contacts within materials’ amorphous domains.
Particulate‐Based Single‐Dose Local Immunosuppressive Regimen for Inducing Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells in Xenogeneic Islet Transplantation
Authors: Pathak Shiva , Acharya Suman , Regmi Shobha , Shrestha Prakash , You Zhiwei , Bae Young Kyung , Park Min Hui , Yook Simmyung , Kim Jae‐Ryong , Park So Young , Jeong Daewon , Yong Chul Soon , Kim Jong Oh , Chang Jae Hoon , Jeong Jee‐Heon
Published: November 2020

Recent studies emphasize on developing immune tolerance by an interim administration of various immunosuppressive drugs. In this study, a robust protocol is reported for local immunomodulation using a single‐dose of FK506 microspheres and clodronate liposomes (mFK+CLO) in a xenogeneic model of islet transplantation. Surprisingly, the single‐dose treatment with mFK+CLO induce tolerance to the islet xenograft. The recipient mice display tolerogenic dendritic cells (tDCs) with decreased antigen presenting ability and T cell activation capacity. Furthermore, a reduced percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and an impaired differentiation of naïve CD4+ T cells into interferon‐γ producing Th1 and interleukin‐17 producing Th17 cells are observed. In addition, the immunosuppressive protocol leads to the generation of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) which are required for the long‐term graft survival. The enhanced generation of tDCs and Tregs by the single treatment of mFK+CLO cause xenograft tolerance, suggesting a possible clinical strategy which may pave the way towards improving therapeutic outcomes of clinical islet transplantation.
In Situ Nucleic Acid Amplification and Ultrasensitive Colorimetric Readout in a Paper‐Based Analytical Device Using Silver Nanoplates
Authors: Suea‐Ngam Akkapol , Choopara Ilada , Li Shangkun , Schmelcher Mathias , Somboonna Naraporn , Howes Philip D. , deMello Andrew J.
Published: November 2020

A rapid, highly sensitive, and quantitative colorimetric paper‐based analytical device (PAD) based on silver nanoplates (AgNPls) and loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is presented. It is shown that cauliflower‐like concatemer LAMP products can mediate crystal etching of AgNPls, with a threefold signal enhancement versus linear dsDNA. Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), an antimicrobial resistant bacterium that poses a formidable risk with persistently high mortality, is used as a model pathogen. Due to the excellent color contrast provided by AgNPls, the PAD allows qualitative analysis by the naked eye and quantitative analysis using a smartphone camera, with detection limits down to a single copy in just 30 min, and a linear response from 1 to 104 copies (R2 = 0.994). The entire assay runs in situ on the paper surface, which drastically simplifies operation of the device. This is the first demonstration of single copy detection using a colorimetric readout, and the developed PAD shows great promise for translation into an ultrasensitive gene‐based point‐of‐care test for any infectious disease target, via modification of the LAMP primer set.
Transparent Hybrid Opals with Unexpected Strong Resonance‐Enhanced Photothermal Energy Conversion
Authors: Cang Yu , Lee Jaejun , Wang Zuyuan , Yan Jiajun , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof , Bockstaller Michael R. , Fytas George
Published: November 2020

Photothermal energy conversion is of fundamental importance to applications ranging from drug delivery to microfluidics and from ablation to fabrication. It typically originates from absorptive processes in materials that—when coupled with non‐radiative dissipative processes—allow the conversion of radiative energy into heat. Microstructure design provides versatile strategies for controlling light–matter interactions. In particular, the deliberate engineering of the band structure in photonic materials is known to be an effective approach to amplify absorption in materials. However, photonic amplification is generally tied to high optical contrast materials which limit the applicability of the concept to metamaterials such as microfabricated metal–air hybrids. This contribution describes the first observation of pronounced amplification of absorption in low contrast opals formed by the self‐assembly of polymer‐tethered particles. The dependence of the amplification factor on the length scale and degree of order of materials as well as the angle of incidence reveal that it is related to the slow photon effect. A remarkable amplification factor of 16 is shown to facilitate the rapid “melting” of opal films even in the absence of “visible” absorption. The results point to novel opportunities for tailoring light–matter interactions in hybrid materials that can benefit the manipulation and fabrication of functional materials.
Multifunctional Diode Operation of Tetracene Sensitized Polymer:Fullerene Heterojunctions with Simultaneous Electroluminescence in Visible and NIR Bands
Authors: Hamid Tasnuva , Kielar Marcin , Yambem Soniya D. , Pandey Ajay K.
Published: November 2020

Multifunctional operation of tetracene/polycyclopentadithiophene‐benzothiadiazole (PCPDTBT), and tetracene sensitized PCPDTBT:fullerene bulk heterojunctions (BHJs) that work as an organic photovoltaic (OPV), organic light emitting diode (OLED), and organic photodetector (OPD) is unveiled. The multifunctional operation is underlined by a synergetic interplay between singlet and triplet energy transfer and the judicious alignment of energy levels of donor–acceptor cascade. Introduction of tetracene is shown to enhance electroluminescence (EL) at 800 nm despite the observation of a near‐complete photoluminescence quenching in BHJ systems. Signatures of triple energy transfer mediated via charge transfer states of BHJ to tetracene become apparent as the proportion of fullerene in the BHJ is increased. An optimal balance between exciton population is achieved with BHJ 1:2 that produces EL peaks at 530 and 800 nm while maintaining a respectable OPV and OPD performance. The proposed ternary system unlocks the potential of having multifunctionality within one single diode structure, and it also offers new design rules for multispectral OLEDs.
Hybrid capture of 964 nuclear genes resolves evolutionary relationships in the mimosoid legumes and reveals the polytomous origins of a large pantropical radiation
Authors: Koenen Erik J. M. , Kidner Catherine , de Souza Élvia R. , Simon Marcelo F. , Iganci João R. , Nicholls James A. , Brown Gillian K. , de Queiroz Luciano P. , Luckow Melissa , Lewis Gwilym P. , Pennington R. Toby , Hughes Colin E.
Published: November 2020

PREMISE

Targeted enrichment methods facilitate sequencing of hundreds of nuclear loci to enhance phylogenetic resolution and elucidate why some parts of the “tree of life” are difficult (if not impossible) to resolve. The mimosoid legumes are a prominent pantropical clade of ~3300 species of woody angiosperms for which previous phylogenies have shown extensive lack of resolution, especially among the species‐rich and taxonomically challenging ingoids.

METHODS

We generated transcriptomes to select low‐copy nuclear genes, enrich these via hybrid capture for representative species of most mimosoid genera, and analyze the resulting data using de novo assembly and various phylogenomic tools for species tree inference. We also evaluate gene tree support and conflict for key internodes and use phylogenetic network analysis to investigate phylogenetic signal across the ingoids.

RESULTS

Our selection of 964 nuclear genes greatly improves phylogenetic resolution across the mimosoid phylogeny and shows that the ingoid clade can be resolved into several well‐supported clades. However, nearly all loci show lack of phylogenetic signal for some of the deeper internodes within the ingoids.

CONCLUSIONS

Lack of resolution in the ingoid clade is most likely the result of hyperfast diversification, potentially causing a hard polytomy of six or seven lineages. The gene set for targeted sequencing presented here offers great potential to further enhance the phylogeny of mimosoids and the wider Caesalpinioideae with denser taxon sampling, to provide a framework for taxonomic reclassification, and to study the ingoid radiation.
Seven‐Step Synthesis of All‐Nitrogenated Sugar Derivatives Using Sequential Overman Rearrangements
Authors: Okuyama Yuya , Kidena Mayu , Kato Erina , Kawano Sayaka , Ishii Koki , Maie Kenta , Miura Kazuki , Simizu Siro , Sato Takaaki , Chida Noritaka
Published: November 2020

All‐nitrogenated sugars (ANSs), in which all hydroxy groups in a carbohydrate are replaced with amino groups, are anticipated to be privileged structures with useful biological activities. However, ANS synthesis has been challenging due to the difficulty in the installation of multi‐amino groups. We report herein the development of a concise synthetic route to peracetylated ANSs in seven steps from commercially available monosaccharides. The key to success is the use of the sequential Overman rearrangement, which enables formal simultaneous substitution of four or five hydroxy groups in monosaccharides with amino groups. A variety of ANSs are available through the same reaction sequence starting from different initial monosaccharides by chirality transfer of secondary alcohols. Transformations of the resulting peracetylated ANSs such as glycosylation and deacetylation are also demonstrated. Biological studies reveal that ANS‐modified cholesterol show cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines, whereas each ANS and cholesterol have no cytotoxicity.
Results of the 2020 AORN Salary and Compensation Survey
Authors: Bacon Donald R. , Stewart Kim A.
Published: November 2020

AORN conducted its 18th annual compensation survey for perioperative nurses in June 2020. A multiple regression model was used to examine how several variables, including job title, education level, certification, experience, and geographic region, affect perioperative nurse compensation. Comparisons between the 2020 data and data from previous years are presented. The effects of other forms of compensation (eg, on‐call compensation, overtime, bonuses, shift differentials, benefits) on total compensation are also examined. Additional analyses explore the current state of the nursing shortage, sources of job satisfaction and dissatisfaction, and the effects of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic.
Tuning the antimicrobial activity of collagen biomaterials through a liposomal approach
Authors: Municoy Sofia , Antezana Pablo E. , Pérez Claudio J. , Bellino Martin G. , Desimone Martín F.
Published: November 2020

The development of advanced biocidal agents stands as a global challenge, focused on the increasing demand of new biomaterials with local and gradual release of antimicrobial agents. This is the first time that three well‐known materials are strategically combined to develop a novel biomaterial with long‐term bactericidal activity that avoids burst release and toxic effects, by the incorporation of silver nanoparticles in liposomes and the subsequent incorporation of these assemblies in collagen hydrogels. These systems show improved mechanical properties and prolonged inhibitory effect on the growth of Gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram‐negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria, while remaining highly biocompatible for epithelial cells. In fact, the hybrid biocomposite prevents bacterial colonization for at least 72 h, allowing at the same time eukaryotic cell proliferation. As a result, this new bactericidal biomaterial provides a new alternative to improve current treatments of bacterial infections with many implications in significant applications, such as wound therapy and tissue regeneration.
Ultra‐thin, high strength, antibiotic‐eluting sutures for prevention of ophthalmic infection
Authors: Parikh Kunal S. , Omiadze Revaz , Josyula Aditya , Shi Richard , Anders Nicole M. , He Ping , Yazdi Youseph , McDonnell Peter J. , Ensign Laura M. , Hanes Justin
Published: November 2020

Sutures are applied almost universally at the site of trauma or surgery, making them an ideal platform to modulate the local, postoperative biological response, and improve surgical outcomes. To date, the only globally marketed drug‐eluting sutures are coated with triclosan for antibacterial application in general surgery. Loading drug directly into the suture rather than coating the surface offers the potential to provide drug delivery functionality to microsurgical sutures and achieve sustained drug delivery without increasing suture thickness. However, conventional methods for drug incorporation directly into the suture adversely affect breaking strength. Thus, there are no market offerings for drug‐eluting sutures, drug‐coated, or otherwise, in ophthalmology, where very thin sutures are required. Sutures themselves help facilitate bacterial infection, and antibiotic eye drops are commonly prescribed to prevent infection after ocular surgeries. An antibiotic‐eluting suture may prevent bacterial colonization of sutures and preclude patient compliance issues with eye drops. We report twisting of hundreds of individual drug‐loaded, electrospun nanofibers into a single, ultra‐thin, multifilament suture capable of meeting both size and strength requirements for microsurgical ocular procedures. Nanofiber‐based polycaprolactone sutures demonstrated no loss in strength with loading of 8% levofloxacin, unlike monofilament sutures which lost more than 50% strength. Moreover, nanofiber‐based sutures retained strength with loading of a broad range of drugs, provided antibiotic delivery for 30 days in rat eyes, and prevented ocular infection in a rat model of bacterial keratitis.
Nonsurgical endodontic management of mandibular first premolar with incomplete root‐end resection
Authors: Al‐Manei Khaled , Al‐Manei Kholod Khalil
Published: November 2020

The complexity of the nonsurgical endodontic retreatment should be weighed against the benefit of surgical approach. This case report describes uncommon diagnosis and successful nonsurgical endodontic management of mandibular first premolar with a previous history of failed apicoectomy and incomplete root‐end resection using mineral trioxide aggregate and cone‐beam computed tomography.
Recent Progress in Graphdiyne for Electrocatalytic Reactions
Authors: Cui Min , Hu Tingting , Chen Lulu , Li Ping , Gong Yinghua , Wu Zexing , Wang Shuai
Published: November 2020

As a burgeoning carbon material, graphdiyne (GDY) with a highly π‐conjugated structure that is composed of sp‐ and sp2‐hybridized carbon atoms, it can be grouped into several forms. Compared to traditional carbon materials, GDY exhibits a unique carbon network and electronic structure, raising the concern of researchers at home and abroad. As a result of its favorable electronic structure and good functionalization capability, GDY can be modified to provide an ideal platform to prepare a highly active catalyst for electrocatalytic reactions. Furthermore, GDY can be synthesized on arbitrary substrates in a three‐dimensional nanosheet array structure, which can provide a large number of channels for the transfer of electrons and a large contact area with the reactant, which is also beneficial for electrocatalytic reactions. This Review focuses on the recent development of GDY for electrocatalysis applications, and elaborates the future prospects of GDY.
A novel software defect prediction approach using modified objective cluster analysis
Authors: Ren Junhua , Zhang Qing
Published: November 2020

A novel approach for software defect prediction of unlabeled datasets is proposed using modified objective cluster analysis (OCA). In this approach, the first step is to construct the distance matrix of instances in the datasets by utilizing the automatically determined clusters through the modified OCA. Then the dipoles within different instances are categorized into two different groups. Finally, the clusters of instances are produced, and software defects can be predicted by imposing a modified consistency criterion. Case study and comparative experiments were conducted based on 12 public datasets selected from the databases of Promise and ReLink using multiple different unsupervised algorithms and cross‐project approaches. There are two experimental settings: experiments with datasets that contain all metrics and experiments with datasets that contain only module size metrics. The results were evaluated by the index of precision, recall, F‐measure, and receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Furthermore, a complexity analysis of the tested algorithms was conducted as well. In experiments with datasets with all metrics, the proposed OCA gets the best results in four indexes, and the average values of precision, recall, F‐measure, and AUC were improved by a minimum of 1.52%, 2.78%, 19.84%, and 0.93%, respectively. In experiments with datasets with only module size metrics, the proposed OCA performed the best results in four indexes also, and the average values of precision, F‐measure, and AUC were improved by a minimum of 8.8%, 2.59%, and 8.36%, respectively. The proposed algorithm is of low complexity and provides a new way to efficiently predict software defects with unlabeled datasets.
Nanowires: Synthesis and Energy/Environmental Applications
Authors: Li Heng , Zhu Ying‐Jie
Published: November 2020

As the main inorganic component of human bones and teeth, hydroxyapatite (HAP) materials have been widely investigated for various applications especially in the biomedical field. Recently, HAP nanowires (HAP NWs) have attracted research interest in the energy and environment‐related fields owing to their advantages such as excellent biocompatibility and bioactivity, high‐thermal stability, surface modification and functionalization, and self‐assembly to form nanoscale porous networked structure. In this review, we first briefly discuss the synthesis of HAP NWs. Then we focus on summarizing the foremost advances in energy and environment‐related applications of HAP NWs, including the battery, solar energy‐assisted water evaporation, light‐driven self‐propelled device, thermal insulation, fire‐resistant inorganic paper, water purification, air purification, molecular detection, superhydrophobic surface, and high‐strength nanocomposite materials. In addition, the future research directions on HAP NWs and their energy and environmental applications are proposed. This review aims to provide inspiration and stimulate extensive future studies in the energy and environmental applications of HAP NWs and other inorganic NWs.
Design of a prospective patient‐level pooled analysis of two parallel trials of empagliflozin in patients with established heart failure
Authors: Packer Milton , Butler Javed , Filippatos Gerasimos , Zannad Faiez , Ferreira Joao Pedro , Zeller Cordula , Brueckmann Martina , Jamal Waheed , Pocock Stuart J. , Anker Stefan D. ,   for the EMPEROR Trial Committees and Investigators
Published: November 2020

Aim

The EMPEROR‐Reduced trial demonstrated that empagliflozin reduced the combined risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure in patients with a reduced ejection fraction, and the EMPEROR‐Preserved trial is currently evaluating the effect of the drug on the same endpoint in patients with an ejection fraction >40%. However, neither the trial was designed to have adequate statistical power to evaluate the effects of empagliflozin and dapagliflozin on major adverse renal outcomes or on mortality. Herein we describe the design of a prospective individual patient‐level pooled analysis of two large‐scale trials with empagliflozin (EMPEROR‐Reduced and EMPEROR‐Preserved) in patients with heart failure across the spectrum of ejection fraction.

Methods

The trials were carried out in parallel using the same administrative structure and committees, randomization procedure, schedule of study visits and adjudication criteria and similar groups of investigators and case report forms. The two component trials specified the same primary and key secondary endpoints and used an identical hierarchical testing procedure, which included a pooled analysis of the two trials as a key component of the hierarchy. Consequently, the pooled analysis has been prospectively assigned a false positive error rate, which is conditional on one or both trials first achieving success on their primary and one or both key secondary endpoints. The pooled analysis has its own statistical plan with its own endpoints, and this plan was finalized before either trial had begun recruitment of patients into either study. The primary endpoint of the pooled analysis is a composite of serious adverse renal outcomes, defined by chronic dialysis, renal transplantation and a profound or sustained decrease in glomerular filtration rate. All‐cause and cardiovascular mortality are specified as secondary endpoints.

Conclusion

The planned pooled analysis has an unusually high degree of statistical rigour that will allow it to address important questions that cannot be fully addressed by the individual trials.
Effects of empagliflozin on renal sodium and glucose handling in patients with acute heart failure
Authors: Boorsma Eva M. , Beusekamp Joost C. , ter Maaten Jozine M. , Figarska Sylwia M. , Danser A.H. Jan , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , van der Meer Peter , Heerspink Hiddo J.L. , Damman Kevin , Voors Adriaan A.
Published: November 2020

Aims

Sodium–glucose co‐transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors improve clinical outcome in patients with heart failure (HF), but the mechanisms behind their beneficial effects are not yet fully understood. We examined the effects of empagliflozin on renal sodium and glucose handling in patients with acute HF.

Methods and results

This study was a pre‐defined sub‐study of a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, multicentre study (EMPA‐RESPONSE‐AHF). Patients were allocated within 24 h of an acute HF admission to either empagliflozin 10 mg/day (n = 40) or placebo (n = 39) for 30 days. Markers of glucose and sodium handling were measured daily during the first 96 h and at day 30. Patients were 76 (range 38–89) years old and 33% had diabetes. The use of loop diuretics during the first 96 h was similar in both groups. Empagliflozin increased fractional glucose excretion with a peak after 24 h (21.8% vs. 0.1%; P < 0.001), without affecting plasma glucose concentration, while fractional sodium and chloride excretion and urinary osmolality remained unchanged (P >0.3 for all). However, empagliflozin increased plasma osmolality (delta osmolality at 72 h: 5 ± 8 vs. 2 ± 5 mOsm/kg; P = 0.049). Finally, there was an early decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate with empagliflozin vs. placebo (−10 ± 12 vs. −2 ± 12 mL/min/1.73 m2; P = 0.009), which recovered within 30 days.

Conclusion

In patients with acute HF, empagliflozin increased fractional glucose excretion and plasma osmolality, without affecting fractional sodium excretion or urine osmolality and caused a temporary decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate. This suggests that empagliflozin stimulates osmotic diuresis through increased glycosuria rather than natriuresis in patients with acute HF.
Joule heating effects on electrokinetic flows with conductivity gradients
Authors: Song Le , Yu Liandong , Brumme Christian , Shaw Ryan , Zhang Cheng , Xuan Xiangchun
Published: November 2020

Instability occurs in the electrokinetic flow of fluids with conductivity and/or permittivity gradients if the applied electric field is beyond a critical value. Understanding such an electrokinetic instability is significant for both improved transport (via the suppressed instability) and enhanced mixing (via the promoted instability) of liquid samples in microfluidic applications. This work presents the first study of Joule heating effects on electrokinetic microchannel flows with conductivity gradients using a combined experimental and numerical method. The experimentally observed flow patterns and measured critical electric fields under Joule heating effects to different extents are reasonably predicted by a depth‐averaged numerical model. It is found that Joule heating increases the critical electric field for the onset of electrokinetic instability because the induced fluid temperature rise and in turn the fluid property change (primarily the decreased permittivity) lead to a smaller electric Rayleigh number.
Using bodily postures in the treatment of anorexia nervosa: Effects of power posing on interoception and affective states
Authors: Weineck Felicitas , Hauke Gernot , Lindemann Hanna , Lachenmeir Karin , Schnebel Andreas , Karačić Matislava , Meule Adrian , Voderholzer Ulrich , Pollatos Olga
Published: November 2020

Objective

Power posing involves the adoption of an expansive bodily posture. This study examined whether power posing could benefit individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) and women with normal weight in regards to interoceptive ability and affective states.

Method

Participants included 50 inpatients and outpatients with AN as well as 51 normal‐weight women. Interoceptive accuracy (IAcc), measured by the heartbeat tracking task and interoceptive sensibility (IS), measured by confidence ratings, were assessed at baseline, after a single power posing session and after 1 week of daily training. Also, the short‐term effects of power posing on subjective feelings of dominance, pleasantness, and arousal were investigated.

Results

Both groups increased in their IAcc after one power posing session. Also, there was a significant main effect of time on feelings of dominance and pleasantness in the short‐term. Women with AN displayed lower levels of IS, dominance, and pleasantness as well as higher levels of arousal than women without AN.

Discussion

These findings suggest that power posing has the potential to increase IAcc, subjective feelings of power and pleasant affect in the short‐term. Further research should investigate which mechanisms foster the effectiveness of this intervention to tailor it to the needs of women with AN.
Compaction and cover effects on runoff and erosion in post‐fire salvage logged areas in the Valley Fire, California
Authors: Prats Sergio A. , Malvar Maruxa C. , Wagenbrenner Joseph W.
Published: November 2020

Runoff and erosion processes can increase after wildfire and post‐fire salvage logging, but little is known about the specific effects of soil compaction and surface cover after post‐fire salvage logging activities on these processes. We carried out rainfall simulations after a high‐severity wildfire and post‐fire salvage logging to assess the effect of compaction (uncompacted or compacted by skid traffic during post‐fire salvage logging) and surface cover (bare or covered with logging slash). Runoff after 71 mm of rainfall across two 30‐min simulations was similar for the bare plots regardless of the compaction status (mean 33 mm). In comparison, runoff in the slash‐covered plots averaged only 22 mm. Rainsplash in the downslope direction averaged 30 g for the bare plots across compaction levels and decreased significantly by 70% on the slash‐covered plots. Sediment yield totalled 460 and 818 g m−2 for the uncompacted and compacted bare plots, respectively, and slash significantly reduced these amounts by an average rate of 71%. Our results showed that soil erosion was still high two years after the high severity burning and the effect of soil compaction nearly doubled soil erosion via nonsignificant increases in runoff and sediment concentration. Antecedent soil moisture (dry or wet) was the dominant factor controlling runoff, while surface cover was the dominant factor for rainsplash and sediment yield. Saturated hydraulic conductivity and interrill erodibility calculated from these rainfall simulations confirmed previous laboratory research and will support hydrologic and erosion modelling efforts related to wildfire and post‐fire salvage logging. Covering the soil with slash mitigated runoff and significantly reduced soil erosion, demonstrating the potential of this practise to reduce sediment yield and soil degradation from burned and logged areas.
Cephalothoracopagus janiceps disymmetros: A comparison between antenatal and postnatal findings
Authors: Martadiansyah Abarham , Pangemanan Wim T. , Syamsuri Ahmad Kurdi , Hatta Ansyori M. , Bernolian Nuswil , Mirani Putri , Maulina Lestari Peby , Faisal R. M. , Nasrul Excellena , Kesty Cindy
Published: November 2020

The present study reports a case comparing 2D and 3D ultrasound prenatal scans with postnatal MRI in diagnosis of cephalothoracopagus janiceps disymmetros.
Storage conditions of oxytocin in a tropical climate in a low‐income country
Authors: de Vries Ella Larissa , van Tetering Anne Antonia Cornelia , van der Hout M. Beatrijs , Derijks Luc Jozef Johannes , Sseguya Simon Peter , Namagembe Imelda , Byamugisha Josaphat , Oei S. Guid
Published: November 2020

Objective

To establish the storage conditions of oxytocin in a health facility in a low‐income country with a tropical climate, as suboptimal storage may lead to ineffectiveness of drugs essential to prevent and treat postpartum hemorrhage.

Methods

At Mulago National Referral Hospital (28 000–33 000 deliveries/year) in Kampala, Uganda, temperature logging Safe‐Rx cards were placed in boxes of oxytocin and in every known storage location. The route of the boxes through the hospital was tracked for 54 days, and storage conditions were observed.

Results

Oxytocin was stored within the recommended temperature range (2°C–8°C) 24% of the time. The average temperature measured within the oxytocin boxes was 18.2°C, with a minimum of –2.3°C and maximum of 30.4°C. Six out of twelve known storage places had a refrigerator, but not one location stored medication at the recommended temperature constantly. The average temperature in the storage places ranged from 9.5°C to 27.6°C, with a minimum temperature of 2.3°C and maximum of 30.9°C.

Conclusion

Oxytocin is not stored in the recommended temperature range for the majority of time. The presence of refrigerators does not ensure adherence to advised temperature storage conditions.