bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The psychosocial repercussions of cranioencephalic trauma caused by motorcycle accidents / Repercussões psicossociais do traumatismo crânioencefálico causado por acidente motociclístico
Authors: Constâncio Tatiane Oliveira de Souza , Rocha Roseane Montragil , Nery Adriana Alves , Constâncio Jocinei Ferreira
Published: July 2019

Objetivo: Descrever as repercussões psicossociais do Traumatismo Crânioencefálico causado por acidente motociclístico. Métodos: Tratou-se de uma pesquisa descritiva, com recorte longitudinal, de abordagem qualitativa, do tipo estudo de caso. Foram aplicados instrumentos, realizada entrevista semiestruturada e observação no domicílio da paciente. Os dados foram analisados por meio da triangulação, buscando-se linhas de convergência entre os mesmos e interpretados através da análise de conteúdo temática. Resultados: Foram apresentados a partir da transcrição da entrevista, posteriormente, agruparam-se os conteúdos por similaridades de significados e desvelaram-se as categorias: “Repercussões psicossociais: dualidade do sim e do não”; “Ressignificação da maternidade” e “(Re)valorização da vida”. Conclusão: Ficou evidenciado que a paciente não teve nenhuma repercussão ou sequela funcional. Entretanto, percebeu-se que nem sempre as repercussões de um acidente motocilístico são visíveis, pelo contrário, as ‘marcas’ invisíveis se fazem presentes e, por vezes, são difíceis de serem percebidas pelas vítimas e seus familiares.
Experiences of cancer patients’ family caregivers in palliative care / Juntos resistimos, separados caímos: vivências de familiares cuidadores de pacientes oncológicos em cuidados paliativos
Authors: Lima Laís do Espirito Santo , Santana Mary Elizabeth de , Correa Júnior Antonio Jorge Silva , Vasconcelos Esleane Vilela
Published: July 2019

Objetivo: Descrever a experiência de familiares cuidadores de pacientes oncológicos em cuidados paliativos e analisar as implicações para o cuidado de enfermagem. Métodos: Estudo descritivo de abordagem qualitativa, com coleta através de entrevista semiestruturada aberta e transcrições submetidas a Análise de Conteúdo. Resultados: Mediante análise construíram-se três unidades: “Adeus céu azul: a terminalidade da vida, o câncer e os cuidados paliativos”, abordando o impacto e a migração para os cuidados paliativos sugerindo auxilio ao enfrentamento; “Respire fundo: desafios dos familiares cuidadores”, tocante à escolha do cuidador, as privações e as dificuldades financeiras; “Maior que palavras: vivências que marcaram”, enfatizando o impacto do diagnóstico e a dor oncológica como vivências mais significativas. Considerações finais: É necessário ouvir, dar voz e conhecer a história de vida dos familiares cuidadores para o planejamento e promoção satisfatórios da assistência de enfermagem e educação em saúde.
Amino acid variants of the HybB membrane subunit of Escherichia coli [NiFe]‐hydrogenase‐2 support a role in proton transfer
Authors: Lubek Dorothea , Simon Andreas H. , Pinske Constanze
Published: July 2019

[NiFe]‐hydrogenase (Hyd) 2 of Escherichia coli has been proposed to generate proton motive force during H2‐oxidation, which it is dependent on if cells are incubated anaerobically with glycerol to drive reverse H2‐production. The integral membrane subunit HybB is required for proton transfer (PT) by Hyd‐2 but has no cofactor. To provide evidence for PT by HybB, we analyzed the roles of conserved amino acid residues in a predicted proton channel. Exchange of conserved residues identified residues Y99, E133, H184, and E228 as mandatory for PT from the cytoplasm and quinol oxidation. In contrast, exchange of W54, D58, or R89 rendered Hyd‐2 uni‐directional and influenced the equilibrium. Our findings show that HybB is the key subunit in PT.
CasLocusAnno: a web‐based server for annotating cas loci and their corresponding (sub)types
Authors: Dong Chuan , Zeng Zhi , Pu Dong‐Kai , Wen Qing‐Feng , Liu Shuo , Du Meng‐Ze , Sun Yan , Gao Yi‐Zhou , Rao Nini , Huang Jian , Guo Feng‐Biao
Published: July 2019

In prokaryotes, Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR‐associated protein (Cas) systems constitute adaptive immune systems against mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Here, we introduce the Markov cluster algorithm (MCL) to Makarova et al.'s method in order to select a more reasonable profile. Additionally, our new Maximum Continuous Cas Subcluster (MCCS) method helps identification of tightly clustered loci. The comparison with two other commonly used programs shows that the method could identify Cas proteins with higher accuracy and lower Additional Prediction Rate (APR). Moreover, we developed a web‐based server, CasLocusAnno (http://cefg.uestc.cn/CasLocusAnno), capable of annotating Cas proteins, cas loci and their (sub)types less than ~ 28 s following the whole proteome sequence submission. Its standalone version can be downloaded at https://github.com/RiversDong/CasLocusAnno.
Quantum‐Hall to Insulator Transition in Ultra‐Low‐Carrier‐Density Topological Insulator Films and a Hidden Phase of the Zeroth Landau Level
Authors: Salehi Maryam , Shapourian Hassan , Rosen Ilan Thomas , Han Myung‐Geun , Moon Jisoo , Shibayev Pavel , Jain Deepti , Goldhaber‐Gordon David , Oh Seongshik
Published: July 2019

A key feature of the topological surface state under a magnetic field is the presence of the zeroth Landau level at the zero energy. Nonetheless, it is challenging to probe the zeroth Landau level due to large electron–hole puddles smearing its energy landscape. Here, by developing ultra‐low‐carrier density topological insulator Sb2Te3 films, an extreme quantum limit of the topological surface state is reached and a hidden phase at the zeroth Landau level is uncovered. First, an unexpected quantum‐Hall‐to‐insulator‐transition near the zeroth Landau level is discovered. Then, through a detailed scaling analysis, it is found that this quantum‐Hall‐to‐insulator‐transition belongs to a new universality class, implying that the insulating phase discovered here has a fundamentally different origin from those in nontopological systems.
Progress Report on Atomic Layer Deposition Toward Hybrid Nanocomposite Electrodes for Next Generation Supercapacitors
Authors: Gandla Dayakar , Tan Daniel Qi
Published: July 2019

In present supercapacitors' research atomic layer deposition (ALD) has proven to be a better technique of choice since the controlled deposition and better conformal surface coating minimize the ion diffusion and charge transport path which result in a supercapacitor with optimized energy and power density, good cyclic stability, and rate capability. This progress report summarizes the recent advances in ALD toward fabrication and surface modification of advanced hybrid nanocomposite electrodes for supercapacitors using some selected examples. A particular emphasis is given to the key role of ALD parameters in influencing the electrochemical performance of hybrid nanocomposite. In addition, the authors point out the current challenges and the strategies for future fine utilization of this technique to achieve desired energy density and overall performance. The authors anticipate this report to provide some insights and motivations to design high performance next generation supercapacitors by manipulating the parameters of ALD when using various active materials.
Chemo‐ and Regioselective Ring Construction Driven by Visible‐Light Photoredox Catalysis: an Access to Fluoroalkylated Oxazolidines Featuring an All‐Substituted Carbon Stereocenter
Authors: Chu Xue‐Qiang , Ge Danhua , Wang Mao‐Lin , Rao Weidong , Loh Teck‐Peng , Shen Zhi‐Liang
Published: July 2019

The unique advantages conferred by incorporation of all‐substituted carbon stereocenters in organic molecules have gained widespread recognition. In this work, we describe a three‐component cyclization to access C‐2 fluoroalkylated oxazolidines by fragments assembly of readily available silyl enol ether, fluoroalkyl halide, and chiral amino alcohol in a single reaction vessel, which provides an efficient strategy for expanding the pool of pharmaceutically important heterocycles featuring an all‐substituted carbon stereocenter. This process proceeds efficiently in a chemo‐, regio‐, and stereoselective fashion under mild reaction conditions at room temperature and exhibits broad functional group tolerance. The successful realization of this controlled heteroannulation sequence relies on distinctive perfluoroalkylation, regio‐ and stereoselective radical cyclization through visible‐light photoredox catalysis. Moreover, a one‐pot procedure directly employing ketone as substrate has also been achieved.

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A Review on the Application of Integral Equation‐Based Computational Methods to Scattering Problems in Plasmonics
Authors: Zheng Xuezhi , Kupresak Mario , Verellen Niels , Moshchalkov Victor V. , Vandenbosch Guy A. E.
Published: July 2019

Many computational methods have been developed and used for modeling, understanding, and tailoring extreme optical effects at the nanoscale. Among them, this review focuses on the integral equation‐based methods: within the local response limit, a potential‐based boundary integral equation (BIE) formalism and a field‐based volume integral equation (VIE) formalism; within the nonlocal hydrodynamic model, a potential‐based BIE formalism. These formalisms are derived from macroscopic electrodynamics (together with appropriate constitutive relations). The derivations are based on three pillars: the Green function, the field relation(s) (for the VIE formalism, the incident—scattered—total field relation; for the BIE formalism, the interface conditions connecting the fields at two sides of the interface), and the field equivalence principle (for the VIE formalism, the volume equivalence principle; for the BIE formalism, the Huygens principle). By applying the method of moments (MoM) algorithm, the derived integral equations are converted into matrix equations, with possible problems in the implementation being discussed. Levels of solutions, including the eigenmode and natural mode solutions, and group representation theory are introduced as powerful post‐processing steps. Many examples are shown to demonstrate the effectiveness of the reviewed algorithms.
Material‐Induced Venosome‐Supported Bone Tubes
Authors: Charbonnier Baptiste , Baradaran Aslan , Sato Daisuke , Alghamdi Osama , Zhang Zishuai , Zhang Yu‐Ling , Gbureck Uwe , Gilardino Mirko , Harvey Edward , Makhoul Nicholas , Barralet Jake
Published: July 2019

The development of alternatives to vascular bone grafts, the current clinical standard for the surgical repair of large segmental bone defects still today represents an unmet medical need. The subcutaneous formation of transplantable bone has been successfully achieved in scaffolds axially perfused by an arteriovenous loop (AVL) and seeded with bone marrow stromal cells or loaded with inductive proteins. Although demonstrating clinical potential, AVL‐based approaches involve complex microsurgical techniques and thus are not in widespread use. In this study, 3D‐printed microporous bioceramics, loaded with autologous total bone marrow obtained by needle aspiration, are placed around and next to an unoperated femoral vein for 8 weeks to assess the effect of a central flow‐through vein on bone formation from marrow in a subcutaneous site. A greater volume of new bone tissue is observed in scaffolds perfused by a central vein compared with the nonperfused negative control. These analyses are confirmed and supplemented by calcified and decalcified histology. This is highly significant as it indicates that transplantable vascularized bone can be grown using dispensable vein and marrow tissue only. This is the first report illustrating the capacity of an intrinsic vascularization by a single vein to support ectopic bone formation from untreated marrow.
Fabricating Mechanically Robust Binder‐Free Structured Zeolites by 3D Printing Coupled with Zeolite Soldering: A Superior Configuration for CO2 Capture
Authors: Wang Shuang , Bai Pu , Sun Mingzhe , Liu Wei , Li Dongdong , Wu Wenzheng , Yan Wenfu , Shang Jin , Yu Jihong
Published: July 2019

3D‐printing technology is a promising approach for rapidly and precisely manufacturing zeolite adsorbents with desirable configurations. However, the trade‐off among mechanical stability, adsorption capacity, and diffusion kinetics remains an elusive challenge for the practical application of 3D‐printed zeolites. Herein, a facile “3D printing and zeolite soldering” strategy is developed to construct mechanically robust binder‐free zeolite monoliths (ZM‐BF) with hierarchical structures, which can act as a superior configuration for CO2 capture. Halloysite nanotubes are employed as printing ink additives, which serve as both reinforcing materials and precursor materials for integrating ZM‐BF by ultrastrong interfacial “zeolite‐bonds” subjected to hydrothermal treatment. ZM‐BF exhibits outstanding mechanical properties with robust compressive strength up to 5.24 MPa, higher than most of the reported structured zeolites with binders. The equilibrium CO2 uptake of ZM‐BF reaches up to 5.58 mmol g−1 (298 K, 1 bar), which is the highest among all reported 3D‐printed CO2 adsorbents. Strikingly, the dynamic adsorption breakthrough tests demonstrate the superiority of ZM‐BF over commercial benchmark zeolites for flue gas purification and natural gas and biogas upgrading. This work introduces a facile strategy for designing and fabricating high‐performance hierarchically structured zeolite adsorbents and even catalysts for practical applications.
Reverse‐Offset Printing of Metal‐Nitrate‐Based Metal Oxide Semiconductor Ink for Flexible TFTs
Authors: Leppäniemi Jaakko , Sneck Asko , Kusaka Yasuyuki , Fukuda Nobuko , Alastalo Ari
Published: July 2019

Reverse‐offset printing (ROP) is a novel printing technique capable of forming electronics‐industry‐relevant linewidths (≈1 µm) with good thickness control and sharp edge definition. It is demonstrated that through a controlled oxygen‐plasma treatment, the energy of the surfaces related to the process steps of ROP can be optimized to allow the patterning of metal‐oxide semiconductor layers using a simple printing ink based on metal nitrates dissolved in an organic solvent. The steps of the ROP process are analyzed using surface‐energy measurements and Fourier transform infrared spectra of the ink during drying. Thin‐film transistors (TFTs) fabricated using a roll‐to‐plate ROP of In2O3 semiconductor and evaporated Al source/drain (S/D) contacts show, on average, mobilities of 3.1 and 3.5 cm2 V−1 s−1, and ON/OFF‐ratios up to 108 and 107 on a Si/SiO2 substrate and on a flexible polyimide‐type substrate, respectively. TFTs on the flexible substrate with also the S/D‐contacts printed with ROP using Ag nanoparticle ink exhibit a 1.4 cm2 V−1 s−1 mobility. To demonstrate the scalability of the process, continuous lines of In2O3 are printed using a roll‐to‐roll‐compatible (R2R) ROP with linewidths down to ≈2 µm. This process is expected to lead to miniaturized metal‐oxide circuits as required by flexible high‐resolution sensor arrays and displays.
Enhancement in Performance of Transparent p‐NiO/n‐ZnO Heterojunction Ultrafast Self‐Powered Photodetector via Pyro‐Phototronic Effect
Authors: Rana Amit Kumar , Kumar Mohit , Ban Dong‐Kyun , Wong Ching‐Ping , Yi Junsin , Kim Joondong
Published: July 2019

A high‐performance transparent p‐NiO/n‐ZnO heterojunction ultraviolet photodetector with a photovoltaic mode that exploits the pyro‐phototronic effect is demonstrated. The influence of thermal treatment on ZnO films is systematically investigated, and is found to help speed up current flow due to redistribution of the pyroelectric potential within the heterojunction device. The pyrocurrent magnitude is enhanced by 1264.41% for the thermally treated device. In addition, under weak UV illumination (0.43 mW cm−2), the thermally treated device exhibits high responsivity and detectivity with respective enhancements over 5460% and 6063% compared to the pristine device. Importantly, an ultrafast response speed with rise time ≈3.92 and decay time ≈8.90 µs is achieved under self‐biased conditions. The device also maintains an impressive transparency of more than 70% in the visible region. Furthermore, the basic pyro‐phototronic properties of the device are thoroughly probed based on the influence of incident light intensity, externally applied bias, and change in transient switching frequencies. This work not only introduces a simple approach but also enables high‐performance self‐powered UV photodetection governed by the pyro‐phototronic effect and demonstrated to be suitable for future transparent optoelectronic devices.
High Thermoelectric Performance in PbSe–NaSbSe2 Alloys from Valence Band Convergence and Low Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Slade Tyler J. , Bailey Trevor P. , Grovogui Jann A. , Hua Xia , Zhang Xiaomi , Kuo Jimmy Jiahong , Hadar Ido , Snyder G. Jeffrey , Wolverton Chris , Dravid Vinayak P. , Uher Ctirad , Kanatzidis Mercouri G.
Published: July 2019

PbSe is an attractive thermoelectric material due to its favorable electronic structure, high melting point, and lower cost compared to PbTe. Herein, the hitherto unexplored alloys of PbSe with NaSbSe2 (NaPbmSbSem+2) are described and the most promising p‐type PbSe‐based thermoelectrics are found among them. Surprisingly, it is observed that below 500 K, NaPbmSbSem+2 exhibits unorthodox semiconducting‐like electrical conductivity, despite possessing degenerate carrier densities of ≈1020 cm−3. It is shown that the peculiar behavior derives from carrier scattering by the grain boundaries. It is further demonstrated that the high solubility of NaSbSe2 in PbSe augments both the thermoelectric properties while maintaining a rock salt structure. Namely, density functional theory calculations and photoemission spectroscopy demonstrate that introduction of NaSbSe2 lowers the energy separation between the L‐ and Σ‐valence bands and enhances the power factors under 700 K. The crystallographic disorder of Na+, Pb2+, and Sb3+ moreover provides exceptionally strong point defect phonon scattering yielding low lattice thermal conductivities of 1–0.55 W m‐1 K‐1 between 400 and 873 K without nanostructures. As a consequence, NaPb10SbSe12 achieves maximum ZT ≈1.4 near 900 K when optimally doped. More importantly, NaPb10SbSe12 maintains high ZT across a broad temperature range, giving an estimated record ZTavg of ≈0.64 between 400 and 873 K, a significant improvement over existing p‐type PbSe thermoelectrics.
The Revised METRIQ Score: A Quality Evaluation Tool for Online Educational Resources
Authors: Colmers‐Gray Isabelle N. , Krishnan Keeth , Chan Teresa M. , Trueger N. Seth , Paddock Michael , Grock Andrew , Zaver Fareen , Thoma Brent
Published: July 2019

Background

With the rapid proliferation of online medical education resources, quality evaluation is increasingly critical. The Medical Education Translational Resources: Impact and Quality (METRIQ) study evaluated the METRIQ‐8 quality assessment instrument for blogs and collected feedback to improve it.

Methods

As part of the larger METRIQ study, participants rated the quality of five blog posts on clinical emergency medicine topics using the eight‐item METRIQ‐8 score. Next, participants used a 7‐point Likert scale and free‐text comments to evaluate the METRIQ‐8 score on ease of use, clarity of items, and likelihood of recommending it to others. Descriptive statistics were calculated and comments were thematically analyzed to guide the development of a revised METRIQ (rMETRIQ) score.

Results

A total of 309 emergency medicine attendings, residents, and medical students completed the survey. The majority of participants felt the METRIQ‐8 score was easy to use (mean ± SD = 2.7 ± 1.1 out of 7, with 1 indicating strong agreement) and would recommend it to others (2.7 ± 1.3 out of 7, with 1 indicating strong agreement). The thematic analysis suggested clarifying ambiguous questions, shortening the 7‐point scale, specifying scoring anchors for the questions, eliminating the “unsure” option, and grouping‐related questions. This analysis guided changes that resulted in the rMETRIQ score.

Conclusion

Feedback on the METRIQ‐8 score contributed to the development of the rMETRIQ score, which has improved clarity and usability. Further validity evidence on the rMETRIQ score is required.
Local radicality and survival outcome of pancreatic cancer surgery
Authors: Niesen Willem , Hank Thomas , Büchler Markus , Strobel Oliver
Published: July 2019

Pancreatic cancer remains a therapeutic challenge. Surgical resection in combination with systemic chemotherapy is the only option promising long‐term survival and potential cure. However, only about 20% of patients are diagnosed with tumors that are still in a resectable stage. Even after potentially curative resection and modern regimens for adjuvant chemotherapy, the majority of patients develop local and systemic recurrence resulting in median overall survival times of 28‐54 months. The predominance of systemic recurrence and its impact on survival may lead to the assumption that surgical radicality and local control play only minor roles in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. This review provides an overview of the recent literature on surgical radicality and survival outcome in pancreatic cancer. The current evidence on the extent of lymphadenectomy, the prognostic impact of the extent of lymph node involvement, and the impact of the resection margin status on postresection survival are reviewed. Data from recent studies performed in the context of modern surgery and adjuvant therapy provide good evidence of a considerable impact of local radicality on survival after pancreatic cancer surgery. Surgical techniques that have been developed to refine oncological resections and to increase local control as well as resectability are highlighted. These techniques include artery‐first approaches, level‐3 dissection with removal of the periarterial nerve plexus, the triangle operation, and extended resections. Local radicality and quality of surgical resection remain among the most important parameters that determine the chances for survival in patients with non‐metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Anemia predicts lower white matter volume and cognitive performance in sickle and non‐sickle cell anemia syndrome
Authors: Choi Soyoung , O'Neil Sharon H. , Joshi Anand A. , Li Jian , Bush Adam M. , Coates Thomas D. , Leahy Richard M. , Wood John C.
Published: July 2019

Severe chronic anemia is an independent predictor of overt stroke, white matter damage, and cognitive dysfunction in the elderly. Severe anemia also predisposes to white matter strokes in young children, independent of the anemia subtype. We previously demonstrated symmetrically decreased white matter (WM) volumes in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). In the current study, we investigated whether patients with non‐sickle anemia also have lower WM volumes and cognitive dysfunction. Magnetic Resonance Imaging was performed on 52 clinically asymptomatic SCD patients (age = 21.4 ± 7.7; F = 27, M = 25; hemoglobin = 9.6 ± 1.6 g/dL), 26 non‐sickle anemic patients (age = 23.9 ± 7.9; F = 14, M = 12; hemoglobin = 10.8 ± 2.5 g/dL) and 40 control subjects (age = 27.7 ± 11.3; F = 28, M = 12; hemoglobin = 13.4 ± 1.3 g/dL). Voxel‐wise changes in WM brain volumes were compared to hemoglobin levels to identify brain regions that are vulnerable to anemia. White matter volume was diffusely lower in deep, watershed areas proportionally to anemia severity. After controlling for age, sex, and hemoglobin level, brain volumes were independent of disease. WM volume loss was associated with lower Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ; P = .0048; r2 = .18) and an abnormal burden of silent cerebral infarctions (P = .029) in males, but not in females. Hemoglobin count and cognitive measures were similar between subjects with and without white‐matter hyperintensities. The spatial distribution of volume loss suggests chronic hypoxic cerebrovascular injury, despite compensatory hyperemia. Neurocognitive consequences of WM volume changes and silent cerebral infarction were strongly sexually dimorphic. Understanding the possible neurological consequences of chronic anemia may help inform our current clinical practices.
Serotonergic innervation of the human amygdala and evolutionary implications
Authors: Lew Caroline H. , Hanson Kari L. , Groeniger Kimberly M. , Greiner Demi , Cuevas Deion , Hrvoj‐Mihic Branka , Schumann Cynthia M. , Semendeferi Katerina
Published: July 2019

Objectives

The serotonergic system is involved in the regulation of socio‐emotional behavior and heavily innervates the amygdala, a key structure of social brain circuitry. We quantified serotonergic axon density of the four major nuclei of the amygdala in humans, and examined our results in light of previously published data sets in chimpanzees and bonobos.

Materials and methods

Formalin‐fixed postmortem tissue sections of the amygdala from six humans were stained for serotonin transporter (SERT) utilizing immunohistochemistry. SERT‐immunoreactive (ir) axon fiber density in the lateral, basal, accessory basal, and central nuclei of the amygdala was quantified using unbiased stereology. Nonparametric statistical analyses were employed to examine differences in SERT‐ir axon density between amygdaloid nuclei within humans, as well as differences between humans and previously published data in chimpanzees and bonobos.

Results

Humans displayed a unique pattern of serotonergic innervation of the amygdala, and SERT‐ir axon density was significantly greater in the central nucleus compared to the lateral nucleus. SERT‐ir axon density was significantly greater in humans compared to chimpanzees in the basal, accessory basal, and central nuclei. SERT‐ir axon density was greater in humans compared to bonobos in the accessory basal and central nuclei.

Conclusions

The human pattern of SERT‐ir axon distribution in the amygdala complements the redistribution of neurons in the amygdala in human evolution. The present findings suggest that differential serotonergic modulation of cognitive and autonomic pathways in the amygdala in humans, bonobos, and chimpanzees may contribute to species‐level differences in social behavior.
Soil‐transmitted helminth infection and intestinal inflammation among the Shuar of Amazonian Ecuador
Authors: Cepon‐Robins Tara J. , Gildner Theresa E. , Schrock Joshua , Eick Geeta , Bedbury Ali , Liebert Melissa A. , Urlacher Samuel S. , Madimenos Felicia C. , Harrington Christopher J. , Amir Dorsa , Bribiescas Richard G. , Sugiyama Lawrence S. , Snodgrass James J.
Published: July 2019

Objectives

Little research exists documenting levels of intestinal inflammation among indigenous populations where exposure to macroparasites, like soil‐transmitted helminths (STHs), is common. Reduced STH exposure is hypothesized to contribute to increased prevalence of elevated intestinal inflammation in wealthy nations, likely due to coevolutionary histories between STHs and human immune systems that favored anti‐inflammatory pathways. Here, we document levels of intestinal inflammation and test associations with STH infection among the Shuar of Ecuador, an indigenous population undergoing socioeconomic/lifestyle changes that influence their hygienic environment. We predict that fecal calprotectin (FC; a measure of intestinal inflammation) will be lower in STH infected individuals and that FC will be negatively associated with infection intensity.

Methods

Stool samples to analyze FC levels and STH infection were collected from 69 Shuar participants (ages 5–75 years). Children (<15 years) and adults (15+ years) were analyzed separately to understand the role of exposure in immune system development and the intestinal inflammatory response.

Results

Two species of STH were present: Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura. The relationships between infection and intestinal inflammation were age‐ and species‐specific. While no significant relationships were found among adults, children who were singly infected with T. trichiura had lower FC levels than uninfected children. Infection intensity was not significantly associated with FC in children or adults.

Conclusions

These preliminary results provide limited support for our hypotheses, documenting tentative age‐ and species‐specific associations between FC and infection status. Findings may point to the importance of species‐specific STH exposure during immune system development.
Transnasal prelacrimal approach to the inferior intraconal space: a feasibility study
Authors: Li Lifeng , London Nyall R. , Silva Samuel , Prevedello Daniel , Carrau Ricardo L.
Published: July 2019

Background

Endonasal access to the inferomedial and inferolateral intraconal space via the orbital floor has not been reported. The primary purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of accessing the inferior intraconal space through the orbital floor via a transnasal prelacrimal approach. Secondarily, it aims to highlight anatomical relationships of neurovascular structures in this space, as a requirement to prevent complications.

Methods

Six cadaveric heads (12 sides) were dissected using a transnasal prelacrimal approach. The orbital floor, medial to the infraorbital canal, was removed and the periorbita opened to expose the inferior rectus muscle. The inferomedial and inferolateral intraconal space was accessed alongside the medial and lateral border of inferior rectus muscle, respectively. Various anatomical relationships of adjacent neurovascular structures were recorded, and the distances among the recti muscles and optic nerve were also measured.

Results

The infraorbital nerve is located at the inferolateral aspect of inferior rectus muscle. In the inferomedial intraconal space, we identified the inferomedial muscular trunk of the ophthalmic artery, optic nerve, and branches of the oculomotor nerve; whereas the inferolateral intraconal space contained the inferolateral muscular trunk of ophthalmic artery, branches of the oculomotor and nasociliary nerve, and abducens nerve. Distances from the medial, inferior, and lateral recti muscles to the optic nerve were (mean ± standard deviation) 4.70 ± 1.18 mm, 5.60 ± 0.93 mm, and 7.98 ± 1.99 mm, respectively. Distances from the inferior rectus muscle to the inferior borders of medial and lateral recti muscles were 4.45 ± 1.23 mm and 8.77 ± 1.80 mm.

Conclusion

It is feasible to access the inferior intraconal space through the orbital floor via a transnasal prelacrimal approach. The access may be subdivided into inferomedial and inferolateral corridors according to the entry point at the medial or lateral border of the inferior rectus muscle. Neurovascular structures in the inferior intraconal space are visualized directly, which should enhance their preservation.
Effects of sphenoid surgery on nasal irrigation delivery
Authors: Grayson Jessica W. , Cavada Marina , Wong Eugene , Lien Benjamin , Duvnjak Marin , Campbell Raewyn , Kalish Larry , Sacks Raymond , Harvey Richard J.
Published: July 2019

Background

Nasal irrigation is an important component of medical management in chronic rhinosinusitis. Nasal irrigations facilitate topical medication of therapies and lavage of mucin. In this study we aim to compare the influence of increasing surgical sphenoid openings on the distribution, force, and clearance of nasal irrigations.

Methods

A study was performed on fresh‐frozen adult cadaver heads. The surgical ostium was modified on one side via a simple sphenoidotomy, a sphenoid sinusectomy (type 1), and sphenoid sinusectomy (type 3a). The nasal cavity was irrigated using a 240‐mL squeeze bottle with 0.1% fluoroscein. An endoscope passed through the contralateral side through the sphenoid septum recorded the irrigation. Videos were recorded and blindly assessed. The distribution was defined as either no irrigation, less than one third of the sinus, less than or equal to two thirds of the sinus, or the complete sinus. The force was defined as minimal, minor, or major. The clearance was defined as no residual, less than one third of volume, less than or equal to two thirds of volume, and more than two thirds volume. Ordinal correlation scores were assessed using the Kendall tau‐B test.

Results

Nine specimens (sphenoid sinuses) were assessed (44.4% female; age, 75.0 ± 12.7 years). The use of a sphenoid sinusectomy or larger produced better distribution (percent specimens with more than one third: 100% vs 59%, p < 0.01), more force (percent major: 83% vs 29%, p < 0.01), and better clearance (percent with one third or less remaining: 56% vs 18%, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Increasing sphenoid ostial size improves nasal irrigation penetration. We propose that greater sphenoid sinusectomy size allows for improved lavage and irrigation penetration. Complete removal of the anterior face appears to mitigate pooling of irrigation.
Allantoin attenuates deficits of behavioural and motor nerve conduction in an animal model of cisplatin‐induced neurotoxicity in rats
Authors: N S Vindya , Mohamad Aqib , Razdan Rema
Published: July 2019

Background

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of allantoin in cisplatin‐induced toxicity in rats.

Methods

Adult male Wistar rats weighing 160‐200 g were used. Neuropathy was induced by injecting cisplatin (2 mg/kg, ip, twice a week for 6 weeks) and the rats were concurrently treated with allantoin (200 and 400 mg/kg, po) for 8 weeks. At the end of the study, body weight and hemogram were measured. Behavioural tests were performed, including tests for cold and hot hyperalgesia, motor co‐ordination, locomotor activity, mechano‐tactile allodynia and mechanical hyperalgesia. The rats were then sacrificed and sciatic nerve conduction velocity was determined. The antioxidant enzyme and nitric oxide levels in sciatic nerve homogenates were measured.

Results

In this study, allantoin restored the motor nerve conduction velocity deficits induced by cisplatin, and the allantoin‐treated rats showed improvement in cold and thermal hyperalgesia, mechano‐tactile allodynia, and mechanical hyperalgesia. Allantoin treatment also improved the rats’ hematological status, increasing haemoglobin, platelet and RBC counts compared to the cisplatin‐treated group. Allantoin treatment also mitigated the functional abnormalities seen in the cisplatin neuropathy group, protecting neurons from the neurotoxic effects of cisplatin.

Conclusion

Allantoin shows promise for use as an adjuvant drug in cancer treatment to protect against cisplatin‐induced neuropathy.
Suppressed Mobility of Negative Charges in Polymer Electrolytes with an Ether‐Functionalized Anion
Authors: Zhang Heng , Chen Fangfang , Lakuntza Oier , Oteo Uxue , Qiao Lixin , Martinez‐Ibañez Maria , Zhu Haijin , Carrasco Javier , Forsyth Maria , Armand Michel
Published: July 2019

Suppressing the mobility of anionic species in polymer electrolytes (PEs) is essential for mitigating the concentration gradient and internal cell polarization, and thereby improving the stability and cycle life of rechargeable alkali metal batteries. Now, an ether‐functionalized anion (EFA) is used as a counter‐charge in a lithium salt. As the salt component in PEs, it achieves low anionic diffusivity but sufficient Li‐ion conductivity. The ethylene oxide unit in EFA endows nanosized self‐agglomeration of anions and trapping interactions between the anions and its structurally homologous matrix, poly(ethylene oxide), thus suppressing the mobility of negative charges. In contrast to previous strategies of using anion traps or tethering anions to a polymer/inorganic backbone, this work offers a facile and elegant methodology on accessing selective and efficient Li‐ion transport in PEs and related electrolyte materials (for example, composites and hybrid electrolytes).
Eine Threonin‐bildende Oxazetidinaminosäure für die chemische Synthese von Proteinen mittels KAHA‐Ligation
Authors: Baldauf Simon , Schauenburg Dominik , Bode Jeffrey W.
Published: July 2019

Die Ligation von α‐Ketosäure‐Hydroxylamin (KAHA) erlaubt die chemoselektive Verknüpfung von ungeschützten Peptidsegmenten unter Bildung einer Amidbindung. Die zurzeit meistgenutzte Variante basiert auf einem fünfgliedrigen cyclischen Hydroxylamin, welches einen Homoserinester als Hauptligationsprodukt bildet. Ein neues viergliedriges cyclisches Hydroxylamin wurde synthetisiert, um die natürliche Aminosäure Threonin an der Ligationsstelle bildet. Dieses Monomer wurde für die Synthese der Proteine UbcH5a (146 Aminosäuren) und TI I27 (89 Aminosäuren) eingesetzt. Sowohl das so synthetisierte UbcH5a als auch die Variante, die unter Verwendung des fünfgliedrigen zyklischen Hydroxylamins synthetisiert wurde, zeigten identische Aktivitäten gegenüber der rekombinanten Variante in einem Ubiquitinierungs‐Assay.
Metal‐Modified Nucleic Acids: Metal‐Mediated Base Pairs, Triples, and Tetrads
Authors: Naskar Shuvankar , Guha Rweetuparna , Müller Jens
Published: July 2019

The incorporation of metal ions into nucleic acids by means of metal‐mediated base pairs represents a promising and prominent strategy for the site‐specific decoration of these self‐assembling supramolecules with metal‐based functionality. Over the past 20 years, numerous nucleoside surrogates have been introduced in this respect, broadening the metal scope by providing perfectly tailored metal‐binding sites. More recently, artificial nucleosides derived from natural purine or pyrimidine bases have moved into the focus of AgI‐mediated base pairing, due to their expected compatibility with regular Watson–Crick base pairs. This minireview summarizes these advances in metal‐mediated base pairing but also includes further recent progress in the field. Moreover, it addresses other aspects of metal‐modified nucleic acids, highlighting an expansion of the concept to metal‐mediated base triples (in triple helices and three‐way junctions) and metal‐mediated base tetrads (in quadruplexes). For all types of metal‐modified nucleic acids, proposed or accomplished applications are briefly mentioned, too.
Oxidative addition of 1,4‐dichloro‐2‐butyne to an organoplatinum complex: A new precursor for synthesis of ultrasmall Pt nanoparticles thin film at liquid/liquid interface as the electrocatalyst in methanol oxidation reaction
Authors: Sadri Nazanin , Hoseini S. Jafar
Published: July 2019

In this study, the usage of ClCH2CCCH2Cl alkyne as a reagent for the oxidative addition reaction with organoplatinum‌(II) complex [PtMe2(bipy)] (1), in which bipy = 2,2′‐bipyridine to give a mixture including of trans‐[PtClMe2(CH2CCCH2Cl)(bipy)] (2a) and a cis‐[PtClMe2(CH2CCCH2Cl)(bipy)] (2b) complexes is reported. Kinetic study was investigated by monitoring the disappearance of the metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (MLCT) band in the UV–Vis spectra. 1H NMR experimental results confirmed that trans isomer (2a) is more stable than its corresponding cis isomer. A liquid–liquid planar interface has been employed as a template for self‐assembly of platinum nanoparticles. The as prepared complex was applied for the synthesis of platinum thin film that characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive analysis of X‐rays (EDAX), field emission‐scanning electron micrographs (FE‐SEM) and elemental mapping. The electrocatalytical activity of Pt thin film was investigated in methanol oxidation reaction.
Ag3[PMo12O40]: An efficient and green catalyst for the synthesis of highly functionalized pyran‐annulated heterocycles via multicomponent reaction
Authors: Tamimi Mehrnoush , Heravi Majid M. , Mirzaei Masoud , Zadsirjan Vahideh , Lotfian Nahid , Eshtiagh‐Hosseini Hossein
Published: July 2019

A facile, efficient and eco‐friendly catalytic protocol was developed for the synthesis of medicinally important pyran‐annulated heterocycles via multicomponent reaction (MCR). Cyclocondensation of differently substituted aromatic aldehydes, malononitrile/ethyl cyanoacetate and various β‐dicarbonyl compounds in the presence of Ag3[PMo12O40]⋅nH2O as heterogeneous catalyst, in EtOH–H2O, afforded diverse pyran‐fused chromene analogues. The merits observed for this approach were it being conducted via MCR, using commercially available or easily accessible starting materials in the presence of a green and easily separable heterogeneous and reusable catalyst, and affording high yields of desired products in very short reaction times with high purity in one‐pot fashion, thus providing a superior alternative approach for the synthesis of pyran‐annulated heterocycles.
A modern approach for the sensing of aqueous Al(III) ion by Ni(II) Salen‐type Schiff base complexes
Authors: Mohan Nithya , S. S. Sreejith , Begum P.M. Sabura , Kurup M.R. Prathapachandra
Published: July 2019

In this work, we explore a modern concept of transmetalation (metal exchange) for the effective recognition of aqueous Al(III) ion. Three different Ni(II) salen‐type Schiff base complexes with different spacer diimine groups were prepared for the metal exchange reaction. These probes recognize Al(III) both colorimetically as well as fluorimetrically. The efficiency in sensing is mainly due to the low emission characteristics of the respective Ni(II) complexes which results in enhanced emission on the formation of Al(III) complex. The geometry of the central Ni(II) metal ion in the probe plays a pivotal role in the sensing action with the highest sensitivity being shown by the Ni(II) metal center with distorted square pyramidal geometry. Further DFT calculations and the energetics involved in the sensing mechanism via the formation of Al(III) complexes substantiates the experimental results.
Super‐tough hydrogels using ionically crosslinked networks
Authors: Wang Jilong , Lou Lihua , Qiu Jingjing
Published: July 2019

Alginate and polyacrylamide hydrogels were produced by a facile one‐pot method with varied ionic crosslinkers in this article. These hydrogels display outstanding mechanical properties compared to the pristine polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogels. The alginate network is ionically crosslinked by multivalent cation, whereas N,N′‐methylenebis (acrylamide) (MBAA) is used as covalent crosslinker for the PAAm network. Particularly, the obtained hydrogels by using trivalent cations (Fe3+ and Al3+) as crosslinkers are much stronger than that of using divalent cations (Ca2+ and Ba2+) as crosslinkers. In addition, with increasing concentration of cations, the compressive properties of gels are improved, whereas when the concentration is higher than 0.3 M, the compressive properties of gels are damaged due to mono‐bindings. Interestingly, the hydrogels with higher chemical crosslinker concentration depicts better mechanical properties than those hydrogels with lower chemical crosslinker, which is different from that of common double network hydrogels. These hydrogels with excellent mechanical properties are promising candidates for biomedical application like load‐bearing tissues. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48182.
Phase inversion in reusable baths (PIRBs): A new polymer membrane fabrication method as applied to EVOH
Authors: Su Yan‐Lin , Beltsios Konstantinos G. , Cheng Liao‐Ping
Published: July 2019

A flexible version of the phase inversion variety of porous membrane fabrication that employs cold solvent as a solidification bath is presented. A nonsolvent is included both in the dope and in the bath, and the liquid compositions are such that the bath is reusable; the concept is demonstrated for the water/dimethyl sulfoxide/poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl alcohol) system. The effects of the reusable bath (RB) temperature and the bath strength on membrane morphologies are explored. From the pure water flux measurements, it is found that membranes prepared from RB possess higher permeation fluxes than those from other baths. Filtration against blue dextran (2000 kDa) indicates that those membranes precipitated from RB at 5 °C exhibit the highest rejection (98%) at the permeation flux of 14.56 L m−2h−1. In addition, it is found that the composition of the RB remains unchanged after 240 applications of the new process. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 48193.
Biochemical characterization of digestive membrane‐associated alkaline phosphatase from the velvet bean caterpillar Anticarsia gemmatalis
Authors: da Silva Gabriela , Costa Ramos Luís Felipe , dos Santos Seckler Henrique , Mendonça Gomes Fabio , Reis Cortines Juliana , Ramos Isabela , Dinis Anobom Cristiane , de Alcantara Machado Ednildo , Perpétua de Oliveira Danielle Maria
Published: July 2019

In Brazil, the use of transgenic plants expressing the insect‐toxic Bacillus thuringiensis endotoxin has been successfully used as pest control management since 2013 in transgenic soybean lineages against pest caterpillars such as Helicoverpa armigera. These toxins, endogenously expressed by the plants or sprayed over the crops, are ingested by the insect and bind to receptors in the midgut of these animals, resulting in disruption of digestion and lower insect survival rates. Here, we identified and characterized a membrane‐associated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the midgut of Anticarsia gemmatalis, the main soybean defoliator pest in Brazil, and data suggested that it binds to Cry1Ac toxin in vitro. Our data showed a peak of ALP activity in homogenate samples of the midgut dissected from the 4th and 5th instars larvae. The brush border membrane vesicles obtained from the midgut of these larvae were used to purify a 60 kDa ALP, as detected by in‐gel activity and in vitro biochemical characterization using pharmacological inhibitors and mass spectrometry. When Cry1Ac toxin was supplied to the diet, it was efficient in decreasing larval weight gain and survival. Indeed, in vitro incubation of Cry1Ac toxin with the purified ALP resulted in a 43% decrease in ALP specific activity and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay showed that ALP interacts with Cry1Ac toxin in vitro, thus suggesting that ALP could function as a Cry toxin ligand. This is a first report characterizing an ALP in A. gemmatalis.
Bayesian selection probability estimation for probabilistic Boolean networks
Authors: Toyoda Mitsuru
Published: July 2019

A Bayesian approach to estimate selection probabilities of probabilistic Boolean networks is developed in this study. The concepts of inverse Boolean function and updatable set are introduced to specify states which can be used to update a Bayesian posterior distribution. The analysis on convergence of the posteriors is carried out by exploiting the combination of semi‐tensor product technique and state decomposition algorithm for Markov chain. Finally, some numerical examples demonstrate the proposed estimation algorithm.