bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of BDNF serum levels as a diagnostic marker in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Barbosa Alexandre Garcia , Pratesi Riccardo , Paz Geysa Stefanne Cutrim , dos Santos Maria Aparecida Alves Leite , Uenishi Rosa Harumi , Nakano Eduardo Y. , Gandolfi Lenora , Pratesi Claudia B.
Published: October 2020

There has been a significant increase in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the last decades that cannot be exclusively attributed to better diagnosis and an increase in the communication of new cases. Patients with ASD often show dysregulation of proteins associated with synaptic plasticity, notably brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The objective of the present study was to analyze BDNF serum concentration levels in children with classic forms autism and a healthy control group to determine if there is a correlation between ASD and BDNF serum levels. Forty-nine children with severe classic form of autism, and 37 healthy children were enrolled in the study. Blood samples, from both patients and controls, were collected and BNDF levels from both groups were analyzed. The average BDNF serum concentration level was statistically higher for children with ASD (P < 0.000) compared to the control group. There is little doubt that BDNF plays a role in the pathophysiology of ASD development and evolution, but its brain levels may fluctuate depending on several known and unknown factors. The critical question is not if BDNF levels can be considered a prognostic or diagnostic marker of ASD, but to determine its role in the onset and progression of this disorder.
The safety profile of Bald’s eyesalve for the treatment of bacterial infections
Authors: Anonye Blessing O. , Nweke Valentine , Furner-Pardoe Jessica , Gabrilska Rebecca , Rafiq Afshan , Ukachukwu Faith , Bruce Julie , Lee Christina , Unnikrishnan Meera , Rumbaugh Kendra P. , Snyder Lori A. S. , Harrison Freya
Published: October 2020

The rise in antimicrobial resistance has prompted the development of alternatives to combat bacterial infections. Bald’s eyesalve, a remedy used in the Early Medieval period, has previously been shown to have efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus in in vitro and in vivo models of chronic wounds. However, the safety profile of Bald’s eyesalve has not yet been demonstrated, and this is vital before testing in humans. Here, we determined the safety potential of Bald’s eyesalve using in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models representative of skin or eye infections. We also confirmed that Bald’s eyesalve is active against an important eye pathogen, Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Low levels of cytotoxicity were observed in eyesalve-treated cell lines representative of skin and immune cells. Results from a bovine corneal opacity and permeability test demonstrated slight irritation to the cornea that resolved within 10 min. The slug mucosal irritation assay revealed that a low level of mucus was secreted by slugs indicating moderate mucosal irritation. We obtained promising results from mouse wound closure experiments; no visible signs of irritation or inflammation were observed. Our results suggest that Bald’s eyesalve could be tested further on human volunteers to assess safety for topical application against bacterial infections.
Combining humic acid with phosphate fertilizer affects humic acid structure and its stimulating efficacy on the growth and nutrient uptake of maize seedlings
Authors: Jing Jianyuan , Zhang Shuiqin , Yuan Liang , Li Yanting , Lin Zhian , Xiong Qizhong , Zhao Bingqiang
Published: October 2020

This paper analyzed the compositional and structural changes of humic acid (HA) after combined with phosphate fertilizer (PHA), and investigated its effects on the growth of maize seedlings with four humic acid concentrations. The results showed that the atomic ratios of O/C and (O + N)/N of PHA were significantly lower than those of HA, which indicated that PHA had poor hydrophilicity compared with HA. The spectra of FTIR and NMR results suggested that the relative content of carboxyl group in PHA was higher than that in HA. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy technology showed that the relative amount of C–C in PHA was lower than that in HA, while C–H was the opposite. The above changes were attributed to the crack of HA structure during the preparation of humic acid enhanced phosphate fertilizer, which was verified by the results from the determination of gel permeation chromatography that there were more low molecular weight components in PHA than that in HA. However, compared with HA, PHA showed a worse effect in promoting growth and the uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium by maize seedlings. This worse effect might be attributed to the poor hydrophilicity and unsuitable addition amount of PHA.
Effects of ultra-high-pressure annealing on characteristics of vacancies in Mg-implanted GaN studied using a monoenergetic positron beam
Authors: Uedono Akira , Sakurai Hideki , Narita Tetsuo , Sierakowski Kacper , Bockowski Michal , Suda Jun , Ishibashi Shoji , Chichibu Shigefusa F. , Kachi Tetsu
Published: October 2020

Vacancy-type defects in Mg-implanted GaN were probed by using a monoenergetic positron beam. Mg ions were implanted into GaN to obtain 0.3-μm-deep box profiles with Mg concentrations of 1 × 1019 cm−3. The major defect species in an as-implanted sample was determined to be Ga-vacancy related defects such as a complex between Ga and N vacancies. The sample was annealed under a nitrogen pressure of 1 GPa in a temperature range of 1000–1480 °C without a protective capping layer. Compared with the results for Mg-implanted GaN annealed with an AlN capping layer, the defect concentration was decreased by the cap-less annealing, suggesting that the surface of the sample was an effective sink for vacancies migrating toward the surface. Depth distributions of Mg after annealing above 1300 °C were influenced by the presence of residual vacancies at this temperature. Hydrogen atoms were unintentionally incorporated into the sample during annealing, and their diffusion properties were also affected by both vacancies and Mg.
Accuracy of gross intraoperative margin assessment for breast cancer: experience since the SSO-ASTRO margin consensus guidelines
Authors: Nunez Alberto , Jones Veronica , Schulz-Costello Katherine , Schmolze Daniel
Published: October 2020

Gross intraoperative assessment can be used to ensure negative margins at the time of surgery. Previous studies of this technique were conducted before the introduction of consensus guidelines defining a “positive” margin. We performed a retrospective study examining the accuracy of this technique since these guidelines were published. We identified all specimens that were grossly examined at the time of breast conserving surgery from January 2014 to July 2020. Gross and final microscopic diagnoses were compared and the performance of intraoperative examination was assessed in terms of false positive and false negative rates. Logistic regression models were used to examine the effect of clinicopathologic covariates on discordance. 327 cases were reviewed. Gross exam prompted re-excision in 166 cases (61%). The rate of false negative discordance was 8.6%. In multivariate analysis, multifocality on final pathology was associated with discordance. We consider the false negative rate acceptable for routine clinical use; however, there is an ongoing need for more accurate methods for the intraoperative assessment of margins.
Retinal involvement and ocular findings in COVID-19 pneumonia patients
Authors: Pirraglia Maria Pia , Ceccarelli Giancarlo , Cerini Alberto , Visioli Giacomo , d’Ettorre Gabriella , Mastroianni Claudio M. , Pugliese Francesco , Lambiase Alessandro , Gharbiya Magda
Published: October 2020

Changes in immune and coagulation systems and possible viral spread through the blood–brain barrier have been described in SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this study, we evaluated the possible retinal involvement and ocular findings in severe COVID-19 pneumonia patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 46 patients affected by severe COVID-19 who were hospitalized in one intensive care unit (ICU) and in two infectious disease wards, including bedside eye screening, corneal sensitivity assessment and retinography. A total of 43 SARS-CoV-2-positive pneumonia patients affected with COVID-19 pneumonia were included, including 25 males and 18 females, with a median age of 70 years [IQR 59–78]. Except for one patient with unilateral posterior chorioretinitis of opportunistic origin, of whom aqueous tap was negative for SARS-CoV-2, no further retinal manifestation related to COVID-19 infection was found in our cohort. We found 3 patients (7%) with bilateral conjunctivitis in whom PCR analysis on conjunctival swabs provided negative results for SARS-CoV-2. No alterations in corneal sensitivity were found. We demonstrated the absence of retinal involvement in SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia patients. Ophthalmologic evaluation in COVID-19, particularly in patients hospitalized in an ICU setting, may be useful to reveal systemic co-infections by opportunistic pathogens.
Cyclodextrin inclusion complex inhibits circulating galectin-3 and FGF-7 and affects the reproductive integrity and mobility of Caco-2 cells
Authors: Maki Marwan Abdelmahmoud Abdelkarim , Cheah Shiau-Chuen , Bayazeid Omer , Kumar Palanirajan Vijayaraj
Published: October 2020

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a carbohydrate-binding protein, that promotes angiogenesis through mediating angiogenic growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF). There is strong evidence confirming FGF involvement in tumor growth and progression by disrupting cell proliferation and angiogenesis. In this study, we investigated the effect of β-cyclodextrin:everolimus:FGF-7 inclusion complex (Complex) on Caco-2 cell migration, cell motility and colony formation. In addition, we examined the inhibitory effect of the Complex on the circulating proteins; Gal-3 and FGF-7. Swiss Target Prediction concluded that Gal-3 and FGF are possible targets for β-CD. Results of the chemotaxis cell migration assay on Caco-2 cell line revealed that the Complex has higher reduction in cell migration (78.3%) compared to everolimus (EV) alone (58.4%) which is possibly due to the synergistic effect of these molecules when used as a combined treatment. Moreover, the Complex significantly decreased the cell motility in cell scratch assay, less than 10% recovery compared to the control which has ~ 45% recovery. The Complex inhibited colony formation by ~ 75% compared to the control. Moreover, the Complex has the ability to inhibit Gal-3 with minimum inhibitory concentration of 33.46 and 41 for β-CD and EV, respectively. Additionally, β-CD and β-CD:EV were able to bind to FGF-7 and decreased the level of FGF-7 more than 80% in cell supernatant. This confirms Swiss Target Prediction result that predicted β-CD could target FGF. These findings advance the understanding of the biological effects of the Complex which reduced cell migration, cell motility and colony formation and it is possibly due to inhibiting circulating proteins such as; Gal-3 and FGF-7.
Alcohol consumption is associated with glaucoma severity regardless of ALDH2 polymorphism
Authors: Han Young Soo , Kim Yong Woo , Kim Yu Jeong , Park Ki Ho , Jeoung Jin Wook
Published: October 2020

The present study investigated the effect of aldehyde dehydrogenase2 (ALDH2) rs671 polymorphism and alcohol consumption on the severity of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). The questionnaire for alcohol consumption pattern and targeted genotyping for ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism was performed from 445 Korean POAG patients. Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thicknesses were measured and compared according to alcohol consumption and ALDH2 rs671 genotype. Heavy drinking group eyes had thinner RNFL thickness than did abstinence group eyes (65.0 ± 10.9 vs. 70.9 ± 11.5 µm, P = 0.023). Both mild (65.8 ± 9.6 µm) and heavy (63.8 ± 8.4 µm) drinking group eyes had significantly thinner macular GCIPL thickness than did abstinence group eyes (68.1 ± 8.2 µm, P = 0.003). However, ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism did not show any significant association with RNFL or GCIPL thickness. Alcohol consumption was significantly associated with GCIPL thinning (β = –0.446, P = 0.035) after adjustment for multiple confounding factors. As excessive alcohol consumption was significantly associated with thinner GCIPL thickness while ALDH2 polymorphism had no significant effect on RNFL or GCIPL thickness, glaucoma patients should avoid excessive alcohol consumption regardless of ALDH2 polymorphism.
The immune response of bats differs between pre-migration and migration seasons
Authors: Voigt Christian C. , Fritze Marcus , Lindecke Oliver , Costantini David , Pētersons Gunārs , Czirják Gábor Á.
Published: October 2020

Maintaining a competent immune system is energetically costly and thus immunity may be traded against other costly traits such as seasonal migration. Here, we tested in long-distance migratory Nathusius’ pipistrelles (Pipistrellus nathusii), if selected branches of immunity are expressed differently in response to the energy demands and oxidative stress of aerial migration. During the migration period, we observed higher baseline lymphocyte and lower neutrophil levels than during the pre-migration period, but no stronger response of cellular effectors to an antigen challenge. Baseline plasma haptoglobin, as a component of the humoral innate immunity, remained similar during both seasons, yet baseline plasma haptoglobin levels increased by a factor of 7.8 in migratory bats during an immune challenge, whereas they did not change during the pre-migration period. Oxidative stress was higher during migration than during pre-migration, yet there was no association between blood oxidative status and immune parameters, and immune challenge did not trigger any changes in oxidative stress, irrespective of season. Our findings suggest that humoral effectors of the acute phase response may play a stronger role in the first-line defense against infections for migrating bats compared to non-migrating bats. We conclude that Nathusius’ pipistrelles allocate resources differently into the branches of their immune system, most likely following current demands resulting from tight energy budgets during migration.
Effects of CYP2B6 polymorphisms on plasma nevirapine concentrations: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yoon Ha Young , Cho Young Ah , Yee Jeong , Gwak Hye Sun
Published: October 2020

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) is involved in the metabolism of nevirapine (NVP); especially, CYP2B6 has been known to be one of the main enzymes involved in NVP metabolism. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of CYP2B6 variants on plasma concentrations of NVP by a systematic review and meta-analysis. A search for qualifying studies published until April 2020 was conducted using the EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. The mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Data analysis was performed using R Studio (version 3.6) and Review Manager (version 5.3). In total, data from six studies involving 634 patients were analyzed in the systematic review and five studies in the meta-analysis. We found that carriers of the CYP2B6 516TT genotype had a 2.18 µg/mL higher NVP concentration than did the GG or GT (95% CI 1.28–3.08). In the respective comparisons of the three genotypes, it was found that the MD was 1.87 µg/mL between the TT and GT groups, 2.53 µg/mL between TT and GG, and 0.60 µg/mL between GT and GG. This meta-analysis confirmed that CYP2B6 polymorphisms was associated with plasma NVP concentrations. Therefore, CYP2B6 genotyping may be useful to predict the responses to NVP.
The role of prognostic nutritional index for clinical outcomes of gastric cancer after total gastrectomy
Authors: Xishan Zhu , Ye Zhao , Feiyan Ma , Liang Xuan , Shikai Wu
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this article is to evaluate the relationship between the nutrition-based microenvironment and clinicopathological information for gastric cancer patients and to investigate the prognostic value of nutrition index for gastric cancer patients undergoing total gastrectomy. We retrospectively collected clinical information of 245 gastric cancer patients who underwent total gastrectomy in our hospital between January 1st 2005 and December 30th 2015. According to the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) level, they were divided into low PNI (< 43) group and high PNI (≥ 43) group. The relationship between PNI and the disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed by statistical analysis. Univariate analyses demonstrated that TNM stage (p = 0.025), patients age (p = 0.042), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.028), tumor differentiation (p = 0.037) and a low PNI (p = 0.033) were closely correlated with a poor prognosis. In multivariate analysis, TNM stage (p = 0.027) and a low PNI (p = 0.041) were found to be independently associated with poor survival. Additionally, when age was considered as a stratified factor, univariate analyses demonstrated that low PNI correlated with shorter DFS in non-elderly (< 65) patients (p = 0.022) and shorter DFS (p = 0.036) and OS (p = 0.047) in elderly (≥ 65) patients. The low prognostic nutritional index is an independent risk factor associated with poor gastric cancer survival which represents the nutritional microenvironment. Patients with low pre-operative prognostic nutritional index levels should be observed more closely after surgery to prevent the occurrence of post-operative complications in the near future.
Middle identification for rhesus monkeys is influenced by number but not extent
Authors: Rugani Rosa , Platt Michael L. , Chen Zhaoying , Brannon Elizabeth M.
Published: October 2020

Abstract concept learning provides a fundamental building block for many cognitive functions in humans. Here we address whether rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) can learn the abstract concept of “middle” in a series of objects. First, we trained monkeys to select the middle dot in a horizontal series of three dots presented on a touchscreen. Monkeys maintained a preference to choose the middle dot despite changes in the appearance, location, and spacing of the horizontal series of dots. They maintained high performance when the color, shape and the length of the stimuli were new, indicating that their responses did not depend upon the particular appearance of the array items. Next, we asked whether monkeys would generalize the middle concept to a 7 dot series. Although accuracy decreased when the number of dots was increased, monkeys continued to preferentially select the middle dot. Our results demonstrate that rhesus macaques can learn to use a middle concept for a discrete set of items.
Brain substrates explain differences in the adoption and degree of financial digitalization
Authors: Carbo-Valverde Santiago , Lacomba-Arias Juan A. , Lagos-García Francisco M. , Rodriguez-Fernandez Francisco , Verdejo-Román Juan
Published: October 2020

This study analyzes neural responses connected to trust and risk to explain financial digitalization decisions. It shows that brain responses distinctively inform differences in the adoption of digital financial channels that are not shown by any other sociodemographic or behavioral indicators. From a methodological standpoint, the study explores if usage patterns of digital financial channels and instruments are associated with psychological and biological indicators; it uses functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate whether financial digitalization decisions are linked to the evoked brain response to the safety associated with video images of financial transactions through digitalized and non-digitalized channels; it conducts trust and risk neuro-experiments to identify their impact on financial digitalization decisions and it analyzes whether brain structure is linked to financial digitalization behavior. The findings suggest that high and low frequency users exhibit differences in brain function and also in volume and fractional anisotropy values. A higher frequency of use of financial digital financial services is associated with higher brain activation linked to insecurity (lower safety neural evoked responses during the video task and an altered white matter microstructure of the cingulum). Additionally, high frequency users of digital financial channels exhibit enhanced activation of brain areas linked to emotional processing during the trust game. These findings have important implications for the design of public policies to enhance financial inclusion through technology and the segmentation and service distribution strategies of private financial institutions.
ScatLay: utilizing transcriptome-wide noise for identifying and visualizing differentially expressed genes
Authors: Bui Thuy Tien , Lee Daniel , Selvarajoo Kumar
Published: October 2020

Differential expressed (DE) genes analysis is valuable for understanding comparative transcriptomics between cells, conditions or time evolution. However, the predominant way of identifying DE genes is to use arbitrary threshold fold or expression changes as cutoff. Here, we developed a more objective method, Scatter Overlay or ScatLay, to extract and graphically visualize DE genes across any two samples by utilizing their pair-wise scatter or transcriptome-wide noise, while factoring replicate variabilities. We tested ScatLay for 3 cell types: between time points forEscherichia coliaerobiosis andSaccharomyces cerevisiaehypoxia, and between untreated and Etomoxir treatedMus Musculusembryonic stem cell. As a result, we obtain 1194, 2061 and 2932 DE genes, respectively. Next, we compared these data with two widely used current approaches (DESeq2 and NOISeq) with typical twofold expression changes threshold, and show that ScatLay reveals significantly larger number of DE genes. Hence, our method provides a wider coverage of DE genes, and will likely pave way for finding more novel regulatory genes in future works.
Predictive limitations of spatial interaction models: a non-Gaussian analysis
Authors: Hilton B. , Sood A. P. , Evans T. S.
Published: October 2020

We present a method to compare spatial interaction models against data based on well known statistical measures that are appropriate for such models and data. We illustrate our approach using a widely used example: commuting data, specifically from the US Census 2000. We find that the radiation model performs significantly worse than an appropriately chosen simple gravity model. Various conclusions are made regarding the development and use of spatial interaction models, including: that spatial interaction models fit badly to data in an absolute sense, that therefore the risk of over-fitting is small and adding additional fitted parameters improves the predictive power of models, and that appropriate choices of input data can improve model fit.
Central aortic pressure and long-term outcome in hypertensive patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Wu Han-Ping , Lin Mao-Jen
Published: October 2020

Elevated central pulse pressure (CPP) had a negative influence on long-term outcome in patients with hypertension (HT). However, little is known about the impact of central pulse pressure on long-term outcomes in hypertensive patients undergoing PCI. A total number of 1184 hypertensive patients who received PCI procedure were prospectively collected. They were divided into two groups according to the median of central pulse pressure. Baseline characteristics, risk factors, hemodynamic data including central systolic pressure (CSP), central diastolic pressure (CDP) and CPP were measured. Invasive strategies were also analyzed to compare the long term outcome between patients with reference CPP and patients with high CPP. We further analyzed the predictors for myocardial infarction (MI), mortality, repeated PCI procedure in hypertensive patients undergoing PCI. We found patients in the reference CPP group had a lower CSP and higher CDP compared with high CPP group (Both P < 0.001) and male preponderance (P < 0.001). Patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) tend to have a high CPP (both P < 0.001). Drugs including Angiotensin Converting Enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and statin were used more frequently in patients with reference CPP group (P = 0.035 and P = 0.001, respectively). Freedom from all-cause mortality and cardiovascular(CV) mortality was lower in the patients with high CPP group (P = 0.001, P = 0.01, respectively).Logistic regression revealed that CPP is a major predictor for all-cause mortality and repeated PCI procedure [hazard ratio (HR): 2.46 and 1.41, respectively]. In hypertensive patients receiving PCI, elevated CPP had a negative impact on long-term mortality; CPP also strongly predicts all-cause mortality and repeated PCI procedures in hypertensive patients undergoing PCI.
Combination of rAd-p53 in situ gene therapy and anti-PD-1 antibody immunotherapy induced anti-tumor activity in mouse syngeneic urogenital cancer models
Authors: Kunimura Naoto , Kitagawa Koichi , Sako Ryota , Narikiyo Keita , Tominaga Shoko , Bautista Diosdado S. , Xu Wei , Fujisawa Masato , Shirakawa Toshiro
Published: October 2020

In this study we undertook a novel combination therapy using rAd-p53 in situ gene therapy and immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) anti-PD-1 antibody for urogenital cancers. Three mouse syngeneic tumor cell lines, TRAMP-C2 (prostate cancer derived from C57BL/6 mice), MBT-2 (bladder cancer derived from C3H mice) and Renca (kidney cancer derived from BALB/c mice) were used in this study. The highest coxsackie and adenovirus receptor (CAR) mRNA expression was observed in TRAMP-C2 cells, followed by Renca and then MBT-2 cells. Consistent with the CAR expressions, rAd-p53 at 160 multiplicity of infection (MOI) significantly inhibited the cell proliferation of TRAMP-C2 and Renca cells, but not MBT-2 cells. In in vivo experiments, the combination of intratumoral injections of rAd-p53 (1 × 109 plaque-forming units) every other day and intraperitoneal injections of anti-mouse PD-1 antibody (200 μg) twice a week suppressed tumor growth and prolonged survival compared to rAd-p53 or anti-PD-1 antibody monotherapy in both the TRAMP-C2 and Renca models. Our results encourage the clinical development of combination therapy comprised of in situ gene therapy with rAd-p53 and immunotherapy with an ICI anti-PD-1 antibody for urogenital cancers.
Redundant type II cadherins define neuroepithelial cell states for cytoarchitectonic robustness
Authors: Hiraga Kou , Inoue Yukiko U. , Asami Junko , Hotta Mayuko , Morimoto Yuki , Tatsumoto Shoji , Hoshino Mikio , Go Yasuhiro , Inoue Takayoshi
Published: October 2020

Individual cell shape and integrity must precisely be orchestrated during morphogenesis. Here, we determine function of type II cadherins, Cdh6, Cdh8, and Cdh11, whose expression combinatorially demarcates the mouse neural plate/tube. While CRISPR/Cas9-based single type II cadherin mutants show no obvious phenotype, Cdh6/8 double knockout (DKO) mice develop intermingled forebrain/midbrain compartments as these two cadherins’ expression opposes at the nascent boundary. Cdh6/8/11 triple, Cdh6/8 or Cdh8/11 DKO mice further cause exencephaly just within the cranial region where mutated cadherins’ expression merges. In the Cdh8/11 DKO midbrain, we observe less-constricted apical actin meshwork, ventrally-directed spreading, and occasional hyperproliferation among dorsal neuroepithelial cells as origins for exencephaly. These results provide rigid evidence that, by conferring distinct adhesive codes to each cell, redundant type II cadherins serve essential and shared roles in compartmentalization and neurulation, both of which proceed under the robust control of the number, positioning, constriction, and fluidity of neuroepithelial cells.
Urinary phosphate-containing nanoparticle contributes to inflammation and kidney injury in a salt-sensitive hypertension rat model
Authors: Wang Qin , Ishizawa Kenichi , Li Jinping , Fujii Wataru , Nemoto Yoshikazu , Yamazaki Osamu , Tamura Yoshifuru , Miura Yutaka , Nie Xuedan , Abe Ryo , Segawa Hiroko , Kuro-O Makoto , Shibata Shigeru
Published: October 2020

Although disturbed phosphate metabolism frequently accompanies chronic kidney disease (CKD), its causal role in CKD progression remains unclear. It is also not fully understood how excess salt induces organ damage. We here show that urinary phosphate-containing nanoparticles promote kidney injury in salt-sensitive hypertension. In Dahl salt-sensitive rats, salt loading resulted in a significant increase in urinary phosphate excretion without altering serum phosphate levels. An intestinal phosphate binder sucroferric oxyhydroxide attenuated renal inflammation and proteinuria in this model, along with the suppression of phosphaturia. Using cultured proximal tubule cells, we confirmed direct pathogenic roles of phosphate-containing nanoparticles in renal tubules. Finally, transcriptome analysis revealed a potential role of complement C1q in renal inflammation associated with altered phosphate metabolism. These data demonstrate that increased phosphate excretion promotes renal inflammation in salt-sensitive hypertension and suggest a role of disturbed phosphate metabolism in the pathophysiology of hypertensive kidney disease and high salt-induced kidney injury.
Transversally travelling ultrasound for light guiding deep into scattering media
Authors: Cherkashin Maxim N. , Brenner Carsten , Schmitz Georg , Hofmann Martin R.
Published: October 2020

The application of optical methods for tissue diagnosis, activation, and treatment suffers dramatically from the low accessible depths due to strong light scattering in tissues. Here we demonstrate a method to address this issue by utilizing transient ultrasound waves, travelling transversally to the light propagation direction, to guide light into deeper tissue regions. We study the formation of the ultrasound-induced refractive index structures and waveguides using simple ultrasound field configurations and analyze their effects on the propagation of short light pulses. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate using 5 ns pulses of 532 nm light and Intralipid-20%-based phantoms with$$\mu _{\mathrm{s}}^\prime$$μs′up to 4.5 cm−1a waveguide supported light intensity increase up to the depths of at least 90 mean free paths.
Successful ecosystem-based management of Antarctic krill should address uncertainties in krill recruitment, behaviour and ecological adaptation
Authors: Meyer Bettina , Atkinson Angus , Bernard Kim S. , Brierley Andrew S. , Driscoll Ryan , Hill Simeon L. , Marschoff Enrique , Maschette Dale , Perry Frances A. , Reiss Christian S. , Rombolá Emilce , Tarling Geraint A. , Thorpe Sally E. , Trathan Philip N. , Zhu Guoping , Kawaguchi So
Published: October 2020

Antarctic krill, Euphausia superba, supports a valuable commercial fishery in the Southwest Atlantic, which holds the highest krill densities and is warming rapidly. The krill catch is increasing, is concentrated in a small area, and has shifted seasonally from summer to autumn/winter. The fishery is managed by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, with the main goal of safeguarding the large populations of krill-dependent predators. Here we show that, because of the restricted distribution of successfully spawning krill and high inter-annual variability in their biomass, the risk of direct fishery impacts on the krill stock itself might be higher than previously thought. We show how management benefits could be achieved by incorporating uncertainty surrounding key aspects of krill ecology into management decisions, and how knowledge can be improved in these key areas. This improved information may be supplied, in part, by the fishery itself.
Significant contribution of small icebergs to the freshwater budget in Greenland fjords
Authors: Rezvanbehbahani Soroush , Stearns Leigh A. , Keramati Ramtin , Shankar Siddharth , van der Veen C. J.
Published: October 2020

Icebergs represent nearly half of the mass loss from the Greenland Ice Sheet and provide a distributed source of freshwater along fjords which can alter fjord circulation, nutrient levels, and ultimately the Meridional Overturning Circulation. Here we present analyses of high resolution optical satellite imagery using convolutional neural networks to accurately delineate iceberg edges in two East Greenland fjords. We find that a significant portion of icebergs in fjords are comprised of small icebergs that were not detected in previously-available coarser resolution satellite images. We show that the preponderance of small icebergs results in high freshwater delivery, as well as a short life span of icebergs in fjords. We conclude that an inability to identify small icebergs leads to inaccurate frequency-size distribution of icebergs in Greenland fjords, an underestimation of iceberg area (specifically for small icebergs), and an overestimation of iceberg life span.
Chemistry of Turmeric
Authors: Nair Akhila , Gopi Sreeraj
Published: October 2020

There are numerous, easily and profusely found natural products that have been consumed for centuries by ailing people as well as those in good physical condition. Among them, certain dietary polyphenols, especially turmeric, have attained an advantageous position due to their pleiotropic characteristics amidst researchers and drug developers. However, curry compounds are poorly absorbed in the gut, which is the mainspring of bioavailability problems. Consequently, raging debates on the potency of this kitchen spice have created chaos among the pharmaceutical as well as nutraceutical industries. Numerous alternative methods to illuminate its potential have emerged. In this review, we provide a comprehensive platform on which the chemistry of turmeric has been discussed to perceive fundamental and in-depth knowledge of the various potent compounds in turmeric with their detailed classification, mode of analysis, properties and therapeutic activities that should bring into prominence a pathway to resolve their shortcomings and contribute to enrich knowledge about this dietary polyphenol.
Geographical Variations of Turmeric and Curcumin
Authors: Jacob Joby , Jude Shintu , Gopi Sreeraj
Published: October 2020

Turmeric, being one of the most important herbs, finds its use in food, medicine, cosmetics and cultural practices. The beneficial effects of turmeric are due to its components, sharing the major part by curcumin. The yield and quality of compounds from turmeric depend greatly on the genetic peculiarities of the species as well as the geographic and climatic conditions where it is cultivated. Many research efforts and studies have handled this part of cultivation to make a significant difference, as per the requirements. This chapter unveils the effects of climate, pH changes of soils, cultivation practices and genetic variations on the production of turmeric and delivers an overall outlook on the studies regarding these. An interesting fact identified while reading these studies is that any particular species of turmeric giving high yield and curcumin content in one agro-climatic region produces a different pattern of results in another geographic region. It happens even within a single country, while considering India as the case. Different studies suggest that a tropical region is the best for turmeric cultivation. This chapter emphasizes world trends and Indian patterns.
Production, Economics and Marketing of Turmeric
Authors: Varma Karthik , Gopi Sreeraj
Published: October 2020

Turmeric is regarded as a golden spice and the use of turmeric in India dates back to Vedic culture. This chapter presents an overview of the different areas of cultivation both globally and nationally and their respective percentages. There are also different varieties of turmeric, some of which are cultivated commercially and some for trial purposes. The production of turmeric and the marketing price is dominated by many factors such as climatic conditions, etc. The market scenario of global turmeric production and export is mainly dominated by the Asian subcontinents, especially India. This chapter also gives an indication about the export and import scenario of the crop. With the growth in technologies and science, the use of turmeric-based products in various forms has also grown to a greater extent. Overall, this chapter gives a clear indication on the production, products of commercial importance and the import/export scenario of the spice and its derived products.
X-ray structure of two Schiff bases: TURN-ON sensing of Fe3+ and Al3+ in the HepG2 cell line
Authors: Dey Sunanda , Maity Suvendu , Purkait Rakesh , Pal Kunal , Ghosh Prasanta , Jana Kuladip , Sinha Chittaranjan
Published: October 2020

Two single-crystal X-ray characterized Schiff bases (HL′ and H2L′′) are prepared to sense Fe3+ and Al3+ ions, respectively, in aqueous media.
SERS-based magnetic immunoassay for simultaneous detection of cTnI and H-FABP using core–shell nanotags
Authors: Hu Cunming , Ma Li , Guan Ming , Mi Fang , Peng Fei , Guo Chang , Sun Shijiao , Wang Xiaomei , Liu Tingwei , Li Jiutong
Published: October 2020

Au-4MBA@Ag and Au-XP013@Ag were successfully synthesized by a direct reduction method. After coupling the antibody, the simultaneous quantitative detection of cTnI and H-ABP was achieved by detecting the signal on the magnetic beads.
On-line multi-residue analysis of fluoroquinolones and amantadine based on an integrated microfluidic chip coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry
Authors: Tang Minmin , Zhao Yaju , Chen Jing , Xu Danke
Published: October 2020

An on-line multi-residue qualitative and quantitative analysis method for fluoroquinolones and amantadine using an integrated microfluidic chip was developed prior to directly coupling to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (QQQ-MS).
Complexation–association–extraction spectrophotometric determination of Pt cations based on a multi-reagent analytical system with I− anions and 2-[2-[4-[(2-cyanoethyl)methylamino]phenyl]vinyl]-1,3,3-trimethyl-3H-indolium cations
Authors: Chen Si , Chen Youkuo , Xu Yongchun , Chen Wei , Chen Shubin , Hu Lili , Boulon Georges
Published: October 2020

Establishment of a multi-reagent system with a 2-[2-[4-[(2-cyanoethyl)methylamino]phenyl]vinyl]-1,3,3-trimethyl-3H-indolium (CPVTI) core to selectively determine Pt via complexation, association, and extraction.
Optimization and in-house validation of the TDA-AAS method for mercury control in water and wastewater treatment plant sludges
Authors: Fletcher Salomé , Miranda André , Paiva João , Benoliel Maria João , Almeida Cristina M. M.
Published: October 2020

The validated thermal decomposition–amalgamation-atomic absorption spectrophotometry method as an adequate tool for the control of mercury in sludges.
Correction: Pd-Catalyzed oxidative isomerization of propargylic acetates: highly efficient access to α-acetoxyenones via alkenyl Csp2–O bond-forming reductive elimination from PdIV
Authors: Li Jun , Yang Wenjie , Yan Fachao , Liu Qing , Wang Ping , Li Yueyun , Zhao Yi , Dong Yunhui , Liu Hui
Published: October 2020

Correction for ‘Pd-Catalyzed oxidative isomerization of propargylic acetates: highly efficient access to α-acetoxyenones via alkenyl Csp2–O bond-forming reductive elimination from PdIV’ by Jun Li et al., Chem. Commun., 2016, 52, 10644–10647, DOI: 10.1039/C6CC04463H.
A luminescent Eu coordination polymer with near-visible excitation for sensing and its homologues constructed from 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate and 1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]-phenanthroline
Authors: Liu Dongmei , Dong Gaoyun , Wang Xiong , Nie Fengmei , Li Xia
Published: October 2020

Ln-CPs were constructed to achieve luminescent Eu-CP excited at a wide excitation band including the visible region for sensing.
Photocatalytic performance and mechanism insights of a S-scheme g-C3N4/Bi2MoO6 heterostructure in phenol degradation and hydrogen evolution reactions under visible light
Authors: Zhen Yanzhong , Yang Chunming , Shen Huidong , Xue Wenwen , Gu Chunrong , Feng Jinghao , Zhang Yuecheng , Fu Feng , Liang Yucang
Published: October 2020

Photocatalysis with sustainable utilization and low cost is an environmentally benign method for the degradation of organic pollutants, but the rational design and fabrication of photocatalysts with high catalytic performance is still an challenge.
The reaction of O(3P) with alkynes: a dynamic and computational study focusing on formyl radical production
Authors: Buettner Andrew D. , Dilday Benjamin J. , Craigmile Rachel A. , Drummer Matthew C. , Standard Jean M. , Quandt Robert W.
Published: October 2020

Experimental and computational study of the reaction of O(3P) with propyne, 1-butyne and 1-pentyne.
Protonation structure of the photosynthetic water oxidizing complex in the S0 state as revealed by normal mode analysis using quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics calculations
Authors: Yamamoto Masao , Nakamura Shin , Noguchi Takumi
Published: October 2020

Protonation structure of the first intermediate of the water oxidizing complex was determined by QM/MM calculations of molecular vibrations.
Structure–property relationships in multi-stimuli responsive BODIPY-biphenyl-benzodithiophene TICT rigidochromic rotors exhibiting (pseudo-)Stokes shifts up to 221 nm
Authors: Sharma Sushil , Wei Zimu , Grozema Ferdinand C. , Sengupta Sanchita
Published: October 2020

Multi-stimuli responsive TICT rotors, pp-AD and pp-ADA, exhibiting large (pseudo-)Stokes shifts of ∼208 nm and ∼221 nm, respectively, are promising bioimaging/sensing probes, while Me-pp-ADA shows efficient excitation energy transfer.
Unravelling the electronic nature of C–F⋯O–C non-covalent interaction in proteins and small molecules in the solid state
Authors: Rana Abhijit , Galmés Bartomeu , Frontera Antonio , Biswal Himansu S. , Chopra Deepak
Published: October 2020

The discovery of fluorine atoms exhibiting electropositive character has been computationally established in proteins and small molecules. The studies establish the existence of an electrophile–nucleophile model for the light fluorine atom.
Biological, biomolecular, and bio-inspired strategies for detection, extraction, and separations of lanthanides and actinides
Authors: Mattocks Joseph A. , Cotruvo Joseph A.
Published: October 2020

This review surveys cellular and biomolecular methods to harvest f-block elements, emphasizing how recent characterization of lanthanide-utilizing bacteria is being translated into technologies to extract, separate, and sense these valuable elements.
(HPy)2(Py)CuBi3I12, a low bandgap metal halide photoconductor
Authors: Möbs Jakob , Gerhard Marina , Heine Johanna
Published: October 2020

A new copper iodido bismuthate with a low band gap of 1.59 eV and good thermal and air stability was prepared via a simple solution-based route.
Reducing the thickness of solid-state electrolyte membranes for high-energy lithium batteries
Authors: Wu Jingyi , Yuan Lixia , Zhang Wuxing , Li Zhen , Xie Xiaolin , Huang Yunhui
Published: October 2020

This review summarizes the strategies to reduce the thickness of solid-state electrolytes for the fabrication of high energy-density solid-state batteries.
Material perceptions and advances in molecular heteroacenes for organic solar cells
Authors: Mishra Amaresh
Published: October 2020

This review showcases the development of heteroacene-based molecular materials and their role in high performance binary, ternary, tandem and semitransparent organic solar cells.
Heteroatom-doped carbon catalysts for zinc–air batteries: progress, mechanism, and opportunities
Authors: Zhu Xiaofeng , Hu Chuangang , Amal Rose , Dai Liming , Lu Xunyu
Published: October 2020

This review presents the recent progress in advanced bifunctional heteroatom-doped carbon catalysts for rechargeable aqueous and all-solid-state Zn–air batteries, along with current challenges and future perspectives in the field.
Impact of surface adsorbed biologically and environmentally relevant coatings on TiO2 nanoparticle reactivity
Authors: Wu Haibin , Huang Liubin , Rose Amber , Grassian Vicki H.
Published: October 2020

Surface coatings of biological and environmental relevance modulate the formation of reactive oxygen species upon irradiation of TiO2 nanoparticle surfaces.
Acanthopanax senticosusaqueous extract ameliorates ovariectomy-induced bone loss in middle-aged mice by inhibiting the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand-induced osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Xu Huanhuan , Xu Jing , Chen Fei , Liu Titi , Li Jin , Jiang Li , Jia Yuankan , Hu Caijiang , Gao Ziqi , Gan Chunxia , Hu Lihong , Wang Xuanjun , Sheng Jun
Published: October 2020

ASAE ameliorates ovariectomy-induced bone loss in middle-aged mice by inhibiting RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis through suppression of RANK signaling pathways and could be potentially used in mediated treatment of osteoporosis.
Carboxylate ionic liquid solvent systems from 2006 to 2020: thermal properties and application in cellulose processing
Authors: Xu Airong , Wang Fen
Published: October 2020

The sufficient utilization and transformation of cellulose into cellulose derivatives has always attracted considerable attention due to its renewability, biodegradability, non-toxicity, abundance, and low cost.
High performance LiMnFePO4/Li4Ti5O12full cells by functionalized polymeric additives
Authors: Daigle Jean-Christophe , Rochon Sylviane , Asakawa Yuichiro , Fleutot Benoît , Mallet Charlotte , Amouzegar Kamyab , Zaghib Karim
Published: October 2020

Herein, we report a novel class of additives based on functional polymers for electrode fabrication applied in the first fast charge–discharge and high-voltage LiMnFePO4/Li4Ti5O12batteries operating at 3.0 V.
Graphene quantum dot modified Bi2WO6with enhanced photocatalytic activity by reinforcing the charge separation
Authors: Xiong Shaofeng , Wang Weian , Fu Guangyue , Hao Jian , Liu Pingle , Duan Zhengkang , Wei Jiaxuan , Zheng Xiaoqi
Published: October 2020

The GQDs/BWO composites consisting of size-controllable GQDs and Bi2WO6nanosheets were synthesized, and they exhibited an excellent photocatalytic activity.
Solar driven high efficiency hydrogen evolution catalyzed by surface engineered ultrathin carbon nitride
Authors: Li Li , Yi Jianjian , Zhu Xingwang , Pan Li , Chen Zhigang , Hua Yingjie , Yang Wenshu , Liu Jinyuan , Zhu Xianglin , Li Huaming , Xu Hui
Published: October 2020

A typical photocatalytic system composed of a light-harvesting center and an active center is presented, showing greatly improved catalytic performance.
Correction: Zn capped Al2O3 and TiO2 nanoporous arrays as pH sensitive drug delivery systems: a combined experimental and simulation study
Authors: Khodabandeh Rokhsareh , Mohammadpour Fatemeh , Zolghadr Amin Reza , Klein Axel
Published: October 2020

Correction for ‘Zn capped Al2O3 and TiO2 nanoporous arrays as pH sensitive drug delivery systems: a combined experimental and simulation study’ by Rokhsareh Khodabandeh et al., New J. Chem., 2020, 44, 16602–16612, DOI: 10.1039/D0NJ02840A.
Multi-dimensional collaboration promotes the catalytic performance of 1D MoO3 nanorods decorated with 2D NiS nanosheets for efficient water splitting
Authors: Jin Liujun , Xu Hui , Wang Cheng , Wang Yong , Shang Hongyuan , Du Yukou
Published: October 2020

Novel NiS/MoO3/NF heterostructured nanorods/nanosheets were rationally constructed via a hydrothermal method followed by an efficient sulfidation treatment to serve as a bi-functional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting.
Graphene-based encapsulation of liquid metal particles
Authors: Creighton Megan A. , Yuen Michelle C. , Morris Nicholas J. , Tabor Christopher E.
Published: October 2020

Graphene oxide encapsulation of liquid metal particles creates a physical barrier that protects the particles against chemically etching environments and mechanical input.
Effective electrocatalytic methanol oxidation of Pd-based metallic glass nanofilms
Authors: Sarac Baran , Karazehir Tolga , Ivanov Yurii P. , Putz Barbara , Greer A. Lindsay , Sarac A. Sezai , Eckert Jürgen
Published: October 2020

Compared to conventional polycrystalline Pd, Pd79Au9Si12 metallic glass nanofilm electrocatalyst offers better methanol oxidation in alkaline medium, CO poisoning tolerance and catalyst stability even at high scan rates or high methanol concentrations.