bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collaborative networks enable the rapid establishment of serological assays for SARS-CoV-2 during nationwide lockdown in New Zealand
Authors: McGregor Reuben , Whitcombe Alana L. , Sheen Campbell R. , Dickson James M. , Day Catherine L. , Carlton Lauren H. , Sharma Prachi , Lott J. Shaun , Koch Barbara , Bennett Julie , Baker Michael G. , Ritchie Stephen R. , Fox-Lewis Shivani , Morpeth Susan C. , Taylor Susan L. , Roberts Sally A. , Webb Rachel H. , Moreland Nicole J.
Published: September 2020

Background

Serological assays that detect antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 are critical for determining past infection and investigating immune responses in the COVID-19 pandemic. We established ELISA-based immunoassays using locally produced antigens when New Zealand went into a nationwide lockdown and the supply chain of diagnostic reagents was a widely held domestic concern. The relationship between serum antibody binding measured by ELISA and neutralising capacity was investigated using a surrogate viral neutralisation test (sVNT).

Methods

A pre-pandemic sera panel (n = 113), including respiratory infections with symptom overlap with COVID-19, was used to establish assay specificity. Sera from PCR‑confirmed SARS-CoV-2 patients (n = 21), and PCR-negative patients with respiratory symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 (n = 82) that presented to the two largest hospitals in Auckland during the lockdown period were included. A two-step IgG ELISA based on the receptor binding domain (RBD) and spike protein was adapted to determine seropositivity, and neutralising antibodies that block the RBD/hACE‑2 interaction were quantified by sVNT.

Results

The calculated cut-off (>0.2) in the two-step ELISA maximised specificity by classifying all pre-pandemic samples as negative. Sera from all PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients were classified as seropositive by ELISA ≥7 days after symptom onset. There was 100% concordance between the two-step ELISA and the sVNT with all 7+ day sera from PCR‑confirmed COVID-19 patients also classified as positive with respect to neutralising antibodies. Of the symptomatic PCR-negative cohort, one individual with notable travel history was classified as positive by two-step ELISA and sVNT, demonstrating the value of serology in detecting prior infection.

Conclusions

These serological assays were established and assessed at a time when human activity was severely restricted in New Zealand. This was achieved by generous sharing of reagents and technical expertise by the international scientific community, and highly collaborative efforts of scientists and clinicians across the country. The assays have immediate utility in supporting clinical diagnostics, understanding transmission in high-risk cohorts and underpinning longer‑term ‘exit’ strategies based on effective vaccines and therapeutics.
Biosynthesis of Self‐Assembled Proteinaceous Nanoparticles for Vaccination
Authors: Pan Chao , Wu Jun , Qing Shuang , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Lulu , Yue Hua , Zeng Ming , Wang Bin , Yuan Zheng , Qiu Yefeng , Ye Huahu , Wang Dongshu , Liu Xiankai , Sun Peng , Liu Bo , Feng Erling , Gao Xiaoyong , Zhu Li , Wei Wei , Ma Guanghui , Wang Hengliang
Published: September 2020

Recent years have seen enormous advances in nanovaccines for both prophylactic and therapeutic applications, but most of these technologies employ chemical or hybrid semi‐biosynthetic production methods. Thus, production of nanovaccines has to date failed to exploit biology‐only processes like complex sequential post‐translational biochemical modifications and scalability, limiting the realization of the initial promise for offering major performance advantages and improved therapeutic outcomes over conventional vaccines. A Nano‐B5 platform for in vivo production of fully protein‐based, self‐assembling, stable nanovaccines bearing diverse antigens including peptides and polysaccharides is presented here. Combined with the self‐assembly capacities of pentamer domains from the bacterial AB5 toxin and unnatural trimer peptides, diverse nanovaccine structures can be produced in common Escherichia coli strains and in attenuated pathogenic strains. Notably, the chassis of these nanovaccines functions as an immunostimulant. After showing excellent lymph node targeting and immunoresponse elicitation and safety performance in both mouse and monkey models, the strong prophylactic effects of these nanovaccines against infection, as well as their efficient therapeutic effects against tumors are further demonstrated. Thus, the Nano‐B5 platform can efficiently combine diverse modular components and antigen cargos to efficiently generate a potentially very large diversity of nanovaccine structures using many bacterial species.
Inkjet Printing of Complex Soft Machines with Densely Integrated Electrostatic Actuators
Authors: Schlatter Samuel , Grasso Giulio , Rosset Samuel , Shea Herbert
Published: September 2020

A multimaterial inkjet printing method for integrated soft multifunctional machines is reported, combining dense arrays of electrostatic actuators, multilayer electrical routing, and complex networks of microfluidic channels in one printing process. Most additive manufacturing methods for soft robots are developed for devices driven by external fluidic pressure sources and are not suited to fabricate soft electrically driven actuators. To integrate electrostatic zipping actuators and microfluidics in stretchable soft machines without any rigid components, inks for sacrificial layers, dielectric elastomers, and compliant electrodes are developed herein, along with a unified printing process to print multilayer structures. Printed 2.5D stacks are transformed into fully functional 3D soft machines by inflating thin elastomer channels. Two demonstrators are reported, each consisting of seven printed layers: a flexible peristaltic pump and a compliant slug drive, inspired by the locomotion of slugs. The peristaltic pump has six integrated actuators, whereas the slug drive has 28 integrated actuators, generating a travelling wave used to transport objects. These soft devices demonstrate how inkjet printing produces densely packed high‐voltage actuators, including vias for electrical routing. Sensors and logic may be printed in the future to produce more complex autonomous soft machines.
A Community‐Based Organization Model to Promote Latinx Immigrant Mental Health Through Advocacy Skills and Universal Parenting Supports
Authors: Rusch Dana , Walden Angela L. , DeCarlo Santiago Catherine
Published: September 2020

The unique mental health context of children in Latinx immigrant families calls for innovative community‐based intervention strategies. We use an ecological public health approach to highlight the importance of community‐based organization (CBO) settings, the critical role of community‐based paraprofessionals (i.e., non‐clinicians, near‐peers) and capacity‐building, and the expansion of mental health promotion strategies to include realistic, day‐to‐day supports for Latinx immigrant parents and families. This realigns mental health with the goals and mission of trusted spaces, like CBOs, that can offer more equitable and non‐stigmatized access for Latinx immigrant families. We draw upon two strength‐based and empowerment‐focused interventions that utilize community‐based workforces to promote positive parenting skills (Partners Achieving Student Success‐PASS; Mehta et al., 2019) and self‐advocacy skills (Community Advocacy Project‐CAP; Sullivan & Bybee, 1999) to provide the conceptual framework for Family Mental Health Advocacy (FMHA). FMHA aligns mental health promotion with the advocacy mission of CBOs, engages CBO staff with feasible mental health “messages,” and empowers immigrant parents as critical change agents in the lives of their children. We acknowledge the challenges associated with implementing mental health promotion strategies and providing workforce support, as well as the importance of local and national policy influences.
Ferric Ion Driven Assembly of Catalase‐like Supramolecular Photosensitizing Nanozymes for Combating Hypoxic Tumors
Authors: Li Yongxin , Sun Pan , Zhao Luyang , Yan Xuehai , Ng Dennis K. P. , Lo Pui‐Chi
Published: September 2020

A facile approach to assemble catalase‐like photosensitizing nanozymes with a self‐oxygen‐supplying ability was developed. The process involved Fe3+‐driven self‐assembly of fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc)‐protected amino acids. By adding a zinc(II) phthalocyanine‐based photosensitizer (ZnPc) and the hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 (HIF‐1) inhibitor acriflavine (ACF) during the Fe3+‐promoted self‐assembly of Fmoc‐protected cysteine (Fmoc‐Cys), the nanovesicles Fmoc‐Cys/Fe@Pc and Fmoc‐Cys/Fe@Pc/ACF were prepared, which could be disassembled intracellularly. The released Fe3+ could catalyze the transformation of H2O2 enriched in cancer cells to oxygen efficiently, thereby ameliorating the hypoxic condition and promoting the photosensitizing activity of the released ZnPc. With an additional therapeutic component, Fmoc‐Cys/Fe@Pc/ACF exhibited higher in vitro and in vivo photodynamic activities than Fmoc‐Cys/Fe@Pc, demonstrating the synergistic effect of ZnPc and ACF.
Nonlinear tensile behavior of cotton fabric reinforced polypropylene composites
Authors: Shao Bo , Chen Bo , Cao Yan , Fang Yiqun , Song Yongming , Wang Qingwen
Published: September 2020

From the perspectives of elastoplasticity (nontime‐dependent) and viscoelasticity (time‐dependent), the Ramberg–Osgood relation and time‐varying viscosity Maxwell (TVM) models were used to model and analyze the stress–strain behavior of cotton fabric‐reinforced polypropylene composites (CFRLs), respectively. The Ramberg–Osgood relation could well describe the tensile behavior of CFRLs as an elastoplastic behavior, while the tensile behavior could also be described as a nonlinear viscoelasticity behavior by Maxwell model. The fitting results showed that the Maxwell model accurately described the tensile behavior of different CFRLs samples under low strain, but there was a considerable gap between the test data and model values when the strain was greater than 5%. Therefore, a time‐varying viscosity fluid damper was used instead of a Newtonian fluid damper to modify the Maxwell model, namely the TVM model. The TVM model closely described the stress–strain behavior during the entire tensile process.
Effects of genetically modified human skin fibroblasts, stably overexpressing hepatocyte growth factor, on hepatic functions of cocultured C3A cells
Authors: Wencel Agnieszka , Ciezkowska Malgorzata , Wisniewska Monika , Zakrzewska Karolina E. , Pijanowska Dorota G. , Pluta Krzysztof D.
Published: September 2020

Diseases leading to terminal hepatic failure are among the most common causes of death worldwide. Transplant of the whole organ is the only effective method to cure liver failure. Unfortunately, this treatment option is not available universally due to the serious shortage of donors. Thus, alternative methods have been developed that are aimed at prolonging the life of patients, including hepatic cells transplantation and bridging therapy based on hybrid bioartificial liver devices. Parenchymal liver cells are highly differentiated and perform many complex functions, such as detoxification and protein synthesis. Unfortunately, isolated hepatocytes display a rapid decline in viability and liver‐specific functions. A number of methods have been developed to maintain hepatocytes in their highly differentiated state in vitro, amongst them the most promising being 3D growth scaffolds and decellularized tissues or coculture with other cell types required for the heterotypic cell‐cell interactions. Here we present a novel approach to the hepatic cells culture based on the feeder layer cells genetically modified using lentiviral vector to stably produce additional amounts of hepatocyte growth factor and show the positive influence of these coculture conditions on the preservation of the hepatic functions of the liver parenchymal cells' model—C3A cells.
Recombinant protein production‐associated metabolic burden reflects anabolic constraints and reveals similarities to a carbon overfeeding response
Authors: Li Zhaopeng , Rinas Ursula
Published: September 2020

A comparison of the metabolic response of Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) towards the production of human basic fibroblast growth factor (hFGF‐2) or towards carbon overfeeding revealed similarities which point to constraints in anabolic pathways. Contrary to expectations, neither energy generation (e.g., ATP) nor provision of precursor molecules for nucleotides (e.g., uracil) and amino acids (e.g., pyruvate, glutamate) limit host cell and plasmid‐encoded functions. Growth inhibition is assumed to occur when hampered anabolic capacities do not match with the ongoing and overwhelming carbon catabolism. Excessive carbon uptake leads to by‐product secretion, for example, pyruvate, acetate, glutamate, and energy spillage, for example, accumulation and degradation of adenine nucleotides with concomitant accumulation of extracellular hypoxanthine. The cellular response towards compromised anabolic capacities involves downregulation of cAMP formation, presumably responsible for subsequently better‐controlled glucose uptake and resultant accumulation of glucose in the culture medium. Growth inhibition is neglectable under conditions of reduced carbon availability when hampered anabolic capacities also match with catabolic carbon processing. The growth inhibitory effect with accompanying energy spillage, respectively, hypoxanthine secretion and cessation of cAMP formation is not unique to the production of hFGF‐2 but observed during the production of other proteins and also during overexpression of genes without transcript translation.
The impact of stress, anxiety and depression on stomatognathic system of physiotherapy and dentistry first‐year students
Authors: Owczarek Joanna Elżbieta , Lion Katarzyna Małgorzata , Radwan‐Oczko Małgorzata
Published: August 2020

Introduction

It is well proven that psychoemotional factors play causative role in development of many civilization diseases. Psychosocial stress is effecting with development of certain oral parafunctions like teeth grinding, bruxism, or cheeks biting. Eventually, all of those parafunctional activities may cause increase of masticatory muscles tone and provoke its intensification. Literature indicates that students must cope with greater level of stressful situations than the average representative of the society.

Methods

The research group comprised Ist‐year physiotherapy and dentistry students from University School of Physical Education in Wroclaw and Wroclaw Medical University. The study consisted the following: psychological and health questionnaires, and stomatological examination with masseter muscles' electromyography.

Results

In intraoral examination, symptoms of parafunctions were more frequently observed in physiotherapy students. The mean tone of masseters was higher also among physiotherapy students. The level of perceived stress was high in both groups, and the experienced borderline and incorrect results in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were more frequently observed in dentistry students. The mean tone of masseter muscle was rising with the level of anxiety in physiotherapy group. Among dentistry, the tendency for rise of masseter muscle tone together with level of anxiety and depression was observed.

Conclusions

Physiotherapy and dentistry beginners differ between each other's by prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and oral parafunction symptoms. The level of perceived stress is high in both groups. The level of experienced anxiety and depression is higher in dentistry group. In both study groups, there is significant growth and tendency for simultaneous rise of masseter muscle tone accordingly to stress, anxiety, and depression indicators.
Knockdown of lncRNA ZNRD1‐AS1 inhibits progression of bladder cancer by regulating miR‐194 and ZEB1
Authors: Gao Zhixiang , Li Shidong , Zhou Xufeng , Li Huali , He Shasha
Published: August 2020

Background

Bladder cancer (BC) is a common urinary neoplasm with high incidence worldwide. Long noncoding RNA zinc ribbon domain containing 1 antisense RNA 1 (ZNRD1‐AS1) has been reported to be upregulated in BC. However, the exact role of ZNRD1‐AS1 as well as its mechanism remains poorly understood.

Methods

Zinc ribbon domain containing 1 antisense RNA 1, and its potential downstream genes microRNA‐194 (miR‐194) and zinc finger E‐box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) levels were detected via quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction or western blot. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) were detected to assess the influences of ZNRD1‐AS1, miR‐194 and ZEB1 on BC cells by colony formation, cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8), transwell analysis or western blot. The relationship between miR‐194 and ZNRD1‐AS1 or ZEB1 was analyzed by luciferase activity analysis. The xenograft experiment was performed to assess the function of ZNRD1‐AS1 in vivo.

Results

Zinc ribbon domain containing 1 antisense RNA 1level was upregulated in BC. ZNRD1‐AS1 silence repressed proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT in BC cells. MiR‐194 was identified as a target of ZNRD1‐AS1, and miR‐194 upregulation repressed proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT by ZNRD1‐AS1 sponging. ZEB1 was targeted via miR‐194 and its interference impeded proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT. Moreover, ZNRD1‐AS1 regulated ZEB1 expression via miR‐194. Besides, inhibition of ZNRD1‐AS1 attenuated tumor growth by miR‐194/ZEB1 axis in vivo.

Conclusion

Knockdown of ZNRD1‐AS1 suppressed BC cell development in vitro and in vivo via targeting miR‐194 to regulate ZEB1, indicating a novel avenue for treatment of BC.
Amnion–Chorion Allograft Barrier Used on Root Surface for Regenerative Procedures: Case Report
Authors: Hamada Yusuke , Yeh Yu‐Ting , Blanchard Steven B.
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) has been well documented with combination of bone graft substitutes and biologic modifiers to improve the outcomes of periodontal regenerative procedures. Amnion‐chorion allograft membrane (ACM) is a placenta‐derived resorbable allograft membrane which contains growth factors found in the placenta. The primary purpose of the barrier membranes for GTR was to exclude the epithelial down‐growth along with the root surface, however, the ACM can be used as an additional biologic modifier because of the release of growth factors from the ACM after placement. The aim of this case report is to evaluate the efficacy and the application of ACM on the previously diseased root surface to treat periodontal intrabony defect.

Case Presentation

A 60‐year‐old Caucasian male with deep and wide intrabony defect on mesial #19 was treated with a regenerative procedure with combination of application of ACM on the root surface and filling the intrabony defect with the corticocancellous freeze‐dried bone allograft. The bone substitute was covered with another layer of ACM and primary closure was achieved. Wound healing process was uneventful, and the clinical and radiographic outcomes were favorable up to 18 months after the surgical procedure.

Conclusion

This case report demonstrated that the application of ACM on the root surface with a combination of bone substitute might enhance to the radiographic bone fill and the clinical attachment level gain and minimize the risk of post‐operative gingival recession.
ALDH5A1 acts as a tumour promoter and has a prognostic impact in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Deng Xing‐Yan , Gan Xiao‐Xiong , Feng Jian‐Hua , Cai Wen‐Song , Wang Xin‐Quan , Shen Liang , Luo Hong‐Tu , Chen Zhen , Guo Mengli , Cao Jie , Shen Fei , Xu Bo
Published: September 2020

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine carcinoma, with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) accounting for 80%‐90% of thyroid cancers. Accumulating studies reported that mitochondria plays an important role in the regulation of cell proliferation. ALDH5A1, may function as an oncogene or tumour suppressor in various human cancers, and the role of ALDH5A1 in PTC is still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of ALDH5A1 expression and its functions in PTC. In this present study, we studied ALDH5A1 expression on primary papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Results showed that the levels of ALDH5A1 were found positively correlated with tumour stage, metastasis, lymph node stage, and higher levels of ALDH5A1 demonstrated poor disease‐free survival (DFS). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) revealed that significantly higher expression of ALDH5A1 was found in PTC tissues. On the other hand, knockdown of ALDH5A1 significantly inhibited PTC cell proliferation, migration and invasion detection found the migration and invasion of cells also were hindered when ALDH5A1 level was reduced. The knockdown of ALDH5A1 inhibited the expression of Vimentin and promoted the expression of E‐cadherin. In brief, knockdown of ALDH5A1may act as a novel molecular target for the prevention and treatment of PTC.

Significance of the study

The present study focused on the role and the potential mechanism of ALDH5A1 in papillary thyroid carcinoma. We demonstrated that reduced expression of ALDH5A1 might inhibit the progression of TC by inhibiting cell proliferation, migration and invasion and reversing epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). The findings ensured the interaction relation between ALDH5A1 and EMT in PTC, providing a novel biological marker for PTC and enriching the potential strategies for TC treatment.
Effect of Turbulence of the Freeboard on Fluidized‐Bed Biomass Combustion
Authors: Wickramasinghe Chathuranga , Narayana Mahinsasa , Amarasinghe A. D. U. Shantha
Published: September 2020

Fluidized‐bed combustion is a very popular technology used to convert solid biomass into thermal energy, which has many advantages over other conversion technologies. However, these advantages strongly depend on the freeboard combustion. This study focuses on the effect of turbulence of the freeboard via developing a comprehensive mathematical model including four‐way coupling, biomass thermal decomposition, and turbulent combustion by means of an Eulerian‐Lagrangian framework. The validated model predicts with significant accuracy for all gas species when turbulence modeling is improved. The optimum amount of the secondary air ratio and the optimum excess air ratio were determined, which give a higher freeboard temperature while maintaining minimum emission.
Green Precursors and Soft Templating for Printing Porous Carbon‐Based Micro‐supercapacitors
Authors: Lochmann Stefanie , Kintzel Susann , Bräuniger Yannik , Otto Thomas , Zhang En , Grothe Julia , Kaskel Stefan
Published: September 2020

A combination of soft lithographic printing and soft templating has been used to fabricate high‐resolution interdigitated micro‐supercapacitors (MSC). Surfactant‐assisted self‐assembly produces high surface area ordered mesoporous carbons (490 m2 g−1). For the first time, such precursors have been printed by nano‐imprint lithography as microdevices with a line width of only 250 nm and a spacing of only 1 μm. The devices are crack‐free with low specific resistance (1.2×10−5 Ωm) and show good device capacitance up to 0.21 F cm−3.
Mechanistic Study of Pd/NHC‐Catalyzed Sonogashira Reaction: Discovery of NHC‐Ethynyl Coupling Process
Authors: Eremin Dmitry B. , Boiko Daniil A. , Kostyukovich Alexander Yu. , Burykina Julia V. , Denisova Ekaterina A. , Anania Mariarosa , Martens Jonathan , Berden Giel , Oomens Jos , Roithová Jana , Ananikov Valentine P.
Published: September 2020

The product of a revealed transformation—NHC‐ethynyl coupling—was observed as a catalyst transformation pathway in the Sonogashira cross‐coupling, catalyzed by Pd/NHC complexes. The 2‐ethynylated azolium salt was isolated in individual form and fully characterized, including X‐ray analysis. A number of possible intermediates of this transformation with common formulae (NHC)nPd(C2Ph) (n=1,2) were observed and subjected to collision‐induced dissociation (CID) and infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) experiments to elucidate their structure. Measured bond dissociation energies (BDEs) and IRMPD spectra were in an excellent agreement with quantum calculations for coupling product π‐complexes with Pd0. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the observed multiple CID fragmentation pathways. An unconventional methodology to study catalyst evolution suggests the reported transformation to be considered in the development of new catalytic systems for alkyne functionalization reactions.
Heterogeneous Parahydrogen‐Induced Polarization of Diethyl Ether for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Applications
Authors: Salnikov Oleg G. , Svyatova Alexandra , Kovtunova Larisa M. , Chukanov Nikita V. , Bukhtiyarov Valerii I. , Kovtunov Kirill V. , Chekmenev Eduard Y. , Koptyug Igor V.
Published: September 2020

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with the use of hyperpolarized gases as contrast agents provides valuable information on lungs structure and function. While the technology of 129Xe hyperpolarization for clinical MRI research is well developed, it requires the expensive equipment for production and detection of hyperpolarized 129Xe. Herein we present the 1H hyperpolarization of diethyl ether vapor that can be imaged on any clinical MRI scanner. 1H nuclear spin polarization of up to 1.3 % was achieved using heterogeneous hydrogenation of ethyl vinyl ether with parahydrogen over Rh/TiO2 catalyst. Liquefaction of diethyl ether vapor proceeds with partial preservation of hyperpolarization and prolongs its lifetime by ≈10 times. The proof‐of‐principle 2D 1H MRI of hyperpolarized diethyl ether was demonstrated with 0.1×1.1 mm2 spatial and 120 ms temporal resolution. The long history of use of diethyl ether for anesthesia is expected to facilitate the clinical translation of the presented approach.
Solution‐Processed White Circularly Polarized Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes Based on Chiral Binaphthyl Emitters
Authors: Zhang Yu , Li Jie , Quan Yiwu , Ye Shanghui , Cheng Yixiang
Published: September 2020

By combining the blue and orange CPL or functionalized bis‐benzoxanethones emitters (S‐/R‐BN‐tCz and S‐/R‐BN‐PXZ), warm white CP‐OLEDs were fabricated using solution‐processed single emitting layer strategy. The successful realization of white CP‐EL benefited from the same stable binaphthyl chirality and similar rigid structure of the two emissive CPL emitters. The devices exhibited the low turn‐on voltage of ≈4.3 V, maximum luminance of ≈10200 cd m−2 and maximum current efficiency of ≈2.0 cd A−1. Most significantly, the devices with CIE coordinates of (0.32, 0.45) displayed intense CP‐EL signals in the spectral range of 450 to 650 nm, and showed stable gEL values of ≈10−3 as the luminance increased from 100 to 6000 cd m−2. To the best of our knowledge, this work provides for the first time a simple and feasible strategy to fabricate solution‐processed white CP‐OLEDs based on the co‐doping of the CPL emitters.
Group dialectical behavioral therapy for binge‐eating disorder: Outcomes from a community case series
Authors: Blood Lauren , Adams Gillian , Turner Hannah , Waller Glenn
Published: September 2020

Objective

Whilst there is evidence to support the use of group dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) in the treatment of binge‐eating disorder (BED), few studies have reported on its effectiveness when delivered in routine clinical practice. This study addressed this gap by exploring the effectiveness of group DBT for BED when delivered in a community eating disorder service.

Method

Participants were 56 adults who presented with BED, and were offered a 20‐week DBT group. Eight groups were conducted. Measures of eating disorder pathology, anxiety, depression and emotion regulation were completed at start and end of treatment, and one‐month follow‐up.

Results

The attrition rate was 16.1%. Abstinence rates (no objective binges in the previous month) were approximately 60% at the end of treatment and 50% at follow‐up. There were significant reductions in eating disorder psychopathology (but not in mood) by end of treatment and improvements were maintained at follow‐up.

Discussion

Group DBT is an acceptable and effective treatment for adults with BED when delivered in a routine community setting. Findings are broadly comparable with those from research trials. The lack of significant effect on mood suggests that DBT can be effective by teaching new emotion‐regulation skills, rather than changing mood per se.
Detecting tampered region in video using LSTM and U‐Net
Authors: Taya Kunihiko , Kuroki Nobutaka , Takeda Naoto , Hirose Tetsuya , Numa Masahiro
Published: August 2020

In the world today, we can always shoot digital videos with smartphones and share them with family or friends after editing them. It is necessary to check whether these videos have been tampered with to use them as forensic evidence in criminal investigations. This paper proposes a method for detecting tampered regions in a video where a specific subject is removed from a scene. In the proposed method, we use LSTM for the time domain analysis and UNet for the space domain analysis. The detection accuracy achieved 0.98 in terms of F‐measure, even though tampered the region was deformed or moved in the video. The experimental results show superior performance in the detection of tampered regions in digital videos.
The rapid effects of sleeve gastrectomy on glucose homeostasis and resolution of diabetes mellitus
Authors: Bozkurt Emre , Kaya Cemal , Ömeroğlu Sinan , Güven Onur , Mihmanlı Mehmet
Published: August 2020

Aims

Type 2 diabetes caused by obesity is increasing globally. Bariatric surgical procedures are known to have positive effects on glucose homeostasis through neurohormonal action mechanisms. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the factors influencing glucose homeostasis independent of weight loss after the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).

Methods

Patients who underwent LSG for morbid obesity in a 3‐year period were evaluated. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics (duration of diabetes, resected gastric volume, antral resection margin) and laboratory parameters (preoperative and postoperative blood glucose on fasting, preoperative HbA1c levels and first‐year HbA1c levels) were retrospectively reviewed. Effect of patients' body mass index (<50 kg/m2, ≥50 kg/m2), first‐year excess weight loss (EWL%) rates, age (≥50 years, <50 years), duration of diabetes (≥5 years, <5 years) and antral resection margin (≥3 cm, <3 cm) on postoperative blood glucose profile and diabetic resolution status were investigated.

Results

Total of 61 patients constituted the study group. There were 40 female and 21 male patients with an average age of 43.8 ± 10.5 years (19‐67 years). Preoperatively, mean BMI, blood glucose levels and HbA1c were 48.8 ± 8.5 kg/m2, 133.6 ± 47.4 mg/dL and 7.4 ± 1.1, respectively. The mean blood glucose level at the postoperatively 5th day was 88.0 ± 16.3 mg/dL (median: 84 mg/dL) (P < .001). Fifty‐nine out of 61 patients improved their glycaemic control.

Conclusions

It is noteworthy that LSG can control blood glucose levels in short term after surgery regardless of weight loss. Therefore, LSG should be preferred at earlier stages in the treatment of obesity‐related T2DM in order to prevent T2DM‐related complications.
Populist polarization in postcolonial Philippines: Sociolinguistic rifts in online drug war discourse
Authors: Uyheng Joshua , Montiel Cristina Jayme
Published: September 2020

Social psychological scholarship on populism explains polarization processes in terms of individual differences and group‐level divisions. However, predominant approaches often elide wider historical contexts, implicitly assuming the structural features of Western settings. Invoking insights from postcolonial psychology, we posit that populist polarization dynamics in the Global South are structurally shaped by colonial histories. Turning to the Philippines under populist President Rodrigo Duterte, we examine polarized online constructions of his controversial war on drugs. Employing a discourse‐historical approach, we uncover a structurally bifurcated view of populist polarization. We specifically unpack sociolinguistic rifts acrossvernacular discourses of community securityuttered in Filipino versuscosmopolitan discourses of democratic integrityuttered in English. Our findings expand prevailing scholarship by illustrating postcolonial discursive possibilities of populism from above and resistance from below. We conclude with insights for studying populist polarization at the nexus of local and global inequalities.
Encapsulation of UV Glue, Hydrophobicity of Binder and Carbon Electrode Enhance the Stability of Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Perovskite Solar Cells up to 5 Years
Authors: Yin Jie , Cui Jiawen , Zhou Huawei , Cui Shuting , Wang Chen , Guo Junxue , Wei Jiazhen , Zhang Xianxi
Published: September 2020

The long‐term stability of organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite (OIHP) is very important for its industrial application. However, how long the encapsulated perovskite can remain stable under ambient conditions is completely unclear. Herein, the performance and stability of OIHP after 5 years under ambient conditions us investigated. The result of UV–vis absorption spectra shows that encapsulating device by UV glue can retain the absorption characteristics and color of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite after 5 years. In addition, the results of contact angle and immersing in water indicate that the hydrophobic effect of graphite/conductive carbon and tetrafluoroethylene polymer binders can prevent the invasion of external water and air. The photoelectrochemical results show that the performance of the resistance, built‐in potential, and power conversion efficiency of the devices after 5 years can be comparable with that of initial devices. Finally, cross‐sectional scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) demonstrate that CH3NH3PbI3/TiO2 heterojunction still exists in the perovskite solar cells after 5 years.
Intranasal anti‐caspase‐1 therapy preserves myelin and glucose metabolism in a model of progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Saito Leina B. , Fernandes Jason P. , Smith Mackenzie J. , Doan Matthew A. L. , Branton William G. , Schmitt Laura M. , Wuest Melinda , Monaco Maria C. , Major Eugene O. , Wuest Frank , Power Christopher
Published: September 2020

Inflammatory demyelination and axonal injury in the central nervous system (CNS) are cardinal features of progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), and linked to activated brain macrophage‐like cells (BMCs) including resident microglia and trafficking macrophages. Caspase‐1 is a pivotal mediator of inflammation and cell death in the CNS. We investigated the effects of caspase‐1 activation and its regulation in models of MS. Brains from progressive MS and non‐MS patients, as well as cultured human oligodendrocytes were examined by transcriptomic and morphological methods. Next generation transcriptional sequencing of progressive MS compared to non‐MS patients' normal appearing white matter (NAWM) showed induction of caspase‐1 as well as other inflammasome‐associated genes with concurrent suppression of neuron‐specific genes. Oligodendrocytes exposed to TNFα exhibited upregulation of caspase‐1 with myelin gene suppression in a cell differentiation state‐dependent manner. Brains from cuprizone‐exposed mice treated by intranasal delivery of the caspase‐1 inhibitor, VX‐765 or its vehicle, were investigated in morphological and molecular studies, as well as by fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) imaging. Cuprizone exposure resulted in BMC and caspase‐1 activation accompanied by demyelination and axonal injury, which was abrogated by intranasal VX‐765 treatment. FDG‐PET imaging revealed suppressed glucose metabolism in the thalamus, hippocampus and cortex of cuprizone‐exposed mice that was restored with VX‐765 treatment. These studies highlight the caspase‐1 dependent interactions between inflammation, demyelination, and glucose metabolism in progressive MS and associated models. Intranasal delivery of an anti‐caspase‐1 therapy represents a promising therapeutic approach for progressive MS and other neuro‐inflammatory diseases.
Multiatlas‐based segmentation of female pelvic organs: Application for computer‐aided diagnosis of cervical cancer
Authors: Daly Asma , Yazid Hedi , Solaiman Basel , Essoukri Ben Amara Najoua
Published: August 2020

Atlas‐based segmentation is a high level segmentation technique which has become a standard paradigm for exploiting prior knowledge in image segmentation. Recent multiatlas‐based methods have provided greatly accurate segmentations of different parts of the human body by propagating manual delineations from multiple atlases in a data set to a query subject and fusing them. The female pelvic region is known to be of high variability which makes the segmentation task difficult. We propose, here, an approach for the segmentation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) called multiatlas‐based segmentation using online machine learning (OML). The proposed approach allows separating regions which may be affected by cervical cancer in a female pelvic MRI. The suggested approach is based on an online learning method for the construction of the dataset of atlases. The experiments demonstrate the higher accuracy of the suggested approach compared to a segmentation technique based on a fixed dataset of atlases and single‐atlas‐based segmentation technique.
Evaluating the “possums” health professional training in parent–infant sleep
Authors: Whittingham Koa , Palmer Chloe , Douglas Pamela , Creedy Debra K. , Sheffield Jeanie
Published: September 2020

Infant sleep problems are among the most common issues reported by parents in the postnatal period. Yet, infant sleep and infant sleep interventions remain controversial. This study evaluated health professional training in a novel approach to parent–infant sleep: the Possums Sleep Intervention. Health professionals (n = 144) completed a short survey before and after the training, which focused on the sleep component. The Possums Sleep Intervention training included the following topics: sleep science, cued care, sleep hygiene, relaxation for parents and babies, problem solving, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Health professionals reported: improvements in knowledge on infant sleep regulation, the mother–infant relationship and ACT; improvements in health professionals’ own sleep quality; improvements in psychological flexibility; and a reduction in professional burnout and secondary traumatic stress. Moreover, the health professional training was received positively. Overall, this study is supportive of the Possums Sleep Intervention health professional training.
Optimal hyperosmotic agents for tissue immersion optical clearing in terahertz biophotonics
Authors: Musina Guzel R. , Dolganova Irina N. , Chernomyrdin Nikita V. , Gavdush Arsenii A. , Ulitko Vladislav E. , Cherkasova Olga P. , Tuchina Daria K. , Nikitin Pavel V. , Alekseeva Anna I. , Bal Natalia V. , Komandin Gennady A. , Kurlov Vladimir N. , Tuchin Valery V. , Zaytsev Kirill I.
Published: September 2020

In this work, a thorough analysis of hyperosmotic agents for the immersion optical clearing (IOC) in terahertz (THz) range was performed. It was aimed at the selection of agents for the efficient enhancement of penetration depth of THz waves into biological tissues. Pulsed spectroscopy in the frequency range of 0.1 to 2.5 THz was applied for investigation of the optical properties of common IOC agents. Using the collimated transmission spectroscopy in visible range, binary diffusion coefficients of tissue water and agent in ex vivo rat brain tissue were measured. IOC agents were objectively compared using two‐dimensional nomogram, accounting for their THz‐wave absorption coefficients and binary diffusion coefficients. The results of this study demonstrate an interplay between the penetration depth enhancement and the diffusion rate and allow for pointing out glycerol as an optimal agent among the considered ones for particular applications in THz biophotonics.
Retracted: Long non‐coding RNA XIST binding to let‐7c‐5p contributes to rheumatoid arthritis through its effects on proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts via regulation of STAT3
Authors: Wang Zong‐Qiang , Xiu Dian‐Hui , Jiang Jin‐Lan , Liu Gui‐Feng
Published: September 2020

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic autoimmune disease, affects around 1% population worldwide, with the life quality of patients severely reduced. In this study, it is intended to explore the role of long non‐coding RNA X‐inactive specific transcript (lncRNA XIST) in RA and the underlying mechanisms associated with let‐7c‐5p and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3).

Methods

LncRNA XIST, let‐7c‐5p, and STAT3 expressions were determined in RA and normal cartilage tissues, and their relationship was analyzed in osteoblasts. The regulatory effects of lncRNA XIST in RA were investigated when XIST expression was upregulated or downregulated in osteoblasts. TNF‐α, IL‐2, IL‐6, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin, TGF‐β1, and IGF1 were measured in vivo in RA rats.

Results

LncRNA XIST and STAT3 were expressed at high levels and let‐7c‐5p expressed at a low level in RA cartilage tissues. LncRNA XIST silencing or let‐7c‐5p enhancement led to decreased levels of TNF‐α, IL‐2, and IL‐6, suggestive of suppressed inflammatory response, and increased levels of ALP, osteocalcin, TGF‐β1, and IGF‐1 as well as reduced damage in cartilage tissues.

Conclusion

LncRNA XIST downregulation could promote proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts in RA, serving as a future therapeutic target for RA.
Isomannide monoundecenoate‐based 1,2,3‐triazoles: Design, synthesis, and in vitro bioactive evaluation
Authors: Tangadanchu Vijai Kumar Reddy , Gundabathini Sandhya Rani , Bethala L. A. Prabhavathi Devi , Yedla Poornachandra , Chityal Ganesh Kumar
Published: August 2020

A new series of isomannide monoundecenoate‐based 1,2,3‐triazole analogs 6a–e were designed by employing click chemistry in good yields. in vitro bioactive assay manifested that the several target compounds exhibited promising antibacterial and antifungal activities. Notably, compounds having phenyl substituted triazole 6a, and hydroxy phenyl substituted triazole 6b possessed highly selective promising inhibition towards Gram‐positive bacterial strains namely Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus with MIC value of 3.9 μg/mL. Further, these potential hybrids (6a and 6b) also exhibited highly impressive antifungal activity against the tested panel of Candida strains with MIC value of 3.9 μg/mL. Based on our in vitro preliminary antimicrobial study, these two compounds 6a and 6b have been identified as potential antimicrobial lead compounds. Moreover, all prepared derivatives were also evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxic activities against A549, MCF7, DU145 and HeLa cancer cell lines. The results indicated that only the hydroxy phenyl substituted triazole analog 6b displayed good cytotoxic activity towards all tested human cancer cell lines without any significant effects on normal cell line (HUVEC).
Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis‐associated diarrhea and response to chenodeoxycholic acid treatment
Authors: Brass Eric P. , Stelten Bianca M.L. , Verrips Aad
Published: August 2020

Background

In patients with cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX), chronic diarrhea is one of the earliest and main symptoms of the disease. In the current study, we evaluated the characteristics of the diarrhea and its response to chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) therapy in a cohort of Dutch CTX patients.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of medical records for 33 genetically confirmed CTX patients, and abstracted the characteristics of the diarrhea and the response to CDCA therapy (15 mg/kg/day up to 750 mg/day). The Bristol Stool Scale (BSS) was used for qualitative characterization of the stool.

Results

Twenty‐five patients had diarrhea documented at baseline (76%). Of these patients, 10 had diarrhea rated as 6 (fluffy pieces with ragged edges, a mushy stool), and 6 had diarrhea rated as 7 (watery, no solid pieces, entirely liquid) using the BSS. In 10 patients for whom data were recorded, the median stool frequency at baseline was 3 per day (range 2‐6 per day). The response rate with CDCA for diarrhea resolution was 100% based on at least one post‐baseline visit without diarrhea and 95% as assessed at the first post‐baseline visit. In 68% of cases resolution was complete and sustained as no episodes of diarrhea were documented for follow‐up periods as long as 25 years.

Conclusions

Chronic diarrhea persisting for years without spontaneous remission is a common feature of CTX at diagnosis. Chenodeoxycholic acid is an effective treatment for symptomatic relief of diarrhea in patients with CTX.
Rolling out RapidPlan: What we've learnt
Authors: van Gysen Kirsten , O'Toole James , Le Andrew , Wu Kenny , Schuler Thilo , Porter Brian , Kipritidis John , Atyeo John , Brown Chris , Eade Thomas
Published: September 2020

Introduction

RapidPlan (RP), a knowledge‐based planning system, aims to consistently improve plan quality and efficiency in radiotherapy. During the early stages of implementation, some of the challenges include knowing how to optimally train a model and how to integrate RP into a department. We discuss our experience with the implementation of RP into our institution.

Methods

We reviewed all patients planned using RP over a 7‐month period following inception in our department. Our primary outcome was clinically acceptable plans (used for treatment) with secondary outcomes including model performance and a comparison of efficiency and plan quality between RP and manual planning (MP).

Results

Between November 2017 and May 2018, 496 patients were simulated, of which 217 (43.8%) had an available model. RP successfully created a clinically acceptable plan in 87.2% of eligible patients. The individual success of the 24 models ranged from 50% to 100%, with more than 90% success in 15 (62.5%) of the models. In 40% of plans, success was achieved on the 1st optimisation. The overall planning time with RP was reduced by up to 95% compared with MP times. The quality of the RP plans was at least equivalent to historical MP plans in terms of target coverage and organ at risk constraints.

Conclusion

While initially time‐consuming and resource‐intensive to implement, plans optimised with RP demonstrate clinically acceptable plan quality, while significantly improving the efficiency of a department, suggesting RP and its application is a highly effective tool in clinical practice.