bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A rare case of right‐sided infective endocarditis caused by group B Streptococcus complicated with septic knee arthritis and subcutaneous abscess in the lower extremity
Authors: Takeda Shinsuke , Tanaka Yoshihiro , Takeichi Yosuke , Hirata Hitoshi , Tabuchi Akihiko
Published: September 2019

Background

Several reports have assessed group B Streptococcus (GBS) infections in non‐pregnant cohorts, especially in immunocompromised hosts and patients with severe disease, including diabetes mellitus.

Case presentation

We report a rare case of large GBS‐associated tricuspid valve infective endocarditis (IE) complicated with septic knee arthritis and s.c. abscess formation in the lower extremity of a non‐i.v. drug user. After confirming the absence of vegetation on transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) at admission, the lower extremity was irrigated, and antibiotic therapy was initiated. One week later, the causes of persistent fever were reinvestigated. The TTE detected a large mass around the tricuspid valve. The cultured GBS was penicillin sensitive. The vegetation completely disappeared without surgery within 4 weeks.

Conclusion

When patients with untreated diabetes mellitus have persistent fever and s.c. abscess or septic arthritis, IE is a possible differential diagnosis. Repetitive evaluation by TTE is warranted to avoid this fatal complication.
Photochemical Asymmetric Nickel‐Catalyzed Acyl Cross‐Coupling
Authors: Gandolfo Eugenio , Tang Xinjun , Raha Roy Sudipta , Melchiorre Paolo
Published: September 2019

Photochemical enantioselective nickel‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions are difficult to implement. We report a visible‐light‐mediated strategy that successfully couples symmetrical anhydrides and 4‐alkyl dihydropyridines (DHPs) to afford enantioenriched α‐substituted ketones under mild conditions. The chemistry does not require exogenous photocatalysts. It is triggered by the direct excitation of DHPs, which act as a radical source and as a reductant, facilitating the turnover of the chiral catalytic nickel complex.
Theranostic Nanoplatform with Hydrogen Sulfide Activatable NIR Responsiveness for Imaging‐Guided On‐Demand Drug Release
Authors: Shi Ben , Ren Ning , Gu Luyan , Xu Ge , Wang Rongchen , Zhu Tianli , Zhu Ying , Fan Chunhai , Zhao Chunchang , Tian He
Published: September 2019

NIR light responsive nanoplatforms hold great promise for on‐demand drug release in precision cancer medicine. However, currently available systems utilize “always‐on” photothermal transducers that lack target specificity, and thus inaccurately differentiate tumors from normal tissues. Developed here is a theranostic nanoplatform featuring H2S‐mediated in situ production of NIR photothermal agents for imaging‐guided and photocontrolled drug release. The system targets H2S‐rich cancers. This nanoplatform shows H2S‐activatable NIR‐II emission and NIR light controllable release of the drug Camptothecin‐11. Upon administering the system to HCT116 tumor‐bearing mice, the tumor is greatly suppressed with minimal side effects, arising from the synergy of the cancer‐specific and NIR light activated therapy. This theranostic nanoplatform thus sheds light on precision medicine with guidance through NIR‐II imaging.
Novel N‐(1‐thia‐4‐azaspiro[4.5]decan‐4‐yl)carboxamide derivatives as potent and selective influenza virus fusion inhibitors
Authors: Göktaş Füsun , Özbil Mehmet , Cesur Nesrin , Vanderlinden Evelien , Naesens Lieve , Cesur Zafer
Published: September 2019

Hemagglutinin is the surface protein of the influenza virus that mediates both binding and penetration of the virus into host cells. We here report on the synthesis and structure–activity relationship of some novel N‐(1‐thia‐4‐azaspiro[4.5]decan‐4‐yl)‐carboxamide compounds carrying the 5‐chloro‐2‐methoxybenzamide structure, designed as influenza virus fusion inhibitors. The carboxamides (1a–h, 2a–h) have a similar backbone structure as the fusion inhibitors that we reported on previously. Compounds 2b and 2d displayed inhibitory activity against influenza A/H3N2 virus replication (average antiviral EC50: 2.1 µM for 2b and 3.4 µM for 2d). Data obtained in the hemolysis inhibition assay supported that these compounds act as inhibitors of the influenza virus hemagglutinin‐mediated fusion process.
Impact of Cumulative Inflammation, Cardiac Risk Factors, and Medication Exposure on Coronary Atherosclerosis Progression in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Karpouzas George A. , Ormseth Sarah R. , Hernandez Elizabeth , Budoff Matthew J.
Published: September 2019

Objective

To explore incidence and progression of coronary atherosclerosis and identify determinants in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We specifically evaluated the impact of inflammation, cardiac risk factors, duration of medication exposure, and their interactions on coronary plaque progression.

Methods

One hundred one participants with baseline coronary computed tomography angiography findings underwent follow‐up assessment a mean ± SD of 83 ± 3.6 months after baseline. Plaque burden was reported as the segment involvement score (describing the number of coronary segments with plaque) and the segment stenosis score (characterizing the cumulative plaque stenosis over all evaluable segments). Plaque composition was classified as noncalcified, mixed, or calcified. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) was quantified using the Agatston method.

Results

Total plaque increased in 48% of patients, and progression was predicted by older age, higher cumulative inflammation, and total prednisone dose (P < 0.05). CAC progressors were older, more obese, hypertensive, and had higher cumulative inflammation compared to nonprogressors (P < 0.05). Longer exposure to biologics was associated with lower likelihood of noncalcified plaque progression, lesion remodeling, and constrained CAC change in patients without baseline calcification, independent of inflammation, prednisone dose, or statin exposure (all P < 0.05). Longer statin treatment further restricted noncalcified plaque progression and attenuated the effect of inflammation on increased plaque and CAC (P < 0.05). Stringent systolic blood pressure (BP) control further weakened the effect of inflammation on total plaque progression.

Conclusion

Inflammation was a consistent and independent predictor of coronary atherosclerosis progression in RA. It should therefore be specifically targeted toward mitigating cardiovascular risk. Biologic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs, statins, and BP control may further constrain plaque progression directly or indirectly.
Lutein upregulates the PGC‐1α, NRF1, and TFAM expression by AMPK activation and downregulates ROS to maintain mtDNA integrity and mitochondrial biogenesis in hyperglycemic ARPE‐19 cells and rat retina
Authors: Nanjaiah Hemalatha , Vallikannan Baskaran
Published: September 2019

Hyperglycemia (HG) affects cellular organelle including mitochondrion in retina that diminishes mitochondrial biogenesis by downregulation of nuclear transcription factors peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ coactivator‐1 (PGC‐1α) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). Mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to diabetic retinopathy (DR). Carotenoids reported to modulate mitochondrial biogenesis in HG. Aim of the study was to explore the role of lutein, oxidized lutein (purified upon UV oxidation of lutein) and drug metformin, on mitochondrial biogenesis in HG‐induced ARPE‐19 cells and rat retina. Results showed higher uptake of lutein and oxidized lutein in ARPE‐19 cells and rat retina of HG group than the control groups. Further, lutein and oxidized lutein augmented the AMPK phosphorylation and activation of mitochondrion signaling molecule TFAM (protein expression) and mRNA expression of PGC‐1α, TFAM, and nuclear respiratory factor 1 (responsible for mitochondria biogenesis) along with lowered reactive oxygen species in HG compared with control and metformin groups. Higher mRNA expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase subunits mt‐ND1, mt‐ND4, mt‐ND6, and cytochrome C that aid maintenance of mtDNA integrity was also evidenced. To conclude, lutein and oxidized lutein found to upsurge mitochondrial biogenesis in ARPE‐19 cells and rat retina under HG, which may be due to upregulation of AMPK phosphorylation. Finally, lutein and oxidized lutein may provide a therapeutic basis to ameliorate HG‐induced DR.
Improve crisis communications plans to limit liability, protect image
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: September 2019

Communication, image, reputation, and other aspects of campus life often quickly degrade after a crisis more than they would have if administrators had just invested more in the “before” — because that would greatly help improve the “after.” That's typical of what James F. Haggerty, J.D., encounters in his work as a communications consultant.
Characterization of a Dehydratase and Methyltransferase in the Biosynthesis of Ribosomally Synthesized and Post‐translationally Modified Peptides in Lachnospiraceae
Authors: Huo Liujie , Zhao Xiling , Acedo Jeella Z. , Estrada Paola , Nair Satish K. , van der Donk Wilfred A.
Published: September 2019

As a result of the exponential increase in genomic data, discovery of novel ribosomally synthesized and post‐translationally modified peptide natural products (RiPPs) has progressed rapidly in the past decade. The lanthipeptides are a major subset of RiPPs. Through genome mining we identified a novel lanthipeptide biosynthetic gene cluster (lah) from Lachnospiraceae bacterium C6A11, an anaerobic bacterium that is a member of the human microbiota and which is implicated in the development of host disease states such as type 2 diabetes and resistance to Clostridium difficile colonization. The lah cluster encodes at least seven putative precursor peptides and multiple post‐translational modification (PTM) enzymes. Two unusual class II lanthipeptide synthetases LahM1/M2 and a substrate‐tolerant S‐adenosyl‐l‐methionine (SAM)‐dependent methyltransferase LahSB are biochemically characterized in this study. We also present the crystal structure of LahSB in complex with product S‐adenosylhomocysteine. This study sets the stage for further exploration of the final products of the lah pathway as well as their potential physiological functions in human/animal gut microbiota.
Unveiling Two Consecutive Hydroxylations: Mechanisms of Aromatic Hydroxylations Catalyzed by Flavin‐Dependent Monooxygenases for the Biosynthesis of Actinorhodin and Related Antibiotics
Authors: Hashimoto Makoto , Taguchi Takaaki , Ishikawa Kazuki , Mori Ryuichiro , Hotta Akari , Watari Susumu , Katakawa Kazuaki , Kumamoto Takuya , Okamoto Susumu , Ichinose Koji
Published: September 2019

Flavin‐dependent monooxygenases are ubiquitous in living systems and are classified into single‐ or two‐component systems. Actinorhodin, produced by Streptomyces coelicolor, is a representative polycyclic polyketide that is hydroxylated through the action of the two‐component ActVA‐5/ActVB hydroxylase system. These homologous systems are widely distributed in bacteria, but their reaction mechanisms remain unclear. This in vitro investigation has provided chemical proof of two consecutive hydroxylations via hydroxynaphthalene intermediates involved in actinorhodin biosynthesis. The ActVA‐5 oxygenase component catalyzed a stepwise dihydroxylation of the substrate, whereas the ActVB flavin reductase not only supplied a reduced cofactor, but also regulated the quinone–hydroquinone interconversion of an intermediate. Our study provides clues for understanding the general biosynthetic mechanisms of highly functionalized aromatic natural products with structural diversity.
Synthesis of the Urchin‐Like NiS@NiCo2S4 Composites on Nickel Foam for High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Yang Ping , Feng Lina , Hu Jun , Ling Wenqin , Wang Shaohua , Shi Jianjun , Yang Zhangfu , Wang Fengwu
Published: September 2019

A simple hydrothermal treatment process was used to prepare urchin‐like NiS@NiCo2S4 composites on Ni foam, which were then employed as binder‐free and conductive‐agent‐free electrodes for pseudocapacitors. The as‐synthesized composites have significant capacitive performance because of the novel porous structure. A specific capacitance up to 14.32 F cm−2 was obtained at a current density of 5 mA cm−2, which was far higher than that of pristine NiCo2S4 nanotube arrays (about 8.4 F cm−2). More importantly, Ni@NiS@NiCo2S4 and activated carbon (AC) were assembled as the positive and negative electrode, respectively, in an asymmetric supercapacitor, which possesses prominent performance. In addition to 78.7 % capacitance retention when cycling at 50 mA cm−2 for 5000 cycles, the as‐fabricated Ni@NiS@NiCo2S4//AC device exhibits a high energy density of 38.96 Wh kg−1 and power density of 339.62 W kg−1 at a current density of 10 mA cm−2.
Amphoteric Membranes Based on Sulfonated Polyether Ether Ketone and Imidazolium‐Functionalized Polyphenylene Oxide for Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Applications
Authors: Chu Fuqiang , Chu Xufeng , Lv Teng , Chen Zhouyi , Ren Yurong , Zhang Shuai , Yuan Ningyi , Lin Bencai , Ding Jianning
Published: September 2019

Amphoteric membranes were obtained from imidazolium‐functionalized polyphenylene oxide (ImPPO) and sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) for an all‐vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) application. The SPEEK/ImPPO amphoteric membranes showed a considerably lower swelling degree and water uptake compared to those of pure SPEEK membranes, owing to the formation of ionic bonds between the cationic imidazolium groups of ImPPO and the anionic sulfonate groups of SPEEK. The cationic imidazolium groups of the ImPPO exhibited a Donnan exclusion effect on vanadium ions; therefore, the amphoteric membranes showed a much lower vanadium permeability than the pure SPEEK membrane. In addition, the vanadium permeability of the amphoteric membranes deceased with an increase in the ImPPO content. SPEEK‐ImPPO20 with 20 wt% ImPPO showed a vanadium permeability of 0.43×10−9 cm2 s−1 at room temperature, which is 17 times lower than that of Nafion 212 (8×10−9 cm2 s−1). The VRFB assembled with SPEEK‐ImPPO20 showed a coulombic efficiency of 97.2 % and a voltage efficiency of 85.8 % at a current density of 60 mA cm−2, whereas the values for Nafion 212 were 92.4 % and 86.7 % under the same conditions. In addition, the VRFB assembled with SPEEK‐ImPPO20 exhibited much better capacity retention than that assembled with Nafion 212. These results indicate that the SPEEK‐ImPPO amphoteric membrane is a promising material for VRFB applications.
Thiolate Bridged Gold(I)–NHC Catalysts: New Approach for Catalyst Design and its Application to Trapping Catalytic Intermediates
Authors: Visbal Renso , Herrera Raquel P. , Gimeno M. Concepción
Published: September 2019

New dinuclear N‐heterocyclic gold complexes with bridging thiolate ligands have been designed as catalytic precursors with desired properties such as stability, recyclability and that do not require additives. The dinuclear compound [(AuNHC)2(μ‐SC6F5)]OTf could slowly release the active catalytic species [Au(NHC)]+ and the precursor [Au(SC6F5)(NHC)] in solution, which means that both species would remain stable throughout the catalytic cycle and the pre‐catalyst could easily be recovered. The properties exhibited by the complexes have been taken advantage of to gain new insights on the gold‐catalyzed hydroalkoxylation of alkynes, with the aim of clarifying all the steps of the catalytic cycle, together with the characterization of intermediates and final products. Isolation and characterization of the pure final spiroketals and the thermodynamic intermediate have been achieved for the first time. Moreover, the kinetic intermediate has also been detected for the first time.
Mechanistic Insights into Rhenium‐Catalyzed Regioselective C‐Alkenylation of Phenols with Internal Alkynes
Authors: Murai Masahito , Yamamoto Masaki , Takai Kazuhiko
Published: September 2019

A (μ‐aryloxo)rhenium complex was isolated and confirmed as a key precatalyst for rhenium‐catalyzed ortho‐alkenylation (C‐alkenylation) of unprotected phenols with alkynes. The reaction exclusively provided ortho‐alkenylphenols; the formation of para or multiply alkenylated phenols and hydrophenoxylation (O‐alkenylation) products was not observed. Several mechanistic experiments excluded a classical Friedel–Crafts‐type mechanism, leading to the proposed phenolic hydroxyl group assisted electrophilic alkenylation as the most plausible reaction mechanism. For this purpose, the use of rhenium, a metal between the early and late transition metals in the periodic table, was key for the activation of both the soft carbon–carbon triple bond of the alkyne and the hard oxygen atom of the phenol, at the same time. ortho‐Selective alkenylation with allenes also provided the corresponding adducts with a substitution pattern different from that obtained by the addition reaction with alkynes.
A Mini‐Review of E‐Waste Management in Brazil: Perspectives and Challenges
Authors: de Oliveira Neto José Francisco , Silva Maisa Mendonça , Machado Santos Simone
Published: September 2019

The accelerated production and replacement of new electrical and electronic equipment demonstrates a tendency for the proportional increase in the generation of e‐waste. Developing countries experience similar social and environmental consequences from this trend, which compounds the other challenges associated with the already poor solid waste management in these regions. Moreover, the dangerous composition of some e‐waste amplifies the problems related to managing these materials. This mini‐review presents a brief overview of e‐waste management in Brazil, including technical aspects, scientific studies, and the challenges ahead. With the Brazilian National Policy of Solid Waste already in place, technical and scientific studies endorse measures that range from incorporating the informal recycling sector into the e‐waste management sector to encouraging the expansion of the recycling industry. All such actions, combined with an intensified commitment of electronic equipment manufacturers to reverse logistics, can improve e‐waste management in Brazil.
Wet‐Chemical Tuning of Li3−xPS4 (0≤x≤0.3) Enabled by Dual Solvents for All‐Solid‐State Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Oh Dae Yang , Ha A. Reum , Lee Ji Eun , Jung Sung Hoo , Jeong Goojin , Cho Woosuk , Kim Kyung Su , Jung Yoon Seok
Published: September 2019

All‐solid‐state lithium‐ion batteries (ASLBs) employing sulfide solid electrolytes are attractive next‐generation rechargeable batteries that could offer improved safety and energy density. Recently, wet syntheses or processes for sulfide solid electrolyte materials have opened opportunities to explore new materials and practical fabrication methods for ASLBs. A new wet‐chemical route for the synthesis of Li‐deficient Li3−xPS4 (0≤x≤0.3) has been developed, which is enabled by dual solvents. Owing to its miscibility with tetrahydrofuran and ability to dissolve elemental sulfur, o‐xylene as a cosolvent facilitates the wet‐chemical synthesis of Li3−xPS4. Li3−xPS4 (0≤x≤0.15) derived by using dual solvents shows Li+ conductivity of approximately 0.2 mS cm−1 at 30 °C, in contrast to 0.034 mS cm−1 for a sample obtained by using a conventional single solvent (tetrahydrofuran, x=0.15). The evolution of the structure for Li3−xPS4 is also investigated by complementary analysis using X‐ray diffraction, Raman, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. LiCoO2/Li–In ASLBs employing Li2.85PS4 obtained by using dual solvents exhibit a reversible capacity of 130 mA h g−1 with good cycle retention at 30 °C, outperforming cells with Li2.85PS4 obtained by using a conventional single solvent.
Parasites enhance resistance to drought in a coastal ecosystem
Authors: Morton Joseph P. , Silliman Brian R.
Published: September 2019

Parasites are more diverse and numerous than their hosts and commonly control population dynamics. Whether parasites also regulate key ecosystem processes, such as resistance to climate stress, is unclear. In southern U.S. salt marshes, drought interacts synergistically with keystone grazing to generate extensive ecosystem die‐off. Field manipulations of parasite prevalence and salt stress in sediments in healthy marshes demonstrated that trematode parasites, by suppressing feeding activity of grazers that overgraze on drought‐stressed plants, have the potential to slow the rate of ecosystem loss. Surveys along 1,000 km of coastline during an intense drought event revealed parasitism is common in grazers on die‐off borders and that increasing infection prevalence along marsh die‐off borders is negatively correlated with per capita grazing. Combined, results from this field experiment and survey suggested, but did not show, that parasites could affect rates of drought‐driven salt marsh die‐off. To test whether parasites can indeed protect marshes under real drought conditions, we experimentally manipulated parasite prevalence in grazers over a month‐long period on active die‐off borders in three North Carolina marshes. Experimentally reducing parasite prevalence markedly increased the rate of plant ecosystem decline, an effect that scaled positively with prevalence. Thus parasites, by generating a trophic cascade, indirectly enhanced ecosystem resistance to overgrazing under intense drought in these North Carolina marshes. The generality of these results across the entire range of this keystone grazer in the southeastern United States needs to be tested, employing both experiments and extensive surveys that examine how the rate of ecosystem decline is mediated by parasitism. Given the ubiquity of parasites in ecosystems, our results suggest that more research effort should be invested in examining the possible roles for parasitism in regulating ecosystem function and stability.
Synthesis of Furo[3,2‐c]coumarins via Lewis Acid‐Mediated Multicomponent Tandem Reactions
Authors: Chang Xiangqing , Zeng Piaopiao , Chen Zhiwei
Published: September 2019

An efficient method for the synthesis of furo[3,2‐c]coumarins through FeCl3 or ZnCl2‐mediated multicomponent tandem reactions in the presence of arylglyoxal monohydrates, 4‐hydroxycoumarin, and allyltrimethylsilane in toluene is reported. This reaction involves the formation of two C‐C bonds and one C‐O bond. This process provided the privileged structures of furo[3,2‐c]coumarins in moderate to good yields under mild conditions. Notable features of the procedure such as easily accessible starting materials, good functional group tolerance, and high atom economy have been developed.
3D phase field simulations of ductile fracture
Authors: Noll Timo , Kuhn Charlotte , Olesch Darius , Müller Ralf
Published: September 2019

In this contribution a phase field model for ductile fracture with linear isotropic hardening is presented. An energy functional consisting of an elastic energy, a plastic dissipation potential and a Griffith type fracture energy constitutes the model. The application of an unaltered radial return algorithm on element level is possible due to the choice of an appropriate coupling between the nodal degrees of freedom, namely the displacement and the crack/fracture fields. The degradation function models the mentioned coupling by reducing the stiffness of the material and the plastic contribution of the energy density in broken material. Furthermore, to solve the global system of differential equations comprising the balance of linear momentum and the quasi‐static Ginzburg‐Landau type evolution equation, the application of a monolithic iterative solution scheme becomes feasible. The compact model is used to perform 3D simulations of fracture in tension. The computed plastic zones are compared to the dog‐bone model that is used to derive validity criteria for KIC measurements.
Geoarchaeology of the Water Canyon Paleoindian site, west‐central New Mexico
Authors: Holliday Vance T. , Dello‐Russo Robert D. , Mentzer Susan M.
Published: September 2019

Water Canyon is a rare buried, multicomponent, stratified Paleoindian site in west‐central New Mexico. This paper presents a geoarchaeological assessment of the site as part of a broader interdisciplinary investigation of its paleoenvironmental history and archaeology. The archaeology is associated with ancient wetland deposits (Stratum 6) within an alluvial fan. The fan formed initially through the late Pleistocene. Formation of the fan stopped and wetland deposition began ~11,31014C yr BP (~13,170 cal yr BP). Stratum 6 evolved via wetland deposition and cut‐and‐fill cycles. The bulk of Stratum 6 dates <10,30014C yr BP (<12,200 cal yr BP). One, or possibly two, beds of bison bone, likely processing‐stations, were found on the margin of the paleowetland and date to ~9,20014C yr BP (~10,400 cal yr BP) (lower bone bed) and ~8,20014C yr BP (~9,150 cal yr BP) (upper bone bed). Farther out in the paleo‐wetland a probable kill site was discovered with an in situ Eden projectile point dated to at least ~8,95514C yr BP (~10,070 cal yr BP). The wetland landscape returned to an alluvial fan system <8,00014C yr BP (<8,900 cal yr BP) with two more cycles of fan deposition by ~6,500 cal yr.
Aberrant brain network connectivity in presymptomatic and manifest Huntington's disease: A systematic review
Authors: Pini Lorenzo , Jacquemot Charlotte , Cagnin Annachiara , Meneghello Francesca , Semenza Carlo , Mantini Dante , Vallesi Antonino
Published: September 2019

Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI) has the potential to shed light on the pathophysiological mechanisms of Huntington's disease (HD), paving the way to new therapeutic interventions. A systematic literature review was conducted in three online databases according to PRISMA guidelines, using keywords for HD, functional connectivity, and rs‐fMRI. We included studies investigating connectivity in presymptomatic (pre‐HD) and manifest HD gene carriers compared to healthy controls, implementing seed‐based connectivity, independent component analysis, regional property, and graph analysis approaches. Visual network showed reduced connectivity in manifest HD, while network/areas underpinning motor functions were consistently altered in both manifest HD and pre‐HD, showing disease stage‐dependent changes. Cognitive networks underlying executive and attentional functions showed divergent anterior–posterior alterations, possibly reflecting compensatory mechanisms. The involvement of these networks in pre‐HD is still unclear. In conclusion, aberrant connectivity of the sensory‐motor network is observed in the early stage of HD while, as pathology spreads, other networks might be affected, such as the visual and executive/attentional networks. Moreover, sensory‐motor and executive networks exhibit hyper‐ and hypo‐connectivity patterns following different spatiotemporal trajectories. These findings could potentially help to implement future huntingtin‐lowering interventions.
Multi‐Scale 3D U‐Nets: An approach to automatic segmentation of brain tumor
Authors: Peng Suting , Chen Wei , Sun Jiawei , Liu Boqiang
Published: September 2019

Gliomas segmentation is a critical and challenging task in surgery and treatment, and it is also the basis for subsequent evaluation of gliomas. Magnetic resonance imaging is extensively employed in diagnosing brain and nervous system abnormalities. However, brain tumor segmentation remains a challenging task, because differentiating brain tumors from normal tissues is difficult, tumor boundaries are often ambiguous and there is a high degree of variability in the shape, location, and extent of the patient. It is therefore desired to devise effective image segmentation architectures. In the past few decades, many algorithms for automatic segmentation of brain tumors have been proposed. Methods based on deep learning have achieved favorable performance for brain tumor segmentation. In this article, we propose a Multi‐Scale 3D U‐Nets architecture, which uses several U‐net blocks to capture long‐distance spatial information at different resolutions. We upsample feature maps at different resolutions to extract and utilize sufficient features, and we hypothesize that semantically similar features are easier to learn and process. In order to reduce the computational cost, we use 3D depthwise separable convolution instead of some standard 3D convolution. On BraTS 2015 testing set, we obtained dice scores of 0.85, 0.72, and 0.61 for the whole tumor, tumor core, and enhancing tumor, respectively. Our segmentation performance was competitive compared to other state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Examining peer networking as a capacity‐building strategy for Housing First implementation
Authors: Worton S. Kathleen
Published: September 2019

Aims

This study examines peer networking as a capacity‐building strategy for the implementation of Housing First (HF), a complex community intervention targeting chronic homelessness.

Methods

A qualitative, multiple case study was conducted to examine the capacity‐building activities of two, multicommunity peer networks established by community leaders in the Canadian Homelessness sector. Data collection activities included document analysis, key informant interviews (n = 10), and a follow‐up focus group with interview participants in each network. Thematic analyses were conducted for each network, followed by a cross‐case analysis.

Results

Engaging in a multicommunity peer network enhances leaders’ capacity to advance HF by creating opportunities to foster trust and communication, inform continuous improvement, and navigate ambiguity. A number of contextual factors influence connections between peer networking and capacity building.

Conclusion

Peer networks are a valuable source of support and timely, contextually relevant knowledge for community leaders advancing local adaptation and implementation of HF.
Treatment of acute cholecystitis after cardiovascular surgery
Authors: Ueno Kimihiko , Ajiki Tetsuo , Tsugawa Daisuke , Akita Masayuki , Hashimoto Yu , Terai Sachio , Tanaka Motofumi , Toyama Hirochika , Kido Masahiro , Fukumoto Takumi
Published: September 2019

Background

Acute cholecystitis (AC) after cardiovascular surgery (CS) tends to have a serious postoperative course; however, there are few reports of AC after CS. In this study, we investigated the clinical features of AC after CS.

Method

Of 26 patients who underwent surgery for AC after CS between 2001 and 2018 were investigated. Of these patients, the severity of AC, onset time, surgical outcomes, and postoperative pathological findings were evaluated.

Results

Grade III accounted for 46% (12/26) of the AC after CS patients. Gallbladder drainage did not produce sufficient outcomes in all CS cases. The postoperative hospital days of AC after CS were extended (31/21 days, P = 0.07) and the postoperative pathologic findings revealed a higher rate of gangrenous cholecystitis (88/41%, P < 0.01) than the control group. With regard to the incidence of postoperative complications, there were no differences between CS and the control group (23/24%). The mortality rate of AC after CS was 12%.

Conclusion

Because more than 80% of CS cases involved pathologically gangrenous cholecystitis, it may be necessary to perform early surgery for AC after CS, even when the severity of AC is Grade III.
The return of the repressed. On Robert N. Bellah, Norman O. Brown, and religion in human evolution
Authors: Bortolini Matteo
Published: September 2019

As much as Robert Bellah’s final work, Religion in Human Evolution, has been studied and dissected, no critic underlined the importance of psychoanalysis for its main argument and its theoretical framework. The paper shows the influence exerted by a controversial interpreter of Freud, Norman O. Brown, on Bellah’s ideas, intellectual profile, and writing style in the late‐1960s and early 1970s. While in search for a new intellectual voice, Bellah was struck by Brown’s work and began to make intensive use of his book, Love’s Body, both in his teaching and in his research of the early 1970s, during his so‐called “symbolic realism” period. While Bellah abandoned Brown’s ideas and style in the mid‐1970s, some of the basic intuitions he had during that period still survived as one of the major theoretical intuitions of Religion and Human Evolution.
Toric cycles in the complement to a complex curve in (C×)2
Authors: Lushin Alexey , Pochekutov Dmitry
Published: September 2019

The amoeba of a complex curve in the 2‐dimensional complex torus is its image under the projection onto the real parts of the logarithmic coordinates. A toric cycle in the complement to a curve is a fiber of this projection over a point in the complement to the amoeba of the curve. We consider amoebas of complex algebraic curves defined by so‐called Harnack polynomials. We prove that toric cycles are homologically independent in the complement to a such curve.
Honey Polyphenols Ameliorate DSS‐Induced Ulcerative Colitis via Modulating Gut Microbiota in Rats
Authors: Zhao Haoan , Cheng Ni , Zhou Wenqi , Chen Sinan , Wang Qian , Gao Hui , Xue Xiaofeng , Wu Liming , Cao Wei
Published: September 2019

Scope

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a multifaceted and recurrent immune disorder that requires long‐term potent pharmacological treatment. Honey, as a natural food of nourishment and pharmaceutical value, has been found to defend against colitis.

Methods and results

The effects of different constituents in honey are investigated on DSS‐induced colitis in rats. Rats are given DSS, sugars, honey, polyphenols, or SASP for a week, with blood and colon samples collected for the biochemical parameters and inflammation‐related gene analysis and colon contents for gut microbiota. The results show that pretreatments with honey polyphenols significantly improve SOD, GSH‐Px, NO, and MPO levels and reduce DSS‐induced colonic apoptosis, the colonic inflammatory cytokines IL‐6, TNF‐α, and TGF‐β1 accompanied by downregulation of IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IFN‐γ gene and upregulation of IκB‐α gene. Furthermore, honey polyphenols and SASP show similar microbial community structure shifts and selective enrichment of key species. At the genus level, honey polyphenols significantly reduce the population of Bacteroides, Corynebacterium, and Proteus species. The correlation analysis indicates that colonic gene expression regulated by honey polyphenols is relative to the key species of gut microbiota.

Conclusions

Honey polyphenols improve intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress resistance via modulating gut microbiota, which is conducive to revealing the host–microbe interactions.
Patient‐reported disease burden in oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy
Authors: Kurtz Nicolette S. , Cote Claudia , Heatwole Chad , Gagnon Cynthia , Youssof Sarah
Published: September 2019

Introduction

There is currently little evidence regarding oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) disease burden reported by patients. In this study we aim to elicit direct patient input regarding OPMD disease burden.

Methods

We conducted semistructured interviews with 25 participants with genetically confirmed OPMD and a wide range of disease duration (15 ± 8 years). Using the Framework Technique, themes and categories were then extracted.

Results

Analyses revealed 7 themes (physical impact, mental impact, social impact, perception of progression, treatment perceptions, coping strategies, and access to disease information), encompassing 27 categories of OPMD disease burden. The most frequent categories were related to dysphagia, coping strategies for dysphagia, and impaired mobility.

Discussion

This study demonstrates the importance of considering, when providing clinical care, the broad range of coping strategies patients use to deal with OPMD symptoms, especially dysphagia, to properly assess limitations and monitor real disease progression.
Altered muscle electrical tissue properties in a mouse model of premature aging
Authors: Clark‐Matott Joanne , Nagy Janice A. , Sanchez Benjamin , Taylor Rebecca , Riveros Daniela , Abraham Neeta A. , Simon David K. , Rutkove Seward B.
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Improved methods are needed to detect and quantify age‐related muscle change. In this study we assessed the electrical properties of muscle impacted by acquired mitochondrial DNA mutations via the PolG mouse, which exhibits typical age‐associated features, and the impact of a potential therapy, nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN).

Methods

The gastrocnemii of 24 PolG and 30 wild‐type (WT) mice (8 PolG and 17 WT treated with NMN) were studied in an electrical impedance‐measuring cell. Conductivity and relative permittivity were determined from the impedance data. Myofiber cross‐sectional area (CSA) was quantified histologically.

Results

Untreated PolG mice demonstrated alterations in several impedance features, including 50‐kHz relative permittivity and center frequency. A potential effect of NMN was also observed in these parameters in PolG but not WT animals. Impedance values correlated with myofiber CSA.

Discussion

Electrical impedance is sensitive to myofiber features considered characteristic of aging and to the impact of a potential therapy.
A national UK audit of suprapubic catheter insertion practice and rate of bowel injury with comparison to a systematic review and meta‐analysis of available research
Authors: Hall S. , Ahmed S. , Reid S. , Thiruchelvam N. , Sahai A. , Hamid R. , Harding C. , Biers S. , Parkinson R.
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Limited data exist on the risks of complications associated with a suprapubic catheter (SPC) insertion. Bowel injury (BI) is a well‐recognized albeit uncommon complication. Guidelines on the insertion of SPC have been developed by the British Association of Urological Surgeons, but there remains little evidence regarding the incidence of this complication. This study uses contemporary UK data to assess the incidence of SPC insertion and the rate of BI and compares to a meta‐analysis of available papers.

Methods

National Hospital Episodes Statistics data were searched on all SPC insertions over an 18‐month period for operating procedure codes, Code M38.2 (cystostomy and insertion of a suprapubic tube into bladder). Patients age, 30‐day readmission rates, 30‐day mortality rate, and catheter specific complication rate were collected. To estimate the BI rate, we searched patients who had undergone any laparotomy or bowel operation within 30 days of SPC insertion. Trusts were contacted directly and directed to ascertain whether there was SPC‐related BI. PubMed search to identify papers reporting on SPC related BI was performed for meta‐analysis

Results

11 473 SPC insertions took place in the UK in this time period. One hundred forty‐one cases had laparotomy within 30 days. Responses from 114 of these cases reported one BI related to SPC insertion. Meta‐analysis showed an overall BI rate of 11/1490 (0.7%).

Conclusions

This is the largest dataset reported on SPC insertions showing a lower than previously reported rate of BI. We recommend clinicians use a risk of BI of less than 0.25% when counseling low‐risk patients.
No longer entry‐level: Why you need a professional to manage social media
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: September 2019

Tweetstorms. Overnight meme fame. Brand boycott. These things can happen fast, and they can spread.
Akt1 signalling supports acinar proliferation and limits acinar‐to‐ductal metaplasia formation upon induction of acute pancreatitis
Authors: Chen Rong , Malagola Ermanno , Dietrich Maren , Zuellig Richard , Tschopp Oliver , Bombardo Marta , Saponara Enrica , Reding Theresia , Myers Stephen , Hills Andrew P , Graf Rolf , Sonda Sabrina
Published: September 2019

Molecular signalling mediated by the phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K)–Akt axis is a key regulator of cellular functions. Importantly, alteration of the PI3K–Akt signalling underlies the development of different human diseases, thus prompting the investigation of the pathway as a molecular target for pharmacologic intervention. In this regard, recent studies showed that small molecule inhibitors of PI3K, the upstream regulator of the pathway, reduced the development of inflammation during acute pancreatitis, a highly debilitating and potentially lethal disease. Here we investigated whether a specific reduction of Akt activity, by using either pharmacologic Akt inhibition, or genetic inactivation of the Akt1 isoform selectively in pancreatic acinar cells, is effective in ameliorating the onset and progression of the disease. We discovered that systemic reduction of Akt activity did not protect the pancreas from initial damage and only transiently delayed leukocyte recruitment. However, reduction of Akt activity decreased acinar proliferation and exacerbated acinar‐to‐ductal metaplasia (ADM) formation, two critical events in the progression of pancreatitis. These phenotypes were recapitulated upon conditional inactivation of Akt1 in acinar cells, which resulted in reduced expression of 4E‐BP1, a multifunctional protein of key importance in cell proliferation and metaplasia formation. Collectively, our results highlight the critical role played by Akt1 during the development of acute pancreatitis in the control of acinar cell proliferation and ADM formation. In addition, these results harbour important translational implications as they raise the concern that inhibitors of PI3K‐Akt signalling pathways may negatively affect the regeneration of the pancreas. Finally, this work provides the basis for further investigating the potential of Akt1 activators to boost pancreatic regeneration following inflammatory insults. © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serum Small Extracellular Vesicles Proteome of Tuberculosis Patients Demonstrated Deregulated Immune Response
Authors: Arya Rakesh , Dabral Deepti , Faruquee Hossain Md. , Mazumdar Himangshu , Patgiri Saurav Jyoti , Deka Trinayan , Basumatary Rumi , Kupa Rukuwe‐u , Semy Chayale , Kapfo Wetetsho , Liegise Kevideme , Kaur Inderjeet , Choedon Tenzin , Kumar Purnima , Behera Rajendra Kumar , Deori Pranjal , Nath Reema , Khalo Kerekha , Saikia Lahari , Khamo Vinotsole , Nanda Ranjan Kumar
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Detailed understanding of host pathogen interaction in tuberculosis is an important avenue for identifying novel therapeutic targets. Small extracellular vesicles (EVs) like exosomes that are rich in proteins, nucleic acids and lipids, act as messengers and may show altered composition in disease conditions.

Experimental design

In this case control study, small EVs are isolated from serum of 58 subjects (all male, 33 (15–70) in years) including drug naïve active tuberculosis (ATB: n = 22), non‐tuberculosis (NTB: n = 18), and healthy subjects (n = 18). Serum small EVs proteome analysis is carried out using isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) experiments and an independent sample (n = 36) is used for validation.

Results

A set of 132 and 68 proteins are identified in iTRAQ‐I (ATB/Healthy) and iTRAQ‐II (ATB/NTB) experiments, respectively. Four proteins (KYAT3, SERPINA1, HP, and APOC3) show deregulation (log2‐fold change > ±0.48, p < 0.05) in ATB with respect to healthy controls and Western blot data corroborated mass spectrometry findings.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

These important proteins, involved in neutrophil degranulation, plasma heme scavenging, kynurenine, and lipid metabolism, show deregulation in ATB patients. Identification of such a protein panel in circulating small EVs besides providing novel insights into their role in tuberculosis may prove to be useful targets to develop host‐directed therapeutic intervention.
A Serendipitous Synthesis: SiO2‐HNO3 Mediated Oxidative Aromatization and Regioselective Nitration of 1,3,5‐Trisubstituted‐4,5‐Dihydro‐1H‐Pyrazoles
Authors: Bhatia Rimpy , Kadyan Kulbir , Duhan Meenakshi , Devi Meena , Singh Rahul , Kamboj Ramesh C. , Kumar Parvin
Published: September 2019

Research often leads to unprecedented results that open the gates for new methodologies. We report herein the oxidative aromatization and serendipitous regioselective nitration of 1,3,5‐trisubstituted‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazoles under mild reaction conditions using SiO2‐HNO3 as an oxidizing agent to afford 1,3,5‐trisubstituted pyrazoles with high regioselectivity. Here SiO2‐HNO3 acts as a nitrating agent along with oxidizing property. SiO2‐HNO3 is cheap, easy to prepare, eco‐friendly and practically applicable catalyst.
K5B19O31: A Deep‐Ultraviolet Congruent Melting Compound
Authors: Huang Shuzhao , Zhou Chen , Cheng Shichao , Yu Feng
Published: September 2019

A potassium borate, K5B19O31, has been obtained via the high‐temperature solid‐state reaction. The single crystal for K5B19O31 with dimensions up to 4 mm × 2 mm × 1 mm was grown by the top‐seeded solution growth method. The crystal structure of K5B19O31 shows a complex three‐dimensional (3D) frame filled by three different types of K‐based polyhedra. Optical properties and thermal behavior of K5B19O31 were carried out. The transmission spectrum of K5B19O31 shows that it possesses a UV optical cut‐off edge lower than 180 nm. The birefringence was calculated to be about 0.05 at 1064 nm. Structure‐property relationships were further illuminated via the first‐principles calculation methods.
Periodic Operation of a Dynamic DNA Origami Structure Utilizing the Hydrophilic–Hydrophobic Phase‐Transition of Stimulus‐Sensitive Polypeptides
Authors: Goetzfried Marisa A. , Vogele Kilian , Mückl Andrea , Kaiser Marcus , Holland Nolan B. , Simmel Friedrich C. , Pirzer Tobias
Published: September 2019

Dynamic DNA nanodevices are designed to perform structure‐encoded motion actuated by a variety of different physicochemical stimuli. In this context, hybrid devices utilizing other components than DNA have the potential to considerably expand the library of functionalities. Here, the reversible reconfiguration of a DNA origami structure using the stimulus sensitivity of elastin‐like polypeptides is reported. To this end, a rectangular sheet made using the DNA origami technique is functionalized with these peptides and by applying changes in salt concentration the hydrophilic–hydrophobic phase transition of these peptides actuate the folding of the structure. The on‐demand and reversible switching of the rectangle is driven by externally imposed temperature oscillations and appears at specific transition temperatures. Using transmission electron microscopy, it is shown that the structure exhibits distinct conformational states with different occupation probabilities, which are dependent on structure‐intrinsic parameters such as the local number and the arrangement of the peptides on the rectangle. It is also shown through ensemble fluorescence resonance energy transfer spectroscopy that the transition temperature and thus the thermodynamics of the rectangle‐peptide system depends on the stimuli salt concentration and temperature, as well as on the intrinsic parameters.