bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generality and opponency of rostromedial tegmental (RMTg) roles in valence processing
Authors: Li Hao , Pullmann Dominika , Cho Jennifer Y , Eid Maya , Jhou Thomas C
Published: January 2019

The rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg), a GABAergic afferent to midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons, has been hypothesized to be broadly activated by aversive stimuli. However, this encoding pattern has only been demonstrated for a limited number of stimuli, and the RMTg influence on ventral tegmental (VTA) responses to aversive stimuli is untested. Here, we found that RMTg neurons are broadly excited by aversive stimuli of different sensory modalities and inhibited by reward-related stimuli. These stimuli include visual, auditory, somatosensory and chemical aversive stimuli, as well as “opponent” motivational states induced by removal of sustained rewarding or aversive stimuli. These patterns are consistent with broad encoding of negative valence in a subset of RMTg neurons. We further found that valence-encoding RMTg neurons preferentially project to the DA-rich VTA versus other targets, and excitotoxic RMTg lesions greatly reduce aversive stimulus-induced inhibitions in VTA neurons, particularly putative DA neurons, while also impairing conditioned place aversion to multiple aversive stimuli. Together, our findings indicate a broad RMTg role in encoding aversion and driving VTA responses and behavior.
Shifting faunal baselines through the Quaternary revealed by cave fossils of eastern Australia
Authors: Price Gilbert J. , Louys Julien , Smith Garry K. , Cramb Jonathan
Published: January 2019

Fossils from caves in the Manning Karst Region, New South Wales, Australia have long been known, but until now have never been assessed for their palaeontological significance. Here, we report on late Quaternary faunal records from eight caves in the region. Extinct Pleistocene megafaunal taxa are recognised in two systems and include giant echidnas (Tachyglossidae gen. et sp. indet.), devils (Sarcophilus laniarius), koalas (Phascolarctos stirtoni), marsupial ‘lions’ (Thylacoleo carnifex), and kangaroos (Macropus giganteus titan). Some caves contain skeletal remains of introduced exotics such as sheep and dogs, but also provide a rich record of small-bodied native species including Eastern Bettongs (Bettongia gaimardi), Eastern Chestnut Mice (Pseudomys gracilicaudatus), and White-footed Rabbit Rats (Conilurus albipes). These endemics are either locally extirpated or have suffered total extinction in the historic period. Their skeletal and dental remains were recorded as unmineralised surface specimens in the caves, indicating that they are recent in age. Extant populations have never been recorded locally, thus, their probable loss from the region in historic times had gone unnoticed in the absence of palaeo-evidence. Our findings suggest that the supposed habitat tolerances of such species have been substantially underestimated. It is highly likely that modern populations have suffered niche contraction since the time of European colonisation of the continent. The local extirpations of several species of digging mammal has likely led to decreased functionality of the current ecosystem.
Genome-wide analysis of circular RNAs in goat skin fibroblast cells in response to Orf virus infection
Authors: Pang Feng , Zhang Mengmeng , Yang Xiaojian , Li Guohua , Zhu Shu , Nie Xin , Cao Ruiyong , Yang Xiaohong , Zhang Zhenxing , Huang Haifeng , Li Baobao , Wang Chengqiang , Du Li , Wang Fengyang
Published: January 2019

Orf, caused by Orf virus (ORFV), is a globally distributed zoonotic disease responsible for serious economic losses in the agricultural sector. However, the mechanism underlying ORFV infection remains largely unknown. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a novel type of endogenous non-coding RNAs, play important roles in various pathological processes but their involvement in ORFV infection and host response is unclear. In the current study, whole transcriptome sequencing and small RNA sequencing were performed in ORFV-infected goat skin fibroblast cells and uninfected cells. A total of 151 circRNAs, 341 messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and 56 microRNAs (miRNAs) were differently expressed following ORFV infection. Four circRNAs: circRNA1001, circRNA1684, circRNA3127 and circRNA7880 were validated by qRT-PCR and Sanger sequencing. Gene ontology (GO) analysis indicated that host genes of differently expressed circRNAs were significantly enriched in regulation of inflammatory response, epithelial structure maintenance, positive regulation of cell migration, positive regulation of ubiquitin-protein transferase activity, regulation of ion transmembrane transport, etc. The constructed circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network suggested that circRNAs may function as miRNA sponges indirectly regulating gene expression following ORFV infection. Our study presented the first comprehensive profiles of circRNAs in response to ORFV infection, thus providing new clues for the mechanisms of interactions between ORFV and the host.
Health Care from Firefighters: the Faced Difficulties that Impact in the Population’s Assistance / Atendimento a Saúde por Bombeiros: Dificuldades Encontradas que Implicam na Assistência a População
Authors: Freitas Karina de Oliveira , Tagliarini Martins Marcus Gabriel , Alves Da Silva Maria Samara , Jaques Marcela Barbosa , Vasconcelos Esleane Vilela
Published: January 2019

Objetivo: Identificar quais as percepções dos bombeiros quanto ao atendimento pré-hospitalar, suas principais dificuldades e riscos encontrados na prestação do atendimento em saúde. Métodos: Trata-se de uma pesquisa do tipo descritiva com abordagem qualitativa, em que se utilizou de uma entrevista semiestruturada guiada por roteiro. Resultados: Os depoimentos dos bombeiros foram sintetizados em três unidades temáticas, assim denominadas: A percepção de bombeiros sobre o atendimento pré-hospitalar (APH); A necessidade do enfermeiro no APH realizado pela equipe do corpo de bombeiros e a Insegurança versus riscos inerentes do atendimento pré-hospitalar. Conclusão: Através de todo o exposto espera-se, contribuir para a construção do conhecimento e reflexão quanto a percepção e atuação do corpo de bombeiros no APH e a importância de integrar profissionais de saúde na equipe de resgate, assim como investir na capacitação destes e em materiais de qualidade que possibilitem segurança aos profissionais e pacientes.
Continuous Education in Palliative Care: an Action Research Proposal / Educação Permanente em Cuidados Paliativos: uma Proposta de PesquisaAção
Authors: Cezar Valesca Scalei , Waterkemper Roberta , Rabin Eliane Goldeberg , Castilho Rodrigo Kappel , Reys Karine Zancanaro
Published: January 2019

Objetivo: compreender como uma proposta de educação permanente pode contribuir para a melhora do conhecimento profissional de saúde sobre cuidados paliativos. Métodos: estudo qualitativo do tipo pesquisa-ação desenvolvido em um hospital de referência em oncologia no sul do Brasil no período de abril e maio de 2015 através da aplicação de questionário com questões abertas antes e após a atividade de educação. Realizou-se análise de conteúdo, do tipo temática. Resultados: Participaram 213 profissionais. Foram construídas 5 categorias temáticas: Conhecimento profissional antes da ação: cuidado ao paciente terminal; Conhecimento profissional antes da ação: cuidado ao paciente fora de possibilidades de cura e tratamento; Sensibilização para os princípios dos cuidados paliativos: o ponto de partida; Segurança para cuidar: entendendo a proposta e suas indicações; e Sentindo a necessidade de educar-se. Conclusão: identificou-se a diminuição da insegurança dos profissionais e a melhora do conhecimento. Destaca-se a maior divulgação sobre esta filosofia de cuidado.
Nursing Care Towards Feeding Children Undergoing Chemotherapy Treatment: Collière’s Contributions / Cuidados de Enfermagem da Alimentação de Crianças em Quimioterapia: Contribuições de Collière
Authors: Sueiro Ísis de Moura , Góes Fernanda Garcia Bezerra , Silva Liliane Faria da , Moraes Juliana Rezende Montenegro Medeiros de
Published: January 2019

ResumoObjetivo: compreender os cuidados de enfermagem frente às alterações no padrão alimentar de crianças em quimioterapia antineoplásica à luz de Collière. Métodos: pesquisa qualitativa, desenvolvida em 2015, com entrevistas semiestruturadas junto a 17 profissionais de enfermagem, cujos dados foram submetidos à Análise Temática por meio do referencial teórico de Collière. Resultados: os profissionais realizam cuidados de manutenção da alimentação das crianças, o que inclui: orientação dos familiares, participação junto à equipe multiprofissional, administração de medicamentos para alívio dos efeitos colaterais, avaliação do nível de dor e conferência da dieta. As estratégias de cuidado são: táticas para minimizar a mucosite, incentivo da criança através da conversa, do lúdico e da oferta de alimentos gelados, atrativos e do seu gosto, e respeito ao seu espaço. Conclusão: os cuidados de enfermagem versam sobre os cuidados cotidianos, habituais e os de reparação, conforme distingue Collière, com a finalidade de manter a alimentação da criança.Descritores: Saúde da Criança; Enfermagem Pediátrica; Cuidados de Enfermagem; Quimioterapia; Alimentação.
International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: a Content Analysis / Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde: uma Análise de Conteúdo
Authors: Piexak Diéssica Roggia , Cezar-Vaz Marta Regina , Bonow Clarice Alves
Published: January 2019

Objetivo: Produzir uma análise de conteúdo da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde. Métodos: Trata-se de uma análise de conteúdo para descrever e interpretar os conteúdos da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde, a partir de uma perspectiva qualitativa e com aporte teórico de Georges Canguilhem em “O Normal e o Patológico”. Resultados: Emergiram as seguintes categorias: Organismo biológico e a relação de normalidade/patologia; Incapacidade e funcionalidade influenciadas pelo ambiente. Conclusão: A normatividade contida na Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde, por princípio, não atende a diversidade da população, apesar disso, apresenta uma tentativa de articulação dos modelos médico e social, o que pode ampliar a perspectiva dos enfermeiros acerca da relação do ambiente e do corpo na patologia e na normalidade, para além das métricas.
Teachers’ Self-Referred Chronic Dysphonia Associated Factors / Fatores Associados à Disfonia Crônica Autorreferida por Professoras
Authors: Rossi-Barbosa Luiza Augusta Rosa , Guimarães Dandara Hemanuelly Ferreira , Arantes Emanuely de Souza , Souza Joyce Elen Murça , Gama Ana Cristina Côrtes , Caldeira Antônio Prates
Published: January 2019

Objetivo: Verificar os fatores associados à disfonia crônica autorreferida pelas professoras das escolas municipais de Montes Claros – MG. Métodos: Estudo transversal, quantitativo e analítico. A variável dependente referiu à existência ou não de alteração vocal sendo excluídas aquelas com queixas vocais com menos de 21 dias. As participantes responderam um questionário contendo dados sociodemográficos, econômicos, organizacionais, ambientais, de estilo de vida, processo saúde-doença e dados sobre a própria voz. Realizou-se análise bivariada por meio do teste qui-quadrado de Pearson e análise múltipla por meio da Regressão de Poisson, com variância robusta. Resultados: A prevalência de alteração vocal crônica autorreferida foi de 39,7%. Os sinais e sintomas mais referidos foram garganta seca, rouquidão, cansaço vocal, pigarro e falha na voz. As variáveis que permaneceram associadas à alteração vocal crônica autorreferida foram o ruído incomodativo a insuportável fora da escola, ausência de exercício físico e consulta médica para a voz. Conclusão: Registrou-se uma elevada prevalência de disfonia crônica. Condições de trabalho inadequadas e hábitos de vida não saudável estão entre os fatores associados.Descritores: Voz, Docentes, Saúde do Trabalhador, Disfonia, Condições de Trabalho.
The Nurse’s Contributions in Prenatal Care Towards Achieving the Pregnant Women Empowerment / Contribuições do Enfermeiro no Pré-Natal para a Conquista do Empoderamento da Gestante
Authors: Arraes Jardim Mara Julyete , Barros Fonseca Lena Maria , Arraes Silva Andressa
Published: January 2019

Objetivo: Compreender as contribuições do enfermeiro no pré-natal para o incentivo ao empoderamento feminino no processo de parturição natural, sob a ótica da gestante. Métodos: Estudo descritivo exploratório com abordagem qualitativa, desenvolvido em uma Unidade de Saúde da Família, em São Luís/MA, com gestantes que realizavam o pré-natal. Para análise dos depoimentos utilizou-se o referencial teórico Empowerment. Resultados: As orientações fornecidas pelos enfermeiros fazem alusão a muitos aspectos da gravidez, porém não evidencia que as gestantes se utilizaram das informações para alcançar o empoderamento no parto. Ademais, não se identificou a realização de ações educativas que visem à obtenção do empoderamento. Conclusão: As estratégias utilizadas pelo enfermeiro para o incentivo ao empoderamento caracterizam-se como práticas fragmentadas, refletindo ausência de diálogo entre gestante e profissional e não oferecendo o conhecimento suficiente para o preparo do exercício da autonomia feminina. Descritores: Cuidados de enfermagem, Cuidado Pré-natal, Poder.
Homes for Elderly People: Professionals’ Exposure to Physical Hazards / Institutos de Longa Permanência de Idosos: Exposição dos Profissionais aos Riscos Físicos
Authors: Silva Déborah Nayane de Oliveira , Posso Maria Belen Salazar , Barja Paulo Roxo
Published: January 2019

Objetivo: averiguar a exposição dos profissionais aos riscos físicos presentes em Institutos de Longa Permanecia de Idosos. Métodos: estudo descritivo-exploratório, de caso, de campo, com abordagem quantitativa e delineamento transversal. Foi utilizado um checklist elaborado conforme os requisitos das Resoluções da Diretoria Colegiada da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária Nº 283/2005 e 50/2002, para a coleta dos dados. Resultados: os profissionais estão expostos a diversos riscos físicos, como: distribuição inadequada de mobiliários, choques elétricos, umidade, níveis elevados de pressão sonora, inadequação de espaço e temperatura elevada e ainda, indiretamente dimensionamento de pessoal insuficiente. Conclusão: a estrutura da Instituição avaliada é diferente dos padrões preestabelecidos pelas resoluções sendo real a existência de riscos; todavia, estes problemas podem ser minimizados pelo mapeamento dos riscos ambientais, ressaltando-se que os mesmos são passiveis de prevenção e demandam correção imediata, pois afetam a qualidade do trabalho exercido pelos profissionais ali atuantes.
The Family Relationships When Dealing With a Chronic Disease: The Family Caregiver Viewpoint / Relações Familiares Vivenciadas no Percurso da Doença Crônica: O Olhar do Cuidador Familiar
Authors: Maschio Gabriela , Da Silva Alexsandra Martins , Celich Kátia Lilian Sedrez , Silva Tatiana Gaffuri da , Souza Silvia Silva de , Da Silva Filho Claudio Claudino
Published: January 2019

Objetivo: Identificar como se configuram as relações familiares entre cuidador e demais membros da família. Metodologia: Estudo qualitativo realizado com seis cuidadores familiares de doentes crônicos. Para coleta das informações usou-se entrevista, originado duas categorias: Impacto afetivo nas relações familiares expressas pelo cuidador familiar e Impacto social no cotidiano da vida do cuidador. Resultados: Quatro cuidadores eram mulheres e dois homens, sendo duas filhas, dois cônjuges, um pai e uma nora. Identificou-se que as relações familiares se modificam durante o percurso da doença, com tendência a se vulnerabilizar mesmo na existência de laços afetivos anteriores ao evento. Identificou-se ainda, o sofrimento do cuidador relacionado ao afastamento dos familiares no processo de cuidar, sentindo-se só, o que gera isolamento social. Considerações finais: Cuidar do familiar em casa constitui em uma atitude familiar saudável; todavia, requer assistência ininterrupta, sendo assim, há necessidade de auxílio, compartilhamento das responsabilidades frente o processo de cuidar.
The Importance of Parental Accompaniment During Postpartum and the Fatherhood / A Importância do Acompanhamento Paterno no Pós-Parto e o Exercício da Paternidade
Authors: Nascimento Adriana Oliveira , Marcelino Paula Helena Rosa , Vieira Roseane da Silva , Lemos Adriana
Published: January 2019

A paternidade não deve ser tratada apenas do ponto de vista da obrigação legal, mas, sobretudo, como um direito do homem de participar de todo o processo. Objetivo: analisar a participação do homem no acompanhamento do pós-parto e sua relação com o exercício da paternidade. Método: trata-se de pesquisa documental com abordagem qualitativa, na qual se observou que mais da metade dos pais informantes participavam dos cuidados direta ou indiretamente, independente dos níveis de complexidade desses cuidados. Resultados: percebeu-se, então, que os pais estão mais participativos, o que leva a crer que o exercício da paternidade está rompendo, em certo ponto, com os modelos tradicionais de masculinidade que ainda perduram nos dias de hoje. Conclusão: Por isso, é de extrema relevância que os homens sejam incentivados a exercerem a paternidade, pois, através dela, eles contribuem para a desigualdade de gênero.
An In Loco Theoretical and Practical Training Program for Nursing Professionals Regarding the Basic Maneuvers in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / Programa de Treinamento Teórico/Prático In Loco para Enfermagem Acerca das Manobras Básicas em Ressuscitação Cardiopulmonar
Authors: Assalin Ana Carolina Belmonte , Oliveira Ledjane Neves , Souza Andressa Rodrigues , Grazziano Eliane Silva , Machado Regimar Carla
Published: January 2019

Objective: To evaluate an in loco theoretical and practical training program for nursing technicians and auxiliaries regarding the basic maneuvers in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Methods: It’s a quasi-experimental study that developed from August to October 2015. The participants were 96 nursing technicians and auxiliaries from a public hospital in the metropolitan region of São Paulo State. An instrument with twenty closed questions was applied before and immediately after the training. The results were analyzed by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: The nursing technicians and auxiliaries showed better performance in the post-test, respectively, 161% and 180%. The greatest performance was in the recognition of cardiorespiratory arrest (CRA), 83.3% for auxiliaries and 83.6% for technicians. One limitation of the study is that there has been no data regarding the professional practice before and after the training. Conclusion: The training proved to be effective since there was a significant increase in the correct post-test.
Effects of delay on episodic memory retrieval by children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Almeida Telma Sousa , Lamb Michael E. , Weisblatt Emma J.
Published: January 2019

Twenty‐seven 6‐ to 15‐year‐old children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 32 typically developing (TD) children were questioned about their participation in a set of activities after a 2‐week delay and again after a 2‐month delay using a best practice interview protocol. Interviews were coded for completeness with respect to the gist of the event, the number of narrative details provided, and accuracy. Results indicated that children with ASD did not differ from TD peers on any dimensions of memory after both delays. Specifically, both groups of children provided equivalently complete accounts on both occasions. However, children in both groups provided significantly fewer narrative details about the event in the second interview, and the accuracy rates were lower. The findings indicate that, like TD children, children with ASD can provide meaningful and reliable testimony about an event they personally experienced, but several aspects of their memory reports deteriorate over time.
Semipermanent Copper Nanowire Network with an Oxidation‐Proof Encapsulation Layer
Authors: Hong Insic , Roh Yeonwook , Koh Je‐Sung , Na Seonyeob , Kim Taewi , Lee Eunhan , An Hyeongi , Kwon Jinhyeong , Yeo Junyeob , Hong Sukjoon , Lee Kyu‐Tae , Kang Daeshik , Ko Seung Hwan , Han Seungyong
Published: January 2019

Copper nanowires (Cu NWs) have gained attention as an alternative to noble metal nanowires due to their affordable price, but their susceptibility to rapid oxidization in ambient conditions has remained a critical limitation for their practical usage. Many studies have been conducted to address this disadvantage but have been successful only in terms of oxidation prevention at certain temperatures, leaving the matter of oxidation at high temperatures unresolved. In this article, a simple encapsulation structure made of a polyimide and SiOx thin film is presented that effectively prevents the penetration of oxygen and moisture into the Cu NW network. This structure, furthermore, boasts excellent stability at high temperature (≈350 °C) and in underwater, acidic chemical, and abrasive conditions.
New High‐Power LEDs Open Photochemistry for Near‐Infrared‐Sensitized Radical and Cationic Photopolymerization
Authors: Schmitz Christian , Pang Yulian , Gülz André , Gläser Marina , Horst Joachim , Jäger Martin , Strehmel Bernd
Published: January 2019

Cyanines derived from heptamethines were investigated in combination with iodonium salts as initiators of the radical polymerization of tripropylene glycol diacrylate and epoxides derived from bisphenol‐A‐diglycidylether. A new near‐infrared (NIR) LED prototype emitting at 805 nm with an exposure intensity of 1.2 W cm−2 facilitated initiation of both radical and cationic polymerization using sensitizers derived from cyanines. This new light‐emitting device has brought new insight into the photochemistry of cyanines with the general structure 1 because a combination of photonic and thermal processes strongly influences reaction pathways. In particular, cationic cyanines comprising a cyclopentene moiety and diphenylamino group in the center initiated the cationic polymerization of epoxides. Selective oxidation of this unit explains why specifically these derivatives may function as initiators for cationic polymerization. In contrast, when the diphenylamino group was replaced by a barbital group at the meso‐position cationic polymerization of epoxides was not initiated.
Identifying the business model dimensions of data sharing: A value‐based approach
Authors: Arenas Alvaro E. , Goh Jie Mein , Matthews Brian
Published: January 2019

This study aimed to investigate the underlying business model of organizations that have data sharing at the core of their activities. Previous work has stressed that data‐sharing projects need to be sustainable in the long term, and highlighted the need for a deeper understanding of the operation model of existing data‐sharing initiatives. To investigate this important issue, we took a qualitative approach to uncover the dynamics of value creation in data sharing. Using a case study method, we examined two data‐sharing sites across different areas. We conducted semistructured interviews with managers from data centers and other stakeholders, and reviewed documents about the technical and managerial practices to determine the main characteristics of their business models. In addition, we applied the e3‐value modeling methodology to tease out the value flows within each site. Our findings demonstrated the importance of the value network dimension of a business model, as data sharing relies on a set of actors creating and getting value in the process, and the significance of intangible assets. The main contributions of this study include extending current understanding on data‐sharing business models by analyzing key dimensions, and uncovering how value is created and transferred in data sharing.
Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Splitting
Authors: Xie Jiafang , Huang Yiyin , Wu Maoxiang , Wang Yaobing
Published: January 2019

To realize renewable energy storage with a reduced carbon footprint for replacing fossil fuel and closing the unbalanced carbon cycle, electrochemical CO2 splitting, commonly containing aqueous CO2 reduction and water oxidation as core reactions, has received booming interest for its unique ability to produce chemicals and fuels from CO2 powered by renewable electricity. In this Review, recent progress of electrochemical CO2 splitting from a fundamental understanding to practical control of the main performance index, including production rate, product selectivity, and energetic efficiency, is discussed with the highlight of the methodologies used to increase CO2 supply in water media and active site design. The roles of the main components in electrochemical CO2 splitting devices, such as catalyst, electrode, electrolyzer, membrane, and electrolyte, are discussed. Finally, we also provide personal perspectives to highlight the opportunities to overcome low stability and limited selectivity for practical electrochemical CO2 splitting.
Entwickelnder Transfer fachdidaktischer Outreach‐Projekte
Authors: Emden Markus , Risch Björn
Published: January 2019

Die Popularität moderner Science Center animiert Kollegen aus den Fachdidaktiken, selbst Mitmachausstellungen zu organisieren und so die Faszination am eigenen Fach weiterzugeben. Jedoch sind die Einrichtungskosten und der Unterhaltungsaufwand für dauerhaft installierte Ausstellungen immens und nur selten tragen sich die Angebote selbst. Der Beitrag zeigt, wie ein kostengünstiges und niederschwelliges Mitmachangebot aus der Pfalz in die schwäbische Ostalb übersetzt werden konnte, wobei die Eigenheiten beider Durchführungen dargestellt werden. Darüber hinaus wird ein weiterer Ansatz zur einfachen Erfahrbarmachung naturwissenschaftlicher Phänomene vorgestellt. Anliegen dabei ist es, zum Nachmachen zu animieren und Ängste vor dem‚ (zu) großen Projekt‘ Science Center zu nehmen.
Molecular and electronic structure elucidation of Fe2+/Fe3+ complexed chelators used in iron sulphide scale removal in oil and gas wells
Authors: Onawole Abdulmujeeb T. , Hussein Ibnelwaleed A. , Sultan Abdullah , Abdel‐Azeim Safwat , Mahmoud Mohamed , Saad Mohammed A.
Published: January 2019

Quantum chemical calculations based on DFT are employed to study the electronic structure and binding affinity of chelators used in the removal of iron sulphide scales. Three chelating agents, EDTA, HEDTA, and DTPA, are considered in this work. The complexes showed a coordination number of 5, 6, and 7 for Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions with HEDTA, EDTA, and DTPA, respectively. However, regarding EDTA, Fe3+ could coordinate with an additional water molecule and form a seven‐coordinate complex. The calculated binding energies agreed with the experimental stability constants of the chelators in the order DTPA > EDTA > HEDTA for both Fe2+/Fe3+ complexes. The binding free energies showed a spontaneous reaction with Fe3+ having a stronger binding affinity than Fe2+ due to electrostatic forces. This investigation provides insights regarding how chelators that are applied in iron sulphide scale removal may be designed by increasing the number of nitrogen atoms to above the number of carboxylate groups.
cryoEM‐Guided Development of Antibiotics for Drug‐Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Belousoff Matthew J. , Venugopal Hari , Wright Alexander , Seoner Samuel , Stuart Isabella , Stubenrauch Chris , Bamert Rebecca S. , Lupton David W. , Lithgow Trevor
Published: January 2019

While the ribosome is a common target for antibiotics, challenges with crystallography can impede the development of new bioactives using structure‐based drug design approaches. In this study we exploit common structural features present in linezolid‐resistant forms of both methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus (VRE) to redesign the antibiotic. Enabled by rapid and facile cryoEM structures, this process has identified (S)‐2,2‐dichloro‐N‐((3‐(3‐fluoro‐4‐morpholinophenyl)‐2‐oxooxazolidin‐5‐yl)methyl)acetamide (LZD‐5) and (S)‐2‐chloro‐N‐((3‐(3‐fluoro‐4‐morpholinophenyl)‐2‐oxooxazolidin‐5‐yl)methyl) acetamide (LZD‐6), which inhibit the ribosomal function and growth of linezolid‐resistant MRSA and VRE. The strategy discussed highlights the potential for cryoEM to facilitate the development of novel bioactive materials.
Core Structure Engineering in Hole‐Transport Materials to Achieve Highly Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Ji Yu , He Bizu , Lu Huiqiang , Xu Jing , Wang Rui , Jin Yanzi , Zhong Cheng , Shan Yahan , Wu Fei , Zhu Linna
Published: January 2019

In this work, the thiadiazolopyridine (PT) unit was introduced as the core structure, with N3,N3,N6,N6‐tetrakis(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐9‐phenyl‐9 H‐carbazole‐3,6‐diamine as the peripheral group, to obtain a new compound, JY8, for use as a hole‐transport material (HTM) in planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Compared with the previously reported JY5 with benzothiadiazole as the core structure, the PT unit with stronger electron‐withdrawing ability enhanced the intermolecular dipole–dipole interaction. Moreover, the introduction of the PT unit made the central part in JY8 more planar than its analogue JY5, which is conducive to charge transport. Field‐emission (FE)‐SEM images suggested a smooth and condense morphology of the JY8 film, which could improve the contact between the perovskite layer and the metal electrode. Space‐charge limitation of current results, steady‐state, and time‐resolved photoluminescence decay curves indicated that JY8 as HTM facilitated hole extraction and hole transport. Consequently, planar PSCs fabricated with JY8 as the HTM exhibited a decent efficiency of 19.14 % with a high fill factor of 81 %.
Secret key rate proof of multicarrier continuous‐variable quantum key distribution
Authors: Gyongyosi Laszlo , Imre Sandor
Published: January 2019

We prove the secret key rate formulas and derive security threshold parameters of multicarrier continuous‐variable quantum key distribution CVQKD. In a multicarrier CVQKD scenario, the Gaussian input quantum states of the legal parties are granulated into Gaussian subcarrier continuous variables (CVs). The multicarrier communication formulates Gaussian subchannels from the physical quantum channel, each dedicated to the transmission of a subcarrier CV. The Gaussian subcarriers are decoded by a unitary CV operation, which results in the recovered single‐carrier Gaussian CVs. We derive the formulas through the adaptive multicarrier quadrature division (AMQD) scheme, the singular value decomposition (SVD)–assisted AMQD, and the multiuser AMQD multiuser quadrature allocation (MQA). We prove that the multicarrier CVQKD leads to improved secret key rates and higher tolerable excess noise in comparison with single‐carrier CVQKD. We derive the private classical capacity of a Gaussian subchannel and the security parameters of an optimal Gaussian collective attack in the multicarrier setting. We reveal the secret key rate formulas for one‐way and two‐way multicarrier CVQKD protocols, assuming homodyne and heterodyne measurements and direct and reverse reconciliation. The results reveal the physical boundaries of physically allowed Gaussian attacks in a multicarrier CVQKD scenario and confirm that the improved transmission rates lead to enhanced secret key rates and security thresholds.
Single‐Ion Magnet Investigation of ABAB‐Type Tetrachloro‐ and Tetraalkoxy‐Substituted Bis(phthalocyaninato) Terbium Double‐Decker with D2 Symmetrical Ligand Field
Authors: Zhi Qianjun , Ma Fang , Wang Chiming , Chen Yuxiang , Wang Hailong , Sun Haoling , Jiang Jianzhuang
Published: January 2019

A D2h symmetrical ABAB‐phthalocyanine, 1,4,15,18‐tetrapentyloxy‐9,10,23,24‐tetrachlorophthalocyanine (TPTCPc), has been employed in the construction of sandwich‐type bis(phthalocyaninato) terbium double‐decker, resulting in the isolation and identification of a reduced form TbH(TPTCPc)2 (1). Single crystal structure analysis of 1 demonstrates the approximate square‐antiprismatic (SAP) coordination geometry around the TbIII ion along with a twist angle of 42.19°. However, the introduction of strong electron‐withdrawing chloride groups and electron‐donating pentyloxy groups on the peripheral and non‐peripheral positions, respectively, of ABAB‐phthalocyanine significantly perturbs the crystal field D4d symmetry of sandwich‐type bis(phthalcyaninato) lanthanide compound and affords a new crystal field with approximate D2 symmetry. Such perturbation has been clearly evidenced by theoretical calculations, which, instead of the protonation nature, exerts a negative effect in single‐molecule magnet (SMM) performance, further supporting the predominant advantage of crystal field D4d symmetry in SMM behaviors of sandwich‐type lanthanide compounds.
Sodium reduction strategies through use of meat extenders (white button mushrooms vs. textured soy) in beef patties
Authors: Wong Kristin M. , Corradini Maria G. , Autio Wesley , Kinchla Amanda J.
Published: January 2019

Lowering the sodium content in meat products, particularly in beef patties, can be challenging because sodium plays many functional roles in these products. Meat extenders can contribute to lower sodium content by imparting complementary flavors while reducing caloric and sodium content. A systematic comparison of two meat extenders, namely mushrooms and textured soy (TSP) in terms of physical and sensory characteristics, is presented herein. The physical properties of the samples suggested that the use of mushroom and TSP extender would perform statistically similar to an all‐meat control depending on the level of substitution. Hedonic sensory analysis showed meat extension using mushrooms yielded liking scores more similar to the all‐meat formulations than TSP in reduced sodium applications. The results of this research suggest that mushrooms have the potential to be successfully incorporated into reduced sodium meat products to provide a healthier product.
User fee exemption and maternal health care utilisation at mission health facilities in Malawi: An application of disequilibrium theory of demand and supply
Authors: Manthalu Gerald
Published: January 2019

The literature on health care utilisation has focussed on the interaction of supply and demand factors in determining utilisation. At the aggregate level, studies have modelled the simultaneity of demand and supply, and different methods have been used. This study proposes an alternative framework for modelling utilisation, which yet separates demand and supply factors, the disequilibrium theory of demand and supply. This theory is useful in modelling data that reflect that not all health care demand is met by health care providers and not all health care supply is taken by consumers. Such disequilibrium arises due to rigid prices and quantity rationing. We use the theory to model maternal health care utilisation and user fee exemption at mission health care facilities in Malawi. The study uses switching regression methods and data from the Malawi Health Management Information System. Results show that user fee exemption is associated with increased utilisation of maternal health care. Demand and supply regime classification shows that many of the health facilities met much of the demand, whereas the rest only provided as much maternal care as their maximum capacity. In the latter case, intended maternal health care utilisation targets may not have been met.
Design concepts of polyplex micelles for in vivo therapeutic delivery of plasmid DNA and messenger RNA
Authors: Uchida Satoshi , Kataoka Kazunori
Published: January 2019

Nonviral delivery of plasmid (p)DNA or messenger (m)RNA is a safe and promising therapeutic option to continuously supply therapeutic proteins into diseased tissues. In most cases of in vivo pDNA and mRNA delivery, these nucleic acids are loaded into carriers based on cationic polymers and/or lipids to prevent nuclease‐mediated degradation before reaching target cells. The carriers should also evade host clearance mechanisms, including uptake by scavenger cells and filtration in the spleen. Installation of ligands onto the carriers can facilitate their rapid uptake into target cells. Meanwhile, carrier toxicity should be minimized not only for preventing undesirable adverse responses in patients, but also for preserving the function of transfected cells to exert therapeutic effects. Long‐term progressive improvement of platform technologies has helped overcome most of these issues, though some still remain hindering the widespread clinical application of nonviral pDNA and mRNA delivery. This review discusses design concepts of nonviral carriers for in vivo delivery and the issues to be overcome, focusing especially on our own efforts using polyplex micelles. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 978–990, 2019.
Chondrogenic differentiation of mouse induced pluripotent stem cells using the three‐dimensional culture with ultra‐purified alginate gel
Authors: Hontani Kazutoshi , Onodera Tomohiro , Terashima Michiyo , Momma Daisuke , Matsuoka Masatake , Baba Rikiya , Joutoku Zenta , Matsubara Shinji , Homan Kentaro , Hishimura Ryosuke , Xu Liang , Iwasaki Norimasa
Published: January 2019

As articular cartilages have rarely healed by themselves because of their characteristics of avascularity and low cell density, surgical intervention is ideal for patients with cartilaginous injuries. Because of structural characteristics of the cartilage tissue, a three‐dimensional culture of stem cells in biomaterials is a favorable system on cartilage tissue engineering. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a new cell source in cartilage tissue engineering for its characteristics of self‐renewal capability and pluripotency. However, the optimal cultivation condition for chondrogenesis of iPSCs is still unknown. Here we show that a novel chondrogenic differentiation method of iPSCs using the combination of three‐dimensional cultivation in ultra‐purified alginate gel (UPAL gel) and multi‐step differentiation via mesenchymal stem cell‐like cells (iPS‐MSCs) could efficiently and specifically differentiate iPSCs into chondrocytes. The iPS‐MSCs in UPAL gel culture sequentially enhanced the expression of chondrogenic marker without the upregulation of that of osteogenic and adipogenic marker and histologically showed homogeneous chondrogenic extracellular matrix formation. Our results suggest that the pluripotency of iPSCs can be controlled when iPSCs are differentiated into iPS‐MSCs before embedding in UPAL gel. These results lead to the establishment of an efficient three‐dimensional system to engineer artificial cartilage tissue from iPSCs for cartilage regeneration. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 1086–1093, 2019.
Seasonal influence on TORCH infection and analysis of multi‐positive samples with indirect immunofluorescence assay
Authors: Chen Lu , Liu Jingrui , Shi Lei , Song Yang , Song Yujie , Gao Yang , Dong Ying , Li Lin , Shen Min , Zhai Yanhong , Cao Zheng
Published: January 2019

Background

TORCH including the pathogens of Toxoplasma gondii (TOX), rubella virus (RV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes intrauterine infections and poses a worldwide threat to women especially in pregnancy. In this study, we described the seasonal difference in TORCH infection and analyzed the anti‐TORCH IgM multipositive serum samples by the indirect immunofluorescence assays (IFA).

Methods

To observe the seasonal influence of the anti‐TORCH IgG and IgM antibodies, a retrospective study was conducted with 10 669 women (20–40 y old) before pregnancy from August 2016 to July 2017. Totally 199 ELISA anti‐TORCH IgM multipositive serum samples were further tested by IFAs for false‐positive analysis.

Results

The prevalence of positive HSV1‐IgM, RV‐IgM, HSV2‐IgM, CMV‐IgM, and TOX‐IgM in the present population was 6.30%, 2.55%, 1.94%, 1.24%, and 0.67%, respectively. Additionally, the prevalence of positive RV‐IgM, CMV‐IgM, and HSV1‐IgM was statistically different among four seasons, with the highest positive rates of RV‐IgM (4.12%) in autumn, CMV‐IgM (1.75%) in summer, and HSV1‐IgM (7.53%) in winter. The confirmatory IFAs showed that the positive rates of RUV‐IgM, CMV‐IgM, and HSV2‐IgM were significantly different from those in ELISA screening experiments. Interestingly, only 32.7% (65/199) of the TORCH IgM multipositive results were consistent with those by the IFA, indicating that cross‐reaction caused false positives were common in ELISA IgM antibody screening.

Conclusion

The TORCH infection displayed different prevalence among four seasons in our 12‐month retrospective study. The IgM multipositives by ELISA screening may need further confirmation analysis due to its relatively high cross‐reaction rate.
Discrepancies of Notch 1 receptor during development of chronic seizures
Authors: Saffarzadeh Fatemeh , Modarres Mousavi Sayed Mostafa , Lotfinia Ahmad Ali , Alipour Fatemeh , Hosseini Ravandi Hassan , Karimzadeh Fariba
Published: January 2019

The critical role of Notch signaling has been shown in the pathogenesis of some neurological disorders including schizophrenia, epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease. This study was aimed to evaluate the role of Notch 1 receptor in epileptogenesis as well as seizure characteristics. The animals were divided into three groups of sham, early stage and end stage. In sham group: Normal saline was injected intraperitoneally (ip) in the same as protocol of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) injection. PTZ was injected (ip) every 48 hr over a period of 1 week in the group of early stage and over a period of 4 weeks in the end stage. The gene expression as well as distribution of Notch 1 receptor was assessed in the parietal cortex and hippocampus. In addition, the effect of agonist or antagonist of Notch 1 receptor was assessed on the epileptic discharges induced by PTZ injection. The gene expression of Notch 1 decreased in the hippocampus significantly in the end‐stage group compared with sham, and early groups. Furthermore, distribution of Notch 1 receptor increased in the somatosensory cortex and decreased in the CA1 hippocampal area in the end‐stage group. Intraventricular microinjection of Notch 1 agonist significantly increased the amplitude as well as frequency of spikes and decreased the latency of first epileptic discharges. Our findings illustrate the critical role of Notch signalling as a potential pathway in the epileptogenesis during development of chronic seizures.
Construction of microRNA–messenger networks for human osteosarcoma
Authors: Ma Guifu , Zhang Chao , Luo Wenyuan , Zhao Jia‐Li , Wang Xuebin , Qian Yaowen
Published: January 2019

Osteosarcoma is the most common bone tumor in children and young adults. Although the microRNAs (miRNA) expression analyses of osteosarcoma have been performed previously, the construction of miRNA–messenger RNA (mRNA) networks for osteosarcoma is needed. This study aimed to identify osteosarcoma‐related miRNAs through analyzing the microarray datasets and to construct the regulatory network of miRNA–mRNA for human osteosarcoma. The datasets were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus and the differentially expressed miRNAs were screened through the limma package in Bioconductor. Genes targeted by the differentially expressed miRNAs were screened out by using the Miranda, MirTarget2, PicTar, PITA, and TargetScan databases. The predicted target genes were further analyzed by Gene Ontology and pathway enrichment analysis and a regulatory network of differentially expressed miRNAs and their target osteosarcoma‐associated genes was constructed. A total of 36 downregulated miRNAs and 182 upregulated miRNAs were identified in osteosarcoma samples compared with normal samples and 397 target genes for upregulated miRNAs and 222 target genes for downregulated miRNAs were obtained. The enriched pathways for target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs included transcriptional misregulation in cancer, the AMPK signaling pathway, and MAPK signaling pathway. In the regulatory network, has‐miR‐199a‐5p targeted the highest number of genes and nemo‐like kinase (NLK) was targeted by five miRNAs (hsa‐miR‐140‐5p, hsa‐miR‐107, hsa‐miR‐324‐5p, hsa‐miR‐199a‐5p, and hsa‐miR‐28‐5p). The has‐miR‐324‐5p targets NLK, TGFB2, and PPARG. These miRNAs and their target genes may serve as potential therapeutic targets of osteosarcoma.
MUC1 downregulation promotes TNF‐α‐induced necroptosis in human bronchial epithelial cells via regulation of the RIPK1/RIPK3 pathway
Authors: Zhang Huojun , Ji Jiani , Liu Qian , Xu Shuyun
Published: January 2019

MUC1 (mucin 1), a membrane‐tethered mucin glycoprotein, is highly expressed on the surface of respiratory epithelial cells and plays a key role in anti‐inflammatory and antiapoptotic responses against infections. However, little is known about the link between MUC1 and necroptosis in asthma. This study aimed to investigate the effects of MUC1 on TNF‐α‐induced necroptosis in human bronchial epithelial (16HBE) cells and the underlying molecular mechanism. Negative control and MUC1‐siRNA cells were treated with TNF‐α in the presence or absence of necrostatin‐1 (Nec‐1). Necroptosis was investigated using flow cytometry analyses, and the protein expression levels of MUC1, receptor‐interacting protein kinase‐1 (RIPK1), RIPK3, and phosphorylated RIPK1 were detected by western blot analysis. In addition, the interactions between RIPK and MUC1 were analyzed by coimmunoprecipitation. The results demonstrated that TNF‐α could induce necroptosis of 16HBE cells, and MUC1 expression was increased upon treatment with TNF‐α. The coimmunoprecipitation outcomes showed that MUC1 interacted with RIPK1 but not with RIPK3 in 16HBE cells, and the interaction was augmented by TNF‐α. Furthermore, MUC1 downregulation obviously increased the TNF‐α‐induced necroptosis of 16HBE cells and enhanced the expression of p‐RIPK1‐Ser166 and RIPK3, whereas these phenomena were partially attenuated by Nec‐1. These results may provide a new insight into the mechanism of severe asthma‐related necroptosis and lay a foundation for the future development of new anti‐inflammatory drugs for asthma.
MyD88 signalling is critical in the development of pancreatic cancer cachexia
Authors: Zhu Xinxia , Burfeind Kevin G. , Michaelis Katherine A. , Braun Theodore P. , Olson Brennan , Pelz Katherine R. , Morgan Terry K. , Marks Daniel L.
Published: January 2019

Background

Up to 80% of pancreatic cancer patients suffer from cachexia, a devastating condition that exacerbates underlying disease, reduces quality of life, and increases treatment complications and mortality. Tumour‐induced inflammation is linked to this multifactorial wasting syndrome, but mechanisms and effective treatments remain elusive. Myeloid differentiation factor (MyD88), a key component of the innate immune system, plays a pivotal role in directing the inflammatory response to various insults. In this study, we tested whether MyD88 signalling is essential in the development of pancreatic cancer cachexia using a robust mouse tumour model.

Methods

Sex, age, and body weight‐matched wide type (WT) and MyD88 knockout (MyD88 KO) mice were orthotopically or intraperitoneally implanted with a pancreatic tumour cell line from a syngeneic C57BL/6 KRASG12D/+ P53R172H/+ Pdx‐Cre (KPC) mouse. We observed the effects of MyD88 signalling during pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma progression and the cachexia development through behavioural, histological, molecular, and survival aspects.

Results

Blocking MyD88 signalling greatly ameliorated pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma‐associated anorexia and fatigue, attenuated lean mass loss, reduced muscle catabolism and atrophy, diminished systemic and central nervous system inflammation, and ultimately improved survival. Our data demonstrate that MyD88 signalling plays a critical role in mediating pancreatic cancer‐induced inflammation that triggers cachexia development and therefore represents a promising therapeutic target.

Conclusions

MyD88‐dependent inflammation is crucial in the pathophysiology of pancreatic cancer progression and contributes to high mortality. Our findings implicate the importance of innate immune signalling pathways in pancreatic cancer cachexia and a novel therapeutic target.