bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of the local food environment on diet following residential relocation: longitudinal results from RESIDential Environments (RESIDE)
Authors: Bivoltsis Alexia , Trapp Gina , Knuiman Matthew , Hooper Paula , Ambrosini Gina Leslie
Published: May 2020

Objective:

To examine the associations of changes in the local food environment, individual behaviours and perceptions with changes in dietary intake, following relocation from an established neighbourhood to a new residential development.

Design:

Spatial food environment exposure measures were generated relative to each participant’s home address using the locations of food outlets at baseline (before moving house) and follow-up (1–2 years after relocation). Self-reported data on socio-demographics, self-selection, usual dietary intake, individual behaviours and perceptions of the local food environment were sourced from the RESIDential Environments (RESIDE) Project. Changes in spatial exposure measures, individual behaviours and perceptions with changes in dietary outcomes were examined using mixed linear models.

Setting:

Perth, Western Australia, 2003–2007.

Participants:

Adults (n1200) from the RESIDE Project.

Results:

Moving to a new residential development with more convenience stores and café restaurants around the home was significantly associated with an increase in unhealthy food intake (β= 0·049, 95 % CI 0·010, 0·089;β= 0·020, 95 % CI 0·007, 0·033) and was partially mediated by individual behaviours and perceptions. A greater percentage of healthy food outlets around the home following relocation was significantly associated with an increase in healthy food (β= 0·003, 95 % CI 0·001, 0·005) and fruit/vegetable intake (β= 0·002, 95 % CI 0·001, 0·004).

Conclusions:

Policy and planning may influence dietary intakes by restricting the number of convenience stores and other unhealthy food outlets and increasing the relative percentage of healthy food outlets.
Volumetric-modulated arc therapy in craniospinal irradiation: a dosimetric analysis of acuros XB and analytical anisotropic algorithm comparing flattened and flattening filter-free beams with different energies
Authors: Tamilarasu Suresh , Saminathan Madeswaran
Published: May 2020

Aim:

To compare the dosimetric performance of flattening filter-free (FFF) beam and flattened beams (FBs) utilising volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for craniospinal irradiation (CSI) planning.

Materials and Methods:

Five medulloblastoma patients were randomly selected retrospectively and 40 plans were generated. The dose prescription to the planning target volume (PTV) was 36 Gy in 20 fractions. VMAT plans were created using 6 MV and 10 MV FB and FFF beam. Final dose calculations were performed using Acuros XB (AXB) and analytical anisotropic algorithm (AAA). Dosimetric parameters such as D98%, D95%, D50%, V110%, conformity index (CI), homogeneity index (HI), low-grade dose index, high-grade dose index, dose to the organ at risks (OARs) and normal tissue mean dose were noted. The effect of low-dose volume on normal tissue was also analysed.

Results:

The 6 MV and 10 MV flattened and FFF beam plan generates similar target coverage, and a significant difference was observed in the HI and CI. FFF beam plan produces lower doses in some of the OARs as compared to FB. Significant differences were also noted in monitor unit (MU), body-PTV mean dose and low-dose spillage regions (1–10 Gy) outside the PTV. In our study, 6 MV and 10 MV FFF beam beams need 23–25% more MUs to achieve planning goals when compared to FBs. The increased MUs in FFF plan decreases the body-PTV mean dose (0·07–0·09 Gy in 6 MV FFF and 0·31 Gy in 10 MV FFF in both algorithms) when compared to FB plans.

Conclusion:

FFF beams generate a highly conformal and homogenous plan in CSI cases. FFF beam plan reduced the non-tumour dose and will aid in reducing the probability of second malignancies.
Miocene C4 Grassland Expansion as Recorded by the Indus Fan
Authors: Feakins Sarah J. , Liddy Hannah M. , Tauxe Lisa , Galy Valier , Feng Xiaojuan , Tierney Jessica E. , Miao Yunfa , Warny Sophie
Published: May 2020

In the late Miocene, grasslands spread across the forested floodplains of the Himalayan foreland, but the causes of the ecological transition are still debated. Recent seafloor drilling by the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) provides an opportunity to study the transition across a larger region as archived in the Indus submarine fan. We present a multiproxy study of past vegetation change based on analyses of the carbon isotopic composition (δ13C) of bulk organic carbon, plant wax n‐alkanes and n‐alkanoic acids, and quantification of lignin phenols, charcoal, and pollen. We analyze the hydrogen isotopic composition (δD) of plant wax to reconstruct precipitation δD. We use the Branched and Isoprenoid Tetraether (BIT) index to diagnose shifts between terrestrial versus marine lipid inputs between turbidite and hemipelagic sediments. We reconstruct ocean temperatures using the TEX86 index only where marine lipids dominate. We find evidence for the late Miocene grassland expansion in both facies, confirming this was a regional ecosystem transformation. Turbidites contain dominantly terrestrial matter from the Indus catchment (D‐depleted plant wax), delivered via fluvial transport as shown by the presence of lignin. In contrast, hemipelagic sediments lack lignin and bear D‐enriched plant wax consistent with wind‐blown inputs from the Indian peninsula; these show a 7.4–7.2 Ma expansion of C4 grasslands on the Indian subcontinent. Within each facies, we find no clear change in δD values across the late Miocene C4 expansion, implying consistent distillation of rainfall by monsoon dynamics. Yet, a cooling in the Arabian Sea is coincident with the C4 expansion.
Close Collaboration with Parents intervention improves family-centered care in different neonatal unit contexts: a pre–post study
Authors: Toivonen Mirka , Lehtonen Liisa , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Ahlqvist-Björkroth Sari , Axelin Anna
Published: May 2020

Background

The quality of family-centered care and parental participation in care in neonatal units differ widely across the world. Appropriate education might be an effective way to support medical staff in neonatal units to collaborate with parents and implement family-centered care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the educational intervention on the quality of family-centered care in eight Finnish neonatal intensive care units from both the staff and parent perspectives.

Methods

A mixed-method pre–post intervention study was conducted in eight neonatal intensive care units in Finland. Data were collected from staff and parents using the Bliss Baby Charter audit tool and semi-structured interviews.

Results

The quality of family-centered care, as assessed by staff and parents, increased significantly after the intervention in all eight units. The intervention was able to help staff define and apply elements of family-centered care, such as shared decision making and collaboration between parents and staff. In interviews, staff described that they learned to support and trust the parents’ ability to take care of their infant.

Conclusions

The educational intervention increased the quality of family-centered care and enabled mutual partnership between parents and staff.

Impact

This study shows that the educational intervention for the whole multi-professional staff of the neonatal unit improved the quality of family-centered care.

The Close Collaboration with Parents intervention enabled mutual partnership between parents and staff.

It also provides evidence that during The Close Collaboration with Parents intervention staff learned to trust the parents’ ability to take care of their infant.
Erianin, a novel dibenzyl compound in Dendrobium extract, inhibits lung cancer cell growth and migration via calcium/calmodulin-dependent ferroptosis
Authors: Chen Peng , Wu Qibiao , Feng Jiao , Yan Lili , Sun Yitian , Liu Shuiping , Xiang Yu , Zhang Mingming , Pan Ting , Chen Xiaying , Duan Ting , Zhai Lijuan , Zhai Bingtao , Wang Wengang , Zhang Ruonan , Chen Bi , Han Xuemeng , Li Yicong , Chen Liuxi , Liu Ying , Huang Xingxing , Jin Ting , Zhang Wenzheng , Luo Hong , Chen Xiaohui , Li Yongqiang , Li Qiujie , Li Guohua , Zhang Qin , Zhuo Lvjia , Yang Zuyi , Tang Huifen , Xie Tian , Ouyang Xiaoping , Sui Xinbing
Published: May 2020

Ferroptosis, a novel form of programmed cell death, is characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and has been shown to be involved in multiple diseases, including cancer. Stimulating ferroptosis in cancer cells may be a potential strategy for cancer therapy. Therefore, ferroptosis-inducing drugs are attracting more attention for cancer treatment. Here, we showed that erianin, a natural product isolated from Dendrobium chrysotoxum Lindl, exerted its anticancer activity by inducing cell death and inhibiting cell migration in lung cancer cells. Subsequently, we demonstrated for the first time that erianin induced ferroptotic cell death in lung cancer cells, which was accompanied by ROS accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and GSH depletion. The ferroptosis inhibitors Fer-1 and Lip-1 but not Z-VAD-FMK, CQ, or necrostatin-1 rescued erianin-induced cell death, indicating that ferroptosis contributed to erianin-induced cell death. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Ca2+/CaM signaling was a critical mediator of erianin-induced ferroptosis and that blockade of this signaling significantly rescued cell death induced by erianin treatment by suppressing ferroptosis. Taken together, our data suggest that the natural product erianin exerts its anticancer effects by inducing Ca2+/CaM-dependent ferroptosis and inhibiting cell migration, and erianin will hopefully serve as a prospective compound for lung cancer treatment.
Publisher Correction: Deubiquitinase Usp12 functions noncatalytically to induce autophagy and confer neuroprotection in models of Huntington’s disease
Authors: Aron Rebecca , Pellegrini Pasquale , Green Edward W. , Maddison Daniel C. , Opoku-Nsiah Kwadwo , Oliveira Ana Osório , Wong Jinny S. , Daub Aaron C. , Giorgini Flaviano , Muchowski Paul , Finkbeiner Steven
Published: May 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
EPIC STAR: a reliable and efficient approach for phonon- and impurity-limited charge transport calculations
Authors: Deng Tianqi , Wu Gang , Sullivan Michael B. , Wong Zicong Marvin , Hippalgaonkar Kedar , Wang Jian-Sheng , Yang Shuo-Wang
Published: May 2020

A computationally efficient first-principles approach to predict intrinsic semiconductor charge transport properties is proposed. By using a generalized Eliashberg function for short-range electron–phonon scattering and analytical expressions for long-range electron–phonon and electron–impurity scattering, fast and reliable prediction of carrier mobility and electronic thermoelectric properties is realized without empirical parameters. This method, which is christened “Energy-dependent Phonon- and Impurity-limited Carrier Scattering Time AppRoximation (EPIC STAR)” approach, is validated by comparing with experimental measurements and other theoretical approaches for several representative semiconductors, from which quantitative agreement for both polar and non-polar, isotropic and anisotropic materials is achieved. The efficiency and robustness of this approach facilitate automated and unsupervised predictions, allowing high-throughput screening and materials discovery of semiconductor materials for conducting, thermoelectric, and other electronic applications.
MetaGeneHunt for protein domain annotation in short-read metagenomes
Authors: Berlemont R. , Winans N. , Talamantes D. , Dang H. , Tsai H-W.
Published: May 2020

The annotation of short-reads metagenomes is an essential process to understand the functional potential of sequenced microbial communities. Annotation techniques based solely on the identification of local matches tend to confound local sequence similarity and overall protein homology and thus don’t mirror the complex multidomain architecture and the shuffling of functional domains in many protein families. Here, we present MetaGeneHunt to identify specific protein domains and to normalize the hit-counts based on the domain length. We used MetaGeneHunt to investigate the potential for carbohydrate processing in the mouse gastrointestinal tract. We sampled, sequenced, and analyzed the microbial communities associated with the bolus in the stomach, intestine, cecum, and colon of five captive mice. Focusing on Glycoside Hydrolases (GHs) we found that, across samples, 58.3% of the 4,726,023 short-read sequences matching with a GH domain-containing protein were located outside the domain of interest. Next, before comparing the samples, the counts of localized hits matching the domains of interest were normalized to account for the corresponding domain length. Microbial communities in the intestine and cecum displayed characteristic GH profiles matching distinct microbial assemblages. Conversely, the stomach and colon were associated with structurally and functionally more diverse and variable microbial communities. Across samples, despite fluctuations, changes in the functional potential for carbohydrate processing correlated with changes in community composition. Overall MetaGeneHunt is a new way to quickly and precisely identify discrete protein domains in sequenced metagenomes processed with MG-RAST. In addition, using the sister program “GeneHunt” to create custom Reference Annotation Table, MetaGeneHunt provides an unprecedented way to (re)investigate the precise distribution of any protein domain in short-reads metagenomes.
Prediction of prostate cancer Gleason score upgrading from biopsy to radical prostatectomy using pre-biopsy multiparametric MRI PIRADS scoring system
Authors: Alqahtani Saeed , Wei Cheng , Zhang Yilong , Szewczyk-Bieda Magdalena , Wilson Jennifer , Huang Zhihong , Nabi Ghulam
Published: May 2020

An increase or ‘upgrade’ in Gleason Score (GS) in prostate cancer following Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS) guided biopsies remains a significant challenge to overcome. to evaluate whether MRI has the potential to narrow the discrepancy of histopathological grades between biopsy and radical prostatectomy, three hundred and thirty men treated consecutively by laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) between July 2014 and January 2019 with localized prostate cancer were included in this study. Independent radiologists and pathologists assessed the MRI and histopathology of the biopsies and prostatectomy specimens respectively. A multivariate model was constructed using logistic regression analysis to assess the ability of MRI to predict upgrading in biopsy GS in a nomogram. A decision-analysis curve was constructed assessing impact of nomogram using different thresholds for probabilities of upgrading. PIRADS scores were obtained from MRI scans in all the included cases. In a multivariate analysis, the PIRADS v2.0 score significantly improved prediction ability of MRI scans for upgrading of biopsy GS (p = 0.001, 95% CI [0.06–0.034]), which improved the C-index of predictive nomogram significantly (0.90 vs. 0.64, p < 0.05). PIRADS v2.0 score was an independent predictor of postoperative GS upgrading and this should be taken into consideration while offering treatment options to men with localized prostate cancer.
Raman spectroscopic signatures of carotenoids and polyenes enable label-free visualization of microbial distributions within pink biofilms
Authors: Horiue Hiroto , Sasaki Mai , Yoshikawa Yuki , Toyofuku Masanori , Shigeto Shinsuke
Published: May 2020

Pink biofilms are multispecies microbial communities that are commonly found in moist household environments. The development of this pink stain is problematic from an aesthetic point of view, but more importantly, it raises hygienic concerns because they may serve as a potential reservoir of opportunistic pathogens. Although there have been several studies of pink biofilms using molecular analysis and confocal laser scanning microscopy, little is known about the spatial distributions of constituent microorganisms within pink biofilms, a crucial factor associated with the characteristics of pink biofilms. Here we show that Raman spectroscopic signatures of intracellular carotenoids and polyenes enable us to visualize pigmented microorganisms within pink biofilms in a label-free manner. We measured space-resolved Raman spectra of a pink biofilm collected from a bathroom, which clearly show resonance Raman bands of carotenoids. Multivariate analysis of the Raman hyperspectral imaging data revealed the presence of typical carotenoids and structurally similar but different polyenes, whose spatial distributions within the pink biofilm were found to be mutually exclusive. Raman measurements on individual microbial cells isolated from the pink biofilm confirmed that these distributions probed by carotenoid/polyene Raman signatures are attributable to different pigmented microorganisms. The present results suggest that Raman microspectroscopy with a focus on microbial pigments such as carotenoids is a powerful nondestructive method for studying multispecies biofilms in various environments.
The Antioxidants Glutathione, Ascorbic Acid and Uric Acid Maintain Butyrate Production by Human Gut Clostridia in The Presence of Oxygen In Vitro
Authors: Million Matthieu , Armstrong Nicholas , Khelaifia Saber , Guilhot Elodie , Richez Magali , Lagier Jean-Christophe , Dubourg Gregory , Chabriere Eric , Raoult Didier
Published: May 2020

Uncontrolled oxidative stress, reported in Salmonella and HIV infections, colorectal cancer or severe acute malnutrition, has been associated with anaerobic gut microbiome alteration, impaired butyrate production, mucosal immunity dysregulation and disruption of host-bacterial mutualism. However, the role of major antioxidant molecules in the human body, such as glutathione, ascorbic acid and uric acid, has been neglected in this context. Here, we performed an in vitro metabolomics study of the 3 most odorous anaerobic microbes isolated from the human gut in our laboratory (Clostridium sporogenes, Clostridium subterminale and Romboutsia lituseburensis) when grown in anaerobiosis or in aerobiosis with these 3 antioxidant molecules via gas and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS and LC/MS). There was no growth or volatile organic compound production in aerobic cultures without the 3 antioxidant molecules. In anaerobiosis, the major metabolic products of the bacteria were thiols, alcohols and short-chain fatty acid esters. The production of alkanes, cycloheptatriene and, paradoxically, increased butyrate production, was observed in the cultures grown in aerobiosis with the 3 antioxidant molecules. The qualitative shift suggests specific molecular mechanisms that remain to be elucidated. The increased production of butyrate, but also isobutyrate and isovalerate in vitro suggests that these 3 antioxidant molecules contributed to the maintenance and active resilience of host-bacterial mutualism against mucosal oxygen and uncontrolled oxidative stress in vivo.
Deep learning-enabled point-of-care sensing using multiplexed paper-based sensors
Authors: Ballard Zachary S. , Joung Hyou-Arm , Goncharov Artem , Liang Jesse , Nugroho Karina , Di Carlo Dino , Garner Omai B. , Ozcan Aydogan
Published: May 2020

We present a deep learning-based framework to design and quantify point-of-care sensors. As a use-case, we demonstrated a low-cost and rapid paper-based vertical flow assay (VFA) for high sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP) testing, commonly used for assessing risk of cardio-vascular disease (CVD). A machine learning-based framework was developed to (1) determine an optimal configuration of immunoreaction spots and conditions, spatially-multiplexed on a sensing membrane, and (2) to accurately infer target analyte concentration. Using a custom-designed handheld VFA reader, a clinical study with 85 human samples showed a competitive coefficient-of-variation of 11.2% and linearity of R2 = 0.95 among blindly-tested VFAs in the hsCRP range (i.e., 0–10 mg/L). We also demonstrated a mitigation of the hook-effect due to the multiplexed immunoreactions on the sensing membrane. This paper-based computational VFA could expand access to CVD testing, and the presented framework can be broadly used to design cost-effective and mobile point-of-care sensors.
SwiftReg cluster registration automatically reduces flow cytometry data variability including batch effects
Authors: Rebhahn Jonathan A. , Quataert Sally A. , Sharma Gaurav , Mosmann Tim R.
Published: May 2020

Biological differences of interest in large, high-dimensional flow cytometry datasets are often obscured by undesired variations caused by differences in cytometers, reagents, or operators. Each variation type requires a different correction strategy, and their unknown contributions to overall variability hinder automated correction. We now describe swiftReg, an automated method that reduces undesired sources of variability between samples and particularly between batches. A high-resolution cluster map representing the multidimensional data is generated using the SWIFT algorithm, and shifts in cluster positions between samples are measured. Subpopulations are aligned between samples by displacing cell parameter values according to registration vectors derived from independent or locally-averaged cluster shifts. Batch variation is addressed by registering batch control or consensus samples, and applying the resulting shifts to individual samples. swiftReg selectively reduces batch variation, enhancing detection of biological differences. swiftReg outputs registered datasets as standard .FCS files to facilitate further analysis by other tools.
Characterization of a toxin-antitoxin system in Mycobacterium tuberculosis suggests neutralization by phosphorylation as the antitoxicity mechanism
Authors: Yu Xia , Gao Xiaopan , Zhu Kaixiang , Yin Han , Mao Xujian , Wojdyla Justyna Aleksandra , Qin Bo , Huang Hairong , Wang Meitian , Sun Yi-Cheng , Cui Sheng
Published: May 2020

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) encodes an exceptionally large number of toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems, supporting the hypothesis that TA systems are involved in pathogenesis. We characterized the putative Mtb Rv1044-Rv1045 TA locus structurally and functionally, demonstrating that it constitutes a bona fide TA system but adopts a previously unobserved antitoxicity mechanism involving phosphorylation of the toxin. While Rv1045 encodes the guanylyltransferase TglT functioning as a toxin, Rv1044 encodes the novel atypical serine protein kinase TakA, which specifically phosphorylates the cognate toxin at residue S78, thereby neutralizing its toxicity. In contrast to previous predictions, we found that Rv1044-Rv1045 does not belong to the type IV TA family because TglT and TakA interact with each other as substrate and kinase, suggesting an unusual type of TA system. Protein homology analysis suggests that other COG5340-DUF1814 protein pairs, two highly associated but uncharacterized protein families widespread in prokaryotes, might share this unusual antitoxicity mechanism.
High pressure and elastic properties of a guanidinium-formate hybrid perovskite
Authors: Gao Hongqiang , Li Chao , Li Linsui , Wei Wenjuan , Tan Yuhui , Tang Yunzhi
Published: May 2020

The structural anisotropy of [C(NH2)3][Cd(HCOO)3] is regulated by guanidinium cation, and its orientation makes the young's modulus representation show a huge rigid response.
A simple and ubiquitous device for picric acid detection in latent fingerprints using carbon dots
Authors: Kathiravan Arunkumar , Gowri Annasamy , Srinivasan Venkatesan , Smith Trevor A. , Ashokkumar Muthupandian , Asha Jhonsi Mariadoss
Published: May 2020

This work addresses the synthetic optimization of carbon dots (CDs) and their application in sensing picric acid from latent fingerprints by exploiting a smartphone-based RGB tool.
A directing group-assisted ruthenium-catalyzed approach to access meta-nitrated phenols
Authors: Sasmal Sheuli , Sinha Soumya Kumar , Lahiri Goutam Kumar , Maiti Debabrata
Published: May 2020

meta-Selective C–H nitration of phenol derivatives was developed using a Ru-catalyzed σ-activation strategy. Cu(NO3)2·3H2O was employed as the nitrating source, whereas Ru3(CO)12 was found to be the most suitable metal catalyst for the protocol.
Molecular environment and reactivity in gels and colloidal solutions under identical conditions
Authors: Groves Philip , Huang Jin , Heise Andreas , Marsh Jennifer , Chechik Victor
Published: May 2020

PEG–Tyr block copolymers form gels and micelles that can co-exist under identical conditions. We compare molecular mobility and chemical reactivity in these two systems.
New synthetic strategies toward covalent organic frameworks
Authors: Li Yusen , Chen Weiben , Xing Guolong , Jiang Donglin , Chen Long
Published: May 2020

This tutorial review highlights the representative advances in the new synthetic strategies toward covalent organic frameworks.
Two [Ln4] molecular rings folded as compact tetrahedra
Authors: Salinas-Uber Jorge , Barrios Leoní A. , Roubeau Olivier , Aromí Guillem
Published: May 2020

A new highly photo-switchable ligand furnishes supramolecular tetrahedral nanomagnets with Ln(iii) ions (Ln = Dy, Tb). Intramolecular weak interactions define the conformation of the ligand, quenching the photochromic activity.
Sustainable development of biorefineries: integrated assessment method for co-production pathways
Authors: Byun Jaewon , Han Jeehoon
Published: May 2020

An integrated assessment method for co-production pathways can give reliable results to decision makers for sustainable development of biorefineries.
Design, synthesis and evaluation of a novel glutamine derivative (2S,4R)-2-amino-4-cyano-4-[18F]fluorobutanoic acid
Authors: Liu Song , Wu Renbo , Sun Yuli , Ploessl Karl , Zhang Yan , Liu Yajing , Wu Zehui , Zhu Lin , Kung Hank F.
Published: May 2020

A new glutamine derivative (2S,4R)-2-amino-4-cyano-4-[18F]fluorobutanoic acid (2S,4R)-4-[18F]FCABA ([18F]1) and its labeled precursor can be converted into (2S,4R)-4-[18F]FGln and (2S,4R)4-[18F]FGlu by changing the labeling conditions.
Linear dicarboxylate-based pyridyl-appended cobalt(ii) coordination polymers in search of opto-electronic properties
Authors: Ahmed Faruk , Datta Joydeep , Khan Samim , Dutta Basudeb , Islam Sakhiul , Naaz Sanobar , Ray Partha Pratim , Mir Mohammad Hedayetullah
Published: May 2020

Two isotypical Co(ii)-based 1D coordination polymers with a linear ditopic linker along with pyridyl based ligands exhibit optoelectronic property.
Optical nonlinearity of zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 in the near-infrared region
Authors: Pan Han , Chu Hongwei , Wang Xiao , Li Ying , Zhao Shengzhi , Li Guiqiu , Li Dechun
Published: May 2020

Optical nonlinearities of zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 (ZIF-67) were determined in the near-infrared region. The high TPA cross section and large third-order susceptibility demonstrate the potential of ZIF-67 for nonlinear optical devices.
Systems approach to rational combination therapy: PARP inhibitors
Authors: Sun Chaoyang , Fang Yong , Labrie Marilyne , Li Xi , Mills Gordon B.
Published: May 2020

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) have demonstrated activity across a broad spectrum of molecular backgrounds and tumor types, with the greatest activity observed in patients with aberrations in the homologous recombination DNA damage repair pathway. Despite remarkable responses in a subset of patients, the response is usually modest and transient due to the almost inevitable emergence of resistance. Tumors develop resistance through rapid adaptation to the effects of PARPi as well as by generation or selection of genomic aberration. Although adaptive responses results in drug resistance, it also induces therapeutic vulnerabilities that could be exploited with rational combination therapies. To fulfill this role, we established the combinatorial adaptive response therapy (CART) platform by performing reverse-phase protein arrays to characterize adaptive responses, and develop rational combination therapies. Our series of studies strongly support the efficacy of this strategy, wherein targeting the emerging adaptive responses to PARPi with MEK/ERK inhibitors, WEE1/ATR inhibition (inhibitors of S-phase and G2 DNA damage checkpoint), and PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibition, and showed promising anti-tumor activity in various preclinical models. Importantly, this approach has been proven highly efficient, and several combinational therapies developed from the CART platform are being evaluated in ongoing clinical trials (NCT03801369, NCT03586661, NCT03162627, NCT03544125, NCT02659241, NCT02208375, NCT02316834, and NCT03637491).
Giant intrathoracic ganglioneuroma with scoliosis treated by one-stage posterior resection and scoliosis correction: a case report
Authors: Elnady Belal , Abdelgawaad Ahmed Shawky , Elkhayat Hussein
Published: May 2020

Spinal ganglioneuroma occurs mostly in the thoracic spine causing various manifestations including scoliosis that can be misdiagnosed as idiopathic scoliosis. Few reports exist in the literature on the diagnosis and management of scoliosis secondary to huge ganglioneuroma and usually staged treatment is preferred. In this report, we present a 17-year-old female patient presented with back pain, lower limbs numbness, spinal deformity, and shortness of breath. Plain X-rays showed a 50° right thoracic scoliotic curve. MRI and chest CT revealed a huge extra pulmonary mass shifting the mediastinum with intra spinal extension through the left neural foramina compressing the spinal cord. Percutaneous US guided needle biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of ganglioneuroma. One-stage posterior instrumented correction of scoliosis, spinal cord decompression, and excision of the whole mass from the mediastinum and the spine through posterior approach was done for the patient with smooth postoperative recovery. Chest CT scan was done 2 years after surgery and excluded any local recurrence.
Rhinological Consequences of Microsurgical Endonasal-Transsphenoidal Surgery for Pituitary Tumors
Authors: Hondronikos Nikolaos , Alomari Ali , Schrader Martin , Knappe Ulrich J
Published: May 2020

Background Transsphenoidal surgery for sellar lesions may affect patency and function of the nasal airways, smell and sinonasal quality of life. Below is our report on otorhinolaryngological data garnered from patients undergoing endonasal transsphenoidal pituitary microsurgery.

Methods In a prospective study, 68 patients scheduled for transsphenoidal operations (32 female, 36 male, age 17–72 years) underwent otorhinolaryngological evaluation of their nasal morphology, a standardized smell test (sniffin’ sticks) and rhinomanometry to analyse nasal breathing function preoperatively, 3–5 days postoperatively (without rhinomanometry), after 3–4 months and after 9 months.

Results Immediately after surgery, a reduction in smell sensation was detected in almost all patients. Within 3 months, this impairment resolved in all cases except one. In 2 patients (3%) with preoperative anosmia, improvement of smell function to>6 out of 12 sniffin’ sticks was observed. At final visit no patient was noted to have new anosmia. Within 3 months, the results of the rhinomanometry revealed that all patients except one, regained their preoperative nasal breathing function. In 6 patients (8.8%) an improvement in their nose breathing abilities compared to the preoperative state was found. Three patients (4.4%) underwent a LASER transection of mucosal synechiae. In one case with persistent nasal obstruction (1.5%), secondary septoplasty had to be performed. There was no case in which perforation of the nasal septum, nasal tip deflection, or saddle nose deformity was observed.

Conclusion Microsurgical resection of pituitary tumors via the endonasal transsphenoidal approach poses an acceptable risk with regards to sinonasal complications. The incidence of secondary rhinosurgical interventions is low. Standardized comparative studies between endoscopic and microsurgical transsphenoidal operations should be undertaken.
Endoscopic treatment of gastroesophageal variceal bleeding after oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Huang Xiaoquan , Li Feng , Wang Lifen , Xiao Mei , Ni Liyuan , Jiang Siyu , Ji Yuan , Zhang Chunqing , Zhang Wei , Wang Jian , Chen Shiyao
Published: May 2020

Background Oxaliplatin, used as first-choice treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC), induces sinusoidal endothelial injury and portal hypertension. This study investigated the characteristics of oxaliplatin-induced portal hypertension and evaluated the efficacy of endoscopic management of gastroesophageal variceal bleeding.

Methods We performed a retrospective, multicenter, case-control study between January 2010 and December 2018. Patients who received oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy after CRC surgery and presented with portal hypertension and gastroesophageal varices were compared with consecutive patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhotic portal hypertension receiving endoscopic treatment for variceal bleeding.

Results 39 patients with oxaliplatin-induced portal hypertension were identified, 35 of whom had a history of variceal bleeding. The median period between start of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy and the occurrence of varices was 50.4 months (n = 39). A total of 26 patients with oxaliplatin-related portal hypertension and 230 patients with hepatitis B-related portal hypertension underwent endoscopic treatment. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the 1-year rebleeding rate was significantly higher in the oxaliplatin group than in the hepatitis B group (43.3 % vs. 19.0 %, P = 0.001). Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy was an independent factor for 3-year rebleeding (hazard ratio [HR] 2.46, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.24–4.87; P = 0.01) and 3-year overall mortality (HR 9.43, 95 %CI 2.32–38.31; P = 0.002).

Conclusions Oxaliplatin-related portal hypertension was characterized by massive ascites, splenomegaly, gastric varices, concomitant arterioportal fistula, and relatively normal liver function. Endoscopic treatment to prevent variceal rebleeding in these patients was unsatisfactory compared with endoscopic treatment for hepatitis B-related portal hypertension.
Rare heterochronous liver and pancreatic multiple primary cancers: a case report and literature review
Authors: Zhang Wangjun , Xiao Fan , Li Jie , Guo Xiaoyu , Lin Zhitao , Huang Zijian , Mao Ning , Sun Bei , Wang Gang
Published: May 2020

In recent years, with the continuous improvement of medical diagnostic techniques, the incidence of multiple primary carcinoma (MPC) has increased gradually. Elderly patients are at high risk of MPC. However, the risk of developing a second primary malignancy is 1 % for primary liver malignancy 1. The risk of pancreatic cancers as secondary malignancies with primary liver malignancy is very rare. Here, we report a rare case of heterochronous liver and pancreatic MPCs and review the related literature. We report this case to raise the clinician’s attention to the disease because the long-term survival rate can be effectively improved by timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. For patients with HCV-positive primary cancers, active antiviral therapy should be simultaneously provided with antitumor therapy, thereby effectively reducing the incidence of MPC.
European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) Position Statement on Dermatologic Ultrasound
Authors: Alfageme Fernando , Wortsman Ximena , Catalano Orlando , Roustan Gaston , Crisan Maria , Crisan Diana , Gaitini Diana E. , Cerezo Eugenio , Badea Radu
Published: May 2020

Dermatologic ultrasound is a recent application of ultrasound for the evaluation of healthy skin and appendages and their diseases. Although the scientific literature regarding this application is still not sufficient for evidence-based guidelines, general recommendations issued by scientific societies are necessary. The EFSUMB (European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology) steering committee for dermatologic ultrasound has developed a series of consensus position statements regarding the main fields of dermatologic ultrasound (technical requirement, normal skin and appendages, inflammatory skin diseases, tumoral skin diseases, aesthetic dermatology and practice-training requirements). This document is the foundation for future evidence-based recommendations and guidelines for dermatologic ultrasound practice.
Activation of C–F, Si–F, and S–F Bonds by N-Heterocyclic Carbenes and Their Isoelectronic Analogues
Authors: Lee Eunsung , Pietrasiak Ewa
Published: May 2020

Reactions involving C–F, Si–F, and S–F bond cleavage with N-heterocyclic carbenes and isoelectronic species are reviewed. Most examples involve activation of aromatic C–F bond via an SNAr pathway and nucleophilic substitution of fluorine in electron-deficient olefins. The mechanism of the C–F bond activation depends on the reaction partners and the reaction can proceed via addition–elimination, oxidative addition (concerted or stepwise) or metathesis. The adducts formed upon substitution find applications in organic synthesis, as ligands and as stable radical precursors, but in most cases, their full potential remains unexplored.

1 Introduction

1.1 The C–F Bond

1.2 C–F Bond Activation: A Short Summary

1.3 C–F Bond Activation: A Special Case of SNAr

1.4 N-Heterocyclic Carbenes (NHCs)

1.5 The Purpose of this Article

2 C–F bond Activation in Acyl Fluorides

3 Activation of Vinylic C–F Bonds

4 Activation of Aromatic C–F Bonds

5 X–F Bond Activation (X = S or Si)

6 C–F Bond Activation by Main Group Compounds Isoelectronic with NHCs

7 Conclusions and Outlook
Access to β-Hydroxyl Esters via Copper-Catalyzed Reformatsky Reaction of Ketones and Aldehydes
Authors: Luo Ren Shi , Ouyang Lu , Liao Jian Hua , Xia Yan Ping
Published: May 2020

An efficient and simple Cu-catalyzed Reformatsky reaction of ketones and aldehydes has been accomplished with ethyl iodoacetate. Excellent yields of β-hydroxyl esters were achieved with a range of ketones and aldehydes, which varied from aromatic to aliphatic, unsaturated to saturated ketones and aldehydes. This practical and convenient transformation was conducted with inexpensive, readily available, and commercial starting materials under mild reaction conditions.
Randomized Trials of Retosiban Versus Placebo or Atosiban in Spontaneous Preterm Labor
Authors: Saade George R. , Shennan Andrew , Beach Kathleen J. , Hadar Eran , Parilla Barbara V. , Snidow Jerry , Powell Marcy , Montague Timothy H. , Liu Feng , Komatsu Yosuke , McKain Laura , Thornton Steven
Published: May 2020

Objective The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of retosiban in spontaneous preterm labor (sPTL).

Study Design Two multicenter, randomized, and double-blind trials compared retosiban with placebo and retosiban with atosiban in women with a singleton pregnancy and intact membranes in sPTL at 24 to 336/7 weeks' gestation. Coprimary endpoints in the placebo-controlled trial were time to delivery (TTD) or treatment failure (whichever occurred first) and neonatal composite morbidity and mortality. The primary endpoint of the atosiban comparator trial was TTD.

Results The trials were terminated early because of slow recruitment. The placebo-controlled trial enrolled 23 participants (February 2016–July 2017; 2.6% of target);the atosiban-comparator trial enrolled 97 (March 2015–August 2017; 29% of target). Baseline participant characteristics were similar between treatments. In the placebo-controlled trial, mean gestational ages at randomization were 30.8 (retosiban, n = 10) and 30.5 weeks (placebo, n = 13), and mean times to delivery/treatment failure were 18.9 days (retosiban) and 11.1 days (placebo). Two and four neonates in the retosiban and placebo groups, respectively, had ≥1 component of the neonatal composite endpoint. In the atosiban-comparator trial, mean gestational age at randomization was 31.5 weeks (for both retosiban, n = 47, and atosiban, n = 50), and adjusted mean TTDs were 32.51 days (retosiban) and 33.71 days (atosiban; p > 0.05). Adverse events were no more common with retosiban than placebo or atosiban.

Conclusion Despite considerable efforts to conduct two adequate and well-controlled studies in patients with sPTL, both studies were unable to recruit effectively and consequently terminated prematurely. Key factors negatively affecting participation were patient and physician resistance to use of a placebo comparator, lack of investigator consensus on diagnostic criteria and acceptance of protocol procedures, and ethics committee decisions. Meaningful cooperation between pharmaceutical companies, regulatory authorities, and the obstetric community is essential for future development of drugs to treat sPTL.
Caring for Pregnant Patients with COVID-19: Practical Tips Getting from Policy to Practice
Authors: London Viktoriya , McLaren Rodney , Stein Janet , Atallah Fouad , Fisher Nelli , Haberman Shoshana , McCalla Sandra , Minkoff Howard
Published: May 2020

Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic with most American cases in New York. As an institution residing in a high-prevalence zip code, with over 8,000 births annually, we have cared for over 80 COVID-19-infected pregnant women, and have encountered many challenges in applying new national standards for care. In this article, we review how to change outpatient and inpatient practices, develop, and disseminate new hospital protocols, and we highlight the psychosocial challenges for pregnant patients and their providers.

Key Points
A method for improving temperature measurement accuracy on an infrared thermometer for the ambient temperature field
Authors: Cui Shuanglong , Sun Bojun , Sun Xiaogang
Published: May 2020

In order to improve the accuracy of an infrared thermometer, the main uncertainty sources of the system are analyzed and a compensation function is established on the basis of these corrections. The verification experiments are carried out by using a self-developed infrared thermometer and a blackbody. The experimental results indicate that the compensation function can reduce the infrared thermometer expanded uncertainty from ±3.6 °C to ±1.9 °C in the temperature range of −40 °C to 60 °C. This method can effectively improve the temperature measurement accuracy of an ambient temperature infrared thermometer in its measurement range.
Dynamics and bifurcation of passive tracers advected by a ring of point vortices on a sphere
Authors: Andrade Jaime , Boatto Stefanella , Vidal Claudio
Published: May 2020

We consider the dynamics of a passive tracer, advected by the presence of a latitudinal ring of identical point vortices. The corresponding instantaneous motion is modeled by a one degree of freedom Hamiltonian system. Such a dynamics presents a rich variety of behaviors with respect to the number of vortices, N, and the ring’s co-latitude, θo—or, equivalently, its vertical position qo = cos θo. We carry out a complete description of the global phase portrait for the cases N = 2, 3, 4 by determining equilibrium points, their stability, and bifurcations with respect to the parameter θo, and by characterizing the separatrix skeleton. Moreover, for N ≥ 5, we prove the existence of a value of bifurcation θoN such that when θo = θoN (θo = π − θoN, respectively) the south (north, respectively) pole becomes a N-bifurcation point, i.e., a symmetric web of N centers and N saddles bifurcates from the corresponding pole.
Plasma instability inside solenoid with laser ion source
Authors: Karino Takahiro , Okamura Masahiro , Kanesue Takeshi , Ikeda Shunsuke , Kawata Shigeo
Published: May 2020

Using a solenoid with a laser ion source can suppress divergence of the expanding plasma; however, it has been found that the plasma becomes unstable in a certain magnetic field region. In the previous research, instability of the plasma after the solenoid was found. In this study, we investigated how the plasma instability changes inside the solenoid. A Faraday cup was placed in the solenoid, and the unstable magnetic field range was investigated. This experiment was conducted while changing the Faraday cup position from the inlet to the outlet of the solenoid. By increasing the magnetic field strength, the Faraday cup position indicating a condition triggering instability moved toward upstream in the solenoid. In addition, the instability is gradually mitigated by transporting the laser ablation plasma through the rest of the solenoid. The detailed good working range of the solenoid for the Au1+ beam was also shown.
Modulation of magnetic damping in antiferromagnet/CoFeB heterostructures
Authors: Zhu Zhendong , Wu Guanjie , Ren Yang , Lou Shitao , Jin Q. Y. , Zhang Zongzhi
Published: May 2020

The modulation of antiferromagnetic (AFM) material and thermal annealing treatment on the magnetic damping of various AFM/CoFeB (CFB) samples have been systematically studied with the time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect. It is found the saturated magnetic damping factor αs increases considerably after introducing a thin MnIr or MnPt AFM layer. As a thin Al spacer of tAl = 0–2 nm is inserted, αs is found to decrease rapidly, reaching nearly the same value as that of the single CFB film at tAl = 2 nm. The result suggests that the AFM layer is not a good spin sink material and the surprisingly strong decrease in the damping factor is mainly attributed to the reduced direct exchange coupling between CoFe and Mn spins at the AFM/FM interface. Moreover, in spite of the exchange bias effect occurring or not, a similar monotonic increasing trend of αs with the increasing AFM layer thickness is observed for the as-deposited and annealed AFM/CFB samples, indicating that the enhanced magnetic damping at an elevated annealing temperature is mainly related to the increased interface roughness and atomic diffusion. These findings provide deeper insights into the role of the AFM/FM interface in magnetization dynamics, which will be helpful for future spintronic applications.
Closed-loop feedback control of microbubble diameter from a flow-focusing microfluidic device
Authors: Xie Yanjun , Dixon Adam J. , Rickel J. M. Robert , Klibanov Alexander L. , Hossack John A.
Published: May 2020

Real-time observation and control of particle size and production rate in microfluidic devices are important capabilities for a number of applications, including the production, sorting, and manipulation of microbubbles and droplets. The production of microbubbles from flow-focusing microfluidic devices had been investigated in multiple studies, but each lacked an approach for on-chip measurement and control of microbubble diameter in real time. In this work, we implement a closed-loop feedback control system in a flow-focusing microfluidic device with integrated on-chip electrodes. Using our system, we measure and count microbubbles between 13 and 28 μm in diameter and control their diameter using a proportional–integral controller. We validate our measurements against an optical benchmark with R2=0.98 and achieve a maximum production rate of 1.4×105/s. Using the feedback control system, the device enabled control in microbubble diameter over the range of 14–24 μm.