bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomarkers of Neurological Outcome After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage as Early Predictors at Discharge from an Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Kedziora Jaroslaw , Burzynska Malgorzata , Gozdzik Waldemar , Kübler Andrzej , Kobylinska Katarzyna , Adamik Barbara
Published: September 2020

Background

Subarachnoid bleeding is associated with brain injuries and ranges from almost negligible to acute and life threatening. The main objectives were to study changes in brain-specific biomarker levels in patients after an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) in relation to early clinical findings, severity scores, and intensive care unit (ICU) outcome. Analysis was done to identify specific biomarkers as predictors of a bad outcome in the acute treatment phase.

Methods

Analysis was performed for the proteins of neurofilament, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT), and for the proteins of glial cells, S100B, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Outcomes were assessed at discharge from the ICU and analyzed based on the grade in the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Patients were classified into two groups: with a good outcome (Group 1: GOS IV–V, n = 24) and with a bad outcome (Group 2: GOS I–III, n = 31). Blood samples were taken upon admission to the ICU and afterward daily for up to 6 days.

Results

In Group 1, the level of S100B (1.0, 0.9, 0.7, 2.0, 1.0, 0.3 ng/mL) and NSE (1.5, 2.0, 1.6, 1.2, 16.6, 2.2 ng/mL) was significantly lower than in Group 2 (S100B: 4.7, 4.8, 4.4, 4.5, 6.6, 6.8 ng/mL; NSE: 4.0, 4.1, 4.3, 3.8, 4.4, 2.5 1.1 ng/mL) on day 1–6, respectively. MAPT was significantly lower only on the first and second day (83.2 ± 25.1, 132.7 ± 88.1 pg/mL in Group 1 vs. 625.0 ± 250.7, 616.4 ± 391.6 pg/mL in Group 2). GFAP was elevated in both groups from day 1 to 6. In the ROC analysis, S100B showed the highest ability to predict bad ICU outcome of the four biomarkers measured on admission [area under the curve (AUC) 0.81; 95% CI 0.67–0.94, p < 0.001]. NSE and MAPT also had significant predictive value (AUC 0.71; 95% CI 0.54–0.87, p = 0.01; AUC 0.74; 95% CI 0.55–0.92, p = 0.01, respectively). A strong negative correlation between the GOS and S100B and the GOS and NSE was recorded on days 1–5, and between the GOS and MAPT on day 1.

Conclusion

Our findings provide evidence that brain biomarkers such as S100B, NSE, GFAP, and MAPT increase significantly in patients following aSAH. There is a direct relationship between the neurological outcome in the acute treatment phase and the levels of S100B, NSE, and MAPT. The detection of brain-specific biomarkers in conjunction with clinical data may constitute a valuable diagnostic and prognostic tool in the early phase of aSAH treatment.
Impact of SO42−, Ca2+, and Mg2+ ions in Caspian Sea ion-engineered water on the rate of wettability alteration in carbonates
Authors: Bazhanova Meruyet , Pourafshary Peyman
Published: September 2020

Tuning the salinity and concentration of potential-determining ions, such as Mg2+, Ca2+, and SO42−, could alter the wettability toward a more water-wet state. The rate of alteration in carbonate rock wettability is a critical parameter to design the duration of the ion-engineered water flooding. Characteristic experiments, such as dynamic contact angle and pH measurements, ion chromatography, and spontaneous imbibition, are applied to study the rate of wettability alteration using different samples of ion-engineered water. Our study shows that the Caspian Sea water (CSW) with a salinity of 15,000 ppm is an efficient displacing fluid as it can initiate the multi-ion exchange (MIE) mechanism and alter the wettability from 86° to 35° within 2 d. The adjustment of salinity and active ion concentration makes the MIE mechanism much faster. For example, with five times diluted CSW, the same change in wettability is only achieved only within 9 h. Spiking the concentration of Ca2+ and SO42− ions is used to further shift the contact angle to 22° within 9 h. Spontaneous imbibition tests demonstrate that the rate of oil production doubles as a result of the ion-engineered brine due to the faster MIE process. The results obtained from this research work suggest that even a short period of interaction with optimized engineered water can affect the brine, oil, and carbonates interactions and change the reservoir rock initial wettability from neutral to strongly water-wet state. This allows to efficiently design engineered water flooding based on CSW in the field scale and make such projects more profitable.
Gender Discrimination and Excess Female Under-5 Mortality in India: A New Perspective Using Mixed-Sex Twins
Authors: Kashyap Ridhi , Behrman Julia
Published: September 2020

Son preference has been linked to excess female under-5 mortality in India, and considerable literature has explored whether parents invest more resources in sons relative to daughters—which we refer to as explicit discrimination—leading to girls’ poorer health status and, consequently, higher mortality. However, this literature has not adequately controlled for the implicit discrimination processes that sort girls into different types of families (e.g., larger) and at earlier parities. To better address the endogeneity associated with implicit discrimination processes, we explore the association between child sex and postneonatal under-5 mortality using a sample of mixed-sex twins from four waves of the Indian National Family Health Survey. Mixed-sex twins provide a natural experiment that exogenously assigns a boy and a girl to families at the same time, thus controlling for selectivity into having an unwanted female child. We document a sizable impact of explicit discrimination on girls’ excess mortality in India, particularly compared with a placebo analysis in sub-Saharan Africa, where girls have a survival advantage. We also show that explicit discrimination weakened for birth cohorts after the mid-1990s, especially in northern India, but further weakening has stalled since the mid-2000s, thus contributing to understandings of how the micro-processes underlying the female mortality disadvantage have changed over time.
Emoji, Playfulness, and Brand Engagement on Twitter
Authors: McShane Lindsay , Pancer Ethan , Poole Maxwell , Deng Qi
Published: September 2020

Brands, both human and corporate, are increasingly communicating with their consumers using emojis. The current work examines if and how these pictographs shape online brand engagement on Twitter (i.e., likes & retweets). To do so, we first examine datasets generated by scraping the tweets of the most popular celebrity brands and most popular corporate brands (Study 1). This study demonstrates that emoji presence increases engagement with tweets, with more emoji leading to more likes and retweets. Two controlled experiments then explore the role of perceived playfulness in explaining this effect of emojis on engagement (Studies 2 and 3). We find that the effect of emojis on brand engagement varies depending on the nature of the interplay between emojis and text, and the subsequent effect of this interplay on perceived playfulness. Theoretical contributions and social media practitioner implications are also addressed.
DEALING WITH THE CRISIS: MOBILITY OF AEGINETAN-TRADITION POTTERS AROUND 1200 BC
Authors: Lis Bartłomiej , Kiriatzi Evangelia , Batziou Anthi , Rückl Štěpán
Published: September 2020

This article investigates the final episodes of a long-lasting potting tradition that developed on Aegina during the Bronze Age. Fromc. 1400bc, cooking pottery constituted the only class of that tradition that was still manufactured and exported in quantity. Detailed study of several settlement contexts from sites scattered along the Euboean and up to the Pagasetic Gulf dating toc. 1200bcshows that pottery imported from Aegina became increasingly less available, whereas similar cooking pots produced in various non-Aeginetan fabrics appear at the same time. Macroscopic analysis of traces related to manufacture of such pots reveals that it followed the typicalchaîne opératoireof the Aeginetan tradition, strongly suggesting that their appearance reflects technological transfer and, thus, could not be explained without taking mobility of potters into account. Following a comprehensive presentation of available evidence, we argue that potters trained in the context of the Aeginetan potting tradition produced cooking pottery in several locations along the Euboean Gulf and up to the modern city of Volos. By considering the socio-economic and political context of their activity, as well as the development of Aegina and its pottery production during the later stages of the Late Bronze Age, we are able to shed more light on potters’ motivations to move, as well as on the population and the time scale of this mobility phenomenon. It appears that it had two stages, characterised by itinerant activity followed by permanent relocation, and that it was relatively short-lived, as byc. 1150bcAeginetan-tradition potters become invisible in the archaeological record.
Appointee vacancies in US executive branch agencies
Authors: Resh William G. , Hollibaugh Gary E. , Roberts Patrick S. , Dull Matthew M.
Published: September 2020

We analyse United States presidential appointee positions subject to Senate confirmation without a confirmed appointee in office. These “vacant” positions are byproducts of American constitutional design, shaped by the interplay of institutional politics. Using a novel dataset, we analyse appointee vacancies across executive branch departments and single-headed agencies from 1989 to 2013. We develop a theoretical model that uncovers the dynamics of vacancy onset and length. We then specify an empirical model and report results highlighting both position and principal–agent relations as critical to the politics of appointee vacancies. Conditional on high status positions reducing the frequency and duration of vacancies, we find important principal–agent considerations from a separation of powers perspective. Appointee positions in agencies ideologically divergent from the relevant Senate committee chair are vacant for less time than in ideologically proximal agencies. Importantly, this relationship strengthens as agency ideology diverges away from the chair and towards the chair’s party extreme.
Evaluation of the effects of fear and anxiety on nutrition during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey
Authors: Kaya Seda , Uzdil Zeynep , Cakiroğlu Funda Pinar
Published: September 2020

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of fear and anxiety on nutrition during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design:

Participants were recruited by an online survey in this cross-sectional study. The questionnaire included general demographic characteristics, level of fear and anxiety, and nutritional habits. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 test (GAD-7) were used to determine fear and anxiety.

Setting:

Turkey.

Participants:

A total sample consisted of 1012 adults.

Results:

In pandemic, fear and anxiety caused individuals to skip breakfast and snacks less, but more at lunch. A positive significant correlation was observed between the increased consumption of yoghurt, cheese and water and FCV-19S scores. There was a positive significant correlation between cheese, legume, nuts-seeds, cake-cookies, dessert and tea consumption and GAD-7 scores. A 1-unit increase in FCV-19S scores affected 1·04 times of increased consumption of yoghurt, kefir, cheese, nuts-seeds, fruit (dry) and rice-pasta. A 1-unit increase in GAD-7 scores affected 1·03 times of increased consumption of egg and fruit (fresh); 1·04 times of increased consumption of cheese and other vegetables; 1·05 times of increased consumption of milk, meat, poultry, fish, legume, nuts-seeds, fruit (dry), cake-cookies and tea; 1·07 times of increased consumption of rice-pasta and coffee and 1·08 times of increased consumption of bread and dessert.

Conclusions:

In pandemic, anxiety and fear led to changes in individuals’ nutritional habits and food preferences. Continuous surveillance of psychological consequences for outbreaks should become routine as part of preparedness efforts worldwide. In addition, the effects of these psychological problems on nutrition should be evaluated.
The Role of Blueschist Stored in Shallow Lithosphere in the Generation of Postcollisional Orogenic Magmas
Authors: Wang Yu , Foley Stephen F.
Published: September 2020

In regions with small ocean plates and continental blocks, such as the Mediterranean in the Cenozoic and modern Indonesia, many blueschists may be stored at shallow depth in the mantle lithosphere that is newly formed during the amalgamation of small continental blocks and oceans. Melting of these blueschists at low pressures in the mixed lithosphere of this type during postcollisional relaxation may be involved in the generation of postcollisional orogenic magmas. Here, we have conducted a series of melting experiments on three blueschist samples with differing protoliths at 800–850°C, 2 GPa to investigate phase relations, mineral compositions, and trace element partitioning (using laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry [LA‐ICP‐MS]/nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry [NanoSIMS]), including the first results for clinozoisite. Dacitic/rhyolitic melts (SiO2 60 to 66 wt%) containing ~13 wt% volatiles are produced in all runs. Mn‐rich and Mn‐poor almandine garnets exhibit distinct rare earth element (REE) distribution patterns, while Mn‐rich garnets are effective preconcentrators of heavy REEs (HREEs) for later metamorphic processes. Melts produced from fluid‐affected blueschists of terrigenous origin show the most large‐ion lithophile element (LILE) enrichment, whereas those from terrigenous blueschists with no fluid history exhibit the lowest K/Th and Ba/Th and strongest Ce/Pb and Nb/U fractionations. Melts of blueschists derived from mid‐ocean ridge basalt (MORB) have relatively consistent, MORB‐like Ba/Th and Nb/U (~3) but the lowest Ce/Pb ratios (3.3). V/Sc and Zr/Hf ratios remain constant at ≥850°C regardless of the origin of the blueschist. Dehydration melting in new mantle lithosphere where blueschist is stored at shallow depth will significantly affect trace element behavior and should be considered carefully when examining chemical cycling and magmatism in postcollisional orogenic settings.
Observations and Modeling Studies of Solar Eclipse Effects on Oblique High Frequency Radio Propagation
Authors: Moses M. L. , Kordella L. J. , Earle G. D. , Drob D. , Huba J. D. , Ruohoniemi J. M. , Shepherd S. G. , Sivakumar V.
Published: September 2020

The total solar eclipse over the continental United States on 21 August 2017 offered a unique opportunity to study the dependence of the ionospheric density and morphology on incident solar radiation at different local times. The Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) radars in Christmas Valley, Oregon, and Fort Hays, Kansas, are located slightly southward of the line of totality; they both made measurements of the eclipsed ionosphere. The received power of backscattered signal decreases during the eclipse, and the slant ranges from the westward looking radar beams initially increase and then decrease after totality. The time scales over which these changes occur at each site differ significantly from one another. For Christmas Valley the propagation changes are fairly symmetric in time, with the largest slant ranges and smallest power return occurring coincident with the closest approach of totality to the radar. The Fort Hays signature is less symmetric. In order to investigate the underlying processes governing the ionospheric eclipse response, we use a ray‐tracing code to simulate SuperDARN data in conjunction with different eclipsed ionosphere models. In particular, we quantify the effect of the neutral wind velocity on the simulated data by testing the effect of adding/removing various neutral wind vector components. The results indicate that variations in meridional winds have a greater impact on the modeled ionospheric eclipse response than do variations in zonal winds. The geomagnetic field geometry and the line‐of‐sight angle from each site to the Sun appear to be important factors that influence the ionospheric eclipse response.
Aberrant NSUN2-mediated m5C modification of H19 lncRNA is associated with poor differentiation of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sun Zhen , Xue Songlei , Zhang Meiying , Xu Hui , Hu Xuming , Chen Shihao , Liu Yangyang , Guo Mingzhou , Cui Hengmi
Published: September 2020

RNA methylation is an important epigenetic modification. Recent studies on RNA methylation mainly focus on the m6A modification of mRNA, but very little is known about the m5C modification. NSUN2 is an RNA methyltransferase responsible for the m5C modification of multiple RNAs. In this study, we knocked down the NSUN2 gene in HepG2 cells by CRISPR/Cas9 technology and performed high-throughput RNA-BisSeq. An important tumor-related lncRNA H19 was identified to be targeted by NSUN2. Studies have shown that the expression of H19 lncRNA is abnormally elevated and has a carcinogenic effect in many types of tumors. Our results demonstrated that m5C modification of H19 lncRNA can increase its stability. Interestingly, m5C-modified H19 lncRNA can be specifically bound by G3BP1, a well-known oncoprotein which further leads to MYC accumulation. This may be a novel mechanism by which lncRNA H19 exerts its oncogenic effect. Besides, both the m5C methylation level and the expression level of H19 lncRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues were significantly higher than those in adjacent non-cancer tissues, which were closely associated with poor differentiation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In conclusion, we found that H19 RNA is a specific target for the NSUN2 modifier. The m5C-modified H19 lncRNA may promote the occurrence and development of tumors by recruiting the G3BP1 oncoprotein. Our findings may provide a potential target and biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
Nanoparticle enhanced combination therapy for stem-like progenitors defined by single-cell transcriptomics in chemotherapy-resistant osteosarcoma
Authors: Wang Li , Huang Xiaojia , You Xinru , Yi Tianqi , Lu Bing , Liu Jiali , Lu Guohao , Ma Minglin , Zou Changye , Wu Jun , Zhao Wei
Published: September 2020

The adaptation of osteosarcoma cells to therapeutic pressure impedes the efficacy of chemotherapy for osteosarcoma. However, the characteristics and cellular organization of therapy-resistant cells in osteosarcoma tumors remain elusive. Here, we utilized single-cell transcriptomics to systematically map the cell-type-specific gene expression in a chemotherapy-resistant osteosarcoma tumor. Our data demonstrated the VEGFR2-JMJD3-abundant subsets as quiescent stem-like cells, thereby establishing the hierarchy of therapy-resistant actively cycling progenitor pools (JMJD3-abundant) in osteosarcoma. VEGFR2 inhibitor and JMJD3 inhibitor synergistically impeded osteosarcoma cell propagation and tumor growth. Although osteosarcoma cells are predisposed to apoptosis induced by the synergistic therapy through activation of the CHOP pro-apoptotic factor via the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, the stem-like/progenitor cells exhibit an adaptive response, leading to their survival. Reduction in cellular glutathione levels in stem-like/progenitor cells caused by the treatment with a glutathione synthesis inhibitor increases ER stress-induced apoptosis. Importantly, the marked therapeutic improvement of synergistic therapy against stem-like/progenitor cells was achieved by using glutathione-scavenging nanoparticles, which can load and release the drug pair effectively. Overall, our study provides a framework for understanding glutathione signaling as one of the therapeutic vulnerabilities of stem-like/progenitor cells. Broadly, these findings revealed a promising arsenal by encapsulating glutathione-scavenging nanoparticles with co-targeting VEGFR2 and JMJD3 to eradicate chemotherapy-resistant osteosarcoma.
Prevalence of depression and its relationship with quality of life among university students in Macau, Hong Kong and mainland China
Authors: Li Lu , Lok Grace K. I. , Mei Song-Li , Cui Xi-Ling , An Feng-Rong , Li Lin , Cheung Teris , Ungvari Gabor S. , Xiang Yu-Tao
Published: September 2020

There is compelling evidence that depressive symptoms (depression hereafter) are common in university students and are considerably influenced by the given socioeconomic context. Being former European colonies, Macau and Hong Kong are China’s special administrative regions, with different sociocultural and economic background compared to mainland China. This study compared the prevalence of depression in university students between Macau, Hong Kong and mainland China and examined the association between depression and quality of life (QOL). The Beck Depression Inventory-II and the World Health Organization Quality of Life—Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) were used to measure depression and QOL, respectively.
Altogether, 2,312 university students participated in this study. The overall prevalence of depression was 28.9%; 35.2% in Macau, 41.0% in Hong Kong, and 16.8% in mainland China. Compared to the “No depression” group, students with depression had significantly lower QOL scores in the physical, psychological, social and environmental domains. Factors associated with depression were different between the three study sites. Sleep disturbances and high academic pressure were positively associated with depression in all the three samples. In mainland China, male students (OR = 1.68; 95% CI: 1.10–2.56) were more likely to have depression while those who were interested in their major (OR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.29–0.69) were less likely to have depression. In Macau, students in Grade 3 (OR = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.36–0.89) and those who were interested in their major (OR = 0.58; 95% CI: 0.42–0.81) or had optimistic perspective about their future (OR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.36–0.73) were less likely to have depression. Nursing students (OR = 1.86; 95% CI: 1.21–2.87) and students with the average score on major subject less than 65 (OR = 3.13; 95% CI: 1.70–5.78) were more likely to have depression. In Hong Kong, students with optimistic perspective about their future (OR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.22–0.91) were less prone to have depression. Depression is common among Chinese university students, particularly in Macau and Hong Kong. Considering the negative impact of depression on QOL, regular screening and effective treatments should be offered to this population.
Confirmatory factor analysis comparing incentivized experiments with self-report methods to elicit adolescent smoking and vaping social norms
Authors: Murray Jennifer M. , Kimbrough Erik O. , Krupka Erin L. , Ramalingam Abhijit , Kumar Rajnish , Power Joanna McHugh , Sanchez-Franco Sharon , Sarmiento Olga L. , Kee Frank , Hunter Ruth F.
Published: September 2020

Many adolescent smoking prevention programmes target social norms, typically evaluated with self-report, susceptible to social desirability bias. An alternative approach with little application in public health are experimental norms elicitation methods. Using the Mechanisms of Networks and Norms Influence on Smoking in Schools (MECHANISMS) study baseline data, from 12–13 year old school pupils (n = 1656) in Northern Ireland and Bogotá (Colombia), we compare two methods of measuring injunctive and descriptive smoking and vaping norms: (1) incentivized experiments, using monetary payments to elicit norms; (2) self-report scales. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) examined whether the methods measured the same construct. Paths from exposures (country, sex, personality) to social norms, and associations of norms with (self-reported and objectively measured) smoking behavior/intentions were inspected in another structural model. Second-order CFA showed that latent variables representing experimental and survey norms measurements were measuring the same underlying construct of anti-smoking/vaping norms (Comparative Fit Index = 0.958, Tucker Lewis Index = 0.951, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.030, Standardized Root Mean Square Residual = 0.034). Adding covariates into a structural model showed significant paths from country to norms (second-order anti-smoking/vaping norms latent variable: standardized factor loading [β] = 0.30, standard error [SE] = 0.09, p < 0.001), and associations of norms with self-reported anti-smoking behavior (β = 0.40, SE = 0.04, p < 0.001), self-reported anti-smoking intentions (β = 0.42, SE = 0.06, p < 0.001), and objectively measured smoking behavior (β = − 0.20, SE = 0.06, p = 0.001). This paper offers evidence for the construct validity of behavioral economic methods of eliciting adolescent smoking and vaping norms. These methods seem to index the same underlying phenomena as commonly-used self-report scales.
Unculturable and culturable periodontal-related bacteria are associated with periodontal inflammation during pregnancy and with preterm low birth weight delivery
Authors: Ye Changchang , Xia Zhongyi , Tang Jing , Khemwong Thatawee , Kapila Yvonne , Kuraji Ryutaro , Huang Ping , Wu Yafei , Kobayashi Hiroaki
Published: September 2020

Recent studies revealed culturable periodontal keystone pathogens are associated with preterm low birth weight (PLBW). However, the oral microbiome is also comprised of hundreds of ‘culture-difficult’ or ‘not-yet-culturable’ bacterial species. To explore the potential role of unculturable and culturable periodontitis-related bacteria in preterm low birth weight (PLBW) delivery, we recruited 90 pregnant women in this prospective study. Periodontal parameters, including pocket probing depth, bleeding on probing, and clinical attachment level were recorded during the second trimester and following interviews on oral hygiene and lifestyle habits. Saliva and serum samples were also collected. After delivery, birth results were recorded. Real-time PCR analyses were performed to quantify the levels of periodontitis-related unculturable bacteria (Eubacterium saphenum, Fretibacterium sp. human oral taxon(HOT) 360, TM7 sp. HOT 356, and Rothia dentocariosa), and cultivable bacteria (Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Prevotella intermedia) in saliva samples. In addition, ELISA analyses were used to determine the IgG titres against periodontal pathogens in serum samples. Subjects were categorized into a Healthy group (H, n = 20) and periodontitis/gingivitis group (PG, n = 70) according to their periodontal status. The brushing duration was significantly lower in the PG group compared to the H group. Twenty-two of 90 subjects delivered PLBW infants. There was no significant difference in periodontal parameters and serum IgG levels for periodontal pathogens between PLBW and healthy delivery (HD) groups. However, ordinal logistic regression analysis revealed that a higher abundance of Treponema denticola, Prevotella intermedia, Fretibacterium sp. HOT360 and lower levels of Rothia dentocariosa were significantly associated with the presence of periodontal disease during pregnancy. Moreover, the amount of Eubacterium saphenum in saliva and serum IgG against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans were negatively correlated with PLBW. Taken together, unculturable periodontitis-associated bacteria may play an important role both in the presence of periodontal inflammation during pregnancy and subsequent PLBW.
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas with IDH1/2 mutation-associated hypermethylation at selective genes and their clinicopathological features
Authors: Lee Kyoungbun , Song Young Seok , Shin Yoonju , Wen Xianyu , Kim Younghoon , Cho Nam-Yun , Bae Jeong Mo , Kang Gyeong Hoon
Published: September 2020

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a rare but fatal tumor. The isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (IDH1/2) genes are known to be mutated in ICC. IDH1/2 mutations tend to be accompanied by enhanced hypermethylation at a subset of genomic loci. We sought to clarify the clinicopathological features, including prognostic value, of ICCs with IDH1/2 mutation-associated hypermethylation at a subset of genes. The mutation status of IDH1/2 and methylation status of 30 gene CpG island loci were analyzed in 172 cases of ICC using pyrosequencing and the MethyLight assay, respectively. The mutation status of IDH1/2 was correlated with clinicopathological features and the DNA methylation status at 30 gene loci. Then, the clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed regarding three-tiered methylation statuses in genes showing IDH1/2 mutation-associated methylation. IDH1/2 mutations were found in 9.3% of ICCs, and IDH1/2-mutated tumors were associated with the histological subtype, including the bile ductular type and small duct type, and poor differentiation. Eight DNA methylation markers showed associations with IDH1/2 mutations, and ICCs with > 5/8 methylated markers were associated with the bile ductular type or small duct type, absence of mucin production, absence of biliary intraepithelial neoplasia, and presence of chronic liver disease. > 5/8 methylated markers were an independent prognostic marker associated with better survival in both cancer-specific survival and recurrence-free survival. In summary, by analyzing the association between IDH1/2 mutations and DNA methylation in individual genes, we developed a panel of DNA methylation markers that were significantly associated with IDH1/2 mutations and were able to identify a subset of ICC with better clinical outcomes.
Data-driven studies of magnetic two-dimensional materials
Authors: Rhone Trevor David , Chen Wei , Desai Shaan , Torrisi Steven B. , Larson Daniel T. , Yacoby Amir , Kaxiras Efthimios
Published: September 2020

We use a data-driven approach to study the magnetic and thermodynamic properties of van der Waals (vdW) layered materials. We investigate monolayers of the form $$\hbox {A}_2\hbox {B}_2\hbox {X}_6$$

A
2

B
2

X
6

, based on the known material $$\hbox {Cr}_2\hbox {Ge}_2\hbox {Te}_6$$

Cr
2

Ge
2

Te
6

, using density functional theory (DFT) calculations and machine learning methods to determine their magnetic properties, such as magnetic order and magnetic moment. We also examine formation energies and use them as a proxy for chemical stability. We show that machine learning tools, combined with DFT calculations, can provide a computationally efficient means to predict properties of such two-dimensional (2D) magnetic materials. Our data analytics approach provides insights into the microscopic origins of magnetic ordering in these systems. For instance, we find that the X site strongly affects the magnetic coupling between neighboring A sites, which drives the magnetic ordering. Our approach opens new ways for rapid discovery of chemically stable vdW materials that exhibit magnetic behavior.
Isolation of extracellular vesicles improves the detection of mutant DNA from plasma of metastatic melanoma patients
Authors: Zocco Davide , Bernardi Simona , Novelli Mauro , Astrua Chiara , Fava Paolo , Zarovni Natasa , Carpi Francesco M. , Bianciardi Laura , Malavenda Ottavia , Quaglino Pietro , Foroni Chiara , Russo Domenico , Chiesi Antonio , Fierro Maria Teresa
Published: September 2020

Detection of BRAFV600E within cell free tumor DNA (ctDNA) is emerging as a promising means to improve patients’ stratification or enable BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) therapeutic monitoring in a minimally invasive manner. Here, we investigated whether extracellular vesicle-(EV)-associated-DNA (EV-DNA) has value as an alternative source of circulating BRAFV600E. To do so, we identified a clinical practice-compatible protocol for the isolation of EV-DNA and assessed BRAF gene status on plasma samples from metastatic melanoma patients at the beginning and during BRAFi therapy. This protocol uses a peptide with high affinity for EVs and it has been found to recover more mutant DNA from plasma than standard ultracentrifugation. Molecular analyses revealed that mutant DNA is largely unprotected from nuclease digestion, interacting with the outer side of the EV membrane or directly with the peptide. When used on clinical samples, we found that the protocol improves the detection of BRAFV600E gene copies in comparison to the reference protocol for ctDNA isolation. Taken together, these findings indicate that EVs are a promising source of mutant DNA and should be considered for the development of next-generation liquid biopsy approaches.
Complex barite filter cake removal using in-situ generated acids by thermochemicals
Authors: Bageri Badr S. , Gomaa Ibrahim , Mahmoud Mohamed , Patil Shirish , Al-Nakhli Ayman
Published: September 2020

In sandstone formations, the quartz particles integrate with drilling fluid solids and become part of the filter cake structure. As a result, the dissolution rate of the filter cake diminishes and reduces the removal efficiency. This paper presents a novel solution to overcome the challenges that restricts the filter cake removal process such as the presence of the quartz layer and the polymer coat. A multi-stage method for removing the filter cake from a wellbore is presented. The composition of the new formulation is; ammonium fluoride (NH4F), with a strong oxidizer, such as sodium bromate (NaBrO3) causes an exothermic reaction in the first stage, thereby removing the quartz layer and polymer coat in the filter cake by the in-situ generated HF acid. During the second stage for the barite-based filter cake, chelating agents combined with convertor catalysts were used to dissolve the barite. Solubility experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficiency at each stage in the filter cake removal process at 300 ºF and 500 psi. The experimental results showed that the formulation consisting of ammonium fluoride (NH4F), with a strong oxidizer (sodium bromate,NaBrO3), combined with exothermic reaction was able to generate HF in-situ, which in turn dissolved the quartz mineral and remove the polymer from the filter cake.
Application of pulsed laser ablation (PLA) for the size reduction of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Authors: Gera Tamás , Nagy Eszter , Smausz Tamás , Budai Judit , Ajtai Tibor , Kun-Szabó Fruzsina , Homik Zsolt , Kopniczky Judit , Bozóki Zoltán , Szabó-Révész Piroska , Ambrus Rita , Hopp Béla
Published: September 2020

We studied the application of pulsed laser ablation (PLA) for particle size reduction in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Grinding of the poorly water-soluble NSAID crystallites can considerably increase their solubility and bioavailability, thereby the necessary doses can be reduced significantly. We used tablets of ibuprofen, niflumic acid and meloxicam as targets. Nanosecond laser pulses were applied at various wavelengths (KrF excimer laser, λ = 248 nm, FWHM = 18 ns and Nd:YAG laser, λ1 = 532 nm/λ2 = 1064 nm, FWHM = 6 ns) and at various fluences. FTIR and Raman spectra showed that the chemical compositions of the drugs had not changed during ablation at 532 nm and 1064 nm laser wavelengths. The size distribution of the ablated products was established using two types of particle size analyzers (SMPS and OPC) having complementary measuring ranges. The mean size of the drug crystallites decreased from the initial 30–80 µm to the submicron to nanometer range. For a better understanding of the ablation mechanism we made several investigations (SEM, Ellipsometry, Fast photography) and some model calculations. We have established that PLA offers a chemical-free and simple method for the size reduction of poorly water-soluble drugs and a possible new way for pharmaceutical drug preformulation for nasal administration.
Tactile perception of randomly rough surfaces
Authors: Sahli Riad , Prot Aubin , Wang Anle , Müser Martin H. , Piovarči Michal , Didyk Piotr , Bennewitz Roland
Published: September 2020

Most everyday surfaces are randomly rough and self-similar on sufficiently small scales. We investigated the tactile perception of randomly rough surfaces using 3D-printed samples, where the topographic structure and the statistical properties of scale-dependent roughness were varied independently. We found that the tactile perception of similarity between surfaces was dominated by the statistical micro-scale roughness rather than by their topographic resemblance. Participants were able to notice differences in the Hurst roughness exponent of 0.2, or a difference in surface curvature of 0.8 $$\hbox {mm}^{-1}$$

mm

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for surfaces with curvatures between 1 and 3 $$\hbox {mm}^{-1}$$

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. In contrast, visual perception of similarity between color-coded images of the surface height was dominated by their topographic resemblance. We conclude that vibration cues from roughness at the length scale of the finger ridge distance distract the participants from including the topography into the judgement of similarity. The interaction between surface asperities and fingertip skin led to higher friction for higher micro-scale roughness. Individual friction data allowed us to construct a psychometric curve which relates similarity decisions to differences in friction. Participants noticed differences in the friction coefficient as small as 0.035 for samples with friction coefficients between 0.34 and 0.45.
Prospective observational study of the use of omeprazole and maropitant citrate in veterinary specialist care
Authors: McCormack Rachel , Olley Louise , Glanemann Barbara , Swann James W.
Published: September 2020

The proton pump inhibitor omeprazole is administered to dogs with gastroduodenal ulceration or oesophagitis, whereas the neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist maropitant citrate is licensed as an antiemetic drug. In people, omeprazole is overprescribed in hospitals, increasing the risk of adverse effects and imposing unnecessary costs in healthcare. To investigate the use of omeprazole and maropitant in our veterinary specialist hospital, we conducted a prospective observational study in its Medicine and Surgery wards, recording patient data and obtaining contemporaneous information from clinicians about their reasons for administering either drug. In doing so, we find omeprazole and maropitant are administered to a large proportion of dogs, including to many of those with no presenting signs suggestive of gastrointestinal disease. We find prescribing clinicians consider both drugs safe but often underestimate their financial cost. We find the stated reasons and objective predictors of administration of both drugs vary according to clinical setting but that these modalities yield concordant results. Reviewing the manner of administration and stated indications for use of both drugs, we find omeprazole is often administered outside dosing recommendations, and both drugs are frequently administered for aims that are unlikely to be achieved when considering their known biological effects in dogs. In conclusion, our work reveals probable overprescribing of omeprazole and maropitant citrate in hospitalised dogs, highlighting a need for initiatives to decrease inappropriate prescribing.
miR-19b targets pulmonary endothelial syndecan-1 following hemorrhagic shock
Authors: Wu Feng , Wang Jian-Ying , Chao Wei , Sims Carrie , Kozar Rosemary Ann
Published: September 2020

Hemorrhagic shock results in systemic injury to the endothelium contributing to post-shock morbidity and mortality. The mechanism involves syndecan-1, the backbone of the endothelial glycocalyx. We have shown in a rodent model that lung syndecan-1 mRNA is reduced following hemorrhage, whereas the molecular mechanism underlying the mRNA reduction is not clear. In this study, we present evidence that miR-19b targets syndecan-1 mRNA to downregulate its expression. Our results demonstrate that miR-19b was increased in hemorrhagic shock patients and in-vitro specifically bound to syndecan-1 mRNA and caused its degradation. Further, hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R), our in vitro hemorrhage model, increased miR-19b expression in human lung microvascular endothelial cells, leading to a decrease in syndecan-1 mRNA and protein. H/R insult and miR-19b mimic overexpression comparably exaggerated permeability and enhanced endothelial barrier breakdown. The detrimental role of miR-19b in inducing endothelial dysfunction was confirmed in vivo. Lungs from mice undergoing hemorrhagic shock exhibited a significant increase in miR-19b and a concomitant decrease in syndecan-1 mRNA. Pretreatment with miR-19b oligo inhibitor significantly decreased lung injury, inflammation, and permeability and improved hemodynamics. These findings suggest that inhibition of miR-19b may be a putative therapeutic avenue for mitigating post shock pulmonary endothelial dysfunction in hemorrhage shock.
In situ detection of hydroxyl radicals in mitochondrial oxidative stress with a nanopipette electrode
Authors: Chen Wenting , Ding Shushu , Wu Jiaren , Shi Guoyue , Zhu Anwei
Published: September 2020

A nanopipette sensor was designed for the in situ detection of ˙OH around mitochondria with high selectivity and sensitivity.
Supramolecular assembly through intermolecular n → π* interactions through a coordinated perrhenate formed via superoxidation of Re(i) to Re(vii) in the formation of substituted Re(CO)3 complexes bearing Diimine ligands
Authors: Kia Reza , Taghavi Tahereh , Raithby Paul R.
Published: September 2020

Two Re(i) tricarbonyl complexes bearing Ph4TAP and dafone ligands and having a coordinated perrhenate group obtained via in situ superoxidation of Re(i) to Re(vii) have been characterized.
Limitations of the equivalent core model for understanding core-level spectroscopies
Authors: Bagus Paul S. , Sousa Carmen , Illas Francesc
Published: September 2020

Differences when the ionized, blue, atom is represented with a core-hole or with a Z + 1 equivalent core are explored.
Influence of linkage type (ether or ester) on the monolayer characteristics of single-chain glycerols at the air–water interface
Authors: Vollhardt D. , Dobner B. , Brezesinski G.
Published: September 2020

1-O-Alkylglycerol monolayers are characterized comprehensively on mesoscopic and molecular scales and the most striking differences to the behavior of the corresponding ester compound 1-alkanoyl-rac-glycerol are discussed.
A simple thermometer-based photothermometric assay for alkaline phosphatase activity based on target-induced nanoprobe generation
Authors: Rao Honghong , Huang Huiyi , Zhang Xinyuan , Xue Xin , Luo Mingyue , Liu Haixia , Xue Zhonghua
Published: September 2020

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)-induced in situ generation of Prussian blue nanoparticles for photothermometric ALP detection.
Multistage antiplasmodial activity of hydroxyethylamine compounds, in vitro and in vivo evaluations
Authors: Sharma Neha , Gupta Yash , Bansal Meenakshi , Singh Snigdha , Pathak Prateek , Shahbaaz Mohd , Mathur Raman , Singh Jyoti , Kashif Mohammad , Grishina Maria , Potemkin Vladimir , Rajendran Vinoth , Poonam  , Kempaiah Prakasha , Singh Agam Prasad , Rathi Brijesh
Published: September 2020

Malaria, a global threat to the human population, remains a challenge partly due to the fast-growing drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium species.
Rare-earth-doped TiO2 rutile as a promising ferromagnetic alloy for visible light absorption in solar cells: first principle insights
Authors: Lamrani A. Fakhim
Published: September 2020

The electronic structure and magneto-optic properties of TiO2 (rutile) doped with rare-earth elements are explored using a first-principles all-electron full-potential augmented spherical-wave method, to examine their potential use as a spintronic and optoelectronic system.
Numerical simulation of transport and adhesion of thermogenic nano-carriers in microvessels
Authors: Yue Kai , You Yu , Yang Chao , Niu Yongjian , Zhang Xinxin
Published: September 2020

Externally triggered thermogenic nanoparticles (NPs) are potential drug carriers and heating agents for drug delivery and hyperthermia.
Stratification of polymer–colloid mixturesviafast nonequilibrium evaporation
Authors: Lee Kyoungmun , Choi Siyoung Q.
Published: September 2020

In drying liquid films of polymer–colloid mixtures, stratification in which polymers are placed on top of larger colloids is studied.
Controlling pore size and pore functionality in sp2-conjugated microporous materials by precursor chemistry and salt templating
Authors: Youk Sol , Hofmann Jan P. , Badamdorj Bolortuya , Völkel Antje , Antonietti Markus , Oschatz Martin
Published: September 2020

Condensation of melamine and citrazinic acid leads to highly functionalized carbon materials for selective carbon dioxide adsorption.
Nanofiber-reinforced bulk hydrogel: preparation and structural, mechanical, and biological properties
Authors: Huang Yu , Li Xiufang , Lu Zhentan , Zhang Huan , Huang Jiangxi , Yan Kun , Wang Dong
Published: September 2020

Facile preparation of nanofiber-reinforced bulk hydrogel, which is suitable as a biomaterial due to its improved mechanical and biological properties.
Recent advances in graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide based nanocomposites for the photodegradation of dyes
Authors: Khan Faisal , Khan Mohd Shoeb , Kamal Shahid , Arshad Mohammad , Ahmad Syed Ishraque , Nami Shahab A. A.
Published: September 2020

The use of photocatalysts for the degradation of synthetic and organic pollutants, such as dyes and chemicals, has emerged as an effective method for wastewater treatment.
Full color-emitting (Y,Tb,Eu)NbO4nanophosphors: calcination-assisted hydrothermal synthesis, energy interaction, and application in deep UV chip-based WLEDs
Authors: Wang Zhihao , Meng Qinghong , Wang Chunyun , Fan Dianyuan , Wang Yu
Published: September 2020

Full color-emitting (Y,Tb,Eu)NbO4nanophosphors obtained by a calcination-assisted hydrothermal reaction have been successfully applied in deep UV chip-based LEDs.
Constructing heterostructural Fe@Fe3C@carbon nanotubes/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites as lightweight and high-efficiency microwave absorbers
Authors: Wang Rui , Qi Xiaosi , Xie Ren , Gong Xiu , Deng Chaoyong , Zhong Wei
Published: September 2020

Schematic of magnetic heterostructure CNTs/RGO based nanocomposites and comparison diagrams with the recently representative related NCs.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation of Hearing Loss Self-Management Patient Education Materials: Development of the Caja de Instrumentos de Pérdida Auditiva
Authors: Arnold Michelle L. , Reichard Alexandra , Gutman Kalene , Westermann Laura , Sanchez Victoria
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate interventions contributes to unsatisfactory hearing health care service delivery and outcomes for Spanish-speaking persons from Hispanic/Latino background. To address this issue, our objective was to cross-culturally adapt a “Hearing Loss Toolkit for Self-Management” for use with Spanish-speaking adults seen in a clinical setting. In this clinical focus article, we describe a process for translation and cross-cultural adaptation of patient education materials based on current best practices guidelines.

Method

We utilized guidelines from the International Society for Pharmoeconomics Outcomes Research Task Force for Translation and Cultural Adaptation, the World Health Organization, and the International Collegium of Rehabilitative Audiology to complete a comprehensive, systematic, cross-cultural adaptation process of the source materials. The adaptation stages included forward translation and reconciliation, back translation and review, field testing with representative end users from the target population, and finalization.

Results

We successfully cross-culturally adapted the source materials following best practice guidelines. The Spanish-language adaptation was deemed understandable, actionable, aesthetically pleasing, and culturally appropriate by a group of native Spanish speakers.

Conclusions

There is an unmet need for the development of hearing loss self-management materials that incorporate cultural and linguistic competence with best health literacy practices. High-quality cross-cultural adaptations that consider the intersection of culture, language, and health literacy are a positive step toward reducing barriers to hearing health care related to language access for U.S. Hispanic/Latino adults with hearing loss.