bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectrum of amyloglucosidase mutations in Asian Indian patients with Glycogen storage disease type III
Authors: Perveen Shama , Gupta Neerja , Kumar Manoj , Kaur Punit , Chowdhury Madhumita R. , Kabra Madhulika
Published: March 2020

Glycogen storage disease type III (GSD III) is a rare autosomal recessive inborn error of glycogen degradation pathway due to deficiency or reduced activity of glycogen debranching enzyme (GDE) that results in accumulation of abnormal glycogen in the liver, muscle, and heart. The cardinal hallmarks are hepatomegaly, fasting hypoglycemia, seizures, growth retardation, progressive skeletal myopathy, and cardiomyopathy in few. To date, 258 mutations in amyloglucosidase (AGL) gene have been identified worldwide. However, the mutation spectrum in the Asian Indian region is yet to be well characterized. We investigated 24 patients of Asian origin from 21 unrelated families with a provisional diagnosis of GSD III based on clinical and biochemical criteria. Molecular diagnosis was assessed by bidirectional sequencing and the impact of novel missense variants on the tertiary (three‐dimensional) structure of GDE was evaluated by molecular modeling approach. Eighteen different pathogenic variants were identified, out of which 78% were novel. Novel variants included five nonsense, three small duplications and two small deletions, a splice site variant, and three missense variants. Variations in Exons 4, 14, 19, 24, 27, and 33 accounted for 61% of the total pathogenic variants identified and Allele p.Gly798Alafs*3 showed a high allele frequency of 11%. Molecular modeling study of novel pathogenic missense variants indicated the probable underlying molecular mechanism of adverse impact of variations on the structure and catalytic function of human GDE. Our study is the first large study on GSD III from the Asian subcontinent, which further expands the mutation spectrum of AGL.
KBG syndrome in two patients from Egypt
Authors: Sayed Inas S. M. , Abdel‐Hamid Mohamed S. , Abdel‐Salam Ghada M.H.
Published: March 2020

KBG syndrome is an intellectual disability (ID) associated with multiple congenital anomalies in which the macrodontia could be the clue for the diagnosis. It is caused either by heterozygous variant in ANKRD11 gene or 16q24.3 microdeletions that involve the ANKRD11 gene. Here, we report on two unrelated male patients who presented with ID, short stature, webbing of neck, and cryptorchidism. Noonan syndrome was suspected first but the presence of macrodontia in both patients pointed to KBG syndrome which was confirmed thereafter by the identification of a novel pathogenic variant in ANKRD11 gene, c.5488G>T (p.E1830*). Macrodontia was noticed in all the deciduous anterior teeth in Patient 1. This observation was reported previously in few patients, but it seems to be a common feature that could be misdiagnosed as premature eruption of teeth. Therefore, our results confirm that maxillary permanent central incisors may not be the only teeth affected in KBG but also all the deciduous teeth. Interestingly, desquamative gingivitis was additionally noted in Patient 1, which has not been reported previously, however; it could be a coincidental finding. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report from Egypt.
Veno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for severe pneumonia: COVID‐19 case in Japan
Authors: Taniguchi Hayato , Ogawa Fumihiro , Honzawa Hiroshi , Yamaguchi Keishi , Niida Shoko , Shinohara Mafumi , Takahashi Kohei , Iwashita Masayuki , Abe Takeru , Kubo Sousuke , Kudo Makoto , Takeuchi Ichiro
Published: March 2020

Background

Veno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV‐ECMO) is one of the ultimate treatments for acute respiratory failure. However, the effectiveness of ECMO in patients with novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) is unknown.

Case Presentation

A 72‐year‐old woman who was a passenger of a cruise ship tested positive for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) while in quarantine on board using throat swab. Three days after admission, her condition deteriorated, and she was subsequently intubated. On day 6, VV‐ECMO was introduced. Lopinavir/ritonavir was given; continuous renal replacement therapy was also introduced. On day 10, her chest radiography and lung compliance improved. She was weaned off ECMO on day 12.

Conclusion

Treatment of severe pneumonia in COVID‐19 by ECMO should recognize lung plasticity considering time to ECMO introduction and interstitial biomarkers. In Japan, centralization of ECMO patients has not been sufficient. Thus, we suggest nationwide centralization and further research to respond to the crisis caused by COVID‐19.
Stiff‐Stilbene Photoswitches: From Fundamental Studies to Emergent Applications
Authors: Villarón David , Wezenberg Sander J.
Published: March 2020

Stiff‐stilbene, a sterically restricted fused ring analogue of stilbene, has been regularly used as a model compound in theoretical studies of stilbene photoisomerization. Lately, owing to its excellent photoswitching properties, it is increasingly being applied to reversibly control the properties and function of chemical as well as biological systems. Stiff‐stilbene photoswitches possess a number of advantageous properties including a high quantum yield for photoisomerization and a high thermal stability. Furthermore, they undergo a large geometrical change upon isomerization and their synthesis is straightforward. Herein, we provide an overview of the basic properties of stiff‐stilbene and of recent applications in supramolecular chemistry, catalysis, and biological systems.
A Memristive Element Based on an Electrically Controlled Single‐Molecule Reaction
Authors: Li Haipeng B. , Tebikachew Behabitu E. , Wiberg Cedrik , Moth‐Poulsen Kasper , Hihath Joshua
Published: March 2020

The exponential proliferation of data during the information age has required the continuous exploration of novel storage paradigms, materials, and devices with increasing data density. As a step toward the ultimate limits in data density, the development of an electrically controllable single‐molecule memristive element is reported. In this device, digital information is encoded through switching between two isomer states by applying a voltage signal to the molecular junction, and the information is read out by monitoring the electrical conductance of each isomer. The two states are cycled using an electrically controllable local‐heating mechanism for the forward reaction and catalyzed by a single charge‐transfer process for the reverse switching. This single‐molecule device can be modulated in situ, is fully reversible, and does not display stochastic switching. The I–V curves of this single‐molecule system also exhibit memristive character. These features suggest a new approach for the development of molecular switching systems and storage‐class memories.
Viscoelastic and electrical properties of RGO reinforced phenol formaldehyde nanocomposites
Authors: Sandhya Pattoorpady Krishnan , Sreekala M. S. , Xian Guijun , Padmanabhan Moothetty , Kalarikkal Nandakumar , Thomas Sabu
Published: March 2020

Graphene oxide was reduced (RGO) by naturally abundant potato starch and incorporated in phenol formaldehyde resin (PF). The PF/RGO nanocomposites were successfully fabricated by the combination of solution processing and compression molding. Here, nanocomposites composed of 0.05 wt% to 1 wt% RGO were prepared. The incorporation of RGO into the PF matrix was significantly affecting the dynamic mechanical characteristics of the nanocomposites such as storage and loss modulus and tan δ. The degree of entanglement (N), effectiveness of filler (βf), reinforcement efficiency factor (r), cross‐link density (vc), and adhesion factor (A) were evaluated from the modulus values. Besides, the phase behavior of the nanocomposites was analyzed with help of Cole–Cole plot. The electrical properties of the nanocomposites have been studied concerning change in filler loading and frequency. The dielectric constant (ε′), dielectric loss (ε″) and conductivity were increased with increase in wt% of filler for the entire range of frequencies (20 Hz to 30 MHz) and the results showed that the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites can be explained by percolation theory. The Maxwell‐Garnet model was employed to calculate the theoretical dielectric constant of PF/RGO nanocomposites.
High‐dimensional Polyoxoniobates Constructed from Lanthanide‐incorporated High‐nuclear {[Ln(H2O)4]3[Nb24O69(H2O)3]2} Secondary Building Units
Authors: Zhang Jing , Lai Rong‐Da , Wu Yan‐Lan , Zhu Zeng‐Kui , Sun Yan‐Qiong , Zeng Qing‐Xin , Li Xin‐Xiong , Zheng Shou‐Tian
Published: March 2020

In this work, two rare high‐dimensional polyoxoniobates with formulas of H9[Cu(en)(H2O)2][Cu(en)2]8[Dy(H2O)4]3[Nb24‐O69(H2O)3]2 ⋅ 36H2O (1) and H9K[Cu(en)2(H2O)]5[Cu(en)2]4‐[Eu(H2O)4]3[Nb24O69(H2O)3]2 ⋅ 2en ⋅ 45H2O (2) have been obtained under hydrothermal conditions. These extended materials are constructed from lanthanide‐incorporated triangular‐prism‐like polyoxoniobate secondary building units (SBUs) {[Ln(H2O)4]3[Nb24O69(H2O)3]2} (Ln=Dy, Eu). 1 and 2 represent the first examples of high‐dimensional polyoxometalate materials based on such lanthanide‐incorporated triangular‐prism‐like polyoxoniobate SBUs. Furthermore, the proton conduction property and the luminescent emission of these materials were evaluated.
Gender Differences in Emotion Dysregulation in an Autism Inpatient Psychiatric Sample
Authors: Wieckowski Andrea Trubanova , Luallin Stephanie , Pan Zhaoxing , Righi Giulia , Gabriels Robin L. , Mazefsky Carla
Published: March 2020

There is a wide range of emotion regulation (ER)‐related impairment observed in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is associated with both internalizing and externalizing problems. Although the importance of ER is widely acknowledged in the ASD literature, little is known about factors associated with variability in ER impairment. Given the identified gender differences in ASD, gender may be a potential contributor to ER. This study examined gender differences in ER in an ASD inpatient psychiatric sample (n = 722; 146 females) aged 4–20 years, collected as part of the Autism Inpatient Collection. In addition, the study investigated whether age, nonverbal intelligence quotient (NVIQ), or verbal ability moderate the association between ER and gender. While both male and female inpatients with ASD presented with clinically elevated emotion dysregulation compared to general population norms, results suggest that female psychiatric inpatients have more severe dysregulation, including higher reactivity and dysphoria, than inpatient males. NVIQ and verbal ability did not moderate the association between gender and ER. Age moderated the association between gender and ER, with greater gender difference seen in older individuals, but only for dysphoria. However, overall, these effects were small. Improved understanding of ER presentation in males and females with ASD is critical, as these symptoms may differentially impact individuals with ASD and may warrant a different treatment emphasis.

Lay Summary

Previous research has identified several gender differences in presentation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms, as well as difficulties with emotion regulation in individuals with ASD. In order to better understand the factors that may contribute to emotion regulation in ASD, this study examined whether psychiatrically hospitalized males and females with ASD differed in emotion regulation and what factors influenced the differences. Results suggest that females with ASD have slightly but significantly more difficulty with emotion regulation compared to males. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1343–1348. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lithium Metal Interface Modification for High‐Energy Batteries: Approaches and Characterization
Authors: Lee Jung‐In , Song Gyujin , Cho Sungjin , Han Dong‐Yeob , Park Soojin
Published: March 2020

Rechargeable batteries have been a profoundly greater part of our lives than we could have ever imagined. The rechargeable Li‐ion batteries (LIBs) that have been developed for transport systems even put fossil fuels in the corner. However, state‐of‐the‐art Li‐ion batteries with graphite anodes are now approaching their theoretical specific energy limits, so they cannot meet the increasing demands of a range of portable electronics and large‐scale energy storage systems. Li metal is one of the most promising anode materials that could break through the energy density bottleneck of Li‐ion batteries due to its ultrahigh specific capacity and very low potential compared to other anode materials. Nonetheless, the direct use of Li metal in commercial battery systems has been hindered due to significant obstacles associated with it such as safety issues, corrosion from chemical reactions that occur inside the battery, or poor cycling performance. The fundamental reason for these problems is the dendritic growth of Li‐ions on the Li metal anode during cycling, as a result of the interfacial phenomena of Li metal and electrolytes. Modification of the Li metal interface with an electrolyte presents an efficient solution to solve these problems. In this review, the current challenges facing the development of Li metal anodes are presented in detail. The most recent advances in Li metal anodes using a controlled interface between the Li metal surface and an electrolyte are highlighted and an introduction on the synthesis and production methods for the application of high‐energy‐density battery systems such as Li‐oxygen (Li−O2), Li‐sulfur (Li−S), and Li metal batteries with high‐energy density cathodes is presented. Furthermore, the recent developments in the in situ/operando analysis tools adopted for the investigation of Li metal anodes such as the structural and chemical changes, dynamic properties, and solid–electrolyte interface (SEI) layer properties are described and summarized. Finally, some suggestions are given in the direction of the development of Li metal with artificial surface layers for use in future high‐energy batteries.
Towards sustainable energy‐crop cultivation: feasibility of biomethane production using a double‐cropping system with various sorghum phenotypes
Authors: Garuti Mirco , Mantovi Paolo , Soldano Mariangela , Immovilli Alessandra , Ruozzi Fabrizio , Fermoso Fernando G. , Rodriguez Antonia J. , Fabbri Claudio
Published: March 2020

To achieve sustainable energy crop production, energy crops should not compete for land against feed and food crops. One option for sustainable energy‐crop cultivation is the use of double cropping systems with minimum tillage use and digestate as natural fertilizer, where, in the same growing season, a second crop for biomethane production is planted after a first crop used for feed/food. Different sorghum phenotypes were evaluated in the present study as first and second crops in a double cropping system. A principal component analysis of the various sorghum phenotypes showed that starch content positively affected methane production. However, sorghum chemical composition did not influence the profitability of bioenergy production as much as the total solid biomass yields of the different sorghum phenotypes. The highest total solid biomass productive sorghum phenotype led to the highest methane hectare yield. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Ethics‐in‐practice in fragile contexts: Research in education for displaced persons, refugees and asylum seekers
Authors: Fox Alison , Baker Sally , Charitonos Koula , Jack Victoria , Moser‐Mercer Barbara
Published: March 2020

The rising numbers of forcibly displaced peoples on the move globally, and the challenges with providing access to education, reflect the shifting and complex times that we live in. Even though there has been a proliferation in educational research in the context of forced migration, in line with the increasing number of forced migrants, there has not been a commensurate focus on unpicking the increasingly complex ethical conditions within which researchers and participants operate. To examine this issue, the article provides three narrated accounts by researchers in this field and explores the interaction of researcher and author‐researcher voice to critically appraise their research experience and identify critical reflections of understanding of ethics‐in‐practice in fragile contexts. These narratives are framed by the CERD (consequential, ecological, relational and deontological) ethical appraisal framework, which explores ethical thinking through four ethical lenses. The article contributes to a deeper understanding of ethics‐in‐practice as a central dimension in educational research. The implications of this work show how a one‐size‐fits‐all approach to ethical appraisal is inappropriate for socially just educational research. This work also illustrates the importance of attending to relationships and voice of the forcibly displaced, both of which are often lacking in educational research in fragile contexts.
Liver transplantation outcomes after transarterial chemotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wallace D , Cowling T E , Walker K , Suddle A , Gimson A , Rowe I , Callaghan C , Sapisochin G , Mehta N , Heaton N , van der Meulen J
Published: March 2020

Background

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) awaiting liver transplantation is widespread, although evidence that it improves outcomes is lacking and there exist concerns about morbidity. The impact of TACE on outcomes after transplantation was evaluated in this study.

Methods

Patients with HCC who had liver transplantation in the UK were identified, and stratified according to whether they received TACE between 2006 and 2016. Cox regression methods were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for death and graft failure after transplantation adjusted for donor and recipient characteristics.

Results

In total, 385 of 968 patients (39·8 per cent) received TACE. Five-year patient survival after transplantation was similar in those who had or had not received TACE: 75·2 (95 per cent c.i. 68·8 to 80·5) and 75·0 (70·5 to 78·8) per cent respectively. After adjustment for donor and recipient characteristics, there were no differences in mortality (HR 0·96, 95 per cent c.i. 0·67 to 1·38; P = 0·821) or graft failure (HR 1·01, 0·73 to 1·40; P = 0·964). The number of TACE treatments (2 or more versus 1: HR 0·97, 0·61 to 1·55; P = 0·903) or the time of death after transplantation (within or after 90 days; P = 0·291) did not alter the outcome. The incidence of hepatic artery thrombosis was low in those who had or had not received TACE (1·3 and 2·4 per cent respectively; P = 0·235).

Conclusion

TACE delivered to patients with HCC before liver transplant did not affect complications, patient death or graft failure after transplantation.
An idea to explore: A collaboration and cross training in an extended classroom‐based undergraduate research experience between primarily undergraduate and research‐intensive institutions
Authors: Pufall Miles A. , Wilson Anne M.
Published: March 2020

Providing students with training in advanced laboratory skills is an essential part of scientific education. At the same time, engaging students in research is becoming equally important. Classroom‐based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) have emerged to fill this need, and can take many forms. In this article we describe reengineering an advanced organic synthesis laboratory at a primarily undergraduate institution into a CURE. This objective of this CURE is to provide small molecules relevant to an ongoing research program at a research‐intensive institution. This new model cross trains students and provides a new structure for a CURE that could be adapted to other partnerships and institutions.
Residues, dissipation and risk evaluation of spiroxamine in open‐field‐grown strawberries using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Malhat Farag M.
Published: March 2020

The dissipation dynamic and residues of spiroxamine in open‐field‐grown strawberries were determined using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Spiroxamine application was performed according to Egyptian good agricultural practices recommendation. A QuEChERS‐based extraction method along with direct analysis with an LC–MS/MS analytical method were optimized and validated, and the specificity of the techniques used was considered satisfactory. Good linearity (R2 > 0.999) was obtained for spiroxamine within the range of 0.001–0.1 μg/ml. The mean recoveries varied between 97.1 and 108.2%, with inter‐ and intra‐day precision (RSD) <4.9%. The limit of quantitation for spiroxamine was 0.001 mg/kg. The results indicated that spiroxamine degradation in strawberry followed first–order kinetics (R2 > 0.9929) with an estimated half‐life value of 4.71 days. Considering the Australian maximum residue limit (0.05 mg/kg) in strawberry and based on the results from residue trials with a preharvest interval of 14 days for strawberry, compliance can be expected. The present results could provide guidance to fully evaluate the risks of spiroxamine residues, preventing any potential health risk to consumers.
Risk assessment savvy: The imperative of appreciating accuracy and outcome
Authors: Hester Rhys
Published: March 2020

This article focuses on two aspects of actuarial risk at sentencing, the accuracy of the instrument and the outcome it predicts. For theoretical reasons rooted in the cognitive decision‐making and sentencing literature, there is a danger that judges and other practitioners might come to overly rely on a “high risk” label or designation without appreciating the accuracy of the prediction or the actual outcome being predicted. Using sentencing and recidivism data from Pennsylvania (n = 10,000), two simple risk instruments are constructed to illustrate the critical importance of understanding accuracy and outcome before relying on the risk tool information.
Knockdown of HIF1A‐AS2 suppresses TRIM44 to protect cardiomyocytes against hypoxia‐induced injury
Authors: Luo Fang , Wu Yitian , Zhu Liying , Zhang Jun , Liu Yixin , Jia Weiguo
Published: March 2020

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a common cardiovascular disease characterized by an interruption of blood and oxygen supply to the heart, which results in gradual damage to the myocardial tissue and ultimately heart failure. The role of long non‐coding RNAs in the pathology of MI remains in its infancy, but has been implicated in MI and other heart conditions. For example, the expression of a non‐coding RNA hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF1A)‐antisense RNA 2 (HIF1A‐AS2) has previously been linked to coronary heart disease, however, whether HIF1A‐AS2 expression is also high in MI has not been addressed. Here, we report that HIF1A‐AS2 is upregulated in hypoxia‐treated human cardiomyocytes (HMCs) compared with normal cardiomyocytes, and that silenced HIF1A‐AS2 inhibited apoptosis and facilitated viability, migration, and invasion of HMCs. Our data suggested that in MI, HIF1A‐AS2 upregulation was associated with miR‐623, which promoted expression of tripartite motif containing 44 (TRIM44). Moreover, by upregulating TRIM44 we were able to remedy the HIF1A‐AS2 repression of apoptosis in HMCs. Thus, we conclude that cardiomyocytes can be protected against hypoxic‐treated injury by knockdown of HIF1A‐AS2, which suppresses TRIM44, and that HIF1A‐AS2 overexpression is a prognostic indicator of MI.
Comparison of revascularization strategies in patients with acute coronary syndrome and multivessel coronary disease: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Khan Mohammad Saud , Khan Abdur Rahman , Khan Abdullah Irfan , Seo Michael , Yasmin Farah , Usman Muhammad Shariq , Moustafa Abdelmoniem , Schmid Christopher H. , Kalra Ankur , Ikram Sohail
Published: March 2020

Background

Whether revascularization should be performed as multivessel intervention at the time of index procedure (MV‐index), staged procedure (MV‐staged), or culprit only intervention (COI) in patients with multivessel disease (MVD) presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is unclear. We performed a systematic review and network meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials to assess the optimal revascularization strategy in this patient population.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central databases were systematically searched to identify all relevant studies. The outcomes assessed were major cardiac adverse events (MACE), all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), and revascularization. A Bayesian random‐effects network meta‐analysis was used to calculate odds ratio (OR) with credible interval (CrI).

Results

Thirteen studies with 8,066 patients were included in the analysis. There was a decreased risk of MACE (MV‐index vs. COI: OR, 0.35; 95% CrI, 0.23–0.55; MV‐staged vs COI: OR, 0.52; 95% CrI, 0.31–0.81) and revascularization (MV‐index vs. COI: OR, 0.27; 95% CrI, 0.15–0.49; MV‐staged vs. COI: OR, 0.38; 95% CrI, 0.19–0.70) with MV‐index intervention and MV‐staged intervention compared with COI. However, MV‐index intervention and not MV‐staged intervention was associated with a decreased risk of MI (MV‐index vs. COI: OR, 0.35; 95% CrI, 0.12–0.93; MV‐staged vs. COI: OR, 0.65; 95% CrI, 0.24–1.59) compared with COI.

Conclusions

Our analysis suggests that multivessel intervention either at index procedure or as staged intervention may be more efficacious compared to COI in patients with MVD presenting with ACS.
Coherent point drift peak alignment algorithms using distance and similarity measures for two‐dimensional gas chromatography mass spectrometry data
Authors: Li Zeyu , Kim Seongho , Zhong Sikai , Zhong Zichun , Kato Ikuko , Zhang Xiang
Published: March 2020

The peak alignment is a vital preprocessing step before downstream analysis, such as biomarker discovery and pathway analysis, for two‐dimensional gas chromatography mass spectrometry (2DGCMS)–based metabolomics data. Due to uncontrollable experimental conditions, for example, the differences in temperature or pressure, matrix effects on samples, and stationary phase degradation, a shift of retention times among samples inevitably occurs during 2DGCMS experiments, making it difficult to align peaks. Various peak alignment algorithms have been developed to correct retention time shifts for homogeneous, heterogeneous, or both types of mass spectrometry data. However, almost all existing algorithms have been focused on a local alignment and are suffering from low accuracy especially when aligning dense biological data with many peaks. We have developed four global peak alignment (GPA) algorithms using coherent point drift (CPD) point matching algorithms: retention time‐based CPD‐GPA (RT), prior CPD‐GPA (P), mixture CPD‐GPA (M), and prior mixture CPD‐GPA (P + M). Method RT performs the peak alignment based only on the retention time distance, while methods P, M, and P + M carry out the peak alignment using both the retention time distance and mass spectral similarity. Method P incorporates the mass spectral similarity through prior information, and Methods M and P + M use the mixture distance measure. Four developed algorithms are applied to homogeneous and heterogeneous spiked‐in data as well as two real biological data and compared with three existing algorithms, mSPA, SWPA, and BiPACE‐2D. The results show that our CPD‐GPA algorithms perform better than all existing algorithms in terms of F1 score.
Extraction of Graphene Nanostructures from Colocasia esculenta and Nelumbo nucifera Leaves and Surface Functionalization with Tin Oxide: Evaluation of Their Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Mohan Anu N. , .B Manoj
Published: March 2020

Expeditious evolution of antimicrobial resistance in recent years has been identified as a growing concern by various health organizations around the world. Herein, facile and environmentally benign production of highly antibacterial carbonaceous nanomaterials from Colocasia esculenta and Nelumbo nucifera leaves is reported. After carbonization and oxidative treatment, smaller graphene domains are formed in Colocasia esculenta derivatives, whereas larger sheetlike structures are observed in the case of Nelumbo nucifera. Smaller particle size makes quantum confinement effects more prominent, as is evident in fine‐tuning of the photoluminescence emission after each stage of treatment. The influence of precursor materials on the antibacterial properties of the nanosystems is also demonstrated. When microbiocidal activity was tested against model bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the nanocomposite derived from Colocasia esculenta leaves showed higher activity than the antibiotic drug clarithromycin (control) with a measured zone of inhibition of 40±0.5 mm. This is one of the highest values reported in comparison with plant‐based carbon–silver nanosystems. Quantitative analysis revealed that the nanocomposite obtained from Colocasia esculenta leaves has antimicrobial efficacy equivalent to those of commercial antibiotic drugs and is able to eradicate bacteria at much lower concentrations than that obtained from Nelumbo nucifera leaves.
Solvent Dependence of the Monomer–Dimer Equilibrium of Ketone‐Substituted Triscatecholate Titanium(IV) Complexes
Authors: Kwamen A. Carel N. , Jenniches Judith , Oppel Iris M. , Albrecht Markus
Published: March 2020

Hierarchical helicates based on ketone‐substituted titanium(IV)triscatecholates show different monomer‐dimer behavior depending on different solvents. The dimerization constants of a whole series of differently alkyl‐substituted complexes is analyzed to show that the solvent has a very strong influence on the dimerization. Hereby, effects like solvophobicity/philicity, sterics, electronics of the substituents and weak side‐chain—side‐chain interactions seem to act in concert.
Hollow Structured Metal Sulfides for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Tomboc Gracita M. , Gadisa Bekelcha Tesfaye , Joo Jinwhan , Kim Hern , Lee Kwangyeol
Published: March 2020

Metal sulfides (MSs) are a promising class of materials for photocatalytic hydrogen generation due to their distinct features of photosensitivity, electrical conductance, and photoelectrochemical stability. However, the photocatalytic activity of solid structured MSs is often compromised due to low incident photon absorption, high charge carrier recombination, inadequate catalytic active sites, and slow mass and charge diffusion. The development of hollow structured MSs alleviates these limitations and achieves higher H2 generation than solid structured counterparts. This minireview aims to review the recent advances in the development of synthetic methods for various hollow structured MSs that are designed to enhance light absorption and fasten mass diffusion. Particularly, this report highlights the advent of sophisticated heterostructured hollow MSs for the application in photocatalysis, in which the formation of heterojunction at the semiconductor interface ensures spatial separation of charge carriers. The synergy between the hollow structure and heterostructure dramatically increases the H2 generation rate by providing increased light absorption, delayed charge recombination, and accelerated mass diffusion. We also point to potentially fruitful research directions in this field, in hope that this minireview serves as a stepping stone for the future development in hollow MSs for photocatalytic applications and beyond.
Complementing Nanoscale Galvanic Exchange with Redox Manipulation toward Architectural Control of Multimetallic Hollow Nanostructures
Authors: Li Guangfang Grace , Wang Zixin , Wang Hui
Published: March 2020

Galvanic exchange occurring within the confinement by nanoparticulate templates provides a unique pathway to controllably transform solid metallic nanoparticles into architecturally more sophisticated multimetallic hollow nanostructures under facile reaction conditions. In this Minireview, we elaborately discuss how the nanoparticle‐templated galvanic exchange can be deliberately coupled with redox manipulation to synthesize a large library of complex multimetallic hollow nanostructures exhibiting precisely tailored architectures and compositions, with a particular emphasis on important mechanistic insights concerning the dynamic interplay among multiple structure‐remodeling processes that synergistically dictate the versatile nanoparticle transforming behaviors during kinetically and regioselectively modulated galvanic exchange reactions.
Indole‐Based Aza[n]helicenes (n=5, 6) with Violet‐Blue Fluorescence and Two‐Photon Absorption (TPA)
Authors: Hu Zhenhao , Li Li , Liu Zhi , Liu Zhiqiang , Zhang Dingchao , Li Kunlun
Published: March 2020

A series of indole‐based helicenes, namely, 15‐hexyl‐15H‐tetraphenyl[1,2‐e]indole (HTPI), 14‐hexyl‐14H‐benzo[4’,5’]thieno [2’,3’:7,8]naphtha[1,2‐e]indole (HBTNI), 7‐hexyl‐7H‐indolo[5,4‐k] phenanthridine (HIPD) and 3‐hexyl‐3H‐phenanthro[4,3‐e]indole (HPI) were successfully synthesized by three‐ or four‐step reactions. They exhibited good solubility and high thermal stability of Td=247, 388, 294 and 251 °C, respectively. These compounds emit violet‐blue light with maximum emission peaks at 415, 397, 397 and 391 nm in hexane. Among them, HBTNI had excellent thermal stability, narrow and sharp emission peaks, and highest photoluminescence quantum yield (0.32). Thus, HBTNI was an ideal candidate for the violet‐blue emitters of OLEDs. Furthermore, the four compounds had two‐photon absorption and two‐photon excited fluorescence. HTPI showed the maximum TPA with the TPA cross‐section (δ) of 171.5 GM at 770 nm. They were rare examples of helicenes with both violet‐blue emission and TPA.
Progressive Folding and Adaptive Multivalent Recognition of Alkyl Amines and Amino Acids in p‐Sulfonatocalix[4]arene Hosts: Solid‐State and Solution Studies
Authors: Dai Liya , Feng Wei‐Xu , Zheng Shao‐Ping , Jiang Ji‐Jun , Wang Dawei , van der Lee Arie , Dumitrescu Dan , Barboiu Mihail
Published: March 2020

Calix[4]arenes have the ability to encapsulate biomimetic guests, offering interesting opportunities to explore their molecular recognition, very close to biological scenarios. In this study, p‐sulfonatocalix[4]arene (C4 A) anions and hydrated alkali cations have been used for the in situ recognition of cationic 1,ω‐diammonium‐alkanes and 1,ω‐amino‐acids of variable lengths. NMR spectroscopy illustrates that these systems are stable in aqueous solution and the interaction process involves several binding states or stabilized conformations within the C4 A anion, depending of the nature of the guest. DOSY experiments showed that monomeric 1 : 1 host–guest species are present, while the cation does not influence their self‐assembly in solution. The folded conformations observed in the solid‐state X‐ray single‐crystal structures shed light on the constitutional adaptivity of flexible chains to environmental factors. Futhermore, a comprehensive screening of 30 single crystal structures helped to understand the in situ conformational fixation and accurate determination of the folded structures of the confined guest molecules, with a compression up to 40 % compared with their linear conformations.
Self‐compassion and emotion regulation difficulties in obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Eichholz Angelika , Schwartz Caroline , Meule Adrian , Heese Julia , Neumüller Jakob , Voderholzer Ulrich
Published: March 2020

Lack of self‐compassion and deficits in emotion regulation are associated with various psychopathological symptoms and may play a role in the development and maintenance of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). However, further empirical research is still needed to better understand these constructs in the context of this disorder. The present study investigated the relation between self‐compassion, emotion regulation difficulties, obsessive beliefs, and obsessive–compulsive symptom severity in 90 patients with OCD using self‐report questionnaires. Symptom severity and obsessive beliefs were negatively correlated to self‐compassion and positively associated with emotion regulation difficulties. Additionally, self‐compassion showed a negative relation to emotion regulation difficulties. Emotion regulation difficulties—but not self‐compassion—predicted symptom severity when controlling for obsessive beliefs and depression in a hierarchical regression analysis. Further analyses showed that emotion regulation deficits mediated the relationship between self‐compassion and OCD symptom severity. Our results provide preliminary evidence that targeting self‐compassion and putting more emphasis on emotion regulation deficits might be promising treatment approaches for patients with OCD. Future studies could investigate which specific interventions that directly address these variables improve treatment outcome.
Exploring the association of social comparison with depression and anxiety: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: McCarthy Peter A. , Morina Nexhmedin
Published: March 2020

Research has highlighted the role of social comparison processes in varying affect and psychological wellbeing. These processes can provide greater insight into cognitions and behaviours related to depression and anxiety disorders. This review aimed to examine the relationship of social comparison with depression and anxiety in clinically relevant samples, using a process‐based approach.

Studies of clinical and subclinical populations that utilized observational or experimental social comparison assessment were considered for review. A systematic literature search in Medline and PsycInfo databases produced 54 relevant studies (49 studies on adults and five on child and adolescent populations), 14 of which were suitable for a meta‐analysis.

A meta‐analysis of the association of social comparison evaluation with depression and anxiety in clinical populations revealed weighted correlations of −0.53 and − 0.39, respectively. No subclinical studies were included in a meta‐analysis due to a lack of comparable outcomes. Evidence suggests differences between depression and anxiety disorders in information seeking, where frequency and diversity of social comparisons vary; however, studies comparing disorders are lacking. Heterogeneity of experimental studies precluded inclusion in a meta‐analysis. A narrative review of experimental data indicated depression and anxiety status is related to reactions to upward comparisons in the domains of affect and behaviour, where individual differences in evaluation can determine affective reactions and how comparison information is further sought.

This review suggests social comparison has a significant association with depression and anxiety. However, the limited number of studies with clinical populations necessitates further research on social comparison processes in clinical samples.
The influence of storage temperature on fracture behavior of cryopreserved teeth—An in vitro study
Authors: Angermair Johannes , Nolte Dirk , Linsenmann Robert , Kunzelmann Karl‐Heinz
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Cryopreservation is discussed as a viable method of preserving teeth for determined autogenous tooth transplantation. Unchanged physical properties of hard tooth tissues are crucial for functional healing. Due to different thermal expansion coefficients of enamel and dentin or the crystallization process, the freezing process may lead to crack formation, which could adversely impact the long‐term prognosis of the teeth.

Material and methods

Twenty third molars (n = 20) were frozen slowly using a conservative cryopreservation protocol and stored at −80°C (group 1) and −196°C (group 2). After a storage time of 2 weeks, the samples were thawed to a temperature of +36°C and embedded in polymethyl methacrylate blocks. Cyclic loading was carried out using a spherical steel test specimen with 50,000 mechanical load cycles, followed by load to failure testing for determination of critical load.

Results

No significant difference in the first load drop could be detected during the load to failure test under different storage conditions. The values until fracture correlated very closely in contralateral tooth pairs, which emphasizes the importance of crown geometry in load to failure tests.

Conclusions

Conclusions: Cryopreservation, specifically the storage temperature, does not appear to have a significant effect on the physical properties of tooth transplants.
The project REBOOT protocol: Evaluating a personalized inhibitory control training as an adjunct to cognitive behavioral therapy for bulimia nervosa and binge‐eating disorder
Authors: Manasse Stephanie M. , Lampe Elizabeth W. , Gillikin Lindsay , Payne‐Reichert Adam , Zhang Fengqing , Juarascio Adrienne S. , Forman Evan M.
Published: March 2020

Outcomes from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge‐eating disorder (BED) are suboptimal. One potential explanation is that CBT fails to adequately target inhibitory control (i.e., the ability to withhold an automatic response), which is a key maintenance factor for binge eating. Computerized inhibitory control training (ICT) is a promising method for improving inhibitory control but is relatively untested in BN/BED. The present study will evaluate a computer‐based ICT as an adjunct to CBT for BN/BED. Participants with BN (n = 30) or BED (n = 30) will be randomized to 12 weeks of either CBT + ICT or CBT + a sham training. Trainings will be completed daily for 4 weeks and weekly for 8 weeks. Primary aims include the following: (a) confirm target engagement (evaluate whether ICT improves inhibitory control), (b) test target validation (evaluate whether improvements in inhibitory control are associated with improvements in binge eating), and (c) evaluate the incremental efficacy of ICT on binge eating. Secondary aims include the following: (a) evaluate ICT feasibility and acceptability and (b) assess the moderating effects of approach tendencies on highly palatable food, dietary restraint, and diagnosis. Data will be used to shape a fully powered clinical trial designed to assess efficacy and dose–response effects of ICT for BN/BED.
Population‐specific effect of Wolbachia on the cost of fungal infection in spider mites
Authors: Zélé Flore , Altıntaş Mustafa , Santos Inês , Cakmak Ibrahim , Magalhães Sara
Published: March 2020

Many studies have revealed the ability of the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia to protect its arthropod hosts against diverse pathogens. However, as Wolbachia may also increase the susceptibility of its host to infection, predicting the outcome of a particular Wolbachia‐host–pathogen interaction remains elusive. Yet, understanding such interactions and their eco‐evolutionary consequences is crucial for disease and pest control strategies. Moreover, how natural Wolbachia infections affect artificially introduced pathogens for biocontrol has never been studied. Tetranychus urticae spider mites are herbivorous crop pests, causing severe damage on numerous economically important crops. Due to the rapid evolution of pesticide resistance, biological control strategies using entomopathogenic fungi are being developed. However, although spider mites are infected with various Wolbachia strains worldwide, whether this endosymbiont protects them from fungi is as yet unknown. Here, we compared the survival of two populations, treated with antibiotics or naturally harboring different Wolbachia strains, after exposure to the fungal biocontrol agents Metarhizium brunneum and Beauveria bassiana. To control for potential effects of the bacterial community of spider mites, we also compared the susceptibility of two populations naturally uninfected by Wolbachia, treated with antibiotics or not. In one population, Wolbachia‐infected mites had a better survival than uninfected ones in absence of fungi but not in their presence, whereas in the other population Wolbachia increased the mortality induced by B. bassiana. In one naturally Wolbachia‐uninfected population, the antibiotic treatment increased the susceptibility of spider mites to M. brunneum, but it had no effect in the other treatments. These results suggest that natural Wolbachia infections may not hamper and may even improve the success of biological control using entomopathogenic fungi. However, they also draw caution on the generalization of such effects, given the complexity of within‐host–pathogens interaction and the potential eco‐evolutionary consequences of the use of biocontrol agents for Wolbachia‐host associations.
Variation in the ontogenetic allometry of horn length in bovids along a body mass continuum
Authors: Tidière Morgane , Gaillard Jean‐Michel , Garel Mathieu , Lemaître Jean‐François , Toïgo Carole , Pélabon Christophe
Published: March 2020

Allometric relationships describe the proportional covariation between morphological, physiological, or life‐history traits and the size of the organisms. Evolutionary allometries estimated among species are expected to result from species differences in ontogenetic allometry, but it remains uncertain whether ontogenetic allometric parameters and particularly the ontogenetic slope can evolve. In bovids, the nonlinear evolutionary allometry between horn length and body mass in males suggests systematic changes in ontogenetic allometry with increasing species body mass. To test this hypothesis, we estimated ontogenetic allometry between horn length and body mass in males and females of 19 bovid species ranging from ca. 5 to 700 kg. Ontogenetic allometry changed systematically with species body mass from steep ontogenetic allometries over a short period of horn growth in small species to shallow allometry with the growth period of horns matching the period of body mass increase in the largest species. Intermediate species displayed steep allometry over long period of horn growth. Females tended to display shallower ontogenetic allometry with longer horn growth compared to males, but these differences were weak and highly variable. These findings show that ontogenetic allometric slope evolved across species possibly as a response to size‐related changes in the selection pressures acting on horn length and body mass.