bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tunable Fe3O4 Nanorods for Enhanced Magnetic Hyperthermia Performance
Authors: Yang Yongxiu , Huang Mengwei , Qian Jinmei , Gao Daqiang , Liang Xiaolei
Published: May 2020

Magnetic hyperthermia is one of the most promising techniques for treating gynecological cancer, where magnetite (Fe3O4) is the most common nanomaterial used as a magnetic hyperthermia agent. Here, we demonstrate that optimal Fe3O4 nanorods (NRs) can act as a magnetic hyperthermia agent with higher specific absorption rate (SAR), which is mostly attributed to their enhanced surface anisotropy. As a result, Fe3O4 NRs could effectively hinder the growth of gynecological cancer cells in nude mice models, again demonstrating its good magnetic heating properties. These results provide a powerful basis for the development of an ideal magnetic hyperthermia agent with enhanced SAR, thereby effectively treating gynecological cancer in clinical practice.
Multi-omic signatures identify pan-cancer classes of tumors beyond tissue of origin
Authors: González-Reymúndez Agustín , Vázquez Ana I.
Published: May 2020

Despite recent advances in treatment, cancer continues to be one of the most lethal human maladies. One of the challenges of cancer treatment is the diversity among similar tumors that exhibit different clinical outcomes. Most of this variability comes from wide-spread molecular alterations that can be summarized by omic integration. Here, we have identified eight novel tumor groups (C1-8) via omic integration, characterized by unique cancer signatures and clinical characteristics. C3 had the best clinical outcomes, while C2 and C5 had poorest. C1, C7, and C8 were upregulated for cellular and mitochondrial translation, and relatively low proliferation. C6 and C4 were also downregulated for cellular and mitochondrial translation, and had high proliferation rates. C4 was represented by copy losses on chromosome 6, and had the highest number of metastatic samples. C8 was characterized by copy losses on chromosome 11, having also the lowest lymphocytic infiltration rate. C6 had the lowest natural killer infiltration rate and was represented by copy gains of genes in chromosome 11. C7 was represented by copy gains on chromosome 6, and had the highest upregulation in mitochondrial translation. We believe that, since molecularly alike tumors could respond similarly to treatment, our results could inform therapeutic action.
The time course of the onset and recovery of axial length changes in response to imposed defocus
Authors: Delshad Samaneh , Collins Michael J. , Read Scott A. , Vincent Stephen J.
Published: May 2020

The human eye is capable of responding to the presence of blur by changing its axial length, so that the retina moves towards the defocused image plane. We measured how quickly the eye length changed in response to both myopic and hyperopic defocus and how quickly the eye length changed when the defocus was removed. Axial length was measured at baseline and every 10 minutes during 1 hour of exposure to monocular defocus (right eye) with the left eye optimally corrected for two defocus conditions (+3 D and −3 D) and a control condition. Recovery was measured for 20 minutes after blur removal. A rapid increase in axial length was observed after exposure (~2 minutes) to hyperopic defocus (+7 ± 5 μm, p < 0.001) while the reduction in axial length with myopic defocus was slower and only statistically significant after 40 minutes (−8 ± 9 μm, p = 0.017). The eye length also recovered toward baseline levels during clear vision more rapidly following hyperopic than myopic defocus (p < 0.0001). These findings provide evidence that the human eye is able to detect and respond to the presence and sign of blur within minutes.
Investigating face and house discrimination at foveal to parafoveal locations reveals category-specific characteristics
Authors: Kreichman Olga , Bonneh Yoram S. , Gilaie-Dotan Sharon
Published: May 2020

Since perceptual and neural face sensitivity is associated with a foveal bias, and neural place sensitivity is associated with a peripheral bias (integration over space), we hypothesized that face perception ability will decline more with eccentricity than place perception ability. We also wanted to examine whether face perception ability would show a left visual field (LeVF) bias due to earlier reports suggesting right hemisphere dominance for faces, or would show an upper or lower visual field bias. Participants performed foveal and parafoveal face and house discrimination tasks for upright or inverted stimuli (≤4°) while their eye movements were monitored. Low-level visual tasks were also measured. The eccentricity-related accuracy reductions were evident for all categories. Through detailed analyses we found (i) a robust face inversion effect across the parafovea, while for houses an opposite effect was found, (ii) higher eccentricity-related sensitivity for face performance than for house performance (via inverted vs. upright within-category eccentricity-driven reductions), (iii) within-category but not across-category performance associations across eccentricities, and (iv) no hemifield biases. Our central to parafoveal investigations suggest that high-level vision processing may be reflected in behavioural performance.
Deposition Rate Effect on Optical and Electrical Properties of Thermally Evaporated WO3−x/Ag/WO3−x Multilayer Electrode for Transparent and Flexible Thin Film Heaters
Authors: Lim Sang-Hwi , Kim Han-Ki
Published: May 2020

We investigated the deposition rate effect on the optical, electrical, and morphological characteristics of thermally evaporated WO3−x/Ag/WO3−x (WAW) multilayer electrodes. By controlling the deposition rate of the WO3−x and Ag layers, we can control the interface structure between WO3−x and Ag and improve both the optical and electrical properties of the thermally evaporated WAW multilayer electrodes. At the optimized deposition rate of WO3−x (2.5 Å/sec) and Ag (10 Å/sec), the symmetric WAW multilayer exhibited a high optical transmittance of 92.16% at a 550 nm wavelength and low sheet resistance of 3.78 Ω/square. During repeated bending, rolling, and twisting, there was no resistance change indicating the superior flexibility of WAW multilayer electrodes. As a promising application of the WAW multilayer electrodes, we suggested the transparent and flexible thin film heaters (TFHs) to substitute the high cost indium tin oxide-based TFHs. In comparison to the ITO-based TFHs, the WAW based TFHs showed higher convective heat transfer property and higher saturation temperatures are achieved at lower input voltages due to lower sheet resistance. This indicates that the WAW multilayer is suitable as the electrode for high performance transparent and flexible TFHs.
Electrospun cellulose acetate/gelatin nanofibrous wound dressing containing berberine for diabetic foot ulcer healing: in vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Samadian Hadi , Zamiri Sina , Ehterami Arian , Farzamfar Saeed , Vaez Ahmad , Khastar Hossein , Alam Mostafa , Ai Armin , Derakhshankhah Hossein , Allahyari Zahra , Goodarzi Arash , Salehi Majid
Published: May 2020

Functional wound dressing with tailored physicochemical and biological properties is vital for diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) treatment. Our main objective in the current study was to fabricate Cellulose Acetate/Gelatin (CA/Gel) electrospun mat loaded with berberine (Beri) as the DFU-specific wound dressing. The wound healing efficacy of the fabricated dressings was evaluated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The results demonstrated an average nanofiber diameter of 502 ± 150 nm, and the tensile strength, contact angle, porosity, water vapor permeability and water uptake ratio of CA/Gel nanofibers were around 2.83 ± 0.08 MPa, 58.07 ± 2.35°, 78.17 ± 1.04%, 11.23 ± 1.05 mg/cm2/hr, and 12.78 ± 0.32%, respectively, while these values for CA/Gel/Beri nanofibers were 2.69 ± 0.05 MPa, 56.93 ± 1°, 76.17 ± 0.76%, 10.17 ± 0.21 mg/cm2/hr, and 14.37 ± 0.42%, respectively. The antibacterial evaluations demonstrated that the dressings exhibited potent antibacterial activity. The collagen density of 88.8 ± 6.7% and the angiogenesis score of 19.8 ± 3.8 obtained in the animal studies indicate a proper wound healing. These findings implied that the incorporation of berberine did not compromise the physical properties of dressing, while improving the biological activities. In conclusion, our results indicated that the prepared mat is a proper wound dressing for DFU management and treatment.
Clinical implications of posterior semicircular canal function in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Byun Hayoung , Chung Jae Ho , Lee Seung Hwan
Published: May 2020

Predicting hearing outcomes in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is still challenging. We hypothesized that assessment of the semicircular canal (SCC) function via the video head impulse test (vHIT) might provide prognostic information. The medical records of patients diagnosed with ISSNHL from January 2015 to December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The prognostic values of the vHIT and other previously known factors in predicting hearing recovery were analyzed using a logistic regression model. A total of 148 patients with normal contra-lesional hearing were analyzed. Fifty-seven patients exhibited low gain (<0.7) on the vHIT in at least one SCC, more than the number of patients complaining of dizziness. Multivariable analysis revealed that non-recovery of normal hearing was associated with older age (OR 1.040), worse canal paresis on the caloric test (OR 1.023), worse initial hearing thresholds (OR 1.045) and abnormal vHIT result in the posterior SCC (OR 3.670). Low vHIT gain in the posterior SCC had specificity of 94.4% and positive predictive value of 85.7% in predicting non-recovery of normal hearing. In conclusion, abnormal vHIT gain in the posterior SCC appears to be a specific prognostic factor for incomplete hearing recovery in ISSNHL.
Applying Machine Learning to Kinematic and Eye Movement Features of a Movement Imitation Task to Predict Autism Diagnosis
Authors: Vabalas Andrius , Gowen Emma , Poliakoff Ellen , Casson Alexander J.
Published: May 2020

Autism is a developmental condition currently identified by experts using observation, interview, and questionnaire techniques and primarily assessing social and communication deficits. Motor function and movement imitation are also altered in autism and can be measured more objectively. In this study, motion and eye tracking data from a movement imitation task were combined with supervised machine learning methods to classify 22 autistic and 22 non-autistic adults. The focus was on a reliable machine learning application. We have used nested validation to develop models and further tested the models with an independent data sample. Feature selection was aimed at selection stability to assure result interpretability. Our models predicted diagnosis with 73% accuracy from kinematic features, 70% accuracy from eye movement features and 78% accuracy from combined features. We further explored features which were most important for predictions to better understand movement imitation differences in autism. Consistent with the behavioural results, most discriminative features were from the experimental condition in which non-autistic individuals tended to successfully imitate unusual movement kinematics while autistic individuals tended to fail. Machine learning results show promise that future work could aid in the diagnosis process by providing quantitative tests to supplement current qualitative ones.
Real-time detection of colon polyps during colonoscopy using deep learning: systematic validation with four independent datasets
Authors: Lee Ji Young , Jeong Jinhoon , Song Eun Mi , Ha Chunae , Lee Hyo Jeong , Koo Ja Eun , Yang Dong-Hoon , Kim Namkug , Byeon Jeong-Sik
Published: May 2020

We developed and validated a deep-learning algorithm for polyp detection. We used a YOLOv2 to develop the algorithm for automatic polyp detection on 8,075 images (503 polyps). We validated the algorithm using three datasets: A: 1,338 images with 1,349 polyps; B: an open, public CVC-clinic database with 612 polyp images; and C: 7 colonoscopy videos with 26 polyps. To reduce the number of false positives in the video analysis, median filtering was applied. We tested the algorithm performance using 15 unaltered colonoscopy videos (dataset D). For datasets A and B, the per-image polyp detection sensitivity was 96.7% and 90.2%, respectively. For video study (dataset C), the per-image polyp detection sensitivity was 87.7%. False positive rates were 12.5% without a median filter and 6.3% with a median filter with a window size of 13. For dataset D, the sensitivity and false positive rate were 89.3% and 8.3%, respectively. The algorithm detected all 38 polyps that the endoscopists detected and 7 additional polyps. The operation speed was 67.16 frames per second. The automatic polyp detection algorithm exhibited good performance, as evidenced by the high detection sensitivity and rapid processing. Our algorithm may help endoscopists improve polyp detection.
Reconstruction of sternal defects after sternotomy with postoperative osteomyelitis, using a unilateral pectoralis major advancement muscle flap
Authors: Wyckman Alexander , Abdelrahman Islam , Steinvall Ingrid , Zdolsek Johann , Granfeldt Hans , Sjöberg Folke , Nettelblad Hans , Elmasry Moustafa
Published: May 2020

Background: The pectoralis major flap, which is usually harvested bilaterally, is considered a workhorse flap in the reconstruction of sternal defects. After a median sternotomy for open heart surgery, 1%-3% of patients develop deep infection and dehiscence of the sternal wound, some of which will eventually require reconstructive surgery. Our aim was to describe the clinical feasibility and associated complications of the unilateral pectoralis major advancement flap in the reconstruction of sternal defects. Methods: A retrospective analysis of all adult patients who were operated on using a unilateral pectoralis major flap for reconstruction of the chest wall at the Linköping University Hospital during 2008–18 was made using data retrieved from medical records. Results: Forty-three patients had reconstructions with unilateral pectoralis major flaps. Three flaps failed completely, and another 10 patients developed complications that required further operation. The factors that were independently associated with loss of the flaps and complications were: older age, male sex, the number of different antibiotics used, and a long duration of treatment with negative wound pressure. Fewer wound revisions before the reconstruction resulted in more complications. The factors that were independently associated with prolonged time to complete healing were emergency reoperation after the initial operation and complications after reconstruction. Conclusion: The unilateral pectoralis major advancement flap has proved to be a useful technique in the reconstruction of most sternal defects after sternal wound infection in older patients. There is, however, need for a follow-up study on a larger number of procedures to evaluate the long-term outcome compared with other methods of sternal reconstruction.
Microscopy analysis of Zika virus morphogenesis in mammalian cells
Authors: Caldas Lucio Ayres , Azevedo Renata Campos , da Silva Jerson Lima , de Souza Wanderley
Published: May 2020

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arbovirus that recently emerged in the Americas as an important pathogen mainly because of its expanded pathogenesis, and elevated tropism for neuronal cells, transposition across the placental barrier, and replication in reproductive tract cells. Thus, transmission modes are eventually independent of an invertebrate vector, which is an atypical behavior for the flavivirus genus and indicates the need to study the replication of this virus in different cell types. Although ZIKV became a target for public health programs, the interaction of this flavivirus with the infected cell is still poorly understood. Herein, we analyzed the main stages of virus morphogenesis in mammalian cells, from establishment of the viroplasm-like zone to viral release from infected cells, using super-resolution fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy. In addition, we compared this with other host cell types and other members of the Flaviviridae family that present a similar dynamic.
Role of metformin in epigenetic regulation of placental mitochondrial biogenesis in maternal diabetes
Authors: Jiang Shaoning , Teague April M. , Tryggestad Jeanie B. , Jensen Mary E. , Chernausek Steven D.
Published: May 2020

Adverse maternal environments, such as diabetes and obesity, impair placental mitochondrial function, which affects fetal development and offspring long-term health. The underlying mechanisms and effective interventions to abrogate such effect remain unclear. Our previous studies demonstrated impaired mitochondrial biogenesis in male human placenta of diabetic mothers. In the present studies, epigenetic marks possibly related to mitochondrial biogenesis in placentae of women with diabetes (n = 23) and controls (n = 23) were analyzed. Effects of metformin were examined in human placental explants from a subgroup of diabetic women and in a mouse model of maternal high fat diet feeding. We found that maternal diabetes was associated with epigenetic regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis in human placenta in a fetal sex-dependent manner, including decreased histone acetylation (H3K27 acetylation) and increased promoter methylation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α). In male placenta, the levels of H3K27 acetylation and PGC-1α promoter methylation correlated significantly with the activity of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Metformin treatment on male diabetic placental explant activated AMPK and stimulated PGC-1α expression, concomitant with increased H3K27 acetylation and decreased PGC-1α promoter methylation. In vivo, we show that maternal metformin treatment along with maternal high fat diet significantly increased mouse placental abundance of PGC-1α expression and downstream mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and inhibited maternal high fat diet-impaired placental efficiency and glucose tolerance in offspring. Together, these findings suggest the capability of metformin to stimulate placental mitochondrial biogenesis and inhibit the aberrant epigenetic alterations occurring in maternal diabetes during pregnancy, conferring protective effects on offspring.
In silico identification of MAPK14-related lncRNAs and assessment of their expression in breast cancer samples
Authors: Dashti Sepideh , Taherian-Esfahani Zahra , Kholghi-Oskooei Vahid , Noroozi Rezvan , Arsang-Jang Sharam , Ghafouri-Fard Soudeh , Taheri Mohammad
Published: May 2020

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) pathways participate in regulation of several cellular processes involved in breast carcinogenesis. A number of non-coding RNAs including both microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate or being regulated by MAPKs. We performed anin-silicomethod for identification of MAPKs with high number of interactions with miRNAs and lncRNAs. Bioinformatics approaches revealed that MAPK14 ranked first among MAPKs. Subsequently, we identified miRNAs and lncRNAs that were predicted to be associated with MAPK14. Finally, we selected four lncRNAs with higher predicted scores (NORAD,HCG11,ZNRD1ASPandTTN-AS1) and assessed their expression in 80 breast cancer tissues and their adjacent non-cancerous tissues (ANCTs). Expressions ofHCG11andZNRD1ASPwere lower in tumoral tissues compared with ANCTs (P values < 0.0001). However, expression levels ofMAPK14andNORADwere not significantly different between breast cancer tissues and ANCTs. A significant association was detected between expression ofHCG11and estrogen receptor (ER) status in a way that tumors with up-regulation of this lncRNA were mostly ER negative (P value = 0.04). Expressions ofZNRD1ASPandHCG11were associated with menopause age and breast feeding duration respectively (P values = 0.02 and 0.04 respectively). There was a trend towards association betweenZNRD1ASPexpression and patients’ age of cancer diagnosis. Finally, we detected a trend toward association between expression ofNORADand history of hormone replacement therapy (P value = 0.06). Expression ofMAPK14was significantly higher in grade 1 tumors compared with grade 2 tumors (P value = 0.02). Consequently, the current study provides evidences for association between lncRNA expressions and reproductive factors or tumor features.
Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) can be grown safety on human consumption in slight Hg-contaminated soils across China mainland
Authors: Yang Bo , Gao Yi , Zhang Chunxue , Han Jiarui , Liu Yige , Zheng Xiangqun
Published: May 2020

Mercury (Hg) exposure poses serious health risks to humans, resulting in extensive investigations examining Hg accumulation, biotransformation and uptake in crops. In this investigation, Hg accumulation in potato tubers due to bioaccumulation processes was determined and bioconcentration factors affecting bioaccumulation were identified using a greenhouse experiment. Our results showed that the percentage of available Hg concentrations from total Hg in soil samples were less than 1.2%, indicating that soils used in our experiment exhibited a high binding strength for Hg, with alkaline soil recording the lowest available Hg/total Hg ratio. Results indicated that soil type and Hg treatment, as well as their interactions, significantly affected Hg accumulation in potato tubers (P < 0.01). Importantly, our results also indicated that potatoes grown in soil with a Hg concentration two times higher than the Chinese Environmental Quality Standard exhibited no obvious toxic effects on humans; Bioconcentration factors (BCF) values (<0.04) suggested that potatoes can be considered as a low Hg accumulating species and suitable for human consumption. Potato yields in acidic soil were lower than those in neutral or alkaline soils, making this medium unsuitable for growth.
Priming for welfare: gut microbiota is associated with equitation conditions and behavior in horse athletes
Authors: Mach Núria , Ruet Alice , Clark Allison , Bars-Cortina David , Ramayo-Caldas Yuliaxis , Crisci Elisa , Pennarun Samuel , Dhorne-Pollet Sophie , Foury Aline , Moisan Marie-Pierre , Lansade Léa
Published: May 2020

We simultaneously measured the fecal microbiota and multiple environmental and host-related variables in a cohort of 185 healthy horses reared in similar conditions during a period of eight months. The pattern of rare bacteria varied from host to host and was largely different between two time points. Among a suite of variables examined, equitation factors were highly associated with the gut microbiota variability, evoking a relationship between gut microbiota and high levels of physical and mental stressors. Behavioral indicators that pointed toward a compromised welfare state (e.g. stereotypies, hypervigilance and aggressiveness) were also associated with the gut microbiota, reinforcing the notion for the existence of the microbiota-gut-brain axis. These observations were consistent with the microbiability of behaviour traits (> 15%), illustrating the importance of gut microbial composition to animal behaviour. As more elite athletes suffer from stress, targeting the microbiota offers a new opportunity to investigate the bidirectional interactions within the brain gut microbiota axis.
Survival Outcomes According to Body Mass Index in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patient: Analysis of Nationwide Cancer Registry Database
Authors: Cha Boram , Yu Jung Hwan , Jin Young-Joo , Suh Young Ju , Lee Jin-Woo
Published: May 2020

Background and Aims: Body mass index (BMI) is known to be closely related to the prognosis and mortality of various diseases. The aim of our study was to evaluate differences in post-treatment overall survival (OS) according to BMI with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to understand the meaning of BMI. Among the records of 10,578 HCC patients registered at the Korean Central Cancer Registry from 2008 through 2014, we selected Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) 0, A, and B staged HCC patients (n = 4,926). HCC patients showed a good prognosis in the order of overweight, normal weight, obesity, and underweight. However, comparing normal-weight (BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m2) to overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2) after propensity score matching (PSM), there was no significant difference in OS (p = 0.153). Overweight males had a better prognosis than normal-weight males (p = 0.014), but, normal-weight females had a better prognosis than overweight. To determine the gender-specific OS differences, we examined the differences according to the HCC treatment type. In males, overweight patients had better OS after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) (p = 0.039) than normal-weight, but not after surgical resection (p = 0.618) nor radiofrequency ablation (p = 0.553). However, in females, all of those HCC treatments resulted in significantly better OS in normal-weight patients than overweight. In patients with HCC of BCLC stages 0–B, unlike females, overweight males had a better prognosis than normal-weight, especially among TACE-treated patients. Our results carefully suggest that the meaning of normal BMI in patients with HCC may have gender difference.
Anion-exchange chromatography mass spectrometry provides extensive coverage of primary metabolic pathways revealing altered metabolism in IDH1 mutant cells
Authors: Walsby-Tickle John , Gannon Joan , Hvinden Ingvild , Bardella Chiara , Abboud Martine I. , Nazeer Areesha , Hauton David , Pires Elisabete , Cadoux-Hudson Tom , Schofield Christopher J. , McCullagh James S. O.
Published: May 2020

Altered central carbon metabolism is a hallmark of many diseases including diabetes, obesity, heart disease and cancer. Identifying metabolic changes will open opportunities for better understanding aetiological processes and identifying new diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic targets. Comprehensive and robust analysis of primary metabolic pathways in cells, tissues and bio-fluids, remains technically challenging. We report on the development and validation of a highly reproducible and robust untargeted method using anion-exchange tandem mass spectrometry (IC-MS) that enables analysis of 431 metabolites, providing detailed coverage of central carbon metabolism. We apply the method in an untargeted, discovery-driven workflow to investigate the metabolic effects of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutations in glioblastoma cells. IC-MS provides comprehensive coverage of central metabolic pathways revealing significant elevation of 2-hydroxyglutarate and depletion of 2-oxoglutarate. Further analysis of the data reveals depletion in additional metabolites including previously unrecognised changes in lysine and tryptophan metabolism.
Dual sequence definition increases the data storage capacity of sequence-defined macromolecules
Authors: Wetzel Katharina S. , Frölich Maximiliane , Solleder Susanne C. , Nickisch Roman , Treu Philipp , Meier Michael A. R.
Published: May 2020

Sequence-defined macromolecules offer applications in the field of data storage. Challenges include synthesising precise and pure sequences, reading stored information and increasing data storage capacity. Herein, the synthesis of dual sequence-defined oligomers and their application for data storage is demonstrated. While applying the well-established Passerini three-component reaction, the degree of definition of the prepared monodisperse macromolecules is improved compared to previous reports by utilising nine specifically designed isocyanide monomers to introduce backbone definition. The monomers are combined with various aldehyde components to synthesise dual-sequence defined oligomers. Thus, the side chains and the backbones of these macromolecules can be varied independently, exhibiting increased molecular diversity and hence data storage capacity per repeat unit. In case of a dual sequence-defined pentamer, 33 bits are achieved in a single molecule. The oligomers are obtained in multigram scale and excellent purity. Sequential read-out by tandem ESI-MS/MS verifies the high data storage capacity of the prepared oligomers per repeat unit in comparison to other sequence defined macromolecules.
Reactions of PhIX2 I(iii) oxidants with heavy triphenyl pnictines
Authors: Egalahewa Sathsara , Aprile Antonino , Dutton Jason L.
Published: May 2020

Oxidation of heavy triphenyl pnictines with Weiss’ reagent ([PhI(Pyr)2]2+) gives dicationic Pn(v) coordination complexes in a single step.
CO2 coupling with epoxides catalysed by using one-pot synthesised, in situ activated zinc ascorbate under ambient conditions
Authors: Al-Qaisi Feda'a M. , Qaroush Abdussalam K. , Smadi Amneh H. , Alsoubani Fatima , Assaf Khaleel I. , Repo Timo , Eftaiha Ala'a F.
Published: May 2020

A mechanistic study for efficient CO2 coupling with epoxides to yield the corresponding carbonates catalyzed by zinc ascorbate under ambient conditions under external additive-free conditions.
Novel phosphine sulphide gold(i) complexes: topoisomerase I inhibitors and antiproliferative agents
Authors: Martín-Encinas Endika , Conejo-Rodríguez Verónica , Miguel Jesús A. , Martínez-Ilarduya Jesús M. , Rubiales Gloria , Knudsen Birgitta R. , Palacios Francisco , Alonso Concepción
Published: May 2020

Gold(i) increases the cytotoxicity of phosphine sulfide quinolines against cancer cell lines, while heterocycles maintain the TopI inhibitory activity.
Covalent post-synthetic modification of switchable iron-based coordination polymers by volatile organic compounds: a versatile strategy for selective sensor development
Authors: Resines-Urien Esther , Piñeiro-López Lucía , Fernandez-Bartolome Estefania , Gamonal Arturo , Garcia-Hernandez Mar , Sánchez Costa José
Published: May 2020

A covalent post-synthetic modification is applied in one of the most relevant polymers to obtain unprecedented switchable spin crossover (SCO) materials.
Gradient-morph LiCoO2 single crystals with stabilized energy density above 3400 W h L−1
Authors: Zhu Zhi , Yu Daiwei , Shi Zhe , Gao Rui , Xiao Xianghui , Waluyo Iradwikanari , Ge Mingyuan , Dong Yanhao , Xue Weijiang , Xu Guiyin , Lee Wah-Keat , Hunt Adrian , Li Ju
Published: May 2020

An integral LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 shell completely wets ∼10 μm LiCoO2 single crystals to cut off global oxygen migration and enables >4.6 V cycling.
Enhanced photocatalytic selectivity of noble metallized TiO2 nanoparticles for the reduction of selenate in water: tunable Se reduction product H2Se(g)vs. Se(s)
Authors: Holmes Andrew B. , Khan Daid , de Oliveira Livera Diogo , Gu Frank
Published: May 2020

Herein, heterogeneous noble metallized TiO2 demonstrates improved photocatalytic performance and selectivity for the reduction of selenate in water.
Polystyrene nano- and microplastic accumulation at Arabidopsis and wheat root cap cells, but no evidence for uptake into roots
Authors: Taylor Stephen E. , Pearce Carolyn I. , Sanguinet Karen A. , Hu Dehong , Chrisler William B. , Kim Young-Mo , Wang Zhan , Flury Markus
Published: May 2020

Association of plastic particles with plant roots could represent a pathway for human consumption of plastic and plastic-associated organic contaminants.
Modelling of the anaerobic semi-continuous co-digestion of sewage sludge and wine distillery wastewater
Authors: Ripoll Vanessa , Agabo-García Cristina , Solera Rosario , Perez Montserrat
Published: May 2020

The semi-continuous mesophilic anaerobic co-digestion of sewage sludge and wine distillery wastewater was investigated. Co-digestion with wine distillery wastewater enhances biogas productivity of sludge in 25% and swift the rate-limiting step.
Correction: Preparation of functionalized star polymer nanoparticles by RAFT polymerization and their application in positionally assembled enzymes for cascade reactions
Authors: Chen Zhiwu , Cao Hui , Tan Tianwei
Published: May 2020

Correction for ‘Preparation of functionalized star polymer nanoparticles by RAFT polymerization and their application in positionally assembled enzymes for cascade reactions’ by Zhiwu Chen et al., New J. Chem., 2019, 43, 8517–8526, DOI: 10.1039/c9nj01122f.
Isatin as a 2-aminobenzaldehyde surrogate: transition metal-free efficient synthesis of 2-(2′-aminophenyl)benzothiazole derivatives
Authors: Singh Manpreet , Vaishali  , Paul Avijit Kumar , Singh Virender
Published: May 2020

A transition metal-free gram-scale strategy has been formulated to access 2-(2′-aminophenyl)benzothiazole based luminescent materials via the formation of one C–N and two C–S bonds in a single operation.
Near-infrared light-responsive UCST-nanogels using an efficient nickel-bis(dithiolene) photothermal crosslinker
Authors: Augé Amélie , Camerel Franck , Benoist Apolline , Zhao Yue
Published: May 2020

A new kind of near-infrared (NIR) light-responsive polymer nanogel is demonstrated.
One-pot syntheses of heterotelechelic α-vinyl,ω-methoxysilane polyethylenes and condensation into comb-like and star-like polymers with high chain end functionality
Authors: Khedaioui Douriya , Burcher Benjamin , Gajan David , Montarnal Damien , D'Agosto Franck , Boisson Christophe
Published: May 2020

Crystalline and functional comb-like and star-like polyethylene architectures.
Investigation of the remote acyl group participation in glycosylation from conformational perspectives by using trichloroacetimidate as the acetyl surrogate
Authors: Xu Ke , Man Qingmin , Zhang Yang , Guo Jia , Liu Yichu , Fu Zunyun , Zhu Yueyue , Li Yingxia , Zheng Mingyue , Ding Ning
Published: May 2020

The remote acyl group participation in glycosylation was studied by using trichloroacetimidate as the acetyl surrogate. The bridging participation intermediates were systematically trapped, and DFT calculations were applied to explain the results.
Facile approach to design a stable, damage resistant, slippery, and omniphobic surface
Authors: Jamil Muhammad Imran , Song Lina , Zhu Juan , Ahmed Numan , Zhan Xiaoli , Chen Fengqiu , Cheng Dangguo , Zhang Qinghua
Published: May 2020

A facile approach to design a stable, damage resistant slippery, and omniphobic surface.
The Aquilegia pubiflora (Himalayan columbine) mediated synthesis of nanoceria for diverse biomedical applications
Authors: Jan Hasnain , Khan Muhammad Aslam , Usman Hazrat , Shah Muzamil , Ansir Rotaba , Faisal Shah , Ullah Niamat , Rahman Lubna
Published: May 2020

Graphical illustration of eco-friendly, facile, one-pot, green synthesis of nanoceria for multiple biomedical applications.
Low temperature dehydrogenation properties of ammonia borane within carbon nanotube arrays: a synergistic effect of nanoconfinement and alane
Authors: Cao Zhijie , Ouyang Liuzhang , Felderhoff Michael , Zhu Min
Published: May 2020

Ammonia borane (AB, NH3BH3) is considered as one of the most promising hydrogen storage materials for proton exchange membrane fuel cells due to its high theoretical hydrogen capacity under moderate temperatures.
The effect of solid content on the rheological properties and microstructures of a Li-ion battery cathode slurry
Authors: Ouyang Lixia , Wu Zhaohui , Wang Jun , Qi Xiaopeng , Li Qiang , Wang Jiantao , Lu Shigang
Published: May 2020

There are three main situations in which the uniformity and microstructure of the slurry change with the solid content.
A built-in self-calibrating luminescence sensor based on RhB@Zr-MOF for detection of cations, nitro explosives and pesticides
Authors: Yang Liu , Liu Yu-Long , Liu Cheng-Guo , Fu Ying , Ye Fei
Published: May 2020

A RhB@Zr-MOF composite with dual-emission properties was demonstrated as a self-calibrating sensor for cations, nitro explosives and nitenpyram.
Aluminum nanocomposites reinforced with monolayer polyaniline (C3N): assessing the mechanical and ballistic properties
Authors: Eshkalak Kasra Einalipour , Sadeghzadeh Sadegh , Molaei Fatemeh
Published: May 2020

This study unveils C3N, a new material that serves as an excellent reinforcement to enhance the mechanical properties of aluminum using a molecular dynamics simulation method.
Shape and size changes of adherent elastic epithelia
Authors: Loewe Benjamin , Serafin Francesco , Shankar Suraj , Bowick Mark J. , Marchetti M. Cristina
Published: May 2020

We derive an effective 2D active elastic model for a resting epithelium that incorporates both spatial curvature and apical-basal polarity of the tissue.
Diffusion properties of self-propelled particles in cellular flows
Authors: Caprini Lorenzo , Cecconi Fabio , Puglisi Andrea , Sarracino Alessandro
Published: May 2020

We study the dynamics of a self-propelled particle advected by a steady laminar flow unveiling its diffusive properties due to the interplay between the active force and the convective flow.
Dynamics of fiberboids
Authors: Bazir Antony , Baumann Arthur , Ziebert Falko , Kulić Igor M.
Published: May 2020

Motorization of spaghetti: how to transform noodles and fishing lines into self-propelled engines.
MicroRNA-21-3p modulates FGF2 to facilitate influenza A virus H5N1 replication by refraining type I interferon response
Authors: Shi Jianli , Feng Ping , Gu Tingting
Published: May 2020

Background: Influenza A virus (IAV) has greatly affected public health in recent decades. Accumulating data indicated that host microRNAs (miRNAs) were related to IAV replication. The present study mainly focused on the effects of microRNA-21-3p (miR-21-3p) on H5N1 replication.

Methods: The levels of miR-21-3p, virus structural factors (matrix 1 (M1), nucleoprotein (NP)), type I interferon (IFN) response markers (IFN-β, IFN-α), IFN-stimulated genes (protein kinase R (PKR), myxovirus resistance A (MxA), 2′-5′-oligoadenylate synthetase 2 (OAS)), and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The protein levels of M1, NP, and FGF2 were tested by Western blot assay. The virus titer was assessed by tissue culture infective dose 50% (TCID50) assay. The dual-luciferase reporter assay and ribonucleic acid (RNA) immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were used to verify the interaction between miR-21-3p and FGF2.

Results: MiR-21-3p was reduced in H5N1-infected patients and A549 cells. MiR-21-3p overexpression facilitated the levels of M1, NP, TCID50 value, and reduced the levels of IFN-β, IFN-α, PKR, MxA, and OAS in H5N1-infected A549 cells. FGF2 was verified as a direct target of miR-21-3p. The introduction of FGF2 counteracted miR-21-3p-mediated decrease in the levels of M1, NP, and TCID50 value, as well as reduction in the levels of IFN-β, IFN-α, PKR, MxA, and OAS in H5N1-infected A549 cells.

Conclusion: MiR-21-3p down-regulated FGF2 expression to accelerate H5N1 replication and confine IFN response.
Complement receptor 1 genetic polymorphism contributes to sporadic Alzheimer’s disease susceptibility in Caucasians: a meta-analysis
Authors: Yuan Hai , Du Lingling , Ge Pingping
Published: May 2020

Complement receptor 1 (CR1) plays an important role in the development of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (SAD) in Caucasians. However, the influence of CR1 (rs6656401A/G and rs3818361T/C) genetic polymorphisms on the risk of SAD remains controversial. A meta-analysis of 18 case–control studies was performed to derive a more precise association of CR1 (rs6656401A/G or rs3818361T/C) genetic polymorphism with the risk of SAD in Caucasians. A statistical difference was found in the dominant model (odds ratio (OR): 1.23, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16–1.30, P=0.00), recessive model (OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.05–1.56, P=0.02), homozygote comparison (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.12–1.66, P=0.002) or heterozygote comparison (AG versus GG) (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.15–1.29, P=0.00) of CR1 rs6656401A/G. For CR1 rs3818361T/C, a statistical difference was observed in the dominant model (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.13–1.31, P=0.00), recessive model (OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.07–1.53, P=0.006), homozygote comparison (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.13–1.62, P=0.001) or heterozygote comparison (TC versus CC) (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.11–1.29, P=0.00). In summary, despite some limitations, the present meta-analysis indicated that rs6656401A/G or rs3818361T/C polymorphism was related to SAD risk. Moreover, a carrier of rs6656401A/G or T carrier of rs3818361T/C in CR1 genetic polymorphism might be an increased factor for SAD in Caucasians.
Prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Listeria monocytogenes in camel meat
Authors: Yehia Hany M. , Elkhadragy Manal F. , Aljahani Amani H. , Alarjani Khaloud M.
Published: May 2020

In the present study, a total of 50 raw camel meat samples were analyzed for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. The isolates were characterized via morphological and culture analyses; identification of isolates was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of the listeriolysin O gene. The API Listeria system was used for further chemical identification and verification of the strains. L. monocytogenes was identified in eight raw camel meat samples, which was the highest incidence (16%) of contamination, followed by L. seeligeri 3(6%), L. innocua and L. welshimeri 2 (2% each), and L. grayi 1 (1%). According to Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) analysis, isolated strains that were positive for the listeriolysin O gene were >99% similar to the published database sequences for L. monocytogenes strain LM850658 (sequence ID: CP009242.1). We studied the antibiotic resistance profile of the L. monocytogenes strains with common antibiotics used to treat human listeriosis and demonstrated that almost all strains tested were susceptible to the antibiotics.
Adherence to Dysphagia Treatment Recommendations: A Conceptual Model
Authors: Krekeler Brittany N. , Vitale Kailey , Yee Joanne , Powell Ryan , Rogus-Pulia Nicole
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Conceptual models of complex health problems are useful when designing targeted clinical interventions and focused research studies. Understanding and studying patient adherence often involves interplay among many factors that influence whether a patient successfully follows recommendations or completes a therapy program. Functional frameworks serve to arrange these factors visually, increasing interpretability and allowing for empirical testing of relationships among concepts. The purpose of this article is to integrate relevant factors from the literature into a comprehensive framework that describes adherence to dysphagia treatment.

Method

Using peer-reviewed, published guidelines regarding conceptual model construction, the authors created a list of potential factors that influence patient adherence to dysphagia-related treatment recommendations. During model construction, following extensive review of the literature and existing theories that have been applied in other areas of health care, factors were identified and grouped into conceptually similar domains (clusters). Clusters were arranged into larger categories that emerged during model optimization. Ultimately, two models were created: one that illustrates the interrelated factors of patient adherence and another that illustrates a subset of modifiable risk factors that a clinical speech-language pathologist may influence when developing a dysphagia treatment plan.

Results

Three general categories from 14 factors emerged based on relationships between factors and aspects of patient care: health factors, individual patient factors, and contextual factors. A second model consisting of modifiable risk factors included access, treatment type, patient perceptions, self-efficacy, health literacy, support factors, and provider bias.

Conclusions

This conceptual model allows clinicians and researchers to identify and explore the mechanisms driving adherence. Continual refinements of this model should be made as future studies uncover how the interconnectedness of factors affects adherence in dysphagia management. The models we have presented here are ready for clinical application and should also serve researchers as they generate hypotheses and design targeted research questions.
Kollateralvenen als Punktionssegment
Authors: Krönung Gerhard
Published: May 2020

Autologe Punktionssegmente benötigen eine Zunahme des Durchmessers und der Wandstärke, wie sie die oberflächlichen/vorverlagerten Extremitätenleitvenen bei der Maturation regelmäßig entwickeln. Bei den übrigen Extremitätenvenen (Seitenast- bzw. Netzvenen) sind nur die Handrückenvenen gelegentlich und andere Seitenastvenen (z. B. Raszettavenen) selten nach der Maturation als Punktionssegment geeignet.
Wenn Tränenersatzmittel nicht mehr ausreichen: die Bedeutung von Entzündungsprozessen beim Trockenen Auge. Praktische Aspekte einer antientzündlichen Therapie des Trockenen Auges
Authors: Pleyer Uwe , Geerling Gerd , Schrader Stefan , Jacobi Christina , Kimmich Friedemann , Messmer Elisabeth
Published: May 2020

Das Trockene Auge stellt eine heterogene Erkrankung der Augenoberfläche dar. Das Krankheitsbild hat multifaktorielle Ursachen und geht normalerweise mit einer Erhöhung der Osmolarität des Tränenfilms und mit Entzündungsprozessen der Gewebe der Augenoberfläche einher. Die Bedeutung der Entzündung beim Trockenen Auge geht nicht zuletzt auch aus der aktuellen Definition des Dry Eye Workshops (DEWS) hervor. Das Verständnis der Pathomechanismen und therapeutischen Möglichkeiten für diese Entzündungsprozesse ist daher für das Management des Trockenen Auges von zentraler Bedeutung. Der Beitrag fasst den aktuellen Kenntnisstand zum Thema „Entzündung und Trockenes Auge“ zusammen und versucht, praktische Empfehlungen für die Diagnostik, Verlaufskontrolle und die Anwendung der aktuell verfügbaren Therapieoptionen für die dem Trockenen Auge zugrunde liegenden Entzündungsprozesse zu geben.
Onkologische Systemtherapie bei Palliativpatienten: Beendigung oder Fortführung?
Authors: Knorrenschild Jorge Riera
Published: May 2020

Fortschritte in der onkologischen Therapie von nicht heilbaren Tumorpatienten machen die Einschätzung einer korrekten Prognose schwieriger. Mittels molekularer Marker unterteilen sich die diversen Tumorerkrankungen in immer kleinere Subgruppen mit unterschiedlichen Prognosen. Eine Vorstellung im interdisziplinären Tumorboard sollte Standard sein. Um übersteigerte und unrealistische Erwartungen am Lebensende zu minimieren, bedarf es optimaler Aufklärung und der Integration einer frühen palliativen Betreuung in den weiteren Behandlungsverlauf.
Augenbeteiligung bei venerischer Syphilis – Update
Authors: Rath Thomas , Scheel Martin , Kriegel Matthias , Heiligenhaus Arnd
Published: May 2020

Syphilis ist eine bakterielle Infektionskrankheit, die durch die Spirochäte Treponema pallidum übertragen wird. Die Zahl von Neuerkrankungen ist in den letzten Jahren kontinuierlich gestiegen. Die Augenbeteiligung ist eine wohl unterschätzte Manifestation der Syphilis, die gehäuft bei HIV-positiven Patienten auftritt. Obschon praktisch jeder Teil der Augen im Rahmen einer Syphilis betroffen sein kann, tritt sie häufig mit einer posterioren oder Panuveitis auf. Eine besonders typische Verlaufsform ist die akute syphilitische plakoide Chorioretinitis, mit typischen Charakteristika in der multimodalen Bildgebung. Bei dem Verdacht auf eine Syphilis sind treponemenspezifische und nicht treponemenspezifische serologische diagnostische Tests angezeigt. Bei frühzeitigem Einsatz einer antibiotischen Therapie (primär mit Penicillin) werden oft gute Ergebnisse hinsichtlich Morphologie und Visus erzielt. Additive Kortikosteroide sollten verlaufsorientiert und erst nach dem Beginn der Antibiotikatherapie verwendet werden.