bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Author Correction: The Drosophila melanogaster Neprilysin Nepl15 is involved in lipid and carbohydrate storage
Authors: Banerjee Surya , Woods Christine , Burnett Micheal , Park Scarlet J. , Ja William W. , Curtiss Jennifer
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Size-based characterization of adalimumab and TNF-α interactions using flow induced dispersion analysis: assessment of avidity-stabilized multiple bound species
Authors: Pedersen Morten E. , Haegebaert Ragna M. S. , Østergaard Jesper , Jensen Henrik
Published: February 2021

The understanding and characterization of protein interactions is crucial for elucidation of complicated biomolecular processes as well as for the development of new biopharmaceutical therapies. Often, protein interactions involve multiple binding, avidity, oligomerization, and are dependent on the local environment. Current analytical methodologies are unable to provide a detailed mechanistic characterization considering all these parameters, since they often rely on surface immobilization, cannot measure under biorelevant conditions, or do not feature a structurally-related readout for indicating formation of multiple bound species. In this work, we report the use of flow induced dispersion analysis (FIDA) for in-solution characterization of complex protein interactions under in vivo like conditions. FIDA is an immobilization-free ligand binding methodology employing Taylor dispersion analysis for measuring the hydrodynamic radius (size) of biomolecular complexes. Here, the FIDA technology is utilized for a size-based characterization of the interaction between TNF-α and adalimumab. We report concentration-dependent complex sizes, binding affinities (Kd), kinetics, and higher order stoichiometries, thus providing essential information on the TNF-α–adalimumab binding mechanism. Furthermore, it is shown that the avidity stabilized complexes involving formation of multiple non-covalent bonds are formed on a longer timescale than the primary complexes formed in a simple 1 to 1 binding event.
Electromagnetic surgical navigation in patients undergoing mandibular surgery
Authors: Brouwer de Koning S. G. , Geldof F. , van Veen R. L. P. , van Alphen M. J. A. , Karssemakers L. H. E. , Nijkamp J. , Schreuder W. H. , Ruers T. J. M. , Karakullukcu M. B.
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of electromagnetic (EM) navigation for guidance on osteotomies in patients undergoing oncologic mandibular surgery. Preoperatively, a 3D rendered model of the mandible was constructed from diagnostic computed tomography (CT) images. Cutting guides and patient specific reconstruction plates were designed and printed for intraoperative use. Intraoperative patient registration was performed using a cone beam CT scan (CBCT). The location of the mandible was tracked with an EM sensor fixated to the mandible. The real-time location of both the mandible and a pointer were displayed on the navigation system. Accuracy measurements were performed by pinpointing four anatomical landmarks and four landmarks on the cutting guide using the pointer on the patient and comparing these locations to the corresponding locations on the CBCT. Differences between actual and virtual locations were expressed as target registration error (TRE). The procedure was performed in eleven patients. TREs were 3.2 ± 1.1 mm and 2.6 ± 1.5 mm using anatomical landmarks and landmarks on the cutting guide, respectively. The navigation procedure added on average half an hour to the duration of the surgery. This is the first study that reports on the accuracy of EM navigation in patients undergoing mandibular surgery.
Investigating BB0405 as a novel Borrelia afzelii vaccination candidate in Lyme borreliosis
Authors: Klouwens M. J. , Trentelman J. J. , Ersoz J. I. , Nieves Marques Porto F. , Sima R. , Hajdusek O. , Thakur M. , Pal U. , Hovius J. W.
Published: February 2021

BB0405 is a surface exposed Borrelia burgdorferi protein and its vaccination protected mice against B. burgdorferi infection. As BB0405 is highly conserved across different B. burgdorferi sensu lato species, we investigated whether vaccination with recombinant BB0405 or through intradermal bb0405 DNA tattoo vaccination could provide protection against different Borrelia species, specifically against Borrelia afzelii, the predominant B. burgdorferi sensu lato genospecies causing Lyme borreliosis across Eurasia. We immunized C3H/HeN mice with recombinant BB0405 or with a codon-optimized bb0405 DNA vaccine using the pVAC plasmid and immunized corresponding control groups mice with only adjuvant or empty vectors. We subsequently subjected these immunized mice to a tick challenge with B. afzelii CB43-infected Ixodes ricinus nymphs. Upon vaccination, recombinant BB0405 induced a high total IgG response, but bb0405 DNA vaccination did not elicit antibody responses. Both vaccine formulations did not provide protection against Borrelia afzelii strain CB43 after tick challenge. In an attempt to understand the lack of protection of the recombinant vaccine, we determined expression of BB0405 and showed that B. afzelii CB43 spirochetes significantly and drastically downregulate the expression of BB0405 protein at 37 °C compared to 33 °C, where as in B. burgdorferi B31 spirochetes expression levels remain unaltered. Vaccination with recombinant BB0405 was previously shown to protect against B. burgdorferi sensu stricto. Here we show that vaccination with either recombinant BB0405 (or non-immunogenic bb0405 DNA), despite being highly conserved among B. burgdorferi sl genospecies, does not provide cross-protection against B. afzelii, mostly likely due to downregulation of this protein in B. afzelii in the mammalian host.
Influence of bound dodecanoic acid on the reconstitution of albumin nanoparticles from a lyophilized state
Authors: Luebbert Christian C. E. , Mansa Rola , Rahman Raisa , Jakubek Zygmunt J. , Frahm Grant E. , Zou Shan , Johnston Michael J. W.
Published: February 2021

The development of reference standards for nanoparticle sizing allows for cross laboratory studies and effective transfer of particle sizing methodology. To facilitate this, these reference standards must be stable upon long-term storage. Here, we examine factors that influence the properties of cross-linked albumin nanoparticles, fabricated with an ethanol desolvation method, when reconstituted from a lyophilized state. We demonstrate, with nanoparticle tracking analysis, no significant changes in mean particle diameter upon reconstitution of albumin nanoparticles fabricated with bovine serum albumin loaded with dodecanoic acid, when compared to nanoparticles fabricated with a fatty acid-free BSA. We attribute this stability to the modulation of nanoparticle charge-charge interactions at dodecanoic acid specific binding locations. Furthermore, we demonstrate this in a lyophilized state over six months when stored at − 80 °C. We also show that the reconstitution process is readily transferable between technicians and laboratories and further confirm our finding with dynamic light scattering analysis.
A syndromic surveillance tool to detect anomalous clusters of COVID-19 symptoms in the United States
Authors: Güemes Amparo , Ray Soumyajit , Aboumerhi Khaled , Desjardins Michael R. , Kvit Anton , Corrigan Anne E. , Fries Brendan , Shields Timothy , Stevens Robert D. , Curriero Frank C. , Etienne-Cummings Ralph
Published: February 2021

Coronavirus SARS-COV-2 infections continue to spread across the world, yet effective large-scale disease detection and prediction remain limited. COVID Control: A Johns Hopkins University Study, is a novel syndromic surveillance approach, which collects body temperature and COVID-like illness (CLI) symptoms across the US using a smartphone app and applies spatio-temporal clustering techniques and cross-correlation analysis to create maps of abnormal symptomatology incidence that are made publicly available. The results of the cross-correlation analysis identify optimal temporal lags between symptoms and a range of COVID-19 outcomes, with new taste/smell loss showing the highest correlations. We also identified temporal clusters of change in taste/smell entries and confirmed COVID-19 incidence in Baltimore City and County. Further, we utilized an extended simulated dataset to showcase our analytics in Maryland. The resulting clusters can serve as indicators of emerging COVID-19 outbreaks, and support syndromic surveillance as an early warning system for disease prevention and control.
Influenza infection as a trigger for systemic lupus erythematosus flares resulting in hospitalization
Authors: Joo Young Bin , Kim Ki-Jo , Park Kyung-Su , Park Yune-Jung
Published: February 2021

In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), there are concerns that infections may increase the risk of flares. We evaluated the association between influenza infection and SLE flares resulting in hospitalization. SLE flares resulting in hospitalization and influenza cases were ascertained from the Korean national healthcare insurance database (2014–2018). We used a self-controlled case series design. We defined the risk interval as the first 7 days after the influenza index date and the control interval was defined as all other times during the observation period of each year. We estimated the incidence rates of SLE flares resulting in hospitalization during the risk interval and control interval and compared them using a Poisson regression model. We identified 1624 influenza infections among the 1455 patients with SLE. Among those, there were 98 flares in 79 patients with SLE. The incidence ratio (IR) for flares during the risk interval as compared with the control interval was 25.75 (95% confidence interval 17.63–37.59). This significantly increased the IRs for flares during the risk interval in both women (IR 27.65) and men (IR 15.30), all age groups (IR 17.00–37.84), with and without immunosuppressive agent (IR 24.29 and 28.45, respectively), and with and without prior respiratory diseases (IR 21.86 and 26.82, respectively). We found significant association between influenza infection and SLE flares resulting in hospitalization. Influenza infection has to be considered as a risk factor for flares in all SLE patients regardless of age, sex, medications, and comorbidities.
High particle variability across siliconized and oil-free syringes and needles from the same lots
Authors: do Monte Agra Lydianne Lumack , da Cruz Natasha Ferreira Santos , Linkuviene Vaida , Carpenter John F. , Farah Michel Eid , Melo Gustavo Barreto , Maia Maurício
Published: February 2021

Previous studies have reported silicone oil (SO) applied to needles and syringes in the vitreous of patients after intravitreal injections. We evaluated four syringes (SR 1-mL insulin, Saldanha-Rodrigues; BD 1-mL Tuberculin Slip Tip, Becton–Dickinson; BD Ultra-Fine 0.3 mL, HSW Norm-Ject Tuberculin, Henke Sass Wolf) and 10 needles (BD PrecisionGlide 27- and 30-gauge (G); BD Eclipse and JBP Nanoneedle 27-, 30-, 33- and 34-G; TSK Invisible Needle and 27 and 30-G Steriject Control Hub). The protein-free buffer samples injected into the syringes and needles under study were collected in an Eppendorf tube and taken to Flow imaging microscopy, that characterized the concentration and morphology of the microsized particles. The number of particles was analyzed. The coefficients of variation (CV) were the primary outcome. The Feltz and Miller test compared the CVs. The significance level was 5%. Numerous particles and high CVs were associated with both devices, needles and syringes; the comparisons among them did not reach significance. The BD Ultrafine 0.3 mL syringe (149.7%) had the highest CV and the SO-free HSW Norm-Ject (66.4%) syringe the lowest, and the TSK Invisible needle (149.5%) had the highest and the BD Precision Glide 30G needle (35.9%) needle the lowest. In conclusion, particle release, including those with SO morphology, varied greatly among instruments, even from the same lots, which is relevant considering that fewer particles are injected into some eyes compared with others.
Interrelationship of myo-inositol pathways with systemic metabolic conditions in two strains of high-performance laying hens during their productive life span
Authors: Gonzalez-Uarquin Fernando , Sommerfeld Vera , Rodehutscord Markus , Huber Korinna
Published: February 2021

Adaptation to metabolic challenges is an individual process in animals and human, most likely based on genetic background. To identify novel pathways of importance for individual adaptation to a metabolic challenge such as egg production in laying hens, myo-inositol (MI) metabolism and plasma metabolite profiles during the productive lifespan were examined in two genetically different strains, Lohmann Brown-Classic (LB) and LSL-Classic (LSL) hens. They were housed during the productive lifespan and sampled at 10, 16, 24, 30 and 60 weeks of age. The targeted AbsoluteIDQ p180 Kit was used for metabolite profiling in plasma whereas a MI enzymatic kit and ELISAs were used to quantify tissue MI concentrations and MI key enzymes (IMPase 1 and MIOX), respectively. As major finding, kidney MIOX was differently expressed in LB and LSL hens with higher amounts in LB. The onset of egg laying between week 16 and 24 of life span was associated with a clear change in the metabolite profiles, however LSL hens and LB hens adapt differently. Pearson’s correlation analyses over all hens at all time points indicated that higher expression of MI degrading enzyme MIOX was related to markers indicating metabolic stress.
Association of ESX1 gene variants with non-obstructive azoospermia in Chinese males
Authors: Ma Qian , Du Ye , Luo Xiaomin , Ye Jing , Gui Yaoting
Published: February 2021

Genetic factors are one of the most important causes of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). ESX1 is an X-linked testis-biased expressed gene, and a potential biomarker for testicular sperm retrieval in NOA patients, yet few systematic studies have investigated its association with NOA. Here, we performed selected exonic sequencing in a large cohort of Chinese males, and four novel missense mutations (including one compound mutation), one novel synonymous mutation of ESX1 unique to NOA patients were identified. We analyzed the effects of ESX1 mutations on cyclin A degradation and cell cycle progression by immunoprecipitation assay and flow cytometry, and found that the compound mutant p.[P365R; L366V] ESX1 compromised the stabilizing effect of ESX1 on polyubiquitinated cyclin A, thereby causing the failure of M phase arrest in cells. Further studies showed that the deleterious effect of the compound mutations on ESX1 protein function was attributed to p.P365R but not p.L366V alteration. The novel ESX1 mutation p.P365R might confer high risk for NOA in Han Chinese population, probably via affecting cell cycle control.
Primary and secondary aerenchyma oxygen transportation pathways of Syzygium kunstleri (King) Bahadur & R. C. Gaur adventitious roots in hypoxic conditions
Authors: Sou Hong-Duck , Masumori Masaya , Yamanoshita Takashi , Tange Takeshi
Published: February 2021

Some plant species develop aerenchyma to avoid anaerobic environments. InSyzygium kunstleri(King) Bahadur & R. C. Gaur, both primary and secondary aerenchyma were observed in adventitious roots under hypoxic conditions. We clarified the function of and relationship between primary and secondary aerenchyma. To understand the function of primary and secondary aerenchyma in adventitious roots, we measured changes in primary and secondary aerenchyma partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) after injecting nitrogen (N2) into the stem 0–3 cm above the water surface using Clark-type oxygen microelectrodes. Following N2injection, a decrease in pO2was observed in the primary aerenchyma, secondary aerenchyma, and rhizosphere. Oxygen concentration in the primary aerenchyma, secondary aerenchyma, and rhizosphere also decreased after the secondary aerenchyma was removed from near the root base. The primary and secondary aerenchyma are involved in oxygen transport, and in adventitious roots, they participate in the longitudinal movement of oxygen from the root base to root tip. As cortex collapse occurs from secondary growth, the secondary aerenchyma may support or replace the primary aerenchyma as the main oxygen transport system under hypoxic conditions.
Impact of plantaris ligamentous tendon
Authors: Olewnik Łukasz , Karauda Piotr , Gonera Bartosz , Kurtys Konrad , Tubbs R. Shane , Paulsen Friedrich , Szymański Rafał , Polguj Michał
Published: February 2021

There are countless morphological variations among the muscles, tendons, ligaments, arteries, veins and nerves of the human body, many of which remain undescribed. Anatomical structures are also subject to evolution, many disappearing and others continually emerging. The main goal of this pilot study was to describe a previously undetected anatomical structure, the plantaris ligamentous tendon, and to determine its frequency and histology. Twenty-two lower limbs from 11 adult cadavers (11 left, and 11 right) fixed in 10% formalin were examined. The mean age of the cadavers at death was 60.1 years (range 38–85). The group comprised six women and five men from a Central European population. All anatomical dissections of the leg and foot area accorded with the pre-established protocol. Among the 22 lower limbs, the PLT was present in 16 (72.7%) and absent in six (27.3%). It originated as a strong fan-shaped ligamentous tendon from the superior part of the plantaris muscle, the posterior surface of the femur and the lateral aspect of the knee joint capsule. It inserted to the ilio-tibial band. Histologically, a tendon and ligament were observed extending parallel to each other. A new anatomical structure has been found, for which the name plantaris ligamentous tendon is proposed. It occurs around the popliteal region between the plantaris muscle, the posterior surface of the femur, and the ilio-tibial band.
Electrochemical removal of pyrite scale using green formulations
Authors: Ahmed Musa , Hussein Ibnelwaleed A. , Onawole Abdulmujeeb T. , Saad Mohammed A. , Khaled Mazen
Published: February 2021

Pyrite scale formation is a critical problem in the hydrocarbon production industry; it affects the flow of hydrocarbon within the reservoir and the surface facilities. Treatments with inorganic acids, such as HCl, results in generation toxic hydrogen sulfide, high corrosion rates, and low dissolving power. In this work, the dissolution of pyrite scale is enhanced by the introduction of electrical current to aid the chemical dissolution. The electrolytes used in this study are chemical formulations mainly composed of diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid–potassium (DTPAK5) with potassium carbonate; diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid sodium-based (DTPANa5), and l-glutamic acid-N, N-diacetic acid (GLDA). DTPA and GLDA have shown some ability to dissolve iron sulfide without generating hydrogen sulfide. The effect of these chemical formulations, disc rotational rate and current density on the electro-assisted dissolution of pyrite are investigated using Galvanostatic experiments at room temperature. The total iron dissolved of pyrite using the electrochemical process is more than 400 times higher than the chemical dissolution using the same chelating agent-based formulation and under the same conditions. The dissolution rate increased by 12-folds with the increase of current density from 5 to 50 mA/cm2. Acid and neutral formulations had better dissolution capacities than basic ones. In addition, doubling the rotational rate did not yield a significant increase in electro-assisted pyrite scale dissolution. XPS analysis confirmed the electrochemical dissolution is mainly due to oxidation of Fe2+ on pyrite surface lattice to Fe3+. The results obtained in this study suggest that electro-assisted dissolution is a promising technique for scale removal.
An improved method for the precise unravelment of non-shivering brown fat thermokinetics
Authors: Oelkrug Rebecca , Mittag Jens
Published: February 2021

Since the discovery of functional brown adipose tissue (BAT) in adult humans, research on BAT gained a new popularity to combat obesity and related comorbidities. To date, however, methods to quantify BAT thermogenesis are often either highly invasive, require advanced equipment, are time consuming or of limited sensitivity. Here we present a simple yet highly effective and minimally invasive protocol for the Precise Unravelment of Non-shivering brown fat thermoKinetics (PUNK) in mice using infrared thermography in combination with Vaseline to brush up the fur between the shoulder blades. We also use physiological and molecular readouts including indirect calorimetry, qPCR and Western Blots to test our protocol. Our study demonstrates that Vaseline before thermography vastly advances the reproducibility and quality of BAT infrared pictures or videos, as it exposes the skin above the BAT for a direct line of sight for the infrared camera and thereby circumvents the well-known problems associated with shaving and anaesthesia. We subsequently validate that this approach does not affect physiological and molecular BAT function, but instead leads to more robust and less variable results when comparing for instance norepinephrine stimulation tests or knockout animals. Taken together, the PUNK protocol for BAT thermography quickly and effectively improves scientific outcomes of this method, and can be easily added to existing paradigms. Consequently, it safes money, time and experimental animals, thereby putting the 3R’s principles of animal welfare into practice.
Post-traumatic seizures and antiepileptic therapy as predictors of the functional outcome in patients with traumatic brain injury
Authors: Pingue Valeria , Mele Chiara , Nardone Antonio
Published: February 2021

Post-traumatic seizures (PTS) are a common and debilitating complication of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and could have a harmful impact on the progress of patient rehabilitation. To assess the effect of PTS and relative therapy on outcome in the initial phase after TBI, during the rehabilitation process when neuroplasticity is at its highest, we retrospectively examined the clinical data of 341 adult patients undergoing rehabilitation for at least 6 months post-TBI in our neurorehabilitation unit between 2008 and 2019. We correlated through logistic regression the occurrence of seizures and use of anti-seizure medication (ASM) with neurological and functional outcomes, respectively assessed with the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). PTS were documented in 19.4% of patients: early PTS (EPTS) in 7.0%; late PTS (LPTS) in 9.4%; both types in 3.0%. Patients who developed EPTS had an increased risk of developing LPTS (OR = 3.90, CI 95% 1.58–9.63, p = 0.003). Patients with LPTS had a significantly higher risk of worse neurological (p < 0.0001) and rehabilitation (p < 0.05) outcome. Overall, 38.7% of patients underwent therapy with ASM; prophylactic therapy was prescribed in 24.0% of patients, of whom 14.6% subsequently developed seizures. Mortality was associated with a lower FIM and GCS score on admission but not significantly with PTS. The use of ASM was associated with a worse rehabilitation outcome, independently of the onset of epilepsy during treatment. LPTS appear to exert a negative impact on rehabilitation outcome and their occurrence is not reduced by prophylactic therapy, whereas EPTS do not influence outcome. Our findings caution against the generic use of prophylactic therapy to prevent post-traumatic epilepsy in patients with TBI.
Crop performance and soil fertility improvement using organic fertilizer produced from valorization of Carica papaya fruit peel
Authors: Dahunsi S. O. , Oranusi S. , Efeovbokhan V. E. , Adesulu-Dahunsi A. T. , Ogunwole J. O.
Published: February 2021

In recent times, research attention is focusing on harnessing agricultural wastes for the production of value-added products. In this study, the valorization of Carica papaya (Pawpaw) fruit peels was evaluated for the production of quality organic fertilizer via anaerobic digestion (AD) while the effects of the fertilizer on maize crop were also assessed. Pawpaw peel was first pretreated by thermo-alkaline methods before AD and analyses were carried out using standard methods. The resulting digestate was rich in nutrients and was dewatered to form solid organic fertilizer rich in microbes and soil nutrients. When applied to maize plants, organic fertilizer showed a better effect on plant traits than NPK 15–15–15 fertilizer and without fertilizer application. These were more pronounced at mid to high organic fertilizer applications (30-to-60-kg nitrogen/hectare (kg N/ha)) rate. Comparison between the values obtained from the field experiments reveals that the organic fertilizer showed better performance in all parameters such as the number of leaves, leaf area, plant height, stem girth, total shoot, and root biomass, and length of the root. However, the chemical fertilizer outperformed all the organic fertilizer applied rates in the average highest size of the corn ear by 1.4%. After harvesting, nutrient elements were found to have bioaccumulated in plant organs (leaves, stem, and root) with the highest values being 29.7 mg/L for nitrogen in the leaf and this value was reported from the experiment with 50 kg N/ha. For phosphorus and potassium, the highest concentrations of 7.05 and 8.4 mg/L were recorded in the plant’ stem of the experiment with 50 kg N/ha. All the treated soils recorded an increase in values of all nutrient elements over the control with the highest values recorded in the experiment with 60 kg N/ha. In soil with 60 kg N/ha, the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium increased by 28, 40, and 22% respectively over the chemical fertilizer applied experiment while different levels of increases were also recorded for all other macro and microelements in all the experiments. Thus, agricultural practices by using anaerobic digestates as organic fertilizers is a sustainable method to overcome the dependence on inorganic fertilizers high rate.
A novel parameter is better than the AHI to assess nocturnal hypoxaemia and excessive daytime sleepiness in obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Ma Changxiu , Zhang Ying , Liu Jiuyu , Sun Gengyun
Published: February 2021

To evaluate whether the percentage of total sleep time spent with apnoea and hypopnoea duration time (AHT%) is better than the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) for the assessment of nocturnal hypoxaemia and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Patients with suspected OSA were enrolled. Polysomnography, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, self-administered surveys and anthropometric measures were performed. The efficiency of AHT% and the AHI was evaluated for nocturnal hypoxaemia and EDS. A total of 160 eligible participants were analysed. The median AHT% in normal, mild, moderate and severe OSA patients was significantly different in the four-group patients with OSA. Spearman rank correlations analysis found that the associations were stronger between AHT% with percentage of total sleep time and O2 saturation of < 90% and minimum nocturnal oxygen saturation than these parameters with the AHI. AHT% had a greater area under the curve than the AHI for predicting EDS in patients with OSA. AHT% was significantly higher in the EDS group. We present a novel parameter, AHT%, to evaluate nocturnal hypoxaemia and EDS in OSA patients. AHT% partially compensates for the shortcomings of the AHI. AHT% is better than the AHI for assessing nocturnal hypoxaemia and EDS. AHT% reflects different clinical characteristics associated with OSA from a new perspective.
Airborne dispersion of droplets during coughing: a physical model of viral transmission
Authors: Li Hongying , Leong Fong Yew , Xu George , Kang Chang Wei , Lim Keng Hui , Tan Ban Hock , Loo Chian Min
Published: February 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic has focused attention on airborne transmission of viruses. Using realistic air flow simulation, we model droplet dispersion from coughing and study the transmission risk related to SARS-CoV-2. Although this model defines most airborne droplets as 8–16 µm in diameter, we infer that larger droplets of 32–40 µm in diameter may potentially be more infectious due to higher viral content. Use of face masks is therefore recommended for both personal and social protection. We found social distancing effective at reducing transmission potential across all droplet sizes. However, the presence of a human body 1 m away modifies the aerodynamics so that downstream droplet dispersion is enhanced, which has implications on safe distancing in queues. At 1 m distance, we found that an average of 0.55 viral copies is inhaled for a cough at median loading, scalable up to 340 copies at peak loading. Droplet evaporation results in significant reduction in droplet counts, but airborne transmission remains possible even under low humidity conditions.
A comparative two-cohort study of pediatric patients with long term stay in ICUs
Authors: García Mancebo Julia , de la Mata Navazo Sara , López-Herce Arteta Estíbaliz , Montero Mateo Rosario , López Esteban Isabel María , Mazzuchelli Domínguez Adriana , Sánchez Doutel María , López-Herce Cid Jesús , González Cortés Rafael
Published: February 2021

During the last decades, the number of patients with long stay admissions (LSA) in PICU has increased. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with PICU LSA, assessing healthcare resources use and changes in the profile of these patients. A retrospective, observational, single-center study was carried out. Characteristics of LSA were compared between two periods (2006–2010 and 2011–2015). During the earlier period there were 2,118 admissions (3.9% of them LSA), whereas during the second period, there were 1,763 (5.4% of them LSA) (p = 0.025). LSA accounted for 33.7% PICU stay days during the first period and 46.7% during the second (p < 0.001). Higher use of non-invasive ventilation (80.2% vs. 37.8%, p = 0.001) and high-flow oxygen therapy (68.8% vs. 37.8%, p = 0.005) was observed in the 2011–2015 cohort, whereas the use of arterial catheter (77.1% vs. 92.6%, p = 0.005), continuous infusion of adrenaline (55.2% vs. 75.9%, p = 0.004), and hemoderivative transfusion (74% vs. 89.2%, p = 0.010) was less frequent. In the 2006–2010 cohort, hospital-acquired infections were more common (95.2% vs. 68.8%, p < 0.001) and mortality was higher (26.8% vs. 13.8%, p = 0.026). The number of long-stay PICU admissions have increased entailing an intensive use of healthcare resources. These patients have a high risk for complications and mortality.
Accumulation of airborne microplastics in lichens from a landfill dumping site (Italy)
Authors: Loppi Stefano , Roblin Brett , Paoli Luca , Aherne Julian
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study was to assess if lichens (Flavoparmelia caperata) surrounding a landfill dumping site in Italy accumulated higher amounts of microplastics compared with lichens at more distant sites. Lichen samples were collected at three sites along a transect from the landfill: close (directly facing the landfill), intermediate (200 m), and remote (1500 m). Anthropogenic microparticles (fibres and fragments) were determined visually after wet peroxide digestion of the samples, and microplastics were identified based on a hot needle test; the type of plastic was identified by micro-Raman analysis. The results showed that lichens collected in the vicinity of the landfill accumulated the highest number of anthropogenic microfibres and fragments (147 mp/g dw), and consequently microplastics (79 mp/g dw), suggesting that the impact of landfill emissions is spatially limited. The proportion of fibres and fragments identified as microplastics was 40% across all sites and the most abundant polymer type was polyester or polyethylene terephthalate (68%). These results clearly indicated that lichens can effectively be used to monitor the deposition of microplastics.
Bacteria enhance the production of extracellular polymeric substances by the green dinoflagellate Lepidodinium chlorophorum
Authors: Roux Pauline , Siano Raffaele , Collin Karine , Bilien Gwenael , Sinquin Corinne , Marchand Laetitia , Zykwinska Agata , Delbarre-Ladrat Christine , Schapira Mathilde
Published: February 2021

High biomasses of the marine dinoflagellate Lepidodinium chlorophorum cause green seawater discolorations along Southern Brittany (NE Atlantic, France). The viscosity associated to these phenomena has been related to problems in oyster cultivation. The harmful effect of L. chlorophorum might originate from the secretion of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS). To understand whether the EPS are produced by L. chlorophorum or its associated bacteria, or if they are a product of their interaction, batch cultures were performed under non-axenic and pseudo-axenic conditions for three strains. Maximum dinoflagellate cell abundances were observed in pseudo-axenic cultures. The non-sinking fraction of polymers (Soluble Extracellular Polymers, SEP), mainly composed of proteins and the exopolysaccharide sulphated galactan, slightly increased in pseudo-axenic cultures. The amount of Transparent Exopolymer Particles (TEP) per cell increased under non-axenic conditions. Despite the high concentrations of Particulate Organic Carbon (POC) measured, viscosity did not vary. These results suggest that the L. chlorophorum-bacteria interaction could have a detrimental consequence on the dinoflagellate, translating in a negative effect on L. chlorophorum growth, as well as EPS overproduction by the dinoflagellate, at concentrations that should not affect seawater viscosity.
Reduced gonadotroph stimulation by ethanolamine plasmalogens in old bovine brains
Authors: Kadokawa Hiroya , Kotaniguchi Miyako , Kereilwe Onalenna , Kitamura Shinichi
Published: February 2021

Ethanolamine plasmalogens (EPls), unique alkenylacyl-glycerophospholipids, are the only known ligands of G-protein-coupled receptor 61—a novel receptor co-localised with gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors on anterior pituitary gonadotrophs. Brain EPl decreases with age. Commercial EPl—extracted from the cattle brain (unidentified age)—can independently stimulate FSH secretion from gonadotrophs. We hypothesised that there exists an age-related difference in the quality, quantity, and ability of bovine brain EPls to stimulate bovine gonadotrophs. We compared the brains of young (about 26 month old heifers) and old (about 90 month old cows) Japanese Black bovines, including EPls obtained from both groups. Additionally, mRNA expressions of the EPl biosynthesis enzymes, glyceronephosphate O-acyltransferase, alkylglycerone phosphate synthase, and fatty acyl-CoA reductase 1 (FAR1) were evaluated in young and old hypothalami. The old-brain EPl did not stimulate FSH secretion from gonadotrophs, unlike the young-brain EPl. Molecular species of EPl were compared using two-dimensional liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. We identified 20 EPl molecular species of which three and three exhibited lower (P < 0.05) and higher (P < 0.05) ratios, respectively, in old compared to young brains. In addition, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction detected higher FAR1 levels in the POA, but not in the ARC&ME tissues, of old cows than that of fertile young heifers. Therefore, old-brain EPl may be associated with age-related infertility.
Role of percutaneous vertebroplasty with high-viscosity cement in the treatment of severe osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures
Authors: Li Kunpeng , Ji Changbin , Luo Dawei , Zhang Wen , Feng Hongyong , Yang Keshi , Xu Hui
Published: February 2021

Severe osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) were considered as relative or even absolute contraindication for vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty and these relevant reports are very limited. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of vertebroplasty with high-viscosity cement and conventional kyphoplasty in managing severe OVCFs. 37 patients of severe OVCFs experiencing vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty were reviewed and divided into two groups, according to the procedural technique, 18 in high-viscosity cement percutaneous vertebroplasty (hPVP) group and 19 in conventional percutaneous kyphoplasty (cPKP) group. The operative time, and injected bone cement volume were recorded. Anterior vertebral height (AVH), Cobb angle and cement leakage were also evaluated in the radiograph. The rate of cement leakage was lower in hPVP group, compared with cPKP group (16.7% vs 47.4%, P = 0.046). The patients in cPKP group achieved more improvement in AVH and Cobb angle than those in hPVP group postoperatively (37.2 ± 7.9% vs 43.0 ± 8.9% for AVH, P = 0.044; 15.5 ± 4.7 vs 12.7 ± 3.3, for Cobb angle, P = 0.042). At one year postoperatively, there was difference observed in AVH between two groups (34.1 ± 7.4 vs 40.5 ± 8.7 for hPVP and cPKP groups, P = 0.021), but no difference was found in Cobb angle (16.6 ± 5.0 vs 13.8 ± 3.8, P = 0.068). Similar cement volume was injected in two groups (2.9 ± 0.5 ml vs 2.8 ± 0.6 ml, P = 0.511). However, the operative time was 37.8 ± 6.8 min in the hPVP group, which was shorter than that in the cPKP group (43.8 ± 8.2 min, P = 0.021). In conclusion, conventional PKP achieved better in restoring anterior vertebral height and improving kyphotic angle, but PVP with high-viscosity cement had lower rate of cement leakage and shorter operative time with similar volume of injected cement.
Flavor and product messaging are the two most important drivers of electronic cigarette selection in a choice-based task
Authors: Baker Allison N. , Wilson Stephen J. , Hayes John E.
Published: February 2021

Electronic cigarette use—vaping—is increasingly popular. Various product factors may influence an individual’s choice of e-cigarette. To provide an evidence base for e-cigarette regulation, a better understanding of the role different product attributes play in product preferences is needed. Here, we used conjoint analysis to quantify different factors that influence e-cigarettes choices, including flavors, nicotine level, customizability, or use of e-cigarettes to manage appetite/food craving. Young adults completed a set of choice-based conjoint tasks online. Choice Based Conjoint analysis (CBC) was used to determine utility scores for each attribute. Young adults (n = 587) who vaped at least once per week were included in analyses; gender differences were explored. Flavor was the most important attribute (48.1%), followed by product messaging (21.0%) and nicotine level (15.3%). Within flavor, confectionery and fruit flavors had the highest utility scores, while classic menthol and tobacco flavors had the lowest. Men and women differed in flavors, nicotine levels, and product messaging that appealed most. Among young adults who vape weekly, flavor is the most important factor in e-cigarette preferences. Gender also factors into e-cigarette preferences, especially for preferred nicotine level. Understanding why individuals choose particular e-cigarette products will help inform public health efforts and policy making.
RANKL/OPG ratio regulates odontoclastogenesis in damaged dental pulp
Authors: Nishida Daisuke , Arai Atsushi , Zhao Lijuan , Yang Mengyu , Nakamichi Yuko , Horibe Kanji , Hosoya Akihiro , Kobayashi Yasuhiro , Udagawa Nobuyuki , Mizoguchi Toshihide
Published: February 2021

Bone-resorbing osteoclasts are regulated by the relative ratio of the differentiation factor, receptor activator NF-kappa B ligand (RANKL) and its decoy receptor, osteoprotegerin (OPG). Dental tissue-localized-resorbing cells called odontoclasts have regulatory factors considered as identical to those of osteoclasts; however, it is still unclear whether the RANKL/OPG ratio is a key factor for odontoclast regulation in dental pulp. Here, we showed that odontoclast regulators, macrophage colony-stimulating factor-1, RANKL, and OPG were detectable in mouse pulp of molars, but OPG was dominantly expressed. High OPG expression was expected to have a negative regulatory effect on odontoclastogenesis; however, odontoclasts were not detected in the dental pulp of OPG-deficient (KO) mice. In contrast, damage induced odontoclast-like cells were seen in wild-type pulp tissues, with their number significantly increased in OPG-KO mice. Relative ratio of RANKL/OPG in the damaged pulp was significantly higher than in undamaged control pulp. Pulp damages enhanced hypoxia inducible factor-1α and -2α, reported to increase RANKL or decrease OPG. These results reveal that the relative ratio of RANKL/OPG is significant to pulpal odontoclastogenesis, and that OPG expression is not required for maintenance of pulp homeostasis, but protects pulp from odontoclastogenesis caused by damages.
Author Correction: Cantharidin represses invasion of pancreatic cancer cells through accelerated degradation of MMP2 mRNA
Authors: Shen Meng , Wu Meng-Yao , Chen Long-Pei , Zhi Qiaoming , Gong Fei-Ran , Chen Kai , Li Dao-Ming , Wu Yadi , Tao Min , Li Wei
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Tuning DNA–nanoparticle conjugate properties allows modulation of nuclease activity
Authors: Hsiao Jeff C. , Buryska Tomas , Kim Eunjung , Howes Philip D. , deMello Andrew J.
Published: February 2021

A systematic study of the interactions between nucleases and oligonucleotide-coated gold nanoparticles (spherical nucleic acids, SNAs) demonstrates that the modular units of SNAs can be leveraged to either accelerate or suppress nuclease kinetics.
Potent oxidation of DNA by Ru(ii) tri(polypyridyl) complexes under visible light irradiation via a singlet oxygen-mediated mechanism
Authors: Shao Jie , Yan Zhu-Ying , Tang Miao , Huang Chun-Hua , Sheng Zhi-Guo , Chen Jing , Shao Bo , Zhu Ben-Zhan
Published: February 2021

The irradiation of Ru(ii) tri(polypridyl) complexes with visible light can induce potent oxidation of DNA mediated by 1O2via a type II photosensitization mechanism.
Fabrication and characterization of the ternary composite catalyst system of ZnGA/RET/DMC for the terpolymerization of CO2, propylene oxide and trimellitic anhydride
Authors: Liu Ningzhang , Gu Chuanhai , Wang Qinghe , Zhu Linhua , Yan Huiqiong , Lin Qiang
Published: February 2021

For poly(propylene carbonate trimellitic anhydride) with good yield, thermal stability and high molecular weight, a catalyst of zinc glutarate/rare earth ternary complex/double metal cyanide was used for terpolymerization of CO2, propylene oxide and trimellitic anhydride.
Patterning, morphing, and coding of gel composites by direct ink writing
Authors: Sui Yuan , Li Caicong , Feng Shiyu , Ling Yao , Li Cong , Wu Xiaosong , Shen Jinghui , Song Jian , Peng Hailong , Huang Weiguo
Published: February 2021

An efficient method named direct ink writing (DIW) for constructing versatile functional patterns on gels is developed by using alkylamines as the ink and a capillary as the pen, achieving shape morphing, data encryption and anti-counterfeiting.
A novel ratiometric electrochemical biosensing strategy based on T7 exonuclease-assisted homogenous target recycling coupling hairpin assembly-triggered double-signal output for the multiple amplified detection of miRNA
Authors: Zhou Qing-Yun , Ma Rong-Na , Hu Chao-Long , Sun Fei , Jia Li-Ping , Zhang Wei , Shang Lei , Xue Qing-Wang , Jia Wen-Li , Wang Huai-Sheng
Published: February 2021

A novel ratiometric electrochemical biosensing strategy based on T7 exonuclease-assisted homogenous target recycling coupling hairpin assembly-triggered dual-signal output was designed for the accurate and sensitive detection of microRNA-141.
Quick determination and discrimination of commercial hand sanitisers using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics
Authors: Teoh Way Koon , Md Muslim Noor Zuhartini , Ismail Md Lukmi , Chang Kah Haw , Abdullah Ahmad Fahmi Lim
Published: February 2021

Quick determination and discrimination of commercial hand sanitisers for forensic investigation.
Effects of the nanowire length on large second-order nonlinear optical responses: a theoretical investigation of the thinnest doped beryllium nanowires with IR and UV working wavebands
Authors: Li Jing , Chen Weihong , Liu Jiayuan , Sun Weiming , Li Zhiru , Li Ying
Published: February 2021

The thinnest beryllium nanowires with high strength and uniformity are theoretically constructed of connected Be6octahedron units.
Synthesis and characterization of tetrathiol-substituted double-decker or ladder silsesquioxane nano-cores
Authors: Liu Yujia , Kigure Mana , Okawa Riho , Takeda Nobuhiro , Unno Masafumi , Ouali Armelle
Published: February 2021

Novel tetrathiol silsesquioxanes with double-decker or ladder nanocores are readily synthesized from their corresponding allyl counterparts. They constitute versatile building blocks for the preparation of hybrid organic–inorganic materials.
KCl-assisted activation: Moringa oleifera branch-derived porous carbon for high performance supercapacitor
Authors: Zhang Yongxiang , Yu Peifeng , Zheng Mingtao , Xiao Yong , Hu Hang , Liang Yeru , Liu Yingliang , Dong Hanwu
Published: February 2021

Porous carbons with a high specific surface area (2314–3470 m2 g−1) are prepared via a novel KCl-assisted activation strategy for high-performance supercapacitor.
Correction: Suppression of metal-to-insulator transition using strong interfacial coupling at cubic and orthorhombic perovskite oxide heterointerfaces
Authors: Sohn Woonbae , Kim Taemin Ludvic , Lee Tae Hyung , Lee Kyeongpung , Yoon Sangmoon , Kim Chungsoo , Han Seungwu , Yoo Jung-Woo , Roh Kwang Chul , Kim Miyoung , Jang Ho Won
Published: February 2021

Correction for ‘Suppression of metal-to-insulator transition using strong interfacial coupling at cubic and orthorhombic perovskite oxide heterointerfaces’ by Woonbae Sohn et al., Nanoscale, 2021, 13, 708–715, DOI: 10.1039/D0NR07545K.
Synthesis of dibenzocyclohepta[1,2-a]naphthalene derivatives from phenylacetaldehyde and alkynyl benzyl alcohols via sequential electrophilic addition and double Friedel–Crafts reactions
Authors: Sahu Archana K. , Unnava Ramanjaneyulu , Behera Bipin K. , Saikia Anil K.
Published: February 2021

A simple methodology for the regioselective synthesis of substituted dibenzocyclohepta[1,2-a]naphthalenes from phenylacetaldehydes and ortho-alkynyl benzyl alcohols in the presence of a Lewis acid has been developed.
Effect of morphology on larvicidal activity of chemically synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles against mosquito vectors
Authors: Gunathilaka U. M. T. M. , de Silva W. A. P. P. , Dunuweera S. P. , Rajapakse R. M. G.
Published: February 2021

We report the larvicidal impacts of four different morphologies of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) [star-shaped (S), needle-like (N), plate-like (P), and cubical (C)] on mosquito larvae of Aedes albopictus and Anopheles vagus.
Formation mechanisms of hollow manganese hexacyanoferrate particles and construction of a multiple-shell structure
Authors: Shiba Fumiyuki , Yamamoto Asumi , Shinta Yuuki , Mameuda Ushio , Tahara Yuuki , Okawa Yusuke
Published: February 2021

The core's preferential dissolution transforms the cubic-core/monoclinic-shell manganese hexacyanoferrate particles into the hollow structure. Applying an additional growth technique, multi-shell hollow particles have also been constructed.
Preparation of 1,2-substituted benzimidazoles via a copper-catalyzed three component coupling reaction
Authors: Yang Weiguang , Zhao Yu , Zhou Zitong , Li Li , Cui Liao , Luo Hui
Published: February 2021

The intermediate N-sulfonylketenimine occurred with two nucleophilic addition, and the sulfonyl group was easily eliminated through cyclization.
NMR-based metabolomics with enhanced sensitivity
Authors: Chandra Kousik , Al-Harthi Samah , Sukumaran Sujeesh , Almulhim Fatimah , Emwas Abdul-Hamid , Atreya Hanudatta S. , Jaremko Łukasz , Jaremko Mariusz
Published: February 2021

We combined Spin Noise Tuning Optimum (SNTO) and electric field component-optimized shaped tube to boost sensitivity for NMR-based metabolomics.