bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dysregulation of oxytocin and dopamine in the corticostriatal circuitry in bipolar II disorder
Authors: Wei Shyh-Yuh , Tseng Huai-Hsuan , Chang Hui Hua , Lu Tsung-Hua , Chang Wei Hung , Chiu Nan Tsing , Yang Yen Kuang , Chen Po See
Published: August 2020

The oxytocin (OXT) and dopamine systems synergistically facilitate striatal reactivity. Abnormal striatal activation has repeatedly been observed in patients with bipolar disorder (BD); however, such abnormality remains unclear in BD II. Here we aimed to investigate whether the corticostriatal connectivity was altered and the possible relationships among corticostriatal connectivity, OXT, and dopamine systems in BD II. Twenty-five BD II patients, as defined by the DSM-V, and 29 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled in this study. Plasma OXT was measured and striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) availability was assessed using [99mTc]TRODAT-1 single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Brain network functional connectivity (FC) was measured during the resting-state using functional magnetic resonance imaging, and the dorsal caudate (DC) was selected as the seed region. The results showed that the OXT level was significantly lower in the BD II patients, while the striatal DAT availability was not significantly different between the BD II and HC groups. The BD II patients exhibited significantly lower FC between the DC and the executive control network (dorsolateral prefrontal, anterior cingulate cortex, and posterior parietal cortex) as compared with the HC. Only observed in HC, the DC-posterior parietal cortex FC was negatively correlated with the OXT level and striatal DAT availability. Our findings in the HC support a model in which the OXT and dopamine systems act in tandem to regulate corticostriatal circuitry, while the synergistic interaction was perturbed in BD II. Taken together, these results implied a maladaptive neuroplasticity in BD II.
Perceptions of genetic testing in patients with hereditary chronic pancreatitis and their families: a qualitative triangulation
Authors: Müller Regina , Aghdassi Ali A. , Kruse Judith , Lerch Markus M. , Simon Peter , Salloch Sabine
Published: August 2020

Hereditary chronic pancreatitis (HCP) is a genetically determined condition characterized by intermittent acute episodes of pancreatitis and long-term impairment of the exocrine and endocrine pancreatic functions. Genetic test results can have substantial psychological and social consequences for the individuals tested and their families. Nevertheless, little is known so far about the subjective experience of individuals genetically tested for HCP. This qualitative study examines the viewpoints of HCP patients and their relatives in order to identify the psychosocial and ethical implications related to genetic testing within families. Semi-structured qualitative individual interviews and a focus group with HCP patients and their family members were conducted. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative content analysis. A total of 28 individuals were enrolled in the study: 24 individuals (17 patients, 7 relatives) were interviewed in semi-structured one-on-one interviews and 4 individuals (2 patients, 2 life partners) participated in the focus group. Emerging topics covered (1) genetic testing in childhood, (2) genetic testing within the family and (3) family planning. The study reveals that genetic testing for HCP has a wide influence in familial contexts and is accompanied by normative issues, such as autonomy, reproductive decisions and sharing of information within the family. The results raise the awareness of the complexity of family contexts: familial relationships and dynamics can have great influence on the individual decisions related to genetic testing. Increased understanding of these relational contexts can help health professionals, for example, in counselling, to discuss genetic testing better with patients and families.
Targeted gene correction of human hematopoietic stem cells for the treatment of Wiskott - Aldrich Syndrome
Authors: Rai Rajeev , Romito Marianna , Rivers Elizabeth , Turchiano Giandomenico , Blattner Georges , Vetharoy Winston , Ladon Dariusz , Andrieux Geoffroy , Zhang Fang , Zinicola Marta , Leon-Rico Diego , Santilli Giorgia , Thrasher Adrian J. , Cavazza Alessia
Published: August 2020

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is an X-linked primary immunodeficiency with severe platelet abnormalities and complex immunodeficiency. Although clinical gene therapy approaches using lentiviral vectors have produced encouraging results, full immune and platelet reconstitution is not always achieved. Here we show that a CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing strategy allows the precise correction of WAS mutations in up to 60% of human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), without impairing cell viability and differentiation potential. Delivery of the editing reagents to WAS HSPCs led to full rescue of WASp expression and correction of functional defects in myeloid and lymphoid cells. Primary and secondary transplantation of corrected WAS HSPCs into immunodeficient mice showed persistence of edited cells for up to 26 weeks and efficient targeting of long-term repopulating stem cells. Finally, no major genotoxicity was associated with the gene editing process, paving the way for an alternative, yet highly efficient and safe therapy.
A fluorogenic cyclic peptide for imaging and quantification of drug-induced apoptosis
Authors: Barth Nicole D. , Subiros-Funosas Ramon , Mendive-Tapia Lorena , Duffin Rodger , Shields Mario A. , Cartwright Jennifer A. , Henriques Sónia Troeira , Sot Jesus , Goñi Felix M. , Lavilla Rodolfo , Marwick John A. , Vermeren Sonja , Rossi Adriano G. , Egeblad Mikala , Dransfield Ian , Vendrell Marc
Published: August 2020

Programmed cell death or apoptosis is a central biological process that is dysregulated in many diseases, including inflammatory conditions and cancer. The detection and quantification of apoptotic cells in vivo is hampered by the need for fixatives or washing steps for non-fluorogenic reagents, and by the low levels of free calcium in diseased tissues that restrict the use of annexins. In this manuscript, we report the rational design of a highly stable fluorogenic peptide (termedApo-15) that selectively stains apoptotic cells in vitro and in vivo in a calcium-independent manner and under wash-free conditions. Furthermore, using a combination of chemical and biophysical methods, we identify phosphatidylserine as a molecular target ofApo-15. We demonstrate thatApo-15can be used for the quantification and imaging of drug-induced apoptosis in preclinical mouse models, thus creating opportunities for assessing the in vivo efficacy of anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer therapeutics.
High throughput error corrected Nanopore single cell transcriptome sequencing
Authors: Lebrigand Kevin , Magnone Virginie , Barbry Pascal , Waldmann Rainer
Published: August 2020

Droplet-based high throughput single cell sequencing techniques tremendously advanced our insight into cell-to-cell heterogeneity. However, those approaches only allow analysis of one extremity of the transcript after short read sequencing. In consequence, information on splicing and sequence heterogeneity is lost. To overcome this limitation, several approaches that use long-read sequencing were introduced recently. Yet, those techniques are limited by low sequencing depth and/or lacking or inaccurate assignment of unique molecular identifiers (UMIs), which are critical for elimination of PCR bias and artifacts. We introduce ScNaUmi-seq, an approach that combines the high throughput of Oxford Nanopore sequencing with an accurate cell barcode and UMI assignment strategy. UMI guided error correction allows to generate high accuracy full length sequence information with the 10x Genomics single cell isolation system at high sequencing depths. We analyzed transcript isoform diversity in embryonic mouse brain and show that ScNaUmi-seq allows defining splicing and SNVs (RNA editing) at a single cell level.
ADP-dependent glucokinase as a novel onco-target for haematological malignancies
Authors: Tandon Amol , Birkenhagen Jana , Nagalla Deepthi , Kölker Stefan , Sauer Sven Wolfgang
Published: August 2020

Warburg effect or aerobic glycolysis provides selective growth advantage to aggressive cancers. However, targeting oncogenic regulators of Warburg effect has always been challenging owing to the wide spectrum of roles of these molecules in multitude of cells. In this study, we present ADP-dependent glucokinase (ADPGK) as a novel glucose sensor and a potential onco-target in specifically high-proliferating cells in Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL). Previously, we had shownADPGKto play a major role in T-cell activation and induction of Warburg effect. We now reportADPGKknock-out Ramos BL cells display abated in vitro and in vivo tumour aggressiveness, via tumour-macrophage co-culture, migration and Zebrafish xenograft studies. We observed perturbed glycolysis and visibly reduced markers of Warburg effect inADPGKknock-out cells, finally leading to apoptosis. We found repression ofMYCproto-oncogene, and up to four-fold reduction in accumulated mutations in translocatedMYCin knock-out cells, signifying a successful targeting of the malignancy. Further, the activation induced differentiation capability of knock-out cells was impaired, owing to the inability to cope up with increased energy demands. The effects amplified greatly upon stimulation-based proliferation, thus providing a novel Burkitt’s lymphoma targeting mechanism originating from metabolic catastrophe induced in the cells by removal ofADPGK.
Hepatocellular carcinoma-derived high mobility group box 1 triggers M2 macrophage polarization via a TLR2/NOX2/autophagy axis
Authors: Shiau Dong-Jer , Kuo Wan-Ting , Davuluri Goutham Venkata Naga , Shieh Chi-Chang , Tsai Pei-Jane , Chen Chien-Chin , Lin Yee-Shin , Wu Yi-Zhen , Hsiao Yu-Peng , Chang Chih-Peng
Published: August 2020

In many human cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), high density of infiltrating tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) is associated with poor prognosis. Most TAMs express a M2 phenotype subsequently supporting tumor growth. How tumor cells polarize these TAMs to a pro-tumor M2 phenotype is still poorly understood. Our previous studies have revealed that a Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)-dependent autophagy triggered by hepatoma-derived factors down-regulates NF-κB p65 and drives M2 macrophage differentiation. However, the underlying mechanisms and potential hepatoma-derived TLR2 ligands are not clear. Here, we provide evidence to reveal that NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2)-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation is crucial for HCC-induced autophagy, NF-κB p65 down-regulation and M2 phenotype polarization in primary macrophages. This NOX2-generated ROS production in abolished in TLR2-deficient macrophages. HCC-derived or recombinant high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is able to trigger this TLR2-mediated M2 macrophage polarization. Blockage of HMGB1 and ROS by inhibitors, ethyl pyruvate and N-acetylcysteine amide, respectively, significantly reduces both M2 macrophage accumulation and liver nodule formation in HCC-bearing mice. Our findings uncover a HMGB1/TLR2/NOX2/autophagy axis to trigger M2 macrophage polarization in HCC that can be considered as a novel therapeutic target for treating HCC.
Chemical p38 MAP kinase inhibition constrains tissue inflammation and improves antibiotic activity in Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected mice
Authors: Hölscher Christoph , Gräb Jessica , Hölscher Alexandra , Müller Annie Linnea , Schäfer Stephan C. , Rybniker Jan
Published: August 2020

Host-modulating therapies have become an important focus in the development of novel concepts for improved management of tuberculosis (TB). Previous in vitro studies revealed that the p38 MAP kinase signaling pathway coordinates several inflammatory and stress responses in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)-infected host cells. Here we extend these findings and show that in vivo treatment of Mtb-infected C57BL/6 mice with doramapimod, a p38 MAP-kinase inhibitor, results in reduced inflammation, granuloma formation and lung pathology. Moreover, doramapimod, together with standard antibiotic treatment, significantly reduced lung and spleen mycobacterial loads compared to antibiotic treatment alone. Our in vivo data suggest the opportunity to repurpose p38 MAPK inhibitors for adjunct host directed therapies. We also provide first data on safety of p38 MAPK inhibition which is of relevance for future application of these substances in inflammatory diseases and concomitant TB.
Metabolites profiling and pharmacokinetics of troxipide and its pharmacodynamics in rats with gastric ulcer
Authors: Guo Hongbin , Chen Baohua , Yan Zihan , Gao Jian , Tang Jiamei , Zhou Chengyan
Published: August 2020

Troxipide is widely used to treat gastric ulcer (GU) in the clinic. However, a lack of systematic metabolic, pharmacokinetic and pharmacological studies limits its clinical use. This study aimed to firstly explore the metabolic, pharmacokinetic and pharmacological mechanisms of troxipide in rats with GU compared to normal control (NC) rats. First, metabolic study was perormed by a highly selective, high-resolution mass spectrometry method. A total of 45 metabolites, including 9 phase I metabolites and 36 phase II metabolites, were identified based on MS/MS spectra. Subsequently, the pharmacokinetics results suggested that the Cmax, Ka, t1/2, AUC(0−t) and AUC(0−∞) of troxipide were significantly increased in rats with GU compared with NC rats. The Vz, K10 and absolute bioavailability of troxipide were obviously decreased in rats with GU compared with NC rats, and its tissue distribution (in the liver, lung and kidney) was significantly different between the two groups of rats. Additionally, the pharmacodynamic results suggested that the levels of biochemical factors (IL-17, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, AP-1, MTL, GAS, and PG-II) were significantly increased, the PG-Ӏ level was obviously decreased, and the protein expression levels of HSP-90, C-Cas-3 and C-PARP-1 were markedly increased in rats with GU compared with NC rats. The above results suggested that the therapeutic mechanisms underlying the metabolic, pharmacokinetic and pharmacological properties of troxipide in vivo in rats deserve further attention based on the importance of troxipide in the treatment of GU in this study, and these mechanisms could be targets for future studies.
The preclinical amyloid sensitive composite to determine subtle cognitive differences in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Hahn Alice , Kim Young Ju , Kim Hee Jin , Jang Hyemin , Cho Hanna , Choi Seong Hye , Kim Byeong C. , Park Kyung Won , Na Duk L. , Chin Juhee , Seo Sang Won
Published: August 2020

Recently, the focus of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research has shifted from the clinical stage to the preclinical stage. We, therefore, aimed to develop a cognitive composite score that can detect the subtle cognitive differences between the amyloid positive (Aβ+) and negative (Aβ−) status in cognitively normal (CN) participants. A total of 423 CN participants with Aβ positron emission tomography images were recruited. The multiple-indicators multiple-causes model found the latent mean difference between the Aβ+ and Aβ− groups in the domains of verbal memory, visual memory, and executive functions. The multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) showed that the Aβ+ group performed worse in tests related to the verbal and visual delayed recall, semantic verbal fluency, and inhibition of cognitive inference within the three cognitive domains. The Preclinical Amyloid Sensitive Composite (PASC) model we developed using the result of MANCOVA and the MMSE presented a good fit with the data. The accuracy of the PASC score when applied with age, sex, education, and APOE ε4 for distinguishing between Aβ+ and Aβ− was adequate (AUC = 0.764; 95% CI = 0.667–0.860) in the external validation set (N = 179). We conclude that the PASC can eventually contribute to facilitating more prevention trials in preclinical AD.
Dysregulation of ghrelin in diabetes impairs the vascular reparative response to hindlimb ischemia in a mouse model; clinical relevance to peripheral artery disease
Authors: Neale Joshua P. H. , Pearson James T. , Thomas Kate N. , Tsuchimochi Hirotsugu , Hosoda Hiroshi , Kojima Masayasu , Sato Takahiro , Jones Gregory T. , Denny Adam P. , Daniels Lorna J. , Chandrasekera Dhananjie , Liu Ping , van Rij Andre M. , Katare Rajesh , Schwenke Daryl O.
Published: August 2020

Type 2 diabetes is a prominent risk factor for peripheral artery disease (PAD). Yet, the mechanistic link between diabetes and PAD remains unclear. This study proposes that dysregulation of the endogenous hormone ghrelin, a potent modulator of vascular function, underpins the causal link between diabetes and PAD. Moreover, this study aimed to demonstrate the therapeutic potential of exogenous ghrelin in a diabetic mouse model of PAD. Standard ELISA analysis was used to quantify and compare circulating levels of ghrelin between (i) human diabetic patients with or without PAD (clinic) and (ii) db/db diabetic and non-diabetic mice (lab). Db/db mice underwent unilateral hindlimb ischaemia (HLI) for 14 days and treated with or without exogenous ghrelin (150 µg/kg/day.) Subsequently vascular reparation, angiogenesis, hindlimb perfusion, structure and function were assessed using laser Doppler imaging, micro-CT, microangiography, and protein and micro-RNA (miRNA) analysis. We further examined hindlimb perfusion recovery of ghrelin KO mice to determine whether an impaired vascular response to HLI is linked to ghrelin dysregulation in diabetes. Patients with PAD, with or without diabetes, had significantly lower circulating levels of endogenous ghrelin, compared to healthy individuals. Diabetic db/db mice had ghrelin levels that were only 7% of non-diabetic mice. The vascular reparative capacity of diabetic db/db mice in response to HLI was impaired compared to non-diabetic mice and, importantly, comparable to ghrelin KO mice. Daily therapeutic treatment of db/db mice with ghrelin for 14 days post HLI, stimulated angiogenesis, and improved skeletal muscle architecture and cell survival, which was associated with an increase in pro-angiogenic miRNAs-126 and -132. These findings unmask an important role for endogenous ghrelin in vascular repair following limb ischemia, which appears to be downregulated in diabetic patients. Moreover, these results implicate exogenous ghrelin as a potential novel therapy to enhance perfusion in patients with lower limb PAD, especially in diabetics.
Statistical insights into the reaction of fluorine atoms with silicon
Authors: Knizikevičius Rimantas
Published: August 2020

The dependences of silicon etching rate on the concentration of F atoms are investigated theoretically. The nonlinear regression analysis of the experimental data indicates that the reaction of F atoms with silicon is 2nd overall order reaction. The relationship between overall reaction order and kinetic reaction order is established using the etching rate equation. It is found that kinetic reaction order monotonically decreases with the increase in concentration of F atoms due to the increased surface coverage. Surface passivation by the reaction products is not observed under the investigated experimental conditions.
Comparing different deep learning architectures for classification of chest radiographs
Authors: Bressem Keno K. , Adams Lisa C. , Erxleben Christoph , Hamm Bernd , Niehues Stefan M. , Vahldiek Janis L.
Published: August 2020

Chest radiographs are among the most frequently acquired images in radiology and are often the subject of computer vision research. However, most of the models used to classify chest radiographs are derived from openly available deep neural networks, trained on large image datasets. These datasets differ from chest radiographs in that they are mostly color images and have substantially more labels. Therefore, very deep convolutional neural networks (CNN) designed for ImageNet and often representing more complex relationships, might not be required for the comparably simpler task of classifying medical image data. Sixteen different architectures of CNN were compared regarding the classification performance on two openly available datasets, the CheXpert and COVID-19 Image Data Collection. Areas under the receiver operating characteristics curves (AUROC) between 0.83 and 0.89 could be achieved on the CheXpert dataset. On the COVID-19 Image Data Collection, all models showed an excellent ability to detect COVID-19 and non-COVID pneumonia with AUROC values between 0.983 and 0.998. It could be observed, that more shallow networks may achieve results comparable to their deeper and more complex counterparts with shorter training times, enabling classification performances on medical image data close to the state-of-the-art methods even when using limited hardware.
Tubulin islands containing slowly hydrolyzable GTP analogs regulate the mechanism and kinetics of microtubule depolymerization
Authors: Bollinger Jonathan A. , Imam Zachary I. , Stevens Mark J. , Bachand George D.
Published: August 2020

Dynamic instability of microtubules is characterized by stochastically alternating phases of growth and shrinkage and is hypothesized to be controlled by the conformation and nucleotide state of tubulin dimers within the microtubule lattice. Specifically, conformation changes (compression) in the tubulin dimer following the hydrolysis of GTP have been suggested to generate stress and drive depolymerization. In the present study, molecular dynamics simulations were used in tandem with in vitro experiments to investigate changes in depolymerization based on the presence of islands of uncompressed (GMPCPP) dimers in the microtubule lattice. Both methods revealed an exponential decay in the kinetic rate of depolymerization corresponding to the relative level of uncompressed (GMPCPP) dimers, beginning at approximately 20% incorporation. This slowdown was accompanied by a distinct morphological change from unpeeling “ram’s horns” to blunt-ended dissociation at the microtubule end. Collectively these data demonstrated that islands of uncompressed dimers can alter the mechanism and kinetics of depolymerization in a manner consistent with promoting rescue events.
Evaluation of the safety profile of rotavirus vaccines: a pharmacovigilance analysis on American and European data
Authors: Bonaldo Giulia , Noseda Roberta , Ceschi Alessandro , Vaccheri Alberto , Motola Domenico
Published: August 2020

Rotaviruses (RVs) are the most common cause of severe diarrheal disease. To date two rotavirus oral vaccines are licensed: Rotarix and Rotateq. Our aim was to contribute to the post-marketing evaluation of these vaccines safety profile. We collected all RV vaccines-related reports of Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) in US Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) and VigiBase between January 2007 and December 2017. A disproportionality analysis using Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR) was performed. A total of 17,750 reports in VAERS and 6,358 in VigiBase were retrieved. In VAERS, 86.2% of the reports concerned RotaTeq, whereas in VigiBase 67.7% of them involved Rotarix. Across the databases, diarrhea (1,672 events in VAERS, 1,961 in VigiBase) and vomiting (1,746 in VAERS, 1,508 in VigiBase) were the most reported AEFIs. Noteworthy, the RV vaccines-intussusception pair showed a ROR greater than 20 in both databases. Some new potential safety signals emerged such as fontanelle bulging, hypotonic-hyporesponsive episode, livedo reticularis, and opisthotonus. Overall, our data show that most of the reported AEFIs are listed in the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPCs). However, there remains the need to investigate the potential safety signals arose from this analysis, in order to complete the description of the AEFIs.
Altered levels of BMD, PRL, BAP and TRACP-5b in male chronic patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Du Xiangdong , Ye Fei , Li Jin , Zhao Yaqin , Xiao Wenhuan , Tang Xiaowei , Zhang Xiaobin
Published: August 2020

Bone mineral density (BMD) has been found to decrease in schizophrenia patients. We examined BMD and the levels of prolactin (PRL), bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase isoform 5b (TRACP-5b) in male chronic schizophrenia patients and compared them with healthy controls in a Chinese Han population, which has not been reported before. Male patients with chronic schizophrenia (SPs; n = 79) and healthy controls (HCs; n  = 56) were recruited. BMD and plasma PRL, BAP and TRACP-5b levels were measured and compared between the two groups. The SPs group was further divided into two subgroups: the elevated PRL group (PRL ≥ 25 ng/ml, EPRL; n  = 38) and the normal PRL group (PRL < 25 ng/ml, NPRL; n = 41) in accordance with PRL levels. The levels of BAP and TRACP-5b were measured using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) while serum PRL was measured with an Access Immunoassay Analyzer. BMD was determined by quantitative computed tomography. BMD levels significantly decreased and serum PRL and TRACP-5b levels were significantly higher in male chronic schizophrenia patients. The EPRL group had remarkably lower BMD and BAP level and higher TRACP-5b levels compared with the NPRL group and HCs. Moreover, there was a negative correlation between BMD and TRACP-5b in the EPRL group. We found that BMD, BAP and TRACP-5b levels in the EPRL group were significantly different than HCs and the NPRL group. PRL levels in schizophrenia patients may be related to BMD and bone metabolism. Monitoring BMD and markers of bone metabolism in clinical practice may therefore be helpful to understand the bone health status of schizophrenia patients.
Copper-catalyzed (4+1) and (3+2) cyclizations of iodonium ylides with alkynes
Authors: Liang Hao , He Xiaobo , Zhang Yaqi , Chen Bin , Ouyang Jia-sheng , Li Yongsu , Pan Bendu , Subba Reddy Chitreddy V. , Chan Wesley Ting Kwok , Qiu Liqin
Published: August 2020

The copper(ii)-catalyzed (4+1) cyclizations and copper(i)-catalyzed (3+2) cycloadditions of iodonium ylides and alkynes have been successfully developed. The corresponding highly functionalized heterocyclic products were prepared conveniently.
Synthesis of diarylalkanes through an intramolecular/intermolecular addition sequence by auto-tandem catalysis with strong Brønsted base
Authors: Kondoh Azusa , Ma Chaoyan , Terada Masahiro
Published: August 2020

An auto-tandem catalysis with a strong Brønsted base enabled an efficient synthesis of diarylalkanes containing a benzofuran moiety.
Label-free and “signal-on” homogeneous photoelectrochemical cytosensing strategy for ultrasensitive cancer cell detection
Authors: Lu Fangfang , Yang Limin , Hou Ting , Li Feng
Published: August 2020

A “signal-on” homogeneous photoelectrochemical cytosensing platform was constructed for ultrasensitive cancer cell detection based on a G-quadruplex-inserted long dsDNA structure.
A machine learning study of the two states model for lipid bilayer phase transitions
Authors: Walter Vivien , Ruscher Céline , Benzerara Olivier , Marques Carlos M. , Thalmann Fabrice
Published: August 2020

Machine learning algorithms can identify fluid and gel conformation states of individual lipid molecules.
Sodium cationization can disrupt the intramolecular hydrogen bond that mediates the sunscreen activity of oxybenzone
Authors: Berenbeim Jacob A. , Wong Natalie G. K. , Cockett Martin C. R. , Berden Giel , Oomens Jos , Rijs Anouk M. , Dessent Caroline E. H.
Published: August 2020

Complexation with a sodium cation breaks the intramolecular hydrogen bond of oxybenzone, compromising its ability to act as an effective UV filter.
Cooperative protein–solvent tuning of proton transfer energetics: carbonic anhydrase as a case study
Authors: Zanetti-Polzi Laura , Aschi Massimiliano , Daidone Isabella
Published: August 2020

Point mutations induce the active site dehydration and the formation of bridges of only one water molecule that efficiently transfers protons.
Air quality and health benefits of China’s current and upcoming clean air policies
Authors: Cheng Jing , Tong Dan , Liu Yang , Bo Yu , Zheng Bo , Geng Guannan , He Kebin , Zhang Qiang
Published: August 2020

We estimated China's clean air policies could ensure majority population lives below 35μg m−3, avoiding ∼95.0 thousand premature deaths in 2030.
In vitrofermentation outcomes of arabinoxylan and galactoxyloglucan depend on fecal inoculum more than substrate chemistry
Authors: Feng Guangli , Mikkelsen Deirdre , Hoedt Emily C. , Williams Barbara A. , Flanagan Bernadine M. , Morrison Mark , Gidley Michael J.
Published: August 2020

The production of SCFA and promotion of bacteria, during fermentation of soluble polysaccharides, depend on the initial composition of the host large intestinal microbiota more than the type of polysaccharide.
Monodisperse microdroplets: a tool that advances single-particle ICP-MS measurements
Authors: Gundlach-Graham Alexander , Mehrabi Kamyar
Published: August 2020

Controlled introduction of monodisperse microdroplets is tool that can be used to improve single-particle ICP-MS measurements. Microdroplet-based signals are used for calibration, and also enable us to devise and validate data analysis strategies.
Label-free detection of Giardia lamblia cysts using a deep learning-enabled portable imaging flow cytometer
Authors: Göröcs Zoltán , Baum David , Song Fang , de Haan Kevin , Ceylan Koydemir Hatice , Qiu Yunzhe , Cai Zilin , Skandakumar Thamira , Peterman Spencer , Tamamitsu Miu , Ozcan Aydogan
Published: August 2020

We developed a field-portable and cost-effective imaging flow cytometer that uses deep learning to accurately detect Giardia cysts in water samples.
Biodegradable microneedle patch for transdermal gene delivery
Authors: Qu Moyuan , Kim Han-Jun , Zhou Xingwu , Wang Canran , Jiang Xing , Zhu Jixiang , Xue Yumeng , Tebon Peyton , Sarabi Shima A. , Ahadian Samad , Dokmeci Mehmet R. , Zhu Songsong , Gu Zhen , Sun Wujin , Khademhosseini Ali
Published: August 2020

A gelatin methacryloyl based microneedle patch has been developed for transdermal gene delivery both in vitro and in vivo.
Precise discrimination of Luminal A breast cancer subtype using an aptamer in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Liu Mei , Zhang Biao , Li Zhiyang , Wang Zhifei , Li Song , Liu Hongna , Deng Yan , He Nongyue
Published: August 2020

A truncated DNA aptamer for precise discrimination of Luminal A breast cancer subtype was developed.
Parametric study of temperature distribution in plasmon-assisted photocatalysis
Authors: Un Ieng Wai , Sivan Yonatan
Published: August 2020

We show that, in contrast to popular beliefs, the temperature distribution in plasmon-assisted photocatalysis experiments is typically only weakly-sensitive to the wavelength, NP density and particle size.
Spectral characterization of LiYbF4 upconverting nanoparticles
Authors: Skripka Artiom , Cheng Ting , Jones Callum M. S. , Marin Riccardo , Marques-Hueso Jose , Vetrone Fiorenzo
Published: August 2020

In light of recent developments on Yb3+-based upconverting rare-earth nanoparticles (RENPs), we have systematically explored the spectral features of LiYbF4:RE3+/LiYF4 core/shell RENPs doped with various amounts of Tm3+, Er3+, or Ho3+.
Synthesis of sandwich-like Co15Fe85@C/RGO multicomponent composites with tunable electromagnetic parameters and microwave absorption performance
Authors: Bao Susu , Tang Wen , Song Zhijia , Jiang Qiaorong , Jiang Zhiyuan , Xie Zhaoxiong
Published: August 2020

An effective strategy is designed to fabricate sandwich-like Co15Fe85@C/RGO composites with ultra-wide microwave absorption bandwidth.
Exciplex emissive supramolecular polymer formed by tuning molecular conformation
Authors: Heo Sojeong , Kim Ka Young , Choi Heekyoung , Kang Seok Gyu , Choi Wonjin , Lee Shim Sung , Jung Sung Ho , Jung Jong Hwa
Published: August 2020

The strong exciplex emission of the supramolecular polymer I with yellow emission was a consequence of the intramolecular charge transfer interactions in a mixed DMSO/H2O (60 : 40–1 : 99 v/v) solution.
N-doped carbon-coated ultrasmall Nb2O5 nanocomposite with excellent long cyclability for sodium storage
Authors: Chen Zhigao , Chen Weimin , Wang Hongxia , Xiao Zhuangwei , Yu Faquan
Published: August 2020

Nb2O5@NC exhibits the best sodium-storage performance of Nb2O5-based anode at high current densities so far and the mechanism is analyzed.
Raise the anchor! Synthesis, X-ray and NMR characterization of 1,3,5-triazinanes with an axial tert-butyl group
Authors: Kletskov Alexey V. , Zatykina Anastasya D. , Grudova Mariya V. , Sinelshchikova Anna A. , Grigoriev Mikhail S. , Zaytsev Vladimir P. , Gil Diego M. , Novikov Roman A. , Zubkov Fedor I. , Frontera Antonio
Published: August 2020

N-t-Bu-N′,N′′-Disulfonamide-1,3,5-triazinanes were synthesized and studied by X-ray single crystal structure analysis and dynamic low-temperature NMR.
Synthesis and application of 3,4,7,8-tetrakis-exo-methylenecycloocta-1,5-diene as a versatile Diels–Alder diene: synthesis of V-shaped cyclooctatetraene fused acenes
Authors: Gadigennavar Savita , Sankararaman Sethuraman
Published: August 2020

Synthesis of 3,4,7,8-tetrakis-exo-methylenecycloocta-1,5-diene, has been reported. Diels-Alder reactions with this diene provides a shorter route for the synthesis of cyclooctatetraene fused with rigid aromatic wings.
Effect of polymerisation by microwave on the physical properties of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) specific for caffeine
Authors: Brahmbhatt Heli A. , Surtees Alexander , Tierney Cavan , Ige Oluwabukunmi A. , Piletska Elena V. , Swift Thomas , Turner Nicholas W.
Published: August 2020

Synthesis of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers by microwave irradiation is significantly affected by applied power.
Miniemulsion polymerization using carboxylated graphene quantum dots as surfactants: effects of monomer and initiator type
Authors: Dinh Le N. M. , Ramana Lakshmi N. , Kuchel Rhiannon P. , Agarwal Vipul , Zetterlund Per B.
Published: August 2020

The effectiveness of carboxylated graphene quantum dots (cGQDs) as sole surfactants have been investigated in miniemulsion polymerization of 8 different vinyl monomers, initiated by oil-soluble initiator AIBN and water-soluble initiator VA-044.
An apigenin-based bio-benzoxazine with three polymerizable functionalities: sustainable synthesis, thermal latent polymerization, and excellent thermal properties of its thermosets
Authors: Hao Boran , Han Lu , Liu Yuqi , Zhang Kan
Published: August 2020

An apigenin-based benzoxazine exhibiting a thermal latent polymerization behavior, high thermal stability and low flammability has been synthesized from sustainable resources.
Metallic SPIONP/AgNP synthesis using a novel natural source and their antifungal activities
Authors: Azhdari Sara , Sarabi Roghayeh Ershad , Rezaeizade Nadia , Mosazade Faride , Heidari Mohammadjavad , Borhani Fariba , Abdollahpour-Alitappeh Meghdad , Khatami Mehrdad
Published: August 2020

AgNPs and SPIONPs showed inhibitory effects against the radial growth of the mycelia of the pathogenic fungi A. niger and F. solani.
Detection of tyrosine and monitoring tyrosinase activity using an enzyme cascade-triggered colorimetric reaction
Authors: Chen Huei-Yu , Yeh Yi-Chun
Published: August 2020

We developed an enzyme cascade-triggered colorimetric reaction for the detection of tyrosine, based on the formation of yellow pigment (betalamic acid) and red fluorometric betaxanthin.
Correction: Tetrahydrofuran-based two-step solvent liquefaction process for production of lignocellulosic sugars
Authors: Ghosh Arpa , Haverly Martin R. , Lindstrom Jake K. , Johnston Patrick A. , Brown Robert C.
Published: August 2020

Correction for ‘Tetrahydrofuran-based two-step solvent liquefaction process for production of lignocellulosic sugars’ by Arpa Ghosh et al., React. Chem. Eng., 2020, DOI: 10.1039/d0re00192a.
A practical catalytic reductive amination of carboxylic acids
Authors: Stoll Emma L. , Tongue Thomas , Andrews Keith G. , Valette Damien , Hirst David J. , Denton Ross M.
Published: August 2020

We report reductive alkylation reactions of amines using carboxylic acids as nominal electrophiles.
Electron-driven proton transfer relieves excited-state antiaromaticity in photoexcited DNA base pairs
Authors: Karas Lucas J. , Wu Chia-Hua , Ottosson Henrik , Wu Judy I.
Published: August 2020

The Watson–Crick A·T and G·C base pairs are not only electronically complementary, but also photochemically complementary.
Multicomponent and multicatalytic asymmetric synthesis of furo[2,3-b]pyrrole derivatives: further insights into the mode of action of chiral phosphoric acid catalysts
Authors: Cala Lara , Villar Pedro , de Lera Ángel R. , Fañanás Francisco J. , Álvarez Rosana , Rodríguez Félix
Published: August 2020

Furo[2,3-b]pyrroles are selectively synthesized by a multicomponent reaction catalysed by a gold/chiral phosphoric acid system. The non-covalent interactions established between the acid and the reagents explain the exquisite stereoselectivity.
Peptide late-stage C(sp3)–H arylation by native asparagine assistance without exogenous directing groups
Authors: Weng Yiyi , Ding Xingxing , Oliveira João C. A. , Xu Xiaobin , Kaplaneris Nikolaos , Zhu Meijie , Chen Hantao , Chen Zhuo , Ackermann Lutz
Published: August 2020

An efficient method for peptide late-stage C(sp3)-H arylations assisted by unmodified side chain of asparagine (Asn) without any exogenous directing group has been reported.
Optimizing electron density of nickel sulfide electrocatalysts through sulfur vacancy engineering for alkaline hydrogen evolution
Authors: Jia Dongbo , Han Lili , Li Ying , He Wenjun , Liu Caichi , Zhang Jun , Chen Cong , Liu Hui , Xin Huolin L.
Published: August 2020

A novel, rational design for porous S-vacancy nickel sulfide catalysts with remarkable catalytic performance for alkaline HER.
Triboelectric effect of surface morphology controlled laser induced graphene
Authors: Choi Kwang-Hun , Park Seoungwoong , Hyeong Seok-Ki , Bae Sukang , Hong Jae-Min , Kim Tae-Wook , Lee Sang Hyun , Ryu Seongwoo , Lee Seoung-Ki
Published: August 2020

Here, we studied the triboelectric properties of structurally controlled laser-induced graphene (LIG) to clarify the key factors for improving the energy harvesting performance.
Realizing electronic modulation on Mo sites for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Wang Weiwen , Yang Lei , Chen Jie , Wu Shifan , Chen Mengying , Liang Xuerong , Zhou Dali , Liu Can
Published: August 2020

Electronic modulation based on electronic SMSI and the electron injection effect is efficient for the hydrogen evolution reaction.
Efficient and stable charge transfer channels for photocatalytic water splitting activity of CdS without sacrificial agents
Authors: Chen Wei , Huang Guo-Bo , Song Hao , Zhang Jian
Published: August 2020

An efficient charge transfer channel for improving the photocatalytic water splitting activity and durability of CdS without sacrificial agents.
Differential Diagnosis of Apraxia of Speech in Children and Adults: A Scoping Review
Authors: Allison Kristen M. , Cordella Claire , Iuzzini-Seigel Jenya , Green Jordan R.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Despite having distinct etiologies, acquired apraxia of speech (AOS) and childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) share the same central diagnostic challenge (i.e., isolating markers specific to an impairment in speech motor planning/programming). The purpose of this review was to evaluate and compare the state of the evidence on approaches to differential diagnosis for AOS and CAS and to identify gaps in each literature that could provide directions for future research aimed to improve clinical diagnosis of these disorders.

Method

We conducted a scoping review of literature published between 1997 and 2019, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. For both AOS and CAS, literature was charted and summarized around four main methodological approaches to diagnosis: speech symptoms, quantitative speech measures, impaired linguistic–motor processes, and neuroimaging.

Results

Results showed that similar methodological approaches have been used to study differential diagnosis of apraxia of speech in adults and children; however, the specific measures that have received the most research attention differ between AOS and CAS. Several promising candidate markers for AOS and CAS have been identified; however, few studies report metrics that can be used to assess their diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusions

Over the past two decades, there has been a proliferation of research identifying potential diagnostic markers of AOS and CAS. In order to improve clinical diagnosis of AOS and CAS, there is a need for studies testing the diagnostic accuracy of multiple candidate markers, better control over language impairment comorbidity, more inclusion of speech-disordered control groups, and an increased focus on translational work moving toward clinical implementation of promising measures.
A Clinically Valuable Interaction in the Midst of COVID-19 and Beyond: A Viewpoint on the Importance of Patient-Centered Outcomes in Rehabilitative Audiology
Authors: Davidson Alyssa , Marrone Nicole
Published: August 2020

Purpose

In this article, we describe the problems that patients and audiologists face today during the COVID-19 pandemic when accessing and delivering hearing health care. Additionally, we introduce a proactive rehabilitative counseling approach to hearing aid follow-up care now and how it may continue in future practice.

Method

Combining current literature, clinical practice, and results from a recent dissertation study, decision trees were created to guide patient engagement and prioritize follow-up care.

Results

The central focus is on patient-centered communication needs and self-efficacy. The benchmark for the Measure of Audiologic Rehabilitation Self-Efficacy for Hearing Aids questionnaire is set at an 80% composite score, with further interpretation of subscales to identify the format and focus of subsequent clinical interactions. Follow-up care can be delivered remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic and in hybrid formats combining remote and in-person services in the future.

Conclusions

Audiology follow-up appointments may be elective, but patients are still in need of clinician interaction to help mitigate social isolation. We suggest that audiologists reach out to proactively manage communication needs of patients through increased access to rehabilitative audiology.
Plasma and magnetic-field structures near the Martian induced magnetosphere boundary
Authors: Wang J. , Lee L. C. , Xu X. , Cao J. B. , Yu J. , Chang Q. , Xu Q. , Xu J.
Published: August 2020

The interaction between the solar wind and the Martian induced magnetosphere can lead to the formation of various regions with different plasma and magnetic-field characteristics. In this paper, these structures are investigated based on the plasma and magnetic-field measurements from Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN). We find that the structures upstream of Mars are similar to those around Earth: both have a bow shock, magnetosheath, magnetopause, and a magnetosphere or induced magnetosphere. The inner part of Martian magnetosheath is called a plasma depletion region (PDR), similar to the plasma depletion layer upstream of the Earth’s magnetopause, in which the magnetosheath magnetic fields are piled up and the magnetosheath plasmas (including ions and electrons) are partially depleted. Several cases of PDRs are examined in detail. The hotter plasmas in PDRs are squeezed out along the enhanced magnetic field, resulting in the decrease of the plasma beta, the plasma density, and the ion temperature. The boundary between the magnetosheath and the induced magnetosphere is called the magnetopause, which can be identified as a magnetohydrodynamic discontinuity, either tangential discontinuity (TD) or rotational discontinuity, where the magnetic field changes its orientation. Tangential discontinuities with an insignificant normal component (BN≈ 0) of the magnetic field are the focus of this study. This discontinuity separates the magnetosheath H+ions from the heavy ions (e.g. O+, O2+) in the induced magnetosphere. Inside a TD, ions from both sides are mixed. There are 3332 boundary crossings by MAVEN in 2015, 1075 cases of which are identified as the TD (including the potential TD). Tangential discontinuities at Mars are at higher locations in the southern hemisphere and have an average thickness of ~200 km, mostly ranging from 50 to 400 km. The sample of TD is a decreasing function ofθ(θis the magnetic field rotation angle on the two sides of the TD). The PDRs in front of TDs are thicker in the northern hemisphere. From the sub-solar point to the Mars tail, PDR thickness increases and the proton number density and temperature decrease.
Reaching thermal noise at ultra-low radio frequencies
Authors: de Gasperin F. , Brunetti G. , Brüggen M. , van Weeren R. , Williams W. L. , Botteon A. , Cuciti V. , Dijkema T. J. , Edler H. , Iacobelli M. , Kang H. , Offringa A. , Orrú E. , Pizzo R. , Rafferty D. , Röttgering H. , Shimwell T.
Published: August 2020

Context. Ultra-low frequency observations (< 100 MHz) are particularly challenging because they are usually performed in a low signal-to-noise ratio regime due to the high sky temperature and because of ionospheric disturbances whose effects are inversely proportional to the observing frequency. Nonetheless, these observations are crucial for studying the emission from low-energy populations of cosmic rays.

Aims. We aim to obtain the first thermal-noise limited (∼1.5 mJy beam−1) deep continuum radio map using the Low Frequency Array’s Low Band Antenna (LOFAR LBA) system. Our demonstration observation targeted the galaxy cluster RX J0603.3+4214 (known as the Toothbrush cluster). We used the resulting ultra-low frequency (39–78 MHz) image to study cosmic-ray acceleration and evolution in the post shock region considering the presence of a radio halo.

Methods. We describe the data reduction we used to calibrate LOFAR LBA observations. The resulting image was combined with observations at higher frequencies (LOFAR 150 MHz and VLA 1500 MHz) to extract spectral information.

Results. We obtained the first thermal-noise limited image from an observation carried out with the LOFAR LBA system using all Dutch stations at a central frequency of 58 MHz. With eight hours of data, we reached an rms noise of 1.3 mJy beam−1 at a resolution of 18″ × 11″.

Conclusions. The procedure we developed is an important step towards routine high-fidelity imaging with the LOFAR LBA. The analysis of the radio spectra shows that the radio relic extends to distances of 800 kpc downstream from the shock front, larger than what is allowed by electron cooling time. Furthermore, the shock wave started accelerating electrons already at a projected distance of < 300 kpc from the crossing point of the two clusters. These results may be explained by electrons being re-accelerated downstream by background turbulence, possibly combined with projection effects with respect to the radio halo.