bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting need for intensive care unit admission in adult emphysematous pyelonephritis patients at emergency departments: comparison of five scoring systems
Authors: Yap Xiao-Han , Ng Chip-Jin , Hsu Kuang-Hung , Chien Cheng-Yu , Goh Zhong Ning Leonard , Li Chih-Huang , Weng Yi-Ming , Hsieh Ming-Shun , Chen Hsien-Yi , Chen-Yeen Seak Joanna , Seak Chen-Ken , Seak Chen-June
Published: November 2019

This study assesses the performance of National Early Warning Score (NEWS), Quick Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA), Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS), Rapid Emergency Medicine Score (REMS), and Rapid Acute Physiology Score (RAPS) in predicting emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) patients’ need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission. A retrospective analysis was conducted at four training and research hospitals’ emergency departments (EDs) on all EPN adult patients from January 2007 to August 2017. Data extracted were used to calculate raw scores for five physiologic scoring systems. Mann-Whitney U tests and χ2 tests were done for numerical and categorical variables respectively to examine differences between characteristics of ICU and non-ICU patient populations. Predictability of ICU admission was evaluated with AUROC analysis. ICU patients had lower GCS scores, SpO2, platelet counts, and estimated glomerular filtration rate; and higher bands, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and incidences of septic shock and nephrectomy. NEWS performed best, with 73.85% accuracy at optimal cut-off of 3. In this multicentre ED EPN series, we recommend using NEWS in early identification of critical EPN patients and advance planning for ICU admission. This would reduce delays in ICU transfer and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Demographic characteristics of free-roaming dogs (FRD) in rural and urban India following a photographic sight-resight survey
Authors: Tiwari Harish Kumar , Robertson Ian D. , O’Dea Mark , Vanak Abi Tamim
Published: November 2019

An understanding of the core demographic characteristics of the sub-populations of FRD is essential to effectively implement both rabies control interventions through mass vaccination of FRD, and dog population control programmes. This study compares the data obtained following photographic sight-resight surveys in rural (Shirsuphal village in west India) and urban (Municipal Corporation Panchkula in north India) locations . A total of 263 and 1408  FRD were seen at least once through 617 and 3465 sightings in the rural and urban sites, respectively. The rural location had a lower proportion of females (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.4–0.7) and a higher proportion of poor and fair conditioned dogs (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3–2.3) compared to the urban setting. The rural site also had fewer active FRD (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.5–0.7) and FRD were less likely to be sighted within 20 m of garbage points (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.2–0.3) compared to the urban site. The demographic composition of the FRD population was found to vary within the urban location, with the odds of sighting a de-sexed dog being significantly higher in residential areas compared to other areas. The study underlines the importance of knowing the demographic composition of FRD for implementation of effective interventions against rabies. Fewer female dogs in the rural location indicate that spaying could be an effective tool for dog population management in this setting, while presence of dogs within 20 m of garbage points in urban settings highlights that an improved garbage management may reduce the carrying capacity of the urban locality resulting in smaller FRD population. It is concluded that quick and low cost surveys can generate useful demographic data for FRD in urban and rural settings which can be useful to understand the epidemiology of rabies and its control.
EUS-guided biliary drainage versus ERCP for first-line palliation of malignant distal biliary obstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Han Sung Yong , Kim Seon-Ok , So Hoonsub , Shin Euisoo , Kim Dong Uk , Park Do Hyun
Published: November 2019

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with transpapillary metal stenting is the standard palliation method for malignant distal biliary obstruction (MDBO); however, post-ERCP pancreatitis are not uncommon. Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) with transmural metal stenting has emerged as an option for primary palliation of MDBO. We compared the efficacy and safety of these procedures as first-line MDBO treatment. We searched for relevant English-language articles in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. The outcomes of interest were technical success, clinical success, adverse events, stent patency, reintervention rates, and procedure time. Subgroup analysis was performed for patients without duodenal invasion (eg, endoscopically accessible papilla; EUS-choledochoduodenostomy [CDS] vs. ERCP). Ten studies (3 randomized trials and 7 retrospective studies) with 756 patients were included. The cumulative technical and clinical success rates were high for both procedures (EUS-BD: 94.8% [294/310] and 93.8% [286/305], ERCP: 96.5% [386/400] and 95.7% [377/394]). The cumulative adverse event rates were 16.3% (54/331) for EUS-BD and 18.3% (78/425) for ERCP. In subgroup analysis for patients without duodenal invasion, EUS-CDS showed similar cumulative technical and clinical success rate with ERCP (technical success rate, EUS-CDS vs. ERCP: 94.2% [146/155] vs. 97.8% [237/242]; clinical success rate, EUS-CDS vs. ERCP: 94.2% [145/154] vs. 93.0% [225/242]). The cumulative rate of adverse events for EUS-CDS and ERCP was also comparable (15.5% [24/155] for EUS-CDS and 18.6% [45/242] for ERCP). As first-line palliation of MDBO, EUS-BD was similar to ERCP in technical and clinical success and safety; however, larger randomized trials comparing EUS-CDS and ERCP in this setting with endoscopically accessible papilla may be required.
Alteration of the lysophosphatidic acid and its precursor lysophosphatidylcholine levels in spinal cord stenosis: A study using a rat cauda equina compression model
Authors: Uranbileg Baasanjav , Ito Nobuko , Kurano Makoto , Saigusa Daisuke , Saito Ritsumi , Uruno Akira , Kano Kuniyuki , Ikeda Hitoshi , Yamada Yoshitsugu , Sumitani Masahiko , Sekiguchi Miho , Aoki Junken , Yatomi Yutaka
Published: November 2019

Cauda equina compression (CEC) is a major cause of neurogenic claudication and progresses to neuropathic pain (NP). A lipid mediator, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), is known to induce NP via the LPA1 receptor. To know a possible mechanism of LPA production in neurogenic claudication, we determined the levels of LPA, lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and LPA-producing enzyme autotaxin (ATX), in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and spinal cord (SC) using a CEC as a possible model of neurogenic claudication. Using silicon blocks within the lumbar epidural space, we developed a CEC model in rats with motor dysfunction. LPC and LPA levels in the CSF were significantly increased from day 1. Importantly, specific LPA species (16:0, 18:2, 20:4) were upregulated, which have been shown to produce by ATX detected in the CSF, without changes on its level. In SC, the LPC and LPA levels did not change, but mass spectrometry imaging analysis revealed that LPC was present in a region where the silicon blocks were inserted. These results propose a model for LPA production in SC and CSF upon neurogenic claudication that LPC produced locally by tissue damages is converted to LPA by ATX, which then leak out into the CSF.
Lack of specific T- and B-cell clonal expansions in multiple sclerosis patients with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
Authors: Bertoli Diego , Sottini Alessandra , Capra Ruggero , Scarpazza Cristina , Bresciani Roberto , Notarangelo Luigi D. , Imberti Luisa
Published: November 2019

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare, potentially devastating myelin-degrading disease caused by the JC virus. PML occurs preferentially in patients with compromised immune system, but has been also observed in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients treated with disease-modifying drugs. We characterized T and B cells in 5 MS patients that developed PML, 4 during natalizumab therapy and one after alemtuzumab treatment, and in treated patients who did not develop the disease. Results revealed that: i) thymic and bone marrow output was impaired in 4 out 5 patients at the time of PML development; ii) T-cell repertoire was restricted; iii) clonally expanded T cells were present in all patients. However, common usage or pairings of T-cell receptor beta variable or joining genes, specific clonotypes or obvious “public” T-cell response were not detected at the moment of PML onset. Similarly, common restrictions were not found in the immunoglobulin heavy chain repertoire. The data indicate that no JCV-related specific T- and B-cell expansions were mounted at the time of PML. The current results enhance our understanding of JC virus infection and PML, and should be taken into account when choosing targeted therapies.
Risk of End-Stage Renal Disease in Psoriatic Patients: Real-World Data from a Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Lee Eun , Han Ju Hee , Bang Chul Hwan , Yoo Seung Ah , Han Kyung Do , Kim Ha-Na , Park Young Min , Lee Jun Young , Lee Ji Hyun
Published: November 2019

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder mediated by the T-cell–related immune response. Psoriatic patients may have a variety of comorbidities, but their risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), particularly according to the subtype of psoriasis, is unclear. We investigated the risk of ESRD in patients with psoriasis according to the subtype of psoriasis and history of systemic therapy for psoriasis. A total of 2,121,228 adults (1,590,921 in the control group and 530,307 in the psoriasis group) were enrolled in this nationwide population-based cohort study until 2015. During follow-up, 1,434 of the subjects in the psoriasis group developed ESRD. After adjusting for confounding factors, psoriasis was associated with the risk of ESRD (hazard ratio (HR) 1.58, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.47–1.68). The psoriatic arthritis group (HR 7.60, 95% CI 1.90–30.41) had a higher risk of ESRD than the control group. Interestingly, no such association was detected in the systemically treated group (HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.80–1.41). Moreover, the acitretin-treated group had a lower risk of ESRD (HR 0.658, 95% CI, 0.494–0.875) than the non-systemically treated group. In conclusion, the risk of developing ESRD in patients with psoriasis differed according to the type of treatment and the presence of arthritis.
Products of Chemoenzymatic Synthesis Representing MUC1 Tandem Repeat Unit with T-, ST- or STn-antigen Revealed Distinct Specificities of Anti-MUC1 Antibodies
Authors: Yoshimura Yayoi , Denda-Nagai Kaori , Takahashi Yoshie , Nagashima Izuru , Shimizu Hiroki , Kishimoto Toshimitsu , Noji Miki , Shichino Shigeyuki , Chiba Yasunori , Irimura Tatsuro
Published: November 2019

Anti-mucin1 (MUC1) antibodies have long been used clinically in cancer diagnosis and therapy and specific bindings of some of them are known to be dependent on the differential glycosylation of MUC1. However, a systematic comparison of the binding specificities of anti-MUC1 antibodies was not previously conducted. Here, a total of 20 glycopeptides including the tandem repeat unit of MUC1, APPAHGVTSAPDTRPAPGSTAPPAHGV with GalNAc (Tn-antigen), Galβ1-3GalNAc (T-antigen), NeuAcα2-3Galβ1-3GalNAc (sialyl-T-antigen), or NeuAcα2-6GalNAc (sialyl-Tn-antigen) at each threonine or serine residue were prepared by a combination of chemical glycopeptide synthesis and enzymatic extension of carbohydrate chains. These glycopeptides were tested by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for their capacity to bind 13 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) known to be specific for MUC1. The results indicated that anti-MUC1 mAbs have diverse specificities but can be classified into a few characteristic groups based on their binding pattern toward glycopeptides in some cases having a specific glycan at unique glycosylation sites. Because the clinical significance of some of these antibodies was already established, the structural features identified by these antibodies as revealed in the present study should provide useful information relevant to their further clinical use and the biological understanding of MUC1.
ATP amplifies NADPH-dependent and -independent neutrophil extracellular trap formation
Authors: Sofoluwe Aderonke , Bacchetta Marc , Badaoui Mehdi , Kwak Brenda R. , Chanson Marc
Published: November 2019

Neutrophils are the first immune cells to kill invading microbes at sites of infection using a variety of processes, including the release of proteases, phagocytosis and the production of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). NET formation, or NETosis, is a specific and highly efficient process, which is induced by a variety of stimuli leading to expulsion of DNA, proteases and antimicrobial peptides to the extracellular space. However, uncontrolled NETosis may lead to adverse effects and exert tissue damage in pathological conditions. Here, we show that the ATP channel pannexin1 (Panx1) is functionally expressed by bone marrow-derived neutrophils (BMDNs) of wild-type (WT) mice and that ATP contributes to NETosis induced in vitro by the calcium ionophore A23187 or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Interestingly, neutrophils isolated from Panx1−/− mice showed reduced and/or delayed induction of NETosis. Brilliant blue FCF dye (BB-FCF), a Panx1 channel inhibitor, decreased NETosis in wild-type neutrophils to the extent observed in Panx1−/− neutrophils. Thus, we demonstrate that ATP and Panx1 channels contribute to NETosis and may represent a therapeutic target.
Salt-free fractionation of complex isomeric mixtures of glycosaminoglycan oligosaccharides compatible with ESI-MS and microarray analysis
Authors: Liu Hao , Joshi Apoorva , Chopra Pradeep , Liu Lin , Boons Geert-Jan , Sharp Joshua S.
Published: November 2019

Heparin and heparan sulfate (Hp/HS) are linear complex glycosaminoglycans which are involved in diverse biological processes. The structural complexity brings difficulties in separation, making the study of structure-function relationships challenging. Here we present a separation method for Hp/HS oligosaccharide fractionation with cross-compatible solvent and conditions, combining size exclusion chromatography (SEC), ion-pair reversed phase chromatography (IPRP), and hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) as three orthogonal separation methods that do not require desalting or extensive sample handling. With this method, the final eluent is suitable for structure-function relationship studies, including tandem mass spectrometry and microarray printing. Our data indicate that high resolution is achieved on both IPRP and HILIC for Hp/HS isomers. In addition, the fractions co-eluted in IPRP could be further separated by HILIC, with both separation dimensions capable of resolving some isomeric oligosaccharides. We demonstrate this method using both unpurified reaction products from isomeric synthetic hexasaccharides and an octasaccharide fraction from enoxaparin, identifying isomers resolved by this multi-dimensional separation method. We demonstrate both structural analysis by MS, as well as functional analysis by microarray printing and screening using a prototypical Hp/HS binding protein: basic-fibroblast growth factor (FGF2). Collectively, this method provides a strategy for efficient Hp/HS structure-function characterization.
High-electron-mobility (370 cm2/Vs) polycrystalline Ge on an insulator formed by As-doped solid-phase crystallization
Authors: Saito M. , Moto K. , Nishida T. , Suemasu T. , Toko K.
Published: November 2019

High-electron-mobility polycrystalline Ge (poly-Ge) thin films are difficult to form because of their poor crystallinity, defect-induced acceptors and low solid solubility of n-type dopants. Here, we found that As doping into amorphous Ge significantly influenced the subsequent solid-phase crystallization. Although excessive As doping degraded the crystallinity of the poly-Ge, the appropriate amount of As (~1020 cm−3) promoted lateral growth and increased the Ge grain size to approximately 20 μm at a growth temperature of 375 °C. Moreover, neutral As atoms in poly-Ge reduced the trap-state density and energy barrier height of the grain boundaries. These properties reduced grain boundary scattering and allowed for an electron mobility of 370 cm2/Vs at an electron concentration of 5 × 1018 cm−3 after post annealing at 500 °C. The electron mobility further exceeds that of any other n-type poly-Ge layers and even that of single-crystal Si wafers with n ≥ 1018 cm−3. The low-temperature synthesis of high-mobility Ge on insulators will provide a pathway for the monolithic integration of high-performance Ge-CMOS onto Si-LSIs and flat-panel displays.
Real-Time Extraction of Important Surgical Phases in Cataract Surgery Videos
Authors: Morita Shoji , Tabuchi Hitoshi , Masumoto Hiroki , Yamauchi Tomofusa , Kamiura Naotake
Published: November 2019

The present study aimed to conduct a real-time automatic analysis of two important surgical phases, which are continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis (CCC), nuclear extraction, and three other surgical phases of cataract surgery using artificial intelligence technology. A total of 303 cases of cataract surgery registered in the clinical database of the Ophthalmology Department of Tsukazaki Hospital were used as a dataset. Surgical videos were downsampled to a resolution of 299 × 168 at 1 FPS to image each frame. Next, based on the start and end times of each surgical phase recorded by an ophthalmologist, the obtained images were labeled correctly. Using the data, a neural network model, known as InceptionV3, was developed to identify the given surgical phase for each image. Then, the obtained images were processed in chronological order using the neural network model, where the moving average of the output result of five consecutive images was derived. The class with the maximum output value was defined as the surgical phase. For each surgical phase, the time at which a phase was first identified was defined as the start time, and the time at which a phase was last identified was defined as the end time. The performance was evaluated by finding the mean absolute error between the start and end times of each important phase recorded by the ophthalmologist as well as the start and end times determined by the model. The correct response rate of the cataract surgical phase classification was 90.7% for CCC, 94.5% for nuclear extraction, and 97.9% for other phases, with a mean correct response rate of 96.5%. The errors between each phase’s start and end times recorded by the ophthalmologist and those determined by the neural network model were as follows: CCC’s start and end times, 3.34 seconds and 4.43 seconds, respectively and nuclear extraction’s start and end times, 7.21 seconds and 6.04 seconds, respectively, with a mean of 5.25 seconds. The neural network model used in this study was able to perform the classification of the surgical phase by only referring to the last 5 seconds of video images. Therefore, our method has performed like a real-time classification.
Phase 2 study of perioperative chemotherapy with SOX and surgery for stage III colorectal cancer (SOS3 study)
Authors: Aisu Naoya , Yoshida Yoichiro , Komono Akira , Sakamoto Ryohei , Kojima Daibo , Hasegawa Suguru
Published: November 2019

This phase 2 study evaluated the safety and efficacy of perioperative chemotherapy with S-1 plus oxaliplatin (SOX) for stage III colorectal cancer (CRC). Patients with stage III CRC received surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC; SOX 4 cycles) and adjuvant chemotherapy (AC; SOX 4 cycles). The primary endpoints were response rate and safety. We enrolled 30 patients. Their median age was 62 years (range: 43–87 years); 53% were women. They received a median of 4 cycles (range: 1–4) of NAC and a median 4 cycles (range: 0–4) of AC. Five patients interrupted NAC treatment because of toxicity (grade 3 diarrhoea [n = 1], grade 3 ileus [n = 1], and grade 3–4 thrombocytopenia [n = 3]). Patients’ responses were complete responses: n = 2 (6.6%), partial responses: n = 21 (70%), stable disease: n = 6 (20.0%), and progressive disease: n = 1 (3.3%; response rate: 73.3%). Curative resection was performed in 29 patients. No patients showed anastomotic leakage. Five-year overall survival and disease-free survival were 83.3% and 76.7%, respectively (median follow-up time: 48 months). NAC using SOX regimen is safe and effective, and may lead to reduced local recurrence and distant metastasis. Long-term outcomes are awaited to evaluate further the efficacy of this strategy (UMIN000006790).
Y-chromosome haplogroups from Hun, Avar and conquering Hungarian period nomadic people of the Carpathian Basin
Authors: Neparáczki Endre , Maróti Zoltán , Kalmár Tibor , Maár Kitti , Nagy István , Latinovics Dóra , Kustár Ágnes , Pálfi György , Molnár Erika , Marcsik Antónia , Balogh Csilla , Lőrinczy Gábor , Gál Szilárd Sándor , Tomka Péter , Kovacsóczy Bernadett , Kovács László , Raskó István , Török Tibor
Published: November 2019

Hun, Avar and conquering Hungarian nomadic groups arrived to the Carpathian Basin from the Eurasian Steppes and significantly influenced its political and ethnical landscape, however their origin remains largely unknown. In order to shed light on the genetic affinity of above groups we have determined Y chromosomal haplogroups and autosomal loci, suitable to predict biogeographic ancestry, from 49 individuals, supposed to represent the power/military elit. Haplogroups from the Hun-age are consistent with Xiongnu ancestry of European Huns. Most of the Avar-age individuals carry east Eurasian Y haplogroups typical for modern north-eastern Siberian and Buryat populations and their autosomal loci indicate mostly un-admixed Asian characteristics. In contrast the conquering Hungarians seem to be a recently assembled population incorporating un-admixed European, Asian as well as admixed components. Their heterogeneous paternal and maternal lineages indicate similar supposed phylogeographic origin of males and females, derived from Central-Inner Asian and European Pontic Steppe sources.
Frequent occurrence of Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus in tomato leaf curl disease affected tomato in Oman
Authors: Shahid M. S. , Shafiq M. , Ilyas M. , Raza A. , Al-Sadrani M. N. , Al-Sadi A. M. , Briddon R. W.
Published: November 2019

Next generation sequencing (NGS) of DNAs amplified by rolling circle amplification from 6 tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants with leaf curl symptoms identified a number of monopartite begomoviruses, includingTomato yellow leaf curl virus(TYLCV), and a betasatellite (Tomato leaf curl betasatellite[ToLCB]). Both TYLCV and ToLCB have previously been identified infecting tomato in Oman. Surprisingly the NGS results also suggested the presence of the bipartite, legume-adapted begomovirusMungbean yellow mosaic Indian virus(MYMIV). The presence of MYMIV was confirmed by cloning and Sanger sequencing from four of the six plants. A wider analysis by PCR showed MYMIV infection of tomato in Oman to be widespread. Inoculation of plants with full-length clones showed the host range of MYMIV not to extend toNicotiana benthamianaor tomato. Inoculation toN. benthamianashowed TYLCV to be capable of maintaining MYMIV in both the presence and absence of the betasatellite. In tomato MYMIV was only maintained by TYLCV in the presence of the betasatellite and then only at low titre and efficiency. This is the first identification of TYLCV with ToLCB and the legume adapted bipartite begomovirus MYMIV co-infecting tomato. This finding has far reaching implications. TYLCV has spread around the World from its origins in the Mediterranean/Middle East, in some instances, in live tomato planting material. The results here may suggest that begomoviruses which do not commonly infect tomato, such as MYMIV, could be spread as a passenger of TYLCV in tomato.
Calculation of absolute binding free energies between the hERG channel and structurally diverse drugs
Authors: Negami Tatsuki , Araki Mitsugu , Okuno Yasushi , Terada Tohru
Published: November 2019

The humanether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) encodes a voltage-gated potassium channel that plays an essential role in the repolarization of action potentials in cardiac muscle. However, various drugs can block the ion current by binding to the hERG channel, resulting in potentially lethal cardiac arrhythmia. Accordingly,in silicostudies are necessary to clarify the mechanisms of how these drugs bind to the hERG channel. Here, we used the experimental structure of the hERG channel, determined by cryo-electron microscopy, to perform docking simulations to predict the complex structures that occur between the hERG channel and structurally diverse drugs. The absolute binding free energies for the models were calculated using the MP-CAFEE method; calculated values were well correlated with experimental ones. By applying the regression equation obtained here, the affinity of a drug for the hERG channel can be accurately predicted from the calculated value of the absolute binding free energy.
Physical connectivity simulations reveal dynamic linkages between coral reefs in the southern Red Sea and the Indian Ocean
Authors: Wang Yixin , Raitsos Dionysios E. , Krokos George , Gittings John A. , Zhan Peng , Hoteit Ibrahim
Published: November 2019

The southern Red Sea is genetically distinct from the rest of the basin; yet the reasons responsible for this genetic separation remain unclear. Connectivity is a vital process for the exchange of individuals and genes among geographically separated populations, and is necessary for maintaining biodiversity and resilience in coral reef ecosystems. Here, using long-term, high-resolution, 3-D backward particle tracking simulations, we investigate the physical connectivity of coral reefs in the southern Red Sea with neighbouring regions. Overall, the simulation results reveal that the southern Red Sea coral reefs are more physically connected with regions in the Indian Ocean (e.g., the Gulf of Aden) than with the northern part of the basin. The identified connectivity exhibits a distinct monsoon-related seasonality. Though beyond the country boundaries, relatively remote regions of the Indian Ocean may have a substantial impact on the southern Red Sea coral reef regions, and this should be taken into consideration when establishing conservation strategies for these vulnerable biodiversity hot-spots.
Decreased APE-1 by Nitroxoline Enhances Therapeutic Effect in a Temozolomide-resistant Glioblastoma: Correlation with Diffusion Weighted Imaging
Authors: Cho Hye Rim , Kumari Nisha , Thakur Nishant , Vu Hien Thi , Kim Hyeonjin , Choi Seung Hong
Published: November 2019

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most aggressive human tumors with poor survival rates. The current standard treatment includes chemotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ), but acquisition of resistance is a persistent clinical problem limiting the successful treatment of GBM. The purpose of our study was to investigate therapeutic effects of nitroxoline (NTX) against TMZ-resistant GBM in vitro and in vivo in TMZ-resistant GBM-bearing mouse model, which was correlated with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). For in vitro study, we used TMZ-resistant GBM cell lines and evaluated therapeutic effects of NTX by clonogenic and migration assays. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to investigate the expression level of TMZ-resistant genes after NTX treatment. For in vivo study, we performed 9.4 T MR imaging to obtain T2WI for tumor volume measurement and DWI for assessment of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) changes by NTX in TMZ-resistant GBM mice (n = 8). Moreover, we performed regression analysis for the relationship between ADC and histological findings, which reflects the changes in cellularity and apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease-1 (APE-1) expression. We observed the recovery of TMZ-induced morphological changes, a reduced number of colonies and a decreased rate of migration capacity in TMZ-resistant cells after NTX treatment. The expression of APE-1 was significantly decreased in TMZ-resistant cells after NTX treatment compared with those without treatment. In an in vivo study, NTX reduced tumor growth in TMZ-resistant GBM mice (P = 0.0122). Moreover, ADC was increased in the NTX-treated TMZ-resistant GBM mice compared to the control group (P = 0.0079), which was prior to a tumor volume decrease. The cellularity and APE-1 expression by histology were negatively correlated with the ADC value, which in turn resulted in longer survival in NTX group. The decreased expression of APE-1 by NTX leads to therapeutic effects and is inversely correlated with ADC in TMZ-resistant GBM. Therefore, NTX is suggested as potential therapeutic candidate against TMZ-resistant GBM.
Mitochondrial somatic mutations and the lack of viral genomic variation in recurrent respiratory papillomatosis
Authors: Hao Yuhan , Ruiz Ryan , Yang Liying , Neto Antonio Galvao , Amin Milan R. , Kelly Dervla , Achlatis Stratos , Roof Scott , Bing Renjie , Kannan Kasthuri , Brown Stuart M. , Pei Zhiheng , Branski Ryan C.
Published: November 2019

Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP) is a rare disease of the aerodigestive tract caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) that manifests as profoundly altered phonatory and upper respiratory anatomy. Current therapies are primarily symptomatic; enhanced insight regarding disease-specific biology of RRP is critical to improved therapeutics for this challenging population. Multiplex PCR was performed on oral rinses collected from twenty-three patients with adult-onset RRP every three months for one year. Twenty-two (95.6%) subjects had an initial HPV positive oral rinse. Of those subjects, 77.2% had an additional positive oral rinse over 12 months. A subset of rinses were then compared to tissue samples in the same patient employing HPViewer to determine HPV subtype concordance. Multiple HPV copies (60–787 per human cell) were detected in RRP tissue in each patient, but a single dominant HPV was found in individual samples. These data confirm persistent oral HPV infection in the majority of patients with RRP. In addition, three novel HPV6 isolates were found and identical HPV strains, at very low levels, were identified in oral rinses in two patients suggesting potential HPV subtype concordance. Finally, somatic heteroplasmic mtDNA mutations were observed in RRP tissue with 1.8 mutations per sample and two nonsynonymous variants. These data provide foundational insight into both the underlying pathophysiology of RRP, but also potential targets for intervention in this challenging patient cohort.
Synthesis of pure and C/S/N co-doped Titania on Al mesh and their photocatalytic usage in Benzene degradation
Authors: Modanlu S. , Shafiekhani A.
Published: November 2019

Pure and co-doped Titania thin films were prepared on aluminum substrates through the sol-gel method. The co-doped sample showed higher photocatalytic activity on benzene degradation compared to pure TiO2 under visible light illumination. XRD results showed the anatase phase for both TiO2 and co-doped TiO2 lattices with an average crystalline size of 12.9 and 10.4 nm, respectively. According to the UV-visible absorption spectra results, co-doped Titania showed higher visible light absorption compared to pure Titania. The synergistic effect of dopants caused a redshift to visible light absorption and also the lifetime of the photogenerated electron-hole were increased by induced electron levels in Titania lattice. The novelty of this study is the reactor’s specific design. We employed Al mesh as thin film substrate for 3 main reasons, first, the large surface area of the Al mesh causes to increase specific surface area of the photocatalysts, also it is a formable substrate which can be engineered geometrically to decrease the shadow spots so the thin films will receive the highest light irradiation. Also, the Al mesh flexibility facilitates the procedure of reactor design to reach a minimum pressure drop of airflow while it is installed in the air conditioners or HVAC systems.
Pharmacokinetic parameters of ifosfamide in mouse pre-administered with grapefruit juice or naringin
Authors: Madrigal-Bujaidar Eduardo , Pérez-Montoya Edilberto , García-Medina Sandra , Cristóbal-Luna José Melesio , Morales-González José A. , Madrigal-Santillán Eduardo Osiris , Paniagua-Pérez Rogelio , Álvarez-González Isela
Published: November 2019

Grapefruit juice (GFJ) and naringin when consumed previously or together with medications may alter their bioavailavility and consequently the clinical effect. Ifosfamide (IF) is an antitumoral agent prescribed against various types of cancer. Nevertheless, there is no information regarding its interaction with the ingestion of GFJ or naringin. The aims of the present report were validating a method for the quantitation of IF in the plasma of mouse, and determine if mice pretreated with GFJ or naringin may modify the IF pharmacokinetics. Our HPLC results to quantify IF showed adequate intra and inter-day precision (RSD < 15%) and accuracy (RE < 15%) indicating reliability. Also, the administration of GFJ or naringin increasedCmaxof IF 22.9% and 17.8%, respectively, and decreasedTmaxof IF 19.2 and 53.8%, respectively. The concentration of IF was higher when GFJ (71.35 ± 3.5 µg/mL) was administered with respect to that obtained in the combination naringin with IF (64.12 ± µg/mL); however, the time required to reach such concentration was significantly lower when naringin was administered (p < 0.5). We concluded that pre-administering GFJ and naringin to mice increased theTmaxand decreased theCmaxof IF.
Dietary energy and protein levels influenced the growth performance, ruminal morphology and fermentation and microbial diversity of lambs
Authors: Cui Kai , Qi Minli , Wang Shiqin , Diao Qiyu , Zhang Naifeng
Published: November 2019

The aim of the study was to evaluate the ruminal function and microbial community of lamb under different nutrient levels. Sixty-four lambs with similarity body weight were randomly assigned to four groups after weaning off ewe’s milk on the 17th day (6.2 ± 0.2 kg). The lambs of the control group (CON) were fed a basal diet, and the other three groups were subjected to a diet of decreased protein (PR), digestible energy (ER) or both of them at 20% (BR) of basal diet. The decrease of dietary protein or energy level decreased the average daily gain, ruminal weight and mucosal thickness of lambs (P < 0.05). The total volatile fatty acid (TVFA), acetate and propionate concentration of the CON group were significantly higher than that of the other three groups. The dietary protein and energy level affected the microbial diversity, and low energy level increased the relative abundance of phyla of Fibrobacteres, whereas at the genus level, increased the relative abundance of Butyrivibrio and Prevotellaceae. Under different dietary energy and protein levels, 14 genera exhibited significant correlation with ruminal fermentation. These findings supplied new perspective for the understanding of the dietary effect on ruminal microbial community interactions and are of great significance for establishing the optimal nutrient supply strategy for lambs.
Morphology and physiology of olfactory neurons in the lateral protocerebrum of the silkmoth Bombyx mori
Authors: Namiki Shigehiro , Kanzaki Ryohei
Published: November 2019

Insect olfaction is a suitable model to investigate sensory processing in the brain. Olfactory information is first processed in the antennal lobe and is then conveyed to two second-order centres—the mushroom body calyx and the lateral protocerebrum. Projection neurons processing sex pheromones and plant odours supply the delta area of the inferior lateral protocerebrum (∆ILPC) and lateral horn (LH), respectively. Here, we investigated the neurons arising from these regions in the brain of the silkmoth, Bombyx mori, using mass staining and intracellular recording with a sharp glass microelectrode. The output neurons from the ∆ILPC projected to the superior medial protocerebrum, whereas those from the LH projected to the superior lateral protocerebrum. The dendritic innervations of output neurons from the ∆ILPC formed a subdivision in the ∆ILPC. We discuss pathways for odour processing in higher order centres.
Unveiling the vortex glass phase in the surface and volume of a type-II superconductor
Authors: Aragón Sánchez Jazmín , Cortés Maldonado Raúl , Cejas Bolecek Néstor R. , Rumi Gonzalo , Pedrazzini Pablo , Dolz Moira I. , Nieva Gladys , Beek Cornelis J. van der , Konczykowski Marcin , Dewhurst Charles D. , Cubitt Robert , Kolton Alejandro B. , Pautrat Alain , Fasano Yanina
Published: November 2019

Order-disorder transitions between glassy phases are common in nature and yet a comprehensive survey on the entailed structural changes is challenging since the constituents are in the micro-scale. Vortex matter in type-II superconductors is a model system where some of these experimental challenges can be tackled. Samples with point disorder present a glassy transition on increasing the density of vortices. A glassy yet quasi-crystalline phase, the Bragg glass, nucleates at low densities. The vortex glass stable at high densities is expected to be disordered, however its detailed structural properties remained experimentally elusive. Here we show that the vortex glass has large crystallites with in-plane positional displacements growing algebraically and short-range orientational order. Furthermore, the vortex glass has a finite and almost constant correlation length along the direction of vortices, in sharp contrast with strong entanglement. These results are important for the understanding of disorder-driven phase transitions in glassy condensed matter.
Online reaction monitoring by single-scan 2D NMR under flow conditions
Authors: Jacquemmoz Corentin , Giraud François , Dumez Jean-Nicolas
Published: November 2019

Single-scan 2D NMR based on spatial encoding can be used to monitor chemical reactions with a flow unit in realistic reaction conditions.
Coupling strand extension/excision amplification with target recycling enables highly sensitive and aptamer-based label-free sensing of ATP in human serum
Authors: Xu Lin , Jiang Bingying , Zhou Wenjiao , Yuan Ruo , Xiang Yun
Published: November 2019

The integration of strand extension and excision recycling amplification leads to substantial signal enhancement for highly sensitive and label-free detection of ATP.
AIE/FRET-based versatile PEG-Pep-TPE/DOX nanoparticles for cancer therapy and real-time drug release monitoring
Authors: Wang Tian-Tian , Wei Qi-Chun , Zhang Zhen-Tao , Lin Meng-Ting , Chen Jie-Jian , Zhou Yi , Guo Ning-Ning , Zhong Xin-Cheng , Xu Wen-Hong , Liu Zhan-Xiang , Han Min , Gao Jian-Qing
Published: November 2019

Based on the biological significance of self-assembling peptides in program cell death, promoting proliferation of stem cells and suppressing immune responses, stimuli-responsive polypeptide nanoparticles have attracted more and more attention.
Tryptophan–glucosamine conjugates modulate tau-derived PHF6 aggregation at low concentrations
Authors: Paul Ashim , Li Wen-Hao , Viswanathan Guru KrishnaKumar , Arad Elad , Mohapatra Satabdee , Li Gao , Jelinek Raz , Gazit Ehud , Li Yan-Mei , Segal Daniel
Published: November 2019

Tryptophan–glucosamine conjugates efficiently inhibit tau-derived PHF6-peptide fibrillization and disrupt its preformed fibrils at very low concentrations.
A hepatocyte-targeting near-infrared ratiometric fluorescent probe for monitoring peroxynitrite during drug-induced hepatotoxicity and its remediation
Authors: Jiang Wen-Li , Li Yongfei , Wang Wen-Xin , Zhao Yi-Ting , Fei Junjie , Li Chun-Yan
Published: November 2019

A novel hepatocyte-targeting near-infrared ratiometric fluorescent probe named Gal-NIR is developed for detecting ONOO−. The probe can target the hepatocyte and assess drug-induced liver injury and its remediation in living cells and mice.
Integrating in situ formation of nanozymes with mesoporous polydopamine for combined chemo, photothermal and hypoxia-overcoming photodynamic therapy
Authors: Hu Xiaochun , Lu Yonglin , Shi Xiaoke , Yao Tianming , Dong Chunyan , Shi Shuo
Published: November 2019

A multi-functional nanoplatform (M-Pt-BCD) for combined chemo, photothermal and hypoxia-overcoming photodynamic therapy is described.
Fabrication of silver chalcogenolate cluster hybrid membranes with enhanced structural stability and luminescence efficiency
Authors: Wang Yi-Man , Zhang Jiang-Wei , Wang Qian-You , Li Hai-Yang , Dong Xi-Yan , Wang Shan , Zang Shuang-Quan
Published: November 2019

We fabricated a silver cluster hybrid membrane for the first time, which significantly enhanced the structural stability and luminescence efficiency compared with discrete silver clusters.
A shared-weight neural network architecture for predicting molecular properties
Authors: Profitt Trevor A. , Pearson Jason K.
Published: November 2019

Using a single, shared-weight neural network for all atom types, quantum energetics are predicted to sub-kcal mol−1 accuracy.
Hydrogen attachment dissociation of peptides containing disulfide bonds
Authors: Asakawa Daiki , Takahashi Hidenori , Iwamoto Shinichi , Tanaka Koichi
Published: November 2019

Because both disulfide and peptide backbone bonds were cleaved by a single hydrogen attachment event, a tandem mass spectrometry with hydrogen attachment dissociation allows the sequencing of peptides containing disulfide bonds.
Framework-confined Sn in Si-beta stabilizing ultra-small Pt nanoclusters as direct propane dehydrogenation catalysts with high selectivity and stability
Authors: Wang Yansu , Hu Zhong-Pan , Tian Wenwen , Gao Lijiao , Wang Zheng , Yuan Zhong-Yong
Published: November 2019

Highly stable Pt/Sn-Si-beta catalysts were prepared via an improved post-synthesis method, exhibiting high catalytic activity, good selectivity and excellent stability for propane dehydrogenation to propene.
Simply blending Ni nanoparticles with typical photocatalysts for efficient photocatalytic H2 production
Authors: Cheng Cheng , Shi Jinwen , Du Fan , Zong Shichao , Guan Xiangjiu , Zhang Yazhou , Liu Maochang , Guo Liejin
Published: November 2019

A photocatalytic system construction method of simply blending as-prepared Ni nanoparticles (Ni NPs) with g-C3N4 was carried out to greatly improve the photocatalytic activity of g-C3N4.
The targeted design of dual-functional metal–organic frameworks (DF-MOFs) as highly efficient adsorbents for Hg2+ ions: synthesis for purpose
Authors: Esrafili Leili , Gharib Maniya , Morsali Ali
Published: November 2019

Designing adsorbents with accessible chelating sites and achieving high contaminant purification efficiency are still important to overcome environmental remediation challenges.
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of acute consumption of pigmented rice in humans
Authors: Callcott Esther T. , Blanchard Christopher L. , Snell Peter , Santhakumar Abishek B.
Published: November 2019

Coloured rice consumption increased antioxidant status & reduced biomarkers associated with oxidative stress & inflammation.
Synthesis of novel magnetic ionic liquids as high efficiency catalysts for extraction-catalytic oxidative desulfurization in fuel oil
Authors: Wang Tao , Yu Wen-hui , Li Tan-xiangning , Wang Yu-ting , Tan Jun-jun , Hu Bing , Nie Long-hui
Published: November 2019

Deep desulfurization of magnetic ionic liquids [C4(mim)2]Cl2/2FeCl3.
Highly selective conversion of CO2 to C2H6 on graphene modified chlorophyll Cu through multi-electron process for artificial photosynthesis
Authors: Wu Tongshun , Zhu Cheng , Han Dongxue , Kang Zhenhui , Niu Li
Published: November 2019

A highly selective photocatalyst extracted and modified from silkworm excrement reduced CO2 into C2H6 through a multi-electron transfer pathway.
Supramolecular cyclization of semiflexible cylindrical micelles assembled from rod-coil graft copolymers
Authors: Gao Liang , Hu Rui , Xu Pengfei , Lin Jiaping , Zhang Liangshun , Wang Liquan
Published: November 2019

The mechanism of supramolecular cyclization of semiflexible cylindrical micelles is revealed, and its thermodynamic and geometric conditions are proposed.
Transverse lipid organization dictates bending fluctuations in model plasma membranes
Authors: Rickeard Brett W. , Nguyen Michael H. L. , DiPasquale Mitchell , Yip Caesar G. , Baker Hamilton , Heberle Frederick A. , Zuo Xiaobing , Kelley Elizabeth G. , Nagao Michihiro , Marquardt Drew
Published: November 2019

Neutron spin-echo (NSE) spectroscopy to measure the bending fluctuations of large unilamellar vesicles having an asymmetric transbilayer distribution of high- and low-melting lipids. Image by Kayle Kathleen Marie Gorospe of the University of Windsor Science Meets Art program.
Plasmonic lithography for the fabrication of surface nanostructures with a feature size down to 9 nm
Authors: Gao Ping , Pu Mingbo , Ma Xiaoliang , Li Xiong , Guo Yinghui , Wang Changtao , Zhao Zeyu , Luo Xiangang
Published: November 2019

Aiming to further improve the resolution and quality of plasmonic lithography, a self-aligned patterning technique is introduced to it to obtain ultrafine nanopatterns with high contrast and low LER.
Stability limits of elemental 2D metals in graphene pores
Authors: Nevalaita Janne , Koskinen Pekka
Published: November 2019

Density-functional theory simulations and liquid drop model were used to explore the properties of 45 elemental metal candidates to identify stability limits of elemental 2D metals in graphene pores.
On the role of helper lipids in lipid nanoparticle formulations of siRNA
Authors: Kulkarni Jayesh A. , Witzigmann Dominik , Leung Jerry , Tam Yuen Yi C. , Cullis Pieter R.
Published: November 2019

In empty LNP formulations, DSPC–cholesterol resides in outer layers, whereas in loaded systems some of the DSPC–cholesterol is internalized together with siRNA.
Heavy-atom-free BODIPY photosensitizers with intersystem crossing mediated by intramolecular photoinduced electron transfer
Authors: Filatov Mikhail A.
Published: November 2019

This review discusses photoinduced electron transfer, triplet state formation from charge transfer states and singlet oxygen generation by heavy-atom-free BODIPY donor–acceptor dyads and dimers.
Substituted stilbene-based oxime esters used as highly reactive wavelength-dependent photoinitiators for LED photopolymerization
Authors: Chen Shixiong , Jin Ming , Malval Jean-Pierre , Fu Jingming , Morlet-Savary Fabrice , Pan Haiyan , Wan Decheng
Published: November 2019

Different substituents on stilbene-based oxime esters play an important role in the relationship between their structure and properties.
Stiffness of thermoresponsive gelatin-based dynamic hydrogels affects fibroblast activation
Authors: Perera M. Mario , Fischesser Demetria M. , Molkentin Jeffery D. , Ayres Neil
Published: November 2019

Matrix dynamics can influence fibroblast activation.
Bioinspired tough, conductive hydrogels with thermally reversible adhesiveness based on nanoclay confined NIPAM polymerization and a dopamine modified polypeptide
Authors: Di Xiang , Hang Chen , Xu Yue , Ma Qiyue , Li Feifan , Sun Pingchuan , Wu Guolin
Published: November 2019

A multifunctional conductive hydrogel with controllable adhesiveness, high strechability and excellent biocompatibility based on PDAEA, clay, and PNIPAM.
An enzyme-free FRET nanoprobe for ultrasensitive ketamine detection based on ATP-fueled target recycling
Authors: Chen Hong , Zou Yun , Jiang Xue , Cao Fangqi , Liu Wenbin
Published: November 2019

Ketamine is a commonly abused drug due to its stimulant, dissociative and hallucinogenic effects.
A selective and sensitive UFLC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of five alkaloids fromPiper longumL. and its application in the pharmacokinetic study of 6-OHDA-induced Parkinson's disease rats
Authors: Xu Rongrong , Zhao Wenwen , Yu Lan , Chen Qijun , Hu Xiaolu , Ba Yinying , Chen Xiaoqing , Wang Xing , Wu Xia
Published: November 2019

Five alkaloids fromPiper longumL. were simultaneously determined by UFLC-MS/MS and applied in the pharmacokinetic study in PD rats.