bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elementary calcium release events in the skeletal muscle cells of the honey bee Apis mellifera
Authors: Collet Claude , Charreton Mercédès , Szabo Laszlo , Takacs Marianna , Csernoch Laszlo , Szentesi Peter
Published: August 2021

Calcium sparks are involved in major physiological and pathological processes in vertebrate muscles but have never been characterized in invertebrates. Here, dynamic confocal imaging on intact skeletal muscle cells isolated enzymatically from the adult honey bee legs allowed the first spatio-temporal characterization of subcellular calcium release events (CREs) in an insect species. The frequency of CREs, measured in x–y time lapse series, was higher than frequencies usually described in vertebrates. Honey bee CREs had a larger spatial spread at half maximum than their vertebrate counterparts and a slightly ellipsoidal shape, two characteristics that may be related to ultrastructural features specific to invertebrate cells. In line-scan experiments, the histogram of CREs’ duration followed a bimodal distribution, supporting the existence of both sparks and embers. Unlike in vertebrates, embers and sparks had similar amplitudes, a difference that could be related to genomic differences and/or excitation–contraction coupling specificities in honey bee skeletal muscle fibres. The first characterization of CREs from an arthropod which shows strong genomic, ultrastructural and physiological differences with vertebrates may help in improving the research field of sparkology and more generally the knowledge in invertebrates cell Ca2+ homeostasis, eventually leading to a better understanding of their roles and regulations in muscles but also the myotoxicity of new insecticides targeting ryanodine receptors.
A potential bat adenovirus-based oncolytic virus targeting canine cancers
Authors: Matsugo Hiromichi , Kitamura-Kobayashi Tomoya , Kamiki Haruhiko , Ishida Hiroho , Sekine Wataru , Takenaka-Uema Akiko , Nakagawa Takayuki , Murakami Shin , Horimoto Taisuke
Published: August 2021

Although a canine adenovirus (CAdV)-based oncolytic virus (OV) candidate targeting canine tumors has been reported, its oncolytic effect could be attenuated by CAdV vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies in dog patients. To circumvent this issue, we focused on the bat adenovirus (BtAdV) strain, which was previously isolated from healthy microbats. We previously showed that this virus replicated efficiently in canine cell lines and did not serologically cross-react with CAdVs, suggesting that it may offer the possibility of an OV candidate for canine tumors. Here, we tested the growth properties and cytotoxicity of the BtAdV Mm32 strain in a panel of canine tumor cells and found that its characteristics were equivalent to those of CAdVs. To produce an Mm32 construct with enhanced tumor specificity, we established a novel reverse genetics system for BtAdV based on bacterial artificial chromosomes, and generated a recombinant virus, Mm32-E1Ap + cTERTp, by inserting a tumor-specific canine telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter into its E1A regulatory region. The growth and cytotoxicity of this recombinant were superior to those of wild-type Mm32 in canine tumor cells, unlike in normal canine cells. These data suggest that Mm32-E1Ap + cTERTp could be a promising OV for alternative canine cancer therapies.
Coastal exposure and residents’ mental health in the affected areas by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami
Authors: Tashiro Ai , Kogure Mana , Nagata Shohei , Itabashi Fumi , Tsuchiya Naho , Hozawa Atsushi , Nakaya Tomoki
Published: August 2021

No previous study has ever explored the association between coastal exposure and the mental health of residents in a post-disaster context. Therefore, we aimed to confirm whether there was an association between sea visibility and coastal proximity and the mental health of coastal residents a devastating tsunami. We targeted 15 coastal municipalities located in the Miyagi Prefecture, and obtained data from a community-based cohort study. The baseline survey was initiated 2 years after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami and the secondary survey was initiated 6 years after the disaster. We applied multilevel mixed-effects models to the longitudinal data. Our outcome measure was the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) score. We assessed the data collected from 2,327 respondents on both surveys as of April 2018 for this ongoing cohort study. We found that neither sea visibility nor coastal proximity was significantly associated with the recovery of mental health after the disaster. However, we found a distinctive trend of mental health recovery in people who lived alone with a sea view, indicating that visibility of the sea had a negative effect on their mental health immediately after the GEJET, but that the negative effect was subsequently eliminated.
Bone conducted responses in the neonatal rat auditory cortex
Authors: Makarov Roman , Sintsov Mikhail , Valeeva Guzel , Starikov Pavel , Negrov Dmitriy , Khazipov Roustem
Published: August 2021

Rats are born deaf and start hearing at the end of the second postnatal week, when the ear canals open and low-intensity sounds start to evoke responses in the auditory cortex. Here, using μECoG electrode arrays and intracortical silicon probe recordings, we found that bone-conducted (BC) sounds evoked biphasic responses in the auditory cortex starting from postnatal day (P) 8. The initial phase of these responses, generated by thalamocortical input, was followed by intracortical propagation within supragranular layers. BC-evoked responses co-localized with the responses evoked by electrical stimulation of the cochlea and the deepest layers of the inferior colliculus prior to onset of low-threshold hearing (P13), as well as with the responses evoked by high-frequency (30 kHz) low-intensity (70 dB) air-conducted sounds after that. Thus, BC signals reach high-frequency processing regions of the auditory cortex well before the onset of low-threshold hearing, reflecting early integrity of the auditory system.
Grazing intensity drives plant diversity but does not affect forage production in a natural grassland dominated by the tussock-forming grass Andropogon lateralis Nees
Authors: Zanella Pablo Giliard , Junior Luis Henrique Paim Della Giustina , Pinto Cassiano Eduardo , Baldissera Tiago Celso , Werner Simone Silmara , Garagorry Fabio Cervo , Jaurena Martín , Lattanzi Fernando Alfredo , Sbrissia André Fischer
Published: August 2021

Andropogon lateralis is a tall and highly plastic tussock-forming grass native from southern South America. It is a frequent component of Campos and Subtropical highland grasslands that often becomes dominant under lax grazing regimes. The aim of this work was to analyze the response of species diversity and forage production of a natural grassland dominated by A. lateralis to a wide range of grazing intensity. We hypothesized that species diversity and forage production would both peak at the intermediate canopy heights determined by grazing regimes of moderate intensity. A grazing experiment was conducted in a highland grassland with mesothermal humid climate at 922 masl (Atlantic Forest biome, Santa Catarina state, Brazil) that comprised 87 species from 20 families but had 50% of its standing biomass accounted by A. lateralis. Four pre-/post-grazing canopy heights—12/7, 20/12, 28/17, and 36/22 cm (measured on A. lateralis)—were arranged in a complete randomized block design with four replications, and intermittently stocked with beef heifers from October 2015 to October 2017. Andropogon lateralis cover decreased (from 75 to 50%), and species richness increased (15–25 species m−2) as canopy height decreased. Grazing intensity did not affect annual forage production (4.2 Mg DM ha−1). This natural grassland dominated by A. lateralis had a high capacity to adjust to grazing regimes of contrasting intensity, maintaining forage production stable over a wide range of canopy heights. However, to prevent losses in floristic diversity, such grassland should not be grazed at canopy heights higher than 28 cm.
Amazon rainforest rodents (Proechimys) are resistant to post-stroke epilepsy
Authors: Ortiz-Villatoro Nancy N. , Reyes-Garcia Selvin Z. , Freitas Leandro , Rodrigues Laís D. , Santos Luiz E. C. , Faber Jean , Cavalheiro Esper A. , Finsterer Josef , Scorza Fulvio A. , de Almeida Antônio C. G. , Scorza Carla A.
Published: August 2021

There are no clinical interventions to prevent post-injury epilepsy, a common and devastating outcome after brain insults. Epileptogenic events that run from brain injury to epilepsy are poorly understood. Previous studies in our laboratory suggested Proechimys, an exotic Amazonian rodent, as resistant to acquired epilepsy development in post-status epilepticus models. The present comparative study was conducted to assess (1) stroke-related brain responses 24-h and 30 days after cortical photothrombosis and (2) post-stroke epilepsy between Proechimys rodents and Wistar rats, a traditional animal used for laboratory research. Proechimys group showed smaller volume of ischemic infarction and lesser glial activation than Wistar group. In contrast to Wistar rats, post-stroke decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased levels of anti-inflammatory mediators and growth factors were found in Proechimys. Electrophysiological signaling changes assessed by cortical spreading depression, in vitro and in vivo, showed that Wistar’s brain is most severely affected by stroke. Chronic electrocorticographic recordings showed that injury did not lead to epilepsy in Proechimys whereas 88% of the Wistar rats developed post-stroke epilepsy. Science gains insights from comparative studies on diverse species. Proechimys rodents proved to be a useful animal model to study antiepileptogenic mechanisms after brain insults and complement conventional animal models.
Inverse association between use of broad spectrum penicllin with beta-lactamase inhibitors and prevalence of type 1 diabetes mellitus in Europe
Authors: Ternák Gábor , Berényi Károly , Kun Szilárd , Szigeti Nóra , Decsi Tamás , Sütő Gábor , Wittmann István
Published: August 2021

Increasing incidence of type 1 diabetes is supposed to be induced by environmental factors. Microbiome modulated by antibiotics seems to serve as one of the environmental factors which could influence the development of T1DM. Mitochondria, as autochthonous environmental bacteria living in our cells, and other bacteria share many common enzymes including beta-lactamases and it is supported by evidence that some beta-lactamase inhibitors are able to interact with counterpart enzymes. Thus, antibiotics may utilize two different pathways influencing the development of T1DM; one through modulation of microbiome and a second one via the interaction of mitochondrial enzymes. Data of consumption of penicillin (both narrow and broad spectrum) and beta-lactamase inhibitors in 30 European countries were collected from the database of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. These data were correlated with the prevalence reported by the International Diabetes Federation (2019) referring to type 1 diabetes in Europe. No correlation was found between total penicillin consumption or use of broad spectrum penicillin and the prevalence of type 1 diabetes. Nevertheless, broad spectrum penicillin, in combination with beta-lactamase inhibitor, was in inverse correlation with the prevalence of type 1 diabetes (r = − 0.573, p = 0.001). On the other hand, narrow spectrum penicillin was in positive correlation with type 1 diabetes (r = 0.523, p = 0.003). Prevalence of type 1 diabetes showed an inverse correlation with the use of beta-lactamase inhibitors and a positive one with that of narrow spectrum penicillin. Such a detailed analysis has not so far been provided referring to the penicillin group. In the background of this association either microbiomal or direct mitochondrial effects can be supposed.
Influence of variable biochar concentration on yield-scaled nitrous oxide emissions, Wheat yield and nitrogen use efficiency
Authors: Dawar Khadim , Saif-ur-Rahman  , Fahad Shah , Alam Syed Sartaj , Khan Shah Alam , Dawar Atif , Younis Uzma , Danish Subhan , Datta Rahul , Dick Richard P.
Published: August 2021

An important source of the destructive greenhouse gas, nitrous oxide (N2O) comes from the use of ammonium based nitrogen (N) fertilizers that release N2O in the incomplete conversion (nitrification) of NH4+ to NO3ˉ1. Biochar has been shown to decrease nitrification rates and N2O emission. However, there is little information from semi-arid environments such as in Pakistan where conditions favor N2O emissions. Therefore, the object was to conduct field experiment to determine the impact of biochar rates in the presence or absence of urea amended soils on yield-scaled N2O emissions, and wheat yield and N use efficiency (NUE). The experiment on wheat (Triticum aestivumL.), had a randomized complete block design with four replications and the treatments: control, sole urea (150 kg N ha−1), 5 Mg biochar ha−1(B5), 10 Mg biochar ha−1(B10), urea + B5 or urea + B10. In urea amended soils with B5 or B10 treatments, biochar reduced total N2O emissions by 27 and 35%, respectively, over the sole urea treatment. Urea + B5 or + B10 treatments had 34 and 46% lower levels, respectively, of yield scaled N2O over the sole urea treatment. The B5 and B10 treatments had 24–38%, 9–13%, 12–27% and 35–43%, respectively greater wheat above-ground biomass, grain yield, total N uptake, and NUE, over sole urea. The biochar treatments increased the retention of NH4+ which likely was an important mechanism for reducing N2O by limiting nitrification. These results indicate that amending soils with biochar has potential to mitigate N2O emissions in a semi-arid and at the same time increase wheat productivity.
Exposure to foreign gut microbiota can facilitate rapid dietary shifts
Authors: Heys C. , Fisher A. M. , Dewhurst A. D. , Lewis Z. , Lizé A.
Published: August 2021

Dietary niche is fundamental for determining species ecology; thus, a detailed understanding of what drives variation in dietary niche is vital for predicting ecological shifts and could have implications for species management. Gut microbiota can be important for determining an organism’s dietary preference, and therefore which food resources they are likely to exploit. Evidence for whether the composition of the gut microbiota is plastic in response to changes in diet is mixed. Also, the extent to which dietary preference can be changed following colonisation by new gut microbiota from different species is unknown. Here, we use Drosophila spp. to show that: (1) the composition of an individual’s gut microbiota can change in response to dietary changes, and (2) ingestion of foreign gut microbes can cause individuals to be attracted to food types they previously had a strong aversion to. Thus, we expose a mechanism for facilitating rapid shifts in dietary niche over short evolutionary timescales.
Astrocyte-to-neuron transportation of enhanced green fluorescent protein in cerebral cortex requires F-actin dependent tunneling nanotubes
Authors: Chen Jing , Cao Junyan
Published: August 2021

Tunneling nanotube (TNT), a dynamic cell–cell contact, is dependent on actin polymerization. TNTs are efficient in transporting ions, proteins and organelles intercellularly, which are important mechanisms in physiological and pathological processes. Reported studies on the existence and function of TNTs among neural cells focus on cultured cell for the convenience in detecting TNTs’ ultrastructure. In this study, the adeno-associated virus (AAV-GFAP-EGFP-p2A-cre) was injected into the cerebral cortex of knock-in mice ROSA26 GNZ. GFAP promoter initiated the expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) in infected astrocytes. At 10 days post injection (10 DPI), EGFP transferred from astrocytes in layer I–III to neurons in layer V. The dissemination of EGFP was not through endocytosis or exosome. Applying microscopes, we found that the intercellular transportation of EGFP through contact connection was F-actin dependent. Therefore, we concluded that EGFP transported from astrocytes to neurons in cortex via F-actin dependent TNTs. This study first proved that proteins transported intercellularly via TNTs in brain.
Survival analysis in breast cancer using proteomic data from four independent datasets
Authors: Ősz Ágnes , Lánczky András , Győrffy Balázs
Published: August 2021

Breast cancer clinical treatment selection is based on the immunohistochemical determination of four protein biomarkers: ESR1, PGR, HER2, and MKI67. Our aim was to correlate immunohistochemical results to proteome-level technologies in measuring the expression of these markers. We also aimed to integrate available proteome-level breast cancer datasets to identify and validate new prognostic biomarker candidates. We searched studies involving breast cancer patient cohorts with published survival and proteomic information. Immunohistochemistry and proteomic technologies were compared using the Mann–Whitney test. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were generated to validate discriminative power. Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis were calculated to assess prognostic power. False Discovery Rate was computed to correct for multiple hypothesis testing. We established a database integrating protein expression data and survival information from four independent cohorts for 1229 breast cancer patients. In all four studies combined, a total of 7342 unique proteins were identified, and 1417 of these were identified in at least three datasets. ESR1, PGR, and HER2 protein expression levels determined by RPPA or LC–MS/MS methods showed a significant correlation with the levels determined by immunohistochemistry (p < 0.0001). PGR and ESR1 levels showed a moderate correlation (correlation coefficient = 0.17, p = 0.0399). An additional panel of candidate proteins, including apoptosis-related proteins (BCL2,), adhesion markers (CDH1, CLDN3, CLDN7) and basal markers (cytokeratins), were validated as prognostic biomarkers. Finally, we expanded our previously established web tool designed to validate survival-associated biomarkers by including the proteomic datasets analyzed in this study (https://kmplot.com/). In summary, large proteomic studies now provide sufficient data enabling the validation and ranking of potential protein biomarkers.
Insolation-paced sea level and sediment flux during the early Pleistocene in Southeast Asia
Authors: Vaucher Romain , Dashtgard Shahin E. , Horng Chorng-Shern , Zeeden Christian , Dillinger Antoine , Pan Yu-Yen , Setiaji Romy A. , Chi Wen-Rong , Löwemark Ludvig
Published: August 2021

Global marine archives from the early Pleistocene indicate that glacial-interglacial cycles, and their corresponding sea-level cycles, have predominantly a periodicity of ~ 41 kyrs driven by Earth’s obliquity. Here, we present a clastic shallow-marine record from the early Pleistocene in Southeast Asia (Cholan Formation, Taiwan). The studied strata comprise stacked cyclic successions deposited in offshore to nearshore environments in the paleo-Taiwan Strait. The stratigraphy was compared to both a δ18O isotope record of benthic foraminifera and orbital parameters driving insolation at the time of deposition. Analyses indicate a strong correlation between depositional cycles and Northern Hemisphere summer insolation, which is precession-dominated with an obliquity component. Our results represent geological evidence of precession-dominated sea-level fluctuations during the early Pleistocene, independent of a global ice-volume proxy. Preservation of this signal is possible due to the high-accommodation creation and high-sedimentation rate in the basin enhancing the completeness of the stratigraphic record.
Modeling the effects of EMT-immune dynamics on carcinoma disease progression
Authors: Bergman Daniel R. , Karikomi Matthew K. , Yu Min , Nie Qing , MacLean Adam L.
Published: August 2021

During progression from carcinoma in situ to an invasive tumor, the immune system is engaged in complex sets of interactions with various tumor cells. Tumor cell plasticity alters disease trajectories via epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Several of the same pathways that regulate EMT are involved in tumor-immune interactions, yet little is known about the mechanisms and consequences of crosstalk between these regulatory processes. Here we introduce a multiscale evolutionary model to describe tumor-immune-EMT interactions and their impact on epithelial cancer progression from in situ to invasive disease. Through simulation of patient cohorts in silico, the model predicts that a controllable region maximizes invasion-free survival. This controllable region depends on properties of the mesenchymal tumor cell phenotype: its growth rate and its immune-evasiveness. In light of the model predictions, we analyze EMT-inflammation-associated data from The Cancer Genome Atlas, and find that association with EMT worsens invasion-free survival probabilities. This result supports the predictions of the model, and leads to the identification of genes that influence outcomes in bladder and uterine cancer, including FGF pathway members. These results suggest new means to delay disease progression, and demonstrate the importance of studying cancer-immune interactions in light of EMT.
High geothermal heat flow beneath Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica inferred from aeromagnetic data
Authors: Dziadek Ricarda , Ferraccioli Fausto , Gohl Karsten
Published: August 2021

Geothermal heat flow in the polar regions plays a crucial role in understanding ice-sheet dynamics and predictions of sea level rise. Continental-scale indirect estimates often have a low spatial resolution and yield largest discrepancies in West Antarctica. Here we analyse geophysical data to estimate geothermal heat flow in the Amundsen Sea Sector of West Antarctica. With Curie depth analysis based on a new magnetic anomaly grid compilation, we reveal variations in lithospheric thermal gradients. We show that the rapidly retreating Thwaites and Pope glaciers in particular are underlain by areas of largely elevated geothermal heat flow, which relates to the tectonic and magmatic history of the West Antarctic Rift System in this region. Our results imply that the behavior of this vulnerable sector of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet is strongly coupled to the dynamics of the underlying lithosphere.
Tunable photocatalytic water splitting and solar-to-hydrogen efficiency in β-PdSe2monolayer
Authors: Jakhar Mukesh , Kumar Ashok
Published: August 2021

Direct production of hydrogen from photocatalytic water splitting is a potential solution to overcome global energy crisis.
Drivers of sustained sanitation access: social network and demographic predictors of latrine reconstruction after flooding disasters
Authors: Chambers Katherine G. , Carrico Amanda R. , Cook Sherri M.
Published: August 2021

Flooding disasters pose a threat to sanitation services and can result in loss of access that exacerbates challenges to achieving universal access.
A novel turn-on fluorescent sensor for cyanide ions based on the charge transfer transition of phenothiazine/indolium compounds
Authors: Morikawa Yasuhiro , Hirabara Miku , Nishiwaki Keiji , Suzuki Shigeo , Nakanishi Isao
Published: August 2021

A new cyanide ion sensor with a large Stokes shift and a good fluorescence quantum yield was prepared.
A novel compound active against SARS-CoV-2 targeting uridylate-specific endoribonuclease (NendoU/NSP15): in silico and in vitro investigations
Authors: Kumar Sumit , Gupta Yash , Zak Samantha E. , Upadhyay Charu , Sharma Neha , Herbert Andrew S. , Durvasula Ravi , Potemkin Vladimir , Dye John M. , Poonam  , Kempaiah Prakasha , Rathi Brijesh
Published: August 2021

A novel hydroxyethylamine compound was synthesised that displayed biological potency against SARS-CoV-2.
In-plane ferroelectricity in few-layered GeS and its van der Waals ferroelectric diodes
Authors: Yan Yong , Deng Qunrui , Li Shasha , Guo Tao , Li Xueping , Jiang Yurong , Song Xiaohui , Huang Wen , Yang Juehan , Xia Congxin
Published: August 2021

Few-layered GeS nanoflakes synthesized by a new post-thinning method show in-plane ferroelectric behaviour. The robust interfacial ferroelectricity in the GeS/InSe heterostructure yields a tunable photovoltaic performance.
The synergistic effect of nitrile and jeffamine structural elements towards stretchable and high-kneat polyimide materials
Authors: Butnaru Irina , Chiriac Adriana-Petronela , Tugui Codrin , Asandulesa Mihai , Damaceanu Mariana-Dana
Published: August 2021

A straightforward strategy was approached toward the development of thermostable copolyimides with polar nitrile and jeffamine segments that display high-kand excellent stretchability.
Self-organizing gelatin–polycaprplactone materials with good fluid transmission can promote full-thickness skin regeneration
Authors: Nie Yifeng , Han Xinxiao , Ao Zhuo , Ning Shangwei , Li Xiang , Han Dong
Published: August 2021

Gt–PCL composite materials, synthesized with polycaprplactone, gelatin and collagen, showed an improved epidermal healing rate and were able to respond and repair in advance.
AIE-based donor–acceptor–donor fluorenone compound as multi-functional luminescence materials
Authors: Du Xianchao , Su Huifang , Zhao Li , Xing Xiaojing , Wang Bingnan , Qiu Dongfang , Wang Jinyi , Yuan Mao-Sen
Published: August 2021

A novel fluorenone-based luminescent material with multi-stimuli responsive and multi-functional properties is reported.
Full spectrum light-emitting diodes based on a new efficient zirconium silicate green phosphor for healthy lighting
Authors: Ding Jianyan , Xu Qixiang , He Jianzhuang , Zhang Weibin , Zhou Jiangcong , Wu Quansheng
Published: August 2021

A full spectrum LED lamp bead can be obtained using Rb2ZrSi2O7:Eu2+ packaging.
Achievements in fluorination using variable reagents through a deoxyfluorination reaction
Authors: Aggarwal Trapti , Sushmita  , Verma Akhilesh K.
Published: August 2021

The application of fluorination reagent for the direct conversion of alcohols and phenols to fluorinated analogues.
A rapid and simple preparation of amphotericin B-loaded bacterial magnetite nanoparticles
Authors: Correa Tarcisio , Bazylinski Dennis A. , Garcia Flávio , Abreu Fernanda
Published: August 2021

Three-dimensional representation of amphotericin B molecules bound to magnetosomes derived from Magnetovibrio blakemorei strain MV-1T. Drug molecules are electrostatically adsorbed onto nanoparticles coated with positively charged poly-l-lysine.
Target identification of anticancer natural products using a chemical proteomics approach
Authors: Bhukta Swadhapriya , Gopinath Pushparathinam , Dandela Rambabu
Published: August 2021

Natural products are one of the most effective therapeutic candidates in cancer treatment. In this review, we briefly discuss the target identification of anticancer natural products in different cancer cell lines through a chemical proteomics approach.
Low-cost potentiometric paper-based analytical device based on newly synthesized macrocyclic pyrido-pentapeptide derivatives as novel ionophores for point-of-care copper(ii) determination
Authors: Kamel Ayman H. , Amr Abd El-Galil E. , Almehizia Abdulrahman A. , Elsayed Elsayed A. , Moustafa Gaber O.
Published: August 2021

A simple, cost-effective, portable and disposable paper-based analytical device is designed and fabricated for copper(ii) determination.
From helices to superhelices: hierarchical assembly of homochiral van der Waals 1D coordination polymers
Authors: Weng Guo-Guo , Hong Ben-Kun , Bao Song-Song , Wen Yujie , Wu Lan-Qing , Huang Xin-Da , Jia Jia-Ge , Wen Ge-Hua , Li Shu-Hua , Peng Luming , Zheng Li-Min
Published: August 2021

Superhelices of terbium phosphonates formed following a new type of “chain-twist-growth” mechanism involving flexible cyclohexyl groups.
Unveiling general rules governing the dimensional evolution of branched TiO2and impacts on photoelectrochemical behaviors
Authors: Butburee Teera , Bai Yang , Wang Lianzhou
Published: August 2021

This work reveals general rules governing the dimensional evolution of branched TiO2from 0D to 1D and 2D. Suitable structures provide excellent charge transport and high surface areas simultaneously for efficient photoelectrochemical application.
Novel finely structured polymer aerogels using organogelators as a structure-directing component
Authors: Leven Felix , Ulbricht Mathias , Limberg Johannes , Ostermann Rainer
Published: August 2021

Sorbitol-based organogelators were used to obtain nanostructured, robust polyolefin gels that could be freeze-dried into aerogels.
A coumarin-based TICT fluorescent probe for real-time fluorescence lifetime imaging of mitochondrial viscosity and systemic inflammation in vivo
Authors: Liang Yun , Zhao Yuping , Lai Chaofeng , Zou Xiang , Lin Weiying
Published: August 2021

A novel NIR fluorescence lifetime probe Mito-VCI specifically tracked mitochondrial viscosity change in cells and successfully achieved systemic inflammation detection in vivo via FLIM.
Recent progress in the design of analytical methods based on nanozymes
Authors: Wang Qingqing , Liu Shaoqin , Tang Zhiyong
Published: August 2021

Different analytical platforms based on nanozymes could be constructed to detect various analytes, which possessed good sensitivity and specificity.
Methods for elucidating the structural–property relationship in luminescent materials
Authors: Kirst Christin , Danaf Nader A. , Knechtel Fabian , Arczynski Tim , Mayer Peter , Lamb Don C. , Karaghiosoff Konstantin L.
Published: August 2021

Data obtained by combination of FLIM with Hirshfeld surface analysis suggests that attractive intermolecular interactions and crystal morphology influence the length, uniformity of fluorescence lifetime decay plus emitted light intensity.
Fullerene derivatives with oligoethylene–glycol side chains: an investigation on the origin of their outstanding transport properties
Authors: Dong Jingjin , Sami Selim , Balazs Daniel M. , Alessandri Riccardo , Jahani Fatimeh , Qiu Li , Marrink Siewert J. , Havenith Remco W. A. , Hummelen Jan C. , Loi Maria A. , Portale Giuseppe
Published: August 2021

The synergistic use of X-ray scattering and molecular dynamics simulations reveals the structure–property relationships of [60]fullerene derivatives with oligoethylene–glycol side chains.
Manipulating peripheral non-conjugated substituents in carbazole/oxadiazole hybrid TADF emitters towards high-efficiency OLEDs
Authors: Hu Die , Zhu Mengyuan , Shi Changsheng , Yuan Wenbo , Sun Ning , Huang Bin , Tao Youtian
Published: August 2021

The stepwise manipulation of peripheral substituents in TADF materials greatly increased both the PLQY and the device EQE, showing an over one order of magnitude increase in kRISC and a decrease in kTnr.
Visualize your data with simplicity, accuracy and beauty
Authors: Bredbenner Kate
Published: August 2021

Creating a compelling visual representation of your data can be challenging, but it is worth it. Infographics and graphical abstracts are common forms of data visualizations within the world of science, but no matter what you call them, these visuals are short stories meant to be shared widely. When done well, a visualization of your data can attract new readers and quickly tell them the main point of your research. Your visual can get more people to read your paper and engage with you about your research. In this article, we’ll talk through the steps of making a simple, accurate and beautiful visual that is sure to catch the eyes of readers everywhere.
Modelling magnetised medium particle transport in the guiding centre limit with GEANT4
Authors: Tuneu J. , Giménez de Castro G. , Szpigel S. , MacKinnon A.
Published: August 2021

Monte Carlo codes are a standard tool for studying energetic particle propagation, secondary production, and radiation in astrophysical settings. In magnetised plasmas such as those found in solar active regions, the enormous disparity between particle gyroradii and system scales proves to be a major computational obstacle. To address this problem we have written a new module in Geant4 using the guiding centre (GC) approach in which the particle motion is averaged over a gyrofrequency. We describe the formulation and implementation of this method in particular dealing with the uncertainty in gyrophase so that particle velocities are well-defined for input to the modules handling reactions. As far as feasible, we compare the propagation and slowing down of primary protons, secondary particle production, and run times in the GC limit with the Newton–Lorentz approach, finding very good agreement between the two methods and orders of magnitude improvement in run times in the GC case. Finally, we present an illustrative solar physics application involving two interacting dipoles, which is only achievable using the GC approach.
Ignace-Gaston Pardies
Authors: Fabre Claude
Published: August 2021

Le père jésuite Ignace Gaston Pardies, outre son activité d’enseignant dans les collèges jésuites comme celui de Clermont à Paris, a été au coeur des débats concernant la nature de la lumière, correspondant avec Newton, Leibniz, Huygens et bien d’autres savants européens. Avant Huygens, il a été le premier à proposer une théorie détaillée et argumentée basée sur la nature ondulatoire de la lumière. Malheureusement, son décès à l’âge de 36 ans a prématurément interrompu une carrière prometteuse.
Les lasers thulium à 2300 NM : Avancées et perspectives
Authors: Guillemot Lauren , Loiko Pavel , Braud Alain , Godin Thomas , Hideur Ammar , Camy Patrice
Published: August 2021

Cet article dresse un état des lieux des dernières avancées dans le domaine des lasers dopés aux ions thulium émettant dans le proche infrarouge autour de 2.3 μm. Il présente les verrous liés à l’oscillation laser de l’ion thulium sur la transition 3H4 → 3H5 et les solutions prometteuses envisagees pour les contourner en s’appuyant notamment sur un mécanisme de pompage par upconversion particulièrement efficace dans certains matériaux.
L’imagerie Polarimétrique
Authors: Fade Julien , Boffety Matthieu , Devlaminck Vincent
Published: August 2021

Les concepts de la polarimétrie sont utilisés depuis longtemps pour la caractérisation optique des matériaux. Toutefois, l’instrumentation polarimétrique a connu son véritable essor avec l’apparition de sources artificielles contrôlées et de photodétecteurs sensibles, fournissant des outils de caractérisation très performants (ellipsomètres). Depuis trente ans, c’est au tour de l’imagerie polarimétrique de se développer avec l’apparition de systèmes de plus en plus rapides et compacts à base de composants à cristaux liquides ou, plus récemment, de capteurs d’images micro-structurés.
Refeeding-Syndrom: Was wissen Humanmedizinstudierende im letzten Studiensemester?
Authors: Bauer Mirjam , Dolder Andrea , Stanga Zeno , Kurmann Silvia
Published: August 2021

Hintergrund Das Refeeding-Syndrom (RFS) ist eine Stoffwechselreaktion verursacht durch eine inadäquate Wiederernährung nach einer Hungerphase. Das RFS ist gekennzeichnet durch eine Serumelektrolyt- und Flüssigkeitsverschiebung, welche schwerwiegende Folgen wie Herzrhythmusstörungen verursachen können und gelegentlich zum Tod führen. Zur Prävention sind eine frühzeitige Risikoerkennung sowie ein angepasstes Ernährungsmanagement notwendig. Verschiedene Studien weisen auf ein unzureichendes Wissen der Ärzteschaft hin. Für die Schweiz existieren zum heutigen Zeitpunkt keine Daten. Mit dieser Studie wurde der Wissensstand der Humanmedizinstudierenden der Deutschschweiz im letzten Semester zum RFS untersucht.

Material und Methodik Das Wissen wurde mittels Onlinefragebogen erfasst. Dieser enthielt 15 Multiple-Choice-Fragen. Die maximal mögliche Gesamtpunktzahl betrug 20 Punkte. Die Ergebnisse wurden gemäß Schweizer Notenberechnung beurteilt (beste Note 6, schlechteste Note 1). 60 % der Punkte mussten erreicht werden, um ein genügendes Ergebnis (Note 4) zu erreichen.

Ergebnisse 79 von 540 Studierenden beantworteten den Fragebogen, was einer Rücklaufquote von 14,6 % entspricht. Die Studierenden erreichten durchschnittlich 9,9 Punkte (50 % der Gesamtpunktzahl). Das Resultat von 53 % der Studierenden war ungenügend. Neun von 79 Studierenden (11,4 %) war das RFS unbekannt.

Schlussfolgerung Das Wissen der Schweizer Humanmedizinstudierenden zum RFS ist nicht zufriedenstellend und sollte unbedingt optimiert werden. In stationären Einrichtungen ist ein flächendeckendes Ernährungsscreening mit einem validierten Instrument empfohlen. Risikopatienten für eine Mangelernährung sollten an eine Ernährungsberatung (ERB) überwiesen werden. Die ERB erkennt im Ernährungsassessment das Risiko für ein RFS und kann in Zusammenarbeit mit der behandelnden Ärzteschaft den Ernährungsaufbau planen. Eine gute multiprofessionelle Zusammenarbeit ist unerlässlich, um Komplikationen zu verhindern.
Maßnahmen zur Förderung der kardiovaskulären Gesundheit: Kardioprotektive Lebensmittel und die Nationale Reduktions- und Innovationsstrategie
Authors: Breneise Regine , Weinberger Natascha-Alexandra , Lehne Christine , Wiacek Claudia , Braun Peggy , Luck-Sikorski Claudia
Published: August 2021

Einleitung Eine ausgewogene und herzgesündere Ernährung kann vorzeitigen Todesfällen durch Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen präventiv entgegenwirken. Die Studie untersucht den derzeitigen Wissensstand der Bevölkerung zu ernährungsrelevanten Maßnahmen zur Förderung von kardiovaskulärer Gesundheit. Dabei wird auf Lebensmittel mit zusätzlicher kardioprotektiver Wirkung und regierungsgesteuerten Maßnahmen wie der Nationalen Reduktions- und Innovationsstrategie eingegangen.

Methode Es wurden 1003 Personen telefonisch zu den Themen kardioprotektive Lebensmittel und Nationale Reduktions- und Innovationsstrategie befragt.

Ergebnisse Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass ein geringer Teil der Befragten (17,3 %) wusste, was Lebensmittel mit kardioprotektiver Wirkung sind. Außerdem herrschte auch beim Großteil der Befragten (81,6 %) Unwissenheit gegenüber der Nationalen Reduktions- und Innovationsstrategie.

Fazit Das Wissen über unterschiedliche kardiovaskulär ernährungsrelevante Maßnahmen könnte die Verbraucherakzeptanz erhöhen und langfristig zu einer verringerten Anzahl an Herz-Kreislauferkrankungen durch Ernährungsrisiken führen.
Association of Serum Myostatin with Body Weight, Visceral Fat Volume, and High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein But Not With Muscle Mass and Physical Fitness in Premenopausal Women
Authors: Kern-Matschilles Stefanie , Gar Christina , Wanger Lorena , Haschka Stefanie J. , Potzel Anne L. , Hesse Nina , Then Cornelia , Seissler Jochen , Lechner Andreas
Published: August 2021

Background The myokine myostatin regulates muscle mass and has been linked to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. However, data on its role in humans is still limited. We, therefore, investigated the associations of serum myostatin with muscle mass, physical fitness, and components of the metabolic syndrome in a cohort of premenopausal women.

Methods We undertook a cross-sectional analysis of 233 women from the monocenter study PPSDiab, conducted in Munich, Germany. Participants had recently completed a pregnancy with or without gestational diabetes. Our analysis included medical history, anthropometrics, oral glucose tolerance testing, laboratory chemistry, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and magnetic resonance imaging (n=142) of visceral fat volume, left quadriceps muscle mass, and muscle fat content. Serum myostatin was quantified by a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results We observed positive correlations of serum myostatin with body mass index (ρ=0.235; p=0.0003), body fat percentage (ρ=0.166; p=0.011), waist circumference (ρ=0.206; p=0.002), intraabdominal fat volume (ρ=0.182; p=0.030) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (ρ=0.175; p=0.008). These correlations were reproduced in linear regression analyses with adjustment for age and time after delivery. We saw no correlations with muscle mass, physical fitness, insulin sensitivity, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and blood pressure.

Conclusions Our observation of elevated serum myostatin in women with a higher body fat percentage, visceral obesity, and elevated c-reactive protein suggests that this myokine contributes to the altered muscle-adipose tissue crosstalk in metabolic syndrome. Elevated myostatin may advance this pathophysiologic process and could also impair the efficacy of exercise interventions. Further mechanistic studies, therefore, seem warranted.
Barriers and Support-System while Considering Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT): A Qualitative Study of Pre-HSCT Acute Leukemia Patients from a Standalone Transplant Laboratory in India
Authors: Solanki Hina , Tiwari Aseem K. , Vashisht Naveen , Raina Vimarsh , Sharma Girish
Published: August 2021

Introduction Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is the definite treatment for acute leukemia but considering HSCT is challenging for the patients. There are many studies that have described the patients’ experience after HSCT but very few studies have reported their experience before going for HSCT and there is no published report in India on patients’ experience before HSCT.

Objective We conducted a qualitative study to understand barriers, and support-system while considering HSCT and the chances of getting matched unrelated donor (MUD) for these patients.

Materials and Methods The present study was a qualitative study. Demographic details of 514 patients who consented for the study were noted and the patients and their families were interviewed using a semistructured interview booklet before HSCT. The interview sessions were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed for emerging themes. The study data were analyzed using QDA Miner Lite 4.0 software (Provalis Research, Montreal, Canada). Descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage were used. The chances of getting a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched donor were also computed by “HLA-matching software.”

Results Acute myeloid leukemia (64.01%) was commoner than acute lymphoid leukemia (35.99%) with male: female ratio as 1.98:1. The study showed nine themes as barriers and six themes emerged in regard to the support system for HSCT decision making. The biggest barriers identified among these patients pre-HSCT were related to cost, probability of “success of transplant,” and probable “quality of life.” The family support was the biggest support system variable followed by “treating doctor.” The chances of getting a MUD for these patients were 13.22% and 5.44% in global and Indian data pool, respectively.

Conclusion Deciding upon HSCT can be challenging for patients and understanding of barriers and support-system variables among these patients would provide important insights and help design better counseling techniques for such patients of HSCT and future studies in this context.
Nanotechnology in Oral Cancer Prevention and Therapeutics: A Literature Review
Authors: Kumar Ritwika , Jha Kunal , Barman Diplina
Published: August 2021

The concept of nanotechnology revolves around the delivery of nano particle incorporated drugs which are originally engineered technology. Nanoparticles are used for targeted delivery and controlled release of a curative agents. Nanotechnology is gaining importance and is likely to be routine element of regular dental clinics. Nanomaterials are being incorporated in toothpastes, mouth rinses for improved efficiencies. It has found its use in restorative dental materials, anti-cariogenic enamel surface polishing agents, implant materials, etc. Few nanoparticles possess antimicrobial propertiesand intercepts bacterial activity. Nano dentistry is cost-effectiveness and timesaving compared to other techniques. Nano particles have also been beneficial to annihilate drug resistance, prevention of metastasis or lesion recurrence by earmarking malignant stem cells. Remarkable achievements were made in using nanoparticles for detecting and treating multiple variety of malignancies including colon cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, head and neck cancer, etc. This review was made to highlight the various clinical applications of nanotechnology in the diagnosis and curative care for oral cancer.
The Effect of WeChat on Parental Care Burden, Anxiety, and Depression in Children after CHD Surgery during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Zhang Qi-Liang , Liu Jian-Feng , Xie Wen-Peng , Cao Hua , Chen Qiang
Published: August 2021

Objectives This study aimed to explore the effect of applying WeChat in the follow-up and health education of children after congenital heart disease (CHD) surgery during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic.

Methods Data from 135 children were retrospectively analyzed. The care burden, anxiety, depression, and satisfaction of the parents of patients at home were analyzed and compared.

Results One month after discharge, the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), and Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-18 scores of the WeChat follow-up group were significantly better than those of the outpatient follow-up group (p < 0.05). Compared with the discharge time, the SAS, SDS, and ZBI scores were significantly improved in the WeChat follow-up group but not in the outpatient follow-up group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion During the COVID-19 epidemic, the application of WeChat to the follow-up management of children after CHD surgery can effectively reduce care burden and relieve anxiety and depression in parents at home. It can also improve the satisfaction of parents with medical treatment.
Deep Vein Thrombosis in a Patient of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Chatterjee Rupak , Sinha Sumanta , Sarkar Kumkum , Gonjhu Debananda , Pal Sekhar , Pramanik Netai
Published: August 2021

Among the various complications reported to be caused by tuberculosis (TB), thrombogenic potential is a rare entity. Here, we report a case of colonic tuberculosis in a 30-year-old male who developed left upper limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Ruling out other possible causes of DVT and improvement of the affected limb with antitubercular drugs led to conclusion that DVT was most probably due to TB.
Use of Thromboelastography Platelet Mapping for Assessment of Individual Platelet Response Secondary to Oral Antiplatelet Therapy after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: An Attempt to Start Personalized Antiplatelet Therapy in India
Authors: Datta Suvro Sankha , De Dibyendu , Muslim Nadeem Afroz
Published: August 2021

High on-treatment platelet reactivity (HPR) with P2Y12 receptor antagonists in patients treated with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is strongly associated with adverse ischemic events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This prospective study was conducted to assess individual platelet response and HPR to antiplatelet medications in post-PCI cases by thromboelastography platelet mapping (TEG-PM). Total 82 patients who were on aspirin and on either clopidogrel, prasugrel, or ticagrelor were evaluated. The percentage of platelet inhibition to arachidonic acid (AA) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) was calculated by [100-{(MA ADP/AA–MA Fibrin) / (MA Thrombin–MA Fibrin) × 100}], taking 50% response as cut-off for HPR. HPR to clopidogrel and prasugrel was 14.29 and 12.5%, respectively. No HPR was detected to aspirin and ticagrelor. The mean percentage of platelet inhibition was significantly higher in patients with ticagrelor 82.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) of [77.3, 88.7] as compared with clopidogrel 72.21, 95% CI of [65.3, 79.1] and prasugrel 64.2, 95% CI of [52.5, 75.9] (p-value of 0.041 and 0.003, respectively). Aspirin along with ticagrelor is associated with a higher mean percentage of platelet inhibition, and lower HPR as compared with the usage of aspirin combined with clopidogrel or prasugrel. Additionally, it might also be concluded that TEG-PM could be used effectively to measure the individual platelet functions which would make oral antiplatelet therapy more personalized for cardiac patients.
All-fiber configuration makes single-cycle pulses more accessible
Authors: Rodriguez Jaimee-Ian
Published: August 2021

Self-compression and high-gain amplification enable an affordable, turnkey, and maintenance-free all-fiber laser to generate single-cycle optical pulses.