bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electroactive Silk Fibroin Films for Electrochemically Enhanced Delivery of Drugs
Authors: Mousavi Seyed T. , Harper Garry R. , Municoy Sofia , Ashton Mark D. , Townsend David , Alsharif Ghazi H. K. , Oikonomou Vasileios K. , Firlak Melike , Au‐Yong Sophie , Murdock Bethany E. , Akien Geoffrey R. , Halcovitch Nathan R. , Baldock Sara J. , Fazilati Mohamad , Kolosov Oleg V. , Robinson Benjamin J. , Desimone Martin F. , Hardy John G. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBiomaterials capable of controlling the delivery of drugs have the potential to treat a variety of conditions. Herein, the preparation of electrically conductive silk fibroin film‐based drug delivery devices is described. Casting aqueous solutions of Bombyx mori silk fibroin, followed by drying and annealing to impart β‐sheets to the silk fibroin, assure that the materials are stable for further processing in water; and the silk fibroin films are rendered conductive by generating an interpenetrating network of a copolymer of pyrrole and 3‐amino‐4‐hydroxybenzenesulfonic acid in the silk fibroin matrix (characterized by a variety of techniques including circular dichroism, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, Raman spectroscopy, resistance measurements, scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy). Fibroblasts adhere on the surface of the biomaterials (viability assessed using an (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and visualized using a confocal microscope), and a fluorescently labeled drug (Texas‐Red Gentamicin) can be loaded electrochemically and released (µg cm−2 quantities) in response to the application of an electrical stimulus.
Supramolecular Polymeric Radicals: Highly Promoted Formation and Stabilization of Naphthalenediimide Radical Anions
Authors: Yang Yuchong , Hu Hao , Guo Yuanyuan , Xia Andong , Xu Jiang‐Fei , Zhang Xi 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe supramolecular polymeric radicals are developed to promote the generation efficiency and stability of naphthalenediimide (NDI) radical anions. To this end, a water‐soluble bifunctional monomer bearing two naphthalene‐viologen end groups and a NDI center is designed and synthesized. The supramolecular polymeric NDI radical anions are fabricated on the basis of host–guest complexation between the NDI‐containing bifunctional monomer and cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) and followed by the photoinduced electron transfer process under UV light irradiation. The electrostatic effect of CB[8] and the bulky and rigid structure of supramolecular polymer are combined to stabilize the excited state of NDIs and NDI radical anions, contributing to the high enhancement of the formation of NDI radical anions with excellent stability. It is found that the highest occupied molecular orbital energy and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy of NDI are also lowered by the formation of supramolecular polymer. In addition, the supramolecular polymeric NDI radical anions could be utilized as a supramolecular photoreducing agent to reduce cytochrome C with a higher efficiency. It is anticipated that other radicals can also be stabilized through this strategy, and this line of research may lead to the development of novel polymeric radical materials.
An Improved PO3G Model–Accounting for Cyclic Oligomers
Authors: Vo Anh‐Duong Dieu , Cui Wei Jessica , McAuley Kimberley B. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractA comprehensive model is developed for polycondensation of 1,3‐propanediol in a batch reactor. The model accounts for formation, consumption, and evaporation of cyclic oligomers. Measurements of species and end‐group concentrations in the reactor and collected condensate are used to estimate 36 kinetic and mass‐transfer parameters. The model and parameter estimates provide good fits to cyclic‐oligomer data obtained using four different levels of super‐acid catalyst. Predictions from the model reveal that end‐biting reactions are important for formation of cyclic oligomers during early stages of each batch‐reactor run, whereas back‐biting reactions become important at longer reaction times. Simulation results reveal that ring‐opening polyaddition reactions contribute significantly to growth of polymer chains at long reaction times.
The prevalence and implications of single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes encoding the RNA polymerase of clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Krishna Aishwarya , Liu Bing , Peacock Sharon J. , Wigneshweraraj Sivaramesh 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCentral to the regulation of bacterial gene expression is the multisubunit enzyme RNA polymerase (RNAP), which is responsible for catalyzing transcription. As all adaptive processes are underpinned by changes in gene expression, the RNAP can be considered the major mediator of any adaptive response in the bacterial cell. In bacterial pathogens, theoretically, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes that encode subunits of the RNAP and associated factors could mediate adaptation and confer a selective advantage to cope with biotic and abiotic stresses. We investigated this possibility by undertaking a systematic survey of SNPs in genes encoding the RNAP and associated factors in a collection of 1,429 methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clinical isolates. We present evidence for the existence of several, hitherto unreported, nonsynonymous SNPs in genes encoding the RNAP and associated factors of MRSA ST22 clinical isolates and propose that the acquisition of amino acid substitutions in the RNAP could represent an adaptive strategy that contributes to the pathogenic success of MRSA.
Bacterial cellulose‐based biosensors
Authors: Torres Fernando G. , Troncoso Omar P. , Gonzales Karen N. , Sari Reka M. , Gea Saharman 
Published: May 2020

AbstractOne of the current challenges in biosensors is to develop a device with high biocatalytic activity, high sensitivity, high selectivity, low detection limit, fast response towards the analyte, eco‐friendly and also low‐cost price. Bacterial cellulose (BC), a pure mat of nanosized cellulose fibres, represents an alternative to the development of new materials for sensing applications. BC has a high surface area, high porosity and water absorbance, and it is a biocompatible and eco‐friendly polymer. In order to produce BC‐based materials for sensing devices, the original BC network can be preserved or destroyed. In both cases, the introduction of a second phase in order to improve or modify the properties of native BC is possible. Metal nanoparticles, metal oxides, carbon‐based materials, conductive polymers and enzymes are among the materials that have been combined with BC to prepare novel biosensor platforms. BC biosensors can be classified according to their output signal as resonant, optical or electrochemical biosensors. Some of the applications of BC‐based biosensors include pollutant biosensors, humidity, mass and gas biosensors, and biomedical biosensors to detect glucose and dopamine, among other sensing targets.
The pedigree analysis and prenatal diagnosis of Hong Kongαα Thalassemia and the sequence analysis of Hong Kongαα Allele
Authors: Wang Wenjuan , Zheng Haiqing , Zeng Dan , Jiang Linbin , Yu Donglan , Yang Yuzhong , Feng Qiao , Xia Yang , Zhu Chunjiang 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundThalassemia is one of the most common monogenic hemolytic disorders in the world. Hong Kongαα (HKαα) thalassemia was initially found among the people of southern China. Because of the complexity of genetic changes in HKαα thalassemia, we lack a precise sequence analysis of the HKαα allele. Here we aim to detect the specific genotype and trace the law of inheritance of this rare genotype.MethodsWe recruited an unprecedented huge pedigree containing 11 individuals carrying the HKαα thalassemia gene and 4 nongenetic‐related patients suffering from HKαα from south China. Regular hematological analysis and routine genetic screening were performed on the pedigree and two‐round nested PCR (polymerase chain reaction) for HKαα thalassemia were performed on each individual. The first‐generation gene sequencing was performed on six individuals, including four nongenetic‐related patients.ResultWe found that five family members were positive for the HKαα allele. Patients Ⅱ‐2, Ⅲ‐1, and Ⅱ‐3 with only HKαα/‐‐SEA or HKαα/‐α4.2 presented with α‐thalassemia minor trait. Ⅰ‐1, the carrier of both HKαα/‐α3.7 and β41‐42/βN, showed a typical β‐thalassemia trait. Fetus with genotype HKαα/‐α4.2 alone was not likely to suffer from any deleterious effects after birth. The whole sequence of HKαα allele revealed that HKαα alleles in the six patients shared a high similarity, implying that all HKαα alleles are likely from the same ancestor. Moreover, pedigree and sequencing analyses demonstrated that the HKαα allele contained αααanti4.2 mutation, ‐α3.7 mutation, and a fragment from α‐hemoglobin gene; thus, the composition and formation of HKαα allele was revealed. Finally, the high similarity and composition of HKαα alleles implies that once HKαα formed, αααanti4.2 and ‐α3.7 mutations tended to be a fusion gene and quite impossible to be inherited separately.ConclusionThe two‐round nested PCR is an effective method to detect HKαα allele. Besides, our study for the first time revealed the sequence of the HKαα allele, the evidence of the same ancestor with HKαα thalassemia and enriched the composition as well as the formation mechanism of HKαα allele, and immediately opened up novel potential diagnosis and prenatal counseling for HKαα thalassemia.
Children from nuclear families with bad parental relationship could develop tic symptoms
Authors: Zhu Pengcheng , Wu Min , Huang Pinxian , Zhao Xin , Ji Xiaoyi 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundStudies have reported the impact of chronic childhood and adolescent tic disorder (TD) on families. However, few researches focused on the relationship between family environment and diagnosis of TD. We aim to assess the influence of couple relationship and family structure on the onset of TD.MethodsA total of 660 parents of patients with TD (aged 6–12 years) and 641 parents of controls completed questionnaires. Couple relationship and family structure were selected by regression of binary logistic analysis as the risk factors. Couple relationship was divided into the harmonious, common, hostile, and divorced. Family structure included unconventional family, nuclear family, and unite family. Multivariate correspondence analysis was designed to explore relationships among categorical variables of couple relationship and family structure.ResultsThere were significant associations between TD and couple relationship (Exp B = 1.310, p = .006, 95% CI = 1.080–1.590), family structure (Exp B = 0.668, p = .001, 95% CI = 0.526 ~ 0.847), gender (Exp B = 0.194, p < .001, 95% CI = 0.149–0.254), respectively. Obviously contradicted and common couple relationships were risk factors for TD compared with the harmonious and divorced. Children form unconventional family or nuclear family were prone to develop TD. Interestingly, divorced parents had the same protective effect as harmonious parents. The OR value could increase with the number and level of those risk factors.ConclusionsIn conclusion, children from nuclear families with bad parental relationship could be more likely to develop tic symptoms. The family intervention of children with TD should focus on family structure and parental relationship.
Medulloblastoma, macrocephaly, and a pathogenic germline PTEN variant: Cause or coincidence?
Authors: Tolonen Jussi‐Pekka , Hekkala Anne , Kuismin Outi , Tuominen Hannu , Suo‐Palosaari Maria , Tynninen Olli , Niinimäki Riitta 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundMedulloblastomas (MBs) are a heterogeneous group of childhood brain tumors with four consensus subgroups, namely MBSHH, MBWNT, MBGroup 3, and MBGroup 4, representing the second most common type of pediatric brain cancer after high‐grade gliomas. They suffer from a high prevalence of genetic predisposition with up to 20% of MBSHH caused by germline mutations in only six genes. However, the spectrum of germline mutations in MBSHH remains incomplete.MethodsComprehensive Next‐Generation Sequencing panels of both tumor and patient blood samples were performed as molecular genetic characterization. The panels cover genes that are known to predispose to cancer.ResultsHere, we report on a patient with a pathogenic germline PTEN variant resulting in an early stop codon p.(Glu7Argfs*4) (ClinVar ID: 480383). The patient developed macrocephaly and MBSHH, but reached remission with current treatment protocols.ConclusionsWe propose that pathogenic PTEN variants may predispose to medulloblastoma, and show that remission was reached with current treatment protocols. The PTEN gene should be included in the genetic testing provided to patients who develop medulloblastoma at an early age. We recommend brain magnetic resonance imaging upon an unexpected acceleration of growth of head circumference for pediatric patients harboring pathogenic germline PTEN variants.
The Effect of the Food Matrix on the In Vitro Bio‐Accessibility and IgE Reactivity of Peanut Allergens
Authors: Rao Huan , Baricevic Ivona , Bernard Hervé , Smith Frances , Sayers Rebekah , Balasundaram Anuhradha , Costello Carol Ann , Padfield Philip , Semic‐Jusufagic Aida , Simpson Angela , Adel‐Patient Karine , Xue Wentong , Mills E. N. Clare 
Published: May 2020

ScopeFactors such as food processing, the food matrix, and antacid medication may affect the bio‐accessibility of proteins in the gastrointestinal tract and hence their allergenic activity. However, at present they are poorly understood.Methods and ResultsRoasted peanut flour was incorporated into either a chocolate dessert or cookie matrix and bio‐accessibility were assessed using an in vitro digestion system comprising a model chew and simulated gastric and duodenal digestion. Protein digestion was monitored by SDS‐PAGE and immunoreactivity analyzed by immunoblotting and immunoassay. IgE reactivity was assessed by immunoassay using serum panels from peanut‐allergic subjects. Roasted peanut flour proteins proved highly digestible following gastro‐duodenal digestion even when incurred into a food matrix, with only low molecular weight polypeptides of Mr < 8 kDa remaining. When gastric digestion was performed at pH 6.5 (simulating the effect of antacid medication), peanut proteins are not digested; subsequent duodenal digestion is also limited. IgE reactivity of the major peanut allergens Ara h 1, Ara h 2, and Ara h 6, although reduced, was retained after oral‐gastro‐duodenal digestion irrespective of digestion conditions employed.ConclusionPeanut allergen bio‐accessibility is unaffected by the dessert or cookie matrices whilst high intra‐gastric pH conditions render allergens more resistant to digestion.
Critical state of granular materials at mesoscale: Transition from local to global
Authors: Liu Yang , Wang Xiaoxiao , Yu Pengqiang 
Published: May 2020

SummaryCritical state theory is widely accepted for understanding and interpreting the behavior of granular materials such as sandy soils. Recently, motivated by the development of a multiscale analysis method, this paper presents a discrete element investigation on the critical state behavior of granular materials on two scales level, that is, the macroscale and mesoscale. Loops are taken as the basic mesostructures, and the concept of mesoscale critical state is proposed on terms of the local stress and void ratio. Based on series of numerical simulations with varying densities and confining pressures, the characters of critical state lines (CSLs) for each loop type are analyzed. An analytical relationship of the transition from local to global is then obtained for critical state. Besides, the influence of interparticle friction coefficient on CSL is also discussed on both scales. The prominent observation is that each type of loops achieves its own critical state, from which a unique global CSL can be obtained. The CSLs of different loops exhibit same shapes but move upwards with the increasing order.
Ethical competence in a profession: Healthcare professionals' views
Authors: Hemberg Jessica , Hemberg Håkan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAimEthical competence is a crucial component for enabling good quality care but there is insufficient qualitative research on healthcare professionals' views on ethical competence. The aim of this study was to investigate healthcare professionals' views on ethical competence in a student healthcare context.DesignA qualitative design and a hermeneutical approach were used.MethodsThe material consists of texts from interviews with healthcare professionals (N = 10) in a student healthcare context. The method was inspired by content analysis.ResultsOne main theme and four subthemes emerged. The main theme was as follows: safeguarding the vulnerability of the other. The subthemes were as follows: using sensitivity to establish a trustful relationship, acting in an objective and flexible manner, using a reflective process in decision‐making, and maintaining confidentiality and honesty. Future research should focus on investigating ethical competence from various perspectives in student health care, for example the student perspective or observational studies.
Public opinion about management strategies for a low‐profile species across multiple jurisdictions: Whitebark pine in the northern Rockies
Authors: Shanahan Elizabeth A. , Raile Eric D. , Naughton Helen T. , Wallner Michael P. , Houghton Kendall A. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAs public land managers seek to adopt and implement conservation measures aimed at reversing or slowing the negative effects of climate change, they are looking to understand public opinion regarding different management strategies.This study explores drivers of attitudes towards different management strategies (i.e. no management, protection and restoration) for a low‐profile but keystone tree species, the whitebark pinePinus albicaulis, in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Since the whitebark pine species has a range that traverses different federal land designations, we examine whether attitudes towards management strategies differ by jurisdiction (i.e. wilderness or federal lands more generally).We conducted a web and mail survey of residents from Montana, Idaho and Wyoming, with 1,617 valid responses and a response rate of 16%.We find that active management strategies have substantially higher levels of support than does no management, with relatively little differentiation across protection and restoration activities or across different land designations. We also find that support for management strategies is not influenced by values (political ideology) but is influenced by beliefs (about material vs. post‐material environmental orientation, global climate change and federal spending for public lands) and some measures of experience (e.g. knowledge of threats).This study helps land managers understand that support for active management of the whitebark pine species is considerable and non‐partisan and that beliefs and experience with whitebark pine trees are important for support.A freePlain Language Summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Highly bulky spherosilicates as functional additives for polyethylene processing—Influence on mechanical and thermal properties
Authors: Brząkalski Dariusz , Przekop Robert E. , Dobrosielska Marta , Sztorch Bogna , Marciniak Piotr , Marciniec Bogdan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn this work, a series of cage siloxanes (spherosilicate [SS] type) was tested as functional additives for preparation of polyethylene (PE)‐based nanocomposites. For this purpose, the compounds were prepared by condensation and olefin hydrosilylation reactions. The effect of these products on properties of obtained nanocomposites was analyzed by means of mechanical, microscopic (scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive spectroscopy), crystallographic (X‐ray diffraction), thermal (differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry), rheological Melt flow rate (MFR), and thermomechanical (heat deflection temperature) analyses. The results were compared with similar reports on silsesquioxane‐ and SS‐reinforced PE systems. Effects of SS functional group structure on the behavior of the additive and properties of the composite system were discussed. Aspects of thermal decomposition of PE‐containing SS were studied and a probable mechanism of these polymer systems degradation was proposed.
Flexible strain sensor based on biomass‐derived material
Authors: Siyu Li , Chunxia Zhao , Yuntao Li , Jie Mao , Dong Xiang , Hui Li 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn recent years, the strain sensors, which can be fixed on human skin to monitor movement, have attracted a considerable attention. In this study, the walnut shell powder was carbonized and mixed with polydimethylsiloxane, followed by encapsulation to prepare a highly flexible strain sensor. The obtained sensor was tested for the electrical and sensing properties. The experimental results revealed that the sensor is stable and reliable in the range of 0% to 40% strain response, while the effective working frequency of the sensor is in the range of 0.01 to 0.5 Hz. Moreover, the carbonized the walnut shell powder/PDMS prepolymer and its curing agent (PDMSCA) strain sensor exhibited an excellent fatigue resistance. No significant attenuation phenomenon was observed after 1000 cycles of stretching. The strain sensor was then attached to a volunteer throat, knee, elbow, and fingers joints. The corresponding human movements determined obvious sensing response and repeatability. This work proposes a new flexible strain sensor based on environmentally friendly materials, which is obtained by means of a facile preparation method. Hence, this work can open up new avenues for the development of novel and effective strain sensors using cost‐effective carbonized materials as filling materials.
Challenges facing drug utilization research in the Latin American region
Authors: Salas Maribel , Lopes Luciane C. , Godman Brian , Truter Ilse , Hartzema Abraham G. , Wettermark Bjorn , Fadare Joseph , Burger Johanita R. , Appenteng Kwame , Donneyong Macarius , Arias Ariel , Ankrah Daniel , Ogunleye Olayinka O. , Lubbe Martha , Horne Laura , Bernet Jorgelina , Gómez‐Galicia Diana L. , del Carmen Garcia Estrada Miriam , Oluka Margaret N. , Massele Amos , Alesso Luis , Herrera Comoglio Raquel , da Costa Lima Elisangela , Vilaseca Carmen , Bergman Ulf 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPurposeThe International Society of Pharmacoepidemiology (ISPE) in collaboration with the Latin America Drug Utilization Research Group (LatAm DURG), the Medicines Utilization Research in Africa (MURIA) group, and the Uppsala Monitoring Center, is leading an initiative to understand challenges to drug utilization research (DUR) in the Latin American (LatAm) and African regions with the goal of communicating results and proposing solutions to these challenges in four scientific publications. The purpose of this first manuscript is to identify the main challenges associated with DUR in the LatAm region.MethodsDrug utilization (DU) researchers in the LatAm region voluntarily participated in multiple discussions, contributed with local data and reviewed successive drafts and the final manuscript. Additionally, we carried out a literature review to identify the most relevant publications related to DU studies from the LatAm region.ResultsMultiple challenges were identified in the LatAm region for DUR including socioeconomic inequality, access to medical care, complexity of the healthcare system, limited investment in research and development, limited institutional and organization resources, language barriers, limited health education and literacy. Further, there is limited use of local DUR data by decision makers particularly in the identification of emerging health needs coming from social and demographic transitions.ConclusionsThe LatAm region faces challenges to DUR which are inherent in the healthcare and political systems, and potential solutions should target changes to the system.