bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nanomechanics of Biomaterials – from Cells to Shells
Authors: Rosenhek‐Goldian Irit , Cohen Sidney R. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBiological organisms are inherently complex. Although investigations of the function and design of living organisms have existed since the dawn of science, only in recent years have the tools existed to extend such studies to the nanoscale. Progress in nanomechanics of biological systems has enabled our understanding of intricate mechanical designs which nature has optimized for specific functions. This review provides an overview of the field of bionanomechanics, emphasizing the manner in which fundamental mechanical concepts are expressed in the design of a wide spectrum of biological specimens. We show that diverse species exploit common concepts to achieve desired function; a principle that extends over large scales of size and mechanical properties. The powerful techniques that enable such studies, particularly atomic force microscopy and instrumented nanoindentation, as well as common analytical approaches are given special attention.
Particle swarm optimization‐based liver disorder ultrasound image classification using multi‐level and multi‐domain features
Authors: Krishnamurthy Raghesh Krishnan , Radhakrishnan Sudhakar , Kattuva Mohaideen Abdul Kadhar 
Published: November 2020

AbstractLiver ultrasound is a cost‐effective, non‐invasive, and sufficient technique to diagnose most of the liver disorders. The recent advancements in research in image processing have led to the development of image‐based liver disorder classification systems. In spite of being popular in the diagnostic imaging of liver, ultrasound images, owing to their poor quality, render the conventional and state of the art segmentation and feature extraction techniques incapable, to accurately classify a large mixed group of liver disorders; due to the similarities and differences in appearances among the different and same disorders, respectively. Classification of liver disorders using ultrasound images poses various challenges at each phase, from segmentation to classification. There is a need for better segmentation, powerful features, and optimal classification parameter combinations to obtain decent classification accuracy, when a large sub‐set of liver disorders is considered. In this work, the region of interest is extracted using iso‐contour technique. Feature extraction is performed using multi‐level fractal features and multi‐domain wavelet‐texture features for better discrimination capability. Then, an optimization problem is formulated, for minimizing the five fold cross validation error to classify 10 types of disorders, both focal and diffused, by selecting the best features, suitable classifier, and its parameters using the particle swarm optimization technique for obtaining better classification. An overall accuracy of 91% is obtained using the proposed features in addition to 50% reduction in multi‐level fractal feature set which justifies the efficacy of the proposed technique.
Recent progress in contact, mobility, and encapsulation engineering of InSe and GaSe
Authors: Arora Himani , Erbe Artur 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe field of two‐dimensional (2D) materials has stimulated considerable interest in the scientific community. Owing to quantum confinement in one direction, intriguing properties have been reported in 2D materials that cannot be observed in their bulk form. The advent of semiconducting 2D materials with a broad range of electronic properties has provided fascinating opportunities to design and configure next‐generation electronics. One such emerging class is the family of III‐VI monochalcogenides, the two prominent members of which are indium selenide (InSe) and gallium selenide (GaSe). In contrast to transition metal dichalcogenides, their high intrinsic mobility and the availability of a direct bandgap at small thicknesses have attracted researchers to investigate the underlying physical phenomena as well as their technological applications. However, the sensitivity of InSe and GaSe to environmental influences has limited their exploitation in functional devices. The lack of methods for their scalable synthesis further hinders the realization of their devices. This review article outlines recent advancements in the synthesis and understanding of the charge transport properties of InSe and GaSe for their integration into technological applications. A detailed summary of the improvements in the device structure by optimizing extrinsic factors such as bottom substrates, metal contacts, and device fabrication schemes is provided. Furthermore, various encapsulation techniques that have been proven effective in preventing the degradation of InSe and GaSe layers under ambient conditions are thoroughly discussed. Finally, this article presents an outlook on future research ventures with respect to ongoing developments and practical viability of these materials.image
Antimicrobial activity of amphiphilic nanomicelles loaded with curcumin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa alone and activated by blue laser light
Authors: Rupel Katia , Zupin Luisa , Brich Silvia , Mardirossian Mario , Ottaviani Giulia , Gobbo Margherita , Di Lenarda Roberto , Pricl Sabrina , Crovella Sergio , Zacchigna Serena , Biasotto Matteo 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe aim of this work was to assess the antimicrobial efficacy on Pseudomonas aeruginosa of nanomicelles loaded with curcumin (CUR) alone and activated by blue laser light in an antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (APDT) approach. First, free CUR in liquid suspension and loaded in three amphiphilic nanomicelles (CUR‐DAPMA, CUR‐SPD and CUR‐SPM) were tested both on bacteria and keratinocytes. While free CUR exerted limited efficacy showing moderate cytotoxicity, a strong inhibition of bacterial growth was obtained using all three nanosystems without toxicity on eukaryotic cells. CUR‐SPM emerged as the most effective, and was therefore employed in APDT experiments. Among the three sublethal blue laser (λ 445 nm) protocols tested, the ones characterized by a fluence of 18 and 30 J/cm2 further decreased the antimicrobial concentration to 50 nM. The combination of blue laser APDT with CUR‐SPM nanomicelles results in an effective synergistic activity that represents a promising novel therapeutic approach on resistant species.
cMET promotes metastasis and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in colorectal carcinoma by repressing RKIP
Authors: Wang Siyun , Ma Haiqing , Yan Yan , Chen Yu , Fu Sirui , Wang Junjiang , Wang Ying , Chen Hao , Liu Jianhua 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIncreasing evidence indicates that c‐mesenchymal‐epithelial transition factor (cMET) plays an important role in the malignant progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. As a metastasis suppressor, raf kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP) loss has been reported in many cancer types. In this study, the expression levels of cMET and RKIP in CRC tissues and cell lines were determined, and their crosstalk and potential biological effects were explored in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that cMET was inversely correlated with RKIP. Both cMET upregulation and RKIP downregulation indicated poor clinical outcomes. Moreover, the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway was implicated in the regulation of cMET and RKIP. Overexpression of cMET promoted tumor cell epithelial‐mesenchymal transition, invasion, migration, and chemoresistance, whereas the effects could be efficiently inhibited by increased RKIP. Notably, small hairpin RNA‐mediated cMET knockdown dramatically suppressed cell proliferation, although no RKIP‐induced influence on cell growth was observed in CRC. Altogether, cMET overexpression may contribute to tumor progression by inhibiting the antioncogene RKIP, providing preclinical justification for targeting RKIP to treat cMET‐induced metastasis of CRC.
Professional regulation for Australasian genetic counselors
Authors: Hoskins Cass , Gaff Clara , McEwen Alison , Macciocca Ivan , Pearn Amy , Shalhoub Carolyn , Salvemini Hayley , Berkman Jennifer , Riley Kate E. , Williams Rachel , Milward Michael , Young Mary‐Anne 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAs a result of the ongoing global expansion of genetic counseling, the need to formalize a system of professional regulation for genetic counselors was identified in Australasia. In June 2017, under the auspices of the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA), a working party was convened. The purpose of the working party was to provide strategic leadership for the profession of Australasian genetic counselors with a goal to formalize a national regulatory framework for genetic counselors across both Australian and New Zealand jurisdictions. This was ultimately achieved in Australia through full membership with the National Alliance of Self‐Regulating Health Professions (NASRHP) while the profession of genetic counseling in New Zealand is utilizing this framework to establish their regulation pathway. Regulation has a number of implications for genetic counselors, their employers, and the wider community, with the primary purpose of regulation being protection of the public from harm. This paper details the process of formalizing self‐regulation for genetic counselors in Australasia, by defining professional regulation; outlining the purpose of regulation and the status of regulation for genetic counselors in Australasia and internationally, as well as health professionals more broadly; exploring the challenges of establishing regulation in Australasia; and the next steps for regulation in Australasia. Through detailing this process, the intention is to provide a framework to support genetic counseling colleagues internationally as well as other health professions in Australasia to explore and achieve regulation through their respective jurisdiction.
Down‐regulation of lncRNA HCG11 promotes cell proliferation of oral squamous cell carcinoma through sponging miR‐455‐5p
Authors: Wu Jingjing , Li Yong , Liu Jian , Xu Yanzhi 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundAs a type of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has a high incidence and low survival rate. Frequent deletion of protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type sigma (PTPRS) has been found in HNSCC. Long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) HCG11 and miR‐455‐5p have been reported to be involved in several cancers, in which miR‐455‐5p was found to be up‐regulated in the OSCC. However, the role of HCG11 in OSCC development is still unclear.MethodsSeveral co‐transfection systems were established to explore the regulation of HCG11 on OSCC cells. Cell proliferation was evaluated by the MTT assay, flow cytometry of cell cycle distribution, immunofluorescence of Ki67 and western blotting. A dual luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify the binding effects of miR‐455‐5p on HCG11 and PTPRS. The role of HCG11 knockdown in OSCC cell growth was also confirmed by nude mouse tumorigenicity assay in vivo.ResultsKnockdown of HCG11 increased OSCC cell proliferation, as indicated by enhanced cell vitalities over time, increased G1/S transition and Ki67 levels. Furthermore, lncRNA HCG11 was shown to negatively regulate miR‐455‐5p and miR‐455‐5p targeted PTPRS directly to affect its downstream indicators, which can further modulate OSCC cell proliferation and growth. The results obtained in vivo confirmed that HCG11 knockdown promoted OSCC cell growth.ConclusionsThe lncRNA HCG11/miR‐R‐455‐5p axis can be considered as an upstream signalling circuit of PTPRS with respect to regulating its activity and downstream pathways to further influence the progression of OSCC. This finding may provide a novel RNA‐based therapeutic target for OSCC treatment.
Quantitative Evaluations of Geometrical Distortion Corrections in Cortical Surface‐Based Analysis of High‐Resolution Functional MRI Data at 7T
Authors: Yamamoto Tetsuya , Fukunaga Masaki , Sugawara Sho K. , Hamano Yuki H. , Sadato Norihiro 
Published: November 2020

BackgroundAlthough 7T functional MRI (fMRI) provides better signal‐to‐noise ratio and higher spatial resolution than 3T fMRI, geometric distortions become more challenging because fMRI is more susceptible to distortions than structural MRI. Accurate alignment of 7T fMRI to structural MRI data is critical for precise cortical surface‐based analysis.PurposeTo quantify the effectiveness of distortion corrections of 7T fMRI data.Study TypeProspective.SubjectsFifteen healthy individuals aged 19–26 years (mean: 21.9 years).Field Strength/SequenceMultiband gradient‐echo echo‐planar imaging sequence at 7T; 3D T1/T2‐weighted sequences (magnetization prepared rapid acquisition with gradient echo [MPRAGE] and sampling perfection with application optimized contrast using different flip angle evolution [SPACE]) at 3T.AssessmentfMRI data at 7T were registered to cortical surfaces reconstructed from 3T structural data acquired in the same subjects. Distortions induced by B0 inhomogeneity and gradient nonlinearity (B0 and gradient distortions) were evaluated as cortical fallout (misregistration of noncortical areas) and displacement (misregistration along gray matter).Statistical TestsRepeated measures analyses of variance with post‐hoc t‐tests with Bonferroni correction.ResultsThe accuracy of fully corrected fMRI images based on the intensity distribution was 89.2%. Without any corrections, 9.7% of vertices in the whole surfaces were fallout and the average displacement was 0.96 mm for the rest of the vertices. B0 and gradient distortion corrections significantly reduced the fallout (to 2.1% and 8.7%) and displacement (to 0.29 mm and 0.86 mm). These corrections were effective even around regions with moderate distortions (the somatosensory and visual cortices for B0 distortion, and the anterior frontal, inferior temporal, and posterior occipital cortices for gradient distortion).Data ConclusionB0 distortion correction is crucial for surface‐based analysis of fine‐resolution fMRI at 7T. Gradient distortion correction should be considered when regions of interest include regions distant from the isocenter of scanners.Evidence Level1Technical Efficacy Stage1
SARS‐CoV‐2 and inflammatory responses: From mechanisms to the potential therapeutic use of intravenous immunoglobulin
Authors: Mascolo Silvia , Carleo Maria A. , Contieri Marcella , Izzo Sara , Perna Angelica , De Luca Antonio , Esposito Vincenzo 
Published: November 2020

AbstractA novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) is responsible for a severe acute respiratory syndrome called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). It is originated in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Due to its extreme transmissibility with droplets and human contacts, in a few months, it has become a pandemic. Nowadays, no effective therapy is available, and the scientific community is moving to find a therapeutic choice to fight this silent enemy. Studies are ongoing on several therapeutic options, including antiviral agents, immunomodulant drugs, and immunotherapy. Due to viral features, including the ability to start an inflammatory response that seems to be the fulcrum of COVID‐19 pathogenic action, immunotherapy could represent a promising alternative waiting for the vaccine. High‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), already used in other infectious diseases, could represent an effective help. The aim of this narrative review is to reassemble the clinical experiences on the use of IVIg in COVID‐19 and the rationale of its use.
Utility of procalcitonin as an early diagnostic marker of bacteremia in individuals with periodontitis Stage II and III
Authors: Mohan Ranjitha , Srirangarajan  , Rao Ravi J. , Prabhu Srikumar , Rudresh Vinaya 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the present study is to assess the ability of procalcitonin (PCT) to differentiate between periodontal health and Stage II and III periodontitis. We further assessed, if PCT can reflect early bacteremia induced by non‐surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT).MethodsSixty‐four systemically healthy individuals were divided into Group I, periodontally healthy, and Group II, Stage II and III periodontitis. NSPT was done for both the groups. Standardized serum and salivary samples were obtained and analyzed for PCT levels using highly sensitive double antibody sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay at baseline and 2 weeks. In addition, the serum levels of PCT were recorded at immediate and 1‐hour post‐NSPT.ResultsMean PCT levels (saliva = 0.03 ng/mL and serum = 0.05 ng/mL) in periodontally healthy group were considerably lower than that in the periodontitis group (saliva = 0.22 ng/mL and serum = 1.85 ng/mL) with significant intergroup comparison at P < 0.001. Post NSPT the mean serum PCT values increased from 1.854 ng/mL to 1.871 ng/mL at the immediate interval and remained at 0.879 ng/mL after 2 weeks at P < 0.001. Spearman correlation showed highly significant positive correlation between serum and salivary PCT values to clinical attachment level (CAL) at P < 0.001 and rho = 0.78 and 0.75, respectively. Linear regression model showed serum PCT to be a significant predictor for CAL.ConclusionScreening for serum PCT levels in patients with periodontitis could act not only as a guide to assess the bacterial load and use of antibiotics but also as a predictor for CAL loss in patients with periodontitis.
Impact of resection margin on outcomes in high‐grade soft tissue sarcomas of the extremity—A USSC analysis
Authors: Chouliaras Konstantinos , Patel Nathan , Senehi Rebecca , Ethun Cecilia G. , Poultsides George , Grignol Valerie , Gamblin Thomas Clark , Roggin Kevin K. , Fields Ryan C. , D'Agostino Ralph , Levine Edward A. , Cardona Kenneth , Votanopoulos Konstantinos 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe optimal margin of resection for high‐grade extremity sarcomas and its impact on survival has long been questioned in the setting of adjuvant radiotherapy. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of resection status on recurrence and survival.MethodsAll patients with primary, nonmetastatic, high‐grade extremity sarcomas that underwent surgical resection from January 2000 to April 2016 in the U.S. Sarcoma Collaborative (USSC) were retrospectively reviewed. Recurrence patterns, recurrence‐free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS) were examined in multivariate analyses (MVA).ResultsA cohort of 959 patients was identified with a median follow‐up of 34.7 months from diagnosis. R0 resection was achieved in 86.7% (831) while R1 resection in 13.3% (128). Locoregional recurrence for R0 and R1 groups occurred in 9.1% (76) versus 14.8% (19; p = .05) while distant recurrence occurred in 24.7% (205) versus 26.6% (34; p = .65), respectively. Median RFS was 171.2 versus 48.5 (p = .01) while median OS was 149.8 versus 71.5 months (p = .02) for the R0 versus R1 group, respectively. On MVA, female gender (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.69, p = .007) and adjuvant radiotherapy (0.7, p = .04) were associated with improved OS, whereas older age (HR = 1.03, p < .001) and tumor size (HR = 1.01, p < .001) were associated with worse OS. R0 resection status was associated with improved locoregional RFS (HR = 0.56, p = .03) but not with distant RFS (HR = 0.84, p = .4) or OS (HR = 0.7, p = .052).ConclusionsIn high‐grade extremity sarcomas, tumor size and gender are predictive of OS while R0 resection status is associated with improved locoregional recurrence rate without a significant impact on distant RFS or OS.
Preparation of multiwall carbon nanotube/urea‐formaldehyde nanocomposite as a new sorbent in solid‐phase extraction and its combination with deep eutectic solvent‐based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction for extraction of antibiotic residues in honey
Authors: Shahi Mohsen , Javadi Afshin , Afshar Mogaddam Mohammad Reza , Mirzaei Hamid , Nemati Mahboob 
Published: November 2020

AbstractA solid‐phase extraction method combined with deep eutectic solvent‐based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction has been developed for the extraction of three antibiotics in honey samples prior to their determination by ion mobility spectrometry. In this method, first, a multiwall carbon nanotube/urea‐formaldehyde nanocomposite was synthesized using co‐precipitation polymerization method and then it was used as a sorbent for the analytes extraction from the samples. After that the adsorbed analytes were eluted from the sorbent using a water‐miscible organic solvent. The collected elution solvent was mixed with tetrabutylammonium chloride:butanol deep eutectic solvent and the mixture was applied in the following microextraction method. The method provided low limits of detection and quantification in the ranges of 0.32–0.86 and 1.1–2.9 ng/g, respectively. The method had a proper repeatability expressed as relative standard deviation less than or equal to 9.1%. The validated method was successfully performed on different honey samples obtained from different producers.
A novel online preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography system with the multiple trap columns‐valve switch technique for the rapid and efficient isolation of main flavonoids from Epimedium koreanum Nakai
Authors: Zhuang Linwu , Ding Yan , Ma Fenglian , li Jinliu , M Safian Murad , Xiao Wei , Wang Zhenzhong , Zhu Jingbo 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this work, a new online preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography was developed for the fast and efficient separation of complex chemical mixtures from natural products. This system integrates two chromatographic systems into an online automatic separation system using the technique of multiple trap columns with valve switching. The sample was first separated into 18 subfractions in the online preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography, and the sample eluents were then diluted and captured online on 18 trap columns by the multiple trap columns technique, respectively. Each subfraction retained on the trap column was transferred online to the separation column for the second separation. Finally, the target compounds were purified by appropriate separation conditions and multiple heart‐cutting strategies. Importantly, the system was successfully used to separate 18 high‐purity flavonoids from the crude extract of Epimedium koreanum Nakai online in one step. The entire separation time was approximately 20 h, and the structures were characterized by the high‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. This online preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography system represents an efficient and rapid separation system that has the potential for a wide array of applications in the separation of complex chemical components from natural products.