bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knowledge of Chikungunya Disease among Academic Population in Private Universities, Khartoum State, Sudan - 2019
Authors: El Hunjul Ghalib Nashaat , Balla Siham Ahmed 
Published: April 2020

Introduction: Chikungunya is a viral disease that could lead to chronic symptoms. It has no approved treatment or vaccine to date.
Objective: To assess the level of knowledge about Chikungunya viral disease following an outbreak in Kassala Sudan among the academic population in private universities in Khartoum State.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in three private universities in Khartoum State during April-August 2019. A sample of 376 individuals (346 medical students and 30 teaching staff) was determined. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to the target population. It included eleven variables about the information regarding Chikungunya disease. Data was imported into SPSS program version 20 and descriptive statistics were presented. Knowledge variables were categorized into scores as adequate, moderate and poor. Chi square test was used to test the knowledge levels among the study population at the confidence level of 95%.
Results: Out of 376 study population, 66 (17.6%) had never heard about the Chikungunya disease. Therefore, the knowledge variables were analyzed among 310 individuals who heard about the disease. Out of 310 individuals, 235 (75.8%) knew that the disease is viral and 245 (79.0%) knew that fever is the common symptom. Individuals who did not know the mode of transmission were 200 (64.5%). Individuals who did not know the diagnostic methods of the disease and management methods accounted for 228 (73.5%) and 174 (56.1%) respectively. One hundred seventy-five individuals (56.5%) did not know the prevention by vector control and 174 (56.1%) did not know if a vaccine is available or not. Out of 310 individuals, 60 (19.4%) had adequate knowledge about Chikungunya disease. Moderate to poor knowledge were significantly high among the study population, p value = 0.0002.
Conclusion: Most of the study population heard about Chikungunya disease but the majority had moderate to poor knowledge about the disease. Private universities should open channels with Ministries of Health to facilitate field training of students during outbreaks.
Timing of Daily Radiotherapy for Cases of Head and Neck Cancer: Does It Make Difference?
Authors: Elzahi Mohamed Saad Eldeen , Attia Shimaa E. , Elazab Skoukri H. 
Published: April 2020

Background: Oral mucositis is a major problem affecting all head and neck cancer (HNC) patients received radiotherapy. Till now, available treatment is just symptomatic with limited effects. Preventive strategies may be better to avoid this complication. Animal models studies have illustrated that anti-cancer treatment toxicity display prominent daily variations; therefore, undesirable side effects could be significantly reduced by administration of radiotherapy at specific times when they are better tolerated.
Aim: To compare “soreness quality score” (SQS) between 2 groups of head and neck cancer patients received radiotherapy at different daily time.
Methods: 2 groups of head neck cancer patients treated at Mansoura university hospital; each group included 80 cases. Group A received radiotherapy at early morning between 6 and 8 am, while Group B received radiotherapy in the afternoon between 1 and 3 pm. Oral mucositis survey was self-reported weekly during and at the end of treatment by using “soreness quality score” (SQS).
Results: For group A, mild mucositis (score 1 and 2) was recorded in 53 cases (66%) and severe mucositis was recorded in 27 cases (34%). For group B, mild mucositis was recorded in 29 cases (36%) and severe mucositis was recorded in 51 cases (64%). There was statistically significant difference (0.003) between both groups as regards development of severe oral mucositis.
Conclusion: Better toxicity profile as regards oral mucositis could be obtained by giving radiotherapy for (HNC) patients at early morning compared to late afternoon. Further studies are worthwhile to confirm our findings.
Characteristics of Azotobacter sp. strain AC11 and their effects on the growth of tomato seedlings under salt stress
Authors: Ge Honglian 
Published: April 2020

This study was aimed to investigate the potential of Azotobacter sp. strain AC11 in promoting growth and enhancing resistance to salinity stress in tomato seedlings. In this study, we measured the ability of strain AC11 to fix nitrogen and solubilize phosphorus and potassium, as well as its production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and siderophores. A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to investigate whether strain AC11 promoted tomato seedlings’ growth and enhanced their salt resistance. The results showed that strain AC11 produced IAA and siderophores, fixed nitrogen, and solubilized potassium and phosphorus. In pot trials, strain AC11 increased the shoot height, root length, and dry and fresh weights of tomato seedlings, and also increased their chlorophyll, soluble protein, and soluble sugar content. Furthermore, the bacteria induced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC: 1.15.1.1), peroxidase (POD; EC: 1.11.1.7), and catalase (CAT; EC: 1.11.1.6), while it reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) content and rate of O2- generation in tomato seedlings under salt stress. In summary, Azotobacter sp. strain AC11 promoted the growth of tomato seedlings and induced resistance to salt stress by producing IAA and siderophores, promoting the activities of antioxidant enzymes, and increasing the content of osmotic adjustment substances as well as enhancing the availability of the macronutrients N, P, K, and Fe3+ in the soil.
Epsin but not AP‐2 supports reconstitution of endocytic clathrin‐coated vesicles
Authors: Brod Jan , Hellwig Andrea , Wieland Felix T. 
Published: April 2020

Formation of clathrin‐coated vesicles (CCVs) in receptor‐mediated endocytosis is a mechanistically well‐established process, in which clathrin, the adaptor protein complex AP‐2, and the large GTPase dynamin play crucial roles. In order to obtain more mechanistic insight into this process, here we established a giant unilamellar vesicle (GUV)‐based in vitro CCV reconstitution system with chemically defined components and the full‐length recombinant proteins clathrin, AP‐2, epsin‐1, and dynamin‐2. Our results support the predominant model in which hydrolysis of GTP by dynamin is a prerequisite to generate CCVs. Strikingly, in this system at near physiological concentrations of reagents, epsin‐1 alone does not have the propensity for scission but is required for bud formation, whereas AP‐2 and clathrin are not sufficient. Thus, our study reveals that epsin‐1 is an important factor for the maturation of clathrin coated buds, a prerequisite for vesicle generation.
Association of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Pregnancy With School Performance of Offspring: A Danish Nationwide Register‐Based Study
Authors: Knudsen Signe S. , Simard Julia F. , Christensen Jakob , Laursen Thomas M. , Deleuran Bent W. , Bech Bodil H. 
Published: April 2020

ObjectiveTo examine the overall cognitive development of children exposed to maternal rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in utero by comparing their school test scores to those of their peers.MethodsChildren born in Denmark during 1995–2008 and listed in the National School Test Register were included (n = 738,862). Children exposed to maternal RA were identified through linkage of national registers. In separate analyses, exposure was subdivided according to maternal serostatus. Preclinical maternal RA was included as a separate exposure. The Danish national school tests are mandatory standardized tests. Results from all reading tests (grades 2, 4, 6, and 8) and mathematics tests (grades 3 and 6) from 2010–2017 were included. Test scores were compared according to maternal RA exposure for each test separately using linear regressions.ResultsWe identified 934 children exposed to maternal RA in utero. There were no differences in reading test scores between maternal RA exposed and unexposed children. RA exposed children scored poorer in both mathematics tests (adjusted differences of mean score –0.14 SD (95% confidence interval [95% CI] –0.23, –0.06) and –0.16 SD (95% CI –0.26, –0.07). There was no appreciable difference between children by maternal RA serostatus. Children exposed to preclinical RA (n = 589) showed the same pattern of performance as children exposed to RA.ConclusionRA‐exposed children scored slightly poorer in mathematics tests but performed as well as their unexposed peers in the reading tests. The results do not suggest that RA in pregnancy has a major impact on offspring school performance.
Structural Characteristics Associated With Radiographic Severity of First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Osteoarthritis
Authors: Buldt Andrew K. , Munteanu Shannon E. , Allan Jamie J. , Tan Jade M. , Auhl Maria , Landorf Karl B. , Roddy Edward , Menz Hylton B. 
Published: April 2020

ObjectiveTo determine whether foot structure varies according to the presence and radiographic severity of first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsWeight‐bearing dorsiplantar and lateral radiographs were obtained for the symptomatic foot of 185 participants (105 women, ages 22–85 years) with clinically diagnosed first MTP joint OA. A validated atlas was used to classify participants as having radiographic first MTP joint OA and to stratify into 3 categories of severity (none/mild, moderate, severe). Bone length and width and angular measures of the forefoot and medial arch were performed on radiographs, and differences between categories were compared using univariate general linear models, adjusting for confounders.ResultsA total of 150 participants were categorized as having radiographic first MTP joint OA, and participants were further stratified into none/mild (n = 35), moderate (n = 69), or severe (n = 81) OA categories. Participants with radiographically defined first MTP joint OA displayed a greater hallux abductus interphalangeal angle. Greater radiographic severity of first MTP joint OA was associated with a larger hallux abductus interphalangeal angle, a wider first metatarsal and proximal phalanx, and a smaller intermetatarsal angle. No differences in medial arch measurements were observed between the categories.ConclusionFirst ray alignment and morphology differed according to the presence and severity of first MTP joint OA. Prospective studies are required to determine whether the observed differences are a cause or consequence of OA.
Patient Global Assessment of Disease Activity and Radiographic Progression in Early Arthritis: Three‐Year Results From the ESPOIR Cohort
Authors: Ferreira Ricardo J. O. , Fautrel Bruno , Saraux Alain , Gaujoux‐Viala Cécile , Rat Anne‐Christine , Guillemin Francis , da Silva José A. P. , Dougados Maxime , Gossec Laure 
Published: April 2020

ObjectiveTo determine whether patient global assessment of disease activity (PtGA) over the first year of disease course, as part of a Boolean‐based definition of remission and considered individually, had a significant relationship with structural progression over 3 years in patients with early arthritis.MethodsWe conducted a prospective, observational study using ESPOIR (Étude et Suivi des Polyarthrites Indifférenciées Récentes) cohort data. Remission states were defined as 1) 4‐variable remission, which included a tender joint count in 28 joints, a swollen joint count in 28 joints (SJC28), a C‐reactive protein (CRP; mg/dl) level, and PtGA (scored 0–10, all scores of ≤1); 2) PtGA near remission, which included the same parameters as 4‐variable remission with only PtGA >1 (of a maximum possible score of 10); 3) 3‐variable remission (sum of the proportion of patients in 4‐variable remission and the proportion of patients in PtGA near remission); or 4) nonremission. The strictest status satisfied both at 6 and 12 months was considered. Radiographic progression was determined as a change of ≥5 points in the total Sharp/van der Heijde score (ΔSHS) from baseline to 3 years. The predictive capacities for radiographic damage of different remission definitions were assessed by odds ratio (OR). The association between each individual component of remission with ΔSHS was tested through multivariate linear regression analyses.ResultsAmong 520 patients, 7% achieved 4‐variable remission and 12% achieved PtGA near remission. Radiographic progression was observed in 29% of patients who achieved 4‐variable remission (OR versus nonremission; OR 0.32 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.15, 0.68]) and in 45% of patients with PtGA near remission (OR 0.65 [95% CI 0.38, 1.11]); the comparison was not statistically different (OR 0.49 [95% CI 0.20, 1.18]). In 3‐variable remission, radiographic progression was observed in 39%. Of the individual components, only the SJC28 and CRP level were associated with radiographic progression.ConclusionAll definitions of remission led to low structural degradation in early arthritis, and 4‐variable remission led to less radiographic progression than PtGA near remission, but without a statistically significant difference. Both 4‐variable remission and 3‐variable remission appear to be useful targets when aiming for structural nonprogression.
Multifunctional Flexible Biointerfaces for Simultaneous Colocalized Optophysiology and Electrophysiology
Authors: Obaid Sofian N. , Yin Rose T. , Tian Jinbi , Chen Zhiyuan , Chen Sheena W. , Lee K. Benjamin , Boyajian Nicolas , Miniovich Alana N. , Efimov Igor R. , Lu Luyao 
Published: April 2020

AbstractRecent developments in optophysiology techniques such as optogenetics have revolutionized the ability to actuate cell activity. Further combining optophysiology and electrophysiology will integrate the advantages from both optical and electrical modalities and yield enabling technologies that allow simultaneous monitoring of cellular activity in response to modulation, which are crucial for biomedical applications. However, multifunctional devices that can deliver optical stimuli to regions beneath the electrodes and perform simultaneous sensing remain largely unexplored. Existing transparent microelectrode technologies depend on external bulk optical instruments for optical interventions. Here, innovative monolithic integrated multifunctional microsystems are demonstrated by applying transparent nanogrid electrodes onto microscale light sources to permit simultaneous electrophysiology and optical modulation at the same anatomical site. The nanogrid electrodes have transmittances > 70% with a low normalized impedance of 5.9 Ω cm2. Additional features of the devices include superior mechanical flexibility, minimized light‐induced electrical artifacts, and excellent biocompatibility. Ex vivo experiments demonstrate that the multifunctional devices can record abnormal heart rhythm in transgenic mouse hearts and simultaneously restore the sinus rhythm via optogenetic pacing. This work provides a versatile approach for constructing multifunctional colocalized biointerfaces containing crosstalk‐free optical and electrical modalities with expanded opportunities in both fundamental and applied biomedical research.
Genetically Programmed Regioselective Immobilization of Enzymes in Biosilica Microparticles
Authors: Kumari Ekta , Görlich Stefan , Poulsen Nicole , Kröger Nils 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDiatoms are single‐celled microalgae that produce a large variety of hierarchically porous, silica‐based microparticles as cell wall material. The presence of genetically encoded silica nanopatterns endows the biosilica with favorable properties for a wide range of applications including catalysis, chemical sensing, photonics, and drug delivery. Enhancing the performance of diatom biosilica requires i) a better understanding of the structure–property relationship in this material, and ii) methods that enable the manipulation of the biosilica structure and properties in a targeted manner. Here, genetic engineering of the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana is employed to immobilize enzymes (glucose oxidase and horseradish peroxidase) into structurally distinct regions of the biosilica, which are termed valves and girdle bands. Remarkably, glucose oxidase in girdle bands exhibits >3‐fold higher catalytic activities compared to its location in valves. It is demonstrated through enzyme accessibility studies, protein engineering, and genetic engineering of biosilica morphology that the divergent enzyme activities are caused by the differences in the inherent silica nanopatterns of valves and girdle bands. This work highlights the importance of silica nanoscale architecture for the activity of immobilized enzymes and provides unprecedented tools for the biotechnological production of silica microparticles with tailored catalytic activities and anisotropic functionalities.
X‐Ray‐Induced Persistent Luminescence Promotes Ultrasensitive Imaging and Effective Inhibition of Orthotopic Hepatic Tumors
Authors: Shi Tianhang , Sun Wenjing , Qin Ruixue , Li Dongsheng , Feng Yushuo , Chen Lei , Liu Gang , Chen Xiaoyuan , Chen Hongmin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPersistent luminescence imaging is accompanied by continuous illumination after the removal of excitation light, which can successfully prevent the generation of autofluorescence. In this study, a mesoporous silica template method is used to prepare uniform and monodisperse porous nanophosphors that can generate X‐ray‐excited persistent luminescence (XEPL). By loading photosensitizers, XEPL effectively excites the photosensitizers to produce reactive oxygen species for killing cancer cells. Imaging of orthotopic hepatic tumors in vivo shows that nanophosphors accumulate in the liver tumors through a passive targeting mechanism, as confirmed by the co‐imaging of bioluminescence and X‐ray‐excited luminescence. Under image‐guidance, X‐ray‐induced photodynamic therapy effectively inhibits the growth of orthotopic hepatic tumors with negligible side effects. Overall, X‐ray‐induced persistent luminescence promotes ultrasensitive imaging and effective inhibition of orthotopic hepatic tumors.
Giant‐Enhanced SnS2 Photodetectors with Broadband Response through Oxygen Plasma Treatment
Authors: Yu Jing , Suleiman Abdulsalam Aji , Zheng Zhi , Zhou Xing , Zhai Tianyou 
Published: April 2020

AbstractLayered tin disulfide (SnS2) is a vital semiconductor with versatile functionality due to its high carrier mobility and excellent photoresponsivity. However, the intrinsic defects Vs (sulfur vacancies), which cause Fermi level pinning (significant metal contact resistance), hinder its electrical and optoelectrical performance. Herein, oxygen plasma treatment is employed to enhance the optoelectronic performance of SnS2 flakes, which results in artificial sub‐bandgap in SnS2. Consequently, the broadband photosensing (300–750 nm) is remarkably improved. Specifically, under 350 nm illumination, the O2‐plasma‐treated SnS2 photodetector exhibits an enhanced photoresponsivity from 385 to 860 A W−1, the external quantum efficiency and the detectivity improve by one order of magnitude as well as increase the photoswitching response improvement by two orders of magnitude for both rising (τr) and decay (τd) time. This artificial sub‐bandgap can both improve the photoresponse and broaden the response spectra, which paves a new path for the applications of optoelectronics.
Smart Material Hydrogel Transfer Devices Fabricated with Stimuli‐Responsive Silk‐Elastin‐Like Proteins
Authors: Parker Rachael N. , Cairns Dana M. , Wu Wenyao A. , Jordan Kathryn , Guo Chengchen , Huang Wenwen , Martin‐Moldes Zaira , Kaplan David L. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThree‐dimensional organoid tissue culture models are a promising approach for the study of biological processes including diseases. Advances in these tissue culture technologies improve in vitro analysis compared to standard 2D cellular approaches and are more representative of the physiological environment. However, a major challenge associated with organoid systems stems from the laborious processing involved in the analysis of large numbers of organoids. Here the design, characterization, and application of silk‐elastin‐like protein‐based smart carrier arrays for processing organoids is presented. Fabrication of hydrogel‐based carrier systems at room temperature result in organized arrays of organoids that maintain tissue culture plate orientation and could be processed simultaneously for histology. The system works by transfer of the organoids to the hydrogel arrays after which the material is subjected to 65 °C to induce hydrogel contraction to secure the organoids, resulting in multisample constructs and allowing for placement on a microscope slide. Histological processing and immunostaining of these arrayed cerebral organoids analyzed within the contracted silk‐elastin‐like proteins (SELP) show retention of native organoid features compared to controls without the hydrogel carrier system, thus avoiding any artifacts. These SELP carriers present a useful approach for improving efficiency of scaled organoid screening and processing.
Domino P‐µMB: A New Approach for the Sequential Immobilization of Enzymes Using Polydopamine/Polyethyleneimine Chemistry and Microfabrication
Authors: Changani Zinat , Razmjou Amir , Taheri‐Kafrani Asghar , Asadnia Mohsen 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDeveloping a facile approach for the manipulation of the direction and order of the enzymatic reactions via sequential immobilization on inexpensive substrates is a continuous demand. Herein, a new methodology is introduced that allows making a desired enzymatic reaction pathway on a paper‐based microfluidic‐membrane based biosensor (P‐µMB). Although the method is universal, here, as a proof‐of‐concept, the sequential immobilization of α‐amylase, glucose oxidase (GOx) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) is presented for fabricating a P‐µMB. To this end, hydrophilic polydopamine/polyethyleneimine patterns are created on the hydrophobic polypropylene membrane using 3D printing and a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mold, and a coating layer of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is used to modify the patterns. The enzymes are then individually immobilized on the desired locations with another set of PDMS molds. It is observed that AgNPs P‐µMB in the sequential immobilization system has stable activity at various temperature and pH regimes, high selectivity toward starch, wide‐range linear sensitivity, and a limit of detection of 0.002% w/w starch. A smartphone camera is used for the quantitative analysis of the analyte with the mean gray intensity as the analytical parameter. This developed system provides a platform for further sequential immobilization of other types of biological elements.
Recent Progress on Interface Engineering for High‐Performance, Stable Perovskites Solar Cells
Authors: Zhu Yiyi , Poddar Swapnadeep , Shu Lei , Fu Yu , Fan Zhiyong 
Published: April 2020

AbstractRapid progress in the domain of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has boosted the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of such cells to 25.2%. However, the long‐term stability of a high‐performance PSCs is still the foremost concern that hinders its practical application. The interfaces are considered as the key part that determines the overall device performance and longevity. These interfaces include the intralayer grain boundaries (GBs) inside the perovskites, the interface between perovskites with electron/hole transport layer (ETL/HTL), and the interface of ETL/HTL with top/down contacts. To acquire a deep and detailed understanding of the impacts of interfacial properties, herein, a concise overview of recent interfacial engineering strategies with the aim of minimizing traps, promoting carrier extraction, and improving stability are summarized.