bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcranial Pulse Stimulation with Ultrasound in Alzheimer's Disease—A New Navigated Focal Brain Therapy
Authors: Beisteiner Roland , Matt Eva , Fan Christina , Baldysiak Heike , Schönfeld Marleen , Philippi Novak Tabea , Amini Ahmad , Aslan Tuna , Reinecke Raphael , Lehrner Johann , Weber Alexandra , Reime Ulrike , Goldenstedt Cédric , Marlinghaus Ernst , Hallett Mark , Lohse‐Busch Henning 
Published: December 2019

AbstractUltrasound‐based brain stimulation techniques may become a powerful new technique to modulate the human brain in a focal and targeted manner. However, for clinical brain stimulation no certified systems exist and the current techniques have to be further developed. Here, a clinical sonication technique is introduced, based on single ultrashort ultrasound pulses (transcranial pulse stimulation, TPS) which markedly differs from existing focused ultrasound techniques. In addition, a first clinical study using ultrasound brain stimulation and first observations of long term effects are presented. Comprehensive feasibility, safety, and efficacy data are provided. They consist of simulation data, laboratory measurements with rat and human skulls and brains, in vivo modulations of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) in healthy subjects (sham controlled) and clinical pilot data in 35 patients with Alzheimer's disease acquired in a multicenter setting (including neuropsychological scores and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)). Preclinical results show large safety margins and dose dependent neuromodulation. Patient investigations reveal high treatment tolerability and no major side effects. Neuropsychological scores improve significantly after TPS treatment and improvement lasts up to three months and correlates with an upregulation of the memory network (fMRI data). The results encourage broad neuroscientific application and translation of the method to clinical therapy and randomized sham‐controlled clinical studies.
Nickel Hollow Spheres Concatenated by Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Fibers for Enhancing Electrochemical Kinetics of Sodium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Guo Bingshu , Du Wenyan , Yang Tingting , Deng Jianhua , Liu Dingyu , Qi Yuruo , Jiang Jian , Bao Shu‐Juan , Xu Maowen 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe high energy density of room temperature (RT) sodium–sulfur batteries (Na‐S) usually rely on the efficient conversion of polysulfide to sodium sulfide during discharging and sulfur recovery during charging, which is the rate‐determining step in the electrochemical reaction process of Na‐S batteries. In this work, a 3D network (Ni‐NCFs) host composed by nitrogen‐doped carbon fibers (NCFs) and Ni hollow spheres is synthesized by electrospinning. In this novel design, each Ni hollow unit not only can buffer the volume fluctuation of S during cycling, but also can improve the conductivity of the cathode along the carbon fibers. Meanwhile, the result reveals that a small amount of Ni is polarized during the sulfur‐loading process forming a polar NiS bond. Furthermore, combining with the nitrogen‐doped carbon fibers, the Ni‐NCFs composite can effectively adsorb soluble polysulfide intermediate, which further facilitates the catalysis of the Ni unit for the redox of sodium polysulfide. In addition, the in situ Raman is employed to supervise the variation of polysulfide during the charging and discharging process. As expected, the freestanding S@Ni‐NCFs cathode exhibits outstanding rate capability and excellent cycle performance.
Long‐term safety and efficacy of the PI3K inhibitor copanlisib in patients with relapsed or refractory indolent lymphoma: 2‐year follow‐up of the CHRONOS‐1 study
Authors: Dreyling Martin , Santoro Armando , Mollica Luigina , Leppä Sirpa , Follows George , Lenz Georg , Kim Won Seog , Nagler Arnon , Dimou Maria , Demeter Judit , Özcan Muhit , Kosinova Marina , Bouabdallah Krimo , Morschhauser Franck , Stevens Don A. , Trevarthen David , Munoz Javier , Rodrigues Liana , Hiemeyer Florian , Miriyala Ashok , Garcia‐Vargas Jose , Childs Barrett H. , Zinzani Pier Luigi 
Published: December 2019

AbstractSafety profiles of oral PI3K inhibitors have resulted in US FDA black box warnings regarding fatal/serious toxicities. The approved intravenous PI3K inhibitor copanlisib has low incidence of severe toxicities and no black box warnings, but chronic treatment effects were unknown. We provide an update on safety and efficacy of copanlisib with a minimum 2‐year follow‐up of the CHRONOS‐1 study. A total of 142 patients with histologically confirmed indolent B‐cell lymphoma who had relapsed after or were refractory to ≥2 prior treatments received intravenous copanlisib 60 mg on days 1, 8, and 15 (28‐day cycle). The primary efficacy endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) after ≥4 cycles (independent assessment). The predominant histology was follicular lymphoma (n = 104). The ORR was 60.6% (seven additional complete responses since primary analysis). Secondary endpoints of median duration of response, progression‐free survival, and overall survival were 14.1 months (median follow‐up, 16.1 months), 12.5 months (median follow‐up, 14.0 months), and 42.6 months (median follow‐up, 31.5 months), respectively. Median safety follow‐up was 6.7 months; 26% of patients received treatment for >1 year. Common treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) (all grade/grade 3/grade 4) were transient hyperglycemia (50.0%/33.1%/7.0%), diarrhea (35.2%/8.5%/0%), transient hypertension (29.6%/23.9%/0%), and neutropenia (28.9%/9.2%/14.8%). Serious AEs were largely unchanged, with no new cases of pneumonitis (4.2%), diarrhea (2.8%), or grade 5 events. Note, TEAEs showed no evidence for increased incidence or worsening following longer exposure in patients treated >1 year. Long‐term follow‐up of patients with relapsed/refractory indolent B‐cell lymphoma treated with intravenous copanlisib demonstrated durable, enhanced responses without evidence of worsening TEAEs, as reported for orally administered PI3K inhibitors.
Platelets from Calreticulin mutated essential thrombocythemia patients are less reactive than JAK2 V617F mutated platelets
Authors: Hauschner Hagit , Bokstad Horev Melanie , Misgav Modi , Nagar Meital , Seligsohn Uri , Rosenberg Nurit , Koren‐Michowitz Maya 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBoth JAK2V617F and calreticulin (CALR) mutated essential thrombocythemia (ET) patients have different clinical characteristics, with lower thrombosis risk in patients with CALR mutations. To elucidate the mechanism for this lower risk we studied platelet function in ET patients with either JAK2V617F or a CALR mutation. Platelet activation state was similar in ET and healthy controls at baseline using P‐selectin and PAC1 flow cytometry analysis. However, CALR mutated platelets were significantly less activated following ADP stimulation, compared to control or JAK2 mutated platelets (P < .001). In live‐cell imaging of platelet attachment to immobilized fibrinogen by Interference Reflection Microscopy (IRM), the number of attached CALR mutated platelets was lower compared to control and JAK2 mutated platelets, with lower fractions of platelets achieving the fully spread state (90%, 78% and 54% of adherent cells for control, JAK2 and CALR mutated subjects, respectively). Compared to controls, ET patients, regardless of the mutation type, had increased numbers of immature platelets (IP) and leukocyte platelet aggregates (LPA), as well as plasma sP‐selectin. These were all correlated with the platelet count and not to the state of platelet activation. We also found that intracellular free Ca2+ was increased in resting ET compared to control platelets. Note, CALR had a more dispersed localization in activated ET platelets compared to healthy controls, and mutated CALR interact physically with TpoR in CALR mutated platelets. We hypothesize that defects in platelet activation and spreading in CALR mutated patients can explain, at least in part, the lower thrombotic tendency in CALR mutated ET patients.
Predictive methods for efficacy of house dust mite subcutaneous immunotherapy in allergic rhinitis patients: a prospective study in a Chinese population
Authors: Liu Zhuofu , Lu Hanyu , Feng Xian , Hu Li , Wang Jingjing , Yu Hongmeng 
Published: December 2019

BackgroundAllergen‐specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only available treatment that can induce specific immune tolerance to allergens. However, the treatment course lasts >3 years, and there is no reliable method to predict treatment response. Therefore, in this study we aimed to establish a method that can predict treatment response to AIT in the second year.MethodsThis prospective study enrolled 119 patients who had undergone 2‐years of standard‐quality house dust mite subcutaneous immunotherapy. Clinical characteristics, skin‐prick test response, and treatment response were evaluated at months 4, 6, 12, and 18. Effective AIT was defined as a 25% reduction in average adjusted symptom score (AAdSS) from baseline at the end of the second year of immunotherapy.ResultsThe overall efficacy rate at the end of year 2 of the AIT was 67.4%. Age, sex, asthma, body mass index, smoking history, and aeroallergen categories were not associated with efficacy of AIT. Meanwhile, efficacy data at month 4 (odds ratio [OR], 4.250; p = 0.004), month 6 (OR, 10.476; p < 0.000), month 12 (OR, 18.000; p < 0.000), and month 18 (OR, 9.716; p < 0.000) were associated with month 24 efficacy. The area under the curve for improvement at 4, 6, 12, and 18 months was 0.805, 0.834, 0.837, and 0.854, respectively.ConclusionEfficacy of AIT at months 4, 6, 12, and 18 is strongly associated with efficacy at month 24. Efficacy as early as month 4 can predict efficacy at the second year, and this may help to determine the need for long‐term treatment. Our findings may be useful for identifying novel treatment strategies for AIT.
Melanin Biopolymers: Tailoring Chemical Complexity for Materials Design
Authors: d'Ischia Marco , Napolitano Alessandra , Pezzella Alessandro , Meredith Paul , Buehler Markus 
Published: December 2019

AbstractMelanins, a group of dark insoluble pigments found widespread in nature, have become the focus of growing interest in materials science for various biomedical and technological applications, including opto‐bioelectronics, nanomedicine and mussel‐inspired surface coating. Recent progress in the understanding of melanin optical, paramagnetic redox, and conductivity properties, including photoconductivity, would point to a revision of the traditional concept of structural disorder in terms of more sophisticated and interrelated levels of chemical complexity which however have never been defined and codified. Herein, we bring to focus the various levels of structural disorder that emerged from spectral and chemical signatures over the past decade. A revised approach to structure–property relationships in terms of intermolecular interactions is also provided that may pave the way towards the rational design of next‐generation melanin‐based functional materials.
Three Reactions, One Catalyst: A Multi‐Purpose Platinum(IV) Complex and its Silica‐Supported Homologue for Environmentally Friendly Processes
Authors: Racles Carmen , Zaltariov Mirela‐Fernanda , Damoc Madalin , Macsim Ana‐Maria , Iacob Mihail , Sacarescu Liviu 
Published: December 2019

Although platinum nanoparticles and complexes ‐especially of Pt(0) and Pt(II)‐ are well known catalysts, siloxane‐based platinum complexes are rarely reported. Herein, a Platinum(IV) complex of 4‐aminopyridinium‐modified disiloxane was prepared and characterized by medium and far infrared spectroscopy, NMR and EDX. The formation of the complex was monitored by UV–Vis spectroscopy, which showed the high affinity and selectivity of this ligand for Pt, with a stability constant of 7.53·103 M−1. The catalytic activity of the siloxane‐based complex was tested in three types of reactions: reduction of p‐nitrophenol, oxidation of glucose and starch, and hydrosilylation. The hydrophobic behavior of the permethylated disiloxane moiety ensures good hydrolytic stability, while the N‐donor ligand stabilizes thein‐situformed Pt nanoparticles. The generation of Pt nanoparticles during p‐nitrophenol reduction was confirmed by TEM and SEM. Contrary to most reports, the aerobic oxidation of mono‐ and polysaccharides occurred without oxidation agents or mediators added, in mild conditions, at room temperature and pH ~9. The same metal complex was found active in hydrosilylation of vinyl‐siloxanes with temperature‐modulated rate, thus being useful in silicone cross‐linking systems without the need of inhibitors. The method was adapted to one‐pot synthesis of silica‐supported Pt(IV) complex, which acted as efficient and reusable heterogeneous hydrosilylation catalyst, limiting the contamination of the product with Pt. This approach is promising for superior valorization of scarcely available and expensive platinum metal. By the same method, multifunctional soluble complexes and mesoporous silica may be obtained, with tunable catalytic performance.
Sugarcane biomass conversion influenced by lignin
Authors: Schmatz Alison A. , Tyhoda Luvuyo , Brienzo Michel 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPlant biomass residues are renewable sources for the production of biofuels and high‐value macromolecules. Sugarcane bagasse is one such plant biomass residue that is available from the sugar‐processing industry. It is used as a raw material for biobased ethanol production. However, some of its properties and its behavior during processing have a major inhibitory effect on its successful conversion. Chief among these inhibitory properties are the lignin content, its distribution in plant tissues, and its chemical properties. These make the materials naturally resistant to bioconversion processes. Further, lignin and carbohydrate degradation products can be formed during acid pretreatment, which is one of the major steps during biomass conversion to bioethanol. These products negatively affect the liberation of fermentable sugars and the yield of ethanol during the fermentation stage of the conversion process. Other factors that also have an influence on the production of fermentable sugar are related to the different structural arrangement of plant tissues (cane fractions of the node, internode, and external fraction), as well as biomass variety. Biomass varieties with low lignin content result in an improved yield of fermentable sugars, which in turn contributes to improved viability of the second‐generation bioethanol production processes. By selecting sugarcane varieties with the best properties, ethanol production can be increased without increasing the total area under cultivation. Efforts have been dedicated to reducing biomass recalcitrance by classical and precision breeding. Genetic modification of sugarcane alters the genes responsible for the encoding enzymes for lignin biosynthesis, generating sugarcane with low recalcitrance. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Long‐term stability and characteristics of behavioral, biochemical, and molecular markers of three different rodent models for depression
Authors: Zhu Han , Tao Yanlin , Wang Tingting , Zhou Jin , Yang Yingwen , Cheng Lin , Zhu Huirong , Zhang Weiqi , Huang Fei , Wu Xiaojun 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe present study was designed to explore the long‐term differences between three mouse models for depression.MethodIn the present study, the unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) model, the glucocorticoid/corticosterone model, and the olfactory bulbectomy model were compared at two, three, and five weeks after model induction. Behavioral testing performed included forced‐swimming, tail suspension, open‐field and elevated plus‐maze tests. In addition, 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) and dopamine levels, and mRNA and protein expressions related to 5‐HT synthesis, transport, and signaling were analyzed in the hippocampus of tested animals.ResultsOur results revealed that each model demonstrated a specific profile of markers, whereas the stability of them differed over testing time.ConclusionsEach model provided a unique set of advantages that can be considered depending on the context and aims of each study. Among the three models, the UCMS model was mostly stable and appeared to the best model for testing long‐term depression‐like state.
A structural equation model to evaluate students’ learning and satisfaction
Authors: Turhangil Erenler Hale H. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractDue to the shift from traditional face‐to‐face to online learning, challenges in learning environments are on the rise. The aim of this study was to assess students’ satisfaction with a service course conducted online at a funded university in Europe using a structural equation model. The construction and validation of five scales for measuring students’ learning and satisfaction is also presented. One thousand one hundred and sixteen students were given an online questionnaire in January, 2019. The scales were found to be sufficiently valid and reliable. The interaction, instructor behaviors, advantages/flexibility, and perceived learning/course quality were influential in students’ satisfaction. Success in e‐learning can be achieved with the help of these findings via improving e‐learning strategies. Further studies can be conducted on students’ learning and satisfaction while participating in other online courses using the same scales.
In Vivo Expression of Genetic Information from Phosphoramidate–DNA
Authors: Nguyen Hoai , Abramov Mikhail , Eremeeva Elena , Herdewijn Piet 
Published: December 2019

AbstractChemically modified genes and genomes with customized properties will become a valuable tool in numerous fields, including synthetic biology, biotechnology, and medicine. These genetic materials are meant to store and exchange information with DNA and RNA while tuning their functionality. Herein, we outline the development of an alternative genetic system carrying phosphoramidate linkages that successfully propagates genetic information in bacteria and at the same time is labile to acidic conditions. The P3′→N5′ phosphoramidate‐containing DNA (PN‐DNA) was enzymatically synthesized by using 5′‐amino‐2′,5′‐deoxycytidine 5′‐N‐triphosphates (NH‐dCTPs) as substrates for DNA polymerases and employed to encode antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli. The resulting PN‐DNA can be efficiently destroyed by mild acidic conditions, whereas an unmodified counterpart remains intact. A cloning strategy was proposed for assembling modified fragments into a genome. This method can be of interest to scientists working in the field of orthogonal nucleic acid genes and genomes.
Impact of the residual SYNTAX score on clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention for patients with chronic renal insufficiency
Authors: Yan Liqiu , Li Peiyao , Wang Yabin , Han Dong , Li Sulei , Zhang Jibin , Jiang Min , Fan Li , Han Yaling , Cao Feng 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectivesThis study demonstrated the prognostic value of the residual SYNTAX score (rSS) for patients with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI).BackgroundThe rSS has been proposed as a useful tool for quantifying and stratifying the degree and complexity of residual stenosis and predicting long‐term clinical outcomes following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, it has never been validated for patients with CRI.MethodsA total of 2,468 consecutive patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate <90 ml/min/1.73 m2 who underwent PCI were retrospectively enrolled. Patients with rSS >0 were defined as having incomplete revascularization and were stratified into the reasonable incomplete revascularization (RICR; 0 < rSS ≤ 8) group or the incomplete revascularization (ICR; rSS >8) group. Their outcomes were compared to those of the complete revascularization (CR) group.ResultsDuring follow‐up (median, 3 years; range, 1.5–5 years), the ICR group had the highest incidence of all‐cause death, cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), unplanned revascularization, stroke, and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). Despite having higher rates of unplanned revascularization and MACCE, RICR group had comparable all‐cause mortality, cardiac mortality, MI, and stroke with CR group. A multivariable Cox analysis indicated that rSS was an independent predictor of cardiac death, MI, unplanned revascularization, stroke, and MACCE. Furthermore, compared with baseline SYNTAX score, rSS had stronger prognostic accuracy when predicting the risk of unplanned revascularization, stroke, and MACCE at the 3‐year follow‐up.ConclusionsThe rSS is a powerful indicator of clinical outcomes and may help determine reasonable levels of revascularization for patients with CRI following PCI.
A randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of a portable patient education video prior to coronary angiography and angioplasty
Authors: Yap Jonathan , Teo Tse Y. , Foong Priscilla , Binte Hussin Norwati , Wang Hannah , Shen Tong , Yeo Khung K. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIntroductionTime limitations in busy clinical settings may impede adequate explanation of coronary angiography/angioplasty. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of a portable patient education video in improving knowledge and allaying patient's anxiety.MethodsConsecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography/angioplasty were prospectively recruited over 1 year from a tertiary cardiac institution. A 3‐min animated patient education video on the procedure was developed to be shown on a tablet. Patients were randomized 3:1 into an intervention group (video plus routine care) versus a control group (routine care). Before the procedure, a self‐administered questionnaire was conducted in both groups. The questionnaire was repeated post‐video in the intervention group.ResultsA total of 332 patients (252 intervention groups, 80 controls) were recruited. At baseline, the intervention group had lower knowledge scores (p = .022) and similar anxiety scores (p = .323) compared with the control group. After the video, the intervention group had significantly higher knowledge scores (p ≤ .001) and lower anxiety scores (p ≤ .001). Within the intervention group, there was a significant increase in knowledge scores (p ≤ .001) and reduction in anxiety scores (p ≤ .001) before versus after watching the video. In the subset of patients who had previously undergone a similar procedure (n = 131), there was also significant improvement in knowledge scores and reduction in anxiety scores (p < .001). The video is accessible at https://youtu.be/R8AdaIbNq7Y.ConclusionThe video improved knowledge and reduced anxiety in patients undergoing coronary angiography and angioplasty. This is a useful adjunct to incorporate into existing workflows to improve patient care.