bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Refining amyloid complete hematological response: Quantitative serum free light chains superior to ratio
Authors: Muchtar Eli , Gertz Morie A. , Lacy Martha Q. , Leung Nelson , Buadi Francis K. , Dingli David , Hayman Suzanne R. , Go Ronald S. , Kapoor Prashant , Gonsalves Wilson , Kourelis Taxiarchis V. , Warsame Rahma , Hwa Yi Lisa , Fonder Amie , Hobbs Miriam , Russell Stephen , Lust John A. , Siddiqui Mustaqeem , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Kyle Robert A. , Kumar Shaji K. , Dispenzieri Angela 
Published: July 2020

AbstractResponse assessment in light chain (AL) amyloidosis is based on serum and urine monoclonal protein studies. Newly diagnosed patients (n = 373) who achieved very good partial response or complete response (CR) to first line therapy were assessed for the survival impact of each of the monoclonal protein studies. At end of therapy (EOT), negative serum/urine immunofixation (IFE) was achieved in 61% of patients, 72% achieved normal serum free light chain ratio (sFLCR), and the median involved free light chain (iFLC) and difference between involved to uninvolved light chain (dFLC) were 17 mg/L and 5 mg/L, respectively. Overall, 46% of patients achieved a CR at EOT. At EOT, iFLC ≤20 mg/L and dFLC ≤10 mg/L were additive in survival discrimination to negative serum/urine IFE and were independent predictors of overall survival. In contrast, normalization of sFLCR did not add survival discrimination to serum/urine IFE and was not independent predictor of survival. We propose a new definition for hematological CR to include serum/urine IFE negativity plus iFLC ≤20 mg/L or dFLC ≤10 mg/L, instead of the current definition of serum/urine IFE negativity and normal sFLCR. Complete response using dFLC ≤10 mg/L had the best performance in those with significant renal dysfunction and by light chain isotype, making it the preferred partner to IFE. Validation of these results in a multicenter cohort is warranted.
Schimke XLID syndrome results from a deletion in BCAP31
Authors: Louie Raymond J. , Collins Debra L. , Friez Michael J. , Skinner Cindy , Schwartz Charles E. , Stevenson Roger E. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractA family with three affected males and a second family with a single affected male with intellectual disability, microcephaly, ophthalmoplegia, deafness, and Involuntary limb movements were reported by Schimke and Associates in 1984. The affected males with Schimke X‐linked intellectual disability (XLID) syndrome (OMIM# 312840) had a similar facial appearance with deep‐set eyes, downslanting palpebral fissures, hypotelorism, narrow nose and alae nasi, cupped ears and spacing of the teeth. Two mothers had mild hearing loss but no other manifestations of the disorder. The authors considered the disorder to be distinctive and likely X‐linked. Whole genome sequencing in the single affected male available and the three carrier females from one of the families with Schimke XLID syndrome identified a 2 bp deletion in the BCAP31 gene. During the past decade, pathogenic alterations of the BCAP31 gene have been associated with deafness, dystonia, and central hypomyelination, an XLID condition given the eponym DDCH syndrome. A comparison of clinical findings in Schimke XLID syndrome and DDCH syndrome shows them to be the same clinical entity. The BCAP31 protein functions in endoplasmic reticulum‐associated degradation to promote ubiquitination and destruction of misfolded proteins.
Rest‐Activity Pattern Alterations in Idiopathic REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
Authors: Feng Hongliang , Chen Lauren , Liu Yaping , Chen Xinru , Wang Jing , Yu Mandy Wai Man , Huang Bei , Li Shirley Xin , Chau Steven Wai Ho , Chan Joey Wing Yan , Chen Jie , Mok Vincent Chung Tong , Wing Yun Kwok , Zhang Jihui 
Published: July 2020

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in actigraphy‐measured rest‐activity patterns (eg, sleep–wake cycle, circadian rest‐activity rhythm, and physical activity) across different stages of α‐synucleinopathy.MethodsWe compared alterations in 7‐day actigraphy‐measured rest‐activity patterns among patients with clinically diagnosed α‐synucleinopathies (n = 44), and their age‐, sex‐, and body mass index (BMI)‐matched patients with idiopathic rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (iRBD, n = 88), and non‐rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) controls (n = 44) in a case–control study (study 1) and between convertors (n = 22) and their age‐, sex‐, BMI‐, iRBD‐duration, and follow‐up duration‐matched non‐convertors (n = 66) in a prospective nested case–control study (study 2).ResultsIn study 1, there were significant increases (all p values were adjusted by false discovery rate < 0.01) in probable napping behaviors (percentage, duration, and episodes), activity fragmentation (estimated by kAR), and physical inactivity during active periods across controls, and iRBD, to clinically diagnosed α‐synucleinopathies. In study 2, higher levels (all p values were adjusted by false discovery rate < 0.05) of baseline objective probable napping, activity fragmentation, and physical inactivity during active periods were associated with the conversion of patients with iRBD into clinically diagnosed α‐synucleinopathies at 2 years of follow‐up with medium to large effect sizes (Cohen's d: 0.56 to 0.80). These findings were further supported by functional linear modeling analyses.InterpretationRest‐activity pattern alterations, mainly objective probable napping behaviors, activity fragmentation, and physical inactivity during active period, emerge as early as at the stage of iRBD, which serves as early and robust prodromal markers of the conversion of iRBD into clinically diagnosed α‐synucleinopathies. ANN NEUROL 2020;88:817–829
N6‐Isopentenyladenosine in RNA Determines the Cleavage Site of Endonuclease Deoxyribozymes
Authors: Liaqat Anam , Stiller Carina , Michel Manuela , Sednev Maksim V. , Höbartner Claudia 
Published: July 2020

AbstractRNA‐cleaving deoxyribozymes can serve as selective sensors and catalysts to examine the modification state of RNA. However, site‐specific endonuclease deoxyribozymes that selectively cleave post‐transcriptionally modified RNA are extremely rare and their specificity over unmodified RNA is low. We report that the native tRNA modification N6‐isopentenyladenosine (i6A) strongly enhances the specificity and has the power to reconfigure the active site of an RNA‐cleaving deoxyribozyme. Using in vitro selection, we identified a DNA enzyme that cleaves i6A‐modified RNA at least 2500‐fold faster than unmodified RNA. Another deoxyribozyme shows unique and unprecedented behaviour by shifting its cleavage site in the presence of the i6A RNA modification. Together with deoxyribozymes that are strongly inhibited by i6A, these results highlight that post‐transcriptional RNA modifications modulate the catalytic activity of DNA in various intricate ways.
Novel Strategy for the Synthesis of Ultra‐Stable Single‐Site Mo‐ZSM‐5 Zeolite Nanocrystals
Authors: Konnov Stanislav V. , Dubray Florent , Clatworthy Edwin B. , Kouvatas Cassandre , Gilson Jean‐Pierre , Dath Jean‐Pierre , Minoux Delphine , Aquino Cindy , Valtchev Valentin , Moldovan Simona , Koneti Siddardha , Nesterenko Nikolai , Mintova Svetlana 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe current energy transition presents many technological challenges, such as the development of highly stable catalysts. Herein, we report a novel “top‐down” synthesis approach for preparation of a single‐site Mo‐containing nanosized ZSM‐5 zeolite which has atomically dispersed framework‐molybdenum homogenously distributed through the zeolite crystals. The introduction of Mo heals most of the native point defects in the zeolite structure resulting in an extremely stable material. The important features of this single‐site Mo‐containing ZSM‐5 zeolite are provided by an in‐depth spectroscopic and microscopic analysis. The material demonstrates superior thermal (up to 1000 °C), hydrothermal (steaming), and catalytic (converting methane to hydrogen and higher hydrocarbons) stability, maintaining the atomically disperse Mo, structural integrity of the zeolite, and preventing the formation of silanols.
Cross‐Link‐Functionalized Nanoparticles for Rapid Excretion in Nanotheranostic Applications
Authors: Ma Zhuoran , Wang Feifei , Zhong Yeteng , Salazar Felix , Li Jiachen , Zhang Mingxi , Ren Fuqiang , Wu Anna M. , Dai Hongjie 
Published: July 2020

AbstractMost NIR‐IIb fluorophores are nanoparticle‐based probes with long retention (≈1 month or longer) in the body. Here, we applied a novel cross‐linked coating to functionalize core/shell lead sulfide/cadmium sulfide quantum dots (PbS/CdS QDs) emitting at ≈1600 nm. The coating was comprised of an amphiphilic polymer followed by three crosslinked amphiphilic polymeric layers (P3 coating), imparting high biocompatibility and >90 % excretion of QDs within 2 weeks of intravenous administration. The P3‐QDs were conjugated to an engineered anti‐CD8 diabody (Cys‐diabody) for in vivo molecular imaging of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in response to anti‐PD‐L1 therapy. Two‐plex molecular imaging in combination with down‐conversion Er nanoparticles (ErNPs) was performed for real‐time in vivo monitoring of PD‐L1 positive tumor cells and CTLs with cellular resolution by non‐invasive NIR‐IIb light sheet microscopy. Imaging of angiogenesis in the tumor microenvironment and of lymph nodes deep in the body with a signal‐to‐background ratio of up to ≈170 was also achieved using P3‐QDs.
Postsynthetic Functionalization of DNA‐Nanocomposites with Proteins Yields Bioinstructive Matrices for Cell Culture Applications
Authors: Hu Yong , Domínguez Carmen M. , Christ Sophina , Niemeyer Christof M. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe report on the directed postsynthetic functionalization of soft DNA nanocomposite materials with proteins. Using the example of the functionalization of silica nanoparticle‐modified DNA polymer materials with agonists or antagonists of the epidermal growth factor receptor EGFR cell membrane receptor, we demonstrate that hierarchically structured interfaces to living cells can be established. Owing to the modular design principle, even complex DNA nanostructures can be integrated into the materials, thereby enabling the high‐precision arrangement of ligands on the lower nanometer length scale. We believe that such complex biohybrid material systems can be used for new applications in biotechnology.
Electrochromic properties of WO3 thin films: The role of film thickness
Authors: Zhen Yingpeng , Jelle Bjørn Petter , Gao Tao 
Published: July 2020

AbstractTungsten oxide (WO3) thin films with various thicknesses of approximately 36, 72, 108, and 180 nm were prepared using radio frequency sputtering method. Film thickness can be controlled at nanoscale. In addition, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were utilized for investigating morphologies and microstructures of as‐prepared WO3 thin films. Moreover, optical properties of the WO3 nanofilms were characterized using ultraviolet‐visible‐near infrared spectroscopy. Transmittance of WO3 films changed during the electrochemical cycles. WO3 films with various thicknesses give various transmittance modulation between colored and bleached states. WO3 films with a thickness of approximately 108 nm had the largest transmittance modulation among various film thicknesses, about 66% measured at 550 nm. Results showed that the value of transmittance of colored samples decreased with increasing film thickness. However, transmittance of bleached samples was not influenced significantly by their thickness.
Preparation of Janus‐type superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles modified with functionalized PCL/PHEMA via photopolymerization for dual drug delivery
Authors: Khoee Sepideh , Jalaeian Bashirzadeh Monireh 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn this study, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) were synthesized by the coprecipitation of FeCl2˙4H2O and FeCl3˙6H2O and applied as a core for preparation of Janus nanoparticles. Accordingly, freshly modified methacrylated iron oxide nanoparticles were reacted with two functionalized polymers. Acrylated poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) and acrylated poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) were synthesized via ring‐opening and free‐radical polymerization, respectively, and subsequent modification with acryloyl chloride. Acrylated PCL as the hydrophobic part and acrylated PHEMA as the hydrophilic domain were grafted on the surface of methacrylated iron oxide nanoparticles with two morphologies. Pickering emulsion and solution photopolymerization reactions were used to prepare nanoparticles with “Janus” and “mixed” morphologies, respectively. The products were characterized in each step using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic light scaterring (DLS), transmission electron microscope (TEM), vibrating‐sample magnetometer (VSM), energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX), and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV‐Vis). Quercetin and 5‐FU (as two anticancer drugs) were loaded in the mentioned nanoparticles, and the drug loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency (EE) of these nanoparticles were calculated. in vitro release behavior at two pH values (5.8 and 7.4) and at 37°C demonstrated that morphology can affect the release profile. Finally, rat C6 cell viability was determined by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazoliumbromide (MTT) assay for drug‐free and drug‐loaded nanoparticles.
Physicochemical characterization of low sulfonated polyether ether ketone/Smectite clay composite for proton exchange membrane fuel cells
Authors: Ahmed Zakarya , Charradi Khaled , Alsulami Qana A. , Keshk Sherif M. A. S. , Chtourou Radhouane 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPolyether ether ketone (PEEK) with a low sulfonation degree was blended using different proportions of sodium rich Smectite clay (3 and 6 wt%) to use as an electrolyte membrane for fuel cell application. The structural functionalities, surface morphologies, and the thermal stability of the resultant composite membranes were characterized using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, atom force microscopy, and thermo‐gravimetric analysis. FT‐IR showed that no chemical reactions take place between the sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK) and the clay with different ratios. XRD diffractograms illustrated a lower degree of crystallinity of the blended SPEEK than pristine SPEEK. The elaborated composite membranes proved to have a higher thermal stability than SPEEK. Furthermore, the SPEEK/clay composite membranes with 3 and 6 wt% in clay loading had higher water uptake and lower methanol uptake than those in pristine SPEEK It was also shown that, the incorporation of sodium ions rich Smectite clay layers between the clusters in SPEEK improved the conductivity to 2 × 10−2 S/cm at 140°C (for 6 wt% in clay) without compromising the dimensional stability of the composite membranes. These results propose the composite membranes as a potential candidate for methanol fuel cells at temperatures above 120°C making SPEEK composite membrane competitive to that of Nafion membrane.
Comprehensive analysis of GTP cyclohydrolase I activity in Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv via in silico studies
Authors: Agarwal Preeti , Meena Swati , Meena Laxman S. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractGTP cyclohydrolase I enzyme (GTPCH‐I) is a rate limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis pathway of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) and tetrahydrofolate (THF) compounds; latter being are an essential compounds involved in many biological functions. This enzyme has been evaluated structurally and functionally in many organisms to understand its putative role in cell processes, kinetics, regulations, drug targeting in infectious diseases, pain sensitivity in humans, and so on. In Mycobacterium tuberculosis (a human pathogen causing tuberculosis), this GTPCH‐I activity has been predicted to be present in Rv3609c gene (folE) of H37Rv strain, which till date has not been studied in detail. In order to understand in depth, the structure and function of folE protein in M. tuberculosis H37Rv, in silico study was designed by using many different bioinformatics tools. Comparative and structural analysis predicts that Rv3609c gene is similar to folE protein ortholog of Listeria monocytogenes (cause food born disease), and uses zinc ion as a cofactor for its catalysis. Result shows that mutation of folE protein at 52th residue from tyrosine to glycine or variation in pH and temperature can lead to high destability in protein structure. Studies here have also predicted about the functional regions and interacting partners involved with folE protein. This study has provided clues to carry out experimentally the analysis of folE protein in mycobacteria and if found suitable will be used for drug targeting.
Efficient process development for high‐level production, purification, formulation, and characterization of recombinant mecasermin in Escherichia coli
Authors: Mofid Mohammad Reza , Babaeipour Valiollah , Jafari Sevda , Haddad Leila , Moghim Sharareh , Ghanavi Jalaledin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractOverproduction of recombinant mecasermin was achieved by investigation of effect of three factors, temperature, inducer amount, and culture media, at three levels according to the Taguchi statistical design in Escherichia coli in a bench‐scale bioreactor. In optimal conditions (induction temperature 28 °C, terrific broth with glucose (TB+G) medium, with 0.1 mM IPTG as inducer) 0.84 g/L mecasermin with expression levels of 38% of total protein and 4.13 g/L final dry cell biomass was produced, that is one of the highest values of recombinant protein has been reported in the batch system. The cell disruption was done by lysozyme pretreatment with sonication to the efficient purification of mecasermin. The isolated and washed inclusion bodies were solubilized in Gdn‐HCl at pH 5.4 and folded with glutathione and purified with gel filtration. The purified rhIGF‐1 (mecasermin) was formulated with arginine. Mecasermin protein remained t stable at 4 °C for up to 2 years. The quantitative and qualitative control indicated that mecasermin is expressed correctly (without the initial methionine by mass spectrometry), pure (without endotoxin and other protein impurities), correct folding (FTIR, RF‐HPLC), monomer form (SEC‐HPLC), and active (bioactivity test). Also, the purification results revealed that expression at low temperature results in the efficient purification of the overproduced mecasermin with high quantity and quality.
Comparing the preventive behavior of medical students and physicians in the era of COVID‐19: Novel medical problems demand novel curricular interventions
Authors: Haque Ayesha , Mumtaz Sadaf , Khattak Osama , Mumtaz Rafia , Ahmed Amal 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe global challenge presented by COVID‐19 is unparalleled. Shortages in healthcare staff and manpower bring the practical skills of medical students under the spotlight. However, before they can be placed on hospital frontlines, it is crucial to assess their preparedness for patient interaction. This can be achieved by comparing their behavioral dynamics to those of physicians. An online questionnaire was administered between March 20, 2020 and March 27, 2020. The preventive strategies adopted by medical students and physicians at different ages and levels of education were compared by using chi‐square test where a p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. We report that the demonstration of preventive behaviors increased with educational attainment and age. Older age groups avoided crowded areas, wore more masks, used disinfectants and did not touch their faces as compared to the younger participants (p < 0.001). Similarly, postgraduate doctors used more masks and disinfectants as compared to graduate doctors and medical students (p < 0.001). Based on our results, the lack of preventive behavior shown by medical students has implications for policy makers. We recommend short‐ and long‐term changes to medical programs and admissions policies to equip medical students with the personal and professional skills to better contribute to the healthcare system in the present pandemic and beyond.
Moving the human biology program from face‐to‐face to online delivery mode in the time of COVID‐19
Authors: Papaneophytou Christos , Stavride Phoebe , Nicolaou Stella A. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractFollowing the COVID‐19 lockdown, the BSc in Human Biology Program of the University of Nicosia switched from face‐to‐face to online delivery mode. Herein we describe how we identified and managed the challenges that arose to successfully complete the Semester.
Proactive environmental and social strategies in a small‐ to medium‐sized company: A case study of a Japanese SME
Authors: Eweje Gabriel 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThere has been on‐going attention paid to small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) regarding how the sector manages their environmental and social impacts. This study examines the application of environmental and social sustainability practices in a Japanese SME because research on sustainability practices of such SMEs has been limited although SMEs in Japan contribute 70% of total employment and 20% of the gross national product. This study employed a qualitative case study approach based on responses from the CEO/owner of the case company and 123 employees. Using managerial discretion theory, this study found that the case company CEO/owner's decision‐making process, motivation, philosophy and determination to adapt sustainability practices played a major role in influencing employees' support for the company sustainability initiatives and contributed to positive staff turnover. This study found that if sustainability initiatives and practices are embedded into SMEs' business activities from the outset, their negative environmental and social impacts can be greatly reduced.
Does the EU Directive on non‐financial information influence the value relevance of ESG disclosure? Italian evidence
Authors: Cordazzo Michela , Bini Laura , Marzo Giuseppe 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe implementation of the EU Directive on non‐financial information determines the transition from a voluntary to a mandatory disclosure setting. This paper is a first attempt to investigate if this transition influences the value relevance of non‐financial information, which relates to the environmental, social and governance disclosure (ESG) requirements of the Directive. Italy provides an interesting setting as non‐financial information was generally voluntary before the Directive, which was implemented with the Italian Legislative Decree 254/2016. To this extent, we examine the non‐financial, environmental and social disclosure practices of 231 Italian listed firms in the pre‐ (2016) and post‐ (2017) Legislative Decree application. Our results do not show any relevant increase of such disclosures after the Legislative Decree application, as Italian listed firms limit such disclosure to a minimum requirement. Further, this finding is confirmed also for those firms voluntarily providing a non‐financial report (sustainability or integrated report) before the Legislative Decree application. Our regression analysis shows that accounting numbers are associated with share prices, while non‐financial, environmental and social information are not value‐relevant with reference to the pre‐ and post‐Legislative Decree application. This means that the non‐financial, environmental and social information beyond the financial accounting information do not explain any incremental value‐relevant information to investors in the non‐financial mandatory disclosure setting required by the new regulation. Our results enrich previous evidence concerning the value relevance of non‐financial and ESG disclosure mainly focused on Anglo‐Saxon contexts.