bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of Spin Finish on Degradation, Functionalization and Long-term Storage of Polyethylene Terephthalate Fabrics Dedicated to Ligament Prostheses
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Ngoc , Rangel Andre , Grainger David W. , Migonney Véronique 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Spin finish oil applied to poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fibers is shown to alter the surface properties of commercial PET fibers in storage over extended storage times. Oil removal by solvent extraction as required for their applications is shown to be changed; fiber surface chemistry, particularly surface functionalization with anionic polymer grafts, is altered, and surface mechanical properties are altered. Spin finish oxidation in storage is proposed to produce these fiber changes in storage important to their biomedical performance. Background: Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fabrics surface-functionalized using anionic polymer grafts to enhance their biocompatibility, cell adhesion, proliferation and functional performance as PET ligament prostheses have been developed for medical application in vascular and ligament prostheses. Here, we provide new evidence for deleterious effects of uncontrolled storage times and conditions on the final properties of PET medical fabrics and devices, specifically alteration and degradation of applied spin finish oil and fabric fiber surface properties, and limits to surface functionalization of PET fibers important to for medical uses.Results: Textile spin finish oil effects from 2- to 25-year storage times on PET fiber degradation and surface functionalization with anionic polymers were analyzed using FTIR, DSC and by quantitative AFM nano-mechanical profiling. Degradation of the spin-finish oil/fiber interface reduced oil Soxhlet extraction efficiency due to oil solubility changes in diethyl ether or n-hexane extraction solvents. However, solvent tetrahydrofuran was shown to be the most efficient extraction solvent even after long fabric storage times, facilitating further efficient surface functionalization of PET fabrics. Surface mechanical properties of PET fibers and fabrics over storage times spanning 2 to 25 years were investigated by using AFM-Peakforce QNM. Results showed significant and dramatic reduction of the surface elastic modulus of degraded PET fiber surfaces, with surface stiffness decreasing from 2.3 GPa for optimal (2-year) conditions of storage (PET 2018) to 50-85 MPa for extended storage (to 25 year) periods (PET2009 and PET1993). Conclusion: The ambient aging of textile spin finish oil with PET surfaces was shown to induce PET surface degradation, limiting oil removal, limiting further PET fiber surface graft functionalization, and compromising mechanical properties. Moreover, residual degraded finishing oils likely contained oxidation products from extended storage that alter PET fabrics.
Highly Efficient Production of an Influenza H9N2 Vaccine Using MDCK Suspension Cells
Authors: Wu Yixiao , Jia Hanjing , Lai Hanzhang , Liu Xuping , Tan Wen-Song 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
H9N2 subtype avian influenza virus poses a constant threat to the poultry industry and the control of the disease leans upon the use of effective vaccines. As an alternative to the conventional chicken embryonated eggs, animal cell culture could overcome the limitations of egg supplies and upgrade the manufacturing of avian influenza vaccines for poultry. Development of serum-free suspension cell culture could allow even higher virus productivity, where a suspension cell line with good growth and production performance is required. In this work, an adherent MDCK cell line was adapted to suspension growth to cell concentration up to 12 × 106 cells/mL in a serum-free medium in batch cultures. Subsequently, the influenza virus propagation in this MDCK cell line was evaluated and was improved with the medium exchange at time of infection as well as optimization of infection conditions in terms of MOI and cell concentration for infection. Furthermore, various feed strategies were tested in the infection phase for improved virus titer and a maximum hemagglutinin titer of 13 log2 (HAU/50 μL) was obtained using the 1:2 medium dilution strategy. Evaluation of MDCK cell growth and H9N2 virus propagation in the bioreactors with optimized operating conditions showed comparable cell performance and virus yield compared to shake flasks, with a high cell-specific virus yield above 14000 virions/cell. With the purified H9N2 virus harvested from the bioreactor, the MDCK cell-derived vaccine was able to induce high titers of neutralizing antibodies in chickens. Overall, the results demonstrate the promising application of the highly efficient MDCK cell-based production platform for the avian influenza vaccine manufacturing.
Development and Evaluation of Two-Parameter Linear Free Energy Models for the Prediction of Human Skin Permeability Coefficient of Neutral Organic Chemicals
Authors: Naseem Sana , Zushi Yasuyuki , Nabi Deedar 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The experimental values of skin permeability coefficients, required for dermal exposure assessment, are not readily available for many chemicals. The existing estimation approaches are either less accurate or require many parameters that are not readily available. Furthermore, current estimation methods are not easy to apply to complex environmental mixtures. We present two models to estimate the skin permeability coefficients of neutral organic chemicals. The first model, referred to here as the 2-parameter partitioning model (PPM), exploits a linear free energy relationship (LFER) of skin permeability coefficient with a linear combination of partition coefficients for octanol-water and air-water systems. The second model is based on the retention time information of nonpolar analytes on comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC). The PPM successfully explained variability in the skin permeability data (n = 175) with R2 = 0.82 and root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.47 log unit. In comparison, the US-EPA’s model DERMWIN exhibited an RMSE of 0.78 log unit. The Zhang model T a 5-parameter LFER equation based on experimental Abraham solute descriptors (ASDs) h performed slightly better with an RMSE value of 0.44 log unit. However, the Zhang model is limited by the scarcity of experimental ASDs. The GC×GC model successfully explained the variance in skin permeability data of nonpolar chemicals (n = 79) with R2 = 0.90 and RMSE = 0.23 log unit. The PPM can easily be implemented in US-EPA’s Estimation Program Interface Suite (EPI Suite™). The GC×GC model can be applied to the complex mixtures of nonpolar chemicals.
Inhibition of BACE1 Facilitates Macrophage-based Immunotherapy to Suppress Malignant Growth of Glioblastoma
Authors: Zhai Kui , Huang Zhi , Tao Weiwei , Fang Xiaoguang , Huang Qian , Li Xiaoxia , Stark George , Hamilton Thomas , Bao Shideng 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Malignant tumors, including glioblastoma (GBM), contain abundant tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) that mainly promote tumor growth and therapeutic resistance. Reprograming tumor-promoting TAMs (pTAMs) into tumor-suppressive TAMs (sTAMs) represents an attractive therapeutic strategy. We discovered that inhibition of the β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) by MK-8931 potently redirects pTAMs into sTAMs and promotes macrophage phagocytosis of glioma cells to suppress the malignant growth of GBM. Moreover, low doses of radiation markedly enhance TAM infiltration and synergize with MK-8931 treatment. BACE1 is preferentially expressed by pTAMs in human GBMs and is required for maintaining pTAM polarization through trans-IL-6/sIL-6R/STAT3 signaling. As several BACE1 inhibitors, including MK-8931, previously developed for Alzheimer's disease, were shown in clinical trials to be safe for humans, repurposing these inhibitors for cancer therapy should be straightforward. Collectively, this study offers a promising therapeutic approach, through inhibition of BACE1, to facilitate the macrophage-based tumor immunotherapy.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Secreted TGF-β1 Restores Treg/Th17 Skewing Induced by Lipopolysaccharide and Hypoxia Challenge via miR-155 Suppression
Authors: Xue Ming , Zhang Xiwen , Liu Feng , Chen Jianxiao , Xu Jingyuan , Xie Jianfeng , Yang Yi , Yu Weiping , Qiu Haibo 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Regulatory T cells (Treg)/T helper (Th) 17 skewing plays a crucial role in development of acute respiratory distress (ARDS). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-secreted transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 has remarkable immunomodulatory effects on CD4+T cells, being environment sensitive and remains lack of discussion in hypoxic and inflammatory condition of ARDS.Methods: Purified mice splenic CD4+ T cells were pre-coated with anti-CD3 (5ug/ml) and anti-CD28 (2ug/ml) overnight. RAW264.7 cells were added as antigen presenting cells (APCs). T cells with and without RAW264.7 cells were treated with various LPS concentrations of 0,10,100,1000ng/ml or/and at hypoxia condition of 5% O2. Based on LPS (100ng/ml) and hypoxia condition (5% O2) as stimuli, MSCs were set in direct coculture or indirect coculture methods by transwell system. Anti-TGF-β1 neutralization antibody was added to explore the role of TGF-β1 among the soluble factors secreted by MSCs; miR-155 overexpression of CD4+T cells were performed by transfection and then were added to the MSCs-CD4+T cells coculture system in hypoxic and LPS-stimulated condition. After 48 hours, cells or supernatant were collected for detection of frequency of Treg and Th17 subsets, CD4+T cells apoptosis and proliferation capacity assay by flowcytometry, secretions of INF-γ, IL-17A, IL-21, TGF-β1 and IL-10 by ELISA, levels of miR-155, Rorc, Foxp3 and Ptpn2 mRNA expression of CD4+T cells by RT-PCR.Results: MSCs could restore the skewed Treg/Th17 induced by LPS and hypoxia as compared to groups without MSCs with increased secretion of TGF-β1, IL-10 and IL-17A(P<0.05) and attenuate the increased expression of miR-155 in CD4+T cells, which was independent on cell-to-cell contact mechanism while TGF-β1 neutralization could significantly inhibit the effects of MSCs restoring the skewed Treg/Th17 and abolished its effect on miR-155 expression in CD4+T cells.Conclusions: These findings suggested miR-155 suppression of CD4+T cells mediated MSCs-secreted TGF-β1 modulating the skewed Treg/Th17 induced by LPS-hypoxia challenge, providing evidence when proposing future T lymphocyte-targeted cell therapy in ARDS.
Janus-type dual emission of a Cyclometalated Iron(III) complex
Authors: Bauer Matthias , Steube Jakob , Päpcke Ayla , Bokareva Olga , Reuter Thomas , Demeshko Serhiy , Schoch Roland , Hohloch Stephan , Meyer Franc , Heinze Katja , Kühn Oliver , Lochbrunner Stefan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Photoactive compounds are essential for photocatalytic and luminescent applications, such as photoredox catalysis or light emitting diodes. However, the substitution of noble metals, which are almost exclusively used, by base metals remains a major challenge on the way to a more sustainable world.1 Iron is a dream candidate for this ambitious aim.2 But compared to noble metal complexes that show long-lived metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) states, realization of emissive and photoactive iron complexes is demanding, due to the fast deactivation of charge transfer states into non-emissive inactive states. No MLCT emission has been observed for monometallic iron complexes before. Consequently, dual emission could also not yet be realized with iron complexes, as it is a very rare property even of noble metal compounds. Here we report the FeIII complex [Fe(ImP)2][PF6] (HImP = 1,1’-(1,3-phenylene)bis(3-methyl-1-imidazol-2-ylidene)), showing Janus-type dual emission by combining LMCT (ligand-to-metal charge transfer) with MLCT luminescence. The respective excited states are characterized by a record lifetime of τMLCT = 4.2 ns, and a moderate τLMCT = 0.2 ns. Only two emissive FeIII compounds are known so far and they show LMCT luminescence only.3,4 The unique properties of the presented complex are caused by the specific ligand design combining four N-heterocyclic carbenes with two cyclometalating groups, using the σ-donor strength of six carbon atoms and the acceptor capabilities of the central phenyl rings. Spectroscopically, doublet manifolds could be identified in the deactivation process, while (TD)DFT analysis revealed the presence of quartets as well. With three key advancements of realizing the first iron complex showing dual luminescence, a MLCT luminescence and a world record MLCT lifetime, the results constitute a basis for future application of iron complexes as white light emitters and new photocatalytic reactions making use of the Janus-type properties of the developed complex.
Effects of Temperature and Humidity on COVID-19 Transmission in California, US: A Time-Series Study
Authors: Fang Lanlan , Wang Dingjian , Pan Guixia 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Previous researches inferred that high temperatures and high humidity might weaken COVID-19 transmission. However, with the warming weather coming, the COVID-19 pandemic is still intensifying. Methods: This study aims to evaluate the associations between daily temperature, relative humidity, and COVID-19 cases using the Distributed Lag Non-linear Model (DLNM) from Jan 27th to July 15th, 2020, in California, US.Results: There was a statistically significant difference between COVID-19 and temperature from 6 °C to 9 °C, relative humidity from 80% to 98%. It increased the risk of 95.4% at 6 °C (RR:1.954; CI: 1.032-3.701). It increased the risk of 70.3% when the humidity was 98% (RR: 1.703, CI: 1.049-2.765). At low temperature group, it increased the risk of 46.3% (RR = 1.463, 95%CI: 1.054-2.030) on lag 0-4 days. At high humidity group, it increased the risk of 42.3% (RR = 1.423, 95%CI: 1.070-1.892) on lag 0-6 days.Conclusions: We found that low temperature and high humidity were the risky factors of COVID-19 transmission, and higher temperature and lower humidity had no effect on the transmission of COVID-19, which indicated that it might not slow down due to weather factors in summer in the Mediterranean climate.
Microbial Degradation of Pyridine by Co-culture of Two Newly Isolated Strains, Arthrobacter sp. Strain PDC-1 and Rhodococcus sp. Strain HPD-2
Authors: Hu Chunhui , Zhao Shuxue , Guo Lizhong , Yu Hao , Chen Xi 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Pyridine is one of the most widespread heterocyclic contaminants. Microbial degradation of pyridine seems quite promising for its safety and efficiency. A bacterial consortium, which could use pyridine as the sole source of carbon, nitrogen, was obtained from the petroleum-contaminated soil from Liao River estuarine wetland. Two pyridine degrading strains, designated as PCD-1 and HPD-2, were isolated from the bacterial consortium. PCD-1 was identified as an Arthrobacter , and HPD-2 was identified as the Rhodococcus genus. The effects of pH, temperature, and pyridine concentration were investigated, and the optimum growth conditions for two strains were similar at pH 7.0 and 30°C. The co-culture of the two strains, CoPD, has better degradation efficiency compared with the individual strain. Haldane's inhibitory growth kinetics equation could be fitted to the growth of co-culture CoPD well for the entire concentration range. The kinetic constants obtained were μ max = 0.141 h -1 , K s = 37.9 mg/L, and K i = 3830 mg/L. Co-culture CoPD was able to remove more than 98% pyridine with an initial pyridine concentration of 5,000 mg/L within 120 h. Strain PCD-1 and HPD-2 have a novel pyridine degradation pathway different from the reported pathways. Major intermediates of pyridine degradation by two strains, including 2,5-pyrroldione, maleic semialdehyde, furanone, and butyrolactone, were identified using LC-MS analysis. CoPD is a promising tool for the treatment of wastewater containing pyridine, and this study contributes to the knowledge of the pyridine biodegradation by bacterial consortium.
Correlation Network Analyses Based on Metagenomics and Multi-type Metabolomic Data Identified Biomarkers of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Dong Chaoran , He Zilong , Zhu Qianhui , Liu Jianxun , Gao Feng , Li Kexin , Sun Shanshan , Liu Qifeng , Wang Yinghong , Tang Yida , Hu Songnian , Zhu Haibo 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a complex, multifactorial disease and the underlying pathogenesis is unclear. It is essential to improve our understanding of the aetiology and pathogenesis of CAD for developing effective methods of early diagnosis and treatment.Results: We recruited 190 participants including normal coronary artery (n = 49), stable coronary artery disease (n = 93) and acute myocardial infarction patients (n = 48). We combined metagenomics (16S rRNA sequencing and gut microbiome whole-genome sequencing) and multi-type metabolomics (serum, faeces and urine) analyses to determine the correlations among metabolites, the microbiota and clinical indexes to identify biomarkers of CAD. Compared with the faecal metabolites, serum and urine metabolites exhibited strong correlation with clinical indexes. Comparing the three types of metabolome, we discovered that the faecal and urine metabolome was more suitable than the serum metabolome for correlation analysis with the microbiota. Furthermore, we found that the serum and urine metabolome was more suitable than the faecal metabolome for correlation analysis with the clinical indexes. We constructed, for the first time, the relationship networks among the microbiota, metabolites and pathways. Through the relationship network analysis, we identified some important differential metabolites and delineated how these metabolites are related to the differentially abundant microbes.Conclusions: In our research, we used metagenome and multi-type metabolome profiling based on hundreds of samples to figure out the correlations among metabolites, microbiota and clinical indexes. In addition, we firstly constructed the relationship networks of microbiota, metabolites and pathways. We believe our findings can help the researchers to further understand the pathogenesis of CAD.
Estimation of The LDL Subclasses in Ischemic Stroke as A Risk Factor in A Chinese Population
Authors: Duan Ruisheng , Xue Wenjun , Wang Kunpeng , Yin Nan , Hao Hongyu , Chu Hongshan , Wang Lijun , Diao Le , Meng Peng 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
PURPOSE: To clarify the role of LDL subclasses in the occurrence of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and develop a risk prediction model based on these characteristics to identify high-risk people.METHODS: Five hundred and sixty-six patients with AIS and 197 non-AIS controls were included in this study. Serum lipids and other baseline characteristics including fasting blood glucose (GLU), serum creatinine (Scr), and blood pressure were investigated in relation to occurrence of AIS. The LDL subfractions were classified and measured with the Lipoprint System by a polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis technique.RESULTS: Levels of LDL-3, LDL-4 and LDL-5 subclasses were significantly higher in the AIS group compared to the non-AIS group and lower level of LDL-1 was prevalent in the AIS patients. Consistently, Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated that sd‐LDL levels, especially LDL-3 and LDL-4 levels, were significantly positively correlated with AIS. Furthermore, there is a significant positive correlation between sd-LDL levels and serum lipids including TC, LDL‐C, and TG. Increased LDL-3 and LDL-4 as well as decreased LDL-1 and LDL-2 were correlated to the occurrence of AIS, even in the people with normal LDL-C levels. A new prediction model including 12 variables can accurately predict the AIS risk in Chinese patients (AUC=0.82±0.04).CONCLUSIONS: Levels of LDL subclasses should be considered in addition to serum LDL-C in assessment and management of AIS. A new prediction model based on clinical variables including LDL subtractions can help clinicians identify high‐risk patients for better prevention.
Lung Ultrasound Score: A Potential Prediction Tool In Covid-19
Authors: de Alencar Julio Cesar Garcia , Marchini Julio Flavio Meirelles , Marino Lucas Oliveira , Ribeiro Sabrina Correa da Costa , Bueno Cauê Gasparotto , Cunha Victor Paro da , Neto Felippe Lazar , Valente Fernando Salvetti , Rahhal Hassan , Pereira Juliana Batista Rodrigues , Padrão Eduardo Messias Hirano , Neto Rodrigo Antonio Brandão , Souza Heraldo Possolo , Team COVID USP Team COVID USP 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
1. Background:During the COVID-19 pandemic, adequate management of available resources may be key to overcoming the excess of seriously ill patients and saving lives. Creating tools to assess disease severity is one of the most important aspects for reducing the burden on emergency departments. Lung ultrasound has high accuracy for diagnosis of pulmonary diseases; however, there are no prospective studies demonstrating that lung ultrasound can predict outcomes in COVID-19. We hypothesized that Lung Ultrasound Score (LUSS) at hospital admission would be able to predict the outcomes of patients with COVID-19.2. Methods:Prospective cohort study conducted from 14 March through 6 May 2020 in the Emergency Department (ED) of an urban, academic, level I trauma center. This 2,200-bed hospital has been designated exclusive for COVID-19 patients for the duration of the pandemic. Patients aged 18 years and older and admitted to the ED with confirmed COVID-19 were considered eligible. Emergency physicians performed lung ultrasounds and calculated LUSS, which was tested for correlation with outcomes.3. Results: Primary endpoint was death from any cause. Secondary endpoints were ICU admission and endotracheal intubation for respiratory failure. Among 180 patients with confirmed COVID-19 who were enrolled (mean age, 60 years; 105 male), the average LUSS was 18.7 ± 6.8. LUSS correlated with findings on chest CT and was able to predict the estimated extent of parenchymal involvement (mean LUSS with < 50% involvement on chest CT, 15±6.7 vs. 21±6.0 with >50% involvement, p<0.001), death (AUC 0.71, OR 1.13, 95%CI 1.07 to 1.21; p < 0.001), endotracheal intubation (AUC 0.75, OR 1.17, 95%CI 1.09 to 1.26; p < 0.001), and ICU admission (AUC: 0.71, OR 1.14, 95%CI 1.07 to 1.21; p < 0.001). 4. Conclusion:LUSS was a good predictor of death, ICU admission, and endotracheal intubation in COVID-19 patients. 5. Trial RegistrationThis protocol was approved by the local Ethics Committee number 3.990.817 (CAAE: 30417520.0.0000.0068).