bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of dupA, iceA, homB Genes of Helicobacter pylori with Gastritis, Peptic Ulcer Disease and Gastric Cancer
Authors: Bajwa Muhammad Akram , Idrees Muhammad , Maheshwari Prem Kumar 
Published: October 2020

Objective: To determine the association of dupA, iceA, homB genes of Helicobacter pylori with gastro-duodenal diseases such as gastritis, peptic ulcer disease PUD and gastric cancer.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at Gastroenterology Department, Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore. Patients with gastro-duodenal diseases and positive H. pylori were included. Gastric biopsies were taken from fundus, body and antrum. H. pylori DNA were removed utilizing Gentra DNA extraction Kit (Life Technologies, USA) as per the technique and Qualitative PCR for the recognition of H. Pylori DNA. The PCR primers sets were designed for the specific detection of dupA, iceA and homB genes of H. pylori. All the data was recorded in proforma and analyzed by SPSS version 20.
Results: Mean age of the cases was 41.22+8.04 years. Males were more affected 118(60.2%). HomB was the most common 76(38.8%) followed by dupA and iceA 28.6% and 24.5% respectively. Peptic ulcer disease and gastritis were higher among patients having dup A and iceA positive strains as compared to homB gene patients, while gastric cancer was significantly higher among HomB gene infected patients, p-values were quite significant.
Conclusion: It was concluded that homB gene was most frequent in H. pylori infected population. Peptic ulcer disease and gastritis are markedly associated with dupA and iceA genes, while homB gene infected patients are at high risk of gastric cancer.
Olive Oil Based Organogels for Effective Topical Delivery of Fluconazole: In-vitro Antifungal Study
Authors: Ahmed Mohammad Muqtader , Fatima Farhat , Mohammed Abdul Bari 
Published: October 2020

The objective of the study was to formulate olive oil based organogels for the topical application of fluconazole (FLZ), to ensure the efficient delivery of the drug deeper in to the skin layers.
Methods: Nine formulations developed by hot-melt method using olive oil, sorbitan monostearate (SMS) and FLZ. Prepared formulations characterized for macro evaluations, pH, spreadibility, viscosity, gel-sol transition, in-vitro diffusion study. Further optimized formulation evaluated for ex-vivo percutaneous permeation, in-vitro antifungal studies and stability studies by similarity index. Results: The results of evaluated parameters ensure the stability and effectiveness of the prepared olive oil based organogels. In-vitro diffusion studied reflects decrease in drug release with increase in surfactant concentration due to increase in viscosity. Moreover, ex-vivo permeation studies revealed that the permeation of FLZ was enhanced for optimized formulations (F6) as compared to the marketed gel formulation. Further, the optimized formulation exhibits the broad zone of inhibition against fungal strains in comparison to control and marketed product during in-vitro antifungal study.
Conclusion: The olive oil based organogels formulation shown the enhanced permeation of FLZ from organogel network structure with good antifungal activity as compared to the marketed formulation. Henceforth, the FLZ organogel formulations could be used topically for the effective treatment of fungal infection.
Recent Advances in Carbon Nanotube Utilizations in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Luo Qiang , Wu Ronggen , Ma Lantian , Wang Chaojun , Liu Hu , Lin Hong , Wang Ning , Chen Yuan , Guo Zhanhu 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMetal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as promising next‐generation photovoltaic devices with the maximum output efficiency exceeding 25%. Despite significant advances, there are many challenges to achieve high efficiency, stability, and low‐cost simultaneously. Combating these challenges depends on developing novel materials and modifying conventional device components. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have attracted considerable attention for fabricating efficient PSCs owing to their remarkable electrical, optical, and mechanical properties. With their multifunctional features, CNTs can play a wide range of roles and offer unique benefits in various components in PSCs to improve device performance and durability. Here, recent progress concerning the utilizations of CNTs as transparent conductive electrodes, charge‐transporter, perovskite additives, interlayers, hole‐transporting materials, and back electrodes in PSCs is comprehensively reviewed. The application of CNTs toward the development of 1D and 2D flexible PSCs is also discussed. A summary of current challenges and prospective on future research directions of employing CNTs to realize high‐performance PSCs is presented.
Self‐Standing Nanofiber Electrodes with Pt–Co Derived from Electrospun Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework for High Temperature PEM Fuel Cells
Authors: Lim Sung Yul , Martin Santiago , Gao Guohua , Dou Yibo , Simonsen Søren Bredmose , Jensen Jens Oluf , Li Qingfeng , Norrman Kion , Jing Shao , Zhang Wenjing 
Published: October 2020

AbstractExpedited conversion of O2 to H2O with minimal amounts of Pt is essential for wide applicability of PEM fuel cells (PEMFCs). Therefore, it is imperative to develop a process for catalyst management to circumvent unnecessary catalyst loss while improving the Pt utilization, catalytic activity, and durability. Here, the fabrication of a self‐standing nanofiber electrode is demonstrated by employing electrospinning. This film‐type catalyst simultaneously contains Pt–Co alloy nanoparticles and Co embedded in an N‐doped graphitized carbon (Co–Nx) support derived from the electrospun zeolitic imidazolate frameworks. Notably, the flexible electrode is directly transferrable for the membrane‐electrode assembly of high temperature PEMFC. In addition, the electrodes exhibit excellent performance, maybe owing to the synergistic interaction between the Pt–Co and Co–Nx as revealed by the computational modeling study. This method simplifies the fabrication and operation of cell device with negligible Pt loss, compared to ink‐based conventional catalyst coating methods.
Recapitulation of In Situ Endochondral Ossification Using an Injectable Hypoxia‐Mimetic Hydrogel
Authors: Sun Lili , Ma Yifan , Niu Haoyi , Liu Yutong , Yuan Yuan , Liu Changsheng 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDue to the limited ability for perfusion, traditional intramembranous ossification (IMO) often fails to recapitulate the natural regeneration process of most long bones and craniofacial bones. Alternatively, endochondral ossification (ECO) strategy has emerged and has been evidenced to circumvent the drawbacks in the routine application of IMO. Here, an injectable, poly(glycerol sebacate)‐co‐poly (ethylene glycol)/polyacrylic acid (PEGS/PAA) hydrogels are successfully developed to induce a hypoxia‐mimicking environment and subsequently recapitulate ECO via in situ iron chelation. With the incorporation of PAA, these hydrogels present remarkable viscoelasticity and high efficacy of iron ion‐chelating after injection, giving rise to the activation of HIF‐1α signaling pathway and suppression of inflammatory responses, and thereby improving chondrogenic differentiation in the early stage and facilitating vascularization in the later stage, which consequently trigger typical ECO. More importantly, through sustained and stable expression of HIF‐1α regulated by PEGS/PAA hydrogels throughout the regeneration, a harmonious chondrogenic/osteogenic balance can be struck and thereby accelerating the progress of ECO compared to the PEGS. The findings provide an efficient strategy to achieve in situ ECO via biomaterial‐based iron ion‐chelating and ensuing hypoxia‐mimicking, representing a novel and promising concept for future application in bone regeneration.
Glial Interfaces: Advanced Materials and Devices to Uncover the Role of Astroglial Cells in Brain Function and Dysfunction
Authors: Maiolo Luca , Guarino Vincenzo , Saracino Emanuela , Convertino Annalisa , Melucci Manuela , Muccini Michele , Ambrosio Luigi , Zamboni Roberto , Benfenati Valentina 
Published: October 2020

AbstractResearch over the past four decades has highlighted the importance of certain brain cells, called glial cells, and has moved the neurocentric vision of structure, function, and pathology of the nervous system toward a more holistic perspective. In this view, the demand for technologies that are able to target and both selectively monitor and control glial cells is emerging as a challenge across neuroscience, engineering, chemistry, and material science. Frequently neglected or marginally considered as a barrier to be overcome between neural implants and neuronal targets, glial cells, and in particular astrocytes, are increasingly considered as active players in determining the outcomes of device implantation. This review provides a concise overview not only of the previously established but also of the emerging physiological and pathological roles of astrocytes. It also critically discusses the most recent advances in biomaterial interfaces and devices that interact with glial cells and thus have enabled scientists to reach unprecedented insights into the role of astroglial cells in brain function and dysfunction. This work proposes glial interfaces and glial engineering as multidisciplinary fields that have the potential to enable significant advancement of knowledge surrounding cognitive function and acute and chronic neuropathologies.
A Drug‐Free Therapeutic System for Cancer Therapy by Diselenide‐Based Polymers Themselves
Authors: Wei Chao , Liang Bingyu , Li Yongsheng , Yan Bingkun , Zhou Yan , Liu Yingbin , Lang Meidong 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe application of nanotechnology‐based drug delivery systems has resulted in great progresses in cancer therapy. However, current systems ultimately depend on the action of the drug itself and almost all nanocarriers only serve as excipients without any therapeutic efficacy. Herein, a drug‐free therapeutic system is put forward, in which synthetic polymers themselves naturally exhibit effective anticancer activity without the loading of additional chemotherapy drugs. Aiming at this goal, amphiphilic poly(diselenide‐carbonate) copolymers (PSeSeTMC), consisting of monomethyl ether poly(ethylene glycol) and diselenide‐based polycarbonates, are designed and synthesized to build spherical nanoparticles, which show effective and broad‐spectrum anticancer activities against multiple cancer cell lines and high selectivity toward cancer cells. Moreover, the anticancer activities can be well controlled by tuning the selenium contents in polymers. Mechanistic investigations indicate that PSeSeTMC can selectively induce cancer cells to express excessive reactive oxygen species, thereby leading to significant cellular apoptosis. In vivo antitumor studies further demonstrate high therapeutic efficacy and low side effects on normal tissue. Overall, this work provides a novel approach for cancer therapy by utilizing carriers themselves. Considering the fabrication process is pretty simple, this diselenide‐based polymeric system has great potential in clinical translation.
Size‐Transformable Nanostructures: From Design to Biomedical Applications
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong , Chen Xiaokai , Song Jun , Zhang Junmin , Ren Xiangzhong , Zhao Yanli 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe size of nanostructures (NSs) strongly affects their chemical and physical properties and further impacts their actions in biological systems. Both small and large NSs possess respective advantages for disease theranostics, and this therefore presents a paradox when choosing NSs with suitable sizes. To overcome this challenge, size‐transformable NSs have emerged as a powerful tool, as they can be manipulated to possess the merits of both types of NSs. Herein, various strategies to construct size‐transformable NSs are summarized, and the recent research progress regarding their biomedical applications, particularly within the fields of cancer and bacterial theranostics, is highlighted. This review will inspire researchers to further develop various methods that can be used to construct size‐transformable NSs for use in novel applications within different fields.
Deoxyribonucleic Acid as a Universal Electrolyte for Bio‐Friendly Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells
Authors: Tekoglu Serpil , Held Martin , Bender Markus , Yeo Guan Ni , Kretzschmar Andreas , Hamburger Manuel , Freudenberg Jan , Beck Sebastian , Bunz Uwe H. F. , Hernandez‐Sosa Gerardo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn the search for bio and eco‐friendly light sources, light‐emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) are promising candidates for the implementation of biomaterials in their device architecture thanks to their low fabrication complexity and wide range of potential technological applications. In this work, the use of the DNA derivative DNA‐cetyltrimethylammonium (DNA‐CTMA) is introduced as the ion‐solvating component of the solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) in the active layer of solution‐processed LECs. The focus is particularly on the investigation of its electrochemical and ionic conductivity properties demonstrating its suitability for device fabrication and correlation with thin film morphology. Furthermore, upon blending with the commercially available emissive polymer Super Yellow, the structure property relationship between the microstructure and the ionic conductivity is investigated and yields an optimized LEC performance. The large electrochemical stability window of DNA‐CTMA enables a stable device performance for a variety of emitters covering the complete visible spectral range, thus highlighting the universal character of this naturally sourced SPE.
Repurposed Drugs, Molecular Vaccines, Immune‐Modulators, and Nanotherapeutics to Treat and Prevent COVID‐19 Associated with SARS‐CoV‐2, a Deadly Nanovector
Authors: Dube Taru , Ghosh Amrito , Mishra Jibanananda , Kompella Uday B. , Panda Jiban Jyoti 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe deadly pandemic, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused due to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), has paralyzed the world. Although significant methodological advances have been made in the field of viral detection/diagnosis with 251 in vitro diagnostic tests receiving emergency use approval by the US‐FDA, little progress has been made in identifying curative or preventive therapies. This review discusses the current trends and potential future approaches for developing COVID‐19 therapeutics, including repurposed drugs, vaccine candidates, immune‐modulators, convalescent plasma therapy, and antiviral nanoparticles/nanovaccines/combinatorial nanotherapeutics to surmount the pandemic viral strain. Many potent therapeutic candidates emerging via drug‐repurposing could significantly reduce the cost and duration of anti‐COVID‐19 drug development. Gene/protein‐based vaccine candidates that could elicit both humoral and cell‐based immunity would be on the frontlines to prevent the disease. Many emerging nanotechnology‐based interventions will be critical in the fight against the deadly virus by facilitating early detection and enabling target oriented multidrug therapeutics. The therapeutic candidates discussed in this article include remdesivir, dexamethasone, hydroxychloroquine, favilavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, antibody therapeutics like gimsilumab and TJM2, anti‐viral nanoparticles, and nanoparticle‐based DNA and mRNA vaccines.
Porous Aromatic Framework with Tailored Binding Sites and Pore Sizes as a High‐Performance Hemoperfusion Adsorbent for Bilirubin Removal
Authors: Zhao Rui , Ma Tingting , Cui Fengchao , Tian Yuyang , Zhu Guangshan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHighly efficient removal of bilirubin from blood by hemoperfusion for liver failure therapy remains a challenge in the clinical field due to the low adsorption capacity and slow adsorption kinetics of currently used bilirubin adsorbents (e.g., activated carbon and ion‐exchange resin). Recently, porous aromatic frameworks (PAFs) with high surface areas, tunable structures, and remarkable stability provide numerous possibilities to obtain satisfying adsorbents. Here, a cationic PAF with more mesopores, named iPAF‐6, is successfully constructed via a de novo synthetic strategy for bilirubin removal. The prepared iPAF‐6 exhibits a record‐high adsorption capacity of 1249 mg g−1 and can adsorb bilirubin from 150 mg L−1 to normal concentration in just 5 min. Moreover, iPAF‐6 shows a removal efficiency of 96% toward bilirubin in the presence of 50 g L−1 bovine serum albumin. It is demonstrated that positively charged aromatic frameworks and large pore size make a significant contribution to its excellent adsorption ability. More notably, iPAF‐6/polyethersulfone composite fibers or beads are fabricated for practical hemoperfusion adsorption, which also show better removal performance than commercial adsorbents. This work can offer a new possibility for designing PAF‐based bilirubin adsorbents with an appealing application prospect.
Wine Consumption and Culture: A Cross‐Country Analysis
Authors: Agnoli Lara , Outreville J. François 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe main objective of this article is to investigate how national culture and sociopolitical environment influence the level of wine consumption in a representative panel of countries. Culture is defined as the consumption practices related to economic, social, and cultural aspects and institutional factors. A single equation analysis is based on a cross section of countries representing 90% of wine consumption in the world for the period 2003–2017. In order to draw a final model explaining wine consumption through the cultural peculiarities of a country and to avoid multicollinearity among independent variables, a principal component analysis is performed and a random‐effects GLS regression model is applied to determine the set of cultural variables which are the most significant in affecting wine consumption.
Do people manage climate risk through long‐distance relationships?
Authors: Pisor Anne C. , Jones James Holland 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectivesLong‐distance social relationships have been a feature of human evolutionary history; evidence from the paleoanthropological, archeological, and ethnographic records suggest that one function of these relationships is to manage the risk of resource shortfalls due to climate variability. We should expect long‐distance relationships to be especially important when shortfalls are chronic or temporally positively autocorrelated, as these are more likely to exhaust local adaptations for managing risk. Further, individuals who experience shortfalls not as rare shocks, but as patterned events, should be more likely to pay the costs of maintaining long‐distance relationships. We test these hypotheses in the context of two communities of Bolivian horticulturalists, where climate variability—especially precipitation variability—is relevant to production and access to long‐distance connections is improving.MethodsData on individuals' migration histories, social relationships, and other relevant variables were collected in 2017 (n = 119). Precipitation data were obtained from the US National Center for Atmospheric Research, allowing us to estimate participants' exposure to drought and excess precipitation.ResultsExposure duration, proximity in time, and frequency did not predict having a greater number of long‐distance relationships. Males, extraverted individuals, and those who had traveled more did have more long‐distance relationships, however.ConclusionAnother function of long‐distance relationships is to access resources that can never be obtained locally; ethnographic data suggest this is their primary function in rural Bolivia. We conclude by refining our predictions about the conditions under which long‐distance relationships are likely to help individuals manage the risks posed by climate variability.
A ketogenic drink improves cognition in mild cognitive impairment: Results of a 6‐month RCT
Authors: Fortier Mélanie , Castellano Christian‐Alexandre , St‐Pierre Valérie , Myette‐Côté Étienne , Langlois Francis , Roy Maggie , Morin Marie‐Christine , Bocti Christian , Fulop Tamas , Godin Jean‐Philippe , Delannoy Carla , Cuenoud Bernard , Cunnane Stephen C. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIntroductionCounteracting impaired brain glucose metabolism with ketones may improve cognition in mild cognitive impairment (MCI).MethodsCognition, plasma ketone response, and metabolic profile were assessed before and 6 months after supplementation with a ketogenic drink containing medium chain triglyceride (ketogenic medium chain triglyceride [kMCT]; 15 g twice/day; n = 39) or placebo (n = 44).ResultsFree and cued recall (Trial 1; P = .047), verbal fluency (categories; P = .024), Boston Naming Test (total correct answers; P = .033), and the Trail‐Making Test (total errors; P = .017) improved significantly in the kMCT group compared to placebo (analysis of covariance; pre‐intervention score, sex, age, education, and apolipoprotein E4 as covariates). Some cognitive outcomes also correlated positively with plasma ketones. Plasma metabolic profile and ketone response were unchanged.ConclusionsThis kMCT drink improved cognitive outcomes in MCI, at least in part by increasing blood ketone level. These data support further assessment of MCI progression to Alzheimer's disease.
Bunsen, der Geochemiker: isländische Vulkane, Geysirtheorie sowie Gas‐, Gesteins‐ und Mineralienanalysen
Authors: Wentrup Curt 
Published: October 2020

AbstractNach der großen Eruption des isländischen Vulkans Hekla 1845–1846 wurde Bunsen von König Christian VIII. von Dänemark und Island eingeladen, an einer geochemischen Expedition nach Island zusammen mit dem Geologen Sartorius von Waltershausen und dem Physiologen Carl Bergmann (Göttingen) teilzunehmen. Der französische Mineraloge Des Cloizeaux ging unabhängig nach Island, wo er sich der Expedition anschloss. Das von Bunsen entwickelte Eudiometer war für seine präzisen Bestimmungen von vulkanischen Gasen und der Zusammensetzung von Mischungen maßgebend. Aufgrund seiner zahlreichen Gesteins‐ und Mineralienanalysen teilte er vulkanische Gesteine in zwei fundamentale Typen ein, den mehr kieselsäurereichen (heutzutage felsisch genannt) und den weniger kieselsäurereichen, mehr basischen (heute mafisch), in Übereinstimmung mit Des Cloizeaux und dem dänischen Naturwissenschaftler J. C. Schythe. Bunsen formulierte auch den richtigen Mechanismus des Geysirphänomens und half, die Theorie von einer Verbindung zwischen Vulkanen, Geysiren und der See zu wiederlegen. Er geriet in heftige Auseinandersetzungen mit von Waltershausen über die Mechanismen der Bildung von Ammoniumchlorid und von vulkanischen Gesteinen sowie deren chemischer Zusammensetzung. Er zeigte sich als Erz‐Experimentator und vehementer Gegner von Hypothesen aller Art, weshalb er auch die neuen chemischen Theorien, z. B. die von Dumas und Kekulé, ablehnte.
Total Synthesis of the Diterpene Waihoensene
Authors: Rosenbaum Lisa‐Catherine , Häfner Maximilian , Gaich Tanja 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA racemic and scalable enantioselective total synthesis of (+)‐waihoensene was accomplished. (+)‐Waihoensene belongs to the diterpene natural product family, and it features an angular triquinane substructure motif. Its tetracyclic [6.5.5.5]backbone is all‐cis‐fused, containing six contiguous stereocenters, four of which are quaternary. These structural features were efficiently installed by means of a diastereoselective radical cyclization, followed by an intramolecular Pauson–Khand reaction, a diastereoselective α‐alkylation, and a diastereoselective 1,4‐addition reaction. Enantioselectivity was introduced at an early stage, by an asymmetric palladium catalyzed decarboxylative allylation reaction on gram scale.