bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human forebrain endothelial cell therapy for psychiatric disorders
Authors: Datta Debkanya , Subburaju Sivan , Kaye Sarah , Baruah Jugajyoti , Choi Yong Kee , Nian Yeqi , Khalili Jahan S. , Chung Sangmi , Elkhal Abdallah , Vasudevan Anju 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAbnormalities of or reductions in GABAergic interneurons are implicated in the pathology of severe neuropsychiatric disorders, for which effective treatments are still elusive. Transplantation of human stem cell-derived interneurons is a promising cell-based therapy for treatment of these disorders. In mouse xenograft studies, human stem cell-derived-interneuron precursors could differentiate in vivo, but required a prolonged time of four to seven months to migrate from the graft site and integrate with the host tissue. This poses a serious roadblock for clinical translation of this approach. For transplantation to be effective, grafted neurons should migrate to affected areas at a faster rate. We have previously shown that endothelial cells of the periventricular vascular network are the natural substrates for GABAergic interneurons in the developing mouse forebrain, and provide valuable guidance cues for their long-distance migration. In addition, periventricular endothelial cells house a GABA signaling pathway with direct implications for psychiatric disease origin. In this study we translated this discovery into human, with significant therapeutic implications. We generated human periventricular endothelial cells, using human pluripotent stem cell technology, and extensively characterized its molecular, cellular, and functional properties. Co-culture of human periventricular endothelial cells with human interneurons significantly accelerated interneuron migration in vitro and led to faster migration and wider distribution of grafted interneurons in vivo, compared to neuron-only transplants. Furthermore, the co-transplantation strategy was able to rescue abnormal behavioral symptoms in a pre-clinical model of psychiatric disorder, within 1 month after transplantation. We anticipate this strategy to open new doors and facilitate exciting advances in angiogenesis-mediated treatment of psychiatric disorders.
Photocathode functionalized with a molecular cobalt catalyst for selective carbon dioxide reduction in water
Authors: Pati Palas Baran , Wang Ruwen , Boutin Etienne , Diring Stéphane , Jobic Stéphane , Barreau Nicolas , Odobel Fabrice , Robert Marc 
Published: July 2020

AbstractArtificial photosynthesis is a vibrant field of research aiming at converting abundant, low energy molecules such as water, nitrogen or carbon dioxide into fuels or useful chemicals by means of solar energy input. Photo-electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide is an appealing strategy, aiming at reducing the greenhouse gas into valuable products such as carbon monoxide at low or without bias voltage. Yet, in such configuration, there is no catalytic system able to produce carbon monoxide selectively in aqueous media with high activity, and using earth-abundant molecular catalyst. Upon associating a p-type Cu(In,Ga)Se2 semi-conductor with cobalt quaterpyridine complex, we herein report a photocathode complying with the aforementioned requirements. Pure carbon dioxide dissolved in aqueous solution (pH 6.8) is converted to carbon monoxide under visible light illumination with partial current density above 3 mA cm−2 and 97% selectivity, showing good stability over time.
High-performance CRISPR-Cas12a genome editing for combinatorial genetic screening
Authors: Gier Rodrigo A. , Budinich Krista A. , Evitt Niklaus H. , Cao Zhendong , Freilich Elizabeth S. , Chen Qingzhou , Qi Jun , Lan Yemin , Kohli Rahul M. , Shi Junwei 
Published: July 2020

AbstractCRISPR-based genetic screening has revolutionized cancer drug target discovery, yet reliable, multiplex gene editing to reveal synergies between gene targets remains a major challenge. Here, we present a simple and robust CRISPR-Cas12a-based approach for combinatorial genetic screening in cancer cells. By engineering the CRISPR-AsCas12a system with key modifications to the Cas protein and its CRISPR RNA (crRNA), we can achieve high efficiency combinatorial genetic screening. We demonstrate the performance of our optimized AsCas12a (opAsCas12a) through double knockout screening against epigenetic regulators. This screen reveals synthetic sick interactions between Brd9&Jmjd6, Kat6a&Jmjd6, and Brpf1&Jmjd6 in leukemia cells.
Imaging electrochemically synthesized Cu2O cubes and their morphological evolution under conditions relevant to CO2 electroreduction
Authors: Arán-Ais Rosa M. , Rizo Rubén , Grosse Philipp , Algara-Siller Gerardo , Dembélé Kassiogé , Plodinec Milivoj , Lunkenbein Thomas , Chee See Wee , Cuenya Beatriz Roldan 
Published: July 2020

AbstractCopper is a widely studied catalyst material for the electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide to valuable hydrocarbons. In particular, copper-based nanostructures expressing predominantly {100} facets have shown high selectivity toward ethylene formation, a desired reaction product. However, the stability of such tailored nanostructures under reaction conditions remains poorly understood. Here, using liquid cell transmission electron microscopy, we show the formation of cubic copper oxide particles from copper sulfate solutions during direct electrochemical synthesis and their subsequent morphological evolution in a carbon dioxide-saturated 0.1 M potassium bicarbonate solution under a reductive potential. Shape-selected synthesis of copper oxide cubes was achieved through: (1) the addition of chloride ions and (2) alternating the potentials within a narrow window where the deposited non-cubic particles dissolve, but cubic ones do not. Our results indicate that copper oxide cubes change their morphology rapidly under carbon dioxide electroreduction-relevant conditions, leading to an extensive re-structuring of the working electrode surface.
Lithium lanthanum titanate perovskite as an anode for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Lu , Zhang Xiaohua , Tian Guiying , Zhang Qinghua , Knapp Michael , Ehrenberg Helmut , Chen Gang , Shen Zexiang , Yang Guochun , Gu Lin , Du Fei 
Published: July 2020

AbstractConventional lithium-ion batteries embrace graphite anodes which operate at potential as low as metallic lithium, subjected to poor rate capability and safety issues. Among possible alternatives, oxides based on titanium redox couple, such as spinel Li4Ti5O12, have received renewed attention. Here we further expand the horizon to include a perovskite structured titanate La0.5Li0.5TiO3 into this promising family of anode materials. With average potential of around 1.0 V vs. Li+/Li, this anode exhibits high specific capacity of 225 mA h g−1 and sustains 3000 cycles involving a reversible phase transition. Without decrease the particle size from micro to nano scale, its rate performance has exceeded the nanostructured Li4Ti5O12. Further characterizations and calculations reveal that pseudocapacitance dictates the lithium storage process and the favorable ion and electronic transport is responsible for the rate enhancement. Our findings provide fresh impetus to the identification and development of titanium-based anode materials with desired electrochemical properties.
Epigenetic homogeneity in histone methylation underlies sperm programming for embryonic transcription
Authors: Oikawa Mami , Simeone Angela , Hormanseder Eva , Teperek Marta , Gaggioli Vincent , O’Doherty Alan , Falk Emma , Sporniak Matthieu , D’Santos Clive , Franklin Valar Nila Roamio , Kishore Kamal , Bradshaw Charles R. , Keane Declan , Freour Thomas , David Laurent , Grzybowski Adrian T. , Ruthenburg Alexander J. , Gurdon John , Jullien Jerome 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSperm contributes genetic and epigenetic information to the embryo to efficiently support development. However, the mechanism underlying such developmental competence remains elusive. Here, we investigated whether all sperm cells have a common epigenetic configuration that primes transcriptional program for embryonic development. Using calibrated ChIP-seq, we show that remodelling of histones during spermiogenesis results in the retention of methylated histone H3 at the same genomic location in most sperm cell. This homogeneously methylated fraction of histone H3 in the sperm genome is maintained during early embryonic replication. Such methylated histone fraction resisting post-fertilisation reprogramming marks developmental genes whose expression is perturbed upon experimental reduction of histone methylation. A similar homogeneously methylated histone H3 fraction is detected in human sperm. Altogether, we uncover a conserved mechanism of paternal epigenetic information transmission to the embryo through the homogeneous retention of methylated histone in a sperm cells population.
Vacancies on 2D transition metal dichalcogenides elicit ferroptotic cell death
Authors: Xu Shujuan , Zheng Huizhen , Ma Ronglin , Wu Di , Pan Yanxia , Yin Chunyang , Gao Meng , Wang Weili , Li Wei , Liu Sijin , Chai Zhifang , Li Ruibin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSustainable developments of nanotechnology necessitate the exploration of structure-activity relationships (SARs) at nano-bio interfaces. While ferroptosis may contribute in the developments of some severe diseases (e.g., Parkinson’s disease, stroke and tumors), the cellular pathways and nano-SARs are rarely explored in diseases elicited by nano-sized ferroptosis inducers. Here we find that WS2 and MoS2 nanosheets induce an iron-dependent cell death, ferroptosis in epithelial (BEAS-2B) and macrophage (THP-1) cells, evidenced by the suppression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), oxygen radical generation and lipid peroxidation. Notably, nano-SAR analysis of 20 transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) disclosures the decisive role of surface vacancy in ferroptosis. We therefore develop methanol and sulfide passivation as safe design approaches for TMD nanosheets. These findings are validated in animal lungs by oropharyngeal aspiration of TMD nanosheets. Overall, our study highlights the key cellular events as well as nano-SARs in TMD-induced ferroptosis, which may facilitate the safe design of nanoproducts.
On the correlation between solar activity and large earthquakes worldwide
Authors: Marchitelli Vito , Harabaglia Paolo , Troise Claudia , De Natale Giuseppe 
Published: July 2020

AbstractLarge earthquakes occurring worldwide have long been recognized to be non Poisson distributed, so involving some large scale correlation mechanism, which could be internal or external to the Earth. Till now, no statistically significant correlation of the global seismicity with one of the possible mechanisms has been demonstrated yet. In this paper, we analyze 20 years of proton density and velocity data, as recorded by the SOHO satellite, and the worldwide seismicity in the corresponding period, as reported by the ISC-GEM catalogue. We found clear correlation between proton density and the occurrence of large earthquakes (M > 5.6), with a time shift of one day. The significance of such correlation is very high, with probability to be wrong lower than 10–5. The correlation increases with the magnitude threshold of the seismic catalogue. A tentative model explaining such a correlation is also proposed, in terms of the reverse piezoelectric effect induced by the applied electric field related to the proton density. This result opens new perspectives in seismological interpretations, as well as in earthquake forecast.
The probabilistic backbone of data-driven complex networks: an example in climate
Authors: Graafland Catharina E. , Gutiérrez José M. , López Juan M. , Pazó Diego , Rodríguez Miguel A. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractComplex systems often exhibit long-range correlations so that typical observables show statistical dependence across long distances. These teleconnections have a tremendous impact on the dynamics as they provide channels for information transport across the system and are particularly relevant in forecasting, control, and data-driven modeling of complex systems. These statistical interrelations among the very many degrees of freedom are usually represented by the so-called correlation network, constructed by establishing links between variables (nodes) with pairwise correlations above a given threshold. Here, with the climate system as an example, we revisit correlation networks from a probabilistic perspective and show that they unavoidably include much redundant information, resulting in overfitted probabilistic (Gaussian) models. As an alternative, we propose here the use of more sophisticated probabilistic Bayesian networks, developed by the machine learning community, as a data-driven modeling and prediction tool. Bayesian networks are built from data including only the (pairwise and conditional) dependencies among the variables needed to explain the data (i.e., maximizing the likelihood of the underlying probabilistic Gaussian model). This results in much simpler, sparser, non-redundant, networks still encoding the complex structure of the dataset as revealed by standard complex measures. Moreover, the networks are capable to generalize to new data and constitute a truly probabilistic backbone of the system. When applied to climate data, it is shown that Bayesian networks faithfully reveal the various long-range teleconnections relevant in the dataset, in particular those emerging in El Niño periods.
Carbon-dot-loaded CoxNi1−xFe2O4; x = 0.9/SiO2/TiO2 nanocomposite with enhanced photocatalytic and antimicrobial potential: An engineered nanocomposite for wastewater treatment
Authors: Abd Elkodous M. , El-Sayyad Gharieb S. , Youssry Sally M. , Nada Hanady G. , Gobara Mohamed , Elsayed Mohamed A. , El-Khawaga Ahmed M. , Kawamura Go , Tan Wai Kian , El-Batal Ahmed I. , Matsuda Atsunori 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWater scarcity is now a serious global issue resulting from population growth, water decrease, and pollution. Traditional wastewater treatment plants are insufficient and cannot meet the basic standards of water quality at reasonable cost or processing time. In this paper we report the preparation, characterization and multiple applications of an efficient photocatalytic nanocomposite (CoxNi1−xFe2O4; x = 0.9/SiO2/TiO2/C-dots) synthesized by a layer-by-layer method. Then, the photocatalytic capabilities of the synthesized nanocomposite were extensively-studied against aqueous solutions of chloramine-T trihydrate. In addition, reaction kinetics, degradation mechanism and various parameters affecting the photocatalytic efficiency (nanocomposite dose, chloramine-T initial concentration, and reaction pH) were analyzed in detail. Further, the antimicrobial activities of the prepared nanocomposite were tested and the effect of UV-activation on the antimicrobial abilities of the prepared nanocomposite was analyzed. Finally, a comparison between the antimicrobial abilities of the current nanocomposite and our previously-reported nanocomposite (CoxNi1−xFe2O4; x = 0.9/SiO2/TiO2) had been carried out. Our results revealed that the prepared nanocomposite possessed a high degree of crystallinity, confirmed by XRD, while UV–Vis. recorded an absorption peak at 299 nm. In addition, the prepared nanocomposite possessed BET-surface area of (28.29 ± 0.19 m2/g) with narrow pore size distribution. Moreover, it had semi-spherical morphology, high-purity and an average particle size of (19.0 nm). The photocatalytic degradation efficiency was inversely-proportional to chloramine-T initial concentration and directly proportional to the photocatalyst dose. In addition, basic medium (pH 9) was the best suited for chloramine-T degradation. Moreover, UV-irradiation improved the antimicrobial abilities of the prepared nanocomposite against E. coli, B. cereus, and C. tropicalis after 60 min. The observed antimicrobial abilities (high ZOI, low MIC and more efficient antibiofilm capabilities) were unique compared to our previously-reported nanocomposite. Our work offers significant insights into more efficient water treatment and fosters the ongoing efforts looking at how pollutants degrade the water supply and the disinfection of water-borne pathogenic microorganisms.
Distorted optical input affects human perception
Authors: Serero Gad , Lev Maria , Polat Uri 
Published: July 2020

AbstractCollinear facilitation, the mechanism for grouping contour elements, is a process involving lateral interactions that improve the detectability of a target by the presence of collinear flankers. It was shown that the development of collinear facilitation is experience dependent and that it may be impaired when the visual input is distorted in one meridian (meridional amblyopia). In oblique astigmatism, the blurring is on the opposite oblique meridian in both eyes, resulting in two conflicting images, which may affect the development of binocular vision. We hypothesized that the collinear facilitation of adults with oblique astigmatism is reminiscent of the abnormal development of the lateral facilitation of meridional amblyopia. We explored the perception of binocular vision and collinear facilitation in cases of both distorted and non-distorted vision. Fully corrected participants that tested for the target contrast detection of Gabor patches and two collinear flankers, presented for 80 ms, were positioned at different orientations (0° (180°), 45°, 90°, and 135°) and for different eyes (monocular, binocular). The results show a significant anisotropy for monocular collinear facilitation between the blured and the clear meridians, being lower in the blurriest meridian than in the clearest meridian, resembling the meridional amblyopia results. Collinear facilitation results in poor binocular summation between the monocular channels. Our results indicate that the perceptual behavior was similar to that of meridional amblyopic subjects having an anisotropy of collinear facilitation between cardinal meridians in oblique astigmatic subjects.
A novel nucleic acid extraction method from aromatic herbs and dried herbal powders using cow skim milk
Authors: Verma Sunil Kumar , Biswas Nabanita 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAuthenticity of dried aromatic herbs and herbal powders for the ASU (ayurvedic, siddha, unani) drug formulations is a key of their clinical success. The DNA based authentication is an answer; however, extraction of PCR quality DNA from such material is often problematic due to the presence of various co-extracted PCR inhibitors. Here, we report a novel DNA isolation and purification method utilizing cow skim milk that successfully yields PCR quality DNA from the aromatic herbs and dried herbal powders. The improved method presented in this study could be used as an alternative to successfully extract PCR quality DNA from such plant materials. Further, we present a set of robust matK primers which could be used as plant barcoding resource in future studies.
Gelatinous Drop-Like Corneal Dystrophy – 2 Clinical Cases
Authors: Küchlin Sebastian , Maier Philip Christian , Reinhard Thomas , Auw-Hädrich Claudia 
Published: July 2020

AbstractGelatinous drop-like corneal dystrophy is a very rare autosomal recessive disease classified as an epithelial and subepithelial corneal dystrophy. Patients typically present under the age of 20 with drop-like corneal lesions showing high corneal fluorescein uptake. Their disease course is typically protracted and prone to frequent relapses. The condition is caused by a dysfunction of the epithelial barrier, leading to protein deposits most likely originating from tear fluid. Histology typically shows subepithelial amyloid deposits with corresponding defects of Bowmanʼs layer and epithelial atrophy. Where topical lubricating and anti-inflammatory therapy proves insufficient, penetrating allogenic limbokeratoplasty can be considered in a curative approach. In this report, we present disease courses of 2 unrelated patients. Current findings on pathogenesis are discussed.
Was wollen wir mit „Klug entscheiden“ erreichen?
Authors: Lynen Jansen Petra , Siegmund Britta 
Published: July 2020

Zusammenfassung„Klug entscheiden“ adressiert das Problem der Über- und Unterversorgung in der Medizin. Nach dem amerikanischen Vorbild „Choosing wisely“ erarbeitet ein interdisziplinäres Team aller internistischen Fachgesellschaften evidenzbasierte Empfehlungen, die die Indikationsqualität verbessern sollen. Die Initiative gibt, anders als Leitlinien, keine medizinisch umfassenden Empfehlungen, sondern stellt besonders versorgungsrelevante Probleme in den Vordergrund. Darüber hinaus soll sie die Kommunikation zwischen Arzt und Patient, aber auch die nationale Debatte über einen verantwortlichen und sinnvollen Umgang mit medizinischen Ressourcen fördern.
„Klug entscheiden“ in der Gastroenterologie – eine Wissenschaftskompetenz, die bereits im Medizinstudium gelernt werden muss
Authors: Stallmach Andreas , Jünger Jana 
Published: July 2020

ZusammenfassungDie Prinzipien der evidenzbasierten Medizin und der Klug-entscheiden-Initiativen bilden die Grundlagen für eine patientenzentrierte Medizin, die eine Über- und Unterversorgung der Patienten verhindern kann. Um eine flächendeckende Implementation in Deutschland zu erreichen, ist es sinnvoll, die dafür notwendigen Kompetenzen, insbesondere die Wissenschaftskompetenzen, stärker im Medizinstudium zu verankern und in den Staatsexamina zu prüfen. Mit dem Masterplan Medizinstudium 2020 soll sich das Medizinstudium von seiner starken Orientierung mit Vermittlung von Fakten und Wissen lösen und stärker auf das Lehren und Lernen von Kompetenzen und Fertigkeiten orientieren. Innovative Prüfungsformate wie Key-Feature-Fälle und OSCE-Prüfungen sowie in Zukunft auch Prüfungen am Patienten im Rahmen des im aktuellen Entwurf der Ärztlichen Approbationsordnung vorgesehenen M4-Staatsexamens, die sich an den „Klug-entscheiden“-Empfehlungen der DGVS orientieren, helfen bei einer flächendeckenden Implementierung dieser Empfehlungen.
Clinical Profile of Bacterial Meningitis in Children and Comparative Inter-Alia Analysis of Various Microbiological Tests
Authors: Halder Rohan , Malik Richa , Aggarwal K.C , Nair Deepthi , Sharma Shobha 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAcute bacterial meningitis (ABM) is a life-threatening and neurologically debilitating infectious disease. We studied the clinical profile, organisms involved in bacterial meningitis in children, and compared the tests on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), latex agglutination test (LAT), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Gram stain (conventional) and Cyto-Tek cytospin centrifuge Gram stain to culture which is the gold standard. This was an observational cross-sectional study (age range 3 to 12 months) conducted in a tertiary care hospital, New Delhi, India over 1 year. A total of 101 patients were enrolled and divided into three age groups, namely, < 1 year, 1 to 5 years, and > 5 years. Fever was the most common presenting symptom in all groups (84.2%). Refusal to feed, headache, altered sensorium, vomiting, and blurring of vision were significantly associated with bacterial meningitis in all age groups. Cranial nerve palsies and neck rigidity were significantly higher in older children. Age < 5years, low-socioeconomic status, overcrowding, and smoke exposure were identified as risk factors for meningitis. Eight children died within 48 hours of admission and the rest (n = 93) recovered without complications. CSF culture was positive in 35.6% cases, with streptococcus pneumoniae being the most common organism. PCR was most sensitive (86.1%) and cytospin gram stain showed positivity in 65% cases which was statistically higher compared with conventional gram stain. Cytospin-prepared Gram stain was a viable low-cost alternative for early diagnosis of meningitis in low-income countries like India.