bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radiation Dose‐Enhancement Is a Potent Radiotherapeutic Effect of Rare‐Earth Composite Nanoscintillators in Preclinical Models of Glioblastoma
Authors: Bulin Anne‐Laure , Broekgaarden Mans , Chaput Frédéric , Baisamy Victor , Garrevoet Jan , Busser Benoît , Brueckner Dennis , Youssef Antonia , Ravanat Jean‐Luc , Dujardin Christophe , Motto‐Ros Vincent , Lerouge Frédéric , Bohic Sylvain , Sancey Lucie , Elleaume Hélène 
Published: September 2020

AbstractTo improve the prognosis of glioblastoma, innovative radiotherapy regimens are required to augment the effect of tolerable radiation doses while sparing surrounding tissues. In this context, nanoscintillators are emerging radiotherapeutics that down‐convert X‐rays into photons with energies ranging from UV to near‐infrared. During radiotherapy, these scintillating properties amplify radiation‐induced damage by UV‐C emission or photodynamic effects. Additionally, nanoscintillators that contain high‐Z elements are likely to induce another, currently unexplored effect: radiation dose‐enhancement. This phenomenon stems from a higher photoelectric absorption of orthovoltage X‐rays by high‐Z elements compared to tissues, resulting in increased production of tissue‐damaging photo‐ and Auger electrons. In this study, Geant4 simulations reveal that rare‐earth composite LaF3:Ce nanoscintillators effectively generate photo‐ and Auger‐electrons upon orthovoltage X‐rays. 3D spatially resolved X‐ray fluorescence microtomography shows that LaF3:Ce highly concentrates in microtumors and enhances radiotherapy in an X‐ray energy‐dependent manner. In an aggressive syngeneic model of orthotopic glioblastoma, intracerebral injection of LaF3:Ce is well tolerated and achieves complete tumor remission in 15% of the subjects receiving monochromatic synchrotron radiotherapy. This study provides unequivocal evidence for radiation dose‐enhancement by nanoscintillators, eliciting a prominent radiotherapeutic effect. Altogether, nanoscintillators have invaluable properties for enhancing the focal damage of radiotherapy in glioblastoma and other radioresistant cancers.
Measuring Food Insecurity during the COVID‐19 Pandemic of Spring 2020
Authors: Ahn Sunjin , Norwood F. Bailey 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic in the spring of 2020 resulted high levels of unemployment, higher food prices, and loss of business sales. This deterioration in households' financial status likely increased food insecurity in the US, but by how much? While the US government will not measure food insecurity until December of 2020, previous research has developed a methodology whereby internet surveys that can be rapidly deployed using opt‐in panels can approximate government numbers. We employ this methodology to measure food insecurity in May of 2020. Results suggest that while there is little to no detectable rise in food insecurity for all households, the percent of households with children classified as food insecure is about three percentage points higher than it was in 2016 and 2017.
Correction of microtubule defects within Aβ plaque‐associated dystrophic axons results in lowered Aβ release and plaque deposition
Authors: Yao Yuemang , Nzou Goodwell , Alle Thibault , Tsering Wangchen , Maimaiti Shaniya , Trojanowski John Q. , Lee Virginia M.‐Y. , Ballatore Carlo , Brunden Kurt R. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe hallmark pathologies of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain are amyloid beta (Aβ)‐containing senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles formed from the microtubule (MT)‐binding tau protein. Tau becomes hyperphosphorylated and disengages from MTs in AD, with evidence of resulting MT structure/function defects. Brain‐penetrant MT‐stabilizing compounds can normalize MTs and axonal transport in mouse models with tau pathology, thereby reducing neuron loss and decreasing tau pathology. MT dysfunction is also observed in dystrophic axons adjacent to Aβ plaques, resulting in accumulation of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and BACE1 with the potential for enhanced localized Aβ generation. We have examined whether the brain‐penetrant MT‐stabilizing compound CNDR‐51657 might decrease plaque‐associated axonal dystrophy and Aβ release in 5XFAD mice that develop an abundance of Aβ plaques. Administration of CNDR‐51657 to 1.5‐month‐old male and female 5XFAD mice for 4 or 7 weeks led to decreased soluble brain Aβ that coincided with reduced APP and BACE1 levels, resulting in decreased formation of insoluble Aβ deposits. These data suggest a vicious cycle whereby initial Aβ plaque formation causes MT disruption in nearby axons, resulting in the local accumulation of APP and BACE1 that facilitates additional Aβ generation and plaque deposition. The ability of a MT‐stabilizing compound to attenuate this cycle, and also reduce deficits resulting from reduced tau binding to MTs, suggests that molecules of this type hold promise as potential AD therapeutics.
Near‐Infrared Hypocrellin Derivatives for Synergistic Photodynamic and Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Ding Ying , Liu Weimin , Wu Jiasheng , Zheng Xiuli , Ge Jiechao , Ren Haohui , Zhang Wenjun , Lee Chun‐Sing , Wang Pengfei 
Published: September 2020

AbstractHypocrellin B (HB) derived from naturally produced hypocrellins has attracted considerable attention in photodynamic therapy (PDT) because of its excellent photosensitive properties. However, the weak absorption within a “phototherapy window” (600–900 nm) and poor water solubility of HB have limited its clinical application. In this study, two HB derivatives (i. e., HE and HF) were designed and synthesized for the first time by introducing two different substituent groups into the HB structure. The obtained derivatives showed a broad absorption band covering the near‐infrared (NIR) region, NIR emission (peaked at 805 nm), and singlet oxygen quantum yields of 0.27/0.31. HE‐PEG‐NPs were also prepared using 2‐distearoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoethanolamine‐N‐[methoxy(polyethyleneglycol)‐2000] (DSPE‐mPEG2000) to achieve excellent dispersion in water and further explored their practical applications. HE‐PEG‐NPs not only retained their 1O2‐generating ability, but also exhibited a photothermal conversion efficiency of 25.9%. In vitro and in vivo therapeutic results revealed that the synergetic effect of HE‐PEG‐NPs on PDT and photothermal therapy (PTT) could achieve a good performance. Therefore, HE‐PEG‐NPs could be regarded as a promising phototheranostic agent.
Factors implicating the validity and interpretation of mechanobiology studies in simulated microgravity environments
Authors: Poon Christine 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSimulated microgravity (s‐μg) devices provide unique conditions for elucidating the effects of gravitational unloading on biological processes and are increasingly being applied for mechanobiology studies. However, without proper characterization of the mechanical environment generated by these systems, the interpretation of results is confounded and limited. Furthermore, the cell culture approaches central to s‐μg experimentation introduces new factors that can fundamentally affect results, but these are currently not addressed. It is essential to understand the complete culture environment and how constituent conditions can individually and synergistically affect cellular responses in order to correctly interpret results, otherwise outcomes may be misattributed to the effects of microgravity alone. For the benefit of the growing space biology community, this article critically reviews a typical s‐μg cell culture environment in terms of three key conditions: fluid‐mediated mechanical stimuli, oxygen tension and biochemical. These and the implications of other experimental variables for biological analysis are categorically discussed. A new set of controls is proposed to properly evaluate the respective effects of these conditions in s‐μg culture, along with a reporting matrix and potential strategies for addressing the current limitations of simulated microgravity devices as a platform for mechanobiology research.
Oxytetracycline, copper, and zinc effects on nitrification processes and microbial activity in two soil types
Authors: Tang Quan , Xia Longlong , Ti Chaopu , Zhou Wei , Fountain Luke , Shan Jun , Yan Xiaoyuan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe distribution, fate, and effects of antibiotics and heavy metal residues in agricultural soil caused by long‐term application of organic fertilizers are of increasing concern. However, the ecotoxic effects of the interaction between antibiotics and heavy metals vary with the physicochemical properties of the soil, and it is still unclear how these substances interact with soil microbial functions. A short‐term microcosm experiment was conducted to investigate effects of the typical antibiotic oxytetracycline (OTC) with heavy metals (zinc [Zn] and copper [Cu]) alone or in combination on nitrification process and soil microbial activity in two different types of soil (FQ: sandy loam soil and NB: clay loamy soil). Results indicated that soil types influenced the toxic effects of antibiotics and heavy metals. Zn and Cu alone and when combined with OTC inhibited and retarded nitrification processes and reduced nitrous oxide emissions, which were mainly attributed to the inhibitory effects on ammonia‐oxidizing microorganisms. Moreover, Zn and Cu alone or combined with OTC increased soil respiration, but decreased the abundances of bacteria and fungi. In contrast, OTC alone had no significant effect on soil respiration but increased the abundance of fungi in both soils. Together, our results suggest that the widespread occurrence of antibiotics and heavy metals in agriculture soils may pose significant eco‐environmental risks by altering nitrification process and soil microbial activity.
Efficacy of point‐of‐care thermal ablation among high‐risk human papillomavirus positive women in China
Authors: Zhao Xue‐Lian , Liu Zhi‐Hua , Zhao Shaung , Hu Shang‐Ying , Muwonge Richard , Duan Xian‐Zhi , Du Li‐Jun , Su Cai‐Feng , Xiang Xi‐E , Zhang Xun , Pan Qin‐Jing , Qiao You‐Lin , Sankaranarayanan Rengaswamy , Zhao Fang‐Hui , Basu Partha 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThermal ablation is a point‐of‐care ablative treatment technique for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). However, limited information is available about its efficacy in low‐ and middle‐income countries. We evaluated the efficacy of thermal ablation in treatment of CIN detected through high‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV) screening in China. Women positive on high‐risk HPV and having colposcopically suspected lesions eligible for ablation underwent colposcopy, biopsy and thermal ablation in one visit. Women ineligible were recalled for large loop excision of transformation zone (LLETZ) when histopathology results were high‐grade CIN. Posttreatment follow‐up at 6 months or more was with HPV test and cytology followed by colposcopy and biopsy for HPV and/or cytology‐positive women. Cure was defined as either negative cytology and HPV test or absence of histopathology proved CIN in any positive women. Of total 218 HPV‐positive women treated with thermal ablation (n = 170) or LLETZ (n = 48), 196 reported for follow‐up evaluation. For women with histologically confirmed CIN at baseline (thermal ablation‐104; LLETZ‐38), cure rates were 84.6% for thermal ablation and 86.8% for LLETZ. Cure rates after thermal ablation were 90.3% for CIN grade one (CIN1) and 76.2% for CIN grade two or worse (CIN2+). HPV clearance rate was 80.4% in women undergoing thermal ablation, which was lower for HPV16/18 compared to other oncogenic types (67.6% vs 85.7%). HPV test had a negative predictive value (NPV) of 98.7% to detect CIN2+ at follow‐up and the positive predictive value (PPV) was 40.4%. Thermal ablation is effective to treat CIN as well as to clear the high‐risk HPV infection. HPV test has high PPV and NPV in following up patients posttreatment.
The emerging SARS‐CoV‐2 papain‐like protease: Its relationship with recent coronavirus epidemics
Authors: Kandeel Mahmoud , Kitade Yukio , Fayez Mahmoud , Venugopala Katharigatta N. , Ibrahim Abdelazim 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe papain‐like protease (PLpro) is an important enzyme for coronavirus polyprotein processing, as well as for virus‐host immune suppression. Previous studies reveal that a molecular analysis of PLpro indicates the catalytic activity of viral PLpro and its interactions with ubiquitin. By using sequence comparisons, molecular models, and protein–protein interaction maps, PLpro was compared in the three recorded fatal CoV epidemics, which involved severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV (SARS‐CoV), and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV). The pairwise sequence comparison of SARS‐CoV‐2 PLpro indicated similarity percentages of 82.59% and 30.06% with SARS‐CoV PLpro and MERS‐CoV PLpro, respectively. In comparison with SARS‐CoV PLpro, in SARS‐CoV‐2, the PLpro had a conserved catalytic triad of C111, H278, and D293, with a slightly lower number of polar interface residues and of hydrogen bonds, a higher number of buried interface sizes, and a lower number of residues that interact with ubiquitin and PLpro. These features might contribute to a similar or slightly lower level of deubiquitinating activity in SARS‐CoV‐2 PLpro. It was, however, a much higher level compared to MERS‐CoV, which contained amino acid mutations and a low number of polar interfaces. SARS‐CoV‐2 PLpro and SARS‐CoV PLpro showed almost the same catalytic site profiles, interface area compositions and polarities, suggesting a general similarity in deubiquitination activity. Compared with MERS‐CoV, SARS‐CoV‐2 had a higher potential for binding interactions with ubiquitin. These estimated parameters contribute to the knowledge gap in understanding how the new virus interacts with the immune system.
Characterization of a novel antifungal protein produced by Paenibacillus polymyxa isolated from the wheat rhizosphere
Authors: Ran Junjian , Jiao Lingxia , Zhao Ruixiang , Zhu Mingming , Shi Jianrong , Xu Baocheng , Pan Li 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDFusarium head blight (FHB) is one of the disasters that seriously harm wheat and other small grain crops. It causes spoilage and mildew of the grain leading to a significant decline in the yield and quality of the grain. This research aimed to isolate antagonistic bacteria to purify antifungal proteins. A strain was isolated from the rhizosphere of healthy wheat in a wheat field affected by a severe FHB epidemic. This isolated strain was tentatively identified as Paenibacillus polymyxa 7F1, which displayed a strong inhibitory effect against several other pathogens. One novel antifungal protein was purified from the P. polymyxa 7F1 and successfully expressed.RESULTSA crude culture of P. polymyxa 7F1 demonstrated antifungal activity that was stable at a temperature range of 60–90 °C and a pH range of 2.6–9.0. However, the antifungal activity of the P. polymyxa 7F1 was inhibited with proteinase K, trypsin, and neutral protease treatment. A 36 kDa protein with broad‐spectrum antifungal activity was purified from the P. polymyxa 7F1. A glycosyl hydrolase domain was identified from this protein through liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) analysis. A recombinant plasmid pET32a(+)/36kd for prokaryotic expression was constructed, and the renatured p36kd protein demonstrated similar antifungal activity to the 36 kDa protein purified from the P. polymyxa 7F1.CONCLUSIONA novel antifungal protein produced by P. polymyxa 7F1 was purified and expressed. The recombinant protein showed good antifungal activity as the novel purified protein. The novel antifungal protein provides an effective way to control the Fusarium head blight. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparative Effectiveness of 755‐nm Picosecond Laser, 755‐ and 532‐nm Nanosecond Lasers for Treatment of Café‐au‐Lait Macules (CALMs): A Randomized, Split‐Lesion Clinical Trial
Authors: Cen Qingqing , Gu Yifei , Luo Lan , Shang Ying , Rao Yamin , Zhu Jiafang , Han Yue , Yu Wenxin , Liu Ying , Wu Xianglei , Ying Hanru , Ma Gang , Lin Xiaoxi 
Published: September 2020

Background and ObjectivesMany types of lasers have been used to treat café‐au‐lait macules (CALMs) since the introduction of the selective photothermolysis theory. However, the efficacy and safety of picosecond lasers, compared with those of nanosecond lasers, have not been researched. To compare the efficacy and safety of 755 nm picosecond laser (PS‐755 nm), Q‐switched (QS) Alexandrite 755 nm nanosecond laser (QS‐755 nm), and QS Nd:YAG 532 nm nanosecond laser (QS‐532 nm) for treating CALMs.Study Design/Materials and MethodsForty‐one patients received several treatments at 3‐month intervals. Lesions were divided into two or three approximately equal parts, which were randomly treated with PS‐755 nm, QS‐755 nm, and QS‐532 nm. The safety and efficacy of three lasers were determined based on blinded visual assessments and self‐reports of patients three months after the comparative trial.ResultsVisual assessment 3 months after the comparative trial revealed that there was no statistically significant difference among the sites treated by QS‐755 nm (2.84 ± 1.11), QS‐532 nm (2.63 ± 1.06), and PS‐755 nm (2.74 ± 1.05) lasers. Five (26.32%) of 19 patients showed lesion recurrence. Adverse effects included acneiform miliaris, hypopigmentation, and hyperpigmentation, which were resolved within 12 months. Five (26.32%) of 19 patients who showed lesion recurrence 1–5 months after laser treatment had lightened or cleared at least 50% of the lesion. 46.67% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome of the overall treatment.ConclusionsPS‐755 nm, QS‐755 nm, and QS‐532 nm laser treatments were equally effective in treating and improving CALMs. PS‐755 nm caused fewer adverse effects. Individuals can react differently to different types of lasers. Patch tests should be conducted before the treatment. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
NMR Characterization of Vis‐Broken Heterophasic Ethylene−Propylene Copolymers
Authors: Matthews Megan , Magagula Sifiso , van Reenen Albert 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSolution13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is used in conjunction with in situ solid‐state NMR to determine the effect of peroxide treatment on the chemical structure and morphology of ethylene−propylene copolymers. The copolymers contain increasing quantities of ethylene with the lowest ethylene content corresponding to pure isotactic polypropylene. The vis‐breaking of heterophasic ethylene‐propylene copolymers (HEPCs) is found to be influenced by the homogeneity of the chain sequences. The in situ vis‐breaking in solid‐state NMR reveals significant changes in mobility of the crystalline domains and the formation of a disordered crystal phase within the α structure is observed. Both solution and solid‐state NMR experiments confirm the greater sensitivity of copolymers containing short ethylene sequences to peroxide degradation. It is proposed that longer chain ethylene sequences resist chemical changes and provide some degree of protection from degradation as a result of the reactivity of the ethylene units.
The effect of annealing of milled carbon fibers on the mechanical and tribological properties of solid‐lubricant thermoplastic polyimide‐based composites
Authors: Panin S.V. , Luo J. , Alexenko V.O. , Buslovich D.G. , Kornienko L.A. , Bochkareva S.A. , Panov I.L. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe mechanical and tribological properties of polyimide (PI)‐based composites loaded with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and milled carbon fibers (MCF) in the as received and annealed states were studied in order to increase adhesion to the polymer matrix. It has been shown that loading with micron‐range MCF (200 μm) doubles elastic modulus of the composites while all other physical and mechanical properties remain at neat PI levels. The three‐component composite loaded with annealed MCF and PTFE has possessed the highest wear resistance. In comparison with neat PI, its wear rate has decreased by ∼312 times for the metal‐polymer tribological contact and by ∼286 times for the ceramic‐polymer one. Based on the obtained experimental data, the most preferential conditions for their implementation (load‐speed modes for the given types of the tribological contacts) have been determined using a developed computer algorithm. The designed solid‐lubricant ''PI + 10 wt% PTFE + 10 wt% MCFannealed'' composite has been recommended for both metal‐polymer and ceramic‐polymer tribological units.
Floodwater harvesting to manage irrigation water and mesquite encroachment in a data‐sparse river basin: an eco‐hydrological approach
Authors: Babker Zryab , Elagib Nadir Ahmed , Al Zayed Islam Sabry , Sulieman Rayyan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis investigation attempts to understand the eco‐hydrology of, and accordingly suggest an option to manage floodwater for agriculture in, the understudied and data‐sparse ephemeral Baraka River Basin within the hyper‐arid region of Sudan. Reference is made to the major feature of the basin, that is, the Toker Delta spate irrigation scheme. A point‐to‐pixel comparison of gridded and ground‐based data sets is performed to enhance the estimates of rainfall. Analysis of remotely sensed land use/cover data is performed. The results show a significant reduction of the grassland and barren areas explained by a significant expansion of the cropland and open shrubland (invasive mesquite trees) areas in the delta. The cotton sown area is highly dependent on the flooded area and the discharge volume in the delta. However, the area of this major crop has declined since the early 1990s in favour of cultivation of more profitable food crops. Expansion of mesquite in the delta is problematic, taking hold under increased floodwater, and can only be manged by clearance to provide crop cultivation area. There is a great potential for floodwater harvesting during the rainfall season (June to September). A total seasonal runoff volume of around 4.6 and 10.8 billion cubic metres is estimated at 90 and 50% probabilities of exceedance (reliabilities), respectively. Rather than leaving the runoff generated from rainfall events to pass to the Red Sea or be consumed by mesquite trees, a location for runoff harvesting structure in a highly suitable area is proposed. Such a structure will support any policy shifts towards planning and managing the basin water resources for use in irrigating the agricultural scheme.
Establishing a Crafty Making Future: What Does a Career in Craft Look Like Today?
Authors: Luckman Susan , Andrew Jane 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis chapter outlines the diversity of ways that project participants have developed and structured their working lives and enterprises. Within these conversations we will gain an understanding of the range of people, personal acumen, skills, and public and private investments that are garnered by these creative entrepreneurs to develop and sustain their practices. Through the lens of Milanesi’s three forms of ‘passion entrepreneurship’: lifestyle, accidental, and hybrid entrepreneur (Milanesi 2018, p. 425), why makers pursue this work, despite the often relatively low levels of income to be derived from creative self-employment, is explored. The chapter concludes with a reference listing of some of the key practical advice offered by the research participants.