bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transparent and photochromic poly(hydroxyethyl acrylate–acrylamide)/WO3 hydrogel with antibacterial properties against bacterial keratitis in contact lens
Authors: Ejeromedoghene Onome , Hu Yi Ping , Oderinde Olayinka , Yao Fang , Akinremi Caroline , Akinyeye Richard , Adewuyi Sheriff , Fu Guodong 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThere have been numerous challenges in the incorporation of photochromic materials into hydrogel system due to the agglomeration of nanoparticles and non‐transparency of the hydrogel material. In this study, WO3 nanocomposites were prepared and incorporated into poly(hydroxyethyl acrylate) (pHEA) and polyacrylamide (pAAm) to fabricate poly(HEA‐AAm)/WO3 hydrogels with improved coloration efficiency and reversibility. The as‐prepared p(HEA‐AAm)/WO3 hydrogel displayed remarkable mechanical properties to sustain compressive and tensile stress up to 15.9 and 58.7 MPa with deformation ratios of 16.2 and 30.8, respectively. The hydrogels exhibited good transmittance (%T) and reflectance (%R) of ~47% and 64% at 829 and 408 nm respectively. The hydrogels also revealed visible spectroscopic absorbance at >781 nm after exposure to UV‐lamp and natural sunlight for 5 s and 0.5 h, giving rise to a blue coloration, however, the fading process of the hydrogels was achieved in 20 min and 2.0 h respectively in an open air. More so, the hydrogel solutions displayed a high antibacterial efficacy against bacteria pathogens associated with bacterial keratitis in contact lens care solutions. The observed excellent photochromic and antibacterial properties of the hydrogel show promising potentials for use in the construction of antibacterial contact lenses, optical and intelligent devices.
Choices on sampling, sequencing, and analyzing DNA influence the estimation of community composition of plant fungal symbionts
Authors: Cale Jonathan A. , Scott Natalie , Pec Gregory J. , Landhäusser Simon M. , Karst Justine 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPlant root symbionts, namely mycorrhizal fungi, can be characterized using a variety of methods, but most of these rely on DNA. While Sanger sequencing still fulfills particular research objectives, next‐generation sequencing currently dominates the field, thus understanding how the two methods differ is important for identifying both opportunities and limitations to characterizing fungal communities. In addition to testing sequencing methods, we also examined how roots and soils may yield different fungal communities and how disturbance may affect those differences. We sequenced DNA from ectomycorrhizal fungi colonizing roots of Pinus banksiana and found that operational taxonomic unit richness was higher, and compositional variance lower, for Illumina MiSeq–sequenced communities compared to Sanger‐sequenced communities. We also found that fungal communities associated with roots were distinct in composition compared to those associated with soils and, moreover, that soil‐associated fungi were more clustered in composition than those of roots. Finally, we found community dissimilarity between roots and soils was insensitive to disturbance; however, rarefying read counts had a sizeable influence on trends in fungal richness. Although interest in mycorrhizal communities is typically focused on the abiotic and biotic filters sorting fungal species, our study shows that the choice of methods to sample, sequence, and analyze DNA can also influence the estimation of community composition.
Tooth replacement and attachment morphology in the Pacific Leaping Blenny, Alticus arnoldorum (Blenniiformes: Blenniidae: Salariini) with a discussion on tooth function
Authors: Williams Keiffer L. , Evans Kory M. , Simons Andrew M. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractModes of teleost tooth replacement and attachment have historically been described using discrete classification systems that categorize major patterns across taxa. While useful, these discrete classification schemes understate teleost tooth diversity. The “unattached” dentition of salariin combtooth blennies (Blenniiformes: Blenniidae: Salariini) is frequently overlooked due to its perceived complexity, so we examined the Pacific Leaping Blenny, Alticus arnoldorum, to describe this complex morphology. Using a range of methods including histology, SEM, microCT scanning, and clearing and staining, we establish a descriptive model of tooth replacement for A. arnoldorum. We then use our descriptive model of tooth replacement to propose a hypothesis of tooth function in salariin blennies. Our results show that A. arnoldorum exhibits grouped, extraosseous replacement of feeding teeth upon a discontinuous, permanent dental lamina. We also find that tooth replacement occurs within lip tissue that is laterally displaced from the distal margins of the jaw bones, a process previously undocumented in teleost fish. Feeding teeth attach to the dentigerous bone via a primary attachment mode consisting of a continuous collagen band at the posterior base of the teeth, and a secondary attachment mode consisting of epithelial cells. Alticus arnoldorum presents novel modes of tooth replacement and attachment that challenge historical classification modes of teleost dentition. Our descriptive tooth replacement model also provides a reliable framework to propose hypotheses of tooth function that can be applied in future comparative studies on salariin blennies and other long‐toothed teleosts to further elucidate the functional role of long‐toothed fishes in aquatic ecosystems.
Modified Xiaoqinglong decoction alleviates lipopolysaccharide‐induced acute lung injury in mice by regulating arachidonic acid metabolism and exerting anti‐apoptotic and anti‐inflammatory effects
Authors: Ruan Yongdui , Fan Yaohua , Xie Yanfeng , Ma Chunling , Mo Bingquan , Lai Yanni , Li Geng , Liu Xiaohong , Kuang Weihong 
Published: October 2021

AbstractEffective therapeutics are not available for acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Modified Xiaoqinglong decoction (M‐XQL) is reported to effectively treat pneumonia, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. In this study, the therapeutic effect and mechanism of M‐XQL were examined using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced ALI mouse model. The effects of M‐XQL on lung injury, inflammatory responses, and cell apoptosis were analyzed. Additionally, high‐throughput sequencing was performed to evaluate the therapeutic mechanism of M‐XQL. Pretreatment with M‐XQL significantly and dose‐dependently mitigated the pathological changes and upregulation of pulmonary, nitric oxide content and cell apoptosis and serum tumor necrosis factor‐alpha contents in the LPS‐induced ALI mouse model. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that the expression of several arachidonic acid metabolism‐associated genes in the LPS + high‐dose M‐XQL group differed from that in the LPS group. In particular, theCbr2,Cyp4f18, andCyp2e1levels were upregulated, whereas theAlox12,Ptges, andPtges2levels were downregulated in the LPS + high‐dose M‐XQL group. These results suggest that M‐XQL exerts therapeutic effects in ALI mice by regulating arachidonic acid metabolism and exerting anti‐apoptotic and anti‐inflammatory effects. Thus, M‐XQL is a potential agent for the clinical treatment of ALI.
Integrating electrical resistivity tomography and ground‐penetrating radar methods to map archaeological walls near northern Ishtar gate, ancient Babylon city, Iraq
Authors: AL‐Hameedawi Mohammed M. , Thabit Jassim M. , AL‐Menshed Firas H. , Conyers Lawrence 
Published: October 2021

AbstractElectrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) were collected on the eastern side of the northern Ishtar gate in ancient Babylon, Iraq, to locate the palace wall and other surrounding walls. Due to the presence of a low resistivity (highly conductive) top layer associated with brick rubble and other debris, the GPR reflection profiles show a high‐energy attenuation, but a series of processing and filtering steps produced coherent reflections of about 2 m depth. Profile analysis shows the geometry and layering of the walls and the surrounding matrix. With the ERT, the surface conductive zone produces various distortions in ERT inverse models, making identifying the features' lower boundaries difficult. Here, we suggest that instead of analysing these two data sets independently, the integration of both reveals not just the walls but their composition and defines material in the surrounding units. This integration shows how the interpretation of the shallow features on the 3D ERT maps is improved by comparison and interpretation in conjunction with the reflections visible on both reflection profiles and the 3D GPR amplitude slices. The orientation of these features and reflections emphasizes the existence of one series of buried walls at a depth of 90–150 cm. The thickness of these walls varies between 0.25 and 1 m. Another wall‐like feature is visible only on 3D ERT maps and not with the 3D GPR slices at 2 m depth, which indicates a thickness of 11 m. It is interpreted as the palace wall, which is consistent with earlier archaeological excavations. An analysis of the geometry and composition of both wall components, perhaps of different ages, and constructed for different reasons, indicates that some shallower walls may be the remains of rooms built as residences for soldiers, or they may belong to the other ruins of northern Ishtar gate.
Identifying N7‐methylguanosine sites by integrating multiple features
Authors: Zou Hongliang , Yang Fan , Yin Zhijian 
Published: October 2021

AbstractRecent studies reported that N7‐methylguanosine (m7G) plays a vital role in gene expression regulation. As a consequence, determining the distribution of m7G is a crucial step towards further understanding its biological functions. Although biological experimental approaches are capable of accurately locating m7G sites, they are labor‐intensive, costly, and time‐consuming. Therefore, it is necessary to develop more effective and robust computational methods to replace, or at least complement current experimental methods. In this study, we developed a novel sequence‐based computational tool to identify RNA m7G sites. In this model, 22 kinds of dinucleotide physicochemical (PC) properties were employed to encode the RNA sequence. Three types of descriptors, including auto‐covariance, cross‐covariance, and discrete wavelet transform were adopted to extract effective features from the PC matrix. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm was utilized to reduce the influence of irrelevant or redundant features. Finally, these selected features were fed into a support vector machine (SVM) for distinguishing m7G from non‐m7G sites. The proposed method significantly outperforms existing predictors across all evaluation metrics. It indicates that the approach is effective in identifying RNA m7G sites.
Longitudinal changes in brain parenchyma due to mild traumatic brain injury during the first year after injury
Authors: Muller Angela M. , Panenka William J. , Lange Rael T. , Iverson Grant L. , Brubacher Jeffrey R. , Virji‐Babul Naznin 
Published: October 2021

AbstractChronic gray matter (GM) atrophy is a known consequence of moderate and severe traumatic brain injuries but has not been consistently shown in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The aim of this study was to investigate the longitudinal effect of uncomplicated mTBI on the brain's GM and white matter (WM) from 6 weeks to 12 months after injury. Voxel‐based‐morphometry (VBM) was computed with the T1‐weighted images of 48 uncomplicated mTBI patients and 37 orthopedic controls. Over the period from 6 weeks to 12 months, only patients who experienced uncomplicated mTBI, but not control participants, showed significant GM decrease predominantly in the right hemisphere along the GM‐CSF border in lateral and medial portions of the sensorimotor cortex extending into the rolandic operculum, middle frontal gyrus, insula, and temporal pole. Additionally, only mTBI patients, but not controls, experienced significant WM decrease predominantly in the right hemisphere in the superior fasciculus longitudinalis, arcuate fasciculus, and cortical‐pontine tracts as well as a significant WM increase in left arcuate fasciculus and left capsula extrema. We did not observe any significant change in the controls for the same time interval or any significant group differences in GM and WM probability at each of the two timepoints. This suggests that the changes along the brain tissue borders observed in the mTBI group represent a reorganization associated with subtle microscopical changes in intracortical myelin and not a direct degenerative process as a result of mTBI.
Breast cancer risk stratification for mammographic screening: A nation‐wide screening cohort of 24,431 women in Singapore
Authors: Ho Peh Joo , Wong Fuh Yong , Chay Wen Yee , Lim Elaine Hsuen , Lim Zi Lin , Chia Kee Seng , Hartman Mikael , Li Jingmei 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundBreast cancer incidence is increasing in Asia. However, few women in Singapore attend routine mammography screening. We aim to identify women at high risk of breast cancer who will benefit most from regular screening using the Gail model and information from their first screen (recall status and mammographic density).MethodsIn 24,431 Asian women (50–69 years) who attended screening between 1994 and 1997, 117 developed breast cancer within 5 years of screening. Cox proportional hazard models were used to study the associations between risk classifiers (Gail model 5‐year absolute risk, recall status, mammographic density), and breast cancer occurrence. The efficacy of risk stratification was evaluated by considering sensitivity, specificity, and the proportion of cancers identified.ResultsAdjusting for information from first screen attenuated the hazard ratios (HR) associated with 5‐year absolute risk (continuous, unadjusted HR [95% confidence interval]: 2.3 [1.8–3.1], adjusted HR: 1.9 [1.4–2.6]), but improved the discriminatory ability of the model (unadjusted AUC: 0.615 [0.559–0.670], adjusted AUC: 0.703 [0.653–0.753]). The sensitivity and specificity of the adjusted model were 0.709 and 0.622, respectively. Thirty‐eight percent of all breast cancers were detected in 12% of the study population considered high risk (top five percentile of the Gail model 5‐year absolute risk [absolute risk ≥1.43%], were recalled, and/or mammographic density ≥50%).ConclusionThe Gail model is able to stratify women based on their individual breast cancer risk in this population. Including information from the first screen can improve prediction in the 5 years after screening. Risk stratification has the potential to pick up more cancers.
Interfacial Interactions within Amyloid Protein Corona Based on 2D MoS2 Nanosheets
Authors: Wu Rongrong , Ou Xinwen , Zhang Liwei , Wang Fenghua , Liu Lei 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe interfacial interaction within the amyloid protein corona based on MoS2 nanomaterial is crucial, both for understanding the biological effects of MoS2 nanomaterial and the evolution of amyloid diseases. The specific nano‐bio interface phenomenon of human islet amyloid peptide (hIAPP) and MoS2 nanosheet was investigated by using theoretical and experimental methods. The MoS2 nanosheet enables the attraction of hIAPP monomer, dimer, and oligomer on its surface through van der Waals forces. Especially, the means of interaction between two hIAPP peptides might be changed by MoS2 nanosheet. In addition, it is interesting to find that the hIAPP oligomer can stably interact with the MoS2 nanosheet in one unique “standing” binding mode with an entire exposed β‐sheet surface. All the interaction modes on the surface of MoS2 nanosheet can be the essence of amyloid protein corona that may provide the venue to facilitate the fibrillation of hIAPP proteins. Further, it was verified experimentally that MoS2 nanosheets could accelerate the fibrillation of hIAPP at a certain concentration mainly based on the newly formed nano‐bio interface. In general, our results provide insight into the molecular interaction mechanism of the nano‐bio interface within the amyloid protein corona, and shed light on the pathway of amyloid protein aggregation that is related to the evolution of amyloid diseases.
Mucormycosis infection in severe COVID‐19 patient with multiple underlying health conditions
Authors: Heydarifard Zahra , Safaei Moslem , Zadheidar Sevrin , Ehsan Soroush , Shafiei‐Jandaghi Nazanin Zahra 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPatients with underlying health conditions are vulnerable to invasive fungal infection following COVID‐19. It seems that uncontrolled diabetes mellitus makes patients susceptible to both severe COVID‐19 and mucormycosis.
Eruptive acral lentiginosis following chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A case series
Authors: O’Connor Cathal , Ryan Clodagh , Murphy Lesley‐Ann 
Published: October 2021

AbstractLentigines are brown macules which develop due to increased proliferation of melanocytes at the dermo‐epidermal junction. We report three cases of acral lentiginosis in children following chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) which have persisted following cessation of chemotherapy, despite avid photoprotection. Generalised eruptive naevi with subsequent development of dysplastic naevi and melanoma in situ have been reported following chemotherapy, highlighting the importance of continued clinical observation.
The Modified Liquid‐Liquid Interface: The Effect of an Interfacial Layer of MoS2 on Ion Transfer
Authors: Al Nasser Hussain A. , Bissett Mark A. , Dryfe Robert A. W. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractMoS2 nanosheets have been assembled at the water|1,2‐dichlorobenzene (DCB) interface into uniform films, and the ion‐transfer properties investigated by voltammetry at the interface between immiscible electrolyte solutions. Remarkably, interfacial MoS2 films were found to enhance the simple and facilitated transfer of cationic species while restricting the transport of anionic species. The enhancement is attributed to a localised increase in the cationic concentration at the interface due to the adsorption onto the negatively charged surface of the exfoliated MoS2 nanosheets. Size‐selectivity for the cationic species was also recognized as a feature of such films. Characterisation of the interfacial film's structure revealed the inclusion of multiple emulsified droplets stabilised by MoS2, where the droplet number and size depend on the concentration of the MoS2 dispersion. Besides increasing the interfacial corrugation and area, the emulsified droplets are believed to influence the mass transport mechanism across the interface. Cyclic voltammetric measurements of saturated films suggested a capillary‐like structure of these films. While the capillaries/nanochannels allow them to have a degree of size‐selectivity that depends on the thickness/density of the film, they also affect the diffusion zones towards and away from the interface. Consequently, steady‐state conditions of mass transport similar to those found in solid‐state supported micro‐ITIES are observed in these nanofilms.
Synthesis of Benzoisoselenazolones via Rh(III)‐Catalyzed Direct Annulative Selenation by Using Elemental Selenium
Authors: Xu‐Xu Qing‐Feng , Nishii Yuji , Uetake Yuta , Sakurai Hidehiro , Miura Masahiro 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIsoselenazolone derivatives have attracted significant research interest because of their potent therapeutic activities and indispensable applications in organic synthesis. Efficient construction of functionalized isoselenazolone scaffolds is still challenging, and thus new synthetic approaches with improved operational simplicity have been of particular interest. In this manuscript, we introduce a rhodium‐catalyzed direct selenium annulation by using stable and tractable elemental selenium. A series of benzamides as well as acrylamides were successfully coupled with selenium under mild reaction conditions, and the obtained isoselenazolones could be pivotal synthetic precursors for several organoselenium compounds. Based on the designed control experiments and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy measurements, we propose an unprecedented selenation mechanism involving a highly electrophilic Se(IV) species as the reactive selenium donor. The reaction mechanism was further verified by a computational study.
Chiral Pool Guided Syntheses of Polycyclic Natural Products
Authors: Fu Shaomin , Liu Bo 
Published: October 2021

Comprehensive SummaryChiral pools have been commonly utilized as inexpensive and versatile building blocks in organic synthesis. In this account, we provide an overview of our recent synthetic efforts toward polycyclic natural products using chiral natural small molecules (chiral pool) as starting materials. Key achievements during our syntheses include intermolecular Diels‐Alder/intramolecular hetero‐Diels‐Alder cascade to enable modification of previously proposed biosynthetic pathway of bolivianine, Diels‐Alder‐type dimerization through a conjugated furanyl diene intermediate to achieve three types of lindenane [4+2] dimers, Iron‐catalyzed reductive aldol reaction to construct core of rumphellclovane E and [3,3]‐rearrangement along with vinylogous Pummerer rearrangement to make epoxyquinol substructure of JBIR‐23/‐24. In the final, the outlook is also presented.
What is the most favorite and original chemistry developed in your research group?Biomimetic and/or convergent synthetic strategies leading to concise natural product synthesisHow do you get into this specific field? Could you please share some experiences with our readers?I have become interested in natural product synthesis (NPS) since I was a senior undergraduate student, encouraging me to enter this field in my PhD study. NPS is both fascinating and challenging to make complex molecules from simple starting materials, and construct different chemical bonds with proper stereochemistry. In my opinion, solid knowledge in reaction mechanism and structural conformation and persistent passion to pursue dreams are the two key elements aiming at successful and beautiful natural product synthesis.How do you supervise your students?Persuade them that it is important to be cautious with experiments, to be curious with new development and to be open with minds.What is the most important personality for scientific research?Passion, creativity, persistence and honesty.What are your hobbies?Music, reading and sight‐seeing.How do you keep balance between research and family?To tell the truth, I actually owe a lot to my family.