bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stereochemistry and Twisted Crystals
Authors: Killalea Catherine E. , Amabilino David B. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis review article discusses a link between stereochemistry and structural and morphological chirality. We present the remarkably frequent, but less often reported, growth of twisted crystals and discuss the reasons for their formation and ways to favor their growth. The more commonly encountered conglomerates and racemic compounds can be formed by achiral molecules, but the emergence of morphological chirality is often not considered in this context and perhaps deserves attention. Twisted crystals are known for a wide variety of materials, molecular and macromolecular, complexes and oxides, and so on. In growing crystals, twisting of lamellae because of strain generated during growth eventually unwinds in larger objects, and may not be detected. This kind of chiral morphology arising from low symmetry growth, and the challenges and opportunities for research in the area, are highlighted. In particular, the link between structural bending in supramolecular aggregates in solution or at interfaces, chiral nanofilaments in liquid crystals, and chiral polymers, is discussed.
Uncertainty‐guided self‐ensembling model for semi‐supervised segmentation of multiclass retinal fluid in optical coherence tomography images
Authors: Liu Xiaoming , Wang Shaocheng , Cao Jun , Zhang Ying , Wang Man 
Published: September 2021

AbstractMacular edema is the accumulation of fluid leakage from retinal capillaries. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) images can show changes in the retinal tissue caused by ophthalmological diseases, such as fluid accumulation. Therefore, the segmentation of retinal fluid is important. Some methods based on image processing and machine learning often require large amounts of labeled data and rich domain knowledge. This study proposes a self‐ensembling semi‐supervised model based on uncertainty guidance, namely, UGNet. The model is trained end‐to‐end with a few labeled data and plenty of unlabeled data, and contains a teacher model and a student model with the same architecture. The two models consist of an encoder and three decoders, which are used to predict the probability map, contour map, and distance map. The segmentation result is the fusion result of the three maps generated by the student model. The selective kernel module (SKM) is embedded in the decoder to make the model adaptively adjust the receptive field according to the size of the fluid. The uncertainty of teacher model evaluation guides the student model to learn more reliable knowledge. The proposed method is trained and evaluated on the RETOUCH challenge dataset. The experimental results show that our method achieves better segmentation results than other start‐of‐the‐art methods.
Using infrared thermography to help maintain pig health
Authors: Escuredo Juan A Mesonero , Carr John , Dizon Ronald , Howells Mark 
Published: September 2021

Background: Infrared thermography can aid in the early detection of both clinical disease of pigs and failure of correct environmental management of the unit.Aim of the article: This article aims to illustrate to practitioners the benefits of using infrared cameras as a routine tool in the examination of pigs and their environment, and how the images produced can be used to help educate the farm health team and identify areas where improvements are needed to ensure that the health, wellbeing and welfare of the pigs is maintained.
Diagnosing and treating chronic vomiting in cats
Authors: Sorrell Stephanie 
Published: September 2021

Background: Vomiting is a common presenting complaint in feline medicine, and given the multitude of possible differentials, it is essential that clinicians are able to formulate a rationale diagnostic and treatment plan for each individual patient.Aim of the article: This article aims to help practitioners understand the common underlying aetiologies of chronic vomiting in cats and how to formulate a logical diagnostic plan. It focuses on some of the common causes of chronic vomiting in cats and discusses diagnostic and treatment options for these conditions.
Evidence for Involvement of Nonclassical Pathways in the Protection From UV‐Induced DNA Damage by Vitamin D–Related Compounds
Authors: De Silva Warusavithana Gunawardena Manori , Han Jeremy Zhuo Ru , Yang Chen , Tongkao‐On Wannit , McCarthy Bianca Yuko , Ince Furkan Akif , Holland Andrew J.A. , Tuckey Robert Charles , Slominski Andrzej T. , Abboud Myriam , Dixon Katie Marie , Rybchyn Mark Stephen , Mason Rebecca Sara 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACTThe vitamin D hormone, 1,25dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), and related compounds derived from vitamin D3 or lumisterol as a result of metabolism via the enzyme CYP11A1, have been shown, when applied 24 hours before or immediately after UV irradiation, to protect human skin cells and skin from DNA damage due to UV exposure, by reducing both cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD) and oxidative damage in the form of 8‐oxo‐7,8‐dihydro‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG). We now report that knockdown of either the vitamin D receptor or the endoplasmic reticulum protein ERp57 by small, interfering RNA (siRNA) abolished the reductions in UV‐induced DNA damage with 20‐hydroxyvitamin D3 or 24‐hydroxylumisterol3, as previously shown for 1,25(OH)2D3. Treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 reduced oxygen consumption rates in UV‐exposed and sham‐exposed human keratinocytes and reduced phosphorylation of cyclic AMP response binding element protein (CREB). Both these actions have been shown to inhibit skin carcinogenesis after chronic UV exposure, consistent with the anticarcinogenic activity of 1,25(OH)2D3. The requirement for a vitamin D receptor for the photoprotective actions of 1,25(OH)2D3 and of naturally occurring CYP11A1‐derived vitamin D–related compounds may explain why mice lacking the vitamin D receptor in skin are more susceptible to UV‐induced skin cancers, whereas mice lacking the 1α‐hydroxylase and thus unable to make 1,25(OH)2D3 are not more susceptible. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Computational decomposition reveals reshaping of the SARS‐CoV‐2–ACE2 interface among viral variants expressing the N501Y mutation
Authors: Socher Eileen , Conrad Marcus , Heger Lukas , Paulsen Friedrich , Sticht Heinrich , Zunke Friederike , Arnold Philipp 
Published: September 2021

AbstractVariants of concern of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus with an asparagine‐to‐tyrosine substitution at position 501 (N501Y) in the receptor‐binding domain (RBD) show enhanced infectivity compared to wild‐type, resulting in an altered pandemic situation in affected areas. These SARS‐Cov‐2 variants comprise the two Alpha variants (B.1.1.7, United Kingdom and B.1.1.7 with the additional E484K mutation), the Beta variant (B.1.351, South Africa), and the Gamma variant (P.1, Brazil). Understanding the binding modalities between these viral variants and the host cell receptor ACE2 allows to depict changes, but also common motifs of virus–host cell interaction. The trimeric spike protein expressed at the viral surface contains the RBD that forms the molecular interface with ACE2. All the above‐mentioned variants carry between one and three amino acid exchanges within the interface‐forming region of the RBD, thereby altering the binding interface with ACE2. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and decomposition of intermolecular contacts between the RBD and ACE2, we identified phenylalanine 486, glutamine 498, threonine 500, and tyrosine 505 as important interface‐forming residues across viral variants. However, especially the N501Y exchange increased contact formation for this residue and also induced some local conformational changes. Comparing here, the in silico generated B.1.1.7 RBD–ACE2 complex with the now available experimentally solved structure reveals very similar behavior during MD simulation. We demonstrate, how computational methods can help to identify differences in conformation as well as contact formation for newly emerging viral variants. Altogether, we provide extensive data on all N501Y expressing SARS‐CoV‐2 variants of concern with respect to their interaction with ACE2 and how this induces reshaping of the RBD–ACE2 interface.
Marginal gaps and voids of three root‐end filling materials: A microcomputed tomographic study
Authors: Vergaças Jonathan Hayao Nakamura , de Lima Carolina Oliveira , Barbosa Ana Flávia Almeida , Vieira Victor Talarico Leal , dos Santos Antunes Henrique , da Silva Emmanuel João Nogueira Leal 
Published: September 2021

AbstractA root‐end filling material is required to fill the root‐end cavity without gaps or voids, to prevent root canal reinfection and to provide periapical healing. Thus, this study evaluated the volume of marginal gaps and voids of three root‐end filling materials using microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT). Thirty maxillary incisors were prepared and filled with gutta‐percha and endodontic sealer. The specimens were scanned using micro‐CT and distributed into three groups (n = 10): White MTA, MTA Repair HP, and Bio‐C Repair. The root tips were resected at 90° to the longitudinal axis and the cavity (3 mm depth) was prepared with an ultrasonic tip. The materials were handled, and the cavities were filled. The specimens were rescanned and the percentual volume of gaps and voids were analyzed. The data were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn tests (p < .05). No statistical difference was found in the percentage of gaps among the tested materials (p > .05). White MTA presented less voids than Bio‐C and MTA Repair HP (p < .05). The materials presented a similar percentual volume of gaps and White MTA presented less voids than other tested materials.
An engineered CD81‐based combinatorial library for selecting recombinant binders to cell surface proteins: Laminin binding CD81 enhances cellular uptake of extracellular vesicles
Authors: Vogt Stefan , Bobbili Madhusudhan Reddy , Stadlmayr Gerhard , Stadlbauer Katharina , Kjems Jørgen , Rüker Florian , Grillari Johannes , Wozniak‐Knopp Gordana 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe research of extracellular vesicles (EVs) has boomed in the last decade, with the promise of them functioning as target‐directed drug delivery vehicles, able to modulate proliferation, migration, differentiation, and other properties of the recipient cell that are vital for health of the host organism. To enhance the ability of their targeted delivery, we employed an intrinsically overrepresented protein, CD81, to serve for recognition of the desired target antigen. Yeast libraries displaying mutant variants of the large extracellular loop of CD81 have been selected for binders to human placental laminin as an example target. Their specific interaction with laminin was confirmed in a mammalian display system. Derived sequences were reformatted to full‐length CD81 and expressed in EVs produced by HeLa cells. These EVs were examined for the presence of the recombinant protein and were shown to exhibit an enhanced uptake into laminin‐secreting mammalian cell lines. For the best candidate, the specificity of antigen interaction was demonstrated with a competition experiment. To our knowledge, this is the first example of harnessing an EV membrane protein as mediator of de novo target antigen recognition via in vitro molecular evolution, opening horizons to a broad range of applications in various therapeutic settings.
Current status and future perspectives of clinical research in pancreatic cancer: Establishment of evidence by science
Authors: Pu Ning , Yin Hanlin , Chen Qiangda , Zhang Jicheng , Wu Wenchuan , Lou Wenhui 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive diseases in the world due to a lack of early detection, leading to an overall 5‐year survival of only 10%. In recent years, clinical trials targeted pancreatic cancer in efforts to improve survival. These studies introduce new technologies, concepts, and evidence which have instilled new optimism for improving prognosis. This review summarizes the current status of the recent (5‐year) clinical trials and describes contemporary research on pancreatic cancer, including surgical technology, diagnostic skills, traditional chemoradiotherapy, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and precision medicine. Then, the future trend and direction of clinical trials on pancreatic cancer are discussed.
Investigation of solvent microparticle formation in spray ionization–quadrupole ion trap–mass spectrometry
Authors: Özdemir Abdil , Lin Jung‐Lee , Gülfen Mustafa , Chen Chung‐Hsuan 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn the present study, a new method has been developed for the real‐time analysis of insource created solvent particles based on spray ionization–quadrupole ion trap–mass spectrometry (SI‐QIT‐MS). This is the first work in the literature reporting the formation of different solvent particles during solvent spray in mass spectrometry. The solvent particles formed from the solvent droplets are detected by a charge detector. Our ion trap system allows the measurement of a wide range particle masses. Various solvents and solvent mixtures such as water, methanol, acetone, toluene, n‐butanol, water‐methanol, and water‐ethanol were sprayed through a cone system, and the mass of the particles was monitored by different trap frequencies and voltages. While polar molecules produce larger and more diverse particles due to their strong intermolecular forces, apolar solvents generally do not produce a significant number of particles. We obtained results using a homemade ion trap mass spectrometer capable of determining the mass of micro‐sized solvent and solvent mixture particles weighing up to 1015 (Da). The instrument uses a charge detector connected to the exit of the ion trap. Simultaneous acquisition of particle mass spectra and measurement of the amount of charge in each particle allow mass assignment of each particle. Sprayed solvent particles were examined at various trap frequencies and voltages to find the best instrumental parameters for the highest trapping efficiency. The custom SI‐QIT‐MS instrument allows the measurement of the mass distribution of charged particles from the solvent spray.
Viral hepatitis amidst COVID‐19 in Africa: Implications and recommendations
Authors: Kazmi Syeda Kanza , Khan Fatima Muhammad Asad , Natoli Valentino , Hunain Reem , Islam Zarmina , Costa Ana Carla dos Santos , Ahmad Shoaib , Essar Mohammad Yasir 
Published: September 2021

AbstractHepatitis, a significant cause of mortality worldwide, results in around 1.34 million deaths each year globally. Africa is not exempt from the plague of Hepatitis. Around 100 million estimated individuals are infected with Hepatitis B or C. Egypt has the highest prevalence of cases of Hepatitis followed by Cameroon and Burundi. The continent is severely affected by the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic, as the virus has added an additional burden on the already fragile continent. With the pandemic, it is presumable that Hepatitis like other viral diseases will pose a threat to collapsing healthcare system. Therefore, for Africa to become more resilient in the face of such menaces, including Hepatitis, further prevention policies are required to be implemented
Application of acid and heavy metal resistant bacteria from rat‐hole coal mines in bioremediation strategy
Authors: Ka‐ot Augustine L. , Joshi Santa R. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe Gram‐negative bacteria isolated from acid mine drainage (AMD) of rat‐hole coal mines were found to be resistant to acidic conditions as well as Fe, Cd, and Cr. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and maximum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of iron, cadmium, and chromium against the isolates of Enterobacter huaxiensis KHED8 were 4000, 4096, and 256 mg/L, respectively, while the MIC and MBC of Fe, Cd, and Cr against two isolates (KH5M10 and KHCL12) of Serratia marcescens subsp. sakuensis isolates were 4000, 8192, and 256 mg/L, respectively. It was also found that E. huaxiensis KHED8 was able to remove 89%, 90%, and 82.45% of Fe, Cd, and Cr, respectively, and the two isolates of S. marcescens subsp. sakuensis KH5M10 and KHCL12 were able to remove 90%, 95%, and 85.62% of Fe, Cd, and Cr, respectively. The findings of the study provide lead to the use of these heavy metals resistant bacterial isolates for bioremediation of heavy metals laden AMD prevalent in unique rat‐hole coal mines.
In situthermal modification of kafirin using infrared radiations and microwaves
Authors: Semwal Jyoti , MS Meera 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDKafirin is a prolamin protein located in the corneous endosperm of sorghum. The conventional thermal processing of kafirin reduces its solubility, which limits its utilization in the food industry. Therefore, the study was aimed to investigate the effect ofin situthermal modification of kafirin using two different electromagnetic thermal treatments, namely infrared (IR) and microwave (MW) radiation, on the physicochemical, structural, thermal, and antioxidant properties.RESULTSThe results demonstrated that both the thermal modifications improved yield, purity, and solubility of the kafirin with a decrease in hydrophobicity. However, IR‐treated samples showed higher solubility (910.67 g kg−1) and lower hydrophobicity (387.67). The IR modifications also improved the ratio ofαhelix/βsheets to a great extent. The alterations in the disulfide content were concomitant with the improvement in the thermal stability of kafirin. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed variations in the band intensities ofβ‑andγ‐kafirin, indicating alterations in the kafirin subunits. Morphological examination of kafirin revealed surface withering and agglomeration. Notably, IR treatment improved the antioxidant activity more efficiently (from 32.11% to 74.05%).CONCLUSIONAlthough both the IR and MW treatments modified kafirin, the effect seemed to be more pronounced in IR modification. The IR‐modified kafirin had better solubility and lesser hydrophobicity than MW‐modified kafirin. The physicochemical and structural changes induced by IR treatment improved the biological activity of kafirin, in terms of antioxidant activity. Therefore, it was concluded that thein situIR modification of kafirin can alter its characteristic properties, improving its potential as a food ingredient. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Development of a bifunctional edible coating for formaldehyde scavenging and preservation of aquatic products
Authors: Tang Yuyi , Chen Xifeng , Yao Hui , Xie Jun , Shi Wenzheng , Lu Ying , Deng Shanggui , Tao Ningping , Xu Changhua 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDAlthough exogenous and endogenous formaldehyde in squid has led to severe health threat, an in‐depth study on natural edible scavengers for formaldehyde in squid is still lacking.RESULTSResponse surface methodology (RSM) combined with experimental verification approaches was applied to obtain an optimal ‘recipe’ to achieve formaldehyde removal rate of >85%: 6 mg mL−1 tea polyphenols, 20 mg mL−1 chitosan, 3:2 (v/v) tea polyphenols and chitosan, a pH value of 3 and 60 min treatment time. Apart from the capability of removing formaldehyde, the scavenger derived from natural food exhibited a significant preservation effect (extension of preservation time up to 40%) on squid during chilled storage, and was safe and environmentally friendly. Meanwhile, a synergetic effect of the two components on scavenging formaldehyde was unraveled by multimolecular infrared spectroscopy.CONCLUSIONAn edible and bifunctional reagent composed of tea polyphenols and chitosan was developed for simultaneously removing artificially added or endogenous formaldehyde and for preservation of squid. The bifunctional coating shows promise as a formaldehyde scavenger and green preservative for aquatic products. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Study on changes in pigment composition during the blooming period of safflower based on plant metabolomics and semi‐quantitative analysis
Authors: Pu Zong‐Jin , Zhang Shuo , Tang Yu‐Ping , Shi Xu‐Qin , Tao Hui‐Juan , Yan Hui , Chen Jia‐Qian , Yue Shi‐Jun , Chen Yan‐Yan , Zhu Zhen‐Hua , Zhou Gui‐Sheng , Su Shu‐Lan , Duan Jin‐Ao 
Published: September 2021

AbstractRed and yellow pigments are the major ingredients of safflower, often used to color food and cosmetics. Carthamin was the main component of red pigment and hydroxysafflor yellow A and anhydrosafflower yellow B were representative components of yellow pigment. Plant metabolomics and semi‐quantitative analysis were used to analyze the changes of pigment composition during the blooming period, especially these characteristic components. Carthamin, hydroxysafflor yellow A, anhydrosafflower yellow B, and other components were screened out as differential metabolites based on plant metabolomics. Then semi‐quantitative analysis was used to quantify these three representative components of pigments. Experimental results showed that the content of pigments has dynamic changes along with flowering, in the early blooming period, yellow pigment accumulated much and red pigment was low in content. In the middle period, the accumulation rate of the yellow pigment slowed down and content was stabilized. In the next step, the content of yellow pigments gradually decreased, and the content of red pigments gradually increased. Later, the level of yellow pigment decreased significantly, and the accumulation rate of red pigment increased significantly. Last, the appearance color of safflower was red, with yellow parts barely visible, and accumulation of red pigment was the highest and of the yellow pigment was the lowest in content.
Incidence of Laryngotracheal Lesions After Orotracheal Intubation in Coronavirus Disease Patients
Authors: Félix Letícia , Tavares Tracy L. , Almeida Vinicius P. B. , Tiago Romualdo S. L. 
Published: September 2021

Objectives/HypothesisTo evaluate the incidence of lesions and severe sequelae and the risk factors for the development of laryngotracheal lesions after orotracheal intubation (OTI) in coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) patients.Study DesignProspective cohort study.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, we evaluated patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 who were consecutively admitted to a tertiary hospital and required OTI from March 1, 2020 to October 31, 2020. Patients discharged were called for outpatient follow‐up and endoscopic examination.ResultsA total of 1,357 patients diagnosed with COVID‐19, as confirmed by nasal swab reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, were admitted. OTI for mechanical ventilation was required in 421 patients (31%). Of the intubated patients, 172 (40.9%) were discharged and 249 (59.1%) died. Outpatient evaluation by videoendoscopy was performed in 95 patients (55.2%) approximately 100 days after extubation. Laryngotracheal lesions were observed in 38 patients (40%), with 17.9% diagnosed with laryngotracheal stenosis or unilateral immobility while 6.3% had severe stenosis (grades 3 and 4). The factors presenting statistical significance for the development of laryngotracheal lesions were the endotracheal tube (ETT) size; prone position over the OTI period; and the increased leukocyte count, d‐dimer, prothrombin time (PT), and international normalized ratio (INR) on the day OTI was performed.ConclusionsThe incidence of laryngotracheal lesion in COVID‐19 patients is 40%, with 6.3% of them presenting with severe stenosis. There was a greater risk for the development of laryngotracheal lesions in patients using a larger ETT, kept in a prone position, presenting a greater inflammatory reaction (increased leukocyte count), or developing coagulation disorders (increased d‐dimer, PT, and INR).Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 132:1075–1081, 2022