bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recombinant Co-Expression of Collagen A1 (I) Fragment with the Prolyl 4-Hydroxylases (P4H) Subunits in Komagataella phaffii
Authors: Avci Esra , Kesmen Zülal 
Published: January 2021

Recombinant collagen and collagen-like products are increasingly replacing animal-sourced collagen that is difficult to produce in safe and standard quality. In this study to produce hydroxylated collagen, a 400 base pair collagen fragment of the bovine COL1A1 gene was co-expressed with prolyl-4-hydroxylase subunit α (P4Hα) and prolyl-4-hydroxylase subunit β(P4Hβ) encoding the P4H enzyme in Komagataella phaffii. For this purpose, each target gene was inserted into the pPICZαA vector and then cloned in E. coli DH5α cells. Subsequently, co-expression vectors were constructed using recombinant vectors isolated from positive clones according to the in vitro multimer ligation method. All recombinant expression and co-expression vectors were transformed into K. phaffii X33 cells by electroporation. The results of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) proved that all target genes were transcribed by recombinant strains. The expression of recombinant proteins was performed for 96 hours by methanol-fed cultivation, and the concentration of the purified proteins from the culture medium was measured by the His-Tag enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The concentrations of rP4Hα and rP4Hβ, and rCol1 proteins expressed individually by recombinant strains were determined to be 10.69 µg/L, 10.74 µg/L, and 8.61 µg/L, respectively, while the concentrations of co-expressed rP4Hα/β and rP4Hα/β/rCol1 proteins were 7.82 µg/L and 5.02 µg/L, respectively. These results showed that the target genes were successfully expressed and co-expressed in the recombinant K. phaffii cell.
Probiotics as Agents of Health Improvement, Infection Control and Diseases Treatment: A Review
Authors: Gbadamosi Francis A. , Akaniro Ifunanya R. , Olaitan Morufat O. , Nnamocha Theresa O. 
Published: January 2021

Aims: This review presents valuable information on the contribution of probiotics to the improvement of health and quality of life.
Background: Due to their roles in normal physiology and impacts on human health, probiotics have become a subject of great interests especially in the field of Microbiology. The results of several well-designed clinical studies have shown probiotics to be reliable therapeutic option for the prevention, treatment and control of various health conditions; gastrointestinal diseases, respiratory diseases, neurological disorders, depressive symptoms and autoimmune disorders. Probiotics enhance gastrointestinal tract (GIT) health via vitamins production and supply to the human host and have also been reported to improve immune function thus, inhibiting pathogen invasion and colonization/development. Some show direct/indirect immune modulating capabilities by enhancing mucosal barrier functions, modulating sensory motor functions and delivering antigens. Many probiotic foods possess antioxidant properties that enable them to withstand oxidative stress and strengthen hosts’ anti oxidative defense mechanism.
Findings/Conclusion: The potential application of probiotics in functional foods and pharmaceuticals could demonstrate the improvement of health and quality of life.
Effects of Computer Simulation Package on Academic Performance of Senior Secondary School Students in Some Science Concepts in Ekiti State, Nigeria
Authors: Alake Ese Monica , Olojo Jethro Oludare 
Published: January 2021

Use of computer simulated games among children/students is common and science students are not left out. Whereas poor performance and dwindling enrolment in science subjects have been observed among students in Nigeria, not much evidence has emerged at solving the problems from computer simulation mode of teaching. This study was designed to determine the effects of computer simulation package (CSP) on academic performance of senior secondary school students on the concepts of pollution and energy. Using multi-stage purposive and simple random sampling technique, six hundred (600) Senior Secondary (SS) class two students were selected from twelve co-educational schools consisting of four (4) schools in each of the senatorial districts of the State and fifty (50) students participated. Three hundred (300) students each were used for experimental and control groups. A validated Students’ Achievement Test (SAT) instrument, having 30 multiple choice items was used to generate pre-test and post-test data. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test each of the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Findings showed that the use of computer simulation package (CSP) has significant effect on students’ academic performance (F-cal 955.93, P = 0.00*< 0.05) while gender showed no significant influence on students’ performance (F-cal 1.03, P = 0.312 >0.05). Thus, science teachers should be trained and retrained in seminars, workshop and conferences on the use of computer simulation packages in order to encourage personalized learning among science students.
Evaluation as Disintegrant, Acetone-dehydrated Pre-Gelatinized Starch of Arthocarpus altilis Fruits in Oral paracetamol Tablets
Authors: Uwah T. O. , Effiong D. E. , Akpabio E. I. , Jacob G. , Awa I. 
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Modifying natural polymers have imparted desirable properties making them suitable as pharmaceutical additives.
Aim: This research work was to prepare pre-gelatinized breadfruit starch using acetone to reduce drying time and energy expended. The modified starch was evaluated as a disintegrant in paracetamol oral compacts.
Methods: Starch from unripe mature bread fruit was pre-gelatinized, precipitated with acetone to reduce drying time. Native and pre-gelatinized starches were characterized for micromeritics, compatibility studies with test drug using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FT-IR) and water interaction properties (viscosity, swelling power and hydration capacity). Paracetamol granules formed by wet granulation were compacted incorporating starches as disintegrant intragranularly, extragranularly and combining both methods. Disintegration and dissolution studies done.
Results: Pre-gelatinization did not alter the native starch chemically and their pH were within pharmaceutical limits. The disintegration efficiency ratio (DER) for the P2 and P3 (tablet batches with pre-gelatinized starches) compared favourably with that of corn starch. Also, the dissolution kinetics of the breadfruit starches followed the Hixson Crowel’s model while that of reference corn starch was best described by the Higuchi kinetic model.
Conclusion: Breadfruit starch is edible and the properties of its pre-gelatinized form as a disintegrant compares favourably with corn starch BP. It could be an good alternative as pharmaceutical excipient.
Amyloid‐β, cortical thickness, and subsequent cognitive decline in cognitively normal oldest‐old
Authors: Pelkmans Wiesje , Legdeur Nienke , ten Kate Mara , Barkhof Frederik , Yaqub Maqsood M. , Holstege Henne , van Berckel Bart N. M. , Scheltens Philip , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Visser Pieter Jelle , Tijms Betty M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between amyloid‐β (Aβ) deposition and markers of brain structure on cognitive decline in oldest‐old individuals with initial normal cognition.MethodsWe studied cognitive functioning in four domains at baseline and change over time in fifty‐seven cognitively intact individuals from the EMIF‐AD 90+ study. Predictors were Aβ status determined by [18F]‐flutemetamol PET (normal = Aβ − vs. abnormal = Aβ+), cortical thickness in 34 regions and hippocampal volume. Mediation analyses were performed to test whether effects of Aβ on cognitive decline were mediated by atrophy of specific anatomical brain areas.ResultsSubjects had a mean age of 92.7 ± 2.9 years, of whom 19 (33%) were Aβ+. Compared to Aβ−, Aβ+ individuals showed steeper decline on memory (β ± SE = −0.26 ± 0.09), and processing speed (β ± SE = −0.18 ± 0.08) performance over 1.5 years (P < 0.05). Furthermore, medial and lateral temporal lobe atrophy was associated with steeper decline in memory and language across individuals. Mediation analyses revealed that part of the memory decline observed in Aβ+ individuals was mediated through parahippocampal atrophy.InterpretationThese results show that Aβ abnormality even in the oldest old with initially normal cognition is not part of normal aging, but is associated with a decline in cognitive functioning. Other pathologies may also contribute to decline in the oldest old as cortical thickness predicted cognitive decline similarly in individuals with and without Aβ pathology.
Physical Inactivity and Incident Depression in a Multiracial, Multiethnic Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Cohort
Authors: Patterson Sarah L. , Trupin Laura , Yazdany Jinoos , Dall'Era Maria , Lanata Cristina , Dequattro Kimberly , Hartogensis Wendy , Katz Patricia 
Published: January 2021

ObjectivePhysical activity is known to improve depressive symptoms. The present study was undertaken to examine physical inactivity as a predictor of incident depression in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsData derive from the California Lupus Epidemiology Study (CLUES), a longitudinal cohort with confirmed SLE diagnoses. Physical inactivity was assessed from a single item, “I rarely or never do any physical activities,” and depressive symptoms by the 8‐item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐8). Analysis included those not depressed at baseline (PHQ‐8 score <10) who completed an in‐person baseline assessment and at least 1 follow‐up visit (n = 225). Incident depression was defined as a PHQ‐8 score of ≥10 at follow‐up. Cox proportional hazards regression modeled incident depression over 2 years as a function of baseline physical inactivity, controlling for age, sex, race, income, comorbidities, disease activity, and disease damage.ResultsAt baseline, the mean ± SD age of the participants was 45 ± 15 years, 88% were female, and 70% identified as non‐White. Mean PHQ scores for those without depression at baseline did not differ by activity status, but those who were inactive at baseline were significantly more likely to develop depression over the next 2 years (hazard ratio [HR] 2.89 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.46–5.71]). After adjusting for covariates, the association remained strong, including a >3‐fold increased risk of incident depression among the sedentary group (HR 3.88 [95% CI 1.67–9.03]).ConclusionIn this diverse SLE cohort, a simple question about physical inactivity was highly predictive of incident depression over the subsequent 2 years. Results suggest an urgent need for approaches to reduce sedentary behavior in this high‐risk population.
Modeling 3D Human Tumor Lymphatic Vessel Network Using High‐Throughput Platform
Authors: Lee Somin , Kang Habin , Park Dohyun , Yu James , Koh Seung Kwon , Cho Duck , Kim Da‐Hyun , Kang Kyung‐Sun , Jeon Noo Li 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe lymphatic vessel (LV) plays an important role in cancer biology as a major route for tumor metastasis. Whereas, recent oncoimmunological approaches have focused its role in immune surveillance. In response to the emerging topics of lymphatic vascular biology, physiologically relevant human cell‐based in vitro model is in high demand. This study introduces a 3D in vitro model of human LV within tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) using an injection‐molded plastic array culture platform (Lymph‐IMPACT). Through spontaneous capillary flow‐driven patterning of 3D cellular hydrogel and optimized cellular composition, the platform enables robust and reproducible formation of self‐organized LV in vitro. This co‐culture model recapitulates cancer cell type‐dependent morphogenesis of LV in vitro. Moreover, the robustness of the model enables high‐content analysis on the effect of anti‐VEGFR3 drug depending on the existence of blood vessels or different types of cancer cells. By virtue of high perfusability of 3D lumenized in vitro LV, a trans‐endothelial migration of cytotoxic primary lymphocytes, which is one of the critical processes in anti‐tumor immunology, is recapitulated within reconstructed melanoma TIME. From drug testing to cellular migration assays using the high‐throughput platform, the Lymph‐IMPACT demonstrates its powerful potential to be applied on investigating lymphatic‐related strategies for cancer therapeutics.
Spatiotemporal Control Over Multicellular Migration Using Green Light Reversible Cell–Cell Interactions
Authors: Nzigou Mombo Brice , Bijonowski Brent M. , Rasoulinejad Samaneh , Mueller Marc , Wegner Seraphine V. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe regulation of cell–cell adhesions in space and time plays a crucial role in cell biology, especially in the coordination of multicellular behavior. Therefore, tools that allow for the modulation of cell–cell interactions with high precision are of great interest to a better understanding of their roles and building tissue‐like structures. Herein, the green light‐responsive protein CarH is expressed at the plasma membrane of cells as an artificial cell adhesion receptor, so that upon addition of its cofactor vitamin B12 specific cell–cell interactions form and lead to cell clustering in a concentration‐dependent manner. Upon green light illumination, the CarH based cell–cell interactions disassemble and allow for their reversion with high spatiotemporal control. Moreover, these artificial cell–cell interactions impact cell migration, as observed in a wound‐healing assay. When the cells interact with each other in the presence of vitamin B12 in the dark, the cells form on a solid front and migrate collectively; however, under green light illumination, individual cells migrate randomly out of the monolayer. Overall, the possibility of precisely controlling cell–cell interactions and regulating multicellular behavior is a potential pathway to gaining more insight into cell–cell interactions in biological processes.
Dual Systems for Enhancing Control of Protein Activity through Induced Dimerization Approaches
Authors: Pearce Sarah , Tucker Chandra L. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTo reveal the underpinnings of complex biological systems, a variety of approaches have been developed that allow switchable control of protein function. One powerful approach for switchable control is the use of inducible dimerization systems, which can be configured to control activity of a target protein upon induced dimerization triggered by chemicals or light. Individually, many inducible dimerization systems suffer from pre‐defined dynamic ranges and overwhelming sensitivity to expression level and cellular context. Such systems often require extensive engineering efforts to overcome issues of background leakiness and restricted dynamic range. To address these limitations, recent tool development efforts have explored overlaying dimerizer systems with a second layer of regulation. Albeit more complex, the resulting layered systems have enhanced functionality, such as tighter control that can improve portability of these tools across platforms.
A Graftable Quaternary Ammonium Biocidal Polymer Reduces Biofilm Formation and Ensures Biocompatibility of Medical Devices
Authors: Bouloussa Houssam , Saleh‐Mghir Azzam , Valotteau Claire , Cherifi Chahrazad , Hafsia Narjes , Cohen‐Solal Martine , Court Charles , Crémieux Anne‐Claude , Humblot Vincent 
Published: January 2021

AbstractA quaternized polyvinylpyridine (Q‐PVP) polymer methanolic solution synthesized in a single step is used to covalently graft titanium surfaces. Q‐PVP is quaternized with varying N+/N ratios. 1 cm2 pure titanium plates are polished and activated. Treated samples are grafted by spin coating or dip‐coating (grafting‐to method). Surfaces are characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, polarization modulation reflection absorption IR spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and surface charge density calculation. Polymer leaching is assessed at 7 days. Biocompatibility is assessed on MC3T3 and L929 cells (MTT‐assay) and SEM. In vitro antibacterial activity is assessed on methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at 1 and 24 h (37 °C in brain heart infusion) and at 7 days in a biofilm model. Polymers exceeding 31.3 ± 0.7% quaternization led to bactericidal surfaces. Bactericidal activity increased with surface cationic density. Surface cationic density and biocompatibility are inversely correlated. Polymers with 44.6 ± 1.2% quaternization are antibacterial and biocompatible. High‐density Q‐PVP inhibited MRSA biofilm formation. Q‐PVP is a promising candidate for antibacterial surface modification. Further in vivo studies are required.
Scalable Pulsed Laser Deposition of Transparent Rear Electrode for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Smirnov Yury , Schmengler Laura , Kuik Riemer , Repecaud Pierre‐Alexis , Najafi Mehrdad , Zhang Dong , Theelen Mirjam , Aydin Erkan , Veenstra Sjoerd , De Wolf Stefaan , Morales‐Masis Monica 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSputtered transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) are widely accepted transparent electrodes for several types of high‐efficiency solar cells. However, the different sputtering yield of atoms makes stoichiometric transfer of target material challenging for multi‐compounds. Additionally, the high kinetic energies of the arriving species may damage sensitive functional layers beneath. Conversely, pulsed laser deposition (PLD) is operated at higher deposition pressures promoting thermalization of particles. This leads to stoichiometric transfer and additionally reduces the kinetic energy of ablated species. Despite these advantages, PLD is rarely used within the photovoltaic community due to concerns about low deposition rates and the scalability of the technique. In this study, wafer‐scale (4‐inch) PLD of high‐mobility Zr‐doped In2O3 (IZrO) TCO for solar cells is demonstrated. IZrO films are grown at room temperature with deposition rate on par with RF‐sputtering (>4 nm min−1). As‐deposited IZrO films are mostly amorphous and exhibit excellent optoelectronic properties after solid phase crystallization at <200 °C. 100‐nm thick films feature a sheet resistance of 21 Ω◻−1 with electron mobilities ≈70 cm2 V−1s−1. PLD‐grown IZrO is applied as rear electrode in efficient semi‐transparent halide perovskite solar cells leading to the improved stabilized maximum power point efficiency (15.1%) as compared to the cells with sputtered ITO electrodes (11.9%).
A 3D Printed Wearable Bioelectronic Patch for Multi‐Sensing and In Situ Sweat Electrolyte Monitoring
Authors: Kim Taeil , Yi Qian , Hoang Emily , Esfandyarpour Rahim 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWearable biosensors′ ability to measure continuous health parameters gives promise to healthcare with great potentials to advance precision medicine. The stability and balance within the human body are critical for organ systems′ normal functions. The imbalance of electrolytes may lead to several diseases such as hypertension, heart failure, and kidney diseases. Sweat electrolytes analysis, that is, the analysis of one of the noninvasively accessible biofluids, can provide important information about physiologically relevant quantities, and a combination of them can be employed for comprehensive studies. However, wearable biosensors′ large‐scale utilization for extensive population monitoring requires rapid, reliable, low‐cost, and high‐throughput integration of such platforms. Here, 3D‐printing technology is adapted to develop a novel, multiplex, low‐cost, and mechanically flexible all‐inclusive integrated wearable (AIIW) patch, which contains 3D‐printed flexible sensors along with flexible wearable‐microfluidic sample handling (WMFSH) units, integrated in a few hours. The AIIW patch is fully characterized, and its utility for noninvasive and continuous health monitoring is successfully demonstrated by simultaneous ex situ and in situ measuring of multiple electrolyte levels in sweat. This work is envisioned as another step toward enabling personalized health monitoring practices by implementing 3D‐printing technology in the easy and low‐cost development of customized integrated, flexible wearable biosensing platforms to monitor an individual's health parameters.
Combining Soft with Hard Condensed Matter for Circular Polarized Light Sensing and Logic Operations
Authors: Grey Paul , Chapa Manuel , Alexandre Miguel , Mateus Tiago , Fortunato Elvira , Martins Rodrigo , Mendes Manuel J. , Pereira Luís 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe study shows the incorporation of chiral nematic photonic cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) films, well known for their adaptive character of selective reflection of circular polarized light (CPL), and silicon‐based thin‐film photodiodes, thus achieving a light sensor capable of discriminating right‐ from left‐handed CPL. The circular polarization (CP) response is maximum for specific wavelengths in the green‐to‐red region. When subjected to these wavelengths, they produce photocurrents that are over 50% distinct between the two CP states. Proper signal processing, thus, yields a binary output depending on the handedness of the light. Through the addition of monovalent salt to the initial CNC suspension, a blueshift to the photonic band gap is induced, enabling a larger wavelength gamut and application possibilities. The measured results are then used as a basis for electromagnetic simulations that show remarkable consistency with the experimental results, thus defining a new tool that can be used to efficiently optimize the devices’ response. Fast transient responses to CPL are shown with possible logic operations, as well as humidity sensing. The developed devices are, thus, applicable in areas as diverse as imaging, CPL sensing, optoelectronic counterfeiting, and information processing with logic states that depend solely on the handedness of the incident light.
Transition‐Metal‐Free Base‐Controlled C−N Coupling Reactions: Selective Mono Versus Diarylation of Primary Amines with 2‐Chlorobenzimidazoles
Authors: Sang Wei , Gong Yan‐Yan , Cheng Hua , Zhang Rui , Yuan Ye , Fan Guang‐Gao , Wang Zhi‐Qin , Chen Cheng , Verpoort Francis 
Published: January 2021

AbstractHerein, a base‐controlled protocol was developed for the C−N coupling of primary amines and 2‐chlorobenzimidazoles, affording a handful of secondary or tertiary amines in a selective fashion. Moreover, this protocol was realized under transition‐metal‐free conditions, and the variation of the base from iPr2NH to LiOtBu completely switched the selectivity from monoarylation to diarylation. Further investigations elucidated that the variety, intrinsic basicity and amount of the utilized bases considerably affected these reactions.magnified image
Palladium‐Catalyzed Carbonylation in the Synthesis of N‐Ynonylsulfoximines
Authors: Ma Ding , Wang Chenyang , Kong Deshen , Tu Yongliang , Shi Peng , Bolm Carsten 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPalladium‐catalyzed carbonylation reactions with Cr(CO)6 as carbonyl source are key for the preparation of N‐ynonylsulfoximines from NH‐sulfoximines and bromoalkynes. The couplings proceed at room temperature with a wide range of substrate combinations affording the corresponding products in good yields.magnified image