bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RFRP3 influences basal lamina degradation, cellular death, and progesterone secretion in cultured preantral ovarian follicles from the domestic cat
Authors: Wilsterman Kathryn , Bentley George E. , Comizzoli Pierre 
Published: August 2019

The hypothalamic neuropeptide RFRP3 can suppress hypothalamic GnRH neuron activation and inhibit gonadotropin release from the anterior pituitary. RFRP3 is also produced locally in the ovary and can inhibit steroidogenesis and follicle development in many vertebrates. However, almost nothing is known about the presence and regulatory action of RFRP3 in gonads of any carnivore species. Such knowledge is important for developing captive breeding programs for endangered carnivores and for inhibiting reproduction in feral species. Using the domestic cat as a model, our objectives were to (1) demonstrate the expression of feline RFRP3 (fRFRP3) and its receptor in the cat ovary and (2) assess the influence of fRFRP3 on ovarian follicle integrity, survival, and steroidogenesis in vitro. We first confirmed that fRFRP3 and its receptors (NPFFR1 and NPFFR2) were expressed in cat ovaries by sequencing PCR products from ovarian RNA. We then isolated and cultured preantral ovarian follicles in the presence of 10 or 1 µM fRFRP3 + FSH (1 µg/mL). We recorded the percentage of morphologically viable follicles (basal lamina integrity) over 8 days and calculated percentage survival of follicles on Day 8 (using fluorescent markers for cell survival and death). Last, we quantified progesterone accumulation in media. 10 µM fRFRP3 had no observable effect on viability, survival, or steroid production compared to follicles exposed to only FSH. However, 1 µM fRFRP3 decreased the percentage of morphologically viable follicles and the percentage of surviving follicles on Day 8. At the same time, 1 µM fRFRP3 increased the accumulation of progesterone in media. Our study shows, for the first time, direct action of RFRP3 on the follicle as a functional unit, and it is the first in a carnivore species. More broadly, our results support a conserved, inhibitory action of RFRP3 on ovarian follicle development and underscore the importance of comparative functional studies.
In vitro Inhibition of Alpha Amylase and Glucosidase of Digestive Snail Juice by Crude Extracts of Cashew Cakes
Authors: Ouattara Gninfanni Silvère , Soro Doudjo , Gonnety Tia Jean , Koffi Kouadio Ernest 
Published: August 2019

The goal of this work was to study the effect of some solvents as extractants of total polyphenols from cashew cakes and test the ability of the extract with highest level of polyphenols to inhibit alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase from snail (Achatina ventricosa) digestif tract. For this purpose, water, water-methanol (50:50 v/v), water-ethanol (50:50 v/v) and water-acetone (55:45 v/v) were used as solvents. Extract with highest level of polyphenols was obtained using water-acetone (55:45 v/v). The average total phenols content varied respectively from 9179.89 ± 0.154 mg GAE / 100 g for the water-acetone extract to 55439.02 ± 0.117 mg GAE/100 g for the aqueous extract. The average flavonoid content ranged from 370.86 ± 0.015 to 200.88 ± 0.001 mg/100 g and that of condensed tannins ranged from 1852.09 ± 0.023 to 857.45 ± 0.050 mg/100 g. The in vitro inhibition of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes of the snail digestive tract allowed to determine the concentration of the extract that inhibits 50% of the enzymes (IC50). The IC50 of alpha-amylase was 0.24 mg / ml and that of alpha glucosidase was 1.44 mg / ml.
The results showed that cashew apple residue is a natural source that has potential application in the management of diabetes mellitus.
bla TEM, bla SHV and bla CTX-M-15 Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamase Produced by Acinetobacter baumanii, Enterobacter clocae and Proteus mirabilis from Pregnant Women in Three Secondary Health Care Facilities in South-south, Nigeria
Authors: Z. Uyanga Florence , O. Ekundayo Emmanuel , O. Nwankwo Emmanuel 
Published: August 2019

Background/Purpose: Based on fact there is high urinary tract infection and increasing treatment failure among pregnant women and this has led to increased mortality and morbidity among pregnant women, and increased stay in the hospital.
This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and distribution of blaTEM, blaCTX-M-15 and blaSHV genes among A. baumannii, P. mirabilis and E. clocae strains isolated from urine samples from pregnant women attending antenatal at three secondary health care facilities south-south Nigeria.
Methods: A. baumannii, P. mirabilis and E. clocae strains were isolated and identified using Microbact 24E. The disc diffusion and combined discs methods were used for testing antimicrobial susceptibility. The presence of ESBL was detected using Double Disk Synergy Test (DDST) and CHROMagar respectively. Plasmid extraction was carried out following the protocol of ZR Plasmid Miniprep-Classic extraction kit. Finally, the frequency of resistant genes including blaTEM, blaCTX-M-15 and blaSHV in selected 50 ESBL producing isolates was studied by PCR and using designed primers.
Results: A total of 252 clinical isolates was collected from three secondary health care facilities in south-south, Nigeria. ESBLs were found in 231 (92%) isolates. blaCTX-M-15 was the commonest genotype (58.3%), followed by blaSHV (43.3%) and blaTEM (43.3%).
Conclusion: ESBL positive strains of Enterobacter clocae, Acinetobacter baumannii and Proteus mirabilis are increasingly found in isolates from pregnant women. The widespread use of antibiotics has caused shifts in bacterial development to overcome the existing mechanisms of combating bacterial infections. These strains become resistant to frequently used antibiotics and they can pass the gene to other bacterial strains, the quick detection of these strains in clinical laboratories an essential step. The frequency of genes encoded ESBL isolates of Enterobacter clocae, Acinetobacter baumannii and Proteus mirabilis may be due to abuse and misuse of antibiotics.
Evaluation of Hilo® Versus Daflon® in Patients Suffering from Hemorrhoids: A Randomized, Controlled, Open-labelled, Multicentric Study
Authors: Dewan Bhupesh , Prabhu Sarita 
Published: August 2019

Aims: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of Hilo® and Daflon® 500 mg, in the treatment of hemorrhoids.
Study Design: It is a multicentric, randomized, comparative clinical trial conducted for the period of 15 days.
Place and Duration of Study: Janta Hospital and Maternity Centre, Varanasi; King George Memorial Hospital, Lucknow; Vijan Hospital and Research Centre, Nasik and Santosh Hospital, Bangalore between May 2018 and December 2019.
Methodology: 201 patients were screened and 200 patients with hemorrhoids (proctoscopy proven Grade I to III) were randomly assigned to receive either Hilo® capsules (n = 99) or Daflon® 500 mg tablets (n = 101). Assessment of hemorrhoidal symptoms was carried out in all patients on Day 7 and Day 15. Proctoscopic examination was carried out before the start of treatment i.e. on day 0 and at the end of treatment duration i.e. on day 15.
Results: The patients treated with Hilo® showed a statistically significant improvement in the clinical symptoms of bleeding, pain, itching, soiling, tenesmus, irritation after defecation and constipation on day 7 and day 15 as compared to baseline. The “mean total symptom score” reduced by 4.55 ± 2.07 vs 3.44 ± 2.00; P < .0001 on day 7 and 7.56 ± 2.40 vs 6.22 ± 2.55; P < .0001 on day 15 in the patients treated with Hilo® and Daflon® respectively. In Hilo® Group, 82.83% of patients assessed that the treatment with Hilo® made them ‘A lot better’ as compared to only 48.51% in Daflon® group. In the Hilo® group 20.2% of patients’ treatment outcome was assessed as ‘Excellent’ by the investigators as compared to only 0.99% of patients in Daflon® group. No major adverse events were reported in the study with the use of either product.
Conclusion: Hilo® is found to provide better reduction in clinical symptoms of patients suffering from hemorrhoids as compared to Daflon®.
Recent Developments in Stability and Passivation Techniques of Phosphorene toward Next‐Generation Device Applications
Authors: Sang David K. , Wang Huide , Guo Zhinan , Xie Ni , Zhang Han 
Published: August 2019

AbstractPhosphorene as a rising star is a monolayer or few‐layer form of black phosphorus (BP), which is used as a 2D material, in addition to graphene. This monoelemental 2D material has gained considerable attention in the fields of electronics, optoelectronics, and biomedicine due to its extraordinary physical properties. However, as both theoretical and experimental works show, the intrinsic instability of phosphorene under ambient conditions is a major challenge in practical applications. Various theoretical and experimental researches regarding the mechanism of the degradation and passivation strategies are proposed and reported to overcome the problem of the ambient instability of phosphorene. These strategies have enabled researchers to conduct fundamental studies on phosphorene's extraordinary properties. Here, not only an extensive summary of these passivation strategies but also an overview of the fabrication methods, challenges, and suitable applications of phosphorene are provided.
Donor–Acceptor‐Conjugated Polymer for High‐Performance Organic Field‐Effect Transistors: A Progress Report
Authors: Kim Minjun , Ryu Seung Un , Park Sang Ah , Choi Kyoungwon , Kim Taehyun , Chung Dasol , Park Taiho 
Published: August 2019

AbstractPolymeric semiconductors have demonstrated great potential in the mass production of low‐cost, lightweight, flexible, and stretchable electronic devices, making them very attractive for commercial applications. Over the past three decades, remarkable progress has been made in donor–acceptor (D–A) polymer‐based field‐effect transistors, with their charge‐carrier mobility exceeding 10 cm2 V−1 s−1. Numerous molecular designs of D–A polymers have emerged and evolved along with progress in understanding the charge transport physics behind their high mobility. In this review, the current understanding of charge transport in polymeric semiconductors is covered along with significant features observed in high‐mobility D–A polymers, with a particular focus on polymeric microstructures. Subsequently, emerging molecular designs with further prospective improvements in charge‐carrier mobility are described. Moreover, the current issues and outlook for future generations of polymeric semiconductors are discussed.
Sulfide‐Based Solid‐State Electrolytes: Synthesis, Stability, and Potential for All‐Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Zhang Qing , Cao Daxian , Ma Yi , Natan Avi , Aurora Peter , Zhu Hongli 
Published: August 2019

AbstractDue to their high ionic conductivity and adeciduate mechanical features for lamination, sulfide composites have received increasing attention as solid electrolyte in all‐solid‐state batteries. Their smaller electronegativity and binding energy to Li ions and bigger atomic radius provide high ionic conductivity and make them attractive for practical applications. In recent years, noticeable efforts have been made to develop high‐performance sulfide solid‐state electrolytes. However, sulfide solid‐state electrolytes still face numerous challenges including: 1) the need for a higher stability voltage window, 2) a better electrode–electrolyte interface and air stability, and 3) a cost‐effective approach for large‐scale manufacturing. Herein, a comprehensive update on the properties (structural and chemical), synthesis of sulfide solid‐state electrolytes, and the development of sulfide‐based all‐solid‐state batteries is provided, including electrochemical and chemical stability, interface stabilization, and their applications in high performance and safe energy storage.
Engineering Porous Emitting Framework Nanoparticles with Integrated Sensitizers for Low‐Power Photon Upconversion by Triplet Fusion
Authors: Perego Jacopo , Pedrini Jacopo , Bezuidenhout Charl X. , Sozzani Piero E. , Meinardi Francesco , Bracco Silvia , Comotti Angiolina , Monguzzi Angelo 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe conversion of low‐energy light into photons of higher energy based on sensitized triplet–triplet annihilation (sTTA) upconversion is emerging as the most promising wavelength‐shifting methodology because it operates efficiently at excitation powers as low as the solar irradiance. However, the production of solid‐state upconverters suited for direct integration in devices is still an ongoing challenge owing to the difficulties concerning the organization of two complementary moieties, the triplet sensitizer, and the annihilator, which must interact efficiently. This problem is solved by fabricating porous fluorescent nanoparticles wherein the emitters are integrated into robust covalent architectures. These emitting porous aromatic framework (ePAF) nanoparticles allow intimate interaction with the included metallo‐porphyrin as triplet sensitizers. Remarkably, the high concentration of framed chromophores ensures hopping‐mediated triplet diffusion required for TTA, yet the low density of the framework promotes their high optical features without quenching effects, typical of the solid state. A green‐to‐blue photon upconversion yield as high as 15% is achieved: a record performance among annihilators in a condensed phase. Furthermore, the engineered ePAF architecture containing covalently linked sensitizers produces full‐fledge solid‐state bicomponent particles that behave as autonomous nanodevices.
Assembly of Topographical Micropatterns with Optoelectronic Tweezers
Authors: Zhang Shuailong , Zhai Yifan , Peng Ran , Shayegannia Moein , Flood Andrew G. , Qu Juntian , Liu Xinyu , Kherani Nazir P. , Wheeler Aaron R. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractTopographical micropatterns (TMPs), or ordered arrays of 3D features on a flat surface, have become important for a wide range of applications. A new optofluidic method based on optoelectronic tweezers to assemble TMPs from suspensions of microparticles in fluid is reported. After assembly, TMPs can be freeze‐dried and then transferred to alternate substrates. 3D simulations are carried out to clarify the experimental results and techniques are developed to evaluate pattern‐transfer fidelity, which is found to be >90% for a wide range of different structures. The optofluidic assembly method described here is facile and accessible, suggesting utility for a wide range of microfabrication and microassembly applications in the future.
Efficient White Polymer Light‐Emitting Diode (WPLED) Based on Single‐Component Eu3+–Tb3+‐Containing Metallopolymer
Authors: Fu Guorui , Liu Lin , Li Wentao , He Yani , Miao Tiezheng , Lü Xingqiang , He Hongshan 
Published: August 2019

AbstractDespite the excellent physical properties of single‐component Eu3+–Tb3+‐containing metallopolymers, the development of their flexible white polymer light‐emitting diodes (WPLEDs) for portable full‐color flat displays remains a formidable challenge. Herein, the WPLEDs from a metallopolymer Poly(NVK‐co‐2‐co‐7) are reported, in which [Eu(DBM)3(4‐vp‐PBI)] (2) and [Tb(tba‐PMP)3(4‐vp‐PBI)] (7) with different localized circumstances are grafted into poly(N‐vinyl‐carbarzole) (PVK). In this design, both Dexter and Förster energy transfers occur, which endow a photoluminescent quantum yield up to 22.3% of the straightforward high‐quality white‐lights. Contributing from the stepwise alignment of frontier molecular orbitals of Poly(NVK‐co‐2‐co‐7) as the emitting layer in combination with CBP‐ and BCP‐assisted carrier‐transports, a reliable WPLED with the record‐renewed electroluminescent performance (LMax = 388.0 cd m−2, ηcMax = 31.1 cd A−1, ηpMax = 15.0 lm W−1, ηEQEMax = 18.1%, and weak efficiency‐roll‐off) among previous organo‐Ln3+‐based white organic light‐emitting diodes/WPLEDs is achieved. This finding renders a single‐component Eu3+–Tb3+‐containing metallopolymers a potential new platform to cost‐effective flexible WPLEDs for practical applications.
Perspectives of Unicolored Phosphor‐Sensitized Fluorescence
Authors: Paterson Leanne , Mondal Anirban , Heimel Paul , Lovrincic Robert , May Falk , Lennartz Christian , Andrienko Denis 
Published: August 2019

AbstractUnicolored phosphor‐sensitized fluorescence (UPSF) is a dual emitting concept proposed for improving efficiencies and operational lifetimes of blue organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). To overcome the limitations of the individual emitters, it uses a phosphorescent donor to sensitize a fluorescent acceptor. To quantify the potential of the concept, a multiscale model of a UPSF OLED is developed. It starts from atomistic morphologies, the rates of all processes on the available experimental data are parameterized, and the respective master equation is solved with the help of the kinetic Monte Carlo algorithm. The simulations show that the energy transfer between donor molecules is essential to reproduce the results of the time‐resolved photoluminescence experiment. The scope of the experiment is expanded by studying the effect of the acceptor concentration, as well as Förster and (parasitic) Dexter energy transfer from the donor to acceptor, on the characteristics of the UPSF OLED. The study shows that an appropriate material design can further improve efficiency by more than 30% and at the same time achieve radiative decay times below 0.02 µs, thus significantly extending OLED operational lifetime.
Megalencephaly syndromes associated with mutations of core components of the PI3K‐AKT–MTOR pathway: PIK3CA, PIK3R2, AKT3, and MTOR
Authors: Dobyns William B. , Mirzaa Ghayda M. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractMegalencephaly (MEG) is a developmental abnormality of brain growth characterized by early onset, often progressive, brain overgrowth. Focal forms of megalencephaly associated with cortical dysplasia, such as hemimegalencephaly and focal cortical dysplasia, are common causes of focal intractable epilepsy in children. The increasing use of high throughput sequencing methods, including high depth sequencing to more accurately detect and quantify mosaic mutations, has allowed us to identify the molecular etiologies of many MEG syndromes, including most notably the PI3K‐AKT‐MTOR related MEG disorders. Thorough molecular and clinical characterization of affected individuals further allow us to derive preliminary genotype–phenotype correlations depending on the gene, mutation, level of mosaicism, and tissue distribution. Our review of published data on these disorders so far shows that mildly activating variants (that are typically constitutional or germline) are associated with diffuse megalencephaly with intellectual disability and/or autism spectrum disorder; moderately activating variants (that are typically high‐level mosaic) are associated with megalencephaly with pigmentary abnormalities of the skin; and strongly activating variants (that are usually very low‐level mosaic) are associated with focal brain malformations including hemimegalencephaly and focal cortical dysplasia. Accurate molecular diagnosis of these disorders is undoubtedly crucial to more optimally treat children with these disorders using PI3K‐AKT–MTOR pathway inhibitors.
Katalyse und Elektronentransfer in helikalen De‐novo‐Gerüststrukturen
Authors: Pinter Tyler B. J. , Koebke Karl J. , Pecoraro Vincent L. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractDie Frage nach der Beziehung zwischen der Struktur und der Funktion von Proteinen ist eines der größten Rätsel der Biochemie. Das De‐novo‐Design von Metalloproteinen bietet die Möglichkeit, neu zu bestimmen, was nötig ist, um von Grund auf Funktionalität in einer Struktur aufzubauen, die nicht von der Struktur des natürlichen Vorbilds abgeleitet ist. Dieser Aufsatz konzentriert sich auf Arbeiten zum Proteindesign, die De‐novo‐Metalloproteine innerhalb alpha‐helikaler Gerüststrukturen liefern. Beispiele umfassen De‐novo‐Proteine mit Carboanhydrase‐ oder Nitritreduktaseaktivität, sowie Systeme, in denen die spektroskopischen Eigenschaften einzigartiger Elektronentransferzentren von Cupredoxinen oder Rubredoxinen nachgebildet werden. Diese Arbeiten demonstrieren die Vielseitigkeit von alpha‐Helices als Gerüststrukturen im Design von Metalloproteinen und die Fortschritte, die durch rationales Design möglich sind. Unsere Arbeiten belegen die Unabhängigkeit der Carboanhydraseaktivität von der Gerüststruktur und Position des aktiven Zentrums, verfeinern unsere Cupredoxinmodelle und erhöhen die Aktivität unserer Nitritreduktase um bis zu das 1000‐Fache.
Access to Multifunctionalized Benzofurans by Aryl Nickelation of Alkynes: Efficient Synthesis of the Anti‐Arrhythmic Drug Amiodarone
Authors: Iqbal Naeem , Iqbal Naila , Maiti Debabrata , Cho Eun Jin 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAn unconventional nickel‐catalyzed reaction was developed for the synthesis of multifunctionalized benzofurans from alkyne‐tethered phenolic esters. The transformation involves the generation of a nucleophilic vinyl NiII species by the regioselective syn‐aryl nickelation of an alkyne, which then undergoes an intramolecular cyclization with phenol ester to yield highly functionalized 1,1‐disubstituted alkenes with 3‐benzofuranyl and (hetero)aryl substituents. The methodology can be used for the late‐stage benzofuran incorporation of various drug molecules and natural products, such as 2‐propylvaleric acid, gemfibrozil, biotin, and lithocholic acid. Furthermore, this arylative cyclization method was successfully applied for the efficient synthesis of the anti‐arrhythmic drug amiodarone.
Nanoporous Gold Embedded ZIF Composite for Enhanced Electrochemical Nitrogen Fixation
Authors: Yang Yijie , Wang Shu‐Qi , Wen Haoming , Ye Tao , Chen Jing , Li Cheng‐Peng , Du Miao 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) offers an energy‐saving and environmentally friendly approach to produce ammonia under ambient conditions. However, traditional catalysts have extremely poor NRR performances because of their low activity and the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction. The high catalytic activity of nanoporous gold (NPG) and the hydrophobicity and molecular concentrating effect of the zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) were incorporated in the NPG@ZIF‐8 nanocomposite so that the ZIF‐8 shell could weaken hydrogen evolution and retard reactant diffusion. A highest Faradaic efficiency of 44 % and an excellent rate of ammonia production of (28.7±0.9) μg h−1 cm−2 were achieved, which are superior to traditional gold nanoparticles and NPG. Moreover, the composite catalyst shows high electrochemical stability and selectivity (98 %). The superior NRR performance makes NPG@ZIF‐8 one of the most promising water‐based NRR electrocatalysts for ammonia production.
Facile C=O Bond Splitting of Carbon Dioxide Induced by Metal–Ligand Cooperativity in a Phosphinine Iron(0) Complex
Authors: Leitl Julia , Marquardt Michael , Coburger Peter , Scott Daniel J. , Streitferdt Verena , Gschwind Ruth M. , Müller Christian , Wolf Robert 
Published: August 2019

AbstractNew iron complexes [Cp*FeL]− (1‐σ and 1‐π, Cp*=C5Me5) containing the chelating phosphinine ligand 2‐(2′‐pyridyl)‐4,6‐diphenylphosphinine (L) have been prepared, and found to undergo facile reaction with CO2 under ambient conditions. The outcome of this reaction depends on the coordination mode of the versatile ligand L. Interaction of CO2 with the isomer 1‐π, in which L binds to Fe through the phosphinine moiety in an η5 fashion, leads to the formation of 3‐π, in which CO2 has undergone electrophilic addition to the phosphinine group. In contrast, interaction with 1‐σ—in which L acts as a σ‐chelating [P,N] ligand—leads to product 3‐σ in which one C=O bond has been completely broken. Such CO2 cleavage reactions are extremely rare for late 3d metals, and this represents the first such example mediated by a single Fe centre.