bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative Analysis of Haematological Parameters in Hookworm and Plasmodium falciparum Co-Infected Individuals in Kintampo North Municipality, Ghana
Authors: Amoani Benjamin , Gyan Ben , Armah Francis A. , Otabil Cecil , Tchum Kofi , Frempong Margaret T. , Wilson Michael D. 
Published: March 2019

Background: Hookworm and Plasmodium falciparum are endemic in Ghana, especially in the north-east and middle belt areas. Haematological parameters have been shown to predict the presence of these infections in patients. This study investigated the effect of hookworm-P. falciparum co-infection on haematological parameters among the patients.
Methodology: Stool and blood samples from 984 participants in a cross-sectional study conducted in the Kintampo North Municipality of Ghana were examined for hookworm and Plasmodium falciparum parasites. Malaria parasitaemia was estimated by microscopy and Plasmodium falciparum-specific 18S rRNA gene by polymerase chain reaction. Hookworm eggs in faecal samples were analyzed using Kato-Katz and formol-ether concentration methods. Hookworm speciation was done by PCR. Estimation of haematological parameters was done by automated haematology analyzer. Tukey multiple comparisons test was used to compare continuous variables among the infected groups and Spearman’s rank correlation test determined the relationships between variables.
Results: The overall mean (SD) age of the study participants was 22.8 (17.4). Mean lymphocytes and eosinophils counts were higher while mean neutrophil and monocytes counts were lower in the co-infected individuals compared to the single infections. The mean red blood cell (RBC) count and haemoglobin (Hb) levels were higher in the co-infected individuals than in those with malaria only infection. However, white blood cell count and platelet counts were not statistically significant among the groups. There was a significant negative correlation between malaria parasite density and Hb level (r = - 0.239, p = 0.001)
Conclusion: Hookworm and Plasmodium falciparum co-infections showed an increased in lymphocyte, eosinophil count and Haemoglobin levels, but a decrease in neutrophil and monocyte levels compared to malaria only infection. The possible mechanisms accounting for the variations in haematological levels remain to be elucidated.
Biological Screening of Traditional Medicinal Plants from Villages of Akkuş (Ordu) in Turkey on the Effects of Tyrosinase
Authors: Badem Merve , Korkmaz Nuriye , Sener Sıla Ozlem , Kanbolat Seyda , Ozgen Ufuk , Sevgi Serhat , Aliyazicioglu Rezzan , Coskun Maksut 
Published: March 2019

In the present study, ethnomedicinal uses of the plants naturally growing in 35 villages of Akkuş District have been determined. Informations about the uses of the plants have been obtained from villagers using a questionnaire. At the end of the identification of the plants collected from villages, 58 taxa belong to 32 families have been determined. Furthermore, tyrosinase enzyme activity studies of methanolic extracts of all the species carried out spectroscopicallly. Eventually, the plants has been demonstrated to be used as folk medicine, food animal feed, ornamental, stuff, dyeing, odour, insecticide and fishing. According to the biological screening studies, some species have been indicated to have inhibitory effect, but the others have activator effect on tyrosinase enzyme.
JAK/STAT signaling is involved in air sac primordium development of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Powers Nathan , Srivastava Ajay 
Published: March 2019

The dorsal thoracic air sacs in fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) are functionally and developmentally comparable to human lungs. The progenitors of these structures, air sac primordia (ASPs), invasively propagate into wing imaginal disks, employing mechanisms similar to those that promote metastasis in malignant tumors. We investigated whether Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription JAK/STAT signaling plays a role in the directed morphogenesis of ASPs. We find that JAK/STAT signaling occurs in ASP tip cells and misexpression of core components in the JAK/STAT signaling cascade significantly impedes ASP development. We further identify Upd2 as an activating ligand for JAK/STAT activity in the ASP. Together, these data constitute a considerable step forward in understanding the role of JAK/STAT signaling in ASPs and similar structures in mammalian models.
Alternative splicing in a presenilin 2 variant associated with Alzheimer disease
Authors: Braggin Jacquelyn E. , Bucks Stephanie A. , Course Meredith M. , Smith Carole L. , Sopher Bryce , Osnis Leah , Shuey Kiel D. , Domoto‐Reilly Kimiko , Caso Christina , Kinoshita Chizuru , Scherpelz Kathryn P. , Cross Chloe , Grabowski Thomas , Nik Seyyed H. M. , Newman Morgan , Garden Gwenn A. , Leverenz James B. , Tsuang Debby , Latimer Caitlin , Gonzalez‐Cuyar Luis F. , Keene Christopher Dirk , Morrison Richard S. , Rhoads Kristoffer , Wijsman Ellen M. , Dorschner Michael O. , Lardelli Michael , Young Jessica E. , Valdmanis Paul N. , Bird Thomas D. , Jayadev Suman 
Published: March 2019

AbstractObjectiveAutosomal‐dominant familial Alzheimer disease (AD) is caused by by variants in presenilin 1 (PSEN1), presenilin 2 (PSEN2), and amyloid precursor protein (APP). Previously, we reported a rare PSEN2 frameshift variant in an early‐onset AD case (PSEN2 p.K115Efs*11). In this study, we characterize a second family with the same variant and analyze cellular transcripts from both patient fibroblasts and brain lysates.MethodsWe combined genomic, neuropathological, clinical, and molecular techniques to characterize the PSEN2 K115Efs*11 variant in two families.ResultsNeuropathological and clinical evaluation confirmed the AD diagnosis in two individuals carrying the PSEN2 K115Efs*11 variant. A truncated transcript from the variant allele is detectable in patient fibroblasts while levels of wild‐type PSEN2 transcript and protein are reduced compared to controls. Functional studies to assess biological consequences of the variant demonstrated that PSEN2 K115Efs*11 fibroblasts secrete less Aβ1–40 compared to controls, indicating abnormal γ‐secretase activity. Analysis of PSEN2 transcript levels in brain tissue revealed alternatively spliced PSEN2 products in patient brain as well as in sporadic AD and age‐matched control brain.InterpretationThese data suggest that PSEN2 K115Efs*11 is a likely pathogenic variant associated with AD. We uncovered novel PSEN2 alternative transcripts in addition to previously reported PSEN2 splice isoforms associated with sporadic AD. In the context of a frameshift, these alternative transcripts return to the canonical reading frame with potential to generate deleterious protein products. Our findings suggest novel potential mechanisms by which PSEN variants may influence AD pathogenesis, highlighting the complexity underlying genetic contribution to disease risk.
Conformational Domain Wall Switch
Authors: Sharma Pankaj , Sando Daniel , Zhang Qi , Cheng Xiaoxing , Prosandeev Sergey , Bulanadi Ralph , Prokhorenko Sergei , Bellaiche Laurent , Chen Long‐Qing , Nagarajan Valanoor , Seidel Jan 
Published: March 2019

AbstractDomain walls in ferroelectric materials have tantalizing potential in disruptive memory and reconfigurable nanoelectronics technologies. Here, a ferroelectric domain wall switch with three distinct addressable resistance states is demonstrated. The device operation hinges on fully controllable and reversible conformational changes of the domain wall. As validated by atomistic simulations consistent with the experiments, using electric field, the shape—and hence the charge state—of the domain wall and ultimately its conduction are altered. Sequential nanoscale transitions of the walls are visualized directly using stroboscopic‐piezoresponse force microscopy and Kelvin probe microscopy. Anisotropic head‐to‐head domain wall injection, stabilized by the majority carrier type of the ferroelectric, BiFeO3, is identified as the key factor that enables conformational control.
Sodium Storage and Electrode Dynamics of Tin–Carbon Composite Electrodes from Bulk Precursors for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Palaniselvam Thangavelu , Goktas Mustafa , Anothumakkool Bihag , Sun Ya‐Nan , Schmuch Richard , Zhao Li , Han Bao‐Hang , Winter Martin , Adelhelm Philipp 
Published: March 2019

AbstractHere, a Sn–C composite material prepared from bulk precursors (tin metal, graphite, and melamine) using ball milling and annealing is reported. The composite (58 wt% Sn and 42 wt% N‐doped carbon) shows a capacity up to 445 mAh gSn+C−1 and an excellent cycle life (1000 cycles). For the graphite, the ball milling leads to graphene nanoplatelets (GnP) for which the storage mechanism changes from solvent co‐intercalation to conventional intercalation. The final composite (Sn at nitrogen‐doped graphite nanoplatelets (SnNGnP)) is obtained by combining the GnPs with Sn and melamine as the nitrogen source. Rate‐dependent measurements and in situ X‐ray diffraction are used to study the asymmetric storage behavior of Sn, which shows a more sloping potential profile during sodiation and more defined steps during desodiation. The disappearance of two redox plateaus during desodiation is linked to the preceding sodiation current density (memory effect). The asymmetric behavior is also found by in situ electrochemical dilatometry. This method also shows that the effective electrode expansion during sodiation is much smaller (about +14%) compared to what is expected from Sn (+420%), which gives a reasonable explanation for the excellent cycle life for the SnNGnP (and likely other nanocomposites in general). Next to the advantages, challenges, which result from the nanocomposite approach, are also discussed.
Biconcave Carbon Nanodisks for Enhanced Drug Accumulation and Chemo‐Photothermal Tumor Therapy
Authors: Mu Qingxin , Wang Hui , Gu Xinyu , Stephen Zachary R. , Yen Charles , Chang Fei‐Chien , Dayringer Christopher J. , Zhang Miqin 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIt is considered a significant challenge to construct nanocarriers that have high drug loading capacity and can overcome physiological barriers to deliver efficacious amounts of drugs to solid tumors. Here, the development of a safe, biconcave carbon nanodisk to address this challenge for treating breast cancer is reported. The nanodisk demonstrates fluorescent imaging capability, an exceedingly high loading capacity (947.8 mg g−1, 94.78 wt%) for doxorubicin (DOX), and pH‐responsive drug release. It exhibits a higher uptake rate by tumor cells and greater accumulation in tumors in a mouse model than its carbon nanosphere counterpart. In addition, the nanodisk absorbs and transforms near‐infrared (NIR) light to heat, which enables simultaneous NIR‐responsive drug release for chemotherapy and generation of thermal energy for tumor cell destruction. Notably, this NIR‐activated dual therapy demonstrates a near complete suppression of tumor growth in a mouse model of triple‐negative breast cancer when DOX‐loaded nanodisks are administered systemically.
Regulating Bulk‐Heterojunction Molecular Orientations through Surface Free Energy Control of Hole‐Transporting Layers for High‐Performance Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Jianqiu , Zheng Zhong , Zhang Dongyang , Zhang Jianqi , Zhou Jiyu , Liu Jingchong , Xie Shenkun , Zhao Yong , Zhang Yuan , Wei Zhixiang , Hou Jianhui , Tang Zhiyong , Zhou Huiqiong 
Published: March 2019

AbstractInterface properties are of critical importance for high‐performance bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) organic solar cells (OSCs). Here, a universal interface approach to tune the surface free energy (γS) of hole‐transporting layers (HTLs) in a wide range through introducing poly(styrene sulfonic acid) sodium salts or nickel formate dihydrate into poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is reported. Based on the optimal γS of HTLs and thus improved face‐on molecular ordering in BHJs, enhanced fill factor and power conversion efficiencies in both fullerene and nonfullerene OSCs are achieved, which is attributed to the increased charge carrier mobility and sweepout with reduced recombination. It is found that the face‐on orientation‐preferred BHJs (PBDB‐TF:PC71BM, PBDB‐T:PC71BM, and PBDB‐TF:IT‐4F) favor HTLs with higher γS while the edge‐on orientation‐preferred BHJs (PDCDT:PC71BM, P3HT:PC71BM and PDCBT:ITIC) are partial to HTLs with lower γS. Based on the surface property–morphology–device performance correlations, a suggestion to select a suitable HTL in terms of γS for a specific BHJ with favored molecular arrangement is provided. This work enriches the fundamental understandings on the interface characteristics and morphological control toward high‐efficiency OSCs based on a wide range of BHJ materials.
MOF‐Based Hierarchical Structures for Solar‐Thermal Clean Water Production
Authors: Ma Qinglang , Yin Pengfei , Zhao Meiting , Luo Zhiyong , Huang Ying , He Qiyuan , Yu Yifu , Liu Zhengqing , Hu Zhaoning , Chen Bo , Zhang Hua 
Published: March 2019

AbstractSolar‐thermal water evaporation, as a promising method for clean water production, has attracted increasing attention. However, solar water evaporators that exhibit both high water vapor generation ability and anti‐oil‐fouling ability have not been reported. Here, a unique metal–organic‐framework‐based hierarchical structure, referred to as MOF‐based hierarchical structure (MHS), is rationally designed and prepared, which simultaneously displays a high solar absorption and a superhydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic surface property. As a proof‐of‐concept application, a device prepared from the MHS can achieve a high solar‐thermal water evaporation rate of 1.50 kg m−2 h−1 under 1 sun illumination. Importantly, the MHS also possesses an excellent anti‐oil‐fouling property, ensuring its superior water evaporation performance even in oil‐contaminated water. The high solar‐thermal water evaporation rate and anti‐oil‐fouling property make the MHS a promising material for the solar‐thermal water production.
Pain in individuals with RASopathies: Prevalence and clinical characterization in a sample of 80 affected patients
Authors: Leoni Chiara , Triumbari Elizabeth Katherine Anna , Vollono Catello , Onesimo Roberta , Podagrosi Maria , Giorgio Valentina , Kuczynska Eliza , Veltri Stefania , Tartaglia Marco , Zampino Giuseppe 
Published: March 2019

AbstractPain in individuals with RASopathies is a neglected topic in literature. In this article, we assessed prevalence and profile of pain in a sample of 80 individuals affected by RASopathies. The study sample included individuals with Noonan syndrome (N = 42), Costello syndrome (N = 17), and cardio‐facio‐cutaneous syndrome (N = 21). A set of standardized questionnaires and scales were administered (VAS/numeric scale, r‐FLACC, Wang‐Baker scale, NPSI, BPI, NCCPC‐R) to detect and characterize acute and chronic pain and to study the influence of pain on quality of life (PEDs‐QL, SF‐36) and sleeping patterns (SDSC); revision of past medical history and multisystemic evaluation was provided. Available clinical data were correlated to the presence of pain. High prevalence of acute (44%) and chronic (61%) pain was documented in the examined sample. Due to age and intellectual disability, acute pain was localized in 18/35 individuals and chronic pain in 33/49. Muscle‐skeletal and abdominal pain was more frequently reported. The intensity of acute and chronic pain interfered with daily activities in 1/3 of the sample. Pain negatively impacted on QoL and sleeping patterns. This work documents that pain is highly prevalent in RASopathies. Future studies including subjective and objective measures of pain are required to discriminate a somatosensory abnormality from an abnormal elaboration of painful stimuli at a central level.
Deep cerebellar stimulation reduces ataxic motor symptoms in the shaker rat
Authors: Anderson Collin J. , Figueroa Karla P. , Dorval Alan D. , Pulst Stefan M. 
Published: March 2019

ObjectiveDegenerative cerebellar ataxias (DCAs) affect up to 1 in 5,000 people worldwide, leading to incoordination, tremor, and falls. Loss of Purkinje cells, nearly universal across DCAs, dysregulates the dentatothalamocortical network. To address the paucity of treatment strategies, we developed an electrical stimulation‐based therapy for DCAs targeting the dorsal dentate nucleus.MethodsWe tested this therapeutic strategy in the Wistar Furth shaker rat model of Purkinje cell loss resulting in tremor and ataxia. We implanted shaker rats with stimulating electrodes targeted to the dorsal dentate nucleus and tested a spectrum of frequencies ranging from 4 to 180 Hz.ResultsStimulation at 30 Hz most effectively reduced motor symptoms. Stimulation frequencies >100 Hz, commonly used for parkinsonism and essential tremor, worsened incoordination, and frequencies within the tremor physiologic range may worsen tremor.InterpretationLow‐frequency deep cerebellar stimulation may provide a novel strategy for treating motor symptoms of degenerative cerebellar ataxias. Ann Neurol 2019;85:681–690
Forecasting Laurent Polynomial in the Chern–Simons Current of V3 Loop Time Series
Authors: Pinčák Richard , Kanjamapornkul Kabin , Bartoš Erik 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe genetic variation in the V3 loop obstruction component of gp120 HIV glycoprotein is defined as a solitary standing wave function with the transition state between the interaction of wave function in the DNA and RNA hidden states. It is a parasitism co‐state generated from the coupling between two pairs of hidden 8 states of Laurent polynomial in the Chern–Simons current of HIV genotypes. A modified Nahm equation for a biology with Lax pairs is defined as the pairs of viral glycoprotein states with the transition between DNA and RNA in the reverse transcription process. The direction in the spinor field with genetic variation in 30 samples of the V3 loop time series with hidden 8 states of Laurent polynomial over the Chern–Simons current is predicted using a support spinor machine and convolutional neural network based on the imaging technique generated from tensor correlation network.
Controlled Release of a Micelle Payload via Sequential Enzymatic and Bioorthogonal Reactions in Living Systems
Authors: Porte Karine , Renoux Brigitte , Péraudeau Elodie , Clarhaut Jonathan , Eddhif Balkis , Poinot Pauline , Gravel Edmond , Doris Eric , Wijkhuisen Anne , Audisio Davide , Papot Sébastien , Taran Frédéric 
Published: March 2019

AbstractA bioorthogonal approach is explored to release the content of nanoparticles on demand. Exploiting our recently described click‐and‐release technology, we developed a new generation of cleavable micelles able to disassemble through a sequential enzymatic and bioorthogonal activation process. Proof‐of‐concept experiments showed that this new approach could be successfully used to deliver the substances encapsulated into micelles in living cells as well as in mice by two complementary targeted strategies.
Mechanism of a Standalone β‐Lactone Synthetase: New Continuous Assay for a Widespread ANL Superfamily Enzyme
Authors: Robinson Serina L. , Christenson James K. , Richman Jack E. , Jenkins Dominick J. , Neres João , Fonseca Dallas R. , Aldrich Courtney C. , Wackett Lawrence P. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractEnzyme‐catalyzed β‐lactone formation from β‐hydroxy acids is a crucial step in bacterial biosynthesis of β‐lactone natural products and membrane hydrocarbons. We developed a novel, continuous assay for β‐lactone synthetase activity using synthetic β‐hydroxy acid substrates with alkene or alkyne moieties. β‐Lactone formation is followed by rapid decarboxylation to form a conjugated triene chromophore for real‐time evaluation by UV/Vis spectroscopy. The assay was used to determine steady‐state kinetics of a long‐chain β‐lactone synthetase, OleC, from the plant pathogen Xanthomonas campestris. Site‐directed mutagenesis was used to test the involvement of conserved active site residues in Mg2+ and ATP binding. A previous report suggested OleC adenylated the substrate hydroxy group. Here we present several lines of evidence, including hydroxylamine trapping of the AMP intermediate, to demonstrate the substrate carboxyl group is adenylated prior to making the β‐lactone final product. A panel of nine substrate analogues were used to investigate the substrate specificity of X. campestris OleC by HPLC and GC‐MS. Stereoisomers of 2‐hexyl‐3hydroxyoctanoic acid were synthesized and OleC preferred the (2R,3S) diastereomer consistent with the stereo‐preference of upstream and downstream pathway enzymes. This biochemical knowledge was used to guide phylogenetic analysis of the β‐lactone synthetases to map their functional diversity within the acyl‐CoA synthetase, NRPS adenylation domain, and luciferase superfamily.
Mixed‐Matrix Membranes Formed from Multi‐Dimensional Metal–Organic Frameworks for Enhanced Gas Transport and Plasticization Resistance
Authors: Chi Won Seok , Sundell Benjamin J. , Zhang Ke , Harrigan Daniel J. , Hayden Steven C. , Smith Zachary P. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMixed‐matrix membranes (MMMs) formed by incorporating metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) into polymers have a general limitation in that the MOFs are typically formed into rather simple dimensionalities (such as 1D, 2D, or 3D). Each design approach has intrinsic—albeit independent—benefits, such as network percolation (1D), access to high‐aspect ratios (2D), and ease of processability (3D). However, a design strategy is needed to combine multiple dimensionalities and, thereby, access the full range of transport and compositing benefits of these high‐performance materials. Herein, a facile method to form multi‐dimensional HKUST‐1 nanoparticles is introduced by using a modulator to tune the MOF nucleation and growth mechanism. At 30 wt % multidimensional MOF loading, the MMM shows CO2 permeabilities of approximately 2500 Barrer, which represents a 2.5‐fold increase compared to that of a pure polymer without a large loss of selectivity for CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2. Additionally, almost no plasticization pressure response is observed for CO2 up to 750 psi, suggesting an unusual stability to high activity feeds.
Evaluation of engineering properties for waste control of tomato during harvesting and postharvesting
Authors: Jahanbakhshi Ahmad , Rasooli Sharabiani Vali , Heidarbeigi Kobra , Kaveh Mohammad , Taghinezhad Ebrahim 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn Iran, more than 30% of agricultural products turn into waste at different stages from harvesting to consumption. Thus, main factors for performing of this present study are including of: (a) the importance of tomato as an agricultural product and (b) lack of information about reducing waste during tomato processing. In this study, some physical, nutritional, mechanical, and hydrodynamic properties of tomato were measured under standard conditions. Physical properties included the length, width, thickness, mean diameter (geometric and arithmetic), mass, volume, density, sphericity, surface area, and aspect ratio. Also, nutritional properties, moisture, dry matter, pH, total soluble solid (TSS), and titration acidity (TA) of tomato were evaluated. The mechanical properties of tomato (compression and shear) were measured using Instron instrument. The hydrodynamic properties were measured with water in transportation, separation, and sorting of tomatoes. The physical properties were including of length, width, thickness, mass, volume, and geometric and arithmetic mean diameters showed a direct relationship with the size of tomatoes. Also, volumetric mass (density) had an inverse relation with tomato size. Yield point and shear force were obtained 51.27 and 22.20 N, respectively. The nutritional properties such as pH value, TSS, and TA were equal to 4.22, 22.23οBrix, and 2%, respectively. The hydrodynamic properties of tomatoes such as the terminal velocity, the tomatoes' rise time in the water column, the buoyancy force, and the drag force were obtained to be equal to 0.05 m/s, 10.11 S, 0.52 N, and 0.17 N, respectively.