bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A valve powered by earthworm muscle with both electrical and 100% chemical control
Authors: Tanaka Yo , Funano Shun-ichi , Noguchi Yuji , Yalikun Yaxiaer , Kamamichi Norihiro 
Published: July 2019

AbstractDevelopment of bio-microactuators combining microdevices and cellular mechanical functions has been an active research field owing to their desirable properties including high mechanical integrity and biocompatibility. Although various types of devices were reported, the use of as-is natural muscle tissue should be more effective. An earthworm muscle-driven valve has been created. Long-time (more than 2 min) and repeatable displacement was observed by chemical (acetylcholine) stimulation. The generated force of the muscle (1 cm × 3 cm) was 1.57 mN on average for 2 min by the acetylcholine solution (100 mM) stimulation. We demonstrated an on-chip valve that stopped the constant pressure flow by the muscle contraction. For electrical control, short pulse stimulation was used for the continuous and repeatable muscle contraction. The response time was 3 s, and the pressure resistance was 3.0 kPa. Chemical stimulation was then used for continuous muscle contraction. The response time was 42 s, and the pressure resistance was 1.5 kPa. The ON (closed) state was kept for at least 2 min. An on-chip valve was demonstrated that stopped the constant pressure flow by the muscle contraction. This is the first demonstration of the muscle-based valve that is 100% chemically actuated and controlled.
Impact of temperature and humidity on performance of the fecal immunochemical test for advanced colorectal neoplasia
Authors: Park Chan Hyuk , Jung Yoon Suk , Kim Nam Hee , Lee Mi Yeon , Park Jung Ho , Park Dong Il , Sohn Chong Il 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAlthough it is known that ambient temperature can affect the diagnostic performance of the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), the impact of other weather parameters, including humidity, on the sensitivity of FIT remains to be further investigated. We aimed to evaluate the impact of ambient temperature and humidity on the performance of FIT for screening for advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACRN). We included asymptomatic individuals who had undergone both screening colonoscopy and FIT. The diagnostic performance of FIT, including its sensitivity, was analyzed according to the ambient temperature and humidity on the day that FIT was performed. Temperature and humidity were divided into five levels. Among 35,461 participants, 589 (1.7%) had ACRN. The positivity rate of FIT was lower at ≥24 °C (3.1%) than at <0 °C (3.9%), 0–8 °C (4.3%), and 8–16 °C (3.9%). It was also lower at 80–90% humidity (3.1%) than at < 60% humidity (3.9%). Multivariable analysis showed that high ambient temperature (≥24 °C) with high ambient humidity (≥80%) was associated with a low positivity rate of FIT (odds ratio [OR] 0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.44–0.86). Sensitivity tended to decrease at high ambient temperature (<24 °C vs. ≥24 °C; 20.8% vs. 14.6%, P = 0.110) and was significantly lower at high ambient humidity (<80% vs. ≥80%; 21.0% vs. 12.5%, P = 0.044). The multivariable analysis also showed that high ambient humidity was independently associated with low sensitivity of FIT (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.28–0.96). In conclusion, high ambient humidity decreased the sensitivity, while high ambient temperature along with high ambient humidity decreased the positivity rate of FIT.
A highly responsive NH3 sensor based on Pd-loaded ZnO nanoparticles prepared via a chemical precipitation approach
Authors: Mhlongo G. H. , Motaung D. E. , Cummings F. R. , Swart H. C. , Ray S. S. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe gas-detecting ability of nanostructured ZnO has led to significant attention being paid to the development of a unique and effective approach to its synthesis. However, its poor sensitivity, cross-sensitivity to humidity, long response/recovery times and poor selectivity hinder its practical use in environmental and health monitoring. In this context, the addition of noble metals, as dopants or catalysts to modify the ZnO surface has been examined to enhance its sensing performance. Herein, we report preparation of Pd-loaded ZnO nanoparticles via a chemical precipitation approach. Various Pd loadings were employed to produce surface-modified ZnO nanostructure sensors, and their resulting NH3 sensing capabilities both in dry and humid environments were investigated. Through a comparative gas sensing study between the pure and Pd-loaded ZnO sensors upon exposure to NH3 at an optimal operating temperature of 350 °C, the Pd-loaded ZnO sensors were found to exhibit enhanced sensor responses and fast response/recovery times. The influence of Pd loading and its successful incorporation into ZnO nanostructure was examined by X-ray diffraction, high resolution-transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. XPS studies demonstrated that in all samples, Pd existed in two chemical states, namely Pd° and Pd2+. The possible sensing mechanism related to NH3 gas is also discussed in detail.
Phylogenetic and crystallographic analysis of Nostoc phycocyanin having blue-shifted spectral properties
Authors: Sonani Ravi R. , Rastogi Rajesh Prasad , Patel Stuti Nareshkumar , Chaubey Mukesh Ghanshyam , Singh Niraj Kumar , Gupta Gagan D. , Kumar Vinay , Madamwar Datta 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe distinct sequence feature and spectral blue-shift (~10 nm) of phycocyanin, isolated from Nostoc sp. R76DM (N-PC), were investigated by phylogenetic and crystallographic analyses. Twelve conserved substitutions in N-PC sequence were found distributed unequally among α- and β-subunit (3 in α- and 9 in β-subunit). The phylogenetic analysis suggested that molecular evolution of α- and β-subunit of Nostoc-phycocyanin is faster than evolution of Nostoc-species. The divergence events seem to have occurred more frequently in β-subunit, compared to α-subunit (relative divergence, 7.38 for α-subunit and 9.66 for β-subunit). Crystal structure of N-PC was solved at 2.35 Å resolution to reasonable R-factors (Rwork/RFree = 0.199/0.248). Substitutions congregate near interface of two αβ-monomer in N-PC trimer and are of compensatory nature. Six of the substitutions in β-subunit may be involved in maintaining topology of β-subunit, one in inter-monomer interaction and one in interaction with linker-protein. The β153Cys-attached chromophore adopts high-energy conformational state resulting due to reduced coplanarity of B- and C-pyrrole rings. Distortion in chromophore conformation can result in blue-shift in N-PC spectral properties. N-PC showed significant in-vitro and in-vivo antioxidant activity comparable with other phycocyanin. Since Nostoc-species constitute a distinct phylogenetic clade, the present structure would provide a better template to build a model for phycocyanins of these species.
Prioritizing target-disease associations with novel safety and efficacy scoring methods
Authors: Failli Mario , Paananen Jussi , Fortino Vittorio 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBiological target (commonly genes or proteins) identification is still largely a manual process, where experts manually try to collect and combine information from hundreds of data sources, ranging from scientific publications to omics databases. Targeting the wrong gene or protein will lead to failure of the drug development process, as well as incur delays and costs. To improve this process, different software platforms are being developed. These platforms rely strongly on efficacy estimates based on target-disease association scores created by computational methods for drug target prioritization. Here novel computational methods are presented to more accurately evaluate the efficacy and safety of potential drug targets. The proposed efficacy scores utilize existing gene expression data and tissue/disease specific networks to improve the inference of target-disease associations. Conversely, safety scores enable the identification of genes that are essential, potentially susceptible to adverse effects or carcinogenic. Benchmark results demonstrate that our transcriptome-based methods for drug target prioritization can increase the true positive rate of target-disease associations. Additionally, the proposed safety evaluation system enables accurate predictions of targets of withdrawn drugs and targets of drug trials prematurely discontinued.
Phosphorylation of p23-1 cochaperone by protein kinase CK2 affects root development in Arabidopsis
Authors: D’Alessandro Stefano , Golin Serena , Zanin Sofia , Cendron Laura , Zottini Michela , Ruzzene Maria 
Published: July 2019

AbstractRoot growth is a fundamental process in plants and assures nutrient and water uptake required for efficient photosynthesis and metabolism. Postembryonic development of roots is controlled by the functionality of the meristem. Several hormones and signaling molecules regulate the size of the meristem, and among them, auxins play a major role. Protein kinase CK2, along with the chaperone protein HSP90, has been found to be involved in the regulation of auxin transport. Here, we show that p23-1, a cochaperone of HSP90, is phosphorylated by CK2 in Arabidopsis. We identified Ser201 as the major CK2 target site in p23-1 and demonstrated that phosphorylation of this site is necessary for normal root development. Moreover, we shed light on the nature of CK2 in Arabidopsis, showing that the three catalytic isoforms, CK2 αA, αB and αC, are proteins of approximately 40 kDa. Our results increase knowledge of the connection among HSP90, p23-1 and CK2 in Arabidopsis, suggesting the existence of a possible common root development mechanism controlled by these signaling molecules.
A Plant-Produced in vivo deglycosylated full-length Pfs48/45 as a Transmission-Blocking Vaccine Candidate against malaria
Authors: Mamedov Tarlan , Cicek Kader , Miura Kazutoyo , Gulec Burcu , Akinci Ersin , Mammadova Gunay , Hasanova Gulnara 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPfs48/45 is a leading antigen candidate for a transmission blocking (TB) vaccine. However, efforts to produce affordable, safe and correctly folded full-length Pfs48/45 using different protein expression systems have not produced an antigen with satisfactory TB activity. Pfs48/45 has 16 cysteines involved in disulfide bond formation, and the correct formation is critical for proper folding and induction of TB antibodies. Moreover, Pfs48⁄45 is not a glycoprotein in the native hosts, but contains potential glycosylation sites, which are aberrantly glycosylated during expression in eukaryotic systems. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that full length, Endo H in vivo enzymatic deglycosylated Pfs48/45 antigen is produced at a high level in plants and is structurally stable at elevated temperatures. Sera from mice immunized with this antigen showed strong inhibition in SMFA. Thus, Endo H in vivo enzymatic deglycosylated Pfs48/45 is a promising candidate for the development of an affordable TB vaccine, which may have the potential to save millions.
Walking-related locomotion is facilitated by the perception of distant targets in the extrapersonal space
Authors: Di Marco Sara , Tosoni Annalisa , Altomare Emanuele Cosimo , Ferretti Gabriele , Perrucci Mauro Gianni , Committeri Giorgia 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe Gibsonian notion of affordance has been massively employed in cognitive sciences to characterize the tight interdependence between hand-related actions, manipulable objects and peripersonal space. A behavioural facilitation effect, indeed, is observed for grasping actions directed to objects located in the ‘reachable’ peripersonal space. Relevantly, this relationship is supported by dedicated neural systems in the brain. The original notion of affordance, however, was directly inspired by real-time interactions between animals and their extended natural environment. Consistently, also the extrapersonal space representation can be significantly modulated by action-related factors, and the brain contains dedicated systems for the representation of topographical space and navigation. Here we examined whether a facilitation effect could be also described for a walking-related action in the far extrapersonal space. To this aim, we employed a go/no-go paradigm requiring subjects to execute a footstep ahead in response to pictures of a virtual reality environment containing objects located at different distances (near, far) and eccentricities (central, peripheral). A walking-related, facilitation effect for distant extrapersonal locations was found, suggesting an automatic trigger of walking by positions that preferentially guide spatial exploration. Based on the parallelism with the literature on micro-affordances, we propose that this effect can be described in terms of “macro-affordances”.
Separation and recovery of carbon powder in anodes from spent lithium-ion batteries to synthesize graphene
Authors: Yang Li , Yang Liu , Xu Guangri , Feng Qigao , Li Yuanchao , Zhao Erqing , Ma Jingjing , Fan Shumin , Li Xiaobo 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBased on the structural characteristics of the anodes of lithium-ion batteries, an improved Hummers’ method is proposed to recycle the anode materials of spent lithium-ion batteries into graphene. In order to effectively separate the active material from the copper foil, water was selected as an ultrasonic solvent in this experiment. In order to further verify whether lithium ions exist in the active material, carbon powder, it was digested by microwave digestion. ICP-AES was then used to analyse the solution. It was found that lithium ions were almost non-existent in the carbon powder. In order to further increase the added value of the active material, graphene oxide was obtained by an improved Hummers’ method using the carbon powder. The graphene material was also reduced by adding vitamin C as a reducing agent through a chemical reduction method using graphene oxide. Meanwhile, the negative graphite, graphite oxide and graphene samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, FTIR and TEM. The conductivity of the negative graphite, graphite oxide and graphene was tested. The results show that graphene prepared by a redox method has a better layered structure, less impurities and oxygen groups in its molecular structure, wider interlayer spacing and smaller resistivity.
Dapagliflozin rescues endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated cell death
Authors: Shibusawa Ryo , Yamada Eijiro , Okada Shuichi , Nakajima Yasuyo , Bastie Claire C. , Maeshima Akito , Kaira Kyoichi , Yamada Masanobu 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe new type 2 diabetes drug, dapagliflozin, reduces blood glucose levels and body weight by inhibiting sodium glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) in proximal tubular cells. SGLT2 inhibitors might modulate glucose influx into renal tubular cells, thereby regulating the metabolic conditions that cause endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the cells. In this study, we examined the effect of dapagliflozin on ER stress in the HK-2 proximal tubular cell line and in the kidney of db/db mice to characterise its function in diabetic nephropathy (DN). We found that dapagliflozin regulated ER stress-mediated apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Only the elf2α-ATF4-CHOP pathway was regulated under these conditions. Notably, the drug rescued C2 ceramide-induced ER stress-mediated apoptosis and ER stress-mediated apoptosis, which might occur in DN, in db/db mice. Our study shows a novel role for dapagliflozin as an inhibitor of ER stress and suggests that dapagliflozin might be useful for the prevention of DN.
The water line emission and ortho-to-para ratio in the Orion Bar photon-dominated region
Authors: Putaud T. , Michaut X. , Le Petit F. , Roueff E. , Lis D. C. 
Published: July 2019

Context. The ortho-to-para ratio (OPR) of water in the interstellar medium (ISM) is often assumed to be related to the formation temperature of water molecules, making it a potentially interesting tracer of the thermal history of interstellar gas.
Aims. A very low OPR of 0.1–0.5 was previously reported in the Orion Bar photon-dominated region (PDR), based on observations of two optically thin H218O lines which were analyzed by using a single-slab large velocity gradient (LVG) model. The corresponding spin temperature does not coincide with the kinetic temperature of the molecular gas in this UV-illuminated region. This was interpreted as an indication of water molecules being formed on cold icy grains which were subsequently released by UV photodesorption.
Methods. A more complete set of water observations in the Orion Bar, including seven H216O lines and one H218O line, carried out using Herschel/HIFI instrument, was reanalyzed using the Meudon PDR code to derive gas-phase water abundance and the OPR. The model takes into account the steep density and temperature gradients present in the region.
Results. The model line intensities are in good agreement with the observations assuming that water molecules formed with an OPR corresponding to thermal equilibrium conditions at the local kinetic temperature of the gas and when solely considering gas-phase chemistry and water gas-grain exchanges through adsorption and desorption. Gas-phase water is predicted to arise from a region deep into the cloud, corresponding to a visual extinction of AV ~ 9, with a H216O fractional abundance of ~2 × 10−7 and column density of (1.4 ± 0.8) × 1015 cm−2 for a total cloud depth of AV = 15. A line-of-sight average OPR of 2.8 ± 0.2 is derived.
Conclusions. The observational data are consistent with a nuclear spin isomer repartition corresponding to the thermal equilibrium at a temperature of 36 ± 2 K, much higher than the spin temperature previously reported for this region and close to the gas kinetic temperature in the water-emitting gas.
Pancreatic stenting to prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis: a randomized multicenter trial
Authors: Phillip Veit , Pukitis Aldis , Epstein Alexey , Hapfelmeier Alexander , Haf David , Schwab Miriam , Demir Ihsan Ekin , Rosendahl Jonas , Hoffmeister Albrecht , Schmid Roland M. , Weber Andreas , Algül Hana 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background and study aims Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders leading to hospitalization and the most frequent complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Besides pharmaco-prophylaxis, pancreatic stenting has been demonstrated to protect from post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). However, it remains unclear which patients benefit from pancreatic stenting. We therefore hypothesized that in an unselected population, inadvertent cannulation of the pancreatic duct during first-time ERCP increases risk of PEP and that this risk can be significantly reduced by pancreatic stenting.
Patients and methods This study was a multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled trial conducted at four European centers. A total of 167 patients undergoing first-time ERCP were enrolled in this trial. In the case of inadvertent cannulation of the pancreatic duct, patients were randomly assigned to receive either a 5 French plastic pancreatic stent of various length or no routine prophylactic intervention for PEP.
Results A total of 167 patients were included in the final analysis. Prophylactic stent insertion significantly reduced the rate of PEP during first-time ERCP (odds ratio 0.43; 95% confidence interval 0.19 – 0.98; P = 0.04). The number needed to treat to prevent one case of PEP by prophylactic stent insertion after inadvertent cannulation of the pancreatic duct was 8.1 for the intention-to-treat population.
Conclusion In an unselected patient population, inadvertent cannulation of the pancreatic duct during first-time ERCP is associated with a high risk for PEP. This risk can be significantly reduced by prophylactic pancreatic stenting, which is a safe and feasible procedure.
Unterstützung pflegender Angehöriger in der allgemeinen ambulanten Palliativversorgung Vorarlberg, Austria aus Sicht der Pflege
Authors: Rizza Katharina , Mathis Gebhard 
Published: July 2019

Zusammenfassung
Einleitung und Hintergrund Die meisten Menschen möchten zu Hause sterben. Ein Großteil der Pflege im ambulanten Bereich wird von pflegenden An- und Zugehörigen geleistet. Deren Belastung und Überforderung resultieren oft in Krisensituationen und Hospitalisierungen der Patienten.Ziel der Untersuchung ist der Stand der ambulanten allgemeinen Palliativversorgung in Vorarlberg, Österreich, im Besonderen, Belastungen und Bedürfnisse pflegender An- und Zugehöriger aus Sicht der Pflege.
Methode Mittels Online-Surveys wurden alle 50 ambulanten, flächendeckenden Pflegedienste Vorarlbergs eingeladen die ambulante Palliativversorgung sowie die Belastungen und Bedürfnisse pflegender Angehöriger einzuschätzen.
Ergebnisse Die Rücklaufquote beläuft sich auf 76 %. Von allen Pflegekräften haben 26 % eine Palliativweiterbildung. Die Pflegedienste (in Vorarlberg: Krankenpflegevereine KPV) geben insgesamt eine hohe Belastung pflegender An- und Zugehöriger an. Eine Überforderung im Umgang mit Sterben und Tod wird am stärksten wahrgenommen (89,5 %; n = 34 KPV); fast ebenso hoch ist das Bedürfnis nach Beratung und fachlicher Sicherheit (86,8 %; n = 33); Ängste vor Krankheitsverschlechterung, Traurigkeit und Niedergeschlagenheit nehmen 84,2 % (n = 34) wahr; Überforderung bei der Pflege sowie Angst vor Krisensituationen 81,6 % (n = 31). Fast alle KPVs (94,7 %; n = 36) führen (sehr) oft Beratungs- und Begleitgespräche.
Diskussion Der hohen Belastung (pflegender) An- und Zugehöriger sollte mit palliativer Kompetenz und systematisch begegnet werden. An- und Zugehörige sollten als Teil des Behandlungsteams in den Kommunikationsprozess einbezogen werden. Die interprofessionelle Zusammenarbeit sollte entsprechend den komplexen Anforderungen im ambulanten palliativen Setting mehr forciert und standardisiert werden.
Palliativer Konsiliardienst auf
Intensivstationen
Authors: Schallenburger Manuela 
Published: July 2019

ZusammenfassungPalliative Care und Intensivmedizin scheinen primär grundlegend diverse Ziele in
der Patientenbetreuung zu verfolgen. Die Patienten mitsamt ihren Bedürfnissen
unterscheiden sich jedoch nicht grundsätzlich. Gewisse Patienten können durchaus
von der Unterstützung eines palliativen Konsiliardienstes profitieren. Im
Artikel wird eine mögliche Zusammenarbeit des Intensivteams mit dem palliativen
Konsiliardienst vorgestellt.
Vorbeugung gegen die Langzeitfolgen eines
Intensivaufenthalts
Authors: Fröhlich Martin R. , Haubner Sandra , Bucher Martina 
Published: July 2019

ZusammenfassungEin Intensivaufenthalt kann Spuren hinterlassen und zu physischen, psychischen
oder kognitiven Beeinträchtigungen führen. Der Fachbegriff hierfür lautet
Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS). Follow-up-Angebote können zur Prävention
eines PICS beitragen. Was beinhalten diese Angebote und wie wirksam sind
sie?
Übertherapie am Lebensende
Authors: Thöns Matthias , Sitte Thomas 
Published: July 2019

ZusammenfassungMuss ein Patient um jeden Preis therapiert werden, auch wenn es ihm keinen Nutzen
bringt? Sind Fallzahlen wichtiger als die angemessene Behandlung eines schwer
kranken Menschen? Der Beitrag nimmt sinn- und aussichtslose Maximaltherapien am
Lebensende unter die Lupe, die nicht nur Patienten und deren Angehörige
belasten, sondern auch das Pflegepersonal oft frustrieren.
Sexuelle Enthemmung bei Therapie mit Aripiprazol
Authors: Kozian Ralf 
Published: July 2019

ZusammenfassungDas Auftreten einer Hypersexualität bzw. einer sexuellen Enthemmung bei Anwendung von verschiedenen Neuroleptika stellt eine Rarität dar. Bei Anwendung von Aripiprazol häufen sich jedoch Mitteilungen, nach denen es zu einer sexuellen Enthemmung bzw. auch anderen Impulskontrollstörungen wie dem pathologischen Spielen kommt. Verantwortlich dafür ist möglicherweise der Partialagonismus am D2-Rezeptor oder auch die Stimulation am 5-HT1A-Rezeptor und der 5-HT2A-Rezeptoren-Antagonismus.