Abstract
Nickel-based complex oxides have served as a playground for decades in the quest for a copper-oxide analog of the high-temperature superconductivity. They may provide clues towards ...understanding the mechanism and an alternative route for high-temperature superconductors. The recent discovery of superconductivity in the infinite-layer nickelate thin films has fulfilled this pursuit. However, material synthesis remains challenging, direct demonstration of perfect diamagnetism is still missing, and understanding of the role of the interface and bulk to the superconducting properties is still lacking. Here, we show high-quality Nd
0.8
Sr
0.2
NiO
2
thin films with different thicknesses and demonstrate the interface and strain effects on the electrical, magnetic and optical properties. Perfect diamagnetism is achieved, confirming the occurrence of superconductivity in the films. Unlike the thick films in which the normal-state Hall-coefficient changes signs as the temperature decreases, the Hall-coefficient of films thinner than 5.5 nm remains negative, suggesting a thickness-driven band structure modification. Moreover, X-ray absorption spectroscopy reveals the Ni-O hybridization nature in doped infinite-layer nickelates, and the hybridization is enhanced as the thickness decreases. Consistent with band structure calculations on the nickelate/SrTiO
3
heterostructure, the interface and strain effect induce a dominating electron-like band in the ultrathin film, thus causing the sign-change of the Hall-coefficient.
Several challenges in designing an operational skyrmion racetrack memory are well known. Among those challenges, a few contradictions can be identified if researchers are to rely only on metallic ...materials. Hence, expanding the exploration of skyrmion physics into oxide materials is essential to bridge the contradicting gap. In this topical review, we first briefly revise the theories and criteria involved in stabilizing and manipulating skyrmions, followed by studying the behaviors of dipolar-stabilized magnetic bubbles. Next, we explore the properties of multiferroic skyrmions with magnetoelectric coupling, which can only be stabilized in Cu2OSeO3 thus far, as well as the rare bulk Néel-type skyrmions in some polar materials. As an interlude section, we review the theory of the anomalous and topological Hall effect (THE), before going through the recent progress of THE in oxide thin films. The debate about an alternative interpretation is also discussed. Finally, this review ends with a future outlook regarding the promising strategies of using interfacial charge transfer and (111)-orientation of perovskites to benefit the field of skyrmion research.
We investigated the uptake and pharmacokinetics of l-ergothioneine (ET), a dietary thione with free radical scavenging and cytoprotective capabilities, after oral administration to humans, and its ...effect on biomarkers of oxidative damage and inflammation.
After oral administration, ET is avidly absorbed and retained by the body with significant elevations in plasma and whole blood concentrations, and relatively low urinary excretion (<4% of administered ET). ET levels in whole blood were highly correlated to levels of hercynine and S-methyl-ergothioneine, suggesting that they may be metabolites. After ET administration, some decreasing trends were seen in biomarkers of oxidative damage and inflammation, including allantoin (urate oxidation), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (DNA damage), 8-iso-PGF2α (lipid peroxidation), protein carbonylation, and C-reactive protein. However, most of the changes were non-significant.
This is the first study investigating the administration of pure ET to healthy human volunteers and monitoring its uptake and pharmacokinetics. This compound is rapidly gaining attention due to its unique properties, and this study lays the foundation for future human studies.
The uptake and retention of ET by the body suggests an important physiological function. The decreasing trend of oxidative damage biomarkers is consistent with animal studies suggesting that ET may function as a major antioxidant but perhaps only under conditions of oxidative stress. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 26, 193-206.
Mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene are currently recognized as the most common genetic cause of parkinsonism. Among the large number of LRRK2 mutations identified to date, the ...G2019S variant is the most common. In Asia, however, another LRRK2 variant, G2385R, appears to occur more frequently. To better understand the contribution of different LRRK2 variants toward disease pathogenesis, we generated transgenic Drosophila over-expressing various human LRRK2 alleles, including wild type, G2019S, Y1699C, and G2385R LRRK2. We found that transgenic flies harboring G2019S, Y1699C, or G2385R LRRK2 variant, but not the wild-type protein, exhibit late-onset loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in selected clusters that is accompanied by locomotion deficits. Furthermore, LRRK2 mutant flies also display reduced lifespan and increased sensitivity to rotenone, a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor. Importantly, coexpression of human parkin in LRRK2 G2019S-expressing flies provides significant protection against DA neurodegeneration that occurs with age or in response to rotenone. Together, our results suggest a potential link between LRRK2, parkin, and mitochondria in the pathogenesis of LRRK2-related parkinsonism.
Objective
To determine the association between maternal lipaemia and neonatal anthropometrics in Malaysian mother–offspring pairs.
Design
Prospective observational cohort study.
Setting
Single ...tertiary multidisciplinary antenatal clinic in Malaysia.
Population
A total of 507 mothers: 145 with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM); 94 who were obese with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) (pre‐gravid body mass index, BMI ≥ 27.5 kg/m2), and 268 who were not obese with NGT.
Methods
Maternal demographic, anthropometric, and clinical data were collected during an interview/examination using a structured questionnaire. Blood was drawn for insulin, C‐peptide, triglyceride (Tg), and non‐esterified fatty acid (NEFA) during the 75‐g 2‐hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) screening, and again at 36 weeks of gestation. At birth, neonatal anthropometrics were assessed and data such as gestational weight gain (GWG) were extracted from the records.
Main outcome measures
Macrosomia, large‐for‐gestational‐age (LGA) status, cohort‐specific birthweight (BW), neonatal fat mass (NFM), and sum of skinfold thickness (SSFT) > 90th centile.
Results
Fasting Tg > 95th centile (3.6 mmol/L) at screening for OGTT was independently associated with LGA (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 10.82, 95% CI 1.26–93.37) after adjustment for maternal glucose, pre‐gravid BMI, and insulin sensitivity. Fasting glucose was independently associated with a birthweight ratio (BWR) of >90th centile (aOR 2.06, 95% CI 1.17–3.64), but not with LGA status, in this well‐treated GDM cohort with pre‐delivery HbA1c of 5.27%. In all, 45% of mothers had a pre‐gravid BMI of <23 kg/m2 and 61% had a pre‐gravid BMI of ≤ 25 kg/m2, yet a GWG of >10 kg was associated with a 4.25‐fold risk (95% CI 1.71–10.53) of BWR > 90th centile.
Conclusion
Maternal lipaemia and GWG at a low threshold (>10 kg) adversely impact neonatal adiposity in Asian offspring, independent of glucose, insulin resistance and pre‐gravid BMI. These may therefore be important modifiable metabolic targets in pregnancy.
Tweetable
Maternal lipids are associated with adiposity in Asian babies independently of pre‐gravid BMI, GDM status, and insulin resistance.
Tweetable
Maternal lipids are associated with adiposity in Asian babies independently of pre‐gravid BMI, GDM status, and insulin resistance.
•Ni-6Si-1.5Ni alloy with discontinuous precipitates (DPs) produced by overaging was cold rolled.•Conductivity of cold rolled specimen (CR-DP) was 1.64 times of normal aged specimen (CP).•Tensile ...strength and fatigue limit of CR-DP were 1.06 and 1.5 times greater than CP, respectively.•The trade-off between strength and conductivity of Cu alloys was significantly reduced in CR-DP.
Cu-6Ni-1.5Si alloy having fully fiber-shaped discontinuous precipitates was fabricated by overaging (DP specimen), and subsequently cold-rolled down to 80% reduction in area (CR-DP specimen). The tensile and fatigue strengths of DP and CR-DP specimens were compared to those of CP specimen with nano-sized continuous precipitates by normal aging. The CR-DP specimen showed the highest tensile and fatigue strengths among the specimens tested, and comparable electrical conductivity to the DP specimen. The reason for such an excellent combination of tensile strength, fatigue strength and electrical conductivity was discussed based on the change in microstructure and surface states during stressing.
Objective
To evaluate fasting for 12 hours compared with expedited oral feeding in hospitalised women with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG).
Design
Randomised trial.
Setting
University Hospital, Malaysia: ...April 2016–April 2017.
Population
One hundred and sixty women hospitalised for HG.
Method
Women were randomised upon admission to fasting for 12 hours or expedited oral feeding. Standard HG care was instituted.
Main outcome measure
Primary outcome was satisfaction score with overall treatment at 24 hours (0–10 Visual Numerical Rating Scale VNRS), vomiting episodes within 24 hours and nausea VNRS score at enrolment, and at 8, 16 and 24 hours.
Results
Satisfaction score, median (interquartile range) 8 (5–9) versus 8 (7–9) (P = 0.08) and 24‐hour vomiting episodes were 1 (0–4) versus 1 (0–5) (P = 0.24) for 12‐hour fasting versus expedited feeding, respectively. Repeated measures analysis of variance of nausea scores over 24 hours showed no difference (P = 0.11) between trial arms. Participants randomised to 12‐hour fasting compared with expedited feeding were less likely to prefer their feeding regimen in future hospitalisation (41% versus 65%, P = 0.001), to recommend to a friend (65% versus 84%, P = 0.01; RR 0.8, 95% CI 0.6–0.9) and to adhere to protocol (85% versus 95%, P = 0.04; RR 0.9, 95% CI 0.8–1.0). Symptoms profile, ketonuria status at 24 hours and length of hospital stay were not different.
Conclusion
Advisory of 12‐hour fasting compared with immediate oral feeding resulted in a non‐significant difference in satisfaction score but adherence to protocol and fidelity to and recommendation of immediate oral feeding to a friend were lower. The 24‐hour nausea scores and vomiting episodes were similar.
Tweetable
Women hospitalised for hyperemesis gravidarum could feed as soon, as much and as often as can be tolerated compared with initial fasting.
Tweetable
Women hospitalised for hyperemesis gravidarum could feed as soon, as much and as often as can be tolerated compared with initial fasting.
Objective
To evaluate the superficial surgical site infection (SSI) rate to 28 days and patient satisfaction with wound coverage management when their transverse suprapubic caesarean wound is left ...exposed compared with dressed after skin closure.
Design
Randomised trial.
Setting
University Hospital, Malaysia: April 2016–October 2016.
Population
331 women delivered by caesarean section.
Method
Participants were randomised to leaving their wound entirely exposed (n = 165) or dressed (n = 166) with a low adhesive dressing (next day removal).
Main outcome measures
Primary outcomes were superficial SSI rate (assessed by provider inspection up to hospital discharge and telephone questionnaires on days 14 and 28) and patient satisfaction with wound coverage management before hospital discharge.
Results
The superficial SSI rates were 2/153 (1.3%) versus 5/157 (3.2%) (relative risk RR 0.4, 95% CI 0.1–2.1; P = 0.45) and patient satisfaction with wound management was 7 5–8 versus 7 5–8 (P = 0.81) in exposed compared with dressed study groups, respectively. In the wound‐exposed patients, stated preference for wound exposure significantly increased from 35.5 to 57.5%, whereas in the wound‐dressed patients, the stated preference for a dressed wound fell from 48.5 to 34.4% when assessed at recruitment (pre‐randomisation) to day 28. There were no significant differences in inpatient additional dressing or gauze use for wound care, post‐hospital discharge self‐reported wound issues of infection, antibiotics, redness and inflammation, swollen, painful, and fluid leakage to day 28 across trial groups.
Conclusion
The trial is underpowered as SSI rates were lower than expected. Nevertheless, leaving caesarean wounds exposed does not appear to have detrimental effects, provided patient counselling to manage expectations is undertaken.
Tweetable
An exposed compared with a dressed caesarean wound has a similar superficial surgical site infection rate, patient satisfaction and appearance.
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An exposed compared with a dressed caesarean wound has a similar superficial surgical site infection rate, patient satisfaction and appearance.
L-ergothioneine (ET), a putative antioxidant compound acquired by animals through dietary sources, has been suggested to accumulate in certain cells and tissues in the body that are predisposed to ...high oxidative stress. In the present study, we identified an elevation of ET in the liver of a guinea pig model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), elucidated a possible mechanism for the increased uptake and investigated the possible role for this accumulation. This increase in liver ET levels correlated with cholesterol accumulation and disease severity. We identified an increase in the transcriptional factor, RUNX1, which has been shown to upregulate the expression of the ET-specific transporter OCTN1, and could consequently lead to the observable elevation in ET. An increase was also seen in heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) which seemingly corresponds to ET elevation. No significant increase was observed in oxidative damage markers, F
2
-isoprostanes, and protein carbonyls, which could possibly be attributed to the increase in liver ET through direct antioxidant action, induction of HSP70, or by chelation of Fe
2+
, preventing redox chemistry. The data suggest a novel mechanism by which the guinea pig fatty liver accumulates ET via upregulation of its transporter, as a possible stress response by the damaged liver to further suppress oxidative damage and delay tissue injury. Similar events may happen in other animal models of disease, and researchers should be aware of the possibility.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
BFBNIB, DOBA, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had caused a severe depletion of the worldwide supply of N95 respirators. The development of methods to effectively decontaminate N95 respirators ...while maintaining their integrity is crucial for respirator regeneration and reuse. In this study, we systematically evaluated five respirator decontamination methods using vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) or ultraviolet (254 nm wavelength, UVC) radiation. Through testing the bioburden, filtration, fluid resistance, and fit (shape) of the decontaminated respirators, we found that the decontamination methods using BioQuell VHP, custom VHP container, Steris VHP, and Sterrad VHP effectively inactivated Cardiovirus (3-log10 reduction) and bacteria (6-log10 reduction) without compromising the respirator integrity after 2–15 cycles. Hope UVC system was capable of inactivating Cardiovirus (3-log10 reduction) but exhibited relatively poorer bactericidal activity. These methods are capable of decontaminating 10–1000 respirators per batch with varied decontamination times (10–200 min). Our findings show that N95 respirators treated by the previously mentioned decontamination methods are safe and effective for reuse by industry, laboratories, and hospitals.
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