bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of FXI activity with thrombo-inflammation, extracellular matrix, lipid metabolism and apoptosis in venous thrombosis
Authors: Pallares Robles Alejandro , ten Cate Vincent , Schulz Andreas , Prochaska Jürgen H. , Rapp Steffen , Koeck Thomas , Panova-Noeva Marina , Heitmeier Stefan , Schwers Stephan , Leineweber Kirsten , Seyfarth Hans-Jürgen , Opitz Christian F. , Spronk Henri , Espinola-Klein Christine , Lackner Karl J. , Münzel Thomas , Andrade-Navarro Miguel A. , Konstantinides Stavros V. , ten Cate Hugo , Wild Philipp S.
Published: June 2022

Animal experiments and early phase human trials suggest that inhibition of factor XIa (FXIa) safely prevents venous thromboembolism (VTE), and specific murine models of sepsis have shown potential efficacy in alleviating cytokine storm. These latter findings support the role of FXI beyond coagulation. Here, we combine targeted proteomics, machine learning and bioinformatics, to discover associations between FXI activity (FXI:C) and the plasma protein profile of patients with VTE. FXI:C was measured with a modified activated partial prothrombin time (APTT) clotting time assay. Proximity extension assay-based protein profiling was performed on plasma collected from subjects from the Genotyping and Molecular Phenotyping of Venous Thromboembolism (GMP-VTE) Project, collected during an acute VTE event (n = 549) and 12-months after (n = 187). Among 444 proteins investigated, N = 21 and N = 66 were associated with FXI:C during the acute VTE event and at 12 months follow-up, respectively. Seven proteins were identified as FXI:C-associated at both time points. These FXI-related proteins were enriched in immune pathways related to causes of thrombo-inflammation, extracellular matrix interaction, lipid metabolism, and apoptosis. The results of this study offer important new avenues for future research into the multiple properties of FXI, which are of high clinical interest given the current development of FXI inhibitors.
The Glasgow Prognostic Score and stricture site can predict prognosis after endoscopic duodenal stent placement for malignant gastric outlet obstruction
Authors: Takamatsu Yu , Fujimori Nao , Miyagahara Tsukasa , Suehiro Yuta , Kaku Toyoma , Kawabe Ken , Ohno Akihisa , Matsumoto Kazuhide , Murakami Masatoshi , Teramatsu Katsuhito , Takeno Ayumu , Oono Takamasa , Ogawa Yoshihiro
Published: June 2022

Endoscopic duodenal stent (DS) placement for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is rapidly increasing in clinical practice; however, the most suitable patient candidates for DS placement have not been determined. One hundred and thirty-five patients with GOO who underwent DS placement in three Japanese referral centers between January 2010 and October 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. Overall survival (OS) after DS placement, technical/clinical success rates, adverse events, and predictive factors affecting OS after DS placement were also analyzed. The median OS after DS placement of all patients was 81 (7–901) days. Technical and clinical success rates were 99.3% and 83.7%, respectively. The GOO Scoring System score significantly increased before and after DS placement (0.9 vs. 2.7, P < 0.001). The procedure-related complication rate was 6.0%. All 19 patients (14.1%) with stent occlusion underwent endoscopic re-intervention successfully. Multivariate analyses revealed chemotherapy after DS placement (P = 0.01), stricture site in D3 (distal part of the papilla) (P = 0.01), and a Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) of 0–1 before duodenal stent placement (P < 0.001) were factors significantly associated with prolonged OS. In conclusion, patients with a GPS of 0–1 and D3 stricture who are tolerant of chemotherapy are suitable candidates for DS placement.
Prevalence and factors associated with overweight, obesity, and hypertension in a large clinical sample of adults with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Thom Robyn P. , Palumbo Michelle L. , Keary Christopher J. , Hooker Jacob M. , McDougle Christopher J. , Ravichandran Caitlin T.
Published: June 2022

Adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at risk for excess bodyweight and hypertension, yet the prevalence of and clinical predictors for these health conditions remain unknown. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and hypertension in a large clinical sample of adults with a confirmed diagnosis of ASD and to examine potential clinical predictors. This retrospective chart review study included adult subjects (≥ 20 years) with ASD who had been seen within the past 5 years at a multidisciplinary developmental disorders clinic. Data collected from the electronic health record included age, sex, race and ethnicity, cognitive ability, language ability, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, and use of second generation antipsychotic medications (SGAs). Of 622 adults with a confirmed diagnosis of ASD potentially eligible for the study, 483 (78%) had one or more notes in their records from the past 5 years. Those with recent notes were 23% female, 89% White, and had a mean (SD) age of 28.1 (7.1) years. Overall prevalence estimates for adults represented by this predominantly male, White, and young clinical sample were 28% (95% CI 24%, 32%) for overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2), 35% (95% CI 31%, 40%) for obesity (≥ 30 kg/m2), and 11% (95% CI 9%, 15%) for hypertension. Controlling for age and sex, intellectual disability (ID) was significantly associated with BMI (p = 0.003) but not hypertension (p = 0.69); those with moderate or more severe ID had a mean BMI that was 2.26 kg/m2 (95% CI 0.96, 3.57) lower than those with no ID. Controlling for age and sex, neither language ability, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) subtype of autism, nor past or current use of SGAs were significantly associated with BMI or hypertension. The study identified a high prevalence of overweight and obesity in adults with ASD consistent with the prevalence of these medical comorbidities in the U.S. population.
Aspergillus tamarii mediated green synthesis of magnetic chitosan beads for sustainable remediation of wastewater contaminants
Authors: El-Sharkawy Reyad M. , Swelim Mahmoud A. , Hamdy Ghada B.
Published: June 2022

The release of different hazardous substances into the water bodies during the industrial and textile processing stages is a serious problem in recent decades. This study focuses on the potentiality of Fe3O4-NPs-based polymer in sustainable bioremediation of toxic substances from contaminated water. The biosynthesis of Fe3O4-NPs by A. tamarii was performed for the first time. The effect of different independent variables on the Fe3O4-NPs production were optimized using Plackett–Burman design and central composite design (CCD) of Response Surface Methodology. The optimum Fe3O4-NPs production was determined using incubation period (24 h), temperature (30 °C), pH (12), stirring speed (100 rpm) and stirring time (1 h). The incorporation of Fe3O4-NPs into chitosan beads was successfully performed using sol–gel method. The modified nanocomposite exhibited remarkable removal capability with improved stability and regeneration, compared to control beads. The optimal decolorization was 94.7% at 1.5 g/l after 90 min of treatment process. The reusability of biosorbent beads displayed 75.35% decolorization after the 7th cycle. The results showed a highly significant reduction of physico-chemical parameters (pH, TDS, TSS, COD, EC, and PO4) of contaminated wastewater. The sorption trials marked Fe3O4-NPs-based biopolymer as efficient and sustainable biosorbent for the elimination of hazardous toxic pollutants of wastewater in a high-speed rate.
Audience effect on domestic dogs’ behavioural displays and facial expressions
Authors: Pedretti Giulia , Canori Chiara , Marshall-Pescini Sarah , Palme Rupert , Pelosi Annalisa , Valsecchi Paola
Published: June 2022

In the present study we investigated the influence of positive and negative arousal situations and the presence of an audience on dogs’ behavioural displays and facial expressions. We exposed dogs to positive anticipation, non-social frustration and social frustration evoking test sessions and measured pre and post-test salivary cortisol concentrations. Cortisol concentration did not increase during the tests and there was no difference in pre or post-test concentrations in the different test conditions, excluding a different level of arousal. Displacement behaviours of “looking away” and “sniffing the environment” occurred more in the frustration-evoking situations compared to the positive anticipation and were correlated with cortisol concentrations. “Ears forward” occurred more in the positive anticipation condition compared to the frustration-evoking conditions, was positively influenced by the presence of an audience, and negatively correlated to the pre-test cortisol concentrations, suggesting it may be a good indicator of dogs’ level of attention. “Ears flattener”, “blink”, “nose lick”, “tail wagging” and “whining” were associated with the presence of an audience but were not correlated to cortisol concentrations, suggesting a communicative component of these visual displays. These findings are a first step to systematically test which subtle cues could be considered communicative signals in domestic dogs.
Modeling and simulation of high energy density lithium-ion battery for multiple fault detection
Authors: Sadhukhan Chandrani , Mitra Swarup Kumar , Bhattacharyya Suvanjan , Almatrafi Eydhah , Saleh Bahaa , Naskar Mrinal Kanti
Published: June 2022

Lithium-ion battery, a high energy density storage device has extensive applications in electrical and electronic gadgets, computers, hybrid electric vehicles, and electric vehicles. This paper presents multiple fault detection of lithium-ion battery using two non-linear Kalman filters. A discrete non-linear mathematical model of lithium ion battery has been developed and Unscented Kalman filter (UKF) is employed to estimate the model parameter. Occurrences of multiple faults such as over-charge, over-discharge and short circuit faults between inter cell power batteries, affects the parameter variation of system model. Parallel combinations of some UKF (bank of filters) compare the model parameter variation between the normal and faulty situation and generates residual signal indicating different fault. Simulation results of multiple numbers of statistical tests have been performed for residual based fault diagnosis and threshold calculation. The performance of UKF is then compared with Extended Kalman filter (EKF) with same battery model and fault scenario. The simulation result proves that UKF model responses better and quicker than that of EKF for fault diagnosis.
Transcriptional response of Meloidogyne incognita to non-fumigant nematicides
Authors: Wram Catherine L. , Hesse Cedar N. , Zasada Inga A.
Published: June 2022

There is limited research about the impacts of new nematicides, including fluazaindolizine, fluopyram, and fluensulfone, on the plant-parasitic nematode Meloidogyne incognita, despite it being a pervasive agricultural pest. In this study, M. incognita second-stage juveniles were exposed for 24-h to fluensulfone, fluazaindolizine, fluopyram, and oxamyl and total RNA was extracted and sequenced using next-generation sequencing to determine gene expression. The effects of nematicide exposure on cellular detoxification pathways, common differentially expressed (DE) genes, and fatty acid and retinol-binding genes were examined. Fluopyram and oxamyl had the smallest impacts on the M. incognita transcriptome with 48 and 151 genes that were DE, respectively. These compounds also elicited a weak response in the cellular detoxification pathway and fatty acid and retinol-binding (FAR) genes. Fluensulfone and fluazaindolizine produced robust transcriptional responses with 1208 and 2611 DE genes, respectively. These compounds had strong impacts on cellular detoxification, causing differential regulation of transcription factors and genes in the detox pathway. These compounds strongly down-regulated FAR genes between 52–85%. Having a greater understanding of how these compounds function at a molecular level will help to promote proper stewardship, aid with nematicide discovery, and help to stay a step ahead of nematicide resistance.
Intranasal immunization with a proteosome-adjuvanted SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-based vaccine is immunogenic and efficacious in mice and hamsters
Authors: Stark Felicity C. , Akache Bassel , Deschatelets Lise , Tran Anh , Stuible Matthew , Durocher Yves , McCluskie Michael J. , Agbayani Gerard , Dudani Renu , Harrison Blair A. , Renner Tyler M. , Makinen Shawn R. , Bavananthasivam Jegarubee , Duque Diana , Gagne Martin , Zimmermann Joseph , Zarley C. David , Cochrane Terrence R. , Handfield Martin
Published: June 2022

With the persistence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the emergence of novel variants, the development of novel vaccine formulations with enhanced immunogenicity profiles could help reduce disease burden in the future. Intranasally delivered vaccines offer a new modality to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infections through the induction of protective immune responses at the mucosal surface where viral entry occurs. Herein, we evaluated a novel protein subunit vaccine formulation containing a resistin-trimerized prefusion Spike antigen (SmT1v3) and a proteosome-based mucosal adjuvant (BDX301) formulated to enable intranasal immunization. In mice, the formulation induced robust antigen-specific IgG and IgA titers, in the blood and lungs, respectively. In addition, the formulations were highly efficacious in a hamster challenge model, reducing viral load and body weight loss. In both models, the serum antibodies had strong neutralizing activity, preventing the cellular binding of the viral Spike protein based on the ancestral reference strain, the Beta (B.1.351) and Delta (B.1.617.2) variants of concern. As such, this intranasal vaccine formulation warrants further development as a novel SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.
Quantification and characterisation of commensal wild birds and their interactions with domestic ducks on a free-range farm in southwest France
Authors: Le Gall-Ladevèze Chloé , Guinat Claire , Fievet Pierre , Vollot Benjamin , Guérin Jean-Luc , Cappelle Julien , Le Loc’h Guillaume
Published: June 2022

The role of commensal birds in the epidemiology of pathogens in poultry farms remains unclear. Our study aimed to identify potential key species for interactions with domestic ducks on one free-range duck farm in southwest France. Methods combined direct individual observations on duck outdoor foraging areas, network analysis, and general linear mixed models of abundances. Results showed a wide diversity of wild bird species visiting foraging areas, heavily dominated in frequency by White wagtails (Motacilla alba) and Sparrows (Passer domesticus and Passer montanus). These also were the only species seen entering duck premises or perching on drinkers in the presence of ducks. Moreover, White wagtails were the species most frequently observed on the ground and in close proximity to ducks. Network analysis suggested the role of White wagtails and Sparrows in linking ducks to other wild birds on the farm. The abundance of White wagtails was positively associated with open vegetation, with the presence of ducks and particularly in the afternoon, while the abundance of Sparrows was positively associated only with the fall-winter season. By precisely characterising interactions, the study was able to identify few wild bird species which should be prioritized in infectious investigations at the interface with poultry.
Impact of GST thickness on GST-loaded silicon waveguides for optimal optical switching
Authors: Parra Jorge , Navarro-Arenas Juan , Kovylina Miroslavna , Sanchis Pablo
Published: June 2022

Phase-change integrated photonics has emerged as a new platform for developing photonic integrated circuits by integrating phase-change materials like GeSbTe (GST) onto the silicon photonics platform. The thickness of the GST patch that is usually placed on top of the waveguide is crucial for ensuring high optical performance. In this work, we investigate the impact of the GST thickness in terms of optical performance through numerical simulation and experiment. We show that higher-order modes can be excited in a GST-loaded silicon waveguide with relatively thin GST thicknesses (<100 nm), resulting in a dramatic reduction in the extinction ratio. Our results would be useful for designing high-performance GST/Si-based photonic devices such as non-volatile memories that could find utility in many emerging applications.
Luseogliflozin preserves the pancreatic beta-cell mass and function in db/db mice by improving mitochondrial function
Authors: Yamauchi Yuki , Nakamura Akinobu , Yokota Takashi , Takahashi Kiyohiko , Kawata Shinichiro , Tsuchida Kazuhisa , Omori Kazuno , Nomoto Hiroshi , Kameda Hiraku , Cho Kyu Yong , Anzai Toshihisa , Tanaka Shinya , Terauchi Yasuo , Miyoshi Hideaki , Atsumi Tatsuya
Published: June 2022

We aimed to determine the mechanism by which the sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor, luseogliflozin, preserves pancreatic beta-cell mass and function in db/db mice. Six-week-old db/db mice were fed to standard chow or standard chow containing 0.01% luseogliflozin. After 4 weeks, DNA microarray analysis, real-time PCR analysis, and measurement of mitochondrial respiratory capacity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were performed using isolated islets. Immunohistochemistry and electron microscopic analysis were performed using pancreatic tissues. Metabolites extracted from the islets were measured by capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry. The expression of genes involved in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and electron transport chain was upregulated by luseogliflozin. Luseogliflozin improved the mitochondrial complex II-linked oxidative phosphorylation capacity and reduced ROS generation. Mitochondrial morphology was normally maintained by luseogliflozin. Luseogliflozin increased NK6 homeobox 1 (NKX6.1) expression and TCA cycle metabolites. Relief of glucotoxicity by luseogliflozin may involve lower mitochondrial ROS generation and an improvement in complex II-linked mitochondrial respiration. Reducing ROS generation through preventing complex II damage likely increases NKX6.1 expression and ameliorate glucose metabolism in the TCA cycle, contributing to the protection of pancreatic beta-cells. Protection of complex II in pancreatic beta-cells represents a novel therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes.
Mechanisms of Quercetin against atrial fibrillation explored by network pharmacology combined with molecular docking and experimental validation
Authors: Tan Xin , Xian Wei , Li Xiaorong , Chen Yongfeng , Geng Jiayi , Wang Qiyi , Gao Qin , Tang Bi , Wang Hongju , Kang Pinfang
Published: June 2022

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common atrial arrhythmia for which there is no specific therapeutic drug. Quercetin (Que) has been used to treat cardiovascular diseases such as arrhythmias. In this study, we explored the mechanism of action of Que in AF using network pharmacology and molecular docking. The chemical structure of Que was obtained from Pubchem. TCMSP, Swiss Target Prediction, Drugbank, STITCH, Pharmmapper, CTD, GeneCards, DISGENET and TTD were used to obtain drug component targets and AF-related genes, and extract AF and normal tissue by GEO database differentially expressed genes by GEO database. The top targets were IL6, VEGFA, JUN, MMP9 and EGFR, and Que for AF treatment might involve the role of AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, MAPK signaling pathway and IL-17 signaling pathway. Molecular docking showed that Que binds strongly to key targets and is differentially expressed in AF. In vivo results showed that Que significantly reduced the duration of AF fibrillation and improved atrial remodeling, reduced p-MAPK protein expression, and inhibited the progression of AF. Combining network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches with in vivo studies advance our understanding of the intensive mechanisms of Quercetin, and provide the targeted basis for clinical Atrial fibrillation treatment.
Birdsongs recognition based on ensemble ELM with multi-strategy differential evolution
Authors: Xie Shanshan , Zhang Yan , Lv Danjv , Xu Haifeng , Liu Jiang , Yin Yue
Published: June 2022

Birds are a kind of environmental indicator organism, which can reflect the changes in the ecological environment and biodiversity, and recognition of birdsongs can further help understand and protect birds and natural environment. Extreme learning machine (ELM) has the advantages of fast learning speed and good generalization ability, which is widely used in classification and recognition problems. Input layer weights and hidden layer thresholds are two key factors affecting ELM performance. As one of swarm intelligence optimization methods, differential evolution (DE) can be used to optimize the parameters of ELM. In order to enhance the diversity, convergence speed and global search ability of the DE population, and improve the accuracy and stability of the classification model, this paper proposes a multi-strategy differential evolution method (M-SDE) to optimize the parameters of the ELM. And the differential MFCC feature parameters, extracted from birdsongs, are applied to build classification models of M-SDE_ELM and an ensemble M-SDE_EnELM with optimized ELM for bird species recognition. In the experiments, the ELM models optimized by the swarm intelligence algorithms PSO and GOA are compared and analyzed by hypothesis tests with the M-SDE_ELM and M-SDE_EnELM. Results show that the M-SDE_ELM and M-SDE_EnELM can achieve a classification accuracy of 86.70% and 89.05% in the classification of nine species of birds respectively, and the recognition effect and stability of the M-SDE_EnELM model outperform other models.
Proteomic analysis of adipose tissue revealing differentially abundant proteins in highly efficient mid-lactating dairy cows
Authors: Ben Meir Yehoshav A. , Daddam Jayasimha R. , Kra Gitit , Kamer Hadar , Portnick Yuri , Levin Yishai , Zachut Maya
Published: June 2022

The improvement of nutrient utilization efficiency in dairy cows represents an important task in view of the current rising demand for animal products and sustainable resource usage. In this perspective, the identification of appropriate markers to identify the most efficient animals for dairy production becomes a crucial factor. Residual feed intake (RFI), which represents the difference between predicted and actual intake, is used to define the efficiency of cows. In this study, subcutaneous adipose tissue (AT) was collected from five high efficient (HEF) and five low efficient (LEF) mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows, that represented subgroups of the 20% lowest RFI values (HEF) and highest 20% RFI values (LEF), out of a cohort of 155 cows that were examined for feed efficiency at the individual dairy barn at Volcani Institute, Israel. Adipose samples were examined for proteomic analysis by nano-LC/MS–MS and gene expression by RT-PCR. A total of 101 differential proteins (P ≤ 0.05 and fold change ± 1.5) and two protein networks related to feed efficiency were found between HEF and LEF cows. Among the enriched top canonical pathways, FAT10 signaling, EIF2 signaling, Sirtuin signaling, Acute phase response signaling, Protein ubiquitination and mTOR signaling pathways were related to feed efficiency in AT. Furthermore, abundance of transferrin (TF; FC = 78.35, P = 0.02) enriched pathways, including mTOR signaling, LXR/RXR and FXR/RXR activation was found in AT of HEF cows. Relative mRNA expression of RBM39, which is involved in energy metabolism, was decreased in AT of HEF versus LEF. The relationship found between the AT proteins and/or metabolic pathways and the feed efficiency demonstrates that AT may reflect metabolic adaptations to high efficiency, and suggests that these proteins together with their metabolic mechanisms are suitable candidates as biomarkers to identify efficient cows for dairy production.
A cross-sectional multicenter linkage study of hospital admissions and mortality due to methanol poisoning in Iranian adults during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Mahdavi Seyed Amirhosein , Zamani Nasim , McDonald Rebecca , Akhgari Maryam , Kolahi Ali-Asghar , Gheshlaghi Farzad , Ostadi Ali , Dehghan Ahmad , Moshiri Mohammad , Rahbar-Taramsari Morteza , Delirrad Mohammad , Mohtasham Neda , Afzali Saeed , Ebrahimi Sara , Ziaeefar Pardis , Khosravi Navid , Kazemifar Amir Mohammad , Ghadirzadeh Mohammadreza , Farajidana Hoorvash , Barghemadi Tahereh , Sadeghi Farangis , Hadeiy Seyed Kaveh , Hadipourzadeh Mehdi , Mesbahi Javad , Malekpour Mohammad-Reza , Arabi Mohsen , Jamshidi Farkhondeh , Dadpour Bita , Hovda Knut Erik , Hassanian-Moghaddam Hossein
Published: June 2022

A methanol poisoning outbreak occurred in Iran during the initial months of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We aimed to evaluate the epidemiology of the outbreak in terms of hospitalizations and deaths. A cross-sectional linkage study was conducted based on the hospitalization data collected from thirteen referral toxicology centers throughout Iran as well as mortality data obtained from the Iranian Legal Medicine Organization (LMO). Patient data were extracted for all cases aged > 19 years with toxic alcohol poisoning during the study period from February until June 2020. A total of 795 patients were hospitalized due to methanol poisoning, of whom 84 died. Median [interquartile ratio; IQR] age was 32 [26, 40] years (range 19–91 years). Patients had generally ingested alcohol for recreational motives (653, 82.1%) while 3.1% (n = 25) had consumed alcohol-based hand sanitizers to prevent or cure COVID-19 infection. Age was significantly lower in survivors than in non-survivors (P < 0.001) and in patients without sequelae vs. with sequelae (P = 0.026). Twenty non-survivors presented with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score > 8, six of whom were completely alert on presentation to the emergency departments. The time from alcohol ingestion to hospital admission was not significantly different between provinces. In East Azerbaijan province, where hemodialysis was started within on average 60 min of admission, the rate of sequelae was 11.4% (compared to 19.6% average of other provinces)—equivalent to a reduction of the odds of sequelae by 2.1 times [95% CI 1.2, 3.7; p = 0.009]. Older patients were more prone to fatal outcome and sequelae, including visual disturbances. Early arrival at the hospital can facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment and may reduce long-term morbidity from methanol poisoning. Our data thus suggest the importance of raising public awareness of the risks and early symptoms of methanol intoxication.
Post-translational modifications to hemidesmosomes in human airway epithelial cells following diacetyl exposure
Authors: Kim So-Young , McGraw Matthew D.
Published: June 2022

Diacetyl (DA; 2,3-butanedione) is a highly reactive alpha (α)-diketone. Inhalation exposure to DA can cause significant airway epithelial cell injury, however, the mechanisms of toxicity remain poorly understood. The purpose of these experiments was to assess for changes in abundance and distribution of hemidesmosome-associated proteins following DA exposure that contribute to DA-induced epithelial toxicity. Human bronchial epithelial cells were grown in submerged cultures and exposed to three occupationally-relevant concentrations of DA (5.7, 8.6, or 11.4 mM) for 1 h. Following DA exposure, epithelial cells were cultured for 4 days to monitor for cell viability by MTT and WST-1 assays as well as for changes in cellular distribution and relative abundance of multiple hemidesmosome-associated proteins, including keratin 5 (KRT5), plectin (PLEC), integrin alpha 6 (ITGα6) and integrin beta 4 (ITGβ4). Significant toxicity developed in airway epithelial cells exposed to DA at concentrations ≥ 8.6 mM. DA exposure resulted in post-translational modifications to hemidesmosome-associated proteins with KRT5 crosslinking and ITGβ4 cleavage. Following DA exposure at 5.7 mM, these post-translational modifications to KRT5 resolved with time. Conversely, at DA concentrations ≥ 8.6 mM, modifications to KRT5 persisted in culture with decreased total abundance and perinuclear aggregation of hemidesmosome-associated proteins. Significant post-translational modifications to hemidesmosome-associated proteins develop in airway epithelial cells exposed to DA. At DA concentrations ≥ 8.6 mM, these hemidesmosome modifications persist in culture. Future work targeting hemidesmosome-associated protein modifications may prevent the development of lung disease following DA exposure.
A proof-of-concept study to construct Bayesian network decision models for supporting the categorization of sudden unexpected infant death
Authors: Hamayasu Hideki , Miyao Masashi , Kawai Chihiro , Osamura Toshio , Yamamoto Akira , Minami Hirozo , Abiru Hitoshi , Tamaki Keiji , Kotani Hirokazu
Published: June 2022

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) remains a leading cause of infant death in high-income countries. Supporting models for categorization of sudden unexpected infant death into SIDS/non-SIDS could reduce mortality. Therefore, we aimed to develop such a tool utilizing forensic data, but the reduced number of SIDS cases renders this task inherently difficult. To overcome this, we constructed Bayesian network models according to diagnoses performed by expert pathologists and created conditional probability tables in a proof-of-concept study. In the diagnostic support model, the data of 64 sudden unexpected infant death cases was employed as the training dataset, and 16 known-risk factors, including age at death and co-sleeping, were added. In the validation study, which included 8 new cases, the models reproduced experts’ diagnoses in 4 or 5 of the 6 SIDS cases. Next, to confirm the effectiveness of this approach for onset prediction, the data from 41 SIDS cases was employed. The model predicted that the risk of SIDS in 0- to 2-month-old infants exposed to passive smoking and co-sleeping is eightfold higher than that in the general infant population, which is comparable with previously published findings. The Bayesian approach could be a promising tool for constructing SIDS prevention models.
Effects of chitosan nanoparticles loaded with mesenchymal stem cell conditioned media on gene expression in Vibrio cholerae and Caco-2 cells
Authors: Saberpour Masoumeh , Najar-peeraye Shahin , Shams Saeed , Bakhshi Bita
Published: June 2022

Vibrio (V.) cholerae forms a pellicle for self-defense in the pathological conditions in the intestine, which protects it against antibiotics and adverse conditions. Targeting biofilm genes and Toll-like receptors (TLRs) is one of the new strategies to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of mesenchymal stem cell conditioned media (MSC CM; 1000 µg), chitosan nanoparticles incorporated with mesenchymal stem cell conditioned media (MSC CM-CS NPs; 1000 µg + 0.05%), and chitosan nanoparticles (CS NPs; 0.05%) on the expression of bap1 and rbmC biofilm genes in V. cholerae and TLR2 and TLR4 genes in Caco-2 cells. The bacteria were inoculated in the presence or absence of MSC CM, MSC CM-CS NPs, and CS NPs for 24 h at 37 °C to evaluate the expression of biofilm genes. The Caco-2 cells were also exposed to V. cholerae for 1 h and then MSC CM, MSC CM-CS NPs, and CS NPs for 18 h at 37 °C. After these times, RNA was extracted from Caco-2 cells and bacteria exposed to the compounds, and the expression of target genes was evaluated using real-time PCR. Caco-2 cell viability was also assessed by MTT assay. After adding MSC CM, MSC CM-CS NPs, and CS NPs to V. cholerae medium, the percentage reduction in gene expression of bap1 was 96, 91, and 39%, and rbmC was 93, 92, and 32%, respectively. After adding MSC CM, MSC CM-CS NPs, and CS NPs to the Caco-2 cell medium, the percentage reduction in the gene expression of TLR4 was 89, 90, and 82%, and TLR2 was 41, 43, and 32%, respectively. MTT showed that Caco-2 cell viability was high and the compounds had little toxicity on these cells. Finally, it suggests that MSC CM-CS NPs designed may be a therapeutic agent to combat inflammation and biofilm formation in multidrug-resistant V. cholerae. However, further studies in vivo are also recommended.
Magnetic NiFe thin films composing MoS2 nanostructures for spintronic application
Authors: Yousef Vand Mahdi , Jamilpanah Loghman , Zare Mohammad , Mohseni Seyed Majid
Published: June 2022

We demonstrate a nanostructure layer made of Ni80Fe20 (permalloy:Py) thin film conjugated MoS2 nano-flakes. Layers are made based on a single-step co-deposition of Py and MoS2 from a single solution where ionic Ni and Fe and MoS2 flakes co-exist. Synthesized thin films with MoS2 flakes show increasing coercivity and enhancement in magneto-optical Kerr effect. Ferromagnetic resonance linewidth as well as the damping parameter increaseed significantly compared to that of the Py layer due to the presence of MoS2. Raman spectroscopy and elemental mapping is used to show the quality of MoS2 within the Py thin film. Our synthesis method promises new opportunities for electrochemical production of functional spintronic-based devices.
Numerical renormalization group study of the Loschmidt echo in Kondo systems
Authors: Ślusarski Tomasz , Wrześniewski Kacper , Weymann Ireneusz
Published: June 2022

We study the dynamical properties of the one-channel and two-channel spin-1/2 Kondo models after quenching in Hamiltonian variables. Eigen spectrum of the initial and final Hamiltonians is calculated by using the numerical renormalization group method implemented within the matrix product states formalism. We consider multiple quench protocols in the considered Kondo systems, also in the presence of external magnetic field of different intensities. The main emphasis is put on the analysis of the behavior of the Loschmidt echo L(t), which measures the ability of the system’s revival to its initial state after a quench. We show that the decay of the Loschmidt echo strongly depends on the type of quench and the ground state of the system. For the one-channel Kondo model, we show that L(t) decays as, $$L(t)\sim (t\cdot T_K)^{-1.4}$$

L

(
t
)

∼

(
t
·

T
K

)

-
1.4

, where $$T_K$$

T
K

is the Kondo temperature, while for the two-channel Kondo model, we demonstrate that the decay is slower and given by $$L(t)\sim (t\cdot T_K)^{-0.7}$$

L

(
t
)

∼

(
t
·

T
K

)

-
0.7

. In addition, we also determine the dynamical behavior of the impurity’s magnetization, which sheds light on identification of the relevant time scales in the system’s dynamics.
Micro-particle entrainment from density mismatched liquid carrier system
Authors: Shovon S. M. Naser , Alam Adeeb , Gramlich William , Khoda Bashir
Published: June 2022

Micro-scale inorganic particles (d > 1 µm) have reduced surface area and higher density, making them negatively buoyant in most dip-coating mixtures. Their controlled delivery in hard-to-reach places through entrainment is possible but challenging due to the density mismatch between them and the liquid matrix called liquid carrier system (LCS). In this work, the particle transfer mechanism from the complex density mismatching mixture was investigated. The LCS solution was prepared and optimized using a polymer binder and an evaporating solvent. The inorganic particles were dispersed in the LCS by stirring at the just suspending speed to maintain the pseudo suspension characteristics for the heterogeneous mixture. The effect of solid loading and the binder volume fraction on solid transfer has been reported at room temperature. Two coating regimes are observed (i) heterogeneous coating where particle clusters are formed at a low capillary number and (ii) effective viscous regime, where full coverage can be observed on the substrate. ‘Zero’ particle entrainment was not observed even at a low capillary number of the mixture, which can be attributed to the presence of the binder and hydrodynamic flow of the particles due to the stirring of the mixture. The critical film thickness for particle entrainment is $${h}^{*}=0.16a$$

h

∗

=
0.16
a

for 6.5% binder and $${h}^{*}=0.26a$$

h

∗

=
0.26
a

for 10.5% binder, which are smaller than previously reported in literature. Furthermore, the transferred particle matrices closely follow the analytical expression (modified LLD) of density matching suspension which demonstrate that the density mismatch effect can be neutralized with the stirring energy. The findings of this research will help to understand this high-volume solid transfer technique and develop novel manufacturing processes.
Green hydrothermal synthesis yields perylenebisimide–SiO2 hybrid materials with solution-like fluorescence and photoredox activity
Authors: Moura Hipassia M. , Peterlik Herwig , Unterlass Miriam M.
Published: June 2022

PBI dyes@SiO2 hybrid materials are generated by hydrothermal synthesis. They exhibit solution-like fluorescence and photocatalytic activity. An in-depth materials formation study reveals a network of PBI-linked POSS-type cages.
An acid-triggered BODIPY-based photosensitizer for enhanced photodynamic antibacterial efficacy
Authors: Liang Xuning , Xia Lei , Zhu Yucheng , Zhang Chen , Gong Feirong , Zhang Weian
Published: June 2022

An acid-triggered photodynamic antibacterial nanoplatform (IBPAAs) was constructed by co-assembly of an acid-triggered photosensitizer BODIPY (I-NBDP) and the POEGMA-b-PDEAEMA block copolymer for enhancing the antibacterial efficacy.
In-site hydrogen bubble template method to prepare Ni coated metal meshes as effective bi-functional electrodes for water splitting
Authors: Dong Yucheng , Ji Shan , Wang Hui , Linkov Vladimir , Wang Rongfang
Published: June 2022

From smooth metal mesh to metal mesh with porous structure after electrodeposition. The schematic diagram of electroplating cell and bubble template method reflects the experimental method of this study.
Photoprotective effects of sweet potato leaf polyphenols and caffeic acid against UV-induced skin-damage in BALB/C nude mice
Authors: Hong Jingyang , Mu Taihua , Sun Hongnan , Blecker Christophe , Richel Aurore
Published: June 2022

Sweet potato leaf polyphenols and caffeic acid can protect the body from UV radiation damage by modulating the MAPK signaling pathway.
Combination of resveratrol and luteolin ameliorates α-naphthylisothiocyanate-induced cholestasis by regulating the bile acid homeostasis and suppressing oxidative stress
Authors: Wu Wenying , Li Kexin , Ran Xiaohua , Wang Weiping , Xu Xiaolan , Zhang Yu , Wei Xiuyan , Zhang Tianhong
Published: June 2022

Study the protective effect and mechanism of coadministration of luteolin and resveratrol on α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced cholestasis; Study on the potential diagnosis indicators for cholestasis in rats.
Procyanidins from hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida) alleviate lipid metabolism disorder via inhibiting insulin resistance and oxidative stress, normalizing the gut microbiota structure and intestinal barrier, and further suppressing hepatic inflammation and lipid accumulation
Authors: Han Xue , Zhao Wen , Zhou Qian , Chen Hong , Yuan Jing , Xiaofu Zhang , Zhang Zhisheng
Published: June 2022

Recently, lipid metabolism disorder (LMD) has been regarded as a risk factor leading to multiple diseases and affecting human health.
Identifying molecular structural features by pattern recognition methods
Authors: Lu Qing
Published: June 2022

Identification of molecular structural features by point clouds and convex hulls.
Induction of cellulase production in Trichoderma reesei by a glucose–sophorose mixture as an inducer prepared using stevioside
Authors: Zhang Peng , Li Qian , Chen Yudian , Peng Nian , Liu Wenshu , Wang Xuemei , Li Yonghao
Published: June 2022

Inducing the synthesis of active cellulase is critical for biorefineries. The effective inducer was prepared from stevioside, which contains sophorose.
Synthesis of soluble melanin nanoparticles under acidic conditions using Burkholderia cepacia tyrosinase and their characterization
Authors: Kim Hyun , Lee Uk-Jae , Song Hanbit , Lee Jeongchan , Song Won-Suk , Noh Heewon , Kang Min-Ho , Kim Beom-Seok , Park Jungwon , Hwang Nathaniel S. , Kim Byung-Gee
Published: June 2022

Melanin nanoparticles (MNPs) used for biomedical applications are often synthesized via the chemical auto-oxidation of catecholic monomers such as dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) under alkaline conditions.
Therapeutic hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents of menthol and fatty acid for enhancing anti-inflammation effects of curcuminoids and curcumin on RAW264.7 murine macrophage cells
Authors: Kongpol Kantapich , Chaihao Preenapan , Shuapan Parichat , Kongduk Ploypailin , Chunglok Warangkana , Yusakul Gorawit
Published: June 2022

Menthol and oleic acid are therapeutic hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents for solubilizing, delivering, and improving anti-inflammation properties of curcuminoids and curcumin with less cytotoxicity.
3D printed interdigitated supercapacitor using reduced graphene oxide-MnOx/Mn3O4 based electrodes
Authors: Mokhtarnejad Mahshid , Ribeiro Erick L. , Mukherjee Dibyendu , Khomami Bamin
Published: June 2022

LASiS-based HNCs of nanostructured MnOx/Mn3O4.
Dynamics of metal binding and mutation in yybP–ykoY riboswitch of Lactococcus lactis
Authors: Iqbal Mazhar , Moin Syed Tarique
Published: June 2022

The current research work involved the evaluation of structural and dynamical properties of yybP–ykoY riboswitch of L. lactis in Mn2+-free, Mn2+-bound (wild-type), and Mn2+-bound mutant (A41U) states by applying molecular dynamics simulations.
Transport properties of MoS2/V7(Bz)8 and graphene/V7(Bz)8 vdW junctions tuned by bias and gate voltages
Authors: Yu Hong , Li Danting , Shang Yan , Pei Lei , Zhang Guiling , Yan Hong , Wang Long
Published: June 2022

The bias and gate voltages can tune different spin-polarized transport properties in novel four-terminal MoS2/V7(Bz)8 and graphene/V7(Bz)8 vdW junctions.
Uracil derivatives as HIV-1 capsid protein inhibitors: design, in silico, in vitro and cytotoxicity studies
Authors: Ramesh Deepthi , Mohanty Amaresh Kumar , De Anirban , Vijayakumar Balaji Gowrivel , Sethumadhavan Aiswarya , Muthuvel Suresh Kumar , Mani Maheswaran , Kannan Tharanikkarasu
Published: June 2022

The paper describes the design, synthesis, computational and biological validation of a series of novel uracil derivatives as effective HIV capsid protein inhibitors.
Promoting metacognition through measures of linked concepts with learning objectives in introductory chemistry
Authors: Gilewski Alex , Litvak Mikhail , Ye Li
Published: June 2022

Previous research has shown the validity of the Measure of Linked Concepts (MLC) assessment in college introductory chemistry. Herein, we present a novel model of pairing the MLC with a metacognitive exercise aligned with learning objectives in the introductory chemistry courses as an effective tool for instructors to be integrated into instruction and assessments. A mixed-methods approach was used to explore the effectiveness of MLCs with the metacognitive exercise on students’ performance and metacognitive thinking and behaviors. The study was implemented in introductory chemistry at two institutions over two semesters. The multiple regression model showed that MLC scores significantly predicted students’ final exam scores in introductory chemistry. Students’ MLC scores were improved significantly (18% higher) after pairing with the metacognitive exercise. Notably, the theme of metacognition was much more prevalent observed in the qualitative data when the MLC was paired with the metacognitive exercise as compared to without the exercise (37% vs. 9%). More importantly, most of the participants (87%) reported they looked up the learning objectives that are associated with the MLC statements they missed. More than half of the participants indicated they made plans to master the missed learning objectives. Their plans include reviewing lecture notes pertaining to the topics, doing more practice problems related to the missed learning objectives, or seeking help from tutors or instructors. Pairing MLCs with the metacognitive exercise shows promising signs of improving student performance and metacognition. The authors suggest adopters of MLCs utilize the new model of pairing them with the metacognitive exercise.
Pyridine dicarbanion-bonded Ag13organometallic nanoclusters: synthesis and on-surface oxidative coupling reaction
Authors: Li Cui-Cui , Zhang Siqi , Tang Jian , Jian Ruijun , Xia Yu , Zhao Liang
Published: June 2022

Unprecedented pyridine dicarbanion-bonded Ag13nanoclusters were constructed according to a macrocycle-involved two-step synthetic protocol.
Electrochemical synthesis of N,N′-disubstituted indazolin-3-ones via an intramolecular anodic dehydrogenative N–N coupling reaction
Authors: Bieniek Jessica C. , Grünewald Michele , Winter Johannes , Schollmeyer Dieter , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: June 2022

A novel sustainable electrochemical synthetic route to N,N′-disubstituted indazolin-3-ones by direct anodic oxidation with mild reaction conditions, a simple galvanostatic setup, broad scope and excellent scalability is established.
Strong non-Arrhenius behavior at low temperatures in the OH + HCl → H2O + Cl reaction due to resonance induced quantum tunneling
Authors: Xu Xin , Chen Jun , Lu Xiaoxiao , Fang Wei , Liu Shu , Zhang Dong H.
Published: June 2022

The OH + HCl reaction possesses many Feshbach resonances trapped in the hydrogen bond well in the entrance channel, which substantially enhance the reaction rates at low temperatures.
Iron-catalysed hydroalumination of internal alkynes
Authors: Li Wen-Tao , Hu Meng-Yang , Xiong Jun-Wen , Zhang Xin-Yu , Zhu Shou-Fei
Published: June 2022

An iron-catalysed hydroalumination of internal alkynes featuring with unusual amino-group-directed regioselectivity, a wide substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, high selectivity, and mild reaction conditions was realized.
Magnetization of magnetoactive elastomers under the assumption of breakable adhesion at the particle/matrix interface
Authors: Vaganov Mikhail V. , Borin Dmitry Yu. , Odenbach Stefan , Raikher Yuriy L.
Published: June 2022

In this work we study the magnetization of magnetoactive elastomers (MAE) in which the interface between the matrix and magnetic particles is unstable and allows for slipping of the particles against the wall of their elastomer cavities.
Fast explosive performance prediction via small-dose energetic materials based on time-resolved imaging combined with machine learning
Authors: Wang Xianshuang , He Yage , Cao Wenli , Guo Wei , Zhang Tonglai , Zhang Jianguo , Shu Qinghai , Guo Xueyong , Liu Ruibin , Yao Yugui
Published: June 2022

Fast, reproducible, and quantitative performance evaluation of monomolecular energetic materials (EMs) is a significant challenge that limits the tailored applications of EMs and the development of new high-energy-density materials.
Achieving extraordinary enhanced reversible capacitance through the synergy between octahedral structure and isovalent ionic doping
Authors: Chen Minghua , Zhao Zhen , Zhao Junfeng , Liu Qian , Zhang Jiawei , Wang Yuqing , Li Yu
Published: June 2022

The synergistic effect between crystal structure and cathodic doping is proposed to enhance the specific capacitance of WN by about 9 times.
Promoting gene transfection by ROS responsive silicon nanowire arrays
Authors: Lu Benben , Wang Hengxiao , Shen Xiang , Lu Kunyan , Wang Hongwei , Yuan Lin
Published: June 2022

SN–Au–P can generate ROS under short-time light treatment and has a strong ability to release DNA in response to ROS, improving the gene transfection efficiency in several cell lines to a great extent without compromising the cell viability.
Introducing SuFEx click chemistry into aliphatic polycarbonates: a novel toolbox/platform for post-modification as biomaterials
Authors: Sun Wei , Lu Kunyan , Wang Ling , Hao Qing , Liu Jingrui , Wang Yong , Wu Zhaoqiang , Chen Hong
Published: June 2022

It is the first time to introduce SuFEx click chemistry into aliphatic polycarbonates. Moreover, the one-pot strategy of ring-opening polymerization of cyclic carbonate and SuFEx click reactions for functionalization could be directly achieved.