bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An enriched environment improves maternal sleep deprivation‐induced cognitive deficits and synaptic plasticity via hippocampal histone acetylation
Authors: Zhang Yue‐Ming , Wei Ru‐Meng , Ni Ming‐Zhu , Wu Qi‐Tao , Li Yun , Ge Yi‐Jun , Kong Xiao‐Yi , Li Xue‐Yan , Chen Gui‐Hai
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Growing evidence clearly demonstrates that maternal rodents exposure to sleep deprivation (SD) during late pregnancy impairs learning and memory in their offspring. Epigenetic mechanisms, particularly histone acetylation, are known to be involved in synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. We hypothesize that the cognitive decline induced by SD during late pregnancy is associated with histone acetylation dysfunction, and this effect could be reversed by an enriched environment (EE).

Methods

In the present study, pregnant CD‐1 mice were exposed to SD during the third trimester of pregnancy. After weaning, all offspring were randomly assigned to two subgroups in either a standard environment or an EE. When offspring were 3 months old, the Morris water maze was used to evaluate hippocampal‐dependent learning and memory ability. Molecular biological techniques, including western blot and real‐time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, were used to examine the histone acetylation pathway and synaptic plasticity markers in the hippocampus of offspring.

Results

The results showed that the following were all reversed by EE treatment: maternal SD (MSD)‐induced cognitive deficits including spatial learning and memory; histone acetylation dysfunction including increased histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) and decreased histone acetyltransferase (CBP), and the acetylation levels of H3K9 and H4K12; synaptic plasticity dysfunction including decreased brain‐derived neurotrophic factor; and postsynaptic density protein‐95.

Conclusions

Our findings suggested that MSD could damage learning ability and memory in offspring via the histone acetylation pathway. This effect could be reversed by EE treatment.
Endoscopically injectable and self‐crosslinkable hydrogel‐mediated stem cell transplantation for alleviating esophageal stricture after endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Chung Hyunsoo , An Soohwan , Han Seung Yeop , Jeon Jihoon , Cho Seung‐Woo , Lee Yong Chan
Published: April 2023

Esophageal stricture after extensive endoscopic submucosal dissection impairs the quality of life of patients with superficial esophageal carcinoma. Beyond the limitations of conventional treatments including endoscopic balloon dilatation and the application of oral/topical corticosteroids, several cell therapies have been recently attempted. However, such methods are still limited in clinical situations and existing setups, and the efficacies are less in some cases since the transplanted cells hardly remain at the resection site for a long time due to swallowing and peristalsis of the esophagus. Thus, a cell transplantation platform directly applicable with clinically established equipment and enabling stable retention of transplanted cells can be a promising therapeutic option for better clinical outcomes. Inspired by ascidians that rapidly self‐regenerate, this study demonstrates endoscopically injectable and self‐crosslinkable hyaluronate that allows both endoscopic injection in a liquid state and self‐crosslinking as an in situ‐forming scaffold for stem cell therapy. The pre‐gel solution may compatibly be applied with endoscopic tubes and needles of small diameters, based on the improved injectability compared to the previously reported endoscopically injectable hydrogel system. The hydrogel can be formed via self‐crosslinking under in vivo oxidative environment, while also exhibiting superior biocompatibility. Finally, the mixture containing adipose‐derived stem cells and the hydrogel can significantly alleviate esophageal stricture after endoscopic submucosal dissection (75% of circumference, 5 cm in length) in a porcine model through paracrine effects of the stem cell in the hydrogel, which modulate regenerative processes. The stricture rates on Day 21 were 79.5% ± 2.0%, 62.8% ± 1.7%, and 37.9% ± 2.9% in the control, stem cell only, and stem cell‐hydrogel groups, respectively (p < 0.05). Therefore, this endoscopically injectable hydrogel‐based therapeutic cell delivery system can serve as a promising platform for cell therapies in various clinically relevant situations.
A rapid diffusion simulation method of multiple‐fluid coupling combined with MPM and PFM
Authors: Zhao Jing , Sun Mengmeng , Wang Feng , Wang Xiaolong , Zhang Jian , Tang Yong
Published: April 2023

To solve the low diffusion efficiency in the multiple‐fluid coupling process by the Lagrangian method, the paper presents a multiple‐fluid coupling simulation algorithm based on MPM and PFM. First, based on the MPM, we model multiphase flow on Eulerian grids and capture the sharp interfaces between immiscible fluids combined with the PFM. The gas phase is further treated as fluid during the gas–liquid interaction. Second, to demonstrate the natural fluid moving evolution from the high energy state to the low energy state, the paper proposes the local minimize bulk energy function to control the low energy state. Finally, the paper designs and achieves various groups of multiple‐fluid coupling comparison experiments. Experimental results showed that the proposed approach can simulate various effects of rapid diffusion in the multiple‐fluid coupling, such as complete dissolution, mutual solubility, extraction, and other phenomena. Meanwhile, our approach is simple to integrate with existing state‐of‐the‐art MPM solvers.
Sesquiterpenoids from the Resina Commiphora Promoting the Apoptotic Activity of PC‐3 Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Dong Lu , Li Yanpeng , Qin Fuying , Cheng Yongxian
Published: April 2023

Four new germacrane‐type sesquiterpenes commiphoranes M1‐M4 (1‐4) together with eighteen sesquiterpenes were isolated from the Resina Commiphora. The structures and relative configurations of new substances were determined by using spectroscopic methods. Biological activity investigation revealed that nine compounds including 7, 9, 14, 16, (+)‐17, (−)‐17, 18, 19, and 20 could induce the apoptosis of prostate cancer originated PC‐3 cells, through classic apoptosis signaling pathway, even using flow cytometry showed that the compound (+)‐17 caused apoptosis of PC‐3 cells more than 40 %, suggesting their potential therapeutic application in the development of novel drugs against prostate cancer.
Unusual intrauterine retained fetal skeletal bony fragments: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Mremi Alex , Mwidibo Yusuph , Mlay Joseph , Mchome Bariki
Published: April 2023

An unusual finding in hysterectomy specimen. Associated with a history of abortion. Etiology remains unclear. Clinically it presents with infertility, chronic pelvic pain, menorrhagia, and vaginal discharge. Treatment is by hysterescopic excision.
Finite sample and asymptotic distributions of a statistic for sufficient follow‐up in cure models
Authors: Maller Ross , Resnick Sidney , Shemehsavar Soudabeh
Published: April 2023

The existence of immune or cured individuals in a population and whether there is sufficient follow‐up in a sample of censored observations on their lifetimes to be confident of their presence are questions of major importance in medical survival analysis. Here we give a detailed analysis of a statistic designed to test for sufficient follow‐up in a sample. Assuming an i.i.d. censoring model, we obtain exact finite‐sample and asymptotic distributions for the statistic, and use these to calculate the power of a test based on it. A particularly useful finding is that the asymptotic distribution of the test statistic is parameter‐free in the null case when follow‐up is insufficient. The methods are illustrated with application to a glioma cancer dataset.
rcell2: Microscopy‐Based Cytometry in R
Authors: Méndez Nicolás A. , Beldorati German , Constantinou Andreas , Colman‐Lerner Alejandro
Published: April 2023

This article describes a method for quantifying various cellular features (e.g., volume, curvature, total and sub‐cellular fluorescence localization) of individual cells from sets of microscope images, and for tracking them over time‐course microscopy experiments. One purposely defocused transmission image (sometimes referred to as bright‐field or BF) is used to segment the image and locate each cell. Fluorescence images (one for each of the color channels or z‐stacks to be analyzed) may be acquired by conventional wide‐field epifluorescence or confocal microscopy. This method uses a set of R packages called rcell2. Relative to the original release of Rcell (Bush et al., 2012), the updated version bundles, into a single software suite, the image‐processing capabilities of Cell‐ID, offers new data analysis tools for cytometry, and relies on the widely used data analysis and visualization tools of the statistical programming framework R. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol: Extracting quantitative information from single cells

Support Protocol 1: Obtaining and installing Cell‐ID and R

Support Protocol 2: Preparing cells for imaging
Performance of tetraploid biofortified potato clones in Rwanda
Authors: Rukundo Placide , Ndacyayisenga Theophile , Vandamme Elke , Nshimiyimana Jean Claude , Thiago Mendes
Published: April 2023

The potential of biofortified crops and their critical role in Rwandan diets motivated the Ministry of Agriculture through Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) to adopt a national policy of combating micronutrients’ deficiencies by developing and releasing fortified crop varieties. In this context, 37 biofortified potato (Solanum tuberosum) clones were introduced from the International Potato Center (CIP) and evaluated for two growing seasons in four agroecological zones in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The evaluation was conducted on the vegetative development traits, root yield (ton/ha), dry matter content (%), iron and zinc (mg/kg) content, flesh color, processing qualities, and taste. The average yield varied between 11.5 and 20.8 ton/ha for biofortified potato clones, while the local checks revealed a yield ranging between 21.5 and 21.8 ton/ha. The dry matter content was between 18.9% and 25.9%, while the local check revealed a dry matter content ranging between 22.4% and 25.4%. The iron and zinc contents ranging between 11.51–27.84 mg/kg and 22.39–43.57 mg/kg was observed on tested bifortifed potato clones, while these contents were ranging between 5.23–8.12 mg/kg and 19.17–21.88 mg/kg for local checks, respectively. Five biofortified clones (CIP312507.311, CIP312764.013, CIP312721.169, CIP312735.253, and CIP312682.042) revealed a chipping quality similar to Kinigi, the most popular potato variety in Rwanda. Regarding the culinary test, the clone CIP312725.057 revealed a bitter taste, 10 clones were ranked as very well, and two clones were ranked as good. Regarding the farmers’ feedback, seven clones, namely, CIP312764.013, CIP312721.169, CIP312735.253, CIP312682.042, CIP312721.038, CIP312621.069, and CIP312637.132, were ranked as very good including the local checks Kinigi and Kirundo. Three clones (CIP312507.311, CIP312725.048, and CIP312721.286) were ranked as good, while the clones CIP312507.312 and CIP312725.057 were ranked as bad. In this study, 10 good clones were selected for further evaluation for release as the first biofortified potato varieties in Rwanda or used in crossing blocks for population improvement.
Measurement of two‐layer medium dielectric property using a novel parameters model in radio frequency
Authors: Fan Li‐Feng , Wang Zhong‐Yi , Huang Lan , Wang Yan‐Hui
Published: April 2023

The RLCG parameters model and one‐port measurement model of the closed‐double ring electrodes have been established to obtain the dielectric properties of two‐layer medium in radio frequency. The accuracy of these models was verified by electromagnetic simulation experiments and the permittivity measurement experiments under 160 MHz. Results showed that (1) When the medium dielectric constant
, the calculation values based on the models and the real values, have a determination coefficient
using the quadratic regression function fitting; (2) the effective sensing depth of the ring electrodes was about the structural wavelength of the ring electrodes; (3) the measuring permittivity of the intact mature corn ear were in good agreement with the results in the literatures. This study demonstrates a practical technique to extract the permittivity of two‐layer medium with the ring electrodes, and will provide a new way to in situ monitoring the physiological changes of two‐layer medium and environmental parameters.
Administration of an LXR agonist promotes atherosclerotic lesion remodelling in murine inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Dragoljevic Dragana , Lee Man Kit Sam , Pernes Gerard , Morgan Pooranee K , Louis Cynthia , Shihata Waled , Huynh Kevin , Kochetkova Arina A , Bell Patrick W , Mellett Natalie A , Meikle Peter J , Lancaster Graeme I , Kraakman Michael J , Nagareddy Prabhakara R , Hanaoka Beatriz Y , Wicks Ian P , Murphy Andrew J
Published: April 2023

Objectives

The leading cause of mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis is atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). We have shown that murine arthritis impairs atherosclerotic lesion regression, because of cellular cholesterol efflux defects in haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), causing monocytosis and impaired atherosclerotic regression. Therefore, we hypothesised that improving cholesterol efflux using a Liver X Receptor (LXR) agonist would improve cholesterol efflux and improve atherosclerotic lesion regression in arthritis.

Methods

Ldlr−/− mice were fed a western‐type diet for 14 weeks to initiate atherogenesis, then switched to a chow diet to induce lesion regression and divided into three groups; (1) control, (2) K/BxN serum transfer inflammatory arthritis (K/BxN) or (3) K/BxN arthritis and LXR agonist T0901317 daily for 2 weeks.

Results

LXR activation during murine inflammatory arthritis completely restored atherosclerotic lesion regression in arthritic mice, evidenced by reduced lesion size, macrophage abundance and lipid content. Mechanistically, serum from arthritic mice promoted foam cell formation, demonstrated by increased cellular lipid accumulation in macrophages and paralleled by a reduction in mRNA of the cholesterol efflux transporters Abca1, Abcg1 and Apoe. T0901317 reduced lipid loading and increased Abca1 and Abcg1 expression in macrophages exposed to arthritic serum and increased ABCA1 levels in atherosclerotic lesions of arthritic mice. Moreover, arthritic clinical score was also attenuated with T0901317.

Conclusion

Taken together, we show that the LXR agonist T0901317 rescues impaired atherosclerotic lesion regression in murine arthritis because of enhanced cholesterol efflux transporter expression and reduced foam cell development in atherosclerotic lesions.
Generalizability of cognitive results from clinical trial participants to an older adult population: Addressing external validity
Authors: Aslanyan Vahan , Pa Judy , Hodis Howard N. , St. John Jan , Kono Naoko , Henderson Victor W. , Mack Wendy J ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Study inclusion criteria and recruitment practices limit the generalizability of randomized‐controlled trial (RCT) results. Statistical modeling could enhance generalizability of outcomes. To illustrate this, the cognition–depression relationship was assessed with and without adjustment relative to the target population of older women.

Methods

Randomized participants from four RCTs and non‐randomized participants from two cohorts were included in this study. Prediction models estimated probability of being randomized into trials from target populations. These probabilities were used for inverse odds weighting relative to target populations. Weighted linear regression was used to assess the depression–cognition relationship.

Results

There was no depression–cognition relationship in the combined randomized sample. After applying weights relative to a representative cohort, negative relationships were observed. After applying weights relative to a non‐representative cohort, bias of estimates increased.

Discussion

Quantitative approaches to transportability using representative samples may explain the absence of a‐priori established relationships in RCTs.
Examination of the two‐step water load test as a measure of gastric interoception and associations with eating and weight/shape concerns in a nonclinical sample
Authors: Ahlich Erica , Poovey Kendall , Rancourt Diana
Published: April 2023

Objective

The current study extended research examining the validity of the two‐step Water Load Test (WLT‐II), an objective, laboratory‐based measure of gastric interoception, by investigating the validity of the WLT‐II in a nonclinical sample and testing its contribution to the prediction of eating and weight/shape concerns.

Methods

Participants (n = 129, 73.6% cisgender female, M = 20.13 years old) completed the WLT‐II Questionnaire and two‐step WLT‐II, as well as self‐report measures of eating and weight/shape concerns (Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire; EDE‐Q) and interoception (Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness‐2; Intuitive Eating Scale‐2 Reliance on Hunger and Satiety), in the lab at a large southeastern university. Data analysis included repeated measures ANOVA, correlations, and a series of hierarchical linear regressions.

Results

Participants reported considerably more discomfort after the “maximum fullness” trial compared to the “satiation” trial. The WLT‐II's objective measure of gastric interoception (sat_%) was not significantly correlated with the self‐report measures of interoception and did not predict EDE‐Q Dietary Restraint, Eating Shame, or Weight/Shape Concerns. Unexpectedly, greater gastric sensitivity was associated with less EDE‐Q Preoccupation/Restriction. Exploratory analyses suggested a possible nonlinear association.

Discussion

These results support the validity of the WLT‐II in its ability to create, measure, and distinguish between the states of satiation and maximum fullness. However, results also suggest additional work is needed to better understand what the WLT‐II's sat_% measure is capturing, as well as investigate potential nonlinear associations of the WLT‐II with disordered eating.

Public Significance

Interoception, or the processing of internal body signals, shows important links to disordered eating. Despite the clear relevance of gastric interoception to disordered eating—such as the ability to detect satiety signals—existing research has relied on general, self‐report measures of interoception. This study examined the utility of a laboratory‐based measure of gastric interoception. Results suggested mixed support for its validity and utility for predicting eating and weight/shape concerns in a nonclinical population.
Synthesis and Characterization of Pd(0) Complexes with Electronically Differentiated Ferrocene Diphosphane Ligands
Authors: Horký Filip , Schulz Jiří , Zábranský Martin , Štěpnička Petr
Published: April 2023

The strategy of modifying phosphane ligands through substituent variation has been widely applied in coordination chemistry and catalysis. This contribution focuses on unsymmetric ferrocene diphosphanes with electronically distinct phosphane moieties, Ph2PfcCH2PAr2 (Ar=Ph, 1; 3,5‐C6H3Me2, 2; and 3,5‐C6H3(CF3)2, 3; fc=ferrocene‐1,1′‐diyl), which were synthesized and converted to the corresponding selenides (1Se–3Se) and Pd(0) complexes [Pd(L‐κ2P,P′)(η2‐ma)] (5–8 for L=1–3 and dppf, ma=maleic anhydride). All compounds were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, ESI MS and elemental analysis, and the structures of 2, 1Se ⋅ CHCl3, 2Se and 5 ⋅ PhMe were determined by X‐ray diffraction analysis. In addition, the redox behavior of 1–3 and 5–8 was studied by cyclic voltammetry and rationalized through DFT calculations. The prepared Pd(0) complexes and their model compound [Pd(dppf‐κ2P,P′)(η2‐ma)] were employed in Pd‐catalyzed C−H arylation of benzoxazole with chlorobenzene in n‐butanol in the presence of K3PO4 as the base, and the catalytic results were compared with the collected characterization data, including the 1JPSe coupling constants determined for 1Se–3Se, as a measure of ligand basicity.
Effect of Mg Substitution on Structural Stabilization of NaxMnO2 Cathode for Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wazny Gabriela K. , Walczak Katarzyna , Tobola Janusz , Rybski Michał , Zając Wojciech , Czaja Paweł , Wolczko Marta , Płotek Justyna , Molenda Janina
Published: April 2023

As the Li‐ion batteries market encounters numerous obstacles, such as not sufficient production to the demands, there is a need to develop post‐lithium technologies, such as Na‐ion batteries. Na0.67MnO2 cathode material provides high capacity; however, it suffers from phase transitions during the (de)intercalation process. Herein, it is presented that magnesium substitution in Na0.67Mg0.2Mn0.8O2 stabilizes the crystal structure during cycling, which was confirmed by operando X‐ray diffraction measurements as well as the long‐term cycling experiment. It also enhances the electronic conductivity from 9 × 10−6 to 7 × 10−5 S cm−1 and the ionic one from 3 × 10−6 to 4 × 10−5 S cm−1. X‐ray absorption spectroscopy O K‐edge spectra are in line with the enormous exceeding of the theoretical capacity of Na/Na+/NaxMg0.2Mn0.8O2 cell (nonreversible discharge capacity of 310 with 155 mAh g−1 of theoretical capacity). Electronic structure calculations performed by the Korringa–Kohn–Rostoker method in the framework of local spin‐density approximation + U in ordered Na2/3Mg1/3Mn2/3O2 approximant support its semiconducting properties as well as confirm that substitution of Mn with Mg markedly enhances the role of oxygen in constituting electronic states around the Fermi level and its role in the electrochemical process leading to the improved capacity.
Riparian vegetation's effects on the evolution of an experimental meandering channel driven by an upper vortex flow
Authors: Song Xiaolong , Wang Shihan , Li Guoyang , Huang Hai , Xu Haijue , Bai Yuchuan
Published: April 2023

Few investigations of river evolution have incorporated the series of upper vortex flow disturbances induced by quasi‐knickpoints, and it is unclear whether the regulating ability of riparian vegetation in maintaining meandering channel patterns is valid. In this study, we therefore conducted meander evolution experiments to confirm the effects of vegetation species and vegetation strength on this complex system. Two nonleguminous plants with salinity and alkalinity resistance had non‐uniform degrees of normal seedling growth and different root network lengths. Our findings show that braided swales formed between the upstream developing zone of the vortex flow and the nearest bend and the riparian vegetation generally consolidated the single‐thread channel planform without branching outward under the conditions of flooding flow. Transverse point bars on inner banks were replaced by downstream scroll bars in the overall channel for long time, unless riparian vegetation and flood scour were coupled. Shallow‐rooted plants were inadequate to withstand the inner‐banks being cut by the upper vortex flow. Deep‐rooted plants can significantly stabilize bank lines and thalwegs but are vulnerable to locally low vegetation coverage. Using evolutionary spectral analysis based on thalwegs, we found that the streamwise high‐frequency distribution of bed topography was primarily concentrated downstream of the bifurcation interface when a flood was present in the unvegetated scenario, shrank to the isolated turning interface of the upper reach and the large‐scale spiral swale of the lower reach in the shallow‐rooted scenario and stood out along the area disturbed by bare roots in the deep‐rooted scenario. This experimental study broadens our understanding of vegetation effects in hydro‐bio‐geomorphological system engineering.
Dynamic and delayed channel geomorphic responses to changing hydrological processes following the Three Gorges Dam operation
Authors: Li Yuchen , Chen Li , Zhang Wei , Yuan Jing , Wu Meiqin , Chen Fan , Yang Chenggang
Published: April 2023

The characteristics of dynamic and delayed channel geomorphic responses to changing hydrological processes are still insufficiently understood, especially in large dammed rivers and segments farther downstream from the dam. Geomorphic effects farther downstream from the dam could be easily underestimated. This study investigated the hydrological changes and channel adjustments in the Chenglingji–Jiujiang Reach (CJR), ~450 km downstream from the Three Gorges Dam. The post‐dam evolution developed from early low‐intensity alternating erosion/deposition to later intense erosion. This is because the increasing sediment starvation caused by the dam and attenuated upstream sediment replenishment produced streams with excess transport capacity for the farther downstream channel, where the early mild evolution and fine‐sandy riverbed guaranteed adequate sediment availability. Additionally, the increasing geomorphic contribution of low‐to‐medium flows, coupled with revetment resistance to lateral adjustments, promoted migration of the major adjustment area from above the bankfull channel to below the medium‐flow channel and characterized erosion by one‐way incision with no evident channel narrowing/widening. The net increase in reach‐averaged thalweg incision depth during a later period (2.85 m) was 35 times larger than that during an earlier period (0.08 m). Channel morphogenetic intra‐annual hydrological processes were identified to contain all discharges smaller than 39 000 m3/s, and discharges of 30 000–39 000 m3/s exerted maximum geomorphic effects. On this basis, a method for estimating the cumulative erosion volume at equilibrium was proposed and integrated into the Delayed Response Model. The encouraging simulation and prediction results indicate that geomorphological adjustments within the CJR were greatly influenced by the hydrological conditions of current year and previous 4 years, while the impacts of extreme and rare events depended more on the consistency of their hydrological behaviours with channel evolutionary trends than on their temporal distances. This work facilitates the understanding and prediction of channel self‐adjustments farther downstream from the dam.
Morphological characterizations of parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L.) to select superior genotypes
Authors: Khadivi Ali , Mirheidari Farhad , Moradi Younes
Published: April 2023

Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L.) is an edible root that has long been used in cooking and preparing baby food and livestock. The present study was performed to evaluate the phenotypic diversity of 69 accessions of this species to select superiors in terms of root quality in Paykan village, Isfahan province, Iran, in the year 2022. There were significant differences among the accessions investigated (ANOVA, p < .01). Coefficient of variation (CV) was more than 20.00% in the majority of measured characters (64 out of 66 characters), indicating high diversity among the accessions. Foliage width (crown) ranged from 10 to 55 cm with an average of 32.32 cm. Root shape was tapering (33), obtriangular (10), narrow oblong (5), wide oblong (5), obovate (13), and fusiform (3). Root length ranged from 81.2 to 294 mm with an average of 166.44 mm. Root diameter at its middle point ranged from 15.58 to 125.12 mm with an average of 51.83 mm. Root weight ranged from 15 to 1200 g with an average of 315.36 g. Inner core (xylem) pigmentation/color was cream yellow (11 accessions), light yellow (12), yellow (42), dark yellow (2), and yellow–light orange (2). In the cluster analysis based on Ward's method, the accessions were divided into two main clusters according to morphological traits. This is despite the fact that parsnip is part of the medicinal plant native and valuable in most farms in tropical cities. Compared with carrots, parsnip plants are more adaptable to different environmental conditions. The accessions studied here showed high phenotypic diversity. Based on ideal values of the important and commercial characters of parsnip, such as root length, root weight, inner core (xylem) pigmentation/color, root shape, flesh color intensity, flesh palatability, and total soluble solids, 14 genotypes, including Parsnip‐3, Parsnip‐9, Parsnip‐24, Parsnip‐32, Parsnip‐32, Parsnip‐48, Parsnip‐51, Parsnip‐52, Parsnip‐58, Parsnip‐60, Parsnip‐62, Parsnip‐65, Parsnip‐67, and Parsnip‐69, were promising and are recommended for cultivation.
A review on extraction, composition, structure, and biological activities of polysaccharides from different parts of Nelumbo nucifera
Authors: Kakar Mohib Ullah , Karim Hammad , Shabir Ghazala , Iqbal Imran , Akram Muhammad , Ahmad Sajjad , Shafi Muhammad , Gul Pari , Riaz Sania , Rehman Rizwan‐ur‐ , Salari Hamid
Published: April 2023

Nelumbo nucifera (lotus plant) is an important member of the Nelumbonaceae family. This review summarizes the studies conducted on it since the past 15 years to provide an understanding on future areas of focus. Different parts of this plant, that is, leaves, roots, and seeds, have been used as food and for the treatment of various diseases. Polysaccharides have been extracted from different parts using different methods. The manuscript reviews the methods of extraction of polysaccharides used for leaves, roots, and seeds, along with their yield. Some methods can provide better yield while some provide better biological activity with low yield. The composition and structure of extracted polysaccharides have been determined in some studies. Although monosaccharide composition has been determined in various studies, too little information about the structure of polysaccharides from N. nucifera is available in the current literature. Different useful biological activities have been explored using in vivo and in vitro methods, which include antioxidant, antidiabetic, antitumor, anti‐osteoporotic, immunomodulatory, and prebiotic activities. Antitumor activity from polysaccharides of lotus leaves is yet to be explored, besides lotus root has been underexplored as compared to other parts (leaves and seeds) according to our literature survey. Studies dedicated to the successful use of combination of extraction methods can be conducted in future. The plant provides a therapeutic as well as nutraceutical potential; however, antimicrobial activity and synergistic relationships of polysaccharides from different parts of the plant need further exploration.
Nutritional, pharmaceutical, and functional aspects of rambutan in industrial perspective: An updated review
Authors: Afzaal Muhammad , Saeed Farhan , Bibi Maryam , Ejaz Afaf , Shah Yasir Abbas , Faisal Zargham , Ateeq Huda , Akram Noor , Asghar Aasma , Shah Mohd Asif
Published: April 2023

Numerous researchers have been motivated to investigate new plant sources as a result of the continued advancement of functional foods and herbal medicines. The rambutan fruit (Nephelium lappaceum L.) with its significant nutritional and bioactive compositions offers therapeutic properties such as anticancer, antiallergic, antiobesity, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antihypercholesterolemic, and antihyperglycemic. Rambutan is high in antioxidants, dietary fibers, and vitamins and minerals. Its parts including fruit peel, pulp, and seed are a great source of bioactive compounds. Rambutan fruit extracts have been found to have cardioprotective and hepatoprotective properties. This review provides an insight into the nutritional as well as therapeutic value, health potential, and utilization of rambutan fruit along with its nonedible parts (seeds and peels). Advanced research and phytochemical screening would also encourage the rambutan fruit as a viable choice for the preparation of medications and functional foods. However, it is necessary to further analyze the functional aspects and nutritional potential of this fruit along with the therapeutic mechanisms and to improve its industrial use as a nutraceutical and functional food product.
Integrative roles of human amygdala subdivisions: Insight from direct intracerebral stimulations via stereotactic EEG
Authors: Zhang Huaqiang , Wang Di , Wei Penghu , Fan Xiaotong , Yang Yanfeng , An Yang , Dai Yang , Feng Tao , Shan Yongzhi , Ren Liankun , Zhao Guoguang
Published: April 2023

Substantial studies of human amygdala function have revealed its importance in processing emotional experience, autonomic regulation, and sensory information; however, the neural substrates and circuitry subserving functions have not been directly mapped at the level of the subnuclei in humans. We provide a useful overview of amygdala functional characterization by using direct electrical stimulation to various amygdala regions in 48 patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy undergoing stereoelectroencephalography recordings. This stimulation extends beyond the anticipated emotional, neurovegetative, olfactory, and somatosensory responses to include visual, auditory, and vestibular sensations, which may be explained by the functional connectivity with cortical and subcortical regions due to evoked amygdala‐cortical potentials. Among the physiological symptom categories for each subnucleus, the most frequently evoked neurovegetative symptoms were distributed in almost every subnucleus. Laterobasal subnuclei are mainly associated with emotional responses, somatosensory responses, and vestibular sensations. Superficial subnuclei are mainly associated with emotional responses and olfactory and visual hallucinations. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the functional architecture of the human amygdala at the subnuclei level and as a mechanistic basis for the clinical practice of amygdala stimulation in treating patients with neuropsychiatric disorders.
Impacts of land use and soil conservation measures on runoff and soil loss from two contrasted soils in the black soil region, northeastern China
Authors: Fang Haiyan
Published: April 2023

Runoff and soil loss characteristics on slopes and their responses to soil conservation measures and soil properties have not been fully understood. In the present study, runoff and sediment data from runoff plots with two contrasted soils (i.e., Phaeozenm and Luvisols) at the Liangshigou (LSG) and Erdaogou (EDL) catchments were used to study soil loss characteristics for the black soil region, northeastern China. The implemented soil conservation measures including cross ridge tillage, hedgerow, terrace, level trough, and biological measures can effectively control soil loss at the two sites, whereas the downslope ridge tillage (DRT) and bare plots yielded annual soil loss rates of 1230 t km−2 year−1 in 2014–2015 and 2020 and 580 t km−2 year−1 in 2020 which were much higher than the tolerable value (i.e., 200 t km−2 year−1). Under the same treatments, the Phaeozenm plots yielded much higher soil loss rates than the Luvisols plots, resulting from more erosive rainfall events and higher soil erodibility at the LSG catchment. The typical black region with the Phaeozenm soil should be the priority area to be implemented with soil conservation measures in northeastern China.
Natural person ltd.: Towards a unified discharge regime for entrepreneurs and consumers
Authors: Vandenbossche Gauthier
Published: April 2023

Personal insolvency proceedings are increasingly fulfilling an economic function, aimed at the rehabilitation of the debtor. The idea of the fresh start and second chance, including an early discharge of residual debts, is an important illustration thereof. Despite the fact that this evolution is noted in all personal insolvency procedures, both with regard to entrepreneurs and consumers, debt discharge used to be easier to justify and more readily granted to entrepreneurs (traders) than to non‐entrepreneurs. Clear examples of the discomfort legislators seem to have with discharging unpaid debts of consumers are the EU Member States that differentiate between commercial and consumer insolvency procedures. In addition, the narrative of promoting entrepreneurship is now driving EU insolvency reforms. That (narrow) focus leads Directive 2019/1023/EU to make the same distinction between insolvent individual entrepreneurs and other natural persons, offering the former a full discharge of debt after a reasonable period of time, while providing no mandatory discharge principles for the latter. This means that not all natural persons are equal when it comes to the possibility of having a second chance, despite compelling evidence that shorter discharge periods lead to more productive individuals. The question therefore arises as to whether EU Member States should run separate discharge systems for entrepreneurs and consumers, and whether this is justified in relation to its purpose. Focusing on natural persons in an insolvency context, this article argues that the objectives of providing a fresh start and second chance, by promoting debt discharge, are as relevant for consumer debtors as they are for entrepreneurs.
An adaptive parameter selection strategy based on maximizing the probability of data for robust fluorescence molecular tomography reconstruction
Authors: Li Jintao , Zhang Lizhi , Liu Jia , Zhang Diya , Kang Dizhen , Wang Beilei , He Xiaowei , Zhang Heng , Zhao Yizhe , Guo Hongbo , Hou Yuqing
Published: April 2023

To alleviate the ill‐posed of the inverse problem in fluorescent molecular tomography (FMT), many regularization methods based on L2 or L1 norm have been proposed. Whereas, the quality of regularization parameters affects the performance of the reconstruction algorithm. Some classical parameter selection strategies usually need initialization of parameter range and high computing costs, which is not universal in the practical application of FMT. In this paper, an universally applicable adaptive parameter selection method based on maximizing the probability of data (MPD) strategy was proposed. This strategy used maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation and maximum likelihood (ML) estimation to establish a regularization parameters model. The stable optimal regularization parameters can be determined by multiple iterative estimates. Numerical simulations and in vivo experiments show that MPD strategy can obtain stable regularization parameters for both regularization algorithms based on L2 or L1 norm and achieve good reconstruction performance.
Inter‐device concordance of Veggie Meter—A reflection spectroscopy to measure skin carotenoids
Authors: Obana Akira , Asaoka Ryo , Takayanagi Yuji , Gohto Yuko
Published: April 2023

The Veggie Meter® (VM) is a refraction spectrometer that detects skin carotenoids. We tested the variability of the two modes (single‐scan and averaging modes) of four VMs of three different versions (VM‐1, 2, 3, 4) with 92 healthy volunteers. Both the modes exhibited a high intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC); however, the averaging mode had a significantly lower coefficient of variance than the single‐scan mode. The Bland–Altman analysis showed a systematic error between VM‐1 and other three VMs. The actual errors between the VM‐1 and the other three VMs in the averaging mode were 7.4%, 10.4%, and 11.8% of the median of VM scores, but the errors could be reduced to 2.8%, 6.3%, and 7.0% by compensating VM scores using the regression equations. Averaging mode had higher accuracy than single‐scan mode. The reliability of the VMs was validated by the small coefficient of variation and high ICC. The error was improved using linear regression compensation.
A meta‐analysis on the effects of just‐below versus round prices
Authors: Troll Eve Sarah , Frankenbach Julius , Friese Malte , Loschelder David D.
Published: April 2023

Marketers' proclivity for just‐below prices (e.g., $9.99) is rooted in an expected higher demand than for round prices ($10.00). The literature, however, lacks a comprehensive assessment of when and how price endings matter. Three mechanisms might explain price‐ending effects on consumers' purchase decisions: just‐below prices (1) improve price perceptions, but (2) impair perceived product quality, and (3) cause consumers to underestimate prices. A preregistered meta‐analysis (k = 69 studies, m = 362 effect sizes, N = 40,541) established that just‐below (vs. round) prices tend to increase purchase decisions (g = 0.13, CI95%[0.01, 0.25]), result in an advantageous price image (g = 0.28, CI95%[0.09, 0.48]), have no effect on perceived product quality (g = 0.00, CI95%[−0.17, 0.18], p = 0.96), and are more often underestimated (g = 0.67, CI95%[0.04, 1.30]). Participant, study, price, and product characteristics moderate the magnitude of these effects. Overall, the effect sizes are small and highly heterogenous, p‐curve analyses revealed a large proportion of nonsignificant effects, and publication bias corrections suggest smaller and, at times, nonsignificant true effects. We discuss theoretical and applied implications for the pricing literature.
Impaired muscle function, including its decline, is related to greater long‐term late‐life dementia risk in older women
Authors: Radavelli‐Bagatini Simone , Macpherson Helen , Scott David , Daly Robin M. , Hodgson Jonathan M. , Laws Simon M. , Zhu Kun , Prince Richard L. , Lewis Joshua R. , Sim Marc
Published: April 2023

Background

Impaired muscle function has been identified as a risk factor for declining cognitive function and cardiovascular health, both of which are risk factors for late‐life dementia (after 80 years of age). We examined whether hand grip strength and timed‐up‐and‐go (TUG) performance, including their change over 5 years, were associated with late‐life dementia events in older women and whether any associations provided independent information to Apolipoprotein E ℇ4 (APOE ℇ4) genotype.

Methods

Grip strength and TUG were assessed in community‐dwelling older women (mean ± SD; age 75.0 ± 2.6 years) at baseline (n = 1225) and 5 years (n = 1052). Incident 14.5‐year late‐life dementia events (dementia‐related hospitalization/death) were obtained from linked health records. Cardiovascular risk factors (Framingham Risk Score), APOE genotyping, prevalent atherosclerotic vascular disease and cardiovascular‐related medications were evaluated at baseline. These were included in multivariable‐adjusted Cox‐proportional hazards models assessing the relationship between muscle function measures and late‐life‐dementia events.

Results

Over follow‐up, 207 (16.9%) women had a late‐life dementia event. Compared with women with the highest grip strength (Quartile [Q] 4, 25.8 kg), those with the lowest grip strength (Q1, 16.0 kg) had greater hazard for a late‐life dementia event (HR 2.27 95% CI 1.54–3.35, P < 0.001). For TUG, the slowest women (Q4, 12.4 vs. Q1, 7.4 s) also recorded a greater hazard for a late‐life dementia event (HR 2.10 95% CI 1.42–3.10, P = 002). Weak hand grip (<22 kg) or slow TUG (>10.2 s) provided independent information to the presence of an APOE ℇ4 allele (n = 280, 22.9%). Compared with women with no weakness and no APOE ℇ4 allele, those with weakness and APOE ℇ4 allele had a greater hazard (HR 3.19 95% CI 2.09–4.88, P < 0.001) for a late‐life dementia event. Women presenting with slowness and the APOE ℇ4 allele also recorded a greater hazard for a late‐life dementia event (HR 2.59 95% CI 1.64–4.09, P < 0.001). For 5‐year muscle function changes, compared with women with the lowest performance decrement (Q1), those with the largest decrement (Q4) had higher hazards for a late‐life dementia event (grip strength HR 1.94 95% CI 1.22–3.08, P = 0.006; TUG HR 2.52 95% CI 1.59–3.98, P < 0.001) over the next 9.5 years.

Conclusions

Weaker grip strength and slower TUG, and a greater decline over 5 years, were significant risk factors for a late‐life‐dementia event in community‐dwelling older women, independent of lifestyle and genetic risk factors. Incorporating muscle function measures as part of dementia screening appears useful to identify high‐risk individuals who might benefit from primary prevention programmes.
Morphological evidence of the protective effects of a synthetic chalcone against the striatal myelin damage induced by glutaric acid
Authors: Casanova Gabriela , Rosillo Juan Carlos , Jiménez Marcie , Fernández Anabel , Rodao Magela , Martínez Gaby , Isasi Eugenia , Presa Gau Nadia , Otero Gabriel , Cabrera Mauricio , Díaz‐Amarilla Pablo , Cerecetto Hugo , González Mercedes , Olivera‐Bravo Silvia
Published: April 2023

Ultrastructural features of striatal white matter and cells in an in vivo model of glutaric acidemia type I created by intracerebral injection of glutaric acid (GA) were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry. To test if the white matter damage observed in this model could be prevented, we administered the synthetic chemopreventive molecule CH38 ((E)‐3‐(4‐methylthiophenyl)‐1‐phenyl‐2‐propen‐1‐one) to newborn rats, previous to an intracerebroventricular injection of GA. The study was done when striatal myelination was incipient and when it was already established (at 12 and 45 days post‐injection [DPI], respectively). Results obtained indicate that that the ultrastructure of astrocytes and neurons did not appear significantly affected by the GA bolus. Instead, in oligodendrocytes, the most prominent GA‐dependent injury defects included endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and nuclear envelope swelling at 12 DPI. Altered and reduced immunoreactivities against heavy neurofilament (NF), proteolipid protein (PLP), and myelin‐associated glycoprotein (MAG) together with axonal bundle fragmentation and decreased myelin were also found at both ages analyzed. CH38 by itself did not affect striatal cells or axonal packages. However, the group of rats that received CH38 before GA did not show evidence neither of ER stress nor nuclear envelope dilation in oligodendrocytes, and axonal bundles appeared less fragmented. In this group, labeling of NF and PLP was similar to the controls. These results suggest that the CH38 molecule is a candidate drug to prevent or decrease the neural damage elicited by a pathological increase of GA in the brain. Optimization of the treatments and identification of the mechanisms underlying CH38 protective effects will open new therapeutic windows to protect myelin, which is a vulnerable target of numerous nervous system diseases.
Extracellular vesicles from the trematodes Fasciola hepatica and Dicrocoelium dendriticum trigger different responses in human THP‐1 macrophages
Authors: Sánchez‐López Christian M. , González‐Arce Aránzazu , Soler Carla , Ramírez‐Toledo Víctor , Trelis María , Bernal Dolores , Marcilla Antonio
Published: April 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by the helminths Dicrocoelium dendriticum and Fasciola hepatica are important modulators of the host immune response, contributing to the establishment of the infection. Monocytes and, in particular, macrophages are major regulators of the inflammatory response and are likely responsible for the phagocytosis of most of the parasite EVs. In this study, we isolated EVs from F. hepatica (FhEVs) and D. dendriticum (DdEVs) by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and characterized them by nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy and LC‐MS/MS, and analyzed the cohort of proteins. The treatment of monocytes/macrophages with FhEVs, DdEVs or EV‐depleted fractions from SEC, demonstrated species‐specific effects of the EVs. In particular, FhEVs reduce the migratory capacity of monocytes and the analysis of the cytokine profile showed that they induce a mixed M1/M2 response, exerting anti‐inflammatory properties in Lipopolysaccharide‐activated macrophages. In contrast, DdEVs do not affect monocyte migration and seem to have pro‐inflammatory properties. These results correlate with the differences in the life cycle of both parasites, suggesting different host immune responses. Only F. hepatica migrates to the bile duct through the liver parenchyma, driving the host immune response to heal deep erosions. Furthermore, the proteomic analysis of the macrophages upon FhEV treatment identified several proteins that might be involved in FhEV‐macrophage interactions.