bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Efficient and Stable Atomically Dispersed Cu Catalyst for Azide‐Alkyne Cycloaddition Reaction
Authors: Ren Peng , Li Qinglin , Song Tao , Wang Zhaozhan , Motokura Ken , Yang Yong
Published: July 2021

In this study, we report a highly stable and efficient single‐atom Cu dispersed on N‐doped porous carbon as a superior catalyst for azide‐alkyne cycloaddition reaction. A broad set of 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazoles was synthesized in high to excellent yields with good tolerance of various functional groups in a cost‐effective, environment‐friendly manner. Parallel studies show that the single‐atom Cu with unique coordination structure exhibits superior catalytic activity to the metallic Cu nanoparticles analogue. Remarkably, the single‐atom Cu catalyst demonstrates robust stability and can be reused several times without variations in activity and regioselectivity.
Remarkable Effects of External Magnetic Field on Circularly Polarized Luminescence of EuIII(hfa)3 with Phosphine Chirality
Authors: Mishima Kohei , Kaji Daiki , Fujiki Michiya , Imai Yoshitane
Published: July 2021

Herein, magnetic circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) (MCPL) spectroscopy was conducted to analyze an EuIII(hfa)3 complex with three chiral PIII‐ligands. Resultantly, (R)‐chirality luminophores with S‐up orientation and (S)‐chirality luminophores with N‐up orientation were observed to possess symmetrical mirror image spectra, i. e., they were enantiomers. Similarly, the (R)‐chirality luminophores with N‐up orientation and the (S)‐chirality luminophores with S‐up orientation were also enantiomers. Contrarily, (R)‐S‐up and (S)‐S‐up were diastereomers and did not possess a mirror‐image relationship. Likewise, (R)‐N‐up and (S)‐N‐up were diastereomers. The J‐dependency of gMCPL and gCPL datasets suggested that the N‐up/S‐up external magnetic field, with the aid of chiral PIII‐ligands, increased the gMCPL values by two‐ to sixteen‐fold and modulated the gMCPL signs at J=1–4. Additionally, the origins of the nonideal mirror‐symmetric CPL and MCPL spectral characteristics of EuIII(hfa)3 with three chiral PIII‐ligands were discussed in terms of parity (space‐inversion, P)‐symmetry, time‐reversal (T)‐symmetry, and PT‐symmetry laws.
SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific humoral and cellular immunity persists through 9 months irrespective of COVID‐19 severity at hospitalisation
Authors: Sandberg John Tyler , Varnaitė Renata , Christ Wanda , Chen Puran , Muvva Jagadeeswara R , Maleki Kimia T , García Marina , Dzidic Majda , Folkesson Elin , Skagerberg Magdalena , Ahlén Gustaf , Frelin Lars , Sällberg Matti , Eriksson Lars I , Rooyackers Olav , Sönnerborg Anders , Buggert Marcus , Björkström Niklas K , Aleman Soo , Strålin Kristoffer , Klingström Jonas , Ljunggren Hans‐Gustaf , Blom Kim , Gredmark‐Russ Sara ,   The Karolinska COVID‐19 Study Group
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Humoral and cellular immunity to SARS‐CoV‐2 following COVID‐19 will likely contribute to protection from reinfection or severe disease. It is therefore important to characterise the initiation and persistence of adaptive immunity to SARS‐CoV‐2 amidst the ongoing pandemic.

Methods

Here, we conducted a longitudinal study on hospitalised moderate and severe COVID‐19 patients from the acute phase of disease into convalescence at 5 and 9 months post‐symptom onset. Utilising flow cytometry, serological assays as well as B cell and T cell FluoroSpot assays, we assessed the magnitude and specificity of humoral and cellular immune responses during and after human SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.

Results

During acute COVID‐19, we observed an increase in germinal centre activity, a substantial expansion of antibody‐secreting cells and the generation of SARS‐CoV‐2‐neutralising antibodies. Despite gradually decreasing antibody levels, we show persistent, neutralising antibody titres as well as robust specific memory B cell responses and polyfunctional T cell responses at 5 and 9 months after symptom onset in both moderate and severe COVID‐19 patients.

Conclusion

Our findings describe the initiation and, importantly, persistence of cellular and humoral SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific immunological memory in hospitalised COVID‐19 patients long after recovery, likely contributing towards protection against reinfection.
Activity of the growth hormone‐releasing hormone antagonist MIA602 and its underlying mechanisms of action in sarcoidosis‐like granuloma
Authors: Zhang Chongxu , Tian Runxia , Dreifus Emilee M , Hashemi Shahraki Abdolrazagh , Holt Gregory , Cai Renzhi , Griswold Anthony , Bejarano Pablo , Jackson Robert , V Schally Andrew , Mirsaeidi Mehdi
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Growth hormone‐releasing hormone (GHRH) is a potent stimulator of growth hormone (GH) secretion from the pituitary gland. Although GHRH is essential for the growth of immune cells, the regulatory effects of its antagonist in granulomatous disease remain unknown.

Methods

Here, we report expression of GHRH receptor (R) in human tissue with sarcoidosis granuloma and demonstrate the anti‐inflammatory effects of MIA602 (a GHRH antagonist) in two in vitro human granuloma models and an in vivo granuloma model using different methods including ELISA, immunohistochemistry, RNA‐seq analysis and flow cytometry.

Results

MIA602 decreases the levels of IL‐2, IL‐2R, IL‐7, IL‐12, IL‐17A and TNF‐α in an in vitro granuloma model. Further, we show that the anti‐inflammatory effect of MIA602 appears to be mediated by a reduction in CD45+CD68+ cells in granulomatous tissue and upregulation in PD‐1 expression in macrophages. Analysis of the expression of proteins involved in the mitochondrial stage of apoptosis showed that MIA602 increases the levels of caspase‐3, BCL‐xL/BAK dimer and MCl‐1/Bak dimer in the granuloma. These findings indicate that MIA602 may not induce apoptosis.

Conclusions

Our findings further suggest that GHRH‐R is potentially a clinical target for the treatment of granulomatous disease and that MIA602 may be used as a novel therapeutic agent for sarcoidosis.
A two‐level clustering mechanism for energy enhancement in Internet‐of‐Things‐based wireless sensor networks
Authors: Bany Salameh Haythem , Obaidat Heba , Al‐Shamali Ahmad , Jararweh Yaser
Published: July 2021

Wireless sensors are considered the key elements in enabling efficient Internet of Things (IoT) networking and services. One of the key objectives in designing a WSN is increasing network lifetime by reducing the overall network energy consumption. To achieve this, several techniques have been proposed to extend the network lifetime, such as clustering. Clustering divides the network into several clusters, each with its own member nodes and a cluster‐head (CH) node. In this paper, a novel clustering mechanism is developed with the objective of extending network lifetime through load balancing in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). This is achieved by electing a new node to a provides specific tasks in the WSN to decrease energy consumption and enhance network lifetime. This node is called a relay node that is responsible of delivering the received data packets from the CHs, and then forwards them to the central node (sink). Unlike previous clustering schemes, the proposed algorithm consists of three main processes: CH selection, relay node selection, and medium access control processes. These processes depend on energy level and user's distributions. The performance of the proposed algorithm is investigated through simulation experiments in terms of network lifetime under various network parameters. The results reveal that the proposed mechanism significantly enhances network lifetime compared to previously proposed algorithms.
Pattern and degree of individual brain atrophy predicts dementia onset in dominantly inherited Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Keret Ophir , Staffaroni Adam M. , Ringman John M. , Cobigo Yann , Goh Sheng‐Yang M. , Wolf Amy , Allen Isabel Elaine , Salloway Stephen , Chhatwal Jasmeer , Brickman Adam M. , Reyes‐Dumeyer Dolly , Bateman Randal J. , Benzinger Tammie L.S. , Morris John C. , Ances Beau M. , Joseph‐Mathurin Nelly , Perrin Richard J. , Gordon Brian A. , Levin Johannes , Vöglein Jonathan , Jucker Mathias , la Fougère Christian , Martins Ralph N. , Sohrabi Hamid R. , Taddei Kevin , Villemagne Victor L. , Schofield Peter R. , Brooks William S. , Fulham Michael , Masters Colin L. , Ghetti Bernardino , Saykin Andrew J. , Jack Clifford R. , Graff‐Radford Neill R. , Weiner Michael , Cash David M. , Allegri Ricardo F. , Chrem Patricio , Yi Su , Miller Bruce L. , Rabinovici Gil D. , Rosen Howard J. ,   Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic dominantly inherited Alzheimer's disease mutation carriers (DIAD‐MC) are ideal candidates for preventative treatment trials aimed at delaying or preventing dementia onset. Brain atrophy is an early feature of DIAD‐MC and could help predict risk for dementia during trial enrollment.

Methods

We created a dementia risk score by entering standardized gray‐matter volumes from 231 DIAD‐MC into a logistic regression to classify participants with and without dementia. The score's predictive utility was assessed using Cox models and receiver operating curves on a separate group of 65 DIAD‐MC followed longitudinally.

Results

Our risk score separated asymptomatic versus demented DIAD‐MC with 96.4% (standard error = 0.02) and predicted conversion to dementia at next visit (hazard ratio = 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI: 1.15, 1.49]) and within 2 years (area under the curve = 90.3%, 95% CI [82.3%–98.2%]) and improved prediction beyond established methods based on familial age of onset.

Discussion

Individualized risk scores based on brain atrophy could be useful for establishing enrollment criteria and stratifying DIAD‐MC participants for prevention trials.
Brain correlates of urban environmental exposures in cognitively unimpaired individuals at increased risk for Alzheimer's disease: A study on Barcelona's population
Authors: Falcón Carles , Gascon Mireia , Molinuevo José Luis , Operto Grégory , Cirach Marta , Gotsens Xavier , Fauria Karine , Arenaza‐Urquijo Eider M. , Pujol Jesús , Sunyer Jordi , Nieuwenhuijsen Mark J. , Gispert Juan Domingo , Crous‐Bou Marta ,   for the ALFA Study
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Urban environmental exposures might contribute to the incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our aim was to identify structural brain imaging correlates of urban environmental exposures in cognitively unimpaired individuals at increased risk of AD.

Methods

Two hundred twelve participants with brain scans and residing in Barcelona, Spain, were included. Land use regression models were used to estimate residential exposure to air pollutants. The daily average noise level was obtained from noise maps. Residential green exposure indicators were also generated. A cerebral 3D‐T1 was acquired to obtain information on brain morphology. Voxel‐based morphometry statistical analyses were conducted to determine the areas of the brain in which regional gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) volumes were associated with environmental exposures.

Results

Exposure to nitrogen dioxide was associated with lower GM volume in the precuneus and greater WM volume in the splenium of the corpus callosum and inferior longitudinal fasciculus. In contrast, exposure to fine particulate matter was associated with greater GM in cerebellum and WM in the splenium of corpus callosum, the superior longitudinal fasciculus, and cingulum cingulate gyrus. Noise was positively associated with WM volume in the body of the corpus callosum. Exposure to greenness was associated with greater GM volume in the middle frontal, precentral, and the temporal pole.

Discussion

In cognitively unimpaired adults with increased risk of AD, exposure to air pollution, noise, and green areas are associated with GM and WM volumes of specific brain areas known to be affected in AD, thus potentially conferring a higher vulnerability to the disease.
Characteristics and metabolic patterns of soil methanogenic archaea communities in the high‐latitude natural forested wetlands of China
Authors: Wu Di , Zhao Caihong , Bai Hui , Feng Fujuan , Sui Xin , Sun Guangyu
Published: July 2021

Soil methanogenic microorganisms are one of the primary methane‐producing microbes in wetlands. However, we still poorly understand the community characteristic and metabolic patterns of these microorganisms according to vegetation type and seasonal changes. Therefore, to better elucidate the effects of the vegetation type and seasonal factors on the methanogenic community structure and metabolic patterns, we detected the characteristics of the soil methanogenic mcrA gene from three types of natural wetlands in different seasons in the Xiaoxing'an Mountain region, China. The results indicated that the distribution of Methanobacteriaceae (hydrogenotrophic methanogens) was higher in winter, while Methanosarcinaceae and Methanosaetaceae accounted for a higher proportion in summer. Hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis was the dominant trophic pattern in each wetland. The results of principal coordinate analysis and cluster analysis showed that the vegetation type considerably influenced the methanogenic community composition. The methanogenic community structure in the Betula platyphylla–Larix gmelinii wetland was relatively different from the structure of the other two wetland types. Indicator species analysis further demonstrated that the corresponding species of indicator operational taxonomic units from the Alnus sibirica wetland and the Betula ovalifolia wetland were similar. Network analysis showed that cooperative and competitive relationships exist both within and between the same or different trophic methanogens. The core methanogens with higher abundance in each wetland were conducive to the adaptation to environmental disturbances. This information is crucial for the assessment of metabolic patterns of soil methanogenic archaea and future fluxes in the wetlands of the Xiaoxing'an Mountain region given their vulnerability.
Differential effects of estradiol and progesterone on human T cell activation in vitro
Authors: Papapavlou Georgia , Hellberg Sandra , Raffetseder Johanna , Brynhildsen Jan , Gustafsson Mika , Jenmalm Maria C. , Ernerudh Jan
Published: July 2021

Estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) are steroid hormones important for the regulation of immune responses during pregnancy. Their increasing levels coincide with an improvement of T cell‐mediated diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Although immune‐endocrine interactions are involved in this phenomenon, the relative contribution of hormones is not known. We here report a direct comparison of E2‐ and P4‐mediated effects on human CD4+ T cells, key cells in immune regulation. T cells were stimulated to obtain different activation levels and exposed to a broad range of hormone concentrations. Activation level was assessed by CD69/CD25 expression by flow cytometry, and secreted proteins (n = 196) were measured in culture supernatants using proximity extension assay and electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. We found that in low activated cells, pregnancy‐relevant E2 concentrations increased activation and the secretion of several immune‐ and inflammation‐related proteins. P4, on the other hand, showed a biphasic pattern, where serum‐related concentrations upregulated activation and protein secretion while placenta‐relevant concentrations induced a prominent dampening irrespective of the initial activation level. Our results demonstrate the importance of P4 as a major hormone in the immune modulation of T cells during pregnancy and emphasize the need to further evaluate its potency in the treatment of diseases like MS.
Abortive HIV‐1 RNA induces pro‐IL‐1β maturation via protein kinase PKR and inflammasome activation in humans
Authors: Stunnenberg Melissa , van Hamme John L. , Trimp Marjolein , Gringhuis Sonja I. , Geijtenbeek Teunis B.H.
Published: July 2021

The proinflammatory cytokine IL‐1β mediates high levels of immune activation observed during acute and chronic human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV‐1) infection. Little is known about the mechanisms that drive IL‐1β activation during HIV‐1 infection. Here, we have identified a crucial role for abortive HIV‐1 RNAs in inducing IL‐1β in humans. Abortive HIV‐1 RNAs were sensed by protein kinase RNA‐activated (PKR), which triggered activation of the canonical NLRP3 inflammasome and caspase‐1, leading to pro‐IL‐1β processing and secretion. PKR activated the inflammasome via ROS generation and MAP kinases ERK1/2, JNK, and p38. Inhibition of PKR during HIV‐1 infection blocked IL‐1β production. As abortive HIV‐1 RNAs are produced during productive infection and latency, our data strongly suggest that targeting PKR signaling might attenuate immune activation during acute and chronic HIV‐1 infection.
The effects of false identification laws on underage alcohol‐related traffic fatalities
Authors: Nesson Erik , Shrestha Vinish
Published: July 2021

We examine the effects of policies aimed at restricting the use of false identification to purchase alcohol on traffic fatalities involving alcohol‐impaired underage drivers. We find that the implementation of policies that incentivize alcohol retailers to adopt ID scanners reduces traffic fatalities from accidents involving 16–18 year old drivers with a BAC >0, but we do not find that similar policies like vertical ID laws lead to statistically significant changes in traffic fatalities involving underage impaired drivers. A back‐of‐the‐envelope calculation suggests that if all remaining states passed ID scanner laws, the reduction in underage alcohol‐related fatal accidents would generate over $400 million in annual economic benefits.
Differences in healthiness perceptions of food and dietary patterns among the general public and nutrition experts: A cross‐sectional online survey
Authors: Niven Philippa , Morley Belinda , Gascoyne Claudia , Dixon Helen , McAleese Alison , Martin Jane , Wakefield Melanie
Published: July 2021

Issues addressed

Diet quality plays a vital role in the prevention of prevalent non‐communicable diseases; however, misperceptions of healthiness of common foods and beverages may be undermining Australians’ attempts to maintain a healthy diet. The current study aimed to assess the extent and nature of differences in public and expert opinion in the foods, beverages and dietary patterns that are considered healthy.

Methods

A cross‐sectional online survey of 1,097 Victorian adults aged 18‐64 and 134 professional dietitians and nutritionists assessed healthiness perceptions of foods, beverages and dietary patterns, self‐reported dietary patterns, and factors considered when making healthy choices. Differences in perceptions and dietary patterns between samples and by sex, socio‐economic area and level of education were assessed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

There were large discrepancies in which items the public and expert samples considered healthy. Females and those in high socio‐economic areas tended to report healthiness perceptions that aligned with the expert sample to a greater degree than their counterparts. Personal judgement of products was important to both samples when making decisions about healthy choices.

Conclusions

The public and expert samples differed greatly in healthiness perceptions with significant variation by demographics.

So what?

Well‐funded, sustained public health campaigns are needed to provide the public with evidence‐based health and nutrition information and combat persuasive, misleading messaging from popular media and marketing.
Meta‐analyses and effect sizes in applied behavior analysis: A review and discussion
Authors: Dowdy Art , Peltier Corey , Tincani Matt , Schneider W. Joel , Hantula Donald A. , Travers Jason C.
Published: July 2021

For more than four decades, researchers have used meta‐analyses to synthesize data from multiple experimental studies often to draw conclusions that are not supported by individual studies. More recently, single‐case experimental design (SCED) researchers have adopted meta‐analysis techniques to answer research questions with data gleaned from SCED experiments. Meta‐analyses enable researchers to answer questions regarding intervention efficacy, generality, and condition boundaries. Here we discuss meta‐analysis techniques, the rationale for their adaptation with SCED studies, and current indices used to quantify the effect of SCED data in applied behavior analysis.
The government spending multiplier at the zero lower bound: International evidence from historical data
Authors: Klein Mathias , Winkler Roland
Published: July 2021

Based on a large historical panel dataset, this paper provides evidence that the government spending multiplier can be significantly higher when interest rates are at or near the zero lower bound (ZLB). We estimate multipliers that are as high as 1.5 during ZLB episodes but small and statistically indistinguishable from zero during normal times. Our results are robust to different definitions of ZLB episodes, alternative ways of identifying government spending shocks, controlling for the exchange rate regime, and other potentially important state variables. In particular, we show that the difference in multipliers is not driven by multipliers being higher during periods of economic slack.
R‐loops mediate transcription‐associated formation of human rDNA secondary constrictions
Authors: Zhou Hong , Wang Yapei , Wang Qing , Li Le , Hu Yan , Wu Yequn , Gautam Mayank , Li Lijia
Published: July 2021

The ribosomal gene DNA (rDNA) often forms secondary constrictions in the chromosome; however, the molecular mechanism involved remains poorly understood. Here, we report that occurrence of rDNA constriction was increased in the chromosomes in human cancer cell lines compared with normal cells and that decondensed rDNA was significantly enhanced after partial inhibition of rDNA transcription. rDNA transcription was found during the S phase when replication occurred, and thus, DNA replication inhibitors caused constriction formation through hindering rDNA transcription. Inhibition of ataxia ATR (telangiectasia‐mutated and RAD3‐related) induced rDNA constriction formation. Replication stress or transcription inhibition increased R‐loop formation. Topoisomerase I and RNase H1 suppressed secondary constriction formation. These data demonstrate that transcription stress causes the accumulation of stable R‐loops (RNA–DNA hybrid) and subsequent constriction formation in the chromosomes.
Long‐term physical health outcomes of obsessive‐compulsive personality disorder traits
Authors: Morreale Michael , Holingue Calliope , Samuels Jack , Nestadt Gerald
Published: July 2021

Background

Obsessive‐compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is characterized by pervasive and persistent traits including preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control. Relatively little is known about the potential relationship between OCPD traits and physical health.

Methods

We investigated the association between OCPD traits and several self‐reported medical conditions in 249 individuals followed prospectively from 1981 until 2004/2005 as part of the Epidemiological Catchment Area.

Results

The OCPD trait score was inversely related to hypertension in males, in models unadjusted (OR = 0.66; 95% CI, 0.45–0.90) and adjusted (OR = 0.70; 95% CI, 0.47–0.95) for sociodemographic variables. Perfectionism was inversely related to hypertension in the unadjusted models for men (OR = 0.34; 95% CI, 0.12–0.89). Indecisiveness was positively associated with heart conditions in adjusted models for women (OR = 3.46; 95% CI, 1.11–10.52).

Conclusion

OCPD traits are associated with cardiovascular health in both sexes. Further studies are needed to understand the specificity of these relationships, as well as to determine the underlying mechanism.
Exosomes as drug delivery vehicles and biomarkers for neurological and auditory systems
Authors: Mittal Rahul , Bencie Nicole , Langlie Jake , Mittal Jeenu , Eshraghi Adrien A.
Published: July 2021

Exosomes are small extracellular membrane particles that play a crucial role in intracellular signaling. Research shows that exosomes have the potential to be used as biomarkers or drug delivery systems in specific organs, such as the neurological system and the inner ear. Exosomes in neurological and auditory systems release different molecules when under stress versus in healthy states, highlighting their potential use as biomarkers in the identification of diseased states. Studies have suggested that exosomes can be harnessed for drug delivery to hard‐to‐reach organs, such as cochlear sensory hair cells and the brain due to their ability to cross the blood‐labyrinth and blood‐brain barriers. In this article, we describe the biogenesis, classification, and characterization methods of exosomes. We then discuss recent studies that indicate their potential usage as biomarkers and drug delivery systems to help treat inner ear and neurological disorders.
Improvement of cardiac and systemic function in old mice by agonist of growth hormone‐releasing hormone
Authors: Xiang Pingping , Jing Wangwei , Lin Yinuo , Liu Qi , Shen Jian , Hu Xinyang , Chen Jinghai , Cai Renzhi , Hare Joshua M. , Zhu Wei , Schally Andrew V. , Yu Hong
Published: July 2021

Age‐related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases portend disability, increase health expenditures, and cause late‐life mortality. Synthetic agonists of growth hormone‐releasing hormone (GHRH) exhibit several favorable effects on heart function and remodeling. Here we assessed whether GHRH agonist MR409 can modulate heart function and systemic parameters in old mice. Starting at the age of 15 months, mice were injected subcutaneously with MR409 (10 µg/day, n = 8) or vehicle (n = 7) daily for 6 months. Mice treated with MR409 showed improvements in exercise activity, cardiac function, survival rate, immune function, and hair growth in comparison with the controls. More stem cell colonies were grown out of the bone marrow recovered from the MR409‐treated mice. Mitochondrial functions of cardiomyocytes (CMs) from the MR409‐treated mice were also significantly improved with more mitochondrial fusion. Fewer β‐gal positive cells were observed in endothelial cells after 10 passages with MR409. In Doxorubicin‐treated H9C2 cardiomyocytes, cell senescence marker p21 and reactive oxygen species were significantly reduced after cultured with MR409. MR409 also improved cellular ATP production and oxygen consumption rate in Doxorubicin‐treated H9C2 cells. Mitochondrial protein OPA1 long isoform was significantly increased after treatment with MR409. The effects of MR409 were mediated by GHRH receptor and protein kinase A (PKA). In short, GHRH agonist MR409 reversed the aging‐associated changes with respect of heart function, mobility, hair growth, cellular energy production, and senescence biomarkers. The improvement of heart function may be related to a better mitochondrial functions through GHRH receptor/cAMP/PKA/OPA1 signaling pathway and relieved cardiac inflammation.
Fetuin‐A excess expression amplifies lipid induced apoptosis and β‐cell damage
Authors: Mukhuty Alpana , Fouzder Chandrani , Kundu Rakesh
Published: July 2021

Fetuin‐A, a hepato‐adipokine, is associated with lipid‐mediated islet inflammation and inflicts β‐cell death but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. In an earlier report, it was shown that fetuin‐A promotes lipid‐induced insulin resistance by acting as an endogenous ligand of toll like receptor 4. Recently, we have also reported that β‐cells secrete fetuin‐A on stimulation by palmitate causing β‐cell dysfunction. The aim of this study was twofold: (a) screening the role of fetuin‐A in survival of murine β‐cells, and (b) to validate the effect of fetuin‐A release and lipid induced apoptosis in mouse insulinoma cell line MIN6. Excess of lipid and fetuin‐A in circulation induced significant deterioration of islet histoarchitecture and impeded insulin secretion by 2.7 ± 0.5‐folds in 20 weeks high fat diet mice. Administration of fetuin‐A (0.7 mg/g) along with 4 weeks of HFD produced similar results as 20 weeks of high fat feeding. Treating high doses of palmitate alone (0.50 mM) as well as in combination with fetuin‐A (100 µg/ml) for 24 h inflicted apoptosis in MIN6 through the mitochondrial pathway. Knockdown of fetuin‐A gene partially inhibited palmitate inflicted apoptosis in MIN6 by 1.83 ± 0.25 times, however, fetuin‐A when added in the medium caused re‐emergence of apoptosis. Notably, apoptosis induced by palmitate conditioned media from MIN6, 3T3L1, and HepG2, was partially inhibited in fetuin‐A KD MIN6. These results confirmed the critical role of circulatory fetuin‐A and β‐cell secreted fetuin‐A in β‐cell dysfunction and apoptosis under hyperlipidemic conditions.
Job satisfaction and stress among dental faculty members: A mixed‐method approach
Authors: PR GeethaPriya , Asokan Sharath , Viswanath Sudhandra
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The study aimed to assess job satisfaction and stress among dental faculty members. It was also planned to explore their experiences and probable solutions through a mixed‐method approach.

Methods

Sequential explanatory mixed‐method approach was employed. In the quantitative phase, a cross‐sectional web‐based questionnaire survey was conducted among dental faculty members in Tamil Nadu, India using the “Google Forms application” link. Based on Dentist Satisfaction Survey, a questionnaire was framed, validated, and used. It included 25 items under four domains (PICS): personal, institutional, cofaculty, and students. Mann–Whitney test was used to compare the differences between two independent groups. Kruskal–Wallis test and Friedman test were used for multiple group comparisons. In the qualitative phase one‐on‐one, semistructured telephone interviews were conducted among 27 dental faculties from various sectors.

Result

A total of 408 participants took part in the quantitative survey. The students‐related domain was found to be the most dissatisfied or stressful domain (2.05±0.3) among dental faculties followed by the institutional domain (1.92±0.4) and cofaculty‐related domain (1.81±0.6). Based on qualitative interviews, four themes were derived namely (1) academia as a profession, (2) potential stressors, (3) sequelae of stress, and (4) stress‐free job.

Conclusion

The present study provided deep insight into the stress among dental faculty members and emphasized the need for student–faculty mentor programs. It also stressed the importance of organized monetary structures or pay scales in private dental institutions in India.
Functional signals and covariation in triquetrum and hamate shape of extant primates using 3D geometric morphometrics
Authors: Vanhoof Marie J. M. , Galletta Lorenzo , De Groote Isabelle , Vereecke Evie E.
Published: July 2021

In this study, we want to investigate the covariation in the shape of two carpal bones, the triquetrum and hamate, and the possible association with locomotor behavior in a broad range of primate taxa. We applied 3D Geometric Morphometrics on a large data set comprising 309 anthropoid primates of 12 different genera. Principal component analyses were performed on the covariance matrix of 18 (triquetrum) and 23 (hamate) Procrustes‐aligned surface landmarks. A two‐block partial least square analysis was done to test the covariance between triquetrum and hamate shape, without relying on the predictive models implicit in regression analyses. The results show that the carpal shape of quadrupedal anthropoids, which mainly use their wrist under compressive conditions, differs from that of suspensory primates as their wrist is possibly subjected to tensile and torsional forces. Within the hominids, differences in shape also distinguish more terrestrial from more arboreal species. Even within the great apes, we are able to capture shape differences between species of the same genus. In combination with behavioral and biomechanical studies, the results of this research can be used to establish form‐function relationships of the primate hand which will aid the functional interpretation of primate fossil remains.
Production of mycosporine‐like amino acid (MAA)‐loaded emulsions as chemical barriers to control sunscald in fruits and vegetables
Authors: Pedrosa Vanessa MD , Sanches Alex G , da Silva Maryelle B , Gratão Priscila L , Isaac Vera LB , Gindri Marcelo , Teixeira Gustavo HA
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Sunscald is a physiological disorder that occurs in many horticultural products when exposed to excessive solar radiation and high temperatures. Traditionally, sunscald is controlled using physical barriers that reflect radiation, however this practice is not always efficient. A possible alternative would be the use of chemical barriers, such as mycosporine‐like amino acids (MAAs), which protect aquatic organisms against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Thus, this study aimed to develop a lipid‐based emulsion containing MAAs for using in the preharvest of horticultural products.

RESULTS

Emulsions were developed using 10% (w/v) of corn oil (CO) and soybean oil (SO), carnauba wax (CW), and beeswax (BW) as lipid bases (LBs). The emulsion containing CW and ammonium hydroxide was the most stable, resembling commercial wax. Therefore, this formulation was used as the basis for the incorporation of the commercial product Helioguard™ 365, a source of MAA, in concentrations of 0%, 1%, 2%, and 4% (v/v). The MAA incorporation resulted in little modifications in the stability of the emulsion, providing an increase in the absorbance with peaks in the UV‐B ranging from 280 to 300 nm.

CONCLUSION

The lipid‐base emulsion containing MAAs could be used as a chemical barrier to control sunscald in horticultural products. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Pre‐operative testing for SARS‐CoV‐2 and outcomes in otolaryngology surgery during the pandemic: A multi‐center experience
Authors: Kavanagh Fergal G. , Callanan Deirdre , Connolly Carmel , Brinkman David , Fitzgerald Conall , Elsafty Naisrin , Thong Gerard , Hintze Justin , Barry Conor , Kinsella John , Timon Conrad , Lennon Paul , Dias Andrew , O'Brien Deirdre , Sheahan Patrick
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Preoperative testing for COVID‐19 has become widely established to avoid inadvertent surgery on patients with COVID‐19 and prevent hospital outbreaks.

Methods

A prospective cross sectional study was carried out in two university hospitals examining the pre‐operative protocols for patients undergoing otolaryngology surgery and the incidence of COVID‐19 within 30 days of surgery in patients and the otolaryngologists performing surgery.

Results

One hundred and seventy‐three patients were recruited. One hundred and twenty‐three (71%) patients “cocooned” for 14 days prior to surgery. All completed a questionnaire prior to admission. One hundred and fifty‐six patients (90%) had reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) nasopharyngeal swabs, 14 patients (8%) had CT thorax. No cases of COVID‐19 were detected among patients followed up at 30 days. Two surgeons developed COVID‐19 early during the study period.

Conclusion

Current pre‐operative testing protocols consisting primarily of questionnaires and RT‐PCR resulted in zero cases of COVID in this cohort. It is possible that COVID‐19 restrictions and high proportion of patients cocooning preoperatively were factors in ensuring a low rate of COVID‐19 post‐operatively.
Graphene and MXene‐based Sponge Pressure Sensor Array for Rectal Model Pressure Detection
Authors: Sang Shengbo , Jing Zhu , Cheng Yongqiang , Ji Chao , Zhang Qiang , Dong Xiushan
Published: July 2021

Flexible sensor is one of the prevalent directions in the sensor field, and the sensing material and structure are the main aspects that affect the performance of the sensor. This paper studies a flexible pressure sensor based on Graphene/MXene‐PDMS @ sponge. Using the porous skeleton structure of sponge and the high conductivity and synergy of Graphene and MXene to prepare a set of high sensitivity (0.053kPa−1), high stability (2000 cycles loading), and variability (0–35 kPa detection limit), all‐in‐one sensor. In the rectal model pressure detection experiment, the sensor array can effectively detect static pressure, systolic pressure, and corresponding abnormal pressure detection. Experimental results show that the sensor has a good prospect in detecting rectal pressure.
Mapping the jungle: A bibliometric analysis of research into construal level theory
Authors: Adler Susanne , Sarstedt Marko
Published: July 2021

Construal level theory (CLT) offers a valuable framework to explain the mechanisms that trigger evaluations, predictions, and behaviors by linking the degree of mental abstraction (the construal level) to psychological distance. CLT‐related research has produced numerous publications in a variety of domains, impeding an ongoing overview of the research field and limiting its advancement. Addressing this concern, our paper presents the results of a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of CLT‐related research. This analysis identifies leading authors and the networks in which they operate. We find that a well‐connected, stable core of prominent authors predominantly shaped CLT research and was responsible for its expansion. In addition, we used topic modeling to identify latent topics and research trends, with the results showing that CLT research has expanded into more interdisciplinary and applied contexts. Specifically, although CLT's relevance for consumer research has amplified and applications in areas such as climate change and sustainability have surged, the classic areas of CLT research, such as planning fallacy and impulse control, have lost momentum. Building upon the results of our topic analysis, we identify future research paths and specifically call for a more comprehensive societal focus in CLT‐related research.
More innovative but less socially responsible: The influence of using metaphors in marketing communications on product perception, choice, and adoption intention
Authors: Luffarelli Jonathan , Feiereisen Stephanie , Zoghaib Alice
Published: July 2021

Metaphors appear frequently in marketing communications. Prior literature evokes various positive outcomes of using metaphors to promote products but offers relatively limited insights into the potentially negative effects of this rhetorical figure on product perception, product choice, and adoption intention. Building on processing fluency theory, the authors investigate benefits and drawbacks of using metaphors to promote products. The results of eight studies reveal that, compared with literal claims, metaphors can make products appear more innovative but also less socially responsible. A dual process explains these effects on product perception: consumers tend to view products promoted with metaphors as more unfamiliar and thus innovative, but also as more untrustworthy and thus less socially responsible. In a further step, by examining whether using metaphors to promote products increases or decreases product choice and adoption intentions, the authors find increased product choice for brands with innovative personalities but diminished product choice for brands with socially responsible personalities. Using metaphors also boosts the adoption intentions of consumers who value innovativeness in products but lowers these intentions among consumers who value social responsibility. These findings offer novel insights into the effects of metaphors, along with actionable recommendations for practitioners.
The effects of community safety support on COVID‐19 event strength perception, risk perception, and health tourism intention: The moderating role of risk communication
Authors: Cheng Yun , Fang Sha , Yin Jie
Published: July 2021

The community is crucial in preventing COVID‐19 pandemic. By employing 313 online surveys, it is found that the community safety support enhances risk perception, disruption recognition, and criticality recognition but it negatively impacts on novelty recognition. Additionally, risk communication could moderate the relationship between risk perception and health tourism intention. These findings reveal that people would pay more attention to the risk information and they could join health tourism in the post‐pandemic period to enhance their personal physical and mental health. Therefore, health tourism enterprises should appropriately strengthen risk communication and improve people's health awareness to further promote healthy tourism consumption.
Dietary EPA‐Enriched Phospholipids Alleviate Chronic Stress and LPS‐Induced Depression‐ and Anxiety‐Like Behavior by Regulating Immunity and Neuroinflammation
Authors: Wang Cheng‐Cheng , Du Lei , Shi Hao‐Hao , Ding Lin , Yanagita Teruyoshi , Xue Chang‐Hu , Wang Yu‐Ming , Zhang Tian‐Tian
Published: July 2021

Scope

A growing number of studies have reported the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and terrestrial phospholipids on ameliorating mood disorders. Marine‐derived EPA‐enriched phospholipids (EPA‐PL) exhibit the structural characteristics of EPA and phospholipids. However, the effect of dietary EPA‐PL, and the differences between amphiphilic EPA‐PL and lyophobic EPA on mood disorders had not been studied.

Methods and Results

A comparative investigation to determine the effects of dietary EPA‐enriched ethyl ester (EPA‐EE) and EPA‐PL on improving depression‐ and anxiety‐like behavior in a mouse model is performed, induced by 4 week chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) coupled with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. It is found that dietary 4 week 0.6% (w/w) EPA‐PL rescued depression‐ and anxiety‐like behavior to a greater extent than did EPA‐EE. Moreover, dietary EPA‐PL significantly reduced the immobility time by 56.6%, close to the normal level, in forced swimming test, which revealed a reversal of depression‐like behavior. Further studies revealed that dietary EPA‐PL regulated immunity, monoamine systems, and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis by multi‐target interactions, including inhibition of neuroinflammation and apoptosis.

Conclusion

EPA‐PL exerted superior effects to EPA‐EE in alleviating depression‐ and anxiety‐like behavior. The data suggest potential novel candidate or targeted dietary patterns to prevent and treat mood disorder.
Diosmetin Protects Against Obesity and Metabolic Dysfunctions Through Activation of Adipose Estrogen Receptors in Mice
Authors: Xie Baocai , Pan Dengke , Liu Huan , Liu Min , Shi Xiaochen , Chu Xinyi , Lu Junfeng , Zhu Mengqing , Xia Bo , Wu Jiangwei
Published: July 2021

Scope

Obesity is a major public health and economic problem of global significance. Here, we investigate the role of diosmetin, a natural flavonoid presents mainly in citrus fruits, in the regulation of obesity and metabolic dysfunctions in mice.

Methods and Results

Eight‐week‐old male C57BL/6 mice fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) or 5‐week‐old male ob/ob mice fed a normal diet are treated with diosmetin (50 mg kg−1 daily) or vehicle for 8 weeks. Diosmetin treatment decreases body weight and fat mass, improves glucose tolerance and insulin resistance in obese mice. These metabolic benefits are mainly attributed to increase energy expenditure via enhancing thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT) and browning of white adipose tissue (WAT). Mechanistically, diosmetin acts as an agonist for estrogen receptors (ERs), and subsequently elevates adipose expressions of ERs in mice and in cultured adipocytes. When ERs are blocked by their antagonist fulvestrant in mice, diosmetin loses its beneficial effects, suggesting that ERs are indispensable for the metabolic benefits of diosmetin.

Conclusion

The results indicate that diosmetin may be a potential anti‐obesity nutritional supplement and could be explored for low ERs‐related obesity populations.
An effective deep network for automatic segmentation of complex lung tumors in CT images
Authors: Wang Bing , Chen Kang , Tian Xuedong , Yang Ying , Zhang Xin
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Accurate segmentation of complex tumors in lung computed tomography (CT) images is essential to improve the effectiveness and safety of lung cancer treatment. However, the characteristics of heterogeneity, blurred boundaries, and large‐area adhesion to tissues with similar gray‐scale features always make the segmentation of complex tumors difficult.

Methods

This study proposes an effective deep network for the automatic segmentation of complex lung tumors (CLT‐Net). The network architecture uses an encoder–decoder model that combines long and short skip connections and a global attention unit to identify target regions using multiscale semantic information. A boundary‐aware loss function integrating Tversky loss and boundary loss based on the level‐set calculation is designed to improve the network's ability to perceive boundary positions of difficult‐to‐segment (DTS) tumors. We use a dynamic weighting strategy to balance the contributions of the two parts of the loss function.

Results

The proposed method was verified on a dataset consisting of 502 lung CT images containing DTS tumors. The experiments show that the Dice similarity coefficient and Hausdorff distance metric of the proposed method are improved by 13.2% and 8.5% on average, respectively, compared with state‐of‐the‐art segmentation models. Furthermore, we selected three additional medical image datasets with different modalities to evaluate the proposed model. Compared with mainstream architectures, the Dice similarity coefficient is also improved to a certain extent, which demonstrates the effectiveness of our method for segmenting medical images.

Conclusions

Quantitative and qualitative results show that our method outperforms current mainstream lung tumor segmentation networks in terms of Dice similarity coefficient and Hausdorff distance. Note that the proposed method is not limited to the segmentation of complex lung tumors but also performs in different modalities of medical image segmentation.
A deep learning‐based dual‐omics prediction model for radiation pneumonitis
Authors: Bin Liang , Yuan Tian , Zhaohui Su , Wenting Ren , Zhiqiang Liu , Peng Huang , Shuying You , Lei Deng , Jianyang Wang , Jingbo Wang , Tao Zhang , Xiaotong Lu , Nan Bi , Jianrong Dai
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Radiation pneumonitis (RP) is the main source of toxicity in thoracic radiotherapy. This study proposed a deep learning‐based dual‐omics model, which aims to improve the RP prediction performance by integrating more data points and exploring the data in greater depth.

Materials and methods

The bimodality data were the original dose (OD) distribution and the ventilation image (VI) derived from four‐dimensional computed tomography (4DCT). The functional dose (FD) distribution was obtained by weighting OD with VI. A pre‐trained three‐dimensional convolution (C3D) network was used to extract the features from FD, VI, and OD. The extracted features were then filtered and selected using entropy‐based methods. The prediction models were constructed with four most commonly used binary classifiers. Cross‐validation, bootstrap, and nested sampling methods were adopted in the process of training and hyper‐tuning.

Results

Data from 217 thoracic cancer patients treated with radiotherapy were used to train and validate the prediction model. The 4DCT‐based VI showed the inhomogeneous pulmonary function of the lungs. More than half of the extracted features were singular (of none‐zero value for few patients), which were eliminated to improve the stability of the model. The area under curve (AUC) of the dual‐omics model was 0.874 (95% confidence interval: 0.871–0.877), and the AUC of the single‐omics model was 0.780 (0.775–0.785, VI) and 0.810 (0.804–0.811, OD), respectively.

Conclusions

The dual‐omics outperformed single‐omics for RP prediction, which can be contributed to: (1) using more data points; (2) exploring the data in greater depth; and (3) incorporating of the bimodality data.