bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of peptides with antioxidant activity and antidiabetic potential obtained from chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) protein hydrolyzates
Authors: Quintero‐Soto María F. , Chávez‐Ontiveros Jeanett , Garzón‐Tiznado José A. , Salazar‐Salas Nancy Y. , Pineda‐Hidalgo Karen V. , Delgado‐Vargas Francisco , López‐Valenzuela José A.
Published: June 2021

Alcalase hydrolyzates were prepared from the albumin (AH) and globulin (GH) fractions of eight chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes from Mexico and 10 from other countries. Protein content, antioxidant activity (AA) (ABTS, DPPH), and degree of hydrolysis were evaluated and the best genotype was selected by principal component analysis. The hydrolyzates of the chosen genotype were analyzed for its antidiabetic potential measured as inhibition of α‐amylase, α‐glucosidase, and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP4). Peptide profiles were obtained by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (UPLC‐DAD‐MS), and the most active peptides were analyzed by molecular docking. The average antioxidant activity of albumin hydrolyzates was higher than that of globulin hydrolyzates. ICC3761 was the selected genotype and peptides purified from the albumin hydrolyzate showed the best antioxidant activity and antidiabetic potential (FEI, FEL, FIE, FKN, FGKG, and MEE). FEI, FEL, and FIE were in the same chromatographic peak and this mixture showed the best ABTS scavenging (78.25%) and DPP4 inhibition (IC50 = 4.20 µg/ml). MEE showed the best DPPH scavenging (47%). FGKG showed the best inhibition of α‐amylase (54%) and α‐glucosidase (56%) and may be a competitive inhibitor based on in silico‐predicted interactions with catalytic amino acids in the active site of both enzymes. These peptides could be used as nutraceutical supplements against diseases related to oxidative stress and diabetes.

Practical Application

This study showed that chickpea protein hydrolyzates are good sources of peptides with antidiabetic potential, showing high antioxidant activity and inhibition of enzymes related to carbohydrate metabolism and type 2 diabetes. These hydrolyzates could be formulated in functional foods for diabetes.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis on prevalence of metabolic syndrome in psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis
Authors: Loganathan Aravinthan , Kamalaraj Narainraj , El‐Haddad Carlos , Pile Kevin
Published: June 2021

Background

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriasis (PsO) are associated with systemic inflammation and increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with systemic inflammation, and conditions associated with MetS, such as obesity, are associated with difficulty in attaining minimal disease activity (MDA) in individuals with inflammatory arthritis. This systematic review aims to determine whether there is an increased prevalence of MetS in PsA populations compared with PsO and RA populations.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted to assess the prevalence of MetS in PsA, PsO, and RA populations following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses guidelines. The quality of the studies reviewed was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for Prevalence Studies.

Results

The pooled prevalence of MetS in PsA populations was 0.46 ± 0.06 (95% CI 0.40‐0.51). In comparison, the prevalence of MetS in PsO and RA populations was 0.34 ± 0.03 (95% CI 0.32‐0.37) and 0.31 ± 0.04 (95% CI 0.27‐0.35), respectively. Patients with PsA were 1.62 ± 0.036 (95% CI 1.50‐1.74) and 1.66 ± 0.038 (95% CI 1.54‐1.79) times more likely to have MetS compared with PsO and RA populations.

Conclusion

The prevalence of MetS is significantly increased in PsA populations compared with PsO and RA populations. Further studies should be performed using a standardized definition of MetS in PsA, RA, and PsO populations to determine whether addressing the metabolic components in MetS offers any therapeutic benefits and in terms of attaining MDA and improving cardiovascular health.
Silencing LINC01116 suppresses the development of lung adenocarcinoma via the AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Shang Bin , Li Zhenxiang , Li Meng , Jiang Shujuan , Feng Zhen , Cao Zhixin , Wang Hui
Published: June 2021

Background

A growing body of evidence has proven that long noncoding ribonucleic acids (lncRNAs) are important epigenetic regulators that play crucial parts in the pathogenesis of human cancers. Previous studies have shown that long intergenic nonprotein coding RNA 01116 (LINC01116) is a carcinogen in several carcinomas; however, its function in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) has not been clarified. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of LINC01116 in LUAD.

Methods

The relative expression levels of LINC01116 in LUAD cell lines and tissues were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. A Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed using patient information from the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database. LUAD proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis were measured by performing cell counting kit‐8, colony formation, transwell, wound healing, and flow cytometric assays. A xenograft animal experiment was performed to investigate the effect of LINC01116 in vivo. Protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway‐related protein expressions were tested by Western blot assay.

Results

LINC01116 expression was upregulated in LUAD cells and tissues. The loss‐of‐function experiments on LUAD cells revealed that silencing LINC01116 expression could decrease cell viability both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, silencing LINC01116 inhibited LUAD cell invasion and migration and induced cell apoptosis. Mechanically, silencing LINC01116 significantly decreased p‐AKT protein levels, and an AKT pathway stimulator could rescue the suppressive effects of small interfering LINC011116‐specific RNAs on LUAD development.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that silencing LINC01116 suppresses the development of LUAD via the AKT signaling pathway.
Metabolipidomic profiling reveals an age‐related deficiency of skeletal muscle pro‐resolving mediators that contributes to maladaptive tissue remodeling
Authors: Markworth James F. , Brown Lemuel A. , Lim Eunice , Castor‐Macias Jesus A. , Larouche Jacqueline , Macpherson Peter C. D. , Davis Carol , Aguilar Carlos A. , Maddipati Krishna Rao , Brooks Susan V.
Published: June 2021

Specialized pro‐resolving mediators actively limit inflammation and support tissue regeneration, but their role in age‐related muscle dysfunction has not been explored. We profiled the mediator lipidome of aging muscle via liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry and tested whether treatment with the pro‐resolving mediator resolvin D1 (RvD1) could rejuvenate the regenerative ability of aged muscle. Aged mice displayed chronic muscle inflammation and this was associated with a basal deficiency of pro‐resolving mediators 8‐oxo‐RvD1, resolvin E3, and maresin 1, as well as many anti‐inflammatory cytochrome P450‐derived lipid epoxides. Following muscle injury, young and aged mice produced similar amounts of most pro‐inflammatory eicosanoid metabolites of cyclooxygenase (e.g., prostaglandin E2) and 12‐lipoxygenase (e.g., 12‐hydroxy‐eicosatetraenoic acid), but aged mice produced fewer markers of pro‐resolving mediators including the lipoxins (15‐hydroxy‐eicosatetraenoic acid), D‐resolvins/protectins (17‐hydroxy‐docosahexaenoic acid), E‐resolvins (18‐hydroxy‐eicosapentaenoic acid), and maresins (14‐hydroxy‐docosahexaenoic acid). Similar absences of downstream pro‐resolving mediators including lipoxin A4, resolvin D6, protectin D1/DX, and maresin 1 in aged muscle were associated with greater inflammation, impaired myofiber regeneration, and delayed recovery of strength. Daily intraperitoneal injection of RvD1 had minimal impact on intramuscular leukocyte infiltration and myofiber regeneration but suppressed inflammatory cytokine expression, limited fibrosis, and improved recovery of muscle function. We conclude that aging results in deficient local biosynthesis of specialized pro‐resolving mediators in muscle and that immunoresolvents may be attractive novel therapeutics for the treatment of muscular injuries and associated pain in the elderly, due to positive effects on recovery of muscle function without the negative side effects on tissue regeneration of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs.
Index depressive episode and antidepressant exposure were associated with illness characteristics of pediatric bipolar disorder
Authors: Inal Neslihan , Ermis Cagatay , Koc Dogukan , Aksoy Sena , Karacetin Gul , Tuncturk Mustafa , Eray Safak , Karabina Berna , Faruk Akca Omer , Ozgul Dilek , Gunay Kilic Birim , Cikili Uytun Merve , Besenek Mert , Kavurma Canem , Bilac Oznur , Gokcen Cem , Topal Zehra , Percinel Yazıcı Ipek , Sapmaz Sermin Yalin , Ozyurt Gonca , Diler Rasim Somer
Published: June 2021

Objective

Pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) is a serious, recurrent disorder leading to severe functional impairment. As a first mood episode, index episode could affect the long‐term course of the illness. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of youth with PBD from our multicenter, nationwide, naturalistic follow‐up samples and to identify (i) the effects of index mood episode and (ii) the effect of previous antidepressant treatments on the age at mania onset of PBD.

Method

The study sample consisted of 271 youth with BD‐I followed by the child and adolescent psychiatry clinics of seven different university hospitals and three research state hospitals, representing six geographic regions across Turkey. All diagnoses were made according to structured interviews, and all data were retrospectively obtained from clinical records by the clinicians.

Results

When patients with index depressive/mixed episodes (IDE, n=129) and patients with index (hypo)manic episodes (IME, n=142) were compared, the total number of mood episodes and rapid cycling feature were significantly higher in the IDE group than in the IME group. The Cox regression analysis adjusted for sociodemographic and illness characteristics revealed female adolescents in the IDE group treated with antidepressants were more likely to have an earlier onset of mania (hazard ratio=2.03, 95% confidence interval=1.31–3.12, p=0.001).

Conclusion

This is the first large‐scale nationwide follow‐up study in Turkey that indicated prior antidepressant treatments were associated with an earlier onset of mania in youth, particularly in adolescent females. Larger prospective studies are needed to identify neurodevelopmental processes underlying PBD and initiate prevention approaches.
Socio‐economic impacts of zero and reduced tillage in wheat fields of the Moroccan drylands
Authors: Yigezu Yigezu A. , El‐Shater Tamer
Published: June 2021

Zero tillage (ZT) is recommended for dryland farming because it enhances retention of residual soil moisture. However, it is not always clear whether this translates to an economic advantage over conventional tillage, which helps in controlling weeds. Using a nationally representative sample of 1901 wheat fields in Morocco as a case study, we provide comparative analysis on different tillage intensities. Results from an endogenous switching regression model showed that fields that were not tilled gave 298.6 kg/ha (23%) higher yields, US$89/ha (27%) more income and more stable yields than those tilled once or more. Fields that were not tilled also had 87% lower yield variance with 100% and 65.6% less risk of giving yield levels below 500 and 1000 kg/ha, respectively. The highest yield losses occurred during the first and third tillage passes, but the second had negligible effect. Labor saving from avoiding tillage under ZT was undermined by higher labor needed for weeding. Along with biophysical benefits documented elsewhere, our results show that, if constraints for its wider diffusion are removed, zero or reduced tillage has the potential to sustainably improve the economic and biophysical viability of dryland agriculture in Morocco and other similar countries in North Africa and West Asia.
Decommissioning normal: COVID‐19 as a disruptor of school norms for young people with learning disabilities
Authors: Beaton Mhairi C. , Codina Geraldene N. , Wharton Julie C.
Published: June 2021

Accessible summary

The COVID‐19 pandemic has forced everyone to live at a social distance from other people. This has changed the way people live and are included socially.

This paper focuses on the unexpected ways schools have altered and deepened social inclusion for children with learning disabilities during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

We interviewed six people: two people who work for a Local Authority, one Headteacher of a special school, one Special Educational Needs and Disability Consultant, one young person with a learning disability and her mother.

The findings and conclusions show the “new normal” caused by COVID‐19 can help to deepen social inclusion for children with learning disabilities. For example, it can help children communicate in alternative ways with their teachers and friends. It can help families to understand more about their son/daughter's educational abilities; this means they can advocate better for them. It can help professionals to meet the needs of children with learning disabilities more quickly.

We do not enjoy living at a social distance from everyone else, but we do want to make sure that lessons can be learnt from this moment in time.

Background

To slow the spread of COVID‐19, on 20 March 2020, nurseries, schools and colleges across England were closed to all learners, apart from those who were children of key workers or were considered “vulnerable.” As young people with learning disabilities, families, professionals and schools become acquainted with the Erfahrung of the new horizon brought about by COVID‐19, the negativity of altered social inclusion is becoming the “new normal.” Capturing this transitory moment in time, this paper reflexively analyses the curiously productive variables of altered ecological pathways to social inclusion for people with learning disabilities.

Methods

Taking a hermeneutic stance, this paper draws on Gadamer's construction of the nature of new experiences. Focussed on the experience of social inclusion during the COVID‐19 pandemic, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with six key stakeholders. As the phenomenon in question was new, an inductive approach to thematic analysis was applied.

Findings

The critical tenet of this paper is that the Erfahrung of COVID‐19 has created the conditions for a “new normal” which have afforded children with learning disabilities altered opportunities for social inclusion, whether that be through increased power/agency for them and their families and/or new modes of connectedness leading to enhanced relationships.

Conclusion

Whilst the impact of COVID‐19 has been a negative one for many aspects of society, application of Simplican and Gadamer's theories on social inclusion and the nature of new experiences has permitted the surfacing of new possibilities for the social inclusion of children with learning disabilities.
The biomechanics of pollen release: new perspectives on the evolution of wind pollination in angiosperms
Authors: Timerman David , Barrett Spencer C.H.
Published: June 2021

Evolutionary transitions from animal to wind pollination have occurred repeatedly during the history of the angiosperms, but the selective mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we propose that knowledge of pollen release biomechanics is critical for understanding the ecological and evolutionary processes underpinning this shift in pollination mode. Pollen release is the critical first stage of wind pollination (anemophily) and stamen properties are therefore likely to be under strong selection early in the transition. We describe current understanding of pollen release biomechanics to provide insights on the phenotypic and ecological drivers of wind pollination. Pollen release occurs when detachment forces dominate resistive forces retaining pollen within anthers. Detachment forces can be active or passive depending on whether they require energy input from the environment. Passive release is more widespread in anemophilous species and involves processes driven by steady or unsteady aerodynamic forces or turbulence‐induced vibrations that shake pollen from anthers. We review empirical and theoretical studies suggesting that stamen vibration is likely to be a key mechanism of pollen release. The vibration response is governed by morphological and biomechanical properties of stamens, which may undergo divergent selection in the presence or absence of pollinators. Resistive forces have rarely been investigated for pollen within anthers, but are probably sensitive to environmental conditions and depend on flower age, varying systematically between animal‐ and wind‐pollinated species. Animal and wind pollination are traditionally viewed as dichotomous alternatives because they are usually associated with strikingly different pollination syndromes. But this perspective has diverted attention from subtler, continuously varying traits which mediate the fluid dynamic process of pollen release. Reinterpreting the flower as a biomechanical entity that responds to fluctuating environmental forces may provide a promising way forward. We conclude by identifying several profitable areas for future research to obtain deeper insight into the evolution of wind pollination.
Peripheral blood mononuclear cell activation sustains seizure activity
Authors: Librizzi Laura , Vila Verde Diogo , Colciaghi Francesca , Deleo Francesco , Regondi Maria Cristina , Costanza Massimo , Cipelletti Barbara , de Curtis Marco
Published: June 2021

Objective

The influx of immune cells and serum proteins from the periphery into the brain due to a dysfunctional blood‐brain barrier (BBB) has been proposed to contribute to the pathogenesis of seizures in various forms of epilepsy and encephalitis. We evaluated the pathophysiological impact of activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and serum albumin on neuronal excitability in an in vitro brain preparation.

Methods

A condition of mild endothelial activation induced by arterial perfusion of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was induced in the whole brain preparation of guinea pigs maintained in vitro by arterial perfusion. We analyzed the effects of co‐perfusion of human recombinant serum albumin with human PBMCs activated with concanavalin A on neuronal excitability, BBB permeability (measured by FITC‐albumin extravasation), and microglial activation.

Results

Bioplex analysis in supernatants of concanavalin A–stimulated PBMCs revealed increased levels of several inflammatory mediators, in particular interleukin (IL)‐1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interferon (INF)‐γ, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐17A, and MIP3α. LPS and human albumin arterially co‐perfused with either concanavalin A–activated PBMCs or the cytokine‐enriched supernatant of activated PBMCs (1) modulated calcium‐calmodulin–dependent protein kinase II at excitatory synapses, (2) enhanced BBB permeability, (3) induced microglial activation, and (4) promoted seizure‐like events. Separate perfusions of either nonactivated PBMCs or concanavalin A–activated PBMCs without LPS/human albumin (hALB) failed to induce inflammatory and excitability changes.

Significance

Activated peripheral immune cells, such as PBMCs, and the extravasation of serum proteins in a condition of BBB impairment contribute to seizure generation.
Anti‐immigration policy in developed countries: Welfare and distributional implications for developing economies
Authors: Chaudhuri Sarbajit , Dwibedi Jayanta Kumar
Published: June 2021

We develop a 3 × 4 full‐employment small open economy model for examining the consequences of anti‐immigration policy against skilled labor adopted in the developed country on both national income and wage inequality in a source developing economy, keeping aside the aspect of immigration of unskilled labor. We find that both social welfare and wage inequality are likely to deteriorate when, ceteris paribus, the degree of distortion in the unskilled labor market is sufficiently high. In addition, through quantitative analysis we have recommended a couple of policies that are likely to lessen the adverse outcomes on both the economic indicators.
Potential roles for microRNAs in facilitating physiological adaptation to low‐temperature stress in Penaeus vannamei
Authors: Liang QingJian , Dong WenNa , Ou MuFei , Li ZhongHua , Liu Yuan , Wang Weina
Published: June 2021

Water temperature is one of the most common physiological stressors in aquaculture. Previous studies demonstrate that organisms require miRNA activity for survival in various unfavourable environmental conditions. However, the detailed role of miRNA in response to low‐temperature stress is still unclear. This study was conducted to construct a comprehensive miRNA dataset for the Penaeus vannamei after low‐temperature stress. A total of 329 known miRNAs and 60 putative novel miRNAs were identified. Among them, 17 miRNAs were identified with the most significant differences, and they were found to be involved in stimulation or stress processes. The main enriched target pathways of the 17 miRNAs were the Hippo signalling pathway, autophagy, apoptosis and MAPK signalling. In addition, all the 17 miRNAs identified were up‐regulated, suggesting that miRNA by inhibiting the expression of target genes constitutes an effective strategy for Penaeus vannamei to cope with low‐temperature stress. The 35‐putative target of the 17 miRNAs was related to apoptosis and autophagy‐related proteins, such as Pxt, DRAM2, cytochrome c, ATG2B, JNK, ATG4 and API5. The analysis of miRNA expression profiles contributes to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of low‐temperature tolerance in Penaeus vannamei. This study's findings enrich current miRNA resources and offer the possibility to validate the involvement of 17 miRNAs in the response of shrimp to low‐temperature stress.
Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled split‐face trial of the efficacy of tranexamic acid by drug delivery through microneedling in the treatment of melasma
Authors: Kuster Kaminski Arida Dâmia , Orso Rebellato Priscila Regina , Marioto de Campos Giovana Liz , Costa Adriane , Vilaverde Schmitt Juliano , Larocca Skare Thelma , Rodrigues Lisboa Faucz Luciana
Published: June 2021

Background

Melasma is a prevalent skin pigmentation disorder that is difficult to treat. Tranexamic acid (TA) is a potential agent, but there are few studies on its effectiveness under the transdermal route (drug delivery—Dd). One of these Dd pathways is through microneedling, which seems to be effective itself.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of tranexamic acid when applied in the form of drug delivery through microneedling in the treatment of facial melasma.

Methods

A randomized controlled double‐blind split‐face trial with 3 monthly sessions in 20 melasma patients: microneedling was performed in the entire face, and then TA solution was applied to one hemiface and placebo to the other. The effectiveness was measured using Hemi‐MASI (Melasma Area and Severity Index), images pixels, and perceptions of experts and patients.

Results

Hemi‐MASI regressed 22% in control and 29% in TA side. A good/better improvement was found in 37.5% of the control and 42.5% of TA by the experts and 60% of the patients for both sides. Pixels increased by 5 and 7, respectively. In none of these criteria, there was a significant difference between the sides.

Conclusion

Tranexamic acid in drug delivery through microneedling did not bring additional benefit to the treatment of melisma.
Skin disorders associated with the COVID‐19 pandemic: A review
Authors: Akl Jennifer , El‐ Kehdy Jessica , Salloum Antoine , Benedetto Anthony , Karam Paula
Published: June 2021

Introduction

In December 2019, a new coronavirus has emerged out of China, the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus, causing a disease known as COVID‐19, which steadily has progressed into a pandemic. This coronavirus affects many organs, including the skin, whose manifestations are a consequence of the disease itself, as well as the preventative measures taken to avoid the infection. This paper reviews the cutaneous manifestations which currently have been encountered during this pandemic.

Methods

A search was conducted on PubMed, and all relevant articles were included.

Results

The results show the occurrence of many cutaneous findings, ranging from those related to the infection itself and to various dermatitides related to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) utilized by healthcare workers while attending to infected patients.

Discussion

Recognizing these findings is important for the accurate diagnosis of those infected with COVID‐19 as well as the prompt treatment of the side effects caused by PPE that might further impair the effectiveness of healthcare workers.
APB‐13 improves the adverse outcomes caused by TGEV infection by correcting the intestinal microbial disorders in piglets
Authors: Liang Xiuli , Wang Pengtao , Lian Kaiqi , Han Fangfang , Tang Yajie , Zhang Shouming , Zhang Wenju
Published: June 2021

Porcine transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) is an enteric coronavirus that has caused high morbidity and mortality of piglets worldwide. Previous studies have shown that the TGEV can lead to severe diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration in 2‐week‐old piglets and weaned piglets, resulting in a large number of piglet deaths. Antimicrobial peptides have broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activity and a strong killing effect on bacteria, especially on the drug‐resistant pathogenic bacteria, and it has attracted broad concern. However, there are very few reports on the effect of APB‐13 (an antimicrobial peptide) on the intestinal microbes of piglets infected with TGEV. In this study, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to compare the microbial phylum and the genus of piglet's enteric microorganism in different experimental groups, and to predict the metabolic function of the microbial flora. At the same time, the apparent digestibility of nutrients, digestive enzyme activity, daily weight gain and survival rate were also measured. TGEV infection could cause the imbalance of intestinal microbes in piglets, and increase of the relative abundance of Proteobacteria, and decrease of the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteri. With the addition of APB‐13, this problem can be alleviated, which can reduce the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and improve the balance of intestinal microorganisms. At the microbial genus level, after adding APB‐13, the relative abundance of Catenibacterium, Enterobacter and Streptococcus in the intestinal tract of piglets infected with TGEV showed significant decrease, while the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Ruminococcus increased. Finally, we found that APB‐13 can significantly increase the activity of digestive enzyme in the intestinal tract of piglet, thereby improving the apparent digestibility of nutrients and the growth performance of piglets. This study demonstrates that APB‐13 can alleviate the adverse outcomes caused by TGEV infection by correcting the intestinal microbial disorders.
Genotoxic and mutagenic effects of methyl ether dillapiole on the development of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: da Silva J. S. , da Silva Pinto A. C. , dos Santos L. H. F. , da Silva L. J. S. , da Cruz D. L. V. , Rafael M. S.
Published: June 2021

Dillapiole, extracted from Piper aduncum essential oil and its derivatives, has been shown to be a potential alternative to the control of Aedes aegypti, which has become resistant to synthetic insecticides. Methyl ether dillapiole (MED) and temephos (TM) were compared to complement the data on the genotoxicity and developmental changes of Ae. aegypti. Over four generations (G1–G4), third stage larvae were treated with MED at 60, 80 and 100 μg/mL and TM at 0.002, 0.005 and 0.007 μg/mL for 4 h. Adult females were separated to estimate oviposition and hatching rates, and total egg length. Over the four generations, a significant reduction was recorded in oviposition and hatching rates, and in mean egg length (Tukey, P < 0.05), compared with the negative control (NC). Cytological slide preparations were done from adult oocytes and larval neuroblasts. The cumulative effects of genotoxic (bridges, budding and nuclear fragmentation) and mutagenic (micronucleus and chromosomal breakage) damage was observed in the neuroblasts and oocytes of exposed mosquitoes. Developmental changes and damage to the genome of MED‐treated Ae. aegypti were greater than those caused by TM. Further studies should focus on understanding the effects of the MED molecule on Ae. aegypti.
Course of vitamin D levels before and after liver transplantation in pediatric patients
Authors: Yuksel Muhammed , Demir Bariş , Mizikoğlu Özlem , Akyildiz Murat , Baygul Arzu , Arikan Cigdem
Published: June 2021

Background

25‐hydroxy VD insufficiency is known in children undergoing LT but the serial post‐transplant VD course and supplementation modalities in the peri‐transplant period are lacking. We aimed to determine the pre‐VD status and the post‐transplant VD status course following VD supplementation and to elucidate its relationship with post‐transplant outcome parameters such as infection and survival.

Methods

Pre‐ and post‐VD levels were monitored in parallel with interventions to adjust VD levels in LT patients. VD status was categorized as circulating levels <30–21 ng/ml (insufficiency), 20–10 ng/ml (deficiency), and <10 ng/ml (severe deficiency). Patients received stoss (300000IU) VD3 within the pretransplant period if serum levels were <20 ng/ml.

Results

135 transplanted children were included. The age at LT was 22 months (IQR: 8–60). The pretransplant median VD level was 14 ng/ml. Despite stoss dose, post‐transplant median VD level was 1.8 ng/ml (day one), 4 ng/ml (week one), 19 ng/ml (month one), 33 ng/ml (month three), 38 ng/ml (months 6–12), and 40 ng/ml (month 24). After 6 months, VD status reached >30 ng/ml in 98% of patients. Only at pre‐LT, higher infection rate (18.7%) in the severe VD deficiency group was observed compared to the VD deficiency group (2.9%, p = .04). Survival was not affected by serum VD levels.

Conclusion

VD levels fell substantially after LT but are rectifiable by stoss dose, which was well tolerated. Only the infection rate was associated with the VD status.
The Battle Is Joined: Contemporary Art and Contested Memorial Ecologies
Authors: Bowman‐McElhone Amy , Fonder Carrie , Aiken Joshua , Olivier Karyn
Published: June 2021

Objective

This article assesses contemporary artists whose creative practices operate within the contested space of memorial ecologies in order to frame monuments, heritage landscapes, and memorial ecologies within artistic discourses.

Method

Through interdisciplinary methodologies including artist interviews, art historical and humanities‐based analyses and artistic practice, this article assumes a hybrid form of scholarly essay, interview, and visual intervention.

Result

This article resulted in a collaborative project that critically examines public representations of memory narratives from an art historical lens, and functions as a creative text that visualizes slippages of narrative, form, and meaning paralleling the operations, gestures, and strategies of visual artists addressing monument discourses.

Conclusion

We conclude that artists prompt critical and unexpected interrogations of monument discourses and memorial ecologies that serve to deconstruct, critique, and disrupt hegemonic narratives of these objects and relations, and work to construct new interpretative strategies and alternative models of understanding.
The role of lipids in exosome biology and intercellular communication: Function, analytics and applications
Authors: Donoso‐Quezada Javier , Ayala‐Mar Sergio , González‐Valdez José
Published: June 2021

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that in recent years have received special attention for their regulatory functions in numerous biological processes. Recent evidence suggests a correlation between the composition of exosomes in body fluids and the progression of some disorders, such as cancer, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. In consequence, numerous studies have been performed to evaluate the composition of these vesicles, aiming to develop new biomarkers for diagnosis and to find novel therapeutic targets. On their part, lipids represent one of the most important components of exosomes, with important structural and regulatory functions during exosome biogenesis, release, targeting and cellular uptake. Therefore, exosome lipidomics has emerged as an innovative discipline for the discovery of novel lipid species with biomedical applications. This review summarizes the current knowledge about exosome lipids and their roles in exosome biology and intercellular communication. Furthermore, it presents the state‐of‐the‐art analytical procedures used in exosome lipidomics while emphasizing how this emerging discipline is providing new insights for future applications of exosome lipids in biomedicine.
Adverse Health Effects of Frailty: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Middle‐Aged and Older Adults With Implications for Evidence‐Based Practice
Authors: Chu Wen , Chang Shu‐Fang , Ho Hsu‐Yu
Published: June 2021

Background

Scholars have noted that frailty easily leads to functional deterioration and proneness to complications. Little literature addresses the stages of frailty in middle‐aged and older adults and the effects of frailty on overall health.

Aims

This study explores the effect of different stages of frailty on the prospective health (falls, bone fractures, disability, dementia, hospitalization, and death) of middle‐aged and older adults. In addition, different frailty indicators were compared to determine their usefulness in predicting future adverse health outcomes.

Methods

The authors of this study separately reviewed and extracted data from the literature obtained while searching the following keywords: “frailty” OR “frail” and “fall” OR “disability” OR “fracture” OR “hospitalization” OR “mortality” OR “cognitive function” “dementia” OR “Alzheimer’s disease” and “middle‐aged people” OR “older people” OR “elderly” OR “geriatric” OR “senior.” The literature search was performed from January 2001 to November 2019 in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. Specifically, we performed a systematic literature search in multiple databases—Embase, PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library—and analyzed all obtained literature results using a random‐effects model.

Results

We collected a total of 29 prospective studies for the systematic literature review and meta‐analysis. The main results indicated that the frail groups had significantly higher risks of adverse health effects (falls, bone fractures, disability, dementia, hospitalization, and death) than the robust or prefrail groups.

Linking Evidence to Action

Frailty is a crucial healthcare topic among geriatric syndromes. Considering that older adults with frailty are most likely to develop severe adverse health outcomes, professional nursing personnel should assess frailty among middle‐aged and older adults and offer relevant care strategies to reduce the adverse effects of frailty in this population.
Effect of Laser Surfacing on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ultrasonic Welded NiTi Joints
Authors: Ao S. S. , Li C. J. , Zhang W. , Oliveira J. P. , Zeng Z. , Luo Z.
Published: June 2021

In the present work, the effects of laser surfacing aiming at modifying the surface roughness on NiTi sheets prior to the application of ultrasonic welding (USW) were investigated. Three different configurations joining original and laser surfaced specimens were performed: original/original (referred as O/O), original/treated (referred as O/T), and treated/treated (referred as T/T). The influence of surface roughness on the interface formation, diffusion, and mechanical properties was investigated. It is observed that when both bonding surfaces becomes rougher (T/T configuration), the joint strength is the highest, followed by both smooth bonding surfaces (O/O configuration), and the strength of the joint is the lowest when only one of the bonding surfaces was roughened (O/T configuration), which is related to the degree of plastic deformation at the joining interface. The main joining mechanism of NiTi to the Al interlayer was a metallic bonding caused by shear plastic deformation and formation and growth of micro welds at the joining interfaces. Laser surfacing facilitates the metallic bonding, which is directly reflected in the change of the thickness of the Al interlayer after USW. This also helps to produce a mechanical interlocking at the interface, although there is no significant difference in the elemental diffusion. Interfacial failure occurred in all joints tested under different surface contact conditions and exhibited ductile-like fracture characteristics.
A Data-Driven Framework for Buckling Analysis of Near-Spherical Composite Shells Under External Pressure
Authors: Doshi Mitansh , Ning Xin
Published: June 2021

This paper presents a data-driven framework that can accurately predict the buckling loads of composite near-spherical shells (i.e., variants of regular icosahedral shells) under external pressure. This framework utilizes finite element simulations to generate data to train a machine learning regression model based on the open-source algorithm Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost). The trained XGBoost machine learning model can then predict buckling loads of near-spherical shells with a small margin of error without time-consuming finite element simulations. Examples of near-spherical composite shells with various geometries and material layups demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the framework. The machine learning model removes the demanding hardware and software requirements on computing buckling loads of near-spherical shells, making it particularly suitable to users without access to those computational resources.
Running Biomechanics of Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Bennett Hunter J. , Haegele Justin A.
Published: June 2021

Research examining gait biomechanics of persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has grown significantly in recent years and has demonstrated that persons with ASD walk at slower self-selected speeds and with shorter strides, wider step widths, and reduced lower extremity range of motion and moments compared to neurotypical controls. In contrast to walking, running has yet to be examined in persons with ASD. The purpose of this study was to examine lower extremity running biomechanics in adolescents (13–18-year-olds) with ASD and matched (age, sex, and body mass index (BMI)) neurotypical controls. Three-dimensional kinematics and ground reaction forces (GRFs) were recorded while participants ran at two matched speeds: self-selected speed of adolescents with ASD and at 3.0 m/s. Sagittal and frontal plane lower extremity biomechanics and vertical GRF waveforms were compared using two-way analyses of variances (ANOVAs) via statistical parametric mapping (SPM). Adolescents with ASD ran with reduced stride length at self-selected speed (0.29 m) and reduced vertical displacement (2.1 cm), loading-propulsion GRFs (by 14.5%), propulsion plantarflexion moments (18.5%), loading-propulsion hip abduction moments (44.4%), and loading knee abduction moments (69.4%) at both speeds. Running at 3.0 m/s increased sagittal plane hip and knee moments surrounding initial contact (both 10.4%) and frontal plane knee angles during midstance (2.9 deg) and propulsion (2.8 deg) compared to self-selected speeds. Reduced contributions from primarily the ankle plantarflexion but also knee abduction and hip abduction moments likely reduced the vertical GRF and displacement. As differences favored reduced loading, youth with ASD can safely be encouraged to engage in running as a physical activity.
A Computational Study of the Thermodynamic Conditions Leading to Autoignition in Nanosecond Pulsed Discharges
Authors: Gururajan Vyaas , Scarcelli Riccardo , Karpatne Anand , Breden Douglas , Raja Laxminarayan , Biswas Sayan , Ekoto Isaac
Published: June 2021

Nanosecond pulsed discharges have attracted the attention of engine manufacturers due to the possibility of attaining distributed ignition sites that accelerate burn rates while resulting in very little electrode erosion. Multidimensional modeling tools currently capture the electrical structure of such discharges accurately, but resolving the chemical structure remains a challenging problem owing to the disparity of time-scales in streamer propagation (nanoseconds) and ignition phenomena (microseconds). The purpose of this study is to extend multidimensional results toward resolving the chemical structure in the wake of streamers (or the afterglow) by using a batch reactor model (BRM). This can afford the use of very detailed chemical kinetic information. The full nonequilibrium nature of the electrons is taken into account, along with fast gas heating, shock wave propagation, and thermal diffusion. The results shed light on ignition phenomena brought about by such discharges.
Design and Kinematics of a Novel Double-Ring Truss Deployable Antenna Mechanism
Authors: Cao Wen-ao , Xi Sheng , Ding Huafeng , Chen Ziming
Published: June 2021

This paper aims to present the topological structure design and kinematic analysis of a novel double-ring truss deployable satellite antenna mechanism. First, a new topological scheme and a new rectangular prism deployable linkage unit are proposed for constructing the kind of antenna mechanisms. Second, the degree-of-freedom (DOF) of the deployable unit and the antenna mechanism are analyzed based on structure decomposition and screw theory. Third, the kinematic model of the double-ring truss deployable antenna mechanism is established based on its structural characteristics. Finally, a typical numerical example is used to illustrate the effectiveness of the designed mechanism and the established kinematic model. The new double-ring truss deployable antenna mechanism consists of the units with the better structural symmetry and has simpler joint axis layouts, comparing with the same type of most existing mechanisms.
Computer Simulation of Heat Transfer in Alumina and Cement Rotary Kilns
Authors: Singh Atinder Pal , Ghoshdastidar P. S.
Published: June 2021

This paper presents computer simulation of heat transfer in alumina and cement rotary kilns. The model incorporates radiation exchange among solids, wall, and gas, convective heat transfer from the gas to the wall and the solids, contact heat transfer between the covered wall and solids, and heat loss to the surrounding as well as chemical reactions. The mass and energy balances of gas and solids have been performed in each axial segment of the kilns. The energy equation for the wall is solved numerically by the finite-difference method. The dust entrainment in the gas is also accounted for. The solution marches from the solids inlet to the solids outlet. The kiln length predicted by the present model of the alumina kiln is 77.5 m as compared to 80 m of the actual kiln of Manitius et al. (1974, “Mathematical Model of an Aluminum Oxide Rotary Kiln,” Ind. Eng. Chem. Process Des. Dev., 13(2), pp. 132–142). In the second part, heat transfer in a dry process cement rotary kiln is modeled. The melting of the solids and coating formation on the inner wall of the kiln are also taken into account. A detailed parametric study lent a good physical insight into axial solids and gas temperature distributions, and axial variation of chemical composition of the products in both the kilns.
Determining the full elastic tensor using resonant ultrasound spectroscopy in extreme environments
Authors: Maiorov Boris
Published: June 2021

Elastic moduli are fundamental thermodynamic susceptibilities that connect directly to thermodynamics, electronic structure and mechanic properties. Thus, determining the changes of elastic moduli as a function of time and temperature is a powerful tool to study a variety of phenomena. The Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy (RUS) technique is based on the measurement of mechanical resonance frequencies that can be made with extreme precision and used to compute the elastic moduli without corrections. In this talk, I will give show several examples of the use of RUS in different systems, ranging from magnetic phase transition, determining very small degrees of elastic anisotropy in metals as well as changes in time product of radioactive decay. I will discuss the latest advances made at Los Alamos on measuring and determination of elastic constants. This allow to track the resonance position with high precision, obtaining moduli with an absolute precision of 0.5% and relative changes smaller than part per 10 million.
The dynamics of auditory stream segregation: Effects of sudden changes in frequency, level, or modulation
Authors: Rajasingam Saima L. , Summers Robert J. , Roberts Brian
Published: June 2021

Three experiments explored the effects of abrupt changes in stimulus properties on streaming dynamics. Listeners monitored 20-s-long low- and high-frequency (LHL–) tone sequences and reported the number of streams heard throughout. Experiments 1 and 2 used pure tones and examined the effects of changing triplet base frequency and level, respectively. Abrupt changes in base frequency (±3–12 semitones) caused significant magnitude-related falls in segregation (resetting), regardless of transition direction, but an asymmetry occurred for changes in level (±12 dB). Rising-level transitions usually decreased segregation significantly, whereas falling-level transitions had little or no effect. Experiment 3 used pure tones (unmodulated) and narrowly spaced (±25 Hz) tone pairs (dyads); the two evoke similar excitation patterns, but dyads are strongly modulated with a distinctive timbre. Dyad-only sequences induced a strongly segregated percept, limiting scope for further build-up. Alternation between groups of pure tones and dyads produced large, asymmetric changes in streaming. Dyad-to-pure transitions caused substantial resetting, but pure-to-dyad transitions sometimes elicited even greater segregation than for the corresponding interval in dyad-only sequences (overshoot). The results indicate that abrupt changes in timbre can strongly affect the likelihood of stream segregation without introducing significant peripheral-channeling cues. These asymmetric effects of transition direction are reminiscent of subtractive adaptation in vision.
Ordinal scaling of timbre-related spectral audio descriptors
Authors: Kazazis Savvas , Depalle Philippe , McAdams Stephen
Published: June 2021

A psychophysical experiment was conducted to perceptually validate several spectral audio features through ordinal scaling: spectral centroid, spectral spread, spectral skewness, odd-to-even harmonic ratio, spectral slope, and harmonic spectral deviation. Several sets of stimuli per audio feature were synthesized at different fundamental frequencies and spectral centroids by controlling (wherever possible) each spectral feature independently of the others, thus isolating the effect that each feature had on the stimulus rankings within each sound set. Listeners were overall able to order stimuli varying along all the spectral features tested when presented with an appropriate spacing of feature values. For specific cases of stimuli in which the ordering task partially failed, psychophysical interpretations are provided to explain listeners' confusions. The results of the ordinal scaling experiment outline trajectories of spectral features that correspond to listeners' perceptions and suggest a number of sound synthesis parameters that could carry timbral contour information.