bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attenuation of Activated eIF2α Signaling by ISRIB Treatment After Spinal Cord Injury Improves Locomotor Function
Authors: Chang Lei , Liu Xiangyang , Chen Jing , Liu Hongzhe , Wang Guoping , Wang Guohua , Liao Xiaoyun , Shen Xiongjie
Published: October 2021

Following spinal cord injury (SCI), multiple signaling cascades are activated instantaneously in the injured segments of the spinal cord to create a complex and pathogenic microenvironment, making it difficult to treat SCI. Nevertheless, the significance of the integrated stress response (ISR) to the series of physiological and pathological changes that occur after SCI remains unclear. Through western blotting (WB), we determined that the autophosphorylation of stress receptors (GCN2, PERK, PKR, and HRI) was enhanced after SCI, leading to increased phosphorylation of eIF2α at Ser51. Strikingly, we found that eIF2α was highly phosphorylated at 1 day post injury (dpi) and that this hypophosphorylation was maintained thereafter in the spinal cord, especially in neurons, which suggests that intervening with eIF2α phosphorylation may be a treatment strategy for SCI. Therefore, we employed the small molecule ISRIB, which inhibits eIF2α phosphorylation when the ISR is activated at moderate or low levels but not when the ISR is highly activated. Daily intraperitoneal injection of ISRIB significantly inhibited ISR signaling after SCI, reduced the cytosolic localization of RNA-binding proteins, and decreased neuronal apoptosis. Histological and functional experiments further demonstrated that treatment with ISRIB after SCI effectively curbed morphological deterioration and promoted the recovery of locomotor function. In summary, the ISR plays an important role in SCI, and ISRIB is a promising drug for the treatment of SCI.
Stigma in Multiple Sclerosis: The Important Role of Sense of Coherence and Its Relation to Quality of Life
Authors: Grothe Lydia , Grothe Matthias , Wingert Judith , Schomerus Georg , Speerforck Sven
Published: October 2021

Background

Anticipated and experienced stigma constitute important issues for patients with multiple sclerosis receiving adequate healthcare. Stigma is likely to be associated with lower quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis, but the underlying mechanisms and contributing factors are unclear.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey among N = 101 patients with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in a German outpatient department. Patients completed questionnaires on enacted and self-stigma (SSCI-8), sense of coherence (SOC-L9) and quality of life (MusiQol). Age, sex, disease duration, disability or extent of limitations (EDSS), cognition (SDMT), depression (BDI-II) and fatigue (FSMC) were used as covariates in linear regression and mediation models.

Results

57.3% of patients with MS reported having experienced stigmatization due to MS at least once. Fatigue (b = -0.199, p < 0.001), enacted stigmatization experience (b = -0.627, p = 0.010) and sense of coherence (b = 0.654, p < 0.001) were significant predictors for quality of life. The mediation analysis showed a partial mediation of the association between enacted stigma and quality of life by patients’ sense of coherence (direct effect: b = -1.042, t = -4.021, p < 0.001; indirect effect: b = -0.773, CI = -1.351—-0.339. The association of self-stigma with quality of life was fully mediated by sense of coherence (b = -1.579, CI = -2.954—-0.669).

Conclusion

Patients with multiple sclerosis are affected by stigma, which is associated with lower quality of life. Sense of coherence is a potentially important mediator of stigma and represents a promising target to refine existing stigma interventions and improve the quality of life in these patients.
Evolution and phylogeny of the deep-sea isopod families Desmosomatidae Sars, 1897 and Nannoniscidae Hansen, 1916 (Isopoda: Asellota)
Authors: Brix Saskia , Held Christoph , Kaiser Stefanie , Jennings Robert M. , Driskell Amy , Brandt Angelika
Published: October 2021

In the deep sea, the phylogeny and biogeography of only a few taxa have been well studied. Although more than 200 species in 32 genera have been described for the asellote isopod families Desmosomatidae Sars, 1897 and Nannoniscidae Hansen, 1916 from all ocean basins, their phylogenetic relationships are not completely understood. There is little doubt about the close relationship of these families, but the taxonomic position of a number of genera is so far unknown. Based on a combined morphological phylogeny using the Hennigian method with a dataset of 107 described species and a molecular phylogeny based on three markers (COI, 16S, and 18S) with 75 species (most new to science), we could separate Desmosomatidae and Nannoniscidae as separate families. However, we could not support the concept of the subfamilies Eugerdellatinae Hessler, 1970 and Desmosomatinae Hessler, 1970. Most genera of both families were well supported, but several genera appear as para- or even polyphyletic. Within both families, convergent evolution and analogies caused difficulty in defining apomorphies for phylogenetic reconstructions and this is reflected in the results of the concatenated molecular tree. There is no biogeographic pattern in the distribution as the genera occur over the entire Atlantic and Pacific Ocean, showing no specific phylogeographical pattern. Poor resolution at deep desmosomatid nodes may reflect the long evolutionary history of the family and rapid evolutionary radiations.
Forest frontiers out of control: The long-term effects of discourses, policies, and markets on conservation and development of the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Pokorny Benno , Pacheco Pablo , de Jong Wil , Entenmann Steffen Karl
Published: October 2021

With the Brazilian military governments of the 1960s, systematic economic development of the Amazon began. Social and environmental concerns have entered Amazonian discourses and policies only since the 1990s. Since then, reports of threats to forests and indigenous people have alternated with reports of socio-economic progress and environmental achievements. These contradictions often arise from limited thematic, sectoral, temporal, or spatial perspectives, and lead to misinterpretation. Our paper offers a comprehensive picture of discourses, policies, and socio-environmental dynamics for the entire region over the last five decades. We distinguish eight historical policy phases, each of which had little effect on near-linear dynamics of demographic growth and land-use expansion, although some policies showed the potential to change the course of development. To prevent local, national, and international actors from continuing to assert harmful interests in the region, a coherent long-term commitment and change in the collective mindset are needed.
Finding your scientific story by writing backwards
Authors: Montagnes David J. S. , Montagnes E. Ian , Yang Zhou
Published: October 2021

To succeed, a scientist must write well. Substantial guidance exists on writing papers that follow the classic Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion (IMRaD) structure. Here, we fill a critical gap in this pedagogical canon. We offer guidance on developing a good scientific story.This valuable—yet often poorly achieved—skill can increase the impact of a study and its likelihood of acceptance. A scientific story goes beyond presenting information. It is a cohesive narrative that engages the reader by presenting and solving a problem, with a beginning, middle, and end. To create this narrative structure, we urge writers to consider starting at the end of their study, starting with writing their main conclusions, which provide the basis of the Discussion, and then work backwards: Results → Methods → refine the Discussion → Introduction → Abstract → Title. In this brief and informal editorial, we offer guidance to a wide audience, ranging from upper-level undergraduates (who have just conducted their first research project) to senior scientists (who may benefit from re-thinking their approach to writing). To do so, we provide specific instruction, examples, and a guide to the literature on how to “write backwards”, linking scientific storytelling to the IMRaD structure.
Investigation of rarefied flow over backward-facing step in different rarefaction regimes using direct simulation Monte Carlo
Authors: Nabapure D. , Singh A. , Kalluri R.C.M.
Published: October 2021

Hypersonic aerothermodynamics for a re-entry vehicle approaching the earth’s atmosphere is critical in the exploration of space. These vehicles often encounter various flow regimes due to the density variations and have surface abnormalities. The backward-facing step (BFS) is one such simplified configuration for modeling anomalies around such space vehicles. The present work examines rarefied hypersonic flow over a BFS using the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method. The purpose of this research is focused on exploring the various loads encountered by a re-entry vehicle passing through different altitudes covering different rarefaction regimes. The fluid considered was non-reacting air, with the free-stream Mach number as 25, and the Knudsen number considered ranged from 0.05-21.10. The influence of the Knudsen number on flow characteristics has been elucidated graphically in various streamwise directions. The normalised flow properties such as velocity, pressure, temperature and density showed an increasing trend with the Knudsen number due to compressibility and viscous heating effects. In all flow regimes, there was an appearance of flow recirculation. With rarefaction, the recirculation lengths decreased, whereas the boundary layer thickness showed an increase. The aerodynamic surface properties such as pressure coefficient, skin friction, and heat transfer coefficient, by and large, showed an increase with the Knudsen number. When the chemical reactions were accounted for and compared against the non-reacting flows, the velocity, pressure, and density field showed no marked variation; however, considerable variations were observed in the temperature field. Furthermore, the present study also depicts the compressibility factor contour, showing the flow regions that diverge from the ideal gas behaviour.
Pairing theorems about parabolas through duality
Authors: Kilner Steven J. , Farnsworth David L.
Published: October 2021

We investigate the pairing of theorems about parabolas through a dual transformation. Theorems and constructions concerning a parabola in a two-dimensional space can be in one-to-one correspondence with theorems and constructions concerning a parabola in the two-dimensional dual space. These theorems are called dual theorems.
Spontaneous regression of advanced-stage oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Lau K L , Lee C W , Tustin H , Stafford F
Published: October 2021

Background

Spontaneous regression is defined as the partial or complete disappearance of a malignant tumour proven by microscopic examination in the absence of any substantial treatment. This paper presents the case of an older woman whose advanced-stage tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma was noted to have spontaneously regressed at seven months.

Case report

A 66-year-old woman presented with a 4-month history of dysphagia and odynophagia in September 2020. An exophytic tumour was seen on the right tonsil; this was diagnosed radiologically and histologically as a squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsils, with tumour–node–metastasis staging of T4aN0M0. The patient received best supportive care. Seven months later, the oropharyngeal lesion had disappeared, with no treatment. Subsequent computed tomography imaging showed radiological resolution of the previously noted right-sided oropharyngeal lesion.

Conclusion

Several mechanisms of spontaneous regression are discussed. Further studies should review this case in conjunction with other reports of spontaneous tumour regressions, to elucidate underlying mechanisms.
Genetic and viability assessment of a reintroduced Eurasian otterLutra lutrapopulation on the River Ticino, Italy
Authors: Balestrieri Alessandro , Gianfranceschi Luca , Verduci Francesca , Gatti Emanuele , Boggioni Pietro , Mucci Nadia , Mengoni Chiara , Capelli Enrica , Tremolada Paolo
Published: October 2021

On the River Ticino in northern Italy, a small number of captive Eurasian ottersLutra lutra, belonging to the European breeding programme for self-sustaining captive populations, were reintroduced in 1997, after the species had been declared locally extinct in the 1980s. We surveyed for otter signs in 2008, 2010, 2016–2017 and 2018, confirming the presence of what is probably a small population. To assess the abundance and viability of the population, we genotyped fresh spraints collected during the last two surveys, using 11 microsatellite markers, and modelled the population trend usingVortex. A minimum of six individuals were identified from 25 faecal samples. The analysis of mitochondrial DNA determined that the reintroduced otters share a transversion that is characteristic of the Asiatic subspeciesLutra lutra barang, confirming the contribution of the Asiatic subspecies to the genetic pool of the captive-bred founder population. Population size was consistent with the release of three pairs of otters and all models implied that the number of founders was too small to ensure the long-term survival of the population. Stochastic factors are therefore likely to threaten the success of this reintroduction.
Conspiracy beliefs prospectively predict health behavior and well-being during a pandemic
Authors: van Prooijen Jan-Willem , Etienne Tom W. , Kutiyski Yordan , Krouwel André P. M.
Published: October 2021

Background

Conspiracy beliefs are associated with detrimental health attitudes during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. Most prior research on these issues was cross-sectional, however, and restricted to attitudes or behavioral intentions. The current research was designed to examine to what extent conspiracy beliefs predict health behavior and well-being over a longer period of time.

Methods

In this preregistered multi-wave study on a large Dutch research panel (weighted to provide nationally representative population estimates), we examined if conspiracy beliefs early in the pandemic (April 2020) would predict a range of concrete health and well-being outcomes eight months later (December 2020; N = 5745).

Results

The results revealed that Covid-19 conspiracy beliefs prospectively predicted a decreased likelihood of getting tested for corona; if tested, an increased likelihood of the test coming out positive; and, an increased likelihood of having violated corona regulations, deteriorated economic outcomes (job loss; reduced income), experiences of social rejection, and decreased overall well-being. Most of these effects generalized to a broader susceptibility to conspiracy theories (i.e. conspiracy mentality).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that conspiracy beliefs are associated with a myriad of negative life outcomes in the long run. Conspiracy beliefs predict how well people have coped with the pandemic over a period of eight months, as reflected in their health behavior, and their economic and social well-being.
Use of alginate hydrogel to improve long-term 3D culture of spermatogonial stem cells: stemness gene expression and structural features
Authors: Hemadi Masoud , Assadollahi Vahideh , Saki Ghasem , Pirnia Afshin , Alasvand Masoud , Zendehdel Abolfazl , Gholami Mohammadreza
Published: October 2021

The quality and quantity of a spermatogonial stem-cell (SSC) culture can be measured in less time using a 3D culture in a scaffold. The present study investigated stemness gene expression and the morphological and structural characterization of SSCs encapsulated in alginate. SSCs were harvested from BALB/c neonatal mice testes through two-step mechanical and enzymatic digestion. The spermatogonial populations were separated using magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) using an anti-Thy1 antibody and c-Kit. The SSCs then were encapsulated in alginate hydrogel. After 2 months of SSC culturing, the alginate microbeads were extracted and stained to evaluate their histological properties. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to determine the stemness gene expression. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to evaluate the SSC morphology, density and scaffold structure. The results showed that encapsulated SSCs had decreased expression of Oct4, Sox2 and Nanos2 genes, but the expression of Nanog, Bcl6b and Plzf genes was not significantly altered. Histological examination showed that SSCs with pale nuclei and numerous nucleolus formed colonies. SEM evaluation revealed that the alginate scaffold structure preserved the SSC morphology and density for more than 60 days. Cultivation of SSCs on alginate hydrogel can affect Oct4, Sox2 and Nanos2 expression.
Motor and visuomotor function in 10-year-old children with congenital heart disease: association with behaviour
Authors: Teixeira Joana , Caflisch Jon , Chaouch Aziz , Beck Ingrid , Feldmann Maria , Polentarutti Susanne , Balmer Christian , Latal Beatrice
Published: October 2021

Background:

Children with CHD are at increased risk for neurodevelopmental impairments. There is little information on long-term motor function and its association with behaviour.

Aims:

To assess motor function and behaviour in a cohort of 10-year-old children with CHD after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.

Methods:

Motor performance and movement quality were examined in 129 children with CHD using the Zurich Neuromotor Assessment providing four timed and one qualitative component, and a total timed motor score was created based on the four timed components. The Beery Test of Visual–Motor Integration and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire were administered.

Results:

All Zurich Neuromotor Assessment motor tasks were below normative values (all p ≤ 0.001), and the prevalence of poor motor performance (≤10th percentile) ranged from 22.2% to 61.3% in the different components. Visuomotor integration and motor coordination were poorer compared to norms (all p ≤ 0.001). 14% of all analysed children had motor therapy at the age of 10 years. Children with a total motor score ≤10th percentile showed more internalising (p = 0.002) and externalising (p = 0.028) behavioural problems.

Conclusions:

School-aged children with CHD show impairments in a variety of motor domains which are related to behavioural problems. Our findings emphasise that motor problems can persist into school-age and require detailed assessment and support.
Adenosine reverses life-threatening persistent pulmonary hypertension of the neonate refractory to triple vasodilator therapy
Authors: Genet Lucie , De Luca Daniele
Published: October 2021

Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the neonate can cause acute and life-threatening hypoxia, but preterm neonates are not suitable candidate to extra-corporeal life support. We report the unique case of an extremely preterm neonates with life-threatening persistent pulmonary hypertension refractory to triple vasodilator therapy (nitric oxide, iloprost, and bosentan), which has been successfully treated with the addition of adenosine continuous infusion.
Cardiac resynchronisation therapy in a pace-dependent infant with tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Sus Ioana , Suteu Carmen , Dobreanu Dan
Published: October 2021

We present the case of a 5-month-old infant with tetralogy of Fallot and congenital atrio-ventricular block that developed severe left ventricular dysfunction during apical left ventricular pacing, in which cardiac resynchronisation therapy was used as an emergency procedure due to persistent low cardiac output syndrome.
Global libertarianism: how much public morality does international human rights law allow?
Authors: Heinze Eric
Published: October 2021

International human rights specialists and libertarian philosophers have rarely pursued meaningful exchanges, but this paper probes some of their common ground. In recent years, leading international monitoring bodies have developed a principle described here as the ‘Libertarian Principle of Human Rights’ (LPHR). It runs as follows:Governments cannot legitimately recite public morals as a sufficient justification to limit individual human rights. That principle might seem obvious in many societies today, but throughout history, including the history of liberalism, any notion that certain individual interests must trump religious or customary beliefs has stood as the rare exception. The seemingly Western and secular suggestion of a libertarian principle inherent within human rights may seem at odds with the view that human rights ought to reflect diverse cultural traditions; however, LPHR underscores an anti-authoritarianism, which, it is argued, must form part of any serious conception of human rights. LPHR can be substantiated even for highly controversial rights, such as LGBTQ+ rights, suggesting that it appliesa fortiorito more settled rights.
Tectonic Deformation and Volatile Loss in the Formation of Noctis Labyrinthus, Mars
Authors: Kling Corbin L. , Byrne Paul K. , Atkins Rachel M. , Wegmann Karl W.
Published: October 2021

Noctis Labyrinthus is a little‐studied and structurally complex area situated between the Tharsis Rise and Valles Marineris on Mars. Noctis Labyrinthus is dissected by normal faults that form horst and graben, pit craters situated inside the graben, and large troughs that cross‐cut both graben and pit craters. Mass wasting, periglacial, and some erosive fluvial features are observed at the bases of the troughs, suggesting that the troughs hosted liquid and perhaps even ice at some point in the past. We mapped and analyzed these structural and morphological features in Noctis Labyrinthus to establish the region's formational history. Fault throw profiles, combined with morphometric data from pit craters, were used to assess how the pit craters relate to the much larger troughs in the region and whether those troughs were formed by extensional tectonic deformation alone. This comparative analysis suggests that some pit craters grew deeper than the amount of throw accommodated by their bounding faults. We hypothesize that layers with subsurface volatiles (such as ground ice) were intersected and exposed by the larger Noctis Labyrinthus pit craters, enabling sublimation that further promoted mass wasting and the growth and coalescence of pits and graben into the large troughs. Under this scenario, subsurface volatiles played an important role in forming this structurally complex region, and may still be present there.
Extended Water Level Trends at Long‐Record Tide Gauges Via Moving Window Averaging and Implications for Future Coastal Flooding
Authors: Devlin Adam T. , Pan Jiayi , Lin Hui
Published: October 2021

Quantifying the nature and patterns of sea level rise (SLR) is a critical challenge for the sustainability and resilience of coastal zones. Studies of SLR typically consider time‐averaged mean sea level (MSL) trends, however, coastal flooding is more sensitive to extended water level (EWL), which includes time‐variable components such as tides and seasonal variability. Here, we describe a new way to determine long‐term trends of peak extended water levels (PEWL) considering combined monthly averaged MSL and tidal range and their changes in linear rates and variability, which are compared to trends in mean extended water levels (MEWL) over moving 20‐year time windows at long‐period tide gauges over two epochs: century‐scale, and half‐century‐scale. Results show that a majority of locations exhibit different PEWL trends than MEWL trends in both epochs, and this difference has intensified in the past 50 years. There are strong regional coherencies observed: positive PEWL trends along western boundaries of basins (US Atlantic Coast, Japan, and Australia), and negative PEWL trends in most of Europe and the US Pacific Coast. Strong correlations to the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation are also observed at many locations. Significant contributions from changes in tidal range and/or variability highlights the importance of considering multiple components of the water level spectrum beyond MSL. Our results are further analyzed in the context of IPCC projections to demonstrate that increased rates of PEWL may have additional implications for future flood levels at locations which have large projected increases in SLR.
Stratospheric Adiabatic Mixing Rates Derived From the Vertical Gradient of Age of Air
Authors: Linz Marianna , Plumb R. Alan , Gupta Aman , Gerber Edwin P.
Published: October 2021

The circulation of the stratosphere transports important trace gases, including ozone, and can be thought of as having a fast horizontal mixing component and a slow meridional overturning component. Measuring the strength of the circulation directly is not possible, and so it must be inferred from tracer measurements. Long‐lived trace gases can be related to the idealized tracer age of air, which describes how long an air parcel has been in the stratosphere. In this paper, we derive a quantitative relationship between the vertical gradient of age and the horizontal mixing between the tropics and the extratropics using a “leaky pipe” framework in isentropic coordinates. Mixing rates of air into and out of the tropics are related to the vertical gradient of age in the tropics and in the extratropics, respectively. The derivation is repeated with the hemispheres separated so that the vertical structure of the mixing in the two hemispheres can be compared directly. These theories are applied to output from an idealized model of the stratosphere and from a realistic chemistry‐climate model to test our assumptions and calculate the mixing rates in the models. We then perform a quantitative comparison of the mixing rates in the Northern and Southern hemispheres along with an examination of where such a separation is valid. Finally, we perform a very preliminary calculation of mixing efficiency with satellite data to demonstrate the use of the mixing metric to compare mixing in models and data.
Development of prefrontal cortex
Authors: Kolk Sharon M. , Rakic Pasko
Published: October 2021

During evolution, the cerebral cortex advances by increasing in surface and the introduction of new cytoarchitectonic areas among which the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is considered to be the substrate of highest cognitive functions. Although neurons of the PFC are generated before birth, the differentiation of its neurons and development of synaptic connections in humans extend to the 3rd decade of life. During this period, synapses as well as neurotransmitter systems including their receptors and transporters, are initially overproduced followed by selective elimination. Advanced methods applied to human and animal models, enable investigation of the cellular mechanisms and role of specific genes, non-coding regulatory elements and signaling molecules in control of prefrontal neuronal production and phenotypic fate, as well as neuronal migration to establish layering of the PFC. Likewise, various genetic approaches in combination with functional assays and immunohistochemical and imaging methods reveal roles of neurotransmitter systems during maturation of the PFC. Disruption, or even a slight slowing of the rate of neuronal production, migration and synaptogenesis by genetic or environmental factors, can induce gross as well as subtle changes that eventually can lead to cognitive impairment. An understanding of the development and evolution of the PFC provide insight into the pathogenesis and treatment of congenital neuropsychiatric diseases as well as idiopathic developmental disorders that cause intellectual disabilities.
A new prognostic score for predicting survival in patients treated with robotic stereotactic radiotherapy for brain metastases
Authors: Stankiewicz Magdalena , Tomasik Bartlomiej , Blamek Slawomir
Published: October 2021

The study aimed to analyze potential prognostic factors in patients treated with robotic radiosurgery for brain metastases irrespective of primary tumor location and create a simple prognostic score that can be used without a full diagnostic workup. A retrospective analysis of 142 patients with 1–9 brain metastases treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (1–4 fractions) was performed. Volumes of all lesions were calculated using linear dimensions of the tumors (CC, LR, AP) and 4/3*π*(CC/2)*(LR/2)*(AP/2) formula. Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test were used to analyze survival. Variables significantly associated with overall survival in univariate analysis were included in Cox multivariate analysis. The validity of the model was tested with the bootstrap method. Variables from the final model were used to construct a new prognostic index by assigning points according to the impact of a specific variable on overall survival. In the multivariate analysis, four factors: Karnofsky Performance Status (p = 0.000068), number of brain metastases (p = 0.019), volume of the largest lesion (p = 0.0037), and presence of extracerebral metastases (p = 0.0017), were independent predictors of survival. Total scores ranged from 0 to 12 points, and patients were divided into four groups based on median survival of each subgroup: 0–1 points—18.8 months, 2–3 points—16.9 months, 4–5 points—5.6 months, and ≥ 6 points—4.9 months (p < 0.001). The new prognostic index is simple to calculate. It has a strong prognostic value in a heterogeneous population of patients with a various number of brain metastases, but its value requires confirmation in another cohort.
Evaluating the coating process of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and sodium tripolyphosphate on cucumbers under chilling condition to extend the shelf-life
Authors: Helal Mahmoud , Sami Rokayya , Khojah Ebtihal , Elhakem Abeer , Benajiba Nada , Al-Mushhin Amina A. M. , Fouda N.
Published: October 2021

Cucumber is a highly perishable fruit, that can easily suffer from water loss, condensation, shriveling, yellowing and decay. The present investigation aim was to extending the shelf-life of cucumber using eco-friendly sodium tripolyphosphate and nano-material. Decay; hardness; succinate dehydrogenase activity (SDH); condensation and shriveling rates; and visual quality assessments of cucumbers fruits were evaluated during 21 days of storage period at 10 °C. There was a slight incidence of decay among (Chitosan/Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles) CS-TiO2 and (Chitosan/Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles/Sodium Tripolyphosphate) CS-TiO2-STP samples, which reported the lowest decay incidence 2.21% in CS-TiO2, while CS-TiO2-STP did not show any decay at end of storage period. CS-TiO2-STP recorded the lowest value in SDH activity 0.08 ∆OD min−1 mg protein−1. Very slight hardness, water condensation, and shriveling were detected in CS-TiO2 samples, while CS-TiO2-STP was the lowest compared with other SC samples and control. In general, CS-TiO2-STP treatment was found most potential to enhance the postharvest shelf life of cucumber throughout the storage period up to 21 day.
Increased release of serotonin from rat primary isolated adult cardiac myofibroblasts
Authors: Tarbit Emiri , Singh Indu , Peart Jason Nigel , Bivol Svetlana , Rose’Meyer Roselyn Barbara
Published: October 2021

Elevated blood serotonin levels have been observed in patients with heart failure and serotonin has a role in pathological cardiac function. The serotonin receptor system was examined in adult rat isolated cardiac fibroblast and myofibroblast cells. This is one of the first studies that has investigated serotonin receptors and other proteins involved in the serotonin receptor system in rat cardiac fibroblast and myofibroblast cells. Rat primary cardiac fibroblasts were isolated and transformed into myofibroblasts using 5 ng/ml TGF-β1. Transformation of cells to myofibroblasts was confirmed with the presence of α-smooth muscle actin using Western blot. Serotonin metabolism and receptor protein expression was assessed using Western blot techniques and serotonin levels measured using ELISA. The 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A and 5-HT2B receptors were found to be present in both rat cardiac fibroblasts and myofibroblast cells, however no significance in protein expression between the two cell types was found (P > 0.05). In this study a significant increase in the serotonin transporter (SERT), tryptophan hydroxylase 1 and extracellular serotonin levels was observed in rat cardiac myofibroblasts when compared to fibroblasts (P < 0.05). These results suggest that serotonin levels may rise in parallel with cardiac myofibroblast populations and contribute to the pathogenesis of heart failure via serotonin receptors.
Levosimendan versus dobutamine for sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Dong-Hua , Ning Yi-Le , Lei Yan-Yan , Chen Jing , Liu Yan-Yan , Lin Xin-Feng , Yang Zhong-Qi , Xian Shao-Xiang , Chen Wei-Tao
Published: October 2021

Levosimendan and dobutamine are extensively used to treat sepsis-associated cardiovascular failure in ICU. Nevertheless, the role and mechanism of levosimendan in patients with sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy remains unclear. Moreover, previous studies on whether levosimendan is superior to dobutamine are still controversial. More importantly, these studies did not take changes (before-after comparison to the baseline) in quantitative parameters such as ejection fraction into account with the baseline level. Here, we aimed to determine the pros and cons of the two medicines by assessing the changes in cardiac function and blood lactate, mortality, with the standardized mean difference used as a summary statistic. Relevant studies were obtained by a thorough and disciplined literature search in several notable academic databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane Library and Embase until November 2020. Outcomes included changes in cardiac function, lactic acid, mortality and length of hospital stay. A total of 6 randomized controlled trials were included in this study, including 192 patients. Compared with dobutamine, patients treated with levosimendan had a greater improvement of cardiac index (ΔCI) (random effects, SMD = 0.90 [0.20,1.60]; I2 = 76%, P < 0.01) and left ventricular stroke work index (ΔLVSWI) (random effects, SMD = 1.56 [0.90,2.21]; I2 = 65%, P = 0.04), a significant decrease of blood lactate (Δblood lactate) (random effects, MD =  − 0.79 [− 1.33, − 0.25]; I2 = 68%, P < 0.01) at 24-h after drug intervention, respectively. There was no significant difference between levosimendan and dobutamine on all-cause mortality in ICU (fixed effect, OR = 0.72 [0.39,1.33]; I2 = 0%, P = 0.99). We combine effect sizes related to different measurement parameters to evaluate cardiac function, which implied that septic patients with myocardial dysfunction might have a better improvement of cardiac function by levosimendan than dobutamine (random effects, SMD = 1.05 [0.69,1.41]; I2 = 67%, P < 0.01). This study suggested a significant improvement of CI, LVSWI, and decrease of blood lactate in septic patients with myocardial dysfunction in ICU after 24-h administration of levosimendan than dobutamine. However, the administration of levosimendan has neither an impact on mortality nor LVEF. Septic patients with myocardial dysfunction may partly benefit from levosimendan than dobutamine, mainly embodied in cardiac function improvement.
Analysis of an Indian diabetes prevention programme on association of adipokines and a hepatokine with incident diabetes
Authors: Susairaj Priscilla , Snehalatha Chamukuttan , Nanditha Arun , Satheesh Krishnamoorthy , Raghavan Arun , Vinitha Ramachandran , Ramachandran Ambady
Published: October 2021

To study the association and possible predictive role of visfatin, resistin, fetuin-A and chemerin with incident type 2 diabetes (T2DM) among Asian Indians with prediabetes. Their association with insulin resistance, β-cell function, glycaemia and anthropometry were also studied. This is a nested case–control study of a large 2-year prospective prevention trial in persons at high risk of developing T2DM. Baseline HbA1c values between 6.0% (42 mmol/mol) and 6.2% (44 mmol/mol) were chosen for this analysis (n = 144). At follow-up, persons with incident T2DM (HbA1c ≥ 6.5%, 48 mmol/mol) were grouped as cases (n = 72) and those reverted to normoglycaemia, (HbA1c < 5.7% (39 mmol/mol) as controls (n = 72). Insulin resistance showed the strongest association with incident T2DM ((Odds Ratio (OR): 23.22 [95%CI 6.36–84.77]; p < 0.0001). Baseline visfatin (OR: 6.56 [95%CI 2.21–19.5]; p < 0.001) and fetuin-A (OR: 1.01 [95%CI (1.01–1.04)]; p < 0.0001) independently contributed to the conversion of prediabetes to T2DM. The contribution was significantly higher when their elevated levels coexisted (OR: 12.63 [95%CI 3.57–44.63]; p < 0.0001). The area under the curve was 0.77 ± SE 0.4 (95%CI 0.69–0.85) and 0.80 ± SE 0.04 (95%CI 0.73–0.88) for visfatin (median 17.7 ng/ml, sensitivity and specificity: 75%, p < 0.0001) and fetuin-A (mean 236.2 µg/ml, sensitivity: 71%, specificity: 75%, p < 0.0001) respectively. Higher baseline visfatin and fetuin-A concentrations are strongly associated with incident T2DM and are predictive of future diabetes.
Acacia senegal gum attenuates systemic toxicity in CCl4-intoxicated rats via regulation of the ROS/NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Abu-Serie Marwa M. , Hamouda Asmaa F. , Habashy Noha H.
Published: October 2021

Acacia senegal (AS) gum (Gum Arabic) is a natural emulsifier exudate from the branches and trunk of Acacia trees and it is recognized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) agency as a secure dietary fiber. The present research evaluated the systemic oxidative and necroinflammatory stress induced by CCl4 administration and the alleviating effect of AS gum aqueous extract (ASE, 7.5 g/Kg b.w.). The results demonstrated the presence of certain phenolic compounds in ASE, as well as its in vitro potent scavenging ability against ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), NO, and lipid peroxide radicals. Also, the outcomes revealed an improvement in the CCl4-induced liver, lung, brain, and spleen toxicity by reducing the levels of ROS, lipid peroxidation, NO, and the gene expression of NF-κB and its relevant ROS-mediated inflammatory genes. In contrast, the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), as well as the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, were significantly upregulated in these organs after the treatment with ASE. These results were confirmed by improving the morphological features of each organ. Therefore, ASE can ameliorate the systemic toxicity caused by CCl4 via regulation of the ROS/NF-κB signaling pathway in the rat organs, which is owed to its phytochemical composition.
Photoinduced electron transfer in non-covalent complexes of C60 and phosphangulene oxide derivatives
Authors: Stasyuk A. J. , Stasyuk O. A. , Solà M. , Voityuk A. A.
Published: October 2021

Investigation of photoinduced electron transfer (PET) in complexes of fullerene with phosphangulene oxides shows that the replacement of O atoms in with S atoms in phosphangulene promotes efficient and ultrafast ET from phosphangulene oxide to fullerene.
Ligand-based control of nuclearity in (NHC)gold(i) sulfides
Authors: Sato Christopher M. , Walde Rebecca K. , Bacsa John , Jordan Abraham J. , Sadighi Joseph P.
Published: October 2021

N-Heterocyclic carbene ligands allow selective synthesis of terminal or bridging hydrosulfides, and doubly or triply bridging sulfides, depending on sterics.
Grunt Vocalizations in Children With Disabilities: Relationships With Assessed Cognition and Language
Authors: Bordenave Diane , McCune Lorraine
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of the grunt vocalizations to cognitive and expressive language status in children with disabilities. Children with typical development produce communicative grunts at the onset of referential word production and comprehension at 14–16 months of age and continue to use this vocalization for communication as they develop language.

Method

All grunt vocalizations produced by 26 children with disabilities (mental age: 3–56 months; communicative age: 47–69 months) were identified from video-recorded seminaturalistic play sessions. Grunts were identified as accompanying effort or attention or as communicative bids. Participants were grouped as prelinguistic, emergent, language delay, and language competent based on standardized assessments of cognitive and language level. The Mann–WhitneyUtest (1947) compared groups to determine the relationships between grunt production and cognitive and language status.

Results

As hypothesized, participants in the language delay group produced significantly more communicative grunts than those in the language competent group (W= 39,p= .028 < .05). The children with a cognitive and language level lower than 9 months (prelinguistic group) failed to produce communicative grunts.

Conclusions

The results document grunt production in children with disabilities in the same contexts as typical children and support the hypothesized relationship between assessed cognition and language and communicative grunt production. These results require replication. This vocalization, if recognized in treatment, may unlock verbal communication in many nonverbal children with disabilities. Future longitudinal research should include controlled intervention to determine the potential effectiveness of building broader communicative skills on this simple vocalization.
J-PLUS: Searching for very metal-poor star candidates using the SPEEM pipeline
Authors: Galarza Carlos Andrés , Daflon Simone , Placco Vinicius M. , Prieto Carlos Allende , Borges Fernandes Marcelo , Yuan Haibo , López-Sanjuan Carlos , Lee Young Sun , Solano Enrique , Jiménez-Esteban F. , Sobral David , Alvarez Candal Alvaro , Pereira Claudio B. , Akras Stavros , Martín Eduardo , Jiménez Teja Yolanda , Cenarro Javier , Cristóbal-Hornillos David , Hernández-Monteagudo Carlos , Marín-Franch Antonio , Moles Mariano , Varela Jesús , Ramió Héctor Vázquez , Alcaniz Jailson , Dupke Renato , Ederoclite Alessandro , Sodré Laerte , Angulo Raul E.
Published: October 2021

Context. We explore the stellar content of the Javalambre Photometric Local Universe Survey (J-PLUS) Data Release 2 and show its potential for identifying low-metallicity stars using the Stellar Parameters Estimation based on Ensemble Methods (SPEEM) pipeline.

Aims. SPEEM is a tool used to provide determinations of atmospheric parameters for stars and separate stellar sources from quasars based on the unique J-PLUS photometric system. The adoption of adequate selection criteria allows for the identification of metal-poor star candidates that are suitable for spectroscopic follow-up investigations.

Methods. SPEEM consists of a series of machine-learning models that use a training sample observed by both J-PLUS and the SEGUE spectroscopic survey. The training sample has temperatures, Teff, between 4800 K and 9000 K, values of log g between 1.0 and 4.5, as well as −3.1 < [Fe/H] < +0.5. The performance of the pipeline was tested with a sample of stars observed by the LAMOST survey within the same parameter range.

Results. The average differences between the parameters of a sample of stars observed with SEGUE and J-PLUS, obtained with the SEGUE Stellar Parameter Pipeline and SPEEM, respectively, are ΔTeff ~ 41 K, Δlog g ~ 0.11 dex, and Δ[Fe/H] ~ 0.09 dex. We define a sample of 177 stars that have been identified as new candidates with [Fe/H] < −2.5, with 11 of them having been observed with the ISIS spectrograph at the William Herschel Telescope. The spectroscopic analysis confirms that 64% of stars have [Fe/H] < −2.5, including one new star with [Fe/H] < −3.0.

Conclusions. Using SPEEM in combination with the J-PLUS filter system has demonstrated their potential in estimating the stellar atmospheric parameters (Teff, log g, and [Fe/H]). The spectroscopic validation of the candidates shows that SPEEM yields a success rate of 64% on the identification of very metal-poor star candidates with [Fe/H] < −2.5.
Characterizing current structures in 3D hybrid-kinetic simulations of plasma turbulence
Authors: Sisti M. , Fadanelli S. , Cerri S. S. , Faganello M. , Califano F. , Agullo O.
Published: October 2021

Context. In space and astrophysical plasmas, turbulence leads to the development of coherent structures characterized by a strong current density and important magnetic shears.

Aims. Using hybrid-kinetic simulations of turbulence (3D with different energy injection scales), we investigate the development of these coherent structures and characterize their shape.

Methods. First, we present different methods to estimate the overall shape of the 3D structure using local measurements, foreseeing an application on satellite data. Then we study the local magnetic configuration inside and outside current peak regions, comparing the statistics in the two cases. Last, we compare the statistical properties of the local configuration obtained in simulations with the ones obtained analyzing an MMS (Magnetospheric MultiScale mission) dataset having similar plasma parameters.

Results. Thanks to our analysis, (1) we validate the possibility of studying the overall shape of 3D structures using local methods, (2) we provide an overview of a local magnetic configuration emerging in different turbulent regimes, (3) we show that our 3D-3V simulations can reproduce the structures that emerge in MMS data for the periods considered.
Discovery of four super-soft X-ray sources in XMM-Newton observations of the Large Magellanic Cloud
Authors: Maitra C. , Haberl F.
Published: October 2021

Context. Super-soft X-ray sources were established as a heterogeneous class of objects from observations of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC).

Aims. We have searched for new sources of this class in the X-ray images obtained from the XMM-Newton survey of the LMC and additional archival observations.

Methods. We first selected candidates by visual inspection of the image and screened out the artefacts that can mimic super-soft X-ray sources as well as the bright foreground stars that create optical loading in the detectors. We obtained four new super-soft X-ray sources for which we performed detailed X-ray timing and spectral analyses and searched for possible optical counterparts to identify their nature. We also looked at archival ROSAT and Swift observations to investigate the long-term behaviour of the sources.

Results. XMMU J050452.0−683909 is identified as the central star of the planetary nebula SMP LMC 21 in the LMC. We suggest XMMU J051854.8−695601 and XMMU J050815.1−691832 as new soft intermediate polars based on the nature of their X-ray spectrum. Their estimated absorption-corrected luminosities and the blackbody radii indicate that they are located in our Galaxy, rather than the LMC. We discovered coherent pulsations of 497 s from XMMU J044626.6-692011, which indicates a magnetic cataclysmic variable nature of the source. The location of XMMU J044626.6−692011 in the LMC or our Galaxy is less clear. It could either be a white dwarf in the LMC with nuclear burning on its surface near the Eddington limit or another soft intermediate polar in our Galaxy.

Conclusions. The discovery of new super-soft X-ray sources makes a significant contribution to the known population in our Galaxy. An observed higher density of sources in the direction of the Magellanic Clouds can likely be explained by the relatively low Galactic column density in their direction as well as a large number of existing observations sensitive at low X-ray energies.