bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laboratory experiments reveal intrinsic self-sustained oscillations in ocean relevant rotating fluid flows
Authors: Pierini Stefano , de Ruggiero Paola , Negretti Maria Eletta , Schiller-Weiss Ilana , Weiffenbach Julia , Viboud Samuel , Valran Thomas , Dijkstra Henk A. , Sommeria Joël
Published: January 2022

Several ocean Western Boundary Currents (WBCs) encounter a lateral gap along their path. Examples are the Kuroshio Current penetrating into the South China Sea through the Luzon Strait and the Gulf of Mexico Loop Current leaping from the Yucatan peninsula to Florida as part of the Gulf Stream system. Here, we present results on WBC relevant flows, generated in the world’s largest rotating platform, where the Earth’s sphericity necessary to support WBCs is realized by an equivalent topographic effect. The fluid is put in motion by a pump system, which produces a current that is stationary far from the gap. When the jet reaches the gap entrance, time-dependent patterns with complex spatial structures appear, with the jet leaking, leaping or looping through the gap. The occurrence of these intrinsic self-sustained periodic or aperiodic oscillations depending on current intensity is well known in nonlinear dynamical systems theory and occurs in many real systems. It has been observed here for the first time in real rotating fluid flows and is thought to be highly relevant to explain low-frequency variability in ocean WBCs.
Potential antitumor and anti-inflammatory activities of an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) from Bacillus subtilis isolated from a housefly
Authors: Zhang Lingxiu , Yi Huilan
Published: January 2022

Bacillus subtilis, a probiotic, has been applied in the medical, food, and feed industries among others. However, the mechanisms of its benefits to hosts are not yet fully understood. Here the characterization and bioactivities of an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) from Bacillus subtilis were investigated to reveal its partial mechanisms and provide the theoretical basics for further development and utilization of Bacillus subtilis. In this study, the novel strain Bacillus subtilis xztubd1 (GenBank: MG458322.1) was isolated from a housefly’s body, identified according to phenotypical and genotypical analyses, and found to produce large amounts of an EPS. Through ultraviolet spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR spectroscopy), the EPS was found to contain a variety of chemical functional groups, such as O–H groups, C=C, C=O, CH3, C–O–H and C–O–C bonds, and alpha-type pyranose. Furthermore, the in vitro antioxidant activity of the EPS on DPPH radicals at a concentration of 90 μg/ml was 62%; on the superoxide radical at a concentration of 90 μg/ml, this value was 75%; and on hydroxyl radicals at a concentration of 90 μg/ml, the activity was 54%. EPS also enhanced significantly phagocytosis, lysozyme activity in macrophages, IL-2 content in mice and inhibited dramatically the growth of HeLa cells. These results showed that the EPS with reductive groups have the strong capacity to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), reinforce the immune system and inhibit the growth of cancer cell, which helps theirs hosts defence against many diseases, including inflammation and cancer. The EPS from Bacillus subtilis has the potential to be an anticancer and anti-inflammatory drug candidate in the pharmaceutical industries, which provide scientific evidence for the development and utilization of probiotic-derived medicines.
Multiple instance learning detects peripheral arterial disease from high-resolution color fundus photography
Authors: Mueller Simon , Wintergerst Maximilian W. M. , Falahat Peyman , Holz Frank G. , Schaefer Christian , Schahab Nadjib , Finger Robert P. , Schultz Thomas
Published: January 2022

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is caused by atherosclerosis and is a common disease of the elderly leading to excess morbidity and mortality. Early PAD diagnosis is important, as the only available causal therapy is addressing risk factors like smoking, hypercholesterolemia or hypertension. However, current diagnostic techniques often do not detect early stages of PAD. We theorize that PAD’s underlying cause atherosclerosis can be detected on color fundus photography (CFP) images with a convolutional neural network architecture, which might aid earlier PAD diagnosis and improve disease monitoring. In this explorative study a deep attention-based Multiple Instance Learning (MIL) architecture is used to capture retinal imaging biomarkers on CFP images of 135 examinations. To capture subtle variations in vascular structures, higher image resolution can be utilized by partitioning the CFP into patches. Our architecture converts each patch into a feature vector, and determines its relative importance via an automatically computed attention weight. Our best model achieves an ROC AUC score of 0.890. Visualizing these attention weights provides insights about the network’s decision and suggests ocular involvement in PAD. Statistical analysis confirms that the optic disc and the temporal arcades are weighted significantly higher (p < 0.001) than retinal background. Our results support the feasibility of detecting the presence of PAD with a modern deep learning approach.
Intestinal microbiota profiles in a genetic model of colon tumorigenesis correlates with colon cancer biomarkers
Authors: Vitali Francesco , Tortora Katia , Di Paola Monica , Bartolucci Gianluca , Menicatti Marta , De Filippo Carlotta , Caderni Giovanna
Published: January 2022

Faecal (FM) and colon mucosal associated microbiota (MAM) were studied in a model of colorectal cancer (CRC), the Apc-mutated Pirc rats, and in age-paired wt F344 rats. Principal Coordinates Analysis indicated that samples’ distribution was driven by age, with samples of young rats (1 month old; without tumours) separated from older ones (11-month-old; bearing tumours). Diversity analysis showed significant differences between FM and MAM in older Pirc rats, and between MAM of both Pirc and wt rats and the tumour microbiota, enriched in Enterococcus, Escherichia/Shigella, Proteus and Bifidobacteriaceae. In young animals, Pirc FM was enriched in the genus Delftia, while wt FM was enriched in Lactobacillus and Streptococcus. Some CRC biomarkers and faecal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were also measured. Colon proliferation and DClK1 expression, a pro-survival mucosal marker, were higher in Pirc than in wt rats, while the mucin MUC2, was lower in Pirc rats. Branched SCFAs were higher in Pirc than in wt animals. By Spearman analysis CRC biomarkers correlated with FM (in both young and old rats) and with MAM (in young rats), suggesting a specific relationship between the gut microbiota profile and these functional mucosal parameters deserving further investigation.
Overexpression of the dystrophins Dp40 and Dp40L170P modifies neurite outgrowth and the protein expression profile of PC12 cells
Authors: García-Cruz César , Merino-Jiménez Candelaria , Aragón Jorge , Ceja Víctor , González-Assad Brenda , Reyes-Grajeda Juan Pablo , Montanez Cecilia
Published: January 2022

Dp40 is ubiquitously expressed including the central nervous system. In addition to being present in the nucleus, membrane, and cytoplasm, Dp40 is detected in neurites and postsynaptic spines in hippocampal neurons. Although Dp40 is expressed from the same promoter as Dp71, its role in the cognitive impairment present in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients is still unknown. Here, we studied the effects of overexpression of Dp40 and Dp40L170P during the neuronal differentiation of PC12 Tet-On cells. We found that Dp40 overexpression increased the percentage of PC12 cells with neurites and neurite length, while Dp40L170P overexpression decreased them compared to Dp40 overexpression. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis analysis showed that the protein expression profile was modified in nerve growth factor-differentiated PC12-Dp40L170P cells compared to that of the control cells (PC12 Tet-On). The proteins α-internexin and S100a6, involved in cytoskeletal structure, were upregulated. The expression of vesicle-associated membrane proteins increased in differentiated PC12-Dp40 cells, in contrast to PC12-Dp40L170P cells, while neurofilament light-chain was decreased in both differentiated cells. These results suggest that Dp40 has an important role in the neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells through the regulation of proteins involved in neurofilaments and exocytosis of synaptic vesicles, functions that might be affected in PC12-Dp40L170P.
Genetic data sharing and artificial intelligence in the era of personalized medicine based on a cross‐sectional analysis of the Saudi human genome program
Authors: Alrefaei Abdulmajeed F. , Hawsawi Yousef M. , Almaleki Deyab , Alafif Tarik , Alzahrani Faisal A. , Bakhrebah Muhammed A.
Published: January 2022

The success of the Saudi Human Genome Program (SHGP), one of the top ten genomic programs worldwide, is highly dependent on the Saudi population embracing the concept of participating in genetic testing. However, genetic data sharing and artificial intelligence (AI) in genomics are critical public issues in medical care and scientific research. The present study was aimed to examine the awareness, knowledge, and attitude of the Saudi society towards the SHGP, the sharing and privacy of genetic data resulting from the SHGP, and the role of AI in genetic data analysis and regulations. Results of a questionnaire survey with 804 respondents revealed moderate awareness and attitude towards the SHGP and minimal knowledge regarding its benefits and applications. Respondents demonstrated a low level of knowledge regarding the privacy of genetic data. A generally positive attitude was found towards the outcomes of the SHGP and genetic data sharing for medical and scientific research. The highest level of knowledge was detected regarding AI use in genetic data analysis and privacy regulation. We recommend that the SHGP’s regulators launch awareness campaigns and educational programs to increase and improve public awareness and knowledge regarding the SHGP’s benefits and applications. Furthermore, we propose a strategy for genetic data sharing which will facilitate genetic data sharing between institutions and advance Personalized Medicine in genetic diseases’ diagnosis and treatment.
COVID-19 reinfections among naturally infected and vaccinated individuals
Authors: Rahman Sezanur , Rahman M. Mahfuzur , Miah Mojnu , Begum Mst Noorjahan , Sarmin Monira , Mahfuz Mustafa , Hossain Mohammad Enayet , Rahman Mohammed Ziaur , Chisti Mohammod Jobayer , Ahmed Tahmeed , Arifeen Shams El , Rahman Mustafizur
Published: January 2022

The protection against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants by pre-existing antibodies elicited due to the current vaccination or natural infection is a global concern. We aimed to investigate the rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its clinical features among infection-naïve, infected, vaccinated, and post-infection-vaccinated individuals. A cohort was designed among icddr,b staff registered for COVID-19 testing by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR). Reinfection cases were confirmed by whole-genome sequencing. From 19 March 2020 to 31 March 2021, 1644 (mean age, 38.4 years and 57% male) participants were enrolled; where 1080 (65.7%) were tested negative and added to the negative cohort. The positive cohort included 750 positive patients (564 from baseline and 186 from negative cohort follow-up), of whom 27.6% were hospitalized and 2.5% died. Among hospitalized patients, 45.9% had severe to critical disease and 42.5% required oxygen support. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were found significantly higher among the hospitalised patients compared to out-patients; risk ratio 1.3 and 1.6 respectively. The risk of infection among positive cohort was 80.2% lower than negative cohort (95% CI 72.6–85.7%; p < 0.001). Genome sequences showed that genetically distinct SARS-CoV-2 strains were responsible for reinfections. Naturally infected populations were less likely to be reinfected by SARS-CoV-2 than the infection-naïve and vaccinated individuals. Although, reinfected individuals did not suffer severe disease, a remarkable proportion of naturally infected or vaccinated individuals were (re)-infected by the emerging variants.
GLUT3 inhibitor discovery through in silico ligand screening and in vivo validation in eukaryotic expression systems
Authors: Iancu Cristina V. , Bocci Giovanni , Ishtikhar Mohd , Khamrai Moumita , Oreb Mislav , Oprea Tudor I. , Choe Jun-yong
Published: January 2022

The passive transport of glucose and related hexoses in human cells is facilitated by members of the glucose transporter family (GLUT, SLC2 gene family). GLUT3 is a high-affinity glucose transporter primarily responsible for glucose entry in neurons. Changes in its expression have been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. GLUT3 inhibitors can provide new ways to probe the pathophysiological role of GLUT3 and tackle GLUT3-dependent cancers. Through in silico screening of an ~ 8 million compounds library against the inward- and outward-facing models of GLUT3, we selected ~ 200 ligand candidates. These were tested for in vivo inhibition of GLUT3 expressed in hexose transporter-deficient yeast cells, resulting in six new GLUT3 inhibitors. Examining their specificity for GLUT1-5 revealed that the most potent GLUT3 inhibitor (G3iA, IC50 ~ 7 µM) was most selective for GLUT3, inhibiting less strongly only GLUT2 (IC50 ~ 29 µM). None of the GLUT3 inhibitors affected GLUT5, three inhibited GLUT1 with equal or twofold lower potency, and four showed comparable or two- to fivefold better inhibition of GLUT4. G3iD was a pan-Class 1 GLUT inhibitor with the highest preference for GLUT4 (IC50 ~ 3.9 µM). Given the prevalence of GLUT1 and GLUT3 overexpression in many cancers and multiple myeloma’s reliance on GLUT4, these GLUT3 inhibitors may discriminately hinder glucose entry into various cancer cells, promising novel therapeutic avenues in oncology.
A structured ICA-based process for removing auditory evoked potentials
Authors: Ross Jessica M. , Ozdemir Recep A. , Lian Shu Jing , Fried Peter J. , Schmitt Eva M. , Inouye Sharon K. , Pascual-Leone Alvaro , Shafi Mouhsin M.
Published: January 2022

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-evoked potentials (TEPs), recorded using electroencephalography (EEG), reflect a combination of TMS-induced cortical activity and multi-sensory responses to TMS. The auditory evoked potential (AEP) is a high-amplitude sensory potential—evoked by the “click” sound produced by every TMS pulse—that can dominate the TEP and obscure observation of other neural components. The AEP is peripherally evoked and therefore should not be stimulation site specific. We address the problem of disentangling the peripherally evoked AEP of the TEP from components evoked by cortical stimulation and ask whether removal of AEP enables more accurate isolation of TEP. We hypothesized that isolation of the AEP using Independent Components Analysis (ICA) would reveal features that are stimulation site specific and unique individual features. In order to improve the effectiveness of ICA for removal of AEP from the TEP, and thus more clearly separate the transcranial-evoked and non-specific TMS-modulated potentials, we merged sham and active TMS datasets representing multiple stimulation conditions, removed the resulting AEP component, and evaluated performance across different sham protocols and clinical populations using reduction in Global and Local Mean Field Power (GMFP/LMFP) and cosine similarity analysis. We show that removing AEPs significantly reduced GMFP and LMFP in the post-stimulation TEP (14 to 400 ms), driven by time windows consistent with the N100 and P200 temporal characteristics of AEPs. Cosine similarity analysis supports that removing AEPs reduces TEP similarity between subjects and reduces TEP similarity between stimulation conditions. Similarity is reduced most in a mid-latency window consistent with the N100 time-course, but nevertheless remains high in this time window. Residual TEP in this window has a time-course and topography unique from AEPs, which follow-up exploratory analyses suggest could be a modulation in the alpha band that is not stimulation site specific but is unique to individual subject. We show, using two datasets and two implementations of sham, evidence in cortical topography, TEP time-course, GMFP/LMFP and cosine similarity analyses that this procedure is effective and conservative in removing the AEP from TEP, and may thus better isolate TMS-evoked activity. We show TEP remaining in early, mid and late latencies. The early response is site and subject specific. Later response may be consistent with TMS-modulated alpha activity that is not site specific but is unique to the individual. TEP remaining after removal of AEP is unique and can provide insight into TMS-evoked potentials and other modulated oscillatory dynamics.
Adsorption behaviors and mechanisms of Cu2+, Zn2+ and Pb2+ by magnetically modified lignite
Authors: Di Junzhen , Ruan Zhen , Zhang Siyi , Dong Yanrong , Fu Saiou , Li Hanzhe , Jiang Guoliang
Published: January 2022

The study aims to solve the problems of limited capacity and difficult recovery of lignite to adsort Cu2+, Zn2+ and Pb2+ in acid mine wastewater (AMD). Magnetically modified lignite (MML) was prepared by the chemical co-precipitation method. Static beaker experiments and dynamic continuous column experiments were set up to explore the adsorption properties of Cu2+, Zn2+ and Pb2+ by lignite and MML. Lignite and MML before and after the adsorption of heavy metal ions were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). Meanwhile, the adsorption mechanisms of Cu2+, Zn2+ and Pb2+ by lignite and MML were revealed by combining the adsorption isotherm model and the adsorption kinetics model. The results showed that the pH, adsorbent dosage, temperature, initial concentration of heavy metal ions, and contact time had an influence on the adsorption of Cu2+, Zn2+ and Pb2+ by lignite and MML, and the adsorption processes were more in line with the Langmuir model. The adsorption kinetics experiments showed that the adsorption processes were jointly controlled by multiple adsorption stages. The adsorption of heavy metal ions by lignite obeyed the Quasi first-order kinetic model, while the adsorption of MML was chemisorption that obeyed the Quasi second-order kinetic model. The negative ΔG and positive ΔH of Cu2+ and Zn2+ indicated the spontaneous and endothermic nature reaction, while the negative ΔH of Pb2+ indicated the exothermic nature reaction. The dynamic continuous column experiments showed that the average removal rates of Cu2+, Zn2+ and Pb2+ by lignite were 78.00, 76.97 and 78.65%, respectively, and those of heavy metal ions by MML were 82.83, 81.57 and 83.50%, respectively. Compared with lignite, the adsorption effect of MML was better. As shown by SEM, XRD and FTIR tests, Fe3O4 was successfully loaded on the surface of lignite during the magnetic modification, which made the surface morphology of lignite coarser. Lignite and MML removed Cu2+, Zn2+ and Pb2+ from AMD in different forms. In addition, the adsorption process of MML is related to the O–H stretching vibration of carboxylic acid ions and the Fe–O stretching vibration of Fe3O4 particles.
Trimethyloxonium-mediated methylation strategies for the rapid and simultaneous analysis of chlorinated phenols in various soils by electron impact gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Valdez Carlos A. , Salazar Edmund P. , Leif Roald N.
Published: January 2022

The efficient methylation of a panel of five industrial and environmentally-relevant chlorophenols (CPs) employing trimethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate (TMO) for their qualitative detection and identification by electron impact gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (EI-GC–MS) is presented. The protocol’s execution is simple and smoothly converts the phenols into their O-methylated counterparts conveniently at ambient temperature. The efficiency of two versions of the protocol was successfully tested in their ability to simultaneously derivatize five CPs (2-chlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, pentachlorophenol and triclosan) in six distinct, separate soil matrices (Nebraska EPA standard soil, Virginia Type A soil, Ottawa sand, Baker sand, Silt and Georgia EPA standard soil) when present at low levels (~ 10 μgg−1). The first version involves the direct derivatization of the spiked soils with the methylating salt while the second one involves an initial soil extraction step of the CPs followed by methylation. The MDL values for each methylated CP were determined and lower values were found (4.1–13.2 ng.mL−1) for both sand matrices (Ottawa and Baker) as well as for the Georgia EPA standard soil, while larger values (8.2–21.8 ng.mL−1) were found for the Virginia Type soil, Nebraska EPA standard soil and Silt. The presented protocol offers a safer and more practical alternative to the universally employed diazomethane method and can be readily applicable to matrices other than soils. Furthermore, the protocols described herein may find applicability to the methylation of other analytes bearing acidic protons.
Intrinsic topological magnons in arrays of magnetic dipoles
Authors: Mellado Paula
Published: January 2022

We study a simple magnetic system composed of periodically modulated magnetic dipoles with an easy axis. Upon adjusting the geometric modulation amplitude alone, chains and two-dimensional stacked chains exhibit a rich magnon spectrum where frequency gaps and magnon speeds are easily manipulable. The blend of anisotropy due to dipolar interactions between magnets and geometrical modulation induces a magnetic phase with fractional Zak number in infinite chains and end states in open one-dimensional systems. In two dimensions it gives rise to topological modes at the edges of stripes. Tuning the amplitude in two-dimensional lattices causes a band touching, which triggers the exchange of the Chern numbers of the volume bands and switches the sign of the thermal conductivity.
Nematode community structure along elevation gradient in high altitude vegetation cover of Gangotri National Park (Uttarakhand), India
Authors: Kashyap Priyanka , Afzal Shahid , Rizvi Anjum Nasreen , Ahmad Wasim , Uniyal V. P. , Banerjee Dhriti
Published: January 2022

The study was undertaken to understand the dynamics of soil nematode communities association along elevation gradient and associated variables in high-altitude regions of Western Himalaya. The diversity and distribution pattern of soil nematodes were investigated at four elevation ranges (Elv1, Elv2, Elv3, and Elv4 each of 500 m class) along altitudinal gradient (3000–5000 m). The nematode community comprised 58 genera of which 37 genera showed sensitivity towards altitudinal variation and the community structure also varied among elevation classes. It was found that elevation significantly affect the nematodes trophic group, diversity composition, and the nematode indices. Nematode generic richness and evenness index indicated a relatively low biodiversity of soil nematodes is supported at higher altitudes. Moreover, maturity indices reflected lower sustenance of k-strategic nematodes at higher elevations. Structure index depicted fewer connections in the soil food web at higher elevations. Nematode faunal profile showed low nutrient and low disturbance in the region. Carbon footprint of the whole nematode assemblage declined along the elevation. Overall substantial differences in the nematode composition, abundance, trophic structure, and contribution to belowground carbon cycling were observed with change in elevation. These findings could be utilized as useful tool in the long-term monitoring and to understand the region's soil health.
Multiple soil map comparison highlights challenges for predicting topsoil organic carbon concentration at national scale
Authors: Feeney C. J. , Cosby B. J. , Robinson D. A. , Thomas A. , Emmett B. A. , Henrys P.
Published: January 2022

Soil organic carbon (SOC) concentration is the fundamental indicator of soil health, underpinning food production and climate change mitigation. SOC storage is highly sensitive to several dynamic environmental drivers, with approximately one third of soils degraded and losing carbon worldwide. Digital soil mapping illuminates where hotspots of SOC storage occur and where losses to the atmosphere are most likely. Yet, attempts to map SOC often disagree. Here we compare national scale SOC concentration map products to reveal agreement of data in mineral soils, with progressively poorer agreement in organo-mineral and organic soils. Divergences in map predictions from each other and survey data widen in the high SOC content land types we stratified. Given the disparities are highest in carbon rich soils, efforts are required to reduce these uncertainties to increase confidence in mapping SOC storage and predicting where change may be important at national to global scales. Our map comparison results could be used to identify SOC risk where concentrations are high and should be conserved, and where uncertainty is high and further monitoring should be targeted. Reducing inter-map uncertainty will rely on addressing statistical limitations and including covariates that capture convergence of physical factors that produce high SOC contents.
Effects of motion paradigm on human perception of tilt and translation
Authors: Clément Gilles , Beaton Kara H. , Reschke Millard F. , Wood Scott J.
Published: January 2022

The effect of varying sinusoidal linear acceleration on perception of human motion was examined using 4 motion paradigms: off-vertical axis rotation, variable radius centrifugation, linear lateral translation, and rotation about an earth-horizontal axis. The motion profiles for each paradigm included 6 frequencies (0.01–0.6 Hz) and 5 tilt amplitudes (5°–20°). Subjects verbally reported the perceived angle of their whole-body tilt and the peak-to-peak translation of their head in space and used a joystick capable of recording 2-axis motion in the sagittal and transversal planes to indicate the phase between the perceived and actual motions. The amplitudes of perceived tilt and translation were expressed in terms of gain, i.e., the ratio of perceived tilt to equivalent tilt angle, and the ratio of perceived translation to equivalent linear displacement. Tilt perception gain decreased, whereas translation perception gain increased, with increasing frequency. During off-vertical axis rotation, the phase of tilt perception and of translation perception did not vary across stimulus frequencies. These motion paradigms elicited similar responses in roll tilt and interaural perception of translation, with differences likely due to the influence of naso-occipital linear accelerations and input to the semicircular canals that varied across motion paradigms.
Modulation of miR-145-5p and miR-146b-5p levels is linked to reduced parasite load in H9C2 Trypanosoma cruzi infected cardiomyoblasts
Authors: Farani Priscila Silva Grijó , Ferreira Beatriz Iandra Silva , Gibaldi Daniel , Lannes-Vieira Joseli , Moreira Otacilio Cruz
Published: January 2022

In the heart tissue of acutely Trypanosoma cruzi-infected mice miR-145-5p and miR-146b-5p are, respectively, downregulated and upregulated. Here, we used the H9C2 rat cardiomyoblast cell line infected with the Colombian T. cruzi strain to investigate the parasite-host cell interplay, focusing on the regulation of miR-145-5p and miR-146b-5p expression. Next, we explored the effects of interventions with the trypanosomicidal drug Benznidazole (Bz) alone or combined with Pentoxifylline (PTX), a methylxanthine derivative shown to modulate immunological and cardiac abnormalities in a model of chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy, on parasite load and expression of miR-145-5p and miR-146b-5p. The infection of H9C2 cells with trypomastigote forms allowed parasite cycle with intracellular forms multiplication and trypomastigote release. After 48 and 144 h of infection, upregulation of miR-145-5p (24 h: 2.38 ± 0.26; 48 h: 3.15 ± 0.9-fold change) and miR-146b-5b (24 h: 2.60 ± 0.46; 48 h: 2.97 ± 0.23-fold change) was detected. The peak of both miRNA levels paralleled with release of trypomastigote forms. Addition of 3 µM and 10 µM of Bz 48 h after infection reduced parasite load but did not interfere with miR-145-5p and miR-146b-5p levels. Addition of PTX did not interfere with Bz-induced parasite control efficacy. Conversely, combined Bz + PTX treatment decreased the levels of both microRNAs, resembling the expression levels detected in non-infected H9C2 cells. Moreover, the use of miR-145-5p and miR-146b-5p mimic/inhibitor systems before infection of H9C2 cells decreased parasite load, 72 h postinfection. When H9C2 cells were treated with miR-145-5p and miR-146b-5p mimic/inhibitor 48 h after infection, all the used systems, except the miR-146b-5p inhibitor, reduced parasite load. Altogether, our data indicate that these microRNAs putatively control signaling pathways crucial for parasite–host cell interaction. Thus, miR-145-5p and miR-146b-5p deserve to be further investigated as biomarkers of parasite control and tools to identify therapeutic adjuvants to etiological treatment in Chagas disease.
The association between steps per day and blood pressure in children
Authors: Weres Aneta , Baran Joanna , Czenczek-Lewandowska Ewelina , Leszczak Justyna , Mazur Artur
Published: January 2022

Lower levels of physical activity are associated with an increased overall cardiometabolic risk, as well as the risk or being overweight. It is difficult to determine the optimal level of physical activity that protects the needs of children and young people. Studies on the required number of steps, as well as approximating the daily volume of physical activity, are gaining increasing credibility in research and practice. Researchers propose a "rule" of ≥ 11,500 steps per day, for children and teenagers of both sexes. The aim of the study was to assess whether 11,500 steps a day is sufficient to maintain normal blood pressure among children and adolescents. 1002 children and adolescents aged 4–15 were included in the study. To assess physical activity, measured in the number of steps per day, the Actigraph accelerometer wGT3X-BT was used. The normal number of steps was defined as greater than or equal to 11,500 steps per day for children and teenagers, for both girls and boys. In the entire study group, a significantly lower risk of hypertension was observed when the number of steps was normal (OR is 0.45 and the upper confidence limit for OR is 0.71). The study confirmed the beneficial protective role of physical activity against hypertension in older children and adolescents. However, it should be emphasized that no such relationship has been demonstrated in the case of preschool children. The presented norms of the number of steps should be promoted to the wider community to make prevention of cardiovascular diseases even more effective.
The effect of a low-color-temperature-based yellow light source on the prevention of phlebitis induced by chemotherapy
Authors: Fen Yu , Xinxin Miao , Yalan Yang , Xu Zhao , Zhongsheng Lv , Shixiong Shen , Xinyan Cheng , Zhenzhen Weng , Wei Zhang , Xiaolei Wang
Published: January 2022

Reasonable irradiation using 1900 K yellow light with a low color temperature can effectively prevent the occurrence of phlebitis. This study provides a theoretical basis for the future advanced medical application of the light source.
Delivery of siRNA based on engineered exosomes for glioblastoma therapy by targeting STAT3
Authors: Liang Shi-Fu , Zuo Fang-Fang , Yin Bin-Cheng , Ye Bang-Ce
Published: January 2022

Angiopep-2 (An2)-functionalized exosomes loaded with signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) siRNA enable penetration of the blood–brain barrier and lead to apoptosis of U87MG tumor cells by silencing the STAT3 gene.
Preparation of hyaluronic acid-coated polymeric micelles for nasal vaccine delivery
Authors: Suzuki Kengo , Yoshizaki Yuta , Horii Kenta , Murase Nobuo , Kuzuya Akinori , Ohya Yuichi
Published: January 2022

Hyaluronic acid (HA)-coated biodegradable polymeric micelles were developed as nanoparticulate vaccine delivery systems to establish an effective nasal vaccine.
Migration of zeolite-encapsulated Pt and Au under reducing environments
Authors: Hou Dianwei , Heard Christopher J.
Published: January 2022

Simulations reveal accelerated migration of Pt@zeolite by reducing adsorbates and the importance of PtCO in early stages of particle growth.
A fluorescent colorimetric vanillin di-Schiff base chemosensor for detection of Cu(ii) and isolation of trinuclear Cu(ii)–dihydrazide
Authors: Sahu Meman , Manna Amit Kumar , Patra Goutam Kumar
Published: January 2022

A simple fluorescent colorimetric chemosensor H2L for rapid detection of Cu2+ has been developed. The LOD value of H2L towards Cu2+ was calculated to be 3.8 × 10−8 M. The interactions between L and Cu2+ were studied by Job's plot, ESI-MS, DFT calculations and single-crystal structure determination.
Structure–activity relationships of hydrophobic alkyl acrylamides as tissue transglutaminase inhibitors
Authors: Rangaswamy Alana M. M. , Navals Pauline , Gates Eric W. J. , Shad Sammir , Watt Sarah K. I. , Keillor Jeffrey W.
Published: January 2022

Our investigation of small, irreversible TG2 inhibitors identifies key components that confer enhanced efficiency, and reveals potential discrepancies in the use of current crystallographic models for predicting inhibitor potency.
Ultra-clean high-mobility graphene on technologically relevant substrates
Authors: Tyagi Ayush , Mišeikis Vaidotas , Martini Leonardo , Forti Stiven , Mishra Neeraj , Gebeyehu Zewdu M. , Giambra Marco A. , Zribi Jihene , Frégnaux Mathieu , Aureau Damien , Romagnoli Marco , Beltram Fabio , Coletti Camilla
Published: January 2022

2-step chemical cleaning allows enhanced removal of polymeric residues from the surface of graphene, leading to significantly improved electrical and morphological properties.
Interfacial interaction study of EDTA with the defect structure of Fe3−δO4 passive film in an aggressive alkaline medium based on the lattice theory of point defects
Authors: Azamian I. , Allahkaram S. R. , Johari M. , Teymouri F.
Published: January 2022

Despite extensive research on the matter of corrosion inhibition efficiency, the interactions between the defect structure of the passive layer and the inhibitor molecules still remain poorly understood.
Oxidation-degree-dependent moisture-induced actuation of a graphene oxide film
Authors: Nakanishi Waka , Yamauchi Yoshihiro , Nishina Yuta , Yoshio Masafumi , Takeuchi Masayuki
Published: January 2022

The moisture-induced actuation behavior of graphene oxide (GO) thin films was found to depend on their extent of oxidation.
Two-step hydrothermal synthesis and conversion mechanism of zeolite X from stellerite zeolite
Authors: Pei Yinchang , Zhong Yijian , Xie Qinglin , Chen Nanchun
Published: January 2022

Stellerite zeolite conversion into zeolite X can be divided into five steps; the mechanism of stellerite zeolite conversion into zeolite X conformed to the liquid phase transformation mechanism.
Polystyrene nanofibers as an effective sorbent for the adsorption of clonazepam: kinetic and thermodynamic studies
Authors: An Jing , Wang Xin , Li Ying , Kang Weijun , Lian Kaoqi
Published: January 2022

Polystyrene (PS) electrospun nanofibers were prepared via electrospinning for the adsorption of clonazepam from aqueous solution.
Advances in the site-selective C-5, C-3 and C-2 functionalization of chromones via sp2 C–H activation
Authors: Benny Anjitha Theres , Radhakrishnan Ethiraj Kannatt
Published: January 2022

In this work, site-selective C–H activation at C-5, C-3 and C-2 positions of chromones for the introduction of structural diversity to the chromone scaffold was studied.
Chemical profiles with cardioprotective and anti-depressive effects of Morus macroura Miq. leaves and stem branches dichloromethane fractions on isoprenaline induced post-MI depression
Authors: Hamdan Dalia I. , Hafez Samia S. , Hassan Wafaa H. B. , Morsi Mai M. , Khalil Heba M. A. , Ahmed Yasmine H. , Ahmed-Farid Omar A. , El-Shiekh Riham A.
Published: January 2022

This study was conducted to explore the potential cardioprotective and anti-depressive effects of dichloromethane fractions of Morus macroura leaves and stem branches on post-myocardial infarction depression induced by isoprenaline in rats in relation to their metabolites.
Synthesis of an Fe(terpy-cage)2 dumbbell
Authors: Dournel Frederic , Koshan Massoud , Woite Philipp , Roemelt Michael , Otte Matthias
Published: January 2022

A masked amine building block is used to synthesize an organic cage that is exo-functionalized with one terpy group. Two exo-functionalized cages can be combined via iron-terpy coordination resulting in a cage dumbbell.
Deactivation of a dimeric DNA-binding peptide through a palladium-mediated self-immolative cleavage
Authors: Rodríguez Jessica , Pérez-González Cibrán , Martínez-Calvo Miguel , Mosquera Jesús , Mascareñas José L.
Published: January 2022

A metallic trigger for disassembling and cancelling function.
Dimerizing cascades of enallenamides reveal the visible-light-promoted activation of cumulated C–C double bonds
Authors: Serafino Andrea , Chiminelli Maurizio , Balestri Davide , Marchiò Luciano , Bigi Franca , Maggi Rai-mondo , Malacria Max , Maestri Giovanni
Published: January 2022

Visible-light promoted activation of allenamides allowed us to disclose original dimerizing cascades that provide highly elaborate molecular architectures in a concise and mild fashion.
Nonspherical anion sequestration by C–H hydrogen bonding
Authors: Mirzaei Saber , Espinoza Castro Victor M. , Hernández Sánchez Raúl
Published: January 2022

Fluorocages: new class of rigidified host utilizing nontraditional C–H hydrogen bonds to capture the nonspherical anions.
Primary trifluoroborate-iminiums enable facile access to chiral α-aminoboronic acids via Ru-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation and simple hydrolysis of the trifluoroborate moiety
Authors: Šterman Andrej , Sosič Izidor , Časar Zdenko
Published: January 2022

Starting with potassium acyltrifluoroborates (KATs), N-unprotected chiral α-aminoboronic acids are prepared in three simple steps without chromatography. This facile methodology will tap the broad potential of these valuable compounds.
Variations in human saliva viscoelasticity affect aerosolization propensity
Authors: Rodríguez-Hakim Mariana , Räz Linard , Vermant Jan
Published: January 2022

The elasticity of human saliva directly affects the generation of aerosols upon activities such as sneezing or speaking.
Ultra-low thermal conductivity in B2O3 composited SiGe bulk with enhanced thermoelectric performance at medium temperature region
Authors: Nong Jian , Peng Ying , Liu Chengyan , Shen Jin Bo , Liao Qing , Chiew Yi Ling , Oshima Yoshifumi , Li Fu Cong , Zhang Zhong Wei , Miao Lei
Published: January 2022

All-scale scattering contributes to the reduction of lattice thermal conductivity of SiGe-based TE materials and leads to a maximum ZT value of 1.47 at 873 K, which is best one in the temperature range of 300–900 K ever reported.
A highly temperature- and pressure-sensitive soft sensor self-powered by a galvanic cell design
Authors: Dai Chenghao , Chen Huan , Wang Lei , Liu Yongqi , Yin Qiyan , Jiang Jintao , Zhou Qiyang , Weng Gengsheng
Published: January 2022

A new design of self-powered and highly sensitive polymeric soft sensor that can be used for contactless temperature detecting and spatial pressure monitoring.
Nanoporous trimetallic PdCuAg alloys as efficient electrocatalysts by all-direction accessibility and synergetic effects
Authors: Li Jun-Xuan , Yin Hong-Xing , Geng Qinghong , Du Dawei , Ma Lian , Fan Longlong , Hua Qingfeng , Li Cuiling
Published: January 2022

Nanoporous nanoparticles with their surfaces open to reagents enable good electron/mass transport and overall resistance to aggregation, thus they are significantly important in electrocatalytic applications.
A novel multi-walled carbon nanotube-coupled CoNi MOF composite enhances the oxygen evolution reaction through synergistic effects
Authors: Yu Sha , Wu Yun , Xue Qi , Zhu Jun-Jie , Zhou Yuanzhen
Published: January 2022

A multi-walled carbon nanotubes (mCNTs)-coupled CoNi MOF composite was synthesized via a solvothermal method using mCNTs as a shape-directing agent and its application towards the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) was investigated in alkaline solution.
Long-chain fluorocarbon-driven hybrid solid polymer electrolyte for lithium metal batteries
Authors: Hao Shuai , Li Lei , Cheng Wendong , Ran Qiwen , Ji Yuyao , Wu Yuxuan , Huo Jinsheng , Yang Yingchun , Liu Xingquan
Published: January 2022

A poly(DFMA-co-MMA)–SCN–LiTFSI hybrid solid polymer electrolyte and aPDDA-TFSI anode layer were developed for lithium metal batteries.
Probing the Co role in promoting the OER and Zn–air battery performance of NiFe-LDH: a combined experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Liu Shilong , Wan Rendian , Lin Zongshan , Liu Zhe , Liu Yonggang , Tian Yong , Qin Dong-Dong , Tang Zhenghua
Published: January 2022

We report a facile approach to construct Co@NiFe-LDH heterostructure catalyst with superior OER and Zn–air performance. DFT calculations revealed that Fe site is the OER active center, while forming heterostructure upshifts the Fe d-band center.
Genome editing of PD-L1 mediated by nucleobase-modified polyamidoamine for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Wei Simeng , Shao Xinxin , Liu Yong , Xiong Boyu , Cui Pengfei , Liu Ziling , Li Quanshun
Published: January 2022

Genome editing of PD-L1 mediated by nucleobase-modified polyamidoamine for cancer immunotherapy.
Magnetic cations doped into a double perovskite semiconductor
Authors: Jin Lun , Ni Danrui , Gui Xin , Straus Daniel B. , Zhang Qiang , Cava Robert J.
Published: January 2022

Magnetic-cation (Cr3+/Fe3+) doping of semiconducting double perovskite Sr2GaSbO6 introduces dominant antiferromagnetic coupling among the dopant magnetic moments and tunes its band gap.
Modulating photoelectron localization degree to achieve controllable photoluminescence quenching and activation of 0D hybrid antimony perovskites
Authors: Li Dong-Yang , Cheng Yu , Hou Yu-Han , Song Jun-Hua , Sun Chuan-Ju , Yue Cheng-Yang , Jing Zhi-Hong , Lei Xiao-Wu
Published: January 2022

Through fine-tuning the configurations of organic cations to promote the photoelectron localization degree, the PLQYs of 0D hybrid antimony perovskites were rationally improved from <1% ([BPP]SbCl5) to 79.57% ([BPPP]SbCl5).
Facile ACQ-to-AIE transformation via diphenylphosphine (DPP) modification with versatile properties
Authors: Ye Fangjun , Shen Chengzhen , Guan Jianxin , Liu Yiming , Wang Xiaoge , Wang Jingtian , Cong Ming , Wang Weibin , Zhang Ting , Zou Bo , Zheng Junrong , Ma Yuguo
Published: January 2022

Diphenylphosphine (DPP) was incorporated facilely into a typical aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) luminophore to facilitate ACQ-to-AIE transformation. The rapid intersystem crossing process was explored as the DPP-based AIE mechanism.
Layered structures of assembled imine-linked macrocycles and two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks give rise to prolonged exciton lifetimes
Authors: Helweh Waleed , Flanders Nathan C. , Wang Shiwei , Phelan Brian T. , Kim Pyosang , Strauss Michael J. , Li Rebecca L. , Kelley Matthew S. , Kirschner Matthew S. , Edwards Dillon O. , Spencer Austin P. , Schatz George C. , Schaller Richard D. , Dichtel William R. , Chen Lin X.
Published: January 2022

Excitonic dynamics studies of a 2D COF, its corresponding hexagonal macrocycle, and extended nanotubes comprised of stacked macrocycles reveal that layering of the macrocycle in the assembled COF and nanotube lead to a prolonged exciton lifetime.
Effect of the nanoparticle size on thermometric properties of a single-band ratiometric luminescent thermometer in NaYF4:Nd3+
Authors: Trejgis K. , Ledwa K. , Li Leipeng , Marciniak L.
Published: January 2022

Due to the fact that temperature is one of the key physical quantities determining the occurrence of physical phenomena, chemical reactions or biological processes, one of the important issues to be solved is the precise determination of temperature.
Nickel-catalysed cross-electrophile coupling of aryl bromides and primary alkyl bromides
Authors: Gao Nanxing , Li Yanshun , Teng Dawei
Published: January 2022

The structure of primary alkylated arenes play an important role in the molecular action of drugs and natural products. The nickel/spiro-bidentate-pyox catalysed cross-electrophile coupling of aryl bromides and primary alkyl bromides was developed.
Unraveling the reactivity of a cationic iminoborane: avenues to unusual boron cations
Authors: Guo Rui , Zhang Xin , Li Tong , Li Qianli , Ruiz David A. , Liu Liu Leo , Tung Chen-Ho , Kong Lingbing
Published: January 2022

An NHC-stabilized aryliminoboryl cation exhibits both boron-centered Lewis acidity and multiple bond reactivity and could be utilized as an effective synthon for unusual cationic boron species.
Dysphagia and Quality of Life, Participation, and Inclusion Experiences and Outcomes for Adults and Children With Dysphagia: A Scoping Review
Authors: Smith Rebecca , Bryant Lucy , Hemsley Bronwyn
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

Research shows that dysphagia impacts quality of life negatively, but the nature of these impacts is not well understood. This review article aims to examine the impacts of dysphagia and its interventions on mealtime-related quality of life, participation, and inclusion for people with dysphagia.

Method:

The protocol for this scoping review was published in July 2019 and involved a search of five scientific databases using dysphagia and quality of life–related terms.

Results:

In total, 106 studies were included in this review article. A qualitative metasynthesis demonstrated that dysphagia had various negative impacts on quality of life, particularly in populations with severe dysphagia. Dysphagia interventions had a range of positive impacts on quality of life; however, modifying food texture also had negative impacts. Most studies (
n
= 95) included adults with acquired dysphagia. Only seven studies included people with lifelong conditions, including cerebral palsy or intellectual disability, and only four studies included children. Almost half of the studies (
n
= 44) used quantitative instruments, including the Swallowing Quality of Life questionnaire or the Eating Assessment Tool, to measure the impact of dysphagia on quality of life, and few studies used qualitative approaches.

Conclusions:

There are both positive and negative impacts of dysphagia and dysphagia-related interventions on quality of life, participation, and inclusion. Most research is quantitative and limited to adults with acquired dysphagia. Qualitative and longitudinal studies that include populations with lifelong disability and children are needed to determine how dysphagia and its interventions impact quality of life across conditions and over the life span.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.18862292