bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A genetic compensatory mechanism regulated by Jun and Mef2d modulates the expression of distinct class IIa Hdacs to ensure peripheral nerve myelination and repair
Authors: Velasco-Aviles Sergio , Patel Nikiben , Casillas-Bajo Angeles , Frutos-Rincón Laura , Velasco Enrique , Gallar Juana , Arthur-Farraj Peter , Gomez-Sanchez Jose A , Cabedo Hugo
Published: January 2022

The class IIa histone deacetylases (HDACs) have pivotal roles in the development of different tissues. Of this family, Schwann cells express Hdac4, 5, and 7 but not Hdac9. Here, we show that a transcription factor regulated genetic compensatory mechanism within this family of proteins, blocks negative regulators of myelination ensuring peripheral nerve developmental myelination and remyelination after injury. Thus, when Hdac4 and 5 are knocked-out from Schwann cells in mice, a JUN-dependent mechanism induces the compensatory overexpression of Hdac7 permitting, although with a delay, the formation of the myelin sheath. When Hdac4, 5, and 7 are simultaneously removed, the myocyte-specific enhancer-factor d (MEF2D) binds to the promoter and induces the de novo expression of Hdac9, and although several melanocytic lineage genes are misexpressed and Remak bundle structure is disrupted, myelination proceeds after a long delay. Thus, our data unveil a finely tuned compensatory mechanism within the class IIa Hdac family, coordinated by distinct transcription factors, that guarantees the ability of Schwann cells to myelinate during development and remyelinate after nerve injury.
Kidney organoids recapitulate human basement membrane assembly in health and disease
Authors: Morais Mychel RPT , Tian Pinyuan , Lawless Craig , Murtuza-Baker Syed , Hopkinson Louise , Woods Steven , Mironov Aleksandr , Long David A , Gale Daniel P , Zorn Telma MT , Kimber Susan J , Zent Roy , Lennon Rachel
Published: January 2022

Basement membranes (BMs) are complex macromolecular networks underlying all continuous layers of cells. Essential components include collagen IV and laminins, which are affected by human genetic variants leading to a range of debilitating conditions including kidney, muscle, and cerebrovascular phenotypes. We investigated the dynamics of BM assembly in human pluripotent stem cell-derived kidney organoids. We resolved their global BM composition and discovered a conserved temporal sequence in BM assembly that paralleled mammalian fetal kidneys. We identified the emergence of key BM isoforms, which were altered by a pathogenic variant in COL4A5. Integrating organoid, fetal, and adult kidney proteomes, we found dynamic regulation of BM composition through development to adulthood, and with single-cell transcriptomic analysis we mapped the cellular origins of BM components. Overall, we define the complex and dynamic nature of kidney organoid BM assembly and provide a platform for understanding its wider relevance in human development and disease.
Deep learning-based electrocardiogram rhythm and beat features for heart abnormality classification
Authors: Darmawahyuni Annisa , Nurmaini Siti , Rachmatullah Muhammad Naufal , Tutuko Bambang , Sapitri Ade Iriani , Firdaus Firdaus , Fansyuri Ahmad , Predyansyah Aldi
Published: January 2022

Background

Electrocardiogram (ECG) signal classification plays a critical role in the automatic diagnosis of heart abnormalities. While most ECG signal patterns cannot be recognized by a human interpreter, they can be detected with precision using artificial intelligence approaches, making the ECG a powerful non-invasive biomarker. However, performing rapid and accurate ECG signal classification is difficult due to the low amplitude, complexity, and non-linearity. The widely-available deep learning (DL) method we propose has presented an opportunity to substantially improve the accuracy of automated ECG classification analysis using rhythm or beat features. Unfortunately, a comprehensive and general evaluation of the specific DL architecture for ECG analysis across a wide variety of rhythm and beat features has not been previously reported. Some previous studies have been concerned with detecting ECG class abnormalities only through rhythm or beat features separately.

Methods

This study proposes a single architecture based on the DL method with one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) architecture, to automatically classify 24 patterns of ECG signals through both rhythm and beat. To validate the proposed model, five databases which consisted of nine-class of ECG-base rhythm and 15-class of ECG-based beat were used in this study. The proposed DL network was applied and studied with varying datasets with different frequency samplings in intra and inter-patient scheme.

Results

Using a 10-fold cross-validation scheme, the performance results had an accuracy of 99.98%, a sensitivity of 99.90%, a specificity of 99.89%, a precision of 99.90%, and an F1-score of 99.99% for ECG rhythm classification. Additionally, for ECG beat classification, the model obtained an accuracy of 99.87%, a sensitivity of 96.97%, a specificity of 99.89%, a precision of 92.23%, and an F1-score of 94.39%. In conclusion, this study provides clinicians with an advanced methodology for detecting and discriminating heart abnormalities between different ECG rhythm and beat assessments by using one outstanding proposed DL architecture.
Isolation, identification and characterization of nitrogen fixing endophytic bacteria and their effects on cassava production
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Tong Juanjuan , Dong Mengmeng , Akhtar Kashif , He Bing
Published: January 2022

Background

Cassava (Manibot esculenta Crantz) is one of the most important among tuber crops. The amount of nitrogen fertilizer used for cassava production is relatively high (400 kg ha−1), but there are few studies on biological nitrogen fixation in this crop. Therefore, it is particularly important to study whether cassava and microorganisms have the associated nitrogen-fixing and other promoting effects of endophytic bacteria.

Methods

We screened 10 endophytic bacteria using the nitrogen-free culture method from the roots of seven cassava cultivars, and the nitrogenase activity of the A02 strain was the highest 95.81 nmol mL−1 h−1. The A02 strain was confirmed as Microbacteriaceae, Curtobacterium using 16S rRNA sequence alignment. The biological and morphological characteristics of strain A02 were further analyzed.

Results

The experimental results showed that the biomass of roots, stems, and leaves of cassava inoculated with A02 increased by 17.6%, 12.6%, and 10.3%, respectively, compared to that of the control (without A02 inoculation). These results were not only related to the secretion of auxin (IAA) and solubilization of phosphate but also in the promotion of biological nitrogen fixation of cassava leaves by strain A02. Moreover, the highest 95.81 nmol mL−1h−1 of nitrogenase activity was reported in strain A02, and thus more nitrogen fixation was observed in strain A02. In conclusion, A02 is a newly discovered endophytic nitrogen-fixing bacteria in cassava that can be further used in the research of biological bacterial fertilizers.
A newly recognized theropod assemblage from the Lewisville Formation (Woodbine Group; Cenomanian) and its implications for understanding Late Cretaceous Appalachian terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Noto Christopher R. , D’Amore Domenic C. , Drumheller Stephanie K. , Adams Thomas L.
Published: January 2022

While the terrestrial fossil record of the mid-Cretaceous interval (Aptian to Cenomanian) in North America has been poorly studied, the recent focus on fossil localities from the western United States has offered a more detailed picture of vertebrate diversity, ecosystem dynamics and faunal turnover that took place on the western landmass of Laramidia. This is in stark contrast to the terrestrial record from the eastern landmass of Appalachia, where vertebrate fossils are rare and consist mostly of isolated and fragmentary remains. However, a detailed understanding of these fossil communities during this interval is necessary for comparison of the faunal patterns that developed during the opening of the Western Interior Seaway (WIS). The Woodbine Group of Texas is a Cenomanian age (95–100 mya) deposit consisting of shallow marine, deltaic, and terrestrial communities, which were only recently separated from their western counterparts. These deposits have yielded a wealth of vertebrate remains, yet non-avian theropods are still largely unknown. Recently, multiple localities in the Lewisville Formation of the Woodbine Group have yielded new non-avian theropod material, including numerous isolated teeth and postcranial remains. While largely fragmentary, this material is sufficiently diagnostic to identify the following taxa: a large-bodied carcharodontosaur, a mid-sized tyrannosauroid, a large ornithomimosaur, a large dromaeosaurine, a small dromaeosaurid, a small troodontid, and a small coelurosaur. Some of these groups represent the first occurrence for Appalachia and provide a broader understanding of a newly expanded faunal diversity for the Eastern landmass. The Lewisville Formation theropod fauna is similar in taxonomic composition to contemporaneous deposits in Laramidia, confirming that these groups were widespread across the continent prior to extension of the WIS. The Lewisville Formation documents the transitional nature of Cenomanian coastal ecosystems in Texas while providing additional details on the evolution of Appalachian communities shortly after WIS extension.
Seasonal and diel variations in the vertical distribution, composition, abundance and biomass of zooplankton in a deep Chilean Patagonian Fjord
Authors: Garcia-Herrera Nur , Cornils Astrid , Laudien Jürgen , Niehoff Barbara , Höfer Juan , Försterra Günter , González Humberto E. , Richter Claudio
Published: January 2022

Comau Fjord is a stratified Chilean Patagonian Fjord characterized by a shallow brackish surface layer and a >400 m layer of aragonite-depleted subsurface waters. Despite the energetic burden of low aragonite saturation levels to calcification, Comau Fjord harbours dense populations of cold-water corals (CWC). While this paradox has been attributed to a rich supply of zooplankton, supporting abundance and biomass data are so far lacking. In this study, we investigated the seasonal and diel changes of the zooplankton community over the entire water column. We used a Nansen net (100 µm mesh) to take stratified vertical hauls between the surface and the bottom (0-50-100-200-300-400-450 m). Samples were scanned with a ZooScan, and abundance, biovolume and biomass were determined for 41 taxa identified on the web-based platform EcoTaxa 2.0. Zooplankton biomass was the highest in summer (209 g dry mass m−2) and the lowest in winter (61 g dry mass m−2). Abundance, however, peaked in spring, suggesting a close correspondence between reproduction and phytoplankton spring blooms (Chl a max. 50.86 mg m−3, 3 m depth). Overall, copepods were the most important group of the total zooplankton community, both in abundance (64–81%) and biovolume (20–70%) followed by mysids and chaetognaths (in terms of biovolume and biomass), and nauplii and Appendicularia (in terms of abundance). Throughout the year, diel changes in the vertical distribution of biomass were found with a daytime maximum in the 100–200 m depth layer and a nighttime maximum in surface waters (0–50 m), associated with the diel vertical migration of the calanoid copepod family Metridinidae. Diel differences in integrated zooplankton abundance, biovolume and biomass were probably due to a high zooplankton patchiness driven by biological processes (e.g., diel vertical migration or predation avoidance), and oceanographic processes (estuarine circulation, tidal mixing or water column stratification). Those factors are considered to be the main drivers of the zooplankton vertical distribution in Comau Fjord.
Maxillary Right Lateral Incisor Agenesis and Left Peg Lateral Incisor- A Long Term Follow-up
Authors: Tanaka Orlando Motohiro , Marqevix Osney , Júnior Sergio Luiz Mota , Brunetto Mauricio , Gasparello Gil Guilherme
Published: January 2022

Missing maxillary lateral incisor is commonly found in orthodontic daily practice. To close the space using intermaxillary elastics with sliding jig is successful alternative. This case report described a case of a young adult 18-year-old patient with missing maxillary right lateral incisor, with a permanent canine in its position and a retained deciduous canine. In addition, the patient presented with a peg shaped left lateral incisor. To solve the problem, the teeth in the maxillary right quadrant were moved medially towards the midline. A multidisciplinary approach involving periodontic-restorative procedure were proposed, but just orthodontic alignment and leveling were performed with minor canine reshaping and no reshaping in the peg-shaped left lateral incisor. At the 15.8 years follow-up consultation the right canine and left lateral incisor were reshaped, improving the outcome. In a long term perspective, radiographic images show no sign of bone loss or root resorption and the results continue to be stable, with maintenance of the clinical results achieved.
Effect of Thoracic Manipulation on Pain and Postural Sway in Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain Patients: A Quasi-experimental Study
Authors: Devi Uma , Anumula Satish Kumar , Suhail Ammar
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Mechanical Neck Pain (MNP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal problem. MNP has a high-risk of becoming chronic in nature. Recent studies demonstrate altered Postural Sway (PS) among MNP patients. There are various management strategies used for improving pain and PS among Chronic MNP (CMNP). Numerous studies have been done on the effect of thoracic thrust manipulation on pain. However, the evidence is deficient for the impact of thoracic manipulation on PS in MNP patients. Aim: To analyse the effect of Thoracic Spine Manipulation (TSM) on pain and PS in CMNP patients. Materials and Methods: The quasi-experimental study was carried out on 31 patients. All the patients received three sessions of thoracic manipulation on three consecutive days. Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and PS were measured during three treatment sessions and at baseline. One-way repeated measure Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to examine the effects of treatment on each outcome variable. Results: Thirty-one patients with a mean age of 22.23 (SD=2.667) years with 61.3% females, and 38.7% males fulfilled the prerequisite considerations to be in the study. Patients showed significant improvements in pain after TSM 1 (F=105.8, p<0.05). The PS measured as sway velocity based on the Center of Foot Pressure (COFP) showed a significant reduction in both anteroposterior direction (F=3.55, p=0.02) and mediolateral direction PSY (F=5.10, p=0.03). Conclusion: The results demonstrated that thoracic manipulation improves pain and reduces PS. The study concludes that TSM can alter PS immediately post manipulation. TSM can be an alternative to Cervical Spine Manipulation (CSM) in patients with a contraindication for CSM.
Management of Consequences of Gold Enamel Tattooing in Maxillary Central Incisors: A Case Report
Authors: Jethi Navdeep , Pandav Gaurav , Pandav Sakshi , Kaur Sharanjit
Published: January 2022

Gold enamel tattooing is a customary practice seen in various clans of Asia and the Indian subcontinent, for ages. The incidence of such cases is very low; hence they can be used as identification marks in forensic sciences and symbols of some tribes and clans. In India, these tattoos or chomps are frequently done by amateurish creatures, making gross harm to the physiology of the tooth and causing consequences like pulp involvement and periapical infection. Here, authors presents a case of 32-year-old male presented with chief complaint of dull, intermittent pain which aggravates with hot stimulus, particularly on taking hot tea and broken upper front teeth because of biting on a hard nut five days back. Patient also complaint of pus discharge over his front teeth for three days. The patient gave the history of gold inking his two maxillary central incisors, ten years back. Pulp damage and periapical lesion was noticed due to enamel inking in upper central incisors. A periapical abscess was resulted due to violation of enamel thickness of the tooth during tooth preparation. In dental clinics, traditional gold tattoos can be done with minimal invasive cavity preparation. Enamel thickness estimation in such cases plays a very important role to safeguard a healthy tooth from the consequences of structural damage.
Temperature Variability and Trends in Nzoia River Basin, Kenya
Authors: Odwori Ernest Othieno
Published: January 2022

Nzoia River Basin is one of the regions that is highly vulnerable to climate change in Kenya. Many attempts have been made to identify and quantify the impact of climate change on socio-economic sectors and ecosystems using global studies resulting into recommendations on policy changes aimed at generating sustainable mitigation and adaptation strategies. This top-down approach by using global studies lacks the required local and regional climate change specificities to address the regional and local climate change challenges. Temperature is one of the most important components of the climatic parameters widely measured as a starting point towards the apprehension of climate change courses. This study aims at filling the top-down approach knowledge gaps in Nzoia River Basin by assessing temperature variability and trends at three stations for the period 1979 to 2014, using Linear regression analysis and Mann-Kendall statistical test. Monthly maximum and minimum temperature data for Kitale, Kakamega and Eldoret stations was obtained from Kenya Meteorological Department, Nairobi, Kenya. The main findings reveal that Kakamega has highest temperatures, followed by Kitale and the lowest temperatures are found at Eldoret. This trend seems to go with altitude as the lowest temperatures are found at highest altitudes and highest temperatures at lowest altitudes. There are significant increases in annual temperatures for Kitale and Kakamega stations, with Kitale showing annual maximum temprature rising at 0.0006260 C/year; annual minimum temperature rising at 0.0011630 C/year and the annual mean temprature rising at 0.0008940 C/year. Kakamega shows annual maximum temperature rising at 0.0007710 C/year; annual minimum temperatures rising at 0.0004710 C/year and the annual mean temperatures rising at 0.0006230 C/year. Eldoret shows falling maximum temperature at - 0.002020 C/year; rising minimum temperature at 0.0008130 C/year and falling mean temperatures at - 0.001420 C/year. The results for Kitale and Eldoret stations show statistically significant trends whereas those for Kakamega station were statistically insignificant. Eldoret annual minimum temperatures are rising faster than the maximum whereas in Kakamega it’s the annual maximum temperatures that are rising faster than the minimum. Kitale and Kakamega show annual mean temperatures rising at about 0.10C per century which compares well with IPCC Third Assessment Report estimated global warming rate of 0.6 0C during the twentieth century and other studies from the African continent and East African region.
Weighted Log-Pearson Type Iii Distribution: Properties, Estimation and Application
Authors: Rahman Umme Habibah , Deb Roy Tanusree
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we have proposed a new version of three parameters log-Pearson type III distribution known as weighted Log-Pearson type III distribution. The different structural properties of the newly model have been studied. The maximum likelihood estimators of the parameters and the Fishers information matrix have been discussed. Finally, a real-life data set has been analyzed.
Investigation of Evaporative Cooling Pad Material from Hyphaene Thebaica Fibers
Authors: M. Djibrilla Alio Sanda , Abdoulkader Atto H. , M. Illyassou Karimoun , Aissetou Drame Yaye , Rabani Adamou
Published: January 2022

Evaporative coolers are technologies highly used as a source of thermal comfort in terms of fresh air provider in areas where weather conditions are harsh and people living standard goes from medium to low earnings. This technology being environmentally friendly still requires a certain minimum maintenance, mostly the change of pads. This paper presents the performance of a cost-effective cooling pad made from the fibers of hyphanene thebaica (wood wool) as an alternative pad to the commercial ones rendering this technology more accessible and affordable for all social classes. The experiment was done in an insulated duct whereby thermodynamic parameters of locally made pad such as temperature, pressure, relative humidity and velocity, were recorded, and effect of physical properties on performances were analyzed. Compared to the commercial pad, the proposed local pad presented the lowest minimum outlet dry bulb temperature (20.00oC), a saturation efficiency of 78.80% with the highest cooling capacity of 0.1867 kW, the highest heat transfer coefficient of 7.3497 kW/m2 oC, the best cost-to-efficiency ratio (CER) and coefficient of performance (COP). By studying and improving the pads thermophysical characteristics, performance could be improved opening ways towards industrial production of such pads for a sustainable development.
Surveys on Familial and Individual Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) on Mosquitoes and Malaria Vector Control in Lobito (Angola)
Authors: Foumane V. , Toto J. C. , Soyto A. Moniz , Carnevale G. , Carnevale P.
Published: January 2022

A cluster sampling survey was implemented in Lobito town (Angola) before the scheduled large distribution of long lasting insecticide treated nets in the framework of the National Malaria Control Program to get base line data on the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of population against mosquitoes and vector borne diseases. A total sample of 420 households (representing 2384 inhabitants) was involved and interviewed and it appeared that 94% of them complained against mosquitoes as biting and boring nuisance while 22% reported their fear about vector borne diseases. 94% are developing some method against mosquitoes at household level, mainly commercial insecticide spray cans (57%) bednets (53%), mosquito coils (38%) and often several methods are used (such as spray before sleeping then bed net or coils during the night). It was reported an average of 2.4 bed/house but only 1 bednet/house showing the need for procuring nets for everyone. The main reasons for non-using nets are “uncomfortable” (reported by 30% while it was only 10% by people actually using the net!), hot, not easy to use while the costs did not appear as the main problem. The estimated cost of mosquito control at household level was estimated at around 2 to 4 $/month 25% of households declared having had a child sick during the last 15 days with a cost around 5 to 10 $ US; cost which was similar for treatment of child or adults.

It would be interesting to implement such KAP surveys after the distribution of LLIN in the framework of the National Malaria Control and underline changes in perception and use of mosquito/malaria vector control at household level.
Quasi‐Oppositional Whale Optimization Optimized Load Frequency Stabilization of Hybrid Power Systems Integrated with Electric Vehicle
Authors: Mudi Joyti , Shiva Chandan Kumar , Mukherjee Vivekananda
Published: January 2022

Electric vehicle (EV) provides the most promising transportation system at present and also for the future. The uncertainties are introduced when EVs are connected to the grid, which becomes a new challenge for the load frequency control (LFC) of a power system. This paper explores the LFC of a hybrid power system (HPS) integrated with EV. The isolated HPS (IHPS) considered for this work consists of a combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT), a diesel engine generator (DEG), a wind turbine generator (WTG) and a solar photovoltaic generating unit. A superconducting magnetic energy storage is used to give uninterrupted power supply and to improve the dynamic stability to the system. The performance of charging and discharging of EV's battery is also analyzed. To enhance the performance of the EV, a proportional‐integral‐derivative (PID) controller is employed for controlling the pulse of the static switches. In concern with the LFC task, the PID controller is also used for WTG, CCGT, and DEG. The controller gains are tuned by the use of quasi‐oppositional whale optimization algorithm (QOWOA). The performance of IHPS model is studied under different load perturbations. A comparative dynamic response of frequency deviation profile is plotted subjected to QOWOA based PID controller.
Effects of warming and drought stress on winter wheat in Jiangsu Province, China
Authors: Sha Huimin , Li Qi , Sun Xipeng , Hu Zhenghua , Qiao Yunfa , Ma Wenhui , Wang Xiaoyu
Published: January 2022

We used the World Food Studies (WOFOST) model to analyze meteorological, soil, and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth period data in Xuzhou, Huaian, and Changzhou, Jiangsu Province from 2008 to 2017. The data collected were used to study the effects of warming and drought on winter wheat yield and dry matter accumulation. The simulation results showed that single warming stress (1, 2, and 3 ℃), drought stress (mild, moderate, and severe), and combined drought and warming stress can reduce the yield of winter wheat. The highest yield reduction rate was 25.5% in Changzhou under the condition of single warming, and the yield reduction rate increased by 5% when the soil relative humidity decreased by 10% under the condition of single drought. The grain dry matter formation of winter wheat was also inhibited by warming and drought, and the lowest dry matter ratio was only 42.4% in Changzhou under drought. The influence of combined stress was greater than that of single stress under various contrasts. However, in the middle of Jiangsu Province, the yield of winter wheat was most affected by drought, and the distribution of dry matter accumulation decreased from south to north. The yield reduction of winter wheat under other stresses increased from south to north, and the dry matter distribution of grain was lower in the south than in the north and lower in the central part of Jiangsu Province.
Hydration of Nitriles Enabled by PNP−manganese Pincer Catalyst
Authors: Wen Xiaoting , He Jingxi , Xi Hui , Zheng Qi , Liu Weiping
Published: January 2022

A general and practical methodology for the hydration of nitriles to primary amides enabled by manganese catalyst is presented. The described protocol shows broad substrate scope with good functional group tolerance, including a wide range of (hetero)aromatic and aliphatic nitriles, thus afforded the corresponding amides in good to excellent isolated yields under mild conditions. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicated that metal‐ligand cooperation (MLC) mode was involved in this catalytic process.
Rational Design of Phe‐BODIPY Amino Acids as Fluorogenic Building Blocks for Peptide‐Based Detection of Urinary Tract Candida Infections
Authors: Mendive‐Tapia Lorena , Mendive‐Tapia David , Zhao Can , Gordon Doireann , Benson Sam , Bromley Michael J. , Wang Wei , Wu Jun , Kopp Adelina , Ackermann Lutz , Vendrell Marc
Published: January 2022

Fungal infections caused by Candida species are among the most prevalent in hospitalized patients. However, current methods for the detection of Candida fungal cells in clinical samples rely on time‐consuming assays that hamper rapid and reliable diagnosis. Herein, we describe the rational development of new Phe‐BODIPY amino acids as small fluorogenic building blocks and their application to generate fluorescent antimicrobial peptides for rapid labelling of Candida cells in urine. We have used computational methods to analyse the fluorogenic behaviour of BODIPY‐substituted aromatic amino acids and performed bioactivity and confocal microscopy experiments in different strains to confirm the utility and versatility of peptides incorporating Phe‐BODIPYs. Finally, we have designed a simple and sensitive fluorescence‐based assay for the detection of Candida albicans in human urine samples.
Oxidative coupling of primary amines to imines catalyzed by CoCl2·6H2O
Authors: Lian Chengxi , Zhang Chaoying , Zhao Yingchun , Wang Hui , Li Xiufen , Huang Longjiang
Published: January 2022

A high‐performance, readily available and eco‐friendly cobalt catalyst has been suggested for the first time for the additive‐free oxidative coupling of primary amines to imines. Different substituted benzylamine and heteroaryl methanamine compounds could be transformed into their corresponding imines in good to excellent yields over this catalyst. Meanwhile, it has been demonstrated that this catalyst can also afford the oxidative coupling of various benzylamines with o‐phenylenediamine to produce benzimidazole derivatives in medium to good yields.
Contribution of Necroptosis to Myofiber Death in Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies
Authors: Peng Qing‐Lin , Zhang Ya‐Mei , Liu Yan‐Chun , Liang Lin , Li Wen‐Li , Tian Xiao‐Lan , Zhang Lu , Yang Hong‐Xia , Lu Xin , Wang Guo‐Chun
Published: January 2022

Objective

Myofiber necrosis is a significant pathologic characteristic of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs), and its molecular mechanism is largely unknown. Necroptosis is a recently identified form of regulated necrotic cell death, and its activation might have crucial biologic consequences. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of necroptosis in IIM muscle damage.

Methods

Western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses were performed to examine the expression of receptor‐interacting protein 3 (RIP‐3) and mixed‐lineage kinase domain–like (MLKL) proteins in 26 IIM patients and 4 healthy controls, as well as necroptosis‐related damage–associated molecular pattern molecules. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) was used to stimulate cultured C2C12 myoblasts, and the involvement of necroptosis in cell death of C2C12 cells was studied in vitro.

Results

The expression of RIP‐3 and MLKL proteins and their phosphorylated forms was significantly increased in the muscle tissue of IIM patients compared to that of healthy controls. The expression levels of RIP‐3 and MLKL proteins were associated with the severity of muscle damage in patients with IIM. Significant colocalization of MLKL with high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 in necrotizing myofibers was observed in muscle biopsy tissue from patients with IIM. Stimulation of C2C12 myoblasts with TNF and a pan‐caspase inhibitor, Z‐VAD, resulted in the overactivation of necroptosis and significantly increased necrotic cell death. Strategies involving either inhibition of necroptosis with necrostatin‐1 or knockdown of MLKL expression successfully prevented necroptosis‐induced cell death of C2C12 cells.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that overactivated necroptosis contributes to muscle damage in IIMs and suggest that necroptosis inhibitors could represent a new therapeutic target in the treatment of IIMs.
A longitudinal approach for understanding algorithm use
Authors: Chacon Alvaro , Kausel Edgar E. , Reyes Tomas
Published: January 2022

Research suggests that algorithms—based on artificial intelligence or linear regression models—make better predictions than humans in a wide range of domains. Several studies have examined the degree to which people use algorithms. However, these studies have been mostly cross‐sectional and thus have failed to address the dynamic nature of algorithm use. In the present paper, we examined algorithm use with a novel longitudinal approach outside the lab. Specifically, we conducted two ecological momentary assessment studies in which 401 participants made financial predictions for 18 days in two tasks. Relying on the judge‐advisor system framework, we examined how time interacted with advice source (human vs. algorithm) and advisor accuracy to predict advice taking. Our results showed that when the advice was inaccurate, people tended to use algorithm advice less than human advice across the period studied. Inaccurate algorithms were penalized logarithmically; the effect was initially strong but tended to fade over time. This suggests that first impressions are crucial and produce significant changes in advice taking at the beginning of the interaction, which later tends to stabilize as days go by. Therefore, inaccurate algorithms are more likely to accrue a negative reputation than inaccurate humans, even when having the same level of performance.
Designed SARS‐CoV‐2 receptor binding domain variants form stable monomers
Authors: Klausberger Miriam , Kienzl Nikolaus F. , Stadlmayr Gerhard , Grünwald‐Gruber Clemens , Laurent Elisabeth , Stadlbauer Katharina , Stracke Florian , Vierlinger Klemens , Hofner Manuela , Manhart Gabriele , Gerner Wilhelm , Grebien Florian , Weinhäusel Andreas , Mach Lukas , Wozniak‐Knopp Gordana
Published: January 2022

The receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike (S)‐protein is a prime target of virus‐neutralizing antibodies present in convalescent sera of COVID‐19 patients and thus is considered a key antigen for immunosurveillance studies and vaccine development. Although recombinant expression of RBD has been achieved in several eukaryotic systems, mammalian cells have proven particularly useful. The authors aimed to optimize RBD produced in HEK293‐6E cells towards a stable homogeneous preparation and addressed its O‐glycosylation as well as the unpaired cysteine residue 538 in the widely used RBD (319‐541) sequence. The authors found that an intact O‐glycosylation site at T323 is highly relevant for the expression and maintenance of RBD as a monomer. Furthermore, it was shown that deletion or substitution of the unpaired cysteine residue C538 reduces the intrinsic propensity of RBD to form oligomeric aggregates, concomitant with an increased yield of the monomeric form of the protein. Bead‐based and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays utilizing these optimized RBD variants displayed excellent performance with respect to the specific detection of even low levels of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies in convalescent sera. Hence, these RBD variants could be instrumental for the further development of serological SARS‐CoV‐2 tests and inform the design of RBD‐based vaccine candidates.
Photodissociation dynamics of chlorobenzene and 4‐fluoroiodobenzene in CCl4 probed using time‐resolved infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Park Yejin , Park Seongchul , Shin Juhyang , Lim Manho
Published: January 2022

The dynamics of photoexcited chlorobenzene (PhCl) and 4‐fluoroiodobenzne (4‐FPhI) in CCl4 were investigated using time‐resolved infrared spectroscopy. When excited at 267 nm, 50% (70%) of the excited PhCl (4‐FPhI) dissociates the Cl (I) atom immediately, and the remaining molecules relax into the T1 state via intersystem crossing (ISC) with a time constant of 70–80 ps. About half of the dissociated halogen atoms geminately recombine with the nascent radical with a time constant of 100–150 ps, reducing the number of generated radicals that are available to react with other reaction partners. The remaining radicals also recombine with the dissociated halogen atom on a timescale of tens of nanoseconds. Interestingly, the ISC of the light Cl‐atom‐involved PhCl was as efficient as that of the heavy I‐atom‐involved 4‐FPhI. Detailed photoexcitation dynamic studies of PhCl and 4‐FPhI can be utilized to understand the reaction dynamics of Ph and its derivatives.
Organic Chlorides in Petroleum Crude Oil: Challenges for Refinery and Mitigations
Authors: Mitra Shouvik , Sulakhe Swapnil , Shown Biswajit , Mandal Sukumar , Das Asit K.
Published: January 2022

Crude oils contain chloride impurities, including some organic components termed as ‘organic chloride'. Owing to the high dissociation energy of the C‐Cl bond, organic chlorides are very difficult to remove during the desalting process unlike inorganic chloride salts. Failure to properly remove organic chlorides could have a significant adverse effect on petroleum refinery equipment in terms of corrosion during crude oil processing. Therefore, stringent specification of organic chlorides is being maintained throughout the refining process to avoid corrosion‐related incidents. Generally, a guard bed column is used for the removal of organic chlorides in the downstream of the refining process. Guard bed columns are comprised of metal oxide‐based components that operate at a very high temperature. In contrast, a phase transfer catalyst (PTC)‐based process for organic chloride removal at the upstream of the refining process is established up to lab‐scale and with model compounds only. This review is aimed to highlight the technical challenges associated with organic chloride contamination in refining processes and plausible methods and techniques available for smooth refining operations.
Amniotic epithelial cells accelerate diabetic wound healing by protecting keratinocytes and fibroblasts from high‐glucose‐induced senescence
Authors: Shu Futing , Gao Haojie , Wu Wenfeng , Yu Shaoshuo , Zhang Lianjie , Liu Huazhen , Xiao Shichu , Xia Zhaofan , Zheng Yongjun
Published: January 2022

Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs), one of the stem cells identified from the human placenta, possess numerous advantages and have been considered as an attractive and available cell source for regenerative medicine. Accumulating evidence has showed that cellular senescence was one of the pathogenic hubs of diabetic wound chronicity. Keratinocytes and fibroblasts are the primary cells involved in wound healing. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the anti‐senescence effects of hAECs on keratinocytes and fibroblasts in diabetic wounds. Sustained hyperglycemia impaired cell function and accelerated senescence in vitro. However, this phenotype was rescued by hAECs‐conditioned medium (hAECs‐CM), with increased migration and proliferation in keratinocytes and fibroblasts and enhanced collagen synthesis and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) production in fibroblasts. In addition, hAECs‐CM dramatically inhibited intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐gal) in keratinocytes and fibroblasts under high‐glucose (HG) condition. Moreover, hAECs‐CM could downregulate the increased RAGE and P21 induced by continuous HG stimulation. Intradermal injection of hAECs in diabetic wounds promoted re‐epithelialization and granulation tissue formation, accompanied by decreased P21+ cells and increased PCNA+ cells in epidermis and dermis, as well as promoted collagen deposition and α‐SMA expression. Furthermore, CM‐Dil‐labeled hAECs survived to Day 5 but disappeared by Day 10 in diabetic wounds. These findings indicated that hAECs could inhibit diabetes‐induced premature senescence and enhance the function of keratinocytes and fibroblasts via paracrine effects, partly by inhibiting RAGE/P21 signaling pathway. Thus, hAECs targeting cellular senescence induced by a hyperglycemic environment may be a new strategy for the treatment of diabetic wounds.
Effectiveness and safety of bivalirudin in elderly patients with coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: A real‐world study
Authors: Li Jing , Liu Xiying , Ma Sicong , Na Kun , Qi Zizhao , Xu Ying , Qiu Miaohan , Han Yaling , Li Yi
Published: January 2022

Objective

To assess the effectiveness and safety of bivalirudin compared with heparin monotherapy in elderly patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Background

Bivalirudin is recommended for periprocedural use in patients undergoing PCI who are of high bleeding risk. However, its safe and efficacious use in elderly patients, a typical high bleeding risk cohort, in real world practice is yet to be reported.

Methods

In this single center, real‐world observational study, 4736 consecutive elderly patients who underwent PCI were enrolled. Of these, 1240 were treated with bivalirudin and 3496 with heparin according to the periprocedural anticoagulation strategies of PCI. The primary outcome was 12‐month net adverse clinical events (NACE) defined as a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, stroke, revascularization, or any bleeding. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance baseline characteristics between groups.

Results

After PSM, bivalirudin was found to be associated with lower rates of NACE (19.1% vs. 24.7%, p = 0.002), cardiac death (2.7% vs. 4.3%, p = 0.038), and any bleeding (10.0% vs. 12.9%, p = 0.023) compared to heparin monotherapy. No differences were found in the incidences of myocardial infarction, stroke, revascularization, stent thrombosis (0.1% vs. 0.1%, p = 1.000), and major bleedings (0.5% vs. 0.5%, p = 1.000) between the two patient groups.

Conclusion

In this real‐world observational study, periprocedural use of bivalirudin in elderly patients who underwent PCI was associated with less cardiac death and any bleeding compared to heparin monotherapy, without increased risk of stent thrombosis.
Intra‐aortic balloon pump in cardiogenic shock: A propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Yuan Sheng , He Jining , Cai Zhongxing , Zhang Rui , Song Chenxi , Qiao Zheng , Song Weihua , Feng Lei , Dou Kefei
Published: January 2022

Objective

To assess the impact of intra‐aortic balloon pumps (IABP) on patients with cardiogenic shock in an intensive care unit setting.

Background

IABP counterpulsation is a widely used mechanical circulatory support device, but its performance has been questioned. However, current evidence of IABP use in cardiogenic shock is very limited (mainly from the IABP‐SHOCK II trial), which was restricted to cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction.

Methods

This was a retrospective, real‐world, cohort study based on the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III database. Adult patients with a diagnosis of cardiogenic shock were eligible.

Results

A total of 1028 patients with cardiogenic shock were assessed, including 384 patients who received IABP and 644 patients who did not. The in‐hospital mortality was significantly lower in patients who received IABP (adjusted odds ratio: 0.75, 95% confidence interval: 0.62–0.91, p = 0.009). Analysis of secondary endpoints found that the use of IABP was associated with a significantly lower risk of 1‐year mortality. After propensity score matching, the in‐hospital mortality remained significantly lower in the IABP group (28.10% vs. 37.59%, p = 0.018).

Conclusions

In the current cohort, IABP treatment was associated with a lower risk of in‐hospital mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock. Due to the complexity of pathophysiology in cardiogenic shock and the discrepancies in current evidence, our results should be validated through further studies in the future.
Extraction and replantation of a periapically infected tooth
Authors: Flanagan Dennis
Published: January 2022

At times, an infected tooth that may be deemed unrestorable may be salvaged by atraumatic removal, an in‐hand apicoectomy and retrograde seal, then replantation. This patient was referred to this author for an extraction and implant treatment of the maxillary left second premolar. After a discussion, the patient preferred to salvage the tooth if possible. The tooth was successfully atraumatically removed, and an in‐hand apicoectomy and retrograde amalgam seal was placed. The tooth was immediately replaced into its socket and was stable. The occlusal surface was flattened to prevent and off axial loading. A bis‐acryl brace was applied to the facial and lingual aspect to prevent an overload while the tooth was healing. The patient was admonished to maintain a soft diet. After 3 weeks, the braces were removed, and the tooth was found to be stable. After 8 weeks, the tooth was asymptomatic, and the patient was able to revert to her normal diet without pain. While extraction, placing an apical seal and replantation of teeth is not a new modality; nonetheless, clinicians may need to be reminded of this procedure to increase the number of options presented to patients.
Radiological features of Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor: Report of a maxillary case and a mandibular one
Authors: Chaabani Imen , Bouguila Jed , Kammoun Rym , Chebbi Raja , Sriha Badreddine , Khochteli Habib , Ben Alaya Touhami
Published: January 2022

We present two cases of AOT, the first case concerns a 23‐year‐old patient with an AOT located in the maxilla and the second case involves a 37‐year‐old patient presenting an AOT with mandibular localization.
Maximizing soybean productivity and profitability by transitioning from flood to furrow irrigation on clay‐textured soils
Authors: Bryant Corey J. , Krutz L. Jason , Spencer G. Dave , Mills Brian E.
Published: January 2022

The type of irrigation delivery system used in the mid‐southern United States can have an effect on crop–water relationships and withdrawal from the Mississippi River Valley Alluvial Aquifer. This study was conducted to determine whether converting from flood irrigation to an optimized furrow irrigation delivery system improves soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] grain yield, net returns, and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE). The effects of flood and optimized furrow irrigation on soybean grain yield, net returns above specified costs, irrigation water applied, and IWUE were investigated from 2016 to 2018 on 24 paired fields with the same soil type, cultivar, planting date, and management practices in the Delta region of Mississippi. Transitioning from flood irrigation to an optimized furrow irrigation system increased soybean grain yield by 7% and net returns above specified costs by 18% but had no effect on consumptive water use or IWUE. Our data indicate that mid‐southern US soybean producers should convert from flood to optimized furrow irrigation systems to maximize soybean grain yield and net returns; however, switching between irrigation delivery systems will have no effect on aquifer decline
Glyoxal‐Linked Nucleotides and DNA for Bioconjugations and Crosslinking with Arginine‐Containing Peptides and Proteins
Authors: Leone Denise‐Liu' , Pohl Radek , Hubálek Martin , Kadeřábková Marta , Krömer Matouš , Sýkorová Veronika , Hocek Michal
Published: January 2022

Glyoxal‐linked 2’‐deoxyuridine 5’‐O‐mono‐ and triphosphates were synthesized through a CuAAC click reaction of 4‐azidophenylglyoxal or a Sonogashira reaction of 4‐bromophenylglyoxal with 5‐ethynyl‐dUMP or ‐dUTP. The triphosphates were used as substrates for enzymatic synthesis of modified DNA probes with KOD XL DNA polymerase. The glyoxal‐linked nucleotides reacted with arginine‐containing peptides to form stable imizadolone‐linked conjugates. This reactive glyoxal modification in DNA was used for efficient bioconjugations and crosslinking with Arg‐containing peptides or proteins (e. g., histones) and was found to be more reactive than previously reported 1,3‐diketone‐linked DNA probes.
Pd/Ag Nanoparticles Prepared in Ionic Liquids as Model Catalysts for the Hydrogenation of Diphenylacetylene
Authors: Uzunidis Georgios , Behrens Silke
Published: January 2022

The preparation of bimetallic Pd/Ag‐based model catalysts is addressed to study the promotional effects of Ag doping in the liquid‐phase semi‐hydrogenation of diphenylacetylene. The precursor concept is employed where colloidal bimetallic Pd/Ag nanoparticles are initially synthesized and then used as well‐defined building units for catalyst preparation. This approach allows for tuning the composition of the nanoparticles independently with the two metals co‐localized to a fine extent. Size and composition of the nanoparticles are preserved after immobilizing them on a carbon support.