bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gut mobilization improves behavioral symptoms and modulates urinary p‐cresol in chronically constipated autistic children: A prospective study
Authors: Turriziani Laura , Ricciardello Arianna , Cucinotta Francesca , Bellomo Fabiana , Turturo Giada , Boncoddo Maria , Mirabelli Silvestro , Scattoni Maria Luisa , Rossi Maddalena , Persico Antonio M.
Published: November 2021

Chronic constipation is common among children with ASD and is associated with more severe hyperactivity, anxiety, irritability, and repetitive behaviors. Young autistic children with chronic constipation display higher urinary, and foecal concentrations of p‐cresol, an aromatic compound produced by gut bacteria, known to negatively affect brain function. Acute p‐cresol administration to BTBR mice enhances anxiety, hyperactivity and stereotypic behaviors, while blunting social interaction. This study was undertaken to prospectively assess the behavioral effects of gut mobilization in young autistic children with chronic constipation, and to verify their possible correlation with urinary p‐cresol. To this aim, 21 chronically constipated autistic children 2–8 years old were evaluated before (T0), 1 month (T1), and 6 months (T2) after intestinal mobilization, recording Bristol stool scale scores, urinary p‐cresol concentrations, and behavioral scores for social interaction deficits, stereotypic behaviors, anxiety, and hyperactivity. Gut mobilization yielded a progressive and highly significant decrease in all behavioral symptoms over the 6‐month study period. Urinary p‐cresol levels displayed variable trends not significantly correlated with changes in behavioral parameters, mainly increasing at T1 and decreasing at T2. These results support gut mobilization as a simple strategy to ameliorate ASD symptoms, as well as comorbid anxiety and hyperactivity, in chronically constipated children. Variation in p‐cresol absorption seemingly provides limited contributions, if any, to these behavioral changes. Further research will be needed to address the relative role of reduced abdominal discomfort following mobilization, as compared to specific modifications in microbiome composition and in gut bacteria‐derived neuroactive compounds.
Neurogenesis in the rat neonate's hippocampus with maternal short‐term REM sleep deprivation restores by royal jelly treatment
Authors: Khodaverdiloo Atena , Farhadi Mona , Jameie Melikasadat , Jameie Seyed behnamedin , Pirhajati Vahid
Published: November 2021

Background

Numerous studies have shown the effects of rapid eye movement sleep deprivation (REM‐SD) on behavior and brain structures. The impact of REM‐SD on learning and memory, thus neurogenesis, has been reported in previous studies. Royal jelly (RJ) is known as the wealthiest biological nutrient with various physiological properties. This study aimed to study the possible effect of RJ on neurogenesis of the rat hippocampus neonates following exposure of mother to REM‐SD during pregnancy.

Methods

Thirty neonate rats from 15 pregnant Wistar rats were used. To induce REM‐SD, the flowerpot method was used. The pregnant rats were divided into five groups (n = 3): group 1, no treatment; group 2, REM‐SD; groups 3, 4, and 5, REM‐SD +RJ. The former group received 72 h REM‐SD during pregnancy (days 7, 14, 21), and the latter group received REM‐SD + RJ (three trial groups). At week 4, the rat neonates of all groups were sacrificed (n = 6 each group). Their brains were fixed, removed, and prepared for Nissl and Hoechst 33342 staining. By using real time polymerase chain reaction methode the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor BDNF gene expression was studied (RT‐PCR), brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene expression was studied. The results were analyzed statistically, and the Pv  < .05 was considered significant.

Results

The results showed a significant decrease in the number of neurons in the hippocampus of neonatal rats of REM‐SD mothers compared to the neonates of the mother with REM‐SD + RJ. REM‐SD also led to an increase in apoptosis reaching the neonates from the REM‐SD + RJ animals. High expression of BDNF was observed in the hippocampus of the neonates from REM‐SD + RJ treated mothers.

Conclusion

RJ acts as a neuroprotective agent that could compensate for the effects of REM‐SD on learning and memory via restoring neurogenesis.
Mammalian Chemical Genomics towards Identifying Targets and Elucidating Modes‐of‐Action of Bioactive Compounds
Authors: Matsumoto Ken , Yoshida Minoru
Published: November 2021

The step of identifying target molecules and elucidating the mode of action of bioactive compounds is a major bottleneck for drug discovery from phenotypic screening. Genetic screening for genes that affect drug sensitivity or phenotypes of mammalian cultured cells is a powerful tool to obtain clues to their modes of action. Chemical genomic screening systems for comprehensively identifying such genes or genetic pathways have been established using shRNA libraries for RNA interference‐mediated mRNA knockdown or sgRNA libraries for CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated gene knockout. The combination of chemical genomic screening in mammalian cells with other approaches such as biochemical searches for target molecules, phenotypic profiling, and yeast genetics provides a systematic way to elucidate the mode of action by converging various pieces of information regarding target molecules, target pathways, and synthetic lethal pathways.
Stimuli Induced Uptake of Protein‐Like Peptide Brush Polymers
Authors: Blum Angela P. , Yin Jian , Lin Helen H. , Oliver Blayne A. , Kammeyer Jacquelin K. , Thompson Matthew P. , Gilson Michael K. , Gianneschi Nathan C.
Published: November 2021

Recently, we presented a strategy for packaging peptides as side‐chains in high‐density brush polymers. For this globular protein‐like polymer (PLP) formulation, therapeutic peptides were shown to resist proteolytic degradation, enter cells efficiently and maintain biological function. In this paper, we establish the role charge plays in dictating the cellular uptake of these peptide formulations, finding that peptides with a net positive charge will enter cells when polymerized, while those formed from anionic or neutral peptides remain outside of cells. Given these findings, we explored whether cellular uptake could be selectively induced by a stimulus. In our design, a cationic peptide is appended to a sequence of charge‐neutralizing anionic amino acids through stimuli‐responsive cleavable linkers. As a proof‐of‐concept study, we tested this strategy with two different classes of stimuli, exogenous UV light and an enzyme (a matrix metalloproteinase) associated with the inflammatory response. The key finding is that these materials enter cells only when acted upon by the stimulus. This approach makes it possible to achieve delivery of the polymers, therapeutic peptides or an appended cargo into cells in response to an appropriate stimulus.
Photo‐ and Electrochemical Dual‐Responsive Iridium Probe for Saccharide Detection
Authors: Carrod Andrew J. , Graglia Francesco , Male Louise , Le Duff Cécile , Simpson Peter , Elsherif Mohamed , Ahmed Zubair , Butt Haider , Xu Guang‐Xi , Kam‐Wing Lo Kenneth , Bertoncello Paolo , Pikramenou Zoe
Published: November 2021

Dual detection systems are of interest for rapid, accurate data collection in sensing systems and in vitro testing. We introduce an IrIII complex with a boronic acid receptor site attached to the 2‐phenylpyridine ligand as an ideal probe with photo‐ and electrochemical signals that is sensitive to monosaccharide binding in aqueous solution. The complex displays orange luminescence at 618 nm, which is reduced by 70 and 40 % upon binding of fructose and glucose, respectively. The electro‐chemiluminescent signal of the complex also shows a direct response to monosaccharide binding. The IrIII complex shows the same response upon incorporation into hydrogel matrices as in solution, thus demonstrating the potential of its integration into a device, as a nontoxic, simple‐to‐use tool to observe sugar binding over physiologically relevant pH ranges and saccharide concentrations. Moreover, the complex's luminescence is responsive to monosaccharide presence in cancer cells.
Relationship Between Molecular Structure, Single crystal Packing and Self‐Assembly Behavior: A Case Based on Pyrene Imide Derivatives
Authors: Li Xiaojun , Zhang Shilong , Chen Wangqiao , Han Hongjing , Qiu Meizhen , Chen Jiawen , Zhang Qichun
Published: November 2021

Development of new n‐type one‐dimensional (1D) self‐assembly nanostructure and a clear understanding of the relationship between molecular structure and self‐assembly behavior are important prerequisites for further designing and optimizing organic optoelectronic nanodevice. In this article, a series of n‐type organic semiconductor materials based on pyrene imide were successfully synthesized through [4+2] cycloaddition reactions and their preliminary optical and electrochemical properties were studied. The simulated HOMO‐LUMO bandgaps via DFT tallied with the experimental data well. The self‐assembly of these materials showed needle or fiber‐like morphologies, indicating that different conjugation degree or alkyl group had significant influence on their self‐assembly behaviors. Furthermore, the single‐crystal packing for these molecules were analyzed and it was found out that the changes of conjugated backbone and functional group would affect certain crystal lattice parameter significantly, such as the intermolecular packing distance and crystal size etc, which would further result in different self‐assembly morphology.
Building a portal for climate data—Mapping automation, visualization, and dissemination
Authors: McLean Jared , Cleveland Sean B. , Dodge Michael , Lucas Matthew P. , Longman Ryan J. , Giambelluca Thomas W. , Jacobs Gwen A.
Published: November 2021

This article discusses the technologies and implementation of a climate data portal. This portal provides researchers and community stakeholders access to climatological data and resources, currently focusing on the state of Hawai'i. The portal provides interactive access to and visualization of hosted historical and near‐real‐time gridded maps and aggregated sensor station observational data. Climate data (currently precipitation and temperature) from sensor stations are collected, quality controlled, and processed daily to produce high‐resolution gridded maps of climate data. A publicly available web application allows users to navigate the available data and visualize the produced gridded data products and sensor stations data on an interactive map element, view information about the sensor stations used to produce a given map, and generate time series from sensor station data. The portal can also generate packages of data to export from the application. The portal is designed to host and disseminate any climatological variables that can be processed into a set of observational data and gridded value maps. The established workflow and automation procedure is generally extensible to additional variables and will be used similarly to expand the scope of the portal.
Synthesis and Applications of Prussian Blue and Its Analogues as Electrochemical Sensors
Authors: Ying Shuanglu , Chen Chen , Wang Jiang , Lu Chunxiao , Liu Tian , Kong Yuxuan , Yi Fei‐Yan
Published: November 2021

Prussian blue (PB) and its analogue (PBA) are a kind of representative cyanide‐based coordination polymer. They have received enormous research interest and have shown promising applications in the electrochemical sensing field due to their excellent electrochemical activity and unique structural characteristics including open framework structure, high specific surface area, and adjustable metal active sites. In this review, we summarize the latest research progress of PB/PBA as an electrochemical sensor in detail from three aspects: fabrication strategy, synthesis method and electrochemical sensor application. For the fabrication strategy, we discussed different fabrication methods containing the combination of PBA and carbon materials, metal nanoparticles, polymers, etc., respectively, as well as their corresponding sensing mechanism for improving performance. We also presented the synthesis methods of PB/PBA materials in detail, such as: coprecipitation, hydrothermal and electrodeposition. In addition, the effects of different methods on the morphology, particle size and productivity of PB/PBA materials are also concluded. For the application of electrochemical sensors, the latest progress of such materials as electrochemical sensors for glucose, H2O2, toxic compounds, and biomolecules have been summarized. Finally, we conclude remaining challenges of PB/PBA‐based materials as electrochemical sensors, and provide personal perspectives for future research in this field.
Operation, analysis, and implementation of a reduced device count asymmetrical multilevel inverter
Authors: Sarwer Zeeshan , Sharma Ankush Kumar , Zaid Mohammad , Sarwar Adil
Published: November 2021

An asymmetrically structured multilevel inverter (MLI) having reduced device count feature is discussed in this paper. The proposed converter can successfully produce 21 levels in its output voltage waveform. The basic module of the proposed MLI has 10 unidirectional and 2 bidirectional switches along with 4 dc sources. However, the possibility of the extension in the basic structure has also been discussed with the aim to increase the number of levels. The analysis includes the simulation performed for different conditions and the thermal modeling of the circuit, using PLECS software, for finding the power losses. For generating the switching signals, nearest level control (NLC) has been used as the pulse width modulation method. With the help of a laboratory prototype, the experimental implementation of the proposed topology has been done and the various outcomes conform the simulation results. All the simulations and the experimental results have been presented and explained in the work. The harmonic analysis shows that the total harmonic distortion (THD) in the output voltage is 3.5%.
Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) enamel phosphate δ18O values reflect climate seasonality: Implications for paleoclimate reconstruction
Authors: Fraser Danielle , Kim Sora L. , Welker Jeffrey M. , Clementz Mark T.
Published: November 2021

Stable oxygen isotope (δ18O) compositions from vertebrate tooth enamel are widely used as biogeochemical proxies for paleoclimate. However, the utility of enamel oxygen isotope values for environmental reconstruction varies among species. Herein, we evaluate the use of stable oxygen isotope compositions from pronghorn (Antilocapra americana Gray, 1866) enamel for reconstructing paleoclimate seasonality, an elusive but important parameter for understanding past ecosystems. We serially sampled the lower third molars of recent adult pronghorn from Wyoming for δ18O in phosphate (δ18OPO4) and compared patterns to interpolated and measured yearly variation in environmental waters as well as from sagebrush leaves, lakes, and rivers (δ18Ow). As expected, the oxygen isotope compositions of phosphate from pronghorn enamel are enriched in 18O relative to environmental waters. For a more direct comparison, we converted δ18Ow values into expected δ18OPO4* values (δ18OW‐PO4*). Pronghorn δ18OPO4 values from tooth enamel record nearly the full amplitude of seasonal variation from Wyoming δ18OW‐PO4* values. Furthermore, pronghorn enamel δ18OPO4 values are more similar to modeled δ18OW‐PO4* values from plant leaf waters than meteoric waters, suggesting that they obtain much of their water from evaporated plant waters. Collectively, our findings establish that seasonality in source water is reliably reflected in pronghorn enamel, providing the basis for exploring changes in the amplitude of seasonality of ancient climates. As a preliminary test, we sampled historical pronghorn specimens (1720 ± 100 AD), which show a mean decrease (a shift to lower values) of 1–2‰ in δ18OPO4 compared to the modern specimens. They also exhibit an increase in the δ18O amplitude, representing an increase in seasonality. We suggest that the cooler mean annual and summer temperatures typical of the 18th century, as well as enhanced periods of drought, drove differences among the modern and historical pronghorn, further establishing pronghorn enamel as excellent sources of paleoclimate proxy data.
Species- and Tissue-Specific Chronic Toxicity Values for Northern Bobwhite Quail (Colinus virginianus) Exposed to Perfluorohexane Sulfonic Acid and a Binary Mixture of Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid and Perfluorohexane Sulfonic Acid
Authors: Dennis Nicole M. , Hossain Farzana , Subbiah Seenivasan , Karnjanapiboonwong Adcharee , Dennis Michael L. , McCarthy Christopher , Jackson W. Andrew , Crago Jordan P. , Salice Christopher J. , Anderson Todd A.
Published: November 2021

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are globally distributed and present in nearly every environmental compartment. Characterizing the chronic toxicity of individual PFAS compounds and mixtures is necessary because many have been reported to cause adverse health effects. To derive toxicity reference values (TRVs) and conduct ecotoxicological risk assessments (ERAs) of PFAS-contaminated ecosystems for wildlife, species-specific PFAS chronic toxicity values (CTVs) are needed. The present study quantified PFAS residues from liver and eggs of birds chronically exposed to perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) or a mixture of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and PFHxA that produced a no-observable-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) and/or a lowest-observable-adverse-effectlevel (LOAEL). The CTVs we present are lower than those previously reported for birds and should be considered in future regulatory evaluations. From the estimated species- and tissue-specific PFAS CTVs, we found that PFOS and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) were more bioaccumulative than PFHxA in avian tissues, but PFHxA was more toxic to reproducing birds than either PFOS or a PFOS:PFHxS mixture. We further determined that avian toxicity was not necessarily additive with respect to PFAS mixtures, which could have implications for PFAS ERAs. The PFAS LOAEL CTVs can be used to predict reproductive and possible population-level adverse health effects in wild avian receptors. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:219–229. © 2021 SETAC
The utilization of oat for the production of wholegrain foods: Processing technology and products
Authors: Mao Huijia , Xu Minghao , Ji Jingyun , Zhou Mengsha , Li Hongyan , Wen Yangyang , Wang Jing , Sun Baoguo
Published: November 2021

Globally, oat is one of the most important but underutilized cereal grains. Oat grain is a health‐beneficial cereal crop with a high content of multiple nutrient substances. The desire of consumers for health has led to the exploration of functional ingredients and novel food‐processing techniques for oat grain. This review first evaluates the nutrient composition of oats, with a specific emphasis on oat starch, β‐glucans, proteins, and phenolics, which is an explanation for the health potential in terms of nutrition. Recently, oat grain has been used to develop functional foods and beverages and as an ingredient incorporated into other foods. Then, the processing methods of oat‐based foods in various physical formats, such as whole grain, flakes, and flour, are systematically summarized. In addition, the effects of bran and β‐glucan as food ingredients on the sensory and nutritional quality of products are also discussed. Finally, this review highlights the effects of interactions between β‐glucan, used as a potential natural multifunctional additive in food applications, and different components on the processing and nutritional properties of oat products. The objective of this review is to synthesize knowledge in the field to provide a comprehensive understanding of the nutritional composition and processing methods of oats and to demonstrate interactions between different components, thereby further benefiting the development of oats in food systems as a functional component and food additive to improve food quality, safety, and health functions.
Lipidomics and Redox Lipidomics Indicate Early Stage Alcohol‐Induced Liver Damage
Authors: Koelmel Jeremy P. , Tan Wan Y. , Li Yang , Bowden John A. , Ahmadireskety Atiye , Patt Andrew C. , Orlicky David J. , Mathé Ewy , Kroeger Nicholas M. , Thompson David C. , Cochran Jason A. , Golla Jaya Prakash , Kandyliari Aikaterini , Chen Ying , Charkoftaki Georgia , Guingab‐Cagmat Joy D. , Tsugawa Hiroshi , Arora Anmol , Veselkov Kirill , Kato Shunji , Otoki Yurika , Nakagawa Kiyotaka , Yost Richard A. , Garrett Timothy J. , Vasiliou Vasilis
Published: November 2021

Alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) is characterized by lipid accumulation and inflammation and can progress to cirrhosis and cancer in the liver. AFLD diagnosis currently relies on histological analysis of liver biopsies. Early detection permits interventions that would prevent progression to cirrhosis or later stages of the disease. Herein, we have conducted the first comprehensive time‐course study of lipids using novel state‐of‐the art lipidomics methods in plasma and liver in the early stages of a mouse model of AFLD, i.e., Lieber‐DeCarli diet model. In ethanol‐treated mice, changes in liver tissue included up‐regulation of triglycerides (TGs) and oxidized TGs and down‐regulation of phosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylcholine, and 20‐22‐carbon‐containing lipid‐mediator precursors. An increase in oxidized TGs preceded histological signs of early AFLD, i.e., steatosis, with these changes observed in both the liver and plasma. The major lipid classes dysregulated by ethanol play important roles in hepatic inflammation, steatosis, and oxidative damage. Conclusion: Alcohol consumption alters the liver lipidome before overt histological markers of early AFLD. This introduces the exciting possibility that specific lipids may serve as earlier biomarkers of AFLD than those currently being used.
Constructing Anti‐Racist Reading Pedagogical Practices
Authors: Ambrosia Danielle , Henzell Rosemary , Williams Jeanine L.
Published: November 2021

In this forum, practitioners reflect on their experiences as they respond to the following question: How do you think about antiracist reading practices and what are some ways that you incorporate them into your pedagogy? Three educators across high school and college settings recount their personal journeys developing antiracist reading practices and share strategies for readers to consider their own entry points into critical reflection and action.
Citronellal alleviates doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity by suppressing oxidative stress and apoptosis via Na+/H+ exchanger‐1 inhibition
Authors: Liu Xu , Qiu Yue , Huang Ning , Liu Yan‐hua , Wang Huan‐Huan , Yu Ya‐Nan , Song Yu‐Ting , Wan Guang‐Rui , Wang Shuang‐Xi , Li Peng , Yin Ya‐Ling
Published: November 2021

The medical usage of Doxorubicin (DOX) as a chemotherapeutic agent is restricted owing to its cardiotoxic properties. This study was designed to explore the effect and underlying mechanisms of Citronellal (CT) on DOX‐related cardiotoxicity in rats. Rats were divided into six groups: control, DOX, CT, Lithium chloride (LiCl) (a Na+/H+exchanger‐1 [NHE1] activator), DOX + CT, and DOX + CT + LiCl. To induce cardiotoxicity, a cumulative dose of 15 mg/kg DOX was intraperitoneally injected into rats. CT (150 mg/kg) and LiCl (1 mg/kg) were given daily by oral gavage for 6 weeks. CT improved cardiac functional parameters and attenuated the cardiac pathological changes induced by DOX. Further study indicated that CT administration regulated the levels of oxidative stress and apoptosis‐related factors and in myocardial tissues, reducing cell per‐oxidative damage and apoptosis. Besides this, CT attenuated DOX‐induced NHE1 upregulation, and the preventive effects of CT against DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity were abrogated by the concurrent administration of LiCl. These results demonstrate that CT could ameliorate DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting the NHE1‐mediated oxidative stress, apoptosis in rats.
Overexpression of N‐acetylglucosaminyltransferase V promotes human parotid gland acinar cell immortalization via the epidermal receptor activation
Authors: Cheng Ching‐Chia , Lin Chih‐Feng , Lin Yong‐Chong , Young Tai‐Horng , Lou Pei‐Jen
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this study is to maintain the proliferation capability of human parotid gland acinar cells (ACs) in vitro to extend passage number and to study the mechanism that regulates AC stemness. N‐acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (GnT‐V) is the Golgi enzyme, and it has been reported that the β1,6GlcNAc‐branched N‐linked glycans are associated with various cell behaviors. Therefore, we modify the gene expression of ACs by transfection of the GnT‐V‐overexpression plasmid, and we found that upregulation of GnT‐V extensively increased ACs proliferation and stemness properties in ACs/GnT‐V compared to ACs transfected with Mock plasmid. More importantly, we observed that high levels of GnT‐V positively correlated with ALDH1A3 expression via increasing phosphorylation of cell surface receptors and activating the downstream signaling transduction. Hence, the current study suggested that GnT‐V is a significant factor for cell immortalization in the ACs model by activating the EGFR/ERK/ALDH1A3 signaling pathway.
Cardiomyocyte‐GSK‐3β deficiency induces cardiac progenitor cell proliferation in the ischemic heart through paracrine mechanisms
Authors: Yusuf Ayesha M. , Qaisar Rizwan , Al‐Tamimi Abaher O. , Jayakumar Manju Nidagodu , Woodgett James R. , Koch Walter J. , Ahmad Firdos
Published: November 2021

Cardiomyopathy is an irreparable loss and novel strategies are needed to induce resident cardiac progenitor cell (CPC) proliferation in situ to enhance the possibility of cardiac regeneration. Here, we sought to identify the potential roles of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β), a critical regulator of cell proliferation and differentiation, in CPC proliferation post‐myocardial infarction (MI).

Cardiomyocyte‐specific conditional GSK‐3β knockout (cKO) and littermate control mice were employed and challenged with MI. Though cardiac left ventricular chamber dimension and contractile functions were comparable at 2 weeks post‐MI, cKO mice displayed significantly preserved LV chamber and contractile function versus control mice at 4 weeks post‐MI. Consistent with protective phenotypes, an increased percentage of c‐kit‐positive cells (KPCs) were observed in the cKO hearts at 4 and 6 weeks post‐MI which was accompanied by increased levels of cardiomyocyte proliferation. Further analysis revealed that the observed increased number of KPCs in the ischemic cKO hearts was mainly from a cardiac lineage, as the majority of identified KPCs were negative for the hematopoietic lineage marker, CD45. Mechanistically, cardiomyocyte‐GSK‐3β profoundly suppresses the expression and secretion of growth factors, including basic‐fibroblast growth factor, angiopoietin‐2, erythropoietin, stem cell factor, platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB, granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor, post‐hypoxia.

In conclusion, our findings strongly suggest that loss of cardiomyocyte‐GSK‐3β promotes cardiomyocyte and resident CPC proliferation post‐MI. The induction of cardiomyocyte and CPC proliferation in the ischemic cKO hearts is potentially regulated by autocrine and paracrine signaling governed by dysregulated growth factors post‐MI. A strategy to inhibit cardiomyocyte‐GSK‐3β could be helpful for the promotion of in situ cardiac regeneration post‐ischemic injury.
Neurocognitive profile of adults with the Norrbottnian type of Gaucher disease
Authors: Tsitsi Panagiota , Markaki Ioanna , Waldthaler Josefine , Machaczka Maciej , Svenningsson Per
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Gaucher disease (GD) is a monogenic, lysosomal storage disorder, classified according to the presence of acute (type 2), chronic (type 3), or no (type 1) neurological manifestations. The Norrbottnian subtype of neuronopathic GD type 3 (GD3) is relatively frequent in the northern part of Sweden. It exhibits a wide range of neurological symptoms but is characterized by extended life expectancy compared to GD3 in other countries. The aim of our study was to describe the cognitive profile of adult patients with Norrbottnian GD3.

Materials and Methods

Ten patients with GD3 (five males and five females) underwent neurocognitive testing with the Repeatable Battery for Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). RBANS consists of different short tests that assess Immediate Memory, Visuospatial and Constructional function, Language, Attention, and Delayed Memory. General neurological symptoms of the patients were assessed with the modified severity scoring tool.

Results

Patients (median age 41.5 range 24–57) performed lower than average in all cognitive domains. The overall index score was low (median 58.5, Interquartile range [IQR] 25.5), with the most profound deficit in attention (median 57, IQR 32.5) and immediate memory (median 76.5, IQR 13). Higher scores were found in language (median 83, IQR 21.5), delayed memory (median 81, IQR 41), and visuospatial/constructional function (median 86, IQR 32.35).

Conclusion

Norrbottnian GD3 patients showed a unique neurocognitive profile with low overall performance, mostly derived from low scores in attention and memory domains whereas language and visuospatial/constructional ability were relatively spared.
Ceramic‐on‐polyethylene hip arthroplasty reduces the risk of postoperative periprosthetic joint infection
Authors: Chisari Emanuele , Magnuson Justin A , Ong Christian B , Parvizi Javad , Krueger Chad A.
Published: November 2021

Metal‐on‐polyethylene (MoP) total hip arthroplasty (THA) prostheses are known to release metal debris. Basic science studies suggest that metal implants induce a pro‐inflammatory response that ultimately chemoattracts leukocytes including macrophages and neutrophils to the surgical site. This raises concern of higher risk of infection with these prostheses through the “trojan horse” mechanism by which neutrophils and macrophages transport intracellular pathogens from a remote site. This study compared the infection occurrence between MoP and ceramic‐on‐polyethylene (CoP) implants to determine if a higher infection rate in MoP is present. We reviewed a consecutive series of 6052 CoP and 4550 MoP primary THA patients from 2015 to 2019. The occurrence of periprosthetic joint infection at 2 years was defined according to the 2018 ICM definition. Statistical analysis consisted of descriptive statistics, univariate analysis, and regression modeling. When compared to CoP, MoP patients were older, included more females, had a higher body mass index, and more commonly affected by comorbidities according to Elixhauser's score. Total revisions were higher in the MoP group (3.19% vs. 2.41%) The absolute incidence of PJI was higher in MoP (2.40% vs. 1.64%). When we adjusted for confounding factors, MoP was found independently associated with a higher PJI risk. Despite MoP and CoP both being widely used for primary THA, we found a higher incidence of PJI in MoP patients. The association remained significant when controlled for possible confounders. We hypothesize that leukocyte recruitment to these implants may play a role and should be further investigated.
Distribution of soil organic carbon and nitrogen under reduced nitrogen application in the Guanzhong plain of China#
Authors: Zhao Hui‐Li , Guo Xiao‐Hong , Song Bing , Tian Xiao‐Hong , Zhao Ying , Wu Nan
Published: November 2021

Background

The problems of soil quality degradation and environmental pollution caused by excessive use of nitrogen fertilizer seriously affect sustainable development of agriculture.

Aims

We investigated the effects of reduced nitrogen application with simultaneous full straw return on carbon input, aggregate size distribution, aggregate‐associated organic carbon and total nitrogen (TN), soil organic carbon (SOC) stock, SOC fractions, and crop yield.

Methods

A long‐term field experiment was performed in the dryland region of Guanzhong. The study involved three nitrogen fertilizer (NF) amounts: 337.5 (conventional NF, CNF), 286.4 (15%NF reduction, 15%RNF), and 236.3 (30%NF reduction, 30%RNF) kg N ha–1 y–1 with full straw return.

Results

Compared with CNF, 30%RNF increased the content of soil organic carbon by 5.7% and increased maize yield by 13.1%, under straw return conditions. The 30%RNF + straw application treatment promoted the formation of large macro‐aggregates more effectively than CNF application. The 30%RNF + straw treatment significantly increased SOC by 10.6% and 4.7%, respectively, in large and small macroaggregates relative to conventional NF. Moreover, the 30%RNF + straw treatment resulted in a significant increase in the SOC content in the density fractions of mineral soil organic matter (mSOM) for both small and large macro‐aggregates. This treatment also resulted in a significant increase in the content of TN in the mSOM and density fractions of particulate matter that had coarse and fine intra‐aggregates of the large macro‐aggregates.

Conclusion

Full straw return with reduced nitrogen (N) application could be a promising option to improve the structure of soil aggregates, soil organic carbon, and nitrogen sequestration.
Heterotrophic bacteria outcompete diazotrophs for orthophosphate in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Rahav Eyal , Herut Barak , Spungin Dina , Levi Adi , Mulholland Margaret R. , Berman‐Frank Ilana
Published: November 2021

Unicellular photoautotrophic diazotrophs such as Crocosphaera spp. are ubiquitous in many oligotrophic and N‐limited oceans, as they can reduce N2 into bioavailable ammonia. The Mediterranean Sea is potentially an ideal environment for photoautotrophic diazotrophic activity, and yet N2‐fixation rates measured in the last two decades are typically very low and no diazotrophic blooms have been recorded in its offshore waters. Previous studies suggest that diazotrophs, as well as nondiazotrophic phytoplankton and heterotrophic bacteria, may be P‐limited, hence their low biomass and activity. Here, we amended surface seawater from six stations across a nutrient gradient in the Mediterranean Sea (east to west transect) with dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP), and with seawater‐acclimated inocula of Crocosphaera watsonii, a unicellular cyanobacterial diazotroph, to examine if DIP can stimulate diazotrophy. Our results demonstrate that C. watsonii are poor competitors for DIP relative to native nondiazotrophic heterotrophic microbial populations, especially in the ultraoligotrophic eastern Mediterranean basin, resulting in low N2‐fixation rates. Moreover, the results indicate that when the ambient DIP concentrations are < 35 nmol L−1, unicellular photoautotrophic diazotrophs such as C. watsonii will likely be outcompeted for this macronutrient in the Mediterranean Sea, whereas above 35 nmol L−1 diazotrophy can be stimulated. Our findings support the “bypass theory” stating that photoautotrophs may be outcompeted by heterotrophic bacteria for DIP in nutrient‐poor regions such as the Mediterranean Sea.
Longitudinal White Matter Damage Evolution in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Scamarcia Pietro Giuseppe , Agosta Federica , Spinelli Edoardo Gioele , Basaia Silvia , Stojković Tanja , Stankovic Iva , Sarasso Elisabetta , Canu Elisa , Markovic Vladana , Petrović Igor , Stefanova Elka , Pagani Elisabetta , Kostic Vladimir S. , Filippi Massimo
Published: November 2021

Background

White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) have a role in cognitive impairment in normal brain aging, while the effect on Parkinson's disease (PD) progression is still controversial.

Objective

To investigate the longitudinal evolution of micro‐ and macrostructural damage of cerebral white matter (WM) and its relationship with the clinical picture in PD.

Methods

A total of 154 PD patients underwent clinical, cognitive, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment once a year for up to 4 years. Sixty healthy controls underwent the same protocol at baseline. WMHs were identified and total WMH volume was measured. WMHs were also used as exclusion masks to define normal‐appearing white matter (NAWM). Using tract‐based spatial statistics, diffusion tensor (DT) MRI metrics of whole‐brain WM and NAWM were obtained. Linear mixed‐effects models defined the longitudinal evolution and association between variables. WM alterations were tested as risk factors of disease progression using linear regression and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

At baseline, PD patients showed alterations of all DT MRI measures compared to controls. Longitudinally, DT MRI measures did not vary significantly and no association with clinical variables was found. WMH volume changed over time and was associated with impairment in global cognition, executive functions, and language. Baseline WMH volume was a moderate risk factor for progression to mild cognitive impairment.

Conclusions

Our study suggests an association between WMHs and cognitive deterioration in PD, whereas WM microstructural damage is a negligible contributor to clinical deterioration. WMHs assessed by MRI can provide an important tool for monitoring the development of cognitive impairment in PD patients. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Mixed precisions‐step Lanczos and conjugate gradient algorithms
Authors: Carson Erin , Gergelits Tomáš , Yamazaki Ichitaro
Published: November 2021

Compared to the classical Lanczos algorithm, thes‐step Lanczos variant has the potential to improve performance by asymptotically decreasing the synchronization cost per iteration. However, this comes at a price; despite being mathematically equivalent, thes‐step variant may behave quite differently in finite precision, potentially exhibiting greater loss of accuracy and slower convergence relative to the classical algorithm. It has previously been shown that the errors in thes‐step version follow the same structure as the errors in the classical algorithm, but are amplified by a factor depending on the square of the condition number of the ‐dimensional Krylov bases computed in each outer loop. As the condition number of theses‐step bases grows (in some cases very quickly) withs, this limits thesvalues that can be chosen and thus can limit the attainable performance. In this work, we show that if a select few computations ins‐step Lanczos are performed in double the working precision, the error terms then depend only linearly on the conditioning of thes‐step bases. This has the potential for drastically improving the numerical behavior of the algorithm with little impact on per‐iteration performance. Our numerical experiments demonstrate the improved numerical behavior possible with the mixed precision approach, and also show that this improved behavior extends to mixed precisions‐step CG. We present preliminary performance results on NVIDIA V100 GPUs that show that the overhead of extra precision is minimal if one uses precisions implemented in hardware.
Decoupled and linearized scalar auxiliary variable finite element method for the time‐dependent incompressible magnetohydrodynamic equations: Unconditional stability and convergence analysis
Authors: Zhang Tong , Yang Jinting
Published: November 2021

This paper considers the stability and convergence of Euler implicit/explicit scheme for the incompressible magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations by the scalar auxiliary variable approach. The linear and nonlinear terms are treated by the implicit and explicit schemes, respectively, then the considered problem is split into two constant coefficient linear algebraic equations plus a nonlinear algebraic equation. Compared with the original discrete coefficient matrix, the computational size reduce and we can solve these subproblems conveniently and efficiently. First, an equivalent form of the MHD problem with four variables is developed, the corresponding stability and convergence results of spatial discrete scheme are presented. Second, the decoupled and linearized auxiliary variable finite element method is constructed, the discrete unconditional energy dissipation and stability of and in various norms are established. The optimal error estimates of numerical solutions in and H‐norms are also developed by the energy method and Gronwall lemma. Finally, some numerical examples are presented to verify the established theoretical findings and show the performances of the considered numerical algorithm.
Control of end‐of‐life oxygen‐containing groups accumulation in biopolyesters through introduction of crosslinked polysaccharide particles
Authors: Dispenza Clelia , Sabatino Maria Antonietta , Infurna Giulia , Dintcheva Nadka Tz.
Published: November 2021

The formulation of bio‐based materials with good performance in service and controlled end‐of‐life is imperative for an effective circular economy. In this work, an innovative approach to induce and control the end‐of‐life of biodegradable polyesters through introduction of crosslinked polysaccharide particles is proposed. Chitosan (Ch) has been subjected to ionotropically crosslinking and then added to polylactic acid (PLA) at different amounts (1.0–4.0%w) by melt mixing. All obtained results suggest that the addition of crosslinked Ch (cCh) particles does not modify significantly the investigated biopolyester properties. Specifically, the thermal analysis of the composites reveals that the addition of unmodified Ch alters the PLA thermal behavior, while the addition of cCh particles does not change the PLA glass transition, cold crystallization and fusion phenomena. The infrared and UV–visible spectroscopic analyses suggest no significant changes in PLA structure. PLA/cCh films show a good optical transparency, which is a desirable property for food packaging applications. In addition, thin PLA‐based films have been subjected to UVB exposure and the accumulation of oxygen‐containing groups has been monitored in time through spectroscopic analysis. Interestingly, at low exposure time, the presence of chitosan slows down the accumulation of these groups, while at long exposure time, chitosan induces accelerated oxygen‐groups formation, supporting its beneficial effect as end‐of‐life accelerant.
Physically intuitive continuum mechanics model for quartz crystal microbalance: Viscoelasticity of rubbery polymers at MHz frequencies
Authors: Gagnon Yannic J. , Burton Justin C. , Roth Connie B.
Published: November 2021

Employing a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) as a MHz‐viscoelastic sensor requires extracting information from higher harmonics beyond the Sauerbrey limit, which can be problematic for rubbery polymer films that are highly dissipative because of the onset of anharmonic side bands and film resonance. Data analysis for QCM can frequently obscure the underlying physics or involve approximations that tend to break down at higher harmonics. In this study, modern computational tools are leveraged to solve a continuum physics model for the QCM's acoustic shear wave propagation through a polymer film with zero approximations, retaining the physical intuition of how the experimental signal connects to the shear modulus of the material. The resulting set of three coupled equations are solved numerically to fit experimental data for the resonance frequency Δfn and dissipation ΔΓn shifts as a function of harmonic number n, over an extended harmonic range approaching film resonance. This allows the frequency‐dependent modulus of polymer films at MHz frequencies, modeled as linear on a log–log scale, to be determined for rubbery polybutadiene (PB) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) films, showing excellent agreement with time–temperature shifted rheometry data from the literature.
Surface Tension and Shear Strain Contributions to the Mechanical Behavior of Individual Mg‐Ni‐Phyllosilicate Nanoscrolls
Authors: Krasilin Andrei A. , Khalisov Maksim M. , Khrapova Ekaterina K. , Kunkel Tatyana S. , Kozlov Daniil A. , Anuchin Nikolay M. , Enyashin Andrey N. , Ankudinov Alexander V.
Published: November 2021

Some phyllosilicate compounds have the ability of spontaneous scrolling because of the size mismatch between the covalently bounded metal oxide and silica sheets. Their unique structure and high theoretically predicted Young's modulus (around 210–230 GPa) induce phyllosilicates’ application as reinforcing fillers. However, previous nanomechanical experiments with individual phyllosilicate nanoscrolls are in poor agreement with theory. The main reason for this is the low accuracy of experiments, which leads to large measurement errors compared to measured average values. Here, the study of the mechanical properties of synthetic (Mg1–xNix)3Si2O5(OH)4 phyllosilicates is reported by testing a suspended nanoobject (a nanobridge) with an atomic force microscope (AFM). The Young's modulus of corresponding phyllosilicate model layers is also calculated by means of the density functional theory (DFT). The original AFM approach makes it possible to account for the probe slipping off the nanobridge and determine its boundary conditions. The measured Young's modulus values are considered within the models of surface tension and shear strain contributions. The shear strain appears to have a decisive impact on the measured Young's modulus (from 150 ± 70 GPa to 200 ± 210 GPa) and its spread.
Structural characterization of a pathogenic mutant of human protein tyrosine phosphatase PTPN2 (Cys216Gly) that causes very early onset autoimmune enteropathy
Authors: Nian Qing , Berthelet Jérémy , Parlato Marianna , Mechaly Ariel E. , Liu Rongxing , Dupret Jean‐Marie , Cerf‐Bensussan Nadine , Haouz Ahmed , Rodrigues Lima Fernando
Published: November 2021

PTPN2 is an important protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) that plays a key role in cell signaling. Deletions or inactivating mutations of PTPN2 have been described in different pathologies and underline its critical role in hematopoiesis, autoimmunity, and inflammation. Surprisingly, despite the major pathophysiological implications of PTPN2, the structural analysis of this PTP and notably of its pathogenic mutants remains poorly documented. Contrary to other human PTP enzymes, to date, only one structure of PTPN2 (wild‐type form) has been reported. Here, we report the first crystal structure of a pathogenic mutant of PTPN2 (Cys216Gly) that causes an autoimmune enteropathy. We show in particular that this mutant adopts a classical PTP fold. More importantly, albeit inactive, the mutant retains its ability to bind substrates and to adopt the characteristic catalytically competent closed form of PTP enzymes. This novel PTPN2 structure may serve as a new tool to better understand PTP structures and the structural impacts of pathogenic mutations. Moreover, the C216G PTPN2 structure could also be helpful to design specific ligands/inhibitors.
Optimal Scheme for Quantum Metrology
Authors: Liu Jing , Zhang Mao , Chen Hongzhen , Wang Lingna , Yuan Haidong
Published: November 2021

Quantum metrology can achieve far better precision than classical metrology, and is one of the most important applications of quantum technologies in the real world. To attain the highest precision promised by quantum metrology, all steps of the schemes need to be optimized, which include the state preparation, parametrization, and measurement. Here the recent progresses on the optimization of these steps, which are essential for the identification and achievement of the ultimate precision limit in quantum metrology, are reviewed. It is hoped this provides a useful reference for the researchers in quantum metrology and related fields.