bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myoglobin promotes macrophage polarization to M1 type and pyroptosis via the RIG-I/Caspase1/GSDMD signaling pathway in CS-AKI
Authors: Li Ning , Chen Jiale , Geng Chenhao , Wang Xinyue , Wang Yuru , Sun Na , Wang Pengtao , Han Lu , Li Zizheng , Fan Haojun , Hou Shike , Gong Yanhua
Published: February 2022

Crush syndrome (CS) is a life-threatening illness in traffic accidents and earthquakes. Crush syndrome-induced acute kidney injury (CS-AKI) is considered to be mainly due to myoglobin (Mb) circulation and deposition after skeletal muscle ruptures and releases. Macrophages are the primary immune cells that fight foreign substances and play critical roles in regulating the body’s natural immune response. However, what effect does myoglobin have on macrophages and the mechanisms involved in the CS-AKI remain unclear. This study aims to look into how myoglobin affects macrophages of the CS-AKI model. C57BL/6 mice were used to construct the CS-AKI model by digital crush platform. Biochemical analysis and renal histology confirmed the successful establishment of the CS-AKI mouse model. Ferrous myoglobin was used to treat Raw264.7 macrophages to mimic the CS-AKI cell model in vitro. The macrophage polarization toward M1 type and activation of RIG-I as myoglobin sensor were verified by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), Western blotting (WB), and immunofluorescence (IF). Macrophage pyroptosis was observed under light microscopy. The interaction between RIG-I and caspase1 was subsequently explored by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and IF. Small interfering RNA (siRIG-I) and pyroptosis inhibitor dimethyl fumarate (DMF) were used to verify the role of macrophage polarization and pyroptosis in CS-AKI. In the kidney tissue of CS-AKI mice, macrophage infiltration and M1 type were found. We also detected that in the cell model of CS-AKI in vitro, ferrous myoglobin treatment promoted macrophages polarization to M1. Meanwhile, we observed pyroptosis, and myoglobin activated the RIG-I/Caspase1/GSDMD signaling pathway. In addition, pyroptosis inhibitor DMF not only alleviated kidney injury of CS-AKI mice but also inhibited macrophage polarization to M1 phenotype and pyroptosis via the RIG-I/Caspase1/GSDMD signaling pathway. Our research found that myoglobin promotes macrophage polarization to M1 type and pyroptosis via the RIG-I/Caspase1/GSDMD signaling pathway in CS-AKI.
Population-scale dietary interests during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Gligorić Kristina , Chiolero Arnaud , Kıcıman Emre , White Ryen W. , West Robert
Published: February 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 virus has altered people’s lives around the world. Here we document population-wide shifts in dietary interests in 18 countries in 2020, as revealed through time series of Google search volumes. We find that during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic there was an overall surge in food interest, larger and longer-lasting than the surge during typical end-of-year holidays in Western countries. The shock of decreased mobility manifested as a drastic increase in interest in consuming food at home and a corresponding decrease in consuming food outside of home. The largest (up to threefold) increases occurred for calorie-dense carbohydrate-based foods such as pastries, bakery products, bread, and pies. The observed shifts in dietary interests have the potential to globally affect food consumption and health outcomes. These findings can inform governmental and organizational decisions regarding measures to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on diet and nutrition.
LKB1 drives stasis and C/EBP-mediated reprogramming to an alveolar type II fate in lung cancer
Authors: Murray Christopher W. , Brady Jennifer J. , Han Mingqi , Cai Hongchen , Tsai Min K. , Pierce Sarah E. , Cheng Ran , Demeter Janos , Feldser David M. , Jackson Peter K. , Shackelford David B. , Winslow Monte M.
Published: February 2022

LKB1is among the most frequently altered tumor suppressors in lung adenocarcinoma. Inactivation ofLkb1accelerates the growth and progression of oncogenic KRAS-driven lung tumors in mouse models. However, the molecular mechanisms by which LKB1 constrains lung tumorigenesis and whether the cancer state that stems fromLkb1deficiency can be reverted remains unknown. To identify the processes governed by LKB1 in vivo, we generated an allele which enablesLkb1inactivation at tumor initiation and subsequentLkb1restoration in established tumors. Restoration ofLkb1in oncogenic KRAS-driven lung tumors suppressed proliferation and led to tumor stasis.Lkb1restoration activated targets of C/EBP transcription factors and drove neoplastic cells from a progenitor-like state to a less proliferative alveolar type II cell-like state. We show that C/EBP transcription factors govern a subset of genes that are induced by LKB1 and depend upon NKX2-1. We also demonstrate that a defining factor of the alveolar type II lineage, C/EBPα, constrains oncogenic KRAS-driven lung tumor growth in vivo. Thus, this key tumor suppressor regulates lineage-specific transcription factors, thereby constraining lung tumor development through enforced differentiation.
Humoral immune responses to COVID-19 vaccination in people living with HIV receiving suppressive antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Brumme Zabrina L. , Mwimanzi Francis , Lapointe Hope R. , Cheung Peter K. , Sang Yurou , Duncan Maggie C. , Yaseen Fatima , Agafitei Olga , Ennis Siobhan , Ng Kurtis , Basra Simran , Lim Li Yi , Kalikawe Rebecca , Speckmaier Sarah , Moran-Garcia Nadia , Young Landon , Ali Hesham , Ganase Bruce , Umviligihozo Gisele , Omondi F. Harrison , Atkinson Kieran , Sudderuddin Hanwei , Toy Junine , Sereda Paul , Burns Laura , Costiniuk Cecilia T. , Cooper Curtis , Anis Aslam H. , Leung Victor , Holmes Daniel , DeMarco Mari L. , Simons Janet , Hedgcock Malcolm , Romney Marc G. , Barrios Rolando , Guillemi Silvia , Brumme Chanson J. , Pantophlet Ralph , Montaner Julio S. G. , Niikura Masahiro , Harris Marianne , Hull Mark , Brockman Mark A.
Published: February 2022

Humoral responses to COVID-19 vaccines in people living with HIV (PLWH) remain incompletely characterized. We measured circulating antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor-binding domain (RBD), ACE2 displacement and viral neutralization activities one month following the first and second COVID-19 vaccine doses, and again 3 months following the second dose, in 100 adult PLWH and 152 controls. All PLWH were receiving suppressive antiretroviral therapy, with median CD4+ T-cell counts of 710 (IQR 525–935) cells/mm3, though nadir CD4+ T-cell counts ranged as low as <10 cells/mm3. After adjustment for sociodemographic, health and vaccine-related variables, HIV infection was associated with lower anti-RBD antibody concentrations and ACE2 displacement activity after one vaccine dose. Following two doses however, HIV was not significantly associated with the magnitude of any humoral response after multivariable adjustment. Rather, older age, a higher burden of chronic health conditions, and dual ChAdOx1 vaccination were associated with lower responses after two vaccine doses. No significant correlation was observed between recent or nadir CD4+ T-cell counts and responses to two vaccine doses in PLWH. These results indicate that PLWH with well-controlled viral loads and CD4+ T-cell counts in a healthy range generally mount strong initial humoral responses to dual COVID-19 vaccination. Factors including age, co-morbidities, vaccine brand, response durability and the rise of new SARS-CoV-2 variants will influence when PLWH will benefit from additional doses. Further studies of PLWH who are not receiving antiretroviral treatment or who have low CD4+ T-cell counts are needed, as are longer-term assessments of response durability.
Thermal analysis for $$A{l}_{2}{O}_{3}$$–sodium alginate magnetized Jeffrey’s nanofluid flow past a stretching sheet embedded in a porous medium
Authors: Shahzad Faisal , Jamshed Wasim , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Nasir Nor Ain Azeany Mohd , Safdar Rabia , Abdel-Aty Abdel-Haleem , Yahia I. S.
Published: February 2022

The magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) viscous Jeffrey heat transport flow past a permeable extending sheet is analyzed. The Alumina ($$A{l}_{2}{O}_{3}$$

A

l
2

O
3

) is chosen as nanoparticles immersed in sodium alginate ($$SA$$

SA

) as the based fluid. The effect of heat generation, Ohmic heating and viscous dissipation are also being investigated adopting Tiwari and Das model. The adequate similarity transformation is used to convert the governing equations to non-linear of higher-order ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The numerical solution of the transformed ODEs is accomplished using a finite-difference technique. The results are described in graphs according to selected parameters’ values provided. The flow velocity reductions when the porosity parameter is augmented. The thermal distribution is affected by the presence of $$Pr$$

Pr

, $$M$$
M
, $$\beta$$
β
, $${\gamma }^{*}$$

γ

∗

, $${\delta }^{*}$$

δ

∗

and $$\phi$$
ϕ
. Deborah number and the volume fraction of nanoparticles affect the skin friction coefficient in opposite ways. A higher volume percentage of nanoparticles and a higher Deborah number are both shown to boost the rate of heat transfer. These findings suggest that the concentration of nanoparticles can be used to manipulate heat transport and nanofluid motions.
Distinct alterations in cerebellar connectivity with substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: O’Shea Ian M. , Popal Haroon S. , Olson Ingrid R. , Murty Vishnu P. , Smith David V.
Published: February 2022

In Parkinson’s disease (PD), neurodegeneration of dopaminergic neurons occurs in the midbrain, specifically targeting the substantia nigra (SN), while leaving the ventral tegmental area (VTA) relatively spared in early phases of the disease. Although the SN and VTA are known to be functionally dissociable in healthy adults, it remains unclear how this dissociation is altered in PD. To examine this issue, we performed a whole-brain analysis to compare functional connectivity in PD to healthy adults using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data compiled from three independent datasets. Our analysis showed that across the sample, the SN had greater connectivity with the precuneus, anterior cingulate gyrus, and areas of the occipital cortex, partially replicating our previous work in healthy young adults. Notably, we also found that, in PD, VTA-right cerebellum connectivity was higher than SN-right cerebellum connectivity, whereas the opposite trend occurred in healthy controls. This double dissociation may reflect a compensatory role of the cerebellum in PD and could provide a potential target for future study and treatment.
Brain lipidomics and neurodevelopmental outcomes in intrauterine growth restricted piglets fed dairy or vegetable fat diets
Authors: Henriksen Nicole L. , Asmussen Karina S. , Pan Xiaoyu , Jiang Ping-Ping , Mori Yuki , Christiansen Line I. , Sprenger Richard R. , Ejsing Christer S. , Pankratova Stanislava , Thymann Thomas
Published: February 2022

Breast milk has neurodevelopmental advantages compared to infant formula, especially in low-birth-weight infants, which may in part relate to the fat source. This study compared neurodevelopmental outcomes in three-day-old normal birth weight (NBW) and intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) piglets fed a formula diet with either vegetable oil (VEG) or bovine milk fat sources (MILK) for three weeks in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Behavioural tests, lipidomics, MRI and RNA sequencing analyses of plasma and brain tissue were conducted. The absolute levels of 82% and 11% of lipid molecules were different between dietary groups in plasma and hippocampus, respectively. Of the lipid molecules with differential abundance in the hippocampus, the majority were upregulated in MILK versus VEG, and they mainly belonged to the group of glycerophospholipids. Lower absolute brain weights, absolute grey and white matter volumes and behaviour and motor function scores, and higher relative total brain weights were present in IUGR compared to NBW with minor influence of diet. Cognitive function and cerebellar gene expression profiles were similar for dietary and weight groups, and overall only minor interactive effects between diet and birth weight were observed. Overall, we show that the dietary fat source influences the plasma and to a lesser degree the hippocampal lipidome and is unable to improve on IUGR-induced brain structural and functional impairments.
Contingency response decision of network public opinion emergencies based on intuitionistic fuzzy entropy and preference information of decision makers
Authors: Fu Sha , Xiao Ye-zhi , Zhou Hang-jun
Published: February 2022

A multi-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) method based on intuitionistic fuzzy preference information is proposed for the multi-attribute intuitionistic fuzzy group decision-making problem where the decision-makers weight and attribute weight are completely unknown and the decision-maker has preference information for the scheme. Firstly, an intuitionistic fuzzy interval judgment matrix is established to describe the original data of the key decision indicators for multiple network public opinion emergencies that erupt simultaneously. Secondly, the attribute weights are determined based on the improved intuitionistic fuzzy entropy construction method, and the expert weights are determined by using objective decision information, taking into account the intuitionistic fuzzy entropy of decision matrix. MAGDM can not only synthesize experts' professional experience in different aspects, but also avoid experts' decision-making errors caused by insufficient domain knowledge. It is necessary to continuously adjust the expert weight based on decision-making information to make the comprehensive decision-making information more accurate. Thirdly, a scheme preference model and an attribute weight optimization model are established to determine the ranking method of intuitionistic fuzzy interval values. Then, a modified distance measure of intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFSs) is introduced to make the evaluation result more accurate and reasonable when it comes to solving the deviation between the evaluation value and ideal solution of each scheme. Finally, the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed decision-making method are verified by an example of emergency crisis severity, It assists decision makers in selecting and implementing the optimal emergency response plan in a timely and efficient manner, which improves the emergency treatment efficiency of network public opinion crisis, helps emergency departments to better deal with the network public opinion crisis, improves the ability of public opinion guidance and control, and provides a new method and idea for multi-attribute intuitionistic fuzzy group decision-making problem.
Synthesis and defect characterization of hybrid ceria nanostructures as a possible novel therapeutic material towards COVID-19 mitigation
Authors: Rocha L. S. R. , Simões A. Z. , Macchi C. , Somoza A. , Giulietti G. , Ponce M. A. , Longo E.
Published: February 2022

This study reports the synthesis of hybrid nanostructures composed of cerium dioxide and microcrystalline cellulose prepared by the microwave-assisted hydrothermal route under distinct temperature and pH values. Their structural, morphological and spectroscopic behaviors were investigated by X-Rays Diffraction, Field Emission Gun Scanning Electron Microscopy, High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy, and Fourier-Transform Infrared, Ultraviolet–Visible, Raman and Positron Annihilation Lifetime spectroscopies to evaluate the presence of structural defects and their correlation with the underlying mechanism regarding the biocide activity of the studied material. The samples showed mean crystallite sizes around 10 nm, characterizing the formation of quantum dots unevenly distributed along the cellulose surface with a certain agglomeration degree. The samples presented the characteristic Ce–O vibration close to 450 cm−1and a second-order mode around 1050 cm−1, which is indicative of distribution of localized energetic levels originated from defective species, essential in the scavenging of reactive oxygen species. Positron spectroscopic studies showed first and second lifetime components ranging between 202–223 ps and 360–373 ps, respectively, revealing the presence of two distinct defective oxygen species, in addition to an increment in the concentration of Ce3+-oxygen vacancy associates as a function of temperature. Therefore, we have successfully synthesized hybrid nanoceria structures with potential multifunctional therapeutic properties to be further evaluated against the COVID-19.
Peripheral and cognitive benefits of physical exercise in a mouse model of midlife metabolic syndrome
Authors: El Gaamouch Farida , Lin Hsiao-yun , Wang Qian , Zhao Wei , Pan Jiangping , Liu Kalena , Wong Jean , Wu Clark , Yuan Chongzhen , Cheng Haoxiang , Qin Weiping , Hao Ke , Zhang Bin , Wang Jun
Published: February 2022

Despite national and international efforts for the prevention of metabolic syndrome and its underlying diseases/disorders, its prevalence is still rising, especially in the middle-aged population. In this study, we explore the effect of high fat diet on the development of metabolic syndrome in middle-aged mice and to evaluate the potential benefits of voluntary physical exercise on the periphery as well as brain cognitive function, and to explore the potential mechanisms. We found that metabolic syndrome developed at middle age significantly impairs cognitive function and the impairment is associated with gene dysregulation in metabolic pathways that are largely affecting astrocytes in the brain. Eight-week voluntary wheel running at a frequency of three times a week, not only improves peripheral glucose control but also significantly improves learning and memory. The improvement of cognitive function is associated with restoration of gene expression involved in energy metabolism in the brain. Our study suggests that voluntary physical exercise is beneficial for metabolic syndrome-induced peripheral as well as cognitive dysfunction and can be recommended as therapeutic intervention for metabolic syndrome and associated diseases.
Metformin use and the risk of bacterial pneumonia in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Yen Fu-Shun , Wei James Cheng-Chung , Shih Ying-Hsiu , Hsu Chih-Cheng , Hwu Chii-Min
Published: February 2022

Persons with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have neutrophil dysfunction with a higher risk of infection than those without diabetes. We conducted this study aiming to compare the risk of pneumonia between metformin use and nonuse in persons with T2D. We identified 49,012 propensity score-matched metformin users and nonusers from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2017. We used the Cox proportional hazards model to compare the risks of pneumonia and respiratory death. The mean (SD) age of the participants was 57.46 (12.88) years, and the mean follow-up time for metformin users and nonusers was 5.47 (3.71) years and 5.15 (3.87) years, respectively. Compared with the nonuse of metformin, the adjusted hazard ratios (95% CI) for metformin use in bacterial pneumonia, invasive mechanical ventilation, and respiratory cause of death were 0.89 (0.84–0.94), 0.77 (0.73–0.82), and 0.64 (0.56–0.74), respectively. A longer cumulative duration of metformin use had further lower adjusted hazard ratios in these risks compared with nonuse. In patients with T2D, metformin use was associated with significantly lower risks of bacterial pneumonia, invasive mechanical ventilation, and respiratory cause of death; moreover, longer metformin use duration was associated with lower hazard ratios of these risks.
Seasonal variability in essential oil composition and biological activity of Rosmarinus officinalis L. accessions in the western Himalaya
Authors: Rathore Shalika , Mukhia Srijana , Kapoor Smita , Bhatt Vinod , Kumar Rakshak , Kumar Rakesh
Published: February 2022

Rosmarinus officinalis L. is an imperative herb used in pharmaceutical yet knowledge on chemical and activity profile of essential oil (EO) to harvest seasons and accessions from the Himalayan region is limited. Thus, accessions were evaluated to determine the EO content, compositional, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic potential of rosemary in different harvest seasons during 2018‒2019. EO content was 30.5% higher in IHBT/RMAc-1 compared with IHBT/RMAc-2 accession while 27.9% and 41.6% higher in the autumn as compared with summer and rainy season, respectively. Major EO compound was 1,8-cineole; ranged from 32.50‒51.79% during harvest seasons and 38.70‒42.20% in accessions. EO was active against both the tested Gram-positive bacteria (Micrococcus luteus MTCC 2470 and Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 96). EOs showed inhibition of Gram-negative bacteria (Salmonella typhi MTCC 733), while Klebsiella pneumoniae MTCC 109 was found to be resistant. The rosemary EO of T1 (Rainy season IHBT/RMAc-1) was most effective against S. aureus MTCC 96 with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 4% (v/v). In vitro cytotoxicity evaluation showed no potential anti-proliferative activity of EO. The rosemary EO profile in the western Himalayan region was influenced by harvesting seasons and genetic variability within the accessions; furthermore, a promising antibacterial agent in pharmaceutical and flavour industries.
High-density genetic map and genome-wide association studies of aesthetic traits in Phalaenopsis orchids
Authors: Hsu Chia-Chi , Chen Shu-Yun , Chiu Shang-Yi , Lai Cheng-Yuan , Lai Pei-Han , Shehzad Tariq , Wu Wen-Luan , Chen Wen-Huei , Paterson Andrew H. , Chen Hong-Hwa
Published: February 2022

Phalaenopsis spp. represent the most popular orchids worldwide. Both P. equestris and P. aphrodite are the two important breeding parents with the whole genome sequence available. However, marker–trait association is rarely used for floral traits in Phalaenopsis breeding. Here, we analyzed markers associated with aesthetic traits of Phalaenopsis orchids by using genome-wide association study (GWAS) with the F1 population P. Intermedia of 117 progenies derived from the cross between P. aphrodite and P. equestris. A total of 113,517 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in P. Intermedia by using genotyping-by-sequencing with the combination of two different restriction enzyme pairs, Hinp1 I/Hae III and Apek I/Hae III. The size-related traits from flowers were negatively related to the color-related traits. The 1191 SNPs from Hinp1 I/ Hae III and 23 simple sequence repeats were used to establish a high-density genetic map of 19 homolog groups for P. equestris. In addition, 10 quantitative trait loci were highly associated with four color-related traits on chromosomes 2, 5 and 9. According to the sequence within the linkage disequilibrium regions, 35 candidate genes were identified and related to anthocyanin biosynthesis. In conclusion, we performed marker-assisted gene identification of aesthetic traits with GWAS in Phalaenopsis orchids.
Cardiometabolic profile and leukocyte telomere length in a Black South African population
Authors: Ngwa Ndonwi Elvis , Matsha Tandi E. , Lombard Carl , Levitt Naomi , Sobngwi Eugene , Kengne Andre-Pascal , Peer Nasheeta
Published: February 2022

Several studies have reported a possible association between leucocyte telomere length (LTL) and cardio-metabolic diseases (CMDs). However, studies investigating such association are lacking in South Africa despite having a very high prevalence of CMDs. We investigated the association between LTL and CMD risk profile in a black South African population. This was a cross-sectional study with participants > 21 years of age and residing in five townships in Cape Town. CMD markers were compared between men and women and across quartiles of LTL. Linear and logistic regressions relate increasing quartile and Log10LTL with CMD risk profile, with appropriate adjustment. Among 676-participants, diabetes, obesity and hypertension prevalence were 11.5%, 23.1% and 47.5%. Waist-circumference, hip-circumference and highly sensitive c-reactive protein values were significantly higher in women (all p < 0.001), while HDL-C (p = 0.023), creatinine (p = 0.005) and gamma glutamyl transferase (p < 0.001) values were higher in men. In age, sex and BMI adjusted linear regression model, Log10 of LTL was associated with low HDL-C (beta = 0.221; p = 0.041) while logistic regression showed a significant association between Log10LTL and prevalent dyslipidaemia characterised by high LDL-C. In this population, the relationship between LTL and CMD is weak given its association with only HDL-C and LDL-C.
Climate change induced habitat expansion of nutria (Myocastor coypus) in South Korea
Authors: Adhikari Pradeep , Kim Baek-Jun , Hong Sun-Hee , Lee Do-Hun
Published: February 2022

The nutria, (Myocastor coypus), is a semiaquatic rodent native to the subtropical and temperate regions of South America. The species was introduced to South Korea for meat and fur production purposes and a wild population has become established. The species subsequently invaded aquatic ecosystems and destroyed aquatic vegetation and cultivated crops. Thus, it is essential to understand their current distribution and future range expansion for effective control and eradication strategies to reduce the risk of colonization into new regions. In this study, we used niche modeling procedure to identify potentially suitable habitats for M. coypus under current and future predicted climate change using the maximum entropy algorithm. We found that the main habitat area of M. coypus is expected to expand under a warming climate from ~ 4069 km2 in the southern and southeastern regions of South Korea, to the northern border of the country, with estimated ranges of 21,744 km2, 55,859 km2, and 64,937 km2 by 2030, 2050, and 2070, respectively. The findings of the present study assist in identifying the future distribution and potential dispersion routes of M. coypus in South Korea, which is important for informing the government regarding essential management actions plans at regional and local scales.
Corneal nerve loss in patients with TIA and acute ischemic stroke in relation to circulating markers of inflammation and vascular integrity
Authors: Khan Adnan , Parray Aijaz , Akhtar Naveed , Agouni Abdelali , Kamran Saadat , Pananchikkal Sajitha V. , Priyanka Ruth , Gad Hoda , Ponirakis Georgios , Petropoulos Ioannis N. , Chen Kuan-Han , Tayyab Kausar , Saqqur Maher , Shuaib Ashfaq , Malik Rayaz A.
Published: February 2022

Vascular and inflammatory mechanisms are implicated in the development of cerebrovascular disease and corneal nerve loss occurs in patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) and acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We have assessed whether serum markers of inflammation and vascular integrity are associated with the severity of corneal nerve loss in patients with TIA and AIS. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) was performed to quantify corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), corneal nerve branch density (CNBD) and corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL) in 105 patients with TIA (n = 24) or AIS (n = 81) and age matched control subjects (n = 56). Circulating levels of IL-6, MMP-2, MMP-9, E-Selectin, P-Selectin and VEGF were quantified in patients within 48 h of presentation with a TIA or AIS. CNFL (P = 0.000, P = 0.000), CNFD (P = 0.122, P = 0.000) and CNBD (P = 0.002, P = 0.000) were reduced in patients with TIA and AIS compared to controls, respectively with no difference between patients with AIS and TIA. The NIHSS Score (P = 0.000), IL-6 (P = 0.011) and E-Selectin (P = 0.032) were higher in patients with AIS compared to TIA with no difference in MMP-2 (P = 0.636), MMP-9 (P = 0.098), P-Selectin (P = 0.395) and VEGF (P = 0.831). CNFL (r = 0.218, P = 0.026) and CNFD (r = 0.230, P = 0.019) correlated with IL-6 and multiple regression analysis showed a positive association of CNFL and CNFD with IL-6 (P = 0.041, P = 0.043). Patients with TIA and AIS have evidence of corneal nerve loss and elevated IL6 and E-selectin levels. Larger longitudinal studies are required to determine the association between inflammatory and vascular markers and corneal nerve fiber loss in patients with cerebrovascular disease.
Periodontal disease and preterm delivery: a nationwide population-based cohort study of Taiwan
Authors: Lee Ya-Ling , Hu Hsiao-Yun , Chou Sin-Yi , Lin Chen-Li , Cheng Feng-Shiang , Yu Chia-Yi , Chu Dachen
Published: February 2022

Preterm delivery of low-birth weight infants is considered a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among neonates. Various studies have reported a positive correlation between periodontal disease (PD) and premature birth (PB) and yet no population-based study has assessed the impact of PD severity and treatments on premature birth. This cohort study used Taiwan’s national medical records (1999–2012, included 1,757,774 pregnant women) to investigate the association between PD severity and PB. Women with PD during the 2-year period prior for giving birth were more likely to have PB (11.38%) than those without PD (10.56%; p < 0.001). After variables adjustment, the advanced PD group had OR of 1.09 (95% CI 1.07–1.11) for PB, the mild PD group had OR of 1.05 (95% CI 1.04–1.06), while no-PD group had OR of 1. Increased PD severity was related to higher risk of PB. When stratified by age, the highest ORs for PB were those aged from 31 to 35 years in both mild PD group (OR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.07–1.11) and advanced PD group (OR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.09–1.17). Improving periodontal health before or during pregnancy may prevent or reduce the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes and therefore maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.
Wrap-and-plant technology to manage sustainably potato cyst nematodes in East Africa
Authors: Ochola Juliet , Cortada Laura , Mwaura Onesmus , Tariku Meklit , Christensen Shawn A. , Ng’ang’a Margaret , Hassanali Ahmed , Pirzada Tahira , Khan Saad , Pal Lokendra , Mathew Reny , Guenther Dick , Davis Eric , Sit Tim , Coyne Danny , Opperman Charles , Torto Baldwyn
Published: February 2022

Renewable eco-friendly options for crop protection are fundamental in achieving sustainable agriculture. Here, we demonstrate the use of a biodegradable lignocellulosic banana-paper matrix as a seed wrap for the protection of potato plants against potato cyst nematode (PCN), Globodera rostochiensis. Potato cyst nematodes are devastating quarantine pests of potato globally. In East Africa, G. rostochiensis has recently emerged as a serious threat to potato production. Wrapping seed potatoes within the lignocellulose banana-paper matrix substantially reduced G. rostochiensis field inoculum and increased potato yields by up to fivefold in Kenya, relative to farmer practice, whether or not impregnated with ultra-low doses of the nematicide abamectin (ABM). Markedly, ABM-treated banana paper at ~1,000 times lower than conventional recommendations reduced PCN inoculum. Assays and analyses revealed that the lignocellulose matrix disrupts parasite–host chemical signalling by adsorbing critical PCN hatching and infective juvenile host location chemicals present in potato root exudate. Recovery experiments confirmed adsorption of these host location chemicals. Our study demonstrates the use of waste organic material to sustainably manage PCN, and potentially other crop root pests, while increasing potato yields.
Two-dimensional calcium terephthalate as a low-cost, high-performance anode for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: He Dandan , Liu Yang , Fan Yangyang , Dun Changwei , Qiao Yun , Chou Shulei
Published: February 2022

As anodes for sodium-ion batteries, calcium terephthalate flakes possess fast kinetics and display superior cycling capacity and high-rate capability.
Flexible InP–ZnO nanowire heterojunction light emitting diodes
Authors: Gagrani Nikita , Vora Kaushal , Fu Lan , Jagadish Chennupati , Tan Hark Hoe
Published: February 2022

Flexible electronics are gaining rapid popularity in modern day life. We demonstrate a simplified process to make flexible LEDs using p-InP nanowires with conformal coating of ZnO and perform a systematic study.
Well-designed internal electric field from nano-ferroelectrics promotes formic acid oxidation on Pd
Authors: Luo Guoming , Hu Shuozhen , Niu Dongfang , Sun Shigang , Zhang Xinsheng
Published: February 2022

By regulating the internal electric field of the catalyst, the strain effect and ligand effect of Pd nanoparticles are induced to weaken the Pd-COad bond strength and promote the formation of OHad.
Isomeric thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters based on a quinolino[3,2,1-de]acridine-5,9-dione multiple resonance core and carbazole substituent
Authors: Liu Jing-Feng , Zou Sheng-Nan , Chen Xing , Yang Sheng-Yi , Yu You-Jun , Fung Man-Keung , Jiang Zuo-Quan , Liao Liang-Sheng
Published: February 2022

The color purity of the pixels is an essential indicator in organic light-emitting diode (OLED) commercial displays.
Influence of gardenia yellow on in vitro slow starch digestion and its action mechanism
Authors: Ren Shuncheng , Wan Yi , Zhu Xiaoai , Liu Zelong , Zhao Wenhong , Xie Dongdong , Wang Shenli
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to explore the influence of gardenia yellow on in vitro wheat starch digestion.
Boosting nitrogen fertilization by a slow releasing nitrate-intercalated biocompatible layered double hydroxide–hydrogel composite loaded withAzospirillum brasilense
Authors: Gogoi Rimjim , Borgohain Arup , Baruah Madhusmita , Karak Tanmoy , Saikia Jiban
Published: February 2022

Indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers leads to soil environmental disbalance, therefore, use of environment-friendly slow-release multifunctional fertilizers are of paramount importance for sustainable crop production in the present scenario.
Expanding the functionality of proteins with genetically encoded dibenzo[b,f][1,4,5]thiadiazepine: a photo-transducer for photo-click decoration
Authors: Xiong Qin , Zheng Tingting , Shen Xin , Li Baolin , Fu Jielin , Zhao Xiaohu , Wang Chunxia , Yu Zhipeng
Published: February 2022

Via directed evolution of the tRNA synthetase, genetic encoding of a unique DBTD derived ncAA into proteins is realized. The DBTD residue is capable of transducing photon energy into ring-strain energy in situ for photo-clicking with diarylsydnone.
Mesoporous PdBi nanocages for enhanced electrocatalytic performances by all-direction accessibility and steric site activation
Authors: Du Dawei , Geng Qinghong , Ma Lian , Ren Siyu , Li Jun-Xuan , Dong Weikang , Hua Qingfeng , Fan Longlong , Shao Ruiwen , Wang Xiaoming , Li Cuiling , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: February 2022

An effective yet simple approach was developed to synthesize mesoporous PdBi nanocages for electrochemical applications.
Succession of founding microbiota in an anaerobic baffled bioreactor treating low-temperature raw domestic wastewater
Authors: Vanzin Gary , Pfluger Andrew , Almstrand Robert , Figueroa Linda , Munakata-Marr Junko
Published: February 2022

Spatiotemporal development of anaerobic seed sludge in a new ABR after transfer from a long-running ABR treating low-temperature domestic wastewater.
Cell mechanics can be robustly derived from AFM indentation data using the brush model: error analysis
Authors: Makarova N. , Sokolov I.
Published: February 2022

Cell mechanical parameters can unambiguously be derived from AFM indentation data using the brush model.
Synthesis of dihydroisoquinolinone-4-methylboronic esters via domino Heck/borylation using a structurally characterized palladacycle as a catalyst
Authors: Morla Jhansi Rani , Nareddula Dastagiri Reddy
Published: February 2022

Synthesis of dihydroisoquinolinone-4-methylboronic esters from N-allylcarboxamides and B2(Pin)2via domino Heck/borylation has been achieved by using a quinoxaline-based NHC-palladacycle [Pd(C∧C:)PPh3Cl].
Ru ions enhancing the interface bonding between the Pt nanoparticle catalyst and perovskite support for super anti-sintering performance
Authors: Zhang Siran , Zhou Wei , Mao Jianing , An Kang , Li Ningyan , Qin Tian , Chen Liwei , Liu Xi , Mei Bingbao , Jiang Zheng , Wang Zhong-Li , Yamauchi Yusuke , Liu Yuan
Published: February 2022

A super anti-sintering Pt nanoparticle catalyst on LaNiO3 support is synthesized by introducing Ru ions into LaNiO3 to produce the strong interface bonding between the Pt nanoparticle catalyst and LaNiO3 support.
Self-assembled ultrasmall mixed Co–W phosphide nanoparticles on pristine graphene with remarkable synergistic effects as highly efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Le Jia Bo , Fei Yang , Gao Ruiqin , Jing Maoxiang , Yuan Weiyong , Li Chang Ming
Published: February 2022

Pristine graphene supported ultrasmall, highly dispersed, and high-density Co–W–P nanoparticles were synthesized via phosphotungstic-acid-mediated self-assembly, showing superior HER catalytic performance.
Liquid-crystalline ferroferric oxide nanocomposites: self-assembly and magnetorheological effects
Authors: Tang Xinqiao , Chang Xiaolong , Wang Jiwei , Jiang Shizhi , Zhang Shuqi , Wang Shuo , Li Xinrui , Meng Fanbao
Published: February 2022

Liquid-crystalline ferroferric oxide nanocomposites (Fe3O4@PILCs) were synthesized, which showed excellent sedimentation stability and enhanced magnetorheological effects due to a synergistic effect among the mesogens and Fe3O4particles.
Scalable, superelastic, and superhydrophobic MXene/silver nanowire/melamine hybrid sponges for high-performance electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Wang Shijun , Li Diansen , Meng Weijia , Jiang Lei , Fang Daining
Published: February 2022

MXene/silver nanowire/melamine (MS–MAF) hybrid sponges are fabricated via a facile and scalable method. The MS–MAF hybrid sponge exhibits excellent superelasticity, superhydrophobicity, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance.
The Protocol for the Analysis of Aided Language Samples in Spanish: A Tutorial
Authors: Soto Gloria
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of this tutorial is to describe a tool and a procedure to support the collection and qualitative manual analysis of aided language samples in Spanish.

Method:

The Protocol for the Analysis of Aided Language Samples in Spanish (PAALSS) was developed from the present knowledge of Spanish language acquisition, and established procedures for the analysis of aided language samples. A draft version of PAALSS was distributed among 476 augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) service providers in Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico, and the United States, who provided feedback on their usability and applicability. The clinical application of PAALSS is illustrated through the analysis of three different language samples of an 8-year-old child who uses aided AAC.

Results:

The use of PAALSS allowed the child’s educational team to document the child’s strengths and to set therapy goals to address her needs, such as increasing the length of her utterances and other structures essential for grammaticalization including articles, adjectives, adverbs, diminutives, morphemes for gender and number, prepositions, and personal pronouns.

Conclusions:

PAALSS can be used to describe the expressive language use of children who use aided AAC in Spanish and are in the early stages of language development. PAALSS can also be used as a guide to set goals for and measure outcomes of language therapy along four domains of expressive language including vocabulary, morphology, grammatical complexity, and syntax.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.19233237
Reducing conservatism in robust stability analysis and stabilisation of arbitrary switched linear systems
Authors: Bagherzadeh Mohammad Ali , Ghaisari Jafar
Published: February 2022

Parametric modelling of uncertainties has been considered for switched linear systems in the past few years to improve the efficiency of robust stability analysis. The main goal of this paper is simultaneously alleviating conservatism and computational effort for robust stability analysis and stabilisation of arbitrary switched linear systems with uncertain parameters. For this purpose, stability conditions are revised and some constraints are relaxed. First, an improved weighted stability bound is proposed which is larger than previous results. Since the obtained stability bound depends on the chosen Lyapunov function, an optimisation problem is also given to determine its maximum value. Then, using the stability results, robust stabilisation of parametric uncertain switched linear systems under arbitrary switching is investigated. In this regard, a design method is presented to offer a static state feedback control law. The conservatism of the proposed control law is reduced by relaxing the constraint on upper bound of a matrix variable. Finally, illustrative examples are included to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A short‐term electricity consumption forecasting approach based on feature processing and hybrid modelling
Authors: Wei Minjie , Wen Mi , Luo Junran
Published: February 2022

The short‐term electricity consumption forecasting can help to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the power system. Power companies usually need to report the electricity consumption of the current month five to seven days in advance and make a power generation plan for the next month. The existing studies are usually lack of appropriate feature selection methods and hard to achieve satisfactory results. This paper proposes a short‐term electricity consumption forecasting approach based on feature processing and hybrid modelling. The maximum information coefficient (MIC) is employed to analyse the feature correlation, the electricity consumption curves are converted to several sub‐sequences of different frequency bands by the variational mode decomposition (VMD) to describe signal characteristics accurately, a hybrid model based on bidirectional gated recurrent unit (BiGRU) is innovated to extract the temporal and spatial features of the data and capture the contextual information from the complete time series, attention mechanism is used to do extract useful information and assign weights to make forecast. Compared with several benchmark methods, the proposed approach achieves better electricity consumption curve fitting and higher forecasting accuracy with the increase of forecasting step size.
A low‐profile dual‐mode antenna for unmanned aerial vehicles applications
Authors: Zhang Rui , Sun Baohua , Huang Xiaotian
Published: February 2022

A low‐profile dual‐mode antenna is proposed in this paper. The antenna is composed of a semi‐rectangular‐annular (SRA) coaxial line with sleeve loading structures vertically mounted on the ground plane. The proposed antenna has two radiation modes, mode 1 of the vertically polarised (VP) radiation characteristics at 500 MHz and mode 2 of the horizontally polarised (HP) radiation characteristics at 588 MHz. The two vertical components of the SRA coaxial line contribute to the VP radiation, which is achieved with the in‐phase electric currents on the two vertical components by adjusting the length of the in‐body inductive loading structures. The horizontal component of the SRA coaxial line is mainly contributed to HP radiation when the electric currents on two vertical components are reversed. And the antenna is well matched with the additional impedance matching network, which consists of two inductors and a capacitor. The height of the fabricated prototype is only 25.9 mm (about 0.04λ) at 500 MHz. The fabricated prototype possesses monopole‐like radiation pattern at 500 MHz and loop‐antenna‐like radiation pattern at 588 MHz. The measured maximum gain of the proposed antenna at 500 MHz is −6.8 dBi, and the measured maximum gain of the proposed antenna at 588 MHz is 2.5 dBi. The antenna is suitable for unmanned aerial vehicles communication systems due to its advantages of low‐profile and dual‐mode radiation.
Sequel to “cubic‐quartic optical soliton perturbation with complex Ginzburg–Landau equation by the enhanced Kudryashov's method”
Authors: Arnous Ahmed H. , Biswas Anjan , Kara Abdul H. , Milovic Daniela , Yıldırım Yakup , Alshehri Hashim M.
Published: February 2022

This paper serves as a sequel to previously reported results on cubic‐quartic solitons with complex Ginzburg–Landau equation. This work is with various forms of power law nonlinearity that structures the self‐phase modulation. The enhanced Kudryashov's approach gives the soliton solution. The conservation laws are also identified for the models.
A target anti‐occlusion method based on image processing and trajectory prediction in electro‐optical tracking system
Authors: Xia Wenqiang , Duan Qianwen , Deng Jiuqiang , Mao Yao
Published: February 2022

In the electro‐optical tracking system, due to the full occlusion of clouds or buildings, the traditional tracking algorithm fails to work effectively. In the authors’ study, a dual‐channel anti‐occlusion scheme based on image processing and trajectory prediction is proposed. On the one hand, the image‐processing unit plays a significant role in evaluating the occlusion state of the target. An improved image occlusion judgement method based on Bhattacharyya coefficient occlusion judgement is proposed, and the ability to resist background interference and rapidity of the algorithm is enhanced. On the other hand, according to the different occlusion states, the dual operation modes of tracking and prediction are usually set. When the target is completely occluded, the prediction mode based on a robust predictive filtering method is investigated to predict the real‐time trajectory of the target more accurately. Image occlusion judgement and trajectory prediction can solve the occlusion problems in tracking control. Otherwise, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method are verified by experiments.

The cover image is based on the Research Article A target anti‐occlusion method based on image processing and trajectory prediction in electro‐optical tracking system by Yao Mao et al., https://doi.org/10.1049/rsn2.12235.
A collaborative navigation method based on partnership optimisation for clustered aircraft
Authors: Wang Rong , Chen Xin , Xiong Zhi , Zhang Huiyuan , Liu Jianye
Published: February 2022

The collaborative exchange of information between members of a cluster can provide additional observations to improve the reliability of navigation. To address the problems of poor geometric configurations of satellites and low positioning accuracy of satellite navigation systems in complex environments, this paper proposes a collaboration‐augmented navigation method with optimisation of the geometric dilution of precision for a clustered aircraft. A collaboration‐augmented navigation model is established in which the differences between the characteristics of satellite pseudorange measurements and collaborative information measurements are taken into consideration to overcome heteroscedasticity. Then, an optimal collaboration‐augmented navigation algorithm is proposed on the basis of geometric configuration analysis. In this method, all visible satellites are projected onto the current horizontal plane, and in accordance with the satellite distribution, a satellite reference ring is constructed to determine the optimal collaborative area for an aircraft. Then, a collaborative aircraft selection is made to select an optimal aircraft to assist the satellite navigation system for configuration optimisation. Finally, the algorithm performance is simulated and verified by simulation, and the influence of the equivalent ranging error on the effectiveness of geometric configuration optimisation is analysed, indicating the effectiveness of the proposed method.