bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Near‐infrared techniques for fraud detection in dairy products: A review
Authors: Hebling e Tavares João Pedro , da Silva Medeiros Maria Lucimar , Barbin Douglas Fernandes
Published: April 2022

The dairy products sector is an important part of the food industry, and their consumption is expected to grow in the next 10 years. Therefore, the authentication of these products in a faster and precise way is required for the sake of public health. This review proposes the use of near‐infrared techniques for the detection of food fraud in dairy products as they are faster, nondestructive, environmentally friendly, do not require sample preparation, and allow multiconstituent analysis. First, we have described frequent forms of food fraud in dairy products and the application of traditional techniques for their detection, highlighting gaps and counterproductive characteristics for the actual global food chain, as longer sample preparation time and use of reagents. Then, the application of near‐infrared spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging for the detection of food fraud mainly in cheese, butter, and yogurt are described. As these techniques depend on model development, the coverage of different dairy products by the literature will promote the identification of food fraud in a faster and reliable way.
Stick to it! Mechanical performance tests to explore the resilience of prehistoric glues in hafting
Authors: Tydgadt Lola , Rots Veerle
Published: April 2022

Known preserved glue remains are relatively rare, but they witness a broad range in glue types that may have existed in the past, varying in terms of the main component and additives. However, archaeological experimentation rarely mirrors that variety, leading to a certain lack of information on the behaviour and interest of several traditional glues, notably animal‐based glues. Through mechanical bench testing (shear–compression), this paper aims to document the resilience of 11 different glues and mixtures in combination with three different organic substrates and flint, in order to reproduce a realistic hafting system. Results highlight that glue performance depends on the hafting materials used, thereby demonstrating that the choice of an appropriate glue depends on the hafting arrangement envisaged. The results also indicate that no glue outperforms all others or witnesses universal applicability. We therefore argue that glue use and performance should be evaluated from the perspective of the complete tool within a particular use context and environment. Only such an integrated perspective permits to reflect on the role of glue in past tool technologies, including its manufacture, composition and use, and on the significance of glue with regard to human behaviour and its evolution.
Ofatumumab with iphosphamide, etoposide and cytarabine for patients with transplantation‐ineligible relapsed and refractory diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Paszkiewicz‐Kozik Ewa , Michalski Wojciech , Taszner Michał , Mordak‐Domagała Monika , Romejko‐Jarosińska Joanna , Knopińska‐Posłuszny Wanda , Najda Jacek , Borawska Anna , Chełstowska Monika , Świerkowska Monika , Dąbrowska‐Iwanicka Anna , Malenda Agata , Druzd‐Sitek Agnieszka , Konecki Robert , Kumiega Beata , Osowiecki Michał , Ostrowska Beata , Szpila Tomasz , Szymański Marcin , Targoński Łukasz , Domańska‐Czyż Katarzyna , Popławska Lidia , Giebel Sebastian , Lange Andrzej , Pluta Andrzej , Zaucha Jan Maciej , Rymkiewicz Grzegorz , Walewski Jan
Published: April 2022

The efficacy of salvage treatment of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients who relapse or progress (rrDLBCL) after initial therapy is limited. Efficacy and safety of ofatumumab with iphosphamide, etoposide and cytarabine (O‐IVAC) was evaluated in a single‐arm study. Dosing was modified for elderly patients. Patients received up to six cycles of treatment. The primary end‐point was the overall response rate (ORR). Patients were evaluated every two cycles and then six and 12 months after treatment. Other end‐points included progression‐free survival (PFS), event‐free survival (EFS), overall survival (OS) and safety. Seventy‐seven patients received salvage treatment with O‐IVAC. The average age was 56.8 years; 39% had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of at least 3; 78% had disease of Ann Arbor stage 3 or 4; 58% received one or more prior salvage therapies. The ORR for O‐IVAC was 54.5%. The median duration of study follow‐up was 70 months. The median PFS and EFS were 16.3 months each. The median OS was 22.7 months. Age, ECOG performance status and the number of prior therapy lines were independent predictors of survival. Treatment‐related mortality was 15.5%. O‐IVAC showed a high response rate in a difficult‐to‐treat population and is an attractive treatment to bridge to potentially curative therapies.
Synergistic effects of two naturally occurring iridoids in eliciting a rapid antidepressant action by up‐regulating hippocampal PACAP signalling
Authors: Zhang Hailou , Sun Yan , Yau Suk‐yu , Zhou Yanmeng , Song Xinxin , Zhang Han‐Ting , Zhu Boran , Wu Haoxin , Chen Gang
Published: April 2022

Background and Purpose

Current mainstream antidepressants have limited efficacy with a delayed onset of action. Yueju, a herbal medicine, has a rapid antidepressant action. Identification of the active ingredients in Yueju and the mechanism/s involved was carried out.

Experimental Approach

Key molecule/s and compounds involved in this antidepressant action was identified by transcriptomic and HPLC analysis, respectively. Antidepressant effects were evaluated using various behavioural experiments. The signalling involved was assessed using site‐directed pharmacological intervention or optogenetic manipulation.

Key Results

Transcriptomic analysis showed that Yueju up‐regulated pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) expression in the hippocampus. Two iridoids, geniposide and shanzhiside methyl ester, were identified and quantified from Yueju. Only co‐treatment with both, at an equivalent concentrations found in Yueju, increased PACAP expression and elicited a rapid antidepressant action, which were blocked by intra‐dentate gyrus infusion of a PACAP antagonist or optogenetic inactivation of PACAP expressing neurons. Geniposide and shanzhiside methyl ester co‐treatment rapidly inhibited CaMKII phosphorylation and enhanced mTOR/4EBP1/P70S6k/BDNF ignalling, while intra‐dentate gyrus infusions of a CaMKII activator blunted the rapid antidepressant action and BDNF expression up‐regulation induced by the co‐treatment. A single co‐treatment of them rapidly improved depression‐like behaviours and up‐regulated hippocampal PACAP signalling in the repeated corticosterone‐induced depression model, further confirming the involvement of PACAP.

Conclusion and Implications

Geniposide and shanzhiside methyl ester co‐treatment had a synergistic rapid onset antidepressant action by triggering hippocampal PACAP activity and associated CaMKII–BDNF signalling. This mechanism could be targeted for development of fast onset antidepressants.
How important are land values in house price growth? Evidence from Canadian cities
Authors: Stewart Kenneth G.
Published: April 2022

A Cobb–Douglas growth accounting framework is used to study the contributions of structures and land to newly constructed home prices across major Canadian cities. The data set is unusual in that land prices are directly observed rather than having to be imputed, and quality change is carefully controlled for in the measurement of structures. These data permit testing of constant returns to scale, which in conventional applications must be adopted as a maintained hypothesis, as well as the introduction of dynamic effects. Whereas standard analyses find land costs to be the dominant contributor to the growth in housing costs, I find that this varies greatly by city. Yet, despite this novel empirical result, the evidence supports other recent work that endorses the constant‐returns Cobb–Douglas methodological framework.
CEMIP promotes extracellular matrix‐detached prostate cancer cell survival by inhibiting ferroptosis
Authors: Liu Bing , Li Xuexiang , Wang Decai , Yu Ying , Lu Dingheng , Chen Liang , Lv Fang , Li Yunxue , Cheng Lulin , Song Yarong , Xing Yifei
Published: April 2022

Cells detached from the extracellular matrix (ECM) can trigger different modes of cell death, and the survival of ECM‐detached cells is one of the prerequisites for the metastatic cascade. Ferroptosis, a form of iron‐dependent programmed cell death, has recently been found to be involved in matrix‐detached cancer cells. However, the molecular mechanisms by which ECM‐detached cells escape ferroptosis are not fully understood. Here, we observed that cell migration‐inducing protein (CEMIP) upregulation facilitates ferroptosis resistance during ECM detachment by promoting cystine uptake in prostate cancer (PCa) cells. Meanwhile, silencing CEMIP causes it to lose its ability to promote cystine uptake and inhibit ferroptosis. Mechanistically, the interaction of CEMIP with inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptor type 3 (ITPR3) modulates calcium ion (Ca2+) leakage from the endoplasmic reticulum, activating calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), which further facilitates nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (NRF2) phosphorylation and nuclear localization, leading to elevated transcription of solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), a glutamate/cystine antiporter, in PCa cells. Our findings delineate a novel role of CEMIP in ferroptosis resistance during ECM detachment and provide new insights into therapeutic strategies for metastatic PCa.
USP6 rearrangement in pediatric nodular fasciitis
Authors: Sennett Rachel , Friedlander Sheila , Tucker Suzanne , Hinds Brian , Hightower George
Published: April 2022

Nodular fasciitis (NF) is a myofibroblastic proliferation that is uncommonly present in pediatric patients. These benign neoplasms can masquerade as more insidious sarcomatous proliferations on both clinical exam and initial histopathologic review, often prompting undue concern in patients, parents, and providers. While immunohistochemical analysis of NF can be variable, adding to the diagnostic uncertainty, molecular analysis documenting ubiquitin‐specific protease 6 (USP6) gene rearrangement can help confirm the diagnosis as an association between NF and USP6 overexpression was first identified 10 years ago in an analysis that found rearrangements of the involved locus in over 90% of studied samples. In this report, we review one case of NF located on the chin of a nine‐year‐old girl in which molecular testing was essential to secure the correct diagnosis, and provide a summary of documented cases of USP6 overexpression in transient pediatric neoplasms.
Emotion regulation and social knowledge in youth at clinical high‐risk for psychosis and outpatients with chronic schizophrenia: Associations with functional outcome and negative symptoms
Authors: Macfie William G. , Spilka Michael J. , Bartolomeo Lisa A. , Gonzalez Cristina M. , Strauss Gregory P.
Published: April 2022

Aim

Previous studies indicate that several aspects of social cognition are associated with poor social and vocational outcome in the chronic phase of psychosis. However, it is less clear whether specific aspects of social cognition are impaired in those at clinical high‐risk (CHR) for psychosis and associated with functioning. The current study evaluated two understudied components of social cognition, emotion regulation knowledge and social knowledge, to determine whether CHR and chronic schizophrenia (SZ) samples demonstrated comparable magnitudes of impairment and associations with functioning.

Methods

Two studies were conducted. Study 1 included n = 98 outpatients with chronic SZ and n = 88 demographically matched healthy controls (CN). Study 2 included 30 CHR and 30 matched CN participants. In both studies, participants completed the emotion management and social management subtests of the Mayer‐Salovey‐Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test to assess emotion regulation knowledge and social knowledge, respectively. A battery of clinical interviews was also administered, including measures of: role and social functioning, positive symptoms, negative symptoms, disorganization and general symptoms.

Results

Individuals with SZ demonstrated lower emotion management and social management scores than CN participants. CHR demonstrated lower scores in social management than CN but did not display deficits in emotion management. In both studies, reduced social knowledge was associated with worse functioning and negative symptoms.

Conclusions

Findings indicate that deficits in social knowledge are transphasic across the SZ spectrum, and are associated with clinical functioning. Social knowledge may be a novel treatment target for psychosocial interventions.
Phenotypic and genotypic divergence of plant–herbivore interactions along an urbanization gradient
Authors: Qu Jiao , Bonte Dries , Vandegehuchte Martijn L.
Published: April 2022

Urban environments provide challenging conditions for species survival, including increased temperatures, drought and pollution. Species can deal with these conditions through evolution across generations or the immediate expression of phenotypic plasticity. The resulting phenotypic changes are key to the performance of species and their interactions with other species in the community. We here document patterns of herbivory in Arabidopsis thaliana along a rural–urban gradient, and tested the genetic background and ecological consequences of traits related to herbivore resistance. Aphid densities increased with urbanization levels along the gradient while plant size did not change. Offspring of urban mothers, raised under common garden conditions, were larger and had a decreased trichome density and seed set but a higher caterpillar (Pieris brassicae) tolerance. In contrast, no urban evolution was detected for defences against aphids (Myzus persicae). Aphids reduced seed set more strongly in urban offspring, but this effect disappeared in second‐generation plants. In general, urban adaptations as expressed in size and caterpillar tolerance were found, but these adaptations were associated with smaller inflorescences. The maternal effect on the response of seed set to aphid feeding demonstrates the relevance of intergenerational plasticity as a direct ecological consequence of herbivory. Our study demonstrates that the urban environment interacts with the plant's genotype and the extended phenotype as determined by ecological interactions.
Attachment‐based family therapy for sexual and gender minority young adults and their nonaccepting parents
Authors: Diamond Gary M. , Boruchovitz‐Zamir Rotem , Nir‐Gotlieb Ofir , Gat Inbal , Bar‐Kalifa Eran , Fitoussi Priel‐Yehoshua , Katz Shira
Published: April 2022

This pilot open trial examined the efficacy of attachment‐based family therapy (ABFT) for Israeli sexual and gender minority (SGM) young adults and their persistently nonaccepting parents. Thirty families received up to 26 weeks of treatment, with parental rejection, parental acceptance, and young adults' attachment avoidance and attachment anxiety assessed at baseline, 8, 16, 24, and 36 weeks (three months post‐treatment). Analyses using multilevel growth models revealed that both young adults and their mothers independently reported increases in mothers’ acceptance of their young adult's same‐sex orientation or noncisgender identity. In addition, young adults reported decreases in both parents’ levels of rejection. Also, mothers, but not fathers, reported decreases in their own level of rejection. Finally, young adults reported a decrease in attachment avoidance in their relationships with both mothers and fathers, but not a decrease in attachment anxiety. Importantly, these treatment gains were maintained three months after the end of treatment. Together, these results suggest that ABFT‐SGM, a manualized, affirmative, experiential, family‐based treatment, may be effective in reducing long‐standing parental rejection, promoting parental acceptance, and improving the quality of LGBTQ+ young adults’ relationships with their parents. These findings are encouraging in light of the urgent need for efficacious interventions to reduce family generated minority stress and promote safer, more supportive environments for sexual and gender minority people.
Investigation of endoscopic findings in nine cases of Helicobacter suis‐infected gastritis complicated by gastric mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma
Authors: Kadota Hiroki , Yuge Ryo , Miyamoto Ryo , Otani Rina , Takigawa Hidehiko , Hayashi Ryohei , Urabe Yuji , Oka Shiro , Sentani Kazuhiro , Oue Naohide , Kitadai Yasuhiko , Tanaka Shinji
Published: April 2022

Background

We have previously reported that eradication therapy was more effective against Helicobacter pylori (Hp)‐negative gastric mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma in non‐Helicobacter pylori Helicobacter (NHPH)‐positive cases than in NHPH‐negative cases and that the infection status of NHPH could be a predictive marker for the efficacy of eradication therapy for H. pylori negative gastric MALT lymphoma. However, a diagnostic test for NHPH infection has not yet been clinically established. In this study, we investigated the endoscopic findings in cases of H. suis‐infected gastritis associated with gastric MALT lymphoma reported at our institution.

Materials and Methods

Participants were selected from cases of gastric MALT lymphoma who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy at Hiroshima University Hospital, who were negative for the API2‐MALT1 gene, and who received eradication therapy as a first‐line treatment. We examined the endoscopic findings in nine cases from this group in which H. suis infection was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Endoscopic findings, such as cracked mucosa, spotty redness, nodular gastritis‐like appearance, and white marbled appearance, which have been reported as characteristics of NHPH gastritis, were observed in multiple cases. The most common endoscopic findings in this study were cracked mucosa (7/9 cases), followed by spotty redness (6/9 cases), nodular gastritis‐like appearance (5/9 cases), and white marbled appearance (2/9 cases).

Conclusions

Our study may serve as a reference for re‐evaluation of the diagnostic criteria for H. suis infection and indications for eradication therapy, particularly for cases of H. pylori negative gastric MALT lymphoma, where endoscopic findings such as those seen in this study were observed in the background mucosa.
Validation and improvement of a multiplex PCR method to detect murine Helicobacter species in feces samples of mice
Authors: Neubert Vanessa , Sadek Ahmed , Burell Teresa , Ralser Anna , Erhard Michael , Gerhard Markus , Seidel Karin , Kalali Behnam
Published: April 2022

Background

Murine Helicobacter species have gained increasing awareness in mouse facilities over the last years. Infections with Helicobacter species may have an impact effect on the health of mice and might pose a zoonotic risk to researchers. To minimize the interference with experiments and hence contribute to the 3Rs, a reliable method of monitoring Helicobacter infections in animal facilities needs to be available. The aim of this study was to improve and validate the detection of the most common murine Helicobacter species.

Material and Methods

A multiplex PCR assay was developed for identification of Helicobacter hepaticus, H. bilis, H. muridarum, H. rodentium, and H. typhlonius that could simultaneously detect these five strains in fecal samples. To ensure the quality of the results, the method was validated based on recommendations for in‐house developed tests.

Results

The method established was highly sensitive and specific. All five strains were detectable with a detection limit of 102 bacteria. Eight different mouse facilities were tested with the validated assay, and the following prevalence were found: H. rodentium 57%, H. hepaticus 46%, H. typhlonius 17%, H. bilis 12%, and H. muridarum 0%.

Conclusion

The multiplex PCR is a reliable, economic, and time‐saving diagnostic tool for routine health monitoring. Further prevalence studies are needed to confirm the high prevalence and hence importance of H. rodentium, as until now this agent is not yet listed in FELASA recommendations.
The effects of cold sintering parameters on the densification of Na2WO4 ceramics using Na2WO4·2H2O dry powders
Authors: Hao Jianyu , Guo Jing , Fu Changli , Si Mingming , Xue Xian , Li Xiaomeng , Wang Hong
Published: April 2022

Cold sintering process (CSP) combines transient liquid phase and/or external pressure to assist the densification of ceramics, the sintering mechanism of which is typically dominated by the “dissolution–precipitation” process. In this work, Na2WO4·2H2O dry powders without liquid water have been used as the “liquid phase” to realize the densification of Na2WO4 ceramics. The effects of sintering parameters on the CSP of Na2WO4 ceramics using Na2WO4·2H2O dry powders are systematically studied, including sintering temperature, external pressure, sintering process time and the amount of Na2WO4·2H2O phase. It is found that the “liquid phase,” that is, Na2WO4·2H2O is the key factor for controlling the CSP of Na2WO4 ceramics, and Na2WO4·2H2O hydrate shows an advantage of homogeneous dispersion of liquid water. The sintering temperature affects the densification mechanism involved with plastic deformation and the “dissolution–precipitation,” external pressure accelerates the densification process, and enough sintering process time ensures the completion of CSP. Finally, the optimum cold sintering parameters of Na2WO4 ceramics by Na2WO4·2H2O powders are obtained at 150°C and 240 MPa for 60 min with a pretreatment at 150°C for 30 min.
Preparation of hollow SiC spheres by combustion synthesis
Authors: Wang Liyuan , He Gang , Sun Shaolin , Fang Shijie , Li Zhipeng , Yang Zengchao , Li Jiangtao
Published: April 2022

Hollow spherical β‐SiC was successfully prepared in argon by combustion synthesis using Si powder and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) powder. The phase composition and morphology of spherical products can be controlled by adjusting the Si/C2F4 molar ratio (MSi/(C2F4)). When MSi/(C2F4) = 3, the phase content of β‐SiC is the highest (up to 85.54%), and hollow spherical products obtained; When MSi/(C2F4) ≥ 5, the Si/SiC microspheres are solid. The synthesis mechanism of hollow β‐SiC microspheres is as follows: Si particles react with PTFE releasing heat. Then unreacted Si absorbs heat to form liquid phase microspheres, which is equivalent to the core template to form β‐SiC microspheres by reaction with cracked C. Meanwhile, the silicon diffuses from the core to the shell to form the cavity. This method can synthesize the hollow spherical β‐SiC in a simple way without prearranged spherical template and long synthesis cycle.
Paramecium epigenetics in development and proliferation
Authors: Drews Franziska , Boenigk Jens , Simon Martin
Published: April 2022

The term epigenetics is used for any layer of genetic information aside from the DNA base‐sequence information. Mammalian epigenetic research increased our understanding of chromatin dynamics in terms of cytosine methylation and histone modification during differentiation, aging, and disease. Instead, ciliate epigenetics focused more on small RNA‐mediated effects. On the one hand, these do concern the transport of RNA from parental to daughter nuclei, representing a regulated transfer of epigenetic information across generations. On the other hand, studies of Paramecium, Tetrahymena, Oxytricha, and Stylonychia revealed an almost unique function of transgenerational RNA. Rather than solely controlling chromatin dynamics, they control sexual progeny's DNA content quantitatively and qualitatively. Thus epigenetics seems to control genetics, at least genetics of the vegetative macronucleus. This combination offers ciliates, in particular, an epigenetically controlled genetic variability. This review summarizes the epigenetic mechanisms that contribute to macronuclear heterogeneity and relates these to nuclear dimorphism. This system's adaptive and evolutionary possibilities raise the critical question of whether such a system is limited to unicellular organisms or binuclear cells. We discuss here the relevance of ciliate genetics and epigenetics to multicellular organisms.
Effects of electrical field stimulation on the physicochemical and sensory attributes of aged chicken meat
Authors: Al‐Hilphy Asaad R. , Al‐Asadi Majid H. , Al‐Hmedawy Noora K. , Khalil Anees Ahmed , Roobab Ume , Ranjha Muhammad Modassar Ali Nawaz , Manzoor Muhammad Faisal
Published: April 2022

Various physical, chemical, and biological practices have been adopted in the meat industry to enhance the tenderness of aged chicken meat. Among these, electrical field stimulation is used as an innovative tool in enhancing meat quality. Purposely, the present study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of electrical stimulation (ES) on different quality attributes (chemical, physical, & sensory) of laying aged chicken (Gallus domesticus) carcasses. To assess the effect of ES on meat quality of aged chicken (1.5 years), a total of 54 birds were slaughtered and their respective carcasses were subjected to electric field strengths (EFSs) of 3.67 and 7.33 V/cm. Physicochemical and sensorial characteristics of the ES‐treated groups (3.67 and 7.33 V/cm) and control group (without ES) meat were compared during the storage periods 0, 30, and 60 days. The results revealed that the electrical conductivity and specific energy consumption increased significantly with an increase in the EFS. ES significantly (p < .05) decreased peroxide number (by 12.62%), free fatty acids (FFA; by 13.46%), drip loss (by 4.25%), and cooking loss (by 50.85%), and increased pH (by 5.90%). Besides, ES‐treated samples showed significant superiorities in terms of sensory characteristics in comparison with control samples. An artificial neural network (ANN) gave a good fitting to predict the development of peroxide value and FFA during storage.

Practical applications

Electrical stimulation (ES) has been studied as a means to reduce the time required for aging to prevent meat hardness. ES improves the tenderness of meat by reducing cut values, increasing the sarcomere length, and reducing the diameter of muscle fibers. The application of ES helps in reducing the storage time, storage cost, de‐feathering force, and microbial load on a chicken carcass. Aged chicken meat carcass can be treated by ES before storage to help meat processing industries for storing meat safely. This study aimed to investigate the use of ES to improve the qualitative and sensory characteristics of aged chicken meat carcass during storage periods.
Towards a multiscale framework for modeling and improving the life cycle environmental performance of built stocks
Authors: Stephan André , Crawford Robert H. , Bunster Victor , Warren‐Myers Georgia , Moosavi Sareh
Published: April 2022

Cities are complex sociotechnical systems, of which buildings and infrastructure assets (built stocks) constitute a critical part. As the main global users of primary energy and emitters of associated greenhouse gases, there is a need for the introduction of measures capable of enhancing the environmental performance of built stocks in cities and mitigating negative externalities such as pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. To date, most environmental modeling and assessment approaches are often fragmented across disciplines and limited in scope, failing to provide a comprehensive evaluation. These approaches tend to focus either on one scale relevant to a discipline (e.g., buildings, roads, parks) or particular environmental flows (e.g., energy, greenhouse emissions). Here, we present a framework aimed at overcoming many of these limitations. By combining life cycle assessment and dynamic modeling using a nested systems theory, this framework provides a more holistic and integrated approach for modeling and improving the environmental performance of built stocks and their occupants, including material stocks and flows, embodied, operational, and mobility‐related environmental flows, as well as cost, and carbon sequestration in materials and green infrastructure. This comprehensive approach enables a very detailed parametrization that supports testing different policy scenarios at a material, element, building, and neighborhood level, and across different environmental flows. We test parts of our modeling framework on a proof‐of‐concept case study neighborhood in Melbourne, Australia, demonstrating its breadth. The proposed modeling framework can enable an advanced assessment of built stocks that enhances our capacity to improve the life cycle environmental performance of cities.
Amniotic fluid derived stem cells promote skin regeneration and alleviate scar formation through exosomal miRNA‐146a‐5p via targeting CXCR4
Authors: Wgealla Mutwakil Mub arak Mohammed Ali , Liang Hansi , Chen Ruihua , Xie Yufei , Li Fang , Qin Mingde , Zhang Xueguang
Published: April 2022

Background and Objectives

Regenerative medicine is promising in wound healing. Exosomes derived from human amniotic fluid derived stem cells (hAFS) have become an important area of research for many diseases as a key paracrine factor, but its effects in wound healing remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the possible role and possible mechanisms of hAFS in skin wound healing.

Methods

hAFS were isolated from human amniotic fluid via routine amniocentesis. The mice were randomly divided into 2 groups: control group and hAFS group treated with 1.25 × 106 hAFS cells. Immunohistochemistry staining was performed for histological analysis and qRT‐PCR for the assessment of gene levels. Luciferase Reporter Assay was performed for the verification of target gene.

Results

Our results demonstrated that hAFS accelerated wound closure. hAFS alleviated scar formation via promoting ECM remodeling, upregulating molecular of immune response, enhancing anti‐fibrotic activity, and decreasing the secretion of inflammation‐associated cytokines through exosomal miRNA‐146a‐5p via targeting CXCR4.

Conclusions

Taken together, hAFS was a promising cell source for wound healing. The findings in this study provide vital references and pave the way for future research.
Wheatgrass powder‐enriched functional pasta: Techno‐functional, phytochemical, textural, sensory, and structural characterization
Authors: Bawa Keshavdeep , Brar Jaswinder Kaur , Singh Arashdeep , Gupta Antima , Kaur Harpreet , Bains Kiran
Published: April 2022

The influence of semolina replacement with wheatgrass powder (WGP; 3%–15%) was evaluated with reference to nutritional, techno‐functional, phytochemical, textural, and structural characteristics of functional pasta. Results showed that incorporation of WGP significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the pasting viscosity of flour blends, while it increased the water and oil absorption capacity and water solubility index. Increased levels of WGP significantly decreased the optimum cooking time from 6.00 to 4.22 min but increased the cooking loss (2.83%–4.36%). Enrichment of pasta with WGP significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced the protein (12.16–17.33 g/100 g), fiber (1.21–4.60 g/100 g), antioxidant activities in terms of DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS. The total phenolic and flavonoid content increased from 56.20–253.90 mg GAE/100 g to 47.41–202.90 mg QE/100 g in the functional pasta. Addition of WGP significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the lightness (L*) while the greenness (−a*) of the pasta increased progressively owing to the total chlorophyll pigment. The firmness and toughness of the pasta increased up to 9% WGP level and decreased further, owing to the interaction between WGP protein and fiber with gluten protein matrix as evident from scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, the cooking of pasta results in a significant reduction in all the components in comparison to uncooked pasta. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy further confirmed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, and chlorophyll in WGP‐incorporated pasta. Overall acceptability scores of pastas with 9% WGP were found to have the highest (7.57), and with an increase in a further level of WGP, sensory scores decreased (6.55). Moreover, the principal component analysis also compliments the sensory results for 9% WGP‐incorporated pasta.
Microevolution of Pieris butterfly genes involved in host plant adaptation along a host plant community cline
Authors: Okamura Yu , Sato Ai , Kawaguchi Lina , Nagano Atsushi J. , Murakami Masashi , Vogel Heiko , Kroymann Juergen
Published: April 2022

Herbivorous insects have evolved counteradaptations to overcome the chemical defences of their host plants. Several of these counteradaptations have been elucidated at the molecular level, in particular for insects specialized on cruciferous host plants. While the importance of these counteradaptations for host plant colonization is well established, little is known about their microevolutionary dynamics in the field. In particular, it is not known whether and how host plant diversity shapes diversity in insect counteradaptations. In this study, we examine patterns of host plant use and insect counteradaptation in three Pieris butterfly species across Japan. The larvae of these butterflies express nitrile‐specifier protein (NSP) and its paralogue major allergen (MA) in their gut to overcome the highly diversified glucosinolate–myrosinase defence system of their cruciferous host plants. Pieris napi and Pieris melete colonize wild Brassicaceae whereas Pieris rapae typically uses cultivated Brassica as a host, regardless of the local composition of wild crucifers. As expected, NSP and MA diversity was independent of the local composition of wild Brassicaceae in P. rapae. In contrast, NSP diversity correlated with local host plant diversity in both species that preferred wild Brassicaceae. Both P. melete and P. napi revealed two distinct major NSP alleles, which shaped diversity among local populations, albeit with different evolutionary trajectories. In comparison, MA showed no indication for local adaptation. Altogether, MA appeared to be evolutionary more conserved than NSP, suggesting that both genes play different roles in diverting host plant chemical defence.
Legacies of invertebrate exclusion and tree secondary metabolites control fungal communities in dead wood
Authors: Lunde Lisa Fagerli , Jacobsen Rannveig , Kauserud Håvard , Boddy Lynne , Nybakken Line , Sverdrup‐Thygeson Anne , Birkemoe Tone
Published: April 2022

During decomposition of organic matter, microbial communities may follow different successional trajectories depending on the initial environment and colonizers. The timing and order of the species arrival (assembly history) can lead to divergent communities through priority effects. We explored how assembly history and resource quality affected fungal communities and decay rate of decomposing wood, 1.5 and 4.5 years after tree felling. Additionally, we investigated the effect of invertebrate exclusion during the first two summers. We measured initial resource quality of bark and wood of aspen (Populus tremula) logs and surveyed the fungal communities by DNA metabarcoding at different times during succession. We found that gradients in fungal community composition were related to resource quality and we discuss how this may reflect different fungal life history strategies. As with previous studies, the initial amount of bark tannins was negatively correlated with wood decomposition rate over 4.5 years. The initial fungal community explained variation in community composition after 1.5, but not 4.5, years of succession. Although the assembly history of initial colonizers may cause alternative trajectories in successional communities, our results indicate that the communities may converge with the arrival of secondary colonizers. We also identified a strong legacy of invertebrate exclusion on fungal communities, even after 4.5 years of succession, thereby adding crucial knowledge on the importance of invertebrates in affecting fungal community development. By measuring and manipulating aspects of assembly history and resource quality that have rarely been studied, we expand our understanding of the complexity of fungal community dynamics.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa post‐translational responses to elevated c‐di‐GMP levels
Authors: Bense Sarina , Witte Julius , Preuße Matthias , Koska Michal , Pezoldt Lorena , Dröge Astrid , Hartmann Oliver , Müsken Mathias , Schulze Julia , Fiebig Timm , Bähre Heike , Felgner Sebastian , Pich Andreas , Häussler Susanne
Published: April 2022

C‐di‐GMP signaling can directly influence bacterial behavior by affecting the functionality of c‐di‐GMP‐binding proteins. In addition, c‐di‐GMP can exert a global effect on gene transcription or translation, for example, via riboswitches or by binding to transcription factors. In this study, we investigated the effects of changes in intracellular c‐di‐GMP levels on gene expression and protein production in the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We induced c‐di‐GMP production via an ectopically introduced diguanylate cyclase and recorded the transcriptional, translational as well as proteomic profile of the cells. We demonstrate that rising levels of c‐di‐GMP under growth conditions otherwise characterized by low c‐di‐GMP levels caused a switch to a non‐motile, auto‐aggregative P. aeruginosa phenotype. This phenotypic switch became apparent before any c‐di‐GMP‐dependent role on transcription, translation, or protein abundance was observed. Our results suggest that rising global c‐di‐GMP pools first affects the motility phenotype of P. aeruginosa by altering protein functionality and only then global gene transcription.
A secreted ribonuclease effector from Verticillium dahliae localizes in the plant nucleus to modulate host immunity
Authors: Yin Chun‐Mei , Li Jun‐Jiao , Wang Dan , Zhang Dan‐Dan , Song Jian , Kong Zhi‐Qiang , Wang Bao‐Li , Hu Xiao‐Ping , Klosterman Steven J. , Subbarao Krishna V. , Chen Jie‐Yin , Dai Xiao‐Feng
Published: April 2022

The arms race between fungal pathogens and plant hosts involves recognition of fungal effectors to induce host immunity. Although various fungal effectors have been identified, the effector functions of ribonucleases are largely unknown. Herein, we identified a ribonuclease secreted by Verticillium dahliae (VdRTX1) that translocates into the plant nucleus to modulate immunity. The activity of VdRTX1 causes hypersensitive response (HR)‐related cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana and cotton. VdRTX1 possesses a signal peptide but is unlikely to be an apoplastic effector because its nuclear localization in the plant is necessary for cell death induction. Knockout of VdRTX1 significantly enhanced V. dahliae virulence on tobacco while V. dahliae employs the known suppressor VdCBM1 to escape the immunity induced by VdRTX1. VdRTX1 homologs are widely distributed in fungi but transient expression of 24 homologs from other fungi did not yield cell death induction, suggesting that this function is specific to the VdRTX1 in V. dahliae. Expression of site‐directed mutants of VdRTX1 in N. benthamiana leaves revealed conserved ligand‐binding sites that are important for VdRTX1 function in inducing cell death. Thus, VdRTX1 functions as a unique HR‐inducing effector in V. dahliae that contributes to the activation of plant immunity.
Cryptococcosis in the Democratic Republic of Congo from 1953 to 2021: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zono Bive Bive , Kasumba Dacquin Muhandwa , Situakibanza Nani‐Tuma Hippolyte , Bepouka Izizag Ben , Yambayamba Kapenga Marc , Nsuka Yanga Ruth , Tshimanga Yona Tshimy , Kamangu Ntambwe Erick , Hayette Marie‐Pierre , Mvumbi Lelo Georges
Published: April 2022

Cryptococcosis is a common opportunistic infection associated with HIV/AIDS. The present review systematically describes the clinical and biological aspects of cryptococcosis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and estimates its 2020 burden in people living with HIV (PLHIV). Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched online databases for records of cryptococcosis/Cryptococcus spp. in the DRC. Meta‐analysis was then performed to estimate summary statistics and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). A total of 30 studies were included. These included 1,018 cryptococcosis patients, including 80.8% with neuromeningeal cryptococcosis (NMC) and predominantly immunocompromised due to HIV/AIDS (97.6%). The NMC mean prevalence was estimated at 9.63% (95% CI: 5.99–14.07). More than one in two patients (52.7%) under treatment died. Monotherapy with fluconazole was the main treatment administered (80.6%). Furthermore, we estimate that about 9,265 (95% CI: 5,763–13,537) PLHIV had cryptococcosis in 2020, in DRC; of which about 4,883 (95% CI: 3,037–7,134) would have died in the same year. Among isolates in all included studies, 74 strains have been characterised. Of these, 82.4% concerned Cryptococcus neoformans sensu lato (s.l) (exclusively of serotype A and mostly of molecular types VNI and VNII) and 17.6% concerned Cryptotoccus gattii s.l (belonging to serotype B/molecular type VGI). Cryptococcosis remains common with an unacceptably high mortality rate. A large number of PLHIV affected by and dying from cryptococcosis in 2020 demonstrates its heavy burden among the Congolese PLHIV. To mitigate this burden, it is important to improve the quality and accessibility of care for all PLHIV.
Development of a multi‐component intervention to promote sleep in older persons with dementia transitioning from hospital to home
Authors: Sidani Souraya , Fox Mary T. , Butler Jeffrey I. , Maimets Ilo‐Katryn
Published: April 2022

Background

Hospitalised older persons with dementia are commonly discharged with intensified sleep disturbances. These disturbances can impede the recovery process. Nurses are well‐positioned to assist persons with dementia and their family caregivers in managing sleep disturbances during the transition from hospital to home.

Objectives

To describe the development of a multi‐component intervention to promote sleep.

Methods

We applied three stages of the intervention mapping method to develop a non‐pharmacological, multi‐component sleep intervention. The first stage involved a review of the literature to generate an understanding of the determinants of sleep disturbances experienced by persons with dementia in hospital and home settings. The second stage consisted of a literature review to identify therapies for managing commonly reported determinants of sleep disturbances. The third stage entailed delineation of the intervention components.

Results

The most common determinants of sleep disturbances experienced by persons with dementia in hospital and home settings were: physiological changes associated with ageing, sleep environments non‐conducive to sleep, limited exposure to light and engagement in physical activity, stress and sleep‐related beliefs and behaviours. Therapies found effective included: light therapy, physical activity therapy, sleep hygiene, and stimulus control therapy. These therapies were integrated into a multi‐component sleep intervention to be provided using the teach‐back technique, during and following hospitalisation.

Discussion

Consistent with the principles of patient engagement, the multi‐component sleep intervention will be evaluated for its acceptability and feasibility.

Implications for practice

The intervention has potentials to improve sleep during the transition from hospital to home.
The correlation between local impedance drop and catheter contact in clinical pulmonary vein isolation use
Authors: Yasumoto Koji , Egami Yasuyuki , Kawanami Shodai , Sugae Hiroki , Ukita Kohei , Kawamura Akito , Nakamura Hitoshi , Matsuhiro Yutaka , Tsuda Masaki , Okamoto Naotaka , Matsunaga‐Lee Yasuharu , Yano Masamichi , Nishino Masami , Tanouchi Jun
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Local impedance (LI) drop during radiofrequency (RF) application is monitored to assess the lesion formation. Recently, a novel ablation catheter has been introduced to clinical setting, which is capable of monitoring LI and catheter contact parameters including contact force (CF) and contact angle (CA). This study aimed to clarify the correlation between LI drop and catheter contact parameters.

Methods and results

This prospective study included 15 paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) patients who underwent initial pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). First‐pass encircling point‐by‐point PV ablation was performed by using a 4.5‐mm irrigated ablation catheter, with monitoring LI, CF, and CA. RF energy was applied for 30 s at each site with 30 W. Stable ablation points were analyzed to examine the correlation between LI drop and catheter contact parameters. Among 903 ablation points, 499 stable ablation points (55.2%) were analyzed. CA showed good correlation with LI drop (ρ = 0.418, p < .001). Maximum CF, minimum CF, average CF, and initial CF all showed weak correlation with LI drop (ρ = 0.201, p < .001; ρ = 0.224, p < .001; ρ = 0.258, p < .001; and ρ = 0.212, p < .001, respectively). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that CA was an independent factor of LI drop among the catheter contact parameters (β = 0.139, 95% CI = 0.111–0.167, p < .001). The LI drop in the blocked segments was significantly higher than that in the electrical conduction gap segments (27.3 ± 9.8 vs. 19.6 ± 6.4 Ω, p < .001)

Conclusion

In clinical PVI use, both CF and CA were correlated with LI drop. More parallel CA could induce higher LI drop, which may lead to effective lesion formation.
Nitrogen use efficiency, rhizosphere bacterial community, and root metabolome reprogramming due to maize seed treatment with microbial biostimulants
Authors: Ganugi Paola , Fiorini Andrea , Ardenti Federico , Caffi Tito , Bonini Paolo , Taskin Eren , Puglisi Edoardo , Tabaglio Vincenzo , Trevisan Marco , Lucini Luigi
Published: April 2022

Seed inoculation with beneficial microorganisms has gained importance as it has been proven to show biostimulant activity in plants, especially in terms of abiotic/biotic stress tolerance and plant growth promotion, representing a sustainable way to ensure yield stability under low input sustainable agriculture. Nevertheless, limited knowledge is available concerning the molecular and physiological processes underlying the root‐inoculant symbiosis or plant response at the root system level. Our work aimed to integrate the interrelationship between agronomic traits, rhizosphere microbial population and metabolic processes in roots, following seed treatment with either arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) or Plant Growth‐Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR). To this aim, maize was grown under open field conditions with either optimal or reduced nitrogen availability. Both seed treatments increased nitrogen uptake efficiency under reduced nitrogen supply revealed some microbial community changes among treatments at root microbiome level and limited yield increases, while significant changes could be observed at metabolome level. Amino acid, lipid, flavone, lignan, and phenylpropanoid concentrations were mostly modulated. Integrative analysis of multi‐omics datasets (Multiple Co‐Inertia Analysis) highlighted a strong correlation between the metagenomics and the untargeted metabolomics datasets, suggesting a coordinate modulation of root physiological traits.