bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene selection and classification using correlation feature selection based binary bat algorithm with greedy crossover
Authors: Seetharaman Akila , Sundersingh Allin Christe
Published: November 2021

DNA microarray analysis plays a prominent role in classifying genes related to cancer. The dimension of the data is high and difficult to handle during classification. Hence, the dimension has to be reduced and highly predictive gene features must be obtained without affecting the accuracy. Previous studies concentrated either on improving the classification accuracy or reduction of gene features. Here, the multi‐objective problem of obtaining reduced gene features with high classification accuracy is addressed using the proposed correlation feature selection filter and binary bat algorithm (BBA) with greedy crossover. The gene feature subsets are obtained using the correlation based feature selection filter and optimized using the BBA. Suboptimal solutions obtained due to pre‐convergence of BBA are reset using the proposed greedy crossover. Highly predictive genes features are obtained and evaluated with support vector machine 10‐fold cross‐validation. An average classification accuracy of 95.85% with predictive gene features <1% of the total dataset was obtained when applied on cancer microarray datasets. The solution for the multi‐objective problem of obtaining high classification accuracy with minimal number of genes is achieved with better performance over the existing algorithms. Also, the problem of pre‐convergence with suboptimal solutions in optimization algorithms is overcome.
Atomistic Studies on Water‐Induced Lithium Corrosion
Authors: van den Borg Matthias , Gaissmaier Daniel , Fantauzzi Donato , Knobbe Edwin , Jacob Timo
Published: November 2021

It is well known that lithium reacts violently with water under the release of molecular hydrogen and the formation of lithium hydroxide. In this work, the initial mechanisms for the surface reactions of metallic lithium with water from the gas phase were investigated by means of periodic density functional theory calculations. For this purpose, adsorption/absorption structures and diffusion and dissociation processes of hydrogen, OH, and H2O on low‐index metallic lithium surfaces were investigated. Through thermodynamic and kinetic considerations, negatively charged centers on the surface were identified as the origin of hydrogen formation. The strikingly low reaction barriers for the reaction at these centers implied a self‐supporting effect of hydrogen evolution and the associated lithium degradation.
Non‐isolated high step‐up DC–DC converter based on coupled inductors, diode‐capacitor networks, and voltage multiplier cells
Authors: Alencar Freitas Antonio Alisson , Carneiro de Araújo Francilino , Pereira Aragão Francisco Aldinei , Alves de Souza Kleber Cesar , Tofoli Fernando Lessa , Mineiro Sá Edilson , Luiz Marcelo Antunes Fernando
Published: November 2021

This work presents a non‐isolated DC–DC boost converter employing coupled inductors, a diode‐capacitor network, and a voltage multiplier cell (VMC). This converter allows extending the conversion ratio not only by increasing the turns ratio of the coupled inductor, but also by adding more networks and VMCs, resulting in a more flexible design approach. Unlike most coupled‐inductor‐based boost‐type converters reported in the literature, the topology presents an output stage whose current is non‐pulsating, which leads to reduced electromagnetic interference (EMI) levels. Other prominent advantages include the fact that the input current is non‐pulsating with low high‐frequency ripple, as well as the operation of the switch and output diode under soft‐switching condition. Experimental results obtained from a 200‐W prototype are presented and discussed to validate the theoretical assumptions, also showing that the converter has high efficiency over a wide load range.
Internal consistency reliability of the P300 to novelty in infants: The influence of trial number and data loss due to artifacts
Authors: Sandre Aislinn , Panier Lidia , O'Brien Ashley , Weinberg Anna
Published: November 2021

The P300 is an event‐related potential component that reflects attention to motivationally salient stimuli and may be a promising tool to examine individual differences in cognitive‐affective processing very early in development. However, the psychometric properties of the P300 in infancy are unknown, a fact that limits the component's utility as an individual difference measure in developmental research. To address this gap, 38 infants completed an auditory three‐stimulus oddball task that included frequent standard, infrequent deviant, and novel stimuli. We quantified the P300 at a single electrode site and at region of interest (ROI) and examined the internal consistency reliability of the component, both via split‐half reliability and as a function of trial number. Results indicated that the P300 to standard, deviant, and novel stimuli fell within moderate to high internal consistency reliability thresholds, and that scoring the component at an ROI led to slightly higher estimates of reliability. However, the percentage of data loss due to artifacts increased across the course of the task, suggesting that including more trials will not necessarily improve the reliability of the P300. Together, these results suggest that robust and reliable measurement of the P300 will require designing tasks that minimize trial number and maximize infant tolerability.
Mother–infant convergence of event‐related potentials elicited by face and object processing
Authors: Hill Kaylin E. , Neo Wei Siong , Deming Erika , Hamrick Lisa R. , Kelleher Bridgette L. , Foti Dan
Published: November 2021

Prior work has provided conceptual support for developmental changes in face and object processing, such that: face processing, as captured by the N290 event‐related potential (ERP) component in infancy, may develop into the N170 in adulthood; and motivated attention, as captured by the negative central (Nc) in infancy, may develop into the late positive potential (LPP). The present study examined these neural correlates in 12‐month‐old infants and their mothers (N = 33 dyads). Dyads completed a viewing task consisting of familiar and novel face and toy stimuli while electroencephalography was recorded. Results suggest that for mothers, the N170 was larger for faces than toys, regardless of familiarity, and the LPP was largest for familiar faces. In infants, the N290 was somewhat larger for faces than toys (p < .10); the Nc did not vary by condition. Adult ERPs demonstrated fair to good reliability; reliability of infant ERPs was lower and was influenced by looking behaviors. Intergenerational associations were strongest between the LPP and Nc, particularly when electrode and time window were taken into account. Refinement of data handling and ERP scoring procedures for infant ERPs are crucial next steps for estimation of intergenerational associations and further examination of developmental changes in face and object processing.
Neuroendocrine and autonomic stress systems activity in young adults raised by mothers with mental health and substance abuse problems: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Burenkova Olga V. , Podturkin Aleksei A. , Naumova Oksana Yu , Hein Sascha , Li Nan , Cicchetti Dante , Luthar Suniya S. , Grigorenko Elena L.
Published: November 2021

Among the well‐known physiological consequences of early adverse environments is dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. A number of studies demonstrate that negative parenting and living with parents with a history of substance abuse and mental health problems may be associated with HPA axis dysregulation in children. In contrast, studies of more delayed effects in adult offspring, especially prospective, are still scarce. This study was a prospective longitudinal investigation of the association between maternal mental illnesses/substance abuse and maternal negative parenting/parental stress on one side and, on the other side, adult offspring outcomes 10 years later—specifically, we studied the activity of offspring's neuroendocrine (cortisol) and autonomic (heart rate) systems when exposed to a mild psychological stressor. Children of mothers with mental illnesses and/or substance abuse were exposed to more disadvantaged conditions (higher negative parenting and community violence). Despite this, maternal risk groups (having a mother with mental illnesses and/or substance abuse) were not associated with any of the indicators of stress systems activity. Regardless of the risk group, participants with dysregulated HPA axis activity experienced a higher level of negative parenting. Altogether, our study provides evidence that negative parenting may have long‐lasting effects on stress‐sensitive physiological mechanisms.
Climate change aggravates non‐target effects of pesticides on dragonflies at macroecological scales
Authors: Sirois‐Delisle Catherine , Kerr Jeremy T.
Published: November 2021

Critical gaps in understanding how species respond to environmental change limit our capacity to address conservation risks in a timely way. Here, we examine the direct and interactive effects of key global change drivers, including climate change, land use change, and pesticide use, on persistence of 104 odonate species between two time periods (1980–2002 and 2008–2018) within 100 × 100 km quadrats across the USA using phylogenetic mixed models. Non‐target effects of pesticides interacted with higher maximum temperatures to contribute to odonate declines. Closely related species responded similarly to global change drivers, indicating a potential role of inherited traits in species’ persistence or decline. Species shifting their range to higher latitudes were more robust to negative impacts of global change drivers generally. Inherited traits related to dispersal abilities and establishment in new places may govern both species’ acclimation to global change and their abilities to expand their range limits, respectively. This work is among the first to assess effects of climate change, land use change, and land use intensification together on Odonata, a significant step that improves understanding of multispecies effects of global change on invertebrates, and further identifies conditions contributing to global insect loss.
Combined prognostic value of malnutrition using GLIM criteria and renal insufficiency in elderly heart failure
Authors: Oguri Mitsutoshi , Ishii Hideki , Yasuda Kenichiro , Sumi Takuya , Takahashi Hiroshi , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: November 2021

Aims

We aimed to investigate the prognostic impact of malnutrition, defined by the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria, stratified by renal function in hospitalized patients with acute decompensated heart failure (HF).

Methods and results

In this retrospective study, 314 patients who were hospitalized for acute decompensated HF from August 2019 to October 2020 were enrolled. We evaluated malnutrition using the GLIM criteria during the time of admission. The primary outcome was 90‐day all‐cause mortality. The median patient age was 82 years, and 90‐day mortality was 14.0%. In total, 76 (24.2%) patients were malnourished according to the GLIM criteria. Malnutrition defined by the GLIM criteria [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–1.91, P = 0.036] and renal insufficiency [adjusted HR 2.59, 95% CI 1.07–6.28, P = 0.035 for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 vs. ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2] were identified as independent predictors of 90‐day mortality after adjustment for age, systolic blood pressure, and serum sodium level. In the combined setting of both variables, patients with malnutrition and eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 had a markedly higher risk of 90‐day mortality compared with those without malnutrition and eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (adjusted HR 3.92, 95% CI 1.10–13.9, P = 0.035). Adding both eGFR and malnutrition, defined by the GLIM criteria, to the baseline model with established risk factors improved both net reclassification and integrated discrimination greater than that of the baseline model (0.606, P < 0.001 and 0.050, P = 0.002, respectively), even when compared with the model with malnutrition by the GLIM alone (0.463, P = 0.002 and 0.034, P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Nutrition screening using the GLIM criteria stratified by renal function could clearly predict 90‐day mortality in hospitalized patients with acute decompensated HF.
Determination of lipid content and stability in lipid nanoparticles using ultra high‐performance liquid chromatography in combination with a Corona Charged Aerosol Detector
Authors: Kinsey Caleb , Lu Tian , Deiss Alyssa , Vuolo Kim , Klein Lee , Rustandi Richard R. , Loughney John W.
Published: November 2021

For many years, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have been used as delivery vehicles for various payloads (especially various oligonucleotides and mRNA), finding numerous applications in drug and vaccine development. LNP stability and bilayer fluidity are determined by the identities and the amounts of the various lipids employed in the formulation and LNP efficacy is determined in large part by the lipid composition which usually contains a cationic lipid, a PEG‐lipid conjugate, cholesterol, and a zwitterionic helper phospholipid. Analytical methods developed for LNP characterization must be able to determine not only the identity and content of each individual lipid component (i.e., the parent lipids), but also the associated impurities and degradants. In this work, we describe an efficient and sensitive reversed‐phase chromatographic method with charged aerosol detection (CAD) suitable for this purpose. Sample preparation diluent and mobile phase pH conditions are critical and have been optimized for the lipids of interest. This method was validated for its linearity, accuracy, precision, and specificity for lipid analysis to support process and formulation development for new drugs and vaccines.
Curding of milk in incubator utilizing latent heat of lauric acid in winter
Authors: Vennapusa Jagadeeswara Reddy , Singh Jitendra , Chattopadhyay Sujay
Published: November 2021

The maintenance of incubation temperature (30°C‐50°C) for growth of culture is essential during fermentation of milk to curd. This report discusses the issue of maintaining constant temperature of milk for formation of curd using lauric acid (m.p. 45.02°C and f.p. 40.21°C) as phase change material (PCM). Lauric acid possesses phase transition enthalpy, 189.43 kJ kg−1 and was thermally stable till 140°C. A known dimension of a temperature controlling packaging (TCP) box was made by taking 240 g of PCM uniformly distributed inside six polyethylene packets (40 g each) of dimensions identical with that of inner walls of the corrugated box and the packets were placed along inner walls of TCP box. The TCP box containing packets with molten PCM could maintain the temperature of 150 g milk (placed inside box) in between 50°C and 30°C for 160 minutes and helped in curd formation, while the whole assembly was exposed to 1°C of ambient temperature.
Banana seed genetic resources for food security: Status, constraints, and future priorities
Authors: Kallow Simon , Mertens Arne , Janssens Steven B. , Vandelook Filip , Dickie John , Swennen Rony , Panis Bart
Published: November 2021

Storing seed collections of crop wild relatives, wild plant taxa genetically related to crops, is an essential component in global food security. Seed banking protects genetic resources from degradation and extinction and provides material for use by breeders. Despite being among the most important crops in the world, banana and plantain crop wild relatives are largely under‐represented in genebanks. Nevertheless, banana crop wild relative seed collections are in fact held in different countries, but these have not previously been part of reporting or analysis. To fill this gap, we firstly collated banana seed accession data from 13 institutions in 10 countries. These included 537 accessions containing an estimated 430,000 seeds of 56 species. We reviewed their taxonomic coverage and seed storage conditions including viability estimates. We found that seed accessions have low viability (25% mean) representing problems in seed storage and processing. Secondly, we surveyed 22 institutions involved in banana genetic resource conservation regarding the key constraints and knowledge gaps that institutions face related to banana seed conservation. Major constraints were identified including finding suitable material and populations to collect seeds from, lack of knowledge regarding optimal storage conditions and germination conditions. Thirdly, we carried out a conservation prioritization and gap analysis of Musaceae taxa, using established methods, to index representativeness. Overall, our conservation assessment showed that despite this extended data set banana crop wild relatives are inadequately conserved, with 51% of taxa not represented in seed collections at all; the average conservation assessment showing high priority for conservation according to the index. Finally, we provide recommendations for future collecting, research, and management, to conserve banana and plantain crop wild relatives in seed banks for future generations.
Presence of Liver Inflammation in Asian Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B With Normal ALT and Detectable HBV DNA in Absence of Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Liu Jiacheng , Wang Jian , Yan Xiaomin , Xue Ruifei , Zhan Jie , Jiang Suling , Geng Yu , Liu Yilin , Mao Minxin , Xia Juan , Yin Shengxia , Tong Xin , Chen Yuxin , Ding Weimao , Huang Rui , Wu Chao
Published: November 2021

Liver biopsies are recommended to exclude significant liver inflammation in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) with elevated HBV DNA but without other indications for antiviral treatment. We aimed to investigate the proportions and determinants of significant inflammation in Asian patients with CHB with detectable HBV DNA. We conducted a cross‐sectional study that retrospectively included 581 patients with CHB with detectable HBV DNA who had undergone liver biopsy. Liver inflammation and fibrosis were staged by Scheuer’s classification. Significant inflammation and significant fibrosis were defined as G ≥ 2 and S ≥ 2, respectively. There were 179 (30.8%) patients with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) < 1 × upper limit of normal (ULN), 205 (35.3%) patients with ALT 1‐2 × ULN, and 197 (33.9%) patients with ALT > 2 × ULN. A total of 397 (68.3%) patients had significant inflammation, and 340 (58.5%) patients had significant fibrosis. Significant inflammation was found in 85% of patients with significant fibrosis and in 44.8% of patients without significant fibrosis. Furthermore, 28.7% of patients with CHB with detectable HBV DNA and normal ALT in the absence of significant fibrosis had significant inflammation. Moderate HBV DNA (5‐7 log10 IU/mL) was a risk factor for significant inflammation (odds ratio [OR] 6.929, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.830‐16.966, P < 0.001) in patients with CHB with detectable HBV DNA, especially for patients with detectable HBV DNA and normal ALT in the absence of significant fibrosis (adjusted OR 13.161, 95% CI 1.026‐168.889, P = 0.048). Conclusion: A high proportion of CHB patients with detectable HBV DNA and normal ALT in the absence of significant fibrosis have significant liver inflammation. Liver biopsies are recommended to evaluate liver inflammation in such patients, especially for those with moderate HBV DNA.
Ginsenoside RG1 augments doxorubicin‐induced apoptotic cell death in MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cell lines
Authors: Liu Shengcui , Huang Junhua , Gao Fucun , Yin Zhiping , Zhang Ruikui
Published: November 2021

This study determined the chemosensitizing potential of ginsenoside Rg1 in triple‐negative MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cell lines. Ginsenoside Rg1 (10 µM) treated breast cancer cells were exposed to 8 nM of doxorubicin, and the chemosensitizing potential was measured by cell‐based assays. Ginsenoside Rg1 (10 µM) treatment lowered the doxorubicin IC50value to 0.01 nM. Furthermore, the ginsenoside pretreatment augments doxorubicin‐mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and subsequent alterations of mitochondrial membrane potential in MDA‐MB‐231 cell lines. The alkaline comet assay results illustrated an increased % tail DNA during ginsenoside Rg1 plus doxorubicin treatment than doxorubicin alone treatment. In addition, the number of apoptotic cells was also increased in ginsenoside Rg1 plus doxorubicin‐treated cells. Furthermore, the polymerase chain reaction array results illustrate activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) gene expression (AKT, ERK, and MAPK) during doxorubicin alone treatment and it has been attenuated by ginsenoside Rg1 pretreatment. Moreover, ginsenoside Rg1 treatment before doxorubicin activates the DNA damage response elements (ATM, H2AX, RAD51, and XRCC1) and subsequent apoptosis‐related gene expression (p21, TP53. APAF1, Bax, CASP3, and CASP9) patterns in MDA‐MB‐231 cell lines. The ginsenoside Rg1 plus doxorubicin combination shows less cytotoxicity and ROS generation in MDA10A normal breast cancer cell lines. Therefore, the present results support the chemosensitizing property of ginsenoside Rg1 in triple‐negative breast cancer cell lines.
SARS‐CoV‐2 spike evolutionary behaviors; simulation of N501Y mutation outcomes in terms of immunogenicity and structural characteristic
Authors: Rostami Neda , Choupani Edris , Hernandez Yaeren , Arab Seyed S. , Jazayeri Seyed M. , Gomari Mohammad M.
Published: November 2021

Since the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), a large number of mutations in its genome have been reported. Some of the mutations occur in noncoding regions without affecting the pathobiology of the virus, while mutations in coding regions are significant. One of the regions where a mutation can occur, affecting the function of the virus is at the receptor‐binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein. RBD interacts with angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and facilitates the entry of the virus into the host cells. There is a lot of focus on RBD mutations, especially the displacement of N501Y which is observed in the UK/Kent, South Africa, and Brazilian lineages of SARS‐CoV‐2. Our group utilizes computational biology approaches such as immunoinformatics, protein–protein interaction analysis, molecular dynamics, free energy computation, and tertiary structure analysis to disclose the consequences of N501Y mutation at the molecular level. Surprisingly, we discovered that this mutation reduces the immunogenicity of the spike protein; also, displacement of Asn with Tyr reduces protein compactness and significantly increases the stability of the spike protein and its affinity to ACE2. Moreover, following the N501Y mutation secondary structure and folding of the spike protein changed dramatically.
Hematological changes associated with COVID‐19 infection
Authors: Al‐Saadi Enass Abdul Kareem Dagher , Abdulnabi Marwa Ali
Published: November 2021

Background

The unresolved COVID‐19 pandemic considerably impacts the health services in Iraq and worldwide. Consecutive waves of mutated virus increased virus spread and further constrained health systems. Although molecular identification of the virus by polymerase chain reaction is the only recommended method in diagnosing COVID‐19 infection, radiological, biochemical, and hematological studies are substantially important in risk stratification, patient follow‐up, and outcome prediction.

Aim

This narrative review summarized the hematological changes including the blood indices, coagulative indicators, and other associated biochemical laboratory markers in different stages of COVID‐19 infection, highlighting the diagnostic and prognostic significance.

Methods

Literature search was conducted for multiple combinations of different hematological tests and manifestations with novel COVID‐19 using the following key words: “hematological,” “complete blood count,” “lymphopenia,” “blood indices,” “markers” "platelet" OR "thrombocytopenia" AND "COVID‐19," "coronavirus2019," "2019‐nCoV," OR "SARS‐CoV‐2." Articles written in the English language and conducted on human samples between December 2019 and January 2021 were included.

Results

Hematological changes are not reported in asymptomatic or presymptomatic COVID‐19 patients. In nonsevere cases, hematological changes are subtle, included mainly lymphocytopenia (80.4%). In severe, critically ill patients and those with cytokine storm, neutrophilia, lymphocytopenia, elevated D‐dimer, prolonged PT, and reduced fibrinogen are predictors of disease progression and adverse outcome.

Conclusion

Monitoring hematological changes in patients with COVID‐19 can predict patients needing additional care and stratify the risk for severe course of the disease. More studies are required in Iraq to reflect the hematological changes in COVID‐19 as compared to global data.
A high value of fibrinogen in immunoglobulin A nephropathy patients is associated with a worse renal tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis score
Authors: Tu Mengyun , Hu Sipin , Lou Zhengqing
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of our study was to investigate the relationship between serum fibrinogen value and renal tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis in immunoglobulin A nephropathy patients with eGFR ≥90 ml/min/1.73 m2.

Patients and Methods

Of 359 patients diagnosed with immunoglobulin A nephropathy after renal biopsy were enrolled in this retrospective study. Demographic, histopathological features, and clinical data were collected. The relationships among these factors were analyzed by using Student's t test, Mann‐Whitney U test, Kruskal‐Wallis test, Chi‐square test, or Fisher's exact test, where appropriate. The logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the independent risk factors.

Results

Of 176 immunoglobulin A nephropathy patients with eGFR ≥90 ml/min/1.73 m2 were included in this study, and patients were classified into low fibrinogen (fibrinogen <304.6 mg/dl) and high fibrinogen (fibrinogen ≥304.6 mg/dl) groups, respectively. High fibrinogen groups had advanced age, a higher classification of renal tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis, and higher levels of systolic pressure, D‐dimer, 24 h urine protein quantitation, nag enzyme. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that fibrinogen (OR = 1.018) was significantly associated with tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis.

Conclusion

Among patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy, the higher levels of fibrinogen and uric acid may mean a higher score of tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis, which suggests the renal biopsy should be performed for these patients as early as possible to defined pathological classification, even though there is no obvious abnormal change in the test of renal function.
Effect of hole perpendicularity error and squeeze force on the mechanical behaviors of riveted joints
Authors: Li Ming , Tian Wei , Hu Junshan , Wang Changrui , Liao Wenhe
Published: November 2021

In the automatic drilling and riveting process, the perpendicular error of the hole is inevitable, which has a great influence on the assembly quality. In the current research, the shear and pull‐out behaviors of riveted joints under different perpendicularity errors and squeeze forces were investigated and compared by the quasi‐static tests. The fracture of the failed samples was characterized by a scanning electron microscope and the formation process of fracture was discussed. The failure mechanisms of riveted joints were analyzed in detail to guide engineering applications. The test results demonstrated that the shear load and pull‐out load of riveted joints increased slightly with the increase of the tilt angle from 0° to 4°. The perpendicularity error did not affect the shear and pull‐out failure modes of the riveted joints. However, the squeeze force had a significant effect on the failure modes of the pull‐out samples. Fracture analysis showed that the failure of all shear samples occurred at the rivet shaft. Besides, when the squeeze force increased from 15 kN to 23 kN, the failure modes of the pull‐out samples changed from the sheet to the rivet itself.
Multifractal analysis of Mg‐doped ZnO thin films deposited by sol–gel spin coating method
Authors: Ţălu Ştefan , Boudour Samah , Bouchama Idris , Astinchap Bandar , Ghanbaripour Hamta , Akhtar Muhammad Saeed , Zahra Sarwat
Published: November 2021

A multifractal analysis has been performed on the 3D (three‐dimensional) surface microtexture of magnesium‐doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Mg) thin films with doping concentration of 0, 2, 4, and 5%. Thin films were deposited onto the glass substrates via the sol–gel spin coating method. The effect of magnesium doping, on the crystal structure, morphology, and band gap for ZnO:Mg thin films has been analyzed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and UV–Vis spectroscopy. It has been observed that the surface of ZnO thin films is multifractal in nature. However, multifractality and complexity observed to decrease with increasing content of Mg in ZnO thin films due to formation of islands on the surface in accordance with Volmer–Weber growth mechanism. The investigations revealed that crystallinity, microtexture, morphology, and optical properties of the thin films can be tuned by controlling the Mg content within the ZnO lattice. In particular, their optical band gap energies were 3.27, 3.31, 3.34, and 3.33 eV at 0, 2, 4, and 5%, respectively. The prepared thin films of ZnO:Mg with tuned characteristics would have promising applications in optoelectronic devices.
Behavioral patterns in the early‐stage antipredator response change after tail autotomy in adult wall lizards
Authors: Fernández‐Rodríguez Irene , Braña Florentino
Published: November 2021

Autotomy is a drastic antipredator defense consisting of the voluntary shedding of a body part to escape from the predators. The loss of a body part may impair locomotion, feeding or mating, so animals may face a higher predation risk shortly after autotomy. Thus, until regeneration is completed, prey may adjust their behavior to reduce predation risk, and this could involve secondary costs. We assessed the effect of tail loss on the antipredator behavior of wall lizards (Podarcis muralis), comparing the behavior of tailed and tailless individuals exposed to a predatory snake (Coronella austriaca) scent, under controlled experimental conditions. Tailless lizards spent significantly more time performing behaviors with antipredatory significance (e.g., moving slowly), whereas tailed individuals performed exploratory walking for significantly more time. Moreover, tailless lizards spent more time basking, which probably increases the effectiveness of their cryptic design and decreases detection by predators. Lizards intensified the tongue flick rates when exposed to a pungent control or snake scents, as compared to their response to a neutral control. Besides, both tailed and tailless lizards intensified some aspects of their antipredator behavior (walking slowly and avoiding refuge use) when exposed to snake scent, which indicates discrimination of the smell of predatory snakes. Lizards decreased refuge use when exposed to predator scents, probably because the refuges are evaluated as unsafe due to a high concentration of snake scents. To conclude, our experiments showed that, after losing their tails, wall lizards modify their behavior in a way that likely minimizes predation risk.
The morphology of the suboccipital region in snakes, and the anatomical and functional diversity of the myodural bridge
Authors: Grondel Bryson , Cramberg Michael , Greer Skye , Young Bruce A.
Published: November 2021

The myodural bridge, that is, skeletal muscle fibers attaching to the cervical dura mater, has been described from a variety of mammals and other amniotes. To test an earlier assumption about the presence of the myodural bridge in snakes, a comparative study was designed using a group of Colubrine snakes. Serial histological sections revealed no evidence of the myodural bridge in any of the snakes examined. Further analyses, including histology, computed tomography (CT), and micro‐CT imaging of other distantly related snakes, also turned up no evidence of a myodural bridge. The close apposition of adjacent neural arches in snakes may preclude muscle tendons from passing through the intervertebral joint to reach the spinal dura. It is hypothesized that the myodural bridge functions in the clearance of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by creating episodic CSF pressure pulsations, and that snakes are capable of creating equivalent CSF pressure pulsations through vertebral displacement.
Post‐COVID syndrome symptoms, functional disability, and clinical severity phenotypes in hospitalized and nonhospitalized individuals: A cross‐sectional evaluation from a community COVID rehabilitation service
Authors: Sivan Manoj , Parkin Amy , Makower Sophie , Greenwood Darren C.
Published: November 2021

There is currently limited information on clinical severity phenotypes of symptoms and functional disability in post‐coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID) Syndrome (PCS). A purposive sample of 370 PCS patients from a dedicated community COVID‐19 rehabilitation service was assessed using the COVID‐19 Yorkshire Rehabilitation Scale where each symptom or functional difficulty was scored on a 0–10 Likert scale and also compared with before infection. Phenotypes based on symptom severity were extracted to identify any noticeable patterns. The correlation between symptom severity, functional disability, and overall health was explored. The mean age was 47 years, with 237 (64%) females. The median duration of symptoms was 211 days (interquartile range 143–353). Symptoms and functional difficulties increased substantially when compared to before infection. Three distinct severity phenotypes of mild (n = 90), moderate (n = 186), and severe (n = 94) were identified where the severity of individual symptoms was of similar severity within each phenotype. Symptom scores were strongly positively correlated with functional difficulty scores (0.7, 0.6–0.7) and moderately negatively correlated with overall health (−0.4, −0.3, to −0.5). This is the first study reporting on severity phenotypes in a largely nonhospitalized PCS cohort. Severity phenotypes might help stratify patients for targeted interventions and planning of care pathways.
Postvaccination SARS‐CoV‐2 infection among healthcare workers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chandan Saurabh , Khan Shahab R. , Deliwala Smit , Mohan Babu P. , Ramai Daryl , Chandan Ojasvini C. , Facciorusso Antonio
Published: November 2021

Healthcare workers (HCWs) remain on the front line of the battle against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection and are among the highest groups at risk of infection during this raging pandemic. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the incidence of postvaccination SARS‐CoV‐2 infection among vaccinated HCWs. We searched multiple databases from inception through August 2021 to identify studies that reported on the incidence of postvaccination SARS‐CoV‐2 infection among HCWs. Meta‐analysis was performed to determine pooled proportions of COVID‐19 infection in partially/fully vaccinated as well as unvaccinated individuals. Eighteen studies with 228 873 HCWs were included in the final analysis. The total number of partially vaccinated, fully vaccinated, and unvaccinated HCWs were 132 922, 155 673, and 17 505, respectively. Overall pooled proportion of COVID‐19 infections among partially/fully vaccinated and unvaccinated HCWs was 2.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–3.5). Among partially vaccinated, fully vaccinated and unvaccinated HCWs, pooled proportion of COVID‐19 infections was 2.3% (CI 1.2–4.4), 1.3% (95% CI 0.6–2.9), and 10.1% (95% CI 4.5–19.5), respectively. Our analysis shows the risk of COVID‐19 infection in both partially and fully vaccinated HCWs remains exceedingly low when compared to unvaccinated individuals. There remains an urgent need for all frontline HCWs to be vaccinated against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
Effect of the oat, horse chestnut, cowherb, soy, quinoa and soapwort extracts on skin‐mimicking monolayers and cell lines
Authors: Jurek Ilona , Szuplewska Aleksandra , Chudy Michał , Wojciechowski Kamil
Published: November 2021

The main goal of the study was to compare the effect of aqueous extracts of oat (Avena sativa L.), horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.), quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), soapwort (Saponaria officinalis L.), cowherb (Vaccaria hispanica [P. Mill.] Rauschert) and soy (Glycine max L.) on model lipid monolayers mimicking the lipid membrane of keratinocytes and intercellular lipids of stratum corneum, and on human skin‐related cell lines. Two lipid monolayers, consisting of a dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and cholesterol mixture in a molar ratio of 7:3 and Ceramide VI, stearic acid and cholesterol in a molar ratio of 1:1:0.7, and two cell lines (human keratinocyte HaCaT and human skin malignant melanoma A375) were employed. None of the extracts reduced surface pressure below the level achieved for bare monolayers. The strength of the effect on the lipid monolayers (horse chestnut > cowherb > soapwort > soy) points to the existence of some specific interactions responsible for the observed affinity of biosurfactants from the extracts to the lipids in the monolayers. The cytotoxicity tests performed with two model skin cell lines showed that all six plants extracts significantly reduced the cells' viability in a concentration‐dependent way. The model lipid monolayers were not solubilized by the investigated surface‐active extracts. The latter thus proved interesting candidates for application in mild cleansing cosmetic formulations. Penetration of the monolayers by surface‐active components of some extracts, especially horse chestnut, cowherb and soapwort, opens new possibilities for topical delivery of active components.
Rapid qualitative profiling and quantitative analysis of Juglandis Mandshuricae Cortex and seven flavonoids by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole/orbitrap high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Sun Zhi , Zhao Mengfan , Zuo Lihua , Zhou Shengnan , Fan Feng , Jia Qingquan , Xue Lianping , Li Hanbing , Kang Jian , Zhang Xiaojian
Published: November 2021

Juglandis Mandshuricae Cortex is the bark ofJuglans mandshurica Maxim., which has been used as a folk medicine plant in China and India. In this study, an ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole/orbitrap high‐resolution mass spectrometry method was developed to clarify and quantify the chemical profiling of Juglandis Mandshuricae Cortex rapidly. A total of 113 compounds were characterized. Among them, seven flavonoids were simultaneously quantified in 15 min, including myricetin, myricetrin, taxifolin, kaempferol, quercetin, quercitrin, and naringenin. The method was validated for accuracy, precision, and the limits of detection and quantification. All calibration curves showed a good linear relationship (r > 0.9990) within test ranges. The intra‐ and inter‐day relative standard deviations were less than 2.16%. Accuracy validation showed that the recovery was between 95.6 and 101.3% with relative standard deviation values below 2.85%. The validated method was successfully applied to determine the contents of seven flavones in Juglandis Mandshuricae Cortex from seven sources and the contents of these places were calculated respectively. This method provides a theoretical basis for further developing the medicinal value of Juglandis Mandshuricae Cortex.
LINC01224 facilitates the proliferation and inhibits the radiosensitivity of melanoma cells through the miR‐193a‐5p/NR1D2 axis
Authors: Cui Yu , Zheng Yi , Lu Yue , Zhang Muyuan , Yang Lei , Li Wei
Published: November 2021

Melanoma is a skin cancer characterized by early metastasis and high mortality. Radiotherapy is a common treatment for melanoma in patients. Long noncoding RNAs play pivotal roles in regulating the radiosensitivity of many tumors, including melanomas. In this study, the role of LINC01224 in the radiosensitivity of melanoma cells was explored. The expression of LINC01224 in melanoma was examined by reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the results showed that LINC01224 was upregulated in melanoma tissues and cells. The effects of LINC01224 on cell proliferation and apoptosis in melanoma were assessed by 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT), colony formation, and flow cytometry assays. The effects of LINC01224 on the radiosensitivity of melanoma were analyzed by colony formation assay. The results implied that LINC01224 knockdown inhibited cell viability and proliferation but enhanced cell apoptosis and radiosensitivity. Luciferase reporter and RNA pull‐down assays were performed to evaluate the relationships between LINC01224 and miR‐193a‐5p or miR‐193a‐5p and nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group D member 2 (NR1D2). We found that LINC01224 binds to miR‐193a‐5p, which directly targets NR1D2. In addition, we discovered that LINC01224 upregulated NR1D2 expression by sponging miR‐193a‐5p in melanoma cells. Overall, the data collected in this study suggest that LINC01224 exerts oncogenic effects in melanoma via the miR‐193a‐5p/NR1D2 axis.
Senkyunolide H inhibits activation of microglia and attenuates lipopolysaccharide‐mediated neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in BV2 microglia cells via regulating ERK and NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Tan Jun , Li Wei , Teng Zhipeng , Wang Guang , Li Yanyan , Zhang Yuan
Published: November 2021

Neuropathic pain is one of the common surgical diseases, which leads to abnormal chronic pain and pain hypersensitivity reaction. Microglia are important glial cells in the spinal cord, which are conducive to sensitization and maintenance of chronic pain. Recently, Senkyunolide H (SNH) has been reported to play an anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant role. However, the mechanisms by which SNH improves neuropathic pain symptoms remain unknown. This study aimed to evaluate and identify the role of SNH in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐mediated neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in BV2. Western blot and immunostaining assays revealed that SNH treatment attenuated LPS‐mediated activation of BV2 in a dose‐dependent manner. Flow cytometry further verified that BV2 microglial cells gradually shifted from an M1 (pro‐inflammatory) phenotype to an M2 (anti‐inflammatory) phenotype after SNH administration. Furthermore, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and ELISA assays demonstrated that SNH treatment attenuated LPS‐mediated neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in BV2 microglial cells. Lastly, western blot assays suggested that SHN could inactivate the ERK and NF‐κB signaling pathways. Altogether, our findings have demonstrated that SNH could reverse LPS‐mediated activation of microglia, LPS‐mediated neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in BV2 via regulating the ERK and NF‐κB pathways.
Phonation Threshold Pressure Revisited: Effects of Intrinsic Laryngeal Muscle Activation
Authors: Azar Shaghauyegh S. , Chhetri Dinesh K.
Published: November 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Phonation threshold pressure (Pth) is the minimum subglottic pressure required to reach phonation onset and is considered a marker for vocal efficiency and health. We investigated the effects of intrinsic laryngeal muscle (ILM) activation on Pth.

Study Design

In vivo animal study.

Methods

In an in vivo canine phonation model, laryngeal adductor muscles were activated together by stimulation of the recurrent laryngeal nerves (RLNs) and individually via stimulation of respective terminal nerve branches. Cricothyroid (CT) muscles were activated via stimulation of the superior laryngeal nerves. ILMs were activated in a graded manner at various combinations as transglottal airflow was gradually increased. Aerodynamic and glottal posture parameters were measured at phonation onset.

Results

Graded RLN stimulation decreased glottal distance and increased Pth. Thyroarytenoid (TA) muscle activation alone increased Pth. Lateral cricoarytenoid (LCA) muscle activation alone had minimal effects. However, graded TA activation as a function of LCA activation level revealed a synergistic relationship between the two muscles in increasing Pth. Effects of CT activation were dependent on adductor stimulation level: CT activation increased Pth at low RLN stimulation levels and decreased Pth at high RLN levels.

Conclusions

The effects of ILM activation on Pth were consistent with their expected effects on vocal fold stiffness and tension. TA was the primary adductor controlling Pth. While LCA alone had minimal effects on Pth, it enhanced the role of TA in controlling Pth. TA and CT have antagonistic roles in controlling Pth. These relationships should be considered in clinical efforts to improve ease of phonation and vocal efficiency.

Level of Evidence

NA, basic science Laryngoscope, 132:1427–1432, 2022
Effect of annealing and supercritical CO2 exposure at 750°C on the tensile properties of stainless steel and Ni‐based structural alloys
Authors: Dryepondt Sebastien N. , Lehmusto Juho , Pint Bruce A.
Published: November 2021

Subsize dogbone tensile specimens of alloys 304H, 310HCbN, and 740H were exposed to 30 MPa supercritical CO2 (sCO2) for up to 4000 h at 750°C. Similar exposures in laboratory air were used to assess the specific role of sCO2 exposure on the alloy tensile properties. Type 304H specimens were only embrittled by exposure in sCO2 due to the formation of a thick Fe‐rich oxide and C ingress in the bulk of the alloy. For 310HCbN and 740H, no effect of the sCO2 environment was observed and a decrease of the alloy's ductility was associated with previously observed microstructure evolutions, for example, grain boundary carbide formation. The 740H was tested in the solution annealed condition and self‐aging took place during 750°C exposures in sCO2 and air with the formation of fine gamma prime precipitates leading to significant tensile strength increase. It was found that both 740H and 310HCbN have adequate sCO2 compatibility for high‐temperature commercial applications.
Animal models for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and pathology
Authors: Bi Zhenfei , Hong Weiqi , Yang Jingyun , Lu Shuaiyao , Peng Xiaozhong
Published: November 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is the etiology of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. Current variants including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Lambda increase the capacity of infection and transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2, which might disable the in‐used therapies and vaccines. The COVID‐19 has now put an enormous strain on health care system all over the world. Therefore, the development of animal models that can capture characteristics and immune responses observed in COVID‐19 patients is urgently needed. Appropriate models could accelerate the testing of therapeutic drugs and vaccines against SARS‐CoV‐2. In this review, we aim to summarize the current animal models for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, including mice, hamsters, nonhuman primates, and ferrets, and discuss the details of transmission, pathology, and immunology induced by SARS‐CoV‐2 in these animal models. We hope this could throw light to the increased usefulness in fundamental studies of COVID‐19 and the preclinical analysis of vaccines and therapeutic agents.