bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corn and soybean prevented planting acres response to weather
Authors: Boyer Christopher N. , Park Eunchun , Yun Seong D.
Published: February 2022

We determine how monthly precipitation and temperature before and during planting impacts US corn and soybean prevented planting acres using county‐level data from 1996 to 2019. Corn and soybean prevented planting acres were responsive to precipitation and temperature. Precipitation from January through May impacted corn prevented planting acres, but precipitation in May and June impacted soybean prevented planting acres. Additionally, higher average temperature in April decreased corn and soybean prevented planting acres. We find the cooler and wetter April and May months will increase the prevented planting acres. Results provide insight into how weather can impact prevented planting acres and indemnities.
KBG syndrome in a Chinese population: A case series
Authors: Ho Stephanie , Luk Ho‐Ming , Lo Ivan F. M.
Published: February 2022

KBG syndrome (OMIM #148050) is an autosomal dominant neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the presence of macrodontia of the permanent central upper incisors, characteristic facial features, delay in development, intellectual disability, short stature, and various skeletal abnormalities. Over 200 affected individuals have been described worldwide, though underdiagnosis is suspected because the characteristic features are variably present and affected individuals can have a mild phenotype. This case series provides a summary of the clinical and molecular characteristics of 10 Chinese KBG syndrome patients recruited from a single center. To our knowledge, this is the first case series for Chinese KBG patients. This case series aimed at exploring potential ethnicity‐related variability in KBG syndrome.
Synaptic density and cognitive performance in Alzheimer's disease: A PET imaging study with [11C]UCB‐J
Authors: Mecca Adam P. , O'Dell Ryan S. , Sharp Emily S. , Banks Emmie R. , Bartlett Hugh H. , Zhao Wenzhen , Lipior Sylwia , Diepenbrock Nina G. , Chen Ming‐Kai , Naganawa Mika , Toyonaga Takuya , Nabulsi Nabeel B. , Vander Wyk Brent C. , Arnsten Amy F. T. , Huang Yiyun , Carson Richard E. , van Dyck Christopher H.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

For 30 years synapse loss has been referred to as the major pathological correlate of cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, this statement is based on remarkably few patients studied by autopsy or biopsy. With the recent advent of synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, we have begun to evaluate the consequences of synaptic alterations in vivo.

Methods

We examined the relationship between synaptic density measured by [11C]UCB‐J PET and neuropsychological test performance in 45 participants with early AD.

Results

Global synaptic density showed a significant positive association with global cognition and performance on five individual cognitive domains in participants with early AD. Synaptic density was a stronger predictor of cognitive performance than gray matter volume.

Conclusion

These results confirm neuropathologic studies demonstrating a significant association between synaptic density and cognitive performance, and suggest that this correlation extends to the early stages of AD.
Primary mucinous adenocarcinoma of the orbit: A rare clinical entity
Authors: Maamri Kais , Ben Fredj Rihab , Nessib Nesrine , Trifa Amine , Hadhri Maher , Elkahla Ghassen , Ben Nsir Atef , Darmoul Mehdi
Published: February 2022

Primary mucinous adenocarcinoma is an exceptionally rare neoplasm with a propensity for local recurrence and metastasis. We report the second case in the world literature of a primary mucinous adenocarcinoma of the orbit in a 66‐year‐old man suffering from pain, progressive protrusion of left eye, and a deep drop in vision on the left for several weeks. His first external examination revealed significant proptosis with downward displacement of the left globe with no signs of lagophthalmos. A limitation of abduction was also noted. A CT of the orbit with and without contrast showed intra‐ and extra‐conical solid expansive process. MRI of the orbit with contrast and without contrast has shown a process of the supero‐internal angle of the left orbit. The patient was operated via a combined approach, and complete enucleation was done. The final pathologic diagnosis was mucinous adenocarcinoma of the orbit. The postoperative neuroimaging showed a complete resection of the tumor. The patient is referred for adjuvant radiotherapy. A CT of the orbit was made 3 months postoperatively and did not show any local recurrence.
Production of Biodegradable Bioplastics Filled with Jordanian Olive Tree Leaves
Authors: Kandah Munther I.
Published: February 2022

Petroleum‐based plastics have been causing severe ecological problems to the environment, posing a threat to the marine life as well as the quality of air. A biodegradable bioplastic was produced using natural and biodegradable materials, such as gelatin, glycerol, and water, together with natural agricultural wastes, such as Jordanian olive tree leaves as reinforced fillers within the bioplastics. The study aimed to investigate the type and percentage of each bioplastic component (biopolymer + plasticizer + other additive) and the influence of the percentage of the olive leaves on the mechanical properties of the produced bioplastic. It was found that, as the concentration of olive leaves increased, the density decreased; the ductility also decreased down to 7 %, then increased.
Catalytic Boosting Bidirectional Polysulfide Redox using Co0.85Se/C Hollow Structure for High‐Performance Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zhang Xingyuan , Gu Honghui , Shen Chao , Wei Bingqing , Wang Jian‐Gan
Published: February 2022

Achieving effective adsorption and fast conversion of soluble polysulfides confined in the sulfur cathode is critical yet challenging for building high‐performance lithium‐sulfur batteries. Herein, we construct a unique hollow‐structured Co0.85Se/C as a separator modifier (CSPP) to effectively suppress the polysulfide shuttle effect. The Co0.85Se/C demonstrates strong anchoring with polysulfide species and smooth bidirectional electrocatalysis. The unique mesoporous hollow architecture affords sufficient catalytic sites and Li+ diffusion channels for promoting the reaction kinetics. Benefiting from the merits, the CSPP‐cell could yield a superior electrochemical utilization of active sulfur, excellent rate capability (679 mAh g−1 at 5 C), and stable cycling performance with an ultralow fading rate of 0.056 % per cycle over 500 cycles. The work highlights great promise of developing cobalt‐based materials as kinetic regulators for highly stable lithium‐sulfur batteries.
Preparation of cellulose derivative bearing bulky 4‐(2‐benzothienyl)phenylcarbamate substituents as chiral stationary phase for enantioseparation
Authors: Wang Fan , Wang Yuqing , Min Yixuan , Li Junqing , Zhang Lili , Zheng Ting , Shen Jun , Okamoto Yoshio
Published: February 2022

A novel cellulose derivative bearing bulky 4‐(2‐benzothienyl)phenylcarbamate substituents (Cel‐1) was readily synthesized by carbamoylation followed by Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction. The corresponding coated‐type chiral stationary phase (CSP) was prepared on basis of the derivative, and its chiral recognition ability was then evaluated by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The chiral recognition ability of the cellulose derivative was greatly influenced by introduction of the bulky benzothienyl pendants on the aromatic moieties of phenylcarbamates, compared with its analog with smaller groups. Many racemates, including the metal tris(acetylacetonate) complexes, chiral drug, and the analyte with axial chirality, were sufficiently separated with good enantioselectivities on Cel‐1. Some of them were even higher than those on the commercially powerful Chiralcel OD, which is also a coated‐type CSP derived from cellulose phenylcarbamate derivative containing smaller 3,5‐dimethyl pendants. The 1H NMR and circular dichroism (CD) spectra of Cel‐1 indicated that the obtained derivative possessed a regular higher order structure, and a strong cotton effect was observed within the absorption range of π‐conjugated pendant at 350–500 nm. Impressively, the cellulose derivative bearing the bulky 4‐(2‐benzothienyl)phenylcarbamates exhibited good enantioselective fluorescence quenching behavior to the enantiomer pair of 1‐phenylethylamine, probably suggesting its potential for the application as a chiral fluorescent sensor with high efficiency. The combination of the arrangement of bulky π‐conjugated benzothienyl pendants on the phenylcarbamate moieties surrounding the helical backbone and the regular higher order structure of the polymer itself probably played a key role for this high chiral fluorescent recognition ability of Cel‐1. The interaction sites of bulky 4‐(2‐benzothienyl)phenylcarbamate pendants in its excited state can exhibit higher enantioselective discrimination via fluorescent response to the chiral compound Q1, whereas the chiral recognition ability of Cel‐1 to the same compound in the ground state had no clear improvement.
Reliability analysis and optimization of computer communication network based on genetic algorithm
Authors: Song Bihui
Published: February 2022

In this paper, the design of reliable communication network is solved by genetic algorithm. In order to solve this problem, we must first provide the lowest acceptable network reliability. There are many methods to satisfy the network reliability constraints. The penalty function may produce an invalid solution, so it is not suitable to solve the problem. In order to overcome these difficulties, this paper proposes a heuristic repair method, which is based on the number of spanning trees in the graph. Compared with the heuristic maintenance method with lower cost, this method can generate a better solution with less computation. When the population size is 25, the hybridization rate is 0.96, and the mutation rate is 0.07, the best results can be obtained. This paper analyzes the node fault, grasps the influence rule of the fault on the network, and improves the network reliability. This paper summarizes and classifies the failure modes of communication network nodes. Combined with the classic BA network model in the complex network theory, through the simulation design of MATLAB and OPNET, the influence of node function failure and performance failure on network reliability is studied.
Multi‐source information art painting fusion interactive 3D dynamic scene virtual reality technology application research
Authors: Pan JunHong , Deng Xi
Published: February 2022

Art painting is a very important major in China's education system. Under the background of the new era, the country vigorously promotes the modernization of education and the development of intelligence. Many subjects of teaching have been more mature and carried out intelligent teaching based on virtual reality technology. But throughout the art painting profession, the research on this aspect is almost blank. The main reason is that there are deep academic barriers between art painting and computer science. Therefore, this paper puts forward the application research of multi‐source information art painting fusion interactive 3D dynamic scene virtual reality technology. This paper deeply analyzes the needs of art painting and its teaching reform and believes that the existing virtual reality technology cannot adapt to the teaching environment of art painting. In view of the possible inaccurate calculation and other problems, this paper puts forward the optimization scheme. The core of the scheme is to use the information integration advantages of multi‐source information fusion to provide more comprehensive and complete object information for 3D modeling of virtual reality technology, so as to improve the imaging quality of virtual reality technology. In order to meet the requirement of high precision, the calculation method is optimized, the calculation steps are simplified, and the sensor selection is optimized again. This paper introduces the design principle and operation steps of the optimization method in detail. In order to further verify the actual effect of this method, comparative analysis method is used to test the comprehensive performance. In order to ensure the test quality, the median filtering algorithm and fuzzy algorithm are compared. Through the analysis and comparison of the data, the optimization method in this paper greatly improves the accuracy of calculation and the comprehensive performance is improved.
Associations of the HOMA2‐%B and HOMA2‐IR with progression to diabetes and glycaemic deterioration in young and middle‐aged Chinese
Authors: Fan Baoqi , Wu Hongjiang , Shi Mai , Yang Aimin , Lau Eric S. H. , Tam Claudia H. T. , Mao Dandan , Lim Cadmon K. P. , Kong Alice P. S. , Ma Ronald C. W. , Chow Elaine , Luk Andrea O. Y. , Chan Juliana C. N.
Published: February 2022

Aims

Insulin deficiency (ID) and resistance (IR) contribute to progression from normal glucose tolerance to diabetes to insulin requirement although their relative contributions in young‐onset diabetes is unknown.

Methods

We examined the associations of HOMA2 using fasting plasma glucose and C‐peptide in Chinese aged 20–50 years with (1) progression to type 2 diabetes (T2D) in participants without diabetes in a community‐based cohort (1998–2013) and (2) glycaemic deterioration in patients with T2D in a clinic‐based cohort (1995–2014). We defined ID as HOMA2‐%B below median and insulin IR as HOMA2‐IR above median.

Results

During 10‐year follow‐up, 62 (17.9%) of 347 community‐dwelling participants progressed to T2D. After 8.6 years, 291 (48.1%) of 609 patients with T2D had glycaemic deterioration. At baseline, progressors for T2D had higher HOMA2‐IR, while in patients with T2D, progressors for glycaemic deterioration had higher HOMA2‐IR and lower HOMA2‐%B than non‐progressors. The non‐ID/IR group and the ID/IR group had an adjusted odds ratios of 2.47 (95% CI: 1.28, 4.94) and 5.36 (2.26, 12.79), respectively, for incident T2D versus the ID/non‐IR group. In patients with T2D, 50% of the ID/IR group required insulin at 6.7 years versus around 11 years in the non‐ID/IR or ID/non‐IR, and more than 15 years in the non‐ID/non‐IR group. Compared with the latter group, the adjusted hazard ratios were 2.74 (1.80, 4.16) in the ID/non‐IR, 2.73 (1.78, 4.19) in the non‐ID/IR and 4.46 (2.87, 6.91) in the ID/IR group (p‐interaction = 0.049).

Conclusions

In young Chinese adults, IR and ID contributed to progression to T2D and glycaemic deterioration.
Felswärmeeintrag belüfteter Tunnelbauwerke
Authors: Carstens Volker , Ilg Ludwig , Pospisil Petr
Published: February 2022

Predicting the heat input from rock is particularly important for climatic conditions in long tunnels during the construction phase because, although other heat sources are present, this often has the greatest impact on the amount of heat transferred to the air in tunnels with a high rock overburden. Correctly predicting the time‐dependent rate at which the excavated tunnel tube cools is of fundamental importance, as this determines the amount of cooling power required to maintain the working climate. Two different rock heat calculation methods will be presented here: an analytical method based on a series development and a method based on solving the heat conduction equation using a numerical method.
Characteristics and testing of two‐component grout in tunnelling applications
Authors: Todaro Carmine , Martinelli Daniele , Boscaro Alessandro , Carigi Andrea , Saltarin Simone , Peila Daniele
Published: February 2022

Two‐component grout is nowadays the most popular backfilling technique, used widely in rock or soil thanks to its versatility and the undoubted advantages for operatives compared to other backfilling technologies. Despite its intensive adoption in shielded tunnelling projects, very poor and often fragmented information is available, especially on the engineering properties used for the mix design calibration (design phase) and secondly on construction sites as the acceptance protocol (operative phase). In this work, starting from real construction sites data, an analysis has been performed in order to determine the intrinsic characteristics of the two‐component grout technology. Moreover, the most frequently used engineering parameters have been identified to characterise both component A and the hardened grout, correlated with their usage frequency. The outcomes illustrate that although at the current time different choices are made at different construction sites, a pattern of tests has been recognised, that can be considered as a significant cornerstone for the characterisation of two‐component grout.
3D thermo‐hydro‐mechanical simulation of the behaviour of a naturally fractured petrothermal reservoir in deep Upper Jurassic carbonates of the Bavarian Molasse Basin – Case study Geretsried
Authors: Meneses Rioseco Ernesto , Dussel Michael , Moeck Inga S.
Published: February 2022

Based on multi‐scale and multi‐disciplinary measured data, gathered at the Geretsried geothermal site, a 3D reservoir model of the deep and fracture‐controlled Upper Jurassic carbonates in the North Alpine Foreland Basin is generated in this work. An efficient methodology is developed to numerically simulate the coupled reservoir processes of fluid flow, heat transport and thermoporoelastic stresses resulting from possible geothermal doublet operating schemes with cold fluid injection and production profiles in an enhanced naturally fractured reservoir. A variety of numerical experiments is conducted to study the reactivation potential and dilation tendency of the fracture and fault system. Simulation results show the spatiotemporal evolution of the thermoporoelastic stresses and the zone affected after 50 years of geothermal doublet operation. From these simulations, the thermoelastic response of a geothermal doublet operating with 60 °C fluid injection temperature and 20 l/s flow rate translates into a maximum induced thermal stress of around 49.4 MPa near the injection well. In terms of a long‐term reservoir performance and fault and fracture reactivation potential, the findings reveal a negligible risk to a sustainable geothermal doublet operation.
Porous CDHA microspheres laden brushite‐based injectable bone substitutes for improved bone regeneration
Authors: Thao Le Thi Thanh , Makkar Preeti , Tripathi Garima , Lee Byong‐Taek
Published: February 2022

Porous CDHA microspheres were incorporated into innovative injectable calcium phosphate cement (CPC) to enhance the rate of degradation and bioactivity of bone regeneration. With varying content of CDHA microspheres, the final setting time varied between 12 and 17 min, which is adequate for surgeons to accomplish the implantation. Compressive strength ranged between 6 and 8 MPa, until the addition of porous CDHA microsphere into CPC reached 20 vol %, but decreased dramatically after 30 vol % addition. Therefore, CPC with 20 vol % addition of porous CDHA microspheres was found appropriate for in vitro degradation and cytocompatibility studies. Histological assessment identified new bone formation around the injected bone substitute without significant inflammatory reactions. In vivo analysis of rat femoral defects revealed a threefold higher bone formation in CPC/CDHA 20 vol % than in CPC, due to the more cell migration and penetration into CPC by the existence of porous CDHA microspheres. Based on the promising results obtained, this novel injectable bone substitute may be useful in bone regeneration.
Altered features of body composition in older adults with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes compared with matched controls
Authors: Bell Kirsten E. , Paris Michael T. , Avrutin Egor , Mourtzakis Marina
Published: February 2022

Background

Ageing is accompanied by muscle loss and fat gain, which may elevate the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, there is a paucity of data on the distribution of regional lean and fat tissue in older adults with T2D or prediabetes compared with healthy controls. The objective of this study was to compare regional body composition [by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA)], muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) thicknesses (by ultrasound), and ultrasound‐based muscle texture features in older adults with T2D or prediabetes compared with normoglycaemic controls.

Methods

Eighteen adults > 60 years with T2D or prediabetes (T2D group) were individually matched to normoglycaemic participants [healthy matched (HM) group] for age (±5 years), sex, and body fat (±2.5%). In a single study visit, all participants received a whole‐body DXA scan and ultrasound assessment of the abdomen and anterior thigh. At these two landmarks, we used ultrasound to measure muscle and SAT thickness, as well as texture features of the rectus femoris and rectus abdominis. We also conducted an exploratory subanalysis on a subset of participants (n = 14/18 in the T2D group and n = 10/18 in the HM group) who underwent additional assessments including strength testing of the knee extensors (using a Biodex dynamometer), and a fasting blood sample for the measurement of circulating markers of glucose metabolism [glucose, insulin, c‐peptide, and the homoeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR)].

Results

The T2D group was 72 ± 8 years old (mean ± SD), predominantly male (n = 15/18; 83%), and overweight (BMI: 27.8 ± 4.2 kg/m2, 33.2 ± 5.3% body fat). DXA‐derived upper arm lean mass was 0.4 kg greater (P = 0.034), and leg fat mass was 1.4 kg lower (P = 0.048), in the T2D vs. HM group. Ultrasound‐based texture features were distinct between the groups [rectus abdominis blob size: 0.07 ± 0.06 vs. 0.30 ± 0.43 cm2, P = 0.045; rectus femoris local binary pattern (LBP) entropy: 4.65 ± 0.05 vs. 4.59 ± 0.08 A.U., P = 0.007]. When all participants who underwent additional assessments were pooled (n = 24), we observed that certain ultrasound‐based muscle texture features correlated significantly with muscle strength (rectus abdominis histogram skew vs. power during an isokinetic contraction at 60°/s: r = 0.601, P = 0.003) and insulin resistance (rectus femoris LBP entropy vs. HOMA‐IR: r = 0.419, P = 0.042).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest a novel body composition phenotype specific to older adults with T2D or prediabetes. We are also the first to report that ultrasound‐based texture features correspond with functional outcomes. Future larger scale studies are needed to uncover the mechanisms underpinning these regional body composition differences.
Ex vivo platelet morphology assessment of chronic myeloid leukemia patients before and after Imatinib treatment
Authors: Repsold Lisa , Pool Roger , Karodia Mohammed , Tintinger Gregory , Joubert Anna Margaretha
Published: February 2022

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disease and the first line treatment is through the administration of Imatinib, a first generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Thrombocytosis and bleeding irregularities are common in CML, however, the morphological variations in CML patients' platelets are not well documented. In this study, ex vivo platelet morphology of control participants, as well as CML patients were assessed before and after Imatinib treatment. The topographical and structural morphology of platelets were determined via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Qualitative data of SEM and TEM revealed that CML patient's platelets were prone to aggregation and coagulation at time of diagnosis; the samples that were not aggregated at time of diagnosis showed typical discoid shaped platelets, which was comparable to control participants' platelets. TEM results of CML patients' platelets at diagnosis showed that internal granular constituents including dense bodies were decreased in comparison to control participants. In all CML patients, platelets appeared activated after 6 months of treatment with Imatinib with membrane structure abnormalities and constituent variations. Research to date has primarily focused on the effects of CML on leukocyte populations, however, the results of the current study implicate the impact of CML pathogenesis on platelets, seemingly as a result of alterations in normal hematopoiesis. In addition, the impact of Imatinib treatment on platelet morphology was also established, indicating an increase in platelet activation. Recognizing and understanding the impact of CML disease progression on platelets is of importance to aid improved patient treatment.

Research Highlights

In the study, results from SEM and TEM indicated that CML patient's platelets were prone to aggregation at time of diagnosis, and activation after Imatnib treatment.

Platelet samples that did not aggregate had decreased internal granular constituents.
Impact of aspirin on bleeding and blood product usage in off‐pump and on‐pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery
Authors: Little Christopher , Odho Zain , Szydlo Richard , Aw Tuan‐Chen , Laffan Mike , Arachchillage Deepa R. J.
Published: February 2022

Major bleeding is linked to poorer outcomes following cardiac surgery. Current guidelines recommend continuation of aspirin prior to coronary artery by‐pass graft (CABG) but the effect of continuing aspirin in patients with prior indication for aspirin, in particular during off‐pump CABG (OPCABG), has not been systematically assessed. In this study, we analysed the effect of continuing aspirin prior to OPCABG and on‐pump CABG with respect to bleeding and blood product usage. We compared propensity‐matched cohorts of patients who continued aspirin until the day of OPCABG or CABG to controls (no antiplatelet) and to patients discontinuing aspirin 5–7 days prior. Length of hospital stay, 30‐day mortality and thromboembolism rates were similar for both OPCABG and CABG. During OPCABG, aspirin‐continued patients received more intraoperative red cell units compared to controls without difference in bleeding. Aspirin‐continued patients received more blood products perioperatively and bled more than aspirin‐discontinued patients undergoing OPCABG. The only difference during CABG was a small increase in the volume of cells salvaged among aspirin‐continued patients compared to controls. Current guidelines on the continuation of aspirin prior to CABG and OPCABG are safe. Continuation of aspirin prior to OPCABG may result in more bleeding and blood product usage.
Elevation gradient dependence of extreme climate indices on Yunnan Plateau, China
Authors: Yan Wenbo , He Yunling , Qu Xinxing
Published: February 2022

The acceleration of global warming leads to frequent extreme weather events. The sensitivity of high‐elevation regions to global warming makes their extremes more prominent. Based on the software Rclimdex1.0, 15 extreme climate indices from 120 meteorological stations in Yunnan from 1960 to 2019 were calculated. Trend analysis, correlation analysis, and cross‐correlation analysis were used to investigate the spatiotemporal variation characteristics of these extreme climate indices. The results showed that, except CDD, other extreme precipitation indices were negatively correlated with the increase of elevation. The extreme warming indices (SU25, WSDI, TX90p, TN90p) showed an increasing trend with the increase of elevation, while the extreme cold indices (CSDI, FD0, TX10p, TN10p) showed a decreasing trend with the increase of elevation. The rate of nocturnal warming at high elevations is higher than that at low elevations. The change rate of extreme warmth indices (SU25, WSDI, TX90p, TN90p) and extreme cold indices (FD0, CSDI, TX10p, TN10p) was negatively correlated (p < .05) in all elevation ranges, and this correlation was most significant in the elevation range of 1,500–2,000 m. These results highlight that the rate of drying and warming at higher elevations is higher than that at lower elevations, providing case support and scientific basis for sensitivity of high‐altitude regions to extreme climate.
Identification of a novel probiotic and its protective effects on NAFLD via modulating gut microbial community
Authors: Geng Weitao , Zhang Yang , Yang Jingnan , Zhang Jing , Zhao Jingqi , Wang Jinju , Jia Longgang , Wang Yanping
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming the most common progressive liver diseases. Therapeutic strategy based on gut‐liver axis and probiotics is a promising approach for the treatment of NAFLD. However, rare probiotics have been applied in NAFLD treatment, and the involved molecular mechanism is not entirely clear.

RESULTS

We initially identified a novel functional probiotic, Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens ZW3, on the lipid deposition by a simple and rapid zebrafish model. Supplementation with ZW3 to the methionine and choline deficient (MCD) diet induced NAFLD rats could improve the liver impairments and reduce inflammation through TLR4‐MyD88 and JNK signaling pathways. Moreover, ZW3 modulated gut microbiota by promoting relative abundance of Firmicutes and Lactobacillus, decreasing the abundance of Escherichia‐Shigella and Bacteroides. Functional prediction of microbiome showed ZW3 presented potential enhancement on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, cell process control and signal transduction processes, and reduced several human diseases.

CONCLUSION

This present study identified a novel probiotic and its protective effects on NAFLD, and interpreted the interactions of ZW3 with the immune system and gut microbiota involved in gut‐liver axis. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Thicker shells reduce copepod grazing on diatoms
Authors: Ryderheim Fredrik , Grønning Josephine , Kiørboe Thomas
Published: February 2022

The diatom frustule provides partial protection against copepod grazing. Whether the defense is due to the cells being de‐selected or handled for so long that the grazers lose time for foraging is unknown. The mechanism has implications for the population dynamics of both defended and co‐occurring, undefended nutrient competitors. We use video‐observations to demonstrate that thick‐shelled diatoms captured by the copepod Temora longicornis were rejected more frequently than thin‐shelled diatoms, irrespective of cell size. The thick‐shelled cells of the larger diatoms were handled for much longer, and the time spent handling these limits the consumption of phytoplankton. This may be why many diatoms, even in the presence of dense grazer populations, reach bloom concentrations, and thus, facilitate aggregation and mass sedimentation. This has implications for both carbon sequestration and for securing a large population of cells at depth ready to colonize the pelagic, when growth conditions again become favorable.
Revealing the Photothermal Behavior of Plasmonic Gap Modes: Toward Thermostable Nanocavities
Authors: Sun Jiawei , Hu Huatian , Xu Yuhao , Li Yang , Xu Hongxing
Published: February 2022

Plasmonic nanocavities based on nanoparticle‐on‐mirror geometries draw widespread interest due to their easy‐fabricated structures and highly confined plasmon modes, enabling light–matter interaction for developing state‐of‐the‐art photonic devices. To truly be ideal building blocks for practical nanophotonic devices, the nanoparticle‐on‐mirror nanocavities are expected to be simultaneously spectral tunable and thermostable under the focused laser irradiation. Here, the in‐situ optical tuning of the nanocavity mode is achieved in the nanocube‐on‐mirror nanocavities by continuous laser irradiation. Through the photothermal‐assisted morphology changes, the in‐situ shifting of the plasmon resonances to the lower and higher energies is accomplished by the deformation of the surfactant covering the silver nanocube and reshaping the rounding curvature of the nanocubes, respectively. Furthermore, it is found that the alumina‐encapsulated nanocube on mirrors constructed by surfactant‐eliminated nanocubes are capable of enduring more intense irradiation than the normal ones. On this basis, the factors affecting the plasmonic heating effect are also systematically investigated, and the internal relationship among light absorption, temperature increases, and plasmonic resonance shifts is established. In general, these results provide ideas for designing novel stable nanocavities, and the surfactant‐eliminated nanocube‐on‐mirror nanocavities presented here are a promising platform for future applications in boosting light–matter interaction.
Improved the microstructures and properties of W−Mo−V high‐speed steel by laser additive manufacturing and niobium alloying
Authors: Xiao H. , Wang J. , Zhang M. , Chen C.
Published: February 2022

In engineering applications, improving the properties of high‐speed steel (HSS) has long been a focus of research. Niobium (Nb), as a strong carbide forming alloy element, is conventionally added to steels to improve their mechanical properties. In the present work, W−Mo−V high‐speed steel were deposited by laser additive manufacturing with the aim of investigating the effects of niobium content on the microstructures and mechanical properties. And the niobium content was varied between 0 wt % and 2 wt %. The results show that the content of niobium has a greater influence on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the samples. In particular, with addition of niobium element, the W−Mo−V high‐speed steel samples presented a more refined and uniform microstructure compared to the niobium‐free sample. Moreover, the addition of niobium can increased the deposition of niobium‐rich MC‐type carbides in the microstructure and improving the microhardness of W−Mo−V high‐speed steel, and also can increased the wear resistance and ductility. Especially for 2 wt % niobium sample, it has excellent wear resistance and high elongation, which were improved by 43.1 % and 32.6 % respectively compared to the W−Mo−V high‐speed steel sample.
Push from the shadows: Does the shadow economy facilitate market exit of firms?
Authors: Goel Rajeev K. , Saunoris James W.
Published: February 2022

This paper examines whether the presence of the shadow or underground economy facilitates the exit of firms from the markets they operate in. The shadow economy can induce exits when underground firms are formidable low‐cost competitors, but the shadow economy can delay or cancel exits when underground suppliers enable formal sector firms to lower costs and become more competitive. Using data across US states and using two alternative dimensions of exits, the results show that the presence of the underground sector makes market exit less likely. Another contribution of the paper lies in consideration of political explanations for firms' exit.
Serum cardiac troponin I is a candidate biomarker for cardiomyopathy in Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies
Authors: Yamaguchi Hiroshi , Awano Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Tetsushi , Nambu Yoshinori , Iijima Kazumoto
Published: February 2022

Introduction/Aims

Serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI), its relation to cardiomyopathy, and the contribution of the ACTN3 genotype to serum levels of cTnI in Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD and BMD, respectively) remain unknown. In this study we aimed to reveal the characteristics of cTnI, assess whether cTnI is a biomarker for cardiomyopathy in these dystrophinopathies, and evaluate the contribution of the ACTN3 genotype to the serum levels of cTnI in DMD patients.

Methods

Serum cTnI values obtained from 127 DMD and 47 BMD patients were analyzed retrospectively. The relationship between cTnI and echocardiography data or the ACTN3 XX genotype was assessed.

Results

The cTnI levels and proportion of patients with abnormal cTnI levels were significantly higher among DMD patients than BMD, especially in the second decade of life. In DMD, the cTnI level reached a maximum at 13 years, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) became abnormal approximately 1 year subsequently. In BMD, the cTnI level peaked at the age of 14 years, and LVEF became abnormal 3 years later. Decreased LVEF was observed after cTnI elevation in both populations. cTnI levels by age in DMD patients with the ACTN3 XX genotype tended to increase significantly and early.

Discussion

Myocardial injury indicated by cTnI elevation was more common and severe in DMD patients. cTnI elevation preceding cardiac dysfunction may represent an early phase of cardiomyopathy progression and may be a biomarker for early detection of cardiomyopathy in these dystrophinopathies. The ACTN3 XX genotype may be a risk factor for early myocardial injury.
Association between neonatal malnutrition and bronchopulmonary dysplasia in very low‐birth‐weight infants: A propensity score–matched analysis
Authors: Jiang Honghua , Lv Yuan , Hou Weiwei , Xu Xiang , Zhu LingLing , Zhang Hao , Shu Guihua
Published: February 2022

Objective

To investigate the relationship between the nutrition status of infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) at the first 4 weeks of life and the likelihood of developing neonatal malnutrition.

Methods

A total of 1064 infants were divided into a BPD group and a non‐BPD group. After propensity score matching, there were 282 infants in each group. Infants were further divided into a neonatal malnutrition （NM） group and a well‐nourished （WN） group. Clinical factors, nutrition intake, and growth parameters were collected and analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine the factors associated with neonatal malnutrition.

Results

1. Compared with infants in the non‐BPD group, the infants in BPD group had more fluid intake and lower calorie and protein intake after the second week, longer invasive ventilation time, and longer time to total oral feeding and parenteral nutrition (PN), and the difference was more significant in NM infants than in WN infants (P < 0.05). 2. The weight/length, body mass index, triponderal mass index, and weight gain velocity in the BPD group were significantly lower than in the non‐BPD group (P < 0.05) and lower in NM infants than in WN ones (P < 0.05). 3. Multivariable system regression analysis showed that invasive ventilation time, lipid intake in week 4, time to reach full feeding, and duration of PN were independent risk factors for NM.

Conclusion

Enhancing calorie and macronutrient intake, reducing invasive ventilation, and achieving full gastrointestinal feeding early may be effective measures to avoid malnutrition in infants with BPD.
Intragastric prepyloric enteral nutrition, bolus vs continuous in the adult patient: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bolgeo Tatiana , Di Matteo Roberta , Gallione Chiara , Gatti Denise , Bertolotti Marinella , Betti Marta , Roveta Annalisa , Maconi Antonio
Published: February 2022

Bolus and continuous nutrition are commonly used enteral nutrition (EN) administration methodologies. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to establish which is the most effective method for reducing gastrointestinal complications in adult patients. The aim of this review is to evaluate the impact of bolus/intermittent EN compared with continuous EN for the following outcomes: diarrhea, constipation, emesis/vomiting, gastric residual volume, aspiration, and glycemic control in adult patients receiving intragastric prepyloric EN in the hospital setting. Bibliographical research was performed on the following databases: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The review included all randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials of patients aged ≥18 years with preserved gastrointestinal function. Meta‐analysis was performed by Review Manager V.5.3. Seven studies including 551 patients were included in the meta‐analysis. Five of these studies reported that the diarrhea rate was higher in the bolus feeding group (risk ratio [RR] = 2.50; 95% CI, 1.17–5.34; P = 0.02), and another five of these studies indicated that the aspiration rate was higher in the continuous feeding group (RR = 0.55; 95% CI, 0.35–0.87; P = 0.01). There were no significant differences for the other outcomes. In conclusion, intermittent EN appears to reduce the incidence of aspiration in the hospital setting; however, it may increase the risk of diarrhea. For future research, we hypothesize the joint use of continuous nutrition until the patient reaches tolerance and then passing to bolus nutrition, thus reducing the incidence of aspiration and enabling a physiological nutrition intake.
Stress‐Busting Program for Family Caregivers: Validation of the Spanish version using biomarkers and quality‐of‐life measures
Authors: Arévalo‐Flechas Lyda C. , Flores Bertha “Penny” , Wang Hanzhou , Liang Hanyu , Li Yan , Gelfond Jonathan , Espinoza Sara , Lewis Sharon L. , Musi Nicolas , Yeh Chih‐Ko
Published: February 2022

Hispanic family caregivers of people with dementia experience higher levels of stress compared to non‐Hispanic white caregivers. Long‐term stress causes depression, caregiver burden, cellular aging, and dysregulation of the immune, nervous, and endocrine systems. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of the Spanish version of the English Stress‐Busting Program (SBP) for Family Caregivers by determining changes in quality‐of‐life measures and biomarkers. Thirty‐six caregivers completed the SBP in the language of their choice (14 Spanish‐speaking Hispanics [HS], 8 English‐speaking Hispanics [HE], and 14 non‐Hispanic English [NHE] speakers). Quality‐of‐life measures included the Perceived Stress Scale, the Screen for Caregiver Burden, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Assessment of oral health and immunity included salivary flow rate, pH, buffer capacity, total protein, and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA). Indicators of stress (salivary cortisol), inflammation (C‐reactive protein), and cellular aging (leukocyte telomere length) were assessed. Following completion of the SBP, the Spanish‐speaking group had less depression and caregiver burden along with improved oral health and reduced cellular aging. When comparing baseline values to post‐intervention, all three groups showed significant improvement in subjective caregiver burden. When the data from all three groups were combined, biomarkers that showed improvement after nine weeks of SBP included the stress hormone cortisol, salivary pH, and leukocyte telomere length. The results indicate that the Spanish SBP reduces caregiver stress as assessed by quality‐of‐life indicators and biomarkers. The Spanish SBP can help to mitigate health disparities in Hispanic Spanish‐speaking caregivers.
Osteo/odontogenic differentiation analysis of dental stem cells from tooth germ, apical papilla, and dental follicle
Authors: Ercal Pinar , Cayir Fatma , Pekozer Gorke Gurel , Kose Gamze Torun
Published: February 2022

Aim

Different tissues of dental origin are used for isolation of stem cells that can be differentiated towards osteogenic or odontogenic lineages, including dental follicle and apical papilla. Using tooth germ as a whole without separating dental follicle and apical papilla for isolating stem cells is another approach that uses the reciprocal interactions between two cell types. Although dental follicle stem cells and stem cells form apical papilla are widely investigated for both osteogenic and odontogenic differentiation, use of tooth germ stem cells is very limited despite its potential. This study aimed to investigate and compare the osteo/odontogenic differentiation potential of stem cells from apical papilla, tooth germ, and dental follicle in vitro.

Methods

Dental stem cells isolated from porcine were assessed in terms of cell surface antigens, multilineage differentiation, and cell proliferation. Osteo/odontogenic response was assessed with alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium deposition, von Kossa staining, confocal microscopy, and the expression of osteo/odontogenic markers by real‐time PCR at Days 7, 14, and 21.

Results

All cell types showed expression of mesenchymal stem cell markers and differentiated towards chondrogenic and osteogenic lineages, while adipogenic differentiation was weak. Stem cells from apical papilla responded to osteo/odontogenic differentiation faster than that of dental follicle and tooth germ stem cells, but all groups indicated formation of mineralization and expressed osteogenic gene markers.

Conclusion

All three cell types displayed similar biological characteristics and are appropriate candidates for bone regeneration.
Effect of compression parameters on stress relaxation behavior of bamboo fiber reinforced polypropylene composites
Authors: Jiang Taijun , Hu Can , Zeng Guangsheng
Published: February 2022

A self‐made thermal mechanical analyzer was manufactured to characterized the compression and bending stress relaxation behavior for bamboo fiber reinforced polypropylene composite with different bamboo fiber and coupling agent concentration. The effects of bamboo fiber concentration, interfacial strength, load controlling method, compression speed, and temperature on composite stress relaxation parameters were investigated. The obtained results show that two‐stage relaxation process could be observed for both compression and bending test while shearing relaxation process was a single exponential decay. The relaxation time for slow exponential relaxation process was two orders of magnitude to that for fast relaxation process and the force decay amplitude on the first linear stage was about 3.5 times as much as that on the second exponential decay stage. Both the filling of bamboo fiber and coupling agent could increase the stress relaxation time but higher temperature would promote the movement of polymer chains and lengthen the stress relaxation time. The insights obtained from the experiments and fitting results can offer valuable reference to precisely controlling of dimensional accuracy and production efficiency for the composite products of irregular structure.
Plastics degradation by hydrolytic enzymes: Theplastics‐activeenzymes database—PAZy
Authors: Buchholz Patrick C. F. , Feuerriegel Golo , Zhang Hongli , Perez‐Garcia Pablo , Nover Lena‐Luisa , Chow Jennifer , Streit Wolfgang R. , Pleiss Jürgen
Published: February 2022

Petroleum‐based plastics are durable and accumulate in all ecological niches. Knowledge on enzymatic degradation is sparse. Today, less than 50 verified plastics‐active enzymes are known. First examples of enzymes acting on the polymers polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyurethane (PUR) have been reported together with a detailed biochemical and structural description. Furthermore, very few polyamide (PA) oligomer active enzymes are known. In this article, the current known enzymes acting on the synthetic polymers PET and PUR are briefly summarized, their published activity data were collected and integrated into a comprehensive open access database. The Plastics‐Active Enzymes Database (PAZy) represents an inventory of known and experimentally verified enzymes that act on synthetic fossil fuel‐based polymers. Almost 3000 homologs of PET‐active enzymes were identified by profile hidden Markov models. Over 2000 homologs of PUR‐active enzymes were identified by BLAST. Based on multiple sequence alignments, conservation analysis identified the most conserved amino acids, and sequence motifs for PET‐ and PUR‐active enzymes were derived.