bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photoluminescent carbon dots (PCDs) from sour apple: a biocompatible nanomaterial for preventing UHMWPE wear-particle induced osteolysis via modulating Chemerin/ChemR23 and SIRT1 signaling pathway and its bioimaging application
Authors: Li Xiang , Lu Yang , Li Jiarui , Zhou Shengji , Wang Yuxin , Li Liangping , Zhao Fengchao
Published: June 2022

Photoluminescent nanomaterials have been widely employed in several biological applications both in vitro and in vivo. For the first time, we report a novel application of sour apple-derived photoluminescent carbon dots (PCDs) for reducing ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) wear particle-induced osteolysis using mouse calvarial model. Generally, aseptic prosthetic loosening seems to be a significant postoperative problem for artificial joints replacement, which is mainly contributed by UHMWPE-induced osteolysis. Hence, inhibiting osteoclastic bone-resorption could minimize UHMWPE-induced osteolysis for implant loosening. Prior to osteolysis studies, the prepared sour apple-derived PCDs were employed for bioimaging application. As expected, the prepared PCDs effectively inhibited the UHMWPE particle-induced osteoclastogenesis in vitro. The PCDs treatment effectively inhibited the UHMWPE-induced osteoclast differentiation, F-actin ring pattern, and bone resorption in vitro. Also, the PCDs reduced the UHMWPE-induced ROS stress as well as the expression level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-8. Further, the qPCR and western blot results hypothesized that PCDs inhibited the UHMWPE wear particle-induced osteolysis through suppressing chemerin/ChemR23 signaling and NFATc1 pathway, along with upregulation of SIRT1 expression. Overall, these findings suggest that the synthesized PCDs could be a potential therapeutic material for minimizing UHMWPE particle-induced periprosthetic osteolysis to avoid postoperative complications.
Delivery of engineered extracellular vesicles with miR-29b editing system for muscle atrophy therapy
Authors: Chen Rui , Yuan Weilin , Zheng Yongjun , Zhu Xiaolan , Jin Bing , Yang Tingting , Yan Yuwei , Xu Wanru , Chen Hongjian , Gao Juan , Li Guoping , Gokulnath Priyanka , Vulugundam Gururaja , Li Jin , Xiao Junjie
Published: June 2022

Muscle atrophy is a frequently observed complication, characterized by the loss of muscle mass and strength, which diminishes the quality of life and survival. No effective therapy except exercise is currently available. In our previous study, repressing miR-29b has been shown to reduce muscle atrophy. In our current study, we have constructed artificially engineered extracellular vesicles for the delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 to target miR-29b (EVs-Cas9-29b). EVs-Cas9-29b has shown a favorable functional effect with respect to miR-29b repression in a specific and rapid manner by gene editing. In in vitro conditions, EVs-Cas9-29b could protect against muscle atrophy induced by dexamethasone (Dex), angiotensin II (AngII), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). And EVs-Cas9-29b introduced in vivo preserved muscle function in the well-established immobilization and denervation-induced muscle atrophy mice model. Our work demonstrates an engineered extracellular vesicles delivery of the miR-29b editing system, which could be potentially used for muscle atrophy therapy.
Comparative physiological and metabolomic analyses reveal that Fe3O4 and ZnO nanoparticles alleviate Cd toxicity in tobacco
Authors: Zou Congming , Lu Tianquan , Wang Ruting , Xu Peng , Jing Yifen , Wang Ruling , Xu Jin , Wan Jinpeng
Published: June 2022

Background

Heavy metals repress tobacco growth and quality, and engineered nanomaterials have been used for sustainable agriculture. However, the underlying mechanism of nanoparticle-mediated cadmium (Cd) toxicity in tobacco remains elusive.

Results

Herein, we investigated the effects of Fe3O4and ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) on Cd stress in tobacco cultivar ‘Yunyan 87’ (Nicotianatabacum). Cd severely repressed tobacco growth, whereas foliar spraying with Fe3O4and ZnO NPs promoted plant growth, as indicated by enhancing plant height, root length, shoot and root fresh weight under Cd toxicity. Moreover, Fe3O4and ZnO NPs increased, including Zn, K and Mn contents, in the roots and/or leaves and facilitated seedling growth under Cd stress. Metabolomics analysis showed that 150 and 76 metabolites were differentially accumulated in roots and leaves under Cd stress, respectively. These metabolites were significantly enriched in the biosynthesis of amino acids, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, and flavone and flavonol biosynthesis. Interestingly, Fe3O4and ZnO NPs restored 50% and 47% in the roots, while they restored 70% and 63% in the leaves to normal levels, thereby facilitating plant growth. Correlation analysis further indicated that these metabolites, including proline, 6-hydroxynicotinic acid, farrerol and quercetin-3-O-sophoroside, were significantly correlated with plant growth.

Conclusions

These results collectively indicate that metal nanoparticles can serve as plant growth regulators and provide insights into using them for improving crops in heavy metal-contaminated areas.

Graphical Abstract
Cardiovascular risk factors and quality of life among stroke survivors in Korea from 2013 to 2018: a cross-sectional cohort study
Authors: Jung Hyejin
Published: June 2022

Background

Although the cardiovascular health and quality of life (QoL) of stroke survivors have been previously studied, no study has investigated the correlation between cardiovascular health and QoL. This study aimed to investigate whether there would be a difference in the quality of life (QoL) in this population depending on the degree of cardiovascular health.

Methods

Overall, 577 people aged > 40 years who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2013 to 2018 were included and were divided into three groups according to the survey period (2013–2014, n = 145; 2015–2016, n = 198; and 2017–2018, n = 234). Participants were further divided into the following groups based on their cardiovascular health score, as defined by the American Heart Association: poor, intermediate, and ideal groups. We examined how the health-related QoL score was expressed through the five-dimensional European Quality of Life Questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L).

Results

The ideal (cardiovascular health scores 11–14) and intermediate (cardiovascular health scores 8–10) groups had the lowest (7.72–8.14%) and highest (46.39–57.70%) number of participants, respectively. The total EQ-5D index score was highest in the ideal group, followed by the intermediate and poor groups across all three periods (2013–2014, p = 0.0015; 2015–2016, p = 0.0040; 2017–2018, p < 0.0001). The dimension-specific analysis revealed that, Findings showed that stroke survivors' mobility significantly varied by cardiovascular health scores (p = 0.0371 in 2015–2016, p =0.0486 in 2017–2018), whereas usual activities (p = 0.0322) and pain/discomfort (p = 0.0420) were significantly different among the three groups in 2015–2016.

Conclusion

QoL in post-stroke survivors, when related to cardiovascular health degree, could be correlated with stroke sequelae.
Selecting the most suitable organizational structure for hospitals: an integrated fuzzy FUCOM-MARCOS method
Authors: Khosravi Mohsen , Haqbin Arash , Zare Zahra , Shojaei Payam
Published: June 2022

Background

Previous studies mentioned four organizational structures for hospitals, which are budgetary, autonomous, corporate, and private. Nevertheless, healthcare decision-makers are still required to select the most organizational structure specific to their circumstances. The present study aims to provide a framework to prioritize and select the most suitable organizational structure using multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) methods in Iranian hospitals.

Methods

First, a multicriteria decision-making model consisted of the respective criteria, and alternatives were developed. The pertinent criteria were identified through a systematic literature review. The coefficient weights of the identified criteria were then calculated using FUCOM-F. Finally, organizational structures were prioritized in accordance with the identified criteria using FMARCOS.

Results

The findings reveal that income is the most significant criterion in selecting organizational structures for hospitals whereas the number of outpatient visits is the least important. Also, the private structure is the most appropriate, and budgetary style is the least suitable organizational structure for Iranian hospitals.

Conclusion

Providing a framework in order to select the most appropriate organizational structure could help managers and policymakers of the healthcare sector in Iran and other countries, mainly similar developing countries.
Bone morphogenetic protein inhibitors and mitochondria targeting agents synergistically induce apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) caspase-independent cell death in lung cancer cells
Authors: Mondal Arindam , Roberge Jacques , Gilleran John , Peng Youyi , Jia Dongxuan , Akel Moumen , Patel Yash , Zoltowski Harrison , Doraiswamy Anupama , Langenfeld John
Published: June 2022

Background

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) are evolutionarily conserved morphogens that are reactivated in lung carcinomas. In lung cancer cells, BMP signaling suppresses AMP activated kinase (AMPK) by inhibiting LKB1. AMPK is activated by mitochondrial stress that inhibits ATP production, which is enhanced 100-fold when phosphorylated by LKB1. Activated AMPK can promote survival of cancer cells but its “hyperactivation” induces cell death. The studies here reveal novel cell death mechanisms induced by BMP inhibitors, together with agents targeting the mitochondria, which involves the “hyperactivation” of AMPK.

Methods

This study examines the synergistic effects of two BMP inhibitors together with mitochondrial targeting agents phenformin and Ym155, on cell death of lung cancer cells expressing LKB1 (H1299), LKB1 null (A549), and A549 cells transfected with LKB1 (A549-LKB1). Cell death mechanisms evaluated were the activation of caspases and the nuclear localization of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF). A769662 was used to allosterically activate AMPK. Knockdown of BMPR2 and LKB1 using siRNA was used to examine their effects on nuclear localization of AMPK. Validation studies were performed on five passage zero primary NSCLC.

Results

Both BMP inhibitors synergistically suppressed growth when combined with Ym155 or phenformin in cells expressing LKB1. The combination of BMP inhibitors with mitochondrial targeting agents enhanced the activation of AMPK in lung cancer cells expressing LKB1. Allosteric activation of AMPK with A769662 induced cell death in both H1299 and A549 cells. Cell death induced by the combination of BMP inhibitors and mitochondrial-targeting agents did not activate caspases. The combination of drugs induced nuclear localization of AIF in cells expressing LKB1, which was attenuated by knockdown of LKB1. Knockdown of BMPR2 together with Ym155 increased nuclear localization of AIF. Combination therapy also enhanced cell death and AIF nuclear localization in primary NSCLC.

Conclusions

These studies demonstrate that inhibition of BMP signaling together with mitochondrial targeting agents induce AIF caspase-independent cell death, which involves the “hyperactivation” of AMPK. AIF caspase-independent cell death is an evolutionarily conserved cell death pathway that is infrequently studied in cancer. These studies provide novel insight into mechanisms inducing AIF caspase-independent cell death in cancer cells using BMP inhibitors.
Adolescents’ exposure to and evaluation of food promotions on social media: a multi-method approach
Authors: van der Bend D. L. M. , Jakstas T , van Kleef E , Shrewsbury V. A. , Bucher T
Published: June 2022

Background

Traditional food marketing, mostly involving advertisement of nutrient poor and energy dense foods, has the effect of enhancing attitudes, preferences, and increasing intake of marketed foods in adolescents, with detrimental consequences for health. While the use of social media applications in adolescents has proliferated, little is known about the content of food promotions within these applications. The aim of this study was to investigate adolescents’ exposure to and evaluation of social media food promotions (SMFPs).

Methods

Australian adolescents aged 13–16 years joined one-on-one Zoom meetings with the researcher on the device they normally used for social media. Participants shared their screen and visited up to three of their favourite social media platforms for 10 min each, during which the researcher pointed out examples of SMFPs to participants. Next, participants answered questions about their awareness and appreciation of SMFPs. Screenshots of SMFPs were de-identified and analysed.

Results

The study included 35 adolescents aged 14.4 (± 1.2) years (boys:n = 18; girls:n = 17). Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube were the most favoured social media platforms. During a total of 1000 min of viewing time, 1801 unbranded (n = 1221) and branded (n = 580) SMFPs were identified. Participants viewed a median rate (IQR) of 12.0 (6.3–20) SMFPs per 10 min, with a median rate of 6.0 (3–11) non-core SMFPs per 10 min. A majority of SMFPs (62%) were embedded into celebrity influencer or entertaining content (e.g., vlogs, cooking videos, streamed TV content). In total, 60% of the participants said they had sometimes, rarely or never noticed the SMFPs pointed out by the researcher themselves. Participants largely remembered non-core foods or brands (77%). Almost half (49%) of participants liked SMFPs, while only 6% disliked them.

Conclusions

This study contributes to a relatively unexplored research area. The outcomes show adolescents’ SMFP exposure mostly concerns unhealthy foods, shown in advertisements and other food-related posts, which are integrated into a wide variety of entertainment that is appreciated by adolescents. The results emphasise the need for more research on SMFPs, with particular focus on the impact on adolescent dietary behaviours, and clearer definitions and stricter regulations regarding adolescent-targeted social media food marketing.
Epigenetic DNA methylation of Zbtb7b regulates the population of double-positive CD4+CD8+ T cells in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Xu Hao-ming , Xu Jing , Yang Mei-feng , Liang Yu-jie , Peng Quan-zhou , Zhang Yuan , Tian Cheng-mei , Nie Yu-qiang , Wang Li-sheng , Yao Jun , Li De-feng
Published: June 2022

Background and aims

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a heterogeneous disorder with complex pathogenesis. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to assess genome-wide DNA methylation changes associated explicitly with the pathogenesis of UC.

Methods

DNA methylation changes were identified by comparing UC tissues with healthy controls (HCs) from the GEO databases. The candidate genes were obtained and verified in clinical samples. Moreover, the underlying molecular mechanism related to Zbtb7b in the pathogenesis of UC was explored using the dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis model.

Results

Bioinformatic analysis from GEO databases confirmed that Zbtb7b, known as Th-inducing POZ-Kruppel factor (ThPOK), was demethylated in UC tissues. Then, we demonstrated that Zbtb7b was in a hypo-methylation pattern through the DSS-induced colitis model (P = 0.0357), whereas the expression of Zbtb7b at the mRNA and protein levels was significantly up-regulated in the inflamed colonic tissues of UC patients (qRT-PCR, WB, IHC: P < 0.0001, P = 0.0079, P < 0.0001) and DSS-induced colitis model (qRT-PCR, WB, IHC: P < 0.0001, P = 0.0045, P = 0.0004). Moreover, the expression of Zbtb7b was positively associated with the degree of UC activity. Mechanically, over-expression of Zbtb7b might activate the maturation of CD4+T cells (FCM, IF: P = 0.0240, P = 0.0003) and repress the differentiation of double-positive CD4+CD8+T (DP CD4+CD8+T) cells (FCM, IF: P = 0.0247, P = 0.0118), contributing to the production of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α (P = 0.0005, P = 0.0005), IL-17 (P = 0.0014, P = 0.0381), and IFN-γ (P = 0.0016, P = 0.0042), in the serum and colonic tissue of DSS-induced colitis model.

Conclusions

Epigenetic DNA hypo-methylation of Zbtb7b activated the maturation of CD4+T cells and repressed the differentiation of DP CD4+CD8+ T cells, resulting in the production of inflammatory cytokines and colonic inflammation in UC. Therefore, Zbtb7b might be a diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker for UC, and hypo-methylation might affect the biological function of Zbtb7b.
Astrocyte reactivation in medial prefrontal cortex contributes to obesity-promoted depressive-like behaviors
Authors: Yu Gang , Cao Feng , Hou Tingting , Cheng Yunsheng , Jia Benli , Yu Liang , Chen Wanjing , Xu Yanyan , Chen Mingming , Wang Yong
Published: June 2022

Background

Little is known about how the obesogenic environment influences emotional states associated with glial responses and neuronal function. Here, we investigated glial reactivation and neuronal electrophysiological properties in emotion-related brain regions of high-fat diet (HFD) and ob/ob mice under chronic stress.

Methods

The glial reactivation and neuronal activities in emotion-related brain regions were analyzed among normal diet mice (ND), HFD mice, wild-type mice, and ob/ob mice. To further activate or inhibit astrocytes in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), we injected astrocytes specific Gq-AAV or Gi-AAV into mPFC and ongoing treated mice with CNO.

Results

The results showed that obesogenic factors per se had no significant effect on neuronal activities in emotion-related brain regions, or on behavioral performance. However, exposure to a chronic stressor profoundly reduced the frequency of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) and spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) in the mPFC; depressive-like behaviors were seen, accompanied by significant upregulation of astrocyte reactivation. We identified resilient and susceptible mice among chronic social defeat stress-exposed HFD mice. As expected, astrocyte reactivity was upregulated, while neuronal activity was depressed, in the mPFC of susceptible compared to resilient mice. Furthermore, activating astrocytes resulted in similar levels of neuronal activity and depressive-like behaviors between resilient and susceptible mice. Additionally, inhibiting astrocyte reactivation in the mPFC of HFD mice upregulated neuronal activities and inhibited depressive-like behaviors.

Conclusions

These observations indicate that obesogenic factors increase the risk of depression, and improve our understanding of the pathological relationship between obesity and depression.

Graphical Abstract
Comprehensive evaluation of caloric restriction-induced changes in the metabolome profile of mice
Authors: Xie Dadi , Huang Jinxi , Zhang Qiang , Zhao Shiyuan , Xue Hongjia , Yu Qing-Qing , Sun Zhuohao , Li Jing , Yang Xiumei , Shao Minglei , Pang Deshui , Jiang Pei
Published: June 2022

Objects

Caloric restriction (CR) is known to extend lifespan and exert a protective effect on organs, and is thus a low-cost and easily implemented approach to the health maintenance. However, there have been no studies that have systematically evaluated the metabolic changes that occur in the main tissues affected by CR. This study aimed to explore the target tissues metabolomic profile in CR mice.

Methods

Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly allocated to the CR group (n = 7) and control group (n = 7). A non-targeted gas chromatography–mass spectrometry approach and multivariate analysis were used to identify metabolites in the main tissues (serum, heart, liver, kidney, cortex, hippocampus, lung, muscle, and white adipose) in model of CR.

Results

We identified 10 metabolites in the heart that showed differential abundance between the 2 groups, along with 9 in kidney, 6 in liver, 6 in lung, 6 in white adipose, 4 in hippocampus, 4 in serum, 3 in cortex, and 2 in muscle. The most significantly altered metabolites were amino acids (AAs) (glycine, aspartic acid, l-isoleucine, l-proline, l-aspartic acid, l-serine, l-hydroxyproline, l-alanine, l-valine, l-threonine, l-glutamic acid, and l-phenylalanine) and fatty acids (FAs) (palmitic acid, 1-monopalmitin, glycerol monostearate, docosahexaenoic acid, 16-octadecenoic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, and hexanoic acid). These metabolites were associated with 7 different functional pathways related to the metabolism of AAs, lipids, and energy.

Conclusion

Our results provide insight into the specific metabolic changes that are induced by CR and can serve as a reference for physiologic studies on how CR improves health and extends lifespan.
scDART: integrating unmatched scRNA-seq and scATAC-seq data and learning cross-modality relationship simultaneously
Authors: Zhang Ziqi , Yang Chengkai , Zhang Xiuwei
Published: June 2022

It is a challenging task to integrate scRNA-seq and scATAC-seq data obtained from different batches. Existing methods tend to use a pre-defined gene activity matrix to convert the scATAC-seq data into scRNA-seq data. The pre-defined gene activity matrix is often of low quality and does not reflect the dataset-specific relationship between the two data modalities. We propose scDART, a deep learning framework that integrates scRNA-seq and scATAC-seq data and learns cross-modalities relationships simultaneously. Specifically, the design of scDART allows it to preserve cell trajectories in continuous cell populations and can be applied to trajectory inference on integrated data.
Improved skeletal muscle fatigue resistance in experimental autoimmune myositis mice following high-intensity interval training
Authors: Yamada Takashi , Ashida Yuki , Tamai Katsuyuki , Kimura Iori , Yamauchi Nao , Naito Azuma , Tokuda Nao , Westerblad Håkan , Andersson Daniel C. , Himori Koichi
Published: June 2022

Background

Muscle weakness and decreased fatigue resistance are key manifestations of systemic autoimmune myopathies (SAMs). We here examined whether high-intensity interval training (HIIT) improves fatigue resistance in the skeletal muscle of experimental autoimmune myositis (EAM) mice, a widely used animal model for SAM.

Methods

Female BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to control (CNT) or EAM groups (n= 28 in each group). EAM was induced by immunization with three injections of myosin emulsified in complete Freund’s adjuvant. The plantar flexor (PF) muscles of mice with EAM were exposed to either an acute bout or 4 weeks of HIIT (a total of 14 sessions).

Results

The fatigue resistance of PF muscles was lower in the EAM than in the CNT group (P< 0.05). These changes were associated with decreased activities of citrate synthase and cytochrome c oxidase and increased expression levels of the endoplasmic reticulum stress proteins (glucose-regulated protein 78 and 94, and PKR-like ER kinase) (P< 0.05). HIIT restored all these alterations and increased the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) and the mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes (I, III, and IV) in the muscles of EAM mice (P< 0.05).

Conclusions

HIIT improves fatigue resistance in a SAM mouse model, and this can be explained by the restoration of mitochondria oxidative capacity via inhibition of the ER stress pathway and PGC-1α-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis.
dsSynthetic: synthetic data generation for the DataSHIELD federated analysis system
Authors: Banerjee Soumya , Bishop Tom R. P.
Published: June 2022

Objective

Platforms such as DataSHIELD allow users to analyse sensitive data remotely, without having full access to the detailed data items (federated analysis). While this feature helps to overcome difficulties with data sharing, it can make it challenging to write code without full visibility of the data. One solution is to generate realistic, non-disclosive synthetic data that can be transferred to the analyst so they can perfect their code without the access limitation. When this process is complete, they can run the code on the real data.

Results

We have created a package in DataSHIELD (dsSynthetic) which allows generation of realistic synthetic data, building on existing packages. In our paper and accompanying tutorial we demonstrate how the use of synthetic data generated with our package can help DataSHIELD users with tasks such as writing analysis scripts and harmonising data to common scales and measures.
Symphytum ibericum Steven: LC–HRMS/MS-based phytochemical profile, in vitro antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory potential
Authors: Trifan Adriana , Zengin Gokhan , Sinan Kouadio Ibrahime , Skalicka-Woźniak Krystyna , Minceva Mirjana , Luca Simon Vlad
Published: June 2022

Background

Symphytum L. (comfrey, Boraginaceae) has a longstanding use as a remedy to alleviate the clinical symptomatology in arthritis, strains, contusions or sprains. In the recent years, considerable research efforts were put into assessing the chemico-biological profile of unexploited Symphytum species, with the aim to extend the medicinal valences of the genus to new pharmacological applications. However, to date there are no previous comprehensive phytochemical characterization and multi-biological evaluation of S. ibericum Steven, a perennial Boraginaceae plant distributed in the Northeastern Turkey and Caucasus region.

Results

Total phenolic and flavonoid content of extracts obtained from the leaves and roots of S. ibericum varied between 10.53 ± 0.20 to 84.95 ± 0.60 mg gallic acid equivalents/g and between 0.81 ± 0.06 to 20.88 ± 0.29 mg rutin equivalents/g. The liquid chromatography hyphenated with tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC–HRMS/MS)-based phytochemical profiling revealed a number of 29 distinct compounds, such as phenolic acids (e.g., caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, globoidnan B, rabdosiin, globoidnan A), flavonoids (e.g., quercetin derivatives, luteolin, apigenin), pyrrolizidine alkaloids (e.g., intermedine–N-oxide, lycopsamine-N-oxide, symphytine-N-oxide), organic and oxygenated unsaturated fatty acids. The evaluation of the antioxidant activity showed potent scavenging activity against synthetic radicals, cupric ion reducing (37.60 ± 0.15–436.26 ± 7.12 mg Trolox equivalents/g), ferric ion reducing (21.01 ± 0.74–229.99 ± 3.86 mg Trolox equivalents/g) and chelating capacity; in general, the leaf extracts displayed superior antioxidant effects than the corresponding root extracts. With respect to the inhibitory activity tested on various pharmacologically relevant enzymes, interesting anti-acetylcholinesterase (0.32 ± 0.03–3.32 ± 0.12 mg galanthamine equivalents/g), anti-butyrylcholinesterase (0.88 ± 0.06–5.85 ± 0.16 mg galanthamine equivalents/g) and anti-tyrosinase (21.84 ± 0.21–61.94 ± 2.86 mg kojic acid equivalents/g) properties were noticed. Exploratory multivariate analysis revealed four clusters with respect to phytochemical profile, of which one rich in danshensu, quercetin hexoside, dehydrorabdosiin, dihydrogloboidnan B and quercetin acetylhexoside.

Conclusions

As evidenced through the phytochemical characterization and multi-biological evaluation, S. ibericum can be regarded as a prospective source of pharmaceutical or cosmeceutical ingredients with putative uses in the management of chronic conditions linked to oxidative stress, such as Alzheimer’s disease or skin pigmentation disorders.

Graphical Abstract
Alpha-lipoic acid-role in improving both reserpine toxicity and paroxetine treatment in the cerebral cortex of albino rats; histological, ultrastructural, immunohistohemical and biochemical studies
Authors: Arisha Samah M.
Published: June 2022

Background

Reserpine is a monoamine depletory drug cause oxidative damage and used to induce depression-like features in rodent model. Paroxetine is an antidepressant drug that exerts its effects by inhibiting dopaminergic neurons although it may exert much pathological damage. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an endogenous antioxidant co-factor of important enzymatic complexes. The present study was aimed to elucidate the possible protective effect of ALA in the improvement of the deleterious cerebral cortex injury after reserpine and paroxetine treatment. Forty adult male albino rats were equally divided into 5 groups. Group I served as control group orally treated with saline solution all the experiment period. Group II animals orally treated with ALA (200 mg/kg/day) for six weeks. The induction of depression-like features occurred when the rest of animals were intraperitoneally treated with 25 mg/kg of reserpine once daily for consecutive 14 day. Then these animals were divided into; Group III (reserpine group) animals in this group were sacrificed on 15th day. Group IV; reserpine-treated animals were treated with paroxetine (20 mg/kg) daily for 6 weeks. Group V, animals in this group were received paroxetine and ALA daily for 6 weeks.

Results

Reserpine-treated rats showed disorganized layers of cerebral cortex with degenerative, apoptotic and necrotic changes. Ultrastructure changes include both pyramidal and granule cells with severe degenerative, necrotic and apoptotic features. The nuclei appeared pyknotic; irregular with chromatin condensation as well as the cytoplasm of these cells contained many degenerated organelles. In addition, a significant increase in total oxidative stress and decrease in total antioxidant capacity, norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin levels were recorded. The same treatment showed significant decrease in proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression and significant increase in caspase-3 expression in the granule and pyramidal cells. After paroxetine-treatment these parameters were more or less similar to those observed in reserpine-treated ones. While an obvious improvement was appeared when animal treated with both paroxetine and ALA and; all parameters restored its normal features.

Conclusions

This study concluded that; ALA treatment attenuated the cerebral injury induced by reserpine and improved the effects of paroxetine in rats due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and antioxidant activities.
Maternal Testosterone and Offspring Birth Weight: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Zheng Bing-Kun , Sun Xue-Yi , Xian Jie , Niu Peng-Peng
Published: June 2022

Context

Evidence has shown maternal androgen levels in both the general population and populations with hyperandrogenic disorders are inversely associated with offspring birth weight.

Context

We aimed to investigate the causal effect of maternal testosterone levels in the general population on offspring birth weight and preterm delivery risk using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method.

Methods

We obtained independent genetic instruments from a sex-specific genome-wide association study with up to 230 454 females of European descent from the UK Biobank. Genetic instruments with consistent testosterone effects but no aggregate effect on sex hormone–binding globulin were used to perform the main analysis. Summary-level data of offspring birth weight adjusted for genotype were obtained from a study with 210 406 females of European descent. Summary-level data of preterm delivery were obtained from the FinnGen study (6736 cases and 116 219 controls).

Results

MR analysis showed that each SD (0.62 nmol/L) increase in testosterone levels could reduce the offspring birth weight by 37.26 g (95% CI, 19.59-54.94 g; P = 3.62 × 10-5). Each SD increase in testosterone levels was also associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery (odds ratio = 1.329; 95% CI, 1.161-1.520; P = 3.57 × 10-5). Similar results were found using different MR methods and multivariable MR analyses.

Conclusion

This two-sample MR study showed genetically determined higher circulating testosterone levels in females from the general population were associated with low birth weight of offspring and increased risk of preterm delivery.
Veterinary nutritional assessment: the importance of an interprofessional approach
Authors: Lumbis Rachel H , Rinkinen Minna
Published: June 2022

Few pet topics provoke more debate and discussion than pet nutrition. The veterinary healthcare team have a central role as the expert source of information for optimal pet nutrition, with each member capable of playing an important part in providing optimal nutritional support and recommendations. This article provides an important reminder of nutritional assessment and specific dietary recommendations as the fifth vital assessment and an essential part of patient care for every pet at every visit. It also presents the non-branded support materials and practical aids available in the WSAVA Global Nutrition Toolkit. Using a patient scenario, consideration is given to how nutritional care and support can be enhanced through interprofessional practice.
Understanding the Economic Situation of People Who Took a Foreign Currency Mortgage in Hungary and Poland
Authors: Augustyniak Hanna , Csizmady Adrienne , Hegedüs József , Łaszek Jacek , Olszewski Krzysztof , Somogyi Eszter
Published: June 2022

In this article we show that significant differences between the foreign currency mortgage agreements in Hungary and Poland led to significant differences in monthly mortgage payments after the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) erupted. Hungarian banks were able to add a variable markup to the LIBOR3M that was connected to bank risk on top of the usual fixed markup. We compare the monthly mortgage payments and LTV levels of people who took out a CHF mortgage with those who obtained a local currency mortgage during the mortgage boom years of 2006–2008. We find that in the initial years of the mortgage CHF mortgages were cheaper than local currency mortgages, which allowed more people to buy housing. However, the GFC led to a deterioration of the exchange rate, and monthly payments and LTV levels (consequently?) increased. We analyse the mortgage costs and LTV levels of the 2006-2008 foreign currency (FX) mortgage vintages in Hungary and Poland between 2006 and 2020 and compare them to local currency mortgages. We also simulate the effects of changing housing prices and wages on mortgages in the cities of Budapest and Warsaw.
Debt Relief or Exit: The Long-Term Effects of Forex Loans on Latvian Households
Authors: Saulitis Andris
Published: June 2022

The stubborn decision of the Latvian government to join the eurozone at any cost put a great burden on Latvian households after the crisis of 2008. Nevertheless, no popular protest movement emerged to change the course of this decision. This study discusses why Latvians undertook individual strategies to cope with the forex loan crisis. Particularly, I look at the choice between formal debt relief procedures and emigration as alternative individual strategies for defaulted debtors. These programmes have not reversed the negative migration trends or significantly decreased the number of Latvian households in arrears. Debt discharge is mainly attainable for wealthy individuals who are able to mobilise their financial and kinship resources. Worse-off debtors cannot attain debt discharge or are stigmatised during the process. Alternatively, emigration has offered a way to cope with overindebtedness and keep up with mortgages and consumer loan payments for a much larger segment of the debtor population.
A Systematic Review of Maintenance Measurement in Early Childhood Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
Authors: Pokorski Elizabeth A. , LeJeune Lauren M.
Published: June 2022

Single case research designs (SCRDs) are integral to identifying evidence-based practices (EBPs) for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, the field lacks guidance on measuring response maintenance within SCRDs. We identified 103 studies in which researchers used SCRD to investigate the maintenance of behavioral intervention outcomes for children with ASD ages 0–5. Findings include: (a) maintenance conditions across most EBP categories, (b) limited within-case replication of maintenance assessment, (c) inconsistent use of maintenance terminology, (d) varying frequencies of maintenance assessment, and (e) wide range in latency to first and last maintenance probe. Results indicate a pressing need for the regular inclusion of maintenance conditions in behavioral research to increase our understanding of programming for and assessing maintenance.
End-to-End Optimized Adversarial Deep Compressed Super-Resolution Imaging via Pattern Scanning
Authors: Zhang Kangning , Zhu Junze , Yang Weijian
Published: June 2022

We propose an end-to-end optimized adversarial deep compressed imaging modality. This method exploits the adversarial duality of the sensing basis and sparse representation basis in compressed sensing framework and shows solid super-resolution results.
Extreme Ultraviolet Laser Ablation Mass Spectrometry: A New Tool for Chemical Mapping at the Nanoscale
Authors: Rush Lydia A. , Duffin Andrew M. , Rocca Jorge J. , Menoni Carmen S.
Published: June 2022

We showcase a recently developed extreme ultraviolet laser (λ = 46.9 nm) ablation mass spectrometer that can be used for chemical mapping at the nanoscale for applications in biology, nuclear forensics, and geology.
High topological charge extreme-ultraviolet vortex and vector-vortex beams
Authors: Pandey Alok Kumar , de las Heras Alba , Román Julio San , Serrano Javier , Baynard Elsa , Dovillaire Guillaume , Pittman Moana , Durfee Charles G. , Plaja Luis , Kazamias Sophie , Hernández-García Carlos , Guilbaud Olivier
Published: June 2022

We demonstrate the production of EUV vortex beams, and vector-vortex beams merging the helical phase of a vortex and the spatially variant polarization of a vector beam, both carrying large orbital angular momentum per photon.
Compact kW-class enhancement cavity operated at GHz repetition rates for Inverse Compton Scattering sources
Authors: Blanc Frédéric , Amer Manar , Bonamis Guillaume , Cassou Kevin , Chiche Ronic , Courjaud Antoine , Dupraz Kevin , Martens Aurélien , Nutarelli Daniele , Peinaud Yann , Zomer Fabian
Published: June 2022

We report on a compact kW-class optical system composed of a GHz oscillator amplified at high average power and coupled to an optical cavity exhibiting a 250 enhancement factor.
HHG at the Carbon K-edge directly driven by SRS red-shifted pulses from an Yb amplifier
Authors: Kirchner Martin , Shumakova Valentina , Coccia Giulio , Kaksis Edgar , Schmidt Bruno , Pervak Vladimir , Pugzlys Audrius , Zeiler Markus , Baltuska Andrius , Carpeggiani Paolo A.
Published: June 2022

HHG in gases is driven with pulses from an Yb:CaF2 amplifier post-compressed and redshifted in a nitrogen-filled stretched hollow core fiber. With this driving scheme, we experimentally demonstrated the extension of the HHG cut-off to the Carbon K-edge without the need for laser frequency conversion via parametric processes.
Ultra-high photon flux high-harmonic generation
Authors: Tschernajew Maxim , Hädrich Steffen , Klas Robert , Gebhardt Martin , Horsten Roland , Weerdenburg Sven , Pyatchenkov Sergey , Coene Wim , Breitkopf Sven , Herrfurth Oliver , Rothhardt Jan , Eidam Tino , Limpert Jens
Published: June 2022

We present a highly stable, easy-to-use HHG source delivering a record photon flux of >1011 photons/s at 69eV-75eV, being tunable to approx. 100eV which will be used for future photon-hungry applications.
Continuously tunable high photon flux high harmonic source at 50 – 70 eV
Authors: Kirsche Alexander , Klas Robert , Gebhardt Martin , Eisenbach Lucas , Eschen Wilhelm , Buldt Joachim , Stark Henning , Rothhardt Jan , Limpert Jens
Published: June 2022

A fully tunable table-top extreme ultraviolet source providing state-of-the-art photon flux at energies of 50-70 eV is presented. It is based on a nonlinear blueshift and subsequent high harmonic generation in a gas-filled capillary.
A Compact Robust Laser Driven X-ray Source for Phase Contrast Imaging
Authors: SONG Panyi , BARBREL Benjamin , DORCHIES Fabien , COURJAUD Antoine
Published: June 2022

We present on a XPS (X-ray Plasma Source) driven by an ultrafast laser delivering 25 mJ, 1.7 ps at 100 Hz. This source emitted at 17 keV from a 20x33 µm2 spot, particularly adapted to phase contrast imaging for mammography.
Update on LPA based X-ray sources at ELI Beamlines
Authors: Chaulagain U. , Lamač M. , Raclavský M. , Khakurel K. , Nejdl J.
Published: June 2022

We report the current status of laser-plasma accelerator-based secondary X-ray sources at ELI beamlines.
Reflection Ptychography via Auto Differentiation on a High Harmonic EUV beamline
Authors: Weerdenburg Sven , Shao Yifeng , Seifert Jacob , Horsten Roland , Coene Wim
Published: June 2022

We demonstrate our beamline using a table-top HHG EUV source for lensless imaging application in reflection m ode. The sample reflection function is reconstructed using an auto-differentiation based ptychographic algorithm built on TensorFlow platform.
Ultrahigh sensitivity grating interferometry for laser-based X-ray phase contrast imaging
Authors: Safca N. , Stutman D. , Anghel E. , Negoita F. , Ur C.A.
Published: June 2022

Ultrahigh sensitivity X-ray interferometry using micron-period gratings in long Talbot-Lau geometries is developed at ELI-NP, towards laser-based X-ray phase contrast imaging for medical applications. Results on mammography phantoms confirm the capabilities of the proposed method.
Implementation and applications of time-dependent multiconfiguration methods for laser-driven multielectron dynamics of diatomic molecules
Authors: Li Yang , Sato Takeshi , Ishikawa Kenichi L.
Published: June 2022

We have successfully implemented the time-dependent complete-active-space self-consistent-field method on prolate spheroidal coordinates. This will open a way to first-principle study of strong-field and attosecond phenomena in diatomic molecules.
Excitation of the Cr2+,Fe2+:Zn1_xMgxSe (x ≈ 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4) Single Crystals by ~2.94 μm and ~4.05 μm Radiation Resulting in 4.4-5.1 μm Mid-infrared Laser Generation
Authors: Ríha Adam , Jelínková Helena , Doroshenko Maxim E. , Jelínek Michal , Němec Michal , Šulc Jan , Kovalenko Nazar O.
Published: June 2022

Lasers based on Cr2+,Fe2+:Zni_xMgxSe (x ≈ 0.2, x ≈ 0.3, and x ≈ 0.4) single crystals excited directly to Fe2+ at ~2.94 μm and ~4.05 μm by Q-switched Er:YAG laser or gain-switched Fe:ZnSe laser are reported.
Temperature Dependence of Spectroscopic and Lasing Properties of Cryogenically Cooled Tm:GdVO4 Crystal
Authors: Veselský Karel , Šulc Jan , Jelínková Helena
Published: June 2022

The temperature dependence of spectroscopic and lasing properties of Tm:GdVO4 crystal was investigated under cryogenic cooling. The lasing with efficiency 44 % was achieved at wavelength 1843 nm at 78 K for the first time.
Long working distance measurement of sub-micron liquid jets
Authors: Kovács A. P. , Karnok M. , Gilinger T. , Füle M. , Osvay K.
Published: June 2022

A broadband spectral interferometer was developed for on-line measurement of liquid jets thickness. The working distance and spatial resolution are 15cm and <10μm, respectively. The method was demonstrated on 555nm and 160nm polyethylene foils.
Generation of THz radiation and high-energy electrons in the interaction of TW laser pulse with dense tens of micron-scale preplasma layer
Authors: Gorlova D. A. , Tsymbalov I. N. , Ivanov K. A. , Savel'ev A. B.
Published: June 2022

Generation of THz radiation in the interaction of 1 TW laser system with μm-thick tape target was studied experimentally and numerically. Possible mechanisms of its generation were established. Properties of accelerated electrons were also measured.
Full 3+1D simulation of high energy post-compression in solid thin plates
Authors: Lehotai Levente , Tóth Szabolcs , Pajer Viktor , Csontos János , Börzsönyi Ádám , Osvay Károly , Nagymihály Roland S.
Published: June 2022

A novel 3+1D numerical simulation code was developed for high-energy post-compression of ultrashort laser pulses in solid thin plates to the few-to-single-cycle temporal regime with a special emphasis on the investigation of spatio-temporal pulse distortions.
Band-Structure Metamorphosis in Solids
Authors: Gessner Julia Anthea , Yamada Shunsuke , Siegrist Florian , Ossiander Marcus , Golyari Keyhan , Hahner Daniel , Pervak Volodymyr , Sharma Sangeeta , Yabana Kazuhiro , Schultze Martin , Krausz Ferenc
Published: June 2022

Our real-time study of nonlinearities in solids demonstrates that ultrafast light fields can transform nickel from a conducting to a semiconducting material, while silicon can be turned from an indirect to a direct band-gap absorber.
SESAMs for High-Power Ho-Doped Lasers at 2.1 um
Authors: Heidrich Jonas , Gaulke Marco , Alaydin B. Ozgur , Golling Matthias , Barh Ajanta , Keller Ursula
Published: June 2022

We present a high-precision (<0.03%) nonlinear reflectivity and pump-probe characterization of InGaSb quantum-well-based SESAMs for high-power 2.1 μm Ho-doped lasers. The SESAMs have ~1% modulation depth, high saturation fluences and fast recovery times.
Precisely tunable narrowband mid-infrared mJ pulses from a backward wave optical parametric oscillator
Authors: Mølster Kjell Martin , Guionie Marie , Mutter Patrick , Dherbecourt Jean-Baptiste , Melkonian Jean-Michel , Délen Xavier , Zukauskas Andrius , Canalias Carlota , Laurell Fredrik , Georges Patrick , Raybaut Myriam , Godard Antoine , Pasiskevicius Valdas
Published: June 2022

Precision-tunable mJ, nanosecond pulses at 1981.1 nm and 2145.6 nm are generated at 5kHz repetition with an efficiency of 70% in a cavity-free arrangement using a PPRKTP BWOPO pumped by a narrowband DPSSL at 1030nm.
High-brightness supercontinuum sources: prospects for mid-infrared laser spectroscopy
Authors: Zorin Ivan , Ebner Alexander , Gattinger Paul , Brandstetter Markus
Published: June 2022

In this contribution, the current state of high-brightness supercontinuum generation is reviewed from the perspective of applied mid-infrared spectroscopy. The key emission properties of practical interest are discussed and quantified; potential spectroscopic scenarios are listed.
Ho:GGAG Disordered Garnet Crystal for Tunable 2.1 µm Laser
Authors: Kratochvíl Jan , Boháček Pavel , Šulc Jan , Němec Michal , Jelínková Helena , Kubeček Václav , Trunda Bohumil , Havlák Lubomír , Jurek Karel , Nikl Martin
Published: June 2022

Room-temperature 2.1 µm laser based on a novel Ho3+-doped disordered garnet Gd3(Ga,Al)5O12, resonantly pumped by a Tm:fiber laser, was investigated. Slope efficiency of 45 % and a wavelength tunability in the range 2055-2116 nm was achieved.
High-brightness CEP-stable light source with coverage from 340 nm to 40,000 nm
Authors: Elu U. , Maidment L. , Vamos L. , Tani F. , Novoa D. , Frosz M. H. , Badikov V. , Badikov D. , Petrov V. , Russell P. St. J. , Biegert J.
Published: June 2022

A mid-IR OPCPA comb source delivers a high-brightness coherent spectrum with coverage across 7 optical octaves, from the UV (340 nm) into the THz (40,000 nm).
2 μm type-II optical parametric oscillators in PPRKTP
Authors: Liu Yaqun , Mølster Kjell Martin , Zukauskas Andrius , Lee Cherrie , Pasiskevicius Valdas
Published: June 2022

The mid-infrared type-II PPRKTP optical parametric oscillators (OPO) operating in 2 μm region were investigated using quasi-phase-matched structures with a range of periodicities. A design precisely targeting on/off greenhouse gas absorption lines was devised.
High-Resolution Quantum Cascade Laser Dual-Comb Spectroscopy with Accurate Absolute Frequency Scale
Authors: Gianella Michele , Komagata Kenichi N. , Vogel Simon , Wittwer Valentin J. , Bertrand Mathieu , Schilt Stéphane , Faist Jérôme , Südmeyer Thomas , Emmenegger Lukas
Published: June 2022

We present a mid-infrared dual comb spectrometer featuring fast acquisition (54 ms), high spectral resolution (630 kHz), and high frequency accuracy (2 MHz), in the 7.8 um wavelength range.