bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pore-scale imaging and analysis of low salinity waterflooding in a heterogeneous carbonate rock at reservoir conditions
Authors: Selem Ahmed M. , Agenet Nicolas , Gao Ying , Raeini Ali Q. , Blunt Martin J. , Bijeljic Branko
Published: July 2021

X-ray micro-tomography combined with a high-pressure high-temperature flow apparatus and advanced image analysis techniques were used to image and study fluid distribution, wetting states and oil recovery during low salinity waterflooding (LSW) in a complex carbonate rock at subsurface conditions. The sample, aged with crude oil, was flooded with low salinity brine with a series of increasing flow rates, eventually recovering 85% of the oil initially in place in the resolved porosity. The pore and throat occupancy analysis revealed a change in fluid distribution in the pore space for different injection rates. Low salinity brine initially invaded large pores, consistent with displacement in an oil-wet rock. However, as more brine was injected, a redistribution of fluids was observed; smaller pores and throats were invaded by brine and the displaced oil moved into larger pore elements. Furthermore, in situ contact angles and curvatures of oil–brine interfaces were measured to characterize wettability changes within the pore space and calculate capillary pressure. Contact angles, mean curvatures and capillary pressures all showed a shift from weakly oil-wet towards a mixed-wet state as more pore volumes of low salinity brine were injected into the sample. Overall, this study establishes a methodology to characterize and quantify wettability changes at the pore scale which appears to be the dominant mechanism for oil recovery by LSW.
Comparison of the efficacy of supraglottic airway devices in low-risk adult patients: a network meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Lai Chih-Jun , Yeh Yi-Chun , Tu Yu-Kang , Cheng Ya-Jung , Liu Chih-Min , Fan Shou-Zen
Published: July 2021

Numerous supraglottic airway device (SADs) have been designed for adults; however, their relative efficacy, indicated by parameters such as adequacy of sealing, ease of application, and postinsertion complications, remains unclear. We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of various SADs. We searched electronic databases for randomized controlled trials comparing at least two types of SADs published before December 2019. The primary outcomes were oropharyngeal leak pressure (OLP), risk of first-attempt insertion failure, and postoperative sore throat rate (POST). We included 108 studies (n = 10,645) comparing 17 types of SAD. The Proseal laryngeal mask airway (LMA), the I-gel supraglottic airway, the Supreme LMA, the Streamlined Liner of the Pharynx Airway, the SoftSeal, the Cobra Perilaryngeal Airway, the Air-Q, the Laryngeal Tube, the Laryngeal Tube Suction II, the Laryngeal Tube Suction Disposable, AuraGain, and Protector had significantly higher OLP (mean difference ranging from 3.98 to 9.18 cmH2O) compared with that of a classic LMA (C-LMA). The Protector exhibited the highest OLP and was ranked first. All SADs had a similar likelihood of first-attempt insertion failure and POST compared with the C-LMA. Our findings indicate that the Protector may be the best SAD because it has the highest OLP.

Systematic review registration PROSPERO: CRD42017065273.
Repeated cross-sectional analysis of hydroxychloroquine deimplementation in the AHA COVID-19 CVD Registry
Authors: Bradley Steven M. , Emmons-Bell Sophia , Mutharasan R. Kannan , Rodriguez Fatima , Gupta Divya , Roth Gregory , Gluckman Ty J. , Shah Rashmee U. , Wang Tracy Y. , Khera Rohan , Peterson Pamela N. , Das Sandeep
Published: July 2021

There is little data describing trends in the use of hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 following publication of randomized trials that failed to demonstrate a benefit of this therapy. We identified 13,957 patients admitted for active COVID-19 at 85 U.S. hospitals participating in a national registry between March 1 and August 31, 2020. The overall proportion of patients receiving hydroxychloroquine peaked at 55.2% in March and April and decreased to 4.8% in May and June and 0.8% in July and August. At the hospital-level, median use was 59.4% in March and April (IQR 48.5–71.5%, range 0–100%) and decreased to 0.3% (IQR 0–5.4%, range 0–100%) by May and June and 0% (IQR 0–1.3%, range 0–36.4%) by July and August. The rate and hospital-level uniformity in deimplementation of this ineffective therapy for COVID-19 reflects a rapid response to evolving clinical information and further study may offer strategies to inform deimplementation of ineffective clinical care.
Quality assessment of Urochloa (syn. Brachiaria) seeds produced in Cameroon
Authors: Clémence-Aggy Njehoya , Fidèle Ntchapda , Raphael Kana Jean , Agbor Etchu Kingsley , Ghimire Sita R.
Published: July 2021

Urochloa (syn. Brachiaria) is the most popular fodder of livestock farmers in Cameroon for hay and seed productions. Farmers in Cameroon have been producing Brachiaria seeds for decades for own uses and surplus are sold to neighbours, and to traders from Cameroon and neighbouring countries. However, there is no information available about qualities of these seeds. Fifteen Urochloa seeds samples were collected from farmers and/or government stations in five regions (Adamaoua, East, North, North West, and West) and analysed for major seed quality parameters along with seeds of improved Urochloa cultivar Basilisk imported from Brazil as a check. Study showed significant differences among treatments for various seed quality parameters tested (P < 0.0001). The highest thousand grains weight was recorded in Basilisk (5.685 g), followed by W12 (3.555 g), A05 (3.153 g) and N01 (2.655 g). Caryopsis number and caryopsis weight were highest in Basilisk followed by E09, A06, and W12. Of three conditions tested for seed germination, mean germination was the highest in greenhouse (7.39%) where Basilisk had the highest germination (25.5%) followed by N01 (18.50%), A05 (14.50%) and W12 (12.75%). The seed viability ranged from 18% (E09) to 81% (N01), and there were a positive and highly significant relationships between seed germination and viability traits (r = 0.883; P < 0.0001). This study showed a marked difference in seed quality parameters of Urochloa grass seeds produced in Cameroon, and the potential of developing Urochloa grass seed business in the Northern, Adamaoua and Western regions of Cameroon.
Influence of frosted haptics on rotational stability of toric intraocular lenses
Authors: Takaku Ruriko , Nakano Shinichiro , Iida Masaharu , Oshika Tetsuro
Published: July 2021

We investigated the unfolding property and rotational stability of a new toric intraocular lens (IOL); TECNIS toric II (toric-II, ZCW, Johnson & Johnson) that is an improved version of TECNIS toric IOL (toric-I, ZCV). Both IOLs are based on an identical platform, except for the frosted haptics with toric-II IOL. The study consisted of two parts; experimental study and clinical, retrospective, case series. Experimental study indicated that the overall time from IOL ejection to unfolding to 11 mm was significantly shorter with toricII than toric-I IOLs (p = 0.032), due to the earlier separation of the haptics from the optic with toric-II IOL. Clinical study included 131 eyes of 99 patients who had undergone phacoemulsification and toric IOL implantation. At 3 months postoperatively, toric-II IOL showed significantly better rotational stability than toric-I IOL, including smaller residual manifest astigmatism (p = 0.018), less amount of axis misalignment from the intended axis (p = 0.04), lower incidence of misalignment > 10º (p = 0.0044), and less degree of prediction errors (p = 0.043). Postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity tended to be better in the toric-II than in the toric-I groups, with marginal statistical difference (p = 0.057). TECNIS toric II IOL with the frosted haptics showed significantly better rotational stability than its predecessor, probably due to quicker unfolding and greater friction with the capsular bag.
Gene expression analysis method integration and co-expression module detection applied to rare glucide metabolism disorders using ExpHunterSuite
Authors: Jabato Fernando M. , Córdoba-Caballero José , Rojano Elena , Romá-Mateo Carlos , Sanz Pascual , Pérez Belén , Gallego Diana , Seoane Pedro , Ranea Juan A. G. , Perkins James R.
Published: July 2021

High-throughput gene expression analysis is widely used. However, analysis is not straightforward. Multiple approaches should be applied and methods to combine their results implemented and investigated. We present methodology for the comprehensive analysis of expression data, including co-expression module detection and result integration via data-fusion, threshold based methods, and a Naïve Bayes classifier trained on simulated data. Application to rare-disease model datasets confirms existing knowledge related to immune cell infiltration and suggest novel hypotheses including the role of calcium channels. Application to simulated and spike-in experiments shows that combining multiple methods using consensus and classifiers leads to optimal results. ExpHunter Suite is implemented as an R/Bioconductor package available from https://bioconductor.org/packages/ExpHunterSuite. It can be applied to model and non-model organisms and can be run modularly in R; it can also be run from the command line, allowing scalability with large datasets. Code and reports for the studies are available from https://github.com/fmjabato/ExpHunterSuiteExamples.
Identification of pathological transcription in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease epithelia
Authors: Friedrich Sebastian , Müller Hannah , Riesterer Caroline , Schüller Hannah , Friedrich Katja , Wörner Carlotta Leonie , Busch Tilman , Viau Amandine , Kuehn E. Wolfgang , Köttgen Michael , Hofherr Alexis
Published: July 2021

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) affects more than 12 million people worldwide. Mutations in PKD1 and PKD2 cause cyst formation through unknown mechanisms. To unravel the pathogenic mechanisms in ADPKD, multiple studies have investigated transcriptional mis-regulation in cystic kidneys from patients and mouse models, and numerous dysregulated genes and pathways have been described. Yet, the concordance between studies has been rather limited. Furthermore, the cellular and genetic diversity in cystic kidneys has hampered the identification of mis-expressed genes in kidney epithelial cells with homozygous PKD mutations, which are critical to identify polycystin-dependent pathways. Here we performed transcriptomic analyses of Pkd1- and Pkd2-deficient mIMCD3 kidney epithelial cells followed by a meta-analysis to integrate all published ADPKD transcriptomic data sets. Based on the hypothesis that Pkd1 and Pkd2 operate in a common pathway, we first determined transcripts that are differentially regulated by both genes. RNA sequencing of genome-edited ADPKD kidney epithelial cells identified 178 genes that are concordantly regulated by Pkd1 and Pkd2. Subsequent integration of existing transcriptomic studies confirmed 31 previously described genes and identified 61 novel genes regulated by Pkd1 and Pkd2. Cluster analyses then linked Pkd1 and Pkd2 to mRNA splicing, specific factors of epithelial mesenchymal transition, post-translational protein modification and epithelial cell differentiation, including CD34, CDH2, CSF2RA, DLX5, HOXC9, PIK3R1, PLCB1 and TLR6. Taken together, this model-based integrative analysis of transcriptomic alterations in ADPKD annotated a conserved core transcriptomic profile and identified novel candidate genes for further experimental studies.
Intestinal anti-inflammatory activity of Ulva ohnoi oil in DSS-induced experimental mouse model
Authors: Kang JeongEun , Park JiSun , Seo Jung-Kil , Choi WonHyung , Choi SooCheol , Kim Ju-Hyoung , Lee In-Ah
Published: July 2021

This study was conducted to examine the physiological activity ofUlva ohnoi, some of which may be used for food or natural products but could disturbing coastal ecosystems due to large scale green-tide, to check values ofU. ohnoioil through experimental results.U. ohnoioil was extracted from bulk ofUlvabiomass to confirm its antioxidant and antibacterial activity, and the efficacy ofU. ohnoioil in the state of inflammation was confirmed through animal experiments. To confirm the anti-inflammatory effect, a mouse model induced with DSS was used. As a result of measuring NO using plasma after induction of inflammation, the amount of NO produced in theU. ohnoioil group was decreased compared to the control group. Expression of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β was decreased compared to the control group. As a result of observing H&E staining, lower crypt loss and inflammatory cell infiltration were found in theU. ohnoioil group compared to the control group. Consequently,U. ohnoioil appears to have great anti-inflammatory properties.
Application of artificial neural networks and multiple linear regression on local bond stress equation of UHPC and reinforcing steel bars
Authors: Amini Pishro Ahad , Zhang Shiquan , Huang Dengshi , Xiong Feng , Li WeiYu , Yang Qihong
Published: July 2021

We investigated the use of an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to predict the Local Bond Stress (LBS) between Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) and steel bars, in order to evaluate the accuracy of our LBS equation, proposed by Multiple Linear Regression (MLR). The experimental and numerical LBS results of specimens, based on RILEM standards and using pullout tests, were assessed by the ANN algorithm using the TensorFlow platform. For each specimen, steel bar diameters ($$d_{b} )$$db)of 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20, concrete compressive strength ($$f_{c}^{\prime }$$fc′), bond lengths ($$L$$L), and concrete covers ($$C$$C) of$$d_{b}$$db,$$2d_{b}$$2db,$$3d_{b}$$3dband$$4d_{b}$$4dbwere used as input parameters for our ANN. To obtain an accurate LBS equation, we first modified the existing formula, then used MLR to establish a new LBS equation. Finally, we applied ANN to verify our new proposed equation. The numerical pullout test values from ABAQUS and experimental results from our laboratory were compared with the proposed LBS equation and ANN algorithm results. The results confirmed that our LBS equation is logically accurate and that there is a strong agreement between the experimental, numerical, theoretical, and the predicted LBS values. Moreover, the ANN algorithm proved the precision of our proposed LBS equation.
Estrogen-related receptor alpha (ERRα) is a key regulator of intestinal homeostasis and protects against colitis
Authors: Tran Allan , Scholtes Charlotte , Songane Mario , Champagne Claudia , Galarneau Luc , Levasseur Marie-Pier , Fodil Nassima , Dufour Catherine Rosa , Giguère Vincent , Saleh Maya
Published: July 2021

The estrogen-related receptor alpha (ERRα) is a primary regulator of mitochondrial energy metabolism, function and dynamics, and has been implicated in autophagy and immune regulation. ERRα is abundantly expressed in the intestine and in cells of the immune system. However, its role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains unknown. Here, we report a protective role of ERRα in the intestine. We found that mice deficient in ERRα were susceptible to experimental colitis, exhibiting increased colon inflammation and tissue damage. This phenotype was mediated by impaired compensatory proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) following injury, enhanced IEC apoptosis and necrosis and reduced mucus-producing goblet cell counts. Longitudinal analysis of the microbiota demonstrated that loss of ERRα lead to a reduction in microbiome α-diversity and depletion of healthy gut bacterial constituents. Mechanistically, ERRα mediated its protective effects by acting within the radio-resistant compartment of the intestine. It promoted disease tolerance through transcriptional control of key genes involved in intestinal tissue homeostasis and repair. These findings provide new insights on the role of ERRα in the gut and extends our current knowledge of nuclear receptors implicated in IBD.
In vitro biological and antimicrobial properties of chitosan-based bioceramic coatings on zirconium
Authors: Aktug Salim Levent , Durdu Salih , Kalkan Selin , Cavusoglu Kultigin , Usta Metin
Published: July 2021

Ca-based porous and rough bioceramic surfaces were coated onto zirconium by micro-arc oxidation (MAO). Subsequently, the MAO-coated zirconium surfaces were covered with an antimicrobial chitosan layer via the dip coating method to develop an antimicrobial, bioactive, and biocompatible composite biopolymer and bioceramic layer for implant applications. Cubic ZrO2, metastable Ca0.15Zr0.85O1.85, and Ca3(PO4)2 were detected on the MAO surface by powder-XRD. The existence of chitosan on the MAO-coated Zr surfaces was verified by FTIR. The micropores and thermal cracks on the bioceramic MAO surface were sealed using a chitosan coating, where the MAO surface was porous and rough. All elements such as Zr, O, Ca, P, and C were homogenously distributed across both surfaces. Moreover, both surfaces indicated hydrophobic properties. However, the contact angle of the MAO surface was lower than that of the chitosan-based MAO surface. In vitro bioactivity on both surfaces was investigated via XRD, SEM, and EDX analyses post-immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 14 days. In vitro bioactivity was significantly enhanced on the chitosan-based MAO surface with respect to the MAO surface. In vitro microbial adhesions on the chitosan-based MAO surfaces were lower than the MAO surfaces for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
Maternal body mass index in pregnancy and mental disorders in adult offspring: a record linkage study in Aberdeen, Scotland
Authors: Lahti-Pulkkinen Marius , Räikkönen Katri , Bhattacharya Sohinee , Reynolds Rebecca M.
Published: July 2021

Maternal obesity in pregnancy predicts offspring psychopathology risk in childhood but it remains unclear whether maternal obesity or underweight associate with adult offspring mental disorders. We examined longitudinally whether maternal body mass index (BMI) in pregnancy predicted mental disorders in her offspring and whether the associations differed by offspring birth year among 68,571 mother–child dyads of Aberdeen Maternity and Neonatal Databank, Scotland. The offspring were born 1950–1999. Maternal BMI was measured at a mean 15.7 gestational weeks and classified into underweight, normal weight, overweight, moderate obesity and severe obesity. Mental disorders were identified from nationwide registers carrying diagnoses of all hospitalizations and deaths in Scotland in 1996–2017. We found that maternal BMI in pregnancy was associated with offspring mental disorders in a time-dependent manner: In offspring born 1950–1974, maternal underweight predicted an increased hazard of mental disorders [Hazard Ratio (HR) = 1.74; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.01–3.00)]. In offspring born 1975–1999, maternal severe obesity predicted increased hazards of any mental (HR 1.60; 95% CI 1.08–2.38) substance use (HR 1.91; 95% CI 1.03–3.57) and schizophrenia spectrum (HR 2.80; 95% CI 1.40–5.63) disorders. Our findings of time-specific associations between maternal prenatal BMI and adult offspring mental disorders may carry important public health implications by underlining possible lifelong effects of maternal BMI on offspring psychopathology.
On the mechanism of droplet rolling and spinning in inclined hydrophobic plates in wedge with different wetting states
Authors: Yilbas Bekir Sami , Yakubu Mubarak , Abubakar Abba Abdulhamid , Al-Qahtani Hussain , Sahin Ahmet , Al-Sharafi Abdullah
Published: July 2021

A water droplet rolling and spinning in an inclined hydrophobic wedge with different wetting states of wedge plates is examined pertinent to self-cleaning applications. The droplet motion in the hydrophobic wedge is simulated in 3D space incorporating the experimental data. A high-speed recording system is used to store the motion of droplets in 3D space and a tracker program is utilized to quantify the recorded data in terms of droplet translational, rotational, spinning, and slipping velocities. The predictions of flow velocity in the droplet fluid are compared with those of experimental results. The findings revealed that velocity predictions agree with those of the experimental results. Tangential momentum generated, via droplet adhesion along the three-phase contact line on the hydrophobic plate surfaces, creates the spinning motion on the rolling droplet in the wedge. The flow field generated in the droplet fluid is considerably influenced by the shear rate created at the interface between the droplet fluid and hydrophobic plate surfaces. Besides, droplet wobbling under the influence of gravity contributes to the flow inside the rolling and spinning droplet. The parallel-sided droplet path is resulted for droplet emerging from the wedge over the dusty surface.
Nationwide case–control study of risk factors and outcomes for community-acquired sepsis
Authors: Lindström Ann-Charlotte , Eriksson Mikael , Mårtensson Johan , Oldner Anders , Larsson Emma
Published: July 2021

Sepsis is the main cause of death in the intensive care units (ICU) and increasing incidences of ICU admissions for sepsis are reported. Identification of patients at risk for sepsis and poor outcome is therefore of outmost importance. We performed a nation-wide case–control study aiming at identifying and quantifying the association between co-morbidity and socio-economic factors with intensive care admission for community-acquired sepsis. We also explored 30-day mortality. All adult patients (n = 10,072) with sepsis admitted from an emergency department to an intensive care unit in Sweden between 2008 and 2017 and a control population (n = 50,322), matched on age, sex and county were included. In the sepsis group, 69% had a co-morbid condition at ICU admission, compared to 31% in the control group. Multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis was performed and there was a large variation in the influence of different risk factors associated with ICU-admission, renal disease, liver disease, metastatic malignancy, substance abuse, and congestive heart failure showed the strongest associations. Low income and low education level were more common in sepsis patients compared to controls. The adjusted OR for 30-day mortality for sepsis patients was 132 (95% CI 110–159) compared to controls.
Alcohol control policies add to secular trends in all-cause mortality rates in young adults
Authors: Tran Alexander , Manthey Jakob , Lange Shannon , Jiang Huan , Štelemėkas Mindaugas , Liutkutė-Gumarov Vaida , Meščeriakova-Veliulienė Olga , Petkevičienė Janina , Radišauskas Ričardas , Telksnys Tadas , Rehm Jürgen
Published: July 2021

Alcohol consumption is a major risk factor for premature mortality. Although alcohol control policies are known to impact all-cause mortality rates, the effect that policies have on specific age groups is an important area of research. This study investigates the effect of alcohol control policies implemented in 2009 and 2017 in Lithuania on all-cause mortality rates. All-cause mortality rates (deaths per 100,000 people) were obtained for 2001–2018 by 10-year age groups (20–29, 30–39, 40–49 years, etc.). All-cause mortality rates, independent of macro-level secular trends (e.g., economic trends) were examined. Following a joinpoint analysis to control for secular trends, an interrupted time series analysis showed that alcohol control policies had a significant effect on all-cause mortality rates (p = .018), with the most significant impact occurring among young adults (20–29 and 30–39 years of age). For these age groups, their mortality rate decreased during the 12 months following policy implementation (following the policy in 2009 for those 20–29 years of age, p = .0026, and following the policy in 2017 for those 30–39 years of age, p = .011). The results indicate that alcohol control policy can impact all-cause mortality rates, above and beyond secular trends, and that the impact is significant among young adults.
The role of IL-1 in adipose browning and muscle wasting in CKD-associated cachexia
Authors: Cheung Wai W. , Zheng Ronghao , Hao Sheng , Wang Zhen , Gonzalez Alex , Zhou Ping , Hoffman Hal M. , Mak Robert H.
Published: July 2021

Cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β trigger inflammatory cascades which may play a role in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease (CKD)-associated cachexia. CKD was induced by 5/6 nephrectomy in mice. We studied energy homeostasis in Il1β−/−/CKD, Il6−/−/CKD and Tnfα−/−/CKD mice and compared with wild type (WT)/CKD controls. Parameters of cachexia phenotype were completely normalized in Il1β−/−/CKD mice but were only partially rescued in Il6−/−/CKD and Tnfα−/−/CKD mice. We tested the effects of anakinra, an IL-1 receptor antagonist, on CKD-associated cachexia. WT/CKD mice were treated with anakinra (2.5 mg/kg/day, IP) or saline for 6 weeks and compared with WT/Sham controls. Anakinra normalized food intake and weight gain, fat and lean mass content, metabolic rate and muscle function, and also attenuated molecular perturbations of energy homeostasis in adipose tissue and muscle in WT/CKD mice. Anakinra decreased serum and muscle expression of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β in WT/CKD mice. Anakinra attenuated browning of white adipose tissue in WT/CKD mice. Moreover, anakinra normalized gastrocnemius weight and fiber size as well as attenuated muscle fat infiltration in WT/CKD mice. This was accompanied by correcting the increased muscle wasting signaling pathways while promoting the decreased myogenesis process in gastrocnemius of WT/CKD mice. We performed qPCR analysis for the top 20 differentially expressed muscle genes previously identified via RNAseq analysis in WT/CKD mice versus controls. Importantly, 17 differentially expressed muscle genes were attenuated in anakinra treated WT/CKD mice. In conclusion, IL-1 receptor antagonism may represent a novel targeted treatment for adipose tissue browning and muscle wasting in CKD.
Local intestinal microbiota response and systemic effects of feeding black soldier fly larvae to replace soybean meal in growing pigs
Authors: Kar Soumya K. , Schokker Dirkjan , Harms Amy C. , Kruijt Leo , Smits Mari A. , Jansman Alfons J. M.
Published: July 2021

Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens; BSF) larvae as dietary protein source have the ability to deliver nutrients and could possess functional properties that positively support animal productivity and health. More knowledge, however, is needed to assess the impact of feeding a BSF based diet on gut and animal health. Sixteen post-weaned male pigs were randomly assigned to two groups and fed for three weeks with iso-caloric and iso-proteinaceous experimental diets prepared with either soybean meal (SBM) as reference protein source or with BSF as single source of dietary protein. At the end of the trial, the pigs were sacrificed to collect relevant digesta, gut tissue and blood samples to study changes induced by the dietary treatments using ~ omics based analyses. Inclusion of BSF in the diet supports the development of the intestinal microbiome that could positively influence intestinal health. By amine metabolite analysis, we identified two metabolites i.e. sarcosine and methionine sulfoxide, in plasma that serve as markers for the ingestion of insect based ingredients. BSF seems to possess functional properties indicated by the appearance of alpha-aminobutyric acid and taurine in blood plasma of pigs that are known to induce health beneficial effects.
Metabolic reprogramming in chondrocytes to promote mitochondrial respiration reduces downstream features of osteoarthritis
Authors: Ohashi Yoshifumi , Takahashi Nobunori , Terabe Kenya , Tsuchiya Saho , Kojima Toshihisa , Knudson Cheryl B. , Knudson Warren , Imagama Shiro
Published: July 2021

Metabolic dysfunction in chondrocytes drives the pro-catabolic phenotype associated with osteoarthritic cartilage. In this study, substitution of galactose for glucose in culture media was used to promote a renewed dependence on mitochondrial respiration and oxidative phosphorylation. Galactose replacement alone blocked enhanced usage of the glycolysis pathway by IL1β-activated chondrocytes as detected by real-time changes in the rates of proton acidification of the medium and changes in oxygen consumption. The change in mitochondrial activity due to galactose was visualized as a rescue of mitochondrial membrane potential but not an alteration in the number of mitochondria. Galactose-replacement reversed other markers of dysfunctional mitochondrial metabolism, including blocking the production of reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, and the synthesis of inducible nitric oxide synthase. Of more clinical relevance, galactose-substitution blocked downstream functional features associated with osteoarthritis, including enhanced levels of MMP13 mRNA, MMP13 protein, and the degradative loss of proteoglycan from intact cartilage explants. Blocking baseline and IL1β-enhanced MMP13 by galactose-replacement in human osteoarthritic chondrocyte cultures inversely paralleled increases in markers associated with mitochondrial recovery, phospho-AMPK, and PGC1α. Comparisons were made between galactose replacement and the glycolysis inhibitor 2-deoxyglucose. Targeting intermediary metabolism may provide a novel approach to osteoarthritis care.
The characteristics and risk factors of human papillomavirus infection: an outpatient population-based study in Changsha, Hunan
Authors: Gao Bingsi , Liou Yu-Ligh , Yu Yang , Zou Lingxiao , Li Waixing , Huang Huan , Zhang Aiqian , Xu Dabao , Zhao Xingping
Published: July 2021

This cross-sectional study investigated the characteristics of cervical HPV infection in Changsha area and explored the influence of Candida vaginitis on this infection. From 11 August 2017 to 11 September 2018, 12,628 outpatient participants ranged from 19 to 84 years old were enrolled and analyzed. HPV DNA was amplified and tested by HPV GenoArray Test Kit. The vaginal ecology was detected by microscopic and biochemistry examinations. The diagnosis of Candida vaginitis was based on microscopic examination (spores, and/or hypha) and biochemical testing (galactosidase) for vaginal discharge by experts. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS 9.4. Continuous and categorical variables were analyzed by t-tests and by Chi-square tests, respectively. HPV infection risk factors were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Of the total number of participants, 1753 were infected with HPV (13.88%). Females aged ≥ 40 to < 50 years constituted the largest population of HPV-infected females (31.26%). The top 5 HPV subtypes affecting this population of 1753 infected females were the following: HPV-52 (28.01%), HPV-58 (14.83%), CP8304 (11.47%), HPV-53 (10.84%), and HPV-39 (9.64%). Age (OR 1.01; 95% CI 1–1.01; P < 0.05) and alcohol consumption (OR 1.30; 95% CI 1.09–1.56; P < 0.01) were found to be risk factors for HPV infection. However, the presence of Candida in the vaginal flora was found to be a protective factor against HPV infection (OR 0.62; 95% CI 0.48–0.8; P < 0.001). Comparing with our previous study of 2016, we conclude that the subtype distribution of HPV infection is relatively constant in Changsha. Our data suggest a negative correlation between vaginal Candida and HPV, however, more radical HPV management is required in this area for perimenopausal women and those who regularly consume alcohol.
Population-based retrospective cohort study on risk of age-related macular degeneration in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Bair Pei-Jane , Hsia Ning-Yi , Lin Cheng-Li , Yang Yu-Cih , Shen Te-Chun , Li Chi‐Yuan
Published: July 2021

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are both common diseases of the elderly people. COPD induced systemic inflammation and hypoxia may have an impact on the development of AMD. This study investigated the possible association between COPD and subsequent risk of AMD. A retrospective cohort study was conducted based on the data from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. The COPD cohort comprised 24,625 adult patients newly diagnosed during 2000–2012, whereas age-, gender-, and the year of diagnosis-matched non-COPD cohort comprised 49,250 individuals. Incident AMD was monitored to the end of 2013. A Cox proportional hazards model was applied to evaluate the risk of AMD. The COPD cohort showed 1.25 times higher AMD incidence than the non-COPD cohort (4.80 versus 3.83 per 1000 person-years, adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 1.20 [95% confident interval (CI) = 1.10–1.32]). Stratified analyses for age, gender, and presence of comorbidity resulted in significant adjusted HRs in most subgroups. Further analysis revealed that the COPD group had an increased risk of both the exudative and non-exudative types of AMD (adjusted HRs = 1.49 [95% CI = 1.13–1.96] and 1.15 [95% CI = 1.05–1.26], respectively). COPD patients have an increased risk for AMD development. Clinicians should provide adequate care for the ocular health to these patients.
Viscous flow between two sinusoidally deforming curved concentric tubes: advances in endoscopy
Authors: McCash L. B. , Akhtar Salman , Nadeem Sohail , Saleem Salman , Issakhov Alibek
Published: July 2021

Viscous flow between two sinusoidally deforming curved concentric tubes is mathematically investigated for the first time. Exact solutions are computed to analyse the flow between these two tubes and graphical outcomes are included for a thorough analysis of the solutions. The present article has prime applications in endoscopy as a novel peristaltic endoscope is introduced first time for a curved sinusoidal tube. This curved nature of outer sinusoidal tube with a flexible peristaltic endoscope placed inside it covers the topic of practical applications like endoscopy of human organs having curved shapes and the maintenance of complex machineries that involve complex curve structures. The usage of a flexible peristaltic endoscope inside a curved sinusoidal tube makes the process of catheterization more comfortable.
Bayesian multi-source regression and monocyte-associated gene expression predict BCL-2 inhibitor resistance in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: White Brian S. , Khan Suleiman A. , Mason Mike J. , Ammad-ud-din Muhammad , Potdar Swapnil , Malani Disha , Kuusanmäki Heikki , Druker Brian J. , Heckman Caroline , Kallioniemi Olli , Kurtz Stephen E. , Porkka Kimmo , Tognon Cristina E. , Tyner Jeffrey W. , Aittokallio Tero , Wennerberg Krister , Guinney Justin
Published: July 2021

The FDA recently approved eight targeted therapies for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), including the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax. Maximizing efficacy of these treatments requires refining patient selection. To this end, we analyzed two recent AML studies profiling the gene expression and ex vivo drug response of primary patient samples. We find that ex vivo samples often exhibit a general sensitivity to (any) drug exposure, independent of drug target. We observe that this “general response across drugs” (GRD) is associated with FLT3-ITD mutations, clinical response to standard induction chemotherapy, and overall survival. Further, incorporating GRD into expression-based regression models trained on one of the studies improved their performance in predicting ex vivo response in the second study, thus signifying its relevance to precision oncology efforts. We find that venetoclax response is independent of GRD but instead show that it is linked to expression of monocyte-associated genes by developing and applying a multi-source Bayesian regression approach. The method shares information across studies to robustly identify biomarkers of drug response and is broadly applicable in integrative analyses.
Inhibition of lung tumorigenesis by a small molecule CA170 targeting the immune checkpoint protein VISTA
Authors: Pan Jing , Chen Yao , Zhang Qi , Khatun Achia , Palen Katie , Xin Gang , Wang Li , Yang Chuanjia , Johnson Bryon D. , Myers Charles R. , Sei Shizuko , Shoemaker Robert H. , Lubet Ronald A. , Wang Yian , Cui Weiguo , You Ming
Published: July 2021

Expressed on cells of the myeloid and lymphoid lineages, V-domain Ig Suppressor of T cell Activation (VISTA) is an emerging target for cancer immunotherapy. Blocking VISTA activates both innate and adaptive immunity to eradicate tumors in mice. Using a tripeptide small molecule antagonist of VISTA CA170, we found that it exhibited potent anticancer efficacy on carcinogen-induced mouse lung tumorigenesis. Remarkably, lung tumor development was almost completely suppressed when CA170 was combined with an MHCII-directed KRAS peptide vaccine. Flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) revealed that CA170 increased CD8+ T cell infiltration and enhanced their effector functions by decreasing the tumor infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and Regulatory T (Treg) cells, while the Kras vaccine primarily induced expansion of CD4+ effector T cells. VISTA antagonism by CA170 revealed strong efficacy against lung tumorigenesis with broad immunoregulatory functions that influence effector, memory and regulatory T cells, and drives an adaptive T cell tumor-specific immune response that enhances the efficacy of the KRAS vaccine.
Silencing the G-protein coupled receptor 3-salt inducible kinase 2 pathway promotes human β cell proliferation
Authors: Iorio Caterina , Rourke Jillian L. , Wells Lisa , Sakamaki Jun-Ichi , Moon Emily , Hu Queenie , Kin Tatsuya , Screaton Robert A.
Published: July 2021

Loss of pancreatic β cells is the hallmark of type 1 diabetes, for which provision of insulin is the standard of care. While regenerative and stem cell therapies hold the promise of generating single-source or host-matched tissue to obviate immune-mediated complications, these will still require surgical intervention and immunosuppression. Here we report the development of a high-throughput RNAi screening approach to identify upstream pathways that regulate adult human β cell quiescence and demonstrate in a screen of the GPCRome that silencing G-protein coupled receptor 3 (GPR3) leads to human pancreatic β cell proliferation. Loss of GPR3 leads to activation of Salt Inducible Kinase 2 (SIK2), which is necessary and sufficient to drive cell cycle entry, increase β cell mass, and enhance insulin secretion in mice. Taken together, our data show that targeting the GPR3-SIK2 pathway is a potential strategy to stimulate the regeneration of β cells.
Chemical stability of hydrogen boride nanosheets in water
Authors: Rojas Kurt Irvin M. , Cuong Nguyen Thanh , Nishino Hiroaki , Ishibiki Ryota , Ito Shin-ichi , Miyauchi Masahiro , Fujimoto Yoshitaka , Tominaka Satoshi , Okada Susumu , Hosono Hideo , Arboleda Nelson B. , Kondo Takahiro , Morikawa Yoshitada , Hamada Ikutaro
Published: July 2021

Boron-based two-dimensional materials are of interest for use in electronic devices and catalytic applications, for which it is important that they are chemically stable. Here, we explore the chemical stability of hydrogen boride nanosheets in water. Experiments reveal that mixing hydrogen boride and water produces negligible amounts of hydrogen, suggesting that hydrolysis does not occur and that hydrogen boride is stable in water, which is in contrast to most boron hydride materials. First-principles calculations reveal that the sheets interact weakly with water even in the presence of defects and that negatively charged boron prevents the onset of hydrolysis. We conclude that the charge state of boron and the covalent boron-boron bond network are responsible for the chemical and structural stability. On the other hand, we found that proton exchange with hydrogen boride nanosheets does occur in water, indicating that they become acidic in the presence of water.
Hydrogel Processing Techniques and Vascular Tissue Engineering
Authors: Pien N. , Van Vlierberghe S. , Dubruel P. , Mantovani D.
Published: July 2021

Hydrogels exhibit mechanical properties and an architectural structure that mimics the native extracellular matrix. In addition, they have unique properties including swelling, diffusion, degradation and mechanical properties that can be tuned toward the targeted application, while they exhibit excellent biocompatibility. Therefore, hydrogels have been studied extensively to serve various biomedical and tissue engineering applications. In this chapter, hydrogels, their properties and their preparation methods are briefly introduced. Natural and synthetic hydrogels currently used in tissue engineering applications are also discussed, together with their advantages and limitations. Next, (conventional and co-axial) electrospinning is described as a processing technique to develop hydrogel scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. Finally, vascular tissue engineering is introduced to provide the distinct example of a biomedical application, which can be tackled using hydrogels.
Interface (Cell, Gel, Surface) and Biocompatibility in Gel Processing
Authors: La Gatta Annalisa , Schiraldi Chiara
Published: July 2021

Extrusion-based bioprinting has tremendous potential in delivering functional constructs for tissue engineering. The process generally involves the deposition of a cell-laden hydrogel precursor solution (the bioink) that undergoes post-printing stabilization through polymer crosslinking. The main hurdle to clinical application is related to the optimization of the “interface” between the polymeric material, cells, and the dispensing apparatus during the process. An optimal mutual interaction is needed to deposit constructs that exhibit both high printing resolution and fidelity and sound cell viability. After a brief introduction to the process, herein we discuss the main features of the bioink and the dispensing system that play a key role in optimal interface and related to the use of stem cells. The natural and synthetic macromolecules, usually employed as the polymeric part of the bioink, as well as the main polymer gelation mechanisms are reviewed, highlighting their effect on the “interface”. Finally, the progress from single polymer-bioinks, only compromising printing quality and cell activity, to more advanced formulations is discussed. Emphasis is put on the most promising bioink designs combining the use of injectable (crosslinked) hydrogels as the polymeric component with dual crosslinking strategies.
Long-term in vivo performances of polylactide/iron oxide nanoparticles core–shell fibrous nanocomposites as MRI-visible magneto-scaffolds
Authors: Awada Hussein , Sene Saad , Laurencin Danielle , Lemaire Laurent , Franconi Florence , Bernex Florence , Bethry Audrey , Garric Xavier , Guari Yannick , Nottelet Benjamin
Published: July 2021

Core–shell PLA@SPIONs nanocomposites with a monolayer of SPIONs anchored at the surface of PLA nanofibers are proposed as magneto-scaffolds. Their magnetic resonance imaging properties and tissue integration are studied over 6 months in a rat model.
Correction: Vinylboronic acid pinacol ester as a vinyl alcohol-precursor monomer in radical copolymerization with styrene
Authors: Makino Hiroshi , Nishikawa Tsuyoshi , Ouchi Makoto
Published: July 2021

Correction for ‘Vinylboronic acid pinacol ester as a vinyl alcohol-precursor monomer in radical copolymerization with styrene’ by Hiroshi Makino et al., Chem. Commun., 2021, DOI: 10.1039/D1CC02603H.
Defect quantification in metal halide perovskites: the solid-state electrochemical alternative
Authors: De Keersmaecker Michel , Armstrong Neal R. , Ratcliff Erin L.
Published: July 2021

A solid-state,operandoapproach for defect quantification with respect to an internal energy reference using an optically and X-ray transparent electrolyte that can be easily removed.
Strain-controlled single Cr-embedded nitrogen-doped graphene achieves efficient nitrogen reduction
Authors: Lin Chao , Liu Xiaopeng , Qu Jiale , Feng Xiang , Seh Zhi Wei , Wang Tianshuai , Zhang Qianfan
Published: July 2021

Significant reduction of the overpotential of the NRR by adjusting the bond length of Cr–N in CrN3@graphene.
Gas flow-assisted vacuum drying: identification of a novel process for attaining high-quality perovskite films
Authors: Mathies Florian , Nandayapa Edgar R. , Paramasivam Gopinath , Al Rayes Mohammad F. , Schröder Vincent R. F. , Rehermann Carolin , List-Kratochvil Emil J. W. , Unger Eva L.
Published: July 2021

Controlling the nucleation and crystal growth in solution-processed metal halide perovskite (MHP) thin films is the pivotal point in fabricating homogenous and pinhole-free films.
Inherent heterogeneities and nanostructural anomalies in organic glasses revealed by EPR
Authors: Ivanov Mikhail Yu. , Bakulina Olga D. , Alimov Dmitriy V. , Prikhod'ko Sergey A. , Veber Sergey L. , Pylaeva Svetlana , Adonin Nicolay Yu. , Fedin Matvey V.
Published: July 2021

We for the first time demonstrate that nanoscale structural anomalies, recently discovered in ionic liquids, are more general and ubiquitous phenomena, occurring also in various organic glass-formers with alkyl chains of the proper length.
Evidence of coordinative chain transfer polymerization of isoprene using iron iminopyridine/ZnEt2 catalytic systems
Authors: Hashmi Obaid H. , Visseaux Marc , Champouret Yohan
Published: July 2021

Herein, the first example of a reversible iron-mediated chain transfer polymerisation of isoprene with ZnEt2 as the chain transfer agent is reported.
Selenium and sulphur reactions involved in manganese reduction from sulphate solutions
Authors: Reyes-Morales Q. L. , Reyes-Cruz V. E. , Trujillo-Estrada A. , Cobos-Murcia J. A. , Urbano-Reyes G. , Pérez-Labra M.
Published: July 2021

Electrochemical reduction of ionic species during manganese deposition from sulphated aqueous solutions has been studied in an electrochemical reactor with two anionic exchange membranes.
Recent advances in heteroatom-doped graphene quantum dots for sensing applications
Authors: Sohal Neeraj , Maity Banibrata , Basu Soumen
Published: July 2021

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are carbon-based fluorescent nanomaterials having various applications due to attractive properties.
Boron-containing capsaicinoids
Authors: Melanson Jennifer A. , Landry Maxim F. , Lanteigne Martin , McQuillan Katherine , Correa Hebelin , Kerr Russell G. , Westcott Stephen A.
Published: July 2021

This study reports on the preparation of eight new boron-containing capsaicinoids bearing long aliphatic chains, and initial bioactivities are reported.
Synthesis of tailored oxymethylene ether (OME) fuels via transacetalization reactions
Authors: Drexler Marius , Haltenort Philipp , Zevaco Thomas A. , Arnold Ulrich , Sauer Jörg
Published: July 2021

Oxymethylene ethers (OME) as environmentally benign fuels: progress in the design of compounds with tailored properties.
Accelerating the discovery of energetic melt-castable materials by a high-throughput virtual screening and experimental approach
Authors: Song Siwei , Chen Fang , Wang Yi , Wang Kangcai , Yan Mi , Zhang Qinghua
Published: July 2021

Potential energetic melt-castable materials were screened out by machine-learning assisted high-throughput virtual screening from a generated chemical space, then eight compounds were synthesized and characterized.
High-performance lead-free bulk ceramics for electrical energy storage applications: design strategies and challenges
Authors: Yang Zetian , Du Hongliang , Jin Li , Poelman Dirk
Published: July 2021

This review summarizes the development history of lead-free bulk ceramics for electrical energy storage applications and stress the design strategies for each type of dielectric ceramic based on their special physical properties.
Comparative antibacterial activity of 2D materials coated on porous-titania
Authors: Mazinani Arash , Rastin Hadi , Nine Md Julker , Lee James , Tikhomirova Alexandra , Tung Tran Thanh , Ghomashchi Reza , Kidd Stephen , Vreugde Sarah , Losic Dusan
Published: July 2021

Antibacterial activity of selected 2D materials on porous-titania prepared by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) is presented.