bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-mannose glycosylation of ITGAM regulates the development and differentiation of trophoblast in the placenta
Authors: Cui Xinyuan , Wang Hao , Pei Xiaosong , Li Yaqi , Qin Huamin , Bi Jianlei , Liu Shuai , Yan Qiu
Published: May 2023

Background Development of placenta and differentiation of trophoblast is a hallmark event for successful pregnancy. Trophoblast stem (TS) cells proliferate and differentiate into TS-like cytotrophoblasts (CTBs), further formulate the differentiated subtypes, syncytiotrophoblasts (STBs) and invasive extravillous tropholoblasts (EVTs). Defective differentiation of TS-like CTBs is associated with severe gestational diseases. Protein glycosylation is an essential form of posttranslational modification. However, glycosylation-related mechanism controlling TS-like CTBs differentiation remains unknown. This study aims to investigate the function of high-mannose type glycans and ALG3 on TS-like CTBs differentiation. Furthermore, the mechanism of high-mannose and ITGAM during TS-like CTBs differentiation were explored.Methods Employing lectin microarray, the glycosylation expression traits were compared in the villi of miscarriage patients and healthy women. The expression of high-mannose and ALG3 were investigated by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence assays. The glycosylation proteins were screened by pull down and LC-MS/MS detection. Signaling pathway were screened by the human phosphokinase antibody array. The differentiation of TS-like CTBs were measured by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence assays.Results Lectin microarray results revealed that increased level of high-mannose type glycans on the TS-like CTBs of miscarriage patients compared with normal pregnancy women. Meantime, ALG3 levels increased in TS-like CTBs of miscarriage patients. Upregulating high-mannose type glycans by ALG3 hampered TS-like CTBs differentiated into STBs and EVTs, and arrested TS-like CTBs in the property stage. Furthermore, high level of high-mannose type glycans on ITGAM inhibited the binding of ITGAM and Fn, inactivating the p-STAT1 signaling pathway, further inhibiting TS-like CTBs differentiation potential.Conclusions These findings reveal that high-mannose type glycans, especially on ITGAM, hampered binding of ITGAM and Fn, which leads to the impaired TS-like CTBs differentiation by p-STAT1 signaling pathway. The present study provides novel insight into the function and mechanism of α1,3-linked high-mannose type glycans in TS-like CTBs differentiation in human placenta, which can also be used as a glycol molecular target for the treatment of miscarriage.
Rapid generation of a tomato male sterility system and its feasible application in hybrid seed production
Authors: Zhou Ming , Deng Lei , Yuan Guoliang , Zhao Wei , Ma Mingyang , Sun Chuanlong , Du Minmin , Li Chuanyou , Li Changbao
Published: May 2023

Male sterility enables reduced cost and high seed purity during hybrid seed production. However, progress toward its commercial applicationhas been slow in tomato due to the disadvantages of most natural male-sterile mutants. Here, we developed a practical method for efficient tomato hybrid seed production using a male sterile system with visible marker, which was rapidly generated by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing. Two closely linked genes, TM6 and DFR, which were reported to be candidates of ms15 (male sterile-15) and aw (anthocyanin without) locus respectively, were knocked out simultaneously in two elite tomato inbred lines. Mutagenesis of both genes generated green hypocotyl male-sterile (GHMS) lines, exhibiting male-sterility across different genetic backgrounds and environmental conditions and showing green hypocotyl due to defective anthocyanin accumulation, which serves as a reliable visible marker for selecting male-sterile plants at the seedling stage. We further proposed a strategy for multiplying the GHMS system and verified its high efficiency in stable male sterility propagation. Moreover, elite hybrid seeds were produced using GHMS system for potential side effects evaluation, and no adverse influences were found on seed yield, seed quality as well as important agronomic traits. This study provides a practical approach for the rapid generation and feasible application of male sterility in tomato hybrid breeding.
RILEM TC 266-MRP - Round-Robin Rheological Tests on High Performance Mortar and Concrete with Adapted Rheology: Evaluating Structural Build-up at Rest of Mortar and Concrete
Authors: Amziane Sofiane , Khayat Kamal , Sonebi Mohammed , Perrot Arnaud
Published: May 2023

This paper presents the results of a round-robin testing program undertaken by RILEM TC-266 - Measuring Rheological Properties of Cement-Based Materials in May 2018 at the Université d’Artois in Bethune France. Five types of rheometers were compared, they consisted of four ICAR rheometers, Viskomat XL rheometer, eBT-V rheometer, Sliding Pipe Rheometer (SLIPER), RheoCAD rheometer, and 4SCC rheometer, as well as the plate test. This paper discusses the results of the evolution of the static yield stress at rest of three mortar and five concrete mixtures that were determined using two ICAR rheometers, Viscomat XL and eBT-V rheometers, and the plate test. For the measurements carried out with rheometers, three different structural build-up indices (i.e., structural build-up rate, critical time, and coupled effects of initial static yield stress and rate of structural build-up) were determined. The indices were established using two static yield stress values measured after 10 and 40 minutes of rest as well as three static yield stress values that combine the two static yield stress measurements and the initial dynamic yield stresses obtained from the flow curves. The paper discusses the test results and highlights inaccuracies that could be encountered in determining the static yield stress. Test results indicate that the ICAR rheometers and the selected thixotropic indices can provide similar results, and that the spread of results obtained from different rheometers can be considerably reduced when using three yield stress values to calculate the rate of the static yield stress at rest. In order to enhance the accuracy of measurements, it is recommended to increase the number of measurements of the yield stress to at least three points over one hour after mixing to determine more accurately the various thixotropy indices.
Prevalence and factors associated with metabolic syndrome in patients with first hospitalization for major depression disorder：a large sample cross-sectional study
Authors: Tang Zhongyu , Zhang Lin , Liu Xuebing , Ma Jun
Published: May 2023

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a common comorbidity of major depressive disorder (MDD) that has serious adverse effects on physical health. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence and factors influencing MetS in patients hospitalized for their first episode of MDD. The study included 981 patients who were admitted for MDD. Data on demographic and clinical characteristics were gathered, along with measurements of metabolism-related parameters and assessments of psychological and psychopathological symptoms. The prevalence of MetS in the study population was 9.68%. Patients with both MDD and MetS were found to have more extensive and significant demographic and clinical characteristics, higher levels of metabolism-related parameters, and more severe psychological and psychopathological symptoms. Risk factors for the diagnosis of MetS included the onset age of MDD, higher HAMD scores, and higher TSH levels. The risk factors for higher MetS scores included older age, being married, higher PSS scores, and higher levels of TSH and TC, while higher levels of LDL-C were protective. Our results suggest that MetS is not highly prevalent in patients with MDD, but certain risk factors may increase its likelihood and severity.
Targeting EIF5A improves liver fibrosis by inhibiting mitochondrial function of hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Di Yuzhu , Jiang Yanan , Zhi Fengnan , Hu Ying , Xu Ruiling , Liu Jingyang , Zhao Lei , Ning Dandan , Jin Shizhu
Published: May 2023

Background: Liver fibrosis (LF) is the pathological basis of a majority of chronic liver diseases, characterized by excessive activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), inflammatory disorders and progressive scarring of the hepatic interstitial. Recently, sing-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology highlighted a much greater diversity between quiescent HSCs (qHSCs) and activated HSCs (aHSCs) in the progression of LF. Our study aims to investigate the role of Eif5a in liver fibrosis.
Methods: Bioinformatic analysis showed that the expression of Eif5a was associated with aHSCs. Immunofluorescence staining and qRT-PCR assays were performed to detected the expression and localization of Eif5a in both in vitro and in vivo hepatic fibrosis models. CCK-8, EdU, wound healing and flow cytometry assays verified the effect of si-EIF5A on aHSCs. H&E staining, Masson staining and immunohistochemistry assays detected the function of AAV-sh-Eif5a on mouse liver fibrosis. Further, transmission electron microscopy, mitochondrial membrane potential, Mito-Tracker Green, OCR and ATP experiments confirmed the relationship between EIF5A and mitochondrial biogenesis.
Results: Functionally, the silencing of Eif5a inhibited proliferation, migration, differentiation, and extracellular matrix deposition in aHSCs from both human and mouse origin. In vivo experiments, we found that silencing Eif5a slightly alleviated CCL4-induced liver fibrosis. Mechanistically, mitigating EIF5A triggered the mitochondrial morphology and function disorders to alleviated aHSCs activation.
Conclusions: In summary, our findings reveal that inhibition of EIF5A can alleviate LF through inhibiting mitochondrial function.
Cholestasis is associated with a higher rate of complications in both medical and surgical necrotizing enterocolitis.
Authors: Nayak Sujir Pritha , Huff Katie , Zaniletti Isabella , Ahmad Irfan , DiGeronimo ROBERT , Hair Amy , Kim Jae , Markel Troy , Piazza Anthony , Reber Kristina , Roberts Jessica , Sharma Jotishna , Sullivan Kevin , Premkumar Muralidhar , Yanowitz Toby
Published: May 2023

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between cholestasis and outcomes in medical and surgical necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
Study Design: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from 1472 infants with NEC [455 medical (mNEC) and 1017 surgical (sNEC)] from the Children’s Hospital Neonatal Database.
Results: The prevalence of cholestasis was lower in mNEC versus sNEC (38.2% vs 70.1%, p<0.001). In both groups, cholestasis was associated with lower birth gestational age [mNEC: OR 0.79 (95% CI 0.68-0.92); sNEC: OR 0.86 (95%CI 0.79-0.95)] and increased days of parenteral nutrition [mNEC: OR 1.08 (95%CI 1.04-1.13); sNEC: OR 1.01 (95%CI 1.01-1.02)]. For both groups, the highest direct bilirubin was associated with the composite outcome mortality or length of stay >75th percentile [mNEC: OR 1.21 (95%CI 1.06-1.38); sNEC: OR 1.06 (95%CI 1.03-1.09)].
Conclusion: Cholestasis with both medical NEC and surgical NEC is associated with adverse patient outcomes including increased mortality or extreme length of stay.
Experiences of schooling in children with long-gap esophageal atresia in Sweden
Authors: Dellenmark-Blom Michaela , Reilly Colin , Öst Elin , Ax Sofie Örnö , Svensson Jan F , Kassa Ann-Marie , Jönsson Linus , Abrahamsson Kate , Gatzinsky Vladimir , Tollne AnnaMaria , Omling Erik , Stenström Pernilla , Lilja Helene Engstrand
Published: May 2023

Background: Children with long-gap esophageal atresia (LGEA) risk living with aerodigestive morbidity and mental health difficulties. No previous study has investigated their experiences of schooling, despite the importance of schools in children’s development, learning and social relationships. We aimed to describe experiences of schooling in children with LGEA in Sweden.
Method: Twenty-six children with LGEA aged 3-17 were recruited nationwide in Sweden. One parent completed a survey on their child’s school-based supports (according to definitions from the Swedish National Agency for Education), school absence, school satisfaction, school functioning (PedsQL 4.0), mental health (Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire) and current symptomatology. School data were compared to that from 95 children with EA who had primary anastomosis (PA), a hypothesized milder affected group. Mental health level was determined using validated norms; abnormal≥90 percentile. Data were analyzed using descriptives, correlation and Mann-Whitney-U test. Significance level was p<0.05.
Results: Seventeen children with LGEA (65.4%) had formal school-based support concerning nutritional intake (60%), educational needs (50%) and medical/special health needs (35%), which was significantly more frequent compared to children with PA overall (36.8%, p=0.013) and regarding nutritional intake support in school (20%, p< 0.001). In children with LGEA, school-based support was related to low birth weight (p=0.036), young child age (p=0.014), height ≤-2SD for age/sex (p=0.024) and an increased number of aerodigestive symptoms (p<0.05). All children with LGEA who had abnormal scores of mental health, except for one child, had school-based support. Nine children with LGEA (36%) had school absence ≥1times/month the past year, more frequently because of colds/airway infections (p=0.045) and gastro-intestinal related problems compared to PA (p=0.003). School functioning scores were not significantly different from children with PA (p=0.34) but correlated negatively with school-based support (<0.001) and school absence (p=0.002). One parent out of 26 reported their child’s school satisfaction as “not good”.
Conclusions: Children with LGEA commonly receive school-based support, reflecting multifaceted daily needs and disease severity. School absence is frequent and related to poorer school functioning. Collaborative strategies between specialized health care providers and schools are needed to accommodate for their disease-specific needs in school. Future research focusing on academic achievement in children with EA is needed.
Low energy consumption form of the U-shaped plan office building in the Yangtze River Delta
Authors: Ying Xiaoyu , Huangfu Fanyu , Tao Chi
Published: May 2023

The significance of form in green building design is well recognized, as it has a substantial impact on both energy performance and construction cost. This study investigates the impact of the U-shaped plan on the energy demand, which can be flexibly applied to irregular site forms and clustered building blocks, and is widely used in existing office buildings. Specifically, we select the U-shaped plan as the object of study and collect related case data primarily from Hangzhou and Shanghai. Using Python, we generate plans based on two lengths, two angles, and depth, which serve as basic parameters and boundary conditions. The EnergyPlus platform is utilized for dynamic simulation of the energy consumption of each model, and correlation analysis using the Spearman coefficient method identifies two planar factors (M1 and M2) that have the most significant influence on energy consumption, including five basic parameters. Regression fitting and regression evaluation of the model further identify morphological critical information in the plan. Our research reveals that the critical interval of M1 is in (0.4, 1.02), and the critical point of M2 is 109.38 m. Furthermore, the contour plot of M1-M2-E1 is obtained, illustrating the mutual trend between morphological parameters (M1 & M2) and annual energy use intensity, which serves as a useful aid for designing low energy consumption solutions.
NAc-DBS corrects depression-like behaviors in CUMS mouse model via disinhibition of DA neurons in the VTA
Authors: Song Nan , Gao Yan , Lu Shanshan , Yang Shenglian , Yuan Chao , Sun Wenyu
Published: May 2023

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by diverse debilitating symptoms that include loss of motivation and anhedonia. If multiple medications, psychotherapy, and electroconvulsive therapy fail in some patients with MDD, their condition is then termed treatment–resistant depression (TRD). MDD can be associated with abnormalities in the reward–system–dopaminergic mesolimbic pathway, in which the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) play major roles. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) applied to the NAc alleviates the depressive symptoms of MDD. However, the mechanism underlying the effects of this DBS has remained elusive. In this study, using the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mouse model, we investigated the behavioral and neurobiological effects of NAc–DBS on the multidimensional depression–like phenotypes induced by CUMS by integrating behavioral, in vivo microdialysis coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography–electrochemical detector (HPLC–ECD), calcium imaging, pharmacological, and genetic manipulation methods in freely moving mice. We found that long–term and repeated, but not single, NAc–DBS induced robust antidepressant responses in CUMS mice. Moreover, even a single trial NAc–DBS led to the elevation of the γ–aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter, accompanied by the increase in dopamine (DA) neuron activity in the VTA. Both the inhibition of the GABAA receptor activity and knockdown of the GABAA–α1 gene in VTA–GABA neurons blocked the antidepressant effect of NAc–DBS in CUMS mice. Our results showed that NAc–DBS could disinhibit VTA–DA neurons by regulating the level of GABA and the activity of VTA–GABA in the VTA and could finally correct the depression–like behaviors in the CUMS mouse model.
Energy Efficient Mobile Adhoc Networks for LoRa for self-organizing network in Internet of Things
Authors: Narayandas Vikram , Maruthavanan Archana , Dugyala Raman
Published: May 2023

The Internet of Things is now a subject of study that is expanding quickly. Massive volumes of data management and collecting are addressed by web-connected sensors and devices. This sensor combination could be able to recognize and locate objects with more precision than a sensor working alone could. In any event, these dispersed sensors have to be able to operate in environments with little to no internet connectivity, which may greatly restrict their viability. These sensors might also be mounted on somewhat peculiar stages, further complicating connection and information flow. Using the energy-efficient B.A.T.M.A.N. (Better Approach To Mobile Ad hoc Networking) steering convention modified for LoRa, known as EC-BATMAN, a low-power long-range RF convention, to route sensor data through various hubs to arrive at web passages and allow these devices to connect with the cloud that would otherwise be unable is one potential solution. To improve the ability to anticipate route quality, several modifications to the algorithm will be examined, including the incorporation of additional sensors such to GPS and message signal solidarity. This framework seems to be a desirable, forgiving approach for this application.
Virtual film-based testing of film quality assurance software accuracy.
Authors: Kamst Onno
Published: May 2023

Film quality assurance (QA) software is an integral component of patient-specific QA (PSQA) for various radiation techniques where high degrees of geometrical and dosimetric accuracy are warranted. Evaluating the accuracy of these products has relied on various techniques ranging from comparative analyses, measurements with phantoms and other detectors along with confidence from industry-standard peer reviews. This publication aims to see if a series of virtually created film and DICOM images can be used to test the accuracy of certain PSQA metrics used in film QA software packages. The virtual images have been reverse-engineered to simulate GafChromic EBT-XD scanned tiff images and treatment planning system exported DICOM files. Each pair of images were designed to test a particular component of the software’s ability to process curve fitting, dosimetric differences (DD), distance to agreement (DTA), percentage threshold and gamma (γ) analysis. It was found that virtual film could simulate GafChromic EBT-XD scanned films and TPS DICOM planes and provide the physicist with empirical data on the accuracy of the mentioned metrics. The series of tests were also found to aid the physicist in determining optimal calibration models, validate geometric shifts and dosimetric differences and provide insight into possible lower dose penumbral differences.
Is osteoporosis associated with arthritis? The United States national health and nutrition examination survey 2005–2020(pre-pandemic)
Authors: Zhang Yunsong , Xiao Xiangyu , Deng Wei , Zhang Yingyan , Wang Jianyu , Han Jicheng
Published: May 2023

Background Osteoporosis and arthritis are two common orthopedic diseases in the general population, with multiple common risk factors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between osteoporosis (OP) and arthritis.Methods This cohort study included 13,310 eligible participants aged over 40 years with valid data on hypertension and arthritis from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2020 (pre-pandemic). The association between osteoporosis and arthritis was studied by logistic regression, adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic factors, insufficient calcium intake, physical activity, smoking history, hypertension, diabetes, body mass index (BMI), blood calcium levels, blood phosphorus levels, and blood uric acid levels.Results Among the participants, 10267 (77.14%) had osteopenia or osteoporosis, and 4230 (31.78%) had self-reported arthritis. Osteoporosis was associated with arthritis [OR = 2.388, (95% CI: 2.111–2.702), P < 0.001], which remained significant [OR = 1.222, (95% CI: 1.046–1.428), P = 0.011] after adjustment. Stratified by the types of arthritis, the association remained significant in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) [OR = 1.206, (95% CI: 1.044–1.394), P = 0.013] and osteoarthritis (OA) [OR = 1.427, (95% CI: 1.307–1.558), P < 0.001]. There was no clear association between osteoporosis and OA in 40–60 years old [OR = 1.231, (95% CI: (0.976–1.551), P = 0.093] or male participants [OR = 1.213, (95% CI:0.991–1.484), P = 0.069]. There was no clear association between osteoporosis and RA in participants over 60 years old [OR = 0.901, (95% CI: 0.734–1.078), P = 0.126] or female [OR = 1.031, (95% CI: 0.850–1.258), P = 0.725].Conclusions In this large nationally representative survey, arthritis (including RA and OA) is closely related to osteoporosis. Our study shows that patients with arthritis need osteoporosis screening and bone mineral density monitoring.
Neurophysiologic Features Predicting Brain Injury During Pediatric ECMO Support
Authors: Hanalioglu Damla , Temkit M’Hamed , Hildebrandt Kara , MackDiaz Elizabeth , Goldstein Zachary , Aggarwal Shefali , Appavu Brian
Published: May 2023

Background/Objective: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) provides life-saving support to critically ill patients who experience refractory cardiopulmonary failure but carries high risk of acute brain injury. We aimed to identify characteristics predicting acute brain injury in children requiring ECMO support.Methods This is a prospective observational study from 2019–2022 of pediatric ECMO patients undergoing neuromonitoring including continuous electroencephalography, cerebral oximetry, and transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD). Primary outcome was acute brain injury. Clinical and neuromonitoring characteristics were collected. Multivariate logistic regression was implemented to model odds ratios (OR) and identify the combined characteristics that best discriminate risk of acute brain injury using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC).Results Seventy-five pediatric patients requiring ECMO support were enrolled in this study. Of the seventy-five patients enrolled, nineteen experienced acute brain injury (25.3%), including seven (36.8%) with arterial ischemic stroke, four (21.1%) with hemorrhagic stroke, seven with hypoxic ischemic brain injury (36.8%) and one (5.3%) with both arterial ischemic stroke and hypoxic ischemic brain injury. Univariate analysis demonstrated acute brain injury to be associated with maximum hourly seizure burden (p = 0.026), epileptiform discharges (p = 0.020), electroencephalographic suppression ratio (p = 0.014), increased interhemispheric differences in electroencephalographic total power (p = 0.023) and amplitude (p = 0.011), and increased differences in TCD Thrombolysis in Brain Ischemia (TIBI) scores between bilateral middle cerebral arteries (p = 0.049). Best subset model selection identified increased seizure burden (OR = 3.86, partial R-squared 0.40, p = 0.013), increased quantitative electroencephalographic interhemispheric amplitude differences (OR = 2.69, partial R-squared 0.18, p = 0.007), and increased interhemispheric TCD TIBI score differences (OR = 4.97, partial R-squared 0.22, p = 0.005) to be independently predictive toward acute brain injury (AUROC = 0.92).Conclusions Increased seizure burden, increased interhemispheric differences in quantitative electroencephalographic amplitude and increased TCD TIBI scores each independently predict acute brain injury in children undergoing ECMO support.
Extraction And Characterization Of Gelatin From Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) Skin Wastes Generated In Arba Minch Local Fish Processing Industry and Its Value Addition As Stabilizer On Yoghurt
Authors: Hirbo Hirbo Geremew , Kuse Kenenisa Abdisa , Alemu Aschalew Demisse
Published: May 2023

Fish skin is a byproduct of fish processing industry and can be converted into valuable product like gelatin. Gelatin is a soluble protein obtained by partial hydrolysis of collagen. Collagen is the main protein of animal tissues. The present study has focused on the production of gelatin from the Nile tilapia fish skins generated as byproduct in Arba Minch local fish processing industry and determination of the physicochemical characteristics of the obtained gelatin. The extraction of gelatin was carried out by a series of steps involving pre-treatment with 0.2% (w/v) sodium hydroxide and sulfuric acid, and 0.7% (w/v) of citric acid followed by a final extraction with deionized water at 45°C for 12 h and the obtained colloidal suspension was freeze-dried after filtration. The gelatin was extracted successfully from tilapia skins and yield of 22.34% was achieved. The extracted gelatin contained 10.92% moisture, 86.84% protein, 0.24% fat, and 0.42% ash contents (on the basis of wet weight), while gel strength, viscosity, WHC, FBC, melting point and the pH values were 228 g, 7.8 cP, 550%, 3980%, 27.5 and 6.0, respectively. The obtained gelatin was characterized by FTIR and the spectra of the extracted gelatin were found to be similar when compared with commercial gelatin. FT-IR showed regions of amides A, B, I, II and III at 3401.64, 2926.40, 1634, 1460.46 and 1110.80 cm− 1, respectively. Based on obtained results fish gelatin can be considered an excellent alternative to mammalian gelatin because of their similarity in functional properties with commercial gelatin. The extracted gelatin has been used as stabilizer in yoghurt preparations to improve the shelf- life and quality attributes. Four yoghurt samples were prepared with gelatin at different concentrations (0.0, 0.2, 0.4 & 0.6). The properties like titratable acidity, pH and % of syneresis were analyzed at every 3 days interval for the duration of two weeks. Gelatin added sample showed less syneresis compared to control and slowed the acid development in yoghurt during the storage period. The addition of extracted gelatin at 0.4% (w/v) in yoghurt gave good sensory acceptability with acceptable syneresis, while the high concentration of gelatin at 0.6% (w/v) have significantly reduced % of syneresis, which lead to very firm structure and also impaired palatability.
With Super SDMs (Machine Learning, Open Access Big Data, and The Cloud) towards a more holistic and inclusive inference: Insights from progressing the marginalized case of the world’s squirrel hotspots and coldspots
Authors: Steiner Moriz , Huettmann Falk , Bryans Nathan , Barker Bryan
Published: May 2023

Species-habitat associations are correlative, can be quantified, and used for powerful inference. Nowadays, Species Distribution Models (SDMs) play a big role, e.g. using Machine Learning and AI algorithms, but their best-available technical opportunities remain still not used for their potential e.g. in the policy sector. Here we present Super SDMs that invoke ML, OA Big Data, and the Cloud with a workflow for the best-possible inference for the 300+ global squirrel species. Such global Big Data models are especially important for the many marginalized squirrel species and the high number of endangered and data-deficient species in the world, specifically in tropical regions. While our work shows common issues with SDMs and the maxent algorithm (‘Shallow Learning'), here we present a multi-species Big Data SDM template for subsequent ensemble models and generic progress to tackle global species hotspots and cold spots for the best possible outcome.
Characterization of the microbiome and volatile compounds in anal gland secretions from domestic cats (Felis catus) using metagenomics and metabolomics
Authors: Rojas Connie A. , Marks Stanley L. , Borras Eva , Lesea Hira , McCartney Mitchell M. , Coil David , Davis Cristina E. , Eisen Jonathan A.
Published: May 2023

Animals rely on volatile chemical compounds for their communication and behavior. Many of these compounds are sequestered in endocrine and exocrine glands and are synthesized by anaerobic microbes. While the volatile organic compound (VOC) or microbiome composition of glandular secretions has been investigated in several mammalian species, few have linked specific bacterial taxa to the production of volatiles or to specific microbial gene pathways. Here, we use metagenomic sequencing, mass-spectrometry based metabolomics, and culturing to profile the microbial and volatile chemical constituents of anal gland secretions in twenty-three domestic cats (Felis catus), in attempts to identify organisms potentially involved in host odor production. We found that the anal gland microbiome was dominated by bacteria in the genera Corynebacterium, Bacteroides, Proteus, Lactobacillus, and Streptococcus, and showed striking variation among individual cats. Microbiome profiles also varied with host age and obesity. Metabolites such as fatty-acids, ketones, aldehydes and alcohols were detected in glandular secretions. Overall, microbiome and metabolome profiles were modestly correlated (r=0.17), indicating that a relationship exists between the bacteria in the gland and the metabolites produced in the gland. Functional analyses revealed the presence of genes predicted to code for enzymes involved in VOC metabolism such as dehydrogenases, reductases, and decarboxylases. From metagenomic data, we generated 85 high-quality metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs). Of these, four were inferred to have high relative abundance in metagenome profiles and had close relatives that were recovered as cultured isolates. These four MAGs were classified as Corynebacterium frankenforstense, Proteus mirabilis, Lactobacillus johnsonii, and Bacteroides fragilis. They represent strong candidates for further investigation of the mechanisms of volatile synthesis and scent production in the mammalian anal gland.
New insights into the life-stage development and life-cycle duration of Meloidogyne enterolobii, M. incognita and M. javanica
Authors: Collett Raymond Lesley , Rashidifard Milad , Marais Mariette , Daneel Mieke , Fourie Hendrika
Published: May 2023

Meloidogyne enterolobii is a highly pathogenic nematodes species that renders host plant resistance ineffective that exists for other species. The life-cycle development, duration, and reproduction potential of three Meloidogyne species occurring in South Africa, viz. M. enterolobii, M. incognita and M. javanica were determined in roots of three crops: tomato (‘Moneymaker’), soybean (‘DM-5953-RSF’) and maize (‘P-2432-R’) under glasshouse conditions. During time intervals 3-, 5-, 10-, 15-, 20-, and 25-days after inoculation (DAI), 20 randomly selected individuals, representing different life-stages of each species, were isolated from crop roots. Meloidogyne enterolobii had a quicker life cycle development compared to the other two species. Mature females were observed 15 DAI for all three species, but single eggs of M. enterolobii were present at 15 DAI opposed to egg masses only found 20 and 25 DAI for the other two species. Second generation motile J2 were observed for M. enterolobii and M. javanica from 20 DAI and at 25 DAI for M. incognita. Substantially shorter degree days (DD) were recorded for M. enterolobii being 216 for tomato, 195 for soybean and 232 for maize; for M. incognita it was 292 for tomato, 264 for soybean and 314 for maize; and for M. javanica it was 276 for tomato, 248 for soybean and 298 for maize. The use of genotypes with shorter growing periods is suggested to play a crucial role in preventing more generations of M. enterolobii developing which is foreseen to potentially result in higher population densities and severe crop damage.
A Study On The Congruence and Proximity Of The Sling And Clasp Fibres At The Cardio-Esophageal Junction Of The Stomach
Authors: Chandrupatla Mrudula , Susai Surraj
Published: May 2023

Background and Aim: The cardio-esophageal sphincter that is located in close longitudinal proximity to the origin of the lesser curvature of the stomach has a unique pattern of external muscle fibres whose inner oblique layer would normally form an elongated sling and the middle partially circular layer would form a projecting clasp into the already existing muscular sling of the former congruently, which would result in the formation of an anatomical sphincter in that area that would normally be devoid of the external longitudinal muscle layer coat. Certain authors have disagreed with the notion of this standard literature and have proposed that the clasp and sling fibres need not necessarily be congruent and may even remain independent of each other with partial contributions from the longitudinal muscle layers as well that may arise tangentially in different populations, which may in turn contribute to reflux esophagitis in that population. Hence, the clasp and sling fibre muscular patterns were observed in six formalin-embalmed cadavers at the department of anatomy in a tertiary care institute as part of routine dissections in series, and the findings were then reported.
Findings: At the junction of the lesser curvature of the stomach with the oesophagus, all 6 cadavers showed a longitudinal sling pattern as opposed to the conventional oblique sling. The circular muscle layer was found to be merged with the outer longitudinal muscle layer to form the sling that pulled away from the clasp, resulting in a loss of congruency for the same. The clasp fibres, however, were found to be contributed by the inner oblique muscle layer. The conventional perpendicular or tangential merging of the clasp with the sling was not observed; instead, an obtuse, blunt angular merging of the clasp with the sling was observed.
Discussion - The deviation of the sling from the clasp could indicate a lack of a proper fit between them at the cardioesophageal sphincter. The lack of robustness in the attachment of the clasp to the sling may possibly contribute to the diminished taut pull of the clasp in this subset of the population. These would be significant determinants for a predisposition to reflux esophagitis and Barrett's oesophagus.
Forward with Dementia: process evaluation of an Australian campaign to improve post-diagnostic support
Authors: Low Lee-Fay , Gresham Meredith , Phillipson Lyn , Jeon Yun-Hee , Hall Danika , Tan Amy Chen Wee , Wong Nora , Brodaty Henry
Published: May 2023

Background Forward with Dementia is a co-designed campaign to improve communication of dementia diagnosis and post-diagnostic support.Methods Webinars, a website, social and traditional media, and promotions through project partners were used to disseminate campaign messages to health and social care professionals (primary audience) and people with dementia and carers (secondary audience). The campaign ran between October 2021 and June 2022, with 3-months follow-up. The RE-AIM framework was used for process evaluation. Measurements included surveys and interviews, a log of activities and engagements, and Google Analytics.Results There were 28,460 interactions with campaign activities. More than three-quarters of professionals (n = 63/81) thought webinars were very or extremely helpful. Professionals and people with dementia and carers reported that the website provided appropriate content, an approachable tone, and was easy to use. Following campaign engagement, professionals planned to (n = 77/80) or had modified (n = 29/44) how they communicated the diagnosis and/or provided post-diagnostic information and referrals. Qualitative data suggested that the campaign may have led to benefits for some people with dementia and carers.Conclusions Forward with Dementia was successful in terms of reach, appropriateness adoption and maintenance for professionals, however flow-on impacts on people with dementia are not clear. Targeted campaigns can potentially change health professionals’ management of chronic diseases such as dementia.
The Combined Therapeutic Effect of Capecitabine and Naringin on HER2+ (SK-BR-3) and HER2- (MCF-7) Human Breast Cancer Cells Lines
Authors: Soltannezhad Sanli , Jouni Fatemeh Javani , Osgoei Laya Takbiri
Published: May 2023

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. The use of natural products to improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs against the proliferation of cancer cells is increasing. Here, we hypothesized that naringin in combination with capecitabine may have a synergistic effect on inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis in MCF-7 and SK-BR-3 breast cancer cell lines. MTT assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) was performed to study the effect of drugs alone and in combination on the cytotoxicity of cell lines and to determine IC50 and Combination Index (CI). Moreover, the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 and caspase3 apoptotic markers were measured by Real-Time PCR after treatment. The MTT results showed that the IC50 of naringin and capecitabine in the MCF-7 cell line was 58 µg ml− 1 and 619.36 µg ml− 1, respectively, and the IC50 of these compounds for the SK-BR-3 cell line was 56.65 µg ml− 1 and 679.51 µg ml− 1. The combined use of naringin and capecitabine led to a significant decrease in the IC50 of these compounds, and the CI values were less than 1, which indicates the synergistic effects of these compounds. The gene expression results also showed an increase in the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 by naringin-capecitabine compared with capecitabine in both cell lines. Naringin-capecitabine-induced cell death was probably controlled by caspase-3 and Bax/Bcl-2-dependent apoptosis. Also, the combination of naringin-capecitabine has more antiproliferative properties on HER2+ cells compared with HER2−.
Stretchable and Durable HD-sEMG Electrodes for Accurate Swallowing Activity Recognition on Complex Epidermal Surfaces
Authors: Jiang Hongjie , Zhang Ding , Chen Zhitao , Xiao Longya , Zhu Beichen , Wu Ruoxuan , Ou Chengjian , Ma Yi , Xie Longhan
Published: May 2023

The utilization of Surface Electromyography (sEMG) is widespread for monitoring human health. Nonetheless, it is challenging to capture high-fidelity sEMG recordings in regions with intricate curved surfaces like the larynx, because regular sEMG electrodes have a stiff structure. In this paper, we develop a stretchable, high-density sEMG electrode array via a layer-by-layer printing and lamination process. The electrode offers a series of excellent human-machine interface features in terms of conformal adhesion to the skin, high electron-to-ionic conductivity (and thus lower contact impedance), prolonged environmental adaptability to resist water evaporation, and epidermal biocompatibility. This makes the electrode more appropriate than commercial electrodes for long-term wearable, high-fidelity recording of sEMG at complicated skin interfaces. Systematic in vivo studies investigate its practical functionality in swallowing activities classification, which is accomplished with high accuracy by decoding sEMG signals from the chin with the integration of an ear-mounted wearable system through machine learning algorithms. The results demonstrate clinical feasibility of the system in swallowing recognition-driven, non-invasive, user-comfortable dysphagia rehabilitation.
Optimization of unmanned aerial vehicle application for measuring in complex urban green space
Authors: Jin Rongye , Huang Jinyi , Xu Yanjie
Published: May 2023

The main tree biometric variables of urban green space can derive indicators of multiple ecological benefit values. Compared with plantations and natural forests, urban green space is usually featured with higher tree richness, more complex landscape design, and a higher degree of spatial heterogeneity. Appropriate designs for flight variable settings in complex urban space can significantly improve the quality of data, and bring large differences in economic and time costs in practical applications. However, current studies have a limited understanding of flight variables setting for UAV applications in complex urban green spaces. We carried out rigorous and practical designs for flight variable settings with high-frequency UAV oblique image measurements. We tested and quantified the effect of the settings of main flight variables (i.e., flight altitude, image overlap, gimbal pitch and solar elevation) on the process data and final data quality in a representative complex urban green space. In the limited range of flight variable settings, the data accuracy is significantly different in the complex urban green space. We found that solar elevation is the most important factor affecting the data quality. Specifically, flight operations with a lower solar elevation provided a higher measurement accuracy and outstanding cost-effectiveness which is significantly different from the solar elevation setting for measuring in plantations. Our results (which are different from the previous study on homogenous green spaces) also suggested to avoid strong sunlight during flight operations and to ensure that the flight altitude is three to four times higher than the tallest tree at least to improve data quality. The settings of the image overlap and the gimbal pitch should take more time cost and economic benefits into consideration. This study demonstrated the feasibility of UAV applications in complex urban green spaces, and the impact and importance of each flight variable on the dataset quality. The systematic analysis, quantitative results, and exact visualizations can facilitate a wider application space (i.e., urban forestry, landscape ecology, urban planning and urban design) and higher application quality of UAV oblique in urban green space.
Research Leadership in Institutions: Barriers & Enablers
Authors: Khan Faheem , Jawaid Masood
Published: May 2023

Background
The research in academia is essential to foster the culture of evidence, to bring innovation and to share scholarly work with the fraternity. The academician, despite the claim of research friendly environment, faces hurdles in conducting good research. Nevertheless, they are also aided with the enabling factors to engage in scholarly activities. The current literature reports the barriers and enablers faced by the researchers, from the perspective of medical students, residents or faculty members. Many of the barriers are pointed towards the institution and its policies. However there is dearth of data regarding the difficulties encountered by the institutional leadership in implementing research agenda. The objective of this study is to explore the barriers and enablers faced by institutional leadership in executing research agenda.
Methods
The study used qualitative one-to-one semi-structured interview based methodology. The participants were selected from public and private institutions both and were interviewed from January to April 2022. A consent guide and informed consent was shared and explained to the participants. The interview was audio recorded and later intelligent transcription was done. The text was shared with the participants for any corrections/modifications. The analysis was done manually, and through deductive coding relevant codes, categories and themes were generated.
Results
The interview transcribed text generated around 32 codes, 16 categories and 09 themes. The themes were induced from the categories, and were formulated as internal (personal & institutional) and external (policy) barriers, personal & institutional enablers, academic path to progress, processes, support & collaboration and Organisational policies. The participants identified dedicated time for research, deficient research skills, financial burden, lack of government support and funding as the major barriers. The participants suggested promotion, institutional financial & time support, research infrastructure and motivation of faculty as the main enablers.
Conclusion
The study reiterates the fact the research is essential in order to excel and institutional leaders shares many hurdles and enablers with the researchers. The study suggests that through financial stability and collaborations, institutes can further expand the research-base as by the successful research programs of the region. A striking similarity was also found in the barriers and enablers faced by the institutional leadership and an independent researcher.
Multifunctional aramid nanofibers @ polypyrrole films for broadband frequency electromagnetic interference shielding, wearable electronics, Joule heating and photothermal conversion
Authors: Guo Dan , Mu Congpu , Liu Qian , Wang Bochong , Xiang Jianyong , Nie Anmin , Zhai Kun , Shu Yu , Xue Tianyu , Wen Fusheng , Liu Zhongyuan
Published: May 2023

With the rapid development of miniaturization, high power and high integration of electronic components, multifunctional materials have attracted tremendous attention. Herein, the multifunctional aramid nanofibers@polypyrrole (ANF@PPy) composite films are prepared through a facile vacuum filtration method after the an in-situ polymerization of PPy on the surface of ANF, which are applied in broadband frequency electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, wearable sensor, Joule heating, photothermal conversion. ANF@PPy-4 composite film with thin thickness of 46 µm displays excellent EMI shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of 35 dB for C-band, X-band, Ku-band and K-band of electromagnetic wave. Furthermore, the relative resistance variation of ANF@PPy-4 composite film can be recorded for monitoring human motions, such as finger, wrist, elbow, knee, ankle, forearm and throat (vocal cord vibration). In addition, the saturation temperature of ANF@PPy-4 composite film is about 77 ºC at a low working voltage of 5.0 V. Moreover, temperature of ANF@PPy-4 composite film can reach to 54 ºC via the photothermal conversion under one sun irradiation. Multifunctional ANF@PPy composite films show enormous potential application of broadband frequency EMI shielding, wearable sensor, personal thermal management.