bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of wax type on characteristics of oleogels from camellia oil and medium chain triglycerides
Authors: Shi Zhaojuan , Cao Lili , Kang Shengmei , Jiang Shaotong , Pang Min
Published: September 2021

Camellia oil (CO) and medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), characterised by different carbon chain lengths, were gelled using beeswax (BW), candelilla wax (CLW) and carnauba wax (CRW). Critical concentrations, oil‐binding capacity (OBC), textural parameters, thermal properties, microscopic properties and infrared spectra were used to evaluate their differences. The carbon chain length of oil sources showed different results for the critical concentration of the three wax‐based gel oils at 25 °C, and the oleogel of MCT and CLW exhibited a minimum value (1%). The oleogels formed from CO and waxes with wax esters as the main components (BW and CRW) exhibit significantly lower OBC and textural value than the oleogels made from MCT with BW and CRW. Meanwhile, this is corroborated with the thermal behaviour and crystal morphology, and distribution of the oleogels. However, no differences in crystal types and generation of new functional groups were observed by X‐ray diffraction and Fourier‐transform infrared spectrometer, suggesting that the differences in the properties of wax‐based oleogels with different carbon chain lengths are attributed to the interactions between the waxes and the oil sources (physical interaction).
Combination treatment of high‐pressure and CaCl2 for the reduction of sodium content in chicken meat batters: effects on physicochemical properties and sensory characteristics
Authors: Wang Yu , Bai Yan‐hong , Ma Fei , Li Ke , Zhou Hui , Chen Cong‐gui
Published: September 2021

A combination of high‐pressure processing (HPP, 200 MPa, 10 min) and CaCl2 (0.2%, w/w) on the cooking loss (CL), expressible moisture (EM), textural properties (hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, chewiness and firmness) and sensory attributes of reduced‐sodium (1.25% NaCl) chicken meat batters (RCMB) was investigated. The results revealed that combining HPP with CaCl2 significantly decreased EM, elevated sensory properties and acted synergistically in reducing CL and improving hardness, chewiness and firmness, which enabled RCMB to obtain quality characteristics similar to those with high salt (2.5% NaCl) content. These changes brought about by combined HPP and CaCl2 could be attributed to increased apparent viscosity and proportion of immobilised water, enhanced rheological (elastic) properties and a denser, homogeneous protein gel network with evenly dispersed small fat globules. It is interesting to take advantage of the synergy between moderate HPP and low concentrations of CaCl2 to develop meat products with reduced sodium content.
Variable thermochemical stability of RE2Si2O7 (RE = Sc, Nd, Er, Yb, or Lu) in high‐temperature high‐velocity steam
Authors: Ridley Mackenzie , Opila Elizabeth
Published: September 2021

Five rare‐earth (RE) disilicates (RE2Si2O7, RE = Sc, Nd, Er, Yb, or Lu) were synthesized and exposed to high‐velocity steam (up to 235 m/s) for 125 hours at 1400°C. Water vapor reaction products, mass loss, average reaction depths, and product phase microstructural evolution were analyzed for each material after exposure. Similar to steam testing results in the literature, RE2Si2O7 (RE = Er, Yb, Lu) underwent silica depletion producing gaseous silicon hydroxide species, RE2SiO5, and RE2O3 product phases. Sc2Si2O7 reacted with high‐velocity steam to produce only a Sc2O3 product layer with no stable Sc2SiO5 phase detected by X‐ray diffraction or microscopy techniques. Further, Nd2Si2O7 rapidly reacted with steam to produce with no Nd2SiO5 or Nd2O3 reaction products. All RE2Si2O7 that produced a silicate reaction product (RE = Nd, Er, Yb, Lu) showed densification of the product phase at steam velocities above 150 m/s that resulted in enhanced resistance. The results presented in this work demonstrate that rare‐earth silicates show diverse steam reaction products, reaction product microstructures, and total reaction depths after high‐temperature high‐velocity steam exposure. Of the materials in this study, RE2Si2O7 (RE = Yb, Lu) were most stable in high‐temperature high‐velocity steam, making them most desirable as environmental barrier coating candidates.
DC electric polarization of cured cement paste being unexpectedly hindered by free water
Authors: Xi Xiang , Ozturk Murat , Chung D. D. L.
Published: September 2021

Electric polarization is basic to the dielectric behavior, which is pertinent to the science and applications of cement‐based materials. This work reports the dynamics of the DC‐current‐induced electric polarization/depolarization of cured cement paste and their dependence on the water/cement ratio. This dependence has not been previously reported for any cement‐based material. The extent of the polarization is unexpectedly found in this work to decrease as the water/cement ratio increases, indicating that the free water hinders the polarization. This hindrance is due to (i) the dominance of ions behind the polarization (as supported by the previously reported increase in permittivity with increasing temperature), and (ii) the polar water molecules partly shielding the ions from the applied electric field. The fraction of ions in the pore solution that participates in the polarization increases with the polarization time and is 4.5 × 10‐14 for 570 s of polarization at a current of 1 μA for water/cement ratio 0.35. Upon increasing the water/cement ratio (0.3–0.4), the polarization rate decreases, the polarization extent at a given polarization time decreases, and the time to reach polarization saturation decreases. The polarization/depolarization rate decreases as the current application progresses because the polarization/depolarization hinders further polarization/depolarization. The degree of this hindrance increases with increasing water/cement ratio. Thus, a higher water/cement ratio is preferred if less polarization is desired as in resistance‐based self‐sensing, whereas a lower water/cement ratio is preferred if more polarization is desired as in capacitance‐based self‐sensing.
Porous polymer‐derived ceramics: Flexible morphological and compositional controls through sol–gel chemistry
Authors: Hasegawa George , Kanamori Kazuyoshi , Nakanishi Kazuki
Published: September 2021

Porous nonoxide ceramics have exhibited impressive progress in terms of synthesis and applications over the past few decades because of their unique characteristics distinguished from the oxide counterparts. From the synthetic aspect, the preceramic polymer route, where nonoxide ceramics such as carbides and nitrides are produced from molecular precursors, offers exceptional opportunities to elaborate and control the material shape as well as the micro‐ and nanostructures in concert with various techniques. This review presents monolithic ceramic materials based on various reduced phases bearing hierarchical porosity with a focus on those obtained from macroporous preceramic monoliths prepared via the one‐pot sol–gel process accompanied by spinodal decomposition. Here, we highlight two classes of preceramic inorganic–organic hybrid gels: organometallic crosslinked polymers based on poly(silsesquioxane)s and nonorganometallic hybrid networks related to Ti without Ti–C bonds. The polymer‐to‐ceramic conversion processes are discussed with concern for the crystal transition behaviors and the variation of pore properties in different length scales upon heating. In addition, although out of the preceramic polymer category, some examples of inorganic–organic nanocomposite gels with a carbonizable polymer and/or urea for yielding porous metal carbides and nitrides in a monolithic form are introduced as well, which provides extended versatility toward a variety of transition metal systems.
Research hotspots and trends in nursing education from 2014 to 2020: A co‐word analysis based on keywords
Authors: Yang Kaihan , Wang Lei , Yang Gaobo , Jiang Xiaolian
Published: September 2021

Aims

To investigate research hotspots and trends in nursing education from 2014 to 2020, and provide references for researchers to understand the research status and developing trends in this field.

Design

A co‐word analysis based on keywords.

Methods

Data were obtained from nursing education‐related academic research articles that were retrieved through a literature search using PubMed during the period of 2014–2020. Keywords included in the analysis of literature were considered as the research objects. Bibliographic Item Co‐occurrence Matrix Builder (BICOMB) was employed to extract high‐frequency keywords and generate co‐occurrence matrix, graphical clustering toolkit (gCLUTO) was used to perform cluster analysis, and SPSS 25.0 was used to perform strategic diagram analysis.

Results

Overall, 7857 articles were retrieved, from which 2679 keywords were obtained and 64 high‐frequency keywords extracted. The results revealed seven hotspots in nursing education during the period of 2014–2020, which included research on: (i) continuing education in nursing, (ii) application and influence of the internet in nursing education, (iii) postgraduate nursing education, (iv) undergraduate nursing education and clinical quality training, (v) current development status and tendency of nursing education, (vi) nursing teaching methods and (vii) organization and management in nursing education.

Conclusion

The seven research hotspots could reflect the publication trends in nursing education. By providing a co‐word analysis—including cluster and strategic diagram analysis—an overall command of the latest hotspots can be depicted, and researchers conducting research in nursing education can have some hints.

Impact

This study allows the development of future research on nursing education. Future researchers should explore the application of new network technologies in the process of nursing teaching, quality of postgraduate nursing education, innovative teaching methods as well as teaching strategies of improving students’ clinical ability, current situation of economics and leadership in nursing education and ability of organization and management in undergraduate nursing education.
Genetic parameters in traits of productive importance in lines of Bombyx mori L.
Authors: Zambrano‐Gonzalez Giselle , Almanza‐Pinzon Martha I. , Vélez‐T Mauricio
Published: September 2021

In the textile industry, complex cocoon traits are closely related to silk production. The aim of the present study was to estimate genetic parameters of economic importance traits—cocoon length (CL), cocoon weight (CW) and shell weight (SW)—in three B. mori lines—Chinese (C6), Japanese (J7) and Indian (C. Nichi)—reared under different temperature and photoperiod conditions. For each of these lines, data were collected from several generations with a full‐sibling family structure and variance‐covariance component were obtained via restricted maximum likelihood (REML) estimates based on a bi‐trait animal model analysed through the multiple‐trait derivative‐free restricted maximum likelihood (MTDFREML) software. Genetic parameters of the traits varied between the silkworm lines were evaluated. Heritabilities were highest in J7 line (0.71, 0.89 and 0.93 for CL, CW and SW, respectively) followed by C6 (0.48, 0.54 and 0.50 for CL, CW and SW, respectively) and C. Nichi (0.36, 0.43 and 0.40 for CL, CW and SW, respectively). Phenotypic correlations among these lines were positive, with values ranging between 0.36 and 0.767. Similarly, genetic correlations between the analysed silkworm lines were observed to be positive, with high values ranging from 0.86 to 0.94. The evidence for environmental correlation in these lines was found only between CW‐SW traits with moderate to high values ranging from 0.600 to 0.940. The magnitude of heritability and genetic correlations implies that phenotypic variations of the CL, CW and SW traits depend mainly on genotypic variation within the J7, C6 and C. Nichi lines, and that simultaneous genetic gains are possible by implementing selection processes for any of the evaluated traits.
P53 suppresses the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma via miR‐15a by decreasing OGT expression and EZH2 stabilization
Authors: You Zhenyu , Peng Dandan , Cao Yixin , Zhu Yuanzhe , Yin Jianjun , Zhang Guangxing , Peng Xiaodong
Published: September 2021

Existing literature has highlighted the tumour suppressive capacity of microRNA‐15a (miR‐15a); however, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains relatively unknown. This study aimed to investigate the role of miR‐15a in HCC and the associated underlying mechanism. Initially, RT‐qPCR was performed to detect the expression of miR‐15a in HCC tissues and cells. Bioinformatics analysis, Pearson correlation coefficient, dual‐luciferase reporter assay, and molecular approaches were all conducted to ascertain the interaction between miR‐15a and O‐linked N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) transferase (OGT). PUGNAc treatment and cycloheximide (CHX) assay were performed to evaluate O‐GlcNAc and the stabilization of the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2). Finally, gain‐ and loss‐of‐function studies were employed to elucidate the role of P53 and the miR‐15a/OGT/EZH2 axis in the progression of HCC, followed by in vivo experiments based on tumour‐bearing nude mice. Our results demonstrated that the miR‐15a expression was decreased in the HCC tissues and cells. P53 upregulated miR‐15a expression, which inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells, while inducing apoptosis and triggering a G0/G1 cell cycle phase arrest. OGT stabilized EZH2 via catalysing O‐GlcNAc, which reversed the effect of P53 and miR‐15a. The results of our in vivo study provided evidence demonstrating that P53 could suppress the development of HCC via the miR‐15a/OGT/EZH2 axis. P53 was found to inhibit the OGT expression by promoting the expression of miR‐15a, which destabilized EZH2 and suppressed the development of HCC. The key findings of our study highlight a promising novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of HCC.
Case of subcutaneous insulin resistance syndrome treated with ultra‐rapid insulin lispro
Authors: Ishii Takahiro , Katayama Akihiro , Sue Mihiro , Kuribayashi Remi , Tenta Masafumi , Matsushita Yuichi , Takeda Masaya , Iseda Izumi , Tani Satomi , Hida Kazuyuki
Published: September 2021

Subcutaneous insulin resistance syndrome is a rare condition that causes difficulty in glycemic control due to severe resistance to subcutaneous insulin injections. We herein present a case of a 40‐year‐old woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus who had been diagnosed with subcutaneous insulin resistance syndrome since the age of 29 years, and had been persistently treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion using a mixture of insulin lispro and heparin. The patient was switched from insulin lispro plus heparin to ultra‐rapid insulin lispro; given that it contains treprostinil and citrate, it is expected to have similar effects as heparin, and shows similar glucose‐lowering effects and insulin absorption. Our results suggest that treatment with ultra‐rapid insulin lispro is effective for subcutaneous insulin resistance syndrome.
Pressure–temperature–time constraints on gneiss dome formation in an intracontinental orogen
Authors: Varga Jan , Raimondo Tom , Morrissey Laura , Kelsey David E. , Hand Martin
Published: September 2021

The Entia Gneiss Complex represents the mid‐crustal core of the intracontinental Alice Springs Orogen. Located in the Harts Range, central Australia, it is characterized by the development of a domal structure including two sub‐domes separated by a steeply dipping median high‐strain zone. Dominantly, orthogneiss basement crops out through a structurally overlying cover sequence represented by the Harts Range Group and records evidence of hydration, recrystallization, and partial melting of precursor Paleoproterozoic granulite facies assemblages at amphibolite facies conditions. The structurally lowest parts of the Harts Range Group were metamorphosed to peak conditions of 10.5 kbar and ~880°C during rift‐related magmatism at 480–460 Ma, immediately prior to the onset of the Alice Springs Orogeny at 450–300 Ma. By contrast, the underlying Entia Gneiss Complex records widespread metamorphism and wet melting at upper amphibolite facies conditions. Phase equilibrium modelling and in situ LA–ICP–MS geochronology of rare, low‐variance kyanite–garnet‐bearing metapelites indicate that maximum P–T conditions of ~9 kbar and ~680°C were reached between c. 360–330 Ma, demonstrating a distinctive metamorphic and temporal evolution relative to the overlying Harts Range Group that can be linked to rheological stratification. Based on the integration of our results with existing monazite, zircon, and titanite geochronology, we interpret doming of the Entia Gneiss Complex to have involved compressive ascent of rheologically weakened crust below a region of extending upper crust near the termination of the Alice Springs Orogeny. In this way, the Harts Range Group represents a cooled, locally extending thrust sheet over ductile basement quasi‐concurrent with doming. Texturally‐late sillimanite combined with increasing Y content in monazite indicates high‐temperature, kyanite‐grade metamorphism was closely followed by decompression (3–4 kbar drop from peak conditions) and rapid cooling below 600°C during emplacement of the Entia Gneiss Complex at shallower crustal levels. The findings of this study highlight the feedback between hydration, retrogression, rheological weakening, and strain accommodation, thus allowing better evaluation of the thermomechanical history of gneiss dome formation within a narrow (<80 km wide) preconditioned intracontinental corridor.

Highlights

First modern P–T–t framework for gneiss dome formation in the Entia Gneiss Complex, central Australia.

The onset of metamorphism, partial melting and ductile flow at c. 360 Ma was catalysed by hydration of granulite facies basement during rift inversion.

Rapid exhumation of partially molten crust from depths of >20 km is marked by fluid‐mediated resetting of monazite down to c. 310 Ma.

Rheological stratification enabled and accelerated exhumation of the highest‐grade corridor of a narrow intracontinental orogen.
Feasibility and Acceptability of Guided Imagery to Sequentially Address Multiple Health Behaviors During Pregnancy
Authors: Giacobbi Peter , Symons Downs Danielle , Haggerty Treah , Pidhorskyi Stanislav , Long D. Leann , Clemmer Melanie , Steinman Shari A. , Olfert Melissa D. , Kinnamon Kelsey , Rao Neel , Staggs Hannah , Adjeroh Donald
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Pregnancy presents health challenges related to well‐being, physical activity, dietary regulation, and body image. There is evidence to support the use of guided imagery to address these concerns during pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to analyze the use and short‐term outcomes of a multiple‐behavior guided imagery intervention delivered through a mobile health (mHealth) application for pregnant women.

Methods

A single‐arm, 5‐week feasibility trial was conducted, and participants were instructed to listen to an audio file every day for 35 days on an mHealth application. Measurements included ongoing assessments of the participants’ use of the guided imagery audio files and pre‐ and post‐test measures of depression, anxiety, stress, physical activity, food cravings, and body image. Postintervention qualitative interviews were conducted to assess whether participants would continue to use guided imagery.

Results

Fifty‐eight participants (mean age, 28.5 years) were enrolled from January to June of 2018. Cloud analytics data showed an average of 4.96 audio downloads per week with the Sleep and Relaxation file being the most widely used (mean weekly usage, 5.67) and reported favorite during follow‐up interviews. Paired‐sample t tests from pre‐ to post‐test showed significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and stress, increased physical activity, and sedentary behavior along with some changes in body image.

Discussion

Future scalable guided imagery interventions are justified to test for efficacy. Guided imagery may also be delivered in person by health care providers or by using widely available technologies.
A Review of Fatherhood and Employment: Introducing New Perspectives for Management Research
Authors: Gatrell Caroline , Ladge Jamie J. , Powell Gary N.
Published: September 2021

In this review, we synthesise the growing body of interdisciplinary research on fatherhood and employment for the purpose of guiding future management studies research on the topic. We argue that shifts in research approaches and assumptions are required to fully understand the situation of contemporary employed fathers. Our review draws attention to four distinct but related lenses:work, family, and fatherhood;masculine hegemony and fatherhood;involved fathering; anddiversity and fatherhood. Extant research on fatherhood and employment reflects often static notions about the ‘nuclear family’, with expectations about paternal work orientation failing to reflect contemporary paternal experience. We introduce the sociological concept of ‘family practices’ as a means of shifting from traditional (wherein fathers are positioned as breadwinners and mothers as child‐carers within heterosexual couples) to more fluid family forms that characterise 21stcentury ways of ‘doing fatherhood’. Implications and avenues for future management studies research are discussed.
Threshold variations of medial pterygoid single motor units during vertical or horizontal force tasks
Authors: Nozad Mojaver Yalda , Tawadros Paul , Moura Ferreira Polyana , Whittle Terry , Murray Greg M.
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To test the hypotheses that (a) the force thresholds at onset of medial pterygoid muscle single motor unit (SMU) activity do not decrease with an increase in the rate of force generation in standardised vertical or horizontal jaw‐force tasks, and (b) there is evidence for functional heterogeneity within the medial pterygoid muscle.

Methods

In 14 healthy participants, electromyographic recordings of the right medial pterygoid muscle were performed with intramuscular fine‐wire electrodes during four isometric force tasks: vertical, horizontal contralateral, horizontal protrusion and horizontal ipsilateral, performed at two rates of force development (slow ramp, fast ramp). Computer tomography scans confirmed electrode location within the muscle, which was divided into medial and lateral parts. Force thresholds of onset of discriminated SMUs were compared between rates in each task; significance accepted at p < 0.05.

Results

Of 45 SMU force thresholds studied in one or more tasks, there was no significant difference between slow and fast ramp within each force task, except slow ramp thresholds from the lateral part during the vertical force task were significantly higher than fast ramp thresholds. Reversals of recruitment order between tasks provided evidence for functional heterogeneity within the muscle. Force thresholds of the vertical tasks (range: 1–292.6 N) were mostly higher than for the horizontal tasks (range: 0.1–12.5 N).

Conclusion

The data are consistent with the proposal that the medial pterygoid muscle stabilises the jaw in the vertical plane during isometric force generation in the jaw closing, as well as horizontal directions.
Whole‐genome sequencing reveals forgotten lineages and recurrent hybridizations within the kelp genus Alaria (Phaeophyceae)
Authors: Bringloe Trevor T. , Zaparenkov Dani , Starko Samuel , Grant William Stewart , Vieira Christophe , Kawai Hiroshi , Hanyuda Takeaki , Filbee‐Dexter Karen , Klimova Anna , Klochkova Tatyana A. , Krause‐Jensen Dorte , Olesen Birgit , Verbruggen Heroen
Published: September 2021

The genomic era continues to revolutionize our understanding of the evolution of biodiversity. In phycology, emphasis remains on assembling nuclear and organellar genomes, leaving the full potential of genomic datasets to answer long‐standing questions about the evolution of biodiversity largely unexplored. Here, we used whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) datasets to survey species diversity in the kelp genus Alaria, compare phylogenetic signals across organellar and nuclear genomes, and specifically test whether phylogenies behave like trees or networks. Genomes were sequenced from across the global distribution of Alaria (including Alaria crassifolia, A. praelonga, A. crispa, A. marginata, and A. esculenta), representing over 550 GB of data and over 2.2 billion paired reads. Genomic datasets retrieved 3,814 and 4,536 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes, respectively, and upwards of 148,542 high‐quality nuclear SNPs. WGS revealed an Arctic lineage of Alaria, which we hypothesize represents the synonymized taxon A. grandifolia. The SNP datasets also revealed inconsistent topologies across genomic compartments, and hybridization (i.e., phylogenetic networks) between Pacific A. praelonga, A. crispa, and putative A. grandifolia, and between some lineages of the A. marginata complex. Our analysis demonstrates the potential for WGS data to advance our understanding of evolution and biodiversity beyond amplicon sequencing, and that hybridization is potentially an important mechanism contributing to novel lineages within Alaria. We also emphasize the importance of surveying phylogenetic signals across organellar and nuclear genomes, such that models of mixed ancestry become integrated into our evolutionary and taxonomic understanding.
Generation of a novel model of bioengineered human oral mucosa with increased vascularization potential
Authors: Blanco‐Elices Cristina , Chato‐Astrain Jesús , Oyonarte Salvador , Bermejo‐Casares Fabiola , España‐López Antonio , Fernández‐Valadés Ricardo , Sánchez‐Quevedo Maria del Carmen , Alaminos Miguel , Martín‐Piedra Miguel Angel , Garzón Ingrid
Published: September 2021

Objective

The aim of this study was to generate novel models of bioartificial human oral mucosa with increased vascularization potential for future use as an advanced therapies medicinal product, by using different vascular and mesenchymal stem cell sources.

Background

Oral mucosa substitutes could contribute to the clinical treatment of complex diseases affecting the oral cavity. Although several models of artificial oral mucosa have been described, biointegration is a major issue that could be favored by the generation of novel substitutes with increased vascularization potential once grafted in vivo.

Methods

Three types of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were obtained from adipose tissue, bone marrow, and dental pulp, and their in vitro potential was evaluated by inducing differentiation to the endothelial lineage using conditioning media. Then, 3D models of human artificial oral mucosa were generated using biocompatible fibrin‐agarose biomaterials combined with human oral mucosa fibroblasts and each type of MSC before and after induction to the endothelial lineage, using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) as controls. The vascularization potential of each oral mucosa substitute was assessed in vitro and in vivo in nude mice.

Results

In vitro induction of MSCs kept in culture was able to increase the expression of VEGF, CD31, and vWF endothelial markers, especially in bone marrow and dental pulp‐MSCs, and numerous proteins with a role in vasculogenesis become overexpressed. Then, in vivo grafting resulted in a significant increase in blood vessels formation at the interface area between the graft and the host tissues, with significantly positive expression of VEGF, CD31, vWF, and CD34 as compared to negative controls, especially when pre‐differentiated MSCs derived from bone marrow and dental pulp were used. In addition, a significantly higher number of cells committed to the endothelial lineage expressing the same endothelial markers were found within the bioartificial tissue.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the use of pre‐differentiated MSCs could contribute to a rapid generation of a vascular network that may favor in vivo biointegration of bioengineered human oral mucosa substitutes.
Saikosaponin a promotes sleep by decreasing neuronal activities in the lateral hypothalamus
Authors: Zhong Yu‐Heng , Jiang Shan , Qu Wei‐Min , Zhang Wen , Huang Zhi‐Li , Chen Chang‐Rui
Published: September 2021

Insomnia is one of the most prevalent sleep disorders, which imparts tremendous societal and economic impact. However, the present pharmacotherapy is greatly limited by adverse effects, so it is necessary to explore new drugs for the treatment of insomnia. Radix Bupleuri (RB) has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for >2000 years; it has many pharmacological effects, including sedation and anticonvulsant properties. The present study investigated the effects of saikosaponin a (SSa), an active component of RB, on sleep and locomotion. Male C57BL/6j mice received intraperitoneal injections of SSa at three different dosages (0.625, 1.25, and 2.5 mg/kg). Sleep parameters were analysed by electroencephalography and electromyography. The open‐field test was used to measure locomotor activities. Our present results showed that SSa treatment significantly increased the duration of non‐rapid eye movement sleep and shortened sleep latency in a dose‐dependent manner. A high dose of SSa (2.5 mg/kg) also decreased locomotor activities. Moreover, by measuring c‐Fos expression and the calcium signal in the lateral hypothalamus (LH), we found that SSa treatment decreased neuronal activity in the LH. In conclusion, SSa might be the sleep‐promoting component in RB and its mechanism may be related to the modulation of neuronal activity in the LH.
Health service utilization and experiences of stigma amongst people who inject drugs in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Djordjevic Filip , Ryan Kathleen , Gunn Jack , Brener Loren , O’Keefe Daniel , Draper Bridget , Schroeder Sophia , Gold Judy , Treloar Carla , Broady Tim , Dietze Paul , Hellard Margaret , Pedrana Alisa
Published: September 2021

Whilst the testing and treatment of people who inject drugs (PWID) in Australia is a priority for local hepatitis C (HCV) elimination efforts, perceived stigma related to injecting drug use (IDU) has been identified as a major barrier for PWID engaging in health services. We used data from the EC Experience cohort study to explore associations between IDU‐related perceived stigma and the number of different health services accessed by PWID in Melbourne, Australia. Data from the baseline questionnaire were used. Primary outcome was self‐reported experience of stigma due to IDU (never, rarely, sometimes, often, always) in the previous 12 months. An ordinal logistic regression model assessed the association between stigma experienced and the number of different health services used (1–2, 3–4, 5–6, 7–10 different services) adjusted for recent IDU and key socio‐demographics. Between September 2018 and February 2020, 281 participants were recruited from four health services. Sixty‐nine per cent were male, median age was 42, 83% reported past‐month IDU, 34% had never tested/tested >12 months, 8% tested negative <12 months, 43% were HCV‐positive but not treated and 16% had been treated. Those accessing 5–6 services had 2.2 times greater odds of experiencing stigma (95% CI 0.86–6.65) compared with those using <5 services and those reporting 7–10 services had 2.43 times greater odds of experiencing stigma (95% CI 0.85–6.92) compared with those accessing <7 services. In conclusion, experiences of stigma may not necessarily be a barrier for PWID to access health services, but high rates of health service use may further expose, exacerbate or exaggerate stigma amongst PWID. Further examination of how stigma may be in/directly impact on hepatitis C treatment uptake is important and place‐based interventions aimed at reducing stigma experienced by PWID may be needed.
Revealing floristic variation and map uncertainties for different plant groups in western Amazonia
Authors: Zuquim Gabriela , Tuomisto Hanna , Chaves Pablo P. , Emilio Thaise , Moulatlet Gabriel M. , Ruokolainen Kalle , Van doninck Jasper , Balslev Henrik
Published: September 2021

Questions

Understanding spatial variation in floristic composition is crucial to quantify the extent, patchiness and connectivity of distinct habitats and their spatial relationships. Broad‐scale variation in floristic composition and the degree of uniqueness of different regions remains poorly mapped and understood in several areas across the globe. We here aim to map vegetation heterogeneity in Amazonia.

Location

Middle Juruá river region, Amazonas State, Brazil.

Methods

We mapped four plant groups by applying machine learning to scale up locally observed community composition and using environmental and remotely sensed variables as predictors, which were obtained as GIS layers. To quantify how reliable our predictions were, we made an assessment of model transferability and spatial applicability. We also compared our floristic composition map to the official Brazilian national‐level vegetation classification.

Results

The overall performance of our floristic models was high for all four plant groups, especially ferns, and the predictions were found to be spatially congruent and highly transferable in space. For some areas, the models were assessed not to be applicable, as the field sampling did not cover the spectral or environmental characteristics of those regions. Our maps show extensive habitat heterogeneity across the region. When compared to the Brazilian vegetation classification, floristic composition was relatively homogeneous within dense forests, while floristic heterogeneity in rainforests classified as open was high.

Conclusion

Our maps provide geoecological characterization of the regions and can be used to test biogeographical hypotheses, develop species distribution models and, ultimately, aid science‐based conservation and land‐use planning.
Twoblotch ponyfish Nuchequula blochii (Valenciennes, 1835) in the Sundarban Reserve Forest habitat of Bangladesh: Second record and establishment probability
Authors: Hanif Md. Abu , Hossen Shaharior , Sharker Md. Rajib , Siddik Muhammad A. B.
Published: September 2021

Climate changes and anthropogenic activities have paved the way for the dislocation of native species into areas located far away from their natural habitats. To this end, the Bay of Bengal and its adjacent coast have experienced the invasion of many alien species coming from different oceans, seas and bays around the world. Recently, a single specimen of the Twoblotch ponyfish (Nuchequula blochii) was captured. It had a total length of 69 mm and bodyweight 0.98 g. The specimen was caught at a depth of 18 m in the world's largest mangrove habitat, Sundarban, with a soft sandy bottom. Because the species N. blochii was previously recorded for the first time in the water area of Bangladesh, the single captured species above was considered as the ‘second record.’ There are several potential factors responsible for the introduction of this species in the Bay of the Bengal coast, one being the similar habitat conditions available to them. Because this species was previously reported from the water area of Bangladesh and is still appearing now, there is a possibility that it may become established in the water area of Bangladesh.
Identifying potential pollution hazards to the ecological well‐being of Lake Hayq and Lake Hardibo and related threats in Ethiopia: Advocating development of decision‐support tools and policy options
Authors: Zinabu Eskinder
Published: September 2021

The present study focuses on the pollutants draining into two closely related lakes in northcentral Ethiopia and related policy issues at a national scale. Observational interviews were conducted in the catchments of the lakes, and related published scientific and policy papers were examined. The susceptibility of the lakes to degradation was investigated on the basis of a set of related attributes and associated questions. The hydrological, morphometric features, chemical and biological characteristics, land uses and socio‐economic activities within the catchments of the lakes were assessed. Soil erosion, nutrients and plastic and organic wastes are identified as likely pollutants posing risks to the lake aquatic ecosystems. A better understanding of the sources, distribution and dynamics of the pollution vectors within the catchments is important in order to protect the lakes from further degradation. Based on a national perspective, the absence of monitoring and emission controls in catchments is hindering the development and application of protection measures in the lake catchments. Legal enforcement directed to controlling point source pollutants is poor, with regulation of diffuse source pollution being urgently needed to protect the lakes. Accordingly, commitment on the part of the federal, regional and local governments is clearly required to enhance assessment and enforcement capacities and to authorize regulating institutions.
Age and growth rate estimations as a basis for assessing the population dynamics of Hydrocynus vittatus Castelnau 1861 in the Sanyati Basin of Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe
Authors: Magqina Terence , Dalu Tatenda , Mhlanga Lindah , Nhiwatiwa Tamuka
Published: September 2021

In early fish life stages, information on their age structure can be used to clarify the effects of environmental changes on their growth and survival, thereby providing an improved understanding of factors affecting their recruitment success. There is currently inadequate understanding of the age structure of Hydrocynus vittatus in the Sanyati Basin of Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe. Accordingly, the present study investigated the age of tigerfish in the Sanyati Basin of Lake Kariba using whole otoliths and scales for comparison. The results indicated ages read on the basis of scales and otoliths of H. vittatus agreed to a larger extent for fish aged one to four years than for fish older than four years. There was a significant difference (χ2 = 8.520, p = .024) in the ages obtained from analysis of scales and otoliths for fish older than four years. The average percentage error and coefficient of variation were found to be 6.03% and 8.1% for whole otoliths, respectively, for the present study. The APE and CV values for scales were 13.81% and 17.41%, respectively. Relatie age data for whole otoliths fit the von Bertalanffy growth model, while that for scales did not fit the von Bertalanffy model, resulting in many outliers and much scatter of the data. The whole otolith parameters for the von Bertalanffy growth curve were L‐infinity = 682.5 mm, k = 0.530 and t0 = 3.19. Based on the results of the present study, it can be concluded in this case that whole otoliths were the best method of ageing tigerfish from Lake Kariba. Accordingly, it is recommended that otoliths be used for ageing tigerfish in Lake Kariba and that scales be used for ageing tigerfish only up to four years in age.
The association between female reproductive performance and leukocyte telomere length in wild Soay sheep
Authors: Ravindran Sanjana , Froy Hannah , Underwood Sarah L. , Dorrens Jennifer , Seeker Luise A. , Watt Kathryn , Wilbourn Rachael V. , Pilkington Jill G. , Harrington Lea , Pemberton Josephine M. , Nussey Daniel H.
Published: September 2021

Telomere length (TL), typically measured across a sample of blood cells, has emerged as an exciting potential marker of physiological state and of the costs of investment in growth and reproduction within evolutionary ecology. While there is mounting evidence from studies of wild vertebrates that short TL predicts raised subsequent mortality risk, the relationship between reproductive investment and TL is less clear cut, and previous studies report both negative and positive associations. In this study, we examined the relationship between TL and different aspects of maternal reproductive performance in a free‐living population of Soay sheep. We find evidence for shorter TL in females that bred, and thus paid any costs of gestation, compared to females that did not breed. However, we found no evidence for any association between TL and litter size. Furthermore, females that invested in gestation and lactation actually had longer TL than females who only invested in gestation because their offspring died shortly after birth. We used multivariate models to decompose these associations into among‐ and within‐individual effects, and discovered that within‐individual effects were driving both the negative association between TL and gestation, and the positive association between TL and lactation. This suggests that telomere dynamics may reflect recent physiologically costly investment or variation in physiological condition, depending on the aspect of reproduction being investigated. Our results highlight the physiological complexity of vertebrate reproduction, and the need to better understand how and why different aspects of physiological variation underpinning life histories impact blood cell TL.
Mechanical state inversion method for structural performance evaluation of existing suspension bridges using 3D laser scanning
Authors: Zhou Yin , Xiang Zhongfu , Zhang Xuesong , Wang Yue , Han Daguang , Ying Chunli
Published: September 2021

The abnormal mechanicalstate will cause the structural performance degradation of a suspension bridge. This paper presents a mechanical state inversion method for suspension bridges based on the measured intersection points of main cables using 3D laser scanning. First, based on the catenary, the mathematical model between the suspender force and the measured intersection points coordinates is established, and an accurate calculation method of suspender force is proposed. Then, an accurate calculation method for the internal force of suspension bridge components with abnormal suspender force is proposed to evaluate the structural performance. Numerical experiments show that the proposed method is accurate in theory. Finally, 3D laser scanning is used to capture the shape of the main cable, and an automated algorithm is developed to calculate the intersection point of the main cables precisely. The accuracy and reliability of the proposed method have been verified on a completed suspension bridge with a span of 808 m.
Real‐time structural displacement estimation by fusing asynchronous acceleration and computer vision measurements
Authors: Ma Zhanxiong , Choi Jaemook , Sohn Hoon
Published: September 2021

Although displacement measurement is essential for many civil infrastructure applications, the precise estimation of structural displacement remains a challenge. In this study, a structural displacement estimation technique was developed by fusing asynchronous acceleration and computer vision measurements using a Kalman filter. First, the scale factor, which converts translation from vision measurements (in pixel units) into displacement (in length units), is automatically computed using a natural target (i.e., without any artificial target or any prior knowledge of the target size). Second, an improved feature matching algorithm was developed to better trace the natural target within the computer vision. Third, an adaptive multirate Kalman filter was formulated such that asynchronous computer vision and acceleration measurements with different sampling rates could be seamlessly combined to improve displacement estimation. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed displacement estimation technique were validated by performing shaking table, four‐story building model, and steel box girder pedestrian bridge tests. In all tests, the proposed technique was able to accurately estimate displacements with root mean square errors of less than 3 mm.
How COVID‐19 can cause autonomic dysfunctions and postural orthostatic syndrome? A Review of mechanisms and evidence
Authors: Hassani Mehran , Fathi Jouzdani Ali , Motarjem Sara , Ranjbar Akram , Khansari Nakisa
Published: September 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a viral disease spread by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Because the recent pandemic has resulted in significant morbidity and mortality, understanding various aspects of this disease has become critical. SARS‐CoV‐2 can affect a variety of organs and systems in the body. The autonomic nervous system plays an important role in regulating body functions, and its dysfunction can cause a great deal of discomfort for patients. In this study, we focused on the effect of COVID‐19 on the autonomic system and syndromes associated with it, such as postural orthostatic syndrome (POTS).
Magnetic resonance imaging determination of tissue sodium in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Martin Kylie , Tan Sven‐Jean , Toussaint Nigel D.
Published: September 2021

Excess sodium is a major modifiable contributor to hypertension and cardiovascular risk. Knowledge of sodium storage and metabolism has derived mainly from indirect measurements of dietary sodium intake and urinary sodium excretion, however both attempt to measure body sodium and fluid in a two‐compartment model of intracellular and extracellular spaces. Our understanding of total body sodium has recently included a storage pool in tissues. In the last two decades, sodium‐23 magnetic resonance imaging (23Na MRI) has allowed dynamic quantification of tissue sodium in vivo. Tissue sodium is independently associated with cardiovascular dysfunction and inflammation. This review explores (i) The revolution of our understanding of sodium physiology, (ii) The development and potential clinical adoption of 23Na MRI to provide improved measurement of total body sodium in CKD and (iii) How we can better understand mechanistic and clinical implications of tissue sodium in hypertension, cardiovascular disease and immune dysregulation, especially in the CKD population.
The effects of acetylcholine on intracellular calcium fluorescence in smooth muscle cells of human esophagogastric junction cultured in vitro
Authors: Gao Yang , Liu Jun‐Feng , Zhang Chao
Published: September 2021

Background

Most esophageal motility studies are based on animals. It is necessary to explore smooth muscle motility in the human esophagus. This study was undertaken to explore the feasibility of in vitro culture of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from human esophagogastric junction (EGJ) and to determine changes of intracellular calcium (Ca2+) fluorescence ([Ca2+]i) in SMCs stimulated by acetylcholine (ACh).

Methods

Primary cells of EGJ (Clasp, Sling, esophageal circular muscle (ECM), and longitudinal muscle (ELM)) were obtained by enzymatic digestion (ED) and explant culture with tissues (EC‐T) from 9 upper esophageal carcinoma patients. Cells were cultured in smooth muscle cell medium (SMCM) and DMEM/F‐12 medium containing 10% newborn bovine serum (10%‐F12), respectively, and then identified by α‐SMA staining. After incubation with 5 μM Fluo‐3/am, the effect of 10−6 mM ACh on [Ca2+]i in Ca2+‐containing and Ca2+‐free buffers was evaluated by confocal microscopy.

Results

Cultured cells from ED and EC‐T were identified as SMCs by α‐SMA with spindle surface and “hills and valleys” morphology. Cells cultured in 10%‐F12 showed better morphology. The main characteristic of [Ca2+]i in Clasp‐, Sling‐ and ECM‐SMCs was the release of intracellular Ca2+ stores; the main characteristic in ELM‐SMCs was extracellular Ca2+ influx. However, these cells seemed not to rely on a unique Ca2+ activity, instead combining the two activities to maintain [Ca2+]i.

Conclusions

It was feasible to culture human EGJ SMCs in vitro; moreover, Ach‐induced changes of [Ca2+]i in EGJ SMCs represent a complex interaction of intracellular Ca2+ release and extracellular Ca2+ influx.