bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A profile of a major trauma centre of North West England between 2011 and 2018
Authors: Lunevicius Raimundas , Mesri Mina
Published: March 2021

This study examined the trends and patterns of major trauma (MT) activities, causes, mortality and survival at the Aintree Major Trauma Centre (MTC), Liverpool, between 2011 and 2018. The number of trauma team activations (TTAs) rose sharply over time (n = 699 in 2013; n = 1522 in 2018). The proportion of TTAs that involved MT patients decreased from 75.1% in 2013 to 67.4% in 2018. The leading cause of MT was a fall from less than 2 m (36%). There has been a fivefold increase in the overall number of trauma procedures between 2011 and 2018. Orthopaedic surgeons have performed 80% of operations (n = 7732), followed by neurosurgeons, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and general trauma surgeons. Both types of fall (> 2 m and < 2 m) and road traffic accidents were the three leading causes of death during the study period. The observed mortality rates exceeded that of expected rates in years 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2017. The all-cause observed to expected mortality ratio was 1.08 between 2012 and 2018. A change in care for MT patients was not directly associated with improved survival, although the marginally ascending trend line in survival rates between 2012 and 2018 reflects a gradual positive change.
Robust icephobic coating based on the spiky fluorinated Al2O3 particles
Authors: Starostin Anton , Strelnikov Vladimir , Valtsifer Viktor , Lebedeva Irina , Legchenkova Irina , Bormashenko Edward
Published: March 2021

Omniphobic and icephobic twin-scale surfaces based on the “urchin”-like fluorinated Al2O3 particles are presented. Combined effect of hierarchical topography and fluorination supplied to the surfaces omniphobic and icephobic properties. The study of the stability of the Cassie wetting state is reported. High apparent contact angles were accompanied with the low contact angle hysteresis and high stability of the Cassie air trapping wetting state. Time delay of the ice crystallization as high as $$88\pm 5$$

88
±
5

 min was established when compared to the ice formation on flat aluminum and non-fluorinated “urchin”-like surfaces. Crystallized water droplets formed on the reported nano-structured surfaces were easily blown out by the air jet with the velocity of $$v=3.0\pm 1.0$$

v
=
3.0
±
1.0

 m/s, (which is markedly lower than that common for exploitation of aircrafts and turbines). Heated “urchin”-like surfaces completely restored their omniphobic and icephobic surfaces after thawing. Qualitative analysis of water freezing is supplied.
High genomic diversity of novel phages infecting the plant pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum, isolated in Mauritius and Reunion islands
Authors: Trotereau Angélina , Boyer Claudine , Bornard Isabelle , Pécheur Max Jean Bernard , Schouler Catherine , Torres-Barceló Clara
Published: March 2021

Bacterial wilt caused by the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC) is among the most important plant diseases worldwide, severely affecting a high number of crops and ornamental plants in tropical regions. Only a limited number of phages infecting R. solanacearum have been isolated over the years, despite the importance of this bacterium and the associated plant disease. The antibacterial effect or morphological traits of these R. solanacearum viruses have been well studied, but not their genomic features, which need deeper consideration. This study reports the full genome of 23 new phages infecting RSSC isolated from agricultural samples collected in Mauritius and Reunion islands, particularly affected by this plant bacterial pathogen and considered biodiversity hotspots in the Southwest Indian Ocean. The complete genomic information and phylogenetic classification is provided, revealing high genetic diversity between them and weak similarities with previous related phages. The results support our proposal of 13 new species and seven new genera of R. solanacearum phages. Our findings highlight the wide prevalence of phages of RSSC in infected agricultural settings and the underlying genetic diversity. Discoveries of this kind lead more insight into the diversity of phages in general and to optimizing their use as biocontrol agents of bacterial diseases of plants in agriculture.
Impact of ambient sound on risk perception in humans: neuroeconomic investigations
Authors: Payzan-LeNestour Elise , Pradier Lionnel , Doran James , Nave Gideon , Balleine Bernard
Published: March 2021

Research in the field of multisensory perception shows that what we hear can influence what we see in a wide range of perceptual tasks. It is however unknown whether this extends to the visual perception of risk, despite the importance of the question in many applied domains where properly assessing risk is crucial, starting with financial trading. To fill this knowledge gap, we ran interviews with professional traders and conducted three laboratory studies using judgments of financial asset risk as a testbed. We provide evidence that the presence of ambient sound impacts risk perception, possibly due to the combination of facilitatory and synesthetic effects of general relevance to the perception of risk in many species as well as humans. We discuss the implications of our findings for various applied domains (e.g., financial, medical, and military decision-making), and raise new questions for future research.
Disruption of pathways regulated by Integrator complex in Galloway–Mowat syndrome due to WDR73 mutations
Authors: Tilley F. C. , Arrondel C. , Chhuon C. , Boisson M. , Cagnard N. , Parisot M. , Menara G. , Lefort N. , Guerrera I. C. , Bole-Feysot C. , Benmerah A. , Antignac C. , Mollet G.
Published: March 2021

Several studies have reported WDR73 mutations to be causative of Galloway–Mowat syndrome, a rare disorder characterised by the association of neurological defects and renal-glomerular disease. In this study, we demonstrate interaction of WDR73 with the INTS9 and INTS11 components of Integrator, a large multiprotein complex with various roles in RNA metabolism and transcriptional control. We implicate WDR73 in two Integrator-regulated cellular pathways; namely, the processing of uridylate-rich small nuclear RNAs (UsnRNA), and mediating the transcriptional response to epidermal growth factor stimulation. We also show that WDR73 suppression leads to altered expression of genes encoding cell cycle regulatory proteins. Altogether, our results suggest that a range of cellular pathways are perturbed by WDR73 loss-of-function, and support the consensus that proper regulation of UsnRNA maturation, transcription initiation and cell cycle control are all critical in maintaining the health of post-mitotic cells such as glomerular podocytes and neurons, and preventing degenerative disease.
Clinical evidence of the role of Methanobrevibacter smithii in severe acute malnutrition
Authors: Camara Aminata , Konate Salimata , Tidjani Alou Maryam , Kodio Aly , Togo Amadou Hamidou , Cortaredona Sebastien , Henrissat Bernard , Thera Mahamadou Ali , Doumbo Ogobara K. , Raoult Didier , Million Matthieu
Published: March 2021

Gut microbial dysbiosis has been shown to be an instrumental factor in severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and particularly, the absence of Methanobrevibacter smithii, a key player in energy harvest. Nevertheless, it remains unknown whether this absence reflects an immaturity or a loss of the microbiota. In order to assess that, we performed a case–control study in Mali using a propensity score weighting approach. The presence of M. smithii was tested using quantitative PCR on faeces collected from SAM children at inclusion and at discharge when possible or at day 15 for controls. M. smithii was highly significantly associated with the absence of SAM, detected in 40.9% controls but only in 4.2% cases (p < 0.0001). The predictive positive value for detection of M. smithii gradually increased with age in controls while decreasing in cases. Among children providing two samples with a negative first sample, no SAM children became positive, while this proportion was 2/4 in controls (p = 0.0015). This data suggests that gut dysbiosis in SAM is not an immaturity but rather features a loss of M. smithii. The addition of M. smithii as a probiotic may thus represent an important addition to therapeutic approaches to restore gut symbiosis.
Disrupted metabolic connectivity in dopaminergic and cholinergic networks at different stages of dementia from 18F-FDG PET brain persistent homology network
Authors: Hsu Tun-Wei , Fuh Jong-Ling , Wang Da-Wei , Chen Li-Fen , Chang Chia-Jung , Huang Wen-Sheng , Wu Hsiu-Mei , Guo Wan-Yuo
Published: March 2021

Dementia is related to the cellular accumulation of β-amyloid plaques, tau aggregates, or α-synuclein aggregates, or to neurotransmitter deficiencies in the dopaminergic and cholinergic pathways. Cellular and neurochemical changes are both involved in dementia pathology. However, the role of dopaminergic and cholinergic networks in metabolic connectivity at different stages of dementia remains unclear. The altered network organisation of the human brain characteristic of many neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders can be detected using persistent homology network (PHN) analysis and algebraic topology. We used18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) imaging data to construct dopaminergic and cholinergic metabolism networks, and used PHN analysis to track the evolution of these networks in patients with different stages of dementia. The sums of the network distances revealed significant differences between the network connectivity evident in the Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment cohorts. A larger distance between brain regions can indicate poorer efficiency in the integration of information. PHN analysis revealed the structural properties of and changes in the dopaminergic and cholinergic metabolism networks in patients with different stages of dementia at a range of thresholds. This method was thus able to identify dysregulation of dopaminergic and cholinergic networks in the pathology of dementia.
Key factors in a rigorous longitudinal image-based assessment of retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Rosenblatt Tatiana R. , Ji Marco H. , Vail Daniel , Ludwig Cassie A. , Al-Moujahed Ahmad , Pasricha Malini Veerappan , Callaway Natalia F. , Kumm Jochen , Moshfeghi Darius M.
Published: March 2021

To describe a database of longitudinally graded telemedicine retinal images to be used as a comparator for future studies assessing grader recall bias and ability to detect typical progression (e.g. International Classification of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ICROP) stages) as well as incremental changes in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Cohort comprised of retinal images from 84 eyes of 42 patients who were sequentially screened for ROP over 6 consecutive weeks in a telemedicine program and then followed to vascular maturation or treatment, and then disease stabilization. De-identified retinal images across the 6 weekly exams (2520 total images) were graded by an ROP expert based on whether ROP had improved, worsened, or stayed the same compared to the prior week’s images, corresponding to an overall clinical “gestalt” score. Subsequently, we examined which parameters might have influenced the examiner’s ability to detect longitudinal change; images were graded by the same ROP expert by image view (central, inferior, nasal, superior, temporal) and by retinal components (vascular tortuosity, vascular dilation, stage, hemorrhage, vessel growth), again determining if each particular retinal component or ROP in each image view had improved, worsened, or stayed the same compared to the prior week’s images. Agreement between gestalt scores and view, component, and component by view scores was assessed using percent agreement, absolute agreement, and Cohen’s weighted kappa statistic to determine if any of the hypothesized image features correlated with the ability to predict ROP disease trajectory in patients. The central view showed substantial agreement with gestalt scores (κ = 0.63), with moderate agreement in the remaining views. Of retinal components, vascular tortuosity showed the most overall agreement with gestalt (κ = 0.42–0.61), with only slight to fair agreement for all other components. This is a well-defined ROP database graded by one expert in a real-world setting in a masked fashion that correlated with the actual (remote in time) exams and known outcomes. This provides a foundation for subsequent study of telemedicine’s ability to longitudinally assess ROP disease trajectory, as well as for potential artificial intelligence approaches to retinal image grading, in order to expand patient access to timely, accurate ROP screening.
Assessment of trunk flexion in arm reaching tasks with electromyography and smartphone accelerometry in healthy human subjects
Authors: Castillo-Escario Yolanda , Kumru Hatice , Valls-Solé Josep , García-Alen Loreto , Vidal Joan , Jané Raimon
Published: March 2021

Trunk stability is essential to maintain upright posture and support functional movements. In this study, we aimed to characterize the muscle activity and movement patterns of trunk flexion during an arm reaching task in sitting healthy subjects and investigate whether trunk stability is affected by a startling acoustic stimulus (SAS). For these purposes, we calculated the electromyographic (EMG) onset latencies and amplitude parameters in 8 trunk, neck, and shoulder muscles, and the tilt angle and movement features from smartphone accelerometer signals recorded during trunk bending in 33 healthy volunteers. Two-way repeated measures ANOVAs were applied to examine the effects of SAS and target distance (15 cm vs 30 cm). We found that SAS markedly reduced the response time and EMG onset latencies of all muscles, without changing neither movement duration nor muscle recruitment pattern. Longer durations, higher tilt angles, and higher EMG amplitudes were observed at 30 cm compared to 15 cm. The accelerometer signals had a higher frequency content in SAS trials, suggesting reduced movement control. The proposed measures have helped to establish the trunk flexion pattern in arm reaching in healthy subjects, which could be useful for future objective assessment of trunk stability in patients with neurological affections.
People prefer joint outcome prosocial resource distribution towards future others
Authors: Inoue Yukako , Himichi Toshiyuki , Mifune Nobuhiro , Saijo Tatsuyoshi
Published: March 2021

Today, developing and maintaining sustainable societies is becoming a notable social concern, and studies on altruism and prosociality toward future generations are increasing in importance. Although altruistic behaviors toward future generations have previously been observed in some experimental situations, it remains unknown whether prosocial preferences toward future others are based on equality or joint outcome orientations. In the present research, we exploratorily investigated preferences regarding resource distribution by manipulating the time points (i.e., present/future) of the participants and their imaginary partners. The results indicate that prosocial preference toward future others was as strong as that toward present others and seemed to be based on a joint outcome prosocial preference. Notably, when participants and their partners were at different time points, participants preferred to leave resources for the persons in the future. The findings indicate that the type of altruistic preference toward future others may differ from that toward present others, which is mainly equality.
Phenotypic and environmental correlates of natal dispersal in a long-lived territorial vulture
Authors: Serrano David , Cortés-Avizanda Ainara , Zuberogoitia Iñigo , Blanco Guillermo , Benítez José Ramón , Ponchon Cecile , Grande Juan Manuel , Ceballos Olga , Morant Jon , Arrondo Eneko , Zabala Jabi , Montelío Eugenio , Ávila Enrique , González José L. , Arroyo Bernardo , Frías Óscar , Kobierzycki Erick , Arenas Rafael , Tella José Luis , Donázar José Antonio
Published: March 2021

Natal dispersal, the movement between the birth and the first breeding site, has been rarely studied in long-lived territorial birds with a long-lasting pre-breeding stage. Here we benefited from the long-term monitoring programs of six populations of Egyptian vultures (Neophron percnopterus) from Spain and France to study how the rearing environment determines dispersal. For 124 vultures, we recorded a median dispersal distance of 48 km (range 0–656 km). Linear models were used to assess the effect of population and individual traits on dispersal distance at two spatial scales. Dispersal distances were inversely related to vulture density in the natal population, suggesting that birds perceive the abundance of conspecifics as a signal of habitat quality. This was particularly true for declining populations, so increasing levels of opportunistic philopatry seemed to arise in high density contexts as a consequence of vacancies created by human-induced adult mortality. Females dispersed further than males, but males were more sensitive to the social environment, indicating different dispersal tactics. Both sexes were affected by different individual attributes simultaneously and interactively with this social context. These results highlight that complex phenotype-by-environment interactions should be considered for advancing our understanding of dispersal dynamics in long-lived organisms.
MRI-based clinical-radiomics model predicts tumor response before treatment in locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Delli Pizzi Andrea , Chiarelli Antonio Maria , Chiacchiaretta Piero , d’Annibale Martina , Croce Pierpaolo , Rosa Consuelo , Mastrodicasa Domenico , Trebeschi Stefano , Lambregts Doenja Marina Johanna , Caposiena Daniele , Serafini Francesco Lorenzo , Basilico Raffaella , Cocco Giulio , Di Sebastiano Pierluigi , Cinalli Sebastiano , Ferretti Antonio , Wise Richard Geoffrey , Genovesi Domenico , Beets-Tan Regina G. H. , Caulo Massimo
Published: March 2021

Neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy (CRT) followed by total mesorectal excision (TME) represents the standard treatment for patients with locally advanced (≥ T3 or N+) rectal cancer (LARC). Approximately 15% of patients with LARC shows a complete response after CRT. The use of pre-treatment MRI as predictive biomarker could help to increase the chance of organ preservation by tailoring the neoadjuvant treatment. We present a novel machine learning model combining pre-treatment MRI-based clinical and radiomic features for the early prediction of treatment response in LARC patients. MRI scans (3.0 T, T2-weighted) of 72 patients with LARC were included. Two readers independently segmented each tumor. Radiomic features were extracted from both the “tumor core” (TC) and the “tumor border” (TB). Partial least square (PLS) regression was used as the multivariate, machine learning, algorithm of choice and leave-one-out nested cross-validation was used to optimize hyperparameters of the PLS. The MRI-Based “clinical-radiomic” machine learning model properly predicted the treatment response (AUC = 0.793, p = 5.6 × 10–5). Importantly, the prediction improved when combining MRI-based clinical features and radiomic features, the latter extracted from both TC and TB. Prospective validation studies in randomized clinical trials are warranted to better define the role of radiomics in the development of rectal cancer precision medicine.
Pharmacological targeting of host chaperones protects from pertussis toxin in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Ernst Katharina , Mittler Ann-Katrin , Winkelmann Veronika , Kling Carolin , Eberhardt Nina , Anastasia Anna , Sonnabend Michael , Lochbaum Robin , Wirsching Jan , Sakari Moona , Pulliainen Arto T. , Skerry Ciaran , Carbonetti Nicholas H. , Frick Manfred , Barth Holger
Published: March 2021

Whooping cough is caused by Bordetella pertussis that releases pertussis toxin (PT) which comprises enzyme A-subunit PTS1 and binding/transport B-subunit. After receptor-mediated endocytosis, PT reaches the endoplasmic reticulum from where unfolded PTS1 is transported to the cytosol. PTS1 ADP-ribosylates G-protein α-subunits resulting in increased cAMP signaling. Here, a role of target cell chaperones Hsp90, Hsp70, cyclophilins and FK506-binding proteins for cytosolic PTS1-uptake is demonstrated. PTS1 specifically and directly interacts with chaperones in vitro and in cells. Specific pharmacological chaperone inhibition protects CHO-K1, human primary airway basal cells and a fully differentiated airway epithelium from PT-intoxication by reducing intracellular PTS1-amounts without affecting cell binding or enzyme activity. PT is internalized by human airway epithelium secretory but not ciliated cells and leads to increase of apical surface liquid. Cyclophilin-inhibitors reduced leukocytosis in infant mouse model of pertussis, indicating their promising potential for developing novel therapeutic strategies against whooping cough.
Transcranial static magnetic stimulation over the motor cortex can facilitate the contralateral cortical excitability in human
Authors: Takamatsu Yasuyuki , Koganemaru Satoko , Watanabe Tatsunori , Shibata Sumiya , Yukawa Yoshihiro , Minakuchi Masatoshi , Shimomura Ryota , Mima Tatsuya
Published: March 2021

Transcranial static magnetic stimulation (tSMS) has been focused as a new non-invasive brain stimulation, which can suppress the human cortical excitability just below the magnet. However, the non-regional effects of tSMS via brain network have been rarely studied so far. We investigated whether tSMS over the left primary motor cortex (M1) can facilitate the right M1 in healthy subjects, based on the hypothesis that the functional suppression of M1 can cause the paradoxical functional facilitation of the contralateral M1 via the reduction of interhemispheric inhibition (IHI) between the bilateral M1. This study was double-blind crossover trial. We measured the corticospinal excitability in both M1 and IHI from the left to right M1 by recording motor evoked potentials from first dorsal interosseous muscles using single-pulse and paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation before and after the tSMS intervention for 30 min. We found that the corticospinal excitability of the left M1 decreased, while that of the right M1 increased after tSMS. Moreover, the evaluation of IHI revealed the reduced inhibition from the left to the right M1. Our findings provide new insights on the mechanistic understanding of neuromodulatory effects of tSMS in human.
Integrins and extracellular matrix proteins modulate adipocyte thermogenic capacity
Authors: Gonzalez Porras Maria A. , Stojkova Katerina , Vaicik Marcella K. , Pelowe Amanda , Goddi Anna , Carmona Alanis , Long Byron , Qutub Amina A. , Gonzalez Anjelica , Cohen Ronald N. , Brey Eric M.
Published: March 2021

Obesity and the metabolic disease epidemic has led to an increase in morbidity and mortality. A rise in adipose thermogenic capacity via activation of brown or beige fat is a potential treatment for metabolic diseases. However, an understanding of how local factors control adipocyte fate is limited. Mice with a null mutation in the laminin α4 (LAMA4) gene (KO) exhibit resistance to obesity and enhanced expression of thermogenic fat markers in white adipose tissue (WAT). In this study, changes in WAT extracellular matrix composition in the absence of LAMA4 were evaluated using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. KO-mice showed lower levels of collagen 1A1 and 3A1, and integrins α7 (ITA7) and β1 (ITB1). ITA7-ITB1 and collagen 1A1-3A1 protein levels were lower in brown adipose tissue compared to WAT in wild-type mice. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed lower levels and different spatial distribution of ITA7 in KO-WAT. In culture studies, ITA7 and LAMA4 levels decreased following a 12-day differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells into beige fat, and knock-down of ITA7 during differentiation increased beiging. These results demonstrate that extracellular matrix interactions regulate adipocyte thermogenic capacity and that ITA7 plays a role in beige adipose formation. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying these interactions can be used to improve systemic energy metabolism and glucose homeostasis.
Predictors of retention in the prospective HIV prevention OKAPI cohort in Kinshasa
Authors: Carlos S. , Burgueño E. , Ndarabu A. , Reina G. , Lopez-del Burgo C. , Osorio A. , Makonda B. , de Irala J.
Published: March 2021

Retention is a key element in HIV prevention programs. In Sub-Saharan Africa most data on retention come from HIV clinical trials or people living with HIV attending HIV treatment and control programs. Data from observational cohorts are less frequent. Retention at 6-/12-month follow-up and its predictors were analyzed in OKAPI prospective cohort. From April 2016 to April 2018, 797 participants aged 15–59 years attending HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing in Kinshasa were interviewed about HIV-related knowledge and behaviors at baseline and at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Retention rates were 57% and 27% at 6- and 12-month follow up; 22% of participants attended both visits. Retention at 6-month was significantly associated with 12-month retention. Retention was associated with low economic status, being studying, daily/weekly Internet access, previous HIV tests and aiming to share HIV test with partner. Contrarily, perceiving a good health, living far from an antiretroviral center, daily/weekly alcohol consumption and perceiving frequent HIV information were inversely associated with retention. In conclusion, a high attrition was found among people attending HIV testing participating in a prospective cohort in Kinshasa. Considering the low retention rates and the predictors found in this study, more HIV cohort studies in Kinshasa need to be evaluated to identify local factors and strategies that could improve retention if needed.
Spectral reflectance of marine macroplastics in the VNIR and SWIR measured in a controlled environment
Authors: Moshtaghi Mehrdad , Knaeps Els , Sterckx Sindy , Garaba Shungudzemwoyo , Meire Dieter
Published: March 2021

While at least 8 million tons of plastic litter are ending up in our oceans every year and research on marine litter detection is increasing, the spectral properties of wet as well as submerged plastics in natural marine environments are still largely unknown. Scientific evidence-based knowledge about these spectral characteristics has relevance especially to the research and development of future remote sensing technologies for plastic litter detection. In an effort to bridge this gap, we present one of the first studies about the hyperspectral reflectances of virgin and naturally weathered plastics submerged in water at varying suspended sediment concentrations and depth. We also conducted further analyses on the different polymer types such as Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polypropylene (PP), Polyester (PEST) and Low-density polyethylene (PE-LD) to better understand the effect of water absorption on their spectral reflectance. Results show the importance of using spectral wavebands in both the visible and shortwave infrared (SWIR) spectrum for litter detection, especially when plastics are wet or slightly submerged which is often the case in natural aquatic environments. Finally, we demonstrate in an example how to use the open access data set driven from this research as a reference for the development of marine litter detection algorithms.
Correlation analysis between lower limb muscle architectures and cycling power via ultrasonography
Authors: Lee Hyung-Jin , Lee Kang-Woo , Takeshi Kurokawa , Lee Yong-Woo , Kim Hee-Jin
Published: March 2021

The primary purpose was to examine the relationship between the muscle architectural characteristics of short and long-distance cyclist—including muscle thickness, fascicle angle, and fascicle length—of the anterior thigh and posterior leg and its impact in 20-s cycling power. The secondary purpose was to clarify the muscle variables that predict the cycling power by using ultrasonography to measure the muscle architectural characteristics. Twenty-four varsity cyclists participated in this study, of whom 12 were short-distance cyclists and 12 were long-distance cyclists. B-mode ultrasonography was used to measure muscle architecture parameters. A cycle ergometer was used to measure the cycling power. The rectus femoris, vastus medialis, and medial head of gastrocnemius were significantly thicker in short-distance cyclists than in long-distance cyclists at every site (p < 0.05). Our analysis revealed that the rectus femoris fascicle length at the 30% level of the thigh was a significant independent predictor of the 20-s cycling power in short-distance cyclists, while the rectus femoris fascicle angle at the 50% level was that of the 20-s cycling power in long-distance cyclists. These findings highlight the significance of rectus femoris muscle architecture to cycling power.
Cannabidiol induces autophagy via ERK1/2 activation in neural cells
Authors: Vrechi Talita A. M. , Leão Anderson H. F. F. , Morais Ingrid B. M. , Abílio Vanessa C. , Zuardi Antonio W. , Hallak Jaime Eduardo C. , Crippa José Alexandre , Bincoletto Claudia , Ureshino Rodrigo P. , Smaili Soraya S. , Pereira Gustavo J. S.
Published: March 2021

Autophagy is a lysosomal catabolic process essential to cell homeostasis and is related to the neuroprotection of the central nervous system. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotropic phytocannabinoid present inCannabis sativa. Many therapeutic actions have been linked to this compound, including autophagy activation. However, the precise underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear, and the downstream functional significance of these actions has yet to be determined. Here, we investigated CBD-evoked effects on autophagy in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y and murine astrocyte cell lines. We found that CBD-induced autophagy was substantially reduced in the presence of CB1, CB2 and TRPV1 receptor antagonists, AM 251, AM 630 and capsazepine, respectively. This result strongly indicates that the activation of these receptors mediates the autophagic flux. Additionally, we demonstrated that CBD activates autophagy through ERK1/2 activation and AKT suppression. Interestingly, CBD-mediated autophagy activation is dependent on the autophagy initiator ULK1, but mTORC1 independent. Thus, it is plausible that a non-canonical pathway is involved. Our findings collectively provide evidence that CBD stimulates autophagy signal transduction via crosstalk between the ERK1/2 and AKT kinases, which represent putative regulators of cell proliferation and survival. Furthermore, our study sheds light on potential therapeutic cannabinoid targets that could be developed for treating neurodegenerative disorders.
Identification of suitable reference genes for mesenchymal stem cells from menstrual blood of women with endometriosis
Authors: Zucherato Victoria S. , Penariol Leticia B. C. , Silva Lilian E. C. M. , Padovan Cristiana C. , Poli-Neto Omero B. , Rosa-e-Silva Julio C. , Ferriani Rui A. , Meola Juliana
Published: March 2021

It has been suggested that menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MenMSCs) are associated with the etiopathogenesis of endometriosis and considerable effort has been invested in searching for target genes and deciphering associated molecular pathways. However, reference gene stability for proper reproducible normalization in the analyses of the expression data validation is still unexplored in this experimental context. Therefore, in this exploratory study, we used stringent case and control selection criteria and collected menstrual blood from women with a laparoscopic diagnosis of advanced endometriosis and from fertile women without endometriosis. We tested for the first time the stability of 32 candidate reference genes to achieve increased accuracy and reliable results in the quantification of gene expression and direct future experiments using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) in MenMSCs for endometriosis studies. Using the RefFinder web tool, we recommend the EIF2B1 and POP4 reference genes for the normalization of RT-qPCR data in study designs similar to ours. Furthermore, we suggest avoiding the commonly used GAPDH and ACTB reference genes as they are unstable. This high-visibility study is capable of directing different experimental designs as MenMSCs are derived from a minimally invasive tissue source with multifunctional roles in regenerative medicine.
Broadband mid-infrared amplified spontaneous emission from Er/Dy co-doped fluoride fiber with a simple diode-pumped configuration
Authors: Goya Kenji , Mori Akira , Tokita Shigeki , Yasuhara Ryo , Kishi Tetsuo , Nishijima Yoshiaki , Tanabe Setsuhisa , Uehara Hiyori
Published: March 2021

Er3+/Dy3+ co-doped double-clad ZBLAN optical fiber has been used to obtain amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) broadband light sources cladding-pumped by 980-nm multimode laser diode (LD) sources. It has been demonstrated that mid-infrared broadband emission extending from 2515 to 3735 nm was obtained by energy transfer between Er3+ and Dy3+. We experimentally investigated the optimum design of Er3+/Dy3+ co-doped ZBLAN fiber in terms of ion concentration, fiber length, pumping configuration, and pumping power. The ASE output power was more than 2.5 mW when the LD pump power was set at 5 W. To assess its potential for gas sensing applications, the fabricated ASE light source was used to successfully detect methane gas with concentrations at 1% and 5%. The simple and stable construction of our ASE light source is suitable for practical purposes.
Integrated hybrid architecture of metal and biochar for high performance asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Norouzi Omid , Pourhosseini S. E. M. , Naderi Hamid Reza , Di Maria Francesco , Dutta Animesh
Published: March 2021

Two state-of-the-art electrodes were successfully synthesized and used to assemble both symmetric and asymmetric type supercapacitors. 3DFAB was fabricated by direct pyrolysis of green macroalgae in the presence of NaOH. Possible NaOH activation mechanisms are proposed, which explains the formation of oxygen functional groups through quick penetration of OH- and NaOH into the vacancies. To obtain CoTLM, the tile-like architecture of cobalt oxides was introduced to the 3D interconnected functional algal biochar (3DFAB) by a simple one-pot hydrothermal method under mild conditions. For the symmetric supercapacitors, the maximum specific capacitance of RAB, 3DFAB, and CoTLM were 158, 296, and 445 F g−1 at the current density of 1 A g−1. Regarding cobalt-based asymmetric systems, the maximum capacitance for the 3DFAB//CoTLM was 411 F g−1. This asymmetric supercapacitor device also retained 100.9% of its initial capacitance after 4000 cycles at the current density of 4 A g−1. Unbuffered aqueous electrolyte and the unique morphological structure used in this study might catapult forward commercialization of such advanced energy storage devices.
A stalled-ribosome rescue factor Pth3 is required for mitochondrial translation against antibiotics in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Hoshino Soichiro , Kanemura Ryohei , Kurita Daisuke , Soutome Yukihiro , Himeno Hyouta , Takaine Masak , Watanabe Masakatsu , Nameki Nobukazu
Published: March 2021

Mitochondrial translation appears to involve two stalled-ribosome rescue factors (srRFs). One srRF is an ICT1 protein from humans that rescues a “non-stop” type of mitochondrial ribosomes (mitoribosomes) stalled on mRNA lacking a stop codon, while the other, C12orf65, reportedly has functions that overlap with those of ICT1; however, its primary role remains unclear. We herein demonstrated that the Saccharomyces cerevisiae homolog of C12orf65, Pth3 (Rso55), preferentially rescued antibiotic-dependent stalled mitoribosomes, which appear to represent a “no-go” type of ribosomes stalled on intact mRNA. On media containing a non-fermentable carbon source, which requires mitochondrial gene expression, respiratory growth was impaired significantly more by the deletion of PTH3 than that of the ICT1 homolog PTH4 in the presence of antibiotics that inhibit mitochondrial translation, such as tetracyclines and macrolides. Additionally, the in organello labeling of mitochondrial translation products and quantification of mRNA levels by quantitative RT-PCR suggested that in the presence of tetracycline, the deletion of PTH3, but not PTH4, reduced the protein expression of all eight mtDNA-encoded genes at the post-transcriptional or translational level. These results indicate that Pth3 can function as a mitochondrial srRF specific for ribosomes stalled by antibiotics and plays a role in antibiotic resistance in fungi.
Massively-multiplexed generation of Bell-type entanglement using a quantum memory
Authors: Lipka Michał , Mazelanik Mateusz , Leszczyński Adam , Wasilewski Wojciech , Parniak Michał
Published: March 2021

High-rate generation of hybrid photon-matter entanglement remains a fundamental building block of quantum network architectures enabling protocols such as quantum secure communication or quantum distributed computing. While a tremendous effort has been made to overcome technological constraints limiting the efficiency and coherence times of current systems, an important complementary approach is to employ parallel and multiplexed architectures. Here we follow this approach experimentally demonstrating the generation of bipartite polarization-entangled photonic states across more than 500 modes, with a programmable delay for the second photon enabled by qubit storage in a wavevector-multiplexed cold-atomic quantum memory. We demonstrate Clauser, Horne, Shimony, Holt inequality violation by over 3 standard deviations, lasting for at least 45 μs storage time for half of the modes. The ability to shape hybrid entanglement between the polarization and wavevector degrees of freedom provides not only multiplexing capabilities but also brings prospects for novel protocols.
Development of a Ba–CoCe catalyst for the efficient and stable decomposition of ammonia
Authors: Morlanés Natalia , Sayas Salvador , Shterk Genrikh , Katikaneni Sai P. , Harale Aadesh , Solami Bandar , Gascon Jorge
Published: March 2021

COx-free hydrogen production; cobalt-based catalysts for ammonia decomposition; cerium–barium promoter in cobalt catalysts.
Applications of bimetallic PdCu catalysts
Authors: Gholinejad Mohammad , Khosravi Faezeh , Afrasi Mahmoud , Sansano José M. , Nájera Carmen
Published: March 2021

Bimetallic PdCu nanoparticles can be applied as catalysts in a wide range of chemical and electrochemical reactions.
Bright bluish-green emitting Cu(i) complexes exhibiting efficient thermally activated delayed fluorescence
Authors: Huang Chun-Hua , Yang Mingxue , Chen Xu-Lin , Lu Can-Zhong
Published: March 2021

Three strongly emissive Cu(i) complexes exhibiting bright bluish-green thermally activated delayed fluorescence in the solid state with high quantum yield up to 91% were synthesized and characterized.
Dietary glycyl-glutamine supplementation ameliorates intestinal integrity, inflammatory response, and oxidative status in association with the gut microbiota in LPS-challenged piglets
Authors: Xu Baoyang , Yan Yiqin , Yin Boqi , Zhang Le , Qin Wenxia , Niu Yaorong , Tang Yimei , Zhou Shuyi , Yan Xianghua , Ma Libao
Published: March 2021

Dietary GlyGln supplementation improved gut microbiota dysbiosis and contributes towards the amelioration of ileum disorder in LPS-challenged weaned piglets.
Visualizing tumour self-homing with magnetic particle imaging
Authors: Parkins Katie M. , Melo Kierstin P. , Chen Yuanxin , Ronald John A. , Foster Paula J.
Published: March 2021

Iron labeled CTCs home to previously established mammary fat pad tumours and can be visualized using magnetic particle imaging and magnetic resonance imaging.
Eliminating nonspecific binding sites for highly reliable immunoassay via super-resolution multicolor fluorescence colocalization
Authors: Zong Shenfei , Liu Yun , Yang Kuo , Yang Zhaoyan , Wang Zhuyuan , Cui Yiping
Published: March 2021

An optical super-resolution imaging based immunoassay strategy (named SR-MFC) is presented. SR-MFC can directly visualize the detection results and effectively exclude nonspecific interaction sites, which has never been achieved before.
High-throughput AFM analysis reveals unwrapping pathways of H3 and CENP-A nucleosomes
Authors: Konrad Sebastian F. , Vanderlinden Willem , Frederickx Wout , Brouns Tine , Menze Björn H. , De Feyter Steven , Lipfert Jan
Published: March 2021

The thermal unwrapping pathways of canonical H3 and centromeric CENP-A nucleosomes are elucidated in unprecedented detail by high-throughput analysis of AFM images.
Pyrrole carboxamide introduction in the total synthesis of pyrrole–imidazole alkaloids
Authors: Herath Apsara K. , Lovely Carl J.
Published: March 2021

The pyrrole carboxamide is a characteristic structural feature found in the pyrrole–imidazole (oroidin) alkaloids, the various traditional and non-tradition methods for its introduction are reviewed herein.
Determination of cesium ions in environmental water samples with a magnetic multi-walled carbon nanotube imprinted potentiometric sensor
Authors: Wang Zhiming , Wang Long , Zhou Cuo , Sun Chunyan
Published: March 2021

A Cs(i)-selective potentiometric microsensor based on the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with a magnetic multi-walled carbon nanotubes/cesium ion-imprinted polymer has been developed.
Nanocomposite membranes of polybenzimidazole and amine-functionalized carbon nanofibers for high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells
Authors: Jheng Li-Cheng , Rosidah Afira Ainur , Hsu Steve Lien-Chung , Ho Ko-Shan , Pan Chun-Jern , Cheng Cheng-Wei
Published: March 2021

Carbon nanofibers functionalized with aminobenzoyl groups (CNF–aminobenzoyl) were preparedviadirect Friedel–Crafts acylation in polyphosphoric acid.
The dome of gold nanolized for catalysis
Authors: Peng Yao , Shang Cheng , Liu Zhi-Pan
Published: March 2021

The smallest stable Au particle Au24O4 on TiO2 surface is determined by the machine learning assisted global optimization, exhibiting a dome architecture made by a single-layer sheet and the highest activity for CO oxidation at room temperature.
Switching of the mechanism of charge transport induced by phase transitions in tunnel junctions with large biomolecular cages
Authors: Gupta Nipun Kumar , Pasula Rupali Reddy , Karuppannan Senthil Kumar , Ziyu Zhang , Tadich Anton , Cowie Bruce , Qi Dong-Chen , Bencok Peter , Lim Sierin , Nijhuis Christian A.
Published: March 2021

This work gives new insights in the conduction mechanisms across biomolecular junctions and demonstrates that proteins can reversibly change between in- and coherent tunnelling pathways defined by the protein cage and the amount of co-factor.
Elimination of interlayer Schottky barrier in borophene/C4N4 vdW heterojunctions via Li-ion adsorption for tunneling photodiodes
Authors: Zheng Cancan , Zhou Cong , Shi Man , Li Haiyan , Dou Nianxi , Ma Zhihao , Xia Feifei , He Yuanyuan , Zhao Jianwei
Published: March 2021

The adsorption of Li-ions on the bottom site contributes to improve the photodetectivity and photoresponsivity in B/C4N4 vdW heterojunction photodiode, owing to the elimination of interlayer Schottky barrier.
Nanobodies asin vivo, non-invasive, imaging agents
Authors: Harmand Thibault J. , Islam Ashraful , Pishesha Novalia , Ploegh Hidde L.
Published: March 2021

In vivoimaging has become in recent years an incredible tool to study biological events and has found critical applications in diagnostic medicine.
Vinylene carbonate: beyond the ethyne surrogate in rhodium-catalyzed annulation with amidines toward 4-methylquinazolines
Authors: Wang Chang , Fan Xiaodong , Chen Fan , Qian Peng-Cheng , Cheng Jiang
Published: March 2021

Vinylene carbonate: acetylation reagent rather than ethyne surrogate in rhodium-catalyzed annulation with amidines toward 4-methylquinazolines.
Correction: Mechanical rigidity of a shape-memory metal–organic framework increases by crystal downsizing
Authors: Tiba Al A. , Conway Matthew T. , Hill Collin S. , Swenson Dale C. , MacGillivray Leonard R. , Tivanski Alexei V.
Published: March 2021

Correction for ‘Mechanical rigidity of a shape-memory metal–organic framework increases by crystal downsizing’ by Al A. Tiba et al., Chem. Commun., 2021, 57, 89–92, DOI: 10.1039/D0CC05684G.
Mechanistic understanding of the Cu(i)-catalyzed domino reaction constructing 1-aryl-1,2,3-triazole from electron-rich aryl bromide, alkyne, and sodium azide: a DFT study
Authors: Gan Hanlin , Peng Liang , Gu Feng Long
Published: March 2021

The mechanism of the Cu(i)-catalyzed domino reaction furnishing 1-aryl-1,2,3-triazole assisted by CuI and 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) is explored with density functional theory (DFT) calculations.
Nickel-promoted oxidative domino Csp3–H/N–H bond double-isocyanide insertion reaction to construct pyrrolin-2-ones
Authors: Wen Li-Rong , Wang Ning-Ning , Du Wu-Bo , Ma Qiang , Zhang Lin-Bao , Li Ming
Published: March 2021

The first nickel-promoted oxidative Csp3–H/N–H double isocyanide insertion reaction for the synthesis of pyrrolin-2-ones.
The impact of surface Cu2+ of ZnO/(Cu1−xZnx)O heterostructured nanowires on the adsorption and chemical transformation of carbonyl compounds
Authors: Liu Jiangyang , Nagashima Kazuki , Nagamatsu Yuki , Hosomi Takuro , Saito Hikaru , Wang Chen , Mizukami Wataru , Zhang Guozhu , Samransuksamer Benjarong , Takahashi Tsunaki , Kanai Masaki , Yasui Takao , Baba Yoshinobu , Yanagida Takeshi
Published: March 2021

Unexpected features of surface Cu2+ on ZnO/(Cu1−xZnx)O nanowires for molecular transformation and electrical sensing of carbonyl compounds were found.
P-doped CoCO3 nanosheets: an ultra-active versatile electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution, oxygen evolution and hydrazine oxidation reactions
Authors: Liu Fenggang , Li Huizhen , Li Yunhui , Cao Qinghe , Geng Xinhua , Gu Caiqin , Sun Wenming , Wang Jiahai
Published: March 2021

P–CoCO3/CF was developed by a simple hydrothermal–annealing approach, exhibiting ultra-high electrocatalytic performances for the HER, OER and HzOR.
A two-dimensional arsenene/g-C3N4 van der Waals heterostructure: a highly efficient photocatalyst for water splitting
Authors: Li Xiao-Hua , Wang Bao-Ji , Wang Guo-Dong , Yang Xue-Feng , Zhao Rui-Qi , Jia Xing-Tao , Ke San-Huang
Published: March 2021

By DFT calculations, an arsenene/g-C3N4 heterostructure is found to have great potential applications in the field of photocatalytic water splitting.
Optical pressure sensing in vacuum and high-pressure ranges using lanthanide-based luminescent thermometer–manometer
Authors: Runowski Marcin , Woźny Przemysław , Martín Inocencio R.
Published: March 2021

Luminescent thermometer–manometer working as a low (vacuum) and high pressure sensor.