bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
iTRAQ proteome analysis of the antifungal mechanism of citral on mycelial growth and OTA production in Aspergillus ochraceus
Authors: Wang Yan , Lin Wei , Yan Hao , Neng Jing , Zheng Yong , Yang Kai , Xing Fuguo , Sun Peilong
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Aspergillus ochraceus causes food spoilage and produces mycotoxin ochratoxin A (OTA) during storage of agricultural commodities. In this study, citral was used to inhibit A. ochraceus growth and OTA accumulation, proteomic analysis was employed to verify the mechanism of citral.

RESULTS

Citral was found to significantly inhibit fungal growth and mycotoxin production in A. ochraceus. Specifically, 75, 125, 150 and 200 μL L−1 citral suppressed mycelial growth by 33%, 46%, 50% and 100%, respectively. Additionally, 75 μL L−1 citral inhibited OTA accumulation by 25%. Proteomic analysis was performed to elucidate the inhibitory mechanism of citral on mycelial growth and OTA production at subinhibitory concentrations (75 μL L−1). Proteomics analysis identified 2646 proteins in A. ochraceus fc‐1, of which 218 were differentially expressed between control and 75 μL L−1 citral treatment samples. Differentially expressed proteins were identified by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses of biological process, cellular component and molecular function terms. Potential factors affecting mycelial growth and OTA production were analysed, and OTA production was revealed to be a complex process involving many associated factors related to various processes including nutrient intake, sterol biosynthesis, ribosome biogenesis, energy metabolism, oxidative stress and amino acid metabolism. In addition, citral at 75 μL L−1 down‐regulated OTA biosynthetic genes including pks and nrps, but slightly up‐regulated the global regulatory factors veA, velB and laeA.

CONCLUSION

The findings further demonstrate the potential of citral for the preservation of grains and other agricultural products, and provide new insight into its antifungal mechanisms at subinhibitory concentrations. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
A mouse model of short‐term, diet‐induced fatty liver with abnormal cardiolipin remodeling via downregulated Tafazzin gene expression
Authors: Sakurai Toshihiro , Chen Zhen , Yamahata Arisa , Hayasaka Takahiro , Satoh Hiroshi , Sekiguchi Hirotaka , Chiba Hitoshi , Hui Shu‐Ping
Published: February 2021

Background

Cardiolipin (CL) helps maintain mitochondrial structure and function. Here we investigated whether a high carbohydrate diet (HCD) fed to mice for a short period (5 days) could modulate the CL level, including that of monolysoCL (MLCL) in the liver.

Results

Total CL in the HCD group was 22% lower than that in the normal chow diet (NCD) group (P < 0.05). The CL72:8 level strikingly decreased by 93% (P < 0.0001), whereas total nascent CLs (CLs other than CL72:8) increased (P < 0.01) in the HCD group. The total MLCL in the HCD group increased by 2.4‐fold compared with that in the NCD group (P < 0.05). Tafazzin expression in the HCD group was significantly downregulated compared with that in the NCD group (P < 0.05). A strong positive correlation between nascent CL and total MLCL (r = 0.955, P < 0.0001), and a negative correlation between MLCL and Tafazzin expression (r = −0.593, P = 0.0883) were observed.

Conclusion

A HCD modulated the fatty acid composition of CL and MLCL via Tafazzin in the liver, which could lead to mitochondrial dysfunction. This model may be useful for elucidating the relationship between fatty liver and mitochondrial dysfunction. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of temperature and pH on the structure of a metalloprotease from Lactobacillus fermentumR6 isolated from Harbin dry sausages and molecular docking between protease and meat protein
Authors: Sun Fangda , Tao Ran , Liu Qian , Wang Hui , Kong Baohua
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Microbial protease can interact with meat protein in fermented meat products at a certain pH and temperature. To investigate the effects of various pH values and temperatures on the structural characteristics of Lactobacillus fermentum R6 protease, which was isolated from Harbin dry sausages, spectroscopy techniques and molecular dynamics were utilized to evaluate structural changes.

RESULTS

The protease exhibited a stable spatial structure at pH 7 and 40 °C, and the extension of the protease structure was also promoted. Although the structure of the protease could be changed or destroyed by pH 8 and 70 °C, it was mainly determined by the changes of secondary and tertiary structures such as α‐helix, β‐sheet, β‐turn and random coil. In addition, carbonyl vibration, ‐NH vibration, C–H stretching vibration and disulphide bonds were present in L. fermentum R6 protease under various pH and temperature conditions. Molecular docking showed that the protease can interact with myosin light chain, myosin heavy chain, actin and myoglobin.

CONCLUSION

The protease can maintain stable structure and interact with meat protein, which reflected certain application prospects in the fermentation of Harbin dry sausages. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Retaining tourism lifestyle entrepreneurs for destination competitiveness
Authors: Dias Álvaro , González‐Rodríguez Maria Rosario , Patuleia Mafalda
Published: February 2021

Due to their representativeness in the universe of tourism businesses and the potential to generate innovation, tourism lifestyle entrepreneurs (TLEs) play an essential role in the competitiveness of tourism destinations. Despite this vital importance, the antecedents of innovation generated by these entrepreneurs and their willingness to stay at the destination are still under‐explored. Findings from a survey of 178 TLEs indicate that the context influences community attachment, and affects indirectly innovation and willingness to stay. Community attachment has a positive influence on entrepreneurial self‐efficacy, innovation and willingness to stay. A transition of the context results to developing economies was also taken into consideration. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Predicting Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Caseness Using the PTSD Checklist for DSM‐5 Among Patients Receiving Care for HIV
Authors: Kagee Ashraf , Bantjes Jason , Saal Wylene , Sterley Adelle
Published: February 2021

This study assessed the ability of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist for the DSM‐5 (PCL‐5) to distinguish between caseness and noncaseness for PTSD among South Africans receiving care for HIV. The PCL‐5 and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐5–Research Version (SCID‐RV) module for PTSD were administered to 688 patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) at two HIV care clinics in the greater Cape Town (South Africa) area. In total, nearly half of the sample (n = 324, 47.1%) reported experiencing an index traumatic event, and 101 participants (14.74%, 95% CI [12.17%, 17.62%]) met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD as measured using the SCID‐RV. An ROC curve analysis suggested that a PCL‐5 cutoff score of 32 yielded optimal sensitivity (0.88) and specificity (0.88), indicating that the measure was successful in determining caseness for PTSD 88% of the time and noncaseness 88% of the time. The AUC was 94.3%, 95% CI [92.6% to 96.1%], indicating high accuracy. The positive predictive value and negative predictive values were 56.3% and 97.7%, respectively, which suggests that the PCL‐5 is an effective screening instrument to determine the presence of PTSD among South African ART users. Undetected and, thus, untreated PTSD may reduce quality of life, impede optimal adherence to ART, and increase the likelihood of risk behaviors among individuals living with HIV, contributing to further infections. The PCL‐5 may be used for detection, referral, and treatment of PTSD as a way to enhance its management among individuals receiving HIV care.
Epigenome‐Wide Study of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Severity in a Treatment‐Seeking Adolescent Sample
Authors: Sheerin Christina M. , Lancaster Eva E. , York Timothy P. , Walker Jesse , Danielson Carla Kmett , Amstadter Ananda B.
Published: February 2021

Emerging research has demonstrated that psychosocial trauma exposure may elicit epigenetic changes, with downstream effects on the transcriptional regulation of genes. Epigenome‐wide association studies (EWAS) offer an agnostic approach to examine DNA methylation (DNAm) associations and are a valuable tool to aid in the identification of biological pathways involved in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study represents the first EWAS of PTSD in an adolescent sample, an important group given the significance of this developmental period regarding both DNAm changes and PTSD risk. The sample (n = 39, M age = 15.41 years, SD = 1.27, 84.6% female) comprised adolescents who experienced interpersonal trauma and were enrolled in a treatment study. Participants were assessed using the UCLA PTSD Reaction Index for DSM‐IV–Adolescent Version and provided a blood sample at baseline. Genomic DNA was isolated from whole blood and assayed using the Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip. The primary analysis estimated the associations among individual CpG sites and PTSD symptom scores. Of the 793,575 screened probes tested, two were significant at a false discovery rate (FDR) < 10%. Hypomethylation of both sites was associated with increased PTSD symptom scores. Analysis of differentially methylated regions (DMR) identified a DMR associated with PTSD symptom scores at an FDR < 10%. Results from follow‐up models are also discussed. Findings from this preliminary investigation suggest the importance of further research conducted in adolescent samples. The analytic pipeline and results are documented for use in future meta‐analytic work as more such samples become available.
The Impact of Traditional Anticoagulants, Novel Anticoagulants, and Antiplatelets on Epistaxis
Authors: Yaniv Dan , Zavdy Ofir , Sapir Einav , Levi Lirit , Soudry Ethan
Published: February 2021

Objective/Hypothesis

Anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications (ACAP) are known to be associated with an increased risk for epistaxis. There are conflicting results regarding the impact of Novel Oral Anticoagulants (NOAC) on epistaxis and its severity.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review of patients who were admitted to the ED in our tertiary level hospital with a diagnosis of epistaxis during the years 2012 to 2018.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of patients presenting to tertiary level emergency otolaryngological care during the years 2012 to 2018. The impact of various ACAP medications on epistaxis severity, hospital admission, and recurrence was analyzed.

Results

A total of 470 patients were identified. Two hundred and twenty‐nine patients (49%), were not on any anticoagulant/antiplatelet (ACAP) medications (controls) and 241 patients (51%) were taking at least one ACAP medication (ACAP group). Patients in the ACAP group were at a higher risk for severe epistaxis (OR = 1.8, P < .05) and were more likely to be hospitalized (OR = 2.17, P < .05). Surprisingly, the risk for recurrence was similar in the ACAP and control groups (15%, P > .05). Compared to controls, Warfarin and Enoxaparin increased the overall risk for severe epistaxis (OR = 4.4, P < .05) and for hospital admission (OR = 2.1, P < .05). Specifically, an increased risk for posterior tamponade (OR = 19, P < .001), significant blood loss (OR = 4.4, P = .032), and blood transfusion (OR = 4.7, P = .007) were identified as well. Interestingly, NOACs were not associated with increased risk for severe epistaxis, hospital admission, tamponade, and significant blood loss or blood transfusion compared to controls.

Conclusions

Compared to older generation anticoagulants and antiplatelet medications, NOACs demonstrated an improved safety profile, in terms of epistaxis severity, need for hospital admission and outcomes. These results may suggest a more conservative approach and less hospitalization when treating epistaxis in patients receiving NOACs.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:1946–1951, 2021
Validation of the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Scale in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Kawai Kosuke , Dombrowski Natasha , AuYeung Tammy , Adil Eelam A.
Published: February 2021

Objective/Hypothesis

The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) is a disease specific quality of life instrument developed and validated in adults. The objective of this study is to evaluate the validity of the NOSE scale for pediatric nasal obstruction. We also examined the effect of septoplasty with bilateral inferior turbinate reduction in this population.

Study Design

A validation study at a tertiary care children's hospital.

Methods

Thirty‐eight pediatric patients who underwent septoplasty and bilateral inferior turbinate reduction between 2014 and 2018 were included. Patients were administered the NOSE instrument on the day of their clinic evaluation, the day of surgery, and at their 6 to 8‐week post‐operative appointment. A sample of 40 pediatric patients with non‐rhinologic complaints was also included. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed to evaluate the factorial validity of the NOSE instrument.

Results

Of the 78 patients included, the mean age was 15.4 years (SD 3.4). In the confirmatory factor analysis, factor loadings were all significant and ranged from 0.95 to 0.99. Internal consistency reliability using Omega and maximal reliability H indices were well above recommended standards (Omega = 0.983 and maximal H = 0.988). Test–retest reliability was also adequate. Mean NOSE scores significantly improved following surgery (from 96.7 [SD 6.2] to 8.8 [SD 7.8]; mean difference = −87.9; 95% CI: −84.5, −91.3; P < .001). Similar improvements were observed across age groups.

Conclusions

The NOSE scale is a valid and reliable quality of life instrument for pediatric patients with nasal obstruction. Nasal septoplasty with bilateral turbinate reduction substantially improved symptoms of nasal obstruction.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E2594–E2598, 2021
Potential impact of plans and policies based on the principles of conservation agriculture on the control of soil erosion in Brazil
Authors: Polidoro José Carlos , de Freitas Pedro Luiz , Hernani Luís Carlos , Anjos Lúcia Helena Cunha dos , Rodrigues Renato de Aragão Ribeiro , Cesário Fernando Vieira , Andrade Aluísio Granato de , Ribeiro Jefé Leão
Published: February 2021

Land use and coverage surveys show that 30.5% of Brazil's territory was dedicated to the production of food, fibers, biofuels, and raw materials. This paper fills a gap and provides information to society and decision‐makers about the effectiveness of the adoption of conservation agriculture (CA) principles with zero tillage (ZT/CA) and integrated crop–livestock–forest (iCLF‐CA) systems as the central policies to mitigate soil erosion, the main agent of land degradation and productivity loss. The increase in CA area by 2030 was estimated using Holt's damped technique for ZT/CA and simple linear models for iCLF‐CA. The annual potential for soil erosion with intensive conventional tillage and monocropping, considering land use and cover in 2017, is 3.0 billion tons. The economic impact, based only on replacement of nutrient losses, is estimated to be 15.7 billion US$ yr−1. To control soil erosion by water, to intensify agricultural production, and mitigate the greenhouse gas emissions are the goals of the PRONASOLOS, a national program for detailed soil survey and interpretation. The annual economic impact of the adoption of CA principles by controlling soil erosion was estimated at 1.5 billion US$ for ZT/CA in 2017 and 0.5 billion US$ for iCLF‐CA in 2015. The future increase of the CA area was forecast at 34.4 and 25.4 Mha for ZT/CA and iCLF‐CA, respectively. The positive impacts of the adoption of CA principles in Brazil are the result of the determination of farmers, among many actors, and of the effectiveness of government plans and policies.
Influence of nitrogen addition on the changes in nitrogen and carbon fractions in soil profiles of wheat fields
Authors: Wang Lifang , Sun Jutao , Kang Juan , Zhang Zhiyong , Shangguan Zhouping , Wang Chenyang
Published: February 2021

Increasing inputs of nitrogen (N) fertilizer greatly affect the functionality of farmland carbon (C) and N cycling. Soil contains various C and N fractions that have diverse chemical and physical characteristics, and they can be used as sensitive evaluation indicators for the change in soil C and N content; however, N application's effects on the deep soil layer N and C fractions of the North China Plain remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated the changes in content, percentage, and sensitivity of N and C fractions under four N fertilization application rates in the upper 200 cm soil layer since 2012. N and C fractions in soil layers respond differently to N enrichment. For grain yield, soil organic carbon (SOC), and total nitrogen (TN) contents, the sensitivity index (SI) of N fractions was the highest at N applications of 180 and 240 kg ha−1. SOC and TN are most active in the 0–20 cm soil layer. The SI of most C fractions in the topsoil layer were not the highest, and the SI of the N fractions was higher in the middle soil layer. Obvious leaching during the application of 300 kg ha−1 of N fertilizer was indicated by the nitrate content. Under the experimental conditions, the 180 and 240 kg N ha−1 applications proved to be the best for stabilization of C and N and improved crop productivity.
Duration of deafness impacts auditory performance after cochlear implantation: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Bernhard Nikolai , Gauger Ulrich , Romo Ventura Eugenia , Uecker Florian C. , Olze Heidi , Knopke Steffen , Hänsel Toni , Coordes Annekatrin
Published: February 2021

Objective

Hearing loss is a highly disabling condition. Cochlear implantation is an established remedy if conventional hearing aids have failed to alleviate the level of disability. Unfortunately, cochlear implant (CI) performance varies dramatically. This study aims to examine the effects of duration of deafness (DoD) prior to cochlear implantation and the postoperative duration of implant experience with resulting hearing performance in postlingually deaf patients.

Methods

A systematic literature review and two meta‐analyses were conducted using the search terms cochlear implant AND duration deafness. Included studies evaluate the correlation between the DoD and auditory performance after cochlear implantation using monosyllabic and sentence tests. Correlation coefficients were determined using Pearson's correlation and Spearman rho.

Results

A total of 36 studies were identified and included data on cochlear implantations following postlingual deafness and postoperative speech testing of hearing outcomes for 1802 patients. The mean age ranged from 44 to 68 years with a DoD of 0.1 to 77 years. Cochlear implant use varied from 3 months to 14 years of age. Speech perception, which was assessed by sentence and monosyllabic word perception, was negatively correlated with DoD. Subgroup analyses revealed worse outcomes for longer DoD and shorter postoperative follow‐up.

Conclusion

DoD is one of the most important factors to predict speech perception after cochlear implantation in postlingually deaf patients. The meta‐analyses revealed a negative correlation between length of auditory deprivation and postoperative sentence and monosyllabic speech perception. Longer DoD seems to lead to worse CI performance, whereas more experience with CI mitigates the effect.
Persistence of bioconvection‐induced mixed layers in a stratified lake
Authors: Sepúlveda Steiner Oscar , Bouffard Damien , Wüest Alfred
Published: February 2021

In situ observations of biophysical interactions in natural waters typically focus on physical mechanisms influencing biological activity. Yet, biological activity can also drive physical processes in aquatic environments. A community of photoautotrophic, motile and heavy bacteria—Chromatium okenii, which requires light, sulfide, and anoxic conditions to perform anoxygenic photosynthesis, accumulates below the chemocline of the meromictic Lake Cadagno (Switzerland). Upward vertical migration drives bioconvection, which modifies the physical environment of the bacteria‐populated water to create a deep and homogeneous mixed layer of up to 1 m thickness. Continuous convection within the mixed layer and diapycnal diffusivity from its adjacent stratified surroundings determine ecologically relevant gradients. The daytime vertical migration that induce convective instabilities is well‐established. It consists in bacteria swimming upward towards light and accumulating at the upper part of the anoxic layer, leading to a locally‐unstable density excess. However, nocturnal activity has not yet been analyzed. An intensive 48‐h survey was conducted in August 2018 using standard and microstructure profilers, as well as a moored high‐resolution current meter coupled with temperature and turbidity sensors deployed across the mixed layer depth. This survey revealed a persistent mixed layer also during nighttime hours. Using a mixed layer shape model, vertical velocity observations and turbulent dissipation estimates, we conclude that photoautotrophic bacteria continue their vertical migration at night. This nocturnal activity thereby drives “dark bioconvection” and maintains the subsurface mixed bacterial layer in Lake Cadagno throughout the diel cycle.
On a class of automorphisms in H2 which resemble the property of preserving volume
Authors: Prezelj Jasna , Vlacci Fabio
Published: February 2021

We give a possible extension of definition of shears and overshears in the case of two non commutative (quaternionic) variables in relation with the associated vector fields and flows. We define the divergence operator and determine the vector fields with divergence. Given the non‐existence of quaternionic volume form on H2, we define automorphisms with volume to be time‐one maps of vector fields with divergence and volume preserving automorphisms to be time‐one maps of vector fields with divergence 0. To these two classes the Andersen–Lempert theory applies. Finally, we exhibit an example of a quaternionic automorphism, which is not in the closure of the set of finite compositions of volume preserving quaternionic shears even though its restriction to the complex subspace is in the closure of the set of finite compositions of complex shears.
Preparation of Block Copolymer Nano‐Objects with Embedded β‐Ketoester Functional Groups by Photoinitiated RAFT Dispersion Polymerization
Authors: Huang Jiayuan , Liu Dongdong , Chen Ying , Zhang Li , Tan Jianbo
Published: February 2021

Herein, a photoinitiated reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) dispersion polymerization of 2‐(acetoacetoxy)ethyl methacrylate (AEMA) in ethanol/water at room temperature for in situ preparation of β‐ketoester‐functionalized block copolymer nano‐objects is reported. AEMA is also copolymerized with isobornyl methacrylate (IBOMA) to improve the colloidal stability of PIBOMA‐based block copolymer nano‐objects prepared by photoinitiated RAFT dispersion polymerization at low temperatures. A series of P(IBOMA‐stat‐AEMA)‐based block copolymer nano‐objects are prepared by changing reaction parameters. Finally, lanthanide‐doped block copolymer nano‐objects with luminescent and magnetic properties are also prepared based on the complexation of various lanthanide ions with the β‐ketoester group. It is expected that the current study will provide a facile platform for the in situ preparation of β‐ketoester‐functionalized block copolymer nano‐objects with different morphologies for specific applications.
Reappearance of Symptoms after GPi‐DBS Discontinuation in Cervical Dystonia
Authors: Honkanen Emma A. , Korpela Jaana , Pekkonen Eero , Kaasinen Valtteri , Reich Martin M. , Joutsa Juho
Published: February 2021

Background

Deep brain stimulation of the globus pallidus interna (GPi‐DBS) is a highly efficacious treatment for cervical dystonia. Typically, the treatment response is delayed, appearing and increasing even months after implantation. However, it is not known how fast the symptoms reappear and whether there is a long‐term therapeutic effect after the stimulation is discontinued.

Objectives

To study symptom reappearance after switching GPi‐DBS off in cervical dystonia.

Methods

Twelve patients with bilateral GPi‐DBS were included in the study. The Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS) was evaluated during the study with DBS stimulation on, after switching the stimulation off and 2 days after the stimulation was switched off. Presurgical symptom severity and best postsurgical response were extracted from the hospital records.

Results

At the time of the investigation, GPi‐DBS was associated with 67 (SD 39)% symptom improvement of presurgical symptoms severity (P = 0.001). Symptom improvement decreased to 27 (53)% (P = 0.046) (n = 12) acutely after switching the stimulation off and was further reduced to 4 (56)% 2 days after discontinuation (P = 0.01) (n = 11), reaching the presurgical level (P = 0.42). In descriptive analyses, older age was associated with faster worsening of symptoms (P < 0.05). Presurgical symptoms severity, stimulation parameters or magnitude of treatment response did not predict symptom worsening. All but one patient tolerated 2 days DBS switched off.

Conclusions

The results provide novel information about the time frame and severity of symptom worsening after discontinuing GPi‐DBS in cervical dystonia. Symptoms partially reappear immediately after discontinuing GPi‐DBS and full presurgical symptom severity is reached within 2 days.
Is there a nonlinear relationship between nonperforming loans and bank profitability? Evidence from dynamic panel threshold
Authors: Bolarinwa Segun Thompson , Olayeni Richard Olaolu , Vo Xuan Vinh
Published: February 2021

This study examines the threshold effect in the nonperforming loans–profitability nexus within the Nigerian banking industry. Using the innovative dynamic panel threshold of Seo, Kim, and Kim (2019), the work documents threshold levels of 3.5% and 5.0% of nonperforming loans for return on average assets (ROAA) and return on average equity (ROAE), respectively. These levels of nonperforming loans ensure equilibrium profitability without stability trade‐off in the industry. Similarly, the robust models suggest the threshold of 5.2% and 2.81% of impaired loans for optimal ROAA and ROAE, respectively. The results are important for policy formulations. It is recommended that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should review the 5% threshold nonperforming loans adopted in the industry in 2019 prudential guidelines to ensure stability in the Nigerian banking industry.
Corporate social responsibility and financial inclusion: Evaluating the moderating effect of income
Authors: Singh Kuldeep , Misra Madhvendra , Yadav Jitendra
Published: February 2021

Financial institutions play a vital role in the implementation of effective CSR in local communities with significant initiatives that support financial inclusion. The findings of this study reveal that CSR has a significant, positive impact on financial inclusion. The study rules out any moderating impact of income on the strength of the relationship between CSR and financial inclusion. The research findings of this study will help policymakers to design effective policies to motivate banking organizations to consider CSR as an effective tool to improve financial inclusion.
A locking‐free shifted inverse iteration based on multigrid discretization for the elastic eigenvalue problem
Authors: Zhang Xuqing , Yang Yidu , Zhang Yu
Published: February 2021

We propose a locking‐free shifted inverse iteration based on multigrid discretization and prove the error estimates of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions. Besides, we also present a multigrid correction scheme based on the multilevel correction. Numerical experiments coincide in our theoretical analysis and validate that our scheme is highly efficient.
On nonlinear coupled evolution system with nonlocal subsidiary conditions under fractal‐fractional order derivative
Authors: Abdo Mohammed S. , Abdeljawad Thabet , Shah Kamal , Ali Saeed M.
Published: February 2021

In the given paper, we develop and extend a qualitative analysis of a novel nonlinear system of fractional pantograph evolution differential equations (FPEDEs) involving fractal‐fractional derivative in Atangana‐Baleanu sense. To discuss the proposed problem, we establish the essential conditions for the existence and uniqueness results. The used arguments for the analysis are the fixed point techniques of Banach and Krasnoselskii. Moreover, the Ulam‐Hyers stability of solutions for the system at hand is discussed. Two interesting pertinent examples are presented.
Effect of a 2D axisymmetric cylindrical heat source on a thermoelastic thick plate
Authors: Sherief Hany H. , Zaky Mohamed F. , El‐Maghraby Nasser M.
Published: February 2021

In this study, we consider a 2D problem of a plate with finite thickness and infinite extent. The upper surface of the plate is traction free and subjected to an axisymmetric heating. The lower surface is thermally insulated and laid on a rigid foundation. A constant heat source in the form of a cylinder lies inside the plate. This problem is in the context of the generalized thermoelasticity theory with one relaxation time. Laplace and Hankel transforms are used to solve the problem. The transforms are numerically inverted. All related functions are shown graphically.
Fractional order mathematical modeling of novel corona virus (COVID‐19)
Authors: Ahmad Sahibzada Waseem , Sarwar Muhammad , Shah Kamal , Ahmadian Ali , Salahshour Soheil
Published: February 2021

In this manuscript, the mathematical model of COVID‐19 is considered with eight different classes under the fractional‐order derivative in Caputo sense. A couple of results regarding the existence and uniqueness of the solution for the proposed model is presented. Furthermore, the fractional‐order Taylor's method is used for the approximation of the solution of the concerned problem. Finally, we simulate the results for 50 days with the help of some available data for fractional differential order to display the excellency of the proposed model.
Exact solutions of the fractional time‐derivative Fokker–Planck equation: A novel approach
Authors: Abdel‐Gawad Hamdy I. , Sweilam Nasser H. , Al‐Mekhlafi Seham M. , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: February 2021

In the present article, an approach to find the exact solution of the fractional Fokker–Planck equation (FFPE) is presented. It is based on transforming it to a system of first‐order partial differential equation via Hopf transformation, together with implementing the extended unified method. On the other hand, a theorem provides the reduction of the fractional derivatives to non‐autonomous ordinary derivative is given. Thus, the FFPE is reduced to non‐autonomous classical ones. Some explicit solutions of the classical, fractional time‐derivative Fokker–Planck equation are obtained. It is shown that the solution of the Fokker–Planck equation is bi‐Gaussian's, which was not found up to date. It is found that high friction coefficient plays a significant role in lowering the standard deviation. Further, it is found that the effect of the presence of the fractional derivative prevails that of the fractal derivative. Here, the most interesting result found is that mixed‐Gaussian solution is obtained. It is worthy to mention that the mixture of Gaussian's is a powerful tool in machine learning and also in the distribution of loads in networks. Further, varying the order of the fractional time derivatives results to slight effects in the probability distribution function. Also, it is shown that the mean and mean square of the velocity vary slowly.
Long Term High Protein Diet Feeding Alters the Microbiome and Increases Intestinal Permeability, Systemic Inflammation and Kidney Injury in Mice
Authors: Snelson Matthew , Clarke Rachel Elise , Nguyen Tuong‐Vi , Penfold Sally Anne , Forbes Josephine Maree , Tan Sih Min , Coughlan Melinda Therese
Published: February 2021

Scope

This study evaluates the effects of a chronic high protein diet (HPD) on kidney injury, intestinal permeability and gut microbiota perturbations in a mouse model.

Method and results

Mice are fed a diet containing either 20% or 52% energy from protein for 24 weeks; protein displaced an equivalent amount of wheat starch. The HPD does not alter glycemic control or body weight. The HPD induces kidney injury as evidenced by increase in albuminuria, urinary kidney injury molecule‐1, blood urea nitrogen, urinary isoprostanes and renal cortical NF‐κB p65 gene expression. HPD decreases intestinal occludin gene expression, increases plasma endotoxin and plasma monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, indicating intestinal leakiness and systemic inflammation. Cecal microbial analysis reveals that HPD feeding does not alter alpha diversity; however, it does alter beta diversity, indicating an altered microbial community structure with HPD feeding. Predicted metagenome pathway analysis demonstrates a reduction in branched‐chain amino acid synthesis and an increase of the urea cycle with consumption of a HPD.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that long term HPD consumption in mice causes albuminuria, systemic inflammation, increase in gastrointestinal permeability and is associated with gut microbiome remodeling with an increase in the urea cycle pathway, which may contribute to renal injury.
Dietary Alpha‐Ketoglutarate Promotes Epithelial Metabolic Transition and Protects against DSS‐Induced Colitis
Authors: Tian Qiyu , Bravo Iniguez Alejandro , Sun Qi , Wang Hongbin , Du Min , Zhu Mei‐Jun
Published: February 2021

Scope

As a natural compound in foods, alpha‐ketoglutarate (aKG) is one of the key metabolites maintaining energy homeostasis. This study examines the beneficial effects of dietary aKG against the development of experimental colitis and further explores the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods and Results

Eight‐week‐old male C57BL/6 mice receive drinking water with or without 1% aKG for 4 weeks. At week 3, colitis is induced by 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for 7 days followed by 7 days recovery. Dietary aKG supplementation decreases DSS‐induced body weight loss, gross bleeding, fecal consistency score, and disease activity index. In agreement, aKG supplementation restores DSS‐associated colon shortening, ameliorated mucosal damage, and macrophage infiltration into colonic tissue, which are associated with suppressed gut inflammation and Wnt signaling, and improved epithelial structure. Consistently, aKG supplementation enhances M1 to M2 macrophage polarization and strengthens intestinal barrier function. Additionally, aKG supplementation elevates colonic aKG levels while decreasing 2‐hydroxyglutarate levels, which increases oxidative instead of glycolytic metabolism.

Conclusion

aKG supplementation protects against epithelial damage and ameliorates DSS‐induced colitis, which are associated with suppressed inflammation, Wnt signaling pathway, and glycolysis. Intake of foods enriched with aKG or aKG supplementation can be an alternative approach for the prevention or treatment of colitis that are common in Western societies.
A Novel Isoallergen Dau c 1.0401 in Carrot: Stability, Allergenicity, and Comparison with Other Isoallergens
Authors: Jacob Thessa , Wangorsch Andrea , Vogel Lothar , Reuter Andreas , Mahler Vera , Wöhrl Birgitta M.
Published: February 2021

Scope

Around 25% of food allergic persons in Central Europe suffer from carrot allergy caused by the major carrot allergen Dau c 1. Three different isoallergens, Dau c 1.01, Dau c 1.02 and Dau c 1.03 are identified. However, information about the qualitative and quantitative composition of natural (n)Dau c 1 is scarce.

Methods and Results

The new carrot allergen Dau c 1.0401 is identified on the mRNA and protein level by RT‐PCR and mass spectrometry. It displays only around 60% sequence identity to the other known Dau c 1 isoallergens. NMR and CD‐spectra are typical for a well‐folded protein containing both α‐helices and β‐strands. It showed a poor refolding capacity after incubation at 95 °C. IgE‐binding is impaired in immunoblots, whereas in inhibition assays IgE binding to soluble Dau c 1.0401 is detected and it clearly provoked a response in mediator release assays.

Conclusion

Dau c 1.0401 is a new isoallergen which contributes to the allergenicity of carrots. The absence of immunoreactivity in immobilized assays indicates that IgE binding is impaired when the protein is blotted on a solid phase. Altogether, the results point out that its allergenicity can be reduced upon carrot processing.
Effects of High Intakes of Fructose and Galactose, with or without Added Fructooligosaccharides, on Metabolic Factors, Inflammation, and Gut Integrity in a Rat Model
Authors: Mhd Omar Nor Adila , Frank Jan , Kruger Johanita , Dal Bello Federica , Medana Claudio , Collino Massimo , Zamaratskaia Galia , Michaelsson Karl , Wolk Alicja , Landberg Rikard
Published: February 2021

Scope

A high fructose and galactose intake show adverse metabolic effects in animal models and in humans, but it is yet unknown if addition of fermentable dietary fiber can mitigate such effects. This study investigate the effects of high intakes of fructose and galactose, with/without added fructooligosaccharides (FOS), on metabolic factors, inflammation, and gut integrity markers in rats.

Methods and Results

Rats (n= 6/group) receive different carbohydrates at isocaloric conditions for 12 weeks as follows: 1) starch (control), 2) fructose, 3) galactose, 4) starch + FOS (FOS control), 5) fructose + FOS, and 6) galactose + FOS, together with a high amount of n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐6 PUFA) in all diets except for in 7) starch + olive oil (negative control). The rats fed the galactose and galactose + FOS diets exhibit lower body weight than other groups. High‐galactose diets has more pronounced effects on metabolic factors and gut permeability than high‐fructose diets. High‐fructose diets show less pronounced effect on these selected markers. No differences in inflammatory markers are detected for any of the diets.

Conclusions

The results suggest potential adverse effects of high galactose and fructose on metabolic factors and gut integrity markers, but not on inflammation. However, several mechanisms are at play, and general net effects are difficult to determine conclusively for the conditions tested.
Automated contour propagation of the prostate from pCT to CBCT images via deep unsupervised learning
Authors: Liang Xiaokun , Bibault Jean‐Emmanuel , Leroy Thomas , Escande Alexandre , Zhao Wei , Chen Yizheng , Buyyounouski Mark K. , Hancock Steven L. , Bagshaw Hilary , Xing Lei
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To develop and evaluate a deep unsupervised learning (DUL) framework based on a regional deformable model for automated prostate contour propagation from planning computed tomography (pCT) to cone‐beam CT (CBCT).

Methods

We introduce a DUL model to map the prostate contour from pCT to on‐treatment CBCT. The DUL framework used a regional deformable model via narrow‐band mapping to augment the conventional strategy. Two hundred and fifty‐one anonymized CBCT images from prostate cancer patients were retrospectively selected and divided into three sets: 180 were used for training, 12 for validation, and 59 for testing. The testing dataset was divided into two groups. Group 1 contained 50 CBCT volumes, with one physician‐generated prostate contour on CBCT image. Group 2 contained nine CBCT images, each including prostate contours delineated by four independent physicians and a consensus contour generated using the STAPLE method. Results were compared between the proposed DUL and physician‐generated contours through the Dice similarity coefficients (DSCs), the Hausdorff distances, and the distances of the center‐of‐mass.

Results

The average DSCs between DUL‐based prostate contours and reference contours for test data in group 1 and group 2 consensus were 0.83 ± 0.04, and 0.85 ± 0.04, respectively. Correspondingly, the mean center‐of‐mass distances were 3.52 mm ± 1.15 mm, and 2.98 mm ± 1.42 mm, respectively.

Conclusions

This novel DUL technique can automatically propagate the contour of the prostate from pCT to CBCT. The proposed method shows that highly accurate contour propagation for CBCT‐guided adaptive radiotherapy is achievable via the deep learning technique.
Rapid, ‐insensitive, dual‐band quasi‐adiabatic saturation transfer with optimal control for complete quantification of myocardial ATP flux
Authors: Miller Jack J. , Valkovič Ladislav , Kerr Matthew , Timm Kerstin N. , Watson William D. , Lau Justin Y. C. , Tyler Andrew , Rodgers Christopher , Bottomley Paul A. , Heather Lisa C. , Tyler Damian J.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Phosphorus saturation‐transfer experiments can quantify metabolic fluxes noninvasively. Typically, the forward flux through the creatine kinase reaction is investigated by observing the decrease in phosphocreatine (PCr) after saturation of γ‐ATP. The quantification of total ATP utilization is currently underexplored, as it requires simultaneous saturation of inorganic phosphate () and PCr. This is challenging, as currently available saturation pulses reduce the already‐low γ‐ATP signal present.

Methods

Using a hybrid optimal‐control and Shinnar‐Le Roux method, a quasi‐adiabatic RF pulse was designed for the dual saturation of PCr and to enable determination of total ATP utilization. The pulses were evaluated in Bloch equation simulations, compared with a conventional hard‐cosine DANTE saturation sequence, before being applied to perfused rat hearts at 11.7 T.

Results

The quasi‐adiabatic pulse was insensitive to a >2.5‐fold variation in , producing equivalent saturation with a 53% reduction in delivered pulse power and a 33‐fold reduction in spillover at the minimum effective . This enabled the complete quantification of the synthesis and degradation fluxes for ATP in 30‐45 minutes in the perfused rat heart. While the net synthesis flux (4.24 ± 0.8 mM/s, SEM) was not significantly different from degradation flux (6.88 ± 2 mM/s, P = .06) and both measures are consistent with prior work, nonlinear error analysis highlights uncertainties in the Pi‐to‐ATP measurement that may explain a trend suggesting a possible imbalance.

Conclusions

This work demonstrates a novel quasi‐adiabatic dual‐saturation RF pulse with significantly improved performance that can be used to measure ATP turnover in the heart in vivo.
PreQual: An automated pipeline for integrated preprocessing and quality assurance of diffusion weighted MRI images
Authors: Cai Leon Y. , Yang Qi , Hansen Colin B. , Nath Vishwesh , Ramadass Karthik , Johnson Graham W. , Conrad Benjamin N. , Boyd Brian D. , Begnoche John P. , Beason‐Held Lori L. , Shafer Andrea T. , Resnick Susan M. , Taylor Warren D. , Price Gavin R. , Morgan Victoria L. , Rogers Baxter P. , Schilling Kurt G. , Landman Bennett A.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Diffusion weighted MRI imaging (DWI) is often subject to low signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNRs) and artifacts. Recent work has produced software tools that can correct individual problems, but these tools have not been combined with each other and with quality assurance (QA). A single integrated pipeline is proposed to perform DWI preprocessing with a spectrum of tools and produce an intuitive QA document.

Methods

The proposed pipeline, built around the FSL, MRTrix3, and ANTs software packages, performs DWI denoising; inter‐scan intensity normalization; susceptibility‐, eddy current‐, and motion‐induced artifact correction; and slice‐wise signal drop‐out imputation. To perform QA on the raw and preprocessed data and each preprocessing operation, the pipeline documents qualitative visualizations, quantitative plots, gradient verifications, and tensor goodness‐of‐fit and fractional anisotropy analyses.

Results

Raw DWI data were preprocessed and quality checked with the proposed pipeline and demonstrated improved SNRs; physiologic intensity ratios; corrected susceptibility‐, eddy current‐, and motion‐induced artifacts; imputed signal‐lost slices; and improved tensor fits. The pipeline identified incorrect gradient configurations and file‐type conversion errors and was shown to be effective on externally available datasets.

Conclusions

The proposed pipeline is a single integrated pipeline that combines established diffusion preprocessing tools from major MRI‐focused software packages with intuitive QA.
Effect of brain normalization methods on the construction of functional connectomes from resting‐state functional MRI in patients with gliomas
Authors: Chen Henry Szu‐Meng , Kumar Vinodh A. , Johnson Jason M. , Chen Melissa M. , Noll Kyle R. , Hou Ping , Prabhu Sujit S. , Schomer Donald F. , Liu Ho‐Ling
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Spatial normalization is an essential step in resting‐state functional MRI connectomic analysis with atlas‐based parcellation, but brain lesions can confound it. Cost‐function masking (CFM) is a popular compensation approach, but may not benefit modern normalization methods. This study compared three normalization methods with and without CFM and determined their impact on connectomic measures in patients with glioma.

Methods

Fifty patients with glioma were included. T1‐weighted images were normalized using three different methods in SPM12, with and without CFM, which were then overlaid on the ICBM152 template and scored by two neuroradiologists. The Dice coefficient of gray‐matter correspondence was also calculated. Normalized resting‐state functional MRI data were parcellated using the AAL90 atlas to construct an individual connectivity matrix and calculate connectomic measures. The R2 among the different normalization methods was calculated for the connectivity matrices and connectomic measures.

Results

The older method (Original) performed significantly worse than the modern methods (Default and DARTEL; P < .005 in observer ranking). The use of CFM did not significantly improve the normalization results. The Original method had lower correlation with the Default and DARTEL methods (R2 = 0.71‐0.74) than Default with DARTEL (R2 = 0.96) in the connectivity matrix. The clustering coefficient appears to be the most, and modularity the least, sensitive connectomic measures to normalization performance.

Conclusion

The spatial normalization method can have an impact on resting‐state functional MRI connectome and connectomic measures derived using atlas‐based brain parcellation. In patients with glioma, this study demonstrated that Default and DARTEL performed better than the Original method, and that CFM made no significant difference.