bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐fat diet decreases H3K27ac in mice adipose‐derived stromal cells
Authors: da Silva Viviane S. , Simão Jussara J. , Plata Victor , de Sousa Andressa França , da Cunha de Sá Roberta D. C. , Machado Cleiton Fagundes , Stumpp Taiza , Alonso‐Vale Maria Isabel C. , Armelin‐Correa Lucia
Published: September 2022

Objective

The study goal was to analyze the effects of a high‐fat diet (HFD) on the histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27) posttranscriptional modifications and the expression of histone‐modifying enzymes in adipose‐derived stromal cells (ASCs) from white adipose tissue (WAT).

Methods

Male C57BL/6J mice received control or HFD for 12 weeks. The ASCs were isolated from subcutaneous and visceral (epididymal) WAT, cultivated, and evaluated for expression of H3K27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) and H3K27 acetylation (H3K27ac) by Western blot. The transcription of histone‐modifying enzymes was analyzed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

When compared with control, HFD ASCs showed a decrease in H3K27ac enrichment in subcutaneous and visceral WAT and ATP‐citrate lyase expression in subcutaneous WAT. Curiously, the expression of CREB‐binding protein was increased in visceral ASCs from HFD‐fed mice.

Conclusions

These results show that an HFD significantly reduces acetylation of H3K27 in ASCs and the expression of ATP‐citrate lyase in subcutaneous ASCs, suggesting that, in this fat depot, the H3K27ac reduction could be partly due to lower acetyl‐coenzyme A availability. H3K27ac is an epigenetic mark responsible for increasing the transcription rate and its reduction can have an important impact on ASC proliferation and differentiation potential.
A study on graphene reinforced carbon fiber epoxy composites: Investigation of electrical, flexural, and dynamic mechanical properties
Authors: Kaftelen‐Odabaşı Hülya , Odabaşı Akın , Özdemir Mustafa , Baydoğan Murat
Published: September 2022

In this study, graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) added to epoxy matrix composite reinforced by aeronautical grade carbon fibers (CFs) were fabricated by the vacuum infusion method, and the effect of different GNPs contents (0.05, 0.25, and 1.25 wt%) on electrical conductivity, flexural properties, and dynamic mechanical properties were investigated. The results revealed an 8‐ and 73‐times improvement in conductivity values across the thickness with the addition of 0.05 and 0.25 wt% GNPs, respectively, compared to the neat composite. Flexural test results showed that with the addition of 0.05 GNP, only 6% increase in flexural strength was obtained, while with the addition of 0.25 wt% GNP flexural strength remained almost the same as for the neat composite. On the contrary, the addition of GNPs (1.25% by weight) causes a reduction in the flexural strength with respect to the neat composite. This was confirmed by the fractured surfaces examined by scanning electron microscope which reveals that considerable amount of fiber‐matrix debonding was observed with 1.25 GNPs loading. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) revealed that the storage modulus of the neat composite increased by 12.6% with the addition of only a small amount of GNP (0.05% wt) compared to the neat composite. Composite with 1.25 GNP shows upward bending, affecting the shape of the cole–cole plot obtained from DMA results, indicating inappropriate interactions of GNPs in both the matrix and CF in the composite.
Difference in mechanical properties between plastic and metal molds for injection molding a talc reinforced rubber modified polypropylene
Authors: Zhang Dan , Bartlett Leah , Cai Kaiyu , Hoffman Ben , Mulyana Rachmat , Herderick Edward , Castro Jose M.
Published: September 2022

Tooling for injection molding is costly, and delivery time is a concern, especially for companies that are on a tight production schedule. The introduction of additive manufacturing tooling for injection molding is an attractive rapid tooling for cutting cost and time not only for prototype parts but also for low volume production, that is, less than 100 parts. In this work, digital acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) mold insert was 3D printed on a Stratasys PolyJet printer, and then installed on the mold frame for injection molding investigation. The mechanical properties of talc reinforced rubber modified polypropylene (PP) parts molded by 3D printed ABS mold and conventional steel mold are compared. When the 3D printed ABS mold was used, a significantly higher mold temperature was observed during the molding cycles compared to the steel mold because of the lower thermal conductivity of ABS. The ductility of PP parts molded by the ABS mold is much lower compared to the metal mold, while other mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, Young's modulus, and flexural strength are not significantly different.
Tear fatigue behavior of lignin‐based sustainable rubber composites
Authors: Chowdhury Soumya Ghosh , Ghosh Sreedip , Chanda Jagannath , Ghosh Prasenjit , Bhattacharyya Sanjay Kumar , Mukhopadhyay Rabindra
Published: September 2022

Rubber products, especially tire, experiences millions of fatigue cycles during their service life. In this period, penetration or cuts owing to any sharp objects brings calamitous failure. Thus, the fatigue crack growth (FCG) characteristic of tire components has become an important parameter to inspect. In the present study, the FCG behavior of sustainable filler, lignin‐filled composite is investigated. The impact of rubber matrix (epoxidation of natural rubber) on crack growth behavior is scrutinized in this article. Epoxy group introduction in natural rubber leads to a significant change in tearing energy throughout the strain range (10%–25%). Higher mol% of the epoxy group brings in a lower crack growth rate. An increase in polar interaction amongst the matrix through epoxide—hydroxyl functionality contributes significantly to the FCG rate. Inter‐molecular interaction promotes higher cross‐link density in epoxidized natural rubber containing composites which are reflected in static as well as dynamic‐mechanical properties. Morphological evidence (Field‐emission scanning electron microscope [FE‐SEM] and microscopic images) establishes the fact that stiffening at the crack tip, arising from intrinsic strain‐induced crystallization and high‐density network formation in the concerned matrix are the major contributors to the reduction in fatigue crack growth rate of a composite.
Development of algorithm for diagnosis of cystic fibrosis in absence of sweat chloride testing in resource‐limited setting
Authors: Sahoo Nisha , Dhochak Nitin , Jat Kana R. , Sankar Jhuma , Lodha Rakesh , Sethuraman Gomathy , Kabra Madhulika , Kabra Sushil K.
Published: September 2022

Objective

To develop a diagnostic algorithm for cystic fibrosis (CF) in the setting of unavailability of sweat chloride, based on clinical features and basic laboratory investigations.

Methods

In a prospective observational study, we enrolled children with recurrent/persistent pneumonia with either malabsorption or poor growth, undergoing a sweat chloride test, between January 2019 and December 2020. They were simultaneously evaluated for aquagenic wrinkling of hands, stool fat globules, sputum for bacterial culture, blood gas, and serum electrolytes. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for parameters having a significant difference between CF and non‐CF groups. Scoring systems and algorithms for the diagnosis of CF were developed.

Results

Of 134 children enrolled, 46 (34%) had CF. The sensitivity and specificity of various parameters to diagnose CF was: sibling death due to respiratory illness (30.43%, 96.59%), aquagenic wrinkling (76.74%, 47.67%), metabolic alkalosis (17.78%, 94.12%), hyponatremia (28.89%, 89.41%), stool fat globules (38.46%, 81.18%), and presence of Pseudomonas in sputum culture (23.68%, 98.80%). Using coefficients of significant parameters on stepwise logistic regression, the composite score for diagnosis of CF was calculated as: 3X sibling death due to respiratory illness + 1.5X hyponatremia + 1.5X metabolic alkalosis + 1.5X aquagenic wrinkling + 1X stool fat globules + 2.5X presence of Pseudomonas in sputum culture (each of the variables scores 0 or 1 for absence and presence, respectively). The cut‐off of ≥2.5 had sensitivity and specificity of 81.82% and 76.83%, respectively.

Conclusions

In resource‐limited settings, the proposed diagnostic algorithm can be used for the diagnosis of presumptive CF with fair sensitivity and specificity.
Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate in men on active surveillance for prostate cancer with refractory lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to enlarged prostates
Authors: Schober Jared P. , Stensland Kristian D. , Moinzadeh Alireza , Canes David , Mandeville Jessica
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The surgical treatment of men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and significantly enlarged symptomatic prostates on active surveillance (AS) for low‐risk prostate cancer (PCa) is not well defined. We report our single‐institution initial experience with holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) for LUTS in men with low‐risk PCa being managed with AS.

Materials and Methods

Men on AS who underwent HoLEP between 2013 and 2019 were identified. Data regarding preoperative cancer workup, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), perioperative outcomes, and voiding parameters were analyzed. Postoperative surveillance for PCa including PSA nadir, prostate magnetic resonance imaging, prostate biopsy (PBx), and PSA at last follow‐up were evaluated.

Results

Twenty men met the inclusion criteria. Preoperative mean max flow 7.9 ml/s, median postvoid residual 101 cc, and mean transrectal ultrasound prostate size 99 cc. Patients had a median adjusted preoperative PSA of 8.5 (interquartile range [IQR]: 4.8–13.2) ng/ml. Mean resected tissue weight was 65.5 g with improved postoperative flow rate and significantly decreased residual. A total of 5/20 men had PCa in the specimen (all Gleason Grade Group 1). The median postoperative PSA nadir was 1.2 (IQR: 0.5–1.8) ng/ml at median of 5 months. At the last follow‐up (median 18.5 months, IQR: 10.5–37.8), the median postoperative PSA was 1.4 (IQR: 0.63–2.48) ng/ml. Nine men underwent postoperative multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) with the identification of a new prostate imaging reporting and data system 5 lesion in one patient who underwent negative fusion biopsy. Five men underwent post‐HoLEP PBx with progression in two patients, who both successfully underwent radical prostatectomy.

Conclusions

Men on AS for low‐risk PCa can safely undergo HoLEP with significantly improved voiding parameters. Postoperative monitoring with PSA, mpMRI, and PBx can detect disease progression requiring definitive treatment. Further research is needed to optimize surveillance strategies and long‐term cancer‐specific outcomes.
Prostate cancer aggressiveness and financial toxicity among prostate cancer patients
Authors: KC Madhav , Oral Evrim , Rung Ariane L. , Trapido Edward , Rozek Laura S. , Fontham Elizabeth T. H. , Bensen Jeannette T. , Farnan Laura , Steck Susan E. , Song Lixin , Mohler James L. , Khan Saira , Vohra Sanah , Peters Edward S.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Financial toxicity (FT) is a growing concern among cancer survivors that adversely affects the quality of life and survival. Individuals diagnosed with aggressive cancers are often at a greater risk of experiencing FT. The objectives of this study were to estimate FT among prostate cancer (PCa) survivors after 10−15 years of diagnosis, assess the relationship between PCa aggressiveness at diagnosis and FT, and examine whether current cancer treatment status mediates the relationship between PCa aggressiveness and FT.

Methods

PCa patients enrolled in the North Carolina‐Louisiana Prostate Cancer Project (PCaP) were recontacted for long‐term follow‐up. The prevalence of FT in the PCaP cohort was estimated. FT was estimated using the COmprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity, a validated measure of FT. The direct effect of PCa aggressiveness and an indirect effect through current cancer treatment on FT was examined using causal mediation analysis.

Results

More than one‐third of PCa patients reported experiencing FT. PCa aggressiveness was significantly independently associated with high FT; high aggressive PCa at diagnosis had more than twice the risk of experiencing FT than those with low or intermediate aggressive PCa (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.14−3.96). The proportion of the effect of PCa aggressiveness on FT, mediated by treatment status, was 10%, however, the adjusted odds ratio did not indicate significant evidence of mediation by treatment status (aOR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.95−1.20).

Conclusions

Aggressive PCa was associated with high FT. Future studies should collect more information about the characteristics of men with high FT and identify additional risk factors of FT.
Calycosin protects against oxidative stress‐induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by activating aldehyde dehydrogenase 2
Authors: Ding Wen‐jun , Chen Guang‐hong , Deng Sui‐hui , Zeng Ke‐feng , Lin Kai‐li , Deng Bo , Zhang Shuang‐wei , Tan Zhang‐Bin , Xu You‐cai , Chen Si , Chen Jun‐bang , Chen Ting‐fang , Tan Yong‐zhen , Zhou Ying‐chun , Zhang Jing‐zhi , Liu Bin
Published: September 2022

Myocardial infarction (MI) is the leading cause of death worldwide, and oxidative stress is part of the process that causes MI. Calycosin, a naturally occurring substance with cardioprotective properties, is one of the major active constituents in Radix Astragali. In this study, effect of Calycosin was investigated in vivo and in vitro to determine whether it could alleviate oxidative stress and oxidative stress‐induced cardiac apoptosis in neonatal cardiomyocytes (NCMs) via activation of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2). Calycosin protected against oxidative stress and oxidative stress‐induced apoptosis in NCMs. Molecular docking revealed that the ALDH2‐Calycosin complex had a binding energy of −9.885 kcal/mol. In addition, molecular docking simulations demonstrated that the ALDH2‐Calycosin complex was stable. Using BLI assays, we confirmed that Calycosin could interact with ALDH2 (KD = 1.9 × 10−4 M). Furthermore, an ALDH2 kinase activity test revealed that Calycosin increased ALDH2 activity, exhibiting an EC50 of 91.79 μM. Pre‐incubation with ALDH2 inhibitor (CVT‐10216 or disulfiram) reduced the cardio‐protective properties Calycosin. In mice with MI, Calycosin therapy substantially reduced myocardial apoptosis, oxidative stress, and activated ALDH2. Collectively, our findings clearly suggest that Calycosin reduces oxidative stress and oxidative stress‐induced apoptosis via the regulation of ALDH2 signaling, which supports potential therapeutic use in MI.
Synergistic Effect of Sr‐O Divacancy and Exposing Facets in SrTiO3 Micro/Nano Particle: Accelerating Exciton Formation and Splitting, Highly Efficient Co2+ Photooxidation
Authors: Jia Qibo , Wang Chuyu , Liu Jian , Cai Xiaojiao , Zhong Li , Chen Siming , Li Ting , Yu Gangqiang , Wu Li‐zhu , Duan Dongping
Published: September 2022

As a typical perovskite‐type crystal, polyhedral strontium titanate (SrTiO3) has shown anisotropic charge transport behavior in recent studies, however, the carrier transportation and transition of which has not been explained very clearly. This work present the existence of Sr and O divacancies in the novel rhombicuboctahedron SrTiO3 micro/nano particles (Sr1−xTiO3−x/TiO2−x) with exposing (100), (110) and (111) facets and the diameter of 300–700 nm synthesized via hydrothermal synthesis, and also summarizes the dissociation mechanism of self‐trapped excitons (STEs) caused by the divacancy and facet effect. In addition, most importantly, the metastable STEs with ultra‐low binding energy (Eb < 3 meV) under illumination are discovered. Combining the model of S‐scheme heterojunction, a conversion mechanism of photoinduced carriers is proposed. The photocatalytic reaction of Co2+ is used as the probe reaction, and the unique Sr1−xTiO3−x/TiO2−x possesses a high photooxidation efficiency of Co2+, by which 70.3% of Co2+ is oxidized to Co3+ (CoOOH) in 5 min. This finding may provide a guideline for an optimal design of the photocatalytic materials for the recovery and extraction of metal ions based on SrTiO3.
Surface Passivation of Layered MoSe2 via van der Waals Stacking of Amorphous Hydrocarbon
Authors: Lee Do‐Hyeon , Dongquoc Viet , Hong Seongin , Kim Seung‐Il , Kim Eunjeong , Cho Su‐yeon , Oh Chang‐Hwan , Je Yeonjin , Kwon Mi Ji , Hoang Vo Anh , Seo Dong‐Bum , Lee Jae Hyun , Kim Sunkook , Kim Eui‐Tae , Park Jun Hong
Published: September 2022

Development of efficient surface passivation methods for semiconductor devices is crucial to counter the degradation in their electrical performance owing to scattering or trapping of carriers in the channels induced by molecular adsorption from the ambient environment. However, conventional dielectric deposition involves the formation of additional interfacial defects associated with broken covalent bonds, resulting in accidental electrostatic doping or enhanced hysteretic behavior. In this study, centimeter‐scaled van der Waals passivation of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) is demonstrated by stacking hydrocarbon (HC) dielectrics onto MoSe2 field‐effect transistors (FETs), thereby enhancing the electric performance and stability of the device, accompanied with the suppression of chemical disorder at the HC/TMDCs interface. The stacking of HC onto MoSe2 FETs enhances the carrier mobility of MoSe2 FET by over 50% at the n‐branch, and a significant decrease in hysteresis, owing to the screening of molecular adsorption. The electron mobility and hysteresis of the HC/MoSe2 FETs are verified to be nearly intact compared to those of the fabricated HC/MoSe2 FETs after exposure to ambient environment for 3 months. Consequently, the proposed design can act as a model for developing advanced nanoelectronics applications based on layered materials for mass production.
Heterostructured V‐Doped Ni2P/Ni12P5 Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution in Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers
Authors: Zhao Tingwen , Wang Shuhao , Li Yibing , Jia Chen , Su Zhen , Hao Derek , Ni Bing‐jie , Zhang Qiang , Zhao Chuan
Published: September 2022

Regulating the electronic structure and intrinsic activity of catalysts’ active sites with optimal hydrogen intermediates adsorption is crucial to enhancing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media. Herein, a heterostructured V‐doped Ni2P/Ni12P5 (V–Ni2P/Ni12P5) electrocatalyst is  fabricated through a hydrothermal treatment and controllable phosphidation process. In comparison with pure‐phase V–Ni2P, in/ex situ characterizations and theoretical calculations reveal a redistribution of electrons and active sites in V–Ni2P/Ni12P5 due to the V doping and heterointerfaces effect. The strong coupling between Ni2P and Ni12P5 at the interface leads to an increased electron density at interfacial Ni sites while depleting at P sites, with V‐doping further promoting the electron accumulation at Ni sites. This is accompanied by the change of active sites from the anionic P sites to the interfacial Ni–V bridge sites in V–Ni2P/Ni12P5. Benefiting from the interface electronic structure, increased number of active sites, and optimized H‐adsorption energy, the V‐Ni2P/Ni12P5 exhibits an overpotential of 62 mV to deliver 10 mA cm–2 and excellent long‐term stability for HER. The V–Ni2P/Ni12P5 catalyst is applied for anion exchange membrane water electrolysis to deliver superior performance with a current density of 500 mA cm–2 at a cell voltage of 1.79 V and excellent durability.
From legacy to microservices: A type‐based approach for microservices identification using machine learning and semantic analysis
Authors: Trabelsi Imen , Abdellatif Manel , Abubaker Abdalgader , Moha Naouel , Mosser Sébastien , Ebrahimi‐Kahou Samira , Guéhéneuc Yann‐Gaël
Published: September 2022

The microservices architecture (MSA) style has been gaining interest in recent years because of its high scalability, ability to be deployed in the cloud, and suitability for DevOps practices. While new applications can adopt MSA from their inception, many legacy monolithic systems must be migrated to an MSA to benefit from the advantages of this architectural style. To support the migration process, we propose MicroMiner, a microservices identification approach that is based on static‐relationship analyses between code elements as well as semantic analyses of the source code. Our approach relies on machine learning (ML) techniques and uses service types to guide the identification of microservices from legacy monolithic systems. We evaluate the efficiency of our approach on four systems and compare our results to ground‐truths and to those of two state‐of‐the‐art approaches. We perform a qualitative evaluation of the resulted microservices by analyzing the business capabilities of the identified microservices. Also a quantitative analysis using the state‐of‐the‐art metrics on independence of functionality and modularity of services was conducted. Our results show the effectiveness of our approach to automate one of the most time‐consuming steps in the migration of legacy systems to microservices. The proposed approach identifies architecturally significant microservices with a 68.15% precision and 77% recall.
Elemgasem nubilus: a new brachyrostran abelisaurid (Theropoda, Ceratosauria) from the Portezuelo Formation (Upper Cretaceous) of Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: Baiano Mattia A. , Pol Diego , Bellardini Flavio , Windholz Guillermo J. , Cerda Ignacio A. , Garrido Alberto C. , Coria Rodolfo A.
Published: September 2022

Abelisaurids are medium–large‐sized theropod dinosaurs that were predominant in the carnivorous fauna during the Late Cretaceous of Gondwana. These predators are abundant in the Cretaceous fossil strata of Patagonia, which yield the best record for this group. In the Late Cretaceous, abelisaurids appear in almost all regions of Gondwana and in all stages, except for the Coniacian, in which they are globally unknown. Here we describe a new abelisaurid,Elemgasem nubilusgen. et sp. nov., from the Portezuelo Formation (Turonian–Coniacian), Patagonia, Argentina. The palaeohistology of the appendicular bones ofElemgasemshows that the holotype was a subadult individual, but had achieved sexual maturity. This taxon is based on several axial and appendicular elements, and is diagnosed by the presence of a marked pattern of rugosity on the lateral surface of the fibula and a dorsoventrally deep lateral wall of the calcaneum. Moreover, the posterior caudal vertebrae have a morphology slightly different from any other abelisaurid.Elemgasem nubilusis recovered as an unstable taxon within Brachyrostra, given that it was recovered as sister taxon of Furileusauria or in several positions within this clade. Despite the problematic phylogenetic relationships ofElemgasem nubilus, it is important because it is the first abelisaurid from the Turonian–Coniacian interval and it increases the diversity of this theropod family at a time of marked turnover in the tetrapod fauna of South America, global climate change, and mass extinction events recorded worldwide in the marine realm.
China's outward foreign direct investment in Southeast Asia: Analyzing the Chinese state's strategies and potential influence
Authors: Chiang Min‐Hua , de Micheaux Elsa Lafaye
Published: September 2022

Through a comparative study of China's global and regional outward foreign direct investment (OFDI), this article seeks to understand the Chinese state's motives behind such investment, and how it leverages its OFDI to influence the regional economy in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The analysis reveals several findings. First, the status of ASEAN states in China's global OFDI project have changed in the last decade from destinations for infrastructure investment to essential manufacturing hubs. The launch of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) did, in part, allow for this shift, insofar as it diversified the financial channels that facilitate the region's infrastructure development, thereby enabling China to concentrate its OFDI on manufacturing and service linkages throughout the region. Second, whereas China originally directed the majority of its OFDI to low‐income ASEAN countries, after 2013, it began to direct greater levels of OFDI to middle and high‐income ASEAN countries. This shift did not necessarily grant China greater influence in those countries owing to the much more inward FDI from other developed economies, while China has continued to leverage its OFDI in low‐income ASEAN countries to great effect. Third, China might enjoy greater influence in the infrastructure and manufacturing sectors in the region given its greater investment in these two sectors, as compared to that of other developed countries. China's influence in the regional service industry, meanwhile, continues to be less noteworthy, comparatively.
Associations between polymorphisms of LAP3 and SIRT1 genes with clinical mastitis and milk production traits in Sahiwal and Karan Fries dairy cattle
Authors: Worku Destaw , Gowane G. R. , Mukherjee Anupama , Alex Rani , Joshi Pooja , Verma Archana
Published: September 2022

Background

Bovine mastitis continues to remain as the most challenging disease in dairy cattle, as a result improvement of selection methods has great economic relevance while a deeper understanding of the genetic mechanisms regulating milk production traits and mastitis is of general scientific interest.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the association of SNPs of the LAP3 and SIRT1 genes with estimated breeding values (EBVs) of milk production traits and clinical mastitis in dairy cattle of Indian origin.

Methods

DNA samples from 263 animals (Sahiwal and Karan Fries cattle) were genotyped by PCR‐RFLP to assess their pattern of genetic variation. EBVs of milk production traits and phenotypic records of incidences of clinical mastitis were used for association analysis.

Results

A total of 9 SNPs were identified, including three (rs110932626: A>G, rs716493845: C>T and rs43702363: C>T) in intron 12, four (g.24904G>C, rs110839532: G>T, rs43702361: T>C and rs41255599: C>T) in exon 13 and within 3’UTR of LAP3 gene and two (rs110250233: G>A and rs42140046: C>G) in the promoter region of SIRT1 gene. Eight of these identified SNPs were chosen for subsequent genotyping and association analyses. Association analysis revealed that SNP rs41255599: C>T was significantly associated with lactation milk yield, 305‐day milk yield, 305‐day fat yield, 305‐day solid not fat yield, lactation length and incidence of clinical mastitis (p < 0.05) in Sahiwal cattle. For Karan Fries cattle, two SNPs including rs110932626: A>G and rs43702363: C>T showed significant association with 305‐day milk yield.

Conclusion

Overall, these findings provide evidence for association of the LAP3 gene with milk production traits and clinical mastitis in dairy cattle, indicating the potential role of LAP3 variants in these traits.
Suspected lidocaine toxicity and the use of metoclopramide and neostigmine to treat post‐operative small intestinal ileus in a donkey
Authors: Wood Francesca , Loomes Kate
Published: September 2022

A 17‐year‐old donkey underwent exploratory laparotomy to correct a caecal impaction via typhlotomy in combination with pelvic flexure enterotomy. Intravenous lidocaine (3 mg/kg/h; lidocaine 2% solution, BOVA Specials, London, UK) was administered throughout general anaesthesia following a loading dose (1.3 mg/kg, intravenously [IV]). The donkey recovered uneventfully. One hour after recovery, shortly after returning to the stable and commencement of lidocaine, the donkey showed ataxia, muscle fasciculations and tachycardia with progression to recumbency. Lidocaine toxicity was presumed, so the infusion was stopped and the donkey returned to standing. On Day 2 after surgery, post‐operative reflux was voluminous, so a metoclopramide infusion (0.04 mg/kg/h IV; metoclopramide 5 mg/ml injection, Siegfried Hameln, Hameln, Germany) was commenced. On Day 3, post‐operative reflux persisted, so a neostigmine infusion (0.008 mg/kg/h IV; neostigmine methylsulfate injection 2.5 mg/ml, Siegfried Hameln, Hameln, Germany) was also administered. Small intestinal motility improved by Day 5 and post‐operative reflux resolved by Day 6. Both infusions were stopped and food was re‐introduced. There was no further indication of gastrointestinal hypomotility and the donkey was discharged 11 days later.
Non‐coding RNAs in diseases with a focus on osteoarthritis
Authors: Pekáčová Aneta , Baloun Jiří , Švec Xiao , Šenolt Ladislav
Published: September 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a frequent musculoskeletal disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. Despite advances in understanding the pathogenesis of OA, prognostic biomarkers or effective targeted treatment are not currently available. Research on epigenetic factors has yielded some new insights as new technologies for their detection continue to emerge. In this context, non‐coding RNAs, including microRNAs, long non‐coding RNAs, circular RNAs, piwi‐interacting RNAs, and small nucleolar RNAs, regulate intracellular signaling pathways and biological processes that have a crucial role in the development of several diseases. In this review, we present current knowledge on the role of epigenetic factors with a focus on non‐coding RNAs in the development, prediction and treatment of OA.

This article is categorized under:

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
Catenated (Bi)n(n=2, 3, 4) Complexes with Formally Monovalent Bismuth Centres
Authors: Schwamm Ryan J. , Kilpatrick Alexander F. R. , Coles Martyn P.
Published: September 2022

The reduction of Bi(III) and Bi(II) compounds supported by the NONR‐ligand (NONR=[O(SiMe2NR)2]2−; R=Dipp=2,6‐iPr2C6H3,tBu) afforded species in which the metal was present in a range of formal oxidation‐states. Cyclic voltammetry performed on the Bi(II) radical [Bi(NONDipp)]⋅ indicated that the Bi(I) oxidation state was accessible, although the lifetime of the resultant species was short. Preparative scale reactions of Bi(NONDipp)Cl and excess LiBEt3H afforded the tetrametallic cluster Bi4(NONDipp)2, in which the bismuth atoms form a [1,2]‐edge missing tetrahedron. Reduction of the dibismuthane [Bi(NONtBu)]2with potassium in the presence of [2.2.2]‐cryptand generated a tribismuthinide salt containing the [{Bi(NONtBu)}2(μ‐Bi)]−anion and a non‐coordinating [K([2.2.2]‐crypt)]+cation. Reduction of isolated [Bi(NONDipp)]⋅ with the Mg(I) reagent [Mg(BDIDipp)]2(BDIDipp=[HC{C(Me)NDipp}2]−) formed the dibismuthene [Bi(μ‐NONDipp)Mg(BDIDipp)(THF)]2, with a crystallographically verified Bi=Bi multiple bond.
Vote Versus Veto
Authors: Duff Andrew
Published: September 2022

At the heart of the case for a federal Europe is the need to extend qualified majority voting (QMV) in the Council and co-decision with the European Parliament. Legislative procedures need simplification and clarification. All special laws of the Council should be replaced by introducing a formal class of organic law. Constraints on the use of the passerelle clauses should be eased, along with the relaxation of the provisions on enhanced cooperation to encourage the emergence of a vanguard. The procedures for future treaty revision should be liberalised, bringing them into line with other federal and international organisations.
Immigrant Work Integration: A Wicked Problem
Authors: Nardon Luciara , Hari Amrita
Published: September 2022

This introductory chapter discusses qualified immigrants’ (QIs) work integration as a wicked problem, highlighting their underemployment or unemployment despite receiving countries’ reported labor shortages and need for talent. We outline the goals of this book and establish sensemaking as an emerging yet underdeveloped theoretical approach to studying this wicked problem. We begin with some key definitions, provide specific examples from Canada (the primary site of our ongoing fieldwork), and sketch the structure of this book.
The short- and medium-term distributional effects of the German minimum wage reform
Authors: Caliendo Marco , Fedorets Alexandra , Preuss Malte , Schröder Carsten , Wittbrodt Linda
Published: September 2022

This study quantifies the distributional effects of the minimum wage introduced in Germany in 2015. Using detailed Socio-Economic Panel survey data, we assess changes in the hourly wages, working hours, and monthly wages of employees who were entitled to be paid the minimum wage. We employ a difference-in-differences analysis, exploiting regional variation in the “bite” of the minimum wage. At the bottom of the hourly wage distribution, we document wage growth of 9% in the short term and 21% in the medium term. At the same time, we find a reduction in working hours, such that the increase in hourly wages does not lead to a subortionate increase in monthly wages. We conclude that working hours adjustments play an important role in the distributional effects of minimum wages.
Towards best use and regulatory acceptance of generic physiologically based kinetic (PBK) models for in vitro-to-in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) in chemical risk assessment
Authors: Najjar Abdulkarim , Punt Ans , Wambaugh John , Paini Alicia , Ellison Corie , Fragki Styliani , Bianchi Enrica , Zhang Fagen , Westerhout Joost , Mueller Dennis , Li Hequn , Shi Quan , Gant Timothy W. , Botham Phil , Bars Rémi , Piersma Aldert , van Ravenzwaay Ben , Kramer Nynke I.
Published: September 2022

With an increasing need to incorporate new approach methodologies (NAMs) in chemical risk assessment and the concomitant need to phase out animal testing, the interpretation of in vitro assay readouts for quantitative hazard characterisation becomes more important. Physiologically based kinetic (PBK) models, which simulate the fate of chemicals in tissues of the body, play an essential role in extrapolating in vitro effect concentrations to in vivo bioequivalent exposures. As PBK-based testing approaches evolve, it will become essential to standardise PBK modelling approaches towards a consensus approach that can be used in quantitative in vitro-to-in vivo extrapolation (QIVIVE) studies for regulatory chemical risk assessment based on in vitro assays. Based on results of an ECETOC expert workshop, steps are recommended that can improve regulatory adoption: (1) define context and implementation, taking into consideration model complexity for building fit-for-purpose PBK models, (2) harmonise physiological input parameters and their distribution and define criteria for quality chemical-specific parameters, especially in the absence of in vivo data, (3) apply Good Modelling Practices (GMP) to achieve transparency and design a stepwise approach for PBK model development for risk assessors, (4) evaluate model predictions using alternatives to in vivo PK data including read-across approaches, (5) use case studies to facilitate discussions between modellers and regulators of chemical risk assessment. Proof-of-concepts of generic PBK modelling approaches are published in the scientific literature at an increasing rate. Working on the previously proposed steps is, therefore, needed to gain confidence in PBK modelling approaches for regulatory use.
Quantitation of endogenous GnRH by validated nano-HPLC-HRMS method: a pilot study on ewe plasma
Authors: Mecarelli Enrica , Aigotti Riccardo , Asteggiano Alberto , Giacobini Paolo , Chasles Manon , Tillet Yves , Dal Bello Federica , Medana Claudio
Published: September 2022

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone isoform I (GnRH), a neuro-deca-peptide, plays a fundamental role in development and maintenance of the reproductive system in vertebrates. The anomalous release of GnRH is observed in reproductive disorder such as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or following prenatal exposure to elevated androgen levels. Quantitation of GnRH plasma levels could help to diagnose and better understand these pathologies. Here, a validated nano-high-performance liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS) method to quantify GnRH in ewe plasma samples is presented. Protein precipitation and solid-phase extraction (SPE) pre-treatment steps were required to purify and enrich GnRH and internal standard (lamprey-luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone-III, l-LHRH-III). For the validation process, a surrogate matrix approach was chosen following the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) and FDA guidelines. Before the validation study, the validation model using the surrogate matrix was compared with those using a real matrix such as human plasma. All the tested parameters were analogous confirming the use of the surrogate matrix as a standard calibration medium. From the validation study, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) values of 0.008 and 0.024 ng/mL were obtained, respectively. Selectivity, accuracy, precision, recovery, and matrix effect were assessed with quality control samples in human plasma and all values were acceptable. Sixteen samples belonging to healthy and prenatal androgen (PNA) exposed ewes were collected and analyzed, and the GnRH levels ranged between 0.05 and 3.26 ng/mL. The nano-HPLC-HRMS developed here was successful in measuring GnRH, representing therefore a suitable technique to quantify GnRH in ewe plasma and to detect it in other matrices and species.

Graphical abstract
Added value of quantitative, multiparametric 18F-FDG PET/MRI in the locoregional staging of rectal cancer
Authors: Herold Alexander , Wassipaul Christian , Weber Michael , Lindenlaub Florian , Rasul Sazan , Stift Anton , Stift Judith , Mayerhoefer Marius E. , Hacker Marcus , Ba-Ssalamah Ahmed , Haug Alexander R. , Tamandl Dietmar
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine whether multiparametric positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (mpPET/MRI) can improve locoregional staging of rectal cancer (RC) and to assess its prognostic value after resection.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 46 patients with primary RC, who underwent multiparametric 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/MRI, followed by surgical resection without chemoradiotherapy, were included. Two readers reviewed T- and N- stage, mesorectal involvement, sphincter infiltration, tumor length, and distance from anal verge. In addition, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and PET parameters were extracted from the multiparametric protocol and were compared to radiological staging as well as to the histopathological reference standard. Clinical and imaging follow-up was systematically assessed for tumor recurrence and death.

Results

Locally advanced rectal cancers (LARC) exhibited significantly higher metabolic tumor volume (MTV, AUC 0.74 [95% CI 0.59–0.89], p = 0.004) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG, AUC 0.70 [95% CI 0.53–0.87], p = 0.022) compared to early tumors. T-stage was associated with MTV (AUC 0.70 [95% CI 0.54–0.85], p = 0.021), while N-stage was better assessed using anatomical MRI sequences (AUC 0.72 [95% CI 0.539–0.894], p = 0.032). In the multivariate regression analysis, depending on the model, both anatomical MRI sequences and MTV/TLG were capable of detecting LARC. Combining anatomical MRI stage and MTV/TLG led to a superior diagnostic performance for detecting LARC (AUC 0.81, [95% CI 0.68–0.94], p < 0.001). In the survival analysis, MTV was independently associated with overall survival (HR 1.05 [95% CI 1.01–1.10], p = 0.044).

Conclusion

Multiparametric PET-MRI can improve identification of locally advanced tumors and, hence, help in treatment stratification. It provides additional information on RC tumor biology and may have prognostic value.
Incidence, Mechanisms of Injury and Mortality of Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: An Observational Population‐Based Cohort Study from New Zealand and Norway
Authors: Weber Clemens , Andreassen Joakim Stray , Isles Siobhan , Thorsen Kenneth , McBride Paul , Søreide Kjetil , Civil Ian
Published: September 2022

Background

Comparing trauma registry data from different countries can help to identify possible differences in epidemiology, which may help to improve the care of trauma patients.

Methods

This study directly compares the incidence, mechanisms of injuries and mortality of severe TBI based on population‐based data from the two national trauma registries from New Zealand and Norway. All patients prospectively registered with severe TBI in either of the national registries for the 4‐year study period were included. Patient and injury variables were described and age‐adjusted incidence and mortality rates were calculated.

Results

A total of 1378 trauma patients were identified of whom 751 (54.5%) from New Zealand and 627 (45.5%) from Norway. The patient cohort from New Zealand was significantly younger (median 32 versus 53 years;p < 0.001) and more patients from New Zealand were injured in road traffic crashes (37% versus 13%;p < 0.001). The age‐adjusted incidence rate of severe TBI was 3.8 per 100,000 in New Zealand and 2.9 per 100,000 in Norway. The age‐adjusted mortality rates were 1.5 per 100,000 in New Zealand and 1.2 per 100,000 in Norway. The fatality rates were 38.5% in New Zealand and 34.2% in Norway (p = 0.112).

Conclusions

Road traffic crashes in younger patients were more common in New Zealand whereas falls in elderly patients were the main cause for severe TBI in Norway. The age‐adjusted incidence and mortality rates of severe TBI among trauma patients are similar in New Zealand and Norway. The fatality rates of severe TBI are still considerable with more than one third of patients dying.
Optimal Linear Response for Markov Hilbert–Schmidt Integral Operators and Stochastic Dynamical Systems
Authors: Antown Fadi , Froyland Gary , Galatolo Stefano
Published: September 2022

We consider optimal control problems for discrete-time random dynamical systems, finding unique perturbations that provoke maximal responses of statistical properties of the system. We treat systems whose transfer operator has an $$L^2$$

L
2

kernel, and we consider the problems of finding (i) the infinitesimal perturbation maximising the expectation of a given observable and (ii) the infinitesimal perturbation maximising the spectral gap, and hence the exponential mixing rate of the system. Our perturbations are either (a) perturbations of the kernel or (b) perturbations of a deterministic map subjected to additive noise. We develop a general setting in which these optimisation problems have a unique solution and construct explicit formulae for the unique optimal perturbations. We apply our results to a Pomeau–Manneville map and an interval exchange map, both subjected to additive noise, to explicitly compute the perturbations provoking maximal responses.
Influence of different design parameters on side channel compressor performance
Authors: Adam Johanna , Heinrich Martin , Schwarze Rüdiger
Published: September 2022

Only few design guidelines for side channel compressors are published in open literature. Among those the most common ones are from Grabow, Surek, and Raheel. In this publication we focus on the design guideline of Grabow, which includes, among several analytical equations, two empirical estimates for head coefficient and blade angle. These estimates lead to an uncertainty in the design process and could potentially effect the performance curve of the machine. Therefore, five side channel compressor geometries are designed based on Grabow with different estimates for head coefficient and blade angle in order to assess their influence onto the compressor performance. Those designs are the input parameters for transient CFD simulations to compute total pressure ratio and isentropic efficiency. The results indicate that higher head coefficient during the design process lead to a higher total pressure ratio, in particular for lower flow rates. Similarly, a higher blade angle also increases the total pressure ratio and furthermore reduces the flow circulation in the side channel. In general, influence onto isentropic efficiency is much weaker, though.
Conspecific "gaze following" in bottlenose dolphins
Authors: Johnson Christine M. , Ruiz-Mendoza Christina , Schoenbeck Clara
Published: September 2022

"Gaze following"—when one individual witnesses another shift its orientation, and then re-orients in the same direction—has been observed in a wide range of species. Related work with dolphins has to date focused on human–dolphin interactions. In this conspecific study, we examined a group of dolphins orienting, in passing, to gateways between their pools, as opportunities for witnesses to demonstrate "gaze following". Seven bottlenose dolphins were synchronously videotaped on six underwater cameras, for 21 h over three days, and the recordings analyzed by trained observers. The identities of all animals present, their partner state, and whether and to what degree they had altered their access to the gate (e.g., from Monocular to Binocular, or Binocular toVisio-Echoic) was recorded. Compared to animals that did not witness such a change, witnesses of an increase in access by another dolphin were significantly more likely to also act to increase their own access. We observed 460 such cases of "gaze following" in these animals. Dolphins who were partnered (showed sustained swimming within 1 body length) were significantly more likely, than non-partnered animals, to "gaze follow". Dolphins also showed a significant tendency toward matching the kind of access they observed. No significant difference was found in the presence of animals in the back pools, during changes in orientation that were followed, versus in those that were not. These findings support adding bottlenose dolphins to the growing list of species that display conspecific "gaze following".
Herbivory and functional traits suggest that enemy release is not an important mechanism driving invasion success of brown seaweeds
Authors: Mabey Abigail L. , Catford Jane A. , Rius Marc , Foggo Andrew , Smale Dan A.
Published: September 2022

Invasive species are a global threat to biodiversity and there is a pressing need to better understand why some species become invasive outside of their native range, and others do not. One explanation for invasive species success is their release from concurrent natural enemies upon introduction to the non-native range. The so-called enemy release hypothesis (ERH) has conflicting support, depending upon the ecosystem and species investigated. To date, most studies testing the generality of the ERH have focused on terrestrial ecosystems. Here, we tested whether enemy release might contribute to the success of the invasive non-native brown seaweeds Undaria pinnatifida and Sargassum muticum in the United Kingdom. We conducted choice and no choice experiments to determine herbivore preference on these invaders relative to six functionally-similar native species. We also measured and compared species traits associated with defence against herbivory (carbon to nitrogen ratio, polyphenolic concentration, tensile strength, and compensatory growth). There were no differences in the biomass consumed between invasive and native species for either choice or no choice tests. The carbon to nitrogen ratio (a measure of nutritional quality) was significantly lower for S. muticum compared to the three native fucoid species, but measures of the other three defence traits were similar or even greater for invasive species compared with native species. Taken together, it is unlikely that the ERH applies to invasive seaweeds in the northeast Atlantic, suggesting that other factors may contribute to the success of invasive species in this system.