bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Volunteer unrelated donor cell‐derived acute myeloid leukemia with RUNX1‐RUNX1T1
Authors: Hagiwara Shinya , Kusumoto Shigeru , Ito Asahi , Masaki Ayako , Shiraga Kazuhide , Tachita Takuto , Hirade Kentaro , Oiwa Kana , Suzuki Tomotaka , Kinoshita Shiori , Ri Masaki , Ito Yasuhiko , Komatsu Hirokazu , Inagaki Hiroshi , Iida Shinsuke
Published: February 2021

A 15‐year‐old male was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia with t(6;9)(p23;q34), a chimeric DEK‐NUP214 fusion gene. He underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (allo‐BMT) from an unrelated volunteer donor at first molecular remission. Approximately 5 years after allo‐BMT, multiple bone marrow aspirations showed increased blasts to 63%, which were positive for myeloperoxidase, CD13, CD33, CD56, and CD34. Surprisingly, t(8;21)(q22;q22.1), a chimeric RUNX1‐RUNX1T1 (not DEK‐NUP214) fusion gene, was detected with full donor chimerism. To our best knowledge, this is the first case of a volunteer unrelated donor cell‐derived acute myeloid leukemia harboring a chimeric RUNX1‐RUNX1T1 fusion gene.
Onset of psychiatric signs and impaired neurocognitive domains in inherited metabolic disorders: A case series
Authors: Medjkane François , Bohet Marine , Ister Marielle , Cohen David , Parenti Aesa , Janati Majda , Mention Karine , Dobbelaere Dries , Jardri Renaud
Published: February 2021

Inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs) can present with psychiatric signs that vary widely from one disease to another. This picture is further complicated by the fact that these features occur at very different illness time points, which may further delay appropriate diagnosis and treatment. In this case series of 62 children and adolescents suffering from IMDs, we clustered psychiatric signs (on the basis of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders classification) as well as impaired cognitive domains (on the basis of the Research Domain Criteriamatrix) according to their mean age of onset (5.7 ± 4 years). We observed consistent patterns of occurrence across disorders. Externalizing symptoms, sleep problems, and cross‐domain self‐regulation deficits were found to precede the IMD diagnosis. Repetitive thoughts and behaviors as well as emotional dysregulation were found to occur around the disease onset. Finally, late‐onset features included dissociative or eating disorders, together with impaired emotion knowledge. Clinicians should specifically look for the co‐occurrence of age‐specific atypical signs, such as treatment resistance or worsening with psychotropic medication in the earliest stages and symptom fluctuation, confusion, catatonia, or isolated visual hallucinations. We believe that the combined characterizations of psychiatric signs and impaired neurocognitive domains may enable the earliest detection of IMDs and the appropriate care of these particular manifestations.

Key Points

Psychiatric signs are common in inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs) and may occur in the same age‐range as other clinical manifestations.

Three clusters of psychiatric signs and two clusters of neurocognitive domains can be defined according to their mean age of onset.

Warning signs to be used in liaison psychiatry should include age‐specific cognitive impairments
Three‐Dimensional Volumetric Magnetic Resonance Imaging Detects Early Alterations of the Brain Growth in Fetuses With Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Ren Jing‐Ya , Zhu Ming , Dong Su‐Zhen
Published: February 2021

Background

Several published studies have shown alterations of brain development in third‐trimester fetuses with congenital heart disease (CHD). However, little is known about the timing and pattern of altered brain development in fetuses with CHD.

Purpose

To investigate the changes in the volume of intracranial structures in fetuses with CHD by three‐dimensional (3D) volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the earlier stages of pregnancy (median gestational age [GA], 26 weeks).

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Forty women carrying a fetus with CHD (including 20 fetuses with GA <26 weeks) and 120 pregnant women carrying a healthy fetus (including 50 fetuses with GA <26 weeks).

Field Strength/Sequence

Two‐dimensional single‐shot turbo spin echo sequence at 1.5 –T.

Assessment

Three‐dimensional volumetric parameters from slice‐to‐volume registered images, including cortical gray matter volume (GMV), subcortical brain tissue volume (SBV), intracranial cavity volume (ICV), lateral ventricles volume (VV), cerebellum, brainstem, and extra‐cerebrospinal fluid (e‐CSF) were quantified by manual segmentation from one primary and two secondary observers.

Statistical Tests

Volumes were presented graphically with quadratic curve fitting. Scatterplots were produced mapping volumes against GA in normal and CHD fetuses. For GA <26 weeks, Z scores were calculated and Student's t‐tests were conducted to compare volumes between the normal and CHD fetuses.

Results

In fetuses with CHD GMV, SBV, cerebellum, and brainstem were significantly reduced (all P < 0.05) in early stages of pregnancy (GA <26 weeks), with differences becoming progressively greater with increasing GA. Compared with normal fetuses, e‐CSF, e‐CSF to ICV ratio, and VV were higher in fetuses with CHD (all P < 0.05). However, ICV volume and the GMV to SBV ratio were not significantly reduced in the CHD group (P = 0.94 and P = 0.13, respectively) during the middle gestation (GA <26 weeks).

Data Conclusion

There appear to be alterations of brain development trajectory in CHD fetuses that can be detected by 3D volumetric MRI in the earlier stages of pregnancy.

Level of Evidence

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
Editorial for “Automated Analysis of Multiparametric MRI/MRE Exams for Prediction of NASH”
Authors: Torkzad Michael R.
Published: February 2021

Level of Evidence

5

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Clinical manifestations associated with acute viral gastroenteritis pathogens among pediatric patients in Qatar
Authors: Abdel‐Rahman Manar E. , Mathew Shilu , Al Thani Asmaa A. , Ansari Khalid Al , Yassine Hadi M.
Published: February 2021

Background

Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) remains a significant cause of diarrhea that affects children worldwide. It is usually caused by viral agents, including rotavirus (RV), norovirus (NoV), adenovirus (AdV), astrovirus (AstV), and sapovirus (SaV), and the disease severity varies accordingly. Here, we report the association of clinical severity among AGE‐infected pediatrics caused by a single viral pathogen, coinfection (viral–viral), mixed infection (viral–bacterial), and AGE‐negative samples.

Methods

A total of 901 pediatric patients were admitted with AGE to the Pediatric Emergency Center of Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar from June 2016 to June 2018. The age of the subjects ranged between 3 months and 14 years (median of 16 months). Virus antigens detection was performed by using Film Array Gastrointestinal (GI) Panel kit. AGE severity was assessed using the Vesikari Clinical Severity Scoring System. Multivariable multinomial logistic regression was used to model the five AGE viral agents' likelihood in relation to severity versus co‐infection, mixed infection, and AGE‐negative samples.

Results

AGE was most common in pediatrics aged 1–3 years (median age = 1.25 years) and more frequent in males than females, with a ratio of 1:0.8. About 19.2% of the infections were caused by NoV, followed by RV (18.2%), AdV (6.5%), SaV (2.3%), and AstV (1.8%). The majority of viral agents were detected higher in mixed infection (32.1%) than coinfection (4.9%). Based on the Vesikari score system, severe clinical illness was recorded among pediatrics infected with RV (82.2%) and NoV (75.7%). Further on multivariable analysis, compared to testing negative, the odds of detecting RV was three times significantly higher in children with severe symptoms relative to those with moderate (adjusted‐odds ratio [a‐OR] = 3.10; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.82–5.28). Similar results were observed when considering RV relative to co‐infection and mixed infection (a‐OR = 2.59; 95% CI = 1.23–5.48 and a‐OR = 2.06; 1.28–3.30, respectively). About one‐third of the study sample were Qatari children with AGE (33%), whereas 35% and 32% were pediatrics from the Middle East and North Africa region, excluding Qatari and nonregions.

Conclusion

This study underlines the association of disease severity among AGE‐infected pediatrics in Qatar. The overall Vesikari median score was significantly high, followed by more frequent hospitalization among RV‐infected pediatrics compared to others. There was no reduction in the disease severity among RV‐infected regardless of the vaccine dose.
Anyplex II HPV test in detection and follow‐up after surgical treatment of CIN2+ lesions
Authors: Bottari Fabio , Iacobone Anna Daniela , Radice Davide , Preti Eleonora Petra , Preti Mario , Franchi Dorella , Piana Andrea Fausto , Sandri Maria Teresa , Passerini Rita
Published: February 2021

Human papillomavirus (HPV) tests differ for technology, targets, and information on the genotype and viral load. In this study, we evaluated the performance of the Seegene Anyplex II HPV HR (Anyplex) assay in the detection of cervical intraepithelial lesions (CIN) and as a test‐of‐cure in the follow‐up after surgical treatment. One hundred and sixty‐seven women referred to the European Institute of Oncology, Milan, for surgical treatment of CIN2+ were enrolled. A cervical sample was taken before treatment and at the first follow‐up visit: on these samples, Qiagen Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2), Roche Linear Array HPV Test (Linear Array), cytology and histology were performed at baseline, HC2, and cytology at follow‐up. Anyplex genotyping HPV test was performed on a post aliquot from liquid‐based cytology specimens when available. The concordance between Anyplex and HC2 was 93.6% at baseline and 76.7% at follow‐up (3–9 months after treatment), respectively. The concordance between Anyplex and Linear Array was evaluable only at baseline (92.9%). No recurrence occurred in women without the persistence of the same genotype at follow‐up. Seven women relapsed: six had persistence of the same genotypes (five HPV16, one HPV33, and one HPV39), while one tested negative not only with Anyplex but also with HC2 for the persistence of low‐risk genotype infection (HPV73 only detected by Linear Array). Anyplex test represents a valid option for HPV detection and genotyping in order to stratify women at risk of high‐grade lesions at baseline and to monitor patients treated for CIN2+ lesions during follow‐up.
Inferences of glia‐mediated control in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Bowles Stephanie N. , Johnson Casonya M.
Published: February 2021

Astrocytes modulate synaptic transmission; yet, it remains unclear how glia influence complex behaviors. Here, we explore the effects of Caenorhabditis elegans astrocyte‐like cephalic glia (CEPglia) and the glia‐specific bHLH transcription factor HLH‐17 on mating behavior and the defecation motor program (DMP). In C. elegans, male mating has been explicitly described through the male tail circuit and is characterized by coordination of multiple independent behaviors to ensure that copulation is achieved. Furthermore, the sex‐specific male mating circuitry shares similar components with the DMP, which is complex and rhythmic, and requires a fixed sequence of behaviors to be activated periodically. We found that loss of CEPglia reduced persistence in executing mating behaviors and hindered copulation, while males that lacked HLH‐17 demonstrated repetitive prodding behavior that increased the time spent in mating but did not hinder copulation. During the DMP, we found that posterior body wall contractions (pBocs) and enteric muscle contractions (EMCs) were differentially affected by loss of HLH‐17 or CEPglia in males and hermaphrodites. pBocs and EMCs required HLH‐17 activity in both sexes, whereas loss of CEPglia alone did not affect DMP in males. Our data suggest that CEPglia mediate complex behaviors by signaling to the GABAergic DVB neuron, and that HLH‐17 activity influences those discrete steps within those behaviors. Collectively, these data provide evidence of glia as a link in cooperative regulation of complex and rhythmic behavior that, in C. elegans links circuitry in the head and the tail.
Atrial fibrillation and autonomic nervous system: A translational approach to guide therapeutic goals
Authors: Rebecchi Marco , Panattoni Germana , Edoardo Bressi , de Ruvo Ermenegildo , Sciarra Luigi , Politano Alessandro , Sgueglia Marianna , Ricagni Chiara , Verbena Sara , Crescenzi Cinzia , Sangiorgi Catia , Borrelli Alessio , De Luca Lucia , Scarà Antonio , Grieco Domenico , Jacomelli Ilaria , Martino Annamaria , Calò Leonardo
Published: February 2021

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is known to play an important role in the genesis and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF). Biomolecular and genetic mechanisms, anatomical knowledges with recent diagnostic techniques acquisitions, both invasive and non‐invasive, have enabled greater therapeutic goals in patients affected by AF related to ANS imbalance. Catheter ablation of ganglionated plexi (GP) in the left and right atrium has been proposed in varied clinical conditions. Moreover interesting results arise from renal sympathetic denervation and vagal nerve stimulation. Despite all this, in the scenario of ANS modulation translational strategies we necessary must consider the treatment or correction of dynamic factors such as obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, lifestyle, food, and stress. Finally, new antiarrhythmic drugs, gene therapy and “ablatogenomic” could be represent exciting future therapeutic perspectives.
‘Palaeolago Fueguino’, a Late Pleistocene lacustrine basin located in the central sector of Tierra del Fuego: a seismostratigraphic study
Authors: Lozano Jorge G. , Bran Donaldo M. , Donda Federica , Lodolo Emanuele , Esteban Federico D. , Tassone Alejandro
Published: February 2021

At ~20 ka bp, lakes Yehuin, Chepelmut and Fagnano constituted a single, large water body in the central part of Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego (southernmost Patagonia). The evolutionary history of this lake, known as ‘Palaeolago Fueguino’, was probably controlled by the advances, stillstands and retreats of the ‘Fagnano Palaeoglacier’, an outlet glacier that flowed eastward from the Darwin Cordillera ice sheet. A detailed analysis of high‐resolution seismic reflection profiles acquired within the three lakes has allowed the identification and correlation of seven unconformities within the lacustrine sedimentary infill, three seismostratigraphic sequences in Lago Fagnano and four in Lago Yehuin. A seismic stratigraphic correlation between these sequences suggests that these basins formerly constituted a single, large lacustrine body. A lake‐level curve of the evolutionary stages of each lake, derived from the seismostratigraphic analysis of the sedimentary infill is proposed here, representing a 17.5 ka‐long record. It was further integrated with the glacial record of the advances and retreats of the Fagnano Palaeoglacier. This study has implications for interpreting the sedimentary history of lake basins in glaciated mountain ranges.
Climate risk to peanut cultivation in Brazil across different planting seasons
Authors: de Oliveira Aparecido Lucas Eduardo , Lorençone João Antonio , Lorençone Pedro Antonio , de Meneses Kamila Cunha , da Silva Cabral de Moraes Jose Reinaldo
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Peanuts are widely grown in Brazil because of their great importance in the domestic vegetable oil industry and the succession of sugarcane, soybean and maize crops, contributing to soil conservation and improvement in agricultural areas. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the zoning of peanuts' climatic risk by estimating the water requirement satisfaction index (WRSI) for the crop in Brazil. We used a historical series of data on average air temperature and rainfall between 1980 and 2016. Reference evapotranspiration was estimated using the method of Thornthwaite, and we subsequently calculated crop evapotranspiration and maximum evapotranspiration. Water balances for all stations were calculated using the method of Thornthwaite and Mather, with an available water capacity in the soil of 15, 30 and 45 mm. The definitions of suitable, unfit and restricted areas and the planting season were performed using the WRSI.

RESULTS

Brazil has low climatic risk areas for growing peanuts throughout the year, except for winter. The country reveals that 88.19%, 97.93%, 99.16% and 39.25% of its area is suitable for planting peanuts on planting dates in spring, summer, autumn and winter, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Brazil has a large part of the areas favorable to the planting of peanuts. The maximum availability of soil water at a depth of 15, 30 and 45 mm does not influence regions with respect to peanut growing in Brazil. The states of Piauí, Ceará and Bahia are the most unsuitable on the winter planting date, with an average WRSI of 0.22. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Osteoarticular allograft reconstruction after distal radius tumor resection: Reoperation and patient reported outcomes
Authors: Lans Jonathan , Ballatori Sarah E. , Castelein René M. , Chen Neal C. , Lozano Calderon Santiago A.
Published: February 2021

Background

The aims of this study are to evaluate the rate of wrist joint preservation, allograft retention, factors associated with reoperation and to report the patient reported outcomes after osteoarticular allograft reconstruction of the distal radius.

Methods

Retrospective chart review identified 33 patients who underwent distal radius resection followed by osteoarticular allograft reconstruction, including 27 giant cell tumors and 6 primary malignancies. Ten patients with a preserved wrist joint completed the QuickDASH, PROMIS‐CA physical function, and Toronto extremity salvage score (TESS) at a median of 13 years postoperatively.

Results

The allograft retention rate was 89%, and an allograft fracture predisposed to conversion to wrist arthrodesis. The reoperation rate was 55% and 36% underwent wrist arthrodesis at a median of 4.2 years following index surgery. The use of locking plate fixation was associated with lower reoperation and allograft fracture rates. Patients reported a median QuickDASH of 10.2 (range: 0–52.3), a mean PROMIS physical function of 57.8 (range: 38.9–64.5) and the median TESS was 95.5 (range: 67.0–98.4).

Conclusion

Osteoarticular allograft reconstruction results in acceptable long‐term patient reported outcomes, despite a high revision rate. Allograft fixation with locking plates seems to reduce the number of reoperations and allograft fractures, along with reduction in wrist arthrodesis rates.
Large‐scale enterprises, social capital and the post‐disaster development of community tourism: The case of Taoping, China
Authors: Wu Meiling , Gao Xing , Cao Mengqiu , Papa Enrica
Published: February 2021

This study explores how large‐scale enterprises build and mobilise social capital with intra‐ and inter‐community actors to stimulate the post‐disaster development of community tourism. Based on in‐depth interviews, this case study was conducted in Taoping, China. The findings show that large‐scale enterprises integrated bonding social capital created through engaging with Taoping villagers with bridging social capital developed through inter‐community collaborations to facilitate the post‐disaster development of community tourism. This study focuses on the dynamics of interactions between large‐scale enterprises, intra‐ and inter‐community actors. It contributes to providing a deeper understanding of the significance of large‐scale enterprises for the post‐disaster development of community tourism through the lens of social capital.
How the COVID‐19 pandemic can stimulate more radical business process improvements: Using the metaphor of a tree
Authors: Van Looy Amy
Published: February 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has forced organizations and employees worldwide to drastically rethink their way of working. While drastic process changes normally tend to fail or are challenged by employee resistance, the COVID‐19 pandemic has reduced this impediment so that organizations actually experience how alternative (i.e., more simple and digitalized) working alternatives can look like. This opinion paper calls for more business process management (BPM) ambidexterity in organizations, so that the alternatives experienced during COVID‐19 can be evaluated and remain after the pandemic. For this purpose, a BPM tree is proposed to outweigh incremental process improvements from more radical ones, in order for organizations to exploit good practices but also to better explore emerging opportunities.
Genomics‐assisted lentil breeding: Current status and future strategies
Authors: Kumar Jitendra , Sen Gupta Debjyoti , Baum Michael , Varshney Rajeev K. , Kumar Shiv
Published: February 2021

Genomics‐assisted breeding has become a powerful tool to develop high‐yielding climate‐resilient varieties for adaptation to adverse environmental conditions such as heat and drought stresses. Previously, efforts have been made to develop genomic resources in lentil, leading to the development of many trait‐specific mapping populations, cores and mini‐cores, and single nucleotide polymorphism and simple sequence repeat markers. Molecular markers have been used in genetic diversity analyses and to clarify genetic relationships in lentil. However, availability of cost‐effective next‐generation sequencing and genotyping‐by‐sequencing technologies has provided unprecedented opportunities for advancing genetics research and breeding applications. For instance, it has become possible to assemble the large and complex genome, develop high‐density genetic maps for high‐resolution QTL mapping, and deploy genome‐wide association study in lentil. Furthermore, a range of cost‐effective marker genotyping platforms have been developed. These developments offer ample opportunities to modernize current breeding programs in lentil for accelerating genetic gains. This review discusses the current status and future possibilities of genomics‐assisted breeding to develop and deploy lentil cultivars suitable for changing climatic conditions.
Recent progresses and remaining challenges for the detection of Zika virus
Authors: Zhang Xianlong , Li Guoliang , Chen Guang , Zhu Niu , Wu Di , Wu Yongning , James Tony D.
Published: February 2021

Zika virus (ZIKV) has emerged as a particularly notorious mosquito‐borne flavivirus, which can lead to a devastating congenital syndrome in the fetuses of pregnant mothers (e.g., microcephaly, spasticity, craniofacial disproportion, miscarriage, and ocular abnormalities) and cause the autoimmune disorder Guillain‐Barre' syndrome of adults. Due to its severity and rapid dispersal over several continents, ZIKV has been acknowledged to be a global health concern by the World Health Organization. Unfortunately, the ZIKV has recently resurged in India with the potential for devastating effects. Researchers from all around the world have worked tirelessly to develop effective detection strategies and vaccines for the prevention and control of ZIKV infection. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the most recent research into ZIKV, including the structural biology and evolution, historical overview, pathogenesis, symptoms, and transmission. We then focus on the detection strategies for ZIKV, including viral isolation, serological assays, molecular assays, sensing methods, reverse transcription loop mediated isothermal amplification, transcription‐mediated amplification technology, reverse transcription strand invasion based amplification, bioplasmonic paper‐based device, and reverse transcription isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification. To conclude, we examine the limitations of currently available strategies for the detection of ZIKV, and outline future opportunities and research challenges.
On the integrability of GL(2,ℝ)‐invariant fourth‐order ordinary differential equations
Authors: Ruiz Adrián , Muriel Concepción
Published: February 2021

The integrability of fourth‐order ordinary differential equations admitting
as Lie symmetry algebra is addressed in this work. The classical Lie's method of reduction cannot be applied to solve by quadrature this kind of equations because
is nonsolvable. In order to avoid such difficulty, a solvable structure involving the vector field identified with the equation is constructed by using the symmetry generators of
. This permits to compute a first integral of the equation by quadrature. In the aftermath, it is shown that the general solution of any
‐invariant fourth‐order ordinary differential equation can be obtained in parametric form, involving linearly independent solutions to a related one‐parameter family of linear second‐order equations. Particular examples are also shown with the end of illustrating the presented approach.
Zero‐Hopf bifurcation in the generalized Hiemenz equation
Authors: Uribe Marco , Martínez Elisa
Published: February 2021

In this work, we show the existence of zero‐Hopf periodic orbits in a 10‐parametric differential equation of third order

where
for
. This family is based on a generalization of the equation associated to the Hiemenz flow, when the boundary conditions are neglected, and it will be named as generalized Hiemenz equation. Our approach relies in the use of averaging method. Moreover, the kind of stability of the periodic orbits is determined according to the parameters.
Maternal Intake of Dietary Fat Pre‐Programs Offspring's Gut Ecosystem Altering Colonization Resistance and Immunity to Infectious Colitis in Mice
Authors: Quin Candice , Ghosh Sanjoy , Dai Chuanbin , Barnett Jacqueline A. , Garner Alexander M. , Yoo Rachael K. H. , Zandberg Wesley F. , Botta Amy , Gorzelak Monika A. , Gibson Deanna L.
Published: February 2021

Scope

The transgenerational impact of dietary fat remains unclear. Here, the role of maternal fat consumption as a modulator of gut microbial communities and infectious disease outcomes in their offspring is explored.

Methods and results

C57BL/6 mice are fed isocaloric high‐fat diets throughout breeding, gestation and lactation. Diets contained either milk fat (MF), olive oil (OO) or corn oil (CO), with or without fish oil. The pups born to maternally exposed mice are weaned on to chow and raised into adulthood. At 8 weeks, the offsprings are either euthanized for colonic 16S rRNA analysis or challenged with the enteric pathogen,Citrobacter rodentium. Maternal CO exposure resulted in unique clustering of bacterial communities in offspring compared with MF and OO. Diets rich in CO reduced survival in offspring challenged withC. rodentium. The addition of fish oil did not improve mortality caused by CO and worsened disease outcomes when combined with OO. Unlike the unsaturated diets, MF is protective with and without fish oil.

Conclusions

Overall, these data reveal that maternal intake of fatty acids do have transgenerational impacts on their offspring's bacteriome and enteric infection risk. Based on this study, saturated fats should be included in maternal diets.
Three Novel Dietary Phenolic Compounds from Pickled Raphanus Sativus L. Inhibit Lipid Accumulation in Obese Mice by Modulating the Gut Microbiota Composition
Authors: Li Jian , Deng Qianying , Zhang Yaqi , Wu Daren , Li Guiling , Liu Jingwen , Zhang Lingyu , Wang Hui‐Min David
Published: February 2021

Scope

Although pickled radish is widely consumed worldwide, few studies have investigated the nutritional benefits of bioactive compounds extracted from pickled radish. In this study, the authors investigate the relationship among dietary phenolic compounds, lipid accumulation, and gut microbiota.

Method and Results

Three phenolic compounds 2,6‐dihydroxyacetophenone (DHAP), 4‐hydroxyphenethyl alcohol (4‐HPEA), and 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde (HBA) are extracted from pickled radish. LO2 cells treated with free fatty acid are first used to explore the impact of the above three compounds at different doses on reducing lipid levels. The effects of the three compounds on obesity and the gut microbiota are further investigated in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced KM mice. Results show that three compounds inhibited the lipid accumulation in LO2 cells. The results of animal experiments reveal that three compounds prevented body weight gain and significantly decreased serum lipid levels. Treatment with DHAP, HPEA, and HBA reversed gut microbiome dysbiosis in HFD‐induced mice. The three phenolic compounds increase Odoribacter, and decrease Helicobacter and Mucispirillum. Notably, DHAP and HBA reduce the HFD‐induced increase in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio.

Conclusion

These data suggest that phenolic compounds extracted from pickled radish possess excellent lipid‐lowering capacity, providing a theoretical basis for further analysis of the nutritional value of pickled radish.
17O solid‐state NMR at ultrahigh magnetic field of 35.2 T: Resolution of inequivalent oxygen sites in different phases of MOF MIL‐53(Al)
Authors: Martins Vinicius , Xu Jun , Hung Ivan , Gan Zhehong , Gervais Christel , Bonhomme Christian , Huang Yining
Published: February 2021

MIL‐53(Al) is a member of the most extensively studied metal–organic framework (MOF) families owing to its “flexible” framework and superior stability. 17O solid‐state NMR (SSNMR) spectroscopy is an ideal site‐specific characterization tool as it probes local oxygen environments. Because oxygen local structure is often altered during phase change, 17O SSNMR can be used to follow phase transitions. However, 17O is a challenging nucleus to study via SSNMR due to its low sensitivity and resolution arising from the very low natural abundance of 17O isotope and its quadrupolar nature. In this work, we describe that by using 17O isotopic enrichment and performing 17O SSNMR experiments at an ultrahigh magnetic field of 35.2 T, all chemically and crystallographically inequivalent oxygen sites in two representative MIL‐53(Al) (as‐made and water adsorbed) phases can be completely resolved. The number of signals in each phase is consistent with that predicted from the space group refined from powder X‐ray diffraction data. The 17O 1D magic‐angle spinning (MAS) and 2D triple‐quantum MAS (3QMAS) spectra at 35.2 T furnish fine information about the host–guest interactions and the structural changes associated with phase transition. The ability to completely resolve multiple chemically and crystallographically inequivalent oxygen sites in MOFs at very high magnetic field, as illustrated in this work, significantly enhances the potential for using the NMR crystallography approach to determine crystal structures of new MOFs and verify the structures of existing MOFs obtained from refining powder X‐ray diffraction data.
Temperature‐corrected proton density fat fraction estimation using chemical shift‐encoded MRI in phantoms
Authors: Navaratna Ruvini , Zhao Ruiyang , Colgan Timothy J. , Hu Houchun Harry , Bydder Mark , Yokoo Takeshi , Bashir Mustafa R. , Middleton Michael S. , Serai Suraj D. , Malyarenko Dariya , Chenevert Thomas , Smith Mark , Henderson Walter , Hamilton Gavin , Shu Yunhong , Sirlin Claude B. , Tkach Jean A. , Trout Andrew T. , Brittain Jean H. , Hernando Diego , Reeder Scott B. ,   the RSNA Quantitative Imaging Biomarker Alliance – Proton Density Fat Fraction Biomarker Committee
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Chemical shift‐encoded MRI (CSE‐MRI) is well‐established to quantify proton density fat fraction (PDFF) as a quantitative biomarker of hepatic steatosis. However, temperature is known to bias PDFF estimation in phantom studies. In this study, strategies were developed and evaluated to correct for the effects of temperature on PDFF estimation through simulations, temperature‐controlled experiments, and a multi‐center, multi‐vendor phantom study.

Theory and Methods

A technical solution that assumes and automatically estimates a uniform, global temperature throughout the phantom is proposed. Computer simulations modeled the effect of temperature on PDFF estimation using magnitude‐, complex‐, and hybrid‐based CSE‐MRI methods. Phantom experiments were performed to assess the temperature correction on PDFF estimation at controlled phantom temperatures. To assess the temperature correction method on a larger scale, the proposed method was applied to data acquired as part of a nine‐site multi‐vendor phantom study and compared to temperature‐corrected PDFF estimation using an a priori guess for ambient room temperature.

Results

Simulations and temperature‐controlled experiments show that as temperature deviates further from the assumed temperature, PDFF bias increases. Using the proposed correction method and a reasonable a priori guess for ambient temperature, PDFF bias and variability were reduced using magnitude‐based CSE‐MRI, across MRI systems, field strengths, protocols, and varying phantom temperature. Complex and hybrid methods showed little PDFF bias and variability both before and after correction.

Conclusion

Correction for temperature reduces temperature‐related PDFF bias and variability in phantoms across MRI vendors, sites, field strengths, and protocols for magnitude‐based CSE‐MRI, even without a priori information about the temperature.
Deep learning‐based T1‐enhanced selection of linear attenuation coefficients (DL‐TESLA) for PET/MR attenuation correction in dementia neuroimaging
Authors: Chen Yasheng , Ying Chunwei , Binkley Michael M. , Juttukonda Meher R. , Flores Shaney , Laforest Richard , Benzinger Tammie L. S. , An Hongyu
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The accuracy of existing PET/MR attenuation correction (AC) has been limited by a lack of correlation between MR signal and tissue electron density. Based on our finding that longitudinal relaxation rate, or R1, is associated with CT Hounsfield unit in bone and soft tissues in the brain, we propose a deep learning T1‐enhanced selection of linear attenuation coefficients (DL‐TESLA) method to incorporate quantitative R1 for PET/MR AC and evaluate its accuracy and longitudinal test–retest repeatability in brain PET/MR imaging.

Methods

DL‐TESLA uses a 3D residual UNet (ResUNet) for pseudo‐CT (pCT) estimation. With a total of 174 participants, we compared PET AC accuracy of DL‐TESLA to 3 other methods adopting similar 3D ResUNet structures but using UTE , or Dixon, or T1‐MPRAGE as input. With images from 23 additional participants repeatedly scanned, the test–retest differences and within‐subject coefficient of variation of standardized uptake value ratios (SUVR) were compared between PET images reconstructed using either DL‐TESLA or CT for AC.

Results

DL‐TESLA had (1) significantly lower mean absolute error in pCT, (2) the highest Dice coefficients in both bone and air, (3) significantly lower PET relative absolute error in whole brain and various brain regions, (4) the highest percentage of voxels with a PET relative error within both ±3% and ±5%, (5) similar to CT test–retest differences in SUVRs from the cerebrum and mean cortical (MC) region, and (6) similar to CT within‐subject coefficient of variation in cerebrum and MC.

Conclusion

DL‐TESLA demonstrates excellent PET/MR AC accuracy and test–retest repeatability.
Investigation of coseismic liquefaction‐induced ground deformation associated with the 2019 Mw 5.8 Mirpur, Pakistan, earthquake using near‐surface electrical resistivity tomography and geological data
Authors: Khan Muhammad Younis , Turab Syed Ali , Riaz Muhammad Shahid , Atekwana Estella A. , Muhammad Said , Butt Nabeel Afzal , Abbas Syed Mohsin , Zafar Waqar Ali , Ohenhen Leonard O.
Published: February 2021

An electrical resistivity tomography survey was conducted to assess the subsurface conditions associated with the coseismic liquefaction phenomenon in the epicentral region following the Mw 5.8 Mirpur earthquake (Pakistan) on 24 September 2019. The Mirpur earthquake produced extensive coseismic liquefaction‐induced surface deformations, including: sand blows, ground failure and lateral spreading along the Upper Jhelum Canal and in the nearby villages. Electrical resistivity data were acquired along three profiles and calibrated with available borehole data. The inverted electrical resistivity tomography profiles reveal three regional geoelectric layers, which consist of an upper 2–‐5‐m‐thick discontinuous zones of medium resistivity values ranging from 25 Ωm to 60 Ωm, underlain by a 7–8‐m‐thick zone of low resistivity (<10 Ωm) and a basal layer of high resistivity (> 100 Ωm). Based on geological and geophysical data, we infer that. (1) disrupted geoelectric layers in the shallow subsurface and spatially extended low electrical resistivity (<8 Ωm) layers document the elevated groundwater table due to sudden increase in pore‐water pressure triggered by the Mirpur earthquake. These lenses of high conductivity may represent potential hazards in the case of future earthquakes in the study area. (2) Fracture azimuths vary between 120° ± 15° and 335°–45° (subparallel and orthogonal to the strike of the Himalayan Frontal Thrust. (3) Common coseismic deformational features (e.g., sand blow and ground fracture) are located within the zone of maximum‐recorded ground shaking (intensity of VI) and underlain by Quaternary alluvial sediments. (4) Mega fractures (1.60 m wide and up to 187 m long) oriented parallel to the canal resulted from lateral spreading. We conclude that high resistivity structures extending from depth to the shallow subsurface resulted from either intrusion of air or eruption of sands from layer three. We suggest that high‐resolution geoelectrical imaging is a valuable complementary tool for evaluating the extent of subsurface liquefaction features and in understanding coseismic deformation during earthquakes, which can help with seismic hazard analysis and mitigation in seismically active regions.
Antecedents of public confidence in police in a conflict zone: A multi‐stakeholder view
Authors: Sharma Dheeraj , Pandey Shivendra Kumar , Kumar Patanjal , Mishra Madhurima
Published: February 2021

Public confidence in Police produces valuable outcomes for society. The present paper explores the drivers of public confidence in Police in Kashmir, India. The data were collected from 277 citizens and 318 police personnel in Kashmir. The study examined the role of the image of Police, media, the neutrality of Police, and community policing in influencing public confidence in the Police. Results indicated that police personnel considered the neutrality of Police and the role of media as the most crucial determinants of public confidence. However, citizens' expectations were different. Citizens believed that community policing and the image of the Police were essential to elicit their confidence in the Police. The study is a novel attempt to empirically examine the gap between citizens' expectations and the Police's perception of those expectations in a conflict zone. The findings of this study would enable policymakers to design suitable interventions to secure public confidence in Police in a conflict zone.
A cationic alternating copolymer composed of ornithine and glycine with an ordered sequence for enhanced bacterial activity
Authors: Liu Fuqiang , Ma Nan , Liu Jun , Zhu Qiongqiong , Yue Ting , Ma Junhui , Wang Yuan , Qu Wei , Chu Paul K. , Tang Yan , Zhang Wei
Published: February 2021

The chains and segments of unordered cationic polypeptides are complex and may produce unexpected biological activities. Herein, the Ugi's 4CC reaction is adopted to synthesize a cationic alternating copolymer comprising ornithine and glycine (poly(Orn‐alter‐Gly)) with an ordered sequence for enhanced bacterial resistance. In this technique, potassium isocyanate, 4‐(N‐carbobenzyloxyamino)‐1‐butyraldehyde and 1‐(4‐Methoxyphenyl)ethylamine react to produce MPE‐substituted poly(Orn‐alter‐Gly) in one step without using a catalyst and then poly(Orn‐alter‐Gly) is obtained by removing the N‐(1‐p‐methoxyphenethyl) (MPE) group. 1H NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and automatic amino acid analysis confirm that ornithine and glycine are linked alternately in the poly(Orn‐alter‐Gly) chains. Both MPE‐substituted poly(Orn‐alter‐Gly) and poly(Orn‐alter‐Gly) have excellent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as well as excellent biocompatibility. The synthesis strategy and materials provide new information on how to obtain ordered sequence cationic polypeptides.
Waste plastics in asphalt concrete: A review
Authors: Grady Brian P.
Published: February 2021

Among possible applications for post‐consumer waste plastics, one criterion is that the application should be able to use very large amounts of material because the amount of plastic waste is so large. Another key issue is economics; very little cost should be involved in preparing waste plastics for a specific application. One of the few applications for post‐consumer waste plastics that could possibly meet both requirements is filler in asphalt concrete. Specifically, if waste plastics in asphalt concrete were ∼ 10 wt%, then this application alone could use all plastic waste currently being produced in the world. This review examines the progress that has been made to incorporate waste plastics into asphalt concrete and identifies key issues preventing this technology from being applied commercially.
The respiratory problems of patients with cerebral palsy requiring hospitalization: Reasons and solutions
Authors: Kürtül Çakar Meltem , Cinel Güzin
Published: February 2021

Objective

Recurrent respiratory problems are common in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). Detection of risk factors could prevent respiratory problems and reduce permanent lung damage. We aimed to provide a multidisciplinary approach for the causes, frequency, and concomitant problems and solutions of respiratory problems of these patients.

Method

Medical records of CP patients who were followed‐up and treated due to respiratory problems requiring hospitalization were examined retrospectively, and factors affecting the frequency and duration of hospitalization in wards and in the intensive care unit (ICU) were evaluated.

Results

Among 292 hospitalizations of 83 CP patients, 91% of them were hospitalized for pneumonia, and only 15.4% of them had major aspiration‐related pneumonia in the history. 97.4% of the hospitalized patients had swallowing dysfunction in detailed history, but videofluoroscopic swallowing studies could be performed only to 24 patients and aspiration had been demonstrated in 96%. Patients who had been hospitalized more than two times during the oral feeding period, before switching to artificial feeding (nasogastric tube, gastric tube +/− fundoplication), had higher total and ICU hospitalization frequency/duration than the patients who had been hospitalized twice or less (0.12 vs. 0.17/0.005106 vs. 0.005353).

Conclusion

The most common pulmonary complication in patients with CP is pneumonia due to chronic aspiration. To prevent recurrent lung infections and consequently chronic respiratory failure, it is necessary to evaluate these patients in terms of feeding difficulties in the early period with appropriate methods and apply interventions before affecting the lung parenchyma.
Investigation on the Stability, Elastic Properties, and Electronic Structure of Mg2Si Doped with Different Concentrations of Cu: A First‐Principles Calculation
Authors: Ma Tianyu , Liu Tongyu , Ren Yuyan , Li Yingmin
Published: February 2021

Herein, the effects of Cu doping with different concentrations on the stability, elastic properties, and electronic structure of Mg2Si are investigated by first‐principles calculations based on density functional theory. The research results show that Mg2Si and Mg8−xSi4−yCux+y (x, y) = {(0.125, 0), (0, 0.125), (0.25, 0), (0, 0.25), (0.5, 0), (0, 0.5), (1, 0), (0, 1)} are stable in the system. The Cu atoms tend to preoccupy Mg sites in Mg2Si lattices, and the alloying ability is stronger than that of Mg8Si4−yCuy (y = 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1). Although all dopants are brittle phases, the doping behavior of Cu atoms improves the elastic and plastic properties of the Mg2Si alloy system. The bonding modes of the crystal are also changed. The SiCu covalent bond formed by Mg8−xSi4Cux (x = 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1) further increases the structure stability. Meanwhile, Mg7Si4Cu and Mg8Si3Cu are changed from semiconducting to metallic state by energy band structure analysis. It not only increases the carrier concentration, but also reduces the free electron transition energy, which improves the conductivity of the intrinsic Mg2Si. These investigations will provide some theoretical basis for the application of Mg2Si intermetallic compounds in structural materials and thermoelectric materials.
Daturataturin A, a withanolide in Datura metel L., induces HaCaT autophagy through the PI3K‐Akt‐mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Wei Zheng , Li Tingting , Sun Yanping , Su Huilin , Zeng Yuanning , Wang Qiuhong , Kuang Haixue
Published: February 2021

Daturataturin A (DTA), a withanolide compound in Datura metel L., exhibits excellent anti‐inflammatory and anti‐proliferative activities. Here, we report the study of DTA‐induced proliferation and inflammation in human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaTs) and the associated molecular mechanisms. HaCaTs are a model of the epidermal proliferative state of cells. The pharmacodynamics and mechanism of DTA were studied by western blot, immunofluorescence, apoptosis and proliferation detection, and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We confirmed that DTA induced HaCaT autophagy, which, in turn, induced HaCaT senescence and, ultimately, led to cell cycle arrest. DTA also negatively regulated inflammation through the activation of autophagy. This may be one of the mechanisms underlying the action of Datura metel L. preparation used for the treatment of psoriasis.
Berberine—A potent chemosensitizer and chemoprotector to conventional cancer therapies
Authors: Devarajan Nalini , Jayaraman Selvaraj , Mahendra Jaideep , Venkatratnam Purushothaman , Rajagopal Ponnulakshmi , Palaniappan Hema , Ganesan Senthil Kumar
Published: February 2021

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are mainstay treatments for cancer patients. However, their clinical outcomes are highly limited by the resistance of malignant tumors to these therapies and the incurrence of serious damages in vital organs. This in turn necessitates the development of adjunct drugs that overcomes chemo/radioresistance in refractory cancers and protects vital organs from the cytotoxic effects of cancer therapies. In recent years, Berberine (BBR), a natural isoquinoline alkaloid has garnered more attention due to its potent chemosensitizing and chemoprotective properties. BBR effectively sensitizes refractory cancers to chemotherapy and radiotherapy by ameliorating the diverse events underlying therapy resistance. Furthermore, it protects the heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys from severe damages caused by these therapies. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying the chemo/radiosensitizing and chemo/radioprotective potential of BBR during cancer treatment. Also, we highlight the limitations that hamper the clinical application of BBR as an adjunct drug and how novel innovations have been made in recent years to circumvent these challenges.