bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional profiling of mESC-derived tendon and fibrocartilage cell fate switch
Authors: Kaji Deepak A. , Montero Angela M. , Patel Roosheel , Huang Alice H. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe transcriptional regulators underlying induction and differentiation of dense connective tissues such as tendon and related fibrocartilaginous tissues (meniscus and annulus fibrosus) remain largely unknown. Using an iterative approach informed by developmental cues and single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), we establish directed differentiation models to generate tendon and fibrocartilage cells from mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) by activation of TGFβ and hedgehog pathways, achieving 90% induction efficiency. Transcriptional signatures of the mESC-derived cells recapitulate embryonic tendon and fibrocartilage signatures from the mouse tail. scRNA-seq further identify retinoic acid signaling as a critical regulator of cell fate switch between TGFβ-induced tendon and fibrocartilage lineages. Trajectory analysis by RNA sequencing define transcriptional modules underlying tendon and fibrocartilage fate induction and identify molecules associated with lineage-specific differentiation. Finally, we successfully generate 3-dimensional engineered tissues using these differentiation protocols and show activation of mechanotransduction markers with dynamic tensile loading. These findings provide a serum-free approach to generate tendon and fibrocartilage cells and tissues at high efficiency for modeling development and disease.
Improved functionality of Ligilactobacillus salivarius Li01 in alleviating colonic inflammation by layer-by-layer microencapsulation
Authors: Yao Mingfei , Lu Yanmeng , Zhang Ting , Xie Jiaojiao , Han Shengyi , Zhang Shuobo , Fei Yiqiu , Ling Zongxin , Wu Jingjing , Hu Yue , Ji Shouling , Chen Hao , Berglund Björn , Li Lanjuan 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe low viability during gastrointestinal transit and poor mucoadhesion considerably limits the effectiveness of Ligilactobacillus salivarius Li01 (Li01) in regulating gut microbiota and alleviating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this study, a delivery system was designed through layer-by-layer (LbL) encapsulating a single Li01cell with chitosan and alginate. The layers were strengthened by cross-linking to form a firm and mucoadhesive shell (~10 nm thickness) covering the bacterial cell. The LbL Li01 displayed improved viability under simulated gastrointestinal conditions and mucoadhesive function. Almost no cells could be detected among the free Li01 after 2 h incubation in digestive fluids, while for LbL Li01, the total reduction was around 3 log CFU/mL and the viable number of cells remained above 6 log CFU/mL. Besides, a 5-fold increase in the value of rupture length and a two-fold increase in the number of peaks were found in the (bacteria-mucin) adhesion curves of LbL Li01, compared to those of free Li01. Oral administration with LbL Li01 on colitis mice facilitated intestinal barrier recovery and restoration of the gut microbiota. The improved functionality of Li01 by LbL encapsulation could increase the potential for the probiotic to be used in clinical applications to treat IBD; this should be explored in future studies.
Modulation of behavioral and neurochemical responses of adult zebrafish by fluoxetine, eicosapentaenoic acid and lipopolysaccharide in the prolonged chronic unpredictable stress model
Authors: Demin Konstantin A. , Kolesnikova Tatiana O. , Galstyan David S. , Krotova Nataliya A. , Ilyin Nikita P. , Derzhavina Ksenia A. , Levchenko Nataliia A. , Strekalova Tatyana , de Abreu Murilo S. , Petersen Elena V. , Seredinskaya Maria , Cherneyko Yulia V. , Kositsyn Yuriy M. , Sorokin Dmitry V. , Zabegalov Konstantin N. , Mor Mikael S. , Efimova Evgeniya V. , Kalueff Allan V. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractLong-term recurrent stress is a common cause of neuropsychiatric disorders. Animal models are widely used to study the pathogenesis of stress-related psychiatric disorders. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is emerging as a powerful tool to study chronic stress and its mechanisms. Here, we developed a prolonged 11-week chronic unpredictable stress (PCUS) model in zebrafish to more fully mimic chronic stress in human populations. We also examined behavioral and neurochemical alterations in zebrafish, and attempted to modulate these states by 3-week treatment with an antidepressant fluoxetine, a neuroprotective omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a pro-inflammatory endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and their combinations. Overall, PCUS induced severe anxiety and elevated norepinephrine levels, whereas fluoxetine (alone or combined with other agents) corrected most of these behavioral deficits. While EPA and LPS alone had little effects on the zebrafish PCUS-induced anxiety behavior, both fluoxetine (alone or in combination) and EPA restored norepinephrine levels, whereas LPS + EPA increased dopamine levels. As these data support the validity of PCUS as an effective tool to study stress-related pathologies in zebrafish, further research is needed into the ability of various conventional and novel treatments to modulate behavioral and neurochemical biomarkers of chronic stress in this model organism.
The feasibility of pancreatic duct stenting using a novel 4-Fr plastic stent with a 0.025-in. guidewire
Authors: Nagai Kazumasa , Sofuni Atsushi , Tsuchiya Takayoshi , Ishii Kentaro , Tanaka Reina , Tonozuka Ryosuke , Mukai Shuntaro , Yamamoto Kenjiro , Matsunami Yukitoshi , Asai Yasutsugu , Kurosawa Takashi , Kojima Hiroyuki , Minami Hirohito , Honma Toshihiro , Katanuma Akio , Itoi Takao 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPancreatic duct stenting is a well-established method for reducing post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis. However, there is no consensus on the optimal type of plastic stent. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a new 4-Fr plastic stent for pancreatic duct stenting. Forty-nine consecutive patients who placed the 4-Fr stent into the pancreatic duct (4Fr group) were compared with 187 consecutive patients who placed a conventional 5-Fr stent (control group). The primary outcome was technical success. Complications rate, including post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) were the secondary outcomes. Propensity score matching was introduced to reduce selection bias. The technical success rate was 100% in the 4Fr group and 97.9% in the control group (p = 0.315). Post-ERCP amylase level was significantly lower in the 4-Fr group than the control group before propensity score matching (p = 0.006), though without statistical significance after propensity score matching (p = 0.298). The rate of PEP in the 4Fr group (6.1%) was lower than the control group (15.5%), though without statistical significance before (p = 0.088) and after (p = 1.00) propensity score matching. Pancreatic duct stenting using a novel 4-Fr plastic stent would be at least similar or more feasible and safe compared to the conventional plastic stent.
New candidate blood biomarkers potentially associated with white matter hyperintensities progression
Authors: Jiménez-Balado Joan , Pizarro Jesús , Riba-Llena Iolanda , Penalba Anna , Faura Júlia , Palà Elena , Montaner Joan , Hernández-Guillamon Mar , Delgado Pilar 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWe aimed to discover blood biomarkers associated with longitudinal changes in white matter hyperintensities (WMH). This study was divided into a discovery phase and a replication phase. Subjects in both studies were patients with hypertension, aged 50–70, who underwent two magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sessions and blood extractions over a 4-year follow-up period. In the discovery phase, we screened 1305 proteins in 12 subjects with WMH progression and in 12 matched control subjects. We found that 41 proteins were differentially expressed: 13 were upregulated and 28 were downregulated. We subsequently selected three biomarkers for replication in baseline and follow-up samples in 80 subjects with WMH progression and in 80 control subjects. The selected protein candidates for the replication were MMP9 (matrix metalloproteinase-9), which was higher in cases, MET (hepatocyte growth factor receptor) and ASAH2 (neutral ceramidase), which were both lower in cases of WMH progression. Baseline biomarker concentrations did not predict WMH progression. In contrast, patients with WMH progression presented a steeper decline in MET over time. Furthermore, cases showed higher MMP9 and lower ASAH2 levels than controls at the follow-up. These results indicate that MMP9, MET, and ASAH2 are potentially associated with the progression of WMH, and could therefore be interesting candidates to validate in future studies.
A simulation study investigating potential diffusion-based MRI signatures of microstrokes
Authors: Damseh Rafat , Lu Yuankang , Lu Xuecong , Zhang Cong , Marchand Paul J. , Corbin Denis , Pouliot Philippe , Cheriet Farida , Lesage Frederic 
Published: July 2021

AbstractRecent studies suggested that cerebrovascular micro-occlusions, i.e. microstokes, could lead to ischemic tissue infarctions and cognitive deficits. Due to their small size, identifying measurable biomarkers of these microvascular lesions remains a major challenge. This work aims to simulate potential MRI signatures combining arterial spin labeling (ASL) and multi-directional diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Driving our hypothesis are recent observations demonstrating a radial reorientation of microvasculature around the micro-infarction locus during recovery in mice. Synthetic capillary beds, randomly- and radially-oriented, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiograms, acquired in the barrel cortex of mice (n = 5) before and after inducing targeted photothrombosis, were analyzed. Computational vascular graphs combined with a 3D Monte-Carlo simulator were used to characterize the magnetic resonance (MR) response, encompassing the effects of magnetic field perturbations caused by deoxyhemoglobin, and the advection and diffusion of the nuclear spins. We quantified the minimal intravoxel signal loss ratio when applying multiple gradient directions, at varying sequence parameters with and without ASL. With ASL, our results demonstrate a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the signal-ratios computed at baseline and 3 weeks after photothrombosis. The statistical power further increased (p < 0.005) using angiograms measured at week 4. Without ASL, no reliable signal change was found. We found that higher ratios, and accordingly improved significance, were achieved at lower magnetic field strengths (e.g., B0 = 3T) and shorter echo time TE (< 16 ms). Our simulations suggest that microstrokes might be characterized through ASL-DWI sequence, providing necessary insights for posterior experimental validations, and ultimately, future translational trials.
Introduction of Chalcogenide Glasses to Additive Manufacturing: Nanoparticle Ink Formulation, Inkjet Printing, and Phase Change Devices Fabrication
Authors: Ahmed Simon A. , Badamchi B. , Subbaraman H. , Sakaguchi Y. , Jones L. , Kunold H. , J. van Rooyen I. , Mitkova M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractChalcogenide glasses are one of the most versatile materials that have been widely researched because of their flexible optical, chemical, electronic, and phase change properties. Their application is usually in the form of thin films, which work as active layers in sensors and memory devices. In this work, we investigate the formulation of nanoparticle ink of Ge–Se chalcogenide glasses and its potential applications. The process steps reported in this work describe nanoparticle ink formulation from chalcogenide glasses, its application via inkjet printing and dip-coating methods and sintering to manufacture phase change devices. We report data regarding nanoparticle production by ball milling and ultrasonication along with the essential characteristics of the formed inks, like contact angle and viscosity. The printed chalcogenide glass films were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. The printed films exhibited similar compositional, structural, electronic and optical properties as the thermally evaporated thin films. The crystallization processes of the printed films are discussed compared to those obtained by vacuum thermal deposition. We demonstrate the formation of printed thin films using nanoparticle inks, low-temperature sintering and proof for the first time, their application in electronic and photonic temperature sensors utilizing their phase change property. This work adds chalcogenide glasses to the list of inkjet printable materials, thus offering an easy way to form arbitrary device structures for optical and electronic applications.
Attenuated asthma phenotype in mice with a fetal-like antigen receptor repertoire
Authors: Stutz Regine , Meyer Christopher , Kaiser Elisabeth , Goedicke-Fritz Sybelle , Schroeder Harry W. , Bals Robert , Haertel Christoph , Rogosch Tobias , Kerzel Sebastian , Zemlin Michael 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWe hypothesized that the scarcity of N-nucleotides might contribute to the inability of the neonate to mount a robust allergic immune response. To test this, we used terminal deoxyribunucleotidyl Transferase deficient (TdT−/−) mice, which express “fetal-like” T cell receptor and immunoglobulin repertoires with largely germline-encoded CDR3 regions. Intraperitoneal sensitization was followed by aerosol provocation with either PBS or the allergen OVA in both TdT−/−mice and wild-type mice to develop allergic respiratory inflammation. The effects of this procedure were investigated by lung function test, immunological analysis of serum and brochoalveolar lavage. The local TH2 cytokine milieu was significantly attenuated in TdT−/−mice. Within this group, the induction of total IgE levels was also significantly reduced after sensitization. TdT−/−mice showed a tendency toward reduced eosinophilic inflow into the bronchial tubes, which was associated with the elimination of respiratory hyperreactivity. In conclusion, in a murine model of allergic airway inflammation, the expression of fetal-like antigen receptors was associated with potent indications of a reduced ability to mount an asthma phenotype. This underlines the importance of somatically-generated antigen-receptor repertoire diversity in type one allergic immune responses and suggests that the fetus may be protected from allergic responses, at least in part, by controlling N addition.
Divergent reflections around the photon sphere of a black hole
Authors: Sneppen Albert 
Published: July 2021

AbstractFrom any location outside the event horizon of a black hole there are an infinite number of trajectories for light to an observer. Each of these paths differ in the number of orbits revolved around the black hole and in their proximity to the last photon orbit. With simple numerical and a perturbed analytical solution to the null-geodesic equation of the Schwarzschild black hole we will reaffirm how each additional orbit is a factor $$e^{2 \pi }$$

e

2
π

closer to the black hole’s optical edge. Consequently, the surface of the black hole and any background light will be mirrored infinitely in exponentially thinner slices around the last photon orbit. Furthermore, the introduced formalism proves how the entire trajectories of light in the strong field limit is prescribed by a diverging and a converging exponential. Lastly, the existence of the exponential family is generalized to the equatorial plane of the Kerr black hole with the exponentials dependence on spin derived. Thereby, proving that the distance between subsequent images increases and decreases for respectively retrograde and prograde images. In the limit of an extremely rotating Kerr black hole no logarithmic divergence exists for prograde trajectories.
Filtration mapping as complete Bell state analyzer for bosonic particles
Authors: Kozubov A. V. , Gaidash A. A. , Kiselev A. D. , Miroshnichenko G. P. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we present the approach to complete Bell state analysis based on filtering mapping. The key distinctive feature of this appoach is that it avoids complications related to using either hyperentanglement or representation of the Bell states as concatenated Greenber–Horne–Zeilinger (C-GHZ) state to perform discrimination procedure. We describe two techniques developed within the suggested approach and based on two-step algorithms with two different types of filtration mapping which can be called the non-demolition and semi-demolition filtrations. In the method involving non-demolition filtration measurement the filtration process employs cross-Kerr nonlinearity and the probe mode to distinguish between the two pairs of the Bell states. In the case of semi-demolition measurement, the two states are unambiguously discriminated and hence destroyed, whereas filtraton keeps the other two states intact. We show that the measurement that destroys the single photon subspace in every mode and preserves the superposition of zero and two photons can be realized with discrete photodetection based on microresonator with atoms.
Growth and development of children under 5 years of age with tetralogy of Fallot in a Chinese population
Authors: Li Xin , Zhu Jin , An Jun , Wang Yuqing , Wu Yili , Li Xuezhi 
Published: July 2021

AbstractCongenital Heart Defects (CHDs) are associated with different patterns of malnutrition and growth retardation, which may vary worldwide and need to be evaluated according to local conditions. Although tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is one of the first described CHDs, the etiology outcomes in growth and development of TOF in early age child is still unclear in most cases. This study was designed to investigate the growth retardation status of Chinese pediatric TOF patients under 5 years old. The body height, body weight and body mass index (BMI) of 262 pediatric patients (138 boys and 124 girls) who underwent corrective surgery for TOF between 2014 and 2018 were measured using conventional methods. The average body height, body weight and BMI of the patients were significantly lower than WHO Child Growth Standards, while the most affected was body height. Meanwhile, higher stunting frequency and greater deterioration of both the body height and weight happened in elder age (aged 13–60 months) rather than in infant stage (aged 0–12 months) among these patients. Our results confirmed that intervention should be given at early age to prevent the growth retardation of TOF patients getting severer.
High altitude hunting, climate change, and pastoral resilience in eastern Eurasia
Authors: Taylor William , Hart Isaac , Pan Caleb , Bayarsaikhan Jamsranjav , Murdoch James , Caspari Gino , Klinge Michael , Pearson Kristen , Bikhumar Umirbyek , Shnaider Svetlana , Abdykanova Aida , Bittner Peter , Zahir Muhammad , Jarman Nicholas , Williams Mark , Pettigrew Devin , Petraglia Michael , Lee Craig , Dixon E. James , Boivin Nicole 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe transition from hunting to herding transformed the cold, arid steppes of Mongolia and Eastern Eurasia into a key social and economic center of the ancient world, but a fragmentary archaeological record limits our understanding of the subsistence base for early pastoral societies in this key region. Organic material preserved in high mountain ice provides rare snapshots into the use of alpine and high altitude zones, which played a central role in the emergence of East Asian pastoralism. Here, we present the results of the first archaeological survey of melting ice margins in the Altai Mountains of western Mongolia, revealing a near-continuous record of more than 3500 years of human activity. Osteology, radiocarbon dating, and collagen fingerprinting analysis of wooden projectiles, animal bone, and other artifacts indicate that big-game hunting and exploitation of alpine ice played a significant role during the emergence of mobile pastoralism in the Altai, and remained a core element of pastoral adaptation into the modern era. Extensive ice melting and loss of wildlife in the study area over recent decades, driven by a warming climate, poaching, and poorly regulated hunting, presents an urgent threat to the future viability of herding lifeways and the archaeological record of hunting in montane zones.
Comparative analysis of oral-gut microbiota between captive and wild long-tailed macaque in Thailand
Authors: Sawaswong Vorthon , Praianantathavorn Kesmanee , Chanchaem Prangwalai , Khamwut Ariya , Kemthong Taratorn , Hamada Yuzuru , Malaivijitnond Suchinda , Payungporn Sunchai 
Published: July 2021

AbstractLong-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis), distributed in Southeast Asia, are generally used in biomedical research. At present, the expansion of human communities overlapping of macaques’ natural habitat causes human-macaque conflicts. To mitigate this problem in Thailand, the National Primate Research Center of Thailand, Chulalongkorn University (NPRCT-CU), was granted the permit to catch the surplus wild-born macaques and transfer them to the center. Based on the fact that the diets provided and the captive environments were different, their oral-gut microbiota should be altered. Thus, we investigated and compared the oral and fecal microbiome between wild-born macaques that lived in the natural habitats and those transferred to and reared in the NPRCT-CU for 1 year. The results from 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing showed that the captive macaques had distinct oral-gut microbiota profiles and lower bacterial richness compared to those in wild macaques. The gut of wild macaques was dominated by Firmicutes which is probably associated with lipid absorption and storage. These results implicated the effects of captivity conditions on the microbiome that might contribute to crucial metabolic functions. Our study should be applied to the animal health care program, with respect to microbial functions, for non-human primates.
Temporomandibular joint and Giant Panda’s (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) adaptation to bamboo diet
Authors: Vallittu Pekka K. , Varrela Juha , Salo Jukka , Rengui Li , Shanshan Ling , Shan Huang , Zhang Hemin , Niemelä Pekka 
Published: July 2021

AbstractHere, we present new evidence that evolutionary adaptation of the Ailuripodinae lineage to bamboo diet has taken place by morphological adaptations in the masticatory system. The giant panda in the wild and in captivity removes without an exception the outer skin of all bamboo shoots, rich in abrasive and toxic compounds, by the highly adapted premolars P3 and P4. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) allows sidewise movement of the jaw and the premolars can, in a cusp-to-cusp position, remove the poorly digestible outer skin of the bamboo before crushing the bamboo with molars. Based on the evidence presented here, we suggest that adaptation of TMJ to lateral movement for enabling cusp-to-cusp contact of premolars is the crucial evolutionary factor as which we consider the key to understand the Ailuropodinae lineage adaptive pathway to utilize the bamboo resource.