bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stress-induced alterations of mesocortical and mesolimbic dopaminergic pathways
Authors: Quessy F. , Bittar T. , Blanchette L. J. , Lévesque M. , Labonté B. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractOur ability to develop the cognitive strategies required to deal with daily-life stress is regulated by region-specific neuronal networks. Experimental evidence suggests that prolonged stress in mice induces depressive-like behaviors via morphological, functional and molecular changes affecting the mesolimbic and mesocortical dopaminergic pathways. Yet, the molecular interactions underlying these changes are still poorly understood, and whether they affect males and females similarly is unknown. Here, we used chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) to induce depressive-like behaviors in male and female mice. Density of the mesolimbic and mesocortical projections was assessed via immuno-histochemistry combined with Sholl analysis along with the staining of activity-dependent markers pERK and c-fos in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), nucleus accumbens (NAc) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Our results show that social stress decreases the density of TH+ dopaminergic axonal projections in the deep layers of the mPFC in susceptible but not resilient male and female mice. Consistently, our analyses suggest that pERK expression is decreased in the mPFC but increased in the NAc following CSDS in males and females, with no change in c-fos expression in both sexes. Overall, our findings indicate that social defeat stress impacts the mesolimbic and mesocortical pathways by altering the molecular interactions regulating somatic and axonal plasticity in males and females.
Color-encoded single-shot computer-generated Moiré profilometry
Authors: Zhang Hechen , Cao Yiping , Li Chengmeng , Wang Lu , Li Hongmei , Xu Cai , Wan Yingying 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA color-encoded single-shot computer-generated Moiré profilometry (CSCGMP) is proposed. Two sinusoidal gratings with a π phase difference are encoded in red and blue channels respectively to combine a composite color grating. While this composite color grating is projected onto the measured object, the corresponding color deformed pattern can be captured. So two deformed patterns with a π phase difference are separated from its red and blue components respectively. After normalization and subtraction, the AC component of both separated deformed patterns can be extracted. If this AC component respectively multiplied by the two AC components of fringe patterns of reference plane with a π/2 phase difference prepared and saved on the computer in advance, two computer-generated Moiré fringes just respectively standing for sine and cosine of phase which is modulated by the height of the object relative to the reference plane are figured out. So the 3D shape of the measured object can be reconstructed with normal computer-generated Moiré profilometry. Both simulation and experimental results show the feasibility and validity of the proposed method. It has potential in real-time 3D measurement due to its single-shot feature.
In Arabidopsis thaliana Cd differentially impacts on hormone genetic pathways in the methylation defective ddc mutant compared to wild type
Authors: Pacenza Marianna , Muto Antonella , Chiappetta Adriana , Mariotti Lorenzo , Talarico Emanuela , Picciarelli Piero , Picardi Ernesto , Bruno Leonardo , Bitonti Maria Beatrice 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDNA methylation plays an important role in modulating plant growth plasticity in response to stress, but mechanisms involved in such control need further investigation. We used drm1 drm2 cmt3 mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana, defective in DNA methylation, to explore metabolic pathways downstream epigenetic modulation under cadmium (Cd) stress. To this aim, a transcriptomic analysis was performed on ddc and WT plants exposed to a long-lasting (21 d) Cd treatment (25/50 µM), focusing on hormone genetic pathways. Growth parameters and hormones amount were also estimated. Transcriptomic data and hormone quantification showed that, under prolonged Cd treatment, level and signalling of growth-sustaining hormones (auxins, CKs, GAs) were enhanced and/or maintained, while a decrease was detected for stress-related hormones (JA, ABA, SA), likely as a strategy to avoid the side effects of their long-lasting activation. Such picture was more effective in ddc than WT, already at 25 µM Cd, in line with its better growth performance. A tight relationship between methylation status and the modulation of hormone genetic pathways under Cd stress was assessed. We propose that the higher genome plasticity conferred to ddc by DNA hypomethylated status underlies its prompt response to modulate hormones genetic pathways and activity and assure a flexible growth.
Boron from net charge acceptor to donor and its effect on hydrogen uptake by novel Mg-B-electrochemically synthesized reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Aditya Marla V. V. Satya , Panda Srikanta , Tatiparti Sankara Sarma V. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractHydrogen uptake (H-uptake) is studied in ball milled Mg-B-electrochemically synthesized reduced graphene oxide (erGO) nanocomposites at PH2 ≈ 15 bar, ~ 320 °C. B/C (weight ratio): 0, ~ 0.09, ~ 0.36, ~ 0.90 are synthesized maintaining erGO≈10wt %. B occupies octahedral interstices within Mg unit cell—revealed by electron density maps. Persistent charge donations from Mg and B to C appear as Mg-C (~ 283.2 eV), B-C (~ 283.3–283.9 eV) interactions in C-1s core X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) at all B/C. At B/C > 0.09, charge reception by B from Mg yields Mg-B interaction. This net charge acceptor role of B renders it electron-rich and does not alter Mg unit cell size significantly. Despite charge donation to both C and B, the Mg charge is <  + 2, resulting in long incubation times (> 5 h) at B/C > 0.09. At B/C≈0.09 the minimal Mg-B interaction renders B a charge donor, resulting in Mg-B repulsion and Mg unit cell expansion. Mg-C peak shift to lower binding energies (C-1s XPS), decreases incubation time to ~ 2.25 h and enhances H-uptake kinetics. Various atomic interactions influence the reduction of incubation time in H-uptake and increase its kinetics in the order: (Mg → C; B → C)B/C≈0.09, B: donor > (Mg → C)B/C=0 > (ternary Mg → B → C)B/C>0.09, B: acceptor.
The efficacy and safety of Favipiravir in treatment of COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Hassanipour Soheil , Arab-Zozani Morteza , Amani Bahman , Heidarzad Forough , Fathalipour Mohammad , Martinez-de-Hoyo Rudolph 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe novel coronavirus outbreak began in late December 2019 and rapidly spread worldwide, critically impacting public health systems. A number of already approved and marketed drugs are being tested for repurposing, including Favipiravir. We aim to investigate the efficacy and safety of Favipiravir in treatment of COVID-19 patients through a systematic review and meta-analysis. This systematic review and meta-analysis were reported in accordance with the PRISMA statement. We registered the protocol in the PROSPERO (CRD42020180032). All clinical trials which addressed the safety and efficacy of Favipiravir in comparison to other control groups for treatment of patients with confirmed infection with SARS-CoV2 were included. We searched electronic databases including LitCovid/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, Cochrane, and Scientific Information Database up to 31 December 2020. We assessed the risk of bias of the included studies using Cochrane Collaboration criteria. All analyses were performed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software version 2, and the risk ratio index was calculated. Egger and Begg test was used for assessing publication bias. Nine studies were included in our meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis revealed a significant clinical improvement in the Favipiravir group versus the control group during seven days after hospitalization (RR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.09–1.41; P = 0.001). Viral clearance was more in 14 days after hospitalization in Favipiravir group than control group, but this finding marginally not significant (RR = 1.11, 95% CI: 0.98–1.25; P = 0.094). Requiring supplemental oxygen therapy in the Favipiravir group was 7% less than the control group, (RR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.67–1.28; P = 0.664). Transferred to ICU and adverse events were not statistically different between two groups. The mortality rate in the Favipiravir group was approximately 30% less than the control group, but this finding not statistically significant. Favipiravir possibly exerted no significant beneficial effect in the term of mortality in the general group of patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. We should consider that perhaps the use of antiviral once the patient has symptoms is too late and this would explain their low efficacy in the clinical setting.
Identification of risk groups for mental disorders, headache and oral behaviors in adults during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Wieckiewicz Mieszko , Danel Dariusz , Pondel Maciej , Smardz Joanna , Martynowicz Helena , Wieczorek Tomasz , Mazur Grzegorz , Pudlo Robert , Wieckiewicz Gniewko 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe dramatically changing situation during COVID-19 pandemic, is anticipated to provoke psycho-emotional disturbances and somatization arising from the current epidemiological situation that will become a significant problem for global and regional healthcare systems. The aim of this study was to identify the predictors, risk factors and factors associated with mental disorders, headache and potentially stress-modulated parafunctional oral behaviors among the adult residents of North America and Europe as indirect health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This may help limit the long-term effects of this and future global pandemic crises. The data were collected from 1642 respondents using an online survey. The results demonstrated increased levels of anxiety, depression, headache and parafunctional oral behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic in both North American and European residents. The results of this study facilitated the definition of the group most predicted to experience the aforementioned secondary effects of the pandemic. This group included females younger than 28.5 years old, especially those who were single, less well educated and living in Europe. In case of this and other global crises this will allow faster defining the most vulnerable groups and providing rapid and more targeted intervention.
Inter-sexual and inter-generation differences in dispersal of a bivoltine butterfly
Authors: Plazio Elisa , Nowicki Piotr 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn organisms with discrete generations such as most insects, life-history traits including dispersal abilities often vary between generations. In particular, density-dependent differences in dispersal of bi- and multivoltine species may be expected because subsequent generations are usually characterized by a drastic increase in individual abundance. We investigated the inter-sexual and inter-generation differences in dispersal of a bivoltine butterfly, Lycaena helle, testing the following hypotheses: (1) male emigration is higher in spring generation, as males are prone to leave their natal habitat patches when the density of mating partners is low; (2) female emigration is higher in summer generation, when it helps to reduce intraspecific competition between offspring. The outcome of our analyses of dispersal parameters showed that females of the summer generation emigrated from their natal patches considerably more often than those of the spring generation, whereas an opposite trend was detected in males. These findings offer a novel perspective for our understanding of the advantages of voltinism for metapopulation functioning. The spring generation dispersal mainly improves the random mating opportunities favoured by the increase in male emigration. In turn, the dispersal of females of the summer generation appears the key to long-term metapopulation persistence.
The association between fluoroquinolones and aortic dissection and aortic aneurysms: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wee Ian , Chin Brian , Syn Nicholas , Lee Keng Siang , Ng Jun Jie , Choong Andrew M. T. L. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPrevious studies have drawn causal associations between fluoroquinolone use and collagen pathologies including tendon rupture and retinopathy. This meta-analysisattempted to assess the association between fluoroquinolone use and the risk of aortic dissection or aortic aneurysm. A systematic search was performed on Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library. 9 studies were included in final analysis. Primary random-effects meta-analysis of 7 studies, excluding 2 pharmacovigilance studies demonstrated statistically increased odds of aortic dissection (OR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.71–3.32) aortic aneurysm (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.59–2.48), and aortic aneurysm or dissection (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.13–1.89; I2 = 72%) with current use of fluoroquinolones compared to their nonuser counterparts. Based on the “number needed-to-harm” analysis, 7246 (95% CI: 4329 to 14,085) patients would need to be treated with fluoroquinolones for a duration of at least three days in order for one additional patient to be harmed, assuming a population baseline incidence of aortic dissection and aneurysm rupture to be 10 per 100,000 patient-years. With strong statistical association, these findings suggest a causal relationship, warranting future research to elucidate the pathophysiological and mechanistic plausibility of this association. These findings however, should not cease prescription of fluoroquinolones, especially when clinically indicated.
Probiotic Aspergillus oryzae produces anti-tumor mediator and exerts anti-tumor effects in pancreatic cancer through the p38 MAPK signaling pathway
Authors: Konishi Hiroaki , Isozaki Shotaro , Kashima Shin , Moriichi Kentaro , Ichikawa Satoshi , Yamamoto Kazuki , Yamamura Chikage , Ando Katsuyoshi , Ueno Nobuhiro , Akutsu Hiroaki , Ogawa Naoki , Fujiya Mikihiro 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIntake of probiotics or fermented food produced by some probiotic bacteria is believed to exert anti-tumor functions in various cancers, including pancreatic cancer, because several studies have demonstrated the anti-tumor effects of probiotic bacteria in vitro and in vivo in animal carcinogenesis models. However, the mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of probiotics on pancreatic cancer have not been clarified. In this study, we assessed the anti-tumor effects of probiotic bacteria against pancreatic cancer cells. Among the known probiotic bacteria, Aspergillus oryzae exhibited a strong pancreatic tumor suppression effect. The culture supernatant of A. oryzae was separated by HPLC. Heptelidic acid was identified as an anti-tumor molecule derived from A. oryzae by LC–MS and NMR analysis. The anti-tumor effect of heptelidic acid was exhibited in vitro and in vivo in a xenograft model of pancreatic cancer cells. The anti-tumor effect of heptelidic acid was exerted by the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. Heptelidic acid traverses the intestinal mucosa and exerts anti-tumor effects on pancreatic cancer cells. This is a novel anti-tumor mechanism induced by beneficial bacteria against pancreatic cancer in which bacterial molecules pass through the intestinal tract, reach the extra-intestinal organs, and then induce apoptosis via an inducible signaling pathway.
Feasible strategies to promote the sensing performances of spinel MCo2O4(M = Ni, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn) based electrochemical sensors: a review
Authors: Gonçalves Josué M. , Rocha Diego P. , Silva Murillo N. T. , Martins Paulo R. , Nossol Edson , Angnes Lúcio , Rout Chandra Sekhar , Munoz Rodrigo A. A. 
Published: May 2021

Electrochemical and gas sensors based on MCo2O4 (M = Ni, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn) materials and their composites have demonstrated relevant advances on the electrochemical sensing, as summarized in this review article.
Intervention Planning for the Tinnitus E-Programme 2.0, an Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Tinnitus
Authors: Greenwell Kate , Sereda Magdalena , Bradbury Katherine , Geraghty Adam W. A. , Coulson Neil S. , Hoare Derek J. 
Published: May 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to comprehensively describe the intervention planning process for the Tinnitus E-Programme 2.0, an Internet-based cognitive behavioral intervention for tinnitus.MethodTheory-, evidence-, and person-based approaches to intervention development were used. In Phase 1, quantitative systematic reviews were used to identify potentially effective intervention techniques and design features. Primary mixed-methods research involving adults with tinnitus explored the acceptability of the first version of the intervention. In Phase 2, person-based guiding principles highlighted key intervention design objectives and features to address needs of the intervention's target group (identified in Phase 1) to maximize its acceptability, feasibility of delivery, and effectiveness. Theory-based “behavioral analysis” and “logic modeling” comprehensively described intervention content and potential mechanisms of action. From this planning work, a prototype intervention was developed.ResultsThe intervention design objectives outlined in the guiding principles were to (a) normalize tinnitus, (b) support users to maintain a regular relaxation practice, (c) minimize the worsening of users' tinnitus sensation, and (d) ensure the intervention is accessible to those with hearing loss. Behavioral analysis and logic modeling identified intervention processes (e.g., illness perceptions, beliefs about consequences, skills, goals) and purported mediators (acceptance of tinnitus, negative thinking, use of the cognitive skills tools for managing negative thoughts, and practicing regular relaxation) hypothesized to facilitate reductions in tinnitus symptom severity.ConclusionsThe guiding principles highlight key design objectives and features to consider when developing interventions for tinnitus. The logic model offers hypothesized mechanisms of action that can be tested in future process analyses.
A low‐loss Ka‐band waveguide to substrate integrated waveguide transition based on ridged stepped‐impedance transformer
Authors: García Pérez J. A. , Goussetis G. , Fan H. , Ding Y. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA low‐loss Ka‐band transition from waveguide to substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) is presented based on ridge waveguide stepped‐impedance transformer. This novel transition can operate across a full Ka‐band (26.5 to 40 GHz) with an insertion loss lower than 0.59 dB and return loss over 14.2 dB. Furthermore, compared to existing transitions the introduction of ridges reduces the metal usage, resulting in weight reduction and offering an encouraging application for weight‐sensitive satellite communications (SatComs).
An LPC pole processing method for enhancing the identification of dominant spectral features
Authors: Xu Jin , Davis Mark , de Fréin Ruairí 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis paper proposes a new time‐resolved spectral analysis method based on a modification to the linear predictive coding (LPC) method for enhancing the identification of the dominant frequencies of a signal. The method described here is based on a z‐plane analysis of the LPC poles. These poles are used to produce a series of reduced order filter transfer functions which can accurately identify and estimate the frequency of the dominant spectral features. The standard LPC method has been shown to suffer from a sensitivity to noise and its performance is dependent on the filter order. The proposed method can accurately identify the dominant frequency components over a range of filter orders and is shown to be robust in the presence of noise. Compared with traditional time‐resolved methods, it is a parameterised method where the identification of the dominant frequency changes can be directly obtained in the form of frequency measurements. In a series of 10,000 Monte Carlo experiments on single component and multiple component signals, this LPC pole processing method outperforms the standard LPC method by accurately identifying the dominant frequency components in the signals.
Probing the structure of a massive filament: ArTéMiS 350 and 450 μm mapping of the integral-shaped filament in Orion A
Authors: Schuller F. , André Ph. , Shimajiri Y. , Zavagno A. , Peretto N. , Arzoumanian D. , Csengeri T. , Könyves V. , Palmeirim P. , Pezzuto S. , Rigby A. , Roussel H. , Ajeddig H. , Dumaye L. , Gallais P. , Le Pennec J. , Martignac J. , Mattern M. , Revéret V. , Rodriguez L. , Talvard M. 
Published: May 2021

Context. The Orion molecular cloud is the closest region of high-mass star formation. It is an ideal target for investigating the detailed structure of massive star-forming filaments at high resolution and the relevance of the filament paradigm for the earliest stages of intermediate- to high-mass star formation.
Aims. Within the Orion A molecular cloud, the integral-shaped filament (ISF) is a prominent, degree-long structure of dense gas and dust with clear signs of recent and ongoing high-mass star formation. Our aim is to characterise the structure of this massive filament at moderately high angular resolution (8′′ or ~0.016 pc) in order to measure the intrinsic width of the main filament, down to scales well below 0.1 pc, which has been identified as the characteristic width of filaments.
Methods. We used the ArTéMiS bolometer camera at APEX to map a ~0.6 × 0.2 deg2 region covering OMC-1, OMC-2, and OMC-3 at 350 and 450 μm. We combined these data with Herschel-SPIRE maps to recover extended emission. The combined Herschel-ArTéMiS maps provide details on the distribution of dense cold material, with a high spatial dynamic range, from our 8′′ resolution up to the transverse angular size of the map, ~10–15′. By combining Herschel and ArTéMiS data at 160, 250, 350, and 450 μm, we constructed high-resolution temperature and H2 column density maps. We extracted radial intensity profiles from the column density map in several representative portions of the ISF, which we fitted with Gaussian and Plummer models to derive their intrinsic widths. We also compared the distribution of material traced by ArTéMiS with that seen in the higher-density tracer N2H+(1–0) that was recently observed with the ALMA interferometer.
Results. All the radial profiles that we extracted show a clear deviation from a Gaussian, with evidence for an inner plateau that had not previously been seen clearly using Herschel-only data. We measure intrinsic half-power widths in the range 0.06–0.11 pc. This is significantly larger than the Gaussian widths measured for fibres seen in N2H+, which probably only traces the dense innermost regions of the large-scale filament. These half-power widths are within a factor of two of the value of ~0.1 pc found for a large sample of nearby filaments in various low-mass star-forming regions, which tends to indicate that the physical conditions governing the fragmentation of pre-stellar cores within transcritical or supercritical filaments are the same over a large range of masses per unit length.