bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nepetin Acts as a Multi‐Targeting Inhibitor of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases Relevant to Insulin Resistance
Authors: Yoon Sun‐Young , Ahn Dohee , Kim Jae kwan , Seo Seung‐Oh , Chung Sang J. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractProtein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) are essential modulators of signal transduction pathways and has been implicated in many human diseases such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, autoimmune disorders, and neurological diseases, indicating that PTPs are next‐generation drug targets. Since PTPN1, PTPN2, and PTPN11 have been reported to be negative regulators of insulin action, the identification of PTP inhibitors may be an effective strategy to develop therapeutic agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In this study, we observed for the first time that nepetin inhibits the catalytic activity of PTPN1, PTPN2, and PTPN11 in vitro, indicating that nepetin acts as a multi‐targeting inhibitor of PTPN1, PTPN2, and PTPN11. Furthermore, treatment of mature 3T3‐L1 adipocytes with 20 μM nepetin stimulates glucose uptake through AMPK activation. Taken together, our findings provide evidence that nepetin, a multi‐targeting inhibitor of PTPN1, PTPN2, and PTPN11, could be a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Structures of the Human SPAK and OSR1 Conserved C‐Terminal (CCT) Domains**
Authors: Elvers Karen T. , Lipka‐Lloyd Magdalena , Trueman Rebecca C. , Bax Benjamin D. , Mehellou Youcef 
Published: November 2021

AbstractSTE20/SPS1‐related proline/alanine‐rich kinase (SPAK) and oxidative stress responsive 1 (OSR1) kinase are two serine/threonine protein kinases that regulate the function of ion co‐transporters through phosphorylation. The highly conserved C‐terminal (CCT) domains of SPAK and OSR1 bind to RFx[V/I] peptide sequences from their upstream ‘With No Lysine Kinases (WNKs), facilitating their activation via phosphorylation. Thus, the inhibition of SPAK and OSR1 binding, via their CCT domains, to WNK kinases is a plausible strategy for inhibiting SPAK and OSR1 kinases. To facilitate structure‐guided drug design of such inhibitors, we expressed and purified human SPAK and OSR1 CCT domains and solved their crystal structures. Interestingly, these crystal structures show a highly conserved primary pocket adjacent to a flexible secondary pocket. We also employed a biophysical strategy and determined the affinity of SPAK and OSR1 CCT domains to short peptides derived from WNK4 and NKCC1. Together, this work provides a platform that facilitates the design of CCT domain specific small molecule binders that inhibit SPAK‐ and OSR1‐activation by WNK kinases, and these could be useful in treating hypertension and ischemic stroke.
Reduction of CO2 by Photoelectrochemical Process Using Non‐Oxide Two‐Dimensional Nanomaterials – A Review
Authors: Ferreira de Brito Juliana , Corradini Patricia Gon , Silva Anelisse Brunca , Mascaro Lucia Helena 
Published: November 2021

AbstractDue to their catalytic characteristics, including highly accessible active sites, excellent charge separation properties, great capability for adsorption of CO2 and H2O due to abundant surface defects, and adjustable electronic features, non‐oxide two‐dimensional nanomaterials have received great attention in areas like water splitting and carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction. There are diverse non‐oxide 2D semiconductors reported in literature, among them this review inspects closely the two‐dimensional transition‐metal dichalcogenides (TMDC), MXene materials, graphitic carbon nitride catalysts, metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), and the heterojunctions of those. This investigation is expected to stimulate new research to improve the design and possible applications of 2D materials by strategies that involve controlling the structural, optical, and electronic properties impacting the catalysts’ activity, selectivity, and stability for successful application in the CO2 reduction or other catalytic reactions.
No silver bullet? Snow leopard prey selection in Mt. Kangchenjunga, Nepal
Authors: Thapa Kamal , Schmitt Natalie , Pradhan Narendra M. B. , Acharya Hem Raj , Rayamajhi Santosh 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the impact of domestic and wild prey availability on snow leopard prey preference in the Kangchenjunga Conservation Area of eastern Nepal—a region where small domestic livestock are absent and small wild ungulate prey are present. We took a comprehensive approach that combined fecal genetic sampling, macro‐ and microscopic analyses of snow leopard diets, and direct observation of blue sheep and livestock in the KCA. Out of the collected 88 putative snow leopard scat samples from 140 transects (290 km) in 27 (4 × 4 km2) sampling grid cells, 73 (83%) were confirmed to be from snow leopard. The genetic analysis accounted for 19 individual snow leopards (10 males and 9 females), with a mean population size estimate of 24 (95% CI: 19–29) and an average density of 3.9 snow leopards/100 km2within 609 km2. The total available prey biomass of blue sheep and yak was estimated at 355,236 kg (505 kg yak/km2and 78 kg blue sheep/km2). From the available prey biomass, we estimated snow leopards consumed 7% annually, which comprised wild prey (49%), domestic livestock (45%), and 6% unidentified items. The estimated 47,736 kg blue sheep biomass gives a snow leopard‐to‐blue sheep ratio of 1:59 on a weight basis. The high preference of snow leopard to domestic livestock appears to be influenced by a much smaller available biomass of wild prey than in other regions of Nepal (e.g., 78 kg/km2in the KCA compared with a range of 200–300 kg/km2in other regions of Nepal). Along with livestock insurance scheme improvement, there needs to be a focus on improved livestock guarding, predator‐proof corrals as well as engaging and educating local people to be citizen scientists on the importance of snow leopard conservation, involving them in long‐term monitoring programs and promotion of ecotourism.
Lung ultrasound in outpatients with heart failure: the wet‐to‐dry HF study
Authors: Domingo Mar , Lupón Josep , Girerd Nicolas , Conangla Laura , de Antonio Marta , Moliner Pedro , Santiago‐Vacas Evelyn , Codina Pau , Cediel German , Spitaleri Giosafat , González Beatriz , Diaz Violeta , Rivas Carmen , Velayos Patricia , Núñez Julio , Bayes‐Genís Antoni 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAimsIn ambulatory patients with chronic heart failure (HF), congestion and decongestion assessment may be challenging. The aim of this study is to assess the value of lung ultrasound (LUS) in outpatients with HF in characterizing decompensation and recompensation, and in outcomes prediction.Methods and resultsHeart failure outpatients attended to establish HF decompensation were included. LUS was blindly performed at baseline (LUS1) and at clinical recompensation (LUS2). B‐lines were counted in eight scanned areas. Diagnosis of no HF decompensation vs. right‐sided, left‐sided, or global HF decompensation, and patients' management were performed by physicians blinded to LUS1. Outcome was the composite of all‐cause death or HF‐related hospitalization. Two hundred and thirty‐three suspicions of HF decompensation were included in 187 patients (71.4 ± 11.3 years, 66.8% men). Mean B‐line (LUS1) was 17.6 ± 11.2 vs. 3.7 ± 4.5 for episodes with and without HF decompensation, respectively (P < 0.001). Global HF decompensation showed the highest number of B‐lines (20.6 ± 11), followed by left‐sided (19.7 ± 11.6) and right‐sided (13.5 ± 9.8). B‐lines declined to 6.9 ± 6.7 (LUS2) (P < 0.001 vs. LUS1) after treatment, within a mean time of 24.2 ± 23.7 days [median 13.5 days (interquartile range 6–40)]. B‐lines were significantly associated with the composite endpoint at 30 days (hazard ratio [HR] 1.04 [95% confidence interval 1.01–1.07], P = 0.02), but not at 60 (P = 0.22) or 180 days (P = 0.54). In multivariable analysis, B‐line number remained as an independent predictor of the composite endpoint at 30 days, [HR 1.04 (1.01–1.07), P = 0.014], with a 4% increase risk per B‐line added. B‐lines correlated significantly with CA125 (R = 0.30, P = 0.001).ConclusionsLung ultrasound supports the diagnostic work‐up of congestion and decongestion in chronic HF outpatients and identifies patients at high risk of short‐term events.
Newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation and hospital utilization in heart failure: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Vinter Nicklas , Cordsen Pia , Lip Gregory Y.H. , Benjamin Emelia J. , Trinquart Ludovic , Johnsen Søren Paaske , Frost Lars 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAimsAtrial fibrillation (AF) constitutes a major burden to health services, but the importance of incident AF in patients with heart failure (HF) is unclear. We examined the associations between incident AF and hospital utilization in patients with HF.Methods and resultsIn a nationwide matched‐cohort study of HF patients, we identified patients diagnosed with incident AF between 2008 and 2018 in the Danish Heart Failure Registry (N = 4463), and we compared them to matched referents without AF (N = 17 802). Incident AF was associated with a multivariable‐adjusted 4.8‐fold increase (95% CI 4.1–5.6) and 4.3‐fold increase (95% CI 3.9–4.8) in the cumulative incidence of inpatient and outpatient contacts within 30 days, respectively. At 1 year, the cumulative incidence ratios were 1.8 (95% CI 1.7–1.9) and 1.4 (95% CI 1.4–1.5). Incident AF was also associated with increases in the total numbers of inpatient and outpatient hospital contacts within 30 days (multivariable‐adjusted rate ratio 1.4, 95% CI 1.4–1.5, and 1.6, 95% CI 1.6–1.7, respectively). At 1 year, the ratios were 2.2 (95% CI 2.1–2.3) and 2.0 (95% CI 1.9–2.1). The multivariable‐adjusted proportion of bed‐day use among HF patients with incident AF was 10.9‐fold (95% CI 9.3–12.9) higher at 30 days and 5.3‐fold (95% CI 4.3–6.4) higher at 1 year compared with AF‐free referents.ConclusionsIncident AF in HF is associated with earlier hospital contact, more hospital contacts, and more hospital bed‐days. More evidence on interventions that may prevent the risk and subsequent burden of AF in HF is urgently needed.
Sex differences regulate immune responses in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ryan Lucy , Mills Kingston H. G. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractMS is an autoimmune disease of the CNS that afflicts over 2.5 million people worldwide. There are striking sex differences in the susceptibility to and progression of this disease in humans. Females are twice as likely to develop MS than males, whereas disease progression and disability is more rapid in males compared with females; however, the latter is still controversial. There is growing evidence, mainly from animal models, that innate and adaptive immune responses are different in males and females, and that this can influence the outcome of a range of diseases including infection, cancer, and autoimmunity. Since MS is an immune‐mediated disease, sex differences in pathogenic immune responses may account for some of the differences in susceptibility to and progression seen in men versus women. Indeed, data from the mouse model of MS, EAE, have already provided some evidence that female mice have earlier disease onset associated with stronger Th17 responses. This review will discuss the possible immunological basis of sex differences in susceptibility and disease outcome in EAE and MS and how a better understanding of sex differences in the responses to disease‐modifying therapies may lead to improved patient treatment.
An electronic textile embedded smart cementitious composite
Authors: Irfan Muhammad S. , Ali Muhammad A. , Khan Kamran A. , Umer Rehan , Kanellopoulos Antonios , Abdul Samad Yarjan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractStructural health monitoring (SHM) using self‐sensing cement‐based materials has been reported before, where nano‐fillers have been incorporated in cementitious matrices as functional sensing elements. A percolation threshold is always required in order for conductive nano‐fillers modified concrete to be useful for SHM. Nonetheless, the best pressure/strain sensitivity results achieved for any self‐sensing cementitious matrix are <0.01 MPa−1. In this work, we introduce for the first‐time novel partially reduced graphene oxide based electronic textile (e‐textile) embedded in plain and as well as in polymer‐binder‐modified cementitious matrix for SHM applications. These e‐textile embedded cementitious composites are independent of any percolation threshold due to the interconnected fabric inside the host matrix. The piezo‐resistive response was measured by applying direct and cyclic compressive loads (ranging from 0.10 to 3.90 MPa). A pressure sensitivity of 1.50 MPa−1 and an ultra‐high gauge factor of 2000 was obtained for the system of the self‐sensing cementitious structure with embedded e‐textiles. The sensitivity of this new system with embedded e‐textile is an order of magnitude higher than the state‐of‐the‐art nanoparticle based self‐sensing cementitious composites. The composites showed mechanical stability and functional durability over long‐term cyclic compression tests of 1000 cycles. Additionally, a two time‐constant model was used to validate the experimental results on decay response of the e‐textile embedded composites.
Biodiesel production from camelina oil: Present status and future perspectives
Authors: Stamenković Olivera S. , Gautam Kshipra , Singla‐Pareek Sneh L. , Dhankher Om P. , Djalović Ivica G. , Kostić Milan D. , Mitrović Petar M. , Pareek Ashwani , Veljković Vlada B. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractCamelina sativa (L.) Crantz is an oilseed crop with favorable potentials for biodiesel production, such as the high plant yield, high oil content in the seed, high net energy ratio, and low oil production cost. This review paper deals with the present state and perspectives of biodiesel production from camelina oil. First, important issues of camelina seed pretreatment and biodiesel production are reviewed. Emphasis is given to different biodiesel technologies that have been used so far worldwide, the economic assessment of the camelina oil biodiesel (COB) production, the camelina‐based biorefineries for the integrated biodiesel production, the COB life cycle analysis, and impact human health and ecosystem. Finally, the perspectives of COB production from the techno‐economic and especially genetic engineering points of view are discussed.
Market uncertainty and sentiment around USDA announcements
Authors: Cao An N. Q. , Robe Michel A. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractWe investigate forward‐looking commodity price volatility expectations (proxied by option‐implied volatilities or IVols) around scheduled US Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports. We show that corn and soybean IVols are significantly lower for several trading days after a report. The IVol response to a release depends on agricultural market experts' disagreement and sentiment before the USDA report, and on the extent to which the USDA information surprises the market. Whereas commodity IVols are generally positively related to financial‐market sentiment and macroeconomic uncertainty (jointly captured by the volatility index [VIX]), this comovement breaks down on report days—with the VIX and commodity IVols moving in opposite directions.
Keteniminium Induced Dienone‐Phenol Rearrangement and Intramolecular 6‐endo‐dig Cyclization Cascade of Yne‐Dienone
Authors: Mallick Rajendra K. , Dutta Shubham , Protim Gogoi Manash , Sahoo Akhila K. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractDemonstrated herein is a keteniminium triggered dienone‐phenol rearrangement of yne‐dienone and a regioselective intramolecular 6‐endo‐dig cyclization of aryl‐propargyl ether cascade for the synthesis of 2H‐chromene bearing ketene‐N,O‐acetals. The gold‐catalyst and ynamide combination forms a keteniminium species in situ and makes the dienone‐phenol rearrangement viable with 1,2‐migration of common alkyl substituents (methyl and ethyl) and phenyl group. The transformation tolerates common functional groups and N‐sulfonyl protecting groups in ynamides exhibiting broad scope. The transformation proceeds through intramolecular proton transfer to the vinylic gold species; deuterium scrambling study supports this observation.
Effects of repeated blood donation on iron status of blood donors in Zimbabwe: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Vhanda Donald , Chinowaita Frank , Nkomo Sisodwa , Timire Collins , Kouamou Vinie 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIntroductionIron deficiency is a major complication of repeated blood donation. However, most of the blood screening methods employed by blood collection agents do not include iron status markers, leading to possible subclinical iron deficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of repeated blood donation on the iron status of this vulnerable population in Zimbabwe.MethodsAll donors were categorized into groups based on number of donations made in the previous 2‐year period prior to enrolment into the study. Serum iron, total iron‐binding capacity (TIBC), and ferritin were analyzed on automated chemistry analyzers while transferrin saturation (TSAT) was calculated. The Wilcoxon rank‐sum and ANOVA tests were used to assess the variation of iron profiles by gender and frequency of donations. All data analysis was performed using Stata software v13.ResultsStudy participants included 170 repeat donors and 20 first‐time blood donors. The median (IQR) age was 23 (19‐27) years, while the majority were males 57% (n = 109/190). The overall prevalence of iron deficiency and reduced iron stores was 12.6% and 38.9%, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between males and females in all the iron status parameters (P < .05). TIBC increased with number of donations, while iron, ferritin, and TSAT decreased with increased number of donations.ConclusionA high proportion of blood donors had iron deficiency despite being eligible to donate. Repeated blood donation may lead to substantial reduction in iron stores among blood donors. Inclusion of iron biochemical markers may enhance proper screening and monitoring of blood donors in Zimbabwe to prevent development of iron deficiency anemia.
Respiratory syncytial virus‐associated deaths in the United States according to death certificate data, 2005 to 2016
Authors: Prill Mila M. , Langley Gayle E. , Winn Amber , Gerber Susan I. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackground and AimsIn the United States, respiratory infections due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cause an estimated 57 000 hospitalizations annually among children aged <5 years and 177 000 hospitalizations among adults aged ≥65 years. RSV‐associated deaths are less well described. It will be important to establish a baseline of RSV‐coded deaths prior to the introduction of vaccines, immunoprophylaxis products, and anti‐viral therapies currently in development.MethodsUS death certificate data for all ages from 2005 through 2016 were compiled through the National Center for Health Statistics. Deaths with International Classification of Diseases codes of J12.1 (RSV‐pneumonia), J20.5 (RSV‐bronchitis), or J21.0 (RSV‐bronchiolitis) assigned as either the underlying cause of death or a contributing cause of death were considered “RSV‐associated” for this analysis.ResultsAmong 30.5 million deaths, 1001 (.003%) were assigned an RSV‐associated cause of death as follows: 697 (69.6%) RSV‐pneumonia, 277 (27.7%) RSV‐bronchiolitis, 17 (1.7%) RSV‐bronchitis, and 10 (1.0%) with multiple RSV‐associated causes. Most deaths were among children <5 (47.8%) and adults ≥50 (40.4%) years of age. Almost half (46.8%) had an RSV‐associated cause as the primary underlying cause of death. The average annual number of RSV‐associated deaths did not significantly change among those aged <5 and 5 to 49 years. However, RSV‐pneumonia deaths among adults aged ≥50 years increased from 17.6 in 2005 to 2012 to 57.3 in 2013 to 2016 (P value <.0001).ConclusionsFrom 2005 to 2016, the number of recorded RSV‐associated deaths increased, primarily due to greater RSV‐associated pneumonia deaths among older adults since 2013. The reasons for this increase are not clear but likely reflect increased testing for RSV among adults. The number of RSV‐associated deaths according to death certificates compared with estimates derived from active, laboratory‐confirmed surveillance and models using hospital administrative data suggests that counts from death certificates are a large underestimation, particularly among adults.
Visualizing minute details in light‐sheet and confocal microscopy data by combining 3D rolling ball filtering and deconvolution
Authors: Becker Klaus , Saghafi Saiedeh , Pende Marko , Hahn Christian , Dodt Hans Ulrich 
Published: November 2021

AbstractWe developed an open‐source deconvolution software that stunningly increases the visibility of minute details, as for example, neurons or nerve fibers in light‐sheet microscopy or confocal microscopy data by combining rolling ball background subtraction in three directions with deconvolution using a synthetic or measured point spread function. Via automatic block‐wise processing image stacks of virtually unlimited size can be deconvolved even on small computers with 8 or 16 GB RAM. By parallelization and optional GPU‐acceleration, the software works with high speed: On a PC equipped with a state‐of‐the‐art NVidia graphic board a three dimensional (3D)‐stack of about 1 billion voxels can be deconvolved within 5 to 10 minutes. The implemented variation of the Richardson‐Lucy deconvolution algorithm preserves the photogrammetry of the image data by using flux‐preserving regularization, an approach that to our knowledge has not been applied for deconvolving microscopy data before.
Choline chloride modulates learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity impairments in maternally separated adolescent male rats
Authors: Shahraki Sarieh , Esmaeilpour Khadijeh , Shabani Mohammad , Sepehri Gholamreza , Rajizadeh Mohammad Amin , Maneshian Marzieh , Joushi Sara , Sheibani Vahid 
Published: November 2021

AbstractMaternal separation (MS) is a model to induce permanent alternations in the central nervous system (CNS) and is associated with increased levels of anxiety and cognitive deficiencies. Since methyl donor choline (Ch) has been shown to play a significant role in learning and memory and enhance synaptic plasticity, the authors hypothesized that Ch may attenuate MS‐induced impairments in synaptic plasticity and cognitive performance. Rat pups underwent an MS protocol for 180 min/day from postnatal day (PND) 1 to 21. Ch was administered subcutaneously (100 mg/kg, 21 days) to the choline chloride and MS + choline chloride groups from PND 29 to 49. Anxiety‐like behaviour, recognition memory, and spatial and passive avoidance learning and memory were measured in the adolescent rats. In addition, evoked field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSP) were recorded from the CA1 region of the hippocampus. MS induced higher anxiety‐like behaviour in the animals. It also impaired learning and memory. However, MS had no effect on locomotor activity. Subcutaneous administration of Ch attenuated MS‐induced cognitive deficits and enhanced the learning and memory of MS rats. Ch also decreased anxiety‐like behaviour in the open‐field test. The present results showed that long‐term potentiation (LTP) was induced in all groups except MS and MS + saline animals. However, Ch injection induced LTP and had maintenance in MS + choline chloride, but it was not statistically significant compared with the MS group. In summary, the present findings indicate that MS can interfere with normal animal's cognition and subcutaneous of Ch may be considered an appropriate therapeutic strategy for promoting cognitive dysfunctions in MS animals.