bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Imaging human engrams using 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Willems Tom , Henke Katharina 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe investigation of the physical traces of memories (engrams) has made significant progress in the last decade due to optogenetics and fluorescent cell tagging applied in rodents. Engram cells were identified. The ablation of engram cells led to the loss of the associated memory, silent memories were reactivated, and artificial memories were implanted in the brain. Human engram research lags behind engram research in rodents due to methodological and ethical constraints. However, advances in multivariate analysis techniques of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data and machine learning algorithms allowed the identification of stable engram patterns in humans. In addition, MRI scanners with an ultrahigh field strength of 7 Tesla (T) have left their prototype state and became more common around the world to assist human engram research. Although most engram research in humans is still being performed with a field strength of 3T, fMRI at 7T will push engram research. Here, we summarize the current state and findings of human engram research and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of applying 7 versus 3T fMRI to image human memory traces.
Influence of seasonal vegetation dynamics on hydrological connectivity in tropical drylands
Authors: Souza Jonas , Hooke Janet 
Published: November 2021

AbstractSeasonally dry forests in tropical regions show over 300% inter‐annual biomass variability that directly affects the runoff and erosion dynamics. However, biomass fluctuation is mostly overlooked in hydrosedimentological analysis, including in connectivity analysis. The aim of this paper is to understand how the dryland vegetation seasonality in Brazilian drylands affects the potential runoff and sediment connectivity using the Index of Connectivity (stream and outlet targets). Two main analytical steps were used to identify the influence of dry forest biomass fluctuation on connectivity: Creation of vegetation scenarios based on the relationship between rainfall patterns and NDVI fluctuations (Landsat images); Identification of the effect of the vegetation scenarios on Index of Connectivity. The method was applied to a 90 km2 watershed in NE Brazil, creating a daily vegetation classification using five vegetation scenarios related to rainfall parameters, with average NDVI values from 0.18 during very dry scenarios (<20 mm of antecedent rainfall) to 0.62 in very wet scenario (>500 mm of antecedent rainfall). The primary connectivity behaviour is controlled by a continuous connectivity decrease, reaching 32%, related to increase of humidity and vegetation biomass. At the same time, due to rainfall irregularity, high magnitude rainfall events can occur even during very dry scenarios, when the watershed shows very high potential connectivity. It indicates that connectivity in runoff‐dominated regions is temporally variable due to the highly seasonal vegetation and variable incidence of intense rainstorms.
Comparative extraction study of grape pomace bioactive compounds by submerged and solid‐state fermentation
Authors: Amaya‐Chantaca Daisy , Flores‐Gallegos Adriana C , Iliná Anna , Aguilar Cristóbal N , Sepúlveda‐Torre Leonardo , Ascacio‐Vadlés Juan A , Chávez‐González Mónica L 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDAbout 75% of the total grape production worldwide is destined for wine production. Many agro‐industrial wastes are derived from the various stages of wine production that are not usually used. The present study explores grape pomace from the winemaking industry as a fermentation substrate for the extraction of phenolic compounds through two fermentation systems, submerged and solid‐state fermentation, using Aspergillus niger GH1 as a biological model.RESULTSBoth fermentation systems showed polyphenolic compounds release. The highest values for polyphenol content extraction were through solid‐state fermentation without supplementation with 2.262 g L−1 of hydrolysable tannins (HT) and 3.684 g L−1 of condensates tannins (CT). For submerged fermentation, however, the best results were obtained in the non‐supplemented medium obtaining 0.182 g L−1 of HT and 0.198 g L−1 of CT. A kinetic fermentation under the best fermentation conditions was carried out. The enzymatic activities associated with the extractive process were demonstrated (tannase, ellagitannase, β‐glucosidase, xylanase, and α‐L‐arabinofuranosidase). Among the main compounds identified were hydroxycinnamic acids, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, catechins, hydroxybenzoic acids, and flavonols.CONCLUSIONGrape pomace constitutes a nutrient‐rich material that can be used as a fermentation substrate to extract bioactive compounds. A. niger GH1 was shown to be able to synthesize hydrolytic enzymes capable of degrading grape pomace to release polyphenolic compounds. This study reveals the effectiveness of both types of fermentation and the influence of fermentation parameters on the recovery of polyphenols and on the mechanisms involved in these bioprocesses, which stand out for being eco‐friendly alternatives for the recovery of compounds of industrial interest. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Zwitterionic polymers in drug delivery: A review
Authors: Harijan Manjeet , Singh Meenakshi 
Published: November 2021

AbstractDevelopments of novel drug delivery vehicles are sought‐after to augment the therapeutic effectiveness of standard drugs. An urgency to design novel drug delivery vehicles that are sustainable, biocompatible, have minimized cytotoxicity, no immunogenicity, high stability, long circulation time, and are capable of averting recognition by the immune system is perceived. In this pursuit for an ideal candidate for drug delivery vehicles, zwitterionic materials have come up as fulfilling almost all these expectations. This comprehensive review is presenting the progress made by zwitterionic polymeric architectures as prospective sustainable drug delivery vehicles. Zwitterionic polymers with varied architecture such as appending protein conjugates, nanoparticles, surface coatings, liposomes, hydrogels, etc, used to fabricate drug delivery vehicles are reviewed here. A brief introduction of zwitterionic polymers and their application as reliable drug delivery vehicles, such as zwitterionic polymer–protein conjugates, zwitterionic polymer‐based drug nanocarriers, and stimulus‐responsive zwitterionic polymers are discussed in this discourse. The prospects shown by zwitterionic architecture suggest the tremendous potential for them in this domain. This critical review will encourage the researchers working in this area and boost the development and commercialization of such devices to benefit the healthcare fraternity.
Cryoballoon ablation of the left atrial posterior wall reduces recurrence of persistent atrial fibrillation in patients with non‐paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Authors: Shigeta Takatoshi , Yamauchi Yasuteru , Sagawa Yuichiro , Oda Atsuhito , Tachibana Shinichi , Sudo Koji , Nakamura Rena , Okishige Kaoru , Goya Masahiko , Sasano Tetsuo 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to clarify the clinical outcomes of cryoballoon ablation of the left atrial (LA) posterior wall (LAPW), including the LA roof, in patients with non‐paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF).MethodsWe analyzed the outcomes of 284 patients with non‐paroxysmal AF, of whom 210 underwent the cryoballoon ablation of the LAPW, including the LA roof, in addition to pulmonary vein isolation with a cryoballoon.ResultsComplete conduction block at the LA roof was obtained in 95.7% (201/210) of patients, and LAPW was isolated in 83.3% (130/156) of patients. Over 372 (range, 208–477) days of follow‐up, atrial arrhythmia recurrence was observed in 84 (29.6%) patients, and atrial tachycardia (AT) recurrence accounted for 27.4% of cases. The prevalence of LA roof cryoballoon ablation was significantly higher in patients without recurrence than in those with recurrence (78.6% vs. 63.1%, respectively; p = .01), especially those with persistent AF recurrence (77.0% vs. 55.0%, p = .01). No significant difference was found in the prevalence of AT recurrence between patients who had undergone additional LAPW ablation and those who had not. Durable LA roof lesions were confirmed in 29 (72.5%) of 40 patients who underwent redo ablation.ConclusionsCryoballoon ablation of the LAPW leads to a sufficient acute success rate of complete conduction block and durable lesions of the LA roof without increasing AT recurrence risk. The prevalence of persistent AF recurrence decreases after additional cryoballoon ablation of the LAPW in patients with non‐paroxysmal AF.
Quantification of gold nanoparticle photon radiosensitization from direct and indirect effects using a complete human genome single cell model based on Geant4
Authors: Zhao Xiandong , Liu Ruirui , Zhao Tianyu , Reynoso Francisco J. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the radiosensitization properties of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and better understand the intricate deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage induction mechanisms involved in GNP‐aided radiotherapy, a single cell model with complete human genome based on the Geant4 Monte Carlo toolkit was applied.Materials and methodsA Geant4‐DNA model was implemented to simulate direct and indirect DNA damage generated in the physical and chemical stages. In the physical stage, a mixed‐physics approach was taken by using Geant4‐DNA in water and Livermore in gold. Water radiolysis was created posteriorly in the physicochemical and chemical stages to simulate indirect damage from reactions between DNA molecules and OH• radicals. A mono‐energetic photon beam (100 keV) and two clinical photon sources (250‐kVp, 6‐MV flattening‐filter free) were simulated for modeling the irradiation of a single cell with or without GNPs. In order to study the effects of GNP size on radiosensitization, 15, 30, and 100 nm GNPs were simulated. The effects of intracellular distribution were simulated using 90‐nm GNPs with different characteristics of distribution within the cell. The time dependence of DNA damage enhancement was also studied with chemistry stage simulation end‐time no larger than 10 ns.ResultsDouble strand break (DSB) enhancement due to direct and indirect action was quantified under different scenarios. Under realistic cellular uptake condition, the 100‐nm GNPs had the most significant increase in DSBs: 40.9% and 28.5% for 100 keV and 250‐kVp photon irradiation, respectively. The intracellular localization showed differing levels of radiosensitization with a maximum of 64%, 27%, and 6% DSB enhancements for 100 keV, 250‐kVp, and 6‐MV respectively, when 90‐nm GNPs congregate around the nucleus.ConclusionThe results indicate that photon energy, GNP size, and intracellular distribution play an important role in the enhancement of DSB from direct and indirect damage under scenarios close to cell experiments. The radiosensitization effects due to indirect damage are significant and should be considered carefully.
Safety and efficacy of an injectable nerve‐specific hydrogel in a rodent crush injury model
Authors: Prest Travis A. , Meder Tyler J. , Skillen Clint D. , Marchal Lucile , Soletti Lorenzo , Gardner Paul A. , Cheetham Jonathan , Brown Bryan N. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIntroduction/AimsWhile the peripheral nervous system has the inherent ability to recover following injury, results are often unsatisfactory, resulting in permanent functional deficits and disability. Therefore, methods that enhance regeneration are of significant interest. The present study investigates an injectable nerve‐tissue‐specific hydrogel as a biomaterial for nerve regeneration in a rat nerve crush model.MethodsNerve‐specific hydrogels were injected into the subepineurial space in both uninjured and crushed sciatic nerves of rats to assess safety and efficacy, respectively. The animals were followed longitudinally for 12 wk using sciatic functional index and kinematic measures. At 12 wk, electrophysiologic examination was also performed, followed by nerve and muscle histologic assessment.ResultsWhen the hydrogel was injected into an uninjured nerve, no differences in sciatic functional index, kinematic function, or axon counts were observed. A slight reduction in muscle fiber diameter was observed in the hydrogel‐injected animals, but overall muscle area and kinematic function were not affected. Hydrogel injection following nerve crush injury resulted in multiple modest improvements in sciatic functional index and kinematic function with an earlier return to normal function observed in the hydrogel treated animals as compared to untreated controls. While no improvements in supramaximal compound motor action potential were observed in hydrogel treated animals, increased axon counts were observed on histologic assessment.DiscussionThese improvements in functional and histologic outcomes in a rapidly and fully recovering model suggest that injection of a nerve‐specific hydrogel is safe and has the potential to improve outcomes following nerve injury.
Utilization trend of gastric acid‐suppressing agents in relation to analgesics
Authors: Kirmizi Neriman Ipek , Aydin Volkan , Akici Ahmet 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundControversies exist about excessive use of gastric acid‐suppressing agents or lack of adequate indications, especially when co‐prescribed with analgesics for gastroprotection. We aimed to analyze the nationwide trend of gastric acid‐suppressing agents and analgesics.MethodsWe obtained nationwide consumption data of analgesics (nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs], opioids, others) and gastric acid‐suppressing agents (proton pump inhibitors [PPI] and histamine‐2 receptor antagonists [H2RAs]) between years of 2014–2018 from IQVIA Turkey. Drug utilization was measured by defined daily dose (DDD)/1000 inhabitants/day (DID) unit. Drug sales data were further used to test the correlation of PPIs and H2RAs to analgesics.ResultsDuring the study period, analgesic utilization increased from 65.7 to 67.4 DID. NSAIDs constituted 82.7%–84.9% of all analgesic utilization. The consumption of NSAIDs increased by 3.1%, and the most commonly consumed analgesic was diclofenac (18.5 ± 1.5 DID), constituting 25.4%–29.0% of all analgesics. PPI utilization was found to regularly raise from 52.1 DID in 2014 to 72.0 DID in 2018 with an overall increment of 38.2%. Use of H2RAs was found to increase from 11.4 DID in 2014 to 14.0 DID in 2018. The physician visit‐adjusted utilization of both antirheumatic NSAIDs and non‐antirheumatic analgesics showed significantly moderate‐strong positive correlations with PPIs (r: 0.63, 0.48–0.76 and r: 0.63, 0.47–0.75, respectively) and H2RAs (r: 0.61, 0.44–0.73 and r: 0.57, 0.41–0.71, respectively).ConclusionThe utilization trend exhibited a dramatic increase of the gastric acid‐suppressing agents ‐more pronounced for PPIs, with a modest increase in analgesics. Excessive utilization of PPIs does not seem to imply a tendency toward only NSAID‐related gastroprotection.
Interfacial Covalent Bonding Endowing Ti3C2‐Sb2S3 Composites High Sodium Storage Performance
Authors: Wang Hui , Song Xiaolan , Lv Miao , Jin Shengming , Xu Jianlong , Kong Xiaodong , Li Xingyun , Liu Zhiliang , Chang Xinghua , Sun Wei , Zheng Jie , Li Xingguo 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAntimony sulﬁde is attracting enormous attention due to its remarkable theoretical capacity as anode for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). However, it still suffers from poor structural stability and sluggish reaction kinetics. Constructing covalent chemical linkage to anchor antimony sulﬁde on two‐dimension conductive materials is an effective strategy to conquer the challenges. Herein, Ti3C2‐Sb2S3 composites are successfully achieved with monodispersed Sb2S3 uniformly pinned on the surface of Ti3C2Tx MXene through covalent bonding of Ti‐O‐Sb and S‐Ti. Ti3C2Tx MXene serves as both charge storage contributor and flexible conductive buffer to sustain the structural integrity of the electrode. Systematic analysis indicates that construction of efficient interfacial chemical linkage could bridge the physical gap between Sb2S3 nanoparticles and Ti3C2Tx MXene, thus promoting the interfacial charge transfer efficiency. Furthermore, the interfacial covalent bonding could also effectively confine Sb2S3 nanoparticles and the corresponding reduced products on the surface of Ti3C2Tx MXene. Benefited from the unique structure, Ti3C2‐Sb2S3 anode delivers a high reversible capacity of 475 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 after 300 cycles, even retaining 410 mAh g−1 at 1.0 A g−1 after 500 cycles. This strategy is expected to shed more light on interfacial chemical linkage towards rational design of advanced materials for SIBs.
Interfacial Assembly of Nanowire Arrays toward Carbonaceous Mesoporous Nanorods and Superstructures
Authors: Xie Lei , Liu Jinrong , Bao Xiaobing , Chen Jiadong , Zheng Xiaozhong , He Yanjun , Zhang Wei , Zeng Jie , Wang Yong , Kong Biao 
Published: November 2021

AbstractSynthesis of anisotropic carbonaceous nano‐ and micro‐materials with well‐ordered mesoporous structures has attracted increasing attention for a broad scope of applications. Although hard‐templating method has been widely employed, overcoming the viscous forces to prepare anisotropic mesoporous materials is particularly challenging via the universal soft‐templating method, especially from sustainable biomass as a carbon resource. Herein, the synthesis of biomass‐derived nanowire‐arrays based mesoporous nanorods and teeth‐like superstructures is reported, through a simple and straightforward polyelectrolyte assisted soft‐templating hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) approach. A surface energy induced interfacial assembly mechanism with the synergetic interactions between micelles, nanowire, nanorods, and polyelectrolyte is proposed. The polyelectrolyte acts not only as a stabilizer to decrease the surface energy of cylindrical micelles, nanowires and nanorods, but also as a structure‐directing agent to regulate the oriented attachment and anisotropic assembly of micelles, nanowires, and nanorods. After a calcination treatment, the carbon nanorod and teeth‐like superstructure are successfully coupled with Ru to directly produce supported catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction, exhibiting much better performance than the isotropic nanospheres based catalyst. This HTC approach will open up new avenues for the synthesis of anisotropic materials with various morphologies and dimensions, expanding the palette of materials selection for many applications.
Revisiting definition and assessment of intestinal trans-epithelial passage
Authors: Ilchmann-Diounou Hanna , Buleon Marie , Bacquie Valérie , Theodorou Vassilia , Denis Colette , Menard Sandrine 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis study aims to remind that Intestinal Passage (IP) measurement is a complex task that cannot be achieved by a unique measure of an orally given exogenous marker in blood or urine. This will be illustrated in the case of NOD mice. Indeed, various methods have been proposed to measure IP. Among them ex vivo measurement in Ussing chambers of luminal to serosal fluxes of exogenous markers and in vivo measurement of exogenous markers in blood or urine after oral gavage are the more commonly used. Even though they are commonly used indifferently, they do not give the same information and can provide contradictory results. Published data showed that diabetic status in female Non Obese Diabetic (NOD) mice increased FD4 concentration in blood after gavage but did not modify FD4 fluxes in Ussing chamber. We observed the same results in our experimental conditions and tracked FD4 concentrations in blood over a kinetic study (Area Under the Curve—AUC). In vivo measurements are a dynamic process and address not only absorption (IP and intestinal surface) but also distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME). Diabetic status in NOD mice was associated with an increase of intestinal length (absorptive surface), itself positively correlated with AUC of FD4 in blood. We concluded that increased intestinal length induced by diabetic status will extend the absorptive surface and increase FD4 concentration in plasma (in vivo measurement) despite no modification on IP of FD4 (ex vivo measurement). In addition, this study characterized intestinal function in diabetic NOD mice. Diabetic status in NOD female mice increases intestinal length and decreases paracellular IP (FSS) without affecting transcellular IP (HRP, FD4). Histological studies of small and large intestine did not show any modification of intestinal circumference nor villi and crypt size. Finally, diabetic status was not associated with intestinal inflammation (ELISA).
Anterior cruciate ligament autograft maturation on sequential postoperative MRI is not correlated with clinical outcome and anterior knee stability
Authors: Lutz Patricia M. , Achtnich Andrea , Schütte Vincent , Woertler Klaus , Imhoff Andreas B. , Willinger Lukas 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal intensity is correlated to structural postoperative changes of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) autograft. The purpose of this study was to investigate the ACL autograft maturation process via MRI over 2 years postoperatively, compare it to a native ACL signal and correlate the results with clinical outcome, return to preinjury sports levels, and knee laxity measurements.

Methods
ACL autograft signal intensity was measured in 17 male patients (age, 28.3 ± 7.0 years) who underwent ACL reconstruction with hamstring autograft at 6 weeks, 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24 months postoperatively by 3 Tesla MRI. Controls with an intact ACL served as control group (22 males, 8 females; age, 26.7 ± 6.8 years). An ACL/PCL ratio (APR) and ACL/muscle ratio (AMR) was calculated to normalize signals to soft tissue signal. APR and AMR were compared across time and to native ACL signal. Clinical outcome scores (IKDC, Lysholm), return to preinjury sports levels (Tegner activity scale), and knee laxity measurement (KT-1000) were obtained and correlated to APR and AMR at the respective time points.

Results
The APR and AMR of the ACL graft changed significantly from the lowest values at 6 weeks to reach the highest intensity after 6 months (p < 0.001). Then, the APR and AMR were significantly different from a native ACL 6 months after surgery (p < 0.01) but approached the APR and AMR of the native ACL at 1- and 2 years after surgery (p < 0.05). The APR changed significantly during the first 2 years postoperatively in the proximal (p < 0.001), mid-substance (p < 0.001), and distal (p < 0.01) intraarticular portion of the ACL autograft. A hypo-intense ACL MRI signal was associated with return to the preinjury sports level (p < 0.05). No correlation was found between ACL MRI graft signal and clinical outcome scores or KT-1000 measurements.

Conclusion
ACL grafts undergo a continuous maturation process in the first 2 years after surgery. The ACL graft signals became hyper-intense 6 months postoperatively and approximated the signal of a native intact ACL at 12- and 24 months. Patients with a hypo-intense ACL graft signal at 2 years follow-up were more likely to return to preinjury sports levels. The results of the present study provide a template for monitoring the normal ACL maturation process via MRI in case of prolonged clinical symptoms. However, subjective outcome and clinical examination of knee laxity remain important to assess the treatment success and to allow to return to sports.

Level of evidence
III.