bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soil bacterial community and ecosystem multifunctionality regulated by keystone plant species during secondary succession
Authors: Shang Ruiguang , Li Shuaifeng , Huang Xiaobo , Liu Wande , Lang Xuedong , Xu Chonghua , Su Jianrong 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPlants and soil bacteria exert a vital function in mediating soil ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF). Nevertheless, plant and soil bacteria interaction during forest secondary succession is poorly understood, and their roles in soil EMF remain largely unexplored. The dynamics of soil physicochemical properties and bacterial diversity was studied in southwest China during forest succession from coniferous to monsoon broadleaf evergreen. Interdomain ecological networks (IDEN) were adopted for investigating plant–bacteria associations. With the purpose of assessing how soil factors, bacterial community and plant diversity influenced soil EMF, the structural equation model (SEM) was used. It was discovered that both soil bacterial diversity and soil EMF gradually increased with the succession. IDEN analysis revealed that plant–bacteria ecological networks differed significantly across successional stages. Keystone plant species richness (KSR) increased with succession, which benefited soil bacteria diversity (path coefficient = 0.802, p < 0.001) while having a direct negative impact on pH (path coefficient = −0.602, p < 0.05) and C:N (path coefficient = −0.759, p < 0.001). Soil pH and C:N ratio declines were observed during forest secondary succession and were found to be inversely related to soil EMF. Furthermore, soil pH was found to be inversely related to bacterial diversity. The SEM analysis explained 88.2% of the variation in soil multifunctionality. The findings suggested that keystone plant species played a key function in regulating the variations of soil bacterial community and EMF (total effect = 0.813). Our study clarified the critical functions of keystone species in driving soil bacterial diversity and multifunctionality during forest succession and provided a new perspective on the relationship between above‐ and below‐ground.
Airway management during unusual tracheal stenosis: A clinical feasibility trial
Authors: Altun Demet , Canbaz Mert , Altun Dilek , Sen Cömert , Çamcı Emre 
Published: September 2023

AbstractObjectivesProlonged intubation is a known risk factor of LTS. LTS related to COVID‐19 may result in a different phenotype: pronation affects the location of stenosis and COVID‐19 pneumonia can decline lung mechanics. Therefore, airway management in these patients may carry unique challenges for both anesthesiologists and surgeons.This prospective observational feasibility trial aims to evaluate the use of a novel thin, cuffed, endotracheal tube (Tritube) in combination with flow‐controlled ventilation (FCV) in the management of patients with COVID‐19‐related LTS undergoing laryngeal surgery.Methods20 patients suffering from COVID‐19‐related LTS, as diagnosed by CT, requiring endolaryngeal surgery, with or without CO2 laser, were included. Ultrathin endotracheal tube Tritube, together with FCV was used for airway management and ventilation. Feasibility, ventilation efficiency, and surgical exposure were evaluated.ResultsMedian duration of mechanical ventilation during their ICU stay was 17 days, (range, 7–27), and all patients had been pronated. In 18/20 patients, endoscopic diagnosis confirmed the initial CT diagnosis: posterior subglottic stenosis. Surgeons’ satisfaction on the view was rated 9 out of 10 (range 7–10), where 0 was the worst view and 10 was the best view. Hemodynamic and respiratory variables were within the normal clinical range during the surgical procedure. One patient that had a SpO2 of 90% before induction of anesthesia, a temporal drop to 89%, caused meeting the predefined requirement of “respiratory complication.”ConclusionThis study demonstrates the feasibility of using Tritube with FCV in patients with relatively unusual subglottic posterior location tracheal stenosis, undergoing laryngotracheal surgery. Tritube provides a good surgical field and FCV provides highly adequate ventilation especially in patients with compromised lung mechanics.Level of EvidenceIV, non‐comparitive prospective clinical trial with 20 patients.
Diazotrophy in the Indian Ocean: Current understanding and future perspectives
Authors: Chowdhury Subhadeep , Raes Eric , Hörstmann Cora , Ahmed Ayaz , Ridame Céline , Metzl Nicolas , Bhavya P S , Sato Takuya , Shiozaki Takuhei , Bonnet Sophie , Löscher Carolin R. , Singh Arvind , Benavides Mar 
Published: September 2023

AbstractDinitrogen (N2) fixation provides the major source of reactive nitrogen in the open ocean, sustaining biological productivity. The Indian Ocean (IO) covers 22% of the ocean surface, while it only represents 1% of the global diazotroph database. Hence, constraining the sources of nitrogen in the IO is crucial. Here, we compile three decades of N2 fixation and diazotroph DNA data in the IO. Our analysis reveals basin‐scale yearly rates between ~ 7 and 13 Tg N yr−1. These rates are in the range of previous modeling‐based estimates but may represent a lower bound estimate due to the lack of data in this basin. Diazotroph variability among sub‐basins may suggest endemicity but needs to be taken with caution due to biased sampling toward certain seasons and uneven spatial coverage. We provide recommendations for a more accurate representation of the IO in the global nitrogen budget and our knowledge of diazotroph biogeography.
Therapeutic Potential Evaluation of Silk Sericin Stabilized Fisetin to Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Wang Chunru , Xiang Yingjie , Ma Wenjie , Guo Chuanlong , Wu Xiaochen 
Published: September 2023

AbstractUlcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with a high recurrence rate. Natural phytochemical compounds are increasingly being considered as preventative and supportive treatments for this condition. However, the poor water solubility and stability of many of these compounds limit their effectiveness in vivo. To address this issue, fisetin (FT), a natural phytochemical with poor solubility, is stabilized using silk sericin (SS) to create a composite (SS/FT). The therapeutic potential of the SS/FT on ulcerative colitis is extensively investigated, and the results showed that it effectively alleviated the body weight loss and colon length shortening induced by dextran sulfate sodium. Notably, SS/FT downregulated the immune response, decreased colonic histopathological lesions, and reduced the cGAS/STING signal activation. This suggests that SS/FT may offer a promising therapy for treating ulcerative colitis.
Statistical Copolymers that Mimic Aspects of Mussel Adhesive Proteins: Access to Robust Adhesive‐Domains for Non‐Covalent Surface PEGylation
Authors: Peplau Stefan , Neubert Tilmann J. , Balasubramanian Kannan , Polleux Julien , Börner Hans G. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractReconstructing functional sequence motifs of proteins, using statistical copolymers greatly reduces the information content, but simplifies synthesis significantly. Key amino acid residues involved in the adhesion of mussel foot proteins are identified. The side‐chain functionalities of Dopa, lysine, and arginine are abstracted and incorporated into acrylate monomers to allow controlled radical polymerization. The resulting Dopa‐acrylate (Y*‐acr), arginine‐acrylate (R‐acr), and lysine‐acrylate (K‐acr) monomers are polymerized in different monomer ratios and compositions by reversible addition fragmentation transfer polymerization with a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) macrochain transfer agent. This results in two sets of PEG‐block‐copolymers with statistical mixtures and different monomer ratios of catechol/primary amine and catechol/guanidine side‐chain functionalities, both important pairs for mimicking π‐cation interactions. The coating behavior of these PEG‐block‐copolymers is evaluated using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation energy monitoring (QCM‐D), leading to non‐covalent PEGylation of the substrates with clear compositional optima in the coating stability and antifouling properties. The coatings prevent non‐reversible albumin or serum adsorption, as well as reduce cellular adhesion and fungal spore attachment.
Mechanism Study of the Polymerization of Polyamide 56: Reaction Kinetics and Process Parameters
Authors: Zhao Shikun , Gong Shun , Zhao Biao , Hou Like , Zhang Lurong , Hu Qing , Pan Kai 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPolyamide 56 (PA56) has gained significant attention in the academic field due to its remarkable mechanical and thermal properties as a highly efficient and versatile biobased material. Its superior moisture absorption property also makes it a unique advantage in the realm of fiber textiles. However, despite extensive investigations on PA56's molecular and aggregate state structure, as well as processing modifications, little attention has been paid to its polymerization mechanism. Herein, the influence of temperature and time on PA56's polycondensation reaction is detailed studied by end‐group titration and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. The reaction kinetics equations for the pre‐polymerization and vacuum melt‐polymerization stages of PA56 are established, and possible side reactions during the polycondensation process are analyzed. By optimizing the reaction process based on kinetic characteristics, PA56 resin with superior comprehensive properties (melting temperature of 252.6 °C, degradation temperature of 371.6 °C, and tensile strength of 75 MPa) is obtained. The findings provide theoretical support for the industrial production of high‐quality biobased PA56.
Settlements in the presence of leniency programs: Costs and benefits
Authors: Strathearn Matthew , Chen Zhiqi , Ross Thomas W. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractOver the last few decades, leniency programs have become important components of anti‐cartel policies in many jurisdictions. An extensive literature shows how such programs can destabilize cartels and even discourage their formation in the first place. Much less studied are settlement policies under which reduced fines are offered to settling parties late in the prosecution (when the probability of conviction is high). In particular, there has been little attention paid to the interaction of leniency and settlement policies. This paper examines whether the availability of late‐stage settlements could negatively impact the effectiveness of early‐stage leniency programs. Our main finding is that an appropriately designed settlement program can make collusion more difficult: In equilibrium, the adoption of an optimal settlement program by the Antitrust Authority reduces the occurrence of cartels by decreasing the long‐run gain from collusion. However, an overly generous settlement policy may undermine leniency programs and encourage the formation of more cartels.
The Impact of Sex‐Specific Survival on the Incidence of Dementia in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Fink Anne , Dodel Richard , Georges Daniela , Doblhammer Gabriele 
Published: September 2023

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of our study is to analyze sex‐specific patterns of Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) incidence. We are investigating the extent to which sex differences in survival after initial Parkinson's disease (PD) diagnosis influence differences in PDD risk among PD patients.MethodsWe used a random sample of German longitudinal health claims data of persons ages 50+ (2004–2019; n = 250,000) and identified new PD cases ages 65+ who were followed‐up for a PDD diagnosis or death between 2006 and 2017. We performed Cox and competing‐risk regression models, with death as competing event, to calculate PDD hazard ratios (HR) adjusted for age at PD onset, PD severity as measured by the modified Hoehn and Yahr (HY) scale, comorbidities, and medications.ResultsOf 2195 new PD cases, 602 people died before PDD and 750 people developed PDD by the end of 2017. The adjusted risk of PDD differs by sex, with men having a higher PDD risk than women. When accounting for death, men and women do not differ in their PDD risk (HR = 1.02, P = 0.770). Sex‐specific analyses showed significant age and severity effects in women (age: HR = 1.05, P < 0.001; HY 3–5 vs. 0–2.5: HR = 1.46, P = 0.011), but not in men.ConclusionOlder age at first PD diagnosis and higher disease severity increase PDD risk, but this association is attenuated for PD men when controlling for death. This implies that the most frail PD men die rapidly before receiving a dementia diagnosis, whereas women with PD survive at higher rates, regardless of their age at onset and disease severity. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Clinical analysis of Gabriele‐de Vries caused by YY1 mutations and literature review
Authors: Yang Jingjing , Yu Chaonan , Lyn Nan , Liu Lei , Li Dongxiao , Shang Qing 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundGabriele‐de Vries syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disease characterized by global development delay/intellectual disability, delayed language development, feeding difficulties, and distinctive facial dysmorphism. It is caused by pathogenic variants in YY1.MethodsThe current report describes a female patient with motor delay and a facial dysmorphism phenotype. We identified pathogenic mutations in the patient by whole‐exome sequencing and confirmed them by Sanger sequencing.ResultsA novel heterozygous frameshift mutation NM_003403.5:c.458_476del (p. V153fs*97) in the YY1 gene was detected in the proband. Finally, we provide a case‐based review of the clinical features associated with Gabriele‐de Vries syndrome. A total of 28 patients with genetic abnormalities and clinical phenotypes have been reported in the literature thus far.ConclusionsThe mutation site is reported for the first time, and its discovery would expand the mutation spectrum of the YY1 gene. The main clinical manifestations of Gabriele‐de Vries syndrome are developmental delay/intellectual disability, craniofacial dysplasia, intrauterine growth delay, low birth weight, feeding difficulties, and rare congenital malformations. Genetic tests are crucial techniques for its diagnosis because of its nonspecific clinical manifestations.
The Potential Effects of Isoleucine Restricted Diet on Cognitive Impairment in High‐Fat‐Induced Obese Mice via Gut Microbiota–Brain Axis
Authors: Wang Yuli , Rong Xue , Guan Hui , Ouyang Fangxin , Zhou Xing , Li Feng , Tan Xintong , Li Dapeng 
Published: September 2023

ScopeObesity induced by high‐fat diet (HFD) can cause lipid metabolism disorders and cognitive impairment. Isoleucine restriction can effectively alleviate lipid metabolism disorders caused by HFD but the underlying mechanisms on cognition are unknown.Methods and resultsThirty 3‐month‐old C57BL/6J mice are divided equally into the following groups: the control group, HFD group, and HFD Low Ile group (67% reduction in isoleucine in high fat feeds). Feeding for 11 weeks with behavioral testing, which shows that isoleucine restriction attenuates HFD‐induced cognitive dysfunction. As observed by staining, isoleucine restriction inhibits HFD‐induced neuronal damage and microglia activation. Furthermore, isoleucine restriction significantly increases the relative abundance of gut microbiota, decreases the proportion ofProteobacteria, and reduces the levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in serum and brain. Isoleucine restriction reduces protein expression of TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB signaling pathway and inhibits upregulation of proinflammatory cytokine genes and protein expression in mice brain. In addition, isoleucine restriction significantly improves insulin resistance in the brain as well as synaptic plasticity impairment.ConclusionIsoleucine restriction may be a potential intervention to reduce HFD‐induced cognitive impairment by altering gut microbiota, reducing neuroinflammation, insulin resistance, and improving synaptic plasticity in mice brain.
Anti‐Inflammatory Effects and Macrophage Activation Induced by Bioavailable Cinnamon Polyphenols in Mice
Authors: Song Youngju , Jung Young Sung , Park Sunghyun , Park Hong Shik , Lee Se Jung , Maeng Sungho , Kim Hocheol , Kim Dae‐Ok , Park Kye Won , Kang Hee 
Published: September 2023

ScopeCinnamon is a commonly used spice and herb that is rich in polyphenols. Due to the limited bioavailability of oral polyphenols, it remains unclear to which extent they can reach cells and exert a biological effect. This study aims to investigate the impact of bioavailable cinnamon polyphenols on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated macrophages.Methods and resultsA polyphenol fraction is prepared from cinnamon (Cinnamomi ramulus) (CRPF) by boiling cinnamon in water and adsorbing the extract onto a hydrophobic resin. Mice are orally administered CRPF for 7 days and then subjected to three independent experiments: endotoxemia, serum collection, and macrophage isolation. Upon intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide challenge, CRPF decreases serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, involving suppression of liver and spleen macrophages. When normal macrophages are cultured in serum obtained from CRPF‐treated mice, they exhibit an anti‐inflammatory phenotype. However, macrophages from CRPF‐treated mice show an increased production of inflammatory cytokines when cultured in fetal bovine serum and stimulated with LPS.ConclusionThe study provides evidence for the presence of bioavailable cinnamon polyphenols with anti‐inflammatory properties and macrophage activation. These findings suggest that cinnamon polyphenols have the potential to modulate macrophage function, which could have implications for reducing inflammation and improving immune function.
Preparation and characterization of polyhydroxyamide composite fibers reinforced with carbon nanotubes—Experiment and computation collaborative approach
Authors: Jee Min Ho , Yeo Moon Jin , Jang Seung Soon , Baik Doo Hyun 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAn experiment‐computation collaborative approach is conducted to investigate and understand the mechanical reinforcement effect of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on polyhydroxyamide (PHA) composite fibers. The experimental studies provide results of PHA composite fibers with enhanced mechanical properties based on well‐dispersed multi‐walled CNTs (MWCNTs) inside the PHA matrix, suggesting optimal conditions for the experiment‐computation collaborative approach in the polymer/CNT composite systems. For instance, adding MWCNTs up to 2.0 wt% results in an improvement of 48.0% in tensile strength, 36.7% in initial modulus, and 69.9% in breaking strain of the composite fibers. FE‐SEM images show that many MWCNTs are partially exposed or pulled out to the outside of the PHA matrix through the tensile fracture in a very homogeneous dispersion state. In addition, the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation study with a single‐walled CNT (SWCNT) exhibits that the overall displacements of PHA molecules near the CNT surface decrease gradually, which indicates that the PHA molecules form an effective interaction with the CNT. Therefore, it is clear that the excellent interaction between PHA and CNTs, obtained from the results of well‐dispersed CNTs (experiment) and the reduction of the overall displacement of PHA molecules near the CNT surface (computation), is a very important clue to support the improved mechanical characteristics of the PHA fibers reinforced with the CNTs. Moreover, we are confident that the combined experimental‐computational approach used this study will yield valuable insights into the design of composite systems.Highlights
Experiment‐computation collaboration reveals enhanced mechanical properties of PHA composite fibers with well‐dispersed CNTs.
Addition of MWCNTs up to 2.0 wt% improves tensile strength by 48.0%, initial modulus by 36.7%, and breaking strain by 69.9%.
FE‐SEM images demonstrate homogeneous dispersion and partial exposure of MWCNTs in the fractured PHA matrix.
MD simulation shows reduced displacements of PHA molecules near SWCNT surface, indicating effective interaction.
Combined experimental‐computational approach offers valuable insights for designing composite systems.
Lung proliferation is dependent on the duration not the timepoint of tracheal occlusion in nitrofen rats with diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Beck Veronika , Froyen Guy , Deckx Sebastiaan , Sandaite Inga , Deprest Thomas , Plevoets Koen , Deprest Jan A. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractObjectivePrenatal tracheal occlusion (TO) promotes lung growth and is applied clinically in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Limited data are available regarding the effect of duration versus timepoint of TO. Our objective was to document the impact of TO on lung development in the near‐term period in rats with nitrofen‐induced CDH.MethodNitrofen was administered on embryonic day (ED)9 and fetal TO was performed on ED18.5, 19, or 20 (term = ED22). Sham‐operated and untouched littermates served as controls. Lungs were harvested in 0.5‐day steps and only fetuses with a left‐sided CDH were included in further analyses. Healthy fetuses provided a reference for normal near‐term lung development.ResultsDuration of TO in the nitrofen rat model for CDH predicts lung growth in terms of lung‐body‐weight ratio as well as an increased mRNA level of the proliferation marker Ki67. Longer TO also induced a more complex airway architecture. The timepoint of TO was not predictive of lung growth.ConclusionIn the nitrofen rat model of CDH, a longer period of TO leads to enhanced lung growth and more refined airway architecture.
Preparation of a water‐absorbent mesoporous material and film to simulate the infrared spectrum of plants
Authors: Zhang Siqi , Zhang Jianjun , Zhang Yue , Ma Sude 
Published: September 2023

AbstractHyperspectral imaging poses great challenges to traditional camouflage materials, primarily because there is a huge difference between the reflectance spectra of camouflage materials and natural plants in the 1400–2000 nm band. The difficulty of simulating the natural plant spectrum lies in reproducing the absorption peak of water by increasing the water content in a camouflage material. Herein, a mesoporous (MS) material is used to simulate the plant spectrum because such material can absorb and retain a large amount of water. MS was prepared via a two‐step method using tetraethyl orthosilicate and tetrabutyl titanate. The characteristics of the as‐prepared MS were examined via X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet–visible diffusion reflectance spectroscopy and nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms. In addition, a film was prepared using the fully absorbent mesoporous material, and the water content was determined via near‐infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The bonding between the mesoporous material and resin was examined via field emission gun scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties of the film were measured by a pendulum hardness tester and a cylindrical bending tester. The results indicate that low‐temperature synthesis followed by high‐temperature hydrothermal treatment is conducive to expanding the mesopore aperture, reaching a maximum of 23 nm. Moreover, the regular structure of the as‐prepared titanium‐containing mesoporous material is maintained under high hydrothermal temperature. The mesoporous film exhibits a good water absorption capacity of up to 80% by mass and can effectively simulate the spectrum of plants. The mechanical properties of the film are good, and the hardness of the film is related to the content of mesoporous powder. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.