bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide siRNA screening reveals several host receptors for the binding of human gut commensal Bifidobacterium bifidum
Authors: Kainulainen Veera , von Schantz-Fant Carina , Kovanen Ruusu-Maria , Potdar Swapnil , Laamanen Karoliina , Saarela Jani , Satokari Reetta 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBifidobacterium spp. are abundant gut commensals, especially in breast-fed infants. Bifidobacteria are associated with many health-promoting effects including maintenance of epithelial barrier and integrity as well as immunomodulation. However, the protective mechanisms of bifidobacteria on intestinal epithelium at molecular level are poorly understood. In this study, we developed a high-throughput in vitro screening assay to explore binding receptors of intestinal epithelial cells for Bifidobacterium bifidum. Short interfering RNAs (siRNA) were used to silence expression of each gene in the Caco-2 cell line one by one. The screen yielded four cell surface proteins, SERPINB3, LGICZ1, PKD1 and PAQR6, which were identified as potential receptors as the siRNA knock-down of their expression decreased adhesion of B. bifidum to the cell line repeatedly during the three rounds of siRNA screening. Furthermore, blocking of these host cell proteins by specific antibodies decreased the binding of B. bifidum significantly to Caco-2 and HT29 cell lines. All these molecules are located on the surface of epithelial cells and three out of four, SERPINB3, PKD1 and PAQR6, are involved in the regulation of cellular processes related to proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis as well as inflammation and immunity. Our results provide leads to the first steps in the mechanistic cascade of B. bifidum-host interactions leading to regulatory effects in the epithelium and may partly explain how this commensal bacterium is able to promote intestinal homeostasis.
Electrochemical characterization and degradation of carbon fibre reinforced polymer in quiescent near neutral chloride media
Authors: Ofoegbu Stanley Udochukwu , Quevedo Marcela C. , Bastos A. C. , Ferreira M. G. S. , Zheludkevich M. L. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn a quest for a better understanding of the mechanism and contribution(s) of fresh (“un-degraded”) and degraded CFRP surfaces to galvanic corrosion of coupled metals in multi-material assemblies the electrochemical behaviour of CFRP in quiescent 50 mM NaCl was studied using electrochemical techniques. Tests using ferricyanide/ferrocyanide redox couple revealed a quasi-reversible behaviour. Under cathodic polarization, CFRP is active electrochemically evidenced by the increase in pH (to pH ≥ 10). Galvanic current densities and potentials for Al-CFRP couple comprised of freshly polished CFRP sample ranged from 15–25 µA cm−2 and ≈−660 to −850 mVSCE respectively, while the corresponding parameter for Al-CFRP couple comprised of degraded CFRP were in the range 10–25 µA cm−2 and ≈−670 to −900 mVSCE. Contrary to expectations, CFRP prior exposure to degradative high pH media before galvanic coupling did not result in an increase in the intensity of galvanic corrosion of the coupled metal.
Genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic profiles of hiPSC-derived dopamine neurons from clinically discordant brothers with identical PRKN deletions
Authors: Cukier Holly N. , Kim Hyunjin , Griswold Anthony J. , Codreanu Simona G. , Prince Lisa M. , Sherrod Stacy D. , McLean John A. , Dykxhoorn Derek M. , Ess Kevin C. , Hedera Peter , Bowman Aaron B. , Neely M. Diana 
Published: June 2022

AbstractWe previously reported on two brothers who carry identical compound heterozygousPRKNmutations yet present with significantly different Parkinson’s Disease (PD) clinical phenotypes. Juvenile cases demonstrate that PD is not necessarily an aging-associated disease. Indeed, evidence for a developmental component to PD pathogenesis is accumulating. Thus, we hypothesized that the presence of additional genetic modifiers, including genetic loci relevant to mesencephalic dopamine neuron development, could potentially contribute to the different clinical manifestations of the two brothers. We differentiated human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived from the two brothers into mesencephalic neural precursor cells and early postmitotic dopaminergic neurons and performed wholeexome sequencing and transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. No significant differences in the expression of canonical dopamine neuron differentiation markers were observed. Yet our transcriptomic analysis revealed a significant downregulation of the expression of three neurodevelopmentally relevant cell adhesion molecules,CNTN6,CNTN4andCHL1, in the cultures of the more severely affected brother. In addition, severalHLAgenes, known to play a role in neurodevelopment, were differentially regulated. The expression ofEN2, a transcription factor crucial for mesencephalic dopamine neuron development, was also differentially regulated. We further identified differences in cellular processes relevant to dopamine metabolism. Lastly, wholeexome sequencing, transcriptomics and metabolomics data all revealed differences in glutathione (GSH) homeostasis, the dysregulation of which has been previously associated with PD. In summary, we identified genetic differences which could potentially, at least partially, contribute to the discordant clinical PD presentation of the two brothers.
STN-DBS does not increase the risk of sialorrhea in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Bove Francesco , Genovese Danilo , Petracca Martina , Tufo Tommaso , Pisani Danila , Lo Monaco Maria Rita , Bentivoglio Anna Rita , Calabresi Paolo , Piano Carla 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe aims of this study were to assess the incidence rate and risk factors for sialorrhea in the long-term follow-up in a cohort of 132 patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease [88 with deep brain stimulation (DBS) and 44 on medical treatment]. The incidence rate of sialorrhea did not differ between the two groups; male sex, Hoehn and Yahr stage and dysphagia resulted risk factors for sialorrhea. These findings indicate that DBS does not increase the risk of developing sialorrhea.
Structural insights into dsRNA processing by Drosophila Dicer-2–Loqs-PD
Authors: Su Shichen , Wang Jia , Deng Ting , Yuan Xun , He Jinqiu , Liu Nan , Li Xiaomin , Huang Ying , Wang Hong-Wei , Ma Jinbiao 
Published: June 2022

AbstractSmall interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are the key components for RNA interference (RNAi), a conserved RNA-silencing mechanism in many eukaryotes1,2. In Drosophila, an RNase III enzyme Dicer-2 (Dcr-2), aided by its cofactor Loquacious-PD (Loqs-PD), has an important role in generating 21 bp siRNA duplexes from long double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs)3,4. ATP hydrolysis by the helicase domain of Dcr-2 is critical to the successful processing of a long dsRNA into consecutive siRNA duplexes5,6. Here we report the cryo-electron microscopy structures of Dcr-2–Loqs-PD in the apo state and in multiple states in which it is processing a 50 bp dsRNA substrate. The structures elucidated interactions between Dcr-2 and Loqs-PD, and substantial conformational changes of Dcr-2 during a dsRNA-processing cycle. The N-terminal helicase and domain of unknown function 283 (DUF283) domains undergo conformational changes after initial dsRNA binding, forming an ATP-binding pocket and a 5′-phosphate-binding pocket. The overall conformation of Dcr-2–Loqs-PD is relatively rigid during translocating along the dsRNA in the presence of ATP, whereas the interactions between the DUF283 and RIIIDb domains prevent non-specific cleavage during translocation by blocking the access of dsRNA to the RNase active centre. Additional ATP-dependent conformational changes are required to form an active dicing state and precisely cleave the dsRNA into a 21 bp siRNA duplex as confirmed by the structure in the post-dicing state. Collectively, this study revealed the molecular mechanism for the full cycle of ATP-dependent dsRNA processing by Dcr-2–Loqs-PD.
High spatial and temporal variability in Antarctic ice discharge linked to ice shelf buttressing and bed geometry
Authors: Miles Bertie W. J. , Stokes Chris R. , Jamieson Stewart S. R. , Jordan Jim R. , Gudmundsson G. Hilmar , Jenkins Adrian 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAntarctica’s contribution to global mean sea level rise has been driven by an increase in ice discharge into the oceans. The rate of change and the mechanisms that drive variability in ice discharge are therefore important to consider in the context of projected future warming. Here, we report observations of both decadal trends and inter-annual variability in ice discharge across the Antarctic Ice Sheet at a variety of spatial scales that range from large drainage basins to individual outlet glacier catchments. Overall, we find a 37 ± 11 Gt year−1 increase in discharge between 1999 and 2010, but a much smaller increase of 4 ± 8 Gt year−1 between 2010 and 2018. Furthermore, comparisons reveal that neighbouring outlet glaciers can behave synchronously, but others show opposing trends, despite their close proximity. We link this spatial and temporal variability to changes in ice shelf buttressing and the modulating effect of local glacier geometry.
The disruption of elective procedures due to COVID-19 in Brazil in 2020
Authors: Frio Gustavo Saraiva , Russo Letícia Xander , de Albuquerque Cleandro Pires , da Mota Licia Maria Henrique , Barros-Areal Adriana Ferreira , Oliveira Andréa Pedrosa Ribeiro Alves , Firmino-Machado João , da Silva Everton Nunes 
Published: June 2022

AbstractElective procedures were temporarily suspended several times over the course of the pandemic of COVID-19. Monthly data from the Unified Health System (SUS) were used for the period between January 2008 and December 2020 and the interrupted time series method was used to estimate the effect of the pandemic on the number of elective surgeries and elective procedures that were not performed. Considering a 9-month period, a reduction of 46% in the number of elective procedures carried out in the SUS could be attributed to COVID-19, corresponding to about 828,429 elective procedures cancelled, ranging from 549,921 to 1,106,936. To a full recovery of pre-pandemic performance, SUS would need to increase about 21,362 hospital beds, ranging from 12,370 to 36,392 hospital beds during a 6 month-period. This effort would represent an increase of 8.48% (ranging from 4.91 to 14.45%) in relation to the total number of SUS’s hospital beds in 2019. As a result, the pandemic will leave a large number of elective procedures to be carried out, which will require efforts by health agencies to meet this demand.
Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled proof-of-concept trial of resveratrol for outpatient treatment of mild coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Authors: McCreary Marvin R. , Schnell Patrick M. , Rhoda Dale A. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractResveratrol is a polyphenol that has been well studied and has demonstrated anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties that might mitigate the effects of COVID-19. Outpatients (N = 105) were recruited from central Ohio in late 2020. Participants were randomly assigned to receive placebo or resveratrol. Both groups received a single dose of Vitamin D3 which was used as an adjunct. The primary outcome measure was hospitalization within 21 days of symptom onset; secondary measures were ER visits, incidence of pneumonia, and incidence of pulmonary embolism. Five patients chose not to participate after randomization. Twenty-one-day outcome was determined of all one hundred participants (mean [SD] age 55.6 [8.8] years; 61% female). There were no clinically significant adverse events attributed to resveratrol. Outpatients in this phase 2 study treated with resveratrol had a lower incidence compared to placebo of: hospitalization (2% vs. 6%, RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.04–3.10), COVID-19 related ER visits (8% vs. 14%, RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.18–1.83), and pneumonia (8% vs. 16%, RR 0.5, 95% CI 0.16–1.55). One patient (2%) in each group developed pulmonary embolism (RR 1.00, 95% CI: 0.06–15.55). This underpowered study was limited by small sample size and low incidence of primary adverse events consequently the results are statistically similar between treatment arms. A larger trial could determine efficacy.Trial Registrations: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04400890 26/05/2020; FDA IND #150033 05/05/2020.
The cheetah optimizer: a nature-inspired metaheuristic algorithm for large-scale optimization problems
Authors: Akbari Mohammad Amin , Zare Mohsen , Azizipanah-abarghooee Rasoul , Mirjalili Seyedali , Deriche Mohamed 
Published: June 2022

AbstractMotivated by the hunting strategies of cheetahs, this paper proposes a nature-inspired algorithm called the cheetah optimizer (CO). Cheetahs generally utilize three main strategies for hunting prey, i.e., searching, sitting-and-waiting, and attacking. These strategies are adopted in this work. Additionally, the leave the pray and go back home strategy is also incorporated in the hunting process to improve the proposed framework's population diversification, convergence performance, and robustness. We perform intensive testing over 14 shifted-rotated CEC-2005 benchmark functions to evaluate the performance of the proposed CO in comparison to state-of-the-art algorithms. Moreover, to test the power of the proposed CO algorithm over large-scale optimization problems, the CEC2010 and the CEC2013 benchmarks are considered. The proposed algorithm is also tested in solving one of the well-known and complex engineering problems, i.e., the economic load dispatch problem. For all considered problems, the results are shown to outperform those obtained using other conventional and improved algorithms. The simulation results demonstrate that the CO algorithm can successfully solve large-scale and challenging optimization problems and offers a significant advantage over different standards and improved and hybrid existing algorithms. Note that the source code of the CO algorithm is publicly available athttps://www.optim-app.com/projects/co.
Altered ocular microvasculature in patients with systemic sclerosis and very early disease of systemic sclerosis using optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Mihailovic Nataša , Lahme Larissa , Braasch Sonja , Rosenberger Friederike , Eter Nicole , Ehrchen Jan , Alnawaiseh Maged 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe vascular hypothesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) would predict microvascular alterations should also affect anatomical regions like ocular microvasculature. The objective of this study was to evaluate retinal and choriocapillary vessel density (VD) in patients with definite SSc and very early disease of systemic sclerosis (VEDOSS) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). 22 eyes of 22 patients and 22 eyes of 22 healthy subjects were included in this study. Patients were classified into patients with definite SSc and patients with VEDOSS. VD data of the superficial OCT angiogram (OCTA-SCP), deep OCT angiogram (OCTA-DCP) and choriocapillaris (OCTA-CC) were analysed. VD in the OCTA-SCP and OCTA-CC was lower in patients with SSc (p < 0.05). In VEDOSS patients, VD in the OCTA-CC was still reduced compared to controls (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between nailfold capillaroscopy and VD of OCTA-CC (Spearman correlation coefficient (rSp) 0.456, p < 0.05) and a negative correlation between skin score and VD of OCTA-SCP (p < 0.05). Ocular perfusion seems to be impaired in patients with SSc and even VEDOSS. VD correlated with disease severity. OCTA could be a new useful diagnostic and predictive parameter for monitoring patients with different stages of the disease.
Lean non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (Lean-NAFLD) and the development of metabolic syndrome: a retrospective study
Authors: Wang Wenting , Ren Jianping , Zhou Wenzhao , Huang Jinyu , Wu Guomin , Yang Fenfang , Yuan Shuang , Fang Juan , Liu Jing , Jin Yao , Qi Haiyang , Miao Yuyang , Le Yanna , Ge Cenhong , Qiu Xiantao , Wang JinJing , Huang Ping , Liu Zixin , Wang Sheng 
Published: June 2022

AbstractLean NAFLD is a special phenotypic closely correlated with metabolic syndrome (MS). The aim of this study is to investigate the MS development and the gender differences in lean NAFLD population. Participants were divided into 4 groups by BMI and NAFLD status. Descriptive analysis was performed to characterize baseline information. A total of 18,395 subjects were participated, and 1524 incident cases of MS were documented. Then, Kaplan–Meier curves were used to present the MS outcomes in different groups, and the NAFLD was found to be a riskier factor than obesity for MS. Subgroup analysis showed significantly higher MS incidence in female than male among lean NAFLD group, which is different from other groups. Although with higher prevalence in male, lean NAFLD seems to be a more harmful phenotype for females according to the TG, ALT and GGT levels. The logistic regressive analysis was performed to show the impact of NAFLD status and BMI changes on MS risk. Lean non-NAFLD subjects merely developed to NAFLD with no BMI status changes exhibited highest MS risk (ORs = 1.879, 95% CI 1.610–2.292) than that with both BMI increase and NAFLD development (ORs = 1.669, 95% CI 1.325–2.104). It also suggests the metabolic specificity of this population.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of the Mg–Gd–Zn alloy prepared by sintering of rapidly-solidified ribbons
Authors: Luo Wenbo , Guo Yanke , Xue Zhiyong , Han Xiuzhu , Kong Qinke , Mu Minghao , Zhang Gaolong , Mao Weimin , Ren Yu 
Published: June 2022

AbstractMg–15Gd–1Zn (wt.%) alloy was successfully prepared via the spark plasma sintering rapid solidification ribbons process. Microstructure investigation showed that the sintered alloys consisted of fine grains, the β1 phase, and long-perioded stacking ordered phase (LPSO). The sintering temperature and time have a significant effect on the microstructural evolution. A lower sintering temperature (430 °C ) was beneficial for obtaining finer grain sizes with less than 5 μm and a higher content of β1 phase with a content of 3–15 vol.% and a size-distribution of (10–600) nm. A higher temperature for a longer sintering time, 450–470 °C and 5–10 min, helpfully promoted precipitating the abundantly lamellar LPSO phase, and its content was 2–10 vol.% for LPSO phase with the width of (10–100) nm. The mechanical properties indicated that the fine grain size and supersaturated solid solution contributed at least 50% of the yield stress, and the residual contribution was related to the β1 phase and LPSO phase strengthening, which were based on their contents and the sizes.
Enhanced propagation of Granulicatella adiacens from human oral microbiota by hyaluronan
Authors: Yabuuchi Shun , Oiki Sayoko , Minami Shuma , Takase Ryuichi , Watanabe Daisuke , Hashimoto Wataru 
Published: June 2022

AbstractHost determinants for formation/composition of human oral microbiota remain to be clarified, although microorganisms entering the mouth cannot necessarily colonize the oral environment. Here we show that human oral-abundant bacteria degraded host glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in saliva and gingiva, and certain bacteria significantly grew on hyaluronan (HA), a kind of GAGs. Microbial communities from teeth or gingiva of healthy donors assimilated HA. Metagenomic analysis of human oral microbiota under different carbon sources revealed HA-driven Granulicatella growth. HA-degrading bacterial strains independently isolated from teeth and gingiva were identified as Granulicatella adiacens producing extracellular 130 kDa polysaccharide lyase as a HA-degrading enzyme encoded in a peculiar GAG genetic cluster containing genes for isomerase KduI and dehydrogenase DhuD. These findings demonstrated that GAGs are one of the host determinants for formation/composition of oral microbiota not only for colonization but also for the adaptation to the host niche. Especially, HA enhanced the G. adiacens propagation.
A method for AI assisted human interpretation of neonatal EEG
Authors: Gomez-Quintana Sergi , O’Shea Alison , Factor Andreea , Popovici Emanuel , Temko Andriy 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe study proposes a novel method to empower healthcare professionals to interact and leverage AI decision support in an intuitive manner using auditory senses. The method’s suitability is assessed through acoustic detection of the presence of neonatal seizures in electroencephalography (EEG). Neurophysiologists use EEG recordings to identify seizures visually. However, neurophysiological expertise is expensive and not available 24/7, even in tertiary hospitals. Other neonatal and pediatric medical professionals (nurses, doctors, etc.) can make erroneous interpretations of highly complex EEG signals. While artificial intelligence (AI) has been widely used to provide objective decision support for EEG analysis, AI decisions are not always explainable. This work developed a solution to combine AI algorithms with a human-centric intuitive EEG interpretation method. Specifically, EEG is converted to sound using an AI-driven attention mechanism. The perceptual characteristics of seizure events can be heard using this method, and an hour of EEG can be analysed in five seconds. A survey that has been conducted among targeted end-users on a publicly available dataset has demonstrated that not only does it drastically reduce the burden of reviewing the EEG data, but also the obtained accuracy is on par with experienced neurophysiologists trained to interpret neonatal EEG. It is also shown that the proposed communion of a medical professional and AI outperforms AI alone by empowering the human with little or no experience to leverage AI attention mechanisms to enhance the perceptual characteristics of seizure events.
Harrison’s rule corroborated for the body size of cleptoparasitic cuckoo bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Nomadinae) and their hosts
Authors: Lim Kayun , Lee Seunghyun , Orr Michael , Lee Seunghwan 
Published: June 2022

AbstractHarrison’s rule, that body size is positively correlated between parasites and hosts, has been reported in a range of taxa, but whether the rule is applicable to cleptoparasitic insects is poorly understood. Subfamily Nomadinae, the largest group of cleptoparasitic bees, usurp the nests of a variety of host bees. Within the subfamily,Nomadaexploits the most diverse hosts, using at least ten genera from five families. Here, we reassess the phylogeny of Nomadinae, including the expanded sampling of the genusNomada, to explore host shift fluctuations throughout their evolutionary history and test the applicability of Harrison’s rule for the subfamily. Our phylogenetic results are mostly congruent with previous investigations, but we infer the tribe Hexepeolini as a sister taxon to the tribe Nomadini. Additionally, the results reveal discrepancies with the traditional classifications ofNomada. Ancestral state reconstruction of host use indicates that, early in their evolution, parasites used closer relatives, before attacking less related groups later. Lastly, we confirm Harrison’s rule in Nomadinae, supporting that body size dynamics influence the host shifts of cleptoparasitic bees.