bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Muscle‐specific functional deficits and lifelong fibrosis in response to paediatric radiotherapy and tumour elimination
Authors: Kallenbach Jacob G. , Bachman John F. , Paris Nicole D. , Blanc Roméo S. , O'Connor Thomas , Furati Esraa , Hernady Eric , Johnston Carl J. , Williams Jacqueline P. , Chakkalakal Joe V. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundAs paediatric cancer survivors are living into adulthood, they suffer from the age‐related, accelerated decline of functional skeletal muscle tissue, termed sarcopenia. With ionizing radiation (radiotherapy) at the core of paediatric cancer therapies, its direct and indirect effects can have lifelong negative impacts on paediatric growth and maintenance of skeletal muscle. Utilizing our recently developed preclinical rhabdomyosarcoma mouse model, we investigated the late effects of paediatric radiation treatment on skeletal muscles from late adolescent (8 weeks old) and middle‐aged (16 months old) mice.MethodsPaediatric C57BL/6J male mice (3 weeks old) were injected with rhabdomyosarcoma cells into their right hindlimbs, and then fractionated irradiation (3 × 8.2 Gy) was administered to those limbs at 4 weeks old to eliminate the tumours. Radiation‐alone and tumour‐irradiated mice were assessed at either 8 weeks (3 weeks post‐irradiation) or 16 months (14 months post‐irradiation) of age for muscle physiology, myofibre characteristics, cell loss, histopathology, fibrosis, inflammatory gene expression, and fibrotic gene expression.ResultsMice that received only paediatric radiation demonstrated reduced muscle mass (−17%, P < 0.001), muscle physiological function (−25%, P < 0.01), muscle contractile kinetics (−25%, P < 0.05), satellite cell number (−45%, P < 0.05), myofibre cross‐sectional area (−30%, P < 0.0001), and myonuclear number (−17%, P < 0.001). Paediatric radiation increased inflammatory gene expression, increased fibrotic gene expression, and induced extracellular matrix protein deposition (fibrosis) with tumour elimination exacerbating some phenotypes. Paediatric tumour‐eliminated mice demonstrated exacerbated deficits to function (−20%, P < 0.05) and myofibre size (−17%, P < 0.001) in some muscles as well as further increases to inflammatory and fibrotic gene expression. Examining the age‐related effects of paediatric radiotherapy in middle‐aged mice, we found persistent myofibre atrophy (−20%, P < 0.01), myonuclear loss (−18%, P < 0.001), up‐regulated inflammatory and fibrotic signalling, and lifelong fibrosis.ConclusionsThe results from this paediatric radiotherapy model are consistent and recapitulate the clinical and molecular features of accelerated sarcopenia, musculoskeletal frailty, and radiation‐induced fibrosis experienced by paediatric cancer survivors. We believe that this preclinical mouse model is well poised for future mechanistic insights and therapeutic interventions that improve the quality of life for paediatric cancer survivors.
Prevalence of depression in patients with sarcopenia and correlation between the two diseases: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Zhenzhen , Tong Xiang , Ma Yao , Bao Ting , Yue Jirong 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundDepression may be the most common cause of emotional distress later in life and can significantly reduce the quality of life in elderly individuals. Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by the continuous loss of skeletal muscle mass and decreased strength and function. In recent years, many studies have shown a correlation between sarcopenia and depression. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of depression among individuals with sarcopenia and to ascertain whether sarcopenia is independently associated with depression.MethodsWe systematically searched the PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar databases for papers on sarcopenia published up to 31 August 2021. We reviewed the literature on the number of individuals with sarcopenia, the number of individuals with both sarcopenia and depression, and the odds ratio (OR) of sarcopenia to depression. Statistical analyses were performed using Meta‐DiSc 1.4 software and Stata version 12.0.ResultsNineteen articles met the inclusion criteria for review: nine reported both prevalence and ORs, four described prevalence only, and six detailed the ORs only. Regarding prevalence, there were 1476 cases of sarcopenia and 364 of depression in the selected studies; the mean age of the patients was 75.5 years, and the overall prevalence of depression was 0.28 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.21–0.36]. Significant heterogeneity was noted (P < 0.001; I2 = 92.2%). In the case of ORs, there were 16 869 subjects with a mean age of 73 years; the overall adjusted OR between sarcopenia and depression was 1.57 (95% CI: 1.32–1.86). Significant heterogeneity was noted in the adjusted ORs (P < 0.001; I2 = 75.1%).ConclusionsThe prevalence of depression in patients with sarcopenia was high relatively, and there was a correlation between sarcopenia and depression.
Dental students’ perception of a blended learning approach to clinic orientation
Authors: Cho Aleah , Ganesh Nisha 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurpose/objectivesThe pandemic presented a big challenge to dental education: rapid conversion of a hands‐on, experiential learning program to a virtual environment. The objectives of this study are to examine the conventional approaches of facilitating the transition from pre‐clinic to clinic, to analyze how a blended learning approach including virtual learning modules facilitated this transition, and to assess the benefits of virtual learning in the future of dental school curriculum.MethodsRising third‐year dental students in 2020 (n = 134) were engaged in a three‐month (from the end of May to the end of August 2020) clinic orientation consisting of virtual didactic and clinic simulated activities. Part I consisted of didactic courses presented virtually. Part II consisted of simulated clinical activities for operative and radiology along with 3‐week virtual treatment planning (TP) sessions with quizzes for each week. Part III consisted of clinical assisting and shadowing activities in the clinic on restorative procedures and TP sessions with senior students. Surveys were administered before and after each part of the orientation program.ResultsData confirmed that 1) virtually‐delivered didactic materials increased students' knowledge in learning relevant key topics of clinic transition and 2) virtual TP sessions increased students' perceived confidence and knowledge in assessment and TP.ConclusionDespite challenges faced during school closure, most dental students positively valued the virtual orientation methods of learning. Integrating a virtual mode of didactic can serve as a new methodology of the dental school curriculum in preparation for the clinic.
Quantifying the effects of anaerobic soil disinfestation and other biological soil management strategies on nitrous oxide emissions from raised bed plasticulture tomato production
Authors: Li Zhuona , Di Gioia Francesco , Paudel Bodh , Zhao Xin , Hong Jason , Pisani Cristina , Rosskopf Erin , Wilson Patrick 
Published: January 2022

AbstractSoilborne pests are a major obstacle that must be overcome for the production of horticultural crops. Methyl bromide (MBr) was an effective preplanting soil broad‐spectrum biocide, but its use has been banned due to its role in depleting the ozone layer. As a result, sustainable alternative methods for controlling soilborne pathogens and pests are needed. Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions are of concern in crop production due to the role of N2O as a greenhouse gas. Agricultural lands are known sources for emission of N2O into the atmosphere. Emissions are related to many environmental factors as well as fertilization and fumigation practices. This study evaluated the influence of different alternatives to MBr on N2O emissions throughout a tomato production season in two locations representative of southern and northern Florida. We evaluated eight soil management practices, including (a) untreated controls; (b) chemical soil fumigation; (c) anaerobic soil disinfestation using molasses (M) + composted poultry litter and (d and e) M + composted yard waste (CYW, at two rates); (f) Soil Symphony Amendment (SSA), a commercially available mix of microbes and nutrients; (g) CYW alone; and (h) CYW + SSA. Nitrous oxide emissions were measured throughout the cropping season. Emissions were highest on the day of planting (Day 21), ranging from 213 to 1,878 μg m–2 h–1, likely due to the release of N2O that had accumulated under the totally impermeable film when it was punctured for planting. However, statistical significance varied between sites. Estimated cumulative emissions of N2O throughout the production season ranged from 1.3 to 4.8 kg N2O–N ha–1.
Clinical characteristics of primary carnitine deficiency: A structured review using a case‐by‐case approach
Authors: Crefcoeur Loek L. , Visser Gepke , Ferdinandusse Sacha , Wijburg Frits A. , Langeveld Mirjam , Sjouke Barbara 
Published: January 2022

AbstractA broad spectrum of signs and symptoms has been attributed to primary carnitine deficiency (PCD) since its first description in 1973. Advances in diagnostic procedures have improved diagnostic accuracy and the introduction of PCD in newborn screening (NBS) programs has led to the identification of an increasing number of PCD patients, including mothers of screened newborns, who may show a different phenotype compared to clinically diagnosed patients. To elucidate the spectrum of signs and symptoms in PCD patients, we performed a structured literature review. Using a case‐by‐case approach, clinical characteristics, diagnostic data, and mode of patient identification were recorded. Signs and symptoms were categorized by organ involvement. In total, 166 articles were included, reporting data on 757 individual patients. In almost 20% (N = 136) of the cases, the diagnosis was based solely on low carnitine concentration which we considered an uncertain diagnosis of PCD. The remaining 621 cases had a diagnosis based on genetic and/or functional (ie, carnitine transporter activity) test results. In these 621 cases, cardiac symptoms (predominantly cardiomyopathy) were the most prevalent (23.8%). Neurological (7.1%), hepatic (8.4%), and metabolic (9.2%) symptoms occurred mainly in early childhood. Adult onset of symptoms occurred in 16 of 194 adult patients, of whom 6 (3.1%) patients suffered a severe event without any preceding symptom (five cardiac events and one coma). In conclusion, symptoms in PCD predominantly develop in early childhood. Most newborns and mothers of newborns detected through NBS remain asymptomatic. However, though rarely, severe complications do occur in both groups.
Divergent locomotor evolution in “giant” kangaroos: Evidence from foot bone bending resistances and microanatomy
Authors: Wagstaffe Amber Y. , O'Driscoll Adrian M. , Kunz Callum J. , Rayfield Emily J. , Janis Christine M. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe extinct sthenurine (giant, short‐faced) kangaroos have been proposed to have a different type of locomotor behavior to extant (macropodine) kangaroos, based both on physical limitations (the size of many exceeds the proposed limit for hopping) and anatomical features (features of the hind limb anatomy suggestive of weight‐bearing on one leg at a time). Here, we use micro computerised tomography (micro‐CT) scans of the pedal bones of six kangaroos, three sthenurine, and three macropodine, ranging from ~50 to 150 kg, to investigate possible differences in bone resistances to bending and cortical bone distribution that might relate to differences in locomotion. Using second moment of area analysis, we show differences in resistance to bending between the two subfamilies. Distribution of cortical bone shows that sthenurines had less resistant calcaneal tubers, implying a different foot posture during locomotion, and the long foot bones were more resistant to the medial bending stresses. These differences were the most pronounced between Pleistocene monodactyl sthenurines (Sthenurus stirlingi and Procoptodon browneorum) and the two species of Macropus (the extant M. giganteus and the extinct M. cf. M. titan) and support the hypothesis that these derived sthenurines employed bipedal striding. The Miocene sthenurine Hadronomas retains some more macropodine‐like features of bone resistance to bending, perhaps reflecting its retention of the fifth pedal digit. The Pleistocene macropodine Protemnodon has a number of unique features, possibly indicative of a type of locomotion unlike the other kangaroos.
Ultrastructural research of spermiogenesis in two sponges, Crellomima imparidens and Hymedesmia irregularis (Demospongiae): New evidence of sperms with acrosome in sponges
Authors: Ereskovsky Alexander , Tokina Daria 
Published: January 2022

AbstractDetails of spermatogenesis and sperm organization are often useful for reconstructing the phylogeny of closely related taxa of invertebrates. Here, the spermiogenesis and the ultrastructure of sperm were studied in two marine demosponges, Crellomima imparidens and Hymedesmia irregularis (order Poecilosclerida). In C. imparidens and H. irregularis, we found bundles of microtubules arranged along the nucleus during spermiogenesis. These bundles derived from the basal body of axoneme, reaching the apical pole of the cell. In C. imparidens, the microtubules surround the nucleus, forming the manchette. In H. irregularis, the microtubules pass along only one side of the cell periphery. During spermiogenesis, the nucleus stretches and elongates. In both species, the nucleus is twisted into a spiral structure. We suppose that the manchette of microtubules could be responsible for controlling the elongation and shaping of the sperm nucleus to a helical form and for the twisting and/or condensation of chromatin in these sponges. The spermatozoon of both species has an elongated shape. Its apical part has an acrosome, which is dome‐shaped in C. imparidens and flattened and lenticular in H. irregularis. The cytoplasm of the spermatozoa contains some small mitochondria, and proximal and distal centrioles arranged at an angle to each other. There is a small volume of residual cytoplasm with dark glycogen‐like granules. The axoneme of the spermatid and the flagellum of the sperm of both sponges is located in the deep tunnel‐like cytoplasmic depression. The comparison of spermatozoa morphology of different species of the order Poecilosclerida demonstrates that the knowledge of variation within genera and families can give valuable insights into the significance of many characters proposed for phylogenetic studies of this order.
Induction of humoral and cellular immune responses to COVID‐19 mRNA and vector vaccines: A prospective cohort study in Bulgarian healthcare workers
Authors: Nikolova Maria , Todorova Yana , Emilova Radoslava , Trifonova Iva , Gladnishka Teodora , Petrova‐Yancheva Nina , Chervenyakova Tatyana , Dragusheva Elena , Popov Georgi , Christova Iva 
Published: January 2022

AbstractInstalling efficient protective immunity by anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines is the only current means to overcome coronavirus disease 2019 pandemics. The cellular and humoral immune responses induced with an messenger RNA (mRNA) (BNT162b2) or with a vector (ChAdOx1nCoV‐19) vaccine among Bulgarian healthcare workers (n = 123, aged 23–71 years) were studied in the course of 16 weeks after priming. Receptor‐binding domain (RBD)‐blocking Abs and SARS‐CoV‐2 RBD immunoglobulin A (IgA) were evaluated in parallel with interferon gamma (IFNγ)‐producing virus‐specific T cells. Both vaccines induced RBD‐blocking Abs in 100% of the participants after complete immunization while the levels of protection after a single dose largely varied (22%–98%). Advanced age had a negative impact on the level and longevity of virus‐neutralizing activity induced by one dose mRNA, but not by the vector vaccine. RBD‐binding IgA was detected in 100% of tested donors from the mRNA vaccine cohort, and in 67% of tested from the vector vaccine cohort, at least 1 month after completed immunization. One month after completing mRNA immunization, the number of IFNγ‐producing T cells correlated significantly with the levels of RBD‐specific IgA and virus‐neutralizing activity induced after priming. Enumeration of circulating virus‐specific IFNγ+ T cells is not recommended for evaluation of protective immunity as their detection may require longer stimulation beyond the firstmonth postimmunization.In conclusion, BNT162B2 and ChAdOx1nCoV‐19 induced potent and comparable humoral and cellular anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 immune responses, peaking between 10 and 30 days after complete immunization. A single dose of any vaccine did not induce adequate protection in a great part of donors, making the shorter interval between mRNA vaccine doses preferable in the settings of increased risk of infection.
The puzzling mutational landscape of the SARS‐2‐variant Omicron
Authors: Fantini Jacques , Yahi Nouara , Colson Philippe , Chahinian Henri , La Scola Bernard , Raoult Didier 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe recently emerging SARS‐CoV‐2 variant omicron displays an unusual association of 30 mutations, 3 deletions, and 1 insertion. To analyze the impact of this atypic mutational landscape, we constructed a complete structure of the omicron spike protein. Compared with the delta variant, the receptor‐binding domain (RBD) of omicron has an increased electrostatic surface potential, but a decreased affinity for the ACE‐2 receptor. The N‐terminal domain (NTD) has both a decreased surface potential and a lower affinity for lipid rafts. The omicron variant is predicted to be less fusogenic and thus less pathogenic than delta, due to a geometric reorganization of the S1‐S2 cleavage site. Overall, these virological parameters suggest that omicron does not have a significant infectivity advantage over the delta variant. However, in omicron, neutralizing epitopes are greatly affected, suggesting that current vaccines will probably confer little protection against this variant. In conclusion, the puzzling mutational pattern of the omicron variant combines contradictory properties which may either decrease (virological properties) or increase (immunological escape/facilitation) the transmission of this variant in the human population. This Janus‐like phenotype may explain some conflicting reports on the initial assessment of omicron and provide new insights about the molecular mechanisms controlling its dissemination and pathogenesis worldwide.
Dust events in southwestern Iran: Estimation of PM10 concentration based on horizontal visibility during dust events
Authors: Mobarak Hassan Elham , Alizadeh Omid 
Published: January 2022

AbstractDue to the lack of air quality data in many regions across the globe, determination of PM10 concentration based on horizontal visibility is of considerable importance. This study aims to obtain the best empirical equation to estimate PM10 concentration in southwestern Iran during dust events based on horizontal visibility. By analysing long‐term (2000–2019) meteorological data, a statistically significant correlation is found between horizontal visibility and PM10 concentration in southwestern Iran. A distinct seasonal pattern in the frequency of dust events is observed, with the highest and lowest frequency in June and December, respectively. The diurnal variation is also identified in the frequency of dust events in southwestern Iran, with a higher frequency in the afternoon during which thermal instability is maximum, but a relatively lower frequency at night when the atmosphere is generally thermally stable. A relatively high year‐to‐year variability in the frequency of dust events is observed in southwestern Iran, suggesting a large contribution of natural internal climate variability. However, the frequency of dust events has not changed significantly during the period 2000–2019. Analysis of three dust events in southwestern Iran in winter and the long‐term wind rose in Ahvaz indicates that dust events in southwestern Iran are mainly associated with strong northwesterly winds and transport of dust from Iraq. Strong southerly winds and activation of local sources or transport of dust from Saudi Arabia also occasionally contribute. PM10 concentrations in southwestern Iran during dust events are estimated based on horizontal visibility using eight different equations, three of which are introduced in this study. Results show that exponential equations provide a more accurate estimation of PM10 concentration in southwestern Iran during dust events when horizontal visibility is less than 500 m, while power equations perform better when horizontal visibility is greater than 500 m.
The Askov long‐term field experiment (1894–2021) represents a unique research platform#
Authors: Christensen Bent T. , Thomsen Ingrid K. , Eriksen Jørgen 
Published: January 2022

AbstractLong‐term agricultural field experiments are essential for quantifying changes in soil properties and associated crop productivity that occur slowly but continue over long periods. Initiated in 1894 in the South of Denmark, the Askov long‐term experiment (LTE) is among the few LTEs in the world that continued for more than 125 years. The experiment compares different rates of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium applied in mineral fertilizers or animal manure with abundant treatment replicates. With well‐managed treatments, detailed yield records, and a soil archive dating back to 1923, today the Askov‐LTE represents a unique platform for research not envisioned at the start of experiments. Here, we provide a short description of site characteristics and experimental layout, examples of historic crop yields and changes in soil carbon (C) content. We provide short overviews of some of the studies that have used the Askov‐LTE as a research platform. These include crop yield‐related research; models simulating changes in soil C; availability of soil P reserves; indicators of biological, chemical, and physical soil quality; and studies related to prehistoric archaeology. Finally, we offer some reflections on long‐term field experimentation.
The impact of konjac glucomannan on the physical and chemical stability of walnut oil‐in‐water emulsions coated by whey proteins
Authors: Tian Li , Zhang Shulin , Yi Jianhua , Zhu Zhenbao , Decker Eric Andrew , McClements David Julian 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDWalnut oil, which is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), can be incorporated into food emulsions to increase their nutritional value. However, these emulsions are highly susceptible to deterioration during storage due to lipid oxidation. Konjac glucomannan (KGM) is a neutral plant polysaccharide used as a stabilizer, thickener or gelling agent in foods. The goal of this study was to incorporate KGM into oil‐in‐water emulsions containing walnut oil droplets coated by whey protein isolate (WPI) and then determine its effects on their physical and oxidative stability.RESULTSAt pH 3, inclusion of KGM (0.1–1 g kg−1) reduced the positive surface potential on the droplets in the emulsions and modified the secondary structure of the adsorbed whey proteins, suggesting an interaction between KGM and WPI at the droplet surfaces. The physical stability of the emulsions was enhanced when 0.1–0.6 g kg−1 KGM was added but reduced at higher levels. Lipid oxidation was inhibited in the emulsions in a dose‐dependent manner when 0.2–0.6 g kg−1 KGM was added but protein oxidation was promoted at higher KGM levels. The steric hindrance provided by the thick WPI–KGM interfaces, as well as the ability of the polysaccharides to modify the antioxidant properties of the adsorbed proteins, may account for these effects.CONCLUSIONThese results suggest that KGM can be used to inhibit lipid oxidation in emulsified foods containing protein‐coated oil droplets. However, its level must be optimized because higher doses can result in droplet aggregation and protein oxidation. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.