bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cationic vacancies as defects in honeycomb lattices with modular symmetries
Authors: Kanyolo Godwill Mbiti , Masese Titus 
Published: April 2022

AbstractLayered materials tend to exhibit intriguing crystalline symmetries and topological characteristics based on their two dimensional (2D) geometries and defects. We consider the diffusion dynamics of positively charged ions (cations) localized in honeycomb lattices within layered materials when an external electric field, non-trivial topologies, curvatures and cationic vacancies are present. The unit (primitive) cell of the honeycomb lattice is characterized by two generators,$$J_1, J_2 \in \mathrm{SL}_2({\mathbb {Z}})$$J1,J2∈SL2(Z)of modular symmetries in the special linear group with integer entries, corresponding to discrete re-scaling and rotations respectively. Moreover, applying a 2D conformal metric in an idealized model, we can consistently treat cationic vacancies as topological defects in an emergent manifold. The framework can be utilized to elucidate the molecular dynamics of the cations in exemplar honeycomb layered frameworks and the role of quantum geometry and topological defects not only in the diffusion process such as prediction of conductance peaks during cationic (de-)intercalation process, but also pseudo-spin and pseudo-magnetic field degrees of freedom on the cationic honeycomb lattice responsible for bilayers.
Removal of mercury(II) from aqueous solution by partially reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Tene Talia , Arias Arias Fabian , Guevara Marco , Nuñez Adriana , Villamagua Luis , Tapia Carlos , Pisarra Michele , Torres F. Javier , Caputi Lorenzo S. , Vacacela Gomez Cristian 
Published: April 2022

AbstractMercury (Hg(II)) has been classified as a pollutant and its removal from aqueous sources is considered a priority for public health as well as ecosystem protection policies. Oxidized graphenes have attracted vast interest in water purification and wastewater treatment. In this report, a partially reduced graphene oxide is proposed as a pristine adsorbent material for Hg(II) removal. The proposed material exhibits a high saturation Hg(II) uptake capacity of 110.21 mg g−1, and can effectively reduce the Hg(II) concentration from 150 mg L−1 to concentrations smaller than 40 mg L−1, with an efficiency of about 75% within 20 min. The adsorption of Hg(II) on reduced graphene oxide shows a mixed physisorption–chemisorption process. Density functional theory calculations confirm that Hg atom adsorbs preferentially on clean zones rather than locations containing oxygen functional groups. The present work, therefore, presents new findings for Hg(II) adsorbent materials based on partially reduced graphene oxide, providing a new perspective for removing Hg(II).
Spectacular alterations in the female reproductive system during the ovarian cycle and adaptations for matrotrophy in chernetid pseudoscorpions (Pseudoscorpiones: Chernetidae)
Authors: Garbiec Arnold , Christophoryová Jana , Jędrzejowska Izabela 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPseudoscorpions are small matrotrophic chelicerates. The embryos develop in a brood sac and feed on the nutritive fluid provided by the female. It was widely accepted that the nutritive fluid is synthesized in the ovary. Recent studies have shown that in Chelifer cancroides, a representative of Cheliferidae, considered one of the most derived pseudoscorpion families, the nutritive fluid is produced not only in the ovary but also in the oviducts. Since evolution of adaptations for matrotrophy in pseudoscorpions is poorly known, we aimed to verify our hypothesis that pseudoscorpions of the family Chernetidae, closely related to Cheliferidae, share the traits of adaptations to matrotrophy in the structure and function of the female reproductive system with C. cancroides. We analysed the structure of the ovary and oviducts in five representatives of chernetids with light, confocal, and transmission electron microscopy. The results confirmed our hypothesis and provided new data which broaden our knowledge of matrotrophic pseudoscorpions. We show that in chernetids, the ovary and oviducts undergo significant alterations including their size, multistep hypertrophy and polyploidization of the epithelial cells involved in secretion of the nutritive fluid, the complex secretory activity of the epithelial cells, massive degeneration of the epithelial cells that have completed secretion, and epithelium renewal.
Synergistic efficacy of colistin and silver nanoparticles impregnated human amniotic membrane in a burn wound infected rat model
Authors: Wali Nadia , Shabbir Aroosh , Wajid Nadia , Abbas Nasir , Naqvi Syed Zeeshan Haider 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAntimicrobials used to treat burn wound infections have become multidrug-resistant, thus delaying wound healing. When combined with silver nanoparticles, antibiotics create a multifaceted antibacterial mechanism of action to which bacteria are incapable of developing resistance. Similarly, the amniotic membrane has been found to lower the bacterial number. The purpose of the current study was to observe the antibacterial activity of combined topical colistin with silver nanoparticles and decellularized human amniotic membrane as a dressing in burn wounds infected with bacteria with the goal of promoting faster healing. Bacteria commonly isolated from burn wounds and the most sensitive topical antibiotic were identified. Colistin, silver nanoparticles and combined colistin with silver nanoparticles were impregnated into decellularized human amniotic membranes. These wound dressings were evaluated in third-degree multidrug-resistant bacterial infected thermal burns induced in rats. Out of a total of 708 pus samples from burn wounds, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most prevalent pathogen 308 (43.5%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae 300 (42.4%). Topical colistin was 100% sensitive for both bacteria. Overall, maximum wound contraction (p < 0.05), and increased collagen deposition (+++) with no isolation of bacteria from wound swabs were noted on day 21 for the combined colistin with silver nanoparticle-loaded human amniotic membrane dressing group. Our study concluded that the increased antimicrobial activity of the novel combination of colistin and silver nanoparticle-loaded decellularized human amniotic membrane manifested its potential as an effective burn wound dressing.
An open label randomized clinical trial of Indomethacin for mild and moderate hospitalised Covid-19 patients
Authors: Ravichandran Rajan , Mohan Surapaneni Krishna , Sukumaran Suresh Kumar , Kamaraj Devakumar , Daivasuga Sumetha Suga , Ravi Samson Oliver Abraham Samuel , Vijayaraghavalu Sivakumar , Kumar Ramarathnam Krishna 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIndomethacin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), has been presented as a broad-spectrum antiviral agent. This randomised clinical trial in a hospital setting evaluated the efficacy and safety of this drug in RT-PCR-positive coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. A total of 210 RT-PCR-positive COVID-19 patients who provided consent were allotted to the control or case arm, based on block randomisation. The control arm received standard of care comprising paracetamol, ivermectin, and other adjuvant therapies. The patients in the case arm received indomethacin instead of paracetamol, with other medications retained. The primary endpoint was the development of hypoxia/desaturation with SpO2 ≤ 93, while time to become afebrile and time for cough and myalgia resolution were the secondary endpoints. The results of 210 patients were available, with 103 and 107 patients in the indomethacin and paracetamol arms, respectively. We monitored patient profiles along with everyday clinical parameters. In addition, blood chemistry at the time of admission and discharge was assessed. As no one in either of the arms required high-flow oxygen, desaturation with a SpO2level of 93 and below was the vital goal. In the indomethacin group, none of the 103 patients developed desaturation. On the other hand, 20 of the 107 patients in the paracetamol arm developed desaturation. Patients who received indomethacin also experienced more rapid symptomatic relief than those in the paracetamol arm, with most symptoms disappearing in half the time. In addition, 56 out of 107 in the paracetamol arm had fever on the seventh day, while no patient in the indomethacin group had fever. Neither arm reported any adverse event. The fourteenth-day follow-up revealed that the paracetamol arm patients had faced several discomforts; indomethacin arm patients mostly complained only of tiredness. Indomethacin is a safe and effective drug for treating patients with mild and moderate covid-19.
Hyperactivation is sufficient to release porcine sperm from immobilized oviduct glycans
Authors: Sharif Momal , Hickl Vincent , Juarez Gabriel , Di Xingjian , Kerns Karl , Sutovsky Peter , Bovin Nicolai , Miller David J. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractFertilizing sperm are retained by adhesion to specific glycans on the epithelium of the oviduct forming a reservoir before sperm are released from the reservoir so fertilization can ensue. Capacitated sperm lose affinity for the oviduct epithelium but the components of capacitation that are important for sperm release are uncertain. One important correlate of capacitation is the development of hyperactivated motility. Hyperactivation is characterized by asymmetrical flagellar beating with high beat amplitude. We tested whether the development of full-type asymmetrical motility was sufficient to release sperm from immobilized oviduct glycans. Sperm hyperactivation was induced by four different compounds, a cell-permeable cAMP analog (cBiMPS), CatSper activators (4-aminopyridine and procaine), and an endogenous steroid (progesterone). Using standard analysis (CASA) and direct visualization with high-speed video microscopy, we first confirmed that all four compounds induced hyperactivation. Subsequently, sperm were allowed to bind to immobilized oviduct glycans, and compounds or vehicle controls were added. All compounds caused sperm release from immobilized glycans, demonstrating that hyperactivation was sufficient to release sperm from oviduct cells and immobilized glycans. Pharmacological inhibition of the non-genomic progesterone receptor and CatSper diminished sperm release from oviduct glycans. Inhibition of the proteolytic activities of the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS), implicated in the regulation of sperm capacitation, diminished sperm release in response to all hyperactivation inducers. In summary, induction of sperm hyperactivation was sufficient to induce sperm release from immobilized oviduct glycans and release was dependent on CatSper and the UPS.
Lipid composition of the Amazonian ‘Mountain Sacha Inchis’ including Plukenetia carolis-vegae Bussmann, Paniagua & C.Téllez
Authors: Kodahl Nete , Frandsen Heidi Blok , Lütken Henrik , Petersen Iben Lykke , Paredes Andrade Nelly Judith , García-Davila Carmen , Sørensen Marten 
Published: April 2022

AbstractSeveral Amazonian species of Plukenetia are remarkably rich sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids, in particular α-linolenic acid. The lipid composition of the large-seeded, recently described ‘Mountain Sacha Inchi’ Plukenetia carolis-vegae is reported here for the first time, and compared with Plukenetia huayllabambana, two cultivars of Plukenetia volubilis, and a newly developed hybrid between P. volubilis and P. carolis-vegae. All species and cultivars had a very high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, 82.6–86.7% of total fatty acids, and at least 46.6% α-linolenic acid of total fatty acids. The highest content was found in P. carolis-vegae which had 57.4%. The exceptionally high α-linolenic acid content suggests that P. carolis-vegae may be an important plant-derived dietary source of this essential fatty acid and that the species has considerable potential for further domestication and commercialisation of its seeds and seed oil. A TAG analysis was carried out for the two P. volubilis cultivars, in which LLnLn and LnLL were most prevalent, and for P. huayllabambana, in which LLnLn constituted the largest fraction, followed by LnLnLn, indicating that this large-seeded species also has interesting dietary properties.
Hysteretic temperature dependence of resistance controlled by gate voltage in LaAlO3/SrTiO3 heterointerface electron system
Authors: Kwak Yongsu , Han Woojoo , Lee Joon Sung , Song Jonghyun , Kim Jinhee 
Published: April 2022

AbstractFor two-dimensional electron gas device applications, it is important to understand how electrical-transport properties are controlled by gate voltage. Here, we report gate voltage-controllable hysteresis in the resistance–temperature characteristics of two-dimensional electron gas at LaAlO3/SrTiO3 heterointerface. Electron channels made of the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 heterointerface showed hysteretic resistance–temperature behavior: the measured resistance was significantly higher during upward temperature sweeps in thermal cycling tests. Such hysteretic behavior was observed only after application of positive back-gate voltages below 50 K in the thermal cycle, and the magnitude of hysteresis increased with the applied back-gate voltage. To explain this gate-controlled resistance hysteresis, we propose a mechanism based on electron trapping at impurity sites, in conjunction with the strong temperature-dependent dielectric constant of the SrTiO3 substrate. Our model explains well the observed gate-controlled hysteresis of the resistance–temperature characteristics, and the mechanism should be also applicable to other SrTiO3-based oxide systems, paving the way to applications of oxide heterostructures to electronic devices.
Systematic review and network meta-analysis to compare vaccine effectiveness against porcine edema disease caused by Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli
Authors: Lee Sim-In , Ntakiyisumba Eurade , Won Gayeon 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe comprehensive effect size of several commercial vaccines and vaccine candidates against edema disease (ED) has not been evaluated to date. To integrate the effectiveness of ED vaccines reported so far and to compare and evaluate the posterior-effect estimates of each vaccine type with network models, we identified eligible studies (n = 12) from the electronic databases using specified search strings. Data for dichotomous outcomes (i.e., mortality and clinical symptoms) and continuous outcomes (i.e., fecal shedding and average daily gain) were extracted and analyzed. Conventional meta-analysis shows that, compared with that in non-vaccinated pigs, vaccinated animals are likely to show reduced mortality (OR = 0.07) and clinical signs of ED (OR = 0.11), and increased productivity (SMD = 0.73). Although reduced fecal shedding (SMD = − 1.29) was observed in vaccinated pigs, this could not be fully determined on insufficient grounds. In contrast to mortality and clinical symptoms, fecal shedding (I2 = 88%) and average daily gain (I2 = 85%) showed immense heterogeneity, which was attributed to the small sample size and vaccination route, respectively. According to the Bayesian network meta-analysis, the plasmid-based DNA vaccine demonstrated a better effect for all outcomes compared to other types of vaccines. However, these findings should be carefully interpreted with consideration to potential mediators, insufficient data, and inconsistent network models.
Impact of HIV-associated cognitive impairment on functional independence, frailty and quality of life in the modern era: a meta-analysis
Authors: Nweke Martins , Mshunqane Nombeko , Govender Nalini , Akinpelu Aderonke O. , Ukwuoma Maryjane 
Published: April 2022

AbstractHIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) is an important sequela of HIV infection. Combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) has improved the health outcomes of many people living with HIV but has given rise to a less severe but limiting form of HAND. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of HAND on medication adherence, activities of daily living (ADL), quality of life and frailty. This systematic review adheres to the guidelines for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. We searched MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, and PsycINFO online databases. Studies were included if they examined the relationship between HAND and medication adherence, ADL, quality of life and frailty, and were conducted between 1997 and 2021. We used a random-effects meta-analysis model to assess the impact of HAND on outcome variables. Forty papers, totaling 11,540 participants, were included in the narrative and quantitative syntheses. Cognitive impairment was associated with poorer medication adherence (r = 0.601, CI 0.338 to 0.776, p = 0.001, I2 = 94.66). Cognitive impairment did not influence ADL (r = 0.167, CI-0.215 to 0.505, p = 0.393) and quality of life (r = 0.244, CI 0.117 to 0.548, p = 0.182). In the cART era, HAND appears to be associated with adherence to medication, which may influence future health outcomes. In PLWHIV who are adherent to cART, cognitive impairment does not appear to interfere with ADL and quality of life.
Changes in temporal inequality of precipitation extremes over China due to anthropogenic forcings
Authors: Duan Weili , Zou Shan , Christidis Nikolaos , Schaller Nathalie , Chen Yaning , Sahu Netrananda , Li Zhi , Fang Gonghuan , Zhou Botao 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBased on the Gini-coefficients, this study has presented an analysis of the impacts of anthropogenic forcing on the temporal inequality (i.e., increase in unevenness or disparity) of precipitation amounts (PRCPTOT), intensity (SDII), and extremes (R95p and RX5day) at national and regional scales (eight regions) in China. A positive anthropogenic influence on the temporal inequality is found for precipitation extremes over China, especially in southern regions during the period 1961–2005. Projections of future precipitation indices except R95p have a stepped upward trend in temporal precipitation variability with increasing anthropogenic forcing in most regions of China under SSP126, SSP370, and SSP585 scenarios. Except for Southern China (SC) and SWC2, R95p has a significant decrease in the future, and the largest decrease is up to 29.5% in Northwest China under SSP370. Results obtained from this study offer insights into temporal variability of precipitation extremes and help policy makers for managing water-related disasters.
USP39 is essential for mammalian epithelial morphogenesis through upregulation of planar cell polarity components
Authors: Kimura-Yoshida Chiharu , Mochida Kyoko , Kanno Shin-Ichiro , Matsuo Isao 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPreviously, we have shown that the translocation of Grainyhead-like 3 (GRHL3) transcription factor from the nucleus to the cytoplasm triggers the switch from canonical Wnt signaling for epidermal differentiation to non-canonical Wnt signaling for epithelial morphogenesis. However, the molecular mechanism that underlies the cytoplasmic localization of GRHL3 protein and that activates non-canonical Wnt signaling is not known. Here, we show that ubiquitin-specific protease 39 (USP39), a deubiquitinating enzyme, is involved in the subcellular localization of GRHL3 as a potential GRHL3-interacting protein and is necessary for epithelial morphogenesis to up-regulate expression of planar cell polarity (PCP) components. Notably, mouse Usp39-deficient embryos display early embryonic lethality due to a failure in primitive streak formation and apico-basal polarity in epiblast cells, resembling those of mutant embryos of the Prickle1 gene, a crucial PCP component. Current findings provide unique insights into how differentiation and morphogenesis are coordinated to construct three-dimensional complex structures via USP39.
Reformulation of Trivers–Willard hypothesis for parental investment
Authors: Choi Jibeom , Roh Hyungmin , Lee Sang-im , Kwon Hee-Dae , Kang Myungjoo , Jablonski Piotr G. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe Trivers-Willard hypothesis (TWH) plays a central role in understanding the optimal investment strategies to male and female offspring. Empirical studies of TWH, however, yielded conflicting results. Here, we present models to predict optimal comprehensive multi-element parental strategies composed of primary sex ratio, brood size, resource allocation among offspring, and the resultant secondary sex ratio. Our results reveal that the optimal strategy depends on sex differences in the shape of offspring fitness function rather than in fitness variance. Also, the slope of the tangent line (through the origin) to the offspring fitness function can be used to predict the preferred offspring sex. We also briefly discuss links between the model and the empirical research. This comprehensive reformulation of TWH will offer a thorough understanding of multi-element parental investment strategies beyond the classical TWH.
Evidence for postnatal neurogenesis in the human amygdala
Authors: Roeder Sebastian S. , Burkardt Petra , Rost Fabian , Rode Julian , Brusch Lutz , Coras Roland , Englund Elisabet , Håkansson Karl , Possnert Göran , Salehpour Mehran , Primetzhofer Daniel , Csiba László , Molnár Sarolta , Méhes Gábor , Tonchev Anton B. , Schwab Stefan , Bergmann Olaf , Huttner Hagen B. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe human amygdala is involved in processing of memory, decision-making, and emotional responses. Previous studies suggested that the amygdala may represent a neurogenic niche in mammals. By combining two distinct methodological approaches, lipofuscin quantification and 14C-based retrospective birth dating of neurons, along with mathematical modelling, we here explored whether postnatal neurogenesis exists in the human amygdala. We investigated post-mortem samples of twelve neurologically healthy subjects. The average rate of lipofuscin-negative neurons was 3.4%, representing a substantial proportion of cells substantially younger than the individual. Mass spectrometry analysis of genomic 14C-concentrations in amygdala neurons compared with atmospheric 14C-levels provided evidence for postnatal neuronal exchange. Mathematical modelling identified a best-fitting scenario comprising of a quiescent and a renewing neuronal population with an overall renewal rate of >2.7% per year. In conclusion, we provide evidence for postnatal neurogenesis in the human amygdala with cell turnover rates comparable to the hippocampus.
Targeting colonic macrophages improves glycemic control in high-fat diet-induced obesity
Authors: Rohm Theresa V. , Keller Lena , Bosch Angela J. T. , AlAsfoor Shefaa , Baumann Zora , Thomas Amandine , Wiedemann Sophia J. , Steiger Laura , Dalmas Elise , Wehner Josua , Rachid Leila , Mooser Catherine , Yilmaz Bahtiyar , Fernandez Trigo Nerea , Jauch Annaise J. , Wueest Stephan , Konrad Daniel , Henri Sandrine , Niess Jan H. , Hruz Petr , Ganal-Vonarburg Stephanie C. , Roux Julien , Meier Daniel T. , Cavelti-Weder Claudia 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe obesity epidemic continues to worsen worldwide. However, the mechanisms initiating glucose dysregulation in obesity remain poorly understood. We assessed the role that colonic macrophage subpopulations play in glucose homeostasis in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Concurrent with glucose intolerance, pro-inflammatory/monocyte-derived colonic macrophages increased in mice fed a HFD. A link between macrophage numbers and glycemia was established by pharmacological dose-dependent ablation of macrophages. In particular, colon-specific macrophage depletion by intrarectal clodronate liposomes improved glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and insulin secretion capacity. Colonic macrophage activation upon HFD was characterized by an interferon response and a change in mitochondrial metabolism, which converged in mTOR as a common regulator. Colon-specific mTOR inhibition reduced pro-inflammatory macrophages and ameliorated insulin secretion capacity, similar to colon-specific macrophage depletion, but did not affect insulin sensitivity. Thus, pharmacological targeting of colonic macrophages could become a potential therapy in obesity to improve glycemic control.