bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Biodegradation of Dissolved Organic Carbon in the Western Boundary Kuroshio Current When Intruded to the Marginal South China Sea
Authors: Li Xiaolin , Wu Kai , Gu Shuai , Jiang Peng , Li Huifang , Liu Zhanfei , Dai Minhan
Published: October 2021

The advective supply of allochthonous dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from open ocean to marginal seas through western boundary current intrusion influences the regional carbon inventory and microbial activities. However, there is limited observation about this process and its biogeochemical impacts on marginal seas. In this study, we investigated the biodegradation of allochthonous DOC carried by the intrusion of the Kuroshio Current into South China Sea (SCS). Using an isopycnal mixing model, the exchange and biodegradation processes of Kuroshio‐intruded DOC were quantified. We estimated that approximately 10% of the surface DOC was remineralized due to the enhanced biodegradation in the SCS. This result was supported by the on‐deck bioassay experiments that were conducted under different environmental contexts. The results of modeling and on‐deck incubations indicate that DOC biodegradation was enhanced by the sharp gradient of environment factors, including nutrients supply, microbial species, and bio‐lability of DOC in the frontal zone during the surface water mass mixing. The amount of carbon released from the enhanced DOC degradation by Kuroshio intrusion was estimated to be approximately equal to 8.6 Tg C yr−1. Concomitantly, the amount of nitrogen released could contribute 0.19–0.70 mmol N m−2 d−1 to the surface of SCS which is comparable to the total supply from deeper water and nitrogen fixation in surface waters. This study suggests that the enhanced biodegradation of DOC during the western boundary currents intrusion could serve as an important sink of oceanic DOC, and thus provide an additional nutrient source to marginal seas.
Methylphenidate modulates interactions of anxiety with cognition
Authors: Gaillard C. , Lago T. R. , Gorka A. X. , Balderston N. L. , Fuchs B. A. , Reynolds R. C. , Grillon C. , Ernst M.
Published: October 2021

While a large body of literature documents the impairing effect of anxiety on cognition, performing a demanding task was shown to be effective in reducing anxiety. Here we explored the mechanisms of this anxiolytic effect by examining how a pharmacological challenge designed to improve attentional processes influences the interplay between the neural networks engaged during anxiety and cognition. Using a double-blind between-subject design, we pharmacologically manipulated working memory (WM) using a single oral dose of 20 mg methylphenidate (MPH, cognitive enhancer) or placebo. Fifty healthy adults (25/drug group) performed two runs of a WM N-back task in a 3 T magnetic resonance imaging scanner. This task comprised a low (1-Back) and high (3-Back) WM load, which were performed in two contexts, safety or threat of shocks (induced-anxiety). Analyses revealed that (1) WM accuracy was overall improved by MPH and (2) MPH (vs. placebo) strengthened the engagement of regions within the fronto-parietal control network (FPCN) and reduced the default mode network (DMN) deactivation. These MPH effects predominated in the most difficult context, i.e., threat condition, first run (novelty of the task), and 3-Back task. The facilitation of neural activation can be interpreted as an expansion of cognitive resources, which could foster both the representation and integration of anxiety-provoking stimuli as well as the top–down regulatory processes to protect against the detrimental effect of anxiety. This mechanism might establish an optimal balance between FPCN (cognitive processing) and DMN (emotion regulation) recruitment.
Total flavone of Abelmoschus Manihot improves colitis by promoting the growth of Akkermansia in mice
Authors: Bu Fan , Ding Yang , Chen Tuo , Wang Qiong , Wang Rong , Zhou Jin-yong , Jiang Feng , Zhang Dan , Xu Minmin , Shi Guoping , Chen Yugen
Published: October 2021

The total flavone of Abelmoschus manihot (TFA), a compound extracted from the flowers of Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medic, has been widely used for the treatment of Crohn's disease, chronic glomerulonephritis and other diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of TFA on the gut microbiota and intestinal barrier in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced experimental colitis. C57BL/6J mice were treated with 2.5% DSS in drinking water to induce colitis. Mice were orally administered TFA (62.5 mg/kg, 125 mg/kg) or prednisone acetate (PAT, 2.5 mg/kg) once daily for 7 days. Biological samples were collected for analysis of inflammatory cytokines, gut microbiota and intestinal barrier integrity. TFA-H (125 mg/kg) markedly attenuated DSS-induced colon shortening and histological injury in experimental colitis. The therapeutic effect was similar to that of PAT administration. TFA-H notably modulated the dysbiosis of gut microbiota induced by DSS and greatly enriched Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila). Moreover, TFA-H remarkably ameliorated the colonic inflammatory response and intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction. Interestingly, TFA directly promotes the growth of A. muciniphila in vitro. Taken together, the results revealed for the first time that TFA, as a prebiotic of A. muciniphila, improved DSS-induced experimental colitis, at least partly by modulating the gut microflora profile to maintain colonic integrity and inhibit the inflammatory response.
A twig-like insect stuck in the Permian mud indicates early origin of an ecological strategy in Hexapoda evolution
Authors: Logghe Antoine , Nel André , Steyer Jean-Sébastien , Ngô-Muller Valérie , Pouillon Jean-Marc , Garrouste Romain
Published: October 2021

Full body impressions and resting traces of Hexapoda can be of extreme importance because they bring crucial information on behavior and locomotion of the trace makers, and help to better define trophic relationships with other organisms (predators or preys). However, these ichnofossils are much rarer than trackways, especially for winged insects. Here we describe a new full-body impression of a winged insect from the Middle Permian of Gonfaron (Var, France) whose preservation is exceptional. The elongate body with short prothorax and legs and long wings overlapping the body might suggests a plant mimicry as for some extant stick insects. These innovations are probably in relation with an increasing predation pressure by terrestrial vertebrates, whose trackways are abundant in the same layers. This discovery would possibly support the recent age estimates for the appearance of phasmatodean-like stick insects, nearly 30 million years older than the previous putative records. The new exquisite specimen is fossilized on a slab with weak ripple-marks, suggesting the action of microbial mats favoring the preservation of its delicate structures. Further prospections in sites with this type of preservation could enrich our understanding of early evolutionary history of insects.
Meta-analysis of COVID-19 single-cell studies confirms eight key immune responses
Authors: Garg Manik , Li Xu , Moreno Pablo , Papatheodorou Irene , Shu Yuelong , Brazma Alvis , Miao Zhichao
Published: October 2021

Several single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) studies analyzing immune response to COVID-19 infection have been recently published. Most of these studies have small sample sizes, which limits the conclusions that can be made with high confidence. By re-analyzing these data in a standardized manner, we validated 8 of the 20 published results across multiple datasets. In particular, we found a consistent decrease in T-cells with increasing COVID-19 infection severity, upregulation of type I Interferon signal pathways, presence of expanded B-cell clones in COVID-19 patients but no consistent trend in T-cell clonal expansion. Overall, our results show that the conclusions drawn from scRNA-seq data analysis of small cohorts of COVID-19 patients need to be treated with some caution.
A method of predicting the best conditions for large-size workpiece clamping to reduce vibration in the face milling process
Authors: Kaliński Krzysztof J. , Stawicka-Morawska Natalia , Galewski Marek A. , Mazur Michał R.
Published: October 2021

The paper presents an innovative method of solving the problem of vibration suppression during milling of large-size details. It consists in searching for the best conditions for clamping the workpiece based on a rapid modal identification of the dominant natural frequencies only and requires repetitive changes in the tightening torque of the clamping screws. Then, by estimating the minimum work of the cutting forces acting in the direction of the width of the cutting layer, it is possible to predict the best fixing of the workpiece. Application of the method does not require the creation and identification of a computational model of the process or preliminary numerical simulations. The effectiveness of this method was confirmed by the evaluation of the Root Mean Square (RMS) of the vibration level in the time domain observed during the actual face milling process. The worst results were obtained for the configuration of supports tightened with a torque of 90–110 Nm, and the best—with a torque of 50 Nm.
Ovicidal activity of spirotetramat and its effect on hatching, development and formation of Frankliniella occidentalis egg
Authors: Yang Xiaomin , Zhou Guiying , Sun Lijuan , Zheng Changying
Published: October 2021

Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) has become an important vegetable pest worldwide because of its economic damage to crop production. However, it is difficult to control due to its unique living habits. In this study, the eggs of F. occidentalis were used as the target to explore the ovicidal activity of spirotetramat on the thrips and its effect on hatching, development and formation. After the treatment of spirotetramat, the LC50 value descreased with increased egg age using egg dipping method, and showed the same trend as the leaf dipping method verified on living plants. Through ultra-depth-of-field microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, the egg shell and internal structures of F. occidentalis eggs were studied. Spirotetramat can destroy the egg shells of F. occidentalis, resulting in shrinkage of the egg surface, sunken pores, egg deformities, egg shell rupture and other phenomena. This allows spirotetramat to enter the egg and destroy the egg structure, making the egg internal structure flocculent, fuzzy and unevenly distributed, which affects embryonic development and causes the nymphs to die before hatching. Therefore, the prevention and control of F. occidentalis using spirotetramat before damage is caused to crops should have a better effect.
Information storage in permalloy modulated magnetic nanowires
Authors: Sáez Guidobeth , Díaz Pablo , Cisternas Eduardo , Vogel Eugenio E. , Escrig Juan
Published: October 2021

A long piece of magnetic material shaped as a central cylindrical wire (diameter $$d=50$$

d
=
50

nm) with two wider coaxial cylindrical portions (diameter $$D=90$$

D
=
90

nm and thickness $$t=100$$

t
=
100

nm) defines a bimodulated nanowire. Micromagnetism is invoked to study the equilibrium energy of the system under the variations of the positions of the modulations along the wire. The system can be thought of as composed of five independent elements (3 segments and 2 modulations) leading to $$2^5=32$$

2
5

=
32

possible different magnetic configurations, which will be later simplified to 4. We investigate the stability of the configurations depending on the positions of the modulations. The relative chirality of the modulations has negligible contributions to the energy and they have no effect on the stability of the stored configuration. However, the modulations are extremely important in pinning the domain walls that lead to consider each segment as independent from the rest. A phase diagram reporting the stability of the inscribed magnetic configurations is produced. The stability of the system was then tested under the action of external magnetic fields and it was found that more than 50 mT are necessary to alter the inscribed information. The main purpose of this paper is to find whether a prototype like this can be complemented to be used as a magnetic key or to store information in the form of firmware. Present results indicate that both possibilities are feasible.
TCTP protein degradation by targeting mTORC1 and signaling through S6K, Akt, and Plk1 sensitizes lung cancer cells to DNA-damaging drugs
Authors: Jeong Mini , Jeong Mi Hyeon , Kim Jung Eun , Cho Serin , Lee Kyoung Jin , Park Serkin , Sohn Jeongwon , Park Yun Gyu
Published: October 2021

Translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) is expressed in many tissues, particularly in human tumors. It plays a role in malignant transformation, apoptosis prevention, and DNA damage repair. The signaling mechanisms underlying TCTP regulation in cancer are only partially understood. Here, we investigated the role of mTORC1 in regulating TCTP protein levels, thereby modulating chemosensitivity, in human lung cancer cells and an A549 lung cancer xenograft model. The inhibition of mTORC1, but not mTORC2, induced ubiquitin/proteasome-dependent TCTP degradation without a decrease in the mRNA level. PLK1 activity was required for TCTP ubiquitination and degradation and for its phosphorylation at Ser46 upon mTORC1 inhibition. Akt phosphorylation and activation was indispensable for rapamycin-induced TCTP degradation and PLK1 activation, and depended on S6K inhibition, but not mTORC2 activation. Furthermore, the minimal dose of rapamycin required to induce TCTP proteolysis enhanced the efficacy of DNA-damaging drugs, such as cisplatin and doxorubicin, through the induction of apoptotic cell death in vitro and in vivo. This synergistic cytotoxicity of these drugs was induced irrespective of the functional status of p53. These results demonstrate a new mechanism of TCTP regulation in which the mTORC1/S6K pathway inhibits a novel Akt/PLK1 signaling axis and thereby induces TCTP protein stabilization and confers resistance to DNA-damaging agents. The results of this study suggest a new therapeutic strategy for enhancing chemosensitivity in lung cancers regardless of the functional status of p53.
The role of network connectivity on epileptiform activity
Authors: Giacopelli G. , Tegolo D. , Migliore M.
Published: October 2021

A number of potentially important mechanisms have been identified as key players to generate epileptiform activity, such as genetic mutations, activity-dependent alteration of synaptic functions, and functional network reorganization at the macroscopic level. Here we study how network connectivity at cellular level can affect the onset of epileptiform activity, using computational model networks with different wiring properties. The model suggests that networks connected as in real brain circuits are more resistant to generate seizure-like activity. The results suggest new experimentally testable predictions on the cellular network connectivity in epileptic individuals, and highlight the importance of using the appropriate network connectivity to investigate epileptiform activity with computational models.
Mechanisms of Rhizoma Coptidis against type 2 diabetes mellitus explored by network pharmacology combined with molecular docking and experimental validation
Authors: An Wenrong , Huang Yanqin , Chen Shouqiang , Teng Tao , Shi Yingning , Sun Zhenhai , Xu Yunsheng
Published: October 2021

This study systematically explored the underlying mechanism of Rhizoma Coptidis against type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by using network pharmacology and molecular docking and experimental validation. We retrieved and screened active compounds of Rhizoma Coptidis and corresponding T2DM-related targets across multiple databases. PPI networks of the genes were constructed using STRING, and the core targets were screened via topological analysis. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed by using DAVID. Finally, molecular docking and experimental studies were performed after bioinformatic analysis for verification. There were 14 active compounds and 19 core targets of Rhizoma Coptidis-T2DM, of which quercetin was identified as the main compound and IL6, VEGFA and TNF were the most significant core targets. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses showed that Rhizoma Coptidis ameliorated T2DM by regulating multiple biological processes and pathways. Docking studies indicated that IL6, VEGFA and TNF could stably bind with all active compounds of Rhizoma Coptidis. The results of our experiments revealed that Rhizoma Coptidis could inhibit the expression of IL6 and TNFα and enhance islet cell viability. This study suggests anti-inflammatory therapeutic effects of Rhizoma Coptidis on T2DM, thereby providing a scientific basis and new insight for further research on the antidiabetic effect of Rhizoma Coptidis.
Female craniometrics support the ‘two-layer model’ of human dispersal in Eastern Eurasia
Authors: Matsumura Hirofumi , Xie Guangmao , Nguyen Lan Cuong , Hanihara Tsunehiko , Li Zhen , Nguyen Khanh Trung Kien , Ho Xuan Tinh , Nguyen Thi Nga , Huang Shih-Chiang , Hung Hsiao-chun
Published: October 2021

This study reports a cranio-morphometric analysis of female human remains from seven archaeological sites in China, Vietnam and Taiwan that date between 16,000 and 5300 BP. The aim of the analysis is to test the “two-layer” model of human dispersal in eastern Eurasia, using previously unanalysed female remains to balance the large sample of previously-analysed males. The resulting craniometric data indicate that the examined specimens all belong to the “first layer” of dispersal, and share a common ancestor with recent Australian and Papuan populations, and the ancient Jomon people of Japan. The analysed specimens pre-date the expansion of agricultural populations of East/Northeast Asian origin—that is, the “second layer” of human dispersal proposed by the model. As a result of this study, the two-layer model, which has hitherto rested on evidence only from male skeletons, is now strongly supported by female-derived data. Further comparisons reveal that the people of the first layer were closer in terms of their facial morphology to modern Africans and Sri Lankan Veddah than to modern Asians and Europeans, suggesting that the Late Pleistocene through Middle Holocene hunter-gatherers examined in this study were direct descendants of the anatomically modern humans who first migrated out of Africa through southern Eurasia.
Microsatellites reveal that genetic mixing commonly occurs between invasive fall armyworm populations in Africa
Authors: Withers Amy J. , de Boer Jolanda , Chipabika Gilson , Zhang Lei , Smith Judith A. , Jones Christopher M. , Wilson Kenneth
Published: October 2021

Understanding the population structure and movements of the invasive fall armyworm (FAW, Spodoptera frugiperda) is important as it can help mitigate crop damage, and highlight areas at risk of outbreaks or evolving insecticide resistance. Determining population structure in invasive FAW has been a challenge due to genetic mutations affecting the markers traditionally used for strain and haplotype identification; mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COIB) and the Z-chromosome-linked Triosephosphate isomerase (Tpi). Here, we compare the results from COIB and Tpi markers with highly variable repeat regions (microsatellites) to improve our understanding of FAW population structure in Africa. There was very limited genetic diversity using the COIB marker, whereas using the TpiI4 marker there was greater diversity that showed very little evidence of genetic structuring between FAW populations across Africa. There was greater genetic diversity identified using microsatellites, and this revealed a largely panmictic population of FAW alongside some evidence of genetic structuring between countries. It is hypothesised here that FAW are using long-distance flight and prevailing winds to frequently move throughout Africa leading to population mixing. These approaches combined provide important evidence that genetic mixing between invasive FAW populations may be more common than previously reported.
Evaluation of sted super-resolution image quality by image correlation spectroscopy (QuICS)
Authors: Cerutti Elena , D’Amico Morgana , Cainero Isotta , Dellino Gaetano Ivan , Faretta Mario , Vicidomini Giuseppe , Pelicci Pier Giuseppe , Bianchini Paolo , Diaspro Alberto , Lanzanò Luca
Published: October 2021

Quantifying the imaging performances in an unbiased way is of outmost importance in super-resolution microscopy. Here, we describe an algorithm based on image correlation spectroscopy (ICS) that can be used to assess the quality of super-resolution images. The algorithm is based on the calculation of an autocorrelation function and provides three different parameters: the width of the autocorrelation function, related to the spatial resolution; the brightness, related to the image contrast; the relative noise variance, related to the signal-to-noise ratio of the image. We use this algorithm to evaluate the quality of stimulated emission depletion (STED) images of DNA replication foci in U937 cells acquired under different imaging conditions. Increasing the STED depletion power improves the resolution but may reduce the image contrast. Increasing the number of line averages improves the signal-to-noise ratio but facilitates the onset of photobleaching and subsequent reduction of the image contrast. Finally, we evaluate the performances of two different separation of photons by lifetime tuning (SPLIT) approaches: the method of tunable STED depletion power and the commercially available Leica Tau-STED. We find that SPLIT provides an efficient way to improve the resolution and contrast in STED microscopy.
Inspecting the electronic structure and thermoelectric power factor of novel p-type half-Heuslers
Authors: Khandy Shakeel Ahmad
Published: October 2021

In line for semiconducting electronic properties, we systematically scrutinize the likely to be grown half-Heusler compounds XTaZ (X = Pd, Pt and Z = Al, Ga, In) for their stability and thermoelectric properties. The energetically favored F-43m configuration of XTaZ alloys at equilibrium lattice constant is a promising non-magnetic semiconductor reflected from its total valence electron count (NV = 18) and electronic structure calculations. Alongside mechanical stability, the dynamic stability is guaranteed from lattice vibrations and the phonon studies. The energy gaps of these stable Ta-based materials with Z = Ga are estimated to reach as high as 0.46 eV when X = Pd and 0.95 eV when X = Pt; however, this feature is reduced when Z = Al/In and X = Pd/Pt, respectively. Lattice thermal conductivity calculations are achieved to predict the smallest room temperature value of KL = 33.6 W/K (PdTaGa) and 38.0 W/mK (for PtAlGa) among the proposed group of Heusler structures. In the end, we investigated the plausible thermoelectric performance of XTaZ alloys, which announces a comparable difference for the n-type and p-type doping regions. Among the six alloys, PtTaAl, PtTaGa and PtTaIn are predicted to be the most efficient materials where the power factor (PF) elevates up to ~ 90.5, 106.7, 106.5 mW/(K2m), respectively at 900 K; however the lower values are recorded for PdTaAl (~ 66.5), PdTaGa (~ 76.5) and PdTaIn (~ 73.4) alloys. While this reading unlocks avenues for additional assessment of this new class of Half Heuslers, the project approach used here is largely appropriate for possible collection of understandings to realize novel stable materials with potential high temperature applications.
Proteomic profile of mesothelial exosomes isolated from peritoneal dialysis effluent of children with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Bruschi Maurizio , La Porta Edoardo , Panfoli Isabella , Candiano Giovanni , Petretto Andrea , Vidal Enrico , Kajana Xhuliana , Bartolucci Martina , Granata Simona , Ghiggeri Gian Marco , Zaza Gianluigi , Verrina Enrico
Published: October 2021

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is the worldwide recognized preferred dialysis treatment for children affected by end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). However, due to the unphysiological composition of PD fluids, the peritoneal membrane (PM) of these patients may undergo structural and functional alterations, which may cause fibrosis. Several factors may accelerate this process and primary kidney disease may have a causative role. In particular, patients affected by steroid resistant primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a rare glomerular disease leading to nephrotic syndrome and ESKD, seem more prone to develop peritoneal fibrosis. The mechanism causing this predisposition is still unrecognized. To better define this condition, we carried out, for the first time, a new comprehensive comparative proteomic mass spectrometry analysis of mesothelial exosomes from peritoneal dialysis effluent (PDE) of 6 pediatric patients with focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS) versus 6 patients affected by other primary renal diseases (No FSGS). Our omic study demonstrated that, despite the high overlap in the protein milieu between the two study groups, machine learning allowed to identify a core list of 40 proteins, with ANXA13 as most promising potential biomarker, to distinguish, in our patient population, peritoneal dialysis effluent exosomes of FSGS from No FSGS patients (with 100% accuracy). Additionally, the Weight Gene Co-expression Network Analysis algorithm identified 17 proteins, with PTP4A1 as the most statistically significant biomarker associated to PD vintage and decreased PM function. Altogether, our data suggest that mesothelial cells of FSGS patients are more prone to activate a pro-fibrotic machinery. The role of the proposed biomarkers in the PM pathology deserves further investigation. Our results need further investigations in a larger population to corroborate these findings and investigate a possible increased risk of PM loss of function or development of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis in FSGS patients, thus to eventually carry out changes in PD treatment and management or implement new solutions.
Earliest evidence of herd-living and age segregation amongst dinosaurs
Authors: Pol Diego , Mancuso Adriana C. , Smith Roger M. H. , Marsicano Claudia A. , Ramezani Jahandar , Cerda Ignacio A. , Otero Alejandro , Fernandez Vincent
Published: October 2021

Sauropodomorph dinosaurs dominated the herbivorous niches during the first 40 million years of dinosaur history (Late Triassic–Early Jurassic), yet palaeobiological factors that influenced their evolutionary success are not fully understood. For instance, knowledge on their behaviour is limited, although herding in sauropodomorphs has been well documented in derived sauropods from the Late Jurassic and Cretaceous. Here we report an exceptional fossil occurrence from Patagonia that includes over 100 eggs and skeletal specimens of 80 individuals of the early sauropodomorph Mussaurus patagonicus, ranging from embryos to fully-grown adults, with an Early Jurassic age as determined by high-precision U–Pb zircon geochronology. Most specimens were found in a restricted area and stratigraphic interval, with some articulated skeletons grouped in clusters of individuals of approximately the same age. Our new discoveries indicate the presence of social cohesion throughout life and age-segregation within a herd structure, in addition to colonial nesting behaviour. These findings provide the earliest evidence of complex social behaviour in Dinosauria, predating previous records by at least 40 My. The presence of sociality in different sauropodomorph lineages suggests a possible Triassic origin of this behaviour, which may have influenced their early success as large terrestrial herbivores.
Microwave-assisted photooxidation of sulfoxides
Authors: Matsukawa Yuta , Muranaka Atsuya , Murayama Tomotaka , Uchiyama Masanobu , Takaya Hikaru , Yamada Yoichi M. A.
Published: October 2021

We demonstrated microwave-assisted photooxidation of sulfoxides to the corresponding sulfones using ethynylbenzene as a photosensitizer. Efficiency of the photooxidation was higher under microwave irradiation than under conventional thermal heating conditions. Under the conditions, ethynylbenzene promoted the oxidation more efficiently than conventional photosensitizers benzophenone, anthracene, and rose bengal. Ethynylbenzene, whose T1 state is extremely resistant to intersystem crossing to the ground state, was suitable to this reaction because spectroscopic and related reported studies suggested that this non-thermal effect was caused by elongating lifetime of the T1 state by microwave. This is the first study in which ethynylbenzene is used as a photosensitizer in a microwave-assisted photoreaction.
The invasive cactus Opuntia stricta creates fertility islands in African savannas and benefits from those created by native trees
Authors: Novoa Ana , Foxcroft Llewellyn C. , Keet Jan-Hendrik , Pyšek Petr , Le Roux Johannes J.
Published: October 2021

The patchy distribution of trees typical of savannas often results in a discontinuous distribution of water, nutrient resources, and microbial communities in soil, commonly referred to as “islands of fertility”. We assessed how this phenomenon may affect the establishment and impact of invasive plants, using the invasion of Opuntia stricta in South Africa’s Kruger National Park as case study. We established uninvaded and O. stricta-invaded plots under the most common woody tree species in the study area (Vachellia nilotica subsp. kraussiana and Spirostachys africana) and in open patches with no tree cover. We then compared soil characteristics, diversity and composition of the soil bacterial communities, and germination performance of O. stricta and native trees between soils collected in each of the established plots. We found that the presence of native trees and invasive O. stricta increases soil water content and nutrients, and the abundance and diversity of bacterial communities, and alters soil bacterial composition. Moreover, the percentage and speed of germination of O. stricta were higher in soils conditioned by native trees compared to soils collected from open patches. Finally, while S. africana and V. nilotica trees appear to germinate equally well in invaded and uninvaded soils, O. stricta had lower and slower germination in invaded soils, suggesting the potential release of phytochemicals by O. stricta to avoid intraspecific competition. These results suggest that the presence of any tree or shrub in savanna ecosystems, regardless of origin (i.e. native or alien), can create favourable conditions for the establishment and growth of other plants.
Gene transfer of MRCKα rescues lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury by restoring alveolar capillary barrier function
Authors: Liu Jing , Dean David A.
Published: October 2021

Acute Lung Injury/Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ALI/ARDS) is characterized by alveolar edema accumulation with reduced alveolar fluid clearance (AFC), alveolar-capillary barrier disruption, and substantial inflammation, all leading to acute respiratory failure. Enhancing AFC has long been considered one of the primary therapeutic goals in gene therapy treatments for ARDS. We previously showed that electroporation-mediated gene delivery of the Na+, K+-ATPase β1 subunit not only increased AFC, but also restored alveolar barrier function through upregulation of tight junction proteins, leading to treatment of LPS-induced ALI in mice. We identified MRCKα as an interaction partner of β1 which mediates this upregulation in cultured alveolar epithelial cells. In this study, we investigate whether electroporation-mediated gene transfer of MRCKα to the lungs can attenuate LPS-induced acute lung injury in vivo. Compared to mice that received a non-expressing plasmid, those receiving the MRCKα plasmid showed attenuated LPS-increased pulmonary edema and lung leakage, restored tight junction protein expression, and improved overall outcomes. Interestingly, gene transfer of MRCKα did not alter AFC rates. Studies using both cultured microvascular endothelial cells and mice suggest that β1 and MRCKα upregulate junctional complexes in both alveolar epithelial and capillary endothelial cells, and that one or both barriers may be positively affected by our approach. Our data support a model of treatment for ALI/ARDS in which improvement of alveolar-capillary barrier function alone may be of more benefit than improvement of alveolar fluid clearance.
Synthesis of polyurethane-derived nitrogen-doped carbon dots for a high-performance fluorescence bioimaging probe
Authors: Cao Fang-Jun , Wang Lu , Feng Cheng-Li , Lin Xiao , Feng Hui
Published: October 2021

A universal and robust strategy using polyurethane sponge as a precursor was developed to synthesize highly-soluble nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots via a solvothermal method.
An aqueous two-phase system formed in single-component solution of α-ketooctanoic acid
Authors: Xu Huifang , Liang Xin , Zhang Yaping , Gao Meihua , Du Na , Hou Wanguo
Published: October 2021

An aqueous two-phase system can form in the single-component solution of α-ketooctanoic acid without any additives.
Preparation of a PEGylated liposome that co-encapsulates l-arginine and doxorubicin to achieve a synergistic anticancer effect
Authors: Feng Haitao , Kang Jeong-Hun , Qi Song , Kishimura Akihiro , Mori Takeshi , Katayama Yoshiki
Published: October 2021

Strategies that combine chemotherapies with unconventional agents such as nitric oxide (NO) have been shown to enhance cancer therapies.
Fluorescently conjugated annular fibrin clot for multiplexed real-time digestion analysis
Authors: Zeng Ziqian , Nallan Chakravarthula Tanmaye , Muralidharan Charanya , Hall Abigail , Linnemann Amelia K. , Alves Nathan J.
Published: October 2021

Real-time fibrinolytic testing leveraging a physiologically relevant labeled fibrin clot substrate in a unique multiplexed annular clot geometry.
MXene-based gas sensors
Authors: Bhardwaj Radha , Hazra Arnab
Published: October 2021

In recent days, a new class of 2D materials called MXenes have attracted massive attention. The current review focuses on the synthesis procedure, general properties and gas/VOC sensing performance of MXenes and MXene-based nanocomposites.
Herbstzeitlose, Colchicum autumnale L.
Authors: Mo Zilin , Melzig Matthias F.
Published: October 2021

Colchicum autumnale L., die Herbstzeitlose, ist eine in Mitteleuropa verbreitete Pflanze, die v. a. Tropolonalkaloide wie Colchicin, Demecolcin sowie Colchicosid enthält. Der Hauptwirkstoff Colchicin verhindert die Ausbildung des zellulären Mikrotubuli-Apparates, was mit einer Entzündungshemmung verbunden ist. Trotz hoher Toxizität werden isoliertes Colchicin und Herbstzeitlosen-Extrakte zur Behandlung von Gicht eingesetzt. Weitere Anwendungsgebiete werden derzeit erforscht.
Ras inhibitor CAPRI enables neutrophil-like cells to chemotax through a higher-concentration range of gradients
Authors: Xu Xuehua , Wen Xi , Moosa Amer , Bhimani Smit , Jin Tian
Published: October 2021

Significance

Neutrophils provide first-line host defense by migrating through chemoattractant gradients to the sites of inflammation. The inappropriate recruitment and misregulated activation of neutrophils contribute to tissue damage and cause autoimmune and inflammatory disease. One fascinating feature of chemotactic neutrophils is their ability to migrate through an enormous concentration range of chemoattractant gradients (10
−9
to ∼10
−5
M) through “adaptation,” in which cells no longer respond to the present stimuli but remain sensitive to stronger stimuli. The inhibitory mechanism largely remains elusive, although many molecules of the excitatory signaling pathway have been identified. Our study reveals that the inhibitory component, CAPRI, is essential for both the sensitivity and the GPCR-mediated adaptation of human neutrophils.
A rapidly reversible mutation generates subclonal genetic diversity and unstable drug resistance
Authors: Dan Lufeng , Li Yuze , Chen Shuhua , Liu Jingbo , Wang Yu , Li Fangting , He Xiangwei , Carey Lucas B.
Published: October 2021

Significance

Mutations that confer drug resistance often confer a growth defect in the absence of drug. Mechanisms that enable temporary mutations—mutations that provide drug resistance but frequently revert back to the wild-type genomic DNA sequence—would therefore be advantageous for organisms forced to adapt in changing environments. Here, we show that rapidly reversible mutations are frequently generated by microhomology-mediated tandem duplications (MTDs) in the gene ssp1, causing rapamycin resistance and a growth defect, and reversal back to wild type restores fitness and drug sensitivity. We also found that genomes have evolved to minimize the number of potentially deleterious MTDs and used machine learning to determine the sequence-encoded rules that govern the formation and collapse of MTDs.
TDP-43 proteinopathy in oligodendrocytes revealed using an induced pluripotent stem cell model
Authors: Barton Samantha K , Magnani Dario , James Owen G , Livesey Matthew R , Selvaraj Bhuvaneish T , James Owain T , Perkins Emma M , Gregory Jenna M , Cleary Elaine , Ausems C Rosanne M , Carter Rod , Vasistha Navneet A , Zhao Chen , Burr Karen , Story David , Cardinali Alessandra , Morton Nicholas M , Hardingham Giles E , Wyllie David J A , Chandran Siddharthan
Published: October 2021

Oligodendrocytes are implicated in Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis pathogenesis and display TDP-43 pathological inclusions. To investigate the cell autonomous consequences of TDP-43 mutations on human oligodendrocytes, we generated oligodendrocytes from patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell lines harbouring mutations in the TARDBP gene, namely G298S and M337V. Through a combination of immunocytochemistry, electrophysiological assessment via whole-cell patch clamping, and three-dimensional cultures, no differences in oligodendrocyte differentiation, maturation or myelination were identified. Further, expression analysis for monocarboxylate transporter 1 (a lactate transporter) coupled with a glycolytic stress test showed no deficit in lactate export. However, using confocal microscopy, we report TDP-43 mutation dependent pathological mis-accumulation of TDP-43. Furthermore, using in vitro patch-clamp recordings, we identified functional Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptor dysregulation in oligodendrocytes. Together, these findings establish a platform for further interrogation of the role of oligodendrocytes and cellular autonomy in TDP-43 proteinopathy.
The role of cardiac magnetic resonance in MINOCA diagnosis
Authors: Dias Claudio F , Picarra B , Neves D , Trinca M
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Absence of obstructive coronary disease does not imply absence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Hence, it can be designated as Myocardial Infarction with Non-obstructive Coronary Arteries (MINOCA). Performing Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) can be essential for establishing a final diagnosis, according to the presence and pattern of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE).

Purpose

The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic impact of CMR in patients with a possible diagnosis of MINOCA.

Methods

A 7-year prospective study, which included all patients proposed to CMR with a presumptive diagnosis of MINOCA due to acute chest pain, troponin raise and absence of angiographically significant coronary disease (luminal stenosis of <50%). All patients performed functional, anatomical evaluation and LGE assessment. We analysed clinical characteristics, electrocardiographic presentation, echocardiographic and invasive coronary angiography results. A presumptive diagnosis was elaborated after invasive coronary angiography and comparison was made with the definitive one after CMR.

Results

A total of 96 patients were included, 50% were male, with a mean age of 48±20 years old. Clinical history of hypertension was observed in 51.0% patients, 35.4% had dyslipidaemia, 7.3% with diabetes, obesity was present in 22.9% of patients and smoking habits in 30.2%. At admission, 44.8% had ST segment elevation, so emergent invasive coronary angiography was performed. The mean highest troponin I was 7.34±9.18 ng/mL. Late gadolinium enhancement was observed in 53 (55.2%) of patients. After CMR realization a final diagnosis of MINOCA was made in only 8 patients (8.4%) and in 51 patients (53.1%) CMR evaluation allowed a diagnosis modification, with impact on patients' management and prognosis. A definitive diagnosis of myocarditis was seen in 46.9% (n=45) of cases, of Takotsubo's myocardiopathy in 13.5% (n=13), and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in 3.1% (n=3). In 27 (28.1%) of patients, late gadolinium enhancement was not found. This diagnosis adjustment had an impact on treatment in 34.4% (n=33).

Conclusion

CMR is a pivotal technique on MINOCA patients' management. Our study portrayed the importance of performing CMR, allowing initial diagnosis modification in half of the cases, with important therapeutic in one third of patients and prognostic implications, related to diagnosis and target treatment adverse effects.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.
Impact of admitting diagnosis on survival from in-hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Sawhney R , Meyer J C , Whitaker A B , Morris C H , Tsai-Nguyen G J , Perez A , Mora A
Published: October 2021

Background

In-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) has an incidence of approximately 200,000 adults per year in the United States. Most events occur in patients without known heart disease. The majority of IHCA data is heterogenous from registries, pooled databases, and insurance claims. We sought to examine single-center data from our institution over a 5-year period.

Purpose

Does the category of admitting diagnosis impact the outcome of IHCA? We hypothesized that patients with cardiac admitting diagnoses would have higher rates of survival to discharge and discharge home due to an increased amount of shockable (ventricular) rhythms.

Methods

All IHCA events over 5 years were identified, and 1,105 charts were examined. Charts with missing information were excluded. Admitting diagnoses were reviewed and categorized by organ system. If there were multiple categories, the most causative was chosen. If equally causative, the most severe was chosen. Charts were organized by survival and sorted by the organ system of the admitting diagnosis. Categories with <10 patients were excluded from analysis. The primary outcome was survival to discharge. Secondary outcomes were initial rhythm, immediate survival, and discharge disposition. Initial rhythms were classified as asystole, pulseless electrical activity (PEA), and ventricular (ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation).

Results

Patients with a cardiac category of admitting diagnosis (Table 1) had the highest rate of IHCA (29.68%) while hematologic had the lowest (1.45%). Immediate survival and survival to discharge respectively were highest for transplant patients (85.71%, 32.14%) and lowest for vascular (37.5%, 12.5%). The initial rhythm was predominantly PEA across all groups. Patients with cardiac and pulmonary diagnoses had higher rates of ventricular rhythms than asystole, which was reversed in the other groups. Discharge disposition (Table 2) home was highest for transplant (55.56%), cancer (52%), and cardiac (49.35%). Cardiac patients were nearly as likely to be discharged to an inpatient facility (45.46%). Pulmonary and gastrointestinal patients were most likely to be discharged to a long-term acute care hospital (28.89% and 28.57%, respectively). Neurologic patients were all, and trauma patients were mostly, discharged to inpatient facilities.

Conclusion(s)

In keeping with established data, cardiac patients were most likely to suffer an IHCA and had more ventricular rhythms than the other groups. However, their initial rhythm was predominantly PEA, they had the third-highest survival to discharge, and were predominantly discharged home. Transplant and trauma patients surprisingly had the highest survival to discharge while gastrointestinal and infectious patients had the lowest. The data presented herein can serve as a guide for clinicians to better predict survival to discharge and disposition for their patients who suffer an IHCA.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.
Prognostic value of diastolic function parameters in significant aortic regurgitation. The role of the left atrial strain
Authors: Garcia Martin A , Abellas Sequeiros M , Rincon Diaz L M , Gonzalez Gomez A , Monteagudo Ruiz J M , Hinojar Baydes R , Moya Mur J L , Zamorano Gomez J L , Fernandez-Golfin C
Published: October 2021

Background

The management of patients with asymptomatic significant aortic regurgitation (sAR) is often challenging and appropriate timing of aortic valve surgery remains controversial. There are no strong indicators to recommend early surgery in patients with sAR, however delaying the time for the intervention could bring potential negative consequences, such as the risk of permanent left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. The prognostic value of diastolic parameters has been demonstrated in several cardiac diseases. In particular, left atrial (LA) function has been shown to be an important determinant of morbimortality.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to analyze the prognostic significance of diastolic function parameters, included LA strain, in asymptomatic patients with sAR and to evaluate whether these parameters could help to identify patients at high risk of adverse events that could benefit from early cardiac surgery.

Methods

From February 2013 to November 2019 consecutive asymptomatic patients with chronic sAR evaluated in the Heart Valve Clinic with a comprehensive transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) were included. Combined clinical endpoint included hospital admission due to heart failure, cardiovascular mortality, or indication for aortic valve surgery.

Results

A total of 126 patients were included. During a mean follow up of 33±19 month, 25 (19.8%) patients reached the combined end-point.

In a sub-group of 57 patients with TTE performed in the Philips stations, LA auto-strain analysis was obtained (figure 1).

Univariate analysis showed that LV volumes, LVEF, E wave, E/e' ratio, LA volume and LA reservoir strain (LASr) were significant predictors of events, whereas LA diameter, and LV diastolic diameters were not. Multivariate model 1 that tested all echocardiographic variables statistically significant in the univariate model showed that the LVEDV and E/e' ratio, were significant predictors of events. In the subgroup of patients with LA auto-strain analyzed, a second multivariable model was built, including the previous significant variables for the first model (LVEDV and E/e' ratio), as well as the LA volume and LASr. It showed that LVEDV and LASr were the most significant predictors of cardiovascular events (figure 2).

Conclusions

In this population of asymptomatic patients with sAR and normal LV systolic function, baseline diastolic parameters were prognostic markers of cardiovascular events; among them, LA reservoir strain played a strong independent predictor role. In addition, our results also showed that LV volumes had greater prognostic value that LV diameters in patients with asymptomatic sAR.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1Figure 2