bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large Methane Emissions From the Pantanal During Rising Water‐Levels Revealed by Regularly Measured Lower Troposphere CH4 Profiles
Authors: Gloor M. , Gatti L. V. , Wilson C. , Parker R. J. , Boesch H. , Popa E. , Chipperfield M. P. , Poulter B. , Zhang Z. , Basso L. , Miller J. , McNorton J. , Jimenez C. , Prigent C.
Published: September 2021

The Pantanal region of Brazil is the largest seasonally flooded tropical grassland and, according to local chamber measurements, a substantial CH4 source. CH4 emissions from wetlands have recently become of heightened interest because global atmospheric 13CH4 data indicate they may contribute to the resumption of atmospheric CH4 growth since 2007. We have regularly measured vertical atmospheric profiles for 2 years in the center of the Pantanal with the objectives to obtain an estimate of CH4 emissions using an atmospheric approach, and provide information about flux seasonality and its relation to controlling factors. Boundary layer‐free troposphere differences observed in the Pantanal are large compared to other wetlands. Total emissions based on a planetary boundary layer budgeting technique are 2.0–2.8 TgCH4 yr−1 (maximum flux ∼0.4 gCH4 m−2 d−1) while those based on a Bayesian inversion using an atmospheric transport model are ∼3.3 TgCH4 yr−1. Compared to recent estimates for Amazonia (∼41 ± 3 TgCH4 yr−1, maximum flux ∼0.3 gCH4 m−2 d−1) these emissions are not that large. Our Pantanal data suggest a clear flux seasonality with CH4 being released in large amounts just after water levels begin to rise again after minimum levels have been reached. CH4 emissions decline substantially once the maximum water level has been reached. While predictions with prognostic wetland CH4 emission models agree well with the magnitude of the fluxes, they disagree with the phasing. Our approach shows promise for detecting and understanding longer‐term trends in CH4 emissions and the potential for future wetlands CH4 emissions climate feedbacks.
Deep Learning‐Based Super‐Resolution Climate Simulator‐Emulator Framework for Urban Heat Studies
Authors: Wu Yuankai , Teufel Bernardo , Sushama Laxmi , Belair Stephane , Sun Lijun
Published: September 2021

This proof‐of‐concept study couples machine learning and physical modeling paradigms to develop a computationally efficient simulator‐emulator framework for generating super‐resolution (<250 m) urban climate information, that is required by many sectors. To this end, a regional climate model/simulator is applied over the city of Montreal, for the summers of 2019 and 2020, at 2.5 km (LR) and 250 m (HR) resolutions, which are used to train and validate the proposed super‐resolution deep learning (DL) model/emulator. The DL model uses an efficient sub‐pixel convolution layer to generate HR information from LR data, with adversarial training applied to improve physical consistency. The DL model reduces temperature errors significantly over urbanized areas present in the LR simulation, while also demonstrating considerable skill in capturing the magnitude and location of heat stress indicators. These results portray the value of the innovative simulator‐emulator framework, that can be extended to other seasons/periods, variables and regions.
Saltwater Intrusion Intensifies Coastal Permafrost Thaw
Authors: Guimond Julia A. , Mohammed Aaron A. , Walvoord Michelle A. , Bense Victor F. , Kurylyk Barret L.
Published: September 2021

Surface effects of sea‐level rise (SLR) in permafrost regions are obvious where increasingly iceless seas erode and inundate coastlines. SLR also drives saltwater intrusion, but subsurface impacts on permafrost‐bound coastlines are unseen and unclear due to limited field data and the absence of models that include salinity‐dependent groundwater flow with solute exclusion and freeze‐thaw dynamics. Here, we develop a numerical model with the aforementioned processes to investigate climate change impacts on coastal permafrost. We find that SLR drives lateral permafrost thaw due to depressed freezing temperatures from saltwater intrusion, whereas warming drives top‐down thaw. Under high SLR and low warming scenarios, thaw driven by SLR exceeds warming‐driven thaw when normalized to the influenced surface area. Results highlight an overlooked feedback mechanism between SLR and permafrost thaw with potential implications for coastal infrastructure, ocean‐aquifer interactions, and carbon mobilization.
Discrete Aurora on Mars: Insights Into Their Distribution and Activity From MAVEN/IUVS Observations
Authors: Schneider N. M. , Milby Z. , Jain S. K. , Gérard J.‐C. , Soret L. , Brain D. A. , Weber T. , Girazian Z. , McFadden J. , Deighan J. , Jakosky B. M.
Published: September 2021

Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN)'s Imaging Ultraviolet Spectrograph has identified 278 occurrences of discrete aurora events on Mars, which are patchy, sporadic ultraviolet emissions emanating from the upper atmosphere. We confirm prior results finding that emissions are highly correlated with crustal magnetic fields results, with the brightest and most frequent occurrences located around strong crustal fields in the southern hemisphere. The six‐year data set shows that events can also occur globally, in regions of weak or absent crustal fields. We find that events occur primarily in evening hours, especially during favorable orientations of the interplanetary magnetic field. Under these conditions, auroral events probably occur nightly and last for hours. Optical counterparts to these UV emissions would probably be detectable with present‐day instrumentation, and would be visible to future astronauts.
Retrieval of Airglow Emission Rates in Analytical Form for Limb‐Viewing Satellite Observations at Low Latitudes
Authors: Tam Sunny W. Y. , Chiang Chih‐Yu , Huang Ke‐Chen , Chang Tzu‐Fang
Published: September 2021

The observation strategy of the limb‐viewing Imager of Sprites and Upper Atmospheric Lightning (ISUAL) payload aboard the FORMOSAT‐2 spacecraft inspires our development of a method to retrieve the volume emission rates from an array of airglow radiance measurements. The retrieval can be performed simply by evaluation of an analytical formula. The method can be applied to radiation at any wavelength, and its utilities are demonstrated in a reconstructed observation event of the 630.0‐nm OI airglow based on model‐generated emission rates. The simulated observation shows that radiance measurements may underestimate the heights of airglow locations by as much as 20 km. But application of the method to retrieve the emission rate profiles can recover the airglow locations with good accuracy, on average missing the height of the peak emission rate by only 2 km or so, corresponding to only 1–2 grid points in the calculations. The retrieval of airglow locations remains quite accurate even when the effect of noise is incorporated into the array of simulated radiance. Accuracy of the retrieved emission rates improves with the range of the field of view in the vertical direction. The method is also able to resolve the interference between the OI and OH emissions in the radiance data, separating the sources of the two types of emissions at distinctly different altitudes in the retrieved emission rate profiles. Overall, consideration of the reasoning behind this retrieval method could be useful for designing future satellite missions that focus on airglow research.
Diel Variability of CO2 Emissions From Northern Lakes
Authors: Rudberg D. , Duc N. T. , Schenk J. , Sieczko A. K. , Pajala G. , Sawakuchi H. O. , Verheijen H. A. , Melack J. M. , MacIntyre S. , Karlsson J. , Bastviken D.
Published: September 2021

Lakes are generally supersaturated in carbon dioxide (CO2) and emitters of CO2 to the atmosphere. However, estimates of CO2 flux () from lakes are seldom based on direct flux measurements and usually do not account for nighttime emissions, yielding risk of biased assessments. Here, we present direct measurements from automated floating chambers collected every 2–3 hr and spanning 115 24 hr periods in three boreal lakes during summer stratification and before and after autumn mixing in the most eutrophic lake of these. We observed 40%–67% higher mean in daytime during periods of surface water CO2 supersaturation in all lakes. Day‐night differences in wind speed were correlated with the day‐night differences in the two larger lakes, but in the smallest and most wind‐sheltered lake peaks of coincided with low‐winds at night. During stratification in the eutrophic lake, CO2 was near equilibrium and diel variability of insignificant, but after autumn mixing was high with distinct diel variability making this lake a net CO2 source on an annual basis. We found that extrapolating daytime measurements to 24 hr periods overestimated by up to 30%, whereas extrapolating measurements from the stratified period to annual rates in the eutrophic lake underestimated by 86%. This shows the importance of accounting for diel and seasonal variability in lake CO2 emission estimates.
Carbon and Nitrogen Turnover Times of South Korean Forests Estimated via Data‐Model Fusion
Authors: Kim Hyung‐Sub , Luo Yiqi , Noulèkoun Florent , Noh Nam Jin , Lee Jongyeol , Son Yowhan
Published: September 2021

Biogeochemical models use estimates of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) turnover times for the future projection of global forest C and N stocks, but unexplained variation in the C and N turnover times is causing considerable uncertainty. This study aimed to estimate C and N turnover times of South Korean forests and explain their variation with forest type, temperature, precipitation, stand age, and ecosystem C:N ratio. We used the balance method and data‐model fusion to estimate the C and N turnover times. Data‐model fusion was used to integrate the National Forest Inventory data (2011–2020) with a biogeochemical model, Forest Biomass and Dead organic matter Carbon and Nitrogen (FBD‐CAN). The N turnover time (376–499 years) was ∼45 times longer than the C turnover time (9–10 years). Forest type had no substantial effects on the C and N turnover times. However, the C and N turnover times were positively correlated with stand age and ecosystem C:N ratio, and negatively correlated with temperature. Overall, ecosystem C:N ratio, stand age, temperature, and precipitation explained 45%, 15%, 12%, and 3%, respectively, of the total variation of the C and N turnover times. These results contribute to the understanding and prediction of forest C and N changes in a changing world and highlight the importance of considering C:N ratio for reliable estimation of the C and N turnover times.
Episodic Nutrient Addition Affects Water Column Nutrient Processing Rates in River‐to‐Lake Transitional Zones
Authors: Pearce Nolan J. T. , Larson James H. , Evans Mary Anne , Frost Paul C. , Xenopoulos Marguerite A.
Published: September 2021

Storm‐driven nutrient loading from tributaries can fuel eutrophication in nearshore and open water areas of lentic ecosystems. However, nutrient processing in river‐to‐lake transitional zones can substantially alter the amount and composition of nutrients transported to lakes from upstream surface waters. We measured the removal of nutrients and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from the water column in the Fox rivermouth (Green Bay, Lake Michigan) to evaluate the response of rivermouth plankton to episodic nutrient enrichment. Light and dark water column incubations (8–12 hr) were conducted on four occasions from April through September to measure changes in dissolved nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and DOC concentrations in three locations along the Fox rivermouth. Two incubation experiments were conducted on consecutive days, (a) under ambient nutrient concentrations, and (b) under experimentally enriched N and P concentrations. Spatial and temporal variation was observed in nutrient uptake rates, but light incubations consistently had higher nutrient uptake rates than dark incubations. Nutrient enrichment increased total dissolved P and total dissolved N uptake and DOC release in light incubations, but only increased total dissolved P uptake in dark incubations. Moreover, nutrient uptake ratios (N:P) decreased from ambient to nutrient enriched conditions and indicated preferential P uptake by phytoplankton communities in light conditions. Our study substantiates that rivermouths can process nutrients bound for downstream ecosystems and demonstrates the potential of plankton communities to dynamically increase net uptake rates in response to episodic nutrient enrichment.
Seasonal Variation in Nitrate Removal Mechanisms in Coastal Stormwater Ponds
Authors: Gold Adam C. , Thompson Suzanne P. , Piehler Michael F.
Published: September 2021

Stormwater wet ponds (SWPs) are engineered structures used to collect and retain stormwater runoff from developed areas. SWPs are generally regarded as important nitrogen (N) sinks, but seasonal variation in SWP N cycling that influences pond nitrogen removal has not been characterized. To inform SWP function across seasons, we sampled the sediments and water columns of three stormwater ponds in the southeastern US coastal plain and measured gas and nutrient fluxes from the sediment‐water interface during ambient conditions and nitrate (NO3)‐enriched “simulated storm” conditions. Dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) was the dominant form of dissolved N in the water column, while nitrate + nitrite (NOx) was typically below detection. SWP sediment organic matter properties varied by study site but had minimal impact on sediment N processes or estimated NO3 fate. SWP sediments generally functioned as TN sinks during NO3‐enriched conditions, but the estimated fate of NO3 varied based on water temperature, DON concentrations, and sediment O2 uptake. These results suggest that permanent N removal (denitrification) by SWPs varies seasonally, with retention of NOx becoming more important during hotter conditions when NOx uptake is largest. Low ambient NOx concentrations and rapid NO3 uptake suggest that coastal stormwater ponds can host reduced conditions that may promote NO3 retention over denitrification. Additional research is needed to determine the fate of retained NO3 in SWP sediments and how variation in NO3 fate might impact downstream water quality.
Diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging targeted biopsy techniques compared to transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy of the prostate: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bass E. J. , Pantovic A. , Connor M. J. , Loeb S. , Rastinehad A. R. , Winkler M. , Gabe Rhian , Ahmed H. U.
Published: September 2021

Background

Multiparametric MRI localizes cancer in the prostate, allowing for MRI guided biopsy (MRI-GB) 43 alongside transrectal ultrasound-guided systematic biopsy (TRUS-GB). Three MRI-GB approaches exist; visual estimation (COG-TB); fusion software-assisted (FUS-TB) and MRI ‘in-bore’ biopsy (IB-TB). It is unknown whether any of these are superior.

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to address three questions. First, whether MRI-GB is superior to TRUS-GB at detecting clinically significant PCa (csPCa). Second, whether MRI-GB is superior to TRUS-GB at avoiding detection of insignificant PCa. Third, whether any MRI-GB strategy is superior at detecting csPCa.

Methods

A systematic literature review from 2015 to 2019 was performed in accordance with the START recommendations. Studies reporting PCa detection rates, employing MRI-GB and TRUS-GB were included and evaluated using the QUADAS-2 checklist. 1553 studies were found, of which 43 were included in the meta-analysis.

Results

For csPCa, MRI-GB was superior in detection to TRUS-GB (0.83 vs. 0.63 [p = 0.02]). MRI-GB was superior in detection to TRUS-GB at avoiding detection of insignificant PCa. No MRI-GB technique was superior at detecting csPCa (IB-TB 0.87; COG TB 0.81; FUS-TB 0.81, [p = 0.55]). There was significant heterogeneity observed between the included studies.

Conclusions

In patients with suspected PCa on MRI, MRI-GB offers superior rates of csPCa detection and reduces detection of insignificant PCa compared to TRUS-GB. No individual MRI-GB technique was found to be better in csPCa detection. Prospective adequately powered randomized controlled trials are required.
Transferrin-Pep63-liposomes accelerate the clearance of Aβ and rescue impaired synaptic plasticity in early Alzheimer’s disease models
Authors: Yang Xiu , Li Xu , Liu Le , Chen Yuan-Hao , You Yue , Gao Yin , Liu Yue-Ying , Yang Li , Tong Kun , Chen Di-Shi , Hao Jing-Ru , Sun Nan , Zhao Zi-Ming , Gao Can
Published: September 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by aberrant accumulation of extracellular β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides in the brain. Soluble Aβ oligomers are thought to be the most neurotoxic species and are correlated with cognitive dysfunction in early AD. However, there is still no effective treatment so far. We determined that Pep63, a small peptide, had a neuroprotective effect on synaptic plasticity and memory in our previous study. Here, we developed novel and multifunctional liposomes targeting both Aβ oligomers and fibrils based on a liposome delivery system. Transferrin-Pep63-liposomes (Tf-Pep63-Lip), possessing the ability for blood-brain barrier targeting, were also incorporated with phosphatidic acid (PA) and loaded with neuroprotective Pep63. We discovered that administration of Tf-Pep63-Lip could significantly reduce the Aβ burden in the hippocampus, and improve cognitive deficits in 6-month-old APP/PS1 mice in the Morris-Water maze task and fear-conditioning test with the combined effects of PA and Pep63. Tf-Pep63-Lip could capture Aβ oligomers or fibrils and then facilitated microglial chemotaxis nearby for clearance. Simultaneously, Tf-Pep63-Lip hindered Aβ1-42 aggregation and disaggregated Aβ1-42 assembly due to multivalent PA-Aβ. Pep63 effectively inhibited the binding between EphB2 and Aβ oligomers after release from liposomes and rescued NMDA receptors trafficking, the basis of synaptic plasticity. No side effects were observed in either APP/PS1 or wild-type mice, indicating that Tf-Pep63-Lip might be safe under the dosing regimen used in our experiment. Taken together, our results suggested that Tf-Pep63-Lip may serve as a safe and efficient agent for AD combination therapy.
Inhibitor of DNA binding 2 (Id2) mediates microtubule polymerization in the brain by regulating αK40 acetylation of α-tubulin
Authors: Yun Taegwan , Ko Hyo Rim , Jo Dong-Gyu , Park Kye Won , Cho Sung-Woo , Kim Jihoe , Ahn Jee-Yin
Published: September 2021

Acetylation of α-tubulin lysine 40 (αK40) contributes to microtubule (MT) stability and is essential for neuronal development and function, whereas excessive αK40 deacetylation is observed in neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here we identified inhibitor of DNA binding 2 (Id2) as a novel MT-binding partner that interacts with α-tubulin and enhances αK40 acetylation, leading to MT polymerization in the neurons. Commensurate with our finding that the low levels of Id2 expression along with a reduced αK40 acetylation in the postmortem human AD patient and 5X-FAD, AD model mice brain, Id2 upregulation in the hippocampus of 5X-FAD, which exhibit high levels of Sirt2 expression, increased αK40 acetylation and reconstitutes axon growth. Hence our study suggests that Id2 is critical for maintaining MT stability during neural development and the potential of Id2 to counteract pathogenic Sirt2 activity in AD.
Element selection for crystalline inorganic solid discovery guided by unsupervised machine learning of experimentally explored chemistry
Authors: Vasylenko Andrij , Gamon Jacinthe , Duff Benjamin B. , Gusev Vladimir V. , Daniels Luke M. , Zanella Marco , Shin J. Felix , Sharp Paul M. , Morscher Alexandra , Chen Ruiyong , Neale Alex R. , Hardwick Laurence J. , Claridge John B. , Blanc Frédéric , Gaultois Michael W. , Dyer Matthew S. , Rosseinsky Matthew J.
Published: September 2021

The selection of the elements to combine delimits the possible outcomes of synthetic chemistry because it determines the range of compositions and structures, and thus properties, that can arise. For example, in the solid state, the elemental components of a phase field will determine the likelihood of finding a new crystalline material. Researchers make these choices based on their understanding of chemical structure and bonding. Extensive data are available on those element combinations that produce synthetically isolable materials, but it is difficult to assimilate the scale of this information to guide selection from the diversity of potential new chemistries. Here, we show that unsupervised machine learning captures the complex patterns of similarity between element combinations that afford reported crystalline inorganic materials. This model guides prioritisation of quaternary phase fields containing two anions for synthetic exploration to identify lithium solid electrolytes in a collaborative workflow that leads to the discovery of Li3.3SnS3.3Cl0.7. The interstitial site occupancy combination in this defect stuffed wurtzite enables a low-barrier ion transport pathway in hexagonal close-packing.
KLF5 activates lncRNA DANCR and inhibits cancer cell autophagy accelerating gastric cancer progression
Authors: Cheng Zhiyi , Liu Guiyuan , Huang Chuanjiang , Zhao Xiaojun
Published: September 2021

Cancer cell autophagy has been associated with the progression of gastric cancer (GC), but involvement of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) remains unclear. Initial bioinformatics analysis has identified abnormally highly expressed KLF5 in GC, as well as the predicted regulatory mechanism associating with lncRNA DANCR, miR-194, and AKT2. The expression of KLF5, DANCR, and AKT2 in GC tissue was upregulated, and the expression of miR-194 was downregulated. We knocked KLF5 down and manipulated the expression of DANCR, miR-194, and AKT2 to characterize their roles in GC cell viability, autophagy, and apoptosis. The mechanistic investigations revealed that KLF5 activated the transcription of DANCR in the promoter region and elevated its expression. DANCR acted as a miR-194 sponge to repress its expression in GC. MiR-194 targeted and inhibited AKT2 expression. Silencing KLF5 augmented GC cell autophagy, apoptosis and impeded its viability through the DANCR/miR-194/AKT2 axis. The tumor-inhibiting properties of KLF5 knockdown were substantiated in vivo. Together, our study uncovered the oncogenic role of KLF5-dependent lncRNA DANCR transcription in GC in vivo and in vitro, which implicates the miR-194/AKT2 axis in tumor growth regulation, and it may be a potential therapeutic target for human GC.
Clinical characteristics of magnetic foreign body misingestion in children
Authors: Huang Yu Kun , Hong Shao Xian , Tai I. Hsin , Hsieh Kai Sheng
Published: September 2021

Magnetic foreign body misingestion (MFBM) is now occurring more frequently. It may cause remarkable mortality and morbidity in children. A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of children admitted to Xiamen Children’s Hospital between March 2017 and July 2020 due to accidental MFBM. A total of 14 children who had MFBM were collected, the proportion between urban and rural areas was 8:6, and the ratio of male to female was 6:1. The age ranged from 1.2 to 8.9 years (median 4.6 years). The number of magnetic foreign bodies ingested by mistake is 1 to 17 (average 6.5). Magnetic foreign objects are divided into magnets (3 cases) + magnetic beads (11 cases). About 40% (5/14) of this patient series showed no available misingestion history. Management includes: 4 cases of open surgery (including 1 case of laparoscopic transfer to operation), 3 cases of laparoscopic surgery, 2 cases of gastroscopy, 5 cases of conservative treatment of foreign bodies discharged through the anus. Of the 7 surgical cases, 6 cases presented with intestinal obstruction and intestinal perforation (at least 1 intestinal perforation and at most 5). Abdominal sonography has limitations in the detection of magnetic foreign bodies in the digestive tract. The proportion of laparoscopic surgery in the 7 surgical cases is nearly half. All surgical cases recovered smoothly after treatment. Our experience shows that MFBM is a big issue for the small children! The early symptoms of MFBM are often atypical especially among young children and MFBM may lead to severe adverse events. We proposed a management strategy for MFBM in children. We advise pediatricians/emergency physicians, parents/children’s guardians and society should raise the collaborated alertness of MFBM. Global awareness of risk prevention of magnetic material accidental ingestion cannot be overemphasized.
Bio-inspired spatially variant photonic crystals for self-collimation and beam-steering applications in the near-infrared spectrum
Authors: Gnawali Rudra , Volk Andrew , Agha Imad , Payne Tamara E. , Rai Amit , Touma Jimmy
Published: September 2021

The self-collimation of light through Photonic Crystals (PCs) due to their optical properties and through a special geometric structure offers a new form of beam steering with highly optical control capabilities for a range of different applications. The objective of this work is to understand self-collimation and bending of light beams through bio-inspired Spatially Variant Photonic Crystals (SVPCs) made from dielectric materials such as silicon dioxide and common polymers used in three-dimensional printing like SU-8. Based upon natural PCs found in animals such as butterflies and fish, the PCs developed in this work can be used to manipulate different wavelengths of light for optical communications, multiplexing, and beam-tuning devices for light detection and ranging applications. In this paper, we show the optical properties and potential applications of two different SVPC designs that can control light through a 90-degree bend and optical logic gates. These two-dimensional SVPC designs were optimized for operation in the near-infrared range of approximately 800–1000 nm for the 90-degree bend and 700–1000 nm for the optical logic gate. These SVPCs were shown to provide high transmission through desired regions with low reflection and absorption of light to prove the potential benefits of these structures for future optical systems.
SWATH-MS for prospective identification of protein blood biomarkers of rtPA-associated intracranial hemorrhage in acute ischemic stroke: a pilot study
Authors: Karaszewski Bartosz , Gójska-Grymajło Anna , Czaplewska Paulina , Jabłoński Bartosz , Lewandowska Aleksandra E. , Ossowska Daria , Wyszomirski Adam , Hałas Marek , Szurowska Edyta
Published: September 2021

Intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) is, besides mechanical thrombectomy, the highest class evidence based reperfusion treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The biggest concern of the therapy is symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), which occurs in 3–7% of all treated patients, and is associated with worse functional outcome. Finding a method of the powerful identification of patients at highest risk of sICH, in order to increase the percentage of stroke patients safely treated with rtPA, is one of the most important challenges in stroke research. To address this problem, we designed a complex project to identify blood, neuroimaging, and clinical biomarkers combined for prospective assessment of the risk of rtPA-associated ICH. In this paper we present results of blood proteomic and peptide analysis of pilot 41 AIS patients before rtPA administration (the test ICH group, n = 9 or the controls, without ICH, n = 32). We demonstrated that pre-treatment blood profiles of 15 proteins differ depending on whether the patients develop rtPA-associated ICH or not. SWATH-MS quantification of serum or plasma proteins might allow for robust selection of blood biomarkers to increase the prospective assessment of rtPA-associated ICH over that based solely on clinical and neuroimaging characteristics.
Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery with interarterial course: a mid-term follow-up of 28 cases
Authors: Albuquerque Francisco , de Araújo Gonçalves Pedro , Marques Hugo , Ferreira António , Freitas Pedro , Lopes Pedro , Gonçalves Mariana , Dores Hélder , Cardim Nuno
Published: September 2021

Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the opposite sinus (right-ACAOS) with interarterial course (IAC) has been associated with increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Widespread use of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has led to increased recognition of this condition, even among healthy individuals. Our study sought to examine the prevalence, anatomical characteristics, and outcomes of right-ACAOS with IAC in patients undergoing CCTA for suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). We conducted a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients referred for CCTA at one tertiary hospital from January 2012 to December 2020. Patients exhibiting right-ACAOS with IAC were analyzed for cardiac symptoms and mid-term occurrence of first MACE (cardiac death, SCD, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) or revascularization of the anomalous vessel). CCTAs were reviewed for anatomical high-risk features and concomitant CAD. Among 10,928 patients referred for CCTA, 28 patients with right-ACAOS with IAC were identified. Mean age was 55 ± 17 years, 64% were male and 11 (39.3%) presented stable cardiac symptoms. Most patients had at least one high risk anatomical feature. During follow-up, there were no cardiac deaths or aborted SCD episodes and only 1 patient underwent surgical revascularization of the anomalous vessel. Right-ACAOS with IAC is an uncommon finding (prevalence of 0.26%). In a contemporary population of predominantly asymptomatic patients who survived this condition well into adulthood, most patients were managed conservatively with a low event rate. Additional studies are needed to support medical follow-up as the preferred option in this setting.
Circadian misalignment measured by social jetlag from early to late pregnancy and its association with nutritional status: a longitudinal study
Authors: Balieiro Laura Cristina Tibiletti , Gontijo Cristiana Araújo , Marot Luisa Pereira , Teixeira Gabriela Pereira , Fahmy Walid Makin , Moreno Claudia Roberta de Castro , Maia Yara Cristina de Paiva , Crispim Cibele Aparecida
Published: September 2021

A mismatch between circadian and social clocks leads to a circadian misalignment, which has been widely measured by social jetlag (SJL). There are several studies measuring SJL, but it has not been studied in pregnant women. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the occurrence of SJL throughout pregnancy and to verify whether there is an effect of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) on SJL throughout pregnancy. The baseline of the present study was conducted with 205 1st trimester pregnant women of whom 100 were followed in their 2nd and 3rd trimester. SJL was calculated based on the absolute difference between mid-sleep time on workdays versus work-free days. The pre-pregnancy BMI and current BMI (kg/m2) were calculated. Linear regression and Generalised Estimating Equation (GEE) adjusted for confounders were used to determine the association between SJL and the gestational trimesters (time), and anthropometric variables. Most of the pregnant women (54.5%) presented SJL > 1 h in the first gestational trimester. We also found an isolated effect of the gestation trimester on the SJL mean. In this sense, pregnant women had a decrease in SJL from the second to the third trimester (1.33 ± 0.08 versus 1.12 ± 0.07, respectively; p = 0.012). GEE analyzes showed that pregnant women of a normal weight showed a decrease in SJL from the second to the third trimester (1.29 ± 0.11 and 0.93 ± 0.08, respectively, p = 0.032), but this was not found in the other groups of nutritional status (underweight, overweight and obesity). In addition, a positive association between SJL and pre-gestational BMI in the third trimester (β = 0.200, p = 0.046) was found. SJL is quite prevalent during the gestational period and excessive BMI both before and during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of having SJL > 1 h in the third and second trimesters, respectively. In addition, pregnant women of normal weight—but not underweight or overweight—had decreased SJL from the second to the third trimester.
The influence of pacific winds on ENSO diversity
Authors: Capotondi Antonietta , Ricciardulli Lucrezia
Published: September 2021

The differences in ENSO sea surface temperature (SST) spatial patterns, whether centered in the Eastern Pacific (EP), Central Pacific (CP) or in the eastern-central equatorial region (“canonical”) have been associated to differences in atmospheric teleconnections and global impacts. However, predicting different types of ENSO events has proved challenging, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of their predictability. Given the key role played by wind variations in the development and evolution of ENSO events, this study examines the relationship between the leading modes of Pacific surface wind speed variability and ENSO diversity using three different state-of-the-art wind products, including satellite observations and atmospheric reanalyses. Although previous studies have associated different ENSO precursors to either EP or CP events, our results indicate that the most prominent of those ENSO precursors are primarily related to canonical and CP events, and show little correlation with EP events. The latter are associated with tropical Pacific conditions favoring equatorial westerly wind and precipitation anomalies that extend all the way to the eastern Pacific. Results over the entire twentieth century period versus those during the satellite era also suggest that the influences from the Southern Hemisphere may be more robust than those from the Northern Hemisphere.
Performance of individual dietary diversity score to identify malnutrition among patients living with HIV in Ethiopia
Authors: Hussien Foziya Mohammed , Mebratu Wondwosen , Ahmed Aragaw Yimer , Mekonnen Tefera Chane , Hassen Anissa Mohammed , Asfaw Zinet Abegaz , Hassen Hamid Yimam , Abate Kalkidan Hassen
Published: September 2021

There is a lack of uniformity in developing and validating indicators of nutritional status among People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV). Experiences from low and middle-income countries are scant, and differences in methodological and analytical approaches affect the comparability and generalizability of findings. Therefore, this study investigated the performance of individual diversity score (IDDS) as a proxy indicator of nutritional status among PLHIV. We conducted a facility-based cross-sectional study among 423 PLHIV who were under Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) at clinics in Bahir-Dar, Ethiopia. We collected data on sociodemographic, dietary, clinical, and anthropometric measures. Dietary intake was assessed using 24-Hour dietary recall. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated to assess the nutritional status of study subjects. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the ability of the IDDS and Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) to detect poor nutritional status. Furthermore, sensitivity, specificity, Predictive Values (PPs), and Likelihood Ratios (LRs) were calculated at different cut-off points. IDDS showed good reliability with Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.76. The Area Under the Curve (AUC) of IDDS was 78.5 (95%CI 73.9–83.4). At the IDDS cut-off of 4, the sensitivity and specificity of IDDS to indicate nutritional status were 88.0% (95%CI 81.0–93.0) and 71.0% (95%CI 66.0–76.0), respectively. The AUC of MDD-W was 74.1%, and at the cut-off of 4 the sensitivity and specificity of MDD-W to indicate undernutrition were 73.0% and 72.0%, respectively. Both IDDS and MDD-W have good accuracy as a proxy indicator for measuring the nutritional status of PLHIV. In the prevention of undernutrition among PLHIV especially in a resource-limited setting, IDDS and MDD-W can be used to assess nutritional status.
On the function of biosynthesized cellulose as barrier against bacterial colonization of VAD drivelines
Authors: Kaemmel Julius , Ferrari Aldo , Robotti Francesco , Bottan Simone , Eichenseher Fritz , Schmidt Tanja , Gonzalez Moreno Mercedes , Trampuz Andrej , Eulert-Grehn Jaime-Jürgen , Knosalla Christoph , Potapov Evgenij , Falk Volkmar , Starck Christoph
Published: September 2021

Bacterial colonization of drivelines represents a major adverse event in the implantation of left ventricular assist devices (L-VADs) for the treatment of congestive heart failure. From the external driveline interface and through the skin breach, pathogens can ascend to the pump pocket, endangering the device function and the patient’s life. Surface Micro-Engineered Biosynthesized cellulose (BC) is an implantable biomaterial, which minimizes fibrotic tissue deposition and promotes healthy tissue regeneration. The topographic arrangement of cellulose fibers and the typical material porosity support its potential protective function against bacterial permeation; however, this application has not been tested in clinically relevant animal models. Here, a goat model was adopted to evaluate the barrier function of BC membranes. The external silicone mantle of commercial L-VAD drivelines was implanted percutaneously with an intervening layer of BC to separate them from the surrounding soft tissue. End-point evaluation at 6 and 12 weeks of two separate animal groups revealed the local bacterial colonization at the different interfaces in comparison with unprotected driveline mantle controls. The results demonstrate that the BC membranes established an effective barrier against the bacterial colonization of the outer driveline interface. The containment of pathogen infiltration, in combination with the known anti-fibrotic effect of BC, may promote a more efficient immune clearance upon driveline implantation and support the efficacy of local antibiotic treatments, therefore mitigating the risk connected to their percutaneous deployment.
Encapsulation of an anticancer drug Isatin inside a host nano-vehicle SWCNT: a molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Dehaghani Maryam Zarghami , Yousefi Farrokh , Seidi Farzad , Bagheri Babak , Mashhadzadeh Amin Hamed , Naderi Ghasem , Esmaeili Amin , Abida Otman , Habibzadeh Sajjad , Saeb Mohammad Reza , Rybachuk Maksym
Published: September 2021

The use of carbon nanotubes as anticancer drug delivery cargo systems is a promising modality as they are able to perforate cellular membranes and transport the carried therapeutic molecules into the cellular components. Our work describes the encapsulation process of a common anticancer drug, Isatin (1H-indole-2,3-dione) as a guest molecule, in a capped single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) host with chirality of (10,10). The encapsulation process was modelled, considering an aqueous solution, by a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation under a canonical NVT ensemble. The interactions between the atoms of Isatin were obtained from the DREIDING force filed. The storage capacity of the capped SWCNT host was evaluated to quantify its capacity to host multiple Isatin molecules. Our results show that the Isatin can be readily trapped inside the volume cavity of the capped SWCNT and it remained stable, as featured by a reduction in the van der Waals forces between Isatin guest and the SWCNT host (at approximately − 30 kcal mol−1) at the end of the MD simulation (15 ns). Moreover, the free energy of encapsulation was found to be − 34 kcal mol−1 suggesting that the Isatin insertion procedure into the SWCNT occurred spontaneously. As calculated, a capped SWCNT (10,10) with a length of 30 Å, was able to host eleven (11) molecules of Isatin, that all remained steadily encapsulated inside the SWCNT volume cavity, showing a potential for the use of carbon nanotubes as drug delivery cargo systems.
TDP-43 regulates GAD1 mRNA splicing and GABA signaling in Drosophila CNS
Authors: Romano Giulia , Holodkov Nikola , Klima Raffaella , Feiguin Fabian
Published: September 2021

Alterations in the function of the RNA-binding protein TDP-43 are largely associated with the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a devastating disease of the human motor system that leads to motoneurons degeneration and reduced life expectancy by molecular mechanisms not well known. In our previous work, we found that the expression levels of the glutamic acid decarboxylase enzyme (GAD1), responsible for converting glutamate to γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), were downregulated in TBPH-null flies and motoneurons derived from ALS patients carrying mutations in TDP-43, suggesting that defects in the regulation of GAD1 may lead to neurodegeneration by affecting neurotransmitter balance. In this study, we observed that TBPH was required for the regulation of GAD1 pre-mRNA splicing and the levels of GABA in the Drosophila central nervous system (CNS). Interestingly, we discovered that pharmacological treatments aimed to potentiate GABA neurotransmission were able to revert locomotion deficiencies in TBPH-minus flies, revealing novel mechanisms and therapeutic strategies in ALS.
Conditioned medium from stem cells derived from human exfoliated deciduous teeth ameliorates NASH via the Gut-Liver axis
Authors: Muto Hisanori , Ito Takanori , Tanaka Taku , Yokoyama Shinya , Yamamoto Kenta , Imai Norihiro , Ishizu Yoji , Maeda Keiko , Honda Takashi , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Kato Asuka , Ohshiro Taichi , Kano Fumiya , Yamamoto Akihito , Sakai Kiyoshi , Hibi Hideharu , Ishigami Masatoshi , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro
Published: September 2021

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) occurrence has been increasing and is becoming a major cause of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. However, effective treatments for NASH are still lacking. We examined the benefits of serum-free conditioned medium from stem cells derived from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED-CM) on a murine non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) model induced by a combination of Western diet (WD) and repeated administration of low doses of carbon tetrachloride intraperitoneally, focusing on the gut-liver axis. We showed that repeated intravenous administration of SHED-CM significantly ameliorated histological liver fibrosis and inflammation in a murine NASH model. SHED-CM inhibited parenchymal cell apoptosis and reduced the activation of inflammatory macrophages. Gene expression of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic mediators (such as Tnf-α, Tgf-β, and Ccl-2) in the liver was reduced in mice treated with SHED-CM. Furthermore, SHED-CM protected intestinal tight junctions and maintained intestinal barrier function, while suppressing gene expression of the receptor for endotoxin, Toll-like receptor 4, in the liver. SHED-CM promoted the recovery of Caco-2 monolayer dysfunction induced by IFN-γ and TNF-α in vitro. Our findings suggest that SHED-CM may inhibit NASH fibrosis via the gut-liver axis, in addition to its protective effect on hepatocytes and the induction of macrophages with unique anti-inflammatory phenotypes.
An all-sputtered photovoltaic ultraviolet photodetector based on co-doped CuCrO2 and Al-doped ZnO heterojunction
Authors: Ahmadi Morteza , Abrari Masoud , Ghanaatshoar Majid
Published: September 2021

We propose and fabricate a heterojunction between Al-doped ZnO and (Mg, N)-doped CuCrO2 thin films using the sputtering deposition method. These materials possess wide bandgap that makes them transparent in the visible light but excellent UV-absorbers. On the other hand, the high conductivity of these materials, respectively as n-type and p-type transparent conducting oxides, facilitates the charge transport. We show that the p–n junction fabricated from these materials has the potential to act as a high-performance UV photovoltaic photodetector. The proposed structure, demonstrates fast responses in order of sub seconds, photosensitivity of ~ 41,000, responsivity of 1.645 mA/W, and a detectivity of 3.52 × 1012 Jones that are significantly improved in comparison with the Al-doped ZnO photoconductor. This excellent improvement is attributed to the capability of the photovoltaic configuration that creates a built-in voltage and facilitates the charge separation and collection rather than recombination in the photoconductor configuration.
Systematic tissue collection during clinical breast biopsy is feasible, safe and enables high-content translational analyses
Authors: Koh Siang-Boon , Dontchos Brian N. , Bossuyt Veerle , Edmonds Christine , Cristea Simona , Melkonjan Nsan , Mortensen Lindsey , Ma Annie , Beyerlin Kassidy , Denault Elyssa , Niehoff Elizabeth , Hirz Taghreed , Sykes David B. , Michor Franziska , Specht Michelle , Lehman Constance , Ellisen Leif W. , Spring Laura M.
Published: September 2021

Systematic collection of fresh tissues for research at the time of diagnostic image-guided breast biopsy has the potential to fuel a wide variety of innovative studies. Here we report the initial experience, including safety, feasibility, and laboratory proof-of-principle, with the collection and analysis of research specimens obtained via breast core needle biopsy immediately following routine clinical biopsy at a single institution over a 14-month period. Patients underwent one or two additional core biopsies following collection of all necessary clinical specimens. In total, 395 patients were approached and 270 consented to the research study, yielding a 68.4% consent rate. Among consenting patients, 238 lesions were biopsied for research, resulting in 446 research specimens collected. No immediate complications were observed. Representative research core specimens showed high diagnostic concordance with clinical core biopsies. Flow cytometry demonstrated consistent recovery of hundreds to thousands of viable cells per research core. Among a group of HER2 + tumor research specimens, HER2 assessment by flow cytometry correlated highly with immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, and in addition revealed extensive inter- and intra-tumoral variation in HER2 levels of potential clinical relevance. Suitability for single-cell transcriptomic analysis was demonstrated for a triple-negative tumor core biopsy, revealing substantial cellular diversity in the tumor immune microenvironment, including a prognostically relevant T cell subpopulation. Thus, collection of fresh tissues for research purposes at the time of diagnostic breast biopsy is safe, feasible and efficient, and may provide a high-yield mechanism to generate a rich tissue repository for a wide variety of cross-disciplinary research.
Age-related demethylation of the TDP-43 autoregulatory region in the human motor cortex
Authors: Koike Yuka , Sugai Akihiro , Hara Norikazu , Ito Junko , Yokoseki Akio , Ishihara Tomohiko , Yamagishi Takuma , Tsuboguchi Shintaro , Tada Mari , Ikeuchi Takeshi , Kakita Akiyoshi , Onodera Osamu
Published: September 2021

In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43), which is encoded by TARDBP, forms aggregates in the motor cortex. This aggregate formation may be triggered by an increase in the TDP-43 level with aging. However, the amount of TDP-43 is autoregulated by alternative splicing of the TARDBP 3′UTR, and how this autoregulation is affected by aging remains to be elucidated. We found that DNA demethylation in the autoregulatory region in the TARDBP 3′UTR reduced alternative splicing and increased TARDBP mRNA expression. Furthermore, in the human motor cortex, we found that this region was demethylated with aging, resulting in increased expression of TARDBP mRNA. The acceleration of DNA demethylation in the motor cortex was associated with the age of ALS onset. In summary, the dysregulation of TDP-43 autoregulation by age-related DNA demethylation in the motor cortex may explain the contribution of aging and motor system selectivity in ALS.