bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water-driven microbial nitrogen transformations in biological soil crusts causing atmospheric nitrous acid and nitric oxide emissions
Authors: Maier S , Kratz A M , Weber J , Prass M , Liu F , Clark A T , Abed R M M , Su H , Cheng Y , Eickhorst T , Fiedler S , Pöschl U , Weber B
Published: November 2021

Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) release the reactive nitrogen gases (Nr) nitrous acid (HONO) and nitric oxide (NO) into the atmosphere, but the underlying microbial process controls have not yet been resolved. In this study, we analyzed the activity of microbial consortia relevant in Nr emissions during desiccation using transcriptome and proteome profiling and fluorescence in situ hybridization. We observed that < 30 min after wetting, genes encoding for all relevant nitrogen (N) cycling processes were expressed. The most abundant transcriptionally active N-transforming microorganisms in the investigated biocrusts were affiliated with Rhodobacteraceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Pseudomonadaceae within the Alpha- and Gammaproteobacteria. Upon desiccation, the nitrite (NO2−) content of the biocrusts increased significantly, which was not the case when microbial activity was inhibited. Our results confirm that NO2− is the key precursor for biocrust emissions of HONO and NO. This NO2− accumulation likely involves two processes related to the transition from oxygen-limited to oxic conditions in the course of desiccation: (i) a differential regulation of the expression of denitrification genes; and (ii) a physiological response of ammonia-oxidizing organisms to changing oxygen conditions. Thus, our findings suggest that the activity of N-cycling microorganisms determines the process rates and overall quantity of Nr emissions.
A review of functional and structural neuroimaging studies to investigate the inner speech model of auditory verbal hallucinations in schizophrenia
Authors: Barber Liam , Reniers Renate , Upthegrove Rachel
Published: November 2021

Although the pathophysiology of auditory verbal hallucinations remains uncertain, the inner speech model remains a prominent theory. A systematic review and meta-analyses of both functional and structural neuroimaging studies were performed to investigate the inner speech model. Of the 417 papers retrieved, 26 met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses found the left insula to be significantly active during auditory verbal hallucinations and to have a significantly reduced grey matter volume in hallucinators. Dysfunction of the left insula may contribute to the misattribution of inner speech due to its suggested roles in both inner speech production and the salience network. No significant activity was found at Broca’s area or Heschl’s gyrus during auditory verbal hallucinations. Furthermore, no structural abnormalities were found at these sites or in the arcuate fasciculi. Overall, evidence was found to both support and oppose the inner speech model. Further research should particularly include a systematic review of task-based trait studies with a focus on inner speech production and self-referential processing, and analyses of additional language-related white matter tracts.
Multiple time measurements of multidimensional psychiatric states from immediately before the COVID-19 pandemic to one year later: a longitudinal online survey of the Japanese population
Authors: Oka Taiki , Kubo Takatomi , Kobayashi Nao , Nakai Fumiya , Miyake Yuka , Hamamura Toshitaka , Honjo Masaru , Toda Hiroyuki , Boku Shuken , Kanazawa Tetsufumi , Nagamine Masanori , Cortese Aurelio , Takebayashi Minoru , Kawato Mitsuo , Chiba Toshinori
Published: November 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has profoundly affected the mental health of both infected and uninfected people. Although most psychiatric disorders have highly overlapping genetic and pathogenic backgrounds, most studies investigating the impact of the pandemic have examined only single psychiatric disorders. It is necessary to examine longitudinal trajectories of factors that modulate psychiatric states across multiple dimensions. About 2274 Japanese citizens participated in online surveys presented in December 2019 (before the pandemic), August 2020, Dec 2020, and April 2021. These surveys included nine questionnaires on psychiatric symptoms, such as depression and anxiety. Multidimensional psychiatric time-series data were then decomposed into four principal components. We used generalized linear models to identify modulating factors for the effects of the pandemic on these components. The four principal components can be interpreted as a general psychiatric burden, social withdrawal, alcohol-related problems, and depression/anxiety. Principal components associated with general psychiatric burden and depression/anxiety peaked during the initial phase of the pandemic. They were further exacerbated by the economic burden the pandemic imposed. In contrast, principal components associated with social withdrawal showed a delayed peak, with human relationships as an important risk modulating factor. In addition, being female was a risk factor shared across all components. Our results show that COVID-19 has imposed a large and varied burden on the Japanese population since the commencement of the pandemic. Although components related to the general psychiatric burden remained elevated, peak intensities differed between components related to depression/anxiety and those related to social withdrawal. These results underline the importance of using flexible monitoring and mitigation strategies for mental problems, according to the phase of the pandemic.
Decrease in early mortality for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients in the Netherlands: a population-based study
Authors: Brink Mirian , Groen Kaz , Sonneveld Pieter , Minnema Monique C. , Broijl Annemiek , Dinmohamed Avinash G. , van der Spek Ellen , Levin Mark-David , Ypma Paula F. , de Waal Esther , Posthuma Eduardus F. M. Ward , Zweegman Sonja , van de Donk Niels W. C. J.
Published: November 2021

Identification of risk factors for early mortality (EM) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients may contribute to different therapeutic approaches in patients at risk for EM. This population-based study aimed to assess trends in EM and risk factors for EM among MM patients diagnosed in the Netherlands. All MM patients, newly diagnosed between 1989 and 2018, were identified in the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Patients were categorized into three calendar periods (1989–1998, 1999–2008, 2009–2018) and into five age groups (≤65, 66–70, 71–75, 76–80, >80 years). EM was defined as death by any cause ≤180 days post-diagnosis. We included 28,328 MM patients (median age 70 years; 55% males). EM decreased from 22% for patients diagnosed in 1989–1998 to 13% for patients diagnosed in 2009–2018 (P < 0.01) and this decrease was observed among all age groups. Exact causes of death could not be elucidated. Besides patient’s age, we found that features related to a more aggressive disease presentation, and patient characteristics reflecting patients’ physical condition were predictive of EM. In summary, EM decreased from 1999 onwards. Nevertheless, EM remains high, especially for patients aged >70 years. Therefore, novel strategies should be explored to improve the outcome of patients at risk for EM.
Distinct patterns of speech disorder in early-onset and late-onset de-novo Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Rusz Jan , Tykalová Tereza , Novotný Michal , Růžička Evžen , Dušek Petr
Published: November 2021

Substantial variability and severity of dysarthric patterns across Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients may reflect distinct phenotypic differences. We aimed to compare patterns of speech disorder in early-onset PD (EOPD) and late-onset PD (LOPD) in drug-naive patients at early stages of disease. Speech samples were acquired from a total of 96 participants, including two subgroups of 24 de-novo PD patients and two subgroups of 24 age- and sex-matched young and old healthy controls. The EOPD group included patients with age at onset below 51 (mean 42.6, standard deviation 6.1) years and LOPD group patients with age at onset above 69 (mean 73.9, standard deviation 3.0) years. Quantitative acoustic vocal assessment of 10 unique speech dimensions related to respiration, phonation, articulation, prosody, and speech timing was performed. Despite similar perceptual dysarthria severity in both PD subgroups, EOPD showed weaker inspirations (p = 0.03), while LOPD was characterized by decreased voice quality (p = 0.02) and imprecise consonant articulation (p = 0.03). In addition, age-independent occurrence of monopitch (p < 0.001), monoloudness (p = 0.008), and articulatory decay (p = 0.04) was observed in both PD subgroups. The worsening of consonant articulation was correlated with the severity of axial gait symptoms (r = 0.38, p = 0.008). Speech abnormalities in EOPD and LOPD share common features but also show phenotype-specific characteristics, likely reflecting the influence of aging on the process of neurodegeneration. The distinct pattern of imprecise consonant articulation can be interpreted as an axial motor symptom of PD.
Patterns of pre-operative opioid use affect the risk for complications after total joint replacement
Authors: Ravi Bheeshma , Pincus Daniel , Croxford Ruth , Leroux Timothy , Paterson JMichael , Hawker Gillian , Redelmeier Donald A.
Published: November 2021

Preoperative opioid use has been shown to increase the risk for complications following total joint arthroplasty (TJA); however, these studies have not always accounted for differences in co-morbidities and socio-demographics between patients that use opioids and those that do not. They have also not accounted for the variation in degree of pre-operative use. The objective of this study was to determine if preoperative opioid use is associated with risk for surgical complications after TJA, and if this association varied by degree of use. Population-based retrospective cohort study. Older adult patients undergoing primary TJA of the hip, knee and shoulder for osteoarthritis between 2002 and 2015 in Ontario, Canada were identified. Using accepted definitions, patients were stratified into three groups according to their preoperative opioid use: no use, intermittent use and chronic use. The primary outcome was the occurrence of a composite surgical complication (surgical site infection, dislocation, revision arthroplasty) or death within a year of surgery. Intermittent and chronic users were matched separately to non-users in a 1:1 ratio, matching on TJA type plus a propensity score incorporating patient and provider factors. Overall, 108,067 patients were included in the study; 10% (N = 10,441) used opioids on a chronic basis before surgery and 35% (N = 37,668) used them intermittently. After matching, chronic pre-operative opioid use was associated with an increased risk for complications after TJA (HR 1.44, p = 0.001) relative to non-users. Overall, less than half of patients undergoing TJA used opioids in the year preceding surgery; the majority used them only intermittently. While chronic pre-operative opioid use is associated with an increased risk for complications after TJA, intermitted pre-operative use is not.
Human stem cell-derived GABAergic neurons functionally integrate into human neuronal networks
Authors: Gonzalez-Ramos Ana , Waloschková Eliška , Mikroulis Apostolos , Kokaia Zaal , Bengzon Johan , Ledri Marco , Andersson My , Kokaia Merab
Published: November 2021

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-releasing interneurons modulate neuronal network activity in the brain by inhibiting other neurons. The alteration or absence of these cells disrupts the balance between excitatory and inhibitory processes, leading to neurological disorders such as epilepsy. In this regard, cell-based therapy may be an alternative therapeutic approach. We generated light-sensitive human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived GABAergic interneurons (hdIN) and tested their functionality. After 35 days in vitro (DIV), hdINs showed electrophysiological properties and spontaneous synaptic currents comparable to mature neurons. In co-culture with human cortical neurons and after transplantation (AT) into human brain tissue resected from patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, light-activated channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) expressing hdINs induced postsynaptic currents in human neurons, strongly suggesting functional efferent synapse formation. These results provide a proof-of-concept that hESC-derived neurons can integrate and modulate the activity of a human host neuronal network. Therefore, this study supports the possibility of precise temporal control of network excitability by transplantation of light-sensitive interneurons.
Remodeling tumor microenvironment by liposomal codelivery of DMXAA and simvastatin inhibits malignant melanoma progression
Authors: Rauca Valentin-Florian , Patras Laura , Luput Lavinia , Licarete Emilia , Toma Vlad-Alexandru , Porfire Alina , Mot Augustin Catalin , Rakosy-Tican Elena , Sesarman Alina , Banciu Manuela
Published: November 2021

Anti-angiogenic therapies for melanoma have not yet been translated into meaningful clinical benefit for patients, due to the development of drug-induced resistance in cancer cells, mainly caused by hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) overexpression and enhanced oxidative stress mediated by tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Our previous study demonstrated synergistic antitumor actions of simvastatin (SIM) and 5,6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid (DMXAA) on an in vitro melanoma model via suppression of the aggressive phenotype of melanoma cells and inhibition of TAMs-mediated angiogenesis. Therefore, we took the advantage of long circulating liposomes (LCL) superior tumor targeting capacity to efficiently deliver SIM and DMXAA to B16.F10 melanoma in vivo, with the final aim of improving the outcome of the anti-angiogenic therapy. Thus, we assessed the effects of this novel combined tumor-targeted treatment on s.c. B16.F10 murine melanoma growth and on the production of critical markers involved in tumor development and progression. Our results showed that the combined liposomal therapy almost totally inhibited (> 90%) the growth of melanoma tumors, due to the enhancement of anti-angiogenic effects of LCL-DMXAA by LCL-SIM and simultaneous induction of a pro-apoptotic state of tumor cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). These effects were accompanied by the partial re-education of TAMs towards an M1 phenotype and augmented by combined therapy-induced suppression of major invasion and metastasis promoters (HIF-1α, pAP-1 c-Jun, and MMPs). Thus, this novel therapy holds the potential to remodel the TME, by suppressing its most important malignant biological capabilities.
Targeting CD38 in acute myeloid leukemia interferes with leukemia trafficking and induces phagocytosis
Authors: Farber Meike , Chen Yiyang , Arnold Lucas , Möllmann Michael , Boog-Whiteside Eva , Lin Yu-An , Reinhardt H. Christian , Dührsen Ulrich , Hanoun Maher
Published: November 2021

Targeting the interaction between leukemic cells and the microenvironment is an appealing approach to enhance the therapeutic efficacy in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). AML infiltration induces a significant release of inflammatory cytokines in the human bone marrow niche which accelerates leukemogenesis. As the transmembrane glycoprotein CD38 has been shown to regulate cytokine release, we assessed the anti-leukemic potential of CD38 inhibition in AML. CD38 expression in AML cells proved to depend on microenvironmental cues and could be significantly enforced through addition of tretinoin. In fact, the anti-CD38 antibody daratumumab showed significant cytostatic efficacy in a 3D in vitro triple-culture model of AML, but with modest cell-autonomous cytotoxic activity and independent of CD38 expression level. In line with a predominantly microenvironment-mediated activity of daratumumab in AML, CD38 inhibition significantly induced antibody-dependent phagocytosis and showed interference with AML cell trafficking in vivo in a xenograft transplantation model, but overall lacked robust anti-leukemic effects.
Assessing the impact of suppressing Southern Ocean SST variability in a coupled climate model
Authors: Purich Ariaan , Boschat Ghyslaine , Liguori Giovanni
Published: November 2021

The Southern Ocean exerts a strong influence on global climate, regulating the storage and transport of heat, freshwater and carbon throughout the world’s oceans. While the majority of previous studies focus on how wind changes influence Southern Ocean circulation patterns, here we set out to explore potential feedbacks from the ocean to the atmosphere. To isolate the role of oceanic variability on Southern Hemisphere climate, we perform coupled climate model experiments in which Southern Ocean variability is suppressed by restoring sea surface temperatures (SST) over 40°–65°S to the model’s monthly mean climatology. We find that suppressing Southern Ocean SST variability does not impact the Southern Annular Mode, suggesting air–sea feedbacks do not play an important role in the persistence of the Southern Annular Mode in our model. Suppressing Southern Ocean SST variability does lead to robust mean-state changes in SST and sea ice. Changes in mixed layer processes and convection associated with the SST restoring lead to SST warming and a sea ice decline in southern high latitudes, and SST cooling in midlatitudes. These results highlight the impact non-linear processes can have on a model’s mean state, and the need to consider these when performing simulations of the Southern Ocean.
Co-inoculation of rhizobacteria promotes growth, yield, and nutrient contents in soybean and improves soil enzymes and nutrients under drought conditions
Authors: Jabborova Dilfuza , Kannepalli Annapurna , Davranov Kakhramon , Narimanov Abdujalil , Enakiev Yuriy , Syed Asad , Elgorban Abdallah M. , Bahkali Ali H. , Wirth Stephan , Sayyed R. Z. , Gafur Abdul
Published: November 2021

Drought stress is the major abiotic factor limiting crop production. Co-inoculating crops with nitrogen fixing bacteria and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) improves plant growth and increases drought tolerance in arid or semiarid areas. Soybean is a major source of high-quality protein and oil for humans. It is susceptible to drought stress conditions. The co-inoculation of drought-stressed soybean with nodulating rhizobia and root-colonizing, PGPR improves the root and the shoot growth, formation of nodules, and nitrogen fixation capacity in soybean. The present study was aimed to observe if the co-inoculation of soybean (Glycine max L. (Merr.) nodulating with Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA110 and PGPR Pseudomonas putida NUU8 can enhance drought tolerance, nodulation, plant growth, and nutrient uptake under drought conditions. The results of the study showed that co-inoculation with B. japonicum USDA110 and P. putida NUU8 gave more benefits in nodulation and growth of soybean compared to plants inoculated with B. japonicum USDA110 alone and uninoculated control. Under drought conditions, co-inoculation of B. japonicum USDA 110 and P. putida NUU8 significantly enhanced the root length by 56%, shoot length by 33%, root dry weight by 47%, shoot dry weight by 48%, and nodule number 17% compared to the control under drought-stressed. Co-inoculation with B. japonicum, USDA 110 and P. putida NUU8 significantly enhanced plant and soil nutrients and soil enzymes compared to control under normal and drought stress conditions. The synergistic use of B. japonicum USDA110 and P. putida NUU8 improves plant growth and nodulation of soybean under drought stress conditions. The results suggested that these strains could be used to formulate a consortium of biofertilizers for sustainable production of soybean under drought-stressed field conditions.
A global meta-analysis of yield and water productivity responses of vegetables to deficit irrigation
Authors: Singh Manpreet , Singh Paramveer , Singh Sukhbir , Saini Rupinder Kaur , Angadi Sangamesh V.
Published: November 2021

Strategies promoting efficient water use and conserving irrigation water are needed to attain water security to meet growing food demands. This meta-analysis study evaluated the effect of deficit irrigation (DI) strategy on eight vegetables to provide a quantitative estimate of yield and water productivity (WP) responses under variable soil textures, climates, and production systems (open-field and greenhouse). This study analyzed 425 yield and 388 WP comparisons of different DI levels to full irrigation (FI), extracted from 185 published studies representing 30 countries. Moving from the highest (> 80%FI) to the lowest (< 35%FI) irrigation level, the overall yield decline was 6.9 to 51.1% compared to FI, respectively. The WP gains ranged from 8.1 to 30.1%, with 35–50%FI recording the highest benefits. Soil texture affected the yield significantly only under the least irrigation class (< 35%FI), wherein sandy clay and loam recorded the highest (82.1%) and the lowest (26.9%) yield decline, respectively. Among the climates, temperate climate was overall the most advantageous with the least yield penalty (21.9%) and the highest WP gain (21.78%) across various DI levels. The DI application under the greenhouse caused lesser yield reduction compared to the open-field. The WP gains due to DI were also higher for greenhouse (18.4%) than open-field (13.6%). Consideration of yield penalties and the cost of saved irrigation water is crucial while devising the reduced irrigation amounts to the crops. The yield reductions under low to moderate water deficits (> 65%FI) accompanied by gains in WP may be justifiable in the light of anticipated water restriction.
Spontaneous pulmonary emphysema in mice lacking all three nitric oxide synthase isoforms
Authors: Kato Kaori , Tsutsui Masato , Noguchi Shingo , Iha Yukitoshi , Naito Keisuke , Ogoshi Takaaki , Nishida Chinatsu , Tahara Masahiro , Yamashita Hirotaka , Wang Ke-Yong , Toyohira Yumiko , Yanagihara Nobuyuki , Masuzaki Hiroaki , Shimokawa Hiroaki , Tanimoto Akihide , Yatera Kazuhiro
Published: November 2021

The roles of endogenous nitric oxide (NO) derived from the entire NO synthases (NOSs) system have yet to be fully elucidated. We addressed this issue in mice in which all three NOS isoforms were deleted. Under basal conditions, the triple n/i/eNOSs−/− mice displayed significantly longer mean alveolar linear intercept length, increased alveolar destructive index, reduced lung elastic fiber content, lower lung field computed tomographic value, and greater end-expiratory lung volume as compared with wild-type (WT) mice. None of single NOS−/− or double NOSs−/− genotypes showed such features. These findings were observed in the triple n/i/eNOSs−/− mice as early as 4 weeks after birth. Cyclopaedic and quantitative comparisons of mRNA expression levels between the lungs of WT and triple n/i/eNOSs−/− mice by cap analysis of gene expression (CAGE) revealed that mRNA expression levels of three Wnt ligands and ten Wnt/β-catenin signaling components were significantly reduced in the lungs of triple n/i/eNOSs−/− mice. These results provide the first direct evidence that complete disruption of all three NOS genes results in spontaneous pulmonary emphysema in juvenile mice in vivo possibly through down-regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, demonstrating a novel preventive role of the endogenous NO/NOS system in the occurrence of pulmonary emphysema.
Method for the biomechanical analysis of aqueous veins and perilimbal sclera by three-dimensional photoacoustic imaging and strain field calculation
Authors: Ni Linyu , Riesterer John , Wang Huaizhou , Berry Layla , Blackburn Kara , Chuang Jonathan , Kim Wonsuk , Xu Guan , Moroi Sayoko E. , Argento Alan
Published: November 2021

A method motivated by the eye’s aqueous veins is described for the imaging and strain calculation within soft biological tissues. A challenge to the investigation of the biomechanics of the aqueous vein—perilimbal sclera tissue complex is resolution of tissue deformations as a function of intraocular pressure and the subsequent calculation of strain (a normalized measure of deformation). The method involves perfusion of the eye with a contrast agent during conduction of non-invasive, optical resolution photoacoustic microscopy. This imaging technique permits three-dimensional displacement measurements of tracked points on the inner walls of the veins which are used in a finite element model to determine the corresponding strains. The methods are validated against two standard strain measurement methods. Representative porcine globe perfusion experiments are presented that demonstrate the power of the method to determine complex strain fields in the veins dependent on intraocular pressure as well as vein anatomy. In these cases, veins are observed to move radially outward during increases in intraocular pressure and to possess significant spatial strain variation, possibly influenced by their branching patterns. To the authors’ knowledge, these are the only such quantitative, data driven, calculations of the aqueous vein strains available in the open literature.
Effects of competitive pressure and habitat heterogeneity on niche partitioning between Arctic and boreal congeners
Authors: Bonnet-Lebrun Anne-Sophie , Larsen Thomas , Frederiksen Morten , Fox Derren , le Bouard Fabrice , Boutet Aude , Þórarinsson Þorkell Lindberg , Kolbeinsson Yann , Deville Tanguy , Ratcliffe Norman
Published: November 2021

The rapidly changing climate in the Arctic is expected to have a major impact on the foraging ecology of seabirds, owing to changes in the distribution and abundance of their prey but also that of competitors (e.g. southerly species expanding their range into the Arctic). Species can respond to interspecific competition by segregating along different niche axes. Here, we studied spatial, temporal and habitat segregation between two closely related seabird species: common guillemot Uria aalge (a temperate species) and Brünnich’s guillemot Uria lomvia (a true Arctic species), at two sympatric sites in Iceland that differ in their total population sizes and the availability of marine habitats. We deployed GPS and temperature-depth recorders to describe foraging locations and behaviour of incubating and chick-rearing adults. We found similar evidence of spatial segregation at the two sites (i.e. independent of population sizes), although segregation in environmental space was only evident at the site with a strong habitat gradient. Unexpectedly, temporal (and, to a limited extent, vertical) segregation appeared only at the least populated site. Overall, our results show complex relationships between the levels of inferred competition and that of segregation.
Standard 6-week chemoradiation for elderly patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma
Authors: Vaugier Loïg , Ah-Thiane Loïc , Aumont Maud , Jouglar Emmanuel , Campone Mario , Colliard Camille , Doucet Ludovic , Frenel Jean-Sébastien , Gourmelon Carole , Robert Marie , Martin Stéphane-André , Riem Tanguy , Roualdes Vincent , Campion Loïc , Mervoyer Augustin
Published: November 2021

Glioblastoma (GBM) is frequent in elderly patients, but their frailty provokes debate regarding optimal treatment in general, and the standard 6-week chemoradiation (CRT) in particular, although this is the mainstay for younger patients. All patients with newly diagnosed GBM and age ≥ 70 who were referred to our institution for 6-week CRT were reviewed from 2004 to 2018. MGMT status was not available for treatment decision at that time. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS), early adverse neurological events without neurological progression ≤ 1 month after CRT and temozolomide hematologic toxicity assessed by CTCAE v5. 128 patients were included. The median age was 74.1 (IQR: 72–77). 15% of patients were ≥ 80 years. 62.5% and 37.5% of patients fulfilled the criteria for RPA class I–II and III–IV, respectively. 81% of patients received the entire CRT and 28% completed the maintenance temozolomide. With median follow-up of 11.7 months (IQR: 6.5–17.5), median OS was 11.7 months (CI 95%: 10–13 months). Median PFS was 9.5 months (CI 95%: 9–10.5 months). 8% of patients experienced grade ≥ 3 hematologic events. 52.5% of patients without neurological progression had early adverse neurological events. Post-operative neurological disabilities and age ≥ 80 were not associated with worsened outcomes. 6-week chemoradiation was feasible for “real-life” elderly patients diagnosed with glioblastoma, even in the case of post-operative neurological disabilities. Old does not necessarily mean worse.
Honey bee sHSP are responsive to diverse proteostatic stresses and potentially promising biomarkers of honey bee stress
Authors: Shih Samantha R. , Bach Dunay M. , Rondeau Nicole C. , Sam Jessica , Lovinger Natalie L. , Lopatkin Allison J. , Snow Jonathan W.
Published: November 2021

The pollination services provided by the honey bee are critical in both natural and agricultural ecosystems. Honey bee colonies in the United States have suffered from an increased rate of die-off in recent years, stemming from a complex set of interacting stresses that remain poorly described. Defining specific common cellular processes and cellular stress responses impacted by multiple stressors represent a key step in understanding these synergies. Proteotoxic stresses negatively impact protein synthesis, folding, and degradation. Diverse proteotoxic stresses induce expression of genes encoding small heat shock proteins (sHSP) of the expanded lethal (2) essential for life (l(2)efl) gene family. In addition to upregulation by the Integrated Stress Response (ISR), the Heat Shock Response (HSR), and the Oxidative Stress Response (OSR), our data provide first evidence that sHSP genes are upregulated by the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR). As these genes appear to be part of a core stress response that could serve as a useful biomarker for cellular stress in honey bees, we designed and tested an RT-LAMP assay to detect increased l(2)efl gene expression in response to heat-stress. While this assay provides a powerful proof of principle, further work will be necessary to link changes in sHSP gene expression to colony-level outcomes, to adapt our preliminary assay into a Point of Care Testing (POCT) assay appropriate for use as a diagnostic tool for use in the field, and to couple assay results to management recommendations.
C-reactive protein as an early biomarker for malaria infection and monitoring of malaria severity: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wilairatana Polrat , Mahannop Praphassorn , Tussato Thanita , Hayeedoloh I-mee , Boonhok Rachasak , Klangbud Wiyada Kwanhian , Mala Wanida , Kotepui Kwuntida Uthaisar , Kotepui Manas
Published: November 2021

This study investigated whether C-reactive protein (CRP) can be used as a marker for the early detection and monitoring of malaria severity. Potentially relevant studies were searched in Medline (PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science. Differences in CRP between (1) severe malaria and uncomplicated malaria, (2) uncomplicated malaria and asymptomatic malaria, (3) uncomplicated malaria and febrile/healthy controls, and (4) asymptomatic malaria and febrile/healthy controls were estimated using random-effects models. Twenty-nine studies were included for meta-analysis. The results of meta-analysis demonstrated higher mean CRP levels in (1) patients with severe malaria compared with uncomplicated malaria (p < 0.001, standard mean difference [SMD]: 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.91–2.12, I2: 95.1%), (2) patients with uncomplicated malaria than in those with asymptomatic malaria (p: 0.001, SMD: 1.65, 95% CI: 0.67–2.62, I2: 96.7%), (3) patients with uncomplicated malaria compared with febrile/healthy controls (p < 0.001, SMD: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.37–3.40, I2: 98.5%), and (4) patients with asymptomatic malaria compared with febrile/healthy controls (p < 0.001, SMD: 2.55, 95% CI: 1.60–3.50, I2: 99.2%). This study demonstrated CRP levels are a biomarker for the early detection and monitoring of malaria severity.
Pitting of malaria parasites in microfluidic devices mimicking spleen interendothelial slits
Authors: Elizalde-Torrent Aleix , Trejo-Soto Claudia , Méndez-Mora Lourdes , Nicolau Marc , Ezama Oihane , Gualdrón-López Melisa , Fernández-Becerra Carmen , Alarcón Tomás , Hernández-Machado Aurora , del Portillo Hernando A.
Published: November 2021

The spleen is a hematopoietic organ that participates in cellular and humoral immunity. It also serves as a quality control mechanism for removing senescent and/or poorly deformable red blood cells (RBCs) from circulation. Pitting is a specialized process by which the spleen extracts particles, including malaria parasites, from within circulating RBCs during their passage through the interendothelial slits (IES) in the splenic cords. To study this physiological function in vitro, we have developed two microfluidic devices modeling the IES, according to the hypothesis that at a certain range of mechanical stress on the RBC, regulated through both slit size and blood flow, would force it undergo the pitting process without affecting the cell integrity. To prove its functionality in replicating pitting of malaria parasites, we have performed a characterization of P. falciparum-infected RBCs (P.f.-RBCs) after their passage through the devices, determining hemolysis and the proportion of once-infected RBCs (O-iRBCs), defined by the presence of a parasite antigen and absence of DAPI staining of parasite DNA using a flow cytometry-based approach. The passage of P.f.-RBCs through the devices at the physiological flow rate did not affect cell integrity and resulted in an increase of the frequency of O-iRBCs. Both microfluidic device models were capable to replicate the pitting of P.f.-RBCs ex vivo by means of mechanical constraints without cellular involvement, shedding new insights on the role of the spleen in the pathophysiology of malaria.
Nanoengineering of eco-friendly silver nanoparticles using five different plant extracts and development of cost-effective phenol nanosensor
Authors: Jebril Siwar , Fdhila Alaeddine , Dridi Chérif
Published: November 2021

The production of environmentally friendly silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has aroused the interest of the scientific community due to their wide applications mainly in the field of environmental pollution detection and water quality monitoring. Here, for the first time, five plant leaf extracts were used for the synthesis of AgNPs such as Basil, Geranium, Eucalyptus, Melia, and Ruta by a simple and eco-friendly method. Stable AgNPs were obtained by adding a silver nitrate (AgNO3) solution with the leaves extract as reducers, stabilizers and cappers. Only, within ten minutes of reaction, the yellow mixture changed to brown due to the reduction of Ag+ ions to Ag atoms. The optical, structural, and morphology characteristics of synthesized AgNPs were determined using a full technique like UV–visible spectroscopy, FTIR spectrum, XRD, EDX spectroscopy, and the SEM. Thus, Melia azedarach was found to exhibit smaller nanoparticles (AgNPs-M), which would be interesting for electrochemical application. So, a highly sensitive electrochemical sensor based on AgNPs-M modified GCE for phenol determination in water samples was developed, indicating that the AgNPs-M displayed good electrocatalytic activity. The developed sensor showed good sensing performances: a high sensitivity, a low LOD of 0.42 µM and good stability with a lifetime of about one month, as well as a good selectivity towards BPA and CC (with a deviation less than 10%) especially for nanoplastics analysis in the water contained in plastics bottles. The obtained results are repeatable and reproducible with RSDs of 5.49% and 3.18% respectively. Besides, our developed sensor was successfully applied for the determination of phenol in tap and mineral water samples. The proposed new approach is highly recommended to develop a simple, cost effective, ecofriendly, and highly sensitive sensor for the electrochemical detection of phenol which can further broaden the applications of green silver NPs.
Comparison of nasal patency after nose-blowing between pinch versus no pinch method: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Piromchai Patorn , Netnoi Jakkrit , Srirompotong Supaporn , Thanawirattananit Panida
Published: November 2021

We proposed that nose-blowing without pinching was safer and able to get rid of mucus and maintain nasal patency as effective as the pinch and blow method. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nasal patency after nose-blowing by pinching the nose versus no pinching. The patients who have nasal discharge such as allergic rhinitis or common cold were recruited. The patients were randomized to perform pinching or no pinching nose-blowing. Fifty patients were enrolled in this study. The objective evaluation using acoustic rhinometry found no difference in nasal patency between the two groups (p > 0.05). The subjective patency score was significantly higher in the pinch one nostril shut group (mean difference 0.88, 95% CI 0.20–1.55). The patency of the two methods were comparable according to the objective test. However, the patients felt that their nose was clearer when pinching and blowing.
Silicon and mechanical damage increase polyphenols and vitexin in Passiflora incarnata L.
Authors: Pagassini Jonas Akenaton Venturineli , de Godoy Leandro José Grava , Campos Felipe Girotto , Barzotto Gustavo Ribeiro , Vieira Maria Aparecida Ribeiro , Boaro Carmen Sílvia Fernandes
Published: November 2021

Passiflora incarnata L. is a species of global pharmacological importance, has not been fully studied in the context of cultivation and management. It is known that silicon acts on abiotic stress and promotes phenols synthesis. The practice of mechanical damage is widely used in P. incarnata crops, and its interaction with silicon can have a significant influence on plant metabolism. Therefore, our objective was to investigate the effects of silicon and mechanical damage on photosynthesis, polyphenols and vitexin of P. incarnata. The experiment was conducted in a factorial design with SiO2 concentrations (0, 1, 2, 3 mM) and presence or absence of mechanical damage. It was found that mechanical damage improved photosynthetic performance at lower concentrations or absence of silicon. Moreover, this condition promoted an increasing in vitexin concentration when SiO2 was not provided. The application of 3 mM Si is recommended to increase polyphenols and vitexin, without harming dry mass of aerial part. The interaction between silicon and mechanical damage could be a tool to increase agronomic yield and commercial value of the P. incarnata crop.
Effects of interactions in natural gas/water/rock system on hydrocarbon migration and accumulation
Authors: Jiang Lin , Zhao Wen , Huang Jianguo , Fan Yang , Hao Jiaqing
Published: November 2021

The study of natural gas accumulation process in tight formation has become the focus of the petroleum industry. One of the priorities is the effects of interactions in natural gas/water/rock system on hydrocarbon migration and accumulation process. On the macroscopic scale, we investigate the interactions in natural gas/water/rock system by formation fluorescence test and production data analysis. One the microscopic scale, the mechanisms are revealed by mathematical analysis and experimental methods considering the variation of geological temperature and pressure. The effects of interactions in natural gas/water/rock system are also simulated by numerical simulation. The results are visualized and quantified. A novel semi-analytical method based on a physical experiment is proposed to calculate the temperature- and pressure-dependent contact angle and interface tension which reflect the interactions in the natural gas–water–rock system. This semi-analytical is embedded in the numerical simulation during the simulation of the natural gas charging process. The results indicate that with the increase of geological temperature and pressure, the contact angle will increase and the interface tension between natural gas and water will decrease. The capillary resistance in the formation will be reduced. Since the decrease of capillary resistance, the natural gas can be charged into smaller pores, so that the actual charging threshold is lower than the one originally obtained under present reservoir conditions. After considering the temperature and pressure during the accumulation process, some sand bodies that were thought not to be charged may have natural gas accumulate.
Monitoring of polymer type and plastic additives in coating film of beer cans from 16 countries
Authors: Nurlatifah  , Nakata Haruhiko
Published: November 2021

Plastic debris has gained attention as anthropogenic waste in the environment, but less concerned given to metal waste despite its high abundance in aquatic environment. Metal packaging, such as can, utilizes polymeric coating films as barrier between metals and products which leads to be potential source of microplastic pollution. In this study, 27 beer cans from 16 countries for both body and lid parts as well as inside and outside layers were investigated. Despite the country’s origin, epoxy resin was the major polymeric coating used in all beer cans for lid (inside and outside) and body (inside). Whereas poly(1,2-butanediol isophthalate) was frequently used for outside layer of can body. DEHP and BHT were detected in almost all samples with the highest concentration of 5300 ng/g and 520 ng/g. Despite its lower detection frequency, DOA was detected as high as 9600 ng/g in Belgian beer can. There was no apparent relationship present between the home countries of beer cans and amount of additives used. Despite of being broken down, additives concentration in one environmental sample was found to be one to two orders of magnitude higher compared to the new can. This result proved that adsorption of chemical additives took place in the environment and degraded metal debris may become source of microplastic with higher risk of additives pollution in the environment.
Clinical evaluation of non-contact infrared thermometers
Authors: Sullivan Stacey J. L. , Rinaldi Jean E. , Hariharan Prasanna , Casamento Jon P. , Baek Seungchul , Seay Nathanael , Vesnovsky Oleg , Topoleski L. D. Timmie
Published: November 2021

Non-contact infrared thermometers (NCITs) are being widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic as a temperature-measurement tool for screening and isolating patients in healthcare settings, travelers at ports of entry, and the general public. To understand the accuracy of NCITs, a clinical study was conducted with 1113 adult subjects using six different commercially available NCIT models. A total of 60 NCITs were tested with 10 units for each model. The NCIT-measured temperature was compared with the oral temperature obtained using a reference oral thermometer. The mean difference between the reference thermometer and NCIT measurement (clinical bias) was different for each NCIT model. The clinical bias ranged from just under − 0.9 °C (under-reporting) to just over 0.2 °C (over-reporting). The individual differences ranged from − 3 to + 2 °C in extreme cases, with the majority of the differences between − 2 and + 1 °C. Depending upon the NCIT model, 48% to 88% of the individual temperature measurements were outside the labeled accuracy stated by the manufacturers. The sensitivity of the NCIT models for detecting subject’s temperature above 38 °C ranged from 0 to 0.69. Overall, our results indicate that some NCIT devices may not be consistently accurate enough to determine if subject’s temperature exceeds a specific threshold of 38 °C. Model-to-model variability and individual model accuracy in the displayed temperature were found to be outside of acceptable limits. Accuracy and credibility of the NCITs should be thoroughly evaluated before using them as an effective screening tool.
Universal kinetics of imperfect reactions in confinement
Authors: Guérin Thomas , Dolgushev Maxim , Bénichou Olivier , Voituriez Raphaël
Published: November 2021

Chemical reactions generically require that particles come into contact. In practice, reaction is often imperfect and can necessitate multiple random encounters between reactants. In confined geometries, despite notable recent advances, there is to date no general analytical treatment of such imperfect transport-limited reaction kinetics. Here, we determine the kinetics of imperfect reactions in confining domains for any diffusive or anomalously diffusive Markovian transport process, and for different models of imperfect reactivity. We show that the full distribution of reaction times is obtained in the large confining volume limit from the knowledge of the mean reaction time only, which we determine explicitly. This distribution for imperfect reactions is found to be identical to that of perfect reactions upon an appropriate rescaling of parameters, which highlights the robustness of our results. Strikingly, this holds true even in the regime of low reactivity where the mean reaction time is independent of the transport process, and can lead to large fluctuations of the reaction time - even in simple reaction schemes. We illustrate our results for normal diffusion in domains of generic shape, and for anomalous diffusion in complex environments, where our predictions are confirmed by numerical simulations.
Combined experimental-theoretical study of electron mobility-limiting mechanisms in SrSnO3
Authors: Truttmann Tristan K. , Zhou Jin-Jian , Lu I-Te , Rajapitamahuni Anil Kumar , Liu Fengdeng , Mates Thomas E. , Bernardi Marco , Jalan Bharat
Published: November 2021

The discovery and development of ultra-wide bandgap (UWBG) semiconductors is crucial to accelerate the adoption of renewable power sources. This necessitates an UWBG semiconductor that exhibits robust doping with high carrier mobility over a wide range of carrier concentrations. Here we demonstrate that epitaxial thin films of the perovskite oxide NdxSr1−xSnO3 (SSO) do exactly this. Nd is used as a donor to successfully modulate the carrier concentration over nearly two orders of magnitude, from 3.7 × 1018 cm−3 to 2.0 × 1020 cm−3. Despite being grown on lattice-mismatched substrates and thus having relatively high structural disorder, SSO films exhibited the highest room-temperature mobility, ~70 cm2 V−1 s−1, among all known UWBG semiconductors in the range of carrier concentrations studied. The phonon-limited mobility is calculated from first principles and supplemented with a model to treat ionized impurity and Kondo scattering. This produces excellent agreement with experiment over a wide range of temperatures and carrier concentrations, and predicts the room-temperature phonon-limited mobility to be 76–99 cm2 V−1 s−1 depending on carrier concentration. This work establishes a perovskite oxide as an emerging UWBG semiconductor candidate with potential for applications in power electronics.
Water-soluble branched polymer for combined chemo-immunotherapy of bacterial infections
Authors: Dai Xiaomei , Yang Lele , Xu Qingqing , Ma Jifang , Zhang Qiang , Gao Feng
Published: November 2021

The water-soluble branched poly(amino ester) can not only damage bacteria walls, resulting in the death of bacteria but also activate macrophages to low-output nitric oxide (NO), TNF-α and interleukin (IL)-1β to kill and clean bacteria.
Unveiling the mechanisms of organic room-temperature phosphorescence in various surrounding environments: a computational study
Authors: Zhao Ancong , Wu Xiulan , Jiang Xin , Gao Jingran , Wang Jian , Shen Wei
Published: November 2021

Room-temperature phosphorescence from pure organic molecules is explored in detail to unveil the influence of diverse environments (solution, crystal, and amorphous phase) and provide a good understanding of metal-free organic RTP emitters.
Accurate calculation of spin-state energy gaps in Fe(iii) spin-crossover systems using density functional methods
Authors: Vidal Daniel , Cirera Jordi , Ribas-Arino Jordi
Published: November 2021

A survey of different Density Functional methods shows that the B3LYP* functional is the most accurate one in terms of predicting spin-state energy gaps on Fe(iii) complexes and whether they will or not exhibit spin-crossover behavior.