bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristic DNA methylation profiles of chorionic villi in recurrent miscarriage
Authors: Matsumoto Yosuke , Shinjo Keiko , Mase Shoko , Fukuyo Masaki , Aoki Kosuke , Ozawa Fumiko , Yoshihara Hiroyuki , Goto Shinobu , Kitaori Tamao , Ozaki Yasuhiko , Takahashi Satoru , Kaneda Atsushi , Sugiura-Ogasawara Mayumi , Kondo Yutaka
Published: July 2022

Dysregulation of transcriptional programs that are tightly regulated by DNA methylation during placental and fetal development at different gestational stages, may cause recurrent miscarriage. Here, we examined genome-wide DNA methylation in chorionic villi and decidual tissues from patients suffering RM and from healthy women who had undergone artificial abortion (n = 5 each). We found that 13,426 and 5816 CpG sites were differentially methylated in chorionic villi and decidua, respectively. DNA methylation profiles of chorionic villi, but not decidua, in RM patients was clearly distinct from AA controls. Among the differentially methylated genes, the enhancer region of SPATS2L was significantly more highly methylated in RM patients (n = 19) than AA controls (n = 19; mean methylation level, 52.0%-vs.-28.9%, P < 0.001), resulting in reduced expression of SPATS2L protein in the former. Functionally, depletion of SPATS2L in extravillous trophoblast cells decreased their invasion and migration abilities. Our data indicate that particularly the chorionic villi in RM patients exhibit distinct DNA methylation profiles compared with normal pregnancies and that this changed DNA methylation status may impede the progression of embryo development via the altered expression of genes such as SPATS2L in the villi.
Descriptive epidemiology of soft tissue sarcomas and gastrointestinal stromal tumors in Thailand
Authors: Klangjorhor Jeerawan , Pongnikorn Donsuk , Sittiju Pattaralawan , Phanphaisarn Areerak , Chaiyawat Parunya , Teeyakasem Pimpisa , Kongdang Patiwat , Moonmuang Sutpirat , Waisri Narate , Daoprasert Karnchana , Wisanuyotin Taweechok , Santong Chalongpon , Sitthikong Siriphon , Tuntarattanapong Pakjai , Prechawittayakul Paradee , Pruksakorn Dumnoensun
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to analyze burden of STS and GIST in population and survival rate which represented the current situation of treatment in Thailand. The data was collected from five population-based cancer registries around the country for the period 2001 through 2015. The Segi world standard population was used to calculated age-standardized incidence rates (ASR). Standardized rate ratios (SRR) were used to compare populations. Joinpoint Trend Analysis was used to assess changes in incidence. STATA was used to examine patient survival rates. During the study period, 4080 cases of STS and 457 cases of GIST were reported. The ASR of STS and GIST was 2.14/100,000 person-years and 0.22/100,000 person-years, respectively. The most common histological types of STS were unspecified sarcoma (24.8%), leiomyosarcoma (19.0%) and liposarcoma (11.4%). The overall ASR of STS in Thailand was relatively low compared to Western countries. The five-year survival rate was 62.6% for STS and 63.4% for GIST, which was comparable to the rates reported in other countries. This is the first report of STS and GIST from PBCRs in Thailand. Based on current healthcare service, an overall survival rates of STS and GIST are comparable to those reported from others.
During the COVID-19 pandemic participants prefer settings with a face mask, no interaction and at a closer distance
Authors: Kühne K. , Fischer M. H. , Jeglinski-Mende M. A.
Published: July 2022

Peripersonal space is the space surrounding our body, where multisensory integration of stimuli and action execution take place. The size of peripersonal space is flexible and subject to change by various personal and situational factors. The dynamic representation of our peripersonal space modulates our spatial behaviors towards other individuals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this spatial behavior was modified by two further factors: social distancing and wearing a face mask. Evidence from offline and online studies on the impact of a face mask on pro-social behavior is mixed. In an attempt to clarify the role of face masks as pro-social or anti-social signals, 235 observers participated in the present online study. They watched pictures of two models standing at three different distances from each other (50, 90 and 150 cm), who were either wearing a face mask or not and were either interacting by initiating a hand shake or just standing still. The observers’ task was to classify the model by gender. Our results show that observers react fastest, and therefore show least avoidance, for the shortest distances (50 and 90 cm) but only when models wear a face mask and do not interact. Thus, our results document both pro- and anti-social consequences of face masks as a result of the complex interplay between social distancing and interactive behavior. Practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Stylasterid corals build aragonite skeletons in undersaturated water despite low pH at the site of calcification
Authors: Stewart Joseph A. , Strawson Ivo , Kershaw James , Robinson Laura F.
Published: July 2022

Anthropogenic carbon emissions are causing seawater pH to decline, yet the impact on marine calcifiers is uncertain. Scleractinian corals and coralline algae strongly elevate the pH of their calcifying fluid (CF) to promote calcification. Other organisms adopt less energetically demanding calcification approaches but restrict their habitat. Stylasterid corals occur widely (extending well below the carbonate saturation horizon) and precipitate both aragonite and high-Mg calcite, however, their mode of biocalcification and resilience to ocean acidification are unknown. Here we measure skeletal boron isotopes (δ11B), B/Ca, and U/Ca to provide the first assessment of pH and rate of seawater flushing of stylasterid CF. Remarkably, both aragonitic and high-Mg calcitic stylasterids have low δ11B values implying little modification of internal pH. Collectively, our results suggest stylasterids have low seawater exchange rates into the calcifying space or rely on organic molecule templating to facilitate calcification. Thus, despite occupying similar niches to Scleractinia, Stylasteridae exhibit highly contrasting biocalcification, calling into question their resilience to ocean acidification.
Novel arthrocentesis approaches to the carpal joint of the Dromedary Camel (Camelus dromedarius)
Authors: King Fransina Christina , Aldarwich Adnan , Hammoud Maha , Barigye Robert , Shawaf Turke , Al Aiyan Ahmad
Published: July 2022

The knowledge gap regarding the topography and anatomy of the dromedary’s carpal joint must be bridged to improve diagnostic and treatment procedures such as ultrasonography, arthrocentesis, and arthroscopy. Thirty-five distal forelimbs were harvested from 21 dromedaries and studied through gross dissection, casting, ultrasonography, and computerized tomography. Representative three-dimensional models of the joint cavities, recesses, and pouches were obtained using various casting agents. The safety and feasibility of different arthrocentesis approaches were evaluated. This study provides a detailed description of dorsally located joint recesses and palmarly located joint pouches. The dorsomedial and dorsolateral approach is recommended for arthroscopy and arthrocentesis of the radiocarpal and intercarpal joint when the carpus is flexed. However, caution must be exercised during these approaches to prevent needle injury to the articulating cartilage. Caution is necessary to prevent the formation of inadvertent communication between the dorsally located tendon sheaths and joint cavities. Arthrocentesis via the lateral approach to the lateropalmar pouch is the most favourable approach for the radiocarpal joint. A subtendinous synovial bursa was found between the lateropalmar pouch of the radiocarpal joint and the extensor carpi ulnaris muscle. The subtendinous synovial bursa must be considered during the lateral arthrocentesis approach. The palmar approach is not recommended for arthrocentesis due to the high risk of injury to nerves, veins, and arteries located palmarly.
Transition from antigenemia to quantitative nucleic acid amplification testing in cytomegalovirus-seropositive kidney transplant recipients receiving preemptive therapy for cytomegalovirus infection
Authors: Nakamura Mônica Rika , Requião-Moura Lúcio R. , Gallo Roberto Mayer , Botelho Camila , Taddeo Júlia , Viana Laila Almeida , Felipe Cláudia Rosso , Medina-Pestana José , Tedesco-Silva Hélio
Published: July 2022

Due to the high costs, the strategy to reduce the impact of cytomegalovirus (CMV) after kidney transplant (KT) involves preemptive treatment in low and middle-income countries. Thus, this retrospective cohort study compared the performance of antigenemia transitioned to quantitative nucleic acid amplification testing, RT-PCR, in CMV-seropositive KT recipients receiving preemptive treatment as a strategy to prevent CMV infection. Between 2016 and 2018, 363 patients were enrolled and received preemptive treatment based on antigenemia (n = 177) or RT-PCR (n = 186). The primary outcome was CMV disease. Secondarily, the CMV-related events were composed of CMV-infection and disease, which occurred first. There were no differences in 1-year cumulative incidence of CMV-disease (23.7% vs. 19.1%, p = 0.41), CMV-related events (50.8% vs. 44.1%, p = 0.20), neither in time to diagnosis (47.0 vs. 47.0 days) among patients conducted by antigenemia vs. RT-PCR, respectively. The length of CMV first treatment was longer with RT-PCR (20.0 vs. 27.5 days, p < 0.001), while the rate of retreatment was not different (14.7% vs. 11.8%, p = 0.48). In the Cox regression, acute rejection within 30 days was associated with an increased the risk (HR = 2.34; 95% CI = 1.12–4.89; p = 0.024), while each increase of 1 mL/min/1.73 m2 of 30-day eGFR was associated with a 2% reduction risk of CMV-disease (HR = 0.98; 95% CI = 0.97–0.99; p = 0.001). In conclusion, acute rejection and glomerular filtration rate are risk factors for CMV disease, showing comparable performance in the impact of CMV-related events between antigenemia and RT-PCR for preemptive treatment.
Development and validation of a hypertension risk prediction model and construction of a risk score in a Canadian population
Authors: Chowdhury Mohammad Ziaul Islam , Leung Alexander A. , Sikdar Khokan C. , O’Beirne Maeve , Quan Hude , Turin Tanvir C.
Published: July 2022

Identifying high-risk individuals for targeted intervention may prevent or delay hypertension onset. We developed a hypertension risk prediction model and subsequent risk sore among the Canadian population using measures readily available in a primary care setting. A Canadian cohort of 18,322 participants aged 35–69 years without hypertension at baseline was followed for hypertension incidence, and 625 new hypertension cases were reported. At a 2:1 ratio, the sample was randomly divided into derivation and validation sets. In the derivation sample, a Cox proportional hazard model was used to develop the model, and the model's performance was evaluated in the validation sample. Finally, a risk score table was created incorporating regression coefficients from the model. The multivariable Cox model identified age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diabetes, total physical activity time, and cardiovascular disease as significant risk factors (p < 0.05) of hypertension incidence. The variable sex was forced to enter the final model. Some interaction terms were identified as significant but were excluded due to their lack of incremental predictive capacity. Our model showed good discrimination (Harrel’s C-statistic 0.77) and calibration (Grønnesby and Borgan test, $$\chi^{2}$$

χ
2

statistic = 8.75, p = 0.07; calibration slope 1.006). A point-based score for the risks of developing hypertension was presented after 2-, 3-, 5-, and 6 years of observation. This simple, practical prediction score can reliably identify Canadian adults at high risk of developing incident hypertension in the primary care setting and facilitate discussions on modifying this risk most effectively.
SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk screening for safer social events: a non-randomised controlled study
Authors: Ramos Rafel , Alves-Cabratosa Lia , Blanch Jordi , Pèlach Àlex , Albert Laura , Salomó Quirze , Cabarrocas Sílvia , Comas-Cufí Marc , Martí-Lluch Ruth , Ponjoan Anna , Garcia-Gil Maria , de Cambra Salomé , d’Anta Albert , Balló Elisabet , Alum Albert , Aleixandre Rosa Núria
Published: July 2022

There is an ongoing debate on the implementation of the COVID-19 passport throughout Europe. We sought to build and test a feasible prevention strategy to ensure low SARS-CoV transmission risk in public events. We conducted a non-randomised controlled study. The intervention group obtained a confidential digital certificate of very low capacity for transmitting SARS-CoV-2 and attended socio-cultural events in Girona (Spain) between 1 April and 21 May 2021. The primary care services and a network of pharmacies cooperated in providing the certification. A group of non-attendees was randomly selected from pseudonymised health records as controls. We estimated the incidences of SARS-CoV-2 infection and recorded the challenges in the process. Follow-up was complete for 1351 participants, who were matched with 4050 controls. Mean age of the study population was 31.1 years, and 53% of participants were women. Incidence rates of SARS-CoV infection at 14 days in the group of attendees and non-attendees were 15.9 and 17.7 per 100,000 person-days, respectively; the difference between incidences was − 1.8 (95% CI − 22.8, 19.3). Implementation problems were minor, and 89.2% of respondents to a survey were satisfied with the process. The incidence rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection was not different in the intervention and control groups. These results are in favour of establishing a COVID-19 certificate to attend public events, and connote feasibility of implementation at a population level.
Enhancement of fatigue resistance by recrystallization and grain growth to eliminate bonding interfaces in Cu–Cu joints
Authors: Ong Jia-Juen , Tran Dinh-Phuc , Lan Man-Chi , Shie Kai-Cheng , Hsu Po-Ning , Tsou Nien‑Ti , Chen Chih
Published: July 2022

Cu–Cu joints have been adopted for ultra-high density of packaging for high-end devices. However, cracks may form and propagate along the bonding interfaces during fatigue tests. In this study, Cu–Cu joints were fabricated at 300 °C by bonding 〈111〉-oriented nanotwinned Cu microbumps with 30 μm in diameter. After temperature cycling tests (TCTs) for 1000 cycles, cracks were observed to propagate along the original bonding interface. However, with additional 300 °C-1 h annealing, recrystallization and grain growth took place in the joints and thus the bonding interfaces were eliminated. The fatigue resistance of the Cu–Cu joints is enhanced significantly. Failure analysis shows that cracks propagation was retarded in the Cu joints without the original bonding interface, and the electrical resistance of the joints did not increase even after 1000 cycles of TCT. Finite element analysis was carried to simulate the stress distribution during the TCTs. The results can be correlated to the failure mechanism observed by experimental failure analysis.
Assessing agreement between different polygenic risk scores in the UK Biobank
Authors: Clifton Lei , Collister Jennifer A. , Liu Xiaonan , Littlejohns Thomas J. , Hunter David J.
Published: July 2022

Polygenic risk scores (PRS) are proposed for use in clinical and research settings for risk stratification. However, there are limited investigations on how different PRS diverge from each other in risk prediction of individuals. We compared two recently published PRS for each of three conditions, breast cancer, hypertension and dementia, to assess the stability of using these algorithms for risk prediction in a single large population. We used imputed genotyping data from the UK Biobank prospective cohort, limited to the White British subset. We found that: (1) 20% or more of SNPs in the first PRS were not represented in the more recent PRS for all three diseases, by the same SNP or a surrogate with R2 > 0.8 by linkage disequilibrium (LD). (2) Although the difference in the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) obtained using the two PRS is hardly appreciable for all three diseases, there were large differences in individual risk prediction between the two PRS. For instance, for each disease, of those classified in the top 5% of risk by the first PRS, over 60% were not so classified by the second PRS. We found substantial discordance between different PRS for the same disease, indicating that individuals could receive different medical advice depending on which PRS is used to assess their genetic susceptibility. It is desirable to resolve this uncertainty before using PRS for risk stratification in clinical settings.
Micro aerial vehicle with basic risk of operation
Authors: de Lucena Alysson Nascimento , da Silva Bruno Marques Ferreira , Gonçalves Luiz Marcos Garcia
Published: July 2022

We draw current efforts towards proposing a wing-type micro UAV with characteristics of being a basic operation risk self handled (Micro-Brosh) platform. Its micro-sized wingspan and weight, which are less than 0.30 m and 0.150 kg, respectively, guarantee the low risk to the operator and installations in case of crashing. It can be launched manually without using an appropriate runway, besides using a soft grass field for landing is recommended. Its associated costs for construction and maintenance are very low (below US$ 500) if compared to traditional aircraft. The main contribution here is the architectural design, besides we provide detailed documentation including techniques for determining lift, thrust, drag, minimum flight velocity, maximum time of flight and distance (autonomy), and other issues that we have solved related to the aircraft development. We validate our prototype with experiments including several tests done with the UAV with results that have proven its flight ability. To the end, we understand that this work provides a nice starting document to researchers that intend to develop a UAV or enter this field.
Stimulation with acoustic white noise enhances motor excitability and sensorimotor integration
Authors: Pellegrino Giovanni , Pinardi Mattia , Schuler Anna-Lisa , Kobayashi Eliane , Masiero Stefano , Marioni Gino , di Lazzaro Vincenzo , Keller Flavio , Arcara Giorgio , Piccione Francesco , Di Pino Giovanni
Published: July 2022

Auditory white noise (WN) is widely used in neuroscience to mask unwanted environmental noise and cues, e.g. TMS clicks. However, to date there is no research on the influence of WN on corticospinal excitability and potentially associated sensorimotor integration itself. Here we tested the hypothesis, if WN induces M1 excitability changes and improves sensorimotor performance. M1 excitability (spTMS, SICI, ICF, I/O curve) and sensorimotor reaction-time performance were quantified before, during and after WN stimulation in a set of experiments performed in a cohort of 61 healthy subjects. WN enhanced M1 corticospinal excitability, not just during exposure, but also during silence periods intermingled with WN, and up to several minutes after the end of exposure. Two independent behavioural experiments highlighted that WN improved multimodal sensorimotor performance. The enduring excitability modulation combined with the effects on behaviour suggest that WN might induce neural plasticity. WN is thus a relevant modulator of corticospinal function; its neurobiological effects should not be neglected and could in fact be exploited in research applications.
2D crystal structure and anisotropic magnetism of GdAu6.75−xAl0.5+x (x ≈ 0.54)
Authors: Joshi D. C. , Gebresenbut G. H. , Fischer A. , Rydh A. , Häussermann U. , Nordblad P. , Mathieu R.
Published: July 2022

Exploration of the gold-rich part of the ternary Gd–Au–Al system afforded the intermetallic compound GdAu6.75−xAl0.5+x (x ≈ 0.54) which was structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction (Pnma, a = 18.7847(4) Å, b = 23.8208(5) Å, c = 5.3010(1) Å). GdAu6.75−xAl0.5+x crystallizes in a previously unknown structure type featuring layers of Gd2(Au, Al)29 and Gd2(Au, Al)28 clusters which are arranged as in a close-packing parallel to the ac plane. The Gd substructure corresponds to slightly corrugated 36 nets (dGd–Gd = 5.30–5.41 Å) which are stacked on top of each other along the b direction with alternating short (5.4, 5.6 Å, within layers) and long distances (6.4 Å, between layers). The title compound has been discussed with respect to a quasicrystal approximant (1/1 AC) GdAu5.3Al in the same system. The magnetic properties of GdAu6.75−xAl0.5+x were found to be reminiscent to those of some ternary ACs, with sharp peaks in the temperature dependent magnetization, and metamagnetic-like transitions. The material becomes antiferromagnetic below 25 K; magnetometry results suggest that the antiferromagnetic state is composed of ferromagnetic ac planes, coupled antiferromagnetically along the b direction.
Tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy with amplitude-controlled tapping-mode AFM
Authors: Umakoshi Takayuki , Kawashima Koji , Moriyama Toki , Kato Ryo , Verma Prabhat
Published: July 2022

Tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) is a powerful tool for analyzing chemical compositions at the nanoscale owing to near-field light localized at a metallic tip. In TERS, atomic force microscopy (AFM) is commonly used for tip position control. AFM is often controlled under the contact mode for TERS, whereas the tapping mode, which is another major operation mode, has not often been employed despite several advantages, such as low sample damage. One of the reasons is the low TERS signal intensity because the tip is mostly away from the sample during the tapping motion. In this study, we quantitatively investigated the effect of the tapping amplitude on the TERS signal. We numerically evaluated the dependence of the TERS signal on tapping amplitude. We found that the tapping amplitude had a significant effect on the TERS signal, and an acceptable level of TERS signal was obtained by reducing the amplitude to a few nanometers. We further demonstrated amplitude-controlled tapping-mode TERS measurement. We observed a strong dependence of the TERS intensity on the tapping amplitude, which is in agreement with our numerical calculations. This practical but essential study encourages the use of the tapping mode for further advancing TERS and related optical techniques.
An analysis of alternative forced oscillation technique reporting and validation methods for within- and between-sessions in healthy adults
Authors: Therkorn Jennifer H. , Qian Wei , Toto Daniella R. , Falvo Michael J.
Published: July 2022

Forced oscillation technique (FOT) provides unique information on respiratory system mechanical properties complementing pulmonary function testing. However, a lack of evidence guiding acquisition/reporting of parameters has slowed clinical FOT adoption. Current European Respiratory Society (ERS) standards recommend 3–5 trials per session comprising three trials with a coefficient of variation (CoV) ≤ 10% for low-frequency resistance. We present an analysis of different combinations of trial selection methods and session validity thresholding variables (low- and mid-frequency resistance and reactance [R5, R19, X5], low-frequency reactance area [AX] and tidal volume) comparing proportion of subjects achieving valid data across two test sessions (7 ± 3 days apart) and within and between session measurement variabilities. 126 (98%) subjects achieved valid data across both sessions (2666 trials). With R5 or R19 as criteria and selection of any three trials from ≥ 4 attempts, ≥ 75% of subjects achieved validity. Furthermore, with R5 or R19 criteria and selection of any trials from ≥ 5 attempts, CoVs for resistance outcomes were reduced within session while variabilities of FOT outcomes between sessions remained consistent. Within session differences in measurement variabilities were not clinically meaningful. Our analyses support current ERS reporting recommendations for healthy adults. Future work should apply this analytic approach to patient populations.
Detection of repeat expansions in large next generation DNA and RNA sequencing data without alignment
Authors: Fearnley L. G. , Bennett M. F. , Bahlo M.
Published: July 2022

Bioinformatic methods for detecting short tandem repeat expansions in short-read sequencing have identified new repeat expansions in humans, but require alignment information to identify repetitive motif enrichment at genomic locations. We present superSTR, an ultrafast method that does not require alignment. superSTR is used to process whole-genome and whole-exome sequencing data, and perform the first STR analysis of the UK Biobank, efficiently screening and identifying known and potential disease-associated STRs in the exomes of 49,953 biobank participants. We demonstrate the first bioinformatic screening of RNA sequencing data to detect repeat expansions in humans and mouse models of ataxia and dystrophy.
Efficacy and safety of focused low-intensity pulsed ultrasound versus pulsed shortwave diathermy on knee osteoarthritis: a randomized comparative trial
Authors: Jia Lang , Li Dongqian , Wei Xia , Chen Jinyun , Zuo Deyu , Chen Wenzhi
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of focused low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (FLIPUS) with pulsed shortwave diathermy (PSWD) in subjects with painful knee osteoarthritis (OA). In a prospective randomized trial, 114 knee OA patients were randomly allocated to receive FLIPUS or PSWD therapy. The primary outcome was the change from baseline in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) total scores. Secondary outcomes included the numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain assessment, time up and go (TUG) test, active joint range of motion (ROM) test, and Global Rating of Change (GRC) scale. Data were collected at baseline, 12 days, 12 weeks and 24 weeks. Patients receiving FLIPUS therapy experienced significantly greater improvements in the WOMAC total scores than patients receiving PSWD therapy at 12 days (mean difference, − 10.50; 95% CI − 13.54 to − 7.45; P = 0.000). The results of the NRS, TUG test, ROM test and GRC scale showed that participants treated with FLIPUS reported less pain and better physical function and health status than those treated with PSWD at 12 days (P = 0.011, P = 0.005, P = 0.025, P = 0.011, respectively). Furthermore, patients in the FLIPUS group showed significant improvements in the WOMAC total scores and NRS scores at 12 weeks (mean difference, − 7.57; 95% CI − 10.87 to − 4.26; P = 0.000 and − 1.79; 95% CI − 2.11 to − 1.47, respectively) and 24 weeks (mean difference, − 6.96; 95% CI − 10.22 to − 3.71; P = 0.000 and − 1.37; 95% CI − 1.64 to − 0.96; P = 0.000, respectively) of follow-up. There were no adverse events during or after the interventions in either group. This study concluded that both FLIPUS and pulsed SWD are safe modalities, and FLIPUS was more effective than PSWD in alleviating pain and in improving dysfunction and health status among subjects with knee OA in the short term.

Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000032735. Registered 08/05/2020, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=53413.
Evaluation of the Global Lung Function Initiative 2012 reference values for spirometry in an Iranian population
Authors: Sahebi Leyla , Rahimi Besharat , Shariat Mamak , Mousavy Seyyed Hosein
Published: July 2022

Spirometry is an important measurement in detecting and monitoring of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The validity of the multi-ethnic Global Lung Function Initiative 2012 (GLI-2012) spirometric norms have been debated in some countries. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the applicability of the GLI reference norms in the Iranian population. A cross-sectional study was performed on 622 healthy non-smoker population (204 males and 418 females, age range: 4 ± 82 years) between July 16 and August 27, 2019 in Iran. Z-scores for spirometric data [FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 s), FVC (forced vital capacity) FEV1/FVC, and FEF25–75% (forced expiratory flow averaged over the middle portion of FVC)] were calculated. According to the agreement approved, a mean Z-score outside the range of ± 0.5 was considered clinically significant. The mean (SD) Z-score values of FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC and FEF25–75% were 0.44 (1.21), 0.49 (1.14), 0.11 (1.03), and − 1.13 (0.99) in males and 0.61 (1.14), 0.89 (1.26), 0.17 (0.88) and − 0.49 (0.96) in females, respectively. The Z-score of FEV1/FVC was below the lower limit of normal (LLN) in 3.43% of men and 2.01% of women (in ≥ 21 years), while these values were significantly higher in people under 21 years old (46.2% in boys and 40.0% in girls). The GLI reference values are not perfect for the Iranian population, especially in children below 10 years old. The use of the GLI reference values was appropriate in population above 21 years; however, they would overestimate the prevalence of airway obstruction in individuals below 21 years.
Novel adult cortical neuron processing and screening method illustrates sex- and age-dependent effects of pharmaceutical compounds
Authors: Sefiani Arthur , Rusyn Ivan , Geoffroy Cédric G.
Published: July 2022

Neurodegenerative diseases and neurotraumatic injuries are typically age-associated disorders that can reduce neuron survival, neurite outgrowth, and synaptic plasticity leading to loss of cognitive capacity, executive function, and motor control. In pursuit of reducing the loss of said neurological functions, novel compounds are sought that promote neuron viability, neuritogenesis, and/or synaptic plasticity. Current high content in vitro screenings typically use cells that are iPSC-derived, embryonic, or originate from post-natal tissues; however, most patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases and neurotrauma are of middle-age and older. The chasm in maturity between the neurons used in drug screens and those in a target population is a barrier for translational success of in vitro results. It has been historically challenging to culture adult neurons let alone conduct screenings; therefore, age-appropriate drug screenings have previously not been plausible. We have modified Miltenyi’s protocol to increase neuronal yield, neuron purity, and neural viability at a reduced cost to expand our capacity to screen compounds directly in primary adult neurons. To our knowledge, we developed the first morphology-based screening system using adult cortical neurons and the first to incorporate age and sex as biological variables in a screen using adult cortical neurons. By using primary adult cortical neurons from mice that were 4 to 48 weeks old for screening pharmaceutical agents, we have demonstrated age- and sex-dependent effects on neuritogenesis and neuron survival in vitro. Utilizing age- and sex-appropriate in vitro models to find novel compounds increasing neuron survival and neurite outgrowth, made possible by our modified adult neuron processing method, will greatly increase the relevance of in vitro screening for finding neuroprotective compounds.
Experimental study of the quantification of indocyanine green fluorescence in ischemic and non-ischemic anastomoses, using the SERGREEN software program
Authors: Serra-Aracil X. , García-Nalda A. , Serra-Gómez B. , Serra-Gómez A. , Mora-López L. , Pallisera-Lloveras A. , Lucas-Guerrero V. , Navarro-Soto S.
Published: July 2022

Tissue ischemia is a key risk factor in anastomotic leak (AL). Indocyanine green (ICG) is widely used in colorectal surgery to define the segments with the best vascularization. In an experimental model, we present a new system for quantifying ICG fluorescence intensity, the SERGREEN software. Controlled experimental study with eight pigs. In the initial control stage, ICG fluorescence intensity was analyzed at the level of two anastomoses, in the right and in the left colon. Control images of the two segments were taken after ICG administration. The images were processed with the SERGREEN program. Then, in the experimental ischemia stage, the inferior mesenteric artery was sectioned at the level of the anastomosis of the left colon. Fifteen minutes after the section, sequential images of the two anastomoses were taken every 30 min for the following 2 h. At the control stage, the mean scores were 134.2 (95% CI 116.3–152.2) for the right colon and 147 (95% CI 134.7–159.3) for the left colon (p = 0.174) (Scale RGB—Red, Green, Blue). The right colon remained stable throughout the experiment. In the left colon, intensity fell by 47.9 points with respect to the pre-ischemia value (p < 0.01). After the first post-ischemia determination, the values of the ischemic left colon remained stable throughout the experiment. The relative decrease in ICG fluorescence intensity of the ischemic left colon was 32.6%. The SERGREEN program quantifies ICG fluorescence intensity in normal and ischemic situations and detects differences between them. A reduction in ICG fluorescence intensity of 32.6% or more was correlated with complete tissue ischemia.
Spatial–temporal evolution of ESV and its response to land use change in the Yellow River Basin, China
Authors: Yang Jie , Xie Baopeng , Zhang Degang
Published: July 2022

The value of ecosystem services, as well as their temporal and spatial characteristics, can be used to help areas develop focused and localized sustainable ecological management plans. Thus, this study conducted in the Yellow River Basin (YRB) of China, analyzed the ecosystem service value (ESV) and its spatial–temporal variation characteristics. This study used the equivalent factor and geospatial exploration methods, introduced the elasticity coefficient, and explored the response of ESV change to land-use change, based on the land use cover data from 1990 to 2020. The results showed that from 1990 to 2020, YRB ecosystem service value showed an overall increasing trend, mainly because the ecological construction project increased forest and grasslands in this region. In the past 30 years, spatial characteristics of ESV in YRB was relatively stable. The high-value areas were mainly distributed in the upper Yellow River Basin, while the low-value areas were mainly distributed in the lower Yellow River Basin, as the cold and hot spots were reduced. The ESV barycenter coordinates showed the direction of the transfer trajectory, which is first to southwest, northeast, and then to southwest. From 2000 to 2010, YRB land-use change had greater impact on ESV. Since 2010, the disturbance of ecosystem services by land-use change has decreased. Consequently, the elastic index of the upstream and Loess Plateau regions were significantly higher than that of other regions, and the impact of land-use change on ecosystem services was more obvious, due to improved large-scale ecological construction projects implementation. Conclusively, this study recommends the use of comprehensive spatial–temporal assessment of ESV for sustainable development and ecological protection in the YRB.
Atypical seasonal variability of the Kuroshio Current affected by intraseasonal signals at its origin based on direct mooring observations
Authors: Wang Fujun , Zhang Linlin , Feng Junqiao , Hu Dunxin
Published: July 2022

The spatial distribution and temporal variability of the Kuroshio Current (KC) was investigated with three moorings deployed at 122.7° E, 123° E, and 123.3° E along 18° N from January 2018 to the spring of 2020. It is shown that the core of the KC is located to the west of 122.7° E along 18° N. With the increase in longitude, the KC extended its vertical scale and attenuated its intensity gradually. The satellite data indicated that the KC was strongest in winter and spring, while it was weakest in autumn along 18° N. However, the seasonal cycle of the KC from mooring observations was atypical compared with that from the satellite data. The seasonal variation of the KC was not obvious in 2018, and a summer peak of KC occurred in 2019. The atypical seasonal variability of the KC was attributed to the strong intraseasonal signals generated by eddy activity. Eddies propagated from east and were enhanced to the west of 140° E, leading to the westward intensified intraseasonal signals. In addition, the intraseasonal signals varied interannually, that is why the variation of the KC in 2018 was quite different with that in 2019.
Portable magnetic resonance imaging of patients indoors, outdoors and at home
Authors: Guallart-Naval Teresa , Algarín José M. , Pellicer-Guridi Rubén , Galve Fernando , Vives-Gilabert Yolanda , Bosch Rubén , Pallás Eduardo , González José M. , Rigla Juan P. , Martínez Pablo , Lloris Francisco J. , Borreguero Jose , Marcos-Perucho Álvaro , Negnevitsky Vlad , Martí-Bonmatí Luis , Ríos Alfonso , Benlloch José M. , Alonso Joseba
Published: July 2022

Mobile medical imaging devices are invaluable for clinical diagnostic purposes both in and outside healthcare institutions. Among the various imaging modalities, only a few are readily portable. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the gold standard for numerous healthcare conditions, does not traditionally belong to this group. Recently, low-field MRI technology companies have demonstrated the first decisive steps towards portability within medical facilities and vehicles. However, these scanners’ weight and dimensions are incompatible with more demanding use cases such as in remote and developing regions, sports facilities and events, medical and military camps, or home healthcare. Here we present in vivo images taken with a light, small footprint, low-field extremity MRI scanner outside the controlled environment provided by medical facilities. To demonstrate the true portability of the system and benchmark its performance in various relevant scenarios, we have acquired images of a volunteer’s knee in: (i) an MRI physics laboratory; (ii) an office room; (iii) outside a campus building, connected to a nearby power outlet; (iv) in open air, powered from a small fuel-based generator; and (v) at the volunteer’s home. All images have been acquired within clinically viable times, and signal-to-noise ratios and tissue contrast suffice for 2D and 3D reconstructions with diagnostic value. Furthermore, the volunteer carries a fixation metallic implant screwed to the femur, which leads to strong artifacts in standard clinical systems but appears sharp in our low-field acquisitions. Altogether, this work opens a path towards highly accessible MRI under circumstances previously unrealistic.
Dynamic back analysis of soil deformation during the construction of deep cantilever foundation pits
Authors: Zhang Jian , Qiao Guangxuan , Feng Tugen , Zhao Yihe , Zhang Chunbin
Published: July 2022

Field monitoring of foundation pits alone cannot predict the future deformation of retaining structures. Numerical simulations can predict the deformation of foundation pits and the working state of retaining structures to avoid the risk of foundation pit damage in advance. Accurate inversion of the soil parameters used for simulation and prediction is a key step. The associated multivariable problem is transformed into a single-variable problem by using the interval influence coefficient. Soil layer weightings and excavation step weightings are introduced and exploited to optimize the calculation process, and the soil parameters are calculated through inversion based on the least squares method. Based on actual engineering, the excavation sequence is regarded as a progressive sequence for back analysis, and the parameters of each soil layer are calculated through dynamic calculations with the excavation process in a cycle comprising inversion, prediction, reinversion and reprediction. The soil parameters after inversion are used to predict the maximum value and the depth of the deep horizontal displacement of the retaining structure, which verified the feasibility of the back-analysis method. Compared with the results before inversion, after the final inversion, t the overall error of section 2 is reduced by 67.24%, the overall error of section 3 is reduced by 40.5%, and the overall error of section 4 is reduced by 35%. The prediction curves are all close to the monitoring displacement curves, which plays a good guiding role and ensures the safe construction of the foundation pit. A new effective idea is proposed for the inverse analysis of the composite formation parameters of the deep foundation pit engineering.
Foveal eversion patterns in diabetic macular edema
Authors: Arrigo Alessandro , Saladino Andrea , Aragona Emanuela , Amato Alessia , Capone Luigi , Bianco Lorenzo , Lattanzio Rosangela , Bandello Francesco , Battaglia Parodi Maurizio
Published: July 2022

The aim of the present study was to describe foveal eversion patterns in diabetic macular edema (DME) and to assess their relationship with the course of the disease and the outcome. The study was designed as prospective, observational, with two years of follow-up. DME patients were divided in two groups, one treated by combined anti-VEGF injections and dexamethasone (DEX) implants, and the other treated by fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant with additional anti-VEGF retreatments if needed. Main outcome measures were foveal eversion prevalence, foveal eversion patterns, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), structural OCT metrics, number of intravitreal injections. One hundred and forty-six eyes (146 patients; 80 males; mean age 67 ± 8 years) affected by already treated DME, with 84 eyes treated with anti-VEGF/DEX treatments (mean of 10 ± 3 injections) and 62 treated with FAc implant. Looking at the treatments administered before the inclusion into the study, 84 eyes (58%) were treated with anti-VEGF injections, whereas 62 eyes (42%) underwent a combination of anti-VEGF and corticosteroids implants. DME eyes showed statistically significant improvements of LogMAR BCVA and CMT over the 2-year follow-up. Foveal eversion was found in 83 eyes (57%), categorized as follows: Pattern 1a (16;19%); Pattern 1b (22;27%) and Pattern 2 (45;54%). BCVA improvement was detected in all the subgroups, excepting for Pattern 2, which showed also significantly worse structural OCT parameters. Pattern 1b and Pattern 2 were characterized by significantly higher prevalence of persistent DME (64% and 89% of cases, respectively). Foveal eversion patterns were correlated with progressively worse DME outcome. Foveal eversion may be associated to the loss of foveal homeostasis, with consequent poor response to intravitreal treatments and worse DME outcome.
The gut microbiome variability of a butterflyfish increases on severely degraded Caribbean reefs
Authors: Clever Friederike , Sourisse Jade M. , Preziosi Richard F. , Eisen Jonathan A. , Guerra E. Catalina Rodriguez , Scott Jarrod J. , Wilkins Laetitia G. E. , Altieri Andrew H. , McMillan W. Owen , Leray Matthieu
Published: July 2022

Environmental degradation has the potential to alter key mutualisms that underlie the structure and function of ecological communities. How microbial communities associated with fishes vary across populations and in relation to habitat characteristics remains largely unknown despite their fundamental roles in host nutrition and immunity. We find significant differences in the gut microbiome composition of a facultative coral-feeding butterflyfish (Chaetodon capistratus) across Caribbean reefs that differ markedly in live coral cover (∼0–30%). Fish gut microbiomes were significantly more variable at degraded reefs, a pattern driven by changes in the relative abundance of the most common taxa potentially associated with stress. We also demonstrate that fish gut microbiomes on severely degraded reefs have a lower abundance of Endozoicomonas and a higher diversity of anaerobic fermentative bacteria, which may suggest a less coral dominated diet. The observed shifts in fish gut bacterial communities across the habitat gradient extend to a small set of potentially beneficial host associated bacteria (i.e., the core microbiome) suggesting essential fish-microbiome interactions may be vulnerable to severe coral degradation.
Structural determinants of DNA recognition by the NO sensor NsrR and related Rrf2-type [FeS]-transcription factors
Authors: Rohac Roman , Crack Jason C. , de Rosny Eve , Gigarel Océane , Le Brun Nick E. , Fontecilla-Camps Juan C. , Volbeda Anne
Published: July 2022

Several transcription factors of the Rrf2 family use an iron-sulfur cluster to regulate DNA binding through effectors such as nitric oxide (NO), cellular redox status and iron levels. [4Fe-4S]-NsrR from Streptomyces coelicolor (ScNsrR) modulates expression of three different genes via reaction and complex formation with variable amounts of NO, which results in detoxification of this gas. Here, we report the crystal structure of ScNsrR complexed with an hmpA1 gene operator fragment and compare it with those previously reported for [2Fe-2S]-RsrR/rsrR and apo-IscR/hyA complexes. Important structural differences reside in the variation of the DNA minor and major groove widths. In addition, different DNA curvatures and different interactions with the protein sensors are observed. We also report studies of NsrR binding to four hmpA1 variants, which indicate that flexibility in the central region is not a key binding determinant. Our study explores the promotor binding specificities of three closely related transcriptional regulators.
Probing the evolution of electronic phase-coexistence in complex systems by terahertz radiation
Authors: Prajapati Gulloo Lal , Das Sarmistha , Dagar Rahul , Eswara Phanindra V. , Rana Dhanvir Singh
Published: July 2022

In complex oxides, electrons under the influence of competing energetics determine the coexistence or phase-separation of two or more electronic or magnetic phases within the same structural configuration. Probing the growth and evolution of such phase-coexistence state is crucial to determine the correct mechanism of related phase transition. Here, we demonstrate the combination of terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopy and DC transport as a strategy to probe the electronic phase-coexistence. This is demonstrated in disorder-controlled phase-separated rare-earth nickelate thin films, which exhibit a temperature induced metal-insulator transition in DC conductivity but lack this transition in THz dynamic conductivity. Such pronounced disparity exploits two extreme attributes, namely, the large sensitivity of THz radiation to a spatial range of the order of its wavelength-compatible electronic inhomogeneities, and its insensitivity to a range beyond the size of its wavelength. This feature is generic in nature, depending solely on the size of insulating and metallic clusters. Therefore, our strategy offers a high-sensitivity methodology to investigate electronic phase-coexistence and phase transition in a wide range of complex material systems.
On-chip immunomagnetic separation of allergens from myofibrillar proteins of seafoods for rapid allergy tests
Authors: Wang Li , Bi Hongyan
Published: July 2022

An on-chip strategy to analyze the allergens existing in myofibrillar proteins of seafood matrices using anti-human IgE-functionalized magnetic beads (MBs) has the potential to be applied in blood tests for food allergies with a single drop of blood.
Solvent design for catalyst recycling of rhodium/amine catalysts via scCO2 extraction in the reductive hydroformylation of alpha olefins
Authors: Rösler T. , Betting J. , Püschel S. , Vorholt A. J. , Leitner W.
Published: July 2022

Amine modified polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivatives are used as stationary phase to immobilize homogeneous rhodium catalysts during the extraction of alcohols with scCO2.
Recyclable carbon nanotube/silicone oil emulsion with NaOH aqueous solution for indoor CO2 capture
Authors: Lee Jae Won , Kim Minjae , Park Jong Ha , Kang Yong Tae
Published: July 2022

Emulsion absorbents based on NaOH solution (ES–NaOH) consist of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and silicone oil. ES–NaOH can control the CO2 capture capacity and rate with the concentration of CNTs and NaOH, and can be applied indoors like an adsorbent.