bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural autoimmunity in oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Tsitsami Elena , Sarrigeorgiou Ioannis , Tsinti Maria , Rouka Erasmia C. , Zarogiannis Sotirios G. , Lymberi Peggy
Published: January 2023

Oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (oligo-JIA) is classically thought of as an antigen-driven lymphocyte-mediated autoimmune disease. Considering the major immunoregulatory role of natural antibodies (NAbs) in homeostasis and autoimmune pathogenesis, we designed this study to further elucidate their role in oligo-JIA pathogenesis. To this end, 70 children with oligo-JIA and 20 healthy matched controls were enrolled in the study. Serum IgM and IgA antibodies against human G-actin, human IgG F(ab΄)2 fragments and the hapten TriNitroPhenol (TNP) were measured by in-house enzyme-immunoassays. In addition, total concentration for serum IgM and IgA was also measured by ELISA and in cases where significant differences were observed between groups, the ratio of NAbs levels to the total IgM and IgA concentrations was used for comparisons. The ratios of IgA anti-TNP, anti-actin and anti-F(ab΄)2 levels to total serum IgA concentration were found to be significantly increased in patients with oligo-JIA compared to healthy subjects. Significantly elevated levels of IgM anti-TNP antibodies were also found in children with inactive oligo-JIA compared to those of children with active disease and healthy controls. In the presence of anterior uveitis, IgM anti-TNP levels were significantly higher than in patients without uveitis or in healthy controls. Backward regression analysis revealed than the disease activity and the presence of anterior uveitis independently affect IgM anti-TNP levels. Our findings are in accordance with the hypothesis that NAbs contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and provide additional evidence that disturbances in natural autoimmunity may contribute to the as yet unclarified pathogenesis of oligo-JIA.
Thiol catalyzed formation of NO-ferroheme regulates canonical intravascular NO signaling
Authors: DeMartino Anthony , Poudel Laxman , Dent Matthew , Chen Xiukai , Xu Qinzi , Gladwin Brendan , Tejero Jesus , Basu Swati , Alipour Elmira , Jiang Yiyang , Rose Jason , Gladwin Mark , Kim-Shapiro Daniel
Published: January 2023

Nitric oxide (NO) is an endogenously produced physiological signaling molecule that regulates blood flow and platelet activation. However, both the intracellular and intravascular diffusion of NO is severely limited by scavenging reactions with hemoglobin, myoglobin, and other hemoproteins, raising unanswered questions as to how free NO can signal in hemoprotein-rich environments, like blood and cardiomyocytes. We explored the hypothesis that NO could be stabilized as a ferrous heme-nitrosyl complex (Fe2+-NO, NO-ferroheme) either in solution within membranes or bound to albumin. Unexpectedly, we observed a rapid reaction of NO with free ferric heme (Fe3+) and a reduced thiol under physiological conditions to yield NO-ferroheme and a thiyl radical. This thiol-catalyzed reductive nitrosylation reaction occurs readily when the hemin is solubilized in lipophilic environments, such as red blood cell membranes, or bound to serum albumin. NO-ferroheme albumin is stable, even in the presence of excess oxyhemoglobin, and potently inhibits platelet activation. NO-ferroheme-albumin administered intravenously to mice dose-dependently vasodilates at low- to mid-nanomolar concentrations. In conclusion, we report the fastest rate of reductive nitrosylation observed to date to generate a NO-ferroheme molecule that resists oxidative inactivation, is soluble in cell membranes, and is transported intravascularly by albumin to promote potent vasodilation.
Chemical compositions, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and mosquito larvicidal activity of Ocimum americanum L. and Ocimum basilicum L. leaf essential oils
Authors: Mahendran Ganesan , Vimolmangkang Sornkanok
Published: January 2023

Background:Ocimum americanum L.andOcimum basilicumL. are highly valued aromatic medicinal plants. The leaves ofO. basilicumandO. americanumare widely used as spices in traditional cuisine. Its essential oil is extensively used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. The purpose of this study is to investigate the main chemical profile ofO. americanumandO. basilicumleaf essential oils and to assess their effects on antibacterial, antioxidant, and larvicidal properties.Methods:Essential oils were extracted from the leaves ofO. basilicumandO. americanumusing steam distillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus. The chemical constituents of the essential oils (EO) were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). DPPH, FRAP, and metal chelating techniques were used to assess the free radical scavenging ability of the oils. The extracted oil was also tested for its antibacterial activities by a disc-diffusion test and the broth microdilution method. Furthermore, the mosquito larvicidal activity was tested using standard protocols.Results:Camphor (33.869%), limonene (7.215%), longifolene (6.727%), caryophyllene (5.500%), and isoledene (5.472%) were identified as the five major compounds inO. americanumleaf essential oil. The essential oil yield was 0.4%, and citral (19.557%), estragole (18.582%), linalool (17.605%), and camphor (9.224%) were the major compounds found among the 37 chemical constituents identified inO. basilicumoil.O. basilicumexhibited more potent antioxidant activity in DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS tests thanO. americanum. The zones of inhibition and MIC of the oils in the microdilution and disc diffusion methods were 8.00±0.19 to 26.43±2.19 mm and 3.12 – 100 μg/mL, respectively. At 400 ppm,O. basilicumandO. americanumdemonstrated larvicidal activity with mortality ratios of 73.60±0.89 and 78.00±1.00%, respectively. Furthermore, after 30 min of exposure, the larval death rate was 73.60±0.89 and 78.00±1.00% forO. americanumandO. basilicumrespectively.Conclusions:These findings revealed that essential oils extracted from the leaves ofO. basilicumandO. americanumexhibited reasonable antioxidant, antibacterial, and mosquito larvicidal potentials that can be used as alternative medicine in treating human health and larvicidal mosquito control.
A DARPin Increases the Catalytic Activity of Botulinum Neurotoxin A1
Authors: Leka Oneda , Wu Yufan , Zanetti Giulia , Furler Sven , Reinberg Thomas , Marinho Joana , Schaefer Jonas , Plückthun Andreas , Li Xiaodan , Pirazzini Marco , Kammerer Richard
Published: January 2023

In this study, we characterized Designed Ankyrin Repat Proteins (DARPins) as investigative tools to probe botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) function and as potential antidotes for botulism. We selected DARPins against the catalytic domain of BoNT/A1 and characterized them by biochemical, biophysical and structural studies in combination with functional assays in cultured neurons and muscle tissue. We identified DARPin-F5 that completely blocks SNAP25 substrate cleavage by BoNT/A1 in vitro. X-ray crystallography revealed that DARPin-F5 inhibits BoNT/A1 activity by interacting with a substrate-binding region between the α- and β-exosite. This DARPin blocked substrate cleavage of BoNT/A1 but not of BoNT/A3, indicating that DARPin-F5 is a subtype-specific inhibitor. We found that BoNT/A1 Glu-171 plays a critical role in the interaction with DARPin-F5 and its mutation to Asp, the residue found in BoNT/A3, resulted in a loss of inhibition of substrate cleavage by reducing DARPin affinity from pM to µM. In contrast to the in vitro results, DARPin-F5 increased BoNT/A1 activity in primary neurons. This result was confirmed by the mouse phrenic nerve hemidiaphragm assay, demonstrating faster paralysis in the presence of the DARPin. We show by functional studies in neuronal cells that DARPin-F5 increases translocation of the toxin. Our findings could have important implications for the identification of BoNTs in clinical samples as well as the development of excipients that allow BoNT treatment at a lower dosage and thereby prevent the generation of antibodies against the toxin.
S-Boxes Design Based On the Lu-Chen System And Their Application in Image Encryption
Authors: Tootkaboni Mohammad Akbari , Savadkouhi Meisam Bavand
Published: January 2023

The substitution box (S-Box) plays a fundamental role in cryptographic algorithms. In this article, the Lu-Chen system is used to design a chaotic S-Box. We design two S-Boxes, one based on the rotation algorithm relative to the rows (or columns) and the other based on the Zigzag transformation. The performance of the new S-Boxes is evaluated with the bijective, nonlinearity, strict avalanche criterion (SAC), output bit independence criterion (BIC), differential approximation probability, linear approximation probability, algebraic degree and not having a fixed point and opposite fixed point. The analysis results show that the proposed S-Boxes have suitable cryptographic properties. In addition, an image encryption algorithm based on two generated S-Boxed, and a generalized Lai-Massey structure is presented. Experimental results show that the proposed method has achieved acceptable security.
Intramedullary lipoma mimicking syringomyelia: a case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Jialu , Liu Penghao , Chen Zan , Duan Wanru
Published: January 2023

Background

Intramedullary lipomas can be misdiagnosed as syringomyelia. We reported a case of intramedullary lipoma similar to syringomyelia and review the literature.

Case presentation

A 35-year-old woman was admitted due to hypoesthesia in the right limb, especially the lower extremity. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed L2-3 and C5-T7 lesions, with hyperintensity in T1-weighted and T2-weighted images, and hypointensity in T1 fat suppression-weighted images. The cervicothoracic lesion was considered to be a lipoma and was observed without surgery, while the lumbosacral lesion was removed, and the pathological results indicated cholesteatoma. The neurological function of the patient's lower limbs improved one month after surgery.

Conclusion

The pre-operative differentiation between intramedullary lipoma and syringomyelia requires special caution.
Social vulnerability and cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents
Authors: de Farias Viviane Freire , Soares Larissa Almenara , Aranha Luciana Nicolau , Luiz Ronir Raggio , de Oliveira Gláucia Maria Moraes , Rosa Glorimar
Published: January 2023

Background: Social vulnerability can influence in the development of cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents (CRF). For this reason, the objective of our study was to evaluate the presence of CRF in adolescents, according to social vulnerability.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with 517 adolescents of both sexes, from 10 to 19 years of age, classified into 2 groups by social vulnerability, according to socioeconomic characteristics collected by means of questionnaires, where adolescents who did not have access to drinking water, sewage network, and adequate per capita income were classified as vulnerable. Anthropometric, biochemical, and blood pressure data were evaluated. Level of physical activity was assessed by an adapted questionnaire, and food intake was assessed by a 3-day food record. Paired t, Mann-Whitney, and χ2 tests were used, according to the scale of measurement of the variables, on the statistical program SPSS, version 25, at a significance level of 5%.
Results: Adolescents had median age of 14 (11 to 15) years; 58.4% were female; 32.4% were overweight, and 52.4% were inactive in leisure. Mean consumption of ultra-processed food was observed to account for 45.0% of calorie intake. Adolescents classified as vulnerable had lower weight, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, and neck circumference when compared to non-vulnerable adolescents. Both groups had cholesterol concentrations above the normal level. Non-vulnerable adolescents had higher triglyceride concentrations, higher alcohol consumption, and lower fiber intake compared to vulnerable adolescents.
Conclusions: Adolescents with social vulnerability are less likely to have cardiovascular risk factors.
3D Modelling and Simulation of the Impact of Wearing a Mask on the Dispersion of Particles Carrying the SARS-CoV-2 Virus in a Railway Transport Coach
Authors: Armand Patrick , Tâche Jérémie
Published: January 2023

Even though the Covid-19 pandemic seems to be stagnating or decreasing across the world, a resurgence of the disease or the occurrence of other epidemics caused by the aerial dissemination of pathogenic biological agents cannot be ruled out. These agents, in particular the virions of the Covid-19 disease, are found in the particles originating from the sputum of infected symptomatic or asymptomatic people. In previous research, we made use of a three-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model to simulate particle transport and dispersion in ventilated semi-confined spaces. By way of illustration, we considered a suburban train coach in which an infected passenger emitted droplets (1 and 10 µm) and drops (100 and 1,000 µm) while breathing and coughing. Using an Eulerian approach and a Lagrangian approach, we modelled the dispersion of the particles in the turbulent flow generated by the ventilation of the coach. The simulations returned similar results from both approaches and clearly demonstrated the very distinct aerodynamics of the aerosol of airborne droplets and, at the other end of the spectrum, of drops falling or behaving like projectiles depending on their initial velocity. That numerical study considered passengers without protective masks. In this new phase of research, we first used literature data to develop a model of a typical surgical mask for use on a digital manikin representing a human. Next, we resumed the twin experiment of the railway coach, but this time, the passengers (including the infected one) were provided with masks. We compared the spatial and temporal distributions of the particles depending on whether the spreader passenger wore a mask at all, and whether the mask was perfectly fitted (without leaks) or worn loosely (with leaks). Beyond demonstrating the obvious value of wearing a mask in limiting the dissemination of particles, our model and our simulations allow an initial quantification of the beneficial effect of the surgical mask. Moreover, the calculations carried out constitute only one illustrative application among many others, not only in public transport, but in any other public or private ventilated space on the basis of the same physical models and digital twins of the places considered. CFD therefore makes it possible to estimate the criticality of the occupation of places by people with or without a mask and to recommend measures in order to limit aerial contamination by any kind of airborne pathogen, such as the virions of Covid-19.
Metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma with no thyroid nodules: a rare, unorthodox presentation: case report.
Authors: Rizkou FatimaEzzahra , Oulghoul Omar , Moufannane Malak , BENHOUMMAD OTHMANE , ROCHDI YOUSSEF , RAJI ADBELAZIZ
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Uncommon thyroid and neuendocrine tumor; medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is uncommon, aggressive malignancy, with a 10-year survival rate of roughly 50%. Clinical presentation of MTC differs from sporadic to familial variety, but frequently it is showcased as painless thyroid nodule. Metastatic medullar carcinoma without nodules is scanty, adding to the unpredictable behaviors of this entity,
Case Presentation: Thus the report of this rare presentation in 57 years-old patient with cervical metastatic lymphadenopathy and a normal sized thyroid and no distant metastases to which the patient underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy because the encompassment of the vascular axis.
Conclusion: Metastasis medullary thyroid carcinoma with normal seize thyroid is somehow unheard of in the literature as this rare aggressive tumor is usually diagnostic at a stage where the thyroid nodule is accompanied with lymph node metastases.
Prediction of habitat complexity using a trait-based approach on coral reefs in Guam
Authors: Ferreira Sofia B. , Burns John H.R. , Pascoe Kailey H. , Kapono Clifford A. , Reyes Andres J. , Fukunaga Atsuko
Published: January 2023

Scleractinian corals are primary contributors to the structural complexity of coral reef ecosystems. The structure derived from their carbonate skeletons underpins the biodiversity and myriad of ecosystem services provided by coral reefs. This study used a trait-based approach to provide new insights into the relationships between habitat complexity and coral morphology. Three-Dimensional (3D) photogrammetry techniques were used to survey 208 study plots on the island of Guam, from which structural complexity metrics were derived and physical traits of corals were quantified. Three traits at the individual colony level (e.g., morphology, size, and genera) and two site-level environmental characteristics (e.g., wave exposure and substratum-habitat type) were examined. Standard taxonomy-based metrics were also included at the reef-plot level (e.g., coral abundance, richness, and diversity). Different traits disproportionately contributed to 3D metrics of habitat complexity. Larger colonies with a laminar columnar morphology have the highest contribution to surface complexity, slope, and vector ruggedness measure, whereas branching and encrusting columnar colonies have the highest contribution to planform and profile curvature. These results highlight the importance of considering colony morphology and size in addition to conventional taxonomic metrics for the understanding and monitoring reef structural complexity. The approach presented here provides a framework for studies in other locations to predict the trajectory of reefs under changing environmental conditions.
Efficacy and safety comparison of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery and upfront surgery for treating intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Zijiao , Jiang Xia
Published: January 2023

Background and Aims

Currently, surgical resection is the most commonly performed and effective treatment for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) worldwide. However, the prognosis of ICC is unsatisfactory. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery and upfront surgery in treating intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). The study also intends to explore whether chemotherapy should be introduced before surgery and which populations should be considered for neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Method

Four databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, were searched from their inception dates to January 2022 for relevant articles. The statistical analysis was performed using the Review Manager Software (version5.3). The non-randomized interventions (ROBINS-I) was used to assess the methodological quality of included studies and the overall quality of evidence was assessed through the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool. Moreover, the primary outcomes included 1-year, 3-year and 5-year overall survival (OS), while the secondary outcomes were R0 resection, 1-year, 3-year and 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) and mortality in 90 days.

Results

Five studies involving 2412 patients were included in this meta-analysis. There was no significant difference in 1-year OS, 3-year OS, 1-year, 3-year and 5-year RFS between the two groups. However, the meta-analysis showed that the neoadjuvant chemotherapy group had a better 5-year OS benefit in ICC patients than the upfront surgery group (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.02–1.58), while the R0 resection rate was lower in neoadjuvant chemotherapy group than that in the upfront surgery group (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.26–0.91).

Conclusion

Compared with the upfront surgery, neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery could prolong the 5-year OS in ICC patients. Considering that the patients in the neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery group had more advanced ICC cases, the benefits of neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be more significant in patients with locally advanced (stage II-III) ICC.
The co-benefit of emission reduction efficiency of energy, CO2, and atmospheric pollutants in China under the carbon neutrality target
Authors: Cui Zhe , Ren Fangrong , Zhang Xuerong , Ding Xue , Li Ruihan , Yao Qin
Published: January 2023

The Yangtze River Economic Belt (YEB) and the Yellow River Ecological Economic Belt (YREB) surround the two biggest inland rivers and emit the greatest amount of carbon emissions in China. In order to implement China’s dual carbon goal, this research applies a Meta-frontier DN-DEA model, including the carbon reduction factor (CRF), to assess the emission efficiency of energy, CO2, and atmospheric pollutants for a total of 19 regions in YEB and YREB from 2011 to 2017. The synergistic climate risk control efficiency of atmospheric pollutants in the two economic belts are verified by tests for CO2 and three atmospheric pollutants emission elasticity coefficient and Kendall’s coordination coefficient. The results are as follows: First, the overall efficiencies of the two economic belts are both improved by over 30% when subject to CRF. YREB has great potential for carbon emission reduction, and the growth rate of its overall efficiency is higher than that of YEB. Second, YEB’s input term efficiency performs better affected by CRF, while YREB’s environmental pollution control input is insufficient. Third, CO2 and atmospheric pollutants emission efficiencies are significantly improved in YEB, while the environmental regulation of YREB is not obvious for the climate co-benefit of CO2 and atmospheric pollutants. Lastly, high level of climate co-benefit has revealed in YEB during 2011 to 2016, while in 2017 it plummets sharply. Conversely, YREB maintains a stable climate co-benefit.
Diurnal fluctuations of local field potentials follow sleep-wake behavior in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Baumgartner Alexander , Hirt Lisa , Kern Drew , Thompson John
Published: January 2023

Background: Sleep disturbances are among the most common non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) reduces local field potential (LFP) activity in the STN, particularly in the beta frequency range (13 – 30 Hz). Although well-characterized in the short term, little is known about how beta frequency oscillations change chronically, across the sleep-wake cycle. Better understanding of these pathological signals in sleep may permit optimization of stimulation to improve sleep in PD.
Objectives: Here, we sought to characterize LFPs over several days and nights while patients remained in the home setting.
Methods: LFPs were recorded from the subthalamic nucleus in 13 PD subjects (18 hemispheres) over an average of 14.7 ± 4.2 days. Fluctuations in LFP activity were characterized by arousal state, as determined by actigraphy.
Results: Beta frequency LFPs showed a clear and consistent diurnal pattern. In all subjects, beta power was higher during wakefulness than during sleep, with little overlap in the magnitude of beta power between these two activity states. LFP snapshots obtained across a broad frequency range at subject-indicated going-to-bed and waking-up times showed significant differences in power across multiple canonical frequency bands, though these differences were not significant at the group level.
Conclusions: Beta frequency LFPs fluctuate in a clear and consistent manner that is closely linked to time of day and to activity state. These fluctuations can be detected in the home setting using commercially available devices, including in patients who have been treated with deep brain stimulation for several years.
Deep ocean water has significant physiological effects on squid Todarodes pacificus
Authors: Hatano Kaito , Yoshida Masa-Aki , Kitani Yoichiro , Hirayama Jun , Hattori Atsuhiko , Ogiso Shouzo , Watabe Yukina , Sekiguchi Toshio , Tabuchi Yoshiaki , Matsubara Hajime , Urata Makoto , Matsumoto Kyoko , Sakatoku Akihiro , Sriva Ajai K. , Toyota Kenji , Suzuki Nobuo
Published: January 2023

This study is the first to demonstrate that deep ocean water (DOW) has physiological significant effects on squid. After 36 h of rearing squids, those reared with DOW had significantly higher total and free cholesterol levels and lower alanine transaminase activity in hemolymph as compared with those reared with surface water (SSW). SSW rearing also resulted in 6.95% weight loss, while DOW rearing caused only 2.5% weight loss, which might be due to liver metabolism suppression. Furthermore, both monovalent (sodium, chloride, and potassium ions) and divalent (calcium, inorganic phosphorus, and magnesium ions) ions in hemolymph were elevated when reared with DOW compared to those when reared with SSW. A study of genes expressed in the brain revealed that five genes were specifically remarked in DOW rearing. Most altered genes were neuropeptides, including those from vasopressin superfamily. These neuropeptides are involved in cholesterol and/or mineral metabolisms and physiological significant effects on squid. This study is the first report the effects of DOW on cholesterol and mineral metabolism of squid and will contribute to squid aquaculture using DOW.
Primitive Decomposition of Bott-Chern and Dolbeault Harmonic (k,k)-Forms on Compact almost Kähler Manifolds
Authors: Holt Tom , Piovani Riccardo
Published: January 2023

Note: Please see pdf for full abstract with equations.
We consider the primitive decomposition of ∂,∂, Bott-Chern and Aeppli-harmonic (k, k)-forms on compact almost Kähler manifolds (M, J,ω). For any D ∈ {∂, ∂,BC,A}, it is known that the LkP0,0 component of ψ ∈ HDk,k is a constant multiple of ωk up to real dimension 6. In this paper we generalise this result to every dimension. We also deduce information on the components Lk−1P1,1 and Lk−2P2,2 of the primitive decomposion. Focusing on dimension 8, we give a full description of the spaces HBC2,2 and HA2,2, from which follows HBC2,2 ⊆ H∂2,2 and HA2,2 ⊆ H∂2,2. We also provide an almost Kähler 8-dimensional example where the previous inclusions are strict and the primitive components of an harmonic form ψ ∈ HDk,k are not D-harmonic, showing that the primitive decomposition of (k, k)-forms in general does not descend to harmonic forms.
Climatology of near-surface wind speed from observations and high-resolution climate modelsover the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Minola Lorenzo , Zhang Gangfeng , Ou Tinghai , Kukulies Julia , Curio Julia , Guijarro Jose A. , Deng Kaiqiang , Azorin-Molina Cesar , Shen Cheng , Pezzoli Alessandro , Chen Deliang
Published: January 2023

As near-surface wind speed plays a key role in regulating surface evaporation and thus the hydrological cycle, it is crucial to explore its spatio-temporal characteristics. However, in-situ measurements are scarce over the Tibetan Plateau, limiting the understanding of wind speed climate across this high-elevation region. This study explores the climatology of near-surface wind speed over the Tibetan Plateau by using for the first time homogenized observations together with reanalysis products and regional climate model simulations. Measuring stations across the center and the West of the plateau are at higher elevations and display higher mean and standard deviation, confirming that wind speed increases with increasing altitude. By exploring wind characteristics (e.g. seasonal cycle) through cluster analysis, three regions of different wind regimes can be identified: (1) the center of the Tibetan Plateau, characterized by high elevation; (2) the East and the edges of the plateau; and (3) the topographic depression of the Qaidam basin, strongly influenced by the blocking effect of the surrounding mountainous terrain. Owing to the improvements in model physics and data assimilation, the ERA5 reanalysis shows closer agreement to the measured wind conditions than its predecessor ERA-Interim, by being able to reproduce the same three wind regimes. However, the newest ERA5-Land product does not show improvements compared to ERA5 as they share most of the parametrizations. In addition, the two dynamical downscalings of ERA5 analyzed here are not able to capture the observed wind statistics, showing evident biases and discrepancies also when investigating the diurnal variations. Over a region of such complex terrain, the ability of dynamical downscaling in simulating near-surface wind speed may be enhanced by improving the planetary boundary layer parameterization scheme and by better taking into account unresolved topographic features.
Reversible lewisite adsorption/desorption on the transition metal doped graphene: First-principle calculations
Authors: Liu Zhenhua , Liu Huiling , Wang Haitao , Sun Hao
Published: January 2023

Arsenical compound lewisite was developed to be a potent chemical warfare agent in the blister agent class and was abandoned in the war areas. Exposure to lewisite can cause serious damage to human’s skin, eyes and respiratory tract. Therefore, it is essential for scientific researchers to design materials that can detect and remove the abandoned lewisite efficiently. In the present work, the potential of transition metals doped (TM = Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn) graphene (TM/G) to eliminate lewisite is investigated by the first-principles calculations based on density functional theory. The adsorption geometry, adsorption energy, charge transfer, density of states and UV spectra of adsorption system of lewisite on TM/G (L@TM/G)are calculated and analyzed. Computational results demonstrate that there is a strong chemical interaction between TM/G substrate and lewisite molecule. More importantly, the adsorption of lewisite on TM/G can be regulated by introducing an electric field with proper direction and intensity, and therefore the reversible adsorption/desorption can be achieved. In addition, the electronic and optical properties of TM/G change significantly after lewisite adsorption, making TM/G promising to detect lewisite agent. The work predicts that TM/G is a potential sensor and renewable adsorbent for lewisite.
Multiple ParA/MinD ATPases coordinate the positioning of disparate cargos in a bacterial cell
Authors: Pulianmackal Lisa , Limcaoco Jose Miguel , Ravi Keerthikka , Yang Sinyu , Zhang Jeffrey , Tran Mimi , O'Meara Matthew , Vecchiarelli Anthony
Published: January 2023

In eukaryotes, linear motor proteins govern intracellular transport and organization. In bacteria, where linear motors are absent, the ParA/MinD (A/D) family of ATPases spatially organize an array of genetic- and protein-based cellular cargos. ParA is well known to segregate plasmids and chromosomes, as is MinD for its role in divisome positioning. Less studied is the growing list of ParA/MinD-like ATPases found across prokaryotes and involved in the spatial organization of diverse protein-based organelles, such as Bacterial Microcompartments (BMCs), flagella, chemotaxis clusters, and conjugation machinery. Given the fundamental nature of these processes in both cell survival and pathogenesis, the positioning of these cargos has been independently investigated to varying degrees in several organisms. However, it remains unknown whether multiple A/D ATPases can coexist and coordinate the positioning of such a diverse set of fundamental cargos in the same cell. If so, what are the mechanistic commonalities, variation, and specificity determinants that govern the positioning reaction for each cargo? Here, we find that over a third of sequenced bacteria encode multiple A/D ATPases. Among these bacteria, we identified several human pathogens as well as the experimentally tractable organism, Halothiobacillus neapolitanus, which encodes seven A/D ATPases. We directly demonstrate that five of these A/D ATPases are each dedicated to the spatial regulation of a single cellular cargo: the chromosome, the divisome, the carboxysome BMC, the flagellum, and the chemotaxis cluster. We identify putative specificity determinants that allow each A/D ATPase to position its respective cargo. Finally, we show how the deletion of one A/D ATPase can have indirect effects on the inheritance of a cargo actively positioned by another A/D ATPase, stressing the importance of understanding how organelle trafficking, chromosome segregation, and cell division are coordinated in bacterial cells. Together, our data show how multiple A/D ATPases coexist and function to position a diverse set of fundamental cargos in the same bacterial cell. With this knowledge, we anticipate the design of minimal autonomous positioning systems for natural- and synthetic-cargos in bacteria for synthetic biology and biomedical applications.
Information theory methods for quantifying diagnostic heterogeneity in psychopathology
Authors: Buss John F. , Watts Ashley L. , Lorenzo-Luaces Lorenzo
Published: January 2023

Objectives: Although specifiers for a major depressive disorder (MDE) are supposed to reduce diagnostic heterogeneity, recent literature challenges the idea that the atypical and melancholic features identify more homogenous or coherent subgroups. We attempt to replicate these findings and explore whether symptom heterogeneity is reduced in depression subgroups using novel data-analytic techniques.
Methods: Using data derived from the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC Wave I; N = 5,749) and Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D; N = 2,498) we computed the Hamming and Manhattan distance ratios comparing within and between individuals for the melancholic and atypical specifier subgroups.
Results: In neither of the datasets was the heterogeneity between subgroups higher than the heterogeneity within subgroups, suggesting that the melancholic and atypical specifiers do not create more coherent (i.e., more homogeneous) subgroups.
Conclusion: Replicating prior work, melancholic and atypical depression subtypes appear to have limited utility in reducing heterogeneity. The current study does not support the claim that symptom and course specifiers create more coherent subgroups as operationalized by similarity in symptoms and their severity.
A Photochemical Study of Photo-induced Electron Transfer from DNAs to a Cationic Phthalocyanine Derivative
Authors: Homma Shiori , Momotake Atsuya , Ikeue Takahisa , Yamamoto Yasuhiko
Published: January 2023

Water-soluble phthalocyanines (Pcs) have emerged as promising photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT). Elucidation of their photochemical and photophysical properties, such as the photogeneration of reactive oxygen species (ROSs) and photocytotoxicity, is essential for the molecular design of PDT photosensitizing agents. Water-soluble cationic gallium(III)-Pc complex (GaPc) is capable of photogenerating ROSs in vitro and is well taken up by cells but does not exhibit photocytotoxicity in vivo. GaPc binds selectively, through a π-π stacking interaction, to the 5’-terminal G-quartet of a G-quadruplex DNA. The photo-excited state of GaPc of the complex is effectively quenched through electron transfer (ET) from the ground state of DNA guanine (G) bases to the photo-excited state of GaPc (ET(G−GaPc)). Hence the loss of the photocytotoxicity of GaPc in vivo is most likely to be due to the effective quenching of its photo-excited state through ET(G−GaPc). In this study, we investigated the photochemical properties of GaPc in the presence of duplex DNAs formed from a series of sequences to elucidate the nature of ET(G−GaPc). We found that ET(G−GaPc) is allowed in electrostatic complexes between GaPc and G-containing duplex DNAs and that the rate of ET(G−GaPc) (kET(G−GaPc)) can be reasonably interpreted in terms of the distance between Pc moiety of GaPc and DNA G base in the complex. These results indicated that photocytotoxicity of GaPc is crucially affected by ET(G−GaPc). Thus elucidation of interaction of a photosensitizer with biomolecules, i.e., an initial process in PDT, would be helpful to understand its subsequent photochemical processes.
Epiphytic and Endophytic Bacteria on Camellia oleifera Phyllosphere: Exploring Region and Cultivar Effect.
Authors: Chen Xiaolin , Li Lili , He Yuanhao
Published: January 2023

The epiphytic and endophytic bacteria play an important role in the healthy growth of plants. Both plant species and environmental characteristics influence the bacterial population diversity, yet it is inconclusive whether it is the former or the latter that has a greater impact. To explore the communities of the epiphytic and endophytic microbes in Camellia oleifera, this study assessed three representative C. oleifera cultivars from three areas in Hunan, China by Illumina high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that the diversity and species richness of endophytic microbial community in leaves were significantly higher than those of microbial community in the epiphytic. The diversity and species richness of epiphytic and endophytic microbes are complex when the same cultivar was grown in different areas. The C. oleifera cultivars grown in Youxian had the highest diversity of epiphytic microbial community, but the lowest abundance, while the cultivars grown in Changsha had the highest diversity and species richness of endophytic microbes in leaves. It was concluded that the dominant flora mainly included Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota and Firmicutes through the analysis of the epiphytic and endophytic microbial communities of C. oleifera. The species and relative abundances of epiphytic and endophytic microbial community were extremely different at the genus level. The analysis of NMDS map and PERMANOVA shows that the species richness and diversity of microbial communities in epiphytes are greatly influenced by environmental characteristics. However, the community structure of endophytic microorganisms in leaves is influenced by region and cultivated varieties, but the influence of region is more significant. Molecular ecological network analysis showed that the symbiotic interaction of epiphytic microbial community was more complex.
Time-dependent effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists on cardiovascular benefits: a real-world study
Authors: Piccini Sara , Favacchio Giuseppe , Panico Cristina , Morenghi Emanuela , Folli Franco , Mazziotti Gherardo , Lania Andrea Gerardo , Mirani Marco
Published: January 2023

Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have shown cardiovascular benefits in cardiovascular outcome trials in type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the most convincing evidence was obtained in subjects with established cardiovascular (CV) disease. We analyzed the determinants of GLP-1 RA-mediated CV protection in a real-world population of persons with type 2 diabetes with and without a history of CV events with long-term follow-up.
Methods: Retrospective cohort study of 550 individuals with type 2 diabetes (395 in primary CV prevention, 155 in secondary CV prevention), followed at a single center after the first prescription of a GLP-1 RA between 2009 and 2019. CV and metabolic outcomes were assessed.
Results: Median duration of follow-up was 5.0 years (0.25-10.8) in primary prevention and 3.6 years (0-10.3) in secondary prevention. Median duration of treatment was 3.0 years (0-10.8). In the multivariate model, in primary prevention, duration of GLP-1 RA treatment >3 years (HR 0.19, 95% CI 0.04-0.96, P=0.044) and use of pioglitazone (HR 1.01x10-6, 95% CI 2.74x10-12-0.37, P=0.035) were associated to the risk reduction of composite outcome (MACE) which included non-fatal myocardial infarction or unstable angina, non-fatal stroke and all-cause death, while discontinuation of GLP-1 RA treatment (HR 5.58, 95% CI 1.84-16.87, P=0.034) and age (HR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01-1.11, P=0.022) were associated to higher risk. Similarly, in secondary prevention, duration of GLP-1 RA treatment >3 years (HR 0.07, 95% CI 0.01-0.30, P<0.001) turned out to be protective and conversely GLP-1 RA withdrawal (HR 4.93, 95% CI 1.37-17.69, P=0.014), was significantly associated to an increased risk of MACE. When adding hospitalizations for heart failure to the composite outcome, duration of GLP-1 RA treatment >3 years remained significant in the multivariate model in both groups.
With respect to those who withdrew treatment, subjects who continued the GLP-1 RA had significantly greater weight loss and lower glycated hemoglobin levels during follow-up.
Conclusions: In this real-world type 2 diabetes population, longer duration of GLP-1 RA treatment was associated to a reduced risk of major cardiovascular events, while medication withdrawal increased MACE risk in both subjects with and without a history of CV events.
Unveiling the paths of COVID-19 in a large city based on public transportation data
Authors: Araújo Jorge L. B. , Oliveira Erneson A. , Neto Antonio S. Lima , de Andrade José Soares , Furtado Vasco
Published: January 2023

Human mobility plays a key role in the dissemination of infectious diseases around the world. However, the complexity introduced by commuting patterns in the daily life of cities makes such a role unclear, especially at the intracity scale. Here, we propose a multiplex network fed with 9 months of mobility data with more than 107 million public bus validations in order to understand the relation between urban mobility and the spreading of COVID-19 within a large city, namely, Fortaleza in the northeast of Brazil. Our results suggest that the shortest bus rides in Fortaleza changed ≈ 25% more than the longest ones after an epidemic wave. Such a result is the opposite of what has been observed at the intercity scale. We also find that mobility changes among the neighborhoods are synchronous and geographically homogeneous. Furthermore, we find that the most central neighborhoods in mobility are the primary targets for infectious disease outbreaks, which is quantified here in terms of the linear relation between the disease arrival time and the average of the closeness centrality ranking. These central neighborhoods are also the top neighborhoods in the number of reported cases at the end of an epidemic wave as indicated by the exponential decay behavior of the disease arrival time in relation to the number of accumulated reported cases with decay constant λ ≈ 33 days. We believe that these results can help in the development of new strategies to impose restriction measures in the cities guiding decision-makers with smart actions in public health policies, as well as supporting future research on urban mobility and epidemiology.
Analysis of Risk Factors for the Development of Lower Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis after Vertebral Body Fusion:A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Ji Xinghua , Wei Jinzheng , Duan Yuchen , Liu Qingqing , Xing Zejun , Han Shufeng
Published: January 2023

Purpose To investigate the risk factors for lower extremity deep vein thrombosis after vertebral fusion for spinal diseases (degenerative spinal diseases, spinal trauma fractures, spinal cord injuries, excluding spinal infections and spinal tumors).
Methods The clinical data of patients aged 35 years or older who underwent vertebral fusion for spinal diseases (degenerative spinal diseases, spinal trauma fractures, spinal cord injuries, excluding spinal infections and spinal tumors) from January 2017 to August 2022 in the Department of Orthopedics, Shanxi Bethune Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Forty-nine patients who developed DVT after surgery were included in the DVT group, and 120 patients who did not develop lower limb DVT during the same period were randomly selected in a 1:3 ratio to be included in the non-DVT group. The general data, surgery-related data, and perioperative laboratory indexes of the patients were analyzed unilaterally between groups, and the statistically significant indexes that were closely related to the occurrence of lower limb DVT after surgery were screened and included in the multifactorial logistic regression analysis.
Results The differences in BMI, surgical site, whether spinal cord injury, diabetes mellitus, trauma, preoperative muscle strength assessment, and whether preoperative D-dimer was normal were statistically significant between patients in the DVT and non-DVT groups (all P < 0.05), and multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that spinal cord injury [OR = 3.165, 95% CI (1.187-8.439), P = 0.021], diabetes mellitus [OR = 5.191, 95% CI (1.723-15.640), P = 0.003], preoperative muscle strength grade 4 [OR = 0.072, 95% CI (0.009-0.601), P = 0.015], preoperative muscle strength grade 5 [OR = 0.036, 95% CI (0.004-0.331), P = 0.003] and preoperative D-dimer abnormalities [OR = 2.770, 95% CI (1.059-7.245), P = 0.038] were risk factors for the development of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis after vertebral fusion for degenerative spinal disease (P < 0.05).
Conclusion The occurrence of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis after vertebral fusion in elderly patients is associated with spinal cord injury, diabetes mellitus, preoperative muscle strength (≥ grade 4), and preoperative D-dimer abnormalities.
A report of radiotherapy setup errors in pelvic and mediastinal tumors
Authors: Hasoomi Nafise , Azizi Azam , Ranjbar Somayeh Amin
Published: January 2023

Introduction:
Radiation therapy as an important step in treatment of cancer which demands accuracy. Patient setup is a challenging job in the radiation therapy process. The Variation in random setup error for specific sites is different among clinics, even from one radiation therapist technologist to other in a same clinic. The purpose of this study is to investigate and report about the setup margins in the pelvic and mediastinal sites.
Method &Material:
34 patients (20 males and 14 females) in the supine and prone positions (24 supine positions and 10 prone positions) were selected. Internal protocol and custom-made positioning devices were utilized. The variation of Anterior-Posterior movements (AP) in daily setup is recorded based on the vertical information which is shown on the arian 2100C/D Linear Accelerators monitor. The correlation between body type, position and treatment cases compares with the mean errors.
Conclusion:
The highest random error for setup is attributed to mediastinal tumor (= 0.3 cm), and the highest systematic error is dedicated to cervix (= 1.4 cm). The population systematic error (= 1.25) is defined as the standard deviation of means of patients(Σ). In centers with lack of image-guided facilities or centers with high loaded patients the setup process should be accurate enough to limit setup error probabilities.