bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Misperception influence on zero-determinant strategies in iterated Prisoner’s Dilemma
Authors: Cheng Zhaoyang , Chen Guanpu , Hong Yiguang
Published: March 2022

Zero-determinant (ZD) strategies have attracted wide attention in Iterated Prisoner’s Dilemma (IPD) games, since the player equipped with ZD strategies can unilaterally enforce the two players’ expected utilities subjected to a linear relation. On the other hand, uncertainties, which may be caused by misperception, occur in IPD inevitably in practical circumstances. To better understand the situation, we consider the influence of misperception on ZD strategies in IPD, where the two players, player X and player Y, have different cognitions, but player X detects the misperception and it is believed to make ZD strategies by player Y. We provide a necessary and sufficient condition for the ZD strategies in IPD with misperception, where there is also a linear relationship between players’ utilities in player X’s cognition. Then we explore bounds of players’ expected utility deviation from a linear relationship in player X’s cognition with also improving its own utility.
Safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of milvexian in healthy Japanese participants
Authors: Perera Vidya , Wang Zhaoqing , Lubin Susan , Ueno Takayo , Shiozaki Tomomi , Chen Wei , Xu Xiaohui , Seiffert Dietmar , DeSouza Mary , Murthy Bindu
Published: March 2022

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple ascending–dose study evaluated safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of multiple doses of milvexian, an oral small-molecule FXIa inhibitor, in healthy Japanese participants. Participants received oral milvexian daily under fasted (50 mg and 200 mg) or fed conditions (500 mg) or placebo over 14 days; 24 participants (8/cohort: 6 milvexian; 2 placebo) were planned. Due to an unblinding event, participants in one cohort (200 mg daily) were discontinued, and a second cohort enrolled; 32 participants were included in safety and pharmacodynamic analyses, and 24/32 in pharmacokinetic analyses. Milvexian up to 500 mg daily for 14 days was generally well tolerated, with no deaths, serious adverse events, or discontinuations due to adverse events. Milvexian exposure increased between 50-mg and 200-mg doses. Median Tmax was similar with 50-mg and 200-mg doses (2.5–3.0 h) and delayed under fed conditions (500 mg, 7.0–8.0 h). Median T1/2 was similar across doses (8.9–11.9 h). Multiple oral milvexian administrations resulted in concentration-related prolongation of aPTT and decreased FXI clotting activity.
Milvexian was generally safe and well tolerated. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of milvexian demonstrates suitability for further clinical development in Japanese participants.
The uptake characteristics of Prussian-blue nanoparticles for rare metal ions for recycling of precious metals from nuclear and electronic wastes
Authors: Watanabe Shinta , Inaba Yusuke , Harigai Miki , Takeshita Kenji , Onoe Jun
Published: March 2022

We have examined the uptake mechanisms of platinum-group-metals (PGMs) and molybdenum (Mo) ions into Prussian blue nanoparticles (PBNPs) in a nitric acid solution for 24-h sorption test, using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, powder XRD, and UV–Vis-NIR spectroscopy in combination with first-principles calculations, and revealed that the Ru4+ and Pd2+ ions are incorporated into PBNPs by substitution with Fe3+ and Fe2+ ions of the PB framework, respectively, whereas the Rh3+ ion is incorporated into PBNPs by substitution mainly with Fe3+ and minorly with Fe2+ ion, and Mo6+ ion is incorporated into PBNPs by substitution with both Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions, with maintaining the crystal structure before and after the sorption test. Assuming that the amount of Fe elusion is equal to that of PGMs/Mo substitution, the substitution efficiency is estimated to be 39.0% for Ru, 47.8% for Rh, 87% for Pd, and 17.1% for Mo6+. This implies that 0.13 g of Ru, 0.16 g of Rh, 0.30 g of Pd, and 0.107 g of Mo can be recovered by using 1 g PBNPs with a chemical form of KFe(III)[Fe(II)(CN)6].
Differential early diagnosis of benign versus malignant lung cancer using systematic pathway flux analysis of peripheral blood leukocytes
Authors: Li Jian , Li Xiaoyu , Li Ming , Qiu Hong , Saad Christian , Zhao Bo , Li Fan , Wu Xiaowei , Kuang Dong , Tang Fengjuan , Chen Yaobing , Shu Hongge , Zhang Jing , Wang Qiuxia , Huang He , Qi Shankang , Ye Changkun , Bryant Amy , Yuan Xianglin , Kurts Christian , Hu Guangyuan , Cheng Weiting , Mei Qi
Published: March 2022

Early diagnosis of lung cancer is critically important to reduce disease severity and improve overall survival. Newer, minimally invasive biopsy procedures often fail to provide adequate specimens for accurate tumor subtyping or staging which is necessary to inform appropriate use of molecular targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Thus newer approaches to diagnosis and staging in early lung cancer are needed. This exploratory pilot study obtained peripheral blood samples from 139 individuals with clinically evident pulmonary nodules (benign and malignant), as well as ten healthy persons. They were divided into three cohorts: original cohort (n = 99), control cohort (n = 10), and validation cohort (n = 40). Average RNAseq sequencing of leukocytes in these samples were conducted. Subsequently, data was integrated into artificial intelligence (AI)-based computational approach with system-wide gene expression technology to develop a rapid, effective, non-invasive immune index for early diagnosis of lung cancer. An immune-related index system, IM-Index, was defined and validated for the diagnostic application. IM-Index was applied to assess the malignancies of pulmonary nodules of 109 participants (original + control cohorts) with high accuracy (AUC: 0.822 [95% CI: 0.75–0.91, p < 0.001]), and to differentiate between phases of cancer immunoediting concept (odds ratio: 1.17 [95% CI: 1.1–1.25, p < 0.001]). The predictive ability of IM-Index was validated in a validation cohort with a AUC: 0.883 (95% CI: 0.73–1.00, p < 0.001). The difference between molecular mechanisms of adenocarcinoma and squamous carcinoma histology was also determined via the IM-Index (OR: 1.2 [95% CI 1.14–1.35, p = 0.019]). In addition, a structural metabolic behavior pattern and signaling property in host immunity were found (bonferroni correction, p = 1.32e − 16). Taken together our findings indicate that this AI-based approach may be used for “Super Early” cancer diagnosis and amend the current immunotherpay for lung cancer.
Efficient generation of few-cycle pulses beyond 10 μm from an optical parametric amplifier pumped by a 1-µm laser system
Authors: Heiner Zsuzsanna , Petrov Valentin , Panyutin Vladimir L. , Badikov Valeriy V. , Kato Kiyoshi , Miyata Kentaro , Mero Mark
Published: March 2022

Nonlinear vibrational spectroscopy profits from broadband sources emitting in the molecular fingerprint region. Yet, broadband lasers operating at wavelengths above 7 μm have been lacking, while traditional cascaded parametric frequency down-conversion schemes suffer from exceedingly low conversion efficiencies. Here we present efficient, direct frequency down-conversion of femtosecond 100-kHz, 1.03-μm pulses to the mid-infrared from 7.5 to 13.3 μm in a supercontinuum-seeded, tunable, single-stage optical parametric amplifier based on the wide-bandgap material Cd0.65Hg0.35Ga2S4. The amplifier delivers near transform-limited, few-cycle pulses with an average power > 30 mW at center wavelengths between 8.8 and 10.6 μm, at conversion efficiencies far surpassing that of optical parametric amplification followed by difference-frequency generation or intrapulse difference-frequency generation. The pulse duration at 10.6 μm is 101 fs corresponding to 2.9 optical cycles with a spectral coverage of 760–1160 cm−1. CdxHg1−xGa2S4 is an attractive alternative to LiGaS2 and BaGa4S7 in small-scale, Yb-laser-pumped, few-cycle mid-infrared optical parametric amplifiers and offers a much higher nonlinear figure of merit compared to those materials. Leveraging the inherent spatial variation of composition in CdxHg1−xGa2S4, an approach is proposed to give access to a significant fraction of the molecular fingerprint region using a single crystal at a fixed phase matching angle.
Combining elemental and immunochemical analyses to characterize diagenetic alteration patterns in ancient skeletal remains
Authors: Gatti L. , Lugli Federico , Sciutto Giorgia , Zangheri M. , Prati S. , Mirasoli M. , Silvestrini S. , Benazzi S. , Tütken T. , Douka K. , Collina C. , Boschin F. , Romandini M. , Iacumin P. , Guardigli M. , Roda A. , Mazzeo R.
Published: March 2022

Bones and teeth are biological archives, but their structure and composition are subjected to alteration overtime due to biological and chemical degradation postmortem, influenced by burial environment and conditions. Nevertheless, organic fraction preservation is mandatory for several archeometric analyses and applications. The mutual protection between biomineral and organic fractions in bones and teeth may lead to a limited diagenetic alteration, promoting a better conservation of the organic fraction. However, the correlation between elemental variations and the presence of organic materials (e.g., collagen) in the same specimen is still unclear. To fill this gap, chemiluminescent (CL) immunochemical imaging analysis has been applied for the first time for collagen localization. Then, Laser Ablation–Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) and CL imaging were combined to investigate the correlation between elemental (i.e., REE, U, Sr, Ba) and collagen distribution. Teeth and bones from various archeological contexts, chronological periods, and characterized by different collagen content were analyzed. Immunochemical analysis revealed a heterogeneous distribution of collagen, especially in highly degraded samples. Subsequently, LA–ICP–MS showed a correlation between the presence of uranium and rare earth elements and areas with low amount of collagen. The innovative integration between the two methods permitted to clarify the mutual relation between elemental variation and collagen preservation overtime, thus contributing to unravel the effects of diagenetic alteration in bones and teeth.
Systematic identification and expression profiles of the BAHD superfamily acyltransferases in barley (Hordeum vulgare)
Authors: Yuan Zhen , Yang Hongliang , Pan Leiwen , Zhao Wenhui , Liang Lunping , Gatera Anicet , Tucker Matthew R. , Xu Dawei
Published: March 2022

BAHD superfamily acyltransferases play an important role in catalyzing and regulating secondary metabolism in plants. Despite this, there is relatively little information regarding the BAHD superfamily in barley. In this study, we identified 116 HvBAHD acyltransferases from the barley genome. Based on phylogenetic analysis and classification in model monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants, we divided the genes into eight groups, I-a, I-b, II, III-a, III-b, IV, V-a and V-b. The Clade IV genes, including Agmatine Coumarol Transferase (ACT) that is associated with resistance of plants to Gibberella fungi, were absent in Arabidopsis. Cis-regulatory element analysis of the HvBAHDs showed that the genes respond positively to GA3 treatment. In-silico expression and qPCR analysis showed the HvBAHD genes are expressed in a range of tissues and developmental stages, and highly enriched in the seedling stage, consistent with diverse roles. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) scanning analysis revealed that the natural variation in the coding regions of the HvBAHDs is low and the sequences have been conserved during barley domestication. Our results reveal the complexity of the HvBAHDs and will help facilitate their analysis in further studies.
Ca2+ imaging with two-photon microscopy to detect the disruption of brain function in mice administered neonicotinoid insecticides
Authors: Hirai Anri , Sugio Shouta , Nimako Collins , Nakayama Shouta M. M. , Kato Keisuke , Takahashi Keisuke , Arizono Koji , Hirano Tetsushi , Hoshi Nobuhiko , Fujioka Kazutoshi , Taira Kumiko , Ishizuka Mayumi , Wake Hiroaki , Ikenaka Yoshinori
Published: March 2022

Neonicotinoid pesticides are a class of insecticides that reportedly have harmful effects on bees and dragonflies, causing a reduction in their numbers. Neonicotinoids act as neuroreceptor modulators, and some studies have reported their association with neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the precise effect of neonicotinoids on the central nervous system has not yet been identified. Herein, we conducted in vivo Ca2+ imaging using a two-photon microscope to detect the abnormal activity of neuronal circuits in the brain after neonicotinoid application. The oral administration of acetamiprid (ACE) (20 mg/kg body weight (BW) in mature mice with a quantity less than the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) and a tenth or half of the median lethal dose (LD50) of nicotine (0.33 or 1.65 mg/kg BW, respectively), as a typical nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonist, increased anxiety-like behavior associated with altered activities of the neuronal population in the somatosensory cortex. Furthermore, we detected ACE and its metabolites in the brain, 1 h after ACE administration. The results suggested that in vivo Ca2+ imaging using a two-photon microscope enabled the highly sensitive detection of neurotoxicant-mediated brain disturbance of nerves.
Identification of the toxic 6mer seed consensus for human cancer cells
Authors: Patel Monal , Bartom Elizabeth T. , Paudel Bidur , Kocherginsky Masha , O’Shea Kaitlyn L. , Murmann Andrea E. , Peter Marcus E.
Published: March 2022

6mer seed toxicity is a novel cell death mechanism that kills cancer cells by triggering death induced by survival gene elimination (DISE). It is based on si- or shRNAs with a specific G-rich nucleotide composition in position 2–7 of their guide strand. An arrayed screen of 4096 6mer seeds on two human and two mouse cell lines identified G-rich 6mers as the most toxic seeds. We have now tested two additional cell lines, one human and one mouse, identifying the GGGGGC consensus as the most toxic average 6mer seed for human cancer cells while slightly less significant for mouse cancer cells. RNA Seq and bioinformatics analyses suggested that an siRNA containing the GGGGGC seed (siGGGGGC) is toxic to cancer cells by targeting GCCCCC seed matches located predominantly in the 3′ UTR of a set of genes critical for cell survival. We have identified several genes targeted by this seed and demonstrate direct and specific targeting of GCCCCC seed matches, which is attenuated upon mutation of the GCCCCC seed matches in these 3′ UTRs. Our data show that siGGGGGC kills cancer cells through its miRNA-like activity and points at artificial miRNAs, si- or shRNAs containing this seed as a potential new cancer therapeutics.
An integrated photonic circuit for color qubit preparation by third-order nonlinear interactions
Authors: Aguayo-Alvarado A. L. , Domínguez-Serna F. , Cruz W. De La , Garay-Palmett K.
Published: March 2022

This work presents a feasible design of an integrated photonic circuit performing as a device for single-qubit preparation and rotations through the third-order nonlinear process of difference frequency generation (DFG) and defined in the temporal mode basis. The first stage of our circuit includes the generation of heralded single photons by spontaneous four-wave mixing in a micro-ring cavity engineered for delivering a single-photon state in a unique temporal mode. The second stage comprises the implementation of DFG in a spiral waveguide with controlled dispersion properties for reaching color qubit preparation fidelity close to unity. We present the generalized rotation operator related to the DFG process, a methodology for the device design, and qubit preparation fidelity results as a function of user-accessible parameters.
In vitro culture at 39 °C during hepatic maturation of human ES cells facilitates hepatocyte-like cell functions
Authors: Imamura Satoshi , Yoshimoto Koki , Terada Shiho , Takamuro Kaho , Kamei Ken-ichiro
Published: March 2022

Hepatocyte-like cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC-HLCs) offer an alternative to primary hepatocytes commonly used for drug screenings and toxicological tests. However, these cells do not have hepatic functions comparable to those of hepatocytes in vivo due to insufficient hepatic differentiation. Here we showed that the hepatic functions of hPSC-HLCs were facilitated by applying physiological liver temperatures during hepatic differentiation. We identified the optimal temperature by treating HLCs derived from H9 human embryonic stem cells (hESC-HLCs) at 39 °C; the 42 °C treatment caused significantly greater cell death than the 39 °C treatment. We confirmed the improvement of hepatic functions, such as albumin secretion, cytochrome P450 3A activity, and collagen production, without severe cell damage. In combination with existing hepatic differentiation protocols, the method proposed here may further improve hepatic functions for hPSCs and lead to the realization of drug discovery efforts and drug toxicological tests.
Psychomotor abilities of candidates for Polish Special Forces
Authors: Paśko Wojciech , Guła Przemysław , Brożyna Maciej , Dziadek Bartosz , Zadarko Emilian , Śliż Maciej , Polak Klementyna , Przednowek Krzysztof
Published: March 2022

Combat tasks involving special units often put a mental and physical strain on the soldiers. During the military operation, soldiers may struggle with multiple difficulties such as extreme physical effort, sleep deprivation, weather conditions, limited access to food and stress. These circumstances require a high level of cognitive ability (including psychomotor abilities) to overcome the physiological stress response and to be able to quickly and efficiently make decisions under stressful situations, especially in combat. The aim of the study was to assess the level of the psychomotor abilities of candidates for the Polish Special Forces. The study comprised 48 candidates for the Polish Special Forces (age: $$30.06 \pm 2.87$$

30.06
±
2.87

), 40 athletes (age: $$27.93 \pm 3.91$$

27.93
±
3.91

) and 40 non-athletes (age: 24). The study was performed using Test2Drive software. Four computer-based tests were used to assess the following psychomotor abilities: simple reaction time, choice reaction time, hand-eye coordination and two-dimensional visuomotor coordination/spatial orientation test (SPANT). The analysis demonstrated statistically significant differences in reaction time and motor time between the study groups. The shortest reaction time in each test was observed in athletes, while the shortest motor time was observed in soldiers. All the psychomotor tests, except for the number of correct answers in SPANT, demonstrated statistically significant differences between the studied groups. It was also found that military training had a positive effect on the motor time in every psychomotor test. As regards the reaction time, it was observed that the athletes were characterised with better reaction times than the special forces candidates. The study has confirmed that military training and sports training have a positive effect on the level of psychomotor abilities, especially motor time.
Smoothness of movement in idiopathic cervical dystonia
Authors: Caronni Antonio , Arcuri Pietro , Carpinella Ilaria , Marzegan Alberto , Lencioni Tiziana , Ramella Marina , Crippa Alessandro , Anastasi Denise , Rabuffetti Marco , Ferrarin Maurizio , Castagna Anna
Published: March 2022

Smoothness (i.e. non-intermittency) of movement is a clinically important property of the voluntary movement with accuracy and proper speed. Resting head position and head voluntary movements are impaired in cervical dystonia. The current work aims to evaluate if the smoothness of voluntary head rotations is reduced in this disease. Twenty-six cervical dystonia patients and 26 controls completed rightward and leftward head rotations. Patients’ movements were differentiated into “towards-dystonia” (rotation accentuated the torticollis) and “away-dystonia”. Smoothness was quantified by the angular jerk and arc length of the spectrum of angular speed (i.e. SPARC, arbitrary units). Movement amplitude (mean, 95% CI) on the horizontal plane was larger in controls (63.8°, 58.3°–69.2°) than patients when moving towards-dystonia (52.8°, 46.3°–59.4°; P = 0.006). Controls’ movements (49.4°/s, 41.9–56.9°/s) were faster than movements towards-dystonia (31.6°/s, 25.2–37.9°/s; P < 0.001) and away-dystonia (29.2°/s, 22.9–35.5°/s; P < 0.001). After taking into account the different amplitude and speed, SPARC-derived (but not jerk-derived) indices showed reduced smoothness in patients rotating away-dystonia (1.48, 1.35–1.61) compared to controls (1.88, 1.72–2.03; P < 0.001). Poor smoothness is a motor disturbance independent of movement amplitude and speed in cervical dystonia. Therefore, it should be assessed when evaluating this disease, its progression, and treatments.
Comparison of CT volumetry versus nuclear renography for predicting remaining kidney function after uninephrectomy in living kidney donors
Authors: Eum Sang Hun , Lee Hanbi , Ko Eun Jeong , Cho Hyuk Jin , Yang Chul Woo , Chung Byung Ha
Published: March 2022

Computed tomography (CT) and nuclear renography are used to determine kidney procurement in living kidney donors (LKDs). The present study investigated which modality better predicts kidney function after donation. This study included 835 LKDs and they were divided into two subgroups based on whether the left–right dominance of kidney volume was concordant with kidney function (concordant group) or not (discordant group). The predictive value for post-donation kidney function between the two imaging modalities was compared at 1 month, 6 months, and > 1 year in total cohort, concordant, and discordant groups. Split kidney function (SKF) measured by both modalities showed significant correlation with each other at baseline. SKFs of remaining kidney measured using both modalities before donation showed significant correlation with eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) after donation in the total cohort group and two subgroups, respectively. CT volumetry was superior to nuclear renography for predicting post-donation kidney function in the total cohort group and both subgroups. In the discordant subgroup, a higher tendency of kidney function recovery was observed when kidney procurement was determined based on CT volumetry. In conclusion, CT volumetry is preferred when determining procurement strategy especially when discordance is found between the two imaging modalities.
Effects of Imipenem-containing Niosome nanoparticles against high prevalence methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Epidermidis biofilm formed
Authors: Piri-Gharaghie Tohid , Jegargoshe-Shirin Neda , Saremi-Nouri Sara , Khademhosseini Seyed-hossein , Hoseinnezhad-lazarjani Eskandar , Mousavi Aezam , Kabiri Hamidreza , Rajaei Negin , Riahi Anali , Farhadi-Biregani Ali , Fatehi-Ghahfarokhi Sadegh
Published: March 2022

We aim to assess the antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties of Niosome-encapsulated Imipenem. After isolating Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates and determining their microbial sensitivity, their ability to form biofilms was examined using plate microtiter assay. Various formulations of Niosome-encapsulated Imipenem were prepared using the thin-film hydration method, Minimum Biofilm Inhibitory Concentration (MBIC) and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) were determined, and biofilm genes expression was examined. Drug formulations’ toxicity effect on HDF cells were determined using MTT assay. Out of the 162 separated S. epidermidis, 106 were resistant to methicillin. 87 MRSE isolates were vancomycin-resistant, all of which could form biofilms. The F1 formulation of niosomal Imipenem with a size of 192.3 ± 5.84 and an encapsulation index of 79.36 ± 1.14 was detected, which prevented biofilm growth with a BGI index of 69% and reduced icaD, FnbA, EbpS biofilms’ expression with P ≤ 0.001 in addition to reducing MBIC and MIC by 4–6 times. Interestingly, F1 formulation of niosomal Imipenem indicated cell viability over 90% at all tested concentrations. The results of the present study indicate that Niosome-encapsulated Imipenem reduces the resistance of MRSE to antibiotics in addition to increasing its anti-biofilm and antibiotic activity, and could prove useful as a new strategy for drug delivery.
Long-term longitudinal evaluation of the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in healthcare and university workers
Authors: Huynen Pascale , Grégoire Céline , Gofflot Stéphanie , Seidel Laurence , Maes Nathalie , Vranken Laura , Delcour Sandra , Moutschen Michel , Hayette Marie-Pierre , Kolh Philippe , Melin Pierrette , Beguin Yves
Published: March 2022

Asymptomatic and pauci-symptomatic cases contribute to underestimating the prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. Moreover, we have few studies available on the longitudinal follow-up of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies after natural infection. We tested staff members of a Belgian tertiary academic hospital for SARS-CoV-2 IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies. We analyzed the evolution of IgM and IgG after 6 weeks, and the persistence of IgG after 3 and 10 months. At the first evaluation, 409/3776 (10.8%) participants had a positive SARS-CoV-2 serology. Among initially seropositive participants who completed phases 2 and 3, IgM were still detected after 6 weeks in 53.1% and IgG persisted at 12 weeks in 82.0% (97.5% of those with more than borderline titers). IgG levels were higher and increased over time in symptomatic but were lower and stable in asymptomatic participants. After 10 months, 88.5% of participants had sustained IgG levels (97.0% of those with more than borderline titers).
The pan-JAK inhibitor LAS194046 reduces neutrophil activation from severe asthma and COPD patients in vitro
Authors: Milara Javier , Ballester Beatriz , de Diego Alfredo , Calbet Marta , Ramis Isabel , Miralpeix Montserrat , Cortijo Julio
Published: March 2022

Non-T2 severe asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are airway chronic inflammatory disorders with a poor response to corticosteroids. LAS194046, a novel pan-Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, shows inhibitory effects on T2 allergic lung inflammation in rats. In this work we analyze the effects of LAS194046, fluticasone propionate and their combination in neutrophils from non-T2 severe asthma and COPD patients in vitro. Neutrophils from 23 healthy subjects, 23 COPD and 21 non-T2 severe asthma patients were incubated with LAS194046 (0.01 nM–1 µM), fluticasone propionate (0.1 nM–1 µM) or their combination and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS 1 µM). LAS194046 shows similar maximal % inhibition and potency inhibiting IL-8, MMP-9 and superoxide anion release in neutrophils from healthy, COPD and asthma. Fluticasone propionate suppresses mediator release only in neutrophils from healthy patients. The combination of LAS194046 with fluticasone propionate shows synergistic anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. The mechanisms involved in the synergistic effects of this combination include the increase of MKP1 expression, decrease of PI3Kδ, the induction of glucocorticoid response element and the decrease of ERK1/2, P38 and JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation compared with monotherapies. In summary, LAS194046 shows anti-inflammatory effects in neutrophils from COPD and severe non-T2 asthma patients and induces synergistic anti-inflammatory effects when combined with fluticasone propionate.
Effect of an improved agricultural irrigation scheme with a hydraulic structure for crop cultivation in arid northern Afghanistan using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT)
Authors: Hussainzada Wahidullah , Lee Han Soo
Published: March 2022

The current study focuses on water scarcity, water shortages, and inequal water allocation for downstream water users in the Balkhab River basin (BRB) in northern Afghanistan. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was utilized to determine the hydrological process in the watershed and assess the water resource capacity. The model was calibrated and validated to ensure proper model setup for the entire watershed. The analysis of the current water management and allocation scheme indicated inadequate water distributions for the downstream irrigation canals. The current water allocation approach was modified based on crop water requirements and the available agricultural lands. A new irrigation scheme was proposed and included in the SWAT model that does not decrease upstream water allocation. The annual streamflow in the Balkhab River can supply the extra allocated water downstream without influencing the upstream water. Notably, a dam was proposed in the middle stream to store water during the winter and early spring seasons, as well as floodwater. The model outcomes showed that the existing annual streamflow in the river can fully support the irrigation of currently available land and an extra 18,470.6 ha of agricultural lands in the BRB. The results of this study can contribute to scientific evidence-based policy and decision-making processes for sustainable agricultural water resource management and flood control in the study region.
Global increase in wildfire potential from compound fire weather and drought
Authors: Richardson Doug , Black Amanda S. , Irving Damien , Matear Richard J. , Monselesan Didier P. , Risbey James S. , Squire Dougal T. , Tozer Carly R.
Published: March 2022

Wildfire can cause significant adverse impacts to society and the environment. Weather and climate play an important role in modulating wildfire activity. We explore the joint occurrence of global fire weather and meteorological drought using a compound events framework. We show that, for much of the globe, burned area increases when periods of heightened fire weather compound with dry antecedent conditions. Regions associated with wildfire disasters, such as southern Australia and the western USA, are prone to experiencing years of compound drought and fire weather. Such compound events have increased in frequency for much of the globe, driven primarily by increases in fire weather rather than changes in precipitation. El Ni$$\tilde{{{{\rm{n}}}}}$$ño Southern Oscillation is associated with widespread, spatially compounding drought and fire weather. In the Northern Hemisphere, a La Ni$$\tilde{{{{\rm{n}}}}}$$ña signature is evident, whereas El Ni$$\tilde{{{{\rm{n}}}}}$$ño is associated with such events in the tropics and, to a lesser degree, the Southern Hemisphere. Other climate modes and regional patterns of atmospheric circulation are also important, depending on the region. We show that the lengths of the fire weather seasons in eastern Australia and western North America have increased substantially since 2000, raising the likelihood of overlapping fire weather events in these regions. These cross-hemispheric events may be linked to the occurrence of El Ni$$\tilde{{{{\rm{n}}}}}$$ño, although the sea-surface temperature magnitudes are small. Instead, it is likely that anthropogenic climate change is the primary driver of these changes.
Improving biodiversity protection through artificial intelligence
Authors: Silvestro Daniele , Goria Stefano , Sterner Thomas , Antonelli Alexandre
Published: March 2022

Over a million species face extinction, highlighting the urgent need for conservation policies that maximize the protection of biodiversity to sustain its manifold contributions to people’s lives. Here we present a novel framework for spatial conservation prioritization based on reinforcement learning that consistently outperforms available state-of-the-art software using simulated and empirical data. Our methodology, conservation area prioritization through artificial intelligence (CAPTAIN), quantifies the trade-off between the costs and benefits of area and biodiversity protection, allowing the exploration of multiple biodiversity metrics. Under a limited budget, our model protects significantly more species from extinction than areas selected randomly or naively (such as based on species richness). CAPTAIN achieves substantially better solutions with empirical data than alternative software, meeting conservation targets more reliably and generating more interpretable prioritization maps. Regular biodiversity monitoring, even with a degree of inaccuracy characteristic of citizen science surveys, further improves biodiversity outcomes. Artificial intelligence holds great promise for improving the conservation and sustainable use of biological and ecosystem values in a rapidly changing and resource-limited world.
Immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 variants after two and three doses of vaccine in B-cell malignancies: UK PROSECO study
Authors: Lim Sean H. , Stuart Beth , Joseph-Pietras Debora , Johnson Marina , Campbell Nicola , Kelly Adam , Jeffrey Danielle , Turaj Anna H. , Rolfvondenbaumen Kate , Galloway Celine , Wynn Thomas , Coleman Adam R. , Ward Benjamin , Long Karen , Coleman Helen , Mundy Carina , Bates Andrew T. , Ayres Diana , Lown Robert , Falconer Janlyn , Brake Oliver , Batchelor James , Willimott Victoria , Bowzyk Al-Naeeb Anna , Robinson Lisa , O’Callaghan Ann , Collins Graham P. , Menne Tobias , Faust Saul N. , Fox Christopher P. , Ahearne Matthew , Johnson Peter W. M. , Davies Andrew J. , Goldblatt David
Published: March 2022

Patients with hematological malignancies are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes due to compromised immune responses, but the insights of these studies have been compromised due to intrinsic limitations in study design. Here we present the PROSECO prospective observational study (NCT04858568) on 457 patients with lymphoma that received two or three COVID-19 vaccine doses. We show undetectable humoral responses following two vaccine doses in 52% of patients undergoing active anticancer treatment. Moreover, 60% of patients on anti-CD20 therapy had undetectable antibodies following full vaccination within 12 months of receiving their anticancer therapy. However, 70% of individuals with indolent B-cell lymphoma displayed improved antibody responses following booster vaccination. Notably, 63% of all patients displayed antigen-specific T-cell responses, which increased after a third dose irrespective of their cancer treatment status. Our results emphasize the urgency of careful monitoring of COVID-19-specific immune responses to guide vaccination schemes in these vulnerable populations.
Reactive Oxygen Species in Catalytically Activated Peroxydisulfate
Authors: Wacławek Stanisław , Duan Xiaodi , Dionysiou Dionysios D.
Published: March 2022

Although there has been an exponential increase in basic research in the field of peroxydisulfate (PDS; S2O82−) chemistry in recent years, many problems still need to be resolved. Primarily, the mechanism behind the formation of the reactive oxygen species from PDS often remains unclear. Reactive oxygen species are short-lived, fast-reacting molecules/ions/atoms, and there are ongoing debates among scientists about the type of species generated from several specific activation methods. This chapter presents state-of-the-art knowledge about the formation of reactive oxygen species in catalyzed-peroxydisulfate systems. The influence of pH, water matrix constituents, and catalyst type on reactive oxygen species formation (and their interconversion) from PDS is presented. It is believed that this chapter will help readers to better understand the processes taking place in peroxydisulfate-based systems.
Insights from multi-spectroscopic analysis and molecular modeling to understand the structure–affinity relationship and the interaction mechanism of flavonoids with gliadin
Authors: Zhao Jie , Huang Lin , Li Renjie , Zhang Zhuangwei , Chen Jin , Tang Hongjin
Published: March 2022

An integrated method was applied to investigate the structure–affinity relationship and interaction mechanism between a library of natural flavonoids and gliadin.
A bisspiropyran fluorescent probe for the selective and rapid detection of cyanide anion in liqueurs
Authors: Zhou Ziqiang , Hu Hongzhi , Xia Ling , Li Gongke , Xiao Xiaohua
Published: March 2022

A novel bisspiropyran-fluorescent probe was synthesized and applied in the selective and rapid CN− detection in liqueurs.
MnO2nanoparticles as a minimalist multimode vaccine adjuvant/delivery system to regulate antigen presenting cells for tumor immunotherapy
Authors: Song Ting , Liao Yang , Zuo Qinhua , Liu Ning , Liu Zonghua
Published: March 2022

This paper focuses on the mechanism and efficacy of MnO2as a vaccine adjuvant.
Phase transfer of fatty acids into ultrasmall nanospheres for colorimetric detection of lipase and albumin
Authors: Guo Chao , Zhai Jingying , Chen Qinghan , Du Xinfeng , Xie Xiaojiang
Published: March 2022

This work reports the colorimetric real-time monitoring of the reaction and transfer of fatty acids from natural triglycerides.
Static discrete disorder in the crystal structure of iododiflunisal: on the importance of hydrogen bond, halogen bond and π-stacking interactions
Authors: Barbas Rafael , Font-Bardia Mercè , Ballesteros Alfredo , Arsequell Gemma , Prohens Rafel , Frontera Antonio
Published: March 2022

We report a combined computational/crystallographic analysis focused on the static discrete disorder shown by the drug iododiflunisal.
Studying the impacts of non-routine extended schools' closure on heavy metal release into tap water
Authors: Ghoochani Shima , Salehi Maryam , DeSimone Dave , Salehi Esfandarani Mitra , Bhattacharjee Linkon
Published: March 2022

The extensive school closures due to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic resulted in prolonged water stagnation within schools' plumbing for longer durations than routine schools' holidays and summer breaks.
Catalyst-free C–N bond formation under biocompatible reaction conditions
Authors: Goh Jeffrey , Ong Seng Kheong , Tan Yan Sheng , Loh Teck-Peng
Published: March 2022

A C–N bond formation reaction under benign conditions for the amination of allenic ketones to access enaminones is reported. This reaction is atom economical, green, highly regioselective and works well with many structurally crucial amines.
Correction: Biohybrid plants with electronic roots via in vivo polymerization of conjugated oligomers
Authors: Parker Daniela , Daguerre Yohann , Dufil Gwennaël , Mantione Daniele , Solano Eduardo , Cloutet Eric , Hadziioannou Georges , Näsholm Torgny , Berggren Magnus , Pavlopoulou Eleni , Stavrinidou Eleni
Published: March 2022

Correction for ‘Biohybrid plants with electronic roots via in vivo polymerization of conjugated oligomers’ by Daniela Parker et al., Mater. Horiz., 2021, 8, 3295–3305, DOI: 10.1039/D1MH01423D.
2,7-Diazapyrenes: a brief review on synthetic strategies and application opportunities
Authors: Mukherjee Anindita , Akulov Alexey A. , Santra Sougata , Varaksin Mikhail V. , Kim Grigory A. , Kopchuk Dmitry S. , Taniya Olga S. , Zyryanov Grigory V. , Chupakhin Oleg. N.
Published: March 2022

This review discusses the synthetic routes for 2,7-diazapyrene derivatives and highlights the opportunities for application of 2,7-diazapyrenes, including their remarkable photophysical and supramolecular properties, in sensors and related areas.
Establishing an energy-saving scouring/bleaching one-step process for cotton/spandex fabric using UVA-assisted irradiation
Authors: Li Qing , Zhao Xiaowei , Quan Heng , Zhou Yuyang
Published: March 2022

To reduce the energy and water consumption from a conventional textile industry, a facile and efficient UVA-assisted scouring/bleaching strategy has been customized for cotton/spandex in this research.
Structural transformation of methasterone with Cunninghamella blakesleeana and Macrophomina phaseolina
Authors: Aamer Muhammad , Siddiqui Mahwish , Jabeen Almas , Irshad Rimsha , Khan Farooq-Ahmad , Atia-tul-Wahab  , Choudhary M. Iqbal , Wang Yan
Published: March 2022

Fungal transformation of methasterone resulted in six products (2–7). 2–5, and 7 were identified as new. Substrate 1 showed remarkable anti-inflammatory activity but was cytotoxic. Products 2 and 7 showed moderate activity but were non-cytotoxic.
Optimizing the nitrogen configuration in interlayer-expanded carbon materials via sulfur-bridged bonds toward remarkable energy storage performances
Authors: Li Zhiqiang , Yang Yang , Ding Gaohui , Wei Lingzhi , Yao Ge , Niu Helin , Zheng Fangcai , Chen Qianwang
Published: March 2022

Herein, we demonstrate that C–S–C bonds can significantly enlarge the interlayer spacing of carbon materials and change the N-doping configuration in graphene layers.
Modulation of acetylcholinesterase activity using molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles
Authors: Piletsky Sergey A. , Bedwell Thomas S. , Paoletti Rachele , Karim Kal , Canfarotta Francesco , Norman Rachel , Jones Donald J. L. , Turner Nicholas W. , Piletska Elena V.
Published: March 2022

Epitope mapping and nanoMIP development lead to materials that modulate enzyme activity and promote reactivation after antagonist exposure.
Stabilization of CsPbBr3quantum dots for photocatalysis, imaging and optical sensing in water and biological medium: a review
Authors: C. G. Sanjayan , Jyothi M. S. , Balakrishna R. Geetha
Published: March 2022

Stabilization strategies to protect CsPbBr3PQDs for Photocatalytic and Bio-sensing applications.
Antioxidative activity of aloe vera (Aloe vera var. chinensis) powder produced using maltodextrin and gum arabic as fillers
Authors: Wariyah Chatarina , Riyanto  , Slamet Agus
Published: March 2022

Aloe vera gel has the ability to function as an antioxidant due to its flavonoid content but it cannot be practically consumed in its fresh form. The purpose of this study was to produce aloe vera powder with a high antioxidant activity using maltodextrin and gum arabic as fillers, and performing the drying process in an oven at 50°C. This research was conducted with a completely randomized design with two factors namely the filler type and filler number, the fillers used were varied at 0%, 5%, and 10%. Moreover, the moisture content, total phenol, flavonoid, and antioxidant activity based on the ability to scavenge DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil) radicals were determined for both the gel and dried form of the aloe vera. The results showed that the addition of fillers has a significant effect on the antioxidative activity such that more filler content was observed to have led to lower antioxidant activity. The use of 5% (w/w) of maltodextrin and gum arabic was discovered to have produced high antioxidant activity with Radical Scavenging Activity (RSA) of 15.01±1.50% and 14.44±1.58%, respectively. The IC50 value of powder with 5% maltodextrin and 5% gum arabic was found to be 239.20 mg/ml and 256.88 mg/ml, respectively.
Boiling time variation through functional characteristics of boiled red kidney beans
Authors: Sutedja Anita Maya , Trisnawati Chatarina Yayuk , Wang Richard , Sugianti Cicih
Published: March 2022

Chemical components of red kidney beans, starch and protein, closely related to its functional properties. The starch and protein components are structurally still bound to each other or to other components in a complex structure which can hinder the utilisation of the functional properties of red kidney beans in food products. Utilisation of the red kidney beans based on the functional properties requires preliminary treatment, namely boiling. Boiling time was an important factor that may affect its functional properties. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of boiling time on the functional properties of boiled red kidney beans. Six levels of boiling time (0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 min) were applied with three replications. Functional properties tested included protein solubility, water absorption, oil absorption, gel formation, foam capacity and stability, emulsion capacity and stability, and moisture content. The results showed that boiling decreased protein solubility, foam capacity, and emulsion capacity of red kidney beans, while the foam stability and emulsion stability increased with the length of boiling time. The absorption of water and oil increased up to 9 min of boiling, while the moisture content increased after 3 min of boiling.
Effect of Kappa-Carrageenan Concentration on Physical Properties of Carrot Pineapple Velva
Authors: Rulianto Utomo Adrianus , Dwi Budianta Tarsisius , Fionna Evania Harianto Elisabeth , Anastasia Gabriel , Christian Widayu Gracella , Alexander Wiradinata Richard
Published: March 2022

Velva is a frozen food product similar to ice cream, but velva has lower fat content. Velva contains high crude fiber and vitamin contents that come from fruits and vegetables. Pineapples and carrots were chosen as the main ingredients to produce velva. Yellow color from pineapple was found to be less attractive, so that the addition of orange color from carrots 77 make it more attractive. A stabilizer is needed to produce velva with appropriate characteristics such as smooth texture and hard-melted. The stabilizers used in this study was kappa-carrageenan. The research aimed to examine the effect of the various kappa-carrageenan concentration on the physicochemical properties (first drip, flow rate, color, and pH) of the carrot-pineapple velva. Based on the results of the study, it was found that by using kappa-carrageenan with a concentration of 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75% and 1% (w/w) produced the first drip at 132.67 - 420.83 seconds with flow rate 1.41-0.55 cm/seconds, color with parameters lightness 47.45-47.50, redness +9.97 - +10.52, yellowness +17.50 - +18.33, chroma 20.79-21.57, and °hue 58.39 – 60.73, and pH 4.53-4.59. An increase in the concentration of kappa-carrageenan produces a thicker velva, so it is necessary to examine its organoleptic properties further.
Réparation de l’ADN et longévité : les rongeurs et nous
Authors: Jordan Bertrand
Published: March 2022

Large differences in maximum longevity exist between different rodent species. Determination of the spontaneous and mutagen-induced mutation rates in these species by single (somatic) cell sequencing suggests more efficient DNA repair in long-lived species (including humans), but the data is too noisy to prove a strong correlation between longevity and preservation of DNA integrity.
Rôle de la succinate déshydrogénase dans le cancer
Authors: Moog Sophie , Favier Judith
Published: March 2022

La succinate déshydrogénase (SDH) est une enzyme mitochondriale qui participe au cycle de Krebs et à la chaîne respiratoire. Quand elles sont à l’origine de cancers, les mutations des gènes codant les différentes sous-unités de la SDH sont responsables d’une prédisposition aux phéochromocytomes et aux paragangliomes, et, plus rarement, aux tumeurs stromales gastro-intestinales ou au cancer du rein. Une diminution de l’activité de la SDH, non expliquée par la génétique, s’observe aussi dans certains cancers plus fréquents. Une des conséquences de l’inactivation de la SDH est la production excessive de son substrat, le succinate, qui joue un rôle d’oncométabolite en promouvant un statut pseudohypoxique et d’importants remaniements épigénétiques. La compréhension de l’oncogenèse liée à la succinate déshydrogénase permet aujourd’hui de développer des méthodes diagnostiques innovantes et d’envisager des thérapies ciblées pour la prise en charge des patients atteints.