bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant and inflammatory potential of diet among women at risk of cervical cancer: findings from a cross-sectional study in Italy
Authors: Maugeri Andrea , Barchitta Martina , Magnano San Lio Roberta , Scalisi Aurora , Agodi Antonella
Published: May 2021

Objective:

To evaluate the association of Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI) and Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) with the prevalence of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).

Design:

A cross-sectional study was conducted on women with abnormal Papanicolaou test, who underwent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) screening and histological test through colposcopy. Dietary data were collected using a FFQ and used to assess both CDAI and DII.

Setting:

Women were recruited from 2012 to 2015 at the Cervical Cancer Screening Unit of the ‘Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale’ of Catania (Italy).

Participants:

The study included 539 women with a mean age of 40·2 years, who were classified as cases (n 127 with CIN2 or more severe lesions) and controls (n 412 with normal cervical epithelium or CIN1).

Results:

Although we observed a lower proportion of HPV-positive women among those with higher CDAI (P < 0·001), the index was not associated with the diagnosis of CIN2 or more severe lesions. By contrast, women with medium or high DII showed higher odds to be diagnosed with CIN2 or more severe lesions than those with low DII (OR = 2·15; 95 % CI 1·11, 4·17; P = 0·024 and OR = 3·14; 95 % CI 1·50, 6·56; P = 0·002, respectively), after adjusting for age, HPV status, educational level, BMI, smoking status, parity, use of oral contraceptives and supplements.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggested that a pro-inflammatory diet might be associated with an increased risk of CIN2 and more severe lesions. However, further prospective studies should be encouraged to support this evidence.
Molybdenum in Gunshot Residue: Experimental Evidences and Detection Challenges in the Presence of Lead and Sulfur
Authors: Nunziata Felice , Romolo Francesco Saverio , Burnett Bryan , Manna Luigi , Orsenigo Stefano , Donghi Matteo
Published: May 2021

Inorganic gunshot residue (GSR) analysis is carried out by scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) in many forensic laboratories. Characteristic GSR often consists of lead–barium–antimony, commonly associated with sulfur. The strength of forensic GSR evidence increases when unusual elements are found in residues collected both from the suspect and from the discharged firearm. The presence of molybdenum in GSR, due to the use of MoS2 lubricants in firearms, is experimentally demonstrated here for the first time. The most intense molybdenum X-ray emissions are MoL peaks at 2.3 keV which overlap with PbM and SK families due to the poor resolution of EDS detectors. When Pb, S, and Mo are allegedly present in the same particle, the reliability of automatic EDS routines is at risk. Missing identifications or false detections and exclusions may then occur. Molybdenum should be considered as detected only if MoK emissions meet the peak-to-background ratio minimum requirements. A strategy to spot Mo-containing residues is described, based on the automated search of MoS2, using a new “Sulfur only” class added to the classification scheme, followed by careful manual review of all GSR particles at an acceleration voltage of 30 kV. Our proposal improves commonly adopted forensic procedures currently followed in casework.
Changes in the palliative performance scale may be as important as the initial palliative performance scale for predicting survival in terminal cancer patients
Authors: Lee Guk Jin , Gwak Ji Hyun , Kim Myoung Sim , Lee Mi Yeong , Kim Seo Ree , Chun Sang Hoon , Jin Jong Youl
Published: May 2021

Objective

The accurate estimation of expected survival in terminal cancer patients is important. The palliative performance scale (PPS) is an important factor in predicting survival of hospice patients. The purpose of this study was to examine how initial status of PPS and changes in PPS affect the survival of hospice patients in Korea.

Method

We retrospectively examined 315 patients who were admitted to our hospice unit between January 2017 and December 2018. The patients were divided based on the PPS of ≥50% (group A) and ≤40% (group B). We performed survival analysis for factors associated with the length of survival (LOS) in group A. Based on the hospice team's weekly evaluation of PPS, we examined the effect of initial levels and changes in group A on the prognosis of patients who survived for 2 weeks or more.

Results

At the time of admission to hospice, 265 (84.1%) patients were PPS ≥50%, and 50 (15.9%) were PPS ≤40%. The median LOS of PPS ≥50% and PPS ≤40% were 15 (2–158 days) and 9 (2–43 days), respectively. Male, gastrointestinal cancer, and lower initial PPS all predicted poor prognosis in group A. Male, gastrointestinal cancer, and a PPS change of 10% or greater, compared with initial status 1 week and 2 weeks of hospitalization, were all predictors of poor prognosis in group A patients who survived for 2 weeks or longer.

Significance of results

Our research demonstrates the significance of PPS change at 1 week and 2 weeks, suggesting the importance of evaluating not only initial PPS but also change in PPS.
Cardiovascular disease and meaning in life: A systematic literature review and conceptual model
Authors: Vos Joel
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Previous studies have shown that psychological stress and mental health problems increase the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) events, such as heart attack or stroke. Furthermore, after CVD events, the majority of patients report large stress. However, psychological treatments have only modest effects in CVD patients. Therefore, it has been argued that new conceptual models are needed to understand the aetiology of stress and mental health problems in CVD patients. Therefore, this study included a systematic literature review and a conceptual model on the role of meaning in life for psychological stress, mental health, and CVD risks.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted on relationships between CVD and meaning in life. PRISMA/MOOSE review guidelines were followed. These findings were used to build a conceptual model.

Results

The literature review included 113 studies on meaning and CVD. The included studies described meaning as a predictor of cardiovascular risks and health, meaning-centered needs of patients in conversations with medical staff, meaning-centered changes after CVD events, meaning-centered coping with CVD, meaning as motivator of CVD-related lifestyle changes, and meaning as an element in psychological treatments of CVD patients. In sum, the literature showed that a central clinical concern for patients is their question how to live a meaningful life despite CVD. Meaning-centered concerns seem to lead to lower motivation to make lifestyle changes, more psychological stress, lower quality-of-life, worse physical well-being, and increased CVD risk. The ability to live a meaningful life after CVD events is related with lower stress, better mental health, and several biomarkers.

Significance of results

An evidence-based conceptual framework was developed for the relationship between meaning and CVD. It may be hypothesized CVD patients may benefit from psychological therapies focused on meaning.
Mixture interactions of quizalofop and reduced rates of halosulfuron
Authors: Webster L. Connor , Webster Eric P. , Blouin David C. , McKnight Benjamin M.
Published: May 2021

A field study was conducted in 2017 and 2018 at the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station near Crowley, LA, to evaluate the impact of reduced rates of halosulfuron on quizalofop activity in Louisiana rice production. Halosulfuron and a prepackaged mixture of halosulfuron plus thifensulfuron were evaluated at 0, 17, 35, or 53 g ai ha−1 and 34 or 53 g ai ha−1, respectively, in a mixture with quizalofop at 120 g ai ha−1. Control of barnyardgrass, red rice, and two non-acetyl-CoA carboxylase resistant rice lines, CL-111 and CLXL-745, were recorded at 14 and 28 d after treatment (DAT). The red rice, CL-111, and CLXL-745 represented a weedy rice population. Across all species evaluated at 14 DAT, all mixtures containing halosulfuron and halosulfuron plus thifensulfuron resulted in antagonism with an observed control of 79% to 90%, compared with an expected control of 96% to 99%. At 28 DAT, all mixtures containing halosulfuron resulted in neutral interactions for barnyardgrass control. Quizalofop mixed with halosulfuron plus thifensulfuron at the lower rate of 34 g ha−1 was able to overcome the antagonism compared with the higher rate of 53 g ha−1 for barnyardgrass control at 28 DAT. Both the high and the low rate of halosulfuron plus thifensulfuron resulted in antagonistic interaction for red rice, CL-111, and CLXL-745 control at 28 DAT. This research suggests that mixing quizalofop with halosulfuron plus thifensulfuron should be avoided, especially at the higher rate of 53 g ha−1.
Japanese carotenoid database with α- and β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, and fucoxanthin and intake in adult women
Authors: Fukushima Yoichi , Taguchi Chie , Kishimoto Yoshimi , Kondo Kazuo
Published: May 2021

Abstract. Carotenoid intake is associated with low mortality and cancer risks; data on non-provitamin carotenoid intake is limited especially in Asians. We aimed to estimate carotenoid intake in Japanese adult women. Carotenoid content database comprises 196 food items, including 39 fruits, 87 vegetables and mushrooms, and 11 seaweeds, and was established using data from the literature and analyses of foods available in Japan. We surveyed the intake of these foods in Japanese women aged 21–56 years (n=109). Total intake of 7 carotenoids (mean±SD [range]) was 7,450±3,840 (1,160–21,300) μg/day; α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, and fucoxanthin represented 4.3%, 23%, 3.4%, 15%, 2.0%, 39%, and 13% of total intake, respectively. Lutein intake was 1,132±686 (294–3,490) μg/day; its best sources were spinach, cucumber, chicken egg, green onion, and Chinese chives, representing 51% of total intake. Lutein can be obtained from a variety of sources. Thus, lutein intake levels did not vary widely among individuals and very few individuals consumed insufficient levels of lutein. Intake of zeaxanthin, lycopene, and fucoxanthin was 149±93 (2–479), 2,890±2,970 (0–17,100), and 980±1,230 (0–5,660) μg/day, respectively. Their intake required rich sources including chicken egg for zeaxanthin (52%); tomato products for lycopene (98%), and wakame seaweed for fucoxanthin (76%). The carotenoid content database including all food items consumed in Japan will be helpful for further investigations on carotenoid intake and its health benefits.
Higher dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) reduces the risk of cardio-metabolic risk factors among adults: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Farhangi Mahdieh Abbasalizad , Mohammad-Rezaei Ali
Published: May 2021

Abstract: Background: Numerous studies have revealed the protective role of dietary antioxidants against hypertension and diabetes. In the current systematic review and meta-analysis, we evaluated the possible role of dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) against metabolic parameters in the adult population. Methods: A literature search of authentic electronic resources including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, and Cochrane had been performed to retrieve the qualified observational studies that reported the mean plus/minus the SD for the parameter in subjects of the highest versus lowest dietary TAC categories up to July 2020. Results: Totally, the number of included studies was 13 for fasting blood sugar (FBS), 12 for systolic blood pressure (SBP), and 12 for diastolic blood pressure (DBP), with the participants’ number of 26349. The results of the current study showed that being at highest category of TAC significantly reduces serum FBS (WMD: −2.381; CI: −3.445, −1.316; P<0.001), SBP (WMD: −1.080; CI: −1.458, −0.701; P<0.001) and DBP (WMD: −0.854; CI: −1.655, −0.052; P<0.001), while no significant difference in the serum insulin, HOMA-IR values, prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) (P=0.37) and hypertension (HTN) (P=0.09) was observed. Subgroup analysis revealed the geographical location, dietary assessment tool, sample size, and gender as possible sources of heterogeneity. Conclusion: Higher intake of dietary TAC was associated with reduced SBP, DBP, and FBS in the current observational studies of this meta-analysis. These findings further confirm the clinical importance of dietary antioxidants in the prevention of different metabolic disorders.
Psychopathology and Parental Stress in 3–6-Year-Old Children with Incontinence
Authors: Mattheus Hannah K. , Kiefer Kathrin , Freund Rebecca , Hussong Justine , Wagner Catharina , Equit Monika , In-Albon Tina , Bolten Margarete I. , von Gontard Alexander
Published: May 2021

Abstract. Objective: Incontinence and functional gastrointestinal disorders are common in young children and are associated with higher rates of psychological symptoms and mental disorders. This article focuses on the mutual association between incontinence and related toilet refusal syndrome, parental stress, and children’s psychopathology especially in young children. Methods: Children’s psychological symptoms, mental disorders, and parental stress levels were assessed in 38 parent-child dyads involving children with incontinence and 42 dyads of typically developing (TD) children. Results: Compared to TD children, patients had higher internalizing and externalizing CBCL scores and higher rates of clinically relevant externalizing problems. However, the rates of clinically relevant internalizing problems and mental disorders did not differ. The parents of children with incontinence reported significantly higher stress levels regarding child-related stress factors (PSI-CD) than did parents of TD children. However, there were no clinically relevant parental stress scores on a group level, which remained below the clinical range (T-value < 60). When simultaneously analyzed, children’s (comorbid) mental disorders but not incontinence had a major impact on parental stress. Conclusions: Despite moderate stress levels, incontinence symptoms, urinary and fecal incontinence are highly prevalent in young children. However, stress among parents of young children was mainly elicited by any (comorbid) mental disorder.
Psychological Consciousness of Non-Psychological Contents
Authors: Gutland Christopher
Published: May 2021

Abstract. This article phenomenologically contrasts the experience of sensations and concepts as two forms of psychological awareness of non-psychological content. While the contents of sensations inform us about physical states and processes, concepts inform us about essences and essential structures. In conscious awareness, thus, the fields of physics, psychology, and logic become intertwined. This article uses phenomenology to distinguish between these different fields based on the way we experience them. While investigating the experiences of the related act types of sensing and thinking, parallels are discovered between sensing and thinking and between imagining and judging. The article concludes with a closer examination of the conscious awareness of essences.
Climate Grant Universities Could Mobilize Community Climate Action
Authors: Kopp Robert
Published: May 2021

With cues from the successful land grant model, the United States should establish a system of universities to democratize access to climate knowledge and aid efforts to tackle the climate crisis.
Climatic and Topographic Control of the Stable Isotope Values of Rivers on the South Island of New Zealand
Authors: Lachniet Matthew S. , Moy Christopher M. , Riesselman Christina , Stephen Haroon , Lorrey Andrew M.
Published: May 2021

We show that climate and topography control the spatial distribution of stable isotope values on the South Island of New Zealand, based on a spatially dense (n = 193) river isotopic survey. Our data show a δ18O minimum in isotope values east of the Southern Alps that demonstrates topographically driven continentality associated with the Southern Alps, which intersect the prevailing, moisture‐laden westerlies. Our data define a South Island surface water line of δ2H = 8.17 (±0.26) × δ18O + 10.57 (±2.04), which is identical within 95% confidence intervals to the global and New Zealand meteoric water lines established from monthly precipitation samples. The observed river δ18O values are strongly correlated with annual temperature range and winter temperature. Strongest correlations are between δ18O and mean minimum winter temperatures (r > 0.7 for June, July, August), with gradients of 0.58–0.66‰ /°C. Based on a multiple regression analysis of δ18O against climate data, we present a river δ18O model and isoscape that demonstrate the control of continentality and moisture source on New Zealand surface water isotope spatial patterns. Model validation against previously published river samples shows skill in predicting river δ18O values (root‐mean‐square error = 0.83), confirming that the spatial variations in river δ18O (and δ2H) are robust to sampling period and reflect continental, precipitation source and temperature effects. Our data suggest that oxygen or hydrogen isotope paleoclimate proxies derived from rivers or open‐system lakes on the South Island should be sensitive to winter temperature.
YAP inhibits autophagy and promotes progression of colorectal cancer via upregulating Bcl-2 expression
Authors: Jin Lan , Chen Yunhe , Cheng Dan , He Zhikai , Shi Xinyi , Du Boyu , Xi Xueyan , Gao Yujing , Guo Yang
Published: May 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most aggressive and lethal cancers. The role of autophagy in the pathobiology of CRC is intricate, with opposing functions manifested in different cellular contexts. The Yes-associated protein (YAP), a transcriptional coactivator inactivated by the Hippo tumor-suppressor pathway, functions as an oncoprotein in a variety of cancers. In this study, we found that YAP could negatively regulate autophagy in CRC cells, and consequently, promote tumor progression of CRC in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, YAP interacts with TEAD forming a complex to upregulate the transcription of the apoptosis-inhibitory protein Bcl-2, which may subsequently facilitate cell survival by suppressing autophagy-related cell death; silencing Bcl-2 expression could alleviate YAP-induced autophagy inhibition without affecting YAP expression. Collectively, our data provide evidence for YAP/Bcl-2 as a potential therapeutic target for drug exploration against CRC.
Learning with reinforcement prediction errors in a model of the Drosophila mushroom body
Authors: Bennett James E. M. , Philippides Andrew , Nowotny Thomas
Published: May 2021

Effective decision making in a changing environment demands that accurate predictions are learned about decision outcomes. In Drosophila, such learning is orchestrated in part by the mushroom body, where dopamine neurons signal reinforcing stimuli to modulate plasticity presynaptic to mushroom body output neurons. Building on previous mushroom body models, in which dopamine neurons signal absolute reinforcement, we propose instead that dopamine neurons signal reinforcement prediction errors by utilising feedback reinforcement predictions from output neurons. We formulate plasticity rules that minimise prediction errors, verify that output neurons learn accurate reinforcement predictions in simulations, and postulate connectivity that explains more physiological observations than an experimentally constrained model. The constrained and augmented models reproduce a broad range of conditioning and blocking experiments, and we demonstrate that the absence of blocking does not imply the absence of prediction error dependent learning. Our results provide five predictions that can be tested using established experimental methods.
Selective sweep for an enhancer involucrin allele identifies skin barrier adaptation out of Africa
Authors: Mathyer Mary Elizabeth , Brettmann Erin A. , Schmidt Alina D. , Goodwin Zane A. , Oh Inez Y. , Quiggle Ashley M. , Tycksen Eric , Ramakrishnan Natasha , Matkovich Scot J. , Guttman-Yassky Emma , Edwards John R. , de Guzman Strong Cristina
Published: May 2021

The genetic modules that contribute to human evolution are poorly understood. Here we investigate positive selection in the Epidermal Differentiation Complex locus for skin barrier adaptation in diverse HapMap human populations (CEU, JPT/CHB, and YRI). Using Composite of Multiple Signals and iSAFE, we identify selective sweeps for LCE1A-SMCP and involucrin (IVL) haplotypes associated with human migration out-of-Africa, reaching near fixation in European populations. CEU-IVL is associated with increased IVL expression and a known epidermis-specific enhancer. CRISPR/Cas9 deletion of the orthologous mouse enhancer in vivo reveals a functional requirement for the enhancer to regulate Ivl expression in cis. Reporter assays confirm increased regulatory and additive enhancer effects of CEU-specific polymorphisms identified at predicted IRF1 and NFIC binding sites in the IVL enhancer (rs4845327) and its promoter (rs1854779). Together, our results identify a selective sweep for a cis regulatory module for CEU-IVL, highlighting human skin barrier evolution for increased IVL expression out-of-Africa.
Testing the climate intervention potential of ocean afforestation using the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt
Authors: Bach Lennart T. , Tamsitt Veronica , Gower Jim , Hurd Catriona L. , Raven John A. , Boyd Philip W.
Published: May 2021

Ensuring that global warming remains <2 °C requires rapid CO2emissions reduction. Additionally, 100–900 gigatons CO2must be removed from the atmosphere by 2100 using a portfolio of CO2removal (CDR) methods. Ocean afforestation, CDR through basin-scale seaweed farming in the open ocean, is seen as a key component of the marine portfolio. Here, we analyse the CDR potential of recent re-occurring trans-basin belts of the floating seaweedSargassumin the (sub)tropical North Atlantic as a natural analogue for ocean afforestation. We show that two biogeochemical feedbacks, nutrient reallocation and calcification by encrusting marine life, reduce the CDR efficacy ofSargassumby 20–100%. Atmospheric CO2influx into the surface seawater, after CO2-fixation bySargassum, takes 2.5–18 times longer than the CO2-deficient seawater remains in contact with the atmosphere, potentially hindering CDR verification. Furthermore, we estimate that increased ocean albedo, due to floatingSargassum, could influence climate radiative forcing more thanSargassum-CDR. Our analysis shows that multifaceted Earth-system feedbacks determine the efficacy of ocean afforestation.
A generalized multipath delayed-choice experiment on a large-scale quantum nanophotonic chip
Authors: Chen Xiaojiong , Deng Yaohao , Liu Shuheng , Pramanik Tanumoy , Mao Jun , Bao Jueming , Zhai Chonghao , Dai Tianxiang , Yuan Huihong , Guo Jiajie , Fei Shao-Ming , Huber Marcus , Tang Bo , Yang Yan , Li Zhihua , He Qiongyi , Gong Qihuang , Wang Jianwei
Published: May 2021

Bohr’s complementarity is one central tenet of quantum physics. The paradoxical wave-particle duality of quantum matters and photons has been tested in Young’s double-slit (double-path) interferometers. The object exclusively exhibits wave and particle nature, depending measurement apparatus that can be delayed chosen to rule out too-naive interpretations of quantum complementarity. All experiments to date have been implemented in the double-path framework, while it is of fundamental interest to study complementarity in multipath interferometric systems. Here, we demonstrate generalized multipath wave-particle duality in a quantum delayed-choice experiment, implemented by large-scale silicon-integrated multipath interferometers. Single-photon displays sophisticated transitions between wave and particle characters, determined by the choice of quantum-controlled generalized Hadamard operations. We characterise particle-nature by multimode which-path information and wave-nature by multipath coherence of interference, and demonstrate the generalisation of Bohr’s multipath duality relation. Our work provides deep insights into multidimensional quantum physics and benchmarks controllability of integrated photonic quantum technology.
The transcriptome of wild-type and immortalized corneal epithelial cells
Authors: Furuya Kai , Wu Tao , Orimoto Ai , Sugano Eriko , Tomita Hiroshi , Kiyono Tohru , Kurose Takahiro , Takai Yoshihiro , Fukuda Tomokazu
Published: May 2021

Cellular immortalization enables indefinite expansion of cultured cells. However, the process of cell immortalization sometimes changes the original nature of primary cells. In this study, we performed expression profiling of poly A-tailed RNA from primary and immortalized corneal epithelial cells expressing Simian virus 40 large T antigen (SV40) or the combination of mutant cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), cyclin D1, and telomere reverse transcriptase (TERT). Furthermore, we studied the expression profile of SV40 cells cultured in medium with or without serum. The profiling of whole expression pattern revealed that immortalized corneal epithelial cells with SV40 showed a distinct expression pattern from wild-type cells regardless of the presence or absence of serum, while corneal epithelial cells with combinatorial expression showed an expression pattern relatively closer to that of wild-type cells.
Prevalence and risk factors of anxiety and depression among the community-dwelling elderly in Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory, Myanmar
Authors: Cho Su Myat , Saw Yu Mon , Saw Thu Nandar , Than Thet Mon , Khaing Moe , Khine Aye Thazin , Kariya Tetsuyoshi , Soe Pa Pa , Oo San , Hamajima Nobuyuki
Published: May 2021

Providing elderly mental healthcare in Myanmar is challenging due to the growing elderly population and limited health resources. To understand common mental health problems among Myanmar elderly, this study explored the prevalence and risk factors of anxiety and depression among the elderly in the Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory, Myanmar. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 655 elderly by face-to-face interviews with a pretested questionnaire. Descriptive analysis and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. The prevalence of anxiety and depression were 39.4% (33.5% for males and 42.4% for females) and 35.6% (33.0% for males and 36.9% for females), respectively. The adjusted odds ratio of having anxiety was significant for having low education level, having comorbidity, having BMI < 21.3, poor dental health, no social participation, and having no one to consult regarding personal problems, while that of having depression was significant for having comorbidity, having BMI < 21.3, poor vision, and having no one to consult regarding personal problems. The reported prevalence of anxiety and depression indicate the demand for mental healthcare services among Myanmar elderly. Myanmar needs to improve its elderly care, mental healthcare, and social security system to reflect the actual needs of its increasing elderly population. Screening for anxiety and depression among elderly with comorbidities should be promoted. Raising community awareness of mental health, encouraging social participation, and supportive counselling are also essential in combating anxiety and depression among Myanmar elderly.
Germinal GLT8D1, GATAD2A and SLC25A39 mutations in a patient with a glomangiopericytal tumor and five different sarcomas over a 10-year period
Authors: Beddok Arnaud , Pérot Gaëlle , Le Guellec Sophie , Thebault Noémie , Coutte Alexandre , Sevestre Henri , Chauffert Bruno , Chibon Frédéric
Published: May 2021

Soft tissue sarcoma represents about 1% of all adult cancers. Occurrence of multiple sarcomas in a same individual cannot be fortuitous. A 72-year-old patient had between 2007 and 2016 a glomangiopericytal tumor of the right forearm and a succession of sarcomas of the extremities: a leiomyosarcoma of the left buttock, a myxofibrosarcoma (MFS) of the right forearm, a MFS of the left scapula, a left latero-thoracic MFS and two undifferentiated sarcomas on the left forearm. Pathological examination of the six locations was not in favor of disease with local/distant recurrences but could not confirm different diseases. An extensive molecular analysis including DNA-array, RNA-sequencing and DNA-Sanger-sequencing, was thus performed to determine the link between them. The genomic profile of the glomangiopericytal tumor and the six sarcomas revealed that five sarcomas were different diseases and one was the local recurrence of the glomangiopericytal tumor. While the chromosomal alterations in the six tumors were different, a common somatic CDKN2A/CDKN2B deletion was identified. RNA-sequencing of five tumors identified mutations in GLT8D1, GATAD2A and SLC25A39 in all samples. The germline origin of these mutations was confirmed by Sanger-sequencing. Innovative molecular analysis methods have made possible a better understanding of the complex tumorigenesis of multiple sarcomas.
Changes in soil water holding capacity and water availability following vegetation restoration on the Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Zhang Yong-wang , Wang Kai-bo , Wang Jun , Liu Changhai , Shangguan Zhou-ping
Published: May 2021

Changes in land use type can lead to variations in soil water characteristics. The objective of this study was to identify the responses of soil water holding capacity (SWHC) and soil water availability (SWA) to land use type (grassland, shrubland and forestland). The soil water characteristic curve describes the relationship between gravimetric water content and soil suction. We measured the soil water characteristic parameters representing SWHC and SWA, which we derived from soil water characteristic curves, in the 0–50 cm soil layer at sites representing three land use types in the Ziwuling forest region, located in the central part of the Loess Plateau, China. Our results showed that the SWHC was higher at the woodland site than the grassland and shrubland, and there was no significant difference between the latter two sites, the trend of SWA was similar to the SWHC. From grassland to woodland, the soil physical properties in the 0–50 cm soil layer partially improved, BD was significantly higher at the grassland site than at the shrubland and woodland sites, the clay and silt contents decreased significantly from grassland to shrubland to woodland and sand content showed the opposite pattern, the soil porosity was higher in the shrubland and woodland than that in the grassland, the soil physical properties across the 0–50 cm soil layer improved. Soil texture, porosity and bulk density were the key factors affecting SWHC and SWA. The results of this study provide insight into the effects of vegetation restoration on local hydrological resources and can inform soil water management and land use planning on the Chinese Loess Plateau.
DNA barcodes using a double nanopore system
Authors: Seth Swarnadeep , Bhattacharya Aniket
Published: May 2021

The potential of a double nanopore system to determine DNA barcodes has been demonstrated experimentally. By carrying out Brownian dynamics simulation on a coarse-grained model DNA with protein tag (barcodes) at known locations along the chain backbone, we demonstrate that due to large variation of velocities of the chain segments between the tags, it is inevitable to under/overestimate the genetic lengths from the experimental current blockade and time of flight data. We demonstrate that it is the tension propagation along the chain’s backbone that governs the motion of the entire chain and is the key element to explain the non uniformity and disparate velocities of the tags and DNA monomers under translocation that introduce errors in measurement of the length segments between protein tags. Using simulation data we further demonstrate that it is important to consider the dynamics of the entire chain and suggest methods to accurately decipher barcodes. We introduce and validate an interpolation scheme using simulation data for a broad distribution of tag separations and suggest how to implement the scheme experimentally.
Elevated dimethylarginine, ATP, cytokines, metabolic remodeling involving tryptophan metabolism and potential microglial inflammation characterize primary open angle glaucoma
Authors: Pulukool Sujith Kumar , Bhagavatham Sai Krishna Srimadh , Kannan Vishnu , Sukumar Piruthivi , Dandamudi Rajesh Babu , Ghaisas Shamika , Kunchala Haripriya , Saieesh Darshan , Naik Ashwin Ashok , Pargaonkar Ashish , Sharma Anuj , Sivaramakrishnan Venketesh
Published: May 2021

Glaucoma of which primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) constitutes 75%, is the second leading cause of blindness. Elevated intra ocular pressure and Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) dysfunction are hallmarks of POAG. We analyzed clinical data, cytokine profile, ATP level, metabolomics and GEO datasets to identify features unique to POAG. N9 microglial cells are used to gain mechanistic insights. Our POAG cohort showed elevated ATP in aqueous humor and cytokines in plasma. Metabolomic analysis showed changes in 21 metabolites including Dimethylarginine (DMAG) and activation of tryptophan metabolism in POAG. Analysis of GEO data sets and previously published proteomic data sets bins genes into signaling and metabolic pathways. Pathways from reanalyzed metabolomic data from literature significantly overlapped with those from our POAG data. DMAG modulated purinergic signaling, ATP secretion and cytokine expression were inhibited by N-Ethylmaleimide, NO donors, BAPTA and purinergic receptor inhibitors. ATP induced elevated intracellular calcium level and cytokines expression were inhibited by BAPTA. Metabolomics of cell culture supernatant from ATP treated sets showed metabolic deregulation and activation of tryptophan metabolism. DMAG and ATP induced IDO1/2 and TDO2 were inhibited by N-Ethylmaleimide, sodium nitroprusside and BAPTA. Our data obtained from clinical samples and cell culture studies reveal a strong association of elevated DMAG, ATP, cytokines and activation of tryptophan metabolism with POAG. DMAG mediated ATP signaling, inflammation and metabolic remodeling in microglia might have implications in management of POAG.
Two-photon GCaMP6f imaging of infrared neural stimulation evoked calcium signals in mouse cortical neurons in vivo
Authors: Kaszas Attila , Szalay Gergely , Slézia Andrea , Bojdán Alexandra , Vanzetta Ivo , Hangya Balázs , Rózsa Balázs , O’Connor Rodney , Moreau David
Published: May 2021

Infrared neural stimulation is a promising tool for stimulating the brain because it can be used to excite with high spatial precision without the need of delivering or inserting any exogenous agent into the tissue. Very few studies have explored its use in the brain, as most investigations have focused on sensory or motor nerve stimulation. Using intravital calcium imaging with the genetically encoded calcium indicator GCaMP6f, here we show that the application of infrared neural stimulation induces intracellular calcium signals in Layer 2/3 neurons in mouse cortex in vivo. The number of neurons exhibiting infrared-induced calcium response as well as the amplitude of those signals are shown to be both increasing with the energy density applied. By studying as well the spatial extent of the stimulation, we show that reproducibility of the stimulation is achieved mainly in the central part of the infrared beam path. Stimulating in vivo at such a degree of precision and without any exogenous chromophores enables multiple applications, from mapping the brain’s connectome to applications in systems neuroscience and the development of new therapeutic tools for investigating the pathological brain.
Collagen fiber regulation in human pediatric aortic valve development and disease
Authors: Clift Cassandra L. , Su Yan Ru , Bichell David , Jensen Smith Heather C. , Bethard Jennifer R. , Norris-Caneda Kim , Comte-Walters Susana , Ball Lauren E. , Hollingsworth M. A. , Mehta Anand S. , Drake Richard R. , Angel Peggi M.
Published: May 2021

Congenital aortic valve stenosis (CAVS) affects up to 10% of the world population without medical therapies to treat the disease. New molecular targets are continually being sought that can halt CAVS progression. Collagen deregulation is a hallmark of CAVS yet remains mostly undefined. Here, histological studies were paired with high resolution accurate mass (HRAM) collagen-targeting proteomics to investigate collagen fiber production with collagen regulation associated with human AV development and pediatric end-stage CAVS (pCAVS). Histological studies identified collagen fiber realignment and unique regions of high-density collagen in pCAVS. Proteomic analysis reported specific collagen peptides are modified by hydroxylated prolines (HYP), a post-translational modification critical to stabilizing the collagen triple helix. Quantitative data analysis reported significant regulation of collagen HYP sites across patient categories. Non-collagen type ECM proteins identified (26 of the 44 total proteins) have direct interactions in collagen synthesis, regulation, or modification. Network analysis identified BAMBI (BMP and Activin Membrane Bound Inhibitor) as a potential upstream regulator of the collagen interactome. This is the first study to detail the collagen types and HYP modifications associated with human AV development and pCAVS. We anticipate that this study will inform new therapeutic avenues that inhibit valvular degradation in pCAVS and engineered options for valve replacement.
Illustrating changes in landscapes of passing opportunities along a set of competitive football matches
Authors: Gómez-Jordana Luis Ignacio , Amaro e Silva Rodrigo , Milho João , Ric Angel , Passos Pedro
Published: May 2021

This study aims to illustrate the landscape of passing opportunities of a football team across a set of competitive matches. To do so positional data of 5 competitive matches was used to create polygons of pass availability. Passes were divided into three types depending on the hypothetical threat they may pose to the opposing defense (penetrative, support, and backwards passes). These categories were used to create three heatmaps per match. Moreover, the mean time of passing opportunities was calculated and compared across matches and for the three categories of passes. Due to the specificity of player’s interactive behavior, results showed heatmaps with a variety of patterns. Specifically the fifth match was very dissimilar to the other four. However, characterizing a football match in terms of passing opportunities with a single heatmap dismisses the variety of dynamics that occur throughout a match. Therefore, three temporal heatmaps over windows of 10 min were presented highlighting on-going dynamical changes in pass availability. Results also display that penetrative passes were available over shorter periods of time than backward passes that were available shorter than support passes. The results highlight the sensibility of the model to different task constrains that emerge within football matches.
Mesoscale and wind-driven intra-annual variability in the East Auckland Current
Authors: Santana Rafael , Suanda Sutara H. , Macdonald Helen , O’Callaghan Joanne
Published: May 2021

Intra-annual variability in the East Auckland Current (EAuC) was studied using a year-long timeseries of in situ and remotely-sensed velocity, temperature and salinity observations. Satellite-derived velocities correlated well ($$\hbox {r} > 0.75$$

r
>
0.75

) with in situ observations and well-represent the long-term ($$> 30$$

>
30

days) variability of the upper ocean circulation. Four mesoscale eddies were observed during the year (for 260 days) which generated distinct flows between the continental slope and rise. The EAuC dominated the circulation in the continental shelf break, slope and rise for 110 days and generated the most energetic events associated with wind forcing. Current variability on the continental slope was coherent with along-slope wind stress (wind stress curl) at periods between 4 and 12 days (16 and 32 days). We suggest that along-slope winds generated offshore Ekman transport, uplift on the shelf-break, and a downwind geostrophic jet on the slope. In contrast, positive wind stress curl caused convergence of water, downwelling, and increased the current speed in the region. Bottom Ekman transport, generated by the EAuC, was suggested to have caused the largest temperature anomaly ($$-1.5 ^{\circ }\hbox {C}$$

-
1
.

5
∘

C

) at the continental shelf-break.
Neuroticism is positively associated with leptin/adiponectin ratio, leptin and IL-6 in young adults
Authors: Syk Mikaela , Isaksson Johan , Rasmusson Annica J. , Ekselius Lisa , Cunningham Janet L.
Published: May 2021

High neuroticism is related to cardiovascular morbidity. Early detection of metabolic and cardiovascular risk is important in high-risk groups to enable preventive measures. The aim of this study was therefore to explore if neuroticism is associated with early biomarkers for cardiovascular and metabolic disease in young adults from a psychiatry cohort. Blood samples and self-ratings on neuroticism with the Swedish universities Scales of Personality (SSP) questionnaire were collected from 172 psychiatric outpatients and 46 healthy controls. The blood samples were analysed for plasma leptin, adiponectin, CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α. Associations between neuroticism and biomarkers were assessed using Spearman’s correlation coefficients and generalized linear models adjusting for confounders. In the adjusted generalized linear models, neuroticism predicted the leptin/adiponectin ratio (p = 0.003), leptin (p = 0.004) and IL-6 (p = 0.001). These associations were not better explained by current major depressive disorder and/or anxiety disorder. Adiponectin, CRP and TNF-α were not associated with neuroticism. In conclusion, the findings suggest that high neuroticism is related to elevated levels of plasma leptin/adiponectin ratio, leptin and IL-6 in young adults. Young adults with high neuroticism may therefore benefit from preventive interventions to decrease the risk for future metabolic and cardiovascular morbidity, but more research is required to test this hypothesis.
Author Correction: Leaf angle distribution in Johnsongrass, leaf thickness in sorghum and Johnsongrass, and association with response to Colletotrichum sublineola
Authors: Ahn Ezekiel , Odvody Gary , Prom Louis K. , Magill Clint
Published: May 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Investigating causality in the association between vitamin D status and self-reported tiredness
Authors: Havdahl Alexandra , Mitchell Ruth , Paternoster Lavinia , Smith George Davey
Published: May 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Evaluation of the optimal cooling temperature for the face measured by the tissue perfusion during hilotherapy using laser Doppler spectrophotometry
Authors: Peters Florian , Heussen Nicole , Herbstmann Jana , Möhlhenrich Stephan Christian , Bock Anna , Kniha Kristian , Hölzle Frank , Modabber Ali
Published: May 2021

After craniofacial trauma, symptoms like swelling and pain occur. Cooling reduces these symptoms but the optimal cooling temperature for a maximum benefit without adverse effects is unclear. 30 participants were cooled at 10 °C, 15 °C, 20 °C, 25 °C and 30 °C for 30 min. Before cooling and at 15, 30, 45 and 60 min after cooling, the skin blood flow, oxygen saturation (SO) and haemoglobin concentration (Hb) were measured by laser Doppler spectrophotometry at 2 mm and 8 mm depth. The skin temperature was measured, and the participant’s satisfaction was marked on a visual analogue scale. There were significant differences between males and females in the blood flow, SO and Hb (p < 0.0001). After cooling, the blood flow, SO and Hb was reduced. The measured values rose slightly above the initial values 60 min after cooling. Depending on the cooling temperature the decrease in blood flow, SO and Hb was significantly different. Both sexes were most comfortable with a 25 °C cooling temperature and satisfaction decreased with lower temperatures. Significant differences for the satisfaction between both sexes were measured (10 °C: p < 0.0001, 15 °C: p < 0.0001, 20 °C: p = 0.0168, 25 °C: p = 0.0293). After 60 min, the males and females exhibited mild skin hyperthermia. The optimal cooling temperatures their physiological effects and their perception for females and males were different. For females, around 20 °C is an optimal cooling temperature. For males, it is around 15–20 °C.
Identification of bovine, porcine and fish gelatin signatures using chemometrics fuzzy graph method
Authors: Hassan Nurfarhana , Ahmad Tahir , Zain Norhidayu M. , Awang Siti Rahmah
Published: May 2021

Gelatin is a protein substance that is widely used in food and pharmaceutical industries. Gelatin is mainly derived from bovine and porcine sources. Fish gelatin is becoming alternative source of gelatin due to concern on health issue and religious constraints. Numerous studies for identification of gelatin sources have been reported. In this study, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used in combination with chemometrics fuzzy autocatalytic set (c-FACS) to distinguish between bovine, porcine and fish gelatins. The gelatin spectra at Amide and 1600–1000 cm−1 regions were analyzed using c-FACS and the results were compared to principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). The results obtained from c-FACS method showed that each bovine, porcine and fish gelatin possessed dominant wavenumbers at 1470–1475 cm−1, 1444–1450 cm−1 and 1496–1500 cm−1 respectively, which represent their unique signatures. Furthermore, a clear distinction for porcine gelatin was observed in coordinated FACS. The c-FACS method is rigor and faster than PCA and LDA in differentiating the gelatin sources. The novel method promises at least another chemometrics method for FTIR related analysis and the possibilities for other applications are endless.
Temporal structure of brain oscillations predicts learned nocebo responses to pain
Authors: Thomaidou Mia A. , Blythe Joseph S. , Houtman Simon J. , Veldhuijzen Dieuwke S. , van Laarhoven Antoinette I. M. , Evers Andrea W. M.
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to identify electrophysiological correlates of nocebo-augmented pain. Nocebo hyperalgesia (i.e., increases in perceived pain resulting from negative expectations) has been found to impact how healthy and patient populations experience pain and is a phenomenon that could be better understood in terms of its neurophysiological underpinnings. In this study, nocebo hyperalgesia was induced in 36 healthy participants through classical conditioning and negative suggestions. Electroencephalography was recorded during rest (pre- and post-acquisition) and during pain stimulation (baseline, acquisition, evocation) First, participants received baseline high thermal pain stimulations. During nocebo acquisition, participants learned to associate an inert gel applied to their forearm with administered high pain stimuli, relative to moderate intensity control stimuli administered without gel. During evocation, all stimuli were accompanied by moderate pain, to measure nocebo responses to the inert gel. Pre- to post-acquisition beta-band alterations in long-range temporal correlations (LRTC) were negatively associated with nocebo magnitudes. Individuals with strong resting LRTC showed larger nocebo responses than those with weaker LRTC. Nocebo acquisition trials showed reduced alpha power. Alpha power was higher while LRTC were lower during nocebo-augmented pain, compared to baseline. These findings support nocebo learning theories and highlight a role of nocebo-induced cognitive processing.