bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The microbiota is dispensable for the early stages of peripheral regulatory T cell induction within mesenteric lymph nodes
Authors: Wiechers Carolin , Zou Mangge , Galvez Eric , Beckstette Michael , Ebel Maria , Strowig Till , Huehn Jochen , Pezoldt Joern
Published: March 2021

Intestinal Foxp3+ regulatory T cell (Treg) subsets are crucial players in tolerance to microbiota-derived and food-borne antigens, and compelling evidence suggests that the intestinal microbiota modulates their generation, functional specialization, and maintenance. Selected bacterial species and microbiota-derived metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), have been reported to promote Treg homeostasis in the intestinal lamina propria. Furthermore, gut-draining mesenteric lymph nodes (mLNs) are particularly efficient sites for the generation of peripherally induced Tregs (pTregs). Despite this knowledge, the direct role of the microbiota and their metabolites in the early stages of pTreg induction within mLNs is not fully elucidated. Here, using an adoptive transfer-based pTreg induction system, we demonstrate that neither transfer of a dysbiotic microbiota nor dietary SCFA supplementation modulated the pTreg induction capacity of mLNs. Even mice housed under germ-free (GF) conditions displayed equivalent pTreg induction within mLNs. Further molecular characterization of these de novo induced pTregs from mLNs by dissection of their transcriptomes and accessible chromatin regions revealed that the microbiota indeed has a limited impact and does not contribute to the initialization of the Treg-specific epigenetic landscape. Overall, our data suggest that the microbiota is dispensable for the early stages of pTreg induction within mLNs.
Hyaluronan is a natural and effective immunological adjuvant for protein-based vaccines
Authors: Dalla Pietà Anna , Carpanese Debora , Grigoletto Antonella , Tosi Anna , Dalla Santa Silvia , Pedersen Gabriel Kristian , Christensen Dennis , Meléndez-Alafort Laura , Barbieri Vito , De Benedictis Paola , Pasut Gianfranco , Montagner Isabella Monia , Rosato Antonio
Published: March 2021

One of the main goals of vaccine research is the development of adjuvants that can enhance immune responses and are both safe and biocompatible. We explored the application of the natural polymer hyaluronan (HA) as a promising immunological adjuvant for protein-based vaccines. Chemical conjugation of HA to antigens strongly increased their immunogenicity, reduced booster requirements, and allowed antigen dose sparing. HA-based bioconjugates stimulated robust and long-lasting humoral responses without the addition of other immunostimulatory compounds and proved highly efficient when compared to other adjuvants. Due to its intrinsic biocompatibility, HA allowed the exploitation of different injection routes and did not induce inflammation at the inoculation site. This polymer promoted rapid translocation of the antigen to draining lymph nodes, thus facilitating encounters with antigen-presenting cells. Overall, HA can be regarded as an effective and biocompatible adjuvant to be exploited for the design of a wide variety of vaccines.
Integrated avalanche photodetectors for visible light
Authors: Yanikgonul Salih , Leong Victor , Ong Jun Rong , Hu Ting , Siew Shawn Yohanes , Png Ching Eng , Krivitsky Leonid
Published: March 2021

Integrated photodetectors are essential components of scalable photonics platforms for quantum and classical applications. However, most efforts in the development of such devices to date have been focused on infrared telecommunications wavelengths. Here, we report the first monolithically integrated avalanche photodetector (APD) for visible light. Our devices are based on a doped silicon rib waveguide with a novel end-fire input coupling to a silicon nitride waveguide. We demonstrate a high gain-bandwidth product of 234 ± 25 GHz at 20 V reverse bias measured for 685 nm input light, with a low dark current of 0.12 μA. We also observe open eye diagrams at up to 56 Gbps. This performance is very competitive when benchmarked against other integrated APDs operating in the infrared range. With CMOS-compatible fabrication and integrability with silicon photonic platforms, our devices are attractive for sensing, imaging, communications, and quantum applications at visible wavelengths.
Mutant ASXL1 induces age-related expansion of phenotypic hematopoietic stem cells through activation of Akt/mTOR pathway
Authors: Fujino Takeshi , Goyama Susumu , Sugiura Yuki , Inoue Daichi , Asada Shuhei , Yamasaki Satoshi , Matsumoto Akiko , Yamaguchi Kiyoshi , Isobe Yumiko , Tsuchiya Akiho , Shikata Shiori , Sato Naru , Morinaga Hironobu , Fukuyama Tomofusa , Tanaka Yosuke , Fukushima Tsuyoshi , Takeda Reina , Yamamoto Keita , Honda Hiroaki , Nishimura Emi K. , Furukawa Yoichi , Shibata Tatsuhiro , Abdel-Wahab Omar , Suematsu Makoto , Kitamura Toshio
Published: March 2021

Somatic mutations of ASXL1 are frequently detected in age-related clonal hematopoiesis (CH). However, how ASXL1 mutations drive CH remains elusive. Using knockin (KI) mice expressing a C-terminally truncated form of ASXL1-mutant (ASXL1-MT), we examined the influence of ASXL1-MT on physiological aging in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). HSCs expressing ASXL1-MT display competitive disadvantage after transplantation. Nevertheless, in genetic mosaic mouse model, they acquire clonal advantage during aging, recapitulating CH in humans. Mechanistically, ASXL1-MT cooperates with BAP1 to deubiquitinate and activate AKT. Overactive Akt/mTOR signaling induced by ASXL1-MT results in aberrant proliferation and dysfunction of HSCs associated with age-related accumulation of DNA damage. Treatment with an mTOR inhibitor rapamycin ameliorates aberrant expansion of the HSC compartment as well as dysregulated hematopoiesis in aged ASXL1-MT KI mice. Our findings suggest that ASXL1-MT provokes dysfunction of HSCs, whereas it confers clonal advantage on HSCs over time, leading to the development of CH.
Axonal chemokine-like Orion induces astrocyte infiltration and engulfment during mushroom body neuronal remodeling
Authors: Boulanger Ana , Thinat Camille , Züchner Stephan , Fradkin Lee G. , Lortat-Jacob Hugues , Dura Jean-Maurice
Published: March 2021

The remodeling of neurons is a conserved fundamental mechanism underlying nervous system maturation and function. Astrocytes can clear neuronal debris and they have an active role in neuronal remodeling. Developmental axon pruning of Drosophila memory center neurons occurs via a degenerative process mediated by infiltrating astrocytes. However, how astrocytes are recruited to the axons during brain development is unclear. Using an unbiased screen, we identify the gene requirement of orion, encoding for a chemokine-like protein, in the developing mushroom bodies. Functional analysis shows that Orion is necessary for both axonal pruning and removal of axonal debris. Orion performs its functions extracellularly and bears some features common to chemokines, a family of chemoattractant cytokines. We propose that Orion is a neuronal signal that elicits astrocyte infiltration and astrocyte-driven axonal engulfment required during neuronal remodeling in the Drosophila developing brain.
Increased autumn and winter precipitation during the Last Glacial Maximum in the European Alps
Authors: Spötl C. , Koltai G. , Jarosch A. H. , Cheng H.
Published: March 2021

The culmination of the glaciers in the European Alps during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) is one of the most intensively studied paleoglaciological events, but its trigger and forcing remain incompletely understood. Here, we provide evidence that the timing of this glacier maximum coincided within age uncertainties with a 3100 yr-long interval of subsurface warming (26.6 to 23.5 ka BP) as recorded by an archive preserved in caves, cryogenic carbonates. This interval of sustained permafrost degradation during one of the coldest intervals of the last glacial period calls for a fundamental change in the dry Arctic-style precipitation regime. Instead, heavy snowfall during autumn and early winter led to the accumulation of a seasonal snowpack insulating the ground from the winter chill. Combined with thermal modelling, the data provide compelling evidence that the LGM glacier advance in the Alps was fueled by intensive snowfall late in the year, likely sourced from the Mediterranean Sea.
Reconfigurable electronics by disassembling and reassembling van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Tao Quanyang , Wu Ruixia , Li Qianyuan , Kong Lingan , Chen Yang , Jiang Jiayang , Lu Zheyi , Li Bailing , Li Wanying , Li Zhiwei , Liu Liting , Duan Xidong , Liao Lei , Liu Yuan
Published: March 2021

Van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) have attracted tremendous interest owing to the ability to assemble diverse building blocks without the constraints of lattice matching and processing compatibility. However, once assembled, the fabricated vdWHs can hardly be separated into individual building blocks for further manipulation, mainly due to technical difficulties in the disassembling process. Here, we show a method to disassemble the as-fabricated vdWHs into individual building blocks, which can be further reassembled into new vdWHs with different device functionalities. With this technique, we demonstrate reconfigurable transistors from n-type to p-type and back-gate to dual-gate structures through re-stacking. Furthermore, reconfigurable device behaviors from floating gate memory to Schottky diode and reconfigurable anisotropic Raman behaviors have been obtained through layer re-sequencing and re-twisting, respectively. Our results could lead to a reverse engineering concept of disassembled vdWHs electronics in parallel with state-of-the-art vdWHs electronics, offering a general method for multi-functional pluggable electronics and optoelectronics with limited material building blocks.
Robust and flexible platform for directed evolution of yeast genetic switches
Authors: Tominaga Masahiro , Nozaki Kenta , Umeno Daisuke , Ishii Jun , Kondo Akihiko
Published: March 2021

A wide repertoire of genetic switches has accelerated prokaryotic synthetic biology, while eukaryotic synthetic biology has lagged in the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Eukaryotic genetic switches are larger and more complex than prokaryotic ones, complicating the rational design and evolution of them. Here, we present a robust workflow for the creation and evolution of yeast genetic switches. The selector system was designed so that both ON- and OFF-state selection of genetic switches is completed solely by liquid handling, and it enabled parallel screen/selection of different motifs with different selection conditions. Because selection threshold of both ON- and OFF-state selection can be flexibly tuned, the desired selection conditions can be rapidly pinned down for individual directed evolution experiments without a prior knowledge either on the library population. The system’s utility was demonstrated using 20 independent directed evolution experiments, yielding genetic switches with elevated inducer sensitivities, inverted switching behaviours, sensory functions, and improved signal-to-noise ratio (>100-fold induction). The resulting yeast genetic switches were readily integrated, in a plug-and-play manner, into an AND-gated carotenoid biosynthesis pathway.
Covalent organic framework nanofluidic membrane as a platform for highly sensitive bionic thermosensation
Authors: Zhang Pengcheng , Chen Sifan , Zhu Changjia , Hou Linxiao , Xian Weipeng , Zuo Xiuhui , Zhang Qinghua , Zhang Lin , Ma Shengqian , Sun Qi
Published: March 2021

Thermal sensation, which is the conversion of a temperature stimulus into a biological response, is the basis of the fundamental physiological processes that occur ubiquitously in all organisms from bacteria to mammals. Significant efforts have been devoted to fabricating artificial membranes that can mimic the delicate functions of nature; however, the design of a bionic thermometer remains in its infancy. Herein, we report a nanofluidic membrane based on an ionic covalent organic framework (COF) that is capable of intelligently monitoring temperature variations and expressing it in the form of continuous potential differences. The high density of the charged sites present in the sub-nanochannels renders superior permselectivity to the resulting nanofluidic system, leading to a high thermosensation sensitivity of 1.27 mV K−1, thereby outperforming any known natural system. The potential applicability of the developed system is illustrated by its excellent tolerance toward a broad range of salt concentrations, wide working temperatures, synchronous response to temperature stimulation, and long-term ultrastability. Therefore, our study pioneers a way to explore COFs for mimicking the sophisticated signaling system observed in the nature.
Possible limitations of dolphin echolocation: a simulation study based on a cross-modal matching experiment
Authors: Wei Chong , Hoffmann-Kuhnt Matthias , Au Whitlow W. L. , Ho Abel Zhong Hao , Matrai Eszter , Feng Wen , Ketten Darlene R. , Zhang Yu
Published: March 2021

Dolphins use their biosonar to discriminate objects with different features through the returning echoes. Cross-modal matching experiments were conducted with a resident bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus). Four types of objects composed of different materials (water-filled PVC pipes, air-filled PVC pipes, foam ball arrays, and PVC pipes wrapped in closed-cell foam) were used in the experiments, respectively. The size and position of the objects remained the same in each case. The data collected in the experiment showed that the dolphin’s matching accuracy was significantly different across the cases. To gain insight into the underlying mechanism in the experiments, we used finite element methods to construct two-dimensional target detection models of an echolocating dolphin in the vertical plane, based on computed tomography scan data. The acoustic processes of the click’s interaction with the objects and the surrounding media in the four cases were simulated and compared. The simulation results provide some possible explanations for why the dolphin performed differently when discriminating the objects that only differed in material composition in the previous matching experiments.
Impact of noise on development, physiological stress and behavioural patterns in larval zebrafish
Authors: Lara Rafael A. , Vasconcelos Raquel O.
Published: March 2021

Noise pollution is increasingly present in aquatic ecosystems, causing detrimental effects on growth, physiology and behaviour of organisms. However, limited information exists on how this stressor affects animals in early ontogeny, a critical period for development and establishment of phenotypic traits. We tested the effects of chronic noise exposure to increasing levels (130 and 150 dB re 1 μPa, continuous white noise) and different temporal regimes on larval zebrafish (Danio rerio), an important vertebrate model in ecotoxicology. The acoustic treatments did not affect general development or hatching but higher noise levels led to increased mortality. The cardiac rate, yolk sac consumption and cortisol levels increased significantly with increasing noise level at both 3 and 5 dpf (days post fertilization). Variation in noise temporal patterns (different random noise periods to simulate shipping activity) suggested that the time regime is more important than the total duration of noise exposure to down-regulate physiological stress. Moreover, 5 dpf larvae exposed to 150 dB continuous noise displayed increased dark avoidance in anxiety-related dark/light preference test and impaired spontaneous alternation behaviour. We provide first evidence of noise-induced physiological stress and behavioural disturbance in larval zebrafish, showing that both noise amplitude and timing negatively impact key developmental endpoints in early ontogeny.
Vaccination strategies against COVID-19 and the diffusion of anti-vaccination views
Authors: Prieto Curiel Rafael , González Ramírez Humberto
Published: March 2021

Misinformation is usually adjusted to fit distinct narratives and propagates rapidly through social networks. False beliefs, once adopted, are rarely corrected. Amidst the COVID-19 crisis, pandemic-deniers and people who oppose wearing face masks or quarantine have already been a substantial aspect of the development of the pandemic. With the vaccine for COVID-19, different anti-vaccine narratives are being created and are probably being adopted by large population groups with critical consequences. Assuming full adherence to vaccine administration, we use a diffusion model to analyse epidemic spreading and the impact of different vaccination strategies, measured with the average years of life lost, in three network topologies (a proximity, a scale-free and a small-world network). Then, using a similar diffusion model, we consider the spread of anti-vaccine views in the network, which are adopted based on a persuasiveness parameter of anti-vaccine views. Results show that even if anti-vaccine narratives have a small persuasiveness, a large part of the population will be rapidly exposed to them. Assuming that all individuals are equally likely to adopt anti-vaccine views after being exposed, more central nodes in the network, which are more exposed to these views, are more likely to adopt them. Comparing years of life lost, anti-vaccine views could have a significant cost not only on those who share them, since the core social benefits of a limited vaccination strategy (reduction of susceptible hosts, network disruptions and slowing the spread of the disease) are substantially shortened.
Photodynamic effect of TPP encapsulated in polystyrene nanoparticles toward multi-resistant pathogenic bacterial strains: AFM evaluation
Authors: Malá Zuzana , Žárská Ludmila , Malina Lukáš , Langová Kateřina , Večeřová Renata , Kolář Milan , Henke Petr , Mosinger Jiří , Kolářová Hana
Published: March 2021

Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) is a promising approach for the efficient killing of pathogenic microbes. In this study, the photodynamic effect of sulfonated polystyrene nanoparticles with encapsulated hydrophobic 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP-NP) photosensitizers on Gram-positive (including multi-resistant) and Gram-negative bacterial strains was investigated. The cell viability was determined by the colony forming unit method. The results showed no dark cytotoxicity but high phototoxicity within the tested conditions. Gram-positive bacteria were more sensitive to TPP-NPs than Gram-negative bacteria. Atomic force microscopy was used to detect changes in the morphological properties of bacteria before and after the PDI treatment.
Caring for caregivers: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on those responsible for children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Alessi Janine , de Oliveira Giovana Berger , Feiden Gabriela , Schaan Beatriz D. , Telo Gabriela Heiden
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to assess the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on guardians of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. An online survey was performed to assess the prevalence of pandemic-related emotional burden, mental health disorders and diabetes-specific emotional burden related to diabetes care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Caregivers of children and adolescents with diabetes under the age of 18 and caregivers of youth without diabetes for the non-diabetes group were invited to participate. For the primary outcome, mental health disorders were evaluated using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20), while pandemic-related emotional burden and diabetes-specific emotional burden related to diabetes care were evaluated in different domains with specific questions. For analyses, a hierarchical testing strategy was performed. A total of 764 participants were included in the study. Regarding the pandemic period, caregivers of youth with type 1 diabetes endorsed significantly more pandemic-related emotional burden for both themselves (OR 1.67; 95% CI, 1.10 to 2.53) and for their child (OR 2.28; 95% CI, 1.54 to 3.38) when compared to the non-diabetes group. The emotional burden evaluation on different age ranges showed that the two groups were similar when the dependent youth was younger than 6 years. Moreover, a positive screening for mental health disorders during social distancing was higher in the diabetes group compared to the non-diabetes group (OR 2.43; 95% CI, 1.70 to 3.47), particularly in those aged under 12 years old. There was no difference between groups in mental health disorders among caregivers of adolescents older than 12 years. Our results allow to conclude that concern, burden and mental health disorders can be present in caregivers of youth with diabetes, and behavioral changes during the COVID-19 pandemic may enhance this situation.
Data-driven identification of subtypes of intimate partner violence
Authors: Hacıaliefendioğlu Ahmet Mert , Yılmaz Serhan , Smith Douglas , Whiting Jason , Koyutürk Mehmet , Karakurt Günnur
Published: March 2021

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a complex problem with multiple layers of heterogeneity. We took a data-driven approach to characterize this heterogeneity. We integrated data from different studies, representing 640 individuals from various backgrounds. We used hierarchical clustering to systematically group cases in terms of their similarities according to violence variables. Results suggested that the cases can be clustered into 12 hierarchically organized subgroups, with verbal abuse and negotiation being the main discriminatory factors at higher levels. The presence of physical assault, injury, and sexual coercion was discriminative at lower levels of the hierarchy. Subgroups also exhibited significant differences in terms of relationship dynamics and individual factors. This study represents an attempt toward using integrative data analysis to understand the etiology of violence. These results can be useful in informing treatment efforts. The integrative data analysis framework we develop can also be applied to various other problems.
Dolomite genesis in bioturbated marine zones of an early-middle Miocene coastal mud volcano outcrop (Kuwait)
Authors: Alibrahim Ammar , Duane Michael J. , Dittrich Maria
Published: March 2021

The origin of spheroidal dolomitized burrow from Al-Subiya sabkha in Kuwait was previously described as enigmatic as no evidence of precursor calcium carbonate was found in the siliciclastic sediment. An assumption for the genesis of spheroidal dolomite from the same area was attributed to hydrocarbon seepage but no evidence was provided. Here, we investigated a recently discovered early-middle Miocene coastal mud volcano outcrop in Al-Subiya sabkha where dolomitized burrows and spheroidal dolomite are found in bioturbated marine zones, and associated with traces of salt. Conversely, the continental zone lacks bioturbation features, dolomite and traces of salt, which together contrast with bioturbated rich marine zones. Geochemical signatures of Rare Earth Elements + Yttrium show a true positive Ce anomaly (Ce/Ce* > 1.2) and positive Eu/Eu* anomaly of spheroidal dolomite indicating strictly anoxic conditions, and sulphate reduction to sulphide, respectively. Our results are suggestive of a relationship between dolomite formation and interdependent events of hydrocarbon seepage, flux of hypersaline seawater, bioturbation, and fluid flow in the marine zones of the mud volcano. The bioturbation activity of crustaceans introduced channels/burrows in the sediment–water interface allowing for the mixing of seeped pressurized hydrocarbon-charged fluids, and evaporitic seawater. In the irrigated channels/burrows, the seeped pressurized hydrocarbon-charged fluids were oxidized via microbial consortia of methanotrophic archaea and sulphate-reducing bacteria resulting in elevated alkalinity and saturation index with respect to dolomite, thus providing the preferential geochemical microenvironment for dolomite precipitation in the bioturbated sediment.
Forecasting influenza-like illness trends in Cameroon using Google Search Data
Authors: Nsoesie Elaine O. , Oladeji Olubusola , Abah Aristide S. Abah , Ndeffo-Mbah Martial L.
Published: March 2021

Although acute respiratory infections are a leading cause of mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, surveillance of diseases such as influenza is mostly neglected. Evaluating the usefulness of influenza-like illness (ILI) surveillance systems and developing approaches for forecasting future trends is important for pandemic preparedness. We applied and compared a range of robust statistical and machine learning models including random forest (RF) regression, support vector machines (SVM) regression, multivariable linear regression and ARIMA models to forecast 2012 to 2018 trends of reported ILI cases in Cameroon, using Google searches for influenza symptoms, treatments, natural or traditional remedies as well as, infectious diseases with a high burden (i.e., AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis). The R2and RMSE (Root Mean Squared Error) were statistically similar across most of the methods, however, RF and SVM had the highest average R2(0.78 and 0.88, respectively) for predicting ILI per 100,000 persons at the country level. This study demonstrates the need for developing contextualized approaches when using digital data for disease surveillance and the usefulness of search data for monitoring ILI in sub-Saharan African countries.
K-means quantization for a web-based open-source flow cytometry analysis platform
Authors: Wong Nathan , Kim Daehwan , Robinson Zachery , Huang Connie , Conboy Irina M.
Published: March 2021

Flow cytometry (FCM) is an analytic technique that is capable of detecting and recording the emission of fluorescence and light scattering of cells or particles (that are collectively called “events”) in a population1. A typical FCM experiment can produce a large array of data making the analysis computationally intensive2. Current FCM data analysis platforms (FlowJo3, etc.), while very useful, do not allow interactive data processing online due to the data size limitations. Here we report a more effective way to analyze FCM data on the web. Freecyto is a free and intuitive Python-flask-based web application that uses a weighted k-means clustering algorithm to facilitate the interactive analysis of flow cytometry data. A key limitation of web browsers is their inability to interactively display large amounts of data. Freecyto addresses this bottleneck through the use of the k-means algorithm to quantize the data, allowing the user to access a representative set of data points for interactive visualization of complex datasets. Moreover, Freecyto enables the interactive analyses of large complex datasets while preserving the standard FCM visualization features, such as the generation of scatterplots (dotplots), histograms, heatmaps, boxplots, as well as a SQL-based sub-population gating feature2. We also show that Freecyto can be applied to the analysis of various experimental setups that frequently require the use of FCM. Finally, we demonstrate that the data accuracy is preserved when Freecyto is compared to conventional FCM software.
Accurate SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence surveys require robust multi-antigen assays
Authors: Fotis Christos , Meimetis Nikolaos , Tsolakos Nikos , Politou Marianna , Akinosoglou Karolina , Pliaka Vaia , Minia Angeliki , Terpos Evangelos , Trougakos Ioannis P. , Mentis Andreas , Marangos Markos , Panayiotakopoulos George , Dimopoulos Meletios A. , Gogos Charalampos , Spyridonidis Alexandros , Alexopoulos Leonidas G.
Published: March 2021

There is a plethora of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) serological tests based either on nucleocapsid phosphoprotein (N), S1-subunit of spike glycoprotein (S1) or receptor binding domain (RBD). Although these single-antigen based tests demonstrate high clinical performance, there is growing evidence regarding their limitations in epidemiological serosurveys. To address this, we developed a Luminex-based multiplex immunoassay that detects total antibodies (IgG/IgM/IgA) against the N, S1 and RBD antigens and used it to compare antibody responses in 1225 blood donors across Greece. Seroprevalence based on single-antigen readouts was strongly influenced by both the antigen type and cut-off value and ranged widely [0.8% (95% CI 0.4–1.5%)–7.5% (95% CI 6.0–8.9%)]. A multi-antigen approach requiring partial agreement between RBD and N or S1 readouts (RBD&N|S1 rule) was less affected by cut-off selection, resulting in robust seroprevalence estimation [0.6% (95% CI 0.3–1.1%)–1.2% (95% CI 0.7–2.0%)] and accurate identification of seroconverted individuals.
Scientific breakdown for physiological blood flow inside a tube with multi-thrombosis
Authors: Akhtar Salman , McCash L. B. , Nadeem Sohail , Saleem Anber
Published: March 2021

The blood flow inside a tube with multi-thromboses is mathematically investigated. The existence of these multiple thromboses restricts the blood flow in this tube and the flow is revamped by using a catheter. This non-Newtonian blood flow problem is modeled for Jeffrey fluid. The energy equation includes a notable effect of viscous dissipation. We have calculated an exact solution for the developed mathematical governing equations. These mathematical equations are solved directly by using Mathematica software. The graphical outcomes are added to discuss the results in detail. The multiple thromboses with increasing heights are evident in streamline graphs. The sinusoidally advancing wave revealed in the wall shear stress graphs consists of crest and trough with varying amplitude. The existence of multi-thrombosis in this tube is the reason for this distinct amplitude of crest and trough. Further, the viscous dissipation effects come out as a core reason for heat production instead of molecular conduction.
Spatiotemporal variation in urban overheating magnitude and its association with synoptic air-masses in a coastal city
Authors: Khan Hassan Saeed , Santamouris Mat , Kassomenos Pavlos , Paolini Riccardo , Caccetta Peter , Petrou Ilias
Published: March 2021

Urban overheating (UO) may interact with synoptic-scale weather conditions. The association between meteorological parameters and UO has already been a subject of considerable research, however, the impact of synoptic-scale weather conditions on UO magnitude, particularly in a coastal city that is also near the desert landmass (Sydney) has never been investigated before. The present research examines the influence of synoptic-scale weather conditions on UO magnitude in Sydney by utilizing the newly developed gridded weather typing classification (GWTC). The diurnal, and seasonal variations in suburban-urban temperature contrast (ΔT) in association with synoptic-scale weather conditions, and ΔT response to synoptic air-masses during extreme heat events are investigated in three zones of Sydney. Generally, an exacerbation in UO magnitude was reported at daytime over the years, whereas the nocturnal UO magnitude was alleviated over time. The humid warm (HW), and warm (W) air-masses were found primarily responsible for exacerbated daytime UO during extreme heat events and in all other seasons, raising the mean daily maximum ΔT to 8–10.5 °C in Western Sydney, and 5–6.5 °C in inner Sydney. The dry warm (DW), and W conditions were mainly responsible for urban cooling (UC) at nighttime, bringing down the mean daily minimum ΔT to − 7.5 to − 10 °C in Western Sydney, and − 6 to − 7.5 °C in inner Sydney. The appropriate mitigation technologies can be planned based on this study to alleviate the higher daytime temperatures in the Sydney suburbs.
Younger North Americans are exposed to more radon gas due to occupancy biases within the residential built environment
Authors: Simms Justin A. , Pearson Dustin D. , Cholowsky Natasha L. , Irvine Jesse L. , Nielsen Markus E. , Jacques Weston R. , Taron Joshua M. , Peters Cheryl E. , Carlson Linda E. , Goodarzi Aaron A.
Published: March 2021

Residential buildings can concentrate radioactive radon gas, exposing occupants to particle radiation that increases lung cancer risk. This has worsened over time in North America, with newer residences containing greater radon. Using data from 18,971 Canadian households, we calculated annual particle radiation dose rates due to long term residential radon exposure, and examined this as a function of occupant demographics. The current particle radiation dose rate to lungs from residential radon in Canada is 4.08 mSv/y from 108.2 Bq/m3, with 23.4% receiving 100–2655 mSv doses that are known to elevate human cancer risk. Notably, residences built in the twenty-first century are occupied by significantly younger people experiencing greater radiation dose rates from radon (mean age of 46 at 5.01 mSv/y), relative to older groups more likely to occupy twentieth century-built properties (mean age of 53 at 3.45–4.22 mSv/y). Newer, higher radon-containing properties are also more likely to have minors, pregnant women and an overall higher number of occupants living there full time. As younger age-of-exposure to radon equates to greater lifetime lung cancer risk, these data reveal a worst case scenario of exposure bias. This is of concern as, if it continues, it forecasts serious future increases in radon-induced lung cancer in younger people.
Association between irrigation thresholds and promotion of soil organic carbon decomposition in sandy soil
Authors: Matteau Jean-Pascal , Célicourt Paul , Létourneau Guillaume , Gumiere Thiago , Walter Christian , Gumiere Silvio J.
Published: March 2021

Soil organic carbon (SOC) has a significant effect on the carbon cycle, playing a vital role in environmental services and crop production. Increasing SOC stock is identified as an effective way to improve carbon dioxide sequestration, soil health, and plant productivity. Knowing soil water is one of the primary SOC decomposition driver, periods in the crops growth stages with increased water movement might influence the SOC dynamics. Here, we evaluate the temporal effect of four precision irrigation thresholds ($$-15$$

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15

, $$-30$$

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30

, $$-45$$

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45

, and $$-60$$

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60

kPa) in potato crop on SOC dynamics using the Partial Least Square algorithm and the Tea Bag Index in a sandy soil under potato production. The difference of SOC decomposition rate between the precision irrigation thresholds is developed in the second quarter of the growing season, between 38 and 53 days after planting. This critical period occurred in a stage of strong vegetative growth and rapid irrigation cycles. The precision irrigation threshold affected the decomposition rate of SOC. A faster decomposition of labile organic carbon was promoted by water excess ($$-15$$

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15

kPa). The dryer ($$-30$$

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30

, $$-45$$

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45

, and $$-60$$

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60

kPa) precision irrigation thresholds did not show any differences. The advancement of this knowledge may promote soil health conservation and carbon sequestration in agricultural soil.
The effect of an orally-dosed Caralluma Fimbriata extract on appetite control and body composition in overweight adults
Authors: Rao Amanda , Briskey David , dos Reis Carla , Mallard Alistair R.
Published: March 2021

To examine the effect of a Caralluma Fimbriata extract (CFE) on biomarkers of satiety and body composition in overweight adults. A double-blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial to examine the effect of a Caralluma Fimbriata extract (CFE) on biomarkers of satiety and body composition in overweight adults. Eighty-three men and women aged between 20 and 50 years of age completed 16 weeks of daily supplementation with either CFE or placebo. Plasma cardiometabolic (lipid profile, glucose, insulin) and satiety (ghrelin, leptin, neuropeptideY) biomarkers, body composition, diet history and gastrointenstinal function were assessed at baseline, weeks 4, 8, 12 and 16. Subjects in the CFE and placebo groups were well matched and predominatly female 93% and 87.5%, with a mean age of 40.9 ± 6.7 and 39.5 ± 7.5 years and body mass index (BMI) of 30.0 ± 3.1 and 30.2 ± 2.9 kg/m2 respectively. There was a significant difference in plasma leptin concentration change between groups at week 16 (p = 0.04), with the placebo group increasing concentration (2.27 ± 4.80 ng/mL) while the CFE group (0.05 ± 4.69 ng/mL) remained the same. At week 16, the CFE group had significantly reduced their calorie intake from baseline compared to the placebo group (245 cal vs 15.8 cal respectively p < 0.01). The CFE group also had a significant reduction in waist circumference of 2.7 cm compared to an increase of 0.3 cm in the placebo group (p = 0.02). A weight increase from baseline was seen in the placebo group that was not observed in the CFE group (1.33 kg weight gain vs 0.37 kg weight loss respectively; p = 0.03). The placebo group also had a significant increase in fat mass, android fat mass, BMI and leptin compared to the CFE group (p = 0.04, 0.02, < 0.01 respectively). CFE was effective at maintaining bodyweight during a non-calorie controlled diet compared to a placebo. The mechanism responsible for this action is requiring further research and could be due to an increase in satiety receptor sensitivity.
CRISPY-BRED and CRISPY-BRIP: efficient bacteriophage engineering
Authors: Wetzel Katherine S. , Guerrero-Bustamante Carlos A. , Dedrick Rebekah M. , Ko Ching-Chung , Freeman Krista G. , Aull Haley G. , Divens Ashley M. , Rock Jeremy M. , Zack Kira M. , Hatfull Graham F.
Published: March 2021

Genome engineering of bacteriophages provides opportunities for precise genetic dissection and for numerous phage applications including therapy. However, few methods are available for facile construction of unmarked precise deletions, insertions, gene replacements and point mutations in bacteriophages for most bacterial hosts. Here we describe CRISPY-BRED and CRISPY-BRIP, methods for efficient and precise engineering of phages in Mycobacterium species, with applicability to phages of a variety of other hosts. This recombineering approach uses phage-derived recombination proteins and Streptococcus thermophilus CRISPR-Cas9.
Comparative in silico genome analysis of Clostridium perfringens unravels stable phylogroups with different genome characteristics and pathogenic potential
Authors: Abdel-Glil Mostafa Y. , Thomas Prasad , Linde Jörg , Busch Anne , Wieler Lothar H. , Neubauer Heinrich , Seyboldt Christian
Published: March 2021

Clostridium perfringens causes a plethora of devastating infections, with toxin production being the underlying mechanism of pathogenicity in various hosts. Genomic analyses of 206 public-available C. perfringens strains´ sequence data identified a substantial degree of genomic variability in respect to episome content, chromosome size and mobile elements. However, the position and order of the local collinear blocks on the chromosome showed a considerable degree of preservation. The strains were divided into five stable phylogroups (I–V). Phylogroup I contained human food poisoning strains with chromosomal enterotoxin (cpe) and a Darmbrand strain characterized by a high frequency of mobile elements, a relatively small genome size and a marked loss of chromosomal genes, including loss of genes encoding virulence traits. These features might correspond to the adaptation of these strains to a particular habitat, causing human foodborne illnesses. This contrasts strains that belong to phylogroup II where the genome size points to the acquisition of genetic material. Most strains of phylogroup II have been isolated from enteric lesions in horses and dogs. Phylogroups III, IV and V are heterogeneous groups containing a variety of different strains, with phylogroup III being the most abundant (65.5%). In conclusion, C. perfringens displays five stable phylogroups reflecting different disease involvements, prompting further studies on the evolution of this highly important pathogen.
Fast physical repetitive patterns generation for masking in time-delay reservoir computing
Authors: Argyris Apostolos , Schwind Janek , Fischer Ingo
Published: March 2021

Albeit the conceptual simplicity of hardware reservoir computing, the various implementation schemes that have been proposed so far still face versatile challenges. The conceptually simplest implementation uses a time delay approach, where one replaces the ensemble of nonlinear nodes with a unique nonlinear node connected to a delayed feedback loop. This simplification comes at a price in other parts of the implementation; repetitive temporal masking sequences are required to map the input information onto the diverse states of the time delay reservoir. These sequences are commonly introduced by arbitrary waveform generators which is an expensive approach when exploring ultra-fast processing speeds. Here we propose the physical generation of clock-free, sub-nanosecond repetitive patterns, with increased intra-pattern diversity and their use as masking sequences. To that end, we investigate numerically a semiconductor laser with a short optical feedback cavity, a well-studied dynamical system that provides a wide diversity of emitted signals. We focus on those operating conditions that lead to a periodic signal generation, with multiple harmonic frequency tones and sub-nanosecond limit cycle dynamics. By tuning the strength of the different frequency tones in the microwave domain, we access a variety of repetitive patterns and sample them in order to obtain the desired masking sequences. Eventually, we apply them in a time delay reservoir computing approach and test them in a nonlinear time-series prediction task. In a performance comparison with masking sequences that originate from random values, we find that only minor compromises are made while significantly reducing the instrumentation requirements of the time delay reservoir computing system.
The effect of a smartphone-based pain management application on pain intensity and quality of life in adolescents with chronic pain
Authors: Shaygan Maryam , Jaberi Azita
Published: March 2021

The development, implementation, and qualitative evaluation of smartphone-based pain management applications may provide an opportunity for more optimal management of pediatric pain in the homesetting. The present mixed-method study was conducted to assess a smartphone-based pain management application regarding the feasibility, adherence, participant satisfaction, and effectiveness on pain intensity and quality of life in adolescents with chronic pain. The study was carried out in the quantitative and qualitative stages using a mixed-method approach. The quantitative stage included 128 adolescents who met the ICD-11 criteria of chronic pain. After random allocation, adolescents allocated to the intervention group received a pain management program through a smartphone-based application. No education was given to the adolescents in the control group. The adolescents were assessed regarding pain intensity and different dimensions of quality of life at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and three-month follow-up. The findings in the quantitative stage were explained by qualitative interviews. The findings of the quantitative stage showed significant improvements in the pain intensity, emotional, social, and school functioning but not in the physical functioning of the adolescents. A high level of adherence (78.12%) and satisfaction (Mean = 26.45, SD = 6.45) with thes martphone-based pain management program was found. Based on the qualitative interviews, adolescents’ pain management strategies can be classified in three main categories: physical management, psychological management, and interpersonal resources. The results confirm the positive effect of a smartphone-based pain management program on the pain intensity and different dimensions of quality of life of adolescents with chronic pain. Within the context of chronic pain management, a mobile application incorporating both the psychological and physical management of pain may help adolescents with chronic pain to reduce the negative impacts of pain on their life.
Comparison between two devices in the detection of corneal thickness changes after cataract surgery
Authors: De Bernardo Maddalena , Vitiello Livio , Abbinante Giulia , De Pascale Ilaria , Capasso Luigi , Marotta Giuseppe , Rosa Nicola
Published: March 2021

This study compared corneal thickness (CT) changes obtained with specular microscopy (SM) and a rotating Scheimpflug camera (RSC) after conventional phacoemulsification surgery (PS). One hundred sixty six eyes of 83 patients were analyzed before and one month after PS. One eye underwent PS, while the fellow phakic one was used as control. CT was measured with SM at the center of the cornea and with RSC at the pupil center, at the corneal apex and at the thinnest point. In the operated eye, SM showed a larger CT mean increase than those one detected at the three different measurements’ points evaluated by RSC. Inversely, in the fellow phakic eye, SM showed a greater CT mean decrease than those one registered by RSC at its three measurement’s points. Thus, one month after surgery, even if cornea appears clear at the slit-lamp, a significant thickness increase is still present. This is even more evident if the slight decrease of the fellow phakic eye is considered. The differences between the two devices are probably related to the different measured areas.
Phagocytosis of microparticles increases responsiveness of macrophage-like cell lines U937 and THP-1 to bacterial lipopolysaccharide and lipopeptide
Authors: Ueno Takayuki , Yamamoto Yumi , Kawasaki Kiyoshi
Published: March 2021

Following bacterial infection, macrophages produce pro-inflammatory cytokines in response to bacterial cell components, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipopeptide, and simultaneously phagocytize and digest the invading bacteria. To study the effects of phagocytosis on pro-inflammatory responses, we determined if phagocytosis of polystyrene latex beads with ~ 1 µm diameter increases pro-inflammatory cytokine expression by human macrophage-like U937 and THP-1 cells stimulated with LPS. Treating macrophage-like cells with beads coated with IgG to facilitate Fcγ receptor-mediated phagocytosis increased LPS-induced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, and interleukin-6. Treatment with beads coated with poly-l-lysine to facilitate Fcγ receptor–independent phagocytosis also increased LPS-induced cytokine expression. Our results indicate that LPS-induced pro-inflammatory responses are enhanced by bead phagocytosis regardless of the uptake mechanism. Additionally, phagocytosis enhanced LPS-induced NF-κB activation, suggesting that Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 signaling is enhanced by phagocytosis. Furthermore, bead phagocytosis enhanced pro-inflammatory responses in U937 cells stimulated with lipopeptide, a ligand for the TLR2/TLR6 heterodimeric receptor. In conclusion, microparticle phagocytosis by macrophage-like U937 and THP-1 cells enhances the innate immune response induced by bacterial components.