bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with return of home oral fluid kits by suspected cases of measles, cohort study, London and South East of England, 2016–2018
Authors: Hiironen Iina , Bukasa Antoaneta , Fernandes Anand , Allen Katie , Winslade Claire , Bell Anita , Maslen Ellie , Chow Yimmy , Fok Jonathan , Lock Sarah , Mearkle Rachel , Wright Amanda , Verlander Neville Q. , Balasegaram Sooria , Saavedra-Campos Maria
Published: June 2023

A testing rate for measles above 80% is required by the WHO European Region Measles Elimination strategy to verify elimination. To comply with this rate, we explored factors associated with the return of oral fluid kits (OFK) by suspected measles cases. We described the cases and conducted a mixed-effects analysis to assess the relationship between socio-demographic and public health management characteristics and the likelihood of returning an OFK to the reference laboratory. Of 3,929 cases who were sent a postal OFK, 2,513 (67%) returned the kit. Adjusting for confounding, registration with a general practitioner (GP) (aOR:1.48, 95%CI:1.23–1.76) and living in a less deprived area (aOR:1.35, 95%CI:1.04–1.74) were associated with an increased likelihood of returning the OFK. The odds of returning the OFK also increased if the HPT contacted the parents/guardians of all cases prior to sending the kit and confirmed their address (aOR:2.01, 95%CI:1.17–3.42). Cases notified by a hospital (aOR:1.94, 95%CI:1.31–2.87) or GP (aOR:1.52; 95%CI:1.06–2.16) also had higher odds of returning the OFK. HPTs may want to consider these factors when managing suspected cases of measles since this may help in increasing the testing rates to the WHO-recommended level.
Receiver Function Analysis Reveals Lateral Variations in Temperature and Water Content in the Mantle Transition Zone Beneath Eastern North America
Authors: Liu Shangxin , King Scott D. , Long Maureen D. , Benoit Margaret H. , Aragon John C.
Published: June 2023

Using recently collected high‐resolution seismic data along a dense linear transect across Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia (called Mid‐Atlantic Geophysical Integrative Collaboration (MAGIC) profile), we analyze P‐to‐S receiver functions to investigate the undulations of the mantle transition zone (MTZ) discontinuities (410‐ and 660‐km) beneath the central Appalachian region. Our results incorporating the effects of local crustal and mantle structures suggest shallowing of both the 410‐ and the 660‐km discontinuities from the northwest (inland) to the southeast (coast) along MAGIC profile. Hydro‐thermal upwelling beneath the eastern U.S. coastal plain due to a hydrated MTZ and hot upwelling return flow associated with the descending lower mantle Farallon slab is consistent with our observations of MTZ structure considering 3D velocity heterogeneity. The inferred hydrous hot upwelling rising into the upper mantle may trigger dehydration melting atop the 410‐km discontinuity, which may help to explain the presence of a low velocity upper mantle anomaly beneath the region today.
Key Factors Controlling Biotite–Silicate Melt Nb and Ta Partitioning: Implications for Nb−Ta Enrichment and Fractionation in Granites
Authors: Gao Mingdi , Xiong Xiaolin , Huang Fangfang , Wang Jintuan , Wei Chunxia
Published: June 2023

Biotite–melt Nb and Ta partition coefficients (DNb and DTa) are crucial for understanding Nb−Ta enrichment and fractionation in rare metal granites (RMGs). However, the key factor(s) affecting biotite–melt DNb, DTa, and DNb/DTa values remain unclear. To elucidate the physicochemical factors that control the partition coefficients, we performed piston−cylinder experiments at 0.5−1.0 GPa and 850−1000°C with H2O‐added (4−10 wt.%) mixtures of granitic and biotitic glasses as starting materials. Two series of experiments (graphite‐buffered and unbuffered fO2 conditions) were conducted with calculated fO2 values ranging from ∼FMQ–1.5 to ∼FMQ+4. Under these experimental conditions, biotite–melt DNb, DTa, and DNb/DTa values are 0.30–2.63, 0.24−1.02, and 1.01−2.15, respectively. Biotite–melt DNb, DTa, and DNb/DTa values increase with decreasing melt NBO/T value (non‐bridging oxygens per tetrahedron), melt H2O content, and biotite Mg#T value [molar 100 × MgO/(MgO + FeOT)]. In addition, DNb and DTa exhibit good correlations with DTi, suggesting that DNb and DTa are predictable via DTi values. With our and literature data, we used multiple linear regressions to obtain empirical expressions of DNb and DTa as functions of the three parameters. By applying the empirical models to granite differentiation process, we found that ∼99% crystallization of biotite ± muscovite‐bearing assemblages results in an enrichment in magma Ta contents by >10 times with a decrease in Nb/Ta values from 10−13 to ∼1, which reproduces the Ta–Nb/Ta features of most RMGs. However, additional processes, such as columbite‐group mineral precipitation, may be required to account for the extremely low Nb/Ta values (<1) of some RMGs.
Experimental Investigation on the Transport of Sulfide Driven by Melt‐Rock Reaction in Partially Molten Peridotite
Authors: Wang Zhenjiang , Yao Zhuo‐Sen , Jin Zhenmin , Wang Yannan
Published: June 2023

Extraction of sulfides from the partially molten mantle is vital to elucidate the cycling of metal and sulfur elements between different geochemical circles but has not been investigated systematically. Using laboratory experiments and theoretical calculations, this study documents systematical variations in lithologies and compositions of silicate minerals and melts, which are approximately consistent with the results of the thermodynamically‐constrained model. During a melt‐peridotite reaction, the dissolution of olivine and precipitation of new orthopyroxene generate an orthopyroxene‐rich layer between the melt source and peridotite. With increasing reaction degree, more melt is infiltrated into and reacts with upper peridotite, which potentially enhances the concomitant upward transport of dense sulfide droplets. Theoretical analyses suggest an energetically focused melt flow with a high velocity (∼170.9 μm/hr) around sulfide droplets through the pore throat. In this energic melt flow, we, for the first time, observed the mechanical coalescence of sulfide droplets, and the associated drag force was likely driving upward entrainment of fine μm‐scale sulfide. For coarse sulfide droplets whose sizes are larger than the pore throat in the peridotite, their entrainment through narrow constrictions in crystal framework seems to be physically possible only when high‐degree melt‐peridotite reaction drives high porosity of peridotite and channelized melt flows with extremely high velocity. Hence, the melt‐rock reaction could drive and enhance upward entrainment of μm‐ to mm‐scale sulfide in the partially molten mantle, potentially contributing to the fertilization of the sub‐continental lithospheric mantle and the endowment of metal‐bearing sulfide for the formation of magmatic sulfide deposits.
On the Particle Motion in Paleo‐Magnetosphere During the Geomagnetic Polarity Reversal
Authors: Gong Fan , Yu Yiqun , Bai Kun , Cao Jinbin , Wei Yong
Published: June 2023

During the Earth's magnetic reversal, the dipole component of the magnetic field weakens, and the non‐dipole component becomes dominant, resulting in a far more complex magnetospheric topology than that of a dipole. In this study, we used a particle tracing technique to investigate the motion of ions within an irregular magnetosphere during the Matuyama‐Brunhes magnetic polarity reversal. Compared to the scenario in which the geomagnetic field is dominated by a dipole component, earthward‐moving particles can be hardly “trapped” in the inner magnetosphere when the geomagnetic field experiences the polarity reversal, and particles can directly precipitate into the Earth's atmosphere on a global scale. It suggests that under an irregular magnetospheric configuration, the traditional trapped region of particles (e.g., radiation belt or ring current) no longer exists.
Evolution and Prediction of Two Extremely Strong Atlantic Niños in 2019–2021: Impact of Benguela Warming
Authors: Li Xiaofan , Tan Wei , Hu Zeng‐Zhen , Johnson Nathaniel C.
Published: June 2023

As El Niño's little brother in the equatorial Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic Niño affects the climate variability in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and the vicinity. In 2019–2021, two extremely strong Atlantic Niños occurred with peaks in January 2020 and July 2021, respectively. The coupling between the ocean and atmosphere associated with the Atlantic Niños is similar to that associated with El Niño‐Southern Oscillation. Both the Atlantic Niños were triggered and modulated by a Benguela Niño‐like warming, through inducing wind stress anomalies in the South and equatorial Atlantic Ocean. In addition to the atmosphere‐ocean coupling at intraseasonal‐interseasonal time scales, interdecadal and longer time scale variation amplified the Atlantic Niños. Model predictions only capture the evolution of the Atlantic Niños at a 1‐month lead, consistent with the low prediction skill for sea surface temperature anomalies in the tropical Atlantic Ocean.
Case Studies of Forest Windthrows and Mesoscale Convective Systems in Amazonia
Authors: Feng Yanlei , Negrón‐Juárez Robinson I. , Chiang John C. H. , Chambers Jeffrey Q.
Published: June 2023

This study identifies 38 cases of windthrows in the Amazonia to explore the relationship between windthrows and the characteristics (storm passing time, cloud top temperature, and maximum precipitation) of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) that produced them. Most of windthrow cases in this study occurred in August and September. The storm passing time is positively correlated with the size of windthrows. MCSs with colder cloud top temperature (with a mean at 206 K)—indicating deeper convection—resulted in large windthrows, while those with warm cloud top (with a mean above 230 K) resulted in relatively small windthrows except for windthrows in the western Amazonia. No significant relationship is found between maximum precipitation intensity and the area of windthrows.
A Large Sediment Accretion Wave Along a Northern California Littoral Cell
Authors: Warrick J. A. , Vos K. , Buscombe D. , Ritchie A. C. , Curtis J. A.
Published: June 2023

The northern California littoral cell of the Klamath River, which is a mixed rocky and sandy system with significant shoreline curvature, was investigated by examining ∼40 yr of satellite‐derived shoreline positions and historical records. We find that an accretion wave of sediment was initiated near the Klamath River mouth in the late 1980s and translated downcoast over the subsequent decades. The wave passed rapidly (∼2,500 m/yr) through a rocky coastal reach with more oblique wave directions and slowly through a sandy reach (∼200 m/yr) where wave crests approach at more normal angles. Within the sandy reach, the accretion wave extended over 200 m offshore, was ∼10 km long, incorporated 20 ± 6 million m3 of sediment, and averaged 1.3 ± 0.4 million m3/yr of longshore sediment transport over a 20‐yr interval. Diffusion of the accretion wave was observed, but the diffusivity coefficient (εobs ∼0.01 m2/s) was lower than values predicted by theory, which we attribute to net sediment transport convergence in the study area caused by the curvature of the shoreline. Examining historical records, we find that increased sediment discharge in the Klamath River occurred during the 20th century from industrial‐scale logging and climatic extremes. Thus, we hypothesize that increased river sediment discharge introduced new sediment to the littoral cell that initiated the observed accretion wave. These hypotheses can be tested with stratigraphic and mineralogic investigations of the broad study area beach that has formed during the past 150 years.
Reply to Comment on “Potential Evaporation and the Complementary Relationship” by Jozsef Szilagyi
Authors: Tu Zhuoyi , Yang Yuting , Roderick Michael L. , McVicar Tim R.
Published: June 2023

We appreciate Dr Szilagyi's interest in our article on potential evaporation and the complementary relationship (CR). For his first concern on the assumption of constant net radiation versus constant net solar radiation in the estimation of potential evaporation, here we show that the constant net solar radiation condition is more universally applicable both in observations and from a theoretical perspective. For his second concern on the CR model calibration, we clarify herein that no calibrations were used in our applications of the various CR models. Instead, the parameter values were all directly taken from previous studies to ensure a fair and practically meaningful inter‐model comparison.
Metabolic resource overlap impacts competition among phyllosphere bacteria
Authors: Schlechter Rudolf O , Kear Evan J , Bernach Michał , Remus Daniela M , Remus-Emsermann Mitja N P
Published: June 2023

The phyllosphere is densely colonised by microbial communities, despite sparse and heterogeneously distributed resources. The limitation of resources is expected to drive bacterial competition resulting in exclusion or coexistence based on fitness differences and resource overlap between individual colonisers. We studied the impact of resource competition by determining the effects of different bacterial colonisers on the growth of the model epiphyte Pantoea eucalypti 299R (Pe299R). Resource overlap was predicted based on genome-scale metabolic modelling. By combining results of metabolic modelling and pairwise competitions in the Arabidopsis thaliana phyllosphere and in vitro, we found that ten resources sufficed to explain fitness of Pe299R. An effect of both resource overlap and phylogenetic relationships was found on competition outcomes in vitro as well as in the phyllosphere. However, effects of resource competition were much weaker in the phyllosphere when compared to in vitro experiments. When investigating growth dynamics and reproductive success at the single-cell resolution, resource overlap and phylogenetic relationships are only weakly correlated with epiphytic Pe299R reproductive success, indicating that the leaf’s spatial heterogeneity mitigates resource competition. Although the correlation is weak, the presence of competitors led to the development of Pe299R subpopulations that experienced different life histories and cell divisions. In some in planta competitions, Pe299R benefitted from the presence of epiphytes despite high resource overlap to the competitor strain suggesting other factors having stronger effects than resource competition. This study provides fundamental insights into how bacterial communities are shaped in heterogeneous environments and a framework to predict competition outcomes.
The HIV-1 capsid core is an opportunistic nuclear import receptor
Authors: Xue Guangai , Yu Hyun Jae , Buffone Cindy , Huang Szu-Wei , Lee KyeongEun , Goh Shih Lin , Gres Anna T. , Guney Mehmet Hakan , Sarafianos Stefan G. , Luban Jeremy , Diaz-Griffero Felipe , KewalRamani Vineet N.
Published: June 2023

The movement of viruses and other large macromolecular cargo through nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) is poorly understood. The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) provides an attractive model to interrogate this process. HIV-1 capsid (CA), the chief structural component of the viral core, is a critical determinant in nuclear transport of the virus. HIV-1 interactions with NPCs are dependent on CA, which makes direct contact with nucleoporins (Nups). Here we identify Nup35, Nup153, and POM121 to coordinately support HIV-1 nuclear entry. For Nup35 and POM121, this dependence was dependent cyclophilin A (CypA) interaction with CA. Mutation of CA or removal of soluble host factors changed the interaction with the NPC. Nup35 and POM121 make direct interactions with HIV-1 CA via regions containing phenylalanine glycine motifs (FG-motifs). Collectively, these findings provide additional evidence that the HIV-1 CA core functions as a macromolecular nuclear transport receptor (NTR) that exploits soluble host factors to modulate NPC requirements during nuclear invasion.
Formation mechanism of high-index faceted Pt-Bi alloy nanoparticles by evaporation-induced growth from metal salts
Authors: Koo Kunmo , Shen Bo , Baik Sung-Il , Mao Zugang , Smeets Paul J. M. , Cheuk Ivan , He Kun , dos Reis Roberto , Huang Liliang , Ye Zihao , Hu Xiaobing , Mirkin Chad A. , Dravid Vinayak P.
Published: June 2023

Nanoparticles with high-index facets are intriguing because such facets can lend the structure useful functionality, including enhanced catalytic performance and wide-ranging optical tunability. Ligand-free solid-state syntheses of high index-facet nanoparticles, through an alloying-dealloying process with foreign volatile metals, are attractive owing to their materials generality and high yields. However, the role of foreign atoms in stabilizing the high-index facets and the dynamic nature of the transformation including the coarsening and facet regulation process are still poorly understood. Herein, the transformation of Pt salts to spherical seeds and then to tetrahexahedra, is studied in situ via gas-cell transmission electron microscopy. The dynamic behaviors of the alloying and dealloying process, which involves the coarsening of nanoparticles and consequent facet regulation stage are captured in the real time with a nanoscale spatial resolution. Based on additional direct evidence obtained using atom probe tomography and density functional theory calculations, the underlying mechanisms of the alloying-dealloying process are uncovered, which will facilitate broader explorations of high-index facet nanoparticle synthesis.
Scientific perspectives on lunar exploration in Europe
Authors: Flahaut Jessica , van der Bogert Carolyn H. , Crawford Ian A. , Vincent-Bonnieu Sebastien
Published: June 2023

The Moon is a geological history book, preserving information about the history of the Solar System, including the formation and early evolution of the terrestrial planets and their bombardment histories, as well as providing insight into other fundamental Solar System processes. These topics form the basis for science “of the Moon”, but the lunar surface is also a platform for science “on the Moon” and “from the Moon”—including astronomical observations, fundamental physics, and life science investigations. Recently, the Moon has become a destination for technology research and development—in particular for developing in situ resources, human exploration, and habitation, and for its potential use as a waypoint for the human exploration of Mars. This paper, based on recommendations originally proposed in a White Paper for ESA’s SciSpacE strategy, outlines key lunar science questions that may be addressed by future space exploration missions and makes recommendations for the next decades.
A guide to sharing open healthcare data under the General Data Protection Regulation
Authors: de Kok Jip W. T. M. , de la Hoz Miguel Á. Armengol , de Jong Ymke , Brokke Véronique , Elbers Paul W. G. , Thoral Patrick , Castillejo Alejandro , Trenor Tomás , Castellano Jose M. , Bronchalo Alberto E. , Merz Tobias M. , Faltys Martin ,   Collaborator group, Casares Cristina , Jiménez Araceli , Requejo Jaime , Gutiérrez Sonia , Curto David , Rätsch Gunnar , Peppink Jan M. , Driessen Ronald H. , Sijbrands Eric J. G. , Kompanje Erwin J. O. , Girbes Armand R. J. , Barberan Jose , Varona Jose Felipe , Villares Paula , van der Horst Iwan C. C. , Xu Minnan , Celi Leo Anthony , van Bussel Bas C. T. , Borrat Xavier
Published: June 2023

Sharing healthcare data is increasingly essential for developing data-driven improvements in patient care at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). However, it is also very challenging under the strict privacy legislation of the European Union (EU). Therefore, we explored four successful open ICU healthcare databases to determine how open healthcare data can be shared appropriately in the EU. A questionnaire was constructed based on the Delphi method. Then, follow-up questions were discussed with experts from the four databases. These experts encountered similar challenges and regarded ethical and legal aspects to be the most challenging. Based on the approaches of the databases, expert opinion, and literature research, we outline four distinct approaches to openly sharing healthcare data, each with varying implications regarding data security, ease of use, sustainability, and implementability. Ultimately, we formulate seven recommendations for sharing open healthcare data to guide future initiatives in sharing open healthcare data to improve patient care and advance healthcare.
Plot-level estimates of aboveground biomass and soil organic carbon stocks from Nepal’s forest inventory
Authors: Khanal Shiva , Boer Matthias M.
Published: June 2023

Given the contribution of deforestation and forest degradation to the global carbon cycle, forest resources are critical to mitigating the global climate change effects. Improved forest monitoring across different biomes is important to understand forest dynamics better and improve global projections of future atmospheric CO2 concentration. Better quantification of the forest carbon cycle advances scientific understanding and informs global negotiations about carbon emissions reduction. High-quality estimates of forest carbon stocks are currently scarce in many developing countries. Here, we present the most comprehensive georeferenced data set to date of plot-level forest carbon estimates for Nepal. Based on field observations from Nepal’s national forest inventory of 2010–2014; the data set includes estimates for two major forest carbon pools, aboveground biomass (AGB) and soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks from 2,009 and 1,156 inventory plots, respectively. The dataset fills an important knowledge gap about forest carbon stocks in the Central Himalayas, a region with highly heterogeneous environmental conditions and rich biodiversity that is poorly represented in existing global estimates of forest carbon.
A curated gene and biological system annotation of adverse outcome pathways related to human health
Authors: Saarimäki Laura Aliisa , Fratello Michele , Pavel Alisa , Korpilähde Seela , Leppänen Jenni , Serra Angela , Greco Dario
Published: June 2023

Adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) are emerging as a central framework in modern toxicology and other fields in biomedicine. They serve as an extension of pathway-based concepts by depicting biological mechanisms as causally linked sequences of key events (KEs) from a molecular initiating event (MIE) to an adverse outcome. AOPs guide the use and development of new approach methodologies (NAMs) aimed at reducing animal experimentation. While AOPs model the systemic mechanisms at various levels of biological organisation, toxicogenomics provides the means to study the molecular mechanisms of chemical exposures. Systematic integration of these two concepts would improve the application of AOP-based knowledge while also supporting the interpretation of complex omics data. Hence, we established this link through rigorous curation of molecular annotations for the KEs of human relevant AOPs. We further expanded and consolidated the annotations of the biological context of KEs. These curated annotations pave the way to embed AOPs in molecular data interpretation, facilitating the emergence of new knowledge in biomedicine.
The sequence of the repetitive motif influences the frequency of multistep mutations in Short Tandem Repeats
Authors: Antão-Sousa Sofia , Pinto Nádia , Rende Pablo , Amorim António , Gusmão Leonor
Published: June 2023

Microsatellites, or Short Tandem Repeats (STRs), are subject to frequent length mutations that involve the loss or gain of an integer number of repeats. This work aimed to investigate the correlation between STRs’ specific repetitive motif composition and mutational dynamics, specifically the occurrence of single- or multistep mutations. Allelic transmission data, comprising 323,818 allele transfers and 1,297 mutations, were gathered for 35 Y-chromosomal STRs with simple structure. Six structure groups were established: ATT, CTT, TCTA/GATA, GAAA/CTTT, CTTTT, and AGAGAT, according to the repetitive motif present in the DNA leading strand of the markers. Results show that the occurrence of multistep mutations varies significantly among groups of markers defined by the repetitive motif. The group of markers with the highest frequency of multistep mutations was the one with repetitive motif CTTTT (25% of the detected mutations) and the lowest frequency corresponding to the group with repetitive motifs TCTA/GATA (0.93%). Statistically significant differences (α = 0.05) were found between groups with repetitive motifs with different lengths, as is the case of TCTA/GATA and ATT (p = 0.0168), CTT (p < 0.0001) and CTTTT (p < 0.0001), as well as between GAAA/CTTT and CTTTT (p = 0.0102). The same occurred between the two tetrameric groups GAAA/CTTT and TCTA/GATA (p < 0.0001) – the first showing 5.7 times more multistep mutations than the second. When considering the number of repeats of the mutated paternal alleles, statistically significant differences were found for alleles with 10 or 12 repeats, between GATA and ATT structure groups. These results, which demonstrate the heterogeneity of mutational dynamics across repeat motifs, have implications in the fields of population genetics, epidemiology, or phylogeography, and whenever STR mutation models are used in evolutionary studies in general.
Multiobjective optimization to assess dengue control costs using a climate-dependent epidemiological model
Authors: de Vasconcelos Amália Soares Vieira , de Lima Josenildo Silva , Cardoso Rodrigo Tomás Nogueira
Published: June 2023

Arboviruses, diseases transmitted by arthropods, have become a significant challenge for public health managers. The World Health Organization highlights dengue as responsible for millions of infections worldwide annually. As there is no specific treatment for the disease and no free-of-charge vaccine for mass use in Brazil, the best option is the measures to combat the vector, the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Therefore, we proposed an epidemiological model dependent on temperature, precipitation, and humidity, considering symptomatic and asymptomatic dengue infections. Through computer simulations, we aimed to minimize the amount of insecticides and the social cost demanded to treat patients. We proposed a case study in which our model is fitted with real data from symptomatic dengue-infected humans in an epidemic year in a Brazilian city. Our multiobjective optimization model considers an additional control using larvicide, adulticide, and ultra-low volume spraying. The work’s main contribution is studying the monetary cost of the actions to combat the vector demand versus the hospital cost per confirmed infected, comparing approaches with and without additional control. Results showed that the additional vector control measures are cheaper than the hospital treatment without the vector control would be.
Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory potential of curcumin loaded chitosan nanoparticles
Authors: Asif Hafiz Muhammad , Zafar Farah , Ahmad Khalil , Iqbal Amjad , Shaheen Ghazala , Ansari Khalil Ahmad , Rana Sehrish , Zahid Rabia , Ghaffar Saira
Published: June 2023

Curcumin is a phytochemical isolated from the dried rhizome of Curcuma longa L. family Zingiberaceae which possesses versatile biological activities and has hydrophobic properties. The current study was conducted to fabricate, and optimize curcumin loaded chitosan and Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) nanoparticles (NPs) to improve the bioavailability of curcumin. NPs were fabricated employing the Ionic gelation method. Four formulations were developed based on the selected variables like STPP and chitosan concentration, rotations per minute (rpm), temperature, and pH of chitosan solution. NPs were characterized for morphology, drug-polymer compatibility, yield, particle size, encapsulation efficiency, release behavior, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity compared to curcumin and standard drug. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) shows nanoparticle compatibility. The maximum yield was 60%. Entrapment efficiency ranged from 45 to 65%. Curcumin NPs and standard drug 600 µg/ml shows 59% and 70% anti-inflammatory activity by HRB membrane stabilization method respectively which are greater than curcumin alone whereas anti-arthritic activity by protein denaturation method which is also comparable to standard drug and greater than curcumin was 66 and 70% respectively. Statistical analysis shows the mean significant difference at p ≤ 0.05. The study concluded that curcumin-loaded chitosan and STPP NPs formulated successfully by the Ionic gelation method, which increased curcumin absorption leading to a reduced dosing rate and improved patient compliance.
Uniquely low stable iron isotopic signatures in deep marine sediments caused by Rayleigh distillation
Authors: Köster Male , Staubwasser Michael , Meixner Anette , Kasemann Simone A. , Manners Hayley R. , Morono Yuki , Inagaki Fumio , Heuer Verena B. , Kasten Sabine , Henkel Susann
Published: June 2023

Dissimilatory iron reduction (DIR) is suggested to be one of the earliest forms of microbial respiration. It plays an important role in the biogeochemical cycling of iron in modern and ancient sediments. Since microbial iron cycling is typically accompanied by iron isotope fractionation, stable iron isotopes are used as tracer for biological activity. Here we present iron isotope data for dissolved and sequentially extracted sedimentary iron pools from deep and hot subseafloor sediments retrieved in the Nankai Trough off Japan. Dissolved iron (Fe(II)aq) is isotopically light throughout the ferruginous sediment interval but some samples have exceptionally light isotope values. Such light values have never been reported in natural marine environments and cannot be solely attributed to DIR. We show that the light isotope values are best explained by a Rayleigh distillation model where Fe(II)aq is continuously removed from the pore water by adsorption onto iron (oxyhydr)oxide surfaces. While the microbially mediated Fe(II)aq release has ceased due to an increase in temperature beyond the threshold of mesophilic microorganisms, the abiotic adsorptive Fe(II)aq removal continued, leading to uniquely light isotope values. These findings have important implications for the interpretation of dissolved iron isotope data especially in deep subseafloor sediments.
Low length-for-age Z-score within 1 month after birth predicts hyperdynamic circulation at the age of 21 years in rural Malawi
Authors: Penninkangas Roosa-Maria , Choudhary Manoj Kumar , Mangani Charles , Maleta Kenneth , Teivaanmäki Tiina , Niemelä Onni , Ashorn Per , Ashorn Ulla , Pörsti Ilkka
Published: June 2023

Low birth weight predisposes to the development of hypertension in middle- and high-income countries. We examined the relation of early life length-for-age score (Z-score) on cardiovascular function in young adults in Malawi, a low-income country. Capture of supine, seated, and standing brachial pulse waveforms (Mobil-O-Graph) were performed in 223 females and 152 males (mean age 21 years), and analyzed according to the length-for-age Z-score tertiles during the first month of life. Plasma LDL cholesterol in young adulthood was slightly lower in the lowest versus highest tertile. Otherwise, blood hemoglobin and plasma chemistry were similar in all tertiles. Irrespective of posture, blood pressure, forward and backward wave amplitudes, and pulse wave velocity were corresponding in all tertiles. In the three postures, the lowest tertile presented with 4.5% lower systemic vascular resistance than the highest tertile (p = 0.005), and 4.4% and 5.5% higher cardiac output than the middle and highest tertiles, respectively (p < 0.01). Left cardiac work was 6.8% and 6.9% higher in the lowest tertile than in the middle and highest tertiles, respectively (p < 0.01). To conclude, in a low-income environment, low length-for-age Z-score after birth predicted hyperdynamic circulation at 21 years of age without changes in blood pressure and metabolic variables.
Imaging and identification of single nanoplastic particles and agglomerates
Authors: Shorny Ambika , Steiner Fritz , Hörner Helmut , Skoff Sarah M.
Published: June 2023

Pollution by nanoplastic is a growing environmental and health concern. Currently the extent of nanoplastic in the environment can only be cumbersomely and indirectly estimated but not measured. To be able to quantify the extent of the problem, detection methods that can identify nanoplastic particles that are smaller than 1 $$\mu$$
μ
m are critically needed. Here, we employ surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) to image and identify single nanoplastic particles down to 100 nm in size. We can differentiate between single particles and agglomerates and our method allows an improvement in detection speed of $$10^{7}$$

10
7

compared to state-of-the art surface-enhanced Raman imaging. Being able to resolve single particles allows to measure the SERS enhancement factor on individual nanoplastic particles instead of averaging over a concentration without spatial information. Our results thus contribute to the better understanding and employment of SERS for nanoplastic detection and present an important step for the development of future sensors.
Identification of hub genes and potential ceRNA networks of diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Hou Jun , Liang Wan Yi , Xiong Shiqiang , Long Pan , Yue Tian , Wen Xudong , Wang Tianchen , Deng Haoyu
Published: June 2023

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), a common complication of diabetes, is defined as ventricular dysfunction in the absence of underlying heart disease. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), play a crucial role in the development of DCM. Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify key modules in DCM-related pathways. DCM-related miRNA-mRNA network and DCM-related ceRNA network were constructed by miRNA-seq to identify hub genes in these modules. We identified five hub genes that are associated with the onset of DCM, including Troponin C1 (Tnnc1), Phospholamban (Pln), Fatty acid binding proteins 3 (Fabp3), Popeye domain containing 2 (Popdc2), and Tripartite Motif-containing Protein 63 (Trim63). miRNAs that target the hub genes were mainly involved in TGF-β and Wnt signaling pathways. GO BP enrichment analysis found these miRNAs were involved in the signaling of TGF-β and glucose homeostasis. Q-PCR results found the gene expressions of Pln, Fabp3, Trim63, Tnnc1, and Popdc2 were significantly increased in DCM. Our study identified five hub genes (Tnnc1, Pln, Fabp3, Popdc2, Trim63) whose associated ceRNA networks are responsible for the onset of DCM.
Genetic diversity of Helicobacter pylori type IV secretion system cagI and cagN genes and their association with clinical diseases
Authors: Azizimoghaddam Yasaman , Kermanpour Sadaf , Mirzaei Nasrin , Houri Hamidreza , Nabavi-Rad Ali , Asadzadeh Aghdaei Hamid , Yadegar Abbas , Zali Mohammad Reza
Published: June 2023

A number ofcagPAI genes in theHelicobacter pylorigenome are considered the most evolved genes under a diversifying selection and evolutionary pressure. Among them,cagI andcagN are described as a part of the two different-operon ofcagPAI that are involved in the T4SS machinery, but the definite association of these factors with clinical manifestations is still unclear. A total of 70H. pyloriisolates were obtained from different gastroduodenal patients. All isolates were examined for the presence of primaryH. pylorivirulence genes by PCR analysis. Direct DNA sequence analysis was performed for thecagIandcagNgenes. The results were compared with the reference strain. ThecagI,cagN,cagA,cagL,vacAs1m1,vacAs1m2,vacAs2m2,babA2,sabA, anddupAgenotypes were detected in 80, 91.4, 84, 91.4, 32.8, 42.8, 24.4, 97.1, 84.3, and 84.3% of the total isolates, respectively. The most variable codon usage incagIwas observed at residues 20–25, 55–60, 94, 181–199, 213–221, 241–268, and 319–320, while the most variable codon usage in CagN hypervariable motif (CagNHM) was observed at residues 53 to 63. Sequencing data analysis ofcagNrevealed a hypothetical hexapeptide motif (EAKDEN/K) in residues of 278–283 among sixH. pyloriisolates, which needs further studies to evaluate its putative function. The present study demonstrated a high prevalence ofcagIandcagNgenes among IranianH. pyloriisolates with gastroduodenal diseases. Furthermore, no significant correlation betweencagIandcagNvariants and clinical diseases was observed in the present study. However, all patients had a high prevalence ofcagPAI genes includingcagI,cagN,cagA, andcagL, which indicates more potential role of these genes in disease outcome.
Infant visual preference for the mother’s face and longitudinal associations with emotional reactivity in the first year of life
Authors: Rigato Silvia , Stets Manuela , Charalambous Sophia , Dvergsdal Henrik , Holmboe Karla
Published: June 2023

Past research has focused on infants’ visual preference for the mother’s face, however it is still unknown how these responses change over time and what factors associate with such changes. A longitudinal study (N ~ 60) was conducted to investigate the trajectories of infant visual preference for the mother’s face and how these are related to the development of emotional reactivity in the first year of life. Two face stimuli (i.e., the infant’s mother and a consistent stranger face) were used in a visual preference task at 2 weeks, 4, 6, and 9 months of age. At each time point, mothers were asked to complete a measure of infant temperament via standardised questionnaires. Our results show that while at 2 weeks, 4 months and 9 months of age infants looked equally at both faces, infants at 6 months looked significantly longer at their mother’s face. We also observed prospective associations with emotional reactivity variables so that infants who looked longer at the mother’s face at 6 months showed higher falling reactivity, i.e. a better ability to recover from distress, at 9 months. We discuss these findings in light of the roles that both infant development and the caregiver play in emerging emotion regulation capacities during the first year of life.
Acute muscle mass loss was alleviated with HMGB1 neutralizing antibody treatment in severe burned rats
Authors: Song Juquan , Chowdhury Imran H. , Choudhuri Subhadip , Ayadi Amina E. I. , Rios Lizette E. , Wolf Steven E. , Wenke Joseph C. , Garg Nisha J.
Published: June 2023

Burn injury is associated with muscle wasting, though the involved signaling mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, we aimed to examine the role of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in signaling hyper-inflammation and consequent skeletal muscle impairment after burn. Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned into three groups: (1) sham burn, (2) burn, (3) burn/treatment. Animals in group 2 and group 3 received scald burn on 30% of total body surface area (TBSA) and immediately treated with chicken IgY and anti-HMGB1 antibody, respectively. Muscle tissues and other samples were collected at 3-days after burn. Body mass and wet/dry weights of the hind limb muscles (total and individually) were substantially decreased in burn rats. Acute burn provoked the mitochondrial stress and cell death and enhanced the protein ubiquitination and LC3A/B levels that are involved in protein degradation in muscle tissues. Further, an increase in muscle inflammatory infiltrate associated with increased differentiation, maturation and proinflammatory activation of bone marrow myeloid cells and αβ CD4+ T and γδ T lymphocytes was noted in in circulation and spleen of burn rats. Treatment with one dose of HMGB1 neutralizing antibody reduced the burn wound size and preserved the wet/dry weights of the hind limb muscles associated with a control in the markers of cell death and autophagy pathways in burn rats. Further, anti-HMGB1 antibody inhibited the myeloid and T cells inflammatory activation and subsequent dysregulated inflammatory infiltrate in the muscle tissues of burn rats. We conclude that neutralization of HMGB1-dependent proteolytic and inflammatory responses has potential beneficial effects in preventing the muscle loss after severe burn injury.
A PPIX-binding probe facilitates discovery of PPIX-induced cell death modulation by peroxiredoxin
Authors: Lynch John , Wang Yao , Li Yuxin , Kavdia Kanisha , Fukuda Yu , Ranjit Sabina , Robinson Camenzind G. , Grace Christy R. , Xia Youlin , Peng Junmin , Schuetz John D.
Published: June 2023

While heme synthesis requires the formation of a potentially lethal intermediate, protoporphyrin IX (PPIX), surprisingly little is known about the mechanism of its toxicity, aside from its phototoxicity. The cellular protein interactions of PPIX might provide insight into modulators of PPIX-induced cell death. Here we report the development of PPB, a biotin-conjugated, PPIX-probe that captures proteins capable of interacting with PPIX. Quantitative proteomics in a diverse panel of mammalian cell lines reveal a high degree of concordance for PPB-interacting proteins identified for each cell line. Most differences are quantitative, despite marked differences in PPIX formation and sensitivity. Pathway and quantitative difference analysis indicate that iron and heme metabolism proteins are prominent among PPB-bound proteins in fibroblasts, which undergo PPIX-mediated death determined to occur through ferroptosis. PPB proteomic data (available at PRIDE ProteomeXchange # PXD042631) reveal that redox proteins from PRDX family of glutathione peroxidases interact with PPIX. Targeted gene knockdown of the mitochondrial PRDX3, but not PRDX1 or 2, enhance PPIX-induced death in fibroblasts, an effect blocked by the radical-trapping antioxidant, ferrostatin-1. Increased PPIX formation and death was also observed in a T-lymphoblastoid ferrochelatase-deficient leukemia cell line, suggesting that PPIX elevation might serve as a potential strategy for killing certain leukemias.
Learning fast and fine-grained detection of amyloid neuropathologies from coarse-grained expert labels
Authors: Wong Daniel R. , Magaki Shino D. , Vinters Harry V. , Yong William H. , Monuki Edwin S. , Williams Christopher K. , Martini Alessandra C. , DeCarli Charles , Khacherian Chris , Graff John P. , Dugger Brittany N. , Keiser Michael J.
Published: June 2023

Precise, scalable, and quantitative evaluation of whole slide images is crucial in neuropathology. We release a deep learning model for rapid object detection and precise information on the identification, locality, and counts of cored plaques and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). We trained this object detector using a repurposed image-tile dataset without any human-drawn bounding boxes. We evaluated the detector on a new manually-annotated dataset of whole slide images (WSIs) from three institutions, four staining procedures, and four human experts. The detector matched the cohort of neuropathology experts, achieving 0.64 (model) vs. 0.64 (cohort) average precision (AP) for cored plaques and 0.75 vs. 0.51 AP for CAAs at a 0.5 IOU threshold. It provided count and locality predictions that approximately correlated with gold-standard human CERAD-like WSI scoring (p = 0.07 ± 0.10). The openly-available model can quickly score WSIs in minutes without a GPU on a standard workstation.
Flow-type hydrogen peroxide fuel cells with hemin-modified buckypaper catalysts
Authors: Jeon Seon-Min , Ji Jungyeon , Kwon Yongchai
Published: June 2023

In this study, a new cathodic catalyst including hemin catalyzing the H2O2 reduction reaction (HPRR) is suggested to improve the performance of flow-type hydrogen peroxide fuel cells (HPFCs).
A simple, green and low-cost agarose-based binding layer for simultaneous determination of cations and anions in aquatic systems using DGT
Authors: Eismann Carlos Eduardo , Menegário Amauri Antonio , Geraldo de Oliveira Edson , Elias Lucas Pellegrini , Martins Viana José Lucas , Teixeira Zanatta Melina Borges , Barbiero Laurent , Fostier Anne Hélène
Published: June 2023

Agarose only DGT instead of carcinogenic acrylamide devices reduces costs and simplifies the process of synthesis of DGT hydrogels.
A high-throughput workflow for the synthesis of CdSe nanocrystals using a sonochemical materials acceleration platform
Authors: Politi Maria , Baum Fabio , Vaddi Kiran , Antonio Edwin , Vasquez Joshua , Bishop Brittany P. , Peek Nadya , Holmberg Vincent C. , Pozzo Lilo D.
Published: June 2023

A sonochemical Materials Acceleration Platform was implemented to synthesize CdSe nanocrystals under 625 unique conditions (in triplicate) in less than 6 weeks. The modularity of the workflow is adaptable to a variety of applications.
Sonocatalytic oxidative desulfurization of diesel oil using a novel BiVO4/FeMn LDH nanocomposite
Authors: Abdelrahman Asmaa A. , Osman Doaa I. , Rabie Abdelrahman M. , Salem Heba M.
Published: June 2023

A novel BiVO4/FeMn layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocomposite was fabricated and applied for green and efficient ultrasound-assisted oxidative desulfurization (UAODS) of real fuel (hydrotreated oil).
Palladium nanoparticles confined in uncoordinated amine groups of metal–organic frameworks as efficient hydrogen evolution electrocatalysts
Authors: Liu Huimin , Wang Chen , Liu Chang , Zong Xing , Wang Yongfei , Hu Zhizhi , Zhang Zhiqiang
Published: June 2023

The free –NH2incorporation successively increases active sites, which proceeds excellent electrocatalytic performance for hydrogen evolution reaction.
MOF-derived CdS/CoO S-type heterojunctions for improving the efficiency of photocatalytic evolution
Authors: Yang Huaizhi , Wan Yuqi , Cheng Qingrong , Zhou Hong , Pan Zhiquan , Liu Yan
Published: June 2023

The aggravating extreme climate changes and environmental pollution problems have stimulated the exploration of green alternatives to conventional fossil fuels and green environmental treatments.
Introduction to Materials Informatics
Authors: Rajan Krishna , Behler Jörg , Pickard Chris J.
Published: June 2023

Krishna Rajan, Jörg Behler and Chris J. Pickard introduce the Materials Advances themed collection on Materials Informatics.
Deoxyestrone-based lipofection agents with solution- and solid-state emission properties
Authors: Huber Alexander , Koch Johannes , Rudolph Kevin , Höing Alexander , Rizzo Fabio , Knauer Shirley K. , Voskuhl Jens
Published: June 2023

The first class of solution and solid-state emitters (SSSE) capable of mediating gene transfection of different cell lines is reported. These amphiphiles can self-assemble in presence of DNA, forming luminescent lipoplexes that feature low toxicity.
Large-scale sonochemical fabrication of a Co3O4–CoFe2O4@MWCNT bifunctional electrocatalyst for enhanced OER/HER performances
Authors: Afaq Muhammad , Shahid Muhammad , Ahmad Iqbal , Yousaf Sheraz , Alazmi Amira , Mahmoud M. H. H. , El Azab Islam H. , Warsi Muhammad Farooq
Published: June 2023

The large-scale sonochemical fabrication and mechanism of a Co3O4–CoFe2O4@MWCNT bifunctional electrocatalyst for enhanced OER/HER performances.
Conversion of glycerol to acrylic acid: a review of strategies, recent developments and prospects
Authors: Abubakar Umar C. , Bansod Yash , Forster Luke , Spallina Vincenzo , D'Agostino Carmine
Published: June 2023

Sustainable production of acrylic acid can be achieved through various glycerol conversion routes. In this review, we discuss the strategies, challenges and prospects for the utilisation of waste glycerol as an alternative feedstock.
Targeted treatment of gouty arthritis by biomineralized metallic nanozyme-mediated oxidative stress-mitigating nanotherapy
Authors: Mohapatra Adityanarayan , Mohanty Ayeskanta , Sathiyamoorthy Padmanaban , Chahal Sahil , Vijayan Veena , Rajendrakumar Santhosh Kalash , Park In-Kyu
Published: June 2023

Targeted delivery of ceria nanozymes depletes oxidative stress in inflammatory macrophage cells and alleviates gouty arthritis symptoms by suppressing inflammatory signals.