bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
«Fasziitis plantaris»
Authors: Hirschmüller Anja , Weidermann Frances
Published: August 2022

Zusammenfassung. Die Plantarfasziopathie (im Volksmund auch «Fersensporn» genannt) ist ein häufiges Krankheitsbild in der täglichen Praxis. Cirka 4–10% der Allgemeinbevölkerung sind betroffen. Bei Sportlern wird die Prävalenz sogar auf 5–18% geschätzt. Neben Laufsportlern zählen übergewichtige Menschen in stehenden und gehenden Berufen zur Risikogruppe. Die Einschränkung der Lebensqualität ist zum Teil beträchtlich. Die Diagnose kann meist schon durch eine gezielte Anamnese und klinische Untersuchung gestellt werden und wird sonographisch oder magnetresonanztomographisch bestätigt. Differenzialdiagnostisch kommen vor allem die Irritation des Baxter-Nervs, das Tarsaltunnelsyndrom sowie die Insertionstendinopathie der Achillessehne in Betracht. Die Plantarfasziopathie ist eine Domäne der konservativen Therapie. Die Basistherapie besteht in Patientenedukation und Dehnungsübungen, ergänzt durch Einlagenversorgung, Taping und extrakorporale Stosswellentherapie. Sollte dies nicht zu einer suffizienten Beschwerdereduktion führen, können Nachtlagerungsschienen und Infiltrationen zum Einsatz kommen. Die Prognose ist in aller Regel gut, in der Mehrzahl der Fälle kommt das Krankheitsbild innerhalb eines Jahres zur Ausheilung.
“I Can’t See an End in Sight.” How the COVID-19 Pandemic May Influence Suicide Risk
Authors: Hwang I-Ting , Fu-Tsung Shaw Fortune , Hsu Wen-Yau , Liu Guang-Yi , Kuan Chen-I , Gunnell David , Chang Shu-Sen
Published: August 2022

Abstract: Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences may affect population mental health and suicide risk. Aims: To explore the experiences among suicidal individuals who made calls to a suicide prevention hotline and to identify factors and psychological responses that may influence suicide risk. Method: We identified 60 eligible recorded calls to Taiwan’s suicide prevention hotline (January 23, 2020–May 31, 2020) and analyzed the transcripts using a framework analysis. Results: We identified three themes: (a) effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on society (impacts on local economies, the fear of contagion, and disruptions caused by outbreak control measures); (b) stress experienced by callers, including increased challenges (financial burden, restricted freedom of movement, interpersonal conflicts, feelings of uncertainty, and education/career interruption) and reduced support (reduced access to health services and social support); and (c) the callers’ psychological responses to stress, including anxiety, sleep disturbance, depression, loneliness, hopelessness, and entrapment, which may increase suicide risk. Limitations: Only the experiences among those who sought help by calling the hotline during the early months of the pandemic in 2020 were explored. Conclusion: Our findings revealed the potential process underlying the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicide risk and have implications for prevention and intervention strategies.
Multi‐Scale Kelvin‐Helmholtz Instability Dynamics Observed by PMC Turbo on 12 July 2018: 2. DNS Modeling of KHI Dynamics and PMC Responses
Authors: Fritts David C. , Wang Ling , Lund Thomas S. , Thorpe S. A. , Kjellstrand C. Bjorn , Kaifler Bernd , Kaifler Natalie
Published: August 2022

Kjellstrand et al. (2022), https://10.1029/2021JD036232 describes the evolution and dynamics of a strong, large‐scale Kelvin‐Helmholtz instability (KHI) event observed in polar mesospheric clouds (PMCs) on 12 July 2018 by high‐resolution imagers aboard the PMC Turbulence (PMC Turbo) stratospheric long‐duration balloon experiment. The imaging provides evidence of KH billow interactions and instabilities that are strongly influenced by gravity waves at larger scales. Specific features include initially separated regions of KHI, secondary convective and KH instabilities of individual billows, and “tubes” and “knots” that arise where billow cores are mis‐aligned or discontinuous along their axes. This study describes a direct numerical simulation of KH billow interactions in a periodic domain seeded with random initial noise that enables excitation of multiple KH billows exhibiting variable phase structures that capture multiple features of the observed KHI dynamics. Variable KH billow phases along their axes yield initial vortex tubes having diagonal alignments that link adjacent, but mis‐aligned, billow cores. Weak initial vortex tubes and billow cores having nearly orthogonal alignments amplify, interact strongly, and drive intense vortex knots at these sites. These vortex tube and knot (T&K) dynamics excite “twist waves” that unravel the initial vortex tubes, and drive increasingly strong vortex interactions and a cascade of energy and enstrophy to successively smaller scales in the turbulence inertial range. The implications of T&K dynamics are much more rapid and intense breakdown and decay of the KH billows, and significantly enhanced energy dissipation rates, where these interactions occur.
Carbon to Nitrogen Uptake Ratios Observed Across the Southern Ocean by the SOCCOM Profiling Float Array
Authors: Johnson Kenneth S. , Mazloff Matthew R. , Bif Mariana B. , Takeshita Yuichiro , Jannasch Hans W. , Maurer Tanya L. , Plant Joshua N. , Verdy Ariane , Walz Peter M. , Riser Stephen C. , Talley Lynne D.
Published: August 2022

Measurements of pH and nitrate from the Southern Ocean Carbon and Climate Observations and Modeling array of profiling floats were used to assess the ratios of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and nitrate (NO3) uptake during the spring to summer bloom period throughout the Southern Ocean. Two hundred and forty‐three bloom periods were observed by 115 floats from 30°S to 70°S. Similar calculations were made using the Takahashi surface DIC and nitrate climatology. To separate the effects of atmospheric CO2 exchange and mixing from phytoplankton uptake, the ratios of changes in DIC to nitrate of surface waters (ΔDIC/ΔNO3) were computed in the Biogeochemical Southern Ocean State Estimate (B‐SOSE) model. Phytoplankton uptake of DIC and nitrate are fixed in B‐SOSE at the Redfield Ratio (RR; 6.6 mol C/mol N). Deviations in the B‐SOSE ΔDIC/ΔNO3 must be due to non‐biological effects of CO2 gas exchange and mixing. ΔDIC/ΔNO3 values observed by floats and in the Takahashi climatology were corrected for the non‐biological effects using B‐SOSE. The corrected, in situ biological uptake ratio (C:N) occurs at values similar to the RR, with two major exceptions. North of 40°S biological DIC uptake is observed with little or no change in nitrate giving high C:N. In the latitude band at 55°S, the Takahashi data give a low C:N value, while floats are high. This may be due to a change in CO2 air‐sea exchange in this region from uptake during the Takahashi reference year of 2005 to outgassing of CO2 during the years sampled by floats.
New View of the Lunar Silicic Volcanism in the Mons Hansteen: Formation and Origins
Authors: Qiu Denggao , Ye Mao , Yan Jianguo , Zheng Chong , Xiao Zhiyong , Zhang Qing , Gao Wutong , Liu Lu , Li Fei
Published: August 2022

Silicic volcanos with high‐thorium (Th), low FeO and TiO2 contents are rare on the Moon, but exploring the formation and origins of silicic volcanos can help us to understand the complex process of lunar crustal evolution. The origins of silicic volcanic Mons Hansteen complex on the southern edge of the Oceanus Procellarum (50.2°W and 12.2°S) are enigmatic. Here we use recent high‐resolution topographic data and gravity data to assess the morphology and shallow tectonic features of this complex to investigate its formation and evolution. The results from our crater size‐frequency distribution model show that the silicic volcanism in Mons Hansteen occurred as early as ∼3.8 Ga. A mafic intrusion beneath the Mons Hansteen originated from the Crater Billy impact event. The magma rose to within ∼11 km beneath the lunar surface causing the crust to melt and develop into silicic magma. The silicic magma erupted onto the lunar surface and was eventually covered by younger mare basalt. We conclude that silicic volcanos are older than we previously thought. Geophysical research on the Mons Hansteen area provides a new perspective thus supplementing and extending our knowledge of the silicic volcanism.
Risk of Climate Change for Hydroelectricity Production in China Is Small but Significant Reductions Cannot Be Precluded for More Than a Third of the Installed Capacity
Authors: Wan Wenhua , Döll Petra , Zheng Hang
Published: August 2022

To support the implementation of China's carbon neutrality target, this study assesses the impact of future climate change on hydroelectricity production (HP) in China. We developed a hydropower database for mainland China, which covers 92% of the installed capacity indicated by national statistics (352 GW in 2018). An HP model was applied to simulate monthly HP by 3,521 conventional plants at different levels of global warming (1°, 1.5°, 2°, and 3°C above preindustrial) using an ensemble of monthly streamflow time series computed by five global hydrological models (GHMs), where each global hydrological model was driven by four global climate models (GCMs). With a probability of 80%, limiting global warming to 1.5°C will constrain changes of national HP to the range of −1.4%–2.5% as compared to near‐present climate (1°C). In case of a 3°C world, this range more than doubles. HP is projected to likely increase in the two provinces Sichuan and Yunnan that encompass more than half of China's installed capacity. However, with a probability of about 10%, HP may decrease in a 3°C world by more than 15% in five provinces, and 40% of the installed capacity may suffer from an HP decrease of more than 5%. The uncertainty of projected HP changes is mainly due to the GCMs. We found that relative changes in annual HP and streamflow often differ in magnitude and direction as HP depends on seasonal streamflow patterns and installed capacities that determine the maximum flow through the turbines.
Prenatal dexamethasone exposure alters effort decision making and triggers nucleus accumbens and anterior cingulate cortex functional changes in male rats
Authors: Domingues Ana Verónica , Coimbra Bárbara , Correia Raquel , Deseyve Catarina , Vieitas-Gaspar Natacha , Floresco Stan B. , Sousa Nuno , Soares-Cunha Carina , Rodrigues Ana João
Published: August 2022

Daily, individuals select actions based on cost-benefit to allocate resources into goal-directed actions. Different brain regions coordinate this complex decision, including the nucleus accumbens (NAc), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and ventral tegmental area (VTA). In utero exposure to synthetic glucocorticoids (iuGC), such as dexamethasone, triggers prominent motivation deficits but the impact of this exposure in the ACC-NAc and/or ACC-VTA circuits is unknown. Here, we show that iuGC exposure causes decreased motivation for natural rewards (food) and impaired effort-based decision-making. Importantly, reduced neuronal activation (number of c-fos+ neurons) was observed in the NAc core and ACC of iuGC rats in comparison to CTR rats after performing the effort-based decision-making task. In addition, iuGC treatment led to increased NAc and ACC basal neuronal activity. Electrophysiological recordings during optogenetic modulation of ACC terminals in the NAc revealed that the ACC-NAc circuit is dysfunctional in iuGC animals. These data suggest that iuGC animals present motivational and effort-based decision-making deficits that can be associated with the observed ACC-NAc dysfunction.
Associations of genetic liability for Alzheimer’s disease with cognition and eye movements in a large, population-based cohort study
Authors: Coors Annabell , Imtiaz Mohammed-Aslam , Boenniger Meta M. , Aziz N. Ahmad , Ettinger Ulrich , Breteler Monique M. B.
Published: August 2022

To identify cognitive measures that may be particularly sensitive to early cognitive decline in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD), we investigated the relation between genetic risk for AD and cognitive task performance in a large population-based cohort study. We measured performance on memory, processing speed, executive function, crystallized intelligence and eye movement tasks in 5182 participants of the Rhineland Study, aged 30 to 95 years. We quantified genetic risk for AD by creating three weighted polygenic risk scores (PRS) based on the genome-wide significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms coming from three different genetic association studies. We assessed the relation of AD PRS with cognitive performance using generalized linear models. Three PRS were associated with lower performance on the Corsi forward task, and two PRS were associated with a lower probability of correcting antisaccade errors, but none of these associations remained significant after correction for multiple testing. Associations between age and trail-making test A (TMT-A) performance were modified by AD genetic risk, with individuals at high genetic risk showing the strongest association. We conclude that no single measure of our cognitive test battery robustly captures genetic liability for AD as quantified by current PRS. However, Corsi forward performance and the probability of correcting antisaccade errors may represent promising candidates whose ability to capture genetic liability for AD should be investigated further. Additionally, our finding on TMT-A performance suggests that processing speed represents a sensitive marker of AD genetic risk in old age and supports the processing speed theory of age-related cognitive decline.
Nuclear import of PTPN18 inhibits breast cancer metastasis mediated by MVP and importin β2
Authors: Wang Tao , Ba Xinlei , Zhang Xiaonan , Zhang Na , Wang Guowen , Bai Bin , Li Tong , Zhao Jiahui , Zhao Yanjiao , Yu Yang , Wang Bing
Published: August 2022

Distant metastasis is the primary cause of breast cancer-associated death. The existing information, such as the precise molecular mechanisms and effective therapeutic strategies targeting metastasis, is insufficient to combat breast cancer. This study demonstrates that the protein tyrosine phosphatase PTPN18 is downregulated in metastatic breast cancer tissues and is associated with better metastasis-free survival. Ectopic expression of PTPN18 inhibits breast cancer cell metastasis. PTPN18 is translocated from the cytoplasm to the nucleus by MVP and importin β2 in breast cancer. Then, nuclear PTPN18 dephosphorylates ETS1 and promotes its degradation. Moreover, nuclear PTPN18 but not cytoplasmic PTPN18 suppresses transforming growth factor-β signaling and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by targeting ETS1. Our data highlight PTPN18 as a suppressor of breast cancer metastasis and provide an effective antimetastatic therapeutic strategy.
Lenvatinib for effectively treating antiangiogenic drug-resistant nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Sun Qi , Wang Yujie , Ji Hong , Sun Xiaoting , Xie Sisi , Chen Longtian , Li Sen , Zeng Weifan , Chen Ruibo , Tang Qi , Zuo Ji , Hou Likun , Hosaka Kayoko , Lu Yongtian , Liu Ying , Ye Ying , Yang Yunlong
Published: August 2022

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) clinical trials show that antiangiogenic drugs (AADs) fail to achieve the expected efficacy, and combining AAD with chemoradiotherapy does not show superiority over chemoradiotherapy alone. Accumulating evidence suggests the intrinsic AAD resistance in NPC patients with poorly understood molecular mechanisms. Here, we describe NPC-specific FGF-2 expression-triggered, VEGF-independent angiogenesis as a mechanism of AAD resistance. Angiogenic factors screening between AAD-sensitive cancer type and AAD-resistant NPC showed high FGF-2 expression in NPC in both xenograft models and clinical samples. Mechanistically, the FGF-2-FGFR1-MYC axis drove endothelial cell survival and proliferation as an alternative to VEGF-VEGFR2-MYC signaling. Genetic knockdown of FGF-2 in NPC tumor cells reduced tumor angiogenesis, enhanced AAD sensitivity, and reduced pulmonary metastasis. Moreover, lenvatinib, an FDA recently approved multi-kinase inhibitor targeting both VEGFR2 and FGFR1, effectively inhibits the tumor vasculature, and exhibited robust anti-tumor effects in NPC-bearing nude mice and humanized mice compared with an agent equivalent to bevacizumab. These findings provide mechanistic insights on FGF-2 signaling in the modulation of VEGF pathway activation in the NPC microenvironment and propose an effective NPC-targeted therapy by using a clinically available drug.
Reactive oxygen species-generating hydrogel platform for enhanced antibacterial therapy
Authors: Hwang Changha , Choi Min-Ha , Kim Hyoun-Ee , Jeong Seol-Ha , Park Ji-Ung
Published: August 2022

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) have attracted much attention as promising antibacterial agents due to their ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that effectively eliminate bacteria. However, when they are delivered inside the body, this distinct characteristic of ROS is restricted due to the limited penetration depth of external light, which is required for the photocatalysis of particles. To produce ROS without any light source when the particles are implanted, we introduced catechol-ZnO complexes to a hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel platform, which can self-generate sufficient ROS in the bacteria-infected tissue. Catechol-ZnO complexes enhanced ROS generation via electron transfer from the formation of complexes and o-semiquinone, and a hydrogel structure was created by coordinate bonds between functionalized catechol groups in HA and ZnO simultaneously. This hydrogel demonstrated different behaviors in terms of physical properties compared to chemically cross-linked HA hydrogels containing ZnO. This hydrogel showed a higher swelling ratio, enzymatic degradation resistance, and tissue adhesive strength. Enhanced ROS generation was confirmed using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), H2O2 concentration, glutathione depletion, and intracellular ROS detection. The improved antibacterial performance of hydrogels from ROS production was also confirmed through in vitro bacterial testing against two bacterial strains, E. coli and S. aureus. Furthermore, an in vivo experiment using an infected mouse model to analyze colony formation, histologic analysis, and hematological inflammatory markers revealed the effective antibacterial effects of catechol-ZnO complexes. Overall, the potential of the hydrogel created via catechol-ZnO complexes for antibacterial therapy was demonstrated through the capability to enhance ROS generation and eradicate bacteria.
Moisture-triggered fast crystallization enables efficient and stable perovskite solar cells
Authors: Liu Kaikai , Luo Yujie , Jin Yongbin , Liu Tianxiao , Liang Yuming , Yang Liu , Song Peiquan , Liu Zhiyong , Tian Chengbo , Xie Liqiang , Wei Zhanhua
Published: August 2022

Understanding the function of moisture on perovskite is challenging since the random environmental moisture strongly disturbs the perovskite structure. Here, we develop various N2-protected characterization techniques to comprehensively study the effect of moisture on the efficient cesium, methylammonium, and formamidinium triple-cation perovskite (Cs0.05FA0.75MA0.20)Pb(I0.96Br0.04)3. In contrast to the secondary measurements, the established air-exposure-free techniques allow us directly monitor the influence of moisture during perovskite crystallization. We find a controllable moisture treatment for the intermediate perovskite can promote the mass transportation of organic salts, and help them enter the buried bottom of the films. This process accelerates the quasi-solid-solid reaction between organic salts and PbI2, enables a spatially homogeneous intermediate phase, and translates to high-quality perovskites with much-suppressed defects. Consequently, we obtain a champion device efficiency of approaching 24% with negligible hysteresis. The devices exhibit an average T80-lifetime of 852 h (maximum 1210 h) working at the maximum power point.
Crystal structures reveal catalytic and regulatory mechanisms of the dual-specificity ubiquitin/FAT10 E1 enzyme Uba6
Authors: Yuan Lingmin , Gao Fei , Lv Zongyang , Nayak Digant , Nayak Anindita , Santos Bury Priscila dos , Cano Kristin E. , Jia Lijia , Oleinik Natalia , Atilgan Firdevs Cansu , Ogretmen Besim , Williams Katelyn M. , Davies Christopher , El Oualid Farid , Wasmuth Elizabeth V. , Olsen Shaun K.
Published: August 2022

The E1 enzyme Uba6 initiates signal transduction by activating ubiquitin and the ubiquitin-like protein FAT10 in a two-step process involving sequential catalysis of adenylation and thioester bond formation. To gain mechanistic insights into these processes, we determined the crystal structure of a human Uba6/ubiquitin complex. Two distinct architectures of the complex are observed: one in which Uba6 adopts an open conformation with the active site configured for catalysis of adenylation, and a second drastically different closed conformation in which the adenylation active site is disassembled and reconfigured for catalysis of thioester bond formation. Surprisingly, an inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6) molecule binds to a previously unidentified allosteric site on Uba6. Our structural, biochemical, and biophysical data indicate that InsP6 allosterically inhibits Uba6 activity by altering interconversion of the open and closed conformations of Uba6 while also enhancing its stability. In addition to revealing the molecular mechanisms of catalysis by Uba6 and allosteric regulation of its activities, our structures provide a framework for developing Uba6-specific inhibitors and raise the possibility of allosteric regulation of other E1s by naturally occurring cellular metabolites.
Immune-mediated tubule atrophy promotes acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease transition
Authors: Xu Leyuan , Guo Jiankan , Moledina Dennis G. , Cantley Lloyd G.
Published: August 2022

Incomplete repair after acute kidney injury can lead to development of chronic kidney disease. To define the mechanism of this response, we compared mice subjected to identical unilateral ischemia-reperfusion kidney injury with either contralateral nephrectomy (where tubule repair predominates) or contralateral kidney intact (where tubule atrophy predominates). By day 14, the kidneys undergoing atrophy had more macrophages with higher expression of chemokines, correlating with a second wave of proinflammatory neutrophil and T cell recruitment accompanied by increased expression of tubular injury genes and a decreased proportion of differentiated tubules. Depletion of neutrophils and T cells after day 5 reduced tubular cell loss and associated kidney atrophy. In kidney biopsies from patients with acute kidney injury, T cell and neutrophil numbers negatively correlated with recovery of estimated glomerular filtration rate. Together, our findings demonstrate that macrophage persistence after injury promotes a T cell- and neutrophil-mediated proinflammatory milieu and progressive tubule damage.
Tethering of cellulose synthase to microtubules dampens mechano-induced cytoskeletal organization in Arabidopsis pavement cells
Authors: Schneider René , Ehrhardt David W. , Meyerowitz Elliot M. , Sampathkumar Arun
Published: August 2022

Mechanical forces control development in plants and animals, acting as cues in pattern formation and as the driving force of morphogenesis. In mammalian cells, molecular assemblies residing at the interface of the cell membrane and the extracellular matrix play an important role in perceiving and transmitting external mechanical signals to trigger physiological responses. Similar processes occur in plants, but there is little understanding of the molecular mechanisms and their genetic basis. Here, we show that the number and movement directions of cellulose synthase complexes (CSCs) at the plasma membrane vary during initial stages of development in the cotyledon epidermis of Arabidopsis, closely mirroring the microtubule organization. Uncoupling microtubules and CSCs resulted in enhanced microtubule co-alignment as caused by mechanical stimuli driven either by cell shape or by tissue-scale physical perturbations. Furthermore, micromechanical perturbation resulted in depletion of CSCs from the plasma membrane, suggesting a possible link between cellulose synthase removal from the plasma membrane and microtubule response to mechanical stimuli. Taken together, our results suggest that the interaction of cellulose synthase with cortical microtubules forms a physical continuum between the cell wall, plasma membrane and the cytoskeleton that modulates the mechano-response of the cytoskeleton.
An expanded whole-cell model of E. coli links cellular physiology with mechanisms of growth rate control
Authors: Ahn-Horst Travis A. , Mille Luis Santiago , Sun Gwanggyu , Morrison Jerry H. , Covert Markus W.
Published: August 2022

Growth and environmental responses are essential for living organisms to survive and adapt to constantly changing environments. In order to simulate new conditions and capture dynamic responses to environmental shifts in a developing whole-cell model of E. coli, we incorporated additional regulation, including dynamics of the global regulator guanosine tetraphosphate (ppGpp), along with dynamics of amino acid biosynthesis and translation. With the model, we show that under perturbed ppGpp conditions, small molecule feedback inhibition pathways, in addition to regulation of expression, play a role in ppGpp regulation of growth. We also found that simulations with dysregulated amino acid synthesis pathways provide average amino acid concentration predictions that are comparable to experimental results but on the single-cell level, concentrations unexpectedly show regular fluctuations. Additionally, during both an upshift and downshift in nutrient availability, the simulated cell responds similarly with a transient increase in the mRNA:rRNA ratio. This additional simulation functionality should support a variety of new applications and expansions of the E. coli Whole-Cell Modeling Project.
An insight in proteome profiling of Tuta absoluta larvae after entomopathogenic fungal infection
Authors: Bali Gurmeet Kour , Singh Sanjay Kumar , Chauhan Vinod Kumar , Joshi Neha , Bhat Firdous Ahmad , Malla Waseem Akram , Ramanujam Boman , Varshney Richa , Kour Manpreet , Pandit Radhakrishnan Sitaram
Published: August 2022

Tuta absoluta (L.) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), a major pest of solanaceous plant species, causes serious losses in the agriculture sector around the globe. For better pest management, entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana and Purpureocillium lilacinum, play an efficient role in suppressing the pest population. The present study was carried out to analyse the effects post fungal infections through proteome profiling using an Orbitrap Fusion Tribrid mass spectrometer. A total of 2,201 proteins were identified from the fourth instar larvae of T. absoluta, of which 442 and 423 proteins were significantly dysregulated upon infection with P. lilacinum and B. bassiana respectively. The potential proteins related to immune systems as well as detoxification processes showed significant alterations after post fungal infection. Studies on T. absoluta proteomics and genomics as well as the consequences of entomopathogenic fungal infection on the immune response of this insect could provide an initial framework for exploring more fungus-host interactions for the development of better strategies for integrated pest management.
Aurignacian dynamics in Southeastern Europe based on spatial analysis, sediment geochemistry, raw materials, lithic analysis, and use-wear from Românești-Dumbrăvița
Authors: Chu Wei , McLin Scott , Wöstehoff Luisa , Ciornei Alexandru , Gennai Jacopo , Marreiros João , Doboș Adrian
Published: August 2022

The Aurignacian is one of the first cultural-technological traditions commonly associated with the expansion ofHomo sapiensin Europe. EarlyHomo sapiensdemographics across the continent are therefore typically inferred using the distribution of Aurignacian assemblages. Western Romania has been used as a tie-point to connect the well-researched lithic assemblages from the eastern Mediterranean and Western Europe through its earlyHomo sapiensfossils. However, Romania’s archeological record remains underexplored thereby hindering our ability to directly connect better understood regions through time and space. Here we report on excavations from the open-air Middle/Upper Paleolithic site of Româneș﻿ti-DumbrăvițaI in southwestern Romania. Three stratified Paleolithic assemblages were extensively excavated within a 1-m-thick eolian-deposited sequence. Spatial, geochemical, raw material, techno-typological, and use-wear analysis of the site reveal patterns of artifact configuration, resource exploitation, fire history, knapping objectives, and functionality. Taken together, Românești-DumbrăvițaI is the first well-contextualized archeological site in close spatiotemporal proximity to many early, well-preserved human fossils and in East-Central Europe.
Spatiotemporal variation evaluation of water quality in middle and lower Han River, China
Authors: Deng Lele , Chen Kebing , Liu Zhangjun , Wu Boyang , Chen Zekun , He Shaokun
Published: August 2022

As the water source for the middle route of the South-to-North Water Transfer Project, the Han River in China plays a role of the world’s largest inter-basin water transfer project. However, this human-interfered area has suffered from over-standard pollution emission and water blooms in recent years, which necessitates urgent awareness at both national and provincial scales. To perform a comprehensive analysis of the water quality condition of this study area, we apply both the water quality index (WQI) and minimal WQI (WQImin) methods to investigate the spatiotemporal variation characteristics of water quality. The results show that 8 parameters consisting of permanganate index (PI), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total phosphorus (TP), fluoride (F-), arsenic (As), plumbum (Pb), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) have significant discrepancy in spatial scales, and the study basin also has a seasonal variation pattern with the lowest WQI values in summer and autumn. Moreover, compared to the traditional WQI, the WQImin model, with the assistance of stepwise linear regression analysis, could exhibit more accurate explanation with the coefficient of determination (R2) and percentage error (PE) values being 0.895 and 5.515%, respectively. The proposed framework is of great importance to improve the spatiotemporal recognition of water quality patterns and further helps develop efficient water management strategies at a reduced cost.
Increased shark bite survivability revealed by two centuries of Australian records
Authors: Tucker James P. , Santos Isaac R. , Kelaher Brendan P. , Green Marcel , Clark Graeme F. , Butcher Paul A.
Published: August 2022

The perceived and real threat of shark bites have significant direct health and indirect economic impacts. Here we assess the changing odds of surviving an unprovoked shark bite using 200 years of Australian records. Bite survivability rates for bull (Carcharhinus leucas), tiger (Galeocerdo cuvier) and white (Carcharodon carcharias) sharks were assessed relative to environmental and anthropogenic factors. Survivability of unprovoked bull, tiger and white shark bites were 62, 75 and 53% respectively. Bull shark survivability increased over time between 1807 and 2018. Survivability decreased for both tiger and white sharks when the person was doing an in water activity, such as swimming or diving. Not unsurprisingly, a watercraft for protection/floatation increased survivability to 92% from 30%, and 88% from 45%, for tiger and white sharks respectively. We speculate that survival may be related to time between injury and treatment, indicating the importance of rapid and appropriate medical care. Understanding the predictors of unprovoked bites, as well as survivability (year and water activity), may be useful for developing strategies that reduce the number of serious or fatal human-shark interactions without impacting sharks and other marine wildlife.
Analysis of integrated UWB MIMO and CR antenna system using transmission line model with functional verification
Authors: Prabhu P. , Subramani Malarvizhi , Kwak Kyung-sup
Published: August 2022

This paper discusses the equivalent circuit model and functional verification of an integrated antenna system as its main focus. The integrated antenna system consists of two independent antenna systems, namely the Cognitive Radio antenna and the Ultra Wide Band Multiple Iinput Multiple Output antenna. This article is split into two parts: The first part discusses the equivalent circuit of an integrated antenna system by optimizing the RLC values. The developed lumped equivalent circuit model produces the NB resonant frequencies, which is the same as the S-parameter obtained through EM simulation. The second part of this paper aims to discuss the experimental verification of an integrated CR antenna system with Bayesian learning-based spectrum sensing algorithms using Universal Software Radio Peripheral devices. Real-time sensing and communication functionalities are visualized in the LABVIEW monitor. The integrated antenna system is fabricated and measured after the simulation.
Neurofilament light chain in central nervous system infections: a prospective study of diagnostic accuracy
Authors: van Zeggeren Ingeborg E. , ter Horst Liora , Heijst Hans , Teunissen Charlotte E. , van de Beek Diederik , Brouwer Matthijs C.
Published: August 2022

Diagnosing central nervous system (CNS) infections quickly is often difficult. Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a component of the axonal cytoskeleton and identified as marker of neuronal damage in several CNS diseases. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of NfL for diagnosing CNS infections. We included patients from a prospective cohort of consecutive patients in whom a lumbar puncture was performed for suspected CNS infection in an academic hospital in The Netherlands. The index test was NfL in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and reference standard the final clinical diagnosis. Diagnostic accuracy was determined using the area-under-the-curve (AUC) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The association of CSF NfL with clinical characteristics, diagnosis and outcome was evaluated. Between 2012 and 2015, 273 episodes in adults of which sufficient CSF was available were included. CNS infection was diagnosed in 26%(n = 70), CNS inflammatory disease in 7%(n = 20), systemic infection in 32%(n = 87), and other neurological disorders in 33%(n = 90). Median CSF NfL level was 593 pg/ml (IQR 249–1569) and did not discriminate between diagnostic categories or CNS infection subcategories. AUC for diagnosing any CNS infection compared to patients without CNS infections was 0.50 (95% CI 0.42–0.59). Patients presenting with an altered mental status had higher NfL levels compared to other patients. We concluded that NfL cannot discriminate between causes in patients suspected of CNS infections. High concentrations of NfL are associated with severe neurological disease and the prognostic value of NfL in patients with CNS infections should be investigated in future research.
Sample-centred shimming enables independent parallel NMR detection
Authors: Cheng Yen-Tse , Jouda Mazin , Korvink Jan
Published: August 2022

Two major technical challenges facing parallel nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, at the onset, include the need to achieve exceptional $$B_0$$

B
0

homogeneity, and good inter-detector radiofrequency signal decoupling, and have remained as technical obstacles that limit high throughput compound screening via NMR. In this contribution, we consider a compact detector system, consisting of two NMR ‘unit cell’ resonators that implement parallel $$B_0$$

B
0

shimming with parallel radiofrequency detection, as a prototype NMR environment, pointing the way towards achieving accelerated NMR analysis. The utility of our approach is established by achieving local field correction within the bore of a 1.05T permanent magnet MRI. Our forerunner platform suppresses signal cross-coupling in the range of $$-21$$

-
21

dB to $$-30$$

-
30

dB, under a geometrically decoupled scheme, leading to a halving of the necessary inter-coil separation. In this permanent magnet environment, two decoupled parallel NMR detector sites simultaneously achieve narrow spectral linewidth, overcoming the spatial inhomogeneity of the magnet from 400 to 28 Hz.
Limbal epithelial stem cell sheets from young donors have better regenerative potential
Authors: Yang Soonwon , Lee Hyun Jung , Shin Soojung , Park In Yang , Chung So-Hyang
Published: August 2022

To investigate the stemness of limbal epithelial stem cell sheets in relation to the donor’s age. Human limbal explants from cadaveric donors were set on human amniotic membrane scaffolds with the xeno-free medium. We evaluated limbal epithelial sheet size, expression of stem/progenitor cell markers, and colony formation efficiency from donors of different age groups (age ≤ 45, age 45–65, and age > 65). Expression of the proliferation marker Ki67, stem/progenitor cell markers p63α and ABCG2, cornea specific marker PANCK, and differentiation marker CK12 were evaluated. To determine the effect of donor age on the storage period of limbal explant sheets, the limbal explant outgrowth sheets were stored in 4 °C for 2 days and analyzed for JC-1, p63α, and PANCK with FACS on each day. From days 6 to 12, the outgrowth area of the limbal epithelial stem cell sheet was significantly larger in the age ≤ 45 groups (296 ± 54.7 mm2, day 9) compared to the other two age groups [age 45–65 group (278 ± 62.6 mm2), age > 65 group (257 ± 44.0 mm2), day 9] (p < 0.01). In terms of stemness, outgrowth cells from aged donors (age > 65) showed lower expression of stem/progenitor cell markers p63α and ABCG2 and decreased CFE compared to the other two groups. There were significantly more p63α+ cells in outgrowth cells in the age ≤ 45 group (18.2 ± 3.6%) compared to the age > 65 group (14.1 ± 4.6%; p < 0.01). Limbal explant outgrowth sheet on the age ≤ 45 group (32.7 ± 7.5%) had higher percentages of cells resisting staining by JC-1 compared with sheets under the age > 65 groups (25.7 ± 7.1%, p < 0.01) (JC-1low). Cells from the age ≤ 45 group showed a higher clonogenic capacity than those from the other two age groups (45 < Age ≤ 65 CFE ratio = 0.7 ± 0.16, p < 0.01; 65 < Age CFE ratio = 0.3 ± 0.06, p < 0.01, vs. Age ≤ 45). In the age > 65 group, positive cells of p63α on D0, 1, and 2 were significantly lower compared to those in the age ≤ 45 group on the storage period (p < 0.01, respectively). Our results imply that donors younger than 65 years of age are a better source of limbal epithelial stem cell sheet generation with high regeneration potential.
Biological and chemical properties of five mineral oxides and of mineral trioxide aggregate repair high plasticity: an in vitro study
Authors: Abu Hasna Amjad , de Paula Ramos Lucas , Campos Tiago Moreira Bastos , de Castro Lopes Sergio Lucio Pereira , Rachi Maisour Ala , de Oliveira Luciane Dias , Carvalho Cláudio Antonio Talge
Published: August 2022

Calcium silicate-based cements have diverse applications in endodontics. This study aimed to evaluate the antibiofilm action, biocompatibility, morphological structure, chemical composition and radiopacity of Five Mineral Oxides (5MO), Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Repair High Plasticity (MTA Repair HP), and Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) cements. MTT analysis was used to test the antibiofilm action of these cements against five anaerobic microorganisms, and test their biocompatibility with mouse macrophage (RAW 264.7) and osteoblasts (MG-63) cultures. Their morphological structure and chemical composition were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled to energy dispersion X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and the phase analysis was performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Conventional radiography was used to assess the radiopacity of the cements. 5MO, MTA Repair HP and MTA were effective against Porphyromonas gingivalis, Parvimonas micra, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Prevotella intermedia, they were biocompatible with macrophages and osteoblasts after 5 min of contact, and they had adequate radiopacity to be used clinically. Bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) is used as a radiopacifier in MTA and 5MO, and calcium tungstate, in MTA Repair HP. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) (ANATASE) is responsible for the antimicrobial action and biocompatibility of 5MO.
Biophysical and pharmacokinetic characterization of a small-molecule inhibitor of RUNX1/ETO tetramerization with anti-leukemic effects
Authors: Gopalswamy Mohanraj , Kroeger Tobias , Bickel David , Frieg Benedikt , Akter Shahina , Schott-Verdugo Stephan , Viegas Aldino , Pauly Thomas , Mayer Manuela , Przibilla Julia , Reiners Jens , Nagel-Steger Luitgard , Smits Sander H. J. , Groth Georg , Etzkorn Manuel , Gohlke Holger
Published: August 2022

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignant disease of immature myeloid cells and the most prevalent acute leukemia among adults. The oncogenic homo-tetrameric fusion protein RUNX1/ETO results from the chromosomal translocation t(8;21) and is found in AML patients. The nervy homology region 2 (NHR2) domain of ETO mediates tetramerization; this oligomerization is essential for oncogenic activity. Previously, we identified the first-in-class small-molecule inhibitor of NHR2 tetramer formation, 7.44, which was shown to specifically interfere with NHR2, restore gene expression down-regulated by RUNX1/ETO, inhibit the proliferation of RUNX1/ETO-depending SKNO-1 cells, and reduce the RUNX1/ETO-related tumor growth in a mouse model. However, no biophysical and structural characterization of 7.44 binding to the NHR2 domain has been reported. Likewise, the compound has not been characterized as to physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and toxicological properties. Here, we characterize the interaction between the NHR2 domain of RUNX1/ETO and 7.44 by biophysical assays and show that 7.44 interferes with NHR2 tetramer stability and leads to an increase in the dimer population of NHR2. The affinity of 7.44 with respect to binding to NHR2 is Klig = 3.75 ± 1.22 µM. By NMR spectroscopy combined with molecular dynamics simulations, we show that 7.44 binds with both heteroaromatic moieties to NHR2 and interacts with or leads to conformational changes in the N-termini of the NHR2 tetramer. Finally, we demonstrate that 7.44 has favorable physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and toxicological properties. Together with biochemical, cellular, and in vivo assessments, the results reveal 7.44 as a lead for further optimization towards targeted therapy of t(8;21) AML.
Neuronal gating of tactile input and sleep in 10-month-old infants at typical and elevated likelihood for autism spectrum disorder
Authors: De Laet Anna , Piccardi Elena Serena , Begum-Ali Jannath , Charman Tony , Johnson Mark H. , Jones Emily J. H. , Bedford Rachael , Gliga Teodora ,   The STAARS Team, Agyapong Mary , Bazelmans Tessel , Dafner Leila , Ersoy Mutluhan , Goodwin Amy , Haartsen Rianne , Halkola Hanna , Hendry Alexandra , Holman Rebecca , Kalwarowsky Sarah , Kolesnik-Taylor Anna , Lloyd-Fox Sarah , Mason Luke , Narvekar Nisha , Pasco Greg , Pirazzoli Laura , Taylor Chloë
Published: August 2022

Sleep problems in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) emerge early in development, yet the origin remains unclear. Here, we characterise developmental trajectories in sleep onset latency (SOL) and night awakenings in infants at elevated likelihood (EL) for ASD (who have an older sibling with ASD) and infants at typical likelihood (TL) for ASD. Further, we test whether the ability to gate tactile input, using an EEG tactile suppression index (TSI), associates with variation in SOL and night awakenings. Parent-reported night awakenings and SOL from 124 infants (97 at EL for ASD) at 5, 10 and 14 months were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. Compared to TL infants, infants at EL had significantly more awakenings and longer SOL at 10 and 14 months. The TSI predicted SOL concurrently at 10 months, independent of ASD likelihood status, but not longitudinally at 14 months. The TSI did not predict night awakenings concurrently or longitudinally. These results imply that infants at EL for ASD wake up more frequently during the night and take longer to fall asleep from 10 months of age. At 10 months, sensory gating predicts SOL, but not night awakenings, suggesting sensory gating differentially affects neural mechanisms of sleep initiation and maintenance.
Prediction of mortality risk of health checkup participants using machine learning-based models: the J-SHC study
Authors: Kawano Kazuharu , Otaki Yoichiro , Suzuki Natsuko , Fujimoto Shouichi , Iseki Kunitoshi , Moriyama Toshiki , Yamagata Kunihiro , Tsuruya Kazuhiko , Narita Ichiei , Kondo Masahide , Shibagaki Yugo , Kasahara Masato , Asahi Koichi , Watanabe Tsuyoshi , Konta Tsuneo
Published: August 2022

Early detection and treatment of diseases through health checkups are effective in improving life expectancy. In this study, we compared the predictive ability for 5-year mortality between two machine learning-based models (gradient boosting decision tree [XGBoost] and neural network) and a conventional logistic regression model in 116,749 health checkup participants. We built prediction models using a training dataset consisting of 85,361 participants in 2008 and evaluated the models using a test dataset consisting of 31,388 participants from 2009 to 2014. The predictive ability was evaluated by the values of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) in the test dataset. The AUC values were 0.811 for XGBoost, 0.774 for neural network, and 0.772 for logistic regression models, indicating that the predictive ability of XGBoost was the highest. The importance rating of each explanatory variable was evaluated using the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values, which were similar among these models. This study showed that the machine learning-based model has a higher predictive ability than the conventional logistic regression model and may be useful for risk assessment and health guidance for health checkup participants.
Interaction effects of multimorbidity and frailty on adverse health outcomes in elderly hospitalised patients
Authors: Lujic Sanja , Randall Deborah A. , Simpson Judy M. , Falster Michael O. , Jorm Louisa R.
Published: August 2022

We quantified the interaction of multimorbidity and frailty and their impact on adverse health outcomes in the hospital setting. Using aretrospective cohort study of persons aged ≥ 75 years, admitted to hospital during 2010–2012 in New South Wales, Australia, and linked with mortality data, we constructed multimorbidity, frailty risk and outcomes: prolonged length of stay (LOS), 30-day mortality and 30-day unplanned readmissions. Relative risks (RR) of outcomes were obtained using Poisson models with random intercept for hospital. Among 257,535 elderly inpatients, 33.6% had multimorbidity and elevated frailty risk, 14.7% had multimorbidity only, 19.9% had elevated frailty risk only and 31.8% had neither. Additive interactions were present for all outcomes, with a further multiplicative interaction for mortality and LOS. Mortality risk was 4.2 (95% CI 4.1–4.4), prolonged LOS 3.3 (95% CI 3.3–3.4) and readmission 1.8 (95% CI 1.7–1.9) times higher in patients with both factors present compared with patients with neither. In conclusion, multimorbidity and frailty coexist in older hospitalized patients and interact to increase the risk of adverse outcomes beyond the sum of their individual effects. Their joint effect should be considered in health outcomes research and when administering hospital resources.