bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acquired and progressive coronary arterial fistulae in patients with single-ventricle physiology and treated with pulmonary vasodilators
Authors: Kishi Kanta , Katayama Hiroshi , Nemoto Shintaro , Ozaki Noriyasu , Odanaka Yutaka , Ashida Atsuko , Konishi Hayato , Ashida Akira
Published: March 2021

Background:

Cardiac dysfunction, arrhythmia, and hepatic fibrosis are well-known complications after right heart bypass surgery in patients with single-ventricle physiology. However, little is known about coronary arterial fistulae, and only a few reports have been published. This study aimed to elucidate the clinical characteristics of these rare coronary arterial fistulae that developed as complications in cases of single-ventricle physiology after right heart bypass surgery.

Methods:

We retrospectively investigated the clinical features and courses of patients who developed acquired and progressive coronary arterial fistulae after right heart bypass surgery in our hospital.

Results:

We identified three cases of coronary arterial fistulae out of 21 patients who underwent right heart bypass surgery. All three cases underwent cardiac catheterisation for post-operative evaluation and were administered pulmonary vasodilators of phosphodiesterase type V inhibitors, antiplatelet, anticoagulation, and diuretics. Moreover, they had common clinical features such as right-dominant single ventricle and long-term exposure to chronic hypoxia. Serial angiograms revealed acquired and progressive coronary arterial fistulae. In addition, coronary arterial fistulae contributed to their symptoms of heart failure.

Conclusion:

Patients with chronic hypoxia and dominant right ventricle, who are treated with phosphodiesterase type V inhibitors, should be followed up after right heart bypass surgery to monitor the possible development of coronary arterial fistulae. Moreover, the indication for pulmonary vasodilators in single-ventricle physiology after right heart bypass surgery should be optimised to avoid adverse effects.
Prognostic Value of Learning and Retention Measures from the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test to Identify Incident Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Grober Ellen , Wang Cuiling , Kitner-Triolo Melissa , Lipton Richard B. , Kawas Claudia , Resnick Susan M.
Published: March 2021

Objective:

To compare the predictive validity of learning and retention measures from the picture version of the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test with Immediate Recall (pFCSRT + IR) for identifying incident mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods:

Learning was defined by the sum of free recall (FR) and retention by delayed free recall (DFR) tested 15–20 min later. Totally, 1422 Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) participants (mean age 69.6 years, 54% male, mean 16.7 years of education) without dementia or MCI received the pFCSRT + IR at baseline and were followed longitudinally. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the effect of baseline learning and retention on risk of MCI.

Results:

In total, 187 participants developed MCI over a median of 8.1 years of follow-up. FR and DFR each predicted incident MCI adjusting for age, sex, and education. Also, each independently predicted incident MCI in the presence of the other with similar effect sizes: around 20% decrease in the hazard of MCI corresponding to one standard deviation increase in FR or DFR.

Conclusion:

The practice of preferring retention over learning to predict incident MCI should be reconsidered. The decision to include retention should be guided by time constraints and patient burden.
Identification and reproducibility of dietary patterns assessed with a FFQ among women planning pregnancy
Authors: Lim Shan Xuan , Colega Marjorelee T , M Ayob M Na’im , Robinson Sian M , Godfrey Keith M , Bernard Jonathan Y , Lee Yung Seng , Tan Kok Hian , Yap Fabian , Shek Lynette PC , Chong Yap Seng , Eriksson Johan G , Chan Jerry KY , Chan Shiao Yng , Chong Mary FF
Published: March 2021

Objective:

To identifya posterioridietary patterns among women planning pregnancy and assess the reproducibility of these patterns in a subsample using two dietary assessment methods.

Design:

A semi-quantitative FFQ was administered to women enrolled in the Singapore PREconception Study of long-Term maternal and child Outcomes study. Dietary patterns from the FFQ were identified using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). In a subsample of women (n289), 3-d food diaries (3DFD) were also completed and analysed. Reproducibility of the identified patterns was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in the subsample, and goodness of fit of the CFA models was examined using several fit indices. Subsequently, EFA was conducted in the subsample and dietary patterns of the FFQ and the 3DFD were compared.

Setting:

Singapore.

Participants:

1007 women planning pregnancy (18–45 years).

Results:

Three dietary patterns were identified from the FFQ: the ‘Fish, Poultry/Meat and Noodles’ pattern was characterised by higher intakes of fish, poultry/meat and noodles in soup; ‘Fast Food and Sweetened Beverages’ pattern was characterised by higher intakes of fast food, sweetened beverages and fried snacks; ‘Bread, Legumes and Dairy’ pattern was characterised by higher intakes of buns/ethnic breads, nuts/legumes and dairy products. The comparative fit indices from the CFA models were 0·79 and 0·34 for the FFQ and 3DFD of the subsample, respectively. In the subsample, three similar patterns were identified in the FFQ while only two for the 3DFD.

Conclusions:

Dietary patterns from the FFQ are reproducible within this cohort, providing a basis for future investigations on diet and health outcomes.
Status of weedy rice (Oryzaspp.) infestation and management practices in southern Brazil
Authors: Avila Luis Antonio de , Noldin José Alberto , Mariot Carlos H. P. , Massoni Paulo F. S. , Fipke Marcus V. , Gehrke Vinicios R. , Merotto Aldo , Tomita Flavia M. , Matos André B. , Facioni Gelson , Vieira Edinei B. , Rosa Eduardo S. , Santis Roger P. , Camargo Edinalvo R. , Theisen Giovani , Roma-Burgos Nilda
Published: March 2021

Weedy rice (WR) (Oryzaspp.) is the most troublesome weed infesting rice paddies in Brazil. Several changes have occurred in this region regarding crop management, especially WR control based on the Clearfield®(CL) rice production system launched in 2003. This survey’s objective was to evaluate the WR infestation status by assessing the producers’ perception and the management practices used in southern Brazil after 18 yr of CL use in Brazil. Rice consultants and extension agents distributed a questionnaire to 213 producers in the Rio Grande do Sul (RS) and Santa Catarina (SC) states in the 2018 to 2019 growing season. In RS, most farms are larger than 150 ha, and farmers have adopted the CL system for more than 2 yr and use minimal or conventional tillage, permanent flooding, clomazone PRE tank-mixed with glyphosate at the rice spiking stage, and crop rotation with soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] or pasture. In SC, rice farms are small, averaging from 20 to 30 ha, farmers predominantly plant pre-germinated rice and do not rotate rice with other crops, and roguing is practiced. Comparing both states, the CL system is used in 99.5% and 69.3% of the total surveyed rice areas in RS and SC, respectively. Imidazolinone-resistant WR is present in 68.4% and 26.6% of rice farms in RS and SC, respectively. Rice cultivation in Brazil is currently coexisting with WR with minimal integration of control methods. However, integrated practices can control this weed and are fundamental to the sustainability of systems based on herbicide-resistant rice cultivars.
Tuning Sedimentation Through Surface Charge and Particle Shape
Authors: Seiphoori Ali , Gunn Andrew , Kosgodagan Acharige Sébastien , Arratia Paulo E. , Jerolmack Douglas J.
Published: March 2021

Mud forms the foundation of many coastal and tidal environments. Clay suspensions carried downstream from rivers encounter saline waters, which encourages aggregation and sedimentation by reducing electrostatic repulsion among particles. We perform experiments to examine the effects of surface charge on both the rate and style of sedimentation, using kaolinite particles as a model mud suspension and silica spheres with equivalent hydrodynamic radius as a control. Classic hindered settling theory reasonably describes sedimentation rate for repulsive clay particles and silica spheres, which form a highly concentrated jamming front. The hindered settling description breaks down for attractive clay particles, which aggregate to form clay gels that consolidate like a soft solid. Water flow form fracture‐like channels in the bulk of the gel, which disappear as gel enters a creep regime. Results may help toward understanding the effect of surface charge and particle shape on the sedimentation and erodibility of natural mud.
Limited Influence of Localized Tropical Sea‐Surface Temperatures on Moisture Transport into the Arctic
Authors: Dunn‐Sigouin Etienne , Li Camille , Kushner Paul J.
Published: March 2021

Arctic moisture transport is dominated by planetary‐scale waves in reanalysis. Planetary waves are influenced by localized Sea‐Surface Temperature (SST) features such as the tropical warm pool. Here, an aquaplanet model is used to clarify the link between tropical SST anomalies and Arctic moisture transport. In a zonally uniform setup with no climatological east‐west gradients, Arctic moisture transport is dominated by transient planetary waves, as in reanalysis. Warming tropical SSTs by heating the ocean strengthens Arctic moisture transport, mediated mostly by changes in water vapor rather than eddies. This strengthening occurs whether the tropical warming is zonally uniform or localized. Cooling tropical SSTs weakens Arctic moisture transport; however, unlike warming, the pattern matters, with localized cooling producing stronger transport changes owing to nonlinear feedbacks in the surface energy budget. Thus, the simulations show that localized tropical SST anomalies influence Arctic moisture transport differently than uniform anomalies, but only in cooling scenarios.
Spatial Variation of Extreme Rainfall Observed From Two Century‐Long Datasets
Authors: Wang H. , Xuan Y.
Published: March 2021

This paper presents the spatial variation of area‐orientated annual maximum daily rainfall (AMDR), represented by well‐fitted generalized extreme value (GEV) distributions, over the last century in Great Britain (GB) and Australia (AU) with respect to three spatial properties: geographic locations, sizes, and shapes of the region‐of‐interest (ROI). The results show that the spatial variation of GEV location‐scale parameters is dominated by geographic locations and area sizes. In GB, there is an eastward‐decreasing banded pattern compared with a concentrically increasing pattern from the middle to coasts in AU. The parameters tend to decrease with increased area sizes in both studied regions. Although the impact of the ROI shapes is insignificant, the round‐shaped regions usually have higher‐valued parameters than the elongated ones. These findings provide a new perspective to understand the heterogeneity of extreme rainfall distribution over space driven by the complex interactions between climate, geographical features, and the practical sampling approaches.
The Role of Grain Size and Effective Normal Stress on Localization and the Frictional Stability of Simulated Quartz Gouge
Authors: Bedford John D. , Faulkner Daniel R.
Published: March 2021

For earthquakes to occur on tectonic faults deformation localizes onto discrete slip surfaces within the gouge material of the fault core. Here, we investigate how localization is promoted in quartz gouge, a material known to exhibit unstable stick‐slip behavior, by assessing the role of grain size and effective normal stress () on microstructural evolution and frictional behavior. We observe stable sliding, slow‐slip instability, and stick‐slip with increasing displacement. We find that initially fine‐grained gouge and high promotes unstable stick‐slip behavior, whereas slow‐slip is more prevalent at low . Microstructural analyses of the sheared gouges show that stick‐slip behavior occurs after localization of deformation on to discrete Y‐shears, which undergo a significant cataclastic grain size reduction relative to the bulk of the gouge, a process enhanced by high . Our results show that localization and instability are promoted by high effective normal stress and small grain size.
A Long‐Term Study of Mars Mesospheric Clouds Seen at Twilight Based on Mars Express VMC Images
Authors: Hernández‐Bernal J. , Sánchez‐Lavega A. , del Río‐Gaztelurrutia T. , Hueso R. , Ravanis E. , Cardesín‐Moinelo A. , Wood S. , Titov D.
Published: March 2021

We present the first systematic study of clouds observed during twilight on Mars. We analyze images obtained by the Visual Monitoring Camera on Mars Express between 2007 and 2020. Using an automated retrieval algorithm, we found 407 cases of clouds observed at twilight, in which the geometry of the observations allows to derive the minimum altitude, revealing that many of these clouds are in the mesosphere (above 40 km and up to 90 km). The majority of these mesospheric clouds were detected in mid‐latitudes at local autumn and winter, a new trend only hinted at by previous studies. In particular, we find a massive concentration of clouds in the southern mid‐latitudes between Terra Cimmeria and Aonia, a region where high altitude events have been previously observed. We propose that there is an unknown mechanism in these regions that enhances the probability to host high altitude clouds around the southern winter solstice.
Description of the NASA GEOS Composition Forecast Modeling System GEOS‐CF v1.0
Authors: Keller Christoph A. , Knowland K. Emma , Duncan Bryan N. , Liu Junhua , Anderson Daniel C. , Das Sampa , Lucchesi Robert A. , Lundgren Elizabeth W. , Nicely Julie M. , Nielsen Eric , Ott Lesley E. , Saunders Emily , Strode Sarah A. , Wales Pamela A. , Jacob Daniel J. , Pawson Steven
Published: March 2021

The Goddard Earth Observing System composition forecast (GEOS‐CF) system is a high‐resolution (0.25°) global constituent prediction system from NASA's Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO). GEOS‐CF offers a new tool for atmospheric chemistry research, with the goal to supplement NASA's broad range of space‐based and in‐situ observations. GEOS‐CF expands on the GEOS weather and aerosol modeling system by introducing the GEOS‐Chem chemistry module to provide hindcasts and 5‐days forecasts of atmospheric constituents including ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The chemistry module integrated in GEOS‐CF is identical to the offline GEOS‐Chem model and readily benefits from the innovations provided by the GEOS‐Chem community. Evaluation of GEOS‐CF against satellite, ozonesonde and surface observations for years 2018–2019 show realistic simulated concentrations of O3, NO2, and CO, with normalized mean biases of −0.1 to 0.3, normalized root mean square errors between 0.1–0.4, and correlations between 0.3–0.8. Comparisons against surface observations highlight the successful representation of air pollutants in many regions of the world and during all seasons, yet also highlight current limitations, such as a global high bias in SO2 and an overprediction of summertime O3 over the Southeast United States. GEOS‐CF v1.0 generally overestimates aerosols by 20%–50% due to known issues in GEOS‐Chem v12.0.1 that have been addressed in later versions. The 5‐days forecasts have skill scores comparable to the 1‐day hindcast. Model skills can be improved significantly by applying a bias‐correction to the surface model output using a machine‐learning approach.
The 2020 Eruption and Large Lateral Dike Emplacement at Taal Volcano, Philippines: Insights From Satellite Radar Data
Authors: Bato M. G. , Lundgren P. , Pinel V. , Solidum R. , Daag A. , Cahulogan M.
Published: March 2021

On January 12, 2020, Taal volcano, Philippines, erupted after 43 years of repose, affecting more than 500,000 people. Using interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) data, we present the pre‐ to post‐eruption analyses of the deformation of Taal. We find that: (1) prior to eruption, the volcano experienced long‐term deflation followed by short‐term inflation, reflecting the depressurization‐pressurization of its ∼5 km depth magma reservoir; (2) during the eruption, the magma reservoir lost a volume of 0.531 ± 0.004 km3 while a 0.643 ± 0.001 km3 lateral dike was emplaced; and (3) post‐eruption analyses reveal that the magma reservoir started recovery approximately 3 weeks after the main eruptive phase. We propose a conceptual analysis explaining the eruption and address why, despite the large volume of magma emplaced, the dike remained at depth. We also report the unique and significant contribution of InSAR data during the peak of the crisis.
Candidatus Eremiobacterota, a metabolically and phylogenetically diverse terrestrial phylum with acid-tolerant adaptations
Authors: Ji Mukan , Williams Timothy J , Montgomery Kate , Wong Hon Lun , Zaugg Julian , Berengut Jonathan F , Bissett Andrew , Chuvochina Maria , Hugenholtz Philip , Ferrari Belinda C
Published: March 2021

Candidatus phylum Eremiobacterota (formerly WPS-2) is an as-yet-uncultured bacterial clade that takes its name from Ca. Eremiobacter, an Antarctic soil aerobe proposed to be capable of a novel form of chemolithoautotrophy termed atmospheric chemosynthesis, that uses the energy derived from atmospheric H2-oxidation to fix CO2 through the Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB) cycle via type 1E RuBisCO. To elucidate the phylogenetic affiliation and metabolic capacities of Ca. Eremiobacterota, we analysed 63 public metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) and nine new MAGs generated from Antarctic soil metagenomes. These MAGs represent both recognized classes within Ca. Eremiobacterota, namely Ca. Eremiobacteria and UBP9. Ca. Eremiobacteria are inferred to be facultatively acidophilic with a preference for peptides and amino acids as nutrient sources. Epifluorescence microscopy revealed Ca. Eremiobacteria cells from Antarctica desert soil to be coccoid in shape. Two orders are recognized within class Ca. Eremiobacteria: Ca. Eremiobacterales and Ca. Baltobacterales. The latter are metabolically versatile, with individual members having genes required for trace gas driven autotrophy, anoxygenic photosynthesis, CO oxidation, and anaerobic respiration. UBP9, here renamed Ca. Xenobia class. nov., are inferred to be obligate heterotrophs with acidophilic adaptations, but individual members having highly divergent metabolic capacities compared to Ca. Eremiobacteria, especially with regard to respiration and central carbon metabolism. We conclude Ca. Eremiobacterota to be an ecologically versatile phylum with the potential to thrive under an array of “extreme” environmental conditions.
The oncogene Mct-1 promotes progression of hepatocellular carcinoma via enhancement of Yap-mediated cell proliferation
Authors: Yang Wenjie , Ni Yong , Yang Shikun , Ji Yang , Yang Xinchen , Cheng Feng , Wang Xuehao , Zhang Feng , Rao Jianhua
Published: March 2021

Malignant T-cell-amplified sequence 1 (Mct-1) has been reported as an oncogene in multiple malignant diseases. However, the function of Mct-1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor progression have not been explored. In this study, Mct-1 expression levels in HCC tissues and cells were detected by quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting. Mct-1 shRNAs and overexpression vector were transfected into HCC cells to downregulate or upregulate Mct-1 expression. In vitro and in vivo assays were performed to investigate the function of Mct-1 in cell proliferation and apoptosis. RNA sequencing analysis (RNA-seq) was performed to explore differences in gene expression when silenced Mct-1 expression. Mct-1 was upregulated in HCC specimens and cell lines, and higher expression of Mct-1 was predictive of poor survival. Overexpression of Mct-1 was shown to promote cell proliferation and repress cell apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. The results of RNA-seq indicated that knockdown of Mct-1 suppressed Yap expression, while the results of the luciferase assay also revealed that Mct-1 increases the activity of the Yap promoter. Restoration of Yap expression in Mct-1 knockdown cells partially recovered the promotion of cell proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis. Collectively, these results indicate that Mct-1 acts as a tumor promoter gene in HCC progression by up-regulating Yap expression and, thus, could serve a novel potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for HCC.
SARS-CoV-2 infection induces sustained humoral immune responses in convalescent patients following symptomatic COVID-19
Authors: Wu Jun , Liang Boyun , Chen Cunrong , Wang Hua , Fang Yaohui , Shen Shu , Yang Xiaoli , Wang Baoju , Chen Liangkai , Chen Qi , Wu Yang , Liu Jia , Yang Xuecheng , Li Wei , Zhu Bin , Zhou Wenqing , Wang Huan , Li Sumeng , Lu Sihong , Liu Di , Li Huadong , Krawczyk Adalbert , Lu Mengji , Yang Dongliang , Deng Fei , Dittmer Ulf , Trilling Mirko , Zheng Xin
Published: March 2021

Long-term antibody responses and neutralizing activities in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection are not yet clear. Here we quantify immunoglobulin M (IgM) and G (IgG) antibodies recognizing the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike (S) or the nucleocapsid (N) protein, and neutralizing antibodies during a period of 6 months from COVID-19 disease onset in 349 symptomatic COVID-19 patients who were among the first be infected world-wide. The positivity rate and magnitude of IgM-S and IgG-N responses increase rapidly. High levels of IgM-S/N and IgG-S/N at 2-3 weeks after disease onset are associated with virus control and IgG-S titers correlate closely with the capacity to neutralize SARS-CoV-2. Although specific IgM-S/N become undetectable 12 weeks after disease onset in most patients, IgG-S/N titers have an intermediate contraction phase, but stabilize at relatively high levels over the 6 month observation period. At late time points, the positivity rates for binding and neutralizing SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies are still >70%. These data indicate sustained humoral immunity in recovered patients who had symptomatic COVID-19, suggesting prolonged immunity.
SUMOylation controls the binding of hexokinase 2 to mitochondria and protects against prostate cancer tumorigenesis
Authors: Shangguan Xun , He Jianli , Ma Zehua , zhang Weiwei , Ji Yiyi , Shen Kai , Yue Zhiying , Li Wenyu , Xin Zhixiang , Zheng Quan , Cao Ying , Pan Jiahua , Dong Baijun , Cheng Jinke , Wang Qi , Xue Wei
Published: March 2021

Human hexokinase 2 is an essential regulator of glycolysis that couples metabolic and proliferative activities in cancer cells. The binding of hexokinase 2 to the outer membrane of mitochondria is critical for its oncogenic activity. However, the regulation of hexokinase 2 binding to mitochondria remains unclear. Here, we report that SUMOylation regulates the binding of hexokinase 2 to mitochondria. We find that hexokinase 2 can be SUMOylated at K315 and K492. SUMO-specific protease SENP1 mediates the de-SUMOylation of hexokinase 2. SUMO-defective hexokinase 2 preferably binds to mitochondria and enhances both glucose consumption and lactate production and decreases mitochondrial respiration in parallel. This metabolic reprogramming supports prostate cancer cell proliferation and protects cells from chemotherapy-induced cell apoptosis. Moreover, we demonstrate an inverse relationship between SENP1-hexokinase 2 axis and chemotherapy response in prostate cancer samples. Our data provide evidence for a previously uncovered posttranslational modification of hexokinase 2 in cancer cells, suggesting a potentially actionable strategy for preventing chemotherapy resistance in prostate cancer.
Evaluation of influent microbial immigration to activated sludge is affected by different-sized community segregation
Authors: Guo Bing , Sheng Zhiya , Liu Yang
Published: March 2021

Activated sludge (AS) microbial communities were analyzed for seasonal variation, a disturbance-recovery event, and separated small aggregates (SAG) to study the influent immigration effect using both neutral immigration model and mass-balance model with operational parameters. SAG differed with AS, and higher immigration impact on SAG was confirmed by both models. Adding the SAG community segregation in the latter model to evaluate the contribution of influent immigration to community disturbance-recovery showed increased impact of immigration.
Cognitive profiles in older males and females
Authors: Jockwitz C. , Wiersch L. , Stumme J. , Caspers S.
Published: March 2021

Males and females are subject to differences in cognitive processing strategies, i.e. the way males and females solve cognitive tasks. So far primarily reported for younger adults, this seems to be especially important in older adults, who also show sex differences in cognitive impairments. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to examine the older adult population with respect to cognitive profiles derived from a large variety of cognitive functions. Using an exploratory component analysis with consecutive confirmatory factor analysis in a sample of 676 older adults, neuropsychological performance data in a variety of cognitive domains was decomposed into cognitive components. A general cognitive profile based on the whole group fits unequally well on the two sexes. Importantly, cognitive profiles based on either males or females differ in terms of their composition of cognitive components, i.e. three components in males versus four components in females, with a generally better model fit in females. Thus, related to the established differences in processing styles between males and females the current study found a rather decomposed (or local) cognitive profile in females while males seem to show a holistic (or global) cognitive profile, with more interrelations between different cognitive functions.
The holding temperature of blood during a delay to processing can affect serum and plasma protein measurements
Authors: Ashworth Milton , Small Benjamin , Oldfield Lucy , Evans Anthony , Greenhalf William , Halloran Christopher , Costello Eithne
Published: March 2021

Accurate blood-borne biomarkers are sought for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment stratification. Consistent handling of blood is essential for meaningful data interpretation, however, delays during processing are occasionally unavoidable. We investigated the effects of immediately placing blood samples on ice versus room temperature for 1 h (reference protocol), and holding samples on ice versus room temperature during a 3 h delay to processing. Using Luminex multi-plex assays to assess cytokines (n = 29) and diabetes-associated proteins (n = 15) in healthy subjects, we observed that placing blood samples immediately on ice decreased the serum levels of several cytokines, including PAI-1, MIP1-β, IL-9, RANTES and IL-8. During a delay to processing, some analytes, e.g. leptin and insulin, showed little change in serum or plasma values. However, for approximately half of the analytes studied, a delay, regardless of the holding temperature, altered the measured levels compared to the reference protocol. Effects differed between serum and plasma and for some analytes the direction of change in level varied across individuals. The optimal holding temperature for samples during a delay was analyte-specific. In conclusion, deviations from protocol can lead to significant changes in blood analyte levels. Where possible, protocols for blood handling should be pre-determined in an analyte-specific manner.
Focused ultrasound mediated blood–brain barrier opening is safe and feasible in a murine pontine glioma model
Authors: Englander Zachary K. , Wei Hong-Jian , Pouliopoulos Antonios N. , Bendau Ethan , Upadhyayula Pavan , Jan Chia-Ing , Spinazzi Eleanora F. , Yoh Nina , Tazhibi Masih , McQuillan Nicholas M. , Wang Tony J. C. , Bruce Jeffrey N. , Canoll Peter , Feldstein Neil A. , Zacharoulis Stergios , Konofagou Elisa E. , Wu Cheng-Chia
Published: March 2021

Drug delivery in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma is significantly limited by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Focused ultrasound (FUS), when combined with the administration of microbubbles can effectively open the BBB permitting the entry of drugs across the cerebrovasculature into the brainstem. Given that the utility of FUS in brainstem malignancies remains unknown, the purpose of our study was to determine the safety and feasibility of this technique in a murine pontine glioma model. A syngeneic orthotopic model was developed by stereotactic injection of PDGF-B+PTEN−/−p53−/− murine glioma cells into the pons of B6 mice. A single-element, spherical-segment 1.5 MHz ultrasound transducer driven by a function generator through a power amplifier was used with concurrent intravenous microbubble injection for tumor sonication. Mice were randomly assigned to control, FUS and double-FUS groups. Pulse and respiratory rates were continuously monitored during treatment. BBB opening was confirmed with gadolinium-enhanced MRI and Evans blue. Kondziela inverted screen testing and sequential weight lifting measured motor function before and after sonication. A subset of animals were treated with etoposide following ultrasound. Mice were either sacrificed for tissue analysis or serially monitored for survival with daily weights. FUS successfully caused BBB opening while preserving normal cardiorespiratory and motor function. Furthermore, the degree of intra-tumoral hemorrhage and inflammation on H&E in control and treated mice was similar. There was also no difference in weight loss and survival between the groups (p > 0.05). Lastly, FUS increased intra-tumoral etoposide concentration by more than fivefold. FUS is a safe and feasible technique for repeated BBB opening and etoposide delivery in a preclinical pontine glioma model.
Electromagnetic field and TGF-β enhance the compensatory plasticity after sensory nerve injury in cockroach Periplaneta americana
Authors: Jankowska Milena , Klimek Angelika , Valsecchi Chiara , Stankiewicz Maria , Wyszkowska Joanna , Rogalska Justyna
Published: March 2021

Recovery of function after sensory nerves injury involves compensatory plasticity, which can be observed in invertebrates. The aim of the study was the evaluation of compensatory plasticity in the cockroach (Periplaneta americana) nervous system after the sensory nerve injury and assessment of the effect of electromagnetic field exposure (EMF, 50 Hz, 7 mT) and TGF-β on this process. The bioelectrical activities of nerves (pre-and post-synaptic parts of the sensory path) were recorded under wind stimulation of the cerci before and after right cercus ablation and in insects exposed to EMF and treated with TGF-β. Ablation of the right cercus caused an increase of activity of the left presynaptic part of the sensory path. Exposure to EMF and TGF-β induced an increase of activity in both parts of the sensory path. This suggests strengthening effects of EMF and TGF-β on the insect ability to recognize stimuli after one cercus ablation. Data from locomotor tests proved electrophysiological results. The takeover of the function of one cercus by the second one proves the existence of compensatory plasticity in the cockroach escape system, which makes it a good model for studying compensatory plasticity. We recommend further research on EMF as a useful factor in neurorehabilitation.
Transcranial focused ultrasound phase correction using the hybrid angular spectrum method
Authors: Leung Steven A. , Moore David , Webb Taylor D. , Snell John , Ghanouni Pejman , Butts Pauly Kim
Published: March 2021

The InSightec Exablate system is the standard of care used for transcranial focused ultrasound ablation treatments in the United States. The system calculates phase corrections that account for aberrations caused by the human skull. This work investigates whether skull aberration correction can be improved by comparing the standard of care InSightec ray tracing method with the hybrid angular spectrum (HAS) method and the gold standard hydrophone method. Three degassed ex vivo human skulls were sonicated with a 670 kHz hemispherical phased array transducer (InSightec Exablate 4000). Phase corrections were calculated using four different methods (straight ray tracing, InSightec ray tracing, HAS, and hydrophone) and were used to drive the transducer. 3D raster scans of the beam profiles were acquired using a hydrophone mounted on a 3-axis positioner system. Focal spots were evaluated using six metrics: pressure at the target, peak pressure, intensity at the target, peak intensity, positioning error, and focal spot volume. For three skulls, the InSightec ray tracing method achieved 52 ± 21% normalized target intensity (normalized to hydrophone), 76 ± 17% normalized peak intensity, and 0.72 ± 0.47 mm positioning error. The HAS method achieved 74 ± 9% normalized target intensity, 81 ± 9% normalized peak intensity, and 0.35 ± 0.09 mm positioning error. The InSightec-to-HAS improvement in focal spot targeting provides promise in improving treatment outcomes. These improvements to skull aberration correction are also highly relevant for the applications of focused ultrasound neuromodulation and blood brain barrier opening, which are currently being translated for human use.
Surveillance of salivary properties of pre-orthodontic patients in relation to age and sex
Authors: Kado Isamu , Kunimatsu Ryo , Yoshimi Yuki , Medina Cynthia Concepcion , Yamada Sakura , Tanimoto Kotaro
Published: March 2021

Saliva plays an important role in masticatory function and protection from dental caries. Although studies have been conducted on saliva properties, their results vary widely depending on population settings. Hence, this study was performed to evaluate the results of saliva properties in individuals who attended their first visit for orthodontic treatment. A total of 619 participants were included (387 females and 232 males; mean age: 14.6 years). We conducted oral examinations and saliva (stimulated) tests and evaluated the saliva flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity, along with bacterial culture. Saliva flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity were significantly higher in males than in females. However, the Streptococcus mutans score was significantly higher in females than in males even though oral hygiene was better in females. Significant positive correlations were found between age and saliva flow rate and S. mutans score. On the contrary, significant negative correlations were found between age and pH and buffering capacity. These results were similar to other studies where the target population was children or teenagers. Saliva properties of patients starting orthodontic treatment were almost the same as in populations of similar ages.
Evaluation of multi-hazard map produced using MaxEnt machine learning technique
Authors: Javidan Narges , Kavian Ataollah , Pourghasemi Hamid Reza , Conoscenti Christian , Jafarian Zeinab , Rodrigo-Comino Jesús
Published: March 2021

Natural hazards are diverse and uneven in time and space, therefore, understanding its complexity is key to save human lives and conserve natural ecosystems. Reducing the outputs obtained after each modelling analysis is key to present the results for stakeholders, land managers and policymakers. So, the main goal of this survey was to present a method to synthesize three natural hazards in one multi-hazard map and its evaluation for hazard management and land use planning. To test this methodology, we took as study area the Gorganrood Watershed, located in the Golestan Province (Iran). First, an inventory map of three different types of hazards including flood, landslides, and gullies was prepared using field surveys and different official reports. To generate the susceptibility maps, a total of 17 geo-environmental factors were selected as predictors using the MaxEnt (Maximum Entropy) machine learning technique. The accuracy of the predictive models was evaluated by drawing receiver operating characteristic-ROC curves and calculating the area under the ROC curve-AUCROC. The MaxEnt model not only implemented superbly in the degree of fitting, but also obtained significant results in predictive performance. Variables importance of the three studied types of hazards showed that river density, distance from streams, and elevation were the most important factors for flood, respectively. Lithological units, elevation, and annual mean rainfall were relevant for detecting landslides. On the other hand, annual mean rainfall, elevation, and lithological units were used for gully erosion mapping in this study area. Finally, by combining the flood, landslides, and gully erosion susceptibility maps, an integrated multi-hazard map was created. The results demonstrated that 60% of the area is subjected to hazards, reaching a proportion of landslides up to 21.2% in the whole territory. We conclude that using this type of multi-hazard map may be a useful tool for local administrators to identify areas susceptible to hazards at large scales as we demonstrated in this research.
Timing of recurrences of TEM resected rectal neoplasms is variable as per the surveillance practices of one tertiary care institution
Authors: Keeping Allison C. , Johnson Paul M. , Kenyon Christopher R. , Neumann Katerina
Published: March 2021

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is widely used for the excision of rectal adenomas and early rectal adenocarcinoma. Few recommendations currently exist for surveillance of lesions excised by TEM. The purpose of this study was to review the surveillance practices and the patterns of recurrence among TEM resected lesions at a tertiary care hospital. A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients who underwent TEM for rectal adenoma or adenocarcinoma before June 2017. In our study population of 114 patients, the final pathology included 78 (68%) adenomas and 36 (32%) adenocarcinomas. Of the adenocarcinomas 23, 9, and 4 were T1, T2, T3 lesions, respectively. Of those, 25 patients opted for surveillance instead of further treatment. The most commonly recommended endoscopic surveillance strategy by our group for both adenomas and adenocarcinomas excised by TEM was flexible sigmoidoscopy every 6 months for 2 years. Recurrences occurred in 4/78 (5.1%) adenoma patients, all found within 16.9 months of surgery, and in 4/25 (16%) adenocarcinoma patients, found between 7.4 and 38.5 months post-surgery. Our data highlights the fact that the timing of recurrences post TEM surgery is variable. Further studies looking at recurrence patterns are needed in order to create comprehensive guidelines for surveillance of these patients.
Simulation of the transition metal-based cumulative oxidative potential in East Asia and its emission sources in Japan
Authors: Kajino Mizuo , Hagino Hiroyuki , Fujitani Yuji , Morikawa Tazuko , Fukui Tetsuo , Onishi Kazunari , Okuda Tomoaki , Igarashi Yasuhito
Published: March 2021

The aerosol oxidative potential (OP) is considered to better represent the acute health hazards of aerosols than the mass concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The proposed major contributors to OP are water soluble transition metals and organic compounds, but the relative magnitudes of these compounds to the total OP are not yet fully understood. In this study, as the first step toward the numerical prediction of OP, the cumulative OP (OPtm*) based on the top five key transition metals, namely, Cu, Mn, Fe, V, and Ni, was defined. The solubilities of metals were assumed constant over time and space based on measurements. Then, the feasibility of its prediction was verified by comparing OPtm* values based on simulated metals to that based on observed metals in East Asia. PM2.5 typically consists of primary and secondary species, while OPtm* only represents primary species. This disparity caused differences in the domestic contributions of PM2.5 and OPtm*, especially in large cities in western Japan. The annual mean domestic contributions of PM2.5 were 40%, while those of OPtm* ranged from 50 to 55%. Sector contributions to the OPtm* emissions in Japan were also assessed. The main important sectors were the road brake and iron–steel industry sectors, followed by power plants, road exhaust, and railways.
Genome-wide identification of MIKC-type genes related to stamen and gynoecium development in Liriodendron
Authors: Liu Huanhuan , Yang Lichun , Tu Zhonghua , Zhu Shenghua , Zhang Chengge , Li Huogen
Published: March 2021

The organogenesis and development of reproductive organs, i.e., stamen and gynoecium, are important floral characteristics that are closely related to pollinators and reproductive fitness. As a genus from Magnoliaceae, Liriodendron has only two relict species: L. chinense and L. tulipifera. Despite the similar flower shapes of these species, their natural seed-setting rates differ significantly, implying interspecies difference in floral organogenesis and development. MADS-box genes, which participate in floral organogenesis and development, remain unexplored in Liriodendron. Here, to explore the interspecies difference in floral organogenesis and development and identify MADS-box genes in Liriodendron, we examined the stamen and gynoecium primordia of the two Liriodendron species by scanning electron microscopy combined with paraffin sectioning, and then collected two types of primordia for RNA-seq. A total of 12 libraries were constructed and 42,268 genes were identified, including 35,269 reference genes and 6,999 new genes. Monoterpenoid biosynthesis was enriched in L. tulipifera. Genome-wide analysis of 32 MADS-box genes was conducted, including phylogenetic trees, exon/intron structures, and conserved motif distributions. Twenty-six genes were anchored on 17 scaffolds, and six new genes had no location information. The expression profiles of MIKC-type genes via RT-qPCR acrossing six stamen and gynoecium developmental stages indicates that the PI-like, AG/STK-like, SEP-like, and SVP-like genes may contribute to the species-specific differentiation of the organogenesis and development of reproductive organs in Liriodendron. Our findings laid the groundwork for the future exploration of the mechanism underlying on the interspecific differences in reproductive organ development and fitness in Liriodendron.
A machine learning model for predicting the ballistic impact resistance of unidirectional fiber-reinforced composite plate
Authors: Lei X. D. , Wu X. Q. , Zhang Z. , Xiao K. L. , Wang Y. W. , Huang C. G.
Published: March 2021

It has been a vital issue to ensure both the accuracy and efficiency of computational models for analyzing the ballistic impact response of fiber-reinforced composite plates (FRCP). In this paper, a machine learning (ML) model is established in an effort to bridge the ballistic impact protective performance and the characteristics of microstructure for unidirectional FRCP (UD-FRCP), where the microstructure of the UD-FRCP is characterized by the two-point correlation function. The results showed that the ML model, after trained by 175 cases, could reasonably predict the ballistic impact energy absorption of the UD-FRCP with a maximum error of 13%, indicating that the model can ensure both computational accuracy and efficiency. Besides, the model’s critical parameter sensitivities are investigated, and three typical ML algorithms are analyzed, showing that the gradient boosting regression algorithm has the highest accuracy among these algorithms for the ballistic impact problem of UD-FRCP. The study proposes an effective solution for the traditional difficulty of the ballistic impact simulation of composites with both high efficiency and accuracy.
Monitoring the variation in the gut microbiota of captive woolly monkeys related to changes in diet during a reintroduction process
Authors: Quiroga-González Camilo , Cardenas Luis Alberto Chica , Ramírez Mónica , Reyes Alejandro , González Camila , Stevenson Pablo R.
Published: March 2021

Microbiome is known to play an important role in the health of organisms and different factors such as diet have been associated with modifications in microbial communities. Differences in the microbiota composition of wild and captive animals has been evaluated; however, variation during a reintroduction process in primates has never been reported. Our aim was to identify changes in the bacterial composition of three individuals of reintroduced woolly monkeys (Lagothrix lagothricha) and the variables associated with such changes. Fecal samples were collected and the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced to determine gut microbial composition and functionality. Individual samples from released individuals showed a higher microbial diversity after being released compared to before liberation, associated with changes in their diet. Beta diversity and functionality analysis showed separation of samples from released and captive conditions and the major factor of variation was the moment of liberation. This study shows that intestinal microbiota varies depending on site conditions and is mainly associated with diet diversity. The intake of food from wild origin by released primates may promote a positive effect on gut microbiota, improving health, and potentially increasing success in reintroduction processes.
Interval uncertainty analysis of a confined aquifer
Authors: Xu Chengcheng , Lu Chuiyu , Wang Jianhua
Published: March 2021

Water inflow forecast is influenced by many factors and yields uncertain results. To more accurately predict the magnitude of water inflow and quantitatively define the corresponding response in the parameter change interval, this study combined a non-probabilistic set theory and uncertainty analysis to derive an equation for the confined water inflow. Using mining area data and comparing the calculation of upper and lower boundary limits obtained by a Monte Carlo method, results of the confined water inflow equation were calculated with relative errors of 5% and 10%. When corresponding to the rate of change of the variable parameter, the results showed that under the same error conditions, the allowable rate of change when calculating the minimum value using Eq. A was greater than when using Eq. B, and the maximum value using Eq. B yielded a greater allowable rate of change than the maximum value calculated by Eq. A. Thus, the obtained rate of change for Eq. A is indicative of the lower limit, and Eq. B is conducive to the calculation of the upper limit of mine water inflow.
Nongenotoxic ABCB1 activator tetraphenylphosphonium can contribute to doxorubicin resistance in MX-1 breast cancer cell line
Authors: Kubiliute Raimonda , Januskeviciene Indre , Urbanaviciute Ruta , Daniunaite Kristina , Drobniene Monika , Ostapenko Valerijus , Daugelavicius Rimantas , Jarmalaite Sonata
Published: March 2021

Hyperactivation of ABC transporter ABCB1 and induction of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) are the most common mechanism of acquired cancer chemoresistance. This study describes possible mechanisms, that might contribute to upregulation of ABCB1 and synergistically boost the acquisition of doxorubicin (DOX) resistance in breast cancer MX-1 cell line. DOX resistance in MX-1 cell line was induced by a stepwise increase of drug concentration or by pretreatment of cells with an ABCB1 transporter activator tetraphenylphosphonium (TPP+) followed by DOX exposure. Transcriptome analysis of derived cells was performed by human gene expression microarrays and by quantitative PCR. Genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of ABCB1 regulation were evaluated by pyrosequencing and gene copy number variation analysis. Gradual activation of canonical EMT transcription factors with later activation of ABCB1 at the transcript level was observed in DOX-only treated cells, while TPP+ exposure induced considerable activation of ABCB1 at both, mRNA and protein level. The changes in ABCB1 mRNA and protein level were related to the promoter DNA hypomethylation and the increase in gene copy number. ABCB1-active cells were highly resistant to DOX and showed morphological and molecular features of EMT. The study suggests that nongenotoxic ABCB1 inducer can possibly accelerate development of DOX resistance.