bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome structure-based Juglandaceae phylogenies contradict alignment-based phylogenies and substitution rates vary with DNA repair genes
Authors: Ding Ya-Mei , Pang Xiao-Xu , Cao Yu , Zhang Wei-Ping , Renner Susanne S. , Zhang Da-Yong , Bai Wei-Ning
Published: February 2023

In lineages of allopolyploid origin, sets of homoeologous chromosomes may coexist that differ in gene content and syntenic structure. Presence or absence of genes and microsynteny along chromosomal blocks can serve to differentiate subgenomes and to infer phylogenies. We here apply genome-structural data to infer relationships in an ancient allopolyploid lineage, the walnut family (Juglandaceae), by using seven chromosome-level genomes, two of them newly assembled. Microsynteny and gene-content analyses yield identical topologies that placePlatycaryawithEngelhardiaas did a 1980s morphological-cladistic study. DNA-alignment-based topologies here and in numerous earlier studies instead groupPlatycaryawithCaryaandJuglans, perhaps misled by past hybridization. All available data support a hybrid origin of Juglandaceae from extinct or unsampled progenitors nested within, or sister to, Myricaceae.Rhoiptelea chiliantha, sister to all other Juglandaceae, contains proportionally more DNA repair genes and appears to evolve at a rate 2.6- to 3.5-times slower than the remaining species.
Comparison of fecal and blood metabolome reveals inconsistent associations of the gut microbiota with cardiometabolic diseases
Authors: Deng Kui , Xu Jin-jian , Shen Luqi , Zhao Hui , Gou Wanglong , Xu Fengzhe , Fu Yuanqing , Jiang Zengliang , Shuai Menglei , Li Bang-yan , Hu Wei , Zheng Ju-Sheng , Chen Yu-ming
Published: February 2023

Blood metabolome is commonly used in human studies to explore the associations of gut microbiota-derived metabolites with cardiometabolic diseases. Here, in a cohort of 1007 middle-aged and elderly adults with matched fecal metagenomic (149 species and 214 pathways) and paired fecal and blood targeted metabolomics data (132 metabolites), we find disparate associations with taxonomic composition and microbial pathways when using fecal or blood metabolites. For example, we observe that fecal, but not blood butyric acid significantly associates with both gut microbiota and prevalent type 2 diabetes. These findings are replicated in an independent validation cohort involving 103 adults. Our results suggest that caution should be taken when inferring microbiome-cardiometabolic disease associations from either blood or fecal metabolome data.
Direct Cryo-ET observation of platelet deformation induced by SARS-CoV-2 spike protein
Authors: Kuhn Christopher Cyrus , Basnet Nirakar , Bodakuntla Satish , Alvarez-Brecht Pelayo , Nichols Scott , Martinez-Sanchez Antonio , Agostini Lorenzo , Soh Young-Min , Takagi Junichi , Biertümpfel Christian , Mizuno Naoko
Published: February 2023

SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Its high pathogenicity is due to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S protein) contacting host-cell receptors. A critical hallmark of COVID-19 is the occurrence of coagulopathies. Here, we report the direct observation of the interactions between S protein and platelets. Live imaging shows that the S protein triggers platelets to deform dynamically, in some cases, leading to their irreversible activation. Cellular cryo-electron tomography reveals dense decorations of S protein on the platelet surface, inducing filopodia formation. Hypothesizing that S protein binds to filopodia-inducing integrin receptors, we tested the binding to RGD motif-recognizing platelet integrins and find that S protein recognizes integrin αvβ3. Our results infer that the stochastic activation of platelets is due to weak interactions of S protein with integrin, which can attribute to the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and the occurrence of rare but severe coagulopathies.
Disentangling kinetics from thermodynamics in heterogeneous colloidal systems
Authors: Almohammadi Hamed , Martinek Sandra , Yuan Ye , Fischer Peter , Mezzenga Raffaele
Published: February 2023

In Nucleation and Growth, the process by which most heterogeneous systems form, thermodynamics sets the asymptotic boundaries toward which the system must evolve, while kinetics tries to cope with it by imposing the transport rates. In all heterogeneous colloidal systems observed in nature, composition, shape, structure and physical properties result from the trade-off between thermodynamics and kinetics. Here we show, by carefully selecting colloidal systems and controlling phase separation in microfluidic devices, that it becomes possible to disentangle kinetics effects from thermodynamics. Using amyloids and nanocellulose filamentous colloids, we demonstrate that decoupling kinetics from thermodynamics in the phase separation process unveils new physical phenomena, such as orders of magnitude shorter timescales, a wider phase diagram, and structures that are not observable via conventional liquid-liquid phase separation. Our approach enables on-demand fabrication of multicomponent heterogeneous liquid crystals, enhancing their potential, and introducing original fundamental and technological directions in multicomponent structured fluids.
Evidence for a rosiaite-structured high-pressure silica phase and its relation to lamellar amorphization in quartz
Authors: Otzen Christoph , Liermann Hanns-Peter , Langenhorst Falko
Published: February 2023

When affected by impact, quartz (SiO2) undergoes an abrupt transformation to glass lamellae, the planar deformation features (PDFs). This shock effect is the most reliable indicator of impacts and is decisive in identifying catastrophic collisions in the Earth´s record such as the Chicxulub impact. Despite the significance of PDFs, there is still no consensus how they form. Here, we present time-resolved in-situ synchroton X-ray diffraction data of single-crystal quartz rapidly compressed in a dynamic diamond anvil cell. These experiments provide evidence for the transformation of quartz at pressures above 15 GPa to lamellae of a metastable rosiaite (PbSb2O6)-type high-pressure phase with octahedrally coordinated silicon. This phase collapses during decompression to amorphous lamellae, which closely resemble PDFs in naturally shocked quartz. The identification of rosiaite-structured silica provides thus an explanation for lamellar amorphization of quartz. Furthermore, it suggests that the mixed phase region of the Hugoniot curve may be related to the progressive formation of rosiaite-structured silica.
An updated suite of viral vectors for in vivo calcium imaging using intracerebral and retro-orbital injections in male mice
Authors: Grødem Sverre , Nymoen Ingeborg , Vatne Guro Helén , Rogge Frederik Sebastian , Björnsdóttir Valgerður , Lensjø Kristian Kinden , Fyhn Marianne
Published: February 2023

Genetically encoded Ca2+ indicators (GECIs) are widely used to measure neural activity. Here, we explore the use of systemically administered PHP.eB AAVs for brain-wide expression of GECIs and compare the expression properties to intracerebrally injected AAVs in male mice. We show that systemic administration is a promising strategy for imaging neural activity. Next, we establish the use of EE-RR- (soma) and RPL10a (Ribo) soma-targeting peptides with the latest jGCaMP and show that EE-RR-tagged jGCaMP8 gives rise to strong expression but limited soma-targeting. In contrast, Ribo-tagged jGCaMP8 lacks neuropil signal, but the expression rate is reduced. To combat this, we modified the linker region of the Ribo-tag (RiboL1-). RiboL1-jGCaMP8 expresses faster than Ribo-jGCaMP8 but remains too dim for reliable use with systemic virus administration. However, intracerebral injections of the RiboL1-tagged jGCaMP8 constructs provide strong Ca2+ signals devoid of neuropil contamination, with remarkable labeling density.
Atomically dispersed iridium catalysts on silicon photoanode for efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Jun Sang Eon , Kim Youn-Hye , Kim Jaehyun , Cheon Woo Seok , Choi Sungkyun , Yang Jinwook , Park Hoonkee , Lee Hyungsoo , Park Sun Hwa , Kwon Ki Chang , Moon Jooho , Kim Soo-Hyun , Jang Ho Won
Published: February 2023

Stabilizing atomically dispersed single atoms (SAs) on silicon photoanodes for photoelectrochemical-oxygen evolution reaction is still challenging due to the scarcity of anchoring sites. Here, we elaborately demonstrate the decoration of iridium SAs on silicon photoanodes and assess the role of SAs on the separation and transfer of photogenerated charge carriers. NiO/Ni thin film, an active and highly stable catalyst, is capable of embedding the iridium SAs in its lattices by locally modifying the electronic structure. The isolated iridium SAs enable the effective photogenerated charge transport by suppressing the charge recombination and lower the thermodynamic energy barrier in the potential-determining step. The Ir SAs/NiO/Ni/ZrO2/n-Si photoanode exhibits a benchmarking photoelectrochemical performance with a high photocurrent density of 27.7 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode and 130 h stability. This study proposes the rational design of SAs on silicon photoelectrodes and reveals the potential of the iridium SAs to boost photogenerated charge carrier kinetics.
Hyperbolic matter in electrical circuits with tunable complex phases
Authors: Chen Anffany , Brand Hauke , Helbig Tobias , Hofmann Tobias , Imhof Stefan , Fritzsche Alexander , Kießling Tobias , Stegmaier Alexander , Upreti Lavi K. , Neupert Titus , Bzdušek Tomáš , Greiter Martin , Thomale Ronny , Boettcher Igor
Published: February 2023

Curved spaces play a fundamental role in many areas of modern physics, from cosmological length scales to subatomic structures related to quantum information and quantum gravity. In tabletop experiments, negatively curved spaces can be simulated with hyperbolic lattices. Here we introduce and experimentally realize hyperbolic matter as a paradigm for topological states through topolectrical circuit networks relying on a complex-phase circuit element. The experiment is based on hyperbolic band theory that we confirm here in an unprecedented numerical survey of finite hyperbolic lattices. We implement hyperbolic graphene as an example of topologically nontrivial hyperbolic matter. Our work sets the stage to realize more complex forms of hyperbolic matter to challenge our established theories of physics in curved space, while the tunable complex-phase element developed here can be a key ingredient for future experimental simulation of various Hamiltonians with topological ground states.
Strong quartic anharmonicity, ultralow thermal conductivity, high band degeneracy and good thermoelectric performance in Na2TlSb
Authors: Yue Tongcai , Zhao Yinchang , Ni Jun , Meng Sheng , Dai Zhenhong
Published: February 2023

We employ first-principles calculations combined with self-consistent phonon theory and Boltzmann transport equations to investigate the thermal transport and thermoelectric properties of full-Heusler compound Na2TlSb. Our findings exhibit that the strong quartic anharmonicity and temperature dependence of the Tl atom with rattling behavior plays an important role in the lattice stability of Na2TlSb. We find that soft Tl-Sb bonding and resonant bonding in the pseudocage composed of the Na and Sb atoms interaction is responsible for ultralow κL. Meanwhile, the multi-valley band structure increases the band degeneracy, results in a high power factor in p-type Na2TlSb. The coexistence of ultralow κL and high power factor presents that Na2TlSb is a potential candidate for thermoelectric applications. Moreover, these findings help to understand the origin of ultralow κL of full-Heusler compounds with strong quartic anharmonicity, leading to the rational design of full-Heusler compounds with high thermoelectric performance.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of inflammatory biomarkers in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Qu Yi , Li Jiangting , Qin Qixiong , Wang Danlei , Zhao Jingwei , An Ke , Mao Zhijuan , Min Zhe , Xiong Yongjie , Li Jingyi , Xue Zheng
Published: February 2023

Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD), but controversies persist. Studies reporting concentrations of blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers for patients with PD and controls were included and extracted. Pooled Hedges’g was adopted to illustrate comparisons, and covariates were used to explore sources of heterogeneity. Finally, 152 studies were included. Increased IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, STNFR1, CRP, CCL2, CX3CL1, and CXCL12 levels and decreased INF-γ and IL-4 levels were noted in the PD group. In addition, increased CSF levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, CRP and CCL2 were revealed in patients with PD compared to controls. Consequently, significantly altered levels of inflammatory markers were verified between PD group and control, suggesting that PD is accompanied by inflammatory responses in both the peripheral blood and CSF. This study was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42022349182.
Parkinsonism mutations in DNAJC6 cause lipid defects and neurodegeneration that are rescued by Synj1
Authors: Jacquemyn Julie , Kuenen Sabine , Swerts Jef , Pavie Benjamin , Vijayan Vinoy , Kilic Ayse , Chabot Dries , Wang Yu-Chun , Schoovaerts Nils , Corthout Nikky , Verstreken Patrik
Published: February 2023

Recent evidence links dysfunctional lipid metabolism to the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease, but the mechanisms are not resolved. Here, we generated a new Drosophila knock-in model of DNAJC6/Auxilin and find that the pathogenic mutation causes synaptic dysfunction, neurological defects and neurodegeneration, as well as specific lipid metabolism alterations. In these mutants, membrane lipids containing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, including phosphatidylinositol lipid species that are key for synaptic vesicle recycling and organelle function, are reduced. Overexpression of another protein mutated in Parkinson’s disease, Synaptojanin-1, known to bind and metabolize specific phosphoinositides, rescues the DNAJC6/Auxilin lipid alterations, the neuronal function defects and neurodegeneration. Our work reveals a functional relation between two proteins mutated in Parkinsonism and implicates deregulated phosphoinositide metabolism in the maintenance of neuronal integrity and neuronal survival.
Digital 3D Brain MRI Arterial Territories Atlas
Authors: Liu Chin-Fu , Hsu Johnny , Xu Xin , Kim Ganghyun , Sheppard Shannon M. , Meier Erin L. , Miller Michael I. , Hillis Argye E. , Faria Andreia V.
Published: February 2023

The locus and extent of brain damage in the event of vascular insult can be quantitatively established quickly and easily with vascular atlases. Although highly anticipated by clinicians and clinical researchers, no digital MRI arterial atlas is readily available for automated data analyses. We created a digital arterial territory atlas based on lesion distributions in 1,298 patients with acute stroke. The lesions were manually traced in the diffusion-weighted MRIs, binary stroke masks were mapped to a common space, probability maps of lesions were generated and the boundaries for each arterial territory was defined based on the ratio between probabilistic maps. The atlas contains the definition of four major supra- and infra-tentorial arterial territories: Anterior, Middle, Posterior Cerebral Arteries and Vertebro-Basilar, and sub-territories (thalamoperforating, lenticulostriate, basilar and cerebellar arterial territories), in two hierarchical levels. This study provides the first publicly-available, digital, 3D deformable atlas of arterial brain territories, which may serve as a valuable resource for large-scale, reproducible processing and analysis of brain MRIs of patients with stroke and other conditions.
Database of daily Lagrangian Arctic sea ice parcel drift tracks with coincident ice and atmospheric conditions
Authors: Horvath Sean , Boisvert Linette , Parker Chelsea , Webster Melinda , Taylor Patrick , Boeke Robyn , Fons Steven , Stewart J. Scott
Published: February 2023

Since the early 2000s, sea ice has experienced an increased rate of decline in thickness, extent and age. This new regime, coined the ‘New Arctic’, is accompanied by a reshuffling of energy flows at the surface. Understanding of the magnitude and nature of this reshuffling and the feedbacks therein remains limited. A novel database is presented that combines satellite observations, model output, and reanalysis data with sea ice parcel drift tracks in a Lagrangian framework. This dataset consists of daily time series of sea ice parcel locations, sea ice and snow conditions, and atmospheric states, including remotely sensed surface energy budget terms. Additionally, flags indicate when sea ice parcels travel within cyclones, recording cyclone intensity and distance from the cyclone center. The quality of the ice parcel database was evaluated by comparison with sea ice mass balance buoys and correlations are high, which highlights the reliability of this database in capturing the seasonal changes and evolution of sea ice. This database has multiple applications for the scientific community; it can be used to study the processes that influence individual sea ice parcel time series, or to explore generalized summary statistics and trends across the Arctic.
Circulating microvesicles correlate with radiation proctitis complication after radiotherapy
Authors: Ribault Alexandre , Benadjaoud Mohamed Amine , Squiban Claire , Arnaud Laurent , Judicone Coralie , Leroyer Aurélie S. , Rousseau Alexandra , Huet Christelle , Guha Chandan , Benderitter Marc , Lacroix Romaric , Flamant Stephane , Chen Emily I. , Simon Jean-Marc , Tamarat Radia
Published: February 2023

In a large retrospective study, we assessed the putative use of circulating microvesicles (MVs), as innovative biomarkers of radiation toxicity in a cohort of 208 patients with prostate adenocarcinoma overexposed to radiation. The level of platelet (P)-, monocyte (M)- and endothelial (E)-derived MVs were assessed by flow cytometry. Rectal bleeding toxicity scores were collected at the time of blood sampling and during the routine follow-up and were tested for association with MVs using a multivariate logistic regression. MVs dosimetric correlation was investigated using dose volume histograms information available for a subset of 36 patients. The number of PMVs was significantly increased in patients with highest toxicity grades compared to lower grades. Risk prediction analysis revealed that increased numbers of PMVs, and an increased amount of MMVs relative to EMVs, were associated with worst rectal bleeding grade compared to the time of blood sampling. Moreover, a significant correlation was found between PMV and MMV numbers, with the range of doses up to the median exposure (40 Gy) of bladder/rectum and anterior rectal wall, respectively. MVs could be considered as new biomarkers to improve the identification of patients with high toxicity grade and may be instrumental for the prognosis of radiation therapy complications.
Caloric restriction increases the resistance of aged heart to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury via modulating AMPK–SIRT1–PGC1a energy metabolism pathway
Authors: Guo Zhijia , Wang Meng , Ying Xiaodong , Yuan Jiyu , Wang Chenggang , Zhang Wenjie , Tian Shouyuan , Yan Xiaoyan
Published: February 2023

A large number of data suggest that caloric restriction (CR) has a protective effect on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/R) in the elderly. However, the mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we created the I/R model in vivo by ligating the mice left coronary artery for 45 min followed by reperfusion. C57BL/6J wild-type mice were randomly divided into a young group fed ad libitum (y-AL), aged fed ad libitum (a-AL) and aged calorie restriction group (a-CR, 70% diet restriction), and fed for 6 weeks. The area of myocardial infarction was measured by Evan’s blue-TTC staining, plasma cholesterol content quantified by ELISA, fatty acids and glucose measured by Langendorff working system, as well as protein expression of AMPK/SIRT1/PGC1a signaling pathway related factors in myocardial tissue detected by immunoblotting. Our results showed that CR significantly reduced infarct size in elderly mice after I/R injury, promoted glycolysis regardless of I/R injury, and restored myocardial glucose uptake in elderly mice. Compared with a-AL group, CR significantly promoted the expression of p-AMPK, SIRT1, p-PGC1a, and SOD2, but decreased PPARγ expression in aged mice. In conclusion, our results suggest that CR protects elderly mice from I/R injury by altering myocardial substrate energy metabolism via the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC1a pathway.
Molecular phylogeny reveals distinct evolutionary lineages of the banded krait, Bungarus fasciatus (Squamata, Elapidae) in Asia
Authors: Biakzuala Lal , Lalremsanga Hmar T. , Santra Vishal , Dhara Arindam , Ahmed Molla T. , Mallick Ziniya B. , Kuttalam Sourish , Amarasinghe A. A. Thasun , Malhotra Anita
Published: February 2023

The banded krait, Bungarusfasciatus is a widespread elapid snake, likely to comprise several distinct species in different geographic regions of Asia. Therefore, based on molecular phylogenetics and comparative morphology data, we present an overview of the systematic composition of the species to delimit potential biogeographic boundaries. Our phylogenetic analyses, based on four mitochondrial genes, reveal the existence of at least three evolutionary lineages within B.fasciatus, corresponding to Indo-Myanmar, Sundaic and eastern Asian lineages. We are convinced that there are at least three taxonomic entities within the nomen B.fasciatus and restrict the distribution of B.fasciatus sensu stricto to the Indo-Myanmar region. We also provide additional natural history data of the taxon from eastern India. Finally, we advocate further studies to establish the degree of reproductive isolation among these diverging evolutionary lineages and to reassess the systematic status of this species complex especially the Sundaic and eastern Asian lineages.
Impact of lamina-open side on unilateral open door laminoplasty in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy
Authors: Kang Kyung-Chung , Im Sang-Kyu , Lee Jung-Hee , Lee Ki Young , Seo Dong-Uk , Hwang In-Uk
Published: February 2023

Surgeons should select one side for cervical unilateral open door laminoplasty (UODL). However, few reports suggest proper guidelines for deciding which side to open. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of opening side in UODL on dominant cord compressive or symptomatic side. 193 degenerative cervical myeloradiculopathy patients with followed-up more than 2 years were enrolled. In all cases, UODL was performed uniformly on the right side. Patients were sub-grouped based on preoperative dominant 3 characteristics: cord compression, myelopathy symptom and radiculopathy symptom (right, symmetric, left). Pre- and postoperative radiographic and clinical parameters and incidence of postoperative C5 palsy were analyzed and compared among the groups. According to dominant compressive side, there were no significant differences in postoperative radiographic and clinical parameters among three groups. According to dominant myelopathy or radiculopathy symptom side, there were no significant differences of all radiographic and clinical parameters postoperatively, except slightly lower neck VAS in groups of preoperative right dominant myelopathy or radiculopathy symptom side at postoperative 1 month. C5 palsies occurred in twelve patients (6.2%), but the incidences were not different among the groups. Therefore, when performing UODL, the choice of lamina opening side can be left to surgeon’s preference.
Red cabbage extract-mediated colorimetric sensor for swift, sensitive and economic detection of urease-positive bacteria by naked eye and Smartphone platform
Authors: Celik Cagla , Demir Naim Yagiz , Duman Memed , Ildiz Nilay , Ocsoy Ismail
Published: February 2023

The bacterial pathogens have caused various serious infectious diseases in the human body, and even some threats to human life by leading to deaths. Enterobacteriaceae species especially urease positive ones, Proteus mirabilis (P. mirabilis) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), show resistance to antibiotics and cause respiratory and urinary tract infections. We have developed natural indicator-incorporated colorimetric urease tests with a naked eye and smartphone readout to rapidly, sensitively and economically detect P. mirabilis and K. pneumoniae. We utilized anthocyanin found as a predominant component in red cabbage (Brassica oleracea) extract as a natural pH indicator instead of toxic and synthetic indicators. As a mechanistic explanation for the detection of P. mirabilis and K. pneumoniae, urease enzymes secreted from the P. mirabilis and K. pneumoniae hydrolyze urea to produce ammonia (NH3), which increases the pH value of the reaction environment and leads to deprotonation from anthocyanins. The changes in the molecular structure and electronic structure of anthocyanins are responsible for revealing many different colors. We demonstrated how some reaction parameters including the concentration of the bacteria (colony-forming unit, CFU), the concentration of anthocyanin in the tests, initial color and pH values (pHs) of the tests influence their detection performance. We further developed a 3D-printed smartphone platform with smartphone based digital image processing software to improve the detection limit and shorten the detection time. We claim that natural indicator-incorporated rapid urease tests providing colorimetric readout evaluated by the human eye and smartphone imaging processing has great potential in practical use and they can be implemented in clinics.
The onset of rare earth metallosis begins with renal gadolinium-rich nanoparticles from magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent exposure
Authors: DeAguero Joshua , Howard Tamara , Kusewitt Donna , Brearley Adrian , Ali Abdul-Mehdi , Degnan James H. , Jett Stephen , Watt John , Escobar G. Patricia , Dokladny Karol , Wagner Brent
Published: February 2023

The leitmotifs of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent-induced complications range from acute kidney injury, symptoms associated with gadolinium exposure (SAGE)/gadolinium deposition disease, potentially fatal gadolinium encephalopathy, and irreversible systemic fibrosis. Gadolinium is the active ingredient of these contrast agents, a non-physiologic lanthanide metal. The mechanisms of MRI contrast agent-induced diseases are unknown. Mice were treated with a MRI contrast agent. Human kidney tissues from contrast-naïve and MRI contrast agent-treated patients were obtained and analyzed. Kidneys (human and mouse) were assessed with transmission electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy with X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy. MRI contrast agent treatment resulted in unilamellar vesicles and mitochondriopathy in renal epithelium. Electron-dense intracellular precipitates and the outer rim of lipid droplets were rich in gadolinium and phosphorus. We conclude that MRI contrast agents are not physiologically inert. The long-term safety of these synthetic metal–ligand complexes, especially with repeated use, should be studied further.
Parametric study of pulsed nanosecond laser interaction with carbon-nanotube composite bipolar plate for PEMFCs
Authors: Musse Dawit , Lee Dongkyoung
Published: February 2023

A laser processing technique is proposed for the processing of a 2.5 mm thick carbon nanotube (CNT) composite bipolar plate for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). This study aims to understand laser interaction with the CNT composite plate experimentally using a pulsed nanosecond laser. Penetration depth, top width, spatter width, and overall physical morphologies are studied. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and 3D Scanning Confocal Microscope were used for observation and measurements. Based on that, a parametric investigation is conducted and reported systematically. Most importantly, the pulse repetition rate presents a unique nature of interaction that resulted in a critical repetition rate distinguishing three operational regimes. The physical and chemical properties of the regimes are further analyzed by Vickers microhardness testing and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses performed on the surface and cross-section of each specimen. The results reveal that the pulse repetition rate introduces changes in mechanical properties and chemical compositions in the vicinity of the processed region. In conclusion, lower pulse repetition should be favored for less impact on mechanical properties, chemical composition, and morphological aspects.
Influence of a transient spark plasma discharge on producing high molecular masses of chemical products from l-cysteine
Authors: Farhadi Masume , Sohbatzadeh Farshad
Published: February 2023

Cold atmospheric pressure plasmas are considered a forthcoming method in many research areas. Plasma modification of biomolecules has received much attention in addition to plasma-treated biomaterials. Hence, in this work, we operated a transient spark plasma (TSP) discharge to study its effect on the l-cysteine chemical structure. the TSP was configured in a pin-to-ring electrode arrangement and flowed by Ar gas. We also investigated the effect of two chemicals; dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by the bubbling method to show how they can change the creation of new chemical bioproducts. Ultraviolet–Visible absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy were used to investigate any changes in chemical bonds of cysteine structure and to depict the generation of new biomolecules. Based on the displayed results plasma-generated reactive species had a great role in the chemical structure of the cysteine. Entering DMSO and H2O2 into the plasma caused the creation of new products and the heaviest biomolecule was produced by the simultaneous addition of DMSO and H2O2. The results also predicted that some chemical products and amino acids with a higher value molecular masse produced from the polymerization process of cysteine solution. The strong oxidation process is responsible for the heavy chemical compounds.
Metabolomic profiling in kidney cells treated with a sodium glucose-cotransporter 2 inhibitor
Authors: Jo Hyung Ah , Seo Jong-Hyun , Lee Sunhwa , Yu Mi-yeon , Bae Eunjin , Kim Dong Ki , Kim Yon Su , Kim Da Jung , Yang Seung Hee
Published: February 2023

We aimed to determine the metabolomic profile of kidney cells under high glucose conditions and following sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor treatment. Targeted metabolomics using the Absolute IDQ-p180 kit was applied to quantify metabolites in kidney cells stimulated with high glucose (25 and 50 mM) and treated with SGLT2 inhibitor, dapagliflozin (2 µM). Primary cultured human tubular epithelial cells and podocytes were used to identify the metabolomic profile in high glucose conditions following dapagliflozin treatment. The levels of asparagine, PC ae C34:1, and PC ae C36:2 were elevated in tubular epithelial cells stimulated with 50 mM glucose and were significantly decreased after 2 µM dapagliflozin treatment. The level of PC aa C32:0 was significantly decreased after 50 mM glucose treatment compared with the control, and its level was significantly increased after dapagliflozin treatment in podocytes. The metabolism of glutathione, asparagine and proline was significantly changed in tubular epithelial cells under high-glucose stimulation. And the pathway analysis showed that aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism, glutathione metabolism, valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis, beta-alanine metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism were altered in tubular epithelial cells after dapagliflozin treatment following 50 mM glucose compared to those treated with 50 mM glucose.
Clinical characteristics depending on magnetic resonance imaging patterns in idiopathic isolated optic neuritis
Authors: Park Sang Min , Kim Ungsoo Samuel
Published: February 2023

To investigate differences in clinical features based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in idiopathic isolated optic neuritis patients. We retrospectively analyzed 68 eyes of 59 patients diagnosed with optic neuritis and showed inflammatory findings indicative of optic neuritis on MRI. We investigated clinical features, such as the presence of accompanying pain, visual acuity, and optic disc swelling. Optic disc swelling was classified as normal, mild, or severe. The MRI results were divided into intraorbital, intracanalicular, and whole optic nerve according to the lesion, and these were compared and analyzed with clinical features. The study included 29 men and 30 women, with a mean age of 42.6 ± 16.6 years. Among 59 patients, 48 (81.4%) complained of pain. Optic disc swelling was not observed in 48.5% of patients (33 eyes). Inflammatory changes were the most common in the intraorbital region (33 eyes), intracanalicular region (20 eyes), and the entire optic nerve (15 eyes). There was no statistical difference in the pain pattern according to the location of the lesion (p = .677), but when inflammation was present in the entire optic nerve, optic disc swelling was severe (p = .023). The initial and final visual acuity did not significantly correlate with the MRI pattern, presence of pain, or optic disc swelling (p = .156, p = .714, and p = .436). The MRI contrast enhancement pattern was associated with optic disc swelling but was not associated with pain or initial visual acuity. It should be noted that it is insufficient to judge the clinical features of optic neuritis based on MRI findings.
Haematological indices and immune response profiles in dogs naturally infected and co-infected with Dirofilaria repens and Babesia canis
Authors: Wężyk Dagmara , Romanczuk Karolina , Rodo Anna , Kavalevich Dziyana , Bajer Anna
Published: February 2023

Co-infections withDirofilaria repensandBabesia canisare rarely reported in the literature and there is very limited knowledge of their impact on canine health. Central Poland is endemic for both parasites, posing a risk of co-infections in dogs. To evaluate the impact of co-infection withB. canisandD. repenson canine health, four groups of dogs were examined: healthy dogs, dogs infected withB. canis, dogs infected withD. repensand dogs co-infected with both species. Blood parameters indicative of anaemia, kidney and liver damage were analysed statistically. Additionally, expression levels of immune response genes were quantified and compared, to define the type of immune response typically encountered in single- and co-infections. In dogs infected withD. repens, no major alterations in blood parameters were observed. Dogs infected withB. canissuffered from anaemia, kidney and liver insufficiency. In contrast, dogs co-infected withD. repensandB. canisshowed milder alternation in blood biochemical parameters associated with liver (ALP activity) and kidney (serum urea and creatinine levels) dysfunction, compared to dogs infected only withB. canis. The expression of genes associated with cellular (Th1-mediated) (STAT4andINF-γ), humoral (Th2-mediated) (STAT6,GATA3,SOCS3, IL-13) and regulatory (IL-10) responses was quantified. For this analysis, dogs infected withB. caniswere divided into two groups—‘Babesia 1’ (mild babesiosis), ‘Babesia 2’ (severe babesiosis). All the tested factors, exceptINF-γ,were found to be expressed in dogs infected withD. repens. In ‘Babesia 1’ dogs, expression ofGATA3was highest, while in ‘Babesia 2’—INF-γandSOCS3dominated.IL-13expression was predominant in dogs infected withD. repens, andSTAT6andIL-10predominated in dogs with co-infections.
Association between urinary iodine concentration and the risk of papillary thyroid cancer by sex and age: a case–control study
Authors: Hwang Yerin , Oh Hyun-Kyung , Chung Jae Hoon , Kim Sun Wook , Kim Jung-Han , Kim Jee Soo , Shin Myung-Hee
Published: February 2023

Previous studies on dietary iodine intake and the risk of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) have demonstrated inconsistent results. We aimed to evaluate the association between urinary iodine concentration (UIC), a surrogate biomarker for dietary iodine intake, and the risk of thyroid cancer stratified by sex and age in an iodine-sufficient area. A hospital-based case–control study was conducted in Seoul, South Korea. A total of 492 cases of newly diagnosed PTC and 595 controls were included. Compared with the lowest quartile of creatine-adjusted UIC (< 159.3 μg/gCr), the highest quartile (≥ 1037.3 μg/gCr) showed an increased risk of PTC (odds ratio [OR] 1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–2.13), especially in those who were < 45 years old (ptrend = 0.01) compared with those who were ≥ 45 years old (ptrend = 0.48). For those who were < 45 years old, a positive association between creatinine-adjusted UIC and the risk of PTC was observed in both men (q4 vs. q1, OR 4.27, 95% CI 1.14–18.08) and women (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.04–3.78). For those who were ≥ 45 years old, no association was found in any sex. Creatinine-adjusted UIC was positively associated with the risk of PTC, especially in those who were younger than 45 years for both men and women.
The restoration and erection of the world’s first elevated obelisk
Authors: Saleh Atef M. , Mourad Sherif A. , Elanwar Hazem H. , Metwally Omar K. , Zeidan Eissa , Adam Mahmoud A. , Ameen Mostafa F. , Helal Khalid R. , Sholqamy Mohamed S. , Allam Hussien E. , Ismael Mohamed A. , Mostafa Khaled A. , Helal Hany M. , Elbanhawy Amr Y. , Grosse Christian U. , Bakhoum Mourad M. , Farag Mousa M. , Matar Hani B. , Eltobgy Hanan H. , Moharram Moustafa I. , Marzouk Mohamed M. , Metawie Mahmoud S. , Ali Mohamed R. , Sayed Ashraf N. , Mohamed Mohamed G. , Elkarmoty Mohamed M.
Published: February 2023

Obelisks presented an important element in the architecture of ancient Egypt. This research is concerned with the re-erection of an obelisk that belongs to the famous Pharoah Ramses II. It was found broken and was transported to the Grand Egyptian Museum for restoration and display. An observation of Ramses II Cartouche at the bottom side of the obelisk base inspired the authorities to provide an innovative architectural design to display the obelisk elevated. The supporting structure was designed to allow the visitors to walk underneath the obelisk and observe Ramses II's signature. The idea of elevating the obelisk presented several challenges including evaluating the obelisk's current condition, restoration and fixation methodology, structural stability, and uncertainties of material characteristics, amongst others. To control the obelisk deformations under lateral loading, state-of-the-art base isolators were introduced. For the task to be achieved, a multidisciplinary team including historians, conservators, archaeologists, architects, and engineers with different specialties was appointed. The team performed the task successfully and currently, the obelisk stands at the entrance piazza of the Grand Egyptian Museum representing the world’s first elevated obelisk.
Incentive strategy of safe and intelligent production in assembled steel plants from the perspective of evolutionary game
Authors: Wang Yinglin , Chen Leqi , Li Yulong , Chen Caiquan , Zhuang Jiaxin
Published: February 2023

Due to the numerous cross-operations and poor information communication, it is easy to cause production safety accidents in traditional assembled steel plants. The transformation and upgrading of smart production in the assembly steel plants is helpful to improve the efficiency of safety management. In order to effectively reduce the safety risks in the production of assembled steel components, this paper integrates policy incentives and safety supervision, constructs an evolutionary game model between the government and assembled steel producers, and analyzes the strategic evolution rules and stability conditions of stakeholders through the replication dynamics equation. Moreover, based on the empirical simulation of the Fuzhou X Steel Structure Plant project, the effectiveness of the evolutionary model incentive strategy setting is verified. The results show that whether an assembled steel plants adopt a smart management strategy or not is influenced by the government's incentive subsidy mechanism, penalty mechanism, the benefits and costs generated by traditional/ smart management, the probability and loss of safety accidents and other factors. The conclusion is important for upgrading the safety management mode, improving the safety production efficiency and constructing the safety supervision system of the assembled steel smart plant.
Nicotine exposure decreases likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 RNA expression and neuropathology in the hACE2 mouse brain but not moribundity
Authors: Letsinger Ayland C. , Ward James M. , Fannin Rick D. , Mahapatra Debabrata , Bridge Matthew F. , Sills Robert C. , Gerrish Kevin E. , Yakel Jerrel L.
Published: February 2023

Individuals infected by SARS-CoV-2 are at risk of developing neurological-related post-acute disorders. Disputed epidemiological data indicated nicotine may reduce the severity of infection. Here we find exposure to nicotine in drinking water does not alter the moribundity of hACE2 mice. However, pre-exposure to nicotine decreased the likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 RNA expression and pathology in the brain. These results suggest mechanisms involving targets of nicotine could be leveraged to prevent the neurovirulence of SARS-CoV-2.
Face pareidolia is enhanced by 40 Hz transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) of the face perception network
Authors: Palmisano Annalisa , Chiarantoni Giulio , Bossi Francesco , Conti Alessio , D’Elia Vitiana , Tagliente Serena , Nitsche Michael A. , Rivolta Davide
Published: February 2023

Pareidolia refers to the perception of ambiguous sensory patterns as carrying a specific meaning. In its most common form, pareidolia involves human-like facial features, where random objects or patterns are illusionary recognized as faces. The current study investigated the neurophysiological correlates of face pareidolia via transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). tACS was delivered at gamma (40 Hz) frequency over critical nodes of the “face perception” network (i.e., right lateral occipito-temporal and left prefrontal cortex) of 75 healthy participants while completing four face perception tasks (‘Mooney test’ for faces, ‘Toast test’, ‘Noise pareidolia test’, ‘Pareidolia task’) and an object perception task (‘Mooney test’ for objects). In this single-blind, sham-controlled between-subjects study, participants received 35 min of eitherSham,Online, (40Hz-tACS_ON), orOffline(40Hz-tACS_PRE) stimulation. Results showed that face pareidolia was causally enhanced by 40Hz-tACS_PRE in the Mooney test for faces in which, as compared to sham, participants more often misperceived scrambled stimuli as faces. In addition, as compared to sham, participants receiving 40Hz-tACS_PRE showed similar reaction times (RTs) when perceiving illusory faces and correctly recognizing noise stimuli in the Toast test, thus not exhibiting hesitancy in identifying faces where there were none. Also, 40Hz-tACS_ON induced slower rejections of face pareidolia responses in the Noise pareidolia test. The current study indicates that 40 Hz tACS can enhance pareidolic illusions in healthy individuals and, thus, that high frequency (i.e., gamma band) oscillations are critical in forming coherent and meaningful visual perception.
The sleeping brain’s connectivity and family environment: characterizing sleep EEG coherence in an infant cohort
Authors: Markovic Andjela , Schoch Sarah F. , Huber Reto , Kohler Malcolm , Kurth Salome
Published: February 2023

Brain connectivity closely reflects brain function and behavior. Sleep EEG coherence, a measure of brain’s connectivity during sleep, undergoes pronounced changes across development under the influence of environmental factors. Yet, the determinants of the developing brain’s sleep EEG coherence from the child’s family environment remain unknown. After characterizing high-density sleep EEG coherence in 31 healthy 6-month-old infants by detecting strongly synchronized clusters through a data-driven approach, we examined the association of sleep EEG coherence from these clusters with factors from the infant’s family environment. Clusters with greatest coherence were observed over the frontal lobe. Higher delta coherence over the left frontal cortex was found in infants sleeping in their parents’ room, while infants sleeping in a room shared with their sibling(s) showed greater delta coherence over the central parts of the frontal cortex, suggesting a link between local brain connectivity and co-sleeping. Finally, lower occipital delta coherence was associated with maternal anxiety regarding their infant’s sleep. These interesting links between sleep EEG coherence and family factors have the potential to serve in early health interventions as a new set of targets from the child’s immediate environment.
Identification of essential genes and immune cell infiltration in rheumatoid arthritis by bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Ao You , Wang Zhongbo , Hu Jinghua , Yao Mingguang , Zhang Wei
Published: February 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease that can lead to severe joint damage and disability. And early diagnosis and treatment of RA can avert or substantially slow the progression of joint damage in up to 90% of patients, thereby preventing irreversible disability. Previous research indicated that 50% of the risk for the development of RA is attributable to genetic factors, but the pathogenesis is not well understood. Thus, it is urgent to identify biomarkers to arrest RA before joints are irreversibly damaged. Here, we first use the Robust Rank Aggregation method (RRA) to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between RA and normal samples by integrating four public RA patients’ mRNA expression data. Subsequently, these DEGs were used as the input for the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) approach to identify RA-related modules. The function enrichment analysis suggested that the RA-related modules were significantly enriched in immune-related actions. Then the hub genes were defined as the candidate genes. Our analysis showed that the expression levels of candidate genes were significantly associated with the RA immune microenvironment. And the results indicated that the expression of the candidate genes can use as predictors for RA. We hope that our method can provide a more convenient approach for the early diagnosis of RA.