bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An efficient cell‐free protein synthesis platform for producing proteins with pyrrolysine‐based noncanonical amino acids
Authors: Ranji Charna Arnaz , Des Soye Benjamin J. , Ntai Ioanni , Kelleher Neil L. , Jewett Michael C.
Published: May 2022

Incorporation of noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs) into proteins opens new opportunities in biotechnology and synthetic biology. Pyrrolysine (Pyl)‐based ncAAs are some of the most predominantly used, but expression systems suffer from low yields. Here, we report a highly efficient cell‐free protein synthesis (CFPS) platform for site‐specific incorporation of Pyl‐based ncAAs into proteins using amber suppression. This platform is based on cellular extracts derived from genomically recoded Escherichia coli lacking release factor 1 and enhanced through deletion of endonuclease A. To enable ncAA incorporation, orthogonal translation system (OTS) components (i.e., the orthogonal transfer RNA [tRNA] and orthogonal aminoacyl tRNA synthetase) were coexpressed in the source strain prior to lysis and the orthogonal tRNACUAPyl that decodes the amber codon was further enriched in the CFPS reaction via co‐synthesis with the product. Using this platform, we demonstrate production of up to 442 ± 23 µg/mL modified superfolder green fluorescent protein (sfGFP) containing a single Pyl‐based ncAA at high (>95%) suppression efficiency, as well as sfGFP variants harboring multiple, identical ncAAs. Our CFPS platform can be used for the synthesis of modified proteins containing multiple precisely positioned, genetically encoded Pyl‐based ncAAs. We anticipate that it will facilitate more general use of CFPS in synthetic biology.
Changes in the cervicovaginal microbiota composition of HPV16‐infected patients after clinical treatment
Authors: Li Chao , Zhang Zhenbo , Yang Yixia , Liao Hong
Published: May 2022

Background

High‐risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infection is a key factor that alters cervicovaginal microbiota patterns and causes cervical intraepithelial neoplasias (CINs) or even cervical cancer. Although local excisional treatment can clear hrHPV infection and restore the cervicovaginal microbiota, it is unclear which cervicovaginal microbiota represents recovery. Our objective was to describe the cervicovaginal microbiota before and after treatments and to assess the association between the microbiota and HPV persistence.

Results

A cohort of 91 participants was classified into four groups (healthy control women and HPV16‐infected women with CIN I, CIN II/III, and squamous cell carcinoma [SCC]). Endocervical swabs were collected 3 months prior to treatment and at 3 months post‐treatment for bacterial 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing and for HPV DNA testing. There was an increase in the number of Lactobacillus bacterial species present after the clinical treatments, and the community state type (CST) profiles were shifted from dysbiotic CSTs II and IV to Lactobacillus‐dominated CSTs I and III. Specifically, the composition of Geobacter and Prevotella before treatment and Lactobacillus secaliphilus after treatment might have been related to CIN I, the composition of Burkholderia before treatment and Lactobacillus iners after treatment might have been related to CIN II/III, and the composition of Atopobium and Aerococcus before treatment and Bacilli after treatment might have been related to SCC. Further functional predictions revealed that the composition differences were linked to infectious disease‐ and cancer‐related genes.

Conclusion

Our study provides an illustration of the changes in CSTs and the cervicovaginal microbiota before and after HPV16 clearance in each disease state.
TGIF1 overexpression promotes glioma progression and worsens patient prognosis
Authors: Wang Baoya , Ma Qiong , Wang Xuelin , Guo Kunshan , Liu Zhendong , Li Gang
Published: May 2022

Transforming growth factor β‐induced factor homeobox 1 (TGIF1) reportedly promotes the pathological processes of various malignant tumors. However, few studies have investigated the role of TGIF1 in gliomas. We aimed to explore the relationship between TGIF1 expression and the clinical characteristics of patients with glioma, including their overall survival. A total of thousands transcriptome datapoints were downloaded from public databases to determine the correlations between TGIF1 and various clinicopathological features using the Wilcoxon or Kruskal–Wallis tests. The Kaplan–Meier and Cox statistical methods were used to explore the prognostic significance of TGIF1. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to indirectly identify the pathological mechanisms modulated by TGIF1, and compounds that inhibit its expression were determined using a connectivity map (CMap). TGIF1 was significantly overexpressed in gliomas and was correlated with unfavorable prognostic factors and shorter overall survival. Cox analysis confirmed that TGIF1 expression was a significant predictor of poor prognosis in patients with glioma. GSEA revealed that the signaling pathways associated with TGIF1 expression in glioma included extracellular matrix receptor‐ and cell cycle‐modulating proteins. CMap analysis showed that the small molecules scriptaid, torasemide, dexpropranolol, ipratropium bromide, and harmine were potential negative regulators of TGIF1. Finally, in vitro experiments demonstrated that knockdown of TGIF1 significantly inhibited the proliferation and invasion of glioma cell. Taken together, our study, which is the first to comprehensively analyze TGIF1 in gliomas, revealed it to be a novel oncogene in terms of its association with this disease. As such, TGIF1 may be a potential therapeutic target for individualized treatment of patients with glioma.
Stretching and cutting after drilling. Vessel preparation following rotational atherectomy
Authors: Lee Aaron , Kimmelstiel Carey
Published: May 2022

Key Points

Prior observational studies have suggested that the use of cutting balloon after rotational atherectomy may lead to improved outcomes.

In this meta‐analysis, the authors identified studies that compared patients who had rotational atherectomy followed by additional lesion preparation with either plain balloon or cutting balloon.
Tailoring the therapy to the patient with mitral and tricuspid regurgitation to avoid adverse long‐term outcomes
Authors: Tang Gilbert H. L. , Dangas George D.
Published: May 2022

Key Points

Tricuspid regurgitation may depend on pulmonary hypertension and may improve after left heart valve replacement or repair

Retrospective studies indicate inferior clinical outcomes with severe untreated/residual tricuspid insufficiency in mutli‐valvular heart disease patients

Early hemodynamic and imaging evaluation of the tricuspid valve insufficiency and evaluation for possible valve repair should be planned after percutaneous left heart valve replacement or repair
In‐hospital mortality and readmission after ST‐elevation myocardial infarction in nonagenarians: A nationwide analysis from the United States
Authors: Ismayl Mahmoud , Machanahalli Balakrishna Akshay , Walters Ryan W. , Pajjuru Venkata S. , Goldsweig Andrew M. , Aboeata Ahmed
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To assess readmission rates in nonagenarians (age ≥ 90 years) with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) versus no pPCI.

Background

There are limited data exploring readmissions following STEMI in nonagenarians undergoing pPCI versus no pPCI.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the Nationwide Readmissions Database to identify nonagenarians hospitalized with STEMI. We divided the cohort into two groups based on pPCI status. We compared mortality during index hospitalization and during 30‐day readmission, readmission rates, and causes of readmissions.

Results

We identified 58,231 nonagenarian STEMI hospitalizations between 2010 and 2018, of which 18,809 (32.3%) included pPCI, and 39,422 (67.7%) had no pPCI. Unadjusted unplanned 30‐day readmission was higher in pPCI cohort (21.0% vs. 15.4%, p < 0.001). However, mortality during index hospitalization and during 30‐day readmission were significantly lower in pPCI cohort (15.8% vs. 32.2%, p < 0.001; 7.4% vs. 14.2%, p < 0.001, respectively). After adjusting for baseline characteristics, hospitalizations that included pPCI had 25% greater odds of unplanned 30‐day readmission (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.25, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12–1.39, p < 0.001) and 49% lower odds of in‐hospital mortality during index hospitalization (aOR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.46–0.56, p < 0.001). Heart failure was the most common cause of readmission in both cohorts followed by myocardial infarction.

Conclusions

In nonagenarians with STEMI, pPCI is associated with slightly higher 30‐day readmission but significantly lower mortality during index hospitalization and during 30‐day readmission than no pPCI. Given the overwhelming mortality benefit with pPCI, further research is necessary to optimize the utilization of pPCI while reducing readmissions following STEMI in nonagenarians.
Preclosure of large bore venous access sites in patients undergoing transcatheter mitral replacement and repair
Authors: Mohammed Mustafa , Nona Paul , Abou Asala Elian , Chiang Michael , Lemor Alejandro , O'Neill Brian , Frisoli Tiberio , Lee James , Wang Dee Dee , O'Neill William W. , Eng Marvin , Villablanca Pedro A.
Published: May 2022

Objective

We aim to report on the efficacy and safety of large bore venous access (LBVA) preclosure with Perclose™ (Abbott Vascular Devices) suture‐mediated device use following transcatheter edge‐to‐edge (TEER) and replacement (TMVR).

Background

Patients requiring TEER and TMVR require LBVA. Clinical outcome data on the use of suture‐mediated devices for LBVA site closure are limited.

Methods

Between 2012 and 2019, 354 consecutive high‐risk patients with mitral valvular heart disease underwent TEER (n = 287) with MitraClip and TMVR (n = 67) with Edwards Sapien Valves. Patients had LBVA with 24 or 16 French sheaths. All patients underwent preclosure of LBVA except for one that underwent manual hemostasis.

Results

There were no closure device failures. None of the cases required surgical repair of the access site following venous preclosure. Two cases had large hematomas (>6 cm) following Perclose in each group. Six cases had small hematomas (<6 cm and >2 cm) with three in each group. There was one major bleeding using Mitral Valve Academic Research Consortium 2 definition (retroperitoneal bleed from arterial puncture) unrelated to the venous closure. Transfusion related to vascular access complication was required in five cases. There were two immediate acute deep venous thromboses postprocedure; one of which occurred after preclosure. There were no arteriovenous malformations, pseudoaneurysms, or access site infections reported following Perclose.

Conclusion

In this large sample size analysis, Proglide preclosure technique is a feasible and safe alternative approach to achieving hemostasis after removal of LBVA sheaths in patients undergoing TEER and TMVR. Randomized trials are needed to compare the different modalities of hemostasis.
Choroidal neovascularization in a patient after resolution of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome: A case report
Authors: Burova Marie , Stepanov Alexandr , Almesmary Basma , Jiraskova Nada
Published: May 2022

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a rare complication of the Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome (MEWDS). It can develop after resolving of the disease when there is already no evident inflammatory activity. Therefore, a long‐term follow‐up of such patients is important.
Yellow nail syndrome in an elderly sudanese female: A case report
Authors: Ahmed Abdelmuniem , Y. Yousif Mohamed , Abdelmageed Isam , Eljack Moh. Mah. Fadelallah , Abbasher Hussien Mohamed Ahmed Khabab , Tarig AbdAlla Mohamed Malaz , Abdelkareim G. Mohammed Sulieman , B. Salih Elhadi , H. Osman Dina
Published: May 2022

Yellow nail syndrome is a rare lymphatic abnormality without clear pathogenesis. Hereby, we report a 70‐year‐old Sudanese female patient who presented with recurrent cough, recurrent lower limb swelling, and yellowish nail discoloration diagnosed as yellow nail syndrome but unfortunately passed away due to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Perampanel markedly improved clinical seizures in a patient with a Rett‐like phenotype and 960‐kb deletion on chromosome 9q34.11 including the STXBP1
Authors: Yoshida Syun , Amamoto Masano , Takahashi Tomoyuki , Tomita Ichiro , Yuge Kotaro , Hara Munetsugu , Iwama Kazuhiro , Matsumoto Naomichi , Matsuishi Toyojiro
Published: May 2022

Intractable epilepsy was successfully controlled using perampanel, an α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole propionic acid‐type glutamate receptor antagonist, in a 27‐year‐old woman who presented with a Rett syndrome‐like phenotype and novel 960‐kb deletion involving syntaxin‐binding protein 1 on chromosome 9q34.11. Perampanel may be an effective antiepileptic drug for intractable epilepsy associated with STXBP1 mutations.
A case of preeclampsia developing massive ascites after delivery
Authors: Higami Shota , Kondo Emi , Shibata Eiji , Fujimoto Shigeki , Hagimoto Marina , Urakawa Ruka , Matsumiya Tamaki , Uchimura Takayuki , Sakuragi Toshihide , Amimoto Shoko , Kuwazuru Tomoichiro , Mori Hiroshi , Aramaki Satoshi , Yoshino Kiyoshi
Published: May 2022

We experienced a case of preeclampsia in which massive ascites became apparent in the postpartum period. The patient had isolated proteinuria without hypertension before delivery. The infant had fatal growth restriction and neonatal distress. Massive ascites and isolated proteinuria are important symptoms for predicting the aggravation of PE.
Venous thoracic outlet syndrome: When exercising may be discouraged
Authors: Oliveira Inês , Leal Filipa , Santos Lígia , Almeida Pinto João , Nogueira Luis , Mesquita Mari
Published: May 2022

Thoracic outlet syndrome results from neurovascular compression at the thoracic outlet. Clinical presentation varies according to the predominantly compressed structure, determining its subtype: neurogenic, venous, or arterial. The neurogenic subtype is the most common, affecting 90% of patients, while the vascular subtype is rarely found in practice. We present two case reports of young patients with upper extremity deep vein thrombosis in the setting of venous thoracic outlet syndrome: one due to an anatomic variant, the second an effort thrombosis due to repeated upper arm exercise. These reports depict uncommon clinical scenarios, which imply significant morbidity if not identified and timely treated.
A component could not be larger than the whole, polyclonal immunoglobulin interference in conjugated/direct bilirubin assay and elimination: A case report
Authors: Soleimani Neda , Khaleghpanah Saeideh , Mohammadzadeh Sahand
Published: May 2022

Analytical interferences (hemolysis, icterus, paraproteinemia, and lipemia) are of great concern in laboratory tests. In our case report, the conjugated bilirubin result of a patient was significantly higher than the total bilirubin. We recommend being more cautious with samples that produce indistinguishable results and attempting to resolve the issues before releasing them.
A rare case of pediatric pancreatic pseudocyst
Authors: Jaiswal Vikash , Naz Sidra , Ishak Angela , Batra Nitya , Quinonez Jon , Mukherjee Dattatreya , Pokhrel Nishan Babu
Published: May 2022

We present a case report of a 2‐year‐old boy who presented to a local hospital to evaluate vague abdominal symptoms of one‐month duration. The patient, therefore, had an open cystogastrostomy and drainage of the free abdominal fluid with minimal complications. He was monitored for several days after his surgery.
Characteristics of the Compassionate Use Program in Japan: An Analysis of Expanded Access Clinical Trials from 2016 to 2021
Authors: Maeda Hideki , Uchida Marika , Kusano Mikiko , Tsukamoto Katsura , Yamanoi Moeka
Published: May 2022

Compassionate use is a system that provides patients with exceptional access to investigational new drugs to treat life‐threatening diseases that have no effective conventional treatments. The purpose of this study was to characterize and assess the current status of the compassionate use program’s application in Japan by evaluating expanded access clinical trials (EACTs) conducted between 2016 and 2021. In this study, a data set containing all EACTs, and pivotal clinical trials (PCTs) conducted in Japan between February 2016 and April 2021 was obtained from the Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Agency, systemically reviewed, and analyzed. During the 5 years since EACTs began in Japan, out of 2,031 PCTs, 31 EACTs were conducted in Japan. Twenty‐four trials (77.4%) of the 31 EACTs used anticancer drugs and 5 of those trials (16.1%) were conducted in children. Furthermore, we conducted an EACT survey for drugs with a high degree of social and patient demands as recommended in the EACT notification. Among the 2,031 PCTs, we found 152 trials with high degree of social and patient demands. Of these, EACT was implemented in 17 trials (11.2%). Days from the start of the EACT to the submission of new drug applications and the approval were 9.0 (67.0–56.5) and 208.0 (172.8–308.8) days, respectively. Of the 31 EACTs conducted, 24 (77.4%) drugs have been approved as of August 2021. This first comprehensive study on EACTs clarified the current status and issues of Japan’s compassionate use system and the 5 years since the program initiated.
Effect of Chronic Kidney Disease on the Renal Secretion via Organic Anion Transporters 1/3: Implications for Physiologically‐Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling and Dose Adjustment
Authors: Tan Shawn Pei Feng , Scotcher Daniel , Rostami‐Hodjegan Amin , Galetin Aleksandra
Published: May 2022

There is growing evidence that active tubular secretory clearance (CLs) may not decline proportionally with the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in chronic kidney disease (CKD), leading to the overestimation of renal clearance (CLr) when using solely GFR to approximate disease effect on renal elimination. The clinical pharmacokinetic data of 33 renally secreted OAT1/3 substrates were collated to investigate the impact of mild, moderate, and severe CKD on CLr, tubular secretion and protein binding (fu,p). The fu,p of the collated substrates ranged from 0.0026 to 1.0 in healthy populations; observed CKD‐related increase in the fu,p (up to 2.7‐fold) of 8 highly bound substrates (fu,p ≤ 0.2) was accounted for in the analysis. Use of prediction equation based on disease‐related changes in albumin resulted in underprediction of the CKD‐related increase in fu,p of highly bound substrates, highlighting the necessity to measure protein binding in severe CKD. The critical analysis of clinical data for 33 OAT1/3 probes established that decrease in OAT1/3 activity proportional to the changes in GFR was insufficient to recapitulate effects of severe CKD on unbound tubular secretion clearance. OAT1/3‐mediated CLs was estimated to decline by an additional 50% relative to the GFR decline in severe CKD, whereas change in active secretion in mild and moderate CKD was proportional to GFR. Consideration of this additional 50% decline in OAT1/3‐mediated CLs is recommended for physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic models and dose adjustment of OAT1/3 substrates in severe CKD, especially for substrates with high contribution of the active secretion to CLr.
MNPmApp: An image analysis tool to quantify mononuclear phagocyte distribution in mucosal tissues
Authors: Potts Catherine , Schearer Julia , Sebrell Thomas A. , Bair Dominic , Ayler Becky , Love Jordan , Dankoff Jennifer , Harris Paul R. , Zosso Dominique , Bimczok Diane
Published: May 2022

Mononuclear phagocytes (MNPs) such as dendritic cells and macrophages perform key sentinel functions in mucosal tissues and are responsible for inducing and maintaining adaptive immune responses to mucosal pathogens. Positioning of MNPs at the epithelial interface facilitates their access to luminally‐derived antigens and regulates MNP function through soluble mediators or surface receptor interactions. Therefore, accurately quantifying the distribution of MNPs within mucosal tissues as well as their spatial relationship with other cells is important to infer functional cellular interactions in health and disease. In this study, we developed and validated a MATLAB‐based tissue cytometry platform, termed “MNP mapping application” (MNPmApp), that performs high throughput analyses of MNP density and distribution in the gastrointestinal mucosa based on digital multicolor fluorescence microscopy images and that integrates a Monte Carlo modeling feature to assess randomness of MNP distribution. MNPmApp identified MNPs in tissue sections of the human gastric mucosa with 98 ± 2% specificity and 76 ± 15% sensitivity for HLA‐DR+ MNPs and 98 ± 1% specificity and 85 ± 12% sensitivity for CD11c+ MNPs. Monte Carlo modeling revealed that mean MNP‐MNP distances for both HLA‐DR+ and CD11c+ MNPs were significantly lower than anticipated based on random cell placement, whereas MNP‐epithelial distances were similar to randomly placed cells. Surprisingly, H. pylori infection had no significant impact on the number of HLA‐DR and CD11c MNPs or their distribution within the gastric lamina propria. However, our study demonstrated that MNPmApp is a reliable and user‐friendly tool for unbiased quantitation of MNPs and their distribution at mucosal sites.
Differential diagnostic performance of a panel of plasma biomarkers for different types of dementia
Authors: Thijssen Elisabeth H. , Verberk Inge M.W. , Kindermans Jana , Abramian Adlin , Vanbrabant Jeroen , Ball Andrew J. , Pijnenburg Yolande , Lemstra Afina W. , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Stoops Erik , Hirtz Christophe , Teunissen Charlotte E.
Published: May 2022

Introduction

We explored what combination of blood‐based biomarkers (amyloid beta [Aβ]1‐42/1‐40, phosphorylated tau [p‐tau]181, neurofilament light [NfL], glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP]) differentiates Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB).

Methods

We measured the biomarkers with Simoa in two separate cohorts (n = 160 and n = 152). In one cohort, Aβ1‐42/1‐40 was also measured with mass spectrometry (MS). We assessed the differential diagnostic value of the markers, by logistic regression with Wald's backward selection.

Results

MS and Simoa Aβ1‐42/1‐40 similarly differentiated AD from controls. The Simoa panel that optimally differentiated AD from FTD consisted of NfL and p‐tau181 (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.94; cohort 1) or NfL, GFAP, and p‐tau181 (AUC = 0.90; cohort 2). For AD from DLB, the panel consisted of NfL, p‐tau181, and GFAP (AUC = 0.88; cohort 1), and only p‐tau181 (AUC = 0.81; cohort 2).

Discussion

A combination of plasma p‐tau181, NfL, and GFAP, but not Aβ1‐42/1‐40, might be useful to discriminate AD, FTD, and DLB.
Subjective cognitive decline and self‐reported sleep problems: The SCIENCe project
Authors: Exalto Lieza G. , Hendriksen Heleen M.A. , Barkhof Frederik , van den Bosch Karlijn A. , Ebenau Jarith L. , van Leeuwenstijn‐Koopman Mardou , Prins Niels D. , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Visser Leonie N.C. , Scheltens Philip , van der Flier Wiesje M.
Published: May 2022

We aim to investigate the frequency and type of sleep problems in memory clinic patients with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and their association with cognition, mental health, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers. Three hundred eight subjects (65 ± 8 years, 44% female) were selected from the Subjective Cognitive Impairment Cohort (SCIENCe) project. All subjects answered two sleep questionnaires, Berlin Questionnaire (sleep apnea) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (sleep quality) and underwent a standardized memory clinic work‐up. One hundred ninety‐eight (64%) subjects reported sleep problems, based on 107 (35%) positive screenings on sleep apnea and 162 (53%) on poor sleep quality. Subjects with sleep problems reported more severe depressive symptoms, more anxiety, and more severe SCD. Cognitive tests, MRI, and CSF biomarkers did not differ between groups. Our results suggest that improvement of sleep quality and behaviors are potential leads for treatment in many subjects with SCD to relieve the experienced cognitive complaints.
Distinguishing the papilla of Vater during biliary cannulation using texture and color enhancement imaging: A pilot study
Authors: Miyaguchi Kazuya , Mizuide Masafumi , Tanisaka Yuki , Fujita Akashi , Jinushi Ryuhei , Hiromune Katsuda , Ogawa Tomoya , Saito Yoichi , Tashima Tomoaki , Mashimo Yumi , Imaeda Hiroyuki , Ryozawa Shomei
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Understanding the exact morphology of the bile duct opening is important for determining the success of bile duct cannulation. Texture and color enhancement imaging (TXI) has been reported to enhance slight changes in color tone and structure that are difficult to see with white light imaging. This study investigated whether TXI mode1 could improve papillary recognition by trainees inexperienced in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Methods

We included 31 patients with naive papilla of Vater at a single institution in the study. Trainee endoscopists (n = 4) evaluated and identified the papilla according to the Inomata classification using white light imaging and TXI. The degree of agreement with the evaluation of supervising physicians (n = 4) was examined using the McNemar test.

Results

In the trainee group, the kappa coefficient agreements were κ = 0.346 and κ = 0.754 for white light imaging and TXI, respectively. When further evaluated, the separate and septal types of papilla groups showed an increased concordance rate in one of the four trainees (76.67%–96.67%, p = 0.031, respectively). Moreover, comparison for two‐group evaluation showed an increased kappa coefficient in two of four trainees (0.34–0.92, p = 0.010, 0.45–0.92, p = 0.024).

Conclusions

Observation of the duodenal papilla using TXI improved papillary differentiation and suggested the potential of TXI as a clinical tool. Further study of this method is necessary; it is expected to help reduce cannulation time and the incidence of pancreatitis.
Evapotranspiration partitioning based on field‐stable oxygen isotope observations for an urban locust forest land
Authors: Chen Han , Huang Jinhui Jeanne , McBean Edward , Dash Sonam Sandeep , Li Han , Zhang Jiawei , Lan Zhiqing , Gao JunJie , Zhou Ziqi
Published: May 2022

The stable water isotope method is widely applied to distinguish the evapotranspiration (ET) components across various vegetation‐covered surfaces. ET partitioning in the urban woodland area is useful for guiding precision irrigation, thereby promoting in urban water conservation. For the first time, this study partitions ET in urban locust forest areas based on stable water isotope observations for the period 2019–2020. The isotope composition of ET (δET) and soil evaporation (δE) were determined using the Keeling‐plot method and Craig–Gordon model, respectively. The steady‐state (SS) and the non‐steady‐state (NSS) assumptions were compared for estimating the isotope composition of vegetation transpiration (δT). The NSS outperformed SS in daily bulk leaf water isotopic component (δL,b) simulation and recommended to be used in δT determination for the urban forest land. Both methods resulted in similar estimates of δL,b and δT during the daytime; however, substantial difference was observed during the nighttime. The fraction of vegetation transpiration to evapotranspiration (FT) varies between 0.21 and 0.95 with an average value of 0.78 for the SS and varies between 0.22 and 0.97 with an average of 0.82 for the NSS. The FT in the urban forest land is higher than the natural forest land due to the urban heat island effect and higher planting densities. The seasonal FT variation is primarily controlled by the leaf area index (LAI) and soil moisture. The predictive uncertainty of δET and δT are much higher than δE, wherein the uncertainties of δT decreases as FT increases while the uncertainty of δET increases as FT increases. The uncertainty analysis highlights the importance of increasing the sampling frequency under low FT condition. This study revealed the seasonal change patterns of FT and its major governing factors in urban woodland areas, thus providing more insights on effective water management in the urban ecosystems.
Environmental DNA reveals fine‐scale habitat associations for sedentary and resident marine species across a coastal mosaic of soft‐ and hard‐bottom habitats
Authors: Wilms Tim J. G. , Jacobsen Magnus W. , Hansen Brian K. , Baktoft Henrik , Bollhorn Johan , Scharff‐Olsen Camilla H. , Bertelsen Jeannet L. , García Enrique García‐Argudo , Støttrup Josianne G. , Nielsen Einar E. , Svendsen Jon C.
Published: May 2022

Accurate knowledge on spatiotemporal distributions of marine species and their association with surrounding habitats is crucial to inform adaptive management actions responding to coastal degradation across the globe. Here, we investigate the potential use of environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect species–habitat associations in a patchy coastal area of the Baltic Sea. We directly compare species‐specific qPCR analysis of eDNA with baited remote underwater video systems (BRUVS), two non‐invasive methods widely used to monitor marine habitats. Four focal species (cod Gadus morhua, flounder Platichthys flesus, plaice Pleuronectes platessa, and goldsinny wrasse Ctenolabrus rupestris) were selected based on contrasting habitat associations (reef‐ vs. sand‐associated species), as well as differential levels of mobility and residency, to investigate whether these factors affected the detection of species–habitat associations from eDNA. To this end, a species‐specific qPCR assay for goldsinny wrasse is developed and made available herein. In addition, potential correlations between eDNA signals and abundance counts (MaxN) from videos were assessed. Results from Bayesian multilevel models revealed strong evidence for a sand association for sedentary flounder (98% posterior probability) and a reef association for highly resident wrasse (99% posterior probability) using eDNA, in agreement with BRUVS. However, contrary to BRUVS, eDNA sampling did not detect habitat associations for cod or plaice. We found a positive correlation between eDNA detection and MaxN for wrasse (posterior probability 95%), but not for the remaining species and explanatory power of all relationships was generally limited. Our results indicate that eDNA sampling can detect species–habitat associations on a fine spatial scale, yet this ability likely depends on the mobility and residency of the target organism, with associations for sedentary or resident species most likely to be detected. Combined sampling with conventional non‐invasive methods is advised to improve detection of habitat associations for mobile and transient species, or for species with low eDNA concentrations.
Origin of Bismuth‐Rich Strategy in Bismuth Oxyhalide Photocatalysts
Authors: Wang Yang , Meng Jiazhi , Jing Shaojie , Wang Kaiwen , Ban Chaogang , Feng Yajie , Duan Youyu , Ma Jiangping , Gan Liyong , Zhou Xiaoyuan
Published: May 2022

Recently, the bismuth‐rich strategy via increasing the bismuth content has been becoming one of the most appealing approaches to improve the photocatalytic performance of bismuth oxyhalides. However, insights into the mechanism behind the encouraging experiments are missing. Herein, we report the results of the theory‐led comprehensive picture of bismuth‐rich strategy in bismuth oxyhalide photocatalysts, selecting Bi5O7X (X = F, Cl, Br, I) as a prototype. First‐principle calculations revealed that the strategy enables good n‐type conductivity, large intrinsic internal electric field, high photoreduction ability and outstanding harvest of visible light, and particularly ranked the intrinsic activity of this family: Bi5O7F > Bi5O7I > Bi5O7Br > Bi5O7Cl. Designed experiments confirmed the theoretical predictions, and together, these results are expected to aid future development of advanced photocatalysts.
Development of High Areal Capacity Electrolytic MnO2–Zn Battery via an Iodine Mediator
Authors: Zheng Xinhua , Luo Ruihao , Ahmad Touqeer , Sun Jifei , Liu Shuang , Chen Na , Wang Mingming , Yuan Yuan , Chuai Mingyan , Xu Yan , Jiang Taoli , Chen Wei
Published: May 2022

The commercialization of electrolytic MnO2–Zn batteries is highly applauded owing to the advantages of cost‐effectiveness, high safety, high energy density, and durable working performance. However, due to the low reversibility of the cathode MnO2/Mn2+ chemistry at high areal capacities and the severe Zn anode corrosion, the practical application of MnO2–Zn batteries is hampered by inadequate lifespan. Leveraging the full advantage of an iodine redox mediator, here we design a highly rechargeable electrolytic MnO2–Zn battery with a high areal capacity. The MnO2–Zn battery coupled with an iodine mediator in a mild electrolyte shows a high discharge voltage of 1.85 V and a robust areal capacity of 10 mAh cm−2 under a substantial discharge current density of 160 mA cm−2. The MnO2/I2–Zn battery with an areal capacity of 10 mAh cm−2 exhibits prolonged stability of over 950 cycles under a high‐capacity retention of ~94%. The scaled‐up MnO2/I2–Zn battery reveals a stable cycle life under a cell capacity of ~600 mAh. Moreover, our constructed MnO2/I2–Zn battery demonstrates a practical energy density of ~37 Wh kg−1 and a competitive energy cost of <18 US$ kWh−1 by taking into account the cathode, anode, and electrolyte. The MnO2/I2–Zn battery, with its remarkable reversibility and reasonable energy density, enlightens a new arena of large‐scale energy storage devices.
Ionic Liquid Engineering in Perovskite Photovoltaics
Authors: Wang Fei , Duan Dawei , Singh Mriganka , Sutter‐Fella Carolin M. , Lin Haoran , Li Liang , Naumov Panče , Hu Hanlin
Published: May 2022

Over the past decade, perovskite photovoltaics have approached other currently available technologies and proven to be the most prospective type of solar cells. Although the many‐sided research in this very active field has generated consistent results with regard to their undisputed consistently increasing power conversion efficiency, it also produced several rather contradictory opinions. Among other important details, debate surrounding their proneness to surface degradation and poor mechanical robustness, as well as the environmental footprint of this materials class, remains a moot point. The application of ionic liquids appears as one of the potential remedies to some of these challenges due to their high conductivity, the opportunities for chemical “tuning” of the structure, and relatively lower environmental footprint. This article provides an overview, classification, and applications of ionic liquids in perovskite solar cells. We summarize the use and role of ionic liquids as versatile additives, solvents, and modifiers in perovskite precursor solution, in charge transport layer, and in interfacial and stability engineering. Finally, challenges and the future prospects for the design and/or selection of ionic liquids with a specific profile that meets the requirements for next‐generation highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells are proposed.
Innate immune signaling and immunothrombosis: New insights and therapeutic opportunities
Authors: Ryan Tristram A. J. , O'Neill Luke A. J.
Published: May 2022

Activation of the coagulation cascade is a critical, evolutionarily conserved mechanism that maintains hemostasis by rapidly forming blood clots in response to blood‐borne infections and damaged blood vessels. Coagulation is a key component of innate immunity since it prevents bacterial dissemination and can provoke inflammation. The term immunothrombosis describes the process by which the innate immune response drives aberrant coagulation, which can result in a lethal condition termed disseminated intravascular coagulation, often seen in sepsis. In this review, we describe the recently uncovered molecular mechanisms underlying inflammasome‐ and STING‐driven immunothrombosis induced by bacterial and viral infections, culminating in tissue factor (TF) activation and release. Current anticoagulant therapeutics, while effective, are associated with a life‐threatening bleeding risk, requiring the urgent development of new treatments. Targeting immunothrombosis may provide a safer option. Thus, we highlight preclinical tools which target TF and/or block canonical (NLRP3) or noncanonical (caspase‐11) inflammasome activation as well as STING‐driven TF release and discuss clinically approved drugs which block key immunothrombotic processes and, therefore, may be redeployed as safer anticoagulants.
Follicular helper T cell signature of replicative exhaustion, apoptosis, and senescence in common variable immunodeficiency
Authors: Milardi Giulia , Di Lorenzo Biagio , Gerosa Jolanda , Barzaghi Federica , Di Matteo Gigliola , Omrani Maryam , Jofra Tatiana , Merelli Ivan , Barcella Matteo , Filippini Matteo , Conti Anastasia , Ferrua Francesca , Pozzo Giuffrida Francesco , Dionisio Francesca , Rovere‐Querini Patrizia , Marktel Sarah , Assanelli Andrea , Piemontese Simona , Brigida Immacolata , Zoccolillo Matteo , Cirillo Emilia , Giardino Giuliana , Danieli Maria Giovanna , Specchia Fernando , Pacillo Lucia , Di Cesare Silvia , Giancotta Carmela , Romano Francesca , Matarese Alessandro , Chetta Alfredo Antonio , Trimarchi Matteo , Laurenzi Andrea , De Pellegrin Maurizio , Darin Silvia , Montin Davide , Marinoni Maddalena , Dellepiane Rosa Maria , Sordi Valeria , Lougaris Vassilios , Vacca Angelo , Melzi Raffaella , Nano Rita , Azzari Chiara , Bongiovanni Lucia , Pignata Claudio , Cancrini Caterina , Plebani Alessandro , Piemonti Lorenzo , Petrovas Constantinos , Di Micco Raffaella , Ponzoni Maurilio , Aiuti Alessandro , Cicalese Maria Pia , Fousteri Georgia
Published: May 2022

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most frequent primary antibody deficiency whereby follicular helper T (Tfh) cells fail to establish productive responses with B cells in germinal centers. Here, we analyzed the frequency, phenotype, transcriptome, and function of circulating Tfh (cTfh) cells in CVID patients displaying autoimmunity as an additional phenotype. A group of patients showed a high frequency of cTfh1 cells and a prominent expression of PD‐1 and ICOS as well as a cTfh mRNA signature consistent with highly activated, but exhausted, senescent, and apoptotic cells. Plasmatic CXCL13 levels were elevated in this group and positively correlated with cTfh1 cell frequency and PD‐1 levels. Monoallelic variants in RTEL1, a telomere length‐ and DNA repair‐related gene, were identified in four patients belonging to this group. Their blood lymphocytes showed shortened telomeres, while their cTfh were more prone to apoptosis. These data point toward a novel pathogenetic mechanism in CVID, whereby alterations in DNA repair and telomere elongation might predispose to antibody deficiency. A Th1, highly activated but exhausted and apoptotic cTfh phenotype was associated with this form of CVID.
Increased Sensitivity of Ascorbate Detection by Mediated Oxidation in Confined Electrochemical Cells
Authors: Silva Fabiana F. , Santos Carla S. , Meloni Gabriel N. , Lima Alex S. , Bertotti Mauro
Published: May 2022

In this work, the EC’ mechanism involving ascorbate (AA−) and the oxidized form of ferrocenemethanol (FcMeOH) was explored as an analytical strategy to monitor AA− at low concentration levels. The feasibility of this approach was investigated at different mass transport regimes utilizing macro‐ (glassy carbon) and ultramicroelectrodes (5 μm radius carbon disk). Cyclic voltammograms (CV) were recorded in acetate buffer solution (pH 3.7) using a glassy carbon electrode, and an expressive increase in the anodic peak current (and decrease in the cathodic peak) was noticed in the CV in a solution containing both FcMeOH and ascorbate, confirming the presence of an electrocatalytic process (EC’). The current increase was more pronounced when the reactants and products were confined in a thin solution layer, which was created by approaching an ultramicroelectrode close to an insulator surface. At optimized experimental conditions, a correlation between ascorbate concentration and the steady‐state current measured at the ultramicroelectrode was established, allowing the development of an analytical method for ascorbate detection in the micromolar range. The proposed approach was used to quantify ascorbate in a commercial juice sample.
Water–food–energy nexus: Assessing challenges in the trend toward digitalization: The case study of an Italian winemaking industry
Authors: Girotto Francesca , Galeazzi Andrea , Manenti Flavio , Gueguen Sophie , Piazza Laura
Published: May 2022

Data driven food‐manufacturing systems assure cost reduction, increased efficiency, improved product quality. These elements come together in a virtuous circle of digital transformation centered on sustainability. Viticulture is among the first applications of the smart‐agriculture concept. Precision viticulture has become one of the agribusiness sectors where there is the great attempt to apply the principles of Agrifood 4.0. However, when shifting the focus from raw materials production (e.g., grapes) to their processing into a final product (e.g., wine), measured water and energy consumption fluxes may go in and out a black box rather than being detailed at each operational unit level. Within the food industries panorama, the wine industry may be the most complex, making the upgrade of the traditional wine industry into a digital one burdensome. Indeed, big data centralization is a priority that allows enterprises to transmit real‐time information in terms of process behavior and performance and enables process optimization engineers to spot the energy inefficiencies and the options for process integration for water recycling.

The Italian wine industry is strongly committed to sustainability and a case study is here proposed as an example to discuss the challenges in the trend toward digitalization in the winemaking sector.
Post‐anthesis saline‐alkali stress inhibits grain filling by promoting ethylene production and signal transduction
Authors: Peng Yaqiong , Chen Yinke , Yuan Youming , Liu Bohan , Yu Peng , Song Shihao , Yi Yake , Teng Zhenning , Yi Zhenxie , Zhang Jianhua , Meng Shuan , Ye Nenghui , Duan Meijuan
Published: May 2022

Saline‐alkali stress is one of the major abiotic stresses that severely affect rice yield. However, the mechanism by which saline‐alkali stress regulates grain filling in rice is still unclear. In this study, Oryza sativa L. spp. Indica cultivar Chaoyou1000 (C1000) was exposed to post‐anthesis saline‐alkali conditions at 6 days after anthesis, which significantly reduced the grain weight by suppressing the accumulation of starch and non‐structural carbohydrates in grains. Further analysis found that 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate (ACC), a precursor for ethylene, was increased by saline‐alkali treatment. qRT‐PCR results showed that several key genes involved in ethylene biosynthesis, including the OsACS and OsACO genes, were upregulated in saline‐alkali‐treated grains. In addition, genes involved in the ethylene signalling pathway were also induced by saline‐alkali stress. Exogenous ethylene application reduced grain weight and both starch and NSC contents in grains of C1000, suggesting that saline‐alkali‐induced ethylene has a negative effect on grain filling. Furthermore, the gene expression levels of OsSUS, OsAGPL, OsAGPS, OsSSI and OsSSIIIa, which are key genes in the starch biosynthesis pathway, were downregulated in saline‐alkali‐treated grains. In agreement, assays on these enzymes further revealed that saline‐alkali stress decreased the activities of sucrose synthase (SUS), adenosine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGP) and starch synthase (StS). Together, our results indicated that saline‐alkali stress suppressed the enzyme activities involved in the conversion of sucrose to starch by elevating ethylene production, which led to inhibition of grain filling.
Spatiotemporal evolution and suitability of apple production in China from climate change and land use transfer perspectives
Authors: Wang Jing , Liu Tianjun
Published: May 2022

Apple production in China, the world's largest apple producer and consumer, is challenged by a huge and growing population coupled with rapid industrialisation and urbanisation. China's apple output has increased continuously over the past 42 years with distinctive spatial differences. Herein, changes in the spatial patterns of apple production increases, and their potential impact factors in China are described at the provincial level. Between 1978 and 2019, the centre‐of‐gravity of apple production shifted southwest towards the upper reaches of the Yellow River, the main water source for agricultural irrigation in North China. Analysis of absolute and relative growth of apple output reveals that the Loess Plateau, characterised by fragile habitat and low land productivity, has gradually become a major contributor to apple production. Despite annual increases in apple output, apple production system has become more fragile and unstable overtime, especially in the Shaanxi‐Gansu region where apple cultivation is prevalent. With continuous changes in policy, the amount of forest transfer (i.e. the area of other land use types converted to forest) has significantly affected the impact of standardised precipitation evapotranspiration index on apple production increases in China. Thus, to prevent the degradation of new forests, a differentiated management and protection system should be implemented for apple planting sub‐regions. This should include altering subsidy policies on apple production, enhancing soil erosion control in the Loess Plateau and strengthening ecological management of forests and grassland.
Redox regulation in C3 and C4 plants during climate change and its implications on food security
Authors: Sonmez Mustafa Cemre , Ozgur Rengin , Uzilday Baris , Turkan Ismail , Ganie Showkat Ahmad
Published: May 2022

Achieving food security and sustainable food production is a major challenge for plant scientists. To accomplish this, the global food production needs not only to be remarkably boosted, but it has to be achieved under harsh environmental conditions. Moreover, the climate change scenarios estimate an enhanced pressure on crop yields in the upcoming decades. C4 photosynthesis is highly promising to meet these challenges to global food production. Under current CO2 levels, C4 photosynthesis is more efficient than C3 photosynthesis, but more data is needed to map out its response under elevated CO2 (eCO2) conditions. Growing evidence also suggests that C4 photosynthesis could be more efficient in water use under eCO2. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is an inevitable consequence of oxygenic photosynthesis and is also one of the first responses to environmental stresses. C3 and C4 plants have different ROS profiles, mainly because of reduced photorespiration in the latter. Moreover, the effects of eCO2 on C3 and especially C4 plants remain poorly understood. Since C3 and C4 plants have different ROS production patterns, it is likely that ROS signalling and downstream effects on growth and development differ between C3 and C4 plants, which may result in different response to eCO2. This would also be reflected in reproductive success and crop yields. Here we evaluate the recent literature on C3 and C4 plant responses to climate change conditions from the abiotic stress tolerance and food security perspectives, with redox connections. Current body of knowledge suggests engineering C4 photosynthesis into major crops to be a viable way to increase yield, but such attempts have failed because of a lack of basic knowledge in this area. Therefore, this article also aims to fill this gap from the redox perspective.