bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A nearly complete database on the records and ecology of the rarest boreal tiger moth from 1840s to 2020
Authors: Bolotov Ivan N. , Gofarov Mikhail Yu. , Koshkin Evgeny S. , Gorbach Vyacheslav V. , Bakhaev Yury I. , Berlov Oleg E. , Gordeev Sergey Yu. , Kolosova Yulia S. , Kondakov Alexander V. , Korshunov Alexey V. , Potapov Grigory S. , Sinev Sergey Yu. , Sleptsov Spiridon S. , Spitsyn Vitaly M. , Strelnikov Evgeny G. , Timchenko Andrey V. , Haverinen Risto , Nupponen Kari , Saarenmaa Hannu
Published: March 2022

Global environmental changes may cause dramatic insect declines but over century-long time series of certain species’ records are rarely available for scientific research. The Menetries’ Tiger Moth (Arctia menetriesii) appears to be the most enigmatic example among boreal insects. Although it occurs throughout the entire Eurasian taiga biome, it is so rare that less than 100 specimens were recorded since its original description in 1846. Here, we present the database, which contains nearly all available information on the species’ records collected from 1840s to 2020. The data on A. menetriesii records (N = 78) through geographic regions, environments, and different timeframes are compiled and unified. The database may serve as the basis for a wide array of future research such as the distribution modeling and predictions of range shifts under climate changes. It represents a unique example of a more than century-long dataset of distributional, ecological, and phenological data designed for an exceptionally rare but widespread boreal insect, which primarily occurs in hard-to-reach, uninhabited areas of Eurasia.
Water ecological security assessment and spatial autocorrelation analysis of prefectural regions involved in the Yellow River Basin
Authors: Qiu Meng , Zuo Qiting , Wu Qingsong , Yang Zhenlong , Zhang Jianwei
Published: March 2022

To have a more comprehensive understanding of the water ecological security status of the Yellow River Basin, this paper constructs a water ecological security evaluation index system founded on the Pressure-State-Response (PSR) model. The indicators are selected by considering factors such as meteorological conditions, population, economy, water resources, water environment, water ecology, land ecology, ecological service functions, pollution control, and capital investment. Then, the “single index quantification-multiple indices syntheses-poly-criteria integration (SMI-P) method was used to determine the water ecological security index (WESI) of 62 cities in the Yellow River Basin, to classify the safety levels, and combined with the spatial autocorrelation analysis to study the regional characteristics. The results prove that: (a) The overall water ecological security of the Yellow River Basin is relatively poor. Half of the 62 cities have reached the second-level warning level, and most of them are concentrated in the upper and middle reaches of the basin. (b) Wetland area is a long-term key factor in the construction of water ecological safety, and the greening rate of built-up areas has an increasing impact on water ecological safety. (c) The overall water ecological security index shows a slow upward trend, with the annual average growth rate was 0.59%. (d) The water ecological security of 62 cities in the Yellow River Basin shows significant spatial autocorrelation. The findings can offer a practical basis for the water ecological management to promote the high-quality development of the Yellow River Basin.
HydroZitLa inhibits calcium oxalate stone formation in nephrolithic rats and promotes longevity in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Lordumrongkiat Nalinthip , Chotechuang Nattida , Prasanth Mani Iyer , Jindatip Depicha , Ma-on Chakriwong , Chuenwisad Kamonchanok , Leelahavanichkul Asada , Tencomnao Tewin , Boonla Chanchai
Published: March 2022

Low fluid intake, low urinary citrate excretion, and high oxidative stress are main causative factors of calcium oxalate (CaOx) nephrolithiasis. HydroZitLa contains citrate and natural antioxidants and is developed to correct these three factors simultaneously. Antioxidants theoretically can prolong the lifespan of organisms. In this study, we preclinically investigated the antilithogenic, lifespan-extending and anti-aging effects of HydroZitLa in HK-2 cells, male Wistar rats, andCaenorhabditis elegans. HydroZitLa significantly inhibited CaOx crystal aggregation in vitro and reduced oxidative stress in HK-2 cells challenged with lithogenic factors. For experimental nephrolithiasis, rats were divided into four groups: ethylene glycol (EG), EG + HydroZitLa, EG + Uralyt-U, and untreated control. CaOx deposits in kidneys of EG + HydroZitLa and EG + Uralyt-U rats were significantly lower than those of EG rats. Intrarenal expression of 4-hydroxynonenal in EG + HydroZitLa rats was significantly lower than that of EG rats. The urinary oxalate levels of EG + HydroZitLa and EG + Uralyt-U rats were significantly lower than those of EG rats. The urinary citrate levels of EG + HydroZitLa and EG + Uralyt-U rats were restored to the level in normal control rats. InC. elegans, HydroZitLa supplementation significantly extended the median lifespan of nematodes up to 34% without altering feeding ability. Lipofuscin accumulation in HydroZitLa-supplemented nematodes was significantly lower than that of non-supplemented control. Additionally, HydroZitLa inhibited telomere shortening, p16 upregulation, and premature senescence in HK-2 cells exposed to lithogenic stressors. Conclusions, HydroZitLa inhibited oxidative stress and CaOx formation both in vitro and in vivo. HydroZitLa extended the lifespan and delayed the onset of aging inC. elegansand human kidney cells. This preclinical evidence suggests that HydroZitLa is beneficial for inhibiting CaOx stone formation, promoting longevity, and slowing down aging.
An open source toolkit for repurposing Illumina sequencing systems as versatile fluidics and imaging platforms
Authors: Pandit Kunal , Petrescu Joana , Cuevas Miguel , Stephenson William , Smibert Peter , Phatnani Hemali , Maniatis Silas
Published: March 2022

Fluorescence microscopy is a key method in the life sciences. State of the art -omics methods combine fluorescence microscopy with complex protocols to visualize tens to thousands of features in each of millions of pixels across samples. These -omics methods require precise control of temperature, reagent application, and image acquisition parameters during iterative chemistry and imaging cycles conducted over the course of days or weeks. Automated execution of such methods enables robust and reproducible data generation. However, few commercial solutions exist for temperature controlled, fluidics coupled fluorescence imaging, and implementation of bespoke instrumentation requires specialized engineering expertise. Here we present PySeq2500, an open source Python code base and flow cell design that converts the Illumina HiSeq 2500 instrument, comprising an epifluorescence microscope with integrated fluidics, into an open platform for programmable applications without need for specialized engineering or software development expertise. Customizable PySeq2500 protocols enable experimental designs involving simultaneous 4-channel image acquisition, temperature control, reagent exchange, stable positioning, and sample integrity over extended experiments. To demonstrate accessible automation of complex, multi-day workflows, we use the PySeq2500 system for unattended execution of iterative indirect immunofluorescence imaging (4i). Our automated 4i method uses off-the-shelf antibodies over multiple cycles of staining, imaging, and antibody elution to build highly multiplexed maps of cell types and pathological features in mouse and postmortem human spinal cord sections. Given the widespread availability of HiSeq 2500 platforms and the simplicity of the modifications required to repurpose these systems, PySeq2500 enables non-specialists to develop and implement state of the art fluidics coupled imaging methods in a widely available benchtop system.
Evaluating the impact of highway construction projects on landscape ecological risks in high altitude plateaus
Authors: Li Chao , Zhang Jingxiao , Philbin Simon P. , Yang Xu , Dong Zhanfeng , Hong Jingke , Ballesteros-Pérez Pablo
Published: March 2022

In China and other countries, many highway projects are built in extensive and high-altitude flat areas called plateaus. However, research on how the materialisation of these projects produce a series of ecological risks in the landscape is very limited. In this research, a landscape ecological risk analysis model for high-altitude plateaus is proposed. This model is based on the pattern of land uses of the surrounding area. Our study includes buffer analysis, spatial analysis, and geostatistical analysis. We apply the model to the Qumei to Gangba highway, a highway section located in the southeast city of Shigatse at the Chinese Tibet autonomous region. Through global and local spatial autocorrelation analysis, the spatial clustering distribution of ecological risks is also explored. Overall, our study reveals the spatial heterogeneity of ecological risks and how to better mitigate them. According to a comparison of the risk changes in two stages (before and after the highway construction), the impact of highway construction on the ecological environment can be comprehensively quantified. This research will be of interest to construction practitioners seeking to minimize the impact of highway construction projects on the ecological environment. It will also inform future empirical studies in the area of environmental engineering with potential affection to the landscape in high-altitude plateaus.
Supervised machine learning for automatic classification of in vivo scald and contact burn injuries using the terahertz Portable Handheld Spectral Reflection (PHASR) Scanner
Authors: Khani Mahmoud E. , Harris Zachery B. , Osman Omar B. , Zhou Juin W. , Chen Andrew , Singer Adam J. , Arbab M. Hassan
Published: March 2022

We present an automatic classification strategy for early and accurate assessment of burn injuries using terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopic imaging. Burn injuries of different severity grades, representing superficial partial-thickness (SPT), deep partial-thickness (DPT), and full-thickness (FT) wounds, were created by a standardized porcine scald model. THz spectroscopic imaging was performed using our new fiber-coupled Portable HAndheld Spectral Reflection Scanner, incorporating a telecentric beam steering configuration and an f-$$\theta$$
θ
scanning lens. ASynchronous Optical Sampling in a dual-fiber-laser THz spectrometer with 100 MHz repetition rate enabled high-speed spectroscopic measurements. Given twenty-four different samples composed of ten scald and ten contact burns and four healthy samples, supervised machine learning algorithms using THz-TDS spectra achieved areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of 0.88, 0.93, and 0.93 when differentiating between SPT, DPT, and FT burns, respectively, as determined by independent histological assessments. These results show the potential utility of our new broadband THz PHASR Scanner for early and accurate triage of burn injuries.
Effects of varicocele and microsurgical varicocelectomy on the metabolites in semen
Authors: Zhang Xinzong , Deng Cuncan , Liu Wujiang , Liu Huang , Zhou Yu , Li Qianyi , Zheng Houbin , Wang Qiling , Jiang Min , Pang Tao , Ma Chunjie , Huang Cheng , Zhao Qingguo , Tang Yunge
Published: March 2022

The influence of varicocele and microsurgical varicocelectomy on semen quality remains unclear. Few studies have investigated the relationship between semen metabolism and the abnormalities in reproductive function caused by varicocele, however, there is no study on the changes of semen metabolism after microsurgical varicocelectomy. Here, we used the non-targeted and targeted metabolic analysis to investigate the different metabolites in seminal plasma within normal, varicocele, and varicocelectomy groups. We clearly showed that varicocele significantly affects semen metabolism, and microsurgical varicocelectomy can reverse this metabolic abnormality. Moreover, we characterized the landscape of three dipeptides in the seminal plasma of patients with varicocele that have not been identified previously in human tissues or biofluids. Interestingly, the levels of these three dipeptides decreased after microsurgical varicocelectomy coincident with an improvement in semen quality. Western blotting confirmed the downregulation of DPEP3 (dipeptidase 3) in the varicocele group and the upregulation of DPEP3 in the varicocelectomy group. Furthermore, we found that eight metabolites may be helpful to distinguish varicocele patients from normal subjects. Our results may be applied to earlier diagnosis or to predict the outcome of microsurgery for varicocele.
Enhanced photo-fenton and photoelectrochemical activities in nitrogen doped brownmillerite KBiFe2O5
Authors: Vavilapalli Durga Sankar , Behara Santosh , Peri Raja Gopal , Thomas Tiju , Muthuraaman B. , Rao M. S. Ramachandra , Singh Shubra
Published: March 2022

Visible-light-driven photo-fenton-like catalytic activity and photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance of nitrogen-doped brownmillerite KBiFe2O5 (KBFO) are investigated. The effective optical bandgap of KBFO reduces from 1.67 to 1.60 eV post N-doping, enabling both enhancement of visible light absorption and photoactivity. The photo-fenton activity of KBFO and N-doped KBFO samples were analysed by degrading effluents like Methylene Blue (MB), Bisphenol-A (BPA) and antibiotics such as Norfloxacin (NOX) and Doxycycline (DOX). 20 mmol of Nitrogen-doped KBFO (20N-KBFO) exhibits enhanced catalytic activity while degrading MB. 20N-KBFO sample is further tested for degradation of Bisphenol-A and antibiotics in the presence of H2O2 and chelating agent L-cysteine. Under optimum conditions, MB, BPA, and NOX, and DOX are degraded by 99.5% (0.042 min-1), 83% (0.016 min-1), 72% (0.011 min-1) and 95% (0.026 min-1) of its initial concentration respectively. Photocurrent density of 20N-KBFO improves to 8.83 mA/cm2 from 4.31 mA/cm2 for pure KBFO. Photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties of N-doped KBFO make it a promising candidate for energy and environmental applications.
Combining PEGylated mito-atovaquone with MCT and Krebs cycle redox inhibitors as a potential strategy to abrogate tumor cell proliferation
Authors: Cheng Gang , Hardy Micael , You Ming , Kalyanaraman Balaraman
Published: March 2022

Glycolytic and mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, which are two major energy sources in tumors, are potential targets in cancer treatment. Metabolic reprogramming from glycolysis to mitochondrial oxidative metabolism and vice versa is an adaptive strategy with which tumor cells obtain energy to survive and thrive under the compromised conditions of glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration. Developing highly potent, nontoxic, and tumor-selective oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) inhibitors may help advance therapeutic targeting of mitochondrial drugs in cancer. The FDA-approved antimalarial drug atovaquone (ATO), a mitochondrial complex III inhibitor, was repurposed in cancer treatment. Here, we developed a new class of PEGylated mitochondria-targeted ATO (Mito-(PEG)n-ATO). Depending on the PEGylation chain length (n), Mito-PEG-ATO analogs inhibit both mitochondrial complex I- and complex III-induced oxygen consumption in human pancreatic (MiaPaCa-2) and brain (U87MG) cancer cells. Mito-PEG5-ATO is one of the most potent antiproliferative mitochondria-targeted compounds (IC50 = 38 nM) in MiaPaCa-2 cells, and is more effective than other inhibitors of OXPHOS in MiaPaCa-2 and U87MG cells. Furthermore, we show that the combined use of the most potent OXPHOS-targeted inhibitors (Mito-PEG5-ATO) and inhibitors of monocarboxylate transporters (MCT-1 and MCT-4), Krebs cycle redox metabolism, or glutaminolysis will synergistically abrogate tumor cell proliferation. Potential clinical benefits of these combinatorial therapies are discussed.
Photovoltage oscillations in encapsulated graphene
Authors: Iñarrea Jesús , Platero Gloria
Published: March 2022

We theoretically analyze the rise of photovoltage oscillations in hexagonal boron-nitride (h-BN) encapsulated monolayer graphene (h-BN/graphene/h-BN) when irradiated with terahertz radiation. We use an extension of the radiation-driven electron orbit model, successfully applied to study the oscillations obtained in irradiated magnetotransport of GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructures. The extension takes mainly into account that now the carriers are massive Dirac fermions. Our simulations reveal that the photovoltage in these graphene systems presents important oscillations similar to the ones of irradiated magnetoresistance in semiconductor platforms but in the terahertz range. We also obtain that these oscillations are clearly affected by the voltages applied to the sandwiched graphene: a vertical gate voltage between the two hBN layers and an external positive voltage applied to one of the sample sides. The former steers the carrier effective mass and the latter the photovoltage intensity and the oscillations amplitude. The frequency dependence of the photo-oscillations is also investigated.
Comparison of observer based methods for source localisation in complex networks
Authors: Gajewski Łukasz G. , Paluch Robert , Suchecki Krzysztof , Sulik Adam , Szymanski Boleslaw K. , Hołyst Janusz A.
Published: March 2022

In recent years, research on methods for locating a source of spreading phenomena in complex networks has seen numerous advances. Such methods can be applied not only to searching for the “patient zero” in epidemics, but also finding the true sources of false or malicious messages circulating in the online social networks. Many methods for solving this problem have been established and tested in various circumstances. Yet, we still lack reviews that would include a direct comparison of efficiency of these methods. In this paper, we provide a thorough comparison of several observer-based methods for source localisation on complex networks. All methods use information about the exact time of spread arrival at a pre-selected group of vertices called observers. We investigate how the precision of the studied methods depends on the network topology, density of observers, infection rate, and observers’ placement strategy. The direct comparison between methods allows for an informed choice of the methods for applications or further research. We find that the Pearson correlation based method and the method based on the analysis of multiple paths are the most effective in networks with synthetic or real topologies. The former method dominates when the infection rate is low; otherwise, the latter method takes over.
Spin effect on the low-temperature resistivity maximum in a strongly interacting 2D electron system
Authors: Shashkin A. A. , Melnikov M. Yu. , Dolgopolov V. T. , Radonjić M. M. , Dobrosavljević V. , Huang S.-H. , Liu C. W. , Zhu Amy Y. X. , Kravchenko S. V.
Published: March 2022

The increase in the resistivity with decreasing temperature followed by a drop by more than one order of magnitude is observed on the metallic side near the zero-magnetic-field metal-insulator transition in a strongly interacting two-dimensional electron system in ultra-clean SiGe/Si/SiGe quantum wells. We find that the temperature $$T_{\text {max}}$$

T
max

, at which the resistivity exhibits a maximum, is close to the renormalized Fermi temperature. However, rather than increasing along with the Fermi temperature, the value $$T_{\text {max}}$$

T
max

decreases appreciably for spinless electrons in spin-polarizing (parallel) magnetic fields. The observed behaviour of $$T_{\text {max}}$$

T
max

cannot be described by existing theories. The results indicate the spin-related origin of the effect.
Clinical characteristics of colonization of the amniotic cavity in women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes, a retrospective study
Authors: Kacerovsky Marian , Stranik Jaroslav , Matulova Jana , Chalupska Martina , Mls Jan , Faist Tomáš , Hornychova Helena , Kukla Rudolf , Bolehovska Radka , Bostik Pavel , Jacobsson Bo , Musilova Ivana
Published: March 2022

To determine the main clinical characteristics of preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) complicated by colonization of the amniotic cavity (microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity without intra-amniotic inflammation). A total of 302 women with PPROM were included. Transabdominal amniocentesis was performed and amniotic fluid was assessed. Based of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity and intra-amniotic inflammation (interleukin-6 ≥ 3000 pg/mL), the women were divided into following groups: intra-amniotic infection, sterile intra-amniotic inflammation, colonization of the amniotic cavity, and negative amniotic fluid. Colonization was found in 11% (32/302) of the women. The most common bacteria identified in the amniotic fluid were Ureaplasma spp. with a lower burden than those with intra-amniotic infection (p = 0.03). The intensity of intra-amniotic inflammatory response measured by interleukin-6 was higher in women with colonization than in those with negative amniotic fluid (medians: 961 pg/mL vs. 616 pg/mL; p = 0.04). Women with colonization had higher rates of acute inflammatory placental lesions than those with negative amniotic fluid. In PPROM, colonization, caused mainly by microorganisms from the lower genital tract, might represent an early stage of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity with a weak intra-amniotic inflammatory response.
Comparison of weather station and climate reanalysis data for modelling temperature-related mortality
Authors: Mistry Malcolm N. , Schneider Rochelle , Masselot Pierre , Royé Dominic , Armstrong Ben , Kyselý Jan , Orru Hans , Sera Francesco , Tong Shilu , Lavigne Éric , Urban Aleš , Madureira Joana , García-León David , Ibarreta Dolores , Ciscar Juan-Carlos , Feyen Luc , de Schrijver Evan , de Sousa Zanotti Stagliorio Coelho Micheline , Pascal Mathilde , Tobias Aurelio ,   Multi-Country Multi-City (MCC) Collaborative Research Network, Alahmad Barrak , Abrutzky Rosana , Saldiva Paulo Hilario Nascimento , Correa Patricia Matus , Orteg Nicolás Valdés , Kan Haidong , Osorio Samuel , Indermitte Ene , Jaakkola Jouni J. K. , Ryti Niilo , Schneider Alexandra , Huber Veronika , Katsouyanni Klea , Analitis Antonis , Entezari Alireza , Mayvaneh Fatemeh , Michelozzi Paola , de’Donato Francesca , Hashizume Masahiro , Kim Yoonhee , Diaz Magali Hurtado , De la Cruz Valencia César , Overcenco Ala , Houthuijs Danny , Ameling Caroline , Rao Shilpa , Seposo Xerxes , Nunes Baltazar , Holobaca Iulian-Horia , Kim Ho , Lee Whanhee , Íñiguez Carmen , Forsberg Bertil , Åström Christofer , Ragettli Martina S. , Guo Yue-Liang Leon , Chen Bing-Yu , Colistro Valentina , Zanobetti Antonella , Schwartz Joel , Dang Tran Ngoc , Van Dung Do , Guo Yuming , Vicedo-Cabrera Ana M. , Gasparrini Antonio
Published: March 2022

Epidemiological analyses of health risks associated with non-optimal temperature are traditionally based on ground observations from weather stations that offer limited spatial and temporal coverage. Climate reanalysis represents an alternative option that provide complete spatio-temporal exposure coverage, and yet are to be systematically explored for their suitability in assessing temperature-related health risks at a global scale. Here we provide the first comprehensive analysis over multiple regions to assess the suitability of the most recent generation of reanalysis datasets for health impact assessments and evaluate their comparative performance against traditional station-based data. Our findings show that reanalysis temperature from the last ERA5 products generally compare well to station observations, with similar non-optimal temperature-related risk estimates. However, the analysis offers some indication of lower performance in tropical regions, with a likely underestimation of heat-related excess mortality. Reanalysis data represent a valid alternative source of exposure variables in epidemiological analyses of temperature-related risk.
A computational framework for canonical holistic morphometric analysis of trabecular bone
Authors: Bachmann Sebastian , Dunmore Christopher J. , Skinner Matthew M. , Pahr Dieter H. , Synek Alexander
Published: March 2022

Bone is a remarkable, living tissue that functionally adapts to external loading. Therefore, bone shape and internal structure carry information relevant to many disciplines, including medicine, forensic science, and anthropology. However, morphometric comparisons of homologous regions across different individuals or groups are still challenging. In this study, two methods were combined to quantify such differences: (1) Holistic morphometric analysis (HMA) was used to quantify morphometric values in each bone, (2) which could then be mapped to a volumetric mesh of a canonical bone created by a statistical free-form deformation model (SDM). Required parameters for this canonical holistic morphometric analysis (cHMA) method were identified and the robustness of the method was evaluated. The robustness studies showed that the SDM converged after one to two iterations, had only a marginal bias towards the chosen starting image, and could handle large shape differences seen in bones of different species. Case studies were performed on metacarpal bones and proximal femora of different primate species to confirm prior study results. The differences between species could be visualised and statistically analysed in both case studies. cHMA provides a framework for performing quantitative comparisons of different morphometric quantities across individuals or groups. These comparisons facilitate investigation of the relationship between spatial morphometric variations and function or pathology, or both.
Disrupted structural network of inferomedial temporal regions in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis compared with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
Authors: Cho Eun Bin , Kim Daegyeom , Jeong ByeongChang , Shin Jong Hwa , Chung Yeon Hak , Kim Sung Tae , Kim Byoung Joon , Han Cheol E. , Min Ju-Hong
Published: March 2022

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) are two representative chronic inflammatory demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system. We aimed to determine and compare the alterations of white matter (WM) connectivity between MS, NMOSD, and healthy controls (HC). This study included 68 patients with relapsing–remitting MS, 50 with NMOSD, and 26 HC. A network-based statistics method was used to assess disrupted patterns in WM networks. Topological characteristics of the three groups were compared and their associations with clinical parameters were examined. WM network analysis indicated that the MS and NMOSD groups had lower total strength, clustering coefficient, global efficiency, and local efficiency and had longer characteristic path length than HC, but there were no differences between the MS and NMOSD groups. At the nodal level, the MS group had more brain regions with altered network topologies than did the NMOSD group when compared with the HC group. Network alterations were correlated with Expanded Disability Status Scale score and disease duration in both MS and NMOSD groups. Two distinct subnetworks that characterized the disease groups were also identified. When compared with NMOSD, the most discriminative connectivity changes in MS were located between the thalamus, hippocampus, parahippocampal gyrus, amygdala, fusiform gyrus, and inferior and superior temporal gyri. In conclusion, MS patients had greater network dysfunction compared to NMOSD and altered short connections within the thalamus and inferomedial temporal regions were relatively spared in NMOSD compared with MS.
Quantitative characterization of non-DLVO factors in the aggregation of black soil colloids
Authors: Gao Xiaodan , Kou Qi , Ren Kailu , Zuo Yan , Xu Yingde , Zhang Yun , Lal Rattan , Wang Jingkuan
Published: March 2022

The variable role and fate of soil colloids under different environmental conditions are derived from their dispersion and aggregation properties. In this work, dynamic and static light scattering were used to characterize the original size, aggregation kinetics of natural black soil colloids (BSCs) and structural features of aggregates in electrolytes with different cations (K+, Mg2+, Ca2+), respectively. For these three cations, the aggregation kinetics followed the trend of Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+ and the critical coagulation concentration (CCC) followed the sequence: K+ (134.30 mmol L−1) > Mg2+ (13.27 mmol L−1) > Ca2+ (4.19 mmol L−1). The results indicated that the aggregation behavior in different valence cation systems followed the classical Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) model qualitatively. However, the quantitative differences of CCC suggest the existence of ion-specific effects. The effective ionic charge coefficient 1.31, 2.20, and 2.78 of K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+ were proposed to consider of all the non-DLVO factors, which were obtained by forming a relationship based on mathematic between the electrostatic repulsion and the van der Waals attractive interaction at the CCC. The non-classical polarization of cations in a strong soil electric field is a primary mechanism of cation effects on soil colloid interactions, causing the difference in colloid interaction energy and further affecting soil colloid aggregation. This result is crucial for enriching the theory of charged colloidal interactions.
Detecting 17 fine-grained dental anomalies from panoramic dental radiography using artificial intelligence
Authors: Lee Sangyeon , Kim Donghyun , Jeong Ho-Gul
Published: March 2022

Panoramic dental radiography is one of the most common examinations performed in dental clinics. Compared with other dental images, it covers a wide area from individual teeth to the maxilla and mandibular area. Dental clinicians can get much information about patients’ health. However, it is time-consuming and laborious to detect all signs of anomalies because these regions are very complicated. So it is needed to filter out healthy images to save clinicians’ time to examine. For this, we applied modern artificial intelligence-based computer vision techniques. In this study, we built a model to detect 17 fine-grained dental anomalies which are critical to patients’ dental health and quality of life. We used about 23,000 anonymized panoramic dental images taken from local dental clinics from July 2020 to July 2021. Our model can detect these abnormal signs and filter out normal images with high sensitivity of about 0.99. The result indicates that our model can be used in real clinical practice to alleviate the burden of clinicians.
Predictive factors of responsiveness to a body weight reduction program in Prader–Willi patients at 6 years of follow-up
Authors: Lazzer Stefano , Vaccari Filippo , D’Alleva Mattia , Bedogni Giorgio , Caroli Diana , Grugni Graziano , Sartorio Alessandro
Published: March 2022

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS), a multisystemic disorder caused by lack of expression of genes on the paternally inherited chromosome 15q11.2-q13 region, is characterized by hyperphagia and childhood-onset morbid obesity, A retrospective cohort study of 60 PWS patients, 38 females and 22 males, undergoing a 6-year rehabilitation program was analysed. Mean age at the time of first admission was 27 ± 7 years, body weight (BW) was 97 kg ± 29 kg and height was 1.53 ± 0.09 m. Twenty-four patients (40%) showed BW loss after 6 years of follow-up, seventeen (28%) remained stable and nineteen (32%) gained BW. Responsiveness in term of BW reduction was less frequent in patients with the UPD karyotype, karyotype del15 being more frequent among responsive patients. Furthermore, responsive PWS subjects had a higher BMI (47 vs. 36 kg/m2), waist (123 vs. 106 cm) and hip (136 vs. 118 cm) circumferences than non-responsive at the time of first hospitalization. Baseline body composition and metabolic parameters did not differentiate between responsive and non-responsive patients. Given the rarity of PWS and relative lack of studies, these results can be considered relevant because based on a relatively large number of PWS patients followed up for a long term period.
Evaluation of 41 single nucleotide polymorphisms in canine diffuse large B-cell lymphomas using MassARRAY
Authors: Sirivisoot Sirintra , Kasantikul Tanit , Techangamsuwan Somporn , Radtanakatikanon Araya , Chen Ken , Lin Tzu-yin , Rungsipipat Anudep
Published: March 2022

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of lymphoma in dogs with a multicentric form. This study aimed to assemble 41 variants of the previously reported genes and to investigate these variants in canine DLBCL using the Agena MassARRAY platform. These variants were chosen based on the high prevalence observed in canine B- and T-cell lymphomas, their significance for target therapy, and compatibility for multiplex PCR amplification. Lymph node biopsy was performed from 60 dogs with B-cell lymphoma comprising 47 purebred and 13 crossbred dogs. All dogs presented single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at HYAL4 and SATB1 genes. The lesser mutual SNPs were observed at SEL1L, excluding a cocker spaniel, and c-Kit, with the exception of a pug and a French bulldog. Even though no statistical association was noted between each SNP and dog breed, purebreds were 3.88 times more likely to have a SNP at FLT3 rs852342480 (95%CI 0.50–45.03, p = 0.26), 3.64 times at TRAF3 F306X (95%CI 0.58–42.50, p = 0.43) and 2.66 times at TRAF3 E303EX (95%CI 0.56–13.12, p = 0.31). Also, DLBCL dogs (CHOP-based treatment) with c-Kit T425= had a poorer prognosis with shorter median overall survival times (OST) than dogs with the wild type. Dogs treated with COP chemotherapy and contained 3–5 variants at SEL1L were associated with decreased median OST. Therefore, this SNP’s lymphoma panel provides valuable information that we can use to outline a prognosis and develop a treatment plan for the targeted therapy of each dog.
Zero retinal vein pulsation amplitude extrapolated model in non-invasive intracranial pressure estimation
Authors: Morgan W. H. , Vukmirovic A. , Abdul-Rahman A. , Khoo Y. J. , Kermode A. G. , Lind C. R. , Dunuwille J. , Yu D. Y.
Published: March 2022

Intracranial pressure (ICP) includes the brain, optic nerve, and spinal cord pressures; it influences blood flow to those structures. Pathological elevation in ICP results in structural damage through various mechanisms, which adversely affects outcomes in traumatic brain injury and stroke. Currently, invasive procedures which tap directly into the cerebrospinal fluid are required to measure this pressure. Recent fluidic engineering modelling analogous to the ocular vascular flow suggests that retinal venous pulse amplitudes are predictably influenced by downstream pressures, suggesting that ICP could be estimated by analysing this pulse signal. We used this modelling theory and our photoplethysmographic (PPG) retinal venous pulse amplitude measurement system to measure amplitudes in 30 subjects undergoing invasive ICP measurements by lumbar puncture (LP) or external ventricular drain (EVD). We estimated ICP from these amplitudes using this modelling and found it to be accurate with a mean absolute error of 3.0 mmHg and a slope of 1.00 (r = 0.91). Ninety-four percent of differences between the PPG and invasive method were between − 5.5 and + 4.0 mmHg, which compares favourably to comparisons between LP and EVD. This type of modelling may be useful for understanding retinal vessel pulsatile fluid dynamics and may provide a method for non-invasive ICP measurement.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of percutaneous coronary intervention compared to coronary artery bypass grafting in non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Kirov Hristo , Caldonazo Tulio , Rahouma Mohamed , Robinson N. Bryce , Demetres Michelle , Serruys Patrick W. , Biondi-Zoccai Giuseppe , Gaudino Mario , Doenst Torsten
Published: March 2022

Non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) affects millions of patients. Although an invasive strategy can improve survival, the optimal treatment [i.e., percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)] is not clear. We performed a meta-analysis of studies reporting outcomes between PCI and CABG in patients with NSTE-ACS. MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library were assessed. The primary outcome was long-term mortality. Inverse variance method and random model were performed. We identified 13 observational studies (48,891 patients). No significant difference was found in the primary endpoint [CABG vs. PCI, incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70; 1.23]. CABG was associated with lower long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (IRR 0.64, 95% CI 0.54; 0.76) and lower long-term re-revascularization (IRR 0.37, 95% CI 0.30; 0.47). There was no significant difference in long-term myocardial infarction (CABG vs. PCI, IRR 0.96, 95% CI 0.50; 1.84) and peri-operative mortality (CABG vs. PCI, odds ratio 1.36, 95% CI 0.94; 1.95). For the treatment of NSTE-ACS, CABG and PCI are associated with similar rates of long-term mortality and myocardial infarction. CABG is associated with lower rates of long-term MACE and re-revascularization. Randomized comparisons in this setting are necessary.
Multimodal microwheel swarms for targeting in three-dimensional networks
Authors: Zimmermann C. J. , Herson P. S. , Neeves K. B. , Marr D. W. M.
Published: March 2022

Microscale bots intended for targeted drug delivery must move through three-dimensional (3D) environments that include bifurcations, inclined surfaces, and curvature. In previous studies, we have shown that magnetically actuated colloidal microwheels (µwheels) reversibly assembled from superparamagnetic beads can translate rapidly and be readily directed. Here we show that, at high concentrations, µwheels assemble into swarms that, depending on applied magnetic field actuation patterns, can be designed to transport cargo, climb steep inclines, spread over large areas, or provide mechanical action. We test the ability of these multimodal swarms to navigate through complex, inclined microenvironments by characterizing the translation and dispersion of individual µwheels and swarms of µwheels on steeply inclined and flat surfaces. Swarms are then studied within branching 3D vascular models with multiple turns where good targeting efficiencies are achieved over centimeter length scales. With this approach, we present a readily reconfigurable swarm platform capable of navigating through 3D microenvironments.
Global DNA methylation profiles of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) preimplantation embryos produced by handmade cloning and in vitro fertilization
Authors: Malpotra Shivani , Goel Pallavi , Shyam Songyukta , Singh Manoj Kumar , Palta Prabhat
Published: March 2022

Somatic cell nuclear transfer technique (SCNT) has proved to be an outstanding method of multiplication of elite animals but accompanied with low efficiency and live birth rate of cloned animals. Epigenetic alterations of DNA has been one of the culprits behind this issue. Cloned embryos are found to deviate slightly from regular pattern of demethylation and re-methylation at the time of nuclear reprogramming and embryonic development when compared with embryos produced by in vitro fertilization (IVF). Thus, the present study was aimed at evaluating global DNA methylation profiles of cloned embryos at 2-cell, 8-cell and blastocyst stages and compare it with corresponding stages of embryos produced by IVF by using MeDIP-Sequencing on Illumina-based platform. We found out that cloned embryos exhibited significantly different DNA methylation pattern as compared to IVF embryos with respect to distribution of differentially methylated regions in different components of genome, CpG islands distribution and methylation status, gene ontological profiles and pathways affected throughout the developmental stages. The data generated from MeDIP-Seq was validated at blastocyst stage cloned and IVF embryos by bisulfite-sequencing PCR on five randomly selected gene regions.
Novel missense ACAN gene variants linked to familial osteochondritis dissecans cluster in the C-terminal globular domain of aggrecan
Authors: Stattin Eva-Lena , Lindblom Karin , Struglics André , Önnerfjord Patrik , Goldblatt Jack , Dixit Abhijit , Sarkar Ajoy , Randell Tabitha , Suri Mohnish , Raggio Cathleen , Davis Jessica , Carter Erin , Aspberg Anders
Published: March 2022

The cartilage aggrecan proteoglycan is crucial for both skeletal growth and articular cartilage function. A number of aggrecan (ACAN) gene variants have been linked to skeletal disorders, ranging from short stature to severe chondrodyplasias. Osteochondritis dissecans is a disorder where articular cartilage and subchondral bone fragments come loose from the articular surface. We previously reported a missense ACAN variant linked to familial osteochondritis dissecans, with short stature and early onset osteoarthritis, and now describe three novel ACAN gene variants from additional families with this disorder. Like the previously described variant, these are autosomal dominant missense variants, resulting in single amino acid residue substitutions in the C-type lectin repeat of the aggrecan G3 domain. Functional studies showed that neither recombinant variant proteins, nor full-length variant aggrecan proteoglycan from heterozygous patient cartilage, were secreted to the same level as wild-type aggrecan. The variant proteins also showed decreased binding to known cartilage extracellular matrix ligands. Mapping these and other ACAN variants linked to hereditary skeletal disorders showed a clustering of osteochondritis dissecans-linked variants to the G3 domain. Taken together, this supports a link between missense ACAN variants affecting the aggrecan G3 domain and hereditary osteochondritis dissecans.
Effect of TiO2 nanoparticles on the tribological properties of lubricating oil: an experimental investigation
Authors: Birleanu Corina , Pustan Marius , Cioaza Mircea , Molea Andreia , Popa Florin , Contiu Glad
Published: March 2022

Nano-lubricants offer improved tribological properties in many applications, such as machines and engines. The presence of nanoparticles in the lubricating oil affects its wear, friction, thermal, chemical and physical properties in many ways. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a promising lubricant additive for enhanced engine efficiency. This article reports the effect of 10 W-30 pure base engine oil suspended TiO2 nanoparticles. Four different volume concentrations (0.01%, 0.025%, 0.050% and 0.075%) of TiO2 nanoparticles in the base lubricating oil are used for the analysis. The tribological tests were performed at ambient temperature as well as at 75 °C using a four ball tribometer. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Alicona Inginite Focus G5 microscope were used to analyze the worn surface. The results show that the surface-modified TiO2 nanoparticles can remarkably improve the load-carrying capacity, the friction reducing, and anti-wear abilities of the additive oil. The diameter of the wear trace and the coefficient of friction are the tribological properties analyzed for the nano-lubricant prepared at different volume concentration (VC). It was found that the diameter of the wear scar and the coefficient of friction increase with increasing VC of TiO2 nanoparticles in the lubricating oil. The main objective of the paper is to present the recent progress and, consequently, to develop a comprehensive understanding of the tribological behavior of engine oil mixed with TiO2 nanoparticles.
Restoration of antibacterial activity of inactive antibiotics via combined treatment with a cyanographene/Ag nanohybrid
Authors: Hochvaldová Lucie , Panáček David , Válková Lucie , Prucek Robert , Kohlová Věra , Večeřová Renata , Kolář Milan , Kvítek Libor , Panáček Aleš
Published: March 2022

The number of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains is increasing due to the excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics, which are therefore becoming ineffective. Here, we report an effective way of enhancing and restoring the antibacterial activity of inactive antibiotics by applying them together with a cyanographene/Ag nanohybrid, a nanomaterial that is applied for the first time for restoring the antibacterial activity of antibiotics. The cyanographene/Ag nanohybrid was synthesized by chemical reduction of a precursor material in which silver cations are coordinated on a cyanographene sheet. The antibacterial efficiency of the combined treatment was evaluated by determining fractional inhibitory concentrations (FIC) for antibiotics with different modes of action (gentamicin, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, and colistin) against the strains Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter kobei with different resistance mechanisms. Synergistic and partial synergistic effects against multiresistant strains were demonstrated for all of these antibiotics except ciprofloxacin, which exhibited an additive effect. The lowest average FICs equal to 0.29 and 0.39 were obtained for colistin against E. kobei and for gentamicin against E. coli, respectively. More importantly, we have experimentally confirmed for the first time, that interaction between the antibiotic's mode of action and the mechanism of bacterial resistance strongly influenced the combined treatment’s efficacy.
Electrochemical Activation of Persulfate for Organic Pollution Control in Water
Authors: Liu Shuan , Ding Haojie , Zhang Jian , Xu Qibin , Duan Xiaodi , Zhao Chun
Published: March 2022

Among various persulfate-activated processes, the electrochemical persulfate activation (E-PS) process has gained increasing interest in recent years. In this chapter, synergistic effects between electrolysis and persulfate are introduced. The operational factors (electrode type, current intensity, pH, water matrices, etc.), which could affect the removal efficiency of organic contaminants in the E-PS process, are discussed. Moreover, the organic contaminants’ degradation mechanisms as well as the generation paths of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the E-PS process are summarized. At the end, future study trends on the E-PS process are proposed to give references for follow-up studies.
Novel Strategy for Soil Remediation of Contaminated Sites Using Persulfate-based Advanced Oxidation Technologies
Authors: Fang Guodong , Zhu Changyin , Wang Xiaolei , Qiu Wenxiu , Zhou Dongmei
Published: March 2022

Persulfate-based advanced oxidation processes are a promising method for in-situ remediation of organic-contaminated soil. Compared to H2O2, persulfate is more stable which is conducive to the transport of reagents and interactions with pollutants in soil. Moreover, persulfate can be activated to form sulfate radicals which are strong oxidants with a high redox potential (E0 = 2.6 eV) and could selectively react with pollutants. In recent years, there have been many studies on the removal of pollutants by persulfate activation in water, mainly concentrating on developing efficient activated materials and degrading numerous kinds of contaminants, but the progress of soil remediation is slow, mainly because the soil environment is more complex and persulfate activation technology developed in aqueous solution is difficult to apply to soil. Therefore, it is imperative to conclude the strategy of using persulfate activation for soil remediation, particularly for contaminated sites. This chapter mainly summarizes some characteristics of the soil affecting pollutant degradation and the persulfate activation method suitable for soil remediation under different conditions, and attempts to combine a variety of methods to better repair contaminated soil. Finally, many gaps of soil remediation by persulfate-based AOPs between laboratory studies and field applications will also be highlighted. The content of this chapter is suitable reading for soil remediation companies and related technical personnel, and researchers in scientific research units.