bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor suppressor mediated ubiquitylation of hnRNPK is a barrier to oncogenic translation
Authors: Mucha Bartosz , Qie Shuo , Bajpai Sagar , Tarallo Vincenzo , Diehl J. Nathaniel , Tedeschi Frank , Zhou Gao , Gao Zhaofeng , Flashner Samuel , Klein-Szanto Andres J. , Hibshoosh Hanina , Masataka Shimonosono , Chajewski Olga S. , Majsterek Ireneusz , Pytel Dariusz , Hatzoglou Maria , Der Channing J. , Nakagawa Hiroshi , Bass Adam J. , Wong Kwok-Kin , Fuchs Serge Y. , Rustgi Anil K. , Jankowsky Eckhard , Diehl J. Alan
Published: November 2022

Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNPK) is a multifunctional RNA binding protein (RBP) localized in the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Abnormal cytoplasmic enrichment observed in solid tumors often correlates with poor clinical outcome. The mechanism of cytoplasmic redistribution and ensuing functional role of cytoplasmic hnRNPK remain unclear. Here we demonstrate that the SCFFbxo4 E3 ubiquitin ligase restricts the pro-oncogenic activity of hnRNPK via K63 linked polyubiquitylation, thus limiting its ability to bind target mRNA. We identify SCFFbxo4-hnRNPK responsive mRNAs whose products regulate cellular processes including proliferation, migration, and invasion. Loss of SCFFbxo4 leads to enhanced cell invasion, migration, and tumor metastasis. C-Myc was identified as one target of SCFFbxo4-hnRNPK. Fbxo4 loss triggers hnRNPK-dependent increase in c-Myc translation, thereby contributing to tumorigenesis. Increased c-Myc positions SCFFbxo4-hnRNPK dysregulated cancers for potential therapeutic interventions that target c-Myc-dependence. This work demonstrates an essential role for limiting cytoplasmic hnRNPK function in order to maintain translational and cellular homeostasis.
Measurements of heterogeneity in proteomics analysis of the nanoparticle protein corona across core facilities
Authors: Ashkarran Ali Akbar , Gharibi Hassan , Voke Elizabeth , Landry Markita P. , Saei Amir Ata , Mahmoudi Morteza
Published: November 2022

Robust characterization of the protein corona—the layer of proteins that spontaneously forms on the surface of nanoparticles immersed in biological fluids—is vital for prediction of the safety, biodistribution, and diagnostic/therapeutic efficacy of nanomedicines. Protein corona identity and abundance characterization is entirely dependent on liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS), though the variability of this technique for the purpose of protein corona characterization remains poorly understood. Here we investigate the variability of LC-MS/MS workflows in analysis of identical aliquots of protein coronas by sending them to different proteomics core-facilities and analyzing the retrieved datasets. While the shared data between the cores correlate well, there is considerable heterogeneity in the data retrieved from different cores. Specifically, out of 4022 identified unique proteins, only 73 (1.8%) are shared across the core facilities providing semiquantitative analysis. These findings suggest that protein corona datasets cannot be easily compared across independent studies and more broadly compromise the interpretation of protein corona research, with implications in biomarker discovery as well as the safety and efficacy of our nanoscale biotechnologies.
JAK2V617F mutation drives vascular resident macrophages toward a pathogenic phenotype and promotes dissecting aortic aneurysm
Authors: Al-Rifai Rida , Vandestienne Marie , Lavillegrand Jean-Rémi , Mirault Tristan , Cornebise Julie , Poisson Johanne , Laurans Ludivine , Esposito Bruno , James Chloé , Mansier Olivier , Hirsch Pierre , Favale Fabrizia , Braik Rayan , Knosp Camille , Vilar Jose , Rizzo Giuseppe , Zernecke Alma , Saliba Antoine-Emmanuel , Tedgui Alain , Lacroix Maxime , Arrive Lionel , Mallat Ziad , Taleb Soraya , Diedisheim Marc , Cochain Clément , Rautou Pierre-Emmanuel , Ait-Oufella Hafid
Published: November 2022

JAK2V617F mutation is associated with an increased risk for athero-thrombotic cardiovascular disease, but its role in aortic disease development and complications remains unknown. In a cohort of patients with myeloproliferative neoplasm, JAK2V617F mutation was identified as an independent risk factor for dilation of both the ascending and descending thoracic aorta. Using single-cell RNA-seq, complementary genetically-modified mouse models, as well as pharmacological approaches, we found that JAK2V617F mutation was associated with a pathogenic pro-inflammatory phenotype of perivascular tissue-resident macrophages, which promoted deleterious aortic wall remodeling at early stages, and dissecting aneurysm through the recruitment of circulating monocytes at later stages. Finally, genetic manipulation of tissue-resident macrophages, or treatment with a Jak2 inhibitor, ruxolitinib, mitigated aortic wall inflammation and reduced aortic dilation and rupture. Overall, JAK2V617F mutation drives vascular resident macrophages toward a pathogenic phenotype and promotes dissecting aortic aneurysm.
Borosilicate glass alteration in vapor phase and aqueous medium
Authors: Narayanasamy Sathya , Jollivet Patrick , Jégou Christophe , Moskura Mélanie , Abdelouas Abdesselam , Charpentier Thibault , Angeli Frédéric
Published: November 2022

A Na-alumino-borosilicate glass and its Ca-doped counterpart were altered in vapor phase (98% relative humidity) and aqueous medium at 90 °C. Both the alteration media were enriched in 17O. Characterization of the altered samples pointed out some differences between glass alteration in aqueous medium and vapor phase in terms of the alteration kinetics, the effect of Ca-doping on glass chemical durability, the behavior of elements in the gel layer, and the structure of the gel layer. Some of the key results are the recondensation of boron in the gel layer formed in the vapor phase and the utility of Rotation Echo DOuble Resonance Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy to qualitatively distinguish between signals from the pristine glass and hydrated gel layer within a sample that was not altered to the core. The results gave rise to inferences about glass alteration mechanisms in both the alteration media and the differences between them.
ROS-responsive PPGF nanofiber membrane as a drug delivery system for long-term drug release in attenuation of osteoarthritis
Authors: Wu Jianjun , Qin Zainen , Jiang Xianfang , Fang Depeng , Lu Zhenhui , Zheng Li , Zhao Jinmin
Published: November 2022

Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) are one of the leading mechanisms in the initiation and development of osteoarthritis (OA). However, conventional injection of ROS-responsive drug delivery systems (DDSs) such as nanoparticles and hydrogels usually cannot provide effective treatment due to rapid clearance and degradation or low bioavailability. In this study, a ROS-responsive nanofiber membrane named PLA/PEGDA-EDT@rGO-Fucoxanthin (PPGF) is fabricated by electrospinning, wherein PEGDA-EDT served as the ROS-responsive motif, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as the drug carrier and fucoxanthin (Fx) as the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory agent. The results demonstrated that the PPGF nanofiber membrane exhibited sustained and long-term Fx release behavior (at least 66 days) in response to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in vitro. With low cytotoxicity and smart ROS responsiveness, PPGF showed excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects on IL-1β-induced chondrocytes by potent ROS scavenging potential and upregulation of antioxidative enzymes. It also demonstrated the attenuation of OA progression with the reduced Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) score by 93.17% in 8 weeks. The smart ROS-responsive, biodegradable and biocompatible nanofiber membranes possess great potential for OA therapy under arthroscopy.
Transcriptomic profiling of rose flower under treatment of various phytohormones and plant growth regulators
Authors: Liu Xintong , Wu Jie , Ji Fangfang , Cao Xiaoqian , Zhao Qingcui , Cheng Chenxia , Ma Nan , Zhou Xiaofeng , Zhang Zhao
Published: November 2022

Rose is one of the most important ornamental plants, accounting for one-third of the world’s fresh cut flower market. The vase life refers to the period of a cut flower retaining its appearance in a vase. During this period, the rose was subjected to a variety of abiotic and biotic stresses, resulting in a reduction in the life of cut flowers. Numerous studies have been carried out on cut rose, which proves the effects of various plant hormones on post-harvest dehydration, petal senescence and abscission, disease and vase life of cut rose flowers. In addition, the natural or synthetic hormones or its inhibitor have been successfully used in cut flower preservatives to extend the vase life of rose. However, there is still a lack of systematic and in-depth research on the expression of rose genes related to plant hormone response. Here we analyzed the gene expression changes of the rose flower under treatment of 11 different plant hormones or its inhibitors in order to provide reference for rose studies.
Sex disparities in mortality among patients with kidney failure receiving dialysis
Authors: Jung Hee-Yeon , Jeon Yena , Kim Yon Su , Kang Shin-Wook , Yang Chul Woo , Kim Nam-Ho , Noh Hee-Won , Jeon Soo-Jee , Lim Jeong-Hoon , Choi Ji-Young , Cho Jang-Hee , Park Sun-Hee , Kim Chan-Duck , Kim Yong-Lim
Published: November 2022

Females are known to have a better survival rate than males in the general population, but previous studies have shown that this superior survival is diminished in patients on dialysis. This study aimed to investigate the risk of mortality in relation to sex among Korean patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD). A total of 4994 patients with kidney failure who were receiving dialysis were included for a prospective nationwide cohort study. Cox multivariate proportional hazard models were used to determine the association between sex and the risk of cause-specific mortality according to dialysis modality. During a median follow-up of 5.8 years, the death rate per 100 person-years was 6.4 and 8.3 in females and males, respectively. The female-to-male mortality rate in patients on dialysis was 0.77, compared to 0.85 in the general population. In adjusted analyses, the risk of all-cause mortality was significantly lower for females than males in the entire population (hazard ratio [HR] 0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.71–0.87, P < 0.001). No significant differences in the risk of cardiovascular and infection-related deaths were observed according to sex. The risk of mortality due to sudden death, cancer, other, or unknown causes was significantly lower for females than males in the entire population (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.56–0.78, P < 0.001), in patients on HD (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.62–0.90, P = 0.003), and in patients on PD (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.34–0.70, P < 0.001). The survival advantage of females in the general population was maintained in Korean dialysis patients, which was attributed to a lower risk of noncardiovascular and noninfectious death.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00931970.
Myocardial infarction risk is increased by periodontal pathobionts: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Joshi C. , Mezincescu A. , Gunasekara M. , Rudd A. , Botchorichvili H. , Sabir S. , Dospinescu C. , Noman A. , Hogg D. , Cherukara G. , McLernon D. , Hijazi K. , Dawson D.
Published: November 2022

To establish the role of periodontal pathobionts as a risk factor for myocardial infarction, we examined the contribution of five periodontal pathobionts and their virulence genes’ expressions to myocardial injury (Troponin-I) and coronary artery disease burden (SYNTAX-I scores) using hierarchical linear regression. Pathobiont loads in subgingival-plaques and intra-coronary-thrombi were compared. Troponin-I release increased with one 16S rRNA gene copy/ng DNA of Porphyromonas gingivalis (β = 6.8 × 10–6, 95% CI = 1.1 × 10–7–2.1 × 10–5), one-fold increased expressions of fimA (β = 14.3, 95% CI = 1.5–27.1), bioF-3 (β = 7.8, 95% CI = 1.1–12.3), prtH (β = 1107.8, 95% CI = 235.6–2451.3), prtP (β = 6772.8, 95% CI = 2418.7–11,126.9), ltxA (β = 1811.8, 95% CI = 217.1–3840.8), cdtB (β = 568.3, 95% CI = 113.4–1250.1), all p < 0.05. SYNTAX-I score increased with one 16S rRNA gene copy/ng DNA of Porphyromonas gingivalis (β = 3.8 × 10–9, 95% CI = 3.6 × 10–10-1.8 × 10–8), one-fold increased expressions of fimA (β = 1.2, 95% CI = 1.1–2.1), bioF-3 (β = 1.1, 95% CI = 1–5.2), prtP (β = 3, 95% CI = 1.3–4.6), ltxA (β = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.2–2.5), all p < 0.05. Within-subject Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia from intra-coronary-thrombi and subgingival-plaques correlated (rho = 0.6, p < 0.05). Higher pathobiont load and/or upregulated virulence are risk factors for myocardial infarction.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04719026.
Abnormal cortisol profile during psychosocial stress among patients with schizophrenia in a Chinese population
Authors: Zhu Xiaoyu , Zhu Yu , Huang Junchao , Zhou Yanfang , Tong Jinghui , Zhang Ping , Luo Xingguang , Chen Song , Tian Baopeng , Tan Shuping , Wang Zhiren , Han Xiaole , Tian Li , Li Chiang-Shan R. , Hong L. Elliot , Tan Yunlong
Published: November 2022

Accumulating evidence suggests that hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction might play an important role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to explore the cortisol response to psychological stress in patients with schizophrenia. In this study, patients with schizophrenia (n = 104) and healthy volunteers (n = 59) were asked to complete psychological stress challenge tasks, which included the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task and Mirror-Tracing Persistence Task, and pre- and post-task saliva samples were collected to measure cortisol levels. Emotions and psychopathology were assessed by the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. The results showed (1) that the cortisol response and negative emotions in patients with schizophrenia differed significantly from those in healthy volunteers, (2) there were significant interactions between the sampling time and diagnosis for saliva cortisol levels, (3) there were significant interactions between the scoring time and diagnosis for the negative affect score of the PANAS, and (4) the changes in salivary cortisol levels and negative affect scores before and after the psychological stress challenge tasks were not correlated with clinical symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. These findings indicated an abnormal cortisol profile in patients with schizophrenia, which might be a biological characteristic of the disease.
Optical characteristics of the skin with dark circles using pump-probe imaging
Authors: Hou Yikang , Yang Xiaonan , Huang Lvping , Qi Zuoliang , Xiao Ran
Published: November 2022

Pump-probe imaging was first used for quantitative analysis of melanin in dark circles’ skin to improve the ability to diagnose and treat dark circles on human skin. This study aimed to compare the distribution characteristics in melanin of lower eyelid skin tissues and to determine whether pump-probe imaging has potential for the classification of dark circles in vivo. Specimens obtained from 15 patients undergoing blepharoplasty were examined using pump-probe imaging. Furthermore, adjacent slices were respectively treated with hematoxylin–eosin (HE) and ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) staining for cross-references. Subsequently, the melanin content index (MCI) and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) were quantitatively analyzed by the pump-probe imaging. The distribution of melanin granules in the pump-probe image and FeSO4 staining was consistent. Meanwhile, the tissues of the skin with dark circles and normal skin demonstrated significant differences in MCI and MFI. These differences can be used to distinguish the skin with dark circles from the normal skin. Pump-probe imaging could be used for the analysis of the microstructure and spectral characteristics of melanin granules in skin with dark circles. Significant differences were noted between the pigmented type of dark circles and the other two groups (normal skin and the vascular type of dark circles), while no significant differences were found between normal skin and the vascular type of dark circles.
Correction of LAMP3-associated salivary gland hypofunction by aquaporin gene therapy
Authors: Nakamura Hiroyuki , Tanaka Tsutomu , Zheng Changyu , Afione Sandra A. , Warner Blake M. , Noguchi Masayuki , Atsumi Tatsuya , Chiorini John A.
Published: November 2022

Sjögren’s disease (SjD) is a chronic autoimmune sialadenitis resulting in salivary gland hypofunction with dry mouth symptom. Previous studies showed that lysosome-associated membrane protein 3 (LAMP3) overexpression is involved in the development of salivary gland hypofunction associated with SjD. However, the molecular mechanisms are still unclear, and no effective treatment exists to reverse gland function in SjD. Analysis on salivary gland samples from SjD patients showed that salivary gland hypofunction was associated with decreased expression of sodium–potassium-chloride cotransporter-1 (NKCC1) and aquaporin 5 (AQP5), which are membrane proteins involved in salivation. Further studies revealed that LAMP3 overexpression decreased their expression levels by promoting endolysosomal degradation. Additionally, we found that LAMP3 overexpression enhanced gene transfer by increasing internalization of adeno-associated virus serotype 2 (AAV2) via the promoted endolysosomal pathway. Retrograde cannulation of AAV2 vectors encoding AQP1 gene (AAV2-AQP1) into salivary glands induced glandular AQP1 expression sufficient to restore salivary flow in LAMP3-overexpressing mice. LAMP3 could play a critical role in the development of salivary gland hypofunction in SjD by promoting endolysosomal degradation of NKCC1 and AQP5. But it also could enhance AAV2-mediated gene transfer to restore fluid movement through induction of AQP1 expression. These findings suggested that AAV2-AQP1 gene therapy is useful in reversing salivary gland function in SjD patients.
A robust deep learning approach for tomato plant leaf disease localization and classification
Authors: Nawaz Marriam , Nazir Tahira , Javed Ali , Masood Momina , Rashid Junaid , Kim Jungeun , Hussain Amir
Published: November 2022

Tomato plants' disease detection and classification at the earliest stage can save the farmers from expensive crop sprays and can assist in increasing the food quantity. Although, extensive work has been presented by the researcher for the tomato plant disease classification, however, the timely localization and identification of various tomato leaf diseases is a complex job as a consequence of the huge similarity among the healthy and affected portion of plant leaves. Furthermore, the low contrast information between the background and foreground of the suspected sample has further complicated the plant leaf disease detection process. To deal with the aforementioned challenges, we have presented a robust deep learning (DL)-based approach namely ResNet-34-based Faster-RCNN for tomato plant leaf disease classification. The proposed method includes three basic steps. Firstly, we generate the annotations of the suspected images to specify the region of interest (RoI). In the next step, we have introduced ResNet-34 along with Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) as a feature extractor module of Faster-RCNN to extract the deep key points. Finally, the calculated features are utilized for the Faster-RCNN model training to locate and categorize the numerous tomato plant leaf anomalies. We tested the presented work on an accessible standard database, the PlantVillage Kaggle dataset. More specifically, we have obtained the mAP and accuracy values of 0.981, and 99.97% respectively along with the test time of 0.23 s. Both qualitative and quantitative results confirm that the presented solution is robust to the detection of plant leaf disease and can replace the manual systems. Moreover, the proposed method shows a low-cost solution to tomato leaf disease classification which is robust to several image transformations like the variations in the size, color, and orientation of the leaf diseased portion. Furthermore, the framework can locate the affected plant leaves under the occurrence of blurring, noise, chrominance, and brightness variations. We have confirmed through the reported results that our approach is robust to several tomato leaf diseases classification under the varying image capturing conditions. In the future, we plan to extend our approach to apply it to other parts of plants as well.
Ultrasound measurements for evaluation of changes in upper airway during anaesthesia induction and prediction difficult laryngoscopy: a prospective observational study
Authors: Wang Xia , Wang Yong , Zheng Zhen-Wei , Liu Yu-Rui , Ma Wu-Hua
Published: November 2022

Upper airway collapsibility after anaesthesia induction may be associated with unpredictable difficult airway. However, most works on airway anatomy are tended to morphological description before anaesthesia. This study aimed to evaluate the changes of upper airway after anaesthesia induction and using pre-anesthetic ultrasound measurements to predict Difficult Laryngoscopy (DL). We included 104 eligible subjects with complete data, who were performed tracheal intubations under general anaesthesia in the study. The upper airway changes before and after anaesthesia induction were determined by seven neck ultrasound measurements, included as follow: (1) Distance from skin to under surface of Tongue (DT), (2) Thickness of the thickest part of Tongue body (TT), (3) Hyoid Mental Distance (HMD), (4) Depth of Hyoid (DH), (5) Width of Hyoid (WH), (6) Distance from Skin to Epiglottis (DSE), (7) Depth of the anterior combination of the Vocal Cords (DVC). DL was evaluated with Cormack–Lehane (CL). Data regarding HMD [from 45.3 (42.4–48.5) to 41.1 (38.5–44.9) mm], DH [from 8.7 (6.6–10.9) to 7.0 (5.3–9.1) mm], DSE [from 20.1 (16.6–22.5) to 19.5 (16.5–21.6) mm] and the DVC [from 7.1 (5.7–8.3) to 6.8 (5.7–7.9) mm] were decreased (P < 0.05), while the DT [from 15.9 (13.1–18.4) to 17.4 (14.5–19.8) mm] was increased (P > 0.05) after anaesthesia induction. Additionally, when cut-off value of DSE was 21.25 mm before anaesthesia, it may be better predicted to DL [sensitivity 80.0% (95% CI: 60.7–91.6%) and specificity 83.8% (95% CI: 73.0–91.0%)]. The upper airway after induction showed the propensity of collapsibility by ultrasound measurements. Compared with other indicators, the DSE assessed by ultrasound might be considered to a valuable predictor of DL.

Trial registration: The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov on 23th Jan 2019, ChiCTR1900021123.
The impact of nanofertilizer on agro-morphological criteria, yield, and genomic stability of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Salama Dina M. , Abd El-Aziz M. E. , Shaaban Essam A. , Osman Samira A. , Abd El-Wahed Mohamed S.
Published: November 2022

The use of agricultural fertilizers is one of the methods to beat the desired enormous increase in universal food production. The application of nanotechnology in agriculture is regarded as one of the promising approaches to elevate crop production. Whereas mineral nutrients play a crucial role in the growth and yield of the common bean. The experiments were conducted to investigate the application effect of micronutrients as nanoparticles (MN-NPs) on the common ben plants. The trial was performed in the field in El-Menofya, Egypt, through two seasons (2019 & 2020) in a randomized complete block design with three replicates and four combinations of MN-NPs (ZnO, MnO2 and MoO3) with concentrations 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 mg/L as a foliar application. The data exhibited that the foliar application of MN-NPs significantly upgraded the vegetative growth characters, flower number/plant, photosynthetic pigments, and yield. The concentration of 40 mg/L of MN-NPs leads to improving the vegetative growth, flowering number, and yield characteristics of the common bean. While the biochemical components varied in their response to MN-NPs combinations. The recommended MN-NPs concentration to ameliorate the common bean growth and yield was 40 mg/L.
Transportation of thermal and velocity slip factors on three-dimensional dual phase nanomaterials liquid flow towards an exponentially stretchable surface
Authors: Hussain Azad , Akkurt Nevzat , Rehman Aysha , Alrihieli Haifaa F. , Alharbi Fahad M. , Abdussattar Aishah , Eldin Sayed M.
Published: November 2022

The fundamental purpose of this research is to elaborate on slip boundary conditions and the flow of three-dimensional, stable, incompressible, rotating movements of nanoparticles lying across a stretchable sheet. The mathematical model for fluid flow is created using the assumptions stated above. The partial differentials are produced after utilizing boundary layer estimates. The partial differential governing equations are reduced into three coupled ordinary differential equations by using similarity transformations. After, applying transformations the system is solved numerically. Numerical results are approved with the help of the MATLAB bvp4c algorithm. The analysis shows that velocity and temperature are strongly dependent on essential parameters like stretching ratio, velocity slip, rotation, thermal slip parameter, and Prandtl number. Numerical values of distinct parameters on heat flux and skin friction factors are shown in a tabulated form. Partial velocity and thermal slip are applied to the temperature surface. The comparison among the nano-sized particles copper oxide and silver with water base nanofluid affecting velocity and temperature fields are used for analysis. Moreover, the Graphical depiction designates that the velocity and temperature spreading of the thermal slip parameter is increasing. It is observed that Ag-water is the best heat carrier as compared to CuO-water nanofluid.
Dynamics of T2* and deformation in the placenta and myometrium during pre-labour contractions
Authors: Hutter Jana , Kohli Vikram , Dellschaft Neele , Uus Alena , Story Lisa , Steinweg Johannes K. , Gowland Penny , Hajnal Joseph V. , Rutherford Mary A.
Published: November 2022

Pre-labour uterine contractions, occurring throughout pregnancy, are an important phenomenon involving the placenta in addition to the myometrium. They alter the uterine environment and thus potentially the blood supply to the fetus and may thus provide crucial insights into the processes of labour. Assessment in-vivo is however restricted due to their unpredictability and the inaccessible nature of the utero-placental compartment. While clinical cardiotocography (CTG) only allows global, pressure-based assessment, functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides an opportunity to study contractile activity and its effects on the placenta and the fetus in-vivo. This study aims to provide both descriptive and quantitative structural and functional MR assessments of pre-labour contractions in the human uterus. A total of 226 MRI scans (18–41 weeks gestation) from ongoing research studies were analysed, focusing on free-breathing dynamic quantitative whole uterus dynamic T2* maps. These provide an indirect measure of tissue properties such as oxygenation. 22 contractile events were noted visually and both descriptive and quantitative analysis of the myometrial and placental changes including volumetric and T2* variations were undertaken. Processing and analysis was successfully performed, qualitative analysis shows distinct and highly dynamic contraction related characteristics including; alterations in the thickness of the low T2* in the placental bed and other myometrial areas, high intensity vessel-like structures in the myometrium, low-intensity vessel structures within the placental parenchyma and close to the chorionic plate. Quantitative evaluation shows a significant negative correlation between T2* in both contractile and not-contractile regions with gestational age (p < 0.05) as well as a significant reduction in T2* during contractions. The T2* values in the myometrium were however not correlated to gestational age (p > 0.5). The quantitative and qualitative description of uterine pre-labour contractions including dynamic changes and key characteristics aims to contribute to the sparsely available in-vivo information and to provide an in-vivo tool to study this important phenomenon. Further work is required to analyse the origins of these subclinical contractions, their effects in high-risk pregnancies and their ability to determine the likelihood of a successful labour. Assessing T2* distribution as a marker for placental oxygenation could thus potentially complement clinically used cardiotocography measurements in the future.
TREML4 polymorphisms increase the mRNA in blood leukocytes in the progression of atherosclerosis
Authors: Duarte Victor Hugo Rezende , Cruz Marina Sampaio , Bertolami Adriana , Hirata Mario Hiroyuki , Hirata Rosario Dominguez Crespo , Luchessi André Ducati , Silbiger Vivian Nogueira
Published: November 2022

TREML4 and other members of the triggering receptor expressed in the myeloid cell family are associated with a risk of atherosclerosis and progression in coronary artery disease, acute coronary syndrome, and coronary artery calcification. Herein, the relationship between TREML4 expression and its polymorphisms (rs2803495 and rs280396) was evaluated in patients with subclinical atherosclerosis (n = 340) and heart failure post-acute myocardial infarction (MI) (n = 68) for the first time. TREML4 variants rs2803495 (A > G) and rs2803496 (T > C) and leukocyte mRNA expression was analyzed by qRT–PCR. The rs2803495 G allele was associated with TREML4 expression (OR 8.01, CI 3.78–16.99, p < 0.001). Patients carrying the rs2803496 C minor allele (TC/CC genotypes) were more likely to express TREML4 than those without the C allele (OR 10.42, CI 4.76–22.78, p < 0.001), as well as having higher levels of TREML4 expression (OR 4.88, CI 2.35–10.12, p < 0.001). Thus, we report for the first time that TREML4 is not associated with the early stages of atherosclerotic plaque formation and later stages after MI. In conclusion, TREML4 mRNA expression in blood leukocytes is influenced by minor alleles (G and C) and may regulate differently during the atherosclerosis progression stages, but not in asymptomatic atherosclerosis disease and post-MI.
Cost-effectiveness of scar management post-burn: a trial-based economic evaluation of three intervention models
Authors: McPhail Steven M. , Wiseman Jodie , Simons Megan , Kimble Roy , Tyack Zephanie
Published: November 2022

Optimal burn scar management has the potential to markedly improve the lives of children, but can require substantial healthcare resources. The study aimed to examine the cost-effectiveness of three scar management interventions: pressure garment; topical silicone gel; combined pressure garment and topical silicone gel therapy, alongside a randomised controlled trial of these interventions. Participants were children (n = 153) referred for burn scar management following grafting, spontaneous healing after acute burn injury, or reconstructive surgery. Healthcare resource use was costed from a health service perspective (6-months post-burn time-horizon). The mean total scar management cost was lowest in the topical silicone gel group ($382.87 (95% CI $337.72, $443.29)) compared to the pressure garment ($1327.02 (95% CI $1081.46, $1659.95)) and combined intervention $1605.97 ($1077.65, $2694.23)) groups. There were no significant between-group differences in Quality Adjusted Life Year estimates. There was a 70% probability that topical silicone gel dominated pressure garment therapy (was cheaper and more effective), a 29% probability that pressure garment therapy dominated combined therapy, and a 63% probability that topical silicone gel dominated combined therapy. In conclusion, topical silicone gel was the cheaper intervention, and may be favoured in the absence of clear clinical effect favouring pressure garment therapy or a combination of these management approaches.

Trial registration: ACTRN12616001100482 (prospectively registered).
Enhancement of healthful novel sugar contents in genetically engineered sugarcane juice integrated with molecularly characterized ThSyGII (CEMB-SIG2)
Authors: Awan Mudassar Fareed , Ali Sajed , Iqbal Muhammad Shahzad , Sharif Muhammad Nauman , Ali Qurban , Nasir Idrees Ahmad
Published: November 2022

Enhancement of sugar contents and yielding healthful sugar products from sugarcane demand high profile scientific strategies. Previous efforts to foster manipulation in metabolic pathways or triggering sugar production through combating abiotic stresses fail to yield high sugar recovery in Saccharum officinarum L. Novel sucrose isomers trehalulose (TH) and isomaltulose (IM) are naturally manufactured in microbial sources. In pursuance of novel scientific methodology, codon optimized sucrose isomerase gene, Trehalulose synthase gene II(CEMB-SIG2) cloned under dual combined stem specific constitutive promoters in pCAMBIA1301 expression vector integrated with Vacuole targeted signal peptide (VTS) to concentrate gene product into the vacuole. The resultant mRNA expression obtained by Real Time PCR validated extremely increased transgene expression in sugarcane culms than leaf tissues. Overall sugar estimation from transgenic sugarcane lines was executed through refractometer. HPLC based quantifications of Trehalulose (TH) alongside different internodes of transgenic sugarcane confirmed the enhancement of boosted sugar concentrations in mature sugarcane culms. Trehalulose synthase gene II receptive sugarcane lines indicated the unprecedented impressions of duly combined constitutive stem regulated promoters. Transgenic sugarcane lines produce highest sugar recovery percentages, 14.9% as compared to control lines (8.5%). The increased sugar recovery percentage in transgenic sugarcane validated the utmost performance and expression of ThSyGII gene .High Profile Liquid chromatography based sugar contents estimation of Trehalulose (TH) and Isomaltulose (IM) yielded unprecedented improvement in the whole sugar recovery percentage as compared to control lines.⁠
Effects of different pioneer and exotic species on the changes of degraded soils
Authors: Cacace Claudio , García-Gil Juan C. , Cocozza Claudio , De Mastro Francesco , Brunetti Gennaro , Traversa Andreina
Published: November 2022

Soil degradation resulting from deforestation contributes to a dramatic decline in soil quality whose restoration must go through reforestation with pioneer species. We investigated the effects of cypress and black locust, pioneer but exotic species, on soil chemical properties and microbial and enzymatic activities of two marginal soils. The sampling sites were Lama Giulia and Locone lake in the Murge plateau of the Apulia Region, Italy. The soils at Lama Giulia presented a silty loam texture, while at Locone Lake site were sandy, and most likely due to the different texture, the former exhibited higher organic C, N, P and micronutrients contents than Locone Lake under black locust reforestation, despite the latter was reforested earlier. In addition, the higher microbial entropy and turnover of Locone Lake’s soils suggested a less conservative soil state than Lama Giulia’s soils. The effects of black locust reforestation at Lama Giulia on almost all soil parameters considered did not differ from those of the corresponding pasture, confirming the more conservative soil state in that site and suggesting that the time of reforestation was not enough to get differences between the reforested and not reforested soil. The soils reforested with cypress showed the significantly highest SOC, N, dissolved organic C and microbial biomass C content. In addition, it presented also the numerically largest dehydrogenase, phosphatase and β-glucosidase activities, soluble carbohydrates, and phenolic compounds content. These results may be ascribed to the longer litter deposition occurred in cypress soils.
The complexity of the stream of consciousness
Authors: Coppola Peter , Allanson Judith , Naci Lorina , Adapa Ram , Finoia Paola , Williams Guy B. , Pickard John D. , Owen Adrian M. , Menon David K. , Stamatakis Emmanuel A.
Published: November 2022

Typical consciousness can be defined as an individual-specific stream of experiences. Modern consciousness research on dynamic functional connectivity uses clustering techniques to create common bases on which to compare different individuals. We propose an alternative approach by combining modern theories of consciousness and insights arising from phenomenology and dynamical systems theory. This approach enables a representation of an individual’s connectivity dynamics in an intrinsically-defined, individual-specific landscape. Given the wealth of evidence relating functional connectivity to experiential states, we assume this landscape is a proxy measure of an individual’s stream of consciousness. By investigating the properties of this landscape in individuals in different states of consciousness, we show that consciousness is associated with short term transitions that are less predictable, quicker, but, on average, more constant. We also show that temporally-specific connectivity states are less easily describable by network patterns that are distant in time, suggesting a richer space of possible states. We show that the cortex, cerebellum and subcortex all display consciousness-relevant dynamics and discuss the implication of our results in forming a point of contact between dynamical systems interpretations and phenomenology.
Prostaglandin-based rAAV-mediated glaucoma gene therapy in Brown Norway rats
Authors: Chern Kristina J. , Nettesheim Emily R. , Reid Christopher A. , Li Nathan W. , Marcoe Gavin J. , Lipinski Daniel M.
Published: November 2022

Prostaglandin analogs are first-line treatments for open angle glaucoma and while effective at lowering intraocular pressure, they are undermined by patient non-compliance, causing atrophy of the optic nerve and severe visual impairment. Herein, we evaluate the safety and efficacy of a recombinant adeno-associated viral vector-mediated gene therapy aimed at permanently lowering intraocular pressure through de novo biosynthesis of prostaglandin F2α within the anterior chamber. This study demonstrated a dose dependent reduction in intraocular pressure in normotensive Brown Norway rats maintained over 12-months. Crucially, therapy could be temporarily halted through off-type riboswitch activation, reverting intraocular pressure to normal. Longitudinal multimodal imaging, electrophysiology, and post-mortem histology revealed the therapy was well tolerated at low and medium doses, with no major adverse effects to anterior chamber health, offering a promising alternative to current treatment strategies leading to clinically relevant reductions in intraocular pressure without the need for adherence to a daily treatment regimen.
A short-term memory trace persists for days in the mouse hippocampus
Authors: Wally Maha E. , Nomoto Masanori , Abdou Kareem , Murayama Emi , Inokuchi Kaoru
Published: November 2022

Active recall of short-term memory (STM) is known to last for a few hours, but whether STM has long-term functions is unknown. Here we show that STM can be optogenetically retrieved at a time point during which natural recall is not possible, uncovering the long-term existence of an STM engram. Moreover, re-training within 3 days led to natural long-term recall, indicating facilitated consolidation. Inhibiting offline CA1 activity during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) activity, or protein synthesis after first exposure to the STM-forming event impaired the future re-exposure-facilitated consolidation, which highlights a role of protein synthesis, NMDAR and NREM sleep in the long-term storage of an STM trace. These results provide evidence that STM is not completely lost within hours and demonstrates a possible two-step STM consolidation, first long-term storage as a behaviorally inactive engram, then transformation into an active state by recurrence within 3 days.
Infectiousness of places – Impact of multiscale human activity places in the transmission of COVID-19
Authors: Liu Lun , Wang Hui , Zhang Zhu , Zhang Weiyi , Zhuang Shengsheng , Wang Shenhao , Silva Elisabete A. , Lv Tingmiao , Chio Chi On , Wang Yifan , Dao Rina , Tang Chuchang , Ao-Ieong On Ieng
Published: November 2022

COVID-19 raises attention to epidemic transmission in various places. This study analyzes the transmission risks associated with human activity places at multiple scales, including different types of settlements and eleven types of specific establishments (restaurants, bars, etc.), using COVID-19 data in 906 urban areas across four continents. Through a difference-in-difference approach, we identify the causal effects of activities at various places on epidemic transmission. We find that at the micro-scale, though the transmission risks at different establishments differ across countries, sports, entertainment, and catering establishments are generally more infectious. At the macro-scale, contradicting common beliefs, it is consistent across countries that transmission does not increase with settlement size and density. It is also consistent that specific establishments play a lesser role in transmission in larger settlements, suggesting more transmission happening elsewhere. These findings contribute to building a system of knowledge on the linkage between places, human activities, and disease transmission.
Novel reverse transcription-multiple inner primer loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-MIPLAMP) for visual and sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: He Xiaofei , Su Fengxia , Chen Yutong , Li Zhengping
Published: November 2022

A novel reverse transcription-multiple inner primer loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-MIPLAMP) method is developed for sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2.
Rapid detection of HPV16/18 based on a CRISPR-Cas13a/Cas12a dual-channel system
Authors: Zheng Xue , Li Yuankun , Yuan Mingzhu , Shen Yue , Chen Shuaiyin , Duan Guangcai
Published: November 2022

Orthogonal cleavage of DNA and RNA reporters by target-activated Cas12a/Cas13a induces two-colored fluorescence emission (JOE-FAM), which can be detected using a standard fluorometer or observed by a dual-channel visualization detection platform.
Origin of humidity influencing the excited state electronic properties of silicon quantum dot based light-emitting diodes
Authors: Xiong Lulu , He Xiao , Yang Jinrong
Published: November 2022

We explore the effects of dipole–dipole interactions between water molecules and various surface functional groups on the PL of Si QDs and their electrical performance. New luminescence mechanisms may lead to Si QD optoelectronic devices with long lifetimes.
Understanding the oxygen-evolution-reaction catalytic activity of metal oxides based on the intrinsic descriptors
Authors: Zheng Kai Wen , Li Bo , Li Xin , Gao Wang
Published: November 2022

Metal oxides show great potential in catalyzing the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which is taken as the bottleneck of many energy-conversion and -storage processes.
In situ investigation of the formation mechanism of α-Bi2Rh nanoparticles in polyol reductions
Authors: Smuda Matthias , Ströh Jonas , Pienack Nicole , Khadiev Azat , Terraschke Huayna , Ruck Michael , Doert Thomas
Published: November 2022

The study of Bi2Rh formation in a polyol process revealed a two-step mechanism. BiRh is formed by co-reduction of bismuth and rhodium cations and converted into Bi2Rh by Bi diffusion. Various starting materials and reaction parameters are examined.
Antioxidant mechanisms and products of four 4′,5,7-trihydroxyflavonoids with different structural types
Authors: Chen Ban , Su Jiangtao , Hu Yuchen , Liu Shuqin , Ouyang Xiaojian , Cai Rongxin , You Xiangyu , Li Xican
Published: November 2022

The structural type of 4′,5,7-trihydroxyflavonoids can affect the antioxidant ability, site, speed, and products, but not the mechanism.
Enhanced photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide in nitrogen fixation by the photon localization effect of SiO2 opal photonic crystals
Authors: Chen Sheng , He Ji-Nan , Xu Ying-Min , Chen Sheng-Li , Wang Ai-Jun
Published: November 2022

Photocatalytic conversion of nitrogen to ammonia with water under ambient conditions is a desired strategy.
First 1-hydroxy-1H-imidazole-based ESIPT emitter with an O–H⋯O intramolecular hydrogen bond: ESIPT-triggered TICT and speciation in solution
Authors: Shekhovtsov Nikita A. , Ryadun Alexey A. , Plyusnin Victor F. , Nikolaenkova Elena B. , Tikhonov Alexsei Ya. , Bushuev Mark B.
Published: November 2022

In MeCN solution, a 2-aroyl-1-hydroxy-1H-imidazole-based ESIPT emitter exists in a series of forms and shows rather rare excitation wavelength-dependent emission.
On-surface homocoupling reactivity of a chiral bifunctional bromoindanone molecule on Cu(111)
Authors: Hussein Fatima , Pigot Corentin , Romero Lairado Francisco , Minissale Marco , Salomon Eric , Angot Thierry , Dumur Frédéric , Nechab Malek , Gigmes Didier , Clair Sylvain , Giovanelli Luca
Published: November 2022

Sequential reactivity is creating various kinds of macromolecular compounds with distinct prochirality using an on-surface synthesis approach.
Improving the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution byin situconstructing 1D Co9S8/Co(OH)F heterointerfaces
Authors: Zhao Xiaoting , Li Meng , Liang Jun , Li Li
Published: November 2022

One-dimensional (1D) Co9S8/Co(OH)F heterostructures were constructed byin situsulfidation of Co(OH)F nanobelts to improve the electrocatalytic activity of oxygen evolution.
Achieving efficient and stabilized organic solar cells by precisely controlling the proportion of copolymerized units in electron-rich polymers
Authors: Xie Qian , Cui Yongjie , Chen Zeng , Zhang Ming , Liu Chao , Zhu Haiming , Liu Feng , Brabec Christoph J. , Liao Xunfan , Chen Yiwang
Published: November 2022

Random polymers with different surface electrostatic potential were obtained by introducing the structural units of polymer PM6 into the polymer structure as the third unit, providing a new perspective for the molecular design of random polymer.
p–n hybrid bulk heterojunction enables enhanced photothermoelectric performance with UV-Vis-NIR light
Authors: Lan Xiaoqi , Liu Youfa , Xu Jingkun , Liu Congcong , Liu Peipei , Liu Cheng , Zhou Weiqiang , Jiang Fengxing
Published: November 2022

The introduction of ZnO-NWs can effectively reduce the light reflection and enhances the photothermoelectric properties of PEDOT:PSS.
Development of a hematite nanotube and tyramine-based drug carrier against drug-resistant bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Ali M. R. , Bacchu M. S. , Ridoy D. D. , Mozumder P. L. , Hasan M. N. , Das S. , Palash M. F. H. , Akter S. , Sakib N. , Khaleque A. , Chakrobortty D. , Khan M. Z. H.
Published: November 2022

In this study, hematite nanotube (HNT) and tyramine-based advanced nano-drug carriers were developed for inhibiting the growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae).
Synthesis and optical properties of Gd4Al2O9:Eu3+, a red emitting phosphor with a strong negative thermal quenching effect
Authors: Ming Junyu , Luo Chaolian , Ling Shaokun , Chen Chang , Wang Yaxiong , Liao Sen , Huang Yingheng , Liang Jie
Published: November 2022

GAM:0.16Eu3+ exhibits excellent high-temperature fluorescence performance with a significant negative thermal quenching effect, which is macroscopically manifested as thermal-optical energy conversion.
An expeditious FeCl3-catalyzed cascade 1,4-conjugate addition/annulation/1,5-H shift sequence for modular access of all-pyrano-moiety-substituted chromenes
Authors: He Xinwei , Li Ruxue , Choy Pui Ying , Duan Jiahui , Yin Zhenzhen , Xu Keke , Tang Qiang , Zhong Rong-Lin , Shang Yongjia , Kwong Fuk Yee
Published: November 2022

An operationally simple protocol is described for the facile, modular and regioselective access of all-pyrano-moiety-substituted iminochromenes, particularly under undried acetonitrile and air atmosphere.