bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Effects of Precipitation and Evapotranspiration on Soil Moisture Variability Within CMIP5 Using SMAP and ERA5 Data
Authors: Xi Xuan , Zhuang Qianlai , Kim Seungbum , Gentine Pierre
Published: April 2023

The effects of precipitation (Pr) and evapotranspiration (ET) on surface soil moisture (SSM) play an essential role in the land‐atmosphere system. Here we evaluate multimodel differences of these effects within the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) compared to Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) products and ECMWF Reanalysis v5 (ERA5) as references in a frequency domain. The variability of SSM, Pr, and ET within three frequency bands (1/7 ∼ 1/30 days−1, 1/30 ∼ 1/90 days−1, and 1/90 ∼ 1/365 days−1) after normalization is quantified using Fourier transform. We analyze the impact of ET and Pr on SSM variability based on a transfer function assuming that these variables form a linear time‐invariant (LTI) system. For the total effects of ET and Pr on SSM variability, the CMIP5 estimations are smaller than the reference data in the two higher frequency bands and are larger than the reference data in the lowest frequency band. Besides, the effects on SSM by Pr and ET are found to be different across the three frequency bands. In each frequency band, the variability of the factor that dominates SSM (i.e., Pr or ET) from CMIP5 is smaller than that from the references. This study identifies the spatiotemporal distribution of differences between CMIP5 models and references (SMAP and ERA5) in simulating ET and Pr effects on SSM within three frequency bands. This study provides insightful information on how soil moisture variability is affected by varying precipitation and evapotranspiration at different time scales within Earth System Models.
CHST2-mediated sulfation of MECA79 antigens is critical for breast cancer cell migration and metastasis
Authors: Zhang Dan , Zhang Yihong , Zou Xiuqun , Li Mengying , Zhang Hui , Du Yaning , Wang Jiamin , Peng Chicheng , Dong Chunyan , Hou Zhaoyuan
Published: April 2023

Snail is a denoted transcriptional repressor that plays key roles in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis. Lately, a plethora of genes can be induced by stable expression of Snail in multiple cell lines. However, the biological roles of these upregulated genes are largely elusive. Here, we report identification of a gene encoding the key GlcNAc sulfation enzyme CHST2 is induced by Snail in multiple breast cancer cells. Biologically, CHST2 depletion results in inhibition of breast cancer cell migration and metastasis, while overexpression of CHST2 promotes cell migration and lung metastasis in nude mice. In addition, the expression level of MECA79 antigen is elevated and blocking the cell surface MECA79 antigen with specific antibodies can override cell migration mediated by CHST2 upregulation. Moreover, the sulfation inhibitor sodium chlorate effectively inhibits the cell migration induced by CHST2. Collectively, these data provide novel insights into the biology of Snail/CHST2/MECA79 axis in breast cancer progression and metastasis as well as potential therapeutic strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer metastasis.
Multi-organ denervation: a novel approach to combat cardiometabolic disease
Authors: Kiuchi Márcio Galindo , Carnagarin Revathy , Matthews Vance B. , Schlaich Markus P.
Published: April 2023

Cardiometabolic disorders are associated with a substantial loss in quality of life and pose a large burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system has been shown to be a key player in several aspects relating to cardiometabolic disturbances. While diet- and exercise-induced approaches to help reduce weight remains the main strategy to combat metabolic disorders, this is often difficult to achieve. Current pharmacological approaches result in variable responses in different patient cohorts and long-term efficacy may be limited by medication side effects and non-adherence in the long term. There is a clear clinical need for complementary therapies to curb the burden of cardiometabolic disease. One such approach may include interventional sympathetic neuromodulation of organs relevant to cardiometabolic control. Data from sham-controlled clinical trials demonstrate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of catheter-based renal denervation. In analogy, denervation of the common hepatic artery is now feasible in humans and may prove to be similarly useful in modulating sympathetic overdrive directed towards the liver, pancreas and duodenum. Such a targeted multi-organ neuromodulation strategy may beneficially influence multiple aspects of the cardiometabolic disease continuum including blood pressure, glucose and lipid control.
Parasubthalamic calretinin neurons modulate wakefulness associated with exploration in male mice
Authors: Guo Han , Jiang Jian-Bo , Xu Wei , Zhang Mu-Tian , Chen Hui , Shi Huan-Ying , Wang Lu , He Miao , Lazarus Michael , Li Shan-Qun , Huang Zhi-Li , Qu Wei-Min
Published: April 2023

The parasubthalamic nucleus (PSTN) is considered to be involved in motivation, feeding and hunting, all of which are highly depending on wakefulness. However, the roles and underlying neural circuits of the PSTN in wakefulness remain unclear. Neurons expressing calretinin (CR) account for the majority of PSTN neurons. In this study in male mice, fiber photometry recordings showed that the activity of PSTNCR neurons increased at the transitions from non-rapid eye movement (non-REM, NREM) sleep to either wakefulness or REM sleep, as well as exploratory behavior. Chemogenetic and optogenetic experiments demonstrated that PSTNCR neurons were necessary for initiating and/or maintaining arousal associated with exploration. Photoactivation of projections of PSTNCR neurons revealed that they regulated exploration-related wakefulness by innervating the ventral tegmental area. Collectively, our findings indicate that PSTNCR circuitry is essential for the induction and maintenance of the awake state associated with exploration.
Hidden chemical order in disordered Ba7Nb4MoO20 revealed by resonant X-ray diffraction and solid-state NMR
Authors: Yasui Yuta , Tansho Masataka , Fujii Kotaro , Sakuda Yuichi , Goto Atsushi , Ohki Shinobu , Mogami Yuuki , Iijima Takahiro , Kobayashi Shintaro , Kawaguchi Shogo , Osaka Keiichi , Ikeda Kazutaka , Otomo Toshiya , Yashima Masatomo
Published: April 2023

The chemical order and disorder of solids have a decisive influence on the material properties. There are numerous materials exhibiting chemical order/disorder of atoms with similar X-ray atomic scattering factors and similar neutron scattering lengths. It is difficult to investigate such order/disorder hidden in the data obtained from conventional diffraction methods. Herein, we quantitatively determined the Mo/Nb order in the high ion conductor Ba7Nb4MoO20 by a technique combining resonant X-ray diffraction, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and first-principle calculations. NMR provided direct evidence that Mo atoms occupy only the M2 site near the intrinsically oxygen-deficient ion-conducting layer. Resonant X-ray diffraction determined the occupancy factors of Mo atoms at the M2 and other sites to be 0.50 and 0.00, respectively. These findings provide a basis for the development of ion conductors. This combined technique would open a new avenue for in-depth investigation of the hidden chemical order/disorder in materials.
Metabolomic differentiation of benign vs malignant pulmonary nodules with high specificity via high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis of patient sera
Authors: Yao Yao , Wang Xueping , Guan Jian , Xie Chuanbo , Zhang Hui , Yang Jing , Luo Yao , Chen Lili , Zhao Mingyue , Huo Bitao , Yu Tiantian , Lu Wenhua , Liu Qiao , Du Hongli , Liu Yuying , Huang Peng , Luan Tiangang , Liu Wanli , Hu Yumin
Published: April 2023

Differential diagnosis of pulmonary nodules detected by computed tomography (CT) remains a challenge in clinical practice. Here, we characterize the global metabolomes of 480 serum samples including healthy controls, benign pulmonary nodules, and stage I lung adenocarcinoma. The adenocarcinoma demonstrates a distinct metabolomic signature, whereas benign nodules and healthy controls share major similarities in metabolomic profiles. A panel of 27 metabolites is identified in the discovery cohort (n = 306) to distinguish between benign and malignant nodules. The discriminant model achieves an AUC of 0.915 and 0.945 in the internal validation (n = 104) and external validation cohort (n = 111), respectively. Pathway analysis reveals elevation in glycolytic metabolites associated with decreased tryptophan in serum of lung adenocarcinoma vs benign nodules and healthy controls, and demonstrates that uptake of tryptophan promotes glycolysis in lung cancer cells. Our study highlights the value of the serum metabolite biomarkers in risk assessment of pulmonary nodules detected by CT screening.
Mitochondrial complex III deficiency drives c-MYC overexpression and illicit cell cycle entry leading to senescence and segmental progeria
Authors: Purhonen Janne , Banerjee Rishi , Wanne Vilma , Sipari Nina , Mörgelin Matthias , Fellman Vineta , Kallijärvi Jukka
Published: April 2023

Accumulating evidence suggests mitochondria as key modulators of normal and premature aging, yet whether primary oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) deficiency can cause progeroid disease remains unclear. Here, we show that mice with severe isolated respiratory complex III (CIII) deficiency display nuclear DNA damage, cell cycle arrest, aberrant mitoses, and cellular senescence in the affected organs such as liver and kidney, and a systemic phenotype resembling juvenile-onset progeroid syndromes. Mechanistically, CIII deficiency triggers presymptomatic cancer-like c-MYC upregulation followed by excessive anabolic metabolism and illicit cell proliferation against lack of energy and biosynthetic precursors. Transgenic alternative oxidase dampens mitochondrial integrated stress response and the c-MYC induction, suppresses the illicit proliferation, and prevents juvenile lethality despite that canonical OXPHOS-linked functions remain uncorrected. Inhibition of c-MYC with the dominant-negative Omomyc protein relieves the DNA damage in CIII-deficient hepatocytes in vivo. Our results connect primary OXPHOS deficiency to genomic instability and progeroid pathogenesis and suggest that targeting c-MYC and aberrant cell proliferation may be therapeutic in mitochondrial diseases.
Sample-to-answer platform for the clinical evaluation of COVID-19 using a deep learning-assisted smartphone-based assay
Authors: Lee Seungmin , Kim Sunmok , Yoon Dae Sung , Park Jeong Soo , Woo Hyowon , Lee Dongho , Cho Sung-Yeon , Park Chulmin , Yoo Yong Kyoung , Lee Ki- Baek , Lee Jeong Hoon
Published: April 2023

Since many lateral flow assays (LFA) are tested daily, the improvement in accuracy can greatly impact individual patient care and public health. However, current self-testing for COVID-19 detection suffers from low accuracy, mainly due to the LFA sensitivity and reading ambiguities. Here, we present deep learning-assisted smartphone-based LFA (SMARTAI-LFA) diagnostics to provide accurate decisions with higher sensitivity. Combining clinical data learning and two-step algorithms enables a cradle-free on-site assay with higher accuracy than the untrained individuals and human experts via blind tests of clinical data (n = 1500). We acquired 98% accuracy across 135 smartphone application-based clinical tests with different users/smartphones. Furthermore, with more low-titer tests, we observed that the accuracy of SMARTAI-LFA was maintained at over 99% while there was a significant decrease in human accuracy, indicating the reliable performance of SMARTAI-LFA. We envision a smartphone-based SMARTAI-LFA that allows continuously enhanced performance by adding clinical tests and satisfies the new criterion for digitalized real-time diagnostics.
CRISPR-Cas-amplified urinary biomarkers for multiplexed and portable cancer diagnostics
Authors: Hao Liangliang , Zhao Renee T. , Welch Nicole L. , Tan Edward Kah Wei , Zhong Qian , Harzallah Nour Saida , Ngambenjawong Chayanon , Ko Henry , Fleming Heather E. , Sabeti Pardis C. , Bhatia Sangeeta N.
Published: April 2023

Synthetic biomarkers, bioengineered sensors that generate molecular reporters in diseased microenvironments, represent an emerging paradigm in precision diagnostics. Despite the utility of DNA barcodes as a multiplexing tool, their susceptibility to nucleases in vivo has limited their utility. Here we exploit chemically stabilized nucleic acids to multiplex synthetic biomarkers and produce diagnostic signals in biofluids that can be ‘read out’ via CRISPR nucleases. The strategy relies on microenvironmental endopeptidase to trigger the release of nucleic acid barcodes and polymerase-amplification-free, CRISPR-Cas-mediated barcode detection in unprocessed urine. Our data suggest that DNA-encoded nanosensors can non-invasively detect and differentiate disease states in transplanted and autochthonous murine cancer models. We also demonstrate that CRISPR-Cas amplification can be harnessed to convert the readout to a point-of-care paper diagnostic tool. Finally, we employ a microfluidic platform for densely multiplexed, CRISPR-mediated DNA barcode readout that can potentially evaluate complex human diseases rapidly and guide therapeutic decisions.
Brilliant whiteness in shrimp from ultra-thin layers of birefringent nanospheres
Authors: Lemcoff Tali , Alus Lotem , Haataja Johannes S. , Wagner Avital , Zhang Gan , Pavan Mariela J. , Yallapragada Venkata Jayasurya , Vignolini Silvia , Oron Dan , Schertel Lukas , Palmer Benjamin A.
Published: April 2023

A fundamental question regarding light scattering is how whiteness, generated from multiple scattering, can be obtained from thin layers of materials. This challenge arises from the phenomenon of optical crowding, whereby, for scatterers packed with filling fractions higher than ~30%, reflectance is drastically reduced due to near-field coupling between the scatterers. Here we show that the extreme birefringence of isoxanthopterin nanospheres overcomes optical crowding effects, enabling multiple scattering and brilliant whiteness from ultra-thin chromatophore cells in shrimp. Strikingly, numerical simulations reveal that birefringence, originating from the spherulitic arrangement of isoxanthopterin molecules, enables intense broadband scattering almost up to the maximal packing for random spheres. This reduces the thickness of material required to produce brilliant whiteness, resulting in a photonic system that is more efficient than other biogenic or biomimetic white materials which operate in the lower refractive index medium of air. These results highlight the importance of birefringence as a structural variable to enhance the performance of such materials and could contribute to the design of biologically inspired replacements for artificial scatterers like titanium dioxide.
Natural swarms in 3.99 dimensions
Authors: Cavagna Andrea , Di Carlo Luca , Giardina Irene , Grigera Tomás S. , Melillo Stefania , Parisi Leonardo , Pisegna Giulia , Scandolo Mattia
Published: April 2023

The renormalization group is a key set of ideas and quantitative tools of statistical physics that allow for the calculation of universal quantities that encompass the behaviour of different kinds of collective systems. Extension of the predictive power of the renormalization group to collective biological systems would greatly strengthen the effort to put physical biology on a firm basis. Here we present a step in that direction by calculating the dynamical critical exponent z of natural swarms of insects using the renormalization group to order ϵ = 4 − d. We report the emergence of a novel fixed point, where both activity and inertia are relevant. In three dimensions, the critical exponent at the new fixed point is z = 1.35, in agreement with both experiments (1.37 ± 0.11) and numerical simulations (1.35 ± 0.04). Our results probe the power of the renormalization group for the quantitative description of collective behaviour, and suggest that universality may also play a decisive role in strongly correlated biological systems.
High-dimensional analysis of 16 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine combinations reveals lymphocyte signatures correlating with immunogenicity
Authors: Nuñez Nicolás Gonzalo , Schmid Jonas , Power Laura , Alberti Chiara , Krishnarajah Sinduya , Kreutmair Stefanie , Unger Susanne , Blanco Sebastián , Konigheim Brenda , Marín Constanza , Onofrio Luisina , Kienzler Jenny Christine , Costa-Pereira Sara , Ingelfinger Florian ,   InmunoCovidCba, Cerbán Fabio , Chiapello Laura , Montes Carolina , Motrán Cristina , Dutto Jeremías , Almada Laura , Boffelli Lucía ,   InViV working group, Spinsanti Lorena , Díaz Adrián , Rivarola María Elisa , Bioq Javier Aguilar , Beranek Mauricio , Pasinovich Marina E. , Castelli Juan M. , Vizzotti Carla , Schaefer Maximilian , Villar-Vesga Juan , Mundt Sarah , Merten Carla Helena , Sethi Aakriti , Wertheimer Tobias , Lutz Mirjam , Vanoaica Danusia , Sotomayor Claudia , Gruppi Adriana , Münz Christian , Cardozo Diego , Barbás Gabriela , Lopez Laura , Carreño Paula , Castro Gonzalo , Raboy Elias , Gallego Sandra , Morón Gabriel , Cervi Laura , Acosta Rodriguez Eva V. , Maletto Belkys A. , Maccioni Mariana , Becher Burkhard
Published: April 2023

The range of vaccines developed against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) provides a unique opportunity to study immunization across different platforms. In a single-center cohort, we analyzed the humoral and cellular immune compartments following five coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines spanning three technologies (adenoviral, mRNA and inactivated virus) administered in 16 combinations. For adenoviral and inactivated-virus vaccines, heterologous combinations were generally more immunogenic compared to homologous regimens. The mRNA vaccine as the second dose resulted in the strongest antibody response and induced the highest frequency of spike-binding memory B cells irrespective of the priming vaccine. Priming with the inactivated-virus vaccine increased the SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell response, whereas boosting did not. Distinct immune signatures were elicited by the different vaccine combinations, demonstrating that the immune response is shaped by the type of vaccines applied and the order in which they are delivered. These data provide a framework for improving future vaccine strategies against pathogens and cancer.
Neural dynamics and architecture of the heading direction circuit in zebrafish
Authors: Petrucco Luigi , Lavian Hagar , Wu You Kure , Svara Fabian , Štih Vilim , Portugues Ruben
Published: April 2023

Animals generate neural representations of their heading direction. Notably, in insects, heading direction is topographically represented by the activity of neurons in the central complex. Although head direction cells have been found in vertebrates, the connectivity that endows them with their properties is unknown. Using volumetric lightsheet imaging, we find a topographical representation of heading direction in a neuronal network in the zebrafish anterior hindbrain, where a sinusoidal bump of activity rotates following directional swims of the fish and is otherwise stable over many seconds. Electron microscopy reconstructions show that, although the cell bodies are located in a dorsal region, these neurons arborize in the interpeduncular nucleus, where reciprocal inhibitory connectivity stabilizes the ring attractor network that encodes heading. These neurons resemble those found in the fly central complex, showing that similar circuit architecture principles may underlie the representation of heading direction across the animal kingdom and paving the way to an unprecedented mechanistic understanding of these networks in vertebrates.
Fermatean hesitant fuzzy rough aggregation operators and their applications in multiple criteria group decision-making
Authors: Attaullah  , Rehman Noor , Khan Asghar , Santos-García Gustavo
Published: April 2023

The precise selection of suppliers to fulfill production requirements is a fundamental component of all manufacturing and process industries. Due to the increasing consumption levels, green supplier selection (GSS) has been one of the most important issues for environmental preservation and sustainable growth. The present work aims to develop a technique based on Fermatean hesitant fuzzy rough set (FHFRS), a robust fusion of Fermatean fuzzy set, hesitant fuzzy set, and rough set for GSS in the process industry. On the basis of the operational rules of FHFRS, a list of innovative Fermatean hesitant fuzzy rough weighted averaging operators has been established. Further, several intriguing features of the proposed operators are highlighted. To cope with the ambiguity and incompleteness of real-world decision-making (DM) challenges, a DM algorithm has been developed. To illustrate the applicability of the methodology, a numerical example for the chemical processing industry is presented to determine the optimum supplier. The empirical findings suggest that the model has a significant application of scalability for GSS in the process industry. Finally, the improved FHFR-VIKOR and TOPSIS approaches are employed to validate the proposed technique. The results demonstrate that the suggested DM approach is practicable, accessible, and beneficial for addressing uncertainty in DM problems.
Development of anti-feline PD-1 antibody and its functional analysis
Authors: Nishibori Shoma , Kaneko Mika K. , Nakagawa Takayuki , Nishigaki Kazuo , Kato Yukinari , Igase Masaya , Mizuno Takuya
Published: April 2023

Antibodies against immune checkpoint molecules restore T-cell function by inhibiting the binding of PD-1 and PD-L1 and have been shown to exert therapeutic effects in various human cancers. However, to date, no monoclonal antibody that recognizes feline PD-1 or PD-L1 has been reported, and there are many unknowns regarding the expression of immune checkpoint molecules and their potential as therapeutic targets in cats. Here we developed anti-feline PD-1 monoclonal antibody (1A1-2), and found that the monoclonal antibody against anti-canine PD-L1 (G11-6), which was previously developed in our laboratory, cross-reacted with feline PD-L1. Both antibodies inhibited the interaction of feline PD-1 and feline PD-L1 in vitro. These inhibitory monoclonal antibodies augmented the interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production in activated feline peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). Furthermore, for clinical application in cats, we generated a mouse-feline chimeric mAb by fusing the variable region of clone 1A1-2 with the constant region of feline IgG1 (ch-1A1-2). Ch-1A1-2 also augmented the IFN-γ production in activated feline PBLs. From this study, 1A1-2 is first anti-feline PD-1 monoclonal antibody with the ability to inhibit the interaction of feline PD-1 and PD-L1, and the chimeric antibody, ch-1A1-2 will be a beneficial therapeutic antibody for feline tumors.
Predicting new crescent moon visibility applying machine learning algorithms
Authors: Al-Rajab Murad , Loucif Samia , Al Risheh Yazan
Published: April 2023

The world's population is projected to grow 32% in the coming years, and the number of Muslims is expected to grow by 70%—from 1.8 billion in 2015 to about 3 billion in 2060. Hijri is the Islamic calendar, also known as the lunar Hijri calendar, which consists of 12 lunar months, and it is tied to the Moon phases where a new crescent Moon marks the beginning of each month. Muslims use the Hijri calendar to determine important dates and religious events such as Ramadan, Haj, Muharram, etc. Till today, there is no consensus on deciding on the beginning of Ramadan month within the Muslim community. This is mainly due to the imprecise observations of the new crescent Moon in different locations. Artificial intelligence and its sub-field machine learning have shown great success in their application in several fields. In this paper, we propose the use of machine learning algorithms to help in determining the start of Ramadan month by predicting the visibility of the new crescent Moon. The results obtained from our experiments have shown very good accurate prediction and evaluation performance. The Random Forest and Support Vector Machine classifiers have provided promising results compared to other classifiers considered in this study in predicting the visibility of the new Moon.
The combined signatures of the tumour microenvironment and nucleotide metabolism-related genes provide a prognostic and therapeutic biomarker for gastric cancer
Authors: Liu Jifeng , Zhong Lei , Deng Dawei , Zhang Yunshu , Yuan Qihang , Shang Dong
Published: April 2023

The tumour microenvironment (TME) is vital to tumour development and influences the immunotherapy response. Abnormal nucleotide metabolism (NM) not only promotes tumour cell proliferation but also inhibits immune responses in the TME. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether the combined signatures of NM and the TME could better predict the prognosis and treatment response in gastric cancer (GC). 97 NM-related genes and 22 TME cells were evaluated in TCGA-STAD samples, and predictive NM and TME characteristics were determined. Subsequent correlation analysis and single-cell data analysis illustrated a link between NM scores and TME cells. Thereafter, NM and TME characteristics were combined to construct an NM-TME classifier. Patients in the NMlow/TMEhigh group exhibited better clinical outcomes and treatment responses, which could be attributed to the differences in immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint genes, tumour somatic mutations, immunophenoscore, immunotherapy response rate and proteomap. Additionally, the NMhigh/TMElow group benefited more from Imatinib, Midostaurin and Linsitinib, while patients in the NMlow/TMEhigh group benefited more from Paclitaxel, Methotrexate and Camptothecin. Finally, a highly reliable nomogram was developed. In conclusion, the NM-TME classifier demonstrated a pretreatment predictive value for prognosis and therapeutic responses, which may offer novel strategies for strategizing patients with optimal therapies.
The association between obesity, health service use, and work productivity in Australia: a cross-sectional quantile regression analysis
Authors: Ishida Marie , D’Souza Monique , Zhao Yang , Pan Tianxin , Carman Will , Haregu Tilahun , Lee John Tayu
Published: April 2023

The burden of disease attributable to obesity is rapidly increasing and becoming a public health challenge globally. Using a nationally representative sample in Australia, this study aims to examine the association of obesity with healthcare service use and work productivity across outcome distributions. We used Household, Income and Labour Dynamics Australia (HILDA) Wave 17 (2017–2018), including 11,211 participants aged between 20 and 65 years. Two-part models using multivariable logistic regressions and quantile regressions were employed to understand variations in the association between obesity levels and the outcomes. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 35.0% and 27.6%, respectively. After adjusting for socio-demographic factors, low socioeconomic status was associated with a higher probability of overweight and obesity (Obese III: OR = 3.79; 95% CI 2.53–5.68) while high education group was associated with a lower likelihood of being high level of obesity (Obese III OR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.29–0.59). Higher levels of obesity were associated with higher probability of health service use (GP visit Obese, III: OR = 1.42 95% CI 1.04–1.93,) and work productivity loss (number of paid sick leave days, Obese III: OR = 2.40 95% CI 1.94–2.96), compared with normal weight. The impacts of obesity on health service use and work productivity were larger for those with higher percentiles compared to lower percentiles. Overweight and obesity are associated with greater healthcare utilisation, and loss in work productivity in Australia. Australia’s healthcare system should prioritise interventions to prevent overweight and obesity to reduce the cost on individuals and improve labour market outcomes.
Abolition of sagittal T7–T10 dynamics during forced ventilation in AIS patients with Lenke 1A curves
Authors: Mariscal Gonzalo , Burgos Jesús , Antón-Rodrigálvarez Luis , Hevia Eduardo , Barrios Carlos
Published: April 2023

In healthy subjects, respiratory maximal volumes are highly dependent on the sagittal range of motion of the T7–T10 segment. In AIS, the abolition of T7–T10 dynamics related to the stiffness induced by the apex region in Lenke IA curves could harm ventilation during maximal breathing. The aim of this study was to analyze the dynamics of the thoracic spine during deep breathing in AIS patients and in healthy matched controls. This is a cross-sectional, case–control study. 20 AIS patients (18 girls, Cobb angle, 54.7 ± 7.9°; Risser 1.35 ± 1.2) and 15 healthy volunteers (11 girls) matched in age (12.5 versus 15.8 years mean age) were included. In AIS curves, the apex was located at T8 (14) and T9 (6). Conventional sagittal radiographs of the whole spine were performed at maximal inspiration and exhalation. The ROM of each spinal thoracic functional segment (T1–T7, T7–T10, T10–T12) and the global T1–T12 ROM were measured. In healthy subjects, the mean T1–T12 ROM during forced breathing was 16.7 ± 3.8. AIS patients showed a T1–T12 ROM of 1.1 ± 1.5 (p < 0.05), indicating a sagittal stiffness of the thoracic spine. A wide T7–T10 ROM (15.3 ± 3.0) was found in healthy controls (91.6% of the T1–T12 ROM). AIS patients showed only 0.4 ± 1.4 ROM at T7–T10 (36.4% of the T1–T12 ROM) (p < 0.001). There was a linear relationship between the magnitude of T7–T10 kyphosis in maximal exhalation and both FVC (% of predicted FVC) and FEV1. In conclusion, Lenke 1A AIS patients show a restriction of the thoracic spine motion with an almost complete abolition of T7–T10 ROM, a crucial segment for deep breathing. T7–T10 stiffness could explain the ventilatory limitations found in AIS patients.
Clinical implications of circulating follistatin-like protein-1 in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Kim Dae Kyu , Kang Seok Hui , Kim Jin Sug , Kim Yang Gyun , Lee Yu Ho , Lee Dong-Young , Ahn Shin Young , Moon Ju Young , Lee Sang Ho , Jeong Kyung Hwan , Hwang Hyeon Seok
Published: April 2023

Follistatin-like protein-1 (FSTL-1) is secreted glycoprotein, which regulates cardiovascular, immune and skeletal system. However, the clinical significance of circulating FSTL-1 levels remains unclear in hemodialysis patients. A total 376 hemodialysis patients were enrolled from June 2016 to March 2020. Plasma FSTL-1 level, inflammatory biomarkers, physical performance, and echocardiographic findings at baseline were examined. Plasma FSTL-1 levels were positively correlated with TNF-α and MCP-1. Handgrip strength showed weak positive correlation in male patients only, and gait speed showed no correlation with FSTL-1 levels. In multivariate linear regression analysis, FSTL-1 level was negatively associated with left ventricular ejection fraction (β =  − 0.36; p = 0.011). The cumulative event rate of the composite of CV event and death, and cumulative event rate of CV events was significantly greater in FSTL-1 tertile 3. In multivariate Cox-regression analysis, FSTL-1 tertile 3 was associated with a 1.80-fold risk for the composite of CV events and death(95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06–3.08), and a 2.28-fold risk for CV events (95% CI 1.15–4.51) after adjustment for multiple variables. In conclusion, high circulating FSTL-1 levels independently predict the composite of CV events and death, and FSTL-1 level was independently associated with left ventricular systolic dysfunction.
Factors affecting the number of road traffic accidents in Kerman province, southeastern Iran (2015–2021)
Authors: Behzadi Goodari Mohsen , Sharifi Hamid , Dehesh Paria , Mosleh-Shirazi Mohammad Amin , Dehesh Tania
Published: April 2023

Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are among the top causes of mortality and disability globally, particularly in developing nations like Iran. In this study, RTAs were analyzed to develop precise predictive models for predicting the frequency of accidents in the Kerman Province (southeastern Iran) using the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and autoregressive integrated moving average with explanatory variables (ARIMAX) modeling methods. The findings demonstrate that including factors regarding humans, vehicles, and elements of nature in the time-series analysis of accident records resulted in the development of a more reliable prediction model than utilizing only aggregated accident count. The understanding of safety on the road is increased by this research, which also offers a method for forecasting that utilizes a variety of parameters relating to people, cars, and the environment. The findings of this research are likely to contribute to lowering the incidence of RTAs in Iran.
Controls on fracture openness and reactivation in Forsmark, Sweden
Authors: Doolaeghe D. , Darcel C. , Selroos J.-O. , Mas Ivars D. , Davy P.
Published: April 2023

In crystalline bedrock, the open fraction of the fracture network constitutes the main pathways for fluids. Many observations point out that the state of stress influences the open fraction, likely indicating recent reactivation. But how this occurs is still unresolved. We analyse the conditions for fracture reactivation from fracture data collected in the uppermost 1 km of bedrock in Forsmark, Sweden. The open fraction is mainly correlated to the stress acting normally on the fracture but even away from critical failure, leading us to analyse the potential fluid pressure required for reactivation, $${P}_{c}$$

P
c

. We observe that 100% of the fractures are open when $${P}_{c}$$

P
c

is hydrostatic, and the ratio decreases exponentially to a plateau of ~ 17% when $${P}_{c}$$

P
c

is lithostatic and above. Exceptions are the oldest fractures, having a low open fraction independent of $${P}_{c}$$

P
c

. We suggest that these results reflect past pressure build-ups, potentially related to recent glaciations, and developing only if the preexisting open fraction is large enough.
Central role for neurally dysregulated IL-17A in dynamic networks of systemic and local inflammation in combat casualties
Authors: Zamora Ruben , Forsberg Jonathan A. , Shah Ashti M. , Unselt Desiree , Grey Scott , Lisboa Felipe A. , Billiar Timothy R. , Schobel Seth A. , Potter Benjamin K. , Elster Eric A. , Vodovotz Yoram
Published: April 2023

Dynamic Network Analysis (DyNA) and Dynamic Hypergraphs (DyHyp) were used to define protein-level inflammatory networks at the local (wound effluent) and systemic circulation (serum) levels from 140 active-duty, injured service members (59 with TBI and 81 non-TBI). Interleukin (IL)-17A was the only biomarker elevated significantly in both serum and effluent in TBI vs. non-TBI casualties, and the mediator with the most DyNA connections in TBI wounds. DyNA combining serum and effluent data to define cross-compartment correlations suggested that IL-17A bridges local and systemic circulation at late time points. DyHyp suggested that systemic IL-17A upregulation in TBI patients was associated with tumor necrosis factor-α, while IL-17A downregulation in non-TBI patients was associated with interferon-γ. Correlation analysis suggested differential upregulation of pathogenic Th17 cells, non-pathogenic Th17 cells, and memory/effector T cells. This was associated with reduced procalcitonin in both effluent and serum of TBI patients, in support of an antibacterial effect of Th17 cells in TBI patients. Dysregulation of Th17 responses following TBI may drive cross-compartment inflammation following combat injury, counteracting wound infection at the cost of elevated systemic inflammation.
Factors affecting the micronutrient status of adolescent girls living in complex agro-aquatic ecological zones of Bangladesh
Authors: Ara Gulshan , Little David C. , Mamun Abdullah-Al , de Roos Baukje , Grieve Eleanor , Khanam Mansura , Hasan S. M. Tafsir , Ireen Santhia , Ali Samira Dilruba , Boitchi Anika Bushra , Dijkhuizen Marjoleine A. , Ahmed Tahmeed , Roos Nanna
Published: April 2023

Inadequate intake of both macro and micronutrients is the major determinant of micronutrient deficiencies in adolescent girls. This study assessed multiple micronutrient status including vitamin D, iron, vitamin A, and urinary iodine concentration among adolescent girls through two seasonal cross-sectional surveys conducted during dry and wet seasons. Mixed-effects linear and logistic regression analysis were conducted to assess associations between micronutrient status, salinity and seasonality. The mean age of the girls was 14 years. Vitamin (OH)D insufficiency was significantly higher in freshwater areas in wet season compared to dry season (wet season: 58% and dry season: 30%, P < 0.001). In wet season, risk of vitamin (OH)D insufficiency was three times higher compared to dry season (AOR: 3.03, 95% CI 1.71, 5.37, P < 0.001). The odds of vitamin (OH)D insufficiency was 11 times higher in fresh water areas compared to high saline areas (AOR: 11.51, 95% CI 3.40, 38.93, P < 0.001). The girls had higher risk of iron deficiency in wet season. Despite the environment being enriched with micronutrient-contained aquatic food, adolescent girls in coastal areas experience different micronutrient deficiencies. The high prevalence of vitamin (OH)D insufficiency in freshwater locations and seasonal iron deficiency in high saline areas needs attention.
Exploring microstructure and petrophysical properties of microporous volcanic rocks through 3D multiscale and super-resolution imaging
Authors: Buono Gianmarco , Caliro Stefano , Macedonio Giovanni , Allocca Vincenzo , Gamba Federico , Pappalardo Lucia
Published: April 2023

Digital rock physics offers powerful perspectives to investigate Earth materials in 3D and non-destructively. However, it has been poorly applied to microporous volcanic rocks due to their challenging microstructures, although they are studied for numerous volcanological, geothermal and engineering applications. Their rapid origin, in fact, leads to complex textures, where pores are dispersed in fine, heterogeneous and lithified matrices. We propose a framework to optimize their investigation and face innovative 3D/4D imaging challenges. A 3D multiscale study of a tuff was performed through X-ray microtomography and image-based simulations, finding that accurate characterizations of microstructure and petrophysical properties require high-resolution scans (≤ 4 μm/px). However, high-resolution imaging of large samples may need long times and hard X-rays, covering small rock volumes. To deal with these limitations, we implemented 2D/3D convolutional neural network and generative adversarial network-based super-resolution approaches. They can improve the quality of low-resolution scans, learning mapping functions from low-resolution to high-resolution images. This is one of the first efforts to apply deep learning-based super-resolution to unconventional non-sedimentary digital rocks and real scans. Our findings suggest that these approaches, and mainly 2D U-Net and pix2pix networks trained on paired data, can strongly facilitate high-resolution imaging of large microporous (volcanic) rocks.
Nanoscale imaging of major and minor ampullate silk from the orb-web spider Nephila Madagascariensis
Authors: Iachina Irina , Fiutowski Jacek , Rubahn Horst-Günter , Vollrath Fritz , Brewer Jonathan R.
Published: April 2023

Spider silk fibres have unique mechanical properties due to their hierarchical structure and the nanoscale organization of their proteins. Novel imaging techniques reveal new insights into the macro- and nanoscopic structure of Major (MAS) and Minor (MiS) Ampullate silk fibres from pristine samples of the orb-web spider Nephila Madagascariensis. Untreated threads were imaged using Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering and Confocal Microscopy, which revealed an outer lipid layer surrounding an autofluorescent protein core, that is divided into two layers in both fibre types. Helium ion imaging shows the inner fibrils without chemical or mechanical modifications. The fibrils are arranged parallel to the long axis of the fibres with typical spacing between fibrils of 230 nm ± 22 nm in the MAS fibres and 99 nm ± 24 nm in the MiS fibres. Confocal Reflection Fluorescence Depletion (CRFD) microscopy imaged these nano-fibrils through the whole fibre and showed diameters of 145 nm ± 18 nm and 116 nm ± 12 nm for MAS and MiS, respectively. The combined data from HIM and CRFD suggests that the silk fibres consist of multiple nanoscale parallel protein fibrils with crystalline cores oriented along the fibre axes, surrounded by areas with less scattering and more amorphous protein structures.
Exogenous 24-epibrassinolide ameliorates tolerance to high-temperature by adjusting the biosynthesis of pigments, enzymatic, non-enzymatic antioxidants, and diosgenin content in fenugreek
Authors: Sheikhi Shahla , Ebrahimi Amin , Heidari Parviz , Amerian Mohamad Reza , Rashidi-Monfared Sajad , Alipour Hadi
Published: April 2023

High-temperature stress is widely considered a main plant-growth-limiting factor. The positive effects of 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) as analogs of brassinosteroids (BRs) in modulating abiotic stresses have led this hormone to be referred to as a growth regulator in plants. The current study highlights the influence of EBR on enhancing tolerance to high-temperature and altering the diosgenin content in fenugreek. Different amounts of EBR (4, 8, and 16 μM), harvesting times (6, and 24 h), as well as temperature regimes (23 °C, and 42 °C) were, used as treatments. EBR application under normal temperature and high-temperature stress resulted in decreased malondialdehyde content and electrolyte leakage percentage, while the activity of antioxidant enzymes improved significantly. Exogenous EBR application possibly contributes to activating the nitric oxide, H2O2, and ABA-dependent pathways, enhancing the biosynthesis of abscisic acid and auxin, and regulating the signal transduction pathways, which raises fenugreek tolerance to high-temperature. The SQS (eightfold), SEP (2.8-fold), CAS (11-fold), SMT (17-fold), and SQS (sixfold) expression, considerably increased following EBR application (8 μM) compared to the control. Compared to the control, when the short-term (6 h) high-temperature stress was accompanied by EBR (8 μM), a sixfold increase in diosgenin content was achieved. Our findings highlight the potential role of exogenous 24-epibrassinolide in mitigating the high-temperature stress in fenugreek by stimulating the biosynthesis processes of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, chlorophylls, and diosgenin. In conclusion, the current results could be of utmost importance in breeding or biotechnology-based programs of fenugreek and also in the researches related to the engineering of the biosynthesis pathway of diosgenin in this valuable plant.
Human health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in the breast milk consumed by infants in Western Iran
Authors: Sharafi Kiomars , Nakhaee Samaneh , Azadi Nammam Ali , Mansouri Borhan , Miri Kermanshahi Saba , Paknahad Maedeh , Habibi Yazdan
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to assess the human health risk of some toxic metals/metalloids [lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), and arsenic (As)] on infants via consumption of the breast milk of women living in urban areas of Kermanshah city, west of Iran. After collecting milk samples, the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessment as well as uncertainty analysis of toxic metal levels were carried out. The order of concentration of heavy metals/metalloids in the breast milk samples was Cr (41.07 ± 23.19) > Ni (19.25 ± 11.81) > Pb (11.5 ± 4.48) > As (1.96 ± 2.04) > Cd (.72 ± 0.42) > Hg (0.31 ± 0.26). The results revealed that the levels of Cr and Pb in the breast milk samples were exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) tolerable daily intake. In the breast milk samples a high levels of one of the trace elements As, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Ni were observed (over 73%) and in 40% of them the levels of Cr, Pb, Cd, As, and Ni were all above WHO tolerable daily intake. Moreover, the As-related point assessment of target risk factor (THQ) was higher than the allowable limit only for 1-month-old male neonates and 2-month-old female neonates (THQ > 1). In addition, Cr-related THQ scores were higher at all age and gender groups (THQ > 1). In conclusion, our findings suggest a potential risk of some metals for infants via the consumption of mothers' breast milk.
Water uptake kinetics and electrical transport in BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.1M0.1O3−δ (M = Tb, Pr, Fe) protonic conductors
Authors: Budnik Jagoda , Mielewczyk-Gryń Aleksandra , Gazda Maria , Miruszewski Tadeusz
Published: April 2023

BaCe0.6Zr0.2Y0.1M0.1O3−δ (M = Fe, Pr, Tb) is a mixed conducting oxide in which three mobile charge carriers – oxygen ions, electrons/holes, and protonic defects – are present.
High-throughput photo-chemiluminescence imaging for HIV DNA determination based on a sulfur-doped graphitic carbonitride photocatalyst
Authors: Zhang Huilan , Jiang Yifan , Wang Jian , Jiang Zhou
Published: April 2023

A high-throughput PCL imaging method using sulfur-doped g-C3N4 porous nanosheets as the photocatalyst was developed. SCNNSs with a large surface area and π-conjugate structure provided a good platform for biometric components.
A robust collagen-targeting MRI peptide contrast agent for in vivo imaging of hepatic fibrosis
Authors: Liu Zhao , Nian Linge , Cai Xiangdong , Hu Yue , Lei Junqiang , Xiao Jianxi
Published: April 2023

A robust MRI peptide contrast agent Gd-ICTP with superior selectivity for type I collagen has been constructed, which facilitates the non-invasive in vivo detection of hepatic fibrosis.
Realizing multiple non-volatile resistance states in a two-dimensional domain wall ferroelectric tunneling junction
Authors: Dai Minzhi , Tang Zhiyuan , Luo Xin , Zheng Yue
Published: April 2023

Realizing multiple non-volatile resistance states based on manipulating the stable and neutral domain walls in a two-dimensional domain wall ferroelectric tunneling junction.
Bacterial lipids drive compartmentalization on the nanoscale
Authors: De Nicola Antonio , Montis Costanza , Donati Greta , Molinaro Antonio , Silipo Alba , Balestri Arianna , Berti Debora , Di Lorenzo Flaviana , Zhu You-Liang , Milano Giuseppe
Published: April 2023

The design of cellular functions in synthetic systems, inspired by the internal partitioning of living cells, is a constantly growing research field that is paving the way to a large number of new remarkable applications.
Bottom–up on-surface synthesis based on click-functionalized peptide bundles
Authors: He Yanmei , Wu Dongdong , Zhang Xingdong
Published: April 2023

A novel bottom–up on-surface synthesis for preparing rigid rods of a precise length was developed by using a fundamental polymerization unit called bundlemer.
A one-pot approach to prepare stretchable and conductive regenerated silk fibroin/CNT films as multifunctional sensors
Authors: Meng Qiujie , Zhao Lunyu , Geng Yu , Yin Pengxiang , Mao Zhiping , Sui Xiaofeng , Zhao Meixin , Benetti Edmondo M. , Feng Xueling
Published: April 2023

Flexible and conductive silk fibroin/CNT films were fabricated by a sustainable one-pot method with the assistance of phosphoric acid. The composite films exhibit excellent performance as wearable sensors for strain, temperature and human motions.
Nacre-inspired layered composite gels with broad tunable mechanical strength and structural color for stress visualization
Authors: Wang Yunpeng , Kan Xinyu , Liu Yaru , Ju Jie , Yao Xi
Published: April 2023

Layered composite gels with nacre-like brick-and-mortar architecture featuring structural colors, load-bearing stability, high-stress visualization, and resistance to harsh environments.
Novel two-dimensional magnets with an in-plane auxetic effect
Authors: Zhang Rui-Zi , Pan Jinbo , Zhang Yu-Yang , Du Shixuan
Published: April 2023

Magnetic ordering of 2D auxetic magnets is more stable than that of non-auxetic ones under mono-axial strain.