bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preclinical assessment of a modified Occlutech left atrial appendage closure device in a porcine model
Authors: Reinthaler Markus , Grosshauser Johannes , Schmidt Tanja , Unger Juliane , Morgan Ross , Zimmermann Friederike , Hartung Johannes , Seppelt Claudio , Meteva Denitsa , Haider Wolfram , Landmesser Ulf , Skurk Carsten
Published: February 2021

Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure is being developed as an alternative for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation that cannot tolerate long-term oral anticoagulation. To assess the feasibility, safety, and performance of a novel modified Occlutech LAA closure device in a preclinical porcine model, the modified Occlutech modified Occlutech Plus LAA closure device was implanted in 12 female pigs (25–39 kg body weight) under fluoroscopic and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) guidance. Procedural and technical success, as well as safety of LAA closure, were evaluated peri-procedurally and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Moreover, after 4, 8 and, 12 weeks animals were sacrificed for pathological analysis (e.g., thrombus formation, device ingrowth, endothelialization, and inflammation). All LAA closure devices were successfully implanted. On follow-up, no serious adverse events such as device-associated thrombus or translocalization/embolization were observed. A clinically non-significant pericarditis was observed in 4 animals at the time of autopsy. Endothelialization of the device was visible after 4 weeks, advanced after 8 weeks and completed after 12 weeks. Immunohistochemistry showed low amounts of inflammatory infiltration on the edges of the device. The results of this study indicate that implantation of a modified Occlutech LAA closure device is feasible with rapid endothelialization and low inflammatory infiltration in a porcine model. Human data are needed to further characterize safety and efficacy.
Spatial asymmetry of the paternity success in nests of a fish with alternative reproductive tactics
Authors: Poli F. , Marino I. A. M. , Santon M. , Bozzetta E. , Pellizzato G. , Zane L. , Rasotto M. B.
Published: February 2021

Guard-sneaker tactics are widespread among fish, where territorial males defend a nest and provide parental care while sneakers try to steal fertilizations. Territorials and sneakers adopt diverse pre- and post-mating strategies, adjusting their ejaculate investment and/or behavioural responses to the presence of competitors. The relative distance of competitors from the spawning female plays a major role in influencing male mating strategies and the resulting paternity share. However, territorial male quality and sneaking intensity do not fully account for the variability in the relative siring success occurring among species. An often neglected factor potentially affecting sneakers proximity to females is the nest structure. We conducted a field experiment using the black goby, whose nests show two openings of different size. We found that territorial males defend more and sneaking pressure is higher at the front, larger access of the nest than at the back, smaller one. Moreover, microsatellite paternity analysis shows that territorials sire more offspring at the back of their nest. Such a predictable spatial distribution of the paternity share suggests that nest structure might work as an indirect cue of male relative siring success, potentially influencing the territorial male investment in parental care and/or the female egg deposition strategy.
Reaction mechanism of the farnesyl pyrophosphate C-methyltransferase towards the biosynthesis of pre-sodorifen pyrophosphate by Serratia plymuthica 4Rx13
Authors: Lemfack Marie Chantal , Brandt Wolfgang , Krüger Katja , Gurowietz Alexandra , Djifack Jacky , Jung Jan-Philip , Hopf Marius , Noack Heiko , Junker Björn , von Reuß Stephan , Piechulla Birgit
Published: February 2021

Classical terpenoid biosynthesis involves the cyclization of the linear prenyl pyrophosphate precursors geranyl-, farnesyl-, or geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GPP, FPP, GGPP) and their isomers, to produce a huge number of natural compounds. Recently, it was shown for the first time that the biosynthesis of the unique homo-sesquiterpene sodorifen by Serratia plymuthica 4Rx13 involves a methylated and cyclized intermediate as the substrate of the sodorifen synthase. To further support the proposed biosynthetic pathway, we now identified the cyclic prenyl pyrophosphate intermediate pre-sodorifen pyrophosphate (PSPP). Its absolute configuration (6R,7S,9S) was determined by comparison of calculated and experimental CD-spectra of its hydrolysis product and matches with those predicted by semi-empirical quantum calculations of the reaction mechanism. In silico modeling of the reaction mechanism of the FPP C-methyltransferase (FPPMT) revealed a SN2 mechanism for the methyl transfer followed by a cyclization cascade. The cyclization of FPP to PSPP is guided by a catalytic dyad of H191 and Y39 and involves an unprecedented cyclopropyl intermediate. W46, W306, F56, and L239 form the hydrophobic binding pocket and E42 and H45 complex a magnesium cation that interacts with the diphosphate moiety of FPP. Six additional amino acids turned out to be essential for product formation and the importance of these amino acids was subsequently confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis. Our results reveal the reaction mechanism involved in methyltransferase-catalyzed cyclization and demonstrate that this coupling of C-methylation and cyclization of FPP by the FPPMT represents an alternative route of terpene biosynthesis that could increase the terpenoid diversity and structural space.
Credal decision tree based novel ensemble models for spatial assessment of gully erosion and sustainable management
Authors: Arabameri Alireza , Sadhasivam Nitheshnirmal , Turabieh Hamza , Mafarja Majdi , Rezaie Fatemeh , Pal Subodh Chandra , Santosh M.
Published: February 2021

We introduce novel hybrid ensemble models in gully erosion susceptibility mapping (GESM) through a case study in the Bastam sedimentary plain of Northern Iran. Four new ensemble models including credal decision tree-bagging (CDT-BA), credal decision tree-dagging (CDT-DA), credal decision tree-rotation forest (CDT-RF), and credal decision tree-alternative decision tree (CDT-ADTree) are employed for mapping the gully erosion susceptibility (GES) with the help of 14 predictor factors and 293 gully locations. The relative significance of GECFs in modelling GES is assessed by random forest algorithm. Two cut-off-independent (area under success rate curve and area under predictor rate curve) and six cut-off-dependent metrics (accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, F-score, odd ratio and Cohen Kappa) were utilized based on both calibration as well as testing dataset. Drainage density, distance to road, rainfall and NDVI were found to be the most influencing predictor variables for GESM. The CDT-RF (AUSRC = 0.942, AUPRC = 0.945, accuracy = 0.869, specificity = 0.875, sensitivity = 0.864, RMSE = 0.488, F-score = 0.869 and Cohen’s Kappa = 0.305) was found to be the most robust model which showcased outstanding predictive accuracy in mapping GES. Our study shows that the GESM can be utilized for conserving soil resources and for controlling future gully erosion.
Alterations in glutathione redox homeostasis among adolescents with obesity and anemia
Authors: Alkazemi Dalal , Rahman Abdur , Habra Banan
Published: February 2021

The reduced (GSH)-to-oxidized (GSSG) glutathione ratio represents a dynamic balance between oxidants and antioxidants. However, redox status in adolescents with obesity and anemia has not been investigated. This study investigated the association of erythrocyte GSH redox status (GSH, GSH:GSSG ratio, and glutathione peroxidase [GPx] activity) with anemia and adiposity in adolescents. This case–control study nested in a cross-sectional study enrolled 524 adolescents (268 boys; 256 girls). The prevalence of anemia in overweight and obesity (OWOB) was 5.2% in boys and 11.7% in girls. The GSH:GSSG ratio and GPx activity were significantly higher in girls than in boys (p < 0.001), in anemic than in non-anemic subjects (p < 0.001), and in OWOB than in normal-weight subjects (p < 0.001). Similarly, significantly higher GSH: GSSG level (p < 0.001) and GPx activity (p < 0.001) were found in subjects with 90th percentile waist circumference than in those with < 90th percentile. GPx and GSH:GSSG were positively associated with anemia after adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index (adjusted odds ratio, adjOR [95% confidence interval, CI] 2.18 [1.44–3.29]) or tertiles (adjOR [95% CI], T3 = 2.49 [1.03–6.01]). A similar association was noted for GSH and GPx. A compensatory increased redox defense mechanism exists in anemia and obesity among adolescents without metabolic disturbances.
Genetic history of Calabrian Greeks reveals ancient events and long term isolation in the Aspromonte area of Southern Italy
Authors: Sarno Stefania , Petrilli Rosalba , Abondio Paolo , De Giovanni Andrea , Boattini Alessio , Sazzini Marco , De Fanti Sara , Cilli Elisabetta , Ciani Graziella , Gentilini Davide , Pettener Davide , Romeo Giovanni , Giuliani Cristina , Luiselli Donata
Published: February 2021

Calabrian Greeks are an enigmatic population that have preserved and evolved a unique variety of language, Greco, survived in the isolated Aspromonte mountain area of Southern Italy. To understand their genetic ancestry and explore possible effects of geographic and cultural isolation, we genome-wide genotyped a large set of South Italian samples including both communities that still speak Greco nowadays and those that lost the use of this language earlier in time. Comparisons with modern and ancient populations highlighted ancient, long-lasting genetic links with Eastern Mediterranean and Caucasian/Near-Eastern groups as ancestral sources of Southern Italians. Our results suggest that the Aspromonte communities might be interpreted as genetically drifted remnants that departed from such ancient genetic background as a consequence of long-term isolation. Specific patterns of population structuring and higher levels of genetic drift were indeed observed in these populations, reflecting geographic isolation amplified by cultural differences in the groups that still conserve the Greco language. Isolation and drift also affected the current genetic differentiation at specific gene pathways, prompting for future genome-wide association studies aimed at exploring trait-related loci that have drifted up in frequency in these isolated groups.
Treatment of cytomegalovirus anterior segment infection with intravitreal injection of ganciclovir in adjunction with or without oral valganciclovir: a long-term results
Authors: Cheng Yu-Chun , Kang Eugene Yu-Chuan , Hwang Yih-Shiou , Hsiao Ching-Hsi
Published: February 2021

We evaluated the therapeutic outcome of intravitreal injection (IVI) of ganciclovir with/without oral valganciclovir for cytomegalovirus (CMV) anterior segment infection. We enrolled 61 patients (61 eyes) with PCR-proven CMV anterior segment infection. IVI of ganciclovir (2 mg/0.05 mL) was given as a loading dose; subsequent use of oral valganciclovir (900 mg twice daily) was determined according to the severity of anterior chamber inflammation after injection. All eyes had IVI of ganciclovir, and 53 patients received oral valganciclovir as adjunctive therapy with a mean duration of 1.9 months to achieve disease remission. Repeated diagnostic aqueous taps were performed in 37 eyes with suspected recurrence, and CMV DNA was positive in 24 eyes. This therapeutic strategy afforded a median 50% recurrence-free survival time of 47.0 ± 8.12 months. The patients’ mean best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure and corneal endothelial cell counts stabilized or improved. Corneal transplantation before CMV infection diagnosis was identified as an independent risk factor for recurrence (hazard ratio 6.81, 95% confidence interval 1.21–38.23, P = 0.029). In patients with CMV anterior segment infection, the relative short-term therapeutic strategy, IVI of ganciclovir in adjunction with/without oral valganciclovir, effectively achieved a median recurrence-free survival time of nearly 4 years.
One-stage posterior debridement, autogenous spinous process bone graft and instrumentation for single segment lumbar pyogenic spondylitis
Authors: Su Bao , Tang Ke , Liu Wei , Luo Xiaoji , Quan Zhengxue , Jiang Dianming , Peng Xiaohua
Published: February 2021

To compare the ﻿surgical outcomes of autogenous spinous process with iliac bone graft in managing single segment lumbar pyogenic spondylitis (PS) after posterior debridement and instrumentation. We performed a retrospective study for adult patients with single level lumbar PS. 60 patients with single segment lumbar PS underwent one-stage posterior debridement, autogenous bone graft and instrumentations. The patients were divided into Group A (autogenous iliac bone) and Group B (autogenous spinous process). Preoperative Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) was analyzed to assess﻿ the comorbidity. Low back pain was ﻿evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS). Neurological status was ﻿assessed with the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale. Clinical infection index including the C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was also reviewed. Moreover, fusion and changes of sagittal alignment were investigated radiologically. There was a significantly longer operative time, hospital stay and greater blood loss in group A. The VAS scores improved significantly at each follow-up interval and post-operative VAS score was significantly lower in group B. At the last follow-up, ESR and CRP returned to normal for all patients. There was at least one grade level improvement in ASIA score. No statistical difference in corrected rate, loss of sagittal angle and lumbar lordosis was found between the two groups. There was no significant difference in fusion rate, mean fusion time and complications between the two groups. Compared with iliac bone graft, the autogenous spinous process bone graft can be less invasive and painful for the single segment lumbar PS. One-stage posterior debridement, autogenous spinous process bone graft and instrumentation can provide satisfactory results for appropriate cases.
Ancient CO2 levels favor nitrogen fixing plants over a broader range of soil N compared to present
Authors: Chen Haoran , Markham John
Published: February 2021

Small inreases in CO2 stimulate nitrogen fixation and plant growth. Increasing soil N can inhibit nitrogen fixation. However, no studies to date have tested how nitrogen fixing plants perform under ancient CO2 levels (100 MYA), when nitrogen fixing plants evolved, with different levels of N additions. The aim of this study was to assess if ancient CO2, compared to present, favors nitrogen fixers over a range of soil nitrogen concentrations. Nitrogen fixers (Alnus incana ssp. rugosa, Alnus viridis ssp. crispa, and Alnus rubra) and their close non-nitrogen fixing relatives (Betula pumila, Betula papyrifera, Betula glandulosa) were grown at ancient (1600 ppm) or present (400 ppm) CO2 over a range of soil N levels, equivalent to 0, 10, 50, and 200 kg N ha−1 year−1. The growth of non-N fixing plants increased more than N fixing plants in response to the increasing N levels. When grown at an ancient CO2 level, the N level at which non-nitrogen fixing plant biomass exceeded nitrogen fixing plant biomass was twice as high (61 kg N ha−1 year−1) as the N level when plants were grown at the ambient CO2 level. Specific nodule activity was also reduced with an increasing level of soil N. Our results show there was a greater advantage in being a nitrogen fixer under ancient levels of CO2 compared with the present CO2 level.
Comparison between 16S rRNA and shotgun sequencing data for the taxonomic characterization of the gut microbiota
Authors: Durazzi Francesco , Sala Claudia , Castellani Gastone , Manfreda Gerardo , Remondini Daniel , De Cesare Alessandra
Published: February 2021

In this paper we compared taxonomic results obtained by metataxonomics (16S rRNA gene sequencing) and metagenomics (whole shotgun metagenomic sequencing) to investigate their reliability for bacteria profiling, studying the chicken gut as a model system. The experimental conditions included two compartments of gastrointestinal tracts and two sampling times. We compared the relative abundance distributions obtained with the two sequencing strategies and then tested their capability to distinguish the experimental conditions. The results showed that 16S rRNA gene sequencing detects only part of the gut microbiota community revealed by shotgun sequencing. Specifically, when a sufficient number of reads is available, Shotgun sequencing has more power to identify less abundant taxa than 16S sequencing. Finally, we showed that the less abundant genera detected only by shotgun sequencing are biologically meaningful, being able to discriminate between the experimental conditions as much as the more abundant genera detected by both sequencing strategies.
A mutant α1antitrypsin in complex with heat shock proteins as the primary antigen in type 1 diabetes in silico investigation
Authors: Finotti Paola , Pagetta Andrea
Published: February 2021

Based on previous results demonstrating that complexes of a mutant α1-antitrypsin with the heat shock proteins (HSP)70 and glucose-regulated protein94 (Grp94) circulate in the blood of patients with type 1 diabetes, we raised the hypothesis that these complexes could represent the primary antigen capable of triggering the autoimmune reactions leading to overt diabetes. As a first approach to this issue, we searched whether A1AT and HSPs had a sequence similarity to major islet antigen proteins so as to identify among the similar sequences those with potential relevance for the pathogenesis of diabetes. A thorough in silico analysis was performed to establish the score of similarity of the human proteins: A1AT, pro-insulin (INS), GAD65, IAPP, IA-2, ICA69, Grp94, HSP70 and HSP60. The sequences of A1AT and HSPs with the highest score of similarity to the islet peptides reported in the literature as the main autoantigens in human diabetes were recorded. At variance with other HSPs, also including HSP90 and Grp78, Grp94 contained the highest number and the longest sequences with structural similarity to A1AT and to well-known immunogenic peptides/epitopes of INS, GAD65, and IA-2. The similarity of A1AT with Grp94 and that of Grp94 with INS also suggested a functional relationship among the proteins. Specific sequences were identified in A1AT, Grp94 and HSP70, with the highest score of cross-similarity to a pattern of eight different islet protein epitopes. The similarity also involved recently discovered autoantigens in type 1 diabetes such as a hybrid peptides of insulin and the defective ribosomal insulin gene product. The significant similarity displayed by specific sequences of Grp94 and A1AT to the islet peptides considered main antigens in human diabetes, is a strong indication for testing these sequences as new peptides of immunogenic relevance in diabetes.
Prognostic significance of pathologic nodal positivity in non-metastatic patients with renal cell carcinoma who underwent radical or partial nephrectomy
Authors: Kim Sung Han , Park Boram , Hwang Eu Chang , Hong Sung-Hoo , Jeong Chang Wook , Kwak Cheol , Byun Seok Soo , Chung Jinsoo
Published: February 2021

This retrospective, five-multicenter study was aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact of pathologic nodal positivity on recurrence-free (RFS), metastasis-free (MFS), overall (OS), and cancer-specific (CSS) survivals in patients with non-metastatic renal cell carcinoma (nmRCC) who underwent either radical or partial nephrectomy with/without LN dissection. A total of 4236 nmRCC patients was enrolled between 2000 and 2012, and followed up through the end of 2017. Survival measures were compared between 52 (1.2%) stage pT1-4N1 (LN+) patients and 4184 (98.8%) stage pT1-4N0 (LN−) patients using Kaplan–Meier analysis with the log-rank test and Cox regression analysis to determine the prognostic risk factors for each survival measure. During the median 43.8-month follow-up, 410 (9.7%) recurrences, 141 (3.3%) metastases, and 351 (8.3%) deaths, including 212 (5.0%) cancer-specific deaths, were reported. The risk factor analyses showed that predictive factors for RFS, CSS, and OS were similar, whereas those of MFS were not. After adjusting for significant clinical factors affecting survival outcomes considering the hazard ratios (HR) of each group, the LN+ group, even those with low pT stage, had similar to or worse survival outcomes than the pT3N0 (LN−) group in multivariable analysis and had significantly more relationship with RFS than MFS. All survival measures were significantly worse in pT1-2N1 patients (MFS/RFS/OS/CSS; HR 4.12/HR 3.19/HR 4.41/HR 7.22) than in pT3-4N0 patients (HR 3.08/HR 2.92/HR 2.09/HR 3.73). Therefore, LN+ had an impact on survival outcomes worse than pT3-4N0 and significantly affected local recurrence rather than distant metastasis compared to LN− in nmRCC after radical or partial nephrectomy.
Albumin inhibits the nuclear translocation of Smad3 via interleukin-1beta signaling in hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Park Ji Hoon , Kim Janghyun , Choi So-Young , Lee Boram , Lee Jung-Eun , Park Heekyung , Moon Ji Wook , Park Sun-Hwa , Lee Jae Min , Lee Hong Sik , Oh Junseo
Published: February 2021

Activation of quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to myofibroblasts plays a key role in liver fibrosis. We had previously shown that albumin and its derivative, R-III (a retinol-binding protein—albumin domain III fusion protein), inhibited HSC activation by sequestering retinoic acid (RA) and that R-III administration reduced carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism of action of albumin downstream of RA sequestration. Nuclear factor-κB p65 was evenly distributed in the cytoplasm in activated mouse HSCs, whereas albumin expression or R-III treatment (albumin/R-III) caused the nuclear translocation of p65, probably via RA sequestration, resulting in a dramatic increase in interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) expression. Albumin/R-III in turn induced the phosphorylation of Smad3 at the linker region, inhibiting its nuclear import in an IL-1β-dependent manner. Consistent with the in vitro results, the level of IL-1β mRNA expression was higher in CCl4/R-III-treated livers than in CCl4-treated livers. These findings reveal that albumin/R-III inhibits the transforming growth factor-β-Smad3 signaling as well as the retinoic acid receptor-mediated pathway, which probably contributes to the inhibition of HSC activation, and suggest that R-III may be an anti-fibrotic drug candidate.
Critical importance of pH and collector type on the flotation of sphalerite and galena from a low-grade lead–zinc ore
Authors: Foroutan Abdolrahim , Abbas Zadeh Haji Abadi Majid , Kianinia Yaser , Ghadiri Mahdi
Published: February 2021

Collector type and pulp pH play an important role in the lead–zinc ore flotation process. In the current study, the effect of pulp pH and the collector type parameters on the galena and sphalerite flotation from a complex lead–zinc–iron ore was investigated. The ethyl xanthate and Aero 3418 collectors were used for lead flotation and Aero 3477 and amyl xanthate for zinc flotation. It was found that maximum lead grade could be achieved by using Aero 3418 as collector at pH 8. Also, iron and zinc recoveries and grades were increased in the lead concentrate at lower pH which caused zinc recovery reduction in the zinc concentrate and decrease the lead grade concentrate. Furthermore, the results showed that the maximum zinc grade and recovery of 42.9% and 76.7% were achieved at pH 6 in the presence of Aero 3477 as collector. For both collectors at pH 5, Zinc recovery was increased around 2–3%; however, the iron recovery was also increased at this pH which reduced the zinc concentrate quality. Finally, pH 8 and pH 6 were selected as optimum pH values for lead and zinc flotation circuits, respectively.
Endogenous social distancing and its underappreciated impact on the epidemic curve
Authors: Gosak Marko , Kraemer Moritz U. G. , Nax Heinrich H. , Perc Matjaž , Pradelski Bary S. R.
Published: February 2021

Social distancing is an effective strategy to mitigate the impact of infectious diseases. If sick or healthy, or both, predominantly socially distance, the epidemic curve flattens. Contact reductions may occur for different reasons during a pandemic including health-related mobility loss (severity of symptoms), duty of care for a member of a high-risk group, and forced quarantine. Other decisions to reduce contacts are of a more voluntary nature. In particular, sick people reduce contacts consciously to avoid infecting others, and healthy individuals reduce contacts in order to stay healthy. We use game theory to formalize the interaction of voluntary social distancing in a partially infected population. This improves the behavioral micro-foundations of epidemiological models, and predicts differential social distancing rates dependent on health status. The model’s key predictions in terms of comparative statics are derived, which concern changes and interactions between social distancing behaviors of sick and healthy. We fit the relevant parameters for endogenous social distancing to an epidemiological model with evidence from influenza waves to provide a benchmark for an epidemic curve with endogenous social distancing. Our results suggest that spreading similar in peak and case numbers to what partial immobilization of the population produces, yet quicker to pass, could occur endogenously. Going forward, eventual social distancing orders and lockdown policies should be benchmarked against more realistic epidemic models that take endogenous social distancing into account, rather than be driven by static, and therefore unrealistic, estimates for social mixing that intrinsically overestimate spreading.
Association of aryl hydrocarbon receptor transactivating activity, a potential biomarker for persistent organic pollutants, with the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Park Sunmin , Chon Suk , Park So Young , Yun Soojin , Baik Sei Hyun , Woo Jeong Taek , Rhee Sang Youl , Pak Youngmi Kim , Kim Sung-Hoon
Published: February 2021

Persistent organic pollutants(POPs) are suggested to be potential risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM). We examined the hypothesis that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor trans-activating(AhRT) activity, a potential biomarker for the presence of POPs, could be a GDM risk factor in pregnant women. A total of 390 GDM and 100 normal pregnant(non-GDM) subjects in the Korea National Diabetes Program cohort voluntarily participated. We measured AhRT activity and concentrations of ATP and reactive oxygen in the serum collected at the screening of the participants for GDM using recombinant Hepa1c1c7 cells. Odds ratios(ORs) and 95% confidence intervals(CIs) were estimated using multivariable logistic regression models. The sensitivity and specificity of AhRT activity for GDM diagnostics were measured by receiver operating characteristic(ROC) analysis. Body mass index at pre-pregnancy and delivery and systolic blood pressure were significantly higher in the GDM group. AhRT activity was higher, and ATP concentrations were lower in the GDM group than the non-GDM group(P < 0.0001). AhRT activity was significantly higher in the GDM group(OR 29.3, 95% CI 10.9–79.1) compared with non-GDM(P < 0.0001). Serum glucose concentration at 1 h after a 50 g glucose challenge(glucose-50) was moderately correlated with AhRT activity(r2 = 0.387) and negatively correlated with ATP production(r2 =  −0.650). In the ROC curve, AhRT activity had 70.9% sensitivity and 90.0% specificity for glucose-50, a GDM screening method. In conclusion, this study suggests that serum AhRT activity is positively associated with the risk of GDM.
Intraarticular triamcinolone hexacetonide, stanozolol, Hylan G-F 20 and platelet concentrate in a naturally occurring canine osteoarthritis model
Authors: Alves J. C. , Santos A. , Jorge P. , Lavrador C. , Carreira L. Miguel
Published: February 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease transversal to all mammals, a source of chronic pain and disability, a huge burden to societies, with a significant toll in healthcare cost, while reducing productivity and quality of life. The dog is considered a useful model for the translational study of the disease, closely matching human OA, with the advantage of a faster disease progression while maintaining the same life stages. In a prospective, longitudinal, double-blinded, negative controlled study, one hundred (N = 100) hip joints were selected and randomly assigned to five groups: control group (CG, n = 20, receiving a saline injection), triamcinolone hexacetonide group (THG, n = 20), platelet concentrate group (PCG, n = 20), stanozolol group (SG, n = 20) and hylan G-F 20 group (HG). Evaluations were conducted on days 0 (T0, treatment day), 8, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 days post-treatment, consisting of weight distribution analysis and data from four Clinical Metrology Instruments (CMI). Kaplan–Meier estimators were generated and compared with the Breslow test. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to investigate the influence of variables of interest on treatment survival. All results were analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics version 20 and a significance level of p < 0.05 was set. Sample included joints of 100 pelvic limbs (of patients with a mean age of 6.5 ± 2.4 years and body weight of 26.7 ± 5.2 kg. Joints were graded as mild (n = 70), moderate (n = 20) and severe (n = 10) OA. No differences were found between groups at T0. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that all treatments produced longer periods with better results in the various evaluations compared to CG. Patients in HG and PCG took longer to return to baseline values and scores. A higher impact on pain interference was observed in THG, with a 95% improvement over CG. PCG and HG experienced 57–81% improvements in functional evaluation and impairments due to OA, and may be a better options for these cases. This study documented the efficacy of several approaches to relieve OA clinical signs. These approaches varied in intensity and duration. HG and PCG where the groups were more significant improvements were observed throughout the follow-up periods, with lower variation in results.
Device simulation of highly efficient eco-friendly CH3NH3SnI3 perovskite solar cell
Authors: Patel Piyush K.
Published: February 2021

Photoexcited lead-free perovskite CH3NH3SnI3 based solar cell device was simulated using a solar cell capacitance simulator. It was modeled to investigate its output characteristics under AM 1.5G illumination. Simulation efforts are focused on the thickness, acceptor concentration and defect density of absorber layer on photovoltaic properties of solar cell device. In addition, the impact of various metal contact work function was also investigated. The simulation results indicate that an absorber thickness of 500 nm is appropriate for a good photovoltaic cell. Oxidation of Sn2+ into Sn4+ was considered and it is found that the reduction of acceptor concentration of absorber layer significantly improves the device performance. Further, optimizing the defect density (1014 cm−3) of the perovskite absorber layer, encouraging results of the Jsc of 40.14 mA/cm2, Voc of 0.93 V, FF of 75.78% and PCE of 28.39% were achieved. Finally, an anode material with a high work function is necessary to get the device's better performance. The high-power conversion efficiency opens a new avenue for attaining clean energy.
A systematic review and meta-analysis on the clinical implications of probability discounting among individuals with Internet gaming disorder
Authors: Chung Weilun , Sun Cheuk-Kwan , Tsai I.-Ting , Hung Kuo-Chuan , Chiu Hsien-Jane , Tzang Ruu-Fen , Yeh Pin-Yang , Cheng Yu-Shian
Published: February 2021

The significance of probability discounting (PD) among individuals with Internet gaming disorder (IGD) remains unclear. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched the PubMed, Embase, and ScienceDirect databases for English articles on Internet addiction that included comparison between individuals with and without IGD as well as probabilistic discounting task as the main outcome from January 1970 to July 2020 using the appropriate keyword strings. The primary outcome was the overall difference in rate of PD, while the secondary outcomes included the difference in PD with magnitude of probabilistic reward and response time of the PD task. Effect size (ES) was calculated through dividing the group means (e.g., h value or AUC) by the pooled standard deviations of the two groups. A total of five studies with 300 participants (i.e., IGD group, n = 150, mean age = 20.27 ± 2.68; healthy controls, n = 150, mean age = 20.70 ± 2.81) were analyzed. The IGD group was more willing to take risks in probabilistic gains but performances on probabilistic losses were similar between the two groups. The IGD group also exhibited a shorter response time (Hedge’s g = − 0.51; 95%CI = − 0.87 to − 0.15). Meta-regression demonstrated a positive correlation between maximum reward magnitude and PD rate (p < 0.04). However, significant publication bias was noted among the included studies (Egger’s test, p < 0.01). In conclusion, individuals with IGD seemed more impulsive in making risky decisions, especially when the potential gains were expected. Our findings not only supported the use of PD for assessing individuals with IGD but may also provide new insights into appropriate interventions.
Lab-scale design of two layers wood cellulose filter media to maximize life span for intake air filtration
Authors: Yang Qian , Zhao Guodong , Wu Yinglong , Zhang Bianzhi , Hu Jianquan , Hui Lanfeng , Liu Zhong
Published: February 2021

The requirement of continuous and stringent growth on filtration performance, including longer life span, higher overall efficiency, lower initial pressure drop and more cost effective, has still drove filter media manufactures to research and develop. One of the possible way to achieve these challenges, was to utilize a dual-channel head-box with two sets of pulp conveying system, which can produce filter media with bulky and gradient properties. In this study, three kinds of commercial cellulose were chosen to make two layers filtration media, analyzed the effect of fiber blend on physical properties and filtration performance. By fine-tune the slurry ratio of top layer, we made one single layer and two layers composition filter media, the thickness and air permeability of composition media were higher than single layer media. According to ISO 5011, filtration performance test has been done to compare single layer media with composition media, this composition gradient profiles that provided the life span 37.0% improvement to the terminal pressure drop during dust injecting, and the dust hold capacity improved 34.7%, the main contributor of dust hold capacity was decided by top layer, however, the overall efficiency was depended on wire side layer.
Author Correction: Carbon nanotube embedded adhesives for real-time monitoring of adhesion failure in high performance adhesively bonded joints
Authors: Bregar Tadej , An Donglan , Gharavian Somayeh , Burda Marek , Durazo-Cardenas Isidro , Thakur Vijay Kumar , Ayre David , Słoma Marcin , Hardiman Mark , McCarthy Conor , Nezhad Hamed Yazdani
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Risk factors associated with surgical intervention in childhood pleural tuberculosis
Authors: Zhou Ming , Ren Shi-Feng , Gong Huai-Zheng , Wang Mao-Shui
Published: February 2021

Surgical intervention use is common in the management of childhood pleural tuberculosis (TB), however, its associated risk factors remain unclear. Between January 2006 and December 2019, consecutive children patients (≤ 15 years old) who had a diagnosis of pleural TB were included for the analysis. Surgical intervention was defined as debridement (such as breaking loculations), decortication, and thoracic surgery (such as lobectomy or segmental resection). Patients undergoing surgery were included as surgical group, without surgery were classified as non-surgical group, surgical risk factors were then estimated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to evaluate the risk factors for surgical interventions. A total of 154 children diagnosed as pleural TB (definite, 123 cases; possible, 31 cases) were included in our study. Of them, 29 patients (18.8%) were classified as surgical group and 125 patients (81.2%) were classified as non-surgical group. Surgical treatments were analyzed in 29 (18.8%) patients, including debridement (n = 4), decortication (n = 21), and thoracic surgery (n = 4). Further multivariate analysis revealed that empyema (age- and sex-adjusted OR = 27.3, 95% CI 8.6, 87.1; P < 0.001) and frequency of hospitalization (age- and sex-adjusted OR = 1.53, 95% CI 1.11, 2.11; P < 0.01) were associated with the use of surgical interventions in children with pleural TB. In China, surgical interventions are still required in a significant proportion of children with pleural TB, and the surgical risk is found to be associated with the frequency of hospitalization and empyema. These findings may be helpful to improve the management of children with pleural TB and minimize the risk of poor outcomes.
Clinical progression and outcomes of 260 patients with severe COVID-19: an observational study
Authors: Wang Junjuan , Zheng Xulei , Chen Jianbin
Published: February 2021

This paper presents the results of an observational, prospective study of the clinical progression and outcomes of patients with severe COVID-19. Overall, 260 patients with severe COVID-19 were included. The median age of the patients was 61 years (IQR 42.0–73.0), and 119 (45.8%) patients had one or more medical comorbidities. The median time from initial onset of symptoms to hospital admission was 8 days (IQR 6.0–11.0). Varying degrees of abnormalities in blood biochemical results were detected in most patients. All patients received supportive therapy and antiviral treatment. All patients were administered empirical antibiotic treatment with a median time of 5 days (IQR 3–7). Mechanical ventilation was required in accordance with respiratory conditions. At the data cutoff, 183 (70.4%) patients had been discharged, and 17 (6.5%) patients had been transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU). Twenty-five (9.6%) patients had died, and 35 (13.5%) patients were still in the hospital. During follow-up, 7 patients with fever were negative for SARS-Cov-2 antigens upon retest. The implications of the results are discussed for clinical features and the management of patients with severe COVID-19.
Publisher Correction: miR-379 deletion ameliorates features of diabetic kidney disease by enhancing adaptive mitophagy via FIS1
Authors: Kato Mitsuo , Abdollahi Maryam , Tunduguru Ragadeepthi , Tsark Walter , Chen Zhuo , Wu Xiwei , Wang Jinhui , Chen Zhen Bouman , Lin Feng-Mao , Lanting Linda , Wang Mei , Huss Janice , Fueger Patrick T. , Chan David , Natarajan Rama
Published: February 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-021-01691-4
Ice dynamics will remain a primary driver of Greenland ice sheet mass loss over the next century
Authors: Choi Youngmin , Morlighem Mathieu , Rignot Eric , Wood Michael
Published: February 2021

The mass loss of the Greenland Ice Sheet is nearly equally partitioned between a decrease in surface mass balance from enhanced surface melt and an increase in ice dynamics from the acceleration and retreat of its marine-terminating glaciers. Much uncertainty remains in the future mass loss of the Greenland Ice Sheet due to the challenges of capturing the ice dynamic response to climate change in numerical models. Here, we estimate the sea level contribution of the Greenland Ice Sheet over the 21st century using an ice-sheet wide, high-resolution, ice-ocean numerical model that includes surface mass balance forcing, thermal forcing from the ocean, and iceberg calving dynamics. The model is calibrated with ice front observations from the past eleven years to capture the recent evolution of marine-terminating glaciers. Under a business as usual scenario, we find that northwest and central west Greenland glaciers will contribute more mass loss than other regions due to ice front retreat and ice flow acceleration. By the end of century, ice discharge from marine-terminating glaciers will contribute 50 ± 20% of the total mass loss, or twice as much as previously estimated although the contribution from the surface mass balance increases towards the end of the century.
Versatile labeling of multiple radionuclides onto a nanoscale metal–organic framework for tumor imaging and radioisotope therapy
Authors: Tao Yugui , Sun Yuanchen , Shi Kexin , Pei Pei , Ge Fei , Yang Kai , Liu Teng
Published: February 2021

Versatile labeling of multiple radionuclides onto a nanoscale metal–organic framework (PCN-PEG) for tumor imaging and radioisotope therapy.
Ultrasensitive detection of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in whole blood using dispersible electrodes
Authors: Moazzam Parisa , Myekhlai Munkhshur , Alinezhad Ali , Alshawawreh Fida’a A. , Bakthavathsalam Padmavathy , Gonçales Vinicius R , Tilley Richard D. , Gooding J. Justin
Published: February 2021

A rapid, selective, and highly sensitive electrochemical-based sensing platform that uses the Au@MNPs as dispersible electrodes for quantifying programmed-death ligand 1 (PD-L1) levels directly in undiluted whole blood.
Hypersensitive pressure-dependence of the conversion temperature of hysteretic valence tautomeric manganese–nitronyl nitroxide radical 2D-frameworks
Authors: Lecourt Constance , Izumi Yuuta , Maryunina Kseniya , Inoue Katsuya , Bélanger-Desmarais Nicolas , Reber Christian , Desroches Cédric , Luneau Dominique
Published: February 2021

Under a mild external pressure of 0.1 GPa valence tautomeric compounds {[Mn2(NITIm)3]X}n with nitronyl nitroxide radical NITIm and X = ClO4− or BF4− have their conversion shifted upwards by almost 40 K with respect to room temperature.
Multivalent Sgc8c-aptamer decorated polymer scaffolds for leukemia targeting
Authors: Zhang Zhaobao , Tang Chunling , Hammink Roel , Nelissen Frank H. T. , Heus Hans A. , Kouwer Paul H. J.
Published: February 2021

Sgc8c aptamers on a stiff polymer scaffold form a multivalent inhibitor targeting acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Possibility of making aerophobic surfaces by nanoprotrusions: an investigation of atomic-scale friction of the air–solid interfaces
Authors: Bavi Omid , Ghadak Farhad
Published: February 2021

Employing a triple point charge/mass model for air molecules, the atomic interaction of airflow/solid surfaces has been evaluated using all-atom, non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations.
Flexible to rigid: IR spectroscopic investigation of a rhenium-tricarbonyl-complex at a buried interface
Authors: Oppelt Kerstin T. , Sevéry Laurent , Utters Mirjam , Tilley S. David , Hamm Peter
Published: February 2021

Immobilized rhenium tricarbonyl complexes were embedded in ALD deposited ZrO2, and investigated by (time resolved) infrared spectroscopy. The initially solvent exposed molecules react on the change of their environment.
Luminescent naphthalimide-tagged ruthenium(ii)–arene complexes: cellular imaging, photocytotoxicity and transferrin binding
Authors: Srivastava Payal , Verma Madhu , Kumar Anmol , Srivastava Priyanka , Mishra Ramranjan , Sivakumar Sri , Patra Ashis K.
Published: February 2021

Two luminescent ruthenium(ii)–arene complexes containing a naphthalimide tagged morpholine moiety were studied for their biomaging, transferrin-binding and phototherapeutic activity.
Boron-based Be2B5+/0/−alloy clusters: inverse sandwiches with pentagonal boron ring and reduction-induced structural transformation to molecular wheel structure
Authors: Han Li-Hua , Wang Ying-Jin , Zhai Hua-Jin
Published: February 2021

Boron-based Be2B5+/0/−alloy clusters feature inverse sandwichversusmolecular wheel structures, which sensitively depend on their charge states and show distinct π/σ aromaticity.
The modulation effect of charge transfer on photoluminescence in metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Zhao Yuewu , Wang Jine , Zhu Weipei , Liu Lifen , Pei Renjun
Published: February 2021

The intramolecular ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) process acts as a fluorescence switch in MOF nanomaterials, effectively quenching or enabling fluorescence.
Ni(ii), Cu(ii) and Zn(ii) complexes with the 1-trifluoroethoxyl-2,9,10-trimethoxy-7-oxoaporphine ligand simultaneously target microtubules and mitochondria for cancer therapy
Authors: Liao Lan-Shan , Chen Yin , Mo Zu-Yu , Hou Cheng , Su Gui-Fa , Liang Hong , Chen Zhen-Feng
Published: February 2021

Complexes 1–3 display potent anticancer activity against T-24 cell by disrupting mitochondria and microtubules. Furthermore, complex 1 exhibits almost same tumor growth inhibition activity in T-24 xenograft mouse model as cisplatin and paclitaxel.
Recent advances in Cu-based catalysts for electroreduction of carbon dioxide
Authors: Yan Yan , Ke Longwei , Ding Ying , Zhang Yao , Rui Kun , Lin Huijuan , Zhu Jixin
Published: February 2021

This review comprehensively summarizes the latest progress as well as the challenges and prospects of Cu-based catalysts for the electroreduction of carbon dioxide.
General and practical intramolecular decarbonylative coupling of thioesters via palladium catalysis
Authors: Cao Han , Liu Xuejing , Bie Fusheng , Shi Yijun , Han Ying , Yan Peng , Szostak Michal , Liu Chengwei
Published: February 2021

We report a general and practical palladium-catalyzed intramolecular decarbonylative coupling of thioesters via C–S bond cleavage, decarbonylation and C–S bond reformation.
Solid state structure and properties of phenyl diketopyrrolopyrrole derivatives
Authors: Humphreys Joshua , Pop Flavia , Hume Paul A. , Murphy Alanna S. , Lewis William , Davies E. Stephen , Argent Stephen P. , Amabilino David B.
Published: February 2021

Crystal structures of the title compounds show diverse packing by interactions of auxochromes giving materials with varied optoelectronic properties.
Blue-light-promoted radical C–H azolation of cyclic nitrones enabled by Selectfluor®
Authors: Akulov Alexey A. , Varaksin Mikhail V. , Tsmokalyuk Anton N. , Charushin Valery N. , Chupakhin Oleg N.
Published: February 2021

The use of Selectfluor® enables the cross-dehydrogenative coupling of model cyclic aldonitrones, 2H-imidazole 1-oxides, with NH-containing azoles, the process being accelerated by blue light irradiation.