bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Species-specific trophic enrichment factor of stable nitrogen and carbon isotopes in fish otolith organic matter
Authors: Chung Ming-Tsung , Peng Yu-Yang , Nazir Aafaq , Wang Yu-Chun , Wang Pei-Lin , Shiao Jen-Chieh
Published: June 2023

Context Although stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopes are widely used to study feeding ecology, the use of these isotopes in otolith organic matter to assess the diet of fishes is rarely investigated. Aim This study evaluated the relationship of δ13C and δ15N values among muscle, otolith organic matter and diet. The samples were analysed using an elemental analyzer connected to isotope-ratio mass spectrometry. Key results The δ15N values were highest in muscle followed by otoliths, diet and plankton, although no significant difference in δ15N values was found between the otolith and diet for most of the samples. The fish collected from water reservoirs showed similar δ13C values between otolith and muscle, both of which were higher than the isotopic values of the fish diet. However, the farmed fishes showed small but significant difference in the δ13C values between muscle and otolith, which reflects diet change or commercial diet containing a mixture of different food items. Conclusion Otolith δ15N value can provide information about fish diet and the otolith δ13C value can act as a good proxy of muscle δ13C composition in fish species. Implications Otolith δ15N and δ13C values can faithfully reflect the trophic position and feeding behaviours of fish.
Atmospheric heat transport is governed by meridional gradients in surface evaporation in modern-day earth-like climates
Authors: Fajber Robert , Donohoe Aaron , Ragen Sarah , Armour Kyle C. , Kushner Paul J.
Published: June 2023

Evaporation adds moisture to the atmosphere, while condensation removes it. Condensation also adds thermal energy to the atmosphere, which must be removed from the atmosphere by radiative cooling. As a result of these two processes, there is a net flow of energy driven by surface evaporation adding energy and radiative cooling removing energy from the atmosphere. Here, we calculate the implied heat transport of this process to find the atmospheric heat transport in balance with the surface evaporation. In modern-day Earth-like climates, evaporation varies strongly between the equator and the poles, while the net radiative cooling in the atmosphere is nearly meridionally uniform, and as a consequence, the heat transport governed by evaporation is similar to the total poleward heat transport of the atmosphere. This analysis is free from cancellations between moist and dry static energy transports, which greatly simplifies the interpretation of atmospheric heat transport and its relationship to the diabatic heating and cooling that governs the atmospheric heat transport. We further demonstrate, using a hierarchy of models, that much of the response of atmospheric heat transport to perturbations, including increasing CO
2
concentrations, can be understood from the distribution of evaporation changes. These findings suggest that meridional gradients in surface evaporation govern atmospheric heat transport and its changes.
Primary cutaneous plasmacytosis successfully treated with topical photodynamic therapy
Authors: Tzung TY , Wu KH , Wu JC , Tseng HH.
Published: June 2023

No abstract available
Multiple skin metastases of amelanotic melanoma originating from the sinonasal mucosa
Authors: Yanagi T , Akiyama M , Kasai M , Yamakura M , Nishio M , Shimizu H.
Published: June 2023

No abstract available
Cholesterol emboli syndrome: significance of the lesional skin biopsies
Authors: Molinos S , Feal C , Gándara A , Morla J , De La , Rosón E.
Published: June 2023

No abstract available
Miniaturised test-setup for Spark Plasma Sintering – experimental and numerical investigations
Authors: Nöthe M. , Trapp J. , Semenov A. S. , Kieback B. , Wallmersperger T.
Published: June 2023

Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) is an innovative sintering technique, whereby many of the beneficial effects of this process on sintering are still elusive. To allow for the detailed investigations of the SPS process, a custom experimental set-up and a corresponding finite element (FE) model was developed. The miniaturised setup allows for very high current intensities, custom pulse patterns, a wide pressure range and dilatometric measurements. The FE model was employed to calculate the temperature field in the set-up and the sintering specimen itself. A very good correlation of the temperature, current and voltage over the entire process was observed. Our investigations show that the contact conductivities have a significant impact on the process temperature. Also, the imperfect contacts at the interfaces between the graphite foil and the real specimen may lead to a significant variance of the currents necessary to obtain the desired sintering temperature.
CD8+ T cell depletion prevents neuropathology in a mouse model of globoid cell leukodystrophy
Authors: Sutter Pearl A. , Ménoret Antoine , Jellison Evan R. , Nicaise Alexandra M. , Bradbury Allison M. , Vella Anthony T. , Bongarzone Ernesto R. , Crocker Stephen J.
Published: June 2023

Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD) or Krabbe’s disease is a fatal genetic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system caused by loss-of-function mutations in the galactosylceramidase (galc) gene. While the metabolic basis for disease is known, the understanding of how this results in neuropathology is not well understood. Herein, we report that the rapid and protracted elevation of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes occurs coincident with clinical disease in a mouse model of GLD. Administration of a function-blocking antibody against CD8α effectively prevented disease onset, reduced morbidity and mortality, and prevented CNS demyelination in mice. These data indicate that subsequent to the genetic cause of disease, neuropathology is driven by pathogenic CD8+ T cells, thus offering novel therapeutic potential for treatment of GLD.
Image reconstruction for ECT based on high-order approximate sensitivity matrix
Authors: Yang Yidan , Liu Jing , Liu Guoqiang
Published: June 2023

Electrical capacitance tomography (ECT), widely used for industrial measurements, reflects the permittivity distribution of the imaging region by measuring capacitance. The image reconstruction method is a crucial factor in determining image quality. Normally, the ECT image is reconstructed by sensitivity matrix. To alleviate the effects of the soft field property of the traditional sensitivity matrix, we propose an ECT reconstruction method based on the high-order approximate sensitivity matrix. The high-order approximate sensitivity matrices with four different nonlinearities, including a traditional sensitivity matrix, are derived through electromagnetic field analysis. Both numerical simulation and experiment are implemented for four sensitivity matrices using the Tikhonov regularisation algorithm and Landweber algorithm. Sensitivity evaluation indicators, image evaluation metricises, and capacitance matching correlation coefficients are used to compare the performance of sensitivity matrices. The results show that the high-order approximate sensitivity matrix with suitable nonlinearities improves image reconstruction quality. In different flow regimes, the sensitivity matrix with proper linearity has obvious advantages for regimes with high nonlinearity. The high-order approximate sensitivity matrix leads to shorter calculation time and can be used by various algorithms to enhance image reconstruction quality.
Computational modeling of CO2 conversion by a solar-enhanced microwave plasma reactor
Authors: Elahi Rasool , Simasiku Ephraim M , Trelles Juan P
Published: June 2023

The use of renewable energy to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into higher-value products can help meet the demand for fuels and chemicals while reducing CO2 emissions. Solar-Enhanced Microwave Plasma (SEMP) CO2 conversion aims to combine the scalability and sustainability of solar thermochemical methods with the high efficiency and continuous operation of plasmachemical approaches. A computational study of a built SEMP reactor operating with up to 1250 W of microwave power together with up to 525 W of incident solar power at atmospheric pressure is presented. The study is based on a fully-coupled 2D computational model comprising the description of fluid flow, heat transfer, Ar-CO2 chemical kinetics, energy conservation for electrons and heavy-species, electrostatics, and radiative transport in participating media through the discharge tube, together with the description of the microwave electromagnetic field through the waveguide and the discharge tube. Numerical simulations reveal that the plasma is concentrated near the location of incident microwave energy, which is aligned with the radiation focal point, and that CO2 decomposition is highest in that region. The incident solar radiation flux leads to more uniform distributions of heavy-species temperature with moderately greater values throughout most of the discharge tube. Modeling results show that, at 700 W of electric power, conversion efficiency increases from 6.8% to 10.0% with increasing solar power from 0 to 525 W, in good agreement with the experimental findings of 6.4% to 9.2%. The enhanced process performance is a consequence of the greater power density of the microwave plasma due to the absorption of solar radiation.
Large reciprocal magneto-optical effect induced by all-dielectric resonant gratings based on a magnetic nanocomposite
Authors: Bsawmaii Laure , Gamet Emilie , Lefkir Yaya , Neveu Sophie , Jamon Damien , Royer François
Published: June 2023

The beneficial combination of micro- and nano-patterned surfaces with magneto-optical materials was investigated over the recent years. Due to their resonant behavior, these structures are commonly used to enhance the non-reciprocal magneto-optical effects. In this paper, a novel kind of magneto-optical intensity effect is enhanced with an all-dielectric grating patterned on a magnetic nanocomposite layer. This nanocomposite is made of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in a silica matrix by sol–gel technique. The demonstrated magneto-optical intensity effect is reciprocal and it is observed with transverse magnetic field, for both polarization (TE and TM) and small angles of incidence. Such effect is not explained by the classical appearance of off-diagonal elements in the permittivity tensor of the magneto-optical material under magnetic field. However, it can be attributed to a magneto-induced reciprocal modification of the diagonal elements. Furthermore, this effect strongly depends on the NPs orientation inside the magneto-optical film and can originate from the magnetostrictive property of the magnetic CoFe2O4 NPs.
An insight into the role of titanium oxide nanofiller on the structural, optical, electrical, and dielectric characteristics of PS/PVK composite
Authors: Al-Muntaser A A , Alzahrani Eman , Saeed Abdu , Al Naim Abdullah F , Abo-Dief Hala M , Qusti Safaa Y , Tarabiah A E
Published: June 2023

Nanocomposite films made of polystyrene (PS) and polyvinyl carbazole (PVK) and filled with varying quantities of titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared using the solution casting process. The TiO2 NPs’ impact on the pure PS/PVK blend’s structural, optical, and conductive properties was investigated and explained. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements indicate that the synthesized TiO2 NPs’ size ranges between 12 and 32 nm and has a tetragonal anatase phase. The XRD scans also indicate that the PS/PVK filling with TiO2 NPs decreases the nanocomposite crystallinity. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis shows the main distinctive absorption peaks of PS and PVK, whose intensities changed randomly after filling. Moreover, the highest TiO2 NPs content showed a new peak at 449 cm−1. The UV/visible measurements showed that the optical energy gaps for the direct and indirect permitted transitions decreased as the TiO2 NPs content increased. Using impedance spectroscopy at room temperature, the AC electrical conductivity of the PS/PVK mixture containing TiO2 NPs was investigated over a broad frequency range from 10−1 to 107 Hz. It has been shown that the frequency dependence of AC electrical conductivity obeys Jonscher’s rule, and the increase of TiO2 NPs concentration in the blend induces the formation of a percolating network within the composite. It has also been shown that the composite’s dielectric loss and constant increase with nanoparticle concentration.
Sorption of metal elements by single-walled carbon nanotubes and x-ray absorption spectroscopy analysis
Authors: Tchienkoua Cetrigue , Thiodjio Sendja Bridinette , Tchenguem Kamto Camile Rodolphe , Tchana Kamgne Duclair , Medellin-Castillo Nahum Andres , Labrada-Delgado Gladis Judith , Ndjaka Jean Marie
Published: June 2023

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were used for the sorption of monovalent K(I), divalent Pb(II), Zn(II), and Cd(II) in addition to hexavalent Cr(VI) metal elements from aqueous solutions. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) was employed for the preliminary characterization of the metals sorbed SWCNTs materials. The adsorption capacities of the investigated metals are associated with the functional groups involved in the sorption mechanism. The sorption and XAS results revealed that hexavalent Cr(VI) was highly adsorbed by SWCNTs. The sorption mechanism of Cr(VI) is associated with the reduction of Cr(VI) to trivalent Cr(III). XAS also suggested that in the environment nearest to the sorbed metals Cr, Pb, Zn, and K, the existing binding interactions are Cr–O, Pb–O, Zn–O, and K–O respectively.
Geometric quantum discord and coherence in a dipolar interacting magnetic system
Authors: Cruz Clebson , Anka Maron F , Rastegar-Sedehi Hamid-Reza , Castro Cleidson
Published: June 2023

The study of low-dimensional metal complexes has revealed fascinating characteristics regarding the ground-state crossover shown by spin-gaped systems. In this context, this work explores the effect of the quantum-level crossing, induced by the magnetic anisotropies of dipolar interaction, on the quantum discord and coherence of a dinuclear spin-1/2 system. The analytical expressions for the quantum discord, based on Schatten 1-norm, and the l
1 norm quantum coherence for dinuclear spin-1/2 systems, are provided in terms of the magnetic anisotropies. The results show that, while the quantum discord has a clear signature of the quantum level-crossing, the basis dependence of the axial quantum coherence hides the crossover regarding the measured basis. Moreover, global coherence was expressed in terms of the co-latitude and longitude angles of the Bloch sphere representation. Through this result, the average quantum coherence is numerically measured in order to obtain a basis-independent perspective for the l
1 quantum coherence. The results show that the average measurement revealed the signature of the energy-level crossover obtained in the measurement of quantum discord, being wholly stored within the correlations of the system, even in the absence of entanglement.
Data-driven and almost model-independent reconstruction of modified gravity
Authors: Mu Yuhao , Li En-Kun , Xu Lixin
Published: June 2023

In this paper, a modified factorμ, which characterizes modified gravity in the linear matter density perturbation theory, is reconstructed in a data-driven and almost model-independent way via Gaussian process by using currently available cosmic observations. Utilizing the Pantheon+ SNe Ia samples, the observed Hubble parameterH(z) and the redshift space distortion  fσ8(z) data points, one finds out a time varyingμat low redshifts. The reconstructed  μimplies that more complicated modified gravity beyond the simplest general relativity and the Dvali-Gabadadze-Porrati braneworld model is required.
Evanescence and Evanescent Waves
Authors: Ghosh Roy D. , Mudaliar S.
Published: June 2023

In scattering and radiation experiments in electromagnetics, optics and acoustics, the scattered and radiated fields are frequently measured in theradiation zoneorfar-field, many wavelengths away from the source These fields arehomogeneousorpropagatingwith a1/r1/rfall-off. But in thenear-fieldwithin a distance of the order of a wavelength from the source, the fields are quasi-static and are calledinhomogeneousandnon-propagating, decaying as1/r3.1/r^3.It is the phenomenon ofevanescenceand the spatial spectrum of the near-field is dominated byevanescent waves. These waves are unobservable unlessfrustrated, i.e., thwarted by some object. They are and are not waves at the same time and have characteristics that seem to defy common sense. They can skim along a flat surface as regular propagating waves while exponentially decaying in the perpendicular direction. Yet, they are known to be present at infinity along some special directions. Whether their presence away from the surface is location or source dependent, is unclear. Moreover, how the propagating modes disentangle themselves from the quasi-static near-field and arrive at the radiation zone is alsosub judice. Controversies around these questions abound. Having a purely imaginary wavenumber, the evanescent waves were once thought to be of mathematical interest only, with no particular physical imports. But in the physics of near-field electromagnetics, optics, photonics and acoustics, with a number of breakthrough technological applications, evanescent waves occupy central position. Owing to their close proximity to the source, they are carriers of its high frequency information and are instrumental in achieving resolutions far exceeding the diffraction-limited classical limit. Evanescent modes are, therefore, crucial in high resolution imaging and inverse reconstructions of unknown objects. They are also highly relevant to scattering involving different media, high resolution spectroscopy and even high density data storage. In quantum mechanics, the evanescent waves are thought to be virtual photons and the phenomenon of evanescence as quantum tunneling. It is also known that in non-relativistic physics, the evanescent modes obey the macroscopic principle of causality of cause preceding effect. Evanescence has been discussed in a number of monographs and journal articles. The primary focus is overwhelmingly on optics. Our objective in this Chapter is to give an overall account of evanescence including simple, physical, pictures of how it can arise in unrelated practical situations.
Origins of cryophilous lineages and the role of Beringia: evidence from the cosmopolitan angiosperm genus Stellaria L. (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: Sharples Mathew T , Manzitto-Tripp Erin A
Published: June 2023

The cosmopolitan angiosperm genus Stellaria L. (Caryophyllaceae) occurs across the Arctic and is most diverse in the high southern Asian mountains, including presence at the most extreme latitudinal and elevational limits of vascular plants. Using the primary fossil record and double digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing data, we estimated divergence times of Stellaria and relatives across the Caryophyllaceae. We then used ancestral area and ancestral state reconstructions to interpret the biogeographical history of the group. We found that Stellaria originated in the Miocene and gave rise to repeated New World lineages, mostly from temperate Old World regions and probably via Bering Land Bridges. Circumboreal lineages were recovered of recent, Pleistocene origin and several might have originated in southerly mountains of both the Old World and the New World before subsequently colonizing the Arctic. Ancestral state reconstruction of inhabitance of cold vs. temperate climates and of wet vs. dry habitats revealed repeated evolutionary transitions across these extremes by members of the genus worldwide. Our study, which samples nearly all species within a diverse and cosmopolitan lineage of flowering plants, recovers a group characterized by niche lability and helps to support prior findings of temperate origins of many cryophilous plant lineages. Pre-adaptation to cold might have been a prerequisite for colonization of the Arctic.
Assessment of knowledge and comfort prescribing common systemic medications within an academic medical dermatology clinic: a cross-sectional survey study
Authors: Lau Charles B , Lau William C , Smith Gideon P
Published: June 2023

We assessed dermatologists’ knowledge and comfort levels in prescribing various medications. Knowledge gaps in the management of cyclophosphamide, opioid pain controllers, intravenous immunoglobulin and newer-generation biologics were observed. Dermatologists expressed greater concern about prescribing medications that are broadly immunosuppressive with severe side-effects such as cyclophosphamide and rituximab.
Actigraphic evidence of persistent sleep disruption following repetitive mild traumatic brain injury in a gyrencephalic model
Authors: Schwerin Susan C , Breehl Nicholas , Obasa Adedunsola , Kim Yeonho , McCabe Joseph , Perl Daniel P , Haight Thaddeus , Juliano Sharon L
Published: June 2023

We studied the effect of multimodal traumatic brain injuries on daily sleep/activity patterns and related histology. Gyrencephalic ferrets wore actigraphs and received military-relevant brain injuries including shockwaves, strong rotational impact, and variable stress, which were evaluated up to 6 months post injury. Sham and Baseline animals exhibited activity patterns occurring in distinct clusters of high activity, interspersed with periods of low activity. In the Injury and Injury + Stress groups, activity clusters diminished and overall activity patterns became significantly more dispersed at 4 weeks post injury with significant sleep fragmentation. Additionally, the Injury + Stress group exhibited a significant decrease in daytime high activity up to 4 months post injury. At 4 weeks post injury, the reactive astrocyte (GFAP) immunoreactivity was significantly greater in both the injury groups compared to Sham, but did not differ at 6 months post injury. The intensity of immunoreactivity of the astrocytic endfeet that surround blood vessels (visualized with aquaporin 4; AQP4), however, differed significantly from Sham at 4 weeks post injury (in both injured groups) and at 6 months (Injury + Stress only). As the distribution of AQP4 plays a key role in the glymphatic system, we suggest that glymphatic disruption occurs in ferrets after the injuries described here.
Spatiotemporal connectivity maps abnormal communication pathways in major depressive disorder underlying gamma oscillations
Authors: Chen Sitong , Liu Xiaoya , Huang Zhenni , Su Fangyue , Zhang Wenquan , Li Jie , Liu Shuang , Ming Dong
Published: June 2023

Auditory steady-state response underlying gamma oscillations (gamma-ASSR) have been explored in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), while ignoring the spatiotemporal dynamic characteristics. This study aims to construct dynamic directed brain networks to explore the disruption of spatiotemporal dynamics underlying gamma-ASSR in MDD. This study recruited 29 MDD patients and 30 healthy controls for a 40 Hz auditory steady-state evoked experiment. The propagation of gamma-ASSR was divided into early, middle, and late time interval. Partial directed coherence was applied to construct dynamic directed brain networks based on graph theory. The results showed that MDD patients had lower global efficiency and out-strength in temporal, parietal, and occipital regions over three time intervals. Additionally, distinct disrupted connectivity patterns occurred in different time intervals with abnormalities in the early and middle gamma-ASSR in left parietal regions cascading forward to produce dysfunction of frontal brain regions necessary to support gamma oscillations. Furthermore, the early and middle local efficiency of frontal regions were negatively correlated with symptom severity. These findings highlight patterns of hypofunction in the generation and maintenance of gamma-band oscillations across parietal-to-frontal regions in MDD patients, which provides novel insights into the neuropathological mechanism underlying gamma oscillations associated with aberrant brain network dynamics of MDD.
Thrombin-activated interleukin-1α drives atherogenesis, but also promotes vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and collagen production
Authors: Burzynski Laura C , Morales-Maldonado Alejandra , Rodgers Amanda , Kitt Lauren A , Humphry Melanie , Figg Nichola , Bennett Martin R , Clarke Murray C H
Published: June 2023

Aims

Atherosclerosis is driven by multiple processes across multiple body systems. For example, the innate immune system drives both atherogenesis and plaque rupture via inflammation, while coronary artery-occluding thrombi formed by the coagulation system cause myocardial infarction and death. However, the interplay between these systems during atherogenesis is understudied. We recently showed that coagulation and immunity are fundamentally linked by the activation of interleukin-1α (IL-1α) by thrombin, and generated a novel knock-in mouse in which thrombin cannot activate endogenous IL-1α [IL-1α thrombin mutant (IL-1αTM)].

Methods and results

Here, we show significantly reduced atherosclerotic plaque formation in IL-1αTM/Apoe−/− mice compared with Apoe−/− and reduced T-cell infiltration. However, IL-1αTM/Apoe−/− plaques have reduced vascular smooth muscle cells, collagen, and fibrous caps, indicative of a more unstable phenotype. Interestingly, the reduced atherogenesis seen with thrombin inhibition was absent in IL-1αTM/Apoe−/− mice, suggesting that thrombin inhibitors can affect atherosclerosis via reduced IL-1α activation. Finally, bone marrow chimeras show that thrombin-activated IL-1α is derived from both vessel wall and myeloid cells.

Conclusions

Together, we reveal that the atherogenic effect of ongoing coagulation is, in part, mediated via thrombin cleavage of IL-1α. This not only highlights the importance of interplay between systems during disease and the potential for therapeutically targeting IL-1α and/or thrombin, but also forewarns that IL-1 may have a role in plaque stabilization.
Immune profiling of murine cardiac leukocytes identifies triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 as a novel mediator of hypertensive heart failure
Authors: Smart Charles Duncan , Fehrenbach Daniel J , Wassenaar Jean W , Agrawal Vineet , Fortune Niki L , Dixon Debra D , Cottam Matthew A , Hasty Alyssa H , Hemnes Anna R , Doran Amanda C , Gupta Deepak K , Madhur Meena S
Published: June 2023

Aims

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is characterized by diastolic dysfunction, microvascular dysfunction, and myocardial fibrosis with recent evidence implicating the immune system in orchestrating cardiac remodelling.

Methods and results

Here, we show the mouse model of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertension induces key elements of HFpEF, including diastolic dysfunction, exercise intolerance, and pulmonary congestion in the setting of preserved ejection fraction. A modified single-cell sequencing approach, cellular indexing of transcriptomes and epitopes by sequencing, of cardiac immune cells reveals an altered abundance and transcriptional signature in multiple cell types, most notably cardiac macrophages. The DOCA-salt model results in differential expression of several known and novel genes in cardiac macrophages, including up-regulation of Trem2, which has been recently implicated in obesity and atherosclerosis. The role of Trem2 in hypertensive heart failure, however, is unknown. We found that mice with genetic deletion of Trem2 exhibit increased cardiac hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, renal injury, and decreased cardiac capillary density after DOCA-salt treatment compared to wild-type controls. Moreover, Trem2-deficient macrophages have impaired expression of pro-angiogenic gene programmes and increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, we found that plasma levels of soluble TREM2 are elevated in DOCA-salt treated mice and humans with heart failure.

Conclusions

Together, our data provide an atlas of immunological alterations that can lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for HFpEF. We provide our dataset in an easy to explore and freely accessible web application making it a useful resource for the community. Finally, our results suggest a novel cardioprotective role for Trem2 in hypertensive heart failure.
GeniePool: genomic database with corresponding annotated samples based on a cloud data lake architecture
Authors: Hadar Noam , Weintraub Grisha , Gudes Ehud , Dolev Shlomi , Birk Ohad S
Published: June 2023

In recent years, there are a huge influx of genomic data and a growing need for its phenotypic correlations, yet existing genomic databases do not allow easy storage and accessibility to the combined phenotypic–genotypic information. Freely accessible allele frequency (AF) databases, such as gnomAD, are crucial for evaluating variants but lack correlated phenotype data. The Sequence Read Archive (SRA) accumulates hundreds of thousands of next-generation sequencing (NGS) samples tagged by their submitters and various attributes. However, samples are stored in large raw format files, inaccessible for a common user. To make thousands of NGS samples and their corresponding additional attributes easily available to clinicians and researchers, we generated a pipeline that continuously downloads raw human NGS data uploaded to SRA using SRAtoolkit and preprocesses them using GATK pipeline. Data are then stored efficiently in a cloud data lake and can be accessed via a representational state transfer application programming interface (REST API) and a user-friendly website. We thus generated GeniePool, a simple and intuitive web service and API for querying NGS data from SRA with direct access to information related to each sample and related studies, providing significant advantages over existing databases for both clinical and research usages. Utilizing data lake infrastructure, we were able to generate a multi-purpose tool that can serve many clinical and research use cases. We expect users to explore the meta-data served via GeniePool both in daily clinical practice and in versatile research endeavours.

Database URL https://geniepool.link
Step by step daily management of short-term mechanical circulatory support for cardiogenic shock in adults in the intensive cardiac care unit: a clinical consensus statement of the Association for Acute CardioVascular Care of the European Society of Cardiology SC, the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine, the European branch of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization, and the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery
Authors: Møller Jacob Eifer , Sionis Alessandro , Aissaoui Nadia , Ariza Albert , Bělohlávek Jan , De Backer Daniel , Färber Gloria , Gollmann-Tepeköylu Can , Mebazaa Alexandre , Price Susanna , Swol Justyna , Thiele Holger , Hassager Christian
Published: June 2023

The use of mechanical circulatory support using percutaneous ventricular assist devices (pVAD) has increased rapidly during the last decade without substantial new evidence for their effect on outcome. In addition, many gaps in knowledge still exist such as timing and duration of support, haemodynamic monitoring, management of complications, concomitant medical therapy, and weaning protocols. This clinical consensus statement summarizes the consensus of an expert panel of the Association for Acute CardioVascular Care, European Society of Intensive Care Medicine, European Extracorporeal Life Support Organization, and European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. It provides practical advice regarding the management of patients managed with pVAD in the intensive care unit based on existing evidence and consensus on best current practice.
Telehealth for All? Assessing Remote Service Delivery for Latinx Immigrants
Authors: Hodges James , Calvo Rocío
Published: June 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic spurred a widespread shift to remotely delivered health services. Telehealth has shown promise in making healthcare more accessible. Little research has looked at the effects of this change on access to healthcare for Latinx immigrants. This qualitative study explored the shift to remote services during the COVID-19 pandemic in a new immigrant destination. Authors interviewed 23 service providers to assess if telehealth increased access to healthcare for Latinx immigrants. Results showed that telehealth improved access to services overall. Still, barriers to care remained. Immigrants experienced (a) limited access to technology and low digital literacy, (b) lack of privacy during the provision of services, (c) inability to utilize certain digital platforms due to confidentiality regulations, and (d) decreased quality of services. Findings suggest that telehealth is a promising modality to decrease healthcare disparities, but providers need to thoughtfully address barriers unique to Latinx immigrants to ensure their full participation.
A Curvature Estimate for Stable Marginally Outer Trapped Hypersurface With a Free Boundary
Authors: Chai Xiaoxiang
Published: June 2023

A marginally outer trapped hypersurface is a generalization of minimal hypersurfaces originated from general relativity. We show a curvature estimate for stable marginally outer trapped hypersurfaces up to the free boundary satisfying a uniform area bound. Our proof is based on an iteration argument. The curvature estimate was previously known via a blowup argument for stable minimal hypersurfaces.
Rainfall Shocks, Livelihood Diversification and Welfare: Evidence from Rural Togo
Authors: Weyori Alirah E , Liebenehm Sabine
Published: June 2023

Theory suggests that rural farm households exposed to greater risk should diversify their income portfolios to reduce variation in welfare caused by adverse events such as rainfall shocks. Rainfall shocks, however, can also degrade asset stocks and make diversification more costly. Using a panel dataset of small-scale cattle farmers from rural Togo and long-term historical rainfall data, we first examine whether and in what direction rural portfolio diversification is related to historical rainfall shocks. Second, we test whether diversification is associated with stabilised welfare in the face of recent rainfall shocks. Our results show that historical rainfall shock exposure reduces income diversification. In terms of mitigation, we find that diversification is generally not effective in insulating against welfare losses. We conclude that there is a need to stimulate rural diversification as a means of building resilient livelihoods to cope with increasing weather variability by strengthening credit, agricultural and market institutions.
Energy Transition Metals: Bottleneck for Net-Zero Emissions?
Authors: Boer Lukas , Pescatori Andrea , Stuermer Martin
Published: June 2023

The energy transition requires substantial amounts of metals, including copper, nickel, cobalt, and lithium. Are these metals a bottleneck? We identify metal-specific demand shocks, estimate supply elasticities, and study the price impact of the transition in a structural scenario analysis. Prices of these four metals would reach previous historical peaks but for an unprecedented, sustained period in a net-zero emissions scenario, potentially derailing the energy transition. Their production value would rise nearly four-fold to USD 11 trillion for the period 2021–2040. These four metals markets alone could become as important to the global economy as the oil market.
Loblolly Pine Planting Densities for Landowners in Areas with Poor Pulpwood Markets: Some Considerations
Authors: VanderSchaaf Curtis L
Published: June 2023

Loblolly pine plantations in the southeastern United States contribute significantly to local and state timber supply and economies. Planting density greatly affects reforestation costs. It also influences when vegetation starts competing inter- (and intra)-specifically for limited site resources, and when thinnings occur. Planting 600 seedlings per acre essentially forces landowners into two thinnings prior to a final clearcut. However, many landowners are finding it difficult to conduct first thinnings; poor pulpwood markets and lack of interest from loggers have become common. Reforestation costs have increased due to inflation. Thus, given better seedlings, a need for reduced reforestation costs, and the inability of landowners to conduct pulpwood-dominated thinnings, most landowners should plant near 450 seedlings per acre. Here, landowners have more flexibility to adjust to market conditions. If pulpwood markets improve they can participate, but a “pulpwood” first thinning is not absolutely needed. Plus, entry into more valuable chip-n-saw and sawlog markets should occur sooner.
ATM phosphorylates the FATC domain of DNA-PKcs at threonine 4102 to promote non-homologous end joining
Authors: Lu Huiming , Zhang Qin , Laverty Daniel J , Puncheon Andrew C , Augustine Mathew M , Williams Gareth J , Nagel Zachary D , Chen Benjamin P C , Davis Anthony J
Published: June 2023

Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) drives the DNA damage response via modulation of multiple signal transduction and DNA repair pathways. Previously, ATM activity was implicated in promoting the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway to repair a subset of DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs), but how ATM performs this function is still unclear. In this study, we identified that ATM phosphorylates the DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs), a core NHEJ factor, at its extreme C-terminus at threonine 4102 (T4102) in response to DSBs. Ablating phosphorylation at T4102 attenuates DNA-PKcs kinase activity and this destabilizes the interaction between DNA-PKcs and the Ku-DNA complex, resulting in decreased assembly and stabilization of the NHEJ machinery at DSBs. Phosphorylation at T4102 promotes NHEJ, radioresistance, and increases genomic stability following DSB induction. Collectively, these findings establish a key role for ATM in NHEJ-dependent repair of DSBs through positive regulation of DNA-PKcs.
Safety and Effectiveness of Direct Oral Anticoagulants for the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Cancer-Associated Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Ullah Fauzia , Song Juhee , Rojas Hernandez Cristhiam M , Kroll Michael H , Escalante Carmelita P , Toale Katy M
Published: June 2023

Background

Patients with gastrointestinal cancer (GICA) are at high risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Data from randomized clinical trials in cancer-associated VTE suggest that direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) conferred similar or superior efficacy but a heterogeneous safety profile in patients with GICA. We compared the safety and effectiveness of DOACs in patients with GICA and VTE at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Materials and Methods

This was a retrospective chart review of patients with GICA and VTE receiving treatment with DOACs for a minimum of 6 months. Primary outcomes were the proportion of patients experiencing major bleeding (MB), clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNMB), and recurrent VTE. Secondary outcomes were time to bleeding and recurrent VTE.

Results

A cohort of 433 patients with GICA who were prescribed apixaban (n = 300), or rivaroxaban (n = 133) were included. MB occurred in 3.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.1-5.9), CRNMB in 5.3% (95% CI 3.4-7.9), and recurrent VTE in 7.4% (95% CI 5.1-10.3). The cumulative incidence rates of CRNMB and recurrent VTE were not significantly different when comparing apixaban to rivaroxaban.

Conclusion

Apixaban and rivaroxaban had a similar risk of recurrent VTE and bleeding and could be considered as anticoagulant options in selected patients with GICA and VTE.
A Proposed Modified Staging System for Medullary Thyroid Cancer: A SEER Analysis With Multicenter Validation
Authors: Wang Zhengshi , Fan Xin , Zha Xiaojuan , Xu Yong , Yin Zhiqiang , Rixiati Youlutuziayi , Yu Fei
Published: June 2023

Background

The 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system for medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) was implemented in 2018. However, its ability to predict prognosis remains controversial.

Patients and Methods

Patient data were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and multicenter datasets. Overall survival was the primary end-point of the present study. The concordance index (C-index) was used to assess the efficacy of various models to predict prognostic outcomes.

Results

A total of 1450 MTC patients were selected from the SEER databases and 349 in the multicenter dataset. According to the AJCC staging system, there were no significant survival differences between T4a and T4b categories (P = .299). The T4 category was thus redefined as T4a’ category (≤3.5 cm) and T4b’ category (>3.5 cm) based on the tumor size, which was more powerful for distinguishing the prognosis (P = .003). Further analysis showed that the T category was significantly associated with both lymph node (LN) location and count (P < .001). Therefore, the N category was modified by combining the LN location and count. Finally, the above-mentioned novel T and N categories were adopted to modify the 8th AJCC classification using the recursive partitioning analysis principle, and the modified staging system outperformed the current edition (C-index, 0.811 vs. 0.792).

Conclusions

The 8th AJCC staging system was improved based on the intrinsic relationship among the T category, LN location, and LN count, which would have a positive impact on the clinical decision-making process and appropriate surveillance.
Scoping review: exploring the equity impact of current digital health design practices
Authors: Evans Laura , Evans Jay , Pagliari Claudia , Källander Karin
Published: June 2023

Background

Digital health interventions designed through human-centered design (HCD) have shown potential to impact health equity. This scoping review aims to understand how HCD approaches in digital health impact health equity.

Methodology

A scoping review was undertaken. Searches were conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, AMC Digital Library, ProQuest Thesis and Dissertations and Global Medicus Index databases.

Results

A total of 6169 references were identified, and 40 of them fulfilled the inclusion criteria for analysis. The application of HCD methodologies varied greatly as did the digital health interventions. The HCD methodologies had an impact on health equity for those individuals included in the development of the digital health tools, but beyond those persons, the impact was harder to establish.

Conclusion

There is optimism for the role that HCD in digital health can have in reducing health inequities; however, the evidence is not robust. Most projects failed to scale up to maturity or failed to apply evaluation mechanisms to assess the health equity impact. Recommendations include rigorous application of HCD methodologies, scaling digital health tools beyond pilot projects, and embedding evaluation to determine the impact on health equity.
TurboID reveals the proxiomes ofChlamydomonasproteins involved in thylakoid biogenesis and stress response
Authors: Kreis Elena , König Katharina , Misir Melissa , Niemeyer Justus , Sommer Frederik , Schroda Michael
Published: June 2023

In Chlamydomonas (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii), the VESICLE-INDUCING PROTEIN IN PLASTIDS 1 and 2 (VIPP1 and VIPP2) play roles in the sensing and coping with membrane stress and in thylakoid membrane biogenesis. To gain more insight into these processes, we aimed to identify proteins interacting with VIPP1/2 in the chloroplast and chose proximity labeling (PL) for this purpose. We used the transient interaction between the nucleotide exchange factor CHLOROPLAST GRPE HOMOLOG 1 (CGE1) and the stromal HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN 70B (HSP70B) as test system. While PL with APEX2 and BioID proved to be inefficient, TurboID resulted in substantial biotinylation in vivo. TurboID-mediated PL with VIPP1/2 as baits under ambient and H2O2 stress conditions confirmed known interactions of VIPP1 with VIPP2, HSP70B, and the CHLOROPLAST DNAJ HOMOLOG 2 (CDJ2). Proteins identified in the VIPP1/2 proxiomes can be grouped into proteins involved in the biogenesis of thylakoid membrane complexes and the regulation of photosynthetic electron transport, including PROTON GRADIENT REGULATION 5-LIKE 1 (PGRL1). A third group comprises 11 proteins of unknown function whose genes are upregulated under chloroplast stress conditions. We named them VIPP PROXIMITY LABELING (VPL). In reciprocal experiments, we confirmed VIPP1 in the proxiomes of VPL2 and PGRL1. Our results demonstrate the robustness of TurboID-mediated PL for studying protein interaction networks in the chloroplast of Chlamydomonas and pave the way for analyzing functions of VIPPs in thylakoid biogenesis and stress responses.
Melatonin promotes Al3+ compartmentalization via H+ transport and ion gradients inMalus hupehensis
Authors: Wang Caihong , Bian Chuanjie , Li Jianyu , Han Lei , Guo Dianming , Wang Tianchao , Sun Zhijuan , Ma Changqing , Liu Xiaoli , Tian Yike , Zheng Xiaodong
Published: June 2023

Soil acidification in apple (Malus domestica) orchards results in the release of rhizotoxic aluminum ions (Al3+) into soil. Melatonin (MT) participates in plant responses to abiotic stress; however, its role in AlCl3 stress in apple remains unknown. In this study, root application of MT (1 μM) substantially alleviated AlCl3 stress (300 μM) in Pingyi Tiancha (Malus hupehensis), which was reflected by higher fresh and dry weight, increased photosynthetic capacity, and longer and more roots compared with plants that did not receive MT treatment. MT functioned mainly by regulating vacuolar H+/Al3+ exchange and maintaining H+ homeostasis in the cytoplasm under AlCl3 stress. Transcriptome deep sequencing analysis identified the transcription factor gene SENSITIVE TO PROTON RHIZOTOXICITY 1 (MdSTOP1) was induced by both AlCl3 and MT treatments. Overexpressing MdSTOP1 in apple increased AlCl3 tolerance by enhancing vacuolar H+/Al3+ exchange and H+ efflux to the apoplast. We identified 2 transporter genes, ALUMINUM SENSITIVE 3 (MdALS3) and SODIUM HYDROGEN EXCHANGER 2 (MdNHX2), as downstream targets of MdSTOP1. MdSTOP1 interacted with the transcription factor NAM ATAF and CUC 2 (MdNAC2) to induce MdALS3 expression, which reduced Al toxicity by transferring Al3+ from the cytoplasm to the vacuole. Furthermore, MdSTOP1 and MdNAC2 coregulated MdNHX2 expression to increase H+ efflux from the vacuole to the cytoplasm to promote Al3+ compartmentalization and maintain cation balance in the vacuole. Taken together, our findings reveal an MT-STOP1 + NAC2-NHX2/ALS3-vacuolar H+/Al3+ exchange model for the alleviation of AlCl3 stress in apple, laying a foundation for practical applications of MT in agriculture.