bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ColoRectalCADx: Expeditious Recognition of Colorectal Cancer with Integrated Convolutional Neural Networks and Visual Explanations Using Mixed Dataset Evidence
Authors: Narasimha Raju Akella S. , Jayavel Kayalvizhi , Rajalakshmi T.
Published: November 2022

Colorectal cancer typically affects the gastrointestinal tract within the human body. Colonoscopy is one of the most accurate methods of detecting cancer. The current system facilitates the identification of cancer by computer-assisted diagnosis (CADx) systems with a limited number of deep learning methods. It does not imply the depiction of mixed datasets for the functioning of the system. The proposed system, called ColoRectalCADx, is supported by deep learning (DL) models suitable for cancer research. The CADx system comprises five stages: convolutional neural networks (CNN), support vector machine (SVM), long short-term memory (LSTM), visual explanation such as gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM), and semantic segmentation phases. Here, the key components of the CADx system are equipped with 9 individual and 12 integrated CNNs, implying that the system consists mainly of investigational experiments with a total of 21 CNNs. In the subsequent phase, the CADx has a combination of CNNs of concatenated transfer learning functions associated with the machine SVM classification. Additional classification is applied to ensure effective transfer of results from CNN to LSTM. The system is mainly made up of a combination of CVC Clinic DB, Kvasir2, and Hyper Kvasir input as a mixed dataset. After CNN and LSTM, in advanced stage, malignancies are detected by using a better polyp recognition technique with Grad-CAM and semantic segmentation using U-Net. CADx results have been stored on Google Cloud for record retention. In these experiments, among all the CNNs, the individual CNN DenseNet-201 (87.1% training and 84.7% testing accuracies) and the integrated CNN ADaDR-22 (84.61% training and 82.17% testing accuracies) were the most efficient for cancer detection with the CNN+LSTM model. ColoRectalCADx accurately identifies cancer through individual CNN DesnseNet-201 and integrated CNN ADaDR-22. In Grad-CAM’s visual explanations, CNN DenseNet-201 displays precise visualization of polyps, and CNN U-Net provides precise malignant polyps.
Experimental Study on Chemical Recovery of Low-Permeability and Medium-Deep Heavy Oil Reservoir
Authors: Shi Xiaorong , He Xiaolin , Zhang Xinqi , Xu Haipeng , Wang Qian , Li Binfei , Li Songyan , Liu Dongdong
Published: November 2022

To improve the oil recovery of a block in the Wutonggou Formation of the Changji Oilfield, viscosity reducing and foaming agent was optimized to improve the development effect of the water flooding reservoir. The core flooding experiment and microscopic visual experiment were conducted to investigate the production characteristics and EOR mechanism of nitrogen foam flooding. The results show that the 0.5 wt% viscosity reducing and foaming agent DXY-03 was optimized. In the process of microscopic oil displacement by nitrogen foam, nitrogen foam continuously expands and spreads, improves oil displacement efficiency, and greatly improves oil recovery through emulsification and viscosity reduction, squeezing action, dragging action, and Jamin effect. The core flooding experiment shows that on the basis of the water flooding recovery rate of 20.3%, the nitrogen foam huff and puff is increased by 9.2%. The viscosity reducing and foaming agent flooding is increased by 7.8%, and the nitrogen foam flooding is increased by 12.9%. The main EOR mechanism of the viscosity reducing and foaming agent is that it can reduce the interfacial tension between oil and water and can promote heavy oil emulsification and dispersion, thereby forming an oil/water- (O/W-) type emulsion. The reduction in the viscosity of heavy oil makes crude oil easier to extract, realizing the synergistic viscosity reducing and efficiency enhancing effect of nitrogen and viscosity reducing and foaming agents. This study is helpful to provide reference for the development of low-permeability and high-viscosity medium-deep heavy oil reservoirs by chemical agents combined with cold production.
A Novel Design, Economic Assessment, and Fuzzy-Based Technical Validation of an Islanded Microgrid: A Case Study on Load Model of Kibber Village in Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Mehta Sahil , Basak Prasenjit
Published: November 2022

Rural and remote area electrification is of grave concern around the globe. Therefore, well-planned and cost-effective microgrids integrating renewable energy sources are emerging as effective solutions. However, the microgrid's stable operation and its future deployment is affected by the perturbations caused due to uncertainity in renewable sources, dependency on the battery state of charge, and load variation. So, considering the possible concerns affecting the planning and development of a microgrid for any given region, this paper proposes a comprehensive performance assessment of the hybrid residential microgrid based on a load model of Kibber village in Himachal Pradesh, India. The proposed approach is divided into three parts for the best planning of microgrids. Firstly, the MATLAB–Simulink software technically analyzes the system performance under perturbations considering the available renewable sources. Secondly, an economic analysis using HOMER Pro software is done to examine the cost-effectiveness of the proposed microgrid model through the simulation of electrical loads for Kibber village, considering the available renewable sources. Lastly, a real-time analysis of the proposed prototype of programmable logic controller-based hardware test bench has been developed, aiming for future regional microgrid deployment. System voltage, frequency, power shared, percentage of load met, energy cost, available renewable energy resource, etc. have been considered for validating the proposed controller. The proposed comprehensive assessment of the microgrid model is reproducible with necessary modifications for any geographical location. It will be helpful for its future deployment aiming at rural and remote electrification.
Unified Navigational Approach for an Autonomous Vehicle Joining a Multilane Highway from Ramp
Authors: Ghumman Usman , Faraz Kunwar , Jabbar Hamid , Tiwana Mohsin I.
Published: November 2022

Navigating an autonomous vehicle through a circular ramp to join a multilane highway having high-density traffic is a very challenging task. Occupant and vehicle safety are the major considerations while establishing merging scenarios. This article proposes and experimentally implements safe and tactical navigational procedures for merging and leaving the highway scenario using the rendezvous guidance (RG) technique and its modified form. Test scenarios have been established for navigating AVs to merge and leave the highway on a multilane highway with or without the presence of any other vehicle in the zone. In addition, the navigation with enhanced performance of the modified RG algorithm is also established and compared to the conventional RG algorithm. The results indicate that time is reduced considerably by using the modified RG technique. The experimental and simulation results are compared, and their results are the same.
A Rare Contiguous Gene Deletion Leading to Trichothiodystrophy Type 4 and Glutaric Aciduria Type 3
Authors: Demir Engin , Doğulu Neslihan , Tuna Kırsaçlıoğlu Ceyda , Topçu Vehap , Eminoglu Fatma Tuba , Kuloğlu Zarife , Kansu Aydan
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Trichothiodystrophy type 4 and glutaric aciduria type 3 are rare autosomal recessive disorders caused by biallelic variants in the MPLKIP and SUGCT genes on chromosome 7p14, respectively. Trichothiodystrophy type 4 is characterized by neurologic and cutaneous abnormalities. Glutaric aciduria type 3 is a rare metabolic disorder with inconsistent phenotype and elevated urinary excretion of glutaric acid. Case Presentation: Here, we report on an infant presenting with hypotonia, failure to thrive, microcephaly, dysmorphic features, brittle hair, hypertransaminasemia, and recurrent lower respiratory tract infections. Microarray analysis revealed a homozygous microdeletion involving the MPLKIP and SUGCT genes, which are located close to each other. Conclusion: Copy number variations should be considered in patients with coexisting clinical expression of different genetic alterations. To the best of our knowledge, our patient is the second case with co-occurrence of trichothiodystrophy type 4 and glutaric aciduria type 3, resulting from a contiguous gene deletion.
Smooth Muscle Cell Relaxation Worsens Aortic Dilatation and Clinical Presentation in a BAPN/Angiotensin II-Induced Aortic Dissection Model in Rats
Authors: Pellenc Quentin , El Bitar Sandy , Darmon Arthur , Dupont Sébastien , Michel Jean-Baptiste , Jondeau Guillaume
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) administration is a chemically induced model for preclinical aortic pathologies research. Angiotensin II (AngII) has been widely used to promotes aortic dissections in mice. Here, we provide insight on a modified aortic dissection model in rats. The effect of smooth muscle cell (SMC) relaxation with vasodilators is studied in this model. Methods: Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided in 4 groups: control, isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN, 30 mg/kg/day) in the drinking water, BAPN (0.02%) in the food, BAPN + ISDN (same doses). Thoracic and abdominal aortic diameters were evaluated through transthoracic ultrasound echography. After 6 weeks, all rats were infused with AngII (1 mg/kg/day) subcutaneously. Survival and type of aortic events were numbered. Histological and histochemical analyses of aorta were performed. Results: Initial telesystolic ascending aorta diameters were equal in all groups and became significantly larger in the BAPN + ISDN group compared to the BAPN group (control: 3.37 ± 0.17 mm, ISDN: 3.49 ± 0.16 mm, BAPN: 3.53 ± 0.13 mm, BAPN + ISDN: 3.61 ± 0.16 mm, analysis of variance p < 0.0001). BAPN followed by AngII infusion showed a significant lower survival rate (p = 0.029) and produced a large panel of aortic events. Association of ISDN and BAPN significantly reduces survival (p = 0.001) and provides more aortic events compared to BAPN alone (p = 0.031). In both BAPN-treated groups, orcein staining revealed split and dissected elastic fibers in the media, alcian blue staining showed mucoid degeneration of the aortic wall, and Perls-diaminobenzidine staining revealed an accumulation of Fe2+. Conclusion: SMC relaxation with ISDN increases aortic dilatation, worsens aortic prognosis, and reproduces human histological findings in a low-dose BAPN/AngII-induced aortic dissection model in rats.
Retinal Pigment Epithelial Detachment Associated with Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy: A Case Report
Authors: Sakuma Ayano , Ogata Tadahiko , Wakuta Makiko , Orita Tomoko , Kimura Kazuhiro
Published: November 2022

Uveitis and scleritis are eye diseases associated with immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy, but reports on retinal pigment epithelial detachment (PED) in relation to IgA nephropathy are scarce. We have experienced a case of PED associated with IgA nephropathy that was improved by pulse steroid treatment. A 68-year-old woman underwent examination for visual loss in the right eye. Her corrected visual acuity was 20/20 on both sides, and serous PED was observed in both eyes. One month later, the PED improved in both eyes but recurred 3 months later. Results of blood examination raised suspicion of IgA nephropathy, and she was referred to a nephrologist. Two weeks later, the PED in both eyes worsened, and a retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tear appeared in the right eye. A sub-Tenon’s injection of triamcinolone acetonide was performed to address the PED, but it was not effective; thus, pulse steroid therapy was performed twice. The PED disappeared from both eyes, and the visual acuity in her left eye was maintained at 20/20, but it decreased to 20/200 in her right eye due to macular atrophy after the RPE tear. The PED had not recurred despite having no improvement in renal function. In conclusion, in IgA nephropathy, deposition of immune complexes on the RPE causes its inflammation, which may lead to PED. In cases of unexplained PED, the possibility of a systemic disease as the cause should be considered.
MRI Changes in Failed Radiosurgery for Vestibular Schwannomas
Authors: Massager Nicolas , Renier Cecile
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Radiosurgery is now a recognized treatment of vestibular schwannoma (VS); however, radiosurgical irradiation sometimes fails to stop tumor growth in the long term. Some changes in MR imaging after radiosurgery that are supposed to be related to permanent tumor control may be observed in patients with failed treatment. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the MRI changes observed early after radiosurgery in a cohort of patients with failed radiosurgery for VS. Methods: From a large series of VS treated radiosurgically for 15 years, we reviewed the follow-up MRI data in a subgroup of VS that presented obvious treatment failure. T1-weighted MR imaging with standard timing of gadolinium injection was applied for image acquisition during the radiosurgical procedure and all follow-up MR imaging. Evolution of tumor volume and contrast enhancement were assessed on 3D-co-registered MRI. Results: Twenty-nine of 728 patients (4%) were retreated for the same VS after >2 years (median 3.14 years, range 2.04–9.47) following initial radiosurgical treatment. The median tumor volume was 0.94 cc at first radiosurgical treatment and 2.19 cc at retreatment. Fourteen patients (48.3%) had continuous increase in tumor volume. For 10 patients (34.5%), the tumor volume reduced significantly after irradiation before it increased again. Four patients (13.8%) showed a transient increase in tumor volume after irradiation, followed by significant volume reduction, then a very significant tumor regrowth. A significant loss of contrast enhancement at the center of the tumor was observed for 25 patients (86.2%); full recovery of contrast enhancement of the tumor was observed for 23 patients. Discussion/Conclusion: Tumor volume reduction and central loss of contrast enhancement of the tumor are MRI changes frequently observed during follow-up of VS treated radiosurgically even in patients with failed long-term tumor control and may therefore not be considered as signs of successful response of the tumor to the radiosurgical treatment.
Surgical Treatment of Optic Disc Pit Associated with Macular Detachment
Authors: Orazbekov Lukpan , Bayanova Aigerim , Dauletbekov Daniyar
Published: November 2022

We report a clinical case of a serous macular detachment associated with optic disc pit (ODP), which was successfully treated with vitrectomy and internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique. A twenty-four-year-old woman complained of visual loss with duration over 7 months. Upon ophthalmic examination using funduscopy and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), a serous macular detachment associated with optic disc pit was diagnosed. The patient was successfully treated by 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy with ILM peeling and placing an autologous ILM flap to cover the optic disc including the ODP. This method of treatment resulted in complete retinal reattachment with best-corrected visual acuity improvement to 20/60 from initial 20/500, and OCT showed a complete retinal attachment. This clinical case suggests that 25-gauge vitrectomy with ILM peeling and an inverted ILM flap can be an effective treatment option for optic disc pit-associated serous macular detachment.
New and Emerging Treatments for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Higashiyama Masaaki , Hokari Ryota
Published: November 2022

Background: The specific etiopathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is still unknown. Although the conventional anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory drugs relatively nonspecific to pathogenesis have been quite useful in many cases, elucidating the pathogenesis has gradually facilitated developments of disease-specific therapies for refractory cases in the last 2 decades. Summary: With a greater understanding of the multiple overactive signaling pathways of the gut mucosal immune response and enhanced leukocyte trafficking, several biological agents or small molecule drugs following the first novel biologic, anti-tumor necrosis factor α (anti-TNFα), have been developed against several modes of action including adhesion molecules, sphingosine-1-phospate receptors, cytokines (IL-12/23, TL1A, and IL-36), Janus kinase (JAK), and phosphodiesterase. Although preceding biological agents have dramatically changed the IBD treatment strategy, many patients still require alternative therapies due to failure or side effects. Newer treatments are now expected to be provided for better efficacy with an improved adverse event profile. In addition, translational studies have highlighted the new therapeutic concepts’ potential, including modulation of host-microbiome interactions, stem therapy for perianal fistula, regulation of fibrosis, regulation of the gut-brain axis, and control of previously less targeted immune cells (B cells and innate lymphoid cells). This paper comprehensively reviewed not only the latest already or shortly available therapies but also emerging promising treatments that will be hopefully established in the future for IBD. Key Messages: Many kinds of new treatments are available, and promising treatments with new perspectives are expected to emerge for refractory IBD in the future.
Decreased Incidence of Guillain-Barré Syndrome during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Population-Based Study
Authors: Hafsteinsdóttir Brynhildur , Dalemo Ellen , Elíasdóttir Ólöf , Ólafsson Elías , Axelsson Markus
Published: November 2022

Background: Guillain-Barré syndrome is an immune-mediated acute inflammatory polyneuropathy that is associated with various triggers, including certain infections and vaccines. It has been suggested that both SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination may be triggering factors for Guillain-Barré syndrome, but evidence remains equivocal. Here, we conducted a population-based incidence study of Guillain-Barré syndrome spanning the 3 years immediately prior to and the 2 years during the pandemic. Methods: Cases were identified by searching a regional diagnostic database for the ICD-10 code for Guillain-Barré syndrome. Individuals who fulfilled the Brighton criteria for Guillain-Barré syndrome were included. Information on clinical presentation, laboratory values, and vaccination status were retrieved from medical records. We calculated the incidence immediately prior to and during the pandemic. Results: The Guillain-Barré syndrome incidence rate was 1.35/100,000 person-years for the pre-pandemic period and 0.66/100,000 person-years for the pandemic period (incidence rate ratio: 0.49; p = 0.003). Three cases were temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and 1 case each to the AstraZeneca and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines. Conclusions: Our results show that the incidence of Guillain-Barré syndrome decreased during the pandemic. This is most likely due to decreased prevalence of triggering infections due to social restrictions. Our findings do not support a causal relationship between Guillain-Barré syndrome and COVID-19.
Histone Modifications in Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Wang Jun , Shen Fengchen , Liu Feng , Zhuang Shougang
Published: November 2022

Background: Acute kidney injury( AKI) is a serious clinical problem associated with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. The pathophysiology and pathogenesis of AKI is complex and multifactorial. In recent years, epigenetics has emerged as an important regulatory mechanism in AKI. Summary: There are several types of histone modification, including methylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, crotonylation, citrullination, and sumoylation. Histone modifications are associated with the transcription of many genes and activation of multiple signaling pathways that contribute to the pathogenesis of AKI. Thus, targeting histone modification may offer novel strategies to protect kidneys from AKI and enhance kidney repair and recovery. In this review, we summarize recent advances on the modification, regulation, and implication of histone modifications in AKI. Key Messages: Histone modifications contribute to the pathogenesis of AKI. Understanding of epigenetic regulation in AKI will aid in establishing the utility of pharmacologic targeting of histone modification as a potential novel therapy for AKI.
miR-3682-3p Activated by c-Myc Aggravates the Migration and Stemness in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Regulating PTEN/PI3K/AKT/β-Catenin Signaling
Authors: Zhang Yu , Cai Hua , Wu Ming-Hao , Zhu Dan-Hua , Wang Xiang-Yang , Chen Zhi-Yuan , Yang Li , Liu Peng , Liu Zhan
Published: November 2022

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cancer worldwide. miRNA has been linked to cancer processes. We want to figure out what the underlying mechanism and functions of miR-3682-3p are in HCC. Methods: Thirty pairs of tumor tissues and adjacent tissues were obtained from HCC patients. mRNA and protein expressions were detected by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. The migration and invasion were measured using transwell or wound-healing assays. Dual luciferase and ChIP assays were utilized to detect gene interactions. Results: miR-3682-3p was highly expressed in HCC tissues and cell lines. Silencing of miR-3682-3p inhibited cell migration and invasion, increased E-cadherin expression, and decreased N-cadherin, vimentin, and snail expressions, as well as the SOX2, OCT4, and Bmi1 expression, thereby restraining EMT and stemness of HCC in vitro. miR-3682-3p was positively activated by c-Myc and could directly target PTEN to activate PI3K/AKT/β-catenin pathway. In addition, inhibition of PTEN weakened the anti-migration and anti-stemness effects of miR-3682-3p downregulation in HCC cells. Conclusion: miR-3682-3p promoted HCC migration and stemness through PTEN/PI3K/AKT/β-catenin signaling, implying that miR-3682-3p might be a promising target for HCC clinical treatment.
Cargo-Specific Role for Retriever Subunit VPS26C in Hepatocyte Lipoprotein Receptor Recycling to Control Postprandial Triglyceride-Rich Lipoproteins
Authors: Vos Dyonne Y. , Wijers Melinde , Smit Marieke , Huijkman Nicolette , Kloosterhuis Niels J. , Wolters Justina C. , Tissink Joël J. , Pronk Amanda C.M. , Kooijman Sander , Rensen Patrick C.N. , Kuivenhoven Jan Albert , van de Sluis Bart
Published: November 2022

Background:

The copper metabolism MURR1 domains/coiled-coil domain containing 22/coiled-coil domain containing 93 (CCC) complex is required for the transport of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and LRP1 (LDLR-related protein 1) from endosomes to the cell surface of hepatocytes. Impaired functioning of hepatocytic CCC causes hypercholesterolemia in mice, dogs, and humans. Retriever, a protein complex consisting of subunits VPS26C, VPS35L, and VPS29, is associated with CCC, but its role in endosomal lipoprotein receptor transport is unclear. We here investigated the contribution of retriever to hepatocytic lipoprotein receptor recycling and plasma lipids regulation.

Methods:

Using somatic CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, we generated liver-specific VPS35L or VPS26C-deficient mice. We determined total and surface levels of LDLR and LRP1 and plasma lipids. In addition, we studied the protein levels and composition of CCC and retriever.

Results:

Hepatocyte VPS35L deficiency reduced VPS26C levels but had minimal impact on CCC composition. VPS35L deletion decreased hepatocytic surface expression of LDLR and LRP1, accompanied by a 21% increase in plasma cholesterol levels. Hepatic VPS26C ablation affected neither levels of VPS35L and CCC subunits, nor plasma lipid concentrations. However, VPS26C deficiency increased hepatic LDLR protein levels by 2-fold, probably compensating for reduced LRP1 functioning, as we showed in VPS26C-deficient hepatoma cells. Upon PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9)-mediated LDLR elimination, VPS26C ablation delayed postprandial triglyceride clearance and increased plasma triglyceride levels by 26%.

Conclusions:

Our study suggests that VPS35L is shared between retriever and CCC to facilitate LDLR and LRP1 transport from endosomes to the cell surface. Conversely, retriever subunit VPS26C selectively transports LRP1, but not LDLR, and thereby may control hepatic uptake of postprandial triglyceride-rich lipoprotein remnants.
Genomic Aging, Clonal Hematopoiesis, and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Natarajan Pradeep
Published: November 2022

Chronologic age is the dominant risk factor for coronary artery disease but the features of aging promoting coronary artery disease are poorly understood. Advances in human genetics and population-based genetic profiling of blood cells have uncovered the surprising role of age-related subclinical leukemogenic mutations in blood cells, termed “clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential,” in coronary artery disease. Such mutations typically occur in
DNMT3A
,
TET2
,
ASXL1
, and
JAK2
. Murine and human studies prioritize the role of key inflammatory pathways linking clonal hematopoiesis with coronary artery disease. Increasingly larger, longitudinal, multiomics analyses are enabling further dissection into mechanistic insights. These observations expand the genetic architecture of coronary artery disease, now linking hallmark features of hematologic neoplasia with a much more common cardiovascular condition. Implications of these studies include the prospect of novel precision medicine paradigms for coronary artery disease.
Nidogen-2 is a Novel Endogenous Ligand of LGR4 to Inhibit Vascular Calcification
Authors: Chen Yufei , Mao Chenfeng , Gu Rui , Zhao Rujia , Li Weihao , Ma Zihan , Jia Yiting , Yu Fang , Luo Jian , Fu Yi , Sun Jinpeng , Kong Wei
Published: November 2022

Background:

Vascular calcification is closely related to the all-cause mortality of cardiovascular events. Basement membrane protein nidogen-2 is a key component of the vascular extracellular matrix microenvironment and we recently found it is pivotal for the maintenance of contractile phenotype in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). However, whether nidogen-2 is involved in VSMCs osteochondrogenic transition and vascular calcification remains unclear.

Methods:

VSMCs was treated with high-phosphate to study VSMC calcification in vitro. Three different mice models (5/6 nephrectomy-induced chronic renal failure, cholecalciferol-overload, and periadventitially administered with CaCl
2
) were used to study vascular calcification in vivo. Membrane protein interactome, coimmunoprecipitation, flow cytometric binding assay, surface plasmon resonance, G protein signaling, VSMCs calcium assays were performed to clarify the phenotype and elucidate the molecular mechanisms.

Results:

Nidogen-2 protein levels were significantly reduced in calcified VSMCs and aortas from mice in different vascular calcification model. Nidogen-2 deficiency exacerbated high-phosphate-induced VSMC calcification, whereas the addition of purified nidogen-2 protein markedly alleviated VSMC calcification in vitro.
Nidogen-2
-/-
mice exhibited aggravated aorta calcification compared to wild-type (WT) mice in response to 5/6 nephrectomy, cholecalciferol-overload, and CaCl
2
administration. Further unbiased coimmunoprecipitation and interactome analysis of purified nidogen-2 and membrane protein in VSMCs revealed that nidogen-2 directly binds to LGR4 (leucine-rich repeat G-protein-coupled receptor 4) with
K
D
value 26.77 nM. LGR4 deficiency in VSMCs in vitro or in vivo abolished the protective effect of nidogen-2 on vascular calcification. Of interest, nidogen-2 biased activated LGR4-Gαq-PKCα (protein kinase Cα)-AMPKα1 (AMP-activated protein kinase α1) signaling to counteract VSMCs osteogenic transition and mineralization.

Conclusions:

Nidogen-2 is a novel endogenous ligand of LGR4 that biased activated Gαq- PKCα-AMPKα1 signaling and inhibited vascular calcification.
Effect of Immediate Antihypertensive Treatment on Clinical Outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients With Different Renal Function Status
Authors: Zhai Yujia , Che Bizhong , Liu Yang , Peng Hao , Wang Aili , Peng Yanbo , Chen Jing , Zhang Yonghong , Xu Tan , Zhong Chongke , He Jiang
Published: November 2022

Background:

It remains unclear whether different blood pressure management strategies should be administered for acute stroke patients with or without impaired renal function. We conducted a secondary analysis of the CATIS trial (China Antihypertensive Trial in Acute Ischemic Stroke) to investigate the effect of early antihypertensive treatment among patients with acute ischemic stroke according to the baseline renal function assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR).

Methods:

The CATIS trial randomly assigned 4071 acute ischemic stroke patients with systolic blood pressure between 140 and 220 mm Hg to receive antihypertensive treatment or to discontinue all antihypertensive medications during hospitalization. A primary outcome (composite outcome of death and major disability) and secondary outcomes were compared between antihypertensive treatment and control groups by baseline renal function levels of eGFR values of <60, 60 to 89, and ≥90 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
.

Results:

At day 14 or hospital discharge, the primary outcome was not significantly different between the antihypertensive treatment and control groups in each subgroup stratified by renal function status (
P
=0.98 for homogeneity), and the odds ratios (95% CIs) were 1.23 (0.76–2.02) in patients with eGFR <60 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
, 0.94 (0.75–1.19) in patients with eGFR values of 60–89 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
, and 1.04 (0.88–1.24) in patients with eGFR ≥90 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
, respectively. In addition, early antihypertensive treatment was not associated with secondary clinical outcomes by baseline renal function (
P
>0.05 for all homogeneity).

Conclusions:

Early antihypertensive treatment had a neutral effect on clinical outcomes in ischemic stroke patients with different renal function status.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique Identifier: NCT01840072.
Gigaspora polymorphira, a new species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Glomeromycota) from Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve in China
Authors: LONG CHUN-LI , TAO GUANG-YAO , YAO LI-MEI , HE RONG-JIAN , JIANG LONG
Published: November 2022

Gigaspora polymorphira, a new arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal species, has been described based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses, which was isolated from rhizosphere soil of Phyllostachys heterocycla and Cunninghamia lanceolata in Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve, Guizhou province, China. Spores are white to orange yellow, irregular to rarely subglobose, 260–390×480–570 µm in diameter, and spore wall consisting of two layers (SWL1+SWL2): SWL1 hyaline to pale yellow, permanent, about 1 µm thick; SWL2 laminate and extremely rigid, yellow, 10–27 µm thick, staining dark red to red-brown in Melzer’s reagent. Germinal wall is permanent, membranous, about 1 µm thick and smooth. The sporogenous cell pale yellow, ovoid to clavate of 80–120×40–75 µm in diameter and have two sporogenous cell wall layers. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequences based on the partial small subunit (SSU), internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2), and the partial large subunit (LSU) indicated that Gi. polymorphira in the genus Gigaspora, separated from other described Gigaspora species. Phylogenetically, it forms a monophyletic clade next to Gigaspora margarita, which can be distinct distinguished from Gi. polymorphira by its shape of globose to subglobose and warts projects on GW. An updated key for the Gigaspora species worldwide is provide.
A new species and a new synonym in the scarab genus Parastasia Westwood, 1841 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae), with a key to species from Thailand
Authors: HONGSUWONG THITIPONG , SANGUANSUB SUNISA , JAITRONG WEEYAWAT
Published: November 2022

Ten species of the genus Parastasia Westwood, 1841 including a new species and a new record are recorded from Thailand. We here describe Parastasia spinosa Hongsuwong, Sanguansub & Jaitrong, new species from eastern Thailand based on a male specimen. Parastasia bimaculata (Guérin-Méneville, 1843) is recorded for the first time in Thailand. We confirm that Parastasia bigibbosa Nonfried, 1891 occurs in the country. Parastasia andamanae (Ghai, Chandra & Ramamurthy, 1988) is synonymized with P. bigibbosa. A key to the Thai Parastasia species is provided.
Improvements of the Double-Moment Bulk Cloud Microphysics Scheme in the Nonhydrostatic Icosahedral Atmospheric Model (NICAM)
Authors: Seiki Tatsuya , Ohno Tomoki
Published: November 2022

This study revises the collisional growth, heterogeneous ice nucleation, and homogeneous ice nucleation processes in a double-moment bulk cloud microphysics scheme implemented in the Nonhydrostatic Icosahedral Atmospheric Model (NICAM). The revised cloud microphysical processes are tested by 10-day global simulations with a horizontal resolution of 14 km. It is found that both the aggregation of cloud ice with smaller diameters and the graupel production by riming are overestimated in the current schemes. A new method that numerically integrates the collection kernel solves this issue, and consequently, the lifetime of cloud ice is reasonably extended in reference to satellite observations. In addition, the results indicate that a reduction in graupel modulates the convective intensity, particularly in intense rainfall systems. The revision of both heterogeneous and homogeneous ice nucleation significantly increases the production rate of cloud ice number concentration. With these revisions, the new version of the cloud microphysics scheme successfully improves outgoing longwave radiation, particularly over the intertropical convergence zone, in reference to satellite observations. Therefore, the revisions are beneficial for both long-term climate simulations and representing the structure of severe storms.

Significance Statement

Very high-resolution global atmospheric models have been developed to simultaneously address global climate and regional weather. In general, cloud microphysics schemes used in such global models are introduced from regional weather forecasting models to realistically represent mesoscale cloud systems. However, a cloud microphysics scheme that was originally developed with the aim of weather forecasting can cause unexpected errors in global climate simulations because such a cloud microphysics scheme is not designed for interdisciplinary usage across spatiotemporal scales. This study focuses on systematic model biases in evaluating the terminal velocity of ice cloud particles and proposes a method to accurately calculate the growth rate of ice cloud particles. Improvements in ice cloud modeling successfully reduce model biases in the global energy budget. In addition, the internal structure of intense rainfall systems is modified using the new cloud model. Therefore, improvements in ice cloud modeling could further increase the reliability of weather forecasting, seasonal prediction, and climate projection.
Disentangling the Influences of Storm-Relative Flow and Horizontal Streamwise Vorticity on Low-Level Mesocyclones in Supercells
Authors: Peters John M. , Coffer Brice E. , Parker Matthew D. , Nowotarski Christopher J. , Mulholland Jake P. , Nixon Cameron J. , Allen John T.
Published: November 2022

Sufficient low-level storm-relative flow is a necessary ingredient for sustained supercell thunderstorms and is connected to supercell updraft width. Assuming a supercell exists, the role of low-level storm-relative flow in regulating supercells’ low-level mesocyclone intensity is less clear. One possibility considered in this article is that storm-relative flow controls mesocyclone and tornado width via its modulation of overall updraft extent. This hypothesis relies on a previously postulated positive correspondence between updraft width, mesocyclone width, and tornado width. An alternative hypothesis is that mesocyclone characteristics are primarily regulated by horizontal streamwise vorticity irrespective of storm-relative flow. A matrix of supercell simulations was analyzed to address the aforementioned hypotheses, wherein horizontal streamwise vorticity and storm-relative flow were independently varied. Among these simulations, mesocyclone width and intensity were strongly correlated with horizontal streamwise vorticity, and comparatively weakly correlated with storm-relative flow, supporting the second hypothesis. Accompanying theory and trajectory analysis offers the physical explanation that, when storm-relative flow is large and updrafts are wide, vertically tilted streamwise vorticity is projected over a wider area but with a lesser average magnitude than when these parameters are small. These factors partially offset one another, degrading the correspondence of storm-relative flow with updraft circulation and rotational velocity, which are the mesocyclone attributes most closely tied to tornadoes. These results refute the previously purported connections between updraft width, mesocyclone width, and tornado width, and emphasize horizontal streamwise vorticity as the primary control on low-level mesocyclones in sustained supercells.

Significance Statement

The intensity of a supercell thunderstorm’s low-level rotation, known as the “mesocyclone,” is thought to influence tornado likelihood. Mesocyclone intensity depends on many environmental attributes that are often correlated with one another and difficult to disentangle. This study used a large body of numerical simulations to investigate the influence of the speed of low-level air entering a supercell (storm-relative flow), the horizontal spin of the ambient air entering the thunderstorm (streamwise vorticity), and the width of the storm’s updraft. Our results suggest that the rotation of the mesocyclone in supercells is primarily influenced by streamwise vorticity, with comparatively weaker connections to storm-relative flow and updraft width. These findings provide important clarification in our scientific understanding of how a storm’s environment influences the rate of rotation of its mesocyclone, and the associated tornado threat.
Precipitation Growth Processes in the Comma-Head Region of the 7 February 2020 Northeast Snowstorm: Results from IMPACTS
Authors: Varcie Megan M. , Zaremba Troy J. , Rauber Robert M. , McFarquhar Greg M. , Finlon Joseph A. , McMurdie Lynn A. , Ryzhkov Alexander , Schnaiter Martin , Järvinen Emma , Waitz Fritz , Delene David J. , Poellot Michael R. , McLinden Matthew L. Walker , Janiszeski Andrew
Published: November 2022

On 7 February 2020, precipitation within the comma-head region of an extratropical cyclone was sampled remotely and in situ by two research aircraft, providing a vertical cross section of microphysical observations and fine-scale radar measurements. The sampled region was stratified vertically by distinct temperature layers and horizontally into a stratiform region on the west side, and a region of elevated convection on the east side. In the stratiform region, precipitation formed near cloud top as side-plane, polycrystalline, and platelike particles. These habits occurred through cloud depth, implying that the cloud-top region was the primary source of particles. Almost no supercooled water was present. The ice water content within the stratiform region showed an overall increase with depth between the aircraft flight levels, while the total number concentration slightly decreased, consistent with growth by vapor deposition and aggregation. In the convective region, new particle habits were observed within each temperature-defined layer along with detectable amounts of supercooled water, implying that ice particle formation occurred in several layers. Total number concentration decreased from cloud top to the −8°C level, consistent with particle aggregation. At temperatures > −8°C, ice particle concentrations in some regions increased to >100 L−1, suggesting secondary ice production occurred at lower altitudes. WSR-88D reflectivity composites during the sampling period showed a weak, loosely organized banded feature. The band, evident on earlier flight legs, was consistent with enhanced vertical motion associated with frontogenesis, and at least partial melting of ice particles near the surface. A conceptual model of precipitation growth processes within the comma head is presented.

Significance Statement

Snowstorms over the northeast United States have major impacts on travel, power availability, and commerce. The processes by which snow forms in winter storms over this region are complex and their snowfall totals are hard to forecast accurately because of a poor understanding of the microphysical processes within the clouds composing the storms. This paper presents a case study from the NASA IMPACTS field campaign that involved two aircraft sampling the storm simultaneously with radars, and probes that measure the microphysical properties within the storm. The paper examines how variations in stability and frontal structure influence the microphysical evolution of ice particles as they fall from cloud top to the surface within the storm.
Seasonal Locking of the MJO’s Southward Detour of the Maritime Continent: The Role of the Australian Monsoon
Authors: Kang Daehyun , Kim Daehyun , Rushley Stephanie , Maloney Eric
Published: November 2022

This study investigates why the major convective envelope of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) detours to the south of the Maritime Continent (MC) only during boreal winter [December–March (DJFM)]. To examine processes affecting this MJO detour, the MJO-related variance of precipitation and column-integrated moisture anomalies in DJFM are compared with those in the seasons before [October–November (ON)] and after [April–May (AM)]. While MJO precipitation variance is much higher in the southern MC (SMC) during DJFM than in other seasons, the MJO moisture variance is comparable among the seasons, implying that the seasonal locking of the MJO’s southward detour cannot be explained by the magnitude of moisture anomalies alone. The higher precipitation variance in the SMC region is partly explained by the much higher moisture sensitivity of precipitation in DJFM than in other seasons, resulting in a more efficient conversion of anomalous moisture to anomalous precipitation. DJFM is also distinguishable from the other seasons by stronger positive wind–evaporation feedback onto MJO precipitation anomalies due to the background westerly wind in the lower troposphere. It is found that the seasonal cycle of moisture–precipitation coupling and wind–evaporation feedback in the SMC region closely follows that of the Australian monsoon, which is active exclusively in DJFM. Our results suggest that the MJO’s southward detour in the MC is seasonally locked because it occurs preferentially when the Australian monsoon system produces a background state that is favorable for MJO development in the SMC.
Understanding and Reducing Warm and Dry Summer Biases in the Central United States: Analytical Modeling to Identify the Mechanisms for CMIP Ensemble Error Spread
Authors: Sun Chao , Liang Xin-Zhong
Published: November 2022

Most climate models in phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) still suffer pronounced warm and dry summer biases in the central United States (CUS), even in high-resolution simulations. We found that the cloud base definition in the cumulus parameterization was the dominant factor determining the spread of the biases among models and those defining cloud base at the lifting condensation level (LCL) performed the best. To identify the underlying mechanisms, we developed a physically based analytical bias model (ABM) to capture the key feedback processes of land–atmosphere coupling. The ABM has significant explanatory power, capturing 80% variance of temperature and precipitation biases among all models. Our ABM analysis via counterfactual experiments indicated that the biases are attributed mostly by surface downwelling longwave radiation errors and second by surface net shortwave radiation errors, with the former 2–5 times larger. The effective radiative forcing from these two errors as weighted by their relative contributions induces runaway temperature and precipitation feedbacks, which collaborate to cause CUS summer warm and dry biases. The LCL cumulus reduces the biases through two key mechanisms: it produces more clouds and less precipitable water, which reduce radiative energy input for both surface heating and evapotranspiration to cause a cooler and wetter soil; it produces more rainfall and wetter soil conditions, which suppress the positive evapotranspiration–precipitation feedback to damp the warm and dry bias coupling. Most models using non-LCL schemes underestimate both precipitation and cloud amounts, which amplify the positive feedback to cause significant biases.
The Warming of the Arabian Sea Induced a Northward Summer Monsoon over the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhang Jie , Hu Rui , Ma Qianrong , Niu Miaomiao
Published: November 2022

Summer monsoon precipitation over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) has significant impacts on the ecology, economy, and Asian climate, but has exhibited anomalous spatial distribution since the early twenty-first century. To explore its distribution and attribution, this study investigated the northernmost boundary of the summer monsoon over the TP (TPSM) and the related precipitation. The TPSM and related precipitation extended poleward in the post-2000 period in response to the rising Arabian Sea surface temperature (ARB_SST) in the late spring and early summer. A warming Arabian Sea leads to the westward movement of the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) circulation and moisture convergence with a higher moisture layer, which exerts a midlatitude wave train that exhibits a dipole mode (a west cyclone and an east anticyclone) over the TP. Consequently, the west trough and southerly are strengthened, which is conducive to transporting more poleward moisture mass from the moisture layer over the ISM zone through the midwestern TP. Furthermore, it contributes to the poleward TPSM and precipitation in the northern TP by coupling with the dipole mode. These findings help explain the wetting of the Asian dryland and its effects on the Northern Hemispheric climate.