bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radio Instrument Package for Lunar Ionospheric Observation: A Concept Study
Authors: Watson C. , Jayachandran P. T. , Kashcheyev A. , Themens D. R. , Langley R. B. , Marchand R. , Yau A. W.
Published: July 2023

The lunar ionosphere is a ∼100 km thick layer of electrically charged plasma surrounding the moon. Despite knowledge of its existence for decades, the structure and dynamics of the lunar plasma remain a mystery due to lack of consistent observational capacity. An enhanced observational picture of the lunar ionosphere and improved understanding of its formation/loss mechanisms is critical for understanding the lunar environment as a whole and assessing potential safety and economic hazards associated with lunar exploration and habitation. To address the high priority need for observations of the electrically charged constituents nikear the lunar surface, we introduce a concept study for the Radio Instrument Package for Lunar Ionospheric Observation (RIPLIO). RIPLIO would consist of a multi‐CubeSat constellation (at least two satellites) in lunar orbit for the purpose of conducting “crosslink” radio occultation measurements of the lunar ionosphere, with at least one satellite carrying a very high frequency (VHF) transmitter broadcasting at multiple frequencies, and at least one satellite flying a broadband receiver to monitor transmitting satellites. Radio occultations intermittently occur when satellite‐to‐satellite signals cross through the lunar ionosphere, and the resulting phase perturbations of VikHF signals may be analyzed to infer the ionosphere electron content and high‐ resolution vertical electron density profiles. As demonstrated in this study, RIPLIO would provide a novel means for lunar observation, with the potential to provide long‐term, high‐resolution observations of the lunar ionosphere with unprecedented pan‐lunar detail.
Posttranslational splicing modifications as a key mechanism in cytarabine resistance in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Morales María Luz , García-Vicente Roberto , Rodríguez-García Alba , Reyes-Palomares Armando , Vincelle-Nieto África , Álvarez Noemí , Ortiz-Ruiz Alejandra , Garrido-García Vanesa , Giménez Alicia , Carreño-Tarragona Gonzalo , Sánchez Ricardo , Ayala Rosa , Martínez-López Joaquín , Linares María
Published: July 2023

Despite the approval of several drugs for AML, cytarabine is still widely used as a therapeutic approach. However, 85% of patients show resistance and only 10% overcome the disease. Using RNA-seq and phosphoproteomics, we show that RNA splicing and serine-arginine-rich (SR) proteins phosphorylation were altered during cytarabine resistance. Moreover, phosphorylation of SR proteins at diagnosis were significantly lower in responder than non-responder patients, pointing to their utility to predict response. These changes correlated with altered transcriptomic profiles of SR protein target genes. Notably, splicing inhibitors were therapeutically effective in treating sensitive and resistant AML cells as monotherapy or combination with other approved drugs. H3B-8800 and venetoclax combination showed the best efficacy in vitro, demonstrating synergistic effects in patient samples and no toxicity in healthy hematopoietic progenitors. Our results establish that RNA splicing inhibition, alone or combined with venetoclax, could be useful for the treatment of newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory AML.
Atlantic water influx and sea-ice cover drive taxonomic and functional shifts in Arctic marine bacterial communities
Authors: Priest Taylor , von Appen Wilken-Jon , Oldenburg Ellen , Popa Ovidiu , Torres-Valdés Sinhué , Bienhold Christina , Metfies Katja , Boulton William , Mock Thomas , Fuchs Bernhard M , Amann Rudolf , Boetius Antje , Wietz Matthias
Published: July 2023

The Arctic Ocean is experiencing unprecedented changes because of climate warming, necessitating detailed analyses on the ecology and dynamics of biological communities to understand current and future ecosystem shifts. Here, we generated a four-year, high-resolution amplicon dataset along with one annual cycle of PacBio HiFi read metagenomes from the East Greenland Current (EGC), and combined this with datasets spanning different spatiotemporal scales (Tara Arctic and MOSAiC) to assess the impact of Atlantic water influx and sea-ice cover on bacterial communities in the Arctic Ocean. Densely ice-covered polar waters harboured a temporally stable, resident microbiome. Atlantic water influx and reduced sea-ice cover resulted in the dominance of seasonally fluctuating populations, resembling a process of “replacement” through advection, mixing and environmental sorting. We identified bacterial signature populations of distinct environmental regimes, including polar night and high-ice cover, and assessed their ecological roles. Dynamics of signature populations were consistent across the wider Arctic; e.g. those associated with dense ice cover and winter in the EGC were abundant in the central Arctic Ocean in winter. Population- and community-level analyses revealed metabolic distinctions between bacteria affiliated with Arctic and Atlantic conditions; the former with increased potential to use bacterial- and terrestrial-derived substrates or inorganic compounds. Our evidence on bacterial dynamics over spatiotemporal scales provides novel insights into Arctic ecology and indicates a progressing Biological Atlantification of the warming Arctic Ocean, with consequences for food webs and biogeochemical cycles.
Roles of extracellular adenosine triphosphate on the functions of periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Kyawsoewin Maythwe , Manokawinchoke Jeeranan , Namangkalakul Worachat , Egusa Hiroshi , Limraksasin Phoonsuk , Osathanon Thanaphum
Published: July 2023

Objective

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is an essential nucleotide that is normally present in both intracellular and extracellular compartments. Extracellular ATP (eATP) has a pivotal role in both physiological and pathological processes of periodontal ligament tissues. Here, this review aimed to explore the various functions of eATP that are involved in the control of behaviours and functions of periodontal ligament cells.

Methods

To identify the included publications for review, the articles were searched in PubMed (MEDLINE) and SCOPUS with the keywords of adenosine triphosphate and periodontal ligament cells. Thirteen publications were used as the main publications for discussion in the present review.

Results

eATP has been implicated as a potent stimulator for inflammation initiation in periodontal tissues. It also plays a role in proliferation, differentiation, remodelling, and immunosuppressive functions of periodontal ligament cells. Yet, eATP has diverse functions in regulating periodontal tissue homeostasis and regeneration.

Conclusion

eATP may provide a new prospect for periodontal tissue healing as well as treatment of periodontal disease especially periodontitis. It may be utilized as a useful therapeutic tool for future periodontal regeneration therapy.
Crosstalk between autophagy and CSCs: molecular mechanisms and translational implications
Authors: Li Dai , Peng Xueqiang , He Guangpeng , Liu Jiaxing , Li Xian , Lin Weikai , Fang Jianjun , Li Xinyu , Yang Shuo , Yang Liang , Li Hangyu
Published: July 2023

Cancer stem cells(CSCs) play a key role in regulating tumorigenesis, progression, as well as recurrence, and possess typical metabolic characteristics. Autophagy is a catabolic process that can aid cells to survive under stressful conditions such as nutrient deficiency and hypoxia. Although the role of autophagy in cancer cells has been extensively studied, CSCs possess unique stemness, and their potential relationship with autophagy has not been fully analyzed. This study summarizes the possible role of autophagy in the renewal, proliferation, differentiation, survival, metastasis, invasion, and treatment resistance of CSCs. It has been found that autophagy can contribute to the maintenance of CSC stemness, facilitate the tumor cells adapt to changes in the microenvironment, and promote tumor survival, whereas in some other cases autophagy acts as an important process involved in the deprivation of CSC stemness thus leading to tumor death. Mitophagy, which has emerged as another popular research area in recent years, has a great scope when explored together with stem cells. In this study, we have aimed to elaborate on the mechanism of action of autophagy in regulating the functions of CSCs to provide deeper insights for future cancer treatment.
Defective efferocytosis by aged macrophages promotes STING signaling mediated inflammatory liver injury
Authors: Hu Haoran , Cheng Xuyu , Li Fei , Guan Zhu , Xu Jian , Wu Dongming , Gao Yiyun , Zhan Xinyu , Wang Ping , Zhou Haoming , Rao Zhuqing , Cheng Feng
Published: July 2023

Aged livers have shown aggravated liver ischemia and reperfusion (IR) injury. Timely efferocytosis of apoptotic cells is a key mechanism for avoiding excessive inflammation and tissue injury. Here, we investigated the alteration of efferocytosis by aged macrophages and its role in regulating macrophage STING (stimulator of interferon genes) signaling and liver IR injury. Aged and young mice were subjected to liver partial IR model. Liver injury and inflammation were measured. Efferocytosis by aged macrophages and the underlying regulatory mechanism were analyzed as well. Aged macrophages exhibited impaired efferocytosis with decreased MerTK (c-mer proto-oncogene tyrosine kinase) activation, which was reversed by treatment of the MerTK CRISPR activation plasmid. Increased MerTK cleavage by ADAM17 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17) due to enhanced ROS (reactive oxygen species) levels contributed to defective efferocytosis by aged macrophages. MerTK activation by suppressing ADAM17 or ROS improved aged macrophage efferocytosis, leading to reduced inflammatory liver injury. Moreover, increased apoptotic hepatocytes, DNA accumulation, and macrophage STING activation were observed in aged ischemic livers. Improvement in efferocytosis by aged macrophages via MerTK activation suppressed STING activation and inflammatory liver injury. Our study demonstrates that aging suppresses MerTK- mediated macrophage efferocytosis to promote macrophage STING activation and inflammatory liver IR injury, suggesting a new mechanism and potential therapy to promote inflammation resolution and efferocytosis in aged livers.
SCP2 mediates the transport of lipid hydroperoxides to mitochondria in chondrocyte ferroptosis
Authors: Dai Tianming , Xue Xiang , Huang Jian , Yang Zhenyu , Xu Pengfei , Wang Min , Xu Wuyan , Feng Zhencheng , Zhu Weicong , Xu Yangyang , Chen Junyan , Li Siming , Meng Qingqi
Published: July 2023

Sterol carrier protein 2 (SCP2) is highly expressed in human osteoarthritis (OA) cartilage, accompanied by ferroptosis hallmarks, especially the accumulation of lipid hydroperoxides (LPO). However, the role of SCP2 in chondrocyte ferroptosis remains unexplored. Here, we identify that SCP2 transports cytoplasmic LPO to mitochondria in RSL3-induced chondrocyte ferroptosis, resulting in mitochondrial membrane damage and release of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The localization of SCP2 on mitochondria is associated with mitochondrial membrane potential, but independent of microtubules transport or voltage-dependent anion channel. Moreover, SCP2 promotes lysosomal LPO increase and lysosomal membrane damage through elevating ROS. However, SCP2 is not directly involved in the cell membrane rupture caused by RSL3. Inhibition of SCP2 markedly protects mitochondria and reduces LPO levels, attenuating chondrocyte ferroptosis in vitro and alleviating the progression of OA in rats. Our study demonstrates that SCP2 mediates the transport of cytoplasmic LPO to mitochondria and the spread of intracellular LPO, accelerating chondrocyte ferroptosis.
Aging-related aneuploidy is associated with mitochondrial imbalance and failure of spindle assembly
Authors: Zhang Fa-Li , Li Wei-Dong , Zhu Ke-Xin , Zhou Xu , Li Lan , Lee Tin-Lap , Shen Wei
Published: July 2023

Despite aging is closely linked to increased aneuploidy in the oocytes, the mechanism of how aging affects aneuploidy remains largely elusive. Here, we applied single-cell parallel methylation and transcriptome sequencing (scM&T-seq) data from the aging mouse oocyte model to decode the genomic landscape of oocyte aging. We found a decline in oocyte quality in aging mice, as manifested by a significantly lower rate of first polar body exclusion (P < 0.05), and dramatically increasing aneuploidy rate (P < 0.01). Simultaneously, scM&T data suggested that a large number of differential expression genes (DEGs) and differential methylation regions (DMRs) were obtained. Next, we identified strong association of spindle assembly and mitochondrial transmembrane transport during oocyte aging. Moreover, we verified the DEGs related to spindle assembly (such as Naip1, Aspm, Racgap1, Zfp207) by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and checked the mitochondrial dysfunction by JC-1 staining. Pearson correlation analysis found that receptors for mitochondrial function were strongly positively correlated with abnormal spindle assembly (P < 0.05). In conclusion, these results suggested that the mitochondrial dysfunction and abnormal spindle assembly of aging oocytes ultimately may lead to increased oocyte aneuploidy.
Potential diagnostic biomarkers: 6 cuproptosis- and ferroptosis-related genes linking immune infiltration in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Miao Mengdan , Cao Shanhu , Tian Yifei , Liu Da , Chen Lixia , Chai Qiaoying , Wei Mei , Sun Shaoguang , Wang Le , Xin Shuanli , Liu Gang , Zheng Mingqi
Published: July 2023

The current diagnostic biomarkers of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), troponins, lack specificity and exist as false positives in other non-cardiac diseases. Previous studies revealed that cuproptosis, ferroptosis, and immune infiltration are all involved in the development of AMI. We hypothesize that combining the analysis of cuproptosis, ferroptosis, and immune infiltration in AMI will help identify more precise diagnostic biomarkers. The results showed that a total of 19 cuproptosis- and ferroptosis-related genes (CFRGs) were differentially expressed between the healthy and AMI groups. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the differential CFRGs were mostly enriched in biological processes related to oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. The immune infiltration status analyzed by ssGSEA found elevated levels of macrophages, neutrophils, and CCR in AMI. Then, we screened 6 immune-related CFRGs (CXCL2, DDIT3, DUSP1, CDKN1A, TLR4, STAT3) to construct a nomogram for predicting AMI and validated it in the GSE109048 dataset. Moreover, we also identified 5 pivotal miRNAs and 10 candidate drugs that target the 6 feature genes. Finally, RT-qPCR analysis verified that all 6 feature genes were upregulated in both animals and patients. In conclusion, our study reveals the significance of immune-related CFRGs in AMI and provides new insights for AMI diagnosis and treatment.
ATPase activity of DFCP1 controls selective autophagy
Authors: Nähse Viola , Raiborg Camilla , Tan Kia Wee , Mørk Sissel , Torgersen Maria Lyngaas , Wenzel Eva Maria , Nager Mireia , Salo Veijo T. , Johansen Terje , Ikonen Elina , Schink Kay Oliver , Stenmark Harald
Published: July 2023

Cellular homeostasis is governed by removal of damaged organelles and protein aggregates by selective autophagy mediated by cargo adaptors such as p62/SQSTM1. Autophagosomes can assemble in specialized cup-shaped regions of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) known as omegasomes, which are characterized by the presence of the ER protein DFCP1/ZFYVE1. The function of DFCP1 is unknown, as are the mechanisms of omegasome formation and constriction. Here, we demonstrate that DFCP1 is an ATPase that is activated by membrane binding and dimerizes in an ATP-dependent fashion. Whereas depletion of DFCP1 has a minor effect on bulk autophagic flux, DFCP1 is required to maintain the autophagic flux of p62 under both fed and starved conditions, and this is dependent on its ability to bind and hydrolyse ATP. While DFCP1 mutants defective in ATP binding or hydrolysis localize to forming omegasomes, these omegasomes fail to constrict properly in a size-dependent manner. Consequently, the release of nascent autophagosomes from large omegasomes is markedly delayed. While knockout of DFCP1 does not affect bulk autophagy, it inhibits selective autophagy, including aggrephagy, mitophagy and micronucleophagy. We conclude that DFCP1 mediates ATPase-driven constriction of large omegasomes to release autophagosomes for selective autophagy.
Weakly coordinated Li ion in single-ion-conductor-based composite enabling low electrolyte content Li-metal batteries
Authors: Kwon Hyeokjin , Choi Hyun-Ji , Jang Jung-kyu , Lee Jinhong , Jung Jinkwan , Lee Wonjun , Roh Youngil , Baek Jaewon , Shin Dong Jae , Lee Ju-Hyuk , Choi Nam-Soon , Meng Ying Shirley , Kim Hee-Tak
Published: July 2023

The pulverization of lithium metal electrodes during cycling recently has been suppressed through various techniques, but the issue of irreversible consumption of the electrolyte remains a critical challenge, hindering the progress of energy-dense lithium metal batteries. Here, we design a single-ion-conductor-based composite layer on the lithium metal electrode, which significantly reduces the liquid electrolyte loss via adjusting the solvation environment of moving Li+ in the layer. A Li||Ni0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2 pouch cell with a thin lithium metal (N/P of 2.15), high loading cathode (21.5 mg cm−2), and carbonate electrolyte achieves 400 cycles at the electrolyte to capacity ratio of 2.15 g Ah−1 (2.44 g Ah−1 including mass of composite layer) or 100 cycles at 1.28 g Ah−1 (1.57 g Ah−1 including mass of composite layer) under a stack pressure of 280 kPa (0.2 C charge with a constant voltage charge at 4.3 V to 0.05 C and 1.0 C discharge within a voltage window of 4.3 V to 3.0 V). The rational design of the single-ion-conductor-based composite layer demonstrated in this work provides a way forward for constructing energy-dense rechargeable lithium metal batteries with minimal electrolyte content.
Glycopeptide database search and de novo sequencing with PEAKS GlycanFinder enable highly sensitive glycoproteomics
Authors: Sun Weiping , Zhang Qianqiu , Zhang Xiyue , Tran Ngoc Hieu , Ziaur Rahman M. , Chen Zheng , Peng Chao , Ma Jun , Li Ming , Xin Lei , Shan Baozhen
Published: July 2023

Here we present GlycanFinder, a database search and de novo sequencing tool for the analysis of intact glycopeptides from mass spectrometry data. GlycanFinder integrates peptide-based and glycan-based search strategies to address the challenge of complex fragmentation of glycopeptides. A deep learning model is designed to capture glycan tree structures and their fragment ions for de novo sequencing of glycans that do not exist in the database. We performed extensive analyses to validate the false discovery rates (FDRs) at both peptide and glycan levels and to evaluate GlycanFinder based on comprehensive benchmarks from previous community-based studies. Our results show that GlycanFinder achieved comparable performance to other leading glycoproteomics softwares in terms of both FDR control and the number of identifications. Moreover, GlycanFinder was also able to identify glycopeptides not found in existing databases. Finally, we conducted a mass spectrometry experiment for antibody N-linked glycosylation profiling that could distinguish isomeric peptides and glycans in four immunoglobulin G subclasses, which had been a challenging problem to previous studies.
A cytochrome P450 CYP87A4 imparts sterol side-chain cleavage in digoxin biosynthesis
Authors: Carroll Emily , Ravi Gopal Baradwaj , Raghavan Indu , Mukherjee Minakshi , Wang Zhen Q.
Published: July 2023

Digoxin extracted from the foxglove plant is a widely prescribed natural product for treating heart failure. It is listed as an essential medicine by the World Health Organization. However, how the foxglove plant synthesizes digoxin is mostly unknown, especially the cytochrome P450 sterol side chain cleaving enzyme (P450scc), which catalyzes the first and rate-limiting step. Here we identify the long-speculated foxglove P450sccthrough differential transcriptomic analysis. This enzyme converts cholesterol and campesterol to pregnenolone, suggesting that digoxin biosynthesis starts from both sterols, unlike previously reported. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that this enzyme arises from a duplicated cytochrome P450CYP87Agene and is distinct from the well-characterized mammalian P450scc. Protein structural analysis reveals two amino acids in the active site critical for the foxglove P450scc’s sterol cleavage ability. Identifying the foxglove P450sccis a crucial step toward completely elucidating digoxin biosynthesis and expanding the therapeutic applications of digoxin analogs in future work.
Molecular basis and design principles of switchable front-rear polarity and directional migration in Myxococcus xanthus
Authors: Carreira Luís António Menezes , Szadkowski Dobromir , Lometto Stefano , Hochberg Georg. K. A. , Søgaard-Andersen Lotte
Published: July 2023

During cell migration, front-rear polarity is spatiotemporally regulated; however, the underlying design of regulatory interactions varies. In rod-shaped Myxococcus xanthus cells, a spatial toggle switch dynamically regulates front-rear polarity. The polarity module establishes front-rear polarity by guaranteeing front pole-localization of the small GTPase MglA. Conversely, the Frz chemosensory system, by acting on the polarity module, causes polarity inversions. MglA localization depends on the RomR/RomX GEF and MglB/RomY GAP complexes that localize asymmetrically to the poles by unknown mechanisms. Here, we show that RomR and the MglB and MglC roadblock domain proteins generate a positive feedback by forming a RomR/MglC/MglB complex, thereby establishing the rear pole with high GAP activity that is non-permissive to MglA. MglA at the front engages in negative feedback that breaks the RomR/MglC/MglB positive feedback allosterically, thus ensuring low GAP activity at this pole. These findings unravel the design principles of a system for switchable front-rear polarity.
The structural pathology for hypophosphatasia caused by malfunctional tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase
Authors: Yu Yating , Rong Kewei , Yao Deqiang , Zhang Qing , Cao Xiankun , Rao Bing , Xia Ying , Lu Yi , Shen Yafeng , Yao Ying , Xu Hongtao , Ma Peixiang , Cao Yu , Qin An
Published: July 2023

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a metabolic bone disease that manifests as developmental abnormalities in bone and dental tissues. HPP patients exhibit hypo-mineralization and osteopenia due to the deficiency or malfunction of tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP), which catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphate-containing molecules outside the cells, promoting the deposition of hydroxyapatite in the extracellular matrix. Despite the identification of hundreds of pathogenic TNAP mutations, the detailed molecular pathology of HPP remains unclear. Here, to address this issue, we determine the crystal structures of human TNAP at near-atomic resolution and map the major pathogenic mutations onto the structure. Our study reveals an unexpected octameric architecture for TNAP, which is generated by the tetramerization of dimeric TNAPs, potentially stabilizing the TNAPs in the extracellular environments. Moreover, we use cryo-electron microscopy to demonstrate that the TNAP agonist antibody (JTALP001) forms a stable complex with TNAP by binding to the octameric interface. The administration of JTALP001 enhances osteoblast mineralization and promoted recombinant TNAP-rescued mineralization in TNAP knockout osteoblasts. Our findings elucidate the structural pathology of HPP and highlight the therapeutic potential of the TNAP agonist antibody for osteoblast-associated bone disorders.
Thermosensitive and antioxidant wound dressings capable of adaptively regulating TGFβ pathways promote diabetic wound healing
Authors: Niu Hong , Guan Ya , Zhong Ting , Ma Liang , Zayed Mohamed , Guan Jianjun
Published: July 2023

Various therapies have been utilized for treating diabetic wounds, yet current regiments do not simultaneously address the key intrinsic causes of slow wound healing, i.e., abnormal skin cell functions (particularly migration), delayed angiogenesis, and chronic inflammation. To address this clinical gap, we develop a wound dressing that contains a peptide-based TGFβ receptor II inhibitor (PTβR2I), and a thermosensitive and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging hydrogel. The wound dressing can quickly solidify on the diabetic wounds following administration. The released PTβR2I inhibits the TGFβ1/p38 pathway, leading to improved cell migration and angiogenesis, and decreased inflammation. Meanwhile, the PTβR2I does not interfere with the TGFβ1/Smad2/3 pathway that is required to regulate myofibroblasts, a critical cell type for wound healing. The hydrogel’s ability to scavenge ROS in diabetic wounds further decreases inflammation. Single-dose application of the wound dressing significantly accelerates wound healing with complete wound closure after 14 days. Overall, using wound dressings capable of adaptively modulating TGFβ pathways provides a new strategy for diabetic wound treatment.
Spatial association of surface water quality and human cancer in China
Authors: Wang Zixing , Gu Wentao , Guo Xiaobo , Xue Fang , Zhao Jing , Han Wei , Li Hairong , Chen Wangyue , Hu Yaoda , Yang Cuihong , Zhang Luwen , Wu Peng , Chen Yali , Zhao Yujie , Du Jin , Jiang Jingmei
Published: July 2023

Little is known about the association between surface water quality and cancer incidence, especially in China. Drinking water quality has been linked to the incidence of several cancers in individual-level studies. However, few studies have attempted to examine multiple pollutants and multiple cancers at population level. This study used water monitoring and population-level cancer data from across China to examine spatial associations between water pollutants and types of cancer. We found a “dose–response” relationship between the number of pollutants present at high levels and cancer incidence. These results provide evidence of a nationwide spatial association between water quality and cancer in China. The precise relationship varies with cancers and pollutants. However, the overall consistency of the “dose–response” relationship suggests that surface water quality is an important factor in cancer incidence. Our findings highlight new issues such as the changing effects when different pollutants co-exist and an increasing number of new cancer cases partially attributable to poor water quality. Our work also points to some ways to deal with these challenges.
Extension and update of multiscale monthly household carbon footprint in Japan from 2011 to 2022
Authors: Huang Liqiao , Montagna Sebastian , Wu Yi , Chen Zhiheng , Tanaka Kenji , Yoshida Yoshikuni , Long Yin
Published: July 2023

Household consumption significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions as it is the largest component of final demand in the national accounting system. Nevertheless, there is an apparent lack of comprehensive and consistent datasets detailing emissions from household consumption. Here, we expand and update Japan’s multiscale monthly household carbon footprint from January 2011 to September 2022, combining data from government statistics and surveys. We constructed a dataset comprising 37,692 direct and 4,852,845 indirect emission records, covering households at the national, regional, and prefectural city levels. The dataset provides critical spatiotemporal information that allows for revealing carbon emission patterns, pinpointing primary sources of emissions, and discerning regional variances. Moreover, the inclusion of micro-scale carbon footprint data enables the identification of specific consumption habits, thereby regulating individual consumption behavior to achieve a low-carbon society.
Cellular immunity reflects the persistent symptoms among COVID-19 recovered patients in Japan
Authors: Miyata Yoshiharu , Suzuki Kohjin , Nagano Tatsuya , Iida Keiji , Hasegawa Takehiro , Uga Hitoshi , Matsuoka Hiroshi
Published: July 2023

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) often causes persistent symptoms long after infection, referred to as “long COVID” or post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS). This phenomenon has been studied primarily concerning B-cell immunity, while the involvement of T-cell immunity is still unclear. This retrospective study aimed to examine the relationship among the number of symptoms, cytokine levels, and the Enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISPOT) assay data in patients with COVID-19. To examine inflammatory conditions, plasma interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-18, chemokine ligand 9 (CXCL9), chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were analyzed using plasma obtained from COVID-19 recovery patients and healthy controls (HC). These levels were significantly higher in the COVID-19 group than those in the HC group. ELISPOT assays were performed to investigate the correlation between COVID-19 persistent symptoms and T-cell immunity. Cluster analysis of ELISPOT categorized COVID-19 recovery patients in the ELISPOT-high and -low groups, based on the values of S1, S2, and N. The number of persistent symptoms was significantly higher in the ELISPOT-low group than those in the ELISPOT-high group. Thus, T cell immunity is critical for the rapid elimination of COVID-19 persistent symptoms, and its measurement immediately after COVID-19 recovery might predict long-term COVID-19 or PACS.
VDR alleviates endothelial cell injury in arteriovenous fistula through inhibition of P66Shc-mediated mitochondrial ROS
Authors: Han Ya-chun , Liu Yu-ting , Zhang Hao , Xu Yong , Liu Jun , Chen Hong , Song Na , Qin Dong-lu , Yang Shikun
Published: July 2023

To investigate the effects and mechanism of Vitamin D receptor (VDR) signaling on arteriovenous fistula (AVF) endothelial cell injury. Venous tissues of AVF stenosis patients were collected and analyzed, vascular morphology, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the expression of VDR, P66Shc, fibronectin (FN), collagen-1 (Col-1) were detected. In addition, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was used in in vitro studies. HUVECs was incubated with transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β, 50 ng/ml). Aditionally, paricalcitol, VDR overexpression plasmid and Pin1 inhibitor Juglone were used to investigate the regulatory mechanism of VDR in mitochondrial ROS. The parameters of ROS (e.g. MitoSox) and the expression of FN, Col-1 were tested. Moreover, the mitochondrial translocation of P66Shc was analyzed. The expression of VDR was obviously decreased in the venous tissues of AVF stenosis patients. On the contrary, the expression of P66Shc, P-P66Shc, FN, Col-1 and 8-OHdG were increased significantly in the venous tissues of AVF stenosis patients (P < 0.05). In line with this, the level of mitochondrial ROS and the expression of P66Shc, P-P66Shc, FN, Col-1 increased obviously in HUVECs cells under TGF-β condition. Both VDR over-expression plasmid and Pin1 inhibitor Juglone could alleviate TGF-β induced endothelial injury. Mechanistically, VDR overexpression plasmid and Juglone could inhibit the expression of Pin1, and then restrain P66Shc mitochondrial translocation, eventually reduce the level of mitochondrial ROS. Our research indicated that activation of VDR could alleviate venous endothelial cell dysfunction through inhibiting Pin1-mediated mitochondrial translocation of P66Shc and consequently reducing mitochondrial ROS. It suggested that VDR signaling might be an effective target for AVF stenosis treatment.
Artemisinin attenuates type 2 diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats through modulation of AGE-RAGE/HMGB-1 signaling pathway
Authors: Farrag Eman A. E. , Hammad Maha O. , Safwat Sally M. , Hamed Shereen , Hellal Doaa
Published: July 2023

Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder. About two-thirds of diabetic patients develop diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), which becomes a challenging issue as it severely threatens the patient’s life. Hyperglycemia and the resulting advanced glycated end products (AGE) and their receptor (RAGE)/High Mobility Group Box-1 (HMGB-1) molecular pathway are thought to be key players. Recently, artemisinin (ART) has gained more attention owing to its potent biological activities beyond its antimalarial effect. Herein, we aim to evaluate the effect of ART on DCM and the possible underlying mechanisms. Twenty-four male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into: control, ART, type 2 diabetic and type 2 diabetic treated with ART groups. At the end of the research, the ECG was recorded, then the heart weight to body weight (HW/BW) ratio, fasting blood glucose, serum insulin and HOMA-IR were evaluated. Cardiac biomarkers (CK-MB and LDH), oxidative stress markers, IL-1β, AGE, RAGE and HMGB-1 expression were also measured. The heart specimens were stained for H&E as well as Masson’s trichrome. DCM induced disturbances in all studied parameters; contrary to this, ART improved these insults. Our study concluded that ART could improve DCM through modulation of the AGE-RAGE/HMGB-1 signaling pathway, with subsequent impacts on oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis. ART could therefore be a promising therapy for the management of DCM.
Optimization of laser dosimetry based on patient-specific anatomical models for the ablation of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tumor
Authors: Namakshenas Pouya , Di Matteo Francesco Maria , Bianchi Leonardo , Faiella Eliodoro , Stigliano Serena , Quero Giuseppe , Saccomandi Paola
Published: July 2023

Laser-induced thermotherapy has shown promising potential for the treatment of unresectable primary pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tumors. Nevertheless, heterogeneous tumor environment and complex thermal interaction phenomena that are established under hyperthermic conditions can lead to under/over estimation of laser thermotherapy efficacy. Using numerical modeling, this paper presents an optimized laser setting for Nd:YAG laser delivered by a bare optical fiber (300 µm in diameter) at 1064 nm working in continuous mode within a power range of 2–10 W. For the thermal analysis, patient-specific 3D models were used, consisting of tumors in different portions of the pancreas. The optimized laser power and time for ablating the tumor completely and producing thermal toxic effects on the possible residual tumor cells beyond the tumor margins were found to be 5 W for 550 s, 7 W for 550 s, and 8 W for 550 s for the pancreatic tail, body, and head tumors, respectively. Based on the results, during the laser irradiation at the optimized doses, thermal injury was not evident either in the 15 mm lateral distances from the optical fiber or in the nearby healthy organs. The present computational-based predictions are also in line with the previous ex vivo and in vivo studies, hence, they can assist in the estimation of the therapeutic outcome of laser ablation for pancreatic neoplasms prior to clinical trials.
Generation of vector vortex wave modes in cylindrical waveguides
Authors: Islam Md Khadimul , Gaire Pawan , Madanayake Arjuna , Bhardwaj Shubhendu
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we propose a method to generate Vector Vortex Modes (VVM) inside a metallic cylindrical waveguide at microwave frequencies and demonstrate the experimental validation of the concept. Vector vortex modes of EM waves can carry both spin and orbital angular momentum as they propagate within a tubular medium. The existence of such waves in tubular media can be beneficial to wireless communication in such structures. These waves can carry different orbital angular momentum and spin angular momentum, and therefore, they feature the ability to carry multiple orthogonal modes at the same frequency due to spatial structure of the phase and polarization. In essence, high data rate channels can be developed using such waves. In free space, Orbital Angular Momentum carrying vortex waves have beam divergence issues and a central field-minima, which makes these waves unfavorable for free space communication. But vector vortex mode waves in guided structures do not suffer from these drawbacks. This prospect of enhancement of communication spectrum in waveguides provides the background for the study of vortex wave in circular waveguides. In this work, new feed structures and a radial array of monopoles are designed to generate the VVM carrying waves inside the waveguide. The experimental findings on the distribution of the amplitude and phase of the electromagnetic fields inside the waveguide are presented and the relationship between the waveguide fundamental modes and VVMs are discussed for the first time. The paper also presents methods for varying the cutoff frequency of the VVMs by introducing dielectric materials in the waveguide.
Broadband magnetic resonance spectroscopy in MnSc$$_2$$S$$_4$$
Authors: Tóth Boglárka , Amelin Kirill , Rõõm Toomas , Nagel Urmas , Bauernfeind Anastasia , Tsurkan Vladimir , Prodan Lilian , Krug von Nidda Hans-Albrecht , Scheffler Marc , Kézsmárki István , Bordács Sándor
Published: July 2023

Recent neutron scattering experiments suggested that frustrated magnetic interactions give rise to antiferromagnetic spiral and fractional skyrmion lattice phases in MnSc$$_2$$

2

S$$_4$$

4

 . Here, to trace the signatures of these modulated phases, we studied the spin excitations of MnSc$$_2$$

2

S$$_4$$

4

 by THz spectroscopy at 300 mK and in magnetic fields up to 12 T and by broadband microwave spectroscopy at various temperatures up to 50 GHz. We found a single magnetic resonance with frequency linearly increasing in field. The small deviation of the Mn$$^{2+}$$

2
+

ion g-factor from 2, g = 1.96, and the absence of other resonances imply very weak anisotropies and negligible contribution of higher harmonics to the spiral state. The significant difference between the dc magnetic susceptibility and the lowest-frequency ac susceptibility in our experiment implies the existence of mode(s) outside of the measured frequency windows. The combination of THz and microwave experiments suggests a spin gap opening below the ordering temperature between 50 GHz and 100 GHz.
Prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections in HIV patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Akanksha Kumari , Kumari Ashu , Dutta Omprokash , Prasanth Ajay , Deeba Farah , Salam Nasir
Published: July 2023

Soil-transmitted Helminth (STH) infections have been found associated with people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) but little is known about the overall burden of STH coinfection in HIV patients. We aimed to assess the burden of STH infections among HIV patients. Relevant databases were systematically searched for studies reporting the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthic pathogens in HIV patients. Pooled estimates of each helminthic infection were calculated. The odds ratio was also determined as a measure of the association between STH infection and the HIV status of the patients. Sixty-one studies were finally included in the meta-analysis, consisting of 16,203 human subjects from all over the world. The prevalence ofAscaris lumbricoidesinfection in HIV patients was found to be 8% (95% CI 0.06, 0.09), the prevalence ofTrichuris trichiurainfection in HIV patients was found to be 5% (95% CI 0.04, 0.06), the prevalence of hookworm infection in HIV patients was found to be 5% (95% CI 0.04, 0.06), and prevalence ofStrongyloides stercoralisinfection in HIV patients was found to be 5% (95% CI 0.04, 0.05). Countries from Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America & Caribbean and Asia were identified with the highest burden of STH-HIV coinfection. Our analysis indicated that people living with HIV have a higher chance of developingStrongyloides stercoralisinfections and decreased odds of developing hookworm infections. Our findings suggest a moderate level of prevalence of STH infections among people living with HIV. The endemicity of STH infections and HIV status both are partially responsible for the burden of STH-HIV coinfections.
Geo-epidemiology of malaria incidence in the Vhembe District to guide targeted elimination strategies, South-Africa, 2015–2018: a local resurgence
Authors: Dieng Sokhna , Adebayo-Ojo Temitope Christina , Kruger Taneshka , Riddin Megan , Trehard Helene , Tumelero Serena , Bendiane Marc-Karim , de Jager Christiaan , Patrick Sean , Bornman Riana , Gaudart Jean
Published: July 2023

In South Africa, the population at risk of malaria is 10% (around six million inhabitants) and concern only three provinces of which Limpopo Province is the most affected, particularly in Vhembe District. As the elimination approaches, a finer scale analysis is needed to accelerate the results. Therefore, in the process of refining local malaria control and elimination strategies, the aim of this study was to identify and describe malaria incidence patterns at the locality scale in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study area comprised 474 localities in Vhembe District for which smoothed malaria incidence curve were fitted with functional data method based on their weekly observed malaria incidence from July 2015 to June 2018. Then, hierarchical clustering algorithm was carried out considering different distances to classify the 474 smoothed malaria incidence curves. Thereafter, validity indices were used to determine the number of malaria incidence patterns. The cumulative malaria incidence of the study area was 4.1 cases/1000 person-years. Four distinct patterns of malaria incidence were identified: high, intermediate, low and very low with varying characteristics. Malaria incidence increased across transmission seasons and patterns. The localities in the two highest incidence patterns were mainly located around farms, and along the rivers. Some unusual malaria phenomena in Vhembe District were also highlighted as resurgence. Four distinct malaria incidence patterns were found in Vhembe District with varying characteristics. Findings show also unusual malaria phenomena in Vhembe District that hinder malaria elimination in South Africa. Assessing the factors associated with these unusual malaria phenome would be helpful on building innovative strategies that lead South Africa on malaria elimination.
Human-caused wolf mortality persists for years after discontinuation of hunting
Authors: Oliynyk Roman Teo
Published: July 2023

By the mid-twentieth century, wolves were nearly extinct in the lower 48 states, with a small number surviving in northern Minnesota. After wolves were placed on the endangered species list in 1973, the northern Minnesota wolf population increased and stabilized by the early 2000s. A wolf trophy hunt was introduced in 2012–2014 and then halted by a court order in December 2014. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources collected wolf radiotelemetry data for the years 2004–2019. Statistical analysis showed that wolf mortality remained close to constant from 2004 until the initiation of the hunt, and that mortality doubled with the initiation of the first hunting and trapping season in 2012, remaining at a nearly constant elevated level through 2019. Notably, average annual wolf mortality increased from 21.7% before wolf hunting seasons (10.0% by human causes and 11.7% natural causes) to 43.4% (35.8% by human causes and 7.6% natural causes). The fine-grained statistical trend implies that human-caused mortality increased sharply during the hunting seasons, while natural mortality initially dropped. After the hunt’s discontinuation, human-caused mortality remained higher than prior to the hunting seasons throughout the five years of the available after-hunt radiotelemetry data.
Theoretical prediction and shape-controlled synthesis of two-dimensional semiconductive Ni3TeO6
Authors: Fernández-Catalá Javier , Kistanov Andrey A. , Bai Yang , Singh Harishchandra , Cao Wei
Published: July 2023

Current progress in two-dimensional (2D) materials explorations leads to constant specie enrichments of possible advanced materials down to two dimensions. The metal chalcogenide-based 2D materials are promising grounds where many adjacent territories are waiting to be explored. Here, a stable monolayer Ni3TeO6 (NTO) structure was computationally predicted and its stacked 2D nanosheets experimentally synthesized. Theoretical design undergoes featuring coordination of metalloid chalcogen, slicing the bulk structure, geometrical optimizations and stability study. The predicted layered NTO structure is realized in nanometer-thick nanosheets via a one-pot shape-controlled hydrothermal synthesis. Compared to the bulk, the 2D NTO own a lowered bandgap energy, more sensitive wavelength selectivity and an emerging photocatalytic hydrogen evolution ability under visible light. Beside a new 2D NTO with the optoelectrical and photocatalytic merits, its existing polar space group, structural specification, and design route are hoped to benefit 2D semiconductor innovations both in species enrichment and future applications.
Symmetry-protected topological exceptional chains in non-Hermitian crystals
Authors: Zhang Ruo-Yang , Cui Xiaohan , Chen Wen-Jie , Zhang Zhao-Qing , Chan C. T.
Published: July 2023

In non-Hermitian systems, defective band degeneracies called exceptional points can form exceptional lines (ELs) in 3D momentum space in the absence of any symmetries. However, whether the presence of symmetries can affect the EL configurations had rarely been discussed. Here we show that a natural orientation can be assigned to every EL according to the eigenenergy braiding around it, and we establish the source-free principle of ELs stating that the number of ELs ingoing and outgoing from the junction must be conserved. Based on this principle, we discover that three crystalline-symmetry-based mechanisms can stabilize the junction of ELs, resulting in the formation of various types of exceptional chains (ECs). We further demonstrate that ECs can be observed in prototypical non-Hermitian photonic crystals. Our results combine the effect of non-Hermitian spatiotemporal symmetry and topology to pave the way for understanding and manipulating the morphology of ELs in non-Hermitian crystalline systems.
Genomic copy number variability at the genus, species and population levels impacts in situ ecological analyses of dinoflagellates and harmful algal blooms
Authors: Ruvindy Rendy , Barua Abanti , Bolch Christopher J S , Sarowar Chowdhury , Savela Henna , Murray Shauna A
Published: July 2023

The application of meta-barcoding, qPCR, and metagenomics to aquatic eukaryotic microbial communities requires knowledge of genomic copy number variability (CNV). CNV may be particularly relevant to functional genes, impacting dosage and expression, yet little is known of the scale and role of CNV in microbial eukaryotes. Here, we quantify CNV of rRNA and a gene involved in Paralytic Shellfish Toxin (PST) synthesis (sxtA4), in 51 strains of 4 Alexandrium (Dinophyceae) species. Genomes varied up to threefold within species and ~7-fold amongst species, with the largest (A. pacificum, 130 ± 1.3 pg cell−1 /~127 Gbp) in the largest size category of any eukaryote. Genomic copy numbers (GCN) of rRNA varied by 6 orders of magnitude amongst Alexandrium (102– 108 copies cell−1) and were significantly related to genome size. Within the population CNV of rRNA was 2 orders of magnitude (105 – 107 cell−1) in 15 isolates from one population, demonstrating that quantitative data based on rRNA genes needs considerable caution in interpretation, even if validated against locally isolated strains. Despite up to 30 years in laboratory culture, rRNA CNV and genome size variability were not correlated with time in culture. Cell volume was only weakly associated with rRNA GCN (20–22% variance explained across dinoflagellates, 4% in Gonyaulacales). GCN of sxtA4 varied from 0–102 copies cell−1, was significantly related to PSTs (ng cell−1), displaying a gene dosage effect modulating PST production. Our data indicate that in dinoflagellates, a major marine eukaryotic group, low-copy functional genes are more reliable and informative targets for quantification of ecological processes than unstable rRNA genes.