bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The composition of the fluid phase in inclusions in synthetic HPHT diamonds grown in system Fe–Ni–Ti–C
Authors: Sonin Valeri , Tomilenko Anatoly , Zhimulev Egor , Bul’bak Taras , Chepurov Aleksei , Babich Yuri , Logvinova Alla , Timina Tat’yana , Chepurov Anatoly
Published: January 2022

Diamonds grown by high pressure high temperature process (HPHT) are usually characterized by yellow color and high contents of nitrogen. Introduction of Ti decreases nitrogen content in diamond. Understanding the formation of nitrogen-poor diamond is very important not for the progress of HPHT process only, but because these diamond varieties represent the rare natural stones, although their crystallization conditions have not been clarified yet. Here we studied the composition of fluid phase in synthetic diamonds. The experiments were performed using a high-pressure apparatus BARS at pressures 5.5–6.0 GPa and temperatures 1350–1400 °C. It was found that introduction of metallic Ti leads to concentration of nitrogen mainly as nitrogenated hydrocarbons. The hypothesis that elucidates the formation of low-nitrogen diamond in Fe–Ni is proposed: the presence of Ti leads to an increase of hydrogen fugacity in the metal melt which drastically reduces the nitrogen solubility. As a result, nitrogen concentrates in the form of complex hydrocarbon compounds, while diamond grows colorless and characterized by very low nitrogen content. It is suggested that the proposed mechanism acts the same way in the presence of other metals which are strong reducing agents.
Travertine crystal growth ripples record the hydraulic history of ancient Rome’s Anio Novus aqueduct
Authors: Keenan-Jones Duncan , Motta Davide , Garcia Marcelo H. , Sivaguru Mayandi , Perillo Mauricio , Shosted Ryan K. , Fouke Bruce W.
Published: January 2022

Travertine crystal growth ripples are used to reconstruct the early hydraulic history of the Anio Novus aqueduct of ancient Rome. These crystalline morphologies deposited within the aqueduct channel record the hydraulic history of gravity-driven turbulent flow at the time of Roman operation. The wavelength, amplitude, and steepness of these travertine crystal growth ripples indicate that large-scale sustained aqueduct flows scaled directly with the thickness of the aqueous viscous sublayer. Resulting critical shear Reynolds numbers are comparable with those reconstructed from heat/mass transfer crystalline ripples formed in other natural and engineered environments. This includes sediment transport in rivers, lakes, and oceans, chemical precipitation and dissolution in caves, and melting and freezing in ice. Where flow depth and perimeter could be reconstructed from the distribution and stratigraphy of the travertine within the Anio Novus aqueduct, flow velocity and rate have been quantified by deriving roughness-flow relationships that are independent of water temperature. More generally, under conditions of near-constant water temperature and kinematic viscosity within the Anio Novus aqueduct channel, the travertine crystal growth ripple wavelengths increased with decreasing flow velocity, indicating that systematic changes took place in flow rate during travertine deposition. This study establishes that travertine crystal growth ripples such as those preserved in the Anio Novus provide a sensitive record of past hydraulic conditions, which can be similarly reconstructed from travertine deposited in other ancient water conveyance and storage systems around the world.
Transplantation of 3D adipose-derived stem cell/hepatocyte spheroids alleviates chronic hepatic damage in a rat model of thioacetamide-induced liver cirrhosis
Authors: Wu Yu Chiuan , Wu Guan Xuan , Chen Kuan Wei , Shiu Li-Yen , Kumar Satheesh , Liu Guei-Sheung , Kuo Shyh Ming
Published: January 2022

Cirrhosis refers to irreversible liver damage where healthy tissue is replaced by scar tissue, resulting in impaired liver function. There is no cure and current treatments only prevent further liver damage; thus, novel therapeutic options are urgently needed. Here, we report a new approach that enables the formation of self-assembled 3D spheroids of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and murine hepatocytes (AML12) via reconstituted collagen fibers. Compared with the spheroids formed in the commercially available EZSHERE dish, the collagen fiber-based ADSC/hepatocyte spheroids offer a notable benefit in structure formation and paracrine factor secretion. To test the regenerative capability of the collagen fiber-based 3D ADSC/hepatocyte spheroids, a rat model of thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver cirrhosis was employed. The transplantation of the collagen fiber-based 3D ADSC/hepatocyte spheroids show an improvement in liver function and ameliorates pathological liver cirrhosis in TAA-treated rats. In summary, our data show collagen fiber-based self-assembled 3D ADSC/hepatocyte spheroids to possess the excellent regenerative capacity in response to TAA-induced liver injury, promising an alternative therapeutic strategy for liver cirrhosis.
Association between aesthetic satisfaction and chronic postsurgical pain in breast cancer patients treated with one stage prosthesis implantation
Authors: Wang Baona , Gao Peng , Wang Jing , Zheng Hui
Published: January 2022

This study retrospectively studied the incidence of chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) following single-stage implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) and evaluated the possible risk factors. This was a retrospective cohort study, involving all patients undergoing single-stage IBBR between January and December 2019. The follow-up was completed between January and March 2021. The scores for satisfaction (SS) were based on the BREAST-Q, while the pain burden index (PBI) was used to assess the degree of CPSP. The questionnaires were completed by 159 patients. CPSP occurred in 48.43% of the patients, 2.52% of them being severe cases. Significant predictors for the development of CPSP in the univariate analysis included severe acute postoperative pain (PP), a history of preoperative chronic pain, psychological disorders, SS with the reconstructed breasts, and whether there were any regrets about having had the reconstruction. Multivariate analysis identified severe acute PP (odds ratio (OR) = 2.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.16–6.79, p = 0.023), a history of preoperative chronic pain (OR = 3.39, 95% CI = 1.42–8.10, p = 0.006), and the SS (OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.75–0.99, p = 0.034) as being independently associated with the development of CPSP. In subgroup analysis, the PBI of the patients in the SS < 12 group (p < 0.001), the bilateral group (p < 0.01), and the severe acute PP group (p < 0.005) was significantly higher than the PBI of those in the control groups. This study demonstrated a significant incidence of CPSP following single-stage IBBR, and the patients with lower SS of their reconstructed breasts developed more CPSP. Lower SS, bilateral procedures, and severe acute PP were predictors of higher PBI.

Trial registration: Registered in Chictr.org.cn registry system on 24 February 2020 (ChiCTR2000030139).
Combined MEK/MDM2 inhibition demonstrates antitumor efficacy in TP53 wild-type thyroid and colorectal cancers with MAPK alterations
Authors: Pairawan Seyed , Akcakanat Argun , Kopetz Scott , Tapia Coya , Zheng Xiaofeng , Chen Huiqin , Ha Min Jin , Rizvi Yasmeen , Holla Vijaykumar , Wang Jing , Evans Kurt W. , Zhao Ming , Busaidy Naifa , Fang Bingliang , Roth Jack A. , Dumbrava Ecaterina Ileana , Meric-Bernstam Funda
Published: January 2022

Most tumors with activating MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) pathway alterations respond poorly to MEK inhibitors alone. Here, we evaluated combination therapy with MEK inhibitor selumetinib and MDM2 inhibitor KRT-232 in TP53 wild-type and MAPK altered colon and thyroid cancer models. In vitro, we showed synergy between selumetinib and KRT-232 on cell proliferation and colony formation assays. Immunoblotting confirmed p53 upregulation and MEK pathway inhibition. The combination was tested in vivo in seven patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models (five colorectal carcinoma and two papillary thyroid carcinoma models) with different KRAS, BRAF, and NRAS mutations. Combination therapy significantly prolonged event-free survival compared with monotherapy in six of seven models tested. Reverse-phase protein arrays and immunohistochemistry, respectively, demonstrated upregulation of the p53 pathway and in two models cleaved caspase 3 with combination therapy. In summary, combined inhibition of MEK and MDM2 upregulated p53 expression, inhibited MAPK signaling and demonstrated greater antitumor efficacy than single drug therapy in both in vitro and in vivo settings. These findings support further clinical testing of the MEK/MDM2 inhibitor combination in tumors of epithelial origin with MAPK pathway alterations.
Association of anemia and iron parameters with mortality among prevalent peritoneal dialysis patients in Taiwan: the AIM-PD study
Authors: Kuo Ko-Lin , Liu Jia-Sin , Lin Ming-Huang , Hsu Chih-Cheng , Tarng Der-Cherng ,   the Taiwan Society of Nephrology Renal Registry Data System Research Group, Hung Szu-Chun , Kuo Ko-Lin , Liu Jia-Sin , Hsu Chih-Cheng , Lin Ming-Huang , Tarng Der-Cherng , Tseng Wei-Cheng , Tsai Ming-Tsun , Ou Shuo-Ming , Yang Chih-Yu , Lin Yao-Ping , Lin Yi-Sheng , Wu Chia-Lin , Hung Tung-Po
Published: January 2022

In 1996, the National Health Insurance Administration of Taiwan applied a restrictive reimbursement criteria for erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) use in patients with chronic kidney disease. The maximal ESAs dosage allowed by insurance is capped at 20,000 U of epoetin per month. Nephrologists avoided the use of high ESA dosages to achieve a hemoglobin level of 10–11 g/dL using iron supplementation. We assessed the association of anemia and iron parameters with mortality among peritoneal dialysis (AIM-PD) patients. A retrospective cohort study was conducted based on the Taiwan Renal Registry Data System. From January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2008, we enrolled 4356 well-nourished PD patients who were older than 20 years and had been receiving PD for more than 12 months. All patients were divided into subgroups according to different hemoglobin, ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT) values. Patients were followed until death or December 31, 2008. In a median 2.9-year study period, 694 (15.9%) patients died. By multivariate adjustment, a hemoglobin level lower than 10 g/dL was significantly associated with a higher risk for all-cause and cardiovascular deaths. Moreover, a serum ferritin level higher than 800 ng/mL was associated with a higher risk for all-cause deaths, and a TSAT value between 20 and 50% was associated with the lowest all-cause mortality. In conclusions, we recommend avoiding a low hemoglobin level and a serum ferritin level of more than 800 ng/mL and maintaining a TSAT value between 20 and 50%, as these conditions were associated with lower risks of all-cause mortality in the AIM-PD study.
Cross-border malaria in the triple border region between Brazil, Venezuela and Guyana
Authors: Abdallah Rispah , Louzada Jaime , Carlson Christina , Ljolje Dragan , Udhayakumar Venkatachalam , Oliveira-Ferreira Joseli , Lucchi Naomi W.
Published: January 2022

The state of Roraima, in Brazil, has recently seen an increase in the number of reported Plasmodium falciparum infections believed to be imported from neighboring countries. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Plasmodium species among patients attending malaria health posts in Roraima and quantify the infections attributable to imported malaria. This cross-sectional case study was carried out between March 2016 and September 2018. Study participants were recruited as they exited the malaria health post. Information about residence, occupation and travel history was collected using a questionnaire. A dried blood spot was collected and used for malaria diagnosis by PCR. A total of 1222 patients were enrolled. Of the 80% Plasmodium positive samples, 50% were P. falciparum, 34% P. vivax, 8% mixed P. falciparum/P. vivax and 0.2% mixed P. falciparum/P. ovale infections and 8% tested positive for Plasmodium, but the species could not be identified. 80% of the malaria patients likely acquired infections in Venezuela and the remaining 20% acquired in Guyana, Brazil, Suriname and French Guyana. 50% of the study participants reported to be working in a mine. Results from this study support the hypothesis that imported malaria contribute to the bulk of malaria diagnosed in Roraima. These findings are in keeping with previous findings and should be considered when developing malaria control interventions.
High oncostatin M predicts lack of clinical remission for patients with inflammatory bowel disease on tumor necrosis factor α antagonists
Authors: Guo Angela , Ross Cameron , Chande Nilesh , Gregor Jamie , Ponich Terry , Khanna Reena , Sey Michael , Beaton Melanie , Yan Brian , Kim Richard B. , Wilson Aze
Published: January 2022

The interleukin-6 family cytokine, oncostatin-M (OSM) has been associated with response to tumor necrosis factor-α antagonists (anti-TNFs) in small cohorts of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aimed to evaluate the association between plasma OSM concentrations and response to anti-TNFs (infliximab and adalimumab) in both ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). A retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients with IBD with a history of anti-TNF exposure. Blood samples, collected prior to anti-TNF exposure, were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the presence and quantity of OSM. Clinical remission was assessed at 1-year post anti-TNF exposure in addition to the occurrence of surgery, hospitalization, corticosteroid use, and adverse drug events. Lastly the threshold OSM plasma concentration associated with anti-TNF non-response was assessed by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.
Patients with IBD (CD, n = 82; UC, n = 40) were assessed. In both UC and CD, mean pre-treatment OSM concentrations were significantly lower in those who achieved clinical remission at 1-year (p < 0.0001). A threshold plasma OSM concentration of 168.7 pg/ml and 233.6 pg/ml respectively separated those who achieved clinical remission at 1-year on an anti-TNF from those who did not in CD and UC respectively (CD: area under the receiver operator characteristic curve, AUROC = 0.880, 95% CI 0.79–0.96; UC: AUROC = 0.938, 95% CI 0.87–1.00). High OSM concentrations were associated with anti-TNF discontinuation and use of rescue steroids in CD and UC. High pre-treatment OSM concentrations identify IBD patients at-risk of anti-TNF non-response at 1-year as well as other deleterious clinical outcomes.
The multicausal twilight of South American native mammalian predators (Metatheria, Sparassodonta)
Authors: Tarquini Sergio Daniel , Ladevèze Sandrine , Prevosti Francisco Juan
Published: January 2022

Sparassodonts were the apex mammalian predators of South America throughout most of the Cenozoic, diversifying into a wide array of niches including fox-like and even saber-toothed forms. Their extinction is still controversial, with different authors suggesting competition with other predators (placental carnivorans, terror birds, and carnivorous opossums), extinction of prey, and climate change as causal explanations. Here, we analyse these hypotheses using a novel approach implicating Bayesian analyses. We find that speciation and extinction rates of sparassodonts can be correlated with (i) intrinsic biotic factors such as changes in body mass and diversity of sparassodonts, (ii) extrinsic biotic factors such as potential prey diversity, and iii) extrinsic abiotic factors like the atmospheric CO2, sea level, temperature, and uplift of the Andes. Thus, sparassodonts are a good example of a multilevel mixed model of evolution, where various factors drove the evolutionary history of this clade in a pluralistic way. There is no evidence for competition between Sparassodonta and others predators, and the effect of competition in the face of extinctions of fossil species should be tested and not assumed. Furthermore, we propose a novel approach for evaluating the fossil record when performing macroevolutionary analyses.
Proteome alterations in the aqueous humor reflect structural and functional phenotypes in patients with advanced normal-tension glaucoma
Authors: Lee Si Hyung , Jung Jae Hun , Park Tae Kwann , Moon Chae-Eun , Han Kyusun , Lee Jinhyoung , Lee Hyung Keun , Ji Yong Woo , Kim Chan Yun
Published: January 2022

Previous reports have shown possible association between altered protein levels in aqueous humor (AH) and normal-tension glaucoma (NTG), but the underlying pathogenetic mechanism as well as specific molecular biomarkers for NTG remains still elusive. Here, we aimed to identify novel biomarkers for advanced NTG by analyzing the proteome of patient-derived AH and their correlation with various functional and structural parameters from the visual field test (VF), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and OCT angiography (OCTA). We determined differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) of the AH of patients with advanced NTG (n = 20) using label-free quantitative (LFQ) proteomics with pooled samples and data-independent acquisition (DIA) analysis with individual samples, and the roles of AH DEPs in biological pathways were evaluated using bioinformatics. We identified 603 proteins in the AH of patients with advanced NTG, and 61 of them were selected as DEPs via global proteome LFQ profiling. Individual DIA analyses identified a total of 12 DEPs as biomarker candidates, seven of which were upregulated, and five were downregulated. Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that those DEPs were mainly involved in the immune response. Moreover, IGFBP2, ENO1, C7, B2M, AMBP, DSP, and DCD showed a significant correlation with the mean deviation of VF and with peripapillary and macular parameters from OCT and OCTA. The present study provides possible molecular biomarkers for the diagnosis of advanced NTG.
A 14-day ecological momentary assessment study on whether resilience and early family risk moderate daily stress and affect on cortisol diurnal slope
Authors: Tung Natasha Yan Chi , Yap Yang , Bei Bei , Luecken Linda J. , Wiley Joshua F.
Published: January 2022

This study examined whether resilience capacity moderates the association of daily perceived stress and affect with cortisol diurnal slope among relocated emerging adults. Relocated undergraduates (N = 98; aged 18–25 years) were recruited from three groups: Resilient, Vulnerable, and Control. The Resilient group required Risky Family Questionnaire (RFQ) scores ≥ 29 and Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) scores ≥ 3.6. The Vulnerable group required RFQ scores ≥ 29 and BRS scores ≤ 3. The comparison Control group required RFQ scores ≤ 21 and T-scores < 60 on PROMIS anxiety and depression symptoms. Mixed-effects models were used to test the unique associations of perceived stress, negative affect, and positive affect x group interactions (predictors) on diurnal cortisol slope (outcome) across 14 consecutive days. The Resilient group did not moderate the associations between daily stress or affect on cortisol diurnal slope. Instead, both the Resilient and Vulnerable groups with early family risk, showed a steeper diurnal slope unique to higher stress and a flatter slope unique to higher negative affect. Results suggest that riskier early family life was significantly associated with altered cortisol diurnal slope outcomes to stress (i.e., demand) and negative affect (i.e., distress). These associations were not attenuated by current resilience capacity.
External validation of deep learning-based bone-age software: a preliminary study with real world data
Authors: Lea Winnah Wu-in , Hong Suk-Joo , Nam Hyo-Kyoung , Kang Woo-Young , Yang Ze-Pa , Noh Eun-Jin
Published: January 2022

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in bone-age (BA) assessment due to its complicated and lengthy nature. We aimed to evaluate the clinical performance of a commercially available deep learning (DL)–based software for BA assessment using a real-world data. From Nov. 2018 to Feb. 2019, 474 children (35 boys, 439 girls, age 4–17 years) were enrolled. We compared the BA estimated by DL software (DL-BA) with that independently estimated by 3 reviewers (R1: Musculoskeletal radiologist, R2: Radiology resident, R3: Pediatric endocrinologist) using the traditional Greulich–Pyle atlas, then to his/her chronological age (CA). A paired t-test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, Bland–Altman plot, mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE) were used for the statistical analysis. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used for inter-rater variation. There were significant differences between DL-BA and each reviewer’s BA (P < 0.025), but the correlation was good with one another (r = 0.983, P < 0.025). RMSE (MAE) values were 10.09 (7.21), 10.76 (7.88) and 13.06 (10.06) months between DL-BA and R1, R2, R3 BA. Compared with the CA, RMSE (MAE) values were 13.54 (11.06), 15.18 (12.11), 16.19 (12.78) and 19.53 (17.71) months for DL-BA, R1, R2, R3 BA, respectively. Bland–Altman plots revealed the software and reviewers’ tendency to overestimate the BA in general. ICC values between 3 reviewers were 0.97, 0.85 and 0.86, and the overall ICC value was 0.93. The BA estimated by DL-based software showed statistically similar, or even better performance than that of reviewers’ compared to the chronological age in the real world clinic.
Successful pseudopregnancy of rats by short period artificial stimulation using sonic vibration
Authors: Endo Marina , Tsunoda Shigemi , Tawara Hirosuke , Abe Hisayuki , Kaneko Takehito
Published: January 2022

Psuedopregnancy for embryo transfer (ET) is usually induced in rats by mating with vasectomized males. Previously, we successfully induced pseudopregnancy using sonic vibration instead (Easy-ET method). The transferred embryos developed normally. Conventionally, stimulation is performed 7 × 30 s with 5 min intervals at the day before ET. However, this protocol is time-consuming because it imitates natural mating behavior. Here, we investigated pseudopregnancy induction with shorter stimulation times. Stimulation was performed 2 × 30 s, with 30 s intervals at the proestrus stage at the day before ET. Of the transferred pronuclear or two-cell embryos, 43% or 62% developed normally, respectively. Furthermore, 67% or 68% of transferred pronuclear or two-cell embryos in rats at estrus stage stimulated on the day of ET developed normally, respectively. Pseudopregnancy was successfully induced with shorter stimulation. Furthermore, this protocol may be used to perform a single-day stimulation and ET operation at the estrus stage.
Joint rushing alters internal timekeeping in non-musicians and musicians
Authors: Wolf Thomas , Knoblich Günther
Published: January 2022

Recent studies have shown that people engaging in joint rhythmic activity unintentionally increase their tempo. The same tempo increase does not occur when the same rhythmic activity is performed alone. This phenomenon is known as joint rushing. In two experiments, we investigated whether joint rushing is caused by correction mechanisms that facilitate sensorimotor synchronization. Because such correction mechanisms require perceptual input, joint rushing should discontinue when auditory feedback in a joint rhythmic activity is interrupted. This prediction was clearly supported in two experiments, one with musicians and one with non-musicians. Surprisingly, there was no indication that the amount of joint rushing differed between musicians and non-musicians. Furthermore, neither musicians nor non-musicians were able to return to the initially instructed tempo after feedback had been interrupted. This result indicates that joint rushing has a lasting effect on an internal timekeeper. An important question for future research is whether joint rushing is only a dysfunctional side effect of the way sensorimotor synchronization works or whether it has a function in enabling precise temporal coordination between different individuals.
Behavioral coping phenotypes and associated psychosocial outcomes of pregnant and postpartum women during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Werchan Denise M. , Hendrix Cassandra L. , Ablow Jennifer C. , Amstadter Ananda B. , Austin Autumn C. , Babineau Vanessa , Anne Bogat G. , Cioffredi Leigh-Anne , Conradt Elisabeth , Crowell Sheila E. , Dumitriu Dani , Fifer William , Firestein Morgan R. , Gao Wei , Gotlib Ian H. , Graham Alice M. , Gregory Kimberly D. , Gustafsson Hanna C. , Havens Kathryn L. , Howell Brittany R. , Humphreys Kathryn L. , King Lucy S. , Kinser Patricia A. , Krans Elizabeth E. , Lenniger Carly , Levendosky Alytia A. , Lonstein Joseph S. , Marcus Rachel , Monk Catherine , Moyer Sara , Muzik Maria , Nuttall Amy K. , Potter Alexandra S. , Salisbury Amy , Shuffrey Lauren C. , Smith Beth A. , Smith Lynne , Sullivan Elinor L. , Zhou Judy , Thomason Moriah E. , Brito Natalie H.
Published: January 2022

The impact of COVID-19-related stress on perinatal women is of heightened public health concern given the established intergenerational impact of maternal stress-exposure on infants and fetuses. There is urgent need to characterize the coping styles associated with adverse psychosocial outcomes in perinatal women during the COVID-19 pandemic to help mitigate the potential for lasting sequelae on both mothers and infants. This study uses a data-driven approach to identify the patterns of behavioral coping strategies that associate with maternal psychosocial distress during the COVID-19 pandemic in a large multicenter sample of pregnant women (N = 2876) and postpartum women (N = 1536). Data was collected from 9 states across the United States from March to October 2020. Women reported behaviors they were engaging in to manage pandemic-related stress, symptoms of depression, anxiety and global psychological distress, as well as changes in energy levels, sleep quality and stress levels. Using latent profile analysis, we identified four behavioral phenotypes of coping strategies. Critically, phenotypes with high levels of passive coping strategies (increased screen time, social media, and intake of comfort foods) were associated with elevated symptoms of depression, anxiety, and global psychological distress, as well as worsening stress and energy levels, relative to other coping phenotypes. In contrast, phenotypes with high levels of active coping strategies (social support, and self-care) were associated with greater resiliency relative to other phenotypes. The identification of these widespread coping phenotypes reveals novel behavioral patterns associated with risk and resiliency to pandemic-related stress in perinatal women. These findings may contribute to early identification of women at risk for poor long-term outcomes and indicate malleable targets for interventions aimed at mitigating lasting sequelae on women and children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Multicentre study on the reproducibility of MALDI-TOF MS for nontuberculous mycobacteria identification
Authors: Rodriguez-Temporal David , Alcaide Fernando , Mareković Ivana , O’Connor James Anthony , Gorton Rebecca , van Ingen Jakko , Van den Bossche An , Héry-Arnaud Genevieve , Beauruelle Clémence , Orth-Höller Dorothea , Palacios-Gutiérrez Juan-José , Tudó Griselda , Bou Germán , Ceyssens Pieter-Jan , Garrigó Montserrat , González-Martin Julià , Greub Gilbert , Hrabak Jaroslav , Ingebretsen André , Mediavilla-Gradolph Maria Concepción , Oviaño Marina , Palop Begoña , Pranada Arthur B. , Quiroga Lidia , Ruiz-Serrano Maria Jesús , Rodríguez-Sánchez Belén
Published: January 2022

The ability of MALDI-TOF for the identification of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) has improved recently thanks to updated databases and optimized protein extraction procedures. Few multicentre studies on the reproducibility of MALDI-TOF have been performed so far, none on mycobacteria. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility of MALDI-TOF for the identification of NTM in 15 laboratories in 9 European countries. A total of 98 NTM clinical isolates were grown on Löwenstein-Jensen. Biomass was collected in tubes with water and ethanol, anonymized and sent out to the 15 participating laboratories. Isolates were identified using MALDI Biotyper (Bruker Daltonics). Up to 1330 MALDI-TOF identifications were collected in the study. A score ≥ 1.6 was obtained for 100% of isolates in 5 laboratories (68.2–98.6% in the other). Species-level identification provided by MALDI-TOF was 100% correct in 8 centres and 100% correct to complex-level in 12 laboratories. In most cases, the misidentifications obtained were associated with closely related species. The variability observed for a few isolates could be due to variations in the protein extraction procedure or to MALDI-TOF system status in each centre. In conclusion, MALDI-TOF showed to be a highly reproducible method and suitable for its implementation for NTM identification.
The structure of a novel antibody against the spike protein inhibits Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus infections
Authors: Jang Tae-Ho , Park Woo-Jung , Lee Hansaem , Woo Hye-Min , Lee So-young , Kim Kyung-Chang , Kim Sung Soon , Hong Eunmi , Song Jaeyoung , Lee Joo-Yeon
Published: January 2022

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a zoonotic virus, responsible for outbreaks of a severe respiratory illness in humans with a fatality rate of 30%. Currently, there are no vaccines or United States food and drug administration (FDA)-approved therapeutics for humans. The spike protein displayed on the surface of MERS-CoV functions in the attachment and fusion of virions to host cellular membranes and is the target of the host antibody response. Here, we provide a molecular method for neutralizing MERS-CoV through potent antibody-mediated targeting of the receptor-binding subdomain (RBD) of the spike protein. The structural characterization of the neutralizing antibody (KNIH90-F1) complexed with RBD using X-ray crystallography revealed three critical epitopes (D509, R511, and E513) in the RBD region of the spike protein. Further investigation of MERS-CoV mutants that escaped neutralization by the antibody supported the identification of these epitopes in the RBD region. The neutralizing activity of this antibody is solely provided by these specific molecular structures. This work should contribute to the development of vaccines or therapeutic antibodies for MERS-CoV.
Construction and validation of a novel gene signature for predicting the prognosis of osteosarcoma
Authors: Yang Jinpo , Zhang Anran , Luo Huan , Ma Chao
Published: January 2022

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common type of primary malignant bone tumor. The high-throughput sequencing technology has shown potential abilities to illuminate the pathogenic genes in OS. This study was designed to find a powerful gene signature that can predict clinical outcomes. We selected OS cases with gene expression and survival data in the TARGET-OS dataset and GSE21257 datasets as training cohort and validation cohort, respectively. The univariate Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier analysis were conducted to determine potential prognostic genes from the training cohort. These potential prognostic genes underwent a LASSO regression, which then generated a gene signature. The harvested signature’s predictive ability was further examined by the Kaplan–Meier analysis, Cox analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC curve). More importantly, we listed similar studies in the most recent year and compared theirs with ours. Finally, we performed functional annotation, immune relevant signature correlation identification, and immune infiltrating analysis to better study he functional mechanism of the signature and the immune cells’ roles in the gene signature’s prognosis ability. A seventeen-gene signature (UBE2L3, PLD3, SLC45A4, CLTC, CTNNBIP1, FBXL5, MKL2, SELPLG, C3orf14, WDR53, ZFP90, UHRF2, ARX, CORT, DDX26B, MYC, and SLC16A3) was generated from the LASSO regression. The signature was then confirmed having strong and stable prognostic capacity in all studied cohorts by several statistical methods. We revealed the superiority of our signature after comparing it to our predecessors, and the GO and KEGG annotations uncovered the specifically mechanism of action related to the gene signature. Six immune signatures, includingPRF1, CD8A, HAVCR2, LAG3, CD274,andGZMAwere identified associating with our signature. The immune-infiltrating analysis recognized the vital roles of T cells CD8 and Mast cells activated, which potentially support the seventeen-gene signature’s prognosis ability. We identified a robust seventeen-gene signature that can accurately predict OS prognosis. We identified potential immunotherapy targets to the gene signature. The T cells CD8 and Mast cells activated were identified linked with the seventeen-gene signature predictive power.
Time-efficient fabrication method for 3D-printed microfluidic devices
Authors: Jin Yan , Xiong Peng , Xu Tongyu , Wang Jingyi
Published: January 2022

Recent developments in 3D-printing technology have provided a time-efficient and inexpensive alternative to the fabrication of microfluidic devices. At present, 3D-printed microfluidic systems face the challenges of post-processing, non-transparency, and being time consuming, limiting their practical application. In this study, a time-efficient and inexpensive fabrication method was developed for 3D-printed microfluidic devices. The material for 3D-printed microfluidic chips is Dowsil 732, which is used as a sealant or encapsulant in various industries. The curing time and surface hydrophobicity of the materials were evaluated. The results indicated that the surface of Dowsil 732 is hydrophilic. An optimization model of the direct ink writing method is proposed to establish a time-efficient and accurate fabrication method for microfluidic devices. The results indicate that the optimization model can effectively describe the change trend between printing speed, printing pressure, and channel wall accuracy, and the model accuracy rate exceeds 95%. Three examples—a micromixer, concentration gradient generator, and droplet generator—were printed to demonstrate the functionality and feasibility of the fabrication method.
M-CSF supports medullary erythropoiesis and erythroid iron demand following burn injury through its activity on homeostatic iron recycling
Authors: Noel John G. , Ramser Seth W. , Pitstick Lori , Bonamer John P. , Mackenzie Bryan , Seu Katie G. , Kalfa Theodosia A. , Cancelas Jose A. , Gardner Jason C.
Published: January 2022

M-CSF receptor signaling supports the development and survival of mononuclear phagocytes and is thought to play a role in post burn anemia by promoting myeloid lineage bias. We found M-CSF secretion was increased in burn patients and a murine model of post burn ACI, so we neutralized M-CSF in ACI mice to determine if erythropoiesis was improved. Instead, M-CSF blockade further impaired erythropoiesis and erythroid cells access to iron. M-CSF blockade enhanced inflammatory cytokine secretion, further increased systemic neutrophil counts, and led to tissue iron sequestration that was dependent, in part, on augmented IL-6 secretion which induced hepcidin. Deleterious effects of post burn M-CSF blockade were associated with arrest of an iron recycling gene expression signature in the liver and spleen that included Spi-C transcription factor and heme oxygenase-1, which promote heme metabolism and confer a non-inflammatory tone in macrophages. Hepatic induction of these factors in ACI mice was consistent with a recovery of ferroportin gene expression and reflected an M-CSF dependent expansion and differentiation of Spi-C+ monocytes into Kupffer cells. Together, this data indicates M-CSF secretion supports a homeostatic iron recycling program that plays a key role in the maintenance of erythroid cells access to iron following burn injury.
Plasma protein biomarker model for screening Alzheimer disease using multiple reaction monitoring-mass spectrometry
Authors: Kim Yeongshin , Kim Jaenyeon , Son Minsoo , Lee Jihyeon , Yeo Injoon , Choi Kyu Yeong , Kim Hoowon , Kim Byeong C. , Lee Kun Ho , Kim Youngsoo
Published: January 2022

Alzheimer disease (AD) is a leading cause of dementia that has gained prominence in our aging society. Yet, the complexity of diagnosing AD and measuring its invasiveness poses an obstacle. To this end, blood-based biomarkers could mitigate the inconveniences that impede an accurate diagnosis. We developed models to diagnose AD and measure the severity of neurocognitive impairment using blood protein biomarkers. Multiple reaction monitoring–mass spectrometry, a highly selective and sensitive approach for quantifying targeted proteins in samples, was used to analyze blood samples from 4 AD groups: cognitive normal control, asymptomatic AD, prodromal AD), and AD dementia. Multimarker models were developed using 10 protein biomarkers and apolipoprotein E genotypes for amyloid beta and 10 biomarkers with Korean Mini-Mental Status Examination (K-MMSE) score for predicting Alzheimer disease progression. The accuracies for the AD classification model and AD progression monitoring model were 84.9% (95% CI 82.8 to 87.0) and 79.1% (95% CI 77.8 to 80.5), respectively. The models were more accurate in diagnosing AD, compared with single APOE genotypes and the K-MMSE score. Our study demonstrates the possibility of predicting AD with high accuracy by blood biomarker analysis as an alternative method of screening for AD.
Intracellular glucose starvation affects gingival homeostasis and autophagy
Authors: Li Runbo , Kato Hirohito , Taguchi Yoichiro , Umeda Makoto
Published: January 2022

Human gingival fibroblasts (HGnFs) maintain periodontal tissue homeostasis through active proliferation and migration. Clinically, it is considered that the wound-healing ability of the gingival tissue is maintained even in environments with insufficient supply of nutrients, such as glucose, immediately after periodontal surgery. However, the effects of such glucose-deficient environments on HGnFs remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of low-glucose environment on HGnFs homeostasis. We evaluated gingival wound healing by examining cell proliferation and migration and collagen synthesis in HGnFs cultured in 100, 50, 25, and 0 mg/dL glucose in vitro. The cellular stress levels were determined by measuring the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. The glucose metabolism of HGnFs in the low-glucose concentrations was studied by measuring glucose transporter type 1 (GLUT1) mRNA expression, glucose uptake assays, lactate and ATP productions. Molecular effects were examined with a focus on the LKB1-AMPK signaling pathway. Autophagy activity in glucose-deprived HGnFs was evaluated by measuring the levels of autophagy-related proteins. Low glucose levels increased cellular stress levels, autophagy activity, and enhanced glucose metabolism through the LKB1-AMPK signaling pathway, providing more ATPs to promote wound healing. Our results regarding glucose transfer suggest the rapid healing of gingival wounds.
Persistent extreme ultraviolet irradiance in Antarctica despite the ozone recovery onset
Authors: Cordero Raúl R. , Feron Sarah , Damiani Alessandro , Redondas Alberto , Carrasco Jorge , Sepúlveda Edgardo , Jorquera Jose , Fernandoy Francisco , Llanillo Pedro , Rowe Penny M. , Seckmeyer Gunther
Published: January 2022

Attributable to the Montreal Protocol, the most successful environmental treaty ever, human-made ozone-depleting substances are declining and the stratospheric Antarctic ozone layer is recovering. However, the Antarctic ozone hole continues to occur every year, with the severity of ozone loss strongly modulated by meteorological conditions. In late November and early December 2020, we measured at the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula the highest ultraviolet (UV) irradiances recorded in the Antarctic continent in more than two decades. On Dec. 2nd, the noon-time UV index on King George Island peaked at 14.3, very close to the largest UV index ever recorded in the continent. On Dec. 3rd, the erythemal daily dose at the same site was among the highest on Earth, only comparable to those recorded at high altitude sites in the Atacama Desert, near the Tropic of Capricorn. Here we show that, despite the Antarctic ozone recovery observed in early spring, the conditions that favor these extreme surface UV events persist in late spring, when the biologically effective UV radiation is more consequential. These conditions include long-lasting ozone holes (attributable to the polar vortex dynamics) that often bring ozone-depleted air over the Antarctic Peninsula in late spring. The fact that these conditions have been occurring at about the same frequency during the last two decades explains the persistence of extreme surface UV events in Antarctica.
Fibrinogen aptamer functionalized gold-coated iron-oxide nanoparticles for targeted imaging of thrombi
Authors: Koudrina Anna , Chartrand Celine , Cron Greg O , O’Brien Jonathan , Tsai Eve C , DeRosa Maria C
Published: January 2022

Targeting of molecular constituents of thrombi with aptamer functionalized core–shell nanoparticles (CSN) allowed for high resolution clot delineation in T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.
Fluoride-incorporated cobalt-based electrocatalyst towards enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Chiou Tzung-Wen , Hsu I-Jui , Li Wei-Liang , Tung Chi-Yen , Yang Zhong-Qi , Lee Jyh-Fu , Lin Tsung-Wu
Published: January 2022

We report an electrocatalyst, Co bases (metallic Co and Co(OH)2) with fluoride-incorporated CoO coating on the surface of (CoO–F/Co), was synthesized by the electro-deposition method.
The effect of dilution on induced free charge density gradients in room temperature ionic liquids
Authors: Hossain Md. Iqbal , Blanchard G. J.
Published: January 2022

Induced charge density gradient in ionic liquids persists with dilution up to ca. 30 mole percent.
Joint neutron/molecular dynamics vibrational spectroscopy reveals softening of HIV-1 protease upon binding of a tight inhibitor
Authors: Kneller Daniel W. , Gerlits Oksana , Daemen Luke L. , Pavlova Anna , Gumbart James C. , Cheng Yongqiang , Kovalevsky Andrey
Published: January 2022

Vibrational dynamics of HIV-1 protease were measured by inelastic neutron scattering and reproduced by MD simulations. Vibrational energy of binding for a tight inhibitor darunavir arises primarily from vibrational softening of low-frequency motions.
One Soai reaction, two mechanisms?
Authors: Geiger Yannick
Published: January 2022

What is the catalytically active species in the Soai reaction, a product tetramer or a mixed product-substrate adduct? A closer look reveals that it might be actually both, depending on the molecules used.
Tuning the photocatalytic activity of layered perovskite niobates by controlled ion exchange and hydration
Authors: Ladasiu Calin , Kulischow Natalia , Marschall Roland
Published: January 2022

Decoupling water intercalation and proton exchange, the photocatalytic activity of proton exchanged KCa2Nb3O10 and KSr2Nb3O10 can be revealed and tailored.
Advances in Diels–Alder/aromatization of biomass furan derivatives towards renewable aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Li Zao , Jiang Yiyuan , Li Yuncong , Zhang Heng , Li Hu , Yang Song
Published: January 2022

The effective upgrading of renewable resources into high value-added chemicals is of great significance to achieve sustainable economic development as well as the practical implementation of carbon neutral technologies.
Filtration-assisted magnetofluidic cartridge platform for HIV RNA detection from blood
Authors: Trick Alexander Y. , Ngo Hoan Thanh , Nambiar Anju H. , Morakis Marisa M. , Chen Fan-En , Chen Liben , Hsieh Kuangwen , Wang Tza-Huei
Published: January 2022

Blood plasma extraction using a 3D-printed filtration module coupled with magnetofluidic nucleic acid purification and quantitative PCR in a plastic cartridge enables a rapid, portable solution to screening and assessing HIV viral load.
Materials and methods for droplet microfluidic device fabrication
Authors: Elvira Katherine S. , Gielen Fabrice , Tsai Scott S. H. , Nightingale Adrian M.
Published: January 2022

When making a droplet flow device what material should you use? What fabrication methods are available and will surface treatments be required? This review offers a guide, with examples, to making robust droplet flow devices.
Insights into the intermolecular interactions and temperature-concentration dependence of transport in ionic liquid-based EMI–TFSI/LiTFSI electrolytes
Authors: Sundari Citra Deliana Dewi , Ivansyah Atthar Luqman , Floweri Octia , Arcana I Made , Iskandar Ferry
Published: January 2022

DFT calculations and MD simulations show that the EMI–TFSI/LiTFSI system is stabilized by strong nonbonded attractions, and the lithium-ion conductivity depends on the LiTFSI concentration and system temperature.
The design and synthesis of potent benzimidazole derivatives via scaffold hybridization and evaluating their antiproliferative and proapoptotic activity against breast and lung cancer cell lines
Authors: Elgawish Mohamed Saleh , Nafie Mohamed S. , Yassen Asmaa S. A. , Yamada Koji , Ghareb Nagat
Published: January 2022

New series of benzimidazole bearing scaffold as powerful antiproliferative antiangiogenic compounds against breast (MCF-7) and lung (A549) cell lines cancer were designed using molecular hybridization as a new strategy for drug development.
Electrochemical and quantum chemical studies on the corrosion inhibition of 1037 carbon steel by different types of surfactants
Authors: El-Aziz S. Fouda Abd , Al-bonayan Ameena M. , Eissa Mohamed , Eid Dalia M.
Published: January 2022

In this work, three different types of surfactants DTAC, C12H25N (CH3)3Cl−, TX-100, C34H62O11 for x = 10) and AOT-100, C20H37O7NaS) with corrosion restraint were utilized as corrosion inhibitors for 1037 CS in 0.5 M HCl.
Preparation and characterization of three-dimensional hierarchical porous carbon from low-rank coal by hydrothermal carbonization for efficient iodine removal
Authors: Yin Yufeng , Liang Dingcheng , Liu Deqian , Liu Qianjun
Published: January 2022

Preparation of oxygen-rich porous carbon from low rank coal.
Rational fabrication of a new ionic imprinted carboxymethyl chitosan-based sponge for efficient selective adsorption of Gd(iii)
Authors: Liu Enli , Shi Junyou , Lin Xue , Xu Wenbiao , Feng Liyun , Hong Yuanzhi
Published: January 2022

In this work, a new PEI-CMC-IIS adsorbent with 3D network structure was fabricated for the selective adsorption of Gd(iii).
Preparation of eugenol nanoemulsions for antibacterial activities
Authors: Fu Xuan , Gao Yuan , Yan Weiyao , Zhang Ziluo , Sarker Shovra , Yin Yinyan , Liu Qi , Feng Jianguo , Chen Jing
Published: January 2022

We developed a novel eugenol nanoemulsion with high stability and good biological activity, which may provide a promising and effective method for wound treatment in the healthcare area.
Coating metal–organic frameworks on plasmonic Ag/AgCl nanowire for boosting visible light photodegradation of organic pollutants
Authors: Chen Xi , Zhang Yanshuang , Kong Xiangyun , Yu Bowen , Wang Shuaiyin , Xu Wenyuan , Fang Zhili , Zhang Jiali , Yao Kun , Liu Yongxin
Published: January 2022

A photoactive metal–organic framework, MIL-100(Fe), with controllable thickness was coated on plasmonic Ag/AgCl nanowire for boosting the visible light photodegradation of rhodamine B and tetracycline hydrochloride.
Improved phase purity and film quality in quasi-2D perovskite light-emitting diodes by an additive with the trimethacrylate group
Authors: Huang Xiaofeng , Liu Wu , Wang Wei , Lu Yao , Dong Jie , Li Yueqiao , Wei Dong , Qiao Bo , Zhao Suling , Xu Zheng , Song Dandan
Published: January 2022

By adding TMPTA to the anti-solvent, the phase purity of the perovskite and the performance of the device are improved.