bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hidden but Ubiquitous: The Pre-Rift Continental Mantle in the Red Sea Region
Authors: Sanfilippo Alessio , Sani Camilla , Rasul Najeeb M. A. , Stewart Ian C. F. , Vigliotti Luigi , Widinly Nawaf , Osemi Ahmed , Ligi Marco
Published: August 2021

Volcanism in the western part of the Arabian plate resulted in one of the largest alkali basalt provinces in the world, where lava fields with sub-alkaline to alkaline affinity are scattered from Syria and the Dead Sea Transform Zone through western Saudi Arabia to Yemen. After the Afar plume emplacement (∼30 Ma), volcanism took place in Yemen and progressively propagated northward due to Red Sea rifting-related lithospheric thinning (initiated ∼27–25 Ma). Few lava fields were emplaced during the Mesozoic, with the oldest 200 Ma volcanic activity recorded in northern Israel. We report results from volcanic pipes in the Marthoum area, east of Harrat Uwayrid, where over a hundred pipes occupy a stratigraphic level in the early Ordovician Saq sandstones. Most of them are circular or elliptical features marked by craters aligned along NW-SE fractures in the sandstone resulting from phreatomagmatic explosions that occurred when rising magma columns came in contact with the water table in the porous sandstone host. These lavas have Sr-Pb-Nd-Hf isotopic compositions far from the Cenozoic Arabian alkaline volcanism field, being considerably more enriched in Nd-Hf and Pb isotopes than any other Arabian Plate lava ever reported. New K-Ar dating constrains their age from Late Cretaceous to Early Eocene, thus anticipating the Afar plume emplacement and the Red Sea rift. Basalt geochemistry indicates that these volcanic eruptions formed from low-degree partial melting of an enriched lithospheric mantle source triggered by local variations in the asthenosphere-lithosphere boundary. This mantle source has a composition similar to the HIMU-like enriched isotopic component reported in the East African Rift and considered to represent the lowermost lithospheric mantle of the Nubian Shield. The generated melt, mixed in different proportions with melt derived from a depleted asthenosphere, produces the HIMU-like character throughout the Cenozoic Arabian alkaline volcanism. Although apparently hidden, this enriched lithospheric component is therefore ubiquitous and widespread in the cratonic roots of the African and Arabian subcontinental mantle.
Dynamic Process and Mechanism of the Catastrophic Taihongcun Landslide Triggered by the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake Based on Field Investigations and Discrete Element Method Simulations
Authors: Zhou Xingtao , Wei Pengfei , Fu Xiaodong , Li Lihua , Xue Xiaohui
Published: August 2021

The Taihongcun landslide, which was a remarkable geological disaster triggered by the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, had a volume of about 2 × 106 m3 and killed about 23 people. Through detailed field investigations, basic information of topography, geological structure and stratigraphy for the landslide were acquired and key kinetic characteristics of the landslide were identified. On the basis of filed investigations, 2D numerical models with discrete element method (DEM) were established to simulate the kinematics and failure process of the landslide. To ensure the validity of the dynamic calculations, the free-field boundary condition was developed and introduced intro the DEM models. According to filed investigations and DEM simulations, the dynamic processes of the Taihongcun landslide can be divided into four phases: fragmentation, projection motion, scraping, and granular debris flow and accumulation. In addition, the parameter analysis showed that the particle bond strength had a significant influence on the runout distance and landslide debris morphology. Finally, the possible mechanism of the Taihongcun landslide was determined: a rock mass of poor quality provided the lithological basis for this landslide formation; a joint set J1 in the back scarp and a weak interlayer of carbonaceous slate and shale between the upper sliding mass and the bedrock formed the rupture boundaries of the upper source area; a strong seismic ground motion was the external excitation that triggered the destructive landslide event; additionally, hypermobility was caused by the high elevation and topographical conditions of the landslide.
An Overview of Hypoglycemia in Children Including a Comprehensive Practical Diagnostic Flowchart for Clinical Use
Authors: Casertano Alberto , Rossi Alessandro , Fecarotta Simona , Rosanio Francesco Maria , Moracas Cristina , Di Candia Francesca , Parenti Giancarlo , Franzese Adriana , Mozzillo Enza
Published: August 2021

Hypoglycemia is the result of defects/impairment in glucose homeostasis. The main etiological causes are metabolic and/or endocrine and/or other congenital disorders. Despite hypoglycemia is one of the most common emergencies in neonatal age and childhood, no consensus on the definition and diagnostic work-up exists yet. Aims of this review are to present the current age-related definitions of hypoglycemia in neonatal-pediatric age, to offer a concise and practical overview of its main causes and management and to discuss the current diagnostic-therapeutic approaches. Since a systematic and prompt approach to diagnosis and therapy is essential to prevent hypoglycemic brain injury and long-term neurological complications in children, a comprehensive diagnostic flowchart is also proposed.
Placental CRH as a Signal of Pregnancy Adversity and Impact on Fetal Neurodevelopment
Authors: Kassotaki Ifigeneia , Valsamakis Georgios , Mastorakos George , Grammatopoulos Dimitris K.
Published: August 2021

Early life is a period of considerable plasticity and vulnerability and insults during that period can disrupt the homeostatic equilibrium of the developing organism, resulting in adverse developmental programming and enhanced susceptibility to disease. Fetal exposure to prenatal stress can impede optimum brain development and deranged mother’s hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA axis) stress responses can alter the neurodevelopmental trajectories of the offspring. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and glucocorticoids, regulate fetal neurogenesis and while CRH exerts neuroprotective actions, increased levels of stress hormones have been associated with fetal brain structural alterations such as reduced cortical volume, impoverishment of neuronal density in the limbic brain areas and alterations in neuronal circuitry, synaptic plasticity, neurotransmission and G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signalling. Emerging evidence highlight the role of epigenetic changes in fetal brain programming, as stress-induced methylation of genes encoding molecules that are implicated in HPA axis and major neurodevelopmental processes. These serve as molecular memories and have been associated with long term modifications of the offspring’s stress regulatory system and increased susceptibility to psychosomatic disorders later in life. This review summarises our current understanding on the roles of CRH and other mediators of stress responses on fetal neurodevelopment.
Webcams as a Remote Tool for Eco-ethological Research: A Study on the Alpine Chough
Authors: Vallino Cristina , Yoccoz Nigel Gilles , Rolando Antonio , Delestrade Anne
Published: August 2021

Methods and devices specifically created for remote animal surveys and monitoring are becoming increasingly popular and effective. However, remote devices are also widely used in our societies for different, not scientific, goals. Ski resorts in the European Alps, for instance, use webcams to share panoramic views and promote themselves in the industry of winter recreational activities. We tested preinstalled webcam effectiveness as a remote tool for eco-ethological studies. Our target species was the Alpine ChoughPyrrhocorax graculus, a social and opportunistic corvid species of high mountain environments that attends ski resorts to feed on scraps discarded by high elevation bars and restaurants. We studied the effect of the winter presence of tourists and weather conditions on flocking behaviour at ski resorts. We used flock size and time spent at the ski resort as response variables, and assessed how strongly they were related to the number of tourists and weather conditions. We analysed about 13,500 pictures taken at 10 min intervals at three ski resorts sites in the European Alps in France, Italy and Switzerland. The number of birds was very different among the three study sites. Flock size and time spent were related to the same environmental drivers, but with different effect sizes in the three areas. The daily maximum flock size and the time spent at ski resorts increased with the number of tourists and decreased with temperature at two sites out of three. We also found that the presence of fresh snow caused a decrease in the maximum flock size in all ski resorts. In conclusion, Alpine Choughs modulated their presence at the ski resorts according to human presence and weather conditions, but these responses were context-dependent. Preinstalled webcams, despite a few caveats, can therefore be successfully employed in eco-ethological research. Webcams around the world are increasing in number and represent therefore a large potential resource. If webcam companies could be engaged to make some slight adjustments, without compromising their goals, then this could offer a new way to collect eco-ethological data.
Not Only Diamonds Are Forever: Degradation of Plastic Films in a Simulated Marine Environment
Authors: Catarci Carteny Camilla , Blust Ronny
Published: August 2021

In recent years, biodegradable polymers have been hailed as one of the potential solutions to the plastic pollution problem, due to their ability to fully degrade rather than break down in smaller pieces over time. However, complete degradation of biodegradable polymers is often achievable only under strictly controlled conditions (i.e. increased temperature and pressure), which are not found in the natural environment – particularly in aquatic and marine habitats. This study aims to compare the degradation performance of plastic films made of two different biodegradable polymers – polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) – to that of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films, in a simulated marine environment. Plastic films of the three chosen polymers, of equal dimensions, were exposed to natural sunlight within a novel setup - which simulated the sea surface - for six months. Films were chosen as they are among the most frequently reported type of plastic litter in coastal environments worldwide, and because of the increasing adoption on the market of biodegradable films for packaging. Results showed that, after six months, no consistent degradation could be observed on any of the films–not even the biodegradable ones. Between PLA and PHA films, the latter weathered slightly more than the former, but not at a significant level. Interestingly, differences were reported among the different polymer films in terms of type and extent of biofouling, brittleness, surface charge and surface microstructural changes. Overall, this work suggests that biodegradable plastic behaves rather similarly to traditional plastic in the marine environment over a half-year span. Albeit further experiments on even longer timescales are needed, this study provides evidence that, unless properly disposed of in an industrial composter facility, biodegradable plastic may only contribute to the very problem it was intended to solve.
Differentiation of Diatom Guilds in Extreme Environments in the Andean Altiplano
Authors: Heine-Fuster Inger , López-Allendes Camila , Aránguiz-Acuña Adriana , Véliz David
Published: August 2021

The Andean Altiplano is characterized by its isolation, high altitude (>3,600 m a.s.l.), and a unique biodiversity, containing water systems such as lakes, rivers, wetlands, and salt flats. Near the southernmost area of the Andean Altiplano are two salt flats, Carcote and Ascotán, the former almost undisturbed by human intervention and the latter historically intervened with by brine mining. These mining activities deplete, pollute, and alter water flow, suggesting a significant threat to ecosystem functions. With regard to identifying the main factors promoting biotic community differentiation in these salt flats at different levels of human intervention, the aim of this study was to compare diatom community indices by guild (high-profile, low-profile, and motile) between these systems with a functional perspective, their relationship to environmental conditions, and the potential anthropic impact on their community structures. Diatom guilds were compared between salt flats based on their diversity, species richness, and abundance relative to ionic concentrations and granulometry. Beta diversity and the percentages of nestedness and turnover for each guild were also estimated. Results showed significant differences in ecological variables between the two salt flats. The largest values of species abundance, richness, and diatom diversity were measured in Carcote, suggesting greater primary productivity and diversity. The results also showed that the species composition of the motile guild was more differentiated between salt flats than those of other guilds (with the greatest diversity and richness), suggesting that motile diatoms are a key guild in maintaining the diatom community and that species from this guild are more sensitive to local conditions from each salt flat. Additionally, beta diversity in all guilds was mainly explained by turnover rather than nestedness, and the turnover was the highest for the motile and low-profile guilds. A more heterogeneous community was observed in Ascotán, showing that the mechanisms of diversity maintenance, such as dispersion abilities, were salt flat dependent. This suggests that the highest diversity could be related to human use, which challenges us to reexamine the effectiveness of past conservation activities in the area and to develop future strategies including both connected basins.
Evaporative Water Loss and Stopover Behavior in Three Passerine Bird Species During Autumn Migration
Authors: Paces Bernhard , Waringer Barbara M. , Domer Adi , Burns Darren , Zvik Yoram , Wojciechowski Michał S. , Shochat Eyal , Sapir Nir , Maggini Ivan
Published: August 2021

Migratory birds are often not specifically adapted to arid conditions, yet several species travel across deserts during their journeys, and often have more or less short stopovers there. We investigated whether differences in thermoregulatory mechanisms, specifically evaporative cooling, explain the different behavior of three passerine species while stopping over in the Negev desert, Israel. We measured cutaneous water loss (CWL) under ambient conditions and the temperature of panting onset in an experimental setup. In addition, we performed behavioral observations of birds at a stopover site where we manipulated water availability. Blackcaps had slightly higher CWL at relatively low temperatures than Willow Warblers and Lesser Whitethroats. When considered relative to total body mass, however, Willow Warblers had the highest CWL of the three species. Blackcaps started panting at lower ambient temperature than the other two species. Taken together, these results suggest that Willow Warblers are the most efficient in cooling their body, possibly with the cost of needing to regain water by actively foraging during their staging. Lesser Whitethroats had a similar pattern, which was reflected in their slightly higher levels of activity and drinking behavior when water was available. However, in general the behavior of migratory species was not affected by the availability of water, and they were observed drinking rather rarely. Our results indicate that differences in thermoregulatory mechanisms might be at the basis of the evolution of different stopover strategies of migratory birds while crossing arid areas such as deserts.
Low- to Moderate-Level Forest Disturbance Effects on Plant Functional Traits and Associated Soil Microbial Diversity in Western Himalaya
Authors: Singh Shipra
Published: August 2021

This study quantifies the effect of low- to moderate-intensity anthropogenic activities and natural activities affecting less than 40% of the canopy cover on major plant functional traits and associated soil microbial diversity in western Himalayan temperate forests. Plots of 0.1 ha were placed in the temperate forests along disturbance gradient and were categorized based on lopping intensity, deadwood counts, grazing, and litter removal. Plots were classified into three classes, i.e., low disturbance intensity (LDI) and moderate disturbance intensities (MDI1 and MDI2) based on lopping activities and canopy cover. The study was conducted on functional traits related to growth and survival strategies of a species in a complex forest ecosystem. Furthermore, DNA was extracted and metagenome of soil samples was performed using Illumina MiSeq platform from three disturbance classes to study the effect of disturbance and plant traits on microbial diversity. Tree basal area was found to be most significantly affected by disturbance intensity. Total density was found to be greater for the LDI site. Specific leaf area (SLA) and crown cover (CC) were the most affected traits in the moderately disturbed sites, whereas maximum plant height (HT) and seed mass (SM) were least affected by disturbance. Soil microbial diversity was found to be negatively associated with disturbance index. Microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) were found to be significantly higher in LDI sites. Disturbance level elicited variation in microbial community composition.Proteobacteriawas the most abundant phylum andPhenylobacterium,DA101, andCandidatus solibacterwere mainly abundant at the genus level. A decreasing level of disturbance due to the absence of human residences in the LDI site led to the dominance ofPhenylobacterium(27%) which reduced to 18% in MDI1 site. Shannon alpha bacterial diversity and plant species diversity (H′) were found to be greatest for MDI2 site. In forests with varying levels of management, treefall gaps due to low levels of logging intensity might have a similar effect to those of reduced lopping intensities and deadwood count (due to natural disturbances) in the study sites. The study concludes that moderate disturbance is important for promoting species diversity and species richness (SR), but species having conservative ecological strategies would be more prone to continued disturbance intensity. Therefore, low- to moderate-level disturbance in such forests can be used as a model for natural treefall gaps, and moderate-level disturbance intensity plays a powerful role in buffering ecosystem processes.
Activated, Pro-Inflammatory Th1, Th17, and Memory CD4+ T Cells and B Cells Are Involved in Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity Arthritis (DTHA) Inflammation and Paw Swelling in Mice
Authors: Li Gaoyang , Kolan Shrikant Shantilal , Guo Shuai , Marciniak Katarzyna , Kolan Pratibha , Malachin Giulia , Grimolizzi Franco , Haraldsen Guttorm , Skålhegg Bjørn Steen
Published: August 2021

Delayed-type hypersensitivity arthritis (DTHA) is a recently established experimental model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in mice with pharmacological values. Despite an indispensable role of CD4+ T cells in inducing DTHA, a potential role for CD4+ T cell subsets is lacking. Here we have quantified CD4+ subsets during DTHA development and found that levels of activated, pro-inflammatory Th1, Th17, and memory CD4+ T cells in draining lymph nodes were increased with differential dynamic patterns after DTHA induction. Moreover, according to B-cell depletion experiments, it has been suggested that this cell type is not involved in DTHA. We show that DTHA is associated with increased levels of B cells in draining lymph nodes accompanied by increased levels of circulating IgG. Finally, using the anti-rheumatoid agents, methotrexate (MTX) and the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone (DEX), we show that MTX and DEX differentially suppressed DTHA-induced paw swelling and inflammation. The effects of MTX and DEX coincided with differential regulation of levels of Th1, Th17, and memory T cells as well as B cells. Our results implicate Th1, Th17, and memory T cells, together with activated B cells, to be involved and required for DTHA-induced paw swelling and inflammation.
Immunological Involvement of MicroRNAs in the Key Events of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Chi Mingxuan , Ma Kuai , Li Yunlong , Quan Min , Han Zhongyu , Ding Zhaolun , Liang Xin , Zhang Qinxiu , Song Linjiang , Liu Chi
Published: August 2021

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an archetype autoimmune disease characterized by a myriad of immunoregulatory abnormalities that drives injury to multiple tissues and organs. Due to the involvement of various immune cells, inflammatory cytokines, and related signaling pathways, researchers have spent a great deal of effort to clarify the complex etiology and pathogenesis of SLE. Nevertheless, current understanding of the pathogenesis of SLE is still in the early stages, and available nonspecific treatment options for SLE patients remain unsatisfactory. First discovered in 1993, microRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules that control the expression of 1/3 of human genes at the post-transcriptional level and play various roles in gene regulation. The aberrant expression of miRNAs in SLE patients has been intensively studied, and further studies have suggested that these miRNAs may be potentially relevant to abnormal immune responses and disease progression in SLE. The aim of this review was to summarize the specific miRNAs that have been observed aberrantly expressed in several important pathogenetic processes in SLE, such as DCs abnormalities, overactivation and autoantibody production of B cells, aberrant activation of CD4+ T cells, breakdown of immune tolerance, and abnormally increased production of inflammatory cytokines. Our summary highlights a novel perspective on the intricate regulatory network of SLE, which helps to enrich our understanding of this disorder and ignite future interest in evaluating the molecular regulation of miRNAs in autoimmunity SLE.
Preliminary Safety and Potential Effect of 6B11-OCIK Adoptive Cell Therapy Against Platinum-Resistant Recurrent or Refractory Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Cheng Hongyan , Ma Ruiqiong , Wang Shang , Wang Yu , Li Yingchun , Tang Zhijian , Dou Sha , Wang Yuanfen , Zhu Honglan , Ye Xue , Zhang Tianyu , Zhang Yonghua , Li Shufen , Zhao Yonghong , Li Yi , Cui Heng , Chang Xiaohong
Published: August 2021

Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of death among gynecological malignancies, and novel therapies are urgently needed. Here we report preliminary findings on the potential safety and efficacy of 6B11-OCIK, an adoptive cell therapy of autologous T cells induced by the humanized anti-idiotypic antibody 6B11 minibody plus dendritic cells and cytokines, against platinum-resistant recurrent or refractory ovarian cancer in three patients. We found that 6B11-OCIK treatment was safe and well tolerated after five cycles of intravenous infusion with an initial dose of 1–2×109 cells and a dose-climbing strategy. Hemoglobin, platelets, white cell count, creatinine or liver enzyme values, coagulation function, kidney and heart function were not significantly affected over the duration of therapy. Two of the three enrolled patients showed potentially drug-related grade 1 and 2 weakness, and no other adverse events were observed. Of the three enrolled patients, one had stable disease and two showed disease progression. The patient with favorable clinical efficacy had better immune response as measured by 6B11-OCIK proliferation capacity, activation ability of CD3+CD8+ tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes and CD3+CD56+ cytokine-induced killer cells, and tumor cell killing efficiency. Changes in circulating tumor cells after treatment were consistent with serum level CA125 in the patient with stable disease (both decreased), while differences were observed in the two patients with disease progression (increased CA125 in both and decreased CTC in the patient with better immune response), suggesting that variation of circulating tumor cells was more consistent with immune response and reflected efficacy directly. This preliminary study suggested that autologous 6B11-OCIK treatment was safe and had potential clinical efficacy against ovarian cancer. Patients with better immune response had more favorable efficacy. In addition to imaging, CA125 and immunophenotypes, CTC monitoring may represent a potential indicator of immunotherapy response.
Size-Fractionated Biogenic Silica Standing Stocks and Carbon Biomass in the Western Tropical North Pacific: Evidence for the Ecological Importance of Pico-Sized Plankton in Oligotrophic Gyres
Authors: Wei Yuqiu , Zhang Zhaoyi , Cui Zhengguo , Sun Jun
Published: August 2021

Biogenic silica (bSi) standing stocks and carbon (C) biomass of small plankton are rarely studied together in previous analyses, especially in oligotrophic gyres. Within the oligotrophic western tropical North Pacific, based on size-fractionated bSi and biovolume-derived C analyses in three size fractions (i.e., 0.2–2; 2–20; >20 μm), we observed that picophytoplankton (<2 μm) contributed a measurable and significant proportion of both bSi standing stocks and C biomass. The estimated contributions of pico-sized fraction to total bSi standing stocks and living C biomass averaged 66 and 49%, respectively, indicating the ecological importance of small plankton in the Si and C cycles in oligotrophic areas. In contrast, the average contributions of large diatoms (i.e., cells >2 μm) to total bSi standing stocks and living C biomass were 9 and 16%, respectively, suggesting that the role of diatoms in marine Si and C cycles may have been overestimated in previous analyses. Due to the overwhelming predominance of picocyanobacteria in the oligotrophic western tropical North Pacific, their contributions to total bSi stocks and C biomass were quantitatively important and accounted for more of the bSi and C associated with living cells than did diatoms. In addition, water temperature and light intensity were likely the key determinants of the variations in size-fractionated bSi standing stocks and living C biomass, but not nutrient availability. Collectively, these findings encourage a reconsideration of the previously underestimated role of small plankton in understanding the Si and C cycles in the ocean, and may provide insights into the interpretations of disproportionate budgets of Si and C in oligotrophic oceans.
Amino Acid Carriers of the Solute Carrier Families 7 (SLC7) and 38 (SLC38) Are Involved in Leucine Sensing in the Brain of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Comesaña Sara , Lai Floriana , Olderbakk Jordal Ann-Elise , Verri Tiziano , Espe Marit , Soengas José L. , Rønnestad Ivar
Published: August 2021

Sensing of amino acids in fish brain, especially branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) like leucine, is involved in regulation of feed intake through different mechanisms. However, there is limited information regarding the possible involvement of mechanisms dependent on amino acid carriers of the solute carrier families (SLC) known to be key regulators of intracellular leucine concentration, namely L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1), and sodium-dependent neutral amino acid transporter 2 (SNAT2) and 9,(SNAT9), for which evidence of their participation is available in mammals. Comparative analysis amongst sequences revealed a complex pattern of paralogues in Atlantic salmon, for LAT1 (slc7a5aa,slc7a5ab,slc7a5ba,slc7a5bb,slc7a5ca, andslc7a5cb), SNAT2 (slc38a2aandslc38a2b) and SNAT9 (slc38a9). After establishing phylogenetic relationships of the different paralogues evaluated, samples of the selected brain areas were taken from Atlantic salmon to assess tissue distribution of transcripts. In an additional experiment, fish were fed two diets with different levels of leucine (high leucine: 35 g/kgvs.control leucine: 27.3 g/kg). The high leucine diet resulted in lower feed intake and increased mRNA abundance of specific paralogues of LAT1 (slc7a5aa, slc7a5ab, andslc7a5bb) and SNAT2 (slc38a2aandslc38a2b) though apparently not for SNAT9 in brain areas like hypothalamus and telencephalon involved in food intake regulation. The results obtained suggest a role for members of the SLC family in the anorectic effect of leucine and thus their involvement as additional amino acid sensing mechanism not characterised so far in fish regulation of feed intake.
Ultrasonic Ring Array-Based Transient Triplet Differential Photoacoustic Imaging for Strong Background Removal
Authors: Wang Guan , Wang Bo , Ye Tong , Wang Congcong , Guo Lili , Xiao Jiaying , Chen Zeyu
Published: August 2021

Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is a fast evolving imaging technology enabling in vivo imaging with high specificity and spatial resolution. However, due to strong background signals from various intrinsic chromospheres such as melanin, photoacoustic imaging of targeting objects labeled by contrast agents remain a challenge. The transient triplet differential (TTD) method has shown a significant potential for background-free photoacoustic imaging. Here, we develop a photoacoustic system using an ultrasonic semicircular ring array for transient triplet differential imaging. Pt(II) Octaethylporphine (PtOEP) and black ink are used as the contrast agent and the phantom of melanoma, respectively. Using the TTD method, we could remove the strong background signal from black ink. The ratio between contrast agent signal and background signal is increased to about 10 times the previous one. Our finding demonstrates the potential of the TTD method on molecular imaging for strong background removal.
Development of Engineered Cementitious Composites Using Sea Sand and Metakaolin
Authors: Yao Qiyao , Li Zuo , Lu Chenyu , Peng Linxin , Luo Yuejing , Teng Xiaodan
Published: August 2021

The present study investigates the possibility of using sea sand, instead of silica sand, in producing engineered cementitious composites (ECCs) and the optimal mix proportion, mechanical behavior, and erosive effect of chloride ions on sea sand ECCs (SECCs). Nine groups of SECC specimens were prepared based on the orthogonal test design, and these cured for the uniaxial tensile, uniaxial compression, and fracture energy tests. The roundness and sphericity of sea sand and silica sand were quantified by digital microscopy. The microstructure and composition of SECCs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The mix proportions of SECCs with a tensile strain capacity more than 2% and a compressive strength more than 60 MPa were obtained. The factor analysis of these serial tests revealed that the contents of both fly ash and sea sand have a significant effect on the compressive strength and tensile strain capacity of SECCs. The fracture energy test revealed that the matrix fracture toughness of SECCs significantly increases with the increase in sea sand content. The XRD analysis revealed that the addition of metakaolin can enhance the ability of SECCs to bind chloride ions, and with the increase in chloride ion content, the ability of SECCs to bind chloride ions would improve. The results of the present study provide further evidence of the feasibility of using sea sand in the production of ECCs, in order to meet the requirements of diverse concrete components on ductility and durability.
Non-lactational Infectious Mastitis in the Americas: A Systematic Review
Authors: Costa Morais Oliveira Victor , Cubas-Vega Nadia , López Del-Tejo Paola , Baía-da-Silva Djane C. , Araújo Tavares Michel , Picinin Safe Izabella , Cordeiro-Santos Marcelo , Lacerda Marcus Vinícius Guimarães , Val Fernando
Published: August 2021

Background:Non-lactational infectious mastitis (NLIM) is an inflammatory breast disease with broad clinical presentation. Inadequate treatment can lead to chronic infections that cause breast deformities. NLIM information is limited, especially in the Americas. A systematic review and meta-analysis have been conducted here.

Methods:Literature search was conducted in three databases (Lilacs, PubMed, and Scielo) on NLIM cases in the Americas. Demographic, epidemiological, clinical, radiological, and laboratory data were extracted. The main characteristics and results were also compared according to the country's gross national income.

Results:A total of 47 articles were included, resulting in 93 cases. The etiological agent was described in 86 (92.5%) patients. Bacteria were the most prevalent etiology (73; 84.8%). Amongst bacterial diagnoses, more frequent cases wereMycobacterium tuberculosis(28; 38.4%);Corynebacteriumspp. (15; 20.5%); non-tuberculous mycobacteria (13; 17.8%). The cases were reported in eight different countries, with the USA being the country with the highest number of cases (35; 37.6%). Patients from high-income countries group presented a shorter diagnostic time when compared to low, low-middle, and upper-middle-income countries. A greater number of radiographic studies with pathological findings were described in high-income countries.

Conclusion:Non-lactational infectious mastitis is a complex public health problem with diagnostic and treatment challenges. Hence, multi-professional approach-based additional studies are recommended on its epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and control.
The Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery for Cesarean Section: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials and Observational Studies
Authors: Meng Xianhua , Chen Kai , Yang Chenchen , Li Hui , Wang Xiaohong
Published: August 2021

Background: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) has been adopted in some maternity units and studied extensively in cesarean section (CS) in the last years, showing encouraging results in clinic practice. However, the present evidence assessing the effectiveness of ERAS for CS remains weak, and there is a paucity in the published literature, especially in improving maternal outcomes. Our study aimed to systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of ERAS protocols for CS.

Methods: A systematic literature search using Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library was carried out up to October 2020. The appropriate randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies applying ERAS for patients undergoing CS were included in this study, comparing the effect of ERAS protocols with conventional care on length of hospital stay (LOS), readmission rate, incidence of postoperative complications, postoperative pain score, postoperative opioid use, and cost of hospitalization. All statistical analyses were conducted with the RevMan 5.3 software.

Results: Ten studies (four RCTs and six observational studies) involving 16,391 patients were included. ERAS was associated with a decreased LOS (WMD −7.47 h, 95% CI: −8.36 to −6.59 h, p < 0.00001) and lower incidence of postoperative complications (RR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.37 to 0.68, p < 0.00001). Moreover, pooled analysis showed that postoperative pain score (WMD: −1.23, 95% CI: −1.32 to −1.15, p < 0.00001), opioid use (SMD: −0.46, 95% CI: −0.58 to −0.34, p < 0.00001), and hospital cost (SMD:−0.54, 95% CI: −0.63 to −0.45, p < 0.00001) were significantly lower in the ERAS group than in the conventional care group. No significant difference was observed with regard to readmission rate (RR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.48 to 1.54, p = 0.62).

Conclusions: The available evidence suggested that ERAS applying to CS significantly reduced postoperative complications, lowered the postoperative pain score and opioid use, shortened the hospital stay, and potentially reduced hospital cost without compromising readmission rates. Therefore, protocols implementing ERAS in CS appear to be effective and safe. However, the results should be interpreted with caution owing to the limited number and methodological quality of included studies; hence, future large, well-designed, and better methodological quality studies are needed to enhance the body of evidence.
Urinary Congophilia Confirmed With the CapCord Test Is Associated With Pregnancy Outcomes in Women With Early-Onset Pre-eclampsia
Authors: Cai Benshuo , Yuan Xiaoying , Li Xingmin , Xu Jun , Du Juan
Published: August 2021

Background: The association between misfolded proteins presented in the urine of pregnant women and pregnancy outcomes associated with early-onset pre-eclampsia (PE) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate this association to examine the predictive value of urinary congophilia in the prognostication of pregnancy outcomes in this patient group in the Chinese population.

Materials and Methods: This study included 1,397 patients, of which 46, 147, and 8 patients had gestational hypertension, PE, and chronic hypertension, respectively, and 1,196 were healthy controls undergoing the CapCord test for urinary congophilia. Patients with PE were divided into early- and late-onset groups. Patients with early-onset PE were further divided into iatrogenic prematurity and full-term delivery groups, the rates of urinary congophilia were compared between the groups; additionally, this patient group was divided into positive and negative urinary congophilia groups, clinical characteristics and pregnancy outcomes were compared between the groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results: A total of 113 (76.9%) of 147 patients in the PE group had urinary congophilia; this rate was higher than that observed in the other three groups (χ2 = 780.892, p < 0.001). Gestational age in the early-onset PE group at both onset and delivery was lower than that in the late-onset PE group (p < 0.001). The rates of iatrogenic prematurity and hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome were both higher in the early-onset PE group than in the late-onset PE group (p < 0.001, p < 0.05). In addition, the rate of urinary congophilia in the early-onset PE group was higher than that in the late-onset PE group (χ2 = 13.297, p < 0.001). Urinary congophilia was an independent risk factor for iatrogenic prematurity among patients with early-onset PE in both univariate [odds ratio (OR) 17.143, 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.719–62.271; p < 0.001] and multivariate (OR 18.174; 95% CI: 4.460–74.063; p < 0.001) analyses. Patients with early-onset PE and urinary congophilia were more likely than their counterparts without urinary congophilia to deliver at a lower gestational age, present with iatrogenic prematurity, and have a shorter latency period between onset and delivery.

Conclusion: Urinary congophilia confirmed with the CapCord test may help predict pregnancy outcomes in patients with early-onset PE.
Impact of Hepatic Encephalopathy on Clinical Characteristics and Adverse Outcomes in Prospective and Multicenter Cohorts of Patients With Acute-on-Chronic Liver Diseases
Authors: Long Liyuan , Li Hai , Deng Guohong , Wang Xianbo , Lu Sihong , Li Beiling , Meng Zhongji , Gao Yanhang , Qian Zhiping , Liu Feng , Lu Xiaobo , Ren Haotang , Shang Jia , Li Hai , Wang Shaoyang , Zheng Yubao , Yan Huadong , Yin Shan , Tan Wenting , Zhang Qun , Zheng Xin , Chen Jinjun , Luo Sen , Zhao Jinming , Yuan Wei , Li Tao , Zheng Rongjiong , Liu Junping , Liu Xiaoxiao , Gu Wenyi , Li Sumeng , Mei Xue , Chen Ruochan , Huang Yan
Published: August 2021

Importance: Hepatic encephalopathy is a severe complication, and its contribution to clinical adverse outcomes in patients with acute-on-chronic liver diseases from the East is unclear.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the impact of hepatic encephalopathy on clinical characteristics and adverse outcomes in prospective and multicenter cohorts of patients with acute-on-chronic liver diseases.

Design: We conducted a cohort study of two multicenter prospective cohorts.

Setting: China.

Participants: Acute-on-chronic liver disease patients with various etiologies.

Exposure: The diagnosis and severity of hepatic encephalopathy were assessed using the West Haven scale.

Main Outcome Measure: The correlation between clinical adverse outcomes and varying hepatic encephalopathy grades was analyzed in the target patients.

Results: A total of 3,949 patients were included, and 340 of them had hepatic encephalopathy. The incidence of hepatic encephalopathy was higher in patients with alcohol consumption (9.90%) than in those with hepatitis B virus infection (6.17%). The incidence of 28- and 90-day adverse outcomes increased progressively from hepatic encephalopathy grades 1–4. Logistic regression analysis revealed that hepatic encephalopathy grades 3 and 4 were independent risk factors for the 28- and 90-day adverse outcome in the fully adjusted model IV. Stratified analyses showed similar results in the different subgroups. Compared to grades 1–2 and patients without hepatic encephalopathy, those with grade 3 hepatic encephalopathy had a significant increase in clinical adverse outcomes, independent of other organ failures.

Conclusions and Relevance: Hepatic encephalopathy grades 3–4 were independent risk factors for 28- and 90-day adverse outcomes. Hepatic encephalopathy grade 3 could be used as an indicator of brain failure in patients with acute-on-chronic liver disease.
Association of the Risk of Childhood Asthma at Age 6 With Maternal Allergic or Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Authors: Yang Deng-Ho , Chin Chun-Shih , Chao Wen-Cheng , Lin Ching-Heng , Chen Yun-Wen , Chen Yi-Hsing , Chen Hsin-Hua
Published: August 2021

Objective: This study aimed to assess the associations of the risk of asthma diagnosed in children aged 6 years or younger and having maternal immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs), including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), inflammatory myositis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjögren's syndrome (SS), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and autoimmune thyroiditis.

Methods: A total of 628,878 singleton newborns documented in 2006–2009 and followed up for at least 6 years were identified. Overall, 153,085 (24.3%) children developed asthma at the age of ≤ 6 years. Two groups of maternal ages, i.e., <35 and ≥35 years, were evaluated. The associations of the risk of asthma occurring in children who were 6 years old or younger and had maternal IMIDs were examined.

Results: The risk of asthma increased in children whose mothers had SLE [odds ratio (OR), 1.13; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.00–1.27; p = 0.04), RA (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.07–1.38; p = 0.003), inflammatory myositis (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.12–1.74; p = 0.003), asthma (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.52–1.63), allergic rhinitis (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.28–1.32), or atopic dermatitis (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02–1.12). Conversely, this increased risk was not observed in children whose mothers had AS (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.87–1.20), SS (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.86–1.07), SSc (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.77–2.14), or autoimmune thyroiditis (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.95–1.07). Other risk factors of childhood asthma included high urbanization level, preterm birth, and low birth weight.

Conclusion: The risk of childhood asthma at 6 years of age increased in children whose mothers suffered from SLE, RA, inflammatory myositis, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis.
Genome Copy Number Quantification Revealed That the Ethanologenic Alpha-Proteobacterium Zymomonas mobilis Is Polyploid
Authors: Fuchino Katsuya , Wasser Daniel , Soppa Jörg
Published: August 2021

The alpha-proteobacterium Zymomonas mobilis is a promising biofuel producer, based on its native metabolism that efficiently converts sugars to ethanol. Therefore, it has a high potential for industrial-scale biofuel production. Two previous studies suggested that Z. mobilis strain Zm4 might not be monoploid. However, a systematic analysis of the genome copy number is still missing, in spite of the high potential importance of Z. mobilis. To get a deep insight into the ploidy level of Z. mobilis and its regulation, the genome copy numbers of three strains were quantified. The analyses revealed that, during anaerobic growth, the lab strain Zm6, the Zm6 type strain obtained from DSMZ (German Collection of Microorganisms), and the lab strain Zm4, have copy numbers of 18.9, 22.3 and 16.2, respectively, of an origin-adjacent region. The copy numbers of a terminus-adjacent region were somewhat lower with 9.3, 15.8, and 12.9, respectively. The values were similar throughout the growth curves, and they were only slightly downregulated in late stationary phase. During aerobic growth, the copy numbers of the lab strain Zm6 were much higher with around 40 origin-adjacent copies and 17 terminus-adjacent copies. However, the cells were larger during aerobic growth, and the copy numbers per μm3 cell volume were rather similar. Taken together, this first systematic analysis revealed that Z. mobilis is polyploid under regular laboratory growth conditions. The copy number is constant during growth, in contrast to many other polyploid bacteria. This knowledge should be considered in further engineering of the strain for industrial applications.
Rapid and Visual Differentiation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis From the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex Using Multiplex Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Coupled With a Nanoparticle-Based Lateral Flow Biosensor
Authors: Yang Xinggui , Huang Junfei , Chen Xu , Xiao Ziyu , Wang Xiaojuan , Chen Yijiang , Zheng Wenlin , Chen Wei , Chen Huijuan , Lei Shiguang , Hu Yong , Li Shijun
Published: August 2021

Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease mainly caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), but other members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), especially Mycobacterium bovis (pyrazinamide-resistant organisms), may also be involved. Thus, the ability to rapidly detect and identify MTB from other MTBC members (e.g., M. bovis, Mycobacterium microti, Mycobacterium africanum) is essential for the prevention and treatment of TB. A novel diagnostic method for the rapid detection and differentiation of MTB, which employs multiplex loop-mediated isothermal amplification (mLAMP) combined with a nanoparticle-based lateral flow biosensor (LFB), was established (mLAMP-LFB). Two sets of specific primers that target the IS6110 and mtp40 genes were designed according to the principle of LAMP. Various pathogens were used to optimize and evaluate the mLAMP-LFB assay. The optimal conditions for mLAMP-LFB were determined to be 66°C and 40 min, and the amplicons were directly verified by observing the test lines on the biosensor. The LAMP assay limit of detection (LoD) was 125 fg per vessel for the pure genomic DNA of MTB and 4.8 × 103 CFU/ml for the sputum samples, and the analytical specificity was 100%. In addition, the whole process, including the clinical specimen processing (35 min), isothermal amplification (40 min), and result confirmation (1–2 min), could be completed in approximately 80 min. Thus, mLAMP-LFB is a rapid, reliable, and sensitive method that is able to detect representative members of MTBC and simultaneously differentiate MTB from other MTBC members, and it can be used as a potential screening tool for TB in clinical, field, and basic laboratory settings.