bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘[The pediatrician] said that maybe my milk, instead of doing good, no longer helped’: the ecology of infant formula in rural communities in Central Mexico
Authors: Luna Paulina , Valdes Tania , Zelocuatecatl-Aguilar Alberto , Medrano-Loera Gerónimo , Guerrero Bárbara , Garcia-Martinez Angelica , Pérez-Escamilla Rafael , Bueno-Gutierrez Diana 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjective:As Mexico continues to develop, an epidemiological and nutritional transition has led to an increase in infant formula use in its rural and indigenous communities. Our objective was to determine the social and cultural factors that influence the use of formula in such populations in Central Mexico.Design:Qualitative study using a data collection instrument based on the socio-ecological framework.Setting:Two rural and indigenous communities in Central Mexico.Participants:Mothers, fathers, grandparents and healthcare providers.Results:Breast-feeding was favoured in both communities; however, several cultural traditions hindered exclusive breast-feeding. As these communities became more developed, emerging ideas of modernity led to negative connotations about breast-feeding and many mothers began to view formula as a complement for breast-feeding. Formula was seen as a convenient solution for breast pain, insufficient milk and body image. Healthcare providers promoted the use of formula through their own beliefs, information, communication and conflicts of interest with formula industry representatives. The recent social and economic changes in these communities combined with the increased advertising and availability of breast milk substitutes have facilitated the preference for formula.Conclusions:Women in rural, indigenous communities in Central Mexico are increasingly using formula. Efforts at the policy and institutional levels are needed to protect mothers and their children from the detrimental consequences of unregulated formula promotion and the formula culture that it brings with it.
Prediction of all-cause mortality with malnutrition assessed by controlling nutritional status score in patients with heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Huiyang , Zhou Peng , Zhao Yikai , Ni Huaichun , Luo Xinping , Li Jian 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjective:The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the association between malnutrition assessed by the controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score and all-cause mortality in patients with heart failure.Design:Systematic review and meta-analysis.Settings:A comprehensively literature search of PubMed and Embase databases was performed until 30 November 2020. Studies reporting the utility of CONUT score in prediction of all-cause mortality among patients with heart failure were eligible. Patients with a CONUT score ≥2 are grouped as malnourished. Predictive values of the CONUT score were summarized by pooling the multivariable-adjusted risk ratios (RR) with 95 % CI for the malnourished v. normal nutritional status or per point CONUT score increase.Participants:Ten studies involving 5196 patients with heart failure.Results:Malnourished patients with heart failure conferred a higher risk of all-cause mortality (RR 1·92; 95 % CI 1·58, 2·34) compared with the normal nutritional status. Subgroup analysis showed the malnourished patients with heart failure had an increased risk of in-hospital mortality (RR 1·78; 95 % CI 1·29, 2·46) and follow-up mortality (RR 2·01; 95 % CI 1·58, 2·57). Moreover, per point increase in CONUT score significantly increased 16% risk of all-cause mortality during the follow-up.Conclusions:Malnutrition defined by the CONUT score is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in patients with heart failure. Assessment of nutritional status using CONUT score would be helpful for improving risk stratification of heart failure.
Constraining and Characterizing the Size of Atmospheric Rivers: A Perspective Independent From the Detection Algorithm
Authors: Inda‐Díaz H. A. , O'Brien T. A. , Zhou Y. , Collins W. D. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAtmospheric rivers (AR) are large and narrow filaments of poleward horizontal water vapor transport. Because of its direct relationship with horizontal vapor transport, extreme precipitation, and overall AR impacts over land, the AR size is an important characteristic that needs to be better understood. Current AR detection and tracking algorithms have resulted in large uncertainty in estimating AR sizes, with areas varying over several orders of magnitude among different detection methods. We develop and implement five independent size estimation methods to characterize the size of ARs that make landfall over the west coast of North America in the 1980–2017 period and reduce the range of size estimation from ARTMIP. ARs that originate in the Northwest Pacific (WP) (100°−180°E) have larger sizes and are more zonally oriented than those from the Northeast Pacific (EP) (180°−240°E). ARs become smaller through their life cycle, mainly due to reductions in their width. They also become more meridionally oriented toward the end of their life cycle. Overall, the size estimation methods proposed in this study provide a range of AR areas (between 7 × 1011 and 1013 m2), that is, several orders of magnitude narrower than current methods estimation. This methodology can provide statistical constraints in size and geometry for the AR detection and tracking algorithms, and an objective insight for future studies about AR size changes under different climate scenarios.
PROBA2 LYRA Occultations: Thermospheric Temperature and Composition, Sensitivity to EUV Forcing, and Comparisons With Mars
Authors: Thiemann Edward M. B. , Dominique Marie 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA method for retrieving temperature and composition from 150 to 350 km in Earth's thermosphere using total number density measurements made via extreme ultraviolet (EUV) solar occultations by the Project for OnBoard Autonomy 2/Large Yield Radiometer (PROBA2/LYRA) instrument is presented. Systematic and random uncertainties are calculated and found to be less than 5% for the temperature measurements and 5%–20% for the composition measurements. Regression coefficients relating both temperature and the [O]/[N2] abundance ratio with EUV irradiance at 150, 275, and 350 km are reported. Additionally, it is shown that the altitude where [O] equals [N2] decreases with increasing solar EUV irradiance, an effect attributed to thermal expansion. Temperatures from 2010 to 2017 are compared with estimates from the MSIS empirical model and show good agreement at the dawn terminator but LYRA is markedly cooler at the dusk terminator, with the MSIS‐LYRA temperature difference increasing with solar activity. Anthropogenic cooling can explain this discrepancy at periods of lower solar activity, but the divergence of temperature with increasing solar activity remains unexplained. LYRA measurements of the exospheric temperature sensitivity to EUV irradiance are compared with contemporaneous measurements made at Mars, showing that the exospheric temperature at Mars is approximately half as sensitive to EUV variability as that of Earth.
Wavelet Analysis of Properties of Marine Boundary Layer Mesoscale Cells Observed From AMSR‐E
Authors: Zhou Xiaoli , Bretherton Christopher S. , Eastman Ryan , McCoy Isabel L. , Wood Robert 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMarine boundary layer clouds tend to organize into closed or open mesoscale cellular convection (MCC). Here, two‐dimensional wavelet analysis is applied for the first time to passive microwave retrievals of cloud water path (CWP), water vapor path (WVP), and rain rate (RR) from Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for Earth Observing System in 2008 over the Northeast and Southeast Pacific, and the Southeast Atlantic subtropical stratocumulus to cumulus transition regions. The (co‐)variability between CWP, WVP, and RR in 160 × 160 km2 analysis boxes is partitioned between four mesoscale wavelength octaves (20, 40, 80, and 160 km). The cell scale is identified as the wavelength of the peak CWP variance. Together with a machine‐learning classification of cell type, this allows the statistical characteristics of open and closed MCC of various scales, and its relation to WVP, RR, and potential environmental controlling factors to be analyzed across a very large set of cases. The results show that the cell wavelength is most commonly 40–80 km. Cell‐scale CWP perturbations are good predictors of the WVP and RR perturbations. For cells larger than 20 km, there is no obvious dependence of cell scale on the environmental controlling factors tested, suggesting that the cell scale may depend more on its historical evolution than the current environmental conditions.
Atmospheric Controls on Mineral Dust Emission From the Etosha Pan, Namibia: Observations From the CLARIFY‐2016 Field Campaign
Authors: Clements Matthew , Washington Richard 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis paper presents meteorological observations from the Etosha Pan, an ephemeral lake bed in northern Namibia that is a major source of mineral dust. The pan was instrumented during August and September 2016 as part of the CLoud‐Aerosol‐Radiation Interactions and Forcing: Year 2016 (CLARIFY‐2016) field campaign, with a Doppler lidar and Davis weather station providing detailed measurements of the boundary layer and surface winds at Etosha. A low‐level jet (LLJ) is observed on >90% of mornings during the observation period, with mean core wind speeds of ≈12 m s−1 recorded between 06:00 and 08:00. The LLJ is eroded with the onset of surface heating, and momentum is mixed‐down from the core, producing peak surface winds between 09:00 and 11:00. This process is responsible for driving dust emission from the pan, with all six dust events recorded during the observation period triggered in the hours following LLJ breakdown. Wind speeds in the core of the LLJ are significantly stronger on dust days compared to non‐dust days, hence producing stronger morning surface winds. Dust emission is synoptically modulated, with ridging of the South Atlantic Anticyclone (SAA) enhancing the pressure gradient across southern Africa and driving a stronger easterly flow at Etosha. Key features of the LLJ are represented well in ERA5, however ERA‐Interim underestimates core wind speeds by >2 m s−1 at 00:00 and by >3 m s−1 at 06:00. Both reanalyses struggle to capture the timing of LLJ onset and breakdown, with the LLJ too quick to develop during the evening transition, and too quick to erode through the morning hours.
Copy number alteration profiling facilitates differential diagnosis between ossifying fibroma and fibrous dysplasia of the jaws
Authors: Ma Ming , Liu Lu , Shi Ruirui , Zhang Jianyun , Li Xiaotian , Li Xuefen , Bai Jiaying , Wang Jianbin , Huang Yanyi , Li Tiejun 
Published: June 2021

AbstractOssifying fibroma (OF) and fibrous dysplasia (FD) are two fibro-osseous lesions with overlapping clinicopathological features, making diagnosis challenging. In this study, we applied a whole-genome shallow sequencing approach to facilitate differential diagnosis via precise profiling of copy number alterations (CNAs) using minute amounts of DNA extracted from morphologically correlated microdissected tissue samples. Freshly frozen tissue specimens from OF (n = 29) and FD (n = 28) patients were obtained for analysis. Lesion fibrous tissues and surrounding normal tissues were obtained by laser capture microdissection (LCM), with ~30–50 cells (5 000–10 000 µm2) per sample. We found that the rate of recurrent CNAs in OF cases was much higher (44.8%, 13 of 29) than that in FD cases (3.6%, 1 of 28). Sixty-nine percent (9 of 13) of the CNA-containing OF cases involved segmental amplifications and deletions on Chrs 7 and 12. We also identified eight CNA-associated genes (HILPDA, CALD1, C1GALT1, MICALL2, PHF14, AIMP2, MDM2, and CDK4) with amplified expression, which was consistent with the copy number changes. We further confirmed a jaw lesion with a previous uncertain diagnosis due to its ambiguous morphological features and the absence of GNAS mutation as OF based on the typical Chr 12 amplification pattern in its CNA profile. Moreover, analysis of a set of longitudinal samples collected from an individual with a cellular lesion in suspicion of OF at the first surgery, recurrence and the latest malignant transformation revealed identical CNA patterns at the three time points, suggesting that copy number profiling can be used as an important tool to identify borderline lesions or lesions with malignant potential. Overall, CNA profiling of fibro-osseous lesions can greatly improve differential diagnosis between OF and FD and help predict disease progression.
Xyloglucan processing machinery in Xanthomonas pathogens and its role in the transcriptional activation of virulence factors
Authors: Vieira Plinio S. , Bonfim Isabela M. , Araujo Evandro A. , Melo Ricardo R. , Lima Augusto R. , Fessel Melissa R. , Paixão Douglas A. A. , Persinoti Gabriela F. , Rocco Silvana A. , Lima Tatiani B. , Pirolla Renan A. S. , Morais Mariana A. B. , Correa Jessica B. L. , Zanphorlin Leticia M. , Diogo Jose A. , Lima Evandro A. , Grandis Adriana , Buckeridge Marcos S. , Gozzo Fabio C. , Benedetti Celso E. , Polikarpov Igor , Giuseppe Priscila O. , Murakami Mario T. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractXyloglucans are highly substituted and recalcitrant polysaccharides found in the primary cell walls of vascular plants, acting as a barrier against pathogens. Here, we reveal that the diverse and economically relevantXanthomonasbacteria are endowed with a xyloglucan depolymerization machinery that is linked to pathogenesis. Using the citrus canker pathogen as a model organism, we show that this system encompasses distinctive glycoside hydrolases, a modular xyloglucan acetylesterase and specific membrane transporters, demonstrating that plant-associated bacteria employ distinct molecular strategies from commensal gut bacteria to cope with xyloglucans. Notably, the sugars released by this system elicit the expression of several key virulence factors, including the type III secretion system, a membrane-embedded apparatus to deliver effector proteins into the host cells. Together, these findings shed light on the molecular mechanisms underpinning the intricate enzymatic machinery ofXanthomonasto depolymerize xyloglucans and uncover a role for this system in signaling pathways driving pathogenesis.
CVnCoV and CV2CoV protect human ACE2 transgenic mice from ancestral B BavPat1 and emerging B.1.351 SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Hoffmann Donata , Corleis Björn , Rauch Susanne , Roth Nicole , Mühe Janine , Halwe Nico Joel , Ulrich Lorenz , Fricke Charlie , Schön Jacob , Kraft Anna , Breithaupt Angele , Wernike Kerstin , Michelitsch Anna , Sick Franziska , Wylezich Claudia , Hoffmann Bernd , Thran Moritz , Thess Andreas , Mueller Stefan O. , Mettenleiter Thomas C. , Petsch Benjamin , Dorhoi Anca , Beer Martin 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic necessitates the fast development of vaccines. Recently, viral mutants termed variants of concern (VOC) which may escape host immunity have emerged. The efficacy of spike encoding mRNA vaccines (CVnCoV and CV2CoV) against the ancestral strain and the VOC B.1.351 was tested in a K18-hACE2 transgenic mouse model. Naive mice and mice immunized with a formalin-inactivated SARS-CoV-2 preparation were used as controls. mRNA-immunized mice develop elevated SARS-CoV-2 RBD-specific antibody and neutralization titers which are readily detectable, but significantly reduced against VOC B.1.351. The mRNA vaccines fully protect from disease and mortality caused by either viral strain. SARS-CoV-2 remains undetected in swabs, lung, or brain in these groups. Despite lower neutralizing antibody titers compared to the ancestral strain BavPat1, CVnCoV and CV2CoV show complete disease protection against the novel VOC B.1.351 in our studies.
SETBP1 accumulation induces P53 inhibition and genotoxic stress in neural progenitors underlying neurodegeneration in Schinzel-Giedion syndrome
Authors: Banfi Federica , Rubio Alicia , Zaghi Mattia , Massimino Luca , Fagnocchi Giulia , Bellini Edoardo , Luoni Mirko , Cancellieri Cinzia , Bagliani Anna , Di Resta Chiara , Maffezzini Camilla , Ianielli Angelo , Ferrari Maurizio , Piazza Rocco , Mologni Luca , Broccoli Vania , Sessa Alessandro 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe investigation of genetic forms of juvenile neurodegeneration could shed light on the causative mechanisms of neuronal loss. Schinzel-Giedion syndrome (SGS) is a fatal developmental syndrome caused by mutations in the SETBP1 gene, inducing the accumulation of its protein product. SGS features multi-organ involvement with severe intellectual and physical deficits due, at least in part, to early neurodegeneration. Here we introduce a human SGS model that displays disease-relevant phenotypes. We show that SGS neural progenitors exhibit aberrant proliferation, deregulation of oncogenes and suppressors, unresolved DNA damage, and resistance to apoptosis. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that high SETBP1 levels inhibit P53 function through the stabilization of SET, which in turn hinders P53 acetylation. We find that the inheritance of unresolved DNA damage in SGS neurons triggers the neurodegenerative process that can be alleviated either by PARP-1 inhibition or by NAD + supplementation. These results implicate that neuronal death in SGS originates from developmental alterations mainly in safeguarding cell identity and homeostasis.
Molecular separation of ions from aqueous solutions using modified nanocomposites
Authors: Ghaforinejad Hamed , Marjani Azam , Mazaheri Hossein , Joshaghani Ali Hassani 
Published: June 2021

AbstractHerein, two novel porous polymer matrix nanocomposites were synthesized and used as adsorbents for heavy metal uptake. Methacrylate-modified large mesoporous silica FDU-12 was incorporated in poly(methyl methacrylate) matrix through an in-situ polymerization approach. For another, amine-modified FDU-12 was composited with Nylon 6,6 via a facile solution blending protocol. Various characterization techniques including small-angle X-ray scattering, FTIR spectroscopy, field emission-scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, porosimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis have been applied to investigate the physical and chemical properties of the prepared materials. The adsorption of Pb(II) onto the synthesized nanocomposites was studied in a batch system. After study the effect of solution pH, adsorbent amount, contact time, and initial concentration of metal ion on the adsorption process, kinetic studies were also conducted. For both adsorbents, the Langmuir and pseudo-second-order models were found to be the best fit to predict isotherm and kinetics of adsorption. Based on the Langmuir model, maximum adsorption capacities of 105.3 and 109.9 mg g−1were obtained for methacrylate-modified FDU-12/poly(methyl methacrylate) and amine-modified FDU-12/Nylon 6,6, respectively.
Lipidomics study of plasma from patients suggest that ALS and PLS are part of a continuum of motor neuron disorders
Authors: Area-Gomez Estela , Larrea D. , Yun T. , Xu Y. , Hupf J. , Zandkarimi F. , Chan R. B. , Mitsumoto H. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMotor neuron disorders (MND) include a group of pathologies that affect upper and/or lower motor neurons. Among them, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by progressive muscle weakness, with fatal outcomes only in a few years after diagnosis. On the other hand, primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), a more benign form of MND that only affects upper motor neurons, results in life-long progressive motor dysfunction. Although the outcomes are quite different, ALS and PLS present with similar symptoms at disease onset, to the degree that both disorders could be considered part of a continuum. These similarities and the lack of reliable biomarkers often result in delays in accurate diagnosis and/or treatment. In the nervous system, lipids exert a wide variety of functions, including roles in cell structure, synaptic transmission, and multiple metabolic processes. Thus, the study of the absolute and relative concentrations of a subset of lipids in human pathology can shed light into these cellular processes and unravel alterations in one or more pathways. In here, we report the lipid composition of longitudinal plasma samples from ALS and PLS patients initially, and after 2 years following enrollment in a clinical study. Our analysis revealed common aspects of these pathologies suggesting that, from the lipidomics point of view, PLS and ALS behave as part of a continuum of motor neuron disorders.
Drosophila tubulin polymerization promoting protein mutants reveal pathological correlates relevant to human Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Xie Jing , Chen Shuting , Bopassa Jean C. , Banerjee Swati 
Published: June 2021

AbstractParkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with no known cure. PD is characterized by locomotion deficits, nigrostriatal dopaminergic neuronal loss, mitochondrial dysfunctions and formation of α-Synuclein aggregates. A well-conserved and less understood family of Tubulin Polymerization Promoting Proteins (TPPP) is also implicated in PD and related disorders, where TPPP exists in pathological aggregates in neurons in patient brains. However, there are no in vivo studies on mammalian TPPP to understand the genetics and neuropathology linking TPPP aggregation or neurotoxicity to PD. Recently, we discovered the onlyDrosophilahomolog of human TPPP named Ringmaker (Ringer). Here, we report that adultringermutants display progressive locomotor disabilities, reduced lifespan and neurodegeneration. Importantly, our findings reveal that Ringer is associated with mitochondria andringermutants have mitochondrial structural damage and dysfunctions. Adultringermutants also display progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons. Together, these phenotypes ofringermutants recapitulate some of the salient features of human PD patients, thus allowing us to utilizeringermutants as a fly model relevant to PD, and further explore its genetic and molecular underpinnings to gain insights into the role of human TPPP in PD.
Conveyance of texture signals along a rat whisker
Authors: Oladazimi Maysam , Putelat Thibaut , Szalai Robert , Noda Kentaro , Shimoyama Isao , Champneys Alan , Schwarz Cornelius 
Published: June 2021

AbstractNeuronal activities underlying a percept are constrained by the physics of sensory signals. In the tactile sense such constraints are frictional stick–slip events, occurring, amongst other vibrotactile features, when tactile sensors are in contact with objects. We reveal new biomechanical phenomena about the transmission of these microNewton forces at the tip of a rat’s whisker, where they occur, to the base where they engage primary afferents. Using high resolution videography and accurate measurement of axial and normal forces at the follicle, we show that the conical and curved rat whisker acts as a sign-converting amplification filter for moment to robustly engage primary afferents. Furthermore, we present a model based on geometrically nonlinear Cosserat rod theory and a friction model that recreates the observed whole-beam whisker dynamics. The model quantifies the relation between kinematics (positions and velocities) and dynamic variables (forces and moments). Thus, only videographic assessment of acceleration is required to estimate forces and moments measured by the primary afferents. Our study highlights how sensory systems deal with complex physical constraints of perceptual targets and sensors.