IFITM3 restricts virus-induced inflammatory cytokine production by limiting Nogo-B mediated TLR responses.

Interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) is a restriction factor that limits viral pathogenesis and exerts poorly understood immunoregulatory functions. Here, using human and mouse models, we demonstrate that IFITM3 promotes MyD88-dependent, TLR-mediated IL-6 production following exposure to cytomegalovirus (CMV). IFITM3 also restricts IL-6 production in response to influenza and SARS-CoV-2. In dendritic cells, IFITM3 binds to the reticulon 4 isoform Nogo-B and promotes its proteasomal degradation. We reveal that Nogo-B mediates TLR-dependent pro-inflammatory cytokine production and promotes viral pathogenesis in vivo, and in the case of TLR2 responses, this process involves alteration of TLR2 cellular localization. Nogo-B deletion abrogates inflammatory cytokine responses and associated disease in virus-infected IFITM3-deficient mice. Thus, we uncover Nogo-B as a driver of viral pathogenesis and highlight an immunoregulatory pathway in which IFITM3 fine-tunes the responsiveness of myeloid cells to viral stimulation.

Spectral, Compositional, and Physical Properties of the Upper Murray Formation and Vera Rubin Ridge, Gale Crater, Mars.

During 2018 and 2019, the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover investigated the chemistry, morphology, and stratigraphy of Vera Rubin ridge (VRR). Using orbital data from the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars, scientists attributed the strong 860 nm signal associated with VRR to the presence of red crystalline hematite. However, Mastcam multispectral data and CheMin X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements show that the depth of the 860 nm absorption is negatively correlated with the abundance of red crystalline hematite, suggesting that other mineralogical or physical parameters are also controlling the 860 nm absorption. Here, we examine Mastcam and ChemCam passive reflectance spectra from VRR and other locations to link the depth, position, and presence or absence of iron-related mineralogic absorption features to the XRD-derived rock mineralogy. Correlating CheMin mineralogy to spectral parameters showed that the ~860 nm absorption has a strong positive correlation with the abundance of ferric phyllosilicates. New laboratory reflectance measurements of powdered mineral mixtures can reproduce trends found in Gale crater. We hypothesize that variations in the 860 nm absorption feature in Mastcam and ChemCam observations of VRR materials are a result of three factors: (1) variations in ferric phyllosilicate abundance due to its ~800-1,000 nm absorption; (2) variations in clinopyroxene abundance because of its band maximum at ~860 nm; and (3) the presence of red crystalline hematite because of its absorption centered at 860 nm. We also show that relatively small changes in Ca-sulfate abundance is one potential cause of the erosional resistance and geomorphic expression of VRR.

Synergistic Ground and Orbital Observations of Iron Oxides on Mt. Sharp and Vera Rubin Ridge.

Visible/short-wave infrared spectral data from the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) show absorptions attributed to hematite at Vera Rubin ridge (VRR), a topographic feature on northwest Mt. Sharp. The goals of this study are to determine why absorptions caused by ferric iron are strongly visible from orbit at VRR and to improve interpretation of CRISM data throughout lower Mt. Sharp. These goals are achieved by analyzing coordinated CRISM and in situ spectral data along the Curiosity Mars rover's traverse. VRR bedrock within areas that have the deepest ferric absorptions in CRISM data also has the deepest ferric absorptions measured in situ. This suggests strong ferric absorptions are visible from orbit at VRR because of the unique spectral properties of VRR bedrock. Dust and mixing with basaltic sand additionally inhibit the ability to measure ferric absorptions in bedrock stratigraphically below VRR from orbit. There are two implications of these findings: (1) Ferric absorptions in CRISM data initially dismissed as noise could be real, and ferric phases are more widespread in lower Mt. Sharp than previously reported. (2) Patches with the deepest ferric absorptions in CRISM data are, like VRR, reflective of deeper absorptions in the bedrock. One model to explain this spectral variability is late-stage diagenetic fluids that changed the grain size of ferric phases, deepening absorptions. Curiosity's experience highlights the strengths of using CRISM data for spectral absorptions and associated mineral detections and the caveats in using these data for geologic interpretations and strategic path planning tools.

Evidence for a Diagenetic Origin of Vera Rubin Ridge, Gale Crater, Mars: Summary and Synthesis of Curiosity's Exploration Campaign.

This paper provides an overview of the Curiosity rover's exploration at Vera Rubin ridge (VRR) and summarizes the science results. VRR is a distinct geomorphic feature on lower Aeolis Mons (informally known as Mount Sharp) that was identified in orbital data based on its distinct texture, topographic expression, and association with a hematite spectral signature. Curiosity conducted extensive remote sensing observations, acquired data on dozens of contact science targets, and drilled three outcrop samples from the ridge, as well as one outcrop sample immediately below the ridge. Our observations indicate that strata composing VRR were deposited in a predominantly lacustrine setting and are part of the Murray formation. The rocks within the ridge are chemically in family with underlying Murray formation strata. Red hematite is dispersed throughout much of the VRR bedrock, and this is the source of the orbital spectral detection. Gray hematite is also present in isolated, gray-colored patches concentrated toward the upper elevations of VRR, and these gray patches also contain small, dark Fe-rich nodules. We propose that VRR formed when diagenetic event(s) preferentially hardened rocks, which were subsequently eroded into a ridge by wind. Diagenesis also led to enhanced crystallization and/or cementation that deepened the ferric-related spectral absorptions on the ridge, which helped make them readily distinguishable from orbit. Results add to existing evidence of protracted aqueous environments at Gale crater and give new insight into how diagenesis shaped Mars' rock record.

Is power Doppler ultrasound useful to evaluate temporomandibular joint inflammatory activity in juvenile idiopathic arthritis?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of power Doppler ultrasound (US) in assessing the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients using contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the reference standard. METHODS: We evaluated the US and MRI examinations of the TMJs from 92 JIA patients. These exams were done and scored for inflammatory activity on the same date. RESULTS: There were considerable differences between the US and MRI findings, with MRI detecting more effectively the TMJ involvement. No association was found between synovial inflammation obtained using power Doppler US to assess synovial vascularity determined by US images and synovial enhancement determined by MRI images. US had very poor sensitivity and very low positive predictive value to detect TMJ arthritis in JIA patients compared with MRI as the reference standard. CONCLUSIONS: Power Doppler US cannot replace MRI for the detection of TMJ inflammatory involvement in JIA patients.Key Points• The early diagnosis of TMJ involvement in JIA patients is very important in order to prevent disturbances in the mandibular growth.• Power Doppler US could be a useful diagnostic tool as a screening exam to identify inflammatory activity in this joint.• However, power Doppler US did not show to have this function and cannot replace MRI for the detection of TMJ inflammatory involvement in JIA patients.

Efficient Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction Driven by Ionic Liquid Buffer-Like Solutions.

Electrocatalysis of CO2 reduction in aqueous electrolytes containing the ionic liquid (IL) 1-n-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium acetate ([BMMIm][OAc]) and DMSO proceeded at low overpotentials (-0.9 V vs. Ag/AgCl) at commercially-available Au electrodes, with high selectivity for CO production (58 % faradaic efficiency at -1.6 V vs. Ag/AgCl). 0.43 mol CO2 per mol IL could be absorbed into the electrolyte at atmospheric pressure, forming bicarbonate and providing a constant supply of dissolved CO2 to the surface of the electrode. Electrocatalysis of CO2 reduction in the electrolyte was facilitated by stabilization of CO2 radical anions by the imidazolium cations of the IL and buffer-like effects with bicarbonate.

CO2 Electroreduction in Ionic Liquids.

CO2 electroreduction is among the most promising approaches used to transform this green-house gas into useful fuels and chemicals. Ionic liquids (ILs) have already proved to be the adequate media for CO2 dissolution, activation, and stabilization of radical and ionic electrochemical active species in aqueous solutions. In general, IL electrolytes reduce the overpotential, increase the current density, and allow for the modulation of solution pH, driving product selectivity. However, little is known about the main role of these salts in the CO2 reduction process the assumption that ILs form solvent-separated ions. However, most of the ILs in solution are better described as anisotropic fluids and display properties of an extended cooperative network of supramolecular species. That strongly reflects their mesoscopic and nanoscopic organization, inducing different processes in CO2 reduction compared to those observed in classical electrolyte solutions. The major aspects concerning the relationship between the structural organization of ILs and the electrochemical reduction of CO2 will be critically discussed considering selected recent examples.

A phylogenetic investigation of the Neotropical genus Alphamenes van der Vecht, 1977 (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Eumeninae)

ABSTRACT Advances in potter wasp systematics have been achieved recently, with classificatory changes resulting from analyses based upon large scale molecular datasets. For the Neotropics, recent hypotheses point to the occurrence of an exclusive clade recognized within the tribe Eumenini. In this group, several contributions regarding taxonomy and systematics have been proposed in the last five years, including the genus Alphamenes. This taxon contains seven described species whose distribution is exclusively Neotropical. Females are morphologically homogeneous, and characters related to copulatory organs are useful in male diagnosis. This contribution forms the first phylogenetic approach to include all species of Alphamenes, hence the first to strongly test for group monophyly. Our cladistic results recovered Alphamenes as a monophyletic group supported by male genital features. Relationships among included species also rely upon genitalic characters, highlighting the importance of these attributes for eumenine systematics. Recent phylogenetic investigations applied to the Neotropical fauna of potter wasps represent desirable advancements towards a natural classification for the group.

A revision of the Neotropical eumenine wasp genus Stenosigma Giordani Soika, 1978 (Hymenoptera, Vespidae).

The Neotropical eumenine wasp genus Stenosigma Giordani Soika, 1978 is revised. Stenosigma mariae Ferreira Hermes sp. nov. and S. panamensis Ferreira Hermes sp. nov. are proposed as new. An updated identification key for species, new distributional records, and additional information on the species currently recognized within the genus are presented.

Imprinted Naked Pt Nanoparticles on N-Doped Carbon Supports: A Synergistic Effect between Catalyst and Support.

A synergistic effect resulting from the interaction of small (2.4-3.1 nm) naked Pt nanoparticles (NPs) imprinted on N-doped carbon supports is evidenced by structural, electronic and electrochemical characterization. The size and distribution of the sputtered Pt NPs are found to be related to the nature of the support because Pt NPs are preferentially located at Ngraphitic sites. In addition, Rutherford backscattering shows that a deeper penetration of the Pt NPs is obtained in the N-doped carbon support with larger pore diameters. The ligand effect of the N-doped carbon supports is found to occur by electron donation from Npyrrolic and Ngraphitic sites to the Pt NPs and the electron acceptor behavior of the C=Npyridinic sites. The carbon matrix acquires a basic characteristic (electron-richer, metallic behavior) capable of interacting with metallic NPs akin to a bimetallic-like system. The imprinted Pt NPs are active catalysts for oxidation, although displaying poor catalytic activity for reduction reactions. The catalyst N-doped carbon supports play an important role in the overall catalytic process, rather than only acting as a simple active phase carrier.

Chemistry, mineralogy, and grain properties at Namib and High dunes, Bagnold dune field, Gale crater, Mars: A synthesis of Curiosity rover observations.

The Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover performed coordinated measurements to examine the textures and compositions of aeolian sands in the active Bagnold dune field. The Bagnold sands are rounded to subrounded, very fine to medium sized (~45-500 µm) with ≥6 distinct grain colors. In contrast to sands examined by Curiosity in a dust-covered, inactive bedform called Rocknest and soils at other landing sites, Bagnold sands are darker, less red, better sorted, have fewer silt-sized or smaller grains, and show no evidence for cohesion. Nevertheless, Bagnold mineralogy and Rocknest mineralogy are similar with plagioclase, olivine, and pyroxenes in similar proportions comprising >90% of crystalline phases, along with a substantial amorphous component (35% ± 15%). Yet Bagnold and Rocknest bulk chemistry differ. Bagnold sands are Si enriched relative to other soils at Gale crater, and H2O, S, and Cl are lower relative to all previously measured Martian soils and most Gale crater rocks. Mg, Ni, Fe, and Mn are enriched in the coarse-sieved fraction of Bagnold sands, corroborated by visible/near-infrared spectra that suggest enrichment of olivine. Collectively, patterns in major element chemistry and volatile release data indicate two distinctive volatile reservoirs in Martian soils: (1) amorphous components in the sand-sized fraction (represented by Bagnold) that are Si-enriched, hydroxylated alteration products and/or H2O- or OH-bearing impact or volcanic glasses and (2) amorphous components in the fine fraction (<40 µm; represented by Rocknest and other bright soils) that are Fe, S, and Cl enriched with low Si and adsorbed and structural H2O.

Sputtering deposition of gold nanoparticles onto graphene oxide functionalized with ionic liquids: biosensor materials for cholesterol detection.

Ionic liquid (IL)-functionalized graphene oxide (GO) containing gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) (5.4-5.9 nm) deposited by sputtering combined with cholesterol oxidase appears to be a suitable and efficient biosensor for total cholesterol detection. These biosensors showed good linear range (25-340 µmol L-1) for total cholesterol determination by colorimetric tests. In addition, control experiments in the presence of interferents demonstrated that the hybrid materials provided a selective detection of total cholesterol. The biosensing activities obtained for the hybrid materials indicate that these compounds are potential biosensors for clinical applications.

On the type series of Stenosigma humerale Giordani Soika with the description of a new species (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Eumeninae)

ABSTRACT A new species, Stenosigma quechua Hermes & Ferreira sp. nov., is described from specimens previously included in the type series of Stenosigma humerale Giordani Soika, 1990. Details on the differences between the two species as well as comments of taxonomic implications are presented.

A new contribution to the knowledge of Neotropical Eumeninae (Hymenoptera, Vespidae).

A new species, Pirhosigma sulcata Ferreira & Hermes, sp. nov. is described from the Brazilian Amazon; the male of Pararhaphidoglossa gibbiventris Giordani Soika, 1978 is described for the first time. Pseudodynerus carpenteri Hermes & Melo, 2008 is newly recorded from Brazil. New collecting data are reported for Pseudodynerus griseus (Fox, 1902) and P. subapicalis (Fox, 1902).

The cadmium-induced disruption of tight junctions in LLC-PK1 cells does not result from apoptosis.

Exposure of LLC-PK1 cells to low micromolar concentrations of Cd2+ for 1-4 hours causes the disruption of the adhering and occluding junctions between the cells, whereas exposure to higher concentrations of Cd2+ for longer periods of time causes more severe toxic effects and cell death. The objective of the present studies was to determine whether or not the junctional effects of Cd2+ might be a consequence of apoptotic injury. LLC-PK1 cells on cell culture inserts were exposed to either Cd2+ or tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) plus cycloheximide, a treatment that has recently been shown to cause apoptosis in LLC-PK1 cells. The results showed that at the time the Cd2(+)-induced junctional changes were occurring, there was no increase in the number of apoptotic cells or evidence of DNA fragmentation. By contrast, TNF-alpha plus cycloheximide induced changes that were characteristic of apoptosis. These results indicate that the disruption of intercellular junctions by Cd2+ in the LLC-PK1 cell line occurs independently of apoptosis.

A releasable scleral-flap tamponade suture for guarded filtration surgery.

Postoperative complications of filtering surgery are generally associated with overfiltration. We describe a technique that employs an externalized releasable suture in partial-thickness filtering surgery. This suture acts as a tamponade on the anterior surface of the scleral flap, assisting in maintenance of anterior-chamber depth during the early postoperative period. After using this technique, anterior-chamber depths preoperatively and 1 day after surgery were compared in 35 phakic patients. A mean (+/- SD) decrease in anterior chamber depth of 4.6% +/- 12% was found on the first postoperative day. One patient had iridocorneal apposition. The mean intraocular pressure 1 day after surgery was 7.0 +/- 7.0 mm Hg, with one patent having an intraocular pressure of 28 mm Hg. This "tamponade suture" appears to be useful in maintaining the anterior chamber depth in the early postoperative period while permitting satisfactory filtration.

Comparison of the cytotoxic effects of cadmium chloride and cadmium-metallothionein in LLC-PK1 cells.

Recent studies have shown that ionic cadmium (Cd2+) can selectively damage the tight junctions between LLC-PK1 cells. The objective of the present studies was to determine if cadmium that is bound to metallothionein (Cd-Mt) can also damage the junctions between these cells. Cells on Falcon Cell Culture Inserts were exposed to Cd2+ or Cd-Mt from the apical and basolateral compartments. The integrity of cell junctions was assessed by monitoring the transepithelial electrical resistance, and cell viability was evaluated by monitoring the release of lactate dehydrogenase into the medium. Exposure to Cd2+ for 1-4 hours caused a pronounced decrease in the transepithelial resistance without affecting cell viability. By contrast, exposure to Cd-Mt had little effect on the electrical resistance until the cells began to die, which did not occur until 24-48 hours of exposure. Additional results showed that the cells accumulated Cd2+ more rapidly than Cd-Mt. These results indicate that Cd-Mt does not damage the junctions between LLC-PK1 cells, but that it can kill the cells after prolonged exposure.

Use of exposure databases for status and trends analysis.

Exposure databases are useful for monitoring status and trends in environmental health. However, other supporting data are usually needed to infer human exposure or internal dose. Program planning and evaluation, environmental health surveillance, epidemiologic research, and contributions to international efforts are four major purposes for monitoring environmental exposure status and trends. Although databases play an important role in monitoring human exposure, certain methodological problems need to be overcome. The work group developed six criteria for meeting information needs for human exposure assessment. Areas that need attention are (1) specification of location, (2) specification of facility and chemical identifiers, (3) documentation of special populations at risk, (4) provision of early warning of new problems, (5) monitoring changes over time, and (6) enhancement of documentation. We tested these criteria by examining six available databases that might be used for monitoring exposure to contaminants in drinking water. Available data fell short of information needs. We drew four conclusions and offered several recommendations for each. First, available data systems lack adequate measures of human exposure. Second, data for monitoring exposures for many important population subgroups and environmental settings are inadequate. Third, an "early warning" system that monitors human exposures is needed. Fourth, designers of data-collection systems should consider the needs of users who monitor status and trends of human exposure.