bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual-channel asymmetric absorption-transmission properties based on plasma metastructures-photonic crystals
Authors: Lei Lei , Wan Bao-Fei , Liao Si-Yuan , Zhang Hai-Feng
Published: September 2024

In this paper, a kind of plasma metastructures-photonic crystals (PMPC) structure is proposed to investigate the absorption and transmission properties of electromagnetic waves (EWs) incident from opposite directions. The results show that the PMPC can achieve a dual-channel asymmetric absorption-transmission (AAT) phenomenon. At an operating bandwidth (OB) of 2.15∼2.85 GHz, EWs are absorbed in the forward incidence and transmitted in the backward case, and a relative bandwidth (RB) with forward absorption above 0.9 is 28.0%. On the contrary, at an OB of 7.07∼7.67 GHz, EWs can be transmitted in the forward propagation and absorbed in the backward case with a RB of 8.1%. Moreover, the effects of parameters such as applied magnetic field, incident angle, and tilt angle on AAT performance are investigated separately. The proposed dual-channel tunable AAT will further extend the application of asymmetric devices in the fields of optical communication and optical transmission.
Three-dimensional polarimetric ptychography
Authors: Chang Chengcheng , Tao Hua , Xing Tonglu , Lin Qiang , Huang Huiling , Wu Liqing , He Xiaoliang , Zhang Guowen , Liu Cheng , Zhu Jianqiang
Published: September 2024

A three-dimensional polarimetric ptychography (3D-PP) technique is proposed to reconstruct the residual stress distribution in optical elements in three dimensions by combining polarization imaging and a 3D ptychographic iterative engine (3D-PIE). 3D-PP mainly uses two orthogonal linear polarizers placed along the light direction to capture the photoelastic information within an optical element. Based on phase shift theory, a three-step phase shift method is proposed to record three dark field images, allowing for calculating the isometric line of residual stress within the optical element. This method enables the layer-by-layer measurement of residual stress within thick samples and assesses the distribution of residual stress along the detection axis, enhancing the precision of stress measurements.
Orbital angular momentum superimposed mode recognition based on multi-label image classification
Authors: Liu Wei , Tu Chuanfu , Liu Yawen , Ye Zhiwei
Published: September 2024

Orbital angular momentum (OAM) multiplexing technology has great potential in high capacity optical communication. OAM superimposed mode can extend communication channels and thus enhance the capacity, and accurate recognition of multi-OAM superimposed mode at the receiver is very crucial. However, traditional methods are inefficient and complex for the recognition task. Machine learning and deep learning can offer fast, accurate and adaptable recognition, but they also face challenges. At present, the OAM mode recognition mainly focus on single OAM mode and ±l superimposed dual-OAM mode, while few researches on multi-OAM superimposed mode, due to the limitations of single-object image classification techniques and the diversity of features to recognize. To this end, we develop a recognition method combined with multi-label image classification to accurately recognize multi-OAM superimposed mode vortex beams. Firstly, we create datasets of intensity distribution map of three-OAM and four-OAM superimposed mode vortex beams based on numerical simulations and experimental acqusitions. Then we design a progressive channel-spatial attention (PCSA) model, which incorporates a progressive training strategy and two weighted attention modules. For the numerical simulation datasets, our model achieves the highest average recognition accuracy of 94.9% and 91.2% for three-OAM and four-OAM superimposed mode vortex beams with different transmission distances and noise strengths respectively. The highest experimental average recognition accuracy for three-OAM superimposed mode achieves 92.7%, which agrees with the numerical result very well. Furthermore, our model significantly outperforms in most metrics compared with ConvNeXt, and all experiments are within the affordable range of computational cost.
Mycobacteria that cause tuberculosis have retained ancestrally acquired genes for the biosynthesis of chemically diverse terpene nucleosides
Authors: Mayfield Jacob A. , Raman Sahadevan , Ramnarine Alexandrea K. , Mishra Vivek K. , Huang Annie D. , Dudoit Sandrine , Buter Jeffrey , Cheng Tan-Yun , Young David C. , Nair Yashodhan M. , Ouellet Isobel G. , Griebel Braden T. , Ma Shuyi , Sherman David R. , Mallet Ludovic , Rhee Kyu Y. , Minnaard Adriaan J. , Branch Moody D.
Published: September 2024

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) releases the unusual terpene nucleoside 1-tuberculosinyladenosine (1-TbAd) to block lysosomal function and promote survival in human macrophages. Using conventional approaches, we found that genes Rv3377c and Rv3378c, but not Rv3376, were necessary for 1-TbAd biosynthesis. Here, we introduce linear models for mass spectrometry (limms) software as a next-generation lipidomics tool to study the essential functions of lipid biosynthetic enzymes on a whole-cell basis. Using limms, whole-cell lipid profiles deepened the phenotypic landscape of comparative mass spectrometry experiments and identified a large family of approximately 100 terpene nucleoside metabolites downstream of Rv3378c. We validated the identity of previously unknown adenine-, adenosine-, and lipid-modified tuberculosinol-containing molecules using synthetic chemistry and collisional mass spectrometry, including comprehensive profiling of bacterial lipids that fragment to adenine. We tracked terpene nucleoside genotypes and lipid phenotypes among Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) species that did or did not evolve to productively infect either human or nonhuman mammals. Although 1-TbAd biosynthesis genes were thought to be restricted to the MTC, we identified the locus in unexpected species outside the MTC. Sequence analysis of the locus showed nucleotide usage characteristic of plasmids from plant-associated bacteria, clarifying the origin and timing of horizontal gene transfer to a pre-MTC progenitor. The data demonstrated correlation between high level terpene nucleoside biosynthesis and mycobacterial competence for human infection, and 2 mechanisms of 1-TbAd biosynthesis loss. Overall, the selective gain and evolutionary retention of tuberculosinyl metabolites in modern species that cause human TB suggest a role in human TB disease, and the newly discovered molecules represent candidate disease-specific biomarkers.
HIPI: Spatially resolved multiplexed protein expression inferred from H&E WSIs
Authors: Zeira Ron , Anavy Leon , Yakhini Zohar , Rivlin Ehud , Freedman Daniel
Published: September 2024

Solid tumors are characterized by complex interactions between the tumor, the immune system and the microenvironment. These interactions and intra-tumor variations have both diagnostic and prognostic significance and implications. However, quantifying the underlying processes in patient samples requires expensive and complicated molecular experiments. In contrast, H&E staining is typically performed as part of the routine standard process, and is very cheap. Here we present HIPI (H&E Image Interpretation and Protein Expression Inference) for predicting cell marker expression from tumor H&E images. We process paired H&E and CyCIF images taken from serial sections of colorectal cancers to train our model. We show that our model accurately predicts the spatial distribution of several important cell markers, on both held-out tumor regions as well as new tumor samples taken from different patients. Moreover, using only the tissue image morphology, HIPI is able to colocalize the interactions between different cell types, further demonstrating its potential clinical significance.
Artificial intelligence-based digital pathology for the detection and quantification of soil-transmitted helminths eggs
Authors: Cure-Bolt Nancy , Perez Fernando , Broadfield Lindsay A. , Levecke Bruno , Hu Peter , Oleynick John , Beltrán María , Ward Peter , Stuyver Lieven
Published: September 2024

Background

Conventional microscopy of Kato-Katz (KK1.0) thick smears, the primary method for diagnosing soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, has limited sensitivity and is error-prone. Artificial intelligence-based digital pathology (AI-DP) may overcome the constraints of traditional microscopy-based diagnostics. This study in Ucayali, a remote Amazonian region of Peru, compares the performance of AI-DP-based Kato-Katz (KK2.0) method to KK1.0 at diagnosing STH infections in school-aged children (SAC).

Methods

In this prospective, non-interventional study, 510 stool samples from SAC (aged 5–14 years) were analyzed using KK1.0, KK2.0, and tube spontaneous sedimentation technique (TSET). KK1.0 and KK2.0 slides were evaluated at 30-minute and 24-hour timepoints for detection of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworms (at 30-minute only). Diagnostic performance was assessed by measuring STH eggs per gram of stool (EPG), sensitivity of methods, and agreement between the methods.

Results

KK2.0 detected more A. lumbricoides positive samples than KK1.0, with detection rates for T. trichiura and hookworms being comparable. At 30-minutes, 37.6%, 23.0%, and 2.6% of the samples tested positive based on KK1.0 for A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura, and hookworms, while this was 49.8%, 24.4%, and 1.9% for KK2.0. At 24-hours, 37.1% and 27.1% of the samples tested positive based on KK1.0 for A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura, while this was 45.8% and 24.1% for KK2.0. Mean EPG between KK2.0 and KK1.0 were not statistically different across STH species and timepoints, except for T. trichiura at 24-hours (higher mean EPG for KK1.0, p = 0.036). When considering infection intensity levels, KK2.0 identified 10% more of the total population as low-infection intensity samples of A. lumbricoides than KK1.0 (p ≤ 0.001, both timepoints) and similar to KK1.0 for T. trichiura and hookworms. Varying agreement existed between KK1.0 and KK2.0 in detecting STH eggs (A. lumbricoides: moderate; T. trichiura: substantial; hookworms: slight). However, these findings should be interpreted carefully as there are certain limitations that may have impacted the results of this study.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the potential of the AI-DP-based method for STH diagnosis. While similar to KK1.0, the AI-DP-based method outperforms it in certain aspects. These findings underscore the potential of advancing the AI-DP KK2.0 prototype for dependable STH diagnosis and furthering the development of automated digital microscopes in accordance with WHO guidelines for STH diagnosis.
AteMeVs: An R package for the estimation of the average treatment effect with measurement error and variable selection for confounders
Authors: Chen Li-Pang , Yi Grace Y.
Published: September 2024

In causal inference, the estimation of the average treatment effect is often of interest. For example, in cancer research, an interesting question is to assess the effects of the chemotherapy treatment on cancer, with the information of gene expressions taken into account. Two crucial challenges in this analysis involve addressing measurement error in gene expressions and handling noninformative gene expressions. While analytical methods have been developed to address those challenges, no user-friendly computational software packages seem to be available to implement those methods. To close this gap, we develop an R package, called AteMeVs, to estimate the average treatment effect using the inverse-probability-weighting estimation method to handle data with both measurement error and spurious variables. This developed package accommodates the method proposed by Yi and Chen (2023) as a special case, and further extends its application to a broader scope. The usage of the developed R package is illustrated by applying it to analyze a cancer dataset with information of gene expressions.
The impact of the exercise on the social mentality of the Chinese people
Authors: Ji Shuyu , Zhang Kaiqi , Xu Ludan , Wang Xiaolin , Dong Delong , Yang Xiannan
Published: September 2024

Objective

Engaging in exercise not only encompasses its intrinsic attributes but also signifies its social dimensions. It reflects an underlying emotional tone and cumulative value attributed to exercise by individuals, forming a broad, macro-level socio-psychological relationship in alignment with the conceptual definition of societal mentality. The social mentality is an indicator of a nation’s governance capacity and mirrors the overall socio-psychological profile and needs of its citizens. This study, therefore, aims to investigate the influence of exercise, specifically through the lens of sports, on the sociall mentality of the Chinese population, encompassing aspects of social trust and social equity. Additionally, we explore the distinct mechanisms underlying differences in social class, generation disparities, and spatial dimensions. This inquiry aims to contribute to enhancing governance capabilities and societal stability.

Method

Data for this study was sourced from the 2023 China General Social Survey. We selected 20 variables and analyzed a sample of 6,746 individuals. We employed Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) multiple linear regression models to construct our analysis.

Results

The findings indicate that exercise has a positive influence on the social mentality of the Chinese population. A higher frequency of participation in sports correlates with a more advanced level of social mentality development. Notably, significant disparities exist between the macro-level and micro-level impacts of exercise, suggesting ample room for improvement. Social class, generational disparities, and spatial dimensions demonstrate substantial impact, each exhibiting unique characteristics depending on the specific research question. Furthermore, the weightings of social trust orientation and social equity orientation within the societal mentality dimensions exhibit variability and fluctuations.

Conclusion

When exploring the topic of social mentality, it is recommended to separately discuss the various dimensions it encompasses, thus providing a comprehensive, detailed, and precise portrayal of specific issues. To bolster the influence of exercise on the social mentality, as well as to enhance governance capabilities and societal stability, the following recommendations are proposed: (1) In-depth exploration of differences within social strata to optimize the mechanisms through which exercise influences the social mentality; (2) Balancing generational disparities to establish a solid foundation for the influence of exercise on the social mentality; (3) Recognizing spatial dimensions to harness the spatial dynamism of exercise in shaping the social mentality.
LOTUS: Protocol for a double-blind placebo controlled randomized trial of hemp-derived cannabidiol for the treatment of cannabis use disorder
Authors: Bidwell L. Cinnamon , Martin-Willett Renee , Melendez Samantha N. , Rosa Luiza , Giordano Gregory , Hutchison Kent E. , Bryan Angela D.
Published: September 2024

Background

As cannabis legalization continues to spread across the United States, average Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol concentrations in recreational products have significantly increased, and no prior study has evaluated effective treatments to reduce cannabis use among high potency cannabis users. Some research has found that the non-intoxicating cannabinoid cannabidiol reduces cannabis use and cannabis use disorder-related symptoms, such as affective disturbance and withdrawal. Results of these studies are promising but limited to synthetic or isolated forms of cannabidiol.

Objective

Conduct a placebo-controlled randomized control trial comparing the effects of hemp-derived cannabidiol on reducing Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol use in concentrate users with cannabis use disorder.

Methods

Design. Double-blind, three-arm randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Setting. University in the Denver-Boulder, CO, USA area.

Study population. Community members who are heavy, stable cannabis concentrate users that meet criteria for at least moderate cannabis use disorder and are seeking to decrease or stop cannabis use.

Data. Self-report demographics, substance use, and mental health characteristics, blood and urine based biomarkers and anthropometrics.

Outcomes. Affective, physiological, and physical withdrawal symptoms, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol use.

Analysis. Three-group ANOVAs and χ2 tests will be used to compare baseline variables between groups. Characteristics that differ between groups will be evaluated as potential covariates in subsequent analyses. A multilevel modeling framework will be used for primary outcome analysis to account for the repeated observations nested within participants over time. Pairwise post-hoc simple effects tests will be conducted to confirm patterns of differences.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06107062.
Real-world treatment trends and triple class exposed status in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients in Japan: A retrospective claims database study
Authors: Moribe Toyoki , Xu Linghua , Take Kazumi , Yonemoto Naohiro , Suzuki Kenshi
Published: September 2024

Treatment trends for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) are not fully evaluated in real-world settings in the Japanese population. Triple-class exposed (TCE) patients with relapsed or refractory MM have a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. To clarify characteristics, treatment trends, and TCE status in Japanese patients with MM, we conducted a retrospective, non-interventional study. Data from patients with MM were extracted from a Japanese claims database between 2015 and 2022: this study identified patients with NDMM prescribed daratumumab (D), lenalidomide (R), and/or bortezomib (V) as 1st-line treatment. The patient characteristics and treatment trends were analyzed for non-transplant and transplant groups. Of 1,784 patients, non-transplant patients (n = 1,656, median age 75 years [range: 37–94]) received R+dexamethasone (Rd) (24.7%), Vd (23.8%), and RVd (15.6%) and transplant patients (n = 128, median age 61 years [range: 35–73]) received RVd (49.5%), Vd (18.7%), and DVd (8.4%) in 1st line. In the non-transplant group, the commonly prescribed treatment regimens were Rd for patients aged ≥75 years, Vd for patients aged 65–74 years, and RVd for patients aged <65 years. Patients with renal or cardiac dysfunction commonly received Vd or Rd, respectively. In the transplant group, 107 (83.6%) and 20 (15.6%) patients received transplantation in the 1st and 2nd lines, respectively. The top three regimens as induction therapy before stem cell transplantation were RVd (49.5%), Vd (18.7%), or DVd (8.4%) in 1st line. Cumulative TCE patients by 5th line were 351 (21.2%) and 56 (43.8%) for non-transplant and transplant patients, respectively. TCE ratio at each line gradually increased from 1st to 5th line (11.1–69.2% in the non-transplant group and 21.1–100% in the transplant group, respectively). Of 184 TCE patients in the non-transplant group, 89.7% received sequencing treatments including DRd, RVd, and DVd, and 10.3% received D-RVd in 1st line.
Exploring the impacts of producer services agglomeration on manufacturing carbon emissions: Empirical evidence from China
Authors: Yang Yuping , Ye Lujuan , Liu Jiahe , Zhang Xiaoyan , Lam Johnny F. I. , Chen Huangxin , Chan Ka Leong
Published: September 2024

This study employs panel data from 30 provinces and cities in China from 2004 to 2019 to empirically estimate the relationship between producer services agglomeration (PSA) and manufacturing carbon emissions. The findings suggest that such agglomeration is beneficial for lowering carbon emissions in manufacturing, and this conclusion passes multiple robustness tests. Heterogeneity analysis results show that PSA in the east and west regions significantly lowers manufacturing carbon emissions, while its impact in the central region is not significant. High-end PSA is beneficial for cutting carbon emissions in manufacturing, but the inhibitory effect of middle- and low-end PSA is not significant. PSA significantly suppresses carbon emissions from capital- and technology-intensive manufacturing, while it has little impact on carbon emissions from labor-intensive manufacturing. Further analysis reveals that PSA has a dual-threshold impact based on absorptive capacity and a single-threshold effect based on infrastructure level on manufacturing carbon emissions. As the absorption capacity crosses the second threshold or the infrastructure level crosses the first threshold, the inhibition effect of PSA on manufacturing carbon emissions begins to become prominent and shows a trend of enhancement. Our research findings provide theoretical and empirical bases for lowering carbon emissions in the manufacturing sector and fostering its ascent to the highest position of the value chain.
Fitness consequences of depressive symptoms vary between generations: Evidence from a large cohort of women across the 20th century
Authors: Gurguis Christopher I. , Duckworth Renée A. , Bucaro Nicole M. , Walss-Bass Consuelo
Published: September 2024

Depression has strong negative impacts on how individuals function, leading to the assumption that there is strong negative selection on this trait that should deplete genetic variation and decrease its prevalence in human populations. Yet, depressive symptoms remain common. While there has been a large body of work trying to resolve this paradox by mapping genetic variation of this complex trait, there have been few direct empirical tests of the core assumption that there is consistent negative selection on depression in human populations. Here, we use a unique long-term dataset from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey that spans four generational cohorts (Silent Generation: 1928–1945, Baby Boomers: 1946–1964, Generation X: 1965–1980, and Millenials: 1981–1996) to measure both depression scores and fitness components (lifetime sexual partners, pregnancies, and live births) of women from the United States born between 1938–1994. We not only assess fitness consequences of depression across multiple generations to determine whether the strength and direction of selection on depression has changed over time, but we also pair these fitness measurements with mixed models to assess how several important covariates, including age, body mass, education, race/ethnicity, and income might influence this relationship. We found that, overall, selection on depression was positive and the strength of selection changed over time–women reporting higher depression had relatively more sexual partners, pregnancies, and births except during the Silent Generation when selection coefficients neared zero. We also found that depression scores and fitness components differed among generations—Baby Boomers showed the highest severity of depression and the most sexual partners. These results were not changed by the inclusion of covariates in our models. A limitation of this study is that for the Millenials, reproduction has not completed and data for this generation is interrupted by right censoring. Most importantly, our results undermine the common belief that there is consistent negative selection on depression and demonstrate that the relationship between depression and fitness changes between generations, which may explain its maintenance in human populations.
Crosstalk between MIR-96 and IRS/PI3K/AKT/VEGF cascade in hRPE cells; A potential target for preventing diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Hosseinpoor Zeynab , Soheili Zahra-Soheila , Davari Maliheh , Latifi-Navid Hamid , Samiee Shahram , Samiee Dorsa
Published: September 2024

Regulation of visual system function demands precise gene regulation. Dysregulation of miRNAs, as key regulators of gene expression in retinal cells, contributes to different eye disorders such as diabetic retinopathy (DR), macular edema, and glaucoma. MIR-96, a member of the MIR-183 cluster family, is widely expressed in the retina, and its alteration is associated with neovascular eye diseases. MIR-96 regulates protein cascades in inflammatory and insulin signaling pathways, but further investigation is required to understand its potential effects on related genes. For this purpose, we identified a series of key target genes for MIR-96 based on gene and protein interaction networks and utilized text-mining resources. To examine the MIR-96 impact on candidate gene expression, we overexpressed MIR-96 via adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based plasmids in human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Based on Real-Time PCR results, the relative expression of the selected genes responded differently to overexpressed MIR-96. While the expression levels of IRS2, FOXO1, and ERK2 (MAPK1) were significantly decreased, the SERPINF1 gene exhibited high expression simultaneously. pAAV-delivered MIR-96 had no adverse effect on the viability of human RPE cells. The data showed that changes in insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS2) expression play a role in disrupted retinal insulin signaling and contribute to the development of diabetic complications. Considered collectively, our findings suggest that altered MIR-96 and its impact on IRS/PI3K/AKT/VEGF axis regulation contribute to DR progression. Therefore, further investigation of the IRS/PI3K/AKT/VEGF axis is recommended as a potential target for DR treatment.
Hemp regulates the fitness of corn earworm (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) and its tachinid (Diptera) parasitoids
Authors: Falcon-Brindis Armando , Villanueva Raul T.
Published: September 2024

Pest management on hemp is still in its infancy, and biological control options are limited. Helicoverpa zea (corn earworm) is one of the key pests of hemp cultivated outdoors, especially on cultivars grown for cannabinoids and grain. In a three-year study, we assessed the effect of diet on the performance of H. zea and its tachinid parasitoids. Parasitized (bearing fly eggs) and unparasitized (without eggs) H. zea larvae were fed on hemp flowers or an artificial diet. Five tachinid species parasitized H. zea larvae, but the most abundant species were Winthemia rufopicta (68.8%) and Lespesia aletiae (28.3%). Overall, 55.2% of H. zea larvae bearing tachinid eggs died, while the mortality of unparasitized larvae reached 24.7%. The success of tachinids increased by 2-fold when the host larvae were fed on an artificial diet. Our results demonstrated that high protein food (artificial diet), intensity of parasitism, and caterpillar size play a role in the fitness of both the herbivores (H. zea) and its tachinid parasitoids. These findings have important implications for understanding biological control mechanisms and open new insights into the impact of landscape variation on plant-herbivore-parasitoid interactions. This study contains supporting evidence that makes both Winthemia rufopicta and Lespesia aletiae excellent candidates for biological control programs against H. zea, a key pest of hemp in the United States.
Diabetes prediction model based on GA-XGBoost and stacking ensemble algorithm
Authors: Li Wenguang , Peng Yan , Peng Ke
Published: September 2024

Diabetes, as an incurable lifelong chronic disease, has profound and far-reaching effects on patients. Given this, early intervention is particularly crucial, as it can not only significantly improve the prognosis of patients but also provide valuable reference information for clinical treatment. This study selected the BRFSS (Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System) dataset, which is publicly available on the Kaggle platform, as the research object, aiming to provide a scientific basis for the early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes through advanced machine learning techniques. Firstly, the dataset was balanced using various sampling methods; secondly, a Stacking model based on GA-XGBoost (XGBoost model optimized by genetic algorithm) was constructed for the risk prediction of diabetes; finally, the interpretability of the model was deeply analyzed using Shapley values. The results show: (1) Random oversampling, ADASYN, SMOTE, and SMOTEENN were used for data balance processing, among which SMOTEENN showed better efficiency and effect in dealing with data imbalance. (2) The GA-XGBoost model optimized the hyperparameters of the XGBoost model through a genetic algorithm to improve the model’s predictive accuracy. Combined with the better-performing LightGBM model and random forest model, a two-layer Stacking model was constructed. This model not only outperforms single machine learning models in predictive effect but also provides a new idea and method in the field of model integration. (3) Shapley value analysis identified features that have a significant impact on the prediction of diabetes, such as age and body mass index. This analysis not only enhances the transparency of the model but also provides more precise treatment decision support for doctors and patients. In summary, this study has not only improved the accuracy of predicting the risk of diabetes by adopting advanced machine learning techniques and model integration strategies but also provided a powerful tool for the early diagnosis and personalized treatment of diabetes.
A host driven parasitoid syndrome: Convergent evolution of multiple traits associated with woodboring hosts in Ichneumonidae (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonoidea)
Authors: Dal Pos Davide , Sharanowski Barbara J.
Published: September 2024

The evolution of convergent phenotypes is of major interest in biology because of their omnipresence and ability to inform the study of evolutionary novelty and constraint. Convergent phenotypes can be combinations of traits that evolve concertedly, called syndromes, and these can be shaped by a common environmental pressure. Parasitoid wasps which use a wide variety of arthropod hosts have also repeatedly and convergently switched host use across their evolutionary history. They thus represent a natural laboratory for the evolution of trait syndromes that are associated with parasitism of specific hosts and host substrates. In this study, we tested the evolution of co-evolving characters in the highly diverse family Ichneumonidae associated with ovipositing in a specific and well-defined substrate: wood. Using a newly constructed phylogeny and an existing morphological dataset, we identified six traits correlated with the wood-boring lifestyle that demonstrate convergent evolution. At least one trait, the presence of teeth on the ovipositor, typically preceded the evolution of other traits and possibly the switch to parasitism of wood-boring hosts. For each trait, we provide a historical review of their associations with wood-boring parasitoids, reevaluate the function of some characters, and suggest future coding improvements. Overall, we demonstrate the convergent evolution of multiple traits associated with parasitism of woodboring hosts and propose a syndrome in a hyper diverse lineage of parasitoid wasps.
Novel multiphoton intravital imaging enables real-time study of Helicobacter pylori interaction with neutrophils and macrophages in the mouse stomach
Authors: Ishikawa-Ankerhold Hellen , Busch Benjamin , Bader Almke , Maier-Begandt Daniela , Dionisio Flavio , Namineni Sukumar , Vladymyrov Mykhailo , Harrison Ute , van den Heuvel Dominic , Tomas Lukas , Walzog Barbara , Massberg Steffen , Schulz Christian , Haas Rainer
Published: September 2024

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterial pathogen that exclusively colonizes the human gastric mucosa and can cause persistent infection. In this process, H. pylori employs various strategies to avoid recognition by the human immune system. These range from passive defense strategies (e.g., altered LPS or flagellin structures) that prevent recognition by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) to more active approaches, such as inhibition of IL-2 secretion and proliferation of T cells via VacA. Despite the growing evidence that H. pylori actively manipulates the human immune system for its own benefit, the direct interaction of H. pylori with immune cells in situ is poorly studied. Here, we present a novel intravital imaging model of the murine stomach gastric mucosa and show for the first time the in situ recruitment of neutrophils during infection and a direct H. pylori-macrophage interaction. For this purpose, we applied multiphoton intravital microscopy adapted with live drift correction software (VivoFollow) on LysM-eGFP and CX3CR1-eGFP reporter mice strains in which specific subsets of leukocytes are fluorescently labeled. Multiphoton microscopy is proving to be an excellent tool for characterizing interactions between immune cells and pathogens in vivo.
ATM1, an essential conserved transporter in Apicomplexa, bridges mitochondrial and cytosolic [Fe-S] biogenesis
Authors: Shrivastava Deepti , Abboud Ernest , Ramchandra Jadhav Prasad , Jha Akanksha , Marq Jean-Baptiste , Chaurasia Animesh , Mitra Kalyan , Sadik Mohammad , Siddiqi Mohammad Imran , Soldati-Favre Dominique , Kloehn Joachim , Habib Saman
Published: September 2024

The Apicomplexa phylum encompasses numerous obligate intracellular parasites, some associated with severe implications for human health, including Plasmodium, Cryptosporidium, and Toxoplasma gondii. The iron-sulfur cluster [Fe-S] biogenesis ISC pathway, localized within the mitochondrion or mitosome of these parasites, is vital for parasite survival and development. Previous work on T. gondii and Plasmodium falciparum provided insights into the mechanisms of [Fe-S] biogenesis within this phylum, while the transporter linking mitochondria-generated [Fe-S] with the cytosolic [Fe-S] assembly (CIA) pathway remained elusive. This critical step is catalyzed by a well-conserved ABC transporter, termed ATM1 in yeast, ATM3 in plants and ABCB7 in mammals. Here, we identify and characterize this transporter in two clinically relevant Apicomplexa. We demonstrate that depletion of TgATM1 does not specifically impair mitochondrial metabolism. Instead, proteomic analyses reveal that TgATM1 expression levels inversely correlate with the abundance of proteins that participate in the transfer of [Fe-S] to cytosolic proteins at the outer mitochondrial membrane. Further insights into the role of TgATM1 are gained through functional complementation with the well-characterized yeast homolog. Biochemical characterization of PfATM1 confirms its role as a functional ABC transporter, modulated by oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and [4Fe-4S].
Role of Health Information Technology [HIT] in addressing Drug Therapy Problems [DTPs]
Authors: Irabor Jonah
Published: September 2024

Drugs, also known as pharmaceuticals, are compounds used in the diagnosis, prevention, treatment, or curing of medical conditions. Medications are prescribed by healthcare providers and dispensed by pharmacists. Issues arising during prescription, dispensing, administration, monitoring, or patient education are referred to as Drug Therapy Problems (DTPs). These problems can lead to adverse drug reactions, treatment failures, and medication errors, resulting in reduced patient outcomes. This article aims to understand the use of health information technology (HIT) in addressing the occurrence of drug therapy problems.
Monte Carlo dosimetry for a EURADOS WG 10 and RENEB field test of retrospective dosimetry techniques in realistic exposure scenarios
Authors: Kim Hyoungtaek
Published: September 2024

Computational dosimetry using Monte Carlo radiation transport simulations was applied for the 2019 European Radiation Dosimetry Group (EURADOS) and Running the European Network of Biological and retrospective Physical dosimetry (RENEB) field test, an exercise of retrospective dosimetry techniques for a realistic small-scale radiological accident. The simulations were performed at four institutes, using different codes and computerized anthropomorphic phantoms. Four exposure scenarios using Ir-192 were modeled: relatively homogeneous in a predominantly AP direction, heterogeneous in a predominantly anterior-posterior (AP) and left-lateral (LLAT) direction, and partially shielded. The items for dosimetry, such as mobile phones, blood tubes, and surface dosimeters, were designed and located based on the experimental pictures. Absorbed doses of dosimeters, such as thermoluminescence dosimeter (TLD), optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLD), radio-photoluminescence dosimeters (RPLD), and display glasses, inside and outside the phantoms were calculated and compared to the measured doses. In addition, photon energy spectra were calculated at different locations to correct the energy responses of the materials. The simulation results from the four institutes showed agreement with each other, showing an average relative difference of less than 14%. The Pearson’s R-values for the linear fitting of the measured and calculated data ranged from 0.95949 to 0.63479, depending on the exposure scenario and institutes. Finally, the accuracy and limitations of the calculation techniques for the given exposure structures are discussed.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Current Treatment Options for Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Authors: Hiramoto Brent , Muftah Mayssan , Flanagan Ryan , Shah Eric D. , Chan Walter W.
Published: September 2024

INTRODUCTION:

The management strategies for eosinophilic esophagitis include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), swallowed topical corticosteroids (tCSs), elimination diets, and the biologic agent dupilumab, although there remains little guidance on the selection of initial treatment. We performed cost-effectiveness analyses to compare these approaches of first-line therapy.

METHODS:

A Markov model was constructed from a payer perspective to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of first-line therapies for eosinophilic esophagitis, including PPI, tCS, and 6-food elimination diet (SFED), with crossover in treatments for primary and secondary nonresponse. The primary outcome was incremental cost-effectiveness ratio at 2 and 5-year time horizons. Secondary analyses included modeling from a societal perspective that also accounted for patient-specific costs, as well as a separate simplified model comparing dupilumab with tCS and PPI.

RESULTS:

In the base-case scenario (5-year time horizon), the average costs were SFED: $15,296.81, PPI: $16,153.77, and tCS: $20,975.33 as initial therapy, with SFED being the dominant strategy (more effective/less costly), while PPI offered the lowest cost on a 2-year time horizon. From a societal perspective, PPI was the dominant initial strategy on both 2 and 5-year time horizons. Among pharmacologic therapies, PPI was the most cost-effective first-line option. Dupilumab was not cost-effective relative to tCS, unless the quarterly cost is reduced from $7,311 to $2,038.50 per price threshold analysis under permissive modeling conditions.

DISCUSSION:

SFED was the most effective/least costly first-line therapy from the payer perspective while PPI was more cost-effective from the societal perspective. PPI is also the most cost-effective pharmacologic strategy. Dupilumab requires substantial cost reductions to be considered cost-effective first-line pharmacotherapy.
Isolation and genetic characterization of canine adenovirus type 2 variant from raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procynoide koresis) in Republic of Korea
Authors: Yang Dong-Kun , Kim Minuk , Ahn Sangjin , Lee Hye Jeong , Oh Subin , Park Jungwon , Kim Jong-Taek , Lee Ju-Yeon , Cho Yun Sang
Published: September 2024

Canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2) is a common causative agent of respiratory disease in canines. There have been no reports of CAV-2 variants isolated from raccoon dogs. This study aims to investigate the biological and genetic characteristics of a novel Korean CAV-2 variant. Madin-Darby canine kidney cells were used to isolate the CAV-2 variant from 45 fecal swab samples. Diagnostic tools such as the cytopathic effect (CPE) assay, electron microscopy, polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence and hemagglutination assays were used to confirm the presence of the CAV-2 isolate. A cross-virus neutralization assay was performed to verify the novelty of this CAV variant. Genetic analysis was performed using nucleotide sequences obtained through next-generation sequencing. The isolate was confirmed to be a CAV-2 variant based on the aforementioned methods and designated CAV2232. The number of bases in the fiber and E3 genes of CAV2232 were 1,626 and 414, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of the fiber and E3 genes confirmed that CAV2232 was classified into a different clade from the known CAV-1 and CAV-2 strains. Mice inoculated with the CAV2232 vaccine developed high virus neutralization antibody titers of 1,024 (210) against CAV2232, while mice inoculated with CAV-1 and CAV-2 vaccines had low virus neutralization antibody titers of 12.9 (23.7) and 6.5 (22.7), respectively, against CAV2232. CAV2232 isolated from wild raccoon dog feces was classified as a novel CAV-2 variant. CAV2232 may therefore be used as an antigen for new vaccine development and serological investigations.
Development of a blocking ELISA for detection of Japanese encephalitis virus antibodies in pig and horse sera
Authors: Yang Dong-Kun , Kim Eun-Ju , Jang Sang Ho , Lee Hye Jung , Kim Bitna , Lee Jin A , Lee Ju-Yeon , Cho Yun Sang
Published: September 2024

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a mosquito-borne virus that can infect pigs, horses, and other mammals, including humans. Sero-epidemiological investigations of JEV have been performed using hemagglutination inhibition (HI), virus neutralization (VN) tests and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A need exists for a new ELISA that can detect JEV antibodies in the sera of several animal species. We aimed to develop a blocking ELISA (B-ELISA) for detecting JEV antibodies in pig and horse serum samples. JEV antibodies in 218 pig and 315 horse serum samples were measured using HI and VN tests. The purified KV1899-306 strain was used as an antigen for B-ELISA. The purified antibody (7A13) was conjugated with horseradish peroxidase and used as a detector antibody. The sera of pigs and horses to measure antibody against JEV were subjected to B-ELISA and analyzed. The B-ELISA had a diagnostic sensitivity of 94.6% to 100%, a specificity of 91.2 to 100%, and an accuracy of 94.9 to 98.6% compared with those of the HI and VN tests in pig and horse sera. The B-ELISA had a higher correlation with pig sera (r = 0.89 and 0.90 for VN and HI) than with horse sera (r = 0.75 and to 0.79). The new B-ELISA could be useful in the sero-surveillance of JEV in pig and horse sera and replace indirect ELISA.
A case of feline extramedullary plasma cell tumor with T cell infiltration
Authors: Kim Jung-Hyun , Yoon Jiwoong , Choi Sol-Ji , Song Woo-Jin , Yun Youngmin , Kim Myung-Chul
Published: September 2024

A 7-year-old castrated male Persian cat presented with a cutaneous mass and an increase in serum amyloid A concentration. Fine needle aspirates of the mass indicated lymphoma, which was also the top differential diagnosis on histopathologic examinations. Immunohistochemically, neoplastic cells tested negative for anti-CD3, PAX5, CD20, and c-Kit, but positive for MUM1, CD79α, and CD138, suggesting extramedullary plasmacytoma. There were tumor-infiltrating non-neoplastic CD3+ T and CD20+ B cells. Practitioners should be aware of feline plasmacytoma characterized by lymphoma-like cytologic and histologic features. The present study is valuable in providing the first clinical evidence that proves the immunogenicity of feline plasmacytoma.
The Living Qur’an: Its Text and Practice in the Function of the Scripture
Authors: Rafiq Ahmad
Published: September 2024

Since firstly appeared in an informal conversation among the faculty members at the Qurʾanic and hadith studies program at the Faculty of Ushuluddin, Religious Studies, and Islamic Thought of IAIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta in 2005, scholars have ventured to develop the concept of Living Qurʾan, pursuing to determine it's proper or best formats, scopes, methods, and approaches. It is my contention that Living Qurʾān is yet to find its epistemological and methodological infrastructures. It is in this context this paper aims to contribute. It firstly offers my construction of the term along with its conceptual consequence. Then, I propose the mapping of the relationship between scripture and its community, built on the relational concept of scripture. Finally, this article elaborates on the transmission and transformation patterns through which knowledge, practices, and discourse forming the Qurʾānic reception between its community. It is hoped that with these three subjects, this paper would emulate further discussion about Living Qurʾan at the epistemological and methodological level.
Pious yet Trendy Young Muslim: ‘The Bros Team’ and Public Qur’an in Indonesia
Authors: Jannah Imas Lu’ul
Published: September 2024

This article discusses the intersection of Quranic reciting practices and pop culture through the emergence of The bros team, which is popular among modern Indonesian young Muslims. Since the fall of the New Order dictatorship, the Quran's recitation has become more public, shaping the Islamic soundscape in Indonesia’s online-offline public spaces. As a group of Quran reciters representing pious Muslim youth in Indonesia, the Bros team's popularity among Indonesians youth demonstrates how young people manage their identity as part of global pop culture while being rooted to Islamic orthodoxy. This group uploads murattal content of Quranic recitations on social media such as YouTube and Instagram. Those contents highlights how they appear to recite the Quran by incorporating parts of pop culture trend that are familiar to young people. Pertaining to this facts, this research contends that mediated Quranic practice via social media platforms shapes particular implications and treatments of the Quran and performers. Through online and offline field research, this study investigates how the popularity of The Bros team articulates the religious development of young Muslims in relation to the practice of public Quran recitation as a form of negotiating identity for devout Muslim Youths in Indonesia.
Intertextuality and Late Antiquity in Michael E. Pregill's Interpretation of the Worship of the Golden Calf in Surah Thāhā: 83-97
Authors: Amatullah Nur Afra Afifah Amani , Najiyah Nur Laili Nabilah Nazahah , Rohmaniyah Inayah
Published: September 2024

Michael E. Pregill argues that the story in Surah Thāhā: 83-97 reflects an interpretation trend of a story in the Bible, thriving among Jews and Christians in Late Antiquity, about Israelites who worshipped the golden calf. Pergill also argues about the intertextuality between the Qur’an and Bible. This study aims to comprehensively examine Pregill’s interpretation of Surah Thāhā: 83-97 as it responds to the differences in detailed stories of golden calf worship in the Qur’an and Bible and various interpretations of Al-Sāmīrī. Primary data of this qualitative study included a book entitled The Golden Calf between Bible and Qur’an: Scripture, Polemic, and Exegesis from Late Antiquity to Islam. Relevant data were collected and analyzed through data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing/verification. According to Pregill, Al-Sāmīrī was a literary work of the Qur’an using biblical materials; then, Qur’an applied it to Harun’s name and emphasized his role as the Israelites’ guardian. The intertextuality between Qur’an and Bible was perceived from the possibility of using Ethiopic Bible materials to retell the event. In response to interpretation trends focusing on covenant, priesthood, and idolatry themes, Pregill argues that the Qur’an has affirmed Harun’s position as the Priest under Moses the Prophet.