bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
m5C regulator‐mediated methylation modification patterns and tumor microenvironment infiltration characteristics in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Wen Qiang , Wang ShouJun , Hong Lili , Shen Siyu , He Yibo , Sheng Xianfu , Zhuang Xiaofen , Chen Shiliang , Wang Ying , Zhuang Haifeng
Published: January 2024

Background

Recently, many studies have been conducted to examine immune response modification at epigenetic level, but the candidate effect of RNA 5‐methylcytosine (m5C) modification on tumor microenvironment (TME) of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is still unknown at present.

Methods

We assessed the patterns of m5C modification among 417 AML cases by using nine m5C regulators. Thereafter, we associated those identified modification patterns with TME cell infiltration features. Additionally, stepwise regression and LASSO Cox regression analyses were conducted for quantifying patterns of m5C modification among AML cases to establish the m5C‐score. Meanwhile, we validated the expression of genes in the m5C‐score model by qRT‐PCR. Finally, the present work analyzed the association between m5C‐score and AML clinical characteristics and prognostic outcomes.

Results

In total, three different patterns of m5C modification (m5C‐clusters) were identified, and highly differentiated TME cell infiltration features were also identified. On this basis, evaluating patterns of m5C modification in single cancer samples was important for evaluating the immune/stromal activities in TME and for predicting prognosis. In addition, the m5C‐score was established, which showed a close relation with the overall survival (OS) of test and training set samples. Moreover, multivariate Cox analysis suggested that our constructed m5C‐score served as the independent predicting factor for the prognosis of AML (hazard ratio = 1.57, 95% confidence interval = 1.38–1.79, p < 1e−5).

Conclusions

This study shows that m5C modification may be one of the key roles in the formation of diversity and complexity of TME. Meanwhile, assessing the patterns of m5C modification among individual cancer samples is of great importance, which provides insights into cell infiltration features within TME, thereby helping to develop relevant immunotherapy and predict patient prognostic outcomes.
An endoscopic approach providing near‐infrared laser‐induced coagulation with accurate depth limits
Authors: Turker‐Burhan Merve , Ellidokuz Ender Berat , Bagriyanik Husnu Alper , Tozburun Serhat
Published: January 2024

This article investigates an endoscopic approach that utilizes negative pressure to achieve laser‐induced thermal coagulation limited to the esophageal wall's mucosal and superficial submucosal layers. The study was built upon a series of studies combining numerical simulation based on the Monte‐Carlo technique and ex vivo porcine tissue experiments, including apparatus design and histology analysis. An endoscopy apparatus was developed using 3D printing to validate the tissue stretching‐based approach. A fiber‐pigtailed diode was used as the near‐infrared source, emitting 208.8 W/cm2 laser irradiance at 1.5 μm. Simulation results suggested that the approach successfully created a local heat well to prevent residual thermal effects (>65°C) from penetrating the deeper submucosal layer. Histology analysis of ex vivo tissues showed that at a fluence of 5.22 kJ/cm2, the depth of thermal coagulation was reduced by half compared to the control. With further preclinical studies, including endoscopy apparatus design, the approach can be applied to the larger esophageal surface.
Actin filament‐associated protein 1‐antisense RNA1 promotes the development and invasion of tongue squamous cell carcinoma via the AFAP1‐AS1/miR‐133a‐5p/ZIC2 axis
Authors: Tang Mingming , Wu Hao , Zhang Huaiqin , Xu Xinjiang , Jiang Bin , Chen Qingwen , Wei Yingze , Qian Hongyan , Han Liang
Published: January 2024

Background

The present study aimed to explore the biological role and underlying mechanism of the long non‐coding RNA actin filament‐associated protein 1‐antisense RNA1 (lncRNA AFAP1‐AS1) in the progression of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC).

Methods

A quantitative reverse transcriptase‐PCR (RT‐qPCR) was conducted to assess relative levels of the miR‐133a‐5p, lncRNAs AFAP1‐AS1 and zinc finger family member 2 (ZIC2) in TSCC cell lines and specimens, whereas ZIC2 protein levels were measured using western blotting. After modifying the levels of expression of lncRNA AFP1‐AS1, miR‐133a‐5p and ZIC2 using lentivirus or plasmid transfection, we examined AKT/epithelial–mesenchymal transition signaling pathway alterations, in vivo carcinogenesis of TSCC in nude mice and in vitro malignant phenotypes. A dual‐luciferase reporter assay was conducted to confirm the targeting relationship between ZIC2 and miR‐133a‐5p, as well as between miR‐133a‐5p and lncRNA AFAP1‐AS1. Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we additionally validated AFP1‐AS1. The potential biological pathway for AFP1‐AS1 was investigated using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). We also evaluated the clinical diagnostic capacities of AFP1‐AS1 and clustered the most potential biomarkers with the Mfuzz expression pattern. Finally, we also made relevant drug predictions for AFP1‐AS1.

Results

In TSCC cell lines and specimens, lncRNA AFAP1‐AS1 was upregulated. ZIC2 was upregulated in TSCC cells as a result of lncRNA AFAP1‐AS1 overexpression, which also promoted TSCC cell migration, invasion, viability, and proliferation. Via the microRNA sponge effect, it was found that lncRNA AFAP1‐AS1 could upregulate ZIC2 by competitively inhibiting miR‐133a‐5p. Interestingly, knockdown of ZIC2 reversed the biological roles of lncRNA AFAP1‐AS1 with respect to inducing malignant phenotypes in TSCC cells. In addition, in vivo overexpression of lncRNA AFAP1‐AS1 triggered subcutaneous tumor growth in nude mice implanted with TSCC cells and upregulated ZIC2 in the tumors. The TCGA database findings revealed that AFAP1‐AS1 was significantly upregulated in TSCC specimens and had good clinical diagnostic value. The results of GSEA showed that peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor signaling pathway was significantly correlated with low expression of AFP1‐AS1. Finally, the results of drug prediction indicated that the group with high AFAP1‐AS1 expression was more sensitive to docetaxel, AZD4547, AZD7762 and nilotinib.

Conclusions

The upregulation of lncRNA AFAP1‐AS1, which increases TSCC cell viability, migration, proliferation and invasion via the AFAP1‐AS1/miR‐133a‐5p/ZIC2 axis, aids in the progression of TSCC.
Rates of breast reconstruction uptake and attitudes toward breast cancer and survivorship among south asians: A literature review
Authors: Sarkar Prottusha , Huffman Kristin N. , Williams Tokoya , Deol Avneet , Zorra Isabella , Adam Tarifa , Donaldson Rachel , Qureshi Umer , Gowda Karan , Galiano Robert D. ,   other members of the Galiano Lab Collaborative Group
Published: January 2024

Our aim in this review was to ascertain rates of breast reconstruction among South Asian patients and identify attitudes towards breast cancer, survivorship, and breast reconstruction. Mastectomy rates for South Asian patients ranged from 52% to 77% and reconstruction following mastectomy varied from 0% to 14%. A negative perception of cancer, fears of social isolation, and taboos around breasts can prevent South Asian women from receiving surgical care after a breast cancer diagnosis.
Lessons from two series by physicians and caregivers' self‐reported data in DDX3X‐related disorders
Authors: Ruault Valentin , Burger Pauline , Gradels‐Hauguel Johanna , Ruiz Nathalie ,   Xtraordinaire, Jamra Rami Abou , Afenjar Alexandra , Alembik Yves , Alessandri Jean‐Luc , Arpin Stéphanie , Barcia Giulia , Bendová Šárka , Bruel Ange‐Line , Charles Perrine , Chatron Nicolas , Chopra Maya , Conrad Solène , Daire Valérie Cormier , Cospain Auriane , Coubes Christine , Coursimault Juliette , Delahaye‐Duriez Andrée , Doco Martine , Dufour William , Durand Benjamin , Engel Camille , Faivre Laurence , Ferroul Fanny , Fradin Mélanie , Frenkiel Hélène , Fusco Carlo , Garavelli Livia , Garde Aurore , Gerard Bénédicte , Germanaud David , Goujon Louise , Gouronc Aurélie , Ginglinger Emmanuelle , Goldenberg Alice , Hancarova Miroslava , Havlovicová Markéta , Heron Delphine , Isidor Bertrand , Marçais Nolwenn Jean , Keren Boris , Koch‐Hogrebe Margarete , Kuentz Paul , Lamure Victoria , Lebre Anne‐Sophie , Lecoquierre François , Lehman Natacha , Lesca Gaetan , Lyonnet Stanislas , Martin Delphine , Mignot Cyril , Neuhann Teresa M. , Nicolas Gaël , Nizon Mathilde , Petit Florence , Philippe Christophe , Piton Amélie , Pollazzon Marzia , Prchalová Darina , Putoux Audrey , Rio Marlène , Rondeau Sophie , Rossi Massimiliano , Sabbagh Quentin , Saugier‐Veber Pascale , Schmetz Ariane , Steffann Julie , Thauvin‐Robinet Christel , Toutain Annick , Them Frederic Tran Mau , Trimarchi Gabriele , Vincent Marie , Vlčková Markéta , Wieczorek Dagmar , Willems Marjolaine , Yauy Kevin , Zelinová Michaela , Ziegler Alban ,   GENIDA Project, Chaumette Boris , Sadikovic Bekim , Mandel Jean‐Louis , Geneviève David
Published: January 2024

Introduction and Methods

We report two series of individuals with DDX3X variations, one (48 individuals) from physicians and one (44 individuals) from caregivers.

Results

These two series include several symptoms in common, with fairly similar distribution, which suggests that caregivers' data are close to physicians' data. For example, both series identified early childhood symptoms that were not previously described: feeding difficulties, mean walking age, and age at first words.

Discussion

Each of the two datasets provides complementary knowledge. We confirmed that symptoms are similar to those in the literature and provides more details on feeding difficulties. Caregivers considered that the symptom attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder were most worrisome. Both series also reported sleep disturbance. Recently, anxiety has been reported in individuals with DDX3X variants. We strongly suggest that attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, and sleep disorders need to be treated.
Ecological momentary assessment of pelvic pain and urinary urgency variability in urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome and their association with illness impact and quality of life: Findings from the multidisciplinary approach to the study of chronic pelvic pain symptom patterns study
Authors: Erickson Bradley A. , Griffith James W. , Wensheng Guo , Mengying You , Herman Ted , Bradley Catherine S. , Quentin Clemens J. , Farrar John T. , Gupta Priyanka , Kreder Karl J. , Henry Lai H. , Naliboff Bruce D. , Newman Diane K. , Rodriguez Larissa V. , Spitznagle Theresa , Sutcliffe Siobhan , Sutherland Suzette E. , Taple Bayley J. , Richard Landis J.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study tested the hypothesis that ecological momentary assessment (EMA) of pelvic pain (PP) and urinary urgency (UU) would reveal unique Urologic Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (UCPPS) phenotypes that would be associated with disease specific quality of life (QOL) and illness impact metrics (IIM).

Materials and Methods

A previously validated smart phone app (M‐app) was provided to willing Multidisciplinary Approach to the Study of Chronic Pelvic Pain (MAPP) participants. M‐app notifications were sent 4‐times daily for 14 days inquiring about PP and UU severity. A clustering algorithm that accounted for variance placed participants into PP and UU variability? clusters. Associations between clusters and QOL and IIM were then determined.

Results

A total of 204 participants enrolled in the M‐app study (64% female). M‐app compliance was high (median 63% of surveys). Cluster analysis revealed k = 3 (high, low, none) PP clusters and k = 2 (high, low) UU clusters. When adjusting for baseline pain severity, high PP variability, but not UU variability, was strongly associated with QOL and IIM; specifically worse mood, worse sleep and higher anxiety. UU and PP clusters were associated with each other (p < 0.0001), but a large percentage (33%) of patients with high PP variability had low UU variability.

Conclusions

PP variability is an independent predictor of worse QOL and more severe IIM in UCPPS participants after controlling for baseline pain severity and UU. These findings suggest alternative pain indices, such as pain variability and unpredictability, may be useful adjuncts to traditional measures of worst and average pain when assessing UCPPS treatment responses.
Incidence and influencing factors of urinary incontinence in stroke patients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Shuyao , Kang Hua , Wang Qingyuan , Wang Dan , Hu Lizi , Kou Jiaojiao , Yang Zijiang
Published: January 2024

Background

The incidence of stroke in China ranks first in the world and is the leading cause of death and disability in adults. Urinary incontinence is an independent risk factor leading to poor prognosis of stroke. However, studies on the incidence of urinary incontinence in stroke patients and its influencing factors are different, fluctuate greatly, and there is no unified basis.

Objective

To quantitatively analyze the incidence of urinary incontinence in stroke patients and its related influencing factors, and further make public health strategic decisions to reduce the occurrence of adverse outcomes.

Methods

Computer searches were conducted in PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, CLNAHL Complete, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical database(CBM), Wan Fang Database, VIP Database, observational studies such as cohort studies, case‐control studies or cross‐sectional studies on the incidence or influencing factors of urinary incontinence in stroke patients from the establishment of the database to the publication in August 2023. Studies selection, quality evaluation and data extraction were conducted independently by two researchers according to the established search strategy. Stata 14.0 statistical software was used for meta‐analysis.

Results

A total of 21 manuscripts were included, with a cumulative sample size of 7327 cases, including 2887 patients with urinary incontinence. Meta‐analysis results showed that the incidence of urinary incontinence in stroke patients was 38% [95% confidence interval (34%, 41%)], including married patients and lacunar infarction were the protective factors for urinary incontinence in stroke patients, while age, chaperone, low educational level, chronic cough, lesion sites (parietal lobe, frontal lobe, and temporal lobe), stroke type (cerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage and cerebral hemorrhage complicated with subarachnoid hemorrhage), dysfunction (aphasia dyslexia, dysphagia, eye movement abnormalities, leg muscle disorders), post‐stroke depression, the higher the NIHSS score, the lower the Bachmann index (BI) score, OCSP classification (total anterior circulation infarction) and other 11 items were risk factors for urinary incontinence in stroke patients.

Conclusion

The incidence of urinary incontinence in stroke patients is 38%. Marriage and lacunar infarction are the protective factors of urinary incontinence. Age, carer, low educational level, chronic cough, lesion site (parietal, frontal and temporal lobes), stroke type (cerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, cerebral hemorrhage combined with subarachnoid hemorrhage), dysfunction (aphasia and dysarthria syndrome, dysphagia, eye movement abnormalities, leg muscle disorders), post‐stroke depression, and higher NIHSS score, Lower BI score and OCSP classification (total anterior circulation infarction) were risk factors for urinary incontinence in stroke patients.
Operators Need to Know the History of US Water Quality Regulation and Analysis: Part 2
Authors: Lipps William , Parr Jerry , Adams Hunter , Ferri Alyssa , Ash Steve , Southard Mark
Published: January 2024

Water treatment plant operators need to understand federal and state laws as well as the standards that apply to water treatment systems. They should also understand how drinking water regulations are administered and why compliance is essential to providing safe drinking water to the public.
New Medical Device and Therapeutic Approvals in Otolaryngology: State of the Art Review of 2022
Authors: Wu Franklin M. , Gorelik Daniel , Brenner Michael J. , Takashima Masayoshi , Goyal Amit , Kita Ashley E. , Rose Austin S. , Hong Robert S. , Abuzeid Waleed M. , Santa Maria Peter , Al‐Sayed Ahmed A. , Dunham Michael E. , Kadkade Prajoy , Schaffer Scott R. , Johnson Alan W. , Eshraghi Adrien A. , Samargandy Shireen , Morrison Robert J. , Weissbrod Philip A. , Mitchell Margaret B. , Rabbani Cyrus C. , Futran Neil , Ahmed Omar G.
Published: January 2024

Objective

To review new drugs and devices relevant to otolaryngology approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2022.

Data Sources

Publicly available FDA data on drugs and devices approved in 2022.

Review Methods

A preliminary screen was conducted to identify drugs and devices relevant to otolaryngology. A secondary screen by members of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery's (AAO‐HNS) Medical Devices and Drugs Committee differentiated between minor updates and new approvals. The final list of drugs and devices was sent to members of each subspecialty for review and analysis.

Conclusion

A total of 1251 devices and 37 drugs were identified on preliminary screening. Of these, 329 devices and 5 drugs were sent to subspecialists for further review, from which 37 devices and 2 novel drugs were selected for further analysis. The newly approved devices spanned all subspecialties within otolaryngology. Many of the newly approved devices aimed to enhance patient experience, including over‐the‐counter hearing aids, sleep monitoring devices, and refined CPAP devices. Other advances aimed to improve surgical access, convenience, or comfort in the operating room and clinic.

Implications for Practice

Many new devices and drugs are approved each year to improve patient care and care delivery. By staying up to date with these advances, otolaryngologists can leverage new innovations to improve the safety and quality of care. Given the recent approval of these devices, further studies are needed to assess long‐term impact within the field of otolaryngology.
Poly (vinyl alcohol) based carbon nanofibers as freestanding anodes for lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Pampal Esra Serife , Stojanovska Elena , Kilic Ali , Demir Ali
Published: January 2024

In this study, we investigated the iodination process for the preparation of water‐soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)‐based carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and their electrochemical properties. Iodinated nanofibers were carbonized at different temperatures (600°C, 800°C) under an argon (Ar) atmosphere. Morphology and physical properties of fiber mats were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), while electrical conductivity measurements were done using four probes. As a freestanding anode in half‐cell lithium batteries, the CNFs were prepared by electrospinning of PVA and PVA–CNT blend, which was exposed to iodine vapor at various temperatures (60, 80, and 100°C). Iodine vapor treatment at 80°C and subsequent carbonization at 800°C provided a 29% carbon yield. The resulting CNT‐containing optimized CNFs exhibited superior flexibility, electrical conductivity (2.16 S/cm), and handleability, making them a promising, binder‐free environmentally friendly carbon source for lithium‐ion batteries with high capacity (672 mAh/g at 50 mA/g). The study clearly showed that PVA might be an alternative precursor for the production of carbon micro‐ and nanofibers.

Highlights

Anodic performance of PVA‐based carbon nanofibers was analyzed.

PVA precursor offers economic and environmental option for binder‐free electrodes.

PVA–CNT composite nanofibers with optimized iodination and carbonization time identified as a promising high carbon yield carbon source for lithium‐ion batteries.

CNT‐containing optimized carbon nanofibers exhibited superior flexibility and electrical conductivity (2.16 S/cm).

Freestanding fiber anodes exhibited a higher capacity of 672 mAh/g, at 50 mA/g compared to conventional graphite anode (372 mAh/g).
Student perceptions of ethnic–racial socialization and outcomes across race and gender
Authors: Gilbertson Megan L. , Demaray Michelle K.
Published: January 2024

In an increasingly diverse nation, calls for education that is culturally relevant have become salient, and student perceptions of school‐based ethnic–racial socialization (ERS) provide insight toward how cultural messages are being interpreted by students. The current study sought to investigate how a sample of racially diverse middle school students (N = 744) perceptions of ERS are related to social and academic outcomes, and how these associations may differ across race and gender. Structural equation modeling analyses found that for the total sample, students' perceptions of ERS were positively associated with social outcomes and not associated with academic outcomes. Further, these findings did not differ between ethnic–racial groups or genders. The current study informs school and curriculum standards and adds to the literature in understanding that student perceptions of school‐based ethnic–racial socialization do not differ in the impact on outcomes based on race or gender.
Management of respiratory problems in children on home invasive mechanical ventilation
Authors: Tekin Merve Nur , Çobanoğlu Nazan
Published: January 2024

The management of respiratory problems in children on home invasive mechanical ventilation (HIMV) is a complex and challenging task. In recent years, with appropriate family education, these patients have been able to be discharged from the hospital and continue their treatment at home. The population of pediatric patients dependent on HIMV has been increasing worldwide, presenting unique and varying care needs. Management of these patients involves addressing ventilator settings, monitoring respiratory status, ensuring airway safety, and providing continuous support and education to patients and their caregivers. Despite the completion of home settings and family education, children on HIMV may encounter various respiratory problems during home follow‐up. Prevention and timely management of these complications are crucial to improving patient outcomes. This article summarizes the most significant respiratory problems in children on HIMV and the management strategies for each problem are discussed, emphasizing the importance of appropriate aspiration techniques, regular monitoring, adequate training of caregivers, and a well‐prepared emergency plan.
Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry selected ion monitoring and gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry selected reaction monitoring analyses of mono‐, di‐ and tri‐unsaturated C25 highly branched isoprenoid alkene biomarkers in sea ice and sediment samples: A comparative study
Authors: Rontani Jean‐François , Smik Lukas , Divine Dmitry , Husum Katrine , Belt Simon T.
Published: January 2024

Rationale

The efficiency of selected ion monitoring (SIM) and selected reaction monitoring (SRM) analyses for the quantification of three mono‐, di‐ and tri‐unsaturated highly branched isoprenoid (HBI) alkenes (IP25, IPSO25 and HBI III, respectively), often used as proxies for the occurrence of Arctic and Antarctic sea ice or the adjacent open waters, was compared.

Methods

Gas chromatography (GC)–mass spectrometry (MS)/SIM and GC/MS/MS/SRM analyses were carried out on dilute solutions made from purified standards of these three HBIs, and then on hydrocarbon fractions of several sediment and sea ice sample extracts. More efficient and specific SRM transitions were selected after collision‐induced dissociation of each precursor ion at different collision energies.

Results

SRM analysis avoided any overestimation of IP25 resulting from the contribution of the coeluting 13C mass isotopomer of IPSO25 (M+˙ + 2) to the SIM target ion. In contrast, SRM analysis is less reliable for IPSO25 quantification in cases where several regio‐isomers are present, likely due to intense double bond migrations following electron impact. In the case of HBI III, SRM analysis constitutes a potentially suitable alternative to SIM analysis, especially in terms of improving limit of detection.

Conclusions

Despite the intense migrations of HBI double bonds under electron ionization, the selected SRM transitions should be more suitable than SIM target ions for IP25 and HBI III quantification in complex hydrocarbon fractions of natural samples. However, the advantage is less evident for IPSO25 due to the presence of numerous regio‐isomers.
Efficient estimation of Cox model with random change point
Authors: Chen Xuerong , Ping Yalu , Sun Jianguo
Published: January 2024

In clinical studies, the risk of a disease may dramatically change when some biological indexes of the human body exceed some thresholds. Furthermore, the differences in individual characteristics of patients such as physical and psychological experience may lead to subject‐specific thresholds or change points. Although a large literature has been established for regression analysis of failure time data with change points, most of the existing methods assume the same, fixed change point for all study subjects. In this paper, we consider the situation where there exists a subject‐specific change point and two Cox type models are presented. The proposed models also offer a framework for subgroup analysis. For inference, a sieve maximum likelihood estimation procedure is proposed and the asymptotic properties of the resulting estimators are established. An extensive simulation study is conducted to assess the empirical performance of the proposed method and indicates that it works well in practical situations. Finally the proposed approach is applied to a set of breast cancer data.
Rapid, Tough, and Trigger‐Detachable Hydrogel Adhesion Enabled by Formation of Nanoparticles In Situ
Authors: Zhang Mengnan , Gao Ziyan , Hakobyan Karen , Li Wei , Gu Zi , Peng Shuhua , Liang Kang , Xu Jiangtao
Published: January 2024

Integrating hydrogel with other materials is always challenging due to the low mass content of hydrogels and the abundance of water at the interfaces. Adhesion through nanoparticles offers characteristics such as ease of use, reversibility, and universality, but still grapples with challenges like weak bonding. Here, a simple yet powerful strategy using the formation of nanoparticles in situ is reported, establishing strong interfacial adhesion between various hydrogels and substrates including elastomers, plastics, and biological tissue, even under wet conditions. The strong interfacial bonding can be formed in a short time (60 s), and gradually strengthened to 902 J m−2 adhesion energy within an hour. The interfacial layer's construction involves chain entanglement and other non‐covalent interactions like coordination and hydrogen bonding. Unlike the permanent bonding seen in most synthetic adhesives, these nanoparticle adhesives can be efficiently triggered for removal by acidic solutions. The simplicity of the precursor diffusion and precipitation process in creating the interfacial layer ensures broad applicability to different substrates and nanoparticle adhesives without compromising robustness. The tough adhesion provided by nanoparticles allows the hydrogel‐elastomer hybrid to function as a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), facilitating reliable electrical signal generation and output performance due to the robust interface.
Tumor cell dissociation‐enhanced intravesical chemotherapy of orthotopic bladder cancer
Authors: Ma Zhaoyu , Sun Zhiduo , Ye Zhichao , Cai Kai , Zhong Wenbin , Yuan Wei , Zhang Weiyun , Zhang Jin , Zhang Kai , Liang Huageng , Han Heyou , Zhao Yanli
Published: January 2024

Frequent intravesical chemotherapy is still the adopted clinical option after bladder cancer surgery with low adhesion, poor selectivity, low permeability, and drug resistance. Herein, we develop an ingenious bladder cancer dissociation method to enhance intravesical chemotherapy and tumor self‐exclusion with urine. Ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), a common Ca2+ chelator, is loaded with the typical clinical bladder instillation drug doxorubicin (Dox) in chitosan‐modified hollow gold nanorods and subsequently coated with cancer cell membranes. After bladder perfusion, the nanoplatform exhibits high affinity toward bladder tumors under homologous targeting, assisting in long‐term retention. Under NIR‐II laser irradiation, the photothermal effect accelerates the unloading of cargo, and the released EDTA then disrupts intratumoral junctions by depriving and chelating Ca2+ from the intercellular calcium‐dependent connexin. The consequential intertumoral dissociation gives access to the deeper penetration of Dox and allows the exclusion of the shed small tumor masses from the body with the urine. This distinctive tumor dissociation concept holds great promise for modern clinical intravesical chemotherapy and perhaps for other gastrointestinal malignancies.
Systematic Face Pareidolia Generation Method Using Cycle‐Consistent Adversarial Networks
Authors: Endo Yoshitaka , Asanuma Rinka , Shimojo Shinsuke , Akashi Takuya
Published: January 2024

Pareidolia is a psychological tendency of perceiving a face in non‐face stimulus. As a majority of people globally experience this tendency, it has been extensively studied and measured in terms of tendencies, such as frequencies. However, no study has investigated the systematic manipulation of stimulus owing to the lack of a systematic image‐generation method. Therefore, herein, we generated face pareidolia stimuli using a face data set with annotated data. We employed cycle‐consistent adversarial networks (CycleGAN), an image‐to‐image‐style translation framework, to generate stimuli for translating natural‐image styles from face images. We manipulated the weight of the cycle‐consistency loss in the CycleGAN via an experiment to evaluate the image generated using the CycleGAN. Thus, we found that the weight value of the evaluation experiment correlated with the pareidolia‐inducing power when the preprocessing of the face data set was applied to the blur process. As a result, we achieved to systematically generate pareidolia stimuli. © 2024 The Authors. IEEJ Transactions on Electrical and Electronic Engineering published by Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Association of region‐specific hippocampal reduction of neurogranin with inflammasome proteins in post mortem brains of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Vontell Regina T. , Gober Ryan , Dallmeier Julian , Brzostowicki Daniel , Barreda Ayled , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Kvartsberg Hlin , Gultekin Sakir Humayun , de Rivero Vaccari Juan Pablo , Bramlett Helen M. , Dietrich W. Dalton , Keane Robert W. , Davis David A. , Rundek Tatjana , Sun Xiaoyan
Published: January 2024

INTRODUCTION

Neurogranin (Ng) is considered a biomarker for synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In contrast, the inflammasome complex has been shown to exacerbate AD pathology.

METHODS

We investigated the protein expression, morphological differences of Ng, and correlated Ng to hyperphosphorylated tau in the post mortem brains of 17 AD cases and 17 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. In addition, we correlated the Ng expression with two different epitopes of apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC).

RESULTS

We show a reduction of Ng immunopositive neurons and morphological differences in AD compared to controls. Ng immunostaining was negatively correlated with neurofibrillary tangles, humanized anti‐ASC (IC100) positive neurons and anti‐ASC positive microglia, in AD.

DISCUSSION

The finding of a negative correlation between Ng and ASC speck protein expression in post mortem brains of AD suggests that the activation of inflammasome/ASC speck pathway may play an important role in synaptic degeneration in AD.

Highlights

We show the role that neurogranin plays on post‐synaptic signaling in specific hippocampal regions.

We demonstrate that there could be clinical implications of using neurogranin as a biomarker for dementia.

We describe the loss of plasticity and neuronal scaffolding proteins in the present of AD pathology.

We show the response of neuroinflammation when tau proteins phosphorylate in hippocampal neurons.

We show that there is a potential therapeutic target for the inflammasome, and future studies may show that IC100, a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against ASC, may slow the progression of neurodegeneration.
The “Family of Nations” and Its Racial, Cultural and Colonial Discriminations
Authors: Hofstetter Rita , Schneuwly Bernard
Published: January 2024

At first, the issue of educational justice was focused on relations between individuals, but due to the pressure of the decolonisation movements it was extended to relations between peoples: the IBE and its conferences were presented as a “family of nations” whose interdependence presupposed that there was a place for all of them. The chapter shows how the IBE tried to accommodate the new aspirations of peoples and also claimed to offer a platform to all of them, in a world marked by cultural, social and ethnic prejudice. A world where, moreover, the great powers presented themselves as emblems of civilisation and its principles of justice, while at the same time appropriating the planet as a field for their confrontations, endangering populations which had long become invisible and were reduced to silence.
The IBE: A Federating Platform
Authors: Hofstetter Rita , Schneuwly Bernard
Published: January 2024

In 1925, the Institut Rousseau created the IBE in Geneva as a corporate association, supported by well-known persons from science, education and politics. The Institute’s Council presented it as a platform for federating associations, leagues and groups from civil society that aspired, like the Institut, to build peace through education. The chapter shows how its builders defined the contours of the IBE and attempted to ensure its viability as an umbrella agency for “social movements.” It identifies the convictions and aspirations that drove them, the controversies and setbacks that punctuated their daily lives, as well as the resistance and competition they encountered. Budget problems and the difficulty in federating international associations forced the IBE to change its strategy.
Towards a Destabilising Universality: The Swan Song?
Authors: Hofstetter Rita , Schneuwly Bernard
Published: January 2024

The growing number of countries attending the IBE’s activities, gradually realising real universality, had destabilising effects. The old structures, invented in the 1930s, were no longer capable of guaranteeing its efficient functioning. It became increasingly difficult to preserve neutrality and to limit the IBE’s activities to technical questions. This was on account of the political contradictions arising from the Cold War but even more so because of the process of decolonisation. Negotiations became necessary to define the future of the IBE and led to the decision to integrate it into UNESCO.
Embracing Refused Knowledge: The Turning Processes
Authors: Volonté Paolo
Published: January 2024

Embracing refused knowledge implies a significant personal turn. This chapter addresses the most common characteristics of the biographical trajectories of experts and laypeople endorsing refused knowledge. It shows that such processes are not merely cognitive in nature but also emotional, behavioural, social and material. Moreover, they coincide rarely with a sudden change but are the gradual deepening of an attitude. The most significant drivers of such processes are then presented focusing on the triggering role played by specific health events, and on how medicine contributes to translating such events into ‘problems’ that only refused knowledge can effectively address. The chapter highlights that usually the transition is not driven by an anti-scientific attitude, but by a bitter criticism of institutional science joined with the enthusiastic emulation of its procedures and language. Those adhering to refused knowledge adopt a simplified understanding of the scientific method based on a para-scientific interpretation of practices typical of Western rationalism, such as deductive logic, empirical evidence and systematic scepticism. Hence, in some respects the turn to refused knowledge can be interpreted as the structuring of a moral career, as science’s institutional context actively participates in the process of structuring adhesion to the knowledge it refuses.
Do the Media Refuse Refused Knowledge?
Authors: Giardullo Paolo
Published: January 2024

This chapter examines trends in the coverage and framing of the reporting of refused knowledge across Italian mainstream newspapers. Taking into consideration the media are relevant for the analysis of RKCs, firstly given RKC followers’ beliefs that media outlets are to be considered the ‘in-house organs’ of the scientific elites, and as such an inherently untrustworthy source of information. This chapter will enquire into media treatment of refused knowledge, in eight major Italian newspapers, with a view of analysing the extent to which the media address and/or reject refused knowledge attributable to the four RKCs examined in this volume. The focus is on the issues advocated by four RKCs concerned in two interconnected ways: a quantitative presentation of coverage through a longitudinal analysis, highlighting an agenda-cutting process, and a qualitative account produced by means of content analysis addressing the issue of the institutionalisation of scientific knowledge through the delegitimation of RKC claims. This content analysis enables us to consider the framing of the coverage and whether it reinforces science or opens up to public questioning of scientific knowledge. The chapter concludes by providing a balanced view of the institutionalisation-discreditation dichotomy as the output of the media representation of refused knowledge.
Autoimmune comorbidity in type 1 diabetes and its association with metabolic control and mortality risk in young people: a population-based study
Authors: Samuelsson John , Bertilsson Rebecka , Bülow Erik , Carlsson Sanna , Åkesson Sanna , Eliasson Björn , Hanas Ragnar , Åkesson Karin
Published: January 2024

Aims/hypothesis

This register-based study aimed to describe autoimmune comorbidity in children and young adults from type 1 diabetes onset, and to investigate whether such comorbidity was associated with a difference in HbA1c or mortality risk compared with children/young adults with type 1 diabetes without autoimmune comorbidity.

Methods

A total of 15,188 individuals from the Swedish National Diabetes Register, registered with type 1 diabetes before 18 years of age between 2000 and 2019, were included. Five randomly selected control individuals from the Swedish population (Statistics Sweden) were matched to each individual with type 1 diabetes (n=74,210 [346 individuals with type 1 diabetes were not found in the Statistics Sweden register at the date of type 1 diabetes diagnosis, so could not be matched to control individuals]). The National Patient Register was used to attain ICD-10 codes on autoimmune diseases and the Cause of Death Register was used to identify deceased individuals.

Results

In the total type 1 diabetes cohort, mean±SD age at onset of type 1 diabetes was 9.5±4.4 years and mean disease duration at end of follow-up was 8.8±5.7 years. Of the individuals with type 1 diabetes, 19.2% were diagnosed with at least one autoimmune disease vs 4.0% of the control group. The HRs for comorbidities within 19 years from onset of type 1 diabetes were 11.6 (95% CI 10.6, 12.6) for coeliac disease, 10.6 (95% CI 9.6, 11.8) for thyroid disease, 1.3 (95% CI 1.1, 1.6) for psoriasis, 4.1 (95% CI 3.2, 5.3) for vitiligo, 1.7 (95% CI 1.4, 2.2) for rheumatic joint disease, 1.0 (95% CI 0.8, 1.3) for inflammatory bowel disease, 1.0 (95% CI 0.7, 1.2) for systemic connective tissue disorder, 1.4 (95% CI 1.1, 1.9) for uveitis, 18.3 (95% CI 8.4, 40.0) for Addison’s disease, 1.8 (95% CI 0.9, 3.6) for multiple sclerosis, 3.7 (95% CI 1.6, 8.7) for inflammatory liver disease and 19.6 (95% CI 4.2, 92.3) for atrophic gastritis. Autoimmune disease in addition to type 1 diabetes had no statistically significant effect on HbA1c or mortality risk.

Conclusions/interpretation

To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study where young individuals with type 1 diabetes were followed regarding development of a wide spectrum of autoimmune diseases, from onset of type 1 diabetes. In this nationwide and population-based study, there was already a high prevalence of autoimmune diseases in childhood, especially coeliac and thyroid disease. The presence of autoimmune comorbidity did not have a statistically significant effect on metabolic control or mortality risk.

Graphical Abstract
Toward the production of block copolymers in microbial cells: achievements and perspectives
Authors: Matsumoto Ken’ichiro
Published: January 2024

The microbial production of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) block copolymers has attracted research interests because they can be expected to exhibit excellent physical properties. Although post-polymerization conjugation and/or extension have been used for PHA block copolymer synthesis, the discovery of the first sequence-regulating PHA synthase, PhaCAR, enabled the direct synthesis of PHA–PHA type block copolymers in microbial cells. PhaCAR spontaneously synthesizes block copolymers from a mixture of substrates. To date, Escherichia coli and Ralstonia eutropha have been used as host strains, and therefore, sequence regulation is not a host-specific phenomenon. The monomer sequence greatly influences the physical properties of the polymer. For example, a random copolymer of 3-hydroxybutyrate and 2-hydroxybutyrate deforms plastically, while a block copolymer of approximately the same composition exhibits elastic deformation. The structure of the PHA block copolymer can be expanded by in vitro evolution of the sequence-regulating PHA synthase. An engineered variant of PhaCAR can synthesize poly(d-lactate) as a block copolymer component, which allows for greater flexibility in the molecular design of block copolymers. Therefore, creating sequence-regulating PHA synthases with a further broadened substrate range will expand the variety of properties of PHA materials. This review summarizes and discusses the sequence-regulating PHA synthase, analytical methods for verifying block sequence, properties of block copolymers, and mechanisms of sequence regulation.

Key points

• Spontaneous monomer sequence regulation generates block copolymers

• Poly(D-lactate) segment can be synthesized using a block copolymerization system

• Block copolymers exhibit characteristic properties

Graphical abstract
Barriers and facilitators to integrated cancer care between primary and secondary care: a scoping review
Authors: Collaço Nicole , Lippiett Kate A. , Wright David , Brodie Hazel , Winter Jane , Richardson Alison , Foster Claire
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This scoping review identifies and characterises reported barriers and facilitators to providing integrated cancer care reported in the international literature, and develops recommendations for clinical practice.

Methods

This scoping review included literature published between 2009 and 2022 and describes the delivery of integrated cancer care between primary and secondary care sectors. Searches were conducted of an online database Ovid Medline and grey literature.

Results

The review included thirty-two papers. Barriers and facilitators to integrated cancer care were identified in three core areas: (1) at an individual user level around patient-healthcare professional interactions, (2) at an organisational level, and (3) at a healthcare system level. The review findings identified a need for further training for primary care professionals on cancer care, clarity in the delineation of primary care and oncologist roles (i.e. who does what), effective communication and engagement between primary and secondary care, and the provision of protocols and guidelines for follow-up care in cancer.

Conclusions

Information sharing and communication between primary and secondary care must improve to meet the increasing demand for support for people living with and beyond cancer. Delivering integrated pathways between primary and secondary care will yield improvements in patient outcomes and health economic costs.
Neurosteroids and their potential as a safer class of general anesthetics
Authors: Tateiwa Hiroki , Evers Alex S.
Published: January 2024

Neurosteroids (NS) are a class of steroids that are synthesized within the central nervous system (CNS). Various NS can either enhance or inhibit CNS excitability and they play important biological roles in brain development, brain function and as mediators of mood. One class of NS, 3α-hydroxy-pregnane steroids such as allopregnanolone (AlloP) or pregnanolone (Preg), inhibits neuronal excitability; these endogenous NS and their analogues have been therapeutically applied as anti-depressants, anti-epileptics and general anesthetics. While NS have many favorable properties as anesthetics (e.g. rapid onset, rapid recovery, minimal cardiorespiratory depression, neuroprotection), they are not currently in clinical use, largely due to problems with formulation. Recent advances in understanding NS mechanisms of action and improved formulations have rekindled interest in development of NS as sedatives and anesthetics. In this review, the synthesis of NS, and their mechanism of action will be reviewed with specific emphasis on their binding sites and actions on γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors. The potential advantages of NS analogues as sedative and anesthetic agents will be discussed.
Green synthesis of silver and iron oxide nanoparticles mediated photothermal effects on Blastocystis hominis
Authors: Alexeree Shaimaa M. I. , Abou-Seri Hanan M. , EL-Din Hala E. Shams , Youssef Doaa , Ramadan Marwa A.
Published: January 2024

The evolution of parasite resistance to antiparasitic agents has become a serious health issue indicating a critical and pressing need to develop new therapeutics that can conquer drug resistance. Nanoparticles are novel, promising emerging drug carriers that have demonstrated efficiency in treating many parasitic diseases. Lately, attention has been drawn to a broad-spectrum nanoparticle capable of converting absorbed light into heat via the photothermal effect phenomenon. The present study is the first to assess the effect of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) as sole agents and with the combined action of the light-emitting diode (LED) on Blastocystis hominins (B. hominis) in vitro. Initially, the aqueous synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, zeta potential, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The anti-blastocyst efficiency of these NPs was tested separately in dark conditions. As these NPs have a wide absorption spectrum in the visible regions, they were also excited by a continuous wave LED of wavelength band (400–700 nm) to test the photothermal effect. The sensitivity of B. hominis cysts was evaluated using scanning laser confocal microscopy whereas the live and dead cells were accurately segmented based on superpixels and the k-mean clustering algorithm. Our findings showed that this excitation led to hyperthermia that induced a significant reduction in the number of cysts treated with photothermally active NPs. The results of this study elucidate the potential role of photothermally active NPs as an effective anti-blastocystis agent. By using this approach, new therapeutic antiparasitic agents can be developed.