bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Theological Philosophy of William Temple: A Desire Argument and a Compassionate Theodicy
Authors: Phillips Rory Lawrence
Published: May 2022

In this paper, I will investigate the early work of William Temple (1881–1944). My contention is that Temple’s systematic philosophy contains resources for an interesting variant of a desire argument for God’s existence and for the truth of Christianity. This desire argument moves from claims about the nature of human reason to the conditions for its satisfaction and how that satisfaction might be achieved. In constructing this argument, Temple confronts the problem of evil, and so I will also outline his response to the problem here. Temple is often overlooked in histories of philosophy, though he was conversant with philosophical classics, including Plato, Aristotle, Kant, Hegel, and Lotze, and, to list a few of the contemporaries or near-contemporaries: Balfour, Haldane, F. H. Bradley, A. C. Bradley, Moore, Bosanquet, Joachim, and Croce. He also acknowledges, in the preface to his main philosophical work Mens Creatrix, a special debt to Bergson, but also signals distance from him in the same place. Temple presents an interesting case of a philosopher and theologian (most of his books are a mixture of the two, some being more predominantly one or the other) because of his commitment to philosophical system in the midst of early analytic philosophy.
Inflammasomes and the IL-1 Family in Bone Homeostasis and Disease
Authors: Tseng Hsu-Wen , Samuel Selwin Gabriel , Schroder Kate , Lévesque Jean-Pierre , Alexander Kylie A
Published: May 2022

Purpose of Review

Inflammasomes are multimeric protein structures with crucial roles in host responses against infections and injuries. The importance of inflammasome activation goes beyond host defense as a dysregulated inflammasome and subsequent secretion of IL-1 family members is believed to be involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases, some of which also produce skeletal manifestations. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent developments in the understanding of inflammasome regulation and IL-1 family members in bone physiology and pathology and current therapeutics will be discussed.

Recent Findings

Small animal models have been vital to help understand how the inflammasome regulates bone dynamics. Animal models with gain or loss of function in various inflammasome components or IL-1 family signaling have illustrated how these systems can impact numerous bone pathologies and have been utilized to test new inflammasome therapeutics.

It is increasingly clear that a tightly regulated inflammasome is required not only for host defense but for skeletal homeostasis, as a dysregulated inflammasome is linked to diseases of pathological bone accrual and loss. Given the complexities of inflammasome activation and redundancies in IL-1 activation and secretion, targeting these pathways is at times challenging. Ongoing research into inflammasome-mediated mechanisms will allow the development of new therapeutics for inflammasome/IL-1 diseases.
Impact of Phytase Treatment and Calcium Addition on Gelation of a Protein-Enriched Rapeseed Fraction
Authors: Silventoinen Pia , Kortekangas Anni , Nordlund Emilia , Sozer Nesli
Published: May 2022

Rapeseed press cake was upcycled as a protein-enriched ingredient through dry fractionation. The protein-enriched fraction contained higher amounts of phytic acid compared to press cake, and phytase treatment was applied to decrease the phytic acid content from 6.8 to 0.5%. The effect of phytase treatment leading to the release of cations was also mimicked by extrinsic calcium addition. Both phytase treatment and calcium addition significantly improved the heat-induced gel properties but had a minor effect on protein solubility and dispersion stability at pH 8. Water and protein holding capacities of the gels were the highest for the phytase-treated sample (91 and 97%, respectively), followed by the sample with added calcium (86 and 94%, respectively) and control sample (60 and 86%, respectively). Gel firmness followed the same pattern. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed an interconnected structured network in the phytase-treated gel, while in the control gel, a more rigid and open structure was observed. The improved gelation properties resulting from the phytase treatment suggest that the protein and soluble dietary fibre-enriched rapeseed press cake ingredient serve as a promising raw material for gelled food systems. The positive effect of calcium addition on gel properties proposes that part of the improvement observed after phytase treatment may be caused by cations released from phytate.
SUMO1 Modification of Tau in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Authors: Takamura Hironori , Nakayama Yoshiaki , Ito Hidefumi , Katayama Taiichi , Fraser Paul E. , Matsuzaki Shinsuke
Published: May 2022

Small ubiquitin-like modifiers (SUMO) have been implicated in several neurodegenerative diseases. SUMO1 conjugation has been shown to promote aggregation and regulate phosphorylation of the tau protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease and related tauopathies. The current study has demonstrated that SUMO1 co-localizes with intraneuronal tau inclusions in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Immunoprecipitation of isolated and solubilized tau fibrils from PSP tissues revealed SUMO1 conjugation to a cleaved and N-terminally truncated tau. The effects of SUMOylation were examined using tau-SUMO fusion proteins which showed a higher propensity for tau oligomerization of PSP-truncated tau and accumulation on microtubules as compared to the full-length protein. This was found to be specific for SUMO1 as the corresponding SUMO2 fusion protein did not display a significantly altered cytoplasmic distribution or aggregation of tau. Blocking proteasome-mediated degradation promoted the aggregation of the tau fusion proteins with the greatest effect observed for truncated tau-SUMO1. The SUMO1 modification of the truncated tau in PSP may represent a detrimental event that promotes aggregation and impedes the ability of cells to remove the resulting protein deposits. This combination of tau truncation and SUMO1 modification may be a contributing factor in PSP pathogenesis.
Perceived parenting styles, cognitive flexibility, and prosocial behavior in Chinese Youth with an immigrant background: A three-group comparison
Authors: Lan Xiaoyu
Published: May 2022

Previous research has revealed cross-cultural differences in parenting styles and in how these may relate to adolescents’ prosocial behavior. Nevertheless, little is known about the role of cognitive flexibility – a key component of executive function –and the immigration context in these associations. Using a person-centered approach, the current study aimed to (1) explore perceived parenting profiles among Chinese immigrant-origin youth in Italy in comparison to their nonimmigrant ethnic majority peers in the country of origin (China) and in the country of destination (Italy), and (2) examine the moderating role of cognitive flexibility in the expected parenting-prosocial behavior link in the three cultural groups. Participants (N = 444; M (Age) = 11.88 years; SD = 1.08; 50.7% girls; 27.4% Chinese immigrant-origin, 35.4% Chinese ethnic majority; 37.2% Italian ethnic majority) completed a parenting questionnaire and a computerized cognitive flexibility task, while teachers rated their prosocial behavior. Latent profile analysis revealed three perceived parenting styles: “harsh” (15.8%), “supportive” (40.5%), and “strict-affectionate” (43.7%). Chinese immigrant-origin, Italian ethnic majority, and Chinese ethnic majority youths were overrepresented in each of these profiles, respectively. In regression analyses, the association between parenting profiles and prosocial behavior varied as a function of adolescents’ cognitive flexibility and cultural group. Specifically, cognitive flexibility strengthened the supportive parenting-prosocial behavior link for Chinese immigrant-origin youth, and buffered against the detrimental effect of harsh parenting on prosocial behavior for their Italian ethnic majority peers. Findings emphasize the influence of cultural and immigration-related factors on adolescents’ perceived parenting styles, and provide further evidence for the beneficial role of cognitive flexibility in the positive adjustment of youth with and without an immigrant background.
Developing an intense player-avatar relationship and feeling disconnected by the physical body: A pathway towards internet gaming disorder for people reporting empty feelings?
Authors: Casale Silvia , Musicò Alessia , Gualtieri Nicola , Fioravanti Giulia
Published: May 2022

The literature suggests that alexithymia and emptiness could be risk factors for various addictive behaviors. The present study developed and tested a model that proposes a pathway leading from emptiness and difficulties in identifying emotions to Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) symptoms via an intense gamer-avatar relationship and bodily dissociative experiences. A sample of 285 (64.2% M; mean age = 30.38 ± 7.53) online gamers using avatar-based videogames was recruited from gaming communities, and they were asked to complete a survey that included the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the Subjective Emptiness scale, the Scale of Body Connection, the Self-Presence Questionnaire, and the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form. The structural model evaluated produced a good fit to the data [χ2 = 175.14, df = 55, p < .001; RMSEA = 0.08 (90% C.I. =0.07–0.09), CFI = 0.96, SRMR = 0.08] explaining 28% of the total variance. Alexithymia was indirectly associated with IGD through the serial mediation of the gamer-avatar relationship and body dissociation. Emptiness was associated with IGD symptoms at the bivariate level, but did not predict IGD directly or indirectly. The current study identifies a potential pathway toward IGD by integrating different lines of research, showing the importance of considering aspects such as the difficulty in recognising and expressing one’s emotions, the gamer- avatar relationship, and the mind-body connection in the context of IGD.
Two new species of Barleria (Acanthaceae) from the Soutpansberg of Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Darbyshire Iain , Balkwill Kevin , Froneman Willem
Published: May 2022

Two new species of Barleria subg. Barleria (Acanthaceae) are described from the Soutpansberg Centre of Plant Endemism in Limpopo Province of South Africa: Barleria soutpansbergensis and B. spinosissima. The habitat requirements, conservation status and taxonomic affinities of each species are discussed. Barleria soutpansbergensis is considered to be closely allied to the widespread and frequently cultivated southern African species B. obtusa, whilst B. spinosissima is morphologically most similar to B. bremekampii which has a restricted distribution in northern South Africa and Zimbabwe. Remarkably, the two new species are postulated to occasionally hybridise within the Soutpansberg. Both species are currently assessed as of Least Concern despite their restricted ranges. Barleria spinosissima is noted to be amongst the most densely spiny species of Barleria and, indeed, is a contender as one of the spiniest species of plant in South Africa.
Synthesis and characterization of ferric@nanocellulose/nanohydroxyapatite bio-composite based on sea scallop shells and cotton stalks: adsorption of Safranin-O dye
Authors: Shaltout Walaa A. , El-Naggar Gehan A. , Esmail G. , Hassan Asaad F.
Published: May 2022

In the present study, four solid adsorbents were prepared via green synthesis sources, namely, nanohydroxyapatite (NHAP), nanocellulose (NC), nanocellulose/nanohydroxyapatite composite (NPC), and ferric@nanocellulose/nanohydroxyapatite composite (FNPC). Synthesis procedures were based on natural sources such as sea scallop shells and cotton stalks. All the prepared solid adsorbents were characterized by TGA, XRD, nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherm, FTIR, pHPZC, SEM, and TEM. FNPC exhibited a higher surface area (358.32 m2/g), mesoporous surface (pore diameter, 12.29 nm), TEM particle size of 45 nm, and the availability of various surface functional groups. Static adsorption of Safranin-O (SO) dye was investigated for all the prepared solid adsorbents under different application conditions. Maximum adsorption capacity (239.23 mg/g) was achieved by FNPC after 24 h of equilibrium time, at pH 7, 2 g/L as adsorbent dosage, and 40 ℃. Adsorption of Safranin-O onto all the samples well-fitted Langmuir, Temkin, Freundlich, Dubinin–Radushkevich, pseudo-second-order, and Elovich models. Thermodynamic and kinetic parameters proved that Safranin-O adsorption is favorable, spontaneous, endothermic, and physisorption. Desorption studies confirmed that hydrochloric acid (0.03 mol/L) achieved the maximum desorption efficiency (92.8%). Reusability of FNPC showed a decrease in the adsorption capacity after five cycles of adsorption and desorption by only 7.8%.
Pre-collapse femoral head necrosis treated by hip abduction: a computational biomechanical analysis
Authors: Li Shaochi , Liu Yan , Zhou Guangquan , Zhang Wenjuan , Wei Shengmei , He Jiajia , Stephen Liao Shaoyi , Wei Hang
Published: May 2022

Background and objective

Clinical studies indicated that femoral head collapse (FHC) occurs in 90% of patients without intervention within five years after the diagnosis of femoral head necrosis (FHN). The management of the FHN is still a great challenging task. Clinical studies indicated that hip abduction as physical therapy represents an effective hip preservation method. However, the mechanism is unclear. In this study, we use computational biomechanical technology to investigate mechanical response in FHN patients with hip abduction and establish guide protocols for FHN rehabilitation.

Materials and methods

Thirty computational models were constructed for evaluating the safety of hip abduction and comparing the biomechanical performance of hip abduction for the treatment of different necrotic classifications. The distribution of principal compressive stress (PCS) and load share ratio (LSR) were computed and used for biomechanical evaluation.

Results

Before the start of physical therapy, when the size of necrotic segment is increased and located more laterally, the damage area of PCS enlarged and LSR of subchondral cortical to trabecular bone increased. As the increase of hip abduction angle, PCS of Type B transformed into Type A, PCS of Type C1 transformed into Type B, PCS of Type C2 transformed into Type C1; Except Type C2, the LSR return to normal level.

Discussion and conclusion

Stress transfer damaged pattern correlated significantly with necrotic classification. Hip abduction motions effectively enlarge the area of PCS and recover the LSR of different structures by altering motion posture during gait. The results indicated that hip abduction may be an effective physical therapy in improving hip function and interrupt the disease pathway of FHC and THA.
Advanced inorganic/polymer hybrid electrolytes for all-solid-state lithium batteries
Authors: Ji Xiaoyu , Zhang Yiruo , Cao Mengxue , Gu Quanchao , Wang Honglei , Yu Jinshan , Guo Zi-Hao , Zhou Xingui
Published: May 2022

Solid-state batteries have become a frontrunner in humankind’s pursuit of safe and stable energy storage systems with high energy and power density. Electrolyte materials, currently, seem to be the Achilles’ heel of solid-state batteries due to the slow kinetics and poor interfacial wetting. Combining the merits of solid inorganic electrolytes (SIEs) and solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs), inorganic/polymer hybrid electrolytes (IPHEs) integrate improved ionic conductivity, great interfacial compatibility, wide electrochemical stability window, and high mechanical toughness and flexibility in one material, having become a sought-after pathway to high-performance all-solid-state lithium batteries. Herein, we present a comprehensive overview of recent progress in IPHEs, including the awareness of ion migration fundamentals, advanced architectural design for better electrochemical performance, and a perspective on unconquered challenges and potential research directions. This review is expected to provide a guidance for designing IPHEs for next-generation lithium batteries, with special emphasis on developing high-voltage-tolerance polymer electrolytes to enable higher energy density and three-dimensional (3D) continuous ion transport highways to achieve faster charging and discharging.
Screening for asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis in COVID-19 patients admitted to the medical ward: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Olgers T. J. , Lieveld A. W. E. , Kok B. , Heijmans J. , Salet D. , Assman N. L. , Postma D. F. , Bauer M. P. , Nanayakkara P. W. B. , Meijer K. , Bosch F. H. , Kooistra H.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Patients with COVID-19 have an increased risk for venous thrombo-embolism (VTE), especially pulmonary embolism. The exact prevalence of asymptomatic DVT is not known, as is the usefulness of screening for DVT in patients admitted to ward with COVID-19. We have studied the prevalence of asymptomatic DVT.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional observational multi-center study at four university medical centers in The Netherlands. All adult patients admitted with COVID-19 to a medical ward were eligible for inclusion, including patients who were transferred back from the ICU to the ward. The study protocol consisted of weekly cross-sectional rounds of compression ultrasound.

Results

In total, 125 patients were included in the study. A significant proportion of patients (N = 34 (27%)) had developed a VTE during their admission for COVID-19 before the study ultrasound was performed. In most VTE cases (N = 27 (79%)) this concerned pulmonary embolism. A new asymptomatic DVT was found in 5 of 125 patients (4.0%; 95% CI 1.3–9.1%) (Table 2). Nine patients (7.2%; 95% CI 3.3–13.2%) developed a VTE (all PE) diagnosed within 28 days after the screening US was performed.

Conclusion

We have shown a low prevalence (4%) of newly discovered asymptomatic DVT outside the ICU-setting in COVID-19 patients. Despite this low prevalence, nine patients developed PE (7%) within 28 days after ultrasound. This favors the hypothesis of local thrombus formation in the lungs. Based on our findings and literature, we do not recommend US-screening of asymptomatic patients with COVID-19 admitted to the ward.
Clinical characteristics and disease outcomes in non-diabetic chronic kidney disease: retrospective analysis of a US healthcare claims database
Authors: Wanner Christoph , Schuchhardt Johannes , Bauer Chris , Lindemann Stefanie , Brinker Meike , Kong Sheldon X. , Kleinjung Frank , Horvat-Broecker Andrea , Vaitsiakhovich Tatsiana
Published: May 2022

Background

The observational, real-world evidence FLIEDER study aimed to describe patient clinical characteristics and investigate clinical outcomes in non-diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) using data collected from routine clinical practice in the United States.

Methods

Between 1 January, 2008–31 December, 2018, individuals aged ≥ 18 years, with non-diabetic, stage 3–4 CKD were indexed in the Optum® Clinformatics® Data Mart US healthcare claims database using International Classification of Diseases-9/10 codes for CKD or by laboratory values (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] 15–59 mL/min/1.73 m2). The primary outcomes were hospitalization for heart failure, a composite kidney outcome of end-stage kidney disease/kidney failure/need for dialysis and worsening of CKD stage from baseline. The effects of the intercurrent events of a sustained post-baseline decline in eGFR ≥ 30%, ≥ 40%, and ≥ 57% on the subsequent risk of the primary outcomes were also assessed.

Results

In the main study cohort (N = 504,924), median age was 75.0 years, and 60.5% were female. Most patients (94.7%) had stage 3 CKD at index. Incidence rates for hospitalization for heart failure, the composite kidney outcome, and worsening of CKD stage from baseline were 4.0, 10.3, and 4.4 events/100 patient-years, respectively. The intercurrent event analysis demonstrated that a relative decline in kidney function from baseline significantly increased the risk of cardiorenal events.

Conclusions

This real-world study highlights that patients with non-diabetic CKD are at high risk of serious adverse clinical outcomes, and that this risk is amplified in patients who experienced greater post-baseline eGFR decline.

Graphical abstract
Comparative analysis of super-resolution reconstructed images for micro-expression recognition
Authors: Sharma Pratikshya , Coleman Sonya , Yogarajah Pratheepan , Taggart Laurence , Samarasinghe Pradeepa
Published: May 2022

It is an established fact that the genuineness of facial micro-expression is an effective means for estimating concealed emotions (Li et al. in Micro-expression recognition under low-resolution cases. SciTePress, Science and Technology Publications, Setúbal, 2019). Conventionally, analysis of these expressions has been performed using high resolution images which are ideal cases. However, in a real-world scenario, capturing expressions with high resolution images may not always be possible particularly using low-cost surveillance cameras. Faces captured using such cameras are often very tiny and of poor resolution. Due to the loss of discriminative features these images may not be of much use particularly for identifying certain minute facial details. To make these images useful, enhancing the textural information becomes essential and super-resolution algorithms can be ideal to achieve this. In this work, we utilize algorithms based on deep learning and generative adversarial network for transforming low-resolution micro-expression images into super-resolution images and examine their fitness particularly for micro-expression recognition. The proposed approach is tested on simulated dataset obtained from two popular spontaneous micro-expression datasets namely CASME II and SMIC-VIS; the experimental results demonstrate that the method achieved favourable results with the best recognition performance recorded as 61.63%. The significance of this work is: first, it thoroughly investigates reconstruction performance of several deep learning super-resolution algorithms on simulated low-quality micro-expression images; second, it provides a comprehensive analysis of the results obtained employing these reconstructed images to determine their contribution in addressing image quality issues specifically for micro-expression recognition.
How gen Z can improve community literacy about the 17 SDGs? A realistic approach to construct a futuristic change-maker paradigm
Authors: Hamadeh Sima A.
Published: May 2022

Many fields and different approaches have undergone a crucial merging of implications and have been co-involved in the developing and/or implementation of the 17-SDGs concepts. However, little has been done on the role of the generation Z who is transforming the workplaces and societies by creating and interpreting trends.

The objectives of this research are to provide perspectives from the world about the generation Z participatory role and supporting contribution among their communities to reaching SDGs, and to illustrate their active role in a Futuristic Change-Maker Paradigm.

A general review was conducted to explore the existing data on governance mechanisms for SDGs implementation regarding the multi-dimensional layers (social, economic, environmental, health, policies, communication, and technology) of the sustainable development structure that need to be considered in a systemic-sensitive approach.

Various channels of youth participation can be associated with different levels of social and communities’ commitment. In this sense, this article; 1) confirms that generation Z could play an active role in utilizing state-of-the-art opportunities to address the established current UN-SDGs agenda, and 2) suggests how communication and science journalism can be conceptualized as a development intervention to go beyond the 2030 SDGs agenda. This study recommends several innovative areas for the integration of generation Z insights and activities as a basis for exploring the potential of this generation to improve communities’ literacy and behaviors about the 17-SDGs.

This study ends with a practical and theoretical consideration to build a Futuristic Change-Maker Paradigm that can be extrapolated to other countries in their advance towards sustainability and SMART environmental management.
Eye Injuries Caused by Wooden Projectiles in Finland
Authors: Haavisto Anna-Kaisa , Sahraravand Ahmad , Puska Päivi , Leivo Tiina
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Eye injuries can cause decreased vision or even blindness, and predispose to future complications. Wood as an independent cause of eye injuries has infrequently been the focus of the studies. The aim of this study is to report the current population-based epidemiology, treatment, use of resources and outcomes of eye injuries caused by sticks, branches, and other wooden projectiles in Finland.

Methods

The study included all patients injured by wooden projectiles with ocular or orbital traumas over a 1-y period. Patients were treated at the Helsinki University eye hospital, which covers a population of 1.5 million. The follow-up time was 3 mo.

Results

Wooden projectiles caused 67 eye injuries and compromised 6% of all eye traumas during 1 y. Of the patients, males predominated (76%) and 22% were children under 17 y. Injury was most likely in spring (36%) and in males aged 51 to 67 y. The most common activity to cause injury was playing (27%), but in relation to time spent in each activity, the highest risk for eye injury was in gardening. Diagnoses were mild superficial trauma (54%), blunt ocular trauma (37%), eyelid wound (4%), orbital fracture (3%), and open globe trauma (1%). Permanent disability was estimated for 10% and a need for lifelong follow-up was estimated for 37%. Eleven patients needed major surgeries.

Conclusions

Wooden projectiles often cause serious eye injuries, permanent disability, and a need for lifelong follow-up. Caution is required to protect the eyes when playing with sticks and during gardening, forest work, and woodwork.
Formation of Secondary Nitroaromatic Compounds in Polluted Urban Environments
Authors: Cai Dongmei , Wang Xinke , George Christian , Cheng Tiantao , Herrmann Hartmut , Li Xiang , Chen Jianmin
Published: May 2022

Nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) are important light absorption contributors to atmospheric brown carbon; however, their formation pathways and the key influential factors in polluted urban atmospheres are largely unknown. Herein, we present the molecular characterization of atmospheric particulate NACs in urban Shanghai by applying ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to Orbitrap mass spectrometry, and investigated their seasonal and diel variations and formation pathways. The total number and abundance of NACs increased significantly during air pollution episodes, and these NACs exhibited the greatest relative abundance among CHON compounds. The 12 quantified NACs exhibited higher levels in winter (52.3 ± 29.1 ng m−3) than summer (7.83 ± 3.30 ng m−3), largely owing to air masses mostly passing through northern heating regions. Among NACs, 4‐nitrophenol and 4‐nitrocatechol were the most abundant species. Most of NACs were enhanced via photooxidation during the day in summer, while the day‐night variations in winter were not as obvious. Further analysis of atmospheric formation relevance suggested that nitrophenol and its methylated derivatives were mainly formed through gas‐phase photochemical reactions, whereas aqueous‐phase oxidation processing could be an important pathway to form methyl‐nitrocatechols. Formation of NACs was relatively sensitive to NO2 under low‐NOx conditions, and became independent of NO2 under high‐NOx conditions. A larger fraction of NO2 was transformed into NACs than into inorganic nitrate products when nitrate was less abundant, implying that NACs would play more important roles in aerosol properties with the decline in nitrate concentrations.
Lunar Soil Can Grow Plants
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: May 2022

Plants grown in lunar regolith collected by Apollo missions successfully grew from seed to sprout, lending insight into future lunar agriculture prospects.
Thrombocytopenia and insufficient thrombopoietin production in human small-for-gestational-age infants
Authors: Takeshita Satoru , Kakita Hiroki , Asai Shimpei , Asai Takafumi , Mori Mari , Ueda Hiroko , Aoki Hiromasa , Aoyama Mineyoshi , Yamada Yasumasa
Published: May 2022

Background

Small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants are at increased risk for transient thrombocytopenia. The aim of this study was to determine whether thrombocytopenia in human SGA infants is due to insufficient thrombopoietin (TPO) production.

Methods

A prospective study of 202 infants with gestational age less than 37 weeks was conducted; 30 of them were SGA infants, and 172 were non-SGA infants. Thrombocytopenia was seen in 17 of 30 SGA infants and 40 of 172 non-SGA infants.

Results

Platelet counts were significantly lower in the SGA group than in the non-SGA group at the time of the lowest platelet count within 72 h of birth. The platelet count and immature platelet fraction (IPF) were negatively correlated in non-SGA infants, but not in SGA infants. In addition, the platelet count and TPO were negatively correlated in non-SGA infants. IPF and TPO were significantly lower in SGA than in non-SGA infants with thrombocytopenia.

Conclusion

IPF increased with thrombocytopenia to promote platelet production in non-SGA infants due to increasing TPO, but not in SGA infants. This study found an association between insufficient TPO production and thrombocytopenia in SGA infants. In addition, this study is important for understanding the etiology of thrombocytopenia in SGA infants.

Impact

The immature platelet fraction was low, and serum thrombopoietin was not increased in small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants with thrombocytopenia.

Thrombocytopenia in SGA infants is due to insufficient thrombopoietin production.

This study is important for understanding the etiology of thrombocytopenia in SGA infants.
Adaptation of gut microbiome and host metabolic systems to lignocellulosic degradation in bamboo rats
Authors: Xiao Kangpeng , Liang Xianghui , Lu Haoran , Li Xiaobing , Zhang Zhipeng , Lu Xingbang , Wang Hai , Meng Yafei , Roy Ayan , Luo Wen , Shen Xuejuan , Irwin David M , Shen Yongyi
Published: May 2022

Bamboo rats (Rhizomys pruinosus) are among the few mammals that lives on a bamboo-based diet which is mainly composed of lignocellulose. However, the mechanisms of adaptation of their gut microbiome and metabolic systems in the degradation of lignocellulose are largely unknown. Here, we conducted a multi-omics analysis on bamboo rats to investigate the interaction between their gut microbiomes and metabolic systems in the pre- and post-weaning periods, and observed significant relationships between dietary types, gut microbiome, serum metabolome and host gene expression. For comparison, published gut microbial data from the famous bamboo-eating giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) were also used for analysis. We found that the adaptation of the gut microbiome of the bamboo rat to a lignocellulose diet is related to a member switch in the order Bacteroidales from family Bacteroidaceae to family Muribaculaceae, while for the famous bamboo-eating giant panda, several aerobes and facultative anaerobes increase after weaning. The conversion of bacteria with an increased relative abundance in bamboo rats after weaning enriched diverse carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) associated with lignocellulose degradation and functionally enhanced the biosynthesis of amino acids and B vitamins. Meanwhile, the circulating concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) derived metabolites and the metabolic capacity of linoleic acid in the host were significantly elevated. Our findings suggest that fatty acid metabolism, including linoleic acid and SCFAs, are the main energy sources for bamboo rats in response to the low-nutrient bamboo diet.
A first-in-human Phase I dose-escalation trial of the novel therapeutic peptide, ALM201, demonstrates a favourable safety profile in unselected patients with ovarian cancer and other advanced solid tumours
Authors: El Helali Aya , Plummer Ruth , Jayson Gordon C. , Coyle Vicky M. , Drew Yvette , Mescallado Nerissa , Harris Noor , Clamp Andrew R. , McCann Janine , Swaisland Helen , Kennedy Richard D. , Cranston Aaron N. , Wilson Richard H.
Published: May 2022

Background

We aimed to assess the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of a novel anti-angiogenic peptide.

Methods

We used an open-label, multicentre, dose-escalation Phase I trial design in patients with solid tumours. ALM201 was administered subcutaneously once daily for 5 days every week in unselected patients with solid tumours.

Results

Twenty (8 male, 12 female) patients with various solid tumours were treated (18 evaluable for toxicity) over eight planned dose levels (10–300 mg). ALM201 was well-tolerated at all dose levels without CTCAE grade 4 toxicities. Adverse events were predominantly grades 1–2, most commonly, localised injection-site reactions (44.4%), vomiting (11%), fatigue (16.7%), arthralgia (5.6%) and headache (11%). Thrombosis occurred in two patients at the 100 mg and 10 mg dose levels. The MTD was not reached, and a recommended Phase II dose (RP2D) based on feasibility was declared. Plasma exposure increased with dose (less than dose-proportional at the two highest dose levels). No peptide accumulation was evident. The median treatment duration was 11.1 (range 3–18) weeks. Four of 18 evaluable patients (22%) had stable disease.

Conclusions

Doses up to 300 mg of ALM201 subcutaneously are feasible and well-tolerated. Further investigation of this agent in selected tumour types/settings would benefit from patient-selection biomarkers.
Targeting the apoptosis pathway to treat tumours of the paediatric nervous system
Authors: Fitzgerald Marie-Claire , O’Halloran Philip J. , Connolly Niamh M. C. , Murphy Brona M.
Published: May 2022

New, more effective therapeutics are required for the treatment of paediatric cancers. Current treatment protocols of cytotoxic treatments including chemotherapy trigger cancer-cell death by engaging the apoptosis pathway, and chemotherapy efficacy is frequently impeded by apoptosis dysregulation. Apoptosis dysregulation, through genetic or epigenetic mechanisms, is a feature of many cancer types, and contributes to reduced treatment response, disease progression and ultimately treatment resistance. Novel approaches are required to overcome dysregulated apoptosis signalling, increase the efficacy of cancer treatment and improve patient outcomes. Here, we provide an insight into current knowledge of how the apoptosis pathway is dysregulated in paediatric nervous system tumours, with a focus on TRAIL receptors, the BCL-2 proteins and the IAP family, and highlight preclinical evidence demonstrating that pharmacological manipulation of the apoptosis pathway can restore apoptosis signalling and sensitise cancer cells to treatment. Finally, we discuss the potential clinical implications of these findings.
CircEIF3H-IGF2BP2-HuR scaffold complex promotes TNBC progression via stabilizing HSPD1/RBM8A/G3BP1 mRNA
Authors: Song Xiaojin , Chen Bing , Liang Yiran , Li Yaming , Zhang Hanwen , Han Dianwen , Wang Yajie , Ye Fangzhou , Wang Lijuan , Zhao Wenjing , Yang Qifeng
Published: May 2022

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a molecular subtype with an unfavorable prognosis, and metastasis is the main reason for the failure of clinical treatment. However, the expression profile and regulatory function of circRNAs in TNBC progression are not fully understood. Herein, we performed high-throughput RNA-seq in paired breast cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues and discovered a novel circRNA, circEIF3H, which was upregulated in breast cancer tissues. Large cohort survival analysis confirmed the association between high circEIF3H expression and poor prognosis of TNBC, indicating the vital function of circEIF3H in TNBC progression. Then we conducted both in vitro and in vivo experiments which illustrated that circEIF3H was essential for TNBC proliferation and metastasis. Further experiments showed that circEIF3H did not function as a microRNA sponge as in the most well-established pathway, but as a scaffold for IGF2BP2 and HuR to regulate the mRNA stability of HSPD1, RBM8A, and G3BP1. Our findings provide insight into a novel circRNA, circEIF3H, with significant cancer-promoting function via serving as a scaffold for IGF2BP2/HuR. These results identified circEIF3H as a potential target for developing individualized therapy of TNBC in the approaching future.
Glycoprotein nonmetastatic melanoma protein B (GNMPB) as a novel biomarker for cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy
Authors: Taghizadeh Leyla A. , King Carina J. , Nascene David R. , Gupta Ashish O. , Orchard Paul J. , Higgins LeeAnn , Markowski Todd W. , Nolan Erin E. , Furcich Justin W. , Lund Troy C.
Published: May 2022

Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is an X-linked peroxisomal disease caused by a mutation in the ABCD1 gene, producing mutations in the very long chain fatty acid transporter, ALD protein. Cerebral ALD (cALD) is a severe phenotype of ALD with neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Elevated levels of Glycoprotein Nonmetastatic Melanoma Protein B (GNMPB) have been recently documented in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Our objective was to measure the levels cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) GNMPB in cALD patients to determine if GNMPB could be a potential biomarker in tracking cALD disease progression. CSF GNMPB levels were significantly higher in cALD patients versus controls (2407 ± 1672 pg/mL vs. 639.5 ± 404 pg/mL, p = 0.0009). We found a positive correlation between CSF GNMPB and MRI disease severity score levels (R2 = 0.3225, p < 0.0001) as well as the gadolinium intensity score (p = 0.0204). Boys with more severe neurologic deficits also had higher levels of CSF GNMPB (p < 0.0001). A positive correlation was shown between CSF GNMPB and another biomarker, chitotriosidase (R2 = 0.2512, p = 0.0244). These data show that GNMPB could be a potential biomarker of cALD disease state and further studies should evaluate it as a predictor of the disease progression.
The activity patterns of nonworking and working sled dogs
Authors: Li Ming Fei , Nagendran Lavania , Schroeder Lauren , Samson David R.
Published: May 2022

There are limited studies investigating the combined effects of biological, environmental, and human factors on the activity of the domestic dog. Sled dogs offer a unique opportunity to examine these factors due to their close relationship with handlers and exposure to the outdoors. Here, we used accelerometers to measure the activity of 52 sled dogs over 30 days from two locations in Canada. The two locations differ in the working demands of dogs, therefore we used linear mixed effects models to assess how different factors impact daytime and nighttime activity of working versus nonworking dogs. During the daytime, we found that males were more active than females among nonworking dogs and younger dogs were more active than older dogs among working dogs. Alaskan huskies had higher activity levels than non-Alaskan husky breeds in working sled dogs during the day. Nonworking dogs were slightly more active during colder weather, but temperature had no effect on working dogs’ activity. The strongest predictor of daytime activity in working dogs was work schedule. These results indicate that the influence of biological factors on activity varied depending on dogs’ physical demands and human activity was the most powerful driver of activity in working dogs.
Factoring semi-primes with (quantum) SAT-solvers
Authors: Mosca Michele , Verschoor Sebastian R.
Published: May 2022

The computational difficulty of factoring large integers forms the basis of security for RSA public-key cryptography. The best-known factoring algorithms for classical computers run in sub-exponential time. The integer factorization problem can be reduced to the Boolean Satisfiability problem (SAT). While this reduction has proved to be useful for studying SAT solvers, large integers have not been factored via such a reduction. Shor’s quantum factoring algorithm factors integers in expected polynomial time. Large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computers capable of implementing Shor’s algorithm are not yet available, preventing relevant benchmarking experiments. Recently, several authors have attempted quantum factorizations via reductions to SAT or similar NP-hard problems. While this approach may shed light on algorithmic approaches for quantum solutions to NP-hard problems, in this paper we study and question its practicality. We find no evidence that this is a viable path toward factoring large numbers, even for scalable fault-tolerant quantum computers, as well as for various quantum annealing or other special purpose quantum hardware.
Transverse Kerker effect in all-dielectric spheroidal particles
Authors: Bukharin Mikhail M. , Pecherkin Vladimir Ya. , Ospanova Anar K. , Il’in Vladimir B. , Vasilyak Leonid M. , Basharin Alexey A. , Luk‘yanchuk Boris
Published: May 2022

Kerker effect is one of the unique phenomena in modern electrodynamics. Due to overlapping of electric and magnetic dipole moments, all-dielectric particles can be invisible in forward or backward directions. In our paper we propose new conditions between resonantly excited electric dipole and magnetic quadrupole in ceramic high index spheroidal particles for demonstrating transverse Kerker effect. Moreover, we perform proof-of-concept microwave experiment and demonstrate dumbbell radiation pattern with suppressed scattering in both forward and backward directions and enhanced scattering in lateral directions. Our concept is promising for future planar lasers, nonreflected metasurface and laterally excited waveguides and nanoantennas.
Establishment of prognostic risk model and drug sensitivity based on prognostic related genes of esophageal cancer
Authors: Dai Jingjing , Reyimu Abdusemer , Sun Ao , Duoji Zaxi , Zhou Wubi , Liang Song , Hu Suxia , Dai Weijie , Xu Xiaoguang
Published: May 2022

At present, the treatment of esophageal cancer (EC) is mainly surgical and drug treatment. However, due to drug resistance, these therapies can not effectively improve the prognosis of patients with the EC. Therefore, a multigene prognostic risk scoring system was constructed by bioinformatics analysis method to provide a theoretical basis for the prognosis and treatment decision of EC. The gene expression profiles and clinical data of esophageal cancer patients were gathered from the Cancer Genome Atlas TCGA database, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened by R software. Genes with prognostic value were screened by Kaplan Meier analysis, followed by functional enrichment analysis. A cox regression model was used to construct the prognostic risk score model of DEGs. ROC curve and survival curve were utilized to evaluate the performance of the model. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate whether the model has an independent prognostic value. Network tool mirdip was used to find miRNAs that may regulate risk genes, and Cytoscape software was used to construct gene miRNA regulatory network. GSCA platform is used to analyze the relationship between gene expression and drug sensitivity. 41 DEGs related to prognosis were pre-liminarily screened by survival analysis. A prognostic risk scoring model composed of 8 DEGs (APOA2, COX6A2, CLCNKB, BHLHA15, HIST1H1E, FABP3, UBE2C and ERO1B) was built by Cox regression analysis. In this model, the prognosis of the high-risk score group was poor (P < 0.001). The ROC curve showed that (AUC = 0.862) the model had a good performance in predicting prognosis. In Cox regression analysis, the comprehensive risk score can be employed as an independent prognostic factor of the EC. HIST1H1E, UBE2C and ERO1B interacted with differentially expressed miRNAs. High expression of HIST1H1E was resistant to trametinib, selumetinib, RDEA119, docetaxel and 17-AAG, High expression of UBE2C was resistant to masitinib, and Low expression of ERO1B made the EC more sensitive to FK866. We constructed an EC risk score model composed of 8 DEGs and gene resistance analysis, which can provide reference for prognosis prediction, diagnosis and treatment of the EC patients.
Small, charged proteins in salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) secretions modulate Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) immune responses and coagulation
Authors: Øvergård Aina-Cathrine , Midtbø Helena M. D. , Hamre Lars A. , Dondrup Michael , Bjerga Gro E. K. , Larsen Øivind , Chettri Jiwan Kumar , Buchmann Kurt , Nilsen Frank , Grotmol Sindre
Published: May 2022

Little is known about glandular proteins secreted from the skin- and blood-feeding ectoparasite salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis). The labial gland has ducts extending into the oral cavity of the lice, and the present study aimed to identify novel genes expressed by this gland type and to investigate their role in modulation of host parameters at the lice feeding site. Five genes associated with labial gland function were identified and named Lepeophteirus salmonis labial gland protein (LsLGP) 1–4 and 1 like (LsLGP1L). All LsLGPs were predicted to be small charged secreted proteins not encoding any known protein domains. Functional studies revealed that LsLGP1 and/or LsLGP1L regulated the expression of other labial gland genes. Immune dampening functions were indicated for LsLGP2 and 3. Whereas LsLGP2 was expressed throughout the parasitic life cycle and found to dampen inflammatory cytokines, LsLGP3 displayed an increased expression in mobile stages and appeared to dampen adaptive immune responses. Expression of LsLGP4 coincided with moulting to the mobile pre-adult I stage where hematophagous feeding is initiated, and synthetic LsLGP4 decreased the clotting time of Atlantic salmon plasma. Results from the present study confirm that the salmon louse secretes immune modulating and anti-coagulative proteins with a potential application in new immune based anti-salmon louse treatments.
Thermo-electrochemical redox flow cycle for continuous conversion of low-grade waste heat to power
Authors: Bleeker Jorrit , Reichert Stijn , Veerman Joost , Vermaas David A.
Published: May 2022

Here we assess the route to convert low grade waste heat (< 100 °C) into electricity by leveraging the temperature dependency of redox potentials, similar to the Seebeck effect in semiconductor physics. We use fluid-based redox-active species, which can be easily heated and cooled using heat exchangers. By using a first principles approach, we designed a redox flow battery system with Fe(CN)63−/Fe(CN)64− and I−/I3− chemistry. We evaluate the continuous operation with one flow cell at high temperature and one at low temperature. We show that the most sensitive parameter, the temperature coefficient of the redox reaction, can be controlled via the redox chemistry, the reaction quotient and solvent additives, and we present the highest temperature coefficient for this RFB chemistry. A power density of 0.6 W/m2 and stable operation for 2 h are achieved experimentally. We predict high (close to Carnot) heat-to-power efficiencies if challenges in the heat recuperation and Ohmic resistance are overcome, and the temperature coefficient is further increased.