bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polygenic Risk Score and Statin Relative Risk Reduction for Primary Prevention of Myocardial Infarction in a Real‐World Population
Authors: Oni‐Orisan Akinyemi , Haldar Tanushree , Cayabyab Mari A.S. , Ranatunga Dilrini K. , Hoffmann Thomas J. , Iribarren Carlos , Krauss Ronald M. , Risch Neil
Published: July 2022

Genetic substudies of randomized controlled trials demonstrate that high coronary heart disease (CHD) polygenic risk score modifies statin CHD relative risk reduction; it is unknown if the association extends to statin users undergoing routine care. We sought to determine how statin effectiveness is modified by CHD polygenic risk score in a real‐world cohort of participants without previous myocardial infarction. We determined CHD polygenic risk scores in participants of the Genetic Epidemiology Research on Adult Health and Aging (GERA) cohort. Covariate‐adjusted Cox regression models were used to compare the risk of cardiovascular outcomes between statin users and matched nonusers. Statin effectiveness on incident myocardial infarction showed no gradient with increasing 10‐year Pooled Cohort Equations atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk across low, borderline, intermediate, and high ASCVD risk score groups. In contrast, statin effectiveness by polygenic risk was largest in the high polygenic risk score group (hazard ratio (HR) 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.31–0.53; P = 1.5E‐11), intermediate in the intermediate polygenic risk score group (HR 0.56, 95% CI, 0.47–0.66; P = 8.4E‐12), and smallest in the low polygenic risk score group (HR 0.67, 95% CI, 0.47–0.97; P = 0.03; P for high vs. low = 0.01). ASCVD risk and statin low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) lowering did not differ across polygenic risk score groups. In patients undergoing routine care, CHD polygenic risk modified statin relative risk reduction of incident myocardial infarction independent of LDL‐C lowering. Our findings extend prior work by identifying a subset (i.e., self‐identified White individuals with low CHD polygenic risk scores) with attenuated clinical benefit from statins.
Bioinformatic Analysis to Investigate Metaproteome Composition Using Trans‐Proteomic Pipeline
Authors: He Steven , Ranganathan Shoba
Published: July 2022

With evidence emerging that the microbiome has a role in the onset of many human diseases, including cancer, analyzing these microbial communities and their proteins (i.e., the metaproteome) has become a powerful research tool. The Trans‐Proteomic Pipeline (TPP) is a free, comprehensive software suite that facilitates the analysis of mass spectrometry (MS) data. By utilizing available microbial proteomes, TPP can identify microbial proteins and species, with an acceptable peptide false‐discovery rate (FDR). An application to a publicly available oral cancer dataset is presented as an example to identify the viral metaproteome on the oral cancer invasive tumor front. © 2022 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Collection of data and resources

Basic Protocol 2: Analysis of MS data using TPP

Basic Protocol 3: Analysis of TPP output using R in RStudio
The effect of obeticholic acid on hepatic blood flow in isolated, perfused porcine liver: Correction of oxygen‐nutrient mismatch might be a putative mechanism of action in NASH
Authors: Lake‐Bakaar Gerond , Robertson John , Aardema Charles
Published: July 2022

Background

The liver has a unique dual blood supply. Chronic excess nutrient delivery via the portal vein (PV), unmatched by hepatic artery (HA) oxygen could account for liver damage in NASH. Obeticholic acid (OCA), is a Farnesoid‐X‐receptor agonist with vascular targets in the liver. It has shown efficacy in NASH treatment. We hypothesized that increased oxygen delivery via HA vasodilatation, coupled with a reflex reduction in PV and nutrient flow due to the HA buffer response (HABR), could account for the therapeutic benefit in NASH.

Aim

We studied the direct effects of OCA on HA, PV and hepatic vein (HV) blood flow in an isolated, pump perfused porcine liver model.

Methods

Six porcine livers (two controls) were perfused ex vivo with phosphate buffered saline (PBS), using a unique cardio‐emulation pump for the HA. OCA in solution with methyl cellulose, 0 mg/kg liver weight, followed by 0.14, 0.28, 0.56 and 1.12 mg/kg, was injected at 30‐min intervals, directly into the PV. Controls were perfused with PBS only.

Results

HA blood pressure, perfusate pH, perfusate dissolved oxygen (DO) and temperature remained relatively constant throughout. HA flow increased dose‐responsively up to 9.9 ± 8.9 per cent. Conversely, PV flow fell, up to −19 ± 16 per cent. HV flow rose and stabilized at 11 ± 11.8 per cent after the first dose. Control livers (n = 2) showed minor changes only.

Conclusion

OCA directly increased HA inflow, simultaneously decreasing PV flow, consistent with the hepatic artery buffer response, HABR. Increased oxygenation via the HA coupled with a reduction in nutrients via PV provides a rational concept for the etiology of NASH and the therapeutic benefit of OCA.
Characterizing changes in obsessive–compulsive symptoms over the course of treatment for adolescent bulimia nervosa
Authors: Reilly Erin E. , Gorrell Sasha , Brosof Leigh , Lock James , Le Grange Daniel
Published: July 2022

Objective

Data suggest that obsessive–compulsive (OC) symptoms are commonly observed in adolescents with eating disorders and predict poorer treatment response. Further, emerging data among adults suggest that changes in OC symptoms relate to changes in eating disorder symptoms across treatment. Given evidence that early invention decreases risk for protracted illness, evaluating processes that may relate to treatment response will be useful in increasing the effectiveness of existing interventions. Therefore, the current investigation explored changes in general and eating disorder‐specific OC symptoms throughout family‐based treatment (FBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for bulimia nervosa (BN), as well as associations among these changes and eating disorder outcomes at follow‐up.

Method

Participants (N = 110) received 18 sessions of FBT or CBT and completed measurements of general and eating disorder‐specific OC symptoms at baseline, end‐of‐treatment, and 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up.

Results

Multilevel models indicated that across both treatments, there was no change in general OC symptoms, whereas all eating disorder‐related OC symptoms decreased over treatment and follow‐up. Exploratory analyses indicated that lower severity in discharge eating‐disorder‐specific OC symptoms contributed to lower eating pathology at follow‐up.

Discussion

Together, findings support the efficacy of both FBT and CBT in helping to reduce eating disorder‐specific OC symptoms and suggest that adjunctive intervention may be required for ameliorating general OC symptoms in this population.

Public significance

BN is associated with significant increases in mortality and societal cost, and there is a pressing need for innovations within available treatments for young people with this disorder. In the current study, we explore the extent to which existing evidence‐based treatments for adolescent BN are effective in targeting obsessive–compulsive symptoms, a known predictor of treatment response and common co‐morbidity in this population.
Substrate size modifies stream grazer–biofilm interactions in the presence of invertivorous fish
Authors: Albariño Ricardo J. , Closs Gerard P. , Matthaei Christoph D. , Townsend Colin R. , Zamorano Daniel
Published: July 2022

When herbivore abundance is controlled by predators there may be an indirect positive effect on primary producers due to reduced grazing pressure, but the potential of predation refuges to modify such trophic cascades has rarely been studied. By experimentally manipulating substrate particle size and fish predation regime, we assessed the outcome of invertebrate grazer–biofilm interactions in streams. Locations at the center of larger substrate particles were predicted to pose a higher predation risk, and therefore be subjected to a lower grazing pressure. In our 52‐day experiment in a New Zealand stream, small‐sized substrates (terracotta tiles) remained virtually free of periphyton across their entire upper surface, whereas a thick periphyton mat was formed across large tiles with only edges remaining free. In channels containing fish (either nativeGalaxias vulgarisor exoticSalmo trutta), grazing on tiles was lower than in the absence of fish. A preference for grazing near to the edge of tiles was clearest in fish channels but was also evident even in the absence of fish, probably reflecting fish presence and/or fish kairomones in the stream from where the colonizing invertebrates had been derived. Total grazer density was similar across treatments with or without fish, suggesting that our results can be explained mostly by changes in the behavior of grazers. We suggest that refuge availability, interacting with grazer predator‐avoidance behavior, may produce a context‐dependent patchwork of trophic cascades in streams and other ecosystems.
The green side of social innovation: Using sustainable development goals to classify environmental impacts of rural grassroots initiatives
Authors: Marini Govigli Valentino , Rois‐Díaz Mercedes , den Herder Michael , Bryce Rosalind , Tuomasjukka Diana , Górriz‐Mifsud Elena
Published: July 2022

Social innovations are grassroots processes aiming to achieve impacts beyond an individual level and towards a broader societal good. The environmental dimension of impacts refers to any direct change to the environment resulting from social innovation activities, products, or services, which are not addressed by pre‐existing systems. In this paper, we determine the role of social innovation in addressing environmental impacts by analyzing a database of social innovation examples in European and circum‐Mediterranean rural areas, compiled within the H2020 Project SIMRA. We conceptualize the overall aim of environmentally‐focused social innovation initiatives as furthering the sustainable development of their territories. To address the environmental impacts of initiatives in a structured way, we use the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) classification, to describe social innovation environmental impacts in relation to specific targets. We analyzed 238 initiatives from the SIMRA catalog and associated initiative websites to identify and classify their direct environmental impacts. Our results indicate that 68% of the cases have at least one direct environmental impact that aligns with a SDG target. The most common impacts are related to sustainable natural resource management (SDGs target 12.2), sustainable food production systems (2.4), and equal access to land (2.3). This SDG‐based classification proved to be a useful analytical tool for categorizing internationally policy‐relevant environmental impacts of social innovations.
Resistin and risks of incident heart failure subtypes and cardiac fibrosis: the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Cai Xinjiang , Allison Matthew A. , Ambale‐Venkatesh Bharath , Jorgensen Neal W. , Lima Joao A.C. , Muse Evan D. , McClelland Robyn L. , Shea Steven , Lebeche Djamel
Published: July 2022

Aims

Resistin is a circulating inflammatory biomarker that is associated with cardiovascular disease. We investigated the associations of resistin and incident heart failure (HF) and its subtypes, as well as specific measures of subclinical HF (myocardial fibrosis and relevant biomarkers).

Methods

We analysed data from 1968 participants in the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis with measurements of plasma resistin levels at clinic visits from 2002 to 2005. Participants were subsequently followed for a median of 10.5 years for HF events. The associations between resistin levels and incident HF, HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), and HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) were examined using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. Linear regression models assessed the associations between resistin levels and myocardial fibrosis from cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, as well as hs‐cTnT and NT‐proBNP.

Results

The mean age of the cohort was 64.7 years, and 50.0% were female. Seventy‐four participants (4%) developed incident HF during follow‐up. In a Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for age, gender, education level, race/ethnicity, and traditional risk factors, higher resistin levels were significantly associated with incident HF (HR 1.44, CI 1.18–1.75, P = 0.001) and HFrEF (HR 1.47, CI 1.07–2.02, P = 0.016), but not with HFpEF (HR 1.25, CI 0.89–1.75, P = 0.195). Resistin levels showed no significant associations with myocardial fibrosis, NT‐proBNP, or hs‐cTnT levels.

Conclusions

In a multi‐ethnic cohort free of cardiovascular disease at baseline, elevated resistin levels were associated with incident HF, more prominently with incident HFrEF than HFpEF, but not with subclinical myocardial fibrosis or biomarkers of HF.
N719 dye as a sensitizer for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs): A review of its functions and certain rudimentary principles
Authors: Najm Asmaa Soheil , Alwash Sara Ali , Sulaiman Noor Humam , Chowdhury M. S. , Techato Kuaanan
Published: July 2022

New technologies need environmental and economic cooperation. Energy consumption is fundamental to human survival, making sustainable development imperative. When discussing energy production, renewable resources such as solar and wind energy are chosen to satisfy future demands. Solar energy is frequently used owing to its availability and several benefits. Though more efficient, silicon solar cells are poisonous and expensive. In comparison to other PV cells, the dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have several benefits, such as easily accessible materials, low‐cost production processes, simple processing and exceptional diffuse light performance. DSSCs are more reliable alternative to many photovoltaic systems, including hybrid solar cells, inorganic, and organic. DSSCs technology characteristically be influenced by on photosensitizer, electrolyte, and the metal oxide semiconductor. Significant enhancement in cell efficiency has been ranges reach to 12%, using Ru (II) dyes by enhancing substantial besides essential characterization. The dye, that is acting as a source of photoexcited electrons, is the most significant component of a DSSC. This brief review highlights and discusses a summary of the ongoing research made to assist optimization under using N719 dye for DSSC devices.
A description of virtual skills workshops for supporters of loved ones with eating disorders: Indicators of benefit and acceptability, clinical reflections and consideration of neurodiversity
Authors: Harrison Amy , Folk Rebecca , Proud Faye , Webb Jessica , Oyeleye Oyenike , Clark Bryan Danielle , Webb Joyce , Webb Hannah , Whitaker Wendy , Dhopatkar Namrata , Treasure Janet
Published: July 2022

Objective

Providing information and support to those supporting a loved one with an eating disorder is a key part of evidence‐based service provision. We report on how we took our workshops for supporters online during the Covid‐19 Pandemic when country‐side physical distancing restrictions meant we were unable to work face to face.

Methods

We outline the structure of an eight‐session 2‐h workshop series delivered fortnightly facilitated by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, researchers and experts by experience. We use a repeated‐measures design to understand the possible benefits of the workshops on supporter skills (n = 76).

Results

Measured using the Caregiver Skills Scale, we observed small‐sized improvements in the overall skills (D = 0.43) of n = 17 supporters who provided data at the end of the intervention. Supporters gave largely positive feedback on the virtual format. They particularly liked the opportunity to interact with other supporters. As facilitators, we overcome our initial anxiety around workshop delivery using a new platform and reflected that having more time to cover key information and for skills practice over a period of 16 weeks offered opportunities to develop and reflect on new skill together as a group. We were also able to work with larger groups of supporters, as several barriers to access were removed.

Conclusions

As the workshops reached a larger number of supporters than through face to face delivery and were of benefit to those who reported on their skills, we plan to continue offering workshops to supporters online in future.
Nanotechnology‐facilitated vaccine development during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic
Authors: Wang Ziqi , Cui Kai , Costabel Ulrich , Zhang Xiaoju
Published: July 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) continually poses a significant threat to the human race, and prophylactic vaccination is the most potent approach to end this pandemic. Nanotechnology is widely adopted during COVID‐19 vaccine development, and the engineering of nanostructured materials such as nanoparticles has opened new possibilities in innovative vaccine development by improving the design and accelerating the development process. This review aims to comprehensively understand the current situation and prospects of nanotechnology‐enabled vaccine development against the COVID‐19 pandemic, with an emphasis on the interplay between nanotechnology and the host immune system.
Reinforcement learning with associative or discriminative generalization across states and actions: fMRI at 3 T and 7 T
Authors: Colas Jaron T. , Dundon Neil M. , Gerraty Raphael T. , Saragosa‐Harris Natalie M. , Szymula Karol P. , Tanwisuth Koranis , Tyszka J. Michael , van Geen Camilla , Ju Harang , Toga Arthur W. , Gold Joshua I. , Bassett Dani S. , Hartley Catherine A. , Shohamy Daphna , Grafton Scott T. , O'Doherty John P.
Published: July 2022

The model‐free algorithms of “reinforcement learning” (RL) have gained clout across disciplines, but so too have model‐based alternatives. The present study emphasizes other dimensions of this model space in consideration of associative or discriminative generalization across states and actions. This “generalized reinforcement learning” (GRL) model, a frugal extension of RL, parsimoniously retains the single reward‐prediction error (RPE), but the scope of learning goes beyond the experienced state and action. Instead, the generalized RPE is efficiently relayed for bidirectional counterfactual updating of value estimates for other representations. Aided by structural information but as an implicit rather than explicit cognitive map, GRL provided the most precise account of human behavior and individual differences in a reversal‐learning task with hierarchical structure that encouraged inverse generalization across both states and actions. Reflecting inference that could be true, false (i.e., overgeneralization), or absent (i.e., undergeneralization), state generalization distinguished those who learned well more so than action generalization. With high‐resolution high‐field fMRI targeting the dopaminergic midbrain, the GRL model's RPE signals (alongside value and decision signals) were localized within not only the striatum but also the substantia nigra and the ventral tegmental area, including specific effects of generalization that also extend to the hippocampus. Factoring in generalization as a multidimensional process in value‐based learning, these findings shed light on complexities that, while challenging classic RL, can still be resolved within the bounds of its core computations.
Co‐regulation of hepatic steatosis by ferritinophagy and unsaturated fatty acid supply
Authors: Li Ning , Liao Yilie , Huang Haipeng , Fu Suneng
Published: July 2022

Both iron overload and iron deficiency have been reported in obesity and metabolic syndromes. Due to the presence of multiple intracellular iron pools and the dynamic nature of iron mobilization and use, the actual status and contribution of free and metabolically active iron toward metabolic syndrome remain to be established. The discovery of nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4) as a ferritinophagy receptor provides an opening to address the connection between iron and metabolic diseases. This study aims to specifically dissect the role of hepatic ferritinophagy in lipid metabolism and hepatic steatosis. We conducted a series of Ncoa4 gain‐ and loss‐of‐function experiments to examine how ferritinophagy affects lipid metabolism through phenotypic and lipidomic analyses both in vitro and in vivo. We show that ferritinophagy is required to release iron from ferritin cages for biological use, and is induced by lipid loading in vitro and during the development of obesity in vivo. Ncoa4 knockdown impairs mitochondrial morphology and reduces palmitate‐induced lipid droplet formation in cultured cells and the development of hepatic steatosis in obese mice models. Importantly, the effect of Ncoa4 deficiency on mitochondrial morphology and lipid accumulation is specifically linked to lipidomic reductions in unsaturated fatty acid content in triglycerides and cardiolipins, and an external supply of unsaturated fatty acids reverses these phenotypes. Conclusion: This study shows that ferritinophagy‐derived iron supports fatty acid desaturation and the synthesis of unsaturated fatty acid–rich lipids to reduce lipotoxicity. However, the continuous activation of ferritinophagy contributes to the development of hepatic steatosis and liver damage in obesity.
Surgical treatment was desirable to improve neuromuscular function in patients with sustained 3 years fracture‐dislocation of lower cervical spine: A case report
Authors: Yuan Hao , Pi Yu , Wang Chong , Ma Jin‐Cheng Si , Liu Sheng , Ao Jun
Published: July 2022

To investigate the changes in neuromuscular function of anterior approach combined with subtotal vertebral body resection and titanium mesh cage (TMC) internal fixation for the old fracture‐dislocated lower cervical spine. A 56‐year‐old female was admitted to the hospital with neck pain and numbness of the left upper extremity for 3 years due to a fall injury from a height, which worsened for 20 days. Although 3 years had passed, the patient still had significant left limb numbness and decreased muscle strength. Eventually, the patient was diagnosed with the old fracture‐dislocation type injury of C6 and C7. C6 was II‐degree anterior dislocation and the bilateral joint process was locked, C7 was burst fracture, and C5 was spinal cord segment injury. Then, the operation of the anterior approach combined with subtotal vertebral body resection and TMC internal fixation was performed under general anesthesia. Postoperative symptoms were significantly improved. And during five‐year of follow‐up, no adverse reactions and complications were reported. Although cervical fracture and dislocation combined with cervical spinal cord injury had persisted for many years, surgical treatment was necessary. The anterior approach combined with subtotal vertebral body resection and TMC internal fixation was desirable to improve neuromuscular function for the old fracture‐dislocation of the lower cervical spine, which has some guiding effects on the clinical treatment.
Retinal fundus image registration framework using Bayesian integration and asymmetric Gaussian mixture model
Authors: Zhang Haotian , Jia Ning , Zhuo Keqiang , Zhao Weidong
Published: July 2022

Retinal image registration, which is applied in diagnosing and treating eye diseases, plays an important role in medical image analysis. Existing methods suffer from problems due to different imaging viewpoints, times, quality, modalities, and retinal disasters. In this paper, we propose an efficient retinal images registration framework that overcomes these challenges without supervision. We present a layer‐wise matching method to achieve a uniform distribution of features in both image‐space and scale‐space. Then, a novel method called Bayesian integration is generated to accumulate more meaningful inputs. We use the results of different matches as priors, assign a score to each match, and categorize them using a dynamic threshold. Finally, in accordance with previous work, we transform the problem into a probabilistic model, with the asymmetric Gaussian mixture model representing the distribution. A robust estimation is performed on a non‐rigid transformation. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed framework is robust to kinds of retinal image degradation and produces a more stable and accurate result than state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Shifting patterns of cellular energy production (adenosine triphosphate) over the day and key timings for the effect of optical manipulation
Authors: Shinhmar Harpreet , Hoh Kam Jaimie , Mitrofanis John , Hogg Chris , Jeffery Glen
Published: July 2022

Mitochondria are optically responsive organelles producing energy for cell function via adenosine triphosphate (ATP). But ATP production appears to vary over the day. Here we use Drosophila melanogaster to reveal daily shifts in whole animal ATP production in a tight 24 hours’ time series. We show a marked production peak in the morning that declines around midday and remains low through afternoon and night. ATP production can be improved with long wavelengths (>660 nm), but apparently not at all times. Hence, we treated flies with 670 nm light to reveal optimum times. Exposures at 670 nm resulted in a significant ATP increases and a shift in the ATP/adenosine diphosphate (ADP) ratio at 8.00 and 11.00, whilst application at other time points had no effect. Hence, light‐induced ATP increases appear limited to periods when natural production is high. In summary, long wavelength influences on mitochondria are conserved across species from fly to human. Determining times for their administration to improve function in ageing and disease are of key importance. This study progresses this problem.
Early manifestations of genetic liability for ADHD, autism and schizophrenia at ages 18 and 24 months
Authors: Riglin Lucy , Tobarra‐Sanchez Esther , Stergiakouli Evie , Havdahl Alexandra , Tilling Kate , O’Donovan Michael , Nigg Joel , Langley Kate , Thapar Anita
Published: July 2022

Background

ADHD and autism are neurodevelopmental conditions, for which non‐specific precursors or early signs include difficulties with language and motor skills, and differences in temperament in the first and second year of life. These early features have also been linked to later diagnosis of schizophrenia which is widely considered to have neurodevelopmental origins. Given that ADHD, autism and schizophrenia are all highly heritable, we tested the hypothesis that in the general population, measures of toddler language development, motor development and temperament are associated with genetic liability to ADHD, autism and/or schizophrenia.

Methods

Data were analysed from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) which included motor development scores at age 18 months and language development and temperament scores at age 24 months (N = 7498). Genetic liability was indexed by polygenic risk scores (PGS) for ADHD, autism and schizophrenia.

Results

ADHD PGS were associated with specific temperament scales (higher activity β = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.04, 0.09 and lower withdrawal β = −0.05, 95% CI = −0.07, −0.02) as well as better gross motor scores (β = 0.04, 95% CI = 0.01, 0.06). Schizophrenia PGS were associated with one specific temperament scale (negative mood β = 0.04, 95% CI = 0.02, 0.07). We did not find strong evidence of association of autism PGS with any of the toddler measures; there was also not strong evidence of association with motor or language delays for any of the PGS.

Conclusions

This study suggests that some specific aspects of early temperament and gross motor differences in the general population could represent part of the early manifestation of genetic liability to neurodevelopmental conditions.
Barriers to disability‐inclusive employment in Uzbekistan: A pilot qualitative study of disabled people's lived experiences
Authors: Yusupov Dilmurad , Abdukhalilov Abdulla
Published: July 2022

Despite the recent advances in the field of protection of the rights of disabled people in Uzbekistan, their right to work and be protected from unemployment is not fully implemented. The reported levels of disability employment remain significantly low. The findings of this pilot qualitative study reveal that the current institutional framework which takes its roots in the Soviet disability policies coupled with environmental and attitudinal barriers is restricting disabled people's right to work. Based on the lived experiences of disabled people in Tashkent city and the Tashkent region this study calls for the removal of all the barriers.
Nanoparticles and essential oils with antiviral activity on packaging and surfaces: An overview of their selection and application
Authors: Marquez Ronald , Zwilling Jacob , Zambrano Franklin , Tolosa Laura , Marquez Maria E. , Venditti Richard , Jameel Hasan , Gonzalez Ronalds
Published: July 2022

Until recently, food packaging has been used as a barrier to unfavorable environmental and microbial conditions, but new technologies are arising aimed at upgrading the protective nature of these materials. Cases of bacterial and viral transmission through food and surfaces have shown the vulnerabilities of the food packaging distribution systems over the years, creating awareness about new methods to prevent the proliferation of pathogens. This has been highlighted by safety concerns due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. This work reviews the state‐of‐the‐art biobased technologies tailored for antiviral applications on surfaces, focusing on packaging materials. A survey and selection tool of essential oils (EOs) and nanoparticles that have been proven effective in reducing the proliferation or transmission of viruses through surfaces is presented. Additionally, the use of essential oil formulations or nanoparticle‐functionalized biobased materials that can be deployed to prevent virus transmission through food produce and surfaces is reviewed, including environmental and safety concerns around the use of metal nanoparticles and EOs in packaging materials. Finally, an assessment of the available technologies, challenges, opportunities and the potential role of biobased antiviral surfaces in future viral outbreaks is presented.
Intermittent dilution of dietary digestible lysine lowers the incidence of white striping by suppressing the growth, lipid synthesis, and muscle damage in broiler chickens
Authors: Ahsan Umair , İpek Emrah , Özdemir Özge Sayın , Aydın Aybala Kübra , Raza Ifrah , Çalık Ali , Kuter Eren , Özsoy Şule Yurdagül , Cengiz Özcan
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

White striping (WS) is a myopathy of breast muscle (Pectoralis major) that affects the quality and consumer acceptance of breast fillets of broiler chickens. Previous studies have shown that intermittent dilution of dietary nutrients suppresses the development of WS on the breast muscle of broiler chickens. However, the mechanism by which these interventions reduce the occurrence of WS remains inconclusive. In this study, we adopted intermittent reduction of dietary digestible lysine (dLys) density or metabolizable energy (ME) and amino acid (AA) density using chemical and fatty acid composition of breast fillets, and blood metabolites to understand the mechanism while histopathology and immunohistochemistry of breast muscles were used for confirmation.

RESULTS

Occurrence of WS was lower in broiler chickens fed 85% dLys diets in comparison with other groups. Crude protein and ether extract in breast meat of 85% dLys groups were greater (P < 0.001) and lower (P = 0.010), respectively. Serum concentrations of lipid metabolites and enzymes were lower in broiler chickens fed 85% dLys diets than control group (P < 0.05). Feeding 85% dLys diets had low degree of myodegeneration and necrosis, inflammation, lipid deposition, infiltration of T‐lymphocyte (CD3+) and macrophages (Iba‐1+), and low expression of heat‐shock protein 70 (HSP70) than other groups (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Dilution of dietary dLys to 85% of the required quantities reduces the development of WS in broiler chickens by slowing the growth, lipid synthesis, and muscle damage confirmed by lower extent of histopathological lesions. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
The spectrum of fibrosing alopecias
Authors: Orlando Gloria , Piraccini Bianca M. , Starace Michela
Published: July 2022

Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a primary lymphocytic cicatricial alopecia considered the most common cause of scarring hair loss in adults. It has been classified into three clinical variants: classical LPP, frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) and Graham Little‐Piccardi‐Lassueur syndrome. Classical LPP usually presents as a circumscribed cicatricial patch on the vertex and FFA as a band‐like scarring alopecia of the frontotemporal hairline. Fibrosing alopecia in a pattern distribution (FAPD) and lichen planopilaris diffuse pattern (LPPDP) are two recently described subtypes of LPP that exhibit a diffuse involvement of the androgen‐dependent region or the whole scalp, respectively. Classical LPP, FFA, FAPD and LPPDP share trichoscopic (cicatricial areas, absence of follicular openings, perifollicular erythema and hyperkeratosis) and histologic features (interface dermatitis involving follicular epithelium and concentric fibrosing around the isthmus and infundibulum). The remarkable clinical and histological overlap between these entities has led to the concept that these diseases exist along a spectrum. In the effort to identify classical LPP, FFA, FAPD and LPPDP with an umbrella term, we suggest to use ‘lichenoid alopecias’, as the distinguishing hallmark of these diseases is the lichenoid bandlike inflammatory infiltrate in the superficial dermis involving the infundibulum and isthmus of the hair follicle.
LncRNA CASC9 activated by STAT3 promotes the invasion of breast cancer and the formation of lymphatic vessels by enhancing H3K27ac‐activated SOX4
Authors: Fan Shan‐Ji , Cui Ying , Li Yue‐Hua , Xu Jia‐Chi , Shen Ying‐Ying , Huang Hong , Hu Ze‐Cheng
Published: July 2022

Numerous long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are abnormally expressed in breast cancer (BC), but the underlying mechanisms remain large unknown. Here, we aimed to investigate the functions and mechanisms of lncRNA cancer susceptibility candidate 9 (CASC9) in BC. Western blotting and quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) were performed to assess gene and protein expression, respectively. The proliferative and metastatic abilities of BC cells were tested by cell counting kit‐8 and transwell assays, respectively. The formation of lymphatic vessels was detected by tube formation assay. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and dual luciferase reporter assays were performed to verify molecular interactions. CASC9 was found to be highly expressed in BC tissues and cell lines, and ectopic overexpression was positively associated with tumor volume, TNM stage, and lymph node metastasis. In addition, CASC9 silencing significantly inhibited the proliferation and invasion of BC cells, as well as BC‐associated invasion and formation of lymphatic vessels of human dermal lymphatic endothelial cells. Mechanical studies demonstrated that CASC9 could be transcriptionally activated by STAT3 and elevate SOX4 expression by enhancing the acetylation of its promoter region. Our results illustrated that STAT3‐activated CASC9 served as a tumor‐promoting gene involved in promoting BC invasion and BC‐associated formation of lymphatic vessels by upregulating SOX4 through altering H3K27ac level. This finding elucidated a new underlying network of CASC9 in the metastasis of BC.
Metalenses with Polarization‐Insensitive Adaptive Nano‐Antennas
Authors: Zhang Jianchao , Liang Haowen , Long Yong , Zhou Yongle , Sun Qian , Wu Qinfei , Fu Xiao , Martins Emiliano R. , Krauss Thomas F. , Li Juntao , Wang Xue‐Hua
Published: July 2022

Metalens research has made major advances in recent years. These advances rely on the simple design principle of arranging meta‐atoms in regular arrays to create an arbitrary phase and polarization profile. Unfortunately, the concept of equally spaced meta‐atoms reaches its limit for high deflection angles where the deflection efficiency decreases. The efficiency can be increased using nano‐antennas with multiple elements, but their polarization sensitivity hinders their application in metalenses. Here, it is shown that by designing polarization‐insensitive dimer nano‐antennas and abandoning the principle of equally spaced unit cells, polarization‐insensitive ultrahigh numerical aperture (NA = 1.48) oil‐immersion operation with an efficiency of 42% can be demonstrated. This represents a significant improvement on other polarization‐insensitive designs at visible wavelength. This single layer metalens is used to replace a conventional objective lens and demonstrates the confocal scanning microscopic imaging of a grating with a period of 300 nm at 532 nm operating wavelength. Overall, the results experimentally demonstrate a novel design concept that further improves metalens performance.
Extremal numberings and fixed point theorems
Authors: Faizrahmanov Marat
Published: July 2022

We consider so‐called extremal numberings that form the greatest or minimal degrees under the reducibility of all A‐computable numberings of a given family of subsets of , where A is an arbitrary oracle. Such numberings are very common in the literature and they are called universal and minimal A‐computable numberings, respectively. The main question of this paper is when a universal or a minimal A‐computable numbering satisfies the Recursion Theorem (with parameters). First we prove that the Turing degree of a set A is hyperimmune if and only if every universal A‐computable numbering satisfies the Recursion Theorem. Next we prove that any universal A‐computable numbering satisfies the Recursion Theorem with parameters if A computes a non‐computable c.e. set. We also consider the property of precompleteness of universal numberings, which in turn is closely related to the Recursion Theorem. Ershov proved that a numbering is precomplete if and only if it satisfies the Recursion Theorem with parameters for partial computable functions. In this paper, we show that for a given A‐computable numbering, in the general case, the Recursion Theorem with parameters for total computable functions is not equivalent to the precompleteness of the numbering, even if it is universal. Finally we prove that if A is high, then any infinite A‐computable family has a minimal A‐computable numbering that satisfies the Recursion Theorem.
Optimized acoustic streaming generated at oblique incident angles to improve ultrasound thrombolysis effect
Authors: Zhang Qi , Yuan Ziyan , Song Renjie , Xue Honghui , Tu Juan , Fan Zheng , Guo Xiasheng , Zheng Yinfei , Zhang Dong
Published: July 2022

Background

Combined with thrombolytic drugs and/or microbubbles, ultrasound (US) has been regarded as a useful tool for thrombolysis treatment by taking its advantages of noninvasive, non‐ionization, low cost, and accurate targeting of tissues deep in body. Recently, low‐intensity pulsed US, which can cause fewer complications by stable cavitation and acoustic streaming other than more violent effects, has attracted broad attention.

Purpose

However, the thrombolysis effect in practice might not achieve expectation because there is not an ideal parallel multilayered structure between the skin and the targeted vessel. Therefore, the current work aims to better elucidate the influence of US incident angle on the generation of acoustic streaming and thrombolysis effect.

Methods

Systemic numerical and experimental studies, namely, finite element modeling (FEM), particle image velocimetry (PIV), and in vitro thrombolysis measurements, were performed to estimate the acoustical/streaming field pattern, maximum flow velocity, and shear stress on the surface of thrombus, as well as the lysis rate generated at different conditions. These methods aim at verifying the hypothesis that streaming‐induced vortices can further accelerate the dissolution of the thrombus and optimized thrombolysis effected can be achieved by adjusting US incident angles.

Results

The pool data results showed that the variation trends of the flow velocity and shear stress obtained from FEM simulation and PIV experiments are qualitatively consistent with each other. There exists an optimal incident angle that can maximize the flow velocity and shear stress on the surface of thrombus, so that superior stirring and mixing effect can be generated. Furthermore, as the flow velocity and shear stress on thrombus surface are both highly correlated with the thrombolysis effect (the correlation coefficient R1 = 0.988, R2 = 0.958, respectively), the peak value of lysis rate (increase by at least 5.02%) also occurred at 10°.

Conclusions

The current results demonstrated that, with appropriately determined incident angle, higher thrombolysis rate could be achieved without increasing the driving pressure. It may shed the light on future US thrombolysis planning strategy that, if combined with other advanced technologies (e.g., machine‐learning‐based image analysis and image‐guided adaptive US emission modulation), more efficient thrombolytic effect could be realized while minimizing undesired side‐effects caused by excessively high pressure.
System dynamics in structural strength and vibration fatigue life assessment of the swing bar for high‐speed maglev train
Authors: Guo Feng , Hu Feifei , Wu Shengchuan , He Feng , Liu Jianxin , Wu Xingwen
Published: July 2022

High‐speed maglev trains are subjected to severe dynamic loads, thus posing a failure hazard. It is necessary to account for the vehicle dynamics to improve the structural strength and fatigue life assessment approach under harsh routes and super high‐speed grades. As the most critical load‐carrying part between the vehicle body and levitation frames, the swing bar was taken as an example to demonstrate the significance of vehicle dynamics to integrate classical structural strength and fatigue life with the service conditions. A multiphysics‐coupled dynamic model of an alpha improvement scheme for an electromagnetic suspension maglev train capable of 600 km/h was established to investigate the complex dynamic loads and fatigue spectra. Using this model, the structural strength and fatigue life of the wrought swing bars were investigated. Results show only a slight effect on the structural strength and fatigue life of swing bars by the super high‐speed grades. The nonaxial bending moments caused by the uncompensated relative displacement between the vehicle body and bolsters are identified as the decisive factors. The minimum safety factor of the structural strength for wrought swing bars is 1.33, while the minimum fatigue life is 34 years. Both match the design requirements but are not conservative enough. Therefore, further verification and optimization are recommended to improve the design of swing bars.
Parameter influence law analysis and optimal design of a dual mass flywheel
Authors: Wu Guangqiang , Zhao Guoqiang
Published: July 2022

The influence of the dynamic parameters of a dual mass flywheel (DMF) on its vibration reduction performance is analyzed, and several optimization algorithms are used to carry out multiobjective DMF optimization design. First, the vehicle powertrain system is modeled according to the parameter configuration of the test vehicle. The accuracy of the model is verified by comparing the simulation data with the test results. Then, the model is used to analyze the influence of the moment of inertia ratio, torsional stiffness, and damping in reducing DMF vibration. The speed fluctuation amplitude at the transmission input shaft and the natural frequency of the vehicle are taken as the optimization objectives. The passive selection method, multiobjective particle swarm optimization, and the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm based on an elite strategy are used to carry out DMF multiobjective optimization design. The advantages and disadvantages of these algorithms are evaluated, and the best optimization algorithm is selected.
Muscle ultrasound is a sensitive biomarker in oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy
Authors: Kroon Rosemarie H. M. J. M. , Kalf Johanna G. , Meijers Rutger L. , de Swart Bert J. M. , Cameron Ian G. M. , Doorduin Jonne , van Alfen Nens , van Engelen Baziel G. M. , Horlings Corinne G. C.
Published: July 2022

Introduction/Aims

Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) is a late‐onset, progressive muscle disease. Quantitative muscle ultrasound (QMUS) assesses structural changes in muscles and is a sensitive biomarker in neuromuscular disorders. Our aim of this study was to determine whether QMUS can detect muscle pathology and can be used as longitudinal imaging biomarker in OPMD.

Methods

Genetically confirmed OPMD patients, recruited by their treating physicians or from the national neuromuscular database, were examined twice, 20 months apart, using QMUS of orofacial and limb muscles, and measurements of functional capacity and muscle strength. Absolute echo intensity (AEI) and muscle thickness of all muscles were analyzed and correlated with clinical data.

Results

The tongue, deltoid, iliopsoas, rectus femoris, and soleus muscles showed increased AEI at baseline compared with normal values in 43 OPMD patients, with the rectus femoris being most often affected (51%).The AEI and muscle thickness of 9 of 11 muscles correlated significantly with the motor function measure, 10‐step stair test, swallowing capacity, dynamometry, Medical Research Council grade, tongue strength, and bite force (r = 0.302 to −0.711). Between baseline and follow‐up, deterioration in AEI was found for the temporalis, tongue, and deltoid muscles, and decreased muscle thickness was detected for the temporalis, masseter, digastric, tongue, deltoid, iliopsoas, and soleus muscles (P < .05). No relation was found between the change in AEI and repeat length or disease duration.

Discussion

QMUS detected muscle pathology and disease progression in OPMD over 20 months. We conclude that QMUS should be considered as a biomarker in treatment trials.
Policy capacity during COVID‐19 in Asia: A systematic literature review
Authors: Mardiyanta Antun , Wijaya Calvin Nathan
Published: July 2022

COVID‐19 has revealed the policy capacity of some governance institutions, both resilience and vulnerability. Hence, this circumstance has demanded public administration scholars and practitioners to rethink the existing governance practices, particularly in making effective crisis‐related policies. This paper reviewed primary and secondary studies exploring the application of policy capacity competencies in facilitating COVID‐19 handling in Asia. In achieving so, we did a systematic literature review of relevant studies published between January and October 2020. Applying the agreed search term to several databases, we found 2541 studies, while merely 30 were included for review. Findings from the studies are predominantly closely linked to operational capacity (n = 21). Other studies are related to political and analytical capacity (n = 14 and 7, retrospectively). We found that there are some dilemmas and inadequacy of understanding concerning the role of features in certain capacities (such as technology use versus individual privacy, the paradox of trust and legitimacy, or centralisation versus decentralisation), particularly in the time of crisis, which is a calling for future research.