bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexible Solution-Processed Agar Material for Resistive Switching Memory
Authors: Chen B J , Chang Y C , Jian J C , Liu H J
Published: August 2022

Pure agar (PA)-based resistive random access memory (RRAM) devices using simple solution process method were demonstrated. The memory properties of the investigated PA-based resistive layers are determined by the relationship between the physical properties of the PA thin films and the RRAM performance. The memory properties of PA films with 2 different bottom substrates (glass and PET) and ITO as bottom electrodes were also investigated to explore the differences between rigid and flexible substrates. The RRAM fabricated from PA film and PET substrates exhibit good uniformity acceptable retention over 104 s, and high ON/OFF ratio (>104) at room temperature. According to the fitting results, the RRAM made of PA thin film conforms to the Space-charge-limited current model. This work helps to understand the resistive switching and maintain stable operations of Agar-based RRAM, which means a lot for increasing the application of agar in flexible devices.
Defect-doped one-dimensional nonlinear photonic crystals exhibit coherent perfect absorption with bistable properties
Authors: Xing Feng-Ge , Zhang Dan , Zhang Hai-Feng
Published: August 2022

In this paper, the bistable phenomenon with the coherent perfect absorption properties are studied through the nonlinear transfer matrix method in one-dimensional nonlinear photonic crystals doped with a defect. The focus is on the influences of the relative phase of coherent light on the bistable coherent absorption intensity, and the tuning of the bistable threshold by parameters such as angle and wavelength of incidence. The simulated results show that the coherent absorption intensity is very sensitive to the relative phase of coherent incidence. As the phase decreases, the absorption intensity also decreases, varying from 1 to −1 when the phase change is within 180°. The tuning of the relative phase to the absorption intensity provides great convenience for the application of bistable, and parameters such as the incident angle can also achieve sensitive tuning of the bistable threshold. The larger the incident angle, the larger the threshold, and the more obvious the bistable phenomenon at TE mode. The application of nonlinear optical devices has been expanded in the fields of filters, optical switches, optical power threshold devices, etc.
Preparation of high wear resistance nickel based WC coating by carefully adjusting interface structure
Authors: Fan Lei , Ou Peng , Rong Ju , Yu Xiaohua
Published: August 2022

In recent years, many scholars have paid attention to wear-resistant coatings for shield machine cutterheads due to their very high consumption rates. Among these coatings, nickel-based tungsten carbide (Ni-based WC) is one of the best, showing both corrosion resistance and wear resistance. However, to further improve the wear resistance of such coatings, there are still numerous issues that need to be resolved. Herein, a new method, distinct from conventional methods, is presented. Specifically, the brittle phase W2C is not widely regarded as the main wear-resistant phase, but we were surprised to find that careful adjustment of its rigid structure can yield satisfactory results. Experimental results and first-principles simulations have indicated that the friction coefficient and weight loss of a coating with a suitable distribution of W2C are only half of those of a traditional Ni-based WC coating (about five times higher than those of the substrate), which can mainly be attributed to the excellent thermal expansion coefficient and hardness of the W2C phase. As we expected, the surface morphology of the material after wear revealed that the suitable W2C layer has a well-defined friction morphology. We hope to provide new ideas for the study of Ni-based WC coatings in shield machine cutterheads.
The local-global principle for integral points on stacky curves
Authors: Bhargava Manjul , Poonen Bjorn
Published: August 2022

We construct a stacky curve of genus

1

/

2

1/2

(i.e., Euler characteristic 

1
1

) over

Z

\mathbb {Z}

that has an

R

\mathbb {R}

-point and a

Z

p

\mathbb {Z}_p

-point for every prime

p
p

but no

Z

\mathbb {Z}

-point. This is best possible: we also prove that any stacky curve of genus less than

1

/

2

1/2

over a ring of

S
S

-integers of a global field satisfies the local-global principle for integral points.
Convergence to weak solutions of a space-time hybridized discontinuous Galerkin method for the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Kirk Keegan , Çeşmeli̇oğlu Ayçıl , Rhebergen Sander
Published: August 2022

We prove that a space-time hybridized discontinuous Galerkin method for the evolutionary Navier–Stokes equations converges to a weak solution as the time step and mesh size tend to zero. Moreover, we show that this weak solution satisfies the energy inequality. To perform our analysis, we make use of discrete functional analysis tools and a discrete version of the Aubin–Lions–Simon theorem.
Weak-type regularity of the Bergman projection on rational Hartogs triangles
Authors: Christopherson Adam , Koenig Kenneth
Published: August 2022

For the rational power-generalized Hartogs triangles in

C

2

\mathbb {C}^2

, we give a complete characterization of the weak-type regularity of the Bergman projection at the upper and lower endpoints of

L
p

L^p

boundedness. Our result extends work of Huo-Wick for the classical Hartogs triangle by showing that the Bergman projection satisfies a weak-type estimate only at the upper endpoint of

L
p

L^p

boundedness.
On the space-like analyticity in the extension problem for nonlocal parabolic equations
Authors: Banerjee Agnid , Garofalo Nicola
Published: August 2022

In this note we give an elementary proof of the space-like real-analyticity of solutions to a degenerate evolution problem that arises in the study of fractional parabolic operators of the type

(

∂
t

−

div
x

⁡
(
B
(
x
)

∇
x

)

)
s

(\partial _t - \operatorname {div}_x(B(x)\nabla _x))^s

,

0
>
s
>
1

0>s>1

. Our primary interest is in the so-called extension variable. We show that weak solutions that are even in such variable, are in fact real-analytic in the totality of the space variables. As an application of this result we prove the weak unique continuation property for nonlocal parabolic operators of the type above, where

B
(
x
)

B(x)

is a uniformly elliptic matrix-valued function with real-analytic entries.
Interplay between conservatism and divergence in climatic niche evolution of Brassicaceae tribe Eudemeae shaped their distribution across the different environments of the Andes
Authors: Salariato Diego L , Trinidad Huber , Cano Asunción , Zuloaga Fernando O , Al-Shehbaz Ihsan A
Published: August 2022

The Andean region is one of the most biodiverse areas, displaying high levels of endemism and spatial turnover of species. Tribe Eudemeae includes nine genera and 40 species distributed from the northern Andes in Colombia to the southernmost portion of the Andes in Argentina and Chile. Here, we generated a species-level phylogenetic tree to study their climatic niche evolution. We first analysed phylogenetic structure and evolutionary shifts among the main climatic spaces using model-based estimates. Second, we estimated climatic niches for each species and compared them in a phylogenetic context. In Eudemeae, three main groups of climatic spaces were found, mainly related to the northern and central Andes, the north-central portion of the southern Andes and the central-southern portion of the southern Andes. Results suggest that initial colonization of new climatic spaces in the evolution of the tribe appears to be promoted through shifts in adaptive regimes, whereas subsequent diversification of genera occurred predominantly under the same climatic regimes. This trade-off between niche conservatism and divergence appears to have modulated their diversification across the Andes and contributed to their current geographical distribution.
Brain atrophy in idiopathic REM sleep behaviour disorder is a sign of incipient synucleinopathy
Authors: Arnaldi Dario , Mattioli Pietro
Published: August 2022

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Brain atrophy in prodromal synucleinopathy is shaped by structural connectivity and gene expression’ by Rahayel et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awac187).
Collagen triple helix repeat containing-1 promotes functional recovery of sweat glands by inducing adjacent microvascular network reconstruction in vivo
Authors: Yuan Xingyu , Duan Xianlan , Li Zhao , Yao Bin , Enhejirigala  , Song Wei , Kong Yi , Wang Yuzhen , Zhang Fanliang , Liang Liting , Zhu Shijun , Zhang Mengde , Zhang Chao , Huang Sha , Fu Xiaobing
Published: August 2022

Background

Sweat glands (SGs) have low regenerative potential after severe burns or trauma and their regeneration or functional recovery still faces many obstacles. In practice, restoring SG function requires not only the structural integrity of the gland itself, but also its neighboring tissues, especially blood vessels. Collagen triple helix repeat containing-1 (CTHRC1) was first identified in vascular repair, and increasing reports showed a close correlation between cutaneous appendage specification, patterning and regeneration. The purpose of the present study was to clarify the role of CTHRC1 in SGs and their adjacent microvessels and find therapeutic strategies to restore SG function.

Methods

The SGs and their adjacent microvascular network of Cthrc1−/− mice were first investigated using sweat test, laser Doppler imaging, tissue clearing technique and transcriptome analysis. The effects of CTHRC1 on dermal microvascular endothelial cells (DMECs) were further explored with cell proliferation, DiI-labeled acetylated low-density lipoprotein uptake, tube formation and intercellular junction establishment assays. The effects of CTHRC1 on SG function restoration were finally confirmed by replenishing the protein into the paws of Cthrc1−/− mice.

Results

CTHRC1 is a key regulator of SG function in mice. At the tissue level, Cthrc1 deletion resulted in the disorder and reduction of the microvascular network around SGs. At the molecular level, the knockout of Cthrc1 reduced the expression of vascular development genes and functional proteins in the dermal tissues. Furthermore, CTHRC1 administration considerably enhanced SG function by inducing adjacent vascular network reconstruction.

Conclusions

CTHRC1 promotes the development, morphogenesis and function execution of SGs and their neighboring vasculature. Our study provides a novel target for the restoration or regeneration of SG function in vivo.
Incorporation of transition to transversion ratio and nonsense mutations, improves the estimation of the number of synonymous and non-synonymous sites in codons
Authors: Aziz Ruksana , Sen Piyali , Beura Pratyush Kumar , Das Saurav , Tula Debapriya , Dash Madhusmita , Namsa Nima Dondu , Deka Ramesh Chandra , Feil Edward J , Satapathy Siddhartha Sankar , Ray Suvendra Kumar
Published: August 2022

A common approach to estimate the strength and direction of selection acting on protein coding sequences is to calculate the dN/dS ratio. The method to calculate dN/dS has been widely used by many researchers and many critical reviews have been made on its application after the proposition by Nei and Gojobori in 1986. However, the method is still evolving considering the non-uniform substitution rates and pretermination codons. In our study of SNPs in 586 genes across 156 Escherichia coli strains, synonymous polymorphism in 2-fold degenerate codons were higher in comparison to that in 4-fold degenerate codons, which could be attributed to the difference between transition (Ti) and transversion (Tv) substitution rates where the average rate of a transition is four times more than that of a transversion in general. We considered both the Ti/Tv ratio, and nonsense mutation in pretermination codons, to improve estimates of synonymous (S) and non-synonymous (NS) sites. The accuracy of estimating dN/dS has been improved by considering the Ti/Tv ratio and nonsense substitutions in pretermination codons. We showed that applying the modified approach based on Ti/Tv ratio and pretermination codons results in higher values of dN/dS in 29 common genes of equal reading-frames between E. coli and Salmonella enterica. This study emphasizes the robustness of amino acid composition with varying codon degeneracy, as well as the pretermination codons when calculating dN/dS values.
Political Competition and State Capacity: Evidence from a Land Allocation Program in Mexico
Authors: Fergusson Leopoldo , Larreguy Horacio , Riaño Juan Felipe
Published: August 2022

We develop a model of the politics of state capacity building undertaken by incumbent parties that have a comparative advantage in clientelism rather than in public goods provision. The model predicts that, when challenged by opponents, clientelistic incumbents have the incentive to prevent investments in state capacity. We provide empirical support for the model’s implications by studying policy decisions by the Institutional Revolutionary Party that affected local state capacity across Mexican municipalities and over time. Our difference-in-differences and instrumental variable identification strategies exploit a national shock that threatened the Mexican government’s hegemony in the early 1960s.
Algorithm for systematic valve-crossing in transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Chen Mi , Michel Jonathan , Stähli Barbara E , Templin Christian , Jakob Philipp , Tanner Felix C , Kasel Albert Markus
Published: August 2022

The retrograde valve-crossing of a stenotic aortic valve is a crucial step in the transcatheter aortic valve implantation procedure. In addition to being time-consuming and associated with an increased stroke risk, inappropriate valve-crossing may cause devastating complications. This tutorial review summarizes systematic and detailed techniques to cross the aortic valve. First, the main challenges in retrograde valve-crossing are depicted. Next, a step-by-step guidance on valve-crossing is provided, along with an in-depth description of the three-dimensional anatomy under a two-dimensional fluoroscopy view. Finally, modified techniques for different anatomies are described.
International Law and the Rage against Scienticism
Authors: d’Aspremont Jean
Published: August 2022

In international legal thought and practice, anything that is related to the real or is grounded in the real is given discursive primacy. This discursive primacy is the manifestation of a common scientistic hierarchy of discourses inherited from Modernity that accords primacy to discourses about the real and grounded in the real. Anne Orford’s International Law and the Politics of History can be read as yet another expression of discontent with such primacy of the real and its scientistic methods. With an emphasis on international lawyers’ engagements with history, Orford specifically takes issue with the use of contextualist and empirical methods in the study of the history of international law. And, yet, as is argued in this review essay, scienticism leaves no way out for those seeking to contest it: Orford’s charge against contextualism and empiricism itself needs to be contextualized and empirically supported.
Challenge of a therapeutic sequence: rare case of heart failure in mitral valvular disease intensified by an extreme mediastinal shift from major diaphragmatic eventration
Authors: Le Pimpec-Barthes Françoise , Al Zreibi Charles , Reverdito Guillaume , Leprince Pascal
Published: August 2022

Extreme mediastinal shift due to major diaphragm eventration is complex when mitral-valve repair is required. We report the case of a 59-year-old woman with diaphragmatic eventration who had 2 recent episodes of heart failure due to arrythmia associated with severe mitral-valve regurgitation (regurgitant orifice area 47 mm2). Forced expiratory flow-volume in the first second and vital capacity (VC) were at 32% and 33%, respectively,decreasing to 20% and 30% when she was in a supine position. We found it impossible to repair the valve first because of the extreme mediastinal shift and respiratory dysfunction. Therefore, we decided to perform diaphragm plication first followed 3 months later by mitral valve repair. Six months after the cardiac operation, the patient showed significant clinical improvement. Forced expiratory flow-volume in the first second and vital capacity increased to 58% and 55%, respectively. The decision to perform the thoracic operation first, followed by the cardiac operation, was the key to improving the patient’s respiratory function and to medializing the heart to safely support cardiac surgery.
Clinical Evaluation of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Rapid Antigen Tests During the Omicron Wave in South Africa
Authors: Samsunder Natasha , de Vos Margaretha , Ngcapu Sinaye , Giandhari Jennifer , Lewis Lara , Kharsany Ayesha B M , Cawood Cherie , de Oliveira Tulio , Karim Quarraisha Abdool , Karim Salim Abdool , Naidoo Kogieleum , Escadafal Camille , Sivro Aida
Published: August 2022

We evaluated the performance of nasal and nasopharyngeal Standard Q COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] Ag tests (SD Biosensor) and the Panbio COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test Device (nasal; Abbott) against the Abbott RealTime severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) assay during the Omicron (clades 21M, 21K, and 21L) wave in South Africa. Overall, all evaluated tests performed well, with high sensitivity (range, 77.78%–81.42%) and excellent specificity values (>99%). The sensitivity of rapid antigen tests increased above 90% in samples with cycle threshold <20, and all 3 tests performed best within the first week after symptom onset.
Technical note: a nose ring sensor system to monitor dairy cow cardiovascular and respiratory metrics
Authors: Salzer Yael , Lidor Guy , Rosenfeld Lavie , Reshef Liad , Shaked Ben , Grinshpun Joseph , Honig Hen H , Kamer Hadar , Balaklav Moria , Ross Maya
Published: August 2022

Monitoring cardiovascular and respiratory measurements corresponds to the precision livestock farming (PLF) objective to continuously monitor and assess dairy cows’ welfare and health. Changes in heart rate, breathing rate, and oxygen saturation (SpO2) are valuable metrics in human and veterinary medicine to assess stress, pain, illness, and detect critical conditions. The common way to measure heart rate is either manually or with a stethoscope. Under research conditions, heart rate is usually measured with a sports watch chest belt. Breathing rate is obtained by counting the cow’s flank movements which is a time-consuming and labor-intensive method that requires training and is prone to human error. No devices are available on the market that enable practical and easy pulse oximetry in farm animals. This study presents a wireless nose ring sensor system (NoRS) composed of thermal and photoplothysmography sensors that attach to the nostrils of four Holstein dairy cows. The NoRS’s thermocouple measured the cow’s nasal cavity air temperature; an optic sensor measured the IR (660 nm) and RED (660 nm) signals reflected from the cow’s nasal septum. Breathing was calculated from the thermocouple signal’s center frequency with a fast Fourier transformation or the signal peak count (i.e., oscillations). The breathing rate was compared to breathing observed by concurrently counting the flank movements. Heart rate and SpO2 were measured by integrated pulse oximetry and heart rate monitor module (MAX30101 TinyCircuit) assembled on the NoRS circuit. Heart rate was also measured with FFT and by counting the number of peaks from the optic sensor’s raw IR and RED signals. These measures were compared to an off-the-shelf hand-held pulse oximeter’s heart rate and SpO2 readings during the same time. The comparisons revealed highly significant correlations for the heart rate readings where the strength of the correlation was sensitive to the method. The correlation between breathing rate and the veterinarian’s visual observations was low, albeit significant. Thus, inhale-exhale cycle counting constitutes a more precise approach than flank movement counts. The hand-held device’s 96% SpO2 is compatible with near-saturation values expected in healthy cows. The mean NoRS SpO2 reading was 3% less. After further piloting under field conditions, the NoRS will require no animal restraining to automatically and continuously record cows’ breathing rate, heart rate, and SpO2.
Necrophilia, Psychiatry, and Sexology: The Making of Sexual Science in Mid-Twentieth Century Peru
Authors: Drinot Paulo
Published: August 2022

In this article, I draw on two sets of sources to explore how Peruvian doctors tried to make sense of what had driven a man to engage in necrophilia in late 1942. On the one hand, I examine the case history and other related documentation that I located in Lima’s psychiatric hospital. On the other, I study a detailed article written on the case by Dr Lucio D. Castro and published in 1943. Together, these sources provide rich evidence on how Peruvian doctors addressed what they framed as an abnormality of the sexual instinct and, in turn, as a mental disorder. But the case also provides a fascinating vista on a major taboo—sex with the dead—and more generally on the history of “perversion” and therefore on the history of sexuality in Peru. I pay particular attention to how doctors mobilized an eclectic “theoretical artillery” of biomedical knowledge in trying to explain the man’s psychopathology. I argue that through their “unruly appropriation” of sexological knowledge, doctors like Castro sought to make meaningful contributions to a global sexual science while proposing means to channel sexuality away from deviant forms in a manner consonant with broader projects of sexual regulation that Peru and other countries promoted at the time.
Diagnostic Uncertainty in Cervical Radiculopathy
Authors: George Douglas , Campbell Leonie , Marra Janelle
Published: August 2022

Cervical radiculopathy is defined as a pathological process affecting the cervical nerve root(s). While not an uncommon entity, this report describes a case of cervical radiculopathy in an active duty Marine with unique features to include the C5 nerve root as the primary point of injury with corresponding severe motor weakness that warranted expedited workup. This expedited workup included early referral to Neurology for nerve conduction and electromyography (EMG) studies that were ultimately diagnostic in the setting of equivocal Magnetic Resonance Imaging findings. This highlight of this case is the demonstration of the utility of EMG in cervical radiculopathy evaluation, which aided in an efficient and effective treatment course. We contend that in cases of cervical radiculopathy with a focal deficit of profound weakness with shoulder abduction and elbow flexion, obtaining nerve conduction studies and EMGs within the first 4 to 6 weeks of presentation should be viewed as essential for the long-term recovery and effective management of the injured service member, particularly when injury to the upper trunk of the brachial plexus can also account for these specific motor deficits. This report will cover a brief review of the pathophysiology, evaluation, and natural history of cervical radiculopathy with special attention paid to the timing and efficacy of EMG.
Risk factors that hinder locomotive syndrome improvement following surgery for musculoskeletal diseases in older patients: A multicentre prospective study
Authors: Kato Satoshi , Demura Satoru , Kabata Tamon , Matsubara Hidenori , Kurokawa Yuki , Okamoto Yoshiyuki , Kuroda Kazunari , Kajino Yoshitomo , Yokogawa Noriaki , Inoue Daisuke , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: August 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate preoperative and post-operative locomotive syndrome (LS) in older adults undergoing surgical treatment for musculoskeletal diseases of the lumbar spine and lower extremities and identify risk factors that impede LS improvement after surgery.

Methods

The baseline evaluation included 471 patients 65 years or older [276 in the pre-old-age (65–74 years) group; 195 in the old-age (75 years or older) group] and examined the preoperative and post-operative LS data. The second evaluation performed to identify risk factors, including anthropometric measurements, comorbidity, and frailty, that hinder LS improvement after surgery included 378 patients with preoperative LS Stage 3.

Results

Preoperatively, 80% of the patients had LS Stage 3; this rate decreased to 40% post-operatively. Half of the patients exhibited post-operative LS improvement. The LS improvement rate was higher in the pre-old-age group than in the old-age group. According to the multiple logistic regression analysis, old age, high body mass index, weak hand grip strength, and high 5-factor modified frailty index score were significant risk factors that hinder LS improvement after surgery.

Conclusions

Ageing, obesity, weak muscle strength, and frailty can hinder LS improvement in older patients who undergo surgery.
ABC portal: a single-cell database and web server for blood cells
Authors: Gao Xin , Hong Fang , Hu Zhenyu , Zhang Zilong , Lei Yang , Li Xiaoyun , Cheng Tao
Published: August 2022

ABC portal (http://abc.sklehabc.com) is a database and web portal containing 198 single-cell transcriptomic datasets of development, differentiation and disorder of blood/immune cells. All the datasets were re-annotated with a manually curated and unified single-cell reference, especially for the haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. ABC portal provides web-based interactive analysis modules, especially a comprehensive cell-cell communication analysis and disease-related gene signature analysis. Importantly, ABC portal allows customized sample selection based on a combination of several metadata for downstream analysis and comparison analysis across datasets. ABC portal also allows users to select multiple cell types for analysis in the modules. Together, ABC portal provides an interactive interface of single-cell data exploration and re-analysis with customized analysis modules for the researchers and clinicians, and will facilitate understanding of haematopoiesis and blood/immune disorders.
miRNA-23a modulates sodium-hydrogen exchanger 1 expression: studies in medullary thick ascending limb of salt-induced hypertensive rats
Authors: Lombari Patrizia , Mallardo Massimo , Petrazzuolo Oriana , Amruthraj Nagoth Joseph , Fiume Giuseppe , Scanni Roberto , Iervolino Anna , Damiano Sara , Coppola Annapaola , Borriello Margherita , Ingrosso Diego , Perna Alessandra F , Zacchia Miriam , Trepiccione Francesco , Capasso Giovambattista
Published: August 2022

Background

The kidney is the main organ in the pathophysiology of essential hypertension. Although most bicarbonate reabsorption occurs in the proximal tubule, the medullary thick ascending limb (mTAL) of the nephron also maintains acid–base balance by contributing to 25% of bicarbonate reabsorption. A crucial element in this regulation is the sodium-hydrogen exchanger 1 (NHE1), a ubiquitous membrane protein controlling intracellular pH, where proton extrusion is driven by the inward sodium flux. MicroRNA (miRNA) expression of hypertensive patients significantly differs from that of normotensive subjects. The aim of this study was to determine the functional role of miRNA alterations at the mTAL level.

Methods

By miRNA microarray analysis, we identified miRNA expression profiles in isolated mTALs from high sodium intake–induced hypertensive rats (HSD) versus their normotensive counterparts (NSD). In vitro validation was carried out in rat mTAL cells.

Results

Five miRNAs involved in the onset of salt-sensitive hypertension were identified, including miR-23a, which was bioinformatically predicted to target NHE1 mRNA. Data demonstrated that miRNA-23a is downregulated in the mTAL of HSD rats while NHE1 is upregulated. Consistently, transfection of an miRNA-23a mimic in an mTAL cell line, using a viral vector, resulted in NHE1 downregulation.

Conclusion

NHE1, a protein involved in sodium reabsorption at the mTAL level and blood pressure regulation, is upregulated in our model. This was due to a downregulation of miRNA-23a. Expression levels of this miRNA are influenced by high sodium intake in the mTALs of rats. The downregulation of miRNA-23a in humans affected by essential hypertension corroborate our data and point to the potential role of miRNA-23a in the regulation of mTAL function following high salt intake.
Atypical Clinical Presentation of Monkeypox Complicated by Myopericarditis
Authors: Tan Darrell H S , Jaeranny Shelby , Li Maggie , Sukhdeo Sharon S , Monge Juan Carlos , Callejas Matias F , Hasso Maan , Fattouh Ramzi , Lalonde Spencer D , Lam Jeffrey , Mishra Sharmistha
Published: August 2022

We present a case of monkeypox infection in a man presenting with genital and labial ulcers, followed by submandibular lymphadenopathy, fever, and constitutional symptoms. His course was complicated by myopericarditis and an ongoing pleomorphic skin eruption. Viral deoxyribonucleic acid was detected by polymerase chain reaction in skin swabs, nasopharyngeal swab, saliva, and semen.
Adherence to Oral Treatments in Older Patients with Advanced Prostate Cancer, the ADHERE Study: A Prospective Trial of the Meet-URO Network
Authors: Rescigno Pasquale , Maruzzo Marco , Rebuzzi Sara Elena , Murianni Veronica , Cinausero Marika , Lipari Helga , Fratino Lucia , Gamba Teresa , De Giorgi Ugo , Caffo Orazio , Bimbatti Davide , Dri Arianna , Mosca Alessandra , Giunta Emilio Francesco , Ermacora Paola , Vignani Francesca , Msaki Aichi , Bonifacio Barbara , Lombardo Valentina , Conteduca Vincenza , Basso Umberto , Fornarini Giuseppe , Banna Giuseppe Luigi
Published: August 2022

Background

Novel androgen receptor signaling inhibitors for prostate cancer (PC) impose the burden of self-administration on older patients overwhelmed by the requirement of many other concomitant medications.

Patients and Methods

This study evaluated the proportion of non-adherence in a 12-month follow-up period and the first 3 months to abiraterone (ABI) or enzalutamide (ENZ). In a prospective multicenter observational cohort study, patients with metastatic castration-resistant PC (mCRPC) aged ≥70 years receiving ABI or ENZ pre- or post-docetaxel were enrolled. Treatment monitoring included pill counting, a self-assessment questionnaire, and clinical diaries at each clinical visit. Non-adherence rates were based on proportions of missed/prescribed pills ratios by pill counting.

Results

Overall, 234 patients were recruited with median age of 78 years (range, 73–82); 86 (37%) were treated with ABI, and 148 (63%) with ENZ. The median follow-up for adherence was seven monthly cycles (IQR: 4–12). The two cohorts were well balanced for baseline characteristics. The percentage of non-adherence by pill counting was slightly higher for ABI than ENZ (5.2% vs. 4.2%, P < .001). By self-reporting, patients on ENZ tended to report more frequently than those with ABI forgetfulness as the reason for missing events (42% vs. 17%, P < .001). A lower Geriatric G8 score correlated with non-adherence (P = .004). Overall survival (OS) was 48.8 months. Patients on ABI had radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) of 28.4 [24.2–32.5], while for ENZ patients, we reported a median rPFS of 23.1 [18.2–28.1] months.

Conclusion

Physicians tend to treat older mCRPC patients with ENZ. Non-adherence rate is relatively low overall but can be higher with ABI than with ENZ and correlates with the Geriatric G8 score. Forgetfulness is a potential barrier for ENZ.
Introduction
Authors: Walls Jerry L.
Published: August 2022

Although “Christ” has come to be used as a name, it was originally a title that means “messiah.” Christian faith is thus messianic faith, faith in a savior who has come to deliver us and set up his kingdom. Contrary to Jewish expectations, Christians proclaim that the Messiah has died and that his shameful death is the very means to our salvation and deliverance. The salvation that Christ achieved is holistic in nature and as such is eschatological in its ultimate dimensions. Eschatology is the study of the final end of things, the ultimate resolution of the entire creation. While the main focus of this book is Christian eschatology, it also has a section devoted to eschatology in world religions. This book explores eschatology in the Old Testament as well as the rationalization of violence in new religious eschatologies, eschatology of the New Testament church, liberation theology, ecumenism, resurrection, and politics.
New-onset IgA nephropathy following COVID-19 vaccination
Authors: Ma Yaohui , Xu Gaosi
Published: August 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has caused significant economic and health damage worldwide. Rapid vaccination is one of the key strategies to curb severe illness and death due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Hundreds of millions of people worldwide have received various COVID-19 vaccines, including mRNA vaccines, inactivated vaccines and adenovirus-vectored vaccines, but the side effects and efficacy of most vaccines have not been extensively studied. Recently, there have been increasing reports of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) after COVID-19 vaccination, however, whether their relationship is causal or coincidental remains to be verified. Here, we summarize the latest clinical evidence of IgAN diagnosed by renal biopsy associated with the COVID-19 vaccine published by 10 July 2022 with the largest sample size, and propose a hypothesis for the pathogenesis between them. At the same time, the new opportunity presented by COVID-19 vaccine allows us to explore the mechanism of IgAN recurrence for the first time. Indeed, we recognize that large-scale COVID-19 vaccination has enormous benefits in preventing COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this review is to help guide the clinical assessment and management of IgA nephropathy post-COVID-19 vaccination and to enrich the ‘multi-hit’ theory of IgA nephropathy.
Multinomial Logit Processes and Preference Discovery: Inside and Outside the Black Box
Authors: Cerreia-Vioglio Simone , Maccheroni Fabio , Marinacci Massimo , Rustichini Aldo
Published: August 2022

We provide two characterizations, one axiomatic and the other neuro-computational, of the dependence of choice probabilities on deadlines, within the widely used softmax representation $$\begin{align*} p_{t}\left( a,A\right) =\dfrac{e^{\frac{u\left( a\right) }{\lambda\left( t\right) }+\alpha\left( a\right) }}{\sum_{b\in A}e^{\frac{u\left( b\right) }{\lambda\left( t\right) }+\alpha\left( b\right) }}, \end{align*}$$

where $p_{t}\left( a,A\right)$ is the probability that alternative $a$ is selected from the set $A$ of feasible alternatives if $t$ is the time available to decide, $\lambda$ is a time-dependent noise parameter measuring the unit cost of information, $u$ is a time-independent utility function, and $\alpha$ is an alternative-specific bias that determines the initial choice probabilities (reflecting prior information and memory anchoring).

Our axiomatic analysis provides a behavioural foundation of softmax (also known as Multinomial Logit Model when $\alpha$ is constant). Our neuro-computational derivation provides a biologically inspired algorithm that may explain the emergence of softmax in choice behaviour. Jointly, the two approaches provide a thorough understanding of softmaximization in terms of internal causes (neuro-physiological mechanisms) and external effects (testable implications).
We Are All Behavioural, More, or Less: A Taxonomy of Consumer Decision-Making
Authors: Stango Victor , Zinman Jonathan
Published: August 2022

We examine how 17 behavioural biases relate to each other, to three standard measures of risk and time preferences, to cognitive skills, personality, and demographics, and to outcomes in household finance, well-being, and health. Most consumers in our nationally representative panel data exhibit multiple biases, with substantial cross-person heterogeneity. Biases are positively correlated within person, especially after adjusting for measurement error. From that correlation structure, we reduce our 20 bias and standard preference measures to four behavioural common factors. Each BCF reflects a group of related biases regarding beliefs, decision quality, discounting, or risk/uncertainty attitudes. The first two BCFs also strongly correlate with each other (positively) and cognitive skills (negatively). The first three BCFs and cognitive skills strongly correlate with various outcomes in the expected directions. Our results support processing-based models where basic limitations in cognition and/or attention produce multiple biases, and they have several other implications for theory and practice.
The Long Non-coding RNA HOTAIR Controls the Self-renewal, Cell Senescence, and Secretion of Anti-aging Protein α-Klotho in Human Adult Renal Progenitor Cells
Authors: Picerno Angela , Giannuzzi Francesca , Curci Claudia , De Palma Giuseppe , Di Chiano Mariagiovanna , Simone Simona , Franzin Rossana , Gallone Anna , Di Lorenzo Vito Francesco , Stasi Alessandra , Pertosa Giovanni Battista , Sabbà Carlo , Gesualdo Loreto , Sallustio Fabio
Published: August 2022

The long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) play an important role in several biological processes, including some renal diseases. Nevertheless, little is known about lncRNA that are expressed in the healthy kidneys and involved in renal cell homeostasis and development, and even less is known about lncRNA involved in the maintenance of human adult renal stem/progenitor cells (ARPCs) that have been shown to be very important for renal homeostasis and repair processes. Through a whole-genome transcriptome screening, we found that the HOTAIR lncRNA is highly expressed in renal progenitors and potentially involved in cell cycle and senescence biological processes. By CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, we generated HOTAIR knockout ARPC lines and established a key role of this lncRNA in ARPC self-renewal properties by sustaining their proliferative capacity and limiting the apoptotic process. Intriguingly, the HOTAIR knockout led to the ARPC senescence and to a significant decrease in the CD133 stem cell marker expression which is an inverse marker of ARPC senescence and can regulate renal tubular repair after the damage. Furthermore, we found that ARPCs expressed high levels of the α-Klotho anti-aging protein and especially 2.6-fold higher levels compared to that secreted by renal proximal tubular cells (RPTECs). Finally, we showed that HOTAIR exerts its function through the epigenetic silencing of the cell cycle inhibitor p15 inducing the trimethylation of the histone H3K27. Altogether, these results shed new light on the mechanisms of regulation of these important renal cells and may support the future development of precision therapies for kidney diseases.
A retrospective study of clinical and epidemiological characteristics of snakebite in Napo Province, Ecuadorian Amazon
Authors: Patiño Ricardo S P , Salazar-Valenzuela David , Robles-Loaiza Alberto A , Santacruz-Ortega Paola , Almeida José R
Published: August 2022

Background

Snakebite envenoming remains a relevant public health problem in tropical and subtropical countries. In Ecuador, this is particularly true in an area of great diversity like the Amazon region. Nevertheless, there is scarce information about epidemiological and clinical characteristics of these accidents in this area.

Methods

This was a descriptive and retrospective study of snakebite cases treated at a tertiary hospital in the Napo Province, Ecuadorian Amazon, from 2015 to 2019. We collected sociodemographic and snakebite-related information, clinical aspects and the use of antivenom and antibiotics from medical records.

Results

Information from 133 snakebite accidents was reviewed in this time period. Reports of snakebite envenoming decreased over the years. In total, 67% of those bitten were from nearby indigenous communities, which were the most affected groups. When a species was identified, Bothrops atrox was responsible for the highest number of cases registered. Local clinical manifestations were more frequent than systemic signs, in keeping with the typical effects produced by bothropic venoms. Additionally, data showed that more antivenom vials were given than those suggested by the protocol of the Ecuadorian Ministry of Health, in proportion to the grade of severity. Finally, we identified a low incidence of adverse reactions with antivenom administration, as well as a frequent use of antibiotics.

Conclusions

The profile of snakebite accidents in the Napo Province is very similar to that described for other localities in the Amazon region of Ecuador and neighboring countries, with its challenges and limitations. Such aspects underlie the importance of establishing a robust and science-based public health program to respond to this frequent, but neglected, tropical disease.
Carboxylic Acid Amide but Not Quinone Outside Inhibitor Fungicide Resistance Mutations Show Clade-Specific Occurrence inPseudoperonospora cubensisCausing Downy Mildew in Commercial and Wild Cucurbits
Authors: D'Arcangelo K. N. , Wallace E. C. , Miles T. D. , Quesada-Ocampo L. M.
Published: August 2022

Since its reemergence in 2004, Pseudoperonospora cubensis, the causal agent of cucurbit downy mildew (CDM), has experienced significant changes in fungicide sensitivity. Presently, frequent fungicide applications are required to control the disease in cucumber due to the loss of host resistance. Carboxylic acid amides (CAA) and quinone outside inhibitors (QoI) are two fungicide groups used to control foliar diseases in cucurbits, including CDM. Resistance to these fungicides is associated with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) mutations. In this study, we used population analyses to determine the occurrence of fungicide resistance mutations to CAA and QoI fungicides in host-adapted clade 1 and clade 2 P. cubensis isolates. Our results revealed that CAA-resistant genotypes occurred more prominently in clade 2 isolates, with more sensitive genotypes observed in clade 1 isolates, while QoI resistance was widespread across isolates from both clades. We also determined that wild cucurbits can serve as reservoirs for P. cubensis isolates containing fungicide resistance alleles. Finally, we report that the G1105W substitution associated with CAA resistance was more prominent within clade 2 P. cubensis isolates while the G1105V resistance substitution and sensitivity genotypes were more prominent in clade 1 isolates. Our findings of clade-specific occurrence of fungicide resistance mutations highlight the importance of understanding the population dynamics of P. cubensis clades by crop and region to design effective fungicide programs and establish accurate baseline sensitivity to active ingredients in P. cubensis populations.
Clonal Expansion and Dispersal Pathways of Puccinia polysora in China
Authors: Sun Qiuyu , Liu Jie , Huang Chong , Liu Xiufeng , Gao Jianmeng , Li Leifu , Luo Yong , Ma Zhanhong
Published: August 2022

Southern corn rust (SCR) caused by Puccinia polysora is one of the most devastating diseases in the world. In recent years, SCR has been upgraded from a minor to a major disease around the world, including in China. However, little is known about its population genetics and structure in China. In this study, we analyzed 288 isolates collected from various localities during 2017 in seven Chinese provinces: Guangxi, Guangdong, Anhui, Hunan, Shandong, Henan, and Shaanxi. The isolates were analyzed using nine microsatellite markers. The population structure, genetic diversity, and reproduction mode of P. polysora were investigated based on genotype data. Strong genotypic diversity was detected and clonal reproduction was dominant. The populations collected from the pathogen's winter-reproductive regions harbored more genotypes than those collected from the pathogen's epidemic regions. The spatial differences in genotypic richness, and evenness among the populations were significant, and showed a decreasing trend from south to north. Most isolates were clustered into two clonal groups. Two high-frequency multilocus genotypes (MLGs), MLG1 and MLG2, were widely distributed in all populations. Our analyses confirmed that P. polysora employed clone dispersal from the pathogen's winter-reproductive regions to the pathogen's epidemic regions, and in addition to the sources from the pathogen's winter-reproductive regions, the pathogen in Anhui and Hunan might also have other sources from areas such as Taiwan, China, or/and Southeast Asia, and the pathogen went through a genetic bottleneck during its dispersal. These findings provide initial insights into the reproduction mode and dispersal pathways of P. polysora in China.
MRNIP interacts with sex body chromatin to support meiotic progression, spermatogenesis, and male fertility in mice
Authors: Kazi Samina , Castañeda Julio M. , Savolainen Audrey , Xu Yiding , Liu Ning , Qiao Huanyu , Ramirez‐Solis Ramiro , Nozawa Kaori , Yu Zhifeng , Matzuk Martin M. , Prunskaite‐Hyyryläinen Renata
Published: August 2022

Meiosis has a principal role in sexual reproduction to generate haploid gametes in both sexes. During meiosis, the cell nucleus hosts a dynamic environment where some genes are transcriptionally activated, and some are inactivated at the same time. This becomes possible through subnuclear compartmentalization. The sex body, sequestering X and Y chromosomes during male meiosis and creating an environment for the meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI) is one of the best known and studied subnuclear compartments. Herein, we show that MRNIP forms droplet‐like accumulations that fuse together to create a distinct subnuclear compartment that partially overlaps with the sex body chromatin during diplotene. We demonstrate that Mrnip−/− spermatocytes have impaired DNA double‐strand break (DSB) repair, they display reduced sex body formation and defective MSCI. We show that Mrnip−/− undergoes critical meiocyte loss at the diplotene stage. Furthermore, we determine that DNA DSBs (induced by SPO11) and synapsis initiation (facilitated by SYCP1) precede Mrnip expression in testes. Altogether, our findings indicate that in addition to an emerging role in DNA DSB repair, MRNIP has an essential function in spermatogenesis during meiosis I by forming drop‐like accumulations interacting with the sex body.