bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of severe periodontitis on arterial stiffness using cardio‐ankle vascular index in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Torumtay Cin Gizem , Fenkci Semin Melahat , Kiliç Ismail Doğu , Aslan Halil Serdar , Sevgican Cihan İlyas , Şenol Hande
Published: November 2023

Background and Objective

Arterial stiffness, which is a measure of the elasticity of the arteries, is also a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases and its measurement is important for evaluating the atherosclerosis process. The purpose of this cross‐sectional study to investigate whether severe periodontitis in short‐term type 2 diabetes may be associated with increased cardio‐ankle vascular index (CAVI) values specified for subclinical atherosclerosis risk.

Methods

A total of 136 subjects, including 69 subjects with short‐term type 2 diabetes (35 with severe periodontitis and 34 with periodontally healthy) and 67 systemically healthy subjects (32 with severe periodontitis and 35 with periodontally healthy) were enrolled to this study. Assessment of all participants included in this study in terms of arterial stiffness was determined by CAVI. Serum fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), triglyceride (TRG), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels were calculated using standard methods. Full mouth periodontal measurements were recorded. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between periodontal parameters and mean CAVI values of the groups.

Results

Mean CAVI levels were significantly higher in diabetic and periodontitis group compared to the other study groups (p < .05). In diabetes and periodontitis group, CAVI was showed positive correlations with CRP (r = .337, p = .048) and HbA1c (r = .442, p = .008). Also, positive significant correlations were found with probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) in the periodontitis groups. Multiple regression analysis revealed that CAL independently predicted CAVI levels in periodontitis groups (β = .433, p = .019 in diabetes and periodontitis groups and β = .57, p = .001 in systemically healthy and periodontitis group respectively).

Conclusion

This is the first study investigating the association between severe periodontitis and CAVI in patients with short‐term diabetes. Our findings suggest that severe periodontitis may be an intermediate factor in the pathway between type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease by increasing the arterial stiffness.
Muslim Brotherhood Memoirs: Prison as a Link among Hostile Groups
Authors: Porat Liad
Published: November 2023

In Egypt's 2012 elections, the Muslim Brotherhood came to power after many years of repression, an unprecedented victory for the country's most active opposition movement. The Brotherhood's journey can be divided into several stages. One of the most important, which has not received enough attention, is the imprisonment of many of its major figures. Long before the coup that overthrew President Mohamed Morsi in 2013, the Arab nationalist President Gamal Abdel Nasser brutally put down the movement with mass arrests. The Brotherhood's members dominated Egypt's prisons, but they were far from the only activists in the system, which also held communists, Zionists, and other Jewish prisoners. This article uses the memoirs of the incarcerated enemies of the state to examine the struggles of these groups inside Egypt's prisons and show how the institutions served as platforms to promote the ideological struggle against the regime.
Review Article White Piedra: Review of 131 cases
Authors: Guerrero‐Ponce Ana Elena , Araiza Javier , Tirado‐Sánchez Andrés , Bonifaz Alexandro
Published: November 2023

This study analyzes the clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with White Piedra through a systematic review of cases in the literature. A sample of 131 subjects was considered, of which 91.6% were female and most were 18 years of age or younger. Most studies were conducted in Brazil, followed by India, and Mexico. The most common etiologic agent found was Trichosporon spp (34.3%). Most affected patients were asymptomatic (94.6%) and predisposing factors included long hair, use of a hair band or hair accessories, and wet hair. The most common clinical feature was the presence of nodules. The evaluation of treatment effectiveness was hindered by the scarcity of follow‐up information in the majority of the studies. It is concluded that White Piedra infection is more common in young women and is associated with hair‐related factors.
Aplicação da Lei Maria da Penha para Mulheres Trans
Authors: Batista Sposato Karyna , De Souza Silva Matheus , Nascimento Gusmão de Abreu Lídia
Published: November 2023

Este artigo analisa a aplicabilidade da Lei Maria da Penha em defesa das mulheres trans, na decisão do Superior Tribunal de Justiça (STJ) em sede de Recurso Especial julgado pelo STJ, tendo como parâmetro a abordagem teórica-metodológica feminista da posicionalidade desenvolvida por Bartlett (2020). Inicialmente, com suporte em Foucault (2021) e Butler (2022), são revisitados os estudos teóricos de gênero, identidade de gênero e sexo, a fim de identificar discursos hegemônicos que provocam a marginalização e a violência contra mulheres trans. Valendo-se das discussões em torno do transfeminismo de Nascimento (2021), analisa-se a histórica vulnerabilidade dessas mulheres na seara judicial, agravada pela invisibilidade de parcela dos movimentos identitários. Enfatiza-se a importância de um olhar crítico e desconstitutivo do discurso jurídico dominante, visando mitigar a invisibilidade dessas mulheres. A aplicação das abordagens feministas nas decisões judiciais proporciona um caminho para a inclusão de garantias às mulheres trans. Da análise do julgado proferido pelo (STJ), resta comprovada a importância de abordagens contra hegemônicas, a exemplo da perspectiva da posicionalidade, desenvolvida por Bartlett (2020), para romper com a vulnerabilidade de mulheres trans, e cumprir com a dimensão emancipatória do próprio campo do Direito.
PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Lei Maria da Penha; Mulher transexual; Abordagem teórica-metodológica feminista; Gênero; Invisibilidade.
Atuação Judicial dos Sindicados dos Trabalhadores de Plataformas Digitais
Authors: Dos Santos Reis Camila , Carvalho Sampaio Oliveira Murilo
Published: November 2023

Este artigo analisa a atuação contenciosa dos sindicatos de trabalhadores de empresas sob o modelo de plataformas digitais no âmbito da Justiça do Trabalho. Inicia a discussão com o levantamento e mapeamento dos sindicatos de trabalhadores de plataformas em todo o país, bem como das ações judiciais coletivas movidas por esses sindicatos em todos os vinte e quatro Tribunais Regionais do Trabalho. A conclusão indica que o acesso à justiça desses sindicatos pressupõe a existência de registro sindical, haja vista que todas as ações coletivas ajuizadas não continham “carta” sindical, o que foi motivo de extinção da ação sem resolução do mérito em razão da ilegitimidade ativa em alguns casos. Quanto à metodologia, optou-se pelo método qualitativo e a técnica de pesquisa documental em virtude do levantamento dos dados nos processos judiciais.
PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Trabalhadores de plataformas digitais; Sindicatos; Registro sindical; Acesso à justiça.
Negociação Coletiva do Trabalho Remoto como Objeto Transitivo
Authors: Soares José Luiz
Published: November 2023

O artigo tem como ponto de partida a comparação entre as cláusulas sobre trabalho remoto negociadas no estado do Rio de Janeiro em 2020 e 2021. A perspectiva comparativa temporal orientou-se por três questões principais. Primeiramente, pela busca por contribuir para o mapeamento do arcabouço jurídico-normativo implementado a respeito do trabalho remoto e para a reflexão a respeito de suas consequências. Ademais, buscamos ressaltar o que o comparativo da negociação coletiva do trabalho remoto nesses dois anos informa tanto a respeito do unilateralismo patronal, traço característico das relações de trabalho no Brasil dos últimos anos, quanto a respeito das resistências dos trabalhadores a um contexto de reformas neoliberais.
PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Trabalho Remoto; Negociação Coletiva; Unilateralismo Patronal; Movimentos de Resistência.
REVIEWS OF ACOUSTICAL PATENTS
Authors: Fulop Sean A.
Published: November 2023

The purpose of these acoustical patent reviews is to provide enough information for a Journal reader to decide whether to seek more information from the patent itself. Any opinions expressed here are those of the reviewers as individuals and are not legal opinions. Patents are available via the internet at the USPTO website.
Increased modal damping of undamped single and multiscale acoustic black hole panels
Authors: Shepherd Micah R. , Stimson Emily M. , Hanford Amanda D.
Published: November 2023

The acoustic black hole (ABH) effect has been shown to increase damping of structures by focusing energy into a tapered-thickness region with added damping material. This paper illustrates that enhanced damping can be achieved without the use of damping material. Three panels were designed with different ABH grid patterns and parameters and compared to a baseline panel. Increased damping is shown to exist for two of the three ABH panels even though no damping material was applied. The panel modes which exhibited increased damping were local to the ABH grid while global modes did not exhibit increased damping.
Siglec-7 glyco-immune binding mAbs or NK cell engager biologics induce potent antitumor immunity against ovarian cancers
Authors: Bordoloi Devivasha , Kulkarni Abhijeet J. , Adeniji Opeyemi S. , Pampena M. Betina , Bhojnagarwala Pratik S. , Zhao Shushu , Ionescu Candice , Perales-Puchalt Alfredo , Parzych Elizabeth M. , Zhu Xizhou , Ali Ali R. , Cassel Joel , Zhang Rugang , Betts Michael R. , Abdel-Mohsen Mohamed , Weiner David B.
Published: November 2023

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a lethal gynecologic malignancy, with modest responses to CPI. Engagement of additional immune arms, such as NK cells, may be of value. We focused on Siglec-7 as a surface antigen for engaging this population. Human antibodies against Siglec-7 were developed and characterized. Coculture of OC cells with PBMCs/NKs and Siglec-7 binding antibodies showed NK-mediated killing of OC lines. Anti–Siglec-7 mAb (DB7.2) enhanced survival in OC-challenged mice. In addition, the combination of DB7.2 and anti–PD-1 demonstrated further improved OC killing in vitro. To use Siglec-7 engagement as an OC-specific strategy, we engineered an NK cell engager (NKCE) to simultaneously engage NK cells through Siglec-7, and OC targets through FSHR. The NKCE demonstrated robust in vitro killing of FSHR
+
OC, controlled tumors, and improved survival in OC-challenged mice. These studies support additional investigation of the Siglec-7 targeting approaches as important tools for OC and other recalcitrant cancers.
The SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin improves kidney function in glycogen storage disease XI
Authors: Trepiccione Francesco , Iervolino Anna , D’Acierno Mariavittoria , Siccardi Sabrina , Costanzo Vincenzo , Sardella Donato , De La Motte Luigi R. , D’Apolito Luciano , Miele Antonio , Perna Alessandra F. , Capolongo Giovanna , Zacchia Miriam , Frische Sebastian , Nielsen Rikke , Staiano Leopoldo , Sambri Irene , De Cegli Rossella , Unwin Robert , Eladari Dominique , Capasso Giovambattista
Published: November 2023

Glycogen storage disease XI, also known as Fanconi-Bickel syndrome (FBS), is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in theSLC2A2gene that encodes the glucose-facilitated transporter type 2 (GLUT2). Patients develop a life-threatening renal proximal tubule dysfunction for which no treatment is available apart from electrolyte replacement. To investigate the renal pathogenesis of FBS,SLC2A2expression was ablated in mouse kidney and HK-2 proximal tubule cells.GLUT2Pax8Cre+mice developed time-dependent glycogen accumulation in proximal tubule cells and recapitulated the renal Fanconi phenotype seen in patients. In vitro suppression of GLUT2 impaired lysosomal autophagy as shown by transcriptomic and biochemical analysis. However, this effect was reversed by exposure to a low glucose concentration, suggesting that GLUT2 facilitates the homeostasis of key cellular pathways in proximal tubule cells by preventing glucose toxicity. To investigate whether targeting proximal tubule glucose influx can limit glycogen accumulation and correct symptoms in vivo, we treated mice with the selective SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin. Dapagliflozin reduced glycogen accumulation and improved metabolic acidosis and phosphaturia in the animals by normalizing the expression of Napi2a and NHE3 transporters. In addition, in a patient with FBS, dapagliflozin was safe, improved serum potassium and phosphate concentrations, and reduced glycogen content in urinary shed cells. Overall, this study provides proof of concept for dapagliflozin as a potentially suitable therapy for FBS.
Respiration is essential for aerobic growth of
Zymomonas mobilis
ZM4
Authors: Felczak Magdalena M. , Bernard Matthew P. , TerAvest Michaela A.
Published: November 2023

Zymomonas mobilis
is an alpha-proteobacterium that is a promising platform for industrial scale production of biofuels due to its efficient ethanol fermentation and low biomass generation.
Z. mobilis
is aerotolerant and encodes a complete respiratory electron transport chain, but the benefit of respiration for growth in oxic conditions has never been confirmed, despite decades of research. Growth and ethanol production of wild-type
Z. mobilis
is poor in oxic conditions indicating that it does not benefit from oxidative phosphorylation. Additionally, in previous studies, aerobic growth improved significantly when respiratory genes were disrupted (
ndh
) or acquired point mutations (
cydA
and
cydB
), even if respiration was significantly reduced by these changes. Here, we obtained clean deletions of respiratory genes
ndh
and
cydAB
, individually and in combination, and showed, for the first time, that deletion of
cydAB
completely inhibited O
2
respiration and dramatically reduced growth in oxic conditions. Both respiration and aerobic growth were restored by expressing a heterologous, water-forming NADH oxidase,
noxE
. Oxygen can have many negative effects, including formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or directly inactivating oxygen sensitive enzymes. Our results suggest that the effect of molecular oxygen on enzymes had a greater negative impact on
Z. mobilis
than formation of ROS. This result shows that the main role of the electron transport chain in
Z. mobilis
is reducing the intracellular concentration of molecular oxygen, helping to explain why it is beneficial for
Z. mobilis
to use electron transport chain complexes that have little capacity to contribute to oxidative phosphorylation.

IMPORTANCE

A key to producing next-generation biofuels is to engineer microbes that efficiently convert non-food materials into drop-in fuels, and to engineer microbes effectively, we must understand their metabolism thoroughly.
Zymomonas mobilis
is a bacterium that is a promising candidate biofuel producer, but its metabolism remains poorly understood, especially its metabolism when exposed to oxygen. Although
Z. mobilis
respires with oxygen, its aerobic growth is poor, and disruption of genes related to respiration counterintuitively improves aerobic growth. This unusual result has sparked decades of research and debate regarding the function of respiration in
Z. mobilis
. Here, we used a new set of mutants to determine that respiration is essential for aerobic growth and likely protects the cells from damage caused by oxygen. We conclude that the respiratory pathway of
Z. mobilis
should not be deleted from chassis strains for industrial production because this would yield a strain that is intolerant of oxygen, which is more difficult to manage in industrial settings.
Single-cell phenotypes revealed as a key biomarker in bacterial–fungal interactions: a case study of
Staphylococcus
and
Malassezia
Authors: Lyou Eun Sun , Kim Min Sung , Kim Soo Bin , Park MinJi , Kim Kyong-Dong , Jung Won Hee , Lee Tae Kwon
Published: November 2023

Microbial interactions are determined by competition, cooperation, and inaction, depending on the transcriptional response to the metabolites secreted by each other. The consequence of these interactions is reflected in the cell phenotype by the composition of cell materials, including lipids, nucleotides, and proteins. We studied the phenotypic plasticity of single cells involved in microbial interactions using Raman spectroscopy and evaluated the types of interactions by linking phenotypes to transcriptional profiles. We used a membrane-based co-culture system to induce chemical interactions between skin-dominant bacteria and fungi,
Staphylococcus
and
Malassezia. Staphylococcus
species exhibited an amensalism interaction with
Malassezia
based on growth and cell viability.
Malassezia
co-cultured with
S. epidermidis
and
S. aureus
resulted in significant changes in the Raman spectra of nucleic acids and proteins in the Raman phenotypes, respectively. The observed differences in phenotypes during co-culture with
Malassezia
were significantly associated with changes in transcriptomic profiles, which demonstrated variations in the defense/resistance and biofilm-formation mechanisms of
S. epidermidis,
whereas no meaningful changes were observed for the transcriptome of
S. aureus
. These approaches provide a robust, simple, and reproducible method for comprehending bacterial–fungal interactions.

IMPORTANCE

Evaluating bacterial–fungal interactions is important for understanding ecological functions in a natural habitat. Many studies have defined bacterial–fungal interactions according to changes in growth rates when co-cultivated. However, the current literature lacks detailed studies on phenotypic changes in single cells associated with transcriptomic profiles to understand the bacterial-fungal interactions. In our study, we measured the single-cell phenotypes of bacteria co-cultivated with fungi using Raman spectroscopy with its transcriptomic profiles and determined the consequence of these interactions in detail. This rapid and reliable phenotyping approach has the potential to provide new insights regarding bacterial–fungal interactions.
HBHA-IGRA and cytotoxic mediators release assays for the diagnosis of cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis
Authors: Bchiri Soumaya , Bouzekri Asma , Ouni Rym , Lahiani Rim , Romdhane Emna , Dekhil Neira , Ben Hamouda Sonia , Mardassi Helmi , Ferjani Asma , Petit Emanuelle , Corbière Véronique , Rammeh Soumaya , Mascart Françoise , Locht Camille , Ben Salah Mamia , Barbouche Mohamed Ridha , Benabdessalem Chaouki
Published: November 2023

Cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis (CTL), the most frequent extrapulmonary form of tuberculosis, is a serious health problem in Tunisia. CTL diagnosis is challenging mainly due to the paucibacillary nature of the disease and the potential misdiagnosis as cervical non-tuberculous lymphadenitis (CNTL). Here, we evaluated the performance of heparin-binding hemagglutinin (HBHA) interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) release assay (IGRA) for the diagnosis of CTL. In addition, we evaluated granzyme B, granulysin, and perforin release assays as CTL biomarkers and assessed their potential contribution to improve HBHA-IGRA performance. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from CTL-suspected patients were stimulated with HBHA, early secreted antigenic target 6 (ESAT-6), or purified protein derivative (PPD) for 24 h in the presence of IL-7. Cytotoxic mediators and IFN-γ release were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the capacity of HBHA, ESAT-6, and PPD to discriminate between CTL (
n
= 27) and CNTL (
n
= 21). After applying bivariate and multivariate analyses, IFN-γ responses to HBHA appeared to offer the best distinction between CTL and CNTL, with an area under the curve of 0.9947, associated with 95.24% and 100% sensitivity and specificity, respectively. A principal component analysis showed clear clustering of the CTL versus the CNTL groups. This clustering was mainly attributed to HBHA-induced IFN-γ, PPD-induced granzyme B, and PPD-induced IFN-γ. These results thus suggest that the HBHA-IGRA provides high diagnostic accuracy for CTL versus CNTL, with high sensitivity and specificity. Combining HBHA-induced IFN-γ and PPD-induced granzyme B improves the accuracy to identify CTL.

IMPORTANCE

Cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis (CTL), the most frequent extrapulmonary form of tuberculosis, is currently a major health problem in Tunisia and in several regions around the world. CTL diagnosis is challenging mainly due to the paucibacillary nature of the disease and the potential misdiagnosis as cervical non-tuberculous lymphadenitis. This study demonstrates the added value of the heparin-binding hemagglutinin-interferon-gamma release assay as an immunoassay in the context of CTL.
Small protein mediates inhibition of ammonium transport in
Methanosarcina mazei
—an ancient mechanism?
Authors: Habenicht Tim , Weidenbach Katrin , Velazquez-Campoy Adrian , Buey Ruben M. , Balsera Monica , Schmitz Ruth A.
Published: November 2023

In the past decade, small open reading frames (sORFs) coding for proteins less than 70 amino acids (aa) in length have moved into the focus of science. sORFs and the corresponding small proteins have been recently identified in all three domains of life. However, the majority of small proteins remain functionally uncharacterized. While several bacterial small proteins have already been described, the number of identified and functionally characterized small proteins in archaea is still limited. In this study, we have discovered that the small protein 36 (sP36), which consists of only 61 aa, plays a critical role in regulating nitrogen metabolism in
Methanosarcina mazei
. The absence of sP36 significantly delays the growth of
M. mazei
when transitioning from nitrogen limitation to nitrogen sufficiency, as compared to the wild type. Through our
in vivo
experiments, we have observed that during nitrogen limitation, sP36 is dispersed throughout the cytoplasm; however, upon shifting the cells to nitrogen sufficiency, it relocates to the cytoplasmic membrane. Furthermore, an
in vitro
biochemical analysis clearly showed that sP36 interacts with high affinity with the ammonium transporter AmtB
1
present in the cytoplasmic membrane during nitrogen limitation as well as with the PII-like protein GlnK
1
. Moreover, the
in vivo
GlnK
1
interaction with AmtB
1
due to nitrogen upshifts requires the presence of sP36. Based on our findings, we propose that in response to an ammonium upshift, sP36 targets the ammonium transporter AmtB
1
and inhibits its activity by mediating the interaction with GlnK
1
.

IMPORTANCE

Small proteins containing fewer than 70 amino acids, which were previously disregarded due to computational prediction and biochemical detection challenges, have gained increased attention in the scientific community in recent years. However, the number of functionally characterized small proteins, especially in archaea, is still limited. Here, by using biochemical and genetic approaches, we demonstrate a crucial role of the small protein sP36 in the nitrogen metabolism of
M. mazei
, which modulates the ammonium transporter AmtB1 according to nitrogen availability. This modulation might represent an ancient archaeal mechanism of AmtB1 inhibition, in contrast to the well-studied uridylylation-dependent regulation in bacteria.
Behavioural outcomes of children born with intrauterine growth restriction: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yakoub Ninib , Reinelt Tilman , Natalucci Giancarlo
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a pregnancy condition, which is associated with poor perinatal outcomes and long-term neurodevelopmental impairment. Several studies also investigated the impact of IUGR on child behaviour (eg, internalising and externalising behaviour, social competencies). However, so far, no systematic review or meta-analysis has been conducted that summarises these effects while considering relevant third variables such as type of IUGR diagnosis and control group, or concurrent cognitive abilities. The objective of this study is to summarise the current evidence regarding the relationship between IUGR and behavioural outcomes from early childhood to young adulthood. Additionally, to explore how third variables such as type of control group, or cognitive abilities, relate to this association.

Methods

Search strategy: The following electronic databases will be searched—Web of Science, Medline Ovid, PsycInfo, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Embase. Inclusion criteria: observational (eg, cohort studies and case–control studies) and intervention studies (if standard care is used and norm values are reported for the control group) will be included if they quantitatively compare children with and without IUGR from the age of 2 to 18 years. The main outcomes are internalising and externalising behaviour, and social competencies.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethics approval was necessary for this protocol. Dissemination of findings will be done by publishing the results in peer-reviewed journals. The results of this systematic review will provide guidance for practice and counselling for clinicians and therapists facing patients affected by IUGR and their families.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022347467.
Co-positivity of tensors and boundedness-from-below conditions of CP conserving two-Higgs-doublet potential
Authors: Song Yisheng
Published: November 2023

In this paper, the analytic sufficient and necessary conditions are obtained for the CP conserving two-Higgs-doublet potential to be bounded from below by using the co-positivity of tensors. This is achieved by treating the potential as a fourth-order homogeneous polynomial about the moduli of the two Higgs doublet fields, where the “angles” is described as the misalignment of the two doublets, then solving three minimum problems with respect to the misalignment. Finally, the analytic conditions are established with the help of the corresponding theory and methods of higher-order tensors.
P−v criticality and Joule–Thomson expansion in corrected thermodynamics of conformally dressed (2+1)D AdS black hole
Authors: Sudhanshu Himanshu Kumar , Singh Dharm Veer , Bekov Sabit , Myrzakulov Kairat , Upadhyay Sudhaker
Published: November 2023

We consider a black hole in three-dimensional AdS space–time conformally coupled to a massless scalar field. Due to small statistical fluctuation, we also study the [Formula: see text] criticality and phase transition in corrected thermodynamics. We calculate the critical exponents and show that the thermodynamic properties of the black hole act as a Van der Waals fluid system. Furthermore, we analyze the inversion curve of the Joule–Thomson expansion for the considered three-dimensional conformally dressed black hole.
Frontier in two-dimensional materials with nonlinearity: A big data analysis of saturable absorbers for pulse lasers applications
Authors: Liu Bin , Shi Jian , Zhang Hanke , Wang Wenyue , Li Mingan , Wang Xianping , Zhou Wen , Zhu Sicong , Yu Qiang
Published: November 2023

The peculiar nonlinear optical responses of two-dimensional (2D) materials endow them highly attractive for photonics applications. This review systematically discusses the performance of pulsed lasers employing 2D materials as their modulation device. First, it is crucial to categorize 2D materials that can act as saturable absorbers, encompassing a range of substances such as Graphene, Black Phosphorus, Topological Insulators, MXene, and even heterojunction. Furthermore, a thorough investigation is conducted to analyze the performance indexes to study the nonlinear characteristics of 2D materials in the pulse generation. Especially, the focus is on the 1.5 [Formula: see text]m band ultrafast lasers utilizing 2D materials. This paper also provides a comprehensive analysis of the obstacles and prospects in 2D materials preparation, and their utilization in the pulse laser systems.
Crystallization, vibrational, optical, dielectric, and hardness analyses of L-histidine hydrochloride hydrate crystals for nonlinear optical uses
Authors: Albert Helen Merina , Gonsago C. Alosious
Published: November 2023

The advancement of crystal growth and characterization methods allows us to investigate new substances with excellent nonlinear optical characteristics. To synthesize nonlinear optical material L-histidine hydrochloride hydrate (L-HHCLH), the gradual evaporation process was used. The produced samples were characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, UV–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, second harmonic generation (SHG) test, dielectric, and mechanical investigations. The L-HHCLH sample was crystallized in an orthorhombic structure with the P212121 space group, as verified by the crystallographic data. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy were applied to examine the molecular vibrations and availability of the functional groups of the compound. The L-HHCLH is significantly transparent across the UV and visible ranges, as shown by the UV–Vis spectra measurements. The bandgap of L-HHCLH is 5.45 eV. The SHG test showed that the L-HHCLH crystals produced a significant amount of SHG output thrice that of the potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) sample. The frequency dependences of the dielectric parameters were investigated in the dielectric tests. With increasing frequency, both the dielectric constant and loss dropped exponentially. The crystal hardness was determined using a microhardness test.
State-Spatial Viewpoint of Stress in Thermally Postbuckled and Nonlinearly Bent FG Saturated Poroelastic Circular Plates
Authors: Panah Manouchehr , Khorshidvand Ahmad Reza , Khorsandijou S. Mahdi , Jabbari Mohsen
Published: November 2023

A dimensionless discrete state-space mathematical model is proposed for stress analysis of an axially-symmetric saturated poroelastic circular plate being loaded by temperature rise of one of the flat faces. Computation of stress by means of this model is free from a need for differentiation. The curves of thermal postbuckling, thermal nonlinear bending, radial stress, circumferential stress and resultant radial force have been achieved by means of six state-space variables and differential quadrature procedure. The effects of loading temperature, boundary conditions, porosity, pore distribution and fluid pore pressure on the thermal post buckling and nonlinear bending phenomena have been investigated. The critical postbuckling thermal load has been determined by means of a numerical algorithm that does not converge to trivial solution because it starts from a relatively great numerical thermal load. Contrary to the governing equation in usual form, the governing equations in state space together with the state equations equalize the number of the governing assembled difference equations and that of the unknowns, and eventually do not require to apply the so-called auxiliary extra boundary conditions at the nodes adjacent to the boundary nodes. As another advantage, in state-spatial viewpoint, there is not any necessity for computing the coefficients of derivatives with order higher than unity.
Community-Driven Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing
Authors: Rothrock Blaine , Greenlee Eric , Hester Josiah
Published: November 2023

This article calls for careful, calculated, community-driven co-design of mobile and ubiquitous solutions to bridge the gap in financing and capacity of marginalized communities as they battle for the safety and health of their members. Communities across the globe face incredible challenges to preserve their environment, lifestyle, prosperity, equality, and even democracy. In the past five years, the urgency of multiple global crises, including climate degradation that causes extreme weather and shatters ecosystems and the COVID-19 pandemic that caused a global health crisis and economic upheaval, has threatened an already delicate balance. However, the impacts of these events are uneven - vulnerable, low-income, and marginalized communities have borne the brunt of many of these crises, not having the infrastructure or capacity to address every single gap.
Sovereign Debt Puzzles
Authors: Bolton Patrick , Gulati Mitu , Panizza Ugo
Published: November 2023

We review the state of the sovereign debt literature and point out that the canonical model of sovereign debt cannot be easily reconciled with several facts about sovereign debt pricing and servicing. We identify and classify more than 20 puzzles. Some are well-known and documented, others are less so and are sometimes based on anecdotal evidence. We classify these puzzles into three categories: puzzles about how sovereigns issue debt; puzzles about the pricing of sovereign debt; and puzzles about sovereign default and the working out of defaults. We conclude by suggesting possible avenues for new research aimed at reconciling theory with what we observe in the real world.
Congenital Hepatic Fibrosis in a 2-Year-Old Child Presenting with Fever of Unknown Origin
Authors: Penfold Michael P. , Annankra Wentiirim B. , Hull Nathan C. , Corredor Margarita
Published: November 2023

Congenital hepatic fibrosis is a rare, autosomal recessive, fibro-polycystic disease resulting from ductal plate malformation, leading to proliferation and fibrosis of bile ducts. Progressive hepatic fibrosis leads to portal hypertension and varices which can present with life threatening gastrointestinal hemorrhage. We report a case of congenital hepatic fibrosis in a 2-year-old child who presented with 8 days of fever without any significant medical history or physical examination findings.
Involvement of Coenzyme Q10 in Various Neurodegenerative and Psychiatric Diseases
Authors: Ebrahimi Alireza , Kamyab Amirhossein , Hosseini Sahar , Ebrahimi Sedigheh , Ashkani-Esfahani Soheil
Published: November 2023

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), commonly known as ubiquinone, is a vitamin-like component generated in mitochondrial inner membranes. This molecule is detected broadly in different parts of the human body in various quantities. This molecule can be absorbed by the digestive system from various nutritional sources as supplements. CoQ10 exists in three states: in a of reduced form (ubiquinol), in a semiquinone radical form, and in oxidized ubiquinone form in different organs of the body, playing a crucial role in electron transportation and contributing to energy metabolism and oxygen utilization, especially in the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Since the early 1980s, research about CoQ10 has become the interest for two reasons. First, CoQ10 deficiency has been found to have a link with cardiovascular, neurologic, and cancer disorders. Second, this molecule has an antioxidant and free-radical scavenger nature. Since then, several investigations have indicated that the drug may benefit patients with cardiovascular, neuromuscular, and neurodegenerative illnesses. CoQ10 may protect the neurological system from degeneration and degradation due to its antioxidant and energy-regulating activity in mitochondria. This agent has shown its efficacy in preventing and treating neurological diseases such as migraine, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Friedreich’s ataxia. This study reviews the literature to highlight this agent’s potential therapeutic effects in the mentioned neurological disorders.
Supplementary Methods from Stromal DDR2 Promotes Ovarian Cancer Metastasis through Regulation of Metabolism and Secretion of Extracellular Matrix Proteins
Authors: Schab Angela M. , Greenwade Molly M. , Stock Elizabeth , Lomonosova Elena , Cho Kevin , Grither Whitney R. , Noia Hollie , Wilke Daniel , Mullen Mary M. , Hagemann Andrea R. , Hagemann Ian S. , Thaker Premal H. , Kuroki Lindsay M. , McCourt Carolyn K. , Khabele Dineo , Powell Matthew A. , Mutch David G. , Zhao Peinan , Shriver Leah P. , Patti Gary J. , Longmore Gregory D. , Fuh Katherine C.
Published: November 2023

Additional info regarding Methods
A New Wave of PI3Kα Inhibitors
Authors: Kearney Alison L. , Vasan Neil
Published: November 2023

This is the first peer-reviewed report of an allosteric, mutant-selective PI3Kα inhibitor, STX-478, that reduces PIK3CA-mutant tumor growth in mice. However, in contrast to the FDA-approved PI3Kα isoform–selective inhibitor alpelisib, STX-478 does not induce hyperglycemia or other metabolic dysfunctions.

See related article by Buckbinder et al., p. 2432 (7).
The Promise and Limitations of Neoadjuvant Immune-Checkpoint Blockade in Resectable Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Cooper Alissa J. , Yu Helena A.
Published: November 2023

The landscape of neoadjuvant immune-checkpoint blockade for resectable non–small cell lung cancer has become an exciting area of clinical and translational exploration. Cascone and colleagues present a platform study of one cycle of novel immunomodulatory agents prior to surgical resection, offering a unique opportunity to perform translational biomarker studies, though many questions remain regarding the ultimate application to a broader patient population.

See related article by Cascone et al., p. 2394 (1).
External Validation of a Multivariate Model for Targeted Surfactant Replacement
Authors: Raimondi Francesco , Dolce Pasquale , Veropalumbo Claudio , Sierchio Enrico , Gregorio Hernandez Rebeca , Rodriguez Fanjul Javier , Meneghin Fabio , Raschetti Roberto , Bonadies Luca , Corsini Iuri , Alonso Ojembarrena Almudena , Salomè Serena , Rodeño Fernandez Lorena , Sanchez Luna Manuel , Lista Gianluca , Mosca Fabio , Dani Carlo , Baraldi Eugenio , Giordano Lucio , Davis Peter G , Capasso Letizia
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Early targeted surfactant therapy for preterm infants is recommended but the best criteria to personalize treatment are unclear. We validate a previously published multivariate prognostic model based on gestational age (GA), lung ultrasound score (LUS), and oxygen saturation to inspire oxygen fraction ratio (SatO2/FiO2) using an independent data set. Methods: Pragmatic, observational study in 10 Italian and Spanish NICUs, including preterm babies (250 and 336 weeks divided into 3 GA intervals) with clinical signs of respiratory distress syndrome and stabilized on CPAP. LUS and SatO2/FiO2 were collected soon after stabilization. Their prognostic accuracy was evaluated on the subsequent surfactant administration by a rigorously masked physician. Results: One hundred seventy-five infants were included in the study. Surfactant was given to 74% infants born at 25–27 weeks, 38.5% at 28–30 weeks, and 26.5% at 31–33 weeks. The calibration curve comparing the validation and the development populations showed significant overlap with an intercept = 0.08, 95% CI (−0.34; 0.5) and a slope = 1.53, 95% CI (1.07–1.98). The validation cohort had a high predictive accuracy. Its ROC curve showed an AUC = 0.95, 95% CI (0.91–0.99) with sensitivity = 0.93, 95% CI (0.83–0.98), specificity = 0.81, 95% CI (0.73–0.88), PPV = 0.76, 95% CI (0.65–0.84), NPV = 0.95, 95% CI (0.88–0.98). LUS ≥9 demonstrated the highest sensitivity (0.91, 95% CI [0.82–0.97]) and specificity = 0.81, 95% CI (0.72–0.88) as individual predictor. LUS and SatO2/FiO2 prognostic performances varied with GA. Conclusion: We validated a prognostic model based on LUS and Sat/FiO2 to facilitate early, customized surfactant administration that may improve respiratory management of preterm neonates.
Effects of Interaction Approaches and Added High-Tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication on Prelinguistic and Linguistic Communication from School-Age Beginning Communicators
Authors: Caldwell Nicolette Sammarco , Holyfield Christine , Zimmerman Tara O’Neill
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention research is rarely focused on school-age beginning communicators, despite the urgent need to ensure individuals in this population have access to the fundamental human right of communication. Methods: Four school-age children with multiple disabilities who were primarily prelinguistic communicators participated in the current study. The study used a single-subject research design to explore the effects of two interaction approaches – a social routine approach and a directive approach – on prelinguistic communication, compared to independent play and to one another. This study then evaluated the added effects of high-tech AAC within the most effective interaction approach for each participant. Results: All participants demonstrated prelinguistic communication indicating positive affect most frequently when interacting within a social routine. Furthermore, all participants increased linguistic communication while either maintaining or increasing prelinguistic communication when high-tech AAC was added to the social routine interaction. Conclusions: Clinicians should consider building accessible, predictable, engaging, and age-respectful social routines into leisure contexts to promote prelinguistic communication from school-age beginning communicators. Clinicians should also provide access to linguistic communication through high-tech AAC while continuing to honor and promote prelinguistic communication.
Effects of Early Short-Course Corticosteroids on Immune-Related Adverse Events in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Huang Derek De-Rui , Liao Bin-Chi , Hsu Wei-Hsun , Yang Ching-Yao , Lin Yen-Ting , Wu Shang-Gin , Tsai Tzu-Hsiu , Chen Kuan-Yu , Ho Chao-Chi , Liao Wei-Yu , Shih Jin-Yuan , Yu Chong-Jen , Yang James Chih-Hsin , Cheng Ann-Lii , Shen Ying-Chun
Published: November 2023

Introduction: In real-world practice, most non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving combined immunochemotherapy are exposed to short-course corticosteroids following immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) infusion to prevent chemotherapy-related adverse events. However, whether this early short-course corticosteroid use prevents immune-related adverse events (irAEs) remains unknown. Methods: Between January 1st, 2015, and December 31st, 2020, NSCLC patients who received at least one cycle of ICI with or without chemotherapy were enrolled. Early short-course corticosteroids were defined as corticosteroids administered following ICI injection and before chemotherapy on the same day and no longer than 3 days afterward. The patients were categorized as either “corticosteroid group” or “non-corticosteroid group” depending on their exposure to early short-course corticosteroid. The frequencies of irAEs requiring systemic corticosteroid use and irAEs leading to ICI discontinuation were compared between the two groups, and exploratory survival analyses were performed. Results: Among 252 eligible patients, 137 patients were categorized as “corticosteroid group” and 115 patients as “non-corticosteroid group.” The corticosteroid group enriched patients in the first-line setting (n = 75, 54.7%), compared to the non-corticosteroid group (n = 28, 24.3%). Thirty patients (21.9%) in the corticosteroid group and 35 patients (30.4%) in the non-corticosteroid group developed irAEs requiring systemic corticosteroid use (odds ratio [OR], 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.35–1.18; p = 0.15). Eight patients (5.8%) in the corticosteroid group, as compared with 18 patients (15.7%) in the non-corticosteroid group, permanently discontinued ICI due to irAEs (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.12–0.85; p = 0.013). Conclusion: Early short-course corticosteroids following each ICI injection may reduce the rate of irAEs that lead to ICIs discontinuation, warranting further investigation of its prophylactic use to mitigate clinically significant irAEs.
Reversibility of Impaired Large-Scale Functional Brain Networks in Cushing’s Disease after Surgery Treatment: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Cheng Hewei , Gao Lu , Jing Rixing , Hou Bo , Guo Xiaopeng , Yao Yong , Feng Ming , Xing Bing , Feng Feng , Fan Yong
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Chronic exposure to excessive endogenous cortisol leads to brain changes in Cushing’s disease (CD). However, it remains unclear how CD affects large-scale functional networks (FNs) and whether these effects are reversible after treatment. This study aimed to investigate functional network changes of CD patients and their reversibility in a longitudinal cohort. Methods: Active CD patients (N = 37) were treated by transsphenoidal pituitary surgery and reexamined 3 months later. FNs were computed from resting-state fMRI data of the CD patients and matched normal controls (NCs, N = 37). A pattern classifier was built on the FNs to distinguish active CD patients from controls and applied to FNs of the CD patients at the 3-month follow-up. Two subgroups of endocrine-remitted CD patients were identified according to their classification scores, referred to as image-based phenotypically (IBP) recovered and unrecovered CD patients, respectively. The informative FNs identified by the classification model were compared between NCs, active CD patients, and endocrine-remitted patients as well as between IBP recovered and unrecovered CD patients to explore their functional network reversibility. Results: All 37 CD patients reached endocrine remission after treatment. The classification model identified three informative FNs, including cerebellar network (CerebN), fronto-parietal network (FPN), and default mode network. Among them, CerebN and FPN partially recovered toward normal at 3 months after treatment. Moreover, the informative FNs were correlated with 24-h urinary-free cortisol and emotion scales in CD patients. Conclusion: These findings suggest that CD patients have aberrant FNs that are partially reversible toward normal after treatment.
A África e sua representação: O Pan-africanismo e o Renascimento Africano na literatura de Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Authors: Welter Márcia Rohr , Otavio Anselmo
Published: November 2023

Durante muito tempo, quando se falava de África, pensava-se em um continente em que prevalecia a miséria e que estava fadado ao fracasso. Esse pensamento é fruto de uma história única desenvolvida, sobretudo, pelo ocidente que estereotipou o continente africano. A literatura, que estabelece diálogos com momentos históricos e representa sociedades, tem contribuído para desconstruir essa narrativa única, principalmente, com a relevância, cada vez maior, que autores e narrativas de origem africana alcançam. Nesse sentido, o presente trabalho analisa a interação entre os movimentos do Pan-africanismo e do Renascimento Africano, respectivamente, nas obras Meio Sol Amarelo e Americanah, de Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Para isso, é empregado um procedimento indutivo e a investigação bibliográfica, que apresenta pressupostos teóricos desses dois movimentos desenvolvidos em períodos distintos, o Pan-africanismo nos séculos XIX e XX e o Renascimento Africano a partir da última década do século XX até a contemporaneidade. No desenvolvimento desse percurso, percebeu-se que as obras de Adichie apresentam nuances dos dois movimentos supracitados e que a autora desconstrói o estereótipo de uma história única sobre a África ao representar a complexidade das situações vivenciadas pela população.