bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular and Pharmacological Characterization of β-Adrenergic-like Octopamine Receptors in the Endoparasitoid Cotesia chilonis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)
Authors: Xu Gang , Zhang Yuan-Yuan , Gu Gui-Xiang , Yang Guo-Qing , Ye Gong-Yin
Published: November 2022

Octopamine (OA) is structurally and functionally similar to adrenaline/noradrenaline in vertebrates, and OA modulates diverse physiological and behavioral processes in invertebrates. OA exerts its actions by binding to specific octopamine receptors (OARs). Functional and pharmacological characterization of OARs have been investigated in several insects. However, the literature on OARs is scarce for parasitoids. Here we cloned three β-adrenergic-like OARs (CcOctβRs) from Cotesia chilonis. CcOctβRs share high similarity with their own orthologous receptors. The transcript levels of CcOctβRs were varied in different tissues. When heterologously expressed in CHO-K1 cells, CcOctβRs induced cAMP production, and were dose-dependently activated by OA, TA and putative octopaminergic agonists. Their activities were inhibited by potential antagonists and were most efficiently blocked by epinastine. Our study offers important information about the molecular and pharmacological properties of β-adrenergic-like OARs from C. chilonis that will provide the basis to reveal the contribution of individual receptors to the physiological processes and behaviors in parasitoids.
Theoretical Evaluation of Sulfur-Based Reactions as a Model for Biological Antioxidant Defense
Authors: De Sciscio Maria Laura , D’Annibale Valeria , D’Abramo Marco
Published: November 2022

Sulfur-containing amino acids, Methionine (Met) and Cysteine (Cys), are very susceptible to Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Therefore, sulfur-based reactions regulate many biological processes, playing a key role in maintaining cellular redox homeostasis and modulating intracellular signaling cascades. In oxidative conditions, Met acts as a ROS scavenger, through Met sulfoxide formation, while thiol/disulfide interchange reactions take place between Cys residues as a response to many environmental stimuli. In this work, we apply a QM/MM theoretical–computational approach, which combines quantum–mechanical calculations with classical molecular dynamics simulations to estimate the free energy profile for the above-mentioned reactions in solution. The results obtained, in good agreement with experimental data, show the validity of our approach in modeling sulfur-based reactions, enabling us to study these mechanisms in more complex biological systems.
Sphingosine Kinase 1 Deficiency in Smooth Muscle Cells Protects against Hypoxia-Mediated Pulmonary Hypertension via YAP1 Signaling
Authors: Chen Jiwang , Lockett Angelia , Zhao Shuangping , Huang Long Shuang , Wang Yifan , Wu Weiwen , Tang Ming , Haider Shahzaib , Velez Rendon Daniela , Khan Raheel , Liu Bing , Felesena Nicholas , Sysol Justin R. , Valdez-Jasso Daniela , Tang Haiyang , Bai Yang , Natarajan Viswanathan , Machado Roberto F.
Published: November 2022

Sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1) and the sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) signaling pathway have been shown to play a role in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). S1P is an important stimulus for pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell (PASMC) proliferation and pulmonary vascular remodeling. We aimed to examine the specific roles of SPHK1 in PASMCs during pulmonary hypertension (PH) progression. We generated smooth muscle cell-specific, Sphk1-deficient (Sphk1f/f TaglnCre+) mice and isolated Sphk1-deficient PASMCs from SPHK1 knockout mice. We demonstrated that Sphk1f/f TaglnCre+ mice are protected from hypoxia or hypoxia/Sugen-mediated PH, and pulmonary vascular remodeling and that Sphk1-deficient PASMCs are less proliferative compared with ones isolated from wild-type (WT) siblings. S1P or hypoxia activated yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) signaling by enhancing its translocation to the nucleus, which was dependent on SPHK1 enzymatic activity. Further, verteporfin, a pharmacologic YAP1 inhibitor, attenuated the S1P-mediated proliferation of hPASMCs, hypoxia-mediated PH, and pulmonary vascular remodeling in mice and hypoxia/Sugen-mediated severe PH in rats. Smooth muscle cell-specific SPHK1 plays an essential role in PH via YAP1 signaling, and YAP1 inhibition may have therapeutic potential in treating PH.
N-acetylcysteine Reduces Inflammasome Activation Induced by SARS-CoV-2 Proteins In Vitro
Authors: Milara Javier , Martínez-Expósito Fernando , Montero Paula , Roger Inés , Bayarri Maria Amparo , Ribera Pilar , Oishi-Konari Miriam Natsuki , Alba-García Jose Ramón , Zapater Enrique , Cortijo Julio
Published: November 2022

Inflammasome activation is one of the first steps in initiating innate immune responses. In this work, we studied the activation of inflammasomes in the airways of critically ill COVID-19 patients and the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on inflammasomes. Tracheal biopsies were obtained from critically ill patients without COVID-19 and no respiratory disease (control, n = 32), SARS-CoV-2 B.1 variant (n = 31), and B.1.1.7 VOC alpha variant (n = 20) patients. Gene expression and protein expression were measured by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry. Macrophages and bronchial epithelial cells were stimulated with different S, E, M, and N SARS-CoV-2 recombinant proteins in the presence or absence of NAC. NLRP3 inflammasome complex was over-expressed and activated in the COVID-19 B.1.1.7 VOC variant and associated with systemic inflammation and 28-day mortality. TLR2/MyD88 and redox NOX4/Nrf2 ratio were also over-expressed in the COVID-19 B.1.1.7 VOC variant. The combination of S-E-M SARS-CoV-2 recombinant proteins increased cytokine release in macrophages and bronchial epithelial cells through the activation of TLR2. NAC inhibited SARS-CoV-2 mosaic (S-E-M)-induced cytokine release and inflammasome activation. In summary, inflammasome is over-activated in severe COVID-19 and increased in B.1.1.7 VOC variant. In addition, NAC can reduce inflammasome activation induced by SARS-CoV-2 in vitro, which may be of potential translational value in COVID-19 patients.
Acid-Switchable Synthesis of Trifluoromethylated Triazoles and Isoxazoles via Reaction of CF3-Ynones with NaN3: DFT Study of the Reaction Mechanism
Authors: Muzalevskiy Vasiliy M. , Sizova Zoia A. , Nechaev Mikhail S. , Nenajdenko Valentine G.
Published: November 2022

A detailed study of the reaction of CF3-ynones with NaN3 was performed. It was found that the reaction permits the selective synthesis of either 4-trifluoroacetyltriazoles or 5-CF3-isoxazoles. The chemoselectivity of the reaction was switchable via acid catalysis. The reaction of CF3-ynones with NaN3 in EtOH produced high yields of 4-trifluoroacetyltriazoles. In contrast, the formation of 5-CF3-isoxazoles was observed under catalysis by acids. This acid-switchable procedure can be performed at sub-gram scale. The possible reaction mechanism was supported by DFT calculations. The synthetic utility of the prepared 4-trifluoroacetyltriazoles was demonstrated.
Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of Inarching Invigorating Rootstock onto Incompatible Grafts in Citrus
Authors: He Wen , Xie Rui , Luo Liang , Chai Jiufeng , Wang Hao , Wang Yan , Chen Qing , Wu Zhiwei , Yang Shaofeng , Li Mengyao , Lin Yuanxiu , Zhang Yunting , Luo Ya , Zhang Yong , Tang Haoru , Gmitter Frederick G. , Wang Xiaorong
Published: November 2022

Grafting is a technique that is widely used in citrus production. Graft incompatibility often occurs in the orchard. Inarching can effectively improve the vigor of incompatible grafts, but its mechanism remains poorly understood. Our previous studies investigated the scion—rootstock interaction of citrus and highlighted the role of hormonal balance and genes in abscisic acid biosynthesis regulation. To further elucidate the mechanism of inarched grafts rejuvenation, Hm/Pt combination (Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merrill cv. ‘Hongmian miyou’ grafted onto Poncirus trifoliata) were inarched with ‘Pujiang Xiangcheng’ (a novel citrus rootstock cultivar recently selected from wild Citrus junos populations), and comprehensive analysis was performed to compare the inarched grafts and controls. Compared with incompatible grafts, the results revealed that inarching could recover the leaf metabolism balance, including reducing starch content, increasing chlorophyll content and restoring the cell structure. Additionally, our results corroborated that hormonal balance and hormone-related genes played a central role in inarching compatibility. Furthermore, the roles of Hsf4, ERF1, NCED3 and PYL were highlighted, and a model for explaining inarched grafts recovery invigoration was proposed. This study shed light on the mechanism of inarching regulation tree vigor and offered deep insights into the scion—rootstock interaction in citrus.
RING-Type E3 Ubiquitin Ligases AtRDUF1 and AtRDUF2 Positively Regulate the Expression of PR1 Gene and Pattern-Triggered Immunity
Authors: Yi So Young , Lee Myungjin , Kwon Suk-Yoon , Kim Woo Taek , Lim Yong Pyo , Kang Si-Yong
Published: November 2022

The importance of E3 ubiquitin ligases from different families for plant immune signaling has been confirmed. Plant RING-type E3 ubiquitin ligases are members of the E3 ligase superfamily and have been shown to play positive or negative roles during the regulation of various steps of plant immunity. Here, we present Arabidopsis RING-type E3 ubiquitin ligases AtRDUF1 and AtRDUF2 which act as positive regulators of flg22- and SA-mediated defense signaling. Expression of AtRDUF1 and AtRDUF2 is induced by pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and pathogens. The atrduf1 and atrduf2 mutants displayed weakened responses when triggered by PAMPs. Immune responses, including oxidative burst, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity, and transcriptional activation of marker genes, were attenuated in the atrduf1 and atrduf2 mutants. The suppressed activation of PTI responses also resulted in enhanced susceptibility to bacterial pathogens. Interestingly, atrduf1 and atrduf2 mutants showed defects in SA-mediated or pathogen-mediated PR1 expression; however, avirulent Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000-induced cell death was unaffected. Our findings suggest that AtRDUF1 and AtRDUF2 are not just PTI-positive regulators but are also involved in SA-mediated PR1 gene expression, which is important for resistance to P. syringae.
Combined Metabolomic and Quantitative RT-PCR Analyses Revealed the Synthetic Differences of 2-Acetyl-1-pyrroline in Aromatic and Non-Aromatic Vegetable Soybeans
Authors: Zhao Man , Qian Linlin , Chi Zhuoyu , Jia Xiaoli , Qi Fengjie , Yuan Fengjie , Liu Zhiqiang , Zheng Yuguo
Published: November 2022

Aroma is an important economic trait of vegetable soybeans, which greatly influences their market value. The 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP) is considered as an important substance affecting the aroma of plants. Although the 2AP synthesis pathway has been resolved, the differences of the 2AP synthesis in the aromatic and non-aromatic vegetable soybeans are unknown. In this study, a broad targeted metabolome analysis including measurement of metabolites levels and gene expression levels was performed to reveal pathways of aroma formation in the two developmental stages of vegetable soybean grains [35 (S5) and 40 (S6) days after anthesis] of the ‘Zhexian No. 8’ (ZX8, non-aromatic) and ZK1754 (aromatic). The results showed that the differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) of the two varieties can be classified into nine main categories including flavonoids, lipids, amino acids and derivatives, saccharides and alcohols, organic acids, nucleotides and derivatives, phenolic acids, alkaloids and vitamin, which mainly contributed to their phenotypic differences. Furthermore, in combination with the 2AP synthesis pathway, the differences of amino acids and derivatives were mainly involved in the 2AP synthesis. Furthermore, 2AP precursors’ analysis revealed that the accumulation of 2AP mainly occurred from 1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C), not 4-aminobutyraldehyde (GABald). The quantitative RT-PCR showed that the associated synthetic genes were 1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase (P5CDH), ∆1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase (P5CS), proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase (P5CR), which further verified the synthetic pathway of 2AP. Furthermore, the betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (GmBADH2) mutant was not only vital for the occurrence of 2AP, but also for the synthesis of 4-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in vegetable soybean. Therefore, the differences of 2AP accumulation in aromatic and non-aromatic vegetable soybeans have been revealed, and it also provides an important theoretical basis for aromatic vegetable soybean breeding.
IL-33 and the Cytokine Storm in COVID-19: From a Potential Immunological Relationship towards Precision Medicine
Authors: Furci Fabiana , Murdaca Giuseppe , Allegra Alessandro , Gammeri Luca , Senna Gianenrico , Gangemi Sebastiano
Published: November 2022

Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has represented, and still represents, a real challenge from a clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic point of view. During acute infection, the increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are involved in the pathology of disease and the development of SARS-CoV-2-induced acute respiratory disease syndrome, the life-threatening form of this infection, are correlated with patient survival and disease severity. IL-33, a key cytokine involved in both innate and adaptive immune responses in mucosal organs, can increase airway inflammation, mucus secretion and Th2 cytokine synthesis in the lungs, following respiratory infections. Similar to cases of exposure to known respiratory virus infections, exposure to SARS-CoV-2 induces the expression of IL-33, correlating with T-cell activation and lung disease severity. In this work, we analyse current evidence regarding the immunological role of IL-33 in patients affected by COVID-19, to evaluate not only the clinical impact correlated to its production but also to identify possible future immunological therapies that can block the most expressed inflammatory molecules, preventing worsening of the disease and saving patient lives.
Biomarkers of Response and Resistance to CDK4/6 Inhibitors in Breast Cancer: Hints from Liquid Biopsy and microRNA Exploration
Authors: Krasniqi Eriseld , Goeman Frauke , Pulito Claudio , Palcau Alina Catalina , Ciuffreda Ludovica , Di Lisa Francesca Sofia , Filomeno Lorena , Barba Maddalena , Pizzuti Laura , Cappuzzo Federico , Sanguineti Giuseppe , Maugeri-Saccà Marcello , Ciliberto Gennaro , Fanciulli Maurizio , Blandino Giovanni , Vici Patrizia
Published: November 2022

New evidence on the impact of dysregulation of the CDK4/6 pathway on breast cancer (BC) cell proliferation has led to the development of selective CDK4/6 inhibitors, which have radically changed the management of advanced BC. Despite the improved outcomes obtained by CDK4/6 inhibitors, approximately 10% of tumors show primary resistance, whereas acquired resistance appears to be an almost ubiquitous occurrence, leading to treatment failure. The identification of differentially expressed genes or genomic mutational signatures able to predict sensitivity or resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors is critical for medical decision making and for avoiding or counteracting primary or acquired resistance against CDK4/6 inhibitors. In this review, we summarize the main mechanisms of resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors, focusing on those associated with potentially relevant biomarkers that could predict patients’ response/resistance to treatment. Recent advances in biomarker identification are discussed, including the potential use of liquid biopsy for BC management and the role of multiple microRNAs as molecular predictors of cancer cell sensitivity and resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors.
Autoimmune Neutropenia and Immune-Dysregulation in a Patient Carrying a TINF2 Variant
Authors: Chianucci Benedetta , Grossi Alice , Dell'Orso Gianluca , Palmisani Elena , Lanciotti Marina , Terranova Paola , Pierri Filomena , Lupia Michela , Arcuri Luca , Laurino Marica , Ceccherini Isabella , Beier Fabian , Dufour Carlo , Fioredda Francesca , Miano Maurizio
Published: November 2022

In recent years, the knowledge about the immune-mediated impairment of bone marrow precursors in immune-dysregulation and autoimmune disorders has increased. In addition, immune-dysregulation, secondary to marrow failure, has been reported as being, in some cases, the most evident and early sign of the disease and making the diagnosis of both groups of disorders challenging. Dyskeratosis congenita is a disorder characterized by premature telomere erosion, typically showing marrow failure, nail dystrophy and leukoplakia, although incomplete genetic penetrance and phenotypes with immune-dysregulation features have been described. We report on a previously healthy 17-year-old girl, with a cousin successfully treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, who presented with leukopenia and neutropenia. The diagnostic work-up showed positive anti-neutrophil antibodies, leading to the diagnosis of autoimmune neutropenia, a slightly low NK count and high TCR-αβ+-double-negative T-cells. A next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis showed the 734C>A variant on exon 6 of the TINF2 gene, leading to the p.Ser245Tyr. The telomere length was short on the lymphocytes and granulocytes, suggesting the diagnosis of an atypical telomeropathy showing with immune-dysregulation. This case underlines the importance of an accurate diagnostic work-up of patients with immune-dysregulation, who should undergo NGS or whole exome sequencing to identify specific disorders that deserve targeted follow-up and treatment.
Genetic Determinants of Fiber-Associated Traits in Flax Identified by Omics Data Integration
Authors: Kanapin Alexander , Rozhmina Tatyana , Bankin Mikhail , Surkova Svetlana , Duk Maria , Osyagina Ekaterina , Samsonova Maria
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we explore potential genetic factors in control of flax phenotypes associated with fiber by mining a collection of 306 flax accessions from the Federal Research Centre of the Bast Fiber Crops, Torzhok, Russia. In total, 11 traits were assessed in the course of 3 successive years. A genome-wide association study was performed for each phenotype independently using six different single-locus models implemented in the GAPIT3 R package. Moreover, we applied a multivariate linear mixed model implemented in the GEMMA package to account for trait correlations and potential pleiotropic effects of polymorphisms. The analyses revealed a number of genomic variants associated with different fiber traits, implying the complex and polygenic control. All stable variants demonstrate a statistically significant allelic effect across all 3 years of the experiment. We tested the validity of the predicted variants using gene expression data available for the flax fiber studies. The results shed new light on the processes and pathways associated with the complex fiber traits, while the pinpointed candidate genes may be further used for marker-assisted selection.
Multimodal EEG Emotion Recognition Based on the Attention Recurrent Graph Convolutional Network
Authors: Chen Jingxia , Liu Yang , Xue Wen , Hu Kailei , Lin Wentao
Published: November 2022

EEG-based emotion recognition has become an important part of human–computer interaction. To solve the problem that single-modal features are not complete enough, in this paper, we propose a multimodal emotion recognition method based on the attention recurrent graph convolutional neural network, which is represented by Mul-AT-RGCN. The method explores the relationship between multiple-modal feature channels of EEG and peripheral physiological signals, converts one-dimensional sequence features into two-dimensional map features for modeling, and then extracts spatiotemporal and frequency–space features from the obtained multimodal features. These two types of features are input into a recurrent graph convolutional network with a convolutional block attention module for deep semantic feature extraction and sentiment classification. To reduce the differences between subjects, a domain adaptation module is also introduced to the cross-subject experimental verification. This proposed method performs feature learning in three dimensions of time, space, and frequency by excavating the complementary relationship of different modal data so that the learned deep emotion-related features are more discriminative. The proposed method was tested on the DEAP, a multimodal dataset, and the average classification accuracies of valence and arousal within subjects reached 93.19% and 91.82%, respectively, which were improved by 5.1% and 4.69%, respectively, compared with the only EEG modality and were also superior to the most-current methods. The cross-subject experiment also obtained better classification accuracies, which verifies the effectiveness of the proposed method in multimodal EEG emotion recognition.
Long-Term Assessment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse Reoperation Risk in Obese Women: Vaginal and Laparoscopic Approaches
Authors: Lallemant Marine , Giraudet Géraldine , Delporte Victoire , Behal Hélène , Rubod Chrystele , Delplanque Sophie , Kerbage Yohan , Cosson Michel
Published: November 2022

The aim of this study was to compare reoperation risks after pelvic organ prolapse repair at 5-year follow-up between obese, overweight, and normal-weight women and to assess these risks accounting for the surgical procedure. We performed a retrospective chart review of all the women who underwent POP repair by transvaginal mesh surgery between January 2005 and January 2009 or laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy between January 2003 and December 2013 at the Gynecologic Surgery Department of the Lille University Hospital. During the study period, 744 women who underwent POP repair were divided into three groups: 382 (51%), 240 (32%), and 122 (16%) in the nonobese group (BMI < 25 kg/m²), overweight group (25 kg/m² ≤ BMI < 30 kg/m²), and obese group (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²), respectively. The primary outcome was global reoperation. The median duration of follow-up was 87 months. The risks of global reoperation did not significantly differ between the three BMI groups (adjusted HR (95% CI): 1.12 (0.69 to 1.82) for overweight women and 0.90 (0.46 to 1.74) for obese women compared to normal-weight women, adjusted p = 0.80), nor among the women who underwent transvaginal mesh surgery or laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. The risks of reoperation for POP recurrence, stress urinary incontinence, or mesh-related complications did not significantly differ between the three BMI groups in the overall population nor accounting for the surgical procedure. In conclusion, obesity does not seem to be a risk factor of reoperation for POP recurrence, SUI, or mesh-related complications in the long term regardless of the surgical approach.
Detailed Correlation between Central Incisor Movement and Alveolar Bone Resorption in Adults with Orthodontic Premolar Extraction Treatment: A Retrospective Cohort CBCT Study
Authors: Zhang Chenghao , Ji Ling , Zhao Zhihe , Liao Wen
Published: November 2022

Background: This study aims to explore the detailed correlation between the movement of maxillary and mandibular central incisors and alveolar bone resorption in adults who had orthodontic premolar extraction treatment. Methods: A total of 63 adult patients (mean age, 24.41 years) who received orthodontic treatment with the extraction of four first premolars were included in this study. CBCT images were obtained before and after treatment. Three-dimensional evaluations of the movement of 252 central incisors (126 maxillary and 126 mandibular incisors) and alveolar bone changes were conducted. Four points were used to describe the incisor movement: C (cusp point), R (root apex point), M (mid-point of root neck), and L (labial cementoenamel junction point). The thickness of labial and palatal alveolar bone was assessed at the crestal, mid-root, and apical levels of incisors. The results were analyzed with Spearman’s correlation and multilinear regression. Results: Matching the measurements of central incisor movement and alveolar bone resorption, significant correlations could be observed. For maxillary central incisors, the labial alveolar bone resorption at the crestal level was correlated with the movement of Point L (r = 0.290, p < 0.05), and the labial alveolar bone resorption at the apical level was correlated with Point M (r = 0.387, p < 0.05). For mandibular central incisors, the labial alveolar bone resorption at the apical level was correlated with the movement of Point M (r = 0.493, p < 0.05) and R (r = 0.498, p < 0.01); the palatal alveolar bone resorption at the mid-root level with Point M (r = -0.170, p < 0.01); and the palatal alveolar bone resorption at the apical level with Point R (r = 0.177, p < 0.01). Conclusions: This study investigated the concrete correlations between central incisor movement and alveolar bone resorption in adults after orthodontic treatment with premolar extraction. It is potentially helpful for orthodontists to have a relatively accurate prediction of alveolar bone resorption based on the specific movements of central incisors and to reduce the risk of alveolar bone resorption by better adjusting the three-dimensional movement types of incisors.
Buckling Susceptibility of a K-File during the Initial Negotiations of Narrow and Curved Canals Using Different Manual Techniques
Authors: Santarcangelo Filippo , Dibello Vittorio , Garcia Aguilar Laura , Colella Adriana Carmelita , Ballini Andrea , Petruzzi Massimo , Solfrizzi Vincenzo , Panza Francesco
Published: November 2022

(1) Background: One possible way to investigate the potential impact or susceptibility of buckling on different manual techniques is to measure compressive loads during canal negotiation. The higher their values, the easier and quicker the critical load level to buckling is reached, leading to possible instrument lateral deformation. The objective of the present study was to investigate the impacts of compressive loads on a small K-file manipulated with different techniques for canal negotiation in simulated narrow and curved canals. (2) Methods: The tooth model selected was a plastic double-curved premolar 23 mm long (DRSK Group AB, Kasernvagen 2, SE-281 35, Hassleholm, Sweden) with an extremely narrow canal lumen to mimic a very difficult anatomical scenario. An experienced endodontist performed the negotiation of 90 of these artificial teeth randomly assigned to 3 different groups of 30 blocks each, respectively, using 3 different techniques: Group A: watch winding/pull (WW) motion; Group B: balanced forces (BF) technique; Group C: envelope of motion (EOM). The measurement system was based on the use of a dynamometer, Instron, Ltd. (model 2525-818 2kN f.s.), linked to a data acquisition unit HBM MGC+ to test all the compression and tensile loads, including all the peaks. (3) Results: All data acquired were processed by the CATMAN AP HBM software. Multiple comparisons for the highest compressive loads estimated the mean difference between WW vs. BF techniques of 3.60 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.85 to 4.35, p < 0.001], WW vs. EOM of −1.76 (95% CI: −2.11 to 1.40, p < 0.001), and BF vs. EOM −5.36 (95% CI: −6.04 to −4.67, p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: In conclusion, among the tested manual motions, the BF technique (Group B) was the most susceptible to buckling with the highest compressive load. WW motion (Group A) and EOM (Group C) were less susceptible to buckling than the BF technique. Therefore, a pressure-free manipulation of manual files, such as WW motion or EOM, can help reduce the susceptibility to buckling during the negotiation of narrow-curved canals.
Does Posterior Tibial Slope Influence Knee Kinematics in Medial Stabilized TKA?
Authors: Bauer Leandra , Thorwächter Christoph , Steinbrück Arnd , Jansson Volkmar , Traxler Hannes , Alic Zumreta , Holzapfel Boris Michael , Woiczinski Matthias
Published: November 2022

Background: During total knee arthroplasty (TKA), one of the key alignment factors to pay attention to is the posterior tibial slope (PTS). The PTS clearly influences the kinematics of the knee joint but must be adapted to the coupling degree of the specific TKA design. So far, there is hardly any literature including clear recommendations for how surgeons should choose the PTS in a medial stabilized (MS) TKA. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of different degrees of PTS on femorotibial kinematics in MS TKA. Materials and Methods: An MS TKA was performed in seven fresh-frozen human specimens successively with 0°, 3°, and 6° of PTS. After each modification, weight-bearing deep knee flexion (30–130°) was performed, and femorotibial kinematics were analyzed. Results: A lateral femoral rollback was observed for all three PTS modifications. With an increasing PTS, the tibia was shifted more anteriorly on the lateral side (0° PTS anterior tibial translation −9.09 (±9.19) mm, 3° PTS anterior tibial translation −11.03 (±6.72) mm, 6° PTS anterior tibial translation 11.86 (±9.35) mm). No difference in the tibial rotation was found for the different PTS variants. All PTS variants resulted in internal rotation of the tibia during flexion. With a 3° PTS, the design-specific medial rotation point was achieved more accurately. Conclusions: According to our findings, we recommend a PTS of 3° when implanting the MS prosthesis used in this study.
The Virtual “Enfacement Illusion” on Pain Perception in Patients Suffering from Chronic Migraine: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bottiroli Sara , Matamala-Gomez Marta , Allena Marta , Guaschino Elena , Ghiotto Natascia , De Icco Roberto , Sances Grazia , Tassorelli Cristina
Published: November 2022

Background: given the limited efficacy, tolerability, and accessibility of pharmacological treatments for chronic migraine (CM), new complementary strategies have gained increasing attention. Body ownership illusions have been proposed as a non-pharmacological strategy for pain relief. Here, we illustrate the protocol for evaluating the efficacy in decreasing pain perception of the enfacement illusion of a happy face observed through an immersive virtual reality (VR) system in CM. Method: the study is a double-blind randomized controlled trial with two arms, involving 100 female CM patients assigned to the experimental group or the control group. The experimental group will be exposed to the enfacement illusion, whereas the control group will be exposed to a pleasant immersive virtual environment. Both arms of the trial will consist in three VR sessions (20 min each). At the baseline and at the end of the intervention, the patients will fill in questionnaires based on behavioral measures related to their emotional and psychological state and their body satisfaction. Before and after each VR session, the level of pain, the body image perception, and the affective state will be assessed. Discussion: this study will provide knowledge regarding the relationship between internal body representation and pain perception, supporting the effectiveness of the enfacement illusion as a cognitive behavioral intervention in CM.
Elevated Serum CCL23 Levels at Admission Predict Delayed Cerebral Ischemia and Functional Outcome after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Lin Hongwei , Shen Jie , Zhu Yu , Zhou Lihui , Wu Fan , Liu Zongchi , Zhang Shengxiang , Zhan Renya
Published: November 2022

(1) Background: CC chemokine ligand 23 (CCL23) is a chemokine implicated in the inflammatory response following brain damage. The aim of this study is to identify the change in serum CCL23 levels within 24 h after aSAH and whether serum CCL23 levels are associated with initial clinical severity, delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), and functional outcome in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). (2) Methods: 102 patients with aSAH and 61 controls were included in this prospective observational study. All clinical data were collected prospectively, and their serum CCL23 levels were measured. Initial clinical severity was reflected by the Hunt–Hess score and mFisher score. Functional outcome was evaluated in terms of the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score at 6-month follow-up. (3) Results: Patients with aSAH had higher serum CCL23 levels than controls. The temporal profile of serum CCL23 levels and neutrophils count exhibited a sustained increase within 24 h after aSAH. Serum CCL23 levels were related to blood neutrophils count, blood CRP levels, and initial clinical severity. Serum CCL23 level was an independent predictor of DCI and 6-month poor outcome in aSAH patients. (4) Conclusions: Serum CCL23 levels emerged as an independent predictor for DCI and poor outcome in patients with aSAH.
Fetal Bradycardia Caused by Monogenic Disorders—A Review of the Literature
Authors: Westphal Dominik , Hauser Michael , Beckmann Britt-Maria , Wolf Cordula , Hessling Gabriele , Oberhoffer-Fritz Renate , Wacker-Gussmann Annette
Published: November 2022

Introduction: The standard obstetric definition of fetal bradycardia is a sustained fetal heart rate < 110 bpm over at least 10 min. Fetal bradycardia can be the first and only prenatal presentation of a heart disease. We present an overview on different genetic disorders that should be taken into consideration in case of diagnosed fetal bradycardia. Methods: A literature review was conducted using a PubMed- and OMIM-based search for monogenetic disorders causing fetal bradycardia in September 2022. Results: The review on the literature identified nine monogenic diseases that could lead to fetal bradycardia. Four of these disorders can be associated with extracardiac findings. Discussion: Genetic testing should be considered in cases with fetal bradycardia, especially in cases of additional extracardiac findings. Broad sequencing techniques and improved prenatal phenotyping could help to establish a diagnosis in an increasing number of cases.
Comparison of Clinical Manifestations and Pathology between Kimura Disease and IgG4-Related Disease: A Report of Two Cases and Literature Review
Authors: Chang Sing-Ya , Lee Chih-Chun , Chang Ming-Ling , Teng Wen-Chieh , Hsiao Chao-Yang , Yu Han-Hua , Hsieh Meng-Ju , Chan Tien-Ming
Published: November 2022

Kimura disease (KD) is a rare, chronic proliferative condition presenting as a subcutaneous mass predominantly located in the head and neck region; it is characterized by eosinophilia and elevated serum IgE levels. IgG4-related disease (IgG4RD) is a fibroinflammatory condition characterized by swelling in single or multiple organs and the infiltration of IgG4 plasma cells. Herein, we presented two cases. Case 1 is a 38-year-old man with a painless mass in his right postauricular region, and Case 2 is a 36-year-old man with painless lymphadenopathy in his bilateral postauricular region. After surgical excision, they showed good recovery with no relapse. Although Cases 1 and 2 shared several overlapping pathological manifestations, there were a few differences that allowed the differentiation of KD and IgG4RD.
Cardiomyopathy Associated with Right Ventricular Apical Pacing-Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Osiecki Andrzej , Kochman Wacław , Witte Klaus K. , Mańczak Małgorzata , Olszewski Robert , Michałkiewicz Dariusz
Published: November 2022

AIMS: Bradyarrhythmias are potentially life-threatening medical conditions. The most widespread treatment for slow rhythms is artificial ventricular pacing. From the inception of the idea of artificial pacing, ventricular leads were located in the apex of the right ventricle. Right ventricular apical pacing (RVAP) was thought to have a deteriorating effect on left ventricular systolic function. The aim of this study was to systematically assess results of randomized controlled trials to determine the effects of right ventricular apical pacing on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Methods: we systematically searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, and EMBASE databases for studies evaluating the influence of RVAP on LVEF. Pooled mean difference (MD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated using a random effect model. Results: 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comprising 885 patients were included. In our meta-analysis, RVAP was associated with statistically significant left ventricular systolic function impairment as measured by LVEF. The mean difference between LVEF at baseline and after intervention amounted to 3.35% (95% CI: 1.80–4.91). Conclusion: our meta-analysis confirms that right ventricular apical pacing is associated with progressive deterioration of left ventricular systolic function.
Investigation of Mechanical Properties of Coffee Husk-HDPE-ABS Polymer Composite Using Injection-Molding Method
Authors: Amena Berhanu Tolessa , Altenbach Holm , Tibba Getechew Shunki , Hossain Nazia
Published: November 2022

Waste biomass-based natural fibers are being extensively researched nowadays as a composite material with various waste-based high-density polyethylene (HDPE) to utilize the waste biomass and recycle the plastic waste in an effective approach. In this study, chemically modified spent coffee husk (CH) has been applied with different ratios of HDPE to produce composite material and characterized comprehensively to determine the mechanical stability of the products. The injection molding method was used for composite development containing HDPE with untreated and 10 wt% NaOH-treated CH weight ratios of 0%, 15%, 20%, and 25% together with 10 wt% coupling agent and filler materials of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and kaolin clay, respectively. Physicochemical characteristics of untreated CH, 10 wt% NaOH treated CH, pristine HDPE and HDPE-CH composites have been analyzed comprehensively in this study. Adding 25 wt% fiber with 65 wt% HDPE and 10 wt% of ABS (7 wt%)-kaolin clay (3 wt%) increased the tensile and bending properties significantly. This composite presented the maximum tensile, flexural, and impact strengths, which were 36 MPa, 7.5 MPa, and 2.8 KJ/m2, respectively. The tensile strength and bending strength of NaOH-treated coffee husk fibers (CHF) were enhanced by 32% and 29%, respectively. The microstructural characteristics of HDPE with treated and untreated CHF composites analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated the fibers’ and matrix’s excellent adhesion and compatibility. Thus, HDPE polymer-treated CH composite presented excellent stability, which can be expected as a new addition for construction, food packaging, and other industrial applications.
Organophosphate Insecticide Toxicity in Neural Development, Cognition, Behaviour and Degeneration: Insights from Zebrafish
Authors: Neylon Jeremy , Fuller Jarrad N. , van der Poel Chris , Church Jarrod E. , Dworkin Sebastian
Published: November 2022

Organophosphate (OP) insecticides are used to eliminate agricultural threats posed by insects, through inhibition of the neurotransmitter acetylcholinesterase (AChE). These potent neurotoxins are extremely efficacious in insect elimination, and as such, are the preferred agricultural insecticides worldwide. Despite their efficacy, however, estimates indicate that only 0.1% of organophosphates reach their desired target. Moreover, multiple studies have shown that OP exposure in both humans and animals can lead to aberrations in embryonic development, defects in childhood neurocognition, and substantial contribution to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Motor Neurone Disease. Here, we review the current state of knowledge pertaining to organophosphate exposure on both embryonic development and/or subsequent neurological consequences on behaviour, paying particular attention to data gleaned using an excellent animal model, the zebrafish (Danio rerio).
Downhill Sections Are Crucial for Performance in Trail Running Ultramarathons—A Pacing Strategy Analysis
Authors: Genitrini Matteo , Fritz Julian , Zimmermann Georg , Schwameder Hermann
Published: November 2022

Trail running is an increasingly popular discipline, especially over long-distance races (>42.195 km). Pacing strategy, i.e., how athletes modulate running speed for managing their energies during a race, appears to have a significant impact on overall performance. The aims of this study were to investigate whether performance level, terrain (i.e., uphill or downhill) and race stage affect pacing strategy and whether any interactions between these factors are evident. Race data from four race courses, with multiple editions (total races = 16), were retrieved from their respective events websites. A linear mixed effect model was applied to the full dataset, as well as to two subgroups of the top 10 male and female finishers, to assess potential differences in pacing strategy (i.e., investigated in terms of relative speed). Better finishers (i.e., athletes ranking in the best positions) tend to run downhill sections at higher relative speeds and uphill sections at lower relative speeds than slower counterparts (p < 0.001). In the later race stages, the relative speed decrease is larger in downhill sections than in uphill ones (p < 0.001) and in downhill sections, slower finishers perform systematically worse than faster ones, but the performance difference (i.e., between slower and faster finishers) becomes significantly larger in the later race stages (p < 0.001). Among elite athletes, no difference in pacing strategy between faster and slower finishers was found (p > 0.05). Both men (p < 0.001) and women (p < 0.001), in the later race stages, slow down more in downhill sections than in uphill ones. Moreover, elite women tend to slow down more than men (p < 0.001) in the later race stages, regardless of the terrain, in contrast to previous studies focusing on road ultramarathons. In conclusion, running downhill sections at higher relative speeds, most likely due to less accentuated fatigue effects, as well as minimizing performance decrease in the later race stages in downhill sections, appears to be a hallmark of the better finishers.
The Effect of Infectious Disease Threat on Malevolent Creativity
Authors: Zhao Mingzhe , Zhang Ke , Du Xiumin
Published: November 2022

The behavioral immune system (BIS), which evolved to protect humans from infectious disease threats, prompts people to be sensitive to disease-connoting cues. A common denominator of many disease-connoting cues is benign physical abnormalities, such as birthmarks and obesity. Previous studies found that among people whose BIS was activated (e.g., people who were exposed to situational disease prime or chronically concerned about disease threat), disease-connoting cues could make people feel threatened by infectious disease and induce their malevolence. Malevolence is a necessary feature of malevolent creativity (MC), which is defined as creativity that deliberately leads to harmful or immoral results. According to the motivated focus account of creativity, a threat could promote creativity when creativity is relevant to the threat. Thus, infectious disease threats might increase malevolent creativity. However, whether infectious disease threats could influence MC is unknown. Therefore, the current study aims to explore the effect of infectious disease threat on MC by two disease-connoting cues (birthmark, obesity). In Study 1 (n = 174), a 2 (threat prime: infectious disease, natural disaster) × 2 (disease-connoting cue: birthmarked face, normal face) between-subjects design was used. Participants were asked to complete a malevolent creativity task (MCT). In Study 2 (n = 131), we used a perceived vulnerability to disease scale (PVD) to assess people’s dispositional tendencies of concerns about disease and selected high as well as low PVD participants. A 2 (PVD: high, low) × 2 (disease-connoting cue: obese, average-weight) between-subjects design was used. Participants were asked to complete the negotiation task to assess their MC. The results of Study 1 showed that, compared with participants in the normal face condition, participants in the birthmarked face condition showed higher MC fluency and total MC when they were exposed to situational disease prime. Compared with the natural disaster prime group, the infectious disease prime group showed higher MC fluency and total MC when they were provoked by a birthmark person. The results of Study 2 showed that, compared with the average-weight condition, the obese condition led to higher MC fluency and originality among high PVD participants. Compared with low PVD participants, high PVD participants showed higher MC fluency and originality when they negotiated with an obese person. Our studies suggest that among people whose BIS is situationally or chronically activated, birthmarks and obesity could increase MC, and people’s malevolent creativity might be induced by disease-connoting cues during the pandemic.
High Precision Nut Threading Using Real-Time Tapping Torques Monitoring
Authors: Lin Tsung-Chun , Schabacker Michael , Hwang Guan-Shong , Perng Jau-Woei , Tsay Der-Min
Published: November 2022

With the increasing demand for safety and automatically locking nuts, it’s important to guarantee a consistent nut quality. Traditionally, a floating tapping machine has been used for high-speed production, but it has unstable thread quality because of the existing gap between the tap and nuts holder. To overcome this problem, a stable tapping machine must be considered for tapping high precision threaded nuts and the tapping process must be monitored in real-time for the internal threads quality to reduce the inspection time. First, this article used the relative movement between a nut and its tap to establish the dimensionless tapping material removal rate. Furthermore, for creating the tapping torque curve of a specific nut, a few nuts were tapped to obtain the maximum value and variation of the tapping torque at various tapping speeds. Then, based on the differences in the hole sizes, chamfer depths, and material nature, the quality assurance range can be constructed as a real-time monitoring model for high precision thread manufacturing. To demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed procedure, tapping for carbon steel, alloy steel, and titanium alloy nuts was performed and the monitored tapping torques matched the nut quality classification of Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS).
Study on Distribution Law of Gas Phase and Cavitation in the Pressurization Unit of Helical Axial Flow Multiphase Pump
Authors: Xiao Yexiang , Gui Zhonghua , Li Xuesong , Tao Sijia , Shi Guangtai , Gu Chunwei
Published: November 2022

Due to the irregular change of gas void fraction (GVF) in multiphase pumps, the pressure distribution in the pump is often uneven, which leads to the formation of low-pressure area and thus the occurrence of cavitation. In order to study the gas phase and cavitation distribution in the impeller region of a multiphase pump under different cavitation stages and GVF conditions, this study used numerical calculations as the main method and experimental verification as a secondary method to investigate the cavitation phenomenon in the pump under different stages and GVF conditions. The results showed that at different stages, both the volume fraction and the covering area of the gas phase were reduced to a certain extent with the increase in blade height, and the distribution law of the gas phase on the blade changed with the development of the cavitation stage, especially on the blade surface. At different GVFs, cavitation first occurred at the inlet of the blade SS and then extended along the blade streamline from the inlet to outlet, with the volume fraction and distribution of cavitation gradually increasing and then extending to the blade PS. The results showed that the presence of the gas phase inhibited the development of cavitation in the multiphase pump to some extent, and the cavitation performance of the multiphase pump was better in the presence of the gas phase than in pure water conditions. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for improving the cavitation performance of multiphase pumps.