bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating LncRNAs landscape as potential biomarkers in breast cancer
Authors: Pourramezan Zahra , Attar Fatemeh Akhavan , Yusefpour Maryam , Azizi Masoumeh , Oloomi Mana
Published: October 2022

Background

In Iran, the delay in diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer results in low survival rates.

Aim

It is essential to characterize new therapeutic targets and prognostic breast cancer biomarkers. The rising evidence suggested that long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) expression levels are deregulated in human cancers and can use as biomarkers for the rapid diagnosis of breast cancer.

Methods

In the present study, a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) technique was used to measure 20 oncogenic and tumor suppressor lncRNAs expression levels in whole blood samples of female breast cancer patients and healthy women. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to assess the diagnostic value of each selected lncRNA as a biomarker.

Results

The results revealed that some circulating lncRNAs (MEG3, NBAT1, NKILA, GAS5, EPB41L4A‐AS2, Z38, and BC040587) were significantly down‐regulated in breast cancer patients compared to healthy women. In contrast, other circulating lncRNAs (H19, SPRY4‐IT1, XIST, UCA1, AC026904.1, CCAT1, CCAT2, ITGB2‐AS, and AK058003) were significantly up‐regulated in breast cancer patients compared to controls. It was shown that the expression levels of NKILA, and NBAT1 lncRNAs were related to tumor size, and BC040587 expression level related to age, node metastasis, tumor size, and grade (p < .05). The association between H19 and SPRY4‐IT1 lncRNAs with HER‐2 was confirmed statistically (p < .05). ROC curves illustrated that the blood levels of SPRY4‐IT1, XIST, and H19 lncRNAs have excellent potential in discriminating breast cancer from the healthy controls, showing an AUC of 1.0 (95% CI 1.0–1.0, p = .00), 0.898 (95% CI 0.815–0.981, p = .00), and 0.848 (95% CI 0.701–0.995, p = .01), respectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the expression levels of circulating H19 and SPRY4‐IT1 lncRNAs in breast cancer patients could consider as the prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in breast cancer, because of their excellent power in discriminating breast cancer from healthy individuals and the significant correlation of H19, and SPRY4‐IT1 lncRNAs with clinicopathological traits. We also suggest the possible application of BC040587 lncRNA as a diagnostic and prognostic indicator to assess tumor progression in case of verification in larger patients' cohorts.
Sediment and carbon dynamics during an episodic flood in an intermittent river
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Lu Xixi , Yu Ruihong , Sun Heyang , Li Yuan , Qi Zhen , Xue Hao , Zhang Zhuangzhuang , Cao Zhengxu , Liu Tingxi , Lu Changwei
Published: October 2022

The contribution of intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams (IRES) to the global carbon cycle has largely been overlooked. Flood events can impact hydrological processes, carbon (C) transport, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. This study monitored river flow and sediment concentrations in an intermittent river during a flood event. Water samples were measured for water quality factors and C transport indices. CO2 partial pressure (pCO2) and CO2 flux (FCO2) were also analyzed. Remote sensing data were used to analyze soil erosion in the basin. Results indicate that the total sediment load from the flood was approximately 5503.1 t, with sediment concentrations showing a direct relationship with flow discharge. By completing a hysteresis loop and soil erosion level analysis, soil erosion from the river source and runoff surface scour were found to be the primary sources of sediment. The flood significantly increased particulate organic carbon and decreased dissolved organic carbon. During the flood, pCO2 ranged between 669 and 1229 ppm, indicating that the IRES served as a carbon source, with pH and total dissolved solids being the main influencing factors. The FCO2 varied between 20.16 and 568.33 mg m−2 h−1 and revealed a significant positive correlation with pCO2. After the flood ended, CO2 emissions increased and remained high for a long time. The study findings have substantial implications for IRES responses to extreme flood events, which are predicted to increase in intensity under climate change.
BPRT: A blockchain‐based privacy‐preserving transaction scheme based on an efficient broadcast encryption with personalized messages
Authors: Yao Shuang , Zhang Dawei
Published: October 2022

As blockchain has drawn more and more attention, much research has developed different transaction schemes with privacy preserving specialized in various fields. The nature of blockchain makes the transaction information public, which presents much risk about the leakage of user privacy. It is quite necessary to design a flexible scheme to provide privacy preserving of transaction contents with reliable audit in blockchain that is lacked in the previous works. In this paper, we propose a blockchain‐based privacy‐preserving transaction scheme based on an efficient broadcast encryption with personalized messages called BPRT. First, we propose a fully anonymous broadcast encryption with personalized messages (BEPM). Compared with existing works, it is fully anonymous, and it has lower computation cost without pairing operations. It also avoids the key escrow problem existing in other BEPM schemes. Then, we construct the BPRT based on our BEPM. Our BPRT ensures the privacy preserving of transaction contents in group transmissions, and the encrypted transaction contents avoid exposing user identity information at the same time. It enables auditor to moderately and reliably make audit of transaction contents. Furthermore, we present formal security analysis of the proposed scheme. It has been proved that our scheme satisfies transaction confidentiality, receiver anonymity and audit reliability. Subsequently, experimental results indicate that the proposed BEPM enables fast encryption and decryption, and the computation of our BPRT is in milliseconds.
Postdiagnosis body fatness, weight change and breast cancer prognosis: Global Cancer Update Program (CUP global) systematic literature review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chan Doris S.M. , Vieira Rita , Abar Leila , Aune Dagfinn , Balducci Katia , Cariolou Margarita , Greenwood Darren C. , Markozannes Georgios , Nanu Neesha , Becerra‐Tomás Nerea , Giovannucci Edward L. , Gunter Marc J. , Jackson Alan A. , Kampman Ellen , Lund Vivien , Allen Kate , Brockton Nigel T. , Croker Helen , Katsikioti Daphne , McGinley‐Gieser Deirdre , Mitrou Panagiota , Wiseman Martin , Cross Amanda J. , Riboli Elio , Clinton Steven K. , McTiernan Anne , Norat Teresa , Tsilidis Konstantinos K.
Published: October 2022

Previous evidence on postdiagnosis body fatness and mortality after breast cancer was graded as limited‐suggestive. To evaluate the evidence on body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist‐hip‐ratio and weight change in relation to breast cancer prognosis, an updated systematic review was conducted. PubMed and Embase were searched for relevant studies published up to 31 October, 2021. Random‐effects meta‐analyses were conducted to estimate summary relative risks (RRs). The evidence was judged by an independent Expert Panel using pre‐defined grading criteria. One randomized controlled trial and 225 observational studies were reviewed (220 publications). There was strong evidence (likelihood of causality: probable) that higher postdiagnosis BMI was associated with increased all‐cause mortality (64 studies, 32 507 deaths), breast cancer‐specific mortality (39 studies, 14 106 deaths) and second primary breast cancer (11 studies, 5248 events). The respective summary RRs and 95% confidence intervals per 5 kg/m2BMI were 1.07 (1.05‐1.10), 1.10 (1.06‐1.14) and 1.14 (1.04‐1.26), with high between‐study heterogeneity (I2 = 56%, 60%, 66%), but generally consistent positive associations. Positive associations were also observed for waist circumference, waist‐hip‐ratio and all‐cause and breast cancer‐specific mortality. There was limited‐suggestive evidence that postdiagnosis BMI was associated with higher risk of recurrence, nonbreast cancer deaths and cardiovascular deaths. The evidence for postdiagnosis (unexplained) weight or BMI change and all outcomes was graded as limited‐no conclusion. The RCT showed potential beneficial effect of intentional weight loss on disease‐free‐survival, but more intervention trials and well‐designed observational studies in diverse populations are needed to elucidate the impact of body composition and their changes on breast cancer outcomes.
The current status of cell‐free human papillomavirus DNA as a biomarker in cervical cancer and other HPV‐associated tumors: A review
Authors: Sivars Lars , Palsdottir Kolbrun , Crona Guterstam Ylva , Falconer Henrik , Hellman Kristina , Tham Emma
Published: October 2022

Tumor cells release fragments of their DNA into the circulation, so called cell‐free tumor DNA (ctDNA), allowing for analysis of tumor DNA in a simple blood test, that is, liquid biopsy. Cervical cancer is one of the most common malignancies among women worldwide and high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR‐HPV) is the cause of the majority of cases. HR‐HPV integrates into the host genome and is often present in multiple copies per cell and should thus also be released as ctDNA. Such ctHPV DNA is therefore a possible biomarker in cervical cancer. In this review, we first give a background on ctDNA in general and then a comprehensive review of studies on ctHPV DNA in cervical cancer and pre‐malignant lesions that may develop in cervical cancer. Furthermore, studies on ctHPV DNA in other HPV related malignancies (eg, head‐and‐neck and anogenital cancers) are briefly reviewed. We conclude that detection of ctHPV DNA in plasma from patients with cervical cancer is feasible, although optimized protocols and ultra‐sensitive techniques are required for sufficient sensitivity. Results from retrospective studies in both cervical cancer and other HPV‐related malignancies suggests that ctHPV DNA is a promising prognostic biomarker, for example, for detecting relapses early. This paves the way for larger, preferably prospective studies investigating the clinical value of ctHPV DNA as a biomarker in cervical cancer. However, there are conflicting results whether ctHPV DNA can be found in blood from patients with pre‐malignant lesions and further studies are needed to fully elucidate this question.
Trends in the incidence of ovarian cancer in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Gizaw Muluken , Parkin Donald Maxwell , Stöter Ole , Korir Anne , Kamate Bakarou , Liu Biying , Bojang Lamin , N'Da Guy , Manraj Shyam S. , Bukirwa Phiona , Chokunonga Eric , Chingonzoh Tatenda , Peko Jean‐Félix , Finesse Anne , Somdyala Nontuthuzelo , Ladipo Akinade , Kantelhardt Eva Johanna
Published: October 2022

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the commonest cancers of women in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), although to date no data have been available on time trends in incidence to better understand the disease pattern in the region. We estimate time trends by histological subtype from 12 population‐based cancer registries in 11 countries: Kenya (Nairobi), Mauritius, Seychelles, Uganda (Kampala), Congo (Brazzaville), Zimbabwe (Bulawayo and Harare), Cote d'Ivoire (Abidjan), The Gambia, Mali (Bamako), Nigeria (Ibadan) and South Africa (Eastern Cape). The selected registries were those that could provide consistent estimates of the incidence of ovarian cancer and with quality assessment for periods of 10 or more years. A total of 5423 cases of OC were included. Incidence rates have been increasing in all registries except Brazzaville, Congo, where a nonsignificant decline of 1% per year was seen. Statistically significant average annual increases were seen in Mauritius (2.5%), Bamako (5.3%), Ibadan (3.9%) and Eastern Cape (8%). Epithelial ovarian cancer was responsible for the increases observed in all registries. Statistically significant average annual percentage changes (AAPC) for epithelial OC were present in Bamako (AAPC = 5.9%), Ibadan (AAPC = 4.7%) and Eastern Cape (AAPC = 11.0%). Creating awareness among professionals of the growing importance of the disease is surely an important step to improving availability of, and access to, diagnosis and treatment of OC in SSA. Support must be given to the cancer registries to improve the availability of good‐quality data on this important cancer.
circRNA‐MSR regulates the expression of FBXO21 to inhibit chondrocyte autophagy by targeting miR‐761 in osteoarthritis
Authors: Jia Zhen , Liu Jia , Wang Jing
Published: October 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease and is the most prevalent and disabling form of arthritis worldwide. Autophagy plays a vital role in OA. This study aimed to explore whether covalently closed circular RNA MSR (circRNA‐MSR) could affect the F‐box Only Protein 21 (FBXO21) expression by targeting microRNA‐761 (miR‐761), thereby affecting the autophagy in OA chondrocytes. Clinical OA tissues were collected, and circRNA‐MSR, miR‐761, and FBXO21 expressions were detected via quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). An in vitro OA model was constructed by treating C28/I2 cells with LPS and treating them with overexpression or knockdown vector of circRNA‐MSR, miR‐761, and FBXO21, and autophagy inhibitor 3‐MA. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) determined the location of circRNA‐MSR and miR‐761. Dual‐luciferase assay assessed circRNA‐MSR and miR‐761, along with the bindings of miR‐761 and FBXO21. Cell viability was detected by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. LC3 II/I, p62 and beclin 1 expressions were detected via the western blot. circRNA‐MSR and FBXO21 levels were elevated in OA, but miR‐761 level was inhibited. Suppressing circRNA‐MSR promoted the autophagy of LPS‐treated cells. circRNA‐MSR could bind to miR‐761 and inhibit its expression. MiR‐761 inhibition reversed the promoted autophagy caused by circRNA‐MSR knockdown in LPS‐treated C28/I2 cells. Moreover, miR‐761 could target FBXO21 and inhibit its expression. FBXO21 overexpression reversed the increased autophagy caused by miR‐761 overexpression in LPS‐treated C28/I2 cells. circRNA‐MSR could affect FBXO21 level via targeting miR‐761, thereby repressing autophagy in OA chondrocytes, providing a new target and strategy for OA treatment.
Superconvergence of the effective Cauchy stress in computational homogenization of inelastic materials
Authors: Schneider Matti , Wicht Daniel
Published: October 2022

We provide theoretical investigations and empirical evidence that the effective stresses in computational homogenization of inelastic materials converge with a higher rate than the local solution fields. Due to the complexity of industrial‐scale microstructures, computational homogenization methods often utilize a rather crude approximation of the microstructure, favoring regular grids over accurate boundary representations. As the accuracy of such an approach has been under continuous verification for decades, it appears astonishing that this strategy is successful in homogenization, but is seldom used on component scale. A part of the puzzle has been solved recently, as it was shown that the effective elastic properties converge with twice the rate of the local strain and stress fields. Thus, although the local mechanical fields may be inaccurate, the averaging process leads to a cancellation of errors and improves the accuracy of the effective properties significantly. Unfortunately, the original argument is based on energetic considerations. The straightforward extension to the inelastic setting provides superconvergence of (pseudoelastic) potentials, but does not cover the primary quantity of interest: the effective stress tensor. The purpose of the work at hand is twofold. On the one hand, we provide extensive numerical experiments on the convergence rate of local and effective quantities for computational homogenization methods based on the fast Fourier transform. These indicate the superconvergence effect to be valid for effective stresses, as well. Moreover, we provide theoretical justification for such a superconvergence based on an argument that avoids energetic reasoning.
A multivariate curve resolution‐alternating least squares (MCR‐ALS) technology assisted 1H‐NMR methodology for multi‐component quantitation of Trichosanthis Pericarpium injection
Authors: Yang Jiayu , Li Wenzhu , Ding Jinguo , Dong Ying , Xie Xinyuan , Zhao Fang , Pan Jianyang , Qu Haibin
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Trichosanthis Pericarpium injection (TPI) is a traditional Chinese medicine preparation obtained from Trichosanthis Pericarpium by extraction, purification and sterilisation. It contains amino acids, alkaloids, nucleotides and other components. Existing quantitative methods only analyse a few components in injections, so this study intends to develop a method for comprehensive analysis of TPI components.

Objective

To develop a method for quantification of components in TPI by multivariate curve resolution‐alternating least squares (MCR‐ALS) assisted proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR).

Methods

A 1H‐NMR method was developed for the quantification of components in TPI. For components with independent signals, 3‐(trimethylsilyl) propionic‐2,2,3,3‐d4 acid sodium salt (TSP) was used as an internal standard to calculate the component contents. For components with overlapping signals, the method of MCR‐ALS was used.

Results

A total of 36 components were identified in TPI, of which 33 were quantified. Methodological validation results showed that the developed 1H‐NMR method has good linearity, accuracy, precision, robustness and specificity.

Conclusion

The use of 1H‐NMR provides a reliable and universal method for the TPI components identification and quantification. Also, it can be used as a powerful tool for analysing the contents in a complex mixture as a quality control measure.
Torsional and compression loading of paperboard packages: Experimental and FE analysis
Authors: Marin Gustav , Hagman Anton , Östlund Sören , Nygårds Mikael
Published: October 2022

The present study investigates torsional and compressive loading of a paperboard package. Finite element (FE) analyses simulating the tests were performed to improve understanding of the stresses and deformations in the paperboard during loading. A simple experimental characterization of the necessary material properties could be performed to represent the multi‐ply paperboard as a single‐ply structure. The results from the single‐ply model were compared with a laminate model, and the differences between the models were small. Comparing experimental and FE simulations of box compression and torsion showed that the FE models could accurately predict the response curves. However, in the simulations, there was an overprediction of the maximum compressive force and maximum torque, which was expected since geometrical imperfections and the heterogeneous internal structure of the material were not accounted for in the material model or the FE model. Local yield lines formed at the onset of non‐linearities in the package load–displacement curves. Therefore, the strength of the paperboard affects the maximum compressive strength and maximum torque, and the bending stiffness of the paperboard only had a minor effect. When a first local maximum was reached, the number of FE that reached the failure stress increased exponentially. The simulations also showed that box compression was not an effect of package height, but higher packages had a lower maximum torque.
At‐a‐station hydraulic geometry for reaches with bridge collapse events
Authors: Ashraf Fahmidah U. , Spaunhorst Megan
Published: October 2022

This study explores the at‐a‐station hydraulic geometry (AHG) for reaches with bridge collapse events. Eighteen reaches in Eastern United States, thirteen reaches in Appalachian Highland, and five reaches in Coastal Plain are examined. The methodology applied for retrieving AHG uses LiDAR (Light detection and ranging) data, and the study results are checked for both hydraulic and geomorphic consistency. The resulting data set is composed of five to thirty‐five measurements of water surface width, mean depth, and mean velocity at each of the 181 cross‐sections. The exponents of the AHG relationships vary considerably. Nonetheless, for most of the cross‐sections, width responds more rapidly to changing discharge, and velocity exponents are less than the width and depth exponents combined. Wide shallow channels with highly erodible beds and/or banks, the ability to transport large bed materials, and the ability to attain a super‐critical condition—are the common profile extracted for most of the cross‐sections across all sites. A definitive AHG configuration is found for the sites with the least human interference. Comparatively low variation of bank‐full geometry is also found for the sites with the least human interference. The prevalence of low flows and/or lower return periods of heavy‐tail flows are also exhibited for most of the sites. The study results suggest that the stream channel instability can be reasonably understood and predicted from AHG particularly if human interference is limited within the watershed. These findings have implications not only for the study of the risk of bridge collapse and bridge design but also to characterize instability in a more rigorous and practical way.
Data‐Driven Tuning for Two‐Degree‐of Freedom Control Using Initial Control Signals and Initial Controller Parameters
Authors: Suzuki Motoya
Published: October 2022

A new data‐driven approach based on initial controller parameters and initial experimental data was proposed to tune a controller such that the response of the closed‐loop and open‐loop systems are close to the desired control response. This method is called virtual internal model tuning (VIMT). In VIMT, one‐shot closed‐loop output data are required. Practically, there are cases where it is important to focus on the input rather than on the output. This study extends VIMT to the case where only one‐shot input data and initial controller parameters are obtained through closed‐loop experiments. Furthermore, we discuss the advantage of the proposed method compared to the conventional VIMT via frequency response analysis of weight function. In this study, I investigated the control performance of the proposed methods through experimental verification. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
The Effect of Breast Size on Spinal Posture
Authors: Michalik Roman , Kühlmann Britta , Wild Michael , Siebers Hannah Lena , Migliorini Filippo , Eschweiler Jörg , Betsch Marcel
Published: October 2022

Macromastia can cause various clinical symptoms, such as low back and shoulder pain as well as sacro-iliac disorders. Because of these symptoms, some women consider breast reduction surgery. So far there does not exist a clear correlation between breast size and back pain. Purpose of this study was to evaluate if increasing breast size has a measurable effect on women’s posture using radiation free surface topography.

A total of 100 women were grouped according to their breast cup size into four groups (Cup Size: A, B, C, D). All female subjects were measured with a surface topography system, and their spinal posture and pelvic position were analysed accordingly.

Our results showed that cup size affects kyphotic angle (p = 0.027) and surface rotation (p = 0.039) significantly. Kyphotic angle increased with cup size. Multiple linear regression analysis, however, revealed that the body mass index has the greatest influence on woman’s posture, showing significant correlation to kyphotic and lordotic angle (p < 0.01), as to trunk (p < 0.01) and pelvic inclination (p = 0.02).

This is the first study that evaluates the influence of increasing breast size on posture using surface topography. The results match with previous studies using different measuring techniques. However, the great influence of BMI on posture is also confirmed. Therefore, in clinical practice these factors should be taken into account and be approached. Surface topography seems to be a promising tool to further investigate the influence of breast size on posture.

Level of Evidence IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Timing of Elective Cholecystectomy After Acute Cholecystitis: A Population‐based Register Study
Authors: Popowicz Agnieszka , Enochsson Lars , Sandblom Gabriel
Published: October 2022

Background

Acute cholecystectomy is standard treatment for acute cholecystitis. However, many patients are still treated conservatively and undergo delayed elective surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the ideal time to perform an elective cholecystectomy after acute cholecystitis.

Methods

All patients treated for acute cholecystitis in Sweden between 2006 and 2013 were identified through the Swedish Patient Register. This cohort was cross‐linked with the Swedish Register for Gallstone Surgery, GallRiks, where information on surgical outcome was retrieved. The impact of the time interval after discharge from hospital to elective surgery was analysed by multivariate logistic regression adjusting for gender and age.

Results

After exclusion of patients not subjected to surgery, not registered in GallRiks and patients treated with acute cholecystectomy, 8532 remained. This cohort was divided into six‐time categories. Using the first time interval < 11 days from discharge to elective surgery as the reference category the chance of completing surgery with a minimally invasive technique was increased for all categories (p < 0.05). The risk for perioperative complication and cystic duct leakage was reduced if surgery was undertaken > 30 days after discharge (both p < 0.05). The risk for bile duct injury was significantly increased if the procedure was undertaken > 365 days after discharge (p = 0.030). The chance of completing the procedure within 100 min was not affected by time.

Conclusion

For patients undergoing elective cholecystectomy after acute cholecystitis, the safety of the procedure increases if surgery is performed more than 30 days after discharge from the primary admission.
Synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial and photocatalytic properties of nano-silver-doped flax fibers
Authors: Akl Magda A. , Hashem Mohammed A. , Mostafa Aya G.
Published: October 2022

In the present study, the nano-silver-doped flax fibers (NAgDFF) are prepared in two steps. In the first step, oxidation of the flax fibers is performed by potassium periodate to form dialdehyde cellulose (DAC) and the second step is the reduction of silver ions by DAC. A series of characterization techniques of the photocatalyst NAgDFF was carried out using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, N2 adsorption isotherm, thermogravimetric analysis and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The dye degradation potential of NAgDFF for methylene blue (MB), crystal violet (CV) and brilliant green (BG) (individually or mixture) was investigated using batch and column tests. The degradation efficiency was studied under optimized conditions such as pH (5.0), dye initial concentrations (100 ppm for MB and BG, and 150 ppm for CV), contact time (3.0 h), photocatalyst NAgDFF dose (0.08 g) and temperature (25° C). The maximum degradation efficiency of NAgDFF for MB, CV and BG is 64.75, 94.98 and 63.87 (mg/g), respectively. The kinetic studies show that the experimental data match well with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Furthermore, equilibrium isotherm data were analyzed according to Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich equations. The thermodynamic parameters for the adsorption processes of cationic dyes on the NAgDFF fibers were also calculated; the negative value of ΔG° indicated the spontaneous nature of sorption. NAgDFF fibers were successfully applied for photodegradation of the investigated cationic dyes from different samples. The study was extended to investigate the biological activity of newly synthesized NAgDFF against various microorganisms.
Molecular imaging of the brain–heart axis provides insights into cardiac dysfunction after cerebral ischemia
Authors: Hermanns Nele , Wroblewski Viola , Bascuñana Pablo , Wolf Bettina , Polyak Andras , Ross Tobias L. , Bengel Frank M. , Thackeray James T.
Published: October 2022

Ischemic stroke imparts elevated risk of heart failure though the underlying mechanisms remain poorly described. We aimed to characterize the influence of cerebral ischemic injury on cardiac function using multimodality molecular imaging to investigate brain and cardiac morphology and tissue inflammation in two mouse models of variable stroke severity. Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) generated extensive stroke damage (56.31 ± 40.39 mm3). Positron emission tomography imaging of inflammation targeting the mitochondrial translocator protein (TSPO) revealed localized neuroinflammation at 7 days after stroke compared to sham (3.8 ± 0.8 vs 2.6 ± 0.7 %ID/g max, p < 0.001). By contrast, parenchyma topical application of vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 did not generate significant stroke damage or neuroinflammatory cell activity. MCAo evoked a modest reduction in left ventricle ejection fraction at both 1 weeks and 3 weeks after stroke (LVEF at 3 weeks: 54.3 ± 5.7 vs 66.1 ± 3.5%, p < 0.001). This contractile impairment was paralleled by elevated cardiac TSPO PET signal compared to sham (8.6 ± 2.4 vs 5.8 ± 0.7%ID/g, p = 0.022), but was independent of leukocyte infiltration defined by flow cytometry. Stroke size correlated with severity of cardiac dysfunction (r = 0.590, p = 0.008). Statistical parametric mapping identified a direct association between neuroinflammation at 7 days in a cluster of voxels including the insular cortex and reduced ejection fraction (ρ = − 0.396, p = 0.027). Suppression of microglia led to lower TSPO signal at 7 days which correlated with spared late cardiac function after MCAo (r = − 0.759, p = 0.029). Regional neuroinflammation early after cerebral ischemia influences subsequent cardiac dysfunction. Total body TSPO PET enables monitoring of neuroinflammation, providing insights into brain–heart inter-organ communication and may guide therapeutic intervention to spare cardiac function post-stroke.
Inhibition of late sodium current via PI3K/Akt signaling prevents cellular remodeling in tachypacing-induced HL-1 atrial myocytes
Authors: Ko Tae Hee , Jeong Daun , Yu Byeongil , Song Ji Eun , Le Qui Anh , Woo Sun-Hee , Choi Jong-Il
Published: October 2022

An aberrant late sodium current (INa,Late) caused by a mutation in the cardiac sodium channel (Nav1.5) has emerged as a contributor to electrical remodeling that causes susceptibility to atrial fibrillation (AF). Although downregulation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling is associated with AF, the molecular mechanisms underlying the negative regulation of INa,Late in AF remain unclear, and potential therapeutic approaches are needed. In this work, we constructed a tachypacing-induced cellular model of AF by exposing HL-1 myocytes to rapid electrical stimulation (1.5 V/cm, 4 ms, 10 Hz) for 6 h. Then, we gathered data using confocal Ca2+ imaging, immunofluorescence, patch-clamp recordings, and immunoblots. The tachypacing cells displayed irregular Ca2+ release, delayed afterdepolarization, prolonged action potential duration, and reduced PI3K/Akt signaling compared with controls. Those detrimental effects were related to increased INa,Late and were significantly mediated by treatment with the INa,Late blocker ranolazine. Furthermore, decreased PI3K/Akt signaling via PI3K inhibition increased INa,Late and subsequent aberrant myocyte excitability, which were abolished by INa,Late inhibition, suggesting that PI3K/Akt signaling is responsible for regulating pathogenic INa,Late. These results indicate that PI3K/Akt signaling is critical for regulating INa,Late and electrical remodeling, supporting the use of PI3K/Akt-mediated INa,Late as a therapeutic target for AF.
Vesico-ureteric reflux in children and young people undergoing kidney transplantation
Authors: Hewitt Ian K. , Montini Giovanni , Marks Stephen D.
Published: October 2022

Vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR) into transplanted kidneys in children and young people is a common occurrence, found in 19 to 60% of those who had an anti-reflux procedure and up to 79% in the absence of such a procedure. While VUR is unlikely to be of concern without evidence of symptomatic urinary tract infections, less certainty exists regarding outcomes when the VUR is associated with urinary tract infection (UTI) and transplant pyelonephritis. Issues explored will include additional risk factors that might predispose to UTI, any effect of pyelonephritis on acute and long-term kidney allograft function and practical strategies that may reduce the prevalence of infection.
Three Decades of Changing Nutrient Stoichiometry from Source to Sea on the Swedish West Coast
Authors: Peacock Mike , Futter Martyn N. , Jutterström Sara , Kothawala Dolly N. , Moldan Filip , Stadmark Johanna , Evans Chris D.
Published: October 2022

European ecosystems have been subject to extensive shifts in anthropogenic disturbance, primarily through atmospheric deposition, climate change, and land management. These changes have altered the macronutrient composition of aquatic systems, with widespread increases in organic carbon (C), and declines in nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). Less well known is how these disturbances have affected nutrient stoichiometry, which may be a more useful metric to evaluate the health of aquatic ecosystems than individual nutrient concentrations. The Swedish west coast has historically experienced moderate to high levels of atmospheric deposition of sulfate and N, and eutrophication. In addition, coastal waters have been darkening with damaging effects on marine flora and fauna. Here, we present three decades of macronutrient data from twenty lakes and watercourses along the Swedish west coast, extending from headwaters to river mouths, across a range of land covers, and with catchments ranging 0.037–40,000 km2. We find a high degree of consistency between these diverse sites, with widespread increasing trends in organic C, and declines in inorganic N and total P. These trends in individual macronutrients translate into large stoichiometric changes, with a doubling in C:P, and increases in C:N and N:P by 50% and 30%, showing that freshwaters are moving further away from the Redfield Ratio, and becoming even more C rich, and depleted in N and P. Although recovery from atmospheric deposition is linked to some of these changes, land cover also appears to have an effect; lakes buffer against C increases, and decreases in inorganic N have been greatest under arable land cover. Our analysis also detects coherently declining P concentrations in small forest lakes; so called (and unexplained) “oligotrophication.” Taken together, our findings show that freshwater macronutrient concentrations and stoichiometry have undergone substantial shifts during the last three decades, and these shifts can potentially explain some of the detrimental changes that adjacent coastal ecosystems are undergoing. Our findings are relevant for all European and North American waters that have experienced historically high levels of atmospheric deposition, and provide a starting point for understanding and mitigating against the trajectories of long-term change in aquatic systems.
Estimating the causal effect of timing on the reach of social media posts
Authors: Valkonen Lauri , Helske Jouni , Karvanen Juha
Published: October 2022

Modern companies regularly use social media to communicate with their customers. In addition to the content, the reach of a social media post may depend on the season, the day of the week, and the time of the day. We consider optimizing the timing of Facebook posts by a large Finnish consumers’ cooperative using historical data on previous posts and their reach. The content and the timing of the posts reflect the marketing strategy of the cooperative. These choices affect the reach of a post via a dynamic process where the reactions of users make the post more visible to others. We describe the causal relations of the social media publishing in the form of a directed acyclic graph, use an identification algorithm to obtain a formula for the causal effect, and finally estimate the required conditional probabilities with Bayesian generalized additive models. As a result, we obtain estimates for the expected reach of a post for alternative timings.
Fidelity of 3D Printed Brains from MRI Scan in Children with Pathology (Prior Hypoxic Ischemic Injury)
Authors: Chacko Anith , Rungsiprakarn Phassawan , Erlic Ivan , Thai Ngoc Jade , Andronikou Savvas
Published: October 2022

Cortical injury on the surface of the brain in children with hypoxic ischemic injury (HII) can be difficult to demonstrate to non-radiologists and lay people using brain images alone. Three-dimensional (3D) printing is helpful to communicate the volume loss and pathology due to HII in children’s brains. 3D printed models represent the brain to scale and can be held up against models of normal brains for appreciation of volume loss. If 3D printed brains are to be used for formal communication, e.g., with medical colleagues or in court, they should have high fidelity of reproduction of the actual size of patients’ brains. Here, we evaluate the size fidelity of 3D printed models from MRI scans of the brain, in children with prior HII. Twelve 3D prints of the brain were created from MRI scans of children with HII and selected to represent a variety of cortical pathologies. Specific predetermined measures of the 3D prints were made and compared to measures in matched planes on MRI. Fronto-occipital length (FOL) and bi-temporal/bi-parietal diameters (BTD/BPD) demonstrated high interclass correlations (ICC). Correlations were moderate to weak for hemispheric height, temporal height, and pons-cerebellar thickness. The average standard error of measurement (SEM) was 0.48 cm. Our results demonstrate high correlations in overall measurements of each 3D printed model derived from brain MRI scans versus the original MRI, evidenced by high ICC values for FOL and BTD/BPD. Measures with low correlation values can be explained by variability in matching the plane of measurement to the MRI slice orientation.
A pilot surveillance report of SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen test results among volunteers in Germany, 1st week of July 2022
Authors: Stemler Jannik , Salmanton-García Jon , Weise Ben , Többen Christina , Joisten Carolin , Fleig Julian , Cornely Oliver A. ,   on behalf of the VACCELERATE Consortium
Published: October 2022

Purpose

We hypothesized that SARS-CoV-2 infection numbers reported by governmental institutions are underestimated due to high dark figures as only results from polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests are incorporated in governmental statistics and testing capacities were further restricted as of July, 2022.

Methods

A point prevalence investigation was piloted by rapid antigen testing (RAT) among participants of the VACCELERATE volunteer registry. 2400 volunteers were contacted, of which 500 received a RAT including instructions for self-testing in the first week of July, 2022. Results were self-reported via e-mail.

Results

419 valid RAT results were collected until July 7th, 2022. Between July-1 and July-7, 2022, 7/419 (1.67%) tests were positive. Compared to reports of the German Federal Government, our results suggest a more than twofold higher prevalence. Three out of seven positive individuals did not have a PCR test and are therefore likely not to be displayed in governmental statistics.

Conclusion

Our findings imply that the actual prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 may be higher than detected by current surveillance systems, so that current pandemic surveillance and testing strategies may be adapted.
The AI ethics maturity model: a holistic approach to advancing ethical data science in organizations
Authors: Krijger J. , Thuis T. , de Ruiter M. , Ligthart E. , Broekman I.
Published: October 2022

The field of AI ethics has advanced considerably over the past years, providing guidelines, principles, and technical solutions for enhancing the ethical development, deployment and usage of AI. However, there is still a clear need for research that facilitates the move from the ‘what’ of AI ethics to the ‘how’ of governance and operationalization. Although promising literature on the challenge of implementation is increasingly more common, so far no systemic analysis has been published that brings the various themes of operationalization together in a way that helps the gradual advancement of AI ethics procedures within organizations. In this opinion paper we therefore set out to provide a holistic maturity framework in the form of an AI ethics maturity model comprising six crucial dimensions for the operationalization of AI ethics within an organization. We contend that advancing AI ethics in practice is a multi-dimensional effort, as successful operationalization of ethics requires combined action on various dimensions. The model as presented is a preliminary result of literature analysis complemented with insights from several practical mutual learning sessions with some of the major public, private and research organizations of the Netherlands. The article contributes to the AI ethics literature and practice by synthesizing relevant aspects of operationalization and relating these to the praxis of AI in a maturity model that provides direction for organizations seeking to implement these ethical principles.
Individual differences in importance ratings of Chinese values and their associations with the Big Five of personality in Western and Eastern populations
Authors: Montag Christian , Ko Huei-Chen , Sindermann Cornelia
Published: October 2022

Given the worldwide importance of Chinese culture, the present work revisited a questionnaire assessing individual differences in importance ratings of Chinese values and their associations with well-established personality traits in Western and Eastern populations.

Three samples were recruited and completed German (N = 813), English (N = 404), and Taiwanese/Chinese (N = 331) language versions of the Chinese Value Survey (CVS) and the Big Five Inventory. After examining the factorial structure of the CVS in the three samples, we came up with a shortened—and although better than other factor models,  still not optimal—version of the CVS consisting of 29 items and two factors. The factors were namedChinese TraditionalismandMoral Integrity/Striving for Harmony. Openness, Conscientiousness, and Agreeableness were positively linked toMoral Integrity/Striving for Harmonyin each sample. Conscientiousness was positively linked toChinese Traditionalismin all samples. Openness was inversely associated withChinese Traditionalismin the two Western samples only. Frequently, effect sizes of correlations of Big Five domains with theMoral Integrity/Striving for Harmonyscale were stronger than those with theChinese Traditionalismscale.

In summary, across culturally diverse samples, the present study demonstrates a novel factorial structure of the CVS. However, the psychometric properties of the new-found CVS factor structure are not satisfactory. Given the heterogeneous findings on the CVS-factor structure across this and other studies, we suggest using other measures in future research to receive more in-depth knowledge on individual differences in importance ratings of Chinese values. Beyond discussing issues related to the CVS factorial structure, we provide first insights into associations between Big Five personality traits and importance ratings of Chinese values.
Greed and Guns
Authors: Kohli Atul
Published: October 2022

This Element studies the causes and the consequences of modern imperialism. The focus is on British and US imperialism in the nineteenth and the twentieth centuries respectively. The dynamics of both formal and informal empires are analyzed. The argument is that imperialism is moved mainly by the desire of major powers to enhance their national economic prosperity. They do so by undermining sovereignty in peripheral countries and establishing open economic access. The impact on the countries of the periphery tends to be negative. In a world of states, then, national sovereignty is an economic asset. Since imperialism seeks to limit the exercise of sovereign power by subject people, there tends to be an inverse relationship between imperialism and development: the less control a state has over its own affairs, the less likely it is that the people of that state will experience economic progress.
Publishing, Belief, and Self-Trust
Authors: Plakias Alexandra
Published: October 2022

This paper offers a defense of ‘publishing without belief’ (PWB) – the view that authors are not required to believe what they publish. I address objections to the view ranging from outright denial and advocacy of a belief norm for publication, to a modified version that allows for some cases of PWB but not others. I reject these modifications. In doing so, I offer both an alternative story about the motivations for PWB and a diagnosis of the disagreement over its permissibility. The original defense focused on consequentialist reasons for allowing PWB, offering mostly defensive arguments against potential criticisms. But I argue that once we shift our focus to the reasons why authors might be prone to PWB, we see a difference in two types of motivation: whereas I imagine PWB as arising from underconfident agents, critics point to cagey or nefarious authorial practices, or authors’ failure to clarify their own degrees of belief. Underlying the debate over norms of philosophical publishing, we find two different conceptions of philosophy itself.
Experimental investigation of performance of high-shear atomizer with discrete radial-jet fuel nozzle: mean and dynamic characteristics
Authors: Kumar Sonu , Rathod Darshan D. , Basu Saptarshi
Published: October 2022

The present study focuses on the performance of a novel high-shear atomizer with a discrete radial-jet fuel nozzle to overcome the constraints associated with the simplex-pressure-swirl and duplex-fuel nozzles at the high-end power demand of a gas turbine combustor. The high-shear atomizer consists of multiple inner and outer radial swirlers with interchangeable flare and fuel nozzle. The performance of the atomizer with discrete radial-jet fuel nozzle is elucidated at ALR (mass ratio of air to liquid) 14.1 through variations in geometrical design parameters of the swirl cup. The parameters of interest are the split ratio (γ), relative swirl direction of inner and outer swirler (co- and counter-rotation), flare angle (θ) and flare mixing length (η). Spray characteristics at ALR 4.72, 7.08 and 9.44 are also presented for an atomizer by freezing the geometrical design. The particle image velocimetry diagnostic technique is employed to capture the spray flow field. The non-dimensional radial (W/Df; W, radial width of CTRZ (in mm) and Df, exit diameter of flare (mm)) and axial (L/Df) sizes of the central toroidal recirculation zone and near field swirl number (SN5) of the flow are explored. Further, variations in the droplet size distribution of the atomizer across all the ALR are discussed in detail. The Sauter mean diameter across all the test cases is found to be in the range of 9–30 μm, 15–37 μm, 15–50 μm and 23–75 μm at ALR 14.1, 9.44, 7.08 and 4.72 respectively, which shows good atomization capability of the atomizer with discrete jets. The spatial distribution of the spray volume/mass in an azimuthal plane is examined in the circumferential and radial directions, which shows consistent and excellent azimuthal symmetry of the spray even with a decrease in ALR value. The overall mean and dynamic spray characteristics of the atomizer suggest that high-shear atomizer in combination with a discrete radial-jet fuel nozzle would be a better candidate than an atomizer with a simplex pressure-swirl fuel nozzle in rich-quench-lean concept-based gas turbine combustors.