bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conclusion
Authors: Sampson Helen , Turgo Nelson , Cadge Wendy , Gilliat-Ray Sophie
Published: June 2024

The conclusion reflects on the main findings presented in the book and establishes the contribution that it has made to an understanding of the life and work of port chaplains, the lives of seafarers, and to our understanding of broader-ranging issues relating to the provision and funding of chaplaincy services more generally. The chapter offers some recommendations for policymakers and charitable organizations in the field of maritime welfare and suggests two directions for further research in the future. Firstly, it would be valuable to explore and understand the ways in which individuals may abandon their religious practices when away from their communities without experiencing this as problematic from the point of view of the teachings of their faith. Secondly it would be beneficial to study the value of existing port welfare facilities to a broader range of seafarers, including those of different faiths and none.
Advancing drug-response prediction using multi-modal and -omics machine learning integration (MOMLIN): a case study on breast cancer clinical data
Authors: Rashid Md Mamunur , Selvarajoo Kumar
Published: June 2024

The inherent heterogeneity of cancer contributes to highly variable responses to any anticancer treatments. This underscores the need to first identify precise biomarkers through complex multi-omics datasets that are now available. Although much research has focused on this aspect, identifying biomarkers associated with distinct drug responders still remains a major challenge. Here, we develop MOMLIN, a multi-modal and -omics machine learning integration framework, to enhance drug-response prediction. MOMLIN jointly utilizes sparse correlation algorithms and class–specific feature selection algorithms, which identifies multi-modal and -omics–associated interpretable components. MOMLIN was applied to 147 patients’ breast cancer datasets (clinical, mutation, gene expression, tumor microenvironment cells and molecular pathways) to analyze drug-response class predictions for non-responders and variable responders. Notably, MOMLIN achieves an average AUC of 0.989, which is at least 10% greater when compared with current state-of-the-art (data integration analysis for biomarker discovery using latent components, multi-omics factor analysis, sparse canonical correlation analysis). Moreover, MOMLIN not only detects known individual biomarkers such as genes at mutation/expression level, most importantly, it correlates multi-modal and -omics network biomarkers for each response class. For example, an interaction between ER-negative-HMCN1-COL5A1 mutations-FBXO2-CSF3R expression-CD8 emerge as a multimodal biomarker for responders, potentially affecting antimicrobial peptides and FLT3 signaling pathways. In contrast, for resistance cases, a distinct combination of lymph node-TP53 mutation-PON3-ENSG00000261116 lncRNA expression-HLA-E-T-cell exclusions emerged as multimodal biomarkers, possibly impacting neurotransmitter release cycle pathway. MOMLIN, therefore, is expected advance precision medicine, such as to detect context–specific multi-omics network biomarkers and better predict drug-response classifications.
Pseudotumour: an uncommon complication of severe haemophilia
Authors: Kiu Alex , Yang Isaac , Fung Tiffany , Jaffer Rehana , Martin Marie-Helen
Published: June 2024

Pseudotumours are uncommon complications of haemophilia, occurring in 1%-2% of patients with haemophilia.1,2 It is a slowly expanding haematoma as a result of recurrent haemorrhage, surrounded by a fibrous capsule. It can occur in both bone and soft tissue, and progressive enlargement may result in bone destruction and/or muscle and skin necrosis. Pseudotumours by themselves are usually painless though its mass effect can result in nerve compression resulting in pain or neurologic symptoms. It may also predispose to pathologic fractures (as in our case) and superimposed infections.2,3
Diverse functions of Tribbles homolog 3 in cancers and its potential as a therapeutic target
Authors: Lei Shiying , Sun Jiajun , Xie Yifang , Xiao Xiaojuan , He Xiaofeng , Lin Sheng , Zhang Huifang , Huang Zineng , Wang Haiqin , Wu Xusheng , Peng Hongling , Liu Jing
Published: June 2024

Currently, cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, and potential targeted drugs and molecular pathways for cancer development and progression have been a hot research topic worldwide. In recent years, the importance of the kinase superfamily in diseases has been well demonstrated by studies on various molecular mechanisms of kinases and the successful application of their inhibitors in diseases. Pseudokinases are members of the kinase superfamily, which have been increasingly documented to play a crucial role in cancers year after year. As a member of pseudokinases, tribbles homolog 3 (TRIB3) also exerts diverse functions in different cancers through different interacting proteins and molecular pathways, especially in tumor immunity, stemness, drug resistance, metabolism, and autophagy. In addition, peptide drugs targeting TRIB3 have high specificity in preclinical studies, which shows great promise for TRIB3 application in diseases including cancers. In this review, we dissect diverse functions played by TRIB3 in different cancers, describing the underlying mechanisms in detail. Notably, inhibitors and agonists currently available for TRIB3 are discussed, indicating the potential for TRIB3 as a therapeutic target.
Microstructural associations between locus coeruleus, cortical, and subcortical regions are modulated by astrocyte reactivity: a 7T MRI adult lifespan study
Authors: Beckers Elise , Van Egroo Maxime , Ashton Nicholas J , Blennow Kaj , Vandewalle Gilles , Zetterberg Henrik , Poser Benedikt A , Jacobs Heidi I L
Published: June 2024

The locus coeruleus–norepinephrine system plays a key role in supporting brain health along the lifespan, notably through its modulatory effects on neuroinflammation. Using ultra–high field diffusion magnetic resonance imaging, we examined whether microstructural properties (neurite density index and orientation dispersion index) in the locus coeruleus were related to those in cortical and subcortical regions, and whether this was modulated by plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein levels, as a proxy of astrocyte reactivity. In our cohort of 60 healthy individuals (30 to 85 yr, 50% female), higher glial fibrillary acidic protein correlated with lower neurite density index in frontal cortical regions, the hippocampus, and the amygdala. Furthermore, under higher levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (above ~ 150 pg/mL for cortical and ~ 145 pg/mL for subcortical regions), lower locus coeruleus orientation dispersion index was associated with lower orientation dispersion index in frontotemporal cortical regions and in subcortical regions. Interestingly, individuals with higher locus coeruleus orientation dispersion index exhibited higher orientation dispersion index in these (sub)cortical regions, despite having higher glial fibrillary acidic protein levels. Together, these results suggest that the interaction between locus coeruleus–norepinephrine cells and astrocytes can signal a detrimental or neuroprotective pathway for brain integrity and support the importance of maintaining locus coeruleus neuronal health in aging and in the prevention of age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
Efficient inactivation of influenza virus through adsorption of nanoceria and its oxidative power
Authors: Sekiguchi Shota , Umezawa Eisuke , Yamanaka Hiroko Ito , Fujino Kan , Motoshiromizu Takahiro , Ouchi Miho Kawanishi , Murai Shunsuke , Masuda Tomohide , Ito Masateru , Nobumasa Hitoshi , Taharaguchi Satoshi
Published: June 2024

This study investigated the stabilizer's impact on nanoceria's antiviral activity. The positively charged nanoceria dispersion showed potent activity against the influenza virus, reducing the viral titer by over 4.0 log10 pfu/mL within 1 h, surpassing EN14476 criteria. It also inactivated the virus within 15 s, decreasing the infection titer by 2.2 log10 pfu/mL, and maintained efficacy even under bovine serum albumin loading.
The Bioinformatic Applications of Hi-C and Linked Reads
Authors: Jiang Libo , Quail Michael A , Fraser-Govil Jack , Wang Haipeng , Shi Xuequn , Oliver Karen , Mellado Gomez Esther , Yang Fengtang , Ning Zemin
Published: June 2024

Long-range sequencing grants insight into additional genetic information beyond what can be accessed by both short reads and modern long-read technology. Several new sequencing technologies, such as “Hi-C” and “Linked Reads”, produce long-range datasets for high-throughput and high-resolution genome analyses, which are rapidly advancing the field of genome assembly, genome scaffolding, and more comprehensive variant identification. In this review, we focused on five major long-range sequencing technologies: high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C), 10X Genomics Linked Reads, haplotagging, transposase enzyme linked long-read sequencing (TELL-seq), and single- tube long fragment read (stLFR). We detailed the mechanisms and data products of the five platforms and their important applications, evaluated the quality of sequencing data from different platforms, and discussed the currently available bioinformatics tools. This work will benefit the selection of appropriate long-range technology for specific biological studies.
Adolescent sexual and reproductive health literacy needs: a sub-national level assessment in Ghana
Authors: Nkrumah Jacqueline , Abuosi Aaron A , Baku Anita Asiwome Adzo , Yarney Lily , Abekah-Nkrumah Gordon , Tettey Cecil Randolph
Published: June 2024

This study assessed young adolescents’ access and literacy challenges to sexual and reproductive health information and knowledge gaps in the Effutu Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana. We used a narrative design and a focus group discussion method to glean data from 52 in-school adolescents, aged 11–15. Focus group discussions were conducted using a discussion guide and data were processed using QDA Miner (version 6.0). We analyzed data thematically using an iterative process of data validation, coding and recording. The participants had poor knowledge of the concepts of sexual and reproductive health and its essential domains. Abstinence was the predominant sexual and reproductive health goal of the participants. Yet, many males admitted to having sexual partners. There was difficult linguistic and physical access to structured and safe information. Personal hygiene, signs of sexual maturation and abstinence were the predominant contents available to young adolescents. A revision of adolescent health policies and strategies to embrace actions for improving unrestricted access to easy-to-read educational materials and adolescent health literacy is essential. Creating adolescent corners and introducing peer education in schools within Effutu and other municipalities in the Central Region will be useful.
A novel hybrid optimization and machine learning technique to energy storage in smart buildings using phase change materials
Authors: Mikhailovna Regent Tatiana , Nasrabadi Mohammadali , Abdullaev Sherzod , Pourasad Yaghoub , Alviz-Meza Aníbal , Benti Natei Ermias
Published: June 2024

Phase change materials (PCMs) have garnered significant attention in the realm of smart buildings due to their transformative impact on building structures and energy efficiency. In the context of smart buildings, incorporating PCMs into construction elements, such as walls or ceilings, enables them to act as thermal energy storage units. This dynamic thermal behavior helps regulate indoor temperatures by absorbing excess heat during warmer periods and releasing it when the environment cools. As a result, smart buildings equipped with PCM technologies exhibit enhanced energy efficiency, reduced reliance on traditional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and a more sustainable overall operation. Using EnergyPlus numerical simulation and a novel hybrid multilevel particle swarm optimization and convolutional neural network (H-MPSO-CNN) model, the performance of PCM in walls and ceilings of Namangan, Uzbekistan and Najran, Saudi Arabia climates was investigated in this study. The study assessed the impact of variables such as melting temperature and optimal location of PCM on heating and cooling load consumption. The results showed that PCM with melting temperatures of 23°C and 25°C had the greatest impact in the Namangan climate, while PCM with a temperature of 25°C had the greatest impact in Najran. The study also determined the best location for PCM on walls and roofs. It was determined that such a system is better suited to Najran’s hot and dry climate. Heating and cooling loads in Namangan can be reduced by 12.39 and 16.01%, respectively, by installing PCM systems in the building’s roof and walls. Similarly, a single-layer PCM system in Najran can reduce heating and cooling energy consumption by 9.97 and 12.11%, respectively. The goal of this study was to reduce the number of hours when the building was not thermally comfortable and to optimize heating and cooling load consumption.
Convergence analysis for minimum action methods coupled with a finite difference method
Authors: Hong Jialin , Jin Diancong , Sheng Derui
Published: June 2024

The minimum action method (MAM) is an effective approach to numerically solving minima and minimizers of Freidlin–Wentzell (F-W) action functionals, which is used to study the most probable transition path and probability of the occurrence of transitions for stochastic differential equations (SDEs) with small noise. In this paper, we focus on MAMs based on a finite difference method with nonuniform mesh, and present the convergence analysis of minimums and minimizers of the discrete F-W action functional. The main result shows that the convergence orders of the minimum of the discrete F-W action functional in the cases of multiplicative noises and additive noises are $1/2$ and $1$, respectively. Our main result also reveals the convergence of the stochastic $\theta $-method for SDEs with small noise in terms of large deviations. Numerical experiments are reported to verify the theoretical results.
On the Local Fourier Uniformity Problem for Small Sets
Authors: Kanigowski Adam , Lemańczyk Mariusz , Richter Florian K , Teräväinen Joni
Published: June 2024

We consider vanishing properties of exponential sums of the Liouville function $\boldsymbol{\lambda }$ of the form $$ \begin{align*} & \lim_{H\to\infty}\limsup_{X\to\infty}\frac{1}{\log X}\sum_{m\leq X}\frac{1}{m}\sup_{\alpha\in C}\bigg|\frac{1}{H}\sum_{h\leq H}\boldsymbol{\lambda}(m+h)e^{2\pi ih\alpha}\bigg|=0, \end{align*} $$ where $C\subset{{\mathbb{T}}}$. The case $C={{\mathbb{T}}}$ corresponds to the local $1$-Fourier uniformity conjecture of Tao, a central open problem in the study of multiplicative functions with far-reaching number-theoretic applications. We show that the above holds for any closed set $C\subset{{\mathbb{T}}}$ of zero Lebesgue measure. Moreover, we prove that extending this to any set $C$ with non-empty interior is equivalent to the $C={{\mathbb{T}}}$ case, which shows that our results are essentially optimal without resolving the full conjecture. We also consider higher-order variants. We prove that if the linear phase $e^{2\pi ih\alpha }$ is replaced by a polynomial phase $e^{2\pi ih^{t}\alpha }$ for $t\geq 2$ then the statement remains true for any set $C$ of upper box-counting dimension $< 1/t$. The statement also remains true if the supremum over linear phases is replaced with a supremum over all nilsequences coming form a compact countable ergodic subsets of any $t$-step nilpotent Lie group. Furthermore, we discuss the unweighted version of the local $1$-Fourier uniformity problem, showing its validity for a class of “rigid” sets (of full Hausdorff dimension) and proving a density result for all closed subsets of zero Lebesgue measure.
Individual Vulnerability and Collective Resistance Under Surveillance: Claiming the Right to Existence against Discriminatory Suspicion
Authors: Hogue Simon
Published: June 2024

Hasan Elahi’s Tracking Transience (2003–2020) was an artistic performance of hypervisibility. Initiated in response to being misidentified as a terrorist, preemptively arrested, and interrogated by the FBI, the artist created a comprehensive life log documenting his everyday life for all to see. Despite transformations to the surveillance environment, the performance raised a question that remains relevant today: How can ubiquitous surveillance be resisted when the technologies of capture and control are pervasive, but being visible is normalized? I argue that through his performance of countervisual aesthetics, Elahi claimed the right to existence and reassessed the need for the collective refusal of surveillance. I make two contributions to the theorization of aesthetic resistance. First, against the tendency to romanticize resistance, I reaffirm the impossibility of evasion. Surveillance is ubiquitous in the current datafied society, and being under surveillance generates vulnerability. Yet it is from this located, contingent position that we need to theorize resistance. Second, by theorizing how aesthetic performance mobilizes its public, I demonstrate that resistance to surveillance needs to move beyond the individualism of privacy. Through rereading Tracking Transience, I show how visibility enables collective resistance to the normalization of surveillance control and hierarchies.
Insufficient evidence for interactive or animated graphics for communicating probability
Authors: Ancker Jessica S , Benda Natalie C , Zikmund-Fisher Brian J
Published: June 2024

Objectives

We sought to analyze interactive visualizations and animations of health probability data (such as chances of disease or side effects) that have been studied in head-to-head comparisons with either static graphics or numerical communications.

Materials and Methods

Secondary analysis of a large systematic review on ways to communicate numbers in health.

Results

We group the research to show that 4 types of animated or interactive visualizations have been studied by multiple researchers: those that simulate experience of probabilistic events; those that demonstrate the randomness of those events; those that reduce information overload by directing attention sequentially to different items of information; and those that promote elaborative thinking. Overall, these 4 types of visualizations do not show strong evidence of improving comprehension, risk perception, or health behaviors over static graphics.

Discussion

Evidence is not yet strong that interactivity or animation is more effective than static graphics for communicating probabilities in health. We discuss 2 possibilities: that the most effective visualizations haven’t been studied, and that the visualizations aren’t effective.

Conclusion

Future studies should rigorously compare participant performance with novel interactive or animated visualizations against their performance with static visualizations. Such evidence would help determine whether health communicators should emphasize novel interactive visualizations or rely on older forms of visual communication, which may be accessible to broader audiences, including those with limited digital access.
Dietary isoacids effects on growth, nitrogen, and energy digestibility, and fecal volatile fatty acids and microbial ecology in finishing pigs
Authors: Kerr Brian J , Anderson Christopher L , Pearce Sarah C , Schweer Wesley P
Published: June 2024

Isoacids are branched ketoacids which when fed to ruminants have been shown to enhance the growth of fiber-digesting organisms. Ninety finishing gilts were individually fed dietary treatments consisting of diet type: corn–soybean meal (CSBM), a diet containing 40% distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), or a diet containing 40% sugar beet pulp (SBP); in combination with either no feed additive (CNT), the addition of 0.50% isobutyrate (IB), or the addition of a 0.88% mix of isobutyrate, isovalerate, and 2-methylbutyrate (MX). Gilts consumed an average of 2.171 kg/d over the 28-d trial. On d 26, fresh fecal samples were collected for determination of apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE) and nitrogen (N), determination of fecal volatile fatty acids (VFA), and evaluation of microbial ecology. There was no interaction between diet type and isoacid addition, and no main effect of isoacid or diet type on alpha or Shannon microbial diversity measures (P > 0.05). There was no interaction between isoacid addition and diet type, and no main effect of isoacid addition on microbial beta diversity (P > 0.05), but differences were observed in microbial beta diversity due to diet type (P ≤ 0.05). There was no interaction between diet type and isoacid addition observed in fecal VFA concentrations (P > 0.05), with only minor differences in fecal VFA concentrations noted due to isoacid addition (P ≤ 0.05). The interaction between diet type and isoacid addition on ATTD of dietary GE and N (P ≤ 0.01) was large because the addition of IB did not affect the ATTD of GE or N in pigs fed the CSBM diet, but increased ATTD of GE and N in pigs fed diets containing DDGS and decreased the ATTD of GE and N in pigs fed diets containing SBP. In contrast, adding a blend of isoacids (i.e., MX) reduced the ATTD of GE and N, regardless of diet type. There was no interaction between diet type and isoacid addition, and no effect of isoacid addition was observed on pig performance (P > 0.05). Diet type did not affect average daily gain (P > 0.05), but pigs fed diets containing DDGS or SBP consumed less feed (P = 0.01) and exhibited greater GF ratios compared to pigs fed the low-fiber CSBM diet (P ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, there was little to no effect of isoacid addition on microbial ecology, fecal VFA concentrations, ATTD of GE or N, or pig performance, but the improvement in ATTD of GE and N in pigs fed diets containing DDGS when IB was added warrants further investigation.
Spatial mapping of the seismic vulnerability index in Kathmandu Valley: insight from dominant frequency and amplification factor
Authors: Poudyal Dibyashree , Nordin Norhaiza , Roslan Siti Nur Aliaa , Dahal Bhim Kumar
Published: June 2024

Kathmandu Valley situated in Nepal has experienced several earthquakes in the past. The expanding population of Kathmandu Valley is driving a significant acceleration in building construction reaching record levels and posing risks to both human lives and the economy, despite this surge in development. This study aimed to spatially map the dominant frequency, amplification factor, and vulnerability index map of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal using ArcGIS. This paper presents the nonlinear response analysis of 225 boreholes using the Gorkha earthquake as input motion and DEEPSOIL software for determining the amplification ratio and dominant frequency. The results revealed a range of values for dominant frequency from 0.08 to 7.65 Hz and soil amplification ratio from 0.13 to 8.14. Furthermore, the seismic vulnerability index was derived from the dominant frequency and soil amplification ratio ranging from 0.22 to 21.84. The resulting maps acquired through this study enable the decision-makers and stakeholders, to prioritize resources and implement targeted measures for enhancing seismic resilience in the region.
Forest characteristics predict Tri-colored Bat (Perimyotis subflavus) activity within novel Colorado habitats
Authors: Bevan Zientek Amanda J , Colpitts Alexandria B , Adams Rick A
Published: June 2024

Several studies have indicated that tri-colored bats (Perimyotis subflavus) are extending their distributional range westward in the United States. Montane and subalpine habitats consist of a mosaic of forest types including Lodgepole Pine woodlands and meadows, which provide an opportunity to study how a newly arriving species—typically associated with lowland riparian systems—is adapting to novel environmental conditions. The objectives of this study are to document Tri-colored Bat activity in these novel habitats and to quantify which factors are influencing activity patterns in habitats and at elevations not previously documented. We surveyed sites in various stages of secondary succession following beetle kill outbreaks using acoustic monitoring and nonparametric multiplicative regression to model habitat activity patterns. Results showed that activity was highest in meadows and early time-since-kill (TSK) forests in the beginning of the survey period and activity increased in late TSK forest habitats at the end of the survey in early August. Tri-colored bats are not restricting their activity to lower-elevational riparian areas in the Colorado foothills but appear to also be using these high-elevation habitats. Careful consideration of misidentification confirms the high likelihood of tri-colored bats at our sites. We hope that this study will support conservation efforts considering the expected US Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered listing for this species.
Abundance of Leishmania (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) vectors in Baldim, a municipality in the Espinhaço Range Biosphere Reserve in Brazil
Authors: Michalsky Érika Monteiro , de Oliveira Costa Ana Carolina , Alonso Caroline , de Oliveira Lara-Silva Fabiana , Pereira Nathália Cristina Lima , Pinheiro Leticia Cavalari , de Marcos Neves Dâmaris Sarita , Fortes-Dias Consuelo Latorre , Dias Edelberto Santos
Published: June 2024

Leishmaniasis is a zoonoses caused by protozoan parasites belonging to the Leishmania genus that is transmitted to humans through the bite of previously infected phlebotomine sandflies (Diptera:Psychodidae:Phlebotominae). In Brazil, 2 types of leishmaniasis are endemic, tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL). In Baldim, a municipality in the Espinhaço Range Biospere Reserve (ERBR), 5 autochthonous cases of TL, and one autochthonous case of VL were reported from 2017 to 2022. Owing to the lack of data on entomological fauna, we surveyed the occurrence and distribution of phlebotomine sandflies that could act as Leishmania vectors, as well as natural Leishmania infection. During 1 year, 918 sandfly specimens belonging to 12 species were collected. The predominant species was Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) (32.0%), a proven VL agent, followed by Evandromyia evandroi (Costa Lima & Antunes, 1936) (20.7%), Evandromyia cortelezzii (Brèthes, 1923) (17.0%), Nyssomyia whitmani (Antunes & Coutinho, 1939) (12.2%), and Nyssomyia intermedia (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) (10.5%), all putative or proven TL agents. Seasonal fluctuations and endo-exophilic behavior were delineated for the main phlebotomine sandflies. The population of Lu. longipalpis was higher during the coolest and driest months, although different profiles were noted for the other species. Natural Leishmania infection was not detected in any of the 197 phlebotomine sandfly females analyzed. The results were compared with those previously obtained in other municipalities belonging to the ERBR. The presence of Leishmania vectors and human cases of leishmaniasis indicate a risk of Leishmania transmission in the region.
Increased inflammasome protein expression identified in microglia from postmortem brains with schizophrenia
Authors: Gober Ryan , Dallmeier Julian , Davis David , Brzostowicki Daniel , de Rivero Vaccari Juan Pablo , Cyr Brianna , Barreda Ayled , Sun Xiaoyan , Gultekin Sakir Humayun , Garamszegi Susanna , Scott William , Vontell Regina
Published: June 2024

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a complex psychiatric disorder that involves an inflammatory response thought to be characterized by microglial activation. The inflammasome complex may play critical roles in the pathomechanism of neuroinflammation but how this relates to SCZ remains unclear. In this study, we performed an immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis to compare the expression of inflammasome proteins in brain tissue from donors with SCZ (n = 16) and non-psychiatric donors (NP; n = 13) isolated from the superior frontal cortex (SFC), superior temporal cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex brain regions. To assess changes in the cell populations that express key inflammasome proteins, we performed IHC analyses of apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), and interleukin (IL)-18 to determine if these proteins are expressed in microglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, or neurons. Inflammasome proteins were expressed mainly in microglia from SCZ and NP brains. Increased numbers of microglia were present in the SFC of SCZ brains and exhibited higher inflammasome protein expression of ASC, NLRP3, and IL-18 compared to NPs. These findings suggest that increased inflammasome signaling may contribute to the pathology underlying SCZ.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of interventions to promote medication adherence among children, adolescents, and young adults with medical conditions
Authors: McGrady Meghan E , Keenan-Pfeiffer Mary E , Lang Amy C , Noser Amy E , Tyagi Anshul P , Herriott Julia K , Ramsey Rachelle R
Published: June 2024

Objective

This meta-analysis examined the efficacy of adherence-promotion interventions for children, adolescents, and young adults prescribed a medication for > 90 days as part of a treatment regimen for a medical condition.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials of adherence-promotion interventions published between 2013 and 2023 and including children, adolescents, and/or young adults with a medical condition. A total of 38 articles representing 39 trials met inclusion criteria. A narrative synthesis was conducted to summarize included trials and a random-effects model was used to compute an overall intervention effect. Effect sizes by adherence outcome assessment methodology, participant age, and technology use were also computed.

Results

Pediatric adherence-promotion interventions demonstrate a medium effect with those randomized to an intervention displaying greater improvements in medication adherence than those randomized to a comparator condition (SMD = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.31, 0.60, n = 37; 95% Prediction Interval: −0.32, 1.23).

Conclusions

Adherence interventions for children, adolescents, and young adults with medical conditions increase adherence.
Absolute CD4 count and percentage values among Libyan patients with HIV by single-platform flow cytometry
Authors: Lamami Yosra , Abulayha Abdulmunem M , Altabal Salah , Elbasir Mohamed , Elbnnani Abdulrhman S , Aghil Laila , Ebrahim Fawzi , Elzagheid Adam
Published: June 2024

Background

Single-platform flow cytometry technology together with CD45-gating is becoming the method of choice for absolute CD4 T cell enumeration. Immunological assessment of HIV patients by monitoring CD4 can provide valuable information on antiviral treatment response and disease progression.

Methods

A total of 97 HIV-positive individuals were recruited from 2 hospitals in Tripoli, Libya, and 14 healthy blood donors. The HIV-infected individuals were classified by CD4+ count into HIV-positive (>200 cells/µL) or AIDS (≤200 cells/µL) groups. CD4+ and CD8+ cell counts were determined and compared among the groups and with similar published data.

Results

The mean ± SD CD4+ cell counts were 1106 ± 442.8 cells/µL in healthy individuals, 460 ± 219.7 cells/µL in the HIV-positive group, and 78 ± 64.3 cells/µL in the AIDS group. The mean ± SD CD4+/CD8+ ratio was 1.6 ± 0.58, 0.4 ± 0.22, and 0.1 ± 0.1, respectively. CD4+ counts in Libyan healthy adults might be higher than those reported in several studies in other regions, whereas CD4+ counts in Libyan AIDS patients seem lower.

Conclusion

Reference values for T lymphocyte counts in Libyan healthy individuals should be investigated more extensively, and the reasons why Libyan AIDS patients seem to have such lower CD4+ counts should be examined.
Low-redshift absorption in the Seyfert galaxy PG1211+143 – a distant inflow maintaining off-plane accretion or the gravitational redshift of matter orbiting the SMBH?
Authors: Pounds Ken , Page Kim
Published: June 2024

The detection of a high-velocity (∼0.3c) inflow of highly ionized matter during an extended XMM–Newton observation of the luminous Seyfert galaxy PG1211+143 in 2014 provided the first direct evidence of a short-lived accretion event, and an explanation for the powerful winds (UFOs) now recognized as a common property of many luminous Seyfert galaxies. Although the ultra-fast inflow observed at a redshift of 0.483 was detected in only one of seven spacecraft orbits, weaker (lower column) but more persistent absorption is seen at a redshift of 0.123 in the high-exposure soft X-ray (RGS) spectra summed over all seven individual spacecraft orbits. Similar stacking of the higher energy (pn camera) spectra reveals underlying absorption at a redshift of 0.148. Interpreted, conventionally, as a Doppler redshift, the RGS observation indicates a line-of-sight inflow velocity v ∼ 0.038c and (free-fall) radial location at 1400 Rg, with the higher redshift and ionization in pn camera spectra perhaps detecting that inflow closer to the black hole. A very different explanation would be absorption in matter subject to the strong gravity close to the SMBH, an interpretation supported by the launch of a new UFO in the final spacecraft orbit.
Clinical and histological comparison of IgA nephritis and renal IgA vasculitis
Authors: Friedrich Julian , Bellmann Maren , Klank David , Porubsky Stefan , Bergner Raoul
Published: June 2024

Background

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephritis (IgAN) and renal IgA vasculitis (IgAV) show renal IgA deposits, but whether these two diseases are distinct entities or a spectrum of the same condition is under debate. In this study, we add perspective by contrasting the clinical course and histological presentation using the Oxford classification and the National Institutes of Health lupus nephritis activity index (LN-AI) and chronicity index (LN-CI) in IgAN and IgAV.

Methods

In this single-centre, retrospective study, kidney biopsies of 163 adult patients with IgAN and 60 adult patients with IgAV were compared according to the Oxford MEST-C score, LN-AI and LN-CI. At the time of biopsy, clinical presentation was compared in terms of age, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, extrarenal manifestations, estimated glomerular filtration rate, proteinuria and urine sediment. IgAV patients and all IgAN patients with crescents received immunosuppressive treatment. After biopsy, kidney function was followed until patients reached end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or they died.

Results

The clinical course and kidney histology differ in IgAN and IgAV. IgAV patients showed more microhaematuria and nephritic sediment, while IgAN patients had a greater history of arterial hypertension, more proteinuria and a higher risk for ESRD. These clinical differences were associated with histological differences, as kidney biopsies of IgAN patients were characterized by glomerulosclerosis and tubular atrophy while kidney biopsies of IgAV patients were characterized by endocapillary hypercellularity and crescents. Overall, tubular atrophy and an LN-CI ≥4 were associated with a higher risk for ESRD in IgAN and IgAV.

Conclusion

Our study supports the notion that IgAN and IgAV follow distinct courses, suggesting that they require different treatment strategies. Moreover, we make a point that the Oxford classification and LN-CI can be useful in categorizing and predicting long-term prognosis not only in IgAN, but also in IgAV.
Circulating tumor DNA molecular analyses and real-world evidence outcomes of FGFR2 amplified gastroesophageal cancers
Authors: Shariff Bushra , Barnett Reagan M , Dayyani Farshid , Maron Steven B , Mcgriskin Rory , Klempner Samuel , Donderici Elifnur Yay , Zhang Nicole , Masannat Jude , Drusbosky Leylah M , Mehta Rutika
Published: June 2024

Purpose

In addition to the existing biomarkers HER2 and PD-L1, FGFR2b has become an area of interest for the development of new targeted-based treatment. Given that clinical evaluation of FGFR2 targeted therapy is underway, we sought to elucidate the genomic landscape of FGFR2amp in gastroesophageal cancer (GEC) using a circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) platform.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the Guardant Health database from 2017 to 2022 for patients with GECs with Guardant360 ctDNA next-generation sequencing (NGS) performed. We assessed co-occurring genetic alterations for patients who harbored FGFR2amp versus FGFR2null. We also explored real-world evidence database with Guardant Health, publicly available genomic databases (MSK cohort using cBioPortal), and pooled clinical data from large-volume cancer centers for FGFR2amp GECs.

Results

Less than 4% of patients with GEC in the Guardant Health database were identified to be FGFR2amp. The most commonly co-occurring gene mutations were TP53, CTNNB1, CDH1, and RHOA. Upon interrogation of the MSK cohort, these same genes were not significant on tissue NGS in the FGFR2amp cohort of GEC. In the pooled institutional cohort, we noted that FGFR2amp tumors were most commonly involving the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ). The overall survival of these patients was noted at 13.1 months.

Conclusion

FGFR2 is a validated target in GECs, and the contexture of FGFR2amp will be important in defining patient subgroups with responses to FGFR2-directed therapy. Using ctDNA to provide a more detailed genomic landscape in patients with GECs will allow the advancement of targeted therapy in the near future for these aggressive cancers.
Autocratic Legalism
Authors: Shen-Bayh Fiona
Published: June 2024

Though autocracy is often defined by arbitrary and unrestrained rule, many autocrats deliberately enshrine their power in law. A vast and growing body of research among scholars of political science and socio-legal history has examined these themes, showing the myriad ways in which laws can form the backbone of authoritarianism—not only stabilizing autocratic control but also enabling repressive practices. This chapter examines contemporary debates on autocratic legalism, focusing on research by scholars from political science and socio-legal traditions. After examining the form, function, and implications of using law as a weapon of political control, including various episodes of autocratic legalism across different periods of time and place, it explores themes of legalism and legitimacy. It concludes by considering points of overlap and divergence among different analytical approaches and offers suggestions for future research.
Non-commutative resolutions of linearly reductive quotient singularities
Authors: Liedtke Christian , Yasuda Takehiko
Published: June 2024

We prove the existence of non-commutative crepant resolutions (in the sense of Van den Bergh) of quotient singularities by finite and linearly reductive group schemes in positive characteristic. In dimension 2, we relate these to resolutions of singularities provided by G-Hilbert schemes and F-blowups. As an application, we establish and recover results concerning resolutions for toric singularities, as well as canonical, log terminal and F-regular singularities in dimension 2.
More than labels: neural representations of emotion words are widely distributed across the brain
Authors: Lee Kent M , Satpute Ajay B
Published: June 2024

Although emotion words such as “anger,” “disgust,” “happiness,” or “pride” are often thought of as mere labels, increasing evidence points to language as being important for emotion perception and experience. Emotion words may be particularly important for facilitating access to the emotion concepts. Indeed, deficits in semantic processing or impaired access to emotion words interfere with emotion perception. Yet, it is unclear what these behavioral findings mean for affective neuroscience. Thus, we examined the brain areas that support processing of emotion words using representational similarity analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging data (N = 25). In the task, participants saw 10 emotion words (e.g. “anger,” “happiness”) while in the scanner. Participants rated each word based on its valence on a continuous scale ranging from 0 (Pleasant/Good) to 1 (Unpleasant/Bad) scale to ensure they were processing the words. Our results revealed that a diverse range of brain areas including prefrontal, midline cortical, and sensorimotor regions contained information about emotion words. Notably, our results overlapped with many regions implicated in decoding emotion experience by prior studies. Our results raise questions about what processes are being supported by these regions during emotion experience.
Advancing Parkinson’s disease treatment: cell replacement therapy with neurons derived from pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Clark Branden J , Lelos Mariah J , Loring Jeanne F
Published: June 2024

The motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) are caused by the progressive loss of dopamine neurons from the substantia nigra. There are currently no treatments that can slow or reverse the neurodegeneration. To restore the lost neurons, international groups have initiated clinical trials using human embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) to derive dopamine neuron precursors that are used as transplants to replace the lost neurons. Proof-of-principle experiments in the 1980s and 1990s showed that grafts of fetal ventral mesencephalon, which contains the precursors of the substantial nigra, could, under rare circumstances, reverse symptoms of the disease. Improvements in PSC technology and genomics have inspired researchers to design clinical trials using PSC-derived dopamine neuron precursors as cell replacement therapy for PD. We focus here on 4 such first-in-human clinical trials that have begun in the US, Europe, and Japan. We provide an overview of the sources of PSCs and the methods used to generate cells for transplantation. We discuss pros and cons of strategies for allogeneic, immune-matched, and autologous approaches and novel methods for overcoming rejection by the immune system. We consider challenges for safety and efficacy of the cells for durable engraftment, focusing on the genomics-based quality control methods to assure that the cells will not become cancerous. Finally, since clinical trials like these have never been undertaken before, we comment on the value of cooperation among rivals to contribute to advancements that will finally provide relief for the millions suffering from the symptoms of PD.
Rhizobial Secretion of Truncated Exopolysaccharides Severely Impairs the Mesorhizobium-Lotus Symbiosis
Authors: Wightman Todd , Muszyński Artur , Kelly Simon J. , Sullivan John T. , Smart Caitlan J. , Stougaard Jens , Ferguson Shaun , Azadi Parastoo , Ronson Clive W.
Published: June 2024

The symbiosis between Mesorhizobium japonicum R7A and Lotus japonicus Gifu is an important model system for investigating the role of bacterial exopolysaccharides (EPS) in plant-microbe interactions. Previously, we showed that R7A exoB mutants that are affected at an early stage of EPS synthesis and in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) synthesis induce effective nodules on L. japonicus Gifu after a delay, whereas exoU mutants affected in the biosynthesis of the EPS side chain induce small uninfected nodule primordia and are impaired in infection. The presence of a halo around the exoU mutant when grown on Calcofluor-containing media suggested the mutant secreted a truncated version of R7A EPS. A nonpolar Δ exoA mutant defective in the addition of the first glucose residue to the EPS backbone was also severely impaired symbiotically. Here, we used a suppressor screen to show that the severe symbiotic phenotype of the exoU mutant was due to the secretion of an acetylated pentasaccharide, as both monomers and oligomers, by the same Wzx/Wzy system that transports wild-type exopolysaccharide. We also present evidence that the Δ exoA mutant secretes an oligosaccharide by the same transport system, contributing to its symbiotic phenotype. In contrast, Δ exoYF and polar exoA and exoL mutants have a similar phenotype to exoB mutants, forming effective nodules after a delay. These studies provide substantial evidence that secreted incompatible EPS is perceived by the plant, leading to abrogation of the infection process.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Pathological Characterization and Management of Lasiodiplodia theobromae, a Hemibiotroph with an Interkingdom Host Range
Authors: Atallah Osama O. , Hassanin Abdallah A. , Yassin Sherin M. , Aloufi Abeer S. , Almanzalawi Enas A. , Abdelkhalek Ahmed , Atia Mahmoud M. , Behiry Said , Abdelrhim Abdelrazek S. , Nehela Yasser
Published: June 2024

Heart rot disease, caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae, is destructive for date palms and other woody plants. The disease was reported in several oases in Egypt, and the pathogen was found in association with infected trees suffering dieback and rachis blight. Seven phylogenetically distinct fungal isolates were selected, and their pathogenicity was confirmed on date palms. The isolates exhibited variable degrees of virulence on inoculated leaves, which confirms the variation. We examined the antifungal effect of microbial bioagents and plant extracts on heart rot disease. The isolates of Trichoderma spp. gave moderate reduction of the pathogen’s linear growth (40 to 60%), whereas their exudates were ultimately ineffective. Bacillus spp. isolates, except for B. megaterium, were more effective against spore germination, giving 80 to 90% reduction on average. Among the examined plant extracts, garlic sap gave 98.67% reduction of linear growth followed by artemisia (15.5%) and camphor (24.8%). The extraction methods greatly influenced the antifungal efficiency of each extract because exposure to organic solvents significantly decreased the efficiency of all extracts, whereas hot water extraction negatively affected garlic sap only. Successful bioagents and plant extracts were further assayed for the suppression of heart rot disease on date palms. Both T. album and T. harzianum gave comparable degrees of suppression as by commercial fungicides. In addition, treatment before or during pathogen inoculation was the most effective because it significantly enhanced the expression of defense-related enzymes. Our findings suggest biopesticides possess a dual role in disease suppression and defense boosters for date palms suffering heart rot disease.