bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A reassessment of Gelidium divaricatum G. Martens (Gelidiaceae, Rhodophyta) from Hong Kong, including Gelidiophycus hongkongensis sp. nov.
Authors: LIN SHOWE-MEI , LIU LI-CHIA , GUIRY MICHAEL D. , ANG JR PUT , HSUEH HSI-JU
Published: October 2023

RbcL sequence analyses of Gelidium divaricatum-like specimens—mat-forming, small red algae—based on new collections from Hong Kong revealed at least three different natural lineages: two align to the current concept of the genus Gelidium (Clades I & II) and one to Gelidiophycus (Clade III). The gross morphology of the specimens in Clade I fit closely with Martens’ original illustration (1866: pl. VIII: fig. 4) and is referable to Gelidium divaricatum sensu stricto. As a type specimen of G. divaricatum has not been found, Martens’ original illustration is thus here designated as lectotype together with an epitype of a sequenced specimen from the type locality that conforms in morphology with the lectotype. Clade III clustered with Gelidiophycus divaricatus sensu Boo et al. from Hong Kong, which does not conform with Martens’ original illustration. Accordingly, we refer Gelidiophycus divaricatus sensu Boo et al. to Gelidiophycus hongkongensis S.-M. Lin & L.-C. Liu, sp. nov. Clade II aligns with material of Gelidium millarianum from Lord Howe Island, NSW, Australia and Taiwan, and is a new record for Hong Kong.
Estimating Profiles of Dissipation Rate in the Upper Ocean Using Acoustic Doppler Measurements Made from Surface-Following Platforms
Authors: Zeiden Kristin , Thomson Jim , Girton James
Published: October 2023

High-resolution profiles of vertical velocity obtained from two different surface-following autonomous platforms, Surface Wave Instrument Floats with Tracking (SWIFTs) and a Liquid Robotics SV3 Wave Glider, are used to compute dissipation rate profiles ϵ(z) between 0.5 and 5 m depth via the structure function method. The main contribution of this work is to update previous SWIFT methods to account for bias due to surface gravity waves, which are ubiquitous in the near-surface region. We present a technique where the data are prefiltered by removing profiles of wave orbital velocities obtained via empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis of the data prior to computing the structure function. Our analysis builds on previous work to remove wave bias in which analytic modifications are made to the structure function model. However, we find the analytic approach less able to resolve the strong vertical gradients in ϵ(z) near the surface. The strength of the EOF filtering technique is that it does not require any assumptions about the structure of nonturbulent shear, and does not add any additional degrees of freedom in the least squares fit to the model of the structure function. In comparison to the analytic method, ϵ(z) estimates obtained via empirical filtering have substantially reduced noise and a clearer dependence on near-surface wind speed.
The impact of information factors on green consumer behaviour: The moderating role of information overload
Authors: Aljanabi Abdulqadir Rahomee Ahmed , AL-Hadban Waleed KH Mohamed
Published: October 2023

Although green product consumption is increasing globally, the predictors of this behaviour remain unclear, especially in developing countries where green products are not widely produced or consumed. This study examines the influence of information factors on consumer empowerment and green consumer behaviour. A quantitative approach was adopted, and data were collected by surveying 301 green product consumers residing in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq. The data were analysed by structural equation modelling using Smart-PLS version 4. The results confirm that both the central and peripheral routes of the elaboration likelihood model (ELM) guide consumers’ buying decisions about green products. Furthermore, the study revealed that consumer empowerment increases green consumer behaviour and information overload moderates the influence of information credibility on consumer empowerment. The present study contributes to the consumer behaviour literature by re-examining ELM within the context of green consumption, thereby broadening the understanding of the influence of information factors on consumers. Marketers can use the findings to develop targeted strategies for their products.
Consumer Morality Formation on Social Media Platforms: The Case of Guns in Brazil
Authors: Rosenthal Benjamin , Airoldi Massimo
Published: October 2023

Moral disputes regarding consumption issues are increasingly mediated by social media platforms. Nevertheless, there is a lack of research explaining how social media platforms shape consumer morality. Thus, this article combines large-scale quantitative text analysis with qualitative methods to explain the construction of moral discourses concerning guns on YouTube and Twitter among Brazilian users. We contribute to theory on consumer morality by proposing the Process of Morality Formation on Social Media Platforms, which explains how moral discourses are fueled by social actors displaying and commenting about news pieces and political events; how the expressive and connective affordances of social media platforms mediate the dynamics of moral discourses; and how social actors differently appropriate content, frame and justify their public positions by adopting different “worlds of justification” (Boltanski and Thévenot 2006). The implications of this work for marketing and society are discussed, and government and corporate initiatives are suggested.
The benefits and opportunities: Engaging patients in identifying and reporting patient safety incidents
Authors: Pozzobon Laura Danielle , Rotter Thomas , Sears Kim
Published: October 2023

There is growing recognition that patients can and should be engaged in the identification of patient safety incidents arising during their experiences across health systems. In this article, we describe the benefits that can be harnessed from engaging patients in reporting patient safety incidents; identify opportunities to support patient engagement in reporting and learning from patient safety incidents; and describe the potential role of health leaders in connecting patient experience and patient safety using patient-reported patient safety incident data.
Cocaine Use is Associated With Increased LVMI in Unstably Housed Women With Polysubstance Use
Authors: Ravi Akshay , Vittinghoff Eric , Wu Alan H. B. , Suen Leslie W. , Coffin Phillip O. , Hsue Priscilla , Lynch Kara L. , Win Sithu , Kazi Dhruv S. , Riley Elise D.
Published: October 2023

Background:

While substance use is known to influence cardiovascular health, most prior studies only consider one substance at a time. We examined associations between the concurrent use of multiple substances and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in unhoused and unstably housed women.

Methods:

Between 2016 and 2019, we conducted a cohort study of unstably housed women in which measurements included an interview, serum/urine collection, vital sign assessment, and a single transthoracic echocardiogram at baseline. We evaluated independent associations between 39 separate substances confirmed through toxicology and echocardiography-confirmed LVMI.

Results:

The study included 194 participants with a median age of 53.5 years and a high proportion of women of color (72.6%). Toxicology-confirmed substance use included: 69.1% nicotine, 56.2% cocaine, 28.9% methamphetamines, 28.9% alcohol, 23.2% opioid analgesics, and 9.8% opioids with catecholaminergic effects. In adjusted analysis, cocaine was independently associated with higher LVMI (Adjusted linear effect: 18%; 95% CI 9.9, 26.6). Associations with other substances did not reach levels of significance and did not significantly interact with cocaine.

Conclusion:

In a population of vulnerable women where the use of multiple substances is common, cocaine stands out as having particularly detrimental influences on cardiac structure. Blood pressure did not attenuate the association appreciably, suggesting direct effects of cocaine on LVMI. Routinely evaluating stimulant use as a chronic risk factor during risk assessment and preventive clinical care planning may reduce end organ damage, particularly in highly vulnerable women.
Numerical investigation on the spanwise chord distribution effects on the performance of an H-darrieus vertical axis wind turbines
Authors: Souaissa Khaled , Ghiss Moncef , Bentaher Hatem , Chrigui Mouldi , Maalej Aref
Published: October 2023

The efficiency of Darrieus wind turbines has increased significantly due to developments in blade design, albeit at the expense of the simplicity provided by simple straight blades. The purpose of this research is to gain insight into the influence of various curvatures embedded in the plan of the blade while maintaining its simple straight shape. A variation in chord length along the span defines the curvature. To assess their effect on performance and efficiency, concave, and convex Leading-Trailing Edged Blades (LTEB) are investigated and evaluated in comparison to straight blades. That is viable to gain valuable insight about these blade designs' potential advantages in various applications by studying their aerodynamic characteristics and flow characteristics. The Q-blade tool is used to simulate 3D unsteady Nonlinear Lifting Lines Free Vortex Wake (3D-NLLFVW). The virtual camber effect brought on by flow curvatures is implemented to improve the results' accuracy. According to the findings, H-Darrieus' aerodynamic efficiency climbed by 16% and 9.5% at high TSR. For the concave and convex LTEBs, the torque ripple is smoothed by 37% and 19%, respectively. Additionally, compared to the straight-bladed rotor, the chosen variations enable volume reductions of 53% and 28%.
Machine learning: Predicting hospital length of stay in patients admitted for lupus flares
Authors: Grovu Radu , Huo Yanran , Nguyen Andrew , Mourad Omar , Pan Zihang , El-Gharib Khalil , Wei Chapman , Mustafa Ahmad , Quan Theodore , Slobodnick Anastasia
Published: October 2023

Background

Although rare, severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) flares requiring hospitalization account for most of the direct costs of SLE care. New machine learning (ML) methods may optimize lupus care by predicting which patients will have a prolonged hospital length of stay (LOS). Our study uses a machine learning approach to predict the LOS in patients admitted for lupus flares and assesses which features prolong LOS.

Methods

Our study sampled 5831 patients admitted for lupus flares from the National Inpatient Sample Database 2016–2018 and collected 90 demographics and comorbidity features. Four machine learning (ML) models were built (XGBoost, Linear Support Vector Machines, K Nearest Neighbors, and Logistic Regression) to predict LOS, and their performance was evaluated using multiple metrics, including accuracy, receiver operator area under the curve (ROC-AUC), precision-recall area under the curve (PR- AUC), and F1-score. Using the highest-performing model (XGBoost), we assessed the feature importance of our input features using Shapley value explanations (SHAP) to rank their impact on LOS.

Results

Our XGB model performed the best with a ROC-AUC of 0.87, PR-AUC of 0.61, an F1 score of 0.56, and an accuracy of 95%. The features with the most significant impact on the model were “the need for a central line,” “acute dialysis,” and “acute renal failure.” Other top features include those related to renal and infectious comorbidities.

Conclusion

Our results were consistent with the established literature and showed promise in ML over traditional methods of predictive analyses, even with rare rheumatic events such as lupus flare hospitalizations.
The permanent regime of temporary solutions: Housing of forced migrants in Europe as a policy challenge
Authors: Lakševics Kārlis , Franz Yvonne , Haase Annegret , Nasya Bahanur , Patti Daniela , Reeger Ursula , Raubiško Ieva , Schmidt Anika , Šuvajevs Andris
Published: October 2023

Periods of forced migration to and in Europe have been common in the past decade and show no expectation of stalling due to ongoing armed conflicts, global inequalities and the adverse effects of climate change. Nevertheless, the provision of accommodation for asylum seekers and refugees continues to depend on temporary, ad hoc solutions. In the context of housing financialisation and shortage of affordable housing across European cities, this decreases opportunities for integration and securing other needs, such as jobs, language acquisition and childcare, but increases the risk of refugee homelessness and social exclusion. Based on cross-national Urban Living Labs exchanges in Leipzig, Riga, Lund, Helsingborg and Vienna, this commentary argues for a European agenda for long-term housing solutions for forced migrants in the arrival and settling phases that tackle issues from discrimination to access, to belonging. Importantly, creating long-term housing solutions for refugees would benefit whole housing systems as instruments of social inclusion.
International Higher Education and Post-Study Work Rights in Australia, Germany and Canada: Strengths and Vulnerabilities
Authors: Joshi Anumoni , Ziguras Christopher John
Published: October 2023

This article examines post-study work rights (PSWR) policy in three major international higher education destinations – Australia, Germany and Canada – through a comparative case study approach. The study found that PSWR policies typically have several objectives: to attract more international students; fill labour shortages; internationalise higher education, retain highly skilled migrants, and to improve outcomes for international graduates. Although some of these objectives appear to have been realised in each of the three countries, it remains unclear whether such policies have improved outcomes for international graduates.
To what extent are sacred language practices ultralingual? The experience of British Muslim children learning Qur’anic Arabic
Authors: Rosowsky Andrey
Published: October 2023

This article draws on qualitative data from a study of young Muslims learning Qur’anic Arabic in the UK to reveal how they engage in sacred language practices that I choose to call ‘ultralingual’. Such practices inevitably foreground linguistic form and performance over meaning, at least in the referential sense. Observable in many faith contexts, the ability to acquire a certain proficiency in an invariably ancient sacred language and then participate, actively and passively, in a range of ritual acts is demonstrated by millions of children globally. Usually attending supplementary forms of education, such children learn to access the code of their respective faiths (e.g., Qur’anic Arabic for Muslims and Biblical Hebrew for Jews) through, usually, a traditional learning approach based initially on systematic instruction in sound-letter correspondences which eventually develops into secure decoding proficiency. An important characteristic of this language practice is the ambivalent role of referential meaning. Often, performers, whether in recitation or in the words uttered in prayers, have partial or no access to the meaning of the words they utter. This article calls this ‘ultralingualism’, a language phenomenon that occurs also in non-religious contexts such as vocal music and multilingual literacy mediation, but which is particularly apparent in faith practices which centre on an ancient text and its language. The young Muslims in this article, however, do not take part in meaningless activities. Much sacred language practice (and some co-sanctified language practice) happens ultralingually, that is, form is emphasised over referential meaning. Evidence in this article argues that such ultralingual practices are accompanied nevertheless by layers of meaning often unrelated to referential or lexical meaning.
Weak fault detection based on amplification-compression function and sparse spike deconvolution
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Hou Yue , Li Yanfei , Liu Shuyong , Li Jing
Published: October 2023

Weak fault detection is still a hotspot in these years. The key of this work is to enhance the ratio of signal to noise (SNR). Then a new extraction method of weak fault impact based on amplification algorithm is proposed. Since the fault impact is related to bigger derivative, the amplification function combined with the derivative of the vibration signal is used to amplify the amplitude of the impact. Then Sparse Spike Deconvolution (SSD) which has been widely used in earthquake for impact detection is able to extract small impact from the signal processed by amplification function. Then, in order to enhance the periodicity of fault impacts, the compression function is used to compress the amplitude of bigger impacts according to different scales. At last, the experiment result shows that the proposed method is more effective than the common envelope analysis.
Third-generation biodegradable bone implants: A novel Mg-1Zn-0.5Sc alloy treated by laser shock peening to improve its characteristics
Authors: Ramanathan Parameshwari , Srinivasan Raghuraman , Neelakandan Sriraman
Published: October 2023

Magnesium (Mg) and its alloys are of much interest as promising third-generation bio-materials for bone implant applications; however, challenges remain for the alloy's mechanical integrity and bio-corrosion behaviour. Therefore, appropriate alloying elements and surface-modification techniques are required to overcome these limitations. Zinc and scandium were found to possess good biocompatibility and biodegradability, in addition to magnesium. This study aims to enhance the mechanical integrity and bio-corrosion resistance behaviour of a novel Mg-1wt% Zn-0.5wt% Sc cast alloy by laser shock peening surface treatment with multiple passes (LSP-2 pass and LSP-3 pass). The microstructural and texture evolution was investigated using various techniques, including field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (FESEM-EDS), optical microscopy (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, electron back-scattered diffraction analysis (EBSD), as well as the surface residual stress, wettability, microhardness, tensile strength, electrochemical polarization test, and biocompatibility were analysed on as-cast, LSP-2 pass and LSP-3 pass specimens. LSP induced beneficial compressive residual stress around the surface and sub-surface region of Mg-1Zn-0.5Sc alloy due to severe plastic deformation, which led to grain refinement through the twinning mechanism of the Mg alloy. Also, the dispersion of second-phase particles (β-ScZn) was observed while analysing the XRD profiles. Strain hardening, grain refinement, and precipitate strengthening have contributed to the structure and texture evolution, which enhanced the microhardness, tensile strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance of the Mg-1Zn-0.5Sc alloy. From in vitro studies, a low rate of corrosion in simulated body fluid and less cytotoxic behaviour were observed for the LSP-3 pass Mg-1Zn-0.5Sc alloy.
The Therapeutic Efficacy of Freeze-Dried Human Amniotic Membrane Allograft Gel for Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Phase-1 Clinical Trial
Authors: Rezaei-Nejad Aida , Amirkhani Mohammad-Amir , Ebrahimi Alireza , Ghorani Seyyed-Mojtaba , Alamoutifard Emad , Nilforoushzadeh Mohammad-Ali , Mollapour-Sisakht Mahsa
Published: October 2023

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are classified as hard-to-heal wounds, which occur in approximately 15% of diabetic patients. Several interventions have shown efficacy in reducing the risk of amputation among patients with DFU, including timely diagnosis and management of infection and ischemia, debridement of necrotic tissues, reducing mechanical pressure on ulcers, and patient education. One major challenge in the management of DFUs is optimizing wound care to improve healing outcomes. Recently, interdisciplinary approaches proposed a new generation of wound dressing which increased efficacy and significantly decreased the healing time. The current study assessed the healing characteristics of chronic DFUs treated with lyophilized amniotic membrane gel (LAMG) in combination with standard care, versus a placebo hydrogel with standard care. In total, 18 patients (8 male, 10 female) were randomly assigned to the control group, which received standard care and a gelatin scaffold (placebo), or the intervention group, which received standard care along with LAMG. We evaluated the reduction in wound size and assessed the patient's health-related quality of life over 9 weeks. In the LAMG group (n = 9) and the Placebo group (n = 9), the wounds were reduced in size by a mean of 73.4% ± 15.3% and 13.1% ± 10.1%, respectively ( P = .008). Patients treated with LAMG demonstrated significant improvements in the scores related to physical function, physical limitation, physical pain, general health, social function, emotional problems, and energy levels compared to the control group. The findings of this study indicate that using the LAMG with standard care significantly enhances wound healing.
Production of a p65fl/fl/LysMCre mouse model with dysfunctional NF-κB signaling in bone marrow-derived macrophages
Authors: Korkaya Ahmet K. , Fischer Jeffrey , Peppers Anthony , Crosson Sean M. , Rayamajhi Manira , Miao Edward A. , Baldwin Albert S. , Bradford Jennifer W.
Published: October 2023

Here, we describe the production and characterization of a novel p65fl/fl/LysMCre mouse model, which lacks canonical nuclear factor-kappaB member RelA/p65 (indicated as p65 hereafter) in bone marrow-derived macrophages. Cultured bone marrow-derived macrophages that lack p65 protein reveal NF-κB signaling deficiencies, a reduction in phagocytic ability, and reduced ability to produce nitrites. Despite abnormal bone marrow-derived macrophage function, p65fl/fl/LysMCre mice do not exhibit differences in naïve systemic immune profiles or colony forming units and time to death following Salmonella infection as compared to controls. Additionally, p65fl/fl/LysMCre mice, especially females, display splenomegaly, but no other obvious physical or behavioral differences as compared to control animals. As bone marrow-derived macrophages from this transgenic model are almost completely devoid of canonical nuclear factor-kappaB pathway member p65, this model has the potential for being very useful in investigating bone marrow-derived macrophage NF-kappaB signaling in diverse biological and biomedical studies.
User requirement gathering for online oral health education module development: Exploring parental perspective
Authors: Bala Sundram Meshala , Kuppusamy Elavarasi , Yazid Farinawati , Rani Haslina
Published: October 2023

Objective

Dental caries is preventable, yet it remains a common childhood disease. As children are dependent on their parents for oral health care, oral health education for parents is essential to ensure they understand the risk factors and consequences of dental caries and their role in its prevention. This study aims to explore parents’ oral health education needs to enable the development and provision of a tailored online oral health education module.

Methods

Online focus group discussions were conducted among Malaysian parents to gather information about the content, layout and presentation of oral health information parents sought for the provision of oral health care for their children. Video recordings were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was performed using an inductive approach.

Results

In total, 24 parents participated in the discussions and 4 main themes were uncovered. The first theme was perceived information needs related to dental caries, oral health care and the importance of deciduous teeth. The second theme was parents' preferred information resources which were social media, dentists, mobile phone applications and medical personnel. Thirdly, information delivery format and specific characteristics were recommended. The final theme was challenges and barriers faced in maintaining oral health due to parental constraints, child behaviour and external factors.

Conclusion

Parents’ profound feedback and experiential standpoint stipulate the need for the development and delivery of a comprehensible and visually engaging oral health education module by healthcare professionals via social media to enable access to evidence-based information consistently.
Improving the lives of ethnically diverse family carers and people living with dementia using digital media resources – Protocol for the Draw-Care randomised controlled trial
Authors: Thodis Antonia , Dang Thu-Ha , Antoniades Josefine , Gilbert Andrew S. , Nguyen Tuan , Hlis Danijela , Gurgone Mary , Dow Briony , Cooper Claudia , Xiao Lily-Dongxia , Wickramasinghe Nilmini , Ulapane Nalika , Varghese Mathew , Loganathan Santosh , Enticott Joanne , Mortimer Duncan , Brijnath Bianca
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Ethnically diverse family carers of people living with dementia (hereafter carers and people with dementia) experience more psychological distress than other carers. To reduce this inequality, culturally adapted, multilingual, evidence-based practical assistance is needed. This paper details the Draw-Care study protocol including a randomised control trial (RCT) to test the effectiveness of a digital intervention comprising a multilingual website, virtual assistant, animated films, and information, on the lives of carers and people with dementia in Australia.

Methods

The Draw-Care intervention will be evaluated in a 12-week active waitlist parallel design RCT with 194 carers from Arabic, Cantonese, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Mandarin, Spanish, Tamil, and Vietnamese-speaking language groups. Our intervention was based on the World Health Organization's (WHO) iSupport Lite online carer support messages and was co-designed with carers, people with dementia, service providers, and clinicians. Culturally adapted multilingual digital resources were created in nine languages and English.

Results

In Phase I (2022), six co-design workshops with stakeholders and interviews with people with dementia informed the development of the intervention which will be trialled and evaluated in Phases II and III (2023 and 2024).

Conclusions

Digital media content is a novel approach to providing cost-effective access to health care information. This study protocol details the three study phases including the RCT of a co-designed, culturally adapted, multilingual, digital intervention for carers and people with dementia to advance the evidence in dementia and digital healthcare research and help meet the needs of carers and people with dementia in Australia and globally.
Consequences of Financial Strain for Psychological Distress among Older Adults: Examining the Explanatory Role of Multiple Components of the Self-Concept
Authors: Bierman Alex , Upenieks Laura , Lee Yeonjung , Harmon Megan
Published: October 2023

Guided by a sociological perspective on mental health encapsulated in a stress process perspective, the authors examine the role of mastery, self-esteem, and mattering in explaining how financial strain is associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and anger in older adults. Analyses focus on the Caregiving, Aging, and Financial Experiences study, a national longitudinal survey of Canadian older adults conducted in the fall of 2021 and 2022 ( n = 3,977). Financial strain is associated with greater psychological distress across outcomes, but most strongly with anxiety. Although financial strain depletes mastery, self-esteem, and mattering, only mastery and self-esteem act as mediators between financial strain and psychological distress, with mastery predominant. This research suggests that a sociological perspective on stress and mental health can inform efforts to enhance the well-being of an aging population by identifying how reinforcements to the self-concept may truncate the consequences of financial challenges for psychological distress in later life.
Infrastructure and the ethnographic-cartographic production of urban bird species richness
Authors: Stallins J Anthony , Lally Nick , Luther Erin
Published: October 2023

The qualitative bio-geographies of human geographers and the quantitative mappings of biogeographers share a goal: how to understand living with non-human life. Yet they rarely bridge the conceptual and methodological gap between them. This article theorizes how the concept of infrastructure can bridge this ethnographic-cartographic divide. Infrastructure is not just inert shell. It is also a system of relation, a dynamic patterning of socionatural form emerging out of experiences and affective moments of its constituents. As proof of concept, we quantified and compared urban bird species richness and frequency for Tallahassee, Florida over a 17-year period (2000–2017) for two co-occurring observational infrastructures, eBird and a wildlife rehabilitation center that serves the city. Species common to both infrastructures comprised 94% of all eBird observations and 99% of all rehab records. Their differences reflected contrasts in how the motivations for experiencing birds intersected with bird habitat preferences, behavior, and contingencies of urban history and development. eBird observations had a higher species richness (295 spp) and reflected the growing popularity among birds and a small number of active birders for visiting stormwater retention lakes recently modified to improve bird habitat. Rehabilitation records had a lower richness (194 spp) and exhibited a much more even distribution of bird encounters among individual residents as well as community institutions like schools, universities, law enforcement, and other government organizations. Infrastructural perspectives convey how affective and individualistic encounters with the non-human can link to emergent biogeographic mappings and how urban biodiversity is relationally and heterogeneously produced rather than simply contained in cities.
Three-dimensional evaluation of the cortical and cancellous bone density and thickness for miniscrew insertion: a CBCT study of interradicular area of adults with different facial growth pattern
Authors: Hasani Mahvash , Afzoon Saeed , Karandish Maryam , Parastar Mina
Published: October 2023

Aim

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the density and the thickness of the cortical and the cancellous bone at selected inter-radicular areas in subjects with different facial growth patterns using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in order to choose the optimal area for miniscrew insertion.

Materials and methods

From 150 CBCT scans, 45 scans were included in the study. The subjects were categorized into three groups based on their skeletal growth pattern according to SN-GoMe angle and facial height index. Cortical and cancellous bone density and thickness were measured at the selected inter-radicular areas.

Results

Compared to the other two groups, the hyperdivergent group had thinner cortical bone in the anterior region of the maxilla between the central and the lateral incisors on the buccal side at 4 mm from the alveolar crest (P-value: 0.012) and on the palatal side at 7 mm from the alveolar crest (P-value: 0.030). Cancellous bone density values in these areas were higher in subjects with hypodivergent and hyperdivergent growth pattern. Furthermore, in hyperdivergent group less dense cortical bone in the posterior region of the maxilla on the palatal side between the second premolar and the first molar (p-value: 0.020) and on the buccal side between the first molar and the second molar (p-value: 0.038 & 0.047) was observed. No significant differences were found in the mandible between the three groups. No significant differences were found between the male and the female subjects.

Conclusion

Hyperdivegents presented thinner cortical bone in the anterior of the maxilla between the central and the lateral incisors. Less dense cortical bone was found between maxillary second premolar and first molar on the palatal side and also between the maxillary first molar and the second molar on the buccal side in this group too. Normal showed higher density values in the posterior of the maxilla compared to the other two groups. No significant differences were found among three groups in mandible.
Murine sterile fecal filtrate is a potent pharmacological agent that exerts age-independent immunomodulatory effects in RAW264.7 macrophages
Authors: Diwan Bhawna , Yadav Rahul , Singh Anamika , Kumar Dinesh , Sharma Rohit
Published: October 2023

Background

Sterile fecal filtrate (SFF) is being considered a safer alternative to fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) therapy; however, its bioactive potency is very little understood. The present study thus assessed the age-dependent immunostimulatory and immunomodulatory attributes of murine SFF in vitro.

Methods

SFF from young (Y-SFF) and old (O-SFF) Swiss albino mice were prepared. Immunostimulatory and immunomodulatory effects of SFF were evaluated in resting and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated macrophage cells by measuring intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO) production, inflammatory cytokines profile, as well as gene expression of oxidative and inflammatory transcription factors. SFF were also evaluated for native antioxidant capacity by measuring DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activity. Bioactive components present in SFF were also determined by GC/MS analysis.

Results

Both Y-SFF and O-SFF induced potent immunostimulatory effects characterized by changes in cell morphology, a significant increase in NO production, ROS levels, and an increased ratio of pro-inflammatory (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β) to anti-inflammatory (IL-10) secretory proteins although no significant aggravation in the transcription of NF-κB and Nrf-2 could be observed. Application of LPS to cells significantly augmented a pro-oxidative and pro-inflammatory response which was much higher in comparison to Y-SFF or O-SFF application alone and mediated by strong suppression of Nrf-2 gene expression. Pre-treatment of macrophages with both Y-SFF and O-SFF robustly attenuated cellular hyperresponsiveness to LPS characterized by significantly decreased levels of NO, ROS, and inflammatory cytokines while a concomitant increase in anti-inflammatory protein (IL-10) was observed. Further, both Y-SFF and O-SFF strongly resisted LPS-induced downregulation of Nrf-2 expression although O-SFF appeared to protect cells slightly better from the overall LPS threat. Neat SFF samples exhibited moderate antioxidant capacity and GC/MS analysis of SFF revealed diverse volatile organic compounds characterized by alkanes, organosulphur compounds, furans, amides, amino acids, and antimicrobial elements.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that SFF is a potent stimulant of macrophages and confers strong anti-inflammatory effects regardless of donor age thereby suggesting its therapeutic efficacy in lieu of FMT therapy.
Effect of soluble fiber on blood pressure in adults: a systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ghavami Abed , Banpouri Sara , Ziaei Rahele , Talebi Sepide , Vajdi Mahdi , Nattagh‐Eshtivani Elyas , Barghchi Hanieh , Mohammadi Hamed , Askari Gholamreza
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Pervious epidemiologic evidence indicates that soluble fiber is protective against hypertention: however, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have presented varying results. In the present study, we aimed to conduct a systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis to summarize published RCTs which assess the effect of soluble fiber supplementation on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP).

Methods

Scopus, PubMed, and ISI Web of Sciences were searched to identify relevant studies up to Aug 2022. We estimated the change in blood pressure for each 5 g/d increment in soluble fiber supplementation in each trial and then calculated the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95%CI using a random-effects model. We estimated dose-dependent effects using a dose–response meta-analysis of differences in means. The risk of bias for study was assessed using the Cochrane tool. Publication bias was evaluated via funnel plot and Begg’s test and Egger's test.

Results

Eighty-three eligible studies with total sample size of 5,985 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Soluble fiber supplementation significantly decreased SBP (WMD: -1.36 mmHg, 95% CI: -2.13 to -0.60, P < 0.001; I2 = 47.1%, P < 0.001) and DBP (WMD: -0.72 mmHg, 95% CI: -1.26 to -0.18, P = 0.009; I2 = 45.4%, P < 0.001). Each 5 g/d increment in soluble fiber supplementation had a significant reduction in SBP (WMD: -0.54 mmHg; 95%CI: -0.86, -0.22, P = 0.001; I2 = 52.2, Phet < 0.001) and DBP (WMD: -0.28 mmHg; 95%CI: -0.49, -0.80, P = 0.007; I2 = 43.1%, Phet < 0.001). The levels of SBP decreased proportionally with the increase in soluble fiber supplementation up to 20 g/d (MD20g/d: -1.79 mmHg, 95%CI: -2.86, -0.71).

Conclusion

Current evidence indicated the beneficial effect of soluble fiber supplementation on blood pressure. Our findings suggest that soluble fiber supplementation could contribute to the management of hypertension and the reduction of cardiovascular disease risk.
Pan-cancer spatially resolved single-cell analysis reveals the crosstalk between cancer-associated fibroblasts and tumor microenvironment
Authors: Ma Chenxi , Yang Chengzhe , Peng Ai , Sun Tianyong , Ji Xiaoli , Mi Jun , Wei Li , Shen Song , Feng Qiang
Published: October 2023

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a heterogeneous cell population that plays a crucial role in remodeling the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, through the integrated analysis of spatial and single-cell transcriptomics data across six common cancer types, we identified four distinct functional subgroups of CAFs and described their spatial distribution characteristics. Additionally, the analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from three additional common cancer types and two newly generated scRNA-seq datasets of rare cancer types, namely epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), expanded our understanding of CAF heterogeneity. Cell–cell interaction analysis conducted within the spatial context highlighted the pivotal roles of matrix CAFs (mCAFs) in tumor angiogenesis and inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs) in shaping the immunosuppressive microenvironment. In patients with breast cancer (BRCA) undergoing anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, iCAFs demonstrated heightened capacity in facilitating cancer cell proliferation, promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and contributing to the establishment of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Furthermore, a scoring system based on iCAFs showed a significant correlation with immune therapy response in melanoma patients. Lastly, we provided a web interface (https://chenxisd.shinyapps.io/pancaf/) for the research community to investigate CAFs in the context of pan-cancer.
Customizing cancer treatment at the nanoscale: a focus on anaplastic thyroid cancer therapy
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Tan Jie , Wu Bian , Wu Ruolin , Han Yanmei , Wang Chenyang , Gao Zairong , Jiang Dawei , Xia Xiaotian
Published: October 2023

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is a rare but highly aggressive kind of thyroid cancer. Various therapeutic methods have been considered for the treatment of ATC, but its prognosis remains poor. With the advent of the nanomedicine era, the use of nanotechnology has been introduced in the treatment of various cancers and has shown great potential and broad prospects in ATC treatment. The current review meticulously describes and summarizes the research progress of various nanomedicine-based therapeutic methods of ATC, including chemotherapy, differentiation therapy, radioiodine therapy, gene therapy, targeted therapy, photothermal therapy, and combination therapy. Furthermore, potential future challenges and opportunities for the currently developed nanomedicines for ATC treatment are discussed. As far as we know, there are few reviews focusing on the nanomedicine of ATC therapy, and it is believed that this review will generate widespread interest from researchers in a variety of fields to further expedite preclinical research and clinical translation of ATC nanomedicines.
Integrated proteome and malonylome analyses reveal the potential meaning of TLN1 and ACTB in end-stage renal disease
Authors: Tan Ruqi , Li Dandan , Hu Nan , Qiu Jing , Zeng Zhipeng , Cai Wanxia , Zhong Yafang , Zhang Xinzhou , Pai Pearl , Wang Kang , Tang Donge , Dai Yong
Published: October 2023

Background

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a condition that is characterized by the loss of kidney function. ESRD patients suffer from various endothelial dysfunctions, inflammation, and immune system defects. Lysine malonylation (Kmal) is a recently discovered post-translational modification (PTM). Although Kmal has the ability to regulate a wide range of biological processes in various organisms, its specific role in ESRD is limited.

Methods

In this study, the affinity enrichment and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) techniques have been used to create the first global proteome and malonyl proteome (malonylome) profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from twenty patients with ESRD and eighty-one controls.

Results

On analysis, 793 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and 12 differentially malonylated proteins (DMPs) with 16 Kmal sites were identified. The Rap1 signaling pathway and platelet activation pathway were found to be important in the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD), as were DMPs TLN1 and ACTB, as well as one malonylated site. One conserved Kmal motif was also discovered.

Conclusions

These findings provided the first report on the Kmal profile in ESRD, which could be useful in understanding the potential role of lysine malonylation modification in the development of ESRD.
U.S. Adolescent Rest-Activity patterns: insights from functional principal component analysis (NHANES 2011–2014)
Authors: Yeung Chris Ho Ching , Lu Jiachen , Soltero Erica G. , Bauer Cici , Xiao Qian
Published: October 2023

Background

Suboptimal rest-activity patterns in adolescence are associated with worse health outcomes in adulthood. Understanding sociodemographic factors associated with rest-activity rhythms may help identify subgroups who may benefit from interventions. This study aimed to investigate the association of rest-activity rhythm with demographic and socioeconomic characteristics in adolescents.

Methods

Using cross-sectional data from the nationally representative National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014 adolescents (N = 1814), this study derived rest-activity profiles from 7-day 24-hour accelerometer data using functional principal component analysis. Multiple linear regression was used to assess the association between participant characteristics and rest-activity profiles. Weekday and weekend specific analyses were performed in addition to the overall analysis.

Results

Four rest-activity rhythm profiles were identified, which explained a total of 82.7% of variance in the study sample, including (1) High amplitude profile; (2) Early activity window profile; (3) Early activity peak profile; and (4) Prolonged activity/reduced rest window profile. The rest-activity profiles were associated with subgroups of age, sex, race/ethnicity, and household income. On average, older age was associated with a lower value for the high amplitude and early activity window profiles, but a higher value for the early activity peak and prolonged activity/reduced rest window profiles. Compared to boys, girls had a higher value for the prolonged activity/reduced rest window profiles. When compared to Non-Hispanic White adolescents, Asian showed a lower value for the high amplitude profile, Mexican American group showed a higher value for the early activity window profile, and the Non-Hispanic Black group showed a higher value for the prolonged activity/reduced rest window profiles. Adolescents reported the lowest household income had the lowest average value for the early activity window profile.

Conclusions

This study characterized main rest-activity profiles among the US adolescents, and demonstrated that demographic and socioeconomic status factors may shape rest-activity behaviors in this population.
HIV-1 drug resistance and genetic transmission network among newly diagnosed people living with HIV/AIDS in Ningbo, China between 2018 and 2021
Authors: Hong Hang , Tang Chunlan , Liu Yuhui , Jiang Haibo , Fang Ting , Xu Guozhang
Published: October 2023

Background

As the HIV epidemic continues to grow, transmitted drug resistance(TDR) and determining relationship of HIV transmission are major barriers to reduce the risk of HIV transmissions.This study aimed to examine the molecular epidemiology and TDR and evaluated the transmission pattern among newly diagnosed people living with HIV/AIDS(PLWHA) in Ningbo city, which could contribute to the development of targeted precision interventions.

Methods

Consecutive cross-sectional surveys were conducted in Ningbo City between January 2018 and December 2021. The HIV-1 pol gene region was amplified and sequenced for drug resistance and genetic transmission network analysis. TDR was determined using the Stanford University HIV Drug Resistance Database. Genetic transmission network was visualized using Cytoscape with the genetic distance threshold of 0.013.

Results

A total of 1006 sequences were sequenced successfully, of which 61 (6.1%) showed evidence of TDR. The most common mutations were K103N (2.3%), E138A/G/Q (1.7%) and V179D/E (1.2%). 12 HIV-1 genotypes were identified, with CRF07_BC being the major genotype (43.3%, 332/767), followed by CRF01_AE (33.7%, 339/1006). 444 (44.1%) pol sequences formed 856 links within 120 transmission clusters in the network. An increasing trend in clustering rate between 2018 and 2021(χ2 = 9.546, P = 0.023) was observed. The odds of older age (≥ 60 years:OR = 2.038, 95%CI = 1.072 ~ 3.872, compared to < 25 years), HIV-1 genotypes (CRF07_BC: OR = 2.147, 95%CI = 1.582 ~ 2.914; CRF55_01B:OR = 2.217, 95%CI = 1.201 ~ 4.091, compared to CRF01_AE) were significantly related to clustering. Compared with CRF01_AE, CRF07_BC were prone to form larger clusters. The largest cluster with CRF07_BC was increased from 15 cases in 2018 to 83 cases in 2021.

Conclusions

This study revealed distribution of HIV-1 genotypes, and genetic transmission network were diverse and complex in Ningbo city. The prevalence of TDR was moderate, and NVP and EFV were high-level NNRTI resistance. Individuals aged ≥ 60 years old were more easily detected in the networks and CRF07_BC were prone to form rapid growth and larger clusters. These date suggested that surveillance and comprehensive intervention should be designed for key rapid growth clusters to reduce the potential risk factors of HIV-1 transmission.
Adrenal schwannoma can be FDG-Avid on PET/CT: case report and review of historic institutional pathology
Authors: Fackelmayer Oliver J. , Rodriguez Eduardo D. , Sisk Anthony E. , Livhits Masha J.
Published: October 2023

Schwannomas are benign, generally indolent tumors of neural crest origin and comprise the most common histologic tumor of peripheral nerves. Schwannomas are a rare histology for retroperitoneal tumors and very rare histologic findings for tumors of the adrenal gland with fewer than 50 cases in the reported literature. Here we present a case report of a non-hormonally functional but metabolically active adrenal tumor with indeterminate imaging characteristics with final pathology showing a 6.1 cm adrenal schwannoma as well as historical institutional pathology review revealing two additional cases.