bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Senescence atlas reveals an aged-like inflamed niche that blunts muscle regeneration
Authors: Moiseeva Victoria , Cisneros Andrés , Sica Valentina , Deryagin Oleg , Lai Yiwei , Jung Sascha , Andrés Eva , An Juan , Segalés Jessica , Ortet Laura , Lukesova Vera , Volpe Giacomo , Benguria Alberto , Dopazo Ana , Benitah Salvador Aznar , Urano Yasuteru , del Sol Antonio , Esteban Miguel A. , Ohkawa Yasuyuki , Serrano Antonio L. , Perdiguero Eusebio , Muñoz-Cánoves Pura
Published: December 2022

Tissue regeneration requires coordination between resident stem cells and local niche cells1,2. Here we identify that senescent cells are integral components of the skeletal muscle regenerative niche that repress regeneration at all stages of life. The technical limitation of senescent-cell scarcity3was overcome by combining single-cell transcriptomics and a senescent-cell enrichment sorting protocol. We identified and isolated different senescent cell types from damaged muscles of young and old mice. Deeper transcriptome, chromatin and pathway analyses revealed conservation of cell identity traits as well as two universal senescence hallmarks (inflammation and fibrosis) across cell type, regeneration time and ageing. Senescent cells create an aged-like inflamed niche that mirrors inflammation associated with ageing (inflammageing4) and arrests stem cell proliferation and regeneration. Reducing the burden of senescent cells, or reducing their inflammatory secretome through CD36 neutralization, accelerates regeneration in young and old mice. By contrast, transplantation of senescent cells delays regeneration. Our results provide a technique for isolating in vivo senescent cells, define a senescence blueprint for muscle, and uncover unproductive functional interactions between senescent cells and stem cells in regenerative niches that can be overcome. As senescent cells also accumulate in human muscles, our findings open potential paths for improving muscle repair throughout life.
Longitudinal data collection to follow social network and language development dynamics at preschool
Authors: Dai Sicheng , Bouchet Hélène , Karsai Márton , Chevrot Jean-Pierre , Fleury Eric , Nardy Aurélie
Published: December 2022

DyLNet is a large-scale longitudinal social experiment designed to observe the relations between child socialisation and oral language learning at preschool. During three years, a complete preschool in France was followed to record proximity interactions of about 200 children and adults every 5 seconds using autonomous Radio Frequency Identification Wireless Proximity Sensors. Data was collected monthly with one week-long deployments. In parallel, survey campaigns were carried out to record the socio-demographic and language background of children and their families, and to monitor the linguistic skills of the pupils at regular intervals. From data we inferred real social interactions and distinguished inter- and intra-class interactions in different settings. We share ten weeks of cleaned, pre-processed and reconstructed interaction data recorded over a complete school year, together with two sets of survey data providing details about the pupils’ socio-demographic profile and language development level at the beginning and end of this period. Our dataset may stimulate researchers from several fields to study the simultaneous development of language and social interactions of children.
Depersonalization disorder as a systematic downregulation of interoceptive signals
Authors: Saini Fedal , Ponzo Sonia , Silvestrin Francesco , Fotopoulou Aikaterini , David Anthony S.
Published: December 2022

Depersonalisation disorder (DPD) is a psychopathological condition characterised by a feeling of detachment from one's own body and surrounding, and it is understood as emerging from the downregulation of interoceptive afferents. However, the precise mechanisms that drive this ‘interoceptive silencing’ are yet to be clarified. Here we present a computational and neurobiologically plausible model of DPD within the active inference framework. Specifically, we describe DPD as arising from disrupted interoceptive processing at higher levels of the cortical hierarchy where the interoceptive and exteroceptive streams are integrated. We simulated the behaviour of an agent subjected to a situation of high interoceptive activation despite the absence of a perceivable threat in the external environment. The simulation showed how a similar condition, if perceived as inescapable, would result in a downregulation of interoceptive signals, whilst leaving the exteroceptive ones unaffected. Such interoceptive silencing would force the agent to over-rely on exteroceptive information and would ultimately lead to the DPD phenomenology. Finally, our simulation shows that repeated exposure to similar situations over time will lead the agent to increasingly disengage from bodily responses even in the face of a less triggering situation, explaining how a single episode of depersonalization can lead to chronic DPD.
Multi-agent simulation model updating and forecasting for the evaluation of COVID-19 transmission
Authors: Castro Brenno Moura , Reis Marcelo de Miranda , Salles Ronaldo Moreira
Published: December 2022

Agent-based models have been an emerging approach in epidemiological modelling, specifically in investigating the COVID-19 virus. However, there are challenges to its validation due to the absence of real data on specific socio-economic and cognitive aspects. Therefore, this work aims to present a strategy for updating, verifying and validating these models based on applying the particle swarm optimization algorithm to better model a real case. For such application, this work also presents a new framework based on multi-agents, whose significant contribution consists of forecasting needed hospital resources, population adaptative immunization and reports concerning demographic density, including physical and socio-economic aspects of a real society in the modelling task. Evaluation metrics such as the data’s Shape Factor (SF), Mean Square Error (RMSE), and statistical and sensitivity analyses of the responses obtained were applied for comparison with the real data. The Brazilian municipality of Passa Vinte, located in the State of Minas Gerais (MG), was used as a case study. The model was updated in cumulative cases until the 365th day of the pandemic. The statistical and sensitivity analysis results showed similar patterns around the actual data up to the 500th day of the pandemic. Their mean values of SF and RMSE were 0.96 and 7.22, respectively, showing good predictability and consistency, serving as an adequate tool for decision-making in health policies.
Application of Piszkiewicz model on the electron transfer reaction of dithionite ion and bis-(2-pyridinealdoximato)dioxomolybdate(IV) complex
Authors: Nkole I. U. , Idris S. O. , Abdulkadir I. , Onu A. D.
Published: December 2022

The need to better understand the binding mode of antioxidants (sulfur oxyanions) kinetically is a concern in medicine. Hence, a spectrophotometric method was used to study the application of the Piszkiewicz model on the electron transfer reaction of dithionite ion (S2O42−) and bis-(2-pyridinealdoximato)dioxomolybdate(IV) complex at 303 K and an absorption maxima of 560 nm. It follows an acid dependent reductive pathway that is medium sensitive. Charge distribution from the reaction species contributes to the redox efficiency of the system, resulting in a primary salt effect (NaCl) with an enhanced reaction rate. Alteration of the reaction medium with ethanol led to an elevation of reduction time as the charge catalysis was distorted by a drop in the system permittivity. Likewise, sodium dodecyl sulfate in the system decreased the reduction rate of the complex due to the low impact of hydrophobic and ion interaction between the micelle and substrates. First order reaction kinetics was observed in the concentration of the redox partners and a 2:1 (complex: S2O42−) stoichiometry was obtained with the involvement of hydrogenated sulfite radical which resulted in the formation of sulfur dioxide and a Mo2+ deactivated complex. The occurrence of counterion catalysis is pronounced in the reaction system owing to the participation of like-charged substrates in the rate-controlling phase. The standard enthalpy (69.12 $$\pm$$
±
0.05 kJ mol−1) and Gibbs energy (80.10 $$\pm$$
±
0.07) kJ mol−1 suggest that the process is endothermic dependent. The investigation of the anionic surfactant effect on the reaction medium was quantitatively ascertained from the Piszkiewicz model of the complex interaction sequence.
In vitro and in silico studies of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Allium sativum against diabetes
Authors: Jini D. , Sharmila S. , Anitha A. , Pandian Mahalakshmi , Rajapaksha R. M. H.
Published: December 2022

In the present study, the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized from the bulbs of Allium sativum, characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, FT-IR, SEM, HR-TEM, EDAX analysis and investigated its action on the inhibition of starch digestion. The results proved that the biosynthesized nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed, spherical shaped with the size ranging from 10 to 30 nm. The phytochemical and FT-IR analysis showed the presence of phenols, terpenoids, and amino acids in the synthesized AgNPs. The cytotoxicity analysis revealed that the synthesized AgNPs were non-toxic to the normal cells. The synthesized AgNPs exhibited significant free radical scavenging activity. The in vitro antidiabetic activity showed that the synthesized AgNPs increased glucose utilization, decreased hepatic glucose production, inhibited the activity of starch digestive enzymes such as α-amylase and α-glucosidase, and were not involved in the stimulation of pancreatic cells for the secretion of insulin. The in silico antidiabetic activity analysis (molecular docking) also revealed that the silver atoms of the AgNPs interacted with the amino acid residues of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and insulin. The present study proved that the AgNPs synthesized from A. sativum have prominent antidiabetic activity in terms of reducing the hyperglycemia through the increased glucose utilization, decreased hepatic glucose production, and the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. So it can be used as a promising nanomedicine for the treatment of diabetes.
Factors associated with a diagnosis of sarcoidosis among US veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan
Authors: Jani Nisha , Christie Israel C. , Wu Tianshi David , Guzman Daniel E. , Han Jaehwan , Broderick Bryan , Falvo Michael J. , Sotolongo Anays , Osinubi Omowunmi Y. , Helmer Drew A.
Published: December 2022

This study evaluated risk factors of sarcoidosis among Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry (AHOBPR) participants using a retrospective age and sex-matched case–control design of AHOBPR participants deployed to Afghanistan or Southwest Asia with and without sarcoidosis diagnosed in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Logistic regression models tested for associations between sarcoidosis and self-reported cumulative deployment-related exposures. 661 Veterans (0.37%) were diagnosed with sarcoidosis in VHA. Logistic regression demonstrated lower odds of sarcoidosis in Hispanic participants (OR 0.08, CI 0.04–0.15) and those who served in the Navy (OR 0.40, CI 0.21–0.72). African American veterans (OR 2.27, CI 1.66–3.11) and former smokers (OR 1.87, CI 1.33–2.62) were at elevated risk. Of the exposure variables, convoy activities had the highest odds of being associated with sarcoidosis and was marginally statistically significant (OR 1.16, CI 1.00–1.35). Sarcoidosis was an uncommon diagnosis among AHOBPR participants and was associated with only one of eight assessed cumulative deployment-related exposures.
Social mindfulness predicts concern for nature and immigrants across 36 nations
Authors: Kirkland Kelly , Van Lange Paul A. M. , Van Doesum Niels J. , Acevedo-Triana Cesar , Amiot Catherine E. , Ausmees Liisi , Baguma Peter , Barry Oumar , Becker Maja , Bilewicz Michal , Boonyasiriwat Watcharaporn , Castelain Thomas , Costantini Giulio , Dimdins Girts , Espinosa Agustín , Finchilescu Gillian , Fischer Ronald , Friese Malte , Gómez Ángel , González Roberto , Goto Nobuhiko , Halama Peter , Ilustrisimo Ruby D. , Jiga-Boy Gabriela M. , Kuppens Peter , Loughnan Steve , Markovik Marijana , Mastor Khairul A. , McLatchie Neil , Novak Lindsay M. , Onyishi Ike E. , Peker Müjde , Rizwan Muhammad , Schaller Mark , Suh Eunkook M. , Swann William B. , Tong Eddie M. W. , Torres Ana , Turner Rhiannon N. , Vauclair Christin-Melanie , Vinogradov Alexander , Wang Zhechen , Yeung Victoria Wai Lan , Bastian Brock
Published: December 2022

People cooperate every day in ways that range from largescale contributions that mitigate climate change to simple actions such as leaving another individual with choice – known as social mindfulness. It is not yet clear whether and how these complex and more simple forms of cooperation relate. Prior work has found that countries with individuals who made more socially mindful choices were linked to a higher country environmental performance – a proxy for complex cooperation. Here we replicated this initial finding in 41 samples around the world, demonstrating the robustness of the association between social mindfulness and environmental performance, and substantially built on it to show this relationship extended to a wide range of complex cooperative indices, tied closely to many current societal issues. We found that greater social mindfulness expressed by an individual was related to living in countries with more social capital, more community participation and reduced prejudice towards immigrants. Our findings speak to the symbiotic relationship between simple and more complex forms of cooperation in societies.
Proof of principle for the clinical use of a CE-certified automatic imaging analysis tool in rare diseases studying hereditary spastic paraplegia type 4 (SPG4)
Authors: Lindig Tobias , Bender Benjamin , Bürkle Eva , Kumar Vinod , Ernemann Ulrike , Schöls Ludger , Rattay Tim W.
Published: December 2022

Usage of MR imaging biomarkers is limited to experts. Automatic quantitative reports provide access for clinicians to data analysis. Automated data analysis was tested for usability in a small cohort of patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia type 4 (SPG4). We analyzed 3T MRI 3D-T1 datasets of n = 25 SPG4 patients and matched healthy controls using a commercial segmentation tool (AIRAscore structure 2.0.1) and standard VBM. In SPG4 total brain volume was reduced by 27.6 percentiles (p = 0.001) caused mainly by white matter loss (− 30.8th, p < 0.001) and stable total gray matter compared to controls. Brain volume loss occurred in: midbrain (− 41.5th, p = 0.001), pons (− 36.5th, p = 0.02), hippocampus (− 20.9th, p = 0.002), and gray matter of the cingulate gyrus (− 17.0th, p = 0.02). Ventricular volumes increased as indirect measures of atrophy. Group comparisons using percentiles aligned with results from VBM analyses. Quantitative imaging reports proved to work as an easily accessible, fully automatic screening tool for clinicians, even in a small cohort of a rare genetic disorder. We could delineate the involvement of white matter and specify involved brain regions. Group comparisons using percentiles provide comparable results to VBM analysis and are, therefore, a suitable and simple screening tool for all clinicians with and without in-depth knowledge of image processing.
Performance analysis of the salinity based on hexagonal two-dimensional photonic crystal: computational study
Authors: Sayed Hassan , Al-Dossari M. , Ismail Mohamed A. , El-Gawaad N. S. Abd , Aly Arafa H.
Published: December 2022

We have designed a unique structure for a liquid sensor based on two-dimensional PCs with a triangular lattice constant in the periodicity by drilling a hexagonal cylinder in a dielectric host material. Using the COMSOL multiphysics approach, we investigated the given structure and sensing performance based on the finite element method. We will optimize two-dimensional hexagonal photonic crystals to localize the photonic band gap region in the mid and far infra-red frequency range, as water is a good absorber for this range of frequencies. Then, we inject the central hexagonal cylinder with saline water and calculate the sensor parameters for different values of the refractive index of saline water at different frequencies related to photonic band gaps. We could reach the optimum conditions of the salinity sensor as the half diagonal of the hexagonal shape (R) = 500 nm, the perpendicular distance between the two diagonal hexagonal (D) = 250 nm, and the number of periods (N) = 5, which gives a high efficiency with sensitivity (S) = 525 nm/RIU, figure of merit (FOM) = 80.7 RIU−1, and quality factor (Q) = 375. The effects of structural characteristics on sensing performance are investigated, with new approaches for improving salinity sensors proposed. Furthermore, traditional salinity sensors may be replaced by the proposed method in the photo-sensing application, which is simple and practical for use in the thermal desalination techniques.
Impact of early dam contact on veal calf welfare
Authors: Webb L. E. , Marcato F. , Bokkers E. A. M. , Verwer C. M. , Wolthuis-Fillerup M. , Hoorweg F. A. , van den Brand H. , Jensen M. B. , van Reenen C. G.
Published: December 2022

Dairy calves, including surplus calves, are typically separated from their dam within hours of birth. The aim of this study was to assess the welfare impacts of raising surplus calves destined for veal with their dam for 2 or 4 weeks until transport. Surplus calves from one dairy farm were separated from their dam at birth (n = 39) or kept with the dam (n = 37) until transport to the veal farm at either 2 (n = 50) or 4 (n = 26) weeks of age, with abrupt separation for dam-reared calves. Calf measures of body weight, health, immunity, haematology and behaviour were recorded at the dairy and veal farms. Dam-reared calves had higher body weights in weeks 3, 4 and 5 at the DF, as well as at arrival at the veal farm, but by slaughter this advantage was lost. More dam-reared calves had fever in week 3 and showed signs of disease in week 5 at the dairy farm. Dam-reared calves did not differ in IgG, IgA or IgM levels but had higher counts of white blood cells, which could reflect a higher pathogen exposure rather than improved immunity. Dam-reared calves displayed more fear towards humans in a human approach test at 5 and 7 weeks after arrival at the veal farm, and more frequent social behaviours at the veal farm at 9 and 16 weeks of age. In conclusion, it seems that there may be both advantages and disadvantages to keeping veal calves with the dam in terms of welfare in the current system.
Comparing CABG and PCI across the globe based on current regional registry evidence
Authors: Caldonazo Tulio , Kirov Hristo , Riedel Leoni Lu , Gaudino Mario , Doenst Torsten
Published: December 2022

There is an ongoing debate whether coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) provide better results for the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to evaluate the impact of CABG or PCI on long-term survival based on local reports from different regions in the world. We systematically searched MEDLINE selecting studies that compared outcomes for CABG or PCI as a treatment for CAD in the last 10 years. Reports without all-cause mortality, multi-national cohorts, hybrid revascularization populations were excluded. Qualifying studies were statistically compared, and their geographic location visualized on a world map. From 5126 studies, one randomized and twenty-two observational studies (19 risk-adjusted) met the inclusion criteria. The mean follow-up was 4.7 ± 7 years and 18 different countries were included. In 17 studies, CABG was associated with better survival during follow-up, six studies showed no significant difference, and no study favored PCI. Periprocedural mortality was not different in seven, lower with PCI in one, lower with CABG in three and not reported in 12 studies. In regional registry-type comparisons, CABG is associated with better long-term survival compared to PCI in most regions of the world without evidence for higher periprocedural mortality.
Localization of magnetocardiographic sources for myocardial infarction cases using deterministic and Bayesian approaches
Authors: Bhat Vikas R. , Pal Basudha , Anitha H. , Thalengala Ananthakrishna
Published: December 2022

In this paper, the inverse problems of cardiac sources using analytical and probabilistic methods are solved and discussed. The standard Tikhonov regularization technique is solved initially to estimate the under-determined heart surface potentials from Magnetocardiographic (MCG) signals. The results of the deterministic method subjected to noise in the measurements are discussed and compared with the probabilistic models. Hierarchical Bayesian modeling with fixed Gaussian prior is employed to quantify the uncertainties in source reconstructions. A novel application of Variational Bayesian inference approach has been presented to estimate the heart sources. The reconstruction results of Variational Bayesian model with non-stationary priors are compared with solutions of simplistic Bayesian approach; and the performances are evaluated using Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and correlation co-efficient metrics. The Bayesian solutions in the study are also extended to localize the MCG sources for two types of Myocardial infarction cases.
The trickle down from environmental innovation to productive complexity
Authors: de Cunzo Francesco , Petri Alberto , Zaccaria Andrea , Sbardella Angelica
Published: December 2022

We study the empirical relationship between green technologies and industrial production at very fine-grained levels by employing Economic Complexity techniques. Firstly, we use patent data on green technology domains as a proxy for competitive green innovation and data on exported products as a proxy for competitive industrial production. Secondly, with the aim of observing how green technological development trickles down into industrial production, we build a bipartite directed network linking single green technologies at time$$t_1$$t1to single products at time$$t_2 \ge t_1$$t2≥t1on the basis of their time-lagged co-occurrences in the technological and industrial specialization profiles of countries. Thirdly, we filter the links in the network by employing a maximum entropy null-model. Our results emphasize a strong connection between green technologies and the export of products related to the processing of raw materials, notably crucial for the development of climate change mitigation and adaptation technologies. Furthermore, by looking at the evolution of the network over time, we observe a growing presence of more complex green technologies and high-tech products among the significant links, suggesting an increase in their importance in the network.
Brewers’ spent hop revalorization for the production of high added-value cosmetics ingredients with elastase inhibition capacity
Authors: Paredes-Ramos Maria , Conde Piñeiro Enma , Lopez Vilariño Jose M.
Published: December 2022

This article summarizes the analysis of α and β-acids and prenylflavonoids from brewers’ spent hop (BSH) as source of bioactive molecules to improve skin integrity by inhibiting elastase activity. To maximize the efficacy of the BSH extracts, it was necessary to identify the most bioactive hop compounds and the extraction parameters to maximize elastase inhibition and total antioxidant capacity. Thus, a computational methodology was carried out to test the anti-elastase potential of these hop molecules, detecting cis-iso-α-cohumulone and 8-prenylnaringenin as main inhibitors. Then, BSH extracts were optimized to ensure the maximum extraction of bioactive compounds, using compatible solvents (water and 100% plant-based propanediol) according to the green cosmetic standards. Finally, a determination and quantification method based on HPLC–MS/MS was used to guarantee the presence of the bioactive molecules, detecting a higher concentration of cis-iso-α-cohumulone and 8-prenylnaringenin in those samples with high anti-elastase activity. By optimizing extraction conditions and agents, a BSH extract was designed, showing high antioxidant (81.9 mmol Trolox/L) and high anti-elastase capacities.
Complete mitochondrial genome of Hygrobates turcicus Pešić, Esen & Dabert, 2017 (Acari, Hydrachnidia, Hygrobatoidea)
Authors: Zawal Andrzej , Skuza Lidia , Michoński Grzegorz , Bańkowska Aleksandra , Szućko-Kociuba Izabela , Gastineau Romain
Published: December 2022

The aim of the study was sequencing of the mitogenome of Hygrobates turcicus Pešić, Esen & Dabert, 2017 to expand knowledge of the polymorphism and cryptic or pseudocryptic diversity within Hydrachnidia. The samples originated from Bulgaria, Vidima River near Debnewo, 42°56′41.4′′N, 24°48′44.6′′E, depth 0.4 m, stones on the bottom, water flow 0.71 m/s, temperature 10 °C, pH 8.53, oxygen 110%, conductivity 279 µS/cm, hardness 121 CaO mg/l; 11 males, 27 females, 2 deutonymphs 12.x.2019 leg. Zawal, Michoński & Bańkowska; one male and one female dissected and slides mounted. The study was carried out using the following methods: DNA extraction, sequencing, assembly and annotation, comparison with other populations of H. turcicus, and multigene phylogeny. As a result of the study, it was determined that the mitogenome is 15,006 bp long and encodes for 13 proteins, 2 rRNAs, and 22 tRNAs. The genome is colinear with those of H. longiporus and H. taniguchii, the difference in size originating from a non-coding region located between protein-coding genes ND4L and ND3. Five genes have alternative start-codon, and four display premature termination. The multigene phylogeny obtained using all mitochondrial protein-coding genes unambiguously associates H. turcicus with the cluster formed by H. longiporus and H. taniguchii.
Displacement of submacular hemorrhage secondary to age-related macular degeneration with subretinal injection of air and tissue plasminogen activator
Authors: Ogata Maasa , Oh Hideyasu , Nakata Ai , Doi Ayaka , Nakayama Hiroki , Hasegawa Mariko , Hirose Miou
Published: December 2022

Submacular hemorrhage (SMH) can lead to devastating visual loss in patients with age-related macular degeneration. We retrospectively evaluated the surgical outcomes of vitrectomy with subretinal injection of tissue plasminogen activator, bevacizumab, and air in 13 cases. Visual prognosis, anatomical results obtained with optical coherence tomography (OCT), and their correlations were investigated. We analyzed OCT parameters including SMH height, pigment epithelial detachment (PED) height and width, and status of ellipsoid zone (EZ) line. Complete displacement of SMH was achieved in 12 eyes. At 3 months post-surgery, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and SMH height exhibited significant improvements (P < 0.01). In eyes with preoperative SMH height < 300 µm and a detectable EZ line, BCVA was significantly improved at as early as 1 month, whereas the remaining eyes exhibited visual improvements only at 3 months. Postoperative BCVA positively correlated with preoperative BCVA (r = 0.86, P < 0.005), and negatively correlated with SMH size (r = 0.69, P < 0.01) and PED height (r = 0.58, P < 0.05) and width (r = 0.67, P < 0.05). Multivariate analyses confirmed preoperative BCVA as the predominant factor associated with postoperative BCVA (β = 1.093, P < 0.05). In conclusion, significant improvements in BCVA and anatomical findings can be achieved with our reported surgical technique. Preoperative OCT findings may influence the duration required for visual improvements.
STK4 protein expression pattern follows different trends in endometrioid and serous endometrial adenocarcinoma upon tumor progression
Authors: Govorov Igor , Attarha Sanaz , Kovalevska Larysa , Andersson Emil , Kashuba Elena , Mints Miriam
Published: December 2022

In a previous study, we showed that serine/threonine-protein kinase 4 (STK4) is involved in the control on proliferation and migration of endometrial cancer (EC) cells in vitro. In the present paper, we studied STK4 expression in EC tissues from a large cohort of patients to determine whether STK4 can serve as a marker for the aggressiveness and prognosis of EC. Tissue samples from patients with EC were examined for tumor type, grade, and stage. The STK4 protein expression in EC cells was assessed by immunohistochemistry and related to clinicopathological data of patients, such as progression and patient survival rate. The STK4 mRNA levels and its relation to the survival rate were analyzed also in publicly available databases. The STK4 gene expression was low at both, the mRNA and protein levels in EC, especially in serous tumors. Comparison of STK4 expression with the patient survival rate shows that the higher expression is associated with worse prognosis in serous EC, while no such dependence was found in endometrioid EC. Hence, the determination of the SKT4 expression pattern could be used as a putative prognostic marker for serous EC.
Analysis of prognostic model based on immunotherapy related genes in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Peng , Wang Wenmiao , Liu Lei , Li HouQiang , Sha XinYu , Wang Silin , Huang Zhanghao , Zhou Youlang , Shi Jiahai
Published: December 2022

Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors, and ranks high in the list of mortality due to cancers. Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common subtype of lung cancer. Despite progress in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, the prognosis of these patients remains dismal. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the predictors and treatment targets of lung cancer to provide appropriate treatments and improve patient prognosis. In this study, the gene modules related to immunotherapy were screened by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Using unsupervised clustering, patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were divided into three clusters based on the gene expression. Next, gene clustering was performed on the prognosis-related differential genes, and a six-gene prognosis model (comprising PLK1, HMMR, ANLN, SLC2A1, SFTPB, and CYP4B1) was constructed using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis. Patients with LUAD were divided into two groups: high-risk and low-risk. Significant differences were found in the survival, immune cell infiltration, Tumor mutational burden (TMB), immune checkpoints, and immune microenvironment between the high- and low-risk groups. Finally, the accuracy of the prognostic model was verified in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset in patients with LUAD (GSE30219, GSE31210, GSE50081, GSE72094).
Early prediction of upper limb functioning after stroke using clinical bedside assessments: a prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Alt Murphy Margit , Al-Shallawi Ahmad , Sunnerhagen Katharina S. , Pandyan Anand
Published: December 2022

Early and accurate prediction of recovery is needed to assist treatment planning and inform patient selection in clinical trials. This study aimed to develop a prediction algorithm using a set of simple early clinical bedside measures to predict upper limb capacity at 3-months post-stroke. A secondary analysis of Stroke Arm Longitudinal Study at Gothenburg University (SALGOT) included 94 adults (mean age 68 years) with upper limb impairment admitted to stroke unit). Cluster analysis was used to define the endpoint outcome strata according to the 3-months Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) scores. Modelling was carried out in a training (70%) and testing set (30%) using traditional logistic regression, random forest models. The final algorithm included 3 simple bedside tests performed 3-days post stroke: ability to grasp, to produce any measurable grip strength and abduct/elevate shoulder. An 86–94% model sensitivity, specificity and accuracy was reached for differentiation between poor, limited and good outcome. Additional measurement of grip strength at 4 weeks post-stroke and haemorrhagic stroke explained the underestimated classifications. External validation of the model is recommended. Simple bedside assessments have advantages over more lengthy and complex assessments and could thereby be integrated into routine clinical practice to aid therapy decisions, guide patient selection in clinical trials and used in data registries.
High capacity for a dietary specialist consumer population to cope with increasing cyanobacterial blooms
Authors: Ledesma Matias , Gorokhova Elena , Garbaras Andrius , Röjning Linda , Brena Beatriz , Karlson Agnes M. L.
Published: December 2022

We present a common-garden experiment to examine the amphipod Monoporeia affinis, a key deposit-feeder in the Baltic Sea, a low diversity system offering a good model for studying local adaptations. In the northern part of this system, the seasonal development of phytoplankton is characterized by a single diatom bloom (high nutritional quality), whereas in the south, the diatom bloom is followed by a cyanobacteria bloom (low nutritional quality) during summer. Therefore, the nutrient input to the benthic system differs between the sea basins. Accordingly, the amphipod populations were expected to be dietary specialists in the north and generalists in the south. We tested this hypothesis using a combination of stable isotope tracers, trophic niche analyses, and various endpoints of growth and health status. We found that when mixed with diatomes, the toxin-producing cyanobacteria, were efficiently incorporated and used for growth by both populations. However, contrary to expectations, the feeding plasticity was more pronounced in the northern population, indicating genetically-based divergence and suggesting that these animals can develop ecological adaptations to the climate-induced northward cyanobacteria expansion in this system. These findings improve our understanding regarding possible adaptations of the deposit-feeders to increasing cyanobacteria under global warming world in both limnic and marine ecosystems. It is possible that the observed effects apply to other consumers facing altered food quality due to environmental changes.
SIRT3 activation promotes enteric neurons survival and differentiation
Authors: Balasubramaniam Arun , Li Ge , Ramanathan Anita , Mwangi Simon Musyoka , Hart C. Michael , Arbiser Jack L. , Srinivasan Shanthi
Published: December 2022

Enteric neuron degeneration has been observed during aging, and in individuals with metabolic dysfunction including obesity and diabetes. Honokiol, a naturally occurring compound, is an activator of Sirtuin-3 (SIRT3) that has antioxidant activity. Its role in modulating enteric neuron-specific neurodegeneration is unknown. We studied the effects of honokiol and its fluorinated analog, hexafluoro-honokiol, on enteric neuronal differentiation and survival. We used a previously established model of mouse primary enteric neuronal cells and an enteric neuronal cell line treated with palmitate (PA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce mitochondrial dysfunction and enteric neuronal cell death. The effect of honokiol and hexafluoro-honokiol was assessed on neuronal phenotype, fiber density, differentiation, and pyroptosis. Honokiol and hexafluoro-honokiol significantly increased neuronal networks and fiber density in enteric neurons and increased levels of neuronal nitric oxide synthase and Choline acetyltransferase mRNA. Hexafluoro-honokiol and honokiol also significantly increased SIRT3 mRNA levels and suppressed palmitate and LPS-induced neuronal pyroptosis. SIRT3 knock-down prevented the hexafluoro-honokiol mediated suppression of mitochondrial superoxide release. Our data supports a neuroprotective effect of honokiol and its derivative and these could be used as prophylactic or therapeutic agents for treating enteric neurodegeneration and associated motility disorders.
Magnetic field modulated dynamics of partial discharges in defects of high voltage insulating materials
Authors: Florkowski Marek
Published: December 2022

This paper presents original measurement methodology and detection approach to determine the influence of the magnetic field on the partial discharge (PD) dynamics. The application areas refer to insulation systems of both grid and industrial network devices and emerging segments such as high-speed rail, electric vehicles or more electric aircrafts. Conventionally PD measurements are executed only in electric field, however the interaction of magnetic and electric fields influences the dynamics of PDs. The measurement technique allowed to detect quantitatively the effect of magnetic fields on PDs in two representative arrangements: in gaseous void in dielectric material and in corona point-plane setup. Measurements in both configurations have revealed amplification of PDs intensity. The quantitative comparison of PDs evolution in the magnetic field is a novel aspect shown in this paper. Combination of phase resolved images and time-sequence intensity diagrams obtained at magnetic field switching allowed to visualize and determine quantitatively this impact. This effect is attributed to the extension of the charged particle trajectory and the amplification of the electron energy due to acceleration. Thus, the investigated impact of a magnetic field can be perceived as an additional element that influences the PD dynamics.
Multisensory integration in humans with spinal cord injury
Authors: Vastano Roberta , Costantini Marcello , Alexander William H. , Widerstrom-Noga Eva
Published: December 2022

Although multisensory integration (MSI) has been extensively studied, the underlying mechanisms remain a topic of ongoing debate. Here we investigate these mechanisms by comparing MSI in healthy controls to a clinical population with spinal cord injury (SCI). Deafferentation following SCI induces sensorimotor impairment, which may alter the ability to synthesize cross-modal information. We applied mathematical and computational modeling to reaction time data recorded in response to temporally congruent cross-modal stimuli. We found that MSI in both SCI and healthy controls is best explained by cross-modal perceptual competition, highlighting a common competition mechanism. Relative to controls, MSI impairments in SCI participants were better explained by reduced stimulus salience leading to increased cross-modal competition. By combining traditional analyses with model-based approaches, we examine how MSI is realized during normal function, and how it is compromised in a clinical population. Our findings support future investigations identifying and rehabilitating MSI deficits in clinical disorders.
Identification of novel candidate genes and predicted miRNAs in atopic dermatitis patients by bioinformatic methods
Authors: Chen LiangHong , Qi Xin , Wang JingYu , Yin JiaLi , Sun PeiHong , Sun Yan , Wu Yan , Zhang Li , Gao XingHua
Published: December 2022

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic inflammatory dermatosis with relapsing eruptions. Our study used bioinformatics to find novel candidate differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and predicted miRNAs between AD patients and healthy controls. The Mesh term “atopic dermatitis” was retrieved to obtain DEGs in GEO datasets. DEGs between AD patients and healthy controls were analyzed using GEO2R. Overlapping DEGs between different datasets were obtained with use of Draw Venn software. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were conducted by the use of DAVID. STRING and miRWalk were used to individually analyze PPI networks, interactions of candidate genes and predicted miRNAs. A total of 571 skin samples, as retrieved from 9 databases were assessed. There were 225 overlapping DEGs between lesioned skin samples of AD patients and that of healthy controls. Nineteen nodes and 160 edges were found in the largest PPI cluster, consisting of 17 up-regulated and 2 down-regulated nodes. Two KEGG pathways were identified, including the cell cycle (CCNB1, CHEK1, BUB1B, MCM5) and p53 (CCNB1, CHEK1, GTSE1) pathways. There were 56 nodes and 100 edges obtained in the miRNA-target gene network, with has-miR-17-5p targeted to 4 genes and has-miR-106b-5p targeted to 3 genes. While these findings will require further verification as achieved with experiments involving in vivo and in vitro modles, these results provided some initial insights into dysfunctional inflammatory and immune responses associated with AD. Such information offers the potential to develop novel therapeutic targets for use in preventing and treating AD.
Spectroscopic characterization and assessment of microbiological potential of 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivative showing ESIPT dual fluorescence enhanced by aggregation effects
Authors: Budziak-Wieczorek Iwona , Ślusarczyk Lidia , Myśliwa-Kurdziel Beata , Kurdziel Martyna , Srebro-Hooper Monika , Korona-Glowniak Izabela , Gagoś Mariusz , Gładyszewski Grzegorz , Stepulak Andrzej , Kluczyk Dariusz , Matwijczuk Arkadiusz
Published: December 2022

In the presented study, advanced experimental techniques, including electronic absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies [with Resonance Light Scattering (RLS)], measurements of fluorescence lifetimes in the frequency domain, calculations of dipole moment fluctuations, quantum yields, and radiative and non-radiative transfer constants, were used to characterize a selected analogue from the group of 1,3,4-thiadiazole, namely: 4-[5-(naphthalen-1-ylmethyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl]benzene-1,3-diol (NTBD), intrinsically capable to demonstrate enol → keto excited-states intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) effects. The results of spectroscopic analyses conducted in solvent media as well as selected mixtures were complemented by considering biological properties of the derivative in question, particularly in terms of its potential microbiological activity. The compound demonstrated a dual fluorescence effect in non-polar solvents, e.g. chloroform and DMSO/H2O mixtures, while in polar solvents only a single emission maximum was detected. In the studied systems, ESIPT effects were indeed observed, as was the associated phenomenon of dual fluorescence, and, as demonstrated for the DMSO: H2O mixtures, the same could be relatively easily induced by aggregation effects related to aggregation-induced emission (AIE). Subsequently conducted quantum-chemical (TD-)DFT calculations supported further possibility of ESIPT effects. The following article provides a comprehensive description of the spectroscopic and biological properties of the analyzed 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives, highlighting its potential applicability as a very good fluorescence probes as well as a compound capable of high microbiological activity.
Plasmodium infection is associated with cross-reactive antibodies to carbohydrate epitopes on the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein
Authors: Lapidus Sarah , Liu Feimei , Casanovas-Massana Arnau , Dai Yile , Huck John D. , Lucas Carolina , Klein Jon , Filler Renata B. , Strine Madison S. , Sy Mouhamad , Deme Awa B. , Badiane Aida S. , Dieye Baba , Ndiaye Ibrahima Mbaye , Diedhiou Younous , Mbaye Amadou Moctar , Diagne Cheikh Tidiane , Vigan-Womas Inés , Mbengue Alassane , Sadio Bacary D. , Diagne Moussa M. , Moore Adam J. , Mangou Khadidiatou , Diallo Fatoumata , Sene Seynabou D. , Pouye Mariama N. , Faye Rokhaya , Diouf Babacar , Nery Nivison , Costa Federico , Reis Mitermayer G. , Muenker M. Catherine , Hodson Daniel Z. , Mbarga Yannick , Katz Ben Z. , Andrews Jason R. , Campbell Melissa , Srivathsan Ariktha , Kamath Kathy , Baum-Jones Elisabeth , Faye Ousmane , Sall Amadou Alpha , Vélez Juan Carlos Quintero , Cappello Michael , Wilson Michael , Ben-Mamoun Choukri , Tedder Richard , McClure Myra , Cherepanov Peter , Somé Fabrice A. , Dabiré Roch K. , Moukoko Carole Else Eboumbou , Ouédraogo Jean Bosco , Boum Yap , Shon John , Ndiaye Daouda , Wisnewski Adam , Parikh Sunil , Iwasaki Akiko , Wilen Craig B. , Ko Albert I. , Ring Aaron M. , Bei Amy K.
Published: December 2022

Sero-surveillance can monitor and project disease burden and risk. However, SARS-CoV-2 antibody test results can produce false positive results, limiting their efficacy as a sero-surveillance tool. False positive SARS-CoV-2 antibody results are associated with malaria exposure, and understanding this association is essential to interpret sero-surveillance results from malaria-endemic countries. Here, pre-pandemic samples from eight malaria endemic and non-endemic countries and four continents were tested by ELISA to measure SARS-CoV-2 Spike S1 subunit reactivity. Individuals with acute malaria infection generated substantial SARS-CoV-2 reactivity. Cross-reactivity was not associated with reactivity to other human coronaviruses or other SARS-CoV-2 proteins, as measured by peptide and protein arrays. ELISAs with deglycosylated and desialated Spike S1 subunits revealed that cross-reactive antibodies target sialic acid on N-linked glycans of the Spike protein. The functional activity of cross-reactive antibodies measured by neutralization assays showed that cross-reactive antibodies did not neutralize SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Since routine use of glycosylated or sialated assays could result in false positive SARS-CoV-2 antibody results in malaria endemic regions, which could overestimate exposure and population-level immunity, we explored methods to increase specificity by reducing cross-reactivity. Overestimating population-level exposure to SARS-CoV-2 could lead to underestimates of risk of continued COVID-19 transmission in sub-Saharan Africa.
The impact of khat chewing on heart activity and rehabilitation therapy from khat addiction in healthy khat chewers
Authors: Kassaw Ewunate Assaye , Aboye Genet Tadesse , Yilma Daniel , Dhaba Solomon , Simegn Gizeaddis Lamesgin
Published: December 2022

Khat is a flowering plant whose leaves and stems are chewed for excitement purposes in most of east African and Arabian countries. Khat can cause mood changes, increased alertness, hyperactivity, anxiety, elevated blood pressure, and heart diseases. However, the effect of khat on the heart has not been studied exclusively. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of khat chewing on heart activity and rehabilitation therapy from khat addiction in healthy khat chewers. ECG signals were recorded from 50 subjects (25 chewers and 25 controls) before and after chewing session to investigate the effect of khat on heart activity. In addition, ECG signals from 5 subjects were recorded on the first and eightieth day of rehabilitation therapy for investigating the effect of rehabilitation from khat addiction. All the collected signals were annotated, denoised and features were extracted and analysed. After chewing khat, the average heart rate of the chewers was increased by 5.85%, with 3 subjects out of 25 were prone to tachycardia. 1.66% QRS duration and 23.56% R-peak amplitude reduction were observed after chewing session. Moreover, heart rate variability was reduced by 19.74% indicating the effect of khat on suppressing sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve actions. After rehabilitation therapy, the average heart rate was reduced by 11.66%, while heart rate variability (HRV), QRS duration, and RR interval were increased by 25%, 3.49%, and 12.53%, respectively. Statistical analysis results also confirmed that there is a significance change (p < 0.05) in ECG feature among pre- and post-chewing session. Our findings demonstrate that, khat chewing raises heart rate, lowers heart rate variability, or puts the heart under stress by lowering R-peak amplitude and QRS duration, which in turn increases the risk of premature ventricular contraction and arrhythmia. The results also show that rehabilitation therapy from khat addiction has a major impact on restoring cardiac activity to normal levels.