bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age-related differences in lower limb muscle activation patterns and balance control strategies while walking over a compliant surface
Authors: Jeon Woohyoung , Ramadan Ahmed , Whitall Jill , Alissa Nesreen , Westlake Kelly
Published: October 2023

Substantial evidence demonstrates that falls in older adults are leading causes of fatal and non-fatal injuries and lead to negative impacts on the quality of life in the aging population. Most falls in older fallers result from unrecoverable limb collapse during falling momentum control in the single limb support (SLS) phase. To understand why older adults are more likely to fall than younger adults, we investigated age-related differences in knee extensor eccentric control, lower limb muscle activation patterns, and their relation to balance control. Ten older and ten younger healthy adults were compared during balance control while walking on a compliant surface. There was a positive correlation between knee extensor eccentric work in the perturbed leg and the swinging leg’s speed and margin of stability. In comparison to younger adults, older adults demonstrated (1) less eccentric work, reduced eccentric electromyography burst duration in the perturbed leg, (2) higher postural sway during SLS, and (3) impaired swinging leg balance control. The group-specific muscle synergy showed that older adults had a prominent ankle muscle activation, while younger adults exhibited a more prominent hip muscle activation. These findings provide insight into targeted balance rehabilitation directions to improve postural stability and reduce falls in older adults.
Nonnegative/Binary matrix factorization for image classification using quantum annealing
Authors: Asaoka Hinako , Kudo Kazue
Published: October 2023

Classical computing has borne witness to the development of machine learning. The integration of quantum technology into this mix will lead to unimaginable benefits and be regarded as a giant leap forward in mankind’s ability to compute. Demonstrating the benefits of this integration now becomes essential. With the advance of quantum computing, several machine-learning techniques have been proposed that use quantum annealing. In this study, we implement a matrix factorization method using quantum annealing for image classification and compare the performance with traditional machine-learning methods. Nonnegative/binary matrix factorization (NBMF) was originally introduced as a generative model, and we propose a multiclass classification model as an application. We extract the features of handwritten digit images using NBMF and apply them to solve the classification problem. Our findings show that when the amount of data, features, and epochs is small, the accuracy of models trained by NBMF is superior to classical machine-learning methods, such as neural networks. Moreover, we found that training models using a quantum annealing solver significantly reduces computation time. Under certain conditions, there is a benefit to using quantum annealing technology with machine learning.
Association of high intra-patient variability in tacrolimus exposure with calcineurin inhibitor nephrotoxicity in kidney transplantation
Authors: Kim Hyokee , Han Ahram , Ahn Sanghyun , Min Seung-Kee , Ha Jongwon , Min Sangil
Published: October 2023

Tacrolimus intra-patient variability (IPV) is a novel predictive marker for long-term kidney transplantation outcomes. We examined the association between IPV and calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) nephrotoxicity and the impact of pharmacogenes on CNI nephrotoxicity and IPV. Among kidney transplant recipients at our hospital between January 2013 and December 2015, the records of 80 patients who underwent 1-year protocol renal allograft biopsy and agreed to donate blood samples for genetic analysis were retrospectively reviewed. The cohort was divided into the low and high IPV groups based on a coefficient variability cutoff value (26.5%). In multivariate analysis, the IPV group was involved in determining CNI nephrotoxicity (HR 4.55; 95% CI 0.05–0.95; p = 0.043). The 5-year graft survival was superior in the low IPV group than in the high IPV group (100% vs 92.4% respectively, p = 0.044). Analysis of the time above therapeutic range (TATR) showed higher CNI nephrotoxicity in the high IPV with high TATR group than in the low IPV with low TATR group (35.7% versus 6.7%, p = 0.003). Genetic analysis discovered that CYP3A4 polymorphism (rs2837159) was associated with CNI nephrotoxicity (HR 28.23; 95% CI 2.2–355.9; p = 0.01). In conclusion, high IPV and CYP3A4 polymorphisms (rs2837159) are associated with CNI nephrotoxicity.
Validation study on light scattering changes in kiwifruit during postharvest storage using time-resolved transmittance spectroscopy
Authors: Ma Te , Inagaki Tetsuya , Tsuchikawa Satoru
Published: October 2023

Visible and near-infrared spectroscopy has been well studied for characterizing the organic compounds in fruit and vegetables from pre-harvest to late harvest. However, due to the challenge of decoupling of optical properties, the relationship between the collected samples’ spectral data and their properties, especially their mechanical properties (e.g., firmness, hardness, and resilience) is hard to understand. This study developed a time-resolved transmittance spectroscopic method to validate the light scattering changing characteristics in kiwifruit during shelf-life and in cold storage conditions. The experimental results demonstrated that the reduced scattering coefficient ($${\mu }_{s}^{\prime}$$

μ

s

′

) of 846 nm inside kiwifruit decreased steadily during postharvest storage and is more evident under shelf-life than in cold storage conditions. Moreover, the correlation between the $${\mu }_{s}^{\prime}$$

μ

s

′

and the storage time was confirmed to be much higher than that using the external color indexes measured using a conventional colorimeter. Furthermore, employing time-resolved profiles at this single wavelength, an efficacious mathematical model has been successfully formulated to classify the stages of kiwifruit softening, specifically early, mid-, and late stages. Notably, classification accuracies of 84% and 78% were achieved for the shelf-life and cold storage conditions, respectively.
Polydatin improves vascular endothelial function by maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis under high glucose conditions
Authors: Shah Wahid , Zhao Qiyue , Wang Sen , Zhang Miaomiao , Ma Hongyu , Guan Yue , Zhang Yi , Liu Yan , Zhu Chunhua , Wang Sheng , Zhang Xiangjian , Dong Jinghui , Ma Huijie
Published: October 2023

Previous studies have shown that polydatin (Poly) confer cardioprotective effects. However, its underlying mechanisms remain elusive. This study showed that Poly (10 µM) treatment reversed the high glucose (HG)-induced decrease in acetylcholine-elicited vasodilation in aortas. Poly also improved the acetylcholine-induced vasodilation of aortic vessels isolated from diabetic rats. Meanwhile, Poly ameliorated the morphological damage of the thoracic aorta and improved the viability of HUVECs under HG conditions. Furthermore, analysis of the vasoprotective effect of Poly under HG conditions by transmission electron microscopy, Western blotting, and qPCR revealed that Poly improved endothelial pyroptosis through the NLRP3/Caspase/1-IL-1β pathway, enhanced dynamin-related protein 1-mediated mitochondrial fission, and increased the mitochondrial membrane potential under HG conditions. In conclusion, Poly restored acetylcholine-induced vasodilation impaired by HG incubation, which was associated with reduced oxidation, inflammation, and pyroptosis, the recovery of the mitochondrial membrane potential and maintenance of mitochondrial dynamic homeostasis of endothelial cells in the aortas.
Comprehensive analysis of cuproptosis and copper homeostasis genotyping and related immune land scape in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Luo Dayuan , Wang Xiang , Feng Wei
Published: October 2023

Cuproptosis is a manner of cell death which is related to the homeostasis of copper ions in the cellular environment and is expected to open a new direction of anti-tumor therapy. However, the studies on cuproptosis and copper homeostasis in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) are still limited. In this study, we identified new cuproptosis and copper homeostasis related genes (CHRGs) which were effective in stratifying genotyping clusters with survival differences based on transcriptomic data obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) further expands the screening boundary of CHRGs, and finally we established a 10-CHRGs-based prognostic signature using lasso-penalized cox regression method, which were validated in GSE30219. Comprehensive bioinformatics analysis revealed these genes are potential regulators of modulating immunotherapy efficacy, drug resistance, tumor microenvironment infiltration, and tumor mutation patterns. Lastly, the scRNA-seq datasets GSE183219 and GSE203360 offers the evidences that CHRGs signature are mainly distributed in cancer epithelial cells, real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) also confirmed the differential expression of these genes between normal lung cell line and lung adenocarcinoma cell lines. Collectively, our findings revealed new cuproptosis and copper homeostasis related genotyping clusters and genes which may play important roles in predicting prognosis, influencing tumor microenvironment and drug efficacy in LUAD patients.
Research on dynamic characteristics and structural optimization of porous gas bearings in linear compressors
Authors: Li Jiangang , Wu Jianjun , Fan Jingdao , Wang Xin , Gao Zhongjie
Published: October 2023

In order to study the influence of structural parameters of porous gas bearing and operating parameters of linear compressor on the static and dynamic performance of porous gas bearing, based on gas lubrication theory, Darcy's law and Reynolds equation, the mathematical model and simulation model of porous gas bearing of linear compressor are derived and established. The static and dynamic characteristics of the porous gas bearing of the linear compressor are studied by using Fluent software simulation. According to the simulation results, the effects of inlet pressure, porous material thickness and gas gap on the gas consumption and bearing capacity of the porous gas bearing under different eccentricities are analyzed. The results show that the higher the inlet pressure is, the larger the gas consumption and bearing capacity; the thicker the porous material is, the smaller the gas consumption and the larger the bearing capacity, the thicker the gas gap is, the larger the gas consumption and the smaller the bearing capacity. On the basis of simulation research, considering the difficulties of processing and assembly, multi-objective optimization of porous gas bearings is carried out based on response surface methodology. Taking the bearing capacity and gas consumption as the objective functions, the intake pressure is set between 0.3 and 0.5 MPa, the thickness of porous materials is set between 3 and 5 mm, and the thickness of gas gaps is set between 10 and 20 μm. While ensuring the stable operation of the linear compressor, the optimal combination of design parameters is provided for the optimal design of gas bearings used in linear compressors.
Matrix stiffness triggers chemoresistance through elevated autophagy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Pan Haopeng , Zhu Shajun , Gong Tiancheng , Wu Di , Zhao Yahong , Yan Jiashuai , Dai Chaolun , Huang Yan , Yang Yumin , Guo Yibing
Published: October 2023

Matrix stiffness based on GelMA hydrogel triggers chemoresistance to gemcitabine through autophagy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
3D printing microporous scaffolds from modular bioinks containing sacrificial, cell-encapsulating microgels
Authors: Seymour Alexis J. , Kilian David , Navarro Renato S. , Hull Sarah M. , Heilshorn Sarah C.
Published: October 2023

Blending sacrificial, cell-laden microgels with structural, UV-crosslinkable microgels produces a family of modular bioinks with tunable void fractions that influence cellular morphology while maintaining a depth-independent cell distribution.
Selective hydrogenation of phenylacetylene over TiO2 supported Ni2P nanoparticles under visible light irradiation
Authors: Li Xincheng , Wang Ruiyi , Zhang Jin , Wang Jing , Wang Yunwei , Zheng Zhanfeng
Published: October 2023

The introduction of P weakened the adsorption of styrene and enhanced the light absorption ability of Ni2P/TiO2, which improved photocatalytic activity and selectivity in the selective hydrogenation of phenylacetylene.
Association between low-sodium salt intervention and long-term blood pressure changes is modified by ENaC genetic variation: a gene–diet interaction analysis in a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sun Hao , Zhou Ying , Jiang Shuyi , Zhao Dan , Li Huamin , Lu Yue , Ma Bing , Zhou Bo
Published: October 2023

Hypertensive patients with higher ENaC genetic variation may experience greater SBP reductions by consuming low-sodium salt.
Corrosion process of stainless steel in natural brine as a source of chromium and iron – the need for routine analysis
Authors: Krasnodębska-Ostręga Beata , Drwal Krzysztof , Sadowska Monika , Bluszcz Dominika , Miecznikowski Krzysztof
Published: October 2023

In the short-term, the amounts of Fe and Cr released as a result of the corrosion of stainless steel in natural brine were insignificant from the perspective of its therapeutic value.
Deciphering the electrochemical sensing capability of novel Ga12As12 nanocluster towards chemical warfare phosgene gas: insights from DFT
Authors: Javed Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Usman , Hussain Riaz , Ahmed Sarfraz , Ahamad Tansir
Published: October 2023

The electrochemical sensing capability of novel Ga12As12 nanocluster towards chemical warfare phosgene gas (highly toxic for living things and the environment) is successfully explored employing DFT and TD-DFT computations.
Two-dimensional β-noble-transition-metal chalcogenide: novel highly stable semiconductors with manifold outstanding optoelectronic properties and strong in-plane anisotropy
Authors: Chen Qing-Yuan , Huang Fei-Jie , Ruan Ju-Qi , Zhao Yi-Fen , Li Fen , Yang Hai , He Yao , Xiong Kai
Published: October 2023

In this work, five two-dimensional (2D) noble-transition-metal chalcogenide (NTMC) semiconductors, namely β-NX (N = Au, Ag; X = S, Se, Te), were designed and predicted by first-principles simulations.
Green multicomponent synthesis of pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole derivatives: current insights and future directions
Authors: Ahmad Afrisham , Rao Sithara , Shetty Nitinkumar S.
Published: October 2023

The past decade has witnessed significant progress in synthesizing structurally diverse and biologically relevant pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole derivatives through the integration of green methodologies.
Homoleptic purine-based NHC iridium(iii) complexes for blue OLED application: impact of isomerism on photophysical properties
Authors: Sebris Armands , Guzauskas Matas , Mahmoudi Malek , Volyniuk Dmytro , Grazulevicius Juozas V. , Mishnev Anatoly , Novosjolova Irina , Turks Māris , Jonusauskas Gediminas , Traskovskis Kaspars
Published: October 2023

Iridium(iii) complexes bearing NHC purine ligands can be integrated in efficient blue OLEDs with an external quantum efficiency of up to 16.1%.
Local and long-range helical structures of dendronized bisnaphthalimide mesogens with tunable torsional or planar configuration
Authors: Ma Tao , Wang Juan , Chen Shibo , Guo Zilong , Mo Miaoshui , Wu Haixia , Yang Yu , Cheng Xiaohong
Published: October 2023

Dendronized bisnaphthalimide mesogens (BNI-3Cn and BNIA-3C12) with tunable torsional or planar configuration depending on the central links, can self-assemble into local helical structures in LC phases and long-range helical nanostructures in gels.
Flexible near-infrared polarized photodetector based on CuPc single crystal grown by microspacing in-air sublimation
Authors: Li Mengru , Du Qianqian , Zhang Yanxun , Liu Yunlong , Wang Wenjun , Wang Fengqiu , Qin Shuchao
Published: October 2023

Devices based on highly ordered CuPc single crystals shows an ultrahigh electronic bandwidth of ∼4 kHz and high-resolution, UV-NIR high-speed imaging capability.
Millimetre and submillimetre spectroscopy of isobutene and its detection in the molecular cloud G+0.693
Authors: Fatima Mariyam , Müller Holger S. P. , Zingsheim Oliver , Lewen Frank , Rivilla Víctor M. , Jiménez-Serra Izaskun , Martín-Pintado Jesús , Schlemmer Stephan
Published: October 2023

Context. Isobutene ((CH3)2C=CH2) is one of the four isomers of butene (C4H8). Given the detection of propene (CH3CH=CH2) toward TMC-1, and also in the warmer environment of the solar-type protostellar system IRAS 16293–2422, one of the next alkenes, isobutene, is a promising candidate to be searched for in space.

Aims. We aim to extend the limited line lists of the main isotopologue of isobutene from the microwave to the millimetre region in order to obtain a highly precise set of rest frequencies and to facilitate its detection in the interstellar medium.

Methods. We investigated the rotational spectrum of isobutene in the 35–370 GHz range using absorption spectroscopy at room temperature. Quantum-chemical calculations were carried out to evaluate vibrational frequencies.

Results. We determined new or improved spectroscopic parameters for isobutene up to a sixth-order distortion constant. These new results enabled its detection in the G+0.693 molecular cloud for the first time, where propene was also recently found. The propene to isobutene column density ratio was determined to be about 3:1.

Conclusions. The observed spectroscopic parameters for isobutene are sufficiently accurate that calculated transition frequencies should be reliable up to 700 GHz. This will further help in observing this alkene in other, warmer regions of the ISM.
Perfusate Temperature Variation in the Extracorporeal Circuit
Authors: Heldmann Eileen , Riva Randy P. , Cappola Paul R. , Ali Khan M. A. , McNicholas Kathleen , Amato Joseph J.
Published: October 2023

During twelve consecutive pediatric open-heart procedures utilizing the Harvey 1500 oxygenator with internal temperature probe ports, temperatures were simultaneously measured from the oxygenator and the perfusion line. An observation is presented of varying emperatures as measured within the extracorporeal circuit. During these clinical runs and an in-vitro study, temperature measurements obtained from the oxygenator’s internal ports yielded values which varied predictably from those obtained in the perfusion line. Ambient temperature proved to have a measurable effect on metal in-line probe jackets, although residual differences existed after insulation.
A Proposed Method for Weaning from IABP Assist Following Sequential Hemodynamic Assessment Utilizing a Microcomputer
Authors: Maurer William G. , Kuntz Rick A. , Dillard Richard E. , Wilson Louie C. , Higgs William R. , Stone John E.
Published: October 2023

Before consideration is given for discontinuing an assist device (IABP) a set protocol should be developed by the cardiac assist team through which the necessary steps can be taken for proper manage ment and control of the patient’s status. Such a protocol is described in this preliminary report. At our institution the feasibility of weaning is established via sequential clinical and hemodynamic assessments which are made prior to the initiation of the assist device and continue throughout the assist and weaning period. In the patient who is a candidate for cardiac surgery, an initial hemodynamic assessment is accomplished prior to surgery which serves as a baseline for future cardiopulmonary profiles and aids in the initial evaluation of the patent. The profile consists of various hemodynamic variables that are entered into the TRS-80 system which provides a printout of cardiac parameters used during trend analysis of the patient status. Counterpulsation is initiated as indicated by a compromised post-bypass profile or obvious left ventricular failure. Sequential hemodynamic and clinical reassessments are performed every 2 to 4 hours to aid the operator in making decisions as to the effectiveness of the assist as well as inotropic and/or vasopressor therapy. Typically 12-24 hours of assist are carried out prior to reassessment for discontinuation. Once optimal hemodynamic status is obtained the process of weaning begins consisting of 4 hours for each 24 hours of assist. The first phase of our weaning technique consists of Sec reductions to 50% of total balloon volume. In this way diastolic augmentation and afterload reduction are gradually tapered, thus minimizing significant increases in cardiac workload and acute strain. The second phase consists of an assist ratio reduction from every beat to every fourth beat which accounts for one-fourth the total wean time. Hemodynamic assessments of the patient’s condition are made before and shortly after each change in wean condition. Complete weaning and balloon catheter removal occurs only after sequential clinical and hemodynamic assessments have indicated maximum possible improvement in cardiac performance and its persistance after a period of trial with minimal assist.
Registrierung startet
Authors: Bechtel Peter
Published: October 2023

Der Gründungsprozess der Pflegekammer Baden-Württemberg ist geschafft, der Vorstand gewählt. Seit September können Pflegefachkräfte registriert werden. Bis März 2024 muss eine Quote von 60 Prozent erreicht sein.
Unterfinanzierung gefährdet Patientenversorgung
Authors: Schaffert Reinhard
Published: October 2023

Die Krankenhausversorgung wird derzeit von knapp 2000 Krankenhäusern sichergestellt. Sie sind jeweils etwa zu einem Drittel in öffentlicher, freigemeinnütziger und privater Trägerschaft. Während die Gesamtkosten der Kliniken stetig steigen, sinken die Investitionsfördermittel durch die Länder. Daraus ergibt sich vielerorts eine dramatische Unterfinanzierung der Kliniken.
The distinctions of the crystallization process of the interphase in polypropylene on untreated and different functional groups-treated CNTs by molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Qi Yixin , Ju Su
Published: October 2023

Polypropylene/carbon nanotube composites have attracted much attention for their remarkable electrical and mechanical properties. The key to achieve high performance is good interfacial properties between PP and the CNT. Hence, molecular dynamics simulation, a microscopic and direct method, was used to study the crystallization process of the interphase in a single PP chain on untreated CNT and different functional groups-treated CNT (CNT-OH, CNT-COOH, and CNT-NH2) modes. The simulation showed that the PP chain absorbed and ordered on the CNTs gradually with the increase in simulated time, resulting in regular g(r) and a decrease in the total valence energy, van der Waals energy, and interfacial energy. In particular, in comparison with others, the PP chain on the CNT-OH model had a more orderly g(r) and lower energies after 100 ps, showing a better interfacial interaction in the crystallization process. More specifically, at 2000 ps, the three peaks of the g(r) of the PP chain on the CNT-OH model were 183.78, 129.44, and 95.32, respectively, and the van der Waals and interfacial energies of the PP chain on the CNT-OH model were −167.937 and −869.20 kcal/mol, respectively. It was all attributed to the more orderly crystalline structure, stronger van der Waals forces and stronger phase interactions of the interphase in the PP chain on the CNT-OH model in the crystallization process.
Intelligent forecasting system for rooftop solar plants
Authors: Hegde Vasudha , S Prajwal
Published: October 2023

The dependency of the off-grid customer on a non-conventional energy sources like solar energy is always not suggested due to the intermittent nature of the power generated. Forecasting the output power helps even the amateur solar roof top consumers to make plan of their self-consumption strategies and also make necessary arrangements for alternate source of energy while minimizing their dependencies on energy storage devices to a great extent. One of the major difficulties faced during the forecasting is procurement of the authentic and accurate digital data since the accuracy of the implemented algorithm depends on many parameters. This work presents a low cost solution for roof top solar plants using intelligent technique. This implemented system has two parts, first one for acquisition and digitization of data with Internet of Things (IoT) and Raspberry Pi and the other part is building a day ahead forecasting model using the deep learning 2D convolution approach with the temporal resolution of 1 h. The data acquisition system collects the power related parameters, such as voltage, current, frequency, active power, and power factor and the related weather parameters, such as temperature, light intensity, and humidity and then appends into Google Sheets using IoT. The error in forecasting the solar power output using these data for 12 months is found to be 11.55%.
Effect of maternal dietary 25OHD3 on the gonadal development of offspring mice
Authors: Chen Yun , Song Wenjing , Liao Danni , Li Jiaxuan , Huang Yanghao
Published: October 2023

Context Studies have widely reported that a vitamin D3 metabolite 25OHD3 improves the growth performance of animals and offspring, but few studies have focused on offspring sex hormone secretion and gonadal development in the offspring. Aims This study focused on the effects of gestational feeding with 25OHD3 on the growth, serum calcium (Ca2+) and phosphorus (Pi) concentrations, and ovarian and testicular development in offspring. Methods From the beginning of gestation until the end of labour, maternal mice were gavaged daily with 25 ug of 25OHD3. We weighed offspring on Days 1, 10, and 21 postnatally and collected offspring serum and gonadal samples on Day 21. Key results The results showed that 25OHD3 significantly increased maternal serum Ca2+ and Pi concentrations, and increased the growth rate and serum Ca2+ and Pi concentrations of offspring, significantly increased the serum concentrations of luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and accelerated the follicle development in the female offspring. Male offspring showed significantly increased LH, FSH, and testosterone serum concentrations, and 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD mRNA expressions, and a significantly decreased CYP17A1 mRNA expression. Conclusions In conclusion, the present findings indicated that maternal feeding with 25OHD3 during pregnancy positively affects offspring hormone secretion and gonadal development. Implications These insights have shed light on the potential significance of maternal nutrition in ensuring healthier animal populations and offer valuable considerations for animal husbandry practices.
Distance decay and directional diffusion of ecoclimate teleconnections driven by regional-scale tree die-off
Authors: Feng Xiao , Swann Abigail L S , Breshears David D , Baldwin Elizabeth , Cheng Haotian , Derbridge Jonathan J , Fei Chengcheng , Lien Aaron M , López-Hoffman Laura , McCarl Bruce , McLaughlin Danielle M , Soto José R
Published: October 2023

Climate change is triggering regional-scale alterations in vegetation including land cover change such as forest die-off. At sufficient magnitudes, land cover change from forest die-off in one region can change not only local climate but also vegetation including agriculture elsewhere via changes in larger scale climate patterns, termed an ‘ecoclimate teleconnection’. Ecoclimate teleconnections can therefore have impacts on vegetative growth in distant regions, but the degrees to which the impact decays with distance or directionally diffuses relative to the initial perturbation are general properties that have not been evaluated. We used the Community Earth system model to study this, examining the implications of tree die-off in 14 major US forested regions. For each case we evaluated the ecological impact across North America as a function of distance and direction from the location of regional tree die-off. We found that the effects on gross primary productivity (GPP) generally decayed linearly with distance, with notable exceptions. Distance from the region of tree die-off alone explained up to ∼30% of the variance in many regions. We also found that the GPP impact was not uniform across directions and that including an additional term to account for direction to regional land cover change from tree die-off was statistically significant for nearly all regions and explained up to ∼40% of the variance in many regions, comparable in magnitude to the influence of El Nino on GPP in the Western US. Our results provide novel insights into the generality of distance decay and directional diffusion of ecoclimate teleconnections, and suggest that it may be hard to identify expected impacts of tree die-off without case-specific simulations. Such patterns of distance decay, directional diffusion, and their exceptions are relevant for cross-regional policy that links forests and other agriculture (e.g. US Department of Agriculture).
Evidence for unexpected net permafrost aggradation driven by local hydrology and climatic triggers
Authors: Sniderhan Anastasia E , Spence Christopher , Kokelj Steven V , Baltzer Jennifer L
Published: October 2023

Rapid rates of high latitude warming over the past century have led to widespread research on permafrost thaw and its consequences. Studies from lowland plains environments in the discontinuous permafrost zone have highlighted extensive areal loss of permafrost, largely through observations of the collapse of forested permafrost plateaus into wetland features. These low-relief environments tend to have poor drainage, which initiates runaway thaw as increased soil moisture amplifies permafrost degradation. In contrast to lowland plains, the Taiga Shield landscape features a network of lakes, wetlands, soil-filled lowlands, and forests interspersed with bedrock outcrops. With the exposed (or near-surface) bedrock in this landscape, this region may have greater terrain stability under a warming climate than the lowland plains. The hydrological complexity of the Taiga Shield may also contribute to more varied trajectories for permafrost in this landscape. We investigated land cover change and implications for permafrost in an area that typifies the Taiga Shield. We took intensive ground-based measurements of soil organic layer (SOL) thickness and frost table depth to characterize different land cover types. Archival aerial photographs and recent satellite imagery from the area allowed us to assess land cover change between 1972 and 2017. Associations between permafrost, SOL, and land cover allowed us to use land cover as a proxy for change in permafrost extent. Our results suggest that both aggradation and degradation of permafrost has occurred within the Taiga Shield landscape over this 45 year period, but interestingly we found evidence for a net increase in permafrost extent. Permafrost aggradation in this landscape seems to be driven by a combination of local hydrology and climatic triggers that lead to colder, drier soil conditions that are favourable for the development of permafrost. This study highlights the importance of considering diverse and heterogenous landscapes in the study of changing permafrost ecosystems.
Effects of L-arginine and arginine-arginine dipeptide on amino acids uptake and αS1-casein synthesis in bovine mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Sun Mei , Cao Yue , Xing Yuanyuan , Mu Xiaojia , Hao Yihong , Yang Jing , Niu Xiaoyu , Li Dabiao
Published: October 2023

Arginine (Arg), as an important functional amino acids (AA), is essential for milk protein synthesis in lactating ruminants. Arg shares transporters with cationic and neutral AA in mammary epithelial cells. Therefore, competitive inhibition might exist among these AA in uptake by mammary epithelial cells. In this study, cultured bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMEC) were used as the model to investigate whether the availability of L-Arg (0.7, 1.4, 2.8, 5.6, and 11.2 mM) affects the uptake of other AA and if this related to αS1-casein synthesis, and whether Arginine-Arginine (Arg-Arg) substituting part of free L-Arg can alleviate competitive inhibition among Arg and other AA, so as to promote αS1-casein synthesis. Our results showed that 2.8 mM L-Arg generated the greatest positive effects on αS1-casein synthesis and the activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway (P < 0.01). With L-Arg supply increasing from 0.7 to 11.2 mM, the net-uptake of other AA (except Glu and Ala) decreased linearly and quadratically (Plinear < 0.01; Pquadratic < 0.01). Compared with 2.8 mM, the net-uptake of essential amino acids (EAA) and total amino acids (TAA) were lower at 11.2 mM L-Arg group, while greater at 1.4 mM L-Arg group (P < 0.01). Arg-Arg dipeptide replacing 10% free L-Arg increased αS1-casein synthesis (P < 0.05), net-uptake of EAA and TAA, as well as phosphorylation level of mTOR and p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (P70S6K) and mRNA expression of oligopeptide transporter 2 (PepT2; P < 0.01). These observations suggested that the increased αS1-casein synthesis by 10% Arg-Arg dipeptide might be related to the increase of AA availability and the activation of mTOR signaling pathway in BMEC.
Factors Predicting Secondary Respiratory Morbidity Following Early-Life Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections: Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Sarna Mohinder , Gebremedhin Amanuel , Richmond Peter C , Glass Kathryn , Levy Avram , Moore Hannah C
Published: October 2023

Background

The association between early-life respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections and later respiratory morbidity is well established. However, there is limited evidence on factors that influence this risk. We examined sociodemographic and perinatal factors associated with later childhood respiratory morbidity requiring secondary care following exposure to a laboratory-confirmed RSV episode in the first 2 years.

Methods

We used a probabilistically linked whole-of-population-based birth cohort including 252 287 children born in Western Australia between 2000 and 2009 with follow-up to the end of 2012. Cox proportional hazards models estimated adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) of the association of various risk factors with the first respiratory episode for asthma, wheezing, and unspecified acute lower respiratory infection beyond the age of 2 years.

Results

The analytic cohort included 4151 children with a confirmed RSV test before age 2 years. The incidence of subsequent respiratory morbidity following early-life RSV infection decreased with child age at outcome (highest incidence in 2–<4-year-olds: 41.8 per 1000 child-years; 95% CI, 37.5–46.6), increased with age at RSV infection (6–<12-month-olds: 23.6/1000 child-years; 95% CI, 19.9–27.8; 12–<24-month-olds: 22.4/1000 child-years; 95% CI, 18.2–22.7) and decreasing gestational age (50.8/1000 child-years; 95% CI, 33.5–77.2 for children born extremely preterm, <28 weeks gestation). Risk factors included age at first RSV episode (6–<12 months: aHR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.06–1.90), extreme prematurity (<28 weeks: aHR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.40–3.53), maternal history of asthma (aHR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.04–1.70), and low socioeconomic index (aHR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.03–3.00).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that in addition to preterm and young infants, children aged 12–<24 months could also be potential target groups for RSV prevention to reduce the burden of later respiratory morbidities associated with RSV.
Direction-sensitive dark matter search with 3D-vector-type tracking in NEWAGE
Authors: Shimada Takuya , Higashino Satoshi , Ikeda Tomonori , Nakamura Kiseki , Yakabe Ryota , Hashimoto Takashi , Ishiura Hirohisa , Nakamura Takuma , Nakazawa Miki , Kubota Ryo , Nakayama Ayaka , Ito Hiroshi , Ichimura Koichi , Abe Ko , Kobayashi Kazuyoshi , Tanimori Toru , Kubo Hidetoshi , Takada Atsushi , Sekiya Hiroyuki , Takeda Atsushi , Miuchi Kentaro
Published: October 2023

NEWAGE is a direction-sensitive dark matter search experiment with a 3D tracking detector based on a gaseous micro time projection chamber. A direction-sensitive dark matter search was carried out at Kamioka Observatory with a total live time of 318.0 days resulting in an exposure of 3.18 kg·days. A new gamma-ray rejection and a head–tail determination analysis were implemented for this work. No significant non-isotropic signal from the directional analysis was found and a 90% confidence level upper limit on a spin-dependent weakly interactive massive particle (WIMP)–proton cross section of 25.7 pb for a WIMP mass of 150 GeV/c2 was derived. This analysis marks the most stringent upper limit in the direction-sensitive dark matter searches.
Toxicity assessment and DNA repair kinetics in HEK293 cells exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of Glyphosate (Roundup® Control Max)
Authors: Roma Dardo , Cecchini Maria Eugenia , Tonini María Paula , Capella Virginia , Aiassa Delia , Rodriguez Nancy , Mañas Fernando
Published: October 2023

Glyphosate is a systemic, non-selective, pre and post-emergence wide range herbicide. In 2015, IARC classified Glyphosate as “a probable carcinogenic agent for humans”. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the commercial formulation of glyphosate (Roundup® Control Max) at environmentally relevant concentrations and measure the potential effect of this herbicide over the cell capacity to repair DNA damage. HEK293 cells were exposed to 5 concentrations of Roundup® Control Max equivalent to 0.7; 7; 70; 700 and 3,500 μg/L glyphosate acid, for 1, 4 and 24 h. Cytotoxicity was quantified by the Trypan Blue staining method and by the MTT assay, while genotoxicity and evaluation of DNA damage repair kinetics were analyzed through the alkaline comet assay. In all treatments, cell viability was higher than 80%. The three highest glyphosate concentrations—70 μg/L, 700 μg/L, and 3,500 μg/L—increased levels of DNA damage compared to the control at the three exposure times tested. Finally, concerning the kinetics of DNA damage repair, cells initially exposed to 3,500 μg/L of glyphosate for 24 h were unable to repair the breaks in DNA strands even after 4 h of incubation in culture medium. The present study demonstrated for the first time that Roundup® Control Max may induce genetic damage and cause alterations in the DNA repair system in human embryonic kidney cells even at concentrations found in blood and breast milk of people exposed through residues of the herbicide in food, which values have been poorly assessed or not studied yet according to the existent literature.
Critical Review—A Tribute to Louis Brocq Lymphomatoid Papulosis, the Key in Exploring the Relationship of Parapsoriasis and Mycosis Fungoides
Authors: Kossard Steven
Published: October 2023

Both parapsoriasis and LyP appear clinically as inflammatory dermatoses with a paradoxical link to cMF. A key element in addressing the relationship of parapsoriasis and MF were the results of the French and Dutch long-term registries tracking the emergence of lymphomas in the setting of LyP. Both cMF and cALCL emerged almost equally in these long-term studies. This ultimately supports that the stem cells in both cMF and cALCL are probably derived from a common stem cell shared by CD4+/CD8+ memory stem cells defining cMF and CD30+ stem cells defining cALCL. The discovery of inducible Skin Associated Lymphoid Tissue (iSALT) mesenchymal hubs incorporating Tregs, with their pleiotropic functions represents a paradigm shift and formed a translational tool in this analysis of the paradox. LyP can be recast as activated inhibitory lymphomatoid T-cell hubs derived from inducible iTregs in iSALT and the source of the common stem cell LyP line. iSALT Treg integrated mesenchymal hubs provided an emerging translational tool in redefining integrated lymphomatoid pathways. Brocq’s complex scheme defining parapsoriasis as hybrid inflammatory dermatoses with a paradoxical link to cMF became a template to preserve parapsoriasis as a clinical diagnosis. Two major iSALT Treg generated inhibitory integrated lymphomatoid hubs emerged. The major CD30+TNF lymphomatoid hub has been linked to cALCL. Clinically defined chronic regressing and relapsing parapsoriasis with the histopathology of patch stage MF can be redefined as lymphomatoid parapsoriasis. This twin inhibited oncogenic memory based hub is defined by Treg modulated, CD4+/CD8+memory linked PD-1/DL-1 cytoxic complex and lichenoid histopathology.
Interactions of Metformin and Other Medications in Reducing the Odds of Age-Related Macular Degeneration in a Diabetic Cohort
Authors: Shaw Lincoln , Khanna Saira , Hyman Max J , Ham Sandra , Blitzer Andrea , Parvar Seyedeh P , Soo Jackie , Flores Andrea , Hariprasad Seenu , Skondra Dimitra
Published: October 2023

Purpose:

A prior study from our group demonstrated protective effects of the use of metformin in the odds of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This is a subgroup analysis in a diabetic cohort to assess the interaction of metformin and other medications in protecting diabetic patients against developing AMD.

Methods:

This is a case-control analysis using data from the MerativeTM MarketScan® Commercial and Medicare Databases. Patients were aged 55 years and over with newly diagnosed AMD and matched to controls. We performed multivariable conditional logistic regressions which adjusted for known risk factors for AMD and tested multiple interaction effects between metformin and (1) insulin, (2) sulfonylureas, (3) glitazones, (4) meglitinides, and (5) statins.

Results:

We identified 81,262 diabetic cases and 79,497 diabetic controls. Metformin, insulin, and sulfonylureas demonstrated independent protective effects against AMD development. Sulfonylureas in combination with metformin demonstrated further decreased odds of AMD development compared to metformin alone. The other medication group (exenatide, sitagliptin, and pramlintide) slightly increased the odds of developing AMD when taken alone but the combination with metformin alleviated this effect.

Conclusion:

We believe our results bring us one step closer to finding an optimal effective hypoglycemic regimen that also protects against AMD development in diabetic patients.
Beyond the norm: exploring the uncommon squamous cell carcinoma of the prostate using a Saudi tumor registry
Authors: Alasker Ahmed , Shafqat Areez , Sabbah Belal Nedal , Alghafees Mohammad , Al Saud Aljoharah Adeeb , Aljabi Nasouh , Altaweel Khalid Mazin , Alhumaidan Raghad , Musalli Ziyad F. , Almanie Abdulaziz , Abu Alqam Rakan , Bin Ofisan Salman
Published: October 2023

Background:

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the prostate has limited treatment choices and portends a dismal prognosis with an average survival time of ~14-months. This study provides a descriptive overview of SCC of the prostate in Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with prostatic SCC between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2017. Information on demographic and tumor characteristics and the survival of patients was collected from the Saudi Cancer Registry. Survival was depicted through Kaplan–Meier plots. Fisher’s exact test was used to assess the association between categorical variables and death, while a Wilcoxon rank sum test was applied for numerical variables.

Results:

Out of a larger subset of 3607 patients, 16 patients were diagnosed with prostatic SCC, of which half resided in the Central region (50.0%) and most (81.2%) were aged greater than or equal to 60 years. Most patients (62.6%) had poorly differentiated (grade III, 43.8%) lesions, and 50% of cases were metastatic at diagnosis. 62.5% of patients died, all residing in the Eastern and Central regions. Regional extension (75.0%) and distant metastasis (87.5%) were significantly associated with death compared to localized lesions (0.0%) (P=0.022). The 5-year survival rate in our study was 33%.

Conclusion:

The present study is the first to describe the characteristics of prostatic SCC in Saudi Arabia. Our results are consistent with prior studies showing that prostatic SCC is often high-grade and metastatic at diagnosis, conferring a poor prognosis.
Early small bowel obstruction as a complication of abdominal drain in colon cancer surgery: a case report and literature review
Authors: Nguyen Minh Thao , Pham Anh Vu
Published: October 2023

Introduction:

Early postoperative small bowel obstruction (EPSBO) is an obstruction that occurs within 4 weeks after the initial surgery. Routine prophylactic abdominal drainage does not provide any benefit in colon cancer surgery. The cause of EPSBO due to the abdominal drainage tube is infrequent.

Case presentation:

A 72-year-old male patient was diagnosed with sigmoid carcinoma and underwent laparoscopic left colectomy. A surgical drain was placed in the pouch of Douglas through the incision of the right iliac fossa trocar site. On the fourth day, he began to flatus, and the abdominal pain decreased. However, on the ninth day after surgery, the patient had more abdominal pain, could not pass gas and defecate, and the abdomen was more distended. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan showed a dilated loop of the small intestine above the transition site with a drainage sonde and no dilation of the loop below the sonde. The patient was indicated to remove the sonde. He could pass gas and defecate the next day again and was relieved of the abdominal distention.

Discussion:

Once an EPSBO is considered, it is essential to think of the bowel obstruction caused by the drainage tube in the case of abdominal drainage. It is necessary to have a contrast CT scan to examine.

Conclusion:

EPSBO due to intra-abdominal drainage is a rare condition that presents a challenge in diagnosis and treatment. Diagnosis usually begins on the fourth postoperative day, mainly in operations in the lower transverse mesentery, including drainage placement after laparoscopic surgery.