bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High NA and polarization-insensitive ultra-broadband achromatic metalens from 500 to 1050 nm for multicolor two-photon endomicroscopy imaging
Authors: Xiu Dongming , Liu Shujing , Li Yang , Ju Dandan , Zhao Shihu , Luo Mingyan , Ma Zengguang , Shen Hui
Published: August 2023

Multicolor two-photon endomicroscopy has become a highly competitive tool for functional imaging in biomedical researches. However, to make the imaging system miniature and applicable for freely behaving animal brain activity, metalenses have received much attention in compact imaging systems. For high resolution multicolor imaging and maximizing fluorescence collection, there is a challenge metalenses faced to achieve large numerical aperture (NA) and focus the NIR excitation and VIS emission lights of multiple fluorophores to the same distance simultaneously because of the limitation of the group delay range of the meta-units. In this paper, we proposed a high NA and polarization-insensitive ultra-broadband achromatic metalens specifically for achromatically focusing the excitation and emission light of multiple fluorophores commonly used in neuroscience studies. TiO2 and Si meta-unit libraries composed of heights, widths and the corresponding phase and group delay were constructed, and the optimal meta-units were selected by particle swarm optimization algorithm to engineer the dispersion of metalens in the VIS band and NIR band, respectively. Combining dispersion engineering with spatial multiplexing, the proposed metalens achieved the maximal effective NA up to 0.8 and large achromatic bandwidth ranging from 500 nm to 1050 nm, which exhibited the coefficient of variation of focal lengths was only 3.41%. The proposed achromatic metalens could successfully achromatically focus different fluorescence with any polarization, which was suitable for most fluorophores. Our results firmly establish that the proposed metalens can open the door to high resolution and minimally invasive multicolor two-photon functional imaging in intravital deep brain.
Post-compression of multi-millijoule picosecond pulses to few-cycles approaching the terawatt regime
Authors: Rajhans Supriya , Escoto Esmerando , Khodakovskiy Nikita , Velpula Praveen K. , Farace Bonaventura , Grosse-Wortmann Uwe , Shalloo Rob J. , Arnold Cord L. , Põder Kristjan , Osterhoff Jens , Leemans Wim P. , Hartl Ingmar , Heyl Christoph M.
Published: August 2023

Advancing ultrafast high-repetition-rate lasers to shortest pulse durations comprising only a few optical cycles while pushing their energy into the multi-millijoule regime opens a route toward terawatt-class peak powers at unprecedented average power. We explore this route via efficient post-compression of high-energy 1.2 ps pulses from an ytterbium InnoSlab laser to 9.6 fs duration using gas-filled multi-pass cells (MPCs) at a repetition rate of 1 kHz. Employing dual-stage compression with a second MPC stage supporting a close-to-octave-spanning bandwidth enabled by dispersion-matched dielectric mirrors, a record compression factor of 125 is reached at 70% overall efficiency, delivering 6.7 mJ pulses with a peak power of ∼0.3 TW. Moreover, we show that post-compression can improve the temporal contrast at multi-picosecond delay by at least one order of magnitude. Our results demonstrate efficient conversion of multi-millijoule picosecond lasers to high-peak-power few-cycle sources, prospectively opening up new parameter regimes for laser plasma physics, high energy physics, biomedicine, and attosecond science.
Design, optimization, and characterization of deep sub-wavelength evanescent orders in terahertz metagratings
Authors: Rane Shreeya , Punjal Ajinkya , Prabhu Shriganesh , Chowdhury Dibakar Roy
Published: August 2023

Resonant evanescent orders, being an exclusive deep sub-wavelength phenomenon, are well-known for confining strong EM energy at the air-grating interface when excited utilizing 1-dimensional gratings. However, stimulating prominent evanescent orders demands thoughtful design variations in grating geometry. In this pretext, we have successfully designed and optimized THz gratings that can sustain strong evanescent orders while operating in the subwavelength frequency domain. We have performed a fast Fourier transform (FFT) on the position-dependent electric field distribution of the grating to study the evanescent orders for both of the incidence polarizations (TE and TM). In order to optimize the grating performance, we have systematically increased the grating ridge height at a fixed fill factor (FF = 0.5). In such a way, excited evanescent orders are turned out to be anisotropic in nature at relatively larger grating height. We attribute such anisotropic behaviour to the effective refractive index experienced by the orthogonal THz probe.
Enhancing reinforcement learning models by including direct and indirect pathways improves performance on striatal dependent tasks
Authors: Blackwell Kim T. , Doya Kenji
Published: August 2023

A major advance in understanding learning behavior stems from experiments showing that reward learning requires dopamine inputs to striatal neurons and arises from synaptic plasticity of cortico-striatal synapses. Numerous reinforcement learning models mimic this dopamine-dependent synaptic plasticity by using the reward prediction error, which resembles dopamine neuron firing, to learn the best action in response to a set of cues. Though these models can explain many facets of behavior, reproducing some types of goal-directed behavior, such as renewal and reversal, require additional model components. Here we present a reinforcement learning model, TD2Q, which better corresponds to the basal ganglia with two Q matrices, one representing direct pathway neurons (G) and another representing indirect pathway neurons (N). Unlike previous two-Q architectures, a novel and critical aspect of TD2Q is to update the G and N matrices utilizing the temporal difference reward prediction error. A best action is selected for N and G using a softmax with a reward-dependent adaptive exploration parameter, and then differences are resolved using a second selection step applied to the two action probabilities. The model is tested on a range of multi-step tasks including extinction, renewal, discrimination; switching reward probability learning; and sequence learning. Simulations show that TD2Q produces behaviors similar to rodents in choice and sequence learning tasks, and that use of the temporal difference reward prediction error is required to learn multi-step tasks. Blocking the update rule on the N matrix blocks discrimination learning, as observed experimentally. Performance in the sequence learning task is dramatically improved with two matrices. These results suggest that including additional aspects of basal ganglia physiology can improve the performance of reinforcement learning models, better reproduce animal behaviors, and provide insight as to the role of direct- and indirect-pathway striatal neurons.
Incidence and predictors of antiretroviral treatment failure among children in public health facilities of Kolfe Keranyo Sub-City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Institution-based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Misasew Meseret , Menna Takele , Berhan Eyoel , Angassa Daniel , Teshome Yesunesh
Published: August 2023

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a public health concern globally. The number of people living with HIV worldwide in 2018 was estimated at 37.9 million; of those, 1.7 million are children. Globally, 62% of the 37.9 million people were receiving Antiretroviral treatment (ART); and among those who were on ART, 53% had achieved viral suppression. This study aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of Antiretroviral treatment failure among children in Kolfe Keranyo sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based retrospective cohort study was conducted among 250 children who were enrolled in first-line Antiretroviral treatment from January 2013 to May 2020 in Kolfe Keranyo sub-city. Data was collected by using a data extraction checklist and data were extracted by reviewing children’s medical charts and electronic database. Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate the probability of treatment failure. During bivariable analysis variables with p-value < 0.25 were taken for multivariable Cox regression analysis to assess predictors of treatment failure. Statistically significant association was declared at p-value < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval.

Result

The overall proportion of treatment failure within the follow-up period was 17.2%. This study also found that the overall incidence rate was 3.45 (95% CI: 2.57–4.67) per 1000 person-month observation. Infant prophylaxis for PMTCT (AHR: 3.59, 95% CI: 1.65–7,82), drug substitution (AHR: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.09–0.37), AZT/3TC/NVP based regimen (AHR: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.14–4.25), and more than 3 episodes of poor ART adherence (AHR: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.17–4.38) were found to be predictors of treatment failure among children.

Conclusion

High proportion of treatment failure was found among children on first-line ART in Kolfe Keranyo sub-city, Addis Ababa according to the UNAIDs virological suppression targets. Infant prophylaxis for PMTCT, drug substitution, AZT/3TC/NVP based initial regimen, and poor ART adherence were found to be predictors of first-line ART treatment failure. Close follow-up of children on medication adherence and revising the AZT/3TC/NVP based regimen need to be considered.
MT-MAG: Accurate and interpretable machine learning for complete or partial taxonomic assignments of metagenomeassembled genomes
Authors: Li Wanxin , Kari Lila , Yu Yaoliang , Hug Laura A.
Published: August 2023

We propose MT-MAG, a novel machine learning-based software tool for the complete or partial hierarchically-structured taxonomic classification of metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). MT-MAG is alignment-free, with k-mer frequencies being the only feature used to distinguish a DNA sequence from another (herein k = 7). MT-MAG is capable of classifying large and diverse metagenomic datasets: a total of 245.68 Gbp in the training sets, and 9.6 Gbp in the test sets analyzed in this study. In addition to complete classifications, MT-MAG offers a “partial classification” option, whereby a classification at a higher taxonomic level is provided for MAGs that cannot be classified to the Species level. MT-MAG outputs complete or partial classification paths, and interpretable numerical classification confidences of its classifications, at all taxonomic ranks. To assess the performance of MT-MAG, we define a “weighted classification accuracy,” with a weighting scheme reflecting the fact that partial classifications at different ranks are not equally informative. For the two benchmarking datasets analyzed (genomes from human gut microbiome species, and bacterial and archaeal genomes assembled from cow rumen metagenomic sequences), MT-MAG achieves an average of 87.32% in weighted classification accuracy. At the Species level, MT-MAG outperforms DeepMicrobes, the only other comparable software tool, by an average of 34.79% in weighted classification accuracy. In addition, MT-MAG is able to completely classify an average of 67.70% of the sequences at the Species level, compared with DeepMicrobes which only classifies 47.45%. Moreover, MT-MAG provides additional information for sequences that it could not classify at the Species level, resulting in the partial or complete classification of 95.13%, of the genomes in the datasets analyzed. Lastly, unlike other taxonomic assignment tools (e.g., GDTB-Tk), MT-MAG is an alignment-free and genetic marker-free tool, able to provide additional bioinformatics analysis to confirm existing or tentative taxonomic assignments.
Postoperative bleeding after percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage and aspiration in patients receiving antithrombotic therapy
Authors: Iwamoto Takayuki , Suda Takahiro , Inoue Takanori , Nozaki Yasutoshi , Mizumoto Rui , Arimoto Yuki , Ohta Takashi , Yamaguchi Shinjiro , Ito Yoshiki , Hagiwara Hideki
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to investigate the bleeding risk associated with percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder interventions in patients with acute cholecystitis receiving antithrombotic therapy. In this retrospective study, 194 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder interventions for acute cholecystitis between April 2011 and April 2021 were enrolled. Patients were sorted into four groups: no prior antithrombotic therapy, discontinued antithrombotic drugs, single antithrombotic drug continued perioperatively, and multiple antithrombotic drugs continued perioperatively. The risk of postoperative bleeding after percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder interventions was evaluated via multivariate logistic regression analysis. Of the 116 (59.8%) patients receiving antithrombotic therapy, 32 (16.5%) discontinued antithrombotic drugs before their respective procedure, 50 (25.8%) continued a single antithrombotic drug, and 34 (17.5%) continued multiple antithrombotic drugs during the perioperative period. The rates of significant and severe bleeding were 10.3% (20/194) and 3.1% (6/194), respectively. The rate of significant bleeding was significantly higher in patients who continued multiple antithrombotic drugs than in patients who received no prior antithrombotic therapy (P = 0.006). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the continuation of multiple antithrombotic drugs during the perioperative period was a risk factor for significant bleeding after percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder interventions. In conclusion, the perioperative continuation of multiple antithrombotic drugs is a risk factor for postoperative bleeding after percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder interventions.
GDNF triggers proliferation of rat C6 glioma cells via the NF-κB/CXCL1 signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Yue , Wu Yue , Li Li , Gao Jin , Gao Dian Shuai , Sun Shen
Published: August 2023

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor that is characterized by its high proliferative and migratory potential, leading to a high invasiveness of this tumor type. However, the underlying mechanism of GBM proliferation and migration has not been fully elucidated. In this study, at first, we used RNA-seq together with bioinformatics technology to screen for C-X-C motif ligand 1 (CXCL1) as a proliferation-related gene. And exogenous glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) induced proliferation and up-regulated the level of CXCL1 in rat C6 glioma cells determined by sqPCR and ELISA. Then, we manipulated the CXCL1 expression by using a lentiviral vector (CXCL1-RNAi) approach. By this, the proliferation of C6 cells was decreased, suggesting that CXCL1 plays a key role in proliferation in these cells. We hypothesized that exogenous GDNF promoted NF-κB nuclear translocation and therefore, analyzed the interaction of CXCL1 with NF-κB by Western Blot and immunofluorescence. Additionally, we used BAY 11–7082, a phosphorylation inhibitor of NF-κB, to elucidate NF-κB mediated the effect of GDNF on CXCL1. These results demonstrated that GDNF enhanced the proliferation of rat C6 glioma cells through activating the NF-κB/CXCL1 signaling pathway. In summary, these studies not only revealed the mechanism of action of exogenous GDNF in promoting the proliferation of C6 glioma cells but may also provide a new biological target for the treatment of malignant glioma.
Analysis on the characteristics and relationships of lower limbs strength and power of sailors in different positions and levels
Authors: Sun Kaiyang , Pan Dandan
Published: August 2023

Hikers and trapeze sailors are two main Olympic groups based on their specific role during sail racing. This study was to analyze the characteristics and relationships of lower limbs strength and power of hikers and trapeze sailors with different levels. Forty-five hikers and trapeze sailors were divided into high-level and low-level groups, respectively. The isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure sailors’ lower limbs strength. Concentric and eccentric peak torque (PT) were measured for hamstrings and quadriceps at 60°/s, and isometric knee extensions at 45° knee flexion (0° = full extension). The counter movement jump (CMJ) was performed by Kistler to reflect sailors’ lower limbs power. The results showed the hikers had higher quadriceps isometric PT, and male hikers had higher concentric and eccentric PT compared to trapeze sailors (p<0.05). For female sailors, the quadriceps’ concentric, eccentric and isometric PT of high-level group were higher than low-level group’ (p<0.05). The sailors’ conventional and functional H/Q ratio ranged from 0.44 to 0.56 and 0.52 to 0.65, respectively. High-level and low-level groups had no difference in CMJ, which was moderately to strongly correlated with the isokinetic strength (r ranging 0.50–0.81, p<0.01). These findings suggest that long-term training can induce specificity in lower limbs strength of sailors. Hikers have better quadriceps isometric strength compared to trapeze sailors. The quadriceps concentric and eccentric PT can be used as parameters to distinguish between high-level and low-level sailors, but CMJ cannot.
Association of anxiety and depressive symptoms with C-reactive protein in diverse Latinos: Results from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)
Authors: Guerrero Lourdes R. , Hong Suzi , Tarraf Wassim , Perreira Krista , Camacho Álvaro , Kohn Jordan N. , Jimenez Daniel E. , Talavera Gregory A. , Gallo Linda , Allison Matthew A. , Wassertheil-Smoller Sylvia , González Hector M.
Published: August 2023

Background

High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a marker of systemic inflammation that has been associated with persistent depressive symptoms. Depression and anxiety are frequently associated with a chronic inflammatory state, yet the nature of this relationship has not been rigorously examined in diverse Hispanic/Latino populations. We aimed to study the association of anxiety and depressive symptoms as well as comorbid presentations, with circulating high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels in a large Latino cohort of diverse heritages. We hypothesized a significant positive associations of both anxiety and depressive symptoms and hsCRP levels and potential variations among the heritage groups.

Methods

Depressive symptoms and anxiety were measured by the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), respectively. Serum hsCRP (hsCRP) levels of 15,448 participants (age 18 to 75 years; 52.3% women) from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) were measured and categorized based on the established cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reference values (< 1mg/L, low; 1–<3 mg/L, intermediate; ≥ 3mg/L, high).

Results

Mean CES-D, STAI scores, and hsCRP levels were 7.0 (SD = 5.9), 17.0 (SD = 5.7), and 3.84 (SD = 7.85), respectively. Generalized linear modeling, adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics revealed significant associations between depression (exp(β) = 1.12; p<0.01) and anxiety symptoms (exp(β) = 1.10; p<0.05) with continuous hsCRP levels. For categorical values of hsCRP, one SD increase in CES-D and STAI scores was associated with a 10% and 8% increase in the RRRs of high vs. low hsCRP, respectively. However, these relationships between CES-D or STAI and hsCRP were no longer statistically significant after adjustment for CVD risk factors and medications.

Conclusion

We found modest associations between anxiety and depressive symptoms and systemic inflammation measured by hsCRP among diverse Hispanics/Latinos that did not appreciably differ between heritage groups.
Demographic and ecological niche dynamics of the Vietnam warty newt, Paramesotriton deloustali: Historical climate influences
Authors: Tran Dung Van , Vu Thinh Tien , Fukutani Kazumi , Nishikawa Kanto
Published: August 2023

Quaternary climatic cycles strongly affected the genetic diversification and ranges of organisms, shaping current genetic structures and distribution patterns. Urodeles provide ideal examples for exploring these dynamics over time and across space. In this study, we integrated a phylogeographic approach and ensemble species distribution modeling (eSDM) to infer the historical demography and distribution patterns of the Vietnam warty newt,Paramesotriton deloustali. Mitochondrial data revealed two groups, West and East, which diverged approximately 1.92 million years ago (Mya). Diversification was likely driven by change in the climate during early stages of the Pleistocene, with increasing monsoon and drought intensities. Biogeographic analysis indicated that the newt’s current distribution formed as a result of vicariance events. In addition, the two groups occupy distinct ecological niches. Demographic reconstruction showed signs of expansion in the effective population sizes of the two major groups beginning around 0.11 and 0.15 Mya, respectively. However, eSDM showed fluctuating predicted distributions during the last interglacial, last glacial maximum, mid-Holocene, and present. Mountain systems in northern Vietnam are likely to have served as climatic refuges and to have played a crucial role in safeguarding species from the effects of climate change.
Gestational weight gain among pregnant women in Ibadan, Nigeria: Pattern, predictors and pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Adeoye Ikeola A. , Bamgboye Elijah A. , Omigbodun Akinyinka O.
Published: August 2023

Background

Gestational weight gain (GWG) is a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes, future obesity and chronic diseases among women. However, has not received much attention in many low and middle-income countries such as Nigeria. We investigated the pattern, associated factors and pregnancy outcomes of GWG in Ibadan, Nigeria, using the Ibadan Pregnancy Cohort Study (IbPCS).

Methodology

The IbPCS is a multicentre prospective cohort study conducted among 1745 pregnant women recruited from four health facilities in Ibadan, Nigeria. GWG, the primary outcome, was categorised according to the Institute of Medicine’s classification into insufficient, adequate and excessive weight gain. Pregnancy outcomes were the secondary outcome variables. Logistic regression analysis (Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence interval CI) was used to examine associations, and Poisson regression analyses were used to investigate associations with outcomes.

Results

Only 16.9% of women had optimal GWG, 56.8% had excessive GWG, and 26.9% had insufficient GWG. Excessive GWG was associated with high income ’> #20,000-’ (AOR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.25–2.17), being overweight (AOR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.52–2.95) and obese (AOR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.02–2.13) after adjusting for confounders. In contrast, increased odds of insufficient GWG have associated women with depression (AOR: 1.70, 95% CI 1.17–2.47). There was no significant association between inappropriate GWG and pregnancy outcomes However, there was an increased odds for postpartum haemorrhage (AOR: 2.44, 95% CI 1.14–5.22) among women with obesity and excessive GWG.

Conclusions

Excessive GWG was the most typical form of GWG among our study participants and was associated with high maternal income, and being overweight or obese. GWG needs to be monitored during antenatal care, and interventions that promote appropriate GWG should be implemented among pregnant women in Nigeria.
Association of tumor necrosis factor-α-308G/A polymorphism with the risk of obstructive sleep apnea: A meta-analysis of 14 case-control studies
Authors: Zhang Zhenlian , Duolikun Dilihumaier , Dang Tingting , Wang Yuanyuan , Ma Lijuan , Ma Xueyun , Yao Qiaoling
Published: August 2023

Although numerous studies have suggested the association between TNF-α-308G/A polymorphism and susceptibility to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the results remained controversial and ambiguous. We performed the present meta-analysis to derive a more precise estimation.The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang databases, and Weipu databases (until January 8, 2022) were accessed to retrieve relevant articles. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated using the STATA statistical software.Totally, fourteen studies involving 2595 cases and 2579 controls were enrolled in this meta-analysis. Pooled results demonstrated significant association between TNF-α-308G/A polymorphism and OSA risk for the overall population(allele model:OR = 1.87 [1.47, 2.38] (n = 14), dominant model: OR = 1.88[1.48, 2.39] (n = 14), recessive model:OR = 2.83 [2.00, 4.00] (n = 11), homozygous model:OR = 3.30 [2.32, 4.68] (n = 11), and heterozygous model:OR = 1.67 [1.36, 2.06] (n = 14); P<0.001, respectively).Subgroup analysis showed that in both Caucasians and Asians, the A allele conferred increased risk to OSA compared to the G allele (Caucasians: OR = 1.40[1.03, 1.90] (n = 5), P = 0.033, Asians: OR = 2.30 [1.62, 3.26] (n = 9), P< 0.001). In subgroup analysis restricted to hospital-based individuals, significant association between TNF-α-308G/A polymorphism and OSA risk was identified under each genetic model. Whereas, in population-based individuals, increased risk of OSA were only found in homozygous model (OR = 2.19[1.23, 3.90] (n = 3), P = 0.008) and recessive model (OR = 1.77 [1.00, 3.13] (n = 3), P = 0.048). There was a substantial between-study heterogeneity (I2 = 69.10%) across studies which was explained by source of control participants (P = 0.036) by meta-regression. The results of leave-one-out meta-analysis and publication bias suggested the reliability and stability of our results.This meta-analysis suggested that TNF-α-308A allele may be a risk factor for the development of OSA. However, large scale,multi-center and well-designed case-control studies are needed in the future.
Transcutaneous carbon dioxide application suppresses the expression of cancer-associated fibroblasts markers in oral squamous cell carcinoma xenograft mouse model
Authors: Tadokoro Yoshiaki , Takeda Daisuke , Murakami Aki , Yatagai Nanae , Saito Izumi , Arimoto Satomi , Kakei Yasumasa , Akashi Masaya , Hasegawa Takumi
Published: August 2023

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common head and neck cancer. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the main stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). As CAFs promote tumor progression and hypoxia in the TME, regulating the conversion of normal fibroblasts (NFs) into CAFs is essential for improving the prognosis of patients with OSCC. We have previously reported the antitumor effects of transcutaneous carbon dioxide (CO2) application in OSCC. However, the effects of reducing hypoxia in the TME remain unclear. In this study, we investigated whether CO2 administration improves the TME by evaluating CAFs marker expression. Human OSCC cells (HSC-3) and normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) were coinjected subcutaneously into the dorsal region of mice. CO2 gas was applied twice a week for 3 weeks. The tumors were harvested six times after transcutaneous CO2 application. The expression of CAFs markers (α-SMA, FAP, PDPN, and TGF-β) were evaluated by using real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining. The expression of α-SMA, FAP, PDPN, and TGF-β was significantly increased over time after co-injection. In the CO2-treated group, tumor growth was significantly suppressed after treatment initiation. In addition, the mRNA expression of these markers was significantly inhibited. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining revealed a significant decrease in the protein expression of all CAFs markers in the CO2-treated group. We confirmed that transcutaneous CO2 application suppressed CAFs marker expression and tumor growth in OSCC xenograft mouse model.
Pathogenesis and outcome of VA1 astrovirus infection in the human brain are defined by disruption of neural functions and imbalanced host immune responses
Authors: Maximova Olga A. , Weller Melodie L. , Krogmann Tammy , Sturdevant Daniel E. , Ricklefs Stacy , Virtaneva Kimmo , Martens Craig , Wollenberg Kurt , Minai Mahnaz , Moore Ian N. , Sauter Craig S. , Barker Juliet N. , Lipkin W. Ian , Seilhean Danielle , Nath Avindra , Cohen Jeffrey I.
Published: August 2023

Astroviruses (AstVs) can cause of severe infection of the central nervous system (CNS) in immunocompromised individuals. Here, we identified a human AstV of the VA1 genotype, HAstV-NIH, as the cause of fatal encephalitis in an immunocompromised adult. We investigated the cells targeted by AstV, neurophysiological changes, and host responses by analyzing gene expression, protein expression, and cellular morphology in brain tissue from three cases of AstV neurologic disease (AstV-ND). We demonstrate that neurons are the principal cells targeted by AstV in the brain and that the cerebellum and brainstem have the highest burden of infection. Detection of VA1 AstV in interconnected brain structures such as thalamus, deep cerebellar nuclei, Purkinje cells, and pontine nuclei indicates that AstV may spread between connected neurons transsynaptically. We found transcriptional dysregulation of neural functions and disruption of both excitatory and inhibitory synaptic innervation of infected neurons. Importantly, transcriptional dysregulation of neural functions occurred in fatal cases, but not in a patient that survived AstV-ND. We show that the innate, but not adaptive immune response was transcriptionally driving host defense in the brain of immunocompromised patients with AstV-ND. Both transcriptome and molecular pathology studies showed that most of the cellular changes were associated with CNS-intrinsic cells involved in phagocytosis and injury repair (microglia, perivascular/parenchymal border macrophages, and astrocytes), but not CNS-extrinsic cells (T and B cells), suggesting an imbalance of innate and adaptive immune responses to AstV infection in the brain as a result of the underlying immunodeficiencies. These results show that VA1 AstV infection of the brain in immunocompromised humans is associated with imbalanced host defense responses, disruption of neuronal somatodendritic compartments and synapses and increased phagocytic cellular activity. Improved understanding of the response to viral infections of the human CNS may provide clues for how to manipulate these processes to improve outcomes.
Análise exploratória de heterogeneidade da condutividade hidráulica de um aquífero sedimentar costeiro, livre e raso, Florianópolis, Brasil
Authors: Simão Daniel Amgarten , Pinto Cátia Regina Silva de Carvalho
Published: August 2023

A condutividade hidráulica (K) tem sido atribuída como a propriedade mais significante controlando o fluxo e o transporte em aquíferos. Enquanto sua distribuição espacial é naturalmente heterogênea nos meios geológicos, a sua homogeneização em volumes macroscópicos ainda é prática comum na representação matemática dos processos relevantes em aquíferos. Este estudo trata de uma análise exploratória de caracterizações de K para um aquífero sedimentar costeiro, livre e raso, tradicionalmente conceitualizado como homogêneo, avaliando a variabilidade dessa propriedade, os métodos de caracterização utilizados (ensaios em campo e em laboratório) e relações com propriedades dos sedimentos e a geologia local. As análises indicaram uma variabilidade de K associada a aquíferos extensivamente estudados que foram considerados de baixa heterogeneidade. A variabilidade de K nos ensaios em campo apontou para 3 ordens de magnitude, e mostrou-se associada às fácies sedimentares identificadas nos pontos caracterizados e, portanto, com heterogeneidade relevante na direção vertical. Isso demonstra que estruturas tridimensionais de aquíferos sempre devem ser levadas em consideração em modelos conceituais de aquíferos sedimentares, principalmente para problemas de contaminação de águas subterrâneas, mesmo em depósitos tradicionalmente caracterizados como homogêneos.
Most African Leaders Have No Interest in a real African Union
Authors: Mbaye Sanou
Published: August 2023

Most African Leaders Have No Interest in a real African Union
In Search of Congo's Coltan
Authors: Dizolele Mvemba Phezo
Published: August 2023

In Search of Congo's Colta
You will get your Visa after Six Months, Sir
Authors: Farah Nuruddin
Published: August 2023

You will get your Visa after Six Months, Sir
The Soul of Mbira: Music and Traditions of the Shona People
Authors: Gwekwerere Gadziro
Published: August 2023

The Soul of Mbira: Music and Traditions of the Shona People
On distance-regular graphs Γ of diameter 3 for which Γ
3 is a triangle-free graph
Authors: Makhnev Aleksandr A. , Guo Wenbin
Published: August 2023

There exist well-known distance-regular graphs Γ of diameter 3 for which Γ
3 is a triangle-free graph. An example is given by the Johnson graph J (8, 3) with the intersection array {15, 8, 3;1, 4, 9}. The paper is concerned with the problem of the existence of distance-regular graphs Γ with the intersection arrays {78, 50, 9;1, 15, 60} and {174, 110, 18;1, 30, 132} for which Γ
3 is a triangle-free graph.
Demons and Forgetting in Etruscan Homeric Art
Authors: Tomanelli Lauren
Published: August 2023

This paper examines the inclusion of Etruscan demons such as Charun and Vanth in Homeric art, using the François Tomb as a case study. The combination of Greek and Etruscan figures is often described as a “patchwork” of influences. I argue that the “patchwork” approach is anachronistic and that fourth-century viewers would not have seen such a dichotomous opposition between Etruscan demons and Greek myths. Anthropological memory theory supplies a new framework for understanding the inclusion of Greek myths in the Etruscan pantheon. I argue that the François Tomb was the end product of a centuries-long process of forgetting: the Greek origin of the Homeric myths was no longer felt as acutely in the fourth century as when the two cultures first made contact. By the fourth century, the blending was not a calculated change or an attempt to show off foreign knowledge. It was a representation of the Etruscans’ own cultural memory, adapted over three centuries of Greek contact to become a syncretic system.
Study on the thermal stability and smoke suppressant effect of polyurethane foam modified by ammonium lignosulfonate
Authors: Zhang Xu , Yuan Dehe , Sun Simiao , Wang Zhi , Xie Hua , Su Zhanpeng
Published: August 2023

The modified polyurethane foam (PUF) with ammonium lignosulfonate was prepared by one-step water foaming method. The effects of ammonium lignosulfonate on its thermal stability and smoke suppression were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, pyrolysis kinetics analysis, smoke density (Ds) and smoke toxicity analysis. The results showed that the addition of 15 % ammonium lignosulfonate (PUFA15) had the lowest mass loss of PUFs and the highest integral programmed decomposition temperature (870.8 °C). Its activation energy was the highest according to the Flynn-Wall-Ozawa method (110.1 kJ/mol), Kissinger method (181.1 kJ/mol), Starnk method (106.3 kJ/mol) and Coats-Redfern method (149.7 kJ/mol). In addition, PUFA15 had the lowest Ds (34.43) and the highest transmittance (66.74). This indicated that PUFA15 had good thermal stability and smoke suppression properties. The research results had a reference value for exploring the production of environmentally friendly PUF by biomass modification.
Hydrogelbasierte plasmonische Sensoren zur Ethanoldetektion: Einfluss des Quellverhaltens auf das optische Signal
Authors: Herzog Julia , Rio Marisa , Schuster Christiane , Härtling Thomas , Gerlach Gerald
Published: August 2023

Brechzahlsensitive plasmonische Sensoren mit nanostrukturierten Goldoberflächen bieten viele Vorteile für die kontinuierliche Vor-Ort-Überwachung in komplexen Prozessflüssigkeiten. In Kombination mit stimulus-responsiven Hydrogelen haben diese Potential für die selektive Detektion von Einzelparametern, hier der Ethanolkonzentration, bei sich gleichzeitig ändernden Stoffkonzentrationen anderer Komponenten. Ein erster Schritt zur Ausnutzung dieser selektiven Eigenschaften ist die Differenzierung des ethanolinduzierten Quelleffekts im eingesetzten Polyacrylamid-Hydrogel von der Brechzahländerung der zu analysierenden Flüssigkeit in Folge von Konzentrationsänderungen. Dies wurde durch die Anwendung einer mit Hydrogel funktionalisierten Messfläche und einer nicht funktionalisierten Referenzfläche erreicht. Das hier vorgestellte Sensorkonzept ermöglicht so die Bestimmung der Ethanolkonzentration wässriger Lösungen zwischen 40 und 60 vol%. Dabei wird gezeigt, dass von der Entquellung des Hydrogelvolumens nicht direkt auf das oberflächennahe Verhalten geschlossen werden kann, sondern eine individuelle Kalibrierung des optischen Signals notwendig ist.
Axon Initial Segment GABA Inhibits Action Potential Generation throughout Periadolescent Development
Authors: Lipkin Anna M. , Bender Kevin J.
Published: August 2023

Neurons are remarkably polarized structures: dendrites spread and branch to receive synaptic inputs while a single axon extends and transmits action potentials (APs) to downstream targets. Neuronal polarity is maintained by the axon initial segment (AIS), a region between the soma and axon proper that is also the site of action potential (AP) generation. This polarization between dendrites and axons extends to inhibitory neurotransmission. In adulthood, the neurotransmitter GABA hyperpolarizes dendrites but instead depolarizes axons. These differences in function collide at the AIS. Multiple studies have shown that GABAergic signaling in this region can share properties of either the mature axon or mature dendrite, and that these properties evolve over a protracted period encompassing periadolescent development. Here, we explored how developmental changes in GABAergic signaling affect AP initiation. We show that GABA at the axon initial segment inhibits action potential initiation in layer (L)2/3 pyramidal neurons in prefrontal cortex from mice of either sex across GABA reversal potentials observed in periadolescence. These actions occur largely through current shunts generated by GABAAreceptors and changes in voltage-gated channel properties that affected the number of channels that could be recruited for AP electrogenesis. These results suggest that GABAergic neurons targeting the axon initial segment provide an inhibitory “veto” across the range of GABA polarity observed in normal adolescent development, regardless of GABAergic synapse reversal potential.

Significance StatementGABA receptors are a major class of neurotransmitter receptors in the brain. Typically, GABA receptors inhibit neurons by allowing influx of negatively charged chloride ions into the cell. However, there are cases where local chloride concentrations promote chloride efflux through GABA receptors. Such conditions exist early in development in neocortical pyramidal cell axon initial segments (AISs), where action potentials (APs) initiate. Here, we examined how chloride efflux in early development interacts with mechanisms that support action potential initiation. We find that this efflux, despite moving membrane potential closer to action potential threshold, is nevertheless inhibitory. Thus, GABA at the axon initial segment is likely to be inhibitory for action potential initiation independent of whether chloride flows out or into neurons via these receptors.
Dietary Fiber and Microbiota Metabolite Receptors Enhance Cognition and Alleviate Disease in the 5xFAD Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Zhou Yichen , Xie Liang , Schröder Jan , Schuster Iona S. , Nakai Michael , Sun Guizhi , Sun Yu B. Y. , Mariño Eliana , Degli-Esposti Mariapia A. , Marques Francine Z. , Grubman Alexandra , Polo Jose M. , Mackay Charles R.
Published: August 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with poorly understood etiology. AD has several similarities with other “Western lifestyle” inflammatory diseases, where the gut microbiome and immune pathways have been associated. Previously, we and others have noted the involvement of metabolite-sensing GPCRs and their ligands, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), in protection of numerous Western diseases in mouse models, such as Type I diabetes and hypertension. Depletion of GPR43, GPR41, or GPR109A accelerates disease, whereas high SCFA yielding diets protect in mouse models. Here, we extended the concept that metabolite-sensing receptors and SCFAs may be a more common protective mechanism against Western diseases by studying their role in AD pathogenesis in the 5xFAD mouse model. Both male and female mice were included. Depletion of GPR41 and GPR43 accelerated cognitive decline and impaired adult hippocampal neurogenesis in 5xFAD and WT mice. Lack of fiber/SCFAs accelerated a memory deficit, whereas diets supplemented with high acetate and butyrate (HAMSAB) delayed cognitive decline in 5xFAD mice. Fiber intake impacted on microglial morphology in WT mice and microglial clustering phenotype in 5xFAD mice. Lack of fiber impaired adult hippocampal neurogenesis in both W and AD mice. Finally, maternal dietary fiber intake significantly affects offspring’s cognitive functions in 5xFAD mice and microglial transcriptome in both WT and 5xFAD mice, suggesting that SCFAs may exert their effect during pregnancy and lactation. Together, metabolite-sensing GPCRs and SCFAs are essential for protection against AD, and reveal a new strategy for disease prevention.

Significance StatementAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases; currently, there is no cure for AD. In our study, short-chain fatty acids and metabolite receptors play an important role in cognitive function and pathology in AD mouse model as well as in WT mice. SCFAs also impact on microglia transcriptome, and immune cell recruitment. Out study indicates the potential of specialized diets (supplemented with high acetate and butyrate) releasing high amounts of SCFAs to protect against disease.
More than annealing: RNAi is not alone in the fight against plant viruses
Authors: Lozano‐Durán Rosa
Published: August 2023

Cellular organisms have evolved different strategies to defend themselves against the invasion by viruses. In plants, RNA interference (RNAi) or RNA silencing, which is triggered by virus‐derived double‐stranded (ds)RNA, is considered the main antiviral defence mechanism. Martínez‐Pérez et al have now uncovered an additional plant antiviral pathway, termed by the authors “m6A‐YTHDF axis,” which relies on the modification and subsequent recognition of the viral RNA.
Low concentration of nitrate increases germination velocity of intact seeds of Nepeta micrantha in the first few days of germination
Authors: Xing Zeming , Zheng Ruiqi , Shi Xiang , Wang Lei
Published: August 2023

Nitrate promotes seed germination at low concentrations in many plant species. Meanwhile, mucilage plays a crucial role in germination by regulating seed responses to different environmental factors. This study investigated the effect of nitrate and mucilage on seed germination of the
ephemeral plant Nepeta micrantha. Nitrate had distinct effects on intact and demucilaged seeds. Specifically, low nitrate concentration significantly increased the germination velocity of intact seeds, but decreased that of demucilaged seeds in the first few days. The addition of nitrate
did not significantly affect the final germination percentage and germination index of intact and demucilaged seeds within the 20-day germination period, except for the demucilaged seeds treated with 0.01 mmol L-1 KNO3. This study suggests that nitrate and mucilage have
a positive impact on germination of N. micrantha seeds in harsh environments.
Gold and Iron Tailings to Improve the Compressive Strength and Workability of Concrete
Authors: Reyes L. J. Chavarría- , Vallejos C. M. Chavarry- , Rodríguez J. S.Támara , Cano J. W. Blas , Roque R. M. Reyes , Vergara E. A. Milla , Ramírez A. E. Gómez
Published: August 2023

This scientific study aims to determine the optimal replacement percentage of mine tailings as a substitute for fine aggregate to improve both the compressive strength and the workability of the concrete, both in the case of gold mine tailings and gold mine tailings iron. It is a documentary, bibliographical and descriptive investigation that follows a deductive method with a quantitative approach. In addition, it is descriptive, correlational, and explanatory, with a descriptive level and a non-experimental, longitudinal, and retrospective design. The results indicate that the incorporation of 15% gold mining tailings increases the compressive strength by 4,44% while incorporating 12% iron mining tailings increases the resistance to compression by 7,79%. Likewise, by adding 30% gold mining tailings, a notable increase of 74,36% in tensile strength is obtained. On the other hand, when 5% gold mine tailings are added, the slump remains at 4"; however, by increasing the addition to 10%, it decreases from 2" to 1.77". In the case of tailings iron miners incorporating 30% the settlement remains at 2"; but by increasing the amount to 12%, the slump decreases from 3.32" to 1.57". Finally, the study shows that using mine tailings as a substitute for fine aggregate can significantly improve the compressive strength and workability of concrete, depending on the type of tailings and its percentage of incorporation.
Regeneration of Quercus Forest after Fire Under the Influence of Ecological and Environmental Parameters
Authors: Zoubeïda SOBEHI , Hacène ABDELKRIM , Ammar TOUATI
Published: August 2023

Fires are one of the major disruptive factors for all forest biomass. The study was carried out at the level of the Algerian Northeast region, where forest sites of Souk-Ahras are remarkably materialized by the species: Quercus suber and Quercus canariensis. The regeneration problem analysed after fire took into account the effects of natural environmental parameters, namely temporality, frequency of individuals and topographical parameters such as exposure, slope and altitude. The results show a very small and relative change. However, the cumulative actions of these latter must be checked by the intensity of the fires, by the energy and the kinetics of combustion in order to be able to pronounce on the possible temporality to the regeneration. Thus, it turns out that the frequency parameter depends closely on the storage and the arrangement of individuals, as this, could give the necessary time for cells to no longer have the ability to function for regeneration. For the topography parameter, regeneration is observed from the altitude 800 m. And, by combining the exposure sub parameter, we concluded that the regenerated parts benefited from better radiation.