bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nematicidal activity of powder and extracts of Inula viscosa
Authors: Ben-Daniel Bat-Hen , Oka Yuji , Cohen Yigal
Published: July 2002

The number of second-stage juveniles of Meloidogyne javanica in sand was greatly reduced by mixing in leaf powder of Inula viscosa at a concentration of 0.1% (w/w). Powder from other plant parts, except the root, also showed nematicidal activity. Fresh shoots incorporated into the sand showed less of a nematicidal effect. An aqueous extract of the leaf powder exhibited slight nematicidal activity against the nematode, whereas its extracts with organic solvents showed stronger activity. M. javanica was most sensitive to the leaf powder, followed by Tylenchulus semipenetrans, while Aphelenchus avenae, Ditylenchus dipsaci and Pratylenchus mediterraneus were much less, or not at all affected. Acetone extracts of the fresh and dry leaves yielded two fractions with nematicidal activity by column chromatography. One nematicidal fraction contained a mixture of costic and isocostic acid. This mixture, presumably located in the outside of the shoots, showed nematicidal activity toward M. javanica at a concentration of 50 mg/kg sand.
Clay minerals from tidal flat sediments at Youngjong Island, Korea, as a potential indicator of sea-level change
Authors: Moon J. -W. , Song Y. , Moon H. - S. , Lee G. H.
Published: July 2002

Clay minerals from the tidal flat sediments along the coast of Youngjong Island, west of mainland Korea, were studied to ascertain their potential as an indicator of sea-level fluctuation. Semi-quantitative analysis of their clay-size fractions by XRD shows that the vertical distribution of clay minerals can be separated into four clay mineral assemblage units. Based on the relative contents of chlorite, four sedimentary units are distinguishable, and the abundance of chlorite is inversely related to that of smectite. The kaolinite content is constant, and so it is clear that chlorite originating from the Han River was transformed to smectite by pedogenesis during regression periods. Therefore, the relative contents of clay minerals from the unconsolidated materials in the tidal flat of Youngjong Island canbe used as indicators of transgression and regression in accordance with the sea-level fluctuation.
Hydrothermal alteration processes of the Tertiary lavas of Northern Ireland
Authors: Robert Ch.
Published: July 2002

The alteration mineralogy of two outcrops of basaltic lavas in northeast Ireland is studied with respect to the hydrothermal alteration history of basalts. Evidence for contact between basaltic flows and palaeorivers or palaeolakes is reported in both outcrops, which belong to two different formations: the Lower Basaltic Formation (LBF) and the Inter Basaltic Formation (Causeway Tholeiite Member, CTM). The secondary minerals consist of layer silicates (chlorite-smectite, C-S, di- and trioctahedral smectites), zeolites, calcite and silica minerals and there is a repetition of the sequence of alteration mineralogy in each formation. The mineralogy of phyllosilicates from the LBF (C-S) corresponds to hotter conditions of alteration than those of CTM (di/trioctahedral smectites), while the zeolite mineralogy is controlled by the fluid composition. In consequence, the mineralogy and the distribution of alteration minerals suggest that the crystallization of phyllosilicates and zeolites did not develop during burial of lavas a long time after the eruption, but reflects thermal gradients driven by lava heat flow and marked by local perturbation caused by regional water flow through the aquifer zone in the lava during the last cooling of each lava sequence.
The SH2 domain of Bcr-Abl is not required to induce a murine myeloproliferative disease; however, SH2 signaling influences disease latency and phenotype
Authors: Zhang Xiaowu , Wong Ray , Hao Sheryl X. , Pear Warren S. , Ren Ruibao
Published: July 2002

Bcr-Abl plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). It was previously shown that expression of Bcr-Abl in bone marrow cells by retroviral transduction efficiently induces a myeloproliferative disorder (MPD) in mice resembling human CML. This in vivo experimental system allows the direct determination of the effect of specific domains of Bcr-Abl, or specific signaling pathways, on the complex in vivo pathogenesis of CML. In this report, the function of the SH2 domain of Bcr-Abl in the pathogenesis of CML is examined using this murine model. It was found that the Bcr-Abl SH2 mutants retain the ability to induce a fatal MPD but with an extended latency compared with wild type (wt) Bcr-Abl. Interestingly, in contrast to wt Bcr-Abl–induced disease, which is rapid and monophasic, the disease caused by the Bcr-Abl SH2 mutants is biphasic, consisting of an initial B-lymphocyte expansion followed by a fatal myeloid proliferation. The B-lymphoid expansion was diminished in mixing experiments with bcr-abl/ΔSH2 and wt bcr-ablcells, suggesting that the Bcr-Abl–induced MPD suppresses B-lymphoid expansion.
Modulation of endothelial cell activation in sickle cell disease: a pilot study
Authors: Solovey Alex A. , Solovey Anna N. , Harkness Jeanne , Hebbel Robert P.
Published: July 2002

The vessel wall endothelium undoubtedly plays a role in the vascular pathobiology of sickle cell disease. This pilot study tested the feasibility of using an inhibitor of nuclear factor (NF)–κB, a transcription factor, to modify the endothelial activation state of patients with this vascular disease. For a total of 7 separate drug exposure tests, 3 subjects with sickle cell disease took sulfasalazine (given orally at 1 g every 8 hours), and the activation state of their circulating endothelial cells (CECs) was assessed using immunofluorescence microscopy. Companion studies were also performed using sulfasalazine in sickle transgenic mice to verify its effect simultaneously on both CECs and vessel wall endothelium. Both CECs and tissue vessel wall endothelium in sickle mice have an activated phenotype. In these mice sulfasalazine significantly reduced CEC expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM), intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM), and E-selectin, and it correspondingly reduced expression of these molecules in some tissue vessels. In humans with sickle cell disease, sulfasalazine significantly reduced CEC expression of VCAM, ICAM, and E-selectin, but it did not reduce expression of tissue factor. Addition of a second transcription factor inhibitor, salsalate, did not change this result. This pilot study suggests that endothelial cell activation state can be modified and down-regulated in vivo by sulfasalazine.
Overexpression of HOXA10 perturbs human lymphomyelopoiesis in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Buske Christian , Feuring-Buske Michaela , Antonchuk Jennifer , Rosten Patricia , Hogge Donna E. , Eaves Connie J. , Humphries R. Keith
Published: July 2002

Several studies point to multiple members of the Hox transcription factor family as playing key roles in normal hematopoietic development, and they link the imbalanced expression of these transcription factors, in particular of the Abd-like A cluster HOXgenes HOXA9 and HOXA10, to leukemogenesis. To test directly the hypothesis that HOXA10is involved in human hematopoietic development, the gene was retrovirally overexpressed in human highly purified CD34+/GFP+ hematopoietic progenitor cells derived from cord blood or fetal liver sources, and the impact of aberrant gene expression was analyzed on differentiation and proliferation in vitro and in vivo. HOXA10 misexpression profoundly impaired myeloid differentiation with a higher yield of blast cells in liquid culture and a greater than 100-fold increased generation of blast colonies after in vitro expansion or after replating of primary colonies first plated in methylcellulose directly after transduction (P < .01). Furthermore, aberrantHOXA10 expression almost completely blocked erythroid differentiation in methylcellulose (P < .02).HOXA10 deregulation also severely perturbed the differentiation of human progenitors in vivo, reducing B-cell development by 70% in repopulated NOD/SCID mice and enhancing myelopoiesis in the transduced compartment. The data provide evidence that the balanced expression of HOXA10 is pivotal for normal human hematopoietic development and that aberrant expression of the gene contributes to impaired differentiation and increased proliferation of human hematopoietic progenitor cells. These results also provide a framework to initiate more detailed analyses ofHOX regulatory domains and HOX cofactors in the human system in vitro and in vivo.
Early immunophenotypical evaluation of minimal residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia identifies different patient risk groups and may contribute to postinduction treatment stratification
Authors: San Miguel Jesús F. , Vidriales Marı́a B. , López-Berges Consuelo , Dı́az-Mediavilla Joaquı́n , Gutiérrez Norma , Cañizo Consuelo , Ramos Fernando , Calmuntia Marı́a J. , Pérez José J. , González Marcos , Orfao Alberto
Published: July 2002

Early response to therapy is one of the most important prognostic factors in acute leukemia. It is hypothesized that early immunophenotypical evaluation may help identify patients at high risk for relapse from those who may remain in complete remission (CR). Using multiparametric flow cytometry, the level of minimal residual disease (MRD) was evaluated in the first bone marrow (BM) in morphologic CR obtained after induction treatment from 126 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who displayed aberrant phenotypes at diagnosis. Based on MRD level, 4 different risk categories were identified: 8 patients were at very low risk (fewer than 10−4 cells), and none have relapsed thus far; 37 were at low risk (10−4 to 10−3 cells); and 64 were at intermediate risk (fewer than 10−3 to 10−2 cells), with 3-year cumulative relapse rates of 14% and 50%, respectively. The remaining 17 patients were in the high-risk group (more than 10−2 residual aberrant cells) and had a 3-year relapse rate of 84% (P = .0001). MRD level not only influences relapse-free survival but also overall survival (P = .003). The adverse prognostic impact was also observed when M3 and non-M3 patients with AML were separately analyzed, and was associated with adverse cytogenetic subtypes, 2 or more cycles to achieve CR, and high white blood cell counts. Multivariate analysis showed that MRD level was the most powerful independent prognostic factor, followed by cytogenetics and number of cycles to achieve CR. In conclusion, immunophenotypical investigation of MRD in the first BM in mCR obtained after AML induction therapy provides important information for risk assessment in patients with AML.
Decreased von Willebrand factor protease activity associated with thrombocytopenic disorders
Authors: Moore Jane C. , Hayward Catherine P. M. , Warkentin Theodore E. , Kelton John G.
Published: July 2002

Recent studies investigating thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) have implicated abnormal plasma von Willebrand factor (vWF)-cleaving metalloprotease activity in this disorder. It has been proposed that a metalloprotease cleaves unusually large (UL) multimers of vWF, which enter the circulation from the endothelium. Abnormal metalloprotease activity could result in ULvWF, which could participate in TTP. However, the diagnostic specificity of abnormalities in the plasma metalloprotease activity has not been established. A prospective study of vWF protease activity was performed using samples from 20 healthy controls, 20 patients with acute TTP, 20 patients with immune idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), 10 patients with disseminated intravascular thrombocytopenia (DIC), 10 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE,) and 5 thrombocytopenic patients with leukemia. Studies were performed blinded to the diagnosis. Samples from hospitalized patients with normal platelet counts were also tested. The vWF digests and multimer analysis were done using previously described methods. Six laboratory personnel independently scored each of the multimer gels. Reduced protease activity was observed in 9 of 20 patients with TTP. Reduced activity was also observed in 6 of 20 patients with ITP, 6 of 10 patients with DIC, 5 of 10 patients with SLE, 1 of 5 patients with leukemia, 2 of 20 healthy controls, and 3 of 25 hospitalized patients. This study indicates that abnormalities of vWF protease activity are not restricted to patients with the diagnosis of TTP.
The effect of stochastic gravity models in airborne vector gravimetry
Authors: Kwon Jay Hyoun , Jekeli Christopher
Published: July 2002

Measurements of specific force using inertial measurement units (IMU) combined with Global Positioning System (GPS) accelerometry can be used on an airborne platform to determine the total gravitational vector. Traditional methods, originating with inertial surveying systems and based on Kalman filtering, rely on choosing an appropriate stochastic model for the gravity disturbance components included in the set of system error states. An alternative procedure that uses no a priori stochastic model has proven to be as effective, or moreso, in extracting the gravity vector from airborne IMU/GPS data. This method is based on inspecting acceleration residuals from a Kalman filter that estimates only sensor biases. Using actual data collected over the Canadian Rocky Mountains, this method was compared to the traditional approach adapted for different types of stochastic models for the gravity disturbance vector. In all test cases, the estimation filter without a gravitational model yielded better results—up to 50%. This implies that accurate gravity vector determination from airborne IMU/GPS need not rely on an a priori stochastic model of the field, even though the theory of optimal estimation requests it. However, no filter was able to remove all systematic errors from the data; these remaining errors could only be reduced by elementary methods such as endpoint matching and correlative processing of adjacent passes of the system over the gravity field. The final, best gravity estimates had standard deviations with respect to control data of 6 mGal in the horizontal components and 3–4 mGal in the vertical component.
Crosswell traveltime tomography in three dimensions
Authors: Washbourne John K. , Rector James W. , Bube Kenneth P.
Published: July 2002

Conventional crosswell direct‐arrival traveltime tomography solves for velocity in a 2‐D slice of the subsurface joining two wells. Many 3‐D aspects of real crosswell surveys, including well deviations and out‐of‐well‐plane structure, are ignored in 2‐D models. We present a 3‐D approach to crosswell tomography that is capable of handling severe well deviations and multiple‐profile datasets.

Three‐dimensional pixelized models would be even more seriously underdetermined than the pixelized models that have been used in 2‐D tomography. We, therefore, employ a thinly layered, vertically discontinuous 3‐D velocity model that greatly reduces the number of model parameters. The layers are separated by 2‐D interfaces represented as 2‐D Chebyshev polynomials that are determined using a priori structural information and remain fixed in the traveltime inversion. The velocity in each layer is also represented as a 2‐D Chebyshev polynomial. Unlike pixelized models that provide limited vertical resolution and may be overparameterized horizontally, this 3‐D model provides vertical resolution comparable to the scale of wireline logs, and reduces the degrees of freedom in the horizontal parameterization to the expected in‐line and out‐of‐well‐plane horizontal resolution available in crosswell traveltime data.

Ray tracing for the nonlinear traveltime inversion is performed in three dimensions. The 3‐D tomography problem is regularized using penalty constraints with a continuation strategy that allows us to extrapolate the velocity field to a 3‐D region containing the 2‐D crosswell profile. Although this velocity field cannot be expected to be accurate throughout the 3‐D region, it is at least as accurate as 2‐D tomograms near the well plane of each 2‐D crosswell profile. Futhermore, multiple‐profile crosswell data can be inverted simultaneously to resolve better the 3‐D distribution of velocity near the profiles.

Our velocity parameterization is quite different from pixelized models, so resolution properties will be different. Using wave‐modeled synthetic data, we find that near horizontal raypaths have the largest mismatch between ray‐traced traveltimes and traveltimes estimated from the data. In conventional tomography, horizontal raypaths are essential for high vertical resolution. With our model, however, the highest resolution and most accurate inversions are achieved by excluding raypaths that travel nearly parallel to the geologic layering. We perform this exclusion in both a static and model‐based manner. We apply our 3‐D method to a multiple‐profile crosswell survey at the Cymric oil field in California, an area of very steep structural dips and significant well trajectory deviations. Results of this multiple‐profile 3‐D tomography correlate very well with the independently‐processed single profile results, with the advantage of an improved tie at the common well.
Pregnancy Outcome After Treatment for Wilms Tumor: A Report From the National Wilms Tumor Study Group
Authors: Green Daniel M. , Peabody Eve M. , Nan Bin , Peterson Susan , Kalapurakal John A. , Breslow Norman E.
Published: July 2002

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to determine the effect, if any, of prior treatment with radiation therapy or chemotherapy for Wilms tumor diagnosed during childhood or adolescence on live births, birthweight, and the frequency of congenital malformations.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed pregnancy outcomes among survivors of Wilms tumor treated with or without irradiation to the flank or tumor bed on National Wilms Tumor Studies 1, 2, 3, and 4 using a maternal questionnaire and review of both maternal and offspring medical records.

RESULTS: We received reports regarding 427 pregnancies with duration of 20 weeks or longer, including 409 liveborn singletons for whom 309 sets of medical records were reviewed. Malposition of the fetus and early or threatened labor were more frequent among irradiated women. Both were more frequent among women who received higher radiation therapy doses. The offspring of the irradiated female patients were more likely to weigh less than 2,500 g at birth and to be of less than 36 weeks gestation, with both being more frequent after higher doses of radiation. An increased percentage of offspring of irradiated females had one or more congenital malformations.

CONCLUSION: Women who receive flank radiation therapy as part of their treatment for Wilms tumor are at increased risk of fetal malposition and premature labor. The offspring of these women are at risk for low birthweight, premature (< 36 weeks gestation) birth, and the occurrence of congenital malformations. These risks must be considered in the obstetrical management of female survivors of Wilms tumor.
Prognostic Factors and Changes in Pain, Physical Functioning, and Participation in Patients With Hip and/or Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cijs Bastiaan , Stekelenburg Ruben , Veenhof Cindy , Knoop Jesper , Boymans Tim , de Rooij Mariëtte , Kloek Corelien
Published: September 2024

Objective

This study aimed to systematically synthesize literature on prognostic factors of changes in either direction (ie, worsening or improvement) in pain, physical functioning, and participation in patients with knee and/or hip osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

Studies included in two preceding reviews underwent full‐text screening for inclusion in the current review. Additionally, an extensive literature search was conducted in five databases. Title/abstract screening was performed using an active learning program. Inclusion criteria comprised patients diagnosed with knee and/or hip OA, with the dependent variable assessing pain, physical functioning, or participation. Potential associated prognostic factors were measured as independent variables. The methodologic quality of studies was assessed with the Hayden criteria.

Results

A total of 31 studies were included in this systematic review. In patients with knee OA, pain worsening was associated with lower physical functioning (strong evidence) and with higher body mass index, ethnicity, and a higher comorbidity count (moderate evidence). Also, in patients with knee OA, pain improvement was associated with less pain at baseline (moderate evidence). In patients with knee and/or hip OA, worsening of physical functioning exhibited associations with higher body mass index, more pain, more hip pain, a higher comorbidity count, higher avoidance of activities (strong evidence), and ethnicity (moderate evidence). In patients with knee OA, improvement in physical functioning showed an association with higher vitality (moderate evidence). Regarding the remaining prognostic factors, there is weak, inconclusive, or inconsistent evidence for an association with the outcomes. In patients with hip OA, only weak evidence was found for three factors predicting a change in physical functioning.

Conclusion

This review encompasses prognostic factors associated with changes in either direction (ie, worsening or improvement) in pain, physical functioning, and participation. The results are consistent with other reviews. Future research should place a stronger emphasis on patients with hip OA and participation as an outcome.
Stimuli‐responsive enaminitrile molecular switches as tunable AIEgens covering the chromaticity space, operating out‐of‐equilibrium, and acting as vapor sensors
Authors: Ren Yansong , Kravberg Alexander , Xie Sheng , Grape Erik Svensson , Yang Zhen , Inge A. Ken , Yan Mingdi , Ramström Olof
Published: September 2024

A family of responsive enaminitrile molecular switches showing tunable turn‐on fluorescence upon switching and aggregation is reported. When activated by the addition of acid/base, isomerization around the C═C bond could be effectuated, resulting in complete and reversible switching to the E‐ or Z‐isomers. Typical aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) could be recorded for one specific state of the different switches. By subtle tailoring of the parent structure, a series of compounds with emissions covering almost the full visible color range were obtained. The switchable AIE features of the enaminitrile structures enabled their demonstration as solid‐state chemosensors to detect acidic and basic vapors, where the emission displayed an “off‐on‐off” effect. Furthermore, switching to the Z‐configuration could be driven out‐of‐equilibrium through transient changes in acidity while giving rise to fluorescence. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction measurements suggested a luminescence mechanism based on restriction of intramolecular rotation and an intramolecular charge transfer effect in the AIE luminogens.
White matter hyperintensity on MRI and plasma Aβ42/40 ratio additively increase the risk of cognitive impairment in hypertensive adults
Authors: de Havenon Adam , Gottesman Rebecca F. , Willamson Jeff D. , Rost Natalia , Sharma Richa , Li Vivian , Littig Lauren , Stulberg Eric , Falcone Guido J. , Prabhakaran Shyam , Schneider Andrea L. C. , Sheth Kevin N. , Pajewski Nicholas M. , Brickman Adam M.
Published: September 2024

INTRODUCTION

Dementia often involves comorbid Alzheimer's and vascular pathology, but their combined impact warrants additional study.

METHODS

We analyzed the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial and categorized white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume into highest versus lowest/mid tertile and the amyloid beta (Aβ)42/40 ratio into lowest versus mid/highest ratio tertile. Using these binary variables, we created four exposure categories: (1) combined low risk, (2) Aβ risk, (3) WMH risk, and (4) combined high risk.

RESULTS

In the cohort of 467 participants (mean age 69.7 ± 7.1, 41.8% female, 31.9% nonwhite or Hispanic) during 4.8 years of follow‐up and across the four exposure categories the rates of cognitive impairment were 5.3%, 7.8%, 11.8%, and 22.6%. Compared to the combined low‐risk category, the adjusted hazard ratio for cognitive impairment was 4.12 (95% confidence interval, 1.71 to 9.94) in the combined high‐risk category.

DISCUSSION

This study emphasizes the potential impact of therapeutic approaches to dementia prevention that target both vascular and amyloid pathology.

Highlights

White matter hyperintensity (WMH) and plasma amyloid (Aβ42/40) are additive risk factors for the development of cognitive impairment in the SPRINT MIND trial.

Individuals in the high‐risk categories of both WMH and Aβ42/40 had a near fivefold increase in risk of cognitive impairment during 4.8 years of follow‐up on average.

These findings suggest that treatment strategies targeting both vascular health and amyloid burden warrant further research.
Synthesis and characterization of fluorinated graphene oxide nanosheets derived from Lissachatina fulica snail mucus and their biomedical applications
Authors: Ganesan Manimegalai , Muthaiah Chandran , Wadaan Mohammad Ahmad , Kumar Manimaran , Yanto Dede Heri Yuli , Kumar Selvaraj , Selvankumar Thangasamy , Arulraj Arunachalam , Mangalaraja Ramalinga Viswanathan , Suganthi Sanjeevamuthu
Published: September 2024

The modern nanomedicine incorporates the multimodal treatments into a single formulation, offering innovative cancer therapy options. Nanosheets function as carriers, altering the solubility, biodistribution, and effectiveness of medicinal compounds, resulting in more efficient cancer treatments and reduced side effects. The non‐toxic nature of fluorinated graphene oxide (FGO) nanosheets and their potential applications in medication delivery, medical diagnostics, and biomedicine distinguish them from others. Leveraging the unique properties of Lissachatina fulica snail mucus (LfSM), FGO nanosheets were developed to reveal the novel characteristics. Consequently, LfSM was utilized to create non‐toxic, environmentally friendly, and long‐lasting FGO nanosheets. Ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy revealed a prominent absorbance peak at 235 nm. The characterization of the synthesized FGO nanosheets involved X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analyses. The antimicrobial activity data demonstrated a broad spectrum of antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The cytotoxicity efficacy of LfSM‐FGO nanosheets against pancreatic cancer cell line (PANC1) showed promising results at low concentrations. The study suggests that FGO nanosheets made from LfSM could serve as alternate factors for in biomedical applications in the future.
Teaching protein structure and function through molecular visualization
Authors: Baland Elisabeth , Pérez Jimenez Lucía , Mateus André
Published: September 2024

The function of proteins is governed by their three‐dimensional structure. This structure is determined by the chemical characteristics and atomic interactions of amino acids. Students of biochemistry, with a particular focus on protein chemistry, benefit from looking at protein structures and understanding how proteins are built and fold. Due to their three‐dimensional nature, static two‐dimensional representations in textbooks can be limiting to student learning. Here, we developed a series of tutorials that introduce students to molecular graphics software. The students are challenged to apply the software to look at proteins and to get a deeper understanding of how amino acid properties are linked to structure. We also familiarize students with some of the latest tools in computational structural biology. Students performed the tutorials with visual enthusiasm and reported general satisfaction in being able to visualize theoretical concepts learned during lectures. We further stimulated student engagement by allowing space for self‐exploration. We share the tutorial instructions for other teachers to build on them, and we also offer suggestions for further improvement based on student feedback. In summary, we present a series of tutorials aimed at students of an advanced course in protein biochemistry to enable them to explore the universe of protein structures and how those relate to function.
Unpacking the social construction of blame: A qualitative exploration of race, place, and victimhood in the aftermath of George Floyd's death
Authors: McIntosh Doneila L. , Pasco Michelle C.
Published: September 2024

Recognized as a prominent social phenomenon in the aftermath of homicide and death after police contact (DAPC), the social construction of blame (SCB) underscores how race and class are the primary forces that shape the experience of loss for families, but also designates blame on the victim. In this sense, victimhood is socially constructed, leading to instances where blame is apportioned to victims for their demise, at times, not stemming from their actions but instead rooted in the perceived moral value of the deceased individual. Drawing from this work, the current qualitative study seeks to understand the effect of DAPC has on neighbourhoods and the perspectives of residents who live in and near the communities where DAPC occurs. Using data collected from 41 young adults from various ethnic‐racial backgrounds and numerous parts of Minnesota—including the Minneapolis metropolitan area and adjacent suburbs, participants shared their understanding of the factors contributing to the SCB in the aftermath of George Floyd's death. Findings revealed two factors that contributed to the social construction of blame: (1) Attributions of Cause (e.g., race‐coding) and (2) Designations of Blame as identified by the participants. This research underscores the intricate connection of societal factors, like race and place in shaping the construction of blame and victimhood after tragedies like George Floyd's death.
Sex‐Specific Differences in Cardiovascular Adaptations and Risks in Elite Athletes: Bridging the Gap in Sports Cardiology
Authors: Afaghi Siamak , Rahimi Fatemeh Sadat , Soltani Pegah , Kiani Arda , Abedini Atefeh
Published: September 2024

Background

The growing participation of women in competitive sports necessitates a comprehensive understanding of sex‐specific cardiovascular adaptations and risks. Historically, research has predominantly focused on male athletes, leaving a gap in knowledge about the unique cardiovascular dynamics of female peers.

Hypothesis

we hypothesized that female athletes exhibit distinct cardiovascular adaptations and face different risks, influenced by physiological, hormonal, and structural differences.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was conducted, analyzing studies on cardiovascular responses and adaptations in athletes. Data were extracted on hemodynamic changes, autonomic and neural reflex regulation, cardiac remodeling, and arrhythmias. Comparative analyses were performed to identify sex‐specific patterns and discrepancies in cardiovascular health outcomes.

Results

We revealed considerable sex differences in cardiovascular adaptations to athletic training. Female athletes generally have longer QT intervals, greater sinoatrial node automaticity, and enhanced atrioventricular node function compared to males. They also exhibit lower sympathetic activity, lower maximal stroke volumes, and a tendency toward eccentric cardiac remodeling. Conversely, male athletes are more prone to concentric hypertrophy and higher incidences of bradyarrhythmia and accessory pathway arrhythmias. Female athletes are more likely to experience symptomatic atrial fibrillation and face higher procedural complications during catheter ablation.

Conclusions

Our findings underscore the necessity for sex‐specific approaches in sports cardiology. Recognizing and addressing these differences could enhance performance and reduce adverse cardiac events in athletes. Future research should focus on developing tailored screening, prevention, and treatment strategies to bridge the knowledge gap and promote cardiovascular health in both male and female athletes.
Reliable information delivery and dynamic link utilization in MANET cloud using deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Kuang Shuhong , Zhang Jiyong , Mohajer Amin
Published: September 2024

Modern networking demands efficient and reliable information delivery within Mobile Ad‐hoc Network (MANET) and cloud environments. This paper introduces a novel approach that employs Multi‐Agent Deep Learning (MADL) for adaptive resource allocation, addressing the challenges of optimizing traffic and ensuring dependable information delivery while adhering to Service Level Agreement (SLA) constraints. Our method dynamically allocates resources across nodes, leveraging the synergy between Advanced Cloud Computing and Edge Computing to balance centralized processing and localized adaptability. The integration of Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) further enhances this process by adapting resource allocation decisions based on network topology. Through iterative learning, our algorithm fine‐tunes continuous‐time resource optimization policies, resulting in substantial improvements in throughput and latency minimization. Simulations validate the effectiveness of our approach, demonstrating its potential to contribute to the advancement of MANET cloud networks by offering adaptability, efficiency, and real‐time optimization for reliable information delivery and dynamic link utilization.
The macroscale routing mechanism of structural brain connectivity related to body mass index
Authors: Kim Chae Yeon , Park Yunseo , Namgung Jong Young , Park Yeongjun , Park Bo‐yong
Published: September 2024

Understanding the brain's mechanisms in individuals with obesity is important for managing body weight. Prior neuroimaging studies extensively investigated alterations in brain structure and function related to body mass index (BMI). However, how the network communication among the large‐scale brain networks differs across BMI is underinvestigated. This study used diffusion magnetic resonance imaging of 290 young adults to identify links between BMI and brain network mechanisms. Navigation efficiency, a measure of network routing, was calculated from the structural connectivity computed using diffusion tractography. The sensory and frontoparietal networks indicated positive associations between navigation efficiency and BMI. The neurotransmitter association analysis identified that serotonergic and dopaminergic receptors, as well as opioid and norepinephrine systems, were related to BMI‐related alterations in navigation efficiency. The transcriptomic analysis found that genes associated with network routing across BMI overlapped with genes enriched in excitatory and inhibitory neurons, specifically, gene enrichments related to synaptic transmission and neuron projection. Our findings suggest a valuable insight into understanding BMI‐related alterations in brain network routing mechanisms and the potential underlying cellular biology, which might be used as a foundation for BMI‐based weight management.
A review of the multifaceted relationship between drought dynamics and conflicts
Authors: Suleymanov Firuz
Published: September 2024

Drought dynamics can be significantly influenced by conflicts, while drought itself has the potential to generate or exacerbate conflicts between parties involved. Interest in researching the dynamics of drought amidst conflict has significantly grown within academic circles, even though the existing literature remains fragmented regarding definitions, measurements, and the variables that influence this concept. Consequently, there is a necessity to consolidate existing knowledge in these areas and organize them systematically to establish a solid foundation in this field. I implemented a meticulously organized systematic review approach with content analysis. This study provides (1) a comprehensive summary of the literature on drought dynamics under the pressures of conflict spanning from January 2014 to May 2024, encompassing 46 articles, and (2) particular emphasis, within that summary, on mainly developing countries. I identify and analyse the conceptual, empirical and methodological approaches utilized in the examined literature, then integrate the overarching findings of the research. The primary research inquiries centre around uncovering significant findings and patterns from previous reviews, examining the geographical regions most explored in the context of drought‐conflict interactions, discerning similarities and disparities in findings across regions, and pinpointing deficiencies in the literature alongside areas necessitating additional exploration or theoretical advancement. A significant proportion of authors attribute drought primarily to climate change rather than human activities, while most scholars perceive drought as a catalyst for conflict rather than the reverse. Many researchers opt to utilize the terms ‘Drought’ and ‘Conflict’ in their studies over alternative options. The majority of studies focus on specific countries, with a noticeable increase in publications over recent years, particularly in the last 4 years. However, there remains a gap in geographical studies, with several countries receiving relatively fewer research endeavours.
Assessing effects of afforestation on streamflow in Uruguay: From small to large basins
Authors: Alonso Jimena , Silveira Luis , Vervoort R. Willem
Published: September 2024

Although there is a general understanding of how afforestation impact on streamflow, there is also requirement for additional empirical data both on a small and large basins scale, primarily due to the significant variability found in global data sets. A multi‐method approach is proposed to understand the impact of plantation forest cover changes on stream flow, aiming to address individual approach weaknesses and enable cross‐validation. Focusing on Uruguay as a case study, the data based analysis indicated a significant decrease in streamflow within four highly afforested large basins of the north region, occurring approximately when the afforestation reached 15% of the total basin area. Also three of those basins showed a significant decreasing trend in streamflow after the change‐point. A stronger link between afforestation increase and lower runoff‐rainfall ratio was found in autumn‐winter season compared to spring–summer, due to higher soil water availability. The model residual approach effectively isolated land use and land cover effects in large basins with gradual afforestation, utilizing long data series. Consistently, statistically significant trends in the residual series indicated decreased streamflow in the after‐afforestation period in the four large basins. Finally a clear difference in the magnitude of the change emerged between the large and small basins, highlighting the influence of rainfall heterogeneity, landscape control and forest management on the scaling behaviour of streamflow and runoff ratio.
The Effect of Cigarettes Smoke on the Color and Properties of a Silicone for Maxillofacial Prostheses
Authors: Gradinariu Anca Irina , Racles Carmen , Stelea Carmen Gabriela , Stoica Iuliana , Silion Mihaela , Varganici Cristian‐Dragos , Pinteala Tudor , Jehac Alina Elena , Simionescu Ana‐Maria Andreea , Costan Victor Vlad
Published: September 2024

Although deterioration of silicone maxillofacial prostheses is severely accentuated in smoking patients, the phenomenon has not been systematically studied. To address a gap in the literature concerning the stability of maxillofacial prostheses during service, in this contribution, the effect of cigarette smoke on the aspect and physical properties of M511 silicone elastomer was evaluated. The aspect, surface, and overall properties of the silicone material, pigmented or not, were followed by AFM, color measurements, FTIR, water contact angle measurements, TGA‐DTG and DSC, hardness and compression stress–strain measurements. The types of the contaminants adsorbed were assessed by XRF, ESI‐MS, MALDI‐MS, and NMR spectral analyses. Important modifications in color, contact angle, surface roughness, local mechanical properties, and thermal properties were found in the silicone material for maxillofacial prostheses after exposure to cigarettes smoke. The presence of lead, nicotine, and several other organic compounds adsorbed into the silicone material was emphasized. Slight decrease in hardness and increase in Young's modulus was found. The combined data show important impact of cigarette smoke on the silicone physical properties and could indicate chemical transformations by secondary cross‐linking. To our knowledge, this is the first study making use of complementary physical methods to assess the effect of cigarette smoke on the aspect and integrity of silicone materials for maxillofacial prostheses.
Let‐7 reduces the proliferation and migration of oral cancer cells via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Yang , Li Kunshan , Zhang Jing , Jin Linyu , Xu Hui , Duan Yanhao
Published: September 2024

The involvement of let‐7 in the occurrence and progression of various cancers has been well‐documented. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying its impact on oral cancer development remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the role of let‐7 in oral cancer progression and investigate its underlying molecular mechanisms. The expression of let‐7 and high mobility group A2 (HMGA2) mRNA was assessed using the quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Western blot analysis was employed to detect the expression of key proteins in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway as well as HMGA2 protein levels. The targeting relationship between let‐7 and HMGA2 was predicted through bioinformatics methods and confirmed via luciferase reporter gene assay. The effects of let‐7 and HMGA2 on the functionality of oral cancer cells were evaluated using 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide, colony formation assay, Transwell assay, wound healing assay, and Annexin V/PI apoptosis assay. Additionally, the impact of let‐7 on the growth of oral cancer cells in vivo was investigated by inducing subcutaneous tumor formation in nude mice. Let‐7 effectively suppresses the proliferation, migration, and invasion of oral cancer cells by inhibiting the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. HMGA2, a downstream target gene of let‐7, exhibits high expression in oral cancer. However, overexpression of HMGA2 diminishes the inhibitory effects induced by let‐7 overexpression on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of oral cancer cells. The occurrence and progression of oral cancer cells are inhibited by Let‐7 through the downregulation of HMGA2, potentially mediated by the inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway activation.
A novel genetic variant associated with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3: A case series
Authors: Quertermous Brooke P. , Hawkins Hayley J. , Schlotman Alyssa A. , Wang Huiying , Kemme Sarah , Pai Anita , Jitwongwai Settapong , Angkathunyakul Napat , Pongpaibul Ananya , Mohammad Saeed
Published: September 2024

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 (PFIC‐3) is a rare disorder characterized by chronic cholestasis usually progressing to end‐stage liver disease (ESLD) within the first two decades of life. PFIC‐3 is caused by pathogenic genetic variants of the ATP‐binding cassette 4 (ABCB4) gene with variable inheritance; the most common is autosomal recessive. We present two cases of PFIC‐3 with genetic testing confirming a novel genetic variant in ABCB4 with homozygous genotype c.779 T > C, p.L260P. Both individuals are from mainland Southeast Asia and have a clinical picture consistent with cholestasis progressing to ESLD.
The efficacy of aspirin versus low‐molecular‐weight heparin for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis after knee and hip arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Salman Loay A. , Altahtamouni Seif B. , Khatkar Harman , Al‐Ani Abdallah , Hameed Shamsi , Alvand Abtin
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of aspirin versus low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH) in preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) following hip and knee arthroplasty.

Methods

PubMed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar databases were searched from inception till June 2024 for original trials investigating the outcomes of aspirin versus LMWH in hip and knee arthroplasty. The primary outcome was VTE. Secondary outcomes included minor and major bleeding events, and postoperative mortality within 90 days. This review was conducted per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines.

Results

A total of 7 randomized controlled trials with 12,134 participants were included. The mean ages for the aspirin and LMWH cohorts were 66.6 (57.6–69.0) years and 66.8 (57.9–68.9) years, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the overall risk of VTE between the aspirin and the LMWH cohorts (odds ratio [OR]: 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.48–1.89; p: 0.877). A subanalysis based on the specific VTE entity (pulmonary embolism [PE] or deep venous thrombosis) showed a significantly higher PE risk for patients receiving aspirin than the LMWH cohort (OR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.11–2.89; p: 0.017). There was no difference in minor (OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.40–1.04; p: 0.072) and major bleeding (OR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.40–1.47; p: 0.424) episodes across both groups. Furthermore, subanalysis among the total knee arthroplasty group showed that the aspirin cohort was significantly more likely to suffer VTEs than their LMWH counterparts (OR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.21–1.98; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated a significantly higher risk of PE among patients receiving aspirin compared to LMWH following hip or knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis. Aspirin was associated with a significantly higher overall VTE risk among patients undergoing knee arthroplasty, in particular. This might suggest the inferiority of aspirin compared to LMWH in preventing VTE following such procedures.

Level of Evidence

Level I.
Parameter identification using finite elements and full‐field data in the all‐at‐once context
Authors: Hartmann Stefan , Tröger Jendrik‐Alexander , Römer Ulrich , Wessels Henning
Published: September 2024

Material parameter identification within the field of mechanics of materials is driven by different issues: experiments affecting the parameters, constitutive models describing the physical behavior of a material, discretization schemes for solving the initial boundary‐value problem of the underlying tests, as well as schemes calibrating the parameters at experimental observations. Furthermore, the question of the quality of the parameters must be addressed. The result concerns the issue of which influence parameter uncertainties have on the uncertainty of simulation results and can be addressed during validation. In this contribution, we provide a short overview of concurrent approaches to identify the parameters, where most of the methods can be distinguished into the reduced formulation, which is based on the implicit function theorem, and a particular form of the all‐at‐once approach. The latter represents the weighted sum of two contributions, first, the distances between physical state equations and zero, and, second, the distance between model response (simulation result) and experimental data. Since the formulation of the all‐at‐once approach is not well‐known in computational solid mechanics, it is investigated for the simple example of linear elasticity employing artificially noised data. It turns out that the all‐at‐once approach is not as robust as the well‐established reduced approach, especially for problems considering full‐field data. Moreover, a strong sensitivity to the noise and the initialization of the optimized parameters are observed indicating a pronounced ill‐posedness of the all‐at‐once formulation for specific applications.