bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On‐therapy impedance‐pH monitoring can efficiently characterize PPI‐refractory GERD and support treatment escalation
Authors: Frazzoni Marzio , Frazzoni Leonardo , Ribolsi Mentore , Russo Salvatore , Conigliaro Rita , De Bortoli Nicola , Savarino Edoardo
Published: February 2023

Background

On‐therapy impedance‐pH monitoring is recommended in patients with documented GERD and PPI‐refractory heartburn in order to establish whether the unremitting symptom is reflux‐related or not.

Aims

To define on‐PPI cut‐offs of impedance‐pH metrics allowing proper interpretation of on‐therapy impedance‐pH monitoring.

Methods

Blinded expert review of impedance‐pH tracings performed during double‐dosage PPI, prospectively collected from 150 GERD patients with PPI‐refractory heartburn and 45 GERD patients with PPI‐responsive heartburn but persisting extra‐esophageal symptoms. Acid exposure time (AET), number of total refluxes (TRs), post‐reflux swallow‐induced peristaltic wave (PSPW) index, and mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) were assessed. On‐PPI cut‐offs were defined and evaluated with ROC analysis and the area under curve (AUC).

Results

All the four impedance‐pH metrics significantly differed between PPI‐refractory and PPI‐responsive heartburn cases. At ROC analysis, AUC was 0.73 for AET, 0.75 for TRs, 0.81 for PSPW index, and 0.71 for MNBI; best cut‐offs were ≥1.7% for AET, ≥45 for TRs, ≤36% for PSPW index, and ≤ 1847 Ω for MNBI; AUC of such cut‐offs was 0.66, 0.71, 0.73, and 0.68, respectively. Analysis of PSPW index and MNBI added to assessment of AET and TRs significantly increased the yield of on‐therapy impedance‐pH monitoring in the PPI‐refractory cohort (97% vs. 83%, p < 0.0001). Notably, suboptimal acid suppression as shown by AET ≥1.7% was detected in 43% of 150 PPI‐refractory cases.

Conclusions

We have defined on‐PPI cut‐offs of impedance‐pH metrics by which comprehensive assessment of impedance‐pH tracings, including analysis of PSPW index and MNBI can efficiently characterize PPI‐refractory GERD and support treatment escalation.
The biological paradigm of psychosis in crisis: A Kuhnian analysis
Authors: Pearson Mark , R. Egglestone Stefan , Winship Gary
Published: February 2023

The philosophy of Thomas Kuhn proposes that scientific progress involves periods of crisis and revolution in which previous paradigms are discarded and replaced. Revolutions in how mental health problems are conceptualised have had a substantial impact on the work of mental health nurses. However, despite numerous revolutions within the field of mental health, the biological paradigm has remained largely dominant within western healthcare, especially in orientating the understanding and treatment of psychosis. This paper utilises concepts drawn from the philosophy of Thomas Kuhn to explore the impact of what Kuhn terms ‘anomalies’ within the dominant biological paradigm: the anomaly of the meaningful utterance, the anomaly of complex aetiology and taxonomy and the anomaly of pharmacological inefficacy in recovery. The paper argues that the biological paradigm for understanding psychosis is in crisis and explores the implications for mental health nursing.
The “humanized” N‐glycosylation pathway in CRISPR/Cas9‐edited Nicotiana benthamiana significantly enhances the immunogenicity of a S/preS1 Hepatitis B Virus antigen and the virus‐neutralizing antibody response in vaccinated mice
Authors: Pantazica Ana‐Maria , van Eerde André , Dobrica Mihaela‐Olivia , Caras Iuliana , Ionescu Irina , Costache Adriana , Tucureanu Catalin , Steen Hege , Lazar Catalin , Heldal Inger , Haugslien Sissel , Onu Adrian , Stavaru Crina , Branza‐Nichita Norica , Liu Clarke Jihong
Published: February 2023

The recent SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic has taught the world a costly lesson about the devastating consequences of viral disease outbreaks but also, the remarkable impact of vaccination in limiting life and economic losses. Vaccination against human Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), a major human pathogen affecting 290 million people worldwide, remains a key action towards viral hepatitis elimination by 2030. To meet this goal, the development of improved HBV antigens is critical to overcome non‐responsiveness to standard vaccines based on the yeast‐produced, small (S) envelope protein. We have recently shown that combining relevant immunogenic determinants of S and large (L) HBV proteins in chimeric antigens markedly enhances the anti‐HBV immune response. However, the demand for cost‐efficient, high‐quality antigens remains challenging. This issue could be addressed by using plants as versatile and rapidly scalable protein production platforms. Moreover, the recent generation of plants lacking β‐1,2‐xylosyltransferase and α‐1,3‐fucosyltransferase activities (FX‐KO), by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, enables production of proteins with “humanized” N‐glycosylation. In this study, we investigated the impact of plant N‐glycosylation on the immunogenic properties of a chimeric HBV S/L vaccine candidate produced in wild‐type and FX‐KO Nicotiana benthamiana. Prevention of β‐1,2‐xylose and α‐1,3‐fucose attachment to the HBV antigen significantly increased the immune response in mice, as compared with the wild‐type plant‐produced counterpart. Notably, the antibodies triggered by the FX‐KO‐made antigen neutralized more efficiently both wild‐type HBV and a clinically relevant vaccine escape mutant. Our study validates in premiere the glyco‐engineered Nicotiana benthamiana as a substantially improved host for plant production of glycoprotein vaccines.
Relationship between grave visitation and apathy among community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Hidaka Yuma , Tabira Takayuki , Maruta Michio , Makizako Hyuma , Ikeda Yuriko , Nakamura Atsushi , Han Gwanghee , Miyata Hironori , Shimokihara Suguru , Akasaki Yoshihiko , Kamasaki Taishiro , Kubozono Takuro , Ohishi Mitsuru
Published: February 2023

Background

It has been shown that involvement in religious activities has a positive impact on psychological aspects. In this study, the relationship between grave visitation, a standard religious activity in Japan, and depression and apathy symptoms was investigated among older adults in Japan.

Methods

A total of 638 older adults who participated in a community‐based health check survey (Tarumizu Study 2019) were interviewed regarding the presence or absence of grave visitation, frequency, travel time, means of transportation, and flower offerings. Apathy and depressive symptoms were measured using the 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS‐15). The participants were categorised into three grave visitation groups, namely, frequent (more than once per week), occasional (less than once per week), and non‐visiting. Outcomes were compared between the frequency groups, and Poisson regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between grave visitation frequency and apathy and depression.

Results

Of the participants, 91.8% reported regular grave visitation. The non‐visiting group had a significantly higher prevalence of apathy symptoms (44.2%) than the visiting groups. Furthermore, using the frequent group as the reference, Poisson regression analysis adjusted for potential covariates demonstrated that no grave visitation was significantly related to apathy (prevalence ratio, 1.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.00–2.05, P = 0.049).

Conclusions

Not practising grave visitation was significantly related to apathy among older adults. Helping older adults to visit graves may prevent apathy by facilitating motivation and increasing activity.
Rapid faunal colonization and recovery of biodiversity and functional diversity following eelgrass restoration
Authors: Gagnon Karine , Bocoum Enora‐Hawa , Chen Chiau Yu , Baden Susanne Pihl , Moksnes Per‐Olav , Infantes Eduardo
Published: February 2023

Seagrass meadows and their associated biodiverse assemblages have declined globally due to environmental and anthropogenic stressors. Restoration of these critical habitats has the potential to reverse coastal biodiversity loss. Here, we tested the role of patch size (which can affect recruitment, food availability, and/or predation) in driving faunal colonization in an eelgrass (Zostera marina) restoration trial in Sweden. Eelgrass shoots were transplanted in plots with different configurations (continuous vs. checkerboard patterns with three patch sizes), and we followed invertebrate colonization (biodiversity and functional diversity) during the first two growing seasons. We found rapid faunal colonization following the transplantation of eelgrass shoots in all plots with invertebrate densities reaching 50–80% of the reference meadow after only one growing season (3 months). After two growing seasons (15 months), the faunal density, biodiversity, and functional diversity were similar to the reference meadow, despite eelgrass density and biomass still being lower than the reference meadow. Biodiversity, functional diversity, and community structure were similar among the different planted plots, that is, there was no indication that patch size influenced faunal colonization. We therefore consider that smaller patches embedded within larger restoration plots can be as effective for promoting biodiversity as continuous patches, with reduced costs and fewer shoots required. We also noted high natural variability between years both in the reference meadow and planted plots, showing the dynamic nature of seagrass ecosystems, and the importance of a well‐planned monitoring scheme that considers the reference area and restored area within the same temporal scale.
Changes in running biomechanics during the 2017 IAAF world championships men's 1500 m final
Authors: Hanley Brian , Bissas Athanassios , Merlino Stéphane , Burns Geoffrey T.
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study was to analyze key kinematic, spatiotemporal, and global mechanical characteristics in world‐class middle‐distance racing. Eight men were recorded halfway along the home straight on the second, third, and final laps in the 2017 IAAF World Championship 1500 m final. Video data (150 Hz) from three high‐definition camcorders were digitized to calculate relevant variables, subsequently analyzed in relation to running speed and finishing position. Better‐placed finishers had greater hip extension at initial contact and through late stance, greater knee excursion throughout stance, and longer overstriding distances. Step length did not change with faster speeds as runners relied on increasing step frequency, but the highest‐finishing athletes had longer contact phases and greater fluctuations in speed through the step cycle, which were related to higher normalized peak horizontal forces. The best athletes also had lower leg stiffnesses and vertical stiffnesses. The extended contact phase and greater compression could allow for more sustained force production, enabling better acceleration and maintenance of sprinting speed, indicating a trade‐off between aerobic energetic efficiency and anaerobic power capacity. Coaches should note that these factors, as well as the best athletes' greater overstriding distances, show that elite 1500 m runners might prioritize a technique that favors running speed over economy.
Human skeletal muscle mitochondrial responses to single‐leg intermittent or continuous cycle exercise training matched for absolute intensity and total work
Authors: Skelly Lauren E. , MacInnis Martin J. , Bostad William , McCarthy Devin G. , Jenkins Elizabeth M. , Archila Linda R. , Tarnopolsky Mark A. , Gibala Martin J.
Published: February 2023

There is renewed interest in the potential for interval (INT) training to increase skeletal muscle mitochondrial content including whether the response differs from continuous (CONT) training. Comparisons of INT and CONT exercise are impacted by the manner in which protocols are “matched”, particularly with respect to exercise intensity, as well as inter‐individual differences in training responses. We employed single‐leg cycling to facilitate a within‐participant design and test the hypothesis that short‐term INT training would elicit a greater increase in mitochondrial content than work‐ and intensity‐matched CONT training. Ten young healthy adults (five males and five females) completed 12 training sessions over 4 weeks with each leg. Legs were randomly assigned to complete either 30 min of CONT exercise at a challenging sustainable workload (~50% single‐leg peak power output; Wpeak) or INT exercise that involved 10 × 3‐min bouts at the same absolute workload. INT bouts were interspersed with 1 min of recovery at 10% Wpeak and each CONT session ended with 10 min at 10% Wpeak. Absolute and mean intensity, total training time, and volume were thus matched between legs but the pattern of exercise differed. Contrary to our hypothesis, biomarkers of mitochondrial content including citrate synthase maximal activity, mitochondrial protein content and subsarcolemmal mitochondrial volume increased after CONT (p < 0.05) but not INT training. Both training modes increased single‐leg Wpeak (p < 0.01) and time to exhaustion at 70% of single‐leg Wpeak (p < 0.01). In a work‐ and intensity‐matched comparison, short‐term CONT training increased skeletal muscle mitochondrial content whereas INT training did not.
Transcriptome analysis of the phosphate starvation response sheds light on strigolactone biosynthesis in rice
Authors: Haider Imran , Yunmeng Zhang , White Fred , Li Changsheng , Incitti Roberto , Alam Intikhab , Gojobori Takashi , Ruyter‐Spira Carolien , Al‐Babili Salim , Bouwmeester Harro J.
Published: February 2023

Phosphorus (P) is a major element required for plant growth and development. To cope with P shortage, plants activate local and long‐distance signaling pathways, such as an increase in the production and exudation of strigolactones (SLs). The role of the latter in mitigating P deficiency is, however, still largely unknown. To shed light on this, we studied the transcriptional response to P starvation and replenishment in wild‐type rice and a SL mutant, dwarf10 (d10), and upon exogenous application of the synthetic SL GR24. P starvation resulted in major transcriptional alterations, such as the upregulation of P TRANSPORTER, SYG1/PHO81/XPR1 (SPX) and VACUOLAR PHOSPHATE EFFLUX TRANSPORTER. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis of the genes induced by P starvation showed enrichment in phospholipid catabolic process and phosphatase activity. In d10, P deficiency induced upregulation of genes enriched for sesquiterpenoid production, secondary shoot formation and metabolic processes, including lactone biosynthesis. Furthermore, several genes induced by GR24 treatment shared the same GO terms with P starvation‐induced genes, such as oxidation reduction, heme binding and oxidoreductase activity, hinting at the role that SLs play in the transcriptional reprogramming upon P starvation. Gene co‐expression network analysis uncovered a METHYL TRANSFERASE that displayed co‐regulation with known rice SL biosynthetic genes. Functional characterization showed that this gene encodes an enzyme catalyzing the conversion of carlactonoic acid to methyl carlactonoate. Our work provides a valuable resource to further studies on the response of crops to P deficiency and reveals a tool for the discovery of SL biosynthetic genes.
Type II arabinogalactans initiated by hydroxyproline‐O‐galactosyltransferases play important roles in pollen–pistil interactions
Authors: Moreira Diana , Kaur Dasmeet , Pereira Ana Marta , Held Michael A. , Showalter Allan M. , Coimbra Sílvia
Published: February 2023

Arabinogalactan‐proteins (AGPs) are hydroxyproline‐rich glycoproteins containing a high sugar content and are widely distributed in the plant kingdom. AGPs have long been suggested to play important roles in sexual plant reproduction. The synthesis of their complex carbohydrates is initiated by a family of hydroxyproline galactosyltransferase (Hyp‐GALT) enzymes which add the first galactose to Hyp residues in the protein backbone. Eight Hyp‐GALT enzymes have been identified so far, and in the present work a mutant affecting five of these enzymes (galt2galt5galt7galt8galt9) was analyzed regarding the reproductive process. The galt25789 mutant presented a low seed set, and reciprocal crosses indicated a significant female gametophytic contribution to this mutant phenotype. Mutant ovules revealed abnormal callose accumulation inside the embryo sac and integument defects at the micropylar region culminating in defects in pollen tube reception. In addition, immunolocalization and biochemical analyses allowed the detection of a reduction in the amount of glucuronic acid in mutant ovary AGPs. Dramatically low amounts of high‐molecular‐weight Hyp‐O‐glycosides obtained following size exclusion chromatography of base‐hydrolyzed mutant AGPs compared to the wild type indicated the presence of underglycosylated AGPs in the galt25789 mutant, while the monosaccharide composition of these Hyp‐O‐glycosides displayed no significant changes compared to the wild‐type Hyp‐O‐glycosides. The present work demonstrates the functional importance of the carbohydrate moieties of AGPs in ovule development and pollen–pistil interactions.
A review of novel electrode materials and techniques for electro‐Fenton process applied to the degradation of phenolic compounds
Authors: Alizada Shukran , Eminli Fakhraddin , Vakhshouri Amir Reza
Published: February 2023

A major problem coming across humanity in the early 21st century is related to environmental crises, including shortage and pollution of water sources. For this reason, extensive studies have been conducted to find effective techniques for purifying water from industrial pollutants. Advanced oxidation process (AOP) has lately caught the attention of researchers, which is an efficient, clean and contemporary method to remedy wastewater effluents. However, primitive versions of AOP methods lacked several aspects like strict pH requirements and involvement of sediments, which is why further modifications to the technique have been developed, including an electrochemical catalytic degradation approach, namely, electro‐Fenton and similar processes. This study will look through a set of novel papers investigating the application of various electrodes for the electrochemical treatment of solutions contaminated with phenol and phenolic compounds, which tried to address several shortcomings of more outdated practices and optimize the method for a set of different scenarios.
Infrequent intrahousehold transmission of Clostridioides difficile between pet owners and their pets
Authors: Redding Laurel E. , Habing Greg G. , Tu Vincent , Bittinger Kyle L. , O'Day Jack , Pancholi Preeti , Wang Shu‐Hua , Alexander Andrew , Kelly Brendan J. , Weese J. Scott , Stull Jason W.
Published: February 2023

Companion animals have been shown to carry Clostridioides difficile strains that are similar or identical to strains found in people, and a small number of studies have shown that pets carry genetically identical C. difficile isolates as their owners, suggesting inter‐species transmission. However, the directionality of transmission is ultimately unknown, and the frequency with which animals acquire C. difficile following their owners' infection is unclear. The goal of this study was to assess how often pets belonging to people with C. difficile infection carry genetically related C. difficile isolates. We enrolled pet owners from two medical institutions (University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS) and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (OSUWMC)) who had diarrhoea with or without positive C. difficile assays and tested their faeces and their pets' faeces for C. difficile using both anaerobic culture and PCR assays. When microorganisms were obtained from both the owner and pet and had the same toxin profile or ribotype, isolates underwent genomic sequencing. Faecal samples were obtained from a total of 59 humans, 72 dogs and 9 cats, representing 47 complete households (i.e. where a sample was available from the owner and at least one pet). Of these, C. difficile was detected in 30 humans, 10 dogs and 0 cats. There were only two households where C. difficile was detected in both the owner and pet. In one of these households, the C. difficile isolates were of different toxin profiles/ribotypes (A+/B+ / RT 499 from the owner, A‐/B‐ / RT PR22386 from the dog). In the other household, the isolates were genetically identical (one SNP difference). Interestingly, the dog from this household had recently received a course of antibiotics (cefpodoxime and metronidazole). Our findings suggest that inter‐species transmission of C. difficile occurs infrequently in households with human C. difficile infections.
Reciprocity sheaves and logarithmic motives
Authors: Saito Shuji
Published: February 2023

We connect two developments that aim to extend Voevodsky's theory of motives over a field in such a way as to encompass non-$\mathbf {A}^1$-invariant phenomena. One is theory of reciprocity sheaves introduced by Kahn, Saito and Yamazaki. The other is theory of the triangulated category $\operatorname {\mathbf {logDM}}^{{\operatorname {eff}}}$ of logarithmic motives launched by Binda, Park and Østvær. We prove that the Nisnevich cohomology of reciprocity sheaves is representable in $\operatorname {\mathbf {logDM}}^{{\operatorname {eff}}}$.
The iambic-trochaic law without iambs or trochees: Parsing speech for grouping and prominence
Authors: Moghiseh Esmail , Sonderegger Morgan , Wagner Michael
Published: February 2023

Listeners parse the speech signal effortlessly into words and phrases, but many questions remain about how. One classic idea is that rhythm-related auditory principles play a role, in particular, that a psycho-acoustic “iambic-trochaic law” (ITL) ensures that alternating sounds varying in intensity are perceived as recurrent binary groups with initial prominence (trochees), while alternating sounds varying in duration are perceived as binary groups with final prominence (iambs). We test the hypothesis that the ITL is in fact an indirect consequence of the parsing of speech along two in-principle orthogonal dimensions: prominence and grouping. Results from several perception experiments show that the two dimensions, prominence and grouping, are each reliably cued by both intensity and duration, while foot type is not associated with consistent cues. The ITL emerges only when one manipulates either intensity or duration in an extreme way. Overall, the results suggest that foot perception is derivative of the cognitively more basic decisions of grouping and prominence, and the notions of trochee and iamb may not play any direct role in speech parsing. A task manipulation furthermore gives new insight into how these decisions mutually inform each other.
Sound sensitivity of the giant scallop (Placopecten magelanicus) is life stage, intensity, and frequency dependent
Authors: Jézéquel Youenn , Cones Seth , Mooney T. Aran
Published: February 2023

There is increasing concern that anthropogenic sounds have a significant impact on marine animals, but there remains insufficient data on sound sensitivities for most invertebrates, despite their ecological and economic importance. We quantified auditory thresholds (in particle acceleration levels) and bandwidth of the giant scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) and subsequently sought to discern sensitivity among two different life stages: juveniles (1 yr olds) and subadults (3 yr olds). We also leveraged a novel valvometry technique to quantify the amplitude of scallop valve gape reductions when exposed to different sound amplitudes and frequencies. Behavioral responses were obtained for lower frequencies below 500 Hz, with best sensitivity at 100 Hz. There were significant differences between the auditory thresholds of juveniles and subadults, with juveniles being more sensitive, suggesting ontogenetic differences in hearing sensitivity. Scallops showed intensity and frequency dependent responses to sounds, with higher valve closures to lower frequencies and higher sound levels. To our knowledge, these are the first data highlighting life stage, intensity, and frequency responses to sound in a marine benthic invertebrate. These results demonstrate clear sound sensitivity and underscore that the potential impacts of anthropogenic sound in valuable ecological resources, such as scallops, may be dependent on sound characteristics.
Mutations in
rpoB
That Confer Rifampicin Resistance Can Alter Levels of Peptidoglycan Precursors and Affect β-Lactam Susceptibility
Authors: Patel Yesha , Soni Vijay , Rhee Kyu Y. , Helmann John D.
Published: February 2023

Rifampicin (RIF) is one of the most valued drugs in the treatment of tuberculosis. TB treatment relies on a combination therapy and for multidrug-resistant strains may include β-lactams.
Coding-Complete Genome Sequences of 40 SARS-CoV-2 Omicron XBB, XBB.1, and XBB.2 Sublineage Strains in Bangladesh
Authors: Habib Mohammad Tanbir , Afrad Mokibul Hassan , Rahman Saikt , Khan Manjur Hossain , Hossain Mohammad Moajjam , Khanam Farhana , Thomson Nicholas R. , Shirin Tahmina , Qadri Firdausi
Published: February 2023

Here, we report the coding-complete genome sequences of 40 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) strains of the newly emerged recombinant Omicron variants XBB, XBB.1, and XBB.2. The strains were isolated from nasopharyngeal swab samples that had been collected from symptomatic patients in Bangladesh between September and October 2022 and were sequenced using an Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) system.
Whole Genome Sequence of Bacillus anthracis MDMC_159, Isolated from the Moroccan Desert Erg Lihoudi
Authors: Manni Amina , laamarti Mariem , Azaroual Salah Eddine , Kadmiri Issam Meftah , Daoud Rachid , El Allali Achraf , Filali-Maltouf Abdelkarim
Published: February 2023

We report the complete genome sequence of
Bacillus anthracis
strain MDMC_159, which was isolated from a deserted sandy area of Erg Lihoudi in southeastern Morocco. This strain is pathogenic and well adapted to the harsh conditions of the Moroccan desert.
Supplemental Material: Lithosphere tearing and foundering during continental subduction: Insights from Oligocene-Miocene magmatism in southern Tibet
Authors: Pan Fabin , et al.
Published: February 2023

Supplemental Data S1: Major and trace elements and age data summary of the studied Oligocene-Miocene magmatic rocks. Supplemental Data S2: Zircon trace elements of the studied Oligocene-Miocene magmatic rocks. Table S1: Zircon U-Pb ages of the studied Oligocene-Miocene magmatic rocks. Table S2: Clinopyroxene major elements of the studied Miocene ultrapotassic-potassic volcanic rocks. Table S3: Published ages of the Oligocene to Miocene magmatic rocks in southern Tibet. Table S4: Calculated primary magmas and pressure estimates of the ultrapotassic rocks in southern Tibet.
Supplemental Material: The underestimated role of tectonics in the mid-Late Cretaceous desertification in SE Asia
Authors: Wang Licheng , et al.
Published: February 2023

Supplemental Data S1: Detrital zircon U-Pb ages. Supplemental Data S2: Detrital zircon Hf isotope compositions.
Supplemental Material: Garnet growth and diffusion zoning during the late Paleoproterozoic metamorphism, North Altyn area, SE Tarim Craton, NW China: Implications for a long-lived hot orogen
Authors: Wu Hailin , Zhu Wenbin , et al.
Published: February 2023

Results of mineral EPMA analysis (Supplemental Data S1), zircon U–Pb-trace element analysis (Supplemental Data S2), and supplemental Figures S1–S4.
Erratum to: Extraction and Determination of Synthetic Food Dyes in an Aqueous Biphasic System Based on Tetrabutylammonium Bromide
Authors: Lyskovtseva K. A. , Eldyaeva G. B. , Smirnova S. V. , Pletnev I. V.
Published: February 2023

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S106193482237002X
Erratum to: Estimating the Potential of the Electronic Nose System for Monitoring Disturbances in the Functional Obesity of Children in a Hospital: Noninvasive Diagnosis without Biosampling
Authors: Kuchmenko T. A. , Dorovskaya E. S. , Menzhulina D. A. , Chubarov T. V.
Published: February 2023

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1061934822370055
A New Analytical Expression for Estimating the Adiabatic Temperature Rise in Lithium-Ion Batteries During High-Power Pulses
Authors: Knehr Kevin W. , Ahmed Shabbir
Published: February 2023

A coupled, thermal-electrochemical model is used to explain why the Joule heating assumption (i.e., I
2
R) does not provide a good representation of the temperature rise during high power pulses in lithium-ion batteries, even in cases where the reversible heat generation can be neglected. The poor agreement occurs because the internal resistance changes during the pulse due to the opposing effects of mass transport in the electrolyte, which raises the resistance, and heat generation (temperature rise), which lowers the resistance. These insights are used to propose a new analytical expression for predicting the temperature rise during adiabatic pulses with limited experimental and physical data. The expression accounts for thermal effects using a Taylor series expansion of an Arrhenius-type equation. It accounts for transport effects using an approximate solution to the one-dimensional diffusion equation. The new expression is shown to accurately estimate the simulated, adiabatic temperature rise across a range of loadings (1 to 4 mAh cm−2) and C-rates (1C to 10C) for cells containing LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2 positive electrodes and graphite negative electrodes. It is also shown to accurately estimate the experimental, adiabatic temperature rise measured for cells with LiFePO4 positive electrodes and mesocarbon negative electrodes with minimal changes to the fitted parameters.
An IoMT‐Based Approach for Real‐Time Monitoring Using Wearable Neuro‐Sensors
Authors: Bhatt Mohammed Wasim , Sharma Sparsh
Published: February 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT) has demonstrated over the past few decades to be a powerful tool for connecting various medical equipment with in‐built sensors and healthcare professionals to deliver superior health services that also reach remote areas. In addition to reducing healthcare costs, increasing access to clinical services, and enhancing operational effectiveness in the healthcare industry, it has also enhanced patient health safety. Recent research has focused on using EEG to assist and comprehend brain changes in rehabilitation facilities. These technologies can spot fluctuations in EEG constraints during treatment, which could result in more effective therapy and better functional outcomes. As a result, we have tried to use an IoT‐based system for real‐time monitoring of the constraints. Another unknown patient who is suffering from acute ischemic stroke may experience stroke‐in‐evolution or an early worsening of neurological symptoms, which is frequently associated with poor clinical outcomes. Because of this, managing an acute stroke requires early detection of these indications. The present investigation work will act as a standard reference for academic researchers, medical professionals, and everyone else involved in the use of IoMT. This study aims to anticipate strokes sooner and prevent their consequences by early intervention using an Internet of Things (IoT)‐based system. Also, this study proposes usage of wearable equipment that can monitor and analyze brain signals for improved treatment and the prevention of stroke‐related complications.
Health and Nutrition Analysis in Older Adults in San José de Minas Rural Parish in Quito, Ecuador
Authors: Ordoñez-Araque Roberto , Caicedo-Jaramillo Carla , Gessa-Gálvez Meybol , Proaño-Zavala José
Published: February 2023

Knowing the health and nutritional status of older adults is crucial to helping them live healthier lives and limiting the need for pharmaceuticals and complicated medical procedures. The objective of this research was to analyze the eating habits (EH), physical activity (PA), and sleep quality (SQ) of older adults in the rural parish of San José de Minas in Quito, Ecuador. Three validated questionnaires were used: the Pittsburgh PSQI for SQ, IPAQ for PA, and frequency of consumption for EH. The results revealed high consumption of refined flours and sugar (70% at least once a day), low intake of whole grains, fish, and olive oil, and considerable consumption of fruits and water. Fifty percent of respondents engage in moderate physical activity and 24% in low physical activity, while 90% of older adults have poor sleep quality. These results indicate a problem in the integral health of the population that does not allow older adults to have a good old age. Health campaigns should be developed to increase physical activity, encourage a better diet, and thus, improve the quality of sleep.
Genetic Biodiversity and Posttranslational Modifications of Protease Serine Endopeptidase in Different Strains of Sordaria fimicola
Authors: Naureen Uzma , Khosa Ahmed Nawaz , Mukhtar Muhammad Azfar , Nabi Fazul , Ahmed Nisar , Saleem Muhammad
Published: February 2023

Genetic variations (mutation, crossing over, and recombination) act as a source for the gradual alternation in phenotype along a geographic transect where the environment changes. Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) predicted modifications successfully in different and the same species of living organisms. Protein diversity of living organisms is predicted by PTMs. Environmental stresses change nucleotides to produce alternations in protein structures, and these alternations have been examined through bioinformatics tools. The goal of the current study is to search the diversity of genes and posttranslational modifications of protease serine endopeptidase in various strains of Sordaria fimicola. The S. fimicola’s genomic DNA was utilized to magnify the protease serine endopeptidase (SP2) gene; the size of the product was 700 and 1400 base pairs. Neurospora crassa was taken as the reference strain for studying the multiple sequence alignment of the nucleotide sequence. Six polymorphic sites of six strains of S. fimicola with respect to N. crassa were under observation. Different bioinformatics tools, i.e., NetPhos 3.1, NetNES 1.1 Server, YinOYang1.2, and Mod Pred, to search phosphorylation sites, acetylation, nuclear export signals, O‐glycosylation, and methylation, respectively, were used to predict PTMs. The findings of the current study were 35 phosphorylation sites on the residues of serine for protease SP2 in SFS and NFS strains of S. fimicola and N. crassa. The current study supported us to get the reality of genes involved in protease production in experimental fungi. Our study examined the genetic biodiversity in six strains of S. fimicola which were caused by stressful environments, and these variations are a strong reason for evolution. In this manuscript, we predicted posttranslational modifications of protease serine endopeptidase in S. fimicola obtained from different sites, for the first time, to see the effect of environmental stress on nucleotides, amino acids, and proteases and to study PTMs by using various bioinformatics tools. This research confirmed the genetic biodiversity and PTMs in six strains of S. fimicola, and the designed primers also provided strong evidence for the presence of protease serine endopeptidase in each strain of S. fimicola.
Cytokine‐Like Protein 1 (CYTL1) as a Key Target of M‐Stage Immune Infiltration in Stomach Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhou Fang , Lin QianXia , Zheng ZiHan
Published: February 2023

Background. Stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) has an extremely high fatality rate worldwide, and survival after metastasis is extremely poor. Cytokine‐like protein 1 (CYTL1) has prognostic significance in various tumors. We aimed to explore the impact and underlying molecular mechanisms of CYTL1 in STAD through bioinformatics analysis. Methods. We used R software to analyze CYTL1 expression in STAD samples (n = 375) and normal samples (n = 32) in The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to verify the relationship between CYTL1 expression and overall survival (OS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS) based on the clinical characteristics and subgroups of patients with STAD. Furthermore, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to verify the outcome variables of OS and DSS in patients with STAD. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to test the predictive power of CYTL1. The biological functions and signaling pathways of CYTL1 were determined using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and the immune infiltration patterns of CYTL1 and correlation of immune‐related markers were analyzed using single‐sample GSEA (ssGSEA) and an estimate algorithm. Results. In our research, low CYTL1 expression (tumor vs. normal) was noted in patients with STAD. High CYTL1 expression was detrimental to OS and DSS and had good diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.731). In the subtype analysis of STAD, T3 and T4 stages, N0 and N1 stages, M0 stage, gender (female), and age (≤65 years) showed different performances between OS and DSS. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses identified CYTL1 as an independent factor, and logistic regression analysis indicated that CYTL1 was associated with M stage (OR = 3.406) and sex (OR = 1.535). GSEA of the differential genes of CYTL1 showed the possible involvement of immunity. ssGSEA and estimation algorithms were used to further evaluate whether immune cells were closely related to CYTL1 expression, and many markers of immune cells also had statistical significance with the expression of CYTL1. Conclusion. CYTL1 may, thus, act as an independent prognostic factor for STAD and regulate STAD progression by affecting the immune microenvironment.
Deciphering the Molecular Mechanism of Yifei-Sanjie Pill in Cancer-Related Fatigue
Authors: Wu Yingchao , Zhou Shuyao , Pi Dajin , Dong Yangyang , Wang Wuhong , Ye Huan , Yi Zhongjia , Chen Yiliu , Lin Lizhu , Ouyang Mingzi
Published: February 2023

Background. The incidence of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is increasing, but its lack of clear pathogenesis makes its prevention and treatment difficult. Therefore, it is of great significance to clarify the pathogenesis of CRF and find effective methods to treat it. Methods. The CRF model was established by intraperitoneal injection of LLC cells in ICR mice to explore the pathogenesis of CRF and verify the therapeutic effect of the Yifei-Sanjie pill (YFSJ). The active components of YFSJ were found by LC/MS, the in vitro inflammatory infiltration model of skeletal muscle was constructed by TNF-α and C2C12 myoblasts, and the results of in vivo experiments were verified by this model. Results. Behavioral analysis results showed that YFSJ alleviated CRF; histological examination results showed that YFSJ could reverse the tumor microenvironment leading to skeletal muscle injury; ELISA and RNA-seq results showed that the occurrence of CRF and the therapeutic effect of YFSJ were closely related to the tumor inflammatory microenvironment; IHC and WB results showed that the occurrence of CRF and the therapeutic effect of YFSJ were closely related to the Stat3-related signaling pathway and autophagy. Conclusions. YFSJ can reduce the level of inflammation in the tumor microenvironment in vivo, inhibit the abnormal activation of the Stat3/HIF-1α/BNIP3 signaling pathway induced by tumor-related inflammation, thereby inhibiting the overactivation of mitophagy in skeletal muscle, and finally alleviate CRF. Quercetin, one of the components of YFSJ, plays an important role in inhibiting the phosphorylation activation of Stat3.
The Long Noncoding RNA Cytoskeleton Regulator RNA (CYTOR)/miRNA-24-3p Axis Facilitates Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Progression by Modulating GAD1 Expression
Authors: Du Jingwei , Yu Wangbo , Peng Lijuan , Zhang Tao
Published: February 2023

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a head and neck epithelial carcinoma that is unusually prevalent in Southeast Asia. Noncoding RNAs, including lncRNA and miRNA, and their target genes are considered vital regulators of tumorigenesis and the progression of NPC. However, the detailed underlying mechanisms of GAD1 involved in the regulation of NPC need to be further elucidated. In the present study, we identified that GAD1 was significantly upregulated in NPC tissues. GAD1 overexpression is promoted, while genetic knockdown of GAD1 suppresses proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion of NPC cells. Bioinformatics analysis and a luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that GAD1 is a direct target gene of miR-24-3p. In NPC tissues, miR-24-3p was downregulated and the lncRNA CYTOR was upregulated. CYTOR was sponged to suppress the function of miR-24-3p. CYTOR regulates GAD1 expression via modulating miR-24-3p. The CYTOR/miR-24-3p/GAD1 axis is converged to modulate the growth, migration, and invasion of NPC cells. In conclusion, the study identified a novel axis for the regulation of NPC cell growth, providing new insights into the understanding of NPC.
Spatial Heterogeneity in the Nonlinear Impact of Built Environment on Commuting Time of Active Users: A Gradient Boosting Regression Tree Approach
Authors: Wu Jingxian , Tang Guikong , Shen Huapeng , Rasouli Soora
Published: February 2023

Many studies provided evidence regarding the influence of built environment (BE) on commuting time. However, few studies have considered the spatial heterogeneity of such impacts. Using data from Nanjing, China, this study employs two-step clustering and gradient boosted regression trees (GBRT) to segment the neighborhoods into different types and investigate the effects of BE characteristics on the commuting time of active users. The results show a strong effect of BE characteristics on commuting time, involving active modes. The importance of BE characteristics varies among neighborhood types. For active commuters in the internal region of Nanjing, commuting time is affected mostly by the land use mix at the work end. The lowest impact of BE in internal regions is associated with metro station density. For active commuters in external region of the city, the relative importance of intersection density at the home end is the largest (as high as 5.76%). Moreover, other significant differences are found in the associations between BE characteristics and active commuting time in the two regions.
Experimental and Computational Analysis of Broadband THz Photoconductive Antennas
Authors: Uttley Zachary , Santos Batista Jose , Pirzada Bilal , El-Shenawee Magda
Published: February 2023

The work presents the fabrication and measurements of four LT-GaAs photoconductive terahertz (THz) antennas with different geometries of metallic electrodes. The goal is to analyze the overall bandwidth of the antennas through a comparison between the spectra of the generated photocurrent in the antenna gap, the radiated electric field THz pulse, and the S11 parameter of the metallic electrodes. The photocurrent density and the S11 parameters are computed using COMSOL multiphysics, while the generated THz pulse was experimentally measured using a time-domain spectroscopy system. The polarizations of the photoconductive antennas are experimentally measured, using x-cut quartz crystal halfwave plates, showing polarization in the direction of the electrode’s long axis. Pinholes are used to verify system alignment and quality of the radiated signal spectra. The results show that the spectra of the radiated THz pulses in all four antennas considered in this work are dominated by the behavior of the S11 parameter at the lower part of the frequency band, but with the decreasing photocurrent dominating the spectra at higher frequencies.
Transcription Activation of Rab8A by PEA3 Augments Progression of Esophagus Cancer by Activating the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Cai Shusheng , Liu Xiumei , Gao Weiran , Ye Lianhua , Zhong Qiming , Zhang Xin
Published: February 2023

Background. Rab8A has been reported as an oncogenic gene in breast and cervical cancer. However, the function and molecular mechanism of Rab8A in esophagus cancer has not been reported. Methods. Rab8A expression was detected by qPCR and western blotting assays, small interference RNA (siRNA) was applied to reduce Rab8A expression, and the biological behaviors of esophagus cancer cells were estimated by cell counting kit-8, colony formation, and transwell and western blotting assays. The transcriptional factor of Rab8A was verified by dual-luciferase assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. The protein expression of key genes in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was determined by western blotting assay. M435-1279 was used to suppress the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Results. A significant increase of Rab8A expression has been found in esophagus cancer cells. Knockdown of Rab8A suppressed the viability, colony formation, migration, and invasion abilities of esophagus cancer cells and induced apoptosis. PEA3 transcriptionally regulated Rab8A expression and promoted the viability, colony formation, migration, and invasion abilities of esophagus cancer cells and blocked apoptosis, which were diminished by si-Rab8A transfection. Additionally, the expression levels of key genes related to the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were strengthened by PEA3 overexpression, which were reduced by si-Rab8A transfection. M435-1279 treatment significantly reduced the viability and colony formation of esophagus cancer cells. Conclusions. The data showed that Rab8A was transcriptionally regulated by PEA3 and promoted the malignant behaviors of esophagus cancer cells by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The above results indicated that Rab8A may be considered as a promising biomarker for diagnosis and precision treatment in esophagus cancer.
ALKAmplification and Rearrangements Are Recurrent Targetable Events in Congenital and Adult Glioblastoma
Authors: Blandin Anne-Florence , Giglio Ross , Graham Maya Srikanth , Garcia Guadalupe , Malinowski Seth , Woods Jared K. , Ramkissoon Shakti , Ramkissoon Lori , Dubois Frank , Schoolcraft Kathleen , Tsai Jessica , Wang Dayle , Jones Robert , Vogelzang Jayne , Pelton Kristine , Becker Sarah , Watkinson Fiona , Sinai Claire , Cohen Elizabeth F. , Booker Matthew A. , Tolstorukov Michael Y. , Haemels Veerle , Goumnerova Liliana , Wright Karen , Kieran Mark , Fehnel Katie , Reardon David , Tauziede-Espariat Arnault , Lulla Rishi , Carcamo Benjamin , Chaleff Stanley , Charest Alain , De Smet Frederik , Ligon Azra H. , Dubuc Adrian , Pages Melanie , Varlet Pascale , Wen Patrick Y. , Alexander Brian M. , Chi Susan , Alexandrescu Sanda , Kittler Ralf , Bachoo Robert , Bandopadhayay Pratiti , Beroukhim Rameen , Ligon Keith L.
Published: February 2023

Purpose:

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) aberrations have been identified in pediatric-type infant gliomas, but their occurrence across age groups, functional effects, and treatment response has not been broadly established.

Experimental Design:

We performed a comprehensive analysis of ALK expression and genomic aberrations in both newly generated and retrospective data from 371 glioblastomas (156 adult, 205 infant/pediatric, and 10 congenital) with in vitro and in vivo validation of aberrations.

Results:

ALK aberrations at the protein or genomic level were detected in 12% of gliomas (45/371) in a wide age range (0–80 years). Recurrent as well as novel ALK fusions (LRRFIP1–ALK, DCTN1–ALK, PRKD3–ALK) were present in 50% (5/10) of congenital/infant, 1.4% (3/205) of pediatric, and 1.9% (3/156) of adult GBMs. ALK fusions were present as the only candidate driver in congenital/infant GBMs and were sometimes focally amplified. In contrast, adult ALK fusions co-occurred with other oncogenic drivers. No activating ALK mutations were identified in any age group. Novel and recurrent ALK rearrangements promoted STAT3 and ERK1/2 pathways and transformation in vitro and in vivo. ALK-fused GBM cellular and mouse models were responsive to ALK inhibitors, including in patient cells derived from a congenital GBM. Relevant to the treatment of infant gliomas, we showed that ALK protein appears minimally expressed in the forebrain at perinatal stages, and no gross effects on perinatal brain development were seen in pregnant mice treated with the ALK inhibitor ceritinib.

Conclusions:

These findings support use of brain-penetrant ALK inhibitors in clinical trials across infant, pediatric, and adult GBMs.

See related commentary by Mack and Bertrand, p. 2567