bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated detection of pain levels using deep feature extraction from shutter blinds-based dynamic-sized horizontal patches with facial images
Authors: Barua Prabal Datta , Baygin Nursena , Dogan Sengul , Baygin Mehmet , Arunkumar N. , Fujita Hamido , Tuncer Turker , Tan Ru-San , Palmer Elizabeth , Azizan Muhammad Mokhzaini Bin , Kadri Nahrizul Adib , Acharya U. Rajendra
Published: October 2022

Pain intensity classification using facial images is a challenging problem in computer vision research. This work proposed a patch and transfer learning-based model to classify various pain intensities using facial images. The input facial images were segmented into dynamic-sized horizontal patches or “shutter blinds”. A lightweight deep network DarkNet19 pre-trained on ImageNet1K was used to generate deep features from the shutter blinds and the undivided resized segmented input facial image. The most discriminative features were selected from these deep features using iterative neighborhood component analysis, which were then fed to a standard shallow fine k-nearest neighbor classifier for classification using tenfold cross-validation. The proposed shutter blinds-based model was trained and tested on datasets derived from two public databases—University of Northern British Columbia-McMaster Shoulder Pain Expression Archive Database and Denver Intensity of Spontaneous Facial Action Database—which both comprised four pain intensity classes that had been labeled by human experts using validated facial action coding system methodology. Our shutter blinds-based classification model attained more than 95% overall accuracy rates on both datasets. The excellent performance suggests that the automated pain intensity classification model can be deployed to assist doctors in the non-verbal detection of pain using facial images in various situations (e.g., non-communicative patients or during surgery). This system can facilitate timely detection and management of pain.
A pro-oxidant combination of resveratrol and copper down-regulates multiple biological hallmarks of ageing and neurodegeneration in mice
Authors: Pal Kavita , Raghuram Gorantla V. , Dsouza Jenevieve , Shinde Sushma , Jadhav Vishalkumar , Shaikh Alfina , Rane Bhagyeshri , Tandel Harshali , Kondhalkar Dipali , Chaudhary Shahid , Mittra Indraneel
Published: October 2022

Billions of cells die in the body every day, and cell-free chromatin particles (cfChPs) which are released from them enter into the extracellular compartments of the body, including into the circulation. cfChPs are known to readily enter into healthy cells to damage their DNA and activate apoptotic and inflammatory pathways. We have hypothesized that lifelong assault on healthy cells by cfChPs is the underlying cause of ageing, and that ageing could be retarded by deactivating extra-cellular cfChPs. The latter can be effected by oxygen radicals that are generated upon admixing the nutraceuticals resveratrol and copper (R–Cu). The present study investigated whether prolonged administration of R–Cu would retard biological hallmarks of ageing. C57Bl/6 mice were divided into 3 equal groups; one group was sacrificed at age 3 months, and which acted as young controls. The remaining mice were allowed to age, and at age 10 months the experimental ageing group was given R–Cu by oral gavage twice daily for further 12 months at a dose of 1 mg/kg of R and 0.1 μg/kg of Cu. The control ageing group was given water by oral gavage twice daily for 12 months. Animals of both groups were sacrificed at age 22 months. R–Cu treatment led to reduction of several biological hallmarks of ageing in brain cells which included telomere attrition, amyloid deposition, DNA damage, apoptosis, inflammation, senescence, aneuploidy and mitochondrial dysfunction. R–Cu treatment also led to significant reduction in blood levels of glucose, cholesterol and C-reactive protein. These findings suggest that cfChPs may act as global instigators of ageing and neurodegeneration, and that therapeutic use of R–Cu may help to make healthy ageing an attainable goal.
Interrelationships among mountain relief, surface organic layer, soil organic carbon, and its mineral association under subarctic forest tundra
Authors: Pichler Viliam , Gömöryová Erika , Merganič Ján , Fleischer Peter , Homolák Marián , Onuchin Alexander , Výbošťok Jozef , Prosekin Konstantin
Published: October 2022

Efforts to estimate the impact of climate change-induced forest expansion on soil carbon stocks in cold regions are hindered by the lack of soil organic carbon (SOC) concentration data. The presented study addressed the information gap by establishing SOC concentration and its variability in two catchments inside the vast, remote, and rugged Putorana Plateau. Additionally, it explored interrelationships among the terrain relief, vegetation cover, surface organic layer, SOC and its mineral association on the northernmost boundary of the forest-tundra biome traversing the northwestern part of the Central Siberian Tableland. Soil samples were taken from the active layer on the slope base, middle, and below the upper forest boundary. Subsequently, they were analyzed for SOC concentration by dry combustion. Multiple linear regression identified associations between slope angle and surface organic layer thickness and between SOC concentration and surface organic layer thickness, clay content, and dithionite-extracted Al. Clay content and surface organic layer thickness explained 68% of the overall SOC concentration variability. When used with data produced by remote sensing-based multipurpose large-scale mapping of selected biophysical factors, the acquired regression equations could aid the estimation of SOC across the rugged terrain of the Siberian Traps.
Genomic basis for early-life mortality in sharpsnout seabream
Authors: Torrado Héctor , Pegueroles Cinta , Raventos Nuria , Carreras Carlos , Macpherson Enrique , Pascual Marta
Published: October 2022

Mortality at early life stages of fishes is common in nature and can be shaped by stochastic and selective processes. Selective mortality has rarely been assessed in natural conditions but can now be studied by combining genomic data with information on different life stages that realates to fitness. Here we investigate selective mortality between settlers and six-month survivors of the sharpsnout seabream by genotype-phenotype/environmental association studies in three localities along a geographic gradient. We gathered information on 105 individuals at 85,031 SNPs, obtained from individual based 2b-RAD libraries, as well as 9 phenotypic and environmental variables derived from individual otolith readings. We found common signals across localities for potential selection, such as lower survival rates for individuals hatching earlier, growing faster and experiencing higher temperatures during their planktonic phase. We identified 122 loci with parallel significant association to phenotypic and environmental variables. Importantly, one of these loci mapped to the exonic region of the il20rb, a gene involved in immune response, in the phylogenetically closest reference genome, showing parallel frequency changes in non-synonymous mutations in the three studied populations. Further temporal assessments are needed to understand how polymorphisms that are key to selective mortality are maintained.
Tachykinin-related peptides modulate immune-gene expression in the mealworm beetle Tenebrio molitor L.
Authors: Urbański Arkadiusz , Johnston Paul , Bittermann Elisa , Keshavarz Maryam , Paris Véronique , Walkowiak-Nowicka Karolina , Konopińska Natalia , Marciniak Paweł , Rolff Jens
Published: October 2022

Tachykinins (TKs) are a group of conserved neuropeptides. In insects, tachykinin-related peptides (TRPs) are important modulators of several functions such as nociception and lipid metabolism. Recently, it has become clear that TRPs also play a role in regulating the insect immune system. Here, we report a transcriptomic analysis of changes in the expression levels of immune-related genes in the storage pestTenebrio molitorafter treatment with Tenmo-TRP-7. We tested two concentrations (10–8and 10–6 M) at two time points, 6 and 24 h post-injection. We found significant changes in the transcript levels of a wide spectrum of immune-related genes. Some changes were observed 6 h after the injection of Tenmo-TRP-7, especially in relation to its putative anti-apoptotic action. Interestingly, 24 h after the injection of 10–8 M Tenmo-TRP-7, most changes were related to the regulation of the cellular response. Applying 10–6 M Tenmo-TRP-7 resulted in the downregulation of genes associated with humoral responses. Injecting Tenmo-TRP-7 did not affect beetle survival but led to a reduction in haemolymph lysozyme-like antibacterial activity, consistent with the transcriptomic data. The results confirmed the immunomodulatory role of TRP and shed new light on the functional homology between TRPs and TKs.
TIMELESS is a key gene mediating thrombogenesis in COVID-19 and antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Zhang Wenjing , Di Longjiang , Liu Zhongshuang , sun Qi , Wu Yan , Wang Nuan , Jin Meili , Gao Lingling , Zhang Mengyu
Published: October 2022

Abnormal coagulation and increased risk of thrombosis are some of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 severity. Anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPLs) present in critically ill COVID-19 patients contribute to systemic thrombosis. The aim of this study was to identify key common genes to characterize genetic crosstalk between COVID-19 and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) using bioinformatics analysis and explore novel mechanisms of immune-mediated thrombosis in critically ill COVID-19 patients. The transcriptome data of mononuclear cells from severe COVID-19 patients and APS patients were evaluated to obtain the common genes. The protein–protein interaction network and cytoHubba module analysis in Cytoscape software were used to find the associated hinge genes and hub genes. Among the common differentially expressed genes, TIMELESS depletion was identified only in patients with severe COVID-19 and not in patients with mild COVID-19, and it was validated with the GSE159678 dataset. Functional analyses using gene ontology terms and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway suggested that TIMELESS might contribute to the production of antiphospholipid antibody and thrombosis in both COVID-19 and APS patients. The potential role of TIMELESS and autophagy genes in momonuclear cells were further investigated, and GSK3B was found to be associated with TIMELESS. Autophagy targeting agents have a therapeutic potential against COVID-19 and thrombogenesis in APS, which may be related to the role of autophagy genes in the modification of circadian clock proteins. Interference with TIMELESS and other genes associated with it to regulate autoantibody expression may be a potential strategy for immunotherapy against thrombogenesis in severe COVID-19 patients.
Effect of the surface coverage of an alkyl carboxylic acid monolayer on waterborne and cellular uptake behaviors for silicon quantum dots
Authors: Shirahata Naoto
Published: October 2022

This article reports the development of highly waterborne silicon quantum dots (Si QDs) terminated with a reactive group for grafting of biomolecules. Hydrogen-terminated QDs were prepared by thermal disproportionation of amorphous hydrogen silsesquioxane derived from triethoxysilane followed by hydrofluoric etching. Next, the hydrogenated Si surfaces were exposed to 10-undecenoic acid at different temperatures in Ar atmosphere, yielding the termination of the QDs with a carboxyl group. The thermal hydrosilylation of 10-undecenoic acid yielded the termination of the QDs with a carboxyl group. An increase in molecular coverage of an undecanoic acid (UA) monolayer resulted in both the enhanced increase of zeta-potential in a negative direction for a greater water-dispersity and the increase of absolute quantum yield (QY) of photoluminescence (PL). PLQY improved for ~ 1% to 26% with increasing UA coverage. We assessed the molecular interaction between the UA-SiQDs and HeLa cells by means of cellular uptake experiments using the QDs with different UA coverages. Results showed that the QDs with the highest dispersity in water were not internalized in the cells under confocal fluorescence microscopic observation. In contrast, the QDs with lower coverage of UA monolayer were internalized by endocytosis when incubated with HeLa cells. This contrasting observation opens the possibility of successfully preparing carboxy-capped SiQDs that do not allow cellular uptake but are targeted to specific cells by appropriate conjugation with biomolecules.
Profile of gut microbiota and serum metabolites associated with metabolic syndrome in a remote island most afflicted by obesity in Japan
Authors: Uema Tsugumi , Millman Jasmine F. , Okamoto Shiki , Nakamura Takehiro , Yamashiro Kiyoto , Uehara Moriyuki , Honma Ken-ichiro , Miyazato Minoru , Ashikari Asuka , Saito Seiichi , Maeda Shiro , Imamura Minako , Ishida Hajime , Matsushita Masayuki , Nakamura Koshi , Masuzaki Hiroaki
Published: October 2022

Numerous studies have revealed distinct differences in the profiles of gut microbiota between non-obese and obese individuals. To date, however, little is known if any disparities in the community of gut microbiota exist between metabolically healthy obese (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO) subjects. We therefore aimed to comprehensively characterize the gut microbiota and circulating metabolites in serum from both MHO and MUO residing in the remote island, Kumejima, where the prevalence of obesity is one of the highest in Japan, and explored possible correlations between the gut microbiota profile and markers of metabolic syndrome. Results revealed that MUO showed significantly higher levels of genera such as g_Succinivibrio, g_Granulicatella, g_Brachyspira, g_Oribacterium and g_Atopobium in comparison to MHO. Moreover, abundance of g_Succinivibrio, g_Brachyspira and g_Atopobium were positively correlated with value of fasting insulin, HOMA-R, circulating triglycerides, diastolic blood pressure, BMI, body weight, waist circumference and HbA1c. In addition, MUO compared to MHO showed an imbalance of serum metabolites, with a significant elevation in 2-oxoisovaleric acid, pyruvic acid, 2-hydroxybutyric acid, and creatine. Our data highlight unmet needs in precision approaches for the treatment of obesity, targeting the gut microbiota profile and serum metabolites in a distinct population affected by obesity.
Fluctuation relations for irreversible emergence of information
Authors: Arias-Gonzalez J. Ricardo
Published: October 2022

Information theory and Thermodynamics have developed closer in the last years, with a growing application palette in which the formal equivalence between the Shannon and Gibbs entropies is exploited. The main barrier to connect both disciplines is the fact that information does not imply a dynamics, whereas thermodynamic systems unfold with time, often away from equilibrium. Here, we analyze chain-like systems comprising linear sequences of physical objects carrying symbolic meaning. We show that, after defining a reading direction, both reversible and irreversible informations emerge naturally from the principle of microscopic reversibility in the evolution of the chains driven by a protocol. We find fluctuation equalities that relate entropy, the relevant concept in communication, and energy, the thermodynamically significant quantity, examined along sequences whose content evolves under writing and revision protocols. Our results are applicable to nanoscale chains, where information transfer is subject to thermal noise, and extendable to virtually any communication system.
Physical fitness and its correlation with handgrip strength in active community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Pan Po-Jung , Hsu Nai-Wei , Lee Meng-Jer , Lin You-Yuan , Tsai Chih-Chun , Lin Wang-Sheng
Published: October 2022

In this cross-sectional study, we assessed the physical fitness levels of active community-dwelling older adults. Moreover, we investigated the correlation of their (stratified by age and sex) fitness levels with handgrip strength (HGS). Comprehensive physical fitness tests, including sarcopenia screening, were conducted with a total of 2,130 older adults residing in a rural area of Taiwan. The 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th percentiles of age- and sex-specific physical fitness levels were determined. Furthermore, we identified the key parameters for assessing the physical fitness of older adults and performed stepwise multiple linear regression analysis. Both men and women exhibited age-related decreases in all aspects of functional fitness, a trend indicating that older adults in Taiwan may lose their independence in the future. Furthermore, the regression analysis revealed that HGS was positively correlated with sex, body mass index, and the results of 30-s arm curl and back scratch tests but negatively correlated with age and the result of 8-foot up-and-go test. Our reference values for physical fitness may help assess the fitness levels of active community-dwelling older adults and design community-based health programs to prevent the early loss of independence in community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan.
3D synchrotron imaging of muscle tissues at different atrophic stages in stroke and spinal cord injury: a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Pingel Jessica , Kjer Hans Martin , Biering-Sørensen Fin , Feidenhans’l Robert , Dyrby Tim B.
Published: October 2022

Synchrotron X-ray computed tomography (SXCT) allows 3D imaging of tissue with a very large field of view and an excellent micron resolution and enables the investigation of muscle fiber atrophy in 3D. The study aimed to explore the 3D micro-architecture of healthy skeletal muscle fibers and muscle fibers at different stages of atrophy (stroke sample = muscle atrophy; spinal cord injury (SCI) sample = severe muscle atrophy). Three muscle samples: a healthy control sample; a stroke sample (atrophic sample), and an SCI sample (severe atrophic sample) were imaged using SXCT, and muscle fiber populations were segmented and quantified for microarchitecture and morphology differences. The volume fraction of muscle fibers was 74.7%, 70.2%, and 35.3% in the healthy, stroke (atrophic), and SCI (severe atrophic) muscle fiber population samples respectively. In the SCI (severe atrophic sample), 3D image analysis revealed fiber splitting and fiber swelling. In the stroke sample (atrophic sample) muscle fiber buckling was observed but was only visible in the 3D analysis. 3D muscle fiber population analysis revealed new insights into the different stages of muscle fiber atrophy not to be observed nor quantified with a 2D histological analysis including fiber buckling, loss of fibers and fiber splitting.
Stabilization of macular, peripapillary and papillary vascular parameters after XEN and trabeculectomy visualized by the optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Reitemeyer Emanuel , Pahlitzsch Milena , Cornelius Anna , Pilger Daniel , Winterhalter Sibylle , Maier Anna-Karina B.
Published: October 2022

To analyze the effect of filtration in glaucoma surgery, XEN versus trabeculectomy, on the vessel area density (VAD) of the macular, papillary and peripapillary regions using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A). This prospective cohort study analyzes the vascular architecture of 47 eyes of 45 patients after two different filtrating surgery procedures (XEN stent and trabeculectomy (TE)) using the OCT-A. Participants who had an outsourced medical anti-glaucoma therapy received filtrating surgery in a 2:1 (XEN: TE) ratio. The primary outcome measurements were changes in the VAD in various layers of retinal perfusion and the foveal avascular zone (FAZ). Both interventions achieved a significant postoperative reduction in IOP (XEN 17.6 ± 3.8–13.7 ± 3.8 mmHg; TE 21.2 ± 5.4–8.8 ± 2.6 mmHg). VAD values did not change significantly after filtrating surgery. Comparing both procedures, a significantly higher VAD for patients treated with TE was seen for the superficial vessel complex (SVC) 375 µm and 750 µm (p = 0.011, p = 0.017), deep vessel complex (DVC) 375 µm (p = 0.029) and the optic disc (p = 0.028) after 6 months, while all other parameters did not differ significantly. In conclusion, VAD does not significantly improve after filtrating surgery in preoperative moderately IOP elevated eyes. The IOP lowering effect of filtrating surgery, however, can stabilize vascular parameters in all layers of perfusion.
Estimation of R0 for the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Germany from excess mortality
Authors: Prada Juan Pablo , Maag Luca Estelle , Siegmund Laura , Bencurova Elena , Liang Chunguang , Koutsilieri Eleni , Dandekar Thomas , Scheller Carsten
Published: October 2022

For SARS-CoV-2, R0 calculations in the range of 2–3 dominate the literature, but much higher estimates have also been published. Because capacity for RT-PCR testing increased greatly in the early phase of the Covid-19 pandemic, R0 determinations based on these incidence values are subject to strong bias. We propose to use Covid-19-induced excess mortality to determine R0 regardless of RT-PCR testing capacity. We used data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) on the incidence of Covid cases, Covid-related deaths, number of RT-PCR tests performed, and excess mortality calculated from data from the Federal Statistical Office in Germany. We determined R0 using exponential growth estimates with a serial interval of 4.7 days. We used only datasets that were not yet under the influence of policy measures (e.g., lockdowns or school closures). The uncorrected R0 value for the spread of SARS-CoV-2 based on RT-PCR incidence data was 2.56 (95% CI 2.52–2.60) for Covid-19 cases and 2.03 (95% CI 1.96–2.10) for Covid-19-related deaths. However, because the number of RT-PCR tests increased by a growth factor of 1.381 during the same period, these R0 values must be corrected accordingly (R0corrected = R0uncorrected/1.381), yielding 1.86 for Covid-19 cases and 1.47 for Covid-19 deaths. The R0 value based on excess deaths was calculated to be 1.34 (95% CI 1.32–1.37). A sine-function-based adjustment for seasonal effects of 40% corresponds to a maximum value of R0January = 1.68 and a minimum value of R0July = 1.01. Our calculations show an R0 that is much lower than previously thought. This relatively low range of R0 fits very well with the observed seasonal pattern of infection across Europe in 2020 and 2021, including the emergence of more contagious escape variants such as delta or omicron. In general, our study shows that excess mortality can be used as a reliable surrogate to determine the R0 in pandemic situations.
Dynamic compression of Ce and Pr with millisecond time-resolved X-ray diffraction
Authors: O’Bannon III Earl F. , Husband Rachel J. , Baer Bruce J. , Lipp Magnus J. , Liermann Hanns-Peter , Evans William J. , Jenei Zsolt
Published: October 2022

Both cerium (Ce) and praseodymium (Pr) undergo a volume collapse transition under compression that originate from similar electronic mechanisms. Yet the outcome could not be more different. In the case of Ce with one affected 4f electron the volume collapse leaves the crystal symmetry intact, whereas for Pr with two 4f electrons the crystal symmetry changes from a distorted face centered cubic structure to a lower symmetry orthorhombic structure. In this paper, we present a study of the effect of strain/compression rate spanning nearly 4 orders of magnitude on the volume collapse phase transitions in Ce and Pr. These dynamic compression experiments in a diamond anvil cell also reveal kinetic differences between the phase transformations observed in these two materials. The transition cannot be overdriven in pressure in Ce, which indicates a fast kinetic process, whereas fast compression rates in Pr lead to a shift of the phase boundary to higher pressures, pointing to slower kinetics possibly due to the realization of a new crystal structure.
Effect of DNA methylation, modified by 5-azaC, on ecophysiological responses of a clonal plant to changing climate
Authors: Kosová Veronika , Latzel Vít , Hadincová Věroslava , Münzbergová Zuzana
Published: October 2022

Epigenetic regulation of gene expression is expected to be an important mechanism behind phenotypic plasticity. Whether epigenetic regulation affects species ecophysiological adaptations to changing climate remains largely unexplored. We compared ecophysiological traits between individuals treated with 5-azaC, assumed to lead to DNA demethylation, with control individuals of a clonal grass originating from and grown under different climates, simulating different directions and magnitudes of climate change. We linked the ecophysiological data to proxies of fitness. Main effects of plant origin and cultivating conditions predicted variation in plant traits, but 5-azaC did not. Effects of 5-azaC interacted with conditions of cultivation and plant origin. The direction of the 5-azaC effects suggests that DNA methylation does not reflect species long-term adaptations to climate of origin and species likely epigenetically adjusted to the conditions experienced during experiment set-up. Ecophysiology translated to proxies of fitness, but the intensity and direction of the relationships were context dependent and affected by 5-azaC. The study suggests that effects of DNA methylation depend on conditions of plant origin and current climate. Direction of 5-azaC effects suggests limited role of epigenetic modifications in long-term adaptation of plants. It rather facilitates fast adaptations to temporal fluctuations of the environment.
Regional lymph node metastasis detected on preoperative CT and/or FDG-PET may predict early recurrence of pancreatic adenocarcinoma after curative resection
Authors: Yoon Ja Kyung , Park Mi-Suk , Kim Seung-Seob , Han Kyunghwa , Lee Hee Seung , Bang Seungmin , Hwang Ho Kyoung , Hwang Sang Hyun , Yun Mijin , Kim Myeong-Jin
Published: October 2022

The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of regional lymph node (LN) metastasis detected on preoperative CT and/or 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scans in the prediction of early tumor recurrence after curative surgical resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This retrospective study included 137 patients who underwent upfront surgery with R0 resection of PDAC between 2013 and 2016. Regional LN metastasis was identified using two criteria: positive findings for regional LN metastasis on either preoperative CT or FDG-PET scans (LNOR), or on both preoperative CT and FDG-PET scans (LNAND). A total of 55 patients had early tumor recurrence within 12 months after curative resection. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that preoperative carbohydrate antigen 19–9 (CA19-9) levels, preoperative locally advanced status, and regional LN metastasis (both LNOR and LNAND criteria) were significant risk factors for early recurrence. Positive LNOR and LNAND showed significantly poorer recurrence-free survival compared to negative regional LN metastasis groups (p = 0.048 and p = 0.020, respectively). Compared with the LNAND criteria, the LNOR criteria provided higher sensitivity (22.4% vs. 15.5%, p = 0.046) and a higher negative predictive value (61.9% vs. 59.8%, p = 0.046). The LNOR definition provided more sensitive and accurate performance in diagnosing preoperative regional LN metastasis.
The boundary conditions of the liking bias in moral character judgments
Authors: Bocian Konrad , Szarek Katarzyna Myslinska , Miazek Katarzyna , Baryla Wieslaw , Wojciszke Bogdan
Published: October 2022

Recent research has shown that moral character judgments are prone to the liking bias—well-liked people are seen as morally superior to disliked or neutral ones. However, whether moral information about their past behavior would moderate the liking bias is still an open empirical question addressed in present studies. In Study 1 (N = 653), participants updated their biased moral character impressions when moral information about the target was introduced after the liking induction. In preregistered Study 2 (N = 601), when moral information about the target was presented before the liking induction, moral information had a stronger impact on moral character judgments than liking. Study 3 (N = 398) showed that moral character impression updating was three times greater when moral information was presented after (vs. before) the attitude induction. Further analyses of changes in participants’ moral judgments certainty revealed that moral information reduced their uncertainty stronger than attitudes. In effect, the latter were more amenable to updating than information-based judgments. Thus, we present evidence that moral information updates moral character impressions biased by liking. Nevertheless, liking also, but to a lesser extent, updates moral character impressions initially grounded on moral information. We propose that certainty about others’ moral character explains when and how moral information limits the impact of attitudinal influences on moral character judgments.
Trend in neuraxial morphine use and postoperative analgesia after cesarean delivery in Japan from 2005 to 2020
Authors: Yonekura Hiroshi , Mazda Yusuke , Noguchi Shohei , Tsunobuchi Hironaka , Shimaoka Motomu
Published: October 2022

The increasing rate of cesarean deliveries warrants obstetric anesthesiologists to deliver high-quality post-cesarean delivery analgesia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the temporal trends in the use of neuraxial morphine for cesarean deliveries and to describe the current postoperative analgesia practices. A retrospective cohort study using nationwide health insurance claims databases was conducted from 2005 to 2020 in Japan. Pregnant women who had undergone cesarean deliveries were included. The annual rate of neuraxial morphine use was extracted and analyzed. Additionally, we explored the patient- and facility-level factors associated with neuraxial morphine use through a multilevel logistic regression analysis. The cohort included 65,208 cesarean delivery cases from 2275 institutions. The prevalence of neuraxial morphine use was 16.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 15.8–16.3) in the overall cohort. Intrathecal morphine was used in 20.6% (95% CI, 20.2–21.0) of spinal anesthesia cases. The trend in neuraxial morphine use steadily increased from 2005 to 2020. The significant predictors of neuraxial morphine use included spinal anesthesia, recent surgery, large medical facilities, and academic hospitals. Variations in the utilization of postoperative analgesia were observed. Our study described the current trend of neuraxial morphine use and the variation in postoperative analgesia practice in Japan.
Terror-related injuries in Somalia: a retrospective cohort of 2426 hospitalized cases along 7 years
Authors: Arslan Ebubekir , Mohamed Abdikarim Hussein , Cetinkaya Osman
Published: October 2022

Terrorism-related injuries and deaths have become a major threat to the Somalian population, as in the rest of the world. We aimed to characterize and compare firearm and explosion injuries caused by terrorist acts. This retrospective study reviewed the data of all patients injured by explosions and firearm attacks over seven years. Epidemiological characteristics, injury pattern, severity scores, hospital resource utilization parameters, length of stay, and death rates were evaluated. A total of 2426 patients were injured by 359 explosions and firearm attacks during the study period. Eighty-one percent of the patients (n = 1974) were male, while 19% of the cases were female. Multiple body site injuries occurred more frequently in explosion injuries (75%) than firearm wounds (48%) (P < 0.001). The relative frequency of internal injuries in explosion injuries was higher than in firearm wounds (46.7% vs. 36.2%). Patients injured due to the explosion have a greater rate of severe and critical injuries than those injured by firearms (30.2% vs. 21.2%, P < 0.001). About a quarter (24%) of the patients were hospitalized in the intensive care unit. The inpatient mortality rate was 11.6%. The findings of the study revealed that suicide bombings explosions are associated with multiple body site injuries, a greater rate of severe and critical internal injuries, and a higher mortality rate.
A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study of the HCN channel blocker ivabradine in a capsaicin-induced pain model in healthy volunteers
Authors: Tanaka Satoshi , Ishida Takashi , Ishida Kumiko , Fuseya Satoshi , Ito Mariko , Sakamoto Akiyuki , Kawamata Mikito
Published: October 2022

Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels have been focused on as a potential therapeutic target for inflammatory and neuropathic pain in rodent models. However, roles of HCN channels in human pain states have been scarcely investigated. We evaluated analgesic effects of 2-day administration of ivabradine, the only clinically available HCN channel blocker, on a capsaicin pain model in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Twenty healthy adult subjects (18 males, 2 females) received ivabradine (5–7.5 mg) or a placebo 3 times in 2 days. Then capsaicin (0.5%) was topically applied on the volar forearm for 30 min. The primary outcome was capsaicin-induced spontaneous pain. The secondary outcomes included heat-pain threshold (HPT), flare size, and areas of secondary punctate mechanical hyperalgesia (PMH) and secondary dynamic mechanical allodynia (DMA). There was no significant difference in spontaneous pain (p = 0.7479), HPT (p = 0.7501), area of PMH (p = 0.1052) or flare size (p = 0.5650) at 30 min after capsaicin application between the groups. In contrast, the area of DMA in the ivabradine group was significantly smaller (p < 0.001) than that in the placebo group. HCN channels may be differentially involved in the various pain signal transmission pathways in humans.
A comprehensive transcriptomic comparison of hepatocyte model systems improves selection of models for experimental use
Authors: Ardisasmita Arif Ibrahim , Schene Imre F. , Joore Indi P. , Kok Gautam , Hendriks Delilah , Artegiani Benedetta , Mokry Michal , Nieuwenhuis Edward E. S. , Fuchs Sabine A.
Published: October 2022

The myriad of available hepatocyte in vitro models provides researchers the possibility to select hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) for specific research goals. However, direct comparison of hepatocyte models is currently challenging. We systematically searched the literature and compared different HLCs, but reported functions were limited to a small subset of hepatic functions. To enable a more comprehensive comparison, we developed an algorithm to compare transcriptomic data across studies that tested HLCs derived from hepatocytes, biliary cells, fibroblasts, and pluripotent stem cells, alongside primary human hepatocytes (PHHs). This revealed that no HLC covered the complete hepatic transcriptome, highlighting the importance of HLC selection. HLCs derived from hepatocytes had the highest transcriptional resemblance to PHHs regardless of the protocol, whereas the quality of fibroblasts and PSC derived HLCs varied depending on the protocol used. Finally, we developed and validated a web application (HLCompR) enabling comparison for specific pathways and addition of new HLCs. In conclusion, our comprehensive transcriptomic comparison of HLCs allows selection of HLCs for specific research questions and can guide improvements in culturing conditions.
Global patterns of sea surface climate connectivity for marine species
Authors: Petsas Panagiotis , Doxa Aggeliki , Almpanidou Vasiliki , Mazaris Antonios D.
Published: October 2022

A potential strategy for marine species to cope with warming oceans is to track areas with optimal thermal conditions and shift their spatial distributions. However, the ability of species to successfully reach these areas in the future depends on the length of the paths and their exposure to extreme climatic conditions. Here, we use model predictions of sea surface temperature changes to explore climate connectivity and potential trajectories of marine species to reach their optimal surface thermal analogs by the end of the century. We find that longer trajectories may be required for marine species of the northern than the southern oceans and that the former may be more exposed to extreme conditions than the latter. At key biodiversity hotspots, most future surface thermal analogs may be located in very remote areas, posing a significant challenge for local species to reach them. The new marine connectivity approach presented here could be used to inform future conservation policies.
Signs of immunosenescence correlate with poor outcome of mRNA COVID-19 vaccination in older adults
Authors: Palacios-Pedrero Miguel Ángel , Jansen Janina M. , Blume Cornelia , Stanislawski Nils , Jonczyk Rebecca , Molle Antonia , Hernandez Mariana Gonzalez , Kaiser Franziska K. , Jung Klaus , Osterhaus Albert D. M. E. , Rimmelzwaan Guus F. , Saletti Giulietta
Published: October 2022

Vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is effective in preventing COVID-19 hospitalization and fatal outcome. However, several studies indicated that there is reduced vaccine effectiveness among older individuals, which is correlated with their general health status1,2. How and to what extent age-related immunological defects are responsible for the suboptimal vaccine responses observed in older individuals receiving SARS-CoV-2 messenger RNA vaccine, is unclear and not fully investigated1,3–5. In this observational study, we investigated adaptive immune responses in adults of various ages (22–99 years old) receiving 2 doses of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine. Vaccine-induced Spike-specific antibody, and T and memory B cell responses decreased with increasing age. These responses positively correlated with the percentages of peripheral naïve CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and negatively with CD8+ T cells expressing signs of immunosenescence. Older adults displayed a preferred T cell response to the S2 region of the Spike protein, which is relatively conserved and a target for cross-reactive T cells induced by human ‘common cold’ coronaviruses. Memory T cell responses to influenza virus were not affected by age-related changes, nor the SARS-CoV-2-specific response induced by infection. Collectively, we identified signs of immunosenescence correlating with the outcome of vaccination against a new viral antigen to which older adults are immunologically naïve. This knowledge is important for the management of COVID-19 infections in older adults.
The role of financial stress in mental health changes during COVID-19
Authors: Simonse Olaf , Van Dijk Wilco W. , Van Dillen Lotte F. , Van Dijk Eric
Published: October 2022

Using longitudinal data before and during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic for a representative sample of Dutch households, we examined the role of financial stress, defined as the subjective experience of lacking financial resources to cope with demands, in mental health changes. Also, we examined financial stress and mental health relations with households’ income, savings, and debts. The data revealed that average mental health did not change during the first six months of the pandemic but showed considerable underlying heterogeneity. Results showed that financial stress changes significantly explained this heterogeneity. Increases in financial stress predicted decreases in mental health, whereas decreases in financial stress predicted increases in mental health. While income did not explain financial stress changes, fewer savings and more debts were related to increased financial stress, which was, in turn, negatively related to mental health. We discuss the implications of our findings for mental health care and financial security policy and provide suggestions for future research.
Locust Bean Gum – A Potential Drug Delivery Carrier
Authors: Soumya R. S. , Raghu K. G. , Abraham Annie
Published: October 2022

In the biopharmaceutical field, polysaccharides have gained much attention in recent times. Locust bean gum (LBG) is a polysaccharide extracted from Ceratonia siliqua seeds (carob tree) belonging to the galactomannans group with various pharmaceutical applications. It is widely used in drug formulations due to its extensive applications as a food additive and its recognized lack of toxicity. This chapter deals with the manufacturing methods, physicochemical properties, and pharmaceutical uses of locust bean gum, especially in several drug delivery systems (DDS).
Pectin-based Vehicles for Delivery of Therapeutics
Authors: Keshari Roshan , Rajput Amarjitsing , Nandi Aditi , Osmani Riyaz Ali M. , Ahamad Nadim , Banerjee Rinti
Published: October 2022

Pectin is a plant-derived, edible heteropolysaccharide composed of alternating α-1–4, d-galacturonic acid and 1,2 linked l-rhamnose units. Pectin is commonly used as a gelling agent, thickener, and stabilizer in food industries. However, due to its excellent biocompatible and biodegradable nature, pectin gained tremendous interest in biomedical applications. Different chemical and structural features endow pectin with a suitable gelling property, mucoadhesive nature and the ability to encapsulate a wide range of therapeutic agents, including synthetic drugs, protein-based drugs, and gene/siRNA. Due to these properties, pectin created an appealing platform for the controlled delivery of various therapeutic agents more safely and effectively. For this purpose, pectin is mainly used as a vehicle for the therapeutic delivery of nanoparticles, microsphere, fibrous-mesh, microneedle patches and hydrogels. These platforms showed potential applications for the delivery of therapeutic agents via different administration routes, including oral, intravenous, intranasal, topical, ocular, and rectal routes. In this chapter, we discuss many such applications of pectin-based vehicles developed for treating different diseases. Also, we identify a few challenges that impede the clinical success of pectin-based vehicles in biomedical applications. Lastly, we share future research directions which could potentially help to overcome those challenges.
Carrageenan-based Carriers for Therapeutic Delivery
Authors: Gull Nafisa , Jabeen Sehrish , Islam Atif , Khan Shahzad Maqsood , Khan Rafi Ullah
Published: October 2022

The current approach to designing carriers for therapeutic delivery uses systems which are stimuli responsive, pH sensitive, controlled, and target a particular site with sustained release. So, researchers are experiencing a transition towards the consumption of natural polymeric materials rather than synthetic polymers. Carrageenan is a sulfated polysaccharide obtained from marine red seaweeds. Carrageenans are naturally bioactive compounds with the capability to fight against bacterial and viral infections, and also pathophysiological processes, like hyperlipidemia, indicating that carrageenan is extremely safe, non-toxic, effective, biocompatible, and biodegradable with anticoagulant, and has antitumor activities and inflammatory responses. After spotting their amazing properties scientists and researchers have keenly started using them in medicine, pharmaceuticals, health care, and in biomedical fields for therapeutic purposes, proteins, small chemical drugs, cells delivery, and tissue regeneration. In this chapter, carrageenan-based carriers produced in the form of oral suspensions/oral sustained release tablets, as stabilizers for nano/micro particles, pellets, hydrogels, wafers, beads, microspheres, and suppositories are discussed. These systems are used for oral, nasal, ophthalmic, and transdermal delivery. It can be predicted that all types of carrageenan alone or in the form of their nanocomposites in the near future may bring about a drastic revolution in the field of medicine and health care.
Tamarind Seed Polysaccharide in Novel Drug Delivery and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Avachat Amelia M. , Shrotriya Shilpa N.
Published: October 2022

Over the last few decades natural polymers/polysaccharides have been explored for their potential use in novel drug delivery systems (NDDS) and biomedical applications. This impetus has arisen because these polysaccharides can be easily modified, have very good stability, resist biodegradation, are compatible with many excipients and drugs, are abundantly available, and are cost effective and environmentally friendly. One which has found resounding success is tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP); also referred to as xyloglucan, which has several applications in NDDS and the biomedical field. Several investigators have modified it to obtain its carboxymethylated, thiolated, aminated, or sulfated forms; many have combined or grafted it with natural or synthetic polymers, to improvise its functional properties. TSP and its modified forms are being widely utilized as mucoadhesive polymers and in situ gelling agents through various routes, with the most common usage being in OCRS as a release retardant in tablets or multiparticulate systems. They are a part of injectable implants, transdermal nanofiber patches, interpenetrating polymer networks, hydrogels, and nanoparticulate systems. However, their categorical achievement has been in the biomedical space where they have been found suitable in wound dressing, for tissue, bone, and liver-tissue regeneration and engineering, neural tissue engineering, and as a part of nanotheranostics. This chapter gives a detailed account of all these applications.
Chitosan-derived Biomaterials in Cancer Therapeutics and Biomedical Imaging
Authors: Horo Himali , Das Himadree , Bhattacharjee Gourav , Kundu Lal Mohan
Published: October 2022

This chapter deals with the design and development of various materials derived from chitosan for anti-cancer drug delivery and biomedical imaging. A wide range of materials such as nanoparticles, microparticles, nanocomposites, hydrogels, and conjugates has been discussed. An idea of the synthesis techniques and the properties of the materials have been elaborated, along with the significance of the material in cancer therapeutics and imaging. This chapter also deals with various chitosan-based nanomaterials used in NIRF, CT, and MRI for the detection of cancer.
A lysosome-targeting fluorescent probe to visualize endogenous and exogenous methylglyoxal in live cells and zebrafish
Authors: Luo Zongyuan , Zhu Zhangyan , Zhang Tingrui , Jiang Hu , Huang Nan , Liang Feng , Wang Zhouyu , Li Yuzhi , He Xiaolong , Qian Shan
Published: October 2022

The first fluorescent probe targeting MGO in lysosomes was developed for the detection of intracellular and extracellular sources of methylglyoxal.
Two-step spin crossover by guest-disorder induced local symmetry breaking within a 3D Hofmann-like framework
Authors: Windsor Hunter J. , Lewis William , Neville Suzanne M. , Duyker Samuel G. , D’Alessandro Deanna M. , Kepert Cameron J.
Published: October 2022

A chrysene-loaded spin crossover material exhibits a two-step thermally-activated spin transition driven by guest-induced local symmetry breaking.
PbBe2B2O6: an ultraviolet nonlinear-optical crystal with unprecedented π–π interacting BeBO5 group
Authors: Chen Yi-Gang , Jiang Xingxing , Yang Yuanyu , Dai Zhe , Lin Zheshuai , Zhang Xian-Ming
Published: October 2022

Ultraviolet crystal PbBe2B2O6 with an unprecedented π–π interacting BeBO5 group, has wide optical-transparency, whole-spectrum phase-matching, and large nonlinear-optical effects.
Photocatalysis triggered CVD synthesis of graphene at low temperature
Authors: Cai Xia , Yang Qian , Jin Yan , Tang Zijia , Gong Xiangnan , Shen Jun , Hu Baoshan
Published: October 2022

Photocatalysis is employed to dissociate CH4 which facilitates low temperature CVD growth of graphene.
Switched fluorescence and photosensitization based on reversible ion-pairing
Authors: Popov Stepan , Plenio Herbert
Published: October 2022

The close ion-pair of Ir(bdpSO3)(cod)(IMes)] is an efficient photosensitizer, while the solvent-separated anion is highly fluorescent.