bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Landslide Assessment and Monitoring along the Jinsha River, Southwest China, by Combining InSAR and GPS Techniques
Authors: Ma Yuanyuan , Li Fei , Wang Zemin , Zou Xiaoqing , An Jiachun , Li Bing
Published: February 2022

This paper focuses on ancient landslides located along the Jinsha River between the Ahai hydropower station (AHHs) and Liyuan hydropower station (LYHs). High-precision landslide monitoring and accurate understanding of inducing factors are important for landslide stability analysis. However, it is often difficult to monitor and analyze landslide movement due to rough terrain and the complex inducing factors in the mountain area. In this paper, the ancient landslides can be monitored by distributed scatterers-based interferometric synthetic aperture radar (DS-InSAR) technology and global positioning systems (GPS). DS-InSAR can obtain enough measurement points based on the persistent scatterers and distributed scatterers. Besides, we present the results of GPS measurement as a comparison and supplement to DS-InSAR. Our results illustrate that DS-InSAR measurement and GPS measurement show high-level consistency. To comprehensively analyze the triggering factors of landslide deformation, we derive the spatiotemporal movement characteristics of the XinJian (XJ) landslide and find that the XJ landslide movement is very nonuniform, which is closely related to soil weathering. The XJ landslide movement undergoes periodic acceleration. We deduce that the motion of the landslide may be affected by precipitation and water level fluctuation and indicate that the combination of precipitation and water level fluctuation is the most serious triggering factor. During the period from August to September, the rate of landslide movement reached a peak value, which was highly consistent with the precipitation and water level records. Additionally, the rescaled range method (R/S) is used to analyze the stability of the XJ landslide. The results show that hydrological conditions are an essential factor in the stability of the landslide. In other words, the more precipitation there is, the larger the water level changes and the more unstable the landslide.
Topical Administration Effect of Sargassum duplicatum and Garcinia mangostana Extracts Combination on Open Wound Healing Process in Diabetic Mice
Authors: Winarni Dwi , Husna Fitria Nikmatul , Syadzha Muhammad Farraz , Susilo Raden Joko Kuncoroningrat , Hayaza Suhailah , Ansori Arif Nur Muhammad , Alamsjah Mochammad Amin , Amin Muhamad Nur Ghoyatul , Wulandari Pugar Arga Christina , Pudjiastuti Pratiwi , Awang Khalijah
Published: February 2022

This research aimed to determine the topical administration effect of the combination of Sargassum duplicatum and Garcinia mangostana extracts to ameliorate diabetic open wound healing. The study used 24 adult males of Mus musculus (BALB/c strain, 3–4 months, 30–40 g). They were divided into normal control groups (KN) and diabetic groups. The diabetic group was streptozotocin-induced and divided further into three treatment groups: the diabetic control group (KD), the S. duplicatum treatment group (PA), and the combination of S. duplicatum and G. mangostana treatment group (PAM). The dose of treatment was 50 mg/kg of body weight. Each group was divided into three treatment durations, which were 3 days, 7 days, and 14 days. The wound healing process was determined by wound width, the number of neutrophils, macrophages, fibroblasts, fibrocytes, and collagen density. Histological observation showed that the topical administration of combination extracts increased the re-epithelialization of the wounded area, fibroblasts, fibrocytes, and collagen synthesis. The topical administration of combination extracts also decreased the number of neutrophils and macrophages. This study concluded that the topical administration of the combination of S. duplicatum and G. mangostana extracts improved the open wound healing process in diabetic mice.
Theta-Defensins to Counter COVID-19 as Furin Inhibitors: In Silico Efficiency Prediction and Novel Compound Design
Authors: Negahdaripour Manica , Rahbar Mohammad Reza , Mosalanejad Zahra , Gholami Ahmad
Published: February 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was characterized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Dec. 2019. SARS-CoV-2 binds to the cell membrane through spike proteins on its surface and infects the cell. Furin, a host-cell enzyme, possesses a binding site for the spike protein. Thus, molecules that block furin could potentially be a therapeutic solution. Defensins are antimicrobial peptides that can hypothetically inhibit furin because of their arginine-rich structure. Theta-defensins, a subclass of defensins, have attracted attention as drug candidates due to their small size, unique structure, and involvement in several defense mechanisms. Theta-defensins could be a potential treatment for COVID-19 through furin inhibition and an anti-inflammatory mechanism. Note that inflammatory events are a significant and deadly condition that could happen at the later stages of COVID-19 infection. Here, the potential of theta-defensins against SARS-CoV-2 infection was investigated through in silico approaches. Based on docking analysis results, theta-defensins can function as furin inhibitors. Additionally, a novel candidate peptide against COVID-19 with optimal properties regarding antigenicity, stability, electrostatic potential, and binding strength was proposed. Further in vitro/in vivo investigations could verify the efficiency of the designed novel peptide.
A Method for Parameter Identification of Distribution Network Equipment Based on Sequential Model-Based Optimization
Authors: Li Bin , Ma Jia Yang , Hu Ke , Xu Shi He , Jiao Hao , Chen Jin Ming , Liu Wei
Published: February 2022

We present the first model-based parameter identification method in the power distribution network to successfully achieve parameter identification directly based on sequential model-based optimization. This method is building a model with a posteriori probability to optimize an objective function. Furthermore, to achieve an efficient exploration, three different acquisition functions, i.e., random search, tree-structured Parzen estimator approach, and simulated annealing, were proposed. We applied our three models and the conventional model-free method to the actual feeder data with no adjustment of the other conditions. The experiment shows that our method achieves at least 25% and 70% improvements in accuracy and convergence speed, respectively.
Telaglenastat Plus Cabozantinib or Everolimus for Advanced or Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: An Open-Label Phase I Trial
Authors: Meric-Bernstam Funda , Tannir Nizar M. , Iliopoulos Othon , Lee Richard J. , Telli Melinda L. , Fan Alice C. , DeMichele Angela , Haas Naomi B. , Patel Manish R. , Harding James J. , Voss Martin H. , Owonikoko Taofeek K. , Carthon Bradley , Srinivasan Ramaprasad , Bendell Johanna C. , Jenkins Yonchu , Whiting Sam H. , Orford Keith , Bennett Mark K. , Bauer Todd M.
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

Dual inhibition of glucose and glutamine metabolism results in synergistic anticancer effects in solid tumor models. Telaglenastat, an investigational, small-molecule, glutaminase inhibitor, exhibits modest single-agent activity in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients. This phase Ib trial evaluated telaglenastat plus cabozantinib or everolimus, agents known to impair glucose metabolism in patients with metastatic RCC (mRCC).

Patients and Methods:

mRCC patients received escalating doses of telaglenastat [400–800 mg per os (p.o.) twice daily] in a 3 + 3 design, plus either everolimus (10 mg daily p.o.; TelaE) or cabozantinib (60 mg daily p.o.; TelaC). Tumor response (RECISTv1.1) was assessed every 8 weeks. Endpoints included safety (primary) and antitumor activity.

Results:

Twenty-seven patients received TelaE, 13 received TelaC, with median 2 and 3 prior therapies, respectively. Treatment-related adverse events were mostly grades 1 to 2, most common including decreased appetite, anemia, elevated transaminases, and diarrhea with TelaE, and diarrhea, decreased appetite, elevated transaminases, and fatigue with TelaC. One dose-limiting toxicity occurred per cohort: grade 3 pruritic rash with TelaE and thrombocytopenia with TelaC. No maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was reached for either combination, leading to a recommended phase II dose of 800-mg telaglenastat twice daily with standard doses of E or C. TelaE disease control rate (DCR; response rate + stable disease) was 95.2% [20/21, including 1 partial response (PR)] among 21 patients with clear cell histology and 66.7% (2/3) for papillary. TelaC DCR was 100% (12/12) for both histologies [5/10 PRs as best response (3 confirmed) in clear cell].

Conclusions:

TelaE and TelaC showed encouraging clinical activity and tolerability in heavily pretreated mRCC patients.
Plasticity within Aldehyde Dehydrogenase–Positive Cells Determines Prostate Cancer Radiosensitivity
Authors: Schwarz Franziska M. , Schniewind Iñaki , Besso Maria J. , Lange Steffen , Linge Annett , Patil Shivaprasad G. , Löck Steffen , Klusa Daria , Dietrich Antje , Voss-Böhme Anja , Nowrouzi Ali , Krause Mechthild , Dubrovska Anna , Kurth Ina , Peitzsch Claudia
Published: February 2022

Tumor heterogeneity and cellular plasticity are key determinants of tumor progression, metastatic spread, and therapy response driven by the cancer stem cell (CSC) population. Within the current study, we analyzed irradiation-induced plasticity within the aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH)-positive (ALDH+) population in prostate cancer. The radiosensitivity of xenograft tumors derived from ALDH+ and ALDH-negative (ALDH−) cells was determined with local tumor control analyses and demonstrated different dose–response profiles, time to relapse, and focal adhesion signaling. The transcriptional heterogeneity was analyzed in pools of 10 DU145 and PC3 cells with multiplex gene expression analyses and illustrated a higher degree of heterogeneity within the ALDH+ population that even increases upon irradiation in comparison with ALDH− cells. Phenotypic conversion and clonal competition were analyzed with fluorescence protein-labeled cells to distinguish cellular origins in competitive three-dimensional cultures and xenograft tumors. We found that the ALDH+ population outcompetes ALDH− cells and drives tumor growth, in particular upon irradiation. The observed dynamics of the cellular state compositions between ALDH+ and ALDH− cells in vivo before and after tumor irradiation was reproduced by a probabilistic Markov compartment model that incorporates cellular plasticity, clonal competition, and phenotype-specific radiosensitivities. Transcriptional analyses indicate that the cellular conversion from ALDH− into ALDH+ cells within xenograft tumors under therapeutic pressure was partially mediated through induction of the transcriptional repressor SNAI2. In summary, irradiation-induced cellular conversion events are present in xenograft tumors derived from prostate cancer cells and may be responsible for radiotherapy failure.

Implications:

The increase of ALDH+ cells with stem-like features in prostate xenograft tumors after local irradiation represents a putative cellular escape mechanism inducing tumor radioresistance.
Functional Precision Medicine: Putting Drugs on Patient Cancer Cells and Seeing What Happens
Authors: Letai Anthony
Published: February 2022

For too long, assays exposing patient tumor cells to drugs to identify active therapies have been dismissed as ineffective. In this issue of Cancer Discovery, two groups independently demonstrate clinical utility of such functional precision medicine assays in hematologic malignancies.

See related article by Kornauth et al., p. 372.

See related article by Malani et al., p. 388.
The Value of Exome Sequencing in Thoracoamniotic Shunt for Severe Pleural Effusion with Fetal Hydrops: A Retrospective Clinical Study
Authors: Wei Xing , Zhou Xinyao , Zhou Jia , Zou Gang , Yang Yingjun , Zhou Fenhe , Xiong Shiyi , Chen Jianping , Sun Luming
Published: February 2022

Objective: We aimed to study the value of exome sequencing (ES) in severe pleural effusion with nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) that underwent thoracoamniotic shunt (TAS). Methods: It was a retrospective study of NIHF that underwent TAS between 2012 and 2020 at Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital. After a detailed assessment, NIHF cases with aneuploidies, infections, and structural anomalies were excluded, and TAS was offered to cases with severe pleural effusion. Quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) was conducted to exclude Trisomy 21, 18, and 13 before fetal therapy, and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) was offered to all the cases. Before 2019, ES was retrospectively performed using stored fetal DNA extracted from prenatal samples; from 2019 onward, ES was discussed and offered before intrauterine therapies. Results: A total of 18 NIHF cases underwent TAS with negative CMA and continuing pregnancy were included. Fetal hydrops was relieved in 16 cases (88.9%). The median gestational ages at intervention and at delivery were 31.2 (22.0–33.1) weeks and 34.3 (29.7–38.6) weeks, respectively. The neonatal survival rate was 72.2% (13/18), and no causative gene variants were identified from ES in any survivors. Pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were detected in 3 out of 5 neonatal deaths. If rapid ES could have been available to guide fetal therapy, the neonatal survival rate after TAS would have increased from 72.2% to 86.7%. Conclusions: Single-gene disorders were one of the major causes of perinatal death in NIHF cases that underwent fetal therapy. Prenatal rapid ES may be of good promise in NIHF to explore precise etiology and guide fetal therapy.
Girl-Boy Twins with Developmental Delay from 16p11.2 Triplication due to Biparental Inheritance from Two Parents with 16p11.2 Duplication
Authors: Badar Sidrah A. , Breman Amy M. , Christensen Celanie K. , Graham Brett H. , Golomb Meredith R.
Published: February 2022

The 16p11.2 duplication is a well-known cause of developmental delay and autism, but there are only 2 previously reported cases of 16p11.2 triplication. Both of the previously reported cases exhibited tandem triplication on a 16p11.2 duplication inherited from 1 parent. We report fraternal twins presenting with developmental delay and 16p11.2 triplication resulting from inheritance of a 16p11.2 duplicated homolog from each parent. This report also reviews the overlapping features in previously published cases of 16p11.2 triplication, and possible implications are discussed.
Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Onychomycosis: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence
Authors: Nickles Melissa A. , Lio Peter A. , Mervak Julie E.
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Onychomycosis is notoriously difficult to treat. While oral antifungals are the most efficacious treatment for onychomycosis, they are contraindicated in certain patient populations, and patients may desire lower risk and accessible alternatives to systemic agents. In this study, we examine the clinical evidence supporting the use of complementary and alternative therapies in the treatment of onychomycosis. Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for clinical trials, observational studies, and case reports/case series, examining the efficacy of a complementary or alternative therapy for the treatment of onychomycosis. Results: We identified 17 articles studying a complementary and alternative therapy for onychomycosis, including tea tree oil (n = 5), Ageratina pichinchensis (n = 3), Arthrospira maxima (n = 2), natural coniferous resin lacquer (n = 2), Vicks VapoRub® (n = 2), propolis extract (n = 2), and ozonized sunflower oil (n = 1). Conclusion: Given the rise of antifungal resistance, complementary and alternative therapies should continue to be studied as adjunctive or alternative therapy for onychomycosis. While preliminary evidence exists for several complementary and alternative therapies in the treatment of onychomycosis, large-scale, randomized, placebo-controlled trials are needed prior to endorsing their use to patients.
The Efficacy of Early Additional Hemoperfusion Therapy for Severe COVID-19 Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Surasit Karjbundid , Srisawat Nattachai
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Currently, the effect of hemoperfusion on outcome in severe COVID-19 patients is still unknown. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of early HA-330 hemoperfusion in severe COVID-19 patients. Methods: We conducted a single center, prospective cohort study on patients who were diagnosed with severe COVID-19 patients and admitted to ICU. Patients in hemoperfusion group (defined as patients who were treated with hemoperfusion therapy at least 3 sessions in combination with standard therapy) were compared with the control group (defined as patients who received standard treatment alone or received less than 3 sessions of hemoperfusion therapy). The primary outcome was daily sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores. Secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality at 28 days, mechanical ventilator-free day, daily C-reactive protein (CRP), oxygenation (defined by PaO2/FiO2 ratio), and severity score of lung infiltration on the chest X-ray (CXR RALE score). All outcomes were adjusted by regression analysis to reduce the confounders due to some difference in baseline characteristics. Results: A total number of 29 severe and critical COVID-19 confirmed patients were enrolled. Fifteen patients were defined as hemoperfusion group and 14 were control group. The median of CRP and SOFA score at the baseline (the day after severe pneumonia diagnosis or before hemoperfusion) in hemoperfusion and control groups were comparable, 96.79 mg/L and 87.3 mg/L, p = 0.53, 3.53 ± 0.99 versus 4.3 ± 1.89, p = 0.15, respectively. Clinical improvement associated with decreased SOFA score and improvement of CXR RALE score were found in hemoperfusion group compared to control group (p = 0.008 and p = 0.005, respectively). The 28-day mortality rate was significantly lower in hemoperfusion group compared to control group (6.67% vs. 85.71%, p < 0.001) and the adjusted hazard ratio of death was 0.017 (95% confidence interval = 0.008–0.351, p = 0.008). Conclusions: The addition of early HA-330 hemoperfusion to standard therapy improved severity of organ failure and might reduce the mortality rate. However, the results were affected by the baseline confounders and limited sample size.
Política, guerra fria e resistência intelectual
Authors: Hilgert Luiza Helena , Amiel Bastien
Published: February 2022

Tradução: POLÍTICA, GUERRA FRIA E RESISTÊNCIA INTELECTUAL
Association of Pulmonary Artery Pulsatility Index With Adverse Cardiovascular Events Across a Hospital-Based Sample
Authors: Zern Emily K. , Wang Dongyu , Rambarat Paula , Bernard Samuel , Paniagua Samantha M. , Liu Elizabeth E. , McNeill Jenna , Wang Jessica K. , Andrews Carl T. , Pomerantsev Eugene V. , Picard Michael H. , Ho Jennifer E.
Published: February 2022

Background:

The pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi), calculated from the ratio of the pulmonary artery pulse pressure to right atrial pressure, is a predictor of right ventricular failure after inferior myocardial infarction and left ventricular assist device implantation. Whether PAPi is associated with adverse outcomes across a heterogeneous population is unknown.

Methods:

We examined consecutive patients undergoing right heart catheterization between 2005 and 2016 in a hospital-based cohort. Multivariable Cox models were utilized to examine the association between PAPi and all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiac events, and heart failure hospitalizations.

Results:

We studied 8285 individuals (mean age 63 years, 39% women) with median PAPi across quartiles 1.7, 2.8, 4.2, and 8.7, who were followed over a mean follow-up of 6.7±3.3 years. Patients in the lowest PAPi quartile had a 60% greater risk of death compared with the highest quartile (multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio, 1.60 [95% CI, 1.36–1.88],
P
<0.001) and a higher risk of major adverse cardiac events and heart failure hospitalizations (hazard ratio, 1.80 [95% CI, 1.56–2.07],
P
<0.001 and hazard ratio, 2.08 [95% CI, 1.76–2.47],
P
<0.001, respectively). Of note, patients in quartiles 2 and 3 also had increased risk of cardiovascular events compared with quartile 4 (multivariable
P
<0.05 for all).

Conclusions:

Compared with the highest PAPi quartile, patients in PAPi quartiles 1 to 3 had a greater risk of all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiac events, and heart failure hospitalizations, with greatest risk observed in the lowest quartile. A low PAPi, even at values higher than previously reported, may serve an important role in identifying high-risk individuals across a broad spectrum of cardiovascular disease.
Diastolic Dysfunction Is Unmasked on Exercise in Patients With Asymptomatic, Severe Aortic Stenosis: An Invasive Hemodynamic Study
Authors: Kvaslerud Anette B. , Gude Einar , Eriksen Gunnar , Andreassen Arne K. , Gullestad Lars , Broch Kaspar
Published: February 2022

Background:

Optimal timing of aortic valve replacement remains difficult in patients with asymptomatic, severe aortic stenosis (AS). More accurate diagnostic methods are warranted for the detection of subtle ventricular impairment. We aimed to evaluate diastolic function in asymptomatic patients with severe AS.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, patients with asymptomatic, severe AS were evaluated with right heart catheterization at rest and during moderate exercise. The patients also underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing to objectify functional capacity and confirm the absence of symptoms.

Results:

Between February 2019 and May 2021, we included 50 patients aged 70±12 years. The patients had severe AS with peak velocity 4.4±0.4 m/s, mean gradient 46±9 mm Hg, and an indexed valve area of 0.47±0.08 cm
2
at rest. All patients were asymptomatic and had normal left ventricular ejection fraction. Five patients had postcapillary pulmonary hypertension at rest. During exercise, 44 patients (88%) had an increase in the mean pulmonary artery pressure per increase in cardiac output of >3 mm Hg/L per minute, of whom 93% had a concomitant increase in the pulmonary artery wedge pressure per increase in cardiac output >2 mm Hg/L per minute, suggesting exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease. Female gender and increasing age were associated with a higher increase in the pulmonary artery wedge pressure per increase in cardiac output ratio. The catheterization was well tolerated, and there were no adverse events.

Conclusions:

A large proportion of asymptomatic patients with severe, degenerative AS have exercise-induced postcapillary pulmonary hypertension.
Inhibition of IL11 Signaling Reduces Aortic Pathology in Murine Marfan Syndrome
Authors: Lim Wei-Wen , Dong Jinrui , Ng Benjamin , Widjaja Anissa A. , Xie Chen , Su Liping , Kwek Xiu-Yi , Tee Nicole G.Z. , Jian Pua Chee , Schafer Sebastian , Viswanathan Sivakumar , Cook Stuart A.
Published: February 2022

Background:

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is associated with TGF (transforming growth factor) β–stimulated ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) activity in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), which adopt a mixed synthetic/contractile phenotype. In VSMCs, TGFβ induces IL (interleukin) 11) that stimulates ERK-dependent secretion of collagens and MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases). Here, we examined the role of IL11 in the MFS aorta.

Methods:

We used echocardiography, histology, immunostaining, and biochemical methods to study aortic anatomy, physiology, and molecular endophenotypes in
Fbn1
C1041G/+
mice, an established murine model of MFS (mMFS). mMFS mice were crossed to an IL11-tagged EGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein;
Il11
EGFP/+
) reporter strain or to a strain deleted for the IL11 receptor (
Il11ra1
−/−
). In therapeutic studies, mMFS were administered an X209 (neutralizing antibody against IL11RA [IL11 receptor subunit alpha]) or IgG for 20 weeks and imaged longitudinally.

Results:

IL11 mRNA and protein were elevated in the aortas of mMFS mice, as compared to controls. mMFS mice crossed to
Il11
EGFP/+
mice had increased IL11 expression in VSMCs, notably in the aortic root and ascending aorta. As compared to the mMFS parental strain, double mutant mMFS:
Il11ra1
−/
−
mice had reduced aortic dilatation and exhibited lesser fibrosis, inflammation, elastin breaks, and VSMC loss, which was associated with reduced aortic COL1A1 (collagen type I alpha 1 chain), IL11, MMP2/9, and phospho-ERK expression. To explore therapeutic targeting of IL11 signaling in MFS, we administered either a neutralizing antibody against IL11RA (X209) or an IgG control. After 20 weeks of antibody administration, as compared to IgG, mMFS mice receiving X209 had reduced thoracic and abdominal aortic dilation as well as lesser fibrosis, inflammation, elastin breaks, and VSMC loss. By immunoblotting, X209 was shown to reduce aortic COL1A1, IL11, MMP2/9, and phospho-ERK expression.

Conclusions:

In MFS, IL11 is upregulated in aortic VSMCs to cause ERK-related thoracic aortic dilatation, inflammation, and fibrosis. Therapeutic inhibition of IL11, imminent in clinical trials, might be considered as a new approach in MFS.
Gut Microbiota and Their Metabolites in Stroke: A Double-Edged Sword
Authors: Peh Alex , O’Donnell Joanne A. , Broughton Brad R.S. , Marques Francine Z.
Published: February 2022

Besides damaging the brain, stroke causes systemic changes, including to the gastrointestinal system. A growing body of evidence supports the role of the gut and its microbiota in stroke, stroke prognosis, and recovery. The gut microbiota can increase the risk of a cerebrovascular event, playing a role in the onset of stroke. Conversely, stroke can induce dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and epithelial barrier integrity. This has been proposed as a contributor to systemic infections. In this review, we describe the role of the gut microbiota, microbiome and microbiota-derived metabolites in experimental and clinical stroke, and their potential use as therapeutic targets. Fourteen clinical studies have identified 62 upregulated (eg,
Streptococcus
,
Lactobacillus, Escherichia
) and 29 downregulated microbial taxa (eg,
Eubacterium, Roseburia
) between stroke and healthy participants. The majority found that stroke patients have reduced gut microbiome diversity. However, other nonbacterial microorganisms are yet to be studied. In experimental stroke, severity is dependent on gut microbiome composition, whereas the latter can greatly change with antibiotics, age, and diet. Consumption of foods rich in choline and L-carnitine are positively associated with stroke onset via production of trimethylamine N-oxide in experimental and clinical stroke. Conversely, in mice, consumption of dietary fiber improves stroke outcome, likely via gut microbiota–derived metabolites called short-chain fatty acids, such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate. The majority of the evidence, however, comes from experimental studies. Clinical interventions targeted at gut microbiota–derived metabolites as new therapeutic opportunities for stroke prevention and treatment are warranted.
Insights into insect cognition through mirror-induced behaviour in paper wasps
Authors: Riojas-Schnier J.L. , Toth A.L.
Published: February 2022

Mirror studies have uncovered evidence for self-awareness in several non-human animals; however, this approach has not been extended to invertebrates. Here, we examined mirror responses of Polistes paper wasps, insects with high social cognitive abilities. We used a highly replicated design, exposing wasps to mirror self-recognition (MSR) test stimuli (mirror, facial marking) and several control stimuli (non-reflective surfaces, invisible marks, and sham marks). We found that nest-founding queen wasps respond to mirrors with increases in antennation and touching over non-reflective surfaces. Visible marks also resulted in more exploratory behaviours (antennating and touching the mirror), but decreases in self-directed behaviours typically used as indicators of MSR. While this experiment does not support the notion that wasps possess self-awareness, it shows that wasps respond to subtle alterations in their visual environment and appearance with exploratory behaviour. This work thus increases our understanding of insects’ cognitive abilities, suggesting high levels of perceptual richness.
Integral Drama Based Pedagogy as a Practice of Integral Education: Facilitating the Journey of Personal Transformation
Authors: Ma Liwen , Subbiondo Joseph L.
Published: February 2022

In this study, we explore the interrelationship of theory and practice by focusing on the practice of Integral Drama Based Pedagogy (idbp) by tracing its theoretical framework of Wang Yamgming (1472–1529) on its conception, and the theoretical influence of Sri Aurobindo (1872–1950) on its development. In the works of Wang Yangming and Aurobindo, a theory of Integral Education emerges that contributes to an increasing transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary evolution in education in primary, secondary, and higher education. Our intention is to discuss the interrelationship between two educational approaches that are directed toward the student’s personal transformation – Integral Education and Integral Drama Based Pedagogy – and to show that their complementarity has had a positive mutual influence. In addition, we include references to the works of Donald Winnicott and his contemporaries on the expansion of idbp. Lastly, we provide an example of a course component of idbp, a teaching of the poem “Journey” by Mary Oliver.
Description of four Iolaus Hübner, 1819 species in the subgenus Philiolaus Stempffer & Bennett, 1958 from East Africa, assigned to the proposed I. maritimus species group (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae, Theclinae)
Authors: SÁFIÁN SZABOLCS , BAYLISS JULIAN , CONGDON T. COLIN E.
Published: February 2022

Four new Iolaus Hübner, 1819 species are described in the subgenus Philiolaus Stempffer & Bennett, 1958. They are assigned to the newly formed I. maritimus species group. Members of the group occur in the coastal forests of Kenya, submontane and montane forests in Tanzania and Mozambique, and are locally distributed in montane forests at the western shores of Lake Malawi, in southwestern Tanzania, and northern Zambia/Malawi
Studies on Neotropical Pseudophyllinae: The placement and status of Dasyscelidius species (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae)
Authors: CADENA-CASTAÑEDA OSCAR J. , POVEDA O. MIGUEL D. , PULIDO SERGIO OMAR , ARIZA JEISON EDUARDO GARCÍA
Published: February 2022

In this contribution to the subfamily Pseudophyllinae in the Neotropics, we focus on reviewing the status of the genus Dasyscelidius and its three species. After this revision, the genus remains monotypic, including only Dasyscelidius atrifrons (type species), adjusting the diagnosis, limiting it to the characteristics of the only known species for the genus. D. atrifrons, is recorded for the Bogotá Savanna, previously in its original description its locality was only Colombia, without additional data on this species in other later contributions. Dasyscelidius brasiliensis is placed into the new genus Pepumiri n. gen., which is similar to Pleminia, including only Pepumiri brasiliensis n. comb., from the middle and highland plateaus of the Brazilian Cerrado. Dasyscelidius minimus is designated as nomen dubium, since the only type specimen is lost, and its original description or later data are very poor and do not allow a good identification. Finally, this contribution contributes to the differentiation between brachypterous taxa of the tribes Pleminiini and Platyphyllini, which in several cases may be similar and difficult to place in each tribe.
The Effect of Enzymatic-TGase Cross-Linking on the Structure of Soy Protein Isolate Based on Multiplex Spectroscopy
Authors: Dou Boxin , Zhang Yunliang , Liu Yumeng , Guan Tianqi , Liu Ying
Published: February 2022

The functional properties of soy protein isolate (SPI) after alkaline protease digestion and transglutaminase (TGase) catalyzed polymerization is correlated with its internal molecule structure. The structure of SPI modified by alkaline protease digestion-TGase by using ultraviolet
(UV) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and circular dichroism spectroscopy were characterized. The UV spectroscopy analysis showed that the cross-linking of SPI by alkaline protease digestion-TGase induced the reorganization and polymerization of small polypeptide chains, and the absorption
intensity of Tyr and Trp increased, which demonstrated that the side chain structure of the SPI polypeptide chains modified by TGase was changed. The results of FT-IR showed that the absorption peaks of amide I and II segments shifted after TGase cross-linked SPI, and part of beta-sheet secondary
structures was transformed into alpha-helix, indicated that the intramolecular hydrogen bonds of the modified SPI were changed. By circular dichroism spectroscopy showed that the content of random coil and alpha-helix secondary structure of SPI modified by TGase increased and the content of
beta-sheet structure decreased.
The Association of Physical Activity with Arterial Stiffness and Inflammation: Insight from the “Corinthia” Study
Authors: Theofilis Panagiotis , Oikonomou Evangelos , Lazaros George , Vogiatzi Georgia , Mystakidi Vasiliki C , Goliopoulou Athina , Anastasiou Maria , Christoforatou Evangelia , Tousoulis Dimitris
Published: February 2022

Diminished physical activity is a frequent phenomenon leading to a higher incidence of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Our study aimed to assess the impact of physical activity on arterial stiffness and inflammation. Classification of physical activity was performed in 1945 individuals of the cross-sectional “Corinthia” study using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Demographic and clinical characteristics were obtained via a standardized questionnaire. Arterial stiffness was estimated via carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity evaluation, and the inflammatory burden was assessed via high sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP) measurement. Participants with low physical activity had the most impaired carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity values while abnormally increased measurements—adjusted for age and blood pressure—were more frequently encountered in individuals with low physical activity. Participants characterized as having vigorous physical activity had the lowest inflammatory burden, as estimated by hsCRP levels. The results remained unaffected even after adjustment for confounders. In a subgroup analysis according to sex, increased arterial stiffness and inflammatory burden were noted similarly in female and male subjects within the lowest percentile of physical activity. In conclusion, a significant association between physical activity, arterial stiffness, and inflammation was observed, even after adjusting for known cardiovascular risk factors.
Determination of Soil Constituents Using Shifted Excitation Raman Difference Spectroscopy
Authors: Sowoidnich Kay , Vogel Sebastian , Maiwald Martin , Sumpf Bernd
Published: February 2022

Soil analysis to estimate soil fertility parameters is of great importance for precision agriculture but nowadays it still relies mainly on complex and time-consuming laboratory methods. Optical measurement techniques can provide a suitable alternative. Raman spectroscopy is of particular interest due to its ability to provide a molecular fingerprint of individual soil components. To overcome the major issue of strong fluorescence interference inherent to soil, we applied shifted excitation Raman difference spectroscopy (SERDS) using an in-house-developed dual-wavelength diode laser emitting at 785.2 and 784.6 nm. To account for the intrinsic heterogeneity of soil components at the millimeter scale, a raster scan with 100 individual measurement positions has been applied. Characteristic Raman signals of inorganic (quartz, feldspar, anatase, and calcite) and organic (amorphous carbon) constituents within the soil could be recovered from intense background interference. For the first time, the molecule-specific information derived by SERDS combined with partial least squares regression was demonstrated for the prediction of the soil organic matter content (coefficient of determination R2 = 0.82 and root mean square error of cross validation RMSECV = 0.41%) as important soil fertility parameter within a set of 33 soil specimens collected from an agricultural field in northeast Germany.
A New Simple Analytical Method for a Highly Accurate Determination of the Optical Parameters of a Slab from Transmittance Data
Authors: Mai Huy V. , Jaffré Alexandre , Doan Khai M. , Trinh Thien D. , Schneegans Olivier
Published: February 2022

To date, determining with high accuracy the optical parameters (extinction coefficient k and refractive index n) of a slab from the sole transmittance data requires an inverse method based on numerical iteration procedures. In this paper, we propose a new inverse analytical method of extracting ( k, n) without numerical iterative processes. The high accuracy of this new inverse method is assessed, and as an application example, the optical parameters of CaF2 and Si substrates are determined in the IR spectral range of 4–8 µm.
Gifted Education on Reddit: A Social Media Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Hodges Jaret , Simonsen Mary , Ottwein Jessica K.
Published: February 2022

Social media continues to be an ever-present part of people’s lives. One of the largest social media websites, Reddit has more than 430 million unique visitors monthly. What is unknown to scholars is how gifted education fits into this modern form of communication. In our research, we examined how gifted education is discussed over Reddit using text mining in combination with sentiment analysis. In addition, our research conditioned sentiment on variables such as self-disclosure, interest, and controversy. We found that, overall, discussion of giftedness was neutral in terms of sentiment and used common language across subreddits. We also found that the language used and distribution of sentiment were similar between self-disclosures and non-self-disclosures.
Official truth, applied deconstruction and post-inquiry sensemaking in the Mull of Kintyre helicopter crash
Authors: Mueller Frank , Whittle Andrea , Addison Susan
Published: February 2022

On 2 June 1994, an RAF Chinook helicopter crashed into the Mull of Kintyre, Scotland, killing all crew members and intelligence personnel on board. In this article, we analyse the 17-year campaign to set aside the finding of gross negligence against the two pilots. Existing literature has tended to focus on sensemaking during the inquiries that typically follow an accident, crisis, or disaster. However, we have a more limited understanding of the post-inquiry sensemaking occurring after an inquiry has published its findings. Drawing insights from the sociology of science and sociology of knowledge, we conceptualise post-inquiry sensemaking as three phases involving a ‘black box’ being constructed and closed, re-opened and overturned. We propose the concept of ‘applied deconstruction’ to make sense of the latter two phases. We identify the components of the ‘engine of applied deconstruction’, namely: animated actors who seek to ‘open the black box’; the building of a coalition that spans institutional sites of power; activities of discrediting the official version and crediting alternative versions; and activities of ‘lamination’ that build successive ‘layers’ of doubt. We conclude by discussing the implications arising from our case for advancing the understanding of post-inquiry sensemaking.
Comparing the Independent and Aggregated Accuracy of Trial 1 and the First 10 TOMM Items for Detecting Invalid Neuropsychological Test Performance Across Civilian and Veteran Clinical Samples
Authors: Soble Jason R. , Cerny Brian M. , Ovsiew Gabriel P. , Rhoads Tasha , Reynolds Tristan P. , Sharp Dillion W. , Jennette Kyle J. , Marceaux Janice C. , O’Rourke Justin J. F. , Critchfield Edan A. , Resch Zachary J.
Published: February 2022

Previous studies support using two abbreviated tests of the Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM), including (a) Trial 1 (T1) and (b) the number of errors on the first 10 items of T1 (T1e10), as performance validity tests (PVTs). In this study, we examined the independent and aggregated predictive utility of TOMM T1 and T1e10 for identifying invalid neuropsychological test performance across two clinical samples. We employed cross-sectional research to examine two independent and demographically diverse mixed samples of military veterans and civilians (VA = 108; academic medical center = 234) of patients who underwent neuropsychological evaluations. We determined validity groups by patient performance on four independent criterion PVTs. We established concordances between passing/failing the TOMM T1e10 and T1, followed by logistic regression to determine individual and aggregated accuracy of T1e10 and T1 for predicting validity group membership. Concordance between passing T1e10 and T1 was high, as was overall validity (87–98%) across samples. By contrast, T1e10 failure was more highly concordant with T1 failure (69–77%) than with overall invalidity status (59–60%) per criterion PVTs, whereas T1 failure was more highly concordant with invalidity status (72–88%) per criterion PVTs. Logistic regression analyses demonstrated similar results, with T1 accounting for more variance than T1e10. However, combining T1e10 and T1 accounted for the most variance of any model, with T1e10 and T1 each emerging as significant predictors. TOMM T1 and, to a lesser extent, T1e10 were significant predictors of independent criterion-derived validity status across two distinct clinical samples, but they did not offer improved classification accuracy when aggregated.
Relationship between motivation instability and type of motivation level in University learning based on self-determination theory: A cross-lagged panel model
Authors: Umemoto Takatoyo , Inagaki Tsutomu
Published: February 2022

In this study, we used a longitudinal survey of two time-points to investigate the relationship between motivation instability and type of motivation level toward university learning using a cross-lagged panel model. We measured four types of motivation level based on self-determination theory. A total of 127 Japanese students from two universities participated in two longitudinal surveys; their data were used in the analysis. We investigated the relationship between motivation instability and motivation level by employing the cross-lagged panel model, and found that intrinsic regulation at Time 1 was positively related to the instability of motivation at Time 2, while identified regulation at Time 1 was negatively related to instability of motivation at Time 2. These results indicate that two processes may exist: one where instability of motivation increases depending on the level of motivation, and one where it decreases. Moreover, instability of motivation at Time 1 was positively related to the identified regulation and introjected regulation at Time 2, although the values of the path coefficients were very small. Finally, instability of motivation at Time 1 was positively related to the instability of motivation at Time 2. Based on the results of this study, we discuss the relationship between motivation level and instability in university learning.
Acceptance of Saliva-Based Specimen Collection for SARS-CoV-2 Testing Among K-12 Students, Teachers, and Staff
Authors: McLaughlin Heather P. , Worrell Mary Claire , Malone Sara , Dawson Patrick , Maricque Brett , Halpin Jessica L. , Lee Sooji , Fritz Stephanie A. , Tinker Sarah C. , Neidich Julie A. , Towns Katie , Lee Justin S. , Barrios Lisa C. , Neatherlin John C. , Newland Jason G. , Salzer Johanna S. ,   SARS-CoV-2 Specimen Collection Field Team
Published: February 2022

Objective:

Saliva specimens collected in school populations may offer a more feasible, noninvasive alternative to nasal swabs for large-scale COVID-19 testing efforts in kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12) schools. We investigated acceptance of saliva-based COVID-19 testing among quarantined K-12 students and their parents, teachers, and staff members who recently experienced a SARS-CoV-2 exposure in school.

Methods:

We surveyed 719 participants, in person or by telephone, who agreed to or declined a free saliva-based COVID-19 reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction test as part of a surveillance investigation about whether they would have consented to testing if offered a nasal swab instead. We conducted this investigation in 6 school districts in Greene County (n = 3) and St. Louis County (n = 3), Missouri, from January 25 through March 23, 2021.

Results:

More than one-third (160 of 446) of K-12 students (or their parents or guardians), teachers, and staff members who agreed to a saliva-based COVID-19 test indicated they would have declined testing if specimen collection were by nasal swab. When stratified by school level, 51% (67 of 132) of elementary school students or their parents or guardians would not have agreed to testing if a nasal swab was offered.

Conclusions:

Some students, especially those in elementary school, preferred saliva-based COVID-19 testing to nasal swab testing. Use of saliva-based testing might increase voluntary participation in screening efforts in K-12 schools to help prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
Hybrid modeling of collaborative freight transportation planning using agent-based simulation, auction-based mechanisms, and optimization
Authors: Bae Ki-Hwan , Mustafee Navonil , Lazarova-Molnar Sanja , Zheng Long
Published: February 2022

The sharing economy is a peer-to-peer economic model characterized by people and organizations sharing resources. With the emergence of such economies, an increasing number of logistics providers seek to collaborate and derive benefit from the resultant economic efficiencies, sustainable operations, and network resilience. This study investigates the potential for collaborative planning enabled through a Physical Internet-enabled logistics system in an urban area that acts as a freight transport hub with several e-commerce warehouses. Our collaborative freight transportation planning approach is realized through a three-layer structured hybrid model that includes agent-based simulation, auction mechanism, and optimization. A multi-agent model simulates a complex transportation network, an auction mechanism facilitates allocating transport services to freight requests, and a simulation–optimization technique is used to analyze strategic transportation planning under different objectives. Furthermore, sensitivity analyses and Pareto efficiency experiments are conducted to draw insights regarding the effect of parameter settings and multi-objectives. The computational results demonstrate the efficacy of our developed model and solution approach, tested on a real urban freight transportation network in a major US city.
In Search of a Comparable Measure of Generalized Individual Religiosity in the World Values Survey
Authors: Remizova Alisa , Rudnev Maksim , Davidov Eldad
Published: February 2022

Individual religiosity measures are used by researchers to describe and compare individuals and societies. However, the cross-cultural comparability of the measures has often been questioned but rarely empirically tested. In the current study, we examined the cross-national measurement invariance properties of generalized individual religiosity in the sixth wave of the World Values Survey. For the analysis, we used multiple group confirmatory factor analysis and alignment. Our results demonstrated that a theoretically driven measurement model was not invariant across all countries. We suggested four unidimensional measurement models and four overlapping groups of countries in which these measurement models demonstrated approximate invariance. The indicators that covered praying practices, importance of religion, and confidence in its institutions were more cross-nationally invariant than other indicators.