bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural variation of a sex‐linked region confers monoecy and implicates GATA15 as a master regulator of sex in Salix purpurea
Authors: Hyden Brennan , Zou Junzhu , Wilkerson Dustin G. , Carlson Craig H. , Robles Ayiana Rivera , DiFazio Stephen P. , Smart Lawrence B.
Published: March 2023

The Salicaceae, including Populus and Salix, are dioecious perennials that utilize different sex determination systems. This family provides a useful system to better understand the evolution of dioecy and sex chromosomes.

Here, a rare monoecious genotype of Salix purpurea, 94003, was self‐ and cross‐pollinated and progeny sex ratios were used to test hypotheses on possible mechanisms of sex determination. To delimit genomic regions associated with monoecious expression, the 94003 genome sequence was assembled and DNA‐ and RNA‐Seq of progeny inflorescences was performed.

Based on alignments of progeny shotgun DNA sequences to the haplotype‐resolved monoecious 94003 genome assembly and reference male and female genomes, a 1.15 Mb sex‐linked region on Chr15W was confirmed to be absent in monecious plants. Inheritance of this structural variation is responsible for the loss of a male‐suppressing function in what would otherwise be genetic females (ZW), resulting in monoecy (ZWH or WWH), or lethality, if homozygous (WHWH).

We present a refined, two‐gene sex determination model for Salix purpurea, mediated by ARR17 and GATA15 that is different from the single‐gene ARR17‐mediated system in the related genus Populus.
A combinatorial TRM‐OFP module bilaterally fine‐tunes tomato fruit shape
Authors: Zhang Biyao , Li Qiang , Keyhaninejad Neda , Taitano Nathan , Sapkota Manoj , Snouffer Ashley , van der Knaap Esther
Published: March 2023

The mechanisms that regulate the vast diversity of plant organ shapes such as the fruit remain to be fully elucidated. TONNEAU1 Recruiting Motif proteins (TRMs) have been implicated in the control of organ shapes in a number of plant species, including tomato. However, the role of many of them is unknown. TRMs interact with Ovate Family Proteins (OFPs) via the M8 domain. However, the in planta function of the TRM‐OFP interaction in regulating shape is unknown.

We used CRISPR/Cas9 to generate knockout mutants in TRM proteins from different subclades and in‐frame mutants within the M8 domain to investigate their roles in organ shape and interactions with OFPs.

Our findings indicate that TRMs impact organ shape along both the mediolateral and proximo‐distal axes of growth. Mutations in Sltrm3/4 and Sltrm5 act additively to rescue the elongated fruit phenotype of ovate/Slofp20 (o/s) to a round shape. Contrary, mutations in Sltrm19 and Sltrm17/20a result in fruit elongation and further enhance the obovoid phenotype in the o/s mutant.

This study supports a combinatorial role of the TRM‐OFP regulon where OFPs and TRMs expressed throughout development have both redundant and opposing roles in regulating organ shape.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi‐indicative blumenol‐C‐glucosides predict lipid accumulations and fitness in plants grown without competitors
Authors: You Yanrong , Ray Rishav , Halitschke Rayko , Baldwin Gundega , Baldwin Ian T.
Published: March 2023

Hydroxy‐ and carboxyblumenol C‐glucosides specifically accumulate in roots and leaves of plants harboring arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF).

To explore blumenol function in AMF relationships, we silenced an early key‐gene in blumenol biosynthesis, CCD1 (carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 1), in the ecological model plant, Nicotiana attenuata, and analyzed whole‐plant performance in comparison with control and CCaMK‐silenced plants, unable to form AMF associations.

Root blumenol accumulations reflected a plant's Darwinian fitness, as estimated by capsule production, and were positively correlated with AMF‐specific lipid accumulations in roots, with relationships that changed as plants matured when grown without competitors. When grown with wild‐type competitors, transformed plants with decreased photosynthetic capacity or increased carbon flux to roots had blumenol accumulations that predicted plant fitness and genotype trends in AMF‐specific lipids, but had similar levels of AMF‐specific lipids between competing plants, likely reflecting AMF‐networks.

We propose that when grown in isolation, blumenol accumulations reflect AMF‐specific lipid allocations and plant fitness. When grown with competitors, blumenol accumulations predict fitness outcomes, but not the more complicated AMF‐specific lipid accumulations. RNA‐seq analysis provided candidates for the final biosynthetic steps of these AMF‐indicative blumenol C‐glucosides; abrogation of these steps will provide valuable tools for understanding blumenol function in this context‐dependent mutualism.
Astrocytic contributions to Huntington's disease pathophysiology
Authors: Khakh Baljit S. , Goldman Steven A.
Published: March 2023

Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal, monogenic, autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease caused by a polyglutamine‐encoding CAG expansion in the huntingtin (HTT) gene that results in mutant huntingtin proteins (mHTT) in cells throughout the body. Although large parts of the central nervous system (CNS) are affected, the striatum is especially vulnerable and undergoes marked atrophy. Astrocytes are abundant within the striatum and contain mHTT in HD, as well as in mouse models of the disease. We focus on striatal astrocytes and summarize how they participate in, and contribute to, molecular pathophysiology and disease‐related phenotypes in HD model mice. Where possible, reference is made to pertinent astrocyte alterations in human HD. Astrocytic dysfunctions related to cellular morphology, extracellular ion and neurotransmitter homeostasis, and metabolic support all accompany the development and progression of HD, in both transgenic mouse and human cellular and chimeric models of HD. These findings reveal the potential for the therapeutic targeting of astrocytes so as to restore synaptic as well as tissue homeostasis in HD. Elucidation of the mechanisms by which astrocytes contribute to HD pathogenesis may inform a broader understanding of the role of glial pathology in neurodegenerative disorders and, by so doing, enable new strategies of glial‐directed therapeutics.
Sources of online information utilized by caregivers of pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Rowe Georgina , Young Grace J. , Luu Minnelly
Published: March 2023

There is limited information on the use of websites and social media platforms among dermatology patients. This survey study of 210 children with atopic dermatitis and their caretakers who attended dermatology clinic from 6/1/2020 through 5/1/2021 revealed that 83.8% had used online sources for information related to their condition. There was wide variation in the sources used and the participants' perceived trustworthiness of these. This study highlights the importance of physicians actively engaging with the online sources used by patients with atopic dermatitis and their caregivers during counseling in clinic.
Institutional constraints on the executive, investment, and elections
Authors: Canes‐Wrone Brandice , Ponce de León Christian , Thieme Sebastian
Published: March 2023

In recent years, a variety of countries worldwide have experienced an increase in executive power. Long‐standing concerns about this concentration include reduced property rights protection. Particularly for developing democracies, scholars theorize that a lack of institutional constraints on the executive may impede long‐term investment. Analyzing this question empirically has proven difficult, however, because economic activity can affect political institutions and behavior. This article, which analyzes four decades of data from 57 developing democracies, addresses the identification challenges by leveraging elections as a source of exogenous turnover and by accounting for the potential endogeneity of executive institutions. Consistent with the argument that institutional constraints reassure investors, the results suggest that as constraints on the executive increase, investment is less affected by prospective electoral turnover. Moreover, the results are stronger for presidential and semi‐presidential systems with fixed elections, where the chief executive's term cannot be ended early by elections or the legislature, than for parliamentary systems.
The magnitude and time‐course of physiological responses to 9 weeks of incremental ramp testing
Authors: Zinner Christoph , Gerspitzer Annika , Düking Peter , Boone Jan , Schiffer Thorsten , Holmberg Hans‐Christer , Sperlich Billy
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The aims of this study were to assess (1) the day‐to‐day variability in, and (2) the magnitude and time‐course of adaptation of physiological parameters (i.e., maximal oxygen uptake [VO2max], heart rate [HR], blood lactate concentration, respiratory exchange ratio [RER], ratings of perceived exertion [RPE], and time‐to‐exhaustion [TTE]) in response to an intervention involving three incremental ramp tests per week for 9 weeks.

Methods

Twelve participants (25 ± 4 yrs, VO2max, 47.8 ± 5.2 mL∙min−1∙kg−1 (means ± SD)) completed the entire experimental procedure. The tests comprised a 5‐min constant workload to obtain submaximal parameters followed by an incremental protocol until exhaustion.

Results

The mean day‐to‐day variability for the maximal value of VO2 was 2.8%, 1.1% for HR, 18.1% for blood lactate concentration, 2.1% for RER, 1.1% for RPE, and 5.0% for TTE. The values for the corresponding submaximal variables were 3.8% for VO2, 2.1% for HR, 15.6% for blood lactate concentration, 2.6% for RER and 6.0% for RPE. VO2max (+4.7% ± 3.5%), TTE (+17.9% ± 8.6%), and submaximal HR (−3.2 ± 3.5%) improved significantly. Except for RPE (p < 0.01), there were no alterations in the coefficient of variation for any parameter. On the group level, the first changes greater than the day‐to‐day variability in VO2max, TTE, and submaximal HR were observed after 21, 12, and 9 training sessions, respectively.

Conclusion

Based on our findings, we recommend that training studies include assessment of the reliability of the measurements, for example, the CVs in the specific laboratory to be able to judge if the changes detected are actually physiological.
Toward an agency‐centered iterative approach to social movement repression
Authors: Nepstad Sharon Erickson
Published: March 2023

There is a significant amount of research that analyzes the consequences of repression on social movement mobilization. Yet most studies do not examine the strategic agency of protesters, who can avoid, minimize, or transform punitive sanctions. In this article, I call for an agency‐centered approach that highlights the iterative dynamics between protesters and agents of repression, emphasizing that the consequences of repression are largely shaped by activists' responses. Reviewing the literature on this topic, I summarize common methods of repression used by both the state and private citizens—such as information gathering, planting provocateurs, legal harassment, and direct violence. I also discuss movement counter‐methods for muting the impact of repression, which include tactical shifts, decentralized organizational structures, and obstructing surveillance technologies, among others. While researchers have documented typical methods of social control, we must also capture protesters' tool kit of strategic responses that enable movements to persist during periods of repression.
Clinical utility of67Gallium‐SPECT/CTfor determining osteotomy indication in patients with lower‐limb osteomyelitis
Authors: Kirinoki‐Ichikawa Sonoko , Takagi Gen , Fukushima Yoshimitsu , Tara Shuhei , Miyamoto Masaaki , Kumita Shinichiro
Published: March 2023

Standard non‐invasive methods for diagnosing and selecting the best treatment for osteomyelitis in patients with multiple chronic conditions remain to be established. We aimed to evaluate the ability of quantitative67Ga‐citrate single‐photon emission computed tomography (67Ga‐SPECT/CT) to determine the indication for either non‐surgical treatment or osteotomy in patients with lower‐limb osteomyelitis (LLOM) associated with diabetes mellitus and lower‐extremity ischemia, based on monitoring of inflammatory activity in bone tissue. This single‐centre prospective study conducted from January 2012 to July 2017 included 90 consecutive patients with suspected LLOM. Regions of interest were drawn on SPECT images during quantification of Ga accumulation. Subsequently, the inflammation‐to‐background ratio (IBR) was calculated by dividing the maximal accumulated lesion number by the mean number for the distal femur bone marrow of the unaffected side. Osteotomy was performed in 28 of 90 patients (31%). The osteotomy rate was higher for patients with IBR >8.4 (71.4%) than for those with IBR ≤8.4 (5.5%) (p < 0.001, sensitivity: 0.89, specificity: 0.84). In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, IBR >8.4 was an independent risk factor for osteotomy (hazard ratio [HR]: 19.0, 95% confident interval [CI]: 5.6–63.9,p < 0.001). Transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcPO2) was identified as an independent risk factor for lower‐limb amputation (HR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.92–0.99,p = 0.01). The current results indicate that quantitative67Ga‐SPECT/CT is useful for distinguishing patients with LLOM likely to require osteotomy.
Short‐term high‐fat diet feeding of mice suppresses catecholamine‐stimulated Ca2+ signalling in hepatocytes and intact liver
Authors: Brumer Robert P. , Corrêa‐Velloso Juliana C. , Thomas Samantha J. , Sandiford Oleta A. , Thomas Andrew P. , Bartlett Paula J.
Published: March 2023

Excess consumption of carbohydrates, fat and calories leads to non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and hepatic insulin resistance; these are major factors in the pathogenesis of type II diabetes. Hormones and catecholamines acting through G‐protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) linked to phospholipase C (PLC) and increases in cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]c) regulate many metabolic functions of the liver. In the intact liver, catabolic hormones such as glucagon, catecholamines and vasopressin integrate and synergize to regulate the frequency and extent to which [Ca2+]c waves propagate across hepatic lobules to control metabolism. Dysregulation of hepatic Ca2+ homeostasis has been implicated in the development of metabolic disease, but changes in hepatic GPCR‐dependent Ca2+ signalling have been largely unexplored in this context. We show that short‐term, 1‐week, high‐fat diet (HFD) feeding of mice attenuates noradrenaline‐stimulated Ca2+ signalling, reducing the number of cells responding and suppressing the frequency of [Ca2+]c oscillations in both isolated hepatocytes and intact liver. The 1‐week HFD feeding paradigm did not change basal Ca2+ homeostasis; endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ load, store‐operated Ca2+ entry and plasma membrane Ca2+ pump activity were unchanged compared to low‐fat diet (LFD)‐fed controls. However, noradrenaline‐induced inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate production was significantly reduced after HFD feeding, demonstrating an effect of HFD on receptor‐stimulated PLC activity. Thus, we have identified a lesion in the PLC signalling pathway induced by short‐term HFD feeding, which interferes with hormonal Ca2+ signalling in isolated hepatocytes and the intact liver. These early events may drive adaptive changes in signalling, which lead to pathological consequences in fatty liver disease.

image

Key points

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing epidemic.

In healthy liver, the counteracting effects of catabolic and anabolic hormones regulate metabolism and energy storage as fat. Hormones and catecholamines promote catabolic metabolism via increases in cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]c).

We show that 1 week high‐fat diet (HFD) feeding of mice attenuated the Ca2+ signals induced by physiological concentrations of noradrenaline. Specifically, HFD suppressed the normal pattern of periodic [Ca2+]c oscillations in isolated hepatocytes and disrupted the propagation of intralobular [Ca2+]c waves in the intact perfused liver.

Short‐term HFD inhibited noradrenaline‐induced inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate generation, but did not change basal endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ load or plasma membrane Ca2+ fluxes.

We propose that impaired Ca2+ signalling plays a key role in the earliest phases of the etiology of NAFLD, and is responsible for many of the ensuing metabolic and related dysfunctional outcomes at the cellular and whole tissue level.
Effect of Force Field on Deformation and Migration of Single Cell With Orientation Controlled by Micro-Striped Topography Patterns
Authors: Hashimoto Shigehiro , Kishimoto Kazuya
Published: March 2023

The effect of the force field parallel to the surface of the scaffold plate on cell activity (deformation, migration) has been studied in vitro. Cell orientation was aligned by microtopography patterns (striped ridgelines; height 0.7 μm, width 3 μm, spacing 3 μm) on the scaffold plane. Three compartments were designed with different angles (0 deg, 45 deg, and 90 deg) between the longitudinal direction of the ridge and the direction of the force field. Osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1; osteoblast precursor cell line derived from mouse calvaria) were used in the experiment. After applying a force field for 5 h, the position and contour of each cell were tracked on time-lapse microscopy images for 48 h. Experimental results show that force fields not parallel to the major axis of the cell activate subsequent actions (deformation, migration) of the cell. The effect is maintained for 48 h even if the cells move to different areas of the topography pattern.
Onto Quantifying Unsteady Propulsion Characteristics Using Momentum and Energy Control Volume Assessments
Authors: Loubimov George , Kinzel Michael
Published: March 2023

This effort presents a novel approach to interrogate efficiency for unsteady, undulating propulsion using variable momentum and energy conservation (VMEC) assessments. These integral approaches utilize large amounts of data from computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to address present difficulties associated with separating thrust from drag associated with propelling bodies as well as potentially resolve issues associated with defining a nonzero efficiency for a body in self-propulsion. Such a fundamental issue is addressed through strategic control volume assessments of the momentum and energy conservation equations. In this work, the Method of Manufactured Solutions (MMS) is used to verify the integral-based evaluation approach and better quantify output. The MMS results indicate the method is valid and that one can separate work associated with lift and drag from the energy budget. This separation procedure provides a means to separate propulsive and drag forces. The effort then studies previously validated CFD simulations of heaving and pitching foils to provide insight associated with separating axial forces into their thrust and drag components for highly complex systems. The effort then presents a new efficiency metric that can obtain nonzero efficiencies in self-propulsion. Overall, the results indicate that energy-based assessments provide insight that is a step forward toward isolating loss from propulsive mechanisms and developing proper metrics of efficiency.
Optimal profile design for acoustic black holes using Timoshenko beam theory
Authors: Sørensen Kasper S. , Cornean Horia D. , Sorokin Sergey
Published: March 2023

We revisit the problem of constructing one-dimensional acoustic black holes. Instead of considering the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory, we use Timoshenko's approach, which is known to be more realistic at higher frequencies. Our goal is to minimize the reflection coefficient under a constraint imposed on the normalized wavenumber variation. We use the calculus of variations to derive the corresponding Euler–Lagrange equation analytically and then use numerical methods to solve this equation to find the “optimal” height profile for different frequencies. We then compare these profiles to the corresponding ones previously found using the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory and see that in the lower range of the dimensionless frequency Ω (defined using the largest height of the plate), the optimal profiles almost coincide, as expected.
The Continued Olympic Agenda Shift: A Case Study of the Time on Camera for Men and Women During the 2022 Beijing Olympics on NBC
Authors: Arth Zachary W. , Angelini James R. , Gentile Patrick C. , Hard Andrew W.
Published: March 2023

This case study assessed the differences in time on camera dedicated to men and women athletes at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. An analysis of the entirety of the programming on the the American broadcast television company NBC, including the prime-time broadcasts, the daytime programming, and the additional nightly content, yielded nearly 185 hr of coded Olympic content. When excluding mixed-sex events, in the 61.5 hr of prime-time coverage, women received 60.05% of the time on camera. During the non-prime-time coverage, which spanned 123 hr, men received the majority of clock time, accounting for 51.6% of coverage. In addition, differences by sport were uncovered, with the major differences occurring in alpine skiing, which saw more women’s coverage regardless of broadcast. In contrast, women received more coverage in freestyle skiing and snowboarding during the prime-time broadcast, but men were more emphasized in these competitions during the non-prime-time content. Utilizing agenda setting as the theoretical framework for this case study, ramifications for these broadcast trends and differences are discussed.
Effects of Gluteus Medius and Biceps Femoris Stimulation on Reduction of Knee Abduction Moment During a Landing Task
Authors: Wang Dan , Wang Man , Chu Vikki Wing-Shan , Yung Patrick Shu-Hang , Fong Daniel T.P.
Published: March 2023

Anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention should focus primarily on reduction of the knee abduction moment (KAM) in landing tasks. Gluteus medius and hamstring forces are considered to decrease KAM during landing. The effects of different muscle stimulations on KAM reduction were compared using 2 electrode sizes (standard 38 cm2 and half size 19 cm2) during a landing task. Twelve young healthy female adults (22.3 [3.6] y, 1.62 [0.02] m, 50.2 [4.7] kg) were recruited. KAM was calculated under 3 conditions of muscle stimulation (gluteus medius, biceps femoris, and both gluteus medius, and biceps femoris) using 2 electrode sizes, respectively versus no stimulation during a landing task. A repeated-measures analysis of variance determined that KAM differed significantly among stimulation conditions and post hoc analysis revealed that KAM was significantly decreased in conditions of stimulating either the gluteus medius (P < .001) or the biceps femoris (P < .001) with the standard electrode size, and condition of stimulating both gluteus medius and biceps femoris with half-size electrode (P = .012) when compared with the control condition. Therefore, stimulation on the gluteus medius, the biceps femoris, or both muscles could be implemented for the examination of anterior cruciate ligament injury potential.
Prefrontal Cortex Activity in Siblings With and Without Developmental Coordination Disorder: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Plumb Mandy S. , Charity Megan , Milla Kimberly , Bodt Barry , Getchell Nancy
Published: March 2023

Background: Previous research suggests that children with or at risk of probable developmental coordination disorder (pDCD) activate different areas of the brain when performing certain motor skills compared with typically developing (TD) children. This study used functional near-infrared spectroscopy to compare prefrontal cortex (PFC) activity in TD and pDCD during the completion of manual (three-dimensional [3D]) and computerized versions (two-dimensional) of the Tower of Hanoi (ToH) puzzle. Method: A total of 12 children (TD and pDCD; one female/11 male, , SD ± 1.52 years) performed the two-dimensional and 3D conditions of the ToH disk tasks, with equivalent executive function but different motor requirements, with functional near-infrared spectroscopy to compare PFC activity. Results: Interestingly, brain oxygenation levels were more apparent in the 3D versus two-dimensional ToH. In the 3D, there were large differences between pairs of discordant sibling sets and this was located to the right medial PFC, with pDCD exhibiting less activation in this region. Conclusion: While only exploratory, we have identified potential differences in the right medial PFC region, which differs within sibling sets with different pDCD status. These results concur with previous studies and are an area that needs to be explored further with a larger cohort of TD and pDCD.
Evaluating the Feasibility, Acceptability, and Engagement of an mHealth Physical Activity Intervention for Adults With Spinal Cord Injury Who Walk: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lawrason Sarah V.C. , Martin Ginis Kathleen A.
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study was to test a partnered, self-determination theory–informed mobile health intervention called SCI Step Together, using an 8-week randomized controlled trial design. The aim of SCI Step Together is to increase the quantity and quality of physical activity (PA) among adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) who walk. The SCI Step Together program provides PA modules and PA self-monitoring tools and facilitates peer and health coach support. Process, resource, management, and scientific feasibility were assessed, and participants completed questionnaires at baseline, mid-, and postintervention to assess determinants and outcomes of PA. Interviews were conducted to evaluate acceptability. Results suggest that the program demonstrated good feasibility, acceptability, and engagement. The intervention group (n = 11) had greater fulfillment of basic psychological needs and knowledge (p = .05) than the control group (n = 9). There were no significant interaction effects for other outcomes. The SCI Step Together program is feasible and acceptable and efficacious for improving some psychosocial variables. Results may inform SCI mobile health programs.
The catheterized bladder environment promotes Efg1- and Als1-dependent
Candida albicans
infection
Authors: La Bella Alyssa Ann , Andersen Marissa Jeme , Gervais Nicholas C. , Molina Jonathan Jesus , Molesan Alex , Stuckey Peter V. , Wensing Lauren , Nobile Clarissa J. , Shapiro Rebecca S. , Santiago-Tirado Felipe Hiram , Flores-Mireles Ana Lidia
Published: March 2023

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) account for 40% of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). As 20 to 50% of hospitalized patients receive catheters, CAUTIs are one of the most common HAIs, resulting in increased morbidity, mortality, and health care costs.
Candida albicans
is the second most common CAUTI uropathogen, yet relative to its bacterial counterparts, little is known about how fungal CAUTIs are established. Here, we show that the catheterized bladder environment induces Efg1- and fibrinogen (Fg)–dependent biofilm formation that results in CAUTI. In addition, we identify the adhesin Als1 as the critical fungal factor for
C. albicans
Fg-urine biofilm formation. Furthermore, we show that in the catheterized bladder, a dynamic and open system, both filamentation and attachment are required, but each by themselves are not sufficient for infection. Our study unveils the mechanisms required for fungal CAUTI establishment, which may aid in the development of future therapies to prevent these infections.
Predicting the environmental fates of emerging contaminants: Synergistic effects in ozone reactions of nitrogen-containing alkenes
Authors: Wang Xinke , Wang Weihong , Wingen Lisa M. , Perraud Véronique , Ezell Michael J. , Gable Jessica , Poulos Thomas L. , Finlayson-Pitts Barbara J.
Published: March 2023

While nitro and amino alkenes are common in pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and munitions, their environmental fates are not well known. Ozone is a ubiquitous atmospheric oxidant for alkenes, but the synergistic effects of nitrogen-containing groups on the reactions have not been measured. The kinetics and products of ozonolysis of a series of model compounds with different combinations of these functional groups have been measured in the condensed phase using stopped-flow and mass spectrometry methods. Rate constants span about six orders of magnitude with activation energies ranging from 4.3 to 28.2 kJ mol
−1
. Vinyl nitro groups substantially decrease the reactivity, while amino groups have the opposite effect. The site of the initial ozone attack is highly structure dependent, consistent with local ionization energy calculations. The reaction of the neonicotinoid pesticide nitenpyram, which forms toxic
N
-nitroso compounds, was consistent with model compounds, confirming the utility of model compounds for assessing environmental fates of these emerging contaminants.
Diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care lung ultrasound for COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Matthies Ashley , Trauer Michael , Chopra Karl , Jarman Robert David
Published: March 2023

Background

Point-of-care (POC) lung ultrasound (LUS) is widely used in the emergency setting and there is an established evidence base across a range of respiratory diseases, including previous viral epidemics. The necessity for rapid testing combined with the limitations of other diagnostic tests has led to the proposal of various potential roles for LUS during the COVID-19 pandemic. This systematic review and meta-analysis focused specifically on the diagnostic accuracy of LUS in adult patients presenting with suspected COVID-19 infection.

Methods

Traditional and grey-literature searches were performed on 1 June 2021. Two authors independently carried out the searches, selected studies and completed the Quality Assessment Tool for Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2). Meta-analysis was carried out using established open-source packages inR. We report overall sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curve for LUS. Heterogeneity was determined using the I2statistic.

Results

Twenty studies were included, published between October 2020 and April 2021, providing data from a total of 4314 patients. The prevalence and admission rates were generally high across all studies. Overall, LUS was found to be 87.2% sensitive (95% CI 83.6 to 90.2) and 69.5% specific (95% CI 62.2 to 72.5) and demonstrated overall positive and negative likelihood ratios of 3.0 (95% CI 2.3 to 4.1) and 0.16 (95% CI 0.12 to 0.22), respectively. Separate analyses for each reference standard revealed similar sensitivities and specificities for LUS. Heterogeneity was found to be high across the studies. Overall, the quality of studies was low with a high risk of selection bias due to convenience sampling. There were also applicability concerns because all studies were undertaken during a period of high prevalence.

Conclusion

During a period of high prevalence, LUS had a sensitivity of 87% for the diagnosis of COVID-19 infection. However, more research is required to confirm these results in more generalisable populations, including those less likely to be admitted to hospital.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021250464
Emergency physician gender is associated with early pregnancy loss management: a multisite retrospective cohort study
Authors: Srajer Amelia , Wylie Megg , Zaver Fareen , Lonergan Kevin , Brain Philippa , Lang Eddy
Published: March 2023

Background

Patients experiencing early pregnancy loss often first present to the emergency department (ED) where they can be managed non-operatively through expectant or medical management, or surgically by the obstetrical team. Studies have reported that physician gender can influence clinical decision making, but there is limited research on this phenomenon in the ED. The objective of this study was to determine whether emergency physician gender is associated with early pregnancy loss management.

Methods

Data were retrospectively collected from patients who presented to Calgary EDs with a non-viable pregnancy from 2014 to 2019. Pregnancies>12 weeks gestational age were excluded. The emergency physicians included saw at least 15 cases of pregnancy loss over the study period. The primary outcome was obstetrical consult rates by male versus female emergency physicians. Secondary outcomes included rates of initial surgical evacuation via dilation and curettage (D&C) procedures, ED returns, returns to care for D&Cs and total D&C rates. Data were analysed using χ2, Fisher’s exact and Mann-Whitney U tests, as appropriate. Multivariable logistic regression models accounted for physician age, years of practice, training programme and type of pregnancy loss.

Results

98 emergency physicians and 2630 patients from 4 ED sites were included. 76.5% of the physicians were male accounting for 80.4% of pregnancy loss patients. Patients seen by female physicians were more likely to receive an obstetrical consultation (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.50, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.83) and initial surgical management (aOR 1.35, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.69). ED return rates and total D&C rates were not associated with physician gender.

Conclusion

Patients seen by female emergency physicians had higher rates of obstetrical consultation and initial operative management compared with those seen by male emergency physicians, but outcomes were similar. Additional research is required to determine why these gender differences exist and how these discrepancies may impact the care of early pregnancy loss patients.
Predictors of cognitive deterioration in subjective cognitive decline: evidence from longitudinal studies and implications for SCD-plus criteria
Authors: Li Han , Tan Chen-Chen , Tan Lan , Xu Wei
Published: March 2023

Background

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is an early manifestation of cognitive deterioration (CD) in some individuals. Therefore, it is worthwhile to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarise predictors of CD among individuals with SCD.

Method

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched until May 2022. Longitudinal studies that assessed factors associated with CD in SCD population were included. Multivariable-adjusted effect estimates were pooled using random-effects models. The credibility of evidence was assessed. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO.

Results

A total of 69 longitudinal studies were identified for systematic review, of which 37 were included for the meta-analysis. The mean conversion rate of SCD to any CD was 19.8%, including all-cause dementia (7.3%) and Alzheimer’s disease (4.9%). Sixteen factors (66.67%) were found as predictors, including 5 SCD features (older age at onset, stable SCD, both self- and informant-reported SCD, worry and SCD in the memory clinic), 4 biomarkers (cerebral amyloid β-protein deposition, lower scores of Hulstaert formula, higher total tau in the cerebrospinal fluid and hippocampus atrophy), 4 modifiable factors (lower education, depression, anxiety and current smoking), 2 unmodifiable factors (apolipoprotein E4 and older age) and worse performance on Trail Making Test B. The robustness of overall evidence was impaired by risk of bias and heterogeneity.

Conclusion

This study constructed a risk factor profile for SCD to CD conversion, supporting and supplementing the existing list of features for identifying SCD populations at high risk of objective cognitive decline or dementia. These findings could promote early identification and management of high-risk populations to delay dementia onset.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021281757.
Pharmacological safety of dimethoxy curcumin-human serum albumin conjugate for potential therapeutic purpose
Authors: Korah Mejo C , Harikrishnan V.S. , Deepa S. , Arya Anil , Sabareeswaran A. , Mohanan P.V. , Krishnan Lissy K
Published: March 2023

Medicinal properties of curcumin are widely published. Previously, researchers used curcuminoid mixture comprising three chemical forms, out of which, the highest quantity is the most active molecule—dimethoxy curcumin (DMC). Reduced bioavailability, poor aqueous solubility, and quick hydrolytic degradation of DMC have projected challenges limiting its therapeutic value. However, selective conjugation of DMC with human serum albumin (HSA) enhances drug stability and solubility by several folds. Studies using animal models demonstrated potential anti-cancer/anti-inflammatory effects of DMCHSA; both studies showed results of local administration in peritoneal cavity and rabbit knee joint. DMC has prospects as intravenous therapeutic agent because carrier is HSA. However, before in vivo testing, important preclinical data required are toxicological safety and bioavailability of soluble forms of DMC. This study evaluated absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of DMCHSA. Imaging technology and molecular analysis proved bio-distribution. The study also assessed the pharmacological safety of DMCHSA in mice in terms of its acute and sub-acute toxicity, complying with regulatory toxicology. Overall, the study demonstrated the safety pharmacology of DMCHSA upon intravenous infusion. This is a novel study establishing the safety of highly soluble and stable formulation of DMCHSA, qualifying it for intravenous administration and further efficacy evaluation in suitable disease models.
Traditional Chinese Patent Medicine in the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Changning , Zhang Lijuan , Li Ying , Li Mingxiang , Han Huan , Wang Kangfeng
Published: March 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Chinese patent medicine compared with western medicine in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease using the Network Meta-analysis. This study retrieved relevant studies from 7 databases, and the retrieval time was from the establishment of each database to June 2022. After the screening, data extraction, and quality assessment, 47 studies were finally analyzed, involving 11 Chinese patent medicines. The results demonstrated that Chinese patent medicine intervention was superior to oral western medicine treatment in improving the patient’s condition as assessed by the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE), Activities of Daily Living (ADL), effective rate, and Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive section (ADAS-Cog). Particularly, the effect of Chinese patent medicine combined with western medicine intervention was prominent. Meanwhile, Chinese patent medicine intervention in AD did not significantly increase the risk of adverse reactions. The results of the Network Meta-analysis demonstrated that Chinese patent medicine combined with western medicine had statistically significant differences in the MMSE score, ADL score, effective rate, and ADAS-Cog score, compared with both western medicine alone and Chinese patent medicine alone. In terms of adverse reactions, the difference between Chinese patent medicine intervention and simple oral western medicine was statistically significant. The results of further ranking probability analysis demonstrated that Chinese patent medicine combined with western medicine intervention ranked first in terms of MMSE, ADL, effective rate, and ADAS-Cog. Additionally, oral Chinese patent medicine intervention alone ranked first in reducing adverse reactions. In the funnel plots of the MMSE, ADL, and effective rate, most studies were symmetrically distributed on both sides of the midline, where small sample effects and publication bias might exist to some extent. However, this conclusion still needs to be combined with clinical syndrome differentiation and treatment, and more large-sample, multi-center, high-quality studies are needed for further verification.
Curcumol Reduces Aerobic Glycolysis and Overcomes Chemoresistance by Inducing Cdh1-Mediated Skp2 Ubiquitination
Authors: Gan Yu , Zhou Li , Wang Ruike , Zhang Yangnan , Li Xiaoying , Han Shuangze , Rong Pengfei , Wang Wei , Li Wei
Published: March 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. The main obstacle in treating advanced CRC is tumor recurrence and metastasis due to chemoresistance. S-phase kinase associated protein 2 (Skp2), an E3 ligase, is highly associated with tumor resistance and a poor prognosis. The results of immunoblotting, immunohistochemical staining, ubiquitination analysis, and co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) assay revealed that the plant curcuma, curcumol, is a novel Skp2 inhibitor for CRC treatment. Curcumol inhibits aerobic glycolysis in CRC by inducing Skp2 degradation. Co-immunoprecipitation results showed that curcumol enhanced the interaction between cadherin-1 (Cdh1) and Skp2 and led to the ubiquitination and degradation of Skp2. Curcumol exhibited significant antitumor effects against CRC, such as increased intrinsic apoptosis and decreased tumorigenic properties, both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, curcumol overcame 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) resistance in CRC and induced apoptosis in 5-Fu-resistant CRC cells. The present data revealed a novel antitumor mechanism of glycolytic regulation by curcumol, suggesting that curcumol may be a potential chemical candidate for treating 5-Fu-resistant CRC.
Masses of doubly heavy tetraquarks QQq̄n̄ with JP = 1+
Authors: Gao Di , Jia Duojie , Sun Yan-Jun
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we apply the method of QCD sum rules to study the doubly heavy tetraquark states [Formula: see text] with spin-parity [Formula: see text] and strangeness [Formula: see text] using careful estimates of the Borel and threshold parameters involved. Masses of the doubly bottom and charmed tetraquarks with isospin [Formula: see text] are computed precisely via taking into account multifarious condensates up to dimension 10. Compared with the two-heavy meson thresholds, we find that all nonstrange doubly-bottom tetraquarks and a doubly-charmed tetraquarks associated with [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] are stable against strong decay into two bottom mesons while a doubly-charmed tetraquark associated with current [Formula: see text] is unstable against strong decay. By the way, weak decay widths of the doubly bottom tetraquarks are also given.
Measurement-device-independent quantum protocol for Private Set Intersection/ Union Cardinality
Authors: Fang Xia-qin , Shi Run-hua
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we present a novel measurement-device-independent quantum protocol for Private Set Intersection/ Union Cardinality. This protocol takes weak coherent pulses in the BB84 polarization states as quantum resources, instead of ideal single photons, and only needs to perform Bell state identifications, instead of perfect Bell state measurements. With the current technology, our protocol has better feasibility and higher security than the related quantum protocol. Finally, we verify the correctness and feasibility of the proposed quantum protocol by circuit simulations in IBM Qiskit.
Fractional hyper-chaotic system with complex dynamics and high sensitivity: Applications in engineering
Authors: Partohaghighi Mohammad , Yusuf Abdullahi , Alshomrani Ali S. , Sulaiman Tukur Abdulkadir , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: March 2023

Hyper-chaotic systems have useful applications in engineering applications due to their complex dynamics and high sensitivity. This research is supposed to introduce and analyze a new noninteger hyper-chaotic system. To design its fractional model, we consider the Caputo fractional operator. To obtain the approximate solutions of the extracted system under the considered fractional-order derivative, we employ an accurate nonstandard finite difference (NSFD) algorithm. Moreover, the existence and uniqueness of the solutions are provided using the theory of fixed-point. Also, to see the performance of the utilized numerical scheme, we choose different values of fractional orders along with various amounts of the initial conditions (ICs). Graphs of solutions for each case are provided.
On the soliton solutions of some time conformable equations in fluid dynamics
Authors: Ozkan Ayten
Published: March 2023

In this work, a method called the [Formula: see text]-extension method which is effective and yields soliton solutions is utilized to scrutinize the nonlinear Burger-like equation with beta derivative and the nonlinear Boussinesq–Burger equation with beta derivative. The method is applied in a reliable and efficient style using a symbolic computing program called Maple. In addition, some graphs of the solutions are presented. When these equations are solved using the suggested method, several novel exact solutions have been achieved that differ from those found by utilizing them earlier. The findings of this work add to the body of literature by offering insightful definitions of different nonlinear systems. The outcomes showed that the proposed technique is a useful mathematical tool and the symbolic computation program makes them easier, more reliable and faster.
EXISTENCE RESULTS FOR MULTI-TERM FRACTIONAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS WITH NONLOCAL BOUNDARY CONDITIONS INVOLVING ATANGANA–BALEANU DERIVATIVE
Authors: ABBAS AHSAN , MEHMOOD NAYYAR , AKGÜL ALI , ABDELJAWAD THABET , ALQUDAH MANAR A.
Published: March 2023

In this paper, the existence results for the solutions of the multi-term ABC-fractional differential boundary value problem (BVP) [Formula: see text] of order [Formula: see text] with nonlocal boundary conditions have been derived by using Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorem. The uniqueness of the solution is obtained with the help of Banach contraction principle. Examples are provided to confirm our obtained results.
VulANalyzeR: Explainable Binary Vulnerability Detection with Multi-task Learning and Attentional Graph Convolution
Authors: Li Litao , Ding Steven H. H. , Tian Yuan , Fung Benjamin C. M. , Charland Philippe , Ou Weihan , Song Leo , Chen Congwei
Published: March 2023

Software vulnerabilities have been posing tremendous reliability threats to the general public as well as critical infrastructures, and there have been many studies aiming to detect and mitigate software defects at the binary level. Most of the standard practices leverage both static and dynamic analysis, which have several drawbacks like heavy manual workload and high complexity. Existing deep learning-based solutions not only suffer to capture the complex relationships among different variables from raw binary code but also lack the explainability required for humans to verify, evaluate, and patch the detected bugs.

We propose VulANalyzeR, a deep learning-based model, for automated binary vulnerability detection, Common Weakness Enumeration-type classification, and root cause analysis to enhance safety and security. VulANalyzeR features sequential and topological learning through recurrent units and graph convolution to simulate how a program is executed. The attention mechanism is integrated throughout the model, which shows how different instructions and the corresponding states contribute to the final classification. It also classifies the specific vulnerability type through multi-task learning as this not only provides further explanation but also allows faster patching for zero-day vulnerabilities. We show that VulANalyzeR achieves better performance for vulnerability detection over the state-of-the-art baselines. Additionally, a Common Vulnerability Exposure dataset is used to evaluate real complex vulnerabilities. We conduct case studies to show that VulANalyzeR is able to accurately identify the instructions and basic blocks that cause the vulnerability even without given any prior knowledge related to the locations during the training phase.