bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compound Qiying Granules alleviates diabetic peripheral neuropathy by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis
Authors: Hu Yan , Chen Chen , Liang Zhengting , Liu Tao , Hu Xiaoling , Wang Guanying , Hu Jinxia , Xie Xiaolin , Liu Zhiyan
Published: July 2023

Background

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a major complication of diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms of Compound Qiying Granules (CQYG) for DPN.

Methods

Rats and RSC96 cells of DPN models were established to evaluate the therapeutic effects of CQYG. Then the morphology and apoptotic changes of sciatic nerves were detected. Further, tandem mass tag based quantitative proteomics technology was used to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Protein expression of key signaling pathways was also detected.

Results

CQYG treatment significantly improved blood glucose and oxidative stress levels, and further reduced nerve fiber myelination lesions, denervation, and apoptosis in DPN rats. Further, 2176 DEPs were found in CQYG treated DPN rats. Enrichment analysis showed that protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and apoptosis were all inhibited after CQYG treatment. Next, CQYG treatment reduced inflammatory factor expression, mitochondrial damage, and apoptosis in RSC96 cells which induced by high glucose. Transmission electron microscopy results found that CQYG treatment improved the morphology of nerve myelin, mitochondria, and ER. CQYG treatment decreased ER stress and apoptosis pathway proteins that were highly expressed in DPN models. In addition, we also predicted the potential targets of CQYG in DEPs.

Conclusions

CQYG exerts neuroprotective effects in experimental diabetic neuropathy through anti-ER stress and anti-apoptosis.
The landscape of PBMC methylome in canine mammary tumors reveals the epigenetic regulation of immune marker genes and its potential application in predicting tumor malignancy
Authors: Nam A-Reum , Heo Min , Lee Kang-Hoon , Kim Ji-Yoon , Won Sung-Ho , Cho Je-Yoel
Published: July 2023

Background

Genome-wide dysregulation of CpG methylation accompanies tumor progression and characteristic states of cancer cells, prompting a rationale for biomarker development. Understanding how the archetypic epigenetic modification determines systemic contributions of immune cell types is the key to further clinical benefits.

Results

In this study, we characterized the differential DNA methylome landscapes of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 76 canines using methylated CpG-binding domain sequencing (MBD-seq). Through gene set enrichment analysis, we discovered that genes involved in the growth and differentiation of T- and B-cells are highly methylated in tumor PBMCs. We also revealed the increased methylation at single CpG resolution and reversed expression in representative marker genes regulating immune cell proliferation (BACH2, SH2D1A, TXK, UHRF1). Furthermore, we utilized the PBMC methylome to effectively differentiate between benign and malignant tumors and the presence of mammary gland tumors through a machine-learning approach.

Conclusions

This research contributes to a better knowledge of the comprehensive epigenetic regulation of circulating immune cells responding to tumors and suggests a new framework for identifying benign and malignant cancers using genome-wide methylome.
Gene expression profile of the developing endosperm in durum wheat provides insight into starch biosynthesis
Authors: Chen Jiawen , Watson-Lazowski Alexander , Kamble Nitin Uttam , Vickers Martin , Seung David
Published: July 2023

Background

Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum subsp. durum) is widely grown for pasta production, and more recently, is gaining additional interest due to its resilience to warm, dry climates and its use as an experimental model for wheat research. Like in bread wheat, the starch and protein accumulated in the endosperm during grain development are the primary contributors to the calorific value of durum grains.

Results

To enable further research into endosperm development and storage reserve synthesis, we generated a high-quality transcriptomics dataset from developing endosperms of variety Kronos, to complement the extensive mutant resources available for this variety. Endosperms were dissected from grains harvested at eight timepoints during grain development (6 to 30 days post anthesis (dpa)), then RNA sequencing was used to profile the transcriptome at each stage. The largest changes in gene expression profile were observed between the earlier timepoints, prior to 15 dpa. We detected a total of 29,925 genes that were significantly differentially expressed between at least two timepoints, and clustering analysis revealed nine distinct expression patterns. We demonstrate the potential of our dataset to provide new insights into key processes that occur during endosperm development, using starch metabolism as an example.

Conclusion

We provide a valuable resource for studying endosperm development in this increasingly important crop species.
Immediate and long-term changes in infectious diseases in China at the “First-level-response”, “Normalized-control” and “Dynamic-COVID-zero” stages from 2020 to 2022: a multistage interrupted-time-series-analysis
Authors: Shi Tianshan , Zhang Xiaoshu , Meng Lei , Li Donghua , Jin Na , Zhao Xin , Zheng Hongmiao , Wang Tingrong , Li Rui , Ren Xiaowei
Published: July 2023

Background

From January 2020 to December 2022, China implemented “First-level-response”, “Normalized-control” and “Dynamic-COVID-zero” to block the COVID-19 epidemic; however, the immediate and long-term impact of three strategies on other infectious diseases and the difference in their impact is currently unknown. We aim to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) on infectious diseases in China.

Methods

We collected data on the monthly case count of infectious diseases in China from January 2015 to July 2022. After considering long-term trends using the Cox-Stuart test, we performed the two ratio Z tests to preliminary analyze the impact of three strategies on infectious diseases. Next, we used a multistage interrupted-time-series analysis fitted by the Poisson regression to evaluate and compare the immediate and long-term impact of three strategies on infectious diseases in China.

Results

Compared to before COVID-19, the incidence of almost all infectious diseases decreased immediately at stages 1, 2, and 3; meanwhile, the slope in the incidence of many infectious diseases also decreased at the three stages. However, the slope in the incidence of all sexually transmitted diseases increased at stage 1, the slope in the incidence of all gastrointestinal infectious diseases increased at stage 2, and the slope in the incidence of some diseases such as pertussis, influenza, and brucellosis increased at stage 3. The immediate and long-term limiting effects of “Normalized-control” on respiratory-transmitted diseases were weaker than “First-level-response” and the long-term limiting effects of “Dynamic-COVID-zero” on pertussis, influenza, and hydatid disease were weaker than “Normalized-control”.

Conclusions

Three COVID-19 control strategies in China have immediate and long-term limiting effects on many infectious diseases, but there are differences in their limiting effects. Evidence from this study shows that pertussis, influenza, brucellosis, and hydatid disease began to recover at stage 3, and relaxation of NPIs may lead to the resurgence of respiratory-transmitted diseases and vector-borne diseases.
Causal association between body mass index and temporomandibular disorders: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Chen Xin , Cheng Zheng , Xu Junyu , Zhao Zhibai , Jiang Qianglin
Published: July 2023

Background

Observational studies have shown that body mass index (BMI) is highly correlated with the occurrence of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). However, these studies failed to present a causal relationship. Thus, we aimed to performed a Mendelian randomization (MR) study to investigate causality between BMI and TMDs.

Methods

We performed a two-sample bidirectional MR analysis using large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Data were obtained from a large-scale BMI dataset (N = 322,154), TMDs dataset (N = 134,280). The causal effects were estimated with inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, MR Egger, weighted median. Sensitivity analyses were implemented with Cochran’s Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO, leave-one-out analysis and the funnel plot.

Results

In the forward MR analysis, a genetic prediction of low BMI was causally associated with a higher risk of TMDs (IVW OR: 0.575, 95% CI: 0.415–0.798,p: 0.001). Similar results were obtained using other complementary methods (MR Egger OR: 0.270, 95% CI: 0.104–0.698,p: 0.009; weighted median OR: 0.496, 95% CI: 0.298–0.826,p: 0.007). In the reverse MR results, TMDs was shown to have no significant effect on BMI (allp > 0.05). No pleiotropy and heterogeneity were detected in the bidirectional analysis (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

A lower BMI might be causally associated with increased risk of TMDs, supporting the importance of weight control for the prevention of TMDs. Clinicians should pay more attention to the low-BMI patients among those seeking medical advice due to temporomandibular joint discomfort.
Male pseudohermaphroditism in a complex malformed calf born with an acardius amorphus cotwin—a case report
Authors: Kusaka Hiromi , Sugiyama Makoto , Kameshima Satoshi , Kakizaki Takehiko , Suzuki Yasunori , Ando Ryo , Miura Hiroshi , Kikuchi Motohiro , Kawaguchi Hiroaki , Sakaguchi Minoru
Published: July 2023

Background

Male pseudohermaphroditism is a developmental anomaly wherein animals are genetically and gonadally male, but their internal and/or external genitalia resemble those of females. In cattle, pseudohermaphroditism is often accompanied by multiple severe malformations. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of male pseudohermaphroditism in a complex malformed calf born with an acardius amorphous cotwin.

Case presentation

This report describes the case of a three-day-old, male anurous Japanese Black calf born with an acardius amorphous cotwin, complete absence of the tail, agenesis of the anus, separate scrota, and umbilical hernia. Transthoracic echocardiography and computed tomography revealed serious malformations in the skeletal system and the circulatory, digestive, urinary, and genital organs. Necropsy revealed rectal atresia, immature testes, epididymis, and penis, but no male accessory gonads. Histological analyses revealed vaginal- and uterine-like tissues adjacent to or fused to the rectum. Fluorescence in situ hybridization detected X and Y chromosomes, and some cells presented two X-probe signals in the same nucleus.

Conclusions

In contrast to the male genitalia, the female genitalia derived from the Müllerian ducts were difficult to detect by necropsy in the presented case. Many similar cases may be overlooked in clinical practice.
Exploring the role and mechanism of Fuzi decoction in the treatment of osteoporosis by integrating network pharmacology and experimental verification
Authors: Li Fudong , Guo Chuan , Zhang Shikai , Zheng Bing , Sun Kaiqiang , Shi Jiangang
Published: July 2023

Background

Fuzi decoction (FZD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, was used to treat musculoskeletal diseases by warming channels, strengthening yang and dispelling pathogenic cold and dampness. In clinical practice, FZD has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It alleviated osteoarticular disorders through ameliorating the degradation of cartilage and improving meniscal damage in osteoarthritis, while its roles and mechanisms in the treatment of bone loss diseases remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms of FZD in treating osteoporosis using an integrative method of network pharmacology and experimental study.

Methods

In this study, network pharmacology was used to predict the core targets and potential pathways of the bioactive ingredients of FZD to attenuate osteoporosis. Molecular docking was performed to evaluate the interactions between core compounds and key targets. In addition, both cell and animal experiments were carried out to validate the role and potential mechanism in treating osteoporosis.

Results

In the present study, data revealed that kaempferol, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, fumarine, and (+)-catechin may be the primary bioactive ingredients of FZD in the treatment of osteoporosis, which were closely associated with the osteoporosis-related targets. And the KEGG results indicated that the NF-κB pathway was closely associated with the function of FZD in treating osteoporosis. In addition, in vivo demonstrated that FZD ameliorated osteoporosis. In vitro experiments showed that the pro-apoptotic factors indicators including CASP3 and BAX were decreased by FZD and the anti-apoptotic factor BCL2 was increased by FZD. In addition, FZD significantly suppressed the osteoclast differentiation in culture and the expression levels of osteoclast-related genes including TRAF6, CTSK, and MMP9. And the NF-κB pathway was confirmed, via in vitro experiment, to be involved in osteoclast differentiation.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that FZD played a pivotal role in suppressing the osteoclast differentiation via regulating the NF-κB pathway, indicating that FZD could be a promising antiosteoporosis drug and deserve further investigation.
A comparative study on efficacy of modified endoscopic minimally invasive treatment and traditional open surgery for primary carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Zheng Daqiang , Wu Zhiming , Cheng Sichao , Li Lu , Chang Jianjun
Published: July 2023

Background and Objective

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common type of median nerve entrapment neuropathy. This study aims to comparatively assess the effectiveness and clinical efficacy of modified transforaminal endoscopic minimally invasive incision of transverse carpal ligament against traditional open incision of transverse carpal ligament in the treatment of CTS.

Method

The clinical data of 35 patients (57 wrists) with primary CTS treated in Shanxi Bethune Hospital, China, were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into observation group (21 cases, 33 wrists) and control group (14 cases, 24 wrists), respectively, who underwent modified endoscopic minimally invasive incision of transverse carpal ligament and traditional open incision of transverse carpal ligament release. The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) was assessed at for points: before the operation; 2 weeks; 1 month; and 3 months after operation. The BCTQ scores of the two groups were compared on all four points. The incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complication was used as the evaluation index. The study variables were comparatively assessed before and postoperation and also between the groups.

Results

The BCTQ scores at 2 weeks, 1 month and 3 months after the operation were significantly lower than preoperative BCTQ scores (P < 0.005) for both the groups. There was no significant difference in BCTQ scores between the two groups at the four assessment points (P > 0.005). The scar size and wound healing time were significantly better with modified transforaminal endoscopic minimally invasive transverse carpal ligament incision.

Conclusion

The clinical effects of both modified transforaminal minimally invasive incision of transverse carpal ligament and traditional open incision of transverse carpal ligament are significant, while the treatment efficacy of modified transforaminal minimally invasive transverse carpal ligament incision is better in terms of operation time, wound size, postoperative scar size and incision healing time.
Novel cancer treatment paradigm targeting hypoxia-induced factor in conjunction with current therapies to overcome resistance
Authors: Kao Ting-Wan , Bai Geng-Hao , Wang Tian-Li , Shih Ie-Ming , Chuang Chi-Mu , Lo Chun-Liang , Tsai Meng-Chen , Chiu Li-Yun , Lin Chu-Chien , Shen Yao-An
Published: July 2023

Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are established cancer treatment modalities that are widely used due to their demonstrated efficacy against tumors and favorable safety profiles or tolerability. Nevertheless, treatment resistance continues to be one of the most pressing unsolved conundrums in cancer treatment. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are a family of transcription factors that regulate cellular responses to hypoxia by activating genes involved in various adaptations, including erythropoiesis, glucose metabolism, angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Despite this critical function, overexpression of HIFs has been observed in numerous cancers, leading to resistance to therapy and disease progression. In recent years, much effort has been poured into developing innovative cancer treatments that target the HIF pathway. Combining HIF inhibitors with current cancer therapies to increase anti-tumor activity and diminish treatment resistance is one strategy for combating therapeutic resistance. This review focuses on how HIF inhibitors could be applied in conjunction with current cancer treatments, including those now being evaluated in clinical trials, to usher in a new era of cancer therapy.
Bifidobacterium adolescentis induces Decorin+ macrophages via TLR2 to suppress colorectal carcinogenesis
Authors: Lin Yifeng , Fan Lina , Qi Yadong , Xu Chaochao , Jia Dingjiacheng , Jiang Yao , Chen Shujie , Wang Liangjing
Published: July 2023

Background

The interplay between gut microbiota and tumor microenvironment (TME) in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC) is largely unknown. Here, we elucidated the functional role of B. adolescentis and its possible mechanism on the manipulation of Decorin+ macrophages in colorectal cancer.

Methods

The relative abundance of B. adolescentis in tumor or para-tumor tissue of CRC patients was analyzed. The role of B. adolescentis was explored in the CRC animal models. The single cell-RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was used to investigate the myeloid cells subsets in TME. The expression level of TLR2/YAP axis and its downstream Decorin in macrophages were tested by Western blot and qRT-PCR. Knockdown of Decorin in Raw264.7 was performed to investigate the effect of Decorin+ macrophages on subcutaneous tumor formation. Multi-immunofluorescence assay examined the number of Decorin+ macrophages on the CRC tissue.

Results

We found that the abundance of B. adolescentis was significantly reduced in tumor tissue of CRC patients. Supplementation with B. adolescentis suppressed AOM/DSS-induced tumorigenesis in mice. ScRNA-seq and animal experiment revealed that B. adolescentis increased Decorin+ macrophages. Mechanically, Decorin was activated by TLR2/YAP axis in macrophages. The abundance of B. adolescentis was correlated with the number of Decorin+ macrophages and the expression level of TLR2 in tumor tissue of CRC patients.

Conclusions

These results highlight that B. adolescentis induced Decorin+ macrophages and provide a novel therapeutic target for probiotic-based modulation of immune microenvironment in CRC.
Clinical research nurse predictions of trial failure, recruitment and retention: a case for their early inclusion in trial design
Authors: Shiely Frances , Murphy Danielle , Millar Seán R.
Published: July 2023

Background

Clinical research nurses are a key part of the clinical trial team but typically get involved later in the trial, usually during recruitment. The purpose of our study was to establish if CRNs who read the trial protocol can predict the performance of the trial.

Methods

We randomly selected 18 trial protocols with three statuses, terminated, withdrawn, and completed, from ClinicalTrials.gov, between 2014 and 2018 inclusive. We gave the protocols to five CRNs, asked them to make a judgement and provide a reason for that judgement (via a 12-item questionnaire) on the status of the trial (terminated, withdrawn or completed), if the trial met its recruitment target, if it recruited on time, and if it retained its participants. We also asked if it was likely a CRN was involved in the design of the trial. The CRNs were blinded to the study outcomes, did not receive any training on how to read a protocol and were prohibited from using/abstained from using the internet while completing the task.

Results

Twenty-three questionnaires on 23 trial protocols (18 different trials) were completed by 5 CRNs. The CRNs correctly predicted the trial status 48%, 95% CI: 29–67% (11/23) of the time; successful/unsuccessful recruitment 74%, 95% CI: 54–87% (17/23) of the time; on-time recruitment 70%, 95% CI: 49–84% (16/23) of the time; and participant retention 52%, 95% CI: 33–71% (12/23). CRNs identified 100% (sensitivity) of sites that hit their target and 63%, 95% CI: 36–84% (specificity) of sites that missed their target.

Conclusions

CRNs are very good judges of trial recruitment and site performance issues and are a vital part of the clinical trial team. Taken with the ESP (Estimating Site Performance) study, we have made a strong case for broadening the trial team at the trial design stage. Early engagement of a broad skillset can potentially offset problems of recruitment, retention and trial failure.
Metabolic engineering of Corynebacterium glutamicum for fatty alcohol production from glucose and wheat straw hydrolysate
Authors: Werner Felix , Schwardmann Lynn S. , Siebert Daniel , Rückert-Reed Christian , Kalinowski Jörn , Wirth Marie-Theres , Hofer Katharina , Takors Ralf , Wendisch Volker F. , Blombach Bastian
Published: July 2023

Background

Fatty acid-derived products such as fatty alcohols (FAL) find growing application in cosmetic products, lubricants, or biofuels. So far, FAL are primarily produced petrochemically or through chemical conversion of bio-based feedstock. Besides the well-known negative environmental impact of using fossil resources, utilization of bio-based first-generation feedstock such as palm oil is known to contribute to the loss of habitat and biodiversity. Thus, the microbial production of industrially relevant chemicals such as FAL from second-generation feedstock is desirable.

Results

To engineer Corynebacterium glutamicum for FAL production, we deregulated fatty acid biosynthesis by deleting the transcriptional regulator gene fasR, overexpressing a fatty acyl-CoA reductase (FAR) gene of Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus VT8 and attenuating the native thioesterase expression by exchange of the ATG to a weaker TTG start codon. C. glutamicum ∆fasR cg2692TTG (pEKEx2-maqu2220) produced in shaking flasks 0.54 ± 0.02 gFAL L−1 from 20 g glucose L−1 with a product yield of 0.054 ± 0.001 Cmol Cmol−1. To enable xylose utilization, we integrated xylA encoding the xylose isomerase from Xanthomonas campestris and xylB encoding the native xylulose kinase into the locus of actA. This approach enabled growth on xylose. However, adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) was required to improve the growth rate threefold to 0.11 ± 0.00 h−1. The genome of the evolved strain C. glutamicum gX was re-sequenced, and the evolved genetic module was introduced into C. glutamicum ∆fasR cg2692TTG (pEKEx2-maqu2220) which allowed efficient growth and FAL production on wheat straw hydrolysate. FAL biosynthesis was further optimized by overexpression of the pntAB genes encoding the membrane-bound transhydrogenase of E. coli. The best-performing strain C. glutamicum ∆fasR cg2692TTG CgLP12::(Ptac-pntAB-TrrnB) gX (pEKEx2-maqu2220) produced 2.45 ± 0.09 gFAL L−1 with a product yield of 0.054 ± 0.005 Cmol Cmol−1 and a volumetric productivity of 0.109 ± 0.005 gFAL L−1 h−1 in a pulsed fed-batch cultivation using wheat straw hydrolysate.

Conclusion

The combination of targeted metabolic engineering and ALE enabled efficient FAL production in C. glutamicum from wheat straw hydrolysate for the first time. Therefore, this study provides useful metabolic engineering principles to tailor this bacterium for other products from this second-generation feedstock.
Single-cell RNA-seq reveals alterations in peripheral CX3CR1 and nonclassical monocytes in familial tauopathy
Authors: Sirkis Daniel W. , Warly Solsberg Caroline , Johnson Taylor P. , Bonham Luke W. , Sturm Virginia E. , Lee Suzee E. , Rankin Katherine P. , Rosen Howard J. , Boxer Adam L. , Seeley William W. , Miller Bruce L. , Geier Ethan G. , Yokoyama Jennifer S.
Published: July 2023

Background

Emerging evidence from mouse models is beginning to elucidate the brain’s immune response to tau pathology, but little is known about the nature of this response in humans. In addition, it remains unclear to what extent tau pathology and the local inflammatory response within the brain influence the broader immune system.

Methods

To address these questions, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from carriers of pathogenic variants in MAPT, the gene encoding tau (n = 8), and healthy non-carrier controls (n = 8). Primary findings from our scRNA-seq analyses were confirmed and extended via flow cytometry, droplet digital (dd)PCR, and secondary analyses of publicly available transcriptomics datasets.

Results

Analysis of ~ 181,000 individual PBMC transcriptomes demonstrated striking differential expression in monocytes and natural killer (NK) cells in MAPT pathogenic variant carriers. In particular, we observed a marked reduction in the expression of CX3CR1—the gene encoding the fractalkine receptor that is known to modulate tau pathology in mouse models—in monocytes and NK cells. We also observed a significant reduction in the abundance of nonclassical monocytes and dysregulated expression of nonclassical monocyte marker genes, including FCGR3A. Finally, we identified reductions in TMEM176A and TMEM176B, genes thought to be involved in the inflammatory response in human microglia but with unclear function in peripheral monocytes. We confirmed the reduction in nonclassical monocytes by flow cytometry and the differential expression of select biologically relevant genes dysregulated in our scRNA-seq data using ddPCR.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that human peripheral immune cell expression and abundance are modulated by tau-associated pathophysiologic changes. CX3CR1 and nonclassical monocytes in particular will be a focus of future work exploring the role of these peripheral signals in additional tau-associated neurodegenerative diseases.
Triassic palynology of the Swiss Belchentunnel: a restudy of the Scheuring samples
Authors: Schneebeli-Hermann Elke , Kustatscher Evelyn
Published: July 2023

Well-preserved Carnian (Late Triassic) palynomorphs are rare in Switzerland, despite sediments include one of the important plant fossil localities, Neue Welt near Basel. Modern detailed palynological studies on Triassic palynomorphs in general and especially in the Carnian are scarce, most palynological studies were carried out more than 50 years ago. Nevertheless (Late) Triassic sediments still yield surprises for palynological research. Here, we present the results of the re-study of the famous Belchentunnel samples that were studied and published by Bernhard Scheuring in 1970. The less cheerful result concerns the preservation of slides: more than 60% of the slides are degraded. On the other hand, the restudy of the well-preserved slides showed an unexpected number of algae, acritarchs, and spore taxa not described so far. Especially the spores facilitate the correlation with the well-known biostratigraphic schemes established for the Germanic Basin. The distribution of Porcellispora longdonensis throughout the Belchentunnel succession is especially striking. The acme just below the Schilfsandstein might suggest the presence of ephemeral ponds.
Reduction of non-tidal oceanographic fluctuations in ocean-bottom pressure records of DONET using principal component analysis to enhance transient tectonic detectability
Authors: Otsuka Hideto , Ohta Yusaku , Hino Ryota , Kubota Tatsuya , Inazu Daisuke , Inoue Tomohiro , Takahashi Narumi
Published: July 2023

Ocean bottom pressure-gauge (OBP) records play an essential role in seafloor geodesy. Oceanographic fluctuations in OBP data, however, pose as a significant noise source in seafloor transient crustal deformation observations, including slow slip events (SSEs), making it crucial to evaluate them quantitatively. To extract the significant fluctuation phenomena common to multiple observation networks, including oceanographic fluctuations and tectonic signals, we applied principal component analysis (PCA) to the 3-year Dense Oceanfloor Network System for Earthquakes and Tsunamis (DONET) OBP time series for 40 stations during 2016–2019. PCA could separate several oceanographic signals based on the characteristics of their spatial distributions, although evident transient tectonic signals could not be confirmed from the observed pressure records during this observed period. The spatial distribution of the first four principal components (PCs) reflected the common component, inclined component along sea depth, longitude component, and parabola-like pattern, respectively. By subtracting each PC (in particular, PC-2 and PC-4) from the time series, we could significantly reduce the sea depth dependence of OBP records, which has been highlighted in several previous studies and is also evident in this region. We interpreted PCs 2–4 as the reflection of the strength and meandering of ocean geostrophic currents based on a comparison with the PC spatial distribution of the numerical oceanographic models. In addition, to evaluate the ability of PCA to separate transient tectonic signal from OBP time series, including oceanographic fluctuations, we conducted a synthetic ramp assuming an SSE by rectangular fault and then applied PCA. The assumed synthetic tectonic signal could be separated from the oceanographic signals and included in the principal component independently depending on its amplitude, suggesting that the spatial distribution of each PC would change if the amplitude of the synthetic signal were sufficiently large. We propose a transient event-detection method based on the spatial distribution difference of a specific PC with or without a tectonic signal. We used the normalized inner product (NIP) between these PCs as the indicator of their similarities. This method can detect transient tectonic signals more significantly than the moment-magnitude scale of 5.9 from OBP records.

Graphical Abstract
Si- versus Mg-metasomatism at the crust–mantle interface: insights from experiments, natural observations and geochemical modeling
Authors: Okamoto Atsushi , Oyanagi Ryosuke
Published: July 2023

The slab–mantle interface in subduction zones is one of the geological boundaries with the most significant chemical potential gradients, which leads to fluid-mediated metasomatic reactions and chemical transport. As subducting sediment and basaltic crust often contain silica in various forms, the Si-metasomatism of mantle rocks is thought to occur along the subduction zone interface. However, growing evidence from the geochemistry of altered rocks and thermodynamic modelling has revealed the presence of multi-component fluids at the slab interface. Here, we review the laboratory experiments, geochemical models, and natural observations that improve our understanding of mass transport and metasomatic reactions at the crust–mantle interface, focusing on the relative mobility of Mg and Si. Hydrothermal experiments using analogues for the boundary between mantle (olivine) and crust (quartz or plagioclase) under vapor-saturated pressures indicate that Si is preferentially transported from crust to mantle, whereas Mg is immobile. This result is consistent with the distribution of talc rocks in oceanic lithosphere. On the other hand, at the contact between ultramafic (e.g., serpentinite) and crustal (pelitic schist or basaltic rocks) rocks in high-pressure metamorphic terranes, a large volume of chlorite rocks form in the crustal rocks, and the volume of chlorite often exceeds talc in serpentinites. Geochemical modeling reveals that in the shallow part of a subduction zone, the dissolved Si content of fluids in equilibrium with pelitic schist (CSi,crust) is significantly higher than the dissolved Mg content of fluids in equilibrium with mantle peridotite (CMg,mantle); however,CMg,mantlebecomes dominant at depth, resulting in the Mg-metasomatism of crustal rocks to form chlorite rocks. This Mg-metasomatism is more widespread in warmer subduction zones (e.g., the Nankai and Cascadia subduction zones) than in colder subduction zones (e.g., in Northeast Japan). In addition, the infiltration of CO2-bearing fluid can form talc (along with carbonates) in ultramafic rocks without Si-metasomatism. Variations in the relative mobility of Si and Mg at the subduction zone interface produce variations in the overall solid volume change of mantle (expansion or contraction), the types of sheet silicates (talc versus chlorite), and the fluid budget (dehydration or hydration) during metasomatic reactions, which affects the pore fluid pressure, frictional strength of the subduction megathrust, and the location of seismicity around the mantle wedge corner.
Midterm follow-up of healthy young adults with moderate to severe COVID-19: pulmonary and extrapulmonary disease sequelae
Authors: Shafiabadi Hassani Neda , MozafaryBazargany Mohammadhossein , Zohrian Fatemeh , Dashtiani Esmail , Alan Mahnaz Seifi , Rahimi Fariba , Kamipoor Zeinab , Niksima Mohammad Mahdi , Zakani Akram , Dehghan Manshadi Seyede Hanieh , Karim Hosein , Khodaparast Zeinab , Dorri Mahya , Safari Anis , Kerayechian MohammadRasoul , Bamrafie Arya , Rastad Hadith
Published: July 2023

Background

Follow-up studies on coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) were mainly focused on short-term sequelae in patients with comorbid diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the pulmonary and extrapulmonary sequelae of moderate to severe COVID-19 in the midterm follow-up of healthy young adults.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, we used the hospital information system (HIS) to identify patients who had recovered from moderate to severe COVID-19 without comorbidity. All eligible patients were invited to participate in the study. Participants were asked to fill out a set of questionnaires to evaluate fatigue, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They also underwent chest computed tomography (CT) scan, pulmonary function test (PFT), and tissue doppler imaging (TDI) echocardiography. A blood sample and a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) were obtained.

Results

A total of 50 recovered patients and 12 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Fifteen out of 50 patients received intensive care. Patients had significantly higher fatigue and anxiety scores than controls. PTSD criteria were met in 29 out of 50 patients. Ground glass opacities, nodules, and subpleural lines were the most frequent abnormalities in chest CT scans of patients. Patients had significantly lower left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) than controls (P value 0.019 and < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

According to our findings, COVID-19 survivors might experience anxiety, fatigue, PTSD, pulmonary impairment, leading to reduced cardiac function up to 6 months after discharge.
Efficacy and Safety of Clazosentan After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: An Updated Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pontes Julia Pereira Muniz , Santos Mônica D'Alma Costa , Gibram Franceliny Couto , Rodrigues Natasha Maranhão Vieira , Cavalcante-Neto Joaquim Francisco , Barros Alexandre Drayton Maia , Solla Davi J. Fontoura
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Clazosentan has been studied to treat cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials updates the current knowledge regarding the efficacy and safety of clazosentan compared with placebo after aSAH.

METHODS:

Databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials directly comparing the use of clazosentan and placebo for the treatment of cerebral vasospasm after aSAH. Additional eligibility criteria were the report of any of the outcomes of interest (vasospasm, morbidity, functional outcome, or mortality). The primary outcome was vasospasm-related delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). The analyses were stratified by clazosentan dosage (low or high dose) and aneurysm treatment modality (clipping or coiling). The Cochrane RoB-2 tool was used for studies quality assessment.

RESULTS:

Six studies comprising 7 clinical trials were included, involving 2778 patients. Clazosentan decreased the risk of vasospasm-related DCI (risk ratio [RR] 0.56, 95% CI 0.38-0.81) and delayed ischemic neurological deficit (RR 0.63, 95% 0.50-0.80). Angiographic vasospasm (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.47-0.61) was also decreased. Functional outcomes (favorable Glasgow Outcome Scale, RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.79-1.24) and death (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.71-1.49) did not change. Meanwhile, adverse events were increased by clazosentan (RR 1.54, 95% CI 1.35-1.76).

CONCLUSION:

Clazosentan decreased vasospasm-related DCI and angiographic vasospasm but did not improve functional outcomes or mortality. Adverse events were increased by clazosentan.
An Inhibition Effect on an Intracrystalline Reaction by a Crystal Lattice: Analyses of the Chemiluminescence Reaction of 9,10-Diphenylanthracene Endoperoxide Initiated by Heating a Crystal Sample
Authors: Yamasaki Norihisa , Matsuhashi Chihiro , Oyama Hironaga , Uekusa Hidehiro , Morikawa Junko , Ryu Meguya , Tsujii Tetsuya , Nakayama Naofumi , Obata Shigeaki , Goto Hitoshi , Maki Shojiro , Hirano Takashi
Published: July 2023

Heating crystal samples of 9,10-diphenylanthracene endoperoxide (1) and its deuterated derivative (1-d10) to 200 °C led to singlet-oxygen chemiluminescence (CL) from the mixtures of the crystalline and molten states. To understand the events in the heated samples, the reactions of 1 and 1-d10 in crystals were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction measurements and thermal analyses. The used crystals of 1 and 1-d10 obtained from a mixture of ethyl acetate (EA) and n-hexane contained EA. Other crystals of 1 obtained by slow recrystallization with the same solvents had a solvent-free structure (form II) different from the reported one (form I). The results confirmed that the EA-containing crystals of 1 and 1-d10 were transformed to form II in two steps at 40–50 and 60–75 °C under heating at elevated temperature. Thus, the crystal samples had the form-II structure soon after heating to 200 °C. The behavior of the heated samples indicates that the crystal lattice inhibits the thermal reactivity of 1. Thus, the temperature for initiating the thermolytic reaction of 1 becomes higher than the melting point. An exploration of the potential energy surface (PES) obtained by density functional theory (DFT) calculations also supports that the deoxygenation of 1 is prevented by retaining the anthracene framework in the crystalline state. This study indicates that the method to use a CL-active compound is a powerful tool to analyze the reaction behavior in the crystalline state.
A Exposição de Adolescentes ao Facebook: Uma Revisão Sistemática
Authors: Souza Valentina Bezerra de , Chagas Jennyfer Amanda Alves da Silva , Carvalho Junior Stelio Novais de
Published: July 2023

Com a adesão crescente às redes sociais virtuais, a comunicação presencial tem cedido lugar para a comunicação virtual e seu principal local é o Facebook, a rede social mais popular do mundo. O objetivo deste artigo foi analisar a exposição de adolescentes ao Facebooke as implicações dessa exposição para a formação do Self. Foi realizada uma busca nas bases de dados Scientific Eletronic Library Online (SciELO), Periódicos Eletrônicos em Psicologia (PePSIC), Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde Psicologia Brasil (BVS Psi), seguida por duas análises: a primeira, sobre os dados bibliométricos dos 13 artigos selecionados e a segunda, referente a análise feita pelo software iramuteq do corpus textual composto pelos resultados encontrados nos artigos desta revisão. Os resultados foram apresentados em 3 dimensões: 1) formação do Self entre usuários adolescentes no Facebook; 2) exposição ao Facebook e 3) adolescentes no campo do ciberespaço. A conclusão sugere que as possíveis implicações da exposição do adolescente aoFacebook são processos circulados por variáveis de impacto no Self, a partir de elementos como: economia do investimento interpessoal, tempo prolongado no ciberespaço, novas possibilidades de interação e excesso de informações.
Dinâmica Relacional das Redes Sociais Significativas de Mães de Filhos com Transtorno do Espectro Autista
Authors: Colomé Carolina Schmitt , Dantas Cândida Prates , Zappe Jana Gonçalves
Published: July 2023

O diagnóstico de um filho com Transtorno do Espectro Autista se configura como evento estressor para a família, especialmente para as mães, podendo trazer implicações relacionais, sociais e emocionais para estas. Este estudo buscou compreender as repercussões do diagnóstico de TEA na dinâmica relacional das redes sociais significativas maternas. Trata-se de estudo qualitativo, descritivo e exploratório, do qual participaram 12 mães de filhos com TEA. Os dados foram coletados através de entrevistas reflexivas e do mapa de redes sociais significativas, analisados por meio da Teoria Fundamentada nos Dados. Identificou-se uma diminuição do número de vínculos nas redes sociais significativas das participantes após o diagnóstico do filho. Nas relações familiares, houve aumento de vínculos, embora as mães não se sentissem suficientemente apoiadas; nas relações extrafamiliares, houve diminuição de membros, mas observou-se a presença de apoio satisfatório entre alguns vínculos situados nesse contexto. Conclui-se que, para que a rede possa ser efetiva no oferecimento de apoio social, é preciso conjugar a disponibilidade materna para receber apoio e o preparo dos membros das redes sociais para manejar as especificidades do TEA. Assim, sugere-se maior investimento na instrumentalização das redes sociais significativas para acolhimento do processo vivenciado por mães de filhos com TEA.
Terapia Centrada na Pessoa e Processo de Reorganização da Autoimagem e Autoestima: Pesquisa-Ação
Authors: Lima Maria Clara Silva , Branco Paulo Coelho Castelo
Published: July 2023

Este artigo objetivou compreender o processo terapêutico proporcionado por uma prática interventiva de curta-duração centrada em pessoas com problemas de autoimagem corporal e autoestima. Seguindo um delineamento metodológico qualitativo, a pesquisa e as intervenções terapêuticas aconteceram sob a influência do desenho de pesquisa-ação. Trabalhou-se com as seguintes etapas: planejamento do processo terapêutico à luz das condições necessárias e suficientes para mudança de personalidade e as fases do processo terapêutico; desenvolvimento da prática de ajuda; monitoramento da ação a partir da supervisão, revisão dos atendimentos e entrevistas semiestruturadas com os participantes; análise fenomenológica empírica dos impactos afetivos da terapia a partir da perspectiva dos clientes atendidos; entendimento disso a partir do referencial rogeriano. Foram elaborados e discutidos os seguintes eixos temáticos relacionados ao processo terapêutico: fatores que levaram à busca por ajuda psicológica e constituíram a atmosfera terapêutica; significação negativa da experiência corporal; significação real da experiência de autoestima em relação ao corpo; mudanças de atitudes em relação à percepção de si e ao autocuidado. Concluiu-se que a terapia centrada na pessoa produziu impactos afetivos significativos que ajudaram esses clientes a lidar com suas experiências de imagem corporal e autoestima.
Time for a rethink in cardiogenic shock: the shock to survival framework document
Authors: Buckel Marie , Proudfoot Alastair G
Published: July 2023

Cardiogenic shock remains a time-critical, complex syndrome that continues to present challenges to clinicians and healthcare systems. Despite advances in the fields of cardiovascular and critical care medicine, mortality remains high. This article summarises the recent shock to survival document, which outlined the current and ideal future state of cardiogenic shock care nationally to improve patient outcomes. Shock to survival emphasises the need for education and training in the early recognition of the hypoperfusion that is pathognomomic of cardiogenic shock. Improved provision of focused cardiac ultrasound is essential to confirm a cardiac cause. Early identification of the patient with cardiogenic shock should be supported by access to defined pathways of care, including specialist shock centres and multiprofessional teams with domain expertise and the capability to manage the myriad of causative aetiologies. Given the absence of high-quality data to inform practice nationally, robust datasets are an unmet need to inform best practice, guide design of clinical services and pathways and drive innovation through research and clinical trials.
Primary Retrograde Tibiotalocalcaneal Nailing in an Elderly Osteoporotic Patient With Ankle Fracture: A Case Report
Authors: Schmitz Nolan P , Gaines Daniel R , Patel Jignesh N
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Ankle fractures are a common orthopedic injury traditionally treated with open reduction and internal fixation or conservative management. One complication introduced with open reduction and internal fixation is the requirement for non or partial weight bearing in the post-operative period. This requirement poses a unique challenge for patients who may not comply with these weight-bearing restrictions. This case is the first known article that specifically illustrates the validity and effectiveness of retrograde tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) nailing for patients who are unlikely to follow weight-bearing restrictions. Case Report: An 83-year-old Caucasian female with idiopathic mild mental retardation and Alzheimer’s presented with a minimally displaced trimalleolar ankle fracture and was treated at a single urban hospital with a retrograde TTC nail secondary to her inability to adhere to weight-bearing restrictions post-operatively. Pertinent demographic, clinical, radiographic, and surgical data were collected. The patient had minimal post-operative pain, was able to bear weight on the day of surgery, and had no post-operative complications. Conclusion: This case report demonstrates that the use of a TTC nail is a safe and effective mode of fixation for ankle fractures in patient populations who may not adhere to weight-bearing restrictions post-operatively. The main benefits of fixation with a TTC nail are the ability to weight bear as tolerated post-operatively and decreased wound complications while having similar functional outcomes to open reduction and internal fixation. We suggest the use of TTC nails for ankle fractures in select patients who may not adhere to weight-bearing restrictions post-operatively. Keywords: Tibiotalocalcaneal nail, ankle fractures, ankle fracture weight-bearing precautions, ankle fracture weight-bearing non-adherence.
Terahertz switchable broadband linear-to-linear/ circular polarization converter based on vanadium dioxide
Authors: Feng Zhenjie , Ni Bo , Ni Haibin , Zhou Xiaoyan , Yang Lingsheng , Chang Jianhua
Published: July 2023

In this paper, a terahertz (THz) polarization device that achieves four polarization conversion modes with high relative bandwidth and high performance by varying the phase transition properties of vanadium dioxide (VO2) is investigated. In particular, when the device behaves as an orthogonal linear polarization converter, it has a polarization conversion ratio greater than 0.9, an operating bandwidth of 2.14 THz, and a relative bandwidth of 99.5%. In addition, the relationship between different polarization conversion modes of this polarization converter can be analyzed by the Jones matrix. The proposed VO2-based switchable THz polarization converter has important potential for applications in fields such as THz communication encryption and bio-detection.