bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic Policy Uncertainty and Enterprise ESG Performance: Evidence from Listed Companies in China
Authors: WU Yifan , QIU ZIANG
Published: November 2023

The existing researches believe that economic policy uncertainty can affect the business performance of enterprises. This paper takes economic policy uncertainty as the core explanatory variable and explores its influence on enterprise ESG performance. It is found that economic policy uncertainty can significantly promote the ESG performance of enterprises. The results of mechanism test show that economic policy uncertainty affects the ESG performance of enterprises by affecting the level of financing constraints, and the results of benchmark regression and mechanism test are significant in each single dimension of ESG. In addition, the management shareholding ratio plays a positive moderating role between the two variables, but the moderating effect is only significant in the dimension of environmental protection, but not in the dimension of social responsibility and corporate governance. This paper expands the role of macro factors to micro level, which provides a new perspective for studying the micro impact of economic policy uncertainty.
Comparative transcriptomics in serial organs uncovers early and pan-organ developmental changes associated with organ-specific evolutionary novelty
Authors: Pantalacci Sophie , Sémon Marie , Mouginot Marion , Peltier Manon , Veber Philippe , Guéguen Laurent
Published: November 2023

We know that morphogenesis evolves along with final morphologies, but have little integrated understanding of morphogenesis evolution, except for old principles such as recapitulation and heterochronies. To revisit such principles, we monitored the developmental dynamics of mouse and hamster molars by combining transcriptome timeseries and morphological quantifications. The mouse upper molar evolved a new dental plan with two more cusps. They form last in mouse upper molar, recapitulating their appearance in the fossil record, but divergence in transcriptome dynamics is already visible in early stages. Three corresponding early developmental changes, including heterochronies and changes in cell proportions, combine and result in a new developmental trajectory culminating with the late addition of two cusps. The biggest surprise came from the lower molar, which was initially included as an additional control, but whose developmental trajectories evolved as much as upper molar’s. Their transcriptome dynamics markedly co-evolved, including spatio-dynamic aspects of cusp formation which are obviously involved in the new upper molar phenotype. Hence upper molar innovation relies in part on non-specific changes which impact morphogenesis in a concerted manner in both molars, but have little impact on lower molar phenotype. This counter-intuitive observation was confirmed in bat limbs. By bridging concerted transcriptomic evolution with concerted evolution of developmental mechanisms, our study introduces a principle for the evolution of organ-specific morphological innovation, with early and pan-organ developmental changes. This changes our expectations on the underlying genetic evolution, and highlights the important role of developmental drift in one organ to accommodate adaptation in another.
Next-generation Dna Sequencing of Vh/vλ Repertoires in Female Dogs With Hyperplasia or Canine Mammary Cancer
Authors: Schnepper Amanda Piveta , Pardini Luciana de Moura Campos , Pardini Maria Inês de Moura Campos , Marques Lucas Farinazzo , Silva Cristiane Nonato , Barbosa Flavia Hebeler , Valente Guilherme Targino , Reis Patrícia Pintor , Gonçalves João Manuel Braz , Grotto Rejane Maria Tommasini
Published: November 2023

Canine mammary cancer (CMCs) are common in female dogs and the main cause of animal deaths by cancer. Since the immune system is an active player in breast cancer, our goal was to better understand the immune repertoires associated with breast cancer in female dog patients. Therefore, we generated a dataset of expressed immunoglobulin VH and Vλ repertoires from hyperplastic and tumoral tissues of female dogs using Illumina genomic sequencing. Our results showed immune system modulation in breast tumors and hyperplastic lesions. A dataset consisting of 18,000 unique sequences of gene segments encoding immunoglobulin variable regions expressed in canines was acquired. Further analysis revealed a small number of sequences with high repetition as well as a previously unsequenced and highly variable D portion of the immunoglobulin. Comparative analysis of the D-region showed a high similarity with antibodies from different animal species, emphasizing the need to expand and improve antibody databases for dogs and other animal species. These findings could aid in developing effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for CMCs and other cancers in animals.
Lymphatic platelet thrombosis limits bone repair by precluding lymphatic transporting DAMPs
Authors: Wang Yong-Jun , Zheng Yangkang , Cong Lin , Wang Pengyu , Zhao Li , Xing Lianping , Liu Junling , Xu Hao , Li Ning , Zhao Yongjian , Shi Qi , Liang Qianqian
Published: November 2023

Lymphatic vessels (LVs) interdigitated with blood vessels, travel and form an extensive transport network in the musculoskeletal system. Blood vessels in bone regulate osteogenesis and hematopoiesis, however, whether LVs in bone affect fracture healing is unclear. Here, by near infrared indocyanine green lymphatic imaging (NIR-ICG), we examined lymphatic draining function at the tibial fracture sites and found lymphatic drainage insufficiency (LDI) occurred as early as two weeks after fracture. Sufficient lymphatic drainage facilitates fracture healing. In addition, we identified that lymphatic platelet thrombosis (LPT) blocks the draining lymphoid sinus and LVs, caused LDI and then inhibited fracture healing, which can be rescued by a pharmacological approach. Moreover, unblocked lymphatic drainage decreased neutrophils and increased M2-like macrophages of hematoma niche to support osteoblast (OB) survival and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) proliferation via transporting damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). These findings demonstrate that LPT limits bone regeneration by blocking lymphatic drainage from transporting DAMPs. Together, these findings represent a novel way forward in the treatment of bone repair.
High Transmission in 120-degree Sharp Bends of Inversion-symmetric and Inversion-asymmetric Photonic Crystal Waveguides
Authors: Notomi Masaya , Dai Wei , Yoda Taiki , Moritake Yuto , Ono Masaaki , Kuramochi Eiichi
Published: November 2023

Bending loss is one of the serious problems for constructing nanophotonic integrated circuits. Recently, many works reported that valley photonic crystals (VPhCs) enable significantly high transmission via 120-degree sharp bends. However, it is unclear whether the high bend-transmission results directly from the valley-photonic effects, which are based on the breaking of inversion-symmetry. In this study, we conduct a series of comparative numerical and experimental investigations of bend transmission in various triangular PhCs with and without inversion symmetry and reveal that the high bend transmission is solely determined by the domain-wall configuration and independent of the existence of the inversion symmetry. Preliminary analysis of the polarization distribution indicates that high bend transmissions are closely related to the appearance of local topological polarization singularities near the bending section. Our work demonstrates that high transmission can be achieved in a much wider family of PhC waveguides, which may provide novel designs for low-loss nanophotonic integrated circuits with large flexibility and a new understanding of the nature of valley-photonics.
Heat stress induces calcium dyshomeostasis to subsequent cognitive impairment through ERS-mediated apoptosis via SERCA/PERK/eIF2α pathway
Authors: shen hui , li hongxia , pan wenlan , li chenqi , cai mengyu , shi wenjing , ren zifu , lu hongtao , zhou qicheng
Published: November 2023

Background: Heat exposure is an environmental stressor that has been associated with cognitive impairment. However, the neural mechanisms that underlie this phenomenon have yet to be extensively investigated.
Methods: The Morris water maze test was utilized to assess cognitive performance. RNA sequencing was employed to discover the primary regulators and pathological pathways involved in cognitive impairment caused by heat. Prior to heat exposure in vivo and in vitro, activation of the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum (SR/ER) calcium (Ca2+)-ATPase (SERCA) was achieved by CDN1163. Hematoxylin-Eosin, Nissl staining, calcium imaging, transmission electron microscopy, western blot and immunofluorescence were utilized to visualize histological changes, intracellular calcium levels, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) markers, apoptosis, and synaptic proteins alterations.
Results: Heat stress (HS) significantly induced cognitive decline and neuronal damage in mice. By the transcriptome sequencing between control (n=5) and heat stress (n=5) mice in hippocampal tissues, we identified a reduction in the expression of the atp2a gene encoding SERCA, accompanied by a corresponding decrease in its protein level. Consequently, this dysregulation resulted in an excessive accumulation of intracellular calcium ions. Furthermore, HS exposure also activated ERS and apoptosis, as evidenced by the upregulation of p-PERK, p-eIF2α, and CHOP and caspase 3. Consistently, a reduction in postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and synaptophysin (SYN) expressions indicated modifications in synaptic function. Notably, the impacts on neurons caused by HS were found to be mitigated by CDN1163 treatment both in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, SERCA-mediated ERS induced apoptosis was attenuated by GSK2606414 treatment via inhibiting PERK-eIF2α-CHOP axis that not only curtailed the level of caspase 3, but also elevated the levels of PSD95 and SYN.
Conclusions: These findings highlight the significant impact of heat stress on cognitive impairment, and further elucidate the underlying mechanism involving SERCA/PERK/eIF2α pathway.
Imerslund-Gräsbeck Syndrome in a child with a novel compound heterozygous mutations in the AMN gene: a case report
Authors: zhang De Dong , Liu Aiguo , Xi Bixin , Zhang Jiasi , Liu Siying , Zhu Yongbing , Chen Yu
Published: November 2023

Background
Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome (IGS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by selective vitamin B12 malabsorption, resulting in vitamin B12 deficiency and impaired reabsorption of proximal tubular proteins.This case highlights a previously unidentified compound heterozygous variant in the Amnionless（AMN） gene that causes IGS syndrome and underscores the importance of long-term oral vitamin B12 replacement therapy in managing the condition.
Case presentation
In this retrospective analysis, we present the clinical data of a 3-year and 6-month-old female child diagnosed with IGS at Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology in November 2018. The child was admitted to the hospital due to a history of anemia persisting for over a month. There was no significant medical history. The admission examination revealed megaloblastic anemia with proteinuria. Serum vitamin B12 levels were decreased, while folic acid and renal function were normal.The patient was diagnosed with megaloblastic anemia and started long-term oral vitamin B12 replacement therapy. Throughout the follow-up period, blood tests consistently showed normal results, while proteinuria persisted. In November 2019, the child and her parents underwent a whole-exon gene test, which revealed a novel compound heterozygous variant in the AMN gene: c.162 + 1G> A and c.922C> T (p.Q308X) in the child, c.162 + 1G> A in the father, and c.922C> T (p.Q308X) in the mother.Therefore, this child was further diagnosed with IGS.
Conclusions
In this case, oral vitamin B12 treatment also demonstrated positive clinical effects for the child, offering a new option for patients who are unable to undergo intramuscular vitamin B12 replacement therapy.
Fat-Free Mass Index Combined with Neutrophil–Lymphocyte Ratio as a Promising Marker for Predicting Oncological Outcomes in Gastric Cancer: A Large-Sample Study
Authors: Yao Zi-Hao , Lin Guang-Tan , Zhong Qing , Lu Jun , Liu Zhi-Yu , Wu Dong , Chen Jun-Yu , Shang-Guan Zhi-Xin , Jiang Yi-Ming , Zheng Chao-Hui , Li Ping , Xie Jian-Wei , Huang Chang-Ming
Published: November 2023

Background
Malnutrition and inflammation can affect the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer (GC). This study aimed to explore the value of fat-free mass index (FFMI) combined with the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) on the short- and long-term outcomes of patients with GC.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 1603 patients with GC in at a tertiary referral teaching hospital between 2016 and 2019. Patients in the 1st quartile of FFMI were defined as the low FFMI group and the remaining patients as the normal FFMI group, according to sex-specific quartiles. Patients were divided into high and low NLR groups according to the median NLR. Patients with a low FFMI/high NLR were defined as the high-risk group, and the remaining patients were defined as the low-risk group.
Results
The postoperative recovery time of the high-risk group was significantly longer than that of the low-risk group (all P <0.05). Logistic regression analysis indicated that FNC could independently predict postoperative anastomotic leakage (OR=2.16, 95% CI: 1.03–4.54, P=0.041). The high-risk group had much worse 3-y overall survival (64.7% vs. 79.4%; P<0.001) and 3-y disease-free survival (62.8% vs. 78.6%; P<0.001) than the low-risk group. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that FNC was an independent prognostic factor for patients with GC (HR=1.54, 95% CI: 1.22–1.94, P<0.001). Further stratified analysis based on tumor stage showed that the high-risk group did not benefit from postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy.
Conclusions
FFMI combined with NLR can predict postoperative short- and long-term outcomes in patients with GC.
Persistent Hypoxemia and Biomarkers in Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia Patients Treated with Methylprednisolone
Authors: Go Ronaldo C. , Stoffan Alexander P. , Nyirenda Themba
Published: November 2023

Despite corticosteroids, biomarkers, SpO2/FiO2, and racial/ethnic groups have been associated with mortality in Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia. This is a secondary analysis of a cohort study of adults admitted from March to June 2020 in 13 hospitals in New Jersey, United States who received methylprednisolone. Out of 380 patients, those with persistent hypoxemia (SpO2/FiO2 < 315 on day 1 and day 7), mortality was 86 patients (43%) with an in-hospital-survival median 31 days [IQR: 22–48 days] whereas those without persistent hypoxemia (SpO2/FiO2 > 315 on day 1 and SpO2/FiO2 > 315 day 7), mortality was 8 patients (9.6%) with an In-hospital-survival median 60 days; IQR 25–60 days. (HR = 2.52 95% CI 1.23–5.15) P = 0.038. There was no statistically significant difference between racial/ethnic groups. At < 7 days from admission, the AUROC for SpO2/FiO2 < 315 for d-dimer was 0.644 (CI 0.485,0.802), IL-6 was 0.756 (CI 0.626,0.886), and CRP was 0.659(CI 0.510,0.809). At ≥ 7 days from admission, the AUROC for d-dimer was 0.729(CI 0.617,0.842), IL-6 was 0.697(CI 0.571,0.822) and CRP was 0.570(0.448,0.691). In our study, inflammatory markers (CRP and IL-6) have higher discriminatory ability for hypoxemia < 7 days from hospitalization, while thrombotic marker D-dimer have higher discriminatory ability ≥ 7 days.
In-capillary sample processing coupled to label-free capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry to decipher the native N-glycome of single mammalian cells and ng-level blood isolates
Authors: Ivanov Alexander , MARIE Anne-Lise , Gao Yunfan
Published: November 2023

The development of reliable single-cell dispensers and substantial sensitivity improvement in mass spectrometry made proteomic profiling of individual cells achievable. Yet, there are no established methods for single-cell glycome analysis due to the inability to amplify glycans and sample losses associated with sample processing and glycan labeling. In this work, we developed an integrated platform coupling online in-capillary sample processing with high-sensitivity label-free capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry for N-glycan profiling of single mammalian cells. Direct and unbiased characterization and quantification of single-cell surface N-glycomes were demonstrated for HeLa and U87 cells, with the detection of up to 100 N-glycans per single cell. Interestingly, N-glycome alterations were unequivocally detected at the single-cell level in HeLa and U87 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. The developed workflow was also applied to the profiling of ng-level amounts of blood-derived protein, extracellular vesicle, and total plasma isolates, resulting in over 170, 220, and 370 quantitated N-glycans, respectively.
Influences from outside of the tropics explain recent Walker circulation strengthening
Authors: Toda Masaki , Kosaka Yu , Miyamoto Ayumu , Watanabe Masahiro
Published: November 2023

The Pacific Walker circulation and associated sea surface temperature (SST) distribution in the tropical Pacific significantly impact global climate. However, climate model historical simulations cannot capture the observed Walker circulation enhancement since around 1980. Although a number of mechanisms have been proposed to explain the observed change, quantitative discussion and clues for reconciling the model-observation discrepancy have not yet been obtained. Here we show that the Walker circulation strengthening for 1980–2020 can be quantitatively explained by remote influence from subtropical and extratropical SST changes. This conclusion is obtained from climate model pacemaker experiments in which SST anomalies outside the tropics are restored toward observations. Influence from the Southeastern Pacific, which cools the eastern tropical Pacific, is especially crucial for the Walker circulation strengthening. This equatorward influence occurs mostly through the atmosphere and its thermal coupling with the ocean. We further show that current generation climate models have biases in the Southeastern Pacific SST changes, which can cause the failure in reproducing the Walker circulation trend. Our results suggest that improved representation of air-sea coupling in this region can be key to better projections of future climate.
Effects of High-Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation on the Management of Thoracoabdominal Tumors during Heavy Ion Therapy
Authors: Wang Yi , Zhao Wenxue , Tang Yutian , Wang Fang , Ye Yancheng , Zhang Yanshan , Peng Xiaojing , Yang Wenyuan , Sun Yanqing , Sun Yunfei , Niu Limei , Wang Yanzhi
Published: November 2023

Objectives
The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and feasibility of the high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) technique for the management of thoracoabdominal malignancies in patients undergoing heavy ion therapy.
Methods
A retrospective analysis of clinical data from 20 patients with thoracoabdominal malignant tumors treated with heavy ion therapy under the control of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation at Gansu Province Wuwei Cancer Hospital was conducted from January 2023 to July 2023. Patient's general conditions, respiratory motion, and other indicators were analyzed and compared before, during, and after the treatment to determine the value of utilizing high-frequency oscillatory ventilation for managing thoracoabdominal malignancies in patients undergoing heavy ion therapy.
Results
Primary or secondary lung malignancies were the most common, followed by pancreatic malignancies. There was no significant difference in heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, or tcpCO2 values before, during, or after treatment (P > 0.05). High-frequency oscillatory ventilation improved the patient's tcpO2 values (P = 0.000). The lung respiratory motion under high-frequency oscillatory ventilation was 1.42 ± 0.41 mm, which was significantly lower than that in the autonomous respiration state (P = 0.000), and there were no occurrences of "missed targeting" during radiotherapy. During the treatment process, one case each of hypertension and hypercapnia was observed, and two patients experienced nausea and vomiting after extubation. Follow-up examinations of all 20 patients revealed no cases of radiation pneumonitis, and repeat CT scans indicated a partial response in all cases, with an average hospitalization time of 25.40 ± 11.05 days.
Conclusion
High-frequency oscillatory ventilation enables thoracoabdominal tumor patients to receive higher doses of precise heavy ion therapy, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy. This approach is safe, causes fewer complications, and reduces hospitalization time.
Normative Measurements of Orbital Structures on Magnetic Resonance Images; A Cross-sectional Study with Mini Review of the Literature
Authors: Kızılgöz Volkan , Aydın Sonay , Aydemir Hüseyin , Kantarcı Mecit
Published: November 2023

Purpose
Awareness of normative values of extra orbital structures would provide useful information to interpret the radiological images better and use them for diagnostic purposes. This study aimed to reveal the average values of major extraocular structures measured on magnetic resonance images.
Methods
In this retrospective cross-sectional study, magnetic resonance (MR) images of 256 orbits of 128 patients were re-interpreted regarding the measurements of major orbital structures. Extraocular muscles, superior ophthalmic vein, and optic nerve-sheath complex were measured on orbital MR images of these patients. The data distributions were presented by box-plot analyses for each parameter, and the measurement results were analyzed regarding sex and age groups.
Results
Lateral rectus muscle thickness (LR), inferior rectus muscle thickness (IR), globe position (GP), and interzygomatic line (IZL) values were higher in the male group than in the female group (p values were <0.001, 0.003, 0.020, and <0.001 respectively). LR, the thickness of the superior group muscles (SUP GR), IR, superior oblique muscle thickness (SOBL), and the thickness of optic nerve-sheath complex (ON) values indicated a significant relationship between age groups. There was a significant, positive, and low-level correlation between age and LR, SUP GR, and IR values (p values were <0.001, 0.001, and <0.001, respectively).
Conclusion
This study provides quantitative data on normative values of orbital structures with gender and age group comparisons. Clinicians or surgeons can easily use the measured values to gather diagnostic information from the orbital region.
Evidence from Temperature Analog for Traditional and Economic Cities in Nigeria: Implications for Sustainable City-Related Actions
Authors: Asonibare Femi Oluwatosin , Umaru Emmanuel Tanko , Adesina Francis , Adenle Ademola Andrew , Okhimamhe A.A
Published: November 2023

Responding to the threats of climate change by cities requires taking relevant actions that will communicate the future conditions in a relatable and effective manner for sustainable and transformational climate actions. We used the analog approach to assess the geographical shifts and changes in average temperature conditions for six traditional and economic cities under different climate scenarios (Mitigated and Unmitigated scenarios). We calculated the similarity in temperature between each pixel for the current (2021-2050) and future (2041-2070) conditions of the cities, with every pixel globally in the historical (1971-200) period. Our analysis revealed that; (1) the temperature of the cities in the current and future periods will be similar to conditions of another place on the globe during the historical period; (2) Kano City will experience even more drastic changes because of the low level of similarity; (3) the new places found with the similar temperature conditions are generally to the south of the corresponding cities thus indicating warming. We highlighted the benefits of sustainable lessons that can be drawn from the interactions between the cities and their analogs through informed decisions to meet the demand for local adaptation and adopt comprehensive suites of integrated solutions to facilitate efforts on response strategies.
Using Water and Wastewater Decentralization to Enhance the Resiliency and Sustainability of Cities
Authors: Baserba Manel Garrido , Sedlak David , Barnosell Irene , Molinos-Senante Maria , Schraa Oliver , Rosso Diego , Verdaguer Marta , Poch Manel
Published: November 2023

The imperative to make energy and resource consumption more sustainable is prompting a critical reconsideration of all human endeavors. Within urban water management, the drive to enhance sustainability is grounded in the recognition that water services consume a substantial amount of energy and that wastewater contains valuable resources, including water, heat, organic matter, and essential plant nutrients. To make urban water systems more sustainable, a paradigm shift is needed. Among the proposed strategies, source separation coupled with anaerobic co-digestion appears to be an effective means of recovering energy, water, and nutrients. Because existing centralized infrastructure that serves tens to hundreds of thousands of people is difficult to alter, and the technologies needed to realize this strategy are difficult to implement in single-family homes, we consider the scale of a city block. Using a quantitative model of unit processes that simulate energy, water, and nutrient flows, we consider the technical and economic feasibility of a representative decentralized system, as well as its environmental impacts. To realize potential synergies associated with on-site use of the recovered resources, we complement the decentralized water system with vertical farming, photovoltaic energy generation, and rainwater harvesting. Our analysis suggests that decentralized water systems can serve as a cornerstone of efforts to enhance resource efficiency and improve the resilience of cities.
Development and validation of interpretable Bayes machine learning model for risk adjustment of general outcome indicators: An example from Urology
Authors: Koh Jia Wei , Gasevic Dragan , Rankin David , Heritier Stephane , Frydenberg Mark , Talic Stella
Published: November 2023

Background: Outcome quality indicators (QIs) are often used to measure quality of care, particularly when disease-specific QIs are underdeveloped, an example being urological interventions. Without risk-adjustment, outcome QIs cannot be used for feedback and benchmarking. Administrative data captures multiplediseases and risk factors at a population level and may be a valuable resource in developing risk-adjusted QIs for quality improvement. The aim of the current study was to employ novel variational Bayes to risk adjust outcome QIs, explain how predictors affect outcome QIs, and detect outliers by using large administrative data sets in urological disease.
Methods: The study included all urological admissions in Victoria, Australia from 2009 – 2019. The model used demographic variables, procedure, and diagnosis codes to predict common outcome QIs: length of stay (LOS) and hospital acquired complication (HACs) rate. Bayesian zero-inflated binomial regression was used to predict and explain the QIs. For comparison, we tested it against two models, LASSO, and random forest on a test dataset and an external dataset. The model’s ability to detect meaningful outliers was also reported.
Findings: There were 108,453 urological patients, totalling 239,067 admissions. When tested both the test and external dataset, The Bayesian model was on par with random forest and better at predicting LOS and HACs when compared to LASSO. We found that age and emergency admissions, were more likely to be attributed to longer LOS and HACs. We also found that blood and platelet transfusions were likely to result in longer LOS and HACs and demonstrated how the model can be utilised for outlier detection.
Interpretation: Our model provides a useful tool that explain parameters and uncertainty estimates of patient factors that drive higher LOS and HACs, while maintaining accurate predictions of outcomes when compared to other contemporary models, facilitating risk-adjustment.
Retrieval-induced forgetting in major depressive disorder with exploration of smoking habits and mindfulness
Authors: Sterkaj Fiorentina , Sheehan Gabrielle , Groome David , Morgan Kevin , Edginton Trudi , Fu Cynthia H.Y.
Published: November 2023

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with impairments in neuropsychological functioning. A key mechanism in memory retrieval is the process of inhibiting information that is not relevant to the specific memory, termed retrieval-induced forgetting (RIF). In MDD, attenuated RIF has been observed, in which related memories are not suppressed. The effect is proposed to be mediated by inhibitory functions, and associations with rumination have been observed. Whether the neuropsychological functions of verbal learning capacity and capacity for mindfulness are associated with RIF has not been examined.
Methods: Participants were 65 MDD (mean age 46.4 years) and 65 healthy controls (mean age 42.4 year). Participants completed a RIF task and measures in depressive severity, verbal learning, mindfulness and rumination.
Results: MDD participants demonstrated significant attenuation in RIF in comparison with healthy participants. Verbal learning and mindfulness were positively correlated with RIF, while increased depressive severity and rumination further attenuated RIF in MDD.
Conclusions: Attenuated RIF is evident in MDD which is further attenuated by increasing depressive severity and rumination, while verbal learning ability and capacity for mindfulness were associated with restored RIF. These findings support clinical interventions which promote a state of relaxed self-awareness in MDD.
The Effect of Blanking Clearances on Side Profiles of Blanked Parts in Micro Blanking
Authors: Yang Junfeng , Yu Zuyuan , Liu Yunhao , Zheng Jipeng
Published: November 2023

Similar to conventional blanking, there are some characteristics, such as rollover, burnish and fracture, on the sides of micro blanked parts. Heights of rollover and fracture vary with the variation of blanking clearance. This paper attempts to reveal the formation of rollover and fracture on the sides of the blanked part made of 3J21 alloy (with strength more than 1900MPa and high elasticity). The effect of blanking clearance on the heights of rollover and fracture of blanked part is studied using the finite element method (FEM). The relationship among stress triaxiality, Lode parameter and equivalent plastic strain to fracture is obtained at different blanking clearances. Based on experimental data, an uncoupling fracture criterion is used to describe the influence of blanking clearances on the fracture height of micro blanked part. The similar method is verified by analyzing the formation of rollover and fracture on brass blanked parts theoretically and experimentally. Therefore, the analysis method proposed in this paper is available to optimize machining parameters of micro blanking to achieve the desired quality of micro blanked part.
New proposals for coupling cavitation models with laminar/turbulent transition models: application to a cavitation sheet over a NACA 16 012
Authors: Decaix Jean
Published: November 2023

Since 1970s, several experimental works revealed that the cavitation sheet inception does not occur at the minimum pressure location but further downstream at the location of a laminar/turbulent transition. Most of the cavitation models used the saturation vapour pressure as a threshold to initiate the production of vapour and therefore, are not able to capture such flows. In this paper, three modifications of the Schnerr & Sauer cavitation model are proposed and coupled with an algebraic laminar/turbulent transition model. Application to a NACA 16 012 profile shows the ability of the modifications to move the cavitation inception at the right location compared to the experiment. One on them based on the multiplication of the evaporation term by the square of the turbulent intensity seems promising.
Physiological mechanism of contrasting rice genotypes response to salt stress
Authors: Xu Yunming , Bu Weicheng , Xu Yuchao , Fei Han , Zhu Yiming , Ahmad Irshad , Zhou Guisheng , Nimir Nimir Eltyb Ahmed , Zhu Guanglong
Published: November 2023

Background
Salinity is one of the major constraints to rice production. Salt sensitive and tolerant rice genotypes response large difference to salt stress. However, the physiological mechanism is still unclearly.
Methods
This study aimed to elucidate the physiological mechanism of contrasting rice genotypes response to salt stress. Six contrasting rice genotypes including three salt-tolerant (DJWJ, JFX, NSIC) and three salt-sensitive rice genotypes (HKN, XD2H, HHZ) were grown under two different salt concentrations (0 and 100 mmol NaCl solution) in green house. The salt stress was treated at tillering stage for 7 days.
Results
The results showed that growth, physiological traits and yield formation of both salt sensitive and tolerant rice were significant affected by salt stress. In general, plant height, tiller number, dry weight and relative growth rate showed 15.7%, 11.2%, 25.2% and 24.6% more reduction in salt-sensitive rice than that in salt-tolerant rice, respectively. On the contrary, antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, POD, CAT) and osmotic adjustment substances (soluble protein, MDA) significant increased under salt stress, and the increase was far higher in salt-tolerant rice except MDA. Furthermore, grain yield and yield components significant decreased under salt stress. Overall, the salt-sensitive rice genotypes showed 15.3% more reduction in grain yield, 5.1% in spikelets per panicle, 7.4% in grain filling percentage and 6.1% in grain weight than salt-tolerant genotypes under salt stress. However, a modest gap showed in panicles (22.2% vs 22.8%) and total spikelets (45.4% vs 42.1%) decline between salt-sensitive and salt-tolerant rice under salinity condition.
Conclusion
This study revealed that the yield advantage of salt-tolerant rice was partially caused by more biomass accumulation, growth rate and strong antioxidant capacity and osmotic adjustment ability under salt stress, which contributed to a big panicle (more spikelets per panicle), high grain filling percentage and grain weight. The results of this study could be helpful to understand the physiological mechanism of contrasting rice genotypes response to salt stress and to be breeding of salt-tolerant rice.
Prevalence of visual impairment and its associated factors among adult glaucoma patients attending University of Gondar, Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Tertiary Eye Care and Training Center, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022
Authors: Birhan Getenet Shumet , Eticha Biruk Lelisa , Belete Gizachew Tilahun , Ayele Fisseha Admassu
Published: November 2023

Introduction:
Glaucoma is a multifactorial optic degenerative neuropathy characterized by the loss of retinal ganglion cells. It poses a significant public health concern as it is the second leading cause of blindness after cataract, and this blindness is irreversible.
Objectives
To assess the prevalence of visual impairment and its associated factor among adult glaucoma patients attending University Gondar, Tertiary Eye Care and Training Center, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022.
Methods and materials:
Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 423 glaucoma patients selected by systematic random sampling technique from May 15 – June 30, 2022 at University Gondar, Tertiary Eye Care and Training Center. Data was collected through a face to face interview using a pretested structured questionnaire and medical chart review. The descriptive analysis was summarized by frequency, percent and summary statistics. Binary logistic regression was fitted and variables which had P value of < 0.05 in the multivariable model were considered as statistically significantly associated.
Results
The study found 77.6% (95% CI: 74.2%-82.9%) visual impairment among adult glaucomatous participants. Female sex (AOR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.18–3.48), rural residence (AOR = 2.45 95% CI: 1.91–3.33), primary open angle glaucoma (AOR = 1.83, 95%CI: 1.35–2.97), advanced stage of glaucoma (AOR = 2.54, 95%CI: 1.05–6.17), and longer duration of diagnosis (AOR = 3.89, 95%CI: 2.29–6.58) had statistically significant association with visual impairment among adult patients with glaucoma.
Conclusion and recommendation:
Visual impairment is found to be significantly higher among adult glaucoma patients attending University of Gondar, Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Tertiary Eye Care and Training Center. Female sex, rural residence, primary open angle glaucoma, advanced stage of glaucoma, and longer duration of diagnosis had statistically significant association with visual impairment among adult glaucoma patients. Early detection and management of glaucoma is vital to reduce glaucoma related visual disability meaningfully.
SARS-CoV-2 Incidence Monitoring and Statistical Estimation of the Basic and Time-Varying Reproduction Number at the Early Onset of the Pandemic in 45 Sub-Saharan African Countries
Authors: Oduro Michael Safo , Arhin-Donkor Seth , Asiedu Louis , Kadengye Damazo T. , Iddi Samuel
Published: November 2023

Background: The world battled to defeat a novel coronavirus 2019 (SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19), a respiratory illness that is transmitted from person to person through contacts with droplets from infected persons. Despite efforts to disseminate preventable messages and adoption of mitigations strategies by governments and the World Health Organization (WHO), transmission spread globally. An accurate assessment of the transmissibility of the coronavirus remained a public health priority for many countries across the world to fight this pandemic, especially at the early onset.
Methods: In this paper, we estimated the transmission potential of COVID-19 across 45 countries in sub-Saharan Africa using three approaches, namely, R 0 based on (i) an exponential growth model (ii) maximum likelihood (ML) estimation and (iii) a time-varying basic reproduction number at the early onset of the pandemic.
Results: Using data from March 9, 2020, to May 10, 2020, sub-Saharan African countries were still grappling with COVID-19 at that point in the pandemic. The region’s basic reproduction number (R0) was 1.89 (95% CI: 1.767 to 2.026) using the growth model and 1.513 (95% CI: 1.491 to 1.535) with the maximum likelihood method, indicating that, on average, infected individuals transmitted the virus to less than two secondary persons. Several countries, including Sudan (R0 : 2.03), Ghana (R0:1.87), and Somalia (R0 : 1.85), exhibited high transmission rates.
Conclusion: These findings highlighted the need for continued vigilance and the implementation of effective control measures to combat the pandemic in the region. It is anticipated that the findings in this study would not only function as a historical record of reproduction numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic in African countries, but can serve as a blueprint for addressing future pandemics of a similar nature.
Characterization of atmospheric particles: A study of particulate matter and microplastic in the Region of Hortênsias – Brazil
Authors: Pletsch Patriane Noschang , Costa Gustavo Marques , Morisso Fernando Dal Pont , Berlese Daiane Bolzan , de Quevedo Daniela Muller , Osório Daniela Migliavacca
Published: November 2023

Atmospheric pollution is one of the main consequences of anthropogenic activities in the environment. The insertion of particles suspended in the air, which are composed of dust, fumes, microplastics, and aerosols emitted by industries, vehicles, and constructions, alters the quality of the environment they are inserted into, impacting both human health and the environment. Therefore, this study aims to identify the atmospheric particles that may be influencing the air quality in the Region of Hortênsias/RS (municipalities of Canela and Gramado). The concentrations of PM2.5 and PM2.5−10 were evaluated at two sites from April 2021 to April 2022. The Fine and Coarse Particulate Matter Sampler (FCS) was used to collect samples at the site located in Canela (S1). In Gramado (S2), in addition to the FCS, a dichotomous sampler was also used for sampling. The filters were observed under a microscope to evaluate the presence of polymeric material. The selected particles were then analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS). Six samples of PM2.5 did not meet the air quality standards recommended by the WHO Guideline. Alterations in the concentrations of PM2.5 were also observed in October and December 2021 at S1 and S2 and in April 2022 at S2. The results demonstrated low air quality, and the microscopic analysis detected the presence of particles with characteristics of polymeric material. These particles suggest traces of microplastics, in addition to the presence of vehicular soot and fly ash when analyzed by SEM/EDS.
BAZ2A-SUV39H1-SMAD2/3-OCT4 regulates stemness, cell cycle exit and chemoresistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Militi Stefania , Liu Feng , Nibhani Reshma , Mouti Mai Abdel , Pook Martin , Cai Liuyang , Choo Siew Woh , Pauklin Siim
Published: November 2023

Tumorigenesis leads to the dedifferentiation of some cancer cells partly resemble stem cells. The maintenance circuitries and epigenetic regulatory complexes that regulate this stem cell-like state known as cancer stem cells (CSCs) are largely unclear. Here we aimed to find strategies for eliminating CSCs in pancreatic cancer (PDAC), one of the most metastatic and lethal cancers in human. Proteomic analyses of SMAD2/3 cofactors and screening of CSC self-renewal regulators uncovered BAZ2A and SUV39H1 as therapeutic targets of CSCs that cooperate with TGFβ/ACTIVIN-SMAD2/3 signalling in gene expression regulation. We show that Cyclin Dependent Kinase Inhibitor (CDKI) loci p14/p16 and p15 are silenced in CSCs by SMAD2/3-BAZ2A-SUV39H1 complex, and inhibiting BAZ2A and SUV39H1 reactivates silenced p14/p16/p15 that helps eliminating CSCs. Furthermore, the TGFβ/ACTIVIN signalling maintains a bivalent poised chromatin and enhancer-promoter 3D looping on CDKI, EMT and ABCC loci through SMAD2/3-SNON-PRC2-TrxG cooperating with OCT4/SOX2/NANOG. Elevated TGFβ/ACTIVIN signalling forms a positive feedback with p21/p57 that promotes a quasi-mesenchymal state of CSCs with increased EMT and higher G0 phase habitance that elevates CSC chemoresistance. Collectively, our study uncovers mechanisms how cell cycle regulation is hijacked in CSCs for supporting cellular plasticity, and how to circumvent this mechanism with combined treatment for targeted therapies.
Effects of water-induced aging on iron oxide nanoparticles: Linking crystal structure, iron ion release, and toxicity
Authors: Dzeranov Artur , Bondarenko Liubov , Saman Daniel , Prokof`ev Mikhail , Terekhova Vera , Telegina Lyudmila , Dzhardimalieva Gulzhian , Bolotskaya Sofia , Kydralieva Kamila
Published: November 2023

The effects of aging of colloidal dispersions of iron (Fe) oxy(hydr)oxides have practical implications for a variety of fields, including medicine, biology, chemistry, and environmental science. Aging affects the stability of these materials under different environmental conditions, thereby affecting their reactivity and applicability in remediation. However, only a limited number of studies have focused on aging-induced changes in the phase composition, surface properties, and toxicological effects of nanoparticles (NPs). In this study, a variety of Fe oxides were synthesized, including the closely related Fe oxides magnetite and maghemite, intermediate phases (Fe3-δO4: Fe3O4, γ-Fe2O3, 5Fe2O3∙9H2O), and δ-FeOOH. Fe3O4 was synthesized by precipitation, γ-Fe2O3 by direct oxidation of Fe3O4, while 5Fe2O3∙9H2O and δ-FeOOH were prepared by precipitation with slow and fast oxidation, respectively. The crystal structure, surface charge, and leaching of Fe ions of these materials were measured. All synthesized materials were then tested in bioassays with ciliates and higher plants at circumneutral pH, both upon preparation and after aqueous aging. Quantitative analysis of the XRD data using the Rietveld method showed that the crystal structure of the magnetite nanoparticles changed to γ-Fe2O3. The evaluation of biological activity in Sinapis alba (white mustard) showed that NPs of different compositions, stored at a maximum concentration of 10 g L-1, inhibited root growth by 50%. In the case of δ-FeOOH and Fe3O4, however, concentrations of 1 g L-1 caused only minor inhibition. The toxic effects of Fe-NPs, attributed to the release of Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions by oxidation, were found to be consistent with the redox behavior of NPs. The study of the properties of magnetic nanoparticles, both in their initial state and after aqueous aging, enhances our understanding of their performance in magnetic nanofluids.
Heterozygous OTULIN-variant related fasciitis and skin necrosis treated by TNF inhibition.
Authors: Arts Rob JW , Linden Tristan J van der , de Made Caspar I van , Hendriks Marianne MC , Heijden Wouter A van der , de Mast Quirijn , Schuurs-Hoeijmakers Janneke HM , Simons Annet , Spaan András N , Mulders-Manders Catharina M , de Veerdonk Frank L van
Published: November 2023

Here we describe an adult female with severe fasciitis and skin necrosis who carried a private, predicted deleterious missense mutation in OTULIN in heterozygozity. OTULIN is a cellular regulator of deubiquitination that has been shown to play a key role in intrinsic immunity against staphylococcal α-toxin. The patient was treated with broad spectrum antibiotics and multiple surgical explorations were conducted without clinical response. Since autoinflammation was the predominant clinical feature, TNF inhibition was started with a good clinical response. We show for the first time that excessive inflammation in autosomal dominant OTULIN deficiency can be effectively treated by TNF inhibition.
Emergence and spread of feline infection peritonitis due to a highly pathogenic canine/feline recombinant coronavirus
Authors: Tait-Burkard Christine , Atippa Charalampos , Warr Amanda , Epaminondas Demetris , O'Shea Marie , Fletcher Sarah , Malbon Alexandra , Lyraki Maria , Hammond Rachael , Hardas Alexandros , Zanti Antria , Loukaidou Stavroula , Gentil Michaela , Gunn-Moore Danielle , Mazeri Stella
Published: November 2023

Cross-species transmission of coronaviruses (CoVs) poses a serious threat to both animal and human health1-3. Whilst the large RNA genome of CoVs shows relatively low mutation rates, recombination within genera is frequently observed and demonstrated4-7. Companion animals are often overlooked in the transmission cycle of viral diseases; however, the close relationship of feline (FCoV) and canine CoV (CCoV) to human hCoV-229E5,8, as well as their susceptibility to SARS-CoV-29 highlight their importance in potential transmission cycles. Whilst recombination between CCoV and FCoV of a large fragment spanning orf1b to M has been previously described5,10, here we report the emergence of a novel, highly pathogenic FCoV-CCoV recombinant responsible for a rapidly spreading outbreak of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), originating in Cyprus11. The recombination, spanning spike, shows 97% sequence identity to the pantropic canine coronavirus CB/05. Infection is spreading fast and infecting cats of all ages. Development of FIP appears rapid and likely non-reliant on biotype switch12. High sequence identity of isolates from cats in different districts of the island is strongly supportive of direct transmission. A deletion and several amino acid changes in spike, particularly the receptor binding domain, compared to other FCoV-2s, indicate changes to receptor binding and likely cell tropism.