bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shifting Sands: US Gulf Policy Recalibrates As China's Regional Ambitions Grow
Authors: Moreland Rachel
Published: February 2024

Since Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in the 1990s, the United States has played the role of security guarantor in the Gulf, and despite prevailing concerns of American retrenchment, it retains a strong military footprint across the region. But China's emergence as a major player in the Gulf—with its geopolitical ambitions, thirst for foreign oil, and attractive offer of business and investment with a “look the other way” policy on human rights—has stoked fears about the eclipse of American power. While the Gulf remains of strategic importance to the US global strategy, Washington's readjustment of its regional goals suggests that it is recalibrating. Drawing on the literature of foreign policy change, this analysis uses three case studies to examine Washington's recalibration toward the Gulf under the Biden presidency: US engagement with the Iran nuclear deal, US defense agreements with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and US‐GCC tech relations, specifically tensions with China over the use of Huawei technology. This article is part of a special issue on the responses of Gulf countries to rising Sino‐American competition, edited by Andrea Ghiselli, Anoushiravan Ehteshami, and Enrico Fardella.
Clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of central nervous system sporotrichosis: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: de Oliveira Vítor Falcão , Petrucci Júlia Figueiredo , Taborda Mariane , Brener Pedro Zanetta , Kremer Pedro Guilherme De Barros Brito , Randi Bruno Azevedo , Magri Adriana Satie Gonçalves Kono , Magri Marcello Mihailenko Chaves , Levin Anna S. , Silva Guilherme Diogo
Published: February 2024

Background

The clinical features of central nervous system (CNS) sporotrichosis are derived from case reports and a limited series of cases. Our objective was to carry out a systematic review and meta‐analysis of CNS sporotrichosis.

Methods

We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and LILACS on 9 September 2023. Our inclusion criteria were documentation of Sporothrix and demonstrated CNS involvement. A metaproportion or metamean analysis was performed to estimate a summary proportion with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

We included 52 cases of CNS sporotrichosis published from 1966 to 2023. Forty‐six patients were male (88%, 95% CI: 77–95), and the mean age was 39 years (95% CI: 36–43). Close contact with cats was reported in 55% of cases (95% CI: 37–72). Thirty‐two (61.5%) patients were from Brazil, 18 patients from the United State of America (34.6%). Only two Sporothrix species were reported: S. schenckii (26/41, 63%), and S. brasiliensis (15/41, 37%). The most common neurological symptom was headache. Meningitis was chronic in approximately 80% of cases. A significant majority of the patients were immunocompromised. HIV infection was the primary cause of immunosuppression (85%, 95% CI: 61–95). Overall mortality was 56% (22/39). The comparison of Kaplan–Meier survival curve showed a higher mortality with a statistically significant difference in immunosuppressed patients (p = .019).

Conclusion

CNS sporotrichosis represents a notable cause of chronic meningitis, especially in individuals living in the Americas with HIV infection and concurrent skin lesions.
Fritillaria yalcinii (Liliaceae), a new species from southeastern Turkey
Authors: Balos Mehmet Maruf , Çeçen Cahit , Tekşen Mehtap , Yıldırım Hasan , Sonay Veysel
Published: February 2024

Fritillaria yalcinii (Liliaceae) is described as a new species from Diyarbakır Province, southeastern Turkey. It is superficially similar to F. carica, F. forbesii, F. minima, F. minuta, F. mughlae and F. sibthorpiana, but differs in several morphological characters, such as leaves, perigon, nectary, filament, stigma and anther. Diagnostic characteristics, a comprehensive description, photographs, geographical distribution, conservation assessment, observations and a distribution map are provided.
Beyond source and sink control – toward an integrated approach to understand the carbon balance in plants
Authors: Gessler Arthur , Zweifel Roman
Published: February 2024

A conceptual understanding on how the vegetation's carbon (C) balance is determined by source activity and sink demand is important to predict its C uptake and sequestration potential now and in the future. We have gathered trajectories of photosynthesis and growth as a function of environmental conditions described in the literature and compared them with current concepts of source and sink control. There is no clear evidence for pure source or sink control of the C balance, which contradicts recent hypotheses. Using model scenarios, we show how legacy effects via structural and functional traits and antecedent environmental conditions can alter the plant's carbon balance. We, thus, combined the concept of short‐term source–sink coordination with long‐term environmentally driven legacy effects that dynamically acclimate structural and functional traits over time. These acclimated traits feedback on the sensitivity of source and sink activity and thus change the plant physiological responses to environmental conditions. We postulate a whole plant C‐coordination system that is primarily driven by stomatal optimization of growth to avoid a C source–sink mismatch. Therefore, we anticipate that C sequestration of forest ecosystems under future climate conditions will largely follow optimality principles that balance water and carbon resources to maximize growth in the long term.
Designing and analyzing studies of coronavirus disease 2019 and post‐acute sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 among immunocompromised individuals
Authors: DeGruttola Victor , Aslam Saima
Published: February 2024

Observational studies of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) among transplant candidates and recipients remain important as immunocompromised patients formed a very small proportion of patients included in COVID‐19 trials and large database analyses. We discuss methods that have been used in such analyses to evaluate the impact of vaccination on the risk of symptomatic COVID‐19 in such patients and on the probability of developing post‐acute sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 after the onset of infection. We also propose future directions for research and discuss the methods that will be useful to conduct such investigations. The study design and analytical issues that we consider have the potential to be helpful not only for COVID‐19 research but also for other infections as well.
Feline dermatoses at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (Iran): 154 cases (2009–2020)
Authors: Alizadeh Alireza , Sadr Soheil , Azizzadeh Mohammad , Khoshnegah Javad
Published: February 2024

Background

Studies indicate that 6% to 20% of feline patients have at least one dermatopathy.

Hypothesis/Objective

This retrospective study aimed to provide comprehensive information about the types of skin diseases, diagnosis methods, treatments and follow‐up data in a hospital population of domestic cats in Iran.

Animals/Materials and Methods

The present survey of clinical observations was conducted on the medical records of 1825 individual cats brought to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (Iran) over a 12‐year period (2009–2020).

Results

Feline dermatoses accounted for 154 (8.43%) of the 1,825 cats examined during the study period. The most prevalent dermatological manifestations in the studied population of 154 were erythema, macules, papules and/or pustules (36; 23.37%), alopecia (18; 11.68%) and erosive/ulcerative lesions (17; 11.03%). Specific dermatological diagnoses made were the following (in descending order, of 154): dermatophytosis (34; 22.07%), subcutaneous abscesses (16; 10.38%), atopic skin syndrome/environmental allergies (20; 10.38%), external parasites (15; 9.74%), otitis (10; 6.49%), flea infestation (6; 3.89%), food allergy (4; 2.59%) and primary pyoderma (2; 1.29%). Most lesions were observed in the head/face of cats (41 of 154; 26.62%) and their ears (39; 25.32%). Following treatment, 86 of 154 cats (69.35%) had complete remissions, 17 cats faced recurrent dermatoses and the owners of 21 cats were not satisfied.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

The prevalence of dermatoses among this cohort of Iranian cats is similar to that in other parts of the world. However, a noticeable difference was detected in the most prevalent dermatoses. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the characteristics and outcomes of feline dermatological conditions in Iran.
Optimal Transport Theory for Railway Track Safety Applications
Authors: Attoh-Okine Nii O.
Published: February 2024

Optimal mass transport (OMT) is an optimization problem that determines a method of moving mass or value from one function to another in the most efficiently and optimally. Using the ideas of OMT, this technical note aims to formulate and solve an OMT model for railway track safety. The inputs for the analysis include (a) geometry data, (b) rail defect, (c) subsurface condition, and (d) tonnage. The technical note only presents the steps in achieving a complete OMT analysis. Therefore, the idea of the note is to serve as an illustration of the effectiveness of OMT in railway engineering applications.
Compactons in Higher-Order Nesterenko's-Type Equations
Authors: Vladimirov Vsevolod , Skurativskyi Sergii
Published: February 2024

A model describing propagation of waves in a prestressed granular media is considered. The model, having the form of evolutionary partial differential equation (PDE), is obtained from the system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) describing dynamics of a chain of prestressed granules by means of formal asymptotic expansion. It is shown in our previous papers that in the lowest asymptotic approximation, in which both nonlinear effects and the presence of media structure are taken into account, the model equation possesses traveling wave (TW) solutions with compact support (compactons) manifesting soliton properties. In this paper, we study a higher-order evolutionary PDE obtained by taking into account previously discarded terms of the asymptotic expansion, as well as another PDE (called analogue), differing from the original one in the values of parameters and having compacton solutions expressed in analytical form. Numerical and analytical studies of both the higher-order model and its analogue allow to conclude that both models have compacton solutions exhibiting some properties of “true” solitons. This, in turn, testifies the stability of the previously used model with respect to the inclusion of the discarded terms of the asymptotic expansion.
Impact of High-Pressure-Turbine Purge Flow on the Evolution of Turbulence in a Turbine Vane Frame
Authors: Hafizovic Asim , Merli Filippo , Krajnc Nicolas , Schien Malte , Peters Andreas , Heitmeir Franz , Göttlich Emil
Published: February 2024

This paper describes the measurement and postprocessing of turbulence data. The experiments were carried out in a two-stage, two-spool transonic turbine test rig at the Institute for Thermal Turbomachinery and Machine Dynamics at the Graz University of Technology, which includes relevant purge and turbine rotor tip leakage flows. The test setup consists of a high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage, a turbine vane frame (TVF) with turning struts and splitters, and a counter-rotating low-pressure turbine (LPT) to allow engine realistic measurements. Time-resolved area traverse measurements have been performed for three different operating conditions in three measurement planes downstream of the HPT rotor, which enable the measurement of the turbulence quantities at the TVF inlet and outlet as well as the LPT outlet. The turbulence quantities are evaluated using triaxial- and single hot-film probes by means of Constant-Temperature-Anemometry, and their results were validated with five-hole probe (FHP) measurements. Ensemble- and time-averaging, as well as Fourier transforms, were applied for data reduction. It is shown how the turbulence intensity and integral length scale vary over different purge flowrates (PFR). The acquired measurement data illustrate that the interaction of the ejected purge flow with mean flow enhances the turbulent mixing in the secondary flow structures at the TVF inlet and TVF outlet, respectively. Furthermore, the flow downstream of the LPT rotor is affected by TVF and LPT rotor secondary flow structures, which are identified as high turbulence regions. These regions strongly depend on the purge flowrate. These results acquired under engine realistic rig flow conditions enable a deeper understanding of the relationship between loss and turbulence quantities and will help improve the application of computational fluid dynamics turbulence models to turbomachinery modeling.
Draft genomic sequence for uropathogenic
Staphylococcus saprophyticus
ATCC 49453
Authors: Yang Yishan , Sommers Christopher H. , Liu Yanhong
Published: February 2024

Staphylococcus saprophyticus
, a common contaminant of foods, causes urinary tract infections in humans. Here, we report the draft genomic sequence for
S. saprophyticus
ATCC 49453, which is currently being used in food safety research.
Characterization of the genomic sequence of a circo-like virus and of three chaphamaparvoviruses detected in mute swan (
Cygnus olor
)
Authors: François Sarah , Hill Sarah C. , Perrins Christopher M. , Pybus Oliver G.
Published: February 2024

We report the complete genomes of four ssDNA viruses: a circular replication-associated protein-encoding single-stranded DNA virus belonging to a clade previously detected only in mammals, and three chaphamaparvoviruses, which were detected by viromic surveillance of mute swan (
Cygnus olor
) fecal samples from the United Kingdom.
Complete genome sequence of
Parabacteroides distasonis
strain GP102, isolated from the cecum of a morbid pregnant laboratory guinea pig (
Cavia porcellus
)
Authors: Wang Sharon X. , Summage-West Christine V. , Kim Sung Guk
Published: February 2024

Parabacteroides distasonis
is an anaerobic bacterium with ambivalent health effects.
P. distasonis
strain GP102 was isolated from the cecum content of a morbid pregnant laboratory guinea pig (
Cavia porcellus
). The genome consists of one circular 5.39-Mbp chromosome with a G + C content of 44.79%.
Nanopore adaptive sampling effectively enriches bacterial plasmids
Authors: Ulrich Jens-Uwe , Epping Lennard , Pilz Tanja , Walther Birgit , Stingl Kerstin , Semmler Torsten , Renard Bernhard Y.
Published: February 2024

Bacterial plasmids play a major role in the spread of antibiotic resistance genes. However, their characterization via DNA sequencing suffers from the low abundance of plasmid DNA in those samples. Although sample preparation methods can enrich the proportion of plasmid DNA before sequencing, these methods are expensive and laborious, and they might introduce a bias by enriching only for specific plasmid DNA sequences. Nanopore adaptive sampling could overcome these issues by rejecting uninteresting DNA molecules during the sequencing process. In this study, we assess the application of adaptive sampling for the enrichment of low-abundant plasmids in known bacterial isolates using two different adaptive sampling tools. We show that a significant enrichment can be achieved even on expired flow cells. By applying adaptive sampling, we also improve the quality of
de novo
plasmid assemblies and reduce the sequencing time. However, our experiments also highlight issues with adaptive sampling if target and non-target sequences span similar regions.

IMPORTANCE

Antimicrobial resistance causes millions of deaths every year. Mobile genetic elements like bacterial plasmids are key drivers for the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance genes. This makes the characterization of plasmids via DNA sequencing an important tool for clinical microbiologists. Since plasmids are often underrepresented in bacterial samples, plasmid sequencing can be challenging and laborious. To accelerate the sequencing process, we evaluate nanopore adaptive sampling as an
in silico
method for the enrichment of low-abundant plasmids. Our results show the potential of this cost-efficient method for future plasmid research but also indicate issues that arise from using reference sequences.
Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication by a ssDNA aptamer targeting the nucleocapsid protein
Authors: Huang Yanping , Huang Congcong , Chen Junkai , Chen Siwei , Li Bei , Li Jian , Jin Zhixiong , Zhang Qiwei , Pan Pan , Du Weixing , Liu Long , Liu Zhixin
Published: February 2024

The nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2 plays significant roles in viral assembly, immune evasion, and viral stability. Due to its immunogenicity, high expression levels during COVID-19, and conservation across viral strains, it represents an attractive target for antiviral treatment. In this study, we identified and characterized a single-stranded DNA aptamer, N-Apt17, which effectively disrupts the liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) mediated by the N protein. To enhance the aptamer’s stability, a circular bivalent form, cb-N-Apt17, was designed and evaluated. Our findings demonstrated that cb-N-Apt17 exhibited improved stability, enhanced binding affinity, and superior inhibition of N protein LLPS; thus, it has the potential inhibition ability on viral replication. These results provide valuable evidence supporting the potential of cb-N-Apt17 as a promising candidate for the development of antiviral therapies against COVID-19.

IMPORTANCE

Variants of SARS-CoV-2 pose a significant challenge to currently available COVID-19 vaccines and therapies due to the rapid epitope changes observed in the viral spike protein. However, the nucleocapsid (N) protein of SARS-CoV-2, a highly conserved structural protein, offers promising potential as a target for inhibiting viral replication. The N protein forms complexes with genomic RNA, interacts with other viral structural proteins during virion assembly, and plays a critical role in evading host innate immunity by impairing interferon production during viral infection. In this investigation, we discovered a single-stranded DNA aptamer, designated as N-Apt17, exhibiting remarkable affinity and specificity for the N protein. Notably, N-Apt17 disrupts the liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of the N protein. To enhance the stability and molecular recognition capabilities of N-Apt17, we designed a circular bivalent DNA aptamer termed cb-N-Apt17. In both
in vivo
and
in vitro
experiments, cb-N-Apt17 exhibited increased stability, enhanced binding affinity, and superior LLPS disrupting ability. Thus, our study provides essential proof-of-principle evidence supporting the further development of cb-N-Apt17 as a therapeutic candidate for COVID-19.
Prevalence of vision zero action plans or strategies: USA, 2021
Authors: Webber Bryant J , Whitfield Geoffrey P , Rose Kenneth M , Stowe Ellen W , Zaganjor Hatidza , Ederer David J , Fulton Janet E
Published: February 2024

Background

Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate traffic fatalities and to promote equitable mobility options for all road users. Using a nationally representative survey, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of Vision Zero action plans or strategies in the USA.

Methods

Municipal officials were surveyed in 2021. In this cross-sectional study, we calculated the prevalence of Vision Zero plans or strategies and compared municipalities with adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) to account for region and sociodemographic characteristics.

Results

Among 1955 municipalities participating in the survey (question-specific response rate: 44.3%), the prevalence of a Vision Zero action plan or strategy was 7.7%; 70.5% respondednoand 21.8%don’t know. Prevalence was 4.8% in small municipalities (1000–2499 residents), 20.3% in medium-large municipalities (50 000–124 999 residents; PR=4.1), and 37.8% in large municipalities (≥125 000 residents; PR=7.6).

Conclusion

The prevalence of Vision Zero plans and strategies across the USA is low. Additional adoption of Vision Zero plans and strategies could help address traffic fatalities.
Effects of ingesting beverages containing glycerol and sodium with isomaltulose or sucrose on fluid retention in young adults: a single-blind, randomized crossover trial
Authors: Otsuka Junto , Okamoto Yumi , Enoki Yasuaki , Maejima Daisuke , Fujii Naoto , Kenny Glen P. , Mündel Toby , Cotter James D. , Amano Tatsuro
Published: February 2024

We evaluated changes in hyperhydration and beverage hydration index (BHI, a composite measure of fluid balance after consuming a test beverage relative to water) during resting, induced by the consumption of beverages containing glycerol and sodium supplemented with fast-absorbing sucrose or slow-absorbing isomaltulose. In a randomized crossover, single-blinded protocol (clinical trials registry: UMIN000042644), 14 young physically active adults (three women) consumed 1 L of beverage containing either 7% glycerol + 0.5% sodium (Gly + Na), Gly + Na plus 7% sucrose (Gly + Na + Suc), Gly + Na plus 7% isomaltulose (Gly + Na + Iso), or water (CON) over a 40 min period. We assessed the change in plasma volume (ΔPV), BHI (calculated from cumulative urine output following consumption of water relative to that of the beverage), and blood glucose and sodium for 180 min after initiating ingestion. Total urine volume was reduced in all beverages containing glycerol and sodium compared to CON (all P ≤ 0.002). The addition of isomaltulose increased BHI by ∼45% (3.43 ± 1.0 vs. 2.50 ± 0.7 for Gly + Na, P = 0.011) whereas sucrose did not (2.6 ± 0.6, P = 0.826). The PV expansion was earliest for Gly + Na (30 min), slower for Gly + Na + Suc (90 min), and slowest for Gly + Na + Iso (120 min) with a concomitant lag in the increase of blood glucose and sodium concentrations. Supplementation of beverages containing glycerol and sodium with isomaltulose but not sucrose enhances BHI from those of glycerol and sodium only under a resting state, likely due to the slow absorption of isomaltulose-derived monosaccharides (i.e., glucose and fructose).
Picturing QCD jets in anisotropic matter: from jet shapes to energy energy correlators
Authors: Barata João , Milhano José Guilherme , Sadofyev Andrey V.
Published: February 2024

Recent theoretical developments in the description of jet evolution in the quark gluon plasma have allowed to account for the effects of hydrodynamic gradients in the medium modified jet spectra. These constitute a crucial step towards using jets as tomographic probes of the nuclear matter they traverse. In this work, we complement these studies by providing leading order calculations of widely studied jet observables, taking into account matter anisotropies. We show that the energy distribution inside a jet is pushed towards the direction of the largest matter anisotropy, while the away region is depleted. As a consequence, the jet mass and girth gain a non-trivial azimuthal dependence, with the average value of the distribution increasing along the direction of largest gradients. However, we find that, for these jet shapes, matter anisotropic effects can be potentially suppressed by vacuum Sudakov factors. We argue that the recently proposed measurements of energy correlations within jets do not suffer from such effects, with the azimuthal dependence being visible in a large angular window, regardless of the shape of the distribution.
On the Two-Dimensional Knapsack Problem for Convex Polygons
Authors: Merino Arturo , Wiese Andreas
Published: February 2024

We study the two-dimensional geometric knapsack problem for convex polygons. Given a set of weighted convex polygons and a square knapsack, the goal is to select the most profitable subset of the given polygons that fits non-overlappingly into the knapsack. We allow to rotate the polygons by arbitrary angles. We present a quasi-polynomial time
O
(1)-approximation algorithm for the general case and a pseudopolynomial time
O
(1)-approximation algorithm if all input polygons are triangles, both assuming polynomially bounded integral input data. Additionally, we give a quasi-polynomial time algorithm that computes a solution of optimal weight under resource augmentation—that is, we allow to increase the size of the knapsack by a factor of 1+δ for some δ > 0 but compare ourselves with the optimal solution for the original knapsack. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first results for two-dimensional geometric knapsack in which the input objects are more general than axis-parallel rectangles or circles and in which the input polygons can be rotated by arbitrary angles.
Review on Medical Applications of Manganese Oxide (Mn2+, Mn3+, and Mn4+) Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Manavalan Rajesh Kumar , Enoch Karolinekersin , Volegov Alexey Sergeevich , Angusamy Gurunathan , Nallasivam Sitakumaravel
Published: February 2024

Apart from our imagination, the nanotechnology industry is rapidly growing and promises that the substantial changes that will have significant economic and scientific impacts be applicable to a wide range of areas, such as aerospace engineering, nanoelectronics, environmental remediation, and medical healthcare. In the medical field, magnetic materials play vital roles such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), hyperthermia, and magnetic drug delivery. Among them, manganese oxide garnered great interest in biomedical applications due to its different oxidation states (Mn2+, Mn3+, and Mn4+). Manganese oxide nanostructures are widely explored for medical applications due to their availability, diverse morphologies, and tunable magnetic properties. In this review, cogent contributions of manganese oxides in medical applications are summarized. The crystalline structure and oxidation states of Mn oxides are highlighted. The synthesis approaches of Mn-based nanoparticles are outlined. The important medical applications of manganese-based nanoparticles like magnetic hyperthermia, MRI, and drug delivery are summarized. This review is conducted to cover the future impact of MnOx in diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
A Novel Splicing Mutation Leading to Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome from a Family
Authors: Wang Lingyu , Zhang Jie , Lu Linna , Ren Juan , Zhang Yaofang , Zhao Lidong , Shen Wukang , Hu Xucheng , Fang Shuai , Lu Xiaomei , Wang Gang , Yang Linhua
Published: February 2024

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is a rare X-linked recessive genetic disease characterized by clinical symptoms such as eczema, thrombocytopenia with small platelets, immune deficiency, prone to autoimmune diseases, and malignant tumors. This disease is caused by mutations of the WAS gene encoding WASprotein (WASP). The locus and type of mutations of the WAS gene and the expression quantity of WASP were strongly correlated with the clinical manifestations of patients. We found a novel mutation in the WAS gene (c.931+5G>C), which affected splicing to produce three abnormal mRNA, resulting in an abnormally truncated WASP. This mutation led to a reduction but not the elimination of the normal WASP population, resulting in causes X-linked thrombocytopenia (XLT) with mild clinical manifestations. Our findings revealed the pathogenic mechanism of this mutation.
Nonenzymatic Browning and Antioxidant Properties of Thermally Treated Cereal Grains and End Products
Authors: Schutte Mia , Hayward Stefan , Manley Marena
Published: February 2024

Thermal treatment can be applied to cereal grains as a pretreatment or processing step in the form of either hydrothermal or dry thermal treatment. These heat treatments result in the occurrence of nonenzymatic browning reactions by means of the Maillard reaction and caramelisation. Nonenzymatic browning is influenced by the type and concentration of sugars and proteins, and the presence of bran. Aside from increasing nonenzymatic browning, thermal treatment increases the antioxidant capacity of cereals and baked goods through the release of bound phenolics. The degree of nonenzymatic browning and antioxidant content in cereal-based products depend on the thermal treatment intensity. Some studies found a decrease in total phenolic content after thermal treatment, due to loss of thermally labile compounds. High-intensity treatment has been shown to produce 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), furfural, and potentially carcinogenic acrylamide. Acrylamide formation can be mitigated by altering the ingredient composition and the degree of thermal treatment. This review discusses the chemistry of nonenzymatic browning reactions, factors influencing the degree of these reactions, and mitigation strategies for acrylamide. An overview of the effect of dry thermal treatment on nonenzymatic browning and antioxidants in wheat and wheat-based products as well as other cereals is provided. Before concluding with perspectives, a discussion of the relationship between nonenzymatic browning and antioxidant properties is presented. This review of the published literature was conducted using two electronic databases and varying combinations of search terms related to the scope of the review.
Potential Association of the Oral Microbiome with Trimethylamine N-Oxide Quantification in Mexican Patients with Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Hernández-Ruiz Paulina , Escalona Montaño Alma R. , Amezcua-Guerra Luis M. , González-Pacheco Héctor , Niccolai Elena , Amedei Amedeo , Aguirre-García María M.
Published: February 2024

Many attempts have been proposed to evaluate the linkage between the oral–gut–liver axis and the mechanisms related to the diseases’ establishment. One of them is the oral microbiota translocation into the bloodstream, liver, and gut, promoting a host dysbiosis and triggering the presence of some metabolites such as trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), known as a risk marker for cardiovascular disease, and especially the myocardial infarction (MI). In the present pilot study, the involvement of oral dysbiosis related to the presence of TMAO has been considered an independent component of the standard risk factors (SRs) in the development of MI, which has not been previously described in human cohorts. A positive and significant correlation of TMAO levels with Porphyromonas was identified; likewise, the increase of the genus Peptidiphaga in patients without SRs was observed. We determined that the presence of SRs does not influence the TMAO concentration in these patients. This report is the first study where the relationship between oral dysbiosis and TMAO is specified in the Mexican population. Our findings provide information on the possible contribution of the oral pathogens associated with gut dysbiosis in the development of MI, although further analysis should be performed.
A Fast Optimal Coordination Method for Multiagent in Complex Environment
Authors: Wang Suyu , Yue Quan , Zhao Mengyu , Zhang Huazhi , Li Yan
Published: February 2024

Facing the implementation problems such like low growth reward, long training time, and poor stability of the multiagent learning methods when dealing with complex environment and more agents, this paper proposes a fast optimal coordination method for multiagent in complex environment (FOC-MACE). Firstly, the environment exploration strategy is introduced into the policy network based on the MADDPG method for higher growth rewards. Then, the parallel computing technology is adopted in the critic network, in purpose to effectively reduce the training time. These tactics together are beneficial to enhance the stability of multiagent learning. Lastly, the optimal resource allocation is carried out to realize optimal coevolution of the multiagents and further improve the learning ability of the agents’ group. To verify the effectiveness of our proposal, the FOC-MACE is compared with several advanced methods at current stage in the MPE environment. Three different experiments prove that by using our method, the growth reward is increased by up to 37.1%, the training is speed up significantly, and the stability of the method, which represented by standardized variance, is also improved. In addition, this paper validated the fast optimal coordination method for multiagent systems in the context of UAV scenarios, demonstrating the practical performance of the approach. Through comprehensive experiments and scenario validations, the study successfully confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed fast optimal coordination method for multiagent systems in complex environments.
Effect of Honey and Aqueous Garlic Extracts against Short-Term Exposure of Cigarette Tobacco Smoking in Mice: Histopathological and Biochemical Investigations
Authors: Shraideh Ziad , Badran Darwish , Alzbeede Ahmed
Published: February 2024

It is well known that cigarette smoking adversely affects human health and induces oxidative stress in most vital organs. This study aims to assess the biochemical, histological, and ultrastructural values of honey and garlic extracts in ameliorating the effects of short-term exposure to cigarette smoke in mice. Forty-eight mice were randomly divided into six equal groups: group I was exposed to fresh air only, group II was exposed to cigarette smoke, group III was given 0.2 ml of honey extract, group IV was exposed to cigarette smoke and was given 0.2 ml of honey extract, group V was given 0.2 ml of garlic extract, and group VI was exposed to cigarette smoke and was given 0.2 ml of aqueous garlic extract. These exposures were repeated daily for 21 consecutive days among the treated groups. By the end of the third week, the animals were euthanized by physical cervical dislocation. Blood was taken for biochemical study, and the selected organs of the liver, kidney, and jejunum were processed for histological and ultrastructural studies. The biochemical results showed that short-term exposure of experimental mice to cigarette smoking did not alter the liver function tests except for decreasing the albumin level. Moreover, cigarette smoking elevates the concentration of carbonyl protein content and cystatin C. Histologically, the use of honey and garlic showed good protection to the liver, kidney, and jejunum, which was proved by transmission electron microscopy, in addition to lowering the oxidative stress biomarkers. In conclusion, using honey and/or garlic helps protect the liver, kidney, and jejunum against the hazardous effects of cigarette smoke.
Mitochondrial and Cytosolic One-Carbon Metabolism Is a Targetable Metabolic Vulnerability in Cisplatin-Resistant Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Wallace-Povirk Adrianne , O'Connor Carrie , Dekhne Aamod S. , Bao Xun , Nayeen Md. Junayed , Schneider Mathew , Katinas Jade M. , Wong-Roushar Jennifer , Kim Seongho , Polin Lisa , Li Jing , Back Jessica B. , Dann Charles E. , Gangjee Aleem , Hou Zhanjun , Matherly Larry H.
Published: February 2024

One-carbon (C1) metabolism is compartmentalized between the cytosol and mitochondria with the mitochondrial C1 pathway as the major source of glycine and C1 units for cellular biosynthesis. Expression of mitochondrial C1 genes including SLC25A32, serine hydroxymethyl transferase (SHMT) 2, 5,10-methylene tetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 2, and 5,10-methylene tetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 1-like was significantly elevated in primary epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) specimens compared with normal ovaries. 5-Substituted pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidine antifolates (AGF347, AGF359, AGF362) inhibited proliferation of cisplatin-sensitive (A2780, CaOV3, IGROV1) and cisplatin-resistant (A2780-E80, SKOV3) EOC cells. In SKOV3 and A2780-E80 cells, colony formation was inhibited. AGF347 induced apoptosis in SKOV3 cells. In IGROV1 cells, AGF347 was transported by folate receptor (FR) α. AGF347 was also transported into IGROV1 and SKOV3 cells by the proton-coupled folate transporter (SLC46A1) and the reduced folate carrier (SLC19A1). AGF347 accumulated to high levels in the cytosol and mitochondria of SKOV3 cells. By targeted metabolomics with [2,3,3–2H]L-serine, AGF347, AGF359, and AGF362 inhibited SHMT2 in the mitochondria. In the cytosol, SHMT1 and de novo purine biosynthesis (i.e., glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase) were targeted; AGF359 also inhibited thymidylate synthase. Antifolate treatments of SKOV3 cells depleted cellular glycine, mitochondrial NADH and glutathione, and showed synergistic in vitro inhibition toward SKOV3 and A2780-E80 cells when combined with cisplatin. In vivo studies with subcutaneous SKOV3 EOC xenografts in SCID mice confirmed significant antitumor efficacy of AGF347. Collectively, our studies demonstrate a unique metabolic vulnerability in EOC involving mitochondrial and cytosolic C1 metabolism, which offers a promising new platform for therapy.
Kinematics of Loud, Soft, and Whispered Speech
Authors: Dromey Christopher , Peacock Mendocino
Published: February 2024

Introduction: We examined the effects of four types of voicing on vocal tract movements by comparing the articulatory kinematics of whispered speech to habitual, loud, and soft conditions. Methods: Participants included 10 males and 10 females with no history of communication disorders. They read six stimulus sentences in habitual, loud, soft, and whispered conditions. An electromagnetic articulograph tracked the tongue, jaw, and lip movements. Analysis focused on the words we do from a longer sentence. Vertical tongue/jaw and horizontal lip movements were measured during the production of the retracted and rounded front and back vowels in we do. Results: Soft speech led to smaller and slower lip movements than in the habitual condition. Displacement increased for the tongue and jaw in loud and whispered speech compared to the habitual condition. Tongue and jaw velocity increased for loud but not for whispered speech compared to the habitual condition. Utterance duration increased for loud and whispered conditions. Discussion: The increasing tongue and jaw displacement and velocity from soft to habitual to loud speech reported here is consistent with previous accounts. Whispering was less intense than soft speech, yet it involved larger tongue and jaw movements than habitual speech, possibly reflecting a speaker’s focus on greater articulatory clarity when the acoustic signal is the weakest.
Association between Inflammation, Glycocalyx Biomarkers, and Endothelial Function in Children with Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Pastor-Villaescusa Belén , Meier Julia , Ruske Fabienne , Prell Christine , Gruenzner Juliane , Koenig Miriam , Jakob André , Koletzko Berthold , Nussbaum Claudia
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Hypercholesterolemia is a risk factor for premature arteriosclerosis. Inflammation and oxidative stress are thought to contribute to endothelial dysfunction preceding vasculopathy. We investigated the association between inflammation, glycocalyx biomarkers, endothelial function, and vascular parameters in children with hypercholesterolemia. Methods: In 22 patients (LDL-cholesterol >130 mg/dL; median age [IQR]: 13 [2.3] years) and 22 controls (13 [2.5] years), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), oxidized cholesterol (oxLDL), and glycocalyx biomarkers (Syndecan-1, Hyaluronan) were measured using immunoassays. Endothelial function was assessed by peripheral arterial tonometry, sublingual glycocalyx and microcirculation by videomicroscopy and carotid intima-media thickness by ultrasound. Results: OxLDL was significantly higher in patients (78.9 [38.2] vs. 50.3 [16.6] U/L, p = 0.002), whereas all other experimental parameters were comparable between groups. Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association of Syndecan-1 with TNF-α (β = 0.75, p < 0.001) and with hypercholesterolemia (β = 0.31, p = 0.030). The interaction term combining TNF-α and hypercholesterolemia showed a significant effect (p = 0.034). Sex was an independent predictor of endothelial function. Conclusion: The combined effect of hypercholesterolemia and inflammation on glycocalyx perturbation and the impact of sex in the premature development of arteriosclerosis deserve further evaluation. Therapeutic approaches tackling low-grade systemic inflammation may offer potential to prevent or delay progression of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular complications.
Ultrafiltration Tolerance: A Phenotype That We Need to Recognize
Authors: Ramírez-Guerrero Gonzalo , Ronco Claudio
Published: February 2024

Background: The evaluation and management of fluid balance are key challenges in critical care patients who require renal replacement therapies because cumulative fluid balance is an independent factor that increases morbidity and mortality in different clinical scenarios. Summary: One of the strategies when fluid overload is refractory to diuretics is extracorporeal fluid removal (i.e., net ultrafiltration [UFNET] during kidney replacement therapy). However, problems with UFNET without individualized assessment are cardiovascular events and intradialytic hypotension, events that contribute to decreasing organ perfusion and sympathetic stress. Therefore, we must consider and try to predict the best timing for the start of ultrafiltration and find the point where the patient is most tolerant to ultrafiltration, making a simile to the concept of fluid tolerance. Key Messages: UFNET is a continuous and dynamic process, going through moments of tolerance and intolerance to ultrafiltration; as nephrologists, we must take the necessary measures to move through this period.
Gsα Regulates Macrophage Foam Cell Formation During Atherosclerosis
Authors: Ma Chang , Li Yihui , Tian Mi , Deng Qiming , Qin Xiaoteng , Lu Hanlin , Gao Jiangang , Chen Min , Weinstein Lee S. , Zhang Mei , Bu Peili , Yang Jianmin , Zhang Yun , Zhang Cheng , Zhang Wencheng
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Many cardiovascular pathologies are induced by signaling through G-protein-coupled receptors via Gsα (G protein stimulatory α subunit) proteins. However, the specific cellular mechanisms that are driven by Gsα and contribute to the development of atherosclerosis remain unclear.

METHODS:

High-throughput screening involving data from single-cell and bulk sequencing were used to explore the expression of Gsα in atherosclerosis. The differentially expression and activity of Gsα were analyzed by immunofluorescence and cAMP measurements. Macrophage-specific Gsα knockout (Mac-Gsα
KO
) mice were generated to study the effect on atherosclerosis. The role of Gsα was determined by transplanting bone marrow and performing assays for foam cell formation, Dil-ox-LDL (oxidized low-density lipoprotein) uptake, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and luciferase reporter assays.

RESULTS:

ScRNA-seq showed elevated
Gnas
in atherosclerotic mouse aorta’s cholesterol metabolism macrophage cluster, while bulk sequencing confirmed increased
GNAS
expression in human plaque macrophage content. A significant upregulation of Gsα and active Gsα occurred in macrophages from human and mouse plaques. Ox-LDL could translocate Gsα from macrophage lipid rafts in short-term and promote
Gnas
transcription through ERK1/2 activation and C/EBPβ phosphorylation via oxidative stress in long-term. Atherosclerotic lesions from Mac-Gsα
KO
mice displayed decreased lipid deposition compared with those from control mice. Additionally, Gsα deficiency alleviated lipid uptake and foam cell formation. Mechanistically, Gsα increased the levels of cAMP and transcriptional activity of the cAMP response element binding protein, which resulted in increased expression of CD36 and SR-A1. In the translational experiments, inhibiting Gsα activation with suramin or cpGN13 reduced lipid uptake, foam cell formation, and the progression of atherosclerotic plaques in mice in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS:

Gsα activation is enhanced during atherosclerotic progression and increases lipid uptake and foam cell formation. The genetic or chemical inactivation of Gsα inhibit the development of atherosclerosis in mice, suggesting that drugs targeting Gsα may be useful in the treatment of atherosclerosis.
Checklist of species in the genus Epistylis (Ciliophora, Peritrichia): the first step for a taxonomic revision
Authors: PORTO ANA VICTORIA DUNKE , RIGO FRANCINE DE VARGAS , WARREN ALAN , UTZ LAURA R. P.
Published: February 2024

The subclass Peritrichia includes sessile ciliates that attach to aquatic non-living or living substrates. In the case of the latter, they live in a relationship called epibiosis. The genus Epistylis Ehrenberg,1830 is the second-most speciose genus within Sessilida, being characterized by its colonial lifestyle and having a non-contractile stalk. Species of Epistylis have been described from a wide range of aquatic habitats worldwide. The main goal of the present study is to provide a global checklist of the valid species of Epistylis, which may serve as a first step towards a taxonomic review of the genus.
Description of a large specimen of Paralepis elongata (Brauer, 1906) from Angola, southeastern Atlantic Ocean (Aulopiformes: Paralepididae)
Authors: HO HSUAN-CHING , IWAMOTO TOMIO
Published: February 2024

The elongate barracudina, Paralepis elongata (Brauer, 1906), received limited attention in the past, with only a few individuals documented, mostly in publications focusing on the feeding habits of large predatory pelagic fishes. Furthermore, the taxonomic history of the species is complicated, with some earlier sources providing incorrect information that influenced subsequent works. As a result, the accurate distribution range of P. elongata remains uncertain. An adult male specimen of P. elongata, representing the largest known individual, is reported from off Angola, southeastern Atlantic. A detailed description is provided, and the literature records of the species are reviewed and discussed.
How Do Patients and Otolaryngologists Define Dizziness?
Authors: Murphy Brianna L. , Fischer Jakob L. , Tolisano Anthony M. , Navarro Alvaro I. , Trinh Lily , Abuzeid Waleed M. , Humphreys Ian M. , Akbar Nadeem A. , Shah Sharan , Schneider John S. , Riley Charles A. , McCoul Edward D.
Published: February 2024

Objective:

To assess for differences in how patients and otolaryngologists define the term dizziness.

Methods:

Between June 2020 and December 2022, otolaryngology clinicians and consecutive patients at 5 academic otolaryngology institutions across the United States were asked to define the term “dizziness” by completing a semantics-based questionnaire containing 20 common descriptors of the term within 5 symptom domains (imbalance-related, lightheadedness-related, motion-related, vision-related, and pain-related). The primary outcome was differences between patient and clinician perceptions of dizzy-related symptoms. Secondary outcomes included differences among patient populations by geographic location.

Results:

Responses were obtained from 271 patients and 31 otolaryngologists. Patients and otolaryngologists selected 7.7 ± 3.5 and 7.1 ± 4.3 symptoms, respectively. Most patients (266, 98.2%) selected from more than 1 domain and 17 (6.3%) patients identified symptoms from all 5 domains. Patients and clinicians were equally likely to define dizziness using terms from the imbalance (difference, −2.3%; 95% CI, −13.2%, 8.6%), lightheadedness (−14.1%; −29.2%, 1.0%), and motion-related (9.4; −0.3, 19.1) domains. Patients were more likely to include terms from the vision-related (23.6%; 10.5, 36.8) and pain-related (18.2%; 10.3%, 26.1%) domains. There were minor variations in how patients defined dizziness based on geographic location.

Conclusions:

Patients and otolaryngologists commonly described dizziness using symptoms related to imbalance, lightheadedness, and motion. Patients were more likely to use vision or pain-related terms. Understanding of these semantic differences may enable more effective patient-clinician communication.