bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A chemical defense deters cannibalism in migratory locusts
Authors: Chang Hetan , Cassau Sina , Krieger Jürgen , Guo Xiaojiao , Knaden Markus , Kang Le , Hansson Bill S.
Published: May 2023

Many animals engage in cannibalism to supplement their diets. Among dense populations of migratory locusts, cannibalism is prevalent. We show that under crowded conditions, locusts produce an anticannibalistic pheromone called phenylacetonitrile. Both the degree of cannibalism and the production of phenylacetonitrile are density dependent and covary. We identified the olfactory receptor that detects phenylacetonitrile and used genome editing to make this receptor nonfunctional, thereby abolishing the negative behavioral response. We also inactivated the gene underlying phenylacetonitrile production and show that locusts that lack this compound lose its protection and are more frequently exposed to intraspecific predation. Thus, we reveal an anticannibalistic feature built on a specifically produced odor. The system is very likely to be of major importance in locust population ecology, and our results might therefore provide opportunities in locust management.
Common genetic factors among autoimmune diseases
Authors: Harroud Adil , Hafler David A.
Published: May 2023

Autoimmune diseases display a high degree of comorbidity within individuals and families, suggesting shared risk factors. Over the past 15 years, genome-wide association studies have established the polygenic basis of these common conditions and revealed widespread sharing of genetic effects, indicative of a shared immunopathology. Despite ongoing challenges in determining the precise genes and molecular consequences of these risk variants, functional experiments and integration with multimodal genomic data are providing valuable insights into key immune cells and pathways driving these diseases, with potential therapeutic implications. Moreover, genetic studies of ancient populations are shedding light on the contribution of pathogen-driven selection pressures to the increased prevalence of autoimmune disease. This Review summarizes the current understanding of autoimmune disease genetics, including shared effects, mechanisms, and evolutionary origins.
Spatiotemporal regulation of peripheral T cell tolerance
Authors: Brown Chrysothemis C. , Rudensky Alexander Y.
Published: May 2023

The incomplete removal of T cells that are reactive against self-proteins during their differentiation in the thymus requires mechanisms of tolerance that prevent their effector function within the periphery. A further challenge is imposed by the need to establish tolerance to the holobiont self, which comprises a highly complex community of commensal microorganisms. Here, we review recent advances in the investigation of peripheral T cell tolerance, focusing on new insights into mechanisms of tolerance to the gut microbiota, including tolerogenic antigen-presenting cell types and immunomodulatory lymphocytes, and their layered ontogeny that underlies developmental windows for establishing intestinal tolerance. While emphasizing the intestine as a model tissue for studying peripheral T cell tolerance, we highlight overlapping and distinct pathways that underlie tolerance to self-antigens versus commensal antigens within a broader framework for immune tolerance.
Some animals make plant sterols
Authors: Brocks Jochen , Bobrovskiy Ilya
Published: May 2023

Most animals abandoned plant sterols early in evolution, but some still depend on them
α-Mangostin Exhibits a Therapeutic Effect on Spinal Cystic Echinococcosis by Affecting Glutamine Metabolism
Authors: Wang Sibo , Sun Haohao , Wang Shan , Ren Qian , Dai Yi , Zhu Meipeng , Zhang Yayun , Kang Honglei , Li Jing , Xiao Jun , Dong Yimin , Wang Weishan
Published: May 2023

Spinal cystic echinococcosis, a severely neglected, rare disease, is characterized by high morbidity, disability, and mortality in prevalent regions. Due to the high-risk nature of surgical treatment and the ineffectiveness of conventional drugs, there is an unmet need for novel safe and effective drugs for the treatment of this disease.
Pectate Lyase from Fusarium sacchari Induces Plant Immune Responses and Contributes to Virulence
Authors: Wang Caixia , Huang Zhen , Duan Zhenzhen , Zhu Lixiang , Di Ruolin , Bao Yixue , Powell Charles A. , Hu Qin , Chen Baoshan , Zhang Muqing , Yao Wei
Published: May 2023

Pokkah Boeng disease (PBD) is one of the main diseases affecting sugarcane in China, seriously damaging sugarcane production and economic development. Therefore, it is important to clarify the pathogenic mechanisms of this disease and to provide a theoretical basis for the breeding of PBD-resistant sugarcane strains.
Replication of Porcine Astrovirus Type 1-Infected PK-15 Cells
In Vitro
Affected by RIG-I and MDA5 Signaling Pathways
Authors: Dong Qinting , Zhu Xinyue , Wang Leping , Zhang Wenchao , Lu Lifei , Li Jun , Zhong Shuhong , Ma Chunxia , Ouyang Kang , Chen Ying , Wei Zuzhang , Qin Yifeng , Peng Hao , Huang Weijian
Published: May 2023

Astroviruses (AstVs) are widespread and can infect multiple species. Porcine astroviruses produce mainly gastroenteritis and neurological diseases in pigs.
Variable Tandem Glycine-Rich Repeats Contribute to Cell Death-Inducing Activity of a Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-Anchored Cell Wall Protein That Is Associated with the Pathogenicity of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Authors: Hu Yawen , Gong Hang , Lu Ziyang , Zhang Pengpeng , Zheng Sinian , Wang Jing , Tian Binnian , Fang Anfei , Yang Yuheng , Bi Chaowei , Cheng Jiasen , Yu Yang
Published: May 2023

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
is an economically important necrotrophic plant pathogen and mainly applies cell wall-degrading enzymes and oxalic acid to kill plant cells before colonization. In this research, we characterized a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored cell wall protein named SsGsr1, which is critical for the cell wall architecture and the pathogenicity of
S. sclerotiorum
.
Staphylococcus aureus from Atopic Dermatitis Patients: Its Genetic Structure and Susceptibility to Phototreatment
Authors: Ogonowska Patrycja , Szymczak Klaudia , Empel Joanna , Urbaś Małgorzata , Woźniak-Pawlikowska Agata , Barańska-Rybak Wioletta , Świetlik Dariusz , Nakonieczna Joanna
Published: May 2023

Staphylococcus aureus
massively colonizes the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). It is worth noting that the frequency of detection of multidrug-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA) in AD patients is higher than the healthy population, which makes treatment much more difficult.
Influence of Free Motion of Atoms on Atomic Density-Dependent Effects in Nonlinear Laser Spectroscopy of Resonant Gas Media
Authors: Yudin V. I. , Taichenachev A. V. , Basalaev M. Yu. , Prudnikov O. N. , Pal’chikov V. G. , Zanon-Willette T. , Bagayev S. N.
Published: May 2023

We develop a nonlinear theory of propagation of a monochromatic light wave in a gas of two-level atoms under the condition of inhomogeneous Doppler lineshape broadening, while considering a self-consistent solution of the Maxwell–Bloch equations in the mean-field approximation using a single atom density matrix formalism. Our approach shows a significant deformation of the Doppler resonant lineshape (shift, asymmetry), which depends on the atomic density. These effects are a consequence of only the free motion of atoms in a gas and is not associated with interatomic interaction. In particular, the frequency shift of the field-linear contribution to the transmission signal is more than an order of magnitude greater than the shift due to the interatomic dipole–dipole interaction, and the first nonlinear correction has an even stronger deformation, which exceeds the effect of the interatomic interaction by three orders of magnitude. The found effects caused by the free motion of atoms require a significant revision of the existing picture of spectroscopic effects, which depend on the atomic density in a gas.
Study of the Antiferromagnetic State Nematics in EuFe2As2 by Using Spin-Resonance and Magnetic Measurements
Authors: Talanov Yu. I. , Gimazov I. I. , Zaripov R. B. , Pervakov K. S. , Vlasenko V. A. , Pudalov V. M. , Teitelbaum G. B.
Published: May 2023

Using electron spin resonance spectroscopy and SQUID-magnetometry we obtained direct evidence of the occurrence of magnetic domains in the antiferromagnetically ordered state of a $${\text{EuF}}{{{\text{e}}}_{{\text{2}}}}{\text{A}}{{{\text{s}}}_{{\text{2}}}}$$ single crystal. The resonance spectra of europium ions were measured in the temperature range from 4 to 200 K. Using an equation for the resonance field in an antiferromagnet that takes into account the exchange and anisotropy fields, we have performed an analysis of the angular dependence of the spectrum at a temperature of 4.8 K, measured upon the crystal rotation around the c axis. Data analysis showed that $${\text{EuF}}{{{\text{e}}}_{{\text{2}}}}{\text{A}}{{{\text{s}}}_{{\text{2}}}}$$ is the antiferromagnet with easy anisotropy plane. Besides, we found in the $$ab$$-plane the second order axes of easy magnetization for each of the two types of magnetic domains, related to the structural transition and the formation of twins. Magnetic anisotropy caused by the exchange interaction of europium ions with iron ions indicates the occurrence of nematic magnetic ordering in the basal $$ab$$ plane. An estimate of the magnitude of the exchange field and the anisotropy field is obtained from the angular dependence of the resonance fields.
Refractory atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response as a heralding sign of propofol infusion syndrome in a patient with COVID-19
Authors: Siddiqui Madiha Naqsh , Henley Elizabeth , Xue Bing
Published: May 2023

A woman in her 40s was transferred to the medical intensive care unit due to severe COVID-19 infection causing respiratory failure. Her respiratory failure worsened rapidly, requiring intubation and continuous sedation with fentanyl and propofol infusions. She required progressive increases in the rates of the propofol infusion, as well as addition of midazolam and cisatracurium due to ventilator dyssynchrony. To support the high sedative doses, norepinephrine was administered as a continuous infusion. She developed atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response, with rates ranging between 180 and 200 s which did not respond to intravenous adenosine, metoprolol, synchronised cardioversion or amiodarone. A blood draw revealed lipaemia, and triglyceride levels were noted to be elevated to 2018. The patient developed high-grade fevers up to 105.3 and acute renal failure with severe mixed respiratory and metabolic acidosis, indicating propofol-related infusion syndrome. Propofol was promptly discontinued. An insulin-dextrose infusion was initiated which improved patient’s fevers and hypertriglyceridaemia.
Primary pleuropulmonary synovial sarcoma presenting with recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax
Authors: Do Quan , Katiyar Vatsala , Rizzo James , Singh Vikas
Published: May 2023

Primary pleuropulmonary synovial sarcoma (PPSS) is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm, accounting for less than 0.5% of all primary lung tumours. Presentation is often vague and may include cough, chest pain or dyspnoea. Due to the tumour’s rarity, diagnosis can be challenging, and not much is known about the disease process or optimal treatment course. In this case report, we describe an older female patient who underwent blebectomy for recurrent pneumothorax. No masses or suspected lesions were found on CT imaging besides the bleb. The bleb was then found to be PPSS via RT-PCR cytology. This case aims to increase awareness of malignant tumours clinically presenting as recurrent pneumothorax with no discrete lung mass on CT imaging. We also highlight the importance of cytogenetics to confirm the diagnosis of this rare tumour.
Rare skin appendage tumour on the right leg: a case of primary cutaneous cribriform carcinoma
Authors: Andrew Kashini , Carr James M , Roberts Claudia
Published: May 2023

A woman in her 60s presented with a longstanding history of a purplish, fleshy and pedunculated nodule on the right shin on a background of bilateral lower limb lymphoedema. A shave biopsy with double curettage of the base of the lesion revealed a nodular tumour with hyperchromatic basaloid cells arranged in a cribriform pattern and encircling eosinophilic substance. Immunohistochemistry staining showed cells positive for pancytokeratin, low molecular weight keratin, BerEP4 and negative for cytokeratin 20. There were no clinical or radiological features of primary visceral malignancy. These histological and immunohistochemical features favour a diagnosis of primary cribriform carcinoma of the skin. This is a rare, indolent skin appendage tumour of presumed apocrine origin with no reported cases in the literature of metastasis or local recurrence after excision.
Placebo response in trials with patients with anxiety, obsessive-compulsive and stress disorders across the lifespan: a three-level meta-analysis
Authors: Motta Luis Souza , Gosmann Natan Pereira , Costa Marianna de Abreu , Jaeger Marianna de Barros , Frozi Júlia , Grevet Laura Tietzmann , Spanemberg Lucas , Manfro Gisele Gus , Cuijpers Pim , Pine Daniel Samuel , Salum Giovanni
Published: May 2023

Question

Randomised controlled trials assessing treatments for anxiety, obsessive-compulsive and stress-related disorders often present high placebo response rates in placebo groups. Understanding the placebo response is essential in accurately estimating the benefits of pharmacological agents; nevertheless, no studies have evaluated the placebo response across these disorders using a lifespan approach.

Study selection and analysis

We searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, Cochrane, websites of regulatory agencies and international registers from inception to 9 September 2022. The primary outcome was the aggregate measure of internalising symptoms of participants in the placebo arms of randomised controlled trials designed to assess the efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) in individuals diagnosed with anxiety, obsessive-compulsive or stress-related disorders. The secondary outcomes were placebo response and remission rates. Data were analysed through a three-level meta-analysis.

Findings

We analysed 366 outcome measures from 135 studies (n=12 583). We found a large overall placebo response (standardised mean difference (SMD)=−1.11, 95% CI −1.22 to −1.00). The average response and remission rates in placebo groups were 37% and 24%, respectively. Larger placebo response was associated with a diagnosis of generalised anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, when compared with panic, social anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (SMD range, 0.40–0.49), and with absence of a placebo lead-in period (SMD=0.44, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.78). No significant differences were found in placebo response across age groups. We found substantial heterogeneity and moderate risk of bias.

Conclusions

Placebo response is substantial in SSRI and SNRI trials for anxiety, obsessive-compulsive and stress-related disorders. Clinicians and researchers should accurately interpret the benefits of pharmacological agents in contrast to placebo response.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017069090.
Stereotactic-guided direct orbital puncture for treatment of orbital arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Robledo Ariadna , Frank Thomas S , Karas Patrick J , Shaltoni Hashem , O'Leary Sean , Darling Robert , Kan Peter
Published: May 2023

The patient presented with left-sided chemosis, exophthalmos, and progressive visual loss. Cerebral angiography ed a left orbital arteriovenous malformation and an associated hematoma, with the point of fistulation between the left ophthalmic artery and the anterior section of the inferior ophthalmic vein, with retrograde flow through the superior ophthalmic vein. Transvenous embolization through the anterior facial and angular veins was unsuccessful, with residual shunting. Stereotactic-guided direct venous puncture and Onyx embolization was subsequently performed in the hybrid operating room (OR) to cure the fistula. A subciliary incision allowed for retraction of the orbital contents, creating an optimal trajectory. An endonasal endoscopic approach was performed after the embolization to decompress the orbit. This procedure is shown in video 1.1–11

Video 1
Absorbable gelatin compressed sponge (Gelfoam) embolization of distal external carotid artery branches in intra-arterial chemotherapy for retinoblastoma
Authors: Akkari Fouad Georges , Stathopoulos Christina , Puccinelli Francesco , Hajdu Steven D , Beck-Popovic Maja , Munier Francis L , Saliou Guillaume , Bartolini Bruno
Published: May 2023

Background

In intra-arterial chemotherapy for retinoblastoma, a backflow from unreachable external carotid artery branches in the ophthalmic artery can be challenging.

Objective

To describe a new endovascular technique using Gelfoam pledgets to temporarily occlude distal branches of the external carotid artery to reverse the competitive backflow into the ophthalmic artery in order to perform intra-arterial chemotherapy via the ostium of the ophthalmic artery in selected cases.

Methods

We queried our prospectively collected database of 327 consecutive patients treated for retinoblastoma by intra-arterial chemotherapy and identified those employing Gelfoam pledgets. We describe this new technique with emphasis on feasibility and safety.

Results

We treated 11 eyes with 14 infusions of intra-arterial chemotherapy using Gelfoam pledgets to occlude the distal branches of the external carotid artery. We report no perioperative complications due to this occlusion technique. At the ophthalmologic follow-up 1 month after the injection of Gelfoam pledgets, all cases showed tumor regression or stable disease. Two injections into the same eye as the rescue intra-arterial chemotherapy infusion resulted in a transient exudative retinal detachment, and one injection in a heavily pretreated case was followed by iris neovascularization and retinal ischemia. None of the pledget injections led to irreversible vision-threatening intraocular complications.

Conclusions

Intra-arterial chemotherapy in retinoblastoma using Gelfoam to transiently occlude the distal branches of the external carotid artery and reverse the backflow into the ophthalmic artery seems feasible and safe. Larges series will help to confirm the effectiveness of this new technique.
Effect of anesthetic strategies on distal stroke thrombectomy in the anterior and posterior cerebral artery
Authors: Meyer Lukas , Stracke Christian Paul , Broocks Gabriel , Wallocha Marta , Elsharkawy Mohamed , Sporns Peter B , Piechowiak Eike I , Kaesmacher Johannes , Maegerlein Christian , Hernandez Petzsche Moritz Roman , Zimmermann Hanna , Naziri Weis , Abdullayev Nuran , Kabbasch Christoph , Behme Daniel , Thormann Maximilian , Maus Volker , Fischer Sebastian , Möhlenbruch Markus A , Weyland Charlotte Sabine , Langner Soenke , Ernst Marielle , Jamous Ala , Meila Dan , Miszczuk Milena , Siebert Eberhard , Lowens Stephan , Krause Lars Udo , Yeo Leonard LL , Tan Benjamin Y Q , Gopinathan Anil , Gory Benjamin , Galvan Fernandez Jorge , Schüller Arteaga Miguel , Navia Pedro , Raz Eytan , Shapiro Maksim , Arnberg Fabian , Zeleňák Kamil , Martínez-Galdámez Mario , Alexandrou Maria , Kastrup Andreas , Papanagiotou Panagiotis , Dorn Franziska , Kemmling André , Psychogios Marios-Nikos , Andersson Tommy , Chapot René , Fiehler Jens , Hanning Uta
Published: May 2023

Background

Numerous questions regarding procedural details of distal stroke thrombectomy remain unanswered. This study assesses the effect of anesthetic strategies on procedural, clinical and safety outcomes following thrombectomy for distal medium vessel occlusions (DMVOs).

Methods

Patients with isolated DMVO stroke from the TOPMOST registry were analyzed with regard to anesthetic strategies (ie, conscious sedation (CS), local (LA) or general anesthesia (GA)). Occlusions were in the P2/P3 or A2–A4 segments of the posterior and anterior cerebral arteries (PCA and ACA), respectively. The primary endpoint was the rate of complete reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score 3) and the secondary endpoint was the rate of modified Rankin Scale score 0–1. Safety endpoints were the occurrence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and mortality.

Results

Overall, 233 patients were included. The median age was 75 years (range 64–82), 50.6% (n=118) were female, and the baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 8 (IQR 4–12). DMVOs were in the PCA in 59.7% (n=139) and in the ACA in 40.3% (n=94). Thrombectomy was performed under LA±CS (51.1%, n=119) and GA (48.9%, n=114). Complete reperfusion was reached in 73.9% (n=88) and 71.9% (n=82) in the LA±CS and GA groups, respectively (P=0.729). In subgroup analysis, thrombectomy for ACA DMVO favored GA over LA±CS (aOR 3.07, 95% CI 1.24 to 7.57, P=0.015). Rates of secondary and safety outcomes were similar in the LA±CS and GA groups.

Conclusion

LA±CS compared with GA resulted in similar reperfusion rates after thrombectomy for DMVO stroke of the ACA and PCA. GA may facilitate achieving complete reperfusion in DMVO stroke of the ACA. Safety and functional long-term outcomes were comparable in both groups.
Stretch goals have enduring appeal, but are the right organisations using them?
Authors: See Kelly E , Miller C Chet , Sitkin Sim B
Published: May 2023

Background

The healthcare industry faces significant challenges and opportunities that demand lofty aspirations and novel approaches. Pursuing seemingly impossible goals, popularly known as ‘stretch goals’, can be a way to instigate dramatic change and innovation, but such extreme goals also come with substantial risks. After briefly reporting the results of a national survey we conducted to provide examples of how stretch goals are used in healthcare, we review and translate prior research on the effects of stretch goals on organisations and their members.

Findings

The survey results indicate that stretch goals are used regularly in healthcare and a wide range of other industries. Roughly half of respondents indicated that their current employer had used a stretch goal in the past 12 months. Healthcare stretch goals were focused on reductions in errors, wait times, and no-show rates, and increases in workload, patient satisfaction, clinical research participation, and vaccination uptake. Our review of prior research suggests that stretch goals can instigate both positive and negative psychological, emotional, and behavioural reactions. Although existing scholarly evidence suggests that stretch goals will have problematic effects on learning and performance for the majority of organisations that use them, stretch goals actually can have beneficial effects under some specific circumstances that we outline.

Conclusion

Stretch goals are risky yet regularly used in healthcare and many other industries. They can be valuable, but only when an organisation has both strong recent performance and available slack resources to devote to goal pursuit. Under other conditions, stretch goals tend to be demotivating and destructive. We explain the paradoxical nature of stretch goals, whereby the organisations least likely to benefit from them are most likely to adopt them, and offer guidance on how healthcare leaders can tailor their goal setting practices to conditions most likely to lead to successful outcomes.
Observational appearance of a freely-falling star in an asymmetric thin-shell wormhole
Authors: Chen Yiqian , Wang Peng , Wu Houwen , Yang Haitang
Published: May 2023

It has been recently reported that, at late times, the total luminosity of a star freely falling in black holes decays exponentially with time, and one or two series of flashes with decreasing intensity are seen by a specific observer, depending on the number of photon spheres. In this paper, we examine observational appearances of an infalling star in a reflection-asymmetric wormhole, which has two photon spheres, one on each side of the wormhole. We find that the late-time total luminosity measured by distant observers gradually decays with time or remains roughly constant due to the absence of the event horizon. Moreover, a specific observer would detect a couple of light flashes in a bright background at late times. These observations would offer a new tool to distinguish wormholes from black holes, even those with multiple photon spheres.
Dark matter implications of the neutron anomaly
Authors: Darini Leonardo
Published: May 2023

Motivated by the neutron decay anomaly, we reconsider the neutron decay model $$n \rightarrow \chi \chi \chi $$

n
→
χ
χ
χ

, where the new species $$\chi $$
χ
plays the role of dark matter. We precisely compute the $$\bar{\chi } n \rightarrow \chi \chi $$

χ

¯

n
→
χ
χ

rate finding that fitting the anomaly compatibly with all bounds needs at least two ”generations” of the $$\chi $$
χ
particle.
Opportunities for studying $${ C }$$-even resonances at a 3–12 GeV photon collider
Authors: Beloborodov K. I. , Kharlamova T. A. , Moortgat-Pick G. , Telnov V. I.
Published: May 2023

Recently, a$$\gamma \gamma $$γγcollider based on the existing 17.5 GeV linac of the European XFEL has been proposed. High-energy photons will be generated by Compton scattering of laser photons with a wavelength of 0.5–1$${\,\upmu \mathrm m}$$μmon electrons. Such a photon collider covers the range of invariant masses$$W_{\gamma \gamma } <12$$Wγγ<12$${\mathrm {\,Ge V\!/}c^2}$$GeV/c2. The physics program includes spectroscopy of$$ C $$C-even resonances (c-,b-quarkonia, 4-quark states, glueballs) in various$$J^P$$JPstates. Variable circular and linear polarizations will help in determining the quantum numbers. In this paper, we present a summary of measured and predicted two-photon widths of various resonances in the mass region 3–12$${\mathrm {\,Ge V\!/}c^2}$$GeV/c2and investigate the experimental possibility of observing these heavy two-photon resonances under the conditions of a large multi-hadron background. Registration of all final particles is assumed. The minimum values of$$\varGamma _{\gamma \gamma }(W)$$Γγγ(W)are obtained at which resonances can be detected at a$$5\sigma $$5σconfidence level in 1 year of operation.
Effect of myofascial cupping vs integrated neuromuscular inhibition techniques on pain and neck movement in individuals with latent trigger point in trapezius
Authors: Gazbare Preeti , Rathi Manisha , Channe Dhanashree
Published: May 2023

Background: Pain is the most common symptom for seeking therapeutic alternative to conventional medicine. Trigger points (TrP) being the most debilitating cause of nonspecific neck pain, are found to be more prevalent in trapezius muscle. Various instrument-based and other manual therapy techniques are effective in the treatment of TrP.

Objective: To compare the effect of Myofascial Cupping (MFC) and Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique (INIT) on the upper trapezius latent TrP on pain intensity, pressure pain threshold (PPT) & cervical range.

Method: A randomized trial controlled on 40 individuals aged 20–40 years, both gender with latent TrPs in upper trapezius excluding ones who have taken treatment for upper trapezius TrPs within 6 months. Participants were randomly allocated into 2 groups by chit method, one group received MFC and other INIT. Pre- and post-intervention assessment was done using NPRS, pressure algometer and goniometer.

Result: Within group, pain has significantly reduced after MFC and INIT with mean difference of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively ([Formula: see text]). PPT increased in both groups ([Formula: see text]) with mean difference of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively. Comparison between the groups showed significant difference in pain intensity ([Formula: see text]) suggesting MFC was more effective in reducing pain. However, a PPT ([Formula: see text]=0.606) and neck lateral flexion to the contralateral side of TrP ([Formula: see text]) were not significant.

Conclusion: MFC was more effective than INITs in improving pain, however both interventions showed similar effect on PPT and neck lateral flexion on latent TrP in trapezius.
Expanding Pnictogen-Assisted Self-Assembly of Disulfide Macrocycles to Include Heteroarenes
Authors: Zocchi Luca J. , Davis Willow A. , Zakharov Lev N. , Johnson Darren W.
Published: May 2023

New routes to the formation of macrocyclic molecules are of high interest to the supramolecular chemistry community and the chemistry community at large. Here we describe the incorporation of heterocyclic core units into discrete macrocycles via the utilization of a pnictogen-assisted self-assembly technique. This method allows for the rapid and efficient formation of discreet macrocyclic units from simple dithiol precursors in high yields with good control over macrocycle size. Up to this point, this technique has been reported on primarily benzylic thiol systems with very little incorporation of endohedral heteroatoms in the resulting assemblies. This study demonstrates the effective incorporation of heterocyclic core molecules allowing for the formation of a more functional cavity, resulting in the formation and crystallization of novel furan- and thiophene-based disulfide dimer and trimer macrocycles, respectively, that are isolated from a range of other larger discrete macrocycles that assemble as well. These disulfide macrocycles can be trapped as their more kinetically stable thioether congeners upon sulfur extrusion.
A Data-Driven Approach for Bridge Weigh-in-Motion from Impact Acceleration Responses at Bridge Joints
Authors: Wang Haoqi , Nagayama Tomonori , Kawakatsu Takaya , Takasu Atsuhiro
Published: May 2023

Bridge weigh-in-motion (BWIM) serves as a method to obtain the weight of passing vehicles from bridge responses. Most BWIM systems proposed so far rely on the measurement of bridge global vibration data, usually strain, to determine the vehicle load. However, because the bridge’s global response is sensitive to all vehicles on the bridge, the global vibration-based BWIM techniques usually suffer from inaccuracy in the case where multiple vehicles are present on the bridge. In this paper, a data-driven approach is proposed to extract the passing vehicle’s weight and driving speed from vertical acceleration at the bridge joint. As a type of local vibration, the impulse acceleration responses at a bridge joint can be recorded only during a short period when a vehicle is passing over the joint and are thus not sensitive to vehicles at other locations of the bridge. A field test is conducted at a bridge to prepare labeled training data for the use of a convolutional neural network. One accelerometer is installed on the bridge joint to record impulse acceleration, while the vehicle’s weight and driving speed are obtained from a WIM station and a camera near the bridge, respectively. A network that detects the vehicle’s passage as well as its passing lane is first proposed, followed by a 1-D convolutional neural network that uses the raw data of acceleration as the input to predict the vehicle’s gross weight and driving speed. A comparison is made between the 1-D network and an updated 2-D network that uses the wavelet coefficients as the input matrix. The latter one shows better performance, indicating that it is important to choose the proper input data for the network to be trained. A transfer learning technique is used to test the feasibility of the proposed method. Results show that the proposed method can be extended with limited data to bridges other than the bridge where the network is trained.
Computational Intelligence and Soft Computing Paradigm for Cheating Detection in Online Examinations
Authors: Kaddoura Sanaa , Vincent Shweta , Hemanth D. Jude
Published: May 2023

Covid-19 has been a life-changer in the sphere of online education. With complete lockdown in various countries, there has been a tumultuous increase in the need for providing online education, and hence, it has become mandatory for examiners to ensure that a fair methodology is followed for evaluation, and academic integrity is met. A plethora of literature is available related to methods to mitigate cheating during online examinations. A systematic literature review (SLR) has been followed in our article which aims at introducing the research gap in terms of the usage of soft computing techniques to combat cheating during online examinations. We have also presented state-of-the-art methods followed, which are capable of mitigating online cheating, namely, face recognition, face expression recognition, head posture analysis, eye gaze tracking, network data traffic analysis, and detection of IP spoofing. A discussion on improvement of existing online cheating detection systems has also been presented.
Data from Tumor and Stromal Cell Targeting with Nintedanib and Alpelisib Overcomes Intrinsic Bladder Cancer Resistance
Authors: Marqués Miriam , Corral Sonia , Sánchez-Díaz María , del Pozo Natalia , Martínez de Villarreal Jaime , Schweifer Norbert , Zagorac Ivana , Hilberg Frank , Real Francisco X.
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Bladder cancer is a highly prevalent tumor, requiring the urgent development of novel therapies, especially for locally advanced and metastatic disease. Nintedanib is a potent antifibrotic angio-kinase inhibitor, which has shown clinical efficacy in combination with chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Nintedanib inhibits fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs), validated targets in patients with bladder cancer harboring FGFR3/2 genetic alterations. Here, we aimed at studying its mechanisms of action to understand therapy resistance, identify markers predictive of response, and improve the design of future clinical trials. We have used a panel of genetically well-characterized human bladder cancer cells to identify the molecular and transcriptomic changes induced upon treatment with nintedanib, in vitro and in vivo, at the tumor and stroma cell levels. We showed that bladder cancer cells display an intrinsic resistance to nintedanib treatment in vitro, independently of their FGFR3 status. However, nintedanib has higher antitumor activity on mouse xenografts. We have identified PI3K activation as a resistance mechanism against nintedanib in bladder cancer and evidenced that the combination of nintedanib with the PI3K inhibitor alpelisib has synergistic antitumor activity. Treatment with this combination is associated with cell-cycle inhibition at the tumoral and stromal levels and potent nontumor cell autonomous effects on α-smooth muscle actin—positive tumor infiltrating cells and tumor vasculature. The combination of nintedanib with PI3K inhibitors not only reversed bladder cancer resistance to nintedanib but also enhanced its antiangiogenic effects.
Data from Comparison of Three Transcytotic Pathways for Distribution to Brain Metastases of Breast Cancer
Authors: Khan Imran , Gril Brunilde , Paranjape Anurag N. , Robinson Christina M. , Difilippantonio Simone , Biernat Wojciech , Bieńkowski Michał , Pęksa Rafal , Duchnowska Renata , Jassem Jacek , Brastianos Priscilla K. , Metellus Philippe , Bialecki Emilie , Woodroofe Carolyn C. , Wu Haitao , Swenson Rolf E. , Steeg Patricia S.
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Advances in drug treatments for brain metastases of breast cancer have improved progression free survival but new, more efficacious strategies are needed. Most chemotherapeutic drugs infiltrate brain metastases by moving between brain capillary endothelial cells, paracellular distribution, resulting in heterogeneous distribution, lower than that of systemic metastases. Herein, we tested three well-known transcytotic pathways through brain capillary endothelial cells as potential avenues for drug access: Transferrin receptor (TfR) peptide, Low density lipoprotein receptor 1 (LRP1) peptide, Albumin. Each was far-red labeled, injected into two hematogenous models of brain metastases, circulated for two different times, and their uptake quantified in metastases and uninvolved (nonmetastatic) brain. Surprisingly, all three pathways demonstrated distinct distribution patterns in vivo. Two were suboptimal: TfR distributed to uninvolved brain but poorly in metastases, while LRP1 was poorly distributed. Albumin distributed to virtually all metastases in both model systems, significantly greater than in uninvolved brain (P <0.0001). Further experiments revealed that albumin entered both macrometastases and micrometastases, the targets of treatment and prevention translational strategies. Albumin uptake into brain metastases was not correlated with the uptake of a paracellular probe (biocytin). We identified a novel mechanism of albumin endocytosis through the endothelia of brain metastases consistent with clathrin-independent endocytosis (CIE), involving the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), galectin-3 (Gal-3) and glycosphingolipids. Components of the CIE process were found on metastatic endothelial cells in human craniotomies. The data suggest a reconsideration of albumin as a translational mechanism for improved drug delivery to brain metastases and possibly other CNS cancers.
Supplementary Tables S1-S11 and Figure S1 from Opportunities for Achieving the Cancer Moonshot Goal of a 50% Reduction in Cancer Mortality by 2047
Authors: Shiels Meredith S. , Lipkowitz Stanley , Campos Nicole G. , Schiffman Mark , Schiller John T. , Freedman Neal D. , de González Amy Berrington
Published: May 2023

Supplemental Table 1. 15 leading causes of cancer death in the U.S. in 2019.
Supplemental table 2. Trends in total cancer mortality rates, incidence rates and relative survival in the U.S.
Supplemental table 3. Trends in lung cancer mortality rates, incidence rates and relative survival in the U.S.
Supplemental table 4. Trends in colorectal cancer mortality rates, incidence rates and relative survival in the U.S.
Supplemental table 5. Trends in pancreatic cancer mortality rates, incidence rates and relative survival in the U.S.
Supplemental table 6. Trends in female breast cancer mortality rates, incidence rates and relative survival in the U.S.
Supplemental table 7. Trends in prostate cancer mortality rates, incidence rates and relative survival in the U.S.
Supplemental table 8. Trends in liver/IHBD cancer mortality rates, incidence rates and relative survival in the U.S.
Supplemental table 9. Trends in cancer mortality rates in the U.S., 2000-2019 for selected sites.
Supplemental Table 10. US breast cancer incidence-based mortality*.
Supplemental Table 11. U.S. breast cancer incidence-based mortality by age at death.
Supplemental Figure 1. Liver cancer incidence (1992-2019), survival (2000-2019) and mortality (2000-2019 projected through 2047). This figure excludes cases of intrahepatic bile duct cancer.
Table S5 from Abatacept/Ruxolitinib and Screening for Concomitant Respiratory Muscle Failure to Mitigate Fatality of Immune-Checkpoint Inhibitor Myocarditis
Authors: Salem Joe-Elie , Bretagne Marie , Abbar Baptiste , Leonard-Louis Sarah , Ederhy Stéphane , Redheuil Alban , Boussouar Samia , Nguyen Lee S. , Procureur Adrien , Stein Frederic , Fenioux Charlotte , Devos Perrine , Gougis Paul , Dres Martin , Demoule Alexandre , Psimaras Dimitri , Lenglet Timothee , Maisonobe Thierry , De Chambrun Marc Pineton , Hekimian Guillaume , Straus Christian , Gonzalez-Bermejo Jesus , Klatzmann David , Rigolet Aude , Guillaume-Jugnot Perrine , Champtiaux Nicolas , Benveniste Olivier , Weiss Nicolas , Saheb Samir , Rouvier Philippe , Plu Isabelle , Gandjbakhch Estelle , Kerneis Mathieu , Hammoudi Nadjib , Zahr Noel , Llontop Claudia , Morelot-Panzini Capucine , Lehmann Lorenz , Qin Juan , Moslehi Javid J. , Rosenzwajg Michelle , Similowski Thomas , Allenbach Yves
Published: May 2023

Proposed management algorithm for ICI-myotoxicities as a function of severity criteria grading
Supplementary Data 6 from Li–Fraumeni Syndrome–Associated Dimer-Forming Mutant p53 Promotes Transactivation-Independent Mitochondrial Cell Death
Authors: Choe Joshua H. , Kawase Tatsuya , Xu An , Guzman Asja , Obradovic Aleksandar Z. , Low-Calle Ana Maria , Alaghebandan Bita , Raghavan Ananya , Long Kaitlin , Hwang Paul M. , Schiffman Joshua D. , Zhu Yan , Zhao Ruiying , Lee Dung-Fang , Katz Chen , Prives Carol
Published: May 2023

p53 ChIPseq peaks from osteoblasts derived from normal and LFS individuals
Supplementary Data 4 from Li–Fraumeni Syndrome–Associated Dimer-Forming Mutant p53 Promotes Transactivation-Independent Mitochondrial Cell Death
Authors: Choe Joshua H. , Kawase Tatsuya , Xu An , Guzman Asja , Obradovic Aleksandar Z. , Low-Calle Ana Maria , Alaghebandan Bita , Raghavan Ananya , Long Kaitlin , Hwang Paul M. , Schiffman Joshua D. , Zhu Yan , Zhao Ruiying , Lee Dung-Fang , Katz Chen , Prives Carol
Published: May 2023

p53 ChIPseq peaks from U2OS cells varying in p53 allelic status
Data from Li–Fraumeni Syndrome–Associated Dimer-Forming Mutant p53 Promotes Transactivation-Independent Mitochondrial Cell Death
Authors: Choe Joshua H. , Kawase Tatsuya , Xu An , Guzman Asja , Obradovic Aleksandar Z. , Low-Calle Ana Maria , Alaghebandan Bita , Raghavan Ananya , Long Kaitlin , Hwang Paul M. , Schiffman Joshua D. , Zhu Yan , Zhao Ruiying , Lee Dung-Fang , Katz Chen , Prives Carol
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Cancer-relevant mutations in the oligomerization domain (OD) of the p53 tumor suppressor protein, unlike those in the DNA binding domain, have not been well elucidated. Here, we characterized the germline OD mutant p53(A347D), which occurs in cancer-prone Li–Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) patients. Unlike wild-type p53, mutant p53(A347D) cannot form tetramers and exists as a hyperstable dimeric protein. Further, p53(A347D) cannot bind or transactivate the majority of canonical p53 target genes. Isogenic cell lines harboring either p53(A347D) or no p53 yield comparable tumorigenic properties, yet p53(A347D) displays remarkable neomorphic activities. Cells bearing p53(A347D) possess a distinct transcriptional profile and undergo metabolic reprogramming. Further, p53(A347D) induces striking mitochondrial network aberration and associates with mitochondria to drive apoptotic cell death upon topoisomerase II inhibition in the absence of transcription. Thus, dimer-forming p53 demonstrates both loss-of-function (LOF) and gain-of-function (GOF) properties compared with the wild-type form of the protein.
Significance:
A mutant p53 (A347D), which can only form dimers, is associated with increased cancer susceptibility in LFS individuals. We found that this mutant wields a double-edged sword, driving tumorigenesis through LOF while gaining enhanced apoptogenic activity as a new GOF, thereby yielding a potential vulnerability to select therapeutic approaches.

See related commentary by Stieg et al., p. 1046.

See related article by Gencel-Augusto et al., p. 1230.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1027
Data from Integrative Pan-Cancer Genomic and Transcriptomic Analyses of Refractory Metastatic Cancer
Authors: Pradat Yoann , Viot Julien , Yurchenko Andrey A. , Gunbin Konstantin , Cerbone Luigi , Deloger Marc , Grisay Guillaume , Verlingue Loic , Scott Véronique , Padioleau Ismael , Panunzi Leonardo , Michiels Stefan , Hollebecque Antoine , Jules-Clément Gérôme , Mezquita Laura , Lainé Antoine , Loriot Yohann , Besse Benjamin , Friboulet Luc , André Fabrice , Cournède Paul-Henry , Gautheret Daniel , Nikolaev Sergey I.
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Metastatic relapse after treatment is the leading cause of cancer mortality, and known resistance mechanisms are missing for most treatments administered to patients. To bridge this gap, we analyze a pan-cancer cohort (META-PRISM) of 1,031 refractory metastatic tumors profiled via whole-exome and transcriptome sequencing. META-PRISM tumors, particularly prostate, bladder, and pancreatic types, displayed the most transformed genomes compared with primary untreated tumors. Standard-of-care resistance biomarkers were identified only in lung and colon cancers—9.6% of META-PRISM tumors, indicating that too few resistance mechanisms have received clinical validation. In contrast, we verified the enrichment of multiple investigational and hypothetical resistance mechanisms in treated compared with nontreated patients, thereby confirming their putative role in treatment resistance. Additionally, we demonstrated that molecular markers improve 6-month survival prediction, particularly in patients with advanced breast cancer. Our analysis establishes the utility of the META-PRISM cohort for investigating resistance mechanisms and performing predictive analyses in cancer.
Significance:
This study highlights the paucity of standard-of-care markers that explain treatment resistance and the promise of investigational and hypothetical markers awaiting further validation. It also demonstrates the utility of molecular profiling in advanced-stage cancers, particularly breast cancer, to improve the survival prediction and assess eligibility to phase I clinical trials.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1027
Design and Simulation of a Multilayer Chemical Neural Network That Learns via Backpropagation
Authors: Lakin Matthew R.
Published: May 2023

The design and implementation of adaptive chemical reaction networks, capable of adjusting their behavior over time in response to experience, is a key goal for the fields of molecular computing and DNA nanotechnology. Mainstream machine learning research offers powerful tools for implementing learning behavior that could one day be realized in a wet chemistry system. Here we develop an abstract chemical reaction network model that implements the backpropagation learning algorithm for a feedforward neural network whose nodes employ the nonlinear “leaky rectified linear unit” transfer function. Our network directly implements the mathematics behind this well-studied learning algorithm, and we demonstrate its capabilities by training the system to learn a linearly inseparable decision surface, specifically, the XOR logic function. We show that this simulation quantitatively follows the definition of the underlying algorithm. To implement this system, we also report ProBioSim, a simulator that enables arbitrary training protocols for simulated chemical reaction networks to be straightforwardly defined using constructs from the host programming language. This work thus provides new insight into the capabilities of learning chemical reaction networks and also develops new computational tools to simulate their behavior, which could be applied in the design and implementations of adaptive artificial life.
Mimetic Dimensions of Bird-Human Interactions: The Use of Bird Sound Imitations among Estonian Birders
Authors: Magnus Riin , Bhattacharya Sugata
Published: May 2023

This paper explores bird sound imitation as a particular type of interspecies interaction. Using questionnaires, interviews, and participatory observations, a survey was conducted among Estonian birders to find out about the prevalence of the practice, the diversity of imitated species, the means of imitation, and the attitudes of birders towards the use of recordings in the field. The study found that 55 species of birds from 11 orders were imitated and using one’s own voice was the most common way of imitating birds. The choice of the method of imitation depended on the purpose and context of imitation. Most birders supported the use of playbacks for scientific purposes, but not for daily birding. With the easy availability of playback technologies, there are increased concerns about the ubiquitous presence of disturbing factors. At the same time, however, the technological boundlessness is balanced by the heightened ethical self-reflection of birders.