bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimized enantioselective (S)-2-hydroxypropiophenone synthesis by free- and encapsulated-resting cells of Pseudomonas putida
Authors: Kordesedehi Reihaneh , Asadollahi Mohammad Ali , Shahpiri Azar , Biria Davoud , Nikel Pablo Iván
Published: May 2023

Background

Aromatic α-hydroxy ketones, such asS-2-hydroxypropiophenone (2-HPP), are highly valuable chiral building blocks useful for the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals and natural products. In the present study, enantioselective synthesis of 2-HPP was investigated by free and immobilized whole cells ofPseudomonas putidaATCC 12633 starting from readily-available aldehyde substrates. Whole resting cells ofP. putida, previously grown in a culture medium containing ammonium mandelate, are a source of native benzoylformate decarboxylase (BFD) activity. BFD produced by inducedP. putidaresting cells is a highly active biocatalyst without any further treatment in comparison with partially purified enzyme preparations. These cells can convert benzaldehyde and acetaldehyde into the acyloin compound 2-HPP by BFD-catalyzed enantioselective cross-coupling reaction.

Results

The reaction was carried out in the presence of exogenous benzaldehyde (20 mM) and acetaldehyde (600 mM) as substrates in 6 mL of 200 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7) for 3 h. The optimal biomass concentration was assessed to be 0.006 g dry cell weight (DCW) mL− 1. 2-HPP titer, yield and productivity using the free cells were 1.2 g L− 1, 0.56 g 2-HPP/g benzaldehyde (0.4 mol 2-HPP/mol benzaldehyde), 0.067 g 2-HPP g− 1DCW h− 1, respectively, under optimized biotransformation conditions (30 °C, 200 rpm). Calcium alginate (CA)–polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-boric acid (BA)-beads were used for cell entrapment. Encapsulated whole-cells were successfully employed in four consecutive cycles for 2-HPP production under aerobic conditions without any noticeable beads degradation. Moreover, there was no production of benzyl alcohol as an unwanted by-product.

Conclusions

Bioconversion by wholeP. putidaresting cells is an efficient strategy for the production of 2-HPP and other α-hydroxyketones.

Graphical abstract
Elevated postprandial triglyceride-rich lipoproteins in patients with diabetes and stable coronary artery disease correlated with early renal damage and systemic inflammation
Authors: Guo Xu , Zhai Yujia , Song Chenliang , Mi Zhen , Peng Jiya , Guo Jing , Teng Xianzhuo , Zhang Daqing
Published: May 2023

Background

Dyslipidaemia is key in the development of coronary heart disease (CHD) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Accumulated evidence supports that diabetic nephropathy increases the mortality risk of patients with CHD, while the influence of diabetic dyslipidaemia on renal damage in patients with DM and CHD remains unknown. Moreover, recent data indicate that postprandial dyslipidaemia has predictive value in terms of CHD prognosis, especially in patients with DM. The study aimed to determine the relationship of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) after daily Chinese breakfast on systemic inflammation and early renal damage in Chinese patients with DM and SCAD.

Methods

Patients with DM diagnosed with SCAD while in the Department of Cardiology of Shengjing Hospital from September 2016 to February 2017 were enrolled in this study. Fasting and 4-h postprandial blood lipids, fasting blood glucose, glycated haemoglobin, urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations, and other parameters were measured. Fasting and postprandial blood lipid profiles and inflammatory cytokines were analysed using a paired t-test. The association between variables was analysed using Pearson or Spearman bivariate analysis. P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results

The study enrolled 44 patients in total. Compared with fasting state, postprandial total cholesterol high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C),low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (non-HDL-C) all showed no significant change. Postprandial serum triglyceride (TG) concentration increased significantly compared with that at fasting (1.40 ± 0.40 vs. 2.10 ± 0.94 mmol/L, P < 0.001), as did serum remnant lipoprotein-cholesterol (RLP-C) (0.54 ± 0.18 mmol/L vs. 0.64 ± 0.25 mmol/L). Pearson analysis revealed that serum TG and RLP-C positively correlated before and after breakfast. Moreover, during fasting, positive correlations were observed between TG and serum IL-6, TNF-α, and UACR. Positive correlations were observed between RLP-C and IL-6, UACR under fasting condition, while both TG and RLP-C were positively correlated with postprandial serum IL-6, TNF-α, and UACR concentrations. Finally, positive correlations were observed between UACR and IL-6 and TNF-α concentration under both fasting and postprandial conditions.

Conclusions

An increase in postprandial TRLs was observed in Chinese patients with DM and SCAD after daily breakfast, and this increase may be related to early renal injury via the induction of systemic inflammation.
“We are the ones who will have to make the change”: Cuban health cooperation and the integration of Cuban medical graduates into practice in the Pacific
Authors: McLennan Sharon , Werle Cristine
Published: May 2023

Background

This paper responds to Asante et al. (in Hum Resour Health, 2014), providing an updated picture of the impacts of Cuban medical training in the Pacific region based on research carried out in 2019–2021, which focused on the experiences of Pacific Island doctors trained in Cuba and their integration into practice in their home countries.

Methods

The research focussed on two case studies—Solomon Islands and Kiribati. Study methods for this research included multi-sited ethnographic methods and semi-structured interviews as well as qualitative analysis of policy documents, reports, and media sources.

Results

The Cuban health assistance programme has had a significant impact on the medical workforce in the Pacific region increasing the number of doctors employed by Pacific Ministries of Health between 2012 and 2019. Qualitatively, there have been some notable improvements in the medical workforce and health delivery over this period. However, the integration of the Cuban-trained doctors into practise has been challenging, with criticisms of their clinical, procedural and communication skills, and the need for the rapid development of bridging and internship training programmes (ITPs) which were inadequately planned for at the outset of the programme.

Conclusions

The Cuban programme in the Pacific is an important model of development assistance for health in the region. While Cuba’s offer of scholarships was the trigger for a range of positive outcomes, the success of the programme has relied on input from a range of actors including support from other governments and institutions, and much hard work by the graduates themselves, often in the face of considerable criticism. Key impacts of the programme to date include the raw increase in the number of doctors and the development of the ITPs and career pathways for the graduates, although this has also led to the reorientation of Cuban graduates from preventative to curative health. There is considerable potential for these graduates to contribute to improved health outcomes across the region, particularly if their primary and preventative health care skills are utilised.
Natural autoimmunity in oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Tsitsami Elena , Sarrigeorgiou Ioannis , Tsinti Maria , Rouka Erasmia C. , Zarogiannis Sotirios G. , Lymberi Peggy
Published: May 2023

Background

Oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (oligo-JIA) is considered as an antigen-driven lymphocyte-mediated autoimmune disease. Natural antibodies (NAbs) are pre-immune antibodies produced in the absence of exogenous antigen stimulation, participating in both, innate and adaptive immunity. Considering their major immunoregulatory role in homeostasis and autoimmune pathogenesis, we designed this study to further elucidate their role in oligo-JIA pathogenesis.

Methods

Seventy children with persistent oligo-JIA and 20 healthy matched controls were enrolled in the study. Serum IgM and IgA antibodies against human G-actin, human IgG F(ab΄)2 fragments and the hapten TriNitroPhenol (TNP) as well as the total concentration of serum IgM and IgA were measured by in-house enzyme-immunoassays. Kolmogorov–Smirnov normality test, Kruskal–Wallis H and Mann–Whitney tests were used to assess data distribution, and significant differences of non-parametric data between groups of the study. Backward regression analysis was used to analyze the effect of multiple factors (age, gender, disease activity, anti-nuclear antibody positivity, presence of uveitis) on continuous dependent variables (activities and activity/ concentration ratios of IgM and IgA NAbs).

Results

The ratios of IgA anti-TNP, anti-actin and anti-F(ab΄)2 levels to total serum IgA concentration were found to be significantly increased in patients with oligo-JIA compared to healthy subjects. Significantly elevated levels of IgM anti-TNP antibodies were also found in children with inactive oligo-JIA compared to those of children with active disease and of healthy controls. In the presence of anterior uveitis, IgM anti-TNP levels were significantly higher than in patients without uveitis or in healthy controls. Backward regression analysis revealed that the disease activity and the presence of anterior uveitis independently affect IgM anti-TNP levels.

Conclusuions

Our findings are in accordance with the hypothesis that NAbs contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and provide additional evidence that disturbances in natural autoimmunity may contribute to the as yet unclarified pathogenesis of oligo-JIA.
Zeaxanthin epoxidase is involved in the carotenoid biosynthesis and light-dependent growth of the marine alga Nannochloropsis oceanica
Authors: Liu Meijing , Ding Wei , Pan Yufang , Hu Hanhua , Liu Jin
Published: May 2023

Background

The marine alga Nannochloropsis oceanica, an emerging model belonging to Heterokont, is considered as a promising light-driven eukaryotic chassis for transforming carbon dioxide to various compounds including carotenoids. Nevertheless, the carotenogenic genes and their roles in the alga remain less understood and to be further explored.

Results

Here, two phylogenetically distant zeaxanthin epoxidase (ZEP) genes from N. oceanica (NoZEP1 and NoZEP2) were functionally characterized. Subcellular localization experiment demonstrated that both NoZEP1 and NoZEP2 reside in the chloroplast yet with differential distribution patterns. Overexpression of NoZEP1 or NoZEP2 led to increases of violaxanthin and its downstream carotenoids at the expense of zeaxanthin in N. oceanica, with the extent of changes mediated by NoZEP1 overexpression being greater as compared to NoZEP2 overexpression. Suppression of NoZEP1 or NoZEP2, on the other hand, caused decreases of violaxanthin and its downstream carotenoids as well as increases of zeaxanthin; similarly, the extent of changes mediated by NoZEP1 suppression was larger than that by NoZEP2 suppression. Interestingly, chlorophyll a dropped following violaxanthin decrease in a well-correlated manner in response to NoZEP suppression. The thylakoid membrane lipids including monogalactosyldiacylglycerol also correlated with the violaxanthin decreases. Accordingly, NoZEP1 suppression resulted in more attenuated algal growth than NoZEP2 suppression did under either normal light or high light stage.

Conclusions

The results together support that both NoZEP1 and NoZEP2, localized in the chloroplast, have overlapping roles in epoxidating zeaxanthin to violaxanthin for the light-dependent growth, yet with NoZEP1 being more functional than NoZEP2 in N. oceanica. Our study provides implications into the understanding of carotenoid biosynthesis and future manipulation of N. oceanica for carotenoid production.
Multi-omics profiling reveals potential alterations in rheumatoid arthritis with different disease activity levels
Authors: Chen Jianghua , Li Shilin , Zhu Jing , Su Wei , Jian Congcong , Zhang Jie , Wu Jianhong , Wang Tingting , Zhang Weihua , Zeng Fanwei , Chang Shengjia , Jia Lihua , Su Jiang , Zhao Yi , Wang Jing , Zeng Fanxin
Published: May 2023

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune inflammatory disease, the pathogenesis of which is not clear. Clinical remission, or decreased disease activity, is the aim of treatment for RA. However, our understanding of disease activity is inadequate, and clinical remission rates for RA are generally poor. In this study, we used multi-omics profiling to study potential alterations in rheumatoid arthritis with different disease activity levels.

Methods

Fecal and plasma samples from 131 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and 50 healthy subjects were collected for 16S rRNA sequencing, internally transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The PBMCS were also collected for RNA sequencing and whole exome sequencing (WES). The disease groups, based on 28 joints and ESR (DAS28), were divided into DAS28L, DAS28M, and DAS28H groups. Three random forest models were constructed and verified with an external validation cohort of 93 subjects.

Results

Our findings revealed significant alterations in plasma metabolites and gut microbiota in RA patients with different disease activities. Moreover, plasma metabolites, especially lipid metabolites, demonstrated a significant correlation with the DAS28 score and also associations with gut bacteria and fungi. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of plasma metabolites and RNA sequencing data demonstrated alterations in the lipid metabolic pathway in RA progression. Whole exome sequencing (WES) results have shown that non-synonymous single nucleotide variants (nsSNV) of the HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DRB5 gene locus were associated with the disease activity of RA. Furthermore, we developed a disease classifier based on plasma metabolites and gut microbiota that effectively discriminated RA patients with different disease activity in both the discovery cohort and the external validation cohort.

Conclusion

Overall, our multi-omics analysis confirmed that RA patients with different disease activity were altered in plasma metabolites, gut microbiota composition, transcript levels, and DNA. Our study identified the relationship between gut microbiota and plasma metabolites and RA disease activity, which may provide a novel therapeutic direction for improving the clinical remission rate of RA.
Characteristic and fate determination of adipose precursors during adipose tissue remodeling
Authors: Ye Jiayin , Gao Cheng , Liang Yong , Hou Zongliu , Shi Yufang , Wang Ying
Published: May 2023

Adipose tissues are essential for actively regulating systemic energy balance, glucose homeostasis, immune responses, reproduction, and longevity. Adipocytes maintain dynamic metabolic needs and possess heterogeneity in energy storage and supply. Overexpansion of adipose tissue, especially the visceral type, is a high risk for diabetes and other metabolic diseases. Changes in adipocytes, hypertrophy or hyperplasia, contribute to the remodeling of obese adipose tissues, accompanied by abundant immune cell accumulation, decreased angiogenesis, and aberrant extracellular matrix deposition. The process and mechanism of adipogenesis are well known, however, adipose precursors and their fate decision are only being defined with recent information available to decipher how adipose tissues generate, maintain, and remodel. Here, we discuss the key findings that identify adipose precursors phenotypically, with special emphasis on the intrinsic and extrinsic signals in instructing and regulating the fate of adipose precursors under pathophysiological conditions. We hope that the information in this review lead to novel therapeutic strategies to combat obesity and related metabolic diseases.
Acupuncture-related techniques for postoperative cognitive complications: a systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Junbao , Cairen Zhuoma , Shi Liwen , Zhang Minjuan , Yang Manping , Wang Yun , Lu Zhihong
Published: May 2023

Background

Postoperative cognitive complications are major challenges for postoperative recovery. Acupuncture-related techniques have been used for treating neurocognitive dysfunctions. However, whether they help to prevent postoperative cognitive complicationss remains unclear. We intend to evaluate the effect of acupuncture-related techniques on the incidence of postoperative cognitive complications (PCC) in patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia.

Methods

Based on PRISMA guidelines, a search of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov was performed to identify eligible trials published from inception to June 6, 2021. The search was performed in June 2021. The inclusion criteria were prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trials that compared acupuncture-related techniques with other techniques or non-acupuncture treatment in patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia. Pooled odds ratios (ORs), 95% CIs, and P values were estimated for end points using fixed and random effects statistical models.

Results

The analysis included 12 studies with 1058 patients. Compared with patients not receiving acupuncture, patients treated with acupuncture-related techniques had a lower incidence of PCCs (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.33 to 0.59; P < 0.001; n = 968) and lower levels of biomarkers, including IL-6, TNF-α, and S100β. Acupuncture with needles and without needles showed similar effects on the prevention of PCCs. The effects of acupuncture-related techniques on PCCs were observed in both English and non-English articles. Subgroup analyses showed that both agitation and/or delirium (OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.34 to 0.76; P < 0.001; n = 490) and delayed cognitive recovery (OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.21 to 0.51; P < 0.001; n = 478) were reduced after treatment with acupuncture-related techniques. In adult studies evaluating MMSE scores, the scores were not different between groups (SMD, − 0.71; 95% CI, − 1.72 to 0.3; P = 0.17; n = 441).

Conclusions

Acupuncture-related techniques, including needle techniques and electrical techniques, are associated with fewer postoperative cognitive complications, suggesting that acupuncture could be considered a potential option in the perioperative setting. Additional research is needed to develop higher-quality evidence and optimal regimens.

Trial registration

PROSPERO (CRD42021258378).
Sulforaphane prevents LPS-induced inflammation by regulating the Nrf2-mediated autophagy pathway in goat mammary epithelial cells and a mouse model of mastitis
Authors: Shao Dan , Shen Wenxiang , Miao Yuyang , Gao Zhen , Pan Menghao , Wei Qiang , Yan Zuoting , Zhao Xiaoe , Ma Baohua
Published: May 2023

Background

Mastitis not only deteriorates the composition or quality of milk, but also damages the health and productivity of dairy goats. Sulforaphane (SFN) is a phytochemical isothiocyanate compound with various pharmacological effects such as anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory. However, the effect of SFN on mastitis has yet to be elucidated. This study aimed to explore the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and potential molecular mechanisms of SFN in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced primary goat mammary epithelial cells (GMECs) and a mouse model of mastitis.

Results

In vitro, SFN downregulated the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6), inhibited the protein expression of inflammatory mediators (cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)) while suppressing nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) activation in LPS-induced GMECs. Additionally, SFN exhibited an antioxidant effect by increasing Nrf2 expression and nuclear translocation, up-regulating antioxidant enzymes expression, and decreasing LPS-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in GMECs. Furthermore, SFN pretreatment promoted the autophagy pathway, which was dependent on the increased Nrf2 level, and contributed significantly to the improved LPS-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory response. In vivo, SFN effectively alleviated histopathological lesions, suppressed the expression of inflammatory factors, enhanced immunohistochemistry staining of Nrf2, and amplified of LC3 puncta LPS-induced mastitis in mice. Mechanically, the in vitro and in vivo study showed that the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effects of SFN were mediated by the Nrf2-mediated autophagy pathway in GMECs and a mouse model of mastitis.

Conclusions

These results indicate that the natural compound SFN has a preventive effect on LPS-induced inflammation through by regulating the Nrf2-mediated autophagy pathway in primary goat mammary epithelial cells and a mouse model of mastitis, which may improve prevention strategies for mastitis in dairy goats.
An open-source platform for sub-$$\textrm{g}$$, sub-$$\upmu$$A data loggers
Authors: Brown Geoffrey M. , Chen Jiawei , Fudickar Adam , Jahn Alex E.
Published: May 2023

Background

Rapid improvements in inexpensive, low-power, movement and environmental sensors have sparked a revolution in animal behavior research by enabling the creation of data loggers (henceforth, tags) that can capture fine-grained behavioral data over many months. Nevertheless, development of tags that are suitable for use with small species, for example, birds under 25 g, remains challenging because of the extreme mass (under 1$$\textrm{g}$$
g
) and power (average current under 1$$\upmu$$
μ
A) constraints. These constraints dictate that a tag should carry exactly the sensors required for a given experiment and the data collection protocol should be specialized to the experiment. Furthermore, it can be extremely challenging to design hardware and software to achieve the energy efficiency required for long tag life.

Results

We present an activity monitor, BitTag, that can continuously collect activity data for 4–12 months at 0.5–0.8$$\textrm{g}$$
g
, depending upon battery choice, and which has been used to collect more than 500,000 h of data in a variety of experiments. The BitTag architecture provides a general platform to support the development and deployment of custom sub-$$\textrm{g}$$
g
tags. This platform consists of a flexible tag architecture, software for both tags and host computers, and hardware to provide the host/tag interface necessary for preparing tags for “flight” and for accessing tag data “post-flight”. We demonstrate how the BitTag platform can be extended to quickly develop novel tags with other sensors while satisfying the 1g/1$$\upmu$$
μ
A mass and power requirements through the design of a novel barometric pressure sensing tag that can collect pressure and temperature data every 60$$\textrm{s}$$
s
for a year with mass under 0.6$$\textrm{g}$$
g
.
Does workplace telepressure get under the skin? Protocol for an ambulatory assessment study on wellbeing and health-related physiological, experiential, and behavioral concomitants of workplace telepressure
Authors: Semaan Raphaël , Nater Urs M. , Heinzer Raphaël , Haba-Rubio José , Vlerick Peter , Cambier Ruben , Gomez Patrick
Published: May 2023

Background

The daily working life of many employees requires the use of modern information and communication technology (ICT) devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones. The double-edged nature of digital work environments has been increasingly highlighted. Benefits such as increased flexibility come at a personal cost. One of the potential downsides is workplace telepressure, i.e., the experience of urge and preoccupation to quickly reply to work-related messages and demands using ICT. There is initial − mainly survey-based−evidence that workplace telepressure may have negative effects on a variety of wellbeing and health outcomes.

Aims and hypotheses

Adopting the Effort-Recovery Model and the concept of allostatic load as theoretical frameworks, the present study aims to investigate the hypothesis that workplace telepressure is significantly associated with increased “wear and tear”, in the form of more psychosomatic complaints, worse sleep quality (self-reported and actigraphy-based), worse mood, and biological alterations (lower cardiac vagal tone, lower anabolic balance defined as the ratio of salivary dehydroepiandrosterone to salivary cortisol, and higher salivary alpha-amylase). Additionally, the study aims to investigate the hypothesis that connection to work defined as work-related workload and work-related perseverative cognition plays a significant role in the mediation of these relationships.

Methods

To test our hypotheses, we will conduct an ambulatory assessment study with a convenience sample of 120 healthy workers regularly using ICTs for job communication. For one week, participants will be asked to complete electronic diaries assessing their level of workplace telepressure, psychosomatic complaints, sleep quality, mood, work-related workload, and work-related perseverative cognition. They will also continuously wear the Bittium Faros 180L ECG monitor, the wrist-worn actigraph MotionWatch 8, and perform saliva sampling five times per day.

Discussion

This study will be the most comprehensive ambulatory investigation of workplace telepressure and its psychophysiological concomitants to date and constitutes an important step towards understanding how high levels of workplace telepressure may lead in the long term to secondary alterations (e.g., hypertension, chronic inflammation) and disease (e.g., heart disease). The findings of this study are also anticipated to contribute to guiding the development and implementation of interventions, programs, and policies relevant to employees’ digital wellbeing.
How much of my true self can i show? social adaptation in autistic women: a qualitative study
Authors: Sunagawa Mebuki
Published: May 2023

Background

Social adaptation is often aimed at supporting autistic people, yet its specific goals may not include their actual perspectives. That is, the state of adaptation is judged based on the standards and values of non-autistic people. This qualitative study focused on autistic women’s perceptions of social adaptation and examined their lived experiences in daily life, as adaptive behaviors have often been reported as a “female autism phenotype.”

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to-face with ten autistic women aged 28–50 years (M = 36.7; standard SD = 7.66). The analysis was conducted based on the grounded theory approach.

Results

Two core perceptions were identified: maintaining stable relationships and fulfilling social roles based on past experiences of “maladaptation.” The participants sought adaptations within a reasonable range and adjusted their balance with society to maintain stability in their daily lives.

Conclusion

The findings indicated that autistic women’s perceptions of adaptation were based on the accumulation of past negative experiences. Further harmful efforts should be prevented. Support for autistic people to make their own choices in life is also important. Moreover, autistic women need a place where they can be themselves and be accepted as they are. This study showed the importance of changing the environment rather than modifying autistic people to adapt to a society.
The spatial distribution of traditional intangible cultural heritage medicine of China and its influencing factors
Authors: Nie Xin , Ma MingZhao , Ji JiaQing , Zheng LunXing
Published: May 2023

Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) of traditional Chinese medicine is a vivid testimony to the continuous inheritance of Chinese civilization. The study of ICH of traditional Chinese medicine from the perspective of the geographical environment, spatial relationships and diachronic development is of great significance for understanding objectively the reasons for the formation of spatial distribution patterns of ICH and the pathways and extent of its spread; as a consequence, such information can help us improve our understanding of the integrity and historical continuity of culture. From a geography perspective, this study seeks to explore the spatial patterns of traditional Chinese medicine ICH based on knowledge concerning the extent of spreading of traditional Chinese medicine ICH. At the same time, the spatial analysis technique ArcGIS is used to express the spatiotemporal development of traditional Chinese medicine ICH in a simple, clear and visual way. Also, the factors influencing the spatial distribution of traditional Chinese medicine ICH are analyzed. The main findings are as follows: (1) The spatial distribution of traditional Chinese medicine ICH practices is cohesive as a whole, with a tendency to aggregate and strong imbalance in distribution. (2) There are significant differences in the classification and number of traditional Chinese medicine ICH. (3) Traditional Chinese medicine ICH practices have obvious differentiation in time and space distribution when factoring in their announcement in batches. (4) Traditional medicine practices have significant spatial autocorrelation. Appreciation of the aforementioned features allows us to gain consensus on the development and evolution of traditional Chinese medicine ICH, and hence can justify how we allocate funds to promote traditional Chinese medicine ICH projects, paying particular attention to researching the historical context, and preserving the extraction of the local characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine ICH.
Triple modality image reconstruction of PET data using SPECT, PET, CT information increases lesion uptake in images of patients treated with radioembolization with $$^{90}Y$$ micro-spheres
Authors: Deidda Daniel , Denis-Bacelar Ana M. , Fenwick Andrew J. , Ferreira Kelley M. , Heetun Warda , Hutton Brian F. , McGowan Daniel R. , Robinson Andrew P. , Scuffham James , Thielemans Kris , Twyman Robert
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Nuclear medicine imaging modalities like computed tomography (CT), single photon emission CT (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) are employed in the field of theranostics to estimate and plan the dose delivered to tumors and the surrounding tissues and to monitor the effect of the therapy. However, therapeutic radionuclides often provide poor images, which translate to inaccurate treatment planning and inadequate monitoring images. Multimodality information can be exploited in the reconstruction to enhance image quality. Triple modality PET/SPECT/CT scanners are particularly useful in this context due to the easier registration process between images. In this study, we propose to include PET, SPECT and CT information in the reconstruction of PET data. The method is applied to Yttrium-90 ($$^{90}$$

90

Y) data.

Methods

Data from a NEMA phantom filled with $$^{90}$$

90

Y were used for validation. PET, SPECT and CT data from 10 patients treated with Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT) were used. Different combinations of prior images using the Hybrid kernelized expectation maximization were investigated in terms of VOI activity and noise suppression.

Results

Our results show that triple modality PET reconstruction provides significantly higher uptake when compared to the method used as standard in the hospital and OSEM. In particular, using CT-guided SPECT images, as guiding information in the PET reconstruction significantly increases uptake quantification on tumoral lesions.

Conclusion

This work proposes the first triple modality reconstruction method and demonstrates up to 69% lesion uptake increase over standard methods with SIRT $$^{90}$$

90

Y patient data. Promising results are expected for other radionuclide combination used in theranostic applications using PET and SPECT.
Ameliorating the drought stress tolerance of a susceptible soybean cultivar, MAUS 2 through dual inoculation with selected rhizobia and AM fungus
Authors: Ashwin Revanna , Bagyaraj Davis Joseph , Mohan Raju Basavaiah
Published: May 2023

Background

Drought stress is currently the primary abiotic stress factor for crop loss worldwide. Although drought stress reduces the crop yield significantly, species and genotypes differ in their stress response; some tolerate the stress effect while others not. In several systems, it has been shown that, some of the beneficial soil microbes ameliorate the stress effect and thereby, minimizing yield losses under stress conditions. Realizing the importance of beneficial soil microbes, a field experiment was conducted to study the effect of selected microbial inoculants namely, N-fixing bacteria, Bradyrhizobium liaoningense and P-supplying arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus, Ambispora leptoticha on growth and performance of a drought susceptible and high yielding soybean cultivar, MAUS 2 under drought condition.

Results

Drought stress imposed during flowering and pod filling stages showed that, dual inoculation consisting of B. liaoningense and A. leptoticha improved the physiological and biometric characteristics including nutrient uptake and yield under drought conditions. Inoculated plants showed an increased number of pods and pod weight per plant by 19% and 34% respectively, while the number of seeds and seed weight per plant increased by 17% and 32% respectively over un-inoculated plants under drought stress condition. Further, the inoculated plants showed higher chlorophyll and osmolyte content, higher detoxifying enzyme activity, and higher cell viability because of less membrane damage compared to un-inoculated plants under stress condition. In addition, they also showed higher water use efficiency coupled with more nutrients accumulation besides exhibiting higher load of beneficial microbes.

Conclusion

Dual inoculation of soybean plants with beneficial microbes would alleviate the drought stress effects, thereby allowing normal plants’ growth under stress condition. The study therefore, infers that AM fungal and rhizobia inoculation seems to be necessary when soybean is to be cultivated under drought or water limiting conditions.
Protocol for a randomised pilot study of a novel Parent–Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) ‘re-implementation’ intervention
Authors: Woodfield Melanie J. , Cargo Tania , Merry Sally , Hetrick Sarah E.
Published: May 2023

Background

Despite a number of clinicians having been trained in Parent–Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) in Aotearoa/New Zealand, few are regularly delivering the treatment, with barriers to use including a lack of suitable equipment and lack of professional support. This pragmatic, parallel-arm, randomised, controlled pilot trial includes PCIT-trained clinicians who are not delivering, or only rarely utilising, this effective treatment. The study aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability and cultural responsivity of study methods and intervention components and to collect variance data on the proposed future primary outcome variable, in preparation for a future, larger trial.

Methods

The trial will compare a novel ‘re-implementation’ intervention with a refresher training and problem-solving control. Intervention components have been systematically developed to address barriers and facilitators to clinician use of PCIT using implementation theory, and a draft logic model with hypothesised mechanisms of action, derived from a series of preliminary studies. The intervention includes complimentary access to necessary equipment for PCIT implementation (audio-visual equipment, a ‘pop-up’ time-out space, toys), a mobile senior PCIT co-worker and an optional weekly PCIT consultation group, for a 6-month period. Outcomes will include the feasibility of recruitment and trial procedures; acceptability of the intervention package and data collection methods to clinicians; and clinician adoption of PCIT.

Discussion

Relatively little research attention has been directed at interventions to resurrect stalled implementation efforts. Results from this pragmatic pilot RCT will refine and shape knowledge relating to what it might take to embed the ongoing delivery of PCIT in community settings, providing more children and families with access to this effective treatment.

Trial registration

ANZCTR, ACTRN12622001022752, registered on July 21, 2022.
Tail spillover effects between cryptocurrencies and uncertainty in the gold, oil, and stock markets
Authors: Mensi Walid , Gubareva Mariya , Ko Hee-Un , Vo Xuan Vinh , Kang Sang Hoon
Published: May 2023

This study investigates tail dependence among five major cryptocurrencies, namely Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, and Bitcoin Cash, and uncertainties in the gold, oil, and equity markets. Using the cross-quantilogram method and quantile connectedness approach, we identify cross-quantile interdependence between the analyzed variables. Our results show that the spillover between cryptocurrencies and volatility indices for the major traditional markets varies substantially across quantiles, implying that diversification benefits for these assets may differ widely across normal and extreme market conditions. Under normal market conditions, the total connectedness index is moderate and falls below the elevated values observed under bearish and bullish market conditions. Moreover, we show that under all market conditions, cryptocurrencies have a leadership influence over the volatility indices. Our results have important policy implications for enhancing financial stability and deliver valuable insights for deploying volatility-based financial instruments that can potentially provide cryptocurrency investors with suitable hedges, as we show that cryptocurrency and volatility markets are insignificantly (weakly) connected under normal (extreme) market conditions.
Bitcoin: a new proof-of-work system with reduced variance
Authors: Bazzanella Danilo , Gangemi Andrea
Published: May 2023

Since its inception, bitcoin has used the popular consensus protocol proof-of-work (PoW). PoW has a well-known flaw: it distributes all rewards to a single miner (or pool) who inserts a new block. Consequently, the variance of rewards and the mining enterprise risk are extremely high. In 2016, Shi proposed addressing this problem with a theoretical algorithm. We introduce an easily-implemented PoW variant that improves Shi’s idea. The network must not find a single nonce but a few to insert a block. This simple change allows for a fairer distribution of rewards and also has the effect of regularizing the insertion time of blocks. This method would facilitate the emergence of small pools or autonomous miners.
Evaluation of polyamide (NYLON) versus polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) denture base materials regarding water solubility: in vitro research
Authors: Mostafa Marwa Hassan , AlSourori Ali Abdulghani
Published: May 2023

Background

Several denture base materials have evolved over the years. Beginning with metal and ending up with various types of acrylic materials in order to have a biocompatible, antimicrobial denture base. A flexible acrylic resin, such as Polyamides, has been introduced to address the drawbacks of heat-cured PMMA resin. This study was conducted to examine the water solubility and water sorption of flexible thermoplastic polyamides (Valplast) and two types of conventional heat-cured acrylic resin (PMMA) (Acrostone, Vertex).

Methods

Specimens of thermoplastic polyamides and two types of conventional PMMA (Acrostone, Vertex) resin were manufactured and used in the current investigation in accordance with manufacturer instructions. A total of 45 specimens were milled into discs with a diameter of 50.0 mm diameter, 5.0 mm thick. To ascertain conformity with ADA Standard No. 12, water solubility and water sorption were measured.

Results

All items complied with ADA regulations for water solubility and sorption. Flexible thermoplastic polyamide displayed less water solubility, and water sorption than heat-cured PMMA. Acrostone showed the higher water solubility, sorption followed by Vertex heat cure acrylic resin both heat cured showed significant higher water solubility than polyamides Valplast).

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this in vitro experiment, heat cure PMMA resin demonstrated significantly greater water solubility and water sorption when compared to thermoplastic polyamides.
Disclosures for slavery accounting concerning SDG 8 and corporate attributes: a study on the banking industry of Bangladesh
Authors: Saha Trina , Miah Rubel , Rahman Mahfujur , Das Sumon Kumar , Hoque Emranul
Published: May 2023

With the continuous adoption of sustainable development goals by all countries, there is a rising demand for implementing and disclosing related information by companies. This paper aims to find an idea about the nature of reporting practices related to slavery by listed banking companies of Bangladesh and the relationship between reporting practice and organizational attributes. Existing literature provides the foundation of this study. Annual reports from 2016 to 2021 were collected from the company websites, and content analysis was used to determine the nature and extent of slavery reporting; an index was developed based on content analysis. Independent variables were determined based on the current literature review. Statistical tools, including the test of multicollinearity, heteroscedastic, correlation, and linear regression and panel data analyses were used to determine the fitness of the model and the impact of independent variables on the dependent variable. Content analysis showed a clear picture of the consciousness about slavery accounting as all of the companies reported a minimum of three components of selected targets from SDG8. The evidence says that the quality and quantity of slavery reporting are improving yearly. A satisfactory correlation was found among the variables. Some variables, such as ownership nature, Board Size, etc., have a positive impact, and insignificant impact was found for Age and leverage on slavery disclosure. This paper only examines the banking industry, and it assesses only a few targets of SDG 8. Thus the results obtained from the study may not be similar to other companies. Data collection also has limitations; our target was to study till 2022 but some information requirements of few companies were not available on websites. This research paper is the first attempt to determine the nature of slavery accounting in Bangladesh. It will encourage business organizations to extend their reporting on slavery and SDGs.
Single-cell intracellular pH dynamics regulate the cell cycle by timing the G1 exit and G2 transition
Authors: Spear Julia S. , White Katharine A.
Published: May 2023

Transient changes in intracellular pH (pHi) regulate normal cell behaviors, but roles for spatiotemporal pHi dynamics in single-cell behaviors remain unclear. Here, we mapped single-cell spatiotemporal pHi dynamics during mammalian cell cycle progression both with and without cell cycle synchronization. We found that single-cell pHi is dynamic throughout the cell cycle: pHi decreases at G1/S, increases in mid-S, decreases at late S, increases at G2/M and rapidly decreases during mitosis. Importantly, although pHi is highly dynamic in dividing cells, non-dividing cells have attenuated pHi dynamics. Using two independent pHi manipulation methods, we found that low pHi inhibits completion of S phase whereas high pHi promotes both S/G2 and G2/M transitions. Our data also suggest that low pHi cues G1 exit, with decreased pHi shortening G1 and increased pHi elongating G1. Furthermore, dynamic pHi is required for S phase timing, as high pHi elongates S phase and low pHi inhibits S/G2 transition. This work reveals that spatiotemporal pHi dynamics are necessary for cell cycle progression at multiple phase transitions in single human cells.
Pacsin 2-dependent N-cadherin internalization regulates the migration behaviour of malignant cancer cells
Authors: Wint Haymar , Li Jianzhen , Abe Tadashi , Yamada Hiroshi , Higaki Takumi , Nasu Yasutomo , Watanabe Masami , Takei Kohji , Takeda Tetsuya
Published: May 2023

Collective cell migration is the coordinated movement of multiple cells connected by cadherin-based adherens junctions and is essential for physiological and pathological processes. Cadherins undergo dynamic intracellular trafficking, and their surface level is determined by a balance between endocytosis, recycling and degradation. However, the regulatory mechanism of cadherin turnover in collective cell migration remains elusive. In this study, we show that the Bin/amphiphysin/Rvs (BAR) domain protein pacsin 2 (protein kinase C and casein kinase substrate in neurons protein 2) plays an essential role in collective cell migration by regulating N-cadherin (also known as CDH2) endocytosis in human cancer cells. Pacsin 2-depleted cells formed cell–cell contacts enriched with N-cadherin and migrated in a directed manner. Furthermore, pacsin 2-depleted cells showed attenuated internalization of N-cadherin from the cell surface. Interestingly, GST pull-down assays demonstrated that the pacsin 2 SH3 domain binds to the cytoplasmic region of N-cadherin, and expression of an N-cadherin mutant defective in binding to pacsin 2 phenocopied pacsin 2 RNAi cells both in cell contact formation and N-cadherin endocytosis. These data support new insights into a novel endocytic route of N-cadherin in collective cell migration, highlighting pacsin 2 as a possible therapeutic target for cancer metastasis.
Adaptive modeling for security vulnerability propagation to predict the impact of business process redesign
Authors: Djunaidy Arif , Hariyanti Eva , Siahaan Daniel
Published: May 2023

Background: Business process redesign (BPR) is typical in organizations and is followed by adaptive maintenance on supporting applications. However, BPR leads to information security vulnerabilities that can propagate to its supporting applications.

Methods: This study proposes a new method called Node Strength-based Vulnerability Modeling (NSVM) for modeling security vulnerability propagation in the business processes and IT service layers. We applied the concept of social network strength to build our propagation model. The propagation model is needed to predict the impact of BPR on application vulnerabilities. We chose e-commerce applications as a case study. We evaluated the vulnerability propagation model by comparing the predicted vulnerability scores from the model with the actual scores of e-commerce applications in the National Vulnerability Database.

Results: Our experimentation indicates that the propagation strength between nodes is influenced by Common Weakness Enumerations (CWEs) between them. Thus, the vulnerability propagation model can predict vulnerability scores at module nodes in the IT service layer. In the NSVM, the best prediction scores were obtained by aggregating the adjacency and initial scores using the maximum principle approach. The best evaluation results yield mean absolute error (MAE), root mean squared error (RMSE), and mean squared error (MSE) scores of 0.60, 1.44, and 1.16, respectively.

Conclusion: Our study shows that the vulnerability propagation model with an adaptive mechanism based on BPR can be used to predict security vulnerability scores as the impact of business process redesign.