bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Publication dynamics: what can be done to eliminate barriers to publishing full manuscripts by the postgraduate trainees of a low-middle income country?
Authors: Majid Hafsa , Jafri Lena , Ahmed Sibtain , Abid Muhammad Abbas , Aamir Mohammad , Ijaz Aamir , Khan Aysha Habib , Siddiqui Imran
Published: July 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the publication rate of free paper abstracts presented by the postgraduate (PG) trainees and determine the reasons for non-publication. A mixed methods study was conducted. PG trainees presenting free papers at the at the Pakistan Society of Chemical Pathologist conferences from 2012 to 2018 were included. Three databases were searched to identify if the abstracts were published or not. The PG trainee authors of abstracts not published as full manuscript, were surveyed to determine the barriers and challenges in publishing a manuscript.

Results

The average rate of full manuscript publication was 51.8% (n = 93/177) for the abstracts presented by the PG trainees. Publication rate was higher for oral (n = 73/119, 61.3%) compared to poster presentation (n = 20/58, 34.5%). Most of the manuscripts were published after two years of abstract presentation. The survey showed that the main challenges to publishing an abstract were lack of time, limited scientific writing or submission skills, lack of funding for publication fee, and negative or statistically non-significant results. This reflects a need to arrange workshops/symposia for the PG trainees of low-middle income country (LMIC) to enhance their writing and time management skills and improve the full manuscript publication rate from LMICs.
The G1/S repressor WHI5 is expressed at similar levels throughout the cell cycle
Authors: Tollis Sylvain
Published: July 2022

Objectives

While it is clear that cells need to grow before committing to division at the G1/S transition of the cell cycle, how cells sense their growth rate or size at the molecular level is unknown. It has been proposed that, in budding yeast, the dilution of the Whi5 G1/S transcriptional repressor as cells grow in G1 is the main driver of G1/S commitment. This model implies that Whi5 synthesis is substantially reduced in G1 phase. Recent work has reported that the concentration of Whi5 is size- and time-independent in G1 cells, challenging the dilution model. These results in turn imply that Whi5 must be synthesized in G1 phase, but the cell cycle dependence of WHI5 mRNA expression has not been examined in live cells.

Results description

To address this question, we monitored single WHI5 mRNA molecules in single live cells using confocal microscopy, and quantified WHI5 mRNA copy number in G1, G1/S, and S/G2/M phase cells. We observed that WHI5 mRNA is found in very similar amount irrespective of cell cycle stage. The constant WHI5 mRNA copy number throughout G1 phase rules out alterations in mRNA abundance as a contributing factor for any putative dilution of Whi5.
The investigation of the efficacy and safety of stromal vascular fraction in the treatment of nanofat-treated acne scar: a randomized blinded controlled clinical trial
Authors: Behrangi Elham , Moradi Sepideh , Ghassemi Mohammadreza , Goodarzi Azadeh , Hanifnia Amirreza , Zare Sona , Nouri Maryam , Dehghani Abbas , Seifadini Azadeh , Nilforoushzadeh Mohammad Ali , Roohaninasab Masoumeh
Published: July 2022

Background

Acne is the most common skin disorder which is known as a chronic inflammatory disease with psychological burden and reduced quality of life. Adipose tissue-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) is recognized as a source of regenerative cells and improves the quality of skin by increasing collagen content. To date, a few studies have been performed on the therapeutic role of SVF in the treatment of acne scars.

Methods

This randomized, single-blinded clinical trial was performed on 7 patients with acne scars. In all patients, the initial grade of acne (volume, area and depth) was evaluated and ultrasound of the relevant scar was performed to evaluate neocollagenesis. As a spilt face study, for treating the scars, we used nanofat subcutaneously on one side of the face (control group) and combination of nanofat subcutaneously and SVF intradermally on the opposite side (intervention group). The patients were evaluated for severity of acne by visioface after one month, also for thickness of epidermis and dermis by ultrasound after one month and three months.

Results

All of the apparent findings of scars improved in two groups after one month, but these changes were significant just for the group treated with SVF (p value < 0.05). Epidermal, dermal and complete thicknesses during the first month in both control and intervention groups were significantly increased (p value < 0.05) but between the first and third months, there was no significant difference in the variables (p value > 0.05). The findings showed that dermal and complete thicknesses of the skin in the first month were different between two groups significantly (p value: 0.042 and 0.040, respectively).

Conclusion

The use of SVF in the treatment of patients with acne scars accelerates the improvement of volume, area and depth of the scar by increasing collagen content and the dermal thickness, so it can be used as a potentially effective treatment for these patients.
Expansion of mouse castration-resistant intermediate prostate stem cells in vitro
Authors: Xu Yalan , Mu Jie , Zhou Zhixia , Leng Yu , Yu Yali , Song Xiuyue , Liu Aihua , Zhu Hai , Li Jing , Wang Dong
Published: July 2022

Background

Most castration-resistant prostate cancers (CRPCs) have a luminal phenotype with high androgen receptor (AR) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) expression. Currently, it is difficult to culture castration-resistant luminal cells with AR and PSA expression.

Methods

We formulated a custom-made medium and isolated primary cells from the prostate of adult wild-type (WT) and TRAMP mice. The cells were characterized by immunofluorescence staining, transcriptomic analysis, and qRT-PCR verification. Their self-renewal and differentiation potential in vitro and in vivo were examined. We treated the cells with androgen deprivation and enzalutamide and performed immunofluorescence staining and western blotting to analyze their expression of AR and PSA.

Results

We isolated a novel type of castration-resistant intermediate prostate stem cells (CRIPSCs) from adult WT and TRAMP mice. The mouse CRIPSCs proliferated rapidly in two-dimensional (2D) culture dishes and can be cultured for more than six months. The mouse CRIPSCs expressed luminal markers (AR, PSA, and Dsg4), basal markers (CK5 and p63), Psca, and the intermediate cell marker (Ivl). Transcriptomic analysis showed that the mouse CRIPSCs had upregulated signaling pathways related to cancer development and drug resistance. In the long-term culture, TRAMP CRIPSCs had higher expression of the genes related to stem cells and cancers than WT mice. Both WT and TRAMP CRIPSCs formed organoids in Matrigel. WT CRIPSCs did not form prostate tissues when transplanted in vivo without urogenital sinus mesenchyme (UGM) cells. In contrast, TRAMP CRIPSCs formed prostate ducts in NOG mice without UGM  cells and differentiated into luminal, basal, and neuroendocrine cells. Androgens regulated AR translocation between the nucleus and cytoplasm in the mouse CRIPSCs. Treatment of androgen deprivation  (ADT) and enzalutamide reduced AR expression in WT and TRAMP CRIPSCs; however, this treatment promoted PSA expression in TRAMP, while not WT CRIPSCs, similar to the clinical observations of CRPC.

Conclusions

Our study established a method for isolating and expanding mouse CRIPSCs in 2D culture dishes. Mouse CRIPSCs had markers of basal and luminal cells, including AR and PSA, and can differentiate into prostate organoids and tissues. TRAMP CRIPSCs had elevated PSA expression upon ADT and enzalutamide treatment. Our method can be translated into clinical settings for CRPC precision medicine.
CCL20/CCR6 axis mediates macrophages to promote proliferation and migration of ESCs by blocking autophagic flux in endometriosis
Authors: Tan Jiahuan , Xu Tenghan , Gou Yanling , Wang Honglin , Liang Zongwen , Cao Yingying , Wang Han , Yu Yangyang , Jiao Na , Zhang Zongfeng
Published: July 2022

Background

Endometriosis (EMs) is a common benign gynecological disease that affects approximately 10% of females of reproductive age. Endometriosis ectopic lesions could recruit macrophages, which in turn facilitates endometriosis progression. Several studies have indicated that CCL20 derived from macrophages activates the expression of CCR6 in several cells and induces cell proliferation and migration. However, the function of the CCL20/CCR6 axis in the interactions between macrophages and endometriotic stromal cells (ESCs) in EMs has yet to be elucidated.

Methods

Ectopic and normal endometrial tissues were collected from 35 ovarian endometriosis patients and 21 control participants for immunohistochemical staining. It was confirmed that macrophages secreted CCL20 to promote CCR6 activation of ESCs during co-culture by ELISA, qRT-PCR and western blot analysis. CCK8 and Edu assays were used to detect cell proliferation, and wound healing and Transwell assay were used to detect cell migration. Autophagic flux was detected by measuring the protein expression levels of LC3 and P62by western blot and analyzing the red/yellow puncta after ESCs were transfected with mRFP-GFP-LC3 double fluorescence adenovirus (Ad‐LC3). Lysosomal function was tested by quantifying the fluorescent intensities of Lyso-tracker and Gal3 and activity of acid phosphatase. In addition, co-IP experiments verified the binding relationship between CCR6 and TFEB. Finally, the suppressive effect of CCL20-NAb on endometriosis lesions in vivo was demonstrated in mice models.

Results

We demonstrated that macrophages secreted CCL20 to promote CCR6 activation of ESCs during co-culture, which further induced the proliferation and migration of ESCs. We observed that the CCL20/CCR6 axis impaired lysosomal function and then blocked the autolysosome degradation process of autophagic flux in ESCs. The combination of CCR6 and TFEB to inhibit TFEB nuclear translocation mediates the role of the CCL20/CCR6 axis in the above process. We also found that co-culture with ESCs upregulated the production and secretion of CCL20 by macrophages. The suppression effect of CCL20-NAb on endometriosis lesions in vivo was demonstrated in mice models.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that macrophages block TFEB-mediated autolysosome degradation process of autophagic flux in ESCs via the CCL20/CCR6 axis, thereby promoting ESC proliferation and migration.
Metformin combats high glucose-induced damage to the osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells via inhibition of the NPR3-mediated MAPK pathway
Authors: Zhang Yi-Lin , Liu Fen , Li Zhi-Bang , He Xiao-Tao , Li Xuan , Wu Rui-Xin , Sun Hai-Hua , Ge Shao-Hua , Chen Fa-Ming , An Ying
Published: July 2022

Background

High glucose-induced damage to the osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) has long been a challenge to periodontal regeneration for diabetic individuals. Metformin is an anti-hyperglycemic drug that exhibits abundant biological activities associated with cell metabolism and downstream tissue regeneration. However, how metformin combats damage to PDLSC osteogenic differentiation under high glucose and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown.

Methods

Osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs was assessed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, ALP activity, Alizarin Red staining and quantitative assay, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. RNA-seq analysis was performed to screen target genes of metformin, and the effects of target genes were confirmed using lentivirus transfection. Western blot analysis was also used to detect the protein level of underlying signaling pathways.

Results

We found that osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs under high glucose was decreased, and metformin addition enhanced this capacity of differentiation. Furthermore, the results of RNA-seq analysis showed that natriuretic peptide receptor 3 (NPR3) was upregulated in PDLSCs under high glucose and downregulated after metformin addition. When the underlying pathways involved were investigated, we found that upregulation of NPR3 can compromise the metformin-enhanced PDLSC osteogenic differentiation and activate the MAPK pathway (especially the p38 MAPK and Erk1/2 pathway), and that inhibition of the NPR3-mediated p38 MAPK or Erk1/2 pathway enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs under high glucose.

Conclusions

The present study suggests that metformin may enhance the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs under high glucose via downregulation of NPR3 and inhibition of its downstream MAPK pathway. This is the first report identifying the involvement of NPR3-mediated MAPK pathway in the metformin-enhanced osteogenic differentiation, indicating that NPR3 antagonists, such as metformin, may be feasible therapeutics for periodontal tissue regeneration in diabetic individuals.
Organ-specific extracellular matrix directs trans-differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and formation of salivary gland-like organoids in vivo
Authors: Tran Olivia N. , Wang Hanzhou , Li Shengxian , Malakhov Andrey , Sun Yuyang , Abdul Azees Parveez A. , Gonzalez Aaron O. , Cao Brian , Marinkovic Milos , Singh Brij B. , Dean David D. , Yeh Chih-Ko , Chen Xiao-Dong
Published: July 2022

Background

Current treatments for salivary gland (SG) hypofunction are palliative and do not address the underlying cause or progression of the disease. SG-derived stem cells have the potential to treat SG hypofunction, but their isolation is challenging, especially when the tissue has been damaged by disease or irradiation for head and neck cancer. In the current study, we test the hypothesis that multipotent bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in a rat model are capable of trans-differentiating to the SG epithelial cell lineage when induced by a native SG-specific extracellular matrix (SG-ECM) and thus may be a viable substitute for repairing damaged SGs.

Methods

Rat BM-MSCs were treated with homogenates of decellularized rat SG-ECM for one hour in cell suspension and then cultured in tissue culture plates for 7 days in growth media. By day 7, the cultures contained cell aggregates and a cell monolayer. The cell aggregates were hand-selected under a dissecting microscope, transferred to a new tissue culture dish, and cultured for an additional 7 days in epithelial cell differentiation media. Cell aggregates and cells isolated from the monolayer were evaluated for expression of SG progenitor and epithelial cell specific markers, cell morphology and ultrastructure, and ability to form SG-like organoids in vivo.

Results

The results showed that this approach was very effective and guided the trans-differentiation of a subpopulation of CD133-positive BM-MSCs to the SG epithelial cell lineage. These cells expressed amylase, tight junction proteins (Cldn 3 and 10), and markers for SG acinar (Aqp5 and Mist 1) and ductal (Krt 14) cells at both the transcript and protein levels, produced intracellular secretory granules which were morphologically identical to those found in submandibular gland, and formed SG-like organoids when implanted in the renal capsule in vivo.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest the feasibility of using autologous BM-MSCs as an abundant source of stem cells for treating SG hypofunction and restoring the production of saliva in these patients.
In silico prediction and in vitro validation of the effect of pH on adhesive behaviour of the fused CsgA-MFP3 protein
Authors: Shahryarimorad Keyvan , Alipour Atefeh , Honar Yousof Saeedi , Abtahi Behrouz , Shokrgozar Mohammad Ali , Shahsavarani Hosein
Published: July 2022

Recombinant production of mussel foot proteins among marine-inspired proteinaceous adhesive materials has been attracted high attention for medical applications, due to their exceptional versatility potential of hierarchically arranged nanostructures. Various biochemical and proteinous factors such as amyloid CsgA curli protein have been used as a synergistic factor to enhance the constancy of obtained bio-adhesion but their mechanistic interactions have not yet been deeply investigated widely in different pH conditions. To this end, the present study has first sought to assess molecular simulation and prediction by using RosettaFold to predict the 3-dimensional structure of the fused CsgA subunit and the MFP3 protein followed by in vitro verification. It was developed an ensemble of quantitative structure-activity relationship models relying on simulations according to the surface area and molecular weight values of the fused proteins in acidic to basic situations using PlayMolecule (protein preparation app for MD simulations) online databases followed by molecular dynamic simulation at different pHs. It was found that acidic conditions positively affect adhesive strength throughout the chimeric structure based on comparative structure-based analyses along with those obtained in prevailing literature. Atomic force microscopy analysis was confirmed obtained in silico data which showed enhanced adhesive properties of fused protein after self-assembly in low pH conditions. In conclusion, the augmented model for reactivity predictions not only unravels the performance and explain ability of the adhesive proteins but in turn paves the way for the decision-making process for chimeric subunits modifications needed for future industrial production.
Morphological characterization and habitat suitability modeling of the goat population of Benin under climate change scenarios
Authors: Whannou Habib Rainier Vihotogbe , Afatondji Cossi Ulriche , Linsoussi Côme Agossa , Favi Gnimansou Abraham , Nguyen Thanh Thi , Houinato Marcel Romuald Benjamin , Dossa Luc Hippolyte
Published: July 2022

Background

Insufficient knowledge of the genetic and phenotypic diversity in the local Beninese goat population combined with the lack of understanding of its adaptive capacity to ongoing environmental and societal changes hampers the development of strategies for better management and genetic improvement. The objective of this study was to establish the current geographical distribution of goats in Benin based on their morphology and model the potential habitat suitability of the three known main goat phenotypes (i.e., Djallonké goat or Type I, Sahelian goat or Type II, and their Crossbreeds or Type III) under climate change scenarios. Ten qualitative and 26 linear body measurements were taken on 2114 adult female goats sampled across the three vegetation zones of the country. Fifteen ratios were generated from the quantitative variables. The data were analyzed using generalized linear model procedures followed by multiple comparisons of least-squares means and multivariate analytical methods, including canonical discrimination analysis and hierarchical ascendant classification. Each goat was then assigned to one of the three aforementioned main goat phenotypes following its morphological characteristics and according to the a priori cluster membership defined in the previous step. The Maximum Entropy algorithm was used to model the current and future distribution of the three goat phenotypes under climate change scenario using the Representative Conservation Pathways 4.5 and 8.5.

Results

All linear body measurements varied among vegetation zones. In the discriminant function analysis, 71% of the measured individuals were correctly classified in their vegetation zone of origin by seven measured variables and three ratios. The cluster procedure analysis revealed two groups of goats subdivided into the three main phenotypes. The modeling results showed that the currently highly favorable habitats were distributed in the South for Type I, in the North for Type II, and both South and North for Type III. However, under climate change scenarios, the favorable habitats for Type I decreased while those of Types II and III increased.

Conclusions

The results of this study confirm the spatial variation of the goat population in Benin. The habitat suitability model can be used to support decision-making toward better management of goat genetic diversity in Benin.
Gestational heat stress alters skeletal muscle gene expression profiles and vascularity in fetal pigs in a sexually dimorphic manner
Authors: Zhao Weicheng , Green Mark P. , Marth Christina D. , Liu Fan , Le Hieu H. , Lynch Gordon S. , Bell Alan W. , Leury Brian J. , Dunshea Frank R. , Cottrell Jeremy J.
Published: July 2022

Background

There is evidence that sow heat stress (HS) during gestation affects fetal development with implications for impaired muscle growth. We have previously demonstrated that maternal HS during early to mid-gestation compromised muscle fibre hyperplasia in developing fetal pigs. Thus, we hypothesised these phenotypic changes are associated with a change in expression of genes regulating fetal skeletal muscle development and metabolism. To test this, at d 60 of gestation, RNA sequencing and immunohistochemistry were performed on fetal longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle biopsies collected from pregnant gilts that had experienced either thermoneutral control (CON, 20 °C, n = 7 gilts, 18 LD samples) or controlled HS (cyclic 28 to 33 °C, n = 8 gilts, 23 LD samples) conditions for 3 weeks.

Results

A total of 282 genes were differentially expressed between the HS and CON groups in female LD muscles (false discovery rate (FDR) ≤ 0.05), whereas no differentially expressed genes were detected in male LD muscles between the two groups (FDR > 0.05). Gestational HS increased the expression of genes associated with transcription corepressor activity, adipogenesis cascades, negative regulation of angiogenesis and pro-inflammatory signalling in female LD muscles. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed a decreased muscle vascularity density in fetuses from HS group for both sexes compared to those from the CON group (P = 0.004).

Conclusions

These results reveal gilt HS during early to mid-gestation altered gene expression profiles in fetal LD muscles in a sexually dimorphic manner. The molecular responses, including transcription and angiogenesis repressions and enhanced adipogenesis cascades, were exclusively observed in females. However, the associated reductions in muscle vascularity were observed independently of sexes. Collectively this may indicate female fetal pigs are more adaptive to gestational HS in terms of gene expression changes, and/or there may be sexually dimorphic differences with respect to the timing of muscle molecular responses to gestational HS.
Dietary resistant starch ameliorating lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in meat ducks associated with the alteration in gut microbiome and glucagon-like peptide 1 signaling
Authors: Qin Simeng , Bai Weiqiang , Applegate Todd J. , Zhang Keying , Tian Gang , Ding Xuemei , Bai Shiping , Wang Jianping , Lv Li , Peng Huanwei , Xuan Yue , Zeng Quifeng
Published: July 2022

Background

Consumption of resistant starch (RS) has been associated with various intestinal and systemic health benefits, but knowledge of its effects on intestinal health and inflammatory response in stressed birds is limited. Here, we examined how dietary RS supplementation from 12% raw potato starch (RPS) modulated inflammatory severity induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in meat ducks.

Results

LPS administration at 14, 16, and 18 d (chronic challenge) decreased body weight (BW) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) level with higher intestinal permeability and inflammation, evident by higher pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Dietary 12% RPS supplementation enhanced Claudin-1 and GLP-1R expression, along with lower levels of inflammatory factors in both ileum and serum. Microbiome analysis showed that RS treatment shifted microbial structure reflected by enriched the proportion of Firmicutes, Bifidobacterium, Ruminococcus, etc. Dietary RS addition also significantly increased the concentrations of propionate and butyrate during chronic LPS challenge. Furthermore, response to acute challenge, the ducks received 2 mg/kg BW LPS at 14 d had higher concentrations of serum endotoxins and inflammatory cytokines, as well as upregulated transcription of toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) in ileum when compared to control birds. Analogous to GLP-1 agonist liraglutide, dietary RS addition decreased endotoxins and inflammation cytokines, whereas it upregulated the GLP-1 synthesis related genes expression. Meanwhile, dietary RS supplementation suppressed the acute LPS challenge-induced TLR4 transcription.

Conclusions

These data suggest that dietary 12% RPS supplementation could attenuate the LPS-induced inflammation as well as intestinal injury of meat ducks, which might involve in the alteration in gut microbiota, SCFAs production and the signaling pathways of TLR4 and GLP-1/GLP-1R.
Human adaptation to high altitude: a review of convergence between genomic and proteomic signatures
Authors: Sharma Vandana , Varshney Rajeev , Sethy Niroj Kumar
Published: July 2022

Both genomics- and proteomics-based investigations have identified several essential genes, proteins, and pathways that may facilitate human adaptive genotype/phenotype in a population-specific manner. This comprehensive review provides an up-to-date list of genes and proteins identified for human adaptive responses to high altitudes. Genomics studies for indigenous high-altitude populations like Tibetans, Andeans, Ethiopians, and Sherpas have identified 169 genes under positive natural selection. Similarly, global proteomics studies have identified 258 proteins (± 1.2-fold or more) for Tibetan, Sherpa, and Ladakhi highlanders. The primary biological processes identified for genetic signatures include hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-mediated oxygen sensing, angiogenesis, and erythropoiesis. In contrast, major biological processes identified for proteomics signatures include 14–3-3 mediated sirtuin signaling, integrin-linked kinase (ILK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT), and integrin signaling. Comparing genetic and protein signatures, we identified 7 common genes/proteins (HBB/hemoglobin subunit beta, TF/serotransferrin, ANGPTL4/angiopoietin-related protein 4, CDC42/cell division control protein 42 homolog, GC/vitamin D-binding protein, IGFBP1/insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1, and IGFBP2/insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 2) involved in crucial molecular functions like IGF-1 signaling, LXR/RXR activation, ferroptosis signaling, iron homeostasis signaling and regulation of cell cycle. Our combined multi-omics analysis identifies common molecular targets and pathways for human adaptation to high altitude. These observations further corroborate convergent positive selection of hypoxia-responsive molecular pathways in humans and advocate using multi-omics techniques for deciphering human adaptive responses to high altitude.
Environmental exposures and lymphoma risk: a nested case–control study using the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study cohort
Authors: Luethcke Kristofer R. , Trepanier Lauren A. , Tindle Ashleigh N. , Labadie Julia D.
Published: July 2022

Lymphoma is the second most common cancer affecting Golden Retrievers and is hypothesized to arise through a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors. The aim of this nested case–control study was to investigate the association between potential environmental pollutant sources and lymphoma risk among Golden Retrievers participating in the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. Forty-nine Golden Retrievers with non-cutaneous lymphoma and 98 Golden Retrievers without a history of cancer matched by age, sex and neuter status were selected from the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study cohort. Geographic proximity between each dog’s primary residence and nine potential sources of environmental pollution was determined. In addition, the average annual ozone and airborne fine particulate matter levels for each dog’s county of residence and owner-reported secondhand smoke exposure were evaluated. Environmental pollution sources of interest included chemical plants, municipal dumps, manufacturing plants, incineration plants, railroad embankment tracks, landfills, coal plants, high-voltage transmission lines, and nuclear power plants. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each exposure of interest. Subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate whether associations differed among 1) dogs with multicentric lymphoma, 2) dogs with B-cell lymphoma, and 3) dogs with T-cell lymphoma. No variables reached statistical significance when evaluating all cases together. However, cumulative exposure burden (household proximity to 3 or more pollution sources) approached significance within the multicentric lymphoma subgroup (OR = 2.60, 95%CI 0.99–6.86, p-value = 0.053). Patterns emerged among B- and T-cell subgroups, but none reached statistical significance. Ongoing research is warranted to discern if different environmental mechanisms may be driving B- and T-cell lymphoma immunophenotypes, consistent with previously reported regional differences in subtype prevalence.
Classifying oscillatory brain activity associated with Indian Rasas using network metrics
Authors: Pandey Pankaj , Tripathi Richa , Miyapuram Krishna Prasad
Published: July 2022

Neural signatures for the western classification of emotions have been widely discussed in the literature. The ancient Indian treatise on performing arts known asNatyashastracategorizes emotions into nine classes, known asRasas.Rasa—as opposed to a pure emotion—is defined as a superposition of certain transitory, dominant, and temperamental emotional states. AlthoughRasas have been widely discussed in the text, dedicated brain imaging studies have not been conducted in their research. Our study examines the neural oscillations, recorded through electroencephalography (EEG) imaging, that are elicited while experiencing emotional states corresponding toRasas. We identify differences among them using network-based functional connectivity metrics in five different frequency bands. Further, Random Forest models are trained on the extracted network features, and we present our findings based on classifier predictions. We observe slow (delta) and fast brain waves (beta and gamma) exhibited the maximum discriminating features betweenRasas, whereas alpha and theta bands showed fewer distinguishable pairs. Out of nineRasas, Sringaram (love), Bibhatsam (odious), and Bhayanakam (terror) were distinguishable from otherRasas the most across frequency bands. On the scale of most network metrics, Raudram (rage) and Sringaram are on the extremes, which also resulted in their good classification accuracy of 95%. This is reminiscent of the circumplex model where anger and contentment/happiness are on extremes on the pleasant scale. Interestingly, our results are consistent with the previous studies which highlight the significant role of higher frequency oscillations in the classification of emotions, in contrast to the alpha band that has shows non-significant differences across emotions. This research contributes to one of the first attempts to investigate the neural correlates ofRasas. Therefore, the results of this study can potentially guide the explorations into the entrainment of brain oscillations between performers and viewers, which can further lead to better performances and viewer experience.
Screening of gastrointestinal symptoms and celiac disease in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Ahmed Eman , Mansour Amira , Amer Ayman , Barakat Tarek , Baz Hemmat
Published: July 2022

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the GIT manifestation in Autistic children and relate it to the degree of autism to demonstrate the possible connection between celiac disease and autism. An observational cross-sectional study with analytic component was carried out on 114 children with autism spectrum disorder above 3 years who visited to Phoniatric Unit, Mansoura University Hospitals and were separated into three groups according to DSM-V each of them contained 38 children, group I (children with level I ASD), group II (children with level II ASD), and group III (children with level III ASD).

Results

Fifty percent of ASD children in the studied groups showed at least one GIT symptom. Constipation was the most common symptom. The existence of gastrointestinal signs was shown to have a substantial link with the severity of autism. None of the youngsters had celiac disease.

Conclusion

Gastrointestinal issues are frequent in ASD children and may lead to ASD behavioral symptoms. It is possible that children with more severe autism are more prone to suffer from gastrointestinal issues, and the other way around. This research found no evidence to demonstrate a connection between autism spectrum disorder and celiac illness.
Significant perspectives on various viral infections targeted antiviral drugs and vaccines including COVID-19 pandemicity
Authors: Arumugam Gandarvakottai Senthilkumar , Damodharan Kannan , Doble Mukesh , Thennarasu Sathiah
Published: July 2022

A virus enters a living organism and recruits host metabolism to reproduce its own genome and proteins. The viral infections are intricate and cannot be completely removed through existing antiviral drugs. For example, the herpes, influenza, hepatitis and human immunodeficiency viruses are a few dreadful ones amongst them. Significant studies are needed to understand the viral entry and their growth in host cells to design effective antivirals. This review emphasizes the range of therapeutical antiviral drugs, inhibitors along with vaccines to fight against viral pathogens, especially for combating COVID-19. Moreover, we have provided the basic and in depth information about viral targets, drugs availability, their mechanisms of action, method of prevention of viral diseases and highlighted the significances of anticoagulants, convalescent plasma for COVID-19 treatment, scientific details of airborne transmission, characteristics of antiviral drug delivery using nanoparticles/carriers, nanoemulsions, nanogels, metal based nanoparticles, alike the future nanosystems through nanobubbles, nanofibers, nanodiamonds, nanotraps, nanorobots and eventually, the therapeutic applications of micro- and nanoparticulates, current status for clinical development against COVID-19 together with environmental implications of antivirals, gene therapy etc., which may be useful for repurposing and designing of novel antiviral drugs against various dreadful diseases, especially the SARS-CoV-2 and other associated variants.
Moving the Needle on Precision Medicine in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: O'Kane Grainne M. , Lowery Maeve A.
Published: July 2022

The management of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has posed a considerable challenge for decades, with incidence and mortality rates almost mirroring each other. Despite this, a deeper understanding of the complex biology inherent to PDAC has provided a roadmap for a more precise approach to treatment. PDAC deficient in homologous recombination repair and mismatch repair is a subgroup that should be identified in the clinic for a targeted approach. In addition, KRAS wild-type PDAC, occurring in approximately 10% of patients, is enriched in highly actionable alterations including fusions, underscoring the importance of integrative germline and somatic sequencing. Comprehensive sequencing efforts over the past decade have documented genomic- and transcriptomic-based classifiers, with the latter emerging as two main subtypes: the classical and basal-like, which are now being evaluated in clinical trials. Together with promising, innovative strategies to target KRAS mutations and their pleotropic effects, a new era of precision medicine in PDAC is on the horizon.
Precision Medicine in Biliary Tract Cancer
Authors: Scott Aaron J. , Sharman Reya , Shroff Rachna T.
Published: July 2022

Precision medicine has become a dominant theme in the treatment of biliary tract cancers (BTCs). Although prognosis remains poor, technologies for improved molecular characterization along with the US Food and Drug Administration approval of several targeted therapies have changed the therapeutic landscape of advanced BTC. The hallmark of BTC oncogenesis is chronic inflammation of the liver and biliary tract regardless of the anatomical subtype. Subtypes of BTC correspond to distinct molecular characteristics, making BTC a molecularly heterogenous collection of tumors. Collectively, up to 40% of BTCs harbor a potentially targetable molecular abnormality, and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines recommend molecular profiling for all patients with advanced BTC. Use of circulating tumor DNA, immunohistochemistry, and next-generation sequencing continues to expand the utility for biomarker-driven management and molecular monitoring of BTC. Improving outcomes using biomarker-agnostic treatment for nontargetable tumors also remains a priority, and combinational treatment strategies such as immune checkpoint inhibition plus chemotherapy hold promise for this subgroup of patients.
Practical Considerations in Diagnosing and Managing Early-Onset GI Cancers
Authors: Lumish Melissa A. , Cercek Andrea
Published: July 2022

The incidence of early-onset (EO) GI cancers occurring in individuals younger than age 50 years has been rising at an alarming rate over the past two decades. Although this rise in incidence among young patients correlates with increased rates of obesity, changes in diet, and alterations in the environment, the effects of these environmental factors on carcinogenesis, metastasis, and treatment response are unknown. Although several unique clinical trends exist among EO-GI cancers and their average-onset GI cancer counterparts, GI cancers are molecularly indistinct between younger and older patients, and no data support distinct treatment paradigms for patients with EO disease. The majority of EO-GI cancers are not explained by germline changes. There remains a critical need for further research to understand the pathogenesis and optimal management of EO-GI cancers. In addition, current screening strategies are not adequate to identify EO-GI cancers, and early biomarkers are needed. Specialized centers, with a focus on psychosocial aspects of cancer management, can address the unique care needs of patients with EO-GI cancers.
Spontaneous transport of water nanodroplets on graphene and hexagonal boron nitride in-plane heterostructure
Authors: Hao Shaoqian , Wang Wenyuan , Kou Jianlong , Wu Fengmin
Published: July 2022

Developing a surface inducing water droplets to transport spontaneously is very important to energy conversion. Here we demonstrate by the molecular dynamics simulations that a water nanodroplet on graphene and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) in-plane heterostructure can move spontaneously from the narrower end of the wedge-shaped h-BN track to the wider end. The driving force comes from the capillary force caused by the surface energy gradient at the edge of the connection, which is attributed to the different interactions of the water nanodroplet with graphene and h-BN. The energy analysis shows that the h-BN acts as a driving force, while graphene as a hindrance. We analyze the forces exerted on the water droplet and propose a theoretical model which indicates that the moving speed of the water nanodroplet can be controlled by the wedge angle and temperature. The present study suggests that the graphene/h-BN heterostructure is a potential material for driving droplets motion and can be explored to find applications in microfluidic systems.
The evolution from BCS to Bose pairing in two-band superfluids: Quantum phase transitions and crossovers by tuning band offset and interactions
Authors: Shi Yue-Ran , Zhang Wei , Sá de Melo C. A. R.
Published: July 2022

We show that in two-band s-wave superfluids it is possible to induce quantum phase transitions (QPTs) by tuning intraband and interband s-wave interactions, in sharp contrast to single-band s-wave superfluids, where only a crossover between Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) and Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) superfluidity occurs. For non-zero interband and attractive intraband interactions, we demonstrate that the ground state has always two interpenetrating superfluids possessing three spectroscopically distinct regions where pairing is qualitatively different: I) BCS pairing in both bands (BCS-BCS), II) BCS pairing in one band and BEC pairing in the other (BCS-BEC), and III) Bose pairing in both bands (BEC-BEC). Furthermore, we show that by fine tuning the interband interactions to zero one can induce QPTs in the ground state between three distinct superfluid phases. There are two phases where only one band is superfluid (S
1 or S
2), and one phase where both bands are superfluid

, a situation which is absent in one-band s-wave systems. Lastly, we suggest that these crossovers and QPTs may be observed in multi-component systems such as 6Li, 40K, 87Sr, and 173Yb.
Adaptive movement strategy may promote biodiversity in the rock-paper-scissors model
Authors: Menezes J. , Tenorio M. , Rangel E.
Published: July 2022

We study the role of the adaptive movement strategy in promoting biodiversity in cyclic models described by the rock-paper-scissors game rules. We assume that individuals of one out of the species may adjust their movement to escape hostile regions and stay longer in their comfort zones. Running a series of stochastic simulations, we calculate the alterations in the spatial patterns and population densities in scenarios where not all organisms are physically or cognitively conditioned to perform the behavioural strategy. Although the adaptive movement strategy is not profitable in terms of territorial dominance for the species, it may promote biodiversity. Our findings show that if all individuals are apt to move adaptively, coexistence probability increases for intermediate mobility. The outcomes also show that even if not all individuals can react to the signals received from the neighbourhood, biodiversity is still benefited, but for a shorter mobility range. We find that the improvement in the coexistence conditions is more accentuated if organisms adjust their movement intensely and can receive sensory information from longer distances. We also discover that biodiversity is slightly promoted for high mobility if the proportion of individuals participating in the strategy is low. Our results may be helpful for biologists and data scientists to understand adaptive process learning in system biology.
Patient Safety During Anesthesia: 100 Years of Progress Documented in Anesthesia & Analgesia
Authors: Liu Linda L. , Larson Merlín D.
Published: July 2022

Anesthesiology has evolved to be a leader in addressing patient safety. Our specialty has overcome serious morbidities including explosions, fires, organ toxicity, fatal arrhythmias, and hypoxic brain damage. Anesthesia safety has been significantly improved due to modern drug development, technical advances, and a strong leadership willing to apply human factors and systems’ research strategies, but patient safety concerns remain at the forefront as we strive to improve patient care even further. This year marks the centennial year since the publication of the first issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia. Today, the International Anesthesia Research Society (IARS) and Anesthesia & Analgesia continue to advance the boundaries of patient safety by disseminating practice standards, serving as a forum for novel ideas, and supporting research advancements. This review will discuss several topics published in Anesthesia & Analgesia that exemplify steady changes leading to the safe practices that we rely on currently as well as other IARS activities that have advocated and elevated patient safety within the specialty.
Origins of the International Anesthesia Research Society, Anesthesia & Analgesia, and the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists: Lasting Legacies of Francis McMechan, MD
Authors: Moon Jane S. , Bacon Douglas R.
Published: July 2022

Francis McMechan, MD, founded the National Anesthesia Research Society (NARS), which was the precursor to the International Anesthesia Research Society (IARS) and the first physician anesthesia organization in the United States that was devoted to the research goals of the specialty. NARS initially sponsored Current Researches in Anesthesia and Analgesia, and IARS remains the main parent organization of the journal to this day. Dr McMechan originally hoped to coordinate the scientific efforts of NARS/IARS with the political activities of several other organizations he had founded to achieve his ultimate goal of building a powerful and well-connected anesthesia community across the nation, and eventually around the world. About a decade after his death, Dr McMechan’s sweeping global vision would be fulfilled by the creation of the World Federation of Societies of Anesthesiologists (WFSA). Although Dr McMechan’s political organizations would eventually lose ground to the newer American Society of Anesthetists (ASA), his scientific organization and his inspiring international interest—embodied by IARS, Anesthesia & Analgesia, and WFSA—continue to thrive today.
Reduction of Nonoperative Time Using the Induction Room, Parallel Processing, and Sugammadex: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Kaddoum Roland , Tarraf Said , Shebbo Fadia M. , Bou Ali Arwa , Karam Cynthia , Abi Shadid Carol , Bouez Joanna , Aouad Marie T.
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND:

An important variable in the operating room is the nonoperative time (NOT), the time between skin closure on a previous case and skin incision on the following case. Mismanagement of NOT can result in significant financial losses and delays in the operating room (OR) schedule, which can negatively impact efficiency and patient, surgeon, and staff satisfaction. NOT includes general anesthesia induction time (IT), emergence time (ET), and turnover time (TOT), and can be calculated by adding the 3 components. OR efficiency can be increased by applying parallel processing for general anesthesia induction and OR cleaning and reversal of neuromuscular blockade with sugammadex to reduce the 3 components of NOT without compromising patient safety.

METHODS:

This is a prospective, randomized study of 111 patients 18 to 75 years of age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I–III, undergoing surgery requiring general anesthesia and muscle relaxation. Patients were randomly assigned to the control group (traditional linear processing for induction of anesthesia and OR cleaning and neuromuscular blockade reversal with neostigmine/glycopyrrolate) and the active group (parallel processing for induction of anesthesia and OR cleaning and neuromuscular blockade reversal with sugammadex). The primary outcome measured is the difference in the NOT. The secondary outcomes are surgeon and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS:

NOT was significantly shorter in patients who underwent the parallel processing strategy and received sugammadex compared to the patients in the control group (25.0 [18.0–44.0] vs 48.0 [40.0–64.5] minutes; Cliff’ delta = 0.57; P < .001). After excluding the cases in the experimental group that were put into sleep in the OR (ie, the first case of the room), IT, ET, TOT, and NOT were further reduced and remained statistically significantly lower than the control group. Satisfaction scores from surgeons were significantly higher in the active group than in the control group (P < .001). There was no significant difference in the satisfaction scores of patients between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our study showed that interventions, such as parallel processing during induction of anesthesia and room cleaning instead of linear processing and the use of the faster-acting sugammadex instead of the combination of neostigmine and glycopyrrolate for the reversal of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade, resulted in shorter IT, ET, TOT, and therefore NOT, in addition to higher surgeon’s satisfaction.