bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the minor papilla with pancreas divisum: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Saito Kenta , Matsuo Yoichi , Denda Yuki , Nonoyama Keisuke , Murase Hiromichi , Kato Tomokatsu , Hayashi Yuichi , Imafuji Hiroyuki , Morimoto Mamoru , Ogawa Ryo , Takahashi Hiroki , Takiguchi Shuji
Published: March 2023

Background

Neuroendocrine tumors of the minor papilla are very rare, and only 20 cases have been reported in the literature. Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the minor papilla with pancreas divisum has not been reported previously, making this the first reported case. Neuroendocrine tumors of the minor papilla have been reported in association with pancreas divisum in about 50% of cases reported in the literature. We herein present our case of neuroendocrine carcinoma of the minor papilla with pancreas divisum in a 75-year-old male with a systematic literature review of the previous 20 reports of neuroendocrine tumors of the minor papilla.

Case presentation

A 75-year-old Asian man was referred to our hospital for evaluation of dilation of the main pancreatic duct noted on abdominal ultrasonography. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography showed a dilated dorsal pancreatic duct, which was not connected to the ventral pancreatic duct; however, it opened to the minor papilla, indicating pancreas divisum. The common bile duct had no communication with the pancreatic main duct and opened to the ampulla of Vater. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan showed a 12-mm hypervascular mass near the ampulla of Vater. Endoscopic ultrasonography showed a defined hypoechoic mass in the minor papilla with no invasion. The biopsies performed at the previous hospital found adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent a subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy. The pathological diagnosis was neuroendocrine carcinoma. At the 15-year follow-up visit, the patient was doing well with no evidence of tumor recurrence.

Conclusion

In our case, because the tumor was discovered during a medical check-up relatively early in the course of disease, the patient was doing well at the 15-year follow-up visit, with no evidence of tumor recurrence. Diagnosing a tumor of the minor papilla is very difficult because of the relatively small size and submucosal location. Carcinoids and endocrine cell micronests in the minor papilla occur more frequently than generally thought. It is very important to include neuroendocrine tumors of the minor papilla in the differential diagnosis of patients with recurrent pancreatitis or pancreatitis of unknown cause, especially for patients with pancreas divisum.
Broad snouted cladoselachian with sensory specialization at the base of modern chondrichthyans
Authors: Klug Christian , Coates Michael , Frey Linda , Greif Merle , Jobbins Melina , Pohle Alexander , Lagnaoui Abdelouahed , Haouz Wahiba Bel , Ginter Michal
Published: March 2023

Throughout the Silurian and Devonian, cartilaginous fish successively evolved their specialized skeletal and dental characteristics, and increasingly refined their sensory systems. The Late Devonian shark taxon Maghriboselache mohamezanei gen. et sp. n. from the eastern Anti-Atlas of Morocco is known from multiple specimens preserving most of its skeletal features, which in some instances are preserved in three dimensions. Key details of the dentition, jaws, and pectoral skeleton are shared with the iconic genus Cladoselache. Phylogenetic analyses place the family Cladoselachidae as the sister group of symmoriiforms and these groups as sister group of the holocephalans. Further phylogenetic results corroborate that the initial evolutionary radiation of crown chondrichthyans occurred within or before the Late Devonian. Remarkably, this new stem holocephalan is equipped with a wide snout and large laterally separated nasal capsules: the earliest known example of this condition in the chondrichthyan and (perhaps) gnathostome record. This suggests sensory specialization approaching that of extant broad-rostrum elasmobranchs and represents a significant addition to increasingly apparent ecomorphological diversity among early chondrichthyans.

ZooBank LSID: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:85F45912-9EBA-4061-B62B-5937180E807A.
Retrospective study on the efficacy of monocyte distribution width (MDW) as a screening test for COVID-19
Authors: Wakamatsu Kentaro , Nagasawa Zenzo , Katsuki Kouta , Kumazoe Hiroyuki , Yasuda Masayo , Kawamoto Sae , Kawamura Ayano , Ueno Tsuyoshi , Kiyotani Ruriko , Fukui Izumi , Maki Sanae , Nagata Nobuhiko , Kawasaki Masayuki , Yamada Hozumi
Published: March 2023

Background

Pathogenic genetic testing for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can detect viruses with high sensitivity; however, there are several challenges. In the prevention, testing, and treatment of COVID-19, more effective, safer, and convenient methods are desired. We evaluated the possibility of monocyte distribution width (MDW) as an infection biomarker in COVID-19 testing.

Methods

The efficacy of MDW as a screening test for COVID-19 was retrospectively assessed in 80 patients in the COVID-19 group and 232 patients in the non-COVID-19 group (141 patients with acute respiratory infection, 19 patients with nonrespiratory infection, one patient with a viral infection, 11 patients who had received treatment for COVID-19, one patient in contact with COVID-19 patients, and 59 patients with noninfectious disease).

Results

The median MDW in 80 patients in the COVID-19 group was 23.3 (17.2–33.6), and the median MDW in 232 patients in the non-COVID-19 group was 19.0 (13.6–30.2) (P < 0.001). When the COVID-19 group was identified using the MDW cut-off value of 21.3 from the non-COVID-19 group, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.844, and the sensitivity and specificity were 81.3% and 78.2%, respectively. Comparison of MDW by severity between the COVID-19 group and patients with acute respiratory infection in the non-COVID-19 group showed that MDW was significantly higher in the COVID-19 group for all mild, moderate I, and moderate II disease.

Conclusions

MDW (cut-off value: 21.3) may be used as a screening test for COVID-19 in fever outpatients.

Trial registration This study was conducted after being approved by the ethics committee of National Hospital Organization Omuta National Hospital (Approval No. 3-19). This study can be accessed via https://omuta.hosp.go.jp/files/000179721.pdf.
Internet use, users, and cognition: on the cognitive relationships between Internet-based technology and Internet users
Authors: Nagam Vishruth M.
Published: March 2023

Background

This study aims to investigate growing Internet use in relation to memory and cognition. Though literature reveals human capability to utilize the Internet as a transactive memory source, the formational mechanisms of such transactive memory systems are not extensively explored. The Internet’s comparative effects on transactive memory and semantic memory are also relatively unknown.

Methods

This study comprises two experimental memory task survey phases utilizing null hypothesis and standard error tests to assess significance of results.

Results

When information is expected to be saved and accessible, recall rates are lower, regardless of explicit instructions to remember (Phase 1, N = 20). Phase 2 suggests the importance of order of attempted recall: depending on whether users first attempt to recall (1) desired information or (2) the information’s location, subsequent successful cognitive retrieval is more likely to occur for (1) only desired information or both desired information and location thereof or (2) only desired information’s location, respectively (N = 22).

Conclusions

This study yields several theoretical advances in memory research. The notion of information being saved online and accessible in the future negatively affects semantic memory. Phase 2 reveals an adaptive dynamic—(1) as Internet users often have a vague idea of desired information before searching for it on the Internet, first accessing semantic memory serves as an aid for subsequent transactive memory use and (2) if transactive memory access is successful, the need to retrieve desired information from semantic memory is inherently eliminated. By repeatedly defaulting to first accessing semantic memory and then transactive memory or to accessing transactive memory only, Internet users may form and reinforce transactive memory systems with the Internet, or may refrain from enhancing and decrease reliance on transactive memory systems by repeatedly defaulting to access only semantic memory; the formation and permanence of transactive memory systems are subject to users’ will. Future research spans the domains of psychology and philosophy.
Biomimetic natural biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine: new biosynthesis methods, recent advances, and emerging applications
Authors: Liu Shuai , Yu Jiang-Ming , Gan Yan-Chang , Qiu Xiao-Zhong , Gao Zhe-Chen , Wang Huan , Chen Shi-Xuan , Xiong Yuan , Liu Guo-Hui , Lin Si-En , McCarthy Alec , John Johnson V. , Wei Dai-Xu , Hou Hong-Hao
Published: March 2023

Biomimetic materials have emerged as attractive and competitive alternatives for tissue engineering (TE) and regenerative medicine. In contrast to conventional biomaterials or synthetic materials, biomimetic scaffolds based on natural biomaterial can offer cells a broad spectrum of biochemical and biophysical cues that mimic the in vivo extracellular matrix (ECM). Additionally, such materials have mechanical adaptability, microstructure interconnectivity, and inherent bioactivity, making them ideal for the design of living implants for specific applications in TE and regenerative medicine. This paper provides an overview for recent progress of biomimetic natural biomaterials (BNBMs), including advances in their preparation, functionality, potential applications and future challenges. We highlight recent advances in the fabrication of BNBMs and outline general strategies for functionalizing and tailoring the BNBMs with various biological and physicochemical characteristics of native ECM. Moreover, we offer an overview of recent key advances in the functionalization and applications of versatile BNBMs for TE applications. Finally, we conclude by offering our perspective on open challenges and future developments in this rapidly-evolving field.
Choroidal structure investigated by choroidal vascularity index in patients with inherited retinal diseases
Authors: Bayat Kia , Hassanpour Kiana , Sabbaghi Hamideh , Fekri Sahba , Daftarian Narsis , Motevasseli Tahmineh , Suri Fatemeh , Kheiri Bahareh , Yaseri Mehdi , Ahmadieh Hamid
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the choroidal structure in patients with inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) by investigating the choroidal vascularity index (CVI).

Methods

The present study was conducted on 113 IRD patients and 113 sex- and age-matched healthy individuals. Patients’ data was extracted from the Iranian National Registry for IRDs (IRDReg®). Total choroidal area (TCA) was determined between retinal pigment epithelium and choroid-scleral junction,1500 microns on either side of the fovea. Luminal area (LA) was considered as the black area corresponding to the choroidal vascular spaces, following Niblack binarization. CVI was calculated as the ratio of the LA to the TCA. CVI and other parameters were compared among different types of IRD and the control group.

Results

The IRD diagnosis included retinitis pigmentosa (n = 69), cone-rod dystrophy (n = 15), Usher syndrome (n = 15), Leber congenital amaurosis (n = 9), and Stargardt disease (n = 5). Sixty-one (54.0%) individuals of each of the study and control groups were male. The average CVI was 0.65 ± 0.06 in the IRD patients and 0.70 ± 0.06 in the control group (P < 0.001). Accordingly, the average of TCA and LA were 2.32 ± 0.63 and 1.52 ± 0.44 mm [1] in patients with IRDs, respectively. The measurements for the TCA and the LA were significantly lower in all subtypes of IRD (P-values < 0.05).

Conclusion

CVI is significantly lower in patients with IRD than in healthy age-matched individuals. Choroidal changes in IRDs may be related to the changes in the lumen of the choroidal vessels rather than the stromal changes.
Do dietary habits affect the premenstrual syndrome severity among a cohort of Egyptian females? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Helmy Nisreen A. , Kamel Dalia M. , Gabr Amir A. , Shehata Mai M. A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is considered a common recurring emotional as well as physical disorder which has an effect on the women’s quality of life. Results of previous studies about the relationship between PMS and food intake are contradicted. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the PMS and food consumption in menstrual females. The study was carried out in the Outpatient Physiotherapy Department Clinic in Cairo University, Giza, Egypt. The study was carried out from October 2021 to March 2022. One-hundred participants that were having PMS enrolled into this study (n = 100) with a mean age of 27.1 ± 4.98 and a mean BMI of 26.4 ± 4.5. The PMS scale was used to assess the degree of PMS, and a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was applied to evaluate the food consumption.

Results

A total of 16% of females had mild PMS, 60% had moderate, and 24% had severe PMS. There was a significant relationship between PMS severity and specific food consumption as consumption of tubers as well as fish and seafood (p = 0.03 & p = 0.008, respectively). There was a significant inverse correlation between PMS severity and the fish and seafood consumption, while there was no significant correlation between the PMS severity and tuber consumption. However, there was no significant relationship between PMS and grains, dairy products, caffeine intake, fat intake, sweets, vegetables, fruits, seasonings, and pickles.

Conclusion

The present study suggested that severity of PMS might be affected by specific dietary habits. Therefore, further studies are needed to investigate the relationship between PMS and amount of food consumption.
Vibration response analysis of footbridge based on pedestrian perception
Authors: Feng Yuhao , Chen Deyi , Wang Zhenyu , Huang Shiping , He Yuejie
Published: March 2023

This article aims to study the influence of random crowd loading on the perceived vibration response of pedestrians. Firstly, a vertical vibration response analysis method considering pedestrian perception was established based on the random crowd walking model. Secondly, change rules of maximum vibration response of pedestrians, occurrence time and position interval under different random walk models were compared and analyzed. Finally, the vibration response reduction factor was defined by studying the correlation between the maximum vibration response of pedestrians and the peak acceleration of the structure, and the approximate calculation method of the maximum vibration response of pedestrians was proposed. The results show that the maximum acceleration perceived by pedestrians obeys the normal distribution under the four crowd walking models, the response distribution of ordered arrangement model (OAM) is larger than that of the other three models; The location and occurrence time of the maximum response depend on the distribution of pedestrian locations on the footbridge, and there is no significant change with the increase of population density. In addition, the distribution of OAM and stochastic arrival model (SAM) are consistent, which is concentrated in the middle of the total time-history. In contrast, the distribution of stochastic distribution model (SDM) and dynamic equilibrium model (DEM) are relatively uniform. The maximum error between the calculated acceleration maximum value and the actual acceleration value felt by the pedestrian is less than 5%. These results can provide reference for quantitative evaluation of pedestrian-induced vibration comfort.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Young Adult Women With a History of Premature Adrenarche
Authors: Tennilä Jussi , Jääskeläinen Jarmo , Utriainen Pauliina , Voutilainen Raimo , Laitinen Tomi , Liimatta Jani
Published: March 2023

Context

Premature adrenarche (PA) may predispose to some adverse long-term health outcomes. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is one of the strongest factors known to predict overall health, but no data exist on the CRF of women with a history of PA.

Objective

To study if hyperandrogenism in childhood resulting from PA leads to a measurable difference in CRF between young adult PA and control women.

Methods

A total of 25 women with PA and 36 age-matched controls were followed from prepubertal age until adulthood. Anthropometric measurements, body composition, biochemical, and lifestyle factors were assessed. The main outcome measure was maximal cycle ergometer test result at the mean age of 18.5 years. We also assessed prepubertal predicting factors for CRF with different linear regression models.

Results

Though prepubertal children with PA were taller and heavier than their non-PA peers, there were no significant differences in height, body mass index, body composition, or physical activity in young adulthood. We observed no significant differences in any of the parameters of the maximal cycle ergometer test, including maximal load (P = .194) or peak oxygen consumption (P = .340). Hemodynamic responses of the groups were similar. None of the examined models or prepubertal factors significantly predicted CRF at adult age.

Conclusion

This study suggests that hyperandrogenism in childhood/adolescence resulting from PA does not have a significant impact on adulthood CRF.
Bilateral Low-Frequency Hearing Impairment After Microvascular Decompression Surgery
Authors: Ujihara Masaki , Kobayashi Masahito , Hirata Sachiko , Takabatake Kazuhiko , Wakiya Kenji , Fujimaki Takamitsu
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND:

Hearing impairment is an important complication of microvascular decompression (MVD). In patients after MVD, we have occasionally noted slight to moderate hearing deterioration at low frequencies that is difficult to detect using pure tone average.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the incidence and features of low-frequency hearing impairment (LF-HI) after MVD and evaluate its associated factors.

METHODS:

This single-center, retrospective observational study assessed the audiometric outcome of 270 patients who underwent MVD between January 2015 and December 2020. Preoperative and postoperative hearing levels were compared for each frequency. LF-HI was defined as a hearing deterioration of ≥15 dB at 125, 250, or 500 Hz. The incidence, symptoms, and associated factors of LF-HI were analyzed.

RESULTS:

Statistical analysis of the patients overall demonstrated slight but significant decreases in the hearing level after MVD at lower frequencies on both the operative and contralateral sides. Eighty-one patients (30.0%) had LF-HI: 49 on the operative side, 24 on the contralateral side, and 8 on both sides, while pure tone average was worsened in 5 patients (1.8%). Subjective symptoms, including hearing deterioration, ear fullness, tinnitus, and dizziness, developed in 10.4% of the patients with LF-HI but improved subsequently within several weeks. “Older age” and “operative side” were associated with LF-HI.

CONCLUSION:

Decreases in lower-frequency hearing levels in both the ipsilateral and contralateral (nonoperative) ears were observed after trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm surgery. LF-HI does not cause permanent symptoms but may be a noteworthy phenomenon, possibly involved in the contralateral hearing loss encountered occasionally after other types of posterior cranial fossa surgery.
A conserved role of the Hippo signalling pathway in initiation of the first lineage specification event across mammals
Authors: Gerri Claudia , McCarthy Afshan , Mei Scott Gwen , Regin Marius , Stamatiadis Panagiotis , Brumm Sophie , Simon Claire S. , Lee Janet , Montesinos Cristina , Hassitt Caroline , Hockenhull Sarah , Hampshire Daniel , Elder Kay , Snell Phil , Christie Leila , Fouladi-Nashta Ali A. , Van de Velde Hilde , Niakan Kathy K.
Published: March 2023

Our understanding of the molecular events driving cell specification in early mammalian development relies mainly on mouse studies, and it remains unclear whether these mechanisms are conserved across mammals, including humans. We have shown that the establishment of cell polarity via aPKC is a conserved event in the initiation of the trophectoderm (TE) placental programme in mouse, cow and human embryos. However, the mechanisms transducing cell polarity into cell fate in cow and human embryos are unknown. Here, we have examined the evolutionary conservation of Hippo signalling, which is thought to function downstream of aPKC activity, in four different mammalian species: mouse, rat, cow and human. In all four species, inhibition of the Hippo pathway by targeting LATS kinases is sufficient to drive ectopic TE initiation and downregulation of SOX2. However, the timing and localisation of molecular markers differ across species, with rat embryos more closely recapitulating human and cow developmental dynamics, compared with the mouse. Our comparative embryology approach uncovered intriguing differences as well as similarities in a fundamental developmental process among mammals, reinforcing the importance of cross-species investigations.
Spastin is an essential regulator of male meiosis, acrosome formation, manchette structure and nuclear integrity
Authors: Cheers Samuel R. , O'Connor Anne E. , Johnson Travis K. , Merriner D. Jo , O'Bryan Moira K. , Dunleavy Jessica E. M.
Published: March 2023

The development and function of male gametes is dependent on a dynamic microtubule network, yet how this is regulated remains poorly understood. We have recently shown that microtubule severing, via the action of the meiotic AAA ATPase protein clade, plays a crucial role in this process. Here, we sought to elucidate the roles of spastin, an as-yet-unexplored member of this clade in spermatogenesis. Using a SpastKO/KO mouse model, we reveal that spastin loss resulted in a complete loss of functional germ cells. Spastin plays a crucial role in the assembly and function of the male meiotic spindle. Consistent with meiotic failure, round spermatid nuclei were enlarged, indicating aneuploidy, but were still able to enter spermiogenesis. During spermiogenesis, we observed extreme abnormalities in manchette structure, acrosome biogenesis and, commonly, a catastrophic loss of nuclear integrity. This work defines an essential role for spastin in regulating microtubule dynamics during spermatogenesis, and is of potential relevance to individuals carrying spastin variants and to the medically assisted reproductive technology industry.
An end-to-end pipeline based on open source deep learning tools for reliable analysis of complex 3D images of ovaries
Authors: Lesage Manon , Thomas Manon , Pécot Thierry , Ly Tu-Ky , Hinfray Nathalie , Beaudouin Remy , Neumann Michelle , Lovell-Badge Robin , Bugeon Jérôme , Thermes Violette
Published: March 2023

Computational analysis of bio-images by deep learning (DL) algorithms has made exceptional progress in recent years and has become much more accessible to non-specialists with the development of ready-to-use tools. The study of oogenesis mechanisms and female reproductive success has also recently benefited from the development of efficient protocols for three-dimensional (3D) imaging of ovaries. Such datasets have a great potential for generating new quantitative data but are, however, complex to analyze due to the lack of efficient workflows for 3D image analysis. Here, we have integrated two existing open-source DL tools, Noise2Void and Cellpose, into an analysis pipeline dedicated to 3D follicular content analysis, which is available on Fiji. Our pipeline was developed on larvae and adult medaka ovaries but was also successfully applied to different types of ovaries (trout, zebrafish and mouse). Image enhancement, Cellpose segmentation and post-processing of labels enabled automatic and accurate quantification of these 3D images, which exhibited irregular fluorescent staining, low autofluorescence signal or heterogeneous follicles sizes. In the future, this pipeline will be useful for extensive cellular phenotyping in fish or mammals for developmental or toxicology studies.
Fipronil affects cockroach behavior and olfactory memory
Authors: Rosa Maria Eduarda , Campos Letícia , Borges Bruna Trindade , Santos Sara , Barreto Yuri Correia , de Assis Denis Reis , Hyslop Stephen , de Souza Velci Queiroz , Vinadé Lúcia , Dal Belo Cháriston André
Published: March 2023

Fipronil (Fpl), an insecticide belonging to the class of phenylpyrazoles, is associated with the widespread mortality of pollinator insects worldwide. Based on studies carried out on residual concentrations of Fpl commonly found in the environment, in this study, we evaluated the sublethal effects of Fpl on behavior and other neurophysiological parameters using the cockroach Nauphoeta cinerea as a biological model. Sublethal doses of Fpl (0.1–0.001 μg g−1) increased the time spent grooming and caused dose-dependent inhibition of exploratory activity, partial neuromuscular blockade in vivo and irreversible negative cardiac chronotropism. Fpl also disrupted learning and olfactory memory formation at all doses tested. These results provide the first evidence that short-term exposure to sublethal concentrations of Fpl can significantly disrupt insect behavior and physiology, including olfactory memory. These findings have implications for current pesticide risk assessment and could be potentially useful in establishing a correlation with pesticide effects in other insects, such as honey bees.
To escape or to pursue: opposite decision making concerning a single moving object is influenced by starvation and sex
Authors: Salido Carla A. , Gancedo Brian J. , Tomsic Daniel
Published: March 2023

Decision-making processes in the context of prey–predator interactions are studied from the side of the prey or the predator. Thus, prey capture and escape behaviours are researched separately, using different stimuli in different species. The crab Neohelice preys upon individuals of its own species; hence, it behaves as prey and as predator. These two innate opposite behaviours can be elicited by the same object moving on the ground. Here, we studied how the decision to perform avoidance, predatory or freezing responses to a moving dummy depends on sex and starvation level. In the first experiment, we assessed the probability of each response type in unfed crabs for 22 days. Males showed a higher predatory response probability than females. When starvation increased, the predatory response increased, while avoidance and freezing declined, but this only occurred in males. In the second experiment, we compared regularly fed and unfed males for 17 days. While fed crabs did not change their behaviour throughout the experiment, unfed crabs significantly intensified their predatory responses, displayed different exploratory activities and pursued earlier than fed crabs. Our results show the unusual situation of an animal that, to deal with a single stimulus, has to choose between opposite innate behaviours. This is a value-based decision as it is affected by factors other than the stimulus itself.
Should artificial intelligence have lower acceptable error rates than humans?
Authors: Lenskjold Anders , Nybing Janus Uhd , Trampedach Charlotte , Galsgaard Astrid , Brejnebøl Mathias Willadsen , Raaschou Henriette , Rose Martin Høyer , Boesen Mikael
Published: March 2023

The first patient was misclassified in the diagnostic conclusion according to a local clinical expert opinion in a new clinical implementation of a knee osteoarthritis artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm at Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark. In preparation for the evaluation of the AI algorithm, the implementation team collaborated with internal and external partners to plan workflows, and the algorithm was externally validated. After the misclassification, the team was left wondering: what is an acceptable error rate for a low-risk AI diagnostic algorithm? A survey among employees at the Department of Radiology showed significantly lower acceptable error rates for AI (6.8 %) than humans (11.3 %). A general mistrust of AI could cause the discrepancy in acceptable errors. AI may have the disadvantage of limited social capital and likeability compared to human co-workers, and therefore, less potential for forgiveness. Future AI development and implementation require further investigation of the fear of AI’s unknown errors to enhance the trustworthiness of perceiving AI as a co-worker. Benchmark tools, transparency, and explainability are also needed to evaluate AI algorithms in clinical implementations to ensure acceptable performance.
Targeting Acanthamoeba proteins interaction with flavonoids of Propolis extract by in vitro and in silico studies for promising therapeutic effects
Authors: Sama-ae Imran , Sangkanu Suthinee , Siyadatpanah Abolghasem , Norouzi Roghayeh , Chuprom Julalak , Mitsuwan Watcharapong , Surinkaew Sirirat , Boonhok Rachasak , Paul Alok K. , Mahboob Tooba , Abtahi Najme Sadat , Jimoh Tajudeen O. , Oliveira Sónia M.R. , Gupta Madhu , Sin Chea , de Lourdes Pereira Maria , Wilairatana Polrat , Wiart Christophe , Rahmatullah Mohammed , Dolma Karma G. , Nissapatorn Veeranoot
Published: March 2023

Background: Propolis is a natural resinous mixture produced by bees. It provides beneficial effects on human health in the treatment/management of many diseases. The present study was performed to demonstrate the anti-Acanthamoeba activity of ethanolic extracts of Propolis samples from Iran. The interactions of the compounds and essential proteins of Acanthamoeba were also visualized through docking simulation.

Methods: The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of Propolis extract against Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts was determined in vitro. In addition, two-fold dilutions of each of agents were tested for encystment, excystment and adhesion inhibitions. Three major compounds of Propolis extract such as chrysin, tectochrysin and pinocembrin have been selected in molecular docking approach to predict the compounds that might be responsible for encystment, excystment and adhesion inhibitions of A. castellanii. Furthermore, to confirm the docking results, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were also carried out for the most promising two ligand-pocket complexes from docking studies.

Results: The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) 62.5 and 125 µg/mL of the most active Propolis extract were assessed in trophozoites stage of Acanthamoeba castellanii ATCC30010 and ATCC50739, respectively. At concentrations lower than their MICs values (1/16 MIC), Propolis extract revealed inhibition of encystation. However, at 1/2 MIC, it showed a potential inhibition of excystation and anti-adhesion. The molecular docking and dynamic simulation revealed the potential capability of Pinocembrin to form hydrogen bonds with A. castellanii Sir2 family protein (AcSir2), an encystation protein of high relevance for this process in Acanthamoeba.

Conclusions: The results provided a candidate for the development of therapeutic drugs against Acanthamoeba infection. In vivo experiments and clinical trials are necessary to support this claim.
Central composite design driven optimization of sustainable stability indicating HPLC method for the determination of Tigecycline and greenness assessment
Authors: Hafez Hani Mohammed , Barghash Sona Soliman , Soliman Marwa M. , Soltan Moustafa K. , Abd Elrahman Mohamed , Katamesh Noha Salah
Published: March 2023

Background: Tigecycline (TGC) is a recently developed antibiotic to battle resistant bacteria. The procedures outlined in the literature for analyzing TGC involve chemical solvents that could be hazardous. Therefore, this study aimed to create a sustainable and stable HPLC technique for quantifying Tigecycline in lyophilized powder. The powerful chemometric tool, experimental design (ED), will be applied to analyze the variables' interaction and impact on the selected analytical target profiles. Response surface methodology provides a tutorial on using the central composite design with three levels of variables and quadratic programming to optimize the design space of the developed method.

Methods: The New HPLC method consisted of an aqueous buffer and ethanol as a green mobile phase run on a reversed-phase symmetry C18 column. A full resolution between the Tigecycline and its degradation product peaks was achieved in a short analytical runtime.

Results: Further, the specificity, accuracy, precision, robustness and stability indicating power of the proposed approach were verified through stress degrading testing.

Conclusions: Finally, the analytical eco-scale and the green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI) were utilized to determine how environmentally friendly the recommended method was compared to other published approaches.
Unraveling the molecular mechanism of novel leukemia mutations on NTRK2 (A203T & R458G) and NTRK3 (E176D & L449F) genes using molecular dynamics simulations approach
Authors: M Al-Subaie Abeer , Kamaraj Balu , Ahmad Fazil , Alsamman Khaldoon
Published: March 2023

Background: NTRK1, NTRK2, and NTRK3 are members of the neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinases (NTRK) family, which encode TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC receptors, respectively. Hematologic cancers are also linked to point mutations in the NTRK gene's kinase domain. Trk fusions are the most common genetic change associated with oncogenic activity in Trk-driven liquid tumors. Thus, point mutations in NTRK genes may also play a role in tumorigenesis. The structural and functional effect of mutations in Trk-B & Trk-C proteins remains unclear.

Methods: In this research, Homology (threading-based approach) modeling and the all-atom molecular dynamics simulations approaches are applied to examine the structural and functional behavior of native and mutant Trk-B and Trk-C proteins at the molecular level.

Results: The result of this study reveals how the mutations in Trk-B (A203T & R458G) and Trk-C (E176D & L449F) proteins lost their stability and native conformations. The Trk-B mutant A203T became more flexible than the native protein, whereas the R458G mutation became more rigid than the native conformation of the Trk-B protein. Also, the Trk-C mutations (E176D & L449F) become more rigid compared to the native structure.

Conclusions: This structural transition may interrupt the function of Trk-B and Trk-C proteins. Observing the impact of NTRK-2/3 gene alterations at the atomic level could aid in discovering a viable treatment for Trk-related leukemias.
The genome sequence of the Common Carder Bee, Bombus pascuorum (Scopoli, 1763)
Authors: Crowley Liam M. , Sivell Olga , Sivell Duncan ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: March 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Bombus pascuorum (the Common Carder Bee; Arthropoda; Insecta; Hymenoptera; Apidae). The genome sequence is 307.5 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 17 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 21.9 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 12,999 protein coding genes.
Russian Monetary Policy in 2023–2025: a Course Towards Stability and Efficiency
Authors: Smirnov E.
Published: March 2023

In the new triennium 2023-2025 The main goal of the monetary policy of the Bank of Russia, in accordance with the Constitution of the Russian Federation and the Federal Law on the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, will be to protect and ensure the stability of the ruble by maintaining price and financial stability with inflation close to 4% in the interests of adapting the Russian economy to new conditions in the world market and related its structural transformation.
Natural history notes on Pampas Fox Lycalopex gymnocercus (Mammalia: Carnivora: Canidae) in the Paraguayan Chaco
Authors: Smith Paul , Smith Rebecca Louise
Published: March 2023

We provide some natural history notes on the Pampas Fox Lycalopex gymnocercus from the Paraguayan Chaco. Information is presented on diet, distribution (with the first formal documentation of the species in the Oriental region), local beliefs, mortality, and possible play behavior. Photographic documentation of the existence of sarcoptic mange in wild foxes in the Paraguayan Chaco is also provided.
Radially polarized beams’ phase filtering focal properties based on path integral analysis
Authors: Yue Cheng Feng , Peng Li , Wu Yong Bo , Ji Yan Hong
Published: March 2023

This paper introduces the path integral (PI) to the analysis of radially polarized (RP) beams’ tight focusing problem. The PI makes the contribution of each incident ray on the focal region visible and then makes it possible to choose the filter’s parameters more intuitively and precisely. Based on the PI, a zero point construction (ZPC) phase filtering method is realized intuitively. With ZPC, the focal properties of RP solid and annular beams before and after filtering were analyzed. The results show that the combination of a large NA annular beam and phase filtering can result in superior focus properties.
Optimizing retrieval spaces of bio-optical models for remote sensing of ocean color
Authors: Hannadige Neranga K. , Zhai Peng-Wang , Werdell P. Jeremy , Gao Meng , Franz Bryan A. , Knobelspiesse Kirk , Ibrahim Amir
Published: March 2023

We investigated the optimal number of independent parameters required
to accurately represent spectral remote sensing reflectances (Rrs) by performing principal component
analysis on quality controlled in situ
and synthetic Rrs data. We found that retrieval
algorithms should be able to retrieve no more than four free
parameters from Rrs spectra for most ocean waters. In
addition, we evaluated the performance of five different bio-optical
models with different numbers of free parameters for the direct
inversion of in-water inherent optical properties (IOPs) from in situ and synthetic Rrs data. The multi-parameter models
showed similar performances regardless of the number of parameters.
Considering the computational cost associated with larger parameter
spaces, we recommend bio-optical models with three free parameters for
the use of IOP or joint retrieval algorithms.
Water-film thickness imaging based on time-multiplexed near-infrared absorption with up to 500  Hz repetition rate
Authors: Lubnow M. , Dreier T. , Schulz C. , Endres T.
Published: March 2023

We demonstrate high-repetition-rate imaging of the liquid-film thickness in the 50–1000 µm range resulting from impinging water droplets on a glass surface. The pixel-by-pixel ratio of line-of-sight absorption at two time-multiplexed near-infrared wavelengths at 1440 and 1353 nm was detected with a high-frame-rate InGaAs focal-plane array camera. Frame rates of 1 kHz and thus measurement rates of 500 Hz could be achieved, well suited to capture the fast dynamics of droplet impingement and film formation. The droplets were sprayed onto the glass surface using an atomizer. Suitable absorption wavelength bands for water droplet/film imaging were determined from Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of pure water between 298 and 338 K. At 1440 nm, the water absorption is nearly temperature-independent, making the measurements robust against temperature fluctuations. Time-resolved imaging measurements capturing the dynamics of the water droplet impingement and evolution were successfully demonstrated.
All-optical multi-level amplitude regenerator in a polarization-effect optimized nonlinear-optical loop mirror (PE-NOLM) configuration
Authors: Guo Biao , Wen Feng , Wu Baojian , Qiu Kun
Published: March 2023

We propose a modified configuration of the nonlinear-optical loop mirror (NOLM) unit by introducing the polarization-effect optimization (PE) into a nonlinear Sagnac interferometer through a polarization-maintaining optical coupler, enabling significant extension of the regeneration region (RR) of the all-optical multi-level amplitude regenerator. We carry out the thoughtful investigations on this PE-NOLM subsystem, and reveal the collaboration mechanism between the Kerr nonlinearity and the PE effect in only one unit. Moreover, the proof-of-concept experiment and its theoretical discussion of multiple-level operation have been performed, observing the 188% enhancement on the RR extending and the consequent 4.5 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) improvement for a 4-level pulse amplitude modulated (PAM4) signal compared to the conventional NOLM scheme.
Dual-mode adaptive-SVD ghost imaging
Authors: Wang Dajing , Liu Baolei , Song Jiaqi , Wang Yao , Shan Xuchen , Zhong Xiaolan , Wang Fan
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we present a dual-mode adaptive singular value decomposition ghost imaging (A-SVD GI), which can be easily switched between the modes of imaging and edge detection. It can adaptively localize the foreground pixels via a threshold selection method. Then only the foreground region is illuminated by the singular value decomposition (SVD) - based patterns, consequently retrieving high-quality images with fewer sampling ratios. By changing the selecting range of foreground pixels, the A-SVD GI can be switched to the mode of edge detection to directly reveal the edge of objects, without needing the original image. We investigate the performance of these two modes through both numerical simulations and experiments. We also develop a single-round scheme to halve measurement numbers in experiments, instead of separately illuminating positive and negative patterns in traditional methods. The binarized SVD patterns, generated by the spatial dithering method, are modulated by a digital micromirror device (DMD) to speed up the data acquisition. This dual-mode A-SVD GI can be applied in various applications, such as remote sensing or target recognition, and could be further extended for multi-modality functional imaging/detection.
The evolution of behavioral cues and signaling in displaced communication
Authors: Bernard Arthur , Wischmann Steffen , Floreano Dario , Keller Laurent
Published: March 2023

Displaced communication, whereby individuals communicate regarding a subject that is not immediately present (spatially or temporally), is one of the key features of human language. It also occurs in a few animal species, most notably the honeybee, where the waggle dance is used to communicate the location and quality of a patch of flowers. However, it is difficult to study how it emerged given the paucity of species displaying this capacity and the fact that it often occurs via complex multimodal signals. To address this issue, we developed a novel paradigm in which we conducted experimental evolution with foraging agents endowed with neural networks that regulate their movement and the production of signals. Displaced communication readily evolved but, surprisingly, agents did not use signal amplitude to convey information on food location. Instead, they used signal onset-delay and duration-based mode of communication, which depends on the motion of the agent within a communication area. When agents were experimentally prevented from using these modes of communication, they evolved to use signal amplitude instead. Interestingly, this mode of communication was more efficient and led to higher performance. Subsequent controlled experiments suggested that this more efficient mode of communication failed to evolve because it took more generations to emerge than communication grounded on the onset-delay and length of signaling. These results reveal that displaced communication is likely to initially evolve from non-communicative behavioral cues providing incidental information with evolution later leading to more efficient communication systems through a ritualization process.
Docking cholesterol to integral membrane proteins with Rosetta
Authors: Marlow Brennica , Kuenze Georg , Meiler Jens , Koehler Leman Julia
Published: March 2023

Lipid molecules such as cholesterol interact with the surface of integral membrane proteins (IMP) in a mode different from drug-like molecules in a protein binding pocket. These differences are due to the lipid molecule’s shape, the membrane’s hydrophobic environment, and the lipid’s orientation in the membrane. We can use the recent increase in experimental structures in complex with cholesterol to understand protein-cholesterol interactions. We developed the RosettaCholesterol protocol consisting of (1) a prediction phase using an energy grid to sample and score native-like binding poses and (2) a specificity filter to calculate the likelihood that a cholesterol interaction site may be specific. We used a multi-pronged benchmark (self-dock, flip-dock, cross-dock, and global-dock) of protein-cholesterol complexes to validate our method. RosettaCholesterol improved sampling and scoring of native poses over the standard RosettaLigand baseline method in 91% of cases and performs better regardless of benchmark complexity. On the β2AR, our method found one likely-specific site, which is described in the literature. The RosettaCholesterol protocol quantifies cholesterol binding site specificity. Our approach provides a starting point for high-throughput modeling and prediction of cholesterol binding sites for further experimental validation.