bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Key epigenetic and signaling factors in the formation and maintenance of the blood-brain barrier
Authors: Sadanandan Jayanarayanan , Thomas Sithara , Mathew Iny Elizabeth , Huang Zhen , Blackburn Spiros L , Tandon Nitin , Lokhande Hrishikesh , McCrea Pierre D , Bresnick Emery H , Dash Pramod K , McBride Devin W , Harmanci Arif , Ahirwar Lalit K , Jose Dania , Dienel Ari C , Zeineddine Hussein A , Hong Sungha , Kumar T Peeyush
Published: June 2023

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) controls the movement of molecules into and out of the central nervous system (CNS). Since a functional BBB forms by mouse embryonic day E15.5, we reasoned that gene cohorts expressed in CNS endothelial cells (EC) at E13.5 contribute to BBB formation. In contrast, adult gene signatures reflect BBB maintenance mechanisms. Supporting this hypothesis, transcriptomic analysis revealed distinct cohorts of EC genes involved in BBB formation and maintenance. Here, we demonstrate that epigenetic regulator’s histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) and polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) control EC gene expression for BBB development and prevent Wnt/β-catenin (Wnt) target genes from being expressed in adult CNS ECs. Low Wnt activity during development modifies BBB genes epigenetically for the formation of functional BBB. As a Class-I HDAC inhibitor induces adult CNS ECs to regain Wnt activity and BBB genetic signatures that support BBB formation, our results inform strategies to promote BBB repair.
β-carotene accelerates resolution of atherosclerosis by promoting regulatory T cell expansion in the atherosclerotic lesion
Authors: Pinos Ivan , Coronel Johana , Albakri Asma’a , Blanco Amparo , McQueen Patrick , Molina Donald , Sim JaeYoung , Fisher Edward A , Amengual Jaume
Published: June 2023

β-carotene oxygenase 1 (BCO1) catalyzes the cleavage of β-carotene to form vitamin A. Besides its role in vision, vitamin A regulates the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism and immune cell differentiation. BCO1 activity is associated with the reduction of plasma cholesterol in humans and mice, while dietary β-carotene reduces hepatic lipid secretion and delays atherosclerosis progression in various experimental models. Here we show that β-carotene also accelerates atherosclerosis resolution in two independent murine models, independently of changes in body weight gain or plasma lipid profile. Experiments in

Bco1
-/-

mice implicate vitamin A production in the effects of β-carotene on atherosclerosis resolution. To explore the direct implication of dietary β-carotene on regulatory T cells (Tregs) differentiation, we utilized anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody infusions. Our data show that β-carotene favors Treg expansion in the plaque, and that the partial inhibition of Tregs mitigates the effect of β-carotene on atherosclerosis resolution. Our data highlight the potential of β-carotene and BCO1 activity in the resolution of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
SMARCAD1 and TOPBP1 contribute to heterochromatin maintenance at the transition from the 2C-like to the pluripotent state
Authors: Sebastian-Perez Ruben , Nakagawa Shoma , Tu Xiaochuan , Aranda Sergi , Pesaresi Martina , Gomez-Garcia Pablo Aurelio , Alcoverro-Bertran Marc , Gomez-Vazquez Jose Luis , Carnevali Davide , Borràs Eva , Sabidó Eduard , Martin Laura , Nissim-Rafinia Malka , Meshorer Eran , Neguembor Maria Victoria , Di Croce Luciano , Cosma Maria Pia
Published: June 2023

Chromocenters are established after the 2-cell (2C) stage during mouse embryonic development, but the factors that mediate chromocenter formation remain largely unknown. To identify regulators of 2C heterochromatin establishment in mice, we generated an inducible system to convert embryonic stem cells (ESCs) to 2C-like cells. This conversion is marked by a global reorganization and dispersion of H3K9me3-heterochromatin foci, which are then reversibly formed upon re-entry into pluripotency. By profiling the chromatin-bound proteome (chromatome) through genome capture of ESCs transitioning to 2C-like cells, we uncover chromatin regulators involved in de novo heterochromatin formation. We identified TOPBP1 and investigated its binding partner SMARCAD1. SMARCAD1 and TOPBP1 associate with H3K9me3-heterochromatin in ESCs. Interestingly, the nuclear localization of SMARCAD1 is lost in 2C-like cells. SMARCAD1 or TOPBP1 depletion in mouse embryos leads to developmental arrest, reduction of H3K9me3, and remodeling of heterochromatin foci. Collectively, our findings contribute to comprehending the maintenance of chromocenters during early development.
SMARCAD1 and TOPBP1 contribute to heterochromatin maintenance at the transition from the 2C-like to the pluripotent state
Authors: Sebastian-Perez Ruben , Nakagawa Shoma , Tu Xiaochuan , Aranda Sergi , Pesaresi Martina , Gomez-Garcia Pablo Aurelio , Alcoverro-Bertran Marc , Gomez-Vazquez Jose Luis , Carnevali Davide , Borràs Eva , Sabidó Eduard , Martin Laura , Nissim-Rafinia Malka , Meshorer Eran , Neguembor Maria Victoria , Di Croce Luciano , Cosma Maria Pia
Published: June 2023

Chromocenters are established after the 2-cell (2C) stage during mouse embryonic development, but the factors that mediate chromocenter formation remain largely unknown. To identify regulators of 2C heterochromatin establishment, we generated an inducible system to convert embryonic stem cells (ESCs) to 2C-like cells. This conversion is marked by a global reorganization and dispersion of H3K9me3-heterochromatin foci, which are then reversibly formed upon re-entry into pluripotency. Profiling the chromatin-bound proteome (chromatome) by genome capture of ESCs transitioning to 2C-like cells, we uncover chromatin regulators involved in
de novo
heterochromatin formation. We identified TOPBP1 and investigated its binding partner SMARCAD1. SMARCAD1 and TOPBP1 associate with H3K9me3-heterochromatin in ESCs. Interestingly, the nuclear localization of SMARCAD1 is lost in 2C-like cells. SMARCAD1 or TOPBP1 depletion in mouse embryos lead to developmental arrest, reduction of H3K9me3 and remodeling of heterochromatin foci. Collectively, our findings contribute to comprehending the maintenance of chromocenters during early development.
Activation of the P2RX7/IL-18 pathway in immune cells attenuates lung fibrosis
Authors: Janho dit Hreich Serena , Juhel Thierry , Leroy Sylvie , Ghinet Alina , Brau Frederic , Hofman Véronique , Hofman Paul , Vouret-Craviari Valérie
Published: June 2023

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an aggressive interstitial lung disease associated with progressive and irreversible deterioration of respiratory functions that lacks curative therapies. Despite IPF being associated with a dysregulated immune response, current antifibrotics aim only at limiting fibroproliferation. We show here that the
P2RX7/IL-18/IFNG
axis is downregulated in IPF patients and that P2RX7 has immunoregulatory functions. Using our positive modulator of P2RX7, we show that activation of the P2RX7/IL-18 axis in immune cells limits lung fibrosis progression in a mouse model by favoring an anti-fibrotic immune environment, with notably an enhanced IL-18-dependent IFN-γ production by lung T cells leading to a decreased production of IL-17 and TGFβ. Overall, we show the ability of the immune system to limit lung fibrosis progression by targeting the immunomodulator P2RX7. Hence, treatment with a small activator of P2RX7 may represent a promising strategy for patients with lung fibrosis.
Listen and learn
Authors: London Sarah E
Published: June 2023

In songbirds, deafening leads to changes in gene expression which have now been mapped at the single-cell level across the neural circuit involved in song production.
Pollution and health risk assessment of rare earth elements in Citrus sinensis growing soil in mining area of southern China
Authors: Lai Jinhu , Liu Jinfu , Wu Daishe , Xu Jinying
Published: June 2023

Background

Analyzing the pollution and health risk of rare earth elements (REEs) in crop-growing soils around rare earth deposits can facilitate the improvement of REE mining-influenced area. In this study, pollution status, fraction and anomaly, plant accumulation characteristics, and potential risks of REEs (including heavy and light rare earth elements, HREEs and LREEs) in C. sinensis planting soil near ion-adsorption deposits in southern Ganzhou were analyzed. The influence of the soil environment on REEs in soil and fruit of C. sinensis was also explored.

Methods

The geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and ecological risk index(RI) were used to analyze the pollution potential and ecological risks of REEs in soils, respectively. Health risk index and translocation factor (TF) were applied to analyze the accumulation and health risks of REEs in fruit of C. sinensis. The influence of soil factors on REEs in soil and fruit of C. sinensis were determined via correlation and redundancy analysis.

Results

Comparison with background values and assessment of Igeo and RI indicated that the soil was polluted by REEs, albeit at varying degrees. Fractionation between LREEs and HREEs occurred, along with significant positive Ce anomaly and negative Eu anomaly. With TF values < 1, our results suggest that C. sinensis has a weak ability to accumulate REEs in its fruit. The concentrations of REEs in fruit differed between LREEs and HREEs, with content of HREE in fruit ordered as Jiading > Anxi > Wuyang and of LREE in fruit higher in Wuyang. Correlation and redundancy analysis indicated that K2O, Fe2O3 and TOC are important soil factors influencing REE accumulation by C. sinensis, with K2O positively related and Fe2O3 and TOC negatively related to the accumulation process.
Influence of geographic origin and tissue type on the medicinal chemical compounds of Semiliquidambar cathayensis
Authors: Tian Xiaoming , Lv Hao , Xiang Guangfeng , Peng Jing , Li Gaofei , He Yan , Zhang Fan , Mou Cun
Published: June 2023

Semiliquidambar cathayensis is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine owing its high concentrations of polyphenol, triterpenoidic acid, and flavonoids. This study aimed to explore the impact of geographical origin and tissue type on the contents of chemical compounds of S. cathayensis, as determined by colorimetric and chromatographic methods. Therefore, we quantitively evaluated chemical compounds found in the tissues of various organs of plants collected in six different regions. Overall, we found that geographical origin affected the content of medicinal compounds in S. cathayensis leaves, with plants from Jingzhou county showing the best therapeutic potential. However, no specific correlation was observed with latitude. It is noteworthy that the amount of paeoniflorin and other compounds can be used as biomarkers of geographical origin and tissue type. Most medicinal compounds accumulated mainly in the leaves, whereas ursolic and oleanolic acids accumulated in the roots. These results show that the comprehensive medicinal value of the leaves of S. cathayensis in Jingzhou county is the highest, but the root should be selected first to collect oleanolic acid and ursolic acid.
Enseñar derecho a través de la traducción o enseñar a traducir textos jurídicos: propuesta didáctica para la traducción jurídica francés-español
Authors:   Departamento de Traducción e Interpretación, Universidad de Granada. Grupo de investigación Avanti, Soriano Barabino Guadalupe
Published: June 2023

En la gran mayoría de planes de estudios de los grados en Traducción e Interpretación de las universidades españolas constan asignaturas que, con mayor o menor profundidad, abordan la traducción de textos jurídicos. Sin embargo, y al igual que ocurre con otras áreas de especialidad también en el ámbito de la traducción y la interpretación, no se suelen ofrecer asignaturas específicas orientadas a desarrollar la subcompetencia temática en esos ámbitos concretos. Como consecuencia, los estudiantes generalmente afrontan la traducción de textos jurídicos con un desconocimiento casi absoluto del derecho. Aunque existen estudios previos que abordan algunos aspectos relativos a la formación en traducción jurídica en general (Monzó Nebot, 2008; Prieto Ramos, 2009; Cao, 2014; Soriano Barabino, 2018, 2020a, 2020b; Way, 2000, 2016) o a la adquisición y desarrollo de la subcompetencia temática en el ámbito y la combinación lingüística que nos ocupa (Barceló Martínez y Delgado Pugés, 2017a; Soriano Barabino, 2013; Valderrey Reñones, 2003, 2004, 2017), el objetivo de este artículo es realizar una propuesta didáctica para que los estudiantes de los grados en Traducción e Interpretación comiencen a adquirir la subcompetencia temática necesaria para traducir textos jurídicos a través de actividades no necesariamente “de traducción”, el análisis y la comprensión de textos pertenecientes a un procedimiento jurídico concreto y a lo largo de las asignaturas enfocadas a la traducción de textos jurídicos (que a menudo no cuentan con un gran número de créditos). Para ello, nos centraremos en un ámbito específico, el del derecho de sucesiones. La propuesta podrá ser extrapolable a otros ámbitos y combinaciones lingüísticas.
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Contributes to Accurate Risk Assessment in Patients with Low-risk Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Bluro Ignacio M. , Barbagelata Leandro , Coronel María Lorena , Melatini Lucio , Svetliza Graciela , Vulcano Norberto , Atamañuk Andrés N. , Masson Walter M. , Pizarro Rodolfo
Published: June 2023

Background: European guidelines for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) stratify the risk using clinical characteristics and complementary studies, including the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). This takes into account 3 parameters: peak O2 con-sumption (peak VO2), its percentage with respect to the predicted VO2, and the minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO2) slope. However, none of the models that validated this way of stratifying risk included PCPE among their variables. Objectives: To determine what proportion of patients with group I PAH considered to be at low risk and who walk >440 meters in the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) have parameters considered to be of moderate or high risk in the PCPE. Methods: Patients >18 years of age, diagnosed with group I PAH at low risk of events, who walked >440 meters in the 6MWT and had NT-proBNP value < 300 pg/dL were included. A CPET was performed in which the peak VO2, its percentage with respect to the predicted VO2, and the VE/VCO2 slope were recorded. It was determined what proportion of patients presented these parameters in a higher than low risk stratum (peak VO2 consumption ≤15 ml/min/Kg, its percentage with respect to the predicted VO2≤65% and the VE/VCO2 slope ≥ 36).Results: Eighteen patients were included. Despite being low-risk patients with a good functional class, all patients presented a peak VO2 less than 85% of predicted, which determines a deterioration of functional capacity. A single patient (6%) presented the three parameters evaluated at low risk, 8 patients (44%) had at least one altered parameter, 7 patients (39%) presented 2 altered param-eters and in 2 patients (11%) all parameters were altered. The parameters that were most frequently altered were the percentage of predicted peak VO2 and the VE/VCO2 slope in 67% of the cases. Only 4 patients presented a peak VO2 <15 ml/kg/m. No patient presented peak VO2 values or percentage of predicted VO2 in the high-risk category. However, 6 patients (33%) presented a high-risk VE/VCO2 slope. Conclusion: Majority (92%) of the patients considered low risk and who walk more than 440 meters in 6 minutes presented at least one altered variable in the CPET. The VE/VCO2 slope and the percentage of predicted peak VO2 consumption were the most fre-quently altered variables. The VE/VCO2 slope was the only one...
Intramural Plexiform Hemangiomatous Proliferation: An Uncommon Vascular Variant in Unicystic Ameloblastoma
Authors: Patil Karthikeya , Sanjay CJ , Sheshanna Sreeshyla Huchanahalli , Doggalli Nagbhushana , Solayappan Eswari
Published: June 2023

Ameloblastoma are the benign, locally aggressive, slow growing solid or cystic neoplasms of the jaws containing odontogenic epithelium in a connective tissue stroma. Their polymorphous nature is reflected by the diversity of known histological patterns of presentation. The hemangiomatous ameloblastoma is the less commonly encountered histological pattern of ameloblastoma with increased vascularity. The presence of ameloblastoma in the maxillary area is rare entity, and the hemangiomatous variation of unicystic ameloblastoma in the anterior maxillary region has never been recorded in the literature. Authors hereby, present a case of a 22-year-old man who complained of swelling in the upper front tooth region with buccal cortical expansion and wispy trabeculation. This study is noteworthy since, it is the first to reveal the hemangiomatous type of unicystic ameloblastoma in the maxillary anterior region.
Petroleum Geochemistry of the Central and Eastern Onshore Niger Delta Basin: Oil-Oil Correlation Using Biomarkers and Multi-Variate Statistics
Authors: Oyo-Ita Inyang O. , Ogbonna Victoria , Akinlua Akin , Oyo-Ita Orok Esu
Published: June 2023

Petroleum geochemistry of oils in several depobelts of the world has been well documented based on biomarkers. However, there is paucity of data regarding the use of multi-variate statistics in oil-oil correlation study, particularly in the Sub-Saharan African region. The purpose of the study was to gain an insight into the geochemical differences and identify their cause(s) through the application of bulk properties, biomarker indices and multi-variate statistics. Correlation of oils from eight wellheads of three stratigraphic units within the Central and Eastern onshore Niger Delta Basin fields (AG and AS) were undertaken by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector. Utilization of bulk properties, biomarker indices and cross plot parameters somewhat separated the mature AG1-4, AS3 and AS4 oils deposited in oxic/suboxicshaly environment from AS2 oil deposited in anoxic fluvio deltaic environment. In-reservoir alteration and migration differences were the major factors responsible for the observed slight geochemical variability in the studied oils. Nevertheless, multi-variate principal component analysis indicated that the Central and Eastern onshore Niger Delta Basin oils were principally generated from similar organic matter sources. The implication here was that the geochemical variations in the studied oils were not significant, a conclusion corroborated by Pearson correlation model data.
Development of a COVID-19 Patients’ Fatality Prediction System Using Swarm Intelligent Convolution Neural Network
Authors: Kareem A. E. A. , Odeniyi O. A. , Lawal N. T. A.
Published: June 2023

Aims: This work aims to develop a system that can be used to accurately and timely predict the fatality of a positively tested COVID-19 patient through the use of a deep learning technique – a swarm intelligent convolutional neural network.

Methodology: The dataset used in this study was acquired from the Kaggle repository database. The dataset contains the Lung Chest X-Ray images of COVID-19 patients. The images were pre- processed to obtain the desired image quality for further processing. This was followed by segmenting the pre-processed images. An Enhanced Firefly Algorithm (EFA) was formulated by applying the roulette wheel selection procedure to model the movement process of the firefly as a deterministic process to assist the standard Firefly Algorithm (FA) and application of Chaotic Sinusoidal Map Function to model the attractive process of the firefly which establishes a balance between exploration and exploitation in FA. The EFA was applied to optimize Convolution Neural Network (CNN) hyper-parameters (number of layers, number of filters per layer, filter size and batch size). The segmented result was subsequently presented to EFA-CNN feature extraction and prediction of COVID-19 patient fatality cases. The formulated deep learning models (EFA-CNN and CNN) were implemented using Matrix Laboratory 2020a software. The implemented models were evaluated using specificity, sensitivity, false positive rate, accuracy, and recognition time/rate to determine the performance of the developed models.

Results: The findings revealed that the EFA-CNN model performs better in the prediction of COVID-19 patients’ fatality compared to the CNN model. It was also discovered that the formulated EFA applied to select optimal values of the hyper-parameters for the CNN architecture accounted for improved recognition accuracy and reduced recognition time of the developed COVID-19 Patients’ Fatality Prediction System.

Conclusion: The system developed will assist both the government and healthcare workers in providing the needed computational capability for the prediction of the fatality level of a positively tested COVID-19 patient.
A distributed event‐triggered dynamic average consensus scheme with a time‐varying threshold and its application in DC microgrid
Authors: Yang Yang , Wang Xue , Qi Chang , Deng Chao , Yu Liang , Yue Wenbin
Published: June 2023

We propose a distributed event‐triggered dynamic average consensus (DAC) scheme with a time‐varying threshold for a multi‐agent system (MAS) in a directed graph. In this scheme, each agent is not required to monitor its neighbors in real time, and a threshold is chosen related to consensus performance directly in an MAS, where the threshold is adjusted adaptively according to average consensus performance. Also, we introduce a bounded and monotonically increasing function in a time‐varying threshold, and this function is for guaranteeing the value of a threshold to locate in an appropriate range. Stability analysis shows that the tracking error is eventually bounded and the MAS achieves DAC without Zeno behaviors. Furthermore, the proposed event‐triggered DAC scheme is applied to voltage restoration and adjustable current sharing in DC microgrid. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is verified by two examples.
Research on mechanical properties of ink‐jet, UV‐thermal dual‐cured 3D printing materials and a comparison of the properties of ink‐jet, LCD and UV‐thermal dual‐cured 3D printing materials
Authors: Xu Huagen , Qu Muchao , Yang Qiancheng , Chen Baoquan
Published: June 2023

In this work, ink‐jet 3D printing materials were developed and investigated. Additionally, a UV‐thermal dual‐curable prepolymer was synthesized and introduced into liquid crystal display (LCD) 3D printing material. Subsequently, a UV‐thermal dual‐cured 3D printing material was developed as well. The different light stabilizers, photoinitiator content and different thermal annealing time were studied to reveal these effects on the mechanical properties of the ink‐jet 3D printed samples. FTIR was used to analyze the deblocking effect of blocked isocyanate in the synthesized resin. The mechanical properties of the UV‐thermal dual‐cured materials at different thermal annealing time and different ratios of UV content to thermal content were discussed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized to reveal the microscopic morphology of UV‐thermal dual‐cured material before and after thermal annealing. Finally, the dissipated energies of different 3D printing materials were revealed to indicate the difference in internal structure between ink‐jet, LCD and UV‐thermal dual‐cured 3D printing materials.
The Analytic Wavefunction
Authors: Salcedo Santiago Agüí , Lee Mang Hei Gordon , Melville Scott , Pajer Enrico
Published: June 2023

Abstract

The wavefunction in quantum field theory is an invaluable tool for tackling a variety of problems, including probing the interior of Minkowski spacetime and modelling boundary observables in de Sitter spacetime. Here we study the analytic structure of wavefunction coefficients in Minkowski as a function of their kinematics. We introduce an off-shell wavefunction in terms of amputated time-ordered correlation functions and show that it is analytic in the complex energy plane except for possible singularities on the negative real axis. These singularities are determined to all loop orders by a simple energy-conservation condition. We confirm this picture by developing a Landau analysis of wavefunction loop integrals and corroborate our findings with several explicit calculations in scalar field theories. This analytic structure allows us to derive new UV/IR sum rules for the wavefunction that fix the coefficients in its low-energy expansion in terms of integrals of discontinuities in the corresponding UV-completion. In contrast to the analogous sum rules for scattering amplitudes, the wavefunction sum rules can also constrain total-derivative interactions. We explicitly verify these new relations at one-loop order in simple UV models of a light and a heavy scalar. Our results, which apply to both Lorentz invariant and boost-breaking theories, pave the way towards deriving wavefunction positivity bounds in flat and cosmological spacetimes.
Genetic evidence that high BMI in childhood has a protective effect on intermediate diabetes traits, including measures of insulin sensitivity and secretion, after accounting for BMI in adulthood
Authors: Hawkes Gareth , Beaumont Robin N. , Tyrrell Jessica , Power Grace M. , Wood Andrew , Laakso Markku , Fernandes Silva Lilian , Boehnke Michael , Yin Xianyong , Richardson Tom G. , Smith George Davey , Frayling Timothy M.
Published: June 2023

Aims/hypothesis

Determining how high BMI at different time points influences the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and affects insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity is critical.

Methods

By estimating childhood BMI in 441,761 individuals in the UK Biobank, we identified which genetic variants had larger effects on adulthood BMI than on childhood BMI, and vice versa. All genome-wide significant genetic variants were then used to separate the independent genetic effects of high childhood BMI from those of high adulthood BMI on the risk of type 2 diabetes and insulin-related phenotypes using Mendelian randomisation. We performed two-sample MR using external studies of type 2 diabetes, and oral and intravenous measures of insulin secretion and sensitivity.

Results

We found that a childhood BMI that was one standard deviation (1.97 kg/m2) higher than the mean, corrected for the independent genetic liability to adulthood BMI, was associated with a protective effect for seven measures of insulin sensitivity and secretion, including increased insulin sensitivity index (β=0.15; 95% CI 0.067, 0.225; p=2.79×10−4) and reduced fasting glucose levels (β=−0.053; 95% CI −0.089, −0.017; p=4.31×10−3). However, there was little to no evidence of a direct protective effect on type 2 diabetes (OR 0.94; 95% CI 0.85, 1.04; p=0.228) independently of genetic liability to adulthood BMI.

Conclusions/interpretation

Our results provide evidence of the protective effect of higher childhood BMI on insulin secretion and sensitivity, which are crucial intermediate diabetes traits. However, we stress that our results should not currently lead to any change in public health or clinical practice, given the uncertainty regarding the biological pathway of these effects and the limitations of this type of study.

Graphical Abstract
What else can we do to prevent diabetic retinopathy?
Authors: Simó Rafael , Hernández Cristina
Published: June 2023

The classical modifiable factors associated with the onset and progression of diabetic retinopathy are the suboptimal control of blood glucose levels and hypertension, as well as dyslipidaemia. However, there are other less recognised modifiable factors that can play a relevant role, such as the presence of obesity or the abnormal distribution of adipose tissue, and others related to lifestyle such as the type of diet, vitamin intake, exercise, smoking and sunlight exposure. In this article we revisit the prevention of diabetic retinopathy based on modulating the modifiable risk factors, as well as commenting on the potential impact of glucose-lowering drugs on the condition. The emerging concept that neurodegeneration is an early event in the development of diabetic retinopathy points to neuroprotection as a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent the advanced stages of the disease. In this regard, the better phenotyping of very early stages of diabetic retinopathy and the opportunity of arresting its progression using treatments targeting the neurovascular unit (NVU) are discussed.
Effects of Youth Flexible Assertive Community Treatment: outcomes of an 18-month observational study
Authors: Broersen Marieke , Creemers Daan H. M. , Frieswijk Nynke , Vermulst Ad A. , Kroon Hans
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This Multicenter Youth Flexible ACT Study examined the effect of Youth Flexible Assertive Community Treatment on symptomatic, social, and personal recovery outcomes of adolescents dealing with multifaceted psychiatric and social care needs who do not readily engage in regular office-based mental health services.

Methods

Newly admitted clients (n = 199) aged 12–24 years from 16 Youth Flexible ACT teams participated in this observational prospective cohort study. Client and practitioner questionnaires were administered every 6 months, up to 18 months. Latent growth curve analyses were conducted to examine changes in symptomatic, social, and personal recovery outcomes throughout Flexible ACT.

Results

Our analyses of client-reported outcomes showed a decrease in overall psychosocial difficulties, depressive symptoms, and subclinical psychosis symptoms. Moreover, outcomes showed improved social interaction with peers, quality of life, and feelings of empowerment and fewer contacts with the police/legal system. In addition, analyses of clinician-reported outcomes showed a decrease in problems related to family life, peer relationships, school/work attendance, emotional symptoms, and attentional problems. Problems related to personal finance, school and work status, substance misuse, disruptive and aggressive behavior, self-injury, and self-care and independence remained unchanged.

Conclusion

Our results showed that clients participating in Youth Flexible ACT improved in symptomatic, social, and personal recovery outcomes over 18 months. With its integrated approach and personalized care, this service delivery model is promising for adolescents unable to engage successfully in regular (office based) mental health support services.
Robbsia betulipollinis sp. nov., Isolated from Pollen of Birch (Betula pendula)
Authors: Shi Haoran , Ambika Manirajan Binoy , Ratering Stefan , Geissler-Plaum Rita , Schnell Sylvia
Published: June 2023

One gram-negative strain designated Bb-Pol-6 T was isolated from birch (Betula pendula) pollen at Giessen area, Germany. The analysis of 16S rRNA gene-based phylogenies indicated the next-relative genera were Robbsia, Chitinasiproducens, Pararobbsia and Paraburkholderia (96–95.6%). Further comparative genome analysis and phylogenetic tree-based methods revealed its phylogenetic position under the genus Robbsia. The genome of strain Bb-Pol-6 T was 5.04 Mbp with 4401 predicted coding sequences and a G + C content of 65.31 mol%. Average amino acid identity, average nucleotide identity, digital DNA–DNA hybridization and percentage of conserved proteins values to Robbsia andropogonis DSM 9511 T were 68.0, 72.5, 22.7 and 65.85%, respectively. Strain Bb-Pol-6 T was rod-shaped, non-motile, facultative anaerobic and grew optimally at 28 °C and pH 6–7. Ubiquinone 8 was the major respiratory quinone and the major cellular fatty acids were C16:0, C19:0 cycloω7c, C17:0 cycloω7c and C17:1ω6c. The dominant polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified aminophospholipid. Based on the genomic physiological and phenotypic characteristics, strain Bb-Pol-6 T was considered a novel species under the genus Robbsia, for which the name Robbsia betulipollinis sp. nov. was proposed. The type strain is Bb-Pol-6 T (= LMG 32774 T = DSM 114812 T).
Fracture in elongational flow of two low-density polyethylene melts
Authors: Poh Leslie , Wu Qi , Pan Zhengbin , Wagner Manfred H. , Narimissa Esmaeil
Published: June 2023

Samples of two commercial low-density polyethylene melts were investigated with respect to their fracture behavior in controlled uniaxial extensional flow at constant strain rate in a filament stretching rheometer. In order to assess the possible influence of grain boundaries on fracture, the samples were prepared by three different types of pre-treatment: by compression molding of (1) virgin pellets used as received, (2) pellets homogenized in a twin-screw extruder, and (3) pellets that were milled into powder by cryogenic grinding under liquid nitrogen. The elongational stress growth data were analyzed by the Extended Hierarchical Multi-mode Molecular Stress Function (EHMMSF) model developed by Wagner et al. (Rheol. Acta 61, 281-298 (2022)) for long-chain branched (LCB) polymer melts. The EHMMSF model quantifies the elongational stress growth including the maximum in the elongational viscosity of LDPE melts based solely on the linear-viscoelastic relaxation spectrum and two nonlinear material parameters, the dilution modulus GD and a characteristic stretch parameter $${\overline{\lambda}}_m$$

λ
¯

m

. Within experimental accuracy, model predictions are in excellent agreement with the elongational stress growth data of the two LDPE melts, independent of the preparation method used. At sufficiently high strain rates, the fracture of the polymer filaments was observed and is in general accordance with the entropic fracture criterion implemented in the EHMMSF model. High-speed videography reveals that fracture is preceded by parabolic crack opening, which is characteristic for elastic fracture and which has been observed earlier in filament stretching of monodisperse polystyrene solutions. Here, for the first time, we demonstrate the appearance of a parabolic crack opening in the fracture process of polydisperse long-chain branched polyethylene melts.
Lessons learned from regional training of paediatric nephrology fellows in Africa
Authors: McCulloch Mignon I. , Argent Andrew C. , Morrow Brenda , Nourse Peter , Coetzee Ashton , Du Buisson Christel , Reddy Deveshni , Buckley Jonathan , Sinclair Paul J. , Gajjar Priya , Semanska Lucie , Eddy Allison , Feehally John , Cano Francisco , Warady Bradley A.
Published: June 2023

Background

Access to care for children with kidney disease is limited in less well-resourced regions of the world and paediatric nephrology (PN) workforce development with good practical skills is critical.

Methods

Retrospective review of a PN training program and trainee feedback from 1999 to 2021, based at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital (RCWMCH), University of Cape Town.

Results

A regionally appropriate 1–2-year training program enrolled 38 fellows with an initial 100% return rate to their country of origin. Program funding included fellowships from the International Pediatric Nephrology Association (IPNA), International Society of Nephrology (ISN), International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD), and the African Paediatric Fellowship Program (APFP). Fellows were trained on both in- and out-patient management of infants and children with kidney disorders. “Hands-on skills” training included examination, diagnosis and management skills, practical insertion of peritoneal dialysis catheters for management of acute kidney injury and kidney biopsies. Of 16 trainees who completed > 1 year of training, 14 (88%) successfully completed subspecialty exams and 9 (56%) completed a master’s degree with a research component. PN fellows reported that their training was appropriate and enabled them to make a difference in their respective communities.

Conclusions

This training program has successfully equipped African physicians with the requisite knowledge and skills to provide PN services in resource-constrained areas for children with kidney disease. The provision of funding from multiple organizations committed to paediatric kidney disease has contributed to the success of the program, along with the fellows’ commitment to build PN healthcare capacity in Africa.

Graphical abstract
Correction to: Conjugacy classes and union of cosets of normal subgroups
Authors: Beltrán Antonio
Published: June 2023

We add a missed hypothesis in the statement of Theorem A(b) in “Conjugacy classes and union of cosets of normal subgroups", Monatsh. Math. 201, No 2, 349–358 (2023), and give a corrected proof.
Application of Autochthonous Biofilm-Forming Enterococcus hirae Kr8 Strain in Relation with Enterocin M in Broiler Rabbits and Their Effect on the Rabbit Meat Quality: Risk or Protection?
Authors: Pogány Simonová Monika , Chrastinová Ľubica , Bino Eva , Kandričáková Anna , Formelová Zuzana , Lauková Andrea
Published: June 2023

Around weaning, rabbits are sensitive to gastrointestinal diseases, mostly of bacterial origin, including enterococci (Enterococcus hirae), clostridia, and coliforms. Preventive use of postbiotics—enterocins—as feed additives can reduce this problem. Therefore, simulation of spoilage/pathogenic environment applying the autochthonous, biofilm-forming E. hirae Kr8+ strain in rabbits and its influence on rabbit meat quality as well as the protective effect of Ent M on rabbit meat properties and quality in infected animals was tested. Ninety-six rabbits aged 35 days, both sexes, meat line M91 breed were divided into one control (CG) and three experimental (EG1, EG2, and EG3) groups. The rabbits in CG received standard diet, without any additives, rabbits in EG1 received 108 CFU/mL of Kr8+ strain (at a dose of 500 μL/animal/day), to rabbits in EG2 the Ent M (50 μL/animal/day), and in EG3, combination of the Kr8+ and Ent M was applied in their drinking water during 21 days. The experiment lasted 42 days. The Kr8+ strain did not attack the gastrointestinal tract and have any adverse effect on the meat quality of rabbits. Moreover, improved weight gains, carcass parameters, and higher essential fatty acid (EAA) and amino acid (EAA) content of rabbit meat point rather to its possible beneficial potential in rabbit nutrition. Administration of Ent M improved most of the tested parameters: animal weight and meat physicochemical and nutritional properties, with a focus on EFA and EAA. During combination of both additives, their synergistic impact was noted, improving the nutritional quality, mostly the EAA content of rabbit meat.
Characterization of the Ayran Made with Commercial Probiotic Cultures for Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Folic Acid Levels, and Anti-Oxidative Potential
Authors: Shalabi Ola M. A. K. , Hassan Amina M. , Ismail Magdy M. , El-Menawy Reham K.
Published: June 2023

Ayran is a salted drinkable fermented milk food which consumed in many countries around the world. In this study, some chemical parameters were determined to evaluate the healthy properties of ayran prepared using various commercial probiotic cultures. Four treatments of ayran were made from cow’s milk and using classic yogurt culture (L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus) [T1], ABT-5 culture (L. acidophilus, Bifidobacterium and S. thermophilus) [T2], exopolysaccharide producing culture (EPS-producing, L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus) [T3], and EPS-producing culture + Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB12 (mixture culture) [T4]. Treatment 1 had the highest acidity, acetaldehyde, and diacetyl values. Using probiotic [T2] or mixture cultures [T4] reduced saturated fatty acids by 1.97% and increased monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids of ayran by 4.94 and 5.72%, respectively. Also, the levels of oleic acid (omega-9), linoleic acid (omega-6), and α-linolenic acid (omega-3) increased in ayran produced using probiotic or mixture cultures. Sample T4 was highly richer in the value of antioxidant activity (27.62%) and folic acid (0.1566 mg/100 g) whereas possessed the lowest cholesterol amount (8.983 mg/100 g). Mixture culture (EPS-producing culture + Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB12) is a good starter to improve the healthy and nutritional characteristics of bio-ayran.
Pathological Changes of Small Vessel Disease in Intracerebral Hemorrhage: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Mangmang , Zhu Yuyi , Song Xindi , Zhong Xuelian , Yu Xinxin , Wang Deren , Cheng Yajun , Tao Wendan , Wu Bo , Liu Ming
Published: June 2023

In intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) with pathology-proven etiology, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to elucidate the association between cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) and arteriolosclerosis, and directly compared MRI and pathological changes of markers of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). Studies enrolling primary ICH who had received an etiological diagnosis through biopsy or autopsy were searched using Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, and Web of Science from inception to June 8, 2022. We extracted pathological changes of CSVD for each patient whenever available. Patients were grouped into CAA + arteriolosclerosis, strict CAA, and strict arteriolosclerosis subgroups. Of 4155 studies identified, 28 studies with 456 ICH patients were included. The frequency of lobar ICH (p<0.001) and total microbleed number (p=0.015) differed among patients with CAA + arteriolosclerosis, strict CAA, and strict arteriolosclerosis. Concerning pathology, severe CAA was associated with arteriolosclerosis (OR 6.067, 95% CI 1.107–33.238, p=0.038), although this association was not statistically significant after adjusting for age and sex. Additionally, the total microbleed number (median 15 vs. 0, p=0.006) was higher in ICH patients with CAA evidence than those without CAA. The pathology of CSVD imaging markers was mostly investigated in CAA-ICH. There was inconsistency concerning CAA severity surrounding microbleeds. Small diffusion-weighted imaging lesions could be matched to acute microinfarct histopathologically. Studies that directly correlated MRI and pathology of lacunes, enlarged perivascular spaces, and atrophy were scarce. Arteriolosclerosis might be associated with severe CAA. The pathological changes of CSVD markers by ICH etiology are needed to be investigated further.
Jejunal stenosis as a sequela after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for morbid obesity: a case series
Authors: Hamed Hosam , Ali Mahmoud Abdelwahab , El-Magd El-Sayed Abou
Published: June 2023

Porto-mesenteric venous thrombosis (PMVT) is a rare complication that is encountered in less than 1% of patients following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). This condition could be conservatively managed in stable patients with no evidence of peritonitis or bowel wall ischemia. Nonetheless, conservative management may be followed by ischemic small bowel stricture, which is poorly reported in the literature. Herein, we present our experience regarding three patients who presented with manifestations of jejunal stricture after initial successful conservative management of PMVT. Retrospective analysis of patients who developed jejunal stenosis as a sequela after LSG. The three included patients had undergone LSG with an uneventful post-operative course. All of them developed PMVT that was conservatively managed mainly by anticoagulation. After they were discharged, all of them returned with manifestations of upper bowel obstruction. Upper gastrointestinal series and abdominal computed tomography confirmed the diagnosis of jejunal stricture. The three patients were explored via laparoscopy, and resection anastomosis of the stenosed segment was performed.
Bariatric surgeons should be aware of the association between PMVT, following LSG, and ischemic bowel strictures. That should help in the rapid diagnosis of the rare and difficult entity.
Carleman estimates for sub-Laplacians on Carnot groups
Authors: Arya Vedansh , Kumar Dharmendra
Published: June 2023

In this note, we establish a new Carleman estimate with singular weights for the sub-Laplacian on a Carnot group $$\mathbb G$$
G
for functions satisfying the discrepancy assumption in (2.16) below. We use such an estimate to derive a sharp vanishing order estimate for solutions to stationary Schrödinger equations.
The Group Right to Mutual Privacy
Authors: Puri Anuj
Published: June 2023

Contemporary privacy challenges go beyond individual interests and result in collective harms. To address these challenges, this article argues for a collective interest in Mutual Privacy which is based on our shared genetic, social, and democratic interests as well as our common vulnerabilities against algorithmic grouping. On the basis of the shared interests and participatory action required for its cumulative protection, Mutual Privacy is then classified as an aggregate shared participatory public good which is protected through the group right to Mutual Privacy.
Overlapping responses to multiple abiotic stresses in citrus: from mechanism understanding to genetic improvement
Authors: Dahro Bachar , Li Chunlong , Liu Ji-Hong
Published: June 2023

Citrus plants routinely experience a broad range of biotic and abiotic stress that occur either concurrently or sequentially in the field, causing huge losses in yield. Hence, cultivated citrus plants that tolerate only one type of abiotic stress are insufficient to maintain citrus productivity as the climate changes. Plants primarily develop delicate regulatory mechanisms to detect, transduce and respond to adverse environmental conditions. Therefore, elucidating the physiological, biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying the dynamic response to multiple abiotic stresses is a prerequisite for determining the targets for genetic improvement programs of citrus. In this review, we pinpoint the current understanding of the physiological basis of citrus tolerance to abiotic stress. Then, we discuss recent insights into the integrated molecular mechanisms that are involved in the citrus response to multiple types of abiotic stress. Finally, we discuss recent prospects for using modern molecular technologies to facilitate the genetic improvement of citrus.
Psychology's WEIRD Problems
Authors: Sanches de Oliveira Guilherme , Baggs Edward
Published: June 2023

Psychology has a WEIRD problem. It is overly reliant on participants from Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic societies. Over the last decade this problem has come to be widely acknowledged, yet there has been little progress toward making psychology more diverse. This Element proposes that the lack of progress can be explained by the fact that the original WEIRD critique was too narrow in scope. Rather than a single problem of a lack of diversity among research participants, there are at least four overlapping problems. Psychology is WEIRD not only in terms of who makes up its participant pool, but also in terms of its theoretical commitments, methodological assumptions, and institutional structures. Psychology as currently constituted is a fundamentally WEIRD enterprise. Coming to terms with this is necessary if we wish to make psychology relevant for all humanity. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.