bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imaging Features Following Breast Explant Surgery: A Pictorial Essay
Authors: Akpolat Yusuf , Dryden Mark , Scoggins Marion , Patel Miral , Yalniz Ceren , Hassid Victor , Whitman Gary
Published: June 2023

Breast implants can be removed with breast explantation surgery (BES) for various reasons, including patient dissatisfaction, capsular contracture, implant infection or rupture, breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and a recently emerging phenomenon called breast implant illness. There is very limited data on the imaging appearance after BES. A retrospective chart review was performed for patients with BES findings on imaging reports for the period between October 2016 and October 2021. When assessing BES techniques, a key element is determining whether the implant’s fibrous capsule requires removal. The second important question is if the patient requires an additional aesthetic procedure after BES. BES techniques include capsulotomy, and partial, total, or en bloc capsulectomy. Adjunctive aesthetic or reconstructive procedures after BES include fat grafting, mastopexy, augmentation, and reconstruction with flaps. The majority of post-BES breast imaging findings are related to the surgical scar/bed, thereby confirming that the type of explantation surgery is important. Imaging findings after BES include focal and global asymmetries, architectural distortions, calcifications, calcified and non-calcified fat necrosis, masses, hematomas, seromas, capsular calcifications, and silicone granulomas. Most importantly, since these patients have residual breast tissue, paying attention to imaging features that are suspicious for breast cancer is necessary.
Analysis of Wind Farms under Different Yaw Angles and Wind Speeds
Authors: Das Rubel C. , Shen Yu-Lin
Published: June 2023

Wind farm optimization is pivotal in maximizing energy output, reducing costs, and minimizing environmental impact. This study comprehensively explores wind farm behavior under varying wind conditions and yaw angles to achieve these objectives. The primary motivation is to optimize wind farm performance and efficiency through proper yaw adjustment in response to wind speed changes. A computational investigation using a three-by-three wind turbine array was conducted, employing large eddy simulation (LES) to evaluate wind farm performance. Nine LES cases were considered, incorporating three wind speeds (7.3 ms−1, 10.4 ms−1, and 4.3 ms−1) and three yaw angles (30°, 20°, and 0°), with nearly constant turbulence intensity (TI) at 12.0%. The impact of wind speed and yaw angles on wake characteristics and power outputs were analyzed. The findings reveal that wind speed has limited influence on wake characteristics and power outputs, except for lower wind speeds at a yaw angle of 20 degrees. These results contribute to understanding wind farm performance optimization, aiding in developing strategies to enhance energy extraction while minimizing costs and environmental implications.
Flash Radiotherapy: Innovative Cancer Treatment
Authors: Chow James C. L. , Ruda Harry E.
Published: June 2023

Flash radiotherapy (Flash-RT) is an innovative technique used in radiotherapy for cancer treatment because it delivers an extremely high dose of radiation (>40 Gy/s) to the tumour in a very short period of time, typically within a fraction of a second. This ultra-fast delivery of radiation distinguishes Flash-RT from conventional radiotherapy, which typically involves the delivery of radiation over a longer time period, often several minutes. Studies conducted in cell and preclinical models suggested that Flash-RT may spare normal tissues from radiation-related side effects, such as skin toxicity, gastrointestinal complications, and damage to organs-at-risk. This is believed to be due to the unique normal tissue response to the ultra-high dose rate. Nevertheless, while Flash-RT shows promising results in preclinical and early clinical studies, one should note that the technique is still in the early stages of development. This entry provides a comprehensive exploration of the immense potentials of Flash-RT, covering its background, mechanisms, radiation sources, recent experimental findings based on cell and preclinical models, and future prospects. It aims to provide valuable insights into this innovative radiotherapy technology for anyone interested in the subject.
16S rRNA Sequencing Reveals the Antibacterial Effect of Omega-3 (Fish Oil) against Fibrolytic Bacteria, Altering Fermentation and Volatile Fatty Acids Profile In Vitro
Authors: Abdelrahman Mohamed , Wang Wei , An Zhigao , Lv Haimiao , Hua Guohua , Ahmed Ahmed Ezzat , Alsaegh Aiman , Yang Liguo
Published: June 2023

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) constitute a significant lipid class with essential nutritional and health benefits for both animal and human health; however, their effect and interaction with the gut microbiota ecosystem are still unclear. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the effect of fish oil (FO) on ruminal fermentation and bacterial abundance under high- and low-forage diets. Thirty-six ruminal fluid samples were allocated into two experiments. The first was on high-forage diet and included three groups: the control (basal diet with 70% forage and 30% concentrate), group 2 (basal diet + 5 mL/L FO), and group 3 (basal diet + 10 mL/L). The second experiment was on low-forage diet: the control (basal diet with 30% forage and 70% concentrate), group 2 (basal diet + 5 mL/L FO), and group 3 (basal diet + 10 mL/L). The results showed that although FO supplementation did not affect the pH level among different diets, it significantly decreased methane under a high-forage diet. In addition, regarding the fatty acids profile, FO supplementation in high-forage diet significantly decreased fatty acids in both; however, under a low-forage diet, FO groups showed significantly higher fatty acid content than the control. However, FO supplementation increased the abundance of Anaerovibirio, Selenomonas, pseudobutyrivibrio, and butyrivibrio through a high-forage diet. In contrast, the abundance of Prevotella, Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group, and Saccharofermentans was depressed with FO supplementation. Whereas under low-forage diet, FO supplementation increased Ruminobacter, Anaerovibirio, Megasphaera, Pseudobutyrivibrio, Streptococcus, Butyrivibrio, unclassified_lachnospiraceae; it also decreased Prevotella and Rikenellaceae RC9 abundance similar to the high-forage diet. Based on the KEGG pathway results, FO supplementation significantly downregulated genes mainly related to folding, sorting and degradation, environmental adaptation, cell motility, transcription, membrane transport, and signal transduction. The results revealed that FO has a depressing effect on ruminal fermentation and some bacterial population; however, this negative effect can be minimized in high-concentrate diets.
Development and Evaluation of Nanoformulations Containing Timur Oil and Rosemary Oil for Treatment of Topical Fungal Infections
Authors: Noor Afeefa , Jamil Shahid , Sadeq Tariq Waece , Mohammed Ameen Muath Sheet , Kohli Kanchan
Published: June 2023

The pervasiveness of fungal infections is an issue for skin health globally, and there are a reported 40 million cases in developed and developing countries. Novel drug delivery systems provide better therapeutic efficacy over conventional drug therapy due to their lower side effects and toxicity. Furthermore, combinations of essential oils can represent alternative therapies for fungal infections that are resistant to synthetic drugs. This study is aimed at developing Timur oil into a nanoemulgel and evaluating its antifungal effects. The development of the formulation involved the preparation of a nanoemulsion by the titration method, followed by its evaluation for various physicochemical properties. The antifungal activity of the nanoemulgel against Candida albicans was evaluated. The zone of inhibition was determined using the disk diffusion method. The results show that the developed nanoemulgel has a particle size of 139 ± 6.11 nm, a PDI of 0.309, and a zeta potential of −19.12 ± 2.73 mV. An in vitro drug release study showed a sustained release of 70 ± 0.289% of the drug over a period of 24 h. The % drug permeation across the skin was found to be 79.11 ± 0.319% over 24 h. However, the amount of drug retained in the skin was 56.45 µg/g. The flux for the nanoemulgel was found to be 94.947 µg/cm2/h, indicating a better permeability profile. The nanoemulgel formulation showed a zone of inhibition of 15 ± 2.45 mm, whereas the 1% ketoconazole cream (marketed preparation) exhibited a zone of inhibition of 13 ± 2.13 mm. The results of this study suggest that developed nanoemulgel containing Timur oil and rosemary oil has the potential to be used for treating topical fungal infections caused by Candida albicans.
Editorial on the Special Issue “Novel Gels for Food Product Development”
Authors: Florowska Anna , Florowski Tomasz , Campanella Osvaldo H.
Published: June 2023

Recently gels have gained significant attention in the food industry due to their unique properties and potential applications [...]
Mediastinal Gray-Zone Lymphoma: Still an Open Issue
Authors: Pileri Stefano , Tabanelli Valentina , Chiarle Roberto , Calleri Angelica , Melle Federica , Motta Giovanna , Sapienza Maria Rosaria , Sabattini Elena , Zinzani Pier Luigi , Derenzini Enrico
Published: June 2023

The concept of gray-zone lymphoma (GZL) has been progressively refined since its introduction in the literature in 1998. For several years, it was applied to a rather broad spectrum of conditions, posing the problem of the differential diagnosis between any type of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, with special reference to primary mediastinal forms (PMBL). Officially recognised as a provisional entity in the 4th and revised 4th editions of the WHO Classification of Tumour of Haematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues with the term “B-cell lymphoma unclassifiable with features intermediate between diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and classic Hodgkin lymphoma”, it was limited to tumours showing either morphologic features reminiscent of classic HL (CHL) but carrying a complete B-cell phenotype or conversely provided with a PMBL morphology yet revealing CHL phenotypic characteristics. The definition of GZL has been further revised in the recently published International Lymphoma Classification and 5th edition of the WHO Classification of Haematolymphoid Tumours, which have limited it to mediastinal neoplasms (MGZL) based on emerging molecular evidence. The aim of this review is to critically discuss the issue of MGZL, as well as in light of the suboptimal response to current therapies.
Forgive, Let Go, and Stay Well! The Relationship between Forgiveness and Physical and Mental Health in Women and Men: The Mediating Role of Self-Consciousness
Authors: Mróz Justyna , Kaleta Kinga
Published: June 2023

Background: The current study assessed forgiveness (positive forgiveness and reduced unforgiveness), self-consciousness (rumination and reflection), and physical and mental health. The aim of the study was to check if self-consciousness mediates the relationship between dispositional forgiveness and health. Methods: To address this link, we conducted 2 studies (N = 484 in Study 1 and N = 249 in Study 2). Data were collected separately for Study 1, as well as Study 2. We used in both studies the Heartland Forgiveness Scale and the Rumination-Reflection Questionnaire, and additionally, the General Health Questionnaire-28 in Study 1 and the Scales of Psychological Well-Being in Study 2. Results: The results indicated that rumination was an effective mediator between positive forgiveness and mental health (B = 0.14, CI95% = [0.064, 0.234]), reduced unforgiveness and physical health (B = −0.13, CI95% = [−0.182, −0.088]), and both rumination and reflection between reduced unforgiveness and mental health (B = 0.13 CI95% = [0.051, 0.226]), positive forgiveness (B = −0.09 CI95% = [−0.135, −0.052]), and physical health. Conclusion: The mediating role of ruminations was more frequently observed in females. The study highlighted the indirect effect between forgiveness and health. Rumination and reflection are mediators between forgiveness and health.
Commentary: Is Wearable Fitness Technology a Medically Approved Device? Yes and No
Authors: Scheid Jennifer L. , Reed Jennifer L. , West Sarah L.
Published: June 2023

Wearable technologies, i.e., activity trackers and fitness watches, are extremely popular and have been increasingly integrated into medical research and clinical practice. To assist in optimizing health, wellness, or medical care, these devices require collaboration between researchers, healthcare providers, and wearable technology companies in order to clarify their clinical capabilities and educate consumers on the utilities and limitations of the wide-ranging wearable devices. Interestingly, activity trackers and fitness watches often track both health/wellness and medical information within the same device. In this commentary, we will focus our discussions regarding wearable technology on (1) defining and explaining the technical differences between tracking health, wellness, and medical information; (2) providing examples of health and wellness compared to medical tracking; (3) describing the potential medical benefits of wearable technology and its applications in clinical populations; and (4) elucidating the potential risks of wearable technology. We conclude that while wearable devices are powerful and informative tools, further research is needed to improve its clinical applications.
Therapeutic Targeting of the GSK3β-CUGBP1 Pathway in Myotonic Dystrophy
Authors: Lutz Maggie , Levanti Miranda , Karns Rebekah , Gourdon Genevieve , Lindquist Diana , Timchenko Nikolai A. , Timchenko Lubov
Published: June 2023

Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a neuromuscular disease associated with toxic RNA containing expanded CUG repeats. The developing therapeutic approaches to DM1 target mutant RNA or correct early toxic events downstream of the mutant RNA. We have previously described the benefits of the correction of the GSK3β-CUGBP1 pathway in DM1 mice (HSALR model) expressing 250 CUG repeats using the GSK3 inhibitor tideglusib (TG). Here, we show that TG treatments corrected the expression of ~17% of genes misregulated in DM1 mice, including genes involved in cell transport, development and differentiation. The expression of chloride channel 1 (Clcn1), the key trigger of myotonia in DM1, was also corrected by TG. We found that correction of the GSK3β-CUGBP1 pathway in mice expressing long CUG repeats (DMSXL model) is beneficial not only at the prenatal and postnatal stages, but also during adulthood. Using a mouse model with dysregulated CUGBP1, which mimics alterations in DM1, we showed that the dysregulated CUGBP1 contributes to the toxicity of expanded CUG repeats by changing gene expression and causing CNS abnormalities. These data show the critical role of the GSK3β-CUGBP1 pathway in DM1 muscle and in CNS pathologies, suggesting the benefits of GSK3 inhibitors in patients with different forms of DM1.
Sp1 Upregulation Bolsters the Radioresistance of Glioblastoma Cells by Promoting Double Strand Breaks Repair
Authors: Liu Xiongxiong , Sun Chao , Wang Qiqi , Li Ping , Zhao Ting , Li Qiang
Published: June 2023

Radioresistance remains a critical obstacle in the clinical management of glioblastoma (GBM) by radiotherapy. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying radioresistance to improve patient response to radiotherapy and increase the treatment efficacy. The present study aimed to elucidate the role of specificity protein 1 (Sp1) in the radioresistance of GBM cells. Different human GBM cell lines and tumor-bearing mice were exposed to ionizing radiation (IR). Cell survival was determined by the colony formation assay. The expression of genes and proteins in the cells and tissues was analyzed by RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. The γ-H2AX, p-Sp1 and dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs phospho S2056) foci were analyzed by immunofluorescence. Apoptotic rates were measured by flow cytometry. Sp1 was upregulated after IR in vitro and in vivo and knocking down Sp1-sensitized GBM cells to IR. Sp1 activated the DNA-PKcs promoter and increased its expression and activity. Furthermore, the loss of Sp1 delayed double-strand breaks (DSB) repair and increased IR-induced apoptosis of GBM cells. Taken together, IR upregulates Sp1 expression in GBM cells, enhancing the activity of DNA-PKcs and promoting IR-induced DSB repair, thereby leading to increased radioresistance.
BDNF Influence on Adult Terminal Axon Sprouting after Partial Deafferentation
Authors: Benítez-Temiño Beatriz , Hernández Rosendo G. , de la Cruz Rosa R. , Pastor Angel M.
Published: June 2023

BDNF is a neurotrophin family member implicated in many different neuronal functions, from neuronal survival during development to synaptic plasticity associated with processes of learning and memory. Its presence in the oculomotor system has previously been demonstrated, as it regulates afferent composition of extraocular motoneurons and their firing pattern. Moreover, BDNF expression increases after extraocular motoneuron partial deafferentation, in parallel with terminal axon sprouting from the remaining axons. To elucidate whether BDNF could play an active role in this process, we performed partial deafferentation of the medial rectus motoneurons through transection of one of the two main afferents, that is, the ascending tract of Deiters, and injected BDNF into the motoneuron target muscle, the medial rectus. Furthermore, to check whether BDNF could stimulate axon sprouting without lesions, we performed the same experiment without any lesions. Axon terminal sprouting was assessed by calretinin immunostaining, which specifically labels the remaining afferent system on medial rectus motoneurons, the abducens internuclear neurons. The results presented herein show that exogenous BDNF stimulated terminal axon growth, allowing the total recovery of synaptic coverage around the motoneuron somata. Moreover, calretinin staining in the neuropil exceeded that present in the control situation. Thus, BDNF could also stimulate axonal sprouting in the neuropil of intact animals. These results point to an active role of BDNF in plastic adaptations that take place after partial deafferentation.
PER2 Promotes Odontoblastic/Osteogenic Differentiation of Dental Pulp Stem Cells by Modulating Mitochondrial Metabolism
Authors: Huang Wushuang , Huang Qi , He Hongwen , Huang Fang
Published: June 2023

Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) possess remarkable self-renewal and multilineage differentiation ability. PER2, an essential circadian molecule, regulates various physiological processes. Evidence suggests that circadian rhythm and PER2 participate in physiological functions of DPSCs. However, the influence of PER2 on DPSCs’ differentiation remains largely unknown. This study aimed to explore the effect and potential mechanism of PER2 on hDPSCs’ differentiation. Dental pulp tissues were extracted, and hDPSCs were cultured for in vitro and in vivo experiments. Dorsal subcutaneous transplantation was performed in 6-week-old male BALB/c mice. The hDPSCs’ odontoblastic/osteogenic differentiation was assessed, and mitochondrial metabolism was evaluated. The results indicated PER2 expression increasing during hDPSCs’ odontoblastic/osteogenic differentiation. Gain- and loss-of function studies confirmed that PER2 promoted alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mineralized nodules deposition, mRNA expression of DSPP, DMP1, COL1A1 and protein expression of DSPP and DMP1 in hDPSCs. Furthermore, PER2 enhanced collagen deposition, osteodentine-like tissue formation and DSPP expression in vivo. Mitochondrial metabolic evaluation aimed to investigate the mechanism of PER2-mediated hDPSC odontoblastic/osteogenic differentiation, which showed that PER2 increased ATP synthesis, elevated mitochondrial membrane potential and changed expression of proteins regulating mitochondrial dynamics. This study demonstrated that PER2 promoted hDPSCs’ odontoblastic/osteogenic differentiation, which involved mitochondrial metabolic change.
Involvement in Fertilization and Expression of Gamete Ubiquitin-Activating Enzymes UBA1 and UBA6 in the Ascidian Halocynthia roretzi
Authors: Sawada Hitoshi , Inoue Shukumi , Saito Takako , Otsuka Kei , Shirae-Kurabayashi Maki
Published: June 2023

The extracellular ubiquitin–proteasome system is involved in sperm binding to and/or penetration of the vitelline coat (VC), a proteinaceous egg coat, during fertilization of the ascidian (Urochordata) Halocynthia roretzi. It is also known that the sperm receptor on the VC, HrVC70, is ubiquitinated and degraded by the sperm proteasome during the sperm penetration of the VC and that a 700-kDa ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme complex is released upon sperm activation on the VC, which is designated the “sperm reaction”. However, the de novo function of ubiquitin-activating enzyme (UBA/E1) during fertilization is poorly understood. Here, we show that PYR-41, a UBA inhibitor, strongly inhibited the fertilization of H. roretzi. cDNA cloning of UBA1 and UBA6 from H. roretzi gonads was carried out, and their 3D protein structures were predicted to be very similar to those of human UBA1 and UBA6, respectively, based on AlphaFold2. These two genes were transcribed in the ovary and testis and other organs, among which the expression of both was highest in the ovary. Immunocytochemistry showed that these enzymes are localized on the sperm head around a mitochondrial region and the follicle cells surrounding the VC. These results led us to propose that HrUBA1, HrUBA6, or both in the sperm head mitochondrial region and follicle cells may be involved in the ubiquitination of HrVC70, which is responsible for the fertilization of H. roretzi.
Hydroxy Chalcones and Analogs with Chemopreventive Properties
Authors: Birsa Mihail Lucian , Sarbu Laura G.
Published: June 2023

The aim of this review is to highlight the chemopreventive properties of hydroxy-substituted natural and synthetic chalcones along with a number of their analogs. These products display various biological activities, and have many applications against various diseases. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of chalcones bearing hydroxy substituents are underlined. The influence of hydroxy substituents located on ring A, B, or both are systematized according to the exhibited biological properties.
Unlocking the Potential of Arginine Deprivation Therapy: Recent Breakthroughs and Promising Future for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Chu Yu-De , Lai Ming-Wei , Yeh Chau-Ting
Published: June 2023

Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that supports protein synthesis to maintain cellular functions. Recent studies suggest that arginine also promotes wound healing, cell division, ammonia metabolism, immune system regulation, and hormone biosynthesis—all of which are critical for tumor growth. These discoveries, coupled with the understanding of cancer cell metabolic reprogramming, have led to renewed interest in arginine deprivation as a new anticancer therapy. Several arginine deprivation strategies have been developed and entered clinical trials. The main principle behind these therapies is that arginine auxotrophic tumors rely on external arginine sources for growth because they carry reduced key arginine-synthesizing enzymes such as argininosuccinate synthase 1 (ASS1) in the intracellular arginine cycle. To obtain anticancer effects, modified arginine-degrading enzymes, such as PEGylated recombinant human arginase 1 (rhArg1-PEG) and arginine deiminase (ADI-PEG 20), have been developed and shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials. They have been tried as a monotherapy or in combination with other existing therapies. This review discusses recent advances in arginine deprivation therapy, including the molecular basis of extracellular arginine degradation leading to tumor cell death, and how this approach could be a valuable addition to the current anticancer arsenal.
The Influence of Lead and Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) on Generation of Pisum sativum Defense Signaling Molecules and Expression of Genes Involved in Their Biosynthesis
Authors: Woźniak Agnieszka , Kęsy Jacek , Glazińska Paulina , Glinkowski Wojciech , Narożna Dorota , Bocianowski Jan , Rucińska-Sobkowiak Renata , Mai Van Chung , Krzesiński Włodzimierz , Samardakiewicz Sławomir , Borowiak-Sobkowiak Beata , Labudda Mateusz , Jeandet Philippe , Morkunas Iwona
Published: June 2023

The main aim of this study was to understand the regulation of the biosynthesis of phytohormones as signaling molecules in the defense mechanisms of pea seedlings during the application of abiotic and biotic stress factors. It was important to identify this regulation at the molecular level in Pisum sativum L. seedlings under the influence of various concentrations of lead—i.e., a low concentration increasing plant metabolism, causing a hormetic effect, and a high dose causing a sublethal effect—and during feeding of a phytophagous insect with a piercing-sucking mouthpart—i.e., pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris)). The aim of the study was to determine the expression level of genes encoding enzymes of the biosynthesis of signaling molecules such as phytohormones—i.e., jasmonates (JA/MeJA), ethylene (ET) and abscisic acid (ABA). Real-time qPCR was applied to analyze the expression of genes encoding enzymes involved in the regulation of the biosynthesis of JA/MeJA (lipoxygenase 1 (LOX1), lipoxygenase 2 (LOX2), 12-oxophytodienoate reductase 1 (OPR1) and jasmonic acid-amido synthetase (JAR1)), ET (1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase 3 (ACS3)) and ABA (9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED) and aldehyde oxidase 1 (AO1)). In response to the abovementioned stress factors—i.e., abiotic and biotic stressors acting independently or simultaneously—the expression of the LOX1, LOX2, OPR1, JAR1, ACS3, NCED and AO1 genes at both sublethal and hormetic doses increased. Particularly high levels of the relative expression of the tested genes in pea seedlings growing at sublethal doses of lead and colonized by A. pisum compared to the control were noticeable. A hormetic dose of lead induced high expression levels of the JAR1, OPR1 and ACS3 genes, especially in leaves. Moreover, an increase in the concentration of phytohormones such as jasmonates (JA and MeJA) and aminococyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC)-ethylene (ET) precursor was observed. The results of this study indicate that the response of pea seedlings to lead and A. pisum aphid infestation differed greatly at both the gene expression and metabolic levels. The intensity of these defense responses depended on the organ, the metal dose and direct contact of the stress factor with the organ.
Transcriptome-Wide Identification of the GRAS Transcription Factor Family in Pinus massoniana and Its Role in Regulating Development and Stress Response
Authors: Yang Ye , Agassin Romaric Hippolyte , Ji Kongshu
Published: June 2023

Pinus massoniana is a species used in afforestation and has high economic, ecological, and therapeutic significance. P. massoniana experiences a variety of biotic and abiotic stresses, and thus presents a suitable model for studying how woody plants respond to such stress. Numerous families of transcription factors are involved in the research of stress resistance, with the GRAS family playing a significant role in plant development and stress response. Though GRASs have been well explored in various plant species, much research remains to be undertaken on the GRAS family in P. massoniana. In this study, 21 PmGRASs were identified in the P. massoniana transcriptome. P. massoniana and Arabidopsis thaliana phylogenetic analyses revealed that the PmGRAS family can be separated into nine subfamilies. The results of qRT-PCR and transcriptome analyses under various stress and hormone treatments reveal that PmGRASs, particularly PmGRAS9, PmGRAS10 and PmGRAS17, may be crucial for stress resistance. The majority of PmGRASs were significantly expressed in needles and may function at multiple locales and developmental stages, according to tissue-specific expression analyses. Furthermore, the DELLA subfamily members PmGRAS9 and PmGRAS17 were nuclear localization proteins, while PmGRAS9 demonstrated transcriptional activation activity in yeast. The results of this study will help explore the relevant factors regulating the development of P. massoniana, improve stress resistance and lay the foundation for further identification of the biological functions of PmGRASs.
Unravelling the Role of Habenula Subnuclei on Avoidance Response: Focus on Activation and Neuroinflammation
Authors: Antunes Geiza Fernanda , Campos Ana Carolina Pinheiro , Martins Daniel de Oliveira , Gouveia Flavia Venetucci , Rangel Junior Miguel José , Pagano Rosana Lima , Martinez Raquel Chacon Ruiz
Published: June 2023

Understanding the mechanisms responsible for anxiety disorders is a major challenge. Avoidance behavior is an essential feature of anxiety disorders. The two-way avoidance test is a preclinical model with two distinct subpopulations—the good and poor performers—based on the number of avoidance responses presented during testing. It is believed that the habenula subnuclei could be important for the elaboration of avoidance response with a distinct pattern of activation and neuroinflammation. The present study aimed to shed light on the habenula subnuclei signature in avoidance behavior, evaluating the pattern of neuronal activation using FOS expression and astrocyte density using GFAP immunoreactivity, and comparing control, good and poor performers. Our results showed that good performers had a decrease in FOS immunoreactivity (IR) in the superior part of the medial division of habenula (MHbS) and an increase in the marginal part of the lateral subdivision of lateral habenula (LHbLMg). Poor performers showed an increase in FOS in the basal part of the lateral subdivision of lateral habenula (LHbLB). Considering the astroglial immunoreactivity, the poor performers showed an increase in GFAP-IR in the inferior portion of the medial complex (MHbl), while the good performers showed a decrease in the oval part of the lateral part of the lateral complex (LHbLO) in comparison with the other groups. Taken together, our data suggest that specific subdivisions of the MHb and LHb have different activation patterns and astroglial immunoreactivity in good and poor performers. This study could contribute to understanding the neurobiological mechanisms responsible for anxiety disorders.
Serum Lipid Levels and Suicidal Ideation of Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study Using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Cho Hana , Shin Jinyoung , Choi Jae Kyung
Published: June 2023

Cholesterol plays a crucial role in the brain, which suggests that changes in its concentration levels may have an impact on the central nervous system. To examine the association between serum lipid levels and suicidal ideation according to sex, we performed a cross-sectional study using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2014–2018. A total of 13,772 adults 19 years or older were analyzed. The ninth item of the Patient Health Questionnaire was used to evaluate the suicidal ideation of participants. After sorting by sex, a complex logistic regression was performed to measure the association between serum lipid indicators and suicidal ideation. The analysis adjusted for age, body mass index, smoking, heavy drinking, regular exercise, household income, education level, dyslipidemia medication, depression, and chronic diseases. Compared to the intermediated category, the lowest range of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; <100 mg/dL) was associated with increased suicidal ideation in men (odds ratio [OR] = 1.97; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.30–3.01). The association between lipid levels and suicidal ideation was not clear in women. We found an association between lower LDL-C levels and an increased risk of suicidal ideation among Korean men aged 19 years or older.
Mixed Meal Tolerance Test Versus Continuous Glucose Monitoring for an Effective Diagnosis of Persistent Post-Bariatric Hypoglycemia
Authors: Ramos-Levi Ana M. , Rubio-Herrera Miguel A. , Matía-Martín Pilar , Pérez-Ferre Natalia , Marcuello Clara , Sánchez-Pernaute Andrés , Torres-García Antonio J. , Calle-Pascual Alfonso L.
Published: June 2023

Gastric bypass determines an increase in incretin secretion and glucose excursions throughout the day and may sometimes entail the development of severe post-bariatric hypoglycemia (PBH). However, there is no consensus on the gold standard method for its diagnosis. In this study, we evaluated the usefulness of a mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT) and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for the diagnosis of PBH, defined as glucose levels <54 mg/dL (3.0 mmol/L). We found that hypoglycemia occurred in 60% of patients after the MMTT and in 75% during CGM, and it was predominantly asymptomatic. The MMTT confirmed the diagnosis of PBH in 88.9%of patients in whom surgery had been performed more than three years ago, in comparison to 36.4% in cases with a shorter postsurgical duration. CGM diagnosed nocturnal asymptomatic hypoglycemia in 70% of patients, and daytime postprandial hypoglycemia in 25% of cases. The mean duration of asymptomatic hypoglycemia was more than 30 min a day. Patients with ≥2% of their CGM readings with hypoglycemia exhibited a higher degree of glucose variability than those with <1% of the time in hypoglycemia. Our results show that the MMTT may be a useful dynamic test to confirm the occurrence of hypoglycemia in a large number of patients with persistent and recurrent PBH during long-term follow-up after gastric bypass. CGM, on its part, helps identify hypoglycemia in the real-world setting, especially nocturnal asymptomatic hypoglycemia, bringing to light that PBH is not always postprandial.
Sharing Perceptual Experiences through Language
Authors: Caballero Rosario , Paradis Carita
Published: June 2023

The aim of this article is to shed light on how sensory perceptions are communicated through authentic language. What are the language resources available to match multimodal perceptions, and how do we use them in real communication? We discuss insights from previous work on the topic of the interaction of perception, cognition, and language and explain how language users recontextualise perception in communication about sensory experiences. Within the framework of cognitive semantics, we show that the complexities of multimodal perception are clearly reflected in the multifunctional use of words to convey meanings and feelings. To showcase the language resources employed, we base our findings on research on how architects convey their perceptions of built space. Two main patterns emerge: they use multimodal expressions (soft, bland, and jarring) and descriptions of built space through motion (the building reaches out, or routes and directions such as destination, promenade, route, or landscape in combination with verbs such as start and lead) in which case the architect may either be the observer or the emerged actor. The important take-home message is that there is no neat and clear a priori link between words and meanings, but rather “unforeseen” patterns surface in natural production data describing sensory perceptions.
Convolutional Neural Network Classification of Exhaled Aerosol Images for Diagnosis of Obstructive Respiratory Diseases
Authors: Talaat Mohamed , Xi Jensen , Tan Kaiyuan , Si Xiuhua April , Xi Jinxiang
Published: June 2023

Aerosols exhaled from the lungs have distinctive patterns that can be linked to the abnormalities of the lungs. Yet, due to their intricate nature, it is highly challenging to analyze and distinguish these aerosol patterns. Small airway diseases pose an even greater challenge, as the disturbance signals tend to be weak. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of four convolutional neural network (CNN) models (AlexNet, ResNet-50, MobileNet, and EfficientNet) in detecting and staging airway abnormalities in small airways using exhaled aerosol images. Specifically, the model’s capacity to classify images inside and outside the original design space was assessed. In doing so, multi-level testing on images with decreasing similarities was conducted for each model. A total of 2745 images were generated using physiology-based simulations from normal and obstructed lungs of varying stages. Multiple-round training on datasets with increasing images (and new features) was also conducted to evaluate the benefits of continuous learning. Results show reasonably high classification accuracy on inbox images for models but significantly lower accuracy on outbox images (i.e., outside design space). ResNet-50 was the most robust among the four models for both diagnostic (2-class: normal vs. disease) and staging (3-class) purposes, as well as on both inbox and outbox test datasets. Variation in flow rate was observed to play a more important role in classification decisions than particle size and throat variation. Continuous learning/training with appropriate images could substantially enhance classification accuracy, even with a small number (~100) of new images. This study shows that CNN transfer-learning models could detect small airway remodeling (<1 mm) amidst a variety of variants and that ResNet-50 can be a promising model for the future development of obstructive lung diagnostic systems.
Evaluation of the Prognostic Value of Low-Frequency KRAS Mutation Detection in Circulating Tumor DNA of Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Lin Chien-Yu , Shen Ming-Yin , Chen William Tzu-Liang , Yang Chin-An
Published: June 2023

KRAS mutation in tumor tissue is a well-known predictor of resistance to the treatment of anti-EGFR antibodies in metastatic colorectal cancers (mCRC). However, the prognostic value of low-frequency plasma circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) KRAS mutation in predicting treatment resistance in pretreated mCRC patients remains controversial. This study retrospectively reviewed the clinical course, including response to anti-EGFR and anti-VEGF therapies, and changes in serum tumor marker levels along with image studies in mCRC patients with <1.5% KRAS mutations detected in plasma ctDNA by next-generation sequencing (NGS) at a single center in Taiwan. We identified six pretreated mCRC patients with low-frequency KRAS G12V/G12D/G12S/G13D mutations (variant allele frequency 0.26~1.23%) in plasma ctDNA. Co-occurring low-frequency ctDNA mutations in APC, TP53, MAP2K1, KEAP1, or CTNNB1 were also detected. Although all six patients had treatment adjustments within one month after the ctDNA genetic test, image-evident tumor progression was noted in all patients within a median of 4 months afterwards. Re-challenge therapy with a combination of anti-EGFR, anti-VEGF, and FOLFIRI chemotherapy was found to be ineffective in a patient with 0.38% KRAS G12D mutation in baseline ctDNA. Our study suggests that the detection of low-frequency KRAS mutations in ctDNA could be used as a predictor of treatment response in mCRC patients.
Previous Lumbar Spine Surgery Decreases the Therapeutic Efficacy of Dorsal Root Ganglion Pulsed Radiofrequency in Patients with Chronic Lumbosacral Radicular Pain
Authors: Jandura Jiri , Vajda Milan , Kostysyn Roman , Vanasek Jiri , Cermakova Eva , Zizka Jan , Ryska Pavel
Published: June 2023

Chronic lumbosacral radicular pain (CLRP) as a possible adverse consequence of lumbar spine surgery represents a serious medical challenge. Pulsed radiofrequency of dorsal root ganglion (PRF–DRG) treatment is known to be effective in alleviating CLRP. This retrospective study compares the efficacy of a single CT-guided PRF–DRG procedure in the treatment of unilateral CLRP between patients without (non-PSS) and with (PSS) previous lumbar spine surgery. Non-PSS and PSS groups included 30 and 20 patients, respectively. Outcomes (pain intensity and disability) were evaluated by means of the visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) immediately after the procedure (VAS), as well as three and six months after the procedure, respectively. Non-PSS group showed a significant (p ˂ 0.001) decrease of VAS (median) at all follow-up intervals (from 6 to 4; 4; 4.5 points, respectively). The PSS group showed a significant yet transient VAS (median) decrease (from 6 to 5 points) immediately after the procedure only (p < 0.001). The decrease of VAS was more pronounced in the non-PSS group after three and six months (p = 0.0054 and 0.011, respectively) in intergroup comparison. A relative decrease of VAS ≥ 50% during follow-up was achieved in 40%; 43.3%; 26.7% (non-PSS), and 25%; 5%; 0% (PSS) of patients. ODI (median) significantly decreased in the non-PSS group (from 21.5 to 18 points) at three and six months (p = 0.014 and 0.021, respectively). In conclusion, previous lumbar spine surgery decreases the therapeutic efficacy of PRF–DRG procedure in CLRP patients.
Dynamics between Population Growth and Construction Land Expansion: Evidence from the Yangtze River Economic Belt of China
Authors: Zang Yuzhu , Zhu Junjun , Han Xu , Lv Ligang
Published: June 2023

Population growth and construction land expansion’s link to sustainable development has gained attention. This study investigated the urban–rural divergence in the population–construction land relationship in China’s Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) from 2000 to 2020 using census and land-use data. This study utilized an integrated urban–rural framework to discuss reasons for the disparity. The findings suggested the following: (1) A spatial mismatch formed between population distribution and construction land allocation in the YREB from 2000 to 2020. The mismatch gap in rural areas was larger than in urban areas. (2) The urban areas maintained double growth rates in the population and construction land, while rural areas experienced constant population loss accompanied by construction land expansion. (3) An expansive negative decoupling relationship dominated the urban population–land system, while a strong negative decoupling relationship dominated the rural population–land system. (4) Institutional factors, such as land financialization and urban–rural dualism, were major triggers for the mismatch between population and construction land. Policy responses such as a new type of urbanization and rural revitalization strategies can shape the population–land relationship’s evolution. Our comparative analysis of urban and rural areas highlights the population–land relationship’s complexity, promoting sustainable land-use planning in urban–rural spaces.
A Novel Approach for 3D Printing Fiber-Reinforced Mortars
Authors: Ungureanu Dragoș , Onuțu Cătălin , Isopescu Dorina Nicolina , Țăranu Nicolae , Zghibarcea Ștefan Vladimir , Spiridon Ionuț Alexandru , Polcovnicu Răzvan Andrei
Published: June 2023

Three-dimensional printing with cement-based materials is a promising manufacturing technique for civil engineering applications that already allows for the design and the construction of complex and highly customized structures using a layer-by-layer deposition approach. The extrusion mechanism is one of the most expensive parts of the 3D printer. Also, for low-scale 3D printers, based on the shape of the extruder and the geometry limitation of the mixing blade, the 3D mixture is often limited to a narrow range of materials due to the risk of layer splitting or blockage. Therefore, there is a need to develop affordable and feasible alternatives to the current design–fabrication–application approach of 3D printers. In this paper, various newly designed mixtures of fiber-reinforced mortars that can be 3D printed using only a commercially available screw pump are analyzed based on their fresh properties and mechanical characteristics. The results, in terms of extrudability, buildability, flowability, and flexural and compressive strengths, highlight the potential of using this technology for constructing complex structures with high strength and durability. Also, the reduced facility requirements of this approach enable 3D printing to be made more available for civil engineering applications. With further innovations to come in the future, this method and these mixtures can be extended for the sustainable and economically feasible printing of single-family housing units.
Kinetics of Austenite Decomposition in 54SiCr6 Steel during Continuous Slow Cooling Conditions
Authors: Gokhman Aleksandr , Motyčka Petr , Salvetr Pavel , Nový Zbyšek , Kotous Jakub , Briukhanov Arkadii , Džugan Ján
Published: June 2023

In this study, dilatometry and metallography were used to investigate the effect of silicon and copper alloying on the decomposition kinetics of 54SiCr6 steel during continuous slow cooling. It is different from the published literature for using the approach of the local activation energy of the austenite decomposition Ef and the local Avrami exponent n of the volume fraction of the transformed phase f to study the kinetics of austenite-pearlitic transformation in cooled 54SiCr steel at slow cooling rates. The Johnson–Mehl–Avrami equation was used to determine the dependence of the local activation energy for austenite decomposition Ef and the local Avrami exponent n on the volume fraction of the transformed phase f. The mechanism of the austenite decomposition was analysed based on the calculated values of n. Both the local and average activation energies were used to evaluate the alloying effect, and the results were compared with those obtained from other methods. The type of microstructure formed as a result of cooling at rates of 0.5 K/s, 0.3 K/s, 0.1 K/s and 0.05 K/s was determined. The effects of changes in the cooling rate and the content of silicon (1.5–2.5 wt.%) and copper (0.12–1.47 wt.%) on the dimension of nucleation and growth kinetics of the transformed phase were studied. It was revealed that the pearlite microstructure was formed predominantly in 54SiCr6 steel as a result of continuous cooling at slow cooling rates. It was also found that alloying this steel with copper led to a significant decrease in the value of Ef, as well as to a change in the mechanism of the kinetics of the austenite-pearlite transformation, which was realised in predominantly two- and three-dimensional nucleation and growth at a constant nucleation rate. At the same time, alloying this steel with silicon led only to a slight change in Ef. The results of the study of 54SiCr steel presented the dependence of the activation energy of transformation and the local Avrami exponent on the volume fraction of the transformed phase at a given cooling rate at different copper and silicon contents. In addition, the study provides insight into the mechanism of kinetics in cooled 54SiCr steel as a function of the cooling rate.