bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of n-3 PUFA supplementation on oocyte in vitro maturation in mice with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Ma Rujun , Wang Shuxian , Xue Mengqi , Zhang Hong , He Zhaowanyue , Jueraitetibaike Kadiliya , Ge Xie , Chen Li , Yao Bing
Published: April 2023

n-3 PUFAs are classic antioxidant that can be used to treat follicular dysplasia and hyperinsulinemia caused by excessive oxidative stress in PCOS women. To investigate the effect of n-3 PUFA supplementation on the oocyte quality of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) mice during in vitro maturation, a PCOS mouse model was established by dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). The GV oocytes of the control and PCOS groups were collected and cultured in vitro with or without n-3 PUFAs. After 14 h, the oocytes were collected. Our data demonstrated that the oocyte maturation rate of PCOS mice significantly increased after the addition of 50 µM n-3 PUFAs. The results of immunofluorescence showed that the abnormal rates of spindles and chromosomes in the PCOS + n-3 PUFA group were lower than those in the PCOS group. The mRNA expression of an antioxidant-related gene (Sirt1) and DNA damage repair genes (Brca1/Msh2) was found to be significantly rescued after n-3 treatment. Additionally, the results of living cell staining showed that the addition of n-3 PUFAs could reduce the levels of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial superoxide in PCOS oocytes. In conclusion, the addition of 50 µM n-3 PUFAs during the in vitro maturation of PCOS mouse oocytes can improve the maturation rate by reducing the level of oxidative stress and the rate of spindle/chromosome abnormalities, providing valuable support during the IVM process.
A novel autophagy-related gene signature associated with prognosis and immune microenvironment in ovarian cancer
Authors: Yang Jiani , Wang Chao , Zhang Yue , Cheng Shanshan , Wu Meixuan , Gu Sijia , Xu Shilin , Wu Yongsong , Wang Yu
Published: April 2023

Ovarian cancer (OV), the most fatal gynecological malignance worldwide, has high recurrence rates and poor prognosis. Recently, emerging evidence supports that autophagy, a highly regulated multi-step self-digestive process, plays an essential role in OV progression. Accordingly, we filtered 52 potential autophagy-related genes (ATGs) among the 6197 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified in TCGA-OV samples (n = 372) and normal controls (n = 180). Based on the LASSO-Cox analysis, we distinguished a 2-gene prognostic signature, namely FOXO1 and CASP8, with promising prognostic value (p-value < 0.001). Together with corresponding clinical features, we constructed a nomogram model for 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year survival, which was validated in both in training (TCGA-OV,p-value < 0.001) and validation (ICGC-OV, p-value = 0.030) cohorts. Interestingly, we evaluated the immune infiltration landscape through the CIBERSORT algorithm, which indicated the upregulation of 5 immune cells, including CD8 + T cells, Tregs, and Macrophages M2, and high expression of critical immune checkpoints (CTLA4, HAVCR2, PDCD1LG2, and TIGIT) in high-risk group. Stepwise, high-risk group exhibited better sensitivity towards chemotherapies of Bleomycin, Sorafenib, Veliparib, and Vinblastine, though less sensitive to immunotherapy. Especially, based on the IHC of tissue microarrays among 125 patients in our institution, we demonstrated that aberrant upregulation of FOXO1 in OV was related to metastasis and poor prognosis. Moreover, FOXO1 could significantly promote tumor invasiveness, migration, and proliferation in OV cell lines, which was assessed through the Transwell, wound-healing, and CCK-8 assay, respectively. Briefly, the autophagy-related signature was a reliable tool to evaluate immune responses and predict prognosis in the realm of OV precision medicine.
G-FORCE: the effectiveness of group psychotherapy for Cluster-C personality disorders: protocol of a pragmatic RCT comparing psychodynamic and two forms of schema group therapy
Authors: van den Heuvel Birre B. , Dekker Jack J. M. , Daniëls M. , Van Henricus L. , Peen Jaap , Bosmans Judith , Arntz Arnoud , Huibers Marcus J. H.
Published: April 2023

Background

Cluster-C personality disorders (PDs), characterized by a high level of fear and anxiety, are related to high levels of distress, societal dysfunctioning and chronicity of various mental health disorders. Evidence for the optimal treatment is extremely scarce. Nevertheless, the need to treat these patients is eminent. In clinical practice, group therapy is one of the frequently offered approaches, with two important frameworks: schema therapy and psychodynamic therapy. These two frameworks suggest different mechanisms of change, but until now, this has not yet been explored. The purpose of the present G-FORCE trial is to find evidence on the differential (cost)effectiveness of two forms of schema group therapy and psychodynamic group therapy in the routine clinical setting of an outpatient clinic and to investigate the underlying working mechanisms and predictors of outcome of these therapies.

Methods

In this mono-centre pragmatic randomized clinical trial, 290 patients with Cluster-C PDs or other specified PD with predominantly Cluster-C traits, will be randomized to one of three treatment conditions: group schema therapy for Cluster-C (GST-C, 1 year), schema-focused group therapy (SFGT, 1.5 year) or psychodynamic group therapy (PG, 2 years). Randomization will be pre-stratified on the type of PD. Change in severity of PD (APD-IV) over 24 months will be the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures are personality functioning, psychiatric symptoms and quality of life. Potential predictors and mediators are selected and measured repeatedly. Also, a cost-effectiveness study will be performed, primarily based on a societal perspective, using both clinical effects and quality-adjusted life years. The time-points of assessment are at baseline, start of treatment and after 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months.

Discussion

This study is designed to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of three formats of group psychotherapy for Cluster-C PDs. Additionally, predictors, procedure and process variables are analysed to investigate the working mechanisms of the therapies. This is the first large RCT on group therapy for Cluster-C PDs and will contribute improving the care of this neglected patient group. The absence of a control group can be considered as a limitation.

Trial registration

CCMO,NL72826.029.20. Registered on 31 August 2020, first participant included on 18 October 2020.
Caf1 regulates the histone methyltransferase activity of Ash1 by sensing unmodified histone H3
Authors: Yoon Eojin , Song Ji-Joon
Published: April 2023

Histone modifications are one of the many key mechanisms that regulate gene expression. Ash1 is a histone H3K36 methyltransferase and is involved in gene activation. Ash1 forms a large complex with Mrg15 and Caf1/p55/Nurf55/RbAp48 (AMC complex). The Ash1 subunit alone exhibits very low activity due to the autoinhibition, and the binding of Mrg15 releases the autoinhibition. Caf1 is a scaffolding protein commonly found in several chromatin modifying complexes and has two histone binding pockets: one for H3 and the other for H4. Caf1 has the ability to sense unmodified histone H3K4 residues using the H3 binding pocket. However, the role of Caf1 in the AMC complex has not been investigated. Here, we dissected the interaction among the AMC complex subunits, revealing that Caf1 uses the histone H4 binding pocket to interact with Ash1 near the histone binding module cluster. Furthermore, we showed that H3K4 methylation inhibits AMC HMTase activity via Caf1 sensing unmodified histone H3K4 to regulate the activity in an internucleosomal manner, suggesting that crosstalk between H3K4 and H3K36 methylation. Our work revealed a delicate mechanism by which the AMC histone H3K36 methyltransferase complex is regulated.
Finerenone attenuates myocardial apoptosis, metabolic disturbance and myocardial fibrosis in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Jin Tao , Fu Xiangrui , Liu Ming , An Fengshuang
Published: April 2023

Background

Finerenone is a third-generation mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, which has shown good cardiac function improvement in patients with type 2 diabetes in large-scale clinical trials. However, its specific role in diabetic cardiomyopathy remains unclear. We explored the potential functions and mechanisms of finerenone in diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Methods

The type 2 diabetic rat model was induced by high-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin (n = 6, each group). Next the drug group was treated with finerenone (1 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks. Then we detected the cardiac structure and function and relevant indicators. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were used for in vitro culture to determine the direct effect of finerenone on cardiomyocytes stimulated by high glucose and high fatty acid.

Results

Compared with the control group, rats in the type 2 diabetes group exhibited hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and impaired cardiac function. Myocardium showed increased fibrosis and apoptosis. Finerenone attenuated these impairments without changing blood glucose levels. In neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, the stimulation of high concentrations of palmitic acid increased fatty acid uptake, as well as increased reactive oxygen species and apoptosis. Finerenone significantly improved fatty acid metabolism, reduced cellular inflammation levels, and decreased apoptosis.

Conclusions

By blocking the mineralocorticoid receptor, finerenone attenuates cardiac steatosis, myocardial fibrosis and apoptosis, and subsequent myocardial remodeling and diastolic dysfunction in type II diabetic rats.
A study of using epigenetic modulators to enhance response to pembrolizumab (MK-3475) in microsatellite stable advanced colorectal cancer
Authors: Baretti Marina , Murphy Adrian G. , Zahurak Marianna , Gianino Nicole , Parkinson Rose , Walker Rosalind , Lopez-Vidal Tamara Y. , Zheng Lei , Rosner Gary , Ahuja Nita , Kurt Schalper , Azad Nilofer S.
Published: April 2023

Background

Approximately 95% of advanced colorectal cancer patients (CRC) have mismatch repair MMR-proficient (MMRp) tumors, which do not respond to PD1 blockade alone. Preclinical studies have shown that combined histone deacetylases (HDAC) and/or DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) inhibition can induce susceptibility to immune checkpoint therapy and inhibit tumor growth. We conducted a pilot trial evaluating PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in combination with DNMT and HDAC inhibitors in MMRp CRC. The study was designed with a biological endpoint of change in immune cell infiltration, to determine the optimal epigenetic combination that optimizes the tumor microenvironment. This trial was designed to test that hypothesis.

Results

From January 2016 to November 2018, 27 patients were enrolled with median age of 57 (range 40–69) years. Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 2.79 months and 9.17, respectively. One patient in Arm C achieved a durable partial response by RECIST criteria, lasting for approximately 19 months. The most common treatment-related hematological adverse events in all arms were anemia (62%), lymphopenia (54%) and thrombocytopenia (35%), and non-hematological AEs were anorexia (65%), nausea (77%), and vomiting (73%).

Conclusions

The combination of 5-azacitidine and romidepsin with pembrolizumab was safe and tolerable in patients with advanced MMRp CRC, but with a minimal activity. Further mechanistic investigations are needed to understand epigenetic-induced immunologic shift and to expand the potential applicability of checkpoint inhibitors in this setting.
Characterization of molecular subtypes based on chromatin regulators and identification of the role of NPAS2 in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Huang Yongbiao , Xiao Lingyan , Daba Motuma Yigezu , Xu Duo , Wang Yuan , Li Long , Li Qian , Liu Bo , Qin Wan , Zhang Huixian , Yuan Xianglin
Published: April 2023

Background

Chromatin regulators (CRs) are critical epigenetic modifiers and have been reported to play critical roles during the progression of various tumors, but their role in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) has not been comprehensively studied.

Methods

Differential expression and univariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to identify the prognostic CRs. Consensus clustering was applied to classify the subtypes of LUAD based on prognostic CRs. LASSO-multivariate Cox regression method was used for construction of a prognostic signature and development of chromatin regulator-related gene index (CRGI). The capacity of CRGI to distinguish survival was evaluated via Kaplan–Meier method in multiple datasets. Relationship between CRGI and tumor microenvironment (TME) was evaluated. Additionally, clinical variables and CRGI were incorporated to create a nomogram. The role of the prognostic gene NPAS2 in LUAD was elucidated via clinical samples validation and a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Results

Two subtypes of LUAD were classified based on 46 prognostic CRs via consensus clustering which had significantly different survival and TME. A prognostic signature consisting of six CRs (MOCS, PBK, CBX3, A1CF, NPAS2, and CTCFL) was developed and proved to be an effective survival predictor in multiple independent datasets. The prognostic signature was also demonstrated to be an indicator of TME and sensitivity to immunotherapy and chemotherapy. The nomogram was suggested to be a simple tool that can predict survival accurately. Clinical samples show that NPAS2 is highly expressed in LUAD tissues, and in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that inhibition of NPAS2 impeded malignant progression of LUAD cells.

Conclusions

Our study comprehensively unveiled the functions of CRs in LUAD, developed a classifier to predict survival and response to treatments, and suggested that NPAS2 promoted LUAD progression for the first time.
Metabolic engineering of Bacillus subtilis toward the efficient and stable production of C30-carotenoids
Authors: Filluelo Oriana , Ferrando Jordi , Picart Pere
Published: April 2023

Commercial carotenoid production is dominated by chemical synthesis and plant extraction, both of which are unsustainable and can be detrimental to the environment. A promising alternative for the mass production of carotenoids from both an ecological and commercial perspective is microbial synthesis. To date, C30 carotenoid production in Bacillus subtilis has been achieved using plasmid systems for the overexpression of biosynthetic enzymes. In the present study, we employed a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat-Cas9 (CRISPR-Cas9) system to develop an efficient, safe, and stable C30 carotenoid-producing B. subtilis strain, devoid of plasmids and antibiotic selection markers. To this end, the expression levels of crtM (dehydrosqualene synthase) and crtN (dehydrosqualene desaturase) genes from Staphylococcus aureus were upregulated by the insertion of three gene copies into the chromosome of B. subtilis. Subsequently, the supply of the C30 carotenoid precursor farnesyl diphosphate (FPP), which is the substrate for CrtMN enzymes, was enhanced by expressing chromosomally integrated Bacillus megaterium-derived farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS), a key enzyme in the FPP pathway, and abolishing the expression of farnesyl diphosphate phosphatase (YisP), an enzyme responsible for the undesired conversion of FPP to farnesol. The consecutive combination of these features resulted in a stepwise increased production of C30 carotenoids. For the first time, a B. subtilis strain that can endogenously produce C30 carotenoids has been constructed, which we anticipate will serve as a chassis for further metabolic engineering and fermentation optimization aimed at developing a commercial scale bioproduction process.
Bile acid-mediated signaling in cholestatic liver diseases
Authors: Zeng Jing , Fan Jiangao , Zhou Huiping
Published: April 2023

Chronic cholestatic liver diseases, such as primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), are associated with bile stasis and gradually progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver failure, which requires liver transplantation. Although ursodeoxycholic acid is effective in slowing the disease progression of PBC, it has limited efficacy in PSC patients. It is challenging to develop effective therapeutic agents due to the limited understanding of disease pathogenesis. During the last decade, numerous studies have demonstrated that disruption of bile acid (BA) metabolism and intrahepatic circulation promotes the progression of cholestatic liver diseases. BAs not only play an essential role in nutrition absorption as detergents but also play an important role in regulating hepatic metabolism and modulating immune responses as key signaling molecules. Several excellent papers have recently reviewed the role of BAs in metabolic liver diseases. This review focuses on BA-mediated signaling in cholestatic liver disease.
The use of text-mining software to facilitate screening of literature on centredness in health care
Authors: Forsgren Emma , Wallström Sara , Feldthusen Caroline , Zechner Niklas , Sawatzky Richard , Öhlén Joakim
Published: April 2023

Research evidence supporting the implementation of centredness in health care is not easily accessible due to the sheer amount of literature available and the diversity in terminology and conceptualisations used. The use of text-mining functions to semi-automate the process of screening and collating citations for a review is a way of tackling the vast amount of research citations available today. There are several programmes that use text-mining functions to facilitate screening and data extraction for systematic reviews. However, the suitability of these programmes for reviews on broad topics of research, as well as the general uptake by researchers, is unclear. This commentary has a dual aim, which consists in outlining the challenges of screening literature in fields characterised by vague and overlapping conceptualisations, and to exemplify this by exploratory use of text-mining in the context of a scoping review on centredness in health care.
Enhanced security using multiple paths routine scheme in cloud-MANETs
Authors: Hai Tao , Zhou Jincheng , Lu Ye , Jawawi Dayang , Wang Dan , Onyema Edeh Michael , Biamba Cresantus
Published: April 2023

Cloud Mobile Ad-hoc Networks (Cloud-MANETs) is a framework that can access and deliver cloud services to MANET users through their smart devices. MANETs is a pool of self-organized mobile gadgets that can communicate with each other with no support from a central authority or infrastructure. The main advantage of MANETs is its ability to manage mobility while data communication between different users in the system occurs. In MANETs, clustering is an active technique used to manage mobile nodes. The security of MANETs is a key aspect for the fundamental functionality of the network. Addressing the security-related problems ensures that the confidentiality and integrity of the data transmission is secure. MANETs are highly prone to attacks because of their properties.In clustering schemes, the network is broken down to sub-networks called clusters. These clusters can have overlapping nodes or be disjointed. An enhanced node referred to asthe Cluster Head (CH) is chosen from each set to overseetasks related to routing. It decreases the member nodes’ overhead and improvesthe performance of the system. The relationship between the nodes and CH may vary randomly, leading to re-associations and re-clustering in a MANET that is clustered. An efficient and effective routing protocol is required to allow networking and to find the most suitable paths between the nodes. The networking must be spontaneous, infrastructure-less, and provide end-to-end interactions. The aim of routing is the provision of maximum network load distribution and robust networks. This study focused on the creation of a maximal route between a pair of nodes, and to ensure the appropriate and accurate delivery of the packet. The proposed solution ensured that routing can be carried out with the lowest bandwidth consumption. Compared to existing protocols, the proposed solution had a control overhead of 24, packet delivery ratio of 81, the lowest average end-to-end delay of 6, and an improved throughput of 80,000, thereby enhancing the output of the network. Our result shows that multipath routing enables the network to identify alternate paths connecting the destination and source. Routing is required to conserve energy and for optimum bandwidth utilization.
Methylomic biomarkers of lithium response in bipolar disorder: a clinical utility study
Authors: Marie-Claire C. , Courtin C. , Bellivier F. , Gard S. , Leboyer M. , Scott J. , Etain B.
Published: April 2023

Background

Response to lithium (Li) is highly variable in bipolar disorders (BD). Despite decades of research, no clinical predictor(s) of response to Li prophylaxis have been consistently identified. Recently, we developed epigenetic Methylation Specific High-Resolution Melting (MS-HRM) assays able to discriminate good responders (GR) from non-responders (NR) to Li in individuals with BD type 1 (BD-I). This study examined whether a combination of clinical and epigenetic markers can distinguish NR from other types of Li responders.

Methods

We recorded clinical variables that are potentially associated with Li response in 64 individuals with BD-I. MS-HRM assays were performed on DNA isolated from peripheral blood. We used backward stepwise logistic regression analyses, followed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to estimate the performance of the clinical variables, alone then in combination with the epigenetic biomarkers, to identify GR and partial responders (PaR) vs NR.

Results

Polarity at onset, psychotic symptoms at onset and family history of BD classified correctly 70% of individuals according to their Li response (PaR + GR = 86%; NR = 35%). When combined with the epigenetic biomarkers, these three clinical variables plus alcohol misuse (and one DMR: Differentially Methylated Region) correctly classified 86% of individuals, improving the prediction of PaR + GR (93%) and of NR (70%). The ROC analysis demonstrated an improvement in the area under the curve from 0.75 (clinical variables alone) to 0.87 (combination of clinical and epigenetic markers).

Conclusions

Combining clinical predictors and DNA methylation markers of Li response may have greater utility in clinical practice than relying on clinical characteristics alone.
Cryoablation for the treatment of chronic rhinitis: A systematic review
Authors: Desai Veeral , Sampieri Gianluca , Namavarian Amirpouyan , Lee John M.
Published: April 2023

Background

ClariFix is a novel intranasal cryotherapy device developed for clinic-based cryosurgical ablation of the posterior nasal nerves region. As a relatively new technology, there is a paucity of studies within the literature assessing the efficacy and safety profile of ClariFix for chronic rhinitis.

Methods

A systematic review was completed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Databases searched included: Ovid Medline, Ovid EMBASE, Pubmed, Cochrane and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria consisted of studies investigating the use of ClariFix in chronic rhinitis (i.e., allergic and non-allergic rhinitis) in patients of all ages.

Results

The initial search identified 1110 studies. Final analysis consisted of 8 articles, evaluating a total of 472 patients. The data showed a significant reduction in scores post-treatment across all studies based on validated outcome measures. In all studies, at all time intervals, there was a significant improvement in outcome scores from baseline. Minor adverse effects included post-procedural pain and discomfort, headache and palate numbness. No major adverse events were identified.

Conclusion

ClariFix is a novel intranasal cryotherapy device that was introduced in Canada in 2021. This is the first systematic review evaluating its efficacy and safety profile. Across all studies, there was a significant reduction in validated outcome scores at multiple time intervals. Further, the treatment is safe with only minor adverse effects reported by patients. Overall, the consensus from this study highlights an apparent benefit in using this intervention for chronic rhinitis that is refractory to medical management.
Unexplained visual loss in retinal detachment repair: comparing gas, silicone oil and heavy silicone oil by multivariable regression.
Authors: Moussa George , Tadros Maria , Ch’ng Soon Wai , Ferrara Mariantonia , Kalogeropoulos Dimitrios , Sharma Ash , Lett Kim Son , Mitra Arijit , Tyagi Ajai K , Andreatta Walter
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To measure the proportion of unexplained and all causes of visual loss following primary rhegmatogenous-retinal-detachment (RRD) repair, comparing gas tamponade (SF6, C2F6, C3F8), silicone oil (SO, 1000cs and 5000cs) and heavy silicone oil (Densiron).

Methods

Retrospective, continuous, comparative study from 01/1/2017-31/5/2021. All primary RRDs were included after successful removal of SO and Densiron. Primary failures were excluded. Visual loss was defined as reduction of ≥0.30 logMAR units. Multivariable binary-logistic and linear regression models to compare tamponade, and all cases of unexplained visual loss and logMAR gain were performed. Covariates included age, ocular co-morbidities, pre-op vision, macula-status, high-myopia, giant-retinal-tear (GRT), perfluorocarbon-use, combined buckle/PPV, PVR-C, retinectomy, tamponade agent and post-operative lens status.

Results

Of 1,012 primary RRDs, we found an incidence of unexplained visual loss in 15/1012 (1.5%, SF6:1/341[0.3%], C2F6:4/338[1.2%], C3F8:2/239[0.8%], Densiron:0/33[0.0%], SO-1000cs:5/43[11.6%] and SO-5000cs:3/18[16.7%]), and visual loss of all causes in 57/1012 (5.6%, SF6:13/341[3.8%], C2F6:14/338[4.1%], C3F8:15/239[6.3%], Densiron:2/33[6.1%], SO-1000cs:9/43[20.9%] and SO-5000cs:4/18[22.2%]). On multivariable binary-logistic regression, we report that macula-on RRD (Odds-Ratio[OR]5.7,95% Confidence-interval[CI]1.2-28.2, p=0.032), GRT (OR35.0,CI 2.0-617.3, p=0.015), combined buckle/PPV (OR37.7,CI 2.0-711.4, p=0.015), SO1000cs (OR86.6,CI 5.6-1,348.0), p=0.001) and 5000cs (OR37.2,CI 1.3-1,101.5, p=0.036) (Reference-tamponade:SF6) were associated with unexplained visual loss. Duration of oil tamponade was not linked to increase in unexplained visual loss (p=0.569).

Conclusions

Correlation between SO in detachment repairs and unexplained visual loss has been established, however incidence with HSO has not been compared to other agents. This study demonstrates that although SO was linked with risk-adjusted increased unexplained visual loss relative to gas tamponade, no such association was found for Densiron, on multivariable analysis.
Safety and utility of ultrasound-guided superior cervical ganglion block for headaches and orofacial pain: a retrospective, single-center study of 10 patients
Authors: Maeda Aiko , Chikama Yoji , Tanaka Ryudo , Tominaga Masachika , Shirozu Kazuhiro , Yamaura Ken
Published: April 2023

Background

Several new ultrasound-guided superior cervical ganglia blocks (U-SCGBs) have been proposed to overcome the shortcomings of conventional superior cervical ganglia blocks; however, their clinical utility and practicality have not yet been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and utility of a new method of U-SCGB.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data on patients who underwent U-SCGB for the treatment of headaches and orofacial pain at a single center. U-SCGB was performed by injecting 2–3 mL of 1% mepivacaine posterior to the internal carotid artery, just above the bifurcation. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare pain scores. Numerical data are expressed as the mean ± standard error.

Results

The total number of U-SCGB procedures was 43. All procedures were accompanied by Horner’s sign. The numerical rating scale score for pain (possible scores, 0–10) was reduced predominantly from 7.0 ± 0.7 before treatment to 4.5 ± 0.7 at the follow-up (p = 0.014).

Conclusion

U-SCGB was considered a clinically useful and accurate treatment for headaches and orofacial pain in this study.
A phylogenomic and comparative genomic analysis of Commensalibacter, a versatile insect symbiont
Authors: Botero Juliana , Sombolestani Atena Sadat , Cnockaert Margo , Peeters Charlotte , Borremans Wim , De Vuyst Luc , Vereecken Nicolas J. , Michez Denis , Smagghe Guy , Bonilla-Rosso German , Engel Philipp , Vandamme Peter
Published: April 2023

Background

To understand mechanisms of adaptation and plasticity of pollinators and other insects a better understanding of diversity and function of their key symbionts is required. Commensalibacter is a genus of acetic acid bacterial symbionts in the gut of honey bees and other insect species, yet little information is available on the diversity and function of Commensalibacter bacteria. In the present study, whole-genome sequences of 12 Commensalibacter isolates from bumble bees, butterflies, Asian hornets and rowan berries were determined, and publicly available genome assemblies of 14 Commensalibacter strains were used in a phylogenomic and comparative genomic analysis.

Results

The phylogenomic analysis revealed that the 26 Commensalibacter isolates represented four species, i.e. Commensalibacter intestini and three novel species for which we propose the names Commensalibacter melissae sp. nov., Commensalibacter communis sp. nov. and Commensalibacter papalotli sp. nov. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that the four Commensalibacter species had similar genetic pathways for central metabolism characterized by a complete tricarboxylic acid cycle and pentose phosphate pathway, but their genomes differed in size, G + C content, amino acid metabolism and carbohydrate-utilizing enzymes. The reduced genome size, the large number of species-specific gene clusters, and the small number of gene clusters shared between C. melissae and other Commensalibacter species suggested a unique evolutionary process in C. melissae, the Western honey bee symbiont.

Conclusion

The genus Commensalibacter is a widely distributed insect symbiont that consists of multiple species, each contributing in a species specific manner to the physiology of the holobiont host.
Air vessel sizing approach for pipeline protection using artificial neural networks
Authors: Tawfik Ahmed
Published: April 2023

Water hammer is the unsteady flow in conduits due to sudden change of velocities in pipelines and poses it to danger. Sensitivity analysis is performed to show the effect of pump and pipeline parameters on the maximum and minimum head just downstream the pump after pump power failure. A new approach to find the required gas volume in a hydropneumatic tank (air vessel) to protect the pipeline using artificial neural networks (ANNs) is introduced. About 760 runs were generated using Bentley Hammer v8i. For each run, the maximum and minimum head just downstream the pump were calculated for a pump power failure. Two MATLAB codes are written to use networks for finding the best design that guarantees the pressure in the pipeline is within the allowable range. The results showed that pump inertia and wave celerity have a very small effect on the maximum and minimum heads.
A New Approach to Power
Authors: Kingham Darrel
Published: April 2023

Delivering a flat high-efficiency profile in advanced power supplies.
Versatility, Variety, Value
Authors: Lippett Mark
Published: April 2023

The continued rise of RISC-V instruction-set architecture.
Looking Beyond MBD Platforms
Authors: Richardson Mark
Published: April 2023

How safety-critical systems benefit from third-party tools for auto-generated code testing. By Mark Richardson
Motor Management
Authors: Schmitz Anno
Published: April 2023

Anno Schmitz looks at how to implement MCU-less sinusoidal control of permanent magnet synchronous motors
Cloud-Based ITS
Authors: Smith David
Published: April 2023

Valerann co-founder and CBO Michael Vardi speaks to TTi about the firm’s ITS platform, which promises data accuracy, cost efficiency and ease of deployment
Non-Traditional Partnerships: New Solutions from New Sectors
Authors: Steudle Kirk
Published: April 2023

“For vision zero it’s vital to engage with medical and health sectors”
The Price of Safety Versus the Cost of Living
Authors: Reed Nick
Published: April 2023

“economic stresses may result in drivers displaying more cautious behaviors, such as adopting lower speeds and taking fewer road trips for holidays or for pleasure”
Give & Take
Authors: Lapping Mark
Published: April 2023

A new UK industrial strategy will only succeed if it is supported by accessible funding and infrastructure which promote innovation
Pulling Our Weight
Authors: Burns Tom
Published: April 2023

The latest IFR Global Robot Report highlights the UK’s urgent need to increase automation or risk falling behind the competition
Growth and Stability are Key Concerns
Authors: Fanning Paul
Published: April 2023

The Make UK National Manufacturing Conference took place at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre on March 7th, with a focus on growth strategy and increased an end to recent ”chaos”.
Best of British
Authors: Beck Chris
Published: April 2023

The Make UK National Manufacturing Awards once again shone a light on the very best within UK manufacturing
From Vision to Impact
Authors: Edwards Donna
Published: April 2023

As the Made Smarter adoption programme reaches an important milestone, what impact has it had on manufacturing innovation?
On the Right Track
Authors: Norman Helen
Published: April 2023

The Railway Association of Canada speaks exclusively to EHRT about its work on developing a rail decarbonization roadmap for the country, which explores emerging low-carbon technologies and sets standards for informing future investment decisions
Fuel for Thought
Authors: Roper Jack
Published: April 2023

Do hydrogen internal combustion engines and premium, clean diesel offer better alternatives than bio and renewable fuels for plugging the gaps in rail sector decarbonization?
Knowledge is Power
Authors: Norman Helen
Published: April 2023

Experts from two firms leading the way in developing new silicon carbide power modules for traction, Mitsubishi Electric and Microchip Technology, reveal how SiC technology can help rail operators reduce energy losses and improve reliability and efficiency, while minimizing their impact on the environment
Going Electric
Authors: Norman Helen
Published: April 2023

Jette Aagaard, project director at Banedanmark, provides an update on the Danish rail network’s extensive electrification program
Traditional umbrella painting activity improved upper extremity function and decreased depression in stroke survivors in Northern Thailand
Authors:   Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand., Sirimuengmoon Kawin , Chinchai Pisak ,   Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand., Dhippayom Jananya P. ,   Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.
Published: April 2023

Background: Upper extremity (UE) dysfunction and depression often occur after a stroke. Strategies to promote UE function and reduce depression require task-related training. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of conventional rehabilitation combined with traditional umbrella painting activity on UE function and depression in stroke survivors. Materials and methods: Twenty-two participants from rehabilitation units in Chiang Mai province, northern Thailand, were recruited according to the inclusion criteria and divided into experimental and control groups of 11 each. The experimental group received conventional rehabilitation combined with traditional umbrella painting activity for 140 minutes a day, three days a week, for a period of eight weeks, while the control group received conventional rehabilitation alone for the same amount of time. The instruments used were: 1) the Functional Test for Hemiplegic Upper Extremity (FTHUE) - Thai version; and 2) the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)-Thai version. Statistics used were the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test and the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The UE function was significantly higher at the post-test than at the pretest (p<0.004) with a large effect size (d=1.59), and depression was significantly reduced at the post-test compared to the pre-test (p<0.003) with a large effect size (d=1.62), whereas the control group did not change. However, the function of UE and depression in these participants were not significantly different between the two groups both before and after the intervention (p<0.05). Conclusion: Findings indicate that conventional rehabilitation combined with traditional umbrella painting activity appears to be more effective for improving UE function and decreasing depression in stroke survivors than conventional rehabilitation alone. This can be an alternative treatment for occupational therapists in their clinical practices.
Framing Perception: British Press Coverage of the 1896 Ottoman Bank Raid
Authors: ÜRER Levent , KUTLU Asuman
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to explore how British newspapers framed the Ottoman Bank Raid in 1896 and how they might have functioned in the political and social reconstruction of Ottoman Empire within the international sphere. A qualitative inductive framing analysis was carried out. The results of textual analysis revealed two main frames: (i) human interest: internal unrest and fracture within the Ottoman Empire and (ii) emphasis on unification: isolation policy within international relations. While the former frame mainly included disinformation regarding the number of Armenians killed or wounded, combined with constant use of negative metaphors for Ottoman Empire and Muslim population, the latter frame focused on national, international support and forceful intervention of Europe rather than diplomatic pressure.
An Evaluation of India’s Central Asian Policy in the Context of Regional Interests
Authors: ARAS Ferhat Çağrı , KANDEMİR Ekber
Published: April 2023

In this study, the transformations in Central Asian policies from the post-cold war period of India to the present will be discussed. In this context, the influence of India in the power struggle in Central Asia, the basis on which India has relations with the region, and the place of this spiral of ties in India’s economy will be tried to be revealed in the context of foreign policy analysis. The main determination of the study is that despite the changes in the internal and external conjuncture of India in the historical process of more than a century, their relations have not been broken, and there has always been a unique, exceptional and always special type of economic and security relations. Another finding is that it has the potential to provide strategic benefits to India in geopolitical competition. The historical development of the relations between India and Central Asian countries and how it can be shaped in the future have been tried to be revealed. This study concludes with an analysis of the current threats for India’s national security policy.
Add-Drop Multiplexer for SDM and Sensing Applications
Authors: Kopp Victor , Park Jongchul , Singer Jonathan , Neugroschl Dan
Published: April 2023

SDM using multicore fibers has the potential to increase the bandwidth density of optical links as well as to improve performance of sensing systems including 3D shape sensing and fiber optic gyroscopes. These applications are advanced by the low insertion and return loss, wide bandwidth, passive add-drop multiplexer demonstrated here.
Improving Yields in Multi-analyte Extractions by Utilizing Post-homogenized Tissue Debris
Authors: Petersons Ala , Carlson Joseph , Mathieson William
Published: April 2023

In multi-analyte extractions, tissue is typically homogenized in a lysis buffer, and then DNA, RNA, and protein are purified from the supernatant. However, yields are typically lower than in dedicated, single-analyte extractions. In a two-part experiment, we assessed whether yields could be improved by revisiting the normally discarded, post-homogenized tissue debris. We initially performed additional homogenizations, each followed by a simultaneous extraction. These yielded no additional RNA, 13% additional DNA (which became progressively more degraded), and 161.7% additional protein (which changed in proteome when analyzed using SDS-PAGE). We then digested post-homogenized tissue debris from a simultaneous extraction using proteinase K and extracted DNA using silica spin columns or alcohol precipitation. An average additional DNA yield of 27.1% (silica spin columns) or 203.9% (alcohol precipitation) was obtained with/without compromising DNA integrity (assessment by long-range PCR, DNA Integrity Numbers, and size at peak fluorescence of electropherogram). Validation using a cohort of 65 tissue blocks returned an average additional DNA yield of 31.6% (silica columns) and 54.8% (alcohol precipitation). Users can therefore refreeze the homogenized remnants of tissue blocks rather than disposing of them and then perform additional DNA extractions if yields in the initial multi-analyte extractions were low.
Epitope Lability of Phosphorylated Biomarkers of the DNA Damage Response Pathway Results in Increased Vulnerability to Effects of Delayed or Incomplete Formalin Fixation
Authors: Wiseman Elizabeth J. , Moss Jennifer I. , Atkinson James , Baakza Hana , Hayes Emily , Willis Sophie E. , Waring Paul M. , Rodriguez Canales Jaime , Jones Gemma N.
Published: April 2023

Phosphorylated biomarkers are crucial for our understanding of drug mechanism of action and dose selection during clinical trials, particularly for drugs that target protein kinases, such as DNA-damage-response (DDR) inhibitors. However, tissue fixation conditions needed to preserve DDR-specific phospho-biomarkers have not been previously investigated. Using xenograft tissues and tightly controlled formalin fixation conditions, we assessed how preanalytical factors affect phosphorylated DDR biomarkers pRAD50(Ser635), ɣH2AX(Ser139), pKAP1(Ser824), and non-phosphorylated biomarkers cMYC and ATM. Cold ischemia times ranged from 15 min to 6 hr, and the fixation duration ranged from 24 hr to 4 weeks. Epitopes pRAD50 and pKAP1 appeared the most labile assessed with staining loss after just 15 min of cold ischemia time, while ATM was more robust showing consistent expression up to 1 hr of cold ischemia. Notably, ɣH2AX expression was lost with formalin fixation over 48 hr. The use of core needle biopsies where possible and novel fixation methods such as the 2-step temperature-controlled formalin approach may improve phosphorylated biomarker preservation; however, practical challenges may affect wider clinical application. The most essential tissue-processing step when downstream analysis includes DDR phosphorylated biomarkers is immediate tissue submersion in formalin, without delay, upon excision from the patient, followed by room temperature fixation for 24 hr.
The application of equilibrium optimizer for solving modern economic load dispatch problem considering renewable energies and multiple-fuel thermal units
Authors: Nguyen Hung Duc , Truong Khoa Hoang , Le Nhuan An
Published: April 2023

This study presents a modern version of the economic load dispatch (MELD) problem with the contribution of renewable energies and conventional energy, including wind, solar and thermal power plants. In the study, reduction of electricity generation cost is the first priority, while the use of multiple fuels in the thermal power plant is considered in addition to the consideration of all constraints of power plants. Two meta-heuristic algorithms, one conventional and one recently published, including Particle swarm optimization (PSO) and Equilibrium optimizer (EO), are applied to determine the optimal solutions for MELD. A power system with ten thermal power plants using multiple fossil fuels, one wind power plant, and three solar power plants is utilized to evaluate the performance of both PSO and EO. Unlike other previous studies, this paper considers the MELD problem with the change of load demands over one day with 24 periods as a real power system. In addition, the power generated by both wind and solar power plants varies at each period. The results obtained by applying the two algorithms indicate that EO is completely superior to PSO, and the solutions found by EO can satisfy all constraints. Particularly in Case 1 with different load demand values, EO achieves better total electricity production cost (TEGC) than PSO by 0.75%, 0.87%, 0.13%, and 0.45% for the loads of 2400 MW, 2500 MW, 2600 MW and 2700 MW. Moreover, EO also provides a faster response capability over PSO through the four subcases although EO and PSO are run by the same selection of control parameters. In Case 2, the high efficiency provided by EO is still maintained, though the scale of the considered problem has been substantially enlarged. Specifically, EO can save $51.2 compared to PSO for the minimum TEGC. The savings cost is equal to 0.33% for the whole schedule of 24 hours. With these results, EO is acknowledged as a favourable search method for dealing with the MELD problem. Besides, this study also points out the difference in performance between a modern meta-heuristic algorithm (EO) and the classical one (PSO). The modern metaheuristic algorithm with special structure is highly valuable for complicated problem as MELD.
Multiple solutions of p-fractional Schrödinger-Choquard-Kirchhoff equations with Hardy-Littlewood-Sobolev critical exponents
Authors: Lin Xiaolu , Zheng Shenzhou , Feng Zhaosheng
Published: April 2023

In this article, we are concerned with multiple solutions of Schrödinger-Choquard-Kirchhoff equations involving the fractional

p

p

-Laplacian and Hardy-Littlewood-Sobolev critical exponents in

R

N

{{\mathbb{R}}}^{N}

. We classify the multiplicity of the solutions in accordance with the Kirchhoff term

M

(

⋅

)

M\left(\cdot )

and different ranges of

q

q

shown in the nonlinearity

f

(

x
,
⋅

)

f\left(x,\cdot )

by means of the variational methods and Krasnoselskii’s genus theory. As an immediate consequence, some recent related results have been improved and extended.
Isothermal section of the Ti–Mn–Si ternary system at 600 °C
Authors: Ling Miaoran , Liang Jianlie , Ouyang Yifang , Wen Yong , Fu Yuechun , Cui Xuehong
Published: April 2023

The isothermal section of the Ti–Mn–Si ternary system at 600 °C over the whole composition range has been investigated by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Twenty-five three-phase regions were identified. Four ternary compounds, namely, MnSiTi, MnSi2Ti, Mn5Si4Ti2, and MnSi4Ti, were confirmed in this work. Solid solutions of Mn2Ti with Mn substituted by Si and that of Mn5Si3 with Mn replaced by Ti were observed.