bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hsa_circ_0001740 mediates trophoblast cell function via regulating miR‐188‐3p/ARRDC3
Authors: Long Mei , Wang Shan
Published: July 2023

Preeclampsia is an obstetric disorder and remains the leading contributor to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. This study was designed to explore the role of hsa_circ_0001740 in preeclampsia as well as its underlying mechanism. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to examine hsa_circ_0001740 and miR‐188‐3p levels in trophoblast cell line HTR‐8/SVneo. The proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of HTR‐8/SVneo cells were detected using cell counting kit‐8, colony formation, wound healing, transwell, and terminal‐deoxynucleoitidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling assays, respectively. The expression of apoptosis‐ and Hippo signaling‐related proteins were assessed by western blot. Moreover, the binding relationship between hsa_circ_0001740 and miR‐188‐3p, miR‐188‐3p and ARRDC3 were verified by luciferase report assay. The results showed that hsa_circ_001740 overexpression inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion, and promoted apoptosis of HTR‐8/SVneo cells. Hsa_circ_0001740 was verified to bind to miR‐188‐3p, and ARRDC3 was demonstrated to be a target of miR‐188‐3p. miR‐188‐3p overexpression partially counteracted the suppressive effects of hsa_circ_001740 overexpression on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HTR‐8/SVneo cells. What's more, ARRDC3 expression was upregulated by hsa_circ_001740‐overexpression but was downregulated by miR‐188‐3p overexpression. Hsa_circ_001740/miR‐188‐3p also mediated Hippo signaling. To summarize, hsa_circ_0001740 could maintain trophoblast cell function via downregulating miR‐188‐3p, providing a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of preeclampsia.
Beyond yellow flags: The Big‐Five personality traits and psychologically informed musculoskeletal rehabilitation
Authors: Williams Matthew K. , Waite Lennie , Van Wyngaarden Joshua J. , Meyer Andrew R. , Koppenhaver Shane L.
Published: July 2023

Background

Psychosocial variables are known to play an important role in musculoskeletal pain. Recent efforts incorporating psychological theory into rehabilitative medicine, as part of patient‐centred care or psychologically informed physical therapy, have gained broader acceptance. The fear‐avoidance model is the dominant psychosocial model and has introduced a variety of phenomena which assess psychological distress (i.e., yellow flags). Yellow flags, such as fear, anxiety and catastrophizing, are useful concepts for musculoskeletal providers but reflect a narrow range of psychological responses to pain.

Objective

Clinicians lack a more comprehensive framework to understand psychological profiles of each patient and provide individualised care. This narrative review presents the case for applying personality psychology and the Big‐Five trait model (extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism and openness to experience) to musculoskeletal medicine. These traits have strong associations with various health outcomes and provide a robust framework to understand patient emotion, motivation, cognition and behaviour.

Key Results

High conscientiousness is associated with positive health outcomes and health promoting behaviours. High neuroticism with low conscientiousness increases the odds of negative health outcomes. Extraversion, agreeableness and openness have less direct effects but have positive correlations with important health behaviours, including active coping, positive affect, rehabilitation compliance, social connection and education level.

Clinical Application

The Big‐Five model offers an evidence‐based way for MSK providers to better understand the personality of their patients and how it relates to health. These traits offer the potential for additional prognostic factors, tailored treatments and psychological intervention.
Locally Switchable 2D and 3D Displays
Authors: Lee Sung , Mammen Abe , Zhang Xiaojun , Krebbers Andre , Fattal David
Published: July 2023

In a 2D/3D switchable display, the 2D and 3D regions can be defined independently on screen on a per‐pixel, per‐timeframe basis.
Perinatal outcomes in women with class IV obesity compared to women in the normal or overweight body mass index categories: A population‐based cohort study in Qatar
Authors: Minisha Fathima , Khenyab Najat , Abu Yaqoub Salwa , Al Obaidly Sawsan , AlQubaisi Mai , Salama Husam , Olukade Tawa , Pallivalappil Abdul Rouf , Al Dewik Nader , Al Rifai Hilal , Farrell Thomas
Published: July 2023

Background

The prevalence of childhood and adult obesity is rising exponentially worldwide. Class IV obesity (body mass index, BMI ≥50 kg/m2) is associated with a higher risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. This study compared these outcomes between women with class IV obesity and women in the normal or overweight categories during pregnancy.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed in Qatar, including women having singleton live births beyond 24 weeks of gestation, classified into two class IV obesity and normal/overweight (BMI between 18.5 and 30.0 kg/m2). The outcome measures included the mode of delivery, development of gestational diabetes and hypertension, fetal macrosomia, small for date baby, preterm birth and neonatal morbidity. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were determined using multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

A total of 247 women with class IV obesity were compared with 6797 normal/overweight women. Adjusted analysis showed that women with class IV obesity had 3.2 times higher odds of cesarean delivery (aOR: 3.19, CI: 2.26–4.50), 3.4 times higher odds of gestational diabetes (aOR: 3.39, CI: 2.55–4.50), 4.2 times higher odds of gestational hypertension (aOR: 4.18, CI: 2.45–7.13) and neonatal morbidity (aOR: 4.27, CI: 3.01–6.05), and 6.5 times higher odds of macrosomia (aOR 6.48, CI 4.22–9.99).

Conclusions

Class IV obesity is associated with more adverse perinatal outcomes compared with the normal or overweight BMI categories. The study results emphasized the need for specialized antenatal obesity clinics to address the associated risks and reduce complications.
Using foreign aid contracts to pursue participatory approaches to development within large foreign aid agencies
Authors: Harris Amy Beck
Published: July 2023

Participatory development has become, ‘development orthodoxy’, receiving widespread proclamations of support from foreign aid agencies. Participatory development engages international development beneficiaries in making decisions about project activity selection and design. Yet, many foreign aid donors deliver project assistance through top‐down, highly controlled systems that may constrain the flexibility needed to delegate decision‐making power to project beneficiaries. This paper explores whether and under which conditions these foreign aid agencies delegate decision‐making power to project beneficiaries, focusing on the key mechanism for delivering foreign aid: government contracts. The analysis relies on a novel dataset of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) projects that incorporates contract specifications for beneficiary decision‐making during project implementation. Despite an expectation that delivery system constraints would prohibitively exclude contract specifications for beneficiary decision‐making, donors are found to commonly use contracts to delegate decision‐making power to beneficiaries, but within pre‐determined parameters. The results suggest that USAID is using contract specifications to engage in bounded delegation, providing some decision‐making power to beneficiaries, but using boundaries to ensure the right ‘fit’ with institutional goals and constraints. By focusing on contract specifications and variation within these specifications, this study identifies widespread use of a ‘middle ground’ in how donors motivate participatory development.
Perceptions, preferences and barriers: A qualitative study of greenspace and under‐representation in Leeds, UK
Authors: Ward C. , Palmer A. K. , Brockett B. F. T. , Costanza R. , Hatfield J. , Kubiszewski I. , Langford P. , Pickett K. , Willis C.
Published: July 2023

Greenspaces facilitate well‐being benefits for humans in several ways including through cognitive restoration, physical exercise and social interaction. However, some groups are under‐represented in greenspaces, including women, older people, those with health conditions, people with lower socioeconomic status and people from ethnic minority backgrounds, and so are less likely to accrue these benefits.

Using thematic analysis and semi‐structured interviews with 40 individuals from under‐represented groups in Leeds, UK, we explore (1) a range of perceived barriers to greenspace access, (2) how spending time in greenspace contributes to well‐being for these groups, (3) the perceived positive and negative aspects of greenspace, (4) what impact COVID‐19 had on access to greenspace and (5) how greenspaces could be improved.

We also highlight inter‐group differences and how some barriers disproportionately affect some of the groups in this study. Safety concerns were particularly important for women and people with low incomes, which included problems with anti‐social behaviour (e.g. incivilities and disorder). Cultural barriers were also evident with ethnic minority participants often citing concerns about dogs and issues with visibility and prejudice. Participants desired physical improvements to the quality of greenspaces, along with easier access and transport options, changes in policy regarding dogs and increased security and park wardens to limit anti‐social behaviour.

We argue that to increase visitation for under‐represented groups, upgrades in the physical environment must be coupled with harnessing community involvement and co‐design. Some group differences and tensions in greenspaces, and problems with anti‐social behaviours and safety concerns might be limited by more considerate planning and incorporating research findings that address these tensions through intergroup contact.

Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
PI3K/AKT pathway‐related microRNA variants in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Xue Yao , Sun Xiaoyan , Fu Jinyu , Rong Liucheng , Zhang Heng , Zhu Yuting , Yang Xiaoyun , Hu Shaoyan , Chen Jing , Fang Yongjun
Published: July 2023

Background

Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) targeting genes in the PI3K/Akt pathway has been implicated in the pathogenesis of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, the impact of genetic variants in these miRNAs on ALL susceptibility has not been extensively explored in the Chinese population.

Methods

To address this gap, we conducted a case–control study to evaluate the association between genetic variants in five PI3K/AKT pathway‐related miRNAs (miR‐149, miR‐126, miR‐492, miR‐612, and miR‐423) and childhood ALL susceptibility in the Chinese population. Additionally, we investigated the effects of the rs2292832 mutation on ALL cell proliferation and apoptosis.

Results

Our analyses revealed that the miR‐149 rs2292832 mutant heterozygous CT genotype was more frequent in the control group than in the ALL cases, indicating a protective effect against ALL (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.63–0.97, p = .024). Stratification analyses further revealed that the miR‐149 rs2292832 CC genotype was associated with an increased risk of childhood ALL in subgroups of older children, females, those with parents who never smoked or drank alcohol, those living in painted houses, those with B‐ALL, and those with high‐risk ALL. Finally, we observed that the rs2292832 mutation inhibited ALL cell proliferation and induced apoptosis (p = .001), providing a potential mechanism by which this genetic variant may influence ALL susceptibility.

Conclusion

Our study highlights the significant association between the miR‐149 rs2292832 genetic variant and childhood ALL susceptibility in the Chinese population. These findings expand our understanding of the complex genetic landscape underlying ALL and have implications for the development of personalized therapeutic strategies.
Psychosocial functioning of adult siblings of Dutch very long‐term survivors of childhood cancer: DCCSS‐LATER 2 psycho‐oncology study
Authors: Joosten Mala M. H. , van Gorp Marloes , van Dijk Jennifer , Kremer Leontien C. M. , van Dulmen‐den Broeder Eline , Tissing Wim J. E. , Loonen Jacqueline J. , van der Pal Helena J. H. , de Vries Andrica C. H. , van den Heuvel‐Eibrink Marry M. , Ronckers Cécile , Bresters Dorine , Louwerens Marloes , Neggers Sebastian J. C. C. M. , van der Heiden‐van der Loo Margriet , Maurice‐Stam Heleen , Grootenhuis Martha A. ,   Dutch LATER study group
Published: July 2023

Objective

To describe psychosocial outcomes among adult siblings of very long‐term childhood cancer survivors (CCS), to compare these outcomes to reference populations and to identify factors associated with siblings' psychosocial outcomes.

Methods

Siblings of survivors (diagnosed <18 years old, between 1963 and 2001, >5 years since diagnosis) of the Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study DCCSS‐LATER cohort were invited to complete questionnaires on HRQoL (TNO‐AZL Questionnaire for Adult's HRQoL), anxiety/depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), post‐traumatic stress (Self‐Rating Scale for Post‐traumatic Stress Disorder), self‐esteem (Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale) and benefit and burden (Benefit and Burden Scale for Children). Outcomes were compared to a reference group if available, using Mann‐Whitney U and chi‐Square tests. Associations of siblings' sociodemographic and CCS’ cancer‐related characteristics with the outcomes were assessed with mixed model analysis.

Results

Five hundred five siblings (response rate 34%, 64% female, mean age 37.5, mean time since diagnosis 29.5) of 412 CCS participated. Siblings had comparable HRQoL, anxiety and self‐esteem to references with no or small differences (r = 0.08−0.15, p < 0.05) and less depression. Proportions of symptomatic PTSD were very small (0.4%−0.6%). Effect sizes of associations of siblings' sociodemographic and CCS cancer‐related characteristics were mostly small to medium (β = 0.19−0.67, p < 0.05) and no clear trend was found in the studied associated factors for worse outcomes.

Conclusions

On the very long‐term, siblings do not have impaired psychosocial functioning compared to references. Cancer‐related factors seem not to impact siblings' psychosocial functioning. Early support and education remain essential to prevent long‐term consequences.
Topological Hall Effect in (Mn1−xFex)3.25Ge (x = 0.4) Hexagonal Magnet
Authors: Kumar Vishal , Shukla Gaurav K. , Shahi Nisha , Singh Sanjay
Published: July 2023

Topologically protected nontrivial spin structures attract significant interest in condensed matter physics for their utilization in low‐power‐consumption spintronics devices, memory devices, etc. The topological Hall effect (THE) is an additional Hall resistivity in the system arising from real‐space Berry curvature picked up by conduction electron passing through the nontrivial spin texture. Compared to expensive neutron diffraction measurements, THE is often used as a cost‐effective tool to investigate nontrivial spin texture in the materials. In the present manuscript, THE in the (Mn1−xFex)3.25Ge (x = 0.4) alloy is studied using magneto‐transport measurements. Maximum THE is found in the system about 0.65 μΩ cm at 150 K, which is in contrast to the pristine Mn3Ge that has zero THE. The strong temperature variation of THE suggests that the noncoplanar spin structure due to competition among the magneto‐crystalline anisotropy, antiferromagnetic coupling, and ferromagnetic exchange interaction is the main source of THE in the present system. Herein, it is shown that chemical doping can be an effective way to induce THE in the material with vanishing THE in its parent phase.
Detection of trace chlorine pollutants in recycled pulp using gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry with response surface–optimized carbon structure online catalysis
Authors: Zhang Zihao , Xiao Qian , Jiang Zhongming , Zheng Jianguo , Mai Xiaoxia , Liu Yingfeng , Li Quanzhong
Published: July 2023

Rationale

Chlorinated aromatics and alkanes are widely used for their flame retardancy, but they need to be monitored when used in recycled pulp. This paper reports the use of palladium acetate/activated carbon (Pa/Ac) activated by nitric acid as an online catalyst to determine chlorinated aromatics and chlorinated alkanes in recycled paper products using gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS), which significantly improves the sensitivity of the method and remarkably lowers the detection limits.

Methods

The Pa/Ac catalyst was prepared using a self‐made catalytic device and used as key to the online catalytic conversion of target chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons and chlorinated alkanes for GC–MS/MS analysis. The response surface model was used to optimize catalytic conditions. Then GC–MS/MS in the multireaction monitoring mode with online catalysis was applied for the analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated terphenyls, polychlorinated naphthalene, and chlorinated paraffins (CP) in recycled paper products.

Results

Compared with traditional methods, the Pa/Ac catalyst can transform chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons into aromatic hydrocarbons through dechlorination hydrogenation, thus lowering the detection limit of the GC–MS/MS method significantly. It can transform paraffin chloride into the corresponding alkane to better distinguish short‐chain, medium‐chain, or long‐chain CPs. Online catalytic conversion significantly improved the sensitivity and reproducibility (88.7%–113.1%) of the method. Tissue samples with various concentration levels of chlorinated aromatics and chlorinated alkanes were tested. The linearity range of the reduced target compounds in the reduction product solution was 0.02–1.00 μg/ml (R2 > 0.995). The quantitative detection limit was 0.03–0.05 μg/kg, and relative standard deviation was less than 6.9%.

Conclusion

This study was the first to introduce the Pa/Ac catalytic device as an online catalytic unit in the determination of chlorinated aromatics and chlorinated alkanes using the GC–MS/MS method. The target compounds were converted into alkanes and aromatic hydrocarbons with unchanged carbon structures, and the method could achieve a low detection limit with no need for high‐end methods such as GC‐chemical ionization ion source (CI)‐MS or high‐resolution mass spectrometry. These methods are suitable for the determination of chlorine pollutants in recycled paper and its raw materials.
Calcifying Coccolithophore: An Evolutionary Advantage Against Extracellular Oxidative Damage
Authors: Yang Minjun , Batchelor‐McAuley Christopher , Barton Samuel , Rickaby Rosalind E.M. , Bouman Heather A. , Compton Richard G.
Published: July 2023

The evolutionary advantages afforded by phytoplankton calcification remain enigmatic. In this work, fluoroelectrochemical experiments reveal that the presence of a CaCO3 shell of a naturally calcifying coccolithophore, Coccolithus braarudii, offers protection against extracellular oxidants as measured by the time required for the switch‐off in their chlorophyll signal, compared to the deshelled equivalents, suggesting the shift toward calcification offers some advantages for survival in the surface of radical‐rich seawater.
Low‐Voltage Hydrogen Production via Hydrogen Peroxide Oxidation Facilitated by Oxo Ligand Axially Coordinated to Cobalt in Phthalocyanine Moiety
Authors: Lee Jisu , Lee Boreum , Lee Yeongdae , Kim Ahyeon , Lee Dong‐gyu , Lim Hankwon , Song Hyun‐Kon
Published: July 2023

A cobalt phthalocyanine having an electron‐poor CoN4 (+δ) in its phthalocyanine moiety was presented as an electrocatalyst for hydrogen peroxide oxidation reaction (HPOR). We suggested that hydrogen peroxide as an electrolysis medium for hydrogen production and therefore as a hydrogen carrier, demonstrating that the electrocatalyst guaranteed high hydrogen production rate by hydrogen peroxide splitting. The electron deficiency of cobalt allows CoN4 to have the highly HPOR‐active monovalent oxidation state and facilitates HPOR at small overpotentials range around the onset potential. The strong interaction between the electron‐deficient cobalt and oxygen of peroxide adsorbates in Co─OOH− encourages an axially coordinated cobalt oxo complex (O═CoN4) to form, the O═CoN4 facilitating the HPOR efficiently at high overpotentials. Low‐voltage oxygen evolution reaction guaranteeing low‐voltage hydrogen production is successfully demonstrated in the presence of the metal–oxo complex having electron‐deficient CoN4. Hydrogen production by 391 mA cm−2 at 1 V and 870 mA cm−2 at 1.5 V is obtained. Also, the techno‐economic benefit of hydrogen peroxide as a hydrogen carrier is evaluated by comparing hydrogen peroxide with other hydrogen carriers such as ammonia and liquid organic hydrogen carriers.
Chitin Nanofibrils from Fungi for Hierarchical Gel Polymer Electrolytes for Transient Zinc‐Ion Batteries with Stable Zn Electrodeposition
Authors: Ruiz Diego , Michel Veronica F. , Niederberger Markus , Lizundia Erlantz
Published: July 2023

Rechargeable batteries play an integral role toward carbon neutrality. Environmentally sustainable batteries should consider the trade‐offs between material renewability, processability, thermo‐mechanical and electrochemical performance, as well as transiency. To address this dilemma, we follow circular economy principles to fabricate fungal chitin nanofibril (ChNF) gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) for zinc‐ion batteries. These biocolloids are physically entangled into hierarchical hydrogels with specific surface areas of 49.5 m2·g−1. Ionic conductivities of 54.1 mS·cm−1 and a Zn2+ transference number of 0.468 are reached, outperforming conventional non‐renewable/non‐biodegradable glass microfibre separator–liquid electrolyte pairs. Enabled by its mechanically elastic properties and large water uptake, a stable Zn electrodeposition in symmetric Zn|Zn configuration with a lifespan above 600 h at 9.5 mA·cm−2 is obtained. At 100 mA·g−1, the discharge capacity of Zn/α‐MnO2 full cells increases above 500 cycles when replacing glass microfiber separators with ChNF GPEs, while the rate performance remains comparable to glass microfiber separators. To make the battery completely transient, the metallic current collectors are replaced by biodegradable polyester/carbon black composites undergoing degradation in water at 70 °C. This work demonstrates the applicability of bio‐based materials to fabricate green and electrochemically competitive batteries with potential applications in sustainable portable electronics, or biomedicine.
Engineered Bio‐Heterojunction with Infection‐Primed H2S Liberation for Boosted Angiogenesis and Infectious Cutaneous Regeneration
Authors: Huang Yiling , Huang Yixuan , Wang Ziyou , Yu Sheng , Johnson Hannah M. , Yang Yingming , Li Meng , Li Jiyao , Deng Yi , Liang Kunneng
Published: July 2023

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) acts as a powerful weapon against infectious diseases for its enormous antimicrobial activity that quickly elicits storms of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Nevertheless, redundant ROS during treatment inevitably bring detriments in revascularization. To address this dilemma, an innovative P‐N bio‐heterojunction (bio‐HJ) material consisting of p‐type copper sulfide (p‐CuS), n‐type bismuth sulfide (n‐Bi2S3), and lactate oxidase (LOx) for effective treatment of recalcitrant infectious wounds by promoting angiogenesis is devised. LOx exhausts lactic acid accumulated in infection environment and converts it to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which subsequently yields bactericidal hydroxyl radicals (·OH) via Fenton‐like reactions. Ultimately, the P‐N bio‐HJs exert synergistic photothermal, photodynamic, and chemodynamic effects for rapid bacterial annihilation. Moreover, in vitro and RNA‐seq analyses reveal that the crafted bio‐HJs dramatically expedite the proliferation of L929 cells and promote angiogenesis by up‐regulating angiogenic gene expression in hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1) signaling pathway, which may ascribe to the evolution of H2S in response to the infection microenvironment. Critically, results of in vivo experiments have authenticated that the bio‐HJs significantly boost healing rates of full‐thickness wounds by slaughtering bacteria, elevating angiogenesis, and promoting cytothesis. As envisioned, this work furnishes a novel tactic for the effective treatment of bacteria‐invaded wound using H2S‐liberating P‐N bio‐HJs.
Supramolecular Nanoarchitectonics Based on Antagonist Peptide Self‐Assembly for Treatment of Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Li Bowen , Huang Yan , Bao Jianwei , Xu Zixuan , Yan Xuehai , Zou Qianli
Published: July 2023

Therapeutic peptides have attracted increasing attention as anti‐fibrotic drug candidates. However, the rapid degradation and insufficient liver accumulation of therapeutic peptides have seriously hampered their clinical translation. Here, the use of supramolecular nanoarchitectonics is reported to fabricate nanodrugs from therapeutic peptides for treating liver fibrosis. Self‐assembling antagonist peptides are rationally designed and manipulated into uniform peptide nanoparticles with well‐defined nanostructures and uniform sizes. Significantly, the peptide nanoparticles show enhanced accumulation in liver sites and limited distribution in other tissues. In vivo results show that the peptide nanoparticles exhibit greatly enhanced anti‐fibrotic activity compared to the pristine antagonist along with good biocompatibility. These results indicate that self‐assembly is a promising nanoarchitectonics approach to enhance the anti‐fibrotic activity of therapeutic peptides for treating liver fibrosis.
Mechanical Changes in Fibrous Tissue Exposed to Non‐Convergent Ultrasound
Authors: Yagi Ippei , Koike Kazuki , Uchida Satoshi
Published: July 2023

Fibrosis is a disease that involves an abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix material such as collagen, leading to organ failure. This type of organ failure accounts for around one‐third of all deaths worldwide. However, since there are no drugs which are curative for this disease, the development of non‐invasive treatment strategies is important. In this study, we developed a method of softening fibrotic tissue using non‐converging ultrasound irradiation, a non‐thermal treatment. The generation of cavitation in a standing wave caused the mechanical strength of the fibrotic tissue to decrease in an irradiation time‐dependent manner. The appearance of the fibrous tissue also changed after irradiation, possibly due to the fracture of collagen fibers by ultrasonic cavitation. This method has the potential to treat a wide range of fibrotic tissues. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Biomass from phytopathogens and culture conditions improve Penicillium chrysogenum antimicrobial activity and antifungal compounds production
Authors: Pacios‐Michelena Sandra , González Cristóbal N. Aguilar , Herrera Raúl Rodríguez , Alvarez‐Perez Olga B. , González Mónica L. Chávez , Valdés Roberto Arredondo , Valdés Juan A. Ascacio , Salas Mayela Govea , Iliná Anna
Published: July 2023

The present study evaluated the effect of culture conditions and phytopathogenic strain co‐culture on the production of antimicrobial metabolites and antifungal activity of Penicillium chrysogenum R1, which PCR identified. Antimicrobial activity was determined using the Hunter‐Hunter experimental design with three factors (pH, incubation temperature, and inoculum, at two levels each). The antifungal metabolites, β 1‐3 glucanase and chitinase, produced in the presence of live and inactivated Fusarium oxysporum Fsox C11 biomass, were evaluated using HPLC‐MS and GC‐MS. Results showed that P. chrysogenum inhibited the growth of five phytopathogenic fungal strains, and the most significant inhibition was observed for F. oxysporum Fsox C11. The best conditions to achieve the highest antifungal activity of the cell‐free extract were pH 7, 28°C, 1 × 106 spores/mL, and 144 h of fermentation, observing 86% inhibition of F. oxysporum Fsox C11 growth. Production of antifungal metabolites such as 1,4‐benzoquinone imine, viridicatic acid, phenol‐5‐methyl‐2‐(1‐methyl ethyl), and hydrolytic enzymes β 1‐3 glucanase and chitinase was detected. The results define the perspective in designing new processes and products for biocontrol phytopathogens.
Have you heard? A review of urology‐based podcasts
Authors: Deen Shameer , Ong Kelly , Walker Nicholas Faure
Published: July 2023

Podcasts are a popular medium for continuing education. The authors look at what podcasts are available for urologists and how they rank in terms of popularity compared with other podcasts.
MAD water: Integrating modular, adaptive, and decentralized approaches for water security in the climate change era
Authors: Wutich Amber , Thomson Patrick , Jepson Wendy , Stoler Justin , Cooperman Alicia D. , Doss‐Gollin James , Jantrania Anish , Mayer Alex , Nelson‐Nuñez Jami , Walker W. Shane , Westerhoff Paul
Published: July 2023

Centralized water infrastructure has, over the last century, brought safe and reliable drinking water to much of the world. But climate change, combined with aging and underfunded infrastructure, is increasingly testing the limits of—and reversing gains made by—this approach. To address these growing strains and gaps, we must assess and advance alternatives to centralized water provision and sanitation. The water literature is rife with examples of systems that are neither centralized nor networked, yet meet water needs of local communities in important ways, including: informal and hybrid water systems, decentralized water provision, community‐based water management, small drinking water systems, point‐of‐use treatment, small‐scale water vendors, and packaged water. Our work builds on these literatures by proposing a convergence approach that can integrate and explore the benefits and challenges of modular, adaptive, and decentralized (“MAD”) water provision and sanitation, often foregrounding important advances in engineering technology. We further provide frameworks to evaluate justice, economic feasibility, governance, human health, and environmental sustainability as key parameters of MAD water system performance.

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Water, Health, and Sanitation

Human Water > Water Governance

Engineering Water > Sustainable Engineering of Water
Analysis of radiative MHD Carreau nanofluid flow with melting heat transfer and variable thermal conductivity
Authors: Khan Zawar , Zeb Salman , Yousaf Muhammad
Published: July 2023

In this work, we present the impacts of melting heat transfer phenomena on the steady, laminar, incompressible, two‐dimensional magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Carreau nanofluid flow towards the stretching sheet. Additionally, in energy equation thermal radiation and variable thermal conductivity effects are also taken into consideration. By using similarity variables, governing non‐linear partial differential equations (PDEs) of the Carreau nanofluid flow model are transformed into dimensionless non‐linear ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Numerical solutions are then investigated and the results are illustrated through graphs and tables showing parameters effect on velocity, temperature, and concentration profiles of the fluid and on physical quantities including skin friction coefficient, Nusselt and Sherwood numbers, respectively. From the analysis, it is found that boosting melting heat transfer parameter leads to increasing behavior in velocity and concentration distributions, while the opposite trend is noticed for temperature distribution. Numerical results are found in close agreement and are accurate by carrying out its comparison with previous results for skin friction coefficient with different magnetic parameters while keeping other parameter values constant.
Manipulating Readers: The Novels of Agatha Christie
Authors: Link Sarah J.
Published: July 2023

This chapter analyzes lists in novels written by Agatha Christie, exploring how they invite readers to adopt certain patterns of thinking. The form of the list is presented as a cognitive tool for problem solving, both by Christie’s fictional detectives and as a possible starting point for investigations conducted by the reader. Christie systematically uses lists and their affordances to mislead readers through playing with their genre expectations. This way, she achieves surprise effects and is able to create suspense. Genre expectations prestructure the gaps in the text and thus determine the most likely patterns in which these gaps will be filled. Christie uses the list as a device that becomes tied to her readers’ expectations about order structures in this genre, and she consciously employs the formal structures of her texts to play with her readers’ assumptions.
Protokoll/protocol
Authors: Werber Niels
Published: July 2023

Das von Carl Schmitt beschriebene Problem des Zugangs zum Machthaber wird aufgegriffen, um die Zugangsfrage als Protokollfrage zu fassen: Es kommt auf das diplomatische Protokoll an, das aufschreibt und vorschreibt, wer wie wo und wann vor den König treten darf. An einigen historischen Fällen wird rekonstruiert, welche Probleme sich aus protokollarischen Fragen ergeben.

Wenn der Zugang zum französischen König einer schweizerischen Delegation verwehrt bleibt, dann hat dies seine Gründe im bevorzugten Medium der Diplomatie, der Interaktion unter Anwesenden. Kommt es zu einem Medienwechsel, stellt sich die Zugangsfrage neu. Das Protokoll reguliert nun nicht mehr die Art und Weise der persönlichen Begegnung, sondern die Art und Weise der Mitteilung von Informationen, sei es telegraphisch oder telefonisch, analog oder digital. Der Beitrag schließt mit einer These zum Internet Protocol, das die Zugangsfrage neu justiert und dabei neue Hierarchien und Zentren ausbildet.
Perturbing the symmetric orbifold from the worldsheet
Authors: Fiset Marc-Antoine , Gaberdiel Matthias R. , Naderi Kiarash , Sriprachyakul Vit
Published: July 2023

Abstract

The symmetric orbifold of 𝕋4 is the analogue of free SYM in four dimensions, and its dual is described by a tensionless string propagating in AdS3 × S3 × 𝕋4. In this paper we study the deformation of this exact AdS/CFT duality away from the free point. On the symmetric orbifold side this amounts to perturbing the theory by the exactly marginal operator from the 2-cycle twisted sector. We identify the corresponding perturbation in the dual worldsheet description, and show that the anomalous conformal dimensions of a number of symmetric orbifold currents are correctly reproduced from this worldsheet perspective.
Erratum to: Factorization for azimuthal asymmetries in SIDIS at next-to-leading power
Authors: Ebert Markus A. , Gao Anjie , Stewart Iain W.
Published: July 2023

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP06(2022)007
Effective approach to the Antoniadis-Mottola model: quantum decoupling of the higher derivative terms
Authors: Silva Wagno Cesar e , Shapiro Ilya L.
Published: July 2023

Abstract

We explore the decoupling of massive ghost mode in the 4D (four-dimensional) theory of the conformal factor of the metric. The model was introduced by Antoniadis and Mottola in [1] and can be regarded as a close analog of the fourth-derivative quantum gravity. The analysis of the derived one-loop nonlocal form factors includes their asymptotic behavior in the UV and IR limits. In the UV (high energy) domain, our results reproduce the Minimal Subtraction scheme-based beta functions of [1]. In the IR (i.e., at low energies), the diagrams with massive ghost internal lines collapse into tadpole-type graphs without nonlocal contributions and become irrelevant. On the other hand, those structures that contribute to the running of parameters of the action and survive in the IR, are well-correlated with the divergent part (or the leading in UV contributions to the form factors), coming from the effective low-energy theory of the conformal factor. This effective theory describes only the light propagating mode. Finally, we discuss whether these results may shed light on the possible running of the cosmological constant at low energies.
The planar limit of integrated 4-point functions
Authors: Fiol Bartomeu , Kong Ziwen
Published: July 2023

Abstract

We study the planar limit of integrated 4-point functions of moment map operators of 𝒩 = 2 SU(N) SQCD. We do so by considering the planar free energy on S4 of the massive deformation of this theory, and taking advantage of the exact relation between this free energy and the integrated 4-point function. For this planar free energy we derive all the terms with maximal and next-to-maximal transcendentality, and present a procedure to compute terms of lower transcendentality. We also derive the first non-planar corrections, as all order series in the ’t Hooft coupling, and to all orders in transcendentality. Finally, we also apply our approach to the better studied example of 𝒩 = 4 SU(N) SYM integrated 4-point functions, and reproduce their known planar limit.
Couplings and primitives on topological spaces
Authors: Voigt Jürgen
Published: July 2023

For an open covering $$\hspace{0.55542pt}\mathcal {U}$$

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, we present conditions for the existence of a mapping "Equation missing" satisfying $$C_V-C_U=d_{UV}$$

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for all $$(U,V)\in \mathcal {I}$$

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. The result is applied to a Poincaré type theorem concerning distributional potentials. We also put the result into the context of algebraic topology.
Sorcin promotes migration in cancer and regulates the EGF-dependent EGFR signaling pathways
Authors: Tito Claudia , Genovese Ilaria , Giamogante Flavia , Benedetti Anna , Miglietta Selenia , Barazzuol Lucia , Cristiano Loredana , Iaiza Alessia , Carolini Sabatino , De Angelis Luciana , Masciarelli Silvia , Nottola Stefania Annarita , Familiari Giuseppe , Petrozza Vincenzo , Lauriola Mattia , Tamagnone Luca , Ilari Andrea , Calì Tito , Valdivia Hector H. , Valdivia Carmen R. , Colotti Gianni , Fazi Francesco
Published: July 2023

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is one of the main tumor drivers and is an important therapeutic target for many cancers. Calcium is important in EGFR signaling pathways. Sorcin is one of the most important calcium sensor proteins, overexpressed in many tumors, that promotes cell proliferation, migration, invasion, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, malignant progression and resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. The present work elucidates a functional mechanism that links calcium homeostasis to EGFR signaling in cancer. Sorcin and EGFR expression are significantly correlated and associated with reduced overall survival in cancer patients. Mechanistically, Sorcin directly binds EGFR protein in a calcium-dependent fashion and regulates calcium (dys)homeostasis linked to EGF-dependent EGFR signaling. Moreover, Sorcin controls EGFR proteostasis and signaling and increases its phosphorylation, leading to increased EGF-dependent migration and invasion. Of note, silencing of Sorcin cooperates with EGFR inhibitors in the regulation of migration, highlighting calcium signaling pathway as an exploitable target to enhance the effectiveness of EGFR-targeting therapies.
Unified Filter Order Estimate for Minimax-Designed Linear-Phase FIR Wideband and Lowpass Digital Differentiators
Authors: Wang Yinan , Deng Mingxin , Johansson Håkan , Li Zhiwei , Li Qingjiang
Published: July 2023

Digital differentiators enable the computation of the derivative of a continuous-time signal at discrete time instances, and they are used in many signal processing applications. This paper derives a unified filter order estimate for digital differentiators that are realized with linear-phase finite-length impulse response filters and designed in the minimax sense. The estimate is useful at the high-level system design when assessing the implementation complexity and it enables fewer designs when finding the minimal filter order required to satisfy a prescribed tolerable approximation error. The proposed unified estimate covers both wideband and lowpass differentiators of integer degrees up to ten. Furthermore, degree-individual filter order estimates are derived which improve and extend previous results. The performance of both the unified and degree-individual order estimates is evaluated through simulation examples and compared with previous estimates.
Accuracy of VO2 estimation according to the widely used Krakau formula for the prediction of cardiac output
Authors: Reiter Theresa , Kerzner Julia , Fette Georg , Frantz Stefan , Voelker Wolfram , Ertl Georg , Bauer Wolfgang , Morbach Caroline , Störk Stefan , Güder Gülmisal
Published: July 2023

Background

Invasive cardiac output (CO) is measured with the thermodilution (TD) or the indirect Fick method (iFM) in right heart catheterization (RHC). The iFM estimates CO using approximation formulas for oxygen consumption ($$\dot {\mathrm{V}}$$V̇O2), but there are significant discrepancies (> 20%) between both methods. Although regularly applied, the formula proposed by Krakau has not been validated. We compared the CO discrepancies between the Krakau formula with the reference (TD) and three established formulas and investigated whether alterations assessed in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) determined the extent of the deviations.

Methods

This retrospective study included 188 patients aged 63 ± 14 years (30% women) receiving both CMR and RHC. The CO was measured with TD or with the iFM using the formulas by Krakau, LaFarge, Dehmer, and Bergstra for$$\dot {\mathrm{V}}$$V̇O2 estimation (iFM-K/-L/-D/-B). Percentage errors were calculated as twice the standard deviation of the difference between two CO methods divided by their means; a cut-off of < 30% was regarded as acceptable.The iFM and TD-derived CO ratio was built, and deviations > 20% were counted. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify determinants of a deviation of > 20%.

Results

The TD-derived CO (5.5 ± 1.7 L/min) was significantly different from all iFM (K: 4.8 ± 1.6, L: 4.3 ± 1.6; D: 4.8 ± 1.5 L/min; B: 5.4 ± 1.8 L/min allp < 0.05). The iFM-K-CO differed from all methods (p < 0.001) except iFM‑D (p = 0.19). Percentage errors between TD-CO and iFM-K/-L/-D/-B were all beyond the acceptance limit (44/45/44/43%), while percentage errors between iFM‑K and other iFM were all < 16%. None of the parameters measured in CMR was predictive of a discrepancy of > 20% between both methods.

Conclusion

The Krakau formula was comparable to other iFM in estimating CO levels, but none showed satisfactory agreement with the TD method. Improved derivation cohorts for$$\dot {\mathrm{V}}$$V̇O2estimation are needed that better reflect today’s patients undergoing RHC.
Evaluation der Einführung der HIV-Präexpositionsprophylaxe als Leistung der gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung (EvE‑PrEP)
Authors: Schmidt Daniel , Kollan Christian , Schewe Knud , Hanhoff Nikola , Rüsenberg Robin , Friebe Martin , Schikowski Tim , Schink Susanne Barbara , Marcus Ulrich , Koppe Uwe , Jansen Klaus , Streeck Hendrik , Ottensmeyer Patrick , an der Heiden Matthias , Bannert Norbert , M’Bayo Rosaline , Ceres Maia , Weber Lukas , Sweers Holger , Schmidt Axel Jeremias , Tietz Helge , Danan Emmanuel , Bendig Jörg , Kloep Stephan , Neumann Anja , Valbert Frederik , Wasem Jürgen , Bartmeyer Barbara , Bremer Viviane ,   NEPOS Studiengruppe
Published: July 2023

Hintergrund

Untersucht wurden die Auswirkungen der HIV-Präexpositionsprophylaxe (PrEP) als neue Leistung der gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung (GKV) auf das Infektionsgeschehen von HIV und anderen sexuell übertragbaren Infektionen (STI) in Deutschland. Zusätzlich wurden PrEP-Bedarfe sowie Zugangsbarrieren analysiert.

Methoden

Im Rahmen des Evaluationsprojektes wurden folgende Daten ausgewertet: HIV- und Syphilis-Meldedaten und erweiterte Surveillance des Robert Koch-Instituts (RKI), Apothekenabrechnungsdaten, GKV-Daten, PrEP-Gebrauch in HIV-Schwerpunktzentren, Checkpoint‑, BRAHMS- und PrApp-Studie sowie ein Community-Beirat.

Ergebnisse

Die PrEP-Nutzenden waren zum größten Teil männlich (98–99 %), zum Großteil im Alter zwischen 25–45 Jahren und überwiegend deutscher Staatsangehörigkeit oder Herkunft (67–82 %). Der Großteil zählte zur Gruppe der Männer, die Sex mit Männern haben (99 %). In Bezug auf HIV-Infektionen zeigte sich die PrEP als hocheffektiv. Es fanden nur vereinzelt HIV-Infektionen statt (HIV-Inzidenzrate 0,08/100 Personenjahre), in den meisten Fällen war der vermutete Grund eine geringe Adhärenz. Die Inzidenzen von Chlamydien, Gonorrhö und Syphilis nahmen nicht zu, sondern blieben nahezu gleich oder gingen sogar zurück. Es zeigte sich Informationsbedarf zur PrEP für Personen in trans*/nichtbinären Communitys, Sexarbeitende, Migrant*innen und Drogengebrauchende. Notwendig wären bedarfsgerechte Angebote für Zielgruppen mit erhöhtem HIV-Risiko.

Diskussion

Die PrEP erwies sich als eine sehr wirkungsvolle HIV-Präventionsmethode. Die teils befürchteten indirekten negativen Einflüsse auf STI-Raten wurden in dieser Untersuchung nicht bestätigt. Aufgrund der zeitlichen Überschneidung mit den Eindämmungsmaßnahmen während der COVID-19-Pandemie wäre für eine abschließende Beurteilung ein längerer Beobachtungszeitraum wünschenswert.
Ultrasound-assisted extraction of cranberry seed oil: food waste valorization approach
Authors: Piasecka Iga , Brzezińska Rita , Ostrowska-Ligęza Ewa , Wiktor Artur , Górska Agata
Published: July 2023

Cranberry pomace considered as a by-product of fruit industry contains seeds which may be processed to highly nutritive oil. Conventional extraction methods may be, however, harmful to natural environment, thus alternative, ultrasound-assisted extraction method may be useful tool to reduce environmental impact. In the following study, sonication was applied to extract oil from cranberry seeds. The aim of the study was to determine the most efficient conditions of ultrasound-assisted extraction of oil and to investigate sonication influence on the properties of final product. Ultrasound amplitude and extraction time were independent variables; yield and maximum induction time of oils were responses. The most efficient conditions were amplitude of 95% and extraction time of 11.38 min. Model predicted extraction yield of 22.55 ± 0.36% (vs. actual 21.98 ± 0.08%) and induction time of 52.60 ± 0.95 min (vs. actual 61.95 ± 3.06 min). Detailed analyses of oil extracted in the most efficient conditions and the control sample were performed. Kinetic parameters of oil oxidation, fatty acid profile and distribution, melting characteristics studies were carried out. Sonication influenced activation energy of oxidation reaction, contribution of chosen fatty acids (oleic, α-linolenic and eicosenoic fatty acids) and distribution of oleic and α-linolenic fatty acids in sn-2 position of triacylglycerols. Slight changes in melting profile of oils were also recorded. Scanning electron microscopy of cranberry seeds revealed that ultrasound treatment resulted in pore enlargement and fat agglomeration damage. Additional studies of thermal properties of cranberry seeds: differential scanning calorimetry and modulated differential scanning calorimetry were performed, which confirmed that cranberry seeds may be a new source of oil with unique properties.