bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LPA1-mediated inhibition of CXCR4 attenuates CXCL12-induced signaling and cell migration
Authors: Hong Jong Min , Lee Jin-Woo , Seen Dong-Seung , Jeong Jae-Yeon , Huh Won-Ki
Published: September 2023

Background

G protein-coupled receptor heteromerization is believed to exert dynamic regulatory impact on signal transduction. CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and its ligand CXCL12, both of which are overexpressed in many cancers, play a pivotal role in metastasis. Likewise, lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 (LPA1) is implicated in cancer cell proliferation and migration. In our preliminary study, we identified LPA1 as a prospective CXCR4 interactor. In the present study, we investigated in detail the formation of the CXCR4-LPA1 heteromer and characterized the unique molecular features and function of this heteromer.

Methods

We employed bimolecular fluorescence complementation, bioluminescence resonance energy transfer, and proximity ligation assays to demonstrate heteromerization between CXCR4 and LPA1. To elucidate the distinctive molecular characteristics and functional implications of the CXCR4-LPA1 heteromer, we performed various assays, including cAMP, BRET for G protein activation, β-arrestin recruitment, ligand binding, and transwell migration assays.

Results

We observed that CXCR4 forms heteromers with LPA1 in recombinant HEK293A cells and the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. Coexpression of LPA1 with CXCR4 reduced CXCL12-mediated cAMP inhibition, ERK activation, Gαi/o activation, and β-arrestin recruitment, while CXCL12 binding to CXCR4 remained unaffected. In contrast, CXCR4 had no impact on LPA1-mediated signaling. The addition of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) further hindered CXCL12-induced Gαi/o recruitment to CXCR4. LPA or alkyl-OMPT inhibited CXCL12-induced migration in various cancer cells that endogenously express both CXCR4 and LPA1. Conversely, CXCL12-induced calcium signaling and migration were increased in LPAR1 knockout cells, and LPA1-selective antagonists enhanced CXCL12-induced Gαi/o signaling and cell migration in the parental MDA-MB-231 cells but not in LPA1-deficient cells. Ultimately, complete inhibition of cell migration toward CXCL12 and alkyl-OMPT was only achieved in the presence of both CXCR4 and LPA1 antagonists.

Conclusions

The presence and impact of CXCR4-LPA1 heteromers on CXCL12-induced signaling and cell migration have been evidenced across various cell lines. This discovery provides crucial insights into a valuable regulatory mechanism of CXCR4 through heteromerization. Moreover, our findings propose a therapeutic potential in combined CXCR4 and LPA1 inhibitors for cancer and inflammatory diseases associated with these receptors, simultaneously raising concerns about the use of LPA1 antagonists alone for such conditions.
Natural killer cells and their exosomes in viral infections and related therapeutic approaches: where are we?
Authors: Razizadeh Mohammad Hossein , Zafarani Alireza , Taghavi-Farahabadi Mahsa , Khorramdelazad Hossein , Minaeian Sara , Mahmoudi Mohammad
Published: September 2023

Innate immunity is the first line of the host immune system to fight against infections. Natural killer cells are the innate immunity lymphocytes responsible for fighting against virus-infected and cancerous cells. They have various mechanisms to suppress viral infections. On the other hand, viruses have evolved to utilize different ways to evade NK cell-mediated responses. Viruses can balance the response by regulating the cytokine release pattern and changing the proportion of activating and inhibitory receptors on the surface of NK cells. Exosomes are a subtype of extracellular vesicles that are involved in intercellular communication. Most cell populations can release these nano-sized vesicles, and it was shown that these vesicles produce identical outcomes to the originating cell from which they are released. In recent years, the role of NK cell-derived exosomes in various diseases including viral infections has been highlighted, drawing attention to utilizing the therapeutic potential of these nanoparticles. In this article, the role of NK cells in various viral infections and the mechanisms used by viruses to evade these important immune system cells are initially examined. Subsequently, the role of NK cell exosomes in controlling various viral infections is discussed. Finally, the current position of these cells in the treatment of viral infections and the therapeutic potential of their exosomes are reviewed.
Defective quality control autophagy in Hyperhomocysteinemia promotes ER stress and consequent neuronal apoptosis through proteotoxicity
Authors: Kaur Bhavneet , Sharma Pradeep Kumar , Chatterjee Barun , Bissa Bhawana , Nattarayan Vasugi , Ramasamy Soundhar , Bhat Ajay , Lal Megha , Samaddar Sarbani , Banerjee Sourav , Roy Soumya Sinha
Published: September 2023

Homocysteine (Hcy), produced physiologically in all cells, is an intermediate metabolite of methionine and cysteine metabolism. Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) resulting from an in-born error of metabolism that leads to accumulation of high levels of Hcy, is associated with vascular damage, neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. Using a HHcy model in neuronal cells, primary cortical neurons and transgenic zebrafish, we demonstrate diminished autophagy and Hcy-induced neurotoxicity associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, fragmentation and apoptosis. We find this mitochondrial dysfunction is due to Hcy-induced proteotoxicity leading to ER stress. We show this sustained proteotoxicity originates from the perturbation of upstream autophagic pathways through an aberrant activation of mTOR and that protetoxic stress act as a feedforward cues to aggravate a sustained ER stress that culminate to mitochondrial apoptosis in HHcy model systems. Using chemical chaperones to mitigate sustained ER stress, Hcy-induced proteotoxicity and consequent neurotoxicity were rescued. We also rescue neuronal lethality by activation of autophagy and thereby reducing proteotoxicity and ER stress. Our findings pave the way to devise new strategies for the treatment of neural and cognitive pathologies reported in HHcy, by either activation of upstream autophagy or by suppression of downstream ER stress.
Advancing polytrauma care: developing and validating machine learning models for early mortality prediction
Authors: He Wen , Fu Xianghong , Chen Song
Published: September 2023

Background

Rapid identification of high-risk polytrauma patients is crucial for early intervention and improved outcomes. This study aimed to develop and validate machine learning models for predicting 72 h mortality in adult polytrauma patients using readily available clinical parameters.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on polytrauma patients from the Dryad database and our institution. Missing values pertinent to eligible individuals within the Dryad database were compensated for through the k-nearest neighbor algorithm, subsequently randomizing them into training and internal validation factions on a 7:3 ratio. The patients of our institution functioned as external validation cohorts. The predictive efficacy of random forest (RF), neural network, and XGBoost models was assessed through an exhaustive suite of performance indicators. The SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) and Local Interpretable Model-Agnostic Explanations (LIME) methods were engaged to explain the supreme-performing model. Conclusively, restricted cubic spline analysis and multivariate logistic regression were employed as sensitivity analyses to verify the robustness of the findings.

Results

Parameters including age, body mass index, Glasgow Coma Scale, Injury Severity Score, pH, base excess, and lactate emerged as pivotal predictors of 72 h mortality. The RF model exhibited unparalleled performance, boasting an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84–0.89), an area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC) of 0.67 (95% CI 0.61–0.73), and an accuracy of 0.83 (95% CI 0.81–0.86) in the internal validation cohort, paralleled by an AUROC of 0.98 (95% CI 0.97–0.99), an AUPRC of 0.88 (95% CI 0.83–0.93), and an accuracy of 0.97 (95% CI 0.96–0.98) in the external validation cohort. It provided the highest net benefit in the decision curve analysis in relation to the other models. The outcomes of the sensitivity examinations were congruent with those inferred from SHAP and LIME.

Conclusions

The RF model exhibited the best performance in predicting 72 h mortality in adult polytrauma patients and has the potential to aid clinicians in identifying high-risk patients and guiding clinical decision-making.
Virtual reality—enhanced walking in people post-stroke: effect of optic flow speed and level of immersion on the gait biomechanics
Authors: De Keersmaecker Emma , Van Bladel Anke , Zaccardi Silvia , Lefeber Nina , Rodriguez-Guerrero Carlos , Kerckhofs Eric , Jansen Bart , Swinnen Eva
Published: September 2023

Background

Optic flow—the apparent visual motion experienced while moving—is absent during treadmill walking. With virtual reality (VR), optic flow can be controlled to mediate alterations in human walking. The aim of this study was to investigate (1) the effects of fully immersive VR and optic flow speed manipulation on gait biomechanics, simulator sickness, and enjoyment in people post-stroke and healthy people, and (2) the effects of the level of immersion on optic flow speed and sense of presence.

Methods

Sixteen people post-stroke and 16 healthy controls performed two VR-enhanced treadmill walking sessions: the semi-immersive GRAIL session and fully immersive head-mounted display (HMD) session. Both consisted of five walking trials. After two habituation trials (without and with VR), participants walked three more trials under the following conditions: matched, slow, and fast optic flow. Primary outcome measures were spatiotemporal parameters and lower limb kinematics. Secondary outcomes (simulator sickness, enjoyment, and sense of presence) were assessed with the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire, Visual Analogue Scales, and Igroup Presence Questionnaire.

Results

When walking with the immersive HMD, the stroke group walked with a significantly slower cadence (-3.69strides/min, p = 0.006), longer stride time (+ 0.10 s, p = 0.017) and stance time for the unaffected leg (+ 1.47%, p = 0.001) and reduced swing time for the unaffected leg (− 1.47%, p = 0.001). Both groups responded to the optic flow speed manipulation such that people accelerated with a slow optic flow and decelerated with a fast optic flow. Compared to the semi-immersive GRAIL session, manipulating the optic flow speed with the fully immersive HMD had a greater effect on gait biomechanics whilst also eliciting a higher sense of presence.

Conclusion

Adding fully immersive VR while walking on a self-paced treadmill led to a more cautious gait pattern in people post-stroke. However, walking with the HMD was well tolerated and enjoyable. People post-stroke altered their gait parameters when optic flow speed was manipulated and showed greater alterations with the fully-immersive HMD. Further work is needed to determine the most effective type of optic flow speed manipulation as well as which other principles need to be implemented to positively influence the gait pattern of people post-stroke.

Trial registration number: The study was pre-registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04521829).
Efficacy of OLIF combined with pedicle screw internal fixation for lumbar spinal stenosis on spinal canal changes before and after surgery
Authors: Xu Wangbing , Liu Weibing , Zhong Faming , Peng Yu , Liu Xin , Yu Liangkun
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of OLIF combined with pedicle screw internal fixation in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis by assessing the changes in spinal canal before and after surgery.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we included sixteen patients who underwent a combination of single-segment OLIF and pedicle screw internal fixation for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis at the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine between February 2018 and August 2022. The patients' pre- and post-operative data were compared. Intraoperative bleeding, duration of surgery, visual analogue score (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), disc height (DH), cross-sectional area of vertebral canal (CSAVC), cross-sectional area of dural sac (CSADS), cross-sectional area of intervertebral foramen (CSAIF), spinal canal volume (SCV), spinal canal volume expansion rate, lumbar lordosis, and sagittal vertical axis were observed and recorded. The efficacy of OLIF combined with pedicle screw internal fixation for lumbar spinal stenosis on spinal canal changes before and after surgery was summarized.

Results

The results showed that OLIF combined with pedicle screw internal fixation effectively restored disc height and increased the cross-sectional area of the spinal canal. It also had an indirect decompression effect. The intraoperative bleeding and duration of surgery were within acceptable ranges. The VAS and ODI scores significantly improved after surgery, indicating a reduction in pain and improvement in functional disability. The CSAVC, CSADS, CSAIF, SCV, and spinal canal volume expansion rate were all increased postoperatively. Additionally, there was improvement in lumbar lordosis and sagittal vertical axis. We conducted a follow-up of all patients at 1 year after the surgery. The results revealed that the parameter values at 1 year post-surgery showed varying degrees of decrease or increase compared to the immediate postoperative values. However, these values remained statistically significant when compared to the preoperative parameter values (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

OLIF combined with pedicle screw internal fixation effectively restores disc height and increases the cross-sectional area of the vertebral canal in patients with LSS, reflecting the indirect decompression effect. Measuring parameters such as DH, CSAVC, CSADS, CSAIF, SCV, and SCV expansion rate before and after surgery provides valuable information for evaluating the efficacy and functional recovery of the lumbar spine in LSS patients treated with OLIF surgery.
Novelty-induced memory consolidation is accompanied by increased Agap3 transcription: a cross-species study
Authors: Højgaard Kristoffer , Szöllősi Bianka , Henningsen Kim , Minami Natsumi , Nakanishi Nobuhiro , Kaadt Erik , Tamura Makoto , Morris Richard G.M. , Takeuchi Tomonori , Elfving Betina
Published: September 2023

Novelty-induced memory consolidation is a well-established phenomenon that depends on the activation of a locus coeruleus-hippocampal circuit. It is associated with the expression of activity-dependent genes that may mediate initial or cellular memory consolidation. Several genes have been identified to date, however, to fully understand the mechanisms of memory consolidation, additional candidates must be identified. In this cross-species study, we used a contextual novelty-exploration paradigm to identify changes in gene expression in the dorsal hippocampus of both mice and rats. We found that changes in gene expression following contextual novelty varied between the two species, with 9 genes being upregulated in mice and 3 genes in rats. Comparison across species revealed that ArfGAP with a GTPase domain, an ankyrin repeat and PH domain 3 (Agap3) was the only gene being upregulated in both, suggesting a potentially conserved role forAgap3. AGAP3 is known to regulate α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)-type glutamate receptor trafficking in the synapse, which suggests that increased transcription ofAgap3may be involved in maintaining functional plasticity. While we identified several genes affected by contextual novelty exploration, we were unable to fully reverse these changes using SCH 23390, a dopamine D1/D5receptor antagonist. Further research on the role of AGAP3 in novelty-induced memory consolidation could lead to better understanding of this process and guide future research.
Microsporidia MB in the primary malaria vector Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto is avirulent and undergoes maternal and horizontal transmission
Authors: Nattoh Godfrey , Onyango Brenda , Makhulu Edward Edmond , Omoke Diana , Ang’ang’o Lilian Mbaisi , Kamau Luna , Gesuge Maxwell Machani , Ochomo Eric , Herren Jeremy Keith
Published: September 2023

Background

The demonstration that the recently discovered Anopheles symbiont Microsporidia MB blocks malaria transmission in Anophelesarabiensis and undergoes vertical and horizontal transmission suggests that it is a promising candidate for the development of a symbiont-based malaria transmission-blocking strategy. The infection prevalence and characteristics of Microsporidia MB in Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (s.s.), another primary vector species of malaria in Kenya, were investigated.

Methods

Field-collected females were confirmed to be Microsporidia MB-positive after oviposition. Egg counts of Microsporidia MB-infected and non-infected individuals were used to infer the effects of Microsporidia MB on fecundity. The time to pupation, adult sex ratio and survival were used to determine if Microsporidia MB infection has similar characteristics in the host mosquitoes An. gambiae and An. arabiensis. The intensity of Microsporidia MB infection in tissues of the midgut and gonads, and in carcasses, was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. To investigate horizontal transmission, virgin males and females that were either Microsporidia MB-infected or non-infected were placed in standard cages for 48 h and allowed to mate; transmission was confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction targeting Microsporidia MB genes.

Results

Microsporidia MB was found to naturally occur at a low prevalence in An. gambiae s.s. collected in western Kenya. Microsporidia MB shortened the development time from larva to pupa, but other fitness parameters such as fecundity, sex ratio, and adult survival did not differ between Microsporidia MB-infected and non-infected hosts. Microsporidia MB intensities were high in the male gonadal tissues. Transmission experiments indicated that Microsporidia MB undergoes both maternal and horizontal transmission in An. gambiae s.s.

Conclusions

The findings that Microsporidia MB naturally infects, undergoes maternal and horizontal transmission, and is avirulent in An. gambiae s.s. indicate that many of the characteristics of its infection in An. arabiensis hold true for the former. The results of the present study indicate that Microsporidia MB could be developed as a tool for the transmission-blocking of malaria across different Anopheles species.

Graphical Abstract
Deep adaptive temporal network (DAT-Net): an effective deep learning model for parameter estimation of radar multipath interference signals
Authors: Yan Kang , Jin Weidong , Huang Yingkun , Song Pucha , Li Zhenhua
Published: September 2023

Accurate parameter estimation in radar systems is critically hindered by multipath interference, a challenge that is amplified in complex and dynamic environments. Traditional methods for parameter estimation, which concentrate on single parameters and rely on statistical assumptions, often struggle in such scenarios. To address this, the deep adaptive temporal network (DAT-Net), an innovative deep learning model designed to handle the inherent complexities and non-stationarity of time series data, is proposed. In more detail, DAT-Net integrates both the pruned exact linear time method for effective time series segmentation and the exponential scaling-based importance evaluation algorithm for dynamic learning of importance weights. These methods enable the model to adapt to shifts in data distribution and provide a robust solution for parameter estimation. In addition, DAT-Net demonstrates the capability to comprehend inherent nonlinearities in radar multipath interference signals, thereby facilitating the modeling of intricate patterns within the data. Extensive validation experiments conducted across parameter estimation tasks and demonstrates the robust applicability and efficiency of the proposed DAT-Net model. The architecture yield root mean squared error scores as low as 0.0051 for single-parameter estimation and 0.0152 for multiple-parameter estimation.
The well posedness of solutions for the 2D magnetomicropolar boundary layer equations in an analytic framework
Authors: Dong Xiaolei
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we prove the existence and uniqueness of solutions to the 2D magnetomicropolar boundary layer equations on the half-plane by using the classical bootstrap argument in an analytic framework.
Traffic light nutrition labeling preferences among children
Authors: Cabrera Tania , Carpio Carlos E. , Sarasty Oscar , Watson Susan E. , Gonzalez María-Susana
Published: September 2023

Objective

This study evaluates the effects of traffic light (TL) nutritional label attributes on children’s food choices. Data were collected from a survey of 1179 Ecuadorian students attending public middle and high school in three major cities in the country’s southern region (Machala, Loja, and Zamora). The survey instrument included two sets of choice experiments: one with yogurt products and the other with soft drinks (sodas and juices). In the choice scenarios, children were presented with two products that differed in price and the TL label colors for sugar, salt, and fat. Children’s product selections in the choice experiments were analyzed using mixed logit models. The results indicate that labels affect food choices. Additionally, children are willing to pay increasing premium levels for products with yellow, green, and “does not contain” labels compared to products with red labels. Overall, the study’s findings offer evidence that TL labels are effective in helping children make food choices consistent with their preferences for food products with TL labels representing healthier alternatives.
A glimpse of the paleome in endolithic microbial communities
Authors: Wegner Carl-Eric , Stahl Raphaela , Velsko Irina , Hübner Alex , Fagernäs Zandra , Warinner Christina , Lehmann Robert , Ritschel Thomas , Totsche Kai U. , Küsel Kirsten
Published: September 2023

Background

The terrestrial subsurface is home to a significant proportion of the Earth’s microbial biomass. Our understanding about terrestrial subsurface microbiomes is almost exclusively derived from groundwater and porous sediments mainly by using 16S rRNA gene surveys. To obtain more insights about biomass of consolidated rocks and the metabolic status of endolithic microbiomes, we investigated interbedded limestone and mudstone from the vadose zone, fractured aquifers, and deep aquitards.

Results

By adapting methods from microbial archaeology and paleogenomics, we could recover sufficient DNA for downstream metagenomic analysis from seven rock specimens independent of porosity, lithology, and depth. Based on the extracted DNA, we estimated between 2.81 and 4.25 × 105cells × g−1rock. Analyzing DNA damage patterns revealed paleome signatures (genetic records of past microbial communities) for three rock specimens, all obtained from the vadose zone. DNA obtained from deep aquitards isolated from surface input was not affected by DNA decay indicating that water saturation and not flow is controlling subsurface microbial survival. Decoding the taxonomy and functional potential of paleome communities revealed increased abundances for sequences affiliated with chemolithoautotrophs and taxa such asCand.Rokubacteria. We also found a broader metabolic potential in terms of aromatic hydrocarbon breakdown, suggesting a preferred utilization of sedimentary organic matter in the past.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that limestones function as archives for genetic records of past microbial communities including those sensitive to environmental stress at modern times, due to their specific conditions facilitating long-term DNA preservation.
Resilience and urban form transformation: from San Fulgencio monastery to market in Écija, Spain
Authors: Ostos-Prieto F.-Javier , Aladro-Prieto José-Manuel , Pérez-Cano María-Teresa
Published: September 2023

The nineteenth century city in Spain is defined by modernisation, transformation and urban renewal. The production of urban plans played an important role in projects for the realignment of streets and the opening of new roads. In addition, new urban facilities were added, such as the bullring or the food market, which had hitherto been lacking in many cities. In addition, the church confiscations and the decrease of religious orders led to the abandonment and demolition of many monasteries and convents, which were subsequently used in urban developments. If the new urban facilities were located in the city centre, situated on old monastic plots, is it indeed possible to determine the original monastic plot and building through its urban trace? This research focuses on studying the urban morphology and typology transformation derived from the succession of the monastery to a market. The case study is the Jesuit monastery in Écija, which was transformed into a food market in 1844. A methodology based on the analysis and comparison of maps and planimetry of the market and the disappeared monastery has been used. In order to find the original monastic plot, an inverted chronological order has been followed. The inaccuracies of the original plans have led to an initial study of the current market, towards the market project and finally the monastery itself, trying to identify and define the earliest traces. The results include a hypothesis of the original building of the monastery, as well as the identification of monastic areas under residential buildings on plots outside the market.
Inflammasome activation in peritumoral astrocytes is a key player in breast cancer brain metastasis development
Authors: Mészáros Ádám , Molnár Kinga , Fazakas Csilla , Nógrádi Bernát , Lüvi Adél , Dudás Tamás , Tiszlavicz László , Farkas Attila Elek , Krizbai István Adorján , Wilhelm Imola
Published: September 2023

Inflammasomes, primarily responsible for the activation of IL-1β, have emerged as critical regulators of the tumor microenvironment. By using in vivo and in vitro brain metastasis models, as well as human samples to study the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) brain metastases, we found NLRP3 inflammasome components and IL-1β to be highly and specifically expressed in peritumoral astrocytes. Soluble factors from TNBC cells induced upregulation and activation of NLRP3 and IL-1β in astrocytes, while astrocyte-derived mediators augmented the proliferation of metastatic cells. In addition, inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activity using MCC950 or dampening the downstream effect of IL-1β prevented the proliferation increase in cancer cells. In vivo, MCC950 reduced IL-1β expression in peritumoral astrocytes, as well as the levels of inflammasome components and active IL-1β. Most importantly, significantly retarded growth of brain metastatic tumors was observed in mice treated with MCC950. Overall, astrocytes contribute to TNBC progression in the brain through activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and consequent IL-1β release. We conclude that pharmacological targeting of inflammasomes may become a novel strategy in controlling brain metastatic diseases.
Structural properties and immunomodulatory activity of an α-glucan purified from the fruiting body of Stropharia rugosoannulata
Authors: Zuofa Zhang , Tingting Song , Guoying Lv , Jie Liu , Qunli Jin
Published: September 2023

A novel polysaccharide PSRa-2 was purified from Stropharia rugosoannulata fruiting bodies using high pressure homogenization-assisted dual enzyme method, ion exchange, and gel chromatography. The PSRa-2 was characterized via FT-IR, HPAEC, SEM, Congo red test, SEC–MALLS-RI, methylation analysis, and NMR analysis. Structural characterization revealed that PSRa-2 was an α-glucan with a Mw 455.6 kDa. The backbone of PSRa-2 was composed of →4)-α-d-Glcp-(1→ and →3)-α-d-Glcp-(1→ and branches of α-d-Glcp-(1→ at position O-6 of →4,6)-α-d-Glcp-(1→. PSRa-2 induced splenocyte proliferation and protected splenocytes against 5-Fu-induced immunosuppression by restoring the proliferation and secretion of cytokines (TNF-α and IL-2) secretion levels. Thus, PSRa-2 exhibits obviously immunomodulatory activity and represents a potential natural immunomodulator.

Graphical Abstract
Characterization of cold-active trehalose synthase from Pseudarthrobacter sp. for trehalose bioproduction
Authors: Trakarnpaiboon Srisakul , Bunterngsook Benjarat , Lekakarn Hataikarn , Prongjit Daran , Champreda Verawat
Published: September 2023

Trehalose is a functional sugar that has numerous applications in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products. Production of trehalose from maltose via a single-step enzymatic catalysis using trehalose synthase (TreS) is a promising method compared with the conventional two-step process due to its simplicity with lower formation of byproducts. In this study, a cold-active trehalose synthase (PaTreS) from Pseudarthrobacter sp. TBRC 2005 was heterologously expressed and characterized. PaTreS showed the maximum activity at 20 °C and maintained 87% and 59% of its activity at 10 °C and 4 °C, respectively. The enzyme had remarkable stability over a board pH range of 7.0–9.0 with the highest activity at pH 7.0. The activity was enhanced by divalent metal ions (Mg2+, Mn2+ and Ca2+). Conversion of high-concentration maltose syrup (100–300 g/L) using PaTreS yielded 71.7–225.5 g/L trehalose, with 4.5–16.4 g/L glucose as a byproduct within 16 h. The work demonstrated the potential of PaTreS as a promising biocatalyst for the development of low-temperature trehalose production, with the advantages of reduced risk of microbial contamination with low generation of byproduct.

Graphical abstract
A case of a thoracic duct cyst extending from the mediastinum to the cisterna chyli resected using bilateral thoracoscopic surgery in the prone position
Authors: Miyamoto Hironari , Lee Shigeru , Ishidate Takemi , Kuroda Kenji , Kasashima Hiroaki , Miki Yuichiro , Yoshii Mami , Fukuoka Tatsunari , Tamura Tatsuro , Shibutani Masatsune , Toyokawa Takahiro , Maeda Kiyoshi
Published: September 2023

Background

Thoracic duct cysts are extremely rare mediastinal tumors. We report a case of a thoracic duct cyst extending from the caudal aspect of the left main bronchus to the left renal artery that was safely and completely resected via bilateral thoracoscopic surgery in the prone position.

Case presentation

A 77-year-old male was referred to our hospital for follow-up computed tomography (CT) of prostate cancer, which revealed a mediastinal tumor and fatty low-density along the posterior mediastinum of the para-aortic artery with a slightly high-density component. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a T2-weighted image with high intensity. The preoperative radiological diagnosis was lipoma or well-differentiated liposarcoma. CT in the prone position suggested that the tumor could be resected from the thoracic cavity to the caudal side, and bilateral thoracoscopic surgery was performed in the prone position. Based on the surgical findings, the tumor was diagnosed as a thoracic duct cyst rather than a lipoma. Dissection around the thoracic duct cyst was performed using a vessel-sealing system to prevent leakage of the chyle, and reliable clipping was performed to resect the cisterna chyli. Histopathological examination revealed smooth muscle structures around the cyst, suggestive of a thoracic duct cyst. The diagnosis of a thoracic duct cyst was made based on a high triglyceride level of 1310 mg/dL on examination of the milky-white cyst fluid. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and he was discharged 4 days postoperatively. A CT scan performed 13 months after surgery showed no recurrence.

Conclusions

A rare thoracic duct cyst extending from the mediastinum to the cisterna chyli was safely and completely resected using bilateral thoracoscopic surgery, with the patient in the prone position.
Effects of an educational planetary plate graphic on meat consumption in a Stanford University dining hall: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Marcone Alessandra L. , Darmstadt Gary L. , Challamel Ghislaine Amsler , Mathur Maya B. , Gardner Christopher D.
Published: September 2023

Background

Assess the impact of an educational Planetary Health Plate (PHP) graphic on meat-related dietary choices of Stanford University dining hall patrons using a randomized controlled trial crossover design. All patrons entering the dining hall during study periods were enrolled as participants. Control, n = 631; PHP, n = 547.

Methods

Compare dietary behavior without signage to behavior while exposed to PHP during four equivalent dinner meals. The primary outcome was total meat-dish weight adjusted for the number of people entering the dining hall. Secondary outcomes included the number of meat-dish servings and average meat-dish serving weight. Analysis using T-tests, Poisson generalized linear model.

Results

Differences in total meat-dish weight, (1.54 kg; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = -4.41,1.33; P = .19) and average meat-dish serving weight (0.03 kg; 95% CI = 0.00, 0.06; P = .07) between PHP and control patrons did not reach significance. The rate at which PHP patrons took meat was significantly lower (Incidence Rate Ratio 0.80; 95% CI = 0.71, 0.91; P < .001).

Conclusion

Exposure to an educational plate graphic decreased the proportion of patrons taking meat but had no impact on total meat consumption or meat-dish serving weight. Statistical methods used in this study may inform future investigations on dietary change in the dining hall setting. Further research on the role of educational signage in influencing dietary behavior is warranted, with an aim to improve human health and environmental sustainability.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05565859, registered 4 October 2022
Implementation of a hybrid healthcare model in rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases: 6-months results of the multicenter Digireuma study
Authors: Benavent D. , Fernández-Luque L. , Sanz-Jardón M. , Bilionis I. , Novella-Navarro M. , Navarro-Compán V. , González-Sanz P. L. , Calvo E. , Lojo L. , Balsa A. , Plasencia-Rodríguez Ch
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) require a tailored follow-up that can be enhanced by the implementation of innovative tools. The Digireuma study aimed to test the feasibility of a hybrid follow-up utilizing an electronic patient reported outcomes (ePROs)-based monitoring strategy in patients with RMDs.

Methods

Adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA) were recruited for a 6-month bicentric prospective follow-up consisting of face-to-face and digital assessments. Patients were asked to report disease-specific ePROs on a pre-established basis, and could also report flares, medication changes, and recent infections at any time. Four rheumatologists monitored these outcomes and contacted patients for interventions when deemed necessary. Results from face-to-face and digital assessments were described.

Results

Of 56 recruited patients, 47 (84%) submitted any ePROs to the digital platform. Most patients with RA were female (74%, median age of 47 years), while 48% of patients with SpA were female (median age 40.4 years). A total of 3,800 platform visits were completed, with a median of 57 and 29 visits in patients with RA and SpA, respectively. Among 52 reported alerts, 47 (90%) needed contact, of which 36 (77%) were managed remotely. Adherence rates declined throughout the study, with around half of patients dropping out during the 6 months follow-up.

Conclusion

The implementation of a hybrid follow-up in clinical practice is feasible. Digital health solutions can provide granular knowledge of disease evolution and enable more informed clinical decision making, leading to improved patient outcomes. Further research is needed to identify target patient populations and engagement strategies.
Primary cranioplasty for calvarial compound depressed fractures; 2 centers experience
Authors: Elsabaa Ahmed M. , Eldawoody Hany , Abdelwahed Mariam S. K. , Aziz Mohamed M.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the leading causes of death and disability in younger age groups. Current guidelines to prevent infection in compound depressed fractures of the skull recommend fragment removal and debridement, and the cranial defect usually is left for a secondary cranioplasty. However, recent studies demonstrated no difference in infection rates between primary and secondary reconstruction. Herein we point out our preliminary experience using a single-staged approach to surgical management of open depressed skull fractures.

Methods

This study included 72 patients between Egypt and Saudi Arabia with compound depressed fractures of the skull that underwent primary cranioplasty either by elevation or by titanium reconstruction within the first 72 h post-traumatic brain injuries. We report surgery-specific characteristics and overall complications over a 12-month follow-up period.

Results

Fifty-nine (82%) immediate primary cranioplasty patients were without complications. Twelve complications were seen in twelve patients. Infection accounted for only 2.8%, while the rest consisted of convulsions (6.9%), CSF rhinorrhea (4.2%), CSF leak, seroma, and re-operation (1.4%) each. One patient died after 20 postoperative days due to pulmonary embolism.

Conclusion

Neurosurgical expertise and readily available medical facilities within the civilian populations have significantly changed the traditional approach in calvarial CDF patients within the first 72 h post-trauma, where primary cranioplasty has proven to be a valid procedure with minimal morbidities compared to the traditional two-stage protocol.
Evaluation of the therapeutic potentials of extract fractions of Vernonia calvoana on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: approach through in silico, in vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Iwara Iwara Arikpo , Ekam Victor S. , Mboso Eve O. , Odey Michael Oko , Eteng Ofem E. , Eshiet Joe Enobong , Igile Godwin Oju , Uboh Friday Effiong , Ubana Mbeh Eteng
Published: September 2023

Background

Diabetes is a serious metabolic disorder and many medicinal plants are used in traditional medicine to manage it. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of Vernonia calvoana (V. calvoana) extract fractions on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat models. In this study, we first investigated the binding affinity of ligands from extracts of V. calvoana crystal structure proteins using a molecular docking approach. Furthermore, the in silico predictions were validated by in vitro and in vivo biochemical evaluations to ascertain the efficacy of these extract fractions. The in vitro antioxidant activity of the fractions was evaluated using DPPH, FRAP, SOD, and LPx scavenging. For biological activity, extract fractions of V. calvoana and metformin (400 mg and 500 mg/kg body weight, respectively) were administered to diabetic rats for 21 days after induction and confirmation of diabetes.

Results

The radical scavenger activities of the fractions showed a good dose-dependent reaction activity. A significant reduction in hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, nephrotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity was observed in all experimental treated groups. Improved hematological and histopathological changes were also observed.

Conclusion

The In silico analyses revealed that all the compounds from extract fractions of V. calvoana have varying binding affinity for PFK and lipoprotein lipase, with some showing higher affinity than the standard drug, further validating the biological activity of the plant. The results of this study indicated that V. calvoana extracts might have potential value in treating complications arising from diabetes mellitus.
The impact of change consultants’ dialogic mindset: towards a game-theoretic explanation
Authors: Nagaishi Makoto
Published: September 2023

This study aims to provide a theoretical argument and examples supporting the author’s proposition that change consultants’ mindsets significantly impact resulting performances. While some scholars assert diagnostic and dialogic change processes can co-exist as complementary modes of engagement, the other stream of research postulates that (1) the diagnostic and dialogic “mindsets” rely on different behavioral assumptions and (2) the distinction between “methodologies” and “mindsets” is critical in analyzing whether the practices are diagnostic or dialogic. In the author’s preliminary game-theoretic settings, successful collective outcomes are highly probable with the dialogic mindset of change consultants, irrespective of the types of adopted methodologies. By contrast, dialogic methodologies in the later stage may not lead to successful collaboration if the change initiative started from the diagnostic interventions with a diagnostic mindset.
Using a dynamic representation of sedimentary structural features in prestack inversion: A case study in a tight sandstone in the Sichuan Basin
Authors: Chen Ting , Wang Yaojun , Cai Hanpeng , Zou Bangli , Yu Gang , Li Yalin , Hu Guangmin
Published: September 2023

Tight sandstone gas is an important unconventional hydrocarbon resource. In the Sichuan Basin, tight sandstone gas is generally stored in channel sandstone reservoirs. Previous studies have shown that sandstone reservoirs have complex sedimentary features characterized by overlapping multistage channel sandstone and large lateral variations. However, it is challenging for conventional inversion methods to adapt to this strong variation. This hinders the accurate construction of the reservoir’s structural features. A prestack seismic inversion method constrained by a dynamic representation of sedimentary structural features has been used to predict the properties of a tight sandstone reservoir. First, an initial feature library (a set of structural features) is extracted from the well-log data. Second, reliable inversion results are obtained using prestack inversion near the well logs. Meanwhile, using the reliable inversion results as training samples, an online learning algorithm is introduced to dynamically update the feature library in real time. Finally, the sedimentary structural features are gradually and stably extended to areas far from the well logs. The results demonstrate that the structural features of multistage channel sandstones were inverted accurately using a dynamic representation method. Combined with petrophysical analysis, the density is used to predict the distribution of sandstone thickness. In addition, based on the reliable prestack inversion results, we predict the gas-bearing properties of sandstone using Poisson’s ratio. The prediction results indicate the effective size of the reservoir. This provides important information for deploying horizontal wells.
Efficient extended least-squares reverse time migration based on an excitation amplitude imaging condition
Authors: Kim Sumin , Kang Seung-Goo , Choi Yeonjin , Chung Wookeen
Published: September 2023

In least-squares reverse time migration (LSRTM), which is typically an overdetermined linear inverse problem, the kinematic traveltime error from an inaccurate migration velocity leads to migration image degradation and slow convergence speed. Extended LSRTM (ELSRTM), with an extended imaging condition along the subsurface offset in LSRTM, can effectively mitigate sensitivity to the migration velocity accuracy by adding an extra dimension to the model space. However, for assembling migration images, large imaging condition operations that are proportional to the number of subsurface-offset bins hinder the practical application of ELSRTM. To address this computational problem in ELSRTM, we develop an efficient ELSRTM method based on a modified excitation amplitude (ExA) imaging condition. Furthermore, our ELSRTM method can correctly represent the forward source wavefield by convolving the source wavelet with the ExA. With the forward source wavefield represented this way, Born-modeled data can be simulated efficiently. Thus, wavefield simulation for generating the forward source wavefield is implemented only once at the first iteration. Based on these computational advantages, our ELSRTM method becomes highly efficient. Synthetic data examples on a modified Marmousi2 velocity model demonstrate that our ELSRTM method produces an accurate migration image efficiently even if an inaccurate migration velocity is used. Field data acquired from the Chukchi Sea of the Arctic Ocean also are used to verify the practicality of our ELSRTM method.
Detecting and recovering critical mineral resource systems using broadband total-field airborne natural source audio frequency magnetotellurics measurements
Authors: Prikhodko Alexander , Bagrianski Andrei , Wilson Robert , Belyakov Sergey , Esimkhanova Nurganym
Published: September 2023

Airborne geophysical methods offer a substantial advantage compared to ground-based techniques in exploring territories of different sizes, ranging from entire metallogenic provinces to the deposit scale, including those hosting critical minerals. An airborne method with measurements of natural magnetic field variations, known as audio frequency magnetotellurics (a passive field method), significantly increases the depth of investigation and expands the resistivity detection range compared with some controlled-source primary-field methods. We describe the technical solutions used in an airborne electromagnetic passive system with a mobile sensor of the total magnetic field variations and the stationary sensor of electric field variations, and its applications to recovering the complex geology of hydrothermal-magmatic systems often associated with critical minerals. The system’s ability to explore depths, typically beginning from the near-surface and down to 1–2 km, by recording responses in three orthogonal inductive coils over a broad bandwidth from 22 Hz to 21,000 Hz allows for mapping resistivities across a broad range. This capability is crucial for obtaining more comprehensive exploration models. Field case studies of the natural field system include application in exploring for unconformity uranium mineralization, along with other associated minerals, epithermal gold and polymetallic-bearing structures, and ferromanganese and polymetallic deposits formed in a continental rift valley. An extra case study involving kimberlites was incorporated as a proven example of the natural field system’s capability in conducting near-surface and deep investigations. The case histories illustrate the airborne natural electromagnetic field technology capabilities in recovering geoelectric models and their specific patterns.