bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Assimilation of Planetary Boundary Layer Observations from Radar and All-Sky Satellite Observations to Improve Forecasts of Convection Initiation
Authors: Eure Keenan C. , Mykolajtchuk Paul D. , Zhang Yunji , Stensrud David J. , Zhang Fuqing , Greybush Steven J. , Kumjian Matthew R.
Published: January 2023

Accurate predictions of the location and timing of convection initiation (CI) remain a challenge, even in high-resolution convection allowing models (CAMs). Many of the processes necessary for daytime CI are rooted in the planetary boundary layer (PBL), which numerical models struggle to accurately predict. To improve ensemble forecasts of the PBL and subsequent CI forecasts in CAM ensembles, we explore the use of underused data from both the GOES-16 satellite and the national network of WSR-88D radars. The GOES-16 satellite provides observations of brightness temperature (BT) to better analyze cloud structures, while the WSR-88D radars provide PBL height estimates and clear-air radial wind velocity observations to better analyze PBL structures. The CAM uses the Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF-ARW) model at 3-km horizontal grid spacing. The ensemble consists of 40 members and observations are assimilated using the Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI) Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF) system. To evaluate the influence of each observation type on CI, conventional, WSR-88D, and GOES-16 observations are assimilated separately and jointly over a 4-h period and the resulting ensemble analyses and forecasts are compared with available observations for a CI event on 18 May 2018. Results show that the addition of the WSR-88D and GOES-16 observations improves the CI forecasts out several hours in terms of timing and location for this case.
Relevance of subclinical right ventricular dysfunction measured by feature-tracking cardiac magnetic resonance in non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Urmeneta Ulloa J. , Pozo Osinalde E. , Cabrera J. A. , Recio Rodríguez M. , Thuissard-Vasallo I. J. , Andreu-Vázquez C. , Islas F. , Pérez de Isla L. , Marcos-Alberca P. , Mahía P. , Cobos M. A. , Cabeza B. , Rodríguez-Hernández J. L. , Luaces Méndez M. , Gómez de Diego J. J. , Bustos A. , Pérez-Villacastín J. , de Agustín A. , Martínez de Vega V.
Published: January 2023

Background

Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NICM) is associated with cardiovascular events. To analyze the feasibility of assessing RV myocardial deformation by feature tracking (FT)-cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), and its usefulness as a prognostic marker.

Methods

Retrospective study of NICM patients undergoing CMR. Longitudinal FT-RV free wall (LFT-RVFW) and fractional area change (FAC) were obtained. Correlation with standard RV parameters was studied. An association with combined event (heart failure (HF), ICD implantation or cardiovascular death) was assessed using a logistic regression model.

Results

98 patients (64 ± 13 years) were included. Left ventricular (LV) systolic function (LVEF 29.5 ± 9.6%, 47% with LVEF ≥ 30%) and RV (RVEF 52.2 ± 14.6%, 72% with RVEF ≥ 45%). Follow-up of 38 ± 17 months, 26.5% presented at least one admission for HF. An excellent correlation of LFT-RVFW (r = 0.82) and FAC (r = 0.83) with RVEF was evident. No association of RV-FT parameters with prognosis entire study population was found. However, in patients with LVEF ≥ 30%, admissions for HF were associated with lower LFT-RVFW (−21.6 ± 6.6% vs −31.3 ± 10%; p = 0.006) and FAC (36.6 ± 9.6% vs 50.5 ± 13.4%; p < 0.001) values. Similar differences were observed when only patients with RVEF ≥ 45% were considered. An LFT-RVFW cut-off point of -19.5% and FAC of 36.5% showed good prognostic performance. Decreased LFT-RVFW or FAC represented an independent predictor of combined event in patients with LVEF ≥ 30%.

Conclusions

In NICM patients without severe LV dysfunction, decreased values of LFT-RVFW and/or FAC were associated with HF admissions, independently of RVEF.
COVID-19 vaccine attitudes among a majority black sample in the Southern US: public health implications from a qualitative study
Authors: Huang Wenting , Dove-Medows Emily , Shealey Jalissa , Sanchez Katia , Benson Lauren , Seymore DawnSheska D. , Sullivan Patrick S. , Bradley Heather M. , Siegler Aaron J.
Published: January 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have high caseloads in the US, with vaccines a critical component of the response. Disparities in COVID-19 morbidity and mortality have been identified across states and racial/ethnic groups, which are likely in part due to disparities in COVID-19 vaccine uptake. This study aims to better understand and contextualize COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among persons from under-represented racial/ethnic populations in the Southern US.

Methods

We conducted 29 in-depth interviews with a sample of households in Atlanta, GA that were selected from an address-based sampling frame. We purposively approached households, from February 6 to June 27, 2021, that declined participation in a national COVID-19 serosurvey to gain perspectives of people who are often under-represented in research. Interviews were conducted in-person or over phone calls for participants with that preference. Thematic analysis was used to identify barriers and facilitators of COVID-19 vaccination, and to contextualize drivers of vaccine hesitancy.

Results

Decision-making about vaccination was described as dynamic, and was compared to the feeling of being on a roller coaster. The predominant reported sources of information were mass media and social media. Facilitators of vaccination included altruism, positive communication from trusted community members and workplace colleagues, and local vaccine provision sites. Driving reasons for vaccine hesitancy included limited trust in the government and concerns about COVID-19 vaccine safety, which one participant compared to jumping off a cliff without a tested rope. Among a subset of participants, beliefs regarding perceived intent to harm the Black community were prevalent. Opportunities to optimally address vaccine hesitancy included countering negative social media messages with positive messaging that matches the community’s vivid ways of discussing vaccines, collaborating with community stakeholders on vaccine promotion efforts, and offering workplace-based vaccine promotion efforts.

Conclusions

This study presents data that indicate it may be optimal to more broadly define ‘community’ in COVID-19 vaccine promotion efforts to include social media and workplace venues. To optimize vaccine and vaccine booster uptake and equity, public health must address historic racism and other concerns by using outreach that is grounded in communities.
Development of a minimally invasive simultaneous estimation method for quantifying translocator protein binding with [18F]FEPPA positron emission tomography
Authors: Dassanayake Praveen , Anazodo Udunna C. , Liu Linshan , Narciso Lucas , Iacobelli Maryssa , Hicks Justin , Rusjan Pablo , Finger Elizabeth , St Lawrence Keith
Published: January 2023

Background

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of using a minimally invasive simultaneous estimation method (SIME) to quantify the binding of the 18-kDa translocator protein tracer [18F]FEPPA. Arterial sampling was avoided by extracting an image-derived input function (IDIF) that was metabolite-corrected using venous blood samples. The possibility of reducing scan duration to 90 min from the recommended 2–3 h was investigated by assuming a uniform non-displaceable distribution volume (VND) to simplify the SIME fitting.

Results

SIME was applied to retrospective data from healthy volunteers and was comprised of both high-affinity binders (HABs) and mixed-affinity binders (MABs). Estimates of global VND and regional total distribution volume (VT) from SIME were not significantly different from values obtained using a two-tissue compartment model (2CTM). Regional VT estimates were greater for HABs compared to MABs for both the 2TCM and SIME, while the SIME estimates had lower inter-subject variability (41 ± 17% reduction). Binding potential (BPND) values calculated from regional VT and brain-wide VND estimates were also greater for HABs, and reducing the scan time from 120 to 90 min had no significant effect on BPND. The feasibility of using venous metabolite correction was evaluated in a large animal model involving a simultaneous collection of arterial and venous samples. Strong linear correlations were found between venous and arterial measurements of the blood-to-plasma ratio and the remaining [18F]FEPPA fraction. Lastly, estimates of BPND and the specific distribution volume (i.e., VS = VT − VND) from a separate group of healthy volunteers (90 min scan time, venous-scaled IDIFs) agreed with estimates from the retrospective data for both genotypes.

Conclusions

The results of this study demonstrate that accurate estimates of regional VT, BPND and VS can be obtained by applying SIME to [18F]FEPPA data. Furthermore, the application of SIME enabled the scan time to be reduced to 90 min, and the approach worked well with IDIFs that were scaled and metabolite-corrected using venous blood samples.
Development of fluorescence-labeled antibody for immune checkpoint inhibitor using engineered probiotics
Authors: Namai Fu , Sumiya Shunsuke , Nomura Natsumi , Sato Takashi , Shimosato Takeshi
Published: January 2023

Here, we developed a genetically modified lactic acid bacteria (gmLAB) that produces green fluorescent protein (GFP)-conjugating, anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) single-chain variable fragments (scFv) for use as an anti-cancer device that targets immune checkpoint molecules. Since PD-L1 plays a key role as an immune checkpoint molecule in the tumor microenvironment, inhibition and detection of PD-L1 are important in cancer research. The anti-PD-L1 scFv was designed based on atezolizumab, a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody, and integrated into a lactococcal GFP gene expression vector. Gene expression from the constructed gmLAB was confirmed by western blotting and GFP fluorescence. The ability of GFP-conjugating anti-PD-L1 scFv against the target antigen, PD-L1 protein, was shown using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Finally, the ability to recognize PD-L1-expressing tumor-cell lines was confirmed using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Our results suggest that the gmLAB could be applied to in vivo imaging in cancer as an affordable diagnostic/treatment tool.

Graphical Abstract
Photobiomodulation improves the synapses and cognitive function and ameliorates epileptic seizure by inhibiting downregulation of Nlgn3
Authors: Hong Namgue , Kim Hee Jung , Kang Keunsoo , Park Ji On , Mun Seyoung , Kim Hyung-Gun , Kang Bong Hui , Chung Phil-Sang , Lee Min Young , Ahn Jin-Chul
Published: January 2023

Background

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) remains one of the most drug-resistant focal epilepsies. Glutamate excitotoxicity and neuroinflammation which leads to loss of synaptic proteins and neuronal death appear to represent a pathogen that characterizes the neurobiology of TLE. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a rapidly growing therapy for the attenuation of neuronal degeneration harboring non-invasiveness benefits. However, the detailed effects of PBM on excitotoxicity or neuroinflammation remain unclear. We investigated whether tPBM exerts neuroprotective effects on hippocampal neurons in epilepsy mouse model by regulating synapse and synapse-related genes.

Methods

In an in vitro study, we performed imaging analysis and western blot in primary hippocampal neurons from embryonic (E17) rat pups. In an in vivo study, RNA sequencing was performed to identify the gene regulatory by PBM. Histological stain and immunohistochemistry analyses were used to assess synaptic connections, neuroinflammation and neuronal survival. Behavioral tests were used to evaluate the effects of PBM on cognitive functions.

Results

PBM was upregulated synaptic connections in an in vitro. In addition, it was confirmed that transcranial PBM reduced synaptic degeneration, neuronal apoptosis, and neuroinflammation in an in vivo. These effects of PBM were supported by RNA sequencing results showing the relation of PBM with gene regulatory networks of neuronal functions. Specifically, Nlgn3 showed increase after PBM and silencing the Nlgn3 reversed the positive effect of PBM in in vitro. Lastly, behavioral alterations including hypoactivity, anxiety and impaired memory were recovered along with the reduction of seizure score in PBM-treated mice.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that PBM attenuates epileptic excitotoxicity, neurodegeneration and cognitive decline induced by TLE through inhibition of the Nlgn3 gene decrease induced by excitotoxicity.

Graphical Abstract
The prevalence of sepsis-induced coagulopathy in patients with sepsis – a secondary analysis of two German multicenter randomized controlled trials
Authors: Schmoch Thomas , Möhnle Patrick , Weigand Markus A. , Briegel Josef , Bauer Michael , Bloos Frank , Meybohm Patrick , Keh Didier , Löffler Markus , Elke Gunnar , Brenner Thorsten , Bogatsch Holger ,   for the SepNet–Critical Care Trials Group
Published: January 2023

Background

Sepsis and septic shock are frequently accompanied by coagulopathy. Since the sepsis-induced coagulopathy (SIC) score was first described, subsequent studies from Asia revealed a SIC prevalence of 40–60%. In Europe, however, SIC prevalence in patients fulfilling sepsis criteria according to the third international consensus definition (SEPSIS-3) has not yet been evaluated.

Methods

The Critical Care Trials Group of the German Sepsis Competence Network (SepNet) conducted a secondary analysis of two randomized controlled trials. Only patients fulfilling sepsis criteria according SEPSIS-3 were included in this secondary analysis. In a two step approach, SIC prevalence was determined in 267 patients with sepsis but not septic shock (at the time of inclusion) from the “Effect of Hydrocortisone on Development of Shock Among Patients With Severe Sepsis” (HYPRESS) trial. Then, we estimated SIC prevalence in 1,018 patients from the “Effect of Sodium Selenite Administration and Procalcitonin-Guided Therapy on Mortality in Patients With Severe Sepsis or Septic Shock” (SISPCT) trial using a simplified SIC score based on the platelet-SIC-subscore (PSSC). Study aims were to assess (i) the prevalence of SIC in patients with SEPSIS-3, (ii) the association of SIC with 90-day mortality and morbidity, (iii) the time when patients become SIC positive during the course of sepsis, and (iv) the value of the PSSC for predicting SIC.

Results

In the HYPRESS trial, SIC prevalence was 22.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 17.5–27.5%). The estimated SIC prevalence in the SISPCT trial was 24.2% (95% CI 21.6–26.9%). In the HYPRESS trial, SIC was associated with significantly higher 90-day mortality (13.9% vs. 26.8%, p = 0.027) and morbidity. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, treatment arm, and (SIC-adapted) SOFA score confirmed the negative association of SIC with survival (p = 0.011). In the SISPCT trial, increased PSSCs were associated with higher 90-day mortality (PSSC 0: 34.4%, PSSC 1: 40.5%, PSSC 2: 53.3%; p < 0.001). In both trials, SIC was already present at sepsis diagnosis or occurred during the following 4 days.

Conclusions

SIC is a clinically relevant complication of sepsis. Although it might be less frequent than previously reported, its occurrence is associated with higher morbidity and mortality and should be interpreted as an early warning sign.
Impact of climate-smart agriculture adoption on food security and multidimensional poverty of rural farm households in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia
Authors: Ali Hussien , Menza Mesfin , Hagos Fitsum , Haileslassie Amare
Published: January 2023

Background

Climate change has perverse effects on the natural resource base and agricultural productivity, negatively affecting the well-being of households and communities. There are various attempts by the government and NGOs to promote climate-smart agricultural (CSA) practices to help farmers adapt to and mitigate these negative impacts. This study aimed to identify CSA practices widely adopted in the study area and examined their impacts on rural farm households’ food security and multidimensional poverty. A three-stage proportional to size sampling procedure was followed to select four districts out of nine districts, and 278 households were randomly selected from two kebeles from each district. A cross-sectional data of the 2020–2021 cropping season were collected using a structured and pretested survey questionnaire. The food consumption score, dietary diversity score, food insecurity experience scale, and multidimensional poverty index, constructed out of 9 indicators, were used to assess households’ food security and poverty status, respectively. A multinomial endogenous switching regression model was used to assess average treatment effects on these outcome indicators.

Results

Widely adopted CSA practices are conservation agriculture, soil fertility management, crop diversification, and small-scale irrigation. The results illustrated that adopter households on average showed more food consumption score, dietary diversity score, and less food insecurity experience scale than non-adopters. The results also showed that CSA adopter households, on average, have a low deprivation score in multidimensional poverty than non-adopter households. Accelerating wider adoption of CSA through up-scaling incentives is quite important.

Conclusion

This study showed that CSA adoption improves households’ food security and reduces multidimensional poverty. We conclude that up-scaling of CSA practices is important for contributing to the achievement of SDG1, SDG2 and SDG13 targets.
A case of pancreatic head cancer with Trousseau’s syndrome treated with radical resection and anticoagulant therapy
Authors: Kitahama Takumi , Otsuka Shimpei , Sugiura Teiichi , Ashida Ryo , Ohgi Katsuhisa , Yamada Mihoko , Uesaka Katsuhiko
Published: January 2023

Background

The primary disease of Trousseau’s syndrome is often highly advanced cancer, and treatment of the primary disease after cerebral infarction is often difficult. We herein report a case of pancreatic head cancer with Trousseau’s syndrome treated with radical resection and anticoagulant therapy.

Case presentation

A 78-year-old man was admitted with dizziness and diagnosed with cerebral infarction. Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography for a thorough checkup indicated borderline resectable pancreatic head cancer. Radical resection after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC; gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel) was scheduled. During the second course of NAC, multiple cerebral infarctions recurred, and the patient was diagnosed with Trousseau’s syndrome. Continuous intravenous infusion of heparin was started for cerebral infarction. Since it was impossible to continue NAC and there was no worsening of imaging findings, radical resection was planned. Thereafter, he underwent pancreatoduodenectomy with superior mesenteric vein resection. The patient progressed well and was discharged on the 19th day after surgery. He continued subcutaneous injection of heparin at home and is alive without recurrence of cancer or cerebral infarction at more than 21 months after surgery.

Conclusion

Surgical treatment may be an option for pancreatic cancer with Trousseau’s syndrome under favorable conditions.
A simple method to isolate structurally and chemically intact brain vascular basement membrane for neural regeneration following traumatic brain injury
Authors: Ji Wanqing , Wu Zhiru , Wen Jiaming , Tang Hengxin , Chen Zhuopeng , Xue Bo , Tian Zhenming , Ba Yueyang , Zhang Ning , Wen Xuejun , Hou Bo
Published: January 2023

Background

The brain vascular basement membrane (brain-VBM) is an important component of the brain extracellular matrix, and the three-dimensional structure of the cerebrovascular network nested with many cell-adhesive proteins may provide guidance for brain tissue regeneration. However, the potential of ability of brain-VBM to promote neural tissue regeneration has not been examined due to the technical difficulty of isolating intact brain-VBM.

Methods

The present study developed a simple, effective method to isolate structurally and compositionally intact brain-VBM. Structural and component properties of the brain-VBM were characterized to confirm the technique. Seed cells were cocultured with brain-VBM in vitro to analyze biocompatibility and neurite extension. An experimental rat model of focal traumatic brain injury (TBI) induced by controlled cortical impact were conducted to further test the tissue regeneration ability of brain-VBM.

Results

Brain-VBM isolated using genipin showed significantly improved mechanical properties, was easy to handle, supported high cell viability, exhibited strong cell adhesive properties, and promoted neurite extension and outgrowth. Further testing of the isolated brain-VBM transplanted at lesion sites in an experimental rat model of focal TBI demonstrated considerable promise for reconstructing a complete blood vessel network that filled in the lesion cavity and promoting repopulation of neural progenitor cells and neurons.

Conclusion

The technique allows isolation of intact brain-VBM as a 3D microvascular scaffold to support brain tissue regeneration following TBI and shows considerable promise for the production of naturally-derived biomaterials for neural tissue engineering.

Graphical Abstract
A value accumulation account of unhealthy food choices: testing the influence of outcome salience under varying time constraints
Authors: Köster Massimo , Buabang Eike K. , Ivančir Tina , Moors Agnes
Published: January 2023

People often engage in unhealthy eating despite having an explicit goal to follow a healthy diet, especially under certain conditions such as a lack of time. A promising explanation from the value accumulation account is that food choices are based on the sequential consideration of the values of multiple outcomes, such as health and taste outcomes. Unhealthy choices may result if taste is considered before health. We examined whether making a health outcome more salient could alter this order, thereby leading to more healthy choices even under time pressure. Two studies examined the time-dependent effect of outcome values and salience on food choices. Participants first completed priming trials on which they rated food items on healthiness (health condition), tastiness (taste condition), or both healthiness and tastiness (control condition). They then completed blocks of binary choice trials between healthy and tasty items. The available response time was manipulated continuously in Study 1 (N = 161) and categorically in Study 2 (N = 318). As predicted, results showed that the values of health and taste outcomes influenced choices and that priming led to more choices in line with the primed outcomes even when time was scarce. We did not obtain support for the prediction that the priming effect is time-dependent in the sense that primed outcomes are considered before non-primed outcomes. Together, these findings suggest that increasing the value and salience of a health outcome may be effective ways to increase healthy choices, even under poor conditions such as time pressure.
Η ιντερλευκίνη IL-18 ως διαγνωστικός προγνωστικός φλεγμονώδης δείκτης σε παιδιά με έγκαυμα
Authors: Ευστρατίου Φραγκούλα
Published: January 2023

ΕΙΣΑΓΩΓΗ: Τα εγκαύματα αποτελούν μία από πιο σοβαρές αιτίες νοσηρότητας και θνησιμότητας στον παιδιατρικό πληθυσμό. Το έγκαυμα προκαλεί ένα αρχικό στάδιο υπερφλεγμονής, η οποία οδηγεί στην αυξημένη έκκριση τόσο προ φλεγμονωδών όσο και αντιφλεγμονωδών κυτοκινών. Η IL-18 είναι μία σημαντική προφλεγμωνώδης κυτοκίνη, η επίδραση της οποίας έχει διερευνηθεί τόσο σε πειραματόζωα όσο και σε ενήλικες ασθενείς με έγκαυμα. Καμία μελέτη δεν έχει εκπονηθεί σε παιδιατρικούς ασθενείς με έγκαυμα, με σκοπό τη συσχέτιση των επιπέδων της IL-18 με αυτό και την αναζήτηση της κλινικής της σημασίας στην έκβασή τους. ΜΕΘΟΔΟΣ: Πραγματοποιήσαμε μία προοπτική μελέτη που περιλάμβανε όλα τα παιδιά με έγκαυμα, τα οποία νοσηλεύτηκαν σε τριτοβάθμιο παιδιατρικό νοσοκομείο από το Δεκέμβριο του 2015 έως τον Δεκέμβριο του 2018. ΑΠΟΤΕΛΕΣΜΑΤΑ: Το δείγμα της μελέτης αποτέλεσαν 55 παιδιά με έγκαυμα. Στην παρούσα μελέτη, βρέθηκε ισχυρή συσχέτιση μεταξύ της συνολικής εγκαυματικής επιφάνειας σώματος (TBSA) και των επιπέδων της IL-18, τόσο κατά την πρώτη ημέρα εισαγωγής στο νοσοκομείο όσο και κατά την τρίτη ημέρα μετά το έγκαυμα. Ισχυρή συσχέτιση βρέθηκε μεταξύ των επιπέδων της IL-18 στον ορό και των τιμών των λευκών αιμοσφαιρίων, των λεμφοκυττάρων και της CRP κατά την εισαγωγή στο νοσοκομείο. Η συσχέτιση των επιπέδων της IL-18 κατά την ημέρα εισαγωγής με τη διάρκεια της νοσηλείας ήταν μέτρια. ΣΥΜΠΕΡΑΣΜΑΤΑ: Η μελέτη έδειξε ότι τα επίπεδα της IL-18, που ελήφθησαν κατά την εισαγωγή συσχετίζονται θετικά με την συνολική εγκαυματική επιφάνεια σώματος (TBSA) και με τους φλεγμονώδεις δείκτες σε παιδιατρικούς ασθενείς. Επιπλέον, φάνηκε ότι τα επίπεδα της IL-18 κατά την εισαγωγή μπορεί να μην αποτελούν τον πιο ακριβή προγνωστικό δείκτη σε σχέση με τη διάρκεια νοσηλείας. Ωστόσο, απαιτείται περαιτέρω μελέτη για να διαπιστωθούν πιο ακριβείς πρoγνωστικοί δείκτες, οι οποίοι θα συμβάλλουν στην πρόγνωση της έκβασης των εγκαυμάτων σε παιδιατρικούς ασθενείς. ΛΕΞΕΙΣ ΚΛΕΙΔΙΑ: εγκαυματική νόσος, ιντερλευκίνη- 18, παιδιά
Circadian disruption does not alter tumorigenesis in a mouse model of lymphoma
Authors: Mello Rebecca M , Pariollaud Marie , Lamia Katja A
Published: January 2023

Background: Disruption of natural diurnal light cycles, such as that experienced by shift workers, is linked to enhanced cancer incidence. Several mouse models of cancer have been shown to develop more severe disease when exposed to irregular light/dark cycles, further supporting the connection between circadian disruption and increased cancer risk. Cryptochrome 2 (CRY2), a repressive component of the molecular circadian clock, facilitates the turnover of the oncoprotein c-MYC, one mechanism that may link the molecular clock to tumorigenesis. In Eμ-MYC mice, which express transgenic c-MYC in B cells and develop aggressive lymphomas and leukemia, global Cry2 deletion reduces overall survival and enhances tumor formation. Moreover, lighting conditions that mimic the disruption experienced by shift workers dampens Cry2 transcripts in peripheral tissues of C57BL/6J mice. Thus, we hypothesized that exposure to disruptive lighting conditions would enhance tumor burden in Eμ-MYC mice.

Methods: We housed Eμ-MYC mice in light-tight boxes set to either the control (continuous cycles of 12-hours of the light followed by 12-hours of dark, LD12:12) or chronic jetlag (eight-hour light phase advances every two to three days, CJL) lighting conditions and assessed the impact of disrupted light cycles on overall survival and tumor formation in Eμ-MYC mice.

Results: Environmental disruption of circadian rhythms did not alter tumor location, tumor growth, or overall survival in female or male Eμ-MYC mice.

Conclusions: Our findings support emerging evidence that suggests the impact of circadian disruption on tumorigenesis is dependent on the origin of malignancies.
The genome sequence of the Four-dotted Footman, Cybosia mesomella (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Broad Gavin R. ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: January 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual maleCybosia mesomella(the Four-dotted Footman; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Erebidae). The genome sequence is 948 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, with the Z sex chromosome assembled. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.4 kilobases in length.
The influence of the Ukrainian phytocomposition "Balm Truskavets'" on parameters of neuro-endocrine-immune complex and biophotonics in humans with maladaptation
Authors: Fihura Oksana , Ruzhylo Sofiya , Korda Mykhaylo , Klishch Ivan , Żukow Xawery , Popovych Igor
Published: January 2023

Background. Earlier we showed that the Ukrainian phytocomposition “Balm Truskavets’” exerts immediate modulating effects on parameters of EEG and HRV as well as biophotonics. In a pilot study on 10 volunteers, we found that the use of the phytocomposition for 11 days causes changes in EEGs parameters accompanied by a sympatho(adreno)mimetic effect. The modulating effects on the EEG&HRV parameters are combined with the changes in biophotonics parameters. This study was conducted on a four times larger cohort and with a wider range of methods. Materials and Methods. The object of observation were 16 women 46±15 ys and 24 men 50±11 ys. The volunteers were practically healthy, but the initial testing revealed deviations from the norm in a number of parameters of the neuro-endocrine-immune complex as a manifestation of maladaptation. The adaptation hormones levels, Popovych’s leukocytary adaptation and strain indices, parameters of phagocytosis, biophotonics, acupuncture points, EEG and HRV, before and after a 9-day course of use of phytocomposition registered. Results. A noticeable effect of the phytocomposition on 38 parameters was revealed, grouped into 6 clusters, of which 4 are enhancing and 2 are reducing. In particular, the reduced levels of the adaptation index and phagocytosis parameters increase significantly, instead, the increased levels of the strain index, testosterone, triiodothyronine, LF band HRV as well as two biophotonics parameters decrease, that is, there is a normalizing/beneficial effect. At the same time, normal levels of HRV-markers of vagal tone decrease, and cortisol and circulating catecholamines as well as the activity of β- and α-rhythm generating neurons increase, but within the normal range. Finally, there is a further increase in the upper limit levels of activity of δ-rhythm generating neurons. Conclusion. Ukrainian phytocomposition “Balm Truskavets’” exerts classical adaptogenic effects on parameters of neuro-endocrine-immune complex as well as biophotonics and acupuncture in humans with maladaptation.
Exploring the use of probiotics in dermatology – a literature review
Authors: Sroczyńska Monika , Luchowska Anna , Żaczek Aleksandra
Published: January 2023

Introduction
Probiotics are defined as "live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host" by the World Health Organization (WHO). Probiotics help to regulate innate and adaptive host immune responses by combating aggressive commensal bacteria and improving epithelial barrier function. Probiotics have shown positive results in the treatment of various inflammatory skin conditions.
Aim of the study
The aim of the study was to investigate the potential efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of dermatological diseases, such as acne vulgaris; atopic dermatitis; psoriasis.
 
Materials and methods
A search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Articles were searched in English using the following key words: probiotics; dermatology; acne vulgaris; eczema; atopic dermatitis; psoriasis.
 
Results
Probiotics reduced the amount of inflammatory acne lesions and the erythema index in acne vulgaris patients. Patients with atopic dermatitis who received probiotics also experienced an immediate and long-lasting improvement in their symptoms and skin quality. Individuals noticed enhanced skin smoothness and moisture, self-acceptance, and a decrease in the SCORAD index. It was also proven that oral probiotic supplementation successfully reduced psoriasis symptoms by lowering plasma levels of inflammatory markers such as IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP. Furthermore, the chance of psoriasis recurrence was reduced.
Conclusion
The reviewed literature indicates that probiotics may be helpful in treating skin conditions like psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and acne vulgaris. Probiotics demonstrated encouraging results in the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions by altering the immune response as a result of modifying the gut microbiome.
El príncipe rojo (2005) de Almudena Guzmán: erotismo y tradición.
Authors: Moya Micaela
Published: January 2023

En este trabajo, analizaremos el poemario El príncipe rojo (2005) de la madrileña Almudena Guzmán, reparando especialmente los modos en los que se aborda el erotismo. Para esto, dividiremos nuestro estudio en varias secciones que recuperarán los distintos temas a los que la autora acude para hablar de él. Al interior de cada una de ellas, nos proponemos, no solo realizar un análisis textual de las imágenes diseñadas, sino también tender puentes con la tradición literaria y cultural para evaluar cuáles son los referentes que se ponen en juego en cada uno de los conjuntos temáticos. Asimismo, otro de nuestros objetivos será revisar si todas estas configuraciones del erotismo persisten en otros poemarios de la autora o si, por el contrario, son exclusivas de El príncipe rojo (2005).
Bilingüismo y currículo internacionalizado: un aporte en doble vía
Authors: Martínez Páez Fray Martín , Pérez Angulo Diana Marcela
Published: January 2023

Un currículo internacionalizado propende siempre al desarrollo de competencias interculturales y sitúa la formación disciplinar en contextos globales, donde la interacción con comunidades internacionales demanda el uso de una segunda lengua de manera empática y efectiva. El documento describe la relevancia que en políticas institucionales tiene el bilingüismo y, además, comparte todos los esfuerzos y estrategias que se han encaminado al mejoramiento, tanto lingüístico como metodológico de las asignaturas disciplinares que se imparten en segunda lengua. Los datos evidencian un compromiso por el bilingüismo desde la estrategia denominada English Taught Couses y dan cuenta de las apuestas que en el desarrollo profesoral han tenido positiva marcha para contribuir: 1) al desarrollo de competencias comunicativas en segunda lengua, 2) al trabajo mancomunado de las áreas involucradas en el impulso del bilingüismo en la institución, 3) al acompañamiento y apoyo al cuerpo profesoral que tiene a cargo asignaturas disciplinares en segunda lengua y 4) al alcance de una internacionalización del currículo más vívida en la Universidad.
Conditional Uniformity and Hawkes Processes
Authors: Daw Andrew
Published: January 2023

Classic results show that the Hawkes self-exciting point process can be viewed as a collection of temporal clusters, in which exogenously generated initial events give rise to endogenously driven descendant events. This perspective provides the distribution of a cluster’s size through a natural connection to branching processes, but this is irrespective of time. Insight into the chronology of a Hawkes process cluster has been much more elusive. Here, we employ this cluster perspective and a novel adaptation of the random time change theorem to establish an analog of the conditional uniformity property enjoyed by Poisson processes. Conditional on the number of epochs in a cluster, we show that the transformed times are jointly uniform within a particular convex polytope. Furthermore, we find that this polytope leads to a surprising connection between these continuous state clusters and parking functions, discrete objects central in enumerative combinatorics and closely related to Dyck paths on the lattice. In particular, we show that uniformly random parking functions constitute hidden spines within Hawkes process clusters. This yields a decomposition that is valuable both methodologically and practically, which we demonstrate through application to the popular Markovian Hawkes model and proposal of a flexible and efficient simulation algorithm.
Online Generalized Network Design Under (Dis)Economies of Scale
Authors: Nagarajan Viswanath , Wang Lily
Published: January 2023

We consider a general online network design problem in which a sequence of N requests arrive over time, each of which needs to use some subset of the available resources E. The cost incurred by a resource [Formula: see text] is some function fe of the total load [Formula: see text] on that resource. The objective is to minimize the total cost [Formula: see text]. We focus on cost functions that exhibit (dis)economies of scale. These functions are of the form [Formula: see text] if x > 0 (and zero if x = 0), in which the exponent [Formula: see text]. Optimization problems under these functions have received significant recent attention because of applications in energy-efficient computing. Our main result is a deterministic online algorithm with tight competitive ratio [Formula: see text] when αe is constant for all [Formula: see text]. This framework is applicable to a variety of network design problems in undirected and directed graphs, including multicommodity routing, Steiner tree/forest connectivity, and set connectivity. In fact, our online competitive ratio even matches the previous best (offline) approximation ratio. We also demonstrate the practical performance of our online algorithm on instances of multicommodity routing.

Funding: This work was supported by the Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering [Grant CCF-1750127] and the Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation [Grant CMMI-1940766].
ECG of the month
Authors: Bloe Charles
Published: January 2023

In this issue's ECG of the month, Charles Bloe presents the case of a 44-year-old woman with no medical history who was admitted for severe chest pain following a period of workplace bullying.
Experiences of healthcare staff in managing responsive behaviour of people with dementia in residential care facilities: a qualitative literature review
Authors: Joy Shiny , Butler Mary , Dowling Maura
Published: January 2023

Background/Aims Dementia is a collective term for all conditions that cause damage to the brain. Responsive behaviour is one of the symptoms of dementia trajectory and more than 90% of people with dementia present with responsive behaviour. These behaviours, including aggression and agitation, can adversely affect residents and staff in residential care services. There is a lack of understanding of how staff experience and manage responsive behaviours in residential settings. The aim of this qualitative literature review was to explore the experiences and perceptions of healthcare staff in managing responsive behaviour of residents with dementia in older persons’ residential care services.

Methods A systematic search across six databases was performed using the Setting, Perspective, Phenomenon of interest, Comparison, Evaluation framework. Synthesis was guided by ‘best fit’ framework using the Valuing, Individualised, Perspective, Social and psychological environment framework.

Results A total of nine articles were included in the review. From the Valuing, Individualised, Perspective, Social and psychological environment framework, the following sub-themes were found: valuing residents and staff; knowing residents through life history; unmet needs; the perspective of institutionalised care practices; emotional distance; the importance of meaningful activities; and a supportive environment.

Conclusions The findings identified that access to dementia-specific education and a supportive management structure can help staff manage responsive behaviours of residents with dementia.
Mitigation of Uncertainty in an Islanded Microgrid Using Robust Voltage Controller
Authors: Singh Ishika , Prasad Sheetla , Pal Vipin Chandra
Published: January 2023

In microgrid, a severe problem occurs in terms of voltage oscillations due to mismatch between synchronizing and damping torque. In this study, a centralized nonlinear sliding mode voltage controller proposes to minimize the rotor and DC voltage oscillations issue in an islanded microgrid. The linear matrix inequality (LMI) technique has been applied for bounding the state error. Lyapunov criteria is utilized for assurance of asymptotic convergence and LMI optimization approach is used for obtaining the controller parameters. The proposed controller is able to tackle the parametric uncertainties of diesel generator, oscillations of rotor and voltage fluctuation as well as the closed-loop system responses also improves both transient responses and steady state responses simultaneously. The simulation results authenticate that the proposed controller confirms speedy recovery of nominal frequency without any oscillations and reduced the limitation of chattering notably without any loss in control accuracy. The performance and robustness of the proposed controller is also compared with conventional controllers.
A Novel Knapsack Algorithm-Based Energy Routing in a Microgrid
Authors: Nethravathi S. , Murali Venkatakirthiga
Published: January 2023

The increase in penetration of renewable energy sources has transformed the existing grid into a multisource and multipath energy network. For real-time energy transactions in the new microgrid, it is essential to realize an energy router interface, which is the core of the energy internet. The energy router controls the bidirectional energy and data flow and achieves end-to-end energy transmission efficiently. With this consideration, this article proposes a new energy routing algorithm based on the knapsack optimization technique. The proposed work aims to minimize the net energy from the main grid and efficiently utilize solar photovoltaic (SPV) energy through meticulous energy routing. The effectiveness of the proposed work is validated for case studies with various types of loads viz residential, non-residential, and electric vehicle loads. In this work, the best set of loads for optimal energy routing with minimum energy costs are determined. The results show a substantial reduction ranging from 16 to 28% in the peak energy drawn from the grid and at the same time, the cost of electricity to be paid to the utility is noticeably reduced in the range of 39% to 50% for various load types. Further, a sensitivity analysis is carried out to evaluate the effect of variations in input parameters such as PV output, and load demand on the cost of electricity.
Protection Algorithm for Fault Identification and Isolation in DC Microgrid
Authors: Reddy N. Nageswara , Velpula Rajesh , Raja P. , Moorthi S.
Published: January 2023

In renewable energy dominated distributed ring configuration direct current (DC) networks, the protection philosophy is one of the critical challenging task. It is due to the existence of power electronic converters and erratic attributes of distributed energy sources. Consequently, conventional current direction based as well as over current protection strategies is not applicable for DC microgrids. In this paper, protection algorithm for fault recognition and isolation of faulty line is presented based on the polarity of change in inductance immediately after fault inception. The voltage and current sample information is used to determine the parameter by employing the least square estimation (LSE) technique. The efficiency of the proposed method is tested for internal and external faults, the impact of fault resistance and fault location, different system configurations, and load change conditions in MATLAB/Simulink simulation. It is noted that proposed method would categorize internal and external faults perfectly. The operating time of the proposed protection method is comparatively less than the existing methods. It also improves selectivity, security, and reliability under above mentioned abnormal cases.
Performance Evaluation of Various Solar Forecasting Models for Structural & Endogenous Datasets
Authors: Singla Pardeep , Duhan Manoj , Saroha Sumit
Published: January 2023

The forecasting of solar irradiation with high precision is critical for fulfilling electricity demand. The dataset used to train the learning-based models has a direct impact on the model’s prediction accuracy. This work evaluates the impact of two types of datasets: structural and endogenous datasets over the prediction accuracy of different solar forecasting models (five variants of artificial neural network (ANN) based models, Support vector machine (SVM), Linear Regression, Bagged and Boosted Regression tree). The issue of variability estimation is also explored in the paper in order to choose the best model for a given dataset. The performance of the models is assessed using two essential error metrics: mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and root mean square error (RMSE). The results shows that the MAPE and RMSE for structural data vary from 1.99% to 29.73% and 23.39 W/m2 to 165.21 W/m2, respectively, whereas these errors for endogenous dataset ranges from 1.98% to 31.19% and 23.64 W/m22 to 152.56 W/m22. Moreover, these findings, together with the data variability findings, suggest that SVM is the best model for all forms of data variability, whereas CFNN may be employed for greater variability.
Local knowledge of plant-based nutrition sources from forgotten foods in Datengan Village, East Java, Indonesia
Authors: Afrianto Whisnu Febry , TAMNGE FADILA , HIDAYATULLAH TAUFIQ , HASANAH LAELI NUR
Published: January 2023

Abstract. Afrianto WF, Tamnge F, Hidayatullah T, Hasanah LN. 2021. Local knowledge of plant-based nutrition sources from forgotten foods in Datengan Village, East Java, Indonesia. Asian J Ethnobiol 4: 53-64. Plant-based food has benefits for health and the environment. Finding adequate plant-based nutrition sources can be found by exploring local knowledge. Here, forgotten foods mean two definitions that (i) those foods were consumed by the community before, but over time it is forgotten in the daily diet, and (ii) unusually consumed by the community outside, but it still is or over-consumed by the community. This study aimed to identify the plant-based nutrition sources in Datengan Village. The study was conducted in the Datengan Village, Grogol Sub-district, Kediri District, East Java Province, Indonesia. Ethnobotany approach through qualitative research (i.e., observation, semi-structured interview, and participant observation) were used to explore the plant-based nutrient sources from forgotten foods in Datengan Village. The results showed forgotten foods in Datengan Village, i.e., fermented foods, mushrooms, by-products, and plant rich-nutrition. There were 26 plant-rich-nutrition, two mushrooms, two fermented foods, and six by-product foods. This investigation is still a preliminary study. 14 handling, processing, and serving methods were used based on the interview. This plant-based nutrition source diversity can be an alternative to fulfill nutrient requirements for the community of Datengan Village and the community of outside areas.