bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BDNF exon IV promoter methylation and antidepressant action: a complex interplay
Authors: Pathak Hansi , Borchert Anton , Garaali Sara , Burkert Alexandra , Frieling Helge
Published: December 2022

Background

BDNF exon IV promoter methylation is a potential biomarker for treatment response to antidepressants in MDD. We have previously shown CpG-87 methylation as a successful biomarker for the prediction of non-response to monoaminergic antidepressants like the SSRI Fluoxetine or the SNRI Venlafaxine. This study aimed to dissect the biological evidence and mechanisms for the functionality of CpG-87 methylation in a cell culture model.

Results

We observed a significant interaction between methylation and antidepressant-mediated transcriptional activity in BDNF exon IV promoter. In addition, antidepressant treatment increased the promoter methylation in a concentration-dependent manner. Further single CpG methylation of -87 did not change the promoter activity, but methylation of CREB domain CpG-39 increased the transcriptional activity in an antidepressant-dependent manner. Interestingly, DNMT3a overexpression also increases the BDNF exon IV transcription and more so in Venlafaxine-treated cells.

Conclusions

The study strengthens the previously reported association between antidepressant treatment and BDNF exon IV promoter methylation as well as hints toward the mechanism of action. We argue that potential CpG methylation biomarkers display a complex synergy with the molecular changes at the neighboring CpG positions, thus highlighting the importance of epiallele analyses.
ApoJ/Clusterin concentrations are determinants of cerebrospinal fluid cholesterol efflux capacity and reduced levels are associated with Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Ko Yi-An , Billheimer Jeffrey T. , Lyssenko Nicholas N. , Kueider-Paisley Alexandra , Wolk David A. , Arnold Steven E. , Leung Yuk Yee , Shaw Leslie M. , Trojanowski John Q. , Kaddurah-Daouk Rima F. , Kling Mitchel A. , Rader Daniel J.
Published: December 2022

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) shares risk factors with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and dysregulated cholesterol metabolism is a mechanism common to both diseases. Cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) is an ex vivo metric of plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) function and inversely predicts incident CVD independently of other risk factors. Cholesterol pools in the central nervous system (CNS) are largely separate from those in blood, and CNS cholesterol excess may promote neurodegeneration. CEC of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may be a useful measure of CNS cholesterol trafficking. We hypothesized that subjects with AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) would have reduced CSF CEC compared with Cognitively Normal (CN) and that CSF apolipoproteins apoA-I, apoJ, and apoE might have associations with CSF CEC.

Methods

We retrieved CSF and same-day ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) plasma from 108 subjects (40 AD; 18 MCI; and 50 CN) from the Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research biobank at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. For CSF CEC assays, we used N9 mouse microglial cells and SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells, and the corresponding plasma assay used J774 cells. Cells were labeled with [3H]-cholesterol for 24 h, had ABCA1 expression upregulated for 6 h, were exposed to 33 μl of CSF, and then were incubated for 2.5 h. CEC was quantified as percent [3H]-cholesterol counts in medium of total counts medium+cells, normalized to a pool sample. ApoA-I, ApoJ, ApoE, and cholesterol were also measured in CSF.

Results

We found that CSF CEC was significantly lower in MCI compared with controls and was poorly correlated with plasma CEC. CSF levels of ApoJ/Clusterin were also significantly lower in MCI and were significantly associated with CSF CEC. While CSF ApoA-I was also associated with CSF CEC, CSF ApoE had no association with CSF CEC. CSF CEC is significantly and positively associated with CSF Aβ. Taken together, ApoJ/Clusterin may be an important determinant of CSF CEC, which in turn could mitigate risk of MCI and AD risk by promoting cellular efflux of cholesterol or other lipids. In contrast, CSF ApoE does not appear to play a role in determining CSF CEC.
Inter-individual heterogeneity of functional brain networks in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Guo Xiaonan , Zhai Guangjin , Liu Junfeng , Cao Yabo , Zhang Xia , Cui Dong , Gao Le
Published: December 2022

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with considerable clinical heterogeneity. This study aimed to explore the heterogeneity of ASD based on inter-individual heterogeneity of functional brain networks.

Methods

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange database were used in this study for 105 children with ASD and 102 demographically matched typical controls (TC) children. Functional connectivity (FC) networks were first obtained for ASD and TC groups, and inter-individual deviation of functional connectivity (IDFC) from the TC group was then calculated for each individual with ASD. A k-means clustering algorithm was used to obtain ASD subtypes based on IDFC patterns. The FC patterns were further compared between ASD subtypes and the TC group from the brain region, network, and whole-brain levels. The relationship between IDFC and the severity of clinical symptoms of ASD for ASD subtypes was also analyzed using a support vector regression model.

Results

Two ASD subtypes were identified based on the IDFC patterns. Compared with the TC group, the ASD subtype 1 group exhibited a hypoconnectivity pattern and the ASD subtype 2 group exhibited a hyperconnectivity pattern. IDFC for ASD subtype 1 and subtype 2 was found to predict the severity of social communication impairments and the severity of restricted and repetitive behaviors in ASD, respectively.

Limitations

Only male children were selected for this study, which limits the ability to study the effects of gender and development on ASD heterogeneity.

Conclusions

These results suggest the existence of subtypes with different FC patterns in ASD and provide insight into the complex pathophysiological mechanism of clinical manifestations of ASD.
A decision support tool with health economic modelling for better management of DVT patients
Authors: Lebcir Reda , Yakutcan Usame , Demir Eren
Published: December 2022

Background

Responding to the increasing demand for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) treatment in the United Kingdom (UK) at times of limited budgets and resources is a great challenge for decision-makers. Therefore, there is a need to find innovative policies, which improve operational efficiency and achieve the best value for money for patients. This study aims to develop a Decision Support Tool (DST) that assesses the impact of implementing new DVT patients’ management and care policies aiming at improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing value for money.

Methods

With the involvement of stakeholders from a number of DVT services in the UK, we developed a DST combining discrete event simulation (DES) for DVT pathways and the Socio Technical Allocation of Resources (STAR) approach, an agile health economics technique. The model was inputted with data from the literature, local datasets from DVT services, and interviews conducted with DVT specialists. The tool was validated and verified by various stakeholders and two policies, namely shifting more patients to community services (CSs) and increasing the usage of the Novel Oral Anticoagulant (NOAC) drug were selected for testing on the model.

Results

Sixteen possible scenarios were run on the model for a period of 5 years and generated treatment activity, human resources, costing, and value for money outputs. The results indicated that hospital visits can be reduced by up to 50%. Human resources’ usage can be greatly lowered driven mainly by offering NOAC treatment to more patients. Also, combining both policies can lead to cost savings of up to 50%. The STAR method, which considers both service and patient perspectives, produced findings that implementing both policies provide a significantly higher value for money compared to the situation when neither is applied.

Conclusions

The combination of DES and STAR can help decision-makers determine the interventions that have the highest benefits from service providers' and patients’ perspectives. This is important given the mismatch between care demand and resources and the resulting need for improving operational and economic outcomes. The DST tool has the potential to inform policymaking in DVT services in the UK to improve performance.
Addressing energy poverty through technological and governance innovation
Authors: Varo Anais , Jiglau George , Grossmann Katrin , Guyet Rachel
Published: December 2022

Background

Energy poverty has gained much traction over the last decades, holding both high multidisciplinary conceptual value, but also profound implications from a social policy perspective, being closely linked to the quality of life and well-being. The goal of our study is to evaluate recent measures aimed at tackling energy poverty in Europe by analysing the extent to which they are innovative on technological and governance dimensions. We do so by building an analytical tool which combines evaluation criteria along these two dimensions and by employing it for the analysis of twenty measures aimed at tackling energy poverty that have been designed and employed in ten European countries. These measures were selected with the support of an expert panel.

Results

We identify three categories of innovative measures aimed at alleviating energy poverty: (1) measures with high technological scores, (2) measures with high governance scores, and (3) measures with high scores on both axes. The measures in the third category incorporate a variety of actors in sustainable partnerships and implement monitoring tools throughout the process, complementary to incorporating new technologies into the domestic sphere and promoting consumer awareness and consumption pattern transformation.

Conclusions

Our findings allow for a better perspective on the shape innovation takes in the context of energy poverty policies. Based on our research, we argue that combining technological innovation and governance innovation has a better chance of generating more articulate and scalable, and potentially successful measures with respect to their purpose of tackling energy poverty, since the drivers of energy poverty rarely pertain to only technology or only governance.
ImmunoPET imaging of amyloid-beta in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease with a bispecific, brain-penetrating fusion protein
Authors: Bonvicini Gillian , Syvänen Stina , Andersson Ken G. , Haaparanta-Solin Merja , López-Picón Francisco , Sehlin Dag
Published: December 2022

Background

Hijacking the transferrin receptor (TfR) is an effective strategy to transport amyloid-beta (Aβ) immuno-positron emission tomography (immunoPET) ligands across the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Such ligands are more sensitive and specific than small-molecule ligands at detecting Aβ pathology in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study aimed to determine if this strategy would be as sensitive in rats and to assess how TfR affinity affects BBB transport of bispecific immunoPET radioligands.

Methods

Two affinity variants of the rat TfR antibody, OX26, were chemically conjugated to a F(ab′)2 fragment of the anti-Aβ antibody, bapineuzumab (Bapi), to generate two bispecific fusion proteins: OX265-F(ab′)2-Bapi and OX2676-F(ab′)2-Bapi. Pharmacokinetic analyses were performed 4 h and 70 h post-injection of radioiodinated fusion proteins in wild-type (WT) rats. [124I]I-OX265-F(ab′)2-Bapi was administered to TgF344-AD and WT rats for in vivo PET imaging. Ex vivo distribution of injected [124I]I-OX265-F(ab′)2-Bapi and Aβ pathology were assessed.

Results

More [125I]I-OX265-F(ab′)2-Bapi was taken up into the brain 4 h post-administration than [124I]I-OX2676-F(ab′)2-Bapi. [124I]I-OX265-F(ab′)2-Bapi PET visualized Aβ pathology with significantly higher signals in the TgF344-AD rats than in the WT littermates without Aβ pathology. The PET signals significantly correlated with Aβ levels in AD animals.

Conclusion

Affinity to TfR affects how efficiently a TfR-targeting bispecific fusion protein will cross the BBB, such that the higher-affinity bispecific fusion protein crossed the BBB more efficiently. Furthermore, bispecific immunoPET imaging of brain Aβ pathology using TfR-mediated transport provides good imaging contrast between TgF344-AD and WT rats, suggesting that this immunoPET strategy has the potential to be translated to higher species.
Remodeling of astrocyte secretome in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: uncovering novel targets to combat astrocyte-mediated toxicity
Authors: Ng Winanto , Ng Shi-Yan
Published: December 2022

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset paralytic disease characterized by progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons in the motor cortex, brainstem and spinal cord. Motor neuron degeneration is typically caused by a combination of intrinsic neuronal (cell autonomous) defects as well as extrinsic (non-cell autonomous) factors such as astrocyte-mediated toxicity. Astrocytes are highly plastic cells that react to their microenvironment to mediate relevant responses. In neurodegeneration, astrocytes often turn reactive and in turn secrete a slew of factors to exert pro-inflammatory and neurotoxic effects. Various efforts have been carried out to characterize the diseased astrocyte secretome over the years, revealing that pro-inflammatory chemokines, cytokines and microRNAs are the main players in mediating neuronal death. As metabolomic technologies mature, these studies begin to shed light on neurotoxic metabolites such as secreted lipids. In this focused review, we will discuss changes in the astrocyte secretome during ALS. In particular, we will discuss the components of the reactive astrocyte secretome that contribute to neuronal death in ALS.
Gut microbiota of the young ameliorates physical fitness of the aged in mice
Authors: Kim Kwang H. , Chung Yusook , Huh Ji-Won , Park Dong Jin , Cho Yejin , Oh Yeseul , Jeong Haengdueng , Yoon Jaekyung , Kang Ju-Hee , Shin Hae-Sol , Kim Hyoung-Chin , Kwon Soon-Kyeong , Seo Kyoung Yul , Oh Seung Hyun , Seong Je Kyung , Ha Sang-Jun , Nam Ki Taek , Kim Jihyun F.
Published: December 2022

Background

Aging is a natural process that an organism gradually loses its physical fitness and functionality. Great efforts have been made to understand and intervene in this deteriorating process. The gut microbiota affects host physiology, and dysbiosis of the microbial community often underlies the pathogenesis of host disorders. The commensal microbiota also changes with aging; however, the interplay between the microbiota and host aging remains largely unexplored. Here, we systematically examined the ameliorating effects of the gut microbiota derived from the young on the physiology and phenotypes of the aged.

Results

As the fecal microbiota was transplanted from young mice at 5 weeks after birth into 12-month-old ones, the thickness of the muscle fiber and grip strength were increased, and the water retention ability of the skin was enhanced with thickened stratum corneum. Muscle thickness was also marginally increased in 25-month-old mice after transferring the gut microbiota from the young. Bacteria enriched in 12-month-old mice that received the young-derived microbiota significantly correlated with the improved host fitness and altered gene expression. In the dermis of these mice, transcription ofDbn1was most upregulated and DBN1-expressing cells increased twice.Dbn1-heterozygous mice exhibited impaired skin barrier function and hydration.

Conclusions

We revealed that the young-derived gut microbiota rejuvenates the physical fitness of the aged by altering the microbial composition of the gut and gene expression in muscle and skin.Dbn1, for the first time, was found to be induced by the young microbiota and to modulate skin hydration. Our results provide solid evidence that the gut microbiota from the young improves the vitality of the aged.
Spatial implementation of frequency ratio, statistical index and index of entropy models for landslide susceptibility mapping in Al-Balouta river basin, Tartous Governorate, Syria
Authors: Abdo Hazem Ghassan , Almohamad Hussein , Al Dughairi Ahmed Abdullah , Ali Sk Ajim , Parvin Farhana , Elbeltagi Ahmed , Costache Romulus , Mohammed Safwan , Al-Mutiry Motrih , Alsafadi Karam
Published: December 2022

Landslide vulnerability prediction maps are among the most important tools for managing natural hazards associated with slope stability in river basins that affect ecosystems, properties, infrastructure and society. Landslide events are among the most hazardous patterns of slope instability in the coastal mountains of Syria. Thus, the main goals of this research are to evaluate the performance of three different statistical outputs: Frequency Ratio (FR), Statistical Index (SI) and Index of Entropy (IoE) and therefore map landslide susceptibility in the coastal region of Syria. To this end, we identified a total of 446 locations of landslide events, based on the preliminary inventory map derived from fieldwork and high-resolution imagery surveys. In this regard, 13 geo-environmental factors that have a high influence on landslides were selected for landslide susceptibility mapping. The results indicated that the FR method outperformed the SI and IoE models with a high AUC of 0.824 and better adaptability, followed by the SI with 0.791. According to the SCAI values, although the FR model achieved the best reliability, the other two models also showed good capability in determining landslide susceptibility. The result of FR-based modelling showed that 18.51 and 19.98% of the study area fall under the high and very high landslide susceptible categories, respectively. In the map generated by the SI method, about 36% of the study area is classified as having high or very high landslide sensitivity. In the IoE method, whereas 14.18 and 25.62% of the study area were classified as “very high susceptible” and “high susceptible,” respectively. The relative importance analysis demonstrated that the slope aspects, lithology and proximity to roads effectively motivated the acceleration of slope material instability and were the most influential in both the FR and SI models. On the other hand, the IoE model indicated that the proximity to faults and roads, along with the lithology factor, were important influences in the formation of landslide events. As a result, the statistical bivariate models-based landslide mapping provided a reliable and systematic approach to guide the long-term strategic planning procedures in the study area.
CT texture analysis and node-RADS CT score of mediastinal lymph nodes - diagnostic performance in lung cancer patients
Authors: Meyer Hans-Jonas , Schnarkowski Benedikt , Pappisch Johanna , Kerkhoff Teresa , Wirtz Hubert , Höhn Anne-Kathrin , Krämer Sebastian , Denecke Timm , Leonhardi Jakob , Frille Armin
Published: December 2022

Background

Texture analysis derived from computed tomography (CT) can provide clinically relevant imaging biomarkers. Node-RADS is a recently proposed classification to categorize lymph nodes in radiological images. The present study sought to investigate the diagnostic abilities of CT texture analysis and Node-RADS to discriminate benign from malignant mediastinal lymph nodes in patients with lung cancer.

Methods

Ninety-one patients (n = 32 females, 35%) with a mean age of 64.8 ± 10.8 years were included in this retrospective study. Texture analysis was performed using the free available Mazda software. All lymph nodes were scored accordingly to the Node-RADS classification. All primary tumors and all investigated mediastinal lymph nodes were histopathologically confirmed during clinical workup.

Results

In discrimination analysis, Node-RADS score showed statistically significant differences between N0 and N1-3 (p < 0.001). Multiple texture features were different between benign and malignant lymph nodes: S(1,0)AngScMom, S(1,0)SumEntrp, S(1,0)Entropy, S(0,1)SumAverg. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations between the texture features with Node-RADS score: S(4,0)Entropy (r = 0.72, p < 0.001), S(3,0) Entropy (r = 0.72, p < 0.001), S(2,2)Entropy (r = 0.72, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Several texture features and Node-RADS derived from CT were associated with the malignancy of mediastinal lymph nodes and might therefore be helpful for discrimination purposes. Both of the two quantitative assessments could be translated and used in clinical routine.
Auricular cartilage regeneration using different types of mesenchymal stem cells in rabbits
Authors: Hassan Taghreed Ahmed , Maher Mohamed Ahmed , El Karmoty Amr Fekry , Ahmed Zainab Sabry Othman , Ibrahim Marwa A , Rizk Hamdy , Reyad Ayman Tolba
Published: December 2022

Background

Cartilaginous disorders comprise a wide range of diseases that affect normal joint movement, ear and nose shape; and they have great social and economic impact. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) provide a promising regeneration alternative for treatment of degenerative cartilaginous disorders. This study aimed to compare therapeutic potential of different types of laser activated MSCs to promote auricular cartilage regeneration. Twelve adult rabbit allocated equally in four groups, all animals received a surgical mid auricular cartilage defect in one ear; Group I (Positive control) injected sub-perichondrially with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), Group II (ADMSC-transplanted group) injected adipose-derived MSCs (ADMSCs), Group III (BMMSCs-transplanted group) received bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMMSCs), and Group IV (EMSC-transplanted group) received ear MSCs (EMSCs) in the defected ear. The auricular defect was analyzed morphologically, histopathologically and immunohistochemically after 4 weeks. In addition, a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to examine expression of the collagen type II (Col II) and aggrecan as cartilage growth factors.

Results

The auricles of all treatments appeared completely healed with smooth surfaces and similar tissue color. Histopathologically, defective areas of control positive group, ADMSCs and EMSCs treated groups experienced a small area of immature cartilage. While BMMSCs treated group exhibited typical features of new cartilage formation with mature chondrocytes inside their lacunae and dense extracellular matrix (ECM). In addition, BMMSC treated group showed a positive reaction to Masson’s trichrome and orcein stains. In contrary, control positive, ADMSC and EMSC groups revealed faint staining with Masson’s trichrome and Orcein. Immunohistochemically, there was an intense positive S100 expression in BMMSCs (with a significant increase of area percentage + 21.89 (P < 0.05), a moderate reaction in EMSCs (with an area percentage + 17.97, and a mild reaction in the control group and ADMSCs (area percentages + 8.02 and + 11.37, respectively). The expression of relative col II and aggrecan was substantially highest in BMMSCs (± 0.91 and ± 0.89, respectively). While, Control positive, ADMSCs and EMSCs groups recorded (± 0.41: ± 0.21, ± 0.6: ± 0.44, ± 0.61: ± 0.63) respectively.

Conclusion

BMMSCs showed the highest chondrogenic potential compared to ADMSCs and EMSCs and should be considered the first choice in treatment of cartilaginous degenerative disorders.
Expert consensus on the monitoring and treatment of sepsis-induced immunosuppression
Authors: Pei Fei , Yao Ren-Qi , Ren Chao , Bahrami Soheyl , Billiar Timothy R. , Chaudry Irshad H. , Chen De-Chang , Chen Xu-Lin , Cui Na , Fang Xiang-Ming , Kang Yan , Li Wei-Qin , Li Wen-Xiong , Liang Hua-Ping , Lin Hong-Yuan , Liu Ke-Xuan , Lu Ben , Lu Zhong-Qiu , Maegele Marc , Peng Tian-Qing , Shang You , Su Lei , Sun Bing-Wei , Wang Chang-Song , Wang Jian , Wang Jiang-Huai , Wang Ping , Xie Jian-Feng , Xie Li-Xin , Zhang Li-Na , Zingarelli Basilia , Guan Xiang-Dong , Wu Jian-Feng , Yao Yong-Ming ,   the Shock and Sepsis Society of Chinese Research Hospital Association,   the China Critical Care Immunotherapy Research Group,   the International Federation of the Shock Societies (IFSS)
Published: December 2022

Emerged evidence has indicated that immunosuppression is involved in the occurrence and development of sepsis. To provide clinical practice recommendations on the immune function in sepsis, an expert consensus focusing on the monitoring and treatment of sepsis-induced immunosuppression was developed. Literature related to the immune monitoring and treatment of sepsis were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure to design items and expert opinions were collected through an online questionnaire. Then, the Delphi method was used to form consensus opinions, and RAND appropriateness method was developed to provide consistency evaluation and recommendation levels for consensus opinions. This consensus achieved satisfactory results through two rounds of questionnaire survey, with 2 statements rated as perfect consistency, 13 as very good consistency, and 9 as good consistency. After summarizing the results, a total of 14 strong recommended opinions, 8 weak recommended opinions and 2 non-recommended opinions were produced. Finally, a face-to-face discussion of the consensus opinions was performed through an online meeting, and all judges unanimously agreed on the content of this consensus. In summary, this expert consensus provides a preliminary guidance for the monitoring and treatment of immunosuppression in patients with sepsis.
Plasma polymerized bio-interface directs fibronectin adsorption and functionalization to enhance “epithelial barrier structure” formation via FN-ITG β1-FAK-mTOR signaling cascade
Authors: Chen Shoucheng , Huang Zhuwei , Visalakshan Rahul Madathiparambil , Liu Haiwen , Bachhuka Akash , Wu You , Dabare Panthihage Ruvini L. , Luo Pu , Liu Runheng , Gong Zhuohong , Xiao Yin , Vasilev Krasimir , Chen Zhuofan , Chen Zetao
Published: December 2022

Background

Transepithelial medical devices are increasing utilized in clinical practices. However, the damage of continuous natural epithelial barrier has become a major risk factor for the failure of epithelium-penetrating implants. How to increase the “epithelial barrier structures” (focal adhesions, hemidesmosomes, etc
.
) becomes one key research aim in overcoming this difficulty. Directly targeting the in situ “epithelial barrier structures” related proteins (such as fibronectin) absorption and functionalization can be a promising way to enhance interface-epithelial integration.

Methods

Herein, we fabricated three plasma polymerized bio-interfaces possessing controllable surface chemistry. Their capacity to adsorb and functionalize fibronectin (FN) from serum protein was compared by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry. The underlying mechanisms were revealed by molecular dynamics simulation. The response of gingival epithelial cells regarding the formation of epithelial barrier structures was tested.

Results

Plasma polymerized surfaces successfully directed distinguished protein adsorption profiles from serum protein pool, in which plasma polymerized allylamine (ppAA) surface favored adsorbing adhesion related proteins and could promote FN absorption and functionalization via electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds, thus subsequently activating the ITG β1-FAK-mTOR signaling and promoting gingival epithelial cells adhesion.

Conclusion

This study offers an effective perspective to overcome the current dilemma of the inferior interface-epithelial integration by in situ protein absorption and functionalization, which may advance the development of functional transepithelial biointerfaces.

Graphical Abstract

Tuning the surface chemistry by plasma polymerization can control the adsorption of fibronectin and functionalize it by exposing functional protein domains. The functionalized fibronectin can bind to human gingival epithelial cell membrane integrins to activate epithelial barrier structure related signaling pathway, which eventually enhances the formation of epithelial barrier structure.
Invasive aspergillosis in the patient with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis initiating hemodialysis: a case report and mini-review
Authors: Sato Noriaki , Yokoi Hideki , Ichioka Mitsuhiro , Ishii Akira , Matsubara Takeshi , Yanagita Motoko
Published: December 2022

Background

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a severe form of fungal infection caused by the genus Aspergillus in immunocompromised hosts and has a high mortality rate. End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is one of the risk factors for developing fungal infection; however, the detailed clinical and treatment course of ESKD patients with IA has been scarcely reported, especially for the patient initiating hemodialysis (HD). Here, we experienced a patient under immunosuppressive therapy for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) who suffered from IA involving lung and brain and resulted in initiating HD.

Case presentation

A 66-year-old male patient with a history of suspected non-tuberculosis mycobacterial lung disease was initially admitted to the hospital with minimal change disease and subsequently diagnosed as FSGS with worsening urinary protein levels. The combined treatment including immunosuppressive treatments of cyclosporin and glucocorticoids and low-density lipoprotein apheresis was initiated, and then, he experienced the symptoms of dry cough, somnolence, and disorientation, which were subsequently diagnosed as IA involving lung and brain. The patient required renal replacement therapy, and maintenance HD was continued. Despite the intensive treatment with multiple antifungals of liposomal amphotericin B, voriconazole, micafungin, and amphotericin B, the pneumonia of the patient did not improve, and he subsequently passed away.

Conclusions

We report the case of the IA under immunosuppressive treatment, who was subsequently initiated maintenance HD. The detailed clinical course of medications used to treat the patient is presented with the literature review of IA in ESKD and HD patients and those with past acid-fast bacterial infections. The careful determination of the intensity of immunosuppression and monitoring of the patient’s symptoms and early definitive diagnosis is crucial in treating IA in immunocompromised hosts with ESKD or in HD under immunosuppressive treatment, as the mortality for these patients is suspected to be high despite the intensive treatment.
Histopathological and immunohistochemical studies on the influence of orally administration monosodium glutamate, a food additive dependent on time in vivo
Authors: Hamad Sherin Ramadan
Published: December 2022

Background

Monosodium glutamate is a widely used flavor enhancer/food additive in meat, fish, milk and cheese or vegetable origins. Our present study aimed to assess the effect of utilization monosodium glutamate on the cardiac, splenic, hepatic and renal organs in mice. Thirty animals were divided into three groups: control group; glutamate 10 treated groups and glutamate 15 treated group. The experimental period was two successive weeks.

Results

Oral administrations of monosodium glutamate for 10 days induced moderate histopathological changes in cardiac, splenic, hepatic and renal tissues and also resulted in significant increase of the nuclear factor-kB expression depend on time of administration as compared to the control group, while treatment with monosodium glutamate for 14 days resulted in severe histopathological changes as well as highly significant increase of the nuclear factor-kB expression as compared to the control group.

Conclusions

It could be concluded that oral administration of monosodium glutamate induced histopathological alterations, and cytotoxicity in cardiac, splenic, hepatic and renal tissues dependent on time.
Primary therapy of early breast cancer: Egyptian view of 2021 St. Gallen consensus
Authors: Khaled Hussein , Nada Yousry Wasef , Ramadan Kareem Mohamed , Fekry Shawkat , Seleam Mohamed Samy , Gaafar Rabab , Lotayef Mohamed
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The theme of the St. Gallen International Breast Cancer Conference 2021 held virtually for the first time, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was on tailoring therapies for patients with early breast cancer. A monkey survey that included an Egyptian Panel voted on most of the questions of the original St. Gallen consensus, and some added new questions most relevant to oncology practice in the country, to be able to compare voting results that reflect differences in breast cancer management and decision making.

Methods

The panel included 74 Egyptian scientists from different oncology specialties. Management issues including controversial diagnostic and therapeutic interventions were prepared by a small committee and then projected using the online monkey survey website: https://www.surveymonkey.com. The survey included 130 questions. Results were then analyzed, tabulated, and compared to the voting results of the original St. Gallen consensus.

Results and conclusions

Voting questions and resulting percentages of answers from the Egyptian panel were summarized. There was no consensus between the Egyptian and the original St. Gallen panels on 28/130 statements. They mostly included genetic and pathologic aspects, specifically the routine use of gene signature assays and a few queries involving surgical, radiotherapeutic, and systemic interventions. Probably, available resources and healthcare system differences in Egypt compared to European and the USA were the cause of these differences. This would also be applicable to other low- and low-middle-income healthcare scenarios present in many countries, especially with the present constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A comparative investigation of the sorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to various polydisperse micro- and nanoplastics using a novel third-phase partition method
Authors: Emecheta Emeka Ephraim , Borda Diana Borda , Pfohl Patrizia Marie , Wohlleben Wendel , Hutzler Christoph , Haase Andrea , Roloff Alexander
Published: December 2022

Evidence for direct adverse effects of micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNPs) on human health is scarce, but it has been hypothesized that MNPs act as carriers for environmental pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Many studies have already investigated the sorption of PAHs to microplastics, typically using the batch-equilibrium method. Here we established a novel third-phase partition (TPP) method utilizing thermo-extractable polydimethylsiloxane-coated stir-bars as re-usable passive samplers to compare the sorption of PAHs to 17 different MNPs. This method facilitates the quantification of MNP-sorbed pollutants, including those with poor water-solubility without requiring laborious filtration and solvent-extraction steps. Using benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) as a representative PAH, sorption kinetics and isotherms for MNPs were evaluated. B[a]P sorption was generally strong but differed by over two-orders of magnitude, clustering according to polymer types in the order of polyamides > polyethylenes ≫ Tire Rubber > polyurethanes > polymethyl methacrylate. B[a]P sorption was diminished for photo-aged MNPs. Within given polymer types, properties including particle size, polarity/hydrophobicity and chain mobility notably influenced B[a]P sorption. When comparing different PAHs, their sorption to selected MNPs increased over five-orders of magnitude with hydrophobicity: anthracene < B[a]P < dibenzo[a,l]pyrene. Our data is an important contribution to the understanding of the sorption behaviors of MNPs. The novel TPP-method represents a universally-applicable approach for the reliable evaluation of sorption characteristics of contaminants and MNPs, and can be easily adapted to desorption studies.

Graphical Abstract
Analisis penggunaan bahan tambahan pangan (BTP) ibu rumah tangga di yogyakarta dalam aspek perilaku, sikap, dan pengetahuan
Authors: Khairi Amalya Nurul , Juwitaningtyas Titisari , Narwanti Iin Nurul
Published: December 2022

Ibu rumah tangga memerankan peran yang sangat penting dalam menjaga keamanan pangan keluarga, khususnya dari bahan tambahan pangan (BTP) berbahaya. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis persepsi penggunaan BTP ibu rumah tangga perkotaan di area Wirobrajan, Yogyakarta bagi kesehatan keluarga mereka. Responden yang berpartisipasi dalam penelitian ini adalah ibu rumah tangga sekaligus pengusaha makanan ringan basah maupun kering yang terampil mengolah jajanan tradisional, makanan kering, dan street food. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kuisioner untuk mengukur tingkat pengetahuan, sikap, dan perilaku. Responden dipilih melalui purposive sampling dan memilih responden yang memenuhi kriteria ibu rumah tangga dan pengusaha makanan. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa ibu rumah tangga di Wirobrajan memiliki pengetahuan yang cukup tentang BTP yang ditunjukkan dengan pemenuhan kriteria terjawab dengan tepat lima (5) kategori dari delapan (8) kategori (>85%) yang ditanyakan. Asek sikap ibu rumah tangga Wirobrajan adalah baik (persentase jawaban tepat pada setiap pertanyaan melebihi 80%). Aspek perilaku juga memenuhi kriteria baik dengan jawaban tepat merupakan jawaban mayoritas responden, kecuali pada kriteria tempat membeli BTP dan penggunaan pengawet alami pada produk yang tidak terjual. Dalam penelitian ini aspek pengetahuan dan sikap mempengaruhi secara konsisten perilaku dari responden penelitian.Â
‘What a lying slut’: the (re)production of rape myths in online misogyny towards women disclosing their experiences of rape through the #MeToo movement
Authors: Rennie Erin
Published: December 2022

Online misogyny is a form of online abuse against women and girls which is rooted in a hatred and mistrust of women which seeks to silence them and reinforce gender inequalities. This study extends existing research in this area by examining online misogyny within the context of the #MeToo movement. The #MeToo movement created a safe space for women to share their experiences of sexual violence, and while this promoted solidarity, support and healing, there was also an abusive backlash towards the women involved. Based on a thematic analysis of abusive YouTube comments directed at women sharing their experiences of rape, it was found that 69 per cent of abusive comments were characterised by one or more of the seven rape myths: she asked for it, it wasn’t really rape, he didn’t mean to, she wanted it, she lied, rape is a trivial event, and rape is a deviant event. This article discusses each rape myth and demonstrates how rape myths are (re)produced in online misogyny towards victims/survivors of rape and concludes by arguing this response attempts to discredit victims/survivors, the #MeToo movement and disrupt the safe space the movement created to derail the collective conversation about men’s violence against women and girls.
Theoretical and experimental investigations of dispersion-managed, polarization-maintaining 1-GHz mode-locked fiber lasers
Authors: Song Denghui , Yin Ke , Miao Runlin , Zhang Chenxi , Xu Zhongjie , Jiang Tian
Published: December 2022

High-repetition-rate (up to GHz) femtosecond mode-locked lasers have attracted significant attention in many applications, such as broadband spectroscopy, high-speed optical sampling, and so on. In this paper, the characteristics of dispersion-managed, polarization-maintaining (PM) 1-GHz mode-locked fiber lasers were investigated both experimentally and numerically. Three compact and robust 1-GHz fiber lasers operating at anomalous, normal, and near-zero dispersion regimes were demonstrated, respectively. The net dispersion of the linear cavity is adjusted by changing types of PM erbium-doped fibers (EDFs) and semiconductor saturable absorber mirrors (SESAMs) in the cavity. Moreover, the long-term stability of the three mode-locked fiber lasers is proved without external control. In order to better understand the mode-locking dynamics of lasers, a numerical model was constructed for analysis of the 1-GHz fiber laser. Pulse evolution simulations have been carried out for soliton, dissipative-soliton, and stretched-pulse mode-locking regimes under different net dispersion conditions. Experimental results are basically in agreement with the numerical simulations.
Error analysis and realization of a phase-modulated diffraction grating used as a displacement sensor
Authors: Xiao Qingxiong , Wu Shuang , Wang Yinan , Liu Chengxiu , Feng Wenlu , Yao Yuan , Huang Panfeng , Wang Xiaoxu , Lu Qianbo
Published: December 2022

A grating-based interferometric cavity produces coherent diffraction light field in a compact size, serving as a promising candidate for displacement measurement by taking advantage of both high integration and high accuracy. Phase-modulated diffraction gratings (PMDGs) make use of a combination of diffractive optical elements, allowing for the diminishment of zeroth-order reflected beams and thus improving the energy utilization coefficient and sensitivity of grating-based displacement measurements. However, conventional PMDGs with submicron-scale features usually require demanding micromachining processes, posing a significant challenge to manufacturability. Involving a four-region PMDG, this paper establishes a hybrid error model including etching error and coating error, thus providing a quantitative analysis of the relation between the errors and optical responses. The hybrid error model and the designated process-tolerant grating are experimentally verified by micromachining and grating-based displacement measurements using an 850 nm laser, confirming the validity and effectiveness. It is found the PMDG achieves an energy utilization coefficient (the ratio of the peak-to-peak value of the ±1
st
order beams to the 0
th
-order beam) improvement of nearly 500% and a four-fold reduction in 0
th
-order beam intensity compared with the traditional amplitude grating. More importantly, this PMDG maintains very tolerant process requirements, and the etching error and coating error can be up to 0.5 µm and 0.6 µm, respectively. This offers attractive alternatives to the fabrication of PMDGs and grating-based devices with wide process compatibility. This work first systematically investigates the influence of fabrication errors and identifies the interplay between the errors and the optical response for PMDGs. The hybrid error model allows further avenues for the fabrication of diffraction elements with practical limitations of micromachining fabrication.
Emission and sensing of high-frequency terahertz electric fields using a GaSe crystal
Authors: Carnio B. N. , Zhang M. , Schunemann P. G. , Moutanabbir O. , Elezzabi A. Y.
Published: December 2022

A GaSe crystal cut along the (001) crystallographic plane is investigated for the emission and detection of high-frequency (i.e. up to ∼20 THz) electric fields. To date, a comprehensive analysis on high-frequency difference frequency generation and electro-optic sensing in GaSe has not been performed and should consider aspects such as electric field polarization orientation, symmetries inherent to the crystal structure, and the various possible generation and detection phase-matching arrangements. Herein, terahertz radiation generation is investigated for various excitation electric field polarizations as the GaSe crystal is rotated in the (001) plane. Subsequently, the crystal is rotated out-of-plane to investigate the difference frequency generation and electro-optic sampling phase-matching conditions for various arrangements. The measured terahertz radiation spectra show peak generation at the frequencies of 10, 16, and 18 THz (dependent on the GaSe crystal orientation), in agreement with the frequencies exhibiting perfect phase-matching. GaSe has the potential to emerge as the primary crystal for the emission and detection of high-frequency electric fields, such that this comprehensive analysis is necessary for the widespread adoption and practical implementation of GaSe as a high-frequency source crystal.
1.7 THz tuning range pivot-point-independent mode-hop-free external cavity diode laser
Authors: Zhu Jiuyuan , Qiao Dun , Jones Adam , Zhang Bo , Li Kang , Copner Nigel
Published: December 2022

A novel mode-hop-free (MHF) tunable external cavity diode laser (ECDL) is demonstrated without mechanical pivot-point tuning. By corotating a periscope with an etalon and a narrow band pass (NBP) filter inside an external cavity, the cavity single longitudinal mode selection can be maintained, and continuous tuning can be achieved with optimal synchronization. A MHF continuous tuning range of 1.7 THz has been achieved with a semiconductor gain chip at the wavelength of 652 ± 2 nm experimentally, and the theoretical tuning range can reach over 4.8 THz. The laser linewidth is estimated to be less than 1 MHz (FWHM) by a scanning Fabry-Perot (F-P) and a Michelson interferometer. 1 mW output power with variation of less than 10% in the tuning region of roughly 1.7 THz has been demonstrated.
Observation of carrier transfer in a vertical 0D-CsPbBr3/2D-MoS2 mixed-dimensional van der Waals heterojunction
Authors: Qin Chaochao , Geng Yujie , Zhou Zhongpo , Song Jian , Ma Shuhong , Jia Guangrui , Jiao Zhaoyong , Zhu Zunlue , Jiang Yuhai
Published: December 2022

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides with outstanding properties open up a new way to develop optoelectronic devices such as phototransistors and light-emitting diodes. Heterostructure with light-harvesting materials can produce many photogenerated carriers via charge and/or energy transfer. In this paper, the ultrafast dynamics of charge transfer in zero-dimensional CsPbBr3 quantum dot/two-dimensional MoS2 van der Waals heterostructures are investigated through femtosecond time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy. Hole and electron transfers in the ps and fs magnitude at the interfaces between MoS2 and CsPbBr3 are observed by modulating pump wavelengths of the pump-probe configurations. Our study highlights the opportunities for realizing the exciton devices based on quantum dot/two-dimensional semiconductor heterostructures.
Practice, theory and the animation studies continuum
Authors: Harris Miriam , Moore Samantha
Published: December 2022

This editorial explores how advancements in the sphere of practice-based research, and university programmes supporting this realm of inquiry, have contributed to an increased confidence in the ways in which animation practitioners discuss and reflect upon their work, drawing upon a range of theories and methodologies. References are made to Paul Ward’s essay ‘Some thoughts on practice-theory relationships in animation studies’ (2006), and there is a consideration of his preference for a ‘weak classification’ approach – one that acknowledges animation’s rich eclecticism – rather than maintain rigid boundaries. Ward’s ideas are informed by sociologist Basil Bernstein’s theories, and he also draws upon Mike Wayne’s study of media production practices, to advocate for the ‘critical practitioner’, as compared to the more circumscribed ‘reflexive’ – with a tendency to focus upon the minutiae of technology – and ‘theoretical’ practitioner, who dwells upon the importance of the text. Instead, the ‘critical practitioner’ possesses the skills to reflect upon what they do and why, and contextualise the work from a social, historical and political perspective.

Further developments in animation studies over the last fifteen years have included an increase in texts that thoughtfully yoke both practice and theory, including essays by Claudia Hart, Paul Wells and Johnny Hardstaff’s book Re-Imagining Animation: The Changing Face of Moving Image (2008) and Aylish Wood’s essay ‘Behind the scenes: A study of Autodesk Maya’ (2014). The editorial provides details about the essays contained within this particular edition, and the ways in which they evidence the thinking of the ‘critical practitioner’, by drawing upon a diverse range of sources, and integrating a perceptive discussion of both practice and theory.