bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma levels and urinary excretion of protein Z in patients with urolithiasis
Authors: Kaneko Kiyoko , Yasuda Makoto , Fukuuchi Tomoko , Yamaoka Noriko , Takahashi Kei , Mawatari Ken‐ichi , Isotani Shuji , Horie Shigeo , Nakagawa Tohru
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Protein Z (PZ) is a γ‐carboxyglutamic acid protein present in plasma that is involved in blood coagulation. Detailed analysis of urinary stones from patients with urolithiasis has revealed that PZ is often found in urinary stones composed of calcium oxalate monohydrate. In this study, we compared blood and urinary PZ concentrations between healthy individuals and patients with urolithiasis.

Methods

Plasma and urine were collected from healthy individuals and patients with urolithiasis who provided informed consent. PZ was detected as a urinary stone matrix protein in some of the patients. PZ was quantified by ELISA, creatinine was measured by the enzymatic method, and the total protein concentration was measured by the Bradford method.

Results

The plasma PZ level was 2.54 ± 1.02 μg/mL in healthy individuals and that in urolithiasis patients classified by stone history were from 1.16 ± 0.77 to 3.73 ± 1.09 μg/mL, which was not significantly different. The urinary excretion of PZ (PZ/creatinine) was also not different in patients with urolithiasis and in healthy individuals (from 54.1 ± 40.9 to 95.4 ± 69.4 ng/mg vs. 73.3 ± 36.0 ng/mg). A positive correlation was found between the plasma PZ level and creatinine‐corrected urinary PZ concentration (r = 0.46).

Conclusions

Both the plasma level and urinary excretion of PZ in urolithiasis patients were not significantly different with normal individuals. PZ detected in urinary stones as a matrix protein is thought to be incorporated into urinary stones regardless of blood and urine levels of PZ.
Recent advances in immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of urothelial carcinoma: A review
Authors: Kato Minoru , Uchida Junji
Published: August 2023

Treatment options for urothelial carcinoma were limited until the emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors, and even now, the prognosis of metastatic disease is poor compared with the other two major genitourinary cancers, renal cell carcinoma and prostate cancer. Despite the increasing use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the sequential treatment of urothelial carcinoma, conflicting results from similar randomized clinical trials call into question the efficacy of this treatment. In addition, physicians must be aware of the clinical characteristics of immune checkpoint inhibitors, including immune‐related adverse events, pseudo‐ and hyperprogression. This review summarizes the conflicting results of recent clinical trials and provides insights into the role of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of urothelial carcinoma.
OPA1, a molecular regulator of dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Chen Jiaqi , Shao Jianan , Wang Yaoyao , Wu Kangxiang , Huang Mingyuan
Published: August 2023

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease with no specific treatment, poor prognosis and high mortality. During DCM development, there is apoptosis, mitochondrial dynamics imbalance and changes in cristae structure. Optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) appears at high frequency in these three aspects. DCM LMNA (LaminA/C) gene mutation can activate TP53, and the study of P53 shows that P53 affects OPA1 through Bak/Bax and OMA1 (a metalloprotease). OPA1 can be considered the missing link between DCMp53 and DCM apoptosis, mitochondrial dynamics imbalance and changes in cristae structure. OPA1 regulates apoptosis by regulating the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondrial matrix through CJs (crisp linkages, located in the inner mitochondrial membrane) and unbalances mitochondrial fusion and fission by affecting mitochondrial inner membrane (IM) fusion. OPA1 is also associated with the formation and maintenance of mitochondrial cristae. OPA1 is not the root cause of DCM, but it is an essential mediator in P53 mediating the occurrence and development of DCM, so OPA1 also becomes a molecular regulator of DCM. This review discusses the implication of OPA1 for DCM from three aspects: apoptosis, mitochondrial dynamics and ridge structure.
Gastric cancer peritoneal metastasis related signature predicts prognosis and sensitivity to immunotherapy in gastric cancer
Authors: Sun YuQin , Chen YueQing , Zhuang Wei , Fang ShunYong , Chen QiuXian , Lian MingQiao , Lv ChenBin , Weng JianMing , Wei Ran , Lin Yao , Cai LiSheng , Wang QingShui
Published: August 2023

Gastric cancer peritoneal metastases (GCPM) is a leading cause of GC‐related death. Early detection of GCPM is critical for improving the prognosis of advanced GC. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the GSE62254 database to distinguish between GCPM and non‐GCPM. The gastric cancer peritoneal metastases signature (GCPMs) was developed using DEGs. We analysed the effectiveness of GCPMs as indicators for prognosis, chemotherapy, and immune therapy response in GC patients. Subsequently, we analysed the correlation between GCPMs and immune microenvironment as well as immune escape in GC patients. Random forest model and immunohistochemistry was utilized to identify the crucial genes that can aid in the diagnosis of GCPM. We identified five DEGs and utilized their expression to construct GCPMs. Patients with high GCPMs had a higher likelihood of a poor prognosis, while those with low GCPMs appeared to potentially benefit more from chemotherapy. GCPMs were a dependable marker for predicting the response to immunotherapy. Additionally, GCPMs was found to be significantly linked to stromal score and cancer‐associated fibroblasts. SYNPO2 has been identified as the gene with the highest significance in the diagnosis of GCPM. Immunohistochemistry suggests that SYNPO2‐positive expression in tumour cells, fibroblasts, inflammatory cell may be associated with promoting peritoneal metastasis in GC. GCPMs have shown to be a promising biomarker for predicting the prognosis and response of GC patients to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The use of GCPMs for individual tumour evaluation may pave the way for personalized treatment for GC patients in the future.
Cutaneous neurogenic inflammation mediated by TRPV1–NGF–TRKA pathway activation in rosacea is exacerbated by the presence of Demodex mites
Authors: Lee Sang Gyu , Kim Jihee , Lee Young In , Kim Jemin , Choi Ye Seul , Ham Seoyoon , Lee Ju Hee
Published: August 2023

Background

Rosacea is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition that is often refractory to treatment, with frequent relapses. Alterations in the skin immunological response and Demodex mite infestation are the primary aetiologic factors targeted for treatment. Transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) is a nociceptive cation channel that plays a role in cutaneous neurogenic pain and can be activated by various rosacea triggers.

Objectives

We investigated the effects of TRPV1 modulation in rosacea, focussing on Demodex mite colonization and cutaneous neurogenic inflammation.

Methods

We examined mRNA expression levels according to Demodex population counts. An in vitro study using capsazepine as a TRPV1 antagonist was performed to assess the influence of TRPV1 in keratinocytes. A rosacea‐like mouse model was generated by the injection of the 37‐amino acid C‐terminal cathelicidin peptide (LL37), and changes in the skin, dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and ears were examined.

Results

Increased Demodex mite population counts were associated with increased expression levels of TRPV1, tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) and nerve growth factor (NGF), and these levels could be reduced by capsazepine treatment in keratinocytes. In an in vivo study, the downstream effects of TRPV1 activation were investigated in the skin, DRG and ears of the rosacea‐like mouse model.

Conclusions

The findings of this study are instrumental for understanding the underlying causes of rosacea and could potentially lead to the development of new treatments targeting the NGF–TrkA–TRPV1 pathway. The identification of this pathway as a therapeutic target could represent a major breakthrough for rosacea research, potentially resulting in more effective and targeted rosacea treatments. This study contributes to an improved understanding of rosacea pathophysiology, which may lead to the development of more effective treatments in the future.
Molecular and morphological characterization of four new ancyromonad genera and proposal for an updated taxonomy of the Ancyromonadida
Authors: Yubuki Naoji , Torruella Guifré , Galindo Luis Javier , Heiss Aaron A. , Ciobanu Maria Cristina , Shiratori Takashi , Ishida Ken‐ichiro , Blaz Jazmin , Kim Eunsoo , Moreira David , López‐García Purificación , Eme Laura
Published: August 2023

Ancyromonads are small biflagellated protists with a bean‐shaped morphology. They are cosmopolitan in marine, freshwater, and soil environments, where they attach to surfaces while feeding on bacteria. These poorly known grazers stand out by their uncertain phylogenetic position in the tree of eukaryotes, forming a deep‐branching “orphan” lineage that is considered key to a better understanding of the early evolution of eukaryotes. Despite their ecological and evolutionary interest, only limited knowledge exists about their true diversity. Here, we aimed to characterize ancyromonads better by integrating environmental surveys with behavioral observation and description of cell morphology, for which sample isolation and culturing are indispensable. We studied 18 ancyromonad strains, including 14 new isolates and seven new species. We described three new and genetically divergent genera: Caraotamonas, Nyramonas, and Olneymonas, together encompassing four species. The remaining three new species belong to the already‐known genera Fabomonas and Ancyromonas. We also raised Striomonas, formerly a subgenus of Nutomonas, to full genus status, on morphological and phylogenetic grounds. We studied the morphology of diverse ancyromonads under light and electron microscopy and carried out molecular phylogenetic analyses, also including 18S rRNA gene sequences from several environmental surveys. Based on these analyses, we have updated the taxonomy of Ancyromonadida.
The Asymmetric Effect of Credit Supply on Firm‐Level Productivity Growth
Authors: MANARESI FRANCESCO , PIERRI NICOLA
Published: August 2023

We study the impact of bank credit on firm productivity. We exploit a matched firm‐bank database, covering all the credit relationships of Italian corporations, to measure idiosyncratic supply‐side shocks to credit availability and estimate a production model augmented with financial frictions. We find the effect of credit supply to be asymmetric: contractions harm TFP growth, halting productivity‐enhancing activities; positive credit supply shocks have limited effects. This points toward a role of financial stability in preserving productivity growth.
Loneliness in nursing homes: A qualitative meta‐synthesis of older people's experiences
Authors: Zhang Deping , Lu Qizhen , Li Li , Wang Xiaofeng , Yan Hongqi , Sun Zijian
Published: August 2023

Background

Older people in the nursing home environment are much less mobile and capable of taking care of themselves as they age, and most of them face the plight of loneliness, which seriously affects the quality of life of older people in their later years.

Aims

A systematic review and synthesis of older people's experiences of loneliness in nursing homes.

Design

Following ENTREQ, do a systematic evaluation and synthesis of qualitative investigations.

Methods

A search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, the Chinese biomedical literature service system, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Wanfang Database and the Wipu Database for qualitative studies of older people's experiences of loneliness in nursing homes was conducted with a search time frame of March 2023. Evaluation of the quality of the literature using the Joanna Briggs Institute's Australian Centre for Evidence‐Based Health Care Quality Assessment Criteria for Qualitative Research, And the data were synthesised using Thomas and Harden's method of thematic and content analysis.

Results

A total of 13 papers were included, and 36 research findings were distilled and integrated into three themes: causes of loneliness; feelings of loneliness; coping with loneliness; and seven sub‐themes: aging and loss; environmental transformation; loneliness is a pain; loneliness is a choice; participation; strengthening social ties; and diverting attention.

Conclusions

Older people in nursing homes face varying degrees of loneliness, which is a subjective feeling influenced by the interplay between personal awareness and the external environment, so future care interventions should be developed in a comprehensive manner, taking into account the characteristics of the older people themselves and their external environment.

No Patient or Public Contribution

This study is a meta‐synthesis and does not require relevant contributions from patients or the public.
Psychological characteristics of young adults with temporomandibular disorders, somatization and combined conditions: A multidimensional evaluation
Authors: Yap Adrian Ujin , Dewi Ni Luh , Marpaung Carolina
Published: August 2023

Background

Temporomandibular disorders and somatization have shown interrelation in many studies. The physical and psychological factors which contributed to the occurrence and relation of both conditions are yet to be determined.

Objectives

The personality traits, coping styles and psychological distress of young adults with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and somatic symptoms were characterized together with the determination of psychological risk factors for TMDs, somatization and combined conditions.

Methods

Participants were recruited from university‐attending young adults. TMD and somatic symptoms were appraised with the short‐form Fonseca Anamnestic Index and Patient Health Questionnaire‐15. Psychological variables were assessed with the Big Five Personality Inventory‐10, Brief‐COPE Inventory and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales‐21. Data were evaluated using chi‐squared/non‐parametric tests and logistic regression analyses (α = .05).

Results

Among the 507 participants (mean age 22.2 ± 1.5 years), 46.4% reported no TMD/somatic symptoms (NS) while 7.5%, 34.5% and 11.6% had TMDs only (TS), somatization only (SS) and combined TMDs‐somatization (CS), respectively. Significant differences in conscientiousness (NS > SS), agreeableness (NS, TS > CS; NS > SS), dysfunctional coping, general distress, depression, anxiety and stress (CS ≥ SS > NS) were discerned. Multivariate analyses indicated that the odds of TS were increased by anxiety (OR = 1.10; 95% CI = 1.01–1.21), while the odds of SS/CS were affected by anxiety (OR = 1.15; 95% CI = 1.06–1.25/OR = 1.34; 95% CI = 0.19–1.52) and problem‐focused coping (OR = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.56–0.89/OR = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.39–0.78).

Conclusion

Though individuals with TMDs and somatization have dissimilar psychological profiles, anxiety constantly increased their likelihood. Problem‐focused coping strategies may help alleviate psychosocial and physical stressors associated with TMDs and somatization.
Research assessment: How the hotel industry uses sensory and consumer science to analyze hotel toiletries
Authors: Payne Jessie , Koppel Kadri , Talavera Martin J.
Published: August 2023

Hotel toiletries are complementary items found in hotels around the globe. Though this is true, toiletries are not an area of emphasis in hotel research. The hotel toiletry category encompasses an assorted set of products such as shampoo, lotions, soap, makeup wipes, and considerably more. While some interesting research is available, much of the hotel industry research is conducted using more informal methods with little regard for consumer expectations and perceptions. The hotel industry could benefit from a consumer‐targeted approach to hotel toiletry research. The field of sensory and consumer science has a multitude of avenues for evaluating consumer opinions and perceptions, and even describing and optimizing hotel toiletry products. This review outlines current sensory and consumer methods used by the hotel industry to analyze hotel toiletries and other aspects of the industry, as well as highlights future research opportunities.

Practical Application

This review summarizes the available published research on the hotel industry that uses sensory and consumer science to analyze hotel toiletries. This review aims to cover and present how the hotel industry can utilize sensory evaluation methods to evaluate hotel toiletries and identify gaps as well as future research using these approaches.
Collective decision‐making in aquatic mammals
Authors: Zwamborn Elizabeth , Boon Naomi , Whitehead Hal
Published: August 2023

Collective decision‐making is an essential part of day‐to‐day life for group‐living animals. These decisions can be unshared (e.g. leadership) or shared (e.g. consensus).

Aquatic mammals face particular challenges when making collective decisions, including a three‐dimensional habitat that can make group coordination and collective navigation a challenge.

We systematically reviewed literature on decision‐making in non‐human mammals by examining the types of collective decisions observed and hypotheses used to structure analyses.

Most of the current literature was centred around terrestrial species, particularly within primates and artiodactyls. There are no collective decision‐making studies on aquatic mammal species outside of cetaceans. Both unshared and shared decision‐making have been reported in whales and dolphins, with leadership found in killer whalesOrcinus orcaand bottlenose dolphinsTursiopssp.and consensus decisions in sperm whalesPhyseter macrocephalus.

Five recommendations for decision‐making research include: 1) clearly delineating the temporal components of decision‐making, 2) standardising research to allow for comparisons, 3) considering both shared and unshared decision‐making, 4) analysing decision‐making across behavioural contexts, and 5) avoiding anthropomorphic terminology.

Future studies of collective decision‐making will help us better understand how non‐human mammals overcome environmental and contextual challenges – particularly in the case of aquatic species such as cetaceans, which face challenges related to their aquatic environment and exhibit phenomena such as mass strandings.
Infrared absorption spectra from organic matter in the asteroid Ryugu samples: Some unique properties compared to unheated carbonaceous chondrites
Authors: Kebukawa Yoko , Quirico Eric , Dartois Emmanuel , Yabuta Hikaru , Bejach Laure , Bonal Lydie , Dazzi Alexandre , Deniset‐Besseau Ariane , Duprat Jean , Engrand Cecile , Mathurin Jérémie , Barosch Jens , Cody George D. , De Gregorio Bradley , Hashiguchi Minako , Kamide Kanami , Kilcoyne David , Komatsu Mutsumi , Martins Zita , Montagnac Gilles , Mostefaoui Smail , Nittler Larry R. , Ohigashi Takuji , Okumura Taiga , Remusat Laurent , Sandford Scott , Shigenaka Miho , Stroud Rhonda , Suga Hiroki , Takahashi Yoshio , Takeichi Yasuo , Tamenori Yusuke , Verdier‐Paoletti Maximilien , Wakabayashi Daisuke , Yamashita Shohei , Yurimoto Hisayoshi , Nakamura Tomoki , Noguchi Takaaki , Okazaki Ryuji , Naraoka Hiroshi , Sakamoto Kanako , Tachibana Shogo , Yada Toru , Nishimura Masahiro , Nakato Aiko , Miyazaki Akiko , Yogata Kasumi , Abe Masanao , Okada Tatsuaki , Usui Tomohiro , Yoshikawa Makoto , Saiki Takanao , Tanaka Satoshi , Terui Fuyuto , Nakazawa Satoru , Watanabe Sei‐ichiro , Tsuda Yuichi
Published: August 2023

The infrared spectral characteristics of organic‐rich acid residues prepared from Ryugu samples returned by the JAXA Hayabusa2 mission generally match those from unheated carbonaceous chondrite meteorites, but the residues from Ryugu are richer in methyl and methylene functional groups and have higher CH2/CH3 ratios. Moreover, two distinct outlier carbonaceous phases are found; one with spectral characteristics of N‐H functional groups, likely amides, and a second phase containing less nitrogen. Such infrared characteristics of Ryugu organic matter might indicate the pristine nature of the freshly collected samples and reflect the near‐surface chemistry in the parent asteroid.
Onychomycosis due to Fusarium species in different continents, literature review on diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Haghani Iman , Hedayati Mohammad Taghi , Shokohi Tahereh , Kermani Firoozeh , Ghazanfari Mona , Javidnia Javad , Khojasteh Shaghayegh , Roohi Behrad , Badali Hamid , Fathi Maryam , Amirizad Kazem , Yahyazadeh Zahra , Abastabar Mahdi , Al‐Hatmi Abdullah M. S.
Published: August 2023

Fusarium species are an emerging cause of onychomycosis, and the number of cases has dramatically increased in recent decades worldwide. This review presents an overview of the onychomycosis cases caused by Fusarium species and diagnosis and treatment that have been reported in the literature. The most common causative agent of onychomycosis is F. solani species complex, which accounts for 11.68% of the cases of Fusarium onychomycosis, followed by the F. oxysporum species complex (164 out of 1669), which is accounted for 9.83% of the total. F. fujikuroi species complex (42 out of 1669) and F. dimerum species complex (7 out of 1669) are responsible for 2.52% and 0.42 cases, respectively. Fusarium nail infections were reported in patients aged range 1–98, accounting for 5.55% (1669 out of 30082) of all cases. Asia has the highest species diversity of Fusarium onychomycosis (31.51%). South America accounts for 21.09%, and the most common causative agent is F. solani (19.32%), followed by F. oxysporum species complex (15.63%). Europe accounts for 4.90% of cases caused by F. oxysporum, followed by F. solani. Africa accounts for 23.87% of the cases due to the F. solani species complex, followed by F. oxysporum and F. fujikuroi. Distal and lateral subungual onychomycosis was the most common clinical symptom accounting for 58.7% (135 out of 230) of the cases. Data analysis relieved that terbinafine and itraconazole are active treatments for Fusarium onychomycosis. For a definitive diagnosis, combining of direct examination, culture and sequencing of the elongation factor of translation 1α are recommended. Accurate identification of the causative agents of onychomycosis due to Fusarium species and antifungal susceptibility testing is essential in patient management.
Pemphigus Disease and Area Index: Unmet needs in the real‐world management of pemphigus
Authors: Mahmoudi Hamidreza , Toosi Roja , Salehi Farid Ali , Daneshpazhooh Maryam
Published: August 2023

Over the past few decades, a number of scoring instruments have been developed to assess the severity and activity of autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBDs) (Daneshpazhooh et al., 2019; Nili et al., 2020; Nili et al., 2021; Nili et al., 2022). The Pemphigus Disease Area Index (PDAI), developed by the International Pemphigus Definitions Group, is an easy‐to‐use, quick, and reliable method for determining pemphigus severity. As a reliable and effective tool in clinical trials, PDAI may also have some limitations and might require some revisions to be used on a daily basis. Here, we propose some recommendations to improve the use of PDAI in the clinical setting.
The new correspondence theory of truth without the concept of fact
Authors: Chen Bo
Published: August 2023

Traditional correspondence theory of truth with the concept of fact encounters many serious difficulties, main one of which is that it is too difficult to explain clearly the concept of ‘fact’ and how propositions ‘correspond’ to facts. This does not mean that we should abandon the traditional correspondence theory of truth and turn to some other type theories of truth. In order to guarantee the objectivity of truth, any reasonable theory of truth must adhere to the core insight of the traditional correspondence theory: it is not something in our language, nor in our mind, but something in the external world, that make the propositions we use to describe the states of affairs in the world either true or false. It is entirely possible to formulate a new correspondence theory of truth without the concept of fact but still adhering to the core insights mentioned above of the traditional correspondence theory. New correspondence theory of truth has its own metaphysical and epistemological assumptions, and also its assumption in the philosophy of language. Because of the generativity of language, in defining the concept of truth, the new correspondence theory of truth must resort to Tarskian recursive procedure. First, it gives the semantic value of the components of a proposition, defines the truth of its atomic propositions, then gradually defines the truth of its more and more complex propositions and finally of the whole proposition. Coherence is the intrinsic element of truth. The concept of truth is by no means trivial and insignificant; on the contrary, it is very substantive. The pursuit of truth is our mission.
Role of curvature in acridone for 1O2 oxidation of a natural product homoallylic alcohol: A novel iso‐hydroperoxide intermediate
Authors: Lapoot Lloyd , Jabeen Shakeela , Durantini Andrés M. , Greer Alexander
Published: August 2023

A density functional theoretical (DFT) study is presented, implicating a 1O2 oxidation process to reach a dihydrobenzofuran from the reaction of the natural homoallylic alcohol, glycocitrine. Our results predict an interconversion between glycocitrine and an iso‐hydroperoxide intermediate [R(H)O+–O−] that provides a key path in the chemistry which then follows. Formations of allylic hydroperoxides are unlikely from a 1O2 ‘ene’ reaction. Instead, the dihydrobenzofuran arises by 1O2 oxidation facilitated by a 16° curvature of the glycocitrine ring imposed by a pyramidal N‐methyl group. This curvature facilitates the formation of the iso‐hydroperoxide, which is analogous to the iso species CH2I+–I− and CHI2+–I− formed by UV photolysis of CH2I2 and CHI3. The iso‐hydroperoxide is also structurally reminiscent of carbonyl oxides (R2C=O+–O−) formed in the reaction of carbenes and oxygen. Our DFT results point to intermolecular process, in which the iso‐hydroperoxide's fate relates to O‐transfer and H2O dehydration reactions for new insight into the biosynthesis of dihydrobenzofuran natural products.
Mesenchymal stem cell‐derived exosomes and skin photoaging: From basic research to practical application
Authors: Wang Yihao , Shen Xu , Song Shenghua , Chen Yan , Wang Yiping , Liao Junlin , Chen Nian , Zeng Li
Published: August 2023

Background

Skin photoaging is a condition caused by long‐term exposure to ultraviolet irradiation, resulting in a variety of changes in the skin, such as capillary dilation, increased or absent pigmentation, dryness, sagging, and wrinkles. Stem cells possess a remarkable antioxidant capacity and the ability to proliferate, differentiate, and migrate, and their main mode of action is through paracrine secretion, with exosomes being the primary form of secretion. Stem cell‐derived exosomes contain a variety of growth factors and cytokines and may have great potential to promote skin repair and delay skin ageing.

Methods

This review focuses on the mechanisms of UV‐induced skin photoaging, the research progress of stem cell exosomes against skin photoaging, emerging application approaches and limitations in the application of exosome therapy.

Result

Exosomes derived from various stem cells have the potential to prevent skin photoaging.

Conclusion

The combination with novel materials may be a key step for their practical application, which could be an important direction for future basic research and practical applications.
Effect of mitochondrial quantity and quality controls in white adipose tissue on healthy lifespan: Essential roles of GH/IGF‐1‐independent pathways in caloric restriction‐mediated metabolic remodeling
Authors: Otani Yuina , Nozaki Yuka , Mizunoe Yuhei , Kobayashi Masaki , Higami Yoshikazu
Published: August 2023

Long‐term caloric restriction is a conventional and reproducible dietary intervention to improve whole body metabolism, suppress age‐related pathophysiology, and extend lifespan. The beneficial actions of caloric restriction are widely accepted to be regulated in both growth hormone/insulin‐like growth factor 1‐dependent and ‐independent manners. Although growth hormone/insulin‐like growth factor 1‐dependent regulatory mechanisms are well described, those occurring independent of growth hormone/insulin‐like growth factor 1 are poorly understood. In this review, we focus on molecular mechanisms of caloric restriction regulated in a growth hormone/insulin‐like growth factor 1‐independent manner. Caloric restriction increases mitochondrial quantity and improves mitochondrial quality by activating an axis involving sterol regulatory element binding protein‐c/peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ coactivator‐1α/mitochondrial intermediate peptidase in a growth hormone/insulin‐like growth factor 1‐independent manner, particularly in white adipose tissue. Fibroblast growth factor 21 is also involved in this axis. Moreover, the axis may be regulated by lower leptin signaling. Thus, caloric restriction appears to induce beneficial actions partially by regulating mitochondrial quantity and quality in white adipose tissue in a growth hormone/insulin‐like growth factor 1‐independent manner.
Who's to blame for failed integration of immigrants? Blame attributions as an affectively polarizing force in lay discussions of immigration in Finland
Authors: Rovamo Helena , Pettersson Katarina , Sakki Inari
Published: August 2023

Increasing expression of antagonism toward immigrants has turned immigration into one of the most polarizing issues in many countries, among them Finland, dividing people into those who favor and those who oppose immigration. But while affective polarization of the kind exemplified by widespread responses to immigration has recently received increasing attention from political psychologists, little attention has been paid to how affective polarization develops through the mutual reinforcement of opposing discourses. The application of critical discursive psychology to interviews with lay Finns reveals this mutual reinforcement in progress. In our interviews, Finns across the political spectrum construct five subject positions by attributing blame for immigration‐related challenges. Both sides blame some “other” for the challenges while exempting themselves from blame. Our study makes three contributions to political psychology: exploring how blame attribution helps to generate affective polarization, illustrating the ability of (critical) discursive psychology to illuminate processes of affective polarization in individuals, and bringing the concept of affective polarization drawn from survey research into dialogue with the concept of subject positions constructed by blame attribution drawn from discursive studies of populism.
Can vitamins improve periodontal wound healing/regeneration?
Authors: Fawzy El‐Sayed Karim M. , Cosgarea Raluca , Sculean Anton , Doerfer Christof
Published: August 2023

Periodontitis is a complex inflammatory disorder of the tooth supporting structures, associated with microbial dysbiosis, and linked to a number if systemic conditions. Untreated it can result in an irreversible damage to the periodontal structures and eventually teeth loss. Regeneration of the lost periodontium requires an orchestration of a number of biological events on cellular and molecular level. In this context, a set of vitamins have been advocated, relying their beneficial physiological effects, to endorse the biological regenerative events of the periodontium on cellular and molecular levels. The aim of the present article is to elaborate on the question whether or not vitamins improve wound healing/regeneration, summarizing the current evidence from in vitro, animal and clinical studies, thereby shedding light on the knowledge gap in this field and highlighting future research needs. Although the present review demonstrates the current heterogeneity in the available evidence and knowledge gaps, findings suggest that vitamins, especially A, B, E, and CoQ10, as well as vitamin combinations, could exert positive attributes on the periodontal outcomes in adjunct to surgical or nonsurgical periodontal therapy.
Infrastructure and American religion: Sites, methods, and theories for a changing field
Authors: Ellis Isaiah
Published: August 2023

This article reviews the literature on infrastructure in the study of American religions, examining its recent emergence as a topic of study and demonstrating its deeper role in the canons of the field. It argues that infrastructure has quickly become a multivalent conceptual term in the field, as well as a site for research. This latter point leads to a detailed summation of infrastructure's role in constructing and challenging the conventional boundaries of what “religion” is in America, what is “American” about American religion, and how scholars of religion might rethink “America” as a geographic and conceptual formation for our study. Infrastructure has an important role to play in creative theoretical and methodological engagements in the study of American religion and in fact has already staked its claim in the field's ongoing transformation.
Analytic and heuristic process for prudent antimicrobial use in animals: What are triggers and how do they work?
Authors: Wang Mingliang , Gong Shunlong , Bai Li , Liang Luyu , Weng Zhenlin , Tang Jin
Published: August 2023

The over and misuse of antimicrobials in animal agriculture causes a prevailing crisis for humans, animals, and the environment. From the One Health approach perspective, the formation process of adopting prudent antimicrobial use (AMU), once established, can be used to mitigate this crisis. The study aimed to determine the analytic‐based and heuristic‐based process that evoked prudent AMU among animal farmers by synthesis of stimulus‐organism‐response framework and dual‐system theory and to explore gender differences on risk–benefit trade‐offs. A structural equation model was employed to test the proposed hypotheses with field survey data from 1100 small‐scale farmers. The results reveal that for the analytic‐based process, social influence, antimicrobial‐related threats, and self‐efficacy are all salient stimuli having indirect effects on intention via the two organisms of perceived risks and perceived benefits. For heuristic‐based process, farmers’ altruistic value orientations are positively associated with intention. An interesting fact is that threat awareness has two opposite effects on intention, namely, the suppression effect and the enhancement effect. Moreover, the negative effect of perceived risks on intention is greater among female farmers, compared to male counterparts. These findings provide valuable insights for the forming of theory‐based intervention strategies to perfect China's national action plan.
Evaluating diffusion in policy designs: A study of net metering policies in the United States
Authors: Gregoire‐Zawilski Myriam , Siddiki Saba
Published: August 2023

In the United States, some of the most important environmental policy innovations of the past decades have occurred at the state level. Net metering policy is one kind of policy that states have widely adopted in support of decarbonization goals. The widespread adoption of net metering policies varying in policy design, defined here as policy content, offers an opportunity to investigate to what extent policies that diffuse widely bear comparable designs, and furthermore, what factors influence diffusion in policy designs. Availing these opportunities, in this paper, we investigate (1) how (dis‐)similar the designs of American states' original net metering policies were; and (2) what factors explain the diffusion of policies that share similar design elements. To support our investigation, we model using event history analysis in a directed dyad setting, the factors that explain differential duration to adoption of net metering legislation containing specific elements of design by policy receiver states. We find that bipartisan legislatures are more likely to adopt the majority of design elements. This suggests that net metering appeals to policy makers across the political spectrum and that the latter compromise in integrating elements of policy design that benefit or burden different constituents. We also find that over time, states become less likely to emulate policy designs from jurisdictions whose citizenry embraces dissimilar values, suggesting that policy makers learn to tailor incentives to their local policy targets.
Review of minimally invasive surgical procedures for assessment and treatment of medial coronoid process disease
Authors: Burton Neil J.
Published: August 2023

Objective

To summarize the current peer‐reviewed publications on minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for medial coronoid process disease (MCPD) in dogs.

Study design

Invited review.

Methods

Pubmed, CAB Abstracts and Scopus databases were utilized for literature review (1990–2023).

Results

More than 60 papers have been published that involve MIS evaluation or treatment of MCPD. Six prospective trials incorporated quantitative gait analysis evaluating outcome following MCPD debridement, of which three included a control group. Whilst case numbers were limited, all studies employing a control group failed to demonstrate superiority of surgery over nonsurgical management. Of three studies employing gait analysis and no control group, all documented some improvement in function compared to pretreatment lameness. Multiple studies document progression of osteoarthritis in dogs following MCPD debridement although this may not be synonymous with worsened function. Subtotal coronoid osteotomy (SCO) is described as an alternative to MCP fragment removal, although the long‐term biomechanical consequences are currently unclear and quantitative data on the efficacy of this treatment in isolation for MCPD is awaited.

Conclusion

Arthroscopy of the canine elbow joint is a safe means by which to evaluate MCP pathology. Quantitative longitudinal analysis of outcome following minimally invasive surgery for MCPD is required. Correlation with clearly defined subclassification inclusion criteria such as age, incongruity and the precise arthroscopic findings in each case are required to more accurately differentiate any superiority of surgery over nonsurgical management for this disease.
Striking the right balance: Three-dimensional ocean sound speed field reconstruction using tensor neural networks
Authors: Li Siyuan , Cheng Lei , Zhang Ting , Zhao Hangfang , Li Jianlong
Published: August 2023

Accurately reconstructing a three-dimensional (3D) ocean sound speed field (SSF) is essential for various ocean acoustic applications, but the sparsity and uncertainty of sound speed samples across a vast ocean region make it a challenging task. To tackle this challenge, a large body of reconstruction methods has been developed, including spline interpolation, matrix/tensor-based completion, and deep neural networks (DNNs)-based reconstruction. However, a principled analysis of their effectiveness in 3D SSF reconstruction is still lacking. This paper performs a thorough analysis of the reconstruction error and highlights the need for a balanced representation model that integrates expressiveness and conciseness. To meet this requirement, a 3D SSF-tailored tensor DNN is proposed, which uses tensor computations and DNN architectures to achieve remarkable 3D SSF reconstruction. The proposed model not only includes the previous tensor-based SSF representation model as a special case but also has a natural ability to reject noise. The numerical results using the South China Sea 3D SSF data demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms state-of-the-art methods. The code is available at https://github.com/OceanSTARLab/Tensor-Neural-Network.
Impact of PpSpi1, a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored cell wall glycoprotein, on cell wall defects of N-glycosylation-engineered
Pichia pastoris
Authors: Zhu Quanchao , Jia Zuyuan , Song Yuchao , Dou Weiwang , Scharf Daniel Henry , Wu Xiaodan , Xu Zhihao , Guan Wenjun
Published: August 2023

In order to produce therapeutic glycoproteins modified with human-like N-glycan structures, much progress has been achieved toward the humanization of N-glycosylation pathways in yeasts. In this study, a
Pichia pastoris
mutant Glyco4, which has a humanized N-glycosylation pathway and could successfully generate the human-like N-glycans, was carefully characterized. Glyco4 displays a significant growth delay and cell wall defects. Comparative transcriptomics reveals that manipulating the N-glycosylation pathway could notably affect the expression pattern of numerous biological pathways in Glyco4. Among the differentially expressed genes, the down-regulation of Pp
SPI1
was proven to be the main cause of the cell wall defects in Glyco4. Deletion of Pp
SPI1
in
P. pastoris
GS115 strain presented growth delay and weaker resistance to cell wall/membrane perturbing agents. PpSpi1 was shown to be a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored cell wall glycoprotein and involved in the formation of the mannoprotein layer on the outer surface of cell wall. Overexpressing Pp
SPI1
in Glyco4 could partially recover the cell wall defects and also improve its resistance to cell wall perturbing agents and osmotic stress. Thus, overexpression of PpSpi1 is a useful strategy to facilitate
P. pastoris
industrial applications in the manufacture of human glycoproteins.

IMPORTANCE

Engineering of biological pathways in various microorganisms is a promising direction for biotechnology. Since the existing microbial cells have evolved over a long period of time, any artificial engineering may cause some unexpected and harmful effects on them. Systematically studying and evaluating these engineered strains are very important and necessary. In order to produce therapeutic proteins with human-like N-glycan structures, much progress has been achieved toward the humanization of N-glycosylation pathways in yeasts. The properties of a
P. pastoris
strain with humanized N-glycosylation machinery were carefully evaluated in this study. Our work has identified a key glycoprotein (PpSpi1) responsible for the poor growth and morphological defects of this glycoengineered strain. Overexpression of PpSpi1 could significantly rescue the growth defect of the glycoengineered
P. pastoris
and facilitate its future industrial applications.
The Work of a Mathematician As a Prefiguring of Mastering Mathematics by Students: The Role of Experiments
Authors: Vishnyakov Yu. S. , Semenov A. L. , Shabat G. B.
Published: August 2023

This paper considers an approach to mathematical education adequate to the task of developing mathematics and its applications in the 21th century. This approach is based on improving the efficiency of the educational process by maintaining the motivation of students of various categories. The basis for the formation of motivation is, on the one hand, independent design; invention of mathematical objects, methods of action, and models of the world around us; and the discovery of facts of mathematical reality and, on the other hand, solving of new, unexpected, and feasible tasks for the student. The student’s work is similar to the work of a mathematician–researcher and programmer. The possibilities of research work in educational mathematics are significantly expanded due to computer-based intramathematic experiments. Debugging a computer program is a special kind of mathematical experiment.
Caecal volvulus following a complicated caesarean section
Authors: Gislinge Julie Isabelle Plougmann , Scheuer Cecilie Johanne , Toustrup Camilla Hauge , Roenneberg Elisabeth Thal
Published: August 2023

A caecal volvulus is a rare, but severe complication to a caesarean section, with serious risks of perforation, necrosis and peritonitis. We describe a case of a Middle Eastern woman admitted for an elective caesarean section due to a history of three cesareans in her home country. The operation was complicated by massive adhesions and a postpartum bleed of 1750 mL. She developed severe abdominal pain refractory to strong pain medication postoperatively. She was diagnosed with a caecal volvulus without perforation on CT, which was confirmed by laparotomy. The patient was treated with a hemicolectomy and made a full recovery.
Simultaneous above-knee amputation and ipsilateral total hip arthroplasty in a neglected neck of femur fracture with an insensate limb
Authors: Tripathy Sujit , Varghese Paulson , Khan Shahnawaz , Saha Subhajit
Published: August 2023

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with ipsilateral mid-thigh amputation is surgically challenging. We report a case of same setting THA and ipsilateral above-knee amputation in a male patient. The patient had 8 months old neglected neck femur fracture and ipsilateral femur shaft fracture with 14 cm bone loss. There was an associated neurovascular (femoral artery injury and sciatic nerve palsy) deficit at the initial insult; however, the limb survived because of well-formed collaterals. The limb was insensate at the time of presentation because of complete sciatic nerve palsy. The decision to undergo amputation was taken based on insensate limb, compromised circulation and huge bone loss with healed open fracture. After 10 months follow-up, the patient was walking with prosthesis limb fitted to the amputated mid-thigh stump and there were no incidences of osteolysis, subsidence or infection in the THA site.
Intensive care unit admission and associated factors in patients hospitalised for COVID-19: A national retrospective cohort study in Iran
Authors: Izadi Neda , Shahbazi Fatemeh , Mokhayeri Yaser , Seifi Arash , Taherpour Niloufar , Mehri Ahmad , Fallah Saeid , Sotoodeh Ghorbani Sahar , Farhadi-Babadi Kosar , Taherian Mohammad Reza , Rahimi Elham , Etemed Koorosh , Hashemi Nazari Seyed Saeed
Published: August 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to determine factors associated with intensive care unit (ICU) admission in patients hospitalised due to COVID-19.

Design

Retrospective cohort.

Setting

Confirmed hospitalised patients from all over Iran were considered for the study.

Participants

All patients with COVID-19 admitted to the hospital from March 2020 to May 2021 were included by census. ICU admission was defined by the following criteria: (1) admission to the ICU ward; (2) level of consciousness (loss of consciousness); and (3) use of invasive ventilation.

Methods

This is a secondary data analysis from the Medical Care Monitoring Center. The association between different variables and ICU admission was assessed by forward Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline method.

Results

The mean age of the 1 469 620 patients with COVID-19 was 54.49±20.58 years old, and 51.32% of the patients were male. The prevalence of ICU admission was 19.19%. The mean age of patients admitted to the ICU was higher than that of other hospitalised patients (62.49±19.73 vs 52.59±20.31 years). The prevalence of ICU admission was 17.17% in the first, 21.52% in the second, 19.72% in the third, 21.43 in the fourth and 17.4% in the fifth wave. In the multivariable model, age groups, sex, waves of the epidemic, comorbidities and saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO2) <93% and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) were associated with an increased odds of ICU admission. The OR for ICU admission indicates a significant protective effect at a young age and then a significant risk factor for admission to the ICU ward at an old age.

Conclusions

Men, older adults, people who suffer from ARDS, patients with SpO2levels of less than 93% and cases with comorbidities had the highest odds of ICU admission. Therefore, these groups should take all necessary precautions to avoid contracting COVID-19.