bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Following the Birth, Life, and Death of mRNAs in Single Cells
Authors: Eichenberger Bastian T. , Griesbach Esther , Mitchell Jessica , Chao Jeffrey A.
Published: October 2023

Recent advances in single-molecule imaging of mRNAs in fixed and living cells have enabled the lives of mRNAs to be studied with unprecedented spatial and temporal detail. These approaches have moved beyond simply being able to observe specific events and have begun to allow an understanding of how regulation is coupled between steps in the mRNA life cycle. Additionally, these methodologies are now being applied in multicellular systems and animals to provide more nuanced insights into the physiological regulation of RNA metabolism.
MicroRNA-138: an emerging regulator of skeletal development, homeostasis, and disease
Authors: Brito Victor Gustavo Balera , Bell-Hensley Austin , McAlinden Audrey
Published: October 2023

Noncoding microRNAs are powerful epigenetic regulators of cellular processes by their ability to target and suppress expression of numerous protein-coding mRNAs. This multitargeting function is a unique and complex feature of microRNAs. It is now well-described that microRNAs play important roles in regulating the development and homeostasis of many cell/tissue types, including those that make up the skeletal system. In this review, we focus on microRNA-138 (miR-138) and its effects on regulating bone and cartilage cell differentiation and function. In addition to its reported role as a tumor suppressor, miR-138 appears to function as an inhibitor of osteoblast differentiation. This review provides additional information on studies that have attempted to alter miR-138 expression in vivo as a means to dampen ectopic calcification or alter bone mass. However, a review of the published literature on miR-138 in cartilage reveals a number of contradictory and inconclusive findings with respect to regulating chondrogenesis and chondrocyte catabolism. This highlights the need for more research in understanding the role of miR-138 in cartilage biology and disease. Interestingly, a number of studies in other systems have reported miR-138-mediated effects in dampening inflammation and pain responses. Future studies will reveal if a multifunctional role of miR-138 involving suppression of ectopic bone, inflammation, and pain will be beneficial in skeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis and heterotopic ossification.
Del Nido cardioplegia or potassium induces Nrf2 and protects cardiomyocytes against oxidative stress
Authors: Diao Hongting , Dai Wujing , Wurm Daniel , Lu Yingying , Shrestha Lenee , He Amy , Wong Raymond K. , Chen Qin M.
Published: October 2023

Open heart surgery is often an unavoidable procedure for the treatment of coronary artery disease. The procedure-associated reperfusion injury affects postoperative cardiac performance and long-term outcomes. We report here that Del Nido cardioplegic solution or potassium is an effective inducer of Nrf2 transcription factor, which controls the antioxidant and detoxification response. This indicates that Del Nido solution is not only essential for open heart surgery but also exhibits cardiac protective activity.
Effect of Jackfruit Leaf Extract (Artocarpus heterophyllus) on Sitophilus oryzae Mortality and Rice Quality
Authors: Astija Astija , Wardani Evi , Febriani Vita Indri , Dhafir Fatma
Published: October 2023

Sitophilus oryzae is an insect pest known for its destructive impact on rice crops. Chemical pesticides continue to be employed for the prevention of Sitophilus oryzae. The aforementioned phenomenon exerts adverse effects, notably in the form of human intoxication. Hence, one alternate approach to address the issue involves utilizing a preparation derived from the leaves of the jackfruit tree. The leaves of the jackfruit tree are known to possess many bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, and tannins, which have insecticidal properties. Hence, the objectives of this study are to investigate the impact of jackfruit leaf extract on the mortality rate of rice insects and to evaluate the quality of rice. The study was carried out in the Biology Laboratory of the Faculty of Education and Teacher Training at the Tadulako University. The study employed a research strategy known as a completely randomized design (CRD), which included five treatments. Each treatment was repeated in four biological and ten technical replicates. The treatments were as follows: treatment A served as the control and involved the use of Bestrin forte, treatment B involved the application of a 10% jackfruit leaf extract, treatment C involved the application of a 20% jackfruit leaf extract, treatment D involved the application of a 30% jackfruit leaf extract, and treatment E involved the application of a 40% jackfruit leaf extract. Every treatment was administered through spraying to all ten insects and that was repeated four times. The data collected were subjected to analysis using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and supported by the SPSS-25 software. The findings of the study indicated that the application of jackfruit leaf extract (Artocarpus heterophyllus) at specific time intervals (20th, 40th, and 60th minutes) resulted in a noteworthy impact on the death rate of rice beetles. Furthermore, the extracts successfully preserved the olfactory attributes of the rice, ensuring its quality. Nevertheless, their ability to uphold the standard of the rice in relation to its color and flavor was inadequate. The efficacy of the jackfruit leaf extract in eradicating rice bugs was found to be highest when applied at a concentration of 40%.
Preliminary Investigations on the Therapeutic Efficacy and Safety of Mixed Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria on Albino Rats Challenged with Shigella dysenteriae
Authors: Ibejekwe Adaeze Ngozi , Egbere John Otumala , Dashen Michael Macvren , Ngene Anayochukwu Chibuike , Akpagher Shawon Fredrick , Adetunji Joshua Ayobami , Paul Michael Eshioramhe , Oyero Steve Kunle , Udeozor Francis C. , Agabi Yusuf A. , Ikpa Pauline
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from the Nigerian beverage “kunun zaki” as alternative therapeutic agents against Shigella dysenteriae infections. In light of rising antibiotic resistance, the decline in probiotic usage prompted interest in LAB’s role in countering bacterial dysentery. Shigella dysenteriae, a significant cause of dysentery in developing nations, prompted this research which aims to carry out a preliminary investigation on the therapeutic efficacy and safety of mixed probiotic lactic acid bacteria on albino rats challenged with Shigella dysenteriae. Lactic acid bacteria, known for treating infections, were isolated from the beverage and tested against Shigella dysenteriae. The study employed 15 albino rats for in vivo trials, inducing diarrhea and treating with Lactococcus lactis and Lactobacillus brevis separately (T1 and T2) and combined in a 1 : 1 ratio (T3). Clinical parameters were observed before and after treatment. This revealed that L. lactis and L. brevis administration lowered rectal temperature from an average of 42°C caused by infection to 36.5°C. Stool consistency improved from light brown loose to dark brown semisolid, signifying reduced diarrhea. Bacteriological analysis displayed significant reduction (

p
<
0.05

) in Shigella counts in rat intestines across all treatments—

220
±
2.88
 
C
F
U
/
g

to

19.00
±
1.77
 
C
F
U
/
g

,

8.33
±
0.88
 
C
F
U
/
g

, and

65.00
±
2.88
 
C
F
U
/
g

for T1, T2, and T3, respectively. The mixed LAB treatment was notably effective. Lactic acid bacteria counts increased significantly in Shigella-treated rats versus the positive control. Hematology and liver function parameters showed no significant differences between treatments and untreated controls. Lactic acid bacteria from “kunun zaki” exhibited curative potential, individually or combined, against Shigella dysenteriae. These lactic acid bacteria also positively influenced gut microbiota in Shigella-infected albino rats.
Effect of Nonmagnetic Doping on Dielectric Properties and Initial Permeability of Ba-Ni Ferrite Nanoparticles by Virtue of Zn2+ Ions
Authors: Khoreem Sadiq H. , AL-Hammadi A. H.
Published: October 2023

The effects of composition, temperature, and frequency-dependent dielectric properties of barium-nickel-based ferrites have been investigated. The conventional ceramic technique prepared the compositions BaNi2-xZnxFe16O27 (at x = 0.0, 0.4, 1.2, and 2). The analysis of X-ray diffraction patterns showed that they were single-phase. The average grain size, lattice constant, and density were found to increase as Zn2+ ion substitution increased. According to the frequency and Zn concentration, the dielectric parameters were properly set. Overall, the dielectric properties of this sample make them a suitable candidate for flexible supercapacitors and are best suited for high-frequency region applications. The initial magnetic permeability of the prepared sample was increasing as the Zn ion contents increases. The produced samples were suitable for application as microwave absorbers, data storage appliances, and magnetic recording mediums.
Physical, Thermal, and Morphology Characteristics of Waste Latex Rubber Glove-Modified Bitumen
Authors: Fadzil Auni Diyana , Md Yusoff Nur Izzi , Harun Shuhaida , Haji Badri Khairiah , Widyatmoko Iswandaru , Khairuddin Faridah Hanim , Milad Abdalrhman , Bilema Munder , Memon Naeem Aziz
Published: October 2023

Researchers across the globe have explored several alternatives to recycling natural rubber and have identified several challenges. Therefore, this study evaluates the feasibility of recycling waste latex rubber gloves (WLRG) as a bitumen modifier to enhance the bitumen’s physical, thermal, and morphological characteristics. The study adds varying percentages of WLRG (3%, 5%, 7%, and 9%) to the 60/70 bitumen and analyzes them to determine the optimum WLRG percentage. The penetration, softening point, ductility, and viscosity tests of the modified binders show a consistent pattern. All WLRG-modified bitumens are stable storage blends at high temperatures. The thermal characteristics of the WLRG particles in the modified bitumen are examined through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The ogive graph shows that the weight loss of the bitumen modified with 3%, 5%, 7%, and 9% WLRG occurred at 457.5, 464.3, 462.2, and 459.5°C. The maximum weight loss of the control sample occurred at 465.6°C when the environment switched from nitrogen (N2) to air. The DSC graph reveals the changes in the structure or physiochemical processes of the WLRG. The melting point for the binders modified with 3%, 5%, 7%, and 9% WLRG is 133.6, 132.1, 103.5, and 133.2°C. The morphological characteristics were determined using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The bee structure gives a scientific explanation of the microstructural characteristics. A contact angle test was performed to identify the wettability of the sessile drop device by using three types of solvent, namely distilled water, formamide, and glycerol. The contact angle of water showed a decreasing trend, where the binder containing 9% WLRG had the lowest contact angle. For the control sample, the contact angles of formamide and glycerol are 73.95° and 71.85°, respectively. In summary, WLRG is a suitable bitumen modifier and can enhance the physical, thermal, and morphological characteristics of the asphalt binder.
Real-Time Implementation of a Novel Design Approach for Sub-GHz Long-Range Antenna for Smart Internet of Things Communication
Authors: Bhardwaj Sneha , Malik Praveen Kumar , Gupta Anish , Singh Rajesh
Published: October 2023

This research article designs and develops a planar small-size antenna design for smart Internet of Things (IoT) communication with long-range technology (LoRa). The proposed system is best suited for transceiver systems in this automation and sensing era. In the proposed antenna, the ground, the radiating element, and the stub feed are designed on the same side of the substrate, keeping in mind that it can print the LoRa module. The design consists of a meandered monopole, a dipole structure as a ground, and a stub feed. A different design approach is employed to get an optimized result. The antenna is made up of a rectangular feed stub to which a connecting wire is attached. The overall dimension of the antenna is 55 m × 55 m × 1.6 mm. To verify the proposed design, an antenna was fabricated and measured, which covers the LoRa frequency band at 868 MHz, providing a sufficient bandwidth of 10 MHz and a gain of more than 0.5 dB in the operating band. A designed antenna is implemented for sensor data communication with the LoRa module device and device interface Arduino platform. The antenna is connected as a transmitter and receiver one by one to verify its performance with machine-to-machine communication using the LoRa module. The size, bandwidth, and radiation efficiency of this antenna are better than the antennas in the literature. The designed antenna is successfully implemented with LoRa connectivity and communicates the data up to 8 km in line-of-sight communication, more than 1 km in urban environments, and approximately 250 m of connectivity in building areas.
Tumor-Reactive CD8+ T Cells Enter a TCF1+PD-1− Dysfunctional State
Authors: Roetman Jessica J. , Erwin Megan M. , Rudloff Michael W. , Favret Natalie R. , Detrés Román Carlos R. , Apostolova Minna K.I. , Murray Kristen A. , Lee Ting-Fang , Lee Youngmin A. , Philip Mary
Published: October 2023

T cells recognize several types of antigens in tumors, including aberrantly expressed, nonmutated proteins, which are therefore shared with normal tissue and referred to as self/shared-antigens (SSA), and mutated proteins or oncogenic viral proteins, which are referred to as tumor-specific antigens (TSA). Immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) can activate T-cell responses against TSA, leading to tumor control, and also against SSA, causing immune-related adverse events (irAE). To improve anti-TSA immunity while limiting anti-SSA autoreactivity, we need to understand how tumor-specific CD8+ T cells (TST) and SSA-specific CD8+ T (SST) cells differentiate in response to cognate antigens during tumorigenesis. Therefore, we developed a genetic cancer mouse model in which we can track TST and SST differentiation longitudinally as liver cancers develop. We found that both TST and SST lost effector function over time, but while TST persisted long term and had a dysfunctional/exhausted phenotype (including expression of PD1, CD39, and TOX), SST exited cell cycle prematurely and disappeared from liver lesions. However, SST persisted in spleens in a dysfunctional TCF1+PD-1– state: unable to produce effector cytokines or proliferate in response to ICB targeting PD-1 or PD-L1. Thus, our studies identify a dysfunctional T-cell state occupied by T cells reactive to SSA: a TCF1+PD-1– state lacking in effector function, demonstrating that the type/specificity of tumor antigen may determine tumor-reactive T-cell differentiation.
Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 5 Variability in Treatment-Naïve Patients in South Africa
Authors: Maunye Tshegofatso K. , Gededzha Maemu P. , Blackard Jason T. , Rakgole Johnny N. , Selabe Selokela G.
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 5 was originally identified in South Africa, where it represents 35–60% of all HCV infections. There are limited data on resistance-associated variants (RAVs) in South Africa. Thus, we investigated variability within the NS3/NS4A, NS5A, and NS5B genes of treatment-naïve individuals with HCV genotype 5 infection at the Dr. George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH) in Pretoria, South Africa. Methods: Nested PCR was performed to amplify the NS3/4A, NS5A, and NS5B genes. RAVs were evaluated using the Geno2pheno tool. Results: In the NS3/4A gene, F56S and T122A were detected in one sample each. The D168E mutation was detected in 7 samples. Within the NS5A gene, the T62M mutation was detected in 2 individuals. In the NS5B gene, 8 of 12 individuals (67%) had the A421V mutation, while all 12 individuals (100%) had the S486A mutation. Discussion: RAVs were detected frequently among treatment-naïve individuals with HCV genotype 5 infection in South Africa. Thus, resistance testing may be prudent when initiating treatment of patients with genotype 5 infection. Additional population-based studies are needed to understand the prevalence of these RAVs during HCV genotype 5 infection.
An Autopsy Case of Ruptured Hepatic Angiosarcoma Treated by Transcatheter Arterial Embolization
Authors: Entani Toshiki , Tajiri Kazuto , Noguchi Akira , Murayama Aiko , Muraishi Nozomu , Hayashi Yuka , Yasuda Ichiro
Published: October 2023

An 80-year-old Japanese man presented to our hospital with intra-abdominal hemorrhage due to a ruptured liver tumor. Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) temporarily achieved hemostasis, but he died following re-rupture 4 days later. Based on autopsy findings, the liver tumor was diagnosed as hepatic angiosarcoma. Embolic agents used during embolization were identified within the hepatic small interlobular arteries. However, there were no findings of tumor cell necrosis or ischemic change in the angiosarcoma. In the present case, TAE alone did not induce ischemia-induced tumor necrosis, suggesting that TAE might be unsuitable to treat hepatic angiosarcoma. Treatment optimization for ruptured hepatic angiosarcoma is desired.
Respiratory Function Changes as Early Signs of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Polverino Mario , Sampaolo Simone , Capuozzo Antonio , Fasolino Marco , Aliberti Michele , Satta Ersilia , Santoriello Carlo , Orengo James Peter , Polverino Francesca
Published: October 2023

Background: The current diagnostic criteria for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may remain unsatisfactory for months or years in the early disease. Pulmonary assessment has never been considered useful in the early diagnosis of ALS, and studies of pulmonary function in this patient category are lacking. Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the pulmonary function in subjects with unspecific symptoms of ALS in whom an ALS diagnosis cannot be reached based on the current available guidelines. Methods: We performed pulmonary function tests, arterial gas analysis, maximal inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory (MEP) pressure, and respiratory drive (P0.1) assessment in 35 patients with unspecific neurological symptoms at the time of the visit and those were subsequently diagnosed with ALS 2 years after the initial visit (“pre-ALS”); we compared these patients with 29 patients with established ALS and with 28 control subjects. Results: Spirometric parameters were not different between the three groups. However, MIP was significantly lower and P0.1 was significantly increased (with the ratio P0.1/MIP significantly higher) in both established and pre-ALS patients compared to controls, while both MIP and P0.1 were similar between established ALS and pre-ALS. Conclusions: Changes in MIP, P0.1, and P0.1/MIP ratio are highly suggestive of preclinical ALS when the spirometry and neurodiagnostic tests are still inconclusive. MIP and P0.1 are noninvasive measurements that can be easily assessed in an ambulatory setting. Future studies on larger cohorts are needed to validate the use of these parameters in the preclinical diagnosis of ALS as well as in other neuromuscular diseases.
Molecular Diagnosis of Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Using Next-Generation Sequencing Panels
Authors: Sarıkaya Uzan Gamze , Yılmaz Uzman Ceren , Çinleti Tayfun , Günay Çağatay , Ülgenalp Ayfer , Hiz Kurul Semra , Yiş Uluç
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMDs) are clinically and genetically heterogeneous muscle disorders. We aimed to share the diagnostic yield of an NGS gene panel containing LGMD-related genes and our experience with LGMD. Methods: Between February 2019 and October 2022, patients with a suspicion of LGMD and their relatives were reviewed in terms of demographic, clinical, and individual genetic data, age of symptom onset, sex, clinical features, LGMD types, cardiac involvement, muscle biopsy results, family history, and consanguinity. Our NGS gene panel consisted of ANO5, CAPN3, CAV3, DAG1, DES, DNAJB6, DYSF, FKTN, FLNC, FRKP, GAA, GMPPB, HNRNPDL, ISPD, LIMS2, LMNA, MYOT, PLEC, POMGNT1, POMK, POMT1, POMT2, SGCA, SGCB, SGCD, SGCG, TCAP, TNPO3, TRAPPC11, TRIM32, and TTN genes. Results: The diagnosis rate was 61.1% (11/18). Twelve (80%) patients with LGMD were male and three (20%) were female. The median age was 15.9 (range, 1.5–39) years. Our patient collective was drawn up out of patients with the following variants: LGMDR1 (n = 6; 40%), LGMDR2 (n = 4; 26.6%), LGMDR3 (n = 4; 26.6%), and LGMDR12 (n = 1; 6.7%). Conclusion: The present study showed that the NGS panel has a high success rate in the diagnosis of LGMD and contributes to early diagnosis.
Poor Outcome of Adult T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma with Current Available Therapy: An Experience of Two Centers
Authors: Saeed Hayder , Sandoval-Sus Jose , Castillo-Tokumori Franco , Dong Ning , Pullukkara Jerrin Joy , Boisclair Stephanie , Brahim Amanda , Walker Damaal , Bridgellal Sanjay , Zhang Ling , Sokol Lubomir
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Adult T-cell leukemia lymphoma (ATLL) is an aggressive mature T-cell neoplasm caused by human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection. Despite its poor prognosis, there is no standard therapy for ATLL due to its low incidence and the disease affecting only endemic geographical clusters. Methods: A retrospective evaluation of patients with the diagnosis of ATLL at Moffitt Cancer Center and Memorial Healthcare System was done to identify patients and disease characteristics along with the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for the different therapies used. Results: The 61 patients analyzed showed a median age of 58 with 82.5% of them being of African American descent. The acute variant contributed to the majority of cases (43.9%), followed by 36.8% presenting as a lymphoma variant. There was no statistical difference in the PFS (6.4 m, 3.1 m, 2.1 m; p = 0.23) or OS (14 m, 8.9 m, 18.5 m; p = 0.14) between cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP), intensive chemotherapy regimens, and other modalities, respectively. However, the patients who had complete or partial remission with first-line therapy had better OS (15.9 m vs. 7.2 m; p = 0.004). Conclusions: The study highlighted the poor outcome of the current regimens and the lack of a unifying protocol for this vicious disease. The acute variants were treated with more intensive regimens, but there was no difference in the OS between the three major options of CHOP, intensified chemotherapy, and others. This underscores the need for more clinical trials to develop better outcomes.
TPP1 Variants in Iranian patients: A Novel Pathogenic Homozygous Variant Causing Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 2
Authors: Vafaei Nahid , Mohebbi Ali , Rezaei Zahra , Heidari Morteza , Hosseinpour Sareh , Zare Dehnavi Ali , Ghamari Azin , Salehipour Masoud , Rabbani Ali , Mahdieh Nejat , Ashrafi Mahmoud Reza
Published: October 2023

Introduction: TPP1 variants have been identified as a causative agent of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 2 disease, that ataxia is one of its clinical features. Therefore, here, molecular study of TPP1 variants is presented in an Iranian cohort and a novel pathogenic variant is described. Methods: This investigation was conducted as a cross-sectional study in a tertiary referral hospital, Children’s Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence. Clinical presentations and pedigrees were documented. Patients with cerebellar ataxia were enrolled in this study. Next-generation sequencing was applied to confirm the diagnosis. Segregation and bioinformatics analyses were also done for the variants using Sanger sequencing. Results: Forty-five patients were included in our study. The mean age of onset was 104 (+55.60) months (minimum = 31 months, maximum = 216 months). The majority of cases (73.3%) were born to consanguineous parents and only 1 patient (2.2%) had an affected sibling. Of the 45 patients, only 1 patient with a novel pathogenic variant (c.1425_1425+1delinsAT, p.A476Cfs*15) in the TPP1 gene was identified. Discussion: The main strength of current study is the relatively large sample size. Besides, a novel pathogenic variant could be important toward the diagnosis and management of this condition. With significant advances in various therapies, early diagnosis could improve the treatments using personalized-based medicine.
Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture Combined with Herbal Medicine for Children and Adolescents with Tourette Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Jiawei , Li Chuncai , Ma Yuqi , Yuan Mingxing , Liu Yuan
Published: October 2023

Background: With the increasing prevalence of Tourette syndrome (TS), the search for alternative therapy for TS is a growing public concern. In recent years, a growing number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have revealed the value of acupuncture combined with herbal medicine for the treatment of TS; however, its holistic efficacy and safety remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with herbal medicine and to provide preliminary evidence for clinical practice. Methods: Eight databases were searched from their establishment to November 27, 2022, to collect RCTs of acupuncture combined with herbal medicine for TS treatment. Two researchers independently completed the study screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment by using NoteExpress, Excel, and Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0 (RoB 2.0). Stata 15.0 software was applied to conduct meta-analysis. Results: A total of 1,400 participants in 18 RCTs were included. Compared with the Western medicine, acupuncture combined with herbal medicine had better curative effect in the field of effective rate (risk ratio [RR] = 1.18, 95% CI: [1.12, 1.23], p < 0.05, I2 = 0%), Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) total score (mean difference [MD] = −3.91, 95% CI: [−5.49, −2.33], p < 0.05, I2 = 96.4%), TCM syndrome total score (MD = −2.42, 95% CI: [−3.71, −1.13], p < 0.05, I2 = 87.1%), and serum IgE negative rate (RR = 3.41, 95% CI: [1.69, 6.87], p < 0.05, I2 = 0%). Furthermore, acupuncture combined with herbal medicine reduced the adverse reaction rate (RR = 0.20, 95% CI: [0.14, 0.30], p < 0.05, I2 = 0%) and the recurrence rate (RR = 0.27, 95% CI: [0.13, 0.52], p < 0.05, I2 = 0%). Conclusion: This study demonstrated the efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with herbal medicine, which is probably a better alternative therapy for TS. However, the small number, low quality, and potential bias of the included studies caused the limitations of our results. More high-quality RCTs are required to provide supplementary evidence in the future.
Complete Response of Triple-Negative Metaplastic Carcinoma of the Breast Using Pembrolizumab
Authors: Ladwa Amrita , Elghawy Omar , Schroen Anneke , Abernathy Kristan , Schlefman Jenna , Dillon Patrick
Published: October 2023

Metaplastic breast cancer (MpBC) is a rare form of breast malignancy with a poor prognosis and limited treatment guidance. Here, we report on a case of triple-negative MpBC that was successfully treated following the Keynote-522 clinical algorithm using pembrolizumab, paclitaxel, carboplatin, adriamycin, and cyclophosphamide in a neo-adjuvant fashion. The radiographic and histologic findings of the tumor are reviewed here along with the treatment regimen and response. No major toxicities associated with pembrolizumab were observed in this case. This case report serves as an example of complete pathological response of triple-negative MpBC with pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy and demonstrates the need for further research on chemoimmunotherapy for MpBC.
Penehyclidine Hydrochloride Improves Rhabdomyolysis-Mediated Acute Kidney Injury by Inhibiting Ferroptosis through the HIF-1α/MT1G Axis
Authors: Chen Li , Luo ShaSha , Tan HongBao
Published: October 2023

Background: Penehyclidine hydrochloride (PHC) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of rhabdomyolysis (RM)-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). Our research sought to investigate the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of PHC on RM-induced AKI. Methods: RM-induced AKI models were established by FeG treatment and glycerol injection. Cell viability was analyzed by cell counting kit-8 assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were examined by flow cytometry. The LDH, Fe2+, MPO, MDA, and GSH levels were measured using the corresponding kits. The interaction between HIF-1α and MT1G was analyzed by dual-luciferase reporter gene and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. The kidney pathological alterations were examined by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The levels of serum creatinine, uric acid, and blood urea nitrogen were examined using ELISA. Ferroptosis-related proteins (SLC7A11, GPX4, and ACSL4) were analyzed by Western blot. Results: PHC administration increased FeG-treated HK-2 cell viability, reduced ROS, LDH, Fe2+, MPO, MDA, and ACSL4 levels, and raised GSH, SLC7A11, and GPX4 levels in cells, suggesting that PHC improved FeG-induced HK-2 cell ferroptosis and injury. PHC protected against AKI primarily by suppressing ferroptosis. HIF-1α blocked the SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway by transcriptionally activating MT1G. PHC alleviated glycerol-induced kidney injury in rats by inhibiting ferroptosis. Conclusion: PHC improved RM-mediated AKI by inhibiting ferroptosis through the HIF-1α/MT1G/SLC7A11/GPX4 axis.
Biomarker Enrichment in Sepsis-Associated Acute Kidney Injury: Finding High-Risk Patients in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Baeseman Louis , Gunning Samantha , Koyner Jay L.
Published: October 2023

Background: Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) is a leading comorbidity in admissions to the intensive care unit. While a gold standard definition exists, it remains imperfect and does not allow for the timely identification of patients in the setting of critical illness. This review will discuss the use of biochemical and electronic biomarkers to allow for prognostic and predictive enrichment of patients with sepsis-associated AKI over and above the use of serum creatinine and urine output. Summary: Current data suggest that several biomarkers are capable of identifying patients with sepsis at risk for the development of severe AKI and other associated morbidity. This review discusses these data and these biomarkers in the setting of sub-phenotyping and endotyping sepsis-associated AKI. While not all these tests are widely available and some require further validation, in the near future we anticipate several new tools to help nephrologists and other providers better care for patients with sepsis-associated AKI. Key Messages: Predictive and prognostic enrichment using both traditional biomarkers and novel biomarkers in the setting of sepsis can identify subsets of patients with either similar outcomes or similar pathophysiology, respectively. Novel biomarkers can identify kidney injury in patients without consensus definition AKI (e.g., changes in creatinine or urine output) and can predict other adverse outcomes (e.g., severe consensus definition AKI, inpatient mortality). Finally, emerging artificial intelligence and machine learning-derived risk models are able to predict sepsis-associated AKI in critically ill patients using advanced learning techniques and several laboratory and vital sign measurements.
Declining Labor Market Informality in Turkey: Unregistered Employment and Wage Underreporting
Authors: BAĞIR Yusuf Kenan , KÜÇÜKBAYRAK Müşerref , TORUN Huzeyfe
Published: October 2023

This paper examines the labor market informality in Turkey at two margins, unregistered employment and wage underreporting. We first document the stylized facts about the informal employment and its change over the 15 years from 2004 to 2018. While doing this, we examine the heterogeneity in the informality across regions, sectors, firm properties and worker characteristics. Second, we decompose the change in the informality rate into its components using the Oaxaca-Blinder methodology. We find that the workforce composition change in gender, age, education, occupation, and industries explains half of the decline in the informality rate from 2004 to 2018. Finally, we analyze the wage underreporting behavior in the Turkish labor market using both survey data and social security registry. We show that there has been a wide gap between the wages earned and the wages declared to the Social Security Institution among registered employees. However, this discrepancy declines significantly in recent years.
Assessing Effectiveness of Structural Monetary Policy in China
Authors: Huang Yiping , Shen Yan , Cheng Danxu , Chen Xinyu
Published: October 2023

Structural monetary policy (SMP)—differentiated policy action targeting specific economic activity— has become more frequently applied by major central banks lately, although the practice of developmental central banking has been in existence for quite some time. The effectiveness of such structural monetary policy, however, has not been adequately evaluated. In this paper, we attempt to provide a comprehensive analysis of SMP introduced by the People's Bank of China and also to offer a broad framework for thinking about SMP.  We first document the brief history and main components of China's SMP and estimate the narrow- and broad-measures of SMP accounting for 17.9 percent and 27.9 percent of base money, respectively, at the end of 2022. We then discuss two key factors determining success of SMP: bank credit flows to the targeted area and risk implications for banks. By applying the difference-in-difference and panel data analysis approaches using a monthly data set of city commercial bank loans, we evaluate the impacts of targeted required reserve ratio (RRR) cuts in 2019 and 2020 on small- and medium-sized enterprise lending. No statistically significant impact is found, whether in the short run or in the long run, and whether for medium-sized enterprises or for micro and small businesses). We conclude that, as no statistically significant impact of targeted RRRs are found, SMP's effectiveness, if exists at all, might be temporary; when facing impaired monetary policy transmission, it is important to conduct careful analysis of its effectiveness and sustainability.
The Options in Decarbonization Pathways for Malaysia
Authors: Fan Chiah Howe , Leong Yuen Yoong , Woo Wing Thye
Published: October 2023

Two activities in Malaysia that emit large amounts of CO2 are electricity generation, and iron and steel production. To decarbonize the former, Malaysia should invest in a flexible energy system to overcome the intermittent characteristic of solar energy by influencing the pattern of demand with peak load pricing, increasing energy storage capability, and entering into a regional electricity grid arrangement. Malaysia should respond to the recent large capacity expansion in iron and steel production with blast furnace-basic oxygen furnace (BF-BOF) technology by ending immediately the issuance of new licenses for facilities that use this BF-BOF technology, and speed up the process of adopting advanced green, near-zero emission technologies (e.g., Hydrogen Breakthrough Ironmaking Technology [HYBRIT]), by applying for foreign technical assistance (e.g., the United Nations Climate Technology Center and Networks [UN-CTCN]) and for concessionary climate finance under the Paris Agreement. Finally, to be consistent with the 1.5°C pathway for the world, Malaysia should aim to commit to achieve peak carbon emissions by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050.
Training a Hyperdimensional Computing Classifier Using a Threshold on Its Confidence
Authors: Smets Laura , Van Leekwijck Werner , Tsang Ing Jyh , Latré Steven
Published: October 2023

Hyperdimensional computing (HDC) has become popular for light-weight and energy-efficient machine learning, suitable for wearable Internet-of-Things devices and near-sensor or on-device processing. HDC is computationally less complex than traditional deep learning algorithms and achieves moderate to good classification performance. This letter proposes to extend the training procedure in HDC by taking into account not only wrongly classified samples but also samples that are correctly classified by the HDC model but with low confidence. We introduce a confidence threshold that can be tuned for each data set to achieve the best classification accuracy. The proposed training procedure is tested on UCIHAR, CTG, ISOLET, and HAND data sets for which the performance consistently improves compared to the baseline across a range of confidence threshold values. The extended training procedure also results in a shift toward higher confidence values of the correctly classified samples, making the classifier not only more accurate but also more confident about its predictions.
Philippine species of the genus Prothyma Hope, 1838 (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae). Part 2. Subgenus Symplecthyma Rivalier, 1964
Authors: ANICHTCHENKO ALEXANDER , WIESNER JÜRGEN
Published: October 2023

The Philippine species of the subgenus Symplecthyma Rivalier, 1964 within the genus Prothyma Hope, 1838 are revised to include eight species. Prothyma (Symplecthyma) bella Dheurle & Colas, 2018 syn. nov. is synonymized with Prothyma (Symplecthyma) coerulea opacosericea Horn, 1929 comb. nov.; Prothyma (Symplecthyma) boholensis Dheurle, 2012 syn. nov. and P. (Symplecthyma) nitida Rivalier, 1964 syn. nov. are synonymized with Prothyma (Symplecthyma) aeneoparva Horn, 1934. Four new species from Mindanao are described: Prothyma (Symplecthyma) inopinata sp. nov., Prothyma (Symplecthyma) eureka sp. nov., Prothyma (Symplecthyma) sciakyi sp. nov. and Prothyma (Symplecthyma) kapuka sp. nov. Taxonomic problems in the subgenus Symplecthyma are discussed. Keys to species are provided. Color photographs of the habitus and diagnostic characters, including their variability among all species, are presented.
Contribution to the knowledge of Chinese Gryllacrididae (Orthoptera) XX: New descriptions from Guangxi and Guizhou
Authors: PANG SIYU , ZHANG QIANWEN , BIAN XUN
Published: October 2023

Based recent collections, we describe Eugryllacris longiproceris sp. nov. (Chinese name: 长突真蟋螽), Homogryllacris guizhouensis sp. nov. (Chinese name: 贵州同蟋螽), Phryganogryllacris flavistria sp. nov. (Chinese name: 黄纹杆蟋螽) and the female of Eugryllacris nigriabdominis Bin & Bian, 2021. Among these, Homogryllacris guizhouensis sp. nov. (Chinese name: 贵州同蟋螽) is the first described micropterous species from Guizhou Province. All the specimens are deposited in Guangxi Normal University.
Probing the Nonlinear Interactions of Supertidal Internal Waves Using a High-Resolution Regional Ocean Model
Authors: Skitka Joseph , Arbic Brian K. , Thakur Ritabrata , Menemenlis Dimitris , Peltier William R. , Pan Yulin , Momeni Kayhan , Ma Yuchen
Published: October 2023

The internal wave (IW) continuum of a regional ocean model is studied in terms of the vertical spectral kinetic energy (KE) fluxes and transfers at high vertical wavenumbers. Previous work has shown that this model permits a partial representation of the IW cascade. In this work, vertical spectral KE flux is decomposed into catalyst, source, and destination vertical modes and frequency bands of nonlinear scattering, a framework that allows for the discernment of different types of nonlinear interactions involving both waves and eddies. Energy transfer within the supertidal IW continuum is found to be strongly dependent on resolution. Specifically, at a horizontal grid spacing of 1/48°, most KE in the supertidal continuum arrives there from lower-frequency modes through a single nonlinear interaction, whereas at 1/384° and with sufficient vertical resolution KE transfers within the supertidal IW continuum are comparable in size to KE transfer from lower-frequency modes. Additionally, comparisons are made with existing theoretical and observational work on energy pathways in the IW continuum. Induced diffusion (ID) is found to be associated with a weak forward frequency transfer within the supertidal IW continuum. ID is also limited to the highest vertical wavenumbers and is more sensitive to resolution relative to spectrally local interactions. At the same time, ID-like processes involving high-vertical-wavenumber near-inertial and tidal waves as well as low-vertical-wavenumber eddy fields are substantial, suggesting that the processes giving rise to a Garrett–Munk-like spectra in the present numerical simulation and perhaps the real ocean may be more varied than in idealized or wave-only frameworks.
Associations Between Immune-Related Venous Thromboembolism and Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Huimin , Li Hong , Tang Le , Niu Haiwen , He Lili , Luo Qin
Published: October 2023

This study aims to summarize the available data and determine if the presence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) immune-related adverse event (irAE) in patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy is associated with improved treatment efficacy and clinical outcomes, which in turn was used to help optimize patient selection for anticoagulation therapy and inform rational treatment strategies for overcoming the mechanisms of ICI resistance. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched up to March 18, 2023, for studies assessing the relationship between VTE irAE development during ICI therapy and cancer outcomes. Seven primary articles with a total of 4437 patients were included in the overall survival (OS) meta-analysis. Patients with VTE had a significant increase in overall mortality compared to patients without VTE in adjusted hazard ratios (HRs 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.75, P   =  .02). In the studies where immortal time bias (ITB) was accounted for, patients with VTE irAE also had poor OS than those without. HR and the corresponding 95% CI values in the non-ITB group were 2.53 (1.75-3.66, P < .00001) with low heterogeneity ( P  =  .17, I2  =  48%) and 1.21 (1.06-1.37, P  =  .004) in the ITB group with no heterogeneity ( P  =  .95, I2  =  0%), respectively. Despite the heterogeneity identified, the evidence does suggest that VTE irAE occurrence could be served as a prognostic indicator, with higher frequencies of occurrence associated with poorer OS. However, the fundamental role of this association with clinical consequences should be further investigated in large cohorts and clinical trials.
Being-in-touch: The (im)possibilities of communicative and tactile connection in online experiences
Authors: Mertens Lara J
Published: October 2023

Amid social distancing and the sole reliance on communication technologies to “keep in touch” precipitated by COVID-19, touch, both communicatively and tactically, emerged in complex ways. This study examines Airbnb Online Experiences as a new media offering possibilities for people to be “in touch” with others around the world through short-lived interactive activities on Zoom. While new media technologies traditionally expand the potential for sustained connection and increasingly replicate elements of “in-person” communication, this emerging digital phenomenon, although enabling wider communicative reach and enhanced somatic experience, exists in fleeting, physically distanced connections. Through ethnography, the article examines how participants navigate circumstances of touch in online experiences, both by ways of communicative contact and physical proximity. The term being-in-touch is proposed, inspired by works on touch from relational ontological perspectives, to capture the multiple meanings and many ways of being in touch, exploring the relational nature and (im)possibilities of connection.
Tellurium-rich stibiogoldfieldite and Se-bearing dantopaite from Goldfield, Nevada, USA: new crystal chemical data
Authors: Musetti Silvia , Sejkora Jiří , Biagioni Cristian , Dolníček Zdeněk
Published: October 2023

Cotype material of stibiogoldfieldite from the Mohawk mine, Goldfield, Nevada, USA, has been examined in order to collect single-crystal X-ray diffraction data of Te-rich stibiogoldfieldite and to characterise the associated Ag–Bi–(S,Se) phase. Tellurium-rich stibiogoldfieldite, with empirical formula (Cu11.30Ag0.03)Σ11.33(Sb0.80As0.57Bi0.06Te2.57)Σ4.00(S12.83Se0.20)Σ13.03, is cubic, space group I$\bar{4}$3m, with unit-cell parameters a = 10.2947(3) Å and V = 1091.04(10) Å3. Its crystal structure has been refined to R1 = 0.0161 for 397 unique reflections with Fo > 4σ(Fo) and 25 refined parameters. The structure refinement confirmed the occurrence of a vacancy at the M(2) site, in agreement with the substitution M(2)Cu+ + X(3)(Sb/As)3+ = M(2)□ + X(3)Te4+. The Ag–Bi–(S,Se) phase was identified as the 6P homologue of the pavonite series, namely dantopaite. Its empirical formula is Cu1.36Ag4.39Pb0.12Bi12.62Sb0.06(S14.01Se7.91Te0.08), showing an exceptionally high Se content. Unit-cell parameters of Se-bearing dantopaite are a = 13.518(2), b = 4.0898(6), c = 18.984(3) Å, β = 106.816(6)°, V = 1004.7(3) Å3 and space group C2/m. The crystal structure was refined to R1 = 0.0504 for 1230 unique reflections with Fo > 4σ(Fo) and 82 refined parameters. The metal excess (~0.55 atoms per formula unit) of this pavonite homologue is mainly due to the accumulation of Ag and Cu in the thin slab of the crystal structure, whereas the high Se content is related to the partial replacement of S occurring preferentially in the thick PbS-like slab. Domains richer in Se and Pb in dantopaite, with empirical formula Cu0.89Ag4.50Pb0.49Bi12.53Sb0.07(S11.26Se10.74), were also identified, as grains up to 30 μm in size intimately intergrown with bohdanowiczite, indicating the possibility of a wide Se-to-S substitution in dantopaite.
BatTool: projecting bat populations facing multiple stressors using a demographic model
Authors: Wiens Ashton M. , Schorg Amber , Szymanski Jennifer , Thogmartin Wayne E.
Published: October 2023

Bats provide ecologically and agriculturally important ecosystem services but are currently experiencing population declines caused by multiple environmental stressors, including mortality from white-nose syndrome and wind energy development. Analyses of the current and future health and viability of these species may support conservation management decision making. Demographic modeling provides a quantitative tool for decision makers and conservation managers to make more informed decisions, but widespread adoption of these tools can be limited because of the complexity of the mathematical, statistical, and computational components involved in implementing these models. In this work, we provide an exposition of the BatTool R package, detailing the primary components of the matrix projection model, a publicly accessible graphical user interface (https://rconnect.usgs.gov/battool) facilitating user-defined scenario analyses, and its intended uses and limitations (Wiens et al., US Geol Surv Data Release 2022; Wiens et al., US Geol Surv Softw Release 2022). We present a case study involving wind energy permitting, weighing the effects of potential mortality caused by a hypothetical wind energy facility on the projected abundance of four imperiled bat species in the Midwestern United States.