bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate conditions in the near-term, mid-term and distant future for growing soybeans in Canada
Authors: Qian Budong , Smith Ward , Jing Qi , Kim Yong Min , Jégo Guillaume , Grant Brian , Duguid Scott , Hester Ken , Nelson Alison
Published: December 2022

The soybean industry in Canada aimed to extensively expand soybean production to benefit from new early-maturing varieties and the warming climate. However, setbacks in the soybean industry since 2017 demonstrated the impacts of climate risk and global market uncertainty. Therefore, a better understanding of future climate conditions that will impact soybean growth in Canada is needed for decision-making in the sector, such as prioritizing regions for expansion and developing climate change adaptation strategies through either agronomic management practices or breeding new cultivars. Based on climate projections from a set of global climate models, we analyzed climate conditions for growing soybeans, including growing season start, crop heat units, precipitation, precipitation deficits and climate extremes, in the near-term (2030s), the mid-term (2050s) and the distant future (2070s). We found that a future warmer climate with an increase of 1.6, 2.8 and 4.1 °C in the growing season (May–September) mean temperature averaged over Canada’s land area in the near-term, mid-term and distant future under SSP3-7.0 would favour the expansion of soybean production further north and west. However, an increase of approximately 200 mm in precipitation deficits on the semiarid Canadian Prairies in the mid-term would constrain soybean production unless irrigation could be introduced. Heat- and drought-tolerant cultivars should be developed to adapt soybean production to a changing climate, in addition to the adoption of late-maturing cultivars that would benefit from the lengthened growing season and increased crop heat units.
Chiral spin symmetry and the QCD phase diagram
Authors: Glozman Leonid Ya. , Philipsen Owe , Pisarski Robert D.
Published: December 2022

Lattice QCD simulations with chirally symmetric quarks have recently established approximate $$SU(2)_{CS}$$

S
U

(
2
)

CS

and $$SU(2N_F)$$

S
U
(
2

N
F

)

symmetries of the quantum effective action in a temperature range above the chiral crossover $$T_\textrm{ch}$$

T
ch

, in which color-electric interactions between quarks dominate the dynamics. We show that such an intermediate temperature range between the chirally broken and plasma regimes is fully consistent with published screening mass spectra, which demonstrate the breakdown of thermal perturbation theory at the crossover between the partonic and the chiral spin symmetric regime at $$T_s\sim (2-3)T_\textrm{ch}$$

T
s

∼

(
2
-
3
)

T
ch

. From the known behavior of screening masses with baryon chemical potential, we deduce qualitatively how this chiral spin symmetric band extends into the QCD phase diagram. In the cold and dense region, we propose parity doubled baryons as possible candidates for chiral spin symmetric matter. This represents a special case of quarkyonic matter with confinement and restored chiral symmetry, and can smoothly transform to quark matter at sufficiently high densities. Finally, we discuss the potential of dilepton spectra to identify such matter forms.
Chiral nonet mixing in $$\pi \eta $$ scattering
Authors: Fariborz Amir H. , Zarepour Soodeh , Pourjafarabadi Esmaiel , Zebarjad S. Mohammad
Published: December 2022

The generalized linear sigma model for mixing among two- and four-quark components of scalar (and pseudoscalar) mesons below and above 1 GeV is applied to the $$\pi \eta $$

π
η

channel in which the isovector scalars $$a_0(980)$$

a
0

(
980
)

and $$a_0(1450)$$

a
0

(
1450
)

are probed. In the leading order, the model parameters have been previously fixed by various low-energy experimental data, and then applied to $$\pi \pi $$

π
π

and $$\pi K$$

π
K

channels in which the properties of the light and broad $$\sigma $$
σ
and $$\kappa $$
κ
mesons are extracted in agreement with estimates reported in the literature. With the same parameters fixed in the leading order, in the present work the prediction of the model for the $$\pi \eta $$

π
η

scattering amplitude in the elastic region is given and unitarized with the K-matrix method. The poles of the unitarized scattering amplitude, which determine the mass and decay width of $$a_0(980)$$

a
0

(
980
)

and $$a_0(1450)$$

a
0

(
1450
)

are computed. It is found that the model predicts an isovector scalar state below 1 GeV, with mass 984 ± 6 MeV and decay width 108 ± 30 MeV which is a clear signal for the $$a_0(980)$$

a
0

(
980
)

. The $$a_0$$

a
0

pole extracted in this work, further supports the plausibility of the mixing patterns for scalar mesons predicted by this model according to which there is a significant underlying mixing among scalars below and above 1 GeV, with those below 1 GeV being generally of four-quark nature while those above 1 GeV being overall closer to quark–antiquark states. Predictions for various scattering lengths as well as for properties of $$a_0(1450)$$

a
0

(
1450
)

are also presented.
Further refining swampland dS conjecture in mimetic f(G) gravity
Authors: Noori Gashti S. , Sadeghi J. , Alipour M. R.
Published: December 2022

Mimetic gravity analysis has been studied as a theory in various types of general relativity extensions, such as mimetic [Formula: see text] gravity, mimetic [Formula: see text] gravity, mimetic [Formula: see text] gravity, etc. in the literature. This paper presents a set of equations arising from mimetic conditions and studies cosmic inflation with a combination of mimetic [Formula: see text] gravity and swampland dS conjectures. We analyze and evaluate these results. Therefore, we first thoroughly introduce the mimetic [Formula: see text] gravity and calculate some cosmological parameters such as the scalar spectral index, the tensor-to-scalar ratio, and the slow-roll parameters. Also, we investigate the potential according to the mimetic [Formula: see text] gravity. Then we will challenge the swampland dS conjectures with this condition. By expressing the coefficient of swampland dS conjectures viz [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in terms of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], we plot some figures and determine the allowable range for each of these cosmological parameters and these coefficients, and finally, compare these results with observable data such as Planck and BICEP2/Keck array data. We show [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are not [Formula: see text], so the refining swampland dS conjecture is not satisfied for this inflationary model. Then we examine it with further refining swampland dS conjecture, which has a series of free parameters such as [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. By adjusting these parameters, the compatibility of the mentioned conjecture with the inflationary model can be discussed. We determine the further refining swampland dS conjecture is satisfied. when [Formula: see text], we can always find [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] whose value is larger than 2, viz for [Formula: see text], we find [Formula: see text], which we can choose [Formula: see text] according to the condition [Formula: see text]. Also we know [Formula: see text], so we will have [Formula: see text].
SOME SYMMETRIC PROPERTIES AND APPLICATIONS OF WEIGHTED FRACTIONAL INTEGRAL OPERATOR
Authors: WU SHANHE , SAMRAIZ MUHAMMAD , MEHMOOD AHSAN , JARAD FAHD , NAHEED SAIMA
Published: December 2022

In this paper, a weighted generalized fractional integral operator based on the Mittag-Leffler function is established, and it exhibits symmetric characteristics concerning classical operators. We demonstrate the semigroup property as well as the boundedness of the operator in absolute continuous like spaces. In this work, some applications with graphical representation are also considered. Finally, we modify the weighted generalized Laplace transform and then applied it to the newly defined weighted fractional integral operator. The defined operator is an extension and generalization of classical Riemann–Liouville and Prabhakar integral operators.
Centres, trace functors, and cyclic cohomology
Authors: Kowalzig Niels
Published: December 2022

We study the biclosedness of the monoidal categories of modules and comodules over a (left or right) Hopf algebroid, along with their bimodule category centres over the respective opposite categories and a corresponding categorical equivalence to anti Yetter-Drinfel’d contramodules and anti Yetter-Drinfel’d modules, respectively. This is directly connected to the existence of a trace functor on the monoidal categories of modules and comodules in question, which in turn allows to recover (or define) cyclic operators enabling cyclic cohomology.
The Dielectric Boundary Force in Molecular Solvation of the Generalized Poisson–Boltzmann Equation with Ionic Sizes
Authors: Zhang Qingxia , Zhang Zhengfang , He Mingyan , Shao Xinping , Chen Weifeng
Published: December 2022

In molecular solvation, the size-modified electrostatic free energy is investigated. With the uniform ionic and solvent molecular sizes, the generalized Poisson–Boltzmann (PB) equation is considered. The first variation of the size-modified electrostatic free energy with respect to the location variation of the interface is derived. The concept of shape derivative is used to define such variations. The explicit formula of the dielectric boundary force is derived.
Lee model and its resolvent analysis
Authors: Jagvaral Yesukhei , Turgut O. Teoman , Ünel Meltem
Published: December 2022

We revisit the relativistic (2+1)-dimensional Lee model on flat space in light-front coordinates and on a space-time with a spatial section given by a compact manifold, in the usual canonical formalism. The simpler 2+1 dimension is chosen because renormalization is needed only for the mass difference but not required for the coupling constant and the wave function. The model is constructed non-perturbatively based on the resolvent formulation [B. T. Kaynak and O. T. Turgut, The relativistic Lee model on Riemannian manifolds, J. Phys. A: Math. Theor. 42(22) (2009) 225402]. The bound state spectrum is studied through its “principal operator” and bounds for the ground state energy are obtained. We show that the formal expression found indeed defines the resolvent of a self-adjoint operator–the Hamiltonian of the interacting system. Moreover, we prove an essential result that the principal operator corresponds to a self-adjoint holomorphic family of type-A, in the sense of Kato.
Testing the Validity of the J-Curve Hypothesis Between China and the United States
Authors: Jain Monika , Das Khanindra Ch.
Published: December 2022

This paper investigates the efficacy of currency management as a policy tool to improve trade balance by analyzing the impact of the real exchange rate on the bilateral trade between the United States and China. The paper builds upon the existing literature and empirical analysis is carried out based on the J-curve hypothesis using quarterly data from 2000Q1 to 2021Q4. The vector-auto regression (VAR) model is estimated using China and the United States’ trade balance, real exchange rate, and GDP. The impulse response functions provide evidence of the J-curve. A shock in Yuan (CNY)-US dollar real exchange rate leads to initial deterioration but improvement in the trade balance in favor of China over subsequent quarters. The results hold for various sub-periods of analysis, i.e., after the exchange rate was allowed to fluctuate since July 2005. Evidence supports that the policy of managing the real exchange rate might have yielded desired results for China.
The moderate deviation principles of likelihood ratio tests under alternative hypothesis
Authors: Bai Yansong , Zhang Yong
Published: December 2022

Let [Formula: see text] be independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) real-valued random vectors from distribution [Formula: see text], where the sample size [Formula: see text] and the vector dimension [Formula: see text] satisfy [Formula: see text]. We are interested in the exponential convergence rate of the likelihood ratio test (LRT) statistics for testing [Formula: see text] equal to a given matrix and [Formula: see text] equal to a given pair. In traditional statistical theory, the LRT statistics have been studied under the null hypothesis and finite-dimensional conditions. In this paper, we prove the moderate deviation principle (MDP) under the high-dimensional conditions for the two LRT statistics. We show that our results hold under the null hypothesis and the alternative hypothesis as well. Some numerical simulations indicate that our conclusions have good performance.
Efficient Document-at-a-Time and Score-at-a-Time Query Evaluation for Learned Sparse Representations
Authors: Mackenzie Joel , Trotman Andrew , Lin Jimmy
Published: December 2022

Researchers have had much recent success with ranking models based on so-called learned sparse representations generated by transformers. One crucial advantage of this approach is that such models can exploit inverted indexes for top-
k
retrieval, thereby leveraging decades of work on efficient query evaluation. Yet, there remain many open questions about how these learned representations fit within the existing literature, which our work aims to tackle using four representative learned sparse models. We find that impact weights generated by transformers appear to greatly reduce opportunities for skipping and early exiting optimizations in well-studied document-at-a-time (
DaaT
) approaches. Similarly, “off-the-shelf” application of score-at-a-time (
SaaT
) processing exhibits a mismatch between these weights and assumptions behind accumulator management strategies. Building on these observations, we present solutions to address deficiencies with both
DaaT
 and
SaaT
 approaches, yielding substantial speedups in query evaluation. Our detailed empirical analysis demonstrates that both methods lie on the effectiveness–efficiency Pareto frontier, indicating that the optimal choice for deployment depends on operational constraints.
Comparative Study of PEDOT- and PEDOT:PSS Modified δ-MnO2 Cathodes for Aqueous Zinc Batteries with Enhanced Properties
Authors: Kamenskii M. A. , Volkov F. S. , Eliseeva S. N. , Holze R. , Kondratiev V. V.
Published: December 2022

Chemically synthesized layered manganese dioxide (δ-MnO2) modified by poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) dispersion were used as cathode materials for aqueous Zn-ion batteries (AZIBs). A comparative study of electrochemical properties of cathodes with pristine MnO2 and materials chemically modified by conducting polymers in different forms was performed with cycling voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge curves in Zn2+-containing electrolyte solutions. The results of electrochemical tests indicate the significant improvement in specific capacity of electrodes in the sequence MnO2, MnO2/PEDOT and MnO2/PEDOT:PSS composites. The MnO2/PEDOT:PSS electrode delivered a specific discharge capacity of 278 mAh·g−1 at a current density 0.3 A·g−1 after 100 cycles, whereas for MnO2/PEDOT and MnO2 electrodes the values were 238 and 121 mAh·g−1 (capacity retention is 99%, 99.5% and 89%, respectively). These specific capacity values obtained for manganese dioxide-based cathodes are demonstrating the positive role of intrinsically conducting polymer, especially in case of surface modification of electroactive particles by PEDOT:PSS dispersion.
Molecular Anchoring with 4-Mercaptobenzoic Acid and 4-Aminothiophenol for Using Active Nanorods in the Detection of Dopamine
Authors: Ramírez Sara , Díaz Fernando , Silva Carlos P. , Pavez Jorge , Silva J. Francisco
Published: December 2022

The incorporation and effective anchorage of gold nanorods in a gold (111) substrate is applied to electrochemical systems to detect dopamine. Gold nanorods (AuNRs) were synthesized in dispersion. They were then incorporated in a metal substrate mediated by self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) which act as structural anchors. Two molecular anchors, 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) and 4 aminothiophenol (4-ATP) are compared by means of the charge density (Q) in desorption of the SAMs, where 4-MBA presented a greater coverage on the metal surface. Both SAMs allowed the effective confinement and communication of the nanostructure to a greater or lesser extent. Characterizations were made to confirm the constructed system. First, the nanostructures synthesized in dispersion were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, Transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Second, an electrochemical characterization of the working electrodes include impedance was made. The results focus on the impact of the molecular anchor on the activity of the electrochemical sensor, it was determined. Reducing the charge transfer resistance (by at least 90% with appropriate SAMs) of molecularly anchored gold nanorods increases the sensitivity of the electrochemical sensor (at least 20%), the detection of dopamine was studied by square wave voltammetry through a calibration curve, where better sensitivity and detection limit was obtained with the Au/4-MBA/AuNRs system compared to Au/4-ATP/AuNRs.
Perspective—6G and IoT for Intelligent Healthcare: Challenges and Future Research Directions
Authors: Ahad Abdul , Tahir Mohammad
Published: December 2022

Due to the rise of connected devices, a decentralised, patient-centred paradigm is being adopted in healthcare as an alternative to the traditional hospital and specialist-focused approach. As the healthcare sector expands, more applications will be connected to the network, producing data of various shapes and sizes that will allow for customised and remote healthcare services. Future intelligent healthcare will include a combination of 6G and the Internet of Things (IoT) that will address current limitations related to cellular coverage, network performance and security issues. This paper discusses and sheds light on prospects, associated challenges and future directions.
Evolutionary Game Analysis of Standardized Production of Agricultural Products Embedded in Blockchain
Authors: Huo Hong , Yang Ruobing , Zhan Shuai , He Hao
Published: December 2022

By embedding blockchain technology into the process of standardized production of agricultural products, we use the characteristics of blockchain such as tamper‐proof, decentralization, and consensus mechanism to solve the trust problem, responsibility problem, and quality problem in the process of standardized production of agricultural products. These three subjects in the process of standardized production of agricultural products are analysed, and the three‐party game model among agricultural producers, government, and consumers is constructed with the help of the evolutionary game method, and the influence of each subject in different strategies is analysed, and the inference results are simulated and experimented with MATLAB 2016 software. The results show that the standardized production of agricultural products embedded in blockchain needs to meet three basic conditions: agricultural producers need to ensure that the sum of production costs and penalties for noncompliance following technological innovation using blockchain is less than the sum of production costs and penalties for noncompliance for traditional agricultural products; the difference value between strict and loose government regulation needs to be smaller than the amount of penalty for violation of standardized production of agricultural products embedded in blockchain; the cost of whistleblowing for consumers needs to be less than the number of penalties incurred for production violations when agricultural producers choose standardized production of agricultural products embedded in blockchain. It is also found that the violation ratio of agricultural producers, the social welfare of strict government regulation, and the whistleblowing benefit of consumers are the key factors affecting the standardized production of agricultural products, and the analysis of the influence of the key factors points to the direction for promoting the standardized production of agricultural products.
High Expression of E2F4 Is an Adverse Prognostic Factor and Related to Immune Infiltration in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zheng Yicai , Fei He
Published: December 2022

Background. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of E2F4 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and clarify its influence on immune cell infiltration and biological functions. Methods. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, the STRING database, and related online tools as well as single‐sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) were used for the analyses in our study. Results. The E2F4 expression was elevated in OSCC tumor tissue compared with paracancerous tissues. The high expression of E2F4 was closely related to the poorer overall survival, disease‐free survival, and progression‐free interval of OSCC. In addition, pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the top 49 genes most closely related to E2F4 were strongly associated with the cell cycle. E2F4‐related proteins were closely related to the following KEGG pathways: cell cycle, cellular senescence, PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, and notch signaling pathway. It was also demonstrated that the E2F4 expression was negatively correlated with immune purity and strongly related to immune cell infiltration in OSCC. Conclusions. E2F4 can be used as a novel biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of OSCC.
Effect of Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilizers Application on Soil Chemical Characteristics and Their Accumulation in Potato Plant Tissues
Authors: Setu Habtam
Published: December 2022

Applications of nutrients are determined by the plant’s nutritional requirements and the soil’s available nutrients; however, the precise nutrient application is difficult. At Assosa, a field experiment was conducted to determine how soil chemical characteristics and accumulation of phosphorus and potassium in potato tissue responded to phosphorus and potassium fertilizers application. The treatments included four potassium levels (0, 100, 200, and 300 kg·K2O ha−1) and six phosphorus levels (0, 46, 92, 138, 184, and 230 kg·P2O5 ha−1). The experiment was set up as a factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) and was repeated three times. According to the preplanting soil analysis, the cropping area’s soil has a medium CEC, low accessible phosphorus, and very low exchangeable potassium. The application of phosphorus had a highly significant influence on accessible phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, and CEC, the concentration of phosphorus in the leaf and tuber tissue of the potato plant. While potassium had a significant effect on exchangeable potassium, CEC, phosphorus concentration in potato plant tuber tissue, and potassium level in both the leaf and the tuber, the interaction effect of phosphorus and potassium on all of the above-mentioned soil chemical properties, as well as the amount of P and K in potato plant tissues, was observed. The critical potassium level in the leaf blade for optimum crop yield tissue content was determined to be 100 kg·K2O ha−1, while the critical level of phosphorus was determined to be 184 kg·P2O5 ha−1.
Relationship of Admission Serum Anion Gap and Prognosis of Critically Ill Patients: A Large Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Li Ruohan , Jin Xuting , Ren Jiajia , Deng Guorong , Li Jiamei , Gao Ya , Zhang Jingjing , Du Linyun , Liu Jueheng , Liu Xiu , Wang Xiaochuang , Wang Gang
Published: December 2022

Background. There were controversies over the relationship between Anion gap (AG) and mortality in critically ill patients. Therefore, a large multicenter cohort study was conducted to evaluate the association of AG and mortality in large-scale intensive care units (ICUs) patients. Methods. This retrospective cohort study included adult ICU patients enrolled from eICU Collaborative Research Database. According to initial serum AG upon ICU admission, patients were divided into three groups:

AG
<
8
 
mmol
/
L

,

8
≤
AG
≤
16
 
mmol
/
L

, and

AG
>
16
 
mmol
/
L

. Logistic regression models were built to investigate the association between serum AG and ICU and hospital mortalities. Serum AG was added into Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) IV score and the model discrimination was assessed by the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic curves. The relationship between serum AG and mortalities in patients with different acid-base status and serum lactate were also evaluated. An external validation was performed with the Critical care database comprising patients with infection at Zigong Fourth People’s Hospital. Results. A total of 8520 patients entered the final cohort. There are 42 patients with

serum
 
AG
<
8
 
mmol
/
L

, 3238 patients with

8
≤
AG
≤
16
 
mmol
/
L

, and 5240 patients with

AG
>
16
 
mmol
/
L

.

Serum
 
AG
>
16
 
mmol
/
L

is related with increased ICU mortality (odds ratio [OR], 1.530; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.305–1.794) and hospital mortality (OR, 1.618; 95% CI, 1.415–1.849), compared with

8
≤
AG
≤
16
 
mmol
/
L

. Adding Serum AG to APACHE IV score could statistically improve the prediction of ICU (0.770 [0.761–0.779] to 0.774 [0.765–0.783],

P
=
0.001

) and hospital mortalities (0.756 [0.747–0.765] to 0.761 [0.751–0.770],

P
=
0.012

). The associations between serum AG and mortalities remain robust in patients with different acid-base statuses and serum lactate. The findings are validated in the external cohort. Conclusions. Initial

serum
 
AG
>
16
 
mmol
/
L

after ICU admission is associated with increased mortality in critically ill patients.
Investigating the Frequency Spectrum Characteristic of Stress Wave under Multistage Loading Stress
Authors: Cheng Yun , Song Zhanping , Chang Xiaoxu , Yang Tengtian
Published: December 2022

The stability of rock mass is destroyed by natural or human activities and leads to stress redistribution, causing the rock mass in a certain stressful environment. This study conducted a small disturbance impact tests on sandstone bar under loading stress by modified split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). The results show that the reflection and transmission characteristics of stress wave are affected due to the loading stress changes in the sandstone porosity. The loading stress has a specific effect on the frequency spectrum distribution of the stress wave. The frequency spectrum curve has gone through the three stages, a gradual increase, then rapid attenuation, and finally a smooth development with the frequency increasing, and its dominant frequencies are mainly concentrated in 0∼2 kHz. The loading stress has a significant influence on the variation tendency of the dominant frequency. The dominant frequency experiences a slow increase and then tends to be stable, and the total energy of the frequency band shows a fast attenuation and then a gentle development, and its stress boundary point is σ/σc = 30%. The total energy attenuates as a first‐order exponential function and its attenuation rate shows an exponential‐linear function with the increasing loading stress, the farther away from the shock end, the faster the total energy attenuation is. The sandstone can filter the high‐frequency wave and the low‐frequency wave can penetrate rock media better. The closer the distance to the impact source, the greater the total energy of the frequency band. The frequency band energy is mainly concentrated in 0∼36.62 kHz, the higher the frequency of the frequency band is, the smaller the energy ratio is. Therefore, those conclusions can provide a reference for the evolution analysis of the stress wave spectrum in an excavated rock mass.
Chemopreventive Effect of Cinnamon and Its Bioactive Compounds in a Rat Model of Premalignant Prostate Carcinogenesis
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Srividya , Dhaware Mahamaya , Sudharma Athira Anilkumar , Mullapudi Surekha Venkata , Siginam Siva Ramakrishna , Gogulothu Ramesh , Mir Irfan Ahmad , Ismail Ayesha
Published: December 2022

Cinnamon and its bioactive compounds inhibit prostate cancer cell proliferation in vitro. The aim of the current study was to assess the chemopreventive efficacy of cinnamon (CN) and its bioactive compounds in vivo using N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) and testosterone (T) to induce prostate carcinogenesis in male Wistar/National Institute of Nutrition rats. Cancer-induced (CI) rats (n = 10) developed prostatic hyperplasia and prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia. These histopathologic changes were diminished in CI rats fed for 4 months with diets supplemented with either CN (n = 20) or its bioactive compounds (cinnamaldehyde, n = 10 and procyanidin B2, n = 10). Androgen receptor (AR) expression was lower in the prostates of CI rats than in control, but the AR target gene, probasin, was robustly upregulated. Treatment of CI rats with CN or its bioactive compounds upregulated AR expression but inhibited the expression of the 5-alpha reductase genes (Srd5a1 and Srd5a2) and did not further increase probasin expression, suggesting blunted transcriptional activity of AR due to the limited availability of dihydrotestosterone. MNU+T induced an altered oxidant status in rat prostate, which was reflected by an increase in lipid peroxidation and DNA oxidation. These changes were completely or partially corrected by treatment with CN or the bioactive compounds. CN and its active components increased the activity of the apoptotic enzymes caspase-8 and caspase-3 in the prostates of CI rats. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that CN and its bioactive compounds have inhibitory effects on premalignant prostate lesions induced by MNU + T and, therefore, may be considered for the chemoprevention of prostate cancer.

Prevention Relevance:

The research work presented in this article demonstrates the chemopreventive efficacy of CN and its bioactive compounds in a rat model of premalignant prostate cancer.
Effect of Low-Density Lipoprotein Apheresis on Quality of Life in Patients with Diabetes, Proteinuria, and Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Hara Akinori , Wada Takashi , Muso Eri , Maruyama Shoichi , Kato Sawako , Furuichi Kengo , Yoshimura Kenichi , Toyama Tadashi , Sakai Norihiko , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Tsukamoto Tatsuo , Miyazaki Mariko , Sato Eiichi , Abe Masanori , Shibagaki Yugo , Narita Ichiei , Goto Shin , Sakamaki Yuichi , Yokoyama Hitoshi , Mori Noriko , Tanaka Satoshi , Yuzawa Yukio , Hasegawa Midori , Matsubara Takeshi , Wada Jun , Tanabe Katsuyuki , Masutani Kosuke , Abe Yasuhiro , Tsuruya Kazuhiko , Fujimoto Shouichi , Iwatsubo Shuji , Tsuda Akihiro , Suzuki Hitoshi , Kasuno Kenji , Terada Yoshio , Nakata Takeshi , Iino Noriaki , Sofue Tadashi , Miyata Hitomi , Nakano Toshiaki , Ohtake Takayasu , Kobayashi Shuzo ,   LICENSE study group
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Treating diabetic nephropathy with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis reduces proteinuria and improves prognosis. However, its impact on patients’ quality of life (QoL) is unclear. This study evaluated the effect of LDL apheresis on QoL in patients with diabetes, proteinuria, and hypercholesterolemia. Methods: In this nationwide multicenter prospective study, we enrolled 40 patients with diabetes. Inclusion criteria were proteinuria (defined as an albumin/creatinine ratio ≥3 g/g), serum creatinine levels <2 mg/dL, and serum LDL ≥120 mg/dL despite drug treatment. LDL apheresis was performed 6–12 times within 12 weeks. The 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was used to analyze QoL. Results: The study enrolled 35 patients (27 men and 8 women; mean age 58.9 ± 11.9 years). A comparison of baseline SF-36 values with those at the end of the course of apheresis found an improvement in the mean physical component summary (37.9 ± 11.4 vs. 40.6 ± 10.5, p = 0.051) and a significant increase in the mean mental component summary (MCS) (49.4 ± 8.4 vs. 52.5 ± 10.9, p = 0.026). A multivariable linear regression analysis revealed a history of coronary heart disease negatively correlated with the MCS increase at the end of the course of apheresis (β coefficient −6.935, 95% confidence interval, 13.313 to−0.556, p = 0.034). Conclusion: Our results suggest that LDL apheresis may improve the mental and physical QoL in patients with diabetes, proteinuria, and hypercholesterolemia.
Decannulation/Weaning Potential and Success in Home Intensive Care
Authors: Rehorn Wilhelm , Herkenrath Simon , Treml Marcel , Hagmeyer Lars , Bayarassou A. Hakim , Randerath Winfried
Published: December 2022

Background: The number of patients receiving home long-term ventilation has risen considerably in recent decades owing to medical advancements. Experts believe that the potential for ventilator weaning or tracheostoma removal is currently insufficiently exploited. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the characteristics, prognosis, and decannulation/weaning potential of patients under home intensive care. Methods: In this retrospective analysis of 607 patients on home intensive care, decannulation/weaning status and survival were documented for a 2-year period after initial assessment. At the time of hospital discharge, when clinicians had deemed the weaning process concluded, an independent expert noninvasively assessed the long-term decannulation/weaning. Comparative analyses based on specific criteria, such as ventilation and decannulation/weaning status, age, and underlying diseases, were performed. Potential predictors of survival were identified via multivariable logistic regression. Results: Eighteen percent of patients were decannulated/weaned within 2 years after hospital discharge and had better mean survival than patients not decannulated/weaned (552 vs. 420 days, p < 0.001). More than half of these patients were identified to have decannulation/weaning potential based on the assessment of the independent expert. Patients with neuromuscular and neurological diseases had the best survival (546 and 501 days), patients with postsurgical conditions and cardiological diseases the worst (346 and 323 days). Underlying disease and decannulation/weaning status were significant predictors of 2-year survival. Conclusion: Successful decannulation/weaning of patients on long-term home intensive care is associated with better survival. Even in the absence of decannulation/weaning potential at the time of hospital discharge, patients may develop decannulation/weaning potential over time, which should therefore be assessed repeatedly.
The Relationship between Skeletal Muscle Mass and Bone Mass at Different Sites in Older Adults
Authors: Chen Lingyan , Wu Jiayu , Ren Weiying , Li Xi , Luo Man , Hu Yu
Published: December 2022

Introduction: It has been well recognized that sarcopenia is closely related with osteoporosis, while the relationship between bone mass at different sites and muscle mass remains largely unexplored. This study aims to explore the relationship between bone mass at different sites and skeletal muscle mass in older adults. Methods: A total of 228 patients over 65 years old were enrolled in this study, and then 180 valid participants with accessible dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning data and absence of malignant tumors, mobility disorders, serious liver and kidney disease, and cardiac insufficiency were selected (138 male and 42 female). These individuals were further divided into control group and low skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) group. DXA scanning was used to access skeletal muscle mass and bone mass. SMI or body mass index was defined as appendicular muscle mass or weight divided by squared height, respectively. Low SMI <7.0 kg/m2 in male or <5.4 kg/m2 in female was defined as low SMI; while the bone density score at or below 2.5 standard deviations (T-score) below normal peak bone values, was regarded as osteoporosis. Results: The average age of enrolled patients was 82.72 years; the ratios of osteoporosis, low SMI, and low SMI with osteoporosis were 48.8%, 23.3%, and 15.0%, respectively. Compared with the control group, the prevalence of osteoporosis was higher, and the total bone mass and bone mass at various sites including limbs, spine, and pelvis, were all lower in low SMI group. Correlation analysis showed that SMI was positively related with total bone mass and bone mass at various sites. Covariance analysis showed that only total bone mass and appendicular bone mass decreased with decreasing SMI. After multiple adjustment, osteoporosis was positively related with the prevalence of low SMI, as evidenced by logistic regression analysis (odds ratio = 1.33, 95% confidential interval: 1.04–3.24, p = 0.045). Furthermore, compared with the highest quartile of appendicular bone mass, the lowest quartile was related with the increasing prevalence of low SMI (odds ratio = 7.29, 95% confidential interval: 1.21–67.45, p = 0.042). Conclusion: Compared with the other sites, the bone mass reduction at limbs of older adults was positively associated with skeletal muscle loss. It may be more beneficial to increase bone mass at the limbs for improved sarcopenia prevention and therapy. Further investigations are needed to explore the effects of other confounders (e.g., energy, calcium and vitamin D intake, and physical activity) on the osteoporosis and sarcopenia in older adults.
The Therapeutic Process in Spiritual Healing: Qualitative Results of a Prospective Case Series
Authors: Stöckigt Barbara , Besch Florian , Witt Claudia M. , Teut Michael
Published: December 2022

Introduction: The aim of this study was to explore the therapeutic process between contemporary spiritual healers and their clients in Germany. Methods: This prospective observational case study was supported by questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with clients and healers from the first encounter through a period of 6 months. The qualitative analysis is based on a directed content analysis with focus in this article on the results relating to the therapeutic process. Results: Seven healers and seven clients were included, and 22 interviews with healers and 20 interviews with clients were conducted. The first treatment session was perceived as laying a foundation for the therapeutic process and the relationship, which was seen as crucial for healing to take place. Healers perceived the therapeutic process as highly individualized and multi-layered, with the perceived effects of spiritual healing sessions layered upon each other. The capacities to connect and to trust were seen as key elements of the healing process. Trust and connection operate multidimensionally: to oneself, to others, and to a transcendent or spiritual source. Clients’ spiritual attitudes were regarded as fundamental resources. Conclusion: The therapeutic process between spiritual healers and their clients was understood as a dynamic and individual activity, building up on a trustful relationship from the first encounter.
MOLECULAR APPROACH REVEALS THE RELATIONSHIP AMONG VENUS CLAMS ( Meretrix spp.) COMMUNITY IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Idris Mohd Hanafi , Mustafa Kamal Abu Hena , Hamli Hadi , Rajaee Amy , Al-Asif Abdulla
Published: December 2022

Molecular study is important to detect variations and similarities among species from the same genus, in case if they do not encompass any morphological or physiological differences. The study was conducted to differentiate among species of Meretrix spp. (Meretrix lyrata, M. meretrix, and M. lusoria) obtained from two locations in Malaysia through the phylogenetic tree. The adductor muscle tissues were used to extract DNA and to perform other procedures; the samples were subjected to analyses using PCR and gel electrophoresis. The multiple sequence comparison was conducted by MUSCLE and the phylogenetic relationships were established using Maximum Likelihood (ML) statistical methods with MEGA 6.0 statistical software. M. lyrata samples showed 99% similarity to the three accessions sequence, where M. lyrata indicated 87% similarities, and M. meretrix showed not more than 89% similarities from the deposited sequence. The nucleotide base composition sequences consisted of the mean of Thiamine (T) 37.9%, Cytosine (C) 15.4%, Adenine (A) 27.4%, and Guanine (G) 19.4%. Maximum Likelihood (ML) analysis was conducted using the Tamura 3-parameter model to establish five major clades on Meretrix spp. and two out-groups clades significantly different from the Meretrix spp. These major clades were closely related to each other at the 50% evidence of bootstrap, which grouped as genus Meretrix. The present study on Meretrix spp. from the Sarawak locality was able to differentiate COI sequences between M. lyrata, M. meretrix, and M. lusoria. M. lusoria was close related to M. meretrix with strong bootstrap supporting evidence at 96% scoring. Moreover, M. lyrata was inferred as the ancestor to M. meretrix, and M. lusoria from Sarawak, Malaysia.
Hypercholesterolemic Dysregulation of Calpain in Lymphatic Endothelial Cells Interferes With Regulatory T-Cell Stability and Trafficking
Authors: Miyazaki Takuro , Taketomi Yoshitaka , Higashi Takayoshi , Ohtaki Hirokazu , Takaki Takashi , Ohnishi Koji , Hosonuma Masahiro , Kono Nozomu , Akasu Risako , Haraguchi Shogo , Kim-Kaneyama Joo-Ri , Otsu Kinya , Arai Hiroyuki , Murakami Makoto , Miyazaki Akira
Published: December 2022

Background:

Although hypercholesterolemia reportedly counteracts lymphocyte trafficking across lymphatic vessels, the roles of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) in the lymphocyte regulations remain unclear. Previous studies showed that calpain—an intracellular modulatory protease—interferes with leukocyte dynamics in the blood microcirculation and is associated with hypercholesterolemic dysfunction in vascular endothelial cells.

Methods:

This study investigated whether the calpain systems in LECs associate with the LEC-lymphocyte interaction under hypercholesterolemia using gene-targeted mice.

Results:

Lipidomic analysis in hypercholesterolemic mice showed that several lysophospholipids, including lysophosphatidic acid, accumulated in the lymphatic environment. Lysophosphatidic acid enables the potentiation of calpain systems in cultured LECs, which limits their ability to stabilize regulatory T cells (Treg) without altering Th1/Th2 (T helper type1/2) subsets. This occurs via the proteolytic degradation of MEKK1 (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 1) and the subsequent inhibition of TGF (transforming growth factor)-β1 production in LECs. Targeting calpain systems in LECs expanded Tregs in the blood circulation and reduced aortic atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic mice, concomitant with the reduction of proinflammatory macrophages in the lesions. Treg expansion in the blood circulation and atheroprotection in calpain-targeted mice was prevented by the administration of TGF-β type-I receptor inhibitor. Moreover, lysophosphatidic acid-induced calpain overactivation potentiated the IL (interleukin)-18/NF-κB (nuclear factor κB)/VCAM1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule 1) axis in LECs, thereby inhibiting lymphocyte mobility on the cells. Indeed, VCAM1 in LECs was upregulated in hypercholesterolemic mice and human cases of coronary artery disease. Neutralization of VCAM1 or targeting LEC calpain systems recovered afferent Treg transportation via lymphatic vessels in mice.

Conclusions:

Calpain systems in LECs have a key role in controlling Treg stability and trafficking under hypercholesterolemia.
A New Autosomal

Myh11-CreER
T2

Smooth Muscle Cell Lineage Tracing and Gene Knockout Mouse Model—Brief Report
Authors: Deaton Rebecca A. , Bulut Gamze , Serbulea Vlad , Salamon Anita , Shankman Laura S. , Nguyen Anh Tram , Owens Gary K.
Published: December 2022

Background:

The
Myh11
promoter is extensively used as a smooth muscle cell (SMC) Cre-driver and is regarded as the most restrictive and specific promoter available to study SMCs. Unfortunately, in the existing

Myh11-CreER
T2

mouse, the transgene was inserted on the Y chromosome precluding the study of female mice. Given the importance of including sex as a biological variable and that numerous SMC-based diseases have a sex-dependent bias, the field has been tremendously limited by the lack of a model to study both sexes. Here, we describe a new autosomal

Myh11-CreER
T2

mouse (referred to as

Myh11-CreER
T2
-RAD

), which allows for SMC-specific lineage tracing and gene knockout studies in vivo using both male and female mice.

Methods:

A

Myh11-CreER
T2
-RAD

transgenic C57BL/6 mouse line was generated using bacterial artificial chromosome clone RP23-151J22 modified to contain a

Cre-ER
T2

after the
Myh11
start codon.

Myh11-CreER
T2
-RAD

mice were crossed with 2 different fluorescent reporter mice and tested for SMC-specific labeling by flow cytometric and immunofluorescence analyses.

Results:

Myh11-CreER
T2
-RAD

transgene insertion was determined to be on mouse chromosome 2.

Myh11-CreER
T2
-RAD

fluorescent reporter mice showed Cre-dependent, tamoxifen-inducible labeling of SMCs equivalent to the widely used

Myh11-CreER
T2

mice. Labeling was equivalent in both male and female Cre
+
mice and was limited to vascular and visceral SMCs and pericytes in various tissues as assessed by immunofluorescence.

Conclusions:

We generated and validated the function of an autosomal

Myh11-CreER
T2
-RAD

mouse that can be used to assess sex as a biological variable with respect to the normal and pathophysiological functions of SMCs.
Elevated Placental microRNA-155 Is a Biomarker of a Preeclamptic Subtype
Authors: Wang Zhiyin , Liu Dan , Dai Yimin , Li Ruotian , Zheng Yaowu , Zhao Guangfeng , Wang Jingmei , Diao Zhenyu , Cao Chenrui , Lv Haining , Gu Ning , Zhou Hang , Ding Hailin , Li Jie , Zhu Xiangyu , Duan Honglei , Shen Li , Zhang Qun , Chen Jing , Hu Huilian , Wang Xiaoyan , Zheng Mingming , Zhou Yan , Hu Yali
Published: December 2022

Background:

Preeclampsia is a complicated syndrome with marked heterogeneity. The biomarker-based classification for this syndrome is more constructive to the targeted prevention and treatment of preeclampsia. It has been reported that preeclamptic patients had elevated microRNA-155 (miR-155) in placentas or circulation. Here, we investigated the characteristics of patients with high placental miR-155 (pl-miR-155).

Methods:

Based on the 95th percentile (P95) of pl-miR-155 in controls, preeclamptic patients were divided into high miR-155 group (≥P95) and normal miR-155 group (<P95). The changes of placental pathology, clinical manifestations, and placental transcriptome of preeclamptic patients were clustered by t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding and hierarchical clustering analysis. The placental restricted miR-155 overexpression mouse model was constructed, and the phenotype, placental pathology, and transcriptome were evaluated. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of antagonist of miR-155 was explored by administrating with antagomir-155.

Results:

About one-third of preeclamptic patients had high pl-miR-155 expression, which was positively correlated with circulating miR-155 levels. These patients could be clustered as 1 group, according to clinical manifestation, placental pathology, or transcriptomes by t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding and hierarchical clustering analysis. Further, the pregnant mice with placental restricted miR-155 overexpression could simulate the changes of clinical signs, pathology, and transcriptome of placentas in patients with high pl-miR-155. AntagomiR-155 treatment relieved the preeclampsia-like phenotype and improved the placental vascular development in mice.

Conclusions:

There is at least 1 type of preeclampsia with upregulated miR-155 presenting more severe clinical manifestations. MiR-155 may be a potential therapeutic target in patients with high pl-miR-155.