bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upregulation of TLR5 indicates a favorable prognosis in prostate cancer
Authors: Liang Hongbin , Zhang Lin , Liu Ziying , Hoden Bettina , DeRubeis David , Zhang Yifan , Wang Fen , Zhang Dekai
Published: April 2023

Background

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) are the key sensors of innate immunity for triggering immune responses against infections. TLRs are well known to be expressed and activated in innate immune cells, such as macrophage and dendritic cells, but we and others have found that some TLRs are also functional in epithelial cells. However, the role of an epithelial TLR in prostate cancer remains elusive.

Methods

TLR5 expression in messenger RNA and protein level in prostate cancer was determined by reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The activation of TLR5 signaling in epithelial cells was detected upon nuclear factor‐κB activation by luciferase assay and western blot analysis, and proinflammatory cytokine activation by RT‐qPCR. Distinguishing between the TLR5 and NLRC4 pathways, both recognizing flagellin, is determined by small interfering RNA and proinflammatory cytokine activation. The role of TLR5 in prostate cancer was analyzed by IHC and bioinformatics using a general and single‐cell database.

Results

In the present study, we show that TLR5, among other TLRs, is exceedingly expressed in human prostate cancer cells. This cancer epithelial cell TLR5 functions to activate the TLR5 signaling pathway in human prostate cancer cells, as it does with innate immune cell TLR5. The bacterial protein flagellin induces a robust immune response in prostate cancer cells in a TLR5‐dependent but NLRC4‐independent manner. TLR5 is highly expressed in prostate cancer patient specimens, and high TLR5 expression in prostate cancer patients indicates a favorable prognosis.

Conclusions

TLR5, as an innate immunity receptor, is a functional TLR in human prostate cancer epithelial cells. TLR5 plays an important role in prostate cancer development and is a new potential prognosis biomarker. TLR5 may represent a novel immunotherapy target against prostate cancer.
Comparison of the Multiferroic Properties of Ion‐Doped Hexagonal LuFeO3 and LaFeO3
Authors: Apostolova Iliana N. , Apostolov Angel T. , Wesselinowa Julia M.
Published: April 2023

Using a microscopic model, the magnetic and electric properties of pure and ion‐doped (on the Lu or Fe sites) hexagonal LuFeO3 (LuFO) are studied and compared with the properties of ion‐doped LaFeO3 (LaFO). The magnetization increases by Sr and Sc doping which is caused by the strain and the changes of the exchange interaction constants at the doped states. It is observed that by Sm doping of LuFO the polarization decreases, whereas by Sm doping of LaFO, the polarization increases with increasing Sm concentration. By Ir or Co ion doping on the Fe site, the magnetization and the phonon energy increase whereas the bandgap energy decreases. By doping on the Fe sites with the same ion, for example, Sc, there are no differences between LuFO and LaFO. A good agreement with the experimental data is observed. The doping effects can be used for different applications.
Vacancies' effect on the ferroelectric and magnetic response of Eu‐doped Bi0.85Pr0.15Fe0.97Mn0.03O3 thin films
Authors: Ramirez‐DelaCruz A. , Kalu Onyekachi , Nathan‐Abutu A. , Herrera‐Pérez G. , Martinez‐Rodriguez H. A. , Rojas‐Gorge G. , Esparza‐Ponce H. E. , Reyes‐Rojas A.
Published: April 2023

Polycrystalline‐multiferroic Bi0.85Pr0.15‐xEuxFe0.97Mn0.03O3 (0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.4, 0.05) thin films were grown on fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO)/glass substrate with radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. Rietveld quantitative analysis reveals that whereas the starting materials (nanoparticles [NPs] and ceramics) are composed of tetragonal
symmetry, the thin films can lose 80% of this symmetry to become rhombohedral
symmetry. The structure evolution from tetragonal to rhombohedral symmetry indicates that the Eu3+ ion acts positively to reduce the tensile residual stress component from 24 to 1.8 MPa in the thin films. The band gap shifts to 2.17 eV by Eu substitution at the A‐site of the perovskite. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results show high‐elongated nanocrystals that share parallel facets without porosity. In that morphology, the Eu has a strong influence on reducing the magnetic coercivity from 10.7 to 6.5 kOe, which has been interpreted in terms of local shape anisotropy. Although the magnetic response increases monotonously, the ferroelectric polarization decreases with doping. These changes are explained through local defects created by the evolution of the
concentration that changes significantly by Eu doping.
Bayesian borrowing for basket trials with longitudinal outcomes
Authors: Whitehead Lou E. , Sailer Oliver , Witham Miles D. , Wason James M. S.
Published: April 2023

Basket trials are a novel clinical trial design in which a single intervention is investigated in multiple patient subgroups, or “baskets.” They offer the opportunity to share information between subgroups, potentially increasing power to detect treatment effects. Basket trials offer several advantages over running a series of separate trials, including reduced sample sizes, increased efficiency, and reduced costs. Primarily, basket trials have been undertaken in Phase II oncology settings, but could be a promising design in other areas where a shared underlying biological mechanism drives different diseases. One such area is chronic aging‐related diseases. However, trials in this area frequently have longitudinal outcomes, and therefore suitable methods are needed to share information in this setting. In this paper, we extend three Bayesian borrowing methods for a basket design with continuous longitudinal endpoints. We demonstrate our methods on a real‐world dataset and in a simulation study where the aim is to detect positive basketwise treatment effects. Methods are compared with standalone analysis of each basket without borrowing. Our results confirm that methods that share information can improve power to detect positive treatment effects and increase precision over independent analysis in many scenarios. In highly heterogeneous scenarios, there is a trade‐off between increased power and increased risk of type I errors. Our proposed methods for basket trials with continuous longitudinal outcomes aim to facilitate their applicability in the area of aging related diseases. Choice of method should be made based on trial priorities and the expected basketwise distribution of treatment effects.
Role of Soil and Foliar‐Applied Carbon Dots in Plant Iron Biofortification and Cadmium Mitigation by Triggering Opposite Iron Signaling in Roots
Authors: Zhu Yixia , Zhang Qian , Li Yanjuan , Pan Zhiyuan , Liu Chong , Lin Dasong , Gao Jia , Tang Zhonghou , Li Zongyun , Wang Ruigang , Sun Jian
Published: April 2023

In China, iron (Fe) availability is low in most soils but cadmium (Cd) generally exceeds regulatory soil pollution limits. Thus, biofortification of Fe along with mitigation of Cd in edible plant parts is important for human nutrition and health. Carbon dots (CDs) are considered as potential nanomaterials for agricultural applications. Here, Salvia miltiorrhiza‐derived CDs are an efficient modulator of Fe, manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and Cd accumulation in plants. CDs irrigation (1 mg mL−1, performed every week starting at the jointing stage for 12 weeks) increased Fe content by 18% but mitigated Cd accumulation by 20% in wheat grains. This finding was associated with the Fe3+‐mobilizing properties of CDs from the soil and root cell wall, as well as endocytosis‐dependent internalization in roots. The resulting excess Fe signaling mitigated Cd uptake via inhibiting TaNRAMP5 expression. Foliar spraying of CDs enhanced Fe (44%), Mn (30%), and Zn (19%) content with an unchanged Cd accumulation in wheat grains. This result is attributed to CDs‐enhanced light signaling, which triggered shoot‐to‐root Fe deficiency response. This study not only reveals the molecular mechanism underlying CDs modulation of Fe signaling in plants but also provides useful strategies for concurrent Fe biofortification and Cd mitigation in plant‐based foods.
Multilayer‐Cavity Tandem Catalyst for Profiling Sequentially Coupling of Intermediate CO in Electrocatalytic Reduction Reaction of CO2 to Multi‐Carbon Products
Authors: Yu Fuqing , Liu Xian , Liao Luliang , Xia Guomin , Wang Hongming
Published: April 2023

Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is an effective approach to address CO2 emission, promote recycling, and synthesize high‐value multi‐carbon (C2+) chemicals for storing renewable electricity in the long‐term. The construction of multilayer‐bound nanoreactors to achieve management of intermediate CO is a promising strategy for tandem to C2+ products. In this study, a series of Ag@Cu2O nanoreactors consisting of an Ag‐yolk and a multilayer confined Cu shell is designed to profile electrocatalytic CO2RR reactions. The optimized Ag@Cu2O‐2 nanoreactor exhibits a 74% Faradaic efficiency during the C2+ pathway and remains stable for over 10 h at a bias current density of 100 mA cm−2. Using the finite element method, this model determines that the certain volume of cavity in the Ag@Cu2O nanoreactors facilitates on‐site CO retention and that multilayers of Cu species favor CO capture. Density functional theory calculations illustrate that the biased generation of ethanol products may arise from the (100)/(111) interface of the Cu layer. In‐depth explorations in multilayer‐bound nanoreactors provide structural and interfacial guidance for sequential coupling of CO2RR intermediates for efficient C2+ generation.
Managing Growing Uncertainties in Long-Term Production Management
Authors: Schuh Günther , Gützlaff Andreas , Rodemann Niklas , Pütz Sebastian , Linnartz Maria , Kim Soo-Yon , Schlosser Tino X. , Schupp Steffen , Endrikat Morten , Welsing Martin , Millan Michael , Nitsch Verena , Decker Stefan , Geisler Sandra , Stich Volker
Published: April 2023

Long-term production management defines the future production structure and ensures the long-term competitiveness. Companies around the world currently have to deal with the challenge of making decisions in an uncertain and rapidly changing environment. The quality of decision-making suffers from the rapidly changing global market requirements and the uniqueness and infrequency with which decisions are made. Since decisions in long-term production management can rarely be reversed and are associated with high costs, an increase in decision quality is urgently needed. To this end, four different applications are presented in the following, which support the decision process by increasing decision quality and make uncertainty manageable. For each of the applications presented, a separate digital shadow was built with the objective of being able to make better decisions from existing data from production and the environment. In addition, a linking of the applications is being pursued:

The Best Practice Sharing App creates transparency about existing production knowledge through the data-based identification of comparable production processes in the production network and helps to share best practices between sites. With the Supply Chain Cockpit, resilience can be increased through a data-based design of the procurement strategy that enables to manage disruptions. By adapting the procurement strategy for example by choosing suppliers at different locations the impact of disruptions can be reduced. While the Supply Chain Cockpit focuses on the strategy and decisions that affect the external partners (e.g., suppliers), the Data-Driven Site Selection concentrates on determining the sites of the company-internal global production network by creating transparency in the decision process of site selections. Different external data from various sources are analyzed and visualized in an appropriate way to support the decision process. Finally, the issue of sustainability is also crucial for successful long-term production management. Thus, the Sustainable Footprint Design App presents an approach that takes into account key sustainability indicators for network design.
Conclusion: Leaving the Asylum
Authors: Gentilcore David , Priani Egidio
Published: April 2023

In this chapter, we examine the final stage in the life cycle of pellagrous patients—discharge or death. The nineteenth-century emphasis on the physicality of insanity lent itself to the treatment of pellagrous insanity, which responded well to the better diet and living conditions the asylums offered. Approximately two-thirds of pellagrous insane patients were discharged, either ‘cured’ or ‘improved’ (at least according to their patient files). We look at what happened to them when they were returned to their communities of origin, which includes repeat admittances. The remaining third of patients, alas, died in the asylum; most from the effects of the chronic diarrhoea that would have plagued them from the start. And we conclude this chapter, and the book, with comparison to other anthropogenic or societal diseases, such as obesity, and with recent claims regarding the close links between nutrition and mental health. Whilst these claims remain controversial, it is helpful to be reminded that a well-documented link between one particular diet and mental illness already exists, in the form of pellagra.
Introduction to Matrix Factorizations
Authors: Scott Jennifer , Tůma Miroslav
Published: April 2023

This chapter introduces the basic concepts of Gaussian elimination and its formulation as a matrix factorization that can be expressed in a number of mathematically equivalent but algorithmically different ways.
Algebraic Preconditioners and Approximate Factorizations
Authors: Scott Jennifer , Tůma Miroslav
Published: April 2023

When a matrix factorization is performed using finite precision arithmetic, the computed factors are not the exact factors. Despite this, the objective of sparse direct methods is normally to compute solutions that are accurate within the precision used. As discussed in Chapter 7, theoretical results can be used to assess both stability and accuracy.
Machine Learning Point Forecasts Methods
Authors: Haben Stephen , Voss Marcus , Holderbaum William
Published: April 2023

The traditional statistical and benchmark methods presented in Sect. 9.1 often assume some relatively simple relationship between the dependent and independent variables, be that linear trends, particular seasonalities or autoregressive behaviours. They have performed quite successfully for load forecasting, being quite accurate, even with low amounts of data, and can easily be interpreted by practitioners. However, the methods described in Sect. 9.1 may be less suitable for modelling more complex and highly nonlinear relationships. As data has become more ubiquitous due to increased monitoring, machine learning methods are becoming increasingly common as they can find complicated and subtle patterns in the data.
Advanced and Additional Topics
Authors: Haben Stephen , Voss Marcus , Holderbaum William
Published: April 2023

This chapter will give brief introduction to a range of more advanced topics which are beyond the primary aims of this book. The further reading section in Appendix D will give some references to other texts which will investigate some of them in more depth.
Case Study: Low Voltage Demand Forecasts
Authors: Haben Stephen , Voss Marcus , Holderbaum William
Published: April 2023

This chapter demonstrates the practical implementation of short term (day-ahead) forecasts for the application of residential low voltage networks. It is split into two main parts: An in-depth examination of a short term forecasting case study of residential low voltage networks (Sect. 14.2); and a example python code demonstrating how to implement some of the methods and techniques in practice (Sect. 14.3).
Load Data: Preparation, Analysis and Feature Generation
Authors: Haben Stephen , Voss Marcus , Holderbaum William
Published: April 2023

Chapter 5 introduced the general definition of a forecast and many of the concepts and categorisation of the different types and features of time series forecasts. To develop an appropriate model requires identifying genuine patterns and relationships in the time series data. This requires a detailed investigation and analysis of the data, since selecting the correct input features is, arguably, at least as important as selecting the most appropriate forecast model. This data analysis and feature generation is the main focus of this chapter. However, prior to this it is important to understand whether the data is of sufficient quality to allow the training of a good forecast model. The next section begins by considering important features of high quality data and potential preprocessing which may be required. This followed by methods for analysing the load data and identifying features which may be useful inputs to a forecast model.
An Autoethnographic Approach to Faculty Development Through a Longitudinal Analysis of a Co-taught Workshop
Authors: Fedeli Laura , Deluigi Rosita
Published: April 2023

The present contribution explores how a co-taught workshop, designed and delivered in the last two academic years within two curricular disciplines of the third year of the degree course in Science of Education at University of Macerata (Italy), took advantage of autoethnography as a reflective method to enrich the interdisciplinary relationship between the two professors involved and their mutual growth in terms of instructional design and teaching practices. The exploration of Self as a data source allowed both researchers (in their teaching role) to reflect on core areas of faculty development in connection with the specific co-teaching style they adopted. Autoethnography allowed all the involved actors (students and professors) to visualize a transformative direction in their academic identity and professional growth. The discussion of the results is based on a content analysis of different data sources where all the data were triangulated in a double connotation, that is, between professors and among the different sources in an iterative process.
The ARETE Ecosystem for the Creation and Delivery of Open Augmented Reality Educational Resources: The PBIS Case Study
Authors: Farella Mariella , Arrigo Marco , Tosto Crispino , Seta Luciano , Chifari Antonella , Mangina Eleni , Psyrra Georgia , Domínguez Ana , Pacho Guillermo , Wild Fridolin , Bowers Lisa , Hillman Robert , Goei Sui Lin , Denaro Paola , Dhrami Doriana , Chiazzese Giuseppe
Published: April 2023

Augmented reality (AR) is rapidly emerging as an increasingly useful technology in educational settings. In the ARETE (Augmented Reality Interactive Educational System) H2020 project, consortium members designed and implemented an ecosystem aimed at supporting teachers in building a collaborative learning environment through the use of AR in order to improve educational experiences. In particular, one of the pilot projects aims to introduce AR into school behavior lessons for the first time, leveraging the Positive Behaviour Intervention and Support (PBIS) methodology. Specifically, in this paper we will discuss the proposed architecture within the ARETE project that incorporates AR technology into the learning process of behavior lessons to support the teaching, practice and reinforcement phases of expected behaviors. Through the combination of different technologies and systems, it is possible to create an example of a technological and innovative ecosystem designed for creating behavioral lessons in AR.
Computational Investigation of the Clustering of Droplets in Widening Pipe Geometries
Authors: Matuttis Hans-Georg , Schneider Johannes Josef , Li Jin , Barrow David Anthony , Faggian Alessia , Diaz Aitor Patiño , Holler Silvia , Casiraghi Federica , Sanahuja Lorena Cebolla , Hanczyc Martin Michael , Weyland Mathias Sebastian , Flumini Dandolo , Hotz Peter Eggenberger , Dimitriou Pantelitsa , Jamieson William David , Castell Oliver , Füchslin Rudolf Marcel
Published: April 2023

Experimentally, periodically released droplets in systems of widening pipes show clustering. This is surprising, as purely hydrodynamic interactions are repulsive so that agglomeration should be prevented. In the main part of this paper, we investigate the clustering of droplets under the influence of phenomenological hydrostatic forces and some hypothetical attraction. In two appendices, we explain why a direct numerical simulation for this system is rather more difficult (and probably not possible with current methods) than the “simple” geometry would suggest.
Geschlecht als Kategorie im Kontext Wohnungsnot
Authors: Finzi Jan A.
Published: April 2023

Geschlecht ist eine der bestimmenden Determinanten gesellschaftlichen Zusammenlebens und nimmt auch im Kontext von Wohnungsnot eine bestimmende Position ein. Geschlecht ist sowohl für das Phänomen Wohnungsnot insgesamt als auch für die Ursachen, die individuellen Lebenslagen sowie Bedarfe von Menschen in Wohnungsnot äußerst relevant. Auch wenn es verschiedene Untersuchungen zu den spezifischen Lebenslagen und Bedarfen von Männern und Frauen in Wohnungsnot gibt, konstatiert unter anderem Dubrow (2009, S. 53–55) zurecht, dass Geschlecht – verstanden in seiner Differenzierung in Gender und Sex sowie der Unterschiedlichkeit zwischen Frau und Mann  und die Bedeutung von Geschlecht im Hilfesystem bisher wenig Beachtung gefunden haben.
Mechanismen, Forschungsstand und Hypothesen
Authors: Odermatt Anastas
Published: April 2023

In diesem zweiten Theoriekapitel untersuche ich zunächst, welche erklärenden Mechanismen es für die möglichen Zusammenhänge zwischen Religion und Sozialkapital gibt. Im Anschluss daran erörtere ich den Forschungsstand zum Zusammenhang von Religion und freiwilligem Engagement sowie sozialem Vertrauen. In einem letzten Abschnitt gehe ich auf die Prädiktoren von freiwilligem Engagement und sozialem Vertrauen und abschliessend auf den entsprechenden Zusammenhang ein.
Freiwilliges Engagement durch Religion und Religiosität?
Authors: Odermatt Anastas
Published: April 2023

In diesem zweiten Ergebniskapitel beschreibe ich zunächst, wie sich freiwilliges Engagement in der Schweiz entwickelt hat und in welchen Formen es ausgeübt wird. Dann wende ich mich der Beantwortung der ersten Forschungsfrage zu: Welchen Einfluss üben Religiosität und Religion auf freiwilliges Engagement in der Schweiz aus? Die entsprechenden Ergebnismodelle werden vorgestellt und diskutiert.
3 definitions of BF theory on homology 3-spheres
Authors: Blau Matthias , Kakona Mbambu , Thompson George
Published: April 2023

Abstract

3-dimensional BF theory with gauge group G (= Chern-Simons theory with non-compact gauge group TG) is a deceptively simple yet subtle topological gauge theory. Formally, its partition function is a sum/integral over the moduli space $$ \mathcal{M} $$
M
of flat connections, weighted by the Ray-Singer torsion. In practice, however, this formal expression is almost invariably singular and ill-defined.

In order to improve upon this, we perform a direct evaluation of the path integral for certain classes of 3-manifolds (namely integral and rational Seifert homology spheres). By a suitable choice of gauge, we sidestep the issue of having to integrate over $$ \mathcal{M} $$
M
and reduce the partition function to a finite-dimensional Abelian matrix integral which, however, itself requires a definition. We offer 3 definitions of this integral, firstly via residues, and then via a large k limit of the corresponding G × G or Gℂ Chern-Simons matrix integrals (obtained previously). We then check and discuss to which extent the results capture the expected sum/integral over all flat connections.
Integrable Degenerate $$\varvec{\mathcal {E}}$$-Models from 4d Chern–Simons Theory
Authors: Liniado Joaquin , Vicedo Benoît
Published: April 2023

We present a general construction of integrable degenerate $$\mathcal {E}$$
E
-models on a 2d manifold $$\Sigma $$
Σ
using the formalism of Costello and Yamazaki based on 4d Chern–Simons theory on $$\Sigma \times {\mathbb {C}}{P}^1$$

Σ
×
C

P

1

. We begin with a physically motivated review of the mathematical results of Benini et al. (Commun Math Phys 389(3):1417–1443, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00220-021-04304-7) where a unifying 2d action was obtained from 4d Chern–Simons theory which depends on a pair of 2d fields h and $${\mathcal {L}}$$
L
on $$\Sigma $$
Σ
subject to a constraint and with $${\mathcal {L}}$$
L
depending rationally on the complex coordinate on $${\mathbb {C}}{P}^1$$

C

P

1

. When the meromorphic 1-form $$\omega $$
ω
entering the action of 4d Chern–Simons theory is required to have a double pole at infinity, the constraint between h and $${\mathcal {L}}$$
L
was solved in Lacroix and Vicedo (SIGMA 17:058, 2021. https://doi.org/10.3842/SIGMA.2021.058) to obtain integrable non-degenerate $$\mathcal {E}$$
E
-models. We extend the latter approach to the most general setting of an arbitrary 1-form $$\omega $$
ω
and obtain integrable degenerate $$\mathcal {E}$$
E
-models. To illustrate the procedure, we reproduce two well-known examples of integrable degenerate $$\mathcal {E}$$
E
-models: the pseudo-dual of the principal chiral model and the bi-Yang-Baxter $$\sigma $$
σ
-model.
Appearance of levator ani muscle subdivision defects on level III vaginal support structures in women with and without pelvic organ prolapse: an MRI study
Authors: Horcicka L. , Krcmar M. , Nemec M. , Hympanova L. , Feyereisl J. , Krofta L.
Published: April 2023

Introduction and hypothesis

Injury of the levator ani muscle (LAM) is a significant risk factor for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The puborectalis (PRM) and pubovisceral (PVM) subdivisions are level III vaginal support structures. The null hypothesis was that there is no significant difference in patterns of LAM subdivisions in healthy nulliparous women. Secondarily, we evaluated the presence of different LAM injury in a POP-symptomatic cohort.

Methods

This retrospective magnetic resonance imaging study included: 64 nulligravidae without any pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) and 526 women of various parity with symptomatic POP. Primary outcome was PVM and PRM morphology on the axial planes: the attachment site on the pubic bone, and the visible separation/border between the PVM and PRM. The attachment was scored as “normal” or “abnormal”. The “abnormal” attachment was divided in two types: “type I”—loss of the muscle substance, but preservation of the overall muscle architecture—and “type II”—muscle detachment from the pubic bone.

Results

The puboanal muscle (PAM) subdivision was evaluated as a representative part of the PVM. The PAM and PRM attachments and separation were distinguished in all asymptomatic nulliparae. PAM and PRM attachments did not significantly differ. POP group characteristics were parity 1.9 ± 0.8, instrumental delivery 5.6%, hysterectomy or POP surgery 60%, all Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) stages, LAM defect 77.6% (PRM: 77.1%; PAM: 51.3%). Type I injuries were more frequent (PRM 54.7%; PAM 53.9%) compared with type II (PRM 29.4%; PAM 42.1%).

Conclusions

A LAM defect was present in 77.6% of women with symptomatic POP. In PRM and PAM subdivisions type I injury was more frequent than type II.
Production and sensory analysis of grape flavoured beer by co-fermentation of an industrial and a genetically modified laboratory yeast strain
Authors: de Ruijter Jorg C. , Aisala Heikki , Jokinen Iina , Krogerus Kristoffer , Rischer Heiko , Toivari Mervi
Published: April 2023

The so-called “craft beer revolution” has increased the demand for new styles of beers, often with new ingredients like flavour extracts. In recent years, synthetic biology has realized the production of a plethora of plant secondary metabolites in microbial hosts, which could provide an alternative source for these compounds. In this study, we selected a in situ flavour production approach for grape flavour addition. We used an O-methyl anthranilate (OmANT) producing laboratory Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain in co-fermentations with an industrial beer yeast strain WLP644. The laboratory strain provided an ease of genetic manipulation and the desirable properties of the WLP644 strain were not modified in this approach. In shake flasks, a 10:90 ratio of the yeasts produced grape flavoured beer with the yeast produced flavour compound in a range normally used for flavoured beverages. Hopped and unhopped beers were analysed by VTT’s trained sensory panel and with olfactory GC–MS. OmANT was successfully detected from the beers as a floral odour and flavour. Moreover, no off-flavours were detected and aroma profiles outside the grape flavour were rather similar. These results indicate that the co-fermentation principle is a suitable approach to change the flavour profiles of beers with a simple yeast strain drop-in approach.
How effective is peer-to-peer support in cancer patients and survivors? A systematic review
Authors: Kiemen A. , Czornik M. , Weis J.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Core components of peer-to-peer (PTP) support for cancer survivors include informational, emotional, and psychosocial aspects. Previous literature on peer support in cancer includes both professionally and peer-led support. Our objective was to summarize studies on the effects of non-professionally led PTP support in cancer.

Methods

We performed a systematic research on studies in PTP support of adult cancer survivors with an interventional design, comparing outcomes of PTP support against any control. We included all studies with a precise definition of a PTP support, published from January 2000 up to March 2023 in peer-reviewed journals in English or German.

Results

Out of N = 609 identified publications, we were are able to include n = 18 randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) fulfilling our inclusion criteria. Main settings were dyadic support via telephone, face-to-face (FTF), and web-based online support. Most common outcomes were distress, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and quality of life (QoL). Overall, we found only small effects of PTP support on depression/anxiety, coping, or sexual functioning. Beneficial effects associated with the PTP intervention were apparent in particular in BRCA, in FTF settings, and in assessments of cancer-specific QoL outcomes.

Conclusion

This review shows that there are a few RCT investigating the effect of PTP support with short-term effects. Overall, there is a need for more RCTs with high methodological standards to evaluate the effectiveness of PTP support.
A comparison in women with newly diagnosed diabetes between those with and without a history of gestational diabetes: a new perspective
Authors: Stogianni Anna , Melin Eva , Dereke Jonathan , Rööst Mattias , Hillman Magnus , Landin-Olsson Mona , Wanby Pär , Thunander Maria
Published: April 2023

Aims

Previous gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) entails increased risk of future diabetes. We describe the characteristics of women with previous GDM and compare with no previous GDM from the cohort Diabetes in Kalmar and Kronoberg (DKK) of 1248 adults, 40% women, with new diabetes, and factors affecting age and C-peptide levels at diagnosis of diabetes.

Methods

Age-at-diagnosis of diabetes, BMI, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, physical activity, and pre-existing myocardial infarction, stroke, or peripheral arterial insufficiency were registered at ordinary care visits close to diagnosis of diabetes, for the 43 women (9.4% of 456 from DKK with complete data for this analysis) with self-reported previous GDM (yes/no) and 86 controls without it, matched for date of diagnosis of diabetes. Blood samples were centrally analyzed for GADA and C-peptide for classification of diabetes.

Results

Women with previous GDM had lower mean age-at-diagnosis of diabetes, 53.4 vs 65.0 years, lower systolic blood pressure (SBP), 131.2 vs 137.5 mmHg, and fewer had pre-existing hypertension than without previous GDM (p < 0.001–0.05). Among antibody negative women with previous GDM, BMI (p = 0.024), hypertension (p = 0.023) and hyperlipidemia (p < 0.001) were associated with higher levels of C-peptide, while physical activity was inversely associated (p = 0.035), and SBP (p = 0.02) and hypertension (p = 0.016) were associated with age-at-diagnosis of diabetes.

Conclusions

Women with previous GDM were a decade younger and had lower prevalence of hypertension at diagnosis of diabetes; C-peptide levels were associated with BMI, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia and showed a tendency to be lower, possibly indicating a phenotype with higher risk of overt cardiovascular disease later in life.
Intraarterial embolizations in life-threatening spontaneous retroperitoneal and rectus sheath hemorrhage (SRRSH): a three-center experience
Authors: Becker Lena S. , Stöhr Fabian , Maus Volker , Dewald Cornelia L.A. , Meyer Bernhard C. , Wacker Frank K. , Kloeckner Roman , Hinrichs Jan B.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To retrospectively evaluate the technical and clinical success of interventional treatments employed in three University medical centers and to develop work-flow recommendations for intra-arterial embolizations in patients with life-threatening spontaneous retroperitoneal and rectus sheath hemorrhage (SRRSH).

Materials and methods

Retrospective evaluation of all patients with contrast-enhanced CT and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for SRRSH from 01/2018 to 12/2022, amounted to 91 interventions in 83 patients (45f, 38m) with a mean age of 68.1 ± 13.2 years. Analysis of the amount of bleeding and embolized vessels, choice of embolization material, technical success, and 30-day mortality was performed.

Results

Pre-interventional contrast-enhanced CT demonstrated active contrast extravasation in 79 cases (87%). DSA identified a mean of 1.4 ± 0.88 active bleeds in all but two interventions (98%), consisting of 60 cases with a singular and 39 cases of >1 bleeding artery, which were consecutively embolized. The majority of patients underwent embolization with either n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA; n=38), coils (n=21), or a combination of embolic agents (n=23). While the technical success rate was documented at 97.8%, 25 patients (30%) died within 30 days after the initial procedure, with mortality rates ranging from 25 to 86% between the centers, each following different diagnostic algorithms.

Conclusion

Embolotherapy is a safe therapy option with high technical success rates in patients with life-threatening SRRSH. To maximize clinical success and survival rates, we propose a standardized approach to angiography as well as a low threshold for re-angiography.
The Efficiency of Humic Acid for Improving Salinity Tolerance in Salt Sensitive Rice (Oryza sativa): Growth Responses and Physiological Mechanisms
Authors: Shukry Wafaa M. , Abu-Ria Mohamed E. , Abo-Hamed Samy A. , Anis Galal B. , Ibraheem Farag
Published: April 2023

High-yielding rice cultivars exhibit a great performance in non-saline fields; however, their growth and productivity are greatly reduced in salt-affected lands. Humic acid has a promising stress-mitigating potential and can be effective in improving salt tolerance in salinity sensitive rice cultivars. Herein, seeds of Giza 177 (high-yielding but salt-sensitive rice cultivar) were primed in 40 mg/l humic acid, sown, and maintained. Then growth and physiological responses of the humic acid-primed plants to increased levels of salinity (EC: 0.55, 3.40, 6.77, and 8.00 mS/cm) were evaluated at the reproductive stage. Increasing salinity induced a progressive retardation in plant height, leaf area, fresh and dry weights. Such retardation was associated with Na+ buildup in shoot and root, high electrolyte leakage and accumulation of malondialdehyde, total soluble sugars, sucrose, glucose, proline, total soluble proteins, flavonoids, and phenolics. In contrast, salinity reduced K+, K+/Na+ ratio, total carbohydrates, and the activity of catalase, peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase. Humic acid enhanced growth under non-saline and saline conditions. The humic acid-induced improvement in salt tolerance was associated with the reduction of Na+ toxicity, increasing K+/Na+ ratio, regulating osmolytes concentration, and enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes and thus reduce the oxidative stress. These results indicate that humic acid successfully reduced the salinity-induced plant damage, improved metabolism, and maintained active growth of Giza 177 under saline irrigation.
Prenatal Exposure to General Anesthesia Drug Esketamine Impaired Neurobehavior in Offspring
Authors: Huang Ronghua , Lin Bingbiao , Tian Hongyan , Luo Qichen , Li Yalan
Published: April 2023

Prenatal exposure to anesthetics has raised increasing attention about the neuronal development in offspring. Animal models are usually used for investigation. As a new drug, esketamine is the s-isoform of ketamine and is twice as potent as the racemic ketamine with less reported adverse effects. Esketamine is currently being used and become more favorable in clinical anesthesia work, including surgeries during pregnancy, yet the effect on the offspring is unknown. The present study aimed to elucidate the effects of gestational administration of esketamine on neuronal development in offspring, using a rat model. Gestational day 14.5 pregnant rats received intravenous injections of esketamine. The postnatal day 0 (P0) hippocampus was digested and cultured in vitro to display the neuronal growth morphology. On Day 4 the in vitro experiments revealed a shorter axon length and fewer dendrite branches in the esketamine group. The results from the EdU- imaging kit showed decreased proliferative capacity in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and dentate gyrus (DG) in both P0 and P30 offspring brains in the esketamine group. Moreover, neurogenesis, neuron maturity and spine density were impaired, resulting in attenuated long-term potentiation (LTP). Compromised hippocampal function accounted for the deficits in neuronal cognition, memory and emotion. The evidence obtained suggests that the neurobehavioral deficit due to prenatal exposure to esketamine may be related to the decrease phosphorylation of CREB and abnormalities in N-methyl-d-aspartic acid receptor subunits. Taken together, these results demonstrate the negative effect of prenatal esketamine exposure on neuronal development in offspring rats.

Graphical Abstract

G14.5 esketamine administration influenced the neurobehavior of the offspring in adolescence. Poorer neuronal growth and reduced brain proliferative capacity in late gestation and juvenile pups resulted in impaired P30 neuronal plasticity and synaptic spines as well as abnormalities in NMDAR subunits. Attenuated LTP reflected compromised hippocampal function, as confirmed by behavioral tests of cognition, memory and emotions. This figure was completed on the website of Figdraw.
New Spark solutions for distributed frequent itemset and association rule mining algorithms
Authors: Fernandez-Basso Carlos , Ruiz M. Dolores , Martin-Bautista Maria J.
Published: April 2023

The large amount of data generated every day makes necessary the re-implementation of new methods capable of handle with massive data efficiently. This is the case of Association Rules, an unsupervised data mining tool capable of extracting information in the form of IF-THEN patterns. Although several methods have been proposed for the extraction of frequent itemsets (previous phase before mining association rules) in very large databases, the high computational cost and lack of memory remains a major problem to be solved when processing large data. Therefore, the aim of this paper is three fold: (1) to review existent algorithms for frequent itemset and association rule mining, (2)to develop new efficient frequent itemset Big Data algorithms using distributive computation, as well as a new association rule mining algorithm in Spark, and (3) to compare the proposed algorithms with the existent proposals varying the number of transactions and the number of items. To this purpose, we have used the Spark platform which has been demonstrated to outperform existing distributive algorithmic implementations.
Gait Biomechanics While Walking Down an Incline After Exhaustion
Authors: Halder Amitava , Nordin Axel , Miller Michael , Gao Chuansi
Published: April 2023

This gait biomechanics study investigated stride length (SL), stride duration (SDN), the peak values of ground reaction forces (GRFspeak), required coefficient of friction (RCOFpeak), leg joints’ angles (anglepeak), angular velocity (angvelx.peak), angular acceleration (angaccx.peak), minimum angle (anglemin.) of the foot, and muscles’ electromyography (EMG) during the stance phase (SP) of the dominant leg following an exhaustive stair ascent on a stair machine. Data were collected by a three-dimensional motion capture system synchronized with EMG and force plate while walking down a 10° inclined stationary walkway. Although the leg muscles’ EMG showed no significant local muscle fatigue (LMF) during post-exhaustive walking downwards, the SL was significantly (p < 0.05) shorter than the pre-exhaustive. The mean vertical GRFzpeak. was significantly (p ≤ .01) reduced during late stance (LS) phase, however, the antero-posterior GRFypeak. was found to be significantly (p ≤ 0.01) higher. The RCOFpeak. was significantly (p ≤ .05) higher during the post-exhaustive walking downwards, LS phase. The available coefficient of friction value of ~ 0.350 seems to be the RCOF to reduce slips and falls on an inclined dry surface. None of the post-exhaustive lower limb joints’ anglepeak, anglemin., ang.velx.peak, and ang.accx.peak were significantly changed in post-exhaustion walking, except the knee ang.accx.peak., which was significantly (p < 0.05) increased during the LS period. The constrained post-exhaustive gait biomechanics indicate a perturbed gait, which may increase the risks for slips and fall-related accidents, when walking downwards and working on slopes. However, the non-significant joint angle changes imply that walking down is less demanding in a kinesiological perspective compared to walking up an incline.
Tracheal intubating conditions in elderly patients when train-of-four count is zero after rocuronium 0.6 or 0.9 mg/kg. A secondary analysis
Authors: Vested Matias , Hartoft Mian , Rasmussen Lars S
Published: April 2023

Purpose: The neuromuscular blocking agent rocuronium can be administered to facilitate tracheal intubation. We hypothesized that rocuronium 0.9 mg/kg provided a larger proportion of patients with vocal cords in abducted position compared to rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg at train-of-four (TOF) 0. Methods: This secondary analysis was based on 52 elderly surgical patients of which 36 patients received rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg and 16 patients received rocuronium 0.9 mg/kg. Neuromuscular block was monitored with acceleromyography with TOF stimulation at the ulnar nerve. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with vocal cords in abducted position at TOF 0. Secondary outcomes were intubating conditions evaluated by the Fuchs-Buder scale, the Intubating Difficulty Score (IDS), onset time, and duration of action of rocuronium. Results: At TOF 0, a significantly larger proportion of patients had vocal cords in abducted position in the rocuronium 0.9 mg/kg group (81%) compared with the rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg group (53%); difference (%) 28, 95% Cl 3–53, P = 0.05. Excellent intubating conditions (Fuchs-Buder) were more common in the rocuronium 0.9 mg/kg group (62.5%); difference (%) 32.5, 95% Cl 4–61), P = 0.03. No significant difference was found in IDS or onset time of rocuronium (difference 19 s, 95% Cl: -5–43). Duration of action was significantly longer (difference 29 min, 95% Cl: 10–47) in the 0.9 mg/kg group. Conclusion: The proportion of patients with vocal cords in abducted position was significantly larger after rocuronium 0.9 mg/kg compared to rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg at TOF 0 monitored at the ulnar nerve.
Animal Consumption Associated with Higher Intimate Partner Aggression
Authors: Taft Casey T. , Hamilton Evelyn G. , Leviyah Xenia , Gnall Katherine E. , Park Crystal L.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This brief report examined associations between animal consumption and intimate partner aggression in a sample of undergraduates. Two possible explanatory variables for these associations, depressive symptoms and speciesism, were also examined.

Methods

Participants included 245 undergraduate students who provided electronic consent and completed a one-time anonymous survey.

Results

Results indicated that animal consumption was associated with higher use of physical and psychological intimate partner aggression, even after accounting for other correlates. Animal consumption was also associated with higher speciesism, and speciesism was associated with higher use of physical and psychological intimate partner aggression.

Conclusions

Results extend findings from prior studies documenting links between animal consumption and negative outcomes and further suggest that speciesism may play a role in understanding links between animal consumption and intimate partner aggression.
Rhodamine 6G Dye Adsorption Using Magnetic Nanoparticles Synthesized With the Support of Vernonia Amygdalina Leaf Extract (Bitter Leaf)
Authors: Aigbe Uyiosa Osagie , Maluleke Rodney , Lebepe Thabang Calvin , Oluwafemi Oluwatobi Samuel , Osibote Otolorin Adelaja
Published: April 2023

This study reports the synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) using the co-precipitation method with the support of Vernonia Amygdalina (VA) (bitter leaf) extract for the efficient sequestration of rhodamine 6G dye (Rhd 6G) from a water-soluble solution. The prepared MNPs were characterized using Transmission electron microscopy (TEM,) X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectrometry. The average particle sizes from TEM and XRD analyses were 4.81 ± 2.2 nm and 5.61 nm respectively. The sorption of Rhd 6G dye to the MNPs was pH-dependent, with ideal confiscation of dye molecules observed at pH 10 ($$\sim 91.4\%)$$

∼
91.4
%
)

. The sorption process of Rhd 6G dye was reported to follow the Freundlich (FRH) isotherm model, while the pseudo-first-order model (PFOM) best depicted the sorption process of Rhd 6G dye to the MNPs from the non-linear modelling. The determined sorption capacity of the MNPs was established to be 454 mg.g−1. Also, the sorption of Rhd 6G dye to the MNPs was observed to be thermodynamically spontaneous, endothermic and with increasing randomness between the interface of the water-soluble solution and the MNPs. Hence, the prepared MNPs have proven to be an effective potential magnetic sorbent for the removal of cationic dyes from an aqueous solution.

Graphical Abstract