bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Whether it’s your weapon or not, it’s your home’: US military spouse perspectives on personal firearm storage
Authors: Betz Marian E , Meza K , Friedman K , Moceri-Brooks J , Johnson M L , Simonetti J , Baker J C , Bryan C J , Anestis M D
Published: December 2023

Introduction

In the USA, an estimated 45% of veterans personally own firearms. Firearm access increases the risk of suicide, so suicide prevention efforts in the US Department of Defense (DoD) focus on lethal means safety, including reducing firearm access. Spouse input may enhance effective messaging and intervention delivery of lethal means safety. This study used qualitative methods to explore the perspectives of military spouses or partners on personal firearm storage, including at-home decisions, on-base storage and existing messaging from the DoD.

Materials and methods

Qualitative data were obtained using 1:1 interviews and focus groups with spouses/partners of US military service members (active duty, Reserve, National Guard, recently separated from the military) and representatives from military support organisations. Sessions focused on personal firearm storage (at home or on military installations) and military messaging around secure firearm storage and firearm suicide prevention. Data were analysed using a team-based, mixed deductive–inductive approach.

Results

Across 56 participants (August 2022–March 2023), the themes were variability in current home firearm storage and spousal participation in decision-making; uncertainty about firearm storage protocols on military installations; mixed awareness of secure firearm storage messaging from the military; and uncertainty about procedures or protocols for removing firearm access for an at-risk person.

Conclusion

US military spouses are important messengers for firearm safety and suicide prevention, but they are currently underutilised. Tailored prevention campaigns should consider spousal dynamics and incorporate education about installation procedures.
Neurological gait assessment
Authors: Mermelstein Sofia , Barbosa Pedro , Kaski Diego
Published: December 2023

Gait disorders are a common feature of neurological disease. The gait examination is an essential part of the neurological clinical assessment, providing valuable clues to a myriad of causes. Understanding how to examine gait is not only essential for neurological diagnosis but also for treatment and prognosis. Here, we review aspects of the clinical history and examination of neurological gait to help guide gait disorder assessment. We focus particularly on how to differentiate between common gait abnormalities and highlight the characteristic features of the more prevalent neurological gait patterns such as ataxia, waddling, steppage, spastic gait, Parkinson’s disease and functional gait disorders. We also offer diagnostic clues for some unusual gait presentations, such as dystonic, stiff-person and choreiform gait, along with red flags that help differentiate atypical parkinsonism from Parkinson’s disease.
Trends in utilisation of palliative care services in COVID-19 patients and their impact on hospital resources in the USA: insights from the national inpatient sample
Authors: Garg Ishan , Gangu Karthik , Zabel Kenneth Matthew , Shuja Hina , Sohail Amir Humza , Nasrullah Adeel , Sohail Sachal , Combs Sara A , Sheikh Abu Baker
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Poor prognosis and lack of effective therapeutic options have made palliative care an integral part of the management of severe COVID-19. However, clinical studies on the role of palliative care in severe COVID-19 patients are lacking. The objective of our study was to evaluate the utility of palliative care in intubated COVID-19 patients and its impact on in-hospital outcomes.

Methods

Rate of palliative care consult, patient-level variables (age, sex, race, income, insurance type), hospital-level variables (region, type, size) and in-hospital outcome variables (mortality, cost, disposition, complications) were recorded.

Results

We retrospectively analysed 263 855 intubated COVID-19 patients using National Inpatient Sample database from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020. 65 325 (24.8%) patients received palliative care consult. Factors associated with an increased rate of palliative care consults included: female gender (p<0.001), older age (p<0.001), Caucasian race (p<0.001), high household income (p<0.001), Medicare insurance (p<0.001), admission to large-teaching hospitals (p<0.001), patients with underlying comorbidities, development of in-hospital complications and the need for intensive care procedures. Patients receiving palliative consults had shorter hospital length of stay (LOS) (p<0.001) and no difference in hospitalisation cost (p=0.15).

Conclusions

Palliative care utilisation rate in intubated COVID-19 patients was reflective of disease severity and disparities in healthcare access. Palliative care may help reduce hospital LOS. Our findings also highlight importance of improving access to palliative care services and its integration into the multidisciplinary management of severe COVID-19 patients.
Entanglement and quantum teleportation in terms of Dirac modes observed by accelerated observers
Authors: Dai Yue , Shi Yu
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we have studied entanglement between two Dirac modes observed, respectively, by two independently accelerated observers. Due to Unruh effect, the entanglement degrades, but residual entanglement remains in the limit of infinite accelerations. We have also investigated quantum teleportation using entangled Dirac modes, and calculated the fidelities in various cases. In general, the fidelity depends on both the single-qubit state and the Bell state used in the teleportation.
Retro-Antegrade Technique in the Management of Severely Angulated Fourth and Fifth Metacarpal Neck Fractures: A Case Series
Authors: McMAHON Mary Ellen , IBRAHIM Safwat
Published: December 2023

Background: This study introduces a novel method for the management of closed metacarpal neck fractures. Kirschner wires (K-wire) are introduced in a retrograde and the wires withdrawn through skin proximally at the base of the metacarpal. The fracture is reduced using traction and the reduction is maintained by antegrade advancement of the K-wires. The aim of this study is to report the outcomes of this technique.

Methods: A total of 36 patients with severely angulated closed metacarpal neck fractures underwent reduction and fixation using this novel method from January 2017 to December 2020 in centres in Ireland and Saudi Arabia. We performed a retrospective review of these patients’ clinical data examining their outcomes.

Results: Six months postoperatively, all fractures demonstrated bony union and correction of angulation. All patients exhibited excellent range of motion (ROM) with no significant impairment of hand function.

Conclusions: The method detailed here is a simple, minimally invasive and reliable technique that has not previously been described. It is suitable for use in the management of closed metacarpal neck fractures of the fourth and fifth metacarpal, with dorsal angulation greater than 60°.

Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic)
Hard QBFs for Merge Resolution
Authors: Beyersdorff Olaf , Blinkhorn Joshua , Mahajan Meena , Peitl Tomáš , Sood Gaurav
Published: December 2023

We prove the first genuine quantified Boolean formula (QBF) proof size lower bounds for the proof system Merge Resolution (MRes), a refutational proof system for prenex QBFs with a CNF matrix. Unlike most QBF resolution systems in the literature, proofs in MRes consist of resolution steps
together
with information on countermodels, which are syntactically stored in the proofs as merge maps. This makes MRes quite powerful: it has strategy extraction by design and allows short proofs for formulas that are hard for classical QBF resolution systems.

Here, we show the first genuine QBF
exponential lower bounds for MRes
, thereby uncovering limitations of MRes. Technically, the results are either transferred from bounds from circuit complexity (for restricted versions of MRes) or directly obtained by combinatorial arguments (for full MRes). Our results imply that the MRes approach is
largely orthogonal to other QBF resolution models
such as the QCDCL resolution systems QRes and QURes and the expansion systems ∀ Exp + Res and IR.
Morphology Control of Ball-Milled Si-Ti Alloy Anode Materials for Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Salehabadi Mina , Bennett J. Craig , Obrovac M. N.
Published: December 2023

Reduced surface area Si-Ti alloy anode materials for Li-ion batteries were prepared by ball milling. Using a high Ti content of 40 atomic % results in low surface area (23 m2/ml) alloy, but also results in a low (∼100 mAh g−1) capacity. It was found that by utilizing a two-step ball milling method and controlling the milling time, a high Si content (Si0.85Ti0.15) alloy with an amorphous active Si phase and a high capacity (1600 mAh g−1) could be synthesized that has a reduced surface area (34 m2/ml) compared to the same alloy made by conventional methods (41 m2/ml). When utilized as anodes in lithium cells, the low surface area alloy showed an initial improvement in coulombic efficiency, but low and high surface area alloys had similar coulombic efficiency after 50 cycles. This was found to be due to massive increases in surface area that occur during cycling, which overwhelm any initial difference in alloy surface area prior to cycling.
Functional Evaluation of Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) Flower Water Extracts and Its Potential Use in Tea
Authors: Chen Si-Yu , Huang Ping-Hsiu , Shih Ming-Kuei , Wu Chih-Chung , Hsieh Chang-Wei , Chen Min-Hung , Hsieh Shu-Ling , Hou Chih-Yao
Published: December 2023

In traditional Chinese medicine, loquat leaves have been commonly used to relieve cough and expectoration. Recently, it has been proved that loquat fruit, kernels, leaves, and flowers can be used as herbal medicines to prevent cardiovascular diseases, cancer, inflammation, and other chronic diseases. This study extracted the loquat flowers (LF) at different temperatures and times to prepare the LF water extract (LFWE). In addition, the antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory performance of LF extract were evaluated. Moreover, the potential of developing sugar-free LF tea was evaluated. The results showed that the LFWE with a temperature above 80°C and heating for 60 min had a higher content of bioactive compounds, which was significantly different compared with other extraction conditions (p<0.05); antioxidant ability trial results showed the performance of the same trend (p<0.05). However, LFWE was not toxic to cell viability, and the amount of PGE2 production was significantly lower than that of the induced group (p<0.05), thus considerably inhibiting the production of PGE2, a marker of inflammation and effectively reducing inflammatory responses. The LF tea prepared at 90°C for different times (15, 30, 45, and 60 min) showed a significant decrease in L∗ value as the extraction time increased significantly to darkness. In addition, the sensory evaluation results revealed that the overall acceptability scores of LF tea extracted for 45 min were the highest, and there was a significant difference (p<0.05). Hence, LF is one of the good products for functional beverages and foods.
MC-MLDCNN: Multichannel Multilayer Dilated Convolutional Neural Networks for Web Attack Detection
Authors: Moarref Nazanin , Sandıkkaya Mehmet Tahir
Published: December 2023

The explosive growth of web-based technology has led to an increase in sophisticated and complex attacks that target web applications. To protect against this growing threat, a reliable web attack detection methodology is essential. This research aims to provide a method that can detect web attacks accurately. A character-level multichannel multilayer dilated convolutional neural network (MC-MLDCNN) is proposed to identify web attacks accurately. The model receives the full text of HTTP requests as inputs. Character-level embedding is applied to embed HTTP requests to the model. Therefore, feature extraction is carried out automatically by the model, and no additional effort is required. This approach significantly simplifies the preprocessing phase. The methodology consists of multichannel dilated convolutional neural network blocks with various kernel sizes. Each channel involves several layers with exponentially increasing dilation sizes. Through the integration of multichannel and multilayer dilated convolutional neural networks, the model can efficiently capture the temporal relation and dependence of character granularity of HTTP requests at different scales and levels. As a result, the structure enables the model to easily capture dependencies over extended and long sequences of HTTP requests and consequently identify attacks accurately. The outcomes of the experiments carried out on the CSIC 2010 dataset show that the proposed model outperforms several state-of-the-art deep learning-based models in the literature and some traditional deep learning models by identifying web attacks with a precision score of 99.65%, a recall score of 98.80%, an F1 score of 99.22%, and an accuracy score of 99.36%. A useful web attack detection system must be able to balance accurate attack identification with minimizing false positives (identifying normal requests as attacks). The success of the model in recognizing normal requests is further evaluated to guarantee increased security without sacrificing web applications’ usability and availability.
Backcalculation of Finite-Element Modeling Based on Field Measurements Results of Excavation in Steel Sheet Pile Walls
Authors: Ambassa Zoa , Amba Jean Chills , Momha Merlin Bodol , Kouanang Landry Djopkop
Published: December 2023

The study presents a development of a nonlinear finite element calculation technique for the prediction of the stability of the multistaged deep excavation in submerged multilayered soft soil retained by steel sheet pile walls structures performed from Cast3M FE code. Optimization numerical backcalculation results are given for the design and construction of retaining walls with adjustment parameters, horizontal displacements, and earth and hydraulic pressure measurements. The difficulties of modeling 2D sheet pile walls in 2D with irregular shapes were overcome by transforming the geometry and stiffness of these sheet steel sheet pile walls into retaining walls of equivalent bending stiffness on the one hand and regular geometric shapes on the other hand. The results of this approach are satisfactory in view of the horizontal displacement curves obtained on the steel sheet pile walls compared by the measures.
Fuzzy AHP TOPSIS Methodology for Multicriteria ABC Inventory Classification
Authors: Paredes Rodríguez Andrés Mauricio , Bravo Bastidas Juan José , Osorio Gómez Juan Carlos , Peña Orozco Diego León , González Feliu Jesús
Published: December 2023

Products’ classification according to their importance has been a topic addressed by academia and industry for many years, mainly due to the great importance of this process to obtain efficient inventory policies that reduce lost sales while reducing inventory maintenance costs. This research has to perform an ABC inventory classification in a medium-sized company that sells hardware goods and construction materials, considering multiple quantitative and qualitative criteria. AHP fuzzy TOPSIS multicriteria tool was used as a methodological approach which implies the definition and initial weighting of a set of relevant criteria for the study based on the AHP fuzzy methodology, to obtain an inventory products’ importance assessment according TOPSIS technique procedure. After applying the technique, it is possible to obtain that 0.26% of the inventory was classified as highly critical. Likewise, 5.45% represents products of medium relevance to the organization. Finally, it is observed that many of the products (approximately 94%) have little or almost no impact within the company under study. This methodology was used in a practical case where some criteria were taken from the reviewed literature. In addition, the criticality criterion was used from a financial perspective.
A Sub-6 GHz Switching System for Simultaneous Use of 2-Port Network Analyzer by 4 Users
Authors: Jang Youna , Baek Chang In , Kim Dong Min , Ahn Dal , Son Seong-Ho
Published: December 2023

A vector network analyzer (VNA) is an expensive and essential device for measuring the scattering coefficients of RF devices in the research and development of microwave systems. However, these VNAs are limited in that they can be only used by one user. To address this limitation, this paper presents a switching system that allows multiple users to measure each device under test using a single VNA at the same time. In particular, a four-user switching system is developed in this study. It is important to calibrate the differences between each channel that inevitably arise during implementation. For calibration, we propose and implement a technique for de-embedding the uneven characteristics between these channels. Its performance is validated by measuring insertion loss, reflection loss, and isolation for the developed switching system.
Figure S7 from The EZH2–PHACTR2–AS1–Ribosome Axis induces Genomic Instability and Promotes Growth and Metastasis in Breast Cancer
Authors: Chu Wenhui , Zhang Xi , Qi Lihua , Fu Yenan , Wang Peng , Zhao Wei , Du Juan , Zhang Jing , Zhan Jun , Wang Yunling , Zhu Wei-Guo , Yu Yu , Zhang Hongquan
Published: December 2023

Figure S7 shows the PHACTR2-AS1 expression in human tumor tissues.
Figure S5 from The EZH2–PHACTR2–AS1–Ribosome Axis induces Genomic Instability and Promotes Growth and Metastasis in Breast Cancer
Authors: Chu Wenhui , Zhang Xi , Qi Lihua , Fu Yenan , Wang Peng , Zhao Wei , Du Juan , Zhang Jing , Zhan Jun , Wang Yunling , Zhu Wei-Guo , Yu Yu , Zhang Hongquan
Published: December 2023

Figure S5 shows that PHACTR2-AS1 inhibits cancer cell growth and migration.
Figure S1 from The EZH2–PHACTR2–AS1–Ribosome Axis induces Genomic Instability and Promotes Growth and Metastasis in Breast Cancer
Authors: Chu Wenhui , Zhang Xi , Qi Lihua , Fu Yenan , Wang Peng , Zhao Wei , Du Juan , Zhang Jing , Zhan Jun , Wang Yunling , Zhu Wei-Guo , Yu Yu , Zhang Hongquan
Published: December 2023

Figure S1 shows that PHACTR2-AS1 is a target gene of EZH2.
Supplementary Table 1 from Enhanced Lipid Accumulation and Metabolism Are Required for the Differentiation and Activation of Tumor-Associated Macrophages
Authors: Su Pan , Wang Qiang , Bi Enguang , Ma Xingzhe , Liu Lintao , Yang Maojie , Qian Jianfei , Yi Qing
Published: December 2023

Supplementary Table 1. Primer sequences used for qPCR and shRNA construction.
Supplementary Data from Enhanced Lipid Accumulation and Metabolism Are Required for the Differentiation and Activation of Tumor-Associated Macrophages
Authors: Su Pan , Wang Qiang , Bi Enguang , Ma Xingzhe , Liu Lintao , Yang Maojie , Qian Jianfei , Yi Qing
Published: December 2023

Fig. S1, relates to Figure 1: Lipid accumulation in mouse TAMs. Fig. S2, relates to Figure 2: Expression of scavenger receptors in control MΦs and TAMs. Fig. S3, relates to Figure 2: Knockdown of Cd36 decreases lipid accumulation in MФs. Fig. S4, relates to Figure 3: Expression of fatty acid β-oxidation-responsible genes and the glucose metabolism in indicated MΦs. Fig. S5, relates to Figure 5: Ki-67 expression and cell cycle progression in different murine tumor cells cocultured with control MΦs or TAMs. Fig. S6, relates to Figure 6: The phosphorylation of JAK-STAT6 pathway in human MΦs and the production of IL-4 and IL-13 in human and mouse tumor cells. Fig. S7. Clinical significance of CD36 expression in TAMs. Fig. S8., relates to Figure 7: Effect of CD36 deficiency on the infiltration and differentiation of MΦs in vivo.
EXTENDED EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES from Enhanced Lipid Accumulation and Metabolism Are Required for the Differentiation and Activation of Tumor-Associated Macrophages
Authors: Su Pan , Wang Qiang , Bi Enguang , Ma Xingzhe , Liu Lintao , Yang Maojie , Qian Jianfei , Yi Qing
Published: December 2023

Detailed experimental procedures of cell culture and shRNA-mediated knockdown, collection of Serum samples, analysis of published single-cell sequencing data of human cancers,Flow Cytometry, in vitro generation of TAMs,immunofluorescence microscopy,microarray analysis, construction of mouse lymphoma and multiple myeloma model.
Figure Legends from Chromatin Remodeling Factor LSH Drives Cancer Progression by Suppressing the Activity of Fumarate Hydratase
Authors: He Xiaozhen , Yan Bin , Liu Shuang , Jia Jiantao , Lai Weiwei , Xin Xing , Tang Can-e , Luo Dixian , Tan Tan , Jiang Yiqun , Shi Ying , Liu Yating , Xiao Desheng , Chen Ling , Liu Shao , Mao Chao , Yin Gang , Cheng Yan , Fan Jia , Cao Ya , Muegge Kathrin , Tao Yongguang
Published: December 2023

Supplementary Figure Legends Figure S1 Western blot analysis detected LSH expression a panel of NPC cells. Figure S2 Overexpression of LSH promotes cell growth, migration and invasion in vitro. Figure S3 Overexpression of LSH promotes cancer progression in vivo. Figure S4. Overexpression of LSH promotes cancer progression in vivo. Figure S5 Knockdown of LSH inhibits cancer progression in vitro and in vivo. Figure S6 FH decreased FH expression. Figure S7 LSH regulated TCA intermediates. Figure S8. EBV status was not linked with TCA intermediates. Figure S9. TCA intermediates citrate and α-KG decreased other intermediates. Figure S10. TCA intermediates succinate, fumarate and malate affected the protein levels of FH, EMT and IKKα. Figure S11. Western blot analysis detected FH expression a panel of NPC cells. Figure S12. The concentrations of α-KG and citrate were analyzed in HNE3 cells in the depletion of FH. Figure S13 Western blot analysis detected EMT markers as indicated.
Data from Acidity Generated by the Tumor Microenvironment Drives Local Invasion
Authors: Estrella Veronica , Chen Tingan , Lloyd Mark , Wojtkowiak Jonathan , Cornnell Heather H. , Ibrahim-Hashim Arig , Bailey Kate , Balagurunathan Yoganand , Rothberg Jennifer M. , Sloane Bonnie F. , Johnson Joseph , Gatenby Robert A. , Gillies Robert J.
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The pH of solid tumors is acidic due to increased fermentative metabolism and poor perfusion. It has been hypothesized that acid pH promotes local invasive growth and metastasis. The hypothesis that acid mediates invasion proposes that H+ diffuses from the proximal tumor microenvironment into adjacent normal tissues where it causes tissue remodeling that permits local invasion. In the current work, tumor invasion and peritumoral pH were monitored over time using intravital microscopy. In every case, the peritumoral pH was acidic and heterogeneous and the regions of highest tumor invasion corresponded to areas of lowest pH. Tumor invasion did not occur into regions with normal or near-normal extracellular pH. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that cells in the invasive edges expressed the glucose transporter-1 and the sodium–hydrogen exchanger-1, both of which were associated with peritumoral acidosis. In support of the functional importance of our findings, oral administration of sodium bicarbonate was sufficient to increase peritumoral pH and inhibit tumor growth and local invasion in a preclinical model, supporting the acid-mediated invasion hypothesis. Cancer Res; 73(5); 1524–35. ©2012 AACR.
Data from Metastasis-Associated Protein 2 Represses NF-κB to Reduce Lung Tumor Growth and Inflammation
Authors: El-Nikhely Nefertiti , Karger Annika , Sarode Poonam , Singh Indrabahadur , Weigert Andreas , Wietelmann Astrid , Stiewe Thorsten , Dammann Reinhard , Fink Ludger , Grimminger Friedrich , Barreto Guillermo , Seeger Werner , Pullamsetti Soni S. , Rapp Ulf R. , Savai Rajkumar
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Although NF-κB is known to play a pivotal role in lung cancer, contributing to tumor growth, microenvironmental changes, and metastasis, the epigenetic regulation of NF-κB in tumor context is largely unknown. Here we report that the IKK2/NF-κB signaling pathway modulates metastasis-associated protein 2 (MTA2), a component of the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase complex (NuRD). In triple transgenic mice, downregulation of IKK2 (Sftpc-cRaf-IKK2DN) in cRaf-induced tumors in alveolar epithelial type II cells restricted tumor formation, whereas activation of IKK2 (Sftpc-cRaf-IKK2CA) supported tumor growth; both effects were accompanied by altered expression of MTA2. Further studies employing genetic inhibition of MTA2 suggested that in primary tumor growth, independent of IKK2, MTA2/NuRD corepressor complex negatively regulates NF-κB signaling and tumor growth, whereas later dissociation of MTA2/NuRD complex from the promoter of NF-κB target genes and IKK2-dependent positive regulation of MTA2 leads to activation of NF-κB signaling, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and lung tumor metastasis. These findings reveal a previously unrecognized biphasic role of MTA2 in IKK2/NF-κB-driven primary-to-metastatic lung tumor progression. Addressing the interaction between MTA2 and NF-κB would provide potential targets for intervention of tumor growth and metastasis.
Significance:
These findings strongly suggest a prominent role of MTA2 in primary tumor growth, lung metastasis, and NF-κB signaling modulatory functions.
Data from The EZH2–PHACTR2–AS1–Ribosome Axis induces Genomic Instability and Promotes Growth and Metastasis in Breast Cancer
Authors: Chu Wenhui , Zhang Xi , Qi Lihua , Fu Yenan , Wang Peng , Zhao Wei , Du Juan , Zhang Jing , Zhan Jun , Wang Yunling , Zhu Wei-Guo , Yu Yu , Zhang Hongquan
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Aberrant activation of histone methyltransferase EZH2 and ribosome synthesis strongly associate with cancer development and progression. We previously found that EZH2 regulates RNA polymerase III–transcribed 5S ribosomal RNA gene transcription. However, whether EZH2 regulates ribosome synthesis is still unknown. Here, we report that EZH2 promotes ribosome synthesis by targeting and silencing a long noncoding RNA PHACTR2-AS1. PHACTR2-AS1 directly bound ribosome DNA genes and recruited histone methyltransferase SUV39H1, which in turn triggered H3K9 methylation of these genes. Depletion of PHACTR2-AS1 resulted in hyperactivation of ribosome synthesis and instability of ribosomal DNA, which promoted cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. Administration of PHACTR2-AS1-30nt-RNA, which binds to SUV39H1, effectively inhibited breast cancer growth and lung metastasis in mice. PHACTR2-AS1 was downregulated in breast cancer patients, where lower PHACTR2-AS1 expression promoted breast cancer development and correlated with poor patient outcome. Taken together, we demonstrate that PHACTR2-AS1 maintains a H3K9 methylation-marked silent state of ribosomal DNA genes, comprising a regulatory axis that controls breast cancer growth and metastasis.
Significance:
These findings reveal that EZH2 mediates ribosomal DNA stability via silencing of PHACTR2-AS1, representing a potential therapeutic target to control breast cancer growth and metastasis.
Data from Chromatin Remodeling Factor LSH Drives Cancer Progression by Suppressing the Activity of Fumarate Hydratase
Authors: He Xiaozhen , Yan Bin , Liu Shuang , Jia Jiantao , Lai Weiwei , Xin Xing , Tang Can-e , Luo Dixian , Tan Tan , Jiang Yiqun , Shi Ying , Liu Yating , Xiao Desheng , Chen Ling , Liu Shao , Mao Chao , Yin Gang , Cheng Yan , Fan Jia , Cao Ya , Muegge Kathrin , Tao Yongguang
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Chromatin modification is pivotal to the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), which confers potent metastatic potential to cancer cells. Here, we report a role for the chromatin remodeling factor lymphoid-specific helicase (LSH) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), a prevalent cancer in China. LSH expression was increased in NPC, where it was controlled by the Epstein–Barr virus-encoded protein LMP1. In NPC cells in vitro and in vivo, LSH promoted cancer progression in part by regulating expression of fumarate hydratase (FH), a core component of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. LSH bound to the FH promoter, recruiting the epigenetic silencer factor G9a to repress FH transcription. Clinically, we found that the concentration of TCA intermediates in NPC patient sera was deregulated in the presence of LSH. RNAi-mediated silencing of FH mimicked LSH overexpression, establishing FH as downstream mediator of LSH effects. The TCA intermediates α-KG and citrate potentiated the malignant character of NPC cells, in part by altering IKKα-dependent EMT gene expression. In this manner, LSH furthered malignant progression of NPC by modifying cancer cell metabolism to support EMT. Cancer Res; 76(19); 5743–55. ©2016 AACR.
Association of Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 with Blood Pressure in Primary Proteinuric Glomerulopathies
Authors: Pfaff Mairead , Denburg Michelle R. , Meyers Kevin E. , Brady Tammy M. , Leonard Mary B. , Hoofnagle Andrew N. , Sethna Christine B.
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) has direct effects on the vasculature and myocardium, and high levels of FGF23 are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, the impact of FGF23 on CVD in primary proteinuric glomerulopathies has not been addressed. Methods: The associations of baseline plasma intact FGF23 levels with resting blood pressure (BP) and lipids over time among adults and children with proteinuric glomerulopathies enrolled in the Nephrotic Syndrome Study Network (NEPTUNE) were analyzed using generalized estimating equation regression analyses. Models were adjusted for age, sex, glomerular diagnosis, follow-up time, estimated glomerular filtration rate, urine protein/creatinine ratio, obesity, and serum phosphorous levels. Results: Two hundred and four adults with median FGF23 77.5 (IQR 51.3–119.3) pg/mL and 93 children with median FGF23 62.3 (IQR 44.6–83.6) pg/mL were followed for a median of 42 (IQR 20.5–54) months. In adjusted models, each 1 µg/mL increase in FGF23 was associated with a 0.3 increase in systolic BP index at follow-up (p < 0.001). Greater baseline FGF23 was associated with greater odds of hypertensive BP (OR = 1.0003; 95% CI 1.001–1.006, p = 0.03) over time. Compared to tertile 1, tertile 2 (OR = 2.1; 95% CI 1.12–3.99, p = 0.02), and tertile 3 (OR = 3; 95% CI 1.08–8.08, p = 0.04), FGF23 levels were associated with greater odds of hypertensive BP over time. Tertile 2 was associated with greater triglycerides compared to tertile 1 (OR = 48.1; 95% CI 4.4–91.9, p = 0.03). Conclusion: Overall, higher baseline FGF23 was significantly associated with hypertensive BP over time in individuals with proteinuric glomerulopathies. Further study of FGF23 as a therapeutic target for reducing CVD in proteinuric glomerular disease is warranted.
Ehrlichia chaffeensis Co-Opts Phagocytic Hemocytes for Systemic Dissemination in the Lone Star Tick, Amblyomma americanum
Authors: Adegoke Abdulsalam , Hanson Julia , Smith Ryan C. , Karim Shahid
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Hematophagous arthropods can acquire and transmit several pathogens of medical importance. In ticks, the innate immune system is crucial in the outcome between vector-pathogen interaction and overall vector competence. However, the specific immune response(s) elicited by the immune cells known as hemocytes remains largely undefined in Ehrlichia chaffeensis and its competent tick vector, Amblyomma americanum. Methods: We utilized injection of clodronate liposome to deplete tick granulocytes combined with infection with E. chaffeensis to demonstrate their essential role in microbial infection. Results: Here, we show that granulocytes, professional phagocytic cells, are integral in eliciting immune responses against commensal and pathogen infection. The chemical depletion of granulocytes led to decreased phagocytic efficiency of tissue-associated hemocytes. We demonstrate that E. chaffeensis can infect circulating hemocytes, and both cell-free plasma and hemocytes from E. chaffeensis-infected ticks can establish Ehrlichia infection in recipient ticks. Lastly, we provide evidence to show that granulocytes play a dual role in E. chaffeensis infection. Depleting granulocytic hemocytes increased Ehrlichia load in the salivary gland and midgut tissues. In contrast, granulocyte depletion led to a reduced systemic load of Ehrlichia. Conclusion: This study has identified multiple roles for granulocytic hemocytes in the control and systemic dissemination of E. chaffeensis infection.
Refugiado a Nado
Authors: Barros José D'Assunção
Published: December 2023

O poema desenvolve a técnica da Sintonia Finda, desenvolvida pelo autor, onde a forma, o sentido e a sonoridade das palavras se ajustam. O pema parte de um episódio real que foi veiculado nas mídias: um refugiado africano que atravessou a nado o Mar Mediterrâneo, com um escafrando de apoio feito de garradias e boias de plástico, para encontrar do outro lado guardas armado que o devolveram à África. O formato das estrofes e versos sugerem um nadador.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic isolation concerning physical activity and cardiovascular health
Authors: Barros Rita de Cássia Lopes de , Lourenço Laura Bacelar de Araujo , Neves Mayza Luzia dos Santos , Cornélio Marilia Estevam , Rodrigues Roberta Cunha Matheus , São-João Thais Moreira
Published: December 2023

Regular physical activity (PA) is essential for health maintenance and disease prevention. COVID-19 and its social isolation affected patients with cardiovascular (CV) disease. This is a scoping review aiming to map, analyze, and summarize the impacts caused by the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic concerning PA and CV health in adults. Methods: The review was based on PRISMA-ScR. PubMed, PubMed Central, BVS/BIREME, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Brazilian Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations, and SciELO databases wereselected to search. Two search phases were performed: May 2021 and March 2022. English-language full-text papers were included. Initially, the titles and abstracts of the retrieved documents were read and screened based on the research question. A third reviewer resolved disagreement through consensus meetings. An assessment form was adapted for data extraction. The study was registered in the Open Science Framework platform under theDOI https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/AH6P8. Results: 11 papers were included and demonstrated that regular PA could be challenging in social isolation environments. Most participants were moderately active and performed low-intensity PA. Confinement led to the limitation of everyday activities, nutritional disorders, and reduced PA, contributing to weight gain. Quarantine was associated with stress and depression, leading to an unhealthy diet. Possible solutions point to home PA, considering the baseline health and CV status. Conclusion: The post-COVID-19 era and its consequences point to the pressing need for planning strategies that increase and maintain home PA as a protective measure for the general population, considering CV health, resources, and household space.
Feasibility evaluation of the use of mud residue from marble shop as soil remineralizer
Authors: Braga Flávia Cristina Silveira , Oliveira Tainara Arthuso de , Moreira Débora Silvano , Salles Pedro Valle , Santana Igor Vasconcelos
Published: December 2023

Brazil is a major producer of dimension/ornamental stones, with a great diversity of raw materials. The sawing process transforms 20 to 30% of the extracted block into powder, with the generation of fine waste around 800,000 t/year. An alternative to reusing this waste is its application as a source of nutrients for the soil. This study evaluated the potential use of mud residue from a marble shop located in João Monlevade, Minas Gerais, as a remineralizer, based on fertility, mineralogical and chemical analysis performed by X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence. For fertility, pH in CaCl2 0.01 mol L-1, organic matter, aluminum saturation, potential acidity, sum of bases, cation-exchange capacity, base saturation, macro and micronutrients were determined. The studied residue has free silica, the sum of basis, and K2O content in the range established by MAPA to be certified as a remineralizer. The sample contains 6.7% phyllosilicates, a source of faster K availability, and 19.4% K-feldspar, a slow-release source. Results described in this study indicate that residue can be a promising, efficient, and low-cost alternative to improve soil fertility.
Does Hearing Impairment Impact Spatial Orientation, Navigation, and Rotation Abilities?
Authors: Avci Nizamettin Burak , Cicek Cinar Betul
Published: December 2023

Objectives:

Spatial cognition is a perceptual-motor function that pertains to the comprehension and processing of two-dimensional and three-dimensional space. The impairment of any sensory system can have adverse effects on cognitive functioning. The objective of this study is to examine spatial cognition in adults with hearing impairments.

Methods:

There were a total of 61 individuals in this study: thirty-six with hearing loss and 25 with normal hearing. The Spatial Orientation Test (SOT), the Mental Rotation test (MR), and the Money’s Road Map Test (RMT) were administered to assess participants’ spatial learning-orientation, mental imagery-rotation, and spatial navigation abilities. A high number of errors in RMT, high angle difference in SOT and a low score in MR suggest poor spatial abilities.

Results:

Participants with hearing loss had a greater number of RMT errors and SOT angle difference, but lower MR scores than those with normal hearing ( P < .001). Hearing impairment negatively impacted all 3 spatial cognitive assessments. Hearing loss was associated with a 6.9 increase in the number of RMT errors (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 4.8, 9), a 23.6 increase in the SOT angle difference (95% CI: 16, 31.2), and an 8.5 decrease in the MR score (95% CI: −10.8, −6.2).

Conclusions:

The study found that individuals with hearing loss exhibited lower performance in various cognitive tasks related to spatial orientation, navigation, spatial learning, mental imagery, and rotation abilities when compared to an age and sex matched control group. In future study, it is imperative to place greater emphasis on hearing loss as a potential detrimental factor in the prediction of spatial cognition impairment.
Implementation and Evaluation of Standardized Drug Expiration Processes Across Non-automated Areas
Authors: Oblizajek Nathan J. , Phillips Marc A. , Cecere David A. , Braham Mary J.
Published: December 2023

Objective: The study aimed to enhance medication management efficiency by introducing a systematic approach to redistributing medications to high-utilization zones, thereby mitigating the volume and expenses associated with non-returnable expired medications. Methods: This quality improvement initiative encompassed 2 key phases. Initially, a standardized workflow for managing expiring medications was implemented across 2 satellite pharmacy areas. Subsequently, the impact of these interventions was assessed by comparing pre-implementation and post-implementation data on the quantity and monetary value of expired medications. Baseline data were derived from expired medication records spanning January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022. The new workflow was established in December 2022, and post-implementation data were collected from January 1, 2023, to March 31, 2023. The process rollout involved devising workflow protocols, creating supportive documentation, and delivering training to pharmacy personnel. Data collection encompassed medication identifiers, stock locations, date medications were received, expiration dates, along with wholesale acquisition cost for each item. Descriptive statistical methods were employed for analysis. Results: Comparative analysis of pre-implementation and post-implementation data revealed substantial reductions in the annual estimated quantity of expired medications (284 fewer items, representing a 13.6% decrease) and corresponding wholesale acquisition costs ($5075 USD reduction, translating to a 19.7% decrease) within the satellite areas during the study period. Moreover, a comparison of post-implementation quarter one data with the corresponding data from the previous year highlighted even more significant reductions in the quantity of expired medications (203 fewer items, reflecting a 31.1% decrease) and associated wholesale acquisition costs ($2548 USD reduction, signifying a 33.0% decrease) within the satellite areas. Conclusions: This study underscores the potential advantages of employing a standardized process to proactively reallocate medications prior to their expiration, thereby enabling their utilization in other hospital sections. Future endeavors could concentrate on the wider implementation of similar workflows throughout different hospital locations and the broader enterprise.
Priorities for the G20 Finance Track
Authors: Eichengreen Barry , Gupta Poonam
Published: December 2023

Emerging markets and developing economies are currently facing major challenges from global shocks, including a slowdown in global growth; food and energy price increases; decline in risk appetite of international investors; unsustainable debts in low-income countries; and ongoing climate risks. National policies have not sufficed to meet these challenges. Efforts at the national level must be complemented by changes in the global economic and financial architecture designed to make the world a safer place. In this article, we focus on the financial aspects of such reforms. The financial agenda as we see it has seven key elements: (i) reform of central bank swap lines, (ii) reform of IMF-contingent credit lines, (iii) SDR reallocation, (iv) reform of credit rating agencies, (v) creation of currency hedging instruments, (vi) inclusion of climate-resilient debt clauses in new debt instruments and (vii) steps to streamline the debt restructuring process. We detail this agenda and urge the G20 members to implement the recommended measures.

JEL Codes: E44, E58, E61, F34, F36, F38
Oxidation and cross-linking to improve stability and sizing properties of cassava starch with ammonium persulfate-assisted hexamethylenetetramine
Authors: Wang Miao , Qian Dechen , Wu Hailiang , Zhao Yahao , Shen Yanqin , Yao Yijun
Published: December 2023

An oxidation cross-linking modified cassava starch (AHS-U) with high-viscosity stability and good film-forming properties was synthesized by oxidation cross-linking reaction, which used ammonium persulfate (APS) as the oxidant, hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) as the cross-linking agent and urea as an assistant. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance showed that compared with cassava starch, APS oxidized starch exhibited carboxyl characteristic peaks in its structure, and the hydroxyl proton peak that was connected at the C6 position basically disappeared in the APS-HMT modified cassava starch (AHS). The cross-linking agent HMT released formaldehyde under heating conditions to cross-link oxidized starch. The urea formed hydrogen bonds with hydroxyl groups in the starch while adsorbing residual formaldehyde, which improved the viscosity stability of the sizing agent. When the APS dosage was 0.4% (the carboxyl content was 0.30%), the HMT dosage was 0.35% (the sedimentation volume was 7.8 mL) and the urea dosage was 2%, the viscosity stability of the AHS-U sizing agent was good under high-temperature conditions (97.12%), and the elongation of the sizing film reached 2.97%. The AHS-U sizing agent can improve the tensile properties and wear resistance of cotton yarn and has a good desizing efficiency. This study overcomes the toxic substance emissions caused by traditional aldehyde cross-linking agents, improves the viscosity stability of the starch sizing agent and provides a new approach to improving the viscosity stability and film-forming properties of starch sizing agents.
After Critique: Cynicism, Scepticism and the Politics of Laughter
Authors: Korf Benedikt
Published: December 2023

In 1983, two philosophers, Michel Foucault and Peter Sloterdijk, engaged with ancient Cynicism and the outspokenness and laughter of Diogenes as a critical practice. Foucault and Sloterdijk did so to position themselves ‘after’ critique: ‘after’ a period of and ‘beyond’ a certain style of dogmatism and theoretical deadlocks that troubled left thinking in the early 1980s (and continue to do so today). I show how Foucault and Sloterdijk, while differing in their critical politics, both read Diogenes’ politics of truth as radical subversive otherness. While Diogenes performed this antagonizing critique from a subaltern position, his politics nevertheless risked ending up in a self-righteous intransigence to know the truth. As an alternative, I turn to another politics of laughter in Hellenistic philosophy, that of the Thracian Maid, and its sceptical impulse that is situated ‘before’, ‘beyond’ and ‘after’ critique in the space of what Hans Blumenberg calls Nachdenklichkeit (pensiveness).
Development of fecal microbial diagnostic marker sets of colorectal cancer using natural language processing method
Authors: Liu Houcong , Song Changpu , Wang Jidong , Chen Zhufang , Zhang Xiaohong , Zhou Hekai , Yao Linhong , Chen Dan , Gu Wenhao , Huang Rui-Kun , Huang Bing-Kun , Han Bo-Wei , Du Jihui
Published: December 2023

Background

Cancer screening and early detection greatly increase the chances of successful treatment. However, most cancer types lack effective early screening biomarkers. In recent years, natural language processing (NLP)-based text-mining methods have proven effective in searching the scientific literature and identifying promising associations between potential biomarkers and disease, but unfortunately few are widely used.

Methods

In this study, we used an NLP-enabled text-mining system, MarkerGenie, to identify potential stool bacterial markers for early detection and screening of colorectal cancer. After filtering markers based on text-mining results, we validated bacterial markers using multiplex digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR). Classifiers were built based on ddPCR results, and sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the performance.

Results

A total of 7 of the 14 bacterial markers showed significantly increased abundance in the stools of colorectal cancer patients. A five-bacteria classifier for colorectal cancer diagnosis was built, and achieved an AUC of 0.852, with a sensitivity of 0.692 and specificity of 0.935. When combined with the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), our classifier achieved an AUC of 0.959 and increased the sensitivity of FIT (0.929 vs. 0.872) at a specificity of 0.900.

Conclusions

Our study provides a valuable case example of the use of NLP-based marker mining for biomarker identification.