bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decolonizing Middle East anthropology
Authors: Bishara Amahl
Published: July 2023

In the anthropology of Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA), there is an effort underway to decolonize the field. This process is taking shape in academic writing, in academic institutions, in field practices, and among broader publics. It must arise from priorities in the region; it also builds on wider scholarship on race, indigeneity, and militarism. It requires an expansion of the bounds of politics, consideration of who can participate, and reconsideration of what the goals of political action are. It entails working toward liberations that are always plural. Decolonizing SWANA anthropology faces distinct challenges in the field, the university, and publication processes because scholars produce critiques that expose contemporary colonialisms, including those related to the long war on terror, Israeli settler colonialism, and other colonialisms in the region. Thus, scholars equip themselves with tools to confront and transform academic institutions. Collaborative research designed to produce change can be an important part of decolonizing anthropology, but such research is not possible across all settings.
The man‐eaters of Tsavo and the untapped potential of natural history collections
Authors: Patterson Bruce D.
Published: July 2023

One of the best‐known exhibits at Chicago's Field Museum of Natural History features the man‐eating lions of Tsavo. Over a period of nine months in 1898, this pair of lions systematically hunted, killed and consumed railroad workers engaged in building a bridge over the Tsavo River in East Africa. The lions were eventually killed by an engineer, J. H. Patterson, who afterwards wrote a best‐selling book about the episode. His dramatic story has been retold in countless articles, books, and motion pictures, each more sensational and gory than the last. What parts are true? Fortunately, the lions' skins and skulls offer an independent and verifiable chronicle of events that actually transpired. These two specimens effectively re‐wrote their own history through the scientific research sparked by their notoriety, reminding us that the collections of natural history museums hold almost limitless potential to illuminate the world around us and its history.
Testing the interpersonal theory of suicide in adolescents: A multi‐wave longitudinal study
Authors: Pagliaccio David , Bitran Alma , Kirshenbaum Jaclyn S. , Alqueza Kira L. , Durham Katherine , Chernick Lauren S. , Joyce Karla , Lan Ranqing , Porta Giovanna , Brent David A. , Allen Nicholas B. , Auerbach Randy P.
Published: July 2023

Background

Suicide is a major public health crisis among youth. Several prominent theories, including the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (IPTS), aim to characterize the factors leading from suicide ideation to action. These theories are largely based on findings in adults and require testing and elaboration in adolescents.

Methods

Data were examined from high‐risk 13–18‐year‐old adolescents (N = 167) participating in a multi‐wave, longitudinal study; 63% of the sample exhibited current suicidal thoughts or recent behaviors (n = 105). The study included a 6‐month follow‐up period with clinical interviews and self‐report measures at each of the four assessments as well as weekly smartphone‐based assessments of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Regression and structural equation models were used to probe hypotheses related to the core tenets of the IPTS.

Results

Feelings of perceived burdensomeness were associated with more severe self‐reported suicidal ideation (b = 0.58,t(158) = 7.64,p < .001). Similarly, burdensomeness was associated with more frequent ideation based on weekly smartphone ratings (b = 0.11,t(1460) = 3.41,p < .001). Contrary to IPTS hypotheses, neither feelings of thwarted belongingness, nor interactions between burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness were significantly associated with ideation (ps > .05). Only elevated depression severity was associated with greater odds of suicide events (i.e., suicide attempts, psychiatric hospitalizations, and/or emergency department visits for suicide concerns) during the follow‐up period (OR = 1.83,t(158) = 2.44,p = .01). No effect of acquired capability was found.

Conclusions

Perceptions of burdensomeness to others reflect a critical risk factor for suicidal ideation among high‐risk adolescents. Null findings with other IPTS constructs may suggest a need to adopt more developmentally sensitive models or measures of interpersonal and acquired capability risk factors for youth. Refining methods and theoretical models of suicide risk may help improve the identification of high‐risk cases and inform clinical intervention.
Personality, self‐knowledge, and meat reduction intentions
Authors: Hopwood Christopher J. , Stahlmann Alexander G. , Bleidorn Wiebke , Thielmann Isabel
Published: July 2023

Objective

Meat consumption has a host of serious negative consequences for nonhuman animals, underprivileged humans, and the natural environment. Several interventions have been developed to encourage meat reduction but to relatively limited effect. There is also a range of established predictors of meat consumption, but much less is known about the factors that predict intentions to reduce meat consumption. The goal of this study was to determine the roles of personality and self‐knowledge in meat reduction intentions.

Method

In this set of three preregistered studies, we tested brief interventions to encourage meat reduction intentions and examined personality predictors of intentions to reduce meat consumption.

Results

We found no evidence that brief interventions with or without a self‐knowledge component had a meaningful effect on changing meat reduction intentions. However, we found robust evidence for relatively small associations between intending to eat less meat and high Openness to Experience, high Emotionality, and perceiving meat reduction as moral behaviors.

Conclusion

Individual differences may be a more influential predictor of meat reduction intentions than brief interventions. Implications for promoting meat reduction are discussed.
High‐affinity iron uptake is required for optimal Epichloë festucae colonization of Lolium perenne and seed transmission
Authors: Zhang Wei , Forester Natasha T. , Applegate Emma R. , Liu Xinqi , Johnson Linda J.
Published: July 2023

Epichloë festucae uses a siderophore‐mediated system to acquire iron, which is important to maintain endophyte–grass symbioses. Here we investigate the roles of the alternative iron acquisition system, reductive iron assimilation (RIA), via disruption of the fetC gene, which encodes a multicopper ferroxidase, either alone (i.e., ΔfetC) or in combination with disruption of the gene sidA, which encodes a siderophore biosynthesis enzyme (i.e., ΔfetC/ΔsidA). The phenotypic characteristics of these mutants were compared to ΔsidA and wild‐type (WT) strains during growth under axenic culture conditions (in culture) and in symbiosis with the host grass, perennial ryegrass (in planta). Under iron deficiency, the colony growth rate of ΔfetC was slightly slower than that of WT, while the growth of ΔsidA and ΔfetC/ΔsidA mutants was severely suppressed. Siderophore analyses indicated that ΔfetC mutants hyperaccumulate ferriepichloënin A (FEA) at low iron concentrations and ferricrocin and FEA at higher iron concentrations. When compared to WT, all mutant strains displayed hyperbranching hyphal structures and a reduced ratio of Epichloë DNA to total DNA in planta. Furthermore, host colonization and vertical transmission through infection of the host seed were significantly reduced in the ΔfetC/ΔsidA mutants, confirming that high‐affinity iron uptake is a critical process for Epichloë transmission. Thus, RIA and siderophore iron uptake are complementary systems required for the maintenance of iron metabolism, fungal growth, and symbiosis between E. festucae and perennial ryegrass.
Risk mapping for Taenia solium: Applying multicriteria decision analysis in Lao PDR
Authors: Larkins Andrew , Bruce Mieghan , Phetsouvanh Rattanxay , Ash Amanda
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Taenia solium is ranked the most significant global foodborne parasite and the leading cause of epilepsy in low and middle‐income countries. Diagnostic challenges have hampered disease control efforts to date and WHO has called for the development of risk mapping tools to assist endemic countries. This study describes the application of multicriteria decision analysis to map the risk of T. solium in Lao PDR and acts as a case study for other endemic countries.

Methods

Multicriteria decision analysis was completed using census data on relevant risk factors in Lao PDR. Factors were weighted using an analytical hierarchy process. Village risk scores were calculated using a weighted linear combination and categorised using the Fisher‐Jenks algorithm into low, medium, and high risk. District risk scores and categories were calculated using the mean village risk score for a district. Sensitivity analysis was completed by doubling and halving risk factor weights, one at a time, and assessing the standard deviation of scores and categories across all scenarios.

Results

A total of 2017 (23.7%) villages were classified as high risk, with 3312 (39.0%) medium and 3170 (37.3%) low risk. This resulted in 21 (14.2%) high‐risk districts, 83 (56.1%) medium and 44 (29.7%) low‐risk districts. The risk maps highlight two areas of interest which are high risk and low variation. The first is the northern province of Phongsaly, which is consistent with literature and anecdotal reports. The second is the southern Salavan and Xekong provinces, which have yet to be investigated in detail.

Conclusions

Multicriteria decision analysis has provided a simple, rapid, and flexible approach to mapping the risk of T. solium in Lao PDR. The nature of the method means that it can be completed in any endemic country with available and appropriate risk factor data.
What determines the optimal pharmacological treatment of atrial fibrillation? Insights from in silico trials in 800 virtual atria
Authors: Dasí Albert , Pope Michael T.B. , Wijesurendra Rohan S. , Betts Tim R. , Sachetto Rafael , Bueno‐Orovio Alfonso , Rodriguez Blanca
Published: July 2023

The best pharmacological treatment for each atrial fibrillation (AF) patient is unclear. We aim to exploit AF simulations in 800 virtual atria to identify key patient characteristics that guide the optimal selection of anti‐arrhythmic drugs. The virtual cohort considered variability in electrophysiology and low voltage areas (LVA) and was developed and validated against experimental and clinical data from ionic currents to ECG. AF sustained in 494 (62%) atria, with large inward rectifier K+ current (IK1) and Na+/K+ pump (INaK) densities (IK1 0.11 ± 0.03 vs. 0.07 ± 0.03 S mF–1; INaK 0.68 ± 0.15 vs. 0.38 ± 26 S mF–1; sustained vs. un‐sustained AF). In severely remodelled left atrium, with LVA extensions of more than 40% in the posterior wall, higher IK1 (median density 0.12 ± 0.02 S mF–1) was required for AF maintenance, and rotors localized in healthy right atrium. For lower LVA extensions, rotors could also anchor to LVA, in atria presenting short refractoriness (median L‐type Ca2+ current, ICaL, density 0.08 ± 0.03 S mF–1). This atrial refractoriness, modulated by ICaL and fast Na+ current (INa), determined pharmacological treatment success for both small and large LVA. Vernakalant was effective in atria presenting long refractoriness (median ICaL density 0.13 ± 0.05 S mF–1). For short refractoriness, atria with high INa (median density 8.92 ± 2.59 S mF–1) responded more favourably to amiodarone than flecainide, and the opposite was found in atria with low INa (median density 5.33 ± 1.41 S mF–1). In silico drug trials in 800 human atria identify inward currents as critical for optimal stratification of AF patient to pharmacological treatment and, together with the left atrial LVA extension, for accurately phenotyping AF dynamics.

image

Key points

Atrial fibrillation (AF) maintenance is facilitated by small L‐type Ca2+ current (ICaL) and large inward rectifier K+ current (IK1) and Na+/K+ pump.

In severely remodelled left atrium, with low voltage areas (LVA) covering more than 40% of the posterior wall, sustained AF requires higher IK1 and rotors localize in healthy right atrium. For lower LVA extensions, rotors can also anchor to LVA, if the atria present short refractoriness (low ICaL)

Vernakalant is effective in atria presenting long refractoriness (high ICaL). For short refractoriness, atria with fast Na+ current (INa) up‐regulation respond more favourably to amiodarone than flecainide, and the opposite is found in atria with low INa.

The inward currents (ICaL and INa) are critical for optimal stratification of AF patient to pharmacological treatment and, together with the left atrial LVA extension, for accurately phenotyping AF dynamics.
Dual localization of receptor-type adenylate cyclases and cAMP response protein 3 unveils the presence of two putative signaling microdomains in
Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Chiurillo Miguel A. , Carlson Joshua , Bertolini Mayara S. , Raja Aqsa , Lander Noelia
Published: July 2023

Trypanosoma cruzi
is the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, a leading cause of disability and premature death in the Americas. This parasite spends its life between a triatomine insect and a mammalian host, transitioning between developmental stages in response to microenvironmental changes. Among the second messengers driving differentiation in
T. cruzi
, cAMP has been shown to mediate metacyclogenesis and response to osmotic stress, but this signaling pathway remains largely unexplored in this parasite. Adenylate cyclases (ACs) catalyze the conversion of ATP to cAMP. They comprise a multigene family encoding putative receptor-type ACs in
T. cruzi
. Using protein sequence alignment, we classified them into five groups and chose a representative member from each group to study their localization (TcAC1–TcAC5). We expressed an HA-tagged version of each protein in
T. cruzi
and performed immunofluorescence analysis. A peculiar dual localization of TcAC1 and TcAC2 was observed in the flagellar distal domain and in the contractile vacuole complex (CVC), and their enzymatic activity was confirmed by gene complementation in yeast. Furthermore, TcAC1 overexpressing parasites showed an increased metacyclogenesis, a defect in host cell invasion, and a reduced intracellular replication, highlighting the importance of this protein throughout
T. cruzi
life cycle. These mutants were more tolerant to hypoosmotic stress and showed a higher adhesion capacity during
in vitro
metacyclogenesis, whereas the wild-type phenotype was restored after disrupting TcAC1 localization. Finally, TcAC1 was found to interact with cAMP response protein 3 (TcCARP3), co-localizing with this protein in the flagellar tip and CVC.

IMPORTANCE

We identified three components of the cAMP signaling pathway (TcAC1, TcAC2, and TcCARP3) with dual localization in
Trypanosoma cruzi
: the flagellar distal domain and the CVC, structures involved in cell adhesion and osmoregulation, respectively. We found evidence on the role of TcAC1 in both cellular processes, as well as in metacyclogenesis. Our data suggest that TcACs act as signal sensors and transducers through cAMP synthesis in membrane microdomains. We propose a model in which TcACs sense the harsh conditions in the triatomine hindgut (nutrient deprivation, acidic pH, osmotic stress, ionic composition, hydrophobic interactions) and become active. Synthesis of cAMP then triggers cell adhesion prior completion of metacyclogenesis
,
while mediating a response to osmotic stress in the parasite. These results shed light into the mechanisms driving cAMP-mediated cell differentiation in
T. cruzi
, while raising new questions on the activation of TcACs and the role of downstream components of this pathway.
IMPemBra: a phase 2 study comparing pembrolizumab with intermittent/short-term dual MAPK pathway inhibition plus pembrolizumab in patients with melanoma harboring the BRAFV600 mutation
Authors: Rozeman Elisa A , Versluis Judith M , Sikorska Karolina , Hoefsmit Esmée P , Dimitriadis Petros , Rao Disha , Lacroix Ruben , Grijpink-Ongering Lindsay G , Lopez-Yurda Marta , Heeres Birthe C , van de Wiel Bart A , Flohil Claudie , Sari Aysegul , Heijmink Stijn W T P J , van den Broek Daan , Broeks Annegien , de Groot Jan Willem B , Vollebergh Marieke A , Wilgenhof Sofie , van Thienen Johannes V , Haanen John B A G , Blank Christian U
Published: July 2023

Background

Continuous combination of MAPK pathway inhibition (MAPKi) and anti-programmed death-(ligand) 1 (PD-(L)1) showed high response rates, but only limited improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) at the cost of a high frequency of treatment-related adverse events (TRAE) in patients with BRAFV600-mutated melanoma. Short‐term MAPKi induces T-cell infiltration in patients and is synergistic with anti-programmed death-1 (PD‐1) in a preclinical melanoma mouse model. The aim of this phase 2b trial was to identify an optimal regimen of short-term MAPKi with dabrafenib plus trametinib in combination with pembrolizumab.

Methods

Patients with treatment-naïve BRAFV600E/K-mutant advanced melanoma started pembrolizumab 200 mg every 3 weeks. In week 6, patients were randomized to continue pembrolizumab only (cohort 1), or to receive, in addition, intermittent dabrafenib 150 mg two times per day plus trametinib 2 mg one time per day for two cycles of 1 week (cohort 2), two cycles of 2 weeks (cohort 3), or continuously for 6 weeks (cohort 4). All cohorts continued pembrolizumab for up to 2 years. Primary endpoints were safety and treatment-adherence. Secondary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR) at week 6, 12, 18 and PFS.

Results

Between June 2016 and August 2018, 33 patients with advanced melanoma have been included and 32 were randomized. Grade 3–4 TRAE were observed in 12%, 12%, 50%, and 63% of patients in cohort 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. All planned targeted therapy was given in 88%, 63%, and 38% of patients in cohort 2, 3, and 4. ORR at week 6, 12, and 18 were 38%, 63%, and 63% in cohort 1; 25%, 63%, and 75% in cohort 2; 25%, 50%, and 75% in cohort 3; and 0%, 63%, and 50% in cohort 4. After a median follow-up of 43.5 months, median PFS was 10.6 months for pembrolizumab monotherapy and not reached for patients treated with pembrolizumab and intermittent dabrafenib and trametinib (p=0.17). The 2-year and 3-year landmark PFS were both 25% for cohort 1, both 63% for cohort 2, 50% and 38% for cohort 3 and 75% and 60% for cohort 4.

Conclusions

The combination of pembrolizumab plus intermittent dabrafenib and trametinib seems more feasible and tolerable than continuous triple therapy. The efficacy is promising and appears to be favorable over pembrolizumab monotherapy.

Trial registration number

NCT02625337.
IgA antibody immunotherapy targeting GD2 is effective in preclinical neuroblastoma models
Authors: Stip Marjolein C , Evers Mitchell , Nederend Maaike , Chan Chilam , Reiding Karli R , Damen Mirjam J , Heck Albert J R , Koustoulidou Sofia , Ramakers Ruud , Krijger Gerard C , de Roos Remmert , Souteyrand Edouard , Cornel Annelisa M , Dierselhuis Miranda P , Jansen Marco , de Boer Mark , Valerius Thomas , van Tetering Geert , Leusen Jeanette H W , Meyer-Wentrup Friederike
Published: July 2023

Background

Immunotherapy targeting GD2 is very effective against high-risk neuroblastoma, though administration of anti-GD2 antibodies induces severe and dose-limiting neuropathic pain by binding GD2-expressing sensory neurons. Previously, the IgG1 ch14.18 (dinutuximab) antibody was reformatted into the IgA1 isotype, which abolishes neuropathic pain and induces efficient neutrophil-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) via activation of the Fc alpha receptor (FcαRI/CD89).

Methods

To generate an antibody suitable for clinical application, we engineered an IgA molecule (named IgA3.0 ch14.18) with increased stability, mutated glycosylation sites and substituted free (reactive) cysteines. The following mutations were introduced: N45.2G and P124R (CH1 domain), C92S, N120T, I121L and T122S (CH2 domain) and a deletion of the tail piece P131-Y148 (CH3 domain). IgA3.0 ch14.18 was evaluated in binding assays and in ADCC and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) assays with human, neuroblastoma patient and non-human primate effector cells. We performed mass spectrometry analysis ofN-glycans and evaluated the impact of altered glycosylation in IgA3.0 ch14.18 on antibody half-life by performing pharmacokinetic (PK) studies in mice injected intravenously with 5 mg/kg antibody solution. A dose escalation study was performed to determine in vivo efficacy of IgA3.0 ch14.18 in an intraperitoneal mouse model using 9464D-GD2 neuroblastoma cells as well as in a subcutaneous human xenograft model using IMR32 neuroblastoma cells. Binding assays and PK studies were compared with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), ADCC and ADCP assays and in vivo tumor outgrowth with two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post-hoc test.

Results

ADCC and ADCP assays showed that particularly neutrophils and macrophages from healthy donors, non-human primates and patients with neuroblastoma are able to kill neuroblastoma tumor cells efficiently with IgA3.0 ch14.18. IgA3.0 ch14.18 contains a more favorable glycosylation pattern, corresponding to an increased antibody half-life in mice compared with IgA1 and IgA2. Furthermore, IgA3.0 ch14.18 penetrates neuroblastoma tumors in vivo and halts tumor outgrowth in both 9464D-GD2 and IMR32 long-term tumor models.

Conclusions

IgA3.0 ch14.18 is a promising new therapy for neuroblastoma, showing (1) increased half-life compared to natural IgA antibodies, (2) increased protein stability enabling effortless production and purification, (3) potent CD89-mediated tumor killing in vitro by healthy subjects and patients with neuroblastoma and (4) antitumor efficacy in long-term mouse neuroblastoma models.
The spectral rank of an element in a ring
Authors: Askes Miles , Brits Rudi , Schulz Francois
Published: July 2023

The concept of the spectral rank of an element in a ring is defined, and it is shown to be a genuine generalization of the same concept first studied in the setting of a Banach algebra. Furthermore, we prove that many of the desirable properties of this rank are still valid in the more abstract setting and give several examples to support and motivate the given definition. In particular, we are able to show that a nonzero idempotent of a semiprimitive and additively torsion-free ring is minimal if and only if it has a spectral rank of one. We also discover a precise connection between the spectral rank of an element in a ring and a purely algebraic definition of rank considered only recently by N. Stopar in [Rank of elements of general rings in connection with unit-regularity, J. Pure Appl. Algebra 224 (2020) 106211]. Specifically, we are able to show that if an element [Formula: see text] has a finite algebraic rank in a semiprimitive and additively torsion-free ring, then [Formula: see text] has the exact same spectral rank. An extra condition under which the converse holds true is also provided, and connections to the socle are identified. Finally, for both of these extended notions of rank considered in the setting of a ring, we prove a generalized Frobenius Inequality.
Effect of Natural Dye on the Spectral Response of the Heterojunction Ag/ZnO/Ps/Si/Ag for Photodetector Application
Authors: Latief Estabrk Abd , Mohi Ali Taher , Abd Ahmed N.
Published: July 2023

Zinc oxide and dye are utilized to absorb and convert incident photons to electric energy using a sandwich construction with an active area of 1.5 × 1.5 cm2, which improves the photodetector’s performance as a light sensor. A variable variation of solution concentration according to the ratio of mass and volume was used to extract natural dye from Barago officinalis. The Barago officinalis absorbance was investigated by spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 200–1000 nm. This indicates that UV absorption has occurred, and note that when an increase in the spectral response at concentration of 1, there appears an improvement in the infrared region with a wave length of 950 nm and the enhanced sensitivity in the long wavelength region could be attributed to formation of dye aggregates within the devices which led to the highest value of qualitative detection up to 1.3 × 10[Formula: see text] W[Formula: see text] cm Hz[Formula: see text] thus increasing quantum efficiency to (119)% at the wavelength (950 nm).
A Hybrid Reproducing Kernel Particle Method for Three-Dimensional Elasticity Problems
Authors: Peng Piaopiao , Cheng Heng , Cheng Yumin
Published: July 2023

This study presents a fast meshless method called the hybrid reproducing kernel particle method (HRKPM) for the solution of three-dimensional (3D) elasticity problems. The equilibrium equations of 3D elasticity are divided into three groups of equations, and two equilibrium equations are contained in each group. By coupling the discrete equations for solving two arbitrary groups of equations, the complete solution of 3D elasticity can be obtained. For an arbitrary group of equations, the 3D elasticity problem is transformed into a series of associated two-dimensional (2D) ones, which is solved by the RKPM to derive the discrete formulae. The discrete equations of 2D problems are combined using the difference method in dimension splitting direction. Then, arbitrarily choosing another group of equilibrium equations, the discrete equation of another group of 2D problems can be obtained similarly. By combining the discrete equations for these two groups of 2D problems, the solution to an original 3D problem will be reached. The numerical results show that the HRKPM performs better than RKPM in solution efficiency.
Table S9 from Spatial Transcriptomics of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of the Pancreas Identifies NKX6-2 as a Driver of Gastric Differentiation and Indolent Biological Potential
Authors: Sans Marta , Makino Yuki , Min Jimin , Rajapakshe Kimal I. , Yip-Schneider Michele , Schmidt C. Max , Hurd Mark W. , Burks Jared K. , Gomez Javier A. , Thege Fredrik I. , Fahrmann Johannes F. , Wolff Robert A. , Kim Michael P. , Guerrero Paola A. , Maitra Anirban
Published: July 2023

Patient and clinical information for the IPMN samples included in the COMET cohort.
Table S6 from Spatial Transcriptomics of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of the Pancreas Identifies NKX6-2 as a Driver of Gastric Differentiation and Indolent Biological Potential
Authors: Sans Marta , Makino Yuki , Min Jimin , Rajapakshe Kimal I. , Yip-Schneider Michele , Schmidt C. Max , Hurd Mark W. , Burks Jared K. , Gomez Javier A. , Thege Fredrik I. , Fahrmann Johannes F. , Wolff Robert A. , Kim Michael P. , Guerrero Paola A. , Maitra Anirban
Published: July 2023

Differentially expressed genes between LG and HGPDAC perilesional spots.
Table S19 from Spatial Transcriptomics of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of the Pancreas Identifies NKX6-2 as a Driver of Gastric Differentiation and Indolent Biological Potential
Authors: Sans Marta , Makino Yuki , Min Jimin , Rajapakshe Kimal I. , Yip-Schneider Michele , Schmidt C. Max , Hurd Mark W. , Burks Jared K. , Gomez Javier A. , Thege Fredrik I. , Fahrmann Johannes F. , Wolff Robert A. , Kim Michael P. , Guerrero Paola A. , Maitra Anirban
Published: July 2023

Differentially expressed genes between NKX6-2 overexpressing and control Kras;Gnas cell line.
Supplementary Figure S4 from Sequential Chromogenic IHC: Spatial Analysis of Lymph Nodes Identifies Contact Interactions between Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells and Plasmablasts
Authors: Claudio Natalie , Nguyen My-Tien , Wanner Adrian , Pucci Ferdinando
Published: July 2023

Avoid cross-reactivity of secondary reagents. Using a horse anti-rabbit (see Figure 5) to detect IgG1 (A) or CD11c (B) in round 1 does not lead to cross reactivity with the rabbit anti-goat secondary reagent used in the next round to detect BDCA2 and IgA, respectively.
Figure S8 from Immunologic Characterization and T cell Receptor Repertoires of Expanded Tumor-infiltrating Lymphocytes in Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Lee Moon Hee , Theodoropoulos Jason , Huuhtanen Jani , Bhattacharya Dipabarna , Järvinen Petrus , Tornberg Sara , Nísen Harry , Mirtti Tuomas , Uski Ilona , Kumari Anita , Peltonen Karita , Draghi Arianna , Donia Marco , Kreutzman Anna , Mustjoki Satu
Published: July 2023

Figure S8 shows the analyses of the different clonotype sizes and tracking their abundancies found in the bulk TCRb-seq data.
Supplementary Data from Sequential Chromogenic IHC: Spatial Analysis of Lymph Nodes Identifies Contact Interactions between Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells and Plasmablasts
Authors: Claudio Natalie , Nguyen My-Tien , Wanner Adrian , Pucci Ferdinando
Published: July 2023

Copy of Airtable DB archived at the time of publication
Figure S7 from Immunologic Characterization and T cell Receptor Repertoires of Expanded Tumor-infiltrating Lymphocytes in Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Lee Moon Hee , Theodoropoulos Jason , Huuhtanen Jani , Bhattacharya Dipabarna , Järvinen Petrus , Tornberg Sara , Nísen Harry , Mirtti Tuomas , Uski Ilona , Kumari Anita , Peltonen Karita , Draghi Arianna , Donia Marco , Kreutzman Anna , Mustjoki Satu
Published: July 2023

Figure S7 shows analyses of the co-culture assays involving CD107a/b, IFN-y,TNF-a and GzB expressions.
FIGURE 6 from Sequential Chromogenic IHC: Spatial Analysis of Lymph Nodes Identifies Contact Interactions between Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells and Plasmablasts
Authors: Claudio Natalie , Nguyen My-Tien , Wanner Adrian , Pucci Ferdinando
Published: July 2023

Citrate stripping is necessary before EDTA-based antigen retrieval. A patient sample was stained with CD68 in cycle 11 round 2 (A). In the next cycle, an EDTA antigen retrieval buffer was used to detect BCL6, without citrate stripping. Carryover from the previous cycle was observed by treatment with AEC and visualization (B). Stripping with a citrate antigen retrieval buffer was performed and EDTA-based antigen retrieval was conducted again, which allowed to visualize BCL6 without carryover from previous staining (C). Note the different morphology of BCL6+ and CD68+ cells within the same region (A, C). Same section is shown in A–C. Scale bar: 100 μm (10X).
Attempt to Establish Prognostic Predictive System for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Artificial Intelligence for Assistance with Selection of Treatment Modality
Authors: Hiraoka Atsushi , Kumada Takashi , Tada Toshifumi , Toyoda Hidenori , Kariyama Kazuya , Hatanaka Takeshi , Kakizaki Satoru , Naganuma Atsushi , Itobayashi Ei , Tsuji Kunihiko , Ishikawa Toru , Ohama Hideko , Tada Fujimasa , Nouso Kazuhiro ,   On behalf of the Real-life Practice Experts for HCC (RELPEC) Study Group
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Because of recent developments in treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), methods for determining suitable therapy for initial or recurrent HCC have become important. This study used artificial intelligence (AI) findings to establish a system for predicting prognosis of HCC patients at time of reoccurrence based on clinical data as a reference for selection of treatment modalities. Methods: As a training cohort, 5,701 observations obtained at the initial and each subsequent treatment for recurrence from 1,985 HCC patients at a single center from 2000 to 2021 were used. The validation cohort included 5,692 observations from patients at multiple centers obtained at the time of the initial treatment. An AI calculating system (PRAID) was constructed based on 25 clinical factors noted at each treatment from the training cohort, and then predictive prognostic values for 1- and 3-year survival in both cohorts were evaluated. Results: After exclusion of patients lacking clinical data regarding albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade or tumor-node-metastasis stage of the Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan, 6th edition (TNM-LCSGJ 6th), ALBI-TNM-LCSGJ 6th (ALBI-T) and modified ALBI-T scores confirmed that prognosis for patients in both cohorts was similar. The area under the curve for prediction of both 1- and 3-year survival in the validation cohort was 0.841 (sensitivity 0.933 [95% CI: 0.925–0.940], specificity 0.517 [95% CI: 0.484–0.549]) and 0.796 (sensitivity 0.806 [95% CI: 0.790–0.821], specificity 0.646 [95% CI: 0.624–0.668]), respectively. Conclusion: The present PRAID system might provide useful prognostic information related to short and medium survival for decision-making regarding the best therapeutic modality for both initial and recurrent HCC cases.
Impact of migration on oral health outcomes of children in multi-beneficial kindergartens in Nanning, Southern China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xu Nini , Deng Sicheng , Liang Yan , Chen Aihua , Zou Dan , Li Ling , Qiu Rongmin
Published: July 2023

Objective

To explore the effect of children’s migration on their oral health outcomes in multi-beneficial kindergartens in Jiangnan District, Nanning, China, and to provide a basis for improving the oral health of migrant children.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 470 children aged 5 years in Jiangnan District, Nanning, Guangxi. A questionnaire was used to collect information on their demographic and socioeconomic background, migration experience, eating habits, oral hygiene behaviours and utilization of dental care services. Dental caries of primary teeth was examined using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft) index recommended by the World Health Organization. Dental caries experience and oral health-related behaviours were compared between migrant and resident children. The impact of children’s migration attributes on their oral health outcomes was examined by univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Among the examined children, 52.3% were migrant children. The prevalence of caries among the children in multi-beneficial kindergartens was 78.3%, and the mean number of dmft was 5.73 ± 5.00. The prevalence of caries was 81.7% for migrant children and 74.6% for resident children (p = 0.060). No significant difference was found in the mean numbers of DMFT between migrant children and resident children (5.96 ± 4.81 vs. 5.47 ± 5.20, p = 0.139). There were significant differences in the frequency of tooth brushing (p = 0.023) and parental help with tooth brushing (p = 0.008), typical use of fluoride (p = 0.012), regular dental check-ups (p = 0.003) and experience of dental fillings for caries (p < 0.001) between migrant and resident children. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that among the children with caries, the proportion of resident children who had regular dental check-ups was 1.720 times higher than that of migrant children (95% CI = 1.155 ~ 2.560), and resident children were more likely to have caries filled than migrant children (OR = 3.313, 95% CI = 1.585 ~ 6.927).

Conclusion

Oral health status and oral health behaviours were poor among children in multi-beneficial kindergartens in Nanning, China, and migration might be a significant predictive indicator for the poor utilization of dental care services by children. The government departments should make special policy to promote the children’s oral health in multi-beneficial kindergartens, and invest more to cover the migrant children’s utilization of oral health services.
Identification of a novel PTH1R variant in a family with primary failure of eruption
Authors: Zha Yunchen , Li Shushu , Yu Yue-lin , Huang Zicheng , Zhang Hai-ying , Kong Weidong
Published: July 2023

Background

Primary failure of tooth eruption (PFE) is a rare autosome genetic disorder that causes open bite. This work aimed to report a small family of PFE(OMIM: # 125,350) with a novel PTH1R variant. One of the patients has a rare clinical phenotype of the anterior tooth involved only.

Case presentation

The proband was a 13-year-old young man with an incomplete eruption of the right upper anterior teeth, resulting in a significant open-bite. His left first molar partially erupted. Family history revealed that the proband’s 12-year-old brother and father also had teeth eruption disorders. Genetic testing found a novel PTH1R variant (NM_000316.3 c.1325-1336del), which has never been reported before. The diagnosis of PFE was based on clinical and radiographic characteristics and the result of genetic testing. Bioinformatic analysis predicted this variant would result in the truncation of the G protein-coupled receptor encoded by the PTH1R, affecting its structure and function.

Conclusion

A novel PTH1R variant identified through whole-exome sequencing further expands the mutation spectrum of PFE. Patients in this family have different phenotypes, which reflects the characteristics of variable phenotypic expression of PFE.
Correlation between abnormal energy metabolism of ovarian granulosa cells and in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer outcomes in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and obesity
Authors: Zhao Ya-Kun , Gao Ya-Na , Wang Ling-Chao , Wang Jing , Wang Gai-Jing , Wu Hong-Li
Published: July 2023

Context

Granulosa cells (GCs) that surround oocytes in mammalian reproduction play an active role in oocyte differentiation through proliferation and energy production.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of the energy metabolism of ovarian GCs and the influence of GCs on the early embryonic development in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

The clinical characteristics and in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer treatment outcomes of 39 patients with PCOS and 68 patients with simple tubal factor infertility who underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation were analyzed and summarized. The mitochondrial function and glucose metabolism level of the GCs were determined, as well as the content of oxidative stress markers in the follicular fluid (FF) of patients with and without PCOS.

Key results

When compared to the non-PCOS group, patients with PCOS had a significantly increased number of retrieved oocytes but a significantly decreased number of high-quality embryos, available embryos, and high-quality blastocyst formation (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the mitochondrial membrane potential, adenosine triphosphate level, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number decreased in the GCs, whereas the levels of reactive oxygen species increased (P < 0.01). The levels of malondialdehyde and 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in the follicular fluid (FF) of the patients with PCOS were higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05), and superoxide dismutase was increased by compensation(P < 0.05).In the PCOS group, the expressions ofGLUT1,LDHA, andPFKPwere lower than those in the non-PCOS group, and glucose levels were higher.

Conclusions

The low oocyte competence of PCOS may be associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and abnormal glycolysis.

Implications

This research offers explanations for the possible connections influencing human ovarian folliculogenesis.
Application of pressure–state–response approach for developing criteria and indicators of ecological health assessment of wetlands: a multi-temporal study in Ichhamati floodplains, India
Authors: Gayen Jibananda , Datta Debajit
Published: July 2023

Background

Tropical floodplain wetlands are among the most disturbed and intensively harvested ecosystems. Their sustainable management is often hindered due to the lack of comprehensive, coherent, and standardized assessment frameworks of wetland ecological health (WEH). In this study, a set of appropriate criteria and indicators (C&I) of WEH assessment was developed and tested on seven wetlands of River Ichhamati, eastern India.

Methods

Based on the pressure–state–response (PSR) approach, evaluation indicators representing ecological, socio-economic, and institutional sustainability issues of floodplain wetland systems were either selected or formulated through literature survey and stakeholder consensus. Weights of indicators were assigned by the entropy weighting method and then used in the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution model to determine the Euclidean distances of each wetland from the positive ideal solution and negative ideal solution. Subsequently, a comprehensive wetland ecological health index (CWEHI) was constructed from these distances to portray the condition of any PSR system component in a wetland under a fivefold classification scheme, namely ‘excellent health’ (CWEHI ≥ 0.81), ‘good health’ (0.61–0.80), ‘moderate health’ (0.41–0.60), ‘weak health’ (0.21–0.40), and ‘morbid’ (≤ 0.20).

Results

The developed C&I set contains 8 criteria and 38 indicators under pressure component, 7 criteria and 49 indicators under state component, as well as 4 criteria and 18 indicators under response component. When applied in 2016 and 2022, it was found that the Panchita and Aromdanga wetlands were continuously in weak and morbid health status, while the Madhabpur wetland always showed an excellent or good status for all components. Health of other wetlands oscillated between moderate and morbid health across assessment years and system components.

Conclusions

The developed C&I set was found to be a flexible, holistic, and refined framework that could be applied elsewhere in similar assessments with minor indicator-level adjustments. The present assessment inferred that agriculture-dominated wetlands were more affected by amplified environmental pressure than fishing-dominated wetlands. Absence of persistent water flow from main river channel, wide-spread jute-retting, agriculture-induced eutrophication, proliferation of aquatic weeds were identified as the major causes of rapid ecological deterioration.
A novel device with pedicular anchorage provides better biomechanical properties than balloon kyphoplasty for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures
Authors: Le Huec Jean‐Charles , Droulout Thomas , Boue Lisa , Dejour Edouard , Ramos‐Pascual Sonia , Bourret Stephane
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To compare the biomechanical behavior of vertebrae with vertebral compression fractures (VCF) treated by a novel system with pedicular anchorage (dowelplasty) versus balloon kyphoplasty.

Methods

Four cadaveric spines (T12‐L5) were harvested, cleaned from soft tissues, and separated into vertebrae. Axial compressive loads were applied to each vertebra until a VCF was generated. Half of the vertebrae (n = 11) were instrumented using the “dowelplasty” system, consisting of a hollow titanium dowel anchored into the pedicle, through which a cannulated titanium nail is inserted and locked and through which cement is injected. The other half (n = 11) were instrumented using balloon kyphoplasty. Axial compressive loads were re‐applied to each vertebra until fracture. Fracture load and fracture energy were calculated from load–displacement data for the pre‐ and post‐treatment states.

Results

Compared to balloon kyphoplasty, dowelplasty granted greater net change in fracture load (373N; 95%CI,‐331–1076N) and fracture energy (755Nmm; 95%CI,‐563–2072Nmm). A sensitivity analysis was performed without L4 and L5 vertebrae from the dowelplasty group, since the length of the cannulated nails was too short for these vertebrae: compared to balloon kyphoplasty, dowelplasty granted an even greater net change in fracture load (680N; 95%CI,‐96–1457N) and fracture energy (1274Nmm; 95%CI,‐233–2781Nmm).

Conclusion

Treating VCFs with dowelplasty grants increased fracture load and fracture energy compared to the pre‐treatment state. Furthermore, dowelplasty grants greater improvement in fracture load and fracture energy compared to balloon kyphoplasty, which suggests that dowelplasty may be a good alternative for the treatment of VCF.

Level of evidence

level IV.
Improving bereavement outcomes in Zimbabwe: results of a feasibility cluster trial of the 9-cell bereavement tool
Authors: Mutedzi Barbara , Nkhoma Kennedy , Langhaug Lisa , Hunt Jennifer , Harding Richard
Published: July 2023

Context

Despite high mortality rates from both communicable and non-communicable diseases, bereavement is under-researched in African countries. The 9-cell bereavement tool was designed to assist individuals to reflect on their feelings about bereavement and identify resources in families and communities to manage bereavement. This study aimed to determine the feasibility of implementing the 9-cell bereavement tool and recruitment to experimental evaluation.

Methods

A feasibility cluster randomized trial with embedded qualitative interviews was conducted in two comparable neighbourhoods in Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe. Community leaders identified potential community lay bereavement supporters (interventionists). Each community lay bereavement supporter recruited two to three recently bereaved community members (trial participants). Following baseline data collection, the communities were randomly allocated to intervention or wait-list control. Self-administered questionnaires were completed at T0 (month 0), T1 (3 months) and T2 (6 months). Grief, mental health and social support were assessed. Focus group discussions with selected interventionists described training impact and intervention processes. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed.

Results

Implementation of the nine-cell bereavement tool and recruitment to experimental evaluation were successful. Implementation of the tool and the recruitment of study participants were conducted within the intended timeframe of 3 weeks. In line with the suggested sample size, the study was able to recruit and retain at least 75% of the trial participants for the total duration of the study.

Conclusion

The feasibility cluster trial was successfully implemented and assessed. Through the published protocol, the literature review and the results of this study, it has been noted that there is an urgent need to carry out a full trial in this subject matter, not only as a contribution to the currently sparse literature in this regard, but for the enormous potential public health benefit in supporting and saving lives in many more under-resourced and under-supported countries.

Trial registration

Protocol registration: http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN16484746.

Protocol publication: https://pilotfeasibilitystudies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40814-019-0450-5
Solvent-Free Mechanochemical Synthesis of Strongly Luminescent Eu(III) Hybrid Materials Using Tetramethylammonium Salts
Authors: Li Ziying , Nakamura Kazuki , Kobayashi Norihisa
Published: July 2023

A solvent-free mechanochemical treatment is used to synthesize an Eu(III) hybrid material containing Eu(D-facam)3 and tetramethylammonium acetate (TMAOAc), mechEu(D-facam)3-TMAOAc. The synthesis method is efficient and the reaction occurs within 10 s. Mechanochemically prepared mechEu(D-facam)3-TMAOAc is proven to be a bimetallic compound, in which TMAOAc functions as a bridging molecule between multiple Eu(III) complexes. Compared with Eu(D-facam)3, mechEu(D-facam)3-TMAOAc exhibits ultra-high luminescence, excellent circular polarization activity and thermal stability.