bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional Differences in PM2.5 Environmental Efficiency and Its Driving Mechanism in Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Fang Xuejuan , Gao Bing , Cui Shenghui , Ding Lei , Wang Lihong , Shen Yang
Published: April 2023

Improving the digital economy and environmental governance efficiency are important methods for current high-quality economic development. Based on the panel data of 11 cities in Zhejiang, on the eastern coast of China, fine particulate matter smaller than a 2.5 μm (PM2.5) environmental efficiency (PMEE) was measured by the undesirable output Slack-Based Measure-Data Envelopment Analysis (SBM-DEA) model. The fixed effect regression model, the divergences in the difference model and other empirical methods were obtained to test the driving mechanism of social-economic factors on the PMEE. The results showed that: (1) the concentration of PM2.5 was continually decreasing, and environmental quality experienced a continuous improvement in Zhejiang province in the observation period, although cities such as Hangzhou, Jiaxing and Shaoxing have relatively severe PM2.5 pollution. (2) The total average value of PMEE in Zhejiang was 0.6430 over the observation period, while there was still a lot of room for improvement when compared to the production frontier. Additionally, PMEE in each city showed a fluctuating growth trend. Cities with a higher PMEE were mainly Zhoushan, Hangzhou and Ningbo. (3) The level of the digital economy had a positive role in promoting the PMEE, which was statistically significant. The level of pollution control and technological innovation also had a significantly positive effect. However, the ratio of the industrial output value to the gross domestic product (GDP) presented a negative effect on the PMEE. In the future, it is suggested that the development of the urban digital economy should be accelerated in an all-around way to improve the efficiency of government pollution control and to improve the technical efficiency of PM2.5 via innovative technological progress.
Impacts of Urban Development between 2002 and 2022 on the Effects of Sea Breezes in Sendai, Japan—Analyzing Heat Balance Mechanism in Urban Space
Authors: Xie Yonghang , Ishida Yasuyuki , Watanabe Hironori , Mochida Akashi
Published: April 2023

Sea breezes are important in a coastal urban climate; however, the impact of urban development on the effects of sea breezes, which decrease air temperature and increase humidity, has not been understood quantitatively. To quantitatively evaluate this impact in Sendai, Japan over the past twenty years, this study analyzed the heat balance mechanisms in urban spaces based on the simulation results of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model coupled with Local Climate Zone (LCZ) maps. Compared to the observation data on air temperature, specific humidity, and wind in August 2002, results of the numerical simulation, using the 2002 LCZ map and the meteorological conditions of August 2002, confirmed that the WRF model could reproduce meteorological factors well. Thereafter, two numerical simulations using the LCZ maps from 2002 and 2022 were conducted based on the same meteorological condition, from 25 July to 1 September 2008, to extract the impact of urban development on the effects of sea breeze. Consequently, when land use changed from urban built-up land to natural land cover, both the effects of sea breeze—decreasing air temperature and increasing humidity—decreased. Additionally, increases in LCZ 3 (compact low rise), mainly from LCZ 6 (open low rise) and LCZ 9 (sparsely built), decreased the effects of sea breeze (decreasing air temperature and increasing humidity) by 5% and 10%, respectively, in areas around Sendai Station. This was because the consumption of the sea breeze’s potential to decrease air temperature and increase humidity increased and the wind speed of sea breezes decreased in the windward areas of Sendai Station. These results provide new insights into the impact of urban development on the effects of sea breeze and quantitatively reveal changes in the effects of sea breeze.
Atomic Data Assessment with PyNeb: Radiative and Electron Impact Excitation Rates for [Fe ii] and [Fe iii]
Authors: Mendoza Claudio , Méndez-Delgado José , Bautista Manuel , García-Rojas Jorge , Morisset Christophe
Published: April 2023

We use the PyNeb 1.1.16 Python package to evaluate the atomic datasets available for the spectral modeling of [Fe ii] and [Fe iii], which list level energies, A-values, and effective collision strengths. Most datasets are reconstructed from the sources, and new ones are incorporated to be compared with observed and measured benchmarks. For [Fe iii], we arrive at conclusive results that allow us to select the default datasets, while for [Fe ii], the conspicuous temperature dependency on the collisional data becomes a deterrent. This dependency is mainly due to the singularly low critical density of the 3d7a4F9/2 metastable level that strongly depends on both the radiative and collisional data, although the level populating by fluorescence pumping from the stellar continuum cannot be ruled out. A new version of PyNeb (1.1.17) is released containing the evaluated datasets.
Shape and Satellite Studies of Highly Charged Ions X-ray Spectra Using Bayesian Methods
Authors: Trassinelli Martino
Published: April 2023

High-accuracy spectroscopy commonly requires dedicated investigation into the choice of spectral line modelling to avoid the introduction of unwanted systematic errors. For such a kind of problem, the analysis of χ2 and likelihood are normally implemented to choose among models. However, these standard practices are affected by several problems and, in the first place, they are useless if there is no clear indication in favour of a specific model. Such issues are solved by Bayesian statistics, in the context of which a probability can be assigned to different hypotheses, i.e., models, from the analysis of the same set of data. Model probabilities are obtained from the integration of the likelihood function over the model parameter space with the evaluation of the so-called Bayesian evidence. Here, some practical applications are presented within the context of the analysis of recent high-accuracy X-ray spectroscopy data of highly charged uranium ion transitions. The method to determine the most plausible profile is discussed in detail. The study of the possible presence of satellite peaks is also presented.
Efficient Technique for Solving (3+1)-D Fourth-Order Parabolic PDEs with Time-Fractional Derivatives
Authors: ZeinEldin Ramadan A. , Singh Inderdeep , Singh Gurpreet , Elgarhy Mohammed , Khalifa Hamiden Abd EI-Wahed
Published: April 2023

In this presented research, a hybrid technique is proposed for solving fourth-order (3+1)-D parabolic PDEs with time-fractional derivatives. For this purpose, we utilized the Elzaki integral transform with the coupling of the homotopy perturbation method (HPM). From performing various numerical experiments, we observed that the presented scheme is simple and accurate with very small computational errors.
Tolerance Limits and Sample-Size Determination Using Weibull Trimmed Data
Authors: Fernández Arturo J.
Published: April 2023

Guaranteed-coverage and expected-coverage tolerance limits for Weibull models are derived when, owing to restrictions on data collection, experimental difficulties, the presence of outliers, or some other extraordinary reasons, certain proportions of the extreme sample values have been censored or disregarded. Unconditional and conditional tolerance bounds are presented and compared when some of the smallest observations have been discarded. In addition, the related problem of determining minimum sample sizes for setting Weibull tolerance limits from trimmed data is discussed when the numbers or proportions of the left and right trimmed observations are fixed. Step-by-step procedures for determining optimal sampling plans are also presented. Several numerical examples are included for illustrative purposes.
Graphs with Strong Proper Connection Numbers and Large Cliques
Authors: Ma Yingbin , Zhang Xiaoxue , Xue Yanfeng
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we mainly investigate graphs with a small (strong) proper connection number and a large clique number. First, we discuss the (strong) proper connection number of a graph G of order n and ω(G)=n−i for 1⩽i⩽3. Next, we investigate the rainbow connection number of a graph G of order n, diam(G)≥3 and ω(G)=n−i for 2⩽i⩽3.
Enhancing the Anaerobic Biodegradation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Soils with Electrically Conductive Materials
Authors: Cruz Viggi Carolina , Tucci Matteo , Resitano Marco , Palushi Valentina , Crognale Simona , Matturro Bruna , Petrangeli Papini Marco , Rossetti Simona , Aulenta Federico
Published: April 2023

Anaerobic bioremediation is a relevant process in the management of sites contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbons. Recently, interspecies electron transfer processes mediated by conductive minerals or particles have been proposed as mechanisms through which microbial species within a community share reducing equivalents to drive the syntrophic degradation of organic substrates, including hydrocarbons. Here, a microcosm study was set up to investigate the effect of different electrically conductive materials (ECMs) in enhancing the anaerobic biodegradation of hydrocarbons in historically contaminated soil. The results of a comprehensive suite of chemical and microbiological analyses evidenced that supplementing the soil with (5% w/w) magnetite nanoparticles or biochar particles is an effective strategy to accelerate the removal of selected hydrocarbons. In particular, in microcosms supplemented with ECMs, the removal of total petroleum hydrocarbons was enhanced by up to 50% relative to unamended controls. However, chemical analyses suggested that only a partial bioconversion of contaminants occurred and that longer treatment times would have probably been required to drive the biodegradation process to completion. On the other hand, biomolecular analyses confirmed the presence of several microorganisms and functional genes likely involved in hydrocarbon degradation. Furthermore, the selective enrichment of known electroactive bacteria (i.e., Geobacter and Geothrix) in microcosms amended with ECMs, clearly pointed to a possible role of DIET (Diet Interspecies Electron Transfer) processes in the observed removal of contaminants.
The Evolving Use of Magnets in Surgery: Biomedical Considerations and a Review of Their Current Applications
Authors: Lee William G. , Evans Lauren L. , Johnson Sidney M. , Woo Russell K.
Published: April 2023

The novel use of magnetic force to optimize modern surgical techniques originated in the 1970s. Since then, magnets have been utilized as an adjunct or alternative to a wide array of existing surgical procedures, ranging from gastrointestinal to vascular surgery. As the use of magnets in surgery continues to grow, the body of knowledge on magnetic surgical devices from preclinical development to clinical implementation has expanded significantly; however, the current magnetic surgical devices can be organized based on their core function: serving as a guidance system, creating a new connection, recreating a physiologic function, or utilization of an internal–external paired magnet system. The purpose of this article is to discuss the biomedical considerations during magnetic device development and review the current surgical applications of magnetic devices.
Effects of Tapered-Strut Design on Fatigue Life Enhancement of Peripheral Stents
Authors: Lin Li-Han , Ho Kuang-Lei , Jian Yu-Min , Chiang Kuang-Hsing , Hsiao Hao-Ming
Published: April 2023

Peripheral stent could fracture from cyclic loadings as a result of our blood pressures or daily activities. Fatigue performance has therefore become a key issue for peripheral stent design. A simple yet powerful tapered-strut design concept for fatigue life enhancement was investigated. This concept is to move the stress concentration away from the crown and re-distribute the stresses along the strut by narrowing the strut geometry. Finite element analysis was performed to evaluate the stent fatigue performance under various conditions consistent with the current clinical practice. Thirty stent prototypes were manufactured in-house by laser with a series of post-laser treatments, followed by the validation of bench fatigue tests for proof of concept. FEA simulation results show that the fatigue safety factor of the 40% tapered-strut design increased by 4.2 times that of a standard counterpart, which was validated by bench tests with 6.6-times and 5.9-times fatigue enhancement at room temperature and body temperature, respectively. Bench fatigue test results agreed very well with the increasing trend predicted by FEA simulation. The effects of the tapered-strut design were significant and could be considered as an option for fatigue optimization of future stent designs.
Regulation of Expression of Extracellular Matrix Proteins by Differential Target Multiplexed Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) and Traditional Low-Rate SCS in a Rat Nerve Injury Model
Authors: Tilley Dana M. , Vallejo Ricardo , Vetri Francesco , Platt David C. , Cedeño David L.
Published: April 2023

There is limited research on the association between the extracellular matrix (ECM) and chronic neuropathic pain. The objective of this study was twofold. Firstly, we aimed to assess changes in expression levels and the phosphorylation of ECM-related proteins due to the spared nerve injury (SNI) model of neuropathic pain. Secondly, two modalities of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) were compared for their ability to reverse the changes induced by the pain model back toward normal, non-injury levels. We identified 186 proteins as ECM-related and as having significant changes in protein expression among at least one of the four experimental groups. Of the two SCS treatments, the differential target multiplexed programming (DTMP) approach reversed expression levels of 83% of proteins affected by the pain model back to levels seen in uninjured animals, whereas a low-rate (LR-SCS) approach reversed 67%. There were 93 ECM-related proteins identified in the phosphoproteomic dataset, having a combined 883 phosphorylated isoforms. DTMP back-regulated 76% of phosphoproteins affected by the pain model back toward levels found in uninjured animals, whereas LR-SCS back-regulated 58%. This study expands our knowledge of ECM-related proteins responding to a neuropathic pain model as well as providing a better perspective on the mechanism of action of SCS therapy.
Reciprocal Interactions between Circadian Clocks, Food Intake, and Energy Metabolism
Authors: Grosjean Emma , Simonneaux Valérie , Challet Etienne
Published: April 2023

Like other biological functions, food intake and energy metabolism display daily rhythms controlled by the circadian timing system that comprises a main circadian clock and numerous secondary clocks in the brain and peripheral tissues. Each secondary circadian clock delivers local temporal cues based on intracellular transcriptional and translational feedback loops that are tightly interconnected to intracellular nutrient-sensing pathways. Genetic impairment of molecular clocks and alteration in the rhythmic synchronizing cues, such as ambient light at night or mistimed meals, lead to circadian disruption that, in turn, negatively impacts metabolic health. Not all circadian clocks are sensitive to the same synchronizing signals. The master clock in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus is mostly synchronized by ambient light and, to a lesser extent, by behavioral cues coupled to arousal and exercise. Secondary clocks are generally phase-shifted by timed metabolic cues associated with feeding, exercise, and changes in temperature. Furthermore, both the master and secondary clocks are modulated by calorie restriction and high-fat feeding. Taking into account the regularity of daily meals, the duration of eating periods, chronotype, and sex, chrononutritional strategies may be useful for improving the robustness of daily rhythmicity and maintaining or even restoring the appropriate energy balance.
Differences in the Diets of Female and Male Red Deer: The Meaning for Sexual Segregation
Authors: Garcia Fernanda , Alves da Silva António , Ruckstuhl Kathreen , Neuhaus Peter , Coelho Catarina , Wang Muyang , Sousa José Paulo , Alves Joana
Published: April 2023

Sexual segregation is a common phenomenon among animals, particularly dimorphic ones. Although widely addressed, the reasons and consequences of sexual segregation are still an important topic in need of better understanding. In this study, we mainly evaluate the diet composition and feeding behaviour of animals, which are related to the use of different habitats by the sexes, a special case of sexual segregation also termed habitat segregation. Sexually size dimorphic males and females often have different energetic and nutritional needs and, thus, different diets. We collected fresh faecal samples from wild Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) in Portugal. Samples were analysed in terms of diet composition and quality. As expected, both sexes differed in their diet composition, with males eating more arboreous species than females, but this difference was affected by sampling periods. Diet composition of both sexes had the biggest differences (and the lowest overlap) in spring, which corresponds to the end of gestation and beginning of birth. These differences might be a consequence of the sexual body size dimorphism characteristic of this species, as well as of different needs due to different reproductive costs. No differences regarding the quality of the excreted diet were observed. Our results may help to understand some patterns of sexual segregation observed in this red deer population. However, besides foraging ecology, other factors may also be contributing to sexual segregation in this Mediterranean population of red deer, and further studies focusing on sexual differences regarding feeding behaviour and digestibility are needed.
Regulatory Mechanisms and Reversal of CD8+T Cell Exhaustion: A Literature Review
Authors: Zhu Wanwan , Li Yiming , Han Mingwei , Jiang Jianli
Published: April 2023

CD8+T cell exhaustion is a state of T cell dysfunction during chronic infection and tumor progression. Exhausted CD8+T cells are characterized by low effector function, high expression of inhibitory receptors, unique metabolic patterns, and altered transcriptional profiles. Recently, advances in understanding and interfering with the regulatory mechanisms associated with T cell exhaustion in tumor immunotherapy have brought greater attention to the field. Therefore, we emphasize the typical features and related mechanisms of CD8+T cell exhaustion and particularly the potential for its reversal, which has clinical implications for immunotherapy.
Integrative Analysis and Experimental Validation of Competing Endogenous RNAs in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Li Niannian , Zhu Yaxin , Liu Feng , Zhang Xiaoman , Liu Yuenan , Wang Xiaoting , Gao Zhenfei , Guan Jian , Yin Shankai
Published: April 2023

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly prevalent yet underdiagnosed. This study aimed to develop a predictive signature, as well as investigate competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) and their potential functions in OSA. Methods: The GSE135917, GSE38792, and GSE75097 datasets were collected from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) and differential expression analysis were used to identify OSA-specific mRNAs. Machine learning methods were applied to establish a prediction signature for OSA. Furthermore, several online tools were used to establish the lncRNA-mediated ceRNAs in OSA. The hub ceRNAs were screened using the cytoHubba and validated by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Correlations between ceRNAs and the immune microenvironment of OSA were also investigated. Results: Two gene co-expression modules closely related to OSA and 30 OSA-specific mRNAs were obtained. They were significantly enriched in the antigen presentation and lipoprotein metabolic process categories. A signature that consisted of five mRNAs was established, which showed a good diagnostic performance in both independent datasets. A total of twelve lncRNA-mediated ceRNA regulatory pathways in OSA were proposed and validated, including three mRNAs, five miRNAs, and three lncRNAs. Of note, we found that upregulation of lncRNAs in ceRNAs could lead to activation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. In addition, mRNAs in the ceRNAs were closely correlated to the increased infiltration level of effector memory of CD4 T cells and CD56bright natural killer cells in OSA. Conclusions: In conclusion, our research opens new possibilities for diagnosis of OSA. The newly discovered lncRNA-mediated ceRNA networks and their links to inflammation and immunity may provide potential research spots for future studies.
Hybrid Multitask Learning Reveals Sequence Features Driving Specificity in the CRISPR/Cas9 System
Authors: Vora Dhvani Sandip , Yadav Shashank , Sundar Durai
Published: April 2023

CRISPR/Cas9 technology is capable of precisely editing genomes and is at the heart of various scientific and medical advances in recent times. The advances in biomedical research are hindered because of the inadvertent burden on the genome when genome editors are employed—the off-target effects. Although experimental screens to detect off-targets have allowed understanding the activity of Cas9, that knowledge remains incomplete as the rules do not extrapolate well to new target sequences. Off-target prediction tools developed recently have increasingly relied on machine learning and deep learning techniques to reliably understand the complete threat of likely off-targets because the rules that drive Cas9 activity are not fully understood. In this study, we present a count-based as well as deep-learning-based approach to derive sequence features that are important in deciding on Cas9 activity at a sequence. There are two major challenges in off-target determination—the identification of a likely site of Cas9 activity and the prediction of the extent of Cas9 activity at that site. The hybrid multitask CNN–biLSTM model developed, named CRISP–RCNN, simultaneously predicts off-targets and the extent of activity on off-targets. Employing methods of integrated gradients and weighting kernels for feature importance approximation, analysis of nucleotide and position preference, and mismatch tolerance have been performed.
Inflammation and Syndecan-4 Shedding from Cardiac Cells in Ischemic and Non-Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Strand Mari E. , Vanhaverbeke Maarten , Henkens Michiel T. H. M. , Sikking Maurits A. , Rypdal Karoline B. , Braathen Bjørn , Almaas Vibeke M. , Tønnessen Theis , Christensen Geir , Heymans Stephane , Lunde Ida G.
Published: April 2023

Circulating biomarkers reflecting cardiac inflammation are needed to improve the diagnostics and guide the treatment of heart failure patients. The cardiac production and shedding of the transmembrane proteoglycan syndecan-4 is upregulated by innate immunity signaling pathways. Here, we investigated the potential of syndecan-4 as a blood biomarker of cardiac inflammation. Serum syndecan-4 was measured in patients with (i) non-ischemic, non-valvular dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), with (n = 71) or without (n = 318) chronic inflammation; (ii) acute myocarditis (n = 15), acute pericarditis (n = 3) or acute perimyocarditis (23) and (iii) acute myocardial infarction (MI) at day 0, 3 and 30 (n = 119). Syndecan-4 was investigated in cultured cardiac myocytes and fibroblasts (n = 6–12) treated with the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and its inhibitor IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α and its specific inhibitor infliximab, an antibody used in treatment of autoimmune diseases. The levels of serum syndecan-4 were comparable in all subgroups of patients with chronic or acute cardiomyopathy, independent of inflammation. Post-MI, syndecan-4 levels were increased at day 3 and 30 vs. day 0. IL-1Ra attenuated IL-1β-induced syndecan-4 production and shedding in vitro, while infliximab had no effect. In conclusion, syndecan-4 shedding from cardiac myocytes and fibroblasts was attenuated by immunomodulatory therapy. Although its circulating levels were increased post-MI, syndecan-4 did not reflect cardiac inflammatory status in patients with heart disease.
Suppressive Effects of Lactobacillus on Depression through Regulating the Gut Microbiota and Metabolites in C57BL/6J Mice Induced by Ampicillin
Authors: Tsai Wan-Hua , Yeh Wen-Ling , Chou Chia-Hsuan , Wu Chia-Lin , Lai Chih-Ho , Yeh Yao-Tsung , Liao Chorng-An , Wu Chih-Chung
Published: April 2023

Depression is a medical and social problem. Multiple metabolites and neuroinflammation regulate it. Modifying the gut microbiota with probiotics to reduce depression through the gut-brain axis is a potential treatment strategy. In this study, three anti-depressive potentials of Lactobacillus spp. (LAB), including L. rhamnosus GMNL-74, L. acidophilus GMNL-185 and L. plantarum GMNL-141, which combined to produce low dosage LAB (1.6 × 108 CFU/mouse, LABL) and high dosage LAB (4.8 × 108 CFU/mouse, LABH), were administered to C57BL/6 mice induced depression by ampicillin (Amp). A behavioral test of depression, 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing, bioinformatic analysis, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) content measurement were executed to investigate the gut microbiota composition, activation of nutrient metabolism pathways, levels of inflammatory factors, gut-derived 5-HT biosynthesis genes, and SCFA levels in C57BL/6 mice. Results showed that after mice were induced by Amp, both LAB groups recovered from depressive behaviors, decreased the abundance of Firmicutes, and increased the abundance of Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes in the mouse ileum. The prediction of metabolism pathways of microbes revealed the activation of arginine and proline metabolism, cyanoamino acid metabolism, and nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism were increased, and fatty acid synthesis was decreased in both LAB groups. The LABH groups showed increased levels of acetic acid, propanoic acid, and iso-butyric acid and decreased butyric acid levels in the cecum. LABH treatment increased claudin-5 and reduced IL-6 mRNA expression. Both LAB groups also reduced monoamine oxidase, and the LABH group increased vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA expression. These results showed that the composite of three LAB exerts antidepressant effects by regulating the gut microbiota and modifying the levels of depression-related metabolites in C57BL/6J Amp-treated mice.
Circulating Cell-Free Nucleic Acids as Biomarkers for Diagnosis and Prognosis of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Marin Anelis Maria , Sanchuki Heloisa Bruna Soligo , Namur Guilherme Naccache , Uno Miyuki , Zanette Dalila Luciola , Aoki Mateus Nóbrega
Published: April 2023

A lack of reliable early diagnostic tools represents a major challenge in the management of pancreatic cancer (PCa), as the disease is often only identified after it reaches an advanced stage. This highlights the urgent need to identify biomarkers that can be used for the early detection, staging, treatment monitoring, and prognosis of PCa. A novel approach called liquid biopsy has emerged in recent years, which is a less- or non-invasive procedure since it focuses on plasmatic biomarkers such as DNA and RNA. In the blood of patients with cancer, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and cell-free nucleic acids (cfNAs) have been identified such as DNA, mRNA, and non-coding RNA (miRNA and lncRNA). The presence of these molecules encouraged researchers to investigate their potential as biomarkers. In this article, we focused on circulating cfNAs as plasmatic biomarkers of PCa and analyzed their advantages compared to traditional biopsy methods.
Clozapine in Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia and Its Augmentation with Electroconvulsive Therapy in Ultra-Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia
Authors: Peitl Vjekoslav , Puljić Antonia , Škrobo Mislav , Nadalin Sergej , Fumić Dunkić Lidija , Karlović Dalibor
Published: April 2023

Clozapine is considered the gold standard for patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) who have previously tried other antipsychotics at adequate doses (two or more, with at least one being atypical). However, despite optimal treatment, a subgroup of TRS patients with what is known as ultra-treatment-resistant schizophrenia (UTRS) fails to respond to clozapine, which occurs in 40–70% of cases. The most common approach to manage UTRS involves augmenting clozapine with pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions, with a growing body of evidence that supports the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as an augmenter. This prospective non-randomized 8-week study, which followed the TRIPP Working Group guidelines and is one of few that separate TRS from UTRS, aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of clozapine in TRS patients and the efficacy of ECT augmentation of clozapine in UTRS patients. Patients with TRS were assigned to receive clozapine alone (clozapine group), whereas UTRS patients received bilateral ECT in addition to their current medication regimen (ECT plus clozapine group). The severity of symptoms was evaluated using the Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) at baseline and at the end of the 8-week trial. Both treatment approaches resulted in improved CGI and PANSS scores. The results suggest that both clozapine and ECT are effective treatment options for patients with TRS and UTRS, respectively, and that adherence to guidelines should provide a better frame for future clinical studies.
Risk of New-Onset Dementia in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease on Statin Users: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Jong Gwo-Ping , Lin Tsung-Kun , Huang Jing-Yang , Liao Pei-Lun , Yang Tsung-Yuan , Pan Lung-Fa
Published: April 2023

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at a higher risk for developing dementia than the general population. Clinical studies have investigated the effects of statin use on new-onset dementia (NOD) in patients with CKD; however, the findings are inconsistent. This study examines the association between the use of statins and NOD in patients with CKD. We conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study using the Taiwan Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database (2003–2016). The primary outcome assessed the risk of incident dementia by estimating the hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Therefore, multiple Cox regression models were conducted to analyse the association between statin use and NOD in patients with CKD. There were 24,090 participants with statin use and 28,049 participants without statin use in patients with new-diagnosed CKD; the NOD event was 1390 and 1608, respectively. There was a trend of reduction association between statin users and NOD events after adjusted sex, age, comorbidities, and concurrent medication (adjusted HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.00) in the 14 years of the follow-up. Sensitivity test for the propensity score 1:1 matched analyses showed similar results (adjusted HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.02). The subgroup analysis also identified the use of statins as having a trend against developing NOD in patients with hypertension. In conclusion, statin therapy may effectively reduce the risk of NOD in patients with CKD. More studies are needed to credibly evaluate the effects of statin therapy on the prevention of NOD in patients with CKD.
Lysine Acetylome of Breast Cancer-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles Reveals Specific Acetylation Patterns for Metabolic Enzymes
Authors: Minic Zoran , Li Yingxi , Hüttmann Nico , Uppal Gurcharan K. , D’Mello Rochelle , Berezovski Maxim V.
Published: April 2023

Cancer-derived small extracellular vesicles have been proposed as promising potential biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer (BC). We performed a proteomic study of lysine acetylation of breast cancer-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) to understand the potential role of the aberrant acetylated proteins in the biology of invasive ductal carcinoma and triple-negative BC. Three cell lines were used as models for this study: MCF10A (non-metastatic), MCF7 (estrogen and progesterone receptor-positive, metastatic) and MDA-MB-231 (triple-negative, highly metastatic). For a comprehensive protein acetylation analysis of the sEVs derived from each cell line, acetylated peptides were enriched using the anti-acetyl-lysine antibody, followed by LC-MS/MS analysis. In total, there were 118 lysine-acetylated peptides, of which 22, 58 and 82 have been identified in MCF10A, MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines, respectively. These acetylated peptides were mapped to 60 distinct proteins and mainly identified proteins involved in metabolic pathways. Among the acetylated proteins identified in cancer-derived sEVs from MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines are proteins associated with the glycolysis pathway, annexins and histones. Five acetylated enzymes from the glycolytic pathway, present only in cancer-derived sEVs, were validated. These include aldolase (ALDOA), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK1), enolase (ENO) and pyruvate kinase M1/2 (PKM). For three of these enzymes (ALDOA, PGK1 and ENO) the specific enzymatic activity was significantly higher in MDA-MB-231 when compared with MCF10A-derived sEVs. This study reveals that sEVs contain acetylated glycolytic metabolic enzymes that could be interesting potential candidates for early BC diagnostics.
A Strategy for the Selection of RT-qPCR Reference Genes Based on Publicly Available Transcriptomic Datasets
Authors: Nevone Alice , Lattarulo Francesca , Russo Monica , Panno Giada , Milani Paolo , Basset Marco , Avanzini Maria Antonietta , Merlini Giampaolo , Palladini Giovanni , Nuvolone Mario
Published: April 2023

In the next-generation sequencing era, RT-qPCR is still widely employed to quantify levels of nucleic acids of interest due to its popularity, versatility, and limited costs. The measurement of transcriptional levels through RT-qPCR critically depends on reference genes used for normalization. Here, we devised a strategy to select appropriate reference genes for a specific clinical/experimental setting based on publicly available transcriptomic datasets and a pipeline for RT-qPCR assay design and validation. As a proof-of-principle, we applied this strategy to identify and validate reference genes for transcriptional studies of bone-marrow plasma cells from patients with AL amyloidosis. We performed a systematic review of published literature to compile a list of 163 candidate reference genes for RT-qPCR experiments employing human samples. Next, we interrogated the Gene Expression Omnibus to assess expression levels of these genes in published transcriptomic studies on bone-marrow plasma cells from patients with different plasma cell dyscrasias and identified the most stably expressed genes as candidate normalizing genes. Experimental validation on bone-marrow plasma cells showed the superiority of candidate reference genes identified through this strategy over commonly employed “housekeeping” genes. The strategy presented here may apply to other clinical and experimental settings for which publicly available transcriptomic datasets are available.
Computational Modeling of the Interaction of Molecular Oxygen with the miniSOG Protein—A Light Induced Source of Singlet Oxygen
Authors: Polyakov Igor , Kulakova Anna , Nemukhin Alexander
Published: April 2023

Interaction of molecular oxygen 3O2 with the flavin-dependent protein miniSOG after light illumination results in creation of singlet oxygen 1O2 and superoxide O2●−. Despite the recently resolved crystal structures of miniSOG variants, oxygen-binding sites near the flavin chromophore are poorly characterized. We report the results of computational studies of the protein−oxygen systems using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with force-field interaction potentials and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) potentials for the original miniSOG and the mutated protein. We found several oxygen-binding pockets and pointed out possible tunnels bridging the bulk solvent and the isoalloxazine ring of the chromophore. These findings provide an essential step toward understanding photophysical properties of miniSOG—an important singlet oxygen photosensitizer.
Super-Stable Metal–Organic Framework (MOF)/Luciferase Paper-Sensing Platform for Rapid ATP Detection
Authors: Martínez-Pérez-Cejuela Héctor , Calabretta Maria , Bocci Valerio , D’Elia Marcello , Michelini Elisa
Published: April 2023

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) determination has been used for many decades to assess microbial contamination for hygiene monitoring in different locations and workplace environments. Highly sophisticated methods have been reported, yet commercially available kits rely on a luciferase–luciferin system and require storage and shipping at controlled temperatures (+4 or −20 °C). The applicability of these systems is limited by the need for a secure cold chain, which is not always applicable, especially in remote areas or low-resource settings. In this scenario, easy-to-handle and portable sensors would be highly valuable. Prompted by this need, we developed a bioluminescence paper biosensor for ATP monitoring in which a new luciferase mutant was combined with a metal–organic framework (MOF); i.e., zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8). A paper biosensor was developed, ZIF-8@Luc paper sensor, and interfaced with different portable light detectors, including a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) and smartphones. The use of ZIF-8 not only provided a five-fold increase in the bioluminescence signal, but also significantly improved the stability of the sensor, both at +4 and +28 °C. The ATP content in complex biological matrices was analyzed with the ZIF-8@Luc paper sensor, enabling detection down to 7 × 10−12 moles of ATP and 8 × 10−13 moles in bacterial lysates and urine samples, respectively. The ZIF-8@Luc sensor could, therefore, be applied in many fields in which ATP monitoring is required such as the control of microbial contamination.
The Molecular Basis of Organic Chemiluminescence
Authors: Cabello Maidileyvis C. , Bartoloni Fernando H. , Bastos Erick L. , Baader Wilhelm J.
Published: April 2023

Bioluminescence (BL) and chemiluminescence (CL) are interesting and intriguing phenomena that involve the emission of visible light as a consequence of chemical reactions. The mechanistic basis of BL and CL has been investigated in detail since the 1960s, when the synthesis of several models of cyclic peroxides enabled mechanistic studies on the CL transformations, which led to the formulation of general chemiexcitation mechanisms operating in BL and CL. This review describes these general chemiexcitation mechanisms—the unimolecular decomposition of cyclic peroxides and peroxide decomposition catalyzed by electron/charge transfer from an external (intermolecular) or an internal (intramolecular) electron donor—and discusses recent insights from experimental and theoretical investigation. Additionally, some recent representative examples of chemiluminescence assays are given.
Fatigue, Work Overload, and Sleepiness in a Sample of Spanish Commercial Airline Pilots
Authors: Alaminos-Torres Ana , Martínez-Álvarez Jesús Román , Martínez-Lorca Manuela , López-Ejeda Noemí , Marrodán Serrano María Dolores
Published: April 2023

Commercial aviation pilots are an occupational group that work in particular conditions, with frequent schedule changes, shift work, unfavorable environmental conditions, etc. These circumstances can lead to fatigue, work overload (WO), and daytime sleepiness, factors that can affect their health and safety. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and the association between these parameters in a sample of Spanish commercial airline pilots. The Raw TLX, Fatigue Severity Scale, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale questionnaires were administered in a sample of 283 participants. The relationships of the total scores between all the questionnaires were studied by the chi-square test and the risk scores (odds ratio) were calculated. Different models using multiple linear regression were carried out to evaluate the effects of WO, fatigue, and daytime sleepiness, among the total scores, age, and flight hours. Additionally, the internal consistency of each questionnaire was estimated. A total of 28.2% presented WO above the 75th percentile, with mental and temporal demand the dimensions with the greatest weight. A total of 18% of pilots presented fatigue, 15.8% moderate sleepiness, and 3.9% severe sleepiness. We observed an association among WO, fatigue, and daytime sleepiness, important factors related to pilot health and aviation safety.
Diversity of Strategies for Motivation in Learning (DSML)—A New Measure for Measuring Student Academic Motivation
Authors: Hands Caroline , Limniou Maria
Published: April 2023

Although the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) has been widely used to measure student motivation, researchers have raised questions regarding its length and several problematic statements. This study introduces a new questionnaire, adapting items from the MSLQ and including three new key themes of course utility, procrastination and use of diverse sources. A total of 1246 students from a university in the northwest of England, studying a range of subjects and from across all grade boundaries, fully completed the questionnaire. Factor analysis suggested a 24-item questionnaire, including 6 factors: test anxiety, self-efficacy, source diversity, study skills, self-regulation and course utility. The measure, Diversity of Strategies for Motivation in Learning (DSML), has good predictive power for students with or without academic successes, and it can be used as a quick and an early alert monitoring tool to measure student motivation and study skills. The DSML has supported various interventions; however, further testing is required in other cultures, languages and educational environments (such as schools and colleges).
Online-Network-Group Use and Political-Participation Intention in China: The Analysis Based on CSS 2019 Survey Data
Authors: Li Zipeng , Liu Fengrong
Published: April 2023

Although there are many studies discussing the effect of Internet use on political participation, the literature has rarely focused on the relationship between the use of online-network groups and the political-participation intention in contemporary China. The discussion of this relationship is significant, as it offers a new perspective on reviewing the mobilization theory of media, especially in the context of online-network groups, and potentially provides a new channel for mobilizing a wider range of people for politics once the relationship is significant. This study aims to answer the following question: Can we predict the political-participation intention of Chinese citizens through the use of online-network groups? Based on the data of the China Social Survey 2019, this study uses the hierarchical logistic-regression method. The research finds that the specific online-network groups that can predict political-participation intention are mainly concentrated in the category of emotional relationships. Among them, although most of the online-network groups are positively correlated with political-participation intention, the possibility of generating political-participation intention of those who join the relative network group is significantly lower than for those who do not. The virtual connection built by online communication technology, the social relations, and the influence of social groups on individuals can help to explain the correlation between them.
Male Victims of Sexual Assault: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Thomas John C. , Kopel Jonathan
Published: April 2023

Compared to female rape victims, the literature addressing male rape victims remains a growing area of interest for counselors and scholars. This article aims to review the growing literature on male sexual assault victims. Specifically, the review will examine the literature on male victims of sexual assault in nine sections: (a) an overview of male sexual assault, (b) male rape myths, (c) prevalence, (d) responses to male victimization, (e) populations and perpetrators of male victimization, (f) risk factors, (g) reporting, (h) the impact of sexual assault on men, (i) help-seeking, and (j) implications for counseling. Empirical studies, case reports, and books are included in the review.
Design Optimization of a Hybrid Vibration Control System for Buildings
Authors: Salaas Basel , Bekdaş Gebrail , Ibrahim Yasser E. , Nigdeli Sinan Melih , Ezzat Mohamed , Nawar Mahmoud , Kayabekir Aylin Ece
Published: April 2023

Control of high-rise structures under seismic excitations was investigated using a passive hybrid control system consisting of a base-isolation (BI) subsystem and a passive tuned liquid column damper (TLCD) system. Both of the systems were optimized considering using the other system in the same structure. An optimization method was developed, and a computer code was written based on dynamic analysis of the structure and metaheuristic optimization methods. Within the scope of the study, a general solution was found by using many earthquake records during the optimization process. Moreover, one of the most suitable and successful metaheuristic algorithms was used in this study. In addition, numerical simulations were performed on a benchmark high-rise building structure to investigate the effectiveness of the optimized hybrid control system in controlling the seismic response of the building. The performance of the base-isolated TLCD-controlled structure was examined when the TLCD was placed on the base floor by using a set of 44 recorded ground motions as base excitations. Based on the results obtained from this study, the use of a base-isolation subsystem decoupling the superstructure from the ground motions by lowering the structure’s fundamental natural frequency reduces the structural responses of the building in most cases. The responses of the base-isolation subsystem were not too large since the parameters of the BI subsystem were optimized specifically for the investigated structure. Nevertheless, displacements of BI might exceed the maximum limit to undesirable values in some cases. The TLCD system appears to be quite effective in protecting the base-isolation subsystem by reducing its displacements to the maximum allowable limit or below when attached to it. Moreover, the proposed passive hybrid control system can effectively reduce the structural responses under seismic excitations.