bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategien zur gemeinsamen Entscheidungsfindung in der Therapie bei Patient_innen mit onkologischen Erkrankungen
Authors: Kleber Martina , Wicki Andreas , Cheetham Marcus
Published: September 2022

Zusammenfassung. In der Onkologie ist die gemeinsame Entscheidungsfindung (Shared decision-Making, SDM) bei therapeutischen Fragen ein komplexer Prozess, bei dem zahlreiche personen-, behandlungs- und kontextbezogene Faktoren die Auswahl geeigneter Behandlungsoptionen und die endgültigen Behandlungsentscheidungen beeinflussen können. SDM spielt eine entscheidende Rolle, indem es die Patient_innen in das Arzt-Patienten-Gespräch und in die anstehenden Behandlungsentscheidungen gezielt einbezieht. Bei präferenzsensitiven Entscheidungen kann der SDM-Prozess für Patient_innen besonders belastend sein und sowohl Ärzt_innen als auch Patient_innen sehen in der unzureichenden Vorbereitung des Patienten respektive der Patientin ein Hindernis für SDM. Elektronische oder webbasierte Entscheidungshilfen könnten dazu beitragen, onkologische Patient_innen bereits im Vorfeld des Arzt-Patienten-Gespräches auf den SDM-Prozess vorzubereiten. Ziel dieses Beitrags ist es, einen aktuellen Überblick über die Rolle des SDM und seine zukünftige Entwicklung in der Onkologie zu geben. Bei dieser Entwicklung wird der Einsatz von Entscheidungshilfen im Rahmen eines Phasen-Models des SDM für die Onkologie beleuchtet. Dabei liegt der Schwerpunkt auf der potenziellen Nutzung der Chatbot-Technologie zur Vorbereitung der Patient_innen auf die Teilnahme am SDM und Optimierung der Arzt-Patienten-Kommunikation. Dieser Artikel beleuchtet auch einige wichtige Forschungslücken für die künftige Entwicklung von Chatbots als Entscheidungshilfen in der Onkologie.
Estimating Spectral Effects of Absorbing Aerosols on Backscattered UV Radiation
Authors: Jethva Hiren , Haffner David P. , Bhartia Pawan K. , Torres Omar
Published: September 2022

We examine the spectral effects of tropospheric absorbing aerosol types on backscattered UV radiation from 300 to 400 nm. First, using satellite observations, we show a non‐linear spectral dependence below 340 nm for scenes with significant aerosol absorption. Lambert‐equivalent reflectivity also follows a non‐linear behavior and may become negative, therefore non‐physical, at shorter wavelengths. We then present radiative transfer calculations of UV radiances accounting for ozone and aerosol attenuation. The effects are quantified as spectral residuals, calculated by comparing radiances simulated with aerosols to those with a molecular atmosphere assuming spectrally independent Lambert‐equivalent surface reflectivity. Simulations are carried out for carbonaceous smoke and mineral dust aerosols using the present‐day optical models applied successfully in the Ozone Monitoring Instrument aerosol algorithm, OMAERUV. The spectral residual has a complex dependence on wavelength, aerosol optical and physical properties, and surface conditions. In all simulated cases, the spectral residual has a maximum around 320 nm and then diminishes rapidly at shorter wavelengths due to increased photon absorption by ozone in the stratosphere. However, we find the relationship between the spectral residual and that at 340 nm nearly linear for a wide range of these conditions. The relationship depends somewhat on the total column ozone. The theoretical results presented offer a means for correcting the effects of UV‐absorbing aerosols in trace gas retrievals without a priori knowledge of aerosol and surface properties. Since our technique of estimating spectral effects of aerosols applies to radiance residuals, and not a specific retrieval algorithm, it may be used broadly to correct the effects in various retrieval algorithms.
Anti-obesity effects of the dual-active adenosine A2A/A3 receptor-ligand LJ-4378
Authors: Kim Kyungmin , Im Hyeonyeong , Son Yeonho , Kim Minjae , Tripathi Sushil Kumar , Jeong Lak Shin , Lee Yun-Hee
Published: September 2022

Background and objectives

A2A adenosine receptor (A2AAR)-mediated signaling in adipose tissues has been investigated as a potential target for obesity-related metabolic diseases. LJ-4378 has been developed as a dual-acting ligand with A2AAR agonist and A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) antagonist activity. The current study aimed to investigate the anti-obesity effects of LJ-4378 and its underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods

Immortalized brown adipocytes were used for in vitro analysis. A high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and cell death-inducing DFFA-like effector A reporter mouse models were used for in vivo experiments. The effects of LJ-4378 on lipolysis and mitochondrial metabolism were evaluated using immunoblotting, mitochondrial staining, and oxygen consumption rate analyses. The in vivo anti-obesity effects of LJ-4378 were evaluated using indirect calorimetry, body composition analyses, glucose tolerance tests, and histochemical analyses.

Results

In vitro LJ-4378 treatment increased the levels of brown adipocyte markers and mitochondrial proteins, including uncoupling protein 1. The effects of LJ-4378 on lipolysis of adipocytes were more potent than those of the A2AAR agonist or A3AR antagonist. In vivo, LJ-4378 treatment increased energy expenditure by 17.0% (P value < 0.0001) compared to vehicle controls. LJ-4378 (1 mg/kg, i.p.) treatment for 10 days reduced body weight and fat content by 8.24% (P value < 0.0001) and 24.2% (P value = 0.0044), respectively, and improved glucose tolerance in the HFD-fed mice. LJ-4378 increased the expression levels of brown adipocyte markers and mitochondrial proteins in interscapular brown and inguinal white adipose tissue.

Conclusion

These findings support the in vivo anti-obesity effects of LJ-4378, and suggest a novel therapeutic approach to combat obesity and related metabolic diseases.
Non-sedative cortical EEG signatures of allopregnanolone and functional comparators
Authors: Lambert Peter M. , Ni Richard , Benz Ann , Rensing Nicholas R. , Wong Michael , Zorumski Charles F. , Mennerick Steven
Published: September 2022

Neurosteroids that positively modulate GABAA receptors are among a growing list of rapidly acting antidepressants, including ketamine and psychedelics. To develop increasingly specific treatments with fewer side effects, we explored the possibility of EEG signatures in mice, which could serve as a cross-species screening tool. There are few studies of the impact of non-sedative doses of rapid antidepressants on EEG in either rodents or humans. Here we hypothesize that EEG features may separate a rapid antidepressant neurosteroid, allopregnanolone, from other GABAA positive modulators, pentobarbital and diazepam. Further, we compared the actions GABA modulators with those of ketamine, an NMDA antagonist and prototype rapid antidepressant. We examined EEG spectra during active exploration at two cortical locations and examined cross-regional and cross-frequency interactions. We found that at comparable doses, the effects of allopregnanolone, despite purported selectivity for certain GABAAR subtypes, was indistinguishable from pentobarbital during active waking exploration. The actions of diazepam had recognizable common features with allopregnanolone and pentobarbital but was also distinct, consistent with subunit selectivity of benzodiazepines. Finally, ketamine exhibited no distinguishing overlap with allopregnanolone in the parameters examined. Our results suggest that rapid antidepressants with different molecular substrates may remain separated at the level of large-scale ensemble activity, but the studies leave open the possibility of commonalities in more discrete circuits and/or in the context of a dysfunctional brain.
Physical activity partly mediates the association between cognitive function and depressive symptoms
Authors: Csajbók Zsófia , Sieber Stefan , Cullati Stéphane , Cermakova Pavla , Cheval Boris
Published: September 2022

Cognitive function, physical activity, and depressive symptoms are intertwined in later life. Yet, the nature of the relationship between these three variables is unclear. Here, we aimed to determine which of physical activity or cognitive function mediated this relationship. We used large-scale longitudinal data from 51,191 adults 50 years of age or older (mean: 64.8 years, 54.7% women) from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Results of the longitudinal mediation analyses combined with autoregressive cross-lagged panel models showed that the model with physical activity as a mediator better fitted the data than the model with cognitive function as a mediator. Moreover, the mediating effect of physical activity was 8–9% of the total effect of cognitive function on depressive symptoms. Our findings suggest that higher cognitive resources favor the engagement in physical activity, which contributes to reduced depressive symptoms.
Non-Hookean large elastic deformation in bulk crystalline metals
Authors: Xu Sheng , Odaira Takumi , Sato Shunsuke , Xu Xiao , Omori Toshihiro , Harjo Stefanus , Kawasaki Takuro , Seiner Hanuš , Zoubková Kristýna , Murakami Yasukazu , Kainuma Ryosuke
Published: September 2022

Crystalline metals can have large theoretical elastic strain limits. However, a macroscopic block of conventional crystalline metals practically suffers a very limited elastic deformation of <0.5% with a linear stress–strain relationship obeying Hooke’s law. Here, we report on the experimental observation of a large tensile elastic deformation with an elastic strain of >4.3% in a Cu-based single crystalline alloy at its bulk scale at room temperature. The large macroscopic elastic strain that originates from the reversible lattice strain of a single phase is demonstrated by in situ microstructure and neutron diffraction observations. Furthermore, the elastic reversible deformation, which is nonhysteretic and quasilinear, is associated with a pronounced elastic softening phenomenon. The increase in the stress gives rise to a reduced Young’s modulus, unlike the traditional Hooke’s law behaviour. The experimental discovery of a non-Hookean large elastic deformation offers the potential for the development of bulk crystalline metals as high-performance mechanical springs or for new applications via “elastic strain engineering.”
Hardship at birth alters the impact of climate change on a long-lived predator
Authors: Sergio Fabrizio , Tavecchia Giacomo , Blas Julio , Tanferna Alessandro , Hiraldo Fernando , Korpimaki Erkki , Beissinger Steven R.
Published: September 2022

Climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme events, such as droughts or hurricanes, with substantial impacts on human and wildlife communities. Extreme events can affect individuals through two pathways: by altering the fitness of adults encountering a current extreme, and by affecting the development of individuals born during a natal extreme, a largely overlooked process. Here, we show that the impact of natal drought on an avian predator overrode the effect of current drought for decades, so that individuals born during drought were disadvantaged throughout life. Incorporation of natal effects caused a 40% decline in forecasted population size and a 21% shortening of time to extinction. These results imply that climate change may erode populations more quickly and severely than currently appreciated, suggesting the urgency to incorporate “penalties” for natal legacies in the analytical toolkit of impact forecasts. Similar double impacts may apply to other drivers of global change.
Predicting the evolution of the Lassa virus endemic area and population at risk over the next decades
Authors: Klitting Raphaëlle , Kafetzopoulou Liana E. , Thiery Wim , Dudas Gytis , Gryseels Sophie , Kotamarthi Anjali , Vrancken Bram , Gangavarapu Karthik , Momoh Mambu , Sandi John Demby , Goba Augustine , Alhasan Foday , Grant Donald S. , Okogbenin Sylvanus , Ogbaini-Emovo Ephraim , Garry Robert F. , Smither Allison R. , Zeller Mark , Pauthner Matthias G. , McGraw Michelle , Hughes Laura D. , Duraffour Sophie , Günther Stephan , Suchard Marc A. , Lemey Philippe , Andersen Kristian G. , Dellicour Simon
Published: September 2022

Lassa fever is a severe viral hemorrhagic fever caused by a zoonotic virus that repeatedly spills over to humans from its rodent reservoirs. It is currently not known how climate and land use changes could affect the endemic area of this virus, currently limited to parts of West Africa. By exploring the environmental data associated with virus occurrence using ecological niche modelling, we show how temperature, precipitation and the presence of pastures determine ecological suitability for virus circulation. Based on projections of climate, land use, and population changes, we find that regions in Central and East Africa will likely become suitable for Lassa virus over the next decades and estimate that the total population living in ecological conditions that are suitable for Lassa virus circulation may drastically increase by 2070. By analysing geotagged viral genomes using spatially-explicit phylogeography and simulating virus dispersal, we find that in the event of Lassa virus being introduced into a new suitable region, its spread might remain spatially limited over the first decades.
Rejuvenation of the aged brain immune cell landscape in mice through p16-positive senescent cell clearance
Authors: Zhang Xu , Pearsall Vesselina M. , Carver Chase M. , Atkinson Elizabeth J. , Clarkson Benjamin D. S. , Grund Ethan M. , Baez-Faria Michelle , Pavelko Kevin D. , Kachergus Jennifer M. , White Thomas A. , Johnson Renee K. , Malo Courtney S. , Gonzalez-Suarez Alan M. , Ayasoufi Katayoun , Johnson Kurt O. , Tritz Zachariah P. , Fain Cori E. , Khadka Roman H. , Ogrodnik Mikolaj , Jurk Diana , Zhu Yi , Tchkonia Tamara , Revzin Alexander , Kirkland James L. , Johnson Aaron J. , Howe Charles L. , Thompson E. Aubrey , LeBrasseur Nathan K. , Schafer Marissa J.
Published: September 2022

Cellular senescence is a plausible mediator of inflammation-related tissue dysfunction. In the aged brain, senescent cell identities and the mechanisms by which they exert adverse influence are unclear. Here we used high-dimensional molecular profiling, coupled with mechanistic experiments, to study the properties of senescent cells in the aged mouse brain. We show that senescence and inflammatory expression profiles increase with age and are brain region- and sex-specific. p16-positive myeloid cells exhibiting senescent and disease-associated activation signatures, including upregulation of chemoattractant factors, accumulate in the aged mouse brain. Senescent brain myeloid cells promote peripheral immune cell chemotaxis in vitro. Activated resident and infiltrating immune cells increase in the aged brain and are partially restored to youthful levels through p16-positive senescent cell clearance in female p16-InkAttac mice, which is associated with preservation of cognitive function. Our study reveals dynamic remodeling of the brain immune cell landscape in aging and suggests senescent cell targeting as a strategy to counter inflammatory changes and cognitive decline.
Phosphorylation of Jhd2 by the Ras-cAMP-PKA(Tpk2) pathway regulates histone modifications and autophagy
Authors: Yu Qi , Gong Xuanyunjing , Tong Yue , Wang Min , Duan Kai , Zhang Xinyu , Ge Feng , Yu Xilan , Li Shanshan
Published: September 2022

Cells need to coordinate gene expression with their metabolic states to maintain cell homeostasis and growth. How cells transduce nutrient availability to appropriate gene expression remains poorly understood. Here we show that glycolysis regulates histone modifications and gene expression by activating protein kinase A (PKA) via the Ras-cyclic AMP pathway. The catalytic subunit of PKA, Tpk2 antagonizes Jhd2-catalyzed H3K4 demethylation by phosphorylating Jhd2 at Ser321 and Ser340 in response to glucose availability. Tpk2-catalyzed Jhd2 phosphorylation impairs its nuclear localization, reduces its binding to chromatin, and promotes its polyubiquitination and degradation by the proteasome. Tpk2-catalyzed Jhd2 phosphorylation also maintains H3K14 acetylation by preventing the binding of histone deacetylase Rpd3 to chromatin. By phosphorylating Jhd2, Tpk2 regulates gene expression, maintains normal chronological life span and promotes autophagy. These results provide a direct connection between metabolism and histone modifications and shed lights on how cells rewire their biological responses to nutrient signals.
Investigating the etiologies behind emergent mass mortalities of farmed Liza carinata juveniles from coastal farms at Damietta, Egypt
Authors: Eissa Alaa Eldin , Attia Marwa M. , Abdelsalam Mohamed , Elgendy Mamdouh Y. , Abou-Okada Mahmoud , Ismail Gehad A. , Younis Nehal A.
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to identify the mortality present in private fish farm Amyloodinium ocellatum and Cryptocaryon irritans were isolated from this outbreak affecting Liza carinata fingerlings at an earthen-based aquaculture facility in Damietta, Egypt. A total of 140 moribunds, L. carinata, were collected from the fish ponds during the mortality events. Physico-chemical analysis of water was analyzed. The skin, fins, gills, and eyes of each fish specimen were scraped gently onto slides in areas over 2 cm area. All smears were examined separately under the light microscope. Molecular identification of the parasites using analysis of ITS rDNA regions flanking both 18S and 28S rDNA genes of Amyloodinium protozoa and C. irritans. Identities of the detected parasites were confirmed by gene sequence and phylogenetic analysis. The majority of the examined fish (90%) were infected, 66.42% had a mixed infection, and 23.57% had a single infection either with A. ocellatum (10.71%) or C. irritans (12.85%).The mean intensity of A. ocellatum was 16.5 ± 2.03 in the skin and 13.18 ± 1.90 in the gills of infected fish, while that of C. irritans was 4.75 ± 1.05 in gills and 7.43 ± 1.45 in the skin, respectively. To control the emergent mortalities, affected ponds were treated using copper sulfate pentahydrate, hydrogen peroxides solutions, and amprolium hydrochloride powder in feed. Fish across the treated ponds were gradually improved with low morbidity and mortalityrates during the treatment period. The clinical disease was almost diminished at the end of the second week of treatment. Coinciding with the clinical improvement of the treated juveniles, microscopical examination of skin/gill scraps exhibited a marked decline in the number of protozoan parasites at the end of the second week of treatment.
In vitro surface analysis of the brushing resistance of orthodontic sealants using two different profilometric evaluation methods
Authors: Lorenz J. , Schidtmann I. , Morawietz M. , Kiesow A. , Wehrbein H. , Sarembe S. , Erbe C.
Published: September 2022

The enamel can be protected by applying orthodontic sealants at the bracket base to avoid the development of white spot lesions caused by inadequate oral hygiene. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanical resistance of five commonly used orthodontic sealants against brushing in comparison to a positive group. Hydroxyapatite discs were bonded with a metal bracket and a piece of arch-wire was ligated in order to simulate a daily clinical situation (n = 48). Samples were divided into 6 groups of respectively 8 specimens. Sealants were applied around the bracket base according to manufacturer’s instructions. Following sealants were used: Group 1: Pro Seal (Reliance Orthodontic Products, Itasca, Illinois, USA); 2: Light Bond (Reliance Orthodontic Products, Itasca, Illinois, USA); 3: ClinproXT Varnish (3M ESPE, Seefeld, Germany); 4: ProtectoCaF2 Nano (BonaDent GmbH, Frankfurt am Main, Germany); 5: Fluor Protector and 6: Tetric EvoFlow (both Ivoclar Vivadent AG, Schaan Liechtenstein). Tooth brushing were simulated for 6 weeks and 6 months with an electric toothbrush. The sealant thickness was measured by mechanical (MP) and optical profilometry (OP) at baseline, after 6 weeks and after 6 months of brushing. Statistical analysis was performed according to two mixed linear models and post hoc Tukey–Kramer comparisons. The significance level was set at 5% (α ≤ 0.05). Pro Seal (MP: 9%; OP: 22%) and Light Bond (MP: 19%; OP: 16%) showed the lowest changes in sealant thickness after 6 months of simulated brushing. ClinproXT Varnish and Tetric EvoFlow recorded no statistically significant results (p > 0.05). The fluoride varnishes ProtectoCaF2 Nano and Fluor Protector could not be conclusively evaluated since the thickness of the sealants could not be determined at baseline. The results of both evaluation methods MP and OP are in good agreement. Pro Seal and Light Bond were resistant against tooth brushing and were able to adequately keep the bracket environment sealed even after 6 months. The two different measuring methods, MP and OP, provide a precise impression of the changes in the surface.
Effectiveness of a structured stimulated spontaneous safety monitoring of medicines reporting program in strengthening pharmacovigilance system in Tanzania
Authors: Mwamwitwa Kissa W. , Fimbo Adam M. , Bukundi Elias M. , Nkayamba Alex F. , Buma Deus , Muro Eva P. , Maganda Betty A. , Shewiyo Danstan H. , Shearer Morven C. , Smith Andrew D. , Kaale Eliangiringa A.
Published: September 2022

Under-reporting of adverse drug events (ADEs) is a challenge facing developing countries including Tanzania. Given the high magnitude of under-reporting, it was necessary to develop and assess the effectiveness of a ‘structured stimulated spontaneous safety monitoring’ (SSSSM) reporting program of ADEs which aimed at strengthening pharmacovigilance system in Tanzania. A quasi-experimental design and data mining technique were used to assess the effect of intervention after the introduction of program in seven tertiary hospitals. ADEs reports were collected from a single group and compared for 18 months before (July 2017 to December, 2018) and after the program (January 2019 to June 2020). Out of 16,557 ADEs reports, 98.6% (16,332) were reported after intervention and 0.1% (23) death related to adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were reported. Reports increased from 20 to 11,637 after intervention in Dar es salaam, 49 to 316 in Kilimanjaro and 17 to 77 in Mbeya. The population-based reporting ratio per 1,000,000 inhabitants increased from 2 reports per million inhabitants in 2018 to 85 reports in 2019. The SSSSM program can increase the reporting rate of ADEs and was useful in detecting signals from all types of medicines. This was first effective developed spontaneous program to monitor medicine safety in Tanzania.
Metabolic/hypoxial axis predicts tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer
Authors: Azzam Hany N. , El-Derany Marwa O. , Wahdan Sara A. , Faheim Reham M. , Helal Gouda K. , El-Demerdash Ebtehal
Published: September 2022

We sought in our cross-sectional study to investigate the role of metabolic/hypoxial axis in the development of tamoxifen (TMX) resistance in BC patients. Quantification of plasma LncRNA Taurine upregulated-1 (TUG-1), miRNA 186-5p (miR-186), serum Sirtuin-3 (SIRT3), Peroxisome Proliferator Activator Receptor alpha (PPAR-1 α) and Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1 (HIF-1α) was done in a cohort of patients divided into TMX-sensitive and TMX-resistant candidates. Multiple logistic regression and Receiver Operating Characteristic curve were developed for significant predictors. Plasma TUG-1 and miR-186 were significantly elevated in TMX resistant patients. Serum proteins SIRT3, PPAR-1 α and HIF-1α were deficient in TMX resistant patients compared to TMX sensitive patients, respectively. miR-186 was associated with respiratory symptoms, while, HIF-1α was associated with metastases in TMX resistant patients. Strong correlations were found between all parameters. A predictive model was constructed with TUG-1 and HIF-1α to estimate TMX resistance in BC patients with 88.3% sensitivity and 91.6% specificity. Hypoxia and metabolic dysregulations play important role in the development of TMX resistance in BC patients. Correlation between hypoxia, carcinogenesis and patient’s mortality have led to more aggressive phenotypes, increased risk of metastasis and resistance to TMX.
An exploratory transmission mode of HIV/AIDS among older people based on data from multiple sources in China
Authors: Sun Xiwei , Feng Caibi , Feng Liao , Xiao Ticheng , Zhao Xinran , Liu Hong , Wang Zhiqiu , Chen Chen , Zhou Shoulin , Zhou Dinglun
Published: September 2022

The HIV/AIDS cases and proportion in older people are continuously and rapidly increasing in China, especially in males. However, the transmission mechanism is not well understood. This study aims to explore the transmission mechanism of HIV/AIDS and potential ways to prevent or control HIV/AIDS transmission in a city in southwestern China. Data from multiple sources, including HIV/AIDS case reports in 2010–2020, a survey of HIV/AIDS cases in 2020, and sentinel surveillance data of female sex workers (FSWs) in 2016–2020 were analyzed. We explored the transmission mechanism of HIV/AIDS cases aged 50 years and older. In this city, the number of newly reported HIV/AIDS cases aged 50 years and older increased from 2010 to 2019, and decreased in 2020. The number of male and female cases aged 50 years and older both increased rapidly in 2017–2019, though the number of male cases was larger than that of female. The survey data showed that 84.7% of older male cases reported commercial sexual behavior, among whom 87.7% reported never using condom and 37.6% reported more than 10 times of commercial sexual behaviors in 1 year. In terms of price of sexual behavior, 68.3% of older male cases sought low-tier FSWs among whom the HIV/AIDS positive rate was 5.4% from the sentinel surveillance data. These results suggested HIV transmission between older men and low-tier FSWs through commercial sexual behavior. Among female cases aged 50 years and older, most reported non-marital and non-commercial heterosexual (60.5%) or regular sexual partner (31.4%) transmission, suggesting that they were infected by their spouse/regular sexual partner. Data of matched couples showed that most male cases had both marital sexual behavior and commercial sexual behavior, or acquired HIV through commercial sexual behavior, while most female cases had only marital sexual behavior. Based on these findings, we proposed a transmission mode of that local older male people and FSWs are transmitting bilaterally through commercial sexual behavior, and local older male people are spreading to local older female people through spouse or regular sexual partner route. By studying data from multiple sources, we explored the HIV transmission mode among older people. In the meantime, we found that marital status had a different impact on male and female old people in their sex behaviors.
Interoceptive sensibility and body satisfaction in pregnant and non-pregnant women with and without children
Authors: Crossland Anna , Kirk Elizabeth , Preston Catherine
Published: September 2022

Pregnancy is a time of great physical and psychological change. As well as prominent changes in the external appearance of the body, such as the baby bump, there are also substantial changes taking place within the body. Our awareness of, and attention towards, internal bodily signals (interoception) is thought to have a direct impact on how we feel about our bodies. Therefore, understanding how our experience of these interoceptive signals might change during pregnancy may have important implications for maternal wellbeing. This study examined body satisfaction and interoceptive sensibility (subjective experience of interoception) in pregnant and non-pregnant women with and without children. Feelings towards pregnancy-specific changes in body satisfaction and interoceptive sensibility were also examined in women in their first pregnancy (primigravida) and subsequent pregnancies (multigravida). It was found that pregnancy did not directly impact levels of body satisfaction, instead pregnant and non-pregnant women with children reported less satisfaction with their bodies compared to those without children. Primigravida women were more satisfied with the appearance of pregnancy specific bodily changes compared to multigravida women. Interestingly, these differences in body satisfaction in those with children (pregnant and non-pregnant) were mediated by the extent to which women trusted their bodies (measure of interoceptive sensibility). All other pregnancy related changes in interoceptive sensibility and body satisfaction were either non-significant or had small effect sizes. These results may suggest body trust as an important factor to support during the transition to parenthood in order to improve body satisfaction in mothers.
Experimental and computational chemical studies on the corrosion inhibition of new pyrimidinone derivatives for copper in nitric acid
Authors: Fouda A. S. , Ismail M. A. , Khaled M. A. , El-Hossiany A. A.
Published: September 2022

Inhibition of copper corrosion by some pyrimidinone derivatives, namely; (E)-N-(3-((1,3-dimethyl-2,4,6-trioxohexahydropyrimidin-5-yl)diazenyl)-2,5-diethoxyphenyl)benzamide (MA-975) and(E)-6-(4-((4-chlorophenyl)diazenyl)-3-methyl-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-1,3 dimethylpyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (MA-978C) in 1.0 M nitric acid (HNO3) was studied using weight loss (WL), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and potentiodynamic polarization (PP) measurements. The efficiency of inhibition increases as the concentration of inhibitor increases, and it also increases as the temperature increases. With the addition of the examined inhibitors, significant corrosion protection was obtained, and (MA-975) showed a very promising % IE (89.59%) at 21 × 10−6 M using the (WL) method. The polarization data revealed that these compounds act as mixed-type compounds and are adsorbed on the copper surface following Langmuir adsorption isotherm forming a protective thin film protecting the metal in the corrosive media. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray were used to examine the surface morphology of copper samples. Quantum calculations and Monte Carlo simulation techniques were applied with informative yields and the results matched the experimental findings.
Sustainable urban system structure evaluation in sparsely populated areas: case study of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China
Authors: Shao Xuanxuan , Yao Yongling
Published: September 2022

Urbanization in sparsely populated areas is critical for sustainability. The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is a typical example of an ecologically fragile region that plays a crucial role in China’s ecological safety and water resource protection. We use a social network analysis to illustrate the structure of the urban system on the plateau and find that the agglomeration and diffusion capabilities of the core nodes are weak, which presents an obstacle to the sustainable development of the urban system. Nevertheless, we find that the intermediate nodes—which serve multiple integration functions for the various cultures, ethnic groups, and religions in the region—are core nodes that divide the dispersed cities and towns into four subgroups that function as small worlds (The cities and towns within one subgroup connect closely and each subgroup is organized independently somehow from others). Based on this finding, we suggest implementing a “double-layer” urban system to promote the sustainable urban development of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. This “double-layer” system breaks the usual urbanization trend, in which cities grow in size and their distribution becomes more concentrated; instead it provides a feasible way to maintain urban sustainability in a sparsely populated area.
Prevalence and correlates of undiagnosed, diagnosed, and total type 2 diabetes among adults in Morocco, 2017
Authors: Pengpid Supa , Peltzer Karl
Published: September 2022

The study aimed to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of undiagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2D) among adults in Morocco. Cross-sectional data were analyzed from 4779 people (≥ 18 years, mean age 41.7 years) who participated in the Morocco STEPS nationally representative survey in 2017 and had completed fasting blood glucose measurement. The results indicate that the prevalence of undiagnosed T2D was 5.9% (44.7% of total T2D), diagnosed T2D 7.3% and total T2D 13.2%. In the adjusted multinomial logistic regression analysis, older age (≥ 50 years), receipt of health care advice, and obesity were positively associated with undiagnosed T2D. Older age (≥ 50 years), urban residence, receipt of health care advice, ever cholesterol screening, moderate sedentary behaviour, obesity, hypertension, and elevated total cholesterol were positively associated with diagnosed T2D. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, older age (≥ 50 years), receipt of health care advice and cholesterol screening were negatively associated with undiagnosed T2D versus diagnosed T2D. A significant proportion of adults in Morocco had undiagnosed T2D and several associated factors were identified that can help guide interventions.
Mitochondrial function and intracellular distribution is severely affected in in vitro cultured mouse embryos
Authors: Czernik Marta , Winiarczyk Dawid , Sampino Silvestre , Gręda Paweł , Parillo Salvatore , Modliński Jacek Andrzej , Loi Pasqualino
Published: September 2022

Studies of mitochondrial dynamics have identified an intriguing link between energy supply balance and mitochondrial architecture. This suggests that inappropriate culture conditions might inhibit mitochondrial functions, and affect embryonic development. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine whether in vitro culture (IVC) might affect mitochondrial function, distribution, organization (by Mitotracker Green), gene expression on RNA level (by qPCR), and protein expression and localization (by western blot and immunostaining) involved in regulation of mitochondrial functions. Mitochondria in 2-cell IVC embryos were less numerous compare to IN VIVO while the localization and distribution do not differ between the groups. Mitochondria of in vivo blastocysts formed elongated network along the cells, while in IVC were fragmented, rounded, and aggregated mainly in the perinuclear region. Additionally, mitochondria of IN VIVO embryos moved back and forth along their long axis on radial tracks, while in IVC blastocysts were much less active. mtDNA copy number in IVC blastocysts (92,336.65 ± 5860.04) was significantly lower than that of IN VIVO (169,103.92 ± 16,322.41; P < 0.02) as well as lower protein expressions responsible for mitochondrial fusion was observed in IVC blastocysts. Results indicate that in vitro culture affect on perturbations in mitochondrial number and function, which is associated with decreased developmental competence of in vitro produced mouse embryos.
Determinants of tyrosinaemia during nitisinone therapy in alkaptonuria
Authors: Ranganath L. R. , Milan A. M. , Hughes A. T. , Davison A. S. , M Khedr , Norman B. P. , Bou-Gharios G. , Gallagher J. A. , Imrich R. , Arnoux J. B. , Rudebeck M. , Olsson B.
Published: September 2022

Nitisinone (NIT) produces inevitable but varying degree of tyrosinaemia. However, the understanding of the dynamic adaptive relationships within the tyrosine catabolic pathway has not been investigated fully. The objective of the study was to assess the contribution of protein intake, serum NIT (sNIT) and tyrosine pathway metabolites to nitisinone-induced tyrosinaemia in alkaptonuria (AKU). Samples of serum and 24-h urine collected during SONIA 2 (Suitability Of Nitisinone In Alkaptonuria 2) at months 3 (V2), 12 (V3), 24 (V4), 36 (V5) and 48 (V6) were included in these analyses. Homogentisic acid (HGA), tyrosine (TYR), phenylalanine (PHE), hydroxyphenylpyruvate (HPPA), hydroxyphenyllactate (HPLA) and sNIT were analysed at all time-points in serum and urine. Total body water (TBW) metabolites were derived using 60% body weight. 24-h urine and TBW metabolites were summed to obtain combined values. All statistical analyses were post-hoc. 307 serum and 24-h urine sampling points were analysed. Serum TYR from V2 to V6, ranging from 478 to 1983 µmol/L were stratified (number of sampling points in brackets) into groups < 701 (47), 701–900 (105), 901–1100 (96) and > 1100 (59) µmol/L. The majority of sampling points had values greater than 900 µmol/L. sPHE increased with increasing sTYR (p < 0.001). Tyrosine, HPPA and HPLA in serum and TBW all increased with rising sTYR (p < 0.001), while HPLA/TYR ratio decreased (p < 0.0001). During NIT therapy, adaptive response to minimise TYR formation was demonstrated. Decreased conversion of HPPA to HPLA, relative to TYR, seems to be most influential in determining the degree of tyrosinaemia.
Transformer and group parallel axial attention co-encoder for medical image segmentation
Authors: Li Chaoqun , Wang Liejun , Li Yongming
Published: September 2022

U-Net has become baseline standard in the medical image segmentation tasks, but it has limitations in explicitly modeling long-term dependencies. Transformer has the ability to capture long-term relevance through its internal self-attention. However, Transformer is committed to modeling the correlation of all elements, but its awareness of local foreground information is not significant. Since medical images are often presented as regional blocks, local information is equally important. In this paper, we propose the GPA-TUNet by considering local and global information synthetically. Specifically, we propose a new attention mechanism to highlight local foreground information, called group parallel axial attention (GPA). Furthermore, we effectively combine GPA with Transformer in encoder part of model. It can not only highlight the foreground information of samples, but also reduce the negative influence of background information on the segmentation results. Meanwhile, we introduced the sMLP block to improve the global modeling capability of network. Sparse connectivity and weight sharing are well achieved by applying it. Extensive experiments on public datasets confirm the excellent performance of our proposed GPA-TUNet. In particular, on Synapse and ACDC datasets, mean DSC(%) reached 80.37% and 90.37% respectively, mean HD95(mm) reached 20.55 and 1.23 respectively.
DNA walking system integrated with enzymatic cleavage reaction for sensitive surface plasmon resonance detection of miRNA
Authors: Chen Sijia , He Yuhan , Liu Lin , Wang Jianxiu , Yi Xinyao
Published: September 2022

Abnormal expression levels of miRNA are associated with various tumor diseases, for example, glioma tumors are characterized by the up-regulation of miRNA-182. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay for miRNA-182 from glioma patients was performed via DNA walking amplification strategy. The duplex between aminated swing arm DNA (swDNA) and block DNA (blDNA), and aminated track DNA (trDNA) with a biotin tag were tethered on the poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-modified chips. Upon formation of miRNA/blDNA duplex, the SPR signal decreased with the walking process of swDNA, as the biotinylated fragment of trDNA (biotin-TTGGAGT) was detached from the sensor surface caused by the nicking endonuclease Nb.BbvCI. Such a repeated hybridization and cleavage cycle occurred continuously and the detachment of more biotinylated fragments of trDNA from the chips led to the attachment of fewer streptavidin (SA) molecules and then smaller SPR signals. MiRNA-182 with concentrations ranging from 5.0 fM to 1.0 pM could be readily determined and a detection limit of 0.62 fM was achieved. The proposed method was highly selective and possessed remarkable capability for evaluating the expression levels of miRNA-182 in serum samples from healthy donors and glioma patients. The sensing protocol holds great promise for early diagnosis of cancer patients.
Application of an improved naive Bayesian analysis for the identification of air leaks in boreholes in coal mines
Authors: Pan Hong-yu , He Sui-nan , Zhang Tian-jun , Song Shuang , Wang Kang
Published: September 2022

Borehole extraction is the basic method used for control of gases in coal mines. The quality of borehole sealing determines the effectiveness of gas extraction, and many influential factors result in different types of borehole leaks. To accurately identify the types of leaks from boreholes, characteristic parameters, such as gas concentration, flow rate and negative pressure, were selected, and new indexes were established to identify leaks. A model based on an improved naive Bayes framework was constructed for the first time in this study, and it was applied to analyse and identify boreholes in the 229 working face of the Xiashijie Coal Mine. Eight features related to single hole sealing sections were taken as parameters, and 144 training samples from 18 groups of real-time monitoring time series data and 96 test samples from 12 groups were selected to verify the accuracy and speed of the model. The results showed that the model eliminated strong correlations between the original characteristic parameters, and it successfully identified the leakage conditions and categories of 12 boreholes. The identification rate of the new model was 98.9%, and its response time was 0.0020 s. Compared with the single naive Bayes algorithm model, the identification rate was 31.8% better, and performance was 55% faster. The model developed in this study fills a gap in the use of algorithms to identify types of leaks in boreholes, provides a theoretical basis and accurate guidance for the evaluation of the quality of the sealing of boreholes and borehole repairs, and supports the improved use of boreholes to extract gases from coal mines.
Band structures and scattering properties of the simplest one-dimensional $${\mathscr {P}}{\mathscr {T}}$$-symmetric photonic crystal
Authors: Wang Tiecheng , Gou Xiang
Published: September 2022

We elucidate the band structures and scattering properties of the simplest one-dimensional parity–time ($${\mathscr {P}}{\mathscr {T}}$$

P
T

)-symmetric photonic crystal. Its unit cell comprises one gain layer and one balanced loss layer. Herein, the analytic expressions of the band structures and scattering properties are derived, and based on these relations, we reveal and explain the following phenomena: Exceptional point pairs appear from Brillouin boundaries at a nonzero non-Hermiticity. With an increase in non-Hermiticity, each of these pairs moves toward the Brillouin center, finally coalescing into a single point at the Brillouin center at a critical non-Hermiticity value. Near the exceptional point, singular scattering is observed and explained. This refers to the phenomenon whereby transmittances and reflectances for left and right incidences reach exceptionally large values simultaneously. Moreover, these are infinite at some discrete points at which poles and zeros of the scattering matrix are attained. In forbidden gaps, unidirectional weak visibility, where transmittances are zero, is disclosed and analyzed: specifically, the reflectance for incidence from one side is very large, whereas that for incidence from the other side is very small. In this phenomenon, the eigenstates of the scattering matrix are the incident waves from the left and right sides, and their eigenvalues are the corresponding reflectances. Our results are important as new functional optical devices can potentially be developed by utilizing these novel phenomena.
Blood–brain barrier opening in a large animal model using closed-loop microbubble cavitation-based feedback control of focused ultrasound sonication
Authors: Chien Chih-Yen , Xu Lu , Pacia Christopher Pham , Yue Yimei , Chen Hong
Published: September 2022

Focused ultrasound (FUS) in combination with microbubbles has been established as a promising technique for noninvasive and localized Blood–brain barrier (BBB) opening. Real-time passive cavitation detection (PCD)-based feedback control of the FUS sonication is critical to ensure effective BBB opening without causing hemorrhage. This study evaluated the performance of a closed-loop feedback controller in a porcine model. Calibration of the baseline cavitation level was performed for each targeted brain location by a FUS sonication in the presence of intravenously injected microbubbles at a low acoustic pressure without inducing BBB opening. The target cavitation level (TCL) was defined for each target based on the baseline cavitation level. FUS treatment was then performed under real-time PCD-based feedback controller to maintain the cavitation level at the TCL. After FUS treatment, contrast-enhanced MRI and ex vivo histological staining were performed to evaluate the BBB permeability and safety. Safe and effective BBB opening was achieved with the BBB opening volume increased from 3.8 ± 0.7 to 53.6 ± 23.3 mm3 as the TCL was increased from 0.25 to 1 dB. This study validated that effective and safe FUS-induced BBB opening in a large animal model can be achieved with closed-loop feedback control of the FUS sonication.
An automatic whole blood analyzer for renal function analysis with a centrifugal microfluidic device
Authors: Wang Chuang , Fu Yusheng , Guo Jiuchuan , Guo Jinhong
Published: September 2022

The centrifugal microfluidic system for whole blood creatinine detection.
Short term, low dose alpha-ketoglutarate based polymeric nanoparticles with methotrexate reverse rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in mice and modulate T helper cell responses
Authors: Mangal Joslyn L. , Inamdar Sahil , Suresh Abhirami P. , Jaggarapu Madhan Mohan Chandra Sekhar , Esrafili Arezoo , Ng Nathan D. , Acharya Abhinav P.
Published: September 2022

Suppressive T cells induce anti-inflammatory responses in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) which then reverse inflammation of the joints.
Ligand-based drug repurposing strategy identified SARS-CoV-2 RNA G-quadruplex binders
Authors: Moraca Federica , Marzano Simona , D'Amico Francesco , Lupia Antonio , Di Fonzo Silvia , Vertecchi Eleonora , Salvati Erica , Di Porzio Anna , Catalanotti Bruno , Randazzo Antonio , Pagano Bruno , Amato Jussara
Published: September 2022

Ligand-based virtual screening and biophysical techniques have been used to identify FDA approved drugs able to bind and stabilize SARS-CoV-2 G-quadruplex-forming RNA and to provide the molecular basis of the interactions.
Unraveling the superior aqueous Na-ion storage in a multicyano-substituted phenazine-based electrode material
Authors: He Jing , Wang Renyuan , Li Lingyun , Zhao Liping , Shi Minjie , Yan Chao
Published: September 2022

A novel cyano-substituted diquinoxalino-phenazine (CDPZ) organic compound was prepared and integrated with graphene to create a heterostructured electrode material for aqueous Na-ion batteries.
A universal rolling circle amplification for label-free and highly specific nucleic acid sensing
Authors: Sun Mengxu , Liu Birong , Li Tong , Li Chunrong , Duan Wen-Jun , Xie Baoping , Li Min-Min , Chen Jin-Xiang , Dai Zong , Chen Jun
Published: September 2022

A universal rolling circle amplification was proposed for label-free and highly specific nucleic acid sensing.
Ligand-ligated Ni–Al bimetallic catalysis for C–H and C–C bond activation
Authors: Luan Yu-Xin , Ye Mengchun
Published: September 2022

Ligand-ligated Ni–Al bimetallic catalysis not only affects electronic and steric property of substrates, but also produces strong directing effect for facile control of reactivity and selectivity in the activation of C–H and C–C bonds.
Carbon doping endows silicon oxide with enhanced redox kinetics of polysulfides
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Ao Ranxiao , Gao Ruijie , Yang Huaming
Published: September 2022

Carbon atoms partially substitute O atoms to form Si–C bonds by carbon doping, and can manipulate the localized electronic states of SiO2 and promote the catalytic conversion of polysulfides, thus improving the electrochemical performance of Li–S batteries.
Homogeneous catalysis of dioxygen reduction by molecular Mn complexes
Authors: Cook Emma N. , Machan Charles W.
Published: September 2022

Relative to other first-row transition metals, Mn is underrepresented as a homogeneous catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction. Here, known examples are analyzed and new strategies are proposed for developing additional Mn-based catalysts.