bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low‐density lipoproteins, resveratrol and quercetin as alternative additives to improve boar semen cooling
Authors: González Darío , Rojas Mauricio , Rojano Benjamín , Restrepo Giovanni
Published: August 2023

Low‐density lipoproteins (LDL), quercetin (Q) and resveratrol (R) have been used for sperm preservation to improve sperm quality in different species. To evaluate the effects of LDL, Q and R during the cooling of boar semen. Fifteen boar semen samples were diluted in a BTS extender supplemented with the treatments: LDL at 6%, Q at 10 μM (Q10), 30 μM (Q30) and 50 μM (Q50), or R at 10 μM (R10), 30 μM (R30) and 50 μM. A control without supplementation was included. The semen was stored by cooling at 16°C for 96 h. Every 24 h, sperm motility and kinetics were evaluated using a computer‐assisted sperm analyzer (IVOS). At 24 and 96 h of cooling, functional membrane integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨM) of sperm were evaluated by the hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST) an flow cytometry with JC‐1 probe, respectively, LDL improved progressive motility of sperm during cooling. Likewise, LDL increased average path velocity (VAP) and straight‐line velocity (VSL) and/or curvilinear velocity (VCL) during the first 48 h of cooling. The use of Q between 10 and 30 μM caused a reduction in total motility, progressive motility and amplitude of the lateral head displacement during the entire cooling period, as well as a decrease in VAP, VSL and VCL at 96 h of cooling. LDL, Q10, Q30 and Q50 modulated mitochondrial activity by reducing high‐ΔΨM sperm at 0 and 96 h of cooling. During the cooling of the boar semen prior to artificial insemination, the parameters of sperm quality that could influence fertility decrease; however, the inclusion of antioxidants and additives that protect the plasma membrane, such as LDL, could mitigate the damaging effects on spermatozoa. It is concluded that LDL can improve the motility and kinetics of boar semen during cooling while it could modulating the sperm's mitochondrial activity. On the contrary, Q could alter the motility and kinetics of boar sperm during the cooling period.
Why do U.S. conservatives take fewer COVID‐19 precautions? The role of worry, perceived risk, and governmental trust
Authors: Helweg‐Larsen Marie , Peterson Laurel M. , DiMuccio Sarah H.
Published: August 2023

Research suggests a U.S. political ideology gap for taking COVID‐19 precautions, but we do not know the role of cognitive risk (assessed here as perceived risk) and affective risk (assessed here as worry) in explaining why conservative Americans participated in fewer recommended precautions (e.g., mask wearing) and whether governmental trust attenuates the effect. We predicted that conservatives (compared with liberals) would take fewer precautions because they thought they were less at risk and were less worried about COVID‐19, but that this would be more pronounced for those with low governmental trust. In this study, U.S. adults (representative sample: N = 738; Mage = 46.8; 52% women; 78% white) who had not had COVID‐19 took two online surveys 2 weeks apart during the first wave of the pandemic (April 2020). Participants reported ideology, perceived risk of getting or dying of COVID‐19, worry about COVID‐19, and trust in the CDC and state officials at baseline. At follow‐up, participants reported on COVID‐19 precautions: (1) prevention behavior participation (e.g., mask wearing) and (2) behavioral willingness for future behaviors (e.g., vaccination). Results showed that, politically conservative Americans took fewer precautions due to lower worry (but unexpectedly not due to lower perceived risk). As predicted, when trust was high, the ideology gap was muted for predicting precautions as well as for predicting perceived risk and worry. In sum, conservatives worried less about COVID‐19 which predicted fewer precautions, but trust in governmental institutions reduced this ideological gap. Improving governmental trust could be one fruitful path to increasing COVID‐19 precautions.
Exploring the Impact of Sensor Location on Seismocardiography-Derived Cardiac Time Intervals
Authors: Mann Aysha J. , Gamage Peshala Thibbotuwawa , Kakavand Bahram , Taebi Amirtahà
Published: August 2023

Cardiac time intervals (CTIs) are important parameters for evaluating cardiac function and can be measured noninvasively through electrocardiography (ECG) and seismocardiography (SCG). SCG signals exhibit distinct spectrotemporal characteristics when acquired from various locations on the chest. Thus, this study aimed to explore how SCG measurement location affects the estimation of SCG-based CTIs. ECG and SCG signals were acquired from 14 healthy adults, with three accelerometers placed on the top, middle, and bottom of the sternum. A custom-built algorithm was developed to estimate heart rates (HRs) from ECG (HRECG) and SCG (HRSCG) signals. Moreover, SCG fiducial points and CTIs, including aortic valve opening and closure, R-R interval, pre-ejection period, left ventricular ejection time, and electromechanical systole, were estimated from the SCG signals at different sternal locations. The average and correlation coefficient (R2) of the CTIs and HRs derived from all three locations were compared, along with the analysis of mean differences for the CTIs and their corresponding sensor locations. The results indicated strong correlations between HRECG and HRSCG, with average R2 values of 0.9930, 0.9968, and 0.9790 for the top, middle, and bottom sternal locations, respectively. Additionally, the study demonstrated that SCG-based CTIs varied depending on the SCG measurement locations. In conclusion, these findings underscore the importance of establishing consistent protocols for reporting CTIs based on SCG. Furthermore, they call for further investigation to compare estimated CTIs with gold-standard methods like echocardiography to identify the best SCG measurement location for accurate CTI estimations.
A Robust Model-Based Strategy for Real-Time Fault Detection and Diagnosis in an Electro-Hydraulic Actuator Using Updated Interactive Multiple Model Smooth Variable Structure Filter
Authors: Saeedzadeh Ahsan , Habibi Saeid , Alavi Marjan , Setoodeh Peyman
Published: August 2023

In industries where harsh environments and stringent safety requirements are prevalent, the widespread use of applications has made it essential to focus on fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) in hydraulic actuators. To achieve this, model-based FDD techniques are utilized, which employ estimation tools like observers and filters. However, for many applications, particularly in fluid power systems, observability, and parameter uncertainty pose constraints to extracting information and estimating parameters. To address these issues, an efficient form of interactive multiple model (IMM), called updated IMM (UIMM), is applied to an electro-hydraulic actuator (EHA) to detect and isolate persisting friction and leakage faults. UIMM method progresses through a series of models that correspond to the fault condition's progression instead of considering all models at once (as is done in IMM). This reduces the number of models running simultaneously, providing two significant benefits: enhanced computational efficiency and avoidance of the combinatorial explosion. The smooth variable structure filter with variable boundary layer (SVSF-VBL) is used for state and parameter estimation in conjunction with UIMM. SVSF-VBL is a reliable suboptimal estimation method that performs better than the Kalman filter regarding uncertainties related to the system and modeling. The performance of the UIMM method is validated by the simulation of fault conditions for a typical EHA. A fault tolerable control system (FTCS) has been designed to demonstrate the use of the proposed FDD strategy for fault management in a closed-loop system.
Public Open Spaces and Leisure-Time Walking: A Longitudinal Study With Brazilian People in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Florindo Alex Antonio , Onita Bianca Mitie , Knebel Margarethe Thaisi Garro , Wanderley Júnior Rildo de Souza , Teixeira Inaian Pignatti , Turrell Gavin
Published: August 2023

Aim: To examine whether changes in public open spaces (POS) were associated with leisure-time walking (LTW) between 2014 and 2021. Methods: The sample comprised a prospective cohort of individuals living in São Paulo City, Brazil. The baseline sample was collected in 2014/2015 (4042 people aged 12 y or older) and the second wave in 2020/2021 (1431 people aged 18 y or older, 35.4% of total). Changes in POS scores in 500-m network buffers were based on household address, including positive or negative maintenance and increases or decreases in parks, public squares, and bike paths between 2015 and 2020. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to evaluate LTW in the baseline and second wave. To examine the association of LTW with changes in POS, we used multilevel models in 4 levels: health administration areas, census tracts, individuals, and observations of individuals. The exposure was the POS tertiles, and the outcome was LTW. Results: Changes in LTW prevalence were observed in both periods and according to POS tertiles distributions. When adjusted for time (baseline/second wave), gender, education, and age, the highest POS tertile was significantly associated with a high likelihood for LTW (odds ratio = 1.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–2.02). Conclusion: The results showed that people in São Paulo who lived within 500-m buffers with the highest access to POS were more likely to practice LTW between 2014/2015 and 2020/2021. These results have important implications for policies that were implemented in 2014, including the New Master Plan to contribute to São Paulo’s good ranking among healthy cities.
Extracting resources from abandoned mines
Authors: Bao Zhongwen , Ptacek Carol J. , Blowes David W.
Published: August 2023

Recovering minerals and metals from abandoned mines could aid decarbonization
Myth of Alaskan city’s immunity to tsunamis dispelled
Authors: Elliott Christian
Published: August 2023

Lucky low tide helped Anchorage dodge catastrophic 1964 tsunami, first analysis of location’s risk finds
Alcanivorax borkumensis
biofilms enhance oil degradation by interfacial tubulation
Authors: Prasad M. , Obana N. , Lin S.-Z. , Zhao S. , Sakai K. , Blanch-Mercader C. , Prost J. , Nomura N. , Rupprecht J.-F. , Fattaccioli J. , Utada A. S.
Published: August 2023

During the consumption of alkanes,
Alcanivorax borkumensis
will form a biofilm around an oil droplet, but the role this plays during degradation remains unclear. We identified a shift in biofilm morphology that depends on adaptation to oil consumption: Longer exposure leads to the appearance of dendritic biofilms optimized for oil consumption effected through tubulation of the interface. In situ microfluidic tracking enabled us to correlate tubulation to localized defects in the interfacial cell ordering. We demonstrate control over droplet deformation by using confinement to position defects, inducing dimpling in the droplets. We developed a model that elucidates biofilm morphology, linking tubulation to decreased interfacial tension and increased cell hydrophobicity.
Create a culture of experiments in environmental programs
Authors: Ferraro Paul J. , Cherry Todd L. , Shogren Jason F. , Vossler Christian A. , Cason Timothy N. , Flint Hilary Byerly , Hochard Jacob P. , Johansson-Stenman Olof , Martinsson Peter , Murphy James J. , Newbold Stephen C. , Thunström Linda , van Soest Daan , van ’t Veld Klaas , Dannenberg Astrid , Loewenstein George F. , van Boven Leaf
Published: August 2023

Organizations need a better “learning by doing” approach
The volatilome reveals microcystin concentration, microbial composition, and oxidative stress in a critical Oregon freshwater lake
Authors: Collart Lindsay , Jiang Duo , Halsey Kimberly H.
Published: August 2023

Toxins produced by cyanobacterial blooms in freshwater lakes are a serious public health problem. The conditions leading to toxin production are unpredictable, thereby requiring expensive sampling and monitoring programs globally. We explored the potential of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to indicate microcystin presence and concentration and microbial community composition in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon. Elastic net regularization regression selected 24 of 229 detected
m/z +
1 values (corresponding to unique VOCs) in models predicting microcystin contamination. These models outperformed regression models based only on environmental parameters, including chlorophyll, pH, and temperature. Several
m/z +
1 values selected by elastic net were putatively identified as saturated fatty aldehydes, which defend cyanobacteria against oxidative stress. Elastic net also identified unique sets of
m/z +
1 values that predicted the relative abundance of the dominant bacterial phyla, classes, and cyanobacterial genera. VOCs appear to reveal the physiological status of cyanobacteria during toxic blooms and may be a key component of lake monitoring strategies.

IMPORTANCE

Harmful algal blooms are among the most significant threats to drinking water safety. Blooms dominated by cyanobacteria can produce potentially harmful toxins and, despite intensive research, toxin production remains unpredictable. We measured gaseous molecules in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, over 2 years and used them to predict the presence and concentration of the cyanotoxin, microcystin, and microbial community composition. Subsets of gaseous compounds were identified that are associated with microcystin production during oxidative stress, pointing to ecosystem-level interactions leading to microcystin contamination. Our approach shows potential for gaseous molecules to be harnessed in monitoring critical waterways.
Dermatomyositis: a debilitating paraneoplastic phenomenon following a diagnosis of localised squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix
Authors: Floyd-Ellis Victoria , Taylor Alexandra
Published: August 2023

This case report describes the management of a patient, recently diagnosed with Stage IIIC cervical cancer, presenting with significant proximal muscle weakness, dysphagia and cutaneous changes over the hands, knees and outer thighs bilaterally. Following multiple investigations, this clinical presentation was proven to be dermatomyositis as a paraneoplastic phenomenon, a rare diagnosis with cervical cancer.

Improvement of the presenting symptoms followed commencement of radical chemoradiation to the primary tumour plus administration of high dose steroids and intravenous immunoglobulins.

As demonstrated in this case, and accompanying literature review, dermatomyositis is a rare complication of cervical cancer but should be considered as urgent treatment of the underlying malignancy is imperative. Involving members of the multidisciplinary team, including dieticians and physiotherapists, is of utmost importance to optimise the patient’s recovery from such a debilitating diagnosis.
Reversible myelofibrosis secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Rama Krishna Reddy Murali Mohan , Boloor Archith , Thomas Nikhil Kenny
Published: August 2023

Pancytopenia due to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is rarely reported, and among those reported, it is mostly due to immunologically mediated cell destruction. Pancytopenia due to bone marrow fibrosis secondary to SLE is an extremely rare entity. Myelofibrosis secondary to SLE per se is reported only in 21 cases in the literature. Ours probably is the 22nd case report on SLE with myelofibrosis. Primary presentation of SLE with bleeding manifestation is also a rare phenomenon. Partial to complete regression of myelofibrosis is noted following treatment in secondary myelofibrosis caused by SLE. We report a case of a woman in her late 40s who presented to us with bleeding manifestations of petechial rash and menorrhagia, which on further evaluation showed pancytopenia due to myelofibrosis secondary to SLE. Our case underlines multiple features like primary bleeding manifestation and regression of myelofibrosis following treatment which is rarely reported in association with SLE.
Targeting sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 3 inhibits T-cell exhaustion and regulates recruitment of proinflammatory macrophages to improve antitumor efficacy of CAR-T cells against solid tumor
Authors: Gao Ge , Liao Weiting , Shu Pei , Ma Qizhi , He Xia , Zhang Benxia , Qin Diyuan , Wang Yongsheng
Published: August 2023

Backgrounds

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells (CAR-T) are limited in solid tumors due to the hostile tumor microenvironment (TME). Combination therapy could be a promising approach to overcome this obstacle. Recent studies have shown that sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor (S1PR)3 has tremendous potential in regulating the immune environment. However, the functional significance of S1PR3 in T-cell-based immunotherapies and the molecular mechanisms have not been fully understood.

Methods

Here, we studied the combination of EpCAM-specific CAR T-cell therapy with pharmacological blockade of S1PR3 against solid tumor. We have applied RNA sequencing, flow cytometry, ELISA, cellular/molecular immunological technology, and mouse models of solid cancers.

Results

Our study provided evidence that S1PR3 high expression is positively associated with resistance to programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1)-based immunotherapy and increased T-cell exhaustion. In addition, pharmacological inhibition of S1PR3 improves the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy. Next, we explored the possible combination of S1PR3 antagonist with murine EpCAM-targeted CAR-T cells in immunocompetent mouse models of breast cancer and colon cancer. The results indicated that the S1PR3 antagonist could significantly enhance the efficacy of murine EpCAM CAR-T cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, the S1PR3 antagonist improved CAR-T cell activation, regulated the central memory phenotype, and reduced CAR-T cell exhaustion in vitro. Targeting S1PR3 was shown to remodel the TME through the recruitment of proinflammatory macrophages by promoting macrophage activation and proinflammatory phenotype polarization, resulting in improved CAR-T cell infiltration and amplified recruitment of CD8+T cells.

Conclusions

This work demonstrated targeting S1PR3 could increase the antitumor activities of CAR-T cell therapy at least partially by inhibiting T-cell exhaustion and remodeling the TME through the recruitment of proinflammatory macrophages. These findings provided additional rationale for combining S1PR3 inhibitor with CAR-T cells for the treatment of solid tumor.
River ice modelling for hydropower operations at Albeni Falls Dam, Idaho
Authors: Engel Chandler , Giovando Jeremy , Daly Steven
Published: August 2023

This paper presents a method to quantitatively assess the impact of ice-affected hydraulics on hydropower operations using the widely used Hydrologic Engineering Center River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) hydraulic model. The model was used to identify historical periods where downstream river ice growth reduced the net head on a US Army Corps of Engineers dam on the Pend Oreille River in Idaho, USA. The model was used to create curves of projected stage impacts based on border-ice and continuous bank-to-bank ice formation scenarios. The temperature modelling capabilities in HEC-RAS were used to hindcast ice formation periods on the river that were validated with shore-based webcam data. These results provide a framework that can be applied to other rivers with hydropower generation, particularly sites where an open-water HEC-RAS model exists.
Automation for Network Security Configuration: State of the Art and Research Trends
Authors: Bringhenti Daniele , Marchetto Guido , Sisto Riccardo , Valenza Fulvio
Published: August 2023

The size and complexity of modern computer networks are progressively increasing, as a consequence of novel architectural paradigms such as the Internet of Things and network virtualization. Consequently, a manual orchestration and configuration of network security functions is no more feasible in an environment where cyber attacks can dramatically exploit breaches related to any minimum configuration error. A new frontier is then the introduction of automation in network security configuration, i.e., automatically designing the architecture of security services and the configurations of network security functions, such as firewalls, Virtual Private Networks gateways, and so on. This opportunity has been enabled by modern computer networks technologies, such as virtualization. In view of these considerations, the motivations for the introduction of automation in network security configuration are first introduced, along with the key automation enablers. Then, the current state of the art in this context is surveyed, focusing on both the achieved improvements and the current limitations. Finally, possible future trends in the field are illustrated.
Characterizing the metabolic response of the zebrafish kidney to overfeeding
Authors: Zeitler Evan M. , Li Yuanyuan , Schroder Madison , Falk Ronald J. , Sumner Susan
Published: August 2023

Obesity causes systemic metabolic dysfunction, but how this affects kidney metabolism is less understood. This study used ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry to analyze the kidneys of overfed zebrafish. Metabolites in the kidneys of obese zebrafish revealed perturbations in metabolic pathways including glycolysis and tryptophan metabolism. These data suggest obesity alters metabolism within the kidney, which may play an important role in obesity-related kidney dysfunction.
Structural Characterization and Antifatigue Activity of a Novel Exopolysaccharide Isolated from Marasmius androsaceus
Authors: Du Peng , Li Nan , Wang Junqing , Li Piwu , Song Jia , Geng Xiaoqi , Zhang Ziyang , Yang Shuai , Wang Ruiming
Published: August 2023

This study aimed at examining the structure-role modeling and antifatigue mechanism of polysaccharides, including M. androsaceus exopolysaccharide 3 (MEPS3), isolated from Marasmius androsaceus fermentation broth. The molecular weight of MEPS3 was 10.47 kDa. Furthermore, monosaccharide analysis showed the presence of mannose, glucose, and galactose in MEPS3 in a molar ratio of 0.08 : 0.34 : 1.46. Mannose, α-galactose, and α-d-glucose anomeric hydrogen signals were detected using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. MEPS3 was found to contain glyoxylic acid, forming rod-like chains that support high-purity polymerization. The weight-loaded swimming test results showed that MEPS3 treatment reduced lactic acid (LA) levels by 25.72% and increased the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity by 5.67% in the plasma. Furthermore, it lowered malondialdehyde (MDA) levels by 47.09% and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels by 52.42 and 97.03%, respectively, in the plasma. In addition, MEPS3 treatment reduced MDA and ROS levels in the liver by 28.85 and 18.64% while increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and GSH-Px levels by 17.41 and 38.13%, respectively. MEPS3 treatment increased the expression of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2, glutamate-cysteine ligase, quinone oxidoreductase 1, and heme oxygenase 1 by 22.5, 24.8, 20.3, and 43.1%, respectively, in the liver. These findings demonstrate that MEPS3 effectively alleviates fatigue by removing harmful metabolites and indicate that the antifatigue mechanism is related to the Nrf-2 signaling pathway.
A Clinic-Radiomics Model for Predicting the Incidence of Persistent Organ Failure in Patients with Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis
Authors: Liu Nan , Wan Yidong , Tong Yifan , He Jie , Xu Shufeng , Hu Xi , Luo Chen , Xu Lei , Guo Feng , Shen Bo , Yu Hong
Published: August 2023

Background. Persistent organ failure (POF) is the leading cause of death in patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP). Although several risk factors have been identified, there remains a lack of efficient instruments to accurately predict the incidence of POF in ANP. Methods. Retrospectively, the clinical and imaging data of 178 patients with ANP were collected from our database, and the patients were divided into training (

n
=
125

) and validation (

n
=
53

) cohorts. Through computed tomography image acquisition, the volume of interest segmentation, and feature extraction and selection, a pure radiomics model in terms of POF prediction was established. Then, a clinic-radiomics model integrating the pure radiomics model and clinical risk factors was constructed. Both primary and secondary endpoints were compared between the high- and low-risk groups stratified by the clinic-radiomics model. Results. According to the 547 selected radiomics features, four models were derived from features. A clinic-radiomics model in the training and validation sets showed better predictive performance than pure radiomics and clinical models. The clinic-radiomics model was evaluated by the ratios of intervention and mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit (ICU) stays, and hospital stays. The results showed that the high-risk group had significantly higher intervention rates, ICU stays, and hospital stays than the low-risk group, with the confidence interval of 90% (

p
<
0.1

for all). Conclusions. This clinic-radiomics model is a useful instrument for clinicians to evaluate the incidence of POF, facilitating patients’ and their families’ understanding of the ANP prognosis.
Diagnosing and Managing Linear Scleroderma in a Low-Resource Setting
Authors: Luch Sreyleak , Men Pauravy , Fischer Gwenyth , Wu Andrew
Published: August 2023

Background. Linear scleroderma is one of the five forms of scleroderma, but it is the most common form of localized scleroderma in childhood. If left untreated, it can lead to severe disfigurement and functional impairment. The typical appearance is a linear streak with cutaneous induration on the face or head in association with various ophthalmological and neurological signs and symptoms. Treatment typically includes corticosteroids and/or methotrexate with life-long monitoring for recurrence. Case Presentation. A 12-year-old girl presented to our clinic in northern rural Cambodia with a history of a linear streak on her forehead that was growing down her nasal bridge. She denied any tenderness or family history of rheumatic disease. Her history was significant for strabismus as a child. A visiting pediatric rheumatologist assisted us with the appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan. Conclusion. In our case report, we present a child with linear scleroderma who fortunately came to medical attention early and received appropriate treatment before the onset of complications. She was treated with systemic immunosuppression as well as topical steroids. After treatment, she had no further progression on her face and continued to follow up with us to monitor for disease activity. To summarize, linear scleroderma is an uncommon diagnosis for general pediatricians and should be recognized early to provide appropriate treatment and follow-up.
Development of Durian Rind/Polypyrrole Composite and Its Application in Removing of Anionic Dyes
Authors: Wang Yan , Dai Zijing , Zha Jiaqi , Wei Wenqing
Published: August 2023

In this study, polypyrrole (PPy) was introduced into durian rind (DR) by in situ polymerization method to prepare durian rind/polypyrrole (DR/PPy) composite. The resulting material was characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), infrared spectroscopy (IRS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Then, the removing performance of the DR/PPy material for anionic dyes was explored. The impact of key variables such as the amount of adsorbent, initial dye concentration, pH, adsorption temperature, and contacting time on the adsorption efficiency was examined. The result disclosed that the adsorption efficiency of DR/PPy for methyl orange, sunset yellow, and amaranth was satisfactory. In pH of 7, initial concentration of 100  μg mL-1, and DR/PPy dosage of 1.5 g L-1, the removal efficiency reached 97.31%, 98.48%, and 98.20%, respectively. The adsorptive kinetics and thermodynamic process were analyzed subsequently. The adsorption of anionic dyes on DR/PPy conforms to the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models with maximum adsorption capacity ([Formula: see text]) of 193.05, 171.23, and 147.71 mg g-1 for methyl orange, sunset yellow, and amaranth, respectively. Finally, a possible mechanism involved in the adsorption system was put forward. This study implies a reasonable feasibility for the effective utilization of waste to control the pollution.
Prognostic Factors and a Predictive Nomogram of Cancer-Specific Survival of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Patients with Pelvic Exenteration Treatment
Authors: Wang Ting , Fu Xin , Zhang Lei , Liu Shuna , Tao Ziqi , Wang Fang
Published: August 2023

Objective. The aim of this study was to explore prognostic factors, develop and internally validate a prognostic nomogram model, and predict the cancer-specific survival (CCS) of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients with pelvic exenteration (PE) treatment. Methods. A total of 454 EOC patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were collected according to the inclusion criteria and randomly divided into the training (n = 317) and validation (n = 137) cohorts. Prognostic factors of EOC patients with PE treatment were explored by univariate and multivariate stepwise Cox regression analyses. A predictive nomogram was constructed based on selected risk factors. The predictive power of the constructed nomogram was assessed by the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Kaplan–Meier (KM) curve stratified by patients’ nomoscore was also plotted to assess the risk stratification of the established nomogram. In internal validation, the C index, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were employed to assess the discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility of the models, respectively. Results. In the training cohort, age, histological type, Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, number of examined lymph nodes, and number of positive lymph nodes were found to be independent prognostic factors of postoperative CSS. A practical nomogram model of EOC patients with PE treatment was constructed based on these selected risk factors. Time-dependent ROC curves and KM curves showed the superior predictive capability and excellent clinical stratification of the nomogram in both training and validation cohorts. In the internal validation, the C index, calibration plots, and DCA in the training and validation cohorts confirmed that the nomogram presents a high level of prediction accuracy and clinical applicability. Conclusion. Our nomogram exhibited satisfactory survival prediction and prognostic discrimination. It is a user-friendly tool with high clinical pragmatism for estimating prognosis and guiding the long-term management of EOC patients with PE treatment.
Lower Plasma miR-223 Level Is Associated with Clopidogrel Resistance in Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cheng Hang , Yang Min , Hao Junli , Chen Kejie , Tan Quandan , He Song , Mao Fengkai , Yang Ming , Lin Yapeng , Yang Jie
Published: August 2023

Objectives. To evaluate the relationship between the plasma miR-223 expression level and clopidogrel resistance in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. Methods. We performed a search for publications using online databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Chinese Databases (CNKI database, Weipu database, and Wanfang database) from the inception of the databases to June 18, 2023, to identify studies reporting the relationship between the plasma miR-223 level and clopidogrel resistance in ACS patients. Two researchers independently searched and screened to ensure the consistency of the results and assess the quality of the included studies according to the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. A fixed-effects model was used for pooling data with STATA 14.0. Results. Four articles including 399 Chinese ACS patients were eligible for the meta-analysis. Low plasma miR-223 levels were independently correlated with clopidogrel resistance in Chinese ACS patients (OR 0.58, 95% CI: 0.33–1.04). Conclusion. Lower plasma miR-223 levels are associated with clopidogrel resistance in Chinese ACS patients, suggesting that miR-223 may be a potential diagnostic biomarker of clopidogrel resistance.
Figure S3 from Activator Protein-1 (AP-1) Signaling Inhibits the Growth of Ewing Sarcoma Cells in Response to DNA Replication Stress
Authors: Croushore Emma E. , Koppenhafer Stacia L. , Goss Kelli L. , Geary Elizabeth L. , Gordon David J.
Published: August 2023

Gene set enrichment analysis.
Figure S1 from Activator Protein-1 (AP-1) Signaling Inhibits the Growth of Ewing Sarcoma Cells in Response to DNA Replication Stress
Authors: Croushore Emma E. , Koppenhafer Stacia L. , Goss Kelli L. , Geary Elizabeth L. , Gordon David J.
Published: August 2023

Dependency of Ewing sarcoma cells on RRM1 and RRM2.
FIGURE 1 from Activator Protein-1 (AP-1) Signaling Inhibits the Growth of Ewing Sarcoma Cells in Response to DNA Replication Stress
Authors: Croushore Emma E. , Koppenhafer Stacia L. , Goss Kelli L. , Geary Elizabeth L. , Gordon David J.
Published: August 2023

Conditional knockout of RRM1 causes cell-cycle arrest, DNA damage, and apoptosis in Ewing sarcoma cells. A, Schematic illustrating the approach used to knockout the endogenous RRM1 gene in Ewing sarcoma cells that express an exogenous and doxycycline-inducible RRM1 transgene that is codon optimized and resistant to targeting by CRISPR/Cas9. B, EW8-TO-RRM1 and EW8-RRM1-KO cells were treated with different concentrations of doxycycline for 72 hours and then cellular lysates were collected for immunoblotting. C, Doxycycline was removed from the EW8-RRM1-KO cells for 24–72 hours and cellular lysates were collected for immunoblotting. D, Growth assay for EW8-RRM1-KO cells with and without doxycycline. Cell viability was assessed at different timepoints using the AlamarBlue Fluorescence Assay. The results are representative of two independent experiments. Error bars represent mean ± SD of three technical replicates. E, Representative cell-cycle analysis of EW8-RRM1-KO cells growing with or without of doxycycline for 48 hours. F, Doxycycline was removed from the EW8-RRM1-KO and TC71-RRM1-KO cell lines for 72 hours and then cellular lysates were collected for immunoblotting. G, Doxycycline was removed from the EW8-RRM1-KO and TC71-RRM1-KO cell lines and lysates were collected at different time points. H, Doxycycline was removed from the EW8-RRM1-KO and TC71-RRM1-KO cell lines for different amounts of time and then dead cells were labeled with propidium iodide and quantified using flow cytometry. I, Colony formation assay for the EW8-RRM1-KO and TC71-RRM1-KO cell lines in the presence or absence of doxycycline for 10–12 days. J, Doxycycline was removed from the EW8-RRM1-KO cell line for 48 hours and then cellular lysates were collected for immunoblotting for markers of DNA replication stress. K, EW8-RRM1-KO cells were grown with or without doxycycline for 24 hours, at which point the cells were treated with vehicle (DMSO), prexasertib (CHK1 inhibitor), or berzosertib (ATR inhibitor) for an additional 24 hours. Cell lysates were then collected for immunoblotting. P values were calculated using a two-tailed Student t test. ****, P < 0.0001.
Repercussões Clínicas da Gameterapia no Manejo do Indivíduo com Fibrose Cística
Authors: Leite Davi Samuel da Silva Lima , Assumpção Maíra Seabra de , Napoleão Letícia de Siqueira , Schivinski Camila Isabel Santos
Published: August 2023

Introdução: A gameterapia (GT) tem sido utilizada como método para estimular a prática de atividade física em indivíduos com fibrose cística (FC), podendo proporcionar melhora no sistema cardiorrespiratório e na adesão ao tratamento. Objetivo: analisar as repercussões clínicas da gameterapia no manejo de pacientes com FC. Métodos: Conduziu-se uma revisão sistemática de literatura nas seguintes bases de dados: PubMed, Embase, Scopus e MEDLINE via Ovid, utilizando-se os descritores:“Cystic fibrosis”,“video games” e seus cognatos, por meio da qual se incluíram estudos que descrevessem as repercussões do uso da GT em indivíduos com FC. Resultados: Foram identificados 293 estudos, sendo 7 selecionados ao final. Em 6 estudos, a frequência cardíaca alcançada durante a GT apresentou se dentro dos padrões recomendados para treinamento. A avaliação do consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2máx) foi realizada em 3 publicações, e este parâmetro apresentou níveis mais elevados em comparação ao identificado no teste de caminhada de seis minutos. Os consoles mais utilizados foram Nintendo Wii TM e Xbox 360 ™ e a intensidade na realização dos exercícios com a GT esteve entre moderada e intensa. A adesão dos indivíduos quanto a esse recurso também foi verificada, e a GT apresentou-se mais aceitável que outros e foi considerada lúdica. Conclusão: a GT se mostra uma intervenção capaz de gerar respostas fisiológicas que correspondem às necessidades de treinamento, além de maior adesão e satisfação dos indivíduos com FC em sua realização.
COVID-19 e o impacto de pacientes diabéticos e obesos durante o confinamento
Authors: Nascimento Iramar Baptistella do , Barboza Erickson Zacharias , Fleig Raquel
Published: August 2023

Objetivo: Identificar os aspectos relacionados à obesidade e ao diabetes de acordo com os fatores clínicos, sociais e as dificuldades de condicionamento físico na rotina de confinamento durante a COVID-19. Métodos: Utilizaramse as bases de dados PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, LILACS, Embase e literatura cinza (Google Scholar). Foi utilizado o PRISMA, e, para análise de risco de viés, o checklist Downs and Black. Para sintetização dos resultados foram estabelecidos dois subtítulos com temas pertinentes ao objetivo da pesquisa. Resultados: Dezessete pesquisas foram incluídas para análise de síntese qualitativa: doze estudos de coorte, quatro de corte transversal e um estudo retrospectivo multicêntrico. Pacientes obesos e diabéticos aumentam as comorbidades quando infectados pela COVID-19, pois ocorre uma interação patológica comprometedora com complicações, como cetoacidose, infecção, hiperosmolaridade alta, dislipidemia e distúrbios psicológicos. Achados científicos apontam para uma maior internação de pessoas obesas em relação a diabéticos em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva (UTI), quando acometidos pelo novo coronavírus. Com a prática desportiva reduzida e a desmotivação advinda do comportamento sedentário, pessoas obesas e/ou diabéticas sugerem prognósticos desfavoráveis à saúde física e mental durante e após o término da pandemia. Conclusão: O entendimento específico sobre a abordagem imunomoduladora e de inibidores enzimáticos é de importância na atenção primária ao paciente. Estratégias com redes multidisciplinares devem acompanhar indivíduos com pré-disposição à obesidade e ao diabetes durante o confinamento social, uma vez que existe uma dificuldade de se manter um controle glicêmico e dislipidêmico que são desfavorecidos pela ansiedade, estresse e ideia de falência econômica.
Entre azulejos, carnes e ruínas: as imagens do Brasil na produção artística de Adriana Varejão
Authors: Rodrigues Leonardo da Silva
Published: August 2023

O texto sugere três vetores de análise da produção artística de Adriana Varejão: a “azulejaria”, a “carne” e a “ruína”. Investiga como Varejão apresenta imagens do Brasil que articulam formas de crítica imanente às dinâmicas de reconhecimento oriundas do processo colonial brasileiro, apontando para caminhos que conduzem à superação dessa condição de subordinação no campo da cultura e da memória.
Causal Role for Neutrophil Elastase in Thoracic Aortic Dissection in Mice
Authors: Yang Mei , Zhou Xinmiao , Pearce Stuart W.A. , Yang Zhisheng , Chen Qishan , Niu Kaiyuan , Liu Chenxin , Luo Jun , Li Dan , Shao Yue , Zhang Cheng , Chen Dan , Wu Qingchen , Cutillas Pedro R. , Zhao Lin , Xiao Qingzhong , Zhang Li
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:

Thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) is a life-threatening aortic disease without effective medical treatment. Increasing evidence has suggested a role for NE (neutrophil elastase) in vascular diseases. In this study, we aimed at investigating a causal role for NE in TAD and exploring the molecular mechanisms involved.

METHODS:

β-aminopropionitrile monofumarate was administrated in mice to induce TAD. NE deficiency mice, pharmacological inhibitor GW311616A, and adeno-associated virus-2–mediated in vivo gene transfer were applied to explore a causal role for NE and associated target gene in TAD formation. Multiple functional assays and biochemical analyses were conducted to unravel the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of NE in TAD.

RESULTS:

NE aortic gene expression and plasma activity was significantly increased during β-aminopropionitrile monofumarate–induced TAD and in patients with acute TAD. NE deficiency prevents β-aminopropionitrile monofumarate–induced TAD onset/development, and GW311616A administration ameliorated TAD formation/progression. Decreased levels of neutrophil extracellular traps, inflammatory cells, and MMP (matrix metalloproteinase)-2/9 were observed in NE-deficient mice. TBL1x (F-box-like/WD repeat-containing protein TBL1x) has been identified as a novel substrate and functional downstream target of NE in TAD. Loss-of-function studies revealed that NE mediated inflammatory cell transendothelial migration by modulating TBL1x-LTA4H (leukotriene A4 hydrolase) signaling and that NE regulated smooth muscle cell phenotype modulation under TAD pathological condition by regulating TBL1x-MECP2 (methyl CpG-binding protein 2) signal axis. Further mechanistic studies showed that TBL1x inhibition decreased the binding of TBL1x and HDAC3 (histone deacetylase 3) to
MECP2
and
LTA4H
gene promoters, respectively. Finally, adeno-associated virus-2–mediated
Tbl1x
gene knockdown in aortic smooth muscle cells confirmed a regulatory role for TBL1x in NE-mediated TAD formation.

CONCLUSIONS:

We unravel a critical role of NE and its target TBL1x in regulating inflammatory cell migration and smooth muscle cell phenotype modulation in the context of TAD. Our findings suggest that the NE-TBL1x signal axis represents a valuable therapeutic for treating high-risk TAD patients.
Female Gene Networks Are Expressed in Myofibroblast-Like Smooth Muscle Cells in Vulnerable Atherosclerotic Plaques
Authors: Diez Benavente Ernest , Karnewar Santosh , Buono Michele , Mili Eloi , Hartman Robin J.G. , Kapteijn Daniek , Slenders Lotte , Daniels Mark , Aherrahrou Redouane , Reinberger Tobias , Mol Barend M. , de Borst Gert J. , de Kleijn Dominique P.V. , Prange Koen H.M. , Depuydt Marie A.C. , de Winther Menno P.J. , Kuiper Johan , Björkegren Johan L.M. , Erdmann Jeanette , Civelek Mete , Mokry Michal , Owens Gary K. , Pasterkamp Gerard , den Ruijter Hester M.
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:

Women presenting with coronary artery disease more often present with fibrous atherosclerotic plaques, which are currently understudied. Phenotypically modulated smooth muscle cells (SMCs) contribute to atherosclerosis in women. How these phenotypically modulated SMCs shape female versus male plaques is unknown.

METHODS:

Gene regulatory networks were created using RNAseq gene expression data from human carotid atherosclerotic plaques. The networks were prioritized based on sex bias, relevance for smooth muscle biology, and coronary artery disease genetic enrichment. Network expression was linked to histologically determined plaque phenotypes. In addition, their expression in plaque cell types was studied at single-cell resolution using single-cell RNAseq. Finally, their relevance for disease progression was studied in female and male

Apoe
−/−

mice fed a Western diet for 18 and 30 weeks.

RESULTS:

Here, we identify multiple sex-stratified gene regulatory networks from human carotid atherosclerotic plaques. Prioritization of the female networks identified 2 main SMC gene regulatory networks in late-stage atherosclerosis. Single-cell RNA sequencing mapped these female networks to 2 SMC phenotypes: a phenotypically modulated myofibroblast-like SMC network and a contractile SMC network. The myofibroblast-like network was mostly expressed in plaques that were vulnerable in women. Finally, the mice ortholog of key driver gene
MFGE8
(milk fat globule EGF and factor V/VIII domain containing) showed retained expression in advanced plaques from female mice but was downregulated in male mice during atherosclerosis progression.

CONCLUSIONS:

Female atherosclerosis is characterized by gene regulatory networks that are active in fibrous vulnerable plaques rich in myofibroblast-like SMCs.
Cardiac Genetic Investigation of Sudden Infant and Early Childhood Death: A Study From Victims to Families
Authors: Kotta Maria‐Christina , Torchio Margherita , Bayliss Pauline , Cohen Marta C. , Quarrell Oliver , Wheeldon Nigel , Marton Tamás , Gentilini Davide , Crotti Lia , Coombs Robert C. , Schwartz Peter J.
Published: August 2023

Background

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of death up to age 1. Sudden unexplained death in childhood (SUDC) is similar but affects mostly toddlers aged 1 to 4. SUDC is rarer than SIDS, and although cardiogenetic testing (molecular autopsy) identifies an underlying cause in a fraction of SIDS, less is known about SUDC.

Methods and Results

Seventy‐seven SIDS and 16 SUDC cases underwent molecular autopsy with 25 definitive‐evidence arrhythmia‐associated genes. In 18 cases, another 76 genes with varying degrees of evidence were analyzed. Parents were offered cascade screening. Double‐blind review of clinical‐genetic data established genotype–phenotype correlations. The yield of likely pathogenic variants in the 25 genes was higher in SUDC than in SIDS (18.8% [3/16] versus 2.6% [2/77], respectively;
P
=0.03), whereas novel/ultra‐rare variants of uncertain significance were comparably represented. Rare variants of uncertain significance and likely benign variants were found only in SIDS. In cases with expanded analyses, likely pathogenic/likely benign variants stemmed only from definitive‐evidence genes, whereas all other genes contributed only variants of uncertain significance. Among 24 parents screened, variant status and phenotype largely agreed, and 3 cases positively correlated for cardiac channelopathies. Genotype–phenotype correlations significantly aided variant adjudication.

Conclusions

Genetic yield is higher in SUDC than in SIDS although, in both, it is contributed only by definitive‐evidence genes. SIDS/SUDC cascade family screening facilitates establishment or dismissal of a diagnosis through definitive variant adjudication indicating that anonymity is no longer justifiable. Channelopathies may underlie a relevant fraction of SUDC. Binary classifications of genetic causality (pathogenic versus benign) could not always be adequate.