bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of APBB1 as a substrate for anaplastic lymphoma kinase
Authors: Suzuki Yuji , Tsubota Shoma , Kadomatsu Kenji , Sakamoto Kazuma
Published: August 2024

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is a well-known oncogene involved in various malignancies such as anaplastic large cell lymphoma, lung cancer and neuroblastoma. Several substrates for fused ALK have been identified and their biological functions have been described. However, the lack of a comprehensive identification of ALK substrates limits our understanding of the biological roles of receptor ALK. Thus, this study aimed to identify novel ALK substrates and characterize their biological functions. We screened the interactors of the kinase domain of receptor ALK using proximity-dependent biotin identification and identified 43 interactors. We narrowed down the candidates by evaluating whether these interactors were downstream of ALK in a neuroblastoma cell line, NB-1. Amongst these, we identified amyloid beta precursor protein-binding family B member 1 (APBB1) as an ALK downstream molecule involved in NB-1 cell viability. Finally, we assessed the kinase-substrate relationship between ALK and APBB1 and found that ALK phosphorylated multiple tyrosine residues in APBB1 both in-cell and in-tube assays, with tyrosine 269 as a major target. In conclusion, we successfully identified a new substrate for receptor ALK. Our results may help further elucidate the molecular mechanism of ALK downstream signalling in neuroblastoma.
Contributions of T Cell Signaling for Wound Healing
Authors: Meng Lingzhang , Tang Qiang , Zhou Wei , Wei Dalong , Zhao Jingjie , Shen Jiajia , Yang Mingyue , He Siyuan , Huang Shaoang , Qin Yujuan , Song Jian , Luo Liangping , Tang Qianli
Published: August 2024

It has long been known that T cells participate in wound healing; however, the landscape of the signaling derived from T cells in the process of wound healing is still enigmatic. With the advantages of scRNA-seq, in combination with immunofluorescent imaging, we identified activated T cells, cytotoxic T cells (CTLs), exhausting T cells, and Tregs existing in the inflammation phase of wound healing. Further analysis revealed each T cell population possess distinguished signals contributed to wound healing, some are critical for improving the wound healing quality. Besides, this study discovered and validated the existence of exhausting T cells among the T cells accumulated in the skin during wound healing, and the molecular mechanism(s) and contribution of exhausting T cells to wound healing deserve extensive studies in the future.
In vivo glycation—interplay between oxidant and carbonyl stress in bone
Authors: Sroga Grażyna E , Vashishth Deepak
Published: August 2024

Metabolic syndromes (eg, obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases) and aging, they all have a strong component of carbonyl and reductive-oxidative (redox) stress. Reactive carbonyl (RCS) and oxidant (ROS) stress species are commonly generated as products or byproducts of cellular metabolism or are derived from the environment. RCS and ROS can play a dual role in living organisms. Some RCS and ROS function as signaling molecules, which control cellular defenses against biological and environmental assaults. However, due to their high reactivity, RCS and ROS inadvertently interact with different cellular and extracellular components, which can lead to the formation of undesired posttranslational modifications of bone matrix proteins. These are advanced glycation (AGEs) and glycoxidation (AGOEs) end products generated in vivo by non-enzymatic amino-carbonyl reactions. In this review, metabolic processes involved in generation of AGEs and AGOEs within and on protein surfaces including extracellular bone matrix are discussed from the perspective of cellular metabolism and biochemistry of certain metabolic syndromes. The impact of AGEs and AGOEs on some characteristics of mineral is also discussed. Different therapeutic approaches with the potential to prevent the formation of RCS, ROS, and the resulting formation of AGEs and AGOEs driven by these chemicals are also briefly reviewed. These are antioxidants, scavenging agents of reactive species, and newly emerging technologies for the development of synthetic detoxifying systems. Further research in the area of in vivo glycation and glycoxidation should lead to the development of diverse new strategies for halting the progression of metabolic complications before irreversible damage to body tissues materializes.
Optimizing microseismic monitoring: a fusion of Gaussian–Cauchy and adaptive weight strategies
Authors: Zhu Wei , Li Zhihui , Su Hang , Liu Lei , Heidari Ali Asghar , Chen Huiling , Liang Guoxi
Published: August 2024

In mining mineral resources, it is vital to monitor the stability of the rock body in real time, reasonably regulate the area of ground pressure concentration, and guarantee the safety of personnel and equipment. The microseismic signals generated by monitoring the rupture of the rock body can effectively predict the rock body disaster, but the current microseismic monitoring technology is not ideal. In order to address the issue of microseismic monitoring in deep wells, this research suggests a machine learning-based model for predicting microseismic phenomena. First, this work presents the random spare, double adaptive weight, and Gaussian–Cauchy fusion strategies as additions to the multi-verse optimizer (MVO) and suggests an enhanced MVO algorithm (RDGMVO). Subsequently, the RDGMVO-Fuzzy K-Nearest Neighbours (RDGMVO-FKNN) microseismic prediction model is presented by combining it with the FKNN classifier. The experimental section compares 12 traditional and recently enhanced algorithms with RDGMVO, demonstrating the latter’s excellent benchmark optimization performance and remarkable improvement effect. Next, the FKNN comparison experiment, the classical classifier experiment, and the microseismic dataset feature selection experiment confirm the precision and stability of the RDGMVO-FKNN model for the microseismic prediction problem. According to the results, the RDGMVO-FKNN model has an accuracy above 89%, indicating that it is a reliable and accurate method for classifying and predicting microseismic occurrences. Code has been available at https://github.com/GuaipiXiao/RDGMVO.
‘Woman-Owned Business’ Labels Enhance Perceived Competence
Authors: Davis Nicole , Kim Tami
Published: August 2024

Gender bias is widely recognized as having negative effects on women in business, including on outcomes such as hiring, promotion, pay, and access to venture capital funding. This study identifies a strategy that women business owners can employ to boost business outcomes. Across five preregistered studies (N = 2585), including a field study, affixing the owner attribute label “woman-owned business” can engender positive business outcomes, including perceptions of business competence and service quality (studies 1 and 2). These effects are driven by an increase in perceptions of the business owner’s agency (study 3). Affixing a gender-based owner attribute label is especially effective in situations that lack other credible cues of competence (study 4) and in industries that are perceived as difficult to succeed in (study 5). The present work advances our understanding of stereotypes, discrimination, and identity in the consumer marketplace, and it offers practical implications for business owners in traditionally marginalized groups who face—and must combat—stereotypes.
Neutral genetic structuring of pathogen populations during rapid adaptation
Authors: Saubin Méline , Stoeckel Solenn , Tellier Aurélien , Halkett Fabien
Published: August 2024

Pathogen species are experiencing strong joint demographic and selective events, especially when they adapt to a new host, for example through overcoming plant resistance. Stochasticity in the founding event and the associated demographic variations hinder our understanding of the expected evolutionary trajectories and the genetic structure emerging at both neutral and selected loci. What would be the typical genetic signatures of such a rapid adaptation event is not elucidated. Here, we build a demogenetic model to monitor pathogen population dynamics and genetic evolution on two host compartments (susceptible and resistant). We design our model to fit two plant pathogen life cycles, “with” and “without” host alternation. Our aim is to draw a typology of eco-evolutionary dynamics. Using time-series clustering, we identify three main scenarios: 1) small variations in the pathogen population size and small changes in genetic structure, 2) a strong founder event on the resistant host that in turn leads to the emergence of genetic structure on the susceptible host, and 3) evolutionary rescue that results in a strong founder event on the resistant host, preceded by a bottleneck on the susceptible host. We pinpoint differences between life cycles with notably more evolutionary rescue “with” host alternation. Beyond the selective event itself, the demographic trajectory imposes specific changes in the genetic structure of the pathogen population. Most of these genetic changes are transient, with a signature of resistance overcoming that vanishes within a few years only. Considering time-series is therefore of utmost importance to accurately decipher pathogen evolution.
Adverse social determinants of health elevate uncontrolled hypertension risk: a cardio-oncology prospective cohort study
Authors: Nain Priyanshu , Stabellini Nickolas , Makram Omar M , Rast Johnathan , Yerraguntla Sandeep , Gopu Gaurav , Bhave Aditya , Seth Lakshya , Patel Vraj , Jiang Stephanie , Malik Sarah , Shetewi Ahmed , Montero Alberto J , Cullen Jennifer , Agarwal Neeraj , Wang Xiaoling , Ky Bonnie , Baldassarre Lauren A , Weintraub Neal L , Harris Ryan A , Guha Avirup
Published: August 2024

The role of social determinants of health (SDOH) in controlling hypertension (HTN) in cancer patients is unknown. We hypothesize that high SDOH scores correlate with uncontrolled HTN in hypertensive cancer patients. In our prospective study, patients completed the Protocol for Responding to & Assessing Patients’ Assets, Risks & Experiences questionnaire. After integrating home and clinic blood pressure readings, uncontrolled HTN was defined as systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg. Using Cox regression, we analyzed the impact of SDOH on HTN control, adjusting for relevant factors. The study involved 318 participants (median age 66.4, median follow-up 166 days, SDOH score 6.5 ± 3.2), with stress, educational insecurity, and social isolation as prevalent adverse SDOH. High SDOH scores led to 77% increased risk of uncontrolled HTN (adjusted hazards ratio = 1.77; 95% confidence interval = 1.10 to 2.83, P = .018). Urban residents with high SDOH scores were at an even greater risk. Identifying SDOH and mitigating underlying factors may help control HTN, the most typical disease process treated in all cardio-oncology clinics.
A Guide to General Principles of Law in International Investment Arbitration
Authors: Dumberry Patrick
Published: August 2024

In recent years there has been a noticeable increase in references by investor–State arbitral tribunals to general principles of law as a source of law, however these references have rarely been accompanied by detailed explanation. This book aims to provide the actors involved in investor–State arbitration with a set of comprehensive guidelines to better understand the nature, meaning, and function of general principles of law in the field of international investment law. Applying these principles to practice, the book assesses seventeen concepts and notions in the field of investment arbitration to provide counsel and arbitrators with clear guidance on what should (and should not) be considered a general principle of law.
Introduction
Authors: Dumberry Patrick
Published: August 2024

This introductory chapter provides an overview of the general principles of law (GPL) in international investment arbitration. Until very recently, scholars had a limited interest with regard to the question of GPL in international investment law. The GPL are important in today's investment arbitration: these rules represent the applicable legal regime of protection in the absence of any bilateral investment treaty (BIT). GPL also continue to play an important role in general international law. This book thus aims to provide the different actors involved in investor–State arbitration as well as other stakeholders with sets of comprehensive guidelines to better understand the nature, the meaning, and the function of GPL in the field of international investment law.
Zero-g wind tunnel experiments on planetesimal erosion
Authors: Schönau Laurent , Teiser Jens , Wurm Gerhard
Published: August 2024

Wind erosion thresholds for planetesimals in protoplanetary discs depend on particle size, cohesion, ambient gas pressure, and gravity. In the experiments reported here, we used a low pressure shear wind tunnel for the first time under real zero gravity. That is, we carried out the experiments in the drop tower in Bremen at $10^{-5} \text{g}$. In concert with earlier work, we confirm the applicability of a single semi-empirical equation to describe the threshold shear stress for wind erosion. It can be applied to calculations of unstable orbits of planetesimals and the dissolution of planetesimals passing through evolving planetary atmospheres.
The detection and characterization of highly magnified stars with JWST: prospects of finding Population III
Authors: Zackrisson Erik , Hultquist Adam , Kordt Aron , Diego Jose M , Nabizadeh Armin , Vikaeus Anton , Meena Ashish Kumar , Zitrin Adi , Volpato Guglielmo , Lundqvist Emma , Welch Brian , Costa Guglielmo , Windhorst Rogier A
Published: August 2024

Gravitational lensing may render individual high-mass stars detectable out to cosmological distances, and several extremely magnified stars have in recent years been detected out to redshifts $z\approx 6$. Here, we present Muspelheim, a model for the evolving spectral energy distributions of both metal-enriched and metal-free stars at high redshifts. Using this model, we argue that lensed stars will form a highly biased sample of the intrinsic distribution of stars across the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram, and that this bias will typically tend to favour the detection of lensed stars in evolved stages characterized by low effective temperatures, even though stars only spend a minor fraction of their lifetimes in such states. We also explore the prospects of detecting individual, lensed metal-free (Population III) stars at high redshifts using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). We find that very massive ($\gtrsim 100\ \mathrm{M}_\odot$) Population III stars at $z\gtrsim 6$ may potentially be detected by JWST in surveys covering large numbers of strong-lensing clusters, provided that the Population III stellar initial mass function is sufficiently top-heavy, that these stars evolve to effective temperatures $\le 15000$ K, and that the cosmic star formation rate density of Pop III stars reaches $\gtrsim 10^{-4}\ \mathrm{M}_\odot$ cMpc$^{-3}$ yr$^{-1}$ at $z\approx 6$–10. Various ways to distinguish metal-free lensed stars from metal-enriched ones are also discussed.
Testing the transferability of machine learning techniques for determining photometric redshifts of galaxy catalogue populations
Authors: Janiurek Lara , Hendry Martin A , Speirits Fiona C
Published: August 2024

In this work, the random forest algorithm galpro is implemented to generate photometric redshift posteriors, and its performance when trained and then applied to data from another survey is investigated. The algorithm is initially calibrated using a truth data set compiled from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) Legacy survey. We find that the testing and training data sets must have very similar redshift distributions, with the range of their photometric data overlapping by at least 90 per cent in the appropriate photometric bands in order for the training data to be applicable to the testing data. galpro is again trained using the DESI data set and then applied to a sample drawn from the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System survey, to explore whether galpro can be trained using a trusted data set and applied to an entirely new survey, albeit one that uses a different magnitude system for its photometric bands, thus requiring careful conversion of the measured magnitudes. The results of this further test indicate that galpro does not produce accurate photometric redshift posteriors for the new survey, even where the distribution of redshifts for the two data sets overlaps by over 90 per cent. We conclude that the photometric redshifts generated by galpro are not suitable for generating estimates of photometric redshifts and their posterior distribution functions when applied to an entirely new survey, particularly one that uses a different magnitude system. However, our results demonstrate that galpro is a useful tool for inferring photometric redshift estimates in the case where a spectroscopic galaxy survey is nearly complete, but missing some spectroscopic redshift values.
OGLE-2015-BLG-0845L: a low-mass M dwarf from the microlensing parallax and xallarap effects
Authors: Hu Zhecheng , Zhu Wei , Gould Andrew , Udalski Andrzej , Sumi Takahiro , Chen Ping , Calchi Novati Sebastiano , Yee Jennifer C , Beichman Charles A , Bryden Geoffery , Carey Sean , Fausnaugh Michael , Gaudi B Scott , Henderson Calen B , Shvartzvald Yossi , Wibking Benjamin , Mróz Przemek , Skowron Jan , Poleski Radosław , Szymański Michał K , Soszyński Igor , Pietrukowicz Paweł , Kozłowski Szymon , Ulaczyk Krzysztof , Rybicki Krzysztof A , Iwanek Patryk , Wrona Marcin , Gromadzki Mariusz , Abe Fumio , Barry Richard , Bennett David P , Bhattacharya Aparna , Bond Ian A , Fujii Hirosane , Fukui Akihiko , Hamada Ryusei , Hirao Yuki , Silva Stela Ishitani , Itow Yoshitaka , Kirikawa Rintaro , Koshimoto Naoki , Matsubara Yutaka , Miyazaki Shota , Muraki Yasushi , Olmschenk Greg , Ranc Clément , Rattenbury Nicholas J , Satoh Yuki , Suzuki Daisuke , Tomoyoshi Mio , Tristram Paul J , Vandorou Aikaterini , Yama Hibiki , Yamashita Kansuke
Published: August 2024

We present the analysis of the microlensing event OGLE-2015-BLG-0845, which was affected by both the microlensing parallax and xallarap effects. The former was detected via the simultaneous observations from the ground and Spitzer, and the latter was caused by the orbital motion of the source star in a relatively close binary. The combination of these two effects led to a mass measurement of the lens object, revealing a low-mass ($0.14 \pm 0.05 \, \mathrm{ M}_{\odot }$) M dwarf at the bulge distance ($7.6 \pm 1.0$ kpc). The source binary consists of a late F-type subgiant and a K-type dwarf of $\sim 1.2$ and $\sim 0.9 \mathrm{ M}_{\odot }$, respectively, and the orbital period is $70 \pm 10$ d. OGLE-2015-BLG-0845 is the first single-lens event in which the lens mass is measured via the binarity of the source. Given the abundance of binary systems as potential microlensing sources, the xallarap effect may not be a rare phenomenon. Our work thus highlights the application of the xallarap effect in the mass determination of microlenses, and the same method can be used to identify isolated dark lenses.
Building spectral templates and reconstructing parameters for core-collapse supernovae with CASTOR
Authors: Simongini Andrea , Ragosta F , Piranomonte S , Di Palma I
Published: August 2024

The future of time-domain optical astronomy relies on the development of techniques and software capable of handling a rising amount of data and gradually complementing, or replacing if necessary, real observations. Next-generation surveys, like the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, will open the door to the new era of optical astrophysics, creating, at the same time, a deficiency in spectroscopic data necessary to confirm the nature of each event and to fully recover the parametric space. In this framework, we developed Core collApse Supernovae parameTers estimatOR (CASTOR), a novel software for data analysis. CASTOR combines Gaussian process and other machine-learning techniques to build time-series templates of synthetic spectra and to estimate parameters of core-collapse supernovae (CCSNe) for which only multiband photometry is available. Techniques to build templates are fully data driven and non-parametric through empirical and robust models, and rely on the direct comparison with a training set of 111 CCSNe from the literature. Furthermore, CASTOR employees the real photometric data and the reconstructed synthetic spectra of an event to estimate parameters that belong to the supernova ejecta, to the stellar progenitor and to the event itself, in a rapid and user-friendly framework. In this work, we provide a demonstration of how CASTOR works, studying available data from SN 2015ap and comparing our results with those available in literature.
Reconstructions of Jupiter’s magnetic field using physics-informed neural networks
Authors: Livermore Philip W , Wu Leyuan , Chen Longwei , de Ridder Sjoerd
Published: August 2024

Magnetic sounding using data collected from the Juno mission can be used to provide constraints on Jupiter’s interior. However, inwards continuation of reconstructions assuming zero electrical conductivity and a representation in spherical harmonics are limited by the enhancement of noise at small scales. Here we describe new time-independent reconstructions of Jupiter’s internal magnetic field based on physics-informed neural networks and either the first 33 (PINN33) or the first 50 (PINN50) of Juno’s orbits. The method can resolve local structures, and allows for weak ambient electrical currents. Our models are not hampered by noise amplification at depth, and provide a smooth picture of the interior structure without explicit regularization. We estimate that the dynamo boundary is at a fractional radius of 0.8. At this depth, the magnetic field is arranged into longitudinal bands, and strong local features such as the great blue spot appear to be rooted in neighbouring structures of oppositely signed flux.
Clinicopathological and immune characterization of mismatch repair deficient endocervical adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wu Ying-Wen , Wei Li-Jun , Yang Xia , Liang Hao-Yu , Cai Mu-Yan , Luo Rong-Zhen , Liu Li-Li
Published: August 2024

Endocervical adenocarcinoma (ECA) is reported increasingly often in young women, and this aggressive disease lacks effective methods of targeted therapy. Since mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) is an important biomarker for predicting response to immune checkpoint inhibitors, it is important to investigate the clinicopathological features and immune microenvironment of dMMR ECAs. We assessed 617 ECAs from representative tissue microarray sections, gathered clinicopathologic information, reviewed histological characteristics, and performed immunohistochemical staining for MMR, programmed cell death 1 (PD-L1), and other immune markers. Of 617 ECA samples, 20 (3.2%) cases had dMMR. Among them, loss of MMR-related proteins expression was observed in 17/562 (3.0%) human papilloma virus-associated (HPVA) adenocarcinoma and 3/55 (5.5%) non-HPV-associated (NHPVA) adenocarcinoma. In NHPVA cohort, dMMR status was observed in 3 (3/14, 15.0%) patients with clear cells. dMMR ECAs had a higher tendency to have a family history of cancer, larger tumor size, p16 negative, HPV E6/E7 mRNA in situ hybridization (HPV E6/E7 RNAscope) negative, and lower ki-67 index. Among the morphological variables evaluated, poor differentiation, necrosis, stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, peritumoral lymphocytes, and lymphoid follicles were easily recognized in the dMMR ECAs. In addition, dMMR ECAs had higher CD3+, CD8+, CD38+, CD68+ and PD-1+ immune cells. A relatively high prevalence of PD-L1 expression was observed in dMMR ECAs. dMMR ECAs were significantly more likely to present with a tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes -high/PD-L1-positive status. In conclusion, dMMR ECAs have some specific morphological features and a critical impact on the immune microenvironment, which may provide insights into improving responses to immunotherapy-included comprehensive treatment for ECAs in the future.
Phytochrome C and Low Temperature Promote the Protein Accumulation and Red-Light Signaling of Phytochrome D
Authors: Péter Csaba , Ádám Éva , Klose Cornelia , Grézal Gábor , Hajdu Anita , Steinbach Gábor , Kozma-Bognár László , Silhavy Dániel , Nagy Ferenc , Viczián András
Published: August 2024

Light affects almost every aspect of plant development. It is perceived by photoreceptors, among which phytochromes (PHY) are responsible for monitoring the red and far-red spectrum. Arabidopsis thaliana possesses five phytochrome genes (phyA–phyE). Whereas functions of phyA and phyB are extensively studied, our knowledge of other phytochromes is still rudimentary. To analyze phyD function, we expressed it at high levels in different phytochrome-deficient genetic backgrounds. Overexpressed phyD-YFP can govern effective light signaling but only at low temperatures and in cooperation with functional phyC. Under these conditions, phyD-YFP accumulates to high levels, and opposite to phyB, this pool is stable in light. By comparing the photoconvertible phyD-YFP and phyB levels and their signaling in continuous and pulsed irradiation, we showed that phyD-YFP is a less efficient photoreceptor than phyB. This conclusion is supported by the facts that only a part of the phyD-YFP pool is photoconvertible and that thermal reversion of phyD-YFP is faster than that of phyB. Our data suggest that the temperature-dependent function of phyD is based on the amount of phyD protein and not on its Pfr stability, as described for phyB. We also found that phyD-YFP and phyB-GFP are associated with strongly overlapping genomic locations and are able to mediate similar changes in gene expression; however, the efficiency of phyD-YFP is lower. Based on these data, we propose that under certain conditions, synergistic interaction of phyD and phyC can substitute phyB function in seedlings and in adult plants and thus increases the ability of plants to respond more flexibly to environmental changes.
Molecular dissection of the parental contribution in Paeonia Itoh hybrids
Authors: Hong Conghao , Zhao Yingying , Qiao Meiyu , Huang Ziteng , Wei Lan , Zhou Qingqing , Lu Wanqing , Sun Guorun , Huang Zhimin , Gao Hongbo
Published: August 2024

Hybrid breeding between herbaceous peonies (the maternal parent) and tree peonies (the paternal parent) results in Paeonia Itoh hybrids (Itoh peonies), a triploid species that combines advantageous traits from both parental species, thus offering great economic value. However, the exact genetic contribution of the two parents is unclear. In this study, we introduce a straightforward approach utilizing heterozygous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and Sanger sequencing of targeted gene fragments to trace the original bases back to their parents in Itoh peonies. Our results indicate that in triploid Itoh peonies, only one set of genes is derived from herbaceous peonies, and two sets of genes are derived from the tree peonies. Notably, the presence of three distinct bases of heterozygous SNPs across multiple Itoh cultivars suggests that the gametes from the paternal parents carry two sets of heterozygous homologous chromosomes, which could be due to Meiosis I failure during gamete formation. To validate our method's effectiveness in parentage determination, we analyze two Itoh hybrids and their parents, confirming its practical utility. This research presents a method to reveal the parental genetic contribution in Itoh peonies, which could enhance the efficiency and precision of hybrid breeding programs of triploids in Paeonia and other plant species.
Policymaking and the role of government in promoting public health during Covid-19 in Indonesia?
Authors: Abdillah Abdillah , Widianingsih Ida , Buchari Rd Ahmad , Nurasa Heru
Published: August 2024

The global COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted inadequate physical activity, which has an impact on public health. Government policies are critical in supporting public health and encouraging physical activity during COVID-19. In addition, collaboration between public and health authorities, influencers, and governments is essential in implementing public education campaigns to promote physical activity and healthy behaviors. In Indonesia, strategies to encourage physical activity among children can include home-based physical activity programs, online physical education classes, and outdoor activities that adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Cryopreserved apoptotic mesenchymal stromal cells retain functional efficacy in suppressing an allergic inflammation in a murine model
Authors: Amison Richard T , Cheung Tik S , Giacomini Chiara , Riffo-Vasquez Yanira , Galleu Antonio , Savoldelli Roberto , Hicks Ryan , Kozlowska Anna , Dazzi Francesco
Published: August 2024

Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) apoptosis is required for in vivo immunosuppression. However, the induction of apoptosis is heavily dependent on the recipient’s immune system. In graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), patients who fail to respond to MSCs are in fact those whose immune cells are unable to induce MSC apoptosis ex vivo. The information is critical to explain why responses in clinical trials vary even though the same sources of MSC products are infused. More importantly, it highlights the need for an alternative MSC treatment for the nonresponders. By using a mouse model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic inflammation, we demonstrated that we could generate apoptotic MSCs (ApoMSCs) in vitro and use them to successfully reduce allergic airway inflammation. In order to address the logistics of their potential future clinical application, we have shown that ApoMSCs could be cryopreserved without impairing efficacy compared to freshly generated ApoMSCs. We have also highlighted that MSCs need to undergo complete apoptosis before cryopreservation to retain their immunosuppressive activity. The cryopreserved ApoMSCs could serve as a potential future off-the-shelf cellular product, in particular for patients who suffer from inflammatory conditions yet do not harbor the immune capacity to induce MSC apoptosis in vivo. Our data provide proof-of-concept that under laboratory conditions, ApoMSCs can be successfully frozen and thawed without affecting their anti-inflammatory activity, as tested in a murine model of allergic inflammation.
PhyloJunction: A Computational Framework for Simulating, Developing, and Teaching Evolutionary Models
Authors: Mendes Fábio K , Landis Michael J
Published: August 2024

We introduce PhyloJunction, a computational framework designed to facilitate the prototyping, testing, and characterization of evolutionary models. PhyloJunction is distributed as an open-source Python library that can be used to implement a variety of models, thanks to its flexible graphical modeling architecture and dedicated model specification language. Model design and use are exposed to users via command-line and graphical interfaces, which integrate the steps of simulating, summarizing, and visualizing data. This article describes the features of PhyloJunction—which include, but are not limited to, a general implementation of a popular family of phylogenetic diversification models—and, moving forward, how it may be expanded to not only include new models, but to also become a platform for conducting and teaching statistical learning.
Toxicological evaluation of copper oxide nanoparticles following their intraperitoneal injection to Wistar rats
Authors: Shareef Nisha , Abid Shairyar , Amir Aqsa , Ismail Amir , Ullah Abd , Ahmad Adnan , Ibenmoussa Samir , Bin Jardan Yousef A , Bourhia Mohammed , Ibrahim Ather , Iqbal Furhan
Published: August 2024

Background

Copper oxide (Cu2O) nanoparticles (CO NPs) are in extensive use during our everyday life as antimicrobial agent, lubricant, in manufacturing electrodes of lithium ion batteries as well as for photo catalytic degradation of organic pollutants. Due to extensive and diverse use Cu2O NPs, they are likely to accumulate in the environment and to affect the live forms. Present investigation was aimed to report the biocompatibility of CO NPs in Wistar rats in sex specific manner. CO NPs, having average diameter of 14.06 nm, were synthesized by co-precipitation method and scanning electron microscopy and X ray diffraction were used for their characterization.

Methods

For 14 consecutive days, Wistar rats (6 weeks old) of both sexes were intraperitoneally injected with 10 mg/mL saline/Kg body weight of CO NPs, while the control groups intraperitoneally received saline solution for same duration. Behavioral tests (open field and novel object recognition), complete blood count, selected biomarkers of oxidative stress and Copper concentration in brain and liver were determined in all subjects.

Results

High mortality rates [male 40% and female 60%] were observed in rats exposed to CO NPs. A sever decrease in body weight was also observed in both male and female rats exposed to CO NPs. Female rats treated with CO NPs spent significantly more time with novel object as compared to control [P = 0.05] during second trial of novel object test. CO NPs treated female rats had higher mean corpuscular hemoglobin [P < 0.001] levels and Copper concentration in liver [P = 0.04] than control. Male rats exposed to CO NPs had significantly higher mean corpuscular volume [P = 0.02] and superoxide dismutase [SOD] [P = 0.04] in lungs than their control group. All other studied parameters non significantly varied upon comparison between CO NPs treated and untreated rats of both sex.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we are reporting that intraperitoneal injections of CO NPs for 14 days can disturb complete blood count and biomarkers of oxidative stress in lungs of Wistar rats.
The radiation of Austral teals (Aves: Anseriformes) and the evolution of flightlessness
Authors: Rosinger Hanna S , Kardailsky Olga , Kennedy Martyn , Spencer Hamish G , Steiner Florian M , Schlick-Steiner Birgit C , Rawlence Nicolas J , Knapp Michael
Published: August 2024

The origin and evolution in the Southern Hemisphere of the Austral teals, consisting of the grey-teal and brown-teal species complexes, remains poorly understood owing to limited molecular data. With the group containing multiple independent examples of flight loss, understanding the evolutionary history of the group is of significant interest for functional genomic studies into the evolution of flightlessness. Here, we present the first whole-mitogenome-based phylogeny of the Austral teals. We show that the group diverged from a common ancestor with mallards in the late Miocene and soon after radiated into the brown-teal and grey-teal lineages, in addition to the widely distributed pintails and green-winged teals. The brown-teal species complex, which includes the volant brown teal, the flight-impaired, sub-Antarctic Auckland Island teal, and the flightless, Chatham Island and sub-Antarctic Campbell Island teals, radiated within the past 0.9–1.8 Myr. The divergence of the extinct Chatham Island teal and the colonization of the Auckland and Campbell Islands occurred from mainland New Zealand. Morphological changes towards flightlessness are also present in the volant brown teal on mainland New Zealand, suggesting that this group was on the pathway to flightlessness, a trend that accelerated in some insular island lineages.
New insights into the evolution and biogeography of freshwater planarians on islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea, Western Mediterranean Basin, with the integrative description of a new endemic species from Corsica (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida: Dugesia)
Authors: Dols-Serrate Daniel , Stocchino Giacinta Angela , Nuin-Villabona Paula , Sluys Ronald , Riutort Marta
Published: August 2024

A recent study on the freshwater planarian fauna of Corsica and Sardinia established that the formerly presumed single species Dugesia benazzii subsumed a complex of species. In that study, a thorough integrative taxonomic approach, combining molecular, morphological, and karyological data, uncovered the presence of two new endemic species. For the present study, additional samplings were conducted on Corsica, covering several new localities. The data obtained were added to our previous datasets, which included information on specimens collected from both islands. By taking a similar integrative approach to the prior study, we here describe another new endemic species from Corsica, Dugesia xeropotamica. Although our results support the separate status of this new species, it also turned out that the evolutionary relationships among species of the Corso-Sardinian clade remain unclear, because the relationships are not well resolved. Additionally, we corroborate the presence of Dugesia mariae on the Tyrrhenian islets of Montecristo and Molara, representing new records for this group of Dugesia species in the region of the Tyrrhenian Sea. In all, our findings indicate that the evolutionary and biogeographical history of Dugesia species in this region of the Western Mediterranean is more intricate than previously thought.
Vascular streak dieback: A novel threat to redbud and other woody ornamental production in the United States
Authors: Liyanapathiranage Prabha , Avin Farhat A. , Bonkowski John , Beckerman Janna L. , Munster Michael , Hadziabdic Denita , Trigiano Robert N. , Baysal-Gurel Fulya
Published: August 2024

Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis L.) is a popular and high-value woody ornamental plant native to the eastern and south-central United States of America (U.S.A.). In recent years, redbud production in the Southeastern U.S.A. has been greatly affected by a novel threat: vascular streak dieback (VSD). Infected plants exhibit a common set of symptoms, including leaf scorch, tip dieback, and vascular streaking that creates a marbled pattern in stem cross-section. Based on both conventional diagnosis and molecular identification, it has been found that the fungus Ceratobasidium sp. D.P. Rogers (Csp) is consistently associated with VSD-symptomatic eastern redbuds. However, the causal agent(s) of VSD has not yet been conclusively confirmed. Although eastern redbud has been the most frequently identified host tree, more than 25 other native plant genera have been confirmed to have VSD associated with Csp. The near-obligate nature of this fungus has made it challenging to culture, extract DNA, and conduct further studies to confirm its pathogenicity. This article highlights the emerging challenges of VSD, focusing on the following: 1) the recent history of VSD; 2) the increasing importance of VSD to woody ornamental nursery production in the U.S.A.; 3) the currently available protocols for isolating, culturing, storing, and maintaining the putative causal agent; 4) the rapid molecular detection of Csp; 5) phylogenetic findings on the origin and relatedness of Csp to previously recorded diseases, especially VSD in cacao (Theobroma cacao L.); and 6) preliminary results and observations from fungicide trials and cultivar screening in Tennessee. The article also outlines research needed to comprehensively understand VSD and accelerate the development of effective management strategies.
Quality of Reporting on Anastomotic Leaks in Colorectal Cancer Trials: A Systematic Review
Authors: Heuvelings Danique J.I. , Mollema Omar , van Kuijk Sander M.J. , Kimman Merel L. , Boutros Marylise , Francis Nader , Bouvy Nicole D. , Sylla Patricia ,   On behalf of the CoReAL Collaborative
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:

Although attempts have been made in the past to establish consensus regarding the definitions and grading of the severity of colorectal anastomotic leakage, widespread adoption has remained limited.

OBJECTIVE:

A systematic review of the literature was conducted to examine the various elements used to report and define anastomotic leakage in colorectal cancer resections.

DATA SOURCES:

A systematic review was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library Database.

STUDY SELECTION:

All published randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses containing data related to adult patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery and reporting anastomotic leakage as a primary or secondary outcome, with a definition of anastomotic leakage were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Definitions of anastomotic leakage, clinical symptoms, radiological modalities and findings, findings at reoperation, and grading terminology or classifications for anastomotic leakage.

RESULTS:

Of the 471 articles reporting anastomotic leakage as a primary or secondary outcome, a definition was reported in 95 studies (45 randomized controlled trials, 13 systematic reviews, and 37 meta-analyses) involving a total of 346,140 patients. Of these 95 articles, 68% reported clinical signs and symptoms of anastomotic leakage, 26% biochemical criteria, 63% radiological modalities, 62% radiological findings, and 13% findings at reintervention. Only 45% (n = 43) of included studies reported grading of anastomotic leakage severity or leak classification, and 41% (n = 39) included a time frame for reporting.

LIMITATIONS:

There was a high level of heterogeneity between the included studies.

CONCLUSIONS:

This evidence synthesis confirmed incomplete and inconsistent reporting of anastomotic leakage across the published colorectal cancer literature. There is a great need to develop and implement a consensus framework for defining, grading, and reporting anastomotic leakage.

REGISTRATION:

Prospectively registered at PROSPERO (ID 454660).
Leveraging machine learning to enhance postoperative risk assessment in coronary artery bypass grafting patients with unprotected left main disease: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Elmahrouk Ahmed , Daoulah Amin , Panduranga Prashanth , Rajan Rajesh , Jamjoom Ahmed , Kanbr Omar , Alzahrani Badr , Qutub Mohammed A. , Yousif Nooraldaem , Chachar Tarique Shahzad , Elmahrouk Youssef , Alshehri Ali , Hassan Taher , Tawfik Wael , Haider Kamel Hazaa , Abohasan Abdulwali , Alqublan Adel N. , Alqahtani Abdulrahman M. , Ghani Mohamed Ajaz , Al Nasser Faisal Omar M. , Almahmeed Wael , Ghonim Ahmed A. , Hashmani Shahrukh , Alshehri Mohammed , Elganady Abdelmaksoud , Shawky Abeer M. , Fathey Hussien Adnan , Abualnaja Seraj , Noor Taha H. , Abdulhabeeb Ibrahim A. M. , Ozdemir Levent , Refaat Wael , Kazim Hameedullah M. , Selim Ehab , Altnji Issam , Ibrahim Ahmed M. , Alquaid Abdullah , Arafat Amr A.
Published: August 2024

Background:

Risk stratification for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) for left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease is essential for informed decision-making. This study explored the potential of machine learning (ML) methods to identify key risk factors associated with mortality in this patient group.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study was conducted on 866 patients from the Gulf Left Main Registry who presented between 2015 and 2019. The study outcome was hospital all-cause mortality. Various machine learning models [logistic regression, random forest (RF), k-nearest neighbor, support vector machine, naïve Bayes, multilayer perception, boosting] were used to predict mortality, and their performance was measured using accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC).

Results:

Nonsurvivors had significantly greater EuroSCORE II values (1.84 (10.08–3.67) vs. 4.75 (2.54–9.53) %, P<0.001 for survivors and nonsurvivors, respectively). The EuroSCORE II score significantly predicted hospital mortality (OR: 1.13 (95% CI: 1.09–1.18), P<0.001), with an AUC of 0.736. RF achieved the best ML performance (accuracy=98, precision=100, recall=97, and F1 score=98). Explainable artificial intelligence using SHAP demonstrated the most important features as follows: preoperative lactate level, emergency surgery, chronic kidney disease (CKD), NSTEMI, nonsmoking status, and sex. QLattice identified lactate and CKD as the most important factors for predicting hospital mortality this patient group.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates the potential of ML, particularly the Random Forest, to accurately predict hospital mortality in patients undergoing CABG for LMCA disease and its superiority over traditional methods. The key risk factors identified, including preoperative lactate levels, emergency surgery, chronic kidney disease, NSTEMI, nonsmoking status, and sex, provide valuable insights for risk stratification and informed decision-making in this high-risk patient population. Additionally, incorporating newly identified risk factors into future risk-scoring systems can further improve mortality prediction accuracy.
Pressure Support Ventilation During Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support in Patients With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Fumagalli Benedetta , Giani Marco , Bombino Michela , Fumagalli Denise , Merelli Milena , Chiesa Gaia , Rona Roberto , Bellani Giacomo , Rezoagli Emanuele , Foti Giuseppe
Published: August 2024

In the initial phases of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) support for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), ultraprotective controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) is typically employed to limit the progression of lung injury. As patients recover, transitioning to assisted mechanical ventilation can be considered to reduce the need for prolonged sedation and paralysis. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of transitioning to pressure support ventilation (PSV) during VV ECMO and to explore variations in respiratory mechanics and oxygenation parameters following the transition to PSV. This retrospective monocentric study included 191 adult ARDS patients treated with VV ECMO between 2009 and 2022. Within this population, 131 (69%) patients were successfully switched to PSV during ECMO. Pressure support ventilation was associated with an increase in respiratory system compliance (p = 0.02) and a reduction in pulmonary shunt fraction (p < 0.001). Additionally, improvements in the cardiovascular Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score and a reduction in pulmonary arterial pressures (p < 0.05) were recorded. Ninety-four percent of patients who successfully transitioned to PSV were weaned from ECMO, and 118 (90%) were discharged alive from the intensive care unit (ICU). Of those who did not reach PSV, 74% died on ECMO, whereas the remaining patients were successfully weaned from extracorporeal support. In conclusion, PSV is feasible during VV ECMO and potentially correlates with improvements in respiratory function and hemodynamics.