bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutraceuticals: Pharmacologically Active Potent Dietary Supplements
Authors: Chandra Subhash , Saklani Sarla , Kumar Pramod , Kim Bonglee , Coutinho Henrique D. M.
Published: July 2022

A growing demand exists for nutraceuticals, which seem to reside in the grey area between pharmaceuticals and food. Nutraceuticals, up today, do not have a specific definition distinct from those of other food‐derived categories, e.g., food supplements, herbal products, functional foods, and fortified foods. They have, however, a pharmacological beneficial effect on health. Many studies have been recently addressed to assess their safety, efficacy, and regulation. The object of writing this review article is that we need to pay more attention to natural and organic foods. The bases of nutraceutical components (food supplements) are known for potent and powerful clinical evidence effects on the treatment of hypertension and type 2 diabetes.
Molecular Characterization and Genotype-Phenotype Correlation of G6PD Mutations in Five Ethnicities of Northern Vietnam
Authors: Ngo Thi Thao , Tran Thinh Huy , Ta Thanh Dat , Le Thi Phuong , Nguyen Phuoc Dung , Tran Mai Anh , Bui The-Hung , Ta Thanh Van , Tran Van Khanh
Published: July 2022

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common enzyme disorder and is caused by G6PD gene mutations. To date, more than 400 variants in the G6PD gene have been discovered, and about 160 identified variants are associated with a significant decrease in the G6PD enzyme activity. However, the molecular characterization and epidemiological study of G6PD deficiency are still limited in Vietnam. Therefore, we conducted this study to determine the G6PD variants among the Vietnamese populations and evaluate their correlation to G6PD enzyme activity. A total of 339 patients (302 males and 37 females) were enrolled in this study. The G6PD variants were identified by Sanger sequencing. Our results indicate that males are more severely deficient in G6PD than females. This enzyme activity in males (1.27 ± 1.06 IU/g·Hb) is significantly lower than in females (2.98 ± 1.57 IU/g·Hb) (

p
<
0.0001

). The enzyme activity of the heterozygous-homozygous females and heterozygous females-hemizygous males was found to be significantly different (

p
<
0.05

), which is interpreted due to random X-inactivation. For G6PD molecular characteristics, Viangchan (c.871G>A), Canton (c.1376G>T) and Kaiping (c.1388G>A) variants were the most dominant, accounting for 24.48%, 17.70%, and 22.42%, respectively, whereas the highest frequency of complex variants was observed in Viangchan/Silent with 20.35%. In terms of G6PD activity, the Union variant presented the lowest mean value (1.03 IU/g·Hb) compared to the other variants (

p
<
0.05

). Computational analysis using Polyphen-2 tool investigated that all variants were relative to G6PD deficiency and separated the levels as benign and damaged. The result will establish effective methods to screen G6PD variants in Vietnam.
Comparison of an Inside Stent and a Fully Covered Self-Expandable Metallic Stent as Preoperative Biliary Drainage for Patients with Resectable Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Mori Hiroshi , Kawashima Hiroki , Ohno Eizaburo , Ishikawa Takuya , Yamao Kentaro , Mizutani Yasuyuki , Iida Tadashi , Nakamura Masanao , Ishigami Masatoshi , Onoe Shunsuke , Mizuno Takashi , Ebata Tomoki , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro
Published: July 2022

Background. There is a need for a more tolerable preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) method for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHCC). In recent years, inside stents (ISs) have attracted attention as a less suffering PBD method. Few studies have compared IS with a fully covered self-expandable metallic stent (FCSEMS) as PBD for resectable PHCC. The aim of this study is to compare them. Methods. This study involved 86 consecutive patients (IS: 51; FCSEMS: 35). The recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO) rate until undergoing surgery or being diagnosed as unresectable, time to RBO, factors related to RBO, incidence of adverse events related to endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, and postoperative complications associated with each stent were evaluated retrospectively. Results. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the incidence of adverse events after stent insertion. After propensity score matching, the mean (SD) time to RBO was 37.9 (30.2) days in the IS group and 45.1 (35.1) days in the FCSEMS group, with no significant difference (

P
=
0.912

, log-rank test). A total of 7/51 patients in the IS group and 3/35 patients in the FCSEMS group developed RBO. The only risk factor for RBO was bile duct obstruction of the future excisional liver lobe(s) due to stenting (HR 29.8,

P
=
0.008

) in the FCSEMS group, but risk factors could not be indicated in the IS group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of bile leakage or liver failure. In contrast, pancreatic fistula was significantly more common in the FCSEMS group (13/23 patients) than in the IS group (3/28 patients) (

P
<
0.001

), especially in patients who did not undergo pancreatectomy (

P
=
0.001

). Conclusions. As PBD, both IS and FCSEMS achieved low RBO rates. Compared with FCSEMS, IS shows no difference in RBO rate, is associated with fewer postoperative complications, and is considered an appropriate means of PBD for resectable PHCC. This trail is registered with UMIN000025631.
Effect of Ceramic Nano Fillers in Jute Fibre Composites
Authors: Padma Rao A. , Vemula Ananda Mohan , Prakash Babu M. , Kumar P. Senthil , Murali Krishna V. , Janaki Ramulu Perumalla
Published: July 2022

The demand and applications of bolstered plastics such as natural, attainable, biodegradable, and fibres were developing worldwide in industries beginning from home utilities to aerospace applications. The high cost and weight of synthetic fibres were bolstered by a multitude of concerns. Subsequently, it is far vital to create a natural fibre combination with a matrix to accumulate the most efficient common presentation. In this present study, a composite is made of a natural fibre (jute) reinforced with vinyl ester resin with and without a filler (SiO2). Untreated jute fibres are utilised as reinforcement, while filler materials were used to increase the characteristics of jute fibre and analyse the impact of filler material in the composite. The produced composite was tested for tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength, and hardness. The SEM study of the fracture surface was also evaluated in the present study. Filler-mixed composites have a 50 percent higher tensile strength than those without fillers, and the remaining attributes have enhanced by at least 5 to 10%. From analysis, filler-mixed composites hold a good mechanical property due to fibre-filler bonding with the help of vinyl ester resin.
A Study of Resolution Improvement in Noncoherent Optical Coherence Imaging
Authors: Yang Guoliang , Su Junhong , Li Yuan , Cai Jialin , Li Yiren
Published: July 2022

Noncoherent light, as a common light source in life, can effectively avoid problems such as scattering noise caused by optical components incoherent light imaging, and through the design of the optical path can also trigger interference and holographic imaging of objects, allowing holography to be used in more fields. Various techniques have emerged for recording holograms using incoherent light sources as technology has developed. A recording method has been proposed that exploits the correlation between the object wave information and the Fresnel band sheet to achieve incoherent hologram recording. Using a spatial light modulator (SLM) loaded with a bit-phase mask with multiplexed lens function, the incident light wavefield is phase-modulated to achieve diffraction spectroscopy and phase shifting. And holograms with different phase shifts can be obtained and combined with phase-shifting techniques to eliminate the effects of twin images caused by coaxial holography in the reproduction process. Based on the study of this incoherent holographic imaging system, the influence of the characteristics of the main components of the system and the corresponding parameters on the resolution of the recorded and reproduced holograms is investigated, and optimization methods are given from both theoretical and experimental studies. The empirical analysis of the FINCH imaging system is carried out. The observed optical path is designed, and the method of making a bit-phase mask loaded on a spatial light modulator is presented. The effect of the focal length and recording distance of the dislocation mask on the resolution of the system is investigated by both computer simulation and experimental operation.
Performance of Dental Students in Understanding and Retention of Oral Pathology Concepts: A Comparative Analysis of Traditional versus Live-Field Teaching Methods
Authors: Salian Anitha , Sanal Kumar Swathi , Natarajan Srikant , Lewis Amitha J. , Manaktala Nidhi , Naik Dilip G , Boaz Karen , KP Nandita , Yellapurkar Shweta
Published: July 2022

Background. Understanding oral aspects of pathology by traditional techniques has always been a paradigm in the field of dental education. Traditional methods of teaching include interaction using black board, projectors, and alternate methods of teaching such as a student-centered approach where live-field demonstrations, audio visual aids, and student interaction are also gaining importance, ultimately promoting active education. The aim of the study was to compare live-field and static-field teaching methods in understanding and retention of the histopathological features in dental students. Methods. This was a cross-sectional analytical study, wherein a uniform cohort of III-year dental students was obtained by randomizing the study subjects. Practical classes were conducted using traditional black board/static pictures and dynamic live-field teaching comprising of microscope connected to an HD screen and projector demonstrating the preferred microscopic field. Alternately, the level of retention of knowledge was measured using customized topic-based tests. The comparison of average scores was done between live-field and static-field teaching groups using the paired t-test. Results. The test scores using the paired t-test were marginally elevated in the conventional mode of teaching; however, it varied with respect to precise topics taken using both the genres of teaching. Conclusion. A balance of both conventional and virtual teaching needs to be achieved to enhance the comprehension in student learning. Nevertheless, in the impending years, advanced research is entailed to see if the virtual mode of teaching could replace the conventional method for the advancement in the study prospects.
Design of Multiobjective Dynamic Software Development Based on Data Mining Algorithm
Authors: Cai Zhaohui , Li Hongbo , Cui Wensheng
Published: July 2022

A data mining method finds hidden patterns in massive datasets for study. It is commonly used in high-tech fields such as image processing and artificial intelligence, due to its ability to compute data statistics and pattern processing problems efficiently. This study investigates data mining in multiobjective dynamic software development based on dynamic traffic congestion prediction. Since traffic data can fluctuate at any time, it is typically challenging to develop more accurate mathematical and theoretical models. We integrate data mining techniques into the software for predicting traffic congestion and develop a new algorithm for discriminating traffic congestion. Using a combination of the 3 criteria and the SVM algorithm, along with massive amounts of data, our prediction accuracy is significantly enhanced.
College Smart Classroom Attendance Management System Based on Internet of Things
Authors: Zhao Mingtao , Zhao Gang , Qu Meihong
Published: July 2022

Since entering the information age, educational informatization reform has become the inevitable trend of the development of colleges and universities. The traditional education management methods, especially the classroom attendance methods, not only need to rely on a large number of manpower for data collection and analysis but also cannot dynamically monitor students’ attendance and low efficiency. The development of Internet of things technology provides technical support for the informatization reform of education management in colleges and universities and makes the classroom attendance management in colleges and universities have a new development direction. In this study, a college smart classroom attendance management system based on RFID technology and face recognition technology is constructed under the architecture of the Internet of things, and the corresponding simulation experiments are carried out. The experimental results show that the smart classroom attendance management system based on RFID technology can accurately identify the absence and substitution of students and has the advantages of fast response and low cost. However, its recognition is easily affected by obstructions, which requires students to place identification cards uniformly. The smart classroom attendance management system based on face recognition technology can accurately record and identify the situation of students entering and leaving the classroom and identify the situations of being late and leaving early, absenteeism, and substitute classes. The experimental results are basically consistent with the sample results, and the error rate is low. However, the system is easily affected by environmental light, students’ sitting posture, expression, and other factors, so it cannot be recognized. Generally speaking, both can meet the needs of classroom attendance in colleges and universities and have high accuracy and efficiency.
Natural Compounds or Their Derivatives against Breast Cancer: A Computational Study
Authors: Hossain Rajib , Ray Pranta , Sarkar Chandan , Islam Md. Shahazul , Khan Rasel Ahmed , Khalipha Abul Bashar Ripon , Islam Muhammad Torequl , Cho William C. , Martorell Miquel , Sharifi-Rad Javad , Butnariu Monica , Umbetova Almagul , Calina Daniela
Published: July 2022

Background. Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed and the second leading cause of death among women. Breast cancer susceptibility proteins of type 1 and 2 are human tumor suppressor genes. Genetic variations/mutations in these two genes lead to overexpression of human breast tumor suppressor genes (e.g., BRCA1, BRCA2), which triggers uncontrolled duplication of cells in humans. In addition, multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1), an important cell membrane protein that pumps many foreign substances from cells, is also responsible for developing resistance to cancer chemotherapy. Aim of the Study. The aim of this study was to analyze some natural compounds or their derivatives as part of the development of strong inhibitors for breast cancer. Methodology. Molecular docking studies were performed using compounds known in the literature to be effective against BRCA1 and BRCA2 and MDR1, with positive control being 5‐fluorouracil, an antineoplastic drug as a positive control. Results. The binding affinity of the compounds was analyzed, and it was observed that they had a better binding affinity for the target proteins than the standard drug 5‐fluorouracil. Among the compounds analyzed, α‐hederin, andrographolide, apigenin, asiatic acid, auricular acid, sinularin, curcumin, citrinin, hispolon, nerol, phytol, retinol palmitate, and sclareol showed the best binding affinity energy to the BRCA1, BRCA2, and MDR1 proteins, respectively. Conclusions. α‐Hederin, andrographolide, apigenin, asiatic acid, auricular acid, hispolon, sclareol, curcumin, citrinin, and sinularin or their derivatives can be a good source of anticancer agents in breast cancer.
Evaluation and Optimization Design for Microclimate Comfort of Traditional Village Squares Based on Extension Correlation Function
Authors: Guo Qiang , Liu Xinxing
Published: July 2022

The evaluation approaches for microclimate comfort in traditional villages often ignore the year‐round impact and the impact from dynamic and static behaviors, as well as the composite impact of wind and heat environments. To solve the problem, this study presents an evaluation and optimization design strategy for microclimate comfort of traditional village squares based on extension correlation function, using field survey, computer simulation, and example analysis. Firstly, the wind and heat environments in the space of the square were measured on the site with an ultrasonic integrated weather station. Secondly, simulation parameters were configured on PHOENICS (computational fluid dynamics software), namely, boundary conditions, wind environment, heat environment, and green plants, and used to simulate the wind and heat environments in the space of the square, followed by a correlation analysis between the simulation results and the measured results. Finally, the extension correlation function was adopted to comprehensively evaluate the microclimate comfort of the preliminary design scheme, and the design scheme of the square was finalized through repeated adjustments. The proposed strategy was verified on an example: Xieduqi square, Zoumatang village, eastern China’s Zhejiang Province. The example analysis shows that the proposed strategy is highly operable. The research effectively improves the optimization design of traditional village squares, extends the digital technology system of traditional villages, and greatly drives rural construction in the future.
Teaching System Design of Art Design Major under the Background of Economic Management Mode Change
Authors: Zheng Jiaxin
Published: July 2022

With the development of digital technology, the curriculum design of art majors is also quite different from traditional courses. With the continuous development of information technology and the continuous maturity of campus network technology, teaching resources have become an important part of information resources. High‐quality teaching resources play an important role in improving teaching quality and excavating educational development potential. However, traditional classroom teaching is difficult to meet people’s needs. In the context of the current new normal, the way of social and economic management has changed. On the one hand, traditional course teaching resources store information in the forms of paper lesson plans, PPT courseware, discrete pictures, and video files. These forms of storage are not conducive to the distribution and sharing of resources. On the other hand, these teaching resources are scattered among the teaching teachers. As the curriculum develops, the courses taught by teachers change. Because schools lack effective means for unified management, these teaching resources are easily lost. The used method is not conducive to the accumulation of teaching resources or the continuation and development of courses. In order to present good results, these materials usually occupy a large amount of storage space. Therefore, some existing information‐based teaching platforms cannot meet the demand. We use network and web technology to develop a teaching file management system, which is very necessary. This paper firstly compares the mature teaching resource management system on the market and some problems in its professional application. Secondly, the article analyzes the actual situation of teaching resource management of art design majors in China and generally describes the system development background and technology. Then, the paper analyzes the requirements of the system in detail by using the object‐oriented method and gives the overall design and implementation method of the system. These methods include the use case diagram of the subsystem, the flow chart of the main module, the system architecture, and the design and application of UML. Finally, this paper designs a test case for the teaching resource management system.
Illustration Art Based on Visual Communication in Digital Context
Authors: Wang Yanqi
Published: July 2022

With the rapid advancement of digital media technology in recent years, a digital context has emerged and developed under its influence. Visual communication relies heavily on illustration art. It is widely used in many fields of modern design because it is an important form of visual communication. We propose a visual communication design method for small and weak target images based on temporal and spatial filtering. We calculate the probability of gray pixels appearing using the histogram equalization method, assign thresholds to pixels, and enhance the gray value of images using the equalization process. We analyze the characteristics of each element of the 3D video system and the appropriate visual communication design form after performing calculations and combining them with the basic theory of visual communication design. Create system test links, test indicators, and test results. It has been demonstrated that the restored image integrity of the system is higher than that of the existing system, and that its performance is better.
Physicochemical Characterization of Star Anise Silver Nanoparticles Incorporated Chitosan Biomaterial for Absorb Water and Cure Wounds
Authors: Prabhahar M. , Kannayiram Gomathi , Prakash S. , Saravanakumar M. , Krishnamoorthi Sangeetha , Sendilvelan S. , Rahul Senthan P. , Ashikmon T. S. , Karthik M. , Lenin Haiter
Published: July 2022

Chronic wounds threaten the geriatric society worldwide irrespective of their social status. The current treatment approach to cure chronic ailments is associated with its demerits. A novel treatment approach that is coordinated is required to adsorb water from wounds and cure chronic wounds. Star anise condiment used in the Indian kitchen is shown to have the potency to cure various ailments. In this study, silver nanoparticles were prepared using the star anise extract. The biological potency of star anise extract was confirmed through Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy, antioxidant assay, and anti-inflammatory study. From the DPPH assay result, it was inferred that star anise extract was able to scavenge the free radicals at the concentration of 10  μg/ml using the aqueous extract silver nanoparticles were prepared. The prepared particles were characterized by UV-visible, scanning electron microscopy, and their biological efficacy was determined for their potency against bacteria and prevention of protein aggregation. The anti-inflammatory assay suggests that nanoparticles prevent the aggregation of proteins in a dose-dependent manner. IC50 was found to be 20  μg/ml. The synthesized nanoparticle was incorporated into the chitosan biomaterial and characterized by various physicochemical parameters such as differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, FTIR, and thermogravimetric analysis. According to the findings, silver nanoparticles incorporated in chitosan biomaterials can be used to adsorb water from wounds and wound healing materials.
Short-Term Traffic Prediction of the Urban Road Network based on the Intelligent Transportation System
Authors: Jiang Shuai
Published: July 2022

As an important part of the intelligent transportation system research, traffic prediction is the premise of realizing traffic guidance and can provide decision-making basis for traveler service and traffic management. To realize the macromanagement of the entire road network, it must be based on the traffic information of all road sections in the road network. In fact, short-term traffic information has certain characteristics such as real-time, high-dimensional, nonlinear, and nonstationary characteristics, but the traffic information of the same road section has stability and regularity in different periods, and the short-term traffic state has a self-similarity. This makes short-term traffic information predictable. The prediction is made by using the information of the road sections with detectors related to it, and the dynamic dissimilarity matrix is introduced to deal with the three parameters of flow, speed, and time occupancy at the same time. The quantitative relationship between the traffic information of the nondetector road segment and the known traffic information of other road segments, so as to realize the prediction of the traffic information of the nondetector road segment and obtain the complete traffic information of the regional road network. In addition, we use the actual data of the local road network in a certain area to verify the feasibility of the method.
A Study on the Relationship between Painter’s Psychology and Anime Creation Style Based on a Deep Neural Network
Authors: Wu Pei , Chen Sijie
Published: July 2022

We conduct an in-depth study on the model construction of deep neural networks and design a model of painter’s psychology and anime creation style to realize the study of the relationship between painter’s psychology and anime creation style based on deep neural networks. This paper proposes an animation creation psychology classification algorithm that integrates human cognitive deep network structure optimization. The algorithm analyzes the connection between different convolutional layer features and animation characteristics through animation creation style CNN feature visualization. It interactively uses the knowledge of animation creation psychology expression techniques to optimize the network structure. This paper proposes a scene animation network based on spectral difference perception style. By analyzing the characteristics and differences in the spectrum between realistic and anime domain images, the generator is guided to learn the mapping relationships better to fit the style distribution of anime domain images. This paper uses a fully convolutional structure; the network is more lightweight and supports image inputs of arbitrary size, which can keep the semantic system of the background unchanged while highly deforming the five facial features, moving toward the goal of human-scene fusion for the animation task.
Oral Realgar-Indigo Naturalis Formula Treatment for Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia in Children: A Randomized, Control Clinical Trial
Authors: Luo Senlin , Tian Jidong , Sun Xiao , Wu Feifeng , Liu Ying , Wan Wuqing , She Zhou , Wen Chuan
Published: July 2022

Objective. To analyze the efficacy, safety, and economy of RIF compared with intravenous arsenic trioxide (ATO) for the induction and consolidation therapy of pediatric APL. Materials and Methods. In this randomized control clinical trial (NCT02200978), children with newly diagnosed APL from June 2013 to December 2017 were randomly divided into RIF and ATO groups. The groups were treated with RIF or ATO in combination with all-trans retinoic acid (ARTA) and conventional chemotherapeutic drugs during induction and consolidation therapy. Results. Ninteen patients were enrolled, including eight in the RIF group and 11 in the ATO group. After induction therapy, the bone marrow morphologic complete remission (CR) rate, the median time to CR, and molecular remission (promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML)/retinoic acid receptor α (RARα) conversion) rates showed no significant differences between patients in the RIF versus ATO groups (100% vs. 100%,

p
=
1.000

; 22 vs. 24 days,

p
=
0.395

; 28.5% vs. 54.5%,

p
=
0.367

, resp.). After consolidation therapy, the molecular remission rate was 100% in both groups. At the end of more than two years of follow-up, the disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 100% in both groups. Conclusion. Oral RIF can achieve similar efficacy to intravenous ATO for APL in children with good safety, less toxicity, fewer side effects, and fewer inpatient days. Therefore, oral RIF can be used as an alternative to intravenous ATO for the treatment of APL in children.
Construction and Model Realization of Financial Intelligence System Based on Multisource Information Feature Mining
Authors: Li Jing
Published: July 2022

Multisource information mining systems and related business intelligence technology are currently a hot topic of research. However, the current commercial applications and applications are not ideal in terms of application. Because there is still much work to be done before decision support, it is best to transition to them only financially. This paper examines the multisource part of the information used in mining and introduces research hotspots in the fields of accounting informatization, the development status of intelligent financial analysis software, the research and application status of data warehouse, data mining, and decision support systems. This paper examines the specific composition and content of a financial information system using information mining to lay a solid foundation. Financial intelligent analysis, financial intelligent monitoring, financial intelligent decision-making, and financial intelligent early warning are the four parts of the financial intelligent system. It then examined the structure and processing of the financial intelligence system and proposed a financial intelligence system operation strategy. Financial intelligence low-risk integrated implementation strategies and ideal financial intelligence models, according to the current state of research and practical applications. According to the findings, the overall discrimination accuracy of the financial information system based on mining multisource information features is up to 95%, which is 42% higher than the traditional model. The development and use of financial information benefit from the realization and exploration of the financial intelligence system model.
Analysis of the Rare Earth Mineral Resources Reserve System and Model Construction Based on Regional Development
Authors: Shi Dafang , Zhang Shouting
Published: July 2022

China is a large rare earth country that has pushed for related rare earth research, development, and application in the global development and progress of rare earths. The rare earth resource reserve strategy must be implemented by China due to the situation of rare earth resources at home and abroad, national security, and the need to strengthen the right to speak in the international market. This article builds the rare earth mineral resources reserve system and model from the perspective of regional development and uses the improved SURF algorithm to solve the problems of inaccurate mine location, mine location deviation, dislocation, overlap, and other issues, resulting in more accurate mineral resources reserve management data. The results show that the maximum relative error between the parallel profile method and the traditional method is 2.6%, which meets the requirement for mineral reserve calculation accuracy and can be used to calculate reserves. China’s peak ionic rare earth output will be 46,797.06 tonnes in 2024, and then, it will decline at a 4% annual rate thereafter. This demonstrates how a graded reserve and orderly promotion can improve the workflow and efficiency of the rare earth mineral resources reserve.
PRC2-Inactivating Mutations in Cancer Enhance Cytotoxic Response to DNMT1-Targeted Therapy via Enhanced Viral Mimicry
Authors: Patel Amish J. , Warda Sarah , Maag Jesper L.V. , Misra Rohan , Miranda-Román Miguel A. , Pachai Mohini R. , Lee Cindy J. , Li Dan , Wang Naitao , Bayshtok Gabriella , Fishinevich Eve , Meng Yinuo , Wong Elissa W.P. , Yan Juan , Giff Emily , Pappalardi Melissa B. , McCabe Michael T. , Fletcher Jonathan A. , Rudin Charles M. , Chandarlapaty Sarat , Scandura Joseph M. , Koche Richard P. , Glass Jacob L. , Antonescu Cristina R. , Zheng Deyou , Chen Yu , Chi Ping
Published: July 2022

Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) has oncogenic and tumor-suppressive roles in cancer. There is clinical success of targeting this complex in PRC2-dependent cancers, but an unmet therapeutic need exists in PRC2-loss cancer. PRC2-inactivating mutations are a hallmark feature of high-grade malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST), an aggressive sarcoma with poor prognosis and no effective targeted therapy. Through RNAi screening in MPNST, we found that PRC2 inactivation increases sensitivity to genetic or small-molecule inhibition of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), which results in enhanced cytotoxicity and antitumor response. Mechanistically, PRC2 inactivation amplifies DNMT inhibitor–mediated expression of retrotransposons, subsequent viral mimicry response, and robust cell death in part through a protein kinase R (PKR)–dependent double-stranded RNA sensor. Collectively, our observations posit DNA methylation as a safeguard against antitumorigenic cell-fate decisions in PRC2-loss cancer to promote cancer pathogenesis, which can be therapeutically exploited by DNMT1-targeted therapy.

Significance:

PRC2 inactivation drives oncogenesis in various cancers, but therapeutically targeting PRC2 loss has remained challenging. Here we show that PRC2-inactivating mutations set up a tumor context–specific liability for therapeutic intervention via DNMT1 inhibitors, which leads to innate immune signaling mediated by sensing of derepressed retrotransposons and accompanied by enhanced cytotoxicity.

See related commentary by Guil and Esteller, p. 2020.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 2007
Nonhealing Ulcers with Rimming of the Adipose Tissues
Authors: Wantavornprasert Kittipong , Asawapanumas Thiti , Asawanonda Pravit
Published: July 2022

Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTCL-NT) is a rare condition which has a very aggressive clinical outcome. The most common and typical presentation is the destructive tumor involving the nasal cavity or nasopharynx, referred to as lethal midline granuloma, while cutaneous involvement is found to be the second most involved site. In this report, we describe a case of an otherwise healthy 40-year-old female solely presenting with ulcerative plaques and subcutaneous nodules on her lower extremities. Although the rimming of adipocytes by atypical lymphocytes, which resembles subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma, was found on histopathology, immunohistochemistry revealed the diagnosis of cutaneous ENKTCL-NT which portends a much worse prognosis. A positron emission tomography scan also detected a hypermetabolic mass on her nasal cavity despite negative findings on history and initial examination. After thorough investigation, her final diagnosis was ENKTCL-NT with extranasal involvement (cutaneous) stage IV.
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Techniques and Applications for Pericardial Diseases
Authors: Wang Tom Kai Ming , Ayoub Chadi , Chetrit Michael , Kwon Deborah H. , Jellis Christine L. , Cremer Paul C. , Bolen Michael A. , Flamm Scott D. , Klein Allan L.
Published: July 2022

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging plays a central role among multimodality imaging modalities in the assessment, diagnosis, and surveillance of pericardial diseases. Clinicians and imagers should have a foundational understanding of the utilities, advantages, and limitations of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and how they integrate with other diagnostic tools involved in the evaluation and management of pericardial diseases. This review aims to outline the contemporary magnetic resonance imaging sequences used to evaluate the pericardium, followed by exploring the main clinical applications of magnetic resonance imaging for identifying pericardial inflammation, constriction, and effusion.
FMO2 (Flavin Containing Monooxygenase 2) Prevents Cardiac Fibrosis via CYP2J3-SMURF2 Axis
Authors: Ni Cheng , Chen Yongjian , Xu Yinchuan , Zhao Jing , Li Qingju , Xiao Changchen , Wu Yan , Wang Jingyi , Wang Yingchao , Zhong Zhiwei , Zhang Ling , Wu Rongrong , Liu Qingnian , Wu Xianpeng , Ke Changle , Zhu Wei , Chen Jinghai , Huang Jijun , Wang Yibin , Wang Jian’an , Hu Xinyang
Published: July 2022

Background:

Cardiac fibrosis is a common pathological feature associated with adverse clinical outcome in postinjury remodeling and has no effective therapy. Using an unbiased transcriptome analysis, we identified FMO2 (flavin-containing monooxygenase 2) as a top-ranked gene dynamically expressed following myocardial infarction (MI) in hearts across different species including rodents, nonhuman primates, and human. However, the functional role of FMO2 in cardiac remodeling is largely unknown.

Methods:

Single-nuclei transcriptome analysis was performed to identify FMO2 after MI; FMO2 ablation rats were generated both in genetic level using the CRISPR-cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat–associated 9) technology and lentivirus-mediated manner. Gain-of-function experiments were conducted using
postn
-promoter FMO2, miR1a/miR133a-FMO2 lentivirus, and enzymatic activity mutant FMO2 lentivirus after MI.

Results:

A significant downregulation of FMO2 was consistently observed in hearts after MI in rodents, nonhuman primates, and patients. Single-nuclei transcriptome analysis showed cardiac expression of FMO2 was enriched in fibroblasts rather than myocytes. Elevated spontaneous tissue fibrosis was observed in the FMO2-null animals without external stress. In contrast, fibroblast-specific expression of FMO2 markedly reduced cardiac fibrosis following MI in rodents and nonhuman primates associated with diminished SMAD2/3 (small mothers against decapentaplegic 2/3) phosphorylation. Unexpectedly, the FMO2-mediated regulation in fibrosis and SMAD2/3 signaling was independent of its enzymatic activity. Rather, FMO2 was detected to interact with CYP2J3 (cytochrome p450 superfamily 2J3). Binding of FMO2 to CYP2J3 disrupted CYP2J3 interaction with SMURF2 (SMAD-specific E3 ubiquitin ligase 2) in cytosol, leading to increased cytoplasm to nuclear translocation of SMURF2 and consequent inhibition of SMAD2/3 signaling.

Conclusions:

Loss of FMO2 is a conserved molecular signature in postinjury hearts. FMO2 possesses a previously uncharacterized enzyme-independent antifibrosis activity via the CYP2J3-SMURF2 axis. Restoring FMO2 expression exerts potent ameliorative effect against fibrotic remodeling in postinjury hearts from rodents to nonhuman primates. Therefore, FMO2 is a potential therapeutic target for treating cardiac fibrosis following injury.
Dogs in the Islamic Tradition: A Revisionist Examination
Authors: Polinsky Sheridan
Published: July 2022

This article examines the roles and representations of dogs in Islam by focusing on their place in four manifestations of the Islamic tradition: the Quran, Islamic jurisprudence, Muḥammad al-Damīrī’s The Great Life of Animals, and Sufism. Whereas many Muslims and non-Muslims alike believe that dogs have a low status in Islam, these four sources offer an abundance of positive material about the canine that challenges this view. They also reveal that Muslim scholars have debated much of the contentious material concerning dogs, often forming opinions in response to it that are favorable to the creature. Paying greater attention to the nuances and complexity of the discourses on dogs and their images within the Islamic tradition can help improve understanding of dogs therein and inspire dog-friendly attitudes among modern Muslims.
Detection and identification of Ektaphelenchoides diversislocis sp. n. isolated from Pinus woodlands of China and Japan
Authors: Gu Jianfeng , Ma Xinxin , Fang Yiwu , Yu Haiying , Munawar Maria
Published: July 2022

Understanding the occurrence and distribution of parasitic nematodes is crucial – some are economic pests, and some are important predators of their insect associates. In our recent nematode inventory survey, two populations of an ektaphelechid nematode were detected in the branches of Pinus trees; later the same nematode population was detected in plant quarantine examinations of wood packaging material imported from Japan. The species was processed and identified as Ektaphelenchoides diversislocis sp. n. The new species can be characterised by having three lateral lines, stylet long and tripartite, excretory pore at the level of nerve ring, comparatively longer post-vulval uterine sac, indistinct rectum and anus. Female posterior body region conical, gradually narrowing, like a mucron or filiform. Male spicule with well-developed condylus, triangular rostrum, and cucullus absent. The species is morphologically and molecularly close to E. compsi. The new species was characterised with near full-length 18S, 28S D2-D3 regions, and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rRNA genes and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene sequences. The species within the Ektaphelenchoides genus are considered to have predatory roles against insect associates; therefore, the discovery of E. diversislocis sp. n. from local and foreign woodlands warrants increased sampling and research attention.
Mission as Integral Ecology: Doing Theology at Bethany
Authors: Katongole Emmanuel
Published: July 2022

Christianity’s reality in the global south where poverty, climate change, ecological degradation and marginalization are the daily, lived experience of the majority of the world’s population, presents theologians with a unique moment of challenge and opportunity for theological exploration, experimentation, and missiological innovation. This article explores and analyzes one such experiment, the Bethany Land Institute (BLI, https://bethanylandinstitute.org/) in Uganda. Inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, BLI promotes the concept and practice of integral ecology as a lens for missiological reflection. The article argues that integral ecology, as pursued at BLI, invites us to rethink the traditional themes of Christian mission such as conversion, love, spirituality, and ecclesiology. It also provides a new model of doing theology, one that is particularly appropriate in an era marked by World Christianity, and by the global ecological crisis.
Shalom and Sangsaeng: Transforming Discipleship in a Pandemic-Stricken World
Authors: Keum Jooseop
Published: July 2022

This article examines the theme of the 15th Assembly of the IAMS in 2022, “Powers, Inequalities, and Vulnerabilities: Mission in a Wounded World”. It focuses on putting justice, equality, and liberation at the heart of the Christian mission as a way of transforming discipleship in a pandemic-stricken world. The biblical concept of shalom and the Korean concept of sangsaeng will be examined and discussed as relevant mission concepts in order to respond to the current challenges caused by the global pandemic. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a radical impact on every aspect of life. As lockdowns, social distancing measures to prevent the spread of infection have led to a new “non-contact” culture. Mission and evangelism, which presuppose face-to-face contact and communication, are going through a crisis. Even amid the crisis, however, the mission remains an essential calling of the church and all Christians. Therefore, this article examines transforming discipleship as a radical proposal to live out the mission concepts of shalom and sangsaeng in the context of the global pandemic.
Secularization or Alternative Faith?
Authors: Kasselstrand Isabella
Published: July 2022

In the debate on European secularization, it has been argued that conventional religion has given way to spirituality, and that religion is thus changing as opposed to diminishing. Focusing on northern Europe, this study uses semi-structured interviews and survey data from the International Social Survey Program (ISSP) to explore meanings and trends of spirituality and religious beliefs. Findings highlight a movement away from both religiosity and spirituality. Moreover, individuals who identify as ‘spiritual but not religious’ hold diverse beliefs about the supernatural and various interpretations of spirituality, some of which are in essence secular. Ultimately, this study suggests that current trends of spirituality are consistent with broader patterns of secularization in northern Europe.
The Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect: Performing Norm Leadership
Authors: Prokhorova Anastasia
Published: July 2022

How does the Special Adviser decide to call for the ‘responsibility to protect’ populations from atrocities? How have different postholders understood and shaped their role in practice? This article examines the ‘performative leadership’ of the Special Adviser of the United Nations Secretary-General on the Responsibility to Protect (R2P). In contrast to the dominant approach informed by conventional models of norm diffusion, this research develops a framework which connects strategic norm-building with symbolic interaction and performativity. Given this, I argue that the postholders do not merely enact institutional scripts but ‘perform’ certain meanings of R2P, both creatively and strategically, while being deeply situated in a rigid environment with existing rules. This study brings to the fore subtle yet deep-seated contestations around R2P, which become visible with the inclusion of the Special Adviser. Methodologically, this article relies on interpretative discourse analysis of the representations of the advisers’ creative choices regarding their performances.
Numération, quantification et accords en classe en kobiana
Authors: Voisin Sylvie
Published: July 2022

Kobiana is a Niger-Congo language belonging to the Atlantic language family, mostly spoken in Guinea Bissau by about seven hundred people. This language has a quite typical Niger-Congo noun class system with 16 classes for singular, 11 classes for plural and 6 classes non-sensitive to any number contrast. This language also has developed another system of number marking, different from the noun class system whereby the plural number is marked on nouns by means of a -a suffix. This suffixed plural combines with a sizeable part of Kobiana nouns. Such nouns also trigger agreement within the noun phrase, with both singular and plural agreement markers. After presenting the two types of number marking on Kobiana nouns, we observe the morphological behavior of these nouns when they combine with numerals. We also describe how the agreement markers enable us to account for the syntactic analysis of numerals and to show how numerals can be ascribed to different parts of speech. We also discuss several striking morphosyntactic peculiarities of Kobiana numerals.
Australia at the bbnj Negotiations and Its Potential Role in the Concluding Stages
Authors: Lothian Sarah Louise
Published: July 2022

This article examines the role of Australia in the negotiations towards an International Legally Binding Instrument (ilbi) for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (bbnj). As Australia was among the more influential players at the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (unclos iii) and was instrumental in finding practical and effective compromise solutions, this article argues that Australia is ideally placed to take on a similar leadership role in the bbnj negotiations, particularly now that the process has reached its tail-end. This article revisits Australia’s significant contribution in the early phases of bbnj discussions and then traces Australia’s involvement and engagement with ilbi negotiations to date. This article also undertakes a historical analysis of Australia’s participation at unclos iii to outline the critical roles it played and to draw out certain lessons from that experience that may be relevant in the bbnj context.