bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
More thanMycobacterium tuberculosis:site-of-disease microbial communities, and their functional and clinical profiles in tuberculous lymphadenitis
Authors: Nyawo Georgina R , Naidoo Charissa C , Wu Benjamin , Sulaiman Imran , Clemente Jose C , Li Yonghua , Minnies Stephanie , Reeve Byron W P , Moodley Suventha , Rautenbach Cornelia , Wright Colleen , Singh Shivani , Whitelaw Andrew , Schubert Pawel , Warren Robin , Segal Leopoldo , Theron Grant
Published: December 2022

Background

Lymphadenitis is the most common extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) manifestation. The microbiome is important to human health but uninvestigated in EPTB. We profiled the site-of-disease lymph node microbiome in tuberculosis lymphadenitis (TBL).

Methods

Fine-needle aspiration biopsies were collected from 158 pretreatment presumptive TBL patients in Cape Town, South Africa. 16S Illumina MiSeq rRNA gene sequencing was done.

Results

We analysed 89 definite TBLs (dTBLs) and 61 non-TBLs (nTBLs), which had similar α- but different β-diversities (p=0.001). Clustering identified five lymphotypes prior to TB status stratification:Mycobacterium-dominant, Prevotella-dominant andStreptococcus-dominant lymphotypes were more frequent in dTBLs whereas aCorynebacterium-dominant lymphotype and a fifth lymphotype (no dominant taxon) were more frequent in nTBLs. When restricted to dTBLs, clustering identified aMycobacterium-dominant lymphotype with low α-diversity and non-Mycobacterium-dominated lymphotypes (termedPrevotella-Corynebacterium,Prevotella-Streptococcus). TheMycobacteriumdTBL lymphotype was associated with HIV-positivity and features characteristic of severe lymphadenitis (eg, larger nodes). dTBL microbial communities were enriched with potentially proinflammatory microbial short-chain fatty acid metabolic pathways (propanoate, butanoate) vs nTBLs. 11% (7/61) of nTBLs hadMycobacteriumreads BLAST-confirmed asMycobacterium tuberculosiscomplex.

Conclusions

TBL at the site-of-disease is not microbially homogeneous. Distinct microbial community clusters exist that, in our setting, are associated with different clinical characteristics, and immunomodulatory potentials. Non-Mycobacterium-dominated dTBL lymphotypes, which contain taxa potentially targeted by TB treatment, were associated with milder, potentially earlier stage disease. These investigations lay foundations for studying the microbiome’s role in lymphatic TB. The long-term clinical significance of these lymphotypes requires prospective validation.
Calibration of strain-softening constitutive model parameters from full-field deformation measurements
Authors: Singh Vikram , Stanier Sam , Bienen Britta , Randolph Mark F.
Published: December 2022

Many offshore geotechnical problems—such as cyclic T-bar penetration and lateral buckling of pipelines—are affected by the tendency of fine-grained soils to strain-soften due to remoulding. Careful calibration of the constitutive model parameters that control strain softening is essential for accurate simulation of these processes. This is usually achieved by matching constitutive model response with standard element test data, which implicitly assumes that homogeneous stress/strain fields exist within the sample. However, popular element test protocols (e.g., triaxial, simple shear) cannot apply sufficient deformation—at least as measured at the boundaries—to achieve fully remoulded conditions. This work explores the potential to determine strain-softening parameters experimentally, directly from image-based full-field deformation measurements and external loading data. Artificial data generated from finite element simulations of biaxial compression and T-bar penetration tests, using a non-locally regularised strain-softening constitutive model based on Modified Cam Clay, are then used to demonstrate the potential of the proposed technique. The results demonstrate significant potential for the application of the technique to identify constitutive parameters from full-field measurements even when polluted with modest measurement noise.
Determining the strain rate of controlled-strain loading consolidation test with hydraulic conductivity
Authors: Raheena M. , Robinson Retnamony G.
Published: December 2022

This note presents a rational procedure to determine the initial strain rate of controlled-strain loading (CSL) consolidation test and control the strain rate during the test within the permissible limits of pore pressure ratio. The initial strain rate is determined by measuring the hydraulic conductivity of soil specimen by conducting a rapid falling head hydraulic conductivity test using a stand pipe of 3 mm diameter. The strain rate is controlled during the test by restricting the maximum allowable pore pressure ratio at the base of the specimen close to 15%. The testing procedure is validated by performing a series of experiments on reconstituted and undisturbed soil samples. The results from the proposed method are compared with those obtained from the incremental loading consolidation test. The test results proved that the proposed method can be conveniently used to perform the CSL consolidation tests for the determination of the consolidation properties of soils.
How to teach life sciences students about dual-use research—a view from the field
Authors: Gemünden Michèle , Vinke Svenja
Published: December 2022

To reduce biological risks, raising awareness for dual-use issues already at the level of university education is essential. Currently, most life sciences education programs do not incorporate biosecurity and dual-use in their regular curricula. Consequently, the responsibility rests with individual lecturers and depends on their initiative to incorporate dual-use topics into teaching activities. Students interested in biosecurity and dual-use topics often only have the option to educate themselves in external or online courses. Here, we provide practical guidance on how to initiate and integrate a dual-use education program within the curriculum and provide a selection of existing teaching materials. In addition, we suggest key learning objectives to guide the planning of dual-use courses. Different course formats like lectures, seminars, or stand-alone events are discussed regarding their advantages, disadvantages, and suitability for conveying the learning objectives to different educational stages and audiences. As a minimum, we recommend the incorporation of dual-use issues into at least one mandatory course. Ideally, students should additionally participate in in-depth seminars, which can be voluntary and offered in cooperation with external organisations.
Searching for dark matter axions with Berry phase
Authors: Lambiase G. , Papini G.
Published: December 2022

We discuss novel aspects of the interaction of axions-like particles (ALP) with superfluids, superconductors in particular, and determine an induced Berry phase that is topologically singular and contributes to the generation of string-like structures. The latter are similar to vortices in superfluids. We suggest that measuring the currents generated by the Berry phase of ALP axions would enable the study of low mass regions of the ALP spectrum otherwise unobservable.
Vanishing Noether current in Weyl invariant gravities
Authors: Oda Ichiro
Published: December 2022

We revisit the issue that the Noether current associated with a local scale symmetry, or equivalently the Weyl symmetry, identically vanishes. Based on only the second Noether theorem for a local symmetry, we prove that the Noether current associated with the Weyl symmetry is in general vanishing in any Weyl invariant gravitational theories in four-dimensional Riemannian geometry. We also clarify the reason: The Weyl transformation is nondynamical in the sense that it does not contain the derivative term of the transformation parameter as opposed to the conventional gauge transformation.
Isogeometric discretization methods in computational fluid mechanics
Authors: Takizawa Kenji , Bazilevs Yuri , Tezduyar Tayfun E.
Published: December 2022

In this lead article of the special issue, we provide a brief summary of the research developments in Isogeometric Analysis (IGA) for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). We focus on the use of IGA in combination with stabilized and variational multiscale methods in fluids. We highlight the key developments and present results in IGA-based CFD that makes this technology attractive for the computational analysis of complex, unsteady and, often turbulent, flows encountered in modern science and engineering applications. We cover both incompressible and compressible flows, numerical method development and performance evaluation using benchmark problems, and applications ranging from stratified environmental flows over complex terrains to concrete-blast fluid–structure interaction. A short synopsis of each article in the special issue is also provided to help reader quickly see what is in the special issue.
CAN BE A PREFERABILITY BETWEEN INDUCTION ANESTHETIC AGENTS FOR FRACTURE SURGERY. HISTOPATHOLOGICAL AND BIOMECHANICAL APPROACH ON RATS
Authors: KUYUBASI SABIT NUMAN , INAL CANAN , INAL SERMET , INAL MEHMET TURAN , DEGER AYSENUR , GÖK KADIR , ONER SULEYMAN KAAN , KURT MEHMET
Published: December 2022

As the effect of many medical agents such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics were investigated on bone fracture healing, there is no study about the anesthetic agents when compared histopathologically and biomechanically. We asked the question that if a superiority can be between them since we operate many fractures and see the delayed or nonunions. Although different anesthetic agents are used in general anesthesia, the effects of these substances on bone fracture healing are not clear. Here, we intended to research different anesthetic agents on fracture union in rats. The study was done between January 2020 and November 2021 in a university animal research laboratory. Totally 48 male Wistar-Albino rats weighing 250–300[Formula: see text]g were seperated into 3 groups as Tiyopental Na in Group 1, Ketamin in Group 2 and Propofol in Group 3. For anesthesia; 40, 100, 100[Formula: see text]mg/kg of single dosages were injected intraperitoneally, respectively. A shaft fracture was created bilaterally to the tibia of all rats. Kirschner (K) wire is used for the fixation of fractures. Biomechanical and histopathological examination in bones is performed at the end of the first and second months in terms of fracture healing. It has been found that the fracture union in group 1 was statistically signifigant higher than group 3 at the end of the first and second months histopathologically (P = 0.006, P = 0.002). It is also found there is a statistically significant difference between groups 1 and 3 after the second month biomechanically (P = 0.013). Although the union was higher in group 1 than group 2 histopathologically and biomechanically after the first and second months, there was no statistically significant difference (P = 0.376, 0.039; P = 0.028, 0.867). There was a general trend in the decrease of union measurements starting from group 1 to 3 at the end of the first and second month both histopathologically and biomechanically. In this study, it is found that there was a positive consistency between histopathological and biomechanical results with respect to bone union. They supported each other. Fracture healing is stronger in rats that were anesthetized by using thiopental than those using ketamine and propofol, we think that this may affect the choice of anesthetic agent and further studies are needed.
Correlation of image textures of a polarization feature parameter and the microstructures of liver fibrosis tissues
Authors: Yao Yue , Wan Jiachen , Zhang Fengdi , Dong Yang , Chen Lihong , Ma Hui
Published: December 2022

Mueller matrix imaging is emerging for the quantitative characterization of pathological microstructures and is especially sensitive to fibrous structures. Liver fibrosis is a characteristic of many types of chronic liver diseases. The clinical diagnosis of liver fibrosis requires time-consuming multiple staining processes that specifically target on fibrous structures. The staining proficiency of technicians and the subjective visualization of pathologists may bring inconsistency to clinical diagnosis. Mueller matrix imaging can reduce the multiple staining processes and provide quantitative diagnostic indicators to characterize liver fibrosis tissues. In this study, a fiber-sensitive polarization feature parameter (PFP) was derived through the forward sequential feature selection (SFS) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) to target on the identification of fibrous structures. Then, the Pearson correlation coefficients and the statistical T-tests between the fiber-sensitive PFP image textures and the liver fibrosis tissues were calculated. The results show the gray level run length matrix (GLRLM)-based run entropy that measures the heterogeneity of the PFP image was most correlated to the changes of liver fibrosis tissues at four stages with a Pearson correlation of 0.6919. The results also indicate the highest Pearson correlation of 0.9996 was achieved through the linear regression predictions of the combination of the PFP image textures. This study demonstrates the potential of deriving a fiber-sensitive PFP to reduce the multiple staining process and provide textures-based quantitative diagnostic indicators for the staging of liver fibrosis.
Estimations of the Sacrifice Ratio Through Dual Regimes: An Evidence from Indian Perspective
Authors: Sharma Devashish , Mishra Amritkant
Published: December 2022

This investigation applies a VAR and an ARDL model to estimate the sacrifice ratio in the period of 1968–2018 subject to two regimes in India. The range for the sacrifice ratio mostly lies between [Formula: see text]0.5 and 1 for the period of 1968–2002 while also experiencing sensitive shifts of [Formula: see text]10 and 15. For the period of 2002–2018, the ratio lies between [Formula: see text]3 and 5. Furthermore, the long run estimate of the sacrifice ratio is [Formula: see text]2.35 and the short run is [Formula: see text]0.35. It is concluded that the period of 1968–2002 was more sensitive and more prone to disinflationary costs than gains while the period of 2002–2018 is more resilient and is characterized by both costs and gains to disinflation. The gains from disinflation for the period of 2002–2018 exceed those of the period of 1968–2002. In a comparative perspective, the costs to disinflation for India are much less than the usual range of the sacrifice ratio for advanced economies.
TESS: multivariate sensor time series prediction for building sustainable smart cities
Authors: Sun Le , Zhong Zhaoyi , Zhang Chunjiong , Zhang Yanchun , Wu Di
Published: December 2022

Time series analysis can help build sustainable smart cities with high energy efficiency. Smart cities contain a large number of sensors. The sensor data are mostly complex time series, such as traffic, electricity, and gas emission data. Accurate time series prediction can greatly help reduce energy consumption and gas emission. It is difficult to make accurate time series prediction because there are complex correlations among time series and the data have local and global nonlinear dependencies. To overcome the difficulties, we first analyze state-of-the-art works of time series prediction. Then we propose a new framework for Time series prediction evaluation for Energy conServation and emission reduction in Smart cities, called TESS. TESS is used to compare the latest time series prediction models based on six publicly available datasets and three simulation datasets. Based on the theoretical analysis and the experiment result, we get some interesting ideas: time series in smart cities often have obvious periodicity and scale changes, and need to be collected over the long term; skip-connection is helpful for learning long-term features of time series; the recurrent layer is good at predicting time series with obvious periodicity; and linear regression may be more appropriate for predicting time series with scale changes.
Supply Chain Link Prediction on Uncertain Knowledge Graph
Authors: Brockmann Nils , Elson Kosasih Edward , Brintrup Alexandra
Published: December 2022

With manufacturing companies outsourcing to each other, multi-echelon supply chain networks emerge in which risks can propagate over multiple entities. Considerable structural and organizational barriers hamper obtaining the supply chain visibility that would be required for a company to monitor and mitigate these risks. Our work proposes to combine the automated extraction of supply chain relations from web data using NLP with augmenting the results using link prediction. For this, the first graph neural network based approach to model uncertainty in supply chain knowledge graph reasoning is shown. We illustrate our approach on a novel dataset and manage to improve the state-of-the-art performance by 60% in uncertainty link prediction. Generated confidence scores support real-world decision-making.
EMES: Efficient Multi-Encoding Schemes for HEVC-based Adaptive Bitrate Streaming
Authors: Menon Vignesh V , Amirpour Hadi , Ghanbari Mohammad , Timmerer Christian
Published: December 2022

In
HTTP Adaptive Streaming
 (HAS), videos are encoded at multiple bitrates and spatial resolutions (
i.e.
,
representations
) to adapt to the heterogeneity of network conditions, device attributes, and end-user preferences. Encoding the same video segment at multiple representations increases costs for content providers. State-of-the-art multi-encoding schemes improve the encoding process by utilizing encoder analysis information from already encoded representation(s) to reduce the encoding time of the remaining representations. These schemes typically use the highest bitrate representation as the reference to accelerate the encoding of the remaining representations. Nowadays, most streaming services utilize cloud-based encoding techniques, enabling a fully parallel encoding process to reduce the overall encoding time. The highest bitrate representation has the highest encoding time than the other representations. Thus, utilizing it as the reference encoding is unfavorable in a parallel encoding setup as the overall encoding time is bound by its encoding time. This paper provides a comprehensive study of various multi-rate and multi-encoding schemes in both serial and parallel encoding scenarios. Furthermore, it introduces novel heuristics to limit the
Rate Distortion Optimization
 (RDO) process across various representations. Based on these heuristics, three multi-encoding schemes are proposed, which rely on encoder analysis sharing across different representations:
(i)
optimized for the
highest compression efficiency
,
(ii)
optimized for the
best compression efficiency-encoding time savings trade-off
, and
(iii)
optimized for the
best encoding time savings
. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed multi-encoding schemes
(i)
,
(ii)
, and
(iii)
reduce the overall serial encoding time by 34.71%, 45.27%, and 68.76% with a 2.3%, 3.1%, and 4.5% bitrate increase to maintain the same VMAF, respectively compared to stand-alone encodings. The overall parallel encoding time is reduced by 22.03%, 20.72%, and 76.82% compared to stand-alone encodings for schemes
(i)
,
(ii)
, and
(iii)
, respectively.
Design and evaluation of a new consolidation exercise for students studying cardiac physiology: a digital escape room
Authors: Horn Margaux A.
Published: December 2022

This article describes the design and development of a new, freely accessible cardiovascular-themed digital escape room. This web-based resource promotes active learning by facilitating problem-solving and application of physiology knowledge while working against a clock.
Impact of exercise duration on gastrointestinal function and symptoms
Authors: Gaskell Stephanie K. , Burgell Rebecca , Wiklendt Lukasz , Dinning Phil G. , Costa Ricardo J. S.
Published: December 2022

Exercise stress per se appears to instigate perturbations to gastric myoelectrical activity, resulting in an increase in bradygastria frequency, inferring a reduction in gastric motility. The perturbations to gastrointestinal functional responses instigated by exercise per se, likely contribute to the high incidence and severity level of exercise-associated gastrointestinal symptoms. Cutaneous electrogastrography is not commonly used in exercise gastroenterology research, however, may be a useful aid in providing an overall depiction of gastrointestinal function. Particularly relating to gastrointestinal motility and concerning gastroparesis.
Role of Ezrin in Asthma-Related Airway Inflammation and Remodeling
Authors: Zhao Shumei , Luo Jiaqi , Hu Jun , Wang Hesheng , Zhao Ningwei , Cao Meng , Zhang Cong , Hu Rongkui , Liu Lanying
Published: December 2022

Ezrin is an actin binding protein connecting the cell membrane and the cytoskeleton, which is crucial to maintaining cell morphology, intercellular adhesion, and cytoskeleton remodeling. Asthma involves dysfunction of inflammatory cells, cytokines, and airway structural cells. Recent studies have shown that ezrin, whose function is affected by extensive phosphorylation and protein interactions, is closely associated with asthma, may be a therapeutic target for asthma treatment. In this review, we summarize studies on ezrin and discuss its role in asthma-related airway inflammation and remodeling.
PINK1-Mediated Mitophagy Promotes Oxidative Phosphorylation and Redox Homeostasis to Induce Drug-Tolerant Persister Cancer Cells
Authors: Li Yun , Chen Hengxing , Xie Xuan , Yang Bing , Wang Xiaojuan , Zhang Jingyuan , Qiao Tian , Guan Jiao , Qiu Yuntan , Huang Yong-Xin , Tian Duanqing , Yao Xinyi , Lu Daning , Koeffler H. Phillip , Zhang Yin , Yin Dong
Published: December 2022

The drug-tolerant persister (DTP) state enables cancer cells to evade cytotoxic stress from anticancer therapy. However, the mechanisms governing DTP generation remain poorly understood. Here, we observed that lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cells and organoids entered a quiescent DTP state to survive MAPK inhibitor treatment. DTP cells following MAPK inhibition underwent a metabolic switch from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1), a serine/threonine kinase that initiates mitophagy, was upregulated to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis during DTP generation. PINK1-mediated mitophagy supported DTP cell survival and contributed to poor prognosis. Mechanistically, MAPK pathway inhibition resulted in MYC-dependent transcriptional upregulation of PINK1, leading to mitophagy activation. Mitophagy inhibition using either clinically applicable chloroquine or depletion of PINK1 eradicated drug tolerance and allowed complete response to MAPK inhibitors. This study uncovers PINK1-mediated mitophagy as a novel tumor protective mechanism for DTP generation, providing a therapeutic opportunity to eradicate DTP and achieve complete responses.

Significance:

DTP cancer cells that cause relapse after anticancer therapy critically depend on PINK1-mediated mitophagy and metabolic reprogramming, providing a therapeutic opportunity to eradicate persister cells to prolong treatment efficacy.
Smoking Cessation and Tobacco-related Risk Perceptions among People with and without a Diagnosis of Cancer
Authors: Land Stephanie R. , Baker Laura , Twesten Jenny , Reyes-Guzman Carolyn M. , Kaufman Annette R.
Published: December 2022

Background:

Little is known about how cancer diagnosis and tobacco-related risk perceptions are associated with smoking behavior.

Methods:

We used data from Waves (W) 1–3 (2013–2016) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study to analyze longitudinal smoking behavior among adults who were current smokers and not previously diagnosed with cancer at baseline (W1; N = 7,829). The outcome was smoking cessation as of follow-up (W3). Explanatory variables were sociodemographics, other tobacco product use, adult at first cigarette, tobacco dependence, cancer diagnosis after baseline, and tobacco-related risk perceptions [cigarette harm perception, worry that tobacco products will damage one's health (“worry”), belief that smoking causes cancer (“belief”), and nondaily smoking harm perception].

Results:

Cessation was significantly associated with baseline worry (OR = 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.13–1.40), follow-up cigarette harm perception [OR = 2.01 (1.77–2.29)], and follow-up belief [OR = 1.40 (1.20–1.63)]. Cessation was inversely associated with follow-up (W3) worry, and this association was stronger among those without a cancer diagnosis (OR = 0.37 without cancer; OR = 0.76 among individuals diagnosed with cancer; interaction P = 0.001).

Conclusions:

Cessation is associated with tobacco-related risk perceptions, with different perceptions contributing in unique ways. Cessation is predicted by baseline worry but is inversely associated with worry at follow-up, suggesting that perhaps cessation has alleviated worry. The latter finding was stronger among respondents not diagnosed with cancer.

Impact:

Associations between cancer diagnosis, tobacco-related risk perceptions, and smoking behavior may inform the development of evidence-based smoking cessation interventions.
Impact of Brief Quality Improvement Coaching on Adolescent HPV Vaccination Coverage: A Pragmatic Cluster Randomized Trial
Authors: Gilkey Melissa B. , Heisler-MacKinnon Jennifer , Boynton Marcella H. , Calo William A. , Moss Jennifer L. , Brewer Noel T.
Published: December 2022

Background:

Health departments in the United States routinely conduct quality improvement (QI) coaching to help primary care providers optimize vaccine delivery. In a prior trial focusing on multiple adolescent vaccines, this light-touch intervention yielded only short-term improvements in HPV vaccination. We sought to evaluate the impact of an enhanced, HPV vaccine-specific QI coaching intervention when delivered in person or virtually.

Methods:

We partnered with health departments in three states to conduct a pragmatic cluster randomized trial in 2015 to 2016. We randomized 224 primary care clinics to receive no intervention (control), in-person coaching, or virtual coaching. Health department staff delivered the brief (45–60 minute) coaching interventions, including HPV vaccine-specific training with assessment and feedback on clinics’ vaccination coverage (i.e., proportion of patients vaccinated). States’ immunization information systems provided data to assess coverage change for HPV vaccine initiation (≥1 doses) at 12-month follow-up, among patients ages 11 to 12 (primary outcome) and 13 to 17 (secondary outcome) at baseline.

Results:

Clinics served 312,227 patients ages 11 to 17. For ages 11 to 12, coverage change for HPV vaccine initiation was higher in the in-person and virtual coaching arms than in the control arm at 12-month follow-up (1.2% and 0.7% point difference, both P < 0.05). For ages 13 to 17, coverage change was higher for virtual coaching than control (1.4% point difference, P < 0.001), but in-person coaching did not yield an intervention effect.

Conclusions:

Our brief QI coaching intervention produced small long-term improvements in HPV vaccination.

Impact:

Health departments may benefit from targeting QI coaching to specific vaccines, like HPV vaccine, that need them most.
Clinical Implications of APOBEC3-Mediated Mutagenesis in Breast Cancer
Authors: Roelofs Pieter A. , Martens John W.M. , Harris Reuben S. , Span Paul N.
Published: December 2022

Over recent years, members of the APOBEC3 family of cytosine deaminases have been implicated in increased cancer genome mutagenesis, thereby contributing to intratumor and intertumor genomic heterogeneity and therapy resistance in, among others, breast cancer. Understanding the available methods for clinical detection of these enzymes, the conditions required for their (dysregulated) expression, the clinical impact they have, and the clinical implications they may offer is crucial in understanding the current impact of APOBEC3-mediated mutagenesis in breast cancer. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of recent developments in the detection of APOBEC3-mediated mutagenesis and responsible APOBEC3 enzymes, summarize the pathways that control their expression, and explore the clinical ramifications and opportunities they pose. We propose that APOBEC3-mediated mutagenesis can function as a helpful predictive biomarker in several standard-of-care breast cancer treatment plans and may be a novel target for treatment.
Upregulated MicroRNA-185-3p Inhibits the Development of Hyperlipidemia in Rats
Authors: Zhao Hua , Li Yanbing
Published: December 2022

Introduction: MicroRNA (miR)-185-3p plays a role in multiple types of cancers, while its underlying function remains obscure in hyperlipidemia. This research was conducted to unravel its function in hyperlipidemia development via modulating mastermind-like 1 (MAML1). Methods: The hyperlipidemia rat model was established by feeding with high-fat diet. miR-185-3p and MAML1 levels in hyperlipidemia rats were detected. Adenoviral vectors altering miR-185-3p and MAML1 levels were injected into hyperlipidemia rats to examine the levels of serum lipids, oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokine, lipid accumulation, and cellular morphology in liver tissues of hyperlipidemia rats. The targeting relation between miR-185-3p and MAML1 was manifested. Results: miR-185-3p expressed at a low level, while MAML1 expressed at a high level in hyperlipidemia rats. miR-185-3p overexpression or MAML1 silencing reduced levels of serum lipids, mitigated oxidative stress and inflammatory response, and relieved lipid accumulation and pathological morphology in liver tissues in hyperlipidemia rats, while upregulated MAML1 reversed the effects of augmented miR-185-3p in hyperlipidemia rats. Mechanically, miR-185-3p targeted MAML1. Conclusion: Upregulated miR-185-3p represses hyperlipidemia development via modulating MAML1 expression. This research provides novel therapeutic candidates for the treatment of hyperlipidemia.
Hemodialysis Effects on Autonomic Function: Results of Linear and Nonlinear Analysis of Heart Rate Variability at Rest and in Response to Physical and Mental Stress Tests
Authors: Faitatzidou Danai , Dipla Konstantina , Theodorakopoulou Marieta P. , Koutlas Aggelos , Karagiannidis Artemios , Alexandrou Maria-Eleni , Tsouchnikas Ioannis , Giamalis Panagiotis , Dimitriadis Chrysostomos , Zafeiridis Andreas , Papagianni Aikaterini , Sarafidis Pantelis
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Cardiac arrhythmias are the most common cause of death in hemodialysis. Autonomic dysfunction plays a central role in this arrhythmogenic background. Previous studies on hemodialysis-related changes in heart rate variability (HRV) give contradictory results. This study investigated HRV indices both at rest and in response to physical and mental stimulation maneuvers at multiple time-points around and during the hemodialysis procedure. Methods: Autonomic function was assessed by linear and nonlinear HRV indices at predialysis, during dialysis (3 equal time-periods), postdialysis, and on the nondialysis day in 36 hemodialysis patients. Continuous measurement of beat-by-beat heart rate was recorded with Finometer-PRO (The Netherlands) at rest and after orthostatic, sit-to-stand, handgrip, and mental-arithmetic test. Results: The RMSSD, SD1, and SD2 indices significantly increased during dialysis (early-HD, mid-HD, late-HD periods) compared with the predialysis levels (p < 0.05) and returned to baseline postdialysis (RMSSD: 54.39 ± 83.73 vs. 137.98 ± 109.53* vs. 119.85 ± 97.34* vs. 144.47 ± 88.74* vs. 85.82 ± 121.43msec, *p < 0.05 vs. predialysis and postdialysis). No differences were detected in the above indices between the predialysis and nondialysis day. However, postdialysis, the HRV responses to orthostatic and sit-to-stand tests were more exaggerated than in the predialysis measurements (p < 0.05). The HRV responses both at resting and physical tests in the nondialysis day were similar to the predialysis levels. HRV indices in the mental arithmetic test during hemodialysis were much higher than at the nondialysis day (RMSSD: 77.05 [180.41] versus 19.75 [105.47] msec; p = 0.031). Conclusions: Hemodialysis causes marked changes in the autonomic function. Resting HRV indices return to baseline postdialysis, but HRV responses to physical stress remain exaggerated and return to baseline on the nondialysis day. Detecting patients with significant autonomic dysfunction may help towards reduction of arrhythmia risk through individualized approaches.
Genomic Landscape of Circulating-Tumor DNA in a Diverse Cohort of Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Cheng Shirley , Nguyen Edward Tri , Pagano Ian , Fukui Jami Aya
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. Liquid biopsy is becoming a more commonly accepted method in clinical practice. Thus, there is a need to investigate ways to utilize circulating-tumor DNA (ctDNA) in metastatic breast cancer (mBC). The primary objective of this study was to characterize the genomic landscape of ctDNA in a diverse patient population and across different subtypes of mBC. Methods: We analyzed the ctDNA profile in patients (n = 45) with mBC who received a Guardant360 liquid biopsy test. Patient demographics, age at diagnosis, race, subtype, and mutations were included in the analysis. Results: The majority of patients (n = 39, 86.7%) had at least one gene alteration detected in their liquid biopsy. We found no statistically significant differences in genomic landscape according to race. However, there were differences seen in tumor genomics according to age and subtype. Postmenopausal patients were more likely to have detectable disease on liquid biopsy compared to premenopausal patients (p = 0.001). Mutations in ESR1 (n = 10) and PIK3CA (n = 8) were more commonly seen in hormone positive (HR+) mBC, where known tailored treatment options are available (i.e., fulvestrant and alpelisib respectively). The most common alterations detected include TP53 (n = 22) followed by PIK3CA (n = 15), ESR1 (n = 11), CCND1 (n = 7), and ERBB2 (n = 7). Conclusion: Liquid biopsies are effective tools that can reveal clinically relevant information including mutational status and therapeutic options.
Trueness of the Combined Intra- and Extraoral Scanning Technique for Transferring Subgingival Contours from Provisional Restorations to Definitive Restorations
Authors: Sanda Koma , Yasunami Noriyuki , Matsushita Yasuyuki , Furuhashi Akihiro , Matsuzaki Tatsuya , Imai Mikio , Cheng Chi-Hsiang , Koyano Kiyoshi
Published: December 2022

Purpose: To compare the morphologic trueness of provisional and definitive restorations constructed with conventional custom impression techniques to those constructed with intra- and extraoral scanning (IEOS), which can digitally transfer the subgingival morphology of the provisional restoration to the definitive restoration. Materials and Methods: Provisional restorations were fabricated on typodonts in which implants were placed. In the conventional method, a customized impression coping was produced by using polymethyl methacrylate resin to transfer the subgingival contour of the provisional restoration. Impressions were taken with silicone impression material, and definitive restorations were made by CAM. The IEOS technique was performed as previously reported. In brief, three individually scanned stereolithography (STL) files were superimposed in CAD software to transfer the morphology of the provisional restoration to the definitive restoration. Definitive restorations were then made by CAM. The provisional and definitive restorations were both scanned by IOS. Scanned data files were superimposed with morphometry software, and the distortions were measured. Student t test was used for statistical analysis. Results: The subgingival morphologies of definitive restorations prepared by the conventional method showed significant negative distortions compared to definitive restorations prepared by the IEOS technique. Conclusion: The IEOS technique can more accurately transfer the subgingival contour of provisional restorations to definitive restorations compared to the conventional customized impression coping technique.
Heparin Does Not Regulate Circulating Human PCSK9 (Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin-Kexin Type 9) in a General Population—Brief Report
Authors: Xia Vivian Q. , Ong Chui Mei , Zier Lucas S. , MacGregor John S. , Wu Alan H.B. , Chorba John S.
Published: December 2022

Background:

PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9) chaperones the hepatic LDLR (low-density lipoprotein receptor) for lysosomal degradation, elevating serum LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol and promoting atherosclerotic heart disease. Though the major effect on the hepatic LDLR comes from secreted PCSK9, the details of PCSK9 reuptake into the hepatocyte remain unclear. In both tissue culture and animal models, HSPGs (heparan sulfate proteoglycans) on hepatocytes act as co-receptors to promote PCSK9 reuptake. We hypothesized that if this PCSK9:HSPG interaction is important in humans, disrupting it with unfractionated heparin (UFH) would acutely displace PCSK9 from the liver and increase plasma PCSK9.

Methods:

We obtained remnant plasma samples from 160 subjects undergoing cardiac catheterization before and after administration of intravenous UFH. PCSK9 levels were determined using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:

Median plasma PCSK9 was 113 ng/mL prior to UFH and 119 ng/mL afterward. This difference was not significant (
P
=0.83 [95% CI, −6.23 to 6.31 ng/mL]). Equivalence testing provided 95% confidence that UFH would not raise plasma PCSK9 by > 4.7%. Among all subgroups, only subjects with the lowest baseline PCSK9 concentrations exhibited a response to UFH (8.8% increase, adj.
P
=0.044). A modest correlation was observed between baseline plasma PCSK9 and the change in plasma PCSK9 due to UFH (R
S
=−0.3634;
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions:

Administration of UFH does not result in a clinically meaningful effect on circulating PCSK9 among an unselected population of humans. The results cast doubt on the clinical utility of disrupting the PCSK9:HSPG interaction as a general therapeutic strategy for PCSK9 inhibition. However, the observations suggest that in selected populations, disrupting the PCSK9:HSPG interaction could still affect PCSK9 reuptake and offer a therapeutic benefit.
The family Nyctaginaceae (Caryophyllales) in Sonora, Mexico
Authors: SANDOVAL-ORTEGA MANUEL HIGINIO , SÁNCHEZ-ESCALANTE JOSÉ JESÚS
Published: December 2022

The family Nyctaginaceae comprises 7 tribes, 31 genera and 300–405 species distributed in the tropics and other warm regions of the world, and in Mexico, it has been studied mainly in the central-southern zone of the country. The aim of this work is to report the genera and species of Nyctaginaceae found in Sonora. The material collected in the state of Sonora and deposited in University of Sonora Herbarium and Mexico National Herbarium was reviewed and corroborated using the literature. The specimens deposited in the Arizona State University Vascular Plant Herbarium, University of Arizona Herbarium, Desert Botanical Garden and other collections, were also consulted using the platform Red de Herbarios del Noroeste de México. In the state of Sonora, the family Nyctaginaceae is represented by 11 genera and 33 species. All are native. A dichotomous key for the genera of Nyctaginaceae in Sonora is provided and the types of 23 names are here designated.
Russula rubiginosus sp. nov. in Russula subsect. Maculatinae from Heilongjiang Province, Northeast China
Authors: JI RUI-QING , XIE MENG-LE , ZHOU JI-JIANG , Meng LI-PENG , Li Yu , ZHANG ZHONG-HUI , LI GUO-JIE
Published: December 2022

Russula rubiginosus sp. nov. (Subsect. Maculatinae) associated with Quercus mongolica is described and illustrated based on phylogenetic analyses of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) ribosomal DNA sequences and morphological evidence. This species is characterized by the rusty spots on the pileus and stipe, an acrid taste, a yellow spore print, smaller basidiospores, and abundant cystidia in pileipellis and stipitipellis. Furthermore, the morphological characteristics were described in detail and compared with R. globispora and R. subrubescens.
Typification of the name Linum setaceum (Linaceae)
Authors: FERRER-GALLEGO P. PABLO , LABARGA JUAN M. MARTÍNEZ
Published: December 2022

The typification of Linum setaceum (Linaceae), is discussed. The designation of the nomenclatural type is based on an assessment of Brotero’s original elements and the literature cited in the protologue. The name is lectotypified using an illustration published in the protologue and an epitype is also selected.
Between Pluricentrism and Transculturalism: Issues of the Language of Hungarian Literature in Slovakia
Authors: Németh Zoltán
Published: December 2022

This study examines a specific type of language use in contemporary Hungarian literature in Slovakia. The literary works of several Hungarian authors in Slovakia include a language based on the contact phenomena and regional dialectics of the Hungarian and Slovak languages. This phenomenon is interpreted using the methodological tools of pluricentrism, which serves as a theoretical framework for the linguistic interpretation, and transculturalism, which is a point of departure for literary analysis. The interpretation of language contact phenomena, the levels of hybridisation and dialect focuses on the works of Gábor Kálmán, Lajos Grendel, Mila Haugová, Anikó N. Tóth, Anikó Polgár, Norbert György, Zoltán Hizsnyai, Árpád Tőzsér, Pál Száz.
Automated Multimodal Fusion Based Hyperparameter Tuned Deep Learning Model for Brain Tumor Diagnosis
Authors: Sandhya S. , Senthil Kumar M.
Published: December 2022

As medical image processing research has progressed, image fusion has emerged as a realistic solution, automatically extracting relevant data from many images before fusing them into a single, unified image. Medical imaging techniques, such as Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance
Imaging (MRI), etc., play a crucial role in the diagnosis and classification of brain tumors (BT). A single imaging technique is not sufficient for correct diagnosis of the disease. In case the scans are ambiguous, it can lead doctors to incorrect diagnoses, which can be unsafe to the patient.
The solution to this problem is fusing images from different scans containing complementary information to generate accurate images with minimum uncertainty. This research presents a novel method for the automated identification and classification of brain tumors using multi-modal deep learning
(AMDL-BTDC). The proposed AMDL-BTDC model initially performs image pre-processing using bilateral filtering (BF) technique. Next, feature vectors are generated using a pair of pre-trained deep learning models called EfficientNet and SqueezeNet. Slime Mold Algorithm is used to acquire the DL
models’ optimal hyperparameter settings (SMA). In the end, an autoencoder (AE) model is used for BT classification once features have been fused. The suggested model’s superior performance over other techniques under diverse measures was validated by extensive testing on the benchmark
medical imaging dataset.
Construction of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Using Coffee as a Natural Dye and ZnO Nanorods Based Photoanode
Authors: Arshi Nishat , Ahmed Faheem , Kumar Shalendra , Umar Ahmad , Aljaafari Abdullah , Alshoaibi Adil , Alsulami Abdullah , Alshahrie Ahmed , Melaibari Ammar
Published: December 2022

In the present work, a simple, cost effective, and biofriendly methodology was reported to prepare ZnO nanorods used as the photoanode materials for the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) in combination with coffee extract as a dye and carbon as a counter electrode made by candle flame.
The prepared nanostructures were well characterized by XRD, Raman, FESEM, and TEM measurements. The XRD, Raman and TEM results confirmed that the ZnO nanorods were crystallized in the hexagonal phase and possessed single phase nature. Morphological studies performed by FESEM and TEM analyses
showed that the ZnO have rods like morphology which were uniform and dense. The length and diameter of the prepared nanorods were ~45 nm and ~1 μm, respectively. The results showed that the ZnO nanorods electrode exhibited a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of DSSCs with a maximum
value of 0.54% having a Voc and Jsc of ~0.272 V, and 7.4 mA/cm2, respectively. Significantly, this technique could be used for a large scale production using existing economical, biosafe, and highly effective DSSCs fabrication technique. Development
of new-DSSCs (with coffee as natural dye and carbon from candle as counter electrode) using ZnO nanorods open up the way for a diversity of applications.
Adenotonsillar Hypertrophy: The Relationship Between Obstruction Type and Attention in Children
Authors: Durgun Ceren , Tatlıpınar Arzu , Akyıldız Merve , Keskin Serhan
Published: December 2022

We aimed to investigate the attention function, which is a parameter of cognitive functions, at different obstruction types (adenoid and tonsil hypertrophy, adenoid hypertrophy only, tonsillar hypertrophy only, and normal) of oral cavity and nasopharynx, and the relationship between obstruction level, type, and attention (N = 80). To evaluate attention function, Stroop test has been performed. Eighteen-item Quality of Life (OSA-18) and Brouillette Symptom Score questionnaires have been completed with each child’s parents. Significant and positive relation has been found between Brouillette Symptom Score, OSA-18 score, and each 5 sections of Stroop test’s points. It has been shown that children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy (ATH) are negatively affected in terms of obstructive symptoms and quality of life. At the situation of obstructive pathology, the Stroop test durations are affected negatively. Results are supporting that quality of life and attention parameter are affected negatively at children with ATH.
Looking Back to Move Forward: Exploring Urban Secondary Education Teacher Perceptions of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy
Authors: Sellers Kathleen M. , MacKenzie Ann Haley
Published: December 2022

This study draws on Gloria Ladson-Billings’ theory of culturally relevant pedagogy to explore how faculty at a private, Catholic, low-income serving, secondary school translated this theory into practice. Through a three-part action research methodology, the authors sought to answer two primary questions: How indicative are annual plans of culturally relevant pedagogy? How is culturally relevant pedagogy reflected in instructional practice? The data revealed faculty were not uniformly aware of the meaning or implications of culture nor culturally relevant pedagogy and incorporated such fractured knowledge into their annual plans to a limited degree, if at all. When those practices took place, they were often precipitated by student requests and linked directly with specific events in students’ lives in or outside the school environment. Additionally, faculty did not express a strong association between school-wide initiatives that were meant to be culturally relevant and the pedagogical work conducted in their classes. Further, Faculty of Color exhibited a greater level of critical consciousness and enumerated significantly more examples of cultural work than White faculty. Recommendations are made for additional research as well as targeted professional development, changes in staff learning practices, and fairer distributions of cultural work across faculty.