bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oligomers. Relations between their computed free energies
Authors: Audran Gérard , Joly Jean‐Patrick , Marque Sylvain R. A. , Siri Didier , Santelli Maurice
Published: July 2023

Free energies G(X)n of 12 1,ω‐dihydrooligomers (X)n (n, number of the monomeric units) have been determined by quantum calculations. We note that these values are correlated by (a) an excellent linear relationship: G(X)n = An – 761.86 ± 10 (kcal mol–1) (TPSS‐TPSS/6.311 + + G(dp)); (b) for two oligomers (X)n and (Y)n, the difference of weighted free energies—G(X)n/n – G(Y)n/n—is a constant irrespective of n which results from the difference of free energies of the substituent. Consequently, from the Gn values of 1,ω‐dihydrooligoethenes (in fact n‐alkanes), a determination of the free energies of a 1,ω‐dihydrooligomers (X)n is obtained with a good accuracy by the calculation of the G value of its substituent; (c) the corresponding increments G(X)n/n – G(X)(n–1)/(n–1) are equaled and led to a single power law: [Gn/n – G(n–1)/(n–1) = 1282/n2.156 (kcal mol–1), R = 0.9992] or a linear relationship: [Gn/n – G(n–1)/(n–1) = 756.73/n(n–1) + 0.0211 (kcal mol–1), R = 1]. Syndiotactic and isotactic 1,ω‐dihydrooligomers (X) are illustrated in the Electronic Supporting Information.
What would Freud have made of it? Notes on a “normal pathological organization” within contemporary psychoanalysis
Authors: Kemp Martin , Pinto Eliana
Published: July 2023

Psychoanalytic discourse in relation to the situation in historic Palestine is subject to both ideologically‐based and anxiety‐driven inhibitions and restrictions that conflict with the discipline’s claim to be able to “stay with” difficult issues, to “think the unthinkable”. This situation is understood as a social pathology, and its impacts are explored through a literature review (explaining the paper’s length). It considers works that directly seek to protect Zionism from its critics, and texts whose purpose is to demonstrate the relevance of psychoanalytic concepts to the study of social injustice. The qualities of this contemporary discourse are considered alongside Freud’s comments on the conditions for freedom of thought within psychoanalysis, and the example he provided in his comments on politics and society. Rather than a psychoanalytic contribution to understanding an issue of public concern, the paper attempts to describe aspects of psychoanalytic culture itself. It aims to facilitate deeper reflection amongst clinicians, on both an individual and collective level, regarding their contemporary engagement with coloniality and the social responsibilities of the psychoanalytic community.
Functional anatomy of shoulder muscles in the Pacific white‐sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens)
Authors: Sekiya Shin‐ichi , Nishimaniwa Keiko , Tajima Yuko , Yamada Tadasu K.
Published: July 2023

Most intrinsic muscles of the forelimb in dolphins are either degenerated or lost; however, the muscles around the shoulder joint are well preserved. We dissected the forelimbs of Pacific white‐sided dolphins and constructed a full‐scale model of the flipper to compare and examine their movements following dissection. The humerus was oriented at approximately 45° ventrally from the horizontal plane of the dolphin and 45° caudally from the frontal plane. This maintains the neutral position of the flipper. The deltoideus and pectoralis major muscles were inserted into the body of the humerus, and the flipper was moved in the dorsal and ventral directions, respectively. A large tubercle, known as the common tubercle, was observed at the medial end of the humerus. Four muscles were inserted into the common tubercle: the brachiocephalicus, supraspinatus, and cranial part of the subscapularis, which laterally rotated the common tubercle. Subsequently, the flipper swung forward, and its radial edge was lifted. Conversely, the medial rotation of the common tubercle caused by the coracobrachialis and the caudal part of the subscapularis was accompanied by backward swinging of the flipper and lowering of the radial edge. These findings suggest the function of the flipper as a stabilizer or rudder is caused by the rotation of the humerus's common tubercle.
Ruthenium polypyridine complexes containing prenyl groups as antibacterial agents against Staphylococcus aureus through a membrane‐disruption mechanism
Authors: Wang Runbin , Zhou Xiaomin , Chen Jingjing , Chen Yushou , Xiong Yanshi , Duan Xuemin , Liao Xiangwen , Wang Jintao
Published: July 2023

Four new ruthenium polypyridyl complexes with prenyl groups, [Ru(bpy)2(MHIP)](PF6)2 (Ru(II)‐1), [Ru(dtb)2(MHIP)](PF6)2 (Ru(II)‐2), [Ru(dmb)2(MHIP)](PF6)2 (Ru(II)‐3), and [Ru(dmob)2(MHIP)](PF6)2 (Ru(II)‐4) (bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine, dtb = 4,4′‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine, dmb = 4,4′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine, dmob = 4,4′‐dimethoxy‐2,2′‐bipyridine, and MHIP = 2‐(2,6‐dimethylhepta‐1,5‐dien‐1‐yl)−1H‐imidazo[4,f][1,10]phenanthroline), were synthesized and characterized. Their antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus were assessed, and the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) value of Ru(II)‐2 against S. aureus was only 0.5 µg/mL, showing the best antibacterial activity among them. S. aureus could be quickly killed by Ru(II)‐2 in 30 min and Ru(II)‐2 displayed an obvious inhibitive effect on the formation of a biofilm, which was essential to avoid the development of drug‐resistance. Meanwhile, Ru(II)‐2 exhibited a stable MIC value against antibiotic‐resistant bacteria. The antibacterial mechanism of Ru(II)‐2 was probably related to depolarization of the cell membrane, and a change of permeability was associated with the formation of reactive oxygen species, leading to leakage of nucleic acid and bacterial death. Furthermore, Ru(II)‐2 hardly showed toxicity to mammalian cells and the Galleria mellonella worm. Finally, murine infection studies also illustrated that Ru(II)‐2 was highly effective against S. aureus in vivo.
Ancient roots: A Cambrian explosion of autism susceptibility genes
Authors: Casanova Emily L.
Published: July 2023

Functional gene groups often share unique evolutionary patterns. The present study addresses whether autism susceptibility genes, which frequently share functional overlap, display unusual gene age and conservation patterns compared to other gene groups. Using phylostratigraphically‐derived and other genetic data, the investigator explores average gene age, Ohnolog status, evolutionary rate, variation intolerance, and numbers of protein–protein (PPI) interactions across autism susceptibility, nervous system, developmental regulatory, immune, housekeeping, and luxury gene groups. Autism susceptibility genes are unusually old compared to controls, many genes having radiated in the Cambrian period in early vertebrates from whole genome duplication events. They are also tightly conserved across the animal kingdom, are highly variation intolerant, and have more PPI than other genes—all features suggesting extreme dosage sensitivity. The results of the current study indicate that autism susceptibility genes display unique radiation and conservation patterns, which may be a reflection of the major transitions in nervous system evolution that were occurring in early animals and which are still foundational in brain development today.
Zehn Werte – Wie das Bauen zukunftsfähig werden kann
Authors: Curbach Manfred , Scheerer Silke
Published: July 2023

Das Bauen von heute ist für einen enormen Teil des Ressourcen‐ und Energieverbrauchs, der CO2‐Emissionen und des Abfallaufkommens weltweit verantwortlich. Deshalb benötigen wir einen umfassenden und schnellen Wandel im Selbstverständnis des Bauens, was die Nutzung und Pflege unserer gebauten Umwelt einschließt. Um diesem Bestreben einen Rahmen zu geben, wurden von einer interdisziplinären Gruppe von Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftlern in einem Antrag für ein Großforschungszentrum zehn Werte für das Bauen von morgen formuliert, die im vorliegenden Beitrag vorgestellt werden.
DPAGT1‐CDG: Recurrent fetal death
Authors: Tao Huimin , Sun Yu , Zhai Jingfang , Wu Jiebin
Published: July 2023

Background

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are a series of relatively uncommon genetic disorders, and variants in the dolichyl‐phosphate N‐acetylglucosamine‐1‐phosphotransferase (DPAGT1) gene can cause DPAGT1‐CDG, which is characterized by multisystem abnormalities: failure to thrive, psychomotor retardation, seizures, etc.

Patients

Two fetuses in a nonconsanguineous family recurrently presented with irregular skull morphology, micrognathia, adduction and supination by prenatal ultrasound. They were finally found dead in utero. Pedigree whole exome sequencing revealed novel compound heterozygous variants in the DPAGT1 gene. We also reviewed 11 previous reports associated with DPAGT1‐CDG.

Conclusions

We report novel variants in the DPAGT1 gene in two fetuses from the same family with intrauterine death.
A neutral comparison of algorithms to minimize L0 penalties for high‐dimensional variable selection
Authors: Frommlet Florian
Published: July 2023

Variable selection methods based on L0 penalties have excellent theoretical properties to select sparse models in a high‐dimensional setting. There exist modifications of the Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) which either control the familywise error rate (mBIC) or the false discovery rate (mBIC2) in terms of which regressors are selected to enter a model. However, the minimization of L0 penalties comprises a mixed‐integer problem which is known to be NP‐hard and therefore becomes computationally challenging with increasing numbers of regressor variables. This is one reason why alternatives like the LASSO have become so popular, which involve convex optimization problems that are easier to solve. The last few years have seen some real progress in developing new algorithms to minimize L0 penalties. The aim of this article is to compare the performance of these algorithms in terms of minimizing L0‐based selection criteria. Simulation studies covering a wide range of scenarios that are inspired by genetic association studies are used to compare the values of selection criteria obtained with different algorithms. In addition, some statistical characteristics of the selected models and the runtime of algorithms are compared. Finally, the performance of the algorithms is illustrated in a real data example concerned with expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) mapping.
Protocols for in vitro reconstitution of the cyanobacterial circadian clock
Authors: Chavan Archana , Heisler Joel , Chang Yong‐Gang , Golden Susan S. , Partch Carrie L. , LiWang Andy
Published: July 2023

Circadian clocks are intracellular systems that orchestrate metabolic processes in anticipation of sunrise and sunset by providing an internal representation of local time. Because the ~24‐h metabolic rhythms they produce are important to health across diverse life forms there is growing interest in their mechanisms. However, mechanistic studies are challenging in vivo due to the complex, that is, poorly defined, milieu of live cells. Recently, we reconstituted the intact circadian clock of cyanobacteria in vitro. It oscillates autonomously and remains phase coherent for many days with a fluorescence‐based readout that enables real‐time observation of individual clock proteins and promoter DNA simultaneously under defined conditions without user intervention. We found that reproducibility of the reactions required strict adherence to the quality of each recombinant clock protein purified from Escherichia coli. Here, we provide protocols for preparing in vitro clock samples so that other labs can ask questions about how changing environments, like temperature, metabolites, and protein levels are reflected in the core oscillator and propagated to regulation of transcription, providing deeper mechanistic insights into clock biology.
Association of probiotic use with nivolumab effectiveness against various cancers: A multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Arai Junya , Niikura Ryota , Hayakawa Yoku , Suzuki Nobumi , Honda Tetsuro , Okamura Takuma , Hasatani Kenkei , Yoshida Naohiro , Nishida Tsutomu , Sumiyoshi Tetsuya , Kiyotoki Shu , Ikeya Takashi , Arai Masahiro , Boku Narikazu , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro
Published: July 2023

Background

Previous studies have revealed an association between probiotic use and effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors in renal and lung cancers. However, little is known regarding other cancers, including gastrointestinal cancer.

Methods

To address this issue, we conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study and the duration of nivolumab treatment for various cancers was compared between probiotic users and non‐users.

Results and Conclusions

In total, 488 patients who received nivolumab therapy were included. In all cancers, no significant differences in treatment duration of nivolumab were observed between probiotic users and non‐users (median 62.0 vs. 56.0, hazard ratio = 1.02, p = 0.825), whereas probiotic use, compared with non‐use, in patients with gastric cancer was significantly associated with a longer duration of nivolumab treatment (55.0 vs. 31.0 days, hazard ratio = 0.69, p = 0.039). In conclusion, probiotics may improve the response to nivolumab and potentially prolong progression‐free survival in patients with gastric cancer.
Silicon‐ and Germanium‐Functionalized Perylene Diimides: Synthesis, Optoelectronic Properties, and Their Application as Non‐fullerene Acceptors in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Schlemmer Bettina , Sauermoser Aileen , Holler Sarah , Zuccalà Elena , Ehmann Birgit , Reinfelds Matiss , Fischer Roland C. , Amenitsch Heinz , Marin‐Beloqui Jose M. , Ludvíková Lucie , Slanina Tomáš , Haas Michael , Rath Thomas , Trimmel Gregor
Published: July 2023

Organic solar cells have been continuously studied and developed through the last decades. A major step in their development was the introduction of fused‐ring non‐fullerene electron acceptors. Yet, beside their high efficiency, they suffer from complex synthesis and stability issues. Perylene‐based non‐fullerene acceptors, in contrast, can be prepared in only a few steps and display good photochemical and thermal stability. Herein, we introduce four monomeric perylene diimide acceptors obtained in a three‐step synthesis. In these molecules, the semimetals silicon and germanium were added in the bay position, on one or both sides of the molecules, resulting in asymmetric and symmetric compounds with a red‐shifted absorption compared to unsubstituted perylene diimide. Introducing two germanium atoms improved the crystallinity and charge carrier mobility in the blend with the conjugated polymer PM6. In addition, charge carrier separation is significantly influenced by the high crystallinity of this blend, as shown by transient absorption spectroscopy. As a result, the solar cells reached a power conversion efficiency of 5.38 %, which is one of the highest efficiencies of monomeric perylene diimide‐based solar cells recorded to date.
Precipitants of the ineffective labor act enforcement in Zimbabwe
Authors: Ndhlovu Pilot , Ndhlovu Provilence
Published: July 2023

The research sought to establish precipitants of ineffective labor act enforcement in the Gokwe area in Zimbabwe. A quantitative approach was used in this study. A survey study design was utilized through the use of a structured questionnaire. The stratified sampling method was used to select 80 participants. What emerged as major precipitants of ineffective labor act enforcement in the country, were lack of education, the legal cost involved, lack of representation, contradictions between Labor Officers and Designated Agents, and the bias of labor act enforcers as well as the distance traveled to seek labor justice. To ensure workers are more conscious of their rights, there should be a rollout of labor act educational campaigns in the country to inform employees and employers of their rights and their boundaries. The Government should remove application costs paid by the winning party at the labor court. To reduce the distance, the government should revisit the labor act, particularly on the issue of designated agents to grant labor officers some power within the jurisdictions of the designated agents to stimulate labor act enforcement and good practices. The dispute resolution system should be less expensive.
Highly Active NiO‐Ni(OH)2‐Cr2O3/Ni Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalyst through Synergistic Reaction Kinetics
Authors: Chuang Chi‐Huang , Kang Pei‐Hao , Lai Yung‐Yu , Hou Cheng‐Hung , Tseng Wei‐Che , Huang Yan‐Jia , Fang Mu‐Huai , Shyue Jing‐Jong , Kaun Chao‐Cheng , Cheng Yuh‐Jen
Published: July 2023

High activity catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) play a key role in converting renewable electricity to storable hydrogen fuel. Great effort has been devoted to the search for noble metal free catalysts to make electrolysis viable for practical applications. Here, a non‐precious metal oxide/metal catalyst with high intrinsic activity comparable to Pt/C was reported. The electrocatalyst consisting of NiO, Ni(OH)2, Cr2O3, and Ni metal exhibits a low overpotential of 27, 103, and 153 mV at current densities of 10, 100, and 200 mA cm−2, respectively, in a 1.0 m NaOH electrolyte. The activity is much higher than that of NiOx/Ni or Cr2O3 alone, showing the synergistic effect of NiOx/Ni and Cr2O3 on catalyzing HER. Density functional theory calculations shows that NiO and Cr2O3 on Ni surface lower the disassociation energy barrier for breaking H−OH bond, while Ni(OH)2 and Cr2O3 create preferred sites on Ni surface with near‐zero H* adsorption free energy to promote H* to gaseous H2 evolution. These synergistic effects of multiple‐oxides/metal composition enhance the disassociation of H−OH and the evolution of H* to gaseous H2, thus achieving high activity and demonstrating a promising composition design for noble metal free catalyst.
Three‐dimensional spatial mapping of the human hematopoietic microenvironment in healthy and diseased bone marrow
Authors: Bräunig Sandro , Karmhag Isak , Li Hongzhe , Enoksson Jens , Hultquist Anne , Scheding Stefan
Published: July 2023

The bone marrow hematopoietic microenvironment (HME) plays a pivotal role in regulating normal and diseased hematopoiesis. However, the spatial organization of the human HME has not been thoroughly investigated yet. Therefore, we developed a three‐dimensional (3D) immunofluorescence model to analyze changes in the cellular architecture in control and diseased bone marrows (BMs). BM biopsies from patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) were stained sequentially for CD31, CD34, CD45, and CD271 with repetitive bleaching steps to realize five color images with DAPI as a nuclear stain. Hematopoietically normal age‐matched BM biopsies served as controls. Twelve subsequent slides per sample were stacked to create three‐dimensional bone marrow reconstructions with the imaging program Arivis Visions 4D. Iso‐surfaces for niche cells and structures were created and exported as mesh objects for spatial distribution analysis in the 3D creation suite Blender. We recapitulated the bone marrow architecture using this approach and produced comprehensive 3D models of endosteal and perivascular BM niches. MPN bone marrows displayed apparent differences compared to the controls, especially concerning CD271 staining density, megakaryocyte (MK) morphology, and distribution. Furthermore, measurements of the spatial relationships of MKs and hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells with vessels and bone structures in their corresponding niche environments revealed the most pronounced differences in the vascular nice in polycythemia vera. Taken together, using a repetitive staining and bleaching approach allowed us to establish a 5‐color analysis of human BM biopsies, which is difficult to achieve with conventional staining approaches. Based on this, we generated 3D BM models which recapitulated key pathological features and, importantly, allowed us to define the spatial relationships between different bone marrow cell types. We, therefore, believe that our method can provide new and valuable insights into bone marrow cellular interaction research.
Harmonized multi‐metric and multi‐centric assessment of EEG source space connectivity for dementia characterization
Authors: Prado Pavel , Mejía Jhony A. , Sainz‐Ballesteros Agustín , Birba Agustina , Moguilner Sebastian , Herzog Rubén , Otero Mónica , Cuadros Jhosmary , Z‐Rivera Lucía , O'Byrne Daniel Franco , Parra Mario , Ibáñez Agustín
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Harmonization protocols that address batch effects and cross‐site methodological differences in multi‐center studies are critical for strengthening electroencephalography (EEG) signatures of functional connectivity (FC) as potential dementia biomarkers.

Methods

We implemented an automatic processing pipeline incorporating electrode layout integrations, patient–control normalizations, and multi‐metric EEG source space connectomics analyses.

Results

Spline interpolations of EEG signals onto a head mesh model with 6067 virtual electrodes resulted in an effective method for integrating electrode layouts. Z‐score transformations of EEG time series resulted in source space connectivity matrices with high bilateral symmetry, reinforced long‐range connections, and diminished short‐range functional interactions. A composite FC metric allowed for accurate multicentric classifications of Alzheimer's disease and behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia.

Discussion

Harmonized multi‐metric analysis of EEG source space connectivity can address data heterogeneities in multi‐centric studies, representing a powerful tool for accurately characterizing dementia.
Electrical treeing phenomena in two‐layer silicone gel with different crosslinking degrees and its dielectric strength
Authors: Kuroda Risa , Jeon Hyeon‐Gu , Ihori Haruo
Published: July 2023

Silicone gel is widely used to encapsulate power modules, and improvement of its dielectric strength has been required. So, the purpose of our research is to improve dielectric strength of silicone gel encapsulant, and we focus on crosslinking degree of silicone gel. Previous studies have shown that growth mechanism of electrical tree changes with crosslinking degree of silicone gel. This suggests the possibility that the presence of the interface by different crosslinking degrees inhibits the tree growth. In this paper, we have investigated the tree growth and breakdown characteristics in silicone gel—crosslinking degrees graded layer materials. The interfaces in our study are arrange as being vertical to the line of electric force. Consequently, it was clarified that barrier effect of interface by different crosslinking degrees and the relaxation of electric field in low crosslinking degree region retards on tree growth, which improves the dielectric strength.
Heart failure risk scores in advanced heart failure patients: insights from the LEVO‐D registry
Authors: Codina Pau , Dobarro David , de Juan‐Bagudá Javier , De Frutos Fernando , Lupón Josep , Bayes‐Genis Antoni , Gonzalez‐Costello José ,   Spanish LEVO‐D registry Collaborators
Published: July 2023

Aims

The prevalence of advanced heart failure (HF) is increasing due to the growing number of patients with HF and their better treatment and survival. There is a scarcity of data on the accuracy of HF web‐based risk scores in this selected population.

This study aimed to assess mortality prediction performance of the Meta‐Analysis Global Group in Chronic HF (MAGGIC‐HF) risk score and the model of the Barcelona Bio‐HF Risk Calculator (BCN‐Bio‐HF) containing N terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide in HF patients receiving intermittent inotropic support with levosimendan as destination therapy.

Methods and results

Four hundred and three advanced HF patients from 23 tertiary hospitals in Spain receiving intermittent inotropic support with levosimendan as destination therapy were included. Discrimination for all‐cause mortality was compared by area under the curve (AUC) and Harrell's C‐statistic at 1 year. Calibration was assessed by calibration plots comparing observed versus expected events based on estimated risk by each calculator. The included patients were predominantly men, aged 71.5 [interquartile range 64–78] years, with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (27.5 ± 9.4%); ischaemic heart disease was the most prevalent aetiology (52.5%). Death rate at 1 year was 26.8%, while the predicted 1‐year mortality by BCN‐Bio‐HF and MAGGIC‐HF was 17.0% and 22.1%, respectively. BCN‐Bio‐HF AUC was 0.66 (Harrell's C‐statistic 0.64), and MAGGIC‐HF AUC was 0.62 (Harrell's C‐statistic 0.61).

Conclusions

The two evaluated risk scores showed suboptimal discrimination and calibration with an underestimation of risk in advanced HF patients receiving levosimendan as destination therapy. There is a need for specific scores for advanced HF.
Impact of atrial fibrillation on cerebro‐cardiovascular outcome of heart failure with mildly‐reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Li Na , Zhu Yunlong , Cheng Fangqun , Chen Yongliang , Peng Xin , Wu Mingxin , Huang Haobo , Zhang Lingling , Liao Min , Xiao Sha , Zhang Hui , Zhou Yuying , Chen Sihao , Liu Zhican , Yi Liqing , Peng Yiqun , Fan Jie , Zeng Jianping
Published: July 2023

Aims

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) often co‐exist and are closely intertwined. The impact of AF on the outcome of patients with heart failure with mildly‐reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) is not fully clear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of AF on the outcomes of hospitalized HFmrEF patients.

Methods and results

The study included 1691 consecutive patients with HFmrEF (mean 68.2 years, 64.8% male) including 296 AF patients. Patients completed 1 year and mean of 33 month clinical follow‐up after discharge by telephone interview, clinical visit, or community visit. The primary endpoint was cerebro‐cardiovascular events (CCE, composite of HF rehospitalization, stroke, or cardiovascular death). After propensity score matching, 296 patients were included into the AF group (mean 71.5 years) and 592 patients into the non‐AF group (mean 70.6 years). After propensity score matching, CCE at 1 year (59.1% vs. 48.5%, P = 0.003) and at a mean of 33 month (77.0% vs. 70.6%, P = 0.043). AF was independently associated with increased CCE within 1 year (HR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.61, P = 0.010) and at 33 months (HR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.43, P = 0.050) post‐discharge after adjusted for other clinical confounders including discharge heart rate, NT‐proBNP, haemoglobin, and uric acid.

Conclusions

AF is independently associated with an increased risk of CCE in HFmrEF patients within 1 year and at a mean of 33 months after discharge.
Central generators of migraine and autonomic cephalalgias as targets for personalized pain management: Translational links
Authors: Noseda Rodrigo , Villanueva Luis
Published: July 2023

Background and Objective

Migraine oscillates between different states in association with internal homeostatic functions and biological rhythms that become more easily dysregulated in genetically susceptible individuals. Clinical and pre‐clinical data on migraine pathophysiology support a primary role of the central nervous system (CNS) through ‘dysexcitability’ of certain brain networks, and a critical contribution of the peripheral sensory and autonomic signalling from the intracranial meningeal innervation. This review focuses on the most relevant back and forward translational studies devoted to the assessment of CNS dysfunctions involved in primary headaches and discusses the role they play in rendering the brain susceptible to headache states.

Methods and Results

We collected a body of scientific literature from human and animal investigations that provide a compelling perspective on the anatomical and functional underpinnings of the CNS in migraine and trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias. We focus on medullary, hypothalamic and corticofugal modulation mechanisms that represent strategic neural substrates for elucidating the links between trigeminovascular maladaptive states, migraine triggering and the temporal phenotype of the disease.

Conclusion

It is argued that a better understanding of homeostatic dysfunctional states appears fundamental and may benefit the development of personalized therapeutic approaches for improving clinical outcomes in primary headache disorders.

Significance

This review focuses on the most relevant back and forward translational studies showing the crucial role of top‐down brain modulation in triggering and maintaining primary headache states and how these central dysfunctions may interact with personalized pain management strategies.
A monetary policy–based explanation of swap spreads in China
Authors: Fan Longzhen , Hou Xin , Sun Qian
Published: July 2023

The dynamics of swap spreads in China cannot be explained by commonly recognized factors documented in the literature. A unique feature of China's financial system is that commercial banks are not only long‐term loan providers but also dominant bond investors. Thus, the loan prime rate (LPR) is an opportunity cost for commercial banks' bond holdings. However, the LPR is largely determined by the central bank and often deviates significantly from equilibrium. In contrast, the swap rate is largely determined by the market. Our illustrative model and empirical evidence show that the LPR and funding availability affect bond yields more than swap rates, while volatility in the money market interest rate affects swap rates more than bond yields. Therefore, the swap spread is largely driven by the monetary policy. We also show that swap spreads can be a predictor of excess returns on bonds but not swaps.
Recent progress and emerging strategies for carbon peak and carbon neutrality in China
Authors: Liu Lan , Wang Xin , Wang Zegao
Published: July 2023

As the global climate crisis intensifies, ecosystems, human society and economic activities are significantly affected. Countries around the world have successively put forward the goal of carbon neutrality or zero carbon. At the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Chinese government explicitly proposed making efforts to reach the goal of Carbon Peak (peak of carbon emissions before 2030) and Carbon Neutrality (Dual Carbon) (carbon neutrality before 2060). In October 2021, the CPC Central Committee and the State Council issued the “Opinions on Fully, Accurately and Comprehensively Implementing the New Development Concepts to Achieve Carbon Peak and Carbon Neutrality” and the Action Plan for Achieving Carbon Peak before 2030, specifying the targets and tasks related to achieving carbon peak and carbon neutrality in China. As the world's largest developing country, the world's largest manufacturer, and a country with the most complete industrial categories, China will face multiple challenges such as climate change, economic transition, and environmental protection, which requires systematic support from policy, economy, technology, and society. How to achieve the goal will be a great challenge to China's sustainable development. The academic community has conducted extensive exploration on the realization of China's carbon peak and carbon neutrality in many fields, such as energy transformation, industrial structure upgrading, transportation carbon reduction, urban planning and construction, carbon sink enhancement, low‐carbon technologies, green finance, and supporting policies. Among them, policy planning and technological innovation are the most important to achieve the goal of carbon peak and carbon neutrality. Second, industrial adjustment and enterprise implementation are also important. Therefore, this review will focus on the development status and prospects of policy support, technological innovation, industrial adjustment, and enterprise implementation for achieving dual carbon goals in China. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A complex relation between levels of adult hippocampal neurogenesis and expression of the immature neuron marker doublecortin
Authors: Mendez‐David Indira , David Denis Joseph , Deloménie Claudine , Tritschler Laurent , Beaulieu Jean‐Martin , Colle Romain , Corruble Emmanuelle , Gardier Alain Michel , Hen René
Published: July 2023

We investigated the mechanisms underlying the effects of the antidepressant fluoxetine on behavior and adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN). After confirming our earlier report that the signaling molecule β‐arrestin‐2 (β‐Arr2) is required for the antidepressant‐like effects of fluoxetine, we found that the effects of fluoxetine on proliferation of neural progenitors and survival of adult‐born granule cells are absent in the β‐Arr2 knockout (KO) mice. To our surprise, fluoxetine induced a dramatic upregulation of the number of doublecortin (DCX)‐expressing cells in the β‐Arr2 KO mice, indicating that this marker can be increased even though AHN is not. We discovered two other conditions where a complex relationship occurs between the number of DCX‐expressing cells compared to levels of AHN: a chronic antidepressant model where DCX is upregulated and an inflammation model where DCX is downregulated. We concluded that assessing the number of DCX‐expressing cells alone to quantify levels of AHN can be complex and that caution should be applied when label retention techniques are unavailable.
Red, infrared, and simultaneous laser‐wavelengths irradiation effects on 5‐fluorouracil‐induced oral mucositis in hamsters
Authors: Cotomacio Claudia C. , Yshikawa Bianca K. , Calarga Caio C. , Arana‐Chavez Victor E. , Simões Alyne
Published: July 2023

The association of more than one wavelength for photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) to treat oral mucositis (OM) is unusual in the literature. Thus, this study aims to compare the simultaneous irradiation effects with their isolated application to treat OM. In order of that, 48 male Syrian hamsters were divided into 4 groups: Chemotherapy (Ch), which received only a OM induction protocol (5‐fluorouracil chemotherapy and superficial oral mucosa scratches); red laser (RL), which received the OM induction and a PBMT protocol at 660 nm; infrared laser (IRL), which received the OM induction, and a PBMT protocol at 808 nm; and the RL + IRL group, which received the simultaneous application, of 660 and 808 nm wavelengths. Clinical (OM grade classification), histological (light microscopy analysis with H&E and collagen staining), immunohistochemical (TNF‐α expression), and biochemical (TNF‐α and hydroxyproline concentration) analyzes were performed after 7 and 10 days. Mainly on the 10th day, the RL and IRL groups showed lower OM grades and faster microscopic repair process, with greater expression of collagen fibers and lower TNF‐α levels, besides the higher hydroxyproline concentrations, mainly in comparison with the Ch group. In conclusion, in this study, the simultaneous protocol did not present superior results than the isolated irradiations.
Neferine protected cardiomyocytes against hypoxia/oxygenation injury through SIRT1/Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling
Authors: Lu Cheng , Jiang Bing , Xu Jie , Zhang Xuan , Jiang Nianxin
Published: July 2023

Acute myocardial infarction is regarded as myocardial necrosis resulting from myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) damage and retains a major cause of mortality. Neferine, which was extracted from the green embryos of mature seeds of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., has been reported to possess a broad range of biological activities. However, its underlying mechanism on the protective effect of I/R has not been fully clarified. A hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model with H9c2 cells closely simulating myocardial I/R injury was used as a cellular model. This study intended to research the effects and mechanism underlying neferine on H9c2 cells in response to H/R stimulation. Cell Counting Kit‐8 and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays were employed to measure cell viability and LDH, respectively. Apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined by flow cytometry analysis. Oxidative stress was evaluated by detecting malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. Mitochondrial function was assessed by mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP content, and mitochondrial ROS. Western blot analysis was performed to examine the expression of related proteins. The results showed that hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)‐induced cell damage, all of which were distinctly reversed by neferine. Moreover, we observed that neferine inhibited oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by H/R in H9c2 that were concomitant with increased sirtuin‐1 (SITR1), nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase‐1 expression. On the contrary, silencing the SIRT1 gene with its small interferingRNA eliminated the beneficial effects of neferine. It is concluded that neferine preconditioning attenuated H/R‐induced cardiac damage via suppressing apoptosis, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction, which may be partially ascribed to the activation of SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.
Anti‐PD‐1 therapy for advanced colorectal cancer based on intestinal microecology
Authors: Pi Hongquan , Liang Shulan , Liu Huifang , Lu Shengxiang , Huang Libing
Published: July 2023

To explore the effects of anti‐programmed death‐1 (PD‐1) therapy on advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) based on the intestinal microecology. Ninety‐two patients with advanced CRC were selected. Patients were treated with Apatinib alone or anti PD‐1 treatment combined with Apatinib. The lactulose/mannitol (L/M) value of the urine was detected by high performance liquid chromatography. The changes of intestinal microflora were determined by real‐time fluorescence quantitative PCR. The risk factors were analyzed through multivariate logistic regression analysis. The curative effect of anti PD‐1 treatment combined with the Apatinib treatment (82.61%) was much higher than that of the Apatinib treatment alone (63.04%, p < 0.05). After treatment, the contents of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Enterococcus faecalis were higher with lower levels of Escherichia coli in the observation group than the control (p < 0.05). The level of D‐lactic acid and urinary L/M value of the urine in the observation group was lower than that in control after treatment (p < 0.001). The patients had a 3‐year survival rate of 91.30%. Age >60 years old, histological types of mucinous adenocarcinoma and signet ring cell carcinoma, vascular tumor thrombus, nerve invasion, TNM stage of Ⅲ−Ⅳ were independent risk factors, and anti PD‐1 treatment was the protective factor (p < 0.05). In advanced CRC patients receiving anti PD‐1 treatment combined with the Apatinib treatment, the progression of advanced CRC was effectively controlled by maintaining the intestinal microflora balance. Anti PD‐1 therapy can improve the living quality of CRC patients.
Black women's placemaking in undergraduate engineering
Authors: Halkiyo Atota B. , Hailu Meseret F.
Published: July 2023

Background

Black women students in engineering higher education are underrepresented and often face barriers at the nexus of race, gender, and engineering. When seeking to improve student outcomes, universities often prioritize academic success and neglect psychological, social, and emotional well‐being. Little is known about why and how Black women in engineering engage in Black placemaking as they maneuver around barriers.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to establish an empirical understanding of the experiences of Black women in engineering. Our work is guided by the following research questions: (1) Why do Black women in engineering seek out campus spaces specifically designated for them? What unique structural issues necessitate such spaces? (2) For what purposes do Black women in engineering use those distinct spaces? (3) How are Black women in engineering responding to the challenges and structural conditions?

Design/Method

We use Black placemaking theory to guide our qualitative in‐depth interviews of 45 purposefully selected students. The data were analyzed via theory‐informed themes.

Results

Major structural conditions necessitate specific Black spaces, including the absence of physical places, failure to understand intersectionality, failure to respond to safety, and cultural stereotypes about Black women in engineering. In response to such barriers, Black women in engineering engage in multiple placemaking activities, thereby seeking out safe and responsive spaces and transforming existing ones to serve multiple functions.

Conclusions

Whatever difficulties Black women face in academia, they are intensified in engineering. To confront such barriers, Black women engage with Black placemaking, creatively transforming existing places or co‐creating distinct places for themselves. These actions can inform how engineering departments support spaces for minoritized student development.
Ciencia, Genética, y ¿Desinformación?: A content analysis of genetic testing coverage from US Spanish‐language news media
Authors: Chavez‐Yenter Daniel , Holton Avery , Vega Alexis S. , Zamora Ginger , Kaphingst Kimberly A.
Published: July 2023

Genetic testing (GT) has become ubiquitous in the United States, either in clinical or direct‐to‐consumer markets. White and English‐speaking populations have primarily benefited from this new technology, leaving other groups, like Hispanic populations, behind. Explanations for this disparity has cited a lack of awareness and knowledge of genetic testing purposes. Science communication from English‐language media play an important role in setting initial attitudes and influencing decision‐making for audiences. However, Spanish‐language media have virtually no research published on documented potential effects for GT utilization despite the continued growth of Hispanic Spanish‐speaking groups in the United States. Thus, this study characterized coverage of GT from two of the most prominent US Spanish‐language media outlets, Telemundo and Univision. Over a 12‐year time period, we identified 235 written articles of GT, mainly focusing on forensics applications, followed by gossip and health. There were 292 sources referenced across all 235 articles drawing from governmental agencies or officials, other news agencies, and medical institutions or officials. The findings suggest that coverage of GT among Spanish‐language news outlets is limited. When Spanish‐language news outlets do cover GT, they focus on aspects of intrigue or entertainment more than demystifying and explaining GT. Stories tend to cite other published articles, with author attribution often missing, leading to questions of comfort of Spanish‐media to cover these topics. Further, the publishing process may lead to confusion of the purpose of genetic testing for health purposes and may bias Spanish‐speaking groups towards genetic testing for health purposes. Thus, reconciliation and education initiatives around genetic testing purposes are needed for Spanish‐speaking communities from not only media, but also genetics providers and institutions.
The significance of unusual acts in sexual homicide
Authors: Sun Poppy , Beauregard Eric , Chopin Julien
Published: July 2023

In addition to being an unusual form of crime, sexual homicide (SH) sometimes includes unusual crime scene behaviours, such as carving on the victim, evisceration (i.e., removal of internal organs), skinning the victim, cannibalism and vampirism. The current study investigates these unusual crime scene behaviours to better understand their meaning as well as to explore whether such behaviours are associated with a specific crime‐commission process. Using a sample of 762 SH cases, the study uses a combination of chi‐square and stepwise forward logistic regression analyses to identify the differences between cases with and without unusual acts. Findings reveal that SH cases with unusual acts present a specific crime‐commission process. This crime‐commission process is characterised by a greater level of sadism—as demonstrated by the presence of mutilation and foreign object insertion—as well as a greater level of organisation from the selection of a contact location where the risk of being seen or heard was low. These findings provide a better understanding of these behaviours and could help investigators facing such cases.
Epidermal modifications in a hill stream catfish, Hara hara in relation to its natural habitat: A scanning electron microscope and histochemical investigation
Authors: Arunima  , Kumari Usha , Mittal Swati , Mittal Ajay K.
Published: July 2023

In the present study, the epidermis of the hill stream fish Hara hara has been investigated employing scanning electron microscope, histology, histochemistry and immunofluorescence techniques. The epidermis is characteristically differentiated into plaques separated from each other by deep furrows. In plaques, the epidermis is keratinized. In contrast, in furrows, it is mucogenic. Surface epithelial cells in plaques get modified into characteristic spine‐like unculi. At the distal ends of these unculi, we find tree‐like branched dendritic structures. The keratinized epithelial cells in plaques together with unculi frequently exfoliate at the surface. The epidermis in furrows is equipped with secretory glandular cells, that is, mucous goblet cells, sacciform cells and club cells; and sensory structures, that is, the taste buds. These glandular cells are involved in the elaboration of different types of carbohydrate and protein moieties. Further, in the epidermis of both, plaques and furrows, melanophores are frequently interspersed between the epithelial cells. In the plaque epidermis, in addition to melanophores, melanin granules are observed in epithelial cells undergoing keratinization as well as in those sloughing at the surface. Sloughing of keratinized epithelial cells together with spine‐like unculi at the surface of the plaques; the secretions of the glandular cells, the distribution of melanophore and the taste buds interspersed between the epithelial cells and the presence of melanin granules in the keratinized epithelial cells have been associated with different functional roles. These include hydrodynamic advantage, protection from mechanical stress, pathogens, UV radiation, localization of food accurately and so on in relation to the natural habitat of the fish.
MRI sequence optimisation methods to identify cranial nerve course for radiotherapy planning
Authors: O'Connor Laura M. , Skehan Kate , Goodwin Jonathan , Kumar Mahesh
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is being increasingly used to improve radiation therapy planning by allowing visualisation of organs at risk that cannot be well‐defined on computed tomography (CT). Diagnostic sequences are increasingly being adapted for radiation therapy planning, such as the use of heavily T2‐weighted 3D SPACE (Sampling Perfection with Application optimised Contrasts using different flip angle Evolution) sequence for cranial nerve identification in head and neck tumour treatment planning.

Methods

A 3D isotropic T2 SPACE sequence used for cranial nerve identification was adapted for radiation therapy purposes. Distortion was minimised using a spin‐echo‐based sequence, 3D distortion correction, isocentre scanning and an increased readout bandwidth. Radiation therapy positioning was accounted for by utilising two small flex, 4‐channel coils. The protocol was validated for cranial nerve identification in clinical applications and distortion minimisation using an MRI QA phantom.

Results

Normal anatomy of the cranial nerves CI‐CIX, were presented, along with a selection of clinical applications and abnormal anatomy. The usefulness of cranial nerve identification is discussed for several case studies, particularly in proximity to tumours extending into the base of skull region. In‐house testing validated that higher bandwidths of 600 Hz resulted in minimal displacement well below 1 mm.

Conclusion

The use of MRI for radiation therapy planning allows for greater individualisation and prediction of patient outcomes. Dose reduction to cranial nerves can decrease late side effects such as cranial neuropathy. In addition to current applications, future directions include further applications of this technology for radiation therapy treatments.