bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of allisartan‐isoproxil‐based combination antihypertensive regimen in hypertensive patients with microalbuminuria or hyperuricemia
Authors: Sun Ningling , Wang Hongyi
Published: February 2024

Microalbuminuria and hyperuricemia management are crucial for the integrated management of hypertensive patients. This retrospective post hoc analysis aims to evaluate the optimal allisartan‐isoproxil‐based combination regimen for hypertensive patients with microalbuminuria or hyperuricemia. A total of 460 hypertensive patients with microalbuminuria and 486 hypertensive patients with hyperuricemia were included in this study. All patients were initially treated with allisartan‐isoproxil for 4 weeks. Thereafter, patients with blood pressure (BP) < 140/90 mmHg continued the monotherapy for 8 weeks; patients with BP ≥140/90 mmHg were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive allisartan‐isoproxil + amlodipine (Group A + C) or allisartan‐isoproxil + indapamide (Group A + D) for 8 weeks. The changes of BP, urinary albumin and serum uric acid (UA) were measured. In patients with microalbuminuria, the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR) significantly decreased by 10.4 mg/g in Group A + C (vs. baseline p = .0035) and 24.2 mg/g in Group A + D (vs baseline p < .0001), intergroup p = NS. In patients with hyperuricemia, serum UA level decreased by 44.5 µmol/L in Group A + C (vs. baseline p = .0003), but increased by 27.2 µmol/L in Group A + D (vs. baseline p = .0167), intergroup p < .0001. The results suggest that for hypertensive patients with microalbuminuria, angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) + calcium channel blocker (CCB) or ARB+ diuretic both are good choices based on their improvement of microalbuminuria and BP. But for patients with hyperuricemia, ARB + diuretic may further increase the level of UA.
The novel TERF2::PDGFRB fusion gene enhances tumorigenesis via PDGFRB/STAT5 signalling pathways and sensitivity to TKI in ph‐like ALL
Authors: Xu Guo‐fa , Zeng Zhao , Zhang Zhi‐bo , Zhang Xiao‐mei , Wang Man , Xiao Qing , Li Jun , Xie Xiao‐qing , He Sanxiu , Fu Hui‐hui , Liu Yi , Yang Zai‐liang , Chen Yu , Shi Jie , Wang Biao , Qiu Hui‐ying , Zhou Qi , Liu Yao , Chen Su‐ning
Published: February 2024

Patients with Philadelphia chromosome‐like acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (Ph‐like ALL) often face a grim prognosis, with PDGFRB gene fusions being commonly detected in this subgroup. Our study has unveiled a newfound fusion gene, TERF2::PDGFRB, and we have found that patients carrying this fusion gene exhibit sensitivity to dasatinib. Ba/F3 cells harbouring the TERF2::PDGFRB fusion display IL‐3‐independent cell proliferation through activation of the p‐PDGFRB and p‐STAT5 signalling pathways. These cells exhibit reduced apoptosis and demonstrate sensitivity to imatinib in vitro. When transfused into mice, Ba/F3 cells with the TERF2::PDGFRB fusion gene induce tumorigenesis and a shortened lifespan in cell‐derived graft models, but this outcome can be improved with imatinib treatment. In summary, we have identified the novel TERF2::PDGFRB fusion gene, which exhibits oncogenic potential both in vitro and in vivo, making it a potential therapeutic target for tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).
“They study for six years. We study for generations”: Renegotiating birth, power, and interculturalidad in the Ecuadorian Amazon
Authors: Reichert Alexandra J.
Published: February 2024

This article explores how kichwa midwives negotiate interculturality as both cultural knowledge‐holders and clinical practitioners. Kichwa midwives in the Ecuadorian Amazon face a dynamic set of barriers in their position as healers, birth care givers, and indigenous activists, including intercultural government policies aimed to delegitimize them, consistent othering in relationship to biomedicine, and shifting generational involvement in kichwa health practices. Midwives engage in a complex set of relationships with the state, relying on it for the “rights” to practice their knowledge, while simultaneously being undermined by the state's promise of interculturality. I demonstrate how kichwa midwives practice “strategic entanglement” as a form of resistance and argue for a renegotiation of the definition and role of interculturalidad in the context of state‐controlled birth care.
Microdosing ketamine in Drosophila does not block serotonin reuptake, but causes complex behavioral changes mediated by glutamate and serotonin receptors
Authors: Dunham Kelly E. , Khaled Kani H. , Weizman Leah , Venton B. Jill
Published: February 2024

Microdosing ketamine is a novel antidepressant for treatment‐resistant depression. Traditional antidepressants, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), inhibit serotonin reuptake, but it is not clear if ketamine shows a similar mechanism. Here, we tested the effects of feeding ketamine and SSRIs to Drosophila melanogaster larvae, which has a similar serotonin system to mammals and is a good model to track depressive behaviors, such as locomotion and feeding. Fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) was used to measure optogenetically stimulated serotonin changes, and locomotion tracking software and blue dye feeding to monitor behavior. We fed larvae various doses (1–100 mM) of antidepressants for 24 h and found that 1 mM ketamine did not affect serotonin, but increased locomotion and feeding. Low doses (≤10 mM) of escitalopram and fluoxetine inhibited dSERT and also increased feeding and locomotion behaviors. At 100 mM, ketamine inhibited dSERT and increased serotonin concentrations, but decreased locomotion and feeding because of its anesthetic properties. Since microdosing ketamine causes behavioral effects, we further investigated behavioral changes with a SERT16 mutant and low doses of other NMDA receptor antagonists and 5‐HT1A and 2 agonists. Feeding and locomotion changes were similar to ketamine in the mutant, and we found NMDA receptor antagonism increased feeding, while serotonin receptor agonism increased locomotion, which could explain these effects with ketamine. Ultimately, this work shows that Drosophila is a good model to discern antidepressant mechanisms, and that ketamine does not work on dSERT like SSRIs, but effects behavior with other mechanisms that should be investigated further.

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Maternal supplementation of curcumin‐olive oil nanocomposite improves uteroplacental blood flow, placental growth and antioxidant capacity in goats
Authors: El‐Sherbiny Hossam R. , Samir Haney , Youssef Fady Sayed , Mohamed Gehad G. , Ismail Sameh H. , El‐Shahat Khaled H. , Aboelmaaty Amal M. , Mahrous Karima F. , Al Syaad Khalid M. , Ahmed Ahmed Ezzat , Al‐Saeed Fatimah A. , Abduallah Alduwish Manal , Abdelnaby Elshymaa A.
Published: February 2024

This experiment was designed to investigate the impact of curcumin‐olive oil nanocomposite (CONC) supplementation on uteroplacental hemodynamics and ultrasonographic measurements as well as maternal oxidative status in midgestating goats. Twelve synchronized pregnant goats (85.58 ± 1.08 days of gestation; mean ± SD) were uniformly assigned to two groups (n = 6/group); the first group received daily oral supplementation of CONC (3 mg/kg body weight; nanocurcumin [NC] group) for 32 days, and the second group was offered physiological saline (control) following the NC group timeline. The goats of both groups were examined at 3‐day intervals for middle uterine (MUA) and umbilical (UMA) arteries hemodynamics (pulsatility index [PI], resistive index [RI], systole/diastole [S/D] and blood flow rate [BFR]) and diameters, uteroplacental thickness (UPT), placentomes' diameter (PD) and echogenicity, steroid hormones (progesterone and estradiol 17β), oxidative biomarkers (total antioxidant capacity [TAC], catalase [CAT], malondialdehyde [MDA]), nitric oxide (NO) and blood cells DNA integrity. The UPT (p = 0.012) and PD (p = 0.021) values were higher in the NC group than in their counterparts' control group (D11–32). There were increases in diameter (p = 0.021 and p = 0.012) and decreases (p = 0.021, p = 0.016 and p = 0.041 [MUA]; p = 0.015, p = 0.023 and p = 0.011 [UMA] respectively) in Doppler indices (PI, RI and S/D) of the MUA and UMA in the NC group compared to the control group (D14–32). On D20–32 (MUA) and D14–32 (UMA), the NC goats had higher BFR than the control group (p = 0.021, 0.018 respectively). The means of blood cells with fragmented DNA were lower (p = 0.022) in the NC group than in the control group on Days 8 and 21 postsupplementation. There were increases in CAT and NO (D20–32; p = 0.022 and p = 0.004 respectively), and TAC (D17–32; p = 0.007) levels in the NC goats compared to the control ones. The NC group had lower (p = 0.029) concentrations of MDA than the control group on Day 20 postsupplementation onward. In conclusion, oral supplementation of CONC improved uteroplacental blood flow and the antioxidant capacity of midgestating goats.
Improving the swallowability of representative foods for the elderly and people with dysphagia
Authors: Qiu Xingbang , Zhong Min , Xu Wenhu
Published: February 2024

It is necessary to find food additives that can reduce the food friction coefficient, in order to make it easier for the elderly and people with dysphagia to swallow. The sesame paste and rice paste are two typical foods eaten by the elderly. In this research, the tribological and rheological properties of 2 paste with 12 hydrocolloids were investigated. The results showed that three hydrocolloids (xanthan gum, gellan gum, and pectin) could reduce the friction coefficients of sesame paste and rice paste within a certain range of oral friction velocity. The friction coefficients of two kinds of original paste are in the order of 10−1. The addition of three hydrocolloids can reduce them to about 10−2, effectively improving lubrication. After adding hydrocolloids, the particles cross‐link to form a network structure, which improves the viscosity and lubrication of food to a certain extent. This has potential application value for designing food that is more conducive to swallowing.
Hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis recovery after intermediate‐acting glucocorticoid treatment in client‐owned dogs
Authors: Del Baldo Francesca , Corsini Andrea , Tardo Antonio Maria , Tirolo Alessandro , Sapignoli Ada , Tumbarello Michele , Vasylyeva Kateryna , Fracassi Federico
Published: February 2024

Background

In dogs, duration of hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis suppression after systemic glucocorticoid treatment is reported to vary from a few days to up to 7 weeks after glucocorticoid discontinuation. These data are derived mainly from experimental studies in healthy dogs and not from animals with spontaneous disease.

Hypothesis and Objective

To determine the timeline for recovery of the HPA axis in a group of ill dogs treated with intermediate‐acting glucocorticoids (IAGCs).

Animals

Twenty client‐owned dogs that received IAGC for at least 1 week.

Methods

Single‐center prospective observational study. An ACTH stimulation test, endogenous ACTH concentration, serum biochemistry profile, and urinalysis were performed at T0 (2‐6 days after IAGC discontinuation) and then every 2 weeks (eg, T1, T2, T3) until HPA axis recovery was documented (post‐ACTH cortisol concentration > 6 μg/dL).

Results

The median time of HPA axis recovery was 3 days (range, 2‐133 days). Eleven of 20 dogs showed recovery of the HPA axis at T0, 6/20 at T1, and 1 dog each at T2, T5, and T9. Dose and duration of treatment were not correlated with timing of HPA axis recovery. Activities of ALT and ALP were significantly correlated with the post‐ACTH cortisol concentration (rs = −0.34, P = .03; rs = −0.31, P = .05). Endogenous ACTH concentration was significantly correlated with pre (r = 0.72; P < .0001) and post‐ACTH cortisol concentrations (r = 0.35; P = .02). The timing of HPA axis recovery of the dogs undergoing an alternate‐day tapering dose was not different compared to dogs that did not (3.5 vs 3 days, P = .89).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Most dogs experienced HPA axis recovery within a few days after IAGC discontinuation. However, 2/20 dogs required >8 weeks.
Specialist or refugee: Microhabitat use and competition between two sympatric woodland salamanders
Authors: Waldron B. P. , Campbell C. A. , Kuchta S. R.
Published: February 2024

Co‐occurrence between species may be mediated by ecological differences or competitive interactions, but the nature of these interactions can vary across spatial scales. At coarse scales, species may appear to broadly co‐occur, but at fine scales, particularly for species with small home ranges, species may utilize different aspects of the microhabitat such that co‐occurrence is limited and competitive interactions are reduced or eliminated. We investigated the microhabitat use of two morphologically and ecologically similar woodland salamanders (the Red‐backed Salamander, Plethodon cinereus, and the Northern Ravine Salamander, P. electromorphus) that are distributed throughout the Alleghany Plateau in eastern North America to determine whether they partition habitat at finer scales. We also tested if P. electromorphus is a specialist on habitat types that allow it to exclude P. cinereus, or if P. electromorphus uses lower quality habitat as a refuge to avoid P. cinereus. At a site of microsympatry, we repeatedly sampled plots during two seasons, each within a different area of the landscape, and used occupancy and abundance modeling to assess the extent of co‐occurrence and test whether the species use different microhabitat conditions. Plethodon cinereus greatly outnumbered P. electromorphus and occupied a greater proportion of plots, most plots where we detected P. electromorphus we also detected P. cinereus. In contrast to patterns documented in some montane species pairs, in which a high‐elevation habitat specialist excludes a low‐elevation generalist, we found that P. electromorphus primarily used microhabitat conditions favorable for both species, such as north‐facing slopes, yet did not have a negative effect on the abundances of P. cinereus. In the presence of an abundant competitor, microhabitat use of the less abundant species may narrow toward optimal conditions with sufficient resources to facilitate co‐occurrence.
FTO genotype and body mass index reduction in childhood obesity interventions: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Jing , Xiao Wu‐Cai , Zhao Jia‐Jun , Heitkamp Melanie , Chen Da‐Fang , Shan Rui , Yang Zhi‐Rui , Liu Zheng
Published: February 2024

Numerous guidelines have called for personalized interventions to address childhood obesity. The role of fat mass and obesity‐associated gene (FTO) in the risk of childhood obesity has been summarized. However, it remains unclear whether FTO could influence individual responses to obesity interventions, especially in children. To address this, we systematically reviewed 12,255 records across 10 databases/registers and included 13 lifestyle‐based obesity interventions (3980 children with overweight/obesity) reporting changes in body mass index (BMI) Z‐score, BMI, waist circumference, waist‐to‐hip ratio, and body fat percentage after interventions. These obesity‐related outcomes were first compared between children carrying different FTO genotypes (rs9939609 or its proxy) and then synthesized by random‐effect meta‐analysis models. The results from single‐group interventions showed no evidence of associations between FTO risk allele and changes in obesity‐related outcomes after interventions (e.g., BMI Z‐score: −0.01; 95% CI: −0.04, 0.01). The results from controlled trials showed that associations between the FTO risk allele and changes in obesity‐related outcomes did not differ by intervention/control group. To conclude, the FTO risk allele might play a minor role in the response to obesity interventions among children. Future studies might pay more attention to the accumulation effect of multiple genes in the intervention process among children.
Sodium fluoride‐induced autophagy of ameloblast‐like cells via the p‐ULk1/ATG13/LC3B pathway in vitro
Authors: Yang S. , Song D. , Wang R. , Liu M. , Tan T. , Wang Y. , Xie Q. , Wang L.
Published: February 2024

Objective

To investigate the effects of sodium fluoride on the ameloblast and reveal the mechanism of dental fluorosis.

Materials and methods

Mouse ameloblast‐like cell line (ALC) cells were treated with various concentrations of NaF, and subjected to Incucyte, fluorescence immunoassay, transmission electron microscopy, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR), western blot for autophagy examination, alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red staining for mineralization after osteogenic induction.

Results

NaF exerts a dose‐dependent inhibitory effect on ALC cell growth. TEM and fluorescence immunoassay showed that 1.5 mM or higher concentrations of NaF could induce a fusion of lysosome and mitochondria, finally increasing the number of autophagosome. RT‐qPCR and western blot showed that the upregulation of autophagy related gene 13 (ATG13), downregulation of phosphorylated Unc‐51‐like kinase 1 (p‐ULK1) were found in NaF‐induced autophagy of ALC cells. The knockdown of ATG13 could rescue it as well as the expression of p‐ULK1 and LC3B. Besides, alizarin red staining showed that fluoride under these concentrations could promote the mineralization of ALC.

Conclusions

The data show that fluoride in higher concentration can induce autophagy via the p‐ULk1/ATG13/LC3B pathway of ALCs than lower ones promote mineralization in vitro, which provides insight into the function of NaF in the autophagy and mineralization of ameloblast.
N6‐methyladenosine mRNA methylation positively regulated the response of poplar to salt stress
Authors: Zhao Ye , Han Kun‐Jin , Tian Yan‐Ting , Jia Kai‐Hua , El‐Kassaby Yousry A. , Wu Yue , Liu Jie , Si Hua‐Yu , Sun Yu‐Han , Li Yun
Published: February 2024

As the most abundant form of methylation modification in messenger RNA (mRNA), the distribution of N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) has been preliminarily revealed in herbaceous plants under salt stress, but its function and mechanism in woody plants were still unknown. Here, we showed that global m6A levels increased during poplar response to salt stress. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP‐seq) revealed that m6A significantly enriched in the coding sequence region and 3′‐untranslated regions in poplar, by recognising the conserved motifs, AGACU, GGACA and UGUAG. A large number of differential m6A transcripts have been identified, and some have been proved involving in salt response and plant growth and development. Further combined analysis of MeRIP‐seq and RNA‐seq revealed that the m6A hypermethylated and enrich in the CDS region preferred to positively regulate expression abundance. Writer inhibitor, 3‐deazaneplanocin A treatment increased the sensitivity of poplar to salt stress by reducing mRNA stability to regulate the expression of salt‐responsive transcripts PagMYB48, PagGT2, PagNAC2, PagGPX8 and PagARF2. Furthermore, we verified that the methyltransferase PagFIP37 plays a positively role in the response of poplar to salt stress, overexpressed lines have stronger salt tolerance, while RNAi lines were more sensitive to salt, which relied on regulating mRNA stability in an m6A manner of salt‐responsive transcripts PagMYB48, PagGT2, PagNAC2, PagGPX8 and PagARF2. Collectively, these results revealed the regulatory role of m6A methylation in poplar response to salt stress, and revealed the importance and mechanism of m6A methylation in the response of woody plants to salt stress for the first time.
The nematode effector calreticulin competes with the high mobility group protein OsHMGB1 for binding to the rice calmodulin‐like protein OsCML31 to enhance rice susceptibility to Meloidogyne graminicola
Authors: Liu Jing , Zhang Jiaqian , Wei Ying , Su Wen , Li Wei , Wang Bing , Peng Deliang , Gheysen Godelieve , Peng Huan , Dai Liangying
Published: February 2024

The root‐knot nematode Meloidogyne graminicola secretes effectors into rice tissues to modulate host immunity. Here, we characterised MgCRT1, a calreticulin protein of M. graminicola, and identified its target in the plant. In situ hybridisation showed MgCRT1 mRNA accumulating in the subventral oesophageal gland in J2 nematodes. Immunolocalization indicated MgCRT1 localises in the giant cells during parasitism. Host‐induced gene silencing of MgCRT1 reduced the infection ability of M. graminicola, while over‐expressing MgCRT1 enhanced rice susceptibility to M. graminicola. A yeast two‐hybrid approach identified the calmodulin‐like protein OsCML31 as an interactor of MgCRT1. OsCML31 interacts with the high mobility group protein OsHMGB1 which is a conserved DNA binding protein. Knockout of OsCML31 or overexpression of OsHMGB1 in rice results in enhanced susceptibility to M. graminicola. In contrast, overexpression of OsCML31 or knockout of OsHMGB1 in rice decreases susceptibility to M. graminicola. The GST‐pulldown and luciferase complementation imaging assay showed that MgCRT1 decreases the interaction of OsCML31 and OsHMGB1 in a competitive manner. In conclusion, when M. graminicola infects rice and secretes MgCRT1 into rice, MgCRT1 interacts with OsCML31 and decreases the association of OsCML31 with OsHMGB1, resulting in the release of OsHMGB1 to enhance rice susceptibility.
Individual heat adaptation: Analyzing risk communication, warnings, heat risk perception, and protective behavior in three German cities
Authors: Heidenreich Anna , Thieken Annegret H.
Published: February 2024

Extreme heat poses severe health threats, as the increased numbers of hospitalizations and fatalities during heat waves show, though little is known about adaptive behavior toward heat. We conducted a household survey on individual perceptions of heat stress and individual heat protection in the summer and autumn of 2019. In total, 1417 people from three medium‐sized German cities participated via telephone or online. Based on the Protective Action Decision Model (PADM), which we adapted to heat stress, we analyzed links between risk perception, environmental and demographic factors, perceptions of stakeholders, different heat warning messages, as well as actual and intended adaptive behavior. Overall, the PADM constructs explained around 16% of the variance in protection motivation, 19% in protective response, and 23% in emotion‐focused coping. Context factors (i.e., temperature, risk communication, gender, age, and homeownership) were significant predictors of the addressed outcome variables as were psychological factors (i.e., perceived personal vulnerability, response efficacy, response costs, preparedness, and perceived external responsibility). We further explored the effect of different warning messages on situational knowledge and intended behavioral adaptation in an experimental setting. Results showed that respondents felt significantly better informed after receiving a warning with action recommendations and reported more intended specific behaviors. Our research gives insights into individual protective action decision‐making processes. Based on our findings, we recommend tailoring risk communication strategies and combining heat warnings with action recommendations whenever possible to increase understanding and individual adaptation.
The intensity paradox: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of its impact on the cardiorespiratory fitness of older adults
Authors: H. Fosstveit Sindre , Lohne‐Seiler Hilde , Feron Jack , Lucas Samuel J. E. , Ivarsson Andreas , Berntsen Sveinung
Published: February 2024

Aim

The present systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to compare the effect of moderate‐ versus high‐intensity aerobic exercise on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in older adults, taking into account the volume of exercise completed.

Methods

The databases MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), and CENTRAL (Cochrane Library) were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Two reviewers extracted data and assessed bias. Comprehensive Meta‐Analysis software calculated overall effect size, intensity differences, and performed meta‐regression analyses using pre‐to‐post intervention or change scores of peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak). The review included 23 RCTs with 1332 older adults (intervention group:n = 932; control group:n = 400), divided into moderate‐intensity (435 older adults) and high‐intensity (476 older adults) groups.

Results

Meta‐regression analysis showed a moderate, but not significant, relationship between exercise intensity and improvements in V̇O2peak after accounting for the completed exercise volume (β = 0.31, 95% CI = [−0.04; 0.67]). Additionally, studies comparing moderate‐ versus high‐intensity revealed a small, but not significant, effect in favor of high‐intensity (Hedges'g = 0.20, 95% CI = [−0.02; 0.41]). Finally, no significant differences in V̇O2peak improvements were found across exercise groups employing various methods, modalities, and intensity monitoring strategies.

Conclusion

Findings challenge the notion that high‐intensity exercise is inherently superior and indicate that regular aerobic exercise, irrespective of the specific approach and intensity, provides the primary benefits to CRF in older adults. Future RCTs should prioritize valid and reliable methodologies for monitoring and reporting exercise volume and adherence among older adults.
Quantifying the impact of urbanization on wet deposition over Xiong'an New Area in northern China
Authors: Wang Wei , Wan Min , Li Ming , Mima Ciren , Wang Tao , Zhong Haozhong
Published: February 2024

Xiong'an New Area (XNA) in China is undergoing rapid urbanization due to economic development and population growth. However, the urbanization process can significantly impact the local environment. This study applied a combined method of Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) and empirical calculations to quantitatively identify changes in precipitation and wet deposition over XNA and its internal lake, Baiyangdian (BYD), during the summer months of June to September. Five different urbanization scenarios were established by varying the WRF subsurface conditions. By comparing these scenarios with historical observations, it was found that WRF simulations could effectively reproduce the precipitation and temperature changes in the region. This study examined how different levels of urbanization affect precipitation and estimated changes in PM2.5 wet deposition. The study's results indicate that as urbanization increases, it leads to an increase in precipitation and wet deposition in the XNA region. Using the relatively low urbanization level in 1980 as a benchmark for comparison, it was observed that when XNA becomes fully urbanized, the increase in precipitation and wet deposition in the region exceeds 7%. The BYD Lake can have a moderating effect on the environment, absorbing more than 50% of the local precipitation and PM2.5 wet deposition with less than 25% of its area, compared to the XNA interval of the statistics, while the increase in wet deposition in the BYD Lake area is more than 4% after full urbanization in XNA. The findings also emphasize the importance of the need to balance economic growth and environmental protection in urban planning and development.
What would be the impact on the rabies risk of reducing the waiting period before dogs are imported? A modelling study based on the European Union legislation
Authors: Crozet Guillaume , Cliquet Florence , Robardet Emmanuelle
Published: February 2024

Aims

Lyssavirus rabies (RABV) is responsible for a major zoonotic infection that is almost always lethal once clinical signs appear. Rabies can be (re)introduced into rabies‐free areas through transboundary dog movements, thus compromising animal and human health. A number of measures have been implemented to prevent this happening, one of which is the waiting period (WP) after anti‐rabies vaccination and serological testing. This WP ensures that antibodies assessed through the serological test are due to the vaccine, not to infection. Indeed, if antibodies are due to RABV infection, the dog should display clinical signs within this WP and would not therefore be imported.

Methods and Results

Within a framework of quantitative risk assessment, we used modelling approaches to evaluate the impact of this WP and its duration on the risk of introducing rabies via the importation of dogs into the European Union. Two types of models were used, a classical stochastic scenario tree model and an individual‐based model, both parameterised using scientific literature or data specifically applicable to the EU. Results showed that, assuming perfect compliance, the current 3‐month waiting period was associated with a median annual number of 0.04 infected dogs imported into the EU. When the WP was reduced, the risk increased. For example, for a 1‐month WP, the median annual number of infected dogs imported was 0.17 or 0.15 depending on the model, which corresponds to a four‐fold increase.

Conclusion

This in silico study, particularly suitable for evaluating rare events such as rabies infections in rabies‐free areas, provided results that can directly inform policymakers in order to adapt regulations linked to rabies and animal movements.
Types, Progression, and Markedness of Theme in The Jakarta Post News on the COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Nurlela Nurlela , Septina Laras , Yusuf Muhammad
Published: February 2024

This study aims to find out textual function including the types, progression, and markednes in The Jakarta Post Newspaper on the Covid-19 Outbreak in order to identify how the information in the clause goes on and gives a significant contribution to keeping the text coherent. The texts were analyzed by applying the theory of textual Metafunction proposed by Halliday and Matthiessen (2014). This study used a qualitative approach by using the content analysis. The result of this study shows topical, textual, and interpersonal Themes were found. Moreover, Topical Theme has the highest occurrences (77,3%), followed by the Textual Theme (21,5%), and Interpersonal Theme (1,2%).  Regarding to the occurrences of the Theme Markedness, Unmarked Topical Theme (UMT) has higher occurrences with 91,5% than Marked Topical Theme (MT) with 8,5%. Meanwhile, the Thematic progression analysis shows that the Linear pattern has the highest occurrences with 55,8%, followed by a Constant Pattern with 36,4%, then a Split-Rheme pattern with 5,2%, and the Derived Theme as the lowest occurrences with 2,6%. The highest occurrences of unmarked Topical theme and Linear patterns give that both of them play an important role in creating continuity clauses of the newspaper.
On the geometric fixed points of real topological cyclic homology
Authors: Dotto Emanuele , Moi Kristian , Patchkoria Irakli
Published: February 2024

We give a formula for the geometric fixed‐points spectrum of the real topological cyclic homology of a bounded below ring spectrum, as an equaliser of two maps between tensor products of modules over the norm. We then use this formula to carry out computations in the fundamental examples of spherical group rings, perfect ‐algebras and 2‐torsion‐free rings with perfect modulo 2 reduction. Our calculations agree with the normal L‐theory spectrum in the cases where the latter is known, as conjectured by Nikolaus.
Perception of noise from unmanned aircraft systems: Efficacy of metrics for indoor and outdoor listener positions
Authors: Green Nathan , Torija Antonio J. , Ramos-Romero Carlos
Published: February 2024

This paper presents the results of a listening experiment designed to assess annoyance and perceived loudness (PL) for several unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operations, with the listener simulated in indoor and outdoor positions. This research investigated (i) how participant responses change depending on UAS operation, (ii) which broadband metrics are most suitable for representing annoyance and PL, (iii) differences in noise level required to result in equal participant responses to different operations, and (iv) which sound quality metrics (SQMs) are significant for UAS noise perception. Results indicate annoyance and PL responses were greatest for landing operations with flyovers being the least annoying or loud. LAeq, LASmax, and loudness (N5) were the strongest predictors in representing annoyance. Offset analysis predicted small differences in annoyance responses between flyovers and other operations, but also indicated that flyovers would require an increase to LASmax of 3.3 to 6.3 dB compared to other operations to achieve equal PL. Loudness was the most significant SQM, with minor contributions from impulsivity for annoyance and PL when outside, and tonality for PL when indoors. These findings contribute to the understanding of UAS noise perception for the development of metrics and assessment methods accounting for the characteristics of UAS operations.
Toward a near real-time magma ascent monitoring by combined fluid inclusion barometry and ongoing seismicity
Authors: Zanon Vittorio , D’Auria Luca , Schiavi Federica , Cyrzan Klaudia , Pankhurst Matthew J.
Published: February 2024

Fluid inclusion microthermometry on olivines, clinopyroxenes, and amphiboles was used during a volcanic eruption, in combination with real-time seismic data and rapid petrographic observations, for petrological monitoring purposes. By applying this approach to the study of 18 volcanic samples collected during the eruption of Tajogaite volcano on La Palma Island (Canary Islands) in 2021, changes in the magma system were identified over time and space. Magma batches with distinct petrographic and geochemical characteristics emerged from source zones whose depth progressively increased from 27 to 31 kilometers. The rise of magma of deeper origin is attested by fluid inclusions made of N
2
and CO, markers of mantle outgassing. Magma accumulation occurred over different durations at depths of 22 to 27 and 4 to 16 kilometers. Time-integrated magma ascent velocities (including ponding times) were estimated at between 0.01 and 0.1 meters per second. This method is cost-effective and quickly identifies changes in the magma system during an eruption, enhancing petrological monitoring procedures.
Macrophages derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) serve as a high-fidelity cellular model for investigating HIV-1, dengue, and influenza viruses
Authors: Yang Qing , Barbachano-Guerrero Arturo , Fairchild Laurence M. , Rowland Teisha J. , Dowell Robin D. , Allen Mary A. , Warren Cody J. , Sawyer Sara L.
Published: February 2024

Macrophages are important target cells for diverse viruses and thus represent a valuable system for studying virus biology. Isolation of primary human macrophages is done by culture of dissociated tissues or from differentiated blood monocytes, but these methods are both time consuming and result in low numbers of recovered macrophages. Here, we explore whether macrophages derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)—which proliferate indefinitely and potentially provide unlimited starting material—could serve as a faithful model system for studying virus biology. Human iPSC-derived monocytes were differentiated into macrophages and then infected with HIV-1, dengue virus, or influenza virus as model human viruses. We show that iPSC-derived macrophages support the replication of these viruses with kinetics and phenotypes similar to human blood monocyte-derived macrophages. These iPSC-derived macrophages were virtually indistinguishable from human blood monocyte-derived macrophages based on surface marker expression (flow cytometry), transcriptomics (RNA sequencing), and chromatin accessibility profiling. iPSC lines were additionally generated from non-human primate (chimpanzee) fibroblasts. When challenged with dengue virus, human and chimpanzee iPSC-derived macrophages show differential susceptibility to infection, thus providing a valuable resource for studying the species-tropism of viruses. We also show that blood- and iPSC-derived macrophages both restrict influenza virus at a late stage of the virus lifecycle. Collectively, our results substantiate iPSC-derived macrophages as an alternative to blood monocyte-derived macrophages for the study of virus biology.

IMPORTANCE

Macrophages have complex relationships with viruses: while macrophages aid in the removal of pathogenic viruses from the body, macrophages are also manipulated by some viruses to serve as vessels for viral replication, dissemination, and long-term persistence. Here, we show that iPSC-derived macrophages are an excellent model that can be exploited in virology.
Atypical mycobacterium infection following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Aier Sashitemjen , Kalra Saher , Varma Muralidhar , Pandey Vivek
Published: February 2024

A man in his 20s presented with instability of the right knee following an incident of fall from a height. He was clinicoradiologically diagnosed to have an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear for which he underwent ACL reconstruction. Postoperatively, he was started on an accelerated ACL rehabilitation protocol. Six weeks postoperatively, he developed features of subclinical septic arthritis for which he underwent arthroscopic debridement. Intraoperative samples culturedMycobacterium abscessuscomplex on MGIT 960 system. The patient subsequently had to undergo another debridement after 1 month as there were clinical signs of persisting infection. The graft was intact even on the second debridement and after removing the implants. This case reports a rare complication of ACL reconstruction with infection by atypical mycobacterium and the clinical outcome. It also emphasises that prompt surgical intervention can save the graft.
Suicide mortality among individuals in federal prisons compared with the general population: a retrospective cohort study in the USA from 2009 to 2020
Authors: LeMasters Katherine , Ranapurwala Shabbar , Behne Michael Forrest , Duchesneau Emilie , Fliss Mike Dolan , Lao Jennifer , Brinkley-Rubinstein Lauren
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in US prisons. Yet, administrative data lags years behind and reporting rarely accounts for differing age distributions between suicide rates between incarcerated and general populations. Our objective was to compare reported suicides rate among those incarcerated in federal prisons and the general population, accounting for age distributions, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2009–2020).

Methods

Using data from the Federal Bureau of Prison, Bureau of Justice Statistics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention WONDER database and a retrospective cohort study design, we estimated age-standardised mortality rates and standardised mortality ratios comparing observed suicide mortality among those incarcerated in federal prisons to the expected mortality if they experienced the same age-specific suicide rates as the general population. We tested for linear trends over calendar year in each population.

Results

In federal prisons, 245 deaths were reported as suicides from 2009 to 2020 (5% of federal prison deaths). From 2009 to 2020, the observed suicide rate in prisons increased from 10.57 to 19.01 per 100 000 and the crude suicide rate in the general population increased from 15.41 to 17.26 per 100 000. After age standardisation, the observed suicide rate in prisons was lower than the suicide rate in the general population between 2009 and 2019, but surpassed it in 2020. In 2020, we observed 1.07 (95% CI: 0.74 to 1.57) times the number of suicides than we would expect if the prison population had the same age-stratified risk of suicide as the general population.

Conclusions

Increasing suicide mortality in prisons is a public health crisis. In 2020, the age-standardised suicide rate in prison surpassed that of the general population, despite the incarcerated population being under high surveillance. To improve public health, decarceration community-based mental healthcare are promising solutions. Additionally, there is an urgent need for improved cause of death reporting quality in prisons.
Objectively evaluated physical activity among individuals following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Manojlovic Marko , Roklicer Roberto , Trivic Tatjana , Carraro Attilio , Gojkovic Zoran , Maksimovic Nemanja , Bianco Antonino , Drid Patrik
Published: February 2024

Objective

To compare time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per week, MVPA per day, and steps per day between individuals that were subjected to the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and healthy control group.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

Data sources

Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed have been comprehensively searched to identify relevant investigations.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

An observational research that objectively evaluated physical activity among respondents with a history of ACLR.

Results

Of 302 records, a total of 12 studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Four hundred and forty-three participants underwent the ACLR, 153 men and 290 women. The mean time between anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery and evaluation of analysed outcomes was 34.8 months. The main findings demonstrated that the ACLR group spent less time in weekly MVPA (standardised mean differences (SMD)=−0.43 (95% CI −0.66 to −0.20); mean = −55.86 min (95% CI −86.45 to −25.27); p=0.0003; τ2=0.00), in daily MVPA (SMD=−0.51 95% CI −0.76 to −0.26]; mean = −15.59 min (95% CI −22.93 to −8.25); p<0.0001; τ2=0.00), and they had fewer daily steps (SMD=−0.60 95% CI −0.90 to −0.30); mean = −1724.39 steps (95% CI −2552.27 to −896.50); p<0.0001; τ2=0.00) relative to their non-injured counterparts. Additionally, available investigations indicated that individuals with a history of ACLR participated in 316.8 min of MVPA per week, 67 min in MVPA per day, and 8337 steps per day.

Conclusion

Long-term after ACLR, participants undergoing ACL surgery were less physically active compared with their non-injured peers, and they did not satisfy recommendations regarding steps per day.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023431991
Systemically administered low-affinity HER2 CAR T cells mediate antitumor efficacy without toxicity
Authors: Shabaneh Tamer Basel , Stevens Andrew R , Stull Sylvia M , Shimp Kristen R , Seaton Brandon W , Gad Ekram A , Jaeger-Ruckstuhl Carla A , Simon Sylvain , Koehne Amanda L , Price Jason P , Olson James M , Hoffstrom Benjamin G , Jellyman David , Riddell Stanley R
Published: February 2024

Background

The paucity of tumor-specific targets for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy of solid tumors necessitates careful preclinical evaluation of the therapeutic window for candidate antigens. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is an attractive candidate for CAR T-cell therapy in humans but has the potential for eliciting on-target off-tumor toxicity. We developed an immunocompetent tumor model of CAR T-cell therapy targeting murine HER2 (mHER2) and examined the effect of CAR affinity, T-cell dose, and lymphodepletion on safety and efficacy.

Methods

Antibodies specific for mHER2 were generated, screened for affinity and specificity, tested for immunohistochemical staining of HER2 on normal tissues, and used for HER2-targeted CAR design. CAR candidates were evaluated for T-cell surface expression and the ability to induce T-cell proliferation, cytokine production, and cytotoxicity when transduced T cells were co-cultured with mHER2+ tumor cells in vitro. Safety and efficacy of various HER2 CARs was evaluated in two tumor models and normal non-tumor-bearing mice.

Results

Mice express HER2 in the same epithelial tissues as humans, rendering these tissues vulnerable to recognition by systemically administered HER2 CAR T cells. CAR T cells designed with single-chain variable fragment (scFvs) that have high-affinity for HER2 infiltrated and caused toxicity to normal HER2-positive tissues but exhibited poor infiltration into tumors and antitumor activity. In contrast, CAR T cells designed with an scFv with low-affinity for HER2 infiltrated HER2-positive tumors and controlled tumor growth without toxicity. Toxicity mediated by high-affinity CAR T cells was independent of tumor burden and correlated with proliferation of CAR T cells post infusion.

Conclusions

Our findings illustrate the disadvantage of high-affinity CARs for targets such as HER2 that are expressed on normal tissues. The use of low-affinity HER2 CARs can safely regress tumors identifying a potential path for therapy of solid tumors that exhibit high levels of HER2.
Comparative Analysis of Nonlinear Dynamics of an Angular Velocity System of 2-DOF Aerial Manipulator with Different Physical Parameters
Authors: Guo Xitong , Li Xia , Niu Pingjuan , Qi Guoyuan
Published: February 2024

The two-degree-of-freedom (2-DOF) aerial manipulator is composed of a quadrotor aircraft and a 2-DOF manipulator, which significantly expands the scope of grabbing and transporting objects. After the manipulator is installed on the quadrotor, the manipulator and the load will cause serious interference to the quadrotor, resulting in difficulty of system control and even instability. This paper presents a mathematical model of the angular velocity system of the 2-DOF aerial manipulator. The model considers the influence of the manipulator and the load on the quadrotor. Based on this model, the nonlinear dynamics of the angular velocity system of the 2-DOF aerial manipulator are analyzed by solving the equilibrium points, calculating the Lyapunov exponents, analyzing the dynamic bifurcation diagram, and drawing the dynamic region distribution map. It is found that angular velocity can produce the dynamic behaviors of sink, period-doubling, and chaos under certain circumstances. By analyzing the nonlinear dynamic behaviors of the angular velocity system under different manipulator postures, different manipulator configurations, different load masses, and different load resistances, the stability of the angular velocity system is analyzed to guide the use of the aerial manipulator more safely and efficiently.
Approximate Equivalence of Higher-Order Feedback and Its Application in Chaotic Systems
Authors: Gao Yikai , Li Chunbiao , Moroz Irene , Fu Haiyan , Lei Tengfei
Published: February 2024

Based on the feature of piecewise linear (PWL) functions, a nonlinear feedback of a higher-order system can be transformed to an approximately equivalent PWL function so as to ease system implementation in engineering. As an example, a cubic feedback term can be approximately equivalently transformed to be a PWL function. Since the PWL function can be expressed by many simple functions such as signum function and absolute-valued function, the cubic term can be approximately equivalently replaced with these functions. Consequently, the method of approximate equivalence is employed in the JCS-08-13-2022 (JCS) chaotic system for simple circuit design and implementation. In this approach, the widely used multipliers are avoided and the circuits become more economical and also more robust. In this paper, the cubic Chua’s resistor is equivalently approximately replaced by a PWL function. To show the effectiveness of the approximate equivalence, numerical simulations are demonstrated and verified by circuit implementation.