bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Miller Fischer syndrome after COVID-19 infection and vaccine: a systematic review
Authors: Neophytou Panayiota , Artemiadis Artemios , Hadjigeorgiou Georgios M. , Zis Panagiotis
Published: July 2023

Background

COVID-19 (CoranaVirus disease 2019) is an ongoing infectious disease caused by the RNA SARS-CoV-2 virus (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus-2). The virus mainly causes respiratory symptoms, but neurological symptoms have also been reported to be part of the clinical manifestations of the disease. The aim of this study was to systematically review Miller fisher syndrome (MFS) published cases, in the context of COVID-19 infection or vaccination.

Methods

A systematic literature review on Medline was performed. A total of 21 papers were included in the present review.

Results

Twenty-two MFS cases (77% males) were identified, 14 related to COVID-19 infection and 8 to vaccination against COVID-19. The median age of the adult patients was 50 years (interquartile range 36–63 years). Sixteen patients (73%) had the classic triad of MFS (ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, areflexia), four (18%) had acute ophthalmoplegia and one other characteristic symptom and two patients (9%) had only one other characteristic symptom, but they tested positive for GQ1b antibodies. Nine (41%) patients had positive GQ1b antibodies and were classified as “definite” MFS. Albuminocytologic dissociation was found in half of the cases. The outcome was favourable in the majority of cases (86%) whereas one patient, despite the initial improvement, died because of a cardiac arrest, after cardiac arrythmia.

Conclusions

MFS after COVID-19 infection/vaccination was found to have the typical epidemiological characteristics of classic MFS; being rare, occurring more often after infection than vaccination, affecting mainly middle-aged males usually within 3 weeks after the event and having an excellent prognosis after treatment with IVIG or even with no treatment at all. We found no evidence that MFS after COVID-19 infection was different from MFS after COVID-19 vaccination, although the former tended to occur earlier.
Enantioselective catalytic Strecker reaction on cyclic (Z)-aldimines in flow: reaction optimization and sustainability aspects
Authors: Alfano Antonella Ilenia , Sorato Andrea , Ciogli Alessia , Lange Heiko , Brindisi Margherita
Published: July 2023

Catalytic enantioselective Strecker reactions on an achiral substrate using sub-stoichiometric amounts of a chiral catalyst represent an evolving key strategy for the effective synthesis of α-amino nitriles. We herein disclosed the set-up of a flow-based methodology for enantioselective Strecker, employing ethyl cyanoformate as a relatively safe cyanide source, a cinchona-based catalyst, and methanol as additive. A thorough exploration of key parameters allowed the identification of the most efficient reagent mixing mode, the optimum solvent for the flow synthesis, minimum catalyst loading, additive, temperature, and residence time. The newly developed method allows straightforward reaction channeling towards the fast and complete formation of the α-amino nitrile products, thus reducing the yield drop due to indolenine degradation during long-lasting batch-wise reactions. Moreover, we herein provide preliminary hints for sustainability, by proposing a simple procedure for catalyst recycling, thus opening the way for further optimization of the proposed methodology.

Graphical Abstract
Evaluation of a commercial electrical stunning method for farmed grower saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) using non-invasive EEG measurements
Authors: Small Alison , Niemeyer Dominic , Hewitt Leisha
Published: July 2023

The aim of this study was to assess welfare outcomes of electrical stunning as a means of restraint in farmed grower saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus). Physical handling of a stunned, unconscious crocodile is far safer for the operator than handling a fully conscious animal. Electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded before and after the application of electrical stunning at 50 Hz or 400 Hz using an electrical stunner applied to the cranial plate (Position 1: P1–50 Hz; n = 31, P1–400 Hz; n = 29) or immediately behind the skull (Position 2: P2–50 Hz; n = 29; P2–400 Hz; n = 30). For all electrical stuns, percentage total EEG power in a 10-s epoch decreased in the alpha and beta frequency bands; and increased in the delta and lower frequencies bands. All electrical stuns resulted in increased strength of signal, based on the quadratic mean EEG power in all frequency bands of the EEG. Greatest change in power occurred in the delta frequency band, with P1–50 Hz. This was greater than with P2–50 Hz; while decibel change using 400 Hz at either position was intermediate and not significantly different from either. Application of either electrical stunner at position 1 resulted in seizure-like activity and activation in low frequencies, but at position 2 this was not consistent across all animals. The ability of the electrical stunning equipment to consistently induce recoverable unconsciousness could be ranked in decreasing order as: P1–50 Hz > P1–400 Hz = P2–50 Hz > P2–400 Hz. Based on behavioural observations, all animals in the study appeared to stunned however evaluation of duration of EEG changes indicates that use of the electrical stunning equipment at 50 Hz would allow some margin for inaccuracies in tong placement, while achieving a consistently reliable stun.
Targeted Nativism: Ethnic Diversity and Radical Right Parties in Europe
Authors: Svraka Dragana
Published: July 2023

Radical right parties are commonly associated with nativism and opposition to ethnic diversity, but there have been few systematic attempts to investigate this connection further. Noting that radical right parties in Europe do not express hostility towards all minorities or all immigrants, I investigate possible explanations for the difference in targeted hostility. I introduce the concept of targeted nativism, distinguishing between ethnic minorities that are excluded using the nativist cleavage, and those that are implicitly included in ‘the nation’. I propose three explanations for the targeted nativism, identifying minority outgroups based on: (1) ethnocultural differences, (2) minority political empowerment, or (3) ethnocultural minority accommodation. I examine these explanations using the examples of radical right parties in Sweden and Bulgaria, and further test these hypotheses with a new dataset that identifies targeted minorities. My findings indicate that more distinctive minorities are significantly more likely to be targeted by the radical right.
Disinfection efficacy of Oxivir TB wipe residue on severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
Authors: Graves Amanda M. , Barrett Aaron , Addison Bechtler , Polage Christopher R. , Smith Becky A. , Lewis Sarah , Anderson Deverick J. , Warren Bobby G. ,   for the CDC Prevention Epicenters Program
Published: July 2023

We assessed Oxivir Tb wipe disinfectant residue in a controlled laboratory setting to evaluate low environmental contamination of SARS-CoV-2. Frequency of viral RNA detection was not statistically different between intervention and control arms on day 3 (P=0.14). Environmental contamination viability is low; residual disinfectant did not significantly contribute to low contamination.
Efficacy of virtual reality-based exposure therapy for the treatment of fear of flying: a systematic review
Authors: Ribé-Viñes J.M. , Gutiérrez-Maldonado J. , Zabolipour Zahra , Ferrer-Garcia M.
Published: July 2023

Previous research has shown that virtual reality (VR)-based exposure therapy is effective in the treatment of anxiety disorders. However, more information regarding the specific features of this intervention for the treatment of fear of flying (FoF) is needed. The primary aim of this systematic review was to update and analyse the existing data on the efficacy of VR exposure treatment (VRET) in FoF, providing information on the optimal methodological conditions for its administration. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method was employed to select the articles. PsycInfo, Medline and Web of Science were chosen as databases with a wide range of publications related to health and psychology. Thirty-three eligible articles were included in this review. Results showed that participants’ anxiety decreased after being systematically exposed to flight-related VR environments. VRET is at least as effective as other evidence-based treatments, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or in vivo exposure therapy (IVET), and therefore is a highly recommended alternative when IVET is difficult to administer, and an excellent complement to enhance CBT efficacy. Regarding sensory cues, the addition of motion feedback synchronised with visual and auditory cues during the exposure to VR environments might improve the efficacy of VRET for FoF, but more research supporting this statement is still needed.
An Energetic Eruption With Associated SO 1.707 Micron Emissions at Io's Kanehekili Fluctus and a Brightening Event at Loki Patera Observed by JWST
Authors: de Pater Imke , Lellouch Emmanuel , Strobel Darrell F. , de Kleer Katherine , Fouchet Thierry , Wong Michael H. , Holler Bryan J. , Stansberry John , Fry Patrick M. , Brown Michael E. , Bockelée‐Morvan Dominique , Trumbo Samantha K. , Fletcher L. N. , Hedman Matthew M. , Molter Edward M. , Showalter Mark , Tiscareno Matthew S. , Cazaux Stéphanie , Hueso Ricardo , Luszcz‐Cook Statia , Melin Henrik , Moeckel Chris , Mura Alessandro , Orton Glenn , Roth Lorenz , Saur Joachim , Tosi Federico
Published: July 2023

We observed Io with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) while the satellite was in eclipse, and detected thermal emission from several volcanoes. The data were taken as part of our JWST‐ERS program #1373 on 15 November 2022. Kanehekili Fluctus was exceptionally bright, and Loki Patera had most likely entered a new brightening phase. Spectra were taken with NIRSpec/IFU at a resolving power R ≈ 2,700 between 1.65 and 5.3 µm. The spectra were matched by a combination of blackbody curves that showed that the highest temperature, ∼1,200 K, for Kanehekili Fluctus originated from an area ∼0.25 km2 in size, and for Loki Patera this high temperature was confined to an area of ∼0.06 km2. Lower temperatures, down to 300 K, cover areas of ∼2,000 km2 for Kanehekili Fluctus, and ∼5,000 km2 for Loki Patera. We further detected the a1Δ ⇒ X3Σ− 1.707 µm rovibronic forbidden SO emission band complex over the southern hemisphere, which peaked at the location of Kanehekili Fluctus. This is the first time this emission has been seen above an active volcano, and suggests that the origin of such emissions is ejection of SO molecules directly from the vent in an excited state, after having been equilibrated at temperatures of ∼1,500 K below the surface, as was previously hypothesized.
Depressive symptoms, anxiety and cognitive impairment: emerging evidence in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Margoni Monica , Preziosa Paolo , Rocca Maria A. , Filippi Massimo
Published: July 2023

Neuropsychiatric abnormalities may be broadly divided in two categories: disorders of mood, affect, and behavior and abnormalities affecting cognition. Among these conditions, clinical depression, anxiety and neurocognitive disorders are the most common in multiple sclerosis (MS), with a substantial impact on patients’ quality of life and adherence to treatments. Such manifestations may occur from the earliest phases of the disease but become more frequent in MS patients with a progressive disease course and more severe clinical disability. Although the pathogenesis of these neuropsychiatric manifestations has not been fully defined yet, brain structural and functional abnormalities, consistently observed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), together with genetic and immunologic factors, have been suggested to be key players. Even though the detrimental clinical impact of such manifestations in MS patients is a matter of crucial importance, at present, they are often overlooked in the clinical setting. Moreover, the efficacy of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic approaches for their amelioration has been poorly investigated, with the majority of studies showing marginal or no beneficial effect of different therapeutic approaches, possibly due to the presence of multiple and heterogeneous underlying pathological mechanisms and intrinsic methodological limitations. A better evaluation of these manifestations in the clinical setting and improvements in the understanding of their pathophysiology may offer the potential to develop tools for differentiating these mechanisms in individual patients and ultimately provide a principled basis for treatment selection. This review provides an updated overview regarding the pathophysiology of the most common neuropsychiatric symptoms in MS, the clinical and MRI characteristics that have been associated with mood disorders (i.e., depression and anxiety) and cognitive impairment, and the treatment approaches currently available or under investigation.
Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of interstitial lung disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis from the JointMan database
Authors: Zhuo Joe , Lama Sonie , Knapp Keith , Gutierrez Cynthia , Lovett Kate , Thai Sydney , Craig Gary L.
Published: July 2023

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a progressive fibrotic disease associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA); real-world data for evaluating RA–associated ILD (RA–ILD) are limited. We evaluated prevalence, time to onset, clinical characteristics and prognostic factors in patients diagnosed with RA (n = 8963) in the Discus Analytics JointMan database (2009–2019) with and without ILD. ILD prevalence was 4.1% (95% confidence interval 3.7–4.5); > 90% had an ILD diagnosis after RA diagnosis (mean time to onset 3.3 years). At baseline, a higher proportion of patients with RA–ILD were older (> 65 years), male, with history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared with patients in the RA cohort. Patients in the RA–ILD cohort were likely to have more severe RA characteristics and joint evaluation compared with patients without ILD, at baseline and before/after ILD diagnosis. In this large, real-world database patients with (vs without) ILD had a higher burden of RA characteristics. Previously established risk factors for RA–ILD were confirmed (age, baseline COPD, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide positivity, C-reactive protein, Clinical Disease Activity Index score); thus, recognition of these factors and tracking routine disease activity metrics may help identify patients at higher risk of RA complications and lead to improved diagnosis and earlier treatment.
3-Hydroxy coumarin demonstrates anti-biofilm and anti-hyphal efficacy against Candida albicans via inhibition of cell-adhesion, morphogenesis, and virulent genes regulation
Authors: Sushmitha T. J. , Rajeev Meora , Kathirkaman Vellaisamy , Shivam Singh , Rao Toleti Subba , Pandian Shunmugiah Karutha
Published: July 2023

Candida albicans, a common fungus of human flora, can become an opportunistic pathogen and causes invasive candidiasis in immunocompromised individuals. Biofilm formation is the prime cause of antibiotic resistance during C. albicans infections and treating biofilm-forming cells is challenging due to their intractable and persistent nature. The study intends to explore the therapeutic potential of naturally produced compounds by competitive marine bacteria residing in marine biofilms against C. albicans biofilm. To this end, 3-hydroxy coumarin (3HC), a compound identified from the cell-free culture supernatant of the marine bacterium Brevundimonas abyssalis, was found to exhibit anti-biofilm and anti-hyphal activity against both reference and clinical isolates of C. albicans. The compound demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on biofilms and impaired the yeast-to-hyphal transition, wrinkle, and filament morphology at the minimal biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) of 250 µg mL−1. Intriguingly, quantitative PCR analysis of 3HC-treated C. albicans biofilm revealed significant downregulation of virulence genes (hst7, ume6, efg1, cph1, ras1, als1) associated with adhesion and morphogenesis. Moreover, 3HC displayed non-fungicidal and non-toxic characteristics against human erythrocytes and buccal cells. In conclusion, this study showed that marine biofilms are a hidden source of diverse therapeutic drugs, and 3HC could be a potent drug to treat C. albicans infections.
SinusC-Net for automatic classification of surgical plans for maxillary sinus augmentation using a 3D distance-guided network
Authors: Hwang In-Kyung , Kang Se-Ryong , Yang Su , Kim Jun-Min , Kim Jo-Eun , Huh Kyung-Hoe , Lee Sam-Sun , Heo Min-Suk , Yi Won-Jin , Kim Tae-Il
Published: July 2023

The objective of this study was to automatically classify surgical plans for maxillary sinus floor augmentation in implant placement at the maxillary posterior edentulous region using a 3D distance-guided network on CBCT images. We applied a modified ABC classification method consisting of five surgical approaches for the deep learning model. The proposed deep learning model (SinusC-Net) consisted of two stages of detection and classification according to the modified classification method. In detection, five landmarks on CBCT images were automatically detected using a volumetric regression network; in classification, the CBCT images were automatically classified as to the five surgical approaches using a 3D distance-guided network. The mean MRE for landmark detection was 0.87 mm, and SDR for 2 mm or lower, 95.47%. The mean accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and AUC for classification by the SinusC-Net were 0.97, 0.92, 0.98, and 0.95, respectively. The deep learning model using 3D distance-guidance demonstrated accurate detection of 3D anatomical landmarks, and automatic and accurate classification of surgical approaches for sinus floor augmentation in implant placement at the maxillary posterior edentulous region.
Effectiveness of deep learning classifiers in histopathological diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma by pathologists
Authors: Sukegawa Shintaro , Ono Sawako , Tanaka Futa , Inoue Yuta , Hara Takeshi , Yoshii Kazumasa , Nakano Keisuke , Takabatake Kiyofumi , Kawai Hotaka , Katsumitsu Shimada , Nakai Fumi , Nakai Yasuhiro , Miyazaki Ryo , Murakami Satoshi , Nagatsuka Hitoshi , Miyake Minoru
Published: July 2023

The study aims to identify histological classifiers from histopathological images of oral squamous cell carcinoma using convolutional neural network (CNN) deep learning models and shows how the results can improve diagnosis. Histopathological samples of oral squamous cell carcinoma were prepared by oral pathologists. Images were divided into tiles on a virtual slide, and labels (squamous cell carcinoma, normal, and others) were applied. VGG16 and ResNet50 with the optimizers stochastic gradient descent with momentum and spectral angle mapper (SAM) were used, with and without a learning rate scheduler. The conditions for achieving good CNN performances were identified by examining performance metrics. We used ROCAUC to statistically evaluate diagnostic performance improvement of six oral pathologists using the results from the selected CNN model for assisted diagnosis. VGG16 with SAM showed the best performance, with accuracy = 0.8622 and AUC = 0.9602. The diagnostic performances of the oral pathologists statistically significantly improved when the diagnostic results of the deep learning model were used as supplementary diagnoses (p-value = 0.031). By considering the learning results of deep learning model classifiers, the diagnostic accuracy of pathologists can be improved. This study contributes to the application of highly reliable deep learning models for oral pathological diagnosis.
Circulating microRNAs in young individuals with long-duration type 1 diabetes in comparison with healthy controls
Authors: Swolin-Eide Diana , Forsander Gun , Pundziute Lyckå Auste , Novak Daniel , Grillari Johannes , Diendorfer Andreas B. , Hackl Matthias , Magnusson Per
Published: July 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that are involved in post-transcriptional control of gene expression and might be used as biomarkers for diabetes-related complications. The aim of this case–control study was to explore potential differences in circulating miRNAs in young individuals with long-duration type 1 diabetes (T1D) compared to healthy controls, and how identified miRNAs are expressed across different tissues. Twelve adolescents, age 15.0–17.9 years, with T1D duration of more than 8 years (mean 11.1 years), were enrolled from the Swedish diabetes quality registry. An age-matched control group was recruited. Circulating miRNAs (n = 187) were analyzed by quantitative PCR. We observed that 27 miRNAs were upregulated and one was downregulated in T1D. Six of these miRNAs were tissue-enriched (blood cells, gastrointestinal, nerve, and thyroid tissues). Six miRNAs with the largest difference in plasma, five up-regulated (hsa-miR-101-3p, hsa-miR-135a-5p, hsa-miR-143-3p, hsa-miR-223-3p and hsa-miR-410-3p (novel for T1D)) and one down-regulated (hsa-miR-495-3p), with P-values below 0.01, were selected for further in-silico analyses. AKT1, VEGFA and IGF-1 were identified as common targets. In conclusion, 28 of the investigated miRNAs were differently regulated in long-duration T1D in comparison with controls. Several associations with cancer were found for the six miRNAs with the largest difference in plasma.
Activation of SARS-CoV-2 by trypsin-like proteases in the clinical specimens of patients with COVID-19
Authors: Yamazaki Emiko , Yazawa Shunsuke , Shimada Takahisa , Tamura Kosuke , Saga Yumiko , Itamochi Masae , Inasaki Noriko , Hasegawa Sumiyo , Morinaga Yoshitomo , Oishi Kazunori , Tani Hideki
Published: July 2023

SARS-CoV-2 enters host cells through the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and/or transmembrane protease, serine 2 (TMPRSS2). In this study, we investigated whether proteases increased SARS-CoV-2 infectivity using pseudotyped viruses and clinical specimens from patients with COVID-19. First, we investigated how trypsin increased infectivity using the pseudotyped virus. Our findings revealed that trypsin increased infectivity after the virus was adsorbed on the cells, but no increase in infectivity was observed when the virus was treated with trypsin. We examined the effect of trypsin on SARS-CoV-2 infection in clinical specimens and found that the infectivity of the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant increased 36,000-fold after trypsin treatment. By contrast, the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant increased to less than 20-fold in the clinical specimens. Finally, using five clinical specimens containing delta variants, enhancement of viral infectivity was evaluated in the presence of the culture supernatant of several anaerobic bacteria. As a result, viral infectivities of all the clinical specimens containing culture supernatants ofFusobacterium necrophorumwere significantly increased from several- to tenfold. Because SARS-CoV-2 infectivity increases in the oral cavity, which may contain anaerobic bacteria, keeping the oral cavities clean may help prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Updating the seismotectonic setting for the Gulf of Aqaba
Authors: Abdelazim Mona , ElGabry Mohamed N. , Gobashy Mohamed M. , Khalil Mohamed H. , Hussein Hesham M.
Published: July 2023

The Gulf of Aqaba is known for its high seismic activity in Egypt and the Middle East. An inversion technique was applied to 113 earthquakes of magnitude 2.5 to 7.2 to distinct subsets of data based on tectonic regionalization to define the stress regime in the Gulf of Aqaba involving the Eilat basin, Aragonese basin, and Dakar basin. The stress inversion revealed two active stress patterns; an active strike-slip in the Eilat basin and a dominant extensional regime in the Dakar basin, whereas both strike-slip and extensional regimes coexist in the Aragonese basin. The stress pattern in the Eilat basin is consistent with the movement along the Dead Sea Transform Fault. In contrast, the extensional regime in the Dakar basin aligns with the extensional stress field throughout the northern Red Sea. The coexistence of two dominant types of stress regimes in the Aragonese basin is likely a result of the superposition of the two main neighbouring stress regimes: the strike-slip regime along the Gulf of Aqaba Dead Sea Transform Fault and the extensional stress state across the northern Red Sea. The orientations of the minimum principal stress in the three basins are almost similar, indicating ENE trending, nearly horizontal extension.
An in-depth characterisation of European seabass intestinal segments for assessing the impact of an algae-based functional diet on intestinal health
Authors: Ferreira Mariana , Sousa Vera , Oliveira Beatriz , Canadas-Sousa Ana , Abreu H. , Dias J. , Kiron Viswanath , Valente Luisa M. P.
Published: July 2023

Sustainable farming of fish species depends on emerging new feed ingredients, which can alter the features of the digestive tract and influence animals’ overall health. Recent research has shown that functional feeds hold great potential for enhancing fish robustness by evoking appropriate responses at the intestine level. However, there is a lack of extensive and accurate descriptions of the morphology of the gastrointestinal tract of most farmed fish. We have characterised the intestine of European seabass thoroughly, by targeting four segments − anterior, mid, posterior and rectum. Results indicated that the anterior segment is mostly associated with absorption-related features; this segment has the largest absorptive area, the longest villi, and the highest number of neutral goblet cells (GC). The posterior segment and rectum have distinct histomorphometric features, but both seem to be important for immunity, displaying the highest count of acid GC and the highest expression of immune-related genes. The strongest proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) signal was observed in the anterior intestine and rectum, with PCNA+ cells appearing at the base of the villi and the corresponding villi branches. We have also evaluated the impact of a novel feed supplemented with a macro- and microalgae blend and found that there were no differences in terms of growth. However, the alterations observed in the mid intestine of fish fed the blend, such as thickening of the submucosa and lamina propria, an increased number of leucocytes, and higher expression of immune- and oxidative stress-related genes, suggest that algae may have an immunomodulatory effect. In the current article, we have described the morphology and expression patterns of the intestine segments of European seabass in detail and have presented a comprehensive report of the indices and methods used for the semi-quantitative and quantitative histomorphometric assessments, thereby providing useful information for future studies that aim to maintain intestinal health through dietary interventions.
Coral calcium carried hydrogen ameliorates the severity of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis induced by a choline deficient high carbohydrate fat-free diet in elderly rats
Authors: Ma Kuai , Hu Xin , Nambu Keiki , Ueda Daisuke , Ichimaru Naotsugu , Fujino Masayuki , Li Xiao-Kang
Published: July 2023

Hydrogen has been reported to act as an antioxidant, anti-apoptosis and anti-inflammatory agent. Coral calcium carried hydrogen (G2-SUISO) is a safer and more convenient form of hydrogen agent than others. The mechanism underlying the hepatoprotective effects of G2-SUISO using an elderly non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) rat model was investigated. Two days after fasting, six-month-old elderly male F344/NSlc rats were given a choline deficient high carbohydrate fat-free (CDHCFF) diet from day 0 to day 3 as CDHCFF control group, and then switched to a normal diet from days 4 to 7 with or without 300 mg/kg G2-SUISO. Rats in each group were finally being sacrificed on day 3 or day 7. In the CDHCFF diet group, G2-SUISO decreased the liver weight-to-body weight ratio, the serum AST, ALT, total cholesterol levels, inflammatory infiltration, pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and lipid droplets with inhibiting lipogenic pathways by reducing sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c, acetyl-CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthase gene expression compared with the CDHCFF diet alone. G2-SUISO had beneficial effects of anti-apoptosis as well the down-regulation of pro-apoptotic molecules including NF-κB, caspase-3, caspase-9 and Bax. These findings suggest that G2-SUISO treatment exerts a significant hepatoprotective effect against steatosis, inflammation and apoptosis in elderly NASH rats.
Photodynamic therapy changes tumour immunogenicity and promotes immune-checkpoint blockade response, particularly when combined with micromechanical priming
Authors: Lobo Catarina S. , Mendes Maria Inês P. , Pereira Diogo A. , Gomes-da-Silva Lígia C. , Arnaut Luis G.
Published: July 2023

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with redaporfin stimulates colon carcinoma (CT26), breast (4T1) and melanoma (B16F10) cells to display high levels of CD80 molecules on their surfaces. CD80 overexpression amplifies immunogenicity because it increases same cell (cis) CD80:PD-L1 interactions, which (i) disrupt binding of T-cells PD-1 inhibitory receptors with their ligands (PD-L1) in tumour cells, and (ii) inhibit CTLA-4 inhibitory receptors binding to CD80 in tumour cells. In some cancer cells, redaporfin-PDT also increases CTLA-4 and PD-L1 expressions and virtuous combinations between PDT and immune-checkpoint blockers (ICB) depend on CD80/PD-L1 or CD80/CTLA-4 tumour overexpression ratios post-PDT. This was confirmed using anti-CTLA-4 + PDT combinations to increase survival of mice bearing CT26 tumours, and to regress lung metastases observed with bioluminescence in mice with orthotopic 4T1 tumours. However, the primary 4T1 responded poorly to treatments. Photoacoustic imaging revealed low infiltration of redaporfin in the tumour. Priming the primary tumour with high-intensity (~ 60 bar) photoacoustic waves generated with nanosecond-pulsed lasers and light-to-pressure transducers improved the response of 4T1 tumours to PDT. Penetration-resistant tumours require a combination of approaches to respond to treatments: tumour priming to facilitate drug infiltration, PDT for a strong local effect and a change in immunogenicity, and immunotherapy for a systemic effect.
Preparation of metal–organic framework combined with Portulaca oleracea L. extract electrostatically spun nanofiber membranes delayed release wound dressing
Authors: Wang Yize , Kang Hua , Hu Jao , Chen Heming , Zhou Huimin , Wang Ying , Ke Huizhen
Published: July 2023

PAN/MOF/POE nanofiber membrane.
Bulk synthesis of conductive non-metallic carbon nanospheres and a 3D printed carrier device for scanning electron microscope calibration
Authors: Wang ManLu , Wu JiaCheng , Hao LiYing , Wei Qiang
Published: July 2023

Compared to traditional CRMs, carbon nanospheres can be synthesized in bulk at the laboratory level while enabling rapid calibration.
Controlled synthesis and computational analysis of gold nanostars for the treatment of Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: Eshun Gaddi B. , Osonga Francis J. , Erdogan Taner , Gölcü Ayşegül , Sadik Omowunmi A.
Published: July 2023

Fusarium oxysporum (F. oxysporum) is linked to the widespread fusarium wilt in plants affecting the quality and yield of food crops.
Chemistry of 3-cyanoacetyl indoles: synthesis, reactions and applications: a recent update
Authors: Olyaei Abolfazl , Sadeghpour Mahdieh
Published: July 2023

Indole is a significant nitrogen-based heterocycle with particular importance in the synthesis of heterocyclic scaffolds.
Deep learning of electrochemical CO2 conversion literature reveals research trends and directions
Authors: Choi Jiwoo , Bang Kihoon , Jang Suji , Choi Jaewoong , Ordonez Juanita , Buttler David , Hiszpanski Anna , Yong-Jin Han T. , Sohn Seok Su , Lee Byungju , Lee Kwang-Ryeol , Han Sang Soo , Kim Donghun
Published: July 2023

Machine learning (ML)-based protocol for selecting highly relevant papers, extracting important experimental data, and analyzing research trends & directions focusing on the field of CO2 reduction reactions (CO2RRs).
Beyond traditional light: NIR-II light-activated photosensitizers for cancer therapy
Authors: Wang Sa , Zhang Chuang , Fang Fang , Fan Yueyun , Yang Jiani , Zhang Jinfeng
Published: July 2023

This review focuses on the recent progress of various NIR-II photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy, and briefly presents the ongoing challenges and prospects of NIR-II photosensitizers for clinical translation.
Automated corona discharge (CD) for efficient and broad-spectrum surface and air sterilization
Authors: Narayanan Sriram S. K. S. , Weng Zijian , Tenjo Andrew , Farfan Marcelo , Giridharan Parinitha , Wang Xudong , Zapata Valerie , Ma Xing , Ye Libin , Sheybani Ehsan , Zhong Ying
Published: July 2023

Corona discharge can be a safe, efficient, affordable, automatable, and environmentally friendly method to sterilize air and surfaces, including personal protective equipment.
Boosting the performance of MA-free inverted perovskite solar cells via multifunctional amino acid additives
Authors: Zhang Chenhui , Liang Chunjun , Gong Hongkang , Wang Jing , Song Qi , Ji Chao , Sun Fulin , Zhu Ting , Huang Xinghai , Guo Yuzhu , Li Dan , You Fangtian , He Zhiqun
Published: July 2023

The use of multifunctional amino acid additives, 2-ACL and 3-ACL, to passivate the vacancy defects in the perovskite leads to significant improvements in the open circuit voltage and filling factor of the PSCs.
Aesthetic Insight and Mental Agency
Authors: Prodoehl Christopher
Published: July 2023

Do artists have control over their ideas for new artworks? This is often treated as a question about spontaneity, or the experience of control: does the event of having an idea for a new artwork occur unexpectedly and without foresight? I suggest another way of interpreting the question—one that has mostly been neglected by philosophers, and that is not settled by claims about spontaneity. According to that interpretation, the question is about agency: are the events of having ideas for new artworks exercises of mental agency? I argue that the answer is no. I apply the results of this argument to questions about what is and is not intentional in the creative process. I conclude by examining another type of control artists might exercise over their creative mental events, which I call ‘facilitation’.
Spatial-MGCN: a novel multi-view graph convolutional network for identifying spatial domains with attention mechanism
Authors: Wang Bo , Luo Jiawei , Liu Ying , Shi Wanwan , Xiong Zehao , Shen Cong , Long Yahui
Published: July 2023

Motivation

Recent advances in spatial transcriptomics technologies have enabled gene expression profiles while preserving spatial context. Accurately identifying spatial domains is crucial for downstream analysis and it requires the effective integration of gene expression profiles and spatial information. While increasingly computational methods have been developed for spatial domain detection, most of them cannot adaptively learn the complex relationship between gene expression and spatial information, leading to sub-optimal performance.

Results

To overcome these challenges, we propose a novel deep learning method named Spatial-MGCN for identifying spatial domains, which is a Multi-view Graph Convolutional Network (GCN) with attention mechanism. We first construct two neighbor graphs using gene expression profiles and spatial information, respectively. Then, a multi-view GCN encoder is designed to extract unique embeddings from both the feature and spatial graphs, as well as their shared embeddings by combining both graphs. Finally, a zero-inflated negative binomial decoder is used to reconstruct the original expression matrix by capturing the global probability distribution of gene expression profiles. Moreover, Spatial-MGCN incorporates a spatial regularization constraint into the features learning to preserve spatial neighbor information in an end-to-end manner. The experimental results show that Spatial-MGCN outperforms state-of-the-art methods consistently in several tasks, including spatial clustering and trajectory inference.
Identifying the identifiers: How iNaturalist facilitates collaborative, research-relevant data generation and why it matters for biodiversity science
Authors: Campbell C J , Barve Vijay , Belitz Michael W , Doby Joshua R , White Elizabeth , Seltzer Carrie , Di Cecco Grace , Hurlbert Allen H , Guralnick Robert
Published: July 2023

The iNaturalist platform generates millions of research-grade biodiversity records via a system in which users collectively reach consensus on taxonomic identification. In the present article, we examine how identifiers and their efforts, an understudied component of the platform, support data generation. Identification is keeping pace with rapid growth of observations, assisted by a small subset of highly active users who tend to be taxonomically specialized. Identifier experience is the primary determinant of whether records reach research grade, and the time it takes to do so. Time to reach research grade has fallen rapidly with growing identification effort and use of computer vision, and research-grade identifications are generally stable. Most observations are vetted by experienced identifiers, although identifications are not free of biases. We close by providing suggestions for enhanced identification quality and continuing steps to enhance equitable credit and trust across the ecosystem of observers, identifiers, and data users.
Evolution under a model of functionally buffered deleterious mutations can lead to positive selection in protein-coding genes
Authors: Shen Runxi , Wenzel Miwa , Messer Philipp W , Aquadro Charles F
Published: July 2023

Selective pressures on DNA sequences often result in departures from neutral evolution that can be captured by the McDonald–Kreitman (MK) test. However, the nature of such selective forces often remains unknown to experimentalists. Amino acid fixations driven by natural selection in protein-coding genes are commonly associated with a genetic arms race or changing biological purposes, leading to proteins with new functionality. Here, we evaluate the expectations of population genetic patterns under a buffering mechanism driving selective amino acids to fixation, which is motivated by an observed phenotypic rescue of otherwise deleterious nonsynonymous substitutions at bag of marbles (bam) and Sex lethal (Sxl) in Drosophila melanogaster. These two genes were shown to experience strong episodic bursts of natural selection potentially due to infections of the endosymbiotic bacteria Wolbachia observed among multiple Drosophila species. Using simulations to implement and evaluate the evolutionary dynamics of a Wolbachia buffering model, we demonstrate that selectively fixed amino acid replacements will occur, but that the proportion of adaptive amino acid fixations and the statistical power of the MK test to detect the departure from an equilibrium neutral model are both significantly lower than seen for an arms race/change-in-function model that favors proteins with diversified amino acids. We find that the observed selection pattern at bam in a natural population of D. melanogaster is more consistent with an arms race model than with the buffering model.
Safety and Immunogenicity of a Delayed Heterologous Avian Influenza A(H7N9) Vaccine Boost Following Different Priming Regimens: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: El Sahly Hana M , Yildirim Inci , Frey Sharon E , Winokur Patricia , Jackson Lisa A , Bernstein David I , Creech C Buddy , Chen Wilbur H , Rupp Richard E , Whitaker Jennifer A , Phadke Varun , Hoft Daniel F , Ince Dilek , Brady Rebecca C , Edwards Kathryn M , Ortiz Justin R , Berman Megan A , Weiss Julia , Wegel Ashley ,   DMID 17-0090 Study Group, Keitel Wendy A , Atmar Robert L , Rostad Christina A , Rouphael Nadine , Anderson Evan J , Frenck Robert W , Dickey Michelle , Kotloff Karen , Neuzil Kathleen , Graham Irene , Abate Getahun
Published: July 2023

Background

Influenza A (H7N9) has caused multiple disease waves with evidence of strain diversification. Optimal influenza A (H7N9) prime-boost vaccine strategies are unknown.

Methods

We recruited participants who had received monovalent inactivated A/Shanghai/2/2013 (H7N9) vaccine (MIV) approximately 5 years earlier, as follows: MIV with MF59 (MF59 × 2 group), MIV with AS03 (AS03 × 2 group), unadjuvanted MIV (No Adj group), MIV with MF59 or AS03 followed by unadjuvanted MIV (Adjx1 group), and A/H7-naive (unprimed group). Participants were randomized to receive 1 dose of AS03-adjuvanted or unadjuvanted A/Hong Kong/125/2017 (H7N9) MIV and were followed for safety and immunogenicity using hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) and neutralizing antibody assays.

Results

We enrolled 304 participants: 153 received the adjuvanted boost and 151 received the unadjuvanted boost. At 21 days postvaccination, the proportion of participants with HAI antibody titers against the boosting vaccine strain of ≥40 in the adjuvanted and unadjuvanted arms, respectively, were 88% and 49% in MF59 × 2 group, 89% and 75% in AS03 × 2 group, 59% and 20% in No Adj group, 94% and 55% in Adjx1group, and 9% and 11% in unprimed group.

Conclusions

Serologic responses to a heterologous A(H7N9) MIV boost were highest in participants primed and boosted with adjuvant-containing regimens.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT03738241.
Distribution of Scirtothrips dorsalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) cryptic species complex in the United States and reproductive host assessment of its dominant member
Authors: Kumar Vivek , Xiao Yingfang , Borden Matthew A , Ahmed Muhammad Z , McKenzie Cindy L , Osborne Lance S
Published: July 2023

Chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood, is a cryptic species complex of at least 9 species, 2 of which (South Asia 1 and East Asia 1) have been confirmed damaging >50 plant taxa in the United States. To develop a knowledge-based management program for this pest in the United States, the objectives of the study were to (i) survey for S. dorsalis species complex in the suspected regions and (ii) assess the reproductive hosts of the predominant member available. Thrips samples received from collaborators were subjected to morpholo-molecular characterization. Of the 101 thrips populations received across the United States between 2015 and 2021, 71 populations were confirmed as S. dorsalis, with ~25% further identified as East Asia 1, compared with ~41% identified as South Asia 1, suggesting the latter species is more prevalent in the US. East Asia 1 was primarily found in samples collected from Hydrangea sp. (95%) in Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania, indicating geographic range expansion in the Northeast and successful overwintering in areas with hard freezes. While assessing the host range of South Asia 1 (dominant species), 62 plant taxa were evaluated under greenhouse conditions. Among these, 40 feeding and reproductive hosts were confirmed in Florida. We also found 18 new reproductive hosts and 3 feeding hosts of S. dorsalis, which were not previously reported in the literature. The results provide insight into the increasing host range and expanded geographical distribution of S. dorsalis species and will enable the development of a species-specific monitoring and management program.
Attitudes, Presuppositions, and the Binding Theory
Authors: Blumberg Kyle
Published: July 2023

In order to handle presuppositions in the scope of attitude verbs, the binding theory allows presuppositions triggered in a subject's beliefs to be bound at the matrix level; and it allows presuppositions triggered in non-doxastic attitudes to be bound in the subject's beliefs (Geurts, 1999; Maier, 2015). However, we argue that this leads to serious overgeneration, for example it predicts that the unacceptable ‘Sue will come to the party, but Bill is sure that she won't and that only Sue will come to the party’ should be equivalent to the acceptable ‘Sue will come to the party, but Bill is sure that nobody will come to the party’. This is because the presupposition triggered by ‘only Sue will come to the party’ should be able to be bound at the matrix level. We discuss some responses to this problem, but argue that they all have shortcomings.
A phylogeographic assessment redefines the distributions of Truncilla species (Bivalvia: Unionidae) in Texas
Authors: Saxon Rachel , Randklev Charles R , Roe Kevin J , Robertson Clinton R , Smith Chase H
Published: July 2023

Truncilla macrodon¸ the Texas Fawnsfoot, is currently considered to be restricted to the Brazos and Colorado river drainages in central Texas, USA. Subfossil specimens resembling T. macrodon from shell middens in the Trinity river drainage have raised questions about its presumptive range. Extant Truncilla populations occupying the Trinity river drainage are believed to be Truncilla donaciformis, the Fawnsfoot, but the species identity has not been assessed using molecular techniques. In this study, we set out to use phylogeographic and morphometric approaches to resolve the distribution of Truncilla spp. in Texas, with an emphasis on assessing species identity of Truncilla in the Trinity river drainage. Our molecular analyses indicated individuals from the Trinity river drainage are T. macrodon rather than T. donaciformis, and morphometric analyses using ratios of shell length, width and height supports this finding and showed differentiation among T. macrodon, Truncilla cognata and T. donaciformis. These combined findings suggest the range of T. macrodon is larger than previously recognized and includes the Colorado, Brazos and Trinity river drainages. The status of Truncilla spp. in the San Jacinto river basin remains unclear due to lack of information on historical or extant populations, but we recommend conservationists consider T. macrodon as part of the mussel fauna since the drainage shares an embayment with the Trinity river drainage. Molecular data also indicated the Trinity population of T. macrodon is distinct from, and more genetically diverse than, the Brazos and Colorado populations. This difference suggests the Trinity River population should be treated as a separate management unit from the Brazos and Colorado River populations to facilitate effective conservation and recovery planning. Our study adds to the growing body of literature highlighting the utility of molecular data in conservation and management of freshwater mussels.
Statebuilding in the Periphery: Why States Colonize and Why They Stop
Authors: Lake David A
Published: July 2023

How do states secure and maintain political authority over territory? In Settling for Less: Why States Colonize and Why They Stop, Lachlan McNamee explores one common mechanism for building authority, namely settler colonialism, that should be of interest to scholars beyond those interested in colonialism per se. Building a novel theory, he explains when settler colonialism is employed by states and, importantly, why it typically becomes obsolete with economic development. Using new data, he surveys paired cases of Indonesian settlement in New Guinea and Australia's failed attempt in Papua New Guinea, as well as two periods of Chinese settlement in Xinjiang. One underdeveloped dimension of this otherwise outstanding book is the strategic choices of the indigenes. A second dimension is the alternatives to settler colonialism, including direct and indirect rule through indigenous proxies. While McNamee pushes the research frontier outwards, exerting and consolidating state authority over peripheries remain a challenge. To the extent settler colonialism “works,” that is, migrants from a majority group move into and dominate the periphery so as to attach the region more firmly to the national-state, the indigenous community is not only displaced and exploited in the moment but it is economically and politically undermined for the future. The indigenes are not credibly protected against future exploitation but, at the extreme, are eliminated in genocidal wars.