bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrins regulate stemness in solid tumor: an emerging therapeutic target
Authors: Xiong Jiangling , Yan Lianlian , Zou Cheng , Wang Kai , Chen Mengjie , Xu Bin , Zhou Zhipeng , Zhang Dingxiao
Published: October 2021

Integrins are the adhesion molecules and transmembrane receptors that consist of α and β subunits. After binding to extracellular matrix components, integrins trigger intracellular signaling and regulate a wide spectrum of cellular functions, including cell survival, proliferation, differentiation and migration. Since the pattern of integrins expression is a key determinant of cell behavior in response to microenvironmental cues, deregulation of integrins caused by various mechanisms has been causally linked to cancer development and progression in several solid tumor types. In this review, we discuss the integrin signalosome with a highlight of a few key pro-oncogenic pathways elicited by integrins, and uncover the mutational and transcriptomic landscape of integrin-encoding genes across human cancers. In addition, we focus on the integrin-mediated control of cancer stem cell and tumor stemness in general, such as tumor initiation, epithelial plasticity, organotropic metastasis and drug resistance. With insights into how integrins contribute to the stem-like functions, we now gain better understanding of the integrin signalosome, which will greatly assist novel therapeutic development and more precise clinical decisions.
Organizational skills training for children with ADHD: study protocol for a randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Bikic Aida , Dalsgaard Søren , Olsen Kristoffer Dalsgaard , Sukhodolsky Denis G.
Published: October 2021

Background

Problems with sustained attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity are the most prominent symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but many children with this diagnosis also present with poor organizational skills that are important in relation to school. These problems tend to increase from childhood to adolescence and are often not well managed by medication. Organizational skills training (OST) is a range of behavioral interventions that specifically target organizational skills deficits. Evidence supports the effect of OST on improving organizational skills, inattention, and academic performance in children with ADHD. Because previous clinical trials included mostly children above the age of 8 years, this trial includes children in the age range 6–13 years to expand the knowledge on the effects of OST in younger children. Previous OST research has also shown improvement on inattention in parent ratings; we will investigate if a change in inattention can be confirmed with neurocognitive tests. Finally, little is known about predictors of treatment response in OST.

Objectives

The primary objective is to investigate if OST has positive effects on organizational skills in children with ADHD. The primary outcome measurement is the parent-rated Children’s Organizational Skills Scale (COSS), collected before and at the end of the 10 week intervention. Secondary and exploratory outcomes include inattention ratings, family and school functioning, and cognitive functions measured before the intervention period, immediately after, and at a 6 month follow-up. Additional objectives are to investigate both neurocognitive outcomes and age as predictors of treatment response.

Methods

This is a randomized clinical superiority trial investigating the effect of OST vs a treatment-as-usual (TAU) control group for children with ADHD in the age range of 6–13 years. All participants (n = 142) receive TAU. OST is administered in a group format of 10 weekly sessions. Adverse events are monitored by study clinicians during weekly therapy sessions and all assessments. Data analyses will be conducted using mixed linear regression models with random intercepts for patients, adjusted for the stratification variables and the baseline value.

Perspectives

This study will provide important new knowledge and expand on existing research in the field of non-pharmacological treatment of children with ADHD. OST can potentially have a significant impact on the lives of children with ADHD by helping them learn how to cope with their present deficits and to become more independent and self-reliant. It is also important to investigate predictors of treatment response in order to optimize OST.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03160378. Registered on May 19, 2017.
DNA methylation of the KLK8 gene in depression symptomatology
Authors: Starnawska Anna , Bukowski Lina , Chernomorchenko Ana , Elfving Betina , Müller Heidi Kaastrup , van den Oord Edwin , Aberg Karolina , Guintivano Jerry , Grove Jakob , Mors Ole , Børglum Anders D. , Nielsen Anders L. , Qvist Per , Staunstrup Nicklas Heine
Published: October 2021

Background

Depression is a common, complex, and debilitating mental disorder estimated to be under-diagnosed and insufficiently treated in society. Liability to depression is influenced by both genetic and environmental risk factors, which are both capable of impacting DNA methylation (DNAm). Accordingly, numerous studies have researched for DNAm signatures of this disorder. Recently, an epigenome-wide association study of monozygotic twins identified an association between DNAm status in the KLK8 (neuropsin) promoter region and severity of depression symptomatology.

Methods

In this study, we aimed to investigate: (i) if blood DNAm levels, quantified by pyrosequencing, at two CpG sites in the KLK8 promoter are associated with depression symptomatology and depression diagnosis in an independent clinical cohort and (ii) if KLK8 DNAm levels are associated with depression, postpartum depression, and depression symptomatology in four independent methylomic cohorts, with blood and brain DNAm quantified by either MBD-seq or 450 k methylation array.

Results

DNAm levels in KLK8 were not significantly different between depression cases and controls, and were not significantly associated with any of the depression symptomatology scores after correction for multiple testing (minimum p value for KLK8 CpG1 = 0.12 for ‘Depressed mood,’ and for CpG2 = 0.03 for ‘Loss of self-confidence with other people’). However, investigation of the link between KLK8 promoter DNAm levels and depression-related phenotypes collected from four methylomic cohorts identified significant association (p value < 0.05) between severity of depression symptomatology and blood DNAm levels at seven CpG sites.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that variance in blood DNAm levels in KLK8 promoter region is associated with severity of depression symptoms, but not depression diagnosis.
H3K36 trimethylation-mediated biological functions in cancer
Authors: Xiao Chu , Fan Tao , Tian He , Zheng Yujia , Zhou Zheng , Li Shuofeng , Li Chunxiang , He Jie
Published: October 2021

Histone modification is an important form of epigenetic regulation. Thereinto, histone methylation is a critical determination of chromatin states, participating in multiple cellular processes. As a conserved histone methylation mark, histone 3 lysine 36 trimethylation (H3K36me3) can mediate multiple transcriptional-related events, such as the regulation of transcriptional activity, transcription elongation, pre-mRNA alternative splicing, and RNA m6A methylation. Additionally, H3K36me3 also contributes to DNA damage repair. Given the crucial function of H3K36me3 in genome regulation, the roles of H3K36me3 and its sole methyltransferase SETD2 in pathogenesis, especially malignancies, have been emphasized in many studies, and it is conceivable that disruption of histone methylation regulatory network composed of “writer”, “eraser”, “reader”, and the mutation of H3K36me3 codes have the capacity of powerfully modulating cancer initiation and development. Here we review H3K36me3-mediated biological processes and summarize the latest findings regarding its role in cancers. We highlight the significance of epigenetic combination therapies in cancers.
Valproic acid promotes the in vitro differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into spermatogonial stem cell-like cells
Authors: Wang Xiaotong , Qu Mengyuan , Li Zili , Long Yuting , Hong Kai , Li Honggang
Published: October 2021

Background

Studying human germ cell development and male infertility is heavily relied on mouse models. In vitro differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into spermatogonial stem cell-like cells (SSCLCs) can be used as a model to study human germ cells and infertility. The current study aimed to develop the SSCLC induction protocol and assess the effects of the developed protocol on SSCLC induction.

Methods

We examined the effects of valproic acid (VPA), vitamin C (VC) and the combination of VPA and VC on the SSCLC induction efficiency and determined the expression of spermatogonial genes of differentiated cells. Haploid cells and cells expressed meiotic genes were also detected. RNA-seq analysis was performed to compare the transcriptome between cells at 0 and 12 days of differentiation and differently expressed genes were confirmed by RT-qPCR. We further evaluated the alteration in histone marks (H3K9ac and H3K27me3) at 12 days of differentiation. Moreover, the SSCLC induction efficiency of two hiPSC lines of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients was assessed using different induction protocols.

Results

The combination of low concentrations of VPA and VC in the induction medium was most effective to induce SSCLCs expressing several spermatogonial genes from human pluripotent stem cells at 12 days of differentiation. The high concentration of VPA was more effective to induce cells expressing meiotic genes and haploid cells. RNA-seq analysis revealed that the induction of SSCLC involved the upregulated genes in Wnt signaling pathway, and cells at 12 days of differentiation showed increased H3K9ac and decreased H3K27me3. Additionally, two hiPSC lines of NOA patients showed low SSCLC induction efficiency and decreased expression of genes in Wnt signaling pathway.

Conclusions

VPA robustly promoted the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into SSCLCs, which involved the upregulated genes in Wnt signaling pathway and epigenetic changes. hiPSCs from NOA patients showed decreased SSCLC induction efficiency and Wnt signaling pathway gene expression, suggesting that SSC depletion in azoospermia testes might be associated with inactivation of Wnt signaling pathway. Our developed SSCLC induction protocol provides a reliable tool and model to study human germ cell development and male infertility.
Lessons from Israel's COVID-19 Green Pass program
Authors: Kamin-Friedman Shelly , Peled Raz Maya
Published: October 2021

As of the beginning of March 2021, Israeli law requires the presentation of a Green Pass as a precondition for entering certain businesses and public spheres. Entitlement for a Green Pass is granted to Israelis who have been vaccinated with two doses of COVID-19 vaccine, who have recovered from COVID-19, or who are participating in a clinical trial for vaccine development in Israel. The Green Pass is essential for retaining immune individuals' freedom of movement and for promoting the public interest in reopening the economic, educational, and cultural spheres of activity. Nonetheless, and as the Green Pass imposes restrictions on the movement of individuals who had not been vaccinated or who had not recovered, it is not consonant with solidarity and trust building. Implementing the Green Pass provision while advancing its effectiveness on the one hand, and safeguarding equality, proportionality, and fairness on the other hand may imbue this measure with ethical legitimacy despite involving a potential breach of trust and solidarity.
Duplication elimination in cache-uplink transmission over B5G small cell network
Authors: Sufyan Mubarak Mohammed Al-Ezzi , Rehman Waheed Ur , Salam Tabinda , Ali Qazi Ejaz , Ilyas Abeera , Quradaa Fahmi
Published: October 2021

In this era of the digital world, data play a central role and are continuously challenging spectrum efficiency. With the introduction of enriched multimedia user-generated content, the challenges are even more aggravated. In this vein, uplink caching is considered as one of the promising solutions to effectively cater the user’s demands. One of the main challenges for uplink caching is duplication elimination. In this paper, a cache enabled uplink transmission with a duplication elimination scheme is proposed. The proposed scheme matches the mobile’s data to be uploaded with the cached contents both at mobile station (MS) and small base station (SBS). In contrast to existing techniques, the proposed scheme broadcasts the cached contents at an SBS to all the MSs under its footprint. This provides MS an opportunity to exploit the list of cached contents before uploading its data. A MS only uploads its data if it is not already cached at an SBS. This significantly reduces duplication before the real transmission takes place. Furthermore, the proposed technique reduces energy consumption in addition to improving spectral efficiency and network throughput. Besides, a higher caching hit ratio and lower caching miss ratio are also observed as compared to other schemes. The simulation results reveal that the proposed scheme saves 97% energy for SBS, whereas 96–100% energy is saved for MS on average.
Simulation of urban microclimate with uhiSolver: software validation using simplified material data
Authors: Teichmann Florian , Baumgartner Christina Maria , Horvath Andras , Luisser Markus , Korjenic Azra
Published: October 2021

Background

Increasing urbanization as well as global warming requires an investigation of the influence of different construction methods and ground surfaces on the urban heat island effect (UHI effect). The extent of the influence of the urban structure, the building materials used and their surfaces on the UHI effect can be significantly reduced already in the planning phase using a designated OpenFOAM-based solver “uhiSolver”.

Results

In the first part of this research work, it is shown that inner building details and components can be neglected while still obtaining sufficiently accurate results. For this purpose, the building model was divided into two layers: a surface layer without mass, where the interaction with radiation takes place, and a component layer, which contains all relevant components and cavities of the building represented with mass-averaged material properties. It has become apparent that the three parameters—albedo, heat capacity and thermal resistance—which have a decisive influence on the interaction, have different effects on the component temperatures and the surface temperatures. In the second part of this research work, dynamic 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are performed with uhiSolver for a residential block in Vienna. Comparing the simulation results with measurement data collected on site, it is shown that the simplified assumption of homogeneous material data for building bodies provides very good results for the validation case investigated. However, the influence of the greening measures in the courtyard of the residential block on the air temperature is found to be negligible. Furthermore, it was observed that due to locally higher radiation density, lower air velocities and higher air humidity, the apparent temperature in the courtyard is sometimes perceived to be higher than in the adjacent streets, despite the lower air temperature.

Conclusions

Simplifying the modeling process of the uhiSolver software by reducing the model complexity helps to reduce manual work for setting up appropriate boundary conditions of buildings. Compared to market competitors, good results are obtained for the validation case Kandlgasse presented in this research work, despite the simplifications proposed. Thus, uhiSolver can be used as a robust analytical tool for urban planning.
The effect of mood on food versus non-food interference among females who are high and low on emotional eating
Authors: Sambal Hilla , Bohon Cara , Weinbach Noam
Published: October 2021

Background

Emotional eating refers to overeating triggered by emotional experiences and may cause significant psychological distress and health problems. Thus, it is important to better understand its underlying mechanisms. The study examined if the ability to ignore task-irrelevant information, namely, interference control, is modulated by mood and exposure to food stimuli among females who are high and low on emotional eating.

Method

The study’s sample included 80 women who were high (N = 40) or low (N = 40) on an emotional eating scale. Participants were divided to a negative or neutral mood induction group. Following the mood induction, they completed a food-flanker task that allowed assessing attentional interference caused by food and non-food stimuli separately.

Results

The low emotional eating group had significantly greater food compared to non-food interference, suggesting difficulty at ignoring food stimuli while attending a neutral target. In the high emotional eating group, there was no difference between food and non-food interference. However, higher levels of emotional eating predicted lower levels of food interference.

Conclusion

The pattern of results suggests a food-avoidance attentional tendency among those with higher levels of emotional eating. The mood manipulation did not influence food-related interference in either group. The lack of an effect of mood on food-related interference questions the impact of negative emotions on basic attentional processes among individuals with emotional eating.
An empirical study of Chinese students' behavioral intentions to adopt 5G for smart-learning in Covid-19
Authors: Shah Sayed Kifayat , Tang Zhongjun , Sharif Sayed Muhammad Fawad , Tanveer Arifa
Published: October 2021

The social distancing due to the Covid-19 epidemic has disturbed all sectors of society, including education. To maintain normal operations, it is necessary to adapt quickly to this situation. Many technologies and platforms have rushed to offer their support to users. This article adopts a critical perspective to reflect on the factors that may cause the hasty adoption of 5G smart learning technology. To investigate students' intentions toward smart learning, this article provides a theoretical framework premised on the technology acceptance model (TAM) by adding components from the social practise theory (SPT). Based on data analysis through Structural equation Modeling (SEM) of a survey (n = 375) conducted in China, we found that the choice of 5G smart-learning technology depends on the combined effect of Material (MAA), Meanings (MEA), and Competency access (COA) factors. The results illustrate that these are the effective factors for student’s intentions to adopt 5G smart-learning technology. These outcomes are intended to aid service providers and decision-makers in developing effective ways to increase smart learning use. These findings can also enable us to identify challenges affecting smart learning adoption and to contribute to the design and proper supply of smart learning programs in other countries.
Involving stakeholders in research priority setting: a scoping review
Authors: Grill Christiane
Published: October 2021

Background

This scoping review provides a thorough analysis of how stakeholders have so far been involved in research priority setting. The review describes, synthesizes, and evaluates research priority setting projects not only for the field of health—as previous reviews have done—but does so on a much broader scale for any research area.

Methods

A comprehensive electronic literature search was conducted in the databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Reflecting the importance of grey literature, Google Scholar and relevant websites were also screened for eligible publications. A computational approach was then used for the study selection. The final screening for inclusion was done manually.

Results

The scoping review encompasses 731 research priority setting projects published until the end of 2020. Overall, the projects were conducted within the realm of 50 subject areas ranging from agriculture and environment over health to social work and technology. Key learnings include that nearly all priority setting projects aimed to identify research priorities for the field of health (93%), particularly for nursing and care, cancer, pediatrics, and mental, behavioral and neurodevelopmental disorders. Only 6% of the projects were not health-related and 1% identified research priorities at the interface between health and a non-health area. Over time, 30 different stakeholder groups took part in research priority setting. The stakeholders most frequently asked to identify research priorities were doctors, patients, academics/researchers, nurses, allied healthcare professionals, family members, friends, and carers. Nearly two thirds of all projects have been conducted in Europe and North America. Overall, only 9% of the projects emphasized the importance of stakeholders in their goals and rationales and actively involved them. In around a quarter of the projects, stakeholders deliberated on their research priorities throughout the entire process.

Conclusion

By mapping out the complex landscape of stakeholder involvement in research priority setting, this review guides future efforts to involve stakeholders effectively, inclusively, and transparently, which in turn may increase the overall value of research for society. As a practical addition to this review, the first worldwide research priority setting database was created: https://ois.lbg.ac.at/en/project-database. The database contains all the projects analyzed for this review and is constantly updated with the latest published research priority setting projects.
The role of probiotics on animal health and nutrition
Authors: Anee Ismat Jahan , Alam Shamimul , Begum Rowshan Ara , Shahjahan Reza Md , Khandaker Ashfaqul Muid
Published: October 2021

Background

The constant global need for food has created a demand for colossal food production. Every day the world requires more food than it is capable of growing and harvesting. Antibiotics have been used in healthy food products to promote growth and prevent disease in food-producing animals for a long time. This prolonged use of antibiotics leads to the development of resistant bacteria and the accumulation of antibiotic residue in livestock and fish. To avoid further causalities finding an effective alternative became a dire need. At present, the most suitable alternative for antibiotics is probiotics.

Main body

Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed or applied to the body with the optimum amount. Probiotics are mainly good bacteria and yeast which fight off the pathogenic bacteria, improve the immune system, and restore the gut microbial balance. Probiotics can eliminate the harmful pathogens following several molecular mechanisms and modulate the immune response of the host animal for the well-being of the animals. This review article aims to describe probiotics as a potential growth promoter in major food sectors (poultry, ruminant, and aquaculture), how probiotics can ensure food safety without harmful effects on animals, and find out some points where more research is required to ensure a positive outcome.

Conclusion

The conclusion of this review article highlights the knowledge gaps and how they can be minimized using modern molecular technologies to establish probiotic supplements as an effective alternative to antibiotics.
Evaluation of surface roughness and Vickers microhardness of various nano-herbal extracts on demineralized dentin and their bactericidal efficacy with 970-nm wavelength diode laser irradiation
Authors: Moharam Lamiaa M. , Sadony Doaa M. , Adel Manal M. , Montasser Karim
Published: October 2021

Objective

Was to evaluate effect of clove, turmeric and garlic nano-herbal extracts on surface roughness and microhardness of demineralized dentin, and their bactericidal effect on Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus with or without diode laser irradiation.

Methods

Three 5% nano-formulas were prepared and characterized using transmission electron microscope. MI paste Plus™ was used as control. A total of 100 specimens of demineralized dentin were prepared and treated with 3 W-power diode laser; then, the different tested materials for 10-min before the surface roughness and Vickers microhardness tests were conducted. Eighty coronal cavities were prepared (1-mm diameter × 2-mm depth). Cavities were inoculated with the tested materials with S. mutans or S. sobrinus bacteria, with or without diode laser irradiation for 20-s. Colony-forming unit method was used for counting the viable bacteria. Data were explored for normality using Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Shapiro–Wilk tests and showed parametric distribution for the surface roughness and microhardness tests, and non-parametric distribution for the bactericidal activity test.

Results

The herbal formulas had a significant surface roughness and microhardness mean values. It showed a significant antimicrobial effect on the tested bacteria. When they were combined with diode laser, they showed a significantly higher antimicrobial effect.

Conclusions

The tested herbal formulas represent potent topical remineralizing and antibacterial agents especially when they are used in conjunction with diode laser irradiation.
GC–MS analysis and antibacterial activities of Moringa oleifera leaf extracts on selected clinical bacterial isolates
Authors: Enerijiofi Kingsley Erhons , Akapo Funmilayo Hannah , Erhabor Joseph Omorogiuwa
Published: October 2021

Background

Man has a long history of utilizing herbal preparations to treat infections. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the quantitative phytochemical components, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis, and the antibacterial properties of the aqueous and ethanol leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera on some clinical bacterial isolates.

Results

Aqueous and ethanol extractions from Moringa oleifera yielded 40.75% and 62.87%, respectively. Flavonoid (20.76 mg/100 g) was the highest, while saponin (2.00 mg/100 g) was the least of all phytochemicals detected. The proximate nutrient composition revealed that carbohydrate (46.59%) had the highest, while lipid (7.37%) was the least. Eleven compounds were detected in both extracts by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The eleven compounds identified had higher concentrations in the ethanol extract except 2-octenoic (26.09 mg/kg) acid and 1, 2-epoxyhexadecane (8.84 mg/kg) in aqueous extract which were considerably higher than 0.62 mg/kg and < 0.01 mg/kg in ethanol extract. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration were 6.25 mg/ml against the test organisms for ethanol extract.

Conclusion

The antibacterial activity of the ethanol extract was more active against the bacterial isolates than the aqueous, which increased as the extract concentration increases. The reports revealed that Moringa oleifera is an all-important herb that can inhibit infections from the studied pathogenic bacteria isolates.
Factors associated with anxiety and depression in rheumatoid arthritis patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Uda Miyabi , Hashimoto Motomu , Uozumi Ryuji , Torii Mie , Fujii Takao , Tanaka Masao , Furu Moritoshi , Ito Hiromu , Terao Chikashi , Yamamoto Wataru , Sugihara Genichi , Nakagami Yukako , Mimori Tsuneyo , Nin Kazuko
Published: October 2021

Background

The management of anxiety and depression symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients is vital. Previous study findings on this topic are conflicting, and the topic remains to be thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to clarify the association of RA disease activity with anxiety and depression symptoms after controlling for physical disability, pain, and medication.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of RA patients from the Kyoto University Rheumatoid Arthritis Management Alliance cohort. We assessed patients using the Disease Activity Score (DAS28), Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Anxiety and depression symptoms were defined by a HADS score ≥ 8. We analyzed the data using multivariable logistic regression analyses.

Results

Of 517 participants, 17.6% had anxiety symptoms and 27.7% had depression symptoms. The multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that DAS28 was not independently associated with anxiety symptoms (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval; CI] 0.93 [0.48–1.78]; p = 0.82) and depression symptoms (OR [95% CI] 1.45 [0.81–2.61]; p = 0.22). However, DAS28 patient global assessment (PtGA) severity was associated with anxiety symptoms (OR [95% CI] 1.15 [1.02–1.29]; p = 0.03) and depression symptoms (OR [95% CI] 1.21 [1.09–1.35]; p < 0.01). Additionally, HAQ-DI scores > 0.5 were associated with anxiety symptoms (OR [95% CI] 3.51 [1.85–6.64]; p < 0.01) and depression symptoms (OR [95% CI] 2.65 [1.56–4.50]; p < 0.01). Patients using steroids were more likely to have depression than those not using steroids (OR [95% CI] 1.66 [1.03–2.67]; p = 0.04).

Conclusions

No association was found between RA disease activity and anxiety and depression symptoms in the multivariable logistic regression analysis. Patients with high PtGA scores or HAQ-DI-based non-remission were more likely to experience anxiety and depression symptoms, irrespective of disease activity remission status. Rather than focusing solely on controlling disease activity, treatment should focus on improving or preserving physical function and the patient’s overall sense of well-being.
Ventilator-induced lung-injury in mouse models: Is there a trap?
Authors: Joelsson Jon Petur , Ingthorsson Saevar , Kricker Jennifer , Gudjonsson Thorarinn , Karason Sigurbergur
Published: October 2021

Ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) is a serious acute injury to the lung tissue that can develop during mechanical ventilation of patients. Due to the mechanical strain of ventilation, damage can occur in the bronchiolar and alveolar epithelium resulting in a cascade of events that may be fatal to the patients. Patients requiring mechanical ventilation are often critically ill, which limits the possibility of obtaining patient samples, making VILI research challenging. In vitro models are very important for VILI research, but the complexity of the cellular interactions in multi-organ animals, necessitates in vivo studies where the mouse model is a common choice. However, the settings and duration of ventilation used to create VILI in mice vary greatly, causing uncertainty in interpretation and comparison of results. This review examines approaches to induce VILI in mouse models for the last 10 years, to our best knowledge, summarizing methods and key parameters presented across the studies. The results imply that a more standardized approach is warranted.
Histopathological and biochemical effect of quercetin on monosodium glutamate supplementation-induced testicular toxicity
Authors: Abdul-Hamid Manal , Galaly Sanaa Rida , Ahmed Rasha Rashad , Hamdalla Hadeer Mohamed
Published: October 2021

Background

Despite the wide usage of monosodium glutamate (MSG) as a flavor enhancer in many types of food, it has been reported as a toxic agent to humans and experimental animals. It also adversely influences male fertility. Several research studies attributed detrimental effects of MSG on reproductive organs to oxidative stress. The current study investigated the effects of MSG on testis and the potential role of quercetin in attenuating them.

Results

MSG-treated rats showed a considerable elevation in lipid peroxidation level and reduction in glutathione concentration, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in the homogenate of testis tissues. Treatment with quercetin in combination with MSG provided significant protection. When QU was used, the toxic side effects were significantly reduced, with a considerable reduction in lipid peroxidation and an increase in SOD and GPx activities, and glutathione concentration.

Conclusions

Quercetin may be used in combination with MSG to improve the histopathological, ultrastructure, oxidative stress, and biochemical parameters of testicular toxicity induced by MSG due to its antioxidant effects.

Graphical abstract
Autonomic response of gradient exercise testing protocol in normotensive, overweight, and pre-hypertensive individuals: a prospective, observational, and analytical study
Authors: Bala Neha , Negi Aashish , Saxena Yogesh , Alam Sarfaraz
Published: October 2021

Background

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is increasing day by day in young Indian population with increase in risk factors such as obesity, hypertension etc. Although in early age, these risk factors are clinically asymptomatic but physiologically they are symptomatic. These symptoms can be best assessed by assessing the response of autonomic nervous system Therefore the purpose of this study was to compare the autonomic response of gradient exercise testing protocol in normotensive, overweight, and pre-hypertensive subjects in the form of chronotropic response to exercise, inotropic reponse, heart rate recovery, blood pressure recovery, BRPE, and heart rate variability so that the physiological abnormalities can be corrected.

Results

There were significant differences (p < 0.05) found in gradient exercise testing protocol in diastolic blood pressure in normotensive, in heart rate variability in overweight and in both systolic as well as diastolic blood pressure in pre-hypertensive subjects.

Conclusion

Gradient exercise testing protocol can be best utilized as a clinical tool in normotensive, overweight, and pre-hypertensive subjects for the assessment of autonomic nervous system which provides diagnostic and prognostic information regarding cardiovascular disease or abnormalities.
Communities of Disagreement
Authors: Iversen Lars Laird
Published: October 2021

This guest column in Common Knowledge presents the concept of “communities of disagreement” to an international and interdisciplinary audience, perhaps for the first time. It takes as its starting point the contrast between agonistic and deliberative democratic theories, and it attempts to outline how democratic groups may live well with unresolved disagreement yet not give on up developing truth-sensitive decision-making processes. It argues against the widespread idea that shared values are the social glue of democratic communities. By developing arguments of Manfred Frank, the article outlines a model of the relationship between social context, interpretation, and information.
“Stands for Itself Certainly”
Authors: Mutter Matthew
Published: October 2021

J. M. Coetzee's trilogy of novels with Jesus in their titles, published between 2013 and 2019, has bewildered many reviewers. This essay review proposes that that bewilderment stems from a misconception of the novels’ allegorical dimension and of the possible meanings evoked by their titles. The trilogy is the consummation of Coetzee's meditations on analogy and linguistic skepticism; on the ontological status of fictions; on the eschatological impulsion of writing; and on memory's capacity for true recognitions that have no empirical basis. The trilogy presents us with a world that affirms a purely immanent life. Coetzee tests this world dialogically by subjecting its self-identical “here” to the nonidentical repetitions of analogical thought, through which an “elsewhere” impinges on the “here.” The trilogy's deepest questions turn on the metaphysical scope of this “elsewhere”: that is, on whether the vertiginous depths of analogy participate in an underlying substrate of meaning, recognizable as “the Word of God.”
Synthesis of Halogenated Diphenylpiperazines from l-Tyrosine Derivatives by Biotransformation
Authors: Bao Shumin , Zhong Xiaoyan , Wan Ying , Tan Guishan , Xu Kangping , Yu Xia
Published: October 2021

Piperazine-containing compounds tend to exhibit good biological activities. In this study, four novel halogenated diphenylpiperazines were biosynthesized in one step by feeding halogenated l-tyrosine derivatives to Escherichia coli cells expressing heterologous non-ribosomal peptide synthetase HqlA and short-chain reductase HqlB. The work showed potential for synthesis of halogenated diphenylpiperazines using engineered microorganism.
An Isolable 2,4-Diaminotetrasilabicyclo[1.1.0]but-1(3)-ene: Effects of Amino Groups at the Bridge Positions
Authors: Koike Taichi , Honda Shunya , Iwamoto Takeaki
Published: October 2021

Tetrasilabicyclo[1.1.0]but-1(3)-enes, compounds containing an Si=Si double bond with an inverted geometry, have recently emerged as a new class of stable π-electron systems of silicon. Herein, we report the synthesis of 2,4-diaminotetrasilabicyclo[1.1.0]but-1(3)-enes 1t and 1c that have amino groups at the bridge positions. XRD analysis and theoretical calculations revealed that inverted Si=Si double bonds in 1t and 1c lengthen up to 2.55 Å likely due to the interaction between the π(Si=Si) and σ*(Si–N) orbitals.
An enhanced broadband class-J mode power amplifier for 5G smart meter applications
Authors: Sridhar Nagisetty , Senthilpari Dr  Chinnaiyan , R Dr Mardeni , Hin Yong Dr Wong
Published: October 2021

Background: With the tremendous increase in the usage of smart meters for industrial/ household purposes, their implementation is considered a crucial challenge in the Internet of Things (IoT) world, leading to a demand for emerging 5G technology. In addition, a large amount of data has to be communicated by smart meters efficiently, which needs a significant enhancement in bandwidth. The power amplifier (PA) plays a major role in deciding the efficiency and bandwidth of the entire communication system. Among the various modes of PAs, a newly developed Class-J mode PA has been proven to achieve high efficiency over a wide bandwidth by maintaining linearity.

Methods: This paper proposes a Class-J mode PA design methodology using a CGH40010F-GaN device that operates at a 3.5 GHz frequency to meet the requirements of 5G wireless communication technology for the replacement of existing 4G/LTE technology used for advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) in smart grids. This research's main objective is to design the proper matching networks (M.Ns) to achieve Class-J mode operation that satisfies the bandwidth requirements of 5G smart grid applications. With the target impedances obtained using the load-pull simulation, lumped element matching networks are analyzed and designed in 3 ways using the ADS EDA tool.

Results: The simulation results reveal that the proposed Class-J PA provides a maximum drain efficiency (D.E) of 82%, power added efficiency (PAE) of 67% with 13 dB small-signal gain at 3.5 GHz, and output power of 40 dBm (41.4 dBm peak) with a power gain of approximately 7 dB over a bandwidth of approximately 400 MHz with a 28 V power supply into a 50 Ω load.

Conclusion: The efficiency and bandwidth of the proposed Class-J PA can be enhanced further by fine-tuning the matching network design to make it more suitable for 5G smart meter/grid applications.
Professional Training of Future Primary School Teachers for the Organization of Exhibition Activities
Authors: Kolesnikov Evgeniy
Published: October 2021

The article describes the technology of professional training of future primary school teachers for the organization of exhibition expositions

of creative works of younger schoolchildren. The conclusion is made about the importance of involving primary school students in exhibition

activities. The characteristics of the types of exhibitions, which are most expedient to use in school practice, are given, since in different situations of the educational process they allow solving the problems of the educational plan: to consider the work of other children and get new impressions; show your work and listen to feedback about them; talk about your own idea and talk about the work of other children. The substantiation of the exhibition is given as a condition for the development of a culture of perception, aesthetic taste, the ability to empathize and enjoy the success of classmates in younger schoolchildren, to increase their own self-esteem and the desire for creative search.
Collective Classes in a Group of Different Ages Based on the Integration of the Content of Different Academic Subjects
Authors: Aristarhova O. , Dvoryankina Yu. , Osipova E. , Lebedincev V.
Published: October 2021

The article proposes to consider the initial stage of the transition to such a form of training organization as collective classes in different-age

groups of younger schoolchildren according to the methodology developed by the talented teacher A.G. Rivin. They are held at the Moscow

secondary school named after Ivan Yarygin of the Krasnoyarsk region on the integrated content of academic subjects “Literary Reading”, “Fine Arts”, “Technology”. The specificity of the texts compiled by teachers for use in the process of paragraph-by-paragraph elaboration of the text using the technology of A.G. Rivina. Particular attention is paid to the issues of including first-graders (some of whom do not yet know how to read and write) in classes where younger schoolchildren of an older age participate. In this regard, multilevel algorithms of educational interaction are described. It highlights the difficulties that may arise with this form of training, as well as ways to overcome them.
Scientific and Methodological Approaches to Creating a System of Pedagogical Diagnostics of the Level of Training and Development of Primary School Graduates
Authors: Kuznetsova Marina , Vinogradova Natalya
Published: October 2021

The article discusses the problem of obtaining reliable information about the level of educational achievements of junior schoolchildren during their transition to the next stage of school education. The implementation of the development goals of students at the initial stage of schooling, set by the Federal State Educational Standard of Primary General Education, requires pedagogical diagnostics, which makes it possible to establish the cause of the difficulties that children have in the course of studying various subjects. This ensures the timely intervention of the teacher in the learning process to provide each younger student with pedagogical assistance and support, which makes it possible to eliminate the individual difficulties that arise in him.
Case Method As an Effective Tool for Training Media Professionals
Authors: Vayrakh Yuliya , Drugova E. , Zhelnovakova M.
Published: October 2021

This paper examines the practice of using innovative communication technologies, in particular the case method, in the process of training journalist students. The study comprehends the practice of adapting the case method to the specifics of the educational process in the field of journalism, the possibility of using technology in various disciplines of the profile. In addition, the outline of the study case and the methodology of work in student groups according to the methodology under consideration are presented. The authors of the article come to the conclusion that the case method as an interactive form of learning creates conditions for the educational process, in which the theory is translated into the field of practical application of knowledge, and students have a unique opportunity to develop critical thinking aimed at finding solutions to problem situations, posing problematic questions, determining a range of interrelated problems, the choice of a method for processing the information received.
Determination of best Raman spectroscopy spatial offsets for transcutaneous bone quality assessments in human hands
Authors: Chen Keren , Massie Christine , Awad Hani A. , Berger Andrew J.
Published: October 2021

Spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) is able to detect bone signal transcutaneously and could assist in predicting bone fracture risk. Criteria for optimal source-detector offsets for transcutaneous human measurements, however, are not well-established. Although larger offsets yield a higher percentage of bone signal, the absolute amount of bone signal decreases. Spectral unmixing into bone, adipose, and non-adipose components was employed to quantify changes in bone signal to noise ratio across a range of offsets, and optimal offsets for phalanx and metacarpal measurements were determined. The bone signal to noise ratio was maximized at offsets ranging from 4-6 mm.
Phase manipulated two-mode entangled state from a phase-sensitive amplifier
Authors: Liu Shengshuai , Lou Yanbo , Jing Jietai
Published: October 2021

The phase manipulation of the two-mode entangled state, which can flexibly control the combination of quadrature components on demand, is important for continuous variable (CV) quantum information and quantum metrology. Here, we experimentally demonstrate the phase manipulation of entangled state by using a phase-sensitive amplifier (PSA) based on four-wave mixing (FWM) process. The entanglement with different phase space squeezing orientations can be generated by directly changing the phase of the PSA. Our scheme is concise and can be expanded to generate multi-parties entangled states on demand. Our results here pave the way to realize a phase-coded quantum key distribution protocol and squeezing-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.
Analysis of pump-to-signal noise transfer in two-stage ultra-broadband optical parametric chirped-pulse amplification
Authors: Feng C. , Dorrer C. , Jeon C. , Roides R. , Webb B. , Bromage J.
Published: October 2021

In optical parametric chirped-pulse amplification (OPCPA), pump temporal intensity modulation is transferred to the chirped-signal spectrum via instantaneous parametric gain and results in contrast degradation of the recompressed signal. We investigate, for the first time to our knowledge, the pump-to-signal noise transfer in a two-stage ultra-broadband OPCPA pumped by a single laser and show the dependence of pump-induced signal noise, characterized both before and after pulse compression, on the difference in pump-seed delay in the two stages. We demonstrate an up-to-15-dB reduction of the pump-induced contrast degradation via pump-seed delay optimization. Experiments and simulations show that, even when parametric amplifiers are operated in saturation, the pump-seed delay can be used to minimize the pump-induced contrast degradation that is attributed largely to the noises from the unsaturated edges of the pulse and that of the beam.
Broadband Au/n-GaSb Schottky photodetector array with a spectral range from 300 nm to 1700nm
Authors: Jang Junho , Geum Dae-Myeong , Kim SangHyeon
Published: October 2021

A broadband photodetector is becoming increasingly important as a key element for multicolor imaging. We proposed an Au/n-GaSb Schottky photodetector (PD) array with a wide spectral range from ultraviolet (UV) to short-wavelength infrared (SWIR). The PD was formed by deposition of a 5 nm-thick Au layer on the n-type GaSb substrate and subsequent mesa array formation. The fabricated PD array has shown uniform electrical characteristics and good rectifying behaviors. From the photoresponse measurement, the PD has shown uniformly high external quantum efficiency (EQE) over a spectral range of 300 nm to 1700nm. The value of EQE was 35% at 300 nm and exceeded 50% in the IR region. Furthermore, the PD has shown a rapid rise time of 1.44 µs from the transient photoresponse measurement.