bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interactions of metronidazole and chloramphenicol with myoglobin: Crystal structure of a Mb-acetamide product
Authors: Powell Samantha M. , Prather Kiana Y. , Nguyen Nancy , Thomas Leonard M. , Richter-Addo George B.
Published: March 2023

Nitroorganics present a general concern for a safe environment due to their health hazards. However, some nitroorganics such as metronidazole (Mtz) and chloramphenicol (CAM) also possess medicinal value. Mtz and CAM can undergo reductive bioactivation presumably via their nitroso derivatives. We show, using UV-vis spectroscopy, that sperm whale myoglobin (swMb) and its distal pocket mutants retaining H-bonding capacity react with Mtz in the presence of dithionite to generate products with spectra suggestive of the Fe-bound nitroso (Fe–RNO; [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]420 nm) forms. We have crystallized and solved the X-ray crystal structure of an H64Q swMb-acetamide compound to 1.76 Å resolution; the formation of this compound results from the serendipitous crystallographic trapping, by the heme center, of acetamide from the reductive decomposition of Mtz. Only one of the swMb proteins, namely H64Q swMb with a relatively flexible Gln64 residue, reacted with CAM presumably due to the bulky nature of CAM that generally may restrict its access to the heme site.
Strategies to increase the stability and energy density of NVPF– A comprehensive review
Authors: Camacho Ramon Alberto Paredes , Wang Xinyu , Xu Xiaoyu , Wang Yumei , Yi Qiang , Wu Tian , Lu Li
Published: March 2023

Although the lithium-ion battery has dominated the sustainable energy field for many years, environmentally friendly and inexpensive sodium (Na) is a great contender to reduce the use of limited lithium resources. Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have a big catalog of cathode materials grouped into four main types: the Prussian blue analogs, organic-based materials, layered metal oxides, and polyanions, whereas the latter is characterized by sodium superionic conductors (NASICON) with its chemical formula such as Na3V2(PO4)2F3 (NVPF) gaining prevalence. Therefore, this review focuses on the most recent studies to promote the long-term stability, capacity, and energy density of NASICON’s high-potential NVPF.
Robust Influence Maximization Under Both Aleatory and Epistemic Uncertainty
Authors: Biswas Tarun Kumer , Abbasi Alireza , Chakrabortty Ripon Kumar
Published: March 2023

Uncertainty is ubiquitous in almost every real-life optimization problem, which must be effectively managed to get a robust outcome. This is also true for the Influence Maximization (IM) problem, which entails locating a set of influential users within a social network. However, most of the existing IM approaches have overlooked the uncertain factors in finding the optimal solution, which often leads to subpar performance in reality. A few recent studies have considered only the epistemic uncertainty (i.e., arises from the imprecise data), while ignoring completely the aleatory uncertainty (i.e., arises from natural or physical variability). In this article, we propose a formulation and a novel algorithm for the Robust Influence Maximization (RIM) problem under both types of uncertainties. First, we develop a robust influence spread function under aleatory uncertainty that, in contrast to the existing IM theory, is no longer monotone and submodular. Thereafter, we expand our RIM formulation to incorporate epistemic uncertainty aiming to maximize the robust ratio between the selected worst-case solution and the best-case optimal solution, adopting a conservative approach. Furthermore, using a chance-constraint-based method, we investigated feasibility robustness by accounting for the uncertainties related to constraint functions. Finally, an Evolutionary Algorithm (named EA-RIM) is designed to solve the proposed formulation of the RIM problem. Experimental evaluation results on four empirical datasets show that our proposed formulation and algorithm are more effective in dealing with uncertainties and finding an optimal solution for the RIM problem.
An agent-based model of tissue maintenance and self-repair
Authors: Bates Jason H. T. , Herrmann Jacob , Casey Dylan T. , Suki Béla
Published: March 2023

We hypothesized that a system that possesses the capacity for ongoing maintenance of its tissues will necessarily also have the capacity to self-heal following a perturbation. We used an agent-based model of tissue maintenance to investigate this idea, and in particular to determine the extent to which the current state of the tissue must influence cell behavior in order for tissue maintenance and self-healing to be stable. We show that a mean level of tissue density is robustly maintained when catabolic agents digest tissue at a rate proportional to local tissue density, but that the spatial heterogeneity of the tissue at homeostasis increases with the rate at which tissue is digested. The rate of self-healing is also increased by increasing either the amount of tissue removed or deposited at each time step by catabolic or anabolic agents, respectively, and by increasing the density of both agent types on the tissue. We also found that tissue maintenance and self-healing are stable with an alternate rule in which cells move preferentially to tissue regions of low density. The most basic form of self-healing can thus be achieved with cells that follow very simple rules of behavior, provided these rules are based in some way on the current state of the local tissue. Straightforward mechanisms can accelerate the rate of self-healing, as might be beneficial to the organism.
Mimicking exercise in vitro: effects of myotube contractions and mechanical stretch on omics
Authors: Lautaoja J. H. , Turner D. C. , Sharples A. P. , Kivelä R. , Pekkala S. , Hulmi J. J. , Ylä-Outinen L.
Published: March 2023

The number of studies using skeletal muscle (SkM) cell culture models to study exercise in vitro are rapidly expanding. Progressively, more comprehensive analysis methods, such as different omics approaches including transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics have been used to examine the intra- and extracellular molecular responses to exercise mimicking stimuli in cultured myotubes. Among other techniques, exercise-like electrical pulse stimulation (EL-EPS) and mechanical stretch of SkM cells are the two most commonly used methods to mimic exercise in vitro. In this mini-review, we focus on these two approaches and their effects on the omics of myotubes and/or cell culture media. Furthermore, besides traditional two-dimensional (2-D) methods, the use of three-dimensional (3-D) SkM approaches are increasing in the field of in vitro exercise mimicry. Our aim with this mini-review is to provide the reader with an up-to-date overview of the 2-D and 3-D models and the use of omics approaches to study the molecular response to exercise in vitro.
Effects of exercise during water immersion on arterial function in humans
Authors: Carter Howard H. , Cheng Jem L. , MacDonald Maureen J. , Pienaar Oliver , Coleman Alexander , Naylor Louise H. , Green Daniel J.
Published: March 2023

Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) provides a valid bioassay of vascular function in humans. Although water immersion induces hemodynamic effects that modify brachial artery shear stress, it is unclear whether water-based exercise modifies FMD. We hypothesized that exercise in 32°C water would decrease brachial artery shear and FMD relative to land-based exercise, whereas exercise in 38°C would increase brachial shear and FMD. Ten healthy participants (8 males; 23.9 ± 3.3 yr) completed 30 min of resistance-matched cycle exercise in three separate conditions: on land and in 32°C and 38°C water. Brachial artery shear rate area under the curve (SRAUC) was measured throughout each condition, with FMD measured pre- and postexercise. Brachial SRAUC increased during exercise in all conditions and was highest across the 38°C condition compared with Land and 32°C conditions (38°C: 27,507 ± 8,350 vs. Land: 9,908 ± 4,738 vs. 32°C: 13,840 ± 5,861 1/s, P < 0.001). Retrograde diastolic shear was greater during 32°C than both Land and 38°C conditions (32°C:−3,869 ± 2,198 vs. Land:−1,602 ± 1,334 vs. 32°C:−1,036 ± 1,754, P < 0.01). FMD increased as a result of 38°C (6.2 ± 1.9 vs. 8.5 ± 2.7%, P = 0.03), with no change in the Land exercise (6.3 ± 2.4 vs. 7.7 ± 2.4%, P = 0.10) or 32°C condition (6.4 ± 3.2 vs. 6.7 ± 3.2%, P = 0.99). Our findings indicate that cycle exercise in hot water attenuates retrograde shear, increases antegrade shear, and FMD. Exercise in 32°C water induces central hemodynamic changes relative to land-based exercise, but these do not translate to increases in FMD in either condition, likely due to the impact of increased retrograde shear. Our findings indicate that modification of shear has direct acute impacts on endothelial function in humans.
Tumor MK2 transcript levels are associated with improved response to chemotherapy and patient survival in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Suresh Karthik , Del Rosario Othello , Kallem Medha , Singh Gayatri , Shah Anika , Zheng Linda , Yun Xin , Philip Nicolas M. , Putcha Nirupama , McClure Marni B. , Jiang Haiyang , D’Alessio Franco , Srivastava Meera , Bera Alakesh , Shimoda Larissa A. , Merchant Michael , Rane Madhavi J. , Machamer Carolyn E. , Mock Jason , Hagan Robert , Koch Abigail L. , Punjabi Naresh M. , Kolb Todd M. , Damarla Mahendra
Published: March 2023

MK2, known to promote caspase-3 nuclear translocation in the execution of apoptosis, is reduced in non-small cell lung cancer cells. In adenocarcinomas of patients, higher MK2 expression is associated with early-stage disease, better clinical response following chemotherapy and independently associated with improved survival.
Finite Element Modeling of ECAP-Linex Combined Process of Severe Plastic Deformation
Authors: Panin Evgeniy , Volokitina Irina , Volokitin Andrey , Naizabekov Abdrakhman , Akhmetova Gulzhainat , Lezhnev Sergey , Tolkushkin Andrey , Esbolat Aibol , Yordanova Rozina
Published: March 2023

The paper presents theoretical studies of a new deformation process combining the stages of equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) and the “Linex” scheme. For correct finite element modeling of the process, a technique with sequential input for the calculation of conveyor links is presented. To analyze the efficiency of metal processing, the main parameters of the stress–strain state are considered: equivalent strain, equivalent stress, and average hydrostatic pressure, as well as the deformation force on the main elements of the combined process: pulley, matrix, and conveyor link. To analyze the resulting deformation forces, the stages of pressing in a matrix and compression by a chain conveyor were separately considered. Equations for determining the forces acting on the drive pulley, ECA matrix, and the chain element link were obtained. Comparison of values showed that the force values in the calculation and simulation have a high level of convergence. In all three considered details, the difference value did not exceed 10%. The variational modeling allowed to determine the optimal values of the main technological and geometric parameters of the process.
AppraisalCloudPCT: A Computational Model of Emotions for Socially Interactive Robots for Autistic Rehabilitation
Authors: Yan Ting , Lin Shengzhao , Wang Jinfeng , Deng Fuhao , Jiang Zijian , Chen Gong , Su Jionglong , Zhang Jiaming
Published: March 2023

Computational models of emotions can not only improve the effectiveness and efficiency of human‐robot interaction but also coordinate a robot to adapt to its environment better. When designing computational models of emotions for socially interactive robots, especially for robots for people with special needs such as autistic children, one should take into account the social and communicative characteristics of such groups of people. This article presents a novel computational model of emotions called AppraisalCloudPCT that is suitable for socially interactive robots that can be adopted in autistic rehabilitation which, to the best of our knowledge, is the first computational model of emotions built for robots that can satisfy the needs of a special group of people such as autistic children. To begin with, some fundamental and notable computational models of emotions (e.g., OCC, Scherer’s appraisal theory, PAD) that have deep and profound influence on building some significant models (e.g., PRESENCE, iGrace, xEmotion) for socially interactive robots are revisited. Then, a comparative assessment between our AppraisalCloudPCT and other five significant models for socially interactive robots is conducted. Great efforts have been made in building our proposed model to meet all of the six criteria for comparison, by adopting the appraisal theories on emotions, perceptual control theory on emotions, a component model view of appraisal models, and cloud robotics. Details of how to implement our model in a socially interactive robot we developed for autistic rehabilitation are also elaborated in this article. Future studies should examine how our model performs in different robots and also in more interactive scenarios.
Association between the Length of Hospital Stay and 30-Day Outcomes in Patients Admitted with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure
Authors: Namvar Melika , Fakhrolmobasheri Mohammad , Mazaheri-Tehrani Sadegh , Heidarpour Maryam , Emamimeybodi Maryam , Shafie Davood
Published: March 2023

Background and Aim. Regarding patients admitted with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), there are inconsistent reports surrounding the association between length of stay (LOS) and mortality or rehospitalization following discharge. This study evaluates the association between LOS and 30-day outcomes after discharge in patients admitted with ADHF. Method. This study is performed in the context of the Persian Registry of Cardiovascular Disease/Heart Failure (PROVE/HF). We included all patients admitted with ADHF regardless of the etiology of heart failure (HF). LOS was classified in tertiles (<4 days, >4 and <6 days, and >6 days). Our outcomes were 30-day all-cause mortality and rehospitalization. Baseline characteristics and outcomes are reported according to the tertiles of LOS. A binary logistic regression and cox regression analysis were performed to evaluate the association between LOS and rehospitalization and death, respectively. Results. Between April 2019 and March 2020, 385 patients with ADHF were registered in our study. The mean length of hospitalization was 6.35 ± 5.46 days, varying from a minimum of 0 days to a maximum of 47 days. One hundred patients had a hospital stay lower than 4 days; 151 individuals had an intermediate LOS (4–6 days); and 134 were hospitalized for more than 6 days. Our analysis indicated no association between LOS and 30-day rehospitalization and death in multivariable or univariable models. Conclusion. This study found no association between LOS and rehospitalization or death in patients admitted with ADHF; however, further investigations are warranted.
Surface Microstructure of Two Bioceramics: Calcium-Enriched Mixture and Cold Ceramic in Setting Environments with Different pH Values
Authors: Kazemipoor Maryam , Sanati Ehsan
Published: March 2023

Introduction. The pH of the setting environment could alter the surface characteristics of bioceramics. The present study aimed to assess the surface microstructure of calcium-enriched mixture (CEM cement) and cold ceramic (CC) in setting environments with different pH values. Materials and Methods. 12 dentin blocks with 3 mm height and internal diameter were prepared. CEM cement and CC were prepared and packed into the blocks. Samples in each bioceramics group (n = 6) were divided into 3 subgroups (n = 2) and exposed to acid, pH of 7.4, and alkaline pH for 1 week. Specimens were prepared for evaluation under a scanning electron microscope using backscattered electron (BSE) detectors. Monitoring of pH changes was rendered with a pH meter through the setting process. Results. BSE detection in an acidic environment showed more amorphous microstructures in CC specimens in comparison to CEM cement. In pH of 7.4 and alkaline pH, more unhydrated structures were observed in CEM cement compared with CC samples. During the first 48 h of the setting process, the pH changes of setting environments were more rapid in the CEM cement group in comparison to CC samples. Conclusion. pH changes during the setting process of cement could affect the surface microstructure and physical properties. In acidic environments, the crystallization of CC cement is more disrupted than that of CEM cement.
Correlation between Macrophage Polarization and PD-L1-Related Tumor Microenvironmental Alteration and Metastasis in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Gu Jiangning , Gao Feng , Fan Bin , Xu Shiqi , Luo Haifeng , Zhang Jie , Jiang Qi , Wang Chenqi , Tan Guang , Qi Wenjing , Du Jian , Huang Siqian , Sun Xiaohong , Chen Dan
Published: March 2023

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis; nearly 80% patients have regional or distant metastasis when diagnosed. Tumor microenvironment (TME) alteration and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) have been reported to play a key role in cancer metastasis. However, the correlation between TME and EMT was poorly studied in PDAC. This study aims to explore the correlation between EMT markers and TME alteration, mainly including macrophage polarization and PD-L1 expression change, in primary and metastatic PDAC tissues by immunohistochemistry. The results indicated that macrophage polarization was found in metastases with the number of M1 macrophages (CD86+) decreased and M2 (CD163+) increased, though PD-L1 expression did not have a significant alteration. Compared to primary tumors, E-cadherin was significantly lower, while snail was higher, while no difference was found with N-cadherin and ZEB1. Correlation analysis indicated that snail, but not ZEB1, E-cadherin, or N-cadherin, was highly correlated with macrophage polarization. To conclude, the number of CD86+ M1 macrophages was increased while CD163+ M2 macrophages decreased in metastases, with no significant alteration of PD-L1 expression compared to primary tumors. EMT markers—Snail and E-cadherin—but not ZEB1 or N-cadherin, were found to be higher/lower in metastases, which mean that EMT played an important role in PDAC metastasis. Further analysis indicated that snail was highly correlated with M1 to M2 macrophage polarization, which prompted that EMT may be one reason for macrophage polarization induced TME alteration in PDAC metastasis.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Association between Residual Shunts after Patent Foramen Ovale Closure and Long-Term Cerebrovascular Events
Authors: Liu Ting-Ting , Jiao Rong-Hong , Chen Tao , Jiang Zhi-An , Bai Wen-Lou
Published: March 2023

Background: The association between a patent foramen ovale (PFO) and cryptogenic stroke (CS) is well established, and the benefits of PFO closure are clearly recognized. This study aimed to investigate the presence of a residual shunt in patients who have experienced cryptogenic cerebrovascular events following a PFO closure. Methods: Two researchers systematically searched the PubMed and Embase online database for pertinent clinical studies published between January 2000 and July 2021 concerning the recurrence of cerebrovascular events after PFO closures. Results: Upon screening an initial list of 2,342 articles, six studies were identified, involving 2,083 patients. Overall, the analysis indicated a marked difference in the recurrence of cerebrovascular events in 8.89% of residual shunt (RS) cases compared to only 2.90% of non-RS cases. The summary odds ratio was 3.484 (95% confidence interval, 2.169–5.596), which suggested that RS may be a risk factor for recurrent cerebrovascular events in patients that experienced PFO-related cerebrovascular events within 6 months after PFO closure surgery. Conclusions: The presence of RS significantly increases the risk of recurrent cerebrovascular events in patients with clinical PFO closure.
Clearance of NT-proBNP and Procalcitonin during Continuous Venovenous Hemodialysis with the Medium Cutoff Filter in Patients with Rhabdomyolysis-Associated Early Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Mariano Filippo , Mella Alberto , Rumbolo Francesca , Holló Zsuzsanna , Bergamo Daniela , Congiu Giovanni , Mengozzi Giulio , Berardino Maurizio , Stella Maurizio , Biancone Luigi
Published: March 2023

Introduction: In polytrauma patients with AKI continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD) with medium cutoff membrane filters is commonly adopted to increase the removal of both myoglobin and inflammatory mediators, but its impact on increasing molecular weight markers of inflammation and cardiac damage is debated. Methods: Twelve critically ill patients with rhabdomyolysis (4 burns and 8 polytrauma patients) and early AKI requiring CVVHD with EMIc2 filter were tested for 72 h on serum and effluent levels for NT-proBNP, procalcitonin (PCT), myoglobin, C-reactive protein (CRP), alpha1-glycoprotein, albumin, and total protein. Results: The sieving coefficients (SCs) for proBNP and myoglobin were as higher as 0.5 at the start, decreased to 0.3 at the 2nd h, and then slowly declined to the final value of 0.25 and 0.20 at the 72nd h, respectively. PCT showed a negligible SC at the 1st h, a peak of 0.4 at the 12th h, and a final value of 0.3. SCs for albumin, alpha1-glycoprotein, and total protein were negligible. A similar trend was observed for the clearances (17–25 mL/min for proBNP and myoglobin; 12 mL/for PCT; <2 mL/min for albumin, alpha1-glycoprotein, and total protein). No correlation was found between systemic determinations and filter clearances of proBNP, PCT, and myoglobin. Net fluid loss/hour during CVVHD positively correlated with systemic myoglobin for all patients and NT-proBNP in the burn patients. Conclusion: CVVHD with EMiC2 filter showed low clearances for NT-proBNP and procalcitonin. CVVHD did not significantly affect the serum levels of these biomarkers, which could be adopted in the clinical management of early CVVHD patients.
Validation of an ex vivo Flow Model Including Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Study the Effects of Endovascular Treatments on the Arterial Wall
Authors: Rodriguez Raúl Devia , Huizing Eline , Ünlü Çağdaş , Simonis Frank F.J. , Bokkers Reinoud P.H. , de Vries Jean-Paul P.M. , Schuurmann Richte C.L. , Nakladal Dalibor , Buikema Hendrik , Hillebrands Jan-Luuk , Leuvenink Henri G.D.
Published: March 2023

Endovascular revascularization is the preferred treatment for peripheral arterial disease. Restenosis often occurs as a response to procedure-induced arterial damage. Reducing vascular injury during endovascular revascularization may improve its success rate. This study developed and validated an ex vivo flow model using porcine iliac arteries, obtained from a local abattoir. Twenty arteries (of 10 pigs) were equally allocated to two groups: a mock-treated control group and an endovascular intervention group. Arteries of both groups were perfused with porcine blood for 9 min, including 3 min of balloon angioplasty in the intervention group. Vessel injury was assessed by calculating the presence of endothelial cell denudation, vasomotor function, and histopathological analysis. MR imaging displayed balloon positioning and inflation. Endothelial cell staining showed 76% of denudation after ballooning compared to 6% in the control group (p < 0.001). This was confirmed by histopathological analysis, showing a significantly reduced endothelial nuclei count after ballooning compared to the controls (median: 22 vs. 37 nuclei/mm, p = 0.022). In the intervention group, vasoconstriction and endothelium-dependent relaxation were significantly reduced (p < 0.05).We present an ex vivo flow model to test the effects of endovascular therapy on the vessel’s wall morphology, endothelial denudation, and endothelial-dependent vasomotor function under physiological conditions. Additionally, it allows the future testing of human arterial tissue.
Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Level Is Negatively Associated with Fatigue in Elderly Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Pang Menglin , Chen Lin , Jiang Na , Jiang Mengmeng , Wang Baofeng , Wang Lili , Jia Xiao-yan
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) is frequently observed in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients and is associated with fracture, muscle weakness, malnutrition, etc.; however, relationships of CKD-MBD markers and fatigue are not well established. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study including 244 MHD patients (89 elders) from July to September 2021 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University. CKD-MBD markers and other clinical data were collected from medical records. Fatigue in the past week was measured by Standardized Outcomes in Nephrology-Hemodialysis (SONG-HD) fatigue measure; fatigue at the end of hemodialysis was measured by numeric rating scale (NRS). Spearman correlation, linear regression, and robust linear regression were. Results: In all MHD patients, lg[25(OH)D] (nmol/L) was negatively correlated with SONG-HD score (β = −1.503, 95% CI: −2.826 to 0.18, p = 0.026) and NRS score (β = −1.532, p = 0.04) in multiple regression models adjusting for sex, age, and all CKD-MBD characters; but no correlations were found on univariate regression or in other multiple regression models. Interaction effects between age ≥65 years and lg(25[OH]D [nmol/L]) in terms of fatigue scores were significant based on multiple linear regressions (SONG-HD score β = −3.613, p for interaction = 0.006; NRS score β = −3.943, p for interaction = 0.008). Compared with non-elderly patients, elderly patients were with higher ACCI scores (7 [6, 8] vs. 4 [3, 5], p < 0.001), higher SONG-HD scores (3 [2, 6] vs. 2 [1, 3], p < 0.001), higher NRS score (4 [2, 7] vs. 3 [1, 5], p < 0.001), lower serum phosphate levels (1.65 [1.29, 2.10] vs. 1.87 [1.55, 2.26] mmol/L, p = 0.002), and lower serum iPTH levels (160.6 [90.46, 306.45] vs. 282.2 [139, 445.7] pg/mL, p < 0.001). There were no differences in serum calcium, alkaline serum, or 25(OH)D levels between the two groups. In elderly patients, lg[25(OH)D] was negatively correlated with SONG-HD score (β = −3.323, p = 0.010) and NRS score (β = −3.521, p = 0.006) on univariate linear regressions. Following adjustment for sex, age, and all CKD-MBD characters, lg[25(OH)D] was negatively correlated with SONG-HD scores (multiple linear regression β = −4.012, p = 0.004; multiple robust regression β = −4.012, p = 0.003) or NRS scores (multiple linear regression β = −4.104, p = 0.002; multiple robust regression β = −4.104, p = 0.001). There were no significant correlations between fatigue scores and other CKD-MBD markers (calcium, phosphate, lgiPTH, alkaline phosphatase) in elderly MHD patients, on either univariate linear regressions or multiple regressions. Conclusion: Serum 25(OH)D level is negatively associated with fatigue in elderly MHD patients.
Arrhythmia in Bruton Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor-Treated Patients: Unanswered Questions
Authors: Ewer Michael S. , Ewer Steven M.
Published: March 2023

(No abstract allowed for commentary)
Ras-Related Protein Rab5a Regulates Complement C5a Receptor Trafficking, Chemotaxis, and Chemokine Secretion in Human Macrophages
Authors: Wu Kai-Chen , Condon Nicholas D , Hill Timothy A. , Reid Robert C. , Fairlie David P. , Lim Junxian
Published: March 2023

Complement activation and Rab GTPase trafficking are commonly observed in inflammatory responses. Recruitment of innate immune cells to sites of infection or injury and secretion of inflammatory chemokines are promoted by complement component 5a (C5a) that activates the cell surface protein C5a receptor1 (C5aR1). Persistent activation can lead to a myriad of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Here, we demonstrate that the mechanism of C5a induced chemotaxis of human monocyte-derived macrophages (HMDMs) and their secretion of inflammatory chemokines are controlled by Rab5a. We find that C5a activation of the G protein coupled receptor C5aR1 expressed on the surface of HMDMs, recruits β-arrestin2 via Rab5a trafficking, then activates downstream phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling that culminates in chemotaxis and secretion of pro-inflammatory chemokines from HMDMs. High-resolution lattice light-sheet microscopy on live cells showed that C5a activates C5aR1-GFP internalization and colocalization with Rab5a-tdTomato but not with dominant negative mutant Rab5a-S34N-tdTomato in HEK293 cells. We found that Rab5a is significantly upregulated in differentiated HMDMs and internalization of C5aR1 is dependent on Rab5a. Interestingly, while knockdown of Rab5a inhibited C5aR1-mediated Akt phosphorylation, it did not affect C5aR1-mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation or intracellular calcium mobilization in HMDMs. Functional analysis using transwell migration and µ-slide chemotaxis assays indicated that Rab5a regulates C5a-induced chemotaxis of HMDMs. Further, C5aR1 was found to mediate interaction of Rab5a with β-arrestin2 but not with G proteins in HMDMs. Furthermore, C5a-induced secretion of pro-inflammatory chemokines (CCL2, CCL3) from HMDMs was attenuated by Rab5a or β-arrestin2 knockdown or by pharmacological inhibition with a C5aR1 antagonist or a PI3K inhibitor. These findings reveal a C5a-C5aR1-β-arrestin2-Rab5a-PI3K signaling pathway that regulates chemotaxis and pro-inflammatory chemokine secretion in HMDMs and suggests new ways of selectively modulating C5a-induced inflammatory outputs.
Subjective and Objective Sonographic Assessment for the Prenatal Detection of Neonatal Coarctation of the Aorta
Authors: Lee Angel , Reddy Maya , Chai Monica , Grange Sobe Idoia , Green Elys , Rolnik Daniel L. , Rao Srinidhi J.V. , Teoh Mark
Published: March 2023

Introduction: The objective of this study was to assess the performance of antenatal ultrasound markers in detecting neonatal coarctation of the aorta (CoA). Methods: We performed a retrospective study including fetuses with suspected CoA and no other cardiac abnormalities. Data obtained from antenatal ultrasounds included subjective assessment of ventricular and arterial asymmetry, appearance of aortic arch, presence of a persistent left superior vena cava, and objective Z-score measurements of the mitral, tricuspid, aortic (AV), and pulmonary (PV) valves. Performance of antenatal ultrasound markers in predicting postnatal CoA was then assessed. Results: Of the 83 fetuses referred for suspected CoA, 30 (36.1%) had confirmed CoA postnatally. The sensitivity and specificity for antenatal diagnosis were 83.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 65.3–94.4%) and 45.3% (95% CI: 31.6–59.6%), respectively. Neonates with confirmed CoA had lower mean AV Z-scores (−2.1 vs. −1.1, p = 0.01), higher PV Z-scores (1.6 vs. 0.8, p = 0.03), and a lower AV/PV ratio (0.5 vs. 0.6, p < 0.001). Subjective assessments of symmetry and the incidence of persistent left superior vena cava did not differ between groups. Among the variables studied, the most promising marker for CoA was the AV/PV ratio (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve 0.81, 95% CI: 0.67–0.94). Conclusion: The use of objective sonographic markers, in particular measurements of the AV and PV, shows a trend toward an improvement in prenatal detection of CoA. Confirmation in larger studies is required.
MAIN FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE JOB SATISFACTION
Authors: İPŞİRLİ Mahmut , NAMAL Mete Kaan
Published: March 2023

In modern societies, employment is a social phenomenon that is central to life. Those who find a job in the labour market spend most of their day working. Since paid work means both the acquisition of better economic resources and opportunities and the attainment of social status in society, workers' working conditions are of great importance for job satisfaction and thus for the quality of work and life. In this article, after discussing various definitions, the factors that determine the level of job satisfaction are examined in general terms. However, these factors, which have been identified by different researchers at different times, do not constitute a single entity. For this reason, after a brief evaluation of their measurement, the dependence of job satisfaction on influencing factors, the so-called correlates, will be analysed in depth using two different categories. The aim of the article is to present the content of a total of ten factors within the categories of work (place) and personal behaviour and the correlation between job satisfaction as a whole and, on the basis of an employment-friendly social policy, to create a decent working environment through these factors, which, as a result of a comprehensive analysis, leads to high job satisfaction.
The State of the Art of Natural Language Processing—A Systematic Automated Review of NLP Literature Using NLP Techniques
Authors: Sawicki Jan , Ganzha Maria , Paprzycki Marcin
Published: March 2023

Nowadays, natural language processing (NLP) is one of the most popular areas of, broadly understood, artificial intelligence. Therefore, every day, new research contributions are posted, for instance, to the arXiv repository. Hence, it is rather difficult to capture the current “state of the field” and thus, to enter it. This brought the id-art NLP techniques to analyse the NLP-focused literature. As a result, (1) meta-level knowledge, concerning the current state of NLP has been captured, and (2) a guide to use of basic NLP tools is provided. It should be noted that all the tools and the dataset described in this contribution are publicly available. Furthermore, the originality of this review lies in its full automation. This allows easy reproducibility and continuation and updating of this research in the future as new researches emerge in the field of NLP.
Metacognition and Causal Inference in Audiovisual Speech
Authors: Kimmet Faith , Pedersen Samantha , Cardenas Victoria , Rubiera Camila , Johnson Grey , Sans Addison , Baldwin Matthew , Odegaard Brian
Published: March 2023

In multisensory environments, our brains perform causal inference to estimate which sources produce specific sensory signals. Decades of research have revealed the dynamics which underlie this process of causal inference for multisensory (audiovisual) signals, including how temporal, spatial, and semantic relationships between stimuli influence the brain’s decision about whether to integrate or segregate. However, presently, very little is known about the relationship between metacognition and multisensory integration, and the characteristics of perceptual confidence for audiovisual signals. In this investigation, we ask two questions about the relationship between metacognition and multisensory causal inference: are observers’ confidence ratings for judgments about Congruent, McGurk, and Rarely Integrated speech similar, or different? And do confidence judgments distinguish between these three scenarios when the perceived syllable is identical? To answer these questions, 92 online participants completed experiments where on each trial, participants reported which syllable they perceived, and rated confidence in their judgment. Results from Experiment 1 showed that confidence ratings were quite similar across Congruent speech, McGurk speech, and Rarely Integrated speech. In Experiment 2, when the perceived syllable for congruent and McGurk videos was matched, confidence scores were higher for congruent stimuli compared to McGurk stimuli. In Experiment 3, when the perceived syllable was matched between McGurk and Rarely Integrated stimuli, confidence judgments were similar between the two conditions. Together, these results provide evidence of the capacities and limitations of metacognition’s ability to distinguish between different sources of multisensory information.
African Proverbs, Riddles, and Narratives as Pedagogy: African Deep Thought in Africana Studies
Authors: Claybrook M. Keith
Published: March 2023

Critical thinking is foundational in American higher education, and yet the approaches are largely grounded in European and Euro-American thought. It behooves Africana Studies, then, to develop an African-centered approach to critical thinking and related pedagogical approaches. This article argues for employing African proverbs (wise sayings), riddles (verbal puzzles), and narratives (stories) as culturally grounded and relevant pedagogical practices that promote African Deep Thought which is an African-centered approach to critical thinking. The objective of this article is to advance African proverbs, riddles, and narratives as viable African-centered approaches to critical thinking. Secondly, it enhances African proverbs, riddles, and narratives as culturally relevant pedagogy for grounding students of Africana studies in African cultural values. Lastly, the article contributes to the existing literature on decentering European and Euro-American centered approaches to education by diversifying basic assumptions, core concepts, and pedagogical approaches in higher education. The article presents observations and reflections on student responses to African proverbs, riddles, and narratives in two Africana Studies courses.
Deathbed Visions: Hospice Palliative Care Volunteers’ Experiences, Perspectives, and Responses
Authors: Claxton-Oldfield Stephen , Yoon Hyeseong
Published: March 2023

11 female hospice palliative care volunteers who had either witnessed and/or had patients or patients’ family members tell them about deathbed visions (DBVs) were interviewed about their experiences, perspectives, and responses. The volunteers responded to a series of guiding questions and shared stories about their patients’ DBVs. During the interviews, the volunteers talked about, among other things, the impact of DBVs on their patients and themselves, how they responded to their patients’ DBVs, and their explanations for them. The most common visitors appearing in the deathbed vision stories shared by the volunteers were their patients’ deceased family members (parents, siblings). The volunteers described their patients’ visions as having largely positive (e.g., comforting) effects on the patients as well as having a positive impact on themselves (e.g., lessening their own fear of death). The volunteers did not initiate conversations about DBVs with their patients, but responded appropriately by listening, asking questions, and not being dismissive if the patient brought it up first. All volunteers provided spiritual as opposed to medical or scientific explanations for DBVs. The implications and limitations of the findings are discussed.
Revisiting the Factor Structure of the Centrality of Event Scale
Authors: Bruce Madeline J. , Handal Paul
Published: March 2023

Traumatic experiences that become self-defining impact posttraumatic outcomes, yet exact mechanisms are currently being studied. Recent research has used the Centrality of Event Scale (CES). However, the factor structure of the CES has been in question. We analyzed archival data ( N = 318) split into homogenous groups of participants to examine whether the factor structure of the CES differed based on event type (bereavement vs. sexual assault) or by levels of PTSD (meeting clinical cut off score vs. group of lowest scorers). Exploratory factor analyses with subsequent confirmatory analyses revealed a single factor model in the bereavement group, sexual assault group, and the low PTSD group. A three-factor model emerged in the high PTSD group, with the factors’ themes matching previous findings. Event centrality appears to be a universal theme when people endure and process a diversity of adverse events. These distinct factors may illuminate pathways in the clinical syndrome.
Hyperoxia is associated with a greater risk for mortality in critically ill traumatic brain injury patients than in critically ill trauma patients without brain injury
Authors: Douin David J , Dylla Layne , Anderson Erin L , Rice John D , Jackson Conner L , Bebarta Vikhyat S , Neumann Robert T , Schauer Steven G , Ginde Adit A
Published: March 2023

Objective:

The role of hyperoxia in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains controversial. The objective of this study was to determine the association between hyperoxia and mortality in critically ill TBI patients compared to critically ill trauma patients without TBI.

Design:

Secondary analysis of a multicenter retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Three regional trauma centers in Colorado, USA, between October 1, 2015, and June 30, 2018.

Patients:

We included 3464 critically injured adults who were admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) within 24 h of arrival and qualified for inclusion into the state trauma registry. We analyzed all available SpO2 values during the first seven ICU days. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of time spent in hyperoxia (defined as SpO2 > 96%) and ventilator-free days.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

In-hospital mortality occurred in 163 patients (10.7%) in the TBI group and 101 patients (5.2%) in the non-TBI group. After adjusting for ICU length of stay, TBI patients spent a significantly greater amount of time in hyperoxia versus non-TBI patients ( p = 0.024). TBI status significantly modified the effect of hyperoxia on mortality. At each specific SpO2 level, the risk of mortality increases with increasing FiO2 for both patients with and without TBI. This trend was more pronounced at lower FiO2 and higher SpO2 values, where a greater number of patient observations were obtained. Among patients who required invasive mechanical ventilation, TBI patients required significantly more days of ventilation to day 28 than non-TBI patients.

Conclusions:

Critically ill trauma patients with a TBI spend a greater proportion of time in hyperoxia compared to those without a TBI. TBI status significantly modified the effect of hyperoxia on mortality. Prospective clinical trials are needed to better assess a possible causal relationship.
The construction of the sacred through photographs displayed in Latin American homes
Authors: Morello SJ Gustavo
Published: March 2023

From a sociological perspective, sacredness is a social construction. In this article, I stand at the intersection of the tradition of domestic shrines and the contemporary use of photography, from a perspective of lived religion. The aim is to clarify what are the sacred realities that structure daily life for Latin American participants. I argue that the practice of displaying pictures at home is a form of ‘sacralization practice’. The research is based on data from a sample of 25 respondents from three cities (Córdoba, Argentina; Lima, Perú; Montevideo, Uruguay), four religious affiliations (Catholics, Protestants, Umbanda, Non-Affiliated), and two socioeconomic statuses (lower and upper/middle). Employing a layered analysis of pictures displayed at home (PDH), I studied the materiality, the context of the display, and the motifs portrayed. The results show that participants, both religious and non-affiliated, sacralize foundational relationships and moments, even the events scholars disregard.
A Jihadi Critique of the Modern State: Abū Qatāda in Conversation with Decolonial and (neo-)Marxist Thought
Authors: Islam Jaan S.
Published: March 2023

This paper analyzes the reception of decolonial and neo-Marxist thought in a jihadist critique of the modern state. The author argues that a study of Abū Qatāda al-Filisṭīnī, a prominent theorist of modern Jihadism and Salafism, reveals his nuanced interaction with theories of hegemony, ideology, and decolonization. An examination of Abū Qatāda’s critique of modern state institutions and ideology shows that he engages with philosophical critiques of sovereignty, hegemony, capitalism, and the nation-state and utilizes both neo-Marxist and decolonial thought. This paper explores how Abū Qatāda theorizes the modern state as a colonial project, leading him to rationalize jihad, or violent resistance, as the only solution to realize paradigmatic change. It further shows how Abū Qatāda justifies opposition to the modern state and hegemony with seamless deployment of scripture and Islamic jurisprudence and insists that his political project builds on premodern Islamic theories of knowledge and government necessary for decolonization, albeit often without offering details. This study reveals a feature of jihadist thought that has remained largely unnoticed in the literature and is the first to explore the interactions between Salafism and critiques of the modern state.
Studying the impact of synthetic silica and cross-linked polymethyl methacrylate as anti-blocking agents on the physical properties of electric cables
Authors: Karunarathna Baggya Sharmali Wickramanayaka , Premathilaka Malinda , Malavi Arachchige Prashantha , Perera Arunajith
Published: March 2023

One of the major problems associated with the production process of cables is the tight adhesion between the insulation and jacket (blocking), which is resulted from electrostatic and Van der Waals interactions between the two polymer layers. It makes them difficult to separate without damaging the insulation. As a conventional approach, a talc layer is applied within the insulation and jacket interface to prevent the blocking between the jacket and insulation. However, maintaining a uniform talc layer is difficult, and the uneven distribution of talc particles produces a non-smooth surface. Therefore, the conventional talc layer method has limited efficiency in reducing the bocking. In this study, a surface modification was done for both the insulation and jacket using synthetic silica and crosslinked polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). This study evaluated the effect of these two additives on other physical properties, including heat stability, insulation resistance, tensile strength, elongation at break, and pressure stability. This study reveals that the application of synthetic silica has successfully reduced the blocking between insulation and jacket and favorably contributed to increasing insulation resistance. The optimum levels of anti-blocking agents to be used in the insulation and jacket compound have also been estimated by this investigation.
MassMIND: Massachusetts Maritime INfrared Dataset
Authors: Nirgudkar Shailesh , DeFilippo Michael , Sacarny Michael , Benjamin Michael , Robinette Paul
Published: March 2023

Recent advances in deep learning technology have triggered radical progress in the autonomy of ground vehicles. Marine coastal Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASVs) that are regularly used for surveillance, monitoring, and other routine tasks can benefit from this autonomy. Long haul deep sea transportation activities are additional opportunities. These two use cases present very different terrains—the first being coastal waters—with many obstacles, structures, and human presence while the latter is mostly devoid of such obstacles. Variations in environmental conditions are common to both terrains. Robust labeled datasets mapping such terrains are crucial in improving the situational awareness that can drive autonomy. However, there are only limited such maritime datasets available and these primarily consist of optical images. Although, long wave infrared (LWIR) is a strong complement to the optical spectrum that helps in extreme light conditions, a labeled public dataset with LWIR images does not currently exist. In this paper, we fill this gap by presenting a labeled dataset of over 2900 LWIR segmented images captured in coastal maritime environment over a period of 2 years. The images are labeled using instance segmentation and classified into seven categories—sky, water, obstacle, living obstacle, bridge, self, and background. We also evaluate this dataset across three deep learning architectures (UNet, PSPNet, DeepLabv3) and provide detailed analysis of its efficacy. While the dataset focuses on the coastal terrain, it can equally help deep sea use cases. Such terrain would have less traffic, and the classifier trained on cluttered environment would be able to handle sparse scenes effectively. We share this dataset with the research community with the hope that it spurs new scene understanding capabilities in the maritime environment.