bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rab44 deficiency accelerates recovery from muscle damage by regulating mTORC1 signaling and transport of fusogenic regulators
Authors: Oyakawa Shun , Yamaguchi Yu , Kadowaki Tomoko , Sakai Eiko , Noguromi Mayuko , Tanimoto Ayuko , Ono Yusuke , Murata Hiroshi , Tsukuba Takayuki
Published: August 2023

The skeletal muscle is a tissue that shows remarkable plasticity to adapt to various stimuli. The development and regeneration of skeletal muscles are regulated by numerous molecules. Among these, we focused on Rab44, a large Rab GTPase, that has been recently identified in immune cells and osteoclasts. Recently, bioinformatics data has revealed that Rab44 is upregulated during the myogenic differentiation of myoblasts into myotubes in C2C12 cells. Thus, Rab44 may be involved in myogenesis. Here, we have investigated the effects of Rab44 deficiency on the development and regeneration of skeletal muscle in Rab44 knockout (KO) mice. Although KO mice exhibited body and muscle weights similar to those of wild‐type (WT) mice, the histochemical analysis showed that the myofiber cross‐sectional area (CSA) of KO mice was significantly smaller than that of WT mice. Importantly, the results of muscle regeneration experiments using cardiotoxin revealed that the CSA of KO mice was significantly larger than that of WT mice, suggesting that Rab44 deficiency promotes muscle regeneration. Consistent with the in vivo results, in vitro experiments indicated that satellite cells derived from KO mice displayed enhanced proliferation and differentiation. Mechanistically, KO satellite cells exhibited an increased mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling compared to WT cells. Additionally, enhanced cell surface transport of myomaker and myomixer, which are essential membrane proteins for myoblast fusion, was observed in KO satellite cells compared to WT cells. Therefore, Rab44 deficiency enhances muscle regeneration by modulating the mTORC1 signaling pathway and transport of fusogenic regulators.
Mettl14‐mediated m6A modification regulates the abnormal differentiation of small intestinal epithelial stem cells in diabetic state
Authors: Shan Ti‐Dong , Han Yue , Song Ming‐Quan , Chen Li
Published: August 2023

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and its related complications are a global epidemic characterized by high morbidity and mortality. However, little is known about diabetic enteropathy (DE) and its the potential underlying mechanism. Intestinal epithelial stem cells (IESCs) were harvested from experimental mice, and the levels of dominant N6‐methyladenosine (m6A)‐related enzyme were detected by RT‐PCR, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry. The role of Mettl14 in the abnormal differentiation of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) during DM was confirmed by knockdown experiments. RT‐PCR, MeRIP, and bioinformatics analysis were carried out to confirm the downstream target of Mettl14. Through bioinformatics analysis, RT‐PCR, and Western blotting, we further analyzed the differentiation‐related gene in the IECs from mice with DM. In this study, the levels of Mettl14 and m6A were higher in db/db mice than that in control mice. And abnormal differentiation of IECs in DM was associated with Mettl14 overexpression. Additionally, Mettl14 is a major determinant of IESCs identity and organoid‐forming upon DM state. Mechanistically, we revealed that the candidate binding target of Mettl14 was Fzd2 mRNA and affected Fzd2 stability. Moreover, Mettl14 downregulation was observed to attenuate the abnormal differentiation of IECs through modulating Fzd2 m6A modification in DM state. Together, our results provide definitive evidence for the essential role of Mettl14 in differentiation of IESCs in DM state.
Reorganizing assessment questions to provide additional information on student understanding of specific course content
Authors: Thor Der , Xiao Nan , Zheng Meixun
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Performance on exams and course letter grades are broad standards used to determine understanding of course content. To gain a different perspective on students’ knowledge, we examined whether grouping exam questions based on the topic they assessed would provide additional information on students’ comprehension.

Methods

Assessment questions from our physiology course were organized into groups based on major physiology content categories. We created 10 content categories and calculated students’ performance in each category. The average of the 10 scores was compared with the course grade.

Results

The scores in individual categories reflected student knowledge of specific physiology content. The average scores of the 10 categories correlated with course letter grades. Analysis of performance demonstrated that 65% of students with course grades between 70 and 73% answered less than 70% of assessment questions correctly in four or more content categories.

Conclusion

Evaluation of performance in grouped assessment questions provided additional information on student understanding and identified specific course content in which students underperformed.
Contrasting effects of polysaccharide components on the cooking properties of roots, tubers and bananas
Authors: Mestres Christian , Taylor Mark , McDougall Gordon , Arufe Santiago , Tran Thierry , Nuwamanya Ephraim , Dufour Dominique , Nakitto Mariam , Meghar Karima , Rinaldo Dominique , Ollier Lea , Domingo Romain , Moreno Jhon Larry , Delgado Luis Fernando , Kouassi Hermann Antonin , Diby N'Nan Afoué Sylvie , Mbeguie‐A‐Mbeguie Didier , Akissoe Noël , Adinsi Laurent , Rolland‐Sabate Agnès
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Consumer preferences for boiled or fried pieces of roots, tubers and bananas (RTBs) are mainly related to their texture. Different raw and cooked RTBs were physiochemically characterized to determine the effect of biochemical components on their cooking properties.

RESULTS

Firmness in boiled sweetpotato increases with sugar and amylose contents but no significant correlation was observed between other physicochemical characteristics and cooking behaviour. Hardness of boiled yam can be predicted by dry matter (DM) and galacturonic acid (GalA) levels. For cassava, no significant correlation was found between textural properties of boiled roots and DM, but amylose and Ca2+ content were correlated with firmness, negatively and positively, respectively. Water absorption of cassava root pieces boiled in calcium chloride solutions was much lower, providing indirect evidence that pectins are involved in determining cooking quality. A highly positive correlation between textural attributes and DM was observed for fried plantain, but no significant correlation was found with GalA, although frying slightly reduced GalA.

CONCLUSION

The effect of main components on texture after cooking differs for the various RTBs. The effect of global DM and major components (i.e. starch, amylose) is prominent for yam, plantain and sweetpotato. Pectins also play an important role on the texture of boiled yam and play a prominent role for cassava through interaction with Ca2+. © 2023 Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
A multimetric approach to anthropogenic pressure analyses: A tool for measuring and mapping the human impact on the landscape
Authors: Cegielska Katarzyna , Salata Tomasz
Published: August 2023

Widespread suburbanisation and significant anthropogenic pressure contribute to multidimensional transformations in the space around us. The present research is a response to the current research gap for exploration of new multimetric methods for measuring anthropogenic pressure, mathematical and statistical analysing it, and presenting research results. The developed method could facilitate the employment of measurable parameters and expert knowledge to represent the scale and diversity of this phenomenon. To this end, the authors used universal and versatile computational GIS algorithms based on advanced geoprocessing tools to propose a set of 18 indicators as potential diagnostic variables for an econometric anthropogenic pressure model. The study area was a 10‐km ring around the Kraków city limits (Małopolskie Voivodeship, Poland), a zone under significant development and settlement pressure. Four econometric models were created using backward stepwise regression and linear regression. The diagnostic variables for the linear regression equations were selected with Hellwig's method and expert knowledge. The proposed concept was found to facilitate an effective measurement of anthropogenic pressure and an understanding of the significance of factors that affect it. It can also be useful in spatial planning decision‐making. Thanks to its versatility, the concept can be implemented for any study area for which a set of preprocessed input data is available.
The rise of a mega‐journal in public health publishing
Authors: Gorman Dennis M.
Published: August 2023

Key points

In recent years, public health has experienced a rapid increase in articles produced by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

The journal now accounts for around 15% of the documents in the Scimago Journal and Country Rank Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health category.

The journal's success in attracting authors appears to reside in its ability to rapidly publish manuscripts after brief review.

Acceptance rates also appear to be unaffected by the volume of submissions.

An academic publishing process focused primarily on speed provides no guarantee of quality, especially if the emphasis is on sheer volume of papers produced.

This has the potential to fundamentally weaken the knowledge base of public health which, in turn, will undermine public health practice and policy.
A wideband low‐profile dual‐circularly polarized reflectarray with decoupled LHCP/RHCP beams
Authors: Fan Yu Lu , Lin Xian Qi , Yang Xinmi , Kang Yu Xin , Chen Zhi , Liu Yong
Published: August 2023

This letter presents the design principle and experimental verification of a Ku‐band wideband low‐profile dual‐circularly polarized (dual‐CP) reflectarray (RA) with independent control of left‐/right‐handed circularly polarized (LHCP/RHCP) beams. Both the dynamic phase (DP) and Berry phase (BP) compensating methods are employed in the design of the unit cell, achieving independent LHCP/RHCP phase modulation based on the single‐functional‐layer concept. A single‐layer unit cell is designed, offering a ‐bit dual‐CP phase shift which facilitates the independent control of LHCP/RHCP beams. A prototype with asymmetrical dual‐CP beams is fabricated and tested. For LHCP and RHCP excitation, beam directions of () and () are realized, respectively, with sidelobe levels and cross‐polarizations both under −15 dB. The prototype exhibits a wide axial ratio (AR) bandwidth of over 36% with AR  dB. The overlapped 1‐dB gain and AR  dB bandwidth is 19.5% under LHCP input and 12.2% under RHCP input, with maximum aperture efficiency of 41.3% and 34.6%, respectively. The proposed dual‐CP RA exhibits broad band, pure chirality, high gain, low profile and independent polarization control, with single‐layer construction which is of low cost and easy processing.
A novel method for obtaining gamma precoding values
Authors: Xu Shaoyi , Li Wei , Liu Yande , Shen Tao , Xiao Hao , Pang Fubin , Luo Sunan , Luo Haimei , Qu Bo , Liu Lei , Wang Chengtao
Published: August 2023

The grating projection‐based three‐dimensional (3D) measurement technique has been widely used in various fields, such as industrial inspection, cultural relic protection, and reverse engineering. However, due to the nonlinear response between the input and output of the measurement system, phase measurement errors occur, which reduces the accuracy of 3D reconstruction, which is known as the gamma effect. To address this issue, a novel method has been proposed to reduce the nonlinear response of the system. Ultimately, this method reduces the impact of the gamma value on the phase accuracy in subsequent measurements. Experimental results have shown that this method can quickly calibrate the correct precoding gamma value, effectively reduce the gamma nonlinear response during the measurement process, and improve measurement accuracy.
Study on interface insulation properties of Al2O3 epoxy composites using plasma jet‐fluorinated etching/SiOx deposition
Authors: Xie Jun , Xie Zihao , Song Yanze , Liu Jiang , Zhao Jinjian , Xie Qing
Published: August 2023

Due to their superior mechanical and electrical characteristics, Al2O3 epoxy composites (Al2O3/EP) are extensively utilized in producing insulation devices. However, Al2O3/EP is prone to accumulating a large amount of charge under a direct current (DC), which threatens the operation of the power system. In this article, we conducted surface fluorinated etching and SiOx deposition on the material by atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ). Various testing methods were used to investigate the impacts of plasma modification on the physicochemical characterization of Al2O3/EP, and the changes in superficial conductivity, flashover voltage, charge dissipation rate, and trap distribution were experimentally tested. The influences of two plasma modification methods on the physicochemical characterization of Al2O3/EP were analyzed. The enhancement mechanism of Al2O3/EP flash behavior by fluorinated etching and SiOx deposition is summarized. The findings demonstrate that the insulation behavior of Al2O3/EP results from a combination of a few dominant and multiple factors. Fluorinated etching enhances the degree of roughness and the relative proportion of the F element, provides chemically deep traps, and raises the flashover voltage by up to 19%. SiOx deposition boosts the dispersion of charges by forming SiOx layers on the surface, reducing the degree of roughness and increasing the content of the silicon–oxygen element, making it more difficult for charges to accumulate and increasing the flashover voltage by up to 15%. This study will reveal the internal relationship between gas–solid interface and surface flashover, and provide a possible scheme for suppressing surface flashover.

Highlights

Modifications substantially increase the flashover voltage.

Modifications allow a wide range of interface parameters to be adjusted.

The effects of modifications on physicochemical properties are compared.

The enhancement mechanism of flashover voltage by modifications is compared.

The overall effect of multiple factors on insulation properties is analyzed.
Improved protein structure prediction with trRosettaX2, AlphaFold2, and optimized MSAs in CASP15
Authors: Peng Zhenling , Wang Wenkai , Wei Hong , Li Xiaoge , Yang Jianyi
Published: August 2023

We present the monomer and multimer structure prediction results of our methods in CASP15. We first designed an elaborate pipeline that leverages complementary sequence databases and advanced database searching algorithms to generate high‐quality multiple sequence alignments (MSAs). Top MSAs were then selected for the subsequent step of structure prediction. We utilized trRosettaX2 and AlphaFold2 for monomer structure prediction (group name Yang‐Server), and AlphaFold‐Multimer for multimer structure prediction (group name Yang‐Multimer). Yang‐Server and Yang‐Multimer are ranked at the top and the fourth, respectively, for monomer and multimer structure prediction. For 94 monomers, the average TM‐score of the predicted structure models by Yang‐Server is 0.876, compared to 0.798 by the default AlphaFold2 (i.e., the group NBIS‐AF2‐standard). For 42 multimers, the average DockQ score of the predicted structure models by Yang‐Multimer is 0.464, compared to 0.389 by the default AlphaFold‐Multimer (i.e., the group NBIS‐AF2‐multimer). Detailed analysis of the results shows that several factors contribute to the improvement, including improved MSAs, iterated modeling for large targets, interplay between monomer and multimer structure prediction for intertwined structures, etc. However, the structure predictions for orphan proteins and multimers remain challenging, and breakthroughs in this area are anticipated in the future.
Neighbourhood deprivation and type 2 diabetes in patients with bipolar disorder: A nationwide follow‐up study
Authors: Li Xinjun , Jansåker Filip , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina
Published: August 2023

Patients with bipolar disorder have higher rates of type 2 diabetes (T2D) compared to the general population. Neighbourhood deprivation is associated with T2D and bipolar disorder. The aim of this study was to explore the potential effect of neighbourhood deprivation on incident T2D in patients with bipolar disorder. This nationwide open cohort study (1997–2018) included adults in Sweden ≥20 years with bipolar disorder (90,780 patients) to examine the subsequent risk of T2D. The association between neighbourhood deprivation and T2D was explored using Cox regression analysis, with hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). All models were conducted in both men and women and adjusted for individual‐level sociodemographic factors and comorbidities. Neighbourhood deprivation was significantly associated with T2D in patients with bipolar disorder. The HRs were 1.61 (95% CI 1.40–1.86) for men and 1.83 (1.60–2.10) for women living in high deprivation neighbourhoods compared to those from low deprivation neighbourhoods. After adjustment, these results remained significant: 1.35 (1.17–1.56) in men and 1.39 (1.20–1.60) in women living in high deprivation neighbourhoods. The suggested graded association of higher incident T2D among patients with bipolar disorder, observed when levels of neighbourhood deprivation increased, raises important clinical and public health concerns. The results may help develop a contextual approach to prevention of T2D in patients with bipolar disorder that includes the neighbourhood environment.
Bulk Modification of Porous TiNb2O7 Microsphere to Achieve Superior Lithium‐Storage Properties at Low Temperature
Authors: Yu Gengchen , Zhang Qi , Jing Jiayi , Wang Xu , Li Yifan , Bai Xue , Li Tao
Published: August 2023

TiNb2O7, as a promising alternative of Li4Ti5O12, exhibits giant potential as low‐temperature anode due to its higher theoretical capacity and comparable structural stability. However, the sluggish electronic conductivity still remains a challenge. Herein, bulk modification of Cu+ doping in porous TiNb2O7 microsphere is proposed via a simple one‐step solvothermal method with subsequent calcination treatment. The results show that the electronic conductivity is improved effectively due to the reduced band gap after doping, while enhanced lithium‐ion diffusion is achieved benefiting from the increased interplanar spacing. Therefore, the optimal sample of Cu0.06Ti0.94Nb2O7 exhibits a high reversible capacity of 244.4 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1 after 100 cycles, superior rate capability, and long‐term cycling stability at 1000 mA g−1 at room temperature. Particularly, it can also display good performance in a wide temperature range from 25 to –30 °C, including a reversible capacity of 76.6 mA h g−1 at –20 °C after 200 cycles at 200 mA g−1. Moreover, Cu0.06Ti0.94Nb2O7//LiFePO4 full cell can deliver a high reversible capacity of 177.5 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1. The excellent electrochemical properties at both ambient and low‐temperatures demonstrate the great potential of Cu+‐doped TiNb2O7 in energy‐storage applications.
Morphology Dictated Immune Activation with Framework Nucleic Acids
Authors: Hu Yao , Luo Zhongxu , Ge Zhilei , Li Qian , Yang Peihui , Zhang Honglu , Zhang Huan
Published: August 2023

Framework nucleic acids (FNAs) of various morphologies, designed using the precise and programmable Watson‐Crick base pairing, serve as carriers for biomolecule delivery in biology and biomedicine. However, the impact of their shape, size, concentration, and the spatial presentation of cytosine‐phosphate‐guanine oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODNs) on immune activation remains incompletely understood. In this study, representative FNAs with varying morphologies are synthesized to explore their immunological responses. Low concentrations (50 nM) of all FNAs elicited no immunostimulation, while high concentrations of elongated DNA nanostrings and tetrahedrons triggered strong activation due to their larger size and increased cellular uptake, indicating that the innate immune responses of FNAs depend on both dose and morphology. Notably, CpG ODNs' immune response can be programmed by FNAs through regulating the spatial distance, with optimal spacing of 7‐8 nm eliciting the highest immunostimulation. These findings demonstrate FNAs' potential as a designable tool to study nucleic acid morphology's impact on biological responses and provide a strategy for future CpG‐mediated immune activation carrier design.
Sustainable Superheated Steam Drying of Unripe Banana (Musa acuminata cv. Hom Thong): Effects on Resistant Starch and Physicochemical–Functional Properties
Authors: Phothisoot Thitipong , Gavahian Mohsen , Lin Jenshinn
Published: August 2023

Utilizing unripe banana flour (UBF) has gained considerable interest recently due to its functional components, particularly its resistant starch (RS), which could control obesity and diabetes. This study explores the novel approach of superheated steam drying (SSD) to produce UBF. Banana slices with 1, 2, or 3 mm thicknesses are dried using SSD at 75, 85, 95, or 105 °C. The resulting UBFs are analyzed for starch content and physicochemical–functional properties and compared with conventional hot‐air drying (HAD) at 55 or 75 °C. Replacing HAD with SSD saves 75% of the drying time and increases the whiteness index. SSD‐produced UBF has a high RS content, excellent resistance to enzyme digestion, and potential beneficial health effects. At the same time, scanning electron microscopy shows that the SSD‐ and HAD‐dried samples have similar morphological characteristics. The swelling power, water solubility index, and water holding capacity of the UBF increases rapidly above 70 °C. The peak viscosity, breakdown, and setback of SSD‐dried UBF are greater than those of HAD at the same temperature. Technological properties (high hydration value and peak viscosity) and reduced processing time make SSD‐dried UBF a potential natural thickening ingredient for the food industry.
Semitendinosus tendons are commonly contaminated with skin flora during graft harvest for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Offerhaus Christoph , Jaecker Vera , Shafizadeh Sven , Müller Leonard , Hahne Heiko , Wisplinghoff Hilmar , Jazmati Nathalie
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To investigate the rate of bacterial contamination of semitendinosus (ST) tendons during graft harvest in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), in order to precisely specify the underlying pathogens and obtain data on their susceptibility to potential antibiotics.

Methods

In a prospective study, a total of 59 consecutive patients undergoing primary ACLR were recruited from one centre. No patient had history of previous surgery to the knee or showed clinical signs of infection. Four tissue samples of harvested ST tendons for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) autografts (case group; ST) were examined for evidence of bacterial colonisation and compared to four tissue samples of the native ACL as negative controls (control group; ACL). Three of the respective samples were subjected to cultural microbiological examination and one to 16S rRNA‐PCR. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed for each pathogen that was identified.

Results

A total of 342 samples were analysed by culture. Significantly more patients showed a positive culture of the ST (33.9%; n = 20/59) compared to 3.4% of patients (n = 2/59) with positive culturing of the ACL (p < 0.0001). Including 16S rRNA‐PCR, in a total of 42.4% (25/59) of patients, bacteria were detected in at least one ST sample either by PCR and/or culture. All species found (n = 33) belong to the typical skin flora with Staphylococcus epidermidis (39.4%; n = 13/33) being the most common species, followed by Staphylococcus capitis (24.2%; n = 8/33). All tested isolates (n = 29) were susceptible to vancomycin (29/29, 100%), 69% (n = 20/29) to oxacillin and 65.5% (n = 19/29) to clindamycin.

Conclusion

ST autografts for ACLR were commonly contaminated with skin commensal bacteria during harvest. One‐third of the isolates showed resistance to typical perioperative intravenous antibiotics, whereas all isolates were sensitive to vancomycin. Therefore, routine prophylactic decontamination of all hamstring autografts before implantation should be recommended, preferably with topical vancomycin.

Level of evidence

Level III.
Tibial bone defect prediction based on preoperative artefact‐reduced CT imaging is superior to standard radiograph assessment
Authors: Brenneis Marco , Flevas Dimitrios A. , Bornes Troy D. , Braun Sebastian , Meurer Andrea , Sculco Peter K. , Quevedo‐González Fernando J. , Boettner Friedrich
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of preoperative CT‐based Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute (AORI)‐grading and to correlate Computed tomography (CT)‐based volumetric defect measurements with intraoperative AORI findings.

Methods

99 patients undergoing revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) with preoperative CT‐images were identified in an institutional revision registry. CT‐image segmentation with 3D‐Slicer Software was used to create 3D tibial bone defects which were then graded according to the AORI‐classification. The AORI classification categorizes tibial defects into three types: Type I has healthy cortical and cancellous bone near the joint line, Type II involves metaphyseal bone loss affecting one or both condyles, and Type III indicates deficient metaphyseal bone with distal defects and potential damage to the patellar tendon and collateral ligament attachments. These 3D‐CT gradings were compared to preoperative X‐ray and intraoperative AORI grading. The Friedman test was used to investigate differences between AORI values of each measurement method. Volumetric 3D‐bone defect measurements were used to investigate the relationship between AORI classification and volumetric defect size in the three anatomic zones of the tibia.

Results

Substantial agreements between preoperative 3D‐CT AORI and intraoperative AORI (kappa = 0.663; P < 0.01) and fair agreements between preoperative X‐ray AORI and intraoperative AORI grading (kappa = 0.304; P < 0.01) were found. Moderate correlations between volume of remaining bone and intraoperative AORI grading were found in epiphysis (rS = – 0.529; P < 0.001), metaphysis (rS = – 0.557; P < 0.001) and diaphysis (rS = – 0.421; P < 0.001). Small volumetric differences between AORI I vs. AORI II defects and relatively large differences between AORI II and AORI III defects in each zone were detected.

Conclusion

Tibial bone defect prediction based on preoperative 3D‐CT segmentation showed a substantial agreement with intraoperative findings and is superior to standard radiograph assessment. The relatively small difference in defect volume between AORI I, IIa and IIb suggests that updated CT‐based classifications might hold benefits for the planning of rTKA.

Level of evidence

Retrospective Cohort Study; III
Positron emission tomography in the diagnosis and follow-up of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy patients: A systematic review
Authors: Tingen H. S. A. , Tubben A. , van ’t Oever J. H. , Pastoor E. M. , van Zon P. P. A. , Nienhuis H. L. A. , van der Meer P. , Slart R. H J. A.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis is a progressive protein misfolding disease with frequent cardiac involvement. This review aims to determine the value of PET in diagnosis, assessment of disease progression or treatment response and its relation to clinical outcome in follow-up of ATTR amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) patients.

Methods

Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase and Web of Science databases were searched, from the earliest date available until December 2022, for studies investigating the use of PET in ATTR-CM patients. Studies containing original data were included, except for case reports. Risk of bias was assessed by QUADAS-2.

Results

Twenty-one studies were included in this systematic review, investigating five different tracers: carbon-11 Pittsburgh compound B ([11C]PIB), fluorine-18 Florbetaben ([18F]FBB), fluorine-18 Florbetapir ([18F]FBP), fluorine-18 Flutemetamol ([18F]FMM) and fluorine-18 Sodium Fluoride (Na[18F]F). In total 211 ATTR amyloidosis patients were included. A majority of studies concluded that [11C]PIB, [18F]FBP and Na[18F]F can distinguish ATTR amyloidosis patients from controls, and that [11C]PIB and Na[18F]F, but not [18F]FBP, can distinguish ATTR-CM patients from patients with cardiac light chain amyloidosis. Evidence on the performance of [18F]FBB and [18F]FMM was contradictory. No studies on the use of PET in follow-up were found.

Conclusion

[11C]PIB, Na[18F]F and [18F]FBP can be used to diagnose cardiac amyloidosis, although [18F]FBP may not be suitable for the distinction of different types of amyloid cardiomyopathy. No studies on PET in the follow-up of ATTR amyloidosis patients were found. Future research should focus on the use of these PET tracers in the follow-up of ATTR amyloidosis patients.
Self-aggregation of cationic gemini surfactants with amide groups in the spacer and variable alkyl chain length
Authors: Pisárčik Martin , Bajcura Martin , Lukáč Miloš , Devínsky Ferdinand , Bilková Andrea , Bilka František , Horváth Branislav
Published: August 2023

Synthesis, aggregation parameters and antimicrobial activity of novel cationic gemini surfactants with two amide groups in gemini spacer structure and a variable number of carbon atoms in alkyl tails ranging from 12 to 15 are reported. The critical micelle concentration of gemini surfactants was determined using surface tension and electrical conductivity methods. The cmc values were found in the range 0.83 to 0.06 mM. The interfacial area, micelle ionisation degree and the Gibbs free energy per molecule and alkyl chain were calculated from the surface tension and conductivity curves. Particle size analysis using the dynamic light scattering method confirmed the formation of small spherical micelles 6–7 nm large in size for gemini surfactants with 12 and 13 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain. A large size above 50 nm was found for the aggregates composed of long-chain gemini molecules with 14 and 15 carbon atoms. The zeta potential of gemini surfactants shows a continuous increase with the increasing alkyl chain length. Micelle aggregation number of gemini surfactants correlates well with the hydrodynamic size data. Small aggregation number values were found for short-chain gemini molecules with 12 and 13 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain. Long-chain gemini molecules with 14 and 15 carbon atoms exhibit aggregate growth represented by an increase in the aggregation number values while maintaining the spherical or spheroidal shape of micelles. The investigations of antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria and yeast indicate the increasing antimicrobial efficiency towards the short-chain surfactant with 12 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain. A possible cut-off effect presence is proposed to explain the dependence of antimicrobial activity on the surfactant alkyl tail length.
Aging impairs the ability of vascular endothelial stem cells to generate endothelial cells in mice
Authors: Shimizu Shota , Iba Tomohiro , Naito Hisamichi , Rahmawati Fitriana Nur , Konishi Hirotaka , Jia Weizhen , Muramatsu Fumitaka , Takakura Nobuyuki
Published: August 2023

Tissue-resident vascular endothelial stem cells (VESCs), marked by expression of CD157, possess long-term repopulating potential and contribute to vascular regeneration and homeostasis in mice. Stem cell exhaustion is regarded as one of the hallmarks of aging and is being extensively studied in several types of tissue-resident stem cells; however, how aging affects VESCs has not been clarified yet. In the present study, we isolated VESCs from young and aged mice to compare their potential to differentiate into endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo. Here, we report that the number of liver endothelial cells (ECs) including VESCs was lower in aged (27–28 month-old) than young (2–3 month-old) mice. In vitro culture of primary VESCs revealed that the potential to generate ECs is impaired in aged VESCs isolated from liver and lung relative to young VESCs. Orthotopic transplantation of VESCs showed that aged VESCs and their progeny expand less efficiently than their young counterparts when transplanted into aged mice, but they are equally functional in young recipients. Gene expression analysis indicated that inflammatory signaling was more activated in aged ECs including VESCs. Using single-cell RNA sequencing data from the Tabula Muris Consortium, we show that T cells and monocyte/macrophage lineage cells including Kupffer cells are enriched in the aged liver. These immune cells produce IL-1β and several chemokines, suggesting the possible involvement of age-associated inflammation in the functional decline of VESCs with age.
Binary and Non-binary Gender Identities, Internalizing Problems, and Treatment Wishes Among Adolescents Referred to a Gender Identity Clinic in Germany
Authors: Herrmann Lena , Barkmann Claus , Bindt Carola , Fahrenkrug Saskia , Breu Franziska , Grebe Jörn , Becker-Hebly Inga
Published: August 2023

Clinical research on transgender and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) adolescents has focused on binary individuals or often not differentiated among gender identities. Recent studies suggest that a considerable proportion of TGNC adolescents identify as non-binary and that these youth report more internalizing problems as well as different transition-related medical treatment wishes than binary adolescents. However, the results are inconclusive, and data for the German-speaking area are lacking. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the percentage of binary and non-binary gender identities in a German sample of clinically referred TGNC adolescents and examine associations of gender identity with internalizing problems and transition-related medical treatment wishes. The sample consisted of 369 adolescents (11–18 years, Mage = 15.43; 305 birth-assigned female, 64 birth-assigned male) who attended the Hamburg Gender Identity Service for children and adolescents (Hamburg GIS) between 2013 and 2019. Gender identity and treatment wishes were assessed using study-specific items and internalizing problems using the Youth Self-Report. In total, 90% (n = 332) of the sample identified as binary and 10% (n = 37) as non-binary. Having a non-binary gender identity was significantly associated with more internalizing problems and with wishing for no transition-related medical treatment or only puberty-suppressing hormones. The results underscore that non-binary adolescents represent a specifically vulnerable subgroup within TGNC adolescents with unique mental health needs and treatment wishes. Future research should differentiate among various gender identities. In clinical practice, it is crucial to create an inclusive space for non-binary youth and provide mental health care if needed.
Competition and Innovation in the Financial Sector: Evidence from the Rise of FinTech Start-ups
Authors: Caragea Doina , Cojoianu Theodor , Dobri Mihai , Hoepner Andreas , Peia Oana , Romelli Davide
Published: August 2023

This paper provides new evidence on the effects of entry on incumbents’ incentives to innovate by examining the rise of FinTech innovations over the period 2000-2016. We employ machine learning algorithms to classify a large sample of patent applications into five types of FinTech innovations. We then show that greater competition from innovators outside the financial sector increases the probability that incumbent financial firms will innovate. Our identification strategy exploits the variation over time in the share of FinTech patent applications by non-financial start-ups relative to incumbent financial firms, as a proxy for competitive pressures from outside the financial industry. We also find that this increased competition results in a higher number of FinTech patent applications by financial incumbents relative to non-financial ones, especially when the FinTech innovations are more important, as proxied by the number of their future patent citations.
Improved analytical workflow for prompt gamma activation analysis
Authors: Szentmiklósi László , Révay Zsolt , Östör József , Maróti Boglárka
Published: August 2023

The analysis workflow of Prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA) at the Budapest Neutron Centre’s PGAA and NIPS-NORMA facilities, at the MLZ FRM II PGAA station, and other centers worldwide relied on the use of the Hypermet-PC gamma spectrometry software and the ProSpeRo concentration calculation Excel macro. The sustained interest of our user community amid the reduced availability of multiple large-scale neutron sources worldwide called for more efficient utilization of the operational PGAA facilities. The present paper addresses both measurement and data evaluation bottlenecks of the analysis procedure to achieve higher productivity and superior spectroscopic performance.
Diabetes detection based on machine learning and deep learning approaches
Authors: Wee Boon Feng , Sivakumar Saaveethya , Lim King Hann , Wong W. K. , Juwono Filbert H.
Published: August 2023

The increasing number of diabetes individuals in the globe has alarmed the medical sector to seek alternatives to improve their medical technologies. Machine learning and deep learning approaches are active research in developing intelligent and efficient diabetes detection systems. This study profoundly investigates and discusses the impacts of the latest machine learning and deep learning approaches in diabetes identification/classifications. It is observed that diabetes data are limited in availability. Available databases comprise lab-based and invasive test measurements. Investigating anthropometric measurements and non-invasive tests must be performed to create a cost-effective yet high-performance solution. Several findings showed the possibility of reconstructing the detection models based on anthropometric measurements and non-invasive medical indicators. This study investigated the consequences of oversampling techniques and data dimensionality reduction through feature selection approaches. The future direction is highlighted in the research of feature selection approaches to improve the accuracy and reliability of diabetes identifications.
Smaller World Models for Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Robine Jan , Uelwer Tobias , Harmeling Stefan
Published: August 2023

Model-based reinforcement learning algorithms try to learn an agent by training a model that simulates the environment. However, the size of such models tends to be quite large which could be a burden as well. In this paper, we address the question, how we could design a model with fewer parameters than previous model-based approaches while achieving the same performance in the 100 K-interactions regime. For this purpose, we create a world model that combines a vector quantized-variational autoencoder to encode observations and a convolutional long short-term memory to model the dynamics. This is connected to a model-free proximal policy optimization agent to train purely on simulated experience from this world model. Detailed experiments on the Atari environments show that it is possible to reach comparable performance to the SimPLe method with a significantly smaller world model. A series of ablation studies justify our design choices and give additional insights.
Assessing health state utilities for people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome in Australia using the EQ-5D-5L, AQoL-8D and EQ-5D-5L-psychosocial instruments
Authors: Orji Nneka C. , Cox Ingrid A. , Jason Leonard A. , Chen Gang , Zhao Ting , Rogerson Melissa J. , Kelly Ryan M. , Wills Karen , Hensher Martin , Palmer Andrew J. , de Graaff Barbara , Campbell Julie A.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic condition with a constellation of symptoms presenting as severe and profound fatigue of ≥ 6 months not relieved by rest. ME/CFS affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL), which can be measured using multi-attribute health state utility (HSU) instruments. The aims of this study were to quantify HSUs for people living with ME/CFS, and to identify an instrument that is preferentially sensitive for ME/CFS.

Methods

Cross-sectional national survey of people with ME/CFS using the AQoL-8D and EQ-5D-5L. Additional questions from the AQoL-8D were used as ‘bolt-ons’ to the EQ-5D-5L (i.e., EQ-5D-5L-Psychosocial). Disability and fatigue severity were assessed using the De Paul Symptom Questionnaire-Short Form (DSQ-SF). HSUs were generated using Australian tariffs. Mean HSUs were stratified for sociodemographic and clinical factors. Bland–Altman plots were used to compare the three HSU instruments.

Results

For the 198 participants, mean HSUs (95% confidence intervals) were EQ-5D-5L: 0.46 (0.42–0.50); AQoL-8D: 0.43 (0.41–0.45); EQ-5D-5L-Psychosocial: 0.44 (0.42–0.46). HSUs were substantially lower than population norms: EQ-5D-5L: 0.89; AQoL-8D: 0.77. As disability and fatigue severity increased, HSUs decreased in all three instruments. Bland–Altman plots revealed interchangeability between the AQoL-8D and EQ-5D-5LPsychosocial. Floor and ceiling effects of 13.5% and 2.5% respectively were observed for the EQ-5D-5L instrument only.

Conclusions

ME/CFS has a profound impact on HRQoL. The AQoL-8D and EQ-5D-5L-Psychosocial can be used interchangeably: the latter represents a reduced participant burden.
On the reduced Bernstein-Sato polynomial of Thom-Sebastiani singularities
Authors: Castaño Domínguez A. , Narváez Macarro L.
Published: August 2023

Given two holomorphic functions f and g defined in two respective germs of complex analytic manifolds (X, x) and (Y, y), we know thanks to M. Saito that, as long as one of them is Euler homogeneous, the reduced (or microlocal) Bernstein-Sato polynomial of the Thom-Sebastiani sum $$f+g$$

f
+
g

can be expressed in terms of those of f and g. In this note we give a purely algebraic proof of a similar relation between the whole functional equations that can be applied to any setting (not necessarily analytic) in which Bernstein-Sato polynomials can be defined.
Biomarker characteristics of the heterocyclic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the crude oils from West Siberian Basin, Russia: an implication for correlation with organic matter input, depositional environment and maturity
Authors: Hakimi Mohammed Hail , Saeed Shadi A. , Al-Muntaser Ameen A. , Varfolomeev Mikhail A. , Feoktistov Dmitriy A. , Suwaid Muneer A. , Djimasbe Richard , Rahim Afikah , Asiwaju Lanre , Yelwa Nura Abdulmumini
Published: August 2023

The distribution of aromatic hydrocarbon in sediments and oils is known to be affected by thermal maturity, source input and depositional conditions. Hence, the aromatic hydrocarbon fraction of four oil samples from different wells of the West Siberian Basin (central Russia) was investigated to determine the source of organic matter (OM), depositional environment and maturity of their source rocks. Biomarker ratios and parameters of aromatic compounds indicate that the studied oils were generated from clay-rich source rocks containing a mixed organic matter of marine and terrestrial origin, which were deposited in freshwater/deltaic to marine environmental settings under suboxic to relatively oxic conditions. Furthermore, the maturity-sensitive aromatic hydrocarbon parameters indicate that the source rocks are thermally mature, and in the peak to late maturity stage of the oil generation window. Oil–oil correlation results of various established aromatic biomarker proxies for organic matter origin, depositional environment and lithology suggests that the analyzed west Siberian Basin’s oils were generated from a variety of geological sources and can be grouped into two distinct oil families. The first oil family (group I) was generated from clay-rich source rock containing mixed organic matter with relatively high amounts of terrestrial plant input and deposited in a non-marine (freshwater/deltaic) environment under relatively oxic conditions, while the second oil family (group II) was derived from mixed organic matter with high marine OM input that was deposited in marine environment under suboxic conditions. The findings of the heterocyclic and polycyclic aromatics highlighted in this study can help for better understanding of the genetic ties between oils and their sources and have an impact on traditional hydrocarbon development in the Basin.
Africa's Urban Youth
Authors: Patterson Amy S. , Kuperus Tracy , Hershey Megan
Published: August 2023

Making up 65 percent of Africa's population, young people between the ages of 18 and 35 play a key role in politics, yet they live in an environment of rapid urbanization, high unemployment rates and poor state services. Drawing from extensive fieldwork in Ghana, Uganda and Tanzania, this book investigates how Africa's urban youth cultivate a sense of citizenship in this challenging environment, and what it means to them to be a 'good citizen'. In interviews and focus group discussions, African youth, activists, and community leaders vividly explain how income, religion, and gender intertwine with their sense of citizenship and belonging. Though Africa's urban youth face economic and political marginalization as well as generational tensions, they craft a creative citizenship identity that is rooted in their relationships and obligations both to each other and the state. Privileging above all the voice and agency of Africa's young people, this is a vital, systematic examination of youth and youth citizenship in urban environments across Africa.
Space as Language
Authors: Hill Will
Published: August 2023

This Element examines the function and significance of typographic space. It considers in turn the space within letters, the space between letters, the space between lines, and the margin space surrounding the text-block, to develop the hypothesis that viewed collectively these constitute a 'metalanguage' complementary to the text. Drawing upon critical perspectives from printing, typeface design, typography, avant-garde artistic practice and design history, the Element examines the connotative values and philosophies embodied in the form and disposition of space. These include the values attributed to symmetry and asymmetry, the role of 'active' space in the development of modernist typography, the debated relationship between type and writing, the divergent ideologies of the printing industry and the letter arts, and the impact of successive technologies upon both the organisation and the perception of typographic space.
The Political Writings of George Washington
Authors: Washington George
Published: August 2023

The Political Writings of George Washington includes Washington's enduring writings on politics, prudence, and statesmanship in two volumes. It is the only complete collection of his political thought, which historically, has received less attention than the writings of other leading founders such as Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, John Adams, and Alexander Hamilton. Covering his life of public service—from his young manhood, when he fought in the French and Indian Wars, through his time as commander-in-chief of the revolutionary army; his two terms as America's first president, and his brief periods of retirement, during which he followed and commented on American politics astutely—the volumes also include first-hand accounts of Washington's death and reflections on his legacy by those who knew or reflected deeply on his significance. The result is a more thorough understanding of Washington's political thought and the American founding.