bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling Early Heterogeneous Rates of Progression in Boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Fang Yuan ,   CINRG DNHS and Vamorolone 002/003/LTE Investigators, McDonald Craig M. , Clemens Paula R. , Gordish Heather-Dressman , Illei Kate , Hoffman Eric P. , Dang Utkarsh J.
Published: February 2023

Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) exhibits substantial variability in rates of disease progression and response to treatment. This has hindered treatment development and complicated interpretation of drug effects in clinical trials. Objective: We hypothesized that a multivariate combination of early-age clinical outcome measurements can explain differential disease progression. Methods: Data on boys with DMD (ages 4–<10 years), both treated with steroidal anti-inflammatories and untreated, were obtained from CINRG Duchenne Natural History Study (n = 209) and vamorolone VBP15-002/003/LTE (n = 46) studies. Velocities from three timed function tests (TFTs; stand from supine, run/walk 10 meters, and climb 4 stairs) were simultaneously modeled in a longitudinal latent class analysis. Results: Three classes of differentially progressing early age DMD motor trajectories were identified. Quicker decline/progression was associated with lower baseline TFT velocities, earlier loss of ability to finish a TFT, and lower predicted velocities. Earlier substantial steroid exposure was associated with greater TFT velocities while the moderate progression class was observed to have the largest difference in performance between boys treated early with steroids vs. not. Sample size calculations with the class showing the largest treatment response showed a large reduction in required sample size as compared to using summaries from all participants. Gene mutations were also investigated in post-hoc analyses, with mutations near the beginning of the DMD gene (Dp427 absent and Dp140/Dp71 present) found to be enriched in the slowest progressing class. Conclusions: This study provides insight into the variation in DMD progression through a latent class analysis. Our findings show class-related trajectories of motor outcomes and pharmacological response to corticosteroids, and suggest that enrichment strategies and/or subgroup analyses could be considered further in design of therapeutic interventions in DMD.
Impact of rehabilitation on volumetric muscle loss in subjects with traumatic spinal cord injury: A systematic review
Authors: de Sire Alessandro , Moggio Lucrezia , Marotta Nicola , Curci Claudio , Lippi Lorenzo , Invernizzi Marco , Mezian Kamal , Ammendolia Antonio
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to spinal nerve fiber tract damage resulting in functional impairments. Volumetric muscle loss (VML), a skeletal muscle volume abnormal reduction, is represented by atrophy below the injury level. The strategies for VML management included personalized approaches, and no definite indications are available. OBJECTIVE: To identify the rehabilitation effects of VML in subjects with SCI (humans and animals). METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched to identify longitudinal observational studies with individuals affected by traumatic SCI as participants; rehabilitation treatment as intervention; no control, sham treatment, and electrical stimulation programs as control; total lean body and lower limb lean mass, cross-sectional area, functional gait recovery, muscle thickness, and ultrasound intensity, as outcome. RESULTS: Twenty-four longitudinal observational studies were included, evaluating different rehabilitation approaches’ effects on the VML reduction in subjects affected by SCI. The data showed that electrical stimulation and treadmill training are effective in reducing the VML in this population. CONCLUSION: This systematic review underlines the need to treat subjects with traumatic SCI (humans and animals) with different rehabilitation approaches to prevent VML in the subacute and chronic phases. Further clinical observations are needed to overcome the bias and to define the intervention’s timing and modalities.
A novel protocol for abdominal low-dose CT scans adapted with a model-based iterative reconstruction method
Authors: Tsai Meng-Yuan , Liang Huei-Lung , Chuo Chiung-Chen , Li Chia-Wei , Ai-Chih Chen , Hsiao Chia-Chi
Published: February 2023

PURPOSE: This study aims to introduce a novel low-dose abdominal computed tomography (CT) protocol adapted with model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR), To validate the adaptability of this protocol, objective image quality and subjective clinical scores of low-dose MBIR images are compared with the normal-dose images. METHODS: Normal-dose abdominal CT images of 58 patients and low-dose abdominal CT images of 52 patients are reconstructed using both conventional filtered back projection (FBP) and MBIR methods with and without smooth applying. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) are used to compare image quality between the normal-dose and low-dose CT scans. CT dose indices (CTDI) of normal-dose and low-dose abdominal CT images on post-contrast venous phase are also compared. RESULTS: The SNR, CNR and clinical score of low-dose MBIR images all show significant higher values (Bonferroni p < 0.05) than those of normal-dose images with conventional FBP method. A total of around 40% radiation dose reduction (CTDI: 5.3 vs 8.7 mGy) could be achieved via our novel abdominal CT protocol. CONCLUSIONS: With the higher SNR/CNR and clinical scores, the low-dose CT abdominal imaging protocol with MBIR could effectively reduce the radiation for patients and provide equal or even higher image quality and also its adaptability in clinical abdominal CT image diagnosis.
Research on Grape and Fruit and Berry Wines and Detection of their Falsification
Authors: Klimchuk Alla , Bui Olha , Colodras Jose Manuel , Pashkova Olha
Published: February 2023

Grape and fruit and berry wines were studied in order to detect signs of their falsification by adding synthetic dyes.

It is noted that in the process of analysis (examination) of unknown  liquids provided for research, specialists must first of all establish the nature of such objects. It is possible to find out only after identifying the spectrum of features characteristic of the object in its actual state. The list of organic acids, which are components of grape and fruit and berry wines, was established experimentally; the possibility of determining organic acids in the analyzed samples was proven; signs of falsification of wines with the addition of dyes were given and methods of their detection were proposed. One of the cornerstone requirements for forensic examination is the mandatory confirmation of the results of analysis by at least two reliable methods, therefore, in the proposed scientific research, options for the study of some synthetic dyes using methods of thin- layer chromatography, IR spectroscopy and the addition of alkaline solutions are considered. It was established that the set of specific organic acids in grape and fruit and berry wines, which can be detected using the chromatography method, makes it possible to use them as differential signs in the process of establishing the nature of the wine. Samples of real grape wines are marked by a high concentration of tartaric acid, which is present only in grape products. It has been proven that the set of methods for studying grape and fruit and berry wines, aimed at determining the presence and identification of synthetic dyes, makes it possible to answer the questions posed by the examination on the falsification of winemaking products by coloring.
Numerical calculation of the hydrodynamics of heat carriers, taking into account the dependence ofviscosity on temperature
Authors:   L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Кurmanova D.Y. , Jaichibekov N.Dzh. ,   L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Volkov К.N. ,   Kingstone University, Каrpenko А.G. ,   Saint-Peterburg state university
Published: February 2023

The article is devoted to the study of the hydrodynamics of heat carriers in heat exchangers. Giventhe widespread use of this device, increasing its thermal and hydraulic characteristics has become so important for theirdesigners. In the work, the calculation of non-stationary flows of liquids through the heat exchanger tubes is carried out.Water ("hot" coolant) and oil ("cold" coolant) are used as heat carriers, between which heat exchange occurs through thesolid surface of the pipeline, which is the boundary between the heat carriers. When calculating the movement of oil, thefact was taken into account that the dynamic viscosity depends very much on temperature and, depending on temperature,the Reynolds numbers also change. And, as a consequence, when flowing through a sufficiently thin channel, the flow regimechanges, namely, the transition from the laminar flow regime to the turbulent one is manifested, while this effect is notobserved with the analytical calculation method for constant viscosity. The Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations,closed using the turbulence model, were used for numerical modeling of fluid dynamics of heat carriers. Verification of theheat exchanger calculations was carried out in the software package "Ansys Fluent".
Fruit characterization and plant quality of Spanish cedar (Cedrela odorata L.) during the early nursery stage
Authors: Pérez-Flores Julián , Hernández-Méndez Nidia Yesenia , Sánchez-Gutiérrez Facundo , Sol-Sánchez Ángel , Suárez-Islas Alfonso
Published: February 2023

Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize Spanish cedar (Cedrela odorata L.) fruits and seeds, and to evaluate the effects of provenance, substrata, and fertilizer on germination and plant quality in nursery.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The fruits and seeds from Spanish cedars were collected in three different towns: C-32 (Francisco Trujillo Gurria), C-40 (Ernesto Aguirre Colorado), and C-41 (Carlos A. Madrazo). Those towns are in Plan Chontalpa, Tabasco, Mexico. After they were harvested, the samples were morphometrically characterized. Seed production efficiency (SPE), germination (%), and Dickson Quality Index (DQI) were estimated. Two completely randomized experimental designs with factorial arrangement of treatments were used. The factors were the provenance, four or three substrata, and two levels of Greenfool® 600 fertilizer.
Results: Fruits of 3.46 cm in length and 1.81 cm in width were collected; the mean number of seeds per fruit was 49.36. Seed production efficiency ranged from 48.1% to 52.72%, with 32.86% germination. The seeds from Town C-41 obtained the highest germination percentage, with the use of black soil:sand as substrate. The plants fertilized and developed in black soil:sand substrate obtained a higher DQI.
Study Limitations/Implications: The activity restriction caused by the Sars-Cov-2 pandemic was the main limitation. The lower number of producers and plantations from Town C-32 was the implication.
Findings/Conclusions: Fruit and seed characteristics were different among provenances. The provenance impacted on seed germination, but not on the plant quality index (DQI). Instead, the substrate and fertilizer impacted on the DQI.
Sowing of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) in the humid tropical climate of Tabasco, México
Authors: Arcos-López Josué , Gayosso Rodriguez Salomé , Estrada-Botello Maximiano A. , Sánchez-Hernández Rufo
Published: February 2023

Objective: To evaluate Stevia rebaudiana under the climatic conditions of the state of Tabasco, Mexico.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Three consecutive sowings of stevia plants were carried out for one year, progressively adapting the management and crop establishment according to the results obtained in the previous sowing. The survival percentage at 15 days after transplantation (dat) was calculated. Plant height was measured at 60 days and limitations observed in each crop cycle were recorded, as well as climatic variables.
Results: bending problems, soil splashing on the leaves, and foliar fungal diseases were recorded during the December 2019 sowing; however, 71% of the plants survived the transplant. In the April 2020 sowing, 40% of the plants survived the transplant; nevertheless, the plants showed generalized chlorosis and lack of growth, as a consequence of excessive solar radiation. Finally, in August 2020, the survival rate reached 89% and an average plant height of 20.55 cm was recorded.
Study Limitations/Implications: the rainfall that caused flooding in June and October 2020 limited the development of this research. Likewise, to determine the steviosides content and establish the quality of the harvest, the cultivation cycle must conclude.
Findings/Conclusions: Stevia can be grown in the climatic conditions of Tabasco, as long as the rainy seasons and high temperatures are avoided during the first stage of cultivation. Water is a limiting factor that causes phytopathological problems and the death of the plant.
ISLAM DAN EKONOMI
Authors: Efyanti Yasni
Published: February 2023

Repeating the process of fulfilling human needs makes humans can identify, classify and verify the behavior patterns that are more effective in fulfilling the needs of his life. In Islam all phenomena in this life is a situation that led humans to further recognize the greatness of God. how Islam sees about human activities in fulfilling the needs in terms of economic concepts. Syari'at is a reference to the actions of Muslims in religious then it is closely related to the problem of faith, worship and muammalah. The purpose of shari'ah; in Islam is to achieve the benefit of servants, both the world and the hereafter. The benefit is based on five grounds, namely: Maintaining Religion-hifh ad-Din, soul-hifdh Maintaining an-nafs, Maintaining sense - hifzh al-'aql, Maintaining, hifzh an-nas, wealth Maintaining hifzh mall. some economic policies based on the principles of the Quran is as follows: Allah is the absolute supreme ruler and owner of the entire universe, man is only the caliph of God on earth, not the actual owner, all owned and acquired by humans is the permission of Allah, therefore people who are less fortunate have a right of share of the wealth of people who are rich, more fortunate, Wealth must spin and should not be dumped, Economic exploitation in all its forms, including usury should be eliminated, Applying systems legacy as a redistribution of wealth, stipulate an obligation for all individuals, including for the poor Proses yang berulang dari pemenuhan kebutuhan manusia menjadikan manusia dapat mengidentifikasi, mengklasifikasi dan memverifikasi pola perilaku yang lebih efektif dalam memenuhi kebutuhan hidup. Dalam Islam semua fenomena dalam kehidupan ini merupakan suatu keadaan yang mengantar manusia untuk bisa lebih jauh mengenal kebesaran Allah. Islam melihat aktifitas manusia dalam memenuhi kebutuhan konsep ekonomi. Syari'at itu merupakan rujukan tindakan umat Islam dalam beragama, erat kaitannya dengan masalah akidah, ibadah dan muammalah. Adapun tujuan syari;at Islam adalah mencapai kemaslahatan hamba. Kemaslahatan tersebut didasarkan pada lima dasar, yakni: Memelihara Agama-hifh ad-Din,Memelihara jiwa-hifdh an-Nafs,Memelihara akal – hifzh al-'aql, Memelihara keturunhlan – hifzh an-nas, Memelihara kekayaan- hifzh mal. beberapa kebijakan ekonomi berdasarkan prinsip-prinsip al-Qur’an adalah sebagai berikut:Allah swt adalah penguasa tertinggi sekaligus pemilik absolute seluruh alam semesta, Semua yang dimiliki dan yang didapatkan oleh manusia adalah seizin Allah, oleh karenanya manusia yang kurang beruntung mempunyai hak atas sebagian kekayaan yang dimiliki manusia lain yang lebih beruntung, Kekayaan harus berputar dan tidak boleh ditimbun, Eksploitasi ekonomi dalam segala bentuknya, termasuk riba harus dihilangkan, Menerapkan system warisan sebagai redistribusi kekayaan, Menetapkan kewajiban bagi seluruh individu, termasuk bagi orang-orang miskin.
A critical review of FOMO behaviour among young investors
Authors: Bo Chian Chyn
Published: February 2023

The fear of missing out (FOMO) is the emotional feeling of missing out on the opportunity to gain a fulfilling experience. FOMO is a behavioural trait that influences an individual’s decisions such as utilising social media, adopting new technology, crowdfunding, and investing in the equity market. Young investors with FOMO behaviour might mimic what other investors do in fear of missing out on the opportunity for a higher return in the financial market. The purpose of this paper is to understand the concept of FOMO and review what researchers have discovered about FOMO behaviour among young investors. Based on these recent findings on FOMO behaviour, it can be concluded that a volatile market, risk-averse investors, and perceived market efficiency are critical factors of FOMO behaviour among young investors. The risk-averse attitude, subjective norms of perceived market efficiency and perceived control behaviour during market volatility could be examined based on the TPB model.
New Modeling and Improved Current Control Strategy to Eliminate the Impact of Synchronization Method and Parks Transformation for Grid-connected Four-leg PWM Inverter
Authors: Al-Dwa Ala Addin Mohammed , Chebabhi Ali , Defdaf Mabrouk , Guessabi Anwar
Published: February 2023

The synchronization method’s ability is one of the fundamental guarantees for the stability and accuracy of injected current control for grid-connected converter-based distribution resources. These synchronization methods, such as phase locked loop (PLL), are generally based on Park transformation and grid voltage regulation, which may affect an unstable phenomenon under distortion and unbalanced grid voltage conditions and result in more computational complexity. In this present paper, analogous to the traditional voltage-oriented control strategy (VOC) in the synchronous rotating frame (dq0-frame) based on PLL and Parks transformation, an improved voltage-oriented control strategy (IVOC) without synchronization methods and Parks transformation is proposed for grid-connected four-leg inverters (GC-FLVSI) to achieve accurate current control with high-quality performance in the dq0-frame. This proposed strategy is not only used for controlling the GC-FLVSI but also to provide the module of GC-FLVSI in the dq0-frame based on the instantaneous active and reactive powers theory (DPC). The proposed IVOC strategy has the same properties and identical performance as the traditional VOC when the grid phase angle is correctly detected by any synchronization method, with the advantages of both traditional DPC and VOC at the same time. In order to validate the superiority and excellent dynamic and steady-state performances of the proposed IVOC strategy in comparison with the traditional VOC strategy, some simulation scenarios using MATLAB/Simulink under different operations and grid conditions have been performed and presented.
Contemplating the Lived Theology of theDevadāsīsas Decolonial Epistemology in World Christianity
Authors: Parker Eve
Published: February 2023

This paper will contribute to decolonial efforts that seek to address the role of power and colonialism in knowledge production in Christian theology, with particular focus on the devadāsīs of South India. It will look to the context of the devadāsīs, otherwise referred to as sacred sex workers, in South India, and argue that the hybrid religiosity and silenced epistemology of the subaltern women has the potential to challenge dominant ways of contemplating Christ in World Christianity. It suggests that such religiosity interrupts normalised notions of Christianity that have further marginalised the oppressed women, as the lived religiosity of the devadāsīs acts as a challenge to Eurocentric theology and mission that has systematised ‘the poor’ into deserving and undeserving based upon dichotomous notions of decency. Inspired by the indecent theology of Marcella Althaus-Reid, the paper suggests that an indecent epistemology shaped by the sexual narratives of the oppressed brings to the forefront intersectional narratives of struggle in Christianity that offer prophetic ways of contemplating Christ.
Confined: Pregnancy, Birth, and Class inEsther Waters(1894) andWuthering Heights(1847)
Authors: Yaspan Haleigh
Published: February 2023

Victorian literary resistance to explicit discussion of female sexual reproduction mirrors the material segregation and confinement of parturient women in this era. Just as literary depictions of the pregnancy/labour of the gentry do not represent an embodied, material, clinical experience, so, too, does reproduction more generally serve as a plot device rather than an attempt to realistically and faithfully depict its nuances. Through this lens, George Moore's Esther Waters (1894) represents a fruitful contrast to Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights (1847). For privileged characters, there is the characteristically Victorian deployment of implicature surrounding reproduction; for the poor, the punitive spectacle of visible pregnancy, birth, and childrearing. Either through its reinforcement or violation, the ubiquitous notion of Victorian propriety in the confinement room – by way of restriction and concealment – shapes our reading of the characters in these novels, as well as the messages imparted by their respective story arcs. I argue that class is a critical mediating factor in terms of both the experiences that pregnant and birthing characters are allowed, as well as the literary terms in which they are conveyed.
Allelopathic potential of Sinapis alba L. residues in weeds management system
Authors: Rehman Saad U.
Published: February 2023

Tillage practices, manual weeding and chemical herbicides are mainly adopted for weeds control but energy crisis, intensive labor prices and environmental pollution are major constraints in adaptation of these techniques. Therefore, sustainable weeds management is need of the hour which refers to the naturally released phytotoxins known as allelochemicals. Sinapis alba is an important member of Brassicaceae family which is well known for its allelopathic potential in crop production system. In this scenario, a field experiment was conducted at University Research Farm of Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University (PMAS-AAU), Koont, Chakwal Road, Rawalpindi to evaluate the allelopathic potential of Sinapis alba residues on weeds suppression. The experiment was laid out with 3 replications and 7 treatments viz T0=controlled, T1=Foliar Spray @50% concentration, T2=Foliar Spray@75% concentration, T3=Foliar Spray@ 100% concentration, T4=Residual Incorporation@8Kg/plot, T5=Residual Incorporation@6Kg/plot, T6=Residual Incorporation@4Kg/plot. All the treatments significantly suppressed the weeds population but the inhibitory effect of aqueous extract @100% concentration was highest. This inhibitory effect could be associated with release of glucosinolates and phenolics which possess great influence on different weeds and act as a natural herbicide.
Genotypic and Phenotypic Correlation Study and Cluster Analysis between different Physiological Attributes of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) under different Regimes of Irrigation
Authors: Akbar Muhammad , Ashraf Farzana , Hussain Khadim , Gill Mubashir Islam , Imran Hafiz Muhammad , Iqbal Javed , Sarwar Muhammad Ilyas , Ramzan Hafiz Naveed , Saqib Muhammad , Ihsan Fahid , Babar Babar Hussain
Published: February 2023

Cotton is a well-known agricultural and industrial crop that plays a significant role in Pakistan's economy. For this study, RCBD (Randomized Complete Block Design) using three replications was carried out to sow fifty different cotton genotypes. Results of the experiments showed that under normal and drought conditions, relative water content has highly significant and positive association with excise leaf water while at genotypic level, positively significant correlation with aforesaid traits has been found. Genotypes under study were assembled into five differing clusters by keeping a linkage space. Comparison of all five groups revealed that Cluster-1 is relevant to all the qualities being studied in both conditions as all these characters had the greatest value in the said group. The lowest ranked was observed for parameters under study in Cluster-5. These kinds of discoveries can be useful in planning the new hybridization programs to develop abiotic tolerance in the cotton.
Terahertz spectra of proteinuria and non-proteinuria
Authors: Xue Zhenrui , Mao Ping , Peng Ping , Yan Shihan , Zang Ziyi , Yao Chunyan
Published: February 2023

In clinical practice, proteinuria detection is of great significance in the diagnosis of kidney diseases. Dipstick analysis is used in most outpatient settings to semi-quantitatively measure the urine protein concentration. However, this method has limitations for protein detection, and alkaline urine or hematuria will cause false positive results. Recently, terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) with strong hydrogen bonding sensitivity has been proven to be able to distinguish different types of biological solutions, which means that protein molecules in urine may have different THz spectral characteristics. In this study, we performed a preliminary clinical study investigating the terahertz spectra of 20 fresh urine samples (non-proteinuria and proteinuria). The results showed that the concentration of urine protein was positively correlated with the absorption of THz spectra at 0.5–1.2 THz. At 1.0 THz, the pH values (6, 7, 8, and 9) had no significant effect on the THz absorption spectra of urine proteins. The terahertz absorption of proteins with a high molecular weight (albumin) was greater than that of proteins with a low molecular weight (β2-microglobulin) at the same concentration. Overall, THz-TDS spectroscopy for the qualitative detection of proteinuria is not affected by pH and has the potential to discriminate between albumin and β2-microglobulin in urine.
Effect of soil anisotropy and variability on the stability of undrained soil slope
Authors: Nguyen H. B. K. , Rahman M. M. , Karim M. R.
Published: February 2023

Soil is a naturally heterogeneous material and can show significant spatial variation in strength and other properties. For silty and clayey soils, these variations are often more pronounced. Despite such variation, many past studies considered these soils as homogeneous and only considered a single set of soil parameters. This may lead to underestimation of the failure potential of geo-structure such as natural slopes, water retaining dams, retaining walls, etc. A finite element method considering soil variability should be an ideal tool to investigate the behaviour of these soils. This study adopted a 2D random finite element method to evaluate the effect of such variability on slope stability. The spatial variability was implemented by using the coefficient of variation (COV) and the spatial correlation length (θ) for cohesion. It was found that the soil slope with higher COV would have a higher chance of failure, whereas the soil slope with less COV might not show any failure. In addition, the soil with a higher θ, in general, show less potential of failure. In the literature, most studies considered an isotropic condition for the soil, i.e., θ in x and y directions are the same θx = θy, which is not realistic. Therefore, the soil anisotropy (i.e., θx ≠ θy) was considered carefully in this study. It was found that the probability of failure for anisotropic soil might be significantly higher than the isotropic soil.
MICAL-mediated oxidation of actin and its effects on cytoskeletal and cellular dynamics
Authors: Rajan Sudeepa , Terman Jonathan R. , Reisler Emil
Published: February 2023

Actin and its dynamic structural remodelings are involved in multiple cellular functions, including maintaining cell shape and integrity, cytokinesis, motility, navigation, and muscle contraction. Many actin-binding proteins regulate the cytoskeleton to facilitate these functions. Recently, actin’s post-translational modifications (PTMs) and their importance to actin functions have gained increasing recognition. The MICAL family of proteins has emerged as important actin regulatory oxidation-reduction (Redox) enzymes, influencing actin’s properties both in vitro and in vivo. MICALs specifically bind to actin filaments and selectively oxidize actin’s methionine residues 44 and 47, which perturbs filaments’ structure and leads to their disassembly. This review provides an overview of the MICALs and the impact of MICAL-mediated oxidation on actin’s properties, including its assembly and disassembly, effects on other actin-binding proteins, and on cells and tissue systems.
The application and trend of ultra-weak photon emission in biology and medicine
Authors: Du Jinxin , Deng Tingting , Cao Baorui , Wang Zhiying , Yang Meina , Han Jinxiang
Published: February 2023

Ultra-weak bioluminescence, also known as ultra-weak photon emission (UPE), is one of the functional characteristics of biological organisms, characterized by specialized, low-energy level luminescence. Researchers have extensively studied UPE for decades, and the mechanisms by which UPE is generated and its properties have been extensively investigated. However, there has been a gradual shift in research focus on UPE in recent years toward exploring its application value. To better understand the application and trend of UPE in biology and medicine, we have conducted a review of relevant articles in recent years. Among the several topics covered in this review is UPE research in biology and medicine (including traditional Chinese medicine), primarily focused on UPE as a promising non-invasive tool for diagnosis and oxidative metabolism monitoring as well as a potential tool for traditional Chinese medicine research.
Molten salt electrosynthesis of Cr2GeC nanoparticles as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Pang Zhongya , Tian Feng , Xiong Xiaolu , Li Jinjian , Zhang Xueqiang , Chen Shun , Wang Fei , Li Guangshi , Wang Shujuan , Yu Xing , Xu Qian , Lu Xionggang , Zou Xingli
Published: February 2023

The two-dimensional MAX phases with compositional diversity are promising functional materials for electrochemical energy storage. Herein, we report the facile preparation of the Cr2GeC MAX phase from oxides/C precursors by the molten salt electrolysis method at a moderate temperature of 700°C. The electrosynthesis mechanism has been systematically investigated, and the results show that the synthesis of the Cr2GeC MAX phase involves electro-separation and in situ alloying processes. The as-prepared Cr2GeC MAX phase with a typical layered structure shows the uniform morphology of nanoparticles. As a proof of concept, Cr2GeC nanoparticles are investigated as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, which deliver a good capacity of 177.4 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C and excellent cycling performance. The lithium-storage mechanism of the Cr2GeC MAX phase has been discussed based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This study may provide important support and complement to the tailored electrosynthesis of MAX phases toward high-performance energy storage applications.
Antifungal activity of 6-substituted amiloride and hexamethylene amiloride (HMA) analogs
Authors: Vu Kiem , Buckley Benjamin J. , Bujaroski Richard S. , Blumwald Eduardo , Kelso Michael J. , Gelli Angie
Published: February 2023

Fungal infections have become an increasing threat as a result of growing numbers of susceptible hosts and diminishing effectiveness of antifungal drugs due to multi-drug resistance. This reality underscores the need to develop novel drugs with unique mechanisms of action. We recently identified 5-(N,N-hexamethylene)amiloride (HMA), an inhibitor of human Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1, as a promising scaffold for antifungal drug development. In this work, we carried out susceptibility testing of 45 6-substituted HMA and amiloride analogs against a panel of pathogenic fungi. A series of 6-(2-benzofuran)amiloride and HMA analogs that showed up to a 16-fold increase in activity against Cryptococcus neoformans were identified. Hits from these series showed broad-spectrum activity against both basidiomycete and ascomycete fungal pathogens, including multidrug-resistant clinical isolates.
Disrupted diurnal oscillations of the gut microbiota in patients with alcohol dependence
Authors: Zhao Kangqing , Ni Zhaojun , Qin Ying , Zhu Ran , Yu Zhoulong , Ma Yundong , Chen Wenhao , Sun Qiqing , Wang Zhong , Liu Yanjing , Zhao Jingwen , Peng Wenjuan , Hu Sifan , Shi Jie , Lu Lin , Sun Hongqiang
Published: February 2023

Background

Patients with alcohol dependence (AD) can exhibit gut dysbacteria. Dysbacteria may co-occur with disruptions of circadian rhythmicity of the gut flora, which can aggravate AD. Herein, this study aimed to investigate diurnal oscillations of the gut microbiota in AD patients.

Methods

Thirty-two patients with AD, based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, and 20 healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. Demographic and clinical data were collected by self-report questionnaires. Fecal samples at 7:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 7:00 PM were collected from each subject. 16S rDNA sequencing was conducted. Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed to characterize alterations and oscillations of the gut microbiota.

Results

We found that β-diversity of the gut microbiota in AD patients oscillated diurnally compared with healthy subjects (p = 0.01). Additionally, 0.66% of operational taxonomic units oscillated diurnally in AD patients versus 1.68% in healthy subjects. At different taxonomic levels, bacterial abundance oscillated diurnally in both groups, such as Pseudomonas and Prevotella pallens (all p < 0.05). β-diversity of the gut microbiota in AD patients with high daily alcohol consumption, high-level cravings, short AD durations, and mild withdrawal symptoms oscillated diurnally compared with other AD patients (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The gut microbiota in AD patients exhibits disruptions of diurnal oscillation, which may provide novel insights into mechanisms of AD and the development of therapeutic strategies.
Tools of war and virtue–Institutional structures as a source of ethical deskilling
Authors: Hovd Sigurd N.
Published: February 2023

Shannon Vallor has raised the possibility of ethical deskilling as a potential pitfall as AI technology is increasingly being developed for and implemented in military institutions. Bringing the sociological concept of deskilling into the field of virtue ethics, she has questioned if military operators will be able to possess the ethical wherewithal to act as responsible moral agents as they find themselves increasingly removed from the battlefield, their actions ever more mediated by artificial intelligence. The risk, as Vallor sees it, is that if combatants were removed, they would be deprived of the opportunity to develop moral skills crucial for acting as virtuous individuals. This article constitutes a critique of this conception of ethical deskilling and an attempt at a reappraisal of the concept. I argue first that her treatment of moral skills and virtue, as it pertains to professional military ethics, treating military virtue as a sui generis form of ethical cognition, is both normatively problematic as well as implausible from a moral psychological view. I subsequently present an alternative account of ethical deskilling, based on an analysis of military virtues, as a species of moral virtues essentially mediated by institutional and technological structures. According to this view, then, professional virtue is a form of extended cognition, and professional roles and institutional structures are parts of what makes these virtues the virtues that they are, i.e., constitutive parts of the virtues in question. Based on this analysis, I argue that the most likely source of ethical deskilling caused by technological change is not how technology, AI, or otherwise, makes individuals unable to develop appropriate moral–psychological traits but rather how it changes the institution's capacities to act.
Indigenous self-determination in cryospheric science: The Inuit-led Sikumik Qaujimajjuti (“tools to know how the ice is”) program in Inuit Nunangat, Canada
Authors: Beaulieu L. , Arreak A. , Holwell R. , Dicker S. , Qamanirq O. , Moorman L. , Wilson K. , Segal R. , Crichton S. , Bell T.
Published: February 2023

Inuit have lived along the shoreline of the frozen Arctic Ocean for centuries. Our wellbeing, culture, and identity are closely tied to safe and dependable ice access. As the ice becomes more unpredictable with a changing climate, Elders and experienced ice users recognize that their accumulated wisdom and experience of safe ice travel—their Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ; a term used to describe Inuit knowledge and values) of sea-ice—must be shared and applied in new ways for the benefit of younger generations. Here we illustrate one such application that enables young Inuit scientists to learn and apply the tools and skills they need to create operational community-scale sea-ice maps (Sikumik Qaujimajjuti, or “tool to know how the ice is”). Our cross-cultural partnership approach—called the Sikumiut-SmartICE model—focuses on developing the skills of young Inuit to create the maps, while non-Indigenous partners provide mentorship, tools, and training. Our novel maps incorporate culturally relevant ice terminology, on-ice monitoring data and observations, and IQ-grounded interpretations of ice features and travel conditions from near-real time optical and radar satellite imagery. The layers of data are integrated into a local GIS, enabling the creation of maps that reflect local and seasonal travel patterns and meet our information needs in information content, extent and frequency. The maps are posted and shared through social media platforms preferred by the community. The maps are a trusted source of travel information because they are made by one of our own, using local language, experience, and IQ. The Sikumik Qaujimajjuti program illustrates the incredible potential of Indigenous self-determination in cryospheric science when the scientific merit of IQ is fully recognized, when Indigenous researchers are able to access technologies and training to apply their IQ, and when non-Indigenous partners mentor and support young Indigenous scientists.
What is thyroid function in your just-diagnosed cancer patient?
Authors: Hercbergs Aleck , Mousa Shaker A. , Lin Hung-Yun , Davis Paul J.
Published: February 2023

The principal hormonal product of the thyroid gland, L-thyroxine (T4), is a prohormone for 3,3’,5-triiodo-L-thyronine, T3, the major ligand of nuclear thyroid hormone receptors (TRs). At a cell surface thyroid hormone analogue receptor on cancer cell and endothelial cell plasma membrane integrin αvβ3, however, T4 at physiological concentrations is biologically active and is the major ligand. At this site in solid tumor cells, T4 nongenomically initiates cell proliferation, is anti-apoptotic by multiple mechanisms, supports radioresistance and enhances cancer-related angiogenesis. In contrast, hypothyroidism has been reported clinically to slow tumor growth. At physiological levels, T3 is not biologically active at the integrin and maintenance of euthyroidism with T3 in cancer patients may be associated with slowed tumor proliferation. Against this background, we raise the possibility that host serum T4 levels that are spontaneously in the upper tertile or quartile of the normal range in cancer patients may be a factor that contributes to aggressive tumor behavior. Recent observations on tumor metastasis and tumor-associated propensity for thrombosis due to T4 also justify clinical statistical analysis for a relationship to upper tertile hormone levels. That reverse T3 (rT3) may stimulate tumor growth has recently been reported and thus the utility of adding this measurement to thyroid function testing in cancer patients requires assessment. In summary, T4 at physiological concentrations promotes tumor cell division and aggressiveness and euthyroid hypothyroxinemia arrests clinically advanced solid tumors. These findings support the clinical possibility that T4 levels in the upper tertile of the normal range require examination as a tumor supporting factor.
Cervical lymph node metastasis prediction of postoperative papillary thyroid carcinoma before 131I therapy based on clinical and ultrasound characteristics
Authors: Yu Fei , Wu Wenyu , Zhang Liuting , Li Shaohua , Yao Xiaochen , Wang Jun , Ni Yudan , Meng Qingle , Yang Rui , Wang Feng , Shi Liang
Published: February 2023

Background

The status of lymph nodes is crucial to determine the dose of radioiodine-131(131I) for postoperative papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). We aimed to develop a nomogram for predicting residual and recurrent cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM) in postoperative PTC before 131I therapy.

Method

Data from 612 postoperative PTC patients who underwent 131I therapy from May 2019 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical and ultrasound features were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the risk factors of CLNM. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to weigh the discrimination of prediction models. To generate nomograms, models with high area under the curves (AUC) were selected. Bootstrap internal validation, calibration curves and decision curves were used to assess the prediction model’s discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness.

Results

A total of 18.79% (115/612) of postoperative PTC patients had CLNM. Univariate logistic regression analysis found serum thyroglobulin (Tg), serum thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb), overall ultrasound diagnosis and seven ultrasound features (aspect transverse ratio, cystic change, microcalcification, mass hyperecho, echogenicity, lymphatic hilum structure and vascularity) were significantly associated with CLNM. Multivariate analysis revealed higher Tg, higher TgAb, positive overall ultrasound and ultrasound features such as aspect transverse ratio ≥ 2, microcalcification, heterogeneous echogenicity, absence of lymphatic hilum structure and abundant vascularity were independent risk factors for CLNM. ROC analysis showed the use of Tg and TgAb combined with ultrasound (AUC = 0.903 for “Tg+TgAb+Overall ultrasound” model, AUC = 0.921 for “Tg+TgAb+Seven ultrasound features” model) was superior to any single variant. Nomograms constructed for the above two models were validated internally and the C-index were 0.899 and 0.914, respectively. Calibration curves showed satisfied discrimination and calibration of the two nomograms. DCA also proved that the two nomograms were clinically useful.

Conclusion

Through the two accurate and easy-to-use nomograms, the possibility of CLNM can be objectively quantified before 131I therapy. Clinicians can use the nomograms to evaluate the status of lymph nodes in postoperative PTC patients and consider a higher dose of 131I for those with high scores.
Influencing factors of green energy transition: The role of economic policy uncertainty, technology innovation, and ecological governance in China
Authors: Yu Zhichao , Guo XiaoDi
Published: February 2023

For environmental sustainability and resource security, the global energy system requires a revolutionary transition from traditional energy to green energy resources. Therefore, this study investigates the influence of economic policy uncertainty, technological innovation, ecological governance, and economic growth on the green energy transition in China. We employed a bootstrap auto-regressive distributive lag (BARDL) model to evaluate the long-run association between the study variables from Q1-2000 to Q4-2020. The preliminary finding confirms the long-run cointegration relationship among model variables. The results show that economic policy uncertainty and economic growth negatively derive green energy transition in the long-run. In contrast, technology innovation and environmental governance positively influence the green energy transition. These findings propose strengthening of the environmental governance mechanism and technology innovation to accelerate the green energy transition in China.
Association between childhood maltreatment and adult cortisol concentrations mediated through subjective health complaints
Authors: Klinger-König Johanna , Hannemann Anke , Friedrich Nele , Nauck Matthias , Völzke Henry , Grabe Hans J.
Published: February 2023

Background

Lower cortisol concentrations in adulthood were repeatedly associated with more severe childhood maltreatment. Additionally, childhood maltreatment was reported to promote health risk behavior, such as smoking or alcohol consumption, and to increase the risk of mental and somatic diseases during adulthood, such as major depressive disorders or obesity. The present study investigated if health risk behavior and disease symptoms in adults mediate the associations between past childhood maltreatment and present basal serum cortisol concentrations.

Methods

Data from two independent adult cohorts of the general population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-TREND-0: N = 3,517; SHIP-START-2: N = 1,640) was used. Childhood maltreatment was assessed via the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Cortisol concentrations were measured in single-point serum samples. Health risk behavior and mental and physical symptoms were used as mediators. Mediation analyses were calculated separately for both cohorts; results were integrated via meta-analyses.

Results

In mediator-separated analyses, associations between childhood maltreatment and basal serum cortisol concentrations were partly mediated by depressive symptoms (BDI-II: βindirect effect = -.011, pFDR = .017, 21.0% mediated) and subjective somatic health complaints (somatic complaints: βindirect effect = -.010, pFDR = .005, 19.4% mediated). In the second step, both mediators were simultaneously integrated into one mediation model. The model replicated the mediation effects of the subjective somatic health complaints (whole model: βindirect effect = -.014, p = .001, 27.6% mediated; BDI-II: βindirect effect = -.006, p = .163, 11.4% mediated, somatic complaints: βindirect effect = -.020, p = .020, 15.5% mediated).

Conclusion

The results support the hypothesis that the long-lasting effects of childhood maltreatment on the stress response system are partly mediated through self-perceived disease symptoms. However, no mediation was found for health risk behavior or physically measured mediators. Mediation models with multiple simultaneous mediators pointed to a relevant overlap between the potential mediators. This overlap should be focused on in future studies.
Inulin prebiotic reinforces host cancer immunosurveillance via ɣδ T cell activation
Authors: Boucher Emilie , Plazy Caroline , Richard Mathias L. , Suau Antonia , Mangin Irène , Cornet Muriel , Aldebert Delphine , Toussaint Bertrand , Hannani Dalil
Published: February 2023

The gut microbiota is now recognized as a key parameter affecting the host’s anti-cancer immunosurveillance and ability to respond to immunotherapy. Therefore, optimal modulation for preventive and therapeutic purposes is very appealing. Diet is one of the most potent modulators of microbiota, and thus nutritional intervention could be exploited to improve host anti-cancer immunity. Here, we show that an inulin-enriched diet, a prebiotic known to promote immunostimulatory bacteria, triggers an enhanced Th1-polarized CD4+ and CD8+ αβ T cell-mediated anti-tumor response and attenuates tumor growth in three preclinical tumor-bearing mouse models. We highlighted that the inulin-mediated anti-tumor effect relies on the activation of both intestinal and tumor-infiltrating ɣδ T cells that are indispensable for αβ T cell activation and subsequent tumor growth control, in a microbiota-dependent manner. Overall, our data identified these cells as a critical immune subset, mandatory for inulin-mediated anti-tumor immunity in vivo, further supporting and rationalizing the use of such prebiotic approaches, as well as the development of immunotherapies targeting ɣδ T cells in cancer prevention and immunotherapy.