bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reinforcement learning event-triggered output feedback control for uncertain nonlinear discrete systems
Authors: Ren Jianwei , Li Ping , Song Zhibao
Published: October 2023

In this paper, a novel reinforcement learning (RL)-based event-triggered (ET) output feedback control algorithm is proposed for a class of uncertain strict-feedback nonlinear discrete-time systems. In contrast to traditional RL-based control methods, we proposed an ET output feedback controller based on the backstepping technique, where the transmission cost can be efficiently conserved. Then, in light of the radial basis function (RBF) neural network (NN), various critic NNs are constructed to approximate the critic functions in each step. Furthermore, with the backing of the proposed ET mechanism, a sampled output feedback controller is addressed to guarantee that the tracking errors and all signals of the closed-loop system are semi-global uniformly ultimately bounded (SGUUB). Finally, a simulation example is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the control strategy.
Polarizing Plates: Both Omnivores and Vegans Represent In-Group Foods With Eating Simulations
Authors: Davis Tess , Harkins Libby , Papies Esther K
Published: October 2023

In two pre-registered experiments, we assessed how people cognitively represent meat and plant-based foods, to examine processes underlying dietary polarization in society. Food descriptions from U.K.-based omnivores ( NExp. 1 = 109; NExp. 2 = 436) and vegans ( NExp. 1 = 111; NExp. 2 = 407) were coded for features about consumption and reward (e.g., “rich,” “indulgent,” and “treat”) or features independent of the consumption situation (e.g., “healthy,” “protein,” and “eco-friendly”). Participants used more consumption and reward features for diet-congruent dishes (meat dishes for omnivores and plant-based dishes for vegans) than for diet-incongruent dishes (vice versa). Omnivores focused on abstract, long-term consequences of plant-based foods, whereas vegans focused on the socio-political associations with meat foods. Consumption and reward features also positively predicted attractiveness ratings, the likelihood of ordering a dish, and eating intentions. These findings indicate the cognitive processes of polarized dietary groups that may hinder the mainstream transition to more sustainable food choices.
ERP sensitivity to subcategorization violations in L2 learners
Authors: Liao Chia-Hsuan , Lau Ellen
Published: October 2023

Event concepts of common verbs (e.g. eat, sleep) can be broadly shared across languages, but a given language’s rules for subcategorization are largely arbitrary and vary substantially across languages. When subcategorization information does not match between first language (L1) and second language (L2), how does this mismatch impact L2 speakers in real time? We hypothesized that subcategorization knowledge in L1 is particularly difficult for L2 speakers to override online. Event-related potential (ERP) responses were recorded from English sentences that include verbs that were ambitransitive in Mandarin but intransitive in English (*  My sister listened the music). While L1 English speakers showed a prominent P600 effect to subcategorization violations, L2 English speakers whose L1 was Mandarin showed some sensitivity in offline responses but not in ERPs. This suggests that computing verb–argument relations, although seemingly one of the basic components of sentence comprehension, in fact requires accessing lexical syntax which may be vulnerable to L1 interference in L2. However, our exploratory analysis showed that more native-like behavioral accuracy was associated with a more native-like P600 effect, suggesting that, with enough experience, L2 speakers can ultimately overcome this interference.
Systolic anterior motion of a transatrial transcatheter mitral valve replacement causing left ventricular outflow tract obstruction
Authors: Afoke Jonathan , Crestanello Juan
Published: October 2023

Transatrial transcatheter mitral valve replacement is a hybrid strategy involving placing the patient on cardiopulmonary bypass and direct implantation of a transcatheter valve in a calcified annulus for mitral annular calcification. We report a rare phenomenon of systolic anterior motion of the leaflets of a transcatheter heart valve prosthesis used for mitral valve replacement causing left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Although reported in transcatheter mitral valve replacement, we believe this is the first report of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction after transatrial mitral valve replacement and discuss the pre-disposing risk factors.
Cellular angiolipoma: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Peng Li-Jun , Tong Yu-Jun
Published: October 2023

Cellular angiolipoma is a rare subtype of angiolipoma, with vascular density approaching 95%. This case report describes a 55-year-old female that presented for treatment of a mass in her left breast that had been tender to slightly painful on palpation for nearly 2 years The patient underwent surgical excision of the mass, which was pathologically confirmed as a cellular angiolipoma. As of the 3-year follow-up, the patient reported no recurrence of the lesion. It is important to report this case and refresh knowledge of this and similar lesions to raise awareness of this diagnosis and treatment and improve future management of cellular angiolipoma cases.
Admissions Officers’ Perceptions When Undocumented Students Seek In-State Resident Tuition Policy
Authors: Briceno Mosquera Andrea
Published: October 2023

Administrative burdens scholarship has explored the factors influencing bureaucrats’ perceptions and administrative discretion when entitled individuals seek policy benefits. Few studies, however, have recently investigated such phenomena with undocumented youth immigrants. Drawing from online web surveys and conducting a mixed methods study, I examine factors influencing admissions officers’ perceptions of requirements when undocumented youth claim in-state resident tuition benefits in U.S. colleges. The findings suggest that officers who interact more often with undocumented applicants and with more positive social constructions of them are less likely to support stringently applied administrative requirements when they seek in-state tuition benefits. However, such variables are insufficient to frame admissions officers’ decisions. State laws and organizational rules also constrain their administrative discretion regardless of their proclivity to facilitate access to in-state tuition benefits by undocumented youth. This study addresses the tension among public servants’ attitudes and bureaucratic factors mediating efficiency, equity, and integrity surrounding policy implementation. Findings contribute to higher education policy scholarship by exploring the roles of street-level bureaucrats as mediators among state policies, institutional rules, and the circumstances of undocumented applicants.
SIGHR: Side information guided high-dimensional regression
Authors: Yang Yuan , McMahan Christopher S , Wang Yu-Bo , Baurley James W , Park Sung-Shim
Published: October 2023

In this work, we develop a novel Bayesian regression framework that can be used to complete variable selection in high dimensional settings. Unlike existing techniques, the proposed approach can leverage side information to inform about the sparsity structure of the regression coefficients. This is accomplished by replacing the usual inclusion probability in the spike and slab prior with a binary regression model which assimilates this extra source of information. To facilitate model fitting, a computationally efficient and easy to implement Markov chain Monte Carlo posterior sampling algorithm is developed via carefully chosen priors and data augmentation steps. The finite sample performance of our methodology is assessed through numerical simulations, and we further illustrate our approach by using it to identify genetic markers associated with the nicotine metabolite ratio; a key biological marker associated with nicotine dependence and smoking cessation treatment.
Statistical shape modeling of mean shape and principal variability of the human talar bone in the Chinese population
Authors: Wang Shuo , Yu Jian , Lyu Jinyang , Zhao Dahang , Zhang Chao , Huang Jiazhang , Wang Xu , Ma Xin
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The talar bone plays a crucial role in ankle biomechanics and stability. Understanding the shape variability of the talar bone within specific populations is essential for various clinical applications. In this study, we aimed to investigate the mean shape and principal variability of the human talar bone in the Chinese population using statistical shape modeling (SSM).

Methods

CT scans of 214 tali were included to create SSM models. Principal component analysis was used to describe shape variation among the male, female, and overall groups.

Results

The largest amount of variation among three groups ranges from 17.2%–18.8% of each variation. The first seven principal components (modes) captured 62.4%–67.5% of the cumulative variance. No dominant shape of the talus was found. Male tali generally have a larger size than the female tali, with the exception of the articular surface of the anterior subtalar joint.

Conclusions

SSM is an effective method of finding mean shape and principal variability. Considerable variabilities were noticed among these three groups and all principal modes of variation. No dominant talar model was found to represent the majority of tali, regardless the gender. Such information is crucial to improve the current understanding of talar pathologies and their treatment strategies.
The American Institute of Accountants’ aptitude testing experiment in the 1940s: An initiative to increase the supply of able accountants
Authors: Persson Martin Emanuel
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the American Institute of Accountants’ development of aptitude testing in the 1940s, drawing on Abbott's system of professions as a theoretical framework. The Institute began to emphasise the importance of the CPA designation among its members in the 1930s. Whereas this change in emphasis made public accounting more prestigious as a professional pursuit, the increased barriers to entry and the onset of WW2 led to a shortage of qualified individuals entering the profession. The Institute established a committee addressing this shortage through the development of aptitude tests administered to undergraduate students. Based on previously unexamined empirical evidence from the University of Illinois Archives, this study is the first to investigate this historical episode and, in so doing, contribute to our understanding of the development of the American accounting profession, the curious case of testing for aptitude in accounting, and the prevailing separation between the profession and universities in the training of students that seek to enter public accounting.
Can digital economy improve tourism economic resilience? Evidence from China
Authors: Tang Rui
Published: October 2023

The digital economy has become an important driver of resilient growth in tourism economy. Taking China as the research object, it is found that the digital economy not only has a positive spatial spillover effect on tourism economic resilience but also mitigates the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The heterogeneity test shows that the digital economy has a spatial diffusion effect on tourism economic resilience in the eastern, western, and southern regions and a spatial siphoning effect on the non-pilot areas of the National Smart Tourism Pilot Policy. The result of influence mechanism test proves that the digital economy can contribute to the tourism economic resilience by stimulating tourism fiscal expenditure, guiding tourism industry cluster, and increasing tourism consumption. The findings of the study have important policy implications for China and other countries around the world in using the digital economy to promote sustainable tourism development.
Ascending Aorta Nose-Cone Loop Technique as Bail Out for Precise Branched Endovascular Aortic Arch Endograft Delivery Without Valve Re-Crossing
Authors: Grandi Alessandro , Kölbel Tilo , Rohlffs Fiona , Yousef al Sarhan Daour , Panuccio Giuseppe
Published: October 2023

Purpose:

To describe a right carotid-femoral through-and-through (T&T) guidewire technique during branched thoracic endovascular aortic arch repair (B-TEVAR) to facilitate endograft delivery in a very tortuous aortic anatomy for a type Ia endoleak (EL) of a previous aortic endograft implantation.

Technique:

AT&T guidewire was established between the right common carotid artery and the right common femoral artery to facilitate a difficult endograft delivery. Once in the aortic arch, a loop in the ascending aorta was formed to allow the endograft to reach the desired position without losing tension on the guidewire. This maneuver allowed the T&T guidewire to be kept in place until the desired position was reached. The nose-tip of the endograft was curved over the looped guidewire pointing toward the innominate artery without crossing the valve. After endograft deployment, the T&T guidewire was released, and the branches were bridged in a standard fashion. Completion angiography documented correct deployment of the endograft and no sign of type I/III EL. The 1-month computed tomography angiography confirmed the correct deployment.

Conclusion:

Carotid-femoral T&T guidewire to facilitate endograft delivery in difficult anatomies can be feasible even in B-TEVAR. Possible bailout maneuvers are available if the aortic valve needs to be crossed after endograft delivery.

Clinical Impact

Endovascular arch repair gains popularity as a valuable alternative, especially in patients considered unfit for open repair. A through-and-through (T&T) guidewire for endovascular arch repair with a landing zone in zone 0 according to Ishimaru is usually performed through the externalization of the femoral guidewire through a transapical access, but this may not always be feasible in frail patients. A right carotid-femoral though-and-through guidewire with a loop formation in the ascending aorta is proposed to achieve the support of a T&T wire to pass tortuous aortoiliac anatomies and access the ascending aorta without the need for aortic valve crossing.
CDK4/6 inhibitors: basics, pros, and major cons in breast cancer treatment with specific regard to cardiotoxicity – a narrative review
Authors: Pavlovic Dragica , Niciforovic Danijela , Papic Dragana , Milojevic Katarina , Markovic Marina
Published: October 2023

Breast cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of breast cells, with a high incidence reported in 2020 to have affected over 2 million women. In recent years, the conventional methods of treating breast cancer have involved radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, the emergence of CDK4/6 inhibitors has shown potential as a promising cancer therapy. Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) inhibitors are a class of molecules that impede the formation of an active kinase complex, thereby hindering its activity and consequently halting the progression of the cell cycle. It was discovered that they have a significant impact on impeding the progression of the cancer. This is evident with the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of drugs such as palbociclib, ribociclib, and abemaciclib for hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer in combination with specific endocrine therapies. In spite of enormous success in breast cancer treatment, certain obstacles have emerged, such as therapy resistance, side effects, and most of all, cardiotoxicity. Some of these drawbacks have been successfully overcome by dosage reduction, different combinations of the drugs, and the assessment of each patient’s condition and suitability prior to treatment. Yet other drawbacks still require tenacious research, especially certain cases of cardiotoxicities. This article delves into the biological mechanisms of CDK4/6 in the cell cycle and cancer, as well as the clinical advantages and most common adverse events (AEs) associated with CDK4/6 inhibitors. The primary objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of cardiotoxic AEs and elucidate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for the cardiotoxicity of CDK4/6 inhibitors.
Gambling on unknown unknowns: Risk ethics for a climate change technofix
Authors: Fulvi Daniele , Wodak Josh
Published: October 2023

In this article, we critically engage with the risk ethics of attempting to mitigate climate change via a technofix, namely Negative Emissions Technologies (NETs) utilizing Synthetic Biology. Now that the IPCC has (belatedly) acknowledged climate overshoot as being inevitable, our dependency on NETs to avert runaway climate change has become critical. Given the scale of unknown unknowns at play when utilizing any such technofix, we present gambling as the most apt analogy to communicate the unprecedented realms of risk and uncertainty occasioned by any such action. Hence, we critique traditional normative ethics in order to illustrate how a germane climate ethics must face the largely uncertain and unpredictable risk that any climate change technofix would inevitably represent instead of advocating for outdated risk-averse positions. We conclude by showing that this approach is fundamental to developing impactful future ethics research on climate mitigation, and is required to mark a much-needed new direction for risk ethics in the Anthropocene.
Academic Discourse Socialization Through Oral Activities in Higher Education: A Systematic Review
Authors: Xiao Can , Chen Xinzhong
Published: October 2023

Despite several attempts made to analyze students’ socialization into academic discourse in relevant reviews, we still lack a topical study providing an overview of how students are apprenticed into academic communities through oral activities at post-secondary institutions. This study aims at contributing to a comprehensive overview of both theoretical and empirical studies in the field of academic discourse socialization (ADS). A systematic review approach was adopted due to the qualitative and quantitative research design and connections between theory and evidence. The material search of ADS literature published between 2000 and 2022 resulted in 72 studies in total. While the synthesis of theoretical studies reveal the extant definitions, categorization of characteristics and theoretical orientations, the empirical study findings compare differences in participants and contexts, research approaches, communication events, and academic outcomes. This review also discusses major areas of research concerning ADS, mainly types of socialization agents, students’ feedback, learners’ identity construction, and assessment of consequences of ADS. With limitations concluded, the review encourages further focused investigation into micro-macro connections, application of digital technologies, a wider range of participants, disciplines and contexts, multiple types of oral activities and perspectives, learners’ linguistic production as well as correlation of oral and written texts, and joint efforts from multiple sides.
Coupling Coordination and Spatial Evolution of Sustainable Tourism-Innovation-Environment System: Evidence in China
Authors: Chen Zhijun , Zhao Suting , Wu Meiju
Published: October 2023

Coupling tourism development (TD), scientific and technological innovation (ST), and ecological environment (EE) is crucial to regional sustainable development, and it is necessary to explore the spatial and temporal characteristics. The study constructs a coordinated development evaluation index system for the three subsystems. And the spatiotemporal characteristics of the coupling coordination between TD, ST, and EE were revealed by applying the entropy method, coupling coordination model and based on the panel data of 30 regions in China from 2005 to 2020. The results show that: (1) the comprehensive development index and coupling coordination degree show an increasing trend, focusing on the stages of endangered and mild imbalance recession;(2) Most regions are in a state of high coupling and low coordination, mainly concentrated in tourism lagging or science and technology lagging; (3) the coupling coordination shows a spatial pattern as the moderate imbalance in the northwest and the relative balance in the southeast, with a vast regional disparities and clustering characteristics; and (4) the gray prediction model shows that the coupling coordination degree will continue the upward trend in the future. In a nutshell, this research presents a novel framework and results that can be used as an evaluation index and policy insights for coupling TD, ST, and EE.
Influence of Facility Characteristics on the Quality of Life of Older Adult Residents: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rodríguez-Martínez Antonia , Martín Cano María del Carmen , de la Fuente Robles Yolanda María , Jiménez-Delgado Juan José
Published: October 2023

This review aims to obtain the relationships between characteristics of the facilities and the quality of life of older adult residents, and to obtain the direction in which new studies should be addressed as well as their application to healthcare policies. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Multiple databases have been used: Scopus, Web of Science, Wiley online library, PubMed, ProQuest, EBSCOhost, and Emerald, from January 1, 2011 to July 1, 2023. Ten studies from 1,037 articles were included. Evidence exists on the positive relationships between quality of life and hours of management, care, activities, and qualified staff, and in general, the characteristics included in the categories of space management, supporting facilities and building services. In contrast charitable and for-profit facilities, Medicaid status, resident acuity, deficiencies, chain affiliation, size, hours of practical nurses, turnover, and financial resources (except occupancy rate) have a negative impact on quality of life or their dimensions.
Rapid Assessment of Subjective Hearing Complaints With a Modified Version of the Tinnitus and Hearing Survey
Authors: Davidson Alyssa , Ellis Gregory , Sherlock LaGuinn P. , Schurman Jaclyn , Brungart Douglas
Published: October 2023

Hearing difficulties are frequently reported by patients in audiology clinics, including patients with normal audiometric thresholds. However, because all individuals experience some difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments, it can be difficult to assess hearing complaints objectively across patients. Normative values help address this issue by providing an objective cutoff score for determining what is or is not clinically significant. The goal of this study was to establish normative values for the four-item hearing subscale of the Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS-H). Respondents completing the THS-H rate the level of difficulty understanding speech in the situations most commonly reported as being difficult: in the presence of noise, on TV or in movies, soft voices and group conversations. In this study, 22,583 US Service Members (SMs) completed the THS-H using an 11-point scale ranging from 0 (not a problem) to 10 (a very big problem). Responses to the four items were summed to produce values between 0 and 40. The distribution of the final scores was analyzed based on severity of hearing loss, age, and sex. Only 5% of SMs with clinically normal hearing scored above 27, so this score was selected as a cutoff for “clinically significant hearing problems.” Due to its ease of administration and interpretation, the THS-H could be a useful tool for identifying patients with subjective hearing difficulty warranting audiological evaluation and management.
Engaging Health Professions Educators in an Initiative to Create and Disseminate Micro Virtual Asynchronous Educator Development Content During COVID-19
Authors: Dzara Kristina , DePaula Caitlyn R , Alexander Erik K
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVES

Most teaching activities pivoted to virtual during COVID-19. Demanding schedules necessitated brief, asynchronous, and widely disseminated professional development to encourage connection and reinforce educator identity. We created and disseminated micro virtual asynchronous educator development while engaging educators from interprofessional backgrounds to co-create teaching tips. We undertook educational evaluation to understand the impact of our educational initiative, measured along 2 professional development dimensions offering contexts for learning—the individual or independent experience, and the group or collective experience—which served as an organizing framework from which to interpret our results.

METHODS

Between June 2020 and July 2021, 74 educators at our institution were asked to participate in our “One Minute Teaching Tips” initiative by providing a brief tip or pearl. Each tip was edited, prepared as a high-quality infographic, and shared via: (1) website; (2) digital monitors; (3) newsletter; and (4) Twitter (now X). Quantitative metrics measuring website and Twitter engagement were analyzed descriptively and to determine distinctions among key variables. Participants answered a brief survey and directed content analysis was utilized to analyze the open-ended responses.

RESULTS

Fifty educators (67.5%) participated. Among those, 45 (90%) completed the survey. Tips were accessed via website 1447 times, averaging 28.9/week. The average tweet garnered 43.2 engagements. Six categories aligned with the individual dimension: participants engaged meaningfully, considered prior experience, relied on educational principles, focused on interest or passion, reflected on teaching practices, and experienced reinforced professional identity. Six categories aligned with the collective dimension: participants felt the initiative supported institutional need, was visible to the community, encouraged engagement with other tips, supported inclusive participation, brought value within the community, and showcased education.

CONCLUSION

Our initiative aligns with a contemporary understanding of professional development and was impactful along individual and collective dimensions. Similar initiatives could be developed in alignment with accreditation requirements.
Rekindling Love for Heritage Through the Literary Festival
Authors: Ahmed Razi
Published: October 2023

Over the 10 years, the annualLahoreLiteraryFestival (LLF)has focused on highlighting the symbiotic relationship betweenLahoreand literature.Lahore’s complex past seen today in its architectural heritage, the storied buildings and the intangible traditions has inspired prose and poetry and, indeed, dissent and civic liberties too. It is this aspect of the physical and literary heritage that unifies the past and present, and becomes a leitmotif for the LLF, to give the city its distinct historic and literary aura. By working to mobilize students, volunteers and citizens from across the city, the LLF aims not just to harness a love for reading, writing and thinking but also for the city’s multicultural physical heritage.
Age and ligand specificity influence the outcome of pathogen engagement on preleukemic and leukemic B-cell precursor populations
Authors: Atre Tanmaya , Farrokhi Ali , Jo Sumin , Salitra Samuel , Duque-Afonso Jesus , Cleary Michael L. , Rolf Nina , Reid Gregor S. D.
Published: October 2023

Common infections have long been proposed to play a role in the development of pediatric B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). However, epidemiologic studies report contradictory effects of infection exposure on subsequent B-ALL risk, and no specific pathogen has been definitively linked to the disease. A unifying mechanism to explain the divergent outcomes could inform disease prevention strategies. We previously reported that the pattern recognition receptor (PRR) ligand Poly(I:C) exerted effects on B-ALL cells that were distinct from those observed with other nucleic acid–based PRR ligands. Here, using multiple double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) moieties, we show that the overall outcome of exposure to Poly(I:C) reflects the balance of opposing responses induced by its ligation to endosomal and cytoplasmic receptors. This PRR response biology is shared between mouse and human B-ALL and can increase leukemia-initiating cell burden in vivo during the preleukemia phase of B-ALL, primarily through tumor necrosis factor α signaling. The age of the responding immune system further influences the impact of dsRNA exposure on B-ALL cells in both mouse and human settings. Overall, our study demonstrates that potentially proleukemic and antileukemic effects can each be generated by the stimulation of pathogen recognition pathways and indicates a mechanistic explanation for the contrasting epidemiologic associations reported for infection exposure and B-ALL.
MCCC2 is a novel mediator between mitochondria and telomere and functions as an oncogene in colorectal cancer
Authors: Liu Wanjun , Chen Si , Xie Wenqing , Wang Qian , Luo Qianxin , Huang Minghan , Gu Minyi , Lan Ping , Chen Daici
Published: October 2023

Background

The mitochondrial gene MCCC2, a subunit of the heterodimer of 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase, plays a pivotal role in catabolism of leucine and isovaleric acid. The molecular mechanisms and prognostic value still need to be explored in the context of specific cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

In vitro and in vivo cell-based assays were performed to explore the role of MCCC2 in CRC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Mitochondrial morphology, membrane potential, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), telomerase activity, and telomere length were examined and analyzed accordingly. Protein complex formation was detected by co-immunoprecipitation (CO-IP). Mitochondrial morphology was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) CRC cohort analysis, qRT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to examine the MCCC2 expression level. The association between MCCC2 expression and various clinical characteristics was analyzed by chi-square tests. CRC patients’ overall survival (OS) was analyzed by Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Results

Ectopic overexpression of MCCC2 promoted cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, while MCCC2 knockdown (KD) or knockout (KO) inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. MCCC2 KD or KO resulted in reduced mitochondria numbers, but did not affect the gross ATP production in the cells. Mitochondrial fusion markers MFN1, MFN2, and OPA1 were all upregulated in MCCC2 KD or KO cells, which is in line with a phenomenon of more prominent mitochondrial fusion. Interestingly, telomere lengths of MCCC2 KD or KO cells were reduced more than control cells. Furthermore, we found that MCCC2 could specifically form a complex with telomere binding protein TRF2, and MCCC2 KD or KO did not affect the expression or activity of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT). Finally, MCCC2 expression was heightened in CRC, and patients with higher MCCC2 expression had favorable prognosis.

Conclusions

Together, we identified MCCC2 as a novel mediator between mitochondria and telomeres, and provided an additional biomarker for CRC stratification.
Connective tissue mast cells store and release noradrenaline
Authors: Otani Yusuke , Yoshikawa Soichiro , Nagao Kei , Tanaka Takehiro , Toyooka Shinichi , Fujimura Atsushi
Published: October 2023

Mast cells are present in mucosal and connective tissues throughout the body. They synthesize and release a wide variety of bioactive molecules, such as histamine, proteases, and cytokines. In this study, we found that a population of connective tissue mast cells (CTMCs) stores and releases noradrenaline, originating from sympathetic nerves. Noradrenaline-storing cells, not neuronal fibers, were predominantly identified in the connective tissues of the skin, mammary gland, gastrointestinal tract, bronchus, thymus, and pancreas in wild-type mice but were absent in mast cell–deficient W-sash c-kit mutant KitW−sh/W−sh mice. In vitro studies using bone marrow–derived mast cells revealed that extracellular noradrenaline was taken up but not synthesized. Upon ionomycin stimulation, noradrenaline was released. Electron microscopy analyses further suggested that noradrenaline is stored in and released from the secretory granules of mast cells. Finally, we found that noradrenaline-storing CTMCs express organic cation transporter 3 (Oct3), which is also known as an extraneuronal monoamine transporter, SLC22A3. Our findings indicate that mast cells may play a role in regulating noradrenaline concentration by storing and releasing it in somatic tissues.
Methionine enkephalin(MENK) upregulated memory T cells in anti-influenza response
Authors: Tian Jing , Fu Wenrui , Xie Zifeng , Wang Xiaonan , Miao Miao , Shan Fengping , Yu Xiaodong
Published: October 2023

Novel prophylactic drugs and vaccination strategies for protection against influenza virus should induce specific effector T-cell immune responses in pulmonary airways and peripheral lymphoid organs. Designing approaches that promote T-cell-mediated responses and memory T-cell differentiation would strengthen host resistance to respiratory infectious diseases. The results of this study showed that pulmonary delivery of MENK via intranasal administration reduced viral titres, upregulated opioid receptor MOR and DOR, increased the proportions of T-cell subsets including CD8+ T cells, CD8+ TEM cells, NP/PA-effector CD8+ TEM cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lungs, and CD4+/CD8+ TCM cells in lymph nodes to protect mice against influenza viral challenge. Furthermore, we demonstrated that, on the 10th day of infection, the proportions of CD4+ TM and CD8+ TM cells were significantly increased, which meant that a stable TCM and TEM lineage was established in the early stage of influenza infection. Collectively, our data suggested that MENK administered intranasally, similar to the route of natural infection by influenza A virus, could exert antiviral activity through upregulating T-cell-mediated adaptive immune responses against influenza virus.
Advent of severe mitral regurgitation in surgical ventricular restoration and ventricular septal rupture repair
Authors: Liu Yihua , Filippetti Laura , Dan Pan , Phamisith Elodie , Sanesi Valério , Mandry Damien , Lauria Giuseppe , Maureira Juan Pablo
Published: October 2023

Background

Per-procedural severe mitral regurgitation is a rare complication in concomitant surgical ventricular restoration and postinfarction ventricular septal rupture repair. It is challenging to discover the underlying etiology and adopt an appropriate strategy, in particular, in a high-risk patient.

Case presentation

Semi-emergent surgical ventricular restoration combined with ventricular septal rupture closure and coronary artery bypassing was performed in a 67-year-old male patient. Severe mitral regurgitation was detected after the weaning of cardiopulmonary bypass. Two key questions arose in the management of this condition: did the regurgitation exist previously and was dissimulated by significant left-to-right shunt, or it occurred secondarily to the Dor procedure? Which was the better management strategy, chordal-sparing mitral valve replacement or mitral plasty? We believed that severe mitral regurgitation was under-estimated pre-operatively and we performed an downsizing annuloplasty to treat mitral regurgitation. The outcomes were promising and the patient did well in follow-up.

Conclusions

Our case brought out an open discussion on the etiology and therapeutic strategies of this complicated condition.
Chronobiology discrepancies between patients with acute type a aortic dissection complicated with and without sleep apnea syndrome: a single-center seven-year retrospective study
Authors: Luo Zeng-Rong , Bin-Yao  , Huang Zhong-Yao
Published: October 2023

Background

The present study aimed to investigate the differences in chronobiology and prevention between patients with acute type-A aortic dissection (ATAAD) complicated with sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) and without sleep apnea syndrome (non-SAS).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical information of ATAAD patients using hospital medical records and regional meteorological and chronological information between January 2013 and December 2019.

Results

An early mortality rate of 16.9% (196 out of 1160 cases) was observed, comprising 95 cases of aortic rupture before surgery and 101 surgery-related deaths. Eighty-one of the 964 survivors were screened for SAS using complete morphological characteristics. Of these patients, 291 (33.0%) suffered from SAS, while 590 (67.0%) had no SAS. Based on a Circular Von Mises distribution analysis, the non-SAS patients experienced a significant morning peak in the occurrence of ATAAD at 10:04 (r1 = 0.148, p < 0.01). In contrast, the SAS patients experienced a significantly different (non-SAS vs. SAS, U2 = 0.947, p < 0.001) nighttime peak at 23:48 (r2 = 0.489, p < 0.01). Moreover, both non-SAS (Z = 39.770, P < 0.001) and SAS (Z = 55.663, P < 0.001) patients showed a comparable peak during January (non-SAS vs. SAS, U2 = 0.173, p > 0.05). Furthermore, SAS patients experienced a peak on Fridays (χ2 = 36.419, p < 0.001), whereas there was no significant difference in the weekly distribution in non-SAS patients (χ2 = 11.315, p = 0.079).

Conclusions

The analyses showed that both SAS and non-SAS patients showed distinct rhythmicity in ATAAD onset. These findings highlight the chronobiological triggers within different ATAAD subpopulations and may contribute to the prevention of this potentially fatal occurrence.
Plasma hepatocyte growth factor as a noninvasive biomarker in small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhao Cong , Tong Li , Liu Bin , Qi Fei , Zhang Zhiyun , Guo Yi , Liu Yanxia , Wang Ying , Zhang Lina , Lu Baohua , Li Baolan , Zhang Tongmei
Published: October 2023

Background

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a peptide-containing multifunctional cytokine, which is overexpressed and/or activated in multiple malignancies and is reported to be associated with tumor development and inferior survival. At present, the role of HGF in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has not been fully explored yet.

Materials and methods

The expression of HGF and its value in predicting survival in SCLC were explored from GEO database and in pan-cancer analysis. Furthermore, we detected the expression of HGF using tumor tissue and paired plasma samples from a validation cohort of 71 SCLC patients at our institute. Correlation between tumor and plasma HGF expression and the prognostic values were analyzed.

Results

GEO database analysis revealed that tumor tissue had lower HGF expression than paired normal tissue in SCLC. At our institute, immunohistochemical staining showed negative expression of HGF in tumor tissue of SCLC at our institute (47/47, 100%). The average baseline plasma HGF was 1.28 (range,0.42–4.35) ng/ml. However, plasma HGF was higher in SCLC patients with patients with N3, M1, liver metastasis (LM) and bone metastasis (BM) disease compared with those N0 − 2 (1.25 vs. 1.75 ng/mL, P = 0.000), M0 (1.26 vs. 1.63 ng/mL, P = 0.003), non-LM (1.32 vs. 2.06 ng/mL, P = 0.009), and non-BM (1.35 vs. 1.77 ng/mL, P = 0.047), respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed plasma HGF was an independent predictor for LM and prognostic factor of OS.

Conclusion

Our results revealed that plasma HGF rather than tumor HGF exhibited a potential role in predicting metastasis and survival in SCLC. Plasma HGF might be used as a non-invasive detecting and monitoring tool for SCLC.
High expression of CCDC69 is correlated with immunotherapy response and protective effects on breast cancer
Authors: Wang Zhen , Ren Huiyang , Zhu Guolian , Zhang Lei , Cao Hongyi , Chen Bo
Published: October 2023

Background

As a molecule controlling the assembly of central spindles and recruitment of midzone component, coiled-coil domain-containing protein 69 (CCDC69) plays an important role in multiple cancers. Currently, the relationships between CCDC69 and immune infiltration or immunotherapy in breast cancer remain unclear.

Methods

The expression and prognostic significance of CCDC69 in breast cancer were comprehensively analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR, immunohistochemical staining and various databases. The data source of differentially expressed genes, gene set enrichment analysis, and immune cell infiltration analysis came from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Single-cell analysis based on IMMUcan database was used. The protein-protein interaction network was developed applying STRING, Cytoscape, CytoHubba, and GeneMANIA. TISIDB was employed in analyzing the CCDC69 co-expressed immune related genes. The correlations between CCDC69 and immunotherapy or immune-related scores were analyzed by CAMOIP and TISMO. Ctr-db was also used to conduct drug sensitivity analysis.

Results

The mRNA of CCDC69 was downregulated in breast cancer tissues compared with normal tissues. Higher CCDC69 expression was associated with a better breast cancer prognosis. Enrichment analysis showed that the co-expression genes of CCDC69 were mainly related to immune-related pathways. The expression of CCDC69 was found to be positively correlated with multiple tumor-suppression immune infiltration cells, especially T cells and dendritic cells. Meanwhile, high CCDC69 expression can predict better immunotherapy responses when compared with low CCDC69 expression. After the interferon-gamma treatment, the CCDC69 expression was elevated in vitro. CCDC69 expression was a reliable predictor for the response status of two therapeutic strategies in breast cancer.

Conclusions

Our research revealed the clinical significance of CCDC69 in breast cancer and validated the critical roles of CCDC69 in the tumor immune infiltration and immunotherapy responses.
Factors influencing the community participation approaches used in Aedes mosquito management in the Torres Strait, Australia
Authors: Allen Tammy , Crouch Alan , Russell Tanya L. , Topp Stephanie M.
Published: October 2023

Background

Aedes-borne disease risk is increasing in tropical and sub-tropical regions across the globe. While Aedes-borne disease continues to disproportionally affect low- and middle-income countries, parts of high-income countries, such as the Torres Strait region in Australia are also at risk. The Torres Strait is a group of islands located between Cape York Peninsula in far north Queensland, Australia and Papua New Guinea. The Torres Strait has both Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti and is close to Papua New Guinea where dengue fever is endemic. Managing Aedes-borne disease risk requires a range of strategies, including community participation. Existing research shows that high-income countries tend to favour government-led (top-down) informing approaches when engaging communities in Aedes mosquito management. Little is known about the factors that influence the choice of community participation approaches in Aedes mosquito management particularly in a high-income country setting, such as Australia. This research contributes to filling this knowledge gap by exploring the community participation approaches used in Aedes mosquito management and the factors influencing these choices in the Torres Strait.

Methods

16 semi-structured interviews were conducted with local government and state government agencies working in Aedes mosquito management in the Torres Strait. Six key mosquito management plans and policies were also reviewed. Thematic analysis was used to identify, analyse and attribute meaning from the data collected.

Results

A range of community participation approaches were used within the two main Aedes mosquito management programs (Aedes albopictus Elimination Program and the Torres Strait Island Regional Council, Environmental Health Program) in the Torres Strait. These approaches included door-to-door inspections, awareness raising strategies, and community clean-up events. Approaches were chosen for reasons related to regulations, attitude and beliefs, and resourcing.

Conclusions

This study revealed the use of both top-down and bottom-up approaches to engaging the community in Aedes mosquito management in the Torres Strait. These findings contribute to a better understanding of why bottom-up approaches are used, which is valuable for shaping future policy decisions. This study also provides suggestions on ways to enhance community participation in the Torres Strait, which could also be considered in other similar tropical regions.
Sequential inspiratory muscle exercise-noninvasive positive pressure ventilation alleviates oxidative stress in COPD by mediating SOCS5/JAK2/STAT3 pathway
Authors: Lei Yirou , He Jiaying , Hu Fang , Zhu Hao , Gu Jing , Tang Lijuan , Luo Man
Published: October 2023

Background

Pulmonary rehabilitation training is of great significance for the prognosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect and pathway of a new sequential noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) + inspiratory muscle training (IMT) therapy.

Methods

A total of 100 COPD patients were enrolled and randomly divided into oxygen therapy (OT), NIPPV, IMT and sequential (NIPPV + IMT) group. Lung function, exercise endurance, quality of life, and dyspnea symptoms were examined and recorded. Then, reactive oxygen species (ROS), malonaldehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunoassay, and suppressor of cytokine signaling 5 (SOCS5)/janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway expression changes were detected by quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot. A mouse model of COPD was then established to further verify the effects of SOCS5/JAK2/STAT3 pathways on lung function and oxidative stress.

Results

After 8 weeks of treatment, NIPPV, IMT or sequential (NIPPV + IMT) significantly improved exercise endurance, quality of life and dyspnea, reduced oxidative stress, promoted SOCS5 expression and inhibited the activation of JAK2/STAT3 pathway, and no significant effect was observed on lung function of COPD patients. Notably, sequential (NIPPV + IMT) showed better therapeutic outcomes than either IMT or NIPPV alone. Moreover, results at the animal level showed that overexpression of SOCS5 significantly reduced pulmonary inflammatory infiltration, pathological changes and oxidative stress levels in COPD mice, enhanced lung function, and inhibited the activation of JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

Conclusion

Our results elucidated that sequential (NIPPV + IMT) significantly relieved COPD development by regulating SOCS5/JAK2/STAT3 signaling-mediated oxidative stress.