bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global Regular Axially-Symmetric Solutions to the Navier–Stokes Equations with Small Swirl
Authors: Nowakowski Bernard , Zajaczkowski Wojciech M.
Published: August 2023

Axially symmetric solutions to the Navier–Stokes equations in a bounded cylinder are considered. On the boundary the normal component of the velocity and the angular components of the velocity and vorticity are assumed to vanish. If the norm of the initial swirl is sufficiently small, then the regularity of axially symmetric, weak solutions is shown. The key tool is a new estimate for the stream function in certain weighted Sobolev spaces.
Strong unique continuation and global regularity estimates for nanoplates
Authors: Morassi Antonino , Rosset Edi , Sincich Eva , Vessella Sergio
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we analyze some properties of a sixth-order elliptic operator arising in the framework of the strain gradient linear elasticity theory for nanoplates in flexural deformation. We first rigorously deduce the weak formulation of the underlying Neumann problem as well as its well posedness. Under some suitable smoothness assumptions on the coefficients and on the geometry, we derive interior and boundary regularity estimates for the solution of the Neumann problem. Finally, for the case of isotropic materials, we obtain new Strong Unique Continuation results in the interior, in the form of doubling inequality and three spheres inequality by a Carleman estimates approach.
The dangerous link between coal dust exposure and DNA damage: unraveling the role of some of the chemical agents and oxidative stress
Authors: Miranda-Guevara Alvaro , Muñoz-Acevedo Amner , Fiorillo-Moreno Ornella , Acosta-Hoyos Antonio , Pacheco-Londoño Leonardo , Quintana-Sosa Milton , De Moya Yurina , Dias Johnny , de Souza Guilherme Soares , Martinez-Lopez Wilner , Garcia Ana Letícia Hilário , da Silva Juliana , Borges Malu Siqueira , Henriques João Antonio Pêgas , León-Mejía Grethel
Published: August 2023

Exposure to coal mining dust poses a substantial health hazard to individuals due to the complex mixture of components released during the extraction process. This study aimed to assess the oxidative potential of residual coal mining dust on human lymphocyte DNA and telomeres and to perform a chemical characterization of coal dust and urine samples. The study included 150 individuals exposed to coal dust for over ten years, along with 120 control individuals. The results revealed significantly higher levels of DNA damage in the exposed group, as indicated by the standard comet assay, and oxidative damage, as determined by the FPG-modified comet assay. Moreover, the exposed individuals exhibited significantly shorter telomeres compared to the control group, and a significant correlation was found between telomere length and oxidative DNA damage. Using the PIXE method on urine samples, significantly higher concentrations of sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), chlorine (Cl), potassium (K), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and bromine (Br) were observed in the exposed group compared to the control group. Furthermore, men showed shorter telomeres, greater DNA damage, and higher concentrations of nickel (Ni), calcium (Ca), and chromium (Cr) compared to exposed women. Additionally, the study characterized the particles released into the environment through GC–MS analysis, identifying several compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as fluoranthene, naphthalene, anthracene, 7H-benzo[c]fluorene, phenanthrene, pyrene, benz[a]anthracene, chrysene, and some alkyl derivatives. These findings underscore the significant health risks associated with exposure to coal mining dust, emphasizing the importance of further research and the implementation of regulatory measures to safeguard the health of individuals in affected populations.

Graphic abstract
ELABELA/APJ Axis Prevents Diabetic Glomerular Endothelial Injury by Regulating AMPK/NLRP3 Pathway
Authors: Chen Zhida , Wang Zhe , Hu Yepeng , Lin Huangbo , Yin Li , Kong Jing , Zhang Yikai , Hu Bibi , Li Tiekun , Zheng Xianan , Yang Qiongying , Ye Shu , Wang Shengyao , Zhou Qiao , Zheng Chao
Published: August 2023

ELABELA (ELA), a recently discovered peptide, is highly expressed in adult kidneys and the endothelium system. It has been identified as a novel endogenous ligand for the apelin receptor (APJ). This study aims to investigate the role of ELA in diabetic glomerular endothelial pyroptosis and its underlying mechanism. Initially, a significant decrease in ELA mRNA levels was observed in the renal cortex of db/db mice and high glucose–treated glomerular endothelial cells (GECs). It was also found that ELA deficiency in ELA+/− mice significantly accelerated diabetic glomerular injury, as shown by exacerbated glomerular morphological damage, increased serum creatine and blood urea nitrogen, and elevated 24-h urinary albumin excretion. In addition, in vivo overexpression of ELA prevented diabetic glomerular injury, reduced von Willebrand factor expression, restored endothelial marker CD31 expression, and attenuated the production of adhesive molecules such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. Furthermore, in vitro studies confirmed that treatment with ELA inhibited GEC injury by regulating the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, as indicated by blocking NLRP3 inflammasome formation, decreasing cleaved Caspase-1 production, and inhibiting interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 production. Moreover, in vitro experiments demonstrated that the protective effects of ELA in GECs during hyperglycemia were diminished by inhibiting adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase (AMPK) using Compound C or by APJ deficiency. Taken together, this study provides the first evidence that ELA treatment could prevent diabetic glomerular endothelial injury, which is partly mediated by the regulation of the AMPK/NLRP3 signaling pathway. Therefore, pharmacologically targeting ELA may serve as a novel therapeutic strategy for diabetic kidney disease.
An Arabidopsis Pentatricopeptide Repeat Is a Moonlighting Protein with Cross-talking In Vitro Adenylyl Cyclase and Kinase Activities
Authors: Dikobe Tshegofatso , Sehlabane Katlego , Bobo Enetia , Sibanda-Makuvise Angela , Chatukuta Patience , Kawadza David , Ruzvidzo Oziniel
Published: August 2023

Downstream signalling involving adenylyl cyclases (ACs) and kinases is a key component of several processes in plants including cell division, growth, and response to stress. ACs are enzymes that generate the second messenger molecule, 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) from 5′-adenosine triphosphate (ATP) while kinases are enzymes that catalyze the addition of a phosphate group to other molecules (trans-phosphorylation) or themselves (auto-phosphorylation). Apparently, while there has been an expanded record of various ACs and kinases identified in plants, no plant molecule to date has been shown to possess both the AC and kinase activities/functions and with such activities/functions having the characteristic of cross-talking interactions. Therefore, in an endeavor to find such a molecule, we searched the amino acid sequence of a known Arabidopsis AC, pentatricopeptide repeat (AtPPR) protein, and found a kinase-specific sequence signature (KSSS), which we speculated to be working in synergy with the AC center in this protein during downstream signalling. So, in order to test if this additional center is catalytically active and perhaps also having some cross-talking interactions with the AC center, we cloned, expressed, and affinity purified a truncated version of AtPPR, harboring both the AC and KSSS centers (AtPPR-AC/K). When tested in vitro, the recombinant AtPPR-AC/K showed a Mn2+-dependent AC activity that is positively enhanced by Ca2+ and HCO3− and a trans-/auto-phosphorylation kinase activity capable of utilizing both ATP and GTP as substrates and specific to the serine, threonine, and tyrosine amino acids as target residues. In addition, the kinase activity of AtPPR-AC/K was found to be reduced by cAMP while at the same time, it was totally shut down by Ca2+. This thus qualified both cAMP and Ca2+ as molecular switches or modulators, capable of regulating AtPPR functions through cross-talking interactions between the activities of its two domains. Our work, therefore, has essentially established AtPPR as the first member of a new class of moonlighting proteins with AC and kinase activities that have cross-talking interactions between themselves, conceivably presenting this protein as an ideal candidate for further explorations to improve plants, particularly agricultural crops.
One App to Assess Them All
Authors: Toth Roland
Published: August 2023

Smartphones have become popular tools for data collection in the social sciences due to their high prevalence and mobility. Surveys, experience sampling (ESM) and tracking/logging are among the most used smartphone data-collection methods. However, existing apps are either commercial solutions, require programming skills, collect sensitive data, or do not handle all three methods simultaneously. When two or more data collection methods are used simultaneously, it further burdens both researchers and participants. This paper introduces the app MART (Mobile Assessment Research Tool) that solves these problems and is available for Android and iOS devices. Content and data collection settings can be customized dynamically via a web interface without the need to compile a new version of the app when changes are made. While the logging functionality is only supported on Android devices, data donation via the app Screen Time is requested on iOS devices. MART is already functional, and the source code is open-source and available on GitHub. The necessary long-term revisions for its use in custom projects without reprogramming are currently under development.
Measuring the reliability of proxy respondents in behavioural assessments: an open question
Authors: Lopez Antonella , Tinella Luigi , Caffò Alessandro , Bosco Andrea
Published: August 2023

Background

In behavioural assessment, information can be gathered from internally referenced self-reports or from proxy informants.

Aims

This study aimed to fine-tune a brief but reliable method for evaluating the proxy accuracy in cases where responses obtained from adult and older adults’ patient cannot be considered reliable.

Methods

We generated a set of items reflecting both overt and covert behaviours related to the basic instrumental activities of daily living. The psychometric properties of the content, factorial, and criterium validity of these items were then checked. The Proxy Reliability Questionnaire—ProRe was created. We tested the frequency of “I don’t know” responses as a measure of proxy reliability in a sample of healthy older adults and their proxies, and in a second sample of proxy respondents who answered questions about their parents.

Results

As expected, response precision was lower for items characterizing covert behaviours; items about covert compared to overt behaviours generated more “I don’t know” answers. Proxies provided less “I don’t know” responses when evaluating the parent, they claimed they knew better. Moreover, we tried to validate our approach using response confidence. Encouragingly, these results also showed differences in the expected direction in confidence between overt and covert behaviours.

Conclusions

The present study encourages clinicians/researchers to how well the proxy the patient know each other, the tendency of proxies to exhibit, for example, response bias when responding to questions about patients’ covert behaviours, and more importantly, the reliability of informants in providing a clinical assessment of neurocognitive diseases associated with aging.
A new dynamic DNA-coding model for gray-scale image encryption
Authors: Afify Yasmine M. , Sharkawy Nada H. , Gad Walaa , Badr Nagwa
Published: August 2023

To protect the images and provide a more secure cipher image, DNA encoding is crucial in image encryption. Applying a single, easily detectable coding rule to the image during DNA encoding has no impact on the encryption model's security level. Therefore, using various coding rules while applying encryption to the image, dynamic DNA-coding techniques have emerged to strengthen and improve the encryption of the image and its security. This study integrates a dynamic DNA-coding method with an encryption model. The model is applied to gray-scale images, where using a predetermined coding rule, every two bits are DNA-encoded in the image. The proposed model generates the key by sending the image and its metadata to hash functions. Following that, the hyperchaotic system constructs three chaotic sequences using the key, and the Lorenz–Liu chaotic system generates a sequence of coding rules. Then, the image is passed to Arnold Transform, where the resulted image is diffused by applying five chaotic maps. Last, using the coding rules, it is DNA-encoded, provided with the chaotic sequences to DNA, and DNA-decoded. Twelve metrics were used to assess the proposed model on ten widely used images. Results show a promising improvement in performance, since it enhanced the security of the model.
Characteristics and Production Technologies of Byzantine Building Bricks from the Anaia Church in Western Anatolia
Authors: Çam Elif , Uğurlu Sağın Elif
Published: August 2023

Fired bricks were valued as essential building materials in the central tradition of Byzantine architecture in Constantinople (İstanbul), Anatolia, and the Balkans. In this study, Byzantine bricks from three construction periods, covering nearly nine centuries (fifth–fourteenth centuries), of Anaia Church (Kadıkalesi) in Western Anatolia were investigated to determine their characteristics, raw material properties, and production technologies. The characteristics of the bricks were evaluated and compared in order to identify similarities and differences between the periods and to investigate the continuity of the tradition of brick production over centuries. Basic physical and colorimetric properties, chemical and mineralogical compositions, thermal behavior, and microstructural and mechanical properties of bricks were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and mechanical tests. The results indicated that all the bricks in the Anaia Church were brown-beige colored, highly porous, low-density materials with low mechanical strength. They were produced from Ca-rich clays, probably obtained from two different sources used during all construction periods. The mineralogical composition and thermal properties revealed that the bricks from the first and second periods were fired at between 800 and 900°C and the bricks from the third period were fired at < 850°C. Greater calcium content and firing temperatures were found to reduce the total porosity and the number of small pores (< 10 μm) and increase the mechanical strength of the bricks. The results of the study revealed no significant differences in the production of bricks, including raw material sources and kiln conditions, for the different construction periods of the church.
Changes in expression of mesothelial BBS genes in 2D and 3D after lithium chloride and ammonium sulphate induction of primary cilium disturbance: a pilot study
Authors: Rouka Erasmia , Jagirdar Rajesh M. , Sarrigeorgiou Ioannis , Pitaraki Eleanna , Sinis Sotirios I. , Varsamas Charalambos , Papazoglou Eleftherios D. , Kotsiou Ourania S. , Lymberi Peggy , Giannou Anastasios , Hatzoglou Chrissi , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos I. , Zarogiannis Sotirios G.
Published: August 2023

Background

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), a rare and aggressive pleural tumor, has significant histological and molecular heterogeneity. Primary Cilium (PC), an organelle of emerging importance in malignancies, has been scarcely investigated in MPM. A critical molecular complex for the PC function is the BBSome and here we aimed at assessing its expression patterns in ordinary 2D and spheroid 3D cell cultures.

Methods

A human benign mesothelial cell line (MeT-5A), MPM cell lines (M14K, epithelioid MPM; MSTO, biphasic MPM), and primary MPM cells (pMPM) were used. Primers specific for the human BBS1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 18 transcripts were designed, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was done with β-actin as the gene of reference. The relative gene expression across 2D and 3D cultures was analyzed by the expression factor (mean of 1/ΔCt values). With the 2–∆∆Ct method the gene expression fold changes were assessed from qRT-PCR data. Molecular changes using the PC-modulating drugs ammonium sulfate (AS) and lithium chloride (LC) were also determined.

Results

PC was present in all cells used in the study at approximately 15% of the observed area. BBSome transcripts were differentially expressed in different dimensions of cell culture (2D vs. 3D) in all cell lines and pMPM. Treatment with AS and LC affected the expression of the ciliary BBS2 and BBS18 genes in the benign as well as in the MPM cells.

Conclusions

These data indicate distinct BBSome molecular profiles in human benign and MPM cells cultured in 2D and 3D dimensions and support the notion that PC genes should be investigated as potential MPM therapeutic targets.
A case–control study on early removal of thoracic drainage tube and gastric tube after MIE
Authors: Wang Qiang , Liu Huining , Guo Xufeng
Published: August 2023

Objective

To investigate the feasibility and safety of early removal of gastric tube and thoracic drainage tube after minimally invasive esophagectomy.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on 93 patients undergoing thoraco-laparoscopic assisted esophagectomy between January 2022 and September 2022. All patients were divided into two groups, the early group and the conventional group. The differences in drainage volume on the first day after operation, days of thoracic drainage tube indwelling, thoracic drainage tube replacement, incidence rate of pleural effusion, atelectasis, pneumothorax as well as pulmonary infection, respiratory insufficiency, and postoperative hospital stay were compared between the two groups. The criteria for thoracic drainage tube removal is the daily thoracic drainage volume of less than 250 ml in the early group. The gastric fluid volume on the first day after operation, the number of days of gastric tube indwelling, the rate of gastric tube replacement after removal, and the time of intestinal exhaust were compared between the two groups. In the meantime, the incidence of complications, such as anastomotic leakage and pulmonary infection, was observed in the two groups.

Results

The removal time of gastric tube and thoracic drainage tube was significantly earlier in the early group than in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the gastric fluid volume and pleural fluid between the early group and the conventional group. P > 0.05), but there were significant differences in postoperative anastomotic leakage between the two groups (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of pleural effusion, atelectasis, pneumothorax, and pulmonary infection (P > 0.05), nor in thoracentesis rate and gastric tube replacement (P > 0.05). The postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the early group than in the conventional group (P < 0.05)

Conclusion

The early removal of the thoracic drainge tube and gastric tube is safe and effective, which does not increase the incidence of postoperative complications.
Waste Nothing: The Impact of Glass and Metal Recycling in Imperial Roman Towns
Authors: Furlan Guido , Andreatta Chiara
Published: August 2023

In this article, the authors investigate the effectiveness of glass and metal recycling in Roman towns. The comparison of sealed primary deposits (reflecting what was in use in Roman towns) with dumping sites shows a marked drop in glass and metal finds in the dumps. Although different replacement ratios and fragmentation indices affect the composition of the assemblages recovered in dumps, recycling appears to have played a fundamental role, very effectively reintroducing into the productive chain most glass and metal items before their final discard. After presenting a case study from Pompeii, the authors examine contexts from other sites that suggest that recycling practices were not occasional. In sum, recycling should be considered as an effective and systematic activity that shaped the economy of Roman towns.
Shock reflection with incident shock–wedge trailing-edge expansion fan interaction
Authors: Bai Chen-Yuan
Published: August 2023

Steady shock reflection where the incident shock is free of interaction with other waves has been well studied. In this paper, we consider the less studied shock reflection problem where the incident shock interacts with the wedge trailing-edge expansion fan, which occurs when the wedge trailing-edge height surpasses a threshold. The influence of this interaction on the advance of transition from Mach reflection to regular reflection is quantified in terms of the wedge trailing-edge height ratio. The wave pattern, including primary and reflected Mach waves, for Mach reflection with interaction is clarified using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and the method of characteristics. Those reflected Mach waves having an important effect on Mach reflection are identified. A simplified Mach stem model that accounts for the direct role of the interaction on the incident shock and its indirect role on the reflected shock and slipline is built up on a past model without interaction. Both theory and CFD show that the Mach stem height decreases nonlinearly with increasing trailing-edge height.
Co-opting the stars: Divination and the politics of resistance in Buddhist Thailand
Authors: Siani Edoardo
Published: August 2023

Beginning in 2020, young people in Thailand have led rallies to protest the interference of the military and the monarchy in politics. They have also condemned the role played by Buddhist discourse and court ritual in celebrating kings as divine. ‘No God, No King, Only Human’ reads a protest sign. Simultaneously, however, some groups of protesters have used the same ‘religious’ repertoire, such as the astrological tradition of the court, in their activism, turning it into an instrument of resistance. This article explores this apparent ambivalence via an ethnographic focus on divination, a long-standing central feature of Thai politics. Drawing from a decade of fieldwork conducted with diviners (mo du) and their clients from both pro-regime and pro-democracy camps, including prominent young activists, I argue that progressive individuals do not necessarily need to reject cosmological ideas and rituals deemed conservative in order to resist. Rather, many proactively co-opt them to enhance their own position in the polity, further demonstrating the inability of those in power to live up to accepted moral standards. This strategy, which builds on a Southeast Asian tradition of millenarianism, mobilises dogmatic notions including karma in support of narratives and practices of resistance.
Routes to healthy ageing: the role of lifecourse patterns
Authors: Papa Roberta , Scherer Stefani
Published: August 2023

Healthy ageing is a dynamic process, but only a few studies use a longitudinal perspective to investigate the routes to healthy ageing and rarely do so in comparative perspective. This study adopts a holistic multi-domain approach in order to investigate the importance of lifecourse patterns for healthy ageing in Europe, as measured by the Global Activity Limitation Indicator (GALI) and using seven waves of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Employment and family histories are identified through sequence analysis and used as predictors, together with childhood conditions, in multivariate ordered logistic models covering a sample of 15,952 participants aged 60–65 years. The results showed that ‘non-standard’ employment and family patterns hamper healthy ageing and that these negative effects tend to reinforce each other across the employment and family domains rather than compensating for each other – especially in women. Welfare states, however, moderate these associations. The findings promote the adoption of a lifecourse approach to healthy ageing that considers multiple domains simultaneously and addresses unfavourable life conditions as early as possible in an attempt to mitigate their effects.
Evaluation of a rapid diagnostic test for measles IgM detection; accuracy and the reliability of visual reading using sera from the measles surveillance programme in Brazil, 2015
Authors: Warrener Lenesha , Andrews Nick , Koroma Halima , Alessandrini Isabella , Haque Mahmoud , Garcia Cristiana C. , Matos Aline R. , Caetano Braulia , Lemos Xenia R. , Siqueira Marilda M. , Samuel Dhanraj , Brown David W.
Published: August 2023

Laboratory-based case confirmation is an integral part of measles surveillance programmes; however, logistical constraints can delay response. Use of RDTs during initial patient contact could enhance surveillance by real-time case confirmation and accelerating public health response. Here, we evaluate performance of a novel measles IgM RDT and assess accuracy of visual interpretation using a representative collection of 125 sera from the Brazilian measles surveillance programme. RDT results were interpreted visually by a panel of six independent observers, the consensus of three observers and by relative reflectance measurements using an ESEQuant Reader. Compared to the Siemens anti-measles IgM EIA, sensitivity and specificity of the RDT were 94.9% (74/78, 87.4–98.6%) and 95.7% (45/47, 85.5-99.5%) for consensus visual results, and 93.6% (73/78, 85.7–97.9%) and 95.7% (45/47, 85.5-99.5%), for ESEQuant measurement, respectively. Observer agreement, determined by comparison between individuals and visual consensus results, and between individuals and ESEQuant measurements, achieved average kappa scores of 0.97 and 0.93 respectively. The RDT has the sensitivity and specificity required of a field-based test for measles diagnosis, and high kappa scores indicate this can be accomplished accurately by visual interpretation alone. Detailed studies are needed to establish its role within the global measles control programme.
Benatar and Beyond: Rethinking the Consequences of Asymmetry
Authors: Draper Kaila
Published: August 2023

David Benatar's asymmetry argument in defense of anti-natalism is unconvincing, but not, as most of his critics would have it, because the alleged asymmetry on which it is based does not exist. Rather, the problem is that the existence of that asymmetry does not warrant the conclusion that it is better never to have been. This paper explains Benatar's mistake and identifies the correct conclusions to draw from the axiological asymmetry he identifies. It also sheds light on certain puzzles in population ethics.
Socio-cultural integration of Afghan refugees in Türkiye: the role of traumatic events, post-displacement stressors and mental health
Authors: Kurt Gülşah , Ekhtiari Maryam , Ventevogel Peter , Ersahin Merve , Ilkkursun Zeynep , Akbiyik Nuriye , Acarturk Ceren
Published: August 2023

Aims

Socio-cultural integration of refugees has received scant attention in the academic literature. Türkiye hosts the largest number of refugees, including Afghans, as the second largest asylum-seeking group in Türkiye. There is a dearth of research into the mental health and integration of Afghan refugees in Türkiye. The aim of the present study was to investigate socio-cultural integration outcomes among Afghan refugees in Türkiye by considering the role of traumatic events and post-displacement stressors. The role of mental health in integration outcomes was further examined.

Methods

A cross-sectional, web-based survey study with 785 Afghan refugees in Türkiye was conducted between April and June 2021. Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics, potentially traumatic events (PTEs) (Harvard Trauma Questionnaire), post-displacement stressors (Post-Migration Living Difficulties Checklist), mental health symptoms (Hopkins Symptoms Checklist-25), social integration- social bonds (contact with co-ethnic group members) and social bridges (contact with the host community)- and cultural integration (Vancouver Index of Acculturation). Structural equation modelling was conducted to test the hypothesized relationship between conflict and displacement-related stressors, mental health and socio-cultural integration.

Results

Findings showed that conflict-related traumatic events and post-displacement stressors significantly predicted higher mental health symptoms. Experiencing traumatic events significantly predicted higher levels of social bridges, adopting destination culture and lower level of maintaining heritage culture. Mental health problems predicted the relationship between stressors related to forced displacement and integration outcomes-social bridges and adopting destination culture. These findings highlight the role of mental health as an indispensable resource for socio-cultural integration. Further, conflict and displacement-related stressors are important determinants of socio-cultural integration among Afghan refugees in Türkiye.

Conclusion

Exposure to PTEs and post-displacement stressors were significant risk factors for the mental health and socio-cultural integration of Afghan refugees in Türkiye. These stressful experiences deteriorate refugees’ mental health, which hinders their integration into the host society.
Exploratory Analysis of Surrogate Metrics to Assess the Resilience of Water Distribution Networks
Authors: Carneiro Joana , Loureiro Dália , Covas Dídia
Published: August 2023

This study compares and discusses the adequacy of surrogate resilience metrics proposed in the literature for resilience assessment of drinking water systems concerning demand increase and network redundancy. A sensitivity analysis is carried out for increasing flow rates using a conceptual case study with different layouts and demand scenarios, selecting several metrics to assess the resilience of two real network areas. Resilience metrics based on surplus energy are sensitive to network layout and demand scenarios. The network resilience index considers hydraulic reliability and network diameter uniformity. In contrast, the weighted resilience index also considers the network topology and gives importance to pipes with higher flow rates. Entropy‐based resilience metrics mainly rely on the network flows' uniformity and are sensitive to pipe redundancy. The entropy metric most adequate to assess the hydraulic capacity is the diameter‐sensitive flow entropy, since it is sensitive to the velocity inside the pipes. Topology metrics cannot assess the hydraulic capacity though evaluate the system redundancy (meshed‐ness coefficient), robustness (central‐point dominance) and water transportation efficiency (average‐path length). Surrogate resilience metrics do not assess the system performance during a failure. They indicate systems which are better prepared to overcome failure events and increased demand events, providing vital information to drinking water systems management.
Boosting Support for Students and Early-Career Professionals
Authors: Becker Paige , Byrnes Danyka , Hall Caitlyn , Rao Yuhan
Published: August 2023

Student and early-career professional groups can build community, drive equitable change in institutions, and promote the well-being of individuals traversing the often-bumpy paths to science careers.
A Pacific Tropical Decadal Variability Challenge for Climate Models
Authors: Zhao Yingying , Di Lorenzo Emanuele , Newman Matthew , Capotondi Antonietta , Stevenson Samantha
Published: August 2023

Understanding and forecasting Tropical Pacific Decadal‐scale Variability (TPDV) strongly rely on climate model simulations. Using a Linear Inverse Modeling (LIM) diagnostic approach, we reveal Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 models have significant challenges in reproducing the spatial structure and dominant mechanisms of TPDV. Specifically, while the models' ensemble mean pattern of TPDV resembles that of observations, the spread across models is very large and most models show significant differences from observations. In observations, removing the coupling between extratropics and tropics reduces TPDV by ∼60%–70%, and removing the tropical thermocline variability makes the central tropical Pacific a key center of action for TPDV and El Niño Southern Oscillation variability. These characteristics are only confirmed in a subset of models. Differences between observations and simulations are outside the range of natural internal TPDV noise and pose important questions regarding our ability to model the impacts of natural internal low‐frequency variability superimposed on long‐term climate change.
Dynamic Rupture Process of the 2023 Mw 7.8 Kahramanmaraş Earthquake (SE Türkiye): Variable Rupture Speed and Implications for Seismic Hazard
Authors: Wang Zijia , Zhang Wenqiang , Taymaz Tuncay , He Zhongqiu , Xu Tianhong , Zhang Zhenguo
Published: August 2023

We considered various non‐uniformities such as branch faults, rotation of stress field directions, and changes in tectonic environments to simulate the dynamic rupture process of the 6 February 2023 Mw 7.8 Kahramanmaraş earthquake in SE Türkiye. We utilized near‐fault waveform data, GNSS static displacements, and surface rupture to constrain the dynamic model. The results indicate that the high initial stress accumulated in the Kahramanmaraş‐Çelikhan seismic gap leads to the successful triggering of the East Anatolian Fault (EAF) and the supershear rupture in the northeast segment. Due to the complexity of fault geometry, the rupture speed along the southeastern segment of the EAF varied repeatedly between supershear and subshear, which contributed to the unexpectedly strong ground motion. Furthermore, the triggering of the EAF reminds us to be aware of the risk of seismic gaps on major faults being triggered by secondary faults, which is crucial to prevent significant disasters.
The parabrachial to central amygdala pathway is critical to injury-induced pain sensitization in mice
Authors: Torres-Rodriguez Jeitzel M. , Wilson Torri D. , Singh Sudhuman , Torruella-Suárez Maria L. , Chaudhry Sarah , Adke Anisha P. , Becker Jordan J. , Neugebauer Benjamin , Lin Jenny L. , Martinez Gonzalez Santiago , Soler-Cedeño Omar , Carrasquillo Yarimar
Published: August 2023

The spino-ponto-amygdaloid pathway is a major ascending circuit relaying nociceptive information from the spinal cord to the brain. Potentiation of excitatory synaptic transmission in the parabrachial nucleus (PBN) to central amygdala (CeA) pathway has been reported in rodent models of persistent pain. However, the functional significance of this pathway in the modulation of the somatosensory component of pain was recently challenged by studies showing that spinal nociceptive neurons do not target CeA-projecting PBN cells and that manipulations of this pathway have no effect on reflexive-defensive somatosensory responses to peripheral noxious stimulation. Here, we showed that activation of CeA-projecting PBN neurons is critical to increase both stimulus-evoked and spontaneous nociceptive responses following an injury in male and female mice. Using optogenetic-assisted circuit mapping, we confirmed a functional excitatory projection from PBN→CeA that is independent of the genetic or firing identity of CeA cells. We then showed that peripheral noxious stimulation increased the expression of the neuronal activity marker Fos in CeA-projecting PBN neurons and that chemogenetic inactivation of these cells decreased behavioral hypersensitivity in models of neuropathic and inflammatory pain without affecting baseline nociception. Lastly, we showed that chemogenetic activation of CeA-projecting PBN neurons is sufficient to induced bilateral hypersensitivity without injury. Together, our results indicate that the PBN→CeA pathway is a key modulator of pain-related behaviors that can increase reflexive-defensive and affective-motivational responses to somatosensory stimulation in injured states without affecting nociception under normal physiological conditions.
LAMC2 promotes EGFR cell membrane localization and acts as a novel biomarker for tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) sensitivity in lung cancer
Authors: Tong Dongdong , Wang Xiaofei , Liu Liying , Wen Ting , Chen QiaoYi , Huang Chen
Published: August 2023

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is one of the first and most prominent driver genes known to promote malignant lung cancer. Investigating regulatory mechanisms beyond ligand-receptor binding, phosphorylation, and receptor kinase activation as means of EGFR signaling activation is important for improving EGFR-targeted therapy. Here, we report that Laminin-5γ-2 (LAMC2) retained high oncogenic capacity in lung cancer, silencing LAMC2 inhibited EGFR-induced cell proliferation and tumor growth in vivo. Deletion mutation experiments showed that both the EGF-Lam and LamB regions of LAMC2 are necessary for EGFR receptor binding, and that LAMC2 and EGFR were found to co-localize at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. In addition, LAMC2 overexpression enhanced EGFR membrane deposition and promoted EGFR transport from the ER. Moreover, LAMC2 was necessary for preventing EGFR protein degradation via ubiquitination. Lastly, our study showed that high LAMC2 expression is positively associated with response to gefitinib (EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor) treatment. Overall, our study revealed a new regulatory mechanism of LAMC2 in promoting EGFR protein expression and stability by facilitating ER transport and preventing protein degradation via ubiquitination. Moreover, LAMC2 may serve as a stratifying biomarker for patients suitable for EGFR-TKI treatment.
Different types of cell death and their shift in shaping disease
Authors: Shen Sikou , Shao Yina , Li Chenghua
Published: August 2023

Cell death is the irreversible stop of life. It is also the basic physiological process of all organisms which involved in the embryonic development, organ maintenance and autoimmunity of the body. In recent years, we have gained more comprehension of the mechanism in cell death and have basically clarified the different types of "programmed cell death", such as apoptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, and pyroptosis, and identified some key genes in these processes. However, in these previous studies, the conversion between different cell death modes and their application in diseases are rarely explored. To sum up, although many valued discoveries have been discovered in the field of cell death in recent years, there are still many unknown problems to be solved in this field. Facts have proved that cell death is a very complex game, and a series of core players have the ability to destroy the delicate balance of the cell environment, from survival to death, from anti-inflammatory to pro-inflammatory. With the thorough research of the complex regulatory mechanism of cell death, there will certainly be exciting new research in this field in the next few years. The sake of this paper is to emphasize the complex mechanism of overturning the balance between different cell fates and provide relevant theoretical basis for the connection between cell death transformation and disease treatment in the future.
Suboptimal outcomes and treatment burden of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment for diabetic macular oedema in phakic patients
Authors: Rennie Christina , Lotery Andrew , Payne Jo , Singh Moushmi , Ghanchi Faruque
Published: August 2023

Objectives

In England and Wales, treatment options were limited for patients with diabetic macular oedema (DMO) with phakic eyes that failed anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment pre-2022. This study aimed to quantify the response to, and treatment burden of, anti-VEGF treatment in phakic eyes.

Methods

Retrospective, cohort study using electronic patient record data from two UK centres between 2015 and 2020. Primary objective was proportion of phakic eyes with a suboptimal response after initial 6 months of anti-VEGF treatment. Data were available for 500 eyes from 399 patients.

Results

At 6 months significantly more eyes had a suboptimal response to anti-VEGF treatment: 65.8% (95% CI 61.5–70.0%) vs 34.2% (95% CI 30.0–38.5%), p < 0.0001. Baseline visual acuity (VA) predicted VA outcome, however, despite greater gains in eyes with poorer VA, such eyes did not achieve the same VA levels as those who started treatment with better VA. Only 53.6% of eyes had more than three injections in the first 6 months indicating difficulties in delivering high volume/high frequency treatment. Treatment and review burden were similar over the following years regardless of response to anti-VEGF treatment.

Conclusions

Data confirm previous real world evidence around response to anti-VEGF treatment, importance of baseline VA and frequency of injections in predicting outcomes in a UK setting. Continuing treatment beyond 6 months in suboptimal responders imposes unnecessary treatment burden without significant change in VA. In suboptimal responders, consideration of early switch to longer acting steroid treatments may help to reduce treatment burden, whilst maintaining or improving vision.
Efficacy of three antimicrobial mouthwashes in reducing SARS-CoV-2 viral load in the saliva of hospitalized patients: a randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Perussolo Jeniffer , Teh Muy-Teck , Gkranias Nikolaos , Tiberi Simon , Petrie Aviva , Cutino-Moguel Maria-Teresa , Donos Nikolaos
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of 3 mouthwashes in reducing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral load in the saliva of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients at 30 min, 1, 2 and 3 h after rinsing. This pilot study included 40 admitted COVID-19 positive patients (10 in each group). Saliva samples were collected before rinsing and at 30 min, 1, 2 and 3 h after rinsing with: Group 1—0.2% Chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX); Group 2—1.5% Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2); Group 3—Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) or Group 4 (control group)—No rinsing. Viral load analysis of saliva samples was assessed by Reverse Transcription quantitative PCR. Mean log10 viral load at different time points was compared to that at baseline in all groups using a random effects linear regression analysis while for comparison between groups linear regression analysis was used. The results showed that all groups had a significantly reduced mean log10 viral load both at 2 (p = 0.036) and 3 (p = 0.041) hours compared to baseline. However, there was no difference in mean log10 viral load between any of the investigated mouthwashes and the control group (non-rinsing) at the evaluated time points. Although a reduction in the SARS-CoV-2 viral load in the saliva of COVID-19 patients was observed after rinsing with mouthwashes containing 0.2% CHX, 1.5% H2O2, or CPC, the reduction detected was similar to that achieved by the control group at the investigated time points. The findings of this study may suggest that the mechanical action of rinsing/spitting results in reduction of SARS-CoV-2 salivary load.
Predicting response of immunotherapy and targeted therapy and prognosis characteristics for renal clear cell carcinoma based on m1A methylation regulators
Authors: Li Lei , Tan Hongwei , Zhou Jiexue , Hu Fengming
Published: August 2023

In recent years, RNA methylation modification has been found to be related to a variety of tumor mechanisms, such as rectal cancer. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is most common in renal cell carcinoma. In this study, we get the RNA profiles of ccRCC patients from ArrayExpress and TCGA databases. The prognosis model of ccRCC was developed by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis, and the samples were stratified into low–high risk groups. In addition, our prognostic model was validated through the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). “pRRophetic” package screened five potential small molecule drugs. Protein interaction networks explore tumor driving factors and drug targeting factors. Finally, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to verify the expression of the model in the ccRCC cell line. The mRNA matrix in ArrayExpress and TCGA databases was used to establish a prognostic model for ccRCC through LASSO regression analysis. Kaplan Meier analysis showed that the overall survival rate (OS) of the high-risk group was poor. ROC verifies the reliability of our model. Functional enrichment analysis showed that there was a obviously difference in immune status between the high-low risk groups. “pRRophetic” package screened five potential small molecule drugs (A.443654, A.770041, ABT.888, AG.014699, AMG.706). Protein interaction network shows that epidermal growth factor receptor [EGRF] and estrogen receptor 1 [ESR1] are tumor drivers and drug targeting factors. To further analyze the differential expression and pathway correlation of the prognosis risk model species. Finally, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed the expression of YTHN6-Methyladenosine RNA Binding Protein 1[YTHDF1], TRNA Methyltransferase 61B [TRMT61B], TRNA Methyltransferase 10C [TRMT10C] and AlkB Homolog 1[ALKBH1] in ccRCC cell lines. To sum up, the prognosis risk model we created not only has good predictive value, but also can provide guidance for accurately predicting the prognosis of ccRCC.
Polymeric nature of tandemly repeated genes enhances assembly of constitutive heterochromatin in fission yeast
Authors: Yamamoto Tetsuya , Asanuma Takahiro , Murakami Yota
Published: August 2023

Motivated by our recent experiments that demonstrate that the tandemly repeated genes become heterochromatin, here we show a theory of heterochromatin assembly by taking into account the connectivity of these genes along the chromatin in the kinetic equations of small RNA production and histone methylation, which are the key biochemical reactions involved in the heterochromatin assembly. Our theory predicts that the polymeric nature of the tandemly repeated genes ensures the steady production of small RNAs because of the stable binding of nascent RNAs produced from the genes to RDRC/Dicers at the surface of nuclear membrane. This theory also predicts that the compaction of the tandemly repeated genes suppresses the production of small RNAs, consistent with our recent experiments. This theory can be extended to the small RNA-dependent gene silencing in higher organisms.
Towards non-invasive monitoring of non-melanoma skin cancer using spatially offset Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Vardaki Martha Z. , Pavlou Eleftherios , Simantiris Nikolaos , Lampri Evangeli , Seretis Konstantinos , Kourkoumelis Nikolaos
Published: August 2023

Spatially offset Raman spectroscopy revealed a correlation of protein and lipid content with non-melanoma skin cancer. Multiple factor analysis on the same data demonstrated clustering based on pathology rather than interpatient variability.
Chain-extension in hyperbranched polymers alters tissue distribution and cytotoxicity profiles in orthotopic models of triple negative breast cancers
Authors: Moloney Cara , Mehradnia Fatemeh , Cavanagh Robert J. , Ibrahim Asmaa , Pearce Amanda K. , Ritchie Alison A. , Clarke Philip , Rahman Ruman , Grabowska Anna M. , Alexander Cameron
Published: August 2023

The therapeutic efficacy of nanomedicines is highly dependent on their access to target sites in the body, and this in turn is markedly affected by their size, shape and transport properties in tissue.
Design of a near-infrared fluoro-photoacoustic probe for rapid imaging of carboxylesterase in liver injury
Authors: Chen Haoming , Li Ke , Yuan Lin , Zhang Xiao-Bing
Published: August 2023

Carboxylesterase (CE) is crucial in metabolizing ester-containing biomolecules and is particularly significant in liver metabolic diseases.