bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WHSC1 is involved in DNA damage, cellular senescence and immune response in hepatocellular carcinoma progression
Authors: Yan Jia , Zhang Ming Yang , Lin Jing , Li Ke Xin , Zhao Zhi Min , Gao Yu Min , Deng Xiu Ling , Wang Chang Shan , Wang Hai Sheng
Published: April 2023

Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome candidate 1 (WHSC1) is a transcriptional regulatory protein that encodes a histone methyltransferase to control H3K36me2 modification. WHSC1 was upregulated and associated with poor prognosis in HCC. The elevated WHSC1 likely due to the alterations of DNA methylation or RNA modification. WHSC1 perhaps form a chromatin cross talk with H3K27me3 and DNA methylation to regulate transcription factors expression in HCC. Functional analysis indicated that WHSC1 was involved in DNA damage repair, cell cycle, cellular senescence and immune regulations. Furthermore, WHSC1 was associated with the infiltrating levels of B cell, CD4+, Tregs and macrophage cells. Therefore, our findings suggested that WHSC1 might function as a promotor regulator to affect the development and progression of HCC. Thus, WHSC1 could be a potential biomarker in predicting the prognosis and therapeutic target for patients with HCC.
Correlated responses in basal immune function in response to selection for fast development in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Shrivastava Nidhi Krishna , Shakarad Mallikarjun N.
Published: April 2023

Often, immunity is invoked in the context of infection, disease and injury. However, an ever alert and robust immune system is essential for maintaining good health, but resource investment into immunity needs to be traded off against allocation to other functions. In this study, we study the consequences of such a trade‐off with growth by ascertaining various components of baseline innate immunity in two types of Drosophila melanogaster populations selected for fast development, in combination with either a long effective lifespan (FLJs) or a short effective lifespan (FEJs). We found that distinct immunological parameters were constitutively elevated in both, FLJs and FEJs compared to their ancestral control (JB) populations, and these constitutive elevated immunological parameters were associated with reduced insulin signalling and comparable total gut microbiota. Our results bring into focus the inter‐relationship between egg to adult development time, ecdysone levels, larval gut microbiota, insulin signalling, adult reproductive longevity and immune function. We discuss how changes in selection pressures operating on life‐history traits can modulate different components of immune system.
Impact of educational attainment on time to cognitive decline among marginalized older adults: Cohort study of 20,311 adults
Authors: Jester Dylan J. , Palmer Barton W. , Thomas Michael L. , Brown Lauren L. , Tibiriçá Lize , Jeste Dilip V. , Gilmer Todd
Published: April 2023

Background

The effect of years of education on the maintenance of healthy cognitive functioning may differ by race and ethnicity given historical and ongoing inequities in educational quality.

Methods

We examined 20,311 Black, Latinx, and White adults aged 51–100 from the Health and Retirement Study (2008–2016). Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status‐27 data was used to measure cognitive functioning. Generalized additive mixed models were stratified by race and ethnicity and educational attainment (≥12 vs. <12 years). Selected social determinants of health, all‐cause mortality, time‐varying health and healthcare utilization characteristics, and study wave were included as covariates.

Results

On average, Black and Latinx adults scored lower at baseline compared to White adults regardless of educational attainment (p < 0.001), with a significant overlap in the distributions of scores. The rate of cognitive decline was non‐linear for Black, Latinx, and White adults (p < 0.001), and a period of stability was witnessed for those with higher educational attainment irrespective of race and ethnicity. Compared to Black, Latinx, and White adults with lower educational attainment, higher‐educated White adults received the greatest protection from cognitive decline (13 years; 64 vs. 51), followed by Latinx (12 years; 67 vs. 55), and Black adults (10 years; 61 vs. 51). Latinx adults experienced cognitive decline beginning at a later age.

Conclusions

The extent to which higher educational attainment protects adults from cognitive decline differs by race and ethnicity, such that higher‐educated White adults received a greater benefit than higher‐educated Black or Latinx adults.
A high‐resolution transcriptomic atlas depicting nitrogen fixation and nodule development in soybean
Authors: Sun Baocheng , Wang Yu , Yang Qun , Gao Han , Niu Haiyu , Li Yansong , Ma Qun , Huan Qing , Qian Wenfeng , Ren Bo
Published: April 2023

Although root nodules are essential for biological nitrogen fixation in legumes, the cell types and molecular regulatory mechanisms contributing to nodule development and nitrogen fixation in determinate nodule legumes, such as soybean (Glycine max), remain incompletely understood. Here, we generated a single‐nucleus resolution transcriptomic atlas of soybean roots and nodules at 14 days post inoculation (dpi) and annotated 17 major cell types, including six that are specific to nodules. We identified the specific cell types responsible for each step in the ureides synthesis pathway, which enables spatial compartmentalization of biochemical reactions during soybean nitrogen fixation. By utilizing RNA velocity analysis, we reconstructed the differentiation dynamics of soybean nodules, which differs from those of indeterminate nodules in Medicago truncatula. Moreover, we identified several putative regulators of soybean nodulation and two of these genes, GmbHLH93 and GmSCL1, were as‐yet uncharacterized in soybean. Overexpression of each gene in soybean hairy root systems validated their respective roles in nodulation. Notably, enrichment for cytokinin‐related genes in soybean nodules led to identification of the cytokinin receptor, GmCRE1, as a prominent component of the nodulation pathway. GmCRE1 knockout in soybean resulted in a striking nodule phenotype with decreased nitrogen fixation zone and depletion of leghemoglobins, accompanied by downregulation of nodule‐specific gene expression, as well as almost complete abrogation of biological nitrogen fixation. In summary, this study provides a comprehensive perspective of the cellular landscape during soybean nodulation, shedding light on the underlying metabolic and developmental mechanisms of soybean nodule formation.
Facial rejuvenation with the new hybrid filler HArmonyCa™: Clinical and aesthetic outcomes assessed by 2D and 3D photographs, ultrasound, and elastography
Authors: Urdiales‐Gálvez Fernando , Braz André , Cavallini Maurizio
Published: April 2023

Objective

Facial aging is a complex process that involves genetic, biological, and environmental factors. This paper aimed to present the first aesthetic and safety outcomes of a hybrid filler that combines hyaluronic acid (HA) (20 mg/mL) and calcium hydroxyapatite (HA/CaHa).

Methods

Prospective and non‐randomized interventional study conducted on consecutive healthy patients who attended the clinic for an aesthetic facial rejuvenation procedure. HA/CaHa was injected with 23G cannula (retrograde threads, 1.25 mL per side) in the preauricular region. Ultrasound examinations, elastography images, and 2D and 3D photographs were performed before and after treatment. The primary endpoint were the volumetric changes at Day 180.

Results

Fifteen patients were included in the study. At Day 180 after treatment, median (interquartile‐range) volume increased by 2.1 (1.9–2.3) cc and 2.1 (1.8–2.2) cc in the right‐ and left‐side, respectively, p < 0.0001 each. As compared to pretreatment values, facial‐tension vectors significantly increased by 2.2 (1.6–2.2) mm and 2.0 (1.7–2.2) mm in the right and left side, respectively, p < 0.0001 each. Elastography images demonstrated an increase in collagen fibers at post‐treatment Day 60, which was confirmed on Day 90, and reached the peak effect between Days 90 and 180. Regarding safety, there were no either unexpected or serious treatment‐related adverse events. Most patients experienced a mild redness and inflammation that resolved within the first 48 h without treatment.

Conclusions

The HA/CaHa hybrid filler (HArmonyCa™), besides its volumizing and lifting properties, was associated with an increase in the viscoelasticity, both at the level of the reticular dermis and the subcutaneous cellular tissue, which might be indicative of the formation of new collagen fibers.
The association between sleep bruxism and awake bruxism: Polysomnographic and electromyographic recordings in women with and without myofascial pain
Authors: Chattrattrai Thiprawee , Janal Malvin N. , Lobbezoo Frank , Raphael Karen G.
Published: April 2023

Background

Sleep bruxism (SB) and awake bruxism (AB) are masticatory muscle activities that are rarely assessed in the same individuals and are thought to be associated with different behaviours.

Objectives

To investigate whether individuals engaging in SB also engage in AB, that occurs during rest and during stress‐related activity, and to investigate whether SB and AB are associated with different characteristics.

Methods

Females with myofascial pain (N = 122) and non‐myofascial pain controls (N = 46) were evaluated for SB events and for AB events at rest and AB during stress‐related activity, using electromyographic (EMG) recordings and a standardised scoring of bruxism events. The joint distributions between SB and AB events and EMG activity were evaluated, and the characteristic qualities of SB and AB were assessed.

Results

Neither SB event rates nor the EMG activity associated with those events was associated with AB events rates or EMG activity, either at rest or during stress‐related activity. On the contrary, event rates and EMG activity when awake and at rest were positively associated with events and activity during stress‐related activity. SB was characterised mainly by grinding, while AB was characterised mainly by clenching.

Conclusion

Sleep bruxism and awake bruxism do not tend to occur in the same individuals.
Job characteristics and personality change in young adulthood: A 12‐year longitudinal study and replication
Authors: Zheng Anqing , Hoff Kevin A. , Hanna Alexis , Einarsdóttir Sif , Rounds James , Briley D. A.
Published: April 2023

Objective

Personality changes are related to successfully performing adult occupational roles which require teamwork, duty, and managing stress. However, it is unclear how personality development relates to specific job characteristics that vary across occupations.

Method

We investigated whether 151 objective job characteristics, derived from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), were associated with personality levels and changes in a 12‐year longitudinal sample followed over the school to work transition. Using cross‐validated regularized modeling, we combined two Icelandic longitudinal datasets (total N = 1054) and constructed an individual‐level, aggregated job characteristics score that maximized prediction of personality levels at baseline and change over time.

Results

The strongest association was found for level of openness (0.25), followed by conscientiousness (0.16) and extraversion (0.14). Overall, aggregated job characteristics had a stronger prediction for personality intercepts (0.14) than slopes (0.10). These results were subsequently replicated in a U.S. sample using levels of the Big Five as the dependent variable. This indicates that associations between job characteristics and personality are generalizable across life stages and nations.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that job titles are a valuable resource that can be linked to personality to better understand factors that influence psychological development. Further work is needed to document the prospective validity of job characteristics across a wider range of occupations and age.
Hemostatic profiles in dogs with sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome
Authors: Lynch Alex M. , Ruterbories Laura K. , Robertson James B. , Lunn Katharine F. , Mowat Freya M.
Published: April 2023

Background

Sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) is a common cause of irreversible blindness in dogs. It bears clinical resemblance to hypercortisolism, which can be associated with hypercoagulability. The role of hypercoagulability in dogs with SARDS is unknown.

Objective

Determine hemostatic profiles in dogs with SARDS.

Animals

Prospective pilot study: Dogs with a history of SARDS (n = 12). Prospective case‐control study: Dogs with recent onset of SARDS (n = 7) and age‐, breed‐, and sex‐matched controls (n = 7).

Methods

Prospective pilot study: We performed thromboelastography (TEG). Prospective case‐control study: Dogs had CBC, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, TEG, fibrinogen concentration, antithrombin activity, D‐dimers, thrombin‐antithrombin complexes, and optical platelet aggregometry performed.

Results

Prospective pilot study: 9/12 dogs with a history of SARDS were hypercoagulable with increased TEG G value and 2/3 had hyperfibrinogenemia. Case‐control study: All dogs with SARDS and 5/7 controls were hypercoagulable based on TEG G value. Dogs with SARDS had significantly higher G values (median, 12.7 kdynes/s; range, 11.2‐25.4; P = .04) and plasma fibrinogen concentration (median, 463 mg/dL; range, 391‐680; P < .001) compared to controls.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Hypercoagulability was common in both dogs with SARDS and controls, but dogs with SARDS were significantly more hypercoagulable on TEG. The role of hypercoagulability in the pathogenesis of SARDS remains to be determined.
The effect of vaccine‐associated cross‐stitch vertebrae pathology on growth of farmed Atlantic salmon
Authors: Thorarinsson Ragnar , Negaard Paul , Baeverfjord Grete , Peña Patricio , Skjerve Eystein
Published: April 2023

A field study comparing two vaccine regimes against pancreas disease (PD) was carried out in 2018 S0 year class smolts at two commercial sea cage sites in southern Norway. The fish from the same hatchery source were immunized using licensed vaccines; either a DNA PD vaccine and a hexavalent oil‐adjuvanted vaccine (group A), or a heptavalent oil‐adjuvanted PD vaccine (group B). The experimental design included the two fish groups reared together (15% as group A and 85% as group B) in four large hatchery tanks. These fish groups were later transferred to four production cages at two separate sea sites (two cages per site). In the absence of any notable PD prior to the pre‐harvest sampling, the primary objective and outcome variables entailed evaluation of vaccine side effects and their impact on growth. The results show that vaccine and sea cage site significantly impacted prevalence and severity of a newly described pathology named cross‐stitch vertebrae. Further, moderate to severe cross‐stitch pathology (scores ≥3) resulted in significantly reduced growth.
A comparison of observed feeding practices of infants and young children aged 6–23 months to national responsive feeding recommendations in Sri Lanka
Authors: Schwendler Teresa R. , Rowel Dhammica , Abdulloeva Safina , Jayawickrama Hiranya , de Silva Chithramalee , Romano Olivia , Senarath Upul , Kodish Stephen R.
Published: April 2023

To describe the extent to which Sri Lankan caregivers follow current national responsive feeding recommendations and the factors limiting and enabling those behaviours. Study design. This ethnographic substudy was conducted using a four‐phase, mixed methods formative research design across rural, estate and urban sectors of Sri Lanka. Data collection methods. Data were collected using direct meal observations and semistructured interviews. Participants including infants and young children aged 6–23 months (n = 72), community leaders (n = 10), caregivers (n = 58) and community members (n = 37) were purposefully sampled to participate in this study. Data analysis. Observational data were summarized using descriptive statistics while textual data were analysed thematically using Dedoose. Findings were then interpreted vis‐à‐vis six national responsive feeding recommendations. During observed feeding episodes, caregivers were responsive to nearly all food requests (87.2% [34/39]) made by infants and young children. Many caregivers (61.1% [44/72]) also positively encouraged their infant and young child during feeding. Despite some responsive feeding practices being observed, 36.1% (22/61) of caregivers across sectors used forceful feeding practices if their infant or young child refused to eat. Interviews data indicated that force‐feeding practices were used because caregivers wanted their infants and young children to maintain adequate weight gain for fear of reprimand from Public Health Midwives. Despite overall high caregiver knowledge of national responsive feeding recommendations in Sri Lanka, direct observations revealed suboptimal responsive feeding practices, suggesting that other factors in the knowledge‐behaviour gap may need to be addressed.
Gene regulatory changes underlie developmental plasticity in respiration and aerobic performance in highland deer mice
Authors: Schweizer Rena M. , Ivy Catherine M. , Natarajan Chandrasekhar , Scott Graham R. , Storz Jay F. , Cheviron Zachary A.
Published: April 2023

Phenotypic plasticity can play an important role in the ability of animals to tolerate environmental stress, but the nature and magnitude of plastic responses are often specific to the developmental timing of exposure. Here, we examine changes in gene expression in the diaphragm of highland deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) in response to hypoxia exposure at different stages of development. In highland deer mice, developmental plasticity in diaphragm function may mediate changes in several respiratory traits that influence aerobic metabolism and performance under hypoxia. We generated RNAseq data from diaphragm tissue of adult deer mice exposed to (1) life‐long hypoxia (before conception to adulthood), (2) post‐natal hypoxia (birth to adulthood), (3) adult hypoxia (6–8 weeks only during adulthood) or (4) normoxia. We found five suites of co‐regulated genes that are differentially expressed in response to hypoxia, but the patterns of differential expression depend on the developmental timing of exposure. We also identified four transcriptional modules that are associated with important respiratory traits. Many of the genes in these transcriptional modules bear signatures of altitude‐related selection, providing an indirect line of evidence that observed changes in gene expression may be adaptive in hypoxic environments. Our results demonstrate the importance of developmental stage in determining the phenotypic response to environmental stressors.
The kidney failure risk equation predicts kidney failure: Validation in an Australian cohort
Authors: Irish Georgina L. , Cuthbertson Laura , Kitsos Alex , Saunder Tim , Clayton Philip A. , Jose Matthew D.
Published: April 2023

Aims

Predicting progression to kidney failure for patients with chronic kidney disease is essential for patient and clinicians' management decisions, patient prognosis, and service planning. The Tangri et al Kidney Failure Risk Equation (KFRE) was developed to predict the outcome of kidney failure. The KFRE has not been independently validated in an Australian Cohort.

Methods

Using data linkage of the Tasmanian Chronic Kidney Disease study (CKD.TASlink) and the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry (ANZDATA), we externally validated the KFRE. We validated the 4, 6, and 8‐variable KFRE at both 2 and 5 years. We assessed model fit (goodness of fit), discrimination (Harell's C statistic), and calibration (observed vs predicted survival).

Results

There were 18 170 in the cohort with 12 861 participants with 2 years and 8182 with 5 years outcomes. Of these 2607 people died and 285 progressed to kidney replacement therapy. The KFRE has excellent discrimination with C statistics of 0.96–0.98 at 2 years and 0.95–0.96 at 5 years. The calibration was adequate with well‐performing Brier scores (0.004–0.01 at 2 years, 0.01–0.03 at 5 years) however the calibration curves, whilst adequate, indicate that predicted outcomes are systematically worse than observed.

Conclusion

This external validation study demonstrates the KFRE performs well in an Australian population and can be used by clinicians and service planners for individualised risk prediction.
People with dry age‐related macular degeneration; views on certification of vision impairment in a primary care setting: An explorative qualitative study
Authors: Bartlett Rebecca , Davies Heather
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Evidence supports the clinical decision‐making ability of primary care optometrists with additional qualifications in the identification of eligibility criteria for the certification of vision impairment (CVI). Welsh Government policy is driving pathway change to enable these optometrists to perform CVI. This qualitative study explores the views of people with VI due to dry age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) on this pathway change.

Methods

Nine people with VI due to dry AMD, attending Macular Society support groups, participated. Individual semi‐structured interviews were conducted and analysed concurrently using thematic analysis.

Results

Five major themes were identified: (1) living with dry AMD, (2) experience of eye care provision, (3) knowledge of CVI, (4) provision of information and (5) CVI in primary care. Participants consistently highlighted the need for the provision of accessible information regarding the certification pathway, dry AMD and the optometrist's role in the provision of eye health care. Information needs to be available prior to the diagnosis of an eye disease, rather than only from the point of diagnosis or where the vision reaches the level required for certification.

Conclusion

The findings support the provision of CVI within primary eye care while highlighting areas of importance in pathway development. These include the provision of accessible information prior to, at the point of and following the diagnosis of an eye condition. Information provided needs to extend to the awareness of the role of the optometrist in the provision of eye care, and public health awareness of modifiable risk factors, which will influence the possibility of disease development in later life. The findings provide information that will be useful to those responsible for the provision of CVI within primary care.
Changes in visual function and optical and tear film quality in computer users
Authors: Talens‐Estarelles Cristian , Mechó‐García María , McAlinden Colm , Cerviño Alejandro , García‐Lázaro Santiago , González‐Méijome José Manuel
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To assess changes in visual function and optical and tear film quality in computer users.

Methods

Forty computer workers and 40 controls were evaluated at the beginning and end of a working day. Symptoms were assessed using the Quality of Vision questionnaire (QoV), 5‐item Dry Eye Questionnaire (DEQ‐5) and Symptom Assessment in Dry Eye version II (SANDE II). Tear film quality was evaluated using the Medmont E300 dynamic corneal topography tool to measure the tear film surface quality (TFSQ), TFSQ area and auto tear break‐up time (TBUT). Optical quality was assessed by measuring high, low and total ocular aberrations with a Hartmann–Shack wavefront sensor. Visual performance was assessed by measuring photopic and mesopic visual acuity, photopic and mesopic contrast sensitivity and light disturbance.

Results

Poorer DEQ‐5, QoV and SANDE II scores were obtained in computer workers at the end of the working day compared with controls (p ≤ 0.02). Computer workers exhibited a higher (worse) TFSQ and TFSQ area at visit 2 compared with visit 1 (p ≤ 0.04), while no significant differences in TBUT (p = 0.19) or ocular aberrations were observed (p ≥ 0.09). Additionally, both light disturbance (p ≤ 0.04) and mesopic and photopic contrast sensitivity worsened at several spatial frequencies (p ≤ 0.04) throughout the working day in computer workers, while visual acuity remained unchanged (p ≥ 0.07). In contrast, control subjects exhibited no decrease in any variable during the day.

Conclusions

While visual acuity remained unchanged, several aspects of visual function and quality of vision decreased over a day of computer use. These changes were accompanied by greater dry eye symptoms and tear film changes, which are likely to have played a fundamental role. The present study provides insight into new metrics to assess digital eye strain.
Chromosome‐scale genome assembly‐assisted identification of Mi‐9 gene in Solanum arcanum accession LA2157, conferring heat‐stable resistance to Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Jiang Lijun , Ling Jian , Zhao Jianlong , Yang Yu , Yang Yuhong , Li Yan , Jiao Yang , Mao Zhenchuan , Wang Yunsheng , Xie Bingyan
Published: April 2023

Root‐knot nematodes (RKNs) are infamous plant pathogens in tomato production, causing considerable losses in agriculture worldwide. Mi‐1 is the only commercially available RKN‐resistance gene; however, the resistance is inactivated when the soil temperature is over 28 °C. Mi‐9 in wild tomato (Solanum arcanum LA2157) has stable resistance to RKNs under high temperature but has not been cloned and applied. In this study, a chromosome‐scale genome assembly of S. arcanum LA2157 was constructed through Nanopore and Hi‐C sequencing. Based on molecular markers of Mi‐9 and comparative genomic analysis, the localization region and candidate Mi‐9 genes cluster consisting of seven nucleotide‐binding sites and leucine‐rich repeat (NBS‐LRR) genes were located. Transcriptional expression profiles confirmed that five of the seven candidate genes were expressed in root tissue. Moreover, virus‐induced gene silencing of the Sarc_034200 gene resulted in increased susceptibility of S. arcanum LA2157 to Meloidogyne incognita, and genetic transformation of the Sarc_034200 gene in susceptible Solanum pimpinellifolium conferred significant resistance to M. incognita at 25 °C and 30 °C and showed hypersensitive responses at nematode infection sites. This suggested that Sarc_034200 is the Mi‐9 gene. In summary, we cloned, confirmed and applied the heat‐stable RKN‐resistance gene Mi‐9, which is of great significance to tomato breeding for nematode resistance.
Disseminated Blastomycosis in an African American immunocompetent pediatric patient: Lessons learned
Authors: Montoya Liliana , Dani Advika , Ostdiek Scott , Carpentieri David , Andrews Israel D. , Price Harper , Gildenstern Vanessa
Published: April 2023

Disseminated blastomycosis can be challenging to diagnose given possible involvement of nearly any extrapulmonary organ system and the limitations of fungal diagnostic testing. Certain racial groups are at increased risk of disseminated fungal infections, even in immunocompetent patients. We describe a case of disseminated blastomycosis with cutaneous involvement in an African American adolescent with delayed diagnosis. Dermatologists can play an important role in the timely diagnosis of this disease entity by performing appropriate cutaneous biopsy techniques and should be involved early in these cases.
Human immune response against filarial HSP70 and its role in the diagnosis of lymphatic filariasis
Authors: Ahmad Faiyaz , Liebau Eva , Rathaur Sushma
Published: April 2023

A sensitive and specific diagnostic kit is crucial for the detection of human lymphatic filariasis at the early stage of infection as the existing diagnostic tools are inefficient and expensive. In the present study, we have cloned and expressed Brugia malayi HSP70 (BmHSP70) protein and characterized it as a potential antigen for diagnosis of the asymptomatic microfilariae stage of Wuchereria. bancrofti infection using ELISA, western blot, and bioinformatics tools. The antigenic efficacy of BmHSP70 was also compared with ScHSP70. The BmHSP70 and ScHSP70 peptide showed highly antigenic in nature and they showed immunogenic cross‐reactivity endemic normal (EN) < chronic (CH) < microfilaraemic (MF) in IgG, IgG1, and IgG4 ELISA. IgG4‐specific immunoblotting of BmHSP70 with MF sera further explicated its stage‐specific antigenic cross‐reactivity. These antigens (ScHSP70 and BmHSP70) showed a positive immunogenic correlation with the number of MF in blood samples. Thus, proposing BmHSP70 as a potential immunodiagnostic antigen against lymphatic filariasis. A triplet of GGMP tetrapeptide specific to the filarial HSP70 was also identified which was absent in human HSP70. In terms of sensitivity and specificity of antigens, these results suggest that recombinant BmHSP70 is a good antigen and could be used to diagnose early‐stage of microfilariae infection.
Picking winners: Diversification through portfolio optimization
Authors: Liu Ju , Liu Changchun , Teo Chung Piaw
Published: April 2023

We develop a general framework for selecting a small pool of candidate solutions to maximize the chances that one will be optimal for a combinatorial optimization problem, under a linear and additive random payoff function. We formulate this problem using a two‐stage distributionally robust model, with a mixed 0–1 semidefinite program. This approach allows us to exploit the “diversification” effect inherent in the problem to address how different candidate solutions can be selected to improve the chances that one will attain a high ex post payoff. More interestingly, using this distributionally robust optimization approach, our model recovers the “evil twin” strategy, well known in the field of football pool betting, under appropriate settings.

We also address the computational challenges of scaling up our approach to construct a moderate number of candidate solutions to increase the chances of finding one that performs well. To this end, we develop a sequential optimization approach based on a compact semidefinite programming reformulation of the problem. Extensive numerical results show the superiority of our approach over existing methods.
The impact of a videoconferencing‐ımplemented program on older adults' psychosocial health in the COVID‐19 pandemic: an experimental study
Authors: Yavuz Cemil , Şahin Sevnaz
Published: April 2023

Background

Social distancing and ‘stay‐at‐home’ orders are essential to contain the coronavirus outbreak; however, it has affected older adults very negatively psychosocially. The present study explored the impact of a videoconferencing‐implemented program on older adults' psychosocial health during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

We carried out this experimental research with pretest‐posttest and control groups between November 02 to December 26, 2020 on individuals aged 60 years and over who were enrolled at Fethiye Refreshment University (60+ FRU). While the intervention group consisted of 40 people, we recruited 52 participants in the control group. Unlike the control group, the intervention group participated in a structured videoconferencing program held there days a week for 8 weeks. We collected the data using the Fear of COVID‐19 Scale (FCV‐19S), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPS), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS‐21), and the Loneliness Scale for Elderly (LSE). The data were then analysed on the SPSS 22.0 program.

Results

The participants had a mean age of 66.13 ± 5.13 years; 65.2% were females, 58.7% were married, 55.4% held a university degree and 93.5% had a regular income. Following the intervention, we found the experimental group to have significantly a lower posttest FCV‐19S score (p < 0.05) and a higher posttest MSPS score than the control group (p < 0.05). Besides, the experimental group had significantly lower posttest scores on the DASS‐21 and the anxiety and stress subscales than the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the posttest score of the experiential group on the emotional loneliness subscale (LSE) was found to be significantly lower than that of the control group (p < 0.05); nevertheless, we could not conclude significant differences between the groups’ pretest and posttest LSE scores and their scores on the other LSE subscales (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Overall, the videoconferencing program was found to be efficient in providing older adults with psychosocial support amid social isolation.
The Ethical Triage Dilemma: Who Should Receive Medical Care First; Is This the Right Question?
Authors: Ferrara Alessandro
Published: April 2023

In 2020, with the outbreak of the COVID‐19 pandemic, academics and scientists began to question the triage criteria for allocating insufficient healthcare resources, trying to ethically justify the answer to the question, Who should receive medical care first? In this article, I will argue that even if we apply triage criteria, we won't be able to avoid the violation of human dignity or of the right to life and to health care. I will then suggest that, maybe, the real ethical triage dilemma lies not in the question, Who should receive medical care first? but in the question, How are we to decide who should receive medical care first?
The New Development Bank and the structure of the multilateral development financial system
Authors: Ye Fang
Published: April 2023

This paper investigates the influence of the New Development Bank (NDB) on the structure of the multilateral development financial system, using social network analysis. The findings show that some emerging economies have been significantly affected by establishment of the NDB, whereas developed countries still dominate. Although the influence of BRICS countries has increased, they still play a relatively weak role. Further analyses examine the influence of the NDB's expansion; developed countries and most BRICS countries are not affected, and the rankings of some entry countries has increased whereas that of non‐entry countries with nondominant power has decreased.
The Empire of Women: Rousseau on Domination and Sexuality
Authors: Watson Lori
Published: April 2023

Jean‐Jacques Rousseau's works are often a touchstone and inspiration for many when it comes to thinking carefully about domination. We find Rousseau‐inspired analyses across a wide range of political theories centering the concept of domination, from republicanism, liberalism, and Marxism to critical theory, feminisms, and beyond. This article aims to raise questions about a powerful, prevailing, and compelling reading of Rousseau's conception of domination. Beyond that, I hope to offer further insight into the components of his view of domination by centering his account of sexuality as a domination/subordination relation. Ultimately, I suggest that Rousseau's considered view is that domination is a matter of being in a dependency relation. In other words, to be dependent upon others (whether a particular other or group of others) is sufficient for being dominated. However, not all domination relations are illegitimate. Both sexuality and the specific case of forming a social compact are sites of domination relations that can be rendered legitimate under certain conditions.
Effects of reducing sedentary behavior on cardiorespiratory fitness in adults with metabolic syndrome: A 6‐month RCT
Authors: Norha Jooa , Sjöros Tanja , Garthwaite Taru , Laine Saara , Saarenhovi Maria , Kallio Petri , Laitinen Kirsi , Houttu Noora , Vähä‐Ypyä Henri , Sievänen Harri , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Vasankari Tommi , Knuuti Juhani , Kalliokoski Kari K. , Heinonen Ilkka H. A.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Poor cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is associated with adverse health outcomes. Previous observational and cross‐sectional studies have suggested that reducing sedentary behavior (SB) might improve CRF. Therefore, we investigated the effects of a 6‐month intervention of reducing SB on CRF in 64 sedentary inactive adults with metabolic syndrome in a non‐blind randomized controlled trial.

Materials and Methods

In the intervention group (INT, n = 33), the aim was to reduce SB by 1 h/day for 6 months without increasing exercise training. Control group (CON, n = 31) was instructed to maintain their habitual SB and physical activity. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) was measured by maximal graded bicycle ergometer test with respiratory gas measurements. Physical activity and SB were measured during the whole intervention using accelerometers.

Results

Reduction in SB did not improve VO2max statistically significantly (group × time p > 0.05). Maximal absolute power output (Wmax) did not improve significantly but increased in INT compared to CON when scaled to fat free mass (FFM) (at 6 months INT 1.54 [95% CI: 1.41, 1.67] vs. CON 1.45 [1.32, 1.59] Wmax/kgFFM, p = 0.036). Finally, the changes in daily step count correlated positively with the changes in VO2max scaled to body mass and FFM (r = 0.31 and 0.30, respectively, p < 0.05).

Discussion

Reducing SB without adding exercise training does not seem to improve VO2max in adults with metabolic syndrome. However, succeeding in increasing daily step count may increase VO2max.
IMPACT AND EVALUATION OF OPTIMIZED PV GENERATION IN THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM WITH VARYING LOAD DEMANDS
Authors: Jamahori Hanis Farhah , Abdullah Md. Pauzi , Ali Abid
Published: April 2023

Most distributed renewable energy generation (DREG) planning studies are performed using a constant load model and a dispatchable generation unit. However, the renewable generation unit and load demand vary in real life, and the generation size at the peak demand varies accordingly with loading levels. Such considerations may lead to the erroneous conclusion: the power loss reduction and bus voltage improvement may not be optimal. Consequently, the generation unit must be adequately integrated to offer optimal capacity in the distribution system while considering non-constant load demand as a part of DREG planning. Therefore, the impact of integrating photovoltaic (PV) considering historical solar weather data and varying load demand for five different voltage-dependent load models is proposed in this study. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is employed to find the optimal location and size of PV with the objective to minimize power losses in the distribution system using IEEE 33-bus and IEEE 69-bus test systems. The findings are evaluated based on the comparative analysis of power losses reduction, PV penetration level, power loss index, and voltage deviation index. Findings revealed that the proposed model is effective in determining the optimal location and size of PV with a significant reduction of power losses that varies between 13.84% to 32.71% in 33-bus, and between 18.56% to 43.80% in 69-bus. In addition, the improvement in minimum bus voltage and other performance indices are also significant.
A STUDY ON THE INJECTION RATE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SOLENOID COMMON-RAIL INJECTOR UNDER USING A HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL SYSTEM
Authors: Chau Vo Tan , Long Tran Dang , Vang Huynh Ba , Hoang Nguyen Minh , Phuc Ngo Hong , Sy Nguyen Quoc
Published: April 2023

The combustion of diesel engines is mainly controlled by fuel injection. Determining the fuel injection flow rate combined with the common-rail fuel injection system is a key solution to effectively improve engine performance and exhaust emissions. This work aims to investigate the influence of high injection pressures with a 6-holes-solenoid common rail injector on the injection rate characteristics in the range of 400 bar to 1600 bar, and a constant injector energizing time of 1.5 ms. The injection rate characteristics were carried out based on the pressure difference in the Zuech measuring chamber and synchronized data in real-time. The results showed that the increase of the mentioned injection pressures caused the decrease of hydraulic injection delay from 0.5 ms to 0.25 ms and expansion of the injector opening angle profile. In addition, the actual opening injection interval was prolonged as compared to the injector control signal. An increasing trend of fuel discharge coefficient was realized as higher injection pressure.
INVESTIGATING THE COMPARISON OF SHIP RESISTANCE COMPONENTS BETWEEN U AND V-SHAPED HULLS
Authors: Hakim Muhammad Luqman , Tuswan Tuswan , Firdaus Ahmad , Mursid Ocid
Published: April 2023

The selection of a hull design with minimal drag is an important effort to reduce emission levels on ships. Two different hull shapes, U and V hulls, have unique properties that affect their drag production, which has been studied extensively in the past. This study aims to re-examine the differences between the two hull types by conducting a simple analysis of drag prediction results using empirical and numerical slender body methods. Both hull models in this study have the same size and volume. The results indicate that the U hull has a higher frictional resistance ( ) than the V hull due to its wider wetted surface area ( ). Additionally, the viscous pressure resistance ( ) and form factor coefficient ( ) of the U hull are also higher than those of the V hull. However, for Froude numbers (Fr) above 0.245, the U hull has lower wave resistance ( ) than the V hull, whereas for Fr below 0.245, the U hull has higher . Overall, the U hull produces a higher total resistance ( ) than the V hull at low speeds, but a lower  at high speeds. Therefore, the choice of hull shape for minimizing a ship's resistance is influenced by the desired speed of service. If Fr is low, below 0.24, a V-shaped hull is more suitable. However, if Fr is higher than 0.24, a U-shaped hull is more appropriate.
Victim-Perpetrator Relationship: Reconnoitering Typology of Victimization in Anita Nair’s Eating Wasps
Authors: C Suganya , M Vijayakumar
Published: April 2023

Violence against women is not new from feticide to cyberbullying. It remains unchanged and experienced by all ages of women from perpetrators in the patriarchal hegemony. Every form of violence affects millions of women’s lives irrespective of age, class, culture, language, religion, and education, and it cannot be stopped by anything due to deep-rooted patriarchy and gender stereotypes. Men (gender stereotypes) become the primary reason for the violence against women and women become vulnerable victims as they are considered ‘Other’, the weaker sex. Victimization has a physical and psychological impact on victims’ rest of their lives. Anita Nair, an Indian author vociferates the different forms of victimization in the modern era in her latest literary oeuvre Eating Wasps (2018). Megha, a six-year-old child, Liliana, an Italian spinster and Najma, a Muslim girl do not share any contribution to victimization but being in the hapless situation entitles them to be victimized. Yet, they are denied to accept the tag ‘victim’ and become survivors by fighting against the odds in their society. This study traverses the relationship between victims and perpetrators through the lens of Benjamin Mendelsohn’s typology of victimization and the challenges encountered by victims in the patriarchal environment.
Exploring The Convergence of Social Disparities and Interracial Relationships in Sue Monk Kidd’s The Invention of Wings
Authors: A Ancy Liyana , Baisel Anu
Published: April 2023

Slavery is one of the most significant social disparities in human history. It is defined as the practice of owning and exploiting another individual as property or inferior. It is characterized by enforced labor and restraints on freedom. Specifically, slavery was a system that allowed the enslavers who possessed the power to force the enslaved people to work and limit their lives and liberty. In the United States, slavery was solely based on the race and identity of one group of people. However, given their race and skin color, many Black people in America were forced into slavery. Since enslavers considered enslaved people their property, they considered them insignificant. Therefore, this study's primary purpose is to determine how whites dominated Blacks and controlled enslaved people through slavery. Further, it analyses how the interracial bond promotes racial equality in one of Kidd’s novels, The Invention of Wings. Despite initially holding racist views, Sarah, the white protagonist in the novel, develops a close bond with Handful, a Black character. Through this relationship, Sarah gained a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by Black people and eventually became an abolitionist, committed to gradually freeing them from slavery. In addition, this study also explores how the Black characters in the novel fight tirelessly to attain their independence without losing their faith. Hence, the study results in greater insight into Sarah's Interracial relationship with Handful, including how they got inspired and influenced by each other, thus diminishing discrimination between the two races.
Turbulent Flow and Heat Transfer Enhancement for Turbine Blade Trailing Edge Cooling With Gyroid-Type Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces
Authors: Yeranee Kirttayoth , Rao Yu
Published: April 2023

The Gyroid is a type of triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) that has interconnected, perfectly curved topologies and excellent thermomechanical properties. Due to its topological feature to enhance heat transfer and self-support structure, this study presents numerical investigations of the flow, heat transfer, and pressure loss in various Gyroid architectures in a wedge-shaped channel, representing a trailing edge cooling for gas turbine blades. The Gyroid structures are partly arranged near the outlet of the wedged channel or are fully filled within the wedged channel. The local and overall flow and heat transfer mechanisms with different Gyroid configurations are compared to the baseline pin fins within the Reynolds number range of 10,000–30,000. The results show that for the case with partly infilled Gyroid structures, the overall heat transfer enhancement is higher by 39–102%, and the related pressure loss is higher by 93–154% than the baseline pin fins. For the case with fully infilled Gyroid structures, the total heat transfer is superiorly higher by 157–188%, and the related pressure loss is higher by 248–555% than the baseline pin fins. For all the Gyroid configurations, obviously improved cooling uniformity is achieved on the whole trailing edge wall. The significant heat transfer enhancement in the trailing edge channel with Gyroid structures is mainly due to a much increased wetted area, the generated helical and impingement flow through the curved interconnected channels and improved flow distribution within the wedged channel.