bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suicide literacy in nurses: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Karakaya Dudu , Özparlak Arif , Önder Merve
Published: January 2022

Aims and Objectives

This study is a cross‐sectional study aiming to determine the suicide literacy level of nurses and to examine the relationship between nurses’ suicide literacy and certain variables.

Background

Suicide literacy in nurses is a factor which affects knowledge levels. The level of suicide literacy in nurses may affect the care given to patients and the behaviour of obtaining help in relation to themselves.

Methods

The study was conducted with 348 nurses between January and March 2020 at a hospital in the city of Antalya in Turkey. A personal information form and the Literacy of Suicide Scale (LOSS) were used to collect data. Descriptive statistical methods were used in data analysis. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the predictors of suicide literacy. The STROBE checklist was followed for this cross‐sectional study.

Results

The nurses’ mean score on LOSS was 11.08 ± 3.92. Significant predictors of suicide literacy in nurses were being single, working in the emergency department, having previous experience in the psychiatry clinic, not having a mental illness, having suicide attempts in the family, having previously obtained information on intervention on individuals at risk of suicide and stating that their sources of information on this topic were nursing education and the Internet. These variables explained 19.8% of the variance in suicide literacy.

Conclusions

The nurses’ suicide literacy was at a low level. It is recommended that education programs on the care of patients at risk of suicide be set up for all nurses working in general clinics.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

It is important to raise the levels of suicide literacy in nurses in order to provide better quality care to patients who are at risk of suicide. Also, raising levels of suicide literacy may strengthen nurses’ behaviours in seeking help for themselves.
Computed tomographic features of portal vein thrombosis in two cats with splenosystemic shunts
Authors: Sakamoto Y. , Ishikawa C. , Nakayama T. , Sakai M.
Published: January 2022

Two spayed female cats presented with hepatic encephalopathy due to hyperammonaemia. On abdominal ultrasound, concurrent portal vein thrombosis and splenosystemic shunts were suspected in both cats. Computed tomographic angiography clearly detected thrombi as non‐contrast enhancing intraluminal structures in the main portal vein of both cats. Additionally, splenorenal shunts were revealed in both cats. Follow‐up computed tomographic angiography for portal vein thrombosis was performed in both cats, only one of whom received anticoagulant therapy. In the untreated cat, portal vein thrombosis had progressed with the development of an aberrant tortuous vessel. In the cat treated with low‐molecular‐weight heparin, the thrombus progressively decreased in size and disappeared on follow‐up diagnostic imaging. Computed tomographic angiography might be useful for the diagnosis and follow‐up of portal vein thrombosis in cats.
FKBP‐type peptidyl‐prolyl cis‐trans isomerase interacts with the movement protein of tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus and impacts viral replication in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Chang Ho‐Hsiung , Lee Chia‐Hwa , Chang Chung‐Jan , Jan Fuh‐Jyh
Published: January 2022

Begomoviruses belonging to the family Geminiviridae are plant‐infecting DNA viruses. Begomoviral movement protein (MP) has been reported to be required for virus movement, host range determination, and symptom development. In the present study, the FK506‐binding protein (FKBP)‐type peptidyl‐prolyl cis‐trans isomerase (NbFKPPIase) of Nicotiana benthamiana was identified by a yeast two‐hybrid screening system using the MP of tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) oriental melon (OM) isolate (MPOM) as bait. Transient silencing of the gene encoding NbFKPPIase increased replication of three test begomoviruses, and transient overexpression decreased viral replication, indicating that NbFKPPIase plays a role in defence against begomoviruses. However, infection of N. benthamiana by ToLCNDV‐OM or overexpression of the gene encoding MPOM drastically reduced the expression of the gene encoding NbFKPPIase. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer analysis revealed that MPOM interacted with NbFKPPIase in the periphery of cells. Expression of the gene encoding NbFKPPIase was induced by salicylic acid but not by methyl jasmonate or ethylene. Moreover, the expression of the gene encoding NbFKPPIase was down‐regulated in response to 6‐benzylaminopurine and up‐regulated in response to gibberellin or indole‐3‐acetic acid, suggesting a role of NbFKPPIase in plant development. Transcriptome analysis and comparison of N. benthamiana transient silencing and overexpression of the gene encoding MPOM led to the identification of several differentially expressed genes whose functions are probably associated with cell cycle regulation. Our results indicate that begomoviruses could suppress NbFKPPIase‐mediated defence and biological functions by transcriptional inhibition and physical interaction between MP and NbFKPPIase to facilitate infection.
Using adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells to fight the metabolic complications of obesity: Where do we stand?
Authors: Mikłosz Agnieszka , Nikitiuk Barbara Emilia , Chabowski Adrian
Published: January 2022

Obesity is a critical risk factor for the development of metabolic diseases, and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. Stem cell‐based therapies have become a promising tool for therapeutic intervention. Among them are adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs), secreting numerous bioactive molecules, like growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines. Their unique features, including immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory properties, make them an ideal candidates for clinical applications. Numerous experimental studies have shown that ADMSCs can improve pancreatic islet cell viability and function, ameliorate hyperglycemia, improve insulin sensitivity, restore liver function, counteract dyslipidemia, lower pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and reduce oxidative stress in the animal models. These results prompted scientists to use ADMSCs clinically. However, up to date, there have been few clinical studies or ongoing trails using ADMSCs to treat metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or liver cirrhosis. Most human studies have implemented autologous ADMSCs with minimal risk of cellular rejection. Because the functionality of ADMSCs is significantly reduced in subjects with obesity and/or metabolic syndrome, their efficacy is questioned. ADMSCs transplantation may offer a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of metabolic complications of obesity, but randomized controlled trials are required to establish their safety and efficacy in humans prior to routine clinical use.
Relationship between Change in Bone Mineral Density of Lumbar Spine and Risk of New Vertebral and Nonvertebral Fractures: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Chen Liang , Liu Xiao‐ping , Zhou Bo , Guo Tong‐ya , Yuan Feng , Abdelrahim Mohamed E A , Jiang Zhen‐huan
Published: January 2022

Studies have shown that the change in lumbar spine bone mineral density with different osteoporosis drugs had a beneficial effect on the frequency of new vertebral and nonvertebral fractures in postmenopausal females, but their results were conflicting. This meta‐analysis was performed to evaluate this relationship. A systematic literature search up to May 2020 was performed and 20 studies with 73,390 postmenopausal females were included; of them, a total of 41,980 were treated with osteoporosis drugs and 31,410 with placebo. They reported relationships between the change in lumbar spine bone mineral density and the frequency of new vertebral and nonvertebral fractures in postmenopausal females. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was calculated comparing the osteoporosis drugs to placebo effect on the frequency of new vertebral and nonvertebral fractures in postmenopausal females using the dichotomous method with a random or fixed‐effect model. Treatment with osteoporosis drugs had significantly lower frequency of new vertebral fractures (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.45–0.63, P < 0.001) and nonvertebral fractures (OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.78–0.87, P < 0.001) compared to placebo in postmenopausal females. Treatment with osteoporosis drugs had a significantly lower frequency of new vertebral and nonvertebral fractures compared to placebo in postmenopausal females. This relationship forces us to recommend osteoporosis drugs in postmenopausal females to avoid any possible new fractures. A cost‐effective study is recommended.
PhieABEs: a PAM‐less/free high‐efficiency adenine base editor toolbox with wide target scope in plants
Authors: Tan Jiantao , Zeng Dongchang , Zhao Yanchang , Wang Yaxi , Liu Taoli , Li Shuangchun , Xue Yang , Luo Yuyu , Xie Xianrong , Chen Letian , Liu Yao‐Guang , Zhu Qinlong
Published: January 2022

Adenine base editors (ABEs), which are generally engineered adenosine deaminases and Cas variants, introduce site‐specific A‐to‐G mutations for agronomic trait improvement. However, notably varying editing efficiencies, restrictive requirements for protospacer‐adjacent motifs (PAMs) and a narrow editing window greatly limit their application. Here, we developed a robust high‐efficiency ABE (PhieABE) toolbox for plants by fusing an evolved, highly active form of the adenosine deaminase TadA8e and a single‐stranded DNA‐binding domain (DBD), based on PAM‐less/free Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9) nickase variants that recognize the PAM NGN (for SpCas9n‐NG and SpGn) or NNN (for SpRYn). By targeting 29 representative targets in rice and assessing the results, we demonstrate that PhieABEs have significantly improved base‐editing activity, expanded target range and broader editing windows compared to the ABE7.10 and general ABE8e systems. Among these PhieABEs, hyper ABE8e‐DBD‐SpRYn (hyABE8e‐SpRY) showed nearly 100% editing efficiency at some tested sites, with a high proportion of homozygous base substitutions in the editing windows and no single guide RNA (sgRNA)‐dependent off‐target changes. The original sgRNA was more compatible with PhieABEs than the evolved sgRNA. In conclusion, the DBD fusion effectively promotes base‐editing efficiency, and this novel PhieABE toolbox should have wide applications in plant functional genomics and crop improvement.
Knowledge about oral manifestations of systemic diseases among medical and dental students from Jordan: An interdisciplinary educational gap
Authors: Hassona Yazan , Salim Nesreen A. , Tarboush Nafez , Sartawi Samiha , Alrashdan Mohammad S. , Rajab Lamis , Sawair Faleh
Published: January 2022

Objective

To assess the ability of medical students to recognize oral manifestation of selected systemic diseases and compare their performance with dental students.

Materials and Methods

A total of 400 senior medical and dental students were approached to participate. The study protocol involved two parts; a self‐administered survey and a direct interview involving clinical photographs for oral signs of systemic diseases.

Results

A total of 283 (70.8%) agreed to participate and completed the two‐ part study. The study population was made of 110 (38.9%) [82 females and 28 males] dental students, and 173(61.1%) [98 females and 75 males] medical students. The knowledge score regarding questions about the normal mouth and oral structures was 15.7 ± 6 out of 22. Dental students had a significantly higher knowledge score about normal mouth and oral structures (20.9 ± 4; range from 17 to 22) compared to medical students (10.6 ± 7; range from 4 to 21) (p = .029). The knowledge score regarding questions about oral manifestations of systemic diseases was 26.8 ± 6 out of 40. Dental students had a significantly higher knowledge score about oral manifestations of systemic diseases (30.8 ± 7; range from 15 to 37) compared to medical students (22.9 ± 4; range from 10 to 36) (p = .031). Only 24.3% (n = 42) medical students reported having adequate training to be able to distinguish between normal mouth and diseases. Nearly all medical students (91.3%; n = 158) felt that it is important to have more formal training in oral examination and disease diagnosis.

Conclusion

Medical students lack adequate knowledge, diagnostic ability, and confidence with regard to diagnosis of oral signs of systemic diseases. To ensure that medical students have necessary skills in assessing oral diseases, curricula revisions and modifications are required, and specific oral health‐related learning outcomes should be introduced and reinforced through clinical training.
The Miocene deep‐seated spontaneous coal‐seam fire in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (S Poland) and its geotectonic trigger mechanism
Authors: Nawrocki Jerzy , Ciesielczuk Justyna , Jura Dominik , Fabiańska Monika J. , Misz‐Kennan Magdalena
Published: January 2022

The deep‐seated spontaneous coal‐seam fire occurred in the southwestern part of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (S Poland), confirmed by oxygenated compounds emission to over‐ and underlying rocks. The fire was dated at 19.2–19.8 Ma using the 39Ar‐40Ar method and palaeomagnetism. It was initiated in the Carpathian foreland thanks to a normal faulting in response to thrust‐loaded deflections of the Carpathian foreland lithosphere during collision of tectonic plates (Alcapa and stable Europe). The orogenic loading caused this normal faulting in the foreland and triggering the flexural mechanism of foredeep subsidence and forebulge uplift. Thanks to the dating of rocks affected by the spontaneous coal fire initiated during the rapid uplift of coal‐bearing rocks, when they became exposed to the aeration zone, the age of these mountain‐building processes in the Carpathians has been precisely defined.
Dacryocystitis in dogs caused by foreign bodies—Diagnosis and therapy in 14 Cases
Authors: Steinmetz Andrea , Dohmann Gustavo Werner Jara , Blobner Claudia Christine
Published: January 2022

Objective

To describe foreign bodies (FBs) in the nasolacrimal sac of dogs, the history, and simple diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Animals studied

Fourteen dogs of different breeds, ages, and sexes were presented with unilateral dacryocystitis and had been treated without success for over 1–8 months.

Procedures

Patient history, including prior treatment, was obtained from medical records. Slit‐lamp examination was performed in all cases (SL 17, Kowa Company Ltd.). Jones tests 1 and/or 2 were performed in 13/14 cases. Dacryocystotomy was initiated with an incision into one canaliculus until the lacrimal sac was exposed and could be explored. After extracting the FB from the nasolacrimal sac, the surgical wound and canaliculus were left open. Aftercare included the administration of antibiotic eye drops with or without dexamethasone and systemic analgesia.

Results

All 14 dogs were mesocephalic. Four of them were Dachshunds. Dacryocystotomy revealed plant‐related FBs in all cases. The purulent discharge disappeared immediately after removal and did not recur during follow‐up.

Conclusions

A simple dacryocystotomy is recommended for dogs with a strong suspicion of a foreign body in the lacrimal drainage system. Dacryocystorhinography appears to be an optional tool in these cases.
Publication rate and evidence‐based evaluation of abstracts presented at the veterinary endoscopy society annual meeting (2004‐2019)
Authors: Moy‐Trigilio Karen E. , Buote Nicole J. , Parry Stephen
Published: January 2022

Objective

To determine the rate of full‐length publication for the 2004‐2019 Veterinary Endoscopy Society (VES) annual meeting abstracts and to identify abstract and author characteristics as predictors of publication.

Study design

Observational bibliographical study.

Sample population

Three hundred and eighty‐nine abstracts.

Methods

Abstracts from 2004‐2019 Veterinary Endoscopy Society (VES) proceedings and matching full‐length publications retrieved from bibliographic databases were systematically reviewed. Variables assessed included species, specimen type (cadaver, live animal, etc.), subdiscipline (orthopedics, internal medicine, etc.), institution, country of origin, study design, level of evidence (LoE), time to publication, number of authors, their credentials, and gender. Logistic regression, Fisher's exact tests and t‐tests were used to assess the bivariate relationship between publication and characteristics of the authors and publications.

Results

The overall publication rate for presented abstracts published as full‐length articles in peer‐reviewed journals was 26%. Median time from abstract presentation to full‐length article publication was 430 days. Factors associated with full‐length article publication were identified: affiliated institution (P = .01), species studied (P = .04), subdiscipline focus (P = .01), level of evidence (P = .01), number of authors (P = .01), and first author's gender (P = .03).

Conclusion

Veterinary Endoscopy Society abstracts were commonly categorized into a lower LoE. Abstracts from academic institutions regarding canine patients and soft tissue surgery topics were more likely to be published. Abstracts citing female first authors or with more than 1 author had higher odds of publication.

Clinical significance

Data reported provide authors with predictors for publication and identify topics for research opportunities. Veterinary specialty societies may utilize this information when evaluating abstracts.
Photoacoustic monitoring of angiogenesis predicts response to therapy in healing wounds
Authors: Mantri Yash , Tsujimoto Jason , Donovan Brian , Fernandes Christopher C. , Garimella Pranav S. , Penny William F. , Anderson Caesar A. , Jokerst Jesse V.
Published: January 2022

Chronic wounds are a major health problem that cause the medical infrastructure billions of dollars every year. Chronic wounds are often difficult to heal and cause significant discomfort. Although wound specialists have numerous therapeutic modalities at their disposal, tools that could three dimensional‐map wound bed physiology and guide therapy do not exist. Visual cues are the current standard but are limited to surface assessment; clinicians rely on experience to predict response to therapy. Photoacoustic (PA) ultrasound (US) is a non‐invasive, hybrid imaging modality that can solve these major limitations. PA relies on the contrast generated by haemoglobin in blood which allows it to map local angiogenesis, tissue perfusion and oxygen saturation—all critical parameters for wound healing. This work evaluates the use of PA‐US to monitor angiogenesis and stratify patients responding versus not‐responding to therapy. We imaged 19 patients with 22 wounds once a week for at least 3 weeks. Our findings suggest that PA imaging directly visualises angiogenesis. Patients responding to therapy showed clear signs of angiogenesis and an increased rate of PA increase (p = 0.002). These responders had a significant and negative correlation between PA intensity and wound size. Hypertension was correlated to impaired angiogenesis in non‐responsive patients. The rate of PA increase and hence the rate of angiogenesis was able to predict healing times within 30 days from the start of monitoring (power = 88%, alpha = 0.05). This early response detection system could help inform management and treatment strategies while improving outcomes and reducing costs.
The role of DNA nanostructures in the catalytic properties of an allosterically regulated protease
Authors: Kosinski Richard , Perez Joel Mieres , Schöneweiß Elisa-C. , Ruiz-Blanco Yasser B. , Ponzo Irene , Bravo-Rodriguez Kenny , Erkelenz Michael , Schlücker Sebastian , Uhlenbrock Guido , Sanchez-Garcia Elsa , Saccà Barbara
Published: January 2022

DNA nanostructures invert the catalytic response of thrombin to substrates of opposite net charge.
Dynamic omnidirectional adhesive microneedle system for oral macromolecular drug delivery
Authors: Chen Wei , Wainer Jacob , Ryoo Si Won , Qi Xiaoyue , Chang Rong , Li Jason , Lee Seung Ho , Min Seokkee , Wentworth Adam , Collins Joy E. , Tamang Siddartha , Ishida Keiko , Hayward Alison , Langer Robert , Traverso Giovanni
Published: January 2022

We developed a dynamic omnidirectional adhesive microneedle system that improves the oral delivery of macromolecules.
Four-dimensional nuclear speckle phase separation dynamics regulate proteostasis
Authors: Dion William , Ballance Heather , Lee Jane , Pan Yinghong , Irfan Saad , Edwards Casey , Sun Michelle , Zhang Jing , Zhang Xin , Liu Silvia , Zhu Bokai
Published: January 2022

A cell-autonomous 12-hour clock coordinates nuclear speckle LLPS with proteostasis control.
Glioblastoma stem cells reprogram chromatin in vivo to generate selective therapeutic dependencies on DPY30 and phosphodiesterases
Authors: Dixit Deobrat , Prager Briana C. , Gimple Ryan C. , Miller Tyler E. , Wu Qiulian , Yomtoubian Shira , Kidwell Reilly L. , Lv Deguan , Zhao Linjie , Qiu Zhixin , Zhang Guoxin , Lee Derrick , Park Donglim Esther , Wechsler-Reya Robert J. , Wang Xiuxing , Bao Shideng , Rich Jeremy N.
Published: January 2022

DPY30 is an in vivo–specific dependency in glioblastoma that regulates phosphodiesterases and angiogenesis in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment.
Activation of the MKK3-p38-MK2-ZFP36 Axis by Coronavirus Infection Restricts the Upregulation of AU-Rich Element-Containing Transcripts in Proinflammatory Responses
Authors: Li Shumin , Liu Siying , Chen Rui Ai , Huang Mei , Fung To Sing , Liu Ding Xiang
Published: January 2022

Excessive and uncontrolled induction and release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, the so-called cytokine release syndrome (CRS), would cause life-threatening complications and multiple organ failure in severe coronavirus infections, including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and COVID-19. This study reveals that coronavirus infection also induces the expression of ZFP36, an anti-inflammatory ARE-binding protein, promoting the degradation of ARE-containing transcripts coding for IL-6 and IL-8 as well as a number of other proteins related to inflammatory response.
Development of a Genomics-Based Approach To Identify Putative Hypervirulent Nontyphoidal Salmonella Isolates: Salmonella enterica Serovar Saintpaul as a Model
Authors: Chen Ruixi , Cheng Rachel A. , Wiedmann Martin , Orsi Renato H.
Published: January 2022

Not all
Salmonella
isolates are equally likely to cause human disease, and
Salmonella
control strategies may unintentionally focus on serovars and subtypes with high prevalence in source populations but are rarely associated with human clinical illness. We describe a framework leveraging WGS data in the NCBI PD database to identify
Salmonella
subtypes over- and underrepresented among human clinical cases.
Enterocytozoon schreckii
n. sp. Infects the Enterocytes of Adult Chinook Salmon (
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
) and May Be a Sentinel of Immunosenescence
Authors: Couch Claire E. , Kent Michael L. , Weiss Louis M. , Takvorian Peter M. , Nervino Stephanie , Cummins Leslie , Sanders Justin L.
Published: January 2022

In this work, we describe a new microsporidian species that infects the enterocytes of Chinook salmon. This novel pathogen is closely related to
Enterocytozoon bieneusi
, an opportunistic pathogen commonly found in AIDS patients and other severely immunocompromised humans.
PLB-985 Neutrophil-Like Cells as a Model To Study Aspergillus fumigatus Pathogenesis
Authors: Rafiq Muhammad , Rivieccio Flora , Zimmermann Ann-Kathrin , Visser Corissa , Bruch Alexander , Krüger Thomas , González Rojas Katherine , Kniemeyer Olaf , Blango Matthew G. , Brakhage Axel A.
Published: January 2022

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes are an important defense against human fungal pathogens, yet our model systems to study this group of cells remain very limited in scope. In this study, we established that differentiated PLB-985 cells can serve as a model to recapitulate several important aspects of human polymorphonuclear leukocyte interactions with the important human fungal pathogenAspergillus fumigatus.
Quantitative Monitoring of Mycelial Growth of Aspergillus fumigatus in Liquid Culture by Optical Density
Authors: Miyazawa Ken , Umeyama Takashi , Hoshino Yasutaka , Abe Keietsu , Miyazaki Yoshitsugu
Published: January 2022

Filamentous fungi generally form hyphal pellets in liquid culture. This property prevents filamentous fungi to apply the methods used for unicellular organisms such as yeast and bacteria.
The Diagnosis of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease by Single Bacterial Isolation Plus Anti-GPL-Core IgA Antibody
Authors: Kawasaki Takahiro , Kitada Seigo , Fukushima Kiyoharu , Akiba Eri , Haduki Kako , Saito Haruko , Nitta Tadayoshi , Kawano Akira , Miyazaki Akito , Nii Takuro , Kuge Tomoki , Koba Taro , Matsuki Takanori , Tsujino Kazuyuki , Miki Keisuke , Maekura Ryoji , Kida Hiroshi
Published: January 2022

To satisfy the microbiologic criteria of the current diagnostic guideline for nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (PD), at least two positive sputum cultures of the same species of mycobacteria from sputum are required to avoid the casual isolation of mycobacteria. This study showed that the positivity of a serum anti-glycopeptidolipid (GPL)-core IgA antibody test has an excellent diagnostic ability among patients with radiologically suspected
Mycobacterium avium
complex (MAC)-PD or
Mycobacterium abscessus
(MAB)-PD who already had a single positive sputum culture test.
Elevated Cerebrospinal Fluid Anti-CD4 Autoantibody Levels in HIV Associate with Neuroinflammation
Authors: Cheng Da , Luo Zhenwu , Fu Xiaoyu , Stephenson Sophie , Di Germanio Clara , Norris Philip J. , Fuchs Dietmar , Ndhlovu Lishomwa C. , Li Quan-zhen , Zetterberg Henrik , Gisslen Magnus , Price Richard W. , Peng Shifang , Jiang Wei
Published: January 2022

This study reports that an autoantibody presents in the CNS of HIV patients and that its levels in the CSF correlate with some markers of neuroinflammation.
Four-mode squeezed states: two-field quantum systems and the symplectic group $$\mathrm {Sp}(4,{\mathbb {R}})$$
Authors: Colas Thomas , Grain Julien , Vennin Vincent
Published: January 2022

We construct the four-mode squeezed states and study their physical properties. These states describe two linearly-coupled quantum scalar fields, which makes them physically relevant in various contexts such as cosmology. They are shown to generalise the usual two-mode squeezed states of single-field systems, with additional transfers of quanta between the fields. To build them in the Fock space, we use the symplectic structure of the phase space. For this reason, we first present a pedagogical analysis of the symplectic group $$\mathrm {Sp}(4,{\mathbb {R}})$$

Sp
(
4
,
R
)

and its Lie algebra, from which we construct the four-mode squeezed states and discuss their structure. We also study the reduced single-field system obtained by tracing out one of the two fields. This procedure being easier in the phase space, it motivates the use of the Wigner function which we introduce as an alternative description of the state. It allows us to discuss environmental effects in the case of linear interactions. In particular, we find that there is always a range of interaction coupling for which decoherence occurs without substantially affecting the power spectra (hence the observables) of the system.
Schrödinger equation in a general curved spacetime geometry
Authors: Exirifard Qasem , Karimi Ebrahim
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we consider relativistic quantum field theory in the presence of an external electric potential in a general curved spacetime geometry. We utilize Fermi coordinates adapted to the time-like geodesic to describe the low-energy physics in the laboratory and calculate the leading correction due to the curvature of the spacetime geometry to the Schrödinger equation. We then compute the nonvanishing probability of excitation for a hydrogen atom that falls in or is scattered by a general Schwarzschild black hole. The photon emitted from the excited state by spontaneous emission extracts energy from the black hole, increases the decay rate of the black hole and adds to the information paradox.
Global Buckling Behavior of CFST Columns with Assembling Errors
Authors: Zhou Si-Ming , Tong Jing-Zhong , Tong Gen-Shu , Lei Zhang , Jiang Xiang , Liu Yi-Xiang
Published: January 2022

Concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) column has been widely used in engineering practice. In the process of assembling two columns to form a slender member, assembling errors (AE) are inevitably produced at the section of connection. When the AE are too large, the global buckling resistance of slender column would be significantly affected. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the influence of AE on the stability performance of slender CFST columns. In this study, an axial compressive test involving three CFST columns with AE (AE-CFST columns) was conducted. A refined finite element (FE) model is established for further parametric analysis. Based on a simplified analytical model by analyzing the isolated steel connecting plate, a theoretical formula is proposed for predicting the critical thickness [Formula: see text] of the connecting plate. When the thickness [Formula: see text] of the connecting plate meets its requirement, the failure at the section of connection caused by AE could be effectively prevented. Stability design curves considering the influence of AE ratio (the ratio between assembling error and sectional depth of column) are proposed based on numerous FE examples. It is found that the proposed design curves are reliable for the design of AE-CFST columns with different AE ratios.
The Making of Plant Armor: The Periderm
Authors: Serra Olga , Mähönen Ari Pekka , Hetherington Alexander J. , Ragni Laura
Published: January 2022

The periderm acts as armor protecting the plant's inner tissues from biotic and abiotic stress. It forms during the radial thickening of plant organs such as stems and roots and replaces the function of primary protective tissues such as the epidermis and the endodermis. A wound periderm also forms to heal and protect injured tissues. The periderm comprises a meristematic tissue called the phellogen, or cork cambium, and its derivatives: the lignosuberized phellem and the phelloderm. Research on the periderm has mainly focused on the chemical composition of the phellem due to its relevance as a raw material for industrial processes. Today, there is increasing interest in the regulatory network underlying periderm development as a novel breeding trait to improve plant resilience and to sequester CO2. Here, we discuss our current understanding of periderm formation, focusing on aspects of periderm evolution, mechanisms of periderm ontogenesis, regulatory networks underlying phellogen initiation and cork differentiation, and future challenges of periderm research.
Protein Sequencing, One Molecule at a Time
Authors: Floyd Brendan M. , Marcotte Edward M.
Published: January 2022

Despite tremendous gains over the past decade, methods for characterizing proteins have generally lagged behind those for nucleic acids, which are characterized by extremely high sensitivity, dynamic range, and throughput. However, the ability to directly characterize proteins at nucleic acid levels would address critical biological challenges such as more sensitive medical diagnostics, deeper protein quantification, large-scale measurement, and discovery of alternate protein isoforms and modifications and would open new paths to single-cell proteomics. In response to this need, there has been a push to radically improve protein sequencing technologies by taking inspiration from high-throughput nucleic acid sequencing, with a particular focus on developing practical methods for single-molecule protein sequencing (SMPS). SMPS technologies fall generally into three categories: sequencing by degradation (e.g., mass spectrometry or fluorosequencing), sequencing by transit (e.g., nanopores or quantum tunneling), and sequencing by affinity (as in DNA hybridization–based approaches). We describe these diverse approaches, which range from those that are already experimentally well-supported to the merely speculative, in this nascent field striving to reformulate proteomics.
The Performance of Artificial Intelligence in Cervical Colposcopy: A Retrospective Data Analysis
Authors: Zhao Yuqian , Li Yucong , Xing Lu , Lei Haike , Chen Duke , Tang Chao , Li Xiaosheng
Published: January 2022

Objective. We aimed to evaluate the performance of artificial intelligence (AI) system in detecting high-grade precancerous lesions. Methods. A retrospective and diagnostic study was conducted in Chongqing Cancer Hospital. Anonymized medical records with cytology, HPV testing, colposcopy findings with images, and the histopathological results were selected. The sensitivity, specificity, and areas under the curve (AUC) in detecting CIN2+ and CIN3+ were evaluated for the AI system, the AI-assisted colposcopy, and the human colposcopists, respectively. Results. Anonymized medical records from 346 women were obtained. The images captured under colposcopy of 194 women were found positive by the AI system; 245 women were found positive either by human colposcopists or the AI system. In detecting CIN2+, the AI-assisted colposcopy significantly increased the sensitivity (96.6% vs. 88.8%,

p
=
0.016

). The specificity was significantly lower for AI-assisted colposcopy (38.1%), compared with human colposcopists (59.5%,

p
<
0.001

) or the AI system (57.6%,

p
<
0.001

). The AUCs for the human colposcopists, AI system, and AI-assisted colposcopy were 0.741, 0.765, and 0.674, respectively. In detecting CIN3+, the sensitivities of the AI system and AI-assisted colposcopy were not significantly higher than human colposcopists (97.5% vs. 92.6%,

p
=
0.13

). The specificity was significantly lower for AI-assisted colposcopy (37.4%) compared with human colposcopists (59.2%,

p
<
0.001

) or compared with the AI system (56.6%,

p
<
0.001

). The AUCs for the human colposcopists, AI system, and AI-assisted colposcopy were 0.759, 0.674, and 0.771, respectively. Conclusions. The AI system provided equally matched sensitivity to human colposcopists in detecting CIN2+ and CIN3+. The AI-assisted colposcopy significantly improved the sensitivity in detecting CIN2+.
An Overview of Alkylresorcinols Biological Properties and Effects
Authors: Zabolotneva Anastasia A. , Shatova Olga P. , Sadova Anastasia A. , Shestopalov Aleksandr V. , Roumiantsev Sergei A.
Published: January 2022

The investigation of alkylresorcinols has drawn an increasing interest recently. Alkylresorcinols (ARs) are natural chemical compounds synthesized by bacteria, fungi, sponges, and higher plants, possessing a lipophilic polyphenol structures and a myriad of biological properties. Human takes ARs as a component of a whole grain diet (from whole grain rye, wheat, and barley products), and thus, alkylresorcinols are frequently used as whole grain intake markers. Besides, ARs are considered as promising bioregulators of metabolic and immune processes, as well as adjuvant therapeutic agents for antimicrobial and anticancer treatment. In this review, we attempted to systematize the accumulated information concerning ARs origin, metabolism, biological properties, and their effect on human health.
Image Features of Resting‐State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Evaluating Poor Emotion and Sleep Quality in Patients with Chronic Pain under Artificial Intelligence Algorithm
Authors: Yang Shuqin , Bie Xiaoyan , Wang Yanmei , Li Junnan , Wang Yujing , Sun Xiaoyan
Published: January 2022

The balanced iterative reducing and clustering using hierarchies (BIRCH) method was adopted to optimize the results of the resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS‐fMRI) to analyze the changes in the brain function of patients with chronic pain accompanied by poor emotion or abnormal sleep quality in this study, so as to provide data support for the prevention and treatment of clinical chronic pain with poor emotion or sleep quality. 159 patients with chronic pain who visited the hospital were selected as the research objects, and they were grouped according to the presence or absence of abnormalities in emotion and sleep. The patients without poor emotion and sleep quality were set as the control group (60 cases), and the patients with the above symptoms were defined in the observation group (90 cases). The brain function was detected by RS‐fMRI technology based on the BIRCH algorithm. The results showed that the rand index (RI), adjustment of RI (ARI), and Fowlkes–Mallows index (FMI) results in the k‐means, flow cytometry (FCM), and BIRCH algorithms were 0.82, 0.71, and 0.88, respectively. The scores of Hamilton Depression Scale (HAHD), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were 7.26 ± 3.95, 7.94 ± 3.15, and 8.03 ± 4.67 in the observation group and 4.03 ± 1.95, 5.13 ± 2.35, and 4.43 ± 2.07 in the control group; the higher proportion of RS‐fMRI was with abnormal brain signal connections. A score of 7 or more meant that the number of brain abnormalities was more than 90% and that of less than 7 was less than 40%, showing a statistically obvious difference in contrast (P < 0.05). Therefore, the BIRCH clustering algorithm showed reliable value in the optimization of RS‐fMRI images, and RS‐fMRI showed high application value in evaluating the emotion and sleep quality of patients with chronic pain.
Trends and Determinants of Underweight among Children under Five Years in Ethiopia: Further Analysis with Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2005–2016—Multivariate Decomposition Analysis
Authors: Birhan Tilahun Yemanu , Angaw Dessie Abebaw
Published: January 2022

Background. Underweight is one of the paramount major worldwide health problems, and it traces a big number of populations from infancy to old age. This study aimed to analyze the trends and predictors of change in underweight among children under five years in Ethiopia. Method. The data for this study were accessed from three Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data sets 2005, 2011, and 2016. The trend was examined separately for the periods 2005–2011, 2005–2016, and 2011–2016. Multivariate decomposition analysis of change in underweight was employed to answer the major research question of this study. The technique employed the output from the logistic regression model to parcel out the observed difference in underweight into components, and STATA 14 was utilized for data management and analysis. Result. Perceiving the overall trend, the rate of underweight was decreased from 38% in 2005 to 24% in 2016. The decomposition analysis results revealed that, about 12.60% of declines in underweight have been explained by the difference in population characteristics or endowments (E) over the study period. The size of the child at birth, husband’s education, women’s education, and household wealth index contributed significantly to the compositional decline in underweight. Conclusion. The magnitude of underweight among children under five years indicates a remarkable decline over the last ten years in Ethiopia. In this study, two-twelfth of the overall decrease in underweight among children under five years over the decade was due to the difference in characteristics between 2005 and 2016. Continuing to educate the population and boost the population’s economy is needed on the government side in Ethiopia.
Sindicatos y pandemia
Authors: Gutiérrez Francisca
Published: January 2022

Desde mediados de los 2000, Chile ha sido testigo de un cambio en los patrones de conflicto entre trabajadores y empresas. Después de una década de escaso enfrentamiento abierto, el número de huelgas comenzó a crecer así como el rol que juegan los sindicatos en los lugares de trabajo. El estallido social que comenzó el 18 de octubre del 2019 hizo visible que esta tendencia formaba parte de un proceso más global de revitalización de la acción colectiva. En esta columna, discutiremos los efectos que ha tenido y puede tener la pandemia de Covid-19 en esta tendencia. ¿Cómo la crisis que ha generado la pandemia altera el proceso de revitalización de los conflictos laborales y del sindicalismo observado en los últimos años?. Continuar leyendo...
miR-27b-3p Improved High Glucose-Induced Spermatogenic Cell Damage via Regulating Gfpt1/HBP Signaling
Authors: Zheng Hong , Huang Jian , Zhang Ming , Zhao Hu-Juan , Chen Pang , Zeng Zhen-Hua
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM)-induced testicular damage is characterized by abnormal apoptosis of spermatogenic cells. Here, we clarified the roles and the molecular mechanism of microRNA (miR)-27b-3p in high glucose (HG)-induced spermatogenic cell damage. Methods: GC-1 spg cells were treated with 30 mmol/L glucose for 24 h. Cell viability was assessed by 2.3 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. And, levels of O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (OGT), apoptosis-related proteins, and autophagy-related proteins were evaluated using Western blot. Levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-1β, IL-6, and UDP-N-acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc) were assessed by enzyme linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assay. Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malonic dialdehyde (MDA) and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in cells were determined using kits. Cell apoptosis was determined using flow cytometry assay. Besides, dual luciferase reporter assay was employed to verify the binding relationship between miR-27b-3p and glutamine-fructose-6-phosphate transaminase 1 (Gfpt1). Results: miR-27b-3p was markedly downregulated in HG-treated GC-1 spg cells. HG treatment caused decreased cell viability, increased oxidative stress and inflammation, and induced autophagy and apoptosis, which were abolished by miR-27b-3p overexpression. miR-27b-3p suppressed the activation of hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP) signaling in HG-treated spermatogenic cells. miR-27b-3p directly bound to Gfpt1 and negatively regulated its expression. Conclusion: miR-27b-3p could improve HG-induced spermatogenic cell damage via regulating Gfpt1/HBP signaling, providing a new treatment strategy for the treatment of DM-induced testicular damage.
Sex Differences in Factors Associated With Progression of Aortic Valve Calcification in the General Population
Authors: Diederichsen Axel , Lindholt Jes Sanddal , Møller Jacob Eifer , Gerke Oke , Rasmussen Lars Melholt , Dahl Jordi S.
Published: January 2022

Background:

Guidelines recommend measurement of the aortic valve calcification (AVC) score to help differentiate between severe and nonsevere aortic stenosis, but a paucity exists in data about AVC in the general population. The aim of this study was to describe the natural history of AVC progression in the general population and to identify potential sex differences in factors associated with this progression rate.

Methods:

Noncontrast cardiac computed tomography was performed in 1298 randomly selected women and men aged 65 to 74 years who participated in the DANCAVAS trial (Danish Cardiovascular Screening). Participants were invited to attend a reexamination after 4 years. The AVC score was measured at the computed tomography, and AVC progression (ΔAVC) was defined as the difference between AVC scores at baseline and follow-up. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with ΔAVC.

Results:

Among the 1298 invited citizens, 823 accepted to participate in the follow-up examination. The mean age at follow-up was 73 years. Men had significantly higher AVC scores at baseline (median AVC score 13 Agatston Units [AU; interquartile range, 0–94 AU] versus 1 AU [interquartile range, 0–22 AU],
P
<0.001) and a higher ΔAVC (median 26 AU [interquartile range, 0–101 AU] versus 4 AU [interquartile range, 0–37 AU],
P
<0.001) than women. In the fully adjusted model, the most important factor associated with ΔAVC was the baseline AVC score. However, hypertension was associated with ΔAVC in women (incidence rate ratios, 1.58 [95% CI, 1.06–2.34],
P
=0.024) but not in men, whereas dyslipidemia was associated with ΔAVC in men (incidence rate ratio: 1.66 [95% CI, 1.18–2.34],
P
=0.004) but not in women.

Conclusions:

The magnitude of the AVC score was the most important marker of AVC progression. However, sex differences were significant; hence, dyslipidemia was associated with AVC progression only among men; hypertension with AVC progression only among women.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.isrctn.com
; Unique identifier: ISRCTN12157806.
Caspase-4/11–Mediated Pulmonary Artery Endothelial Cell Pyroptosis Contributes to Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Wu Yusi , Pan Bingjie , Zhang Zhen , Li Xiaohui , Leng Yiping , Ji Yong , Sun Kun , Chen Alex F.
Published: January 2022

Background:

Endothelial dysfunction enhances vascular inflammation, which initiates pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) pathogenesis, further induces vascular remodeling and right ventricular failure. Activation of inflammatory caspases is an important initial event at the onset of pyroptosis. Studies have shown that caspase-1–mediated pyroptosis has played a crucial role in the pathogenesis of PAH. However, the role of caspase-11, another inflammatory caspase, remains to be elucidated. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to clarify the role of caspase-11 in the development of PAH and its mechanism on endothelial cell function.

Methods:

The role of caspase-11 in the progression of PAH and vascular remodeling was assessed in vivo. In vitro, the effect of caspase-4 silencing on the human pulmonary arterial endothelial cells pyroptosis was determined.

Results:

We confirmed that caspase-11 and its human homolog caspase-4 were activated in PAH animal models and TNF (tumor necrosis factor)-α–induced human pulmonary arterial endothelial cells. Caspase-11
−/−
relieved right ventricular systolic pressure, right ventricle hypertrophy, and vascular remodeling in Sugen-5416 combined with chronic hypoxia mice model. Meanwhile, pharmacological inhibition of caspase-11 with wedelolactone exhibited alleviated development of PAH on the monocrotaline-induced rat model. Moreover, knockdown of caspase-4 repressed the onset of TNF-α–induced pyroptosis in human pulmonary arterial endothelial cells and inhibited the activation of pyroptosis effector GSDMD (gasdermin D) and GSDME (gasdermin E).

Conclusions:

These observations identified the critical role of caspase-4/11 in the pyroptosis pathway to modulate pulmonary vascular dysfunction and accelerate the progression of PAH. Our findings provide a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target in PAH.