bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information theoretic waveform design with applications to adaptive‐on‐transmit radar
Authors: Herr Daniel B. , Raju Pranav S. , Stiles James M.
Published: October 2023

The marginal Fisher information (MFI) metric is used to design waveforms for the sake of informationally optimal adaptive‐on‐transmit radar operation. A framework for MFI waveform design is developed and the Polyphase‐Coded FM (PCFM) waveform model is utilised to produce a constant‐modulus, spectrally contained signal amenable to transmission with high‐power amplifiers. The efficacy of the MFI waveform design and minimum mean square error (MMSE) estimation is experimentally demonstrated and extended into an adaptive and dynamic sensing paradigm. The radar transmit waveform is optimised to maximise the Fisher information with respect to the range profile. Upon observing new information from radar echoes, the iterative MMSE (iMMSE) estimator then minimises the estimation error variance according to prior observations. Sequential information maximisation (via waveform design) and error minimisation (via iMMSE) tends towards the Cramér–Rao lower bound (CRLB) with additional measurements improving radar resolution and accuracy. These concepts maximise the information extracted by a radar operating in a congested spectrum where the available bandwidth is limited.
Modeling the significance of advertising values on online impulse buying behavior
Authors: Feng Zhitan , Al Mamun Abdullah , Masukujjaman Mohammad , Yang Qing
Published: October 2023

Growth in online impulsive buying and digital advertising have drawn the attention of researchers in developed countries, but it is still in its early stages, especially in China. China is positioned to overtake the world as the nation with the highest volume of online purchases owing to a variety of growth-related variables, including impulsive purchases. Surprisingly, there is a deficiency in the holistic understanding of Chinese customers in different age groups regarding the links between advertising value and online impulsive buying behavior. Thus, to advance the line of research, this study intends to determine the connection between advertising value and online impulse buying behavior along with the indirect connection between the urge to buy impulsively and moderation of anxiety. To achieve this objective, data were obtained from 1422 online consumers. Data analysis was performed using structural equation modeling. The results confirm that informativeness, credibility, creativity, entertainment, integration, and the urge to buy online significantly and consequently urge to buy online positively influence online impulsive buying among Chinese consumers. Surprisingly, this interaction was statistically insignificant. Furthermore, the proposed moderator, customer anxiety, also showed no moderating impact on the urge to buy online impulsively and online impulsive buying behavior. The mediation result suggests that urge to buy impulsively significantly mediates the relationship between informativeness, credibility, creativity, entertainment, and integration with online impulse buying behavior, except for interaction and online impulse buying behavior. These findings contribute theoretically by adding new information about Chinese motivational factors for impulsive buying. Empirically, it adds value to marketers, advertisers, and online retailers by considering informativeness, creativity, entertainment, integration, and the urge to buy online while communicating with Chinese consumers at all customer touch points.
Population-based nationwide incidence of complications after gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma in Finland
Authors: Putila Emilia , Helminen Olli , Helmiö Mika , Huhta Heikki , Jalkanen Aapo , Kallio Raija , Koivukangas Vesa , Kokkola Arto , Laine Simo , Lietzen Elina , Louhimo Johanna , Meriläinen Sanna , Pohjanen Vesa-Matti , Rantanen Tuomo , Ristimäki Ari , Räsänen Jari V , Saarnio Juha , Sihvo Eero , Toikkanen Vesa , Tyrväinen Tuula , Valtola Antti , Kauppila Joonas H
Published: October 2023

Background

The incidence of postoperative complications after gastrectomy for gastric cancer is not well known. More population-based studies using established complication classifications are needed for international comparison. The aim of this study was to evaluate the population-based incidence of postoperative complications after gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Methods

This population-based study based on the Finnish National Esophago-Gastric Cancer Cohort included all patients at least 18 years of age undergoing gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma in Finland during 2005–2016. The occurrence of complications 30 and 90 days after surgery was graded based on the Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group definitions and the severity of complications was assessed using the Clavien–Dindo scale.

Results

This study included a total of 2196 patients. Postoperative complications occurred in 906 (41.3 per cent) of patients during 30 days after surgery and in 946 (43.1 per cent) during 90 days after surgery. Clavien–Dindo grade III or higher complications occurred in 375 (17.1 per cent) of patients. The most common complications 90 days after surgery by Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group upper-level categories were gastrointestinal (n = 438; 19.9 per cent), including anastomotic leak, infectious (n = 377; 17.2 per cent) and pulmonary (n = 335; 15.3 per cent) complications. Postoperative mortality rate was occurred in 72 (3.3 per cent) patients within 30 days and in 161 (7.3 per cent) patients within 90 days after surgery. The median duration of postoperative hospital stay was 9 days (interquartile range 4–14).

Conclusions

Postoperative complications are common across all types of gastrectomy and the majority occur during the first 30 postoperative days. This study informs the patients and caregivers of the expected outcomes of gastrectomy.
Tumour origin, diagnostic accuracy and histopathological evaluation in patients with periampullary cancer: nationwide cohort study
Authors: Byrling Johannes , Ghazi Sam , Andersson Bodil
Published: October 2023

Background

The prevalence of different periampullary cancers (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, distal cholangiocarcinoma, ampullary cancer and duodenal cancer) is heterogeneous in the literature. During the 2010s, a standardized histopathological protocol for pancreatoduodenectomy specimens based on axial slicing was adopted in Sweden. The present study sought to provide information about periampullary cancers with regard to tumour types in curative and noncurative settings, preoperative diagnostic accuracy and the impact of a standardized evaluation of the surgical specimen on diagnosis, R status and lymph node assessment.

Methods

Data from patients diagnosed with periampullary cancer from 2010 to 2019 were retrieved from the Swedish National Registry for Pancreatic and Periampullary Cancer.

Results

Among non-curative patients, 3704 (83.6 per cent) were diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Among patients treated with pancreatoduodenectomy, diagnosis was pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in 1380 (50.0 per cent), distal cholangiocarcinoma in 284 (10.3 per cent), ampullary cancer in 376 (13.6 per cent), duodenal cancer in 160 (5.8 per cent) and other diagnoses in 560 (20.3 per cent) patients. The preoperative diagnosis corresponded to the postoperative in 1177 (67.5 per cent) patients for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, 162 (37.4 per cent) patients for distal cholangiocarcinoma, 220 (61.3 per cent) patients for ampullary cancer and 120 (53.6 per cent) patients for duodenal cancer. A higher rate of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma was seen in surgical specimens who underwent standardized evaluation, from 56.8 per cent to 64.3 per cent (P = 0.003). After standardization, higher rates of R1 resection (31.7 per cent versus 44.6 per cent, P < 0.001) and N1 stage (62.1 per cent versus 77.0 per cent, P < 0.001) were found.

Conclusion

The proportion of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma was higher in patients in a non-curative setting compared with patients who underwent surgery. The rate of misdiagnosis for periampullary cancers was confirmed to be high. Thus, it should be taken into account when preoperative oncological treatment is considered. Standardized evaluation of the surgical specimen has increased pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, R1 and N1 rates.
Aqueous extracts of Ocimum gratissimum mitigate colitis and protect against AOM/DSS-induced colorectal cancer in mice
Authors: Liu Jer-Yuh , Tsai Fang-Ling , Chuang Ya-Ling , Ye Je-Chiuan
Published: October 2023

In this study, we explored the in vivo effects of Ocimum gratissimum aqueous extracts (OGE) on colorectal cancer (CRC) development provoked by azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS). The results showed a significant reduction in the tumor load and tumor number for the OGEH group that received continued administration of OGE compared to the AOM/DSS group, with P values of <0.01, but this was not observed in the OGEHs group that received separated administration of OGE. All groups except the control group exhibited aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and adenocarcinoma of lesion pathology in colon, and both conditions were significantly reduced in the OGEH group (P < 0.01) as compared to the AOM/DSS group. Subsequent investigation into whether OGE exhibits eliminative effects on DSS-induced severe colitis (SC) in mice showed that the disease activity index score was significantly reduced in the OGE-treated groups (P < 0.01), also colon colitis histological score was reversed. These data suggest that OGE may be potentially effective in preventing CRC when administered throughout the promotional stages of carcinogenesis by inhibiting inflammatory SC.
Policy-Based Remote User Authentication From Multi-Biometrics
Authors: Tian Yangguang , Li Yingjiu , Deng Robert H , Yang Guomin , Li Nan
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we introduce the first generic framework of policy-based remote user authentication from multiple biometrics. The proposed framework allows an authorized user to remotely authenticate herself to an authentication server using her multiple biometrics, which enhances both the security and usability of user authentications. The authentication server approves a user’s authentication request if and only if the user’s multiple biometrics satisfies an authentication policy. In particular, the authentication policy can be dynamically updated to satisfy different security and usability requirements in practice. We implement an instantiation of the proposed framework and report its performance under various authentication policies.
Fisheries data management systems in the NW Mediterranean: from data collection to web visualization
Authors: Ribera-Altimir Jordi , Llorach-Tó Gerard , Sala-Coromina Joan , Company Joan B , Galimany Eve
Published: October 2023

The European Union Data Collection Framework (DCF) states that scientific data-driven assessments are essential to achieve sustainable fisheries. To respond to the DCF call, this study introduces the information systems developed and used by Institut Català de Recerca per a la Governança del Mar (ICATMAR), the Catalan Institute of Research for the Governance of the Seas. The information systems include data from a biological monitoring, curation, processing, analysis, publication and web visualization for bottom trawl fisheries. Over the 4 years of collected data (2019–2022), the sampling program developed a dataset of over 1.1 million sampled individuals accounting for 24.6 tons of catch. The sampling data are ingested into a database through a data input website ensuring data management control and quality. The standardized metrics are automatically calculated and the data are published in the web visualizer, combined with fishing landings and Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) records. As the combination of remote sensing data with fisheries monitoring offers new approaches for ecosystem assessment, the collected fisheries data are also visualized in combination with georeferenced seabed habitats from the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet), climate and sea conditions from Copernicus Monitoring Environment Marine Service (CMEMS) on the web browser. Three public web-based products have been developed in the visualizer: geolocated bottom trawl samplings, biomass distribution per port or season and length-frequency charts per species. These information systems aim to fulfil the gaps in the scientific community, administration and civil society to access high-quality data for fisheries management, following the Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable (FAIR) principles, enabling scientific knowledge transfer.

Database URL  https://icatmar.github.io/VISAP/(www.icatmar.cat)
Delivery of E. coli Nissle to the mouse gut by mucoadhesive microcontainers does not improve its competitive ability against strains linked to ulcerative colitis
Authors: Bondegaard Pi Westi , Torp Anders Meyer , Guerra Priscila , Kristensen Katja Ann , Christfort Juliane Fjelrad , Krogfelt Karen Angeliki , Nielsen Line Hagner , Zor Kinga , Boisen Anja , Mortensen Martin Steen , Bahl Martin Iain , Licht Tine Rask
Published: October 2023

For patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), administration of the probiotic E. coli Nissle (EcN) holds promise for alleviation of disease symptoms. The mechanisms are unclear, but it has been hypothesised that a capacity of the probiotic to outcompete potentially detrimental UC-associated E. coli strains plays an important role. However, this could previously not be confirmed in a mouse model of competition between EcN and two UC-associated strains, as reported by Petersen et al. 2011. In the present study, we re-evaluated the idea, hypothesising that delivery of EcN by a micro device dosing system (microcontainers), designed for delivery into the intestinal mucus, could support colonisation and confer a competition advantage compared to classical oral dosing. Six groups of mice were pre-colonised with one of two UC-associated E. coli strains followed by oral delivery of EcN, either in capsules containing microcontainers with freeze-dried EcN powder, capsules containing freeze-dried EcN powder, or as a fresh sucrose suspension. Co-colonisation between the probiotic and the disease-associated strains was observed regardless of dosing method, and no competition advantages linked to microcontainer delivery were identified within this setup. Other approaches are thus needed if the competitive capacity of EcN in the gut should be improved.
Continuous Medicaid coverage during the COVID-19 public health emergency reduced churning, but did not eliminate it
Authors: Nelson Daniel B , Goldman Anna L , Zhang Fang , Yu Hao
Published: October 2023

Preserving insurance coverage in the wake of pandemic-related job loss was a priority in early 2020. To this end, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act implemented a continuous coverage policy in Medicaid to shore up access to health insurance. Prior to the pandemic, Medicaid enrollees experienced frequent coverage disruptions, known as “churning.” The effect of the continuous coverage policy on churning during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) is unknown. We performed a difference-in-differences analysis of nonelderly Medicaid enrollees using longitudinal national survey data to compare a 2019–2020 cohort exposed to the policy with a control cohort in 2018–2019. We found that the policy led to reduced transitions to uninsurance among adults, although not among children. The policy prevented over 300 000 transitions to uninsurance each month. However, disenrollment from Medicaid persisted at a low rate, despite the continuous coverage policy. As the PHE unwinds, policymakers should consider long-term continuous coverage policies to minimize churning in Medicaid.
Pre-pandemic assessment: a decade of progress in electronic health record adoption among U.S. hospitals
Authors: Jiang John (Xuefeng) , Qi Kangkang , Bai Ge , Schulman Kevin
Published: October 2023

As the COVID-19 pandemic loomed, the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) in US hospitals became a pivotal concern. This study provides a pre-pandemic assessment, highlighting a decade of progress in EHR adoption from 2009 to 2019, with the last available survey conducted from January to June of 2020. It delves into the current EHR adoption rates, variations across different hospital categories, the influence of major vendors, and the challenges in implementing these systems. The study found that basic EHR adoption surged from 6.6% to 81.2%, while comprehensive systems increased from 3.6% to 63.2%. Despite this growth, the findings point to enduring disparities among hospitals, a concentrated market share by 6 vendors (90%), and significant concerns regarding maintenance costs. These insights provide an invaluable snapshot of the state of EHR adoption at the brink of the pandemic, serving as a benchmark to assess hospitals’ readiness to utilize digital infrastructure in health care. The conclusions underscore the necessity for strategic policy interventions to encourage a competitive landscape and guarantee equitable access, ultimately strengthening the health care system's responsiveness to global health crises such as COVID-19.
Psychometric evaluation of the Persian version of the European Health Literacy Instrument (P-HLS-EU-Q47)
Authors: Gheshlagh Reza Ghanei , Mahmoodi Hassan , Pelikan Jürgen M , Afkhamzadeh Abdorrahim , Ebadi Abbas
Published: October 2023

Health literacy is one of the most critical determinants of health for effectively improving health services and reducing health inequalities. The importance of accurate measurement cannot be overstated. The European 47-item Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q47) can provide precise measurements of health literacy. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the European Health Literacy Instrument in Iranian society (HLS-PV-Q47) for its Persian version. This cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenient sampling of 560 people referred to comprehensive healthcare centers. The construct validity was assessed by exploratory (280 people) and confirmatory factor (with 280 people). The internal consistency was calculated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficients. Based on the exploratory factor analysis, three factors of healthcare, disease prevention, and health promotion explained 48.9% of the total variance of health literacy. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.96 for the whole instrument. The Persian version of the European Health Literacy Instrument (P-HLS-EU-Q47) had good validity and reliability, which can be used in future studies due to its good psychometric properties.
In vitro susceptibility patterns for slowly growing non-tuberculous mycobacteria in the USA from 2018 to 2022
Authors: Calado Nogueira de Moura Vinicius , Nguyen Minh-Vu H , Hunkins Joshua J , Daley Charles L , Khare Reeti
Published: October 2023

Background

Treatment of slowly growing non-tuberculous mycobacteria (SGM) is challenging. In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) is needed to optimize a multidrug regimen but requires weeks to result. Aggregated AST patterns, or an antibiogram, of SGM would be helpful to providers.

Objectives

We aggregated and analysed human SGM isolates sent to our laboratory from across the USA between 2018 and 2022 to describe their in vitro susceptibility patterns and construct an antibiogram.

Methods

SGM isolates’ species/subspecies and mutations in rrs or rrl were identified by a line probe assay. AST was done primarily by broth microdilution and interpreted using the latest CLSI guideline. Mutational and AST results for SGM with ≥15 isolates were collated and analysed with descriptive statistics.

Results

There were 32 different species/subspecies of SGM from 10 131 isolates between January 2018 and December 2022 from across the USA, 80% of which were from organisms in Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). Most specimens were sputum and came from Florida (2892). MAC ranged from 94% to 100% susceptible to clarithromycin, 64% to 91% to amikacin, 2% to 31% to linezolid, and 4% to 41% to moxifloxacin. Non-MAC SGM ranged from 82% to 100% susceptible to clarithromycin, 49% to 100% to amikacin, and 76% to 100% to rifabutin, but susceptibilities to other antimicrobials varied widely. WT rrs and rrl predicted >96% of phenotypic non-resistance to amikacin and clarithromycin, respectively, whereas mutant genotypes predicted >90% of phenotypic resistance.

Conclusions

Most SGM are likely to be susceptible to clarithromycin and amikacin, complementing their treatment guidance by mycobacterial experts. Molecular identification of resistant genotypes is accurate and helpful. This antibiogram for SGM will help providers.
Pharmacokinetic investigations of isavuconazole in paediatric cancer patients show reduced exposure of isavuconazole after opening capsules for administration via a nasogastric tube
Authors: Bury Didi , Wolfs Tom F W , ter Heine Rob , Muilwijk Eline W , van der Elst Kim C M , Tissing Wim J E , Brüggemann Roger J M
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To study the isavuconazole pharmacokinetics in a real-life paediatric cohort and confirm whether the isavuconazole exposures are within the adult exposure range. Furthermore, we are the first to describe unbound isavuconazole pharmacokinetics.

Methods

In this prospective, observational study, the isavuconazole dosing regimen was as follows (IV/oral/nasogastric tube): 5.4 mg/kg isavuconazole (maximum 200 mg/dose) three times daily on Days 1 and 2, followed by 5.4 mg/kg isavuconazole (maximum 200 mg/dose) once daily. At least one pharmacokinetic curve was assessed. Non-linear mixed effects modelling was used for analysis. Monte Carlo simulations were performed with the above mentioned maintenance dose for IV administrations and a weight band dosing regimen for oral/nasogastric tube administrations: I) <18 kg (100 mg daily); II) 18–37 kg (150 mg daily); III)>37 kg (200 mg daily).

Results

Seventeen paediatric patients with a median age of 9 years (range 1–17) and median weight of 26.0 kg (range 8.4–78.5) were evaluated. A two-compartment model describing linear pharmacokinetics of the unbound concentrations and saturable protein binding fitted the isavuconazole concentrations best. The absolute bioavailability of isavuconazole was 41.0% (95% CI: 32.4%–50.8%). The median (IQR) simulated exposures (AUC0–24h, SS) of the total isavuconazole concentrations after IV and oral/nasogastric tube administration were 87.7 mg·h/L (70.5–105.1) and 50.3 mg·h/L (39.0–62.4), respectively. The unbound isavuconazole fraction (unbound/total) ranged from 0.5% to 2.3%.

Conclusions

This study revealed low bioavailability after nasogastric tube administration with opened capsules. Isavuconazole exposures were in the expected range following IV administration. Total and unbound isavuconazole pharmacokinetics were reported with a 5-fold range in the unbound fraction.
Analytical toxicology of the semi-synthetic cannabinoid hexahydrocannabinol studied in human samples, pooled human liver S9 fraction, rat samples and drug products using HPLC–HRMS-MS
Authors: Manier Sascha K , Valdiviezo Johannes Angert , Vollmer Aline C , Eckstein Niels , Meyer Markus R
Published: October 2023

Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is an emerging semi-synthetic cannabinoid, which is obtained from cyclization of cannabidiol and subsequent hydrogenation. As a potentially legal alternative of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC), it is increasingly seized in the USA and Europe. The aims of this study were to investigate the metabolism of HHC in pooled human liver S9 fraction (pHLS9), rat and human samples. Additionally, a locally obtained low-THC cannabis product was investigated, which was advertised with an elevated concentration of HHC. Overall, HHC formed an 11-hydroxy (HO) metabolite, as well as a carboxy metabolite. While only the parent compound was detected in rat urine and feces, the hydroxy metabolite was additionally detected in pHLS9 and human plasma. The carboxy metabolite was only detectable in human plasma. The metabolism corresponded well to that of ∆9-THC, although glucuronidation and the formation of an 8-HO metabolite were not observed. Detectability of HHC and its carboxy metabolite in rat urine was investigated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, but neither the parent compound nor the metabolite were detectable. The investigated low-THC cannabis product appeared to be an actual cannabis product since, in addition to HHC, cannabinol, cannabidiol and ∆9-THC were detected after qualitative analysis. Estimation of its content revealed not only 30.6% of HHC but also 4% of ∆9-THC.
Self-inflicted Burns: The Experience of a UK Regional Burns Center
Authors: Amirize Ezekwe , Kankam Hadyn K N , Abdulsalam Abdulrazak , Choudhary Rajan , Walker Harriet , Moiemen Naiem
Published: October 2023

Self-inflicted burns (SIBs) are preventable injuries that often occur due to suicidal intent or deliberate self-harm. The incidence of SIB and demographics vary across different countries. This study highlights our regional experience of SIB over almost 2 decades, assessing characteristics and outcomes. A retrospective chart review of all patients assessed at a UK regional burns center, presenting with SIB, from 2003 to 2021, was performed. Subgroup analyses based on gender, the presence or absence of pre-existing psychiatric disorders, and in-hospital patient mortality were undertaken. The relationship between annual mental health funding and the incidence of SIB was assessed. Over the study period, a total of 285 SIB cases, with a median age of 42.84 years, were presented to our center. The majority of patients were male (63.2%) and had a pre-existing psychiatric disorder (74.7%). Flame burns were the most frequent type of injury (82.1%) and the median total BSA (TBSA) was 10.25%. The average length of hospital stay was 10 days and the inpatient mortality rate was 20.7%, significantly greater than the mortality of the rest of the cohort (3.7%, P < .01). SIB survivors were younger and had less severe burns, relative to non-survivors. There was no statistically significant correlation between the incidence of SIBs and mental health funding. SIBs account for a minority of referrals to our regional burns center. Adequately funded regional and national measures should be implemented to reduce the incidence and impact of these injuries, alongside appropriate mental health support.
Hard-to-Interpret Signals
Authors: Epstein Larry G , Halevy Yoram
Published: October 2023

Decisions under uncertainty are often made with information whose interpretation is uncertain because multiple interpretations are possible. Individuals may perceive and handle uncertainty about interpretation differently and in ways that are not directly observable to a modeler. This paper identifies and experimentally examines behavior that can be interpreted as reflecting an individual’s attitude toward such uncertainty.
Metabolomics to understand metabolic regulation underpinning fruit ripening, development, and quality
Authors: Martínez-Rivas Félix Juan , Fernie Alisdair R
Published: October 2023

Classically fruit ripening and development was studied using genetic approaches, with understanding of metabolic changes that occurred in concert largely focused on a handful of metabolites including sugars, organic acids, cell wall components, and phytohormones. The advent and widespread application of metabolomics has, however, led to far greater understanding of metabolic components that play a crucial role not only in this process but also in influencing the organoleptic and nutritive properties of the fruits. Here we review how the study of natural variation, mutants, transgenics, and gene-edited fruits has led to a considerable increase in our understanding of these aspects. We focus on fleshy fruits such as tomato but also review berries, receptacle fruits, and stone-bearing fruits. Finally, we offer a perspective as to how comparative analyses and machine learning will likely further improve our comprehension of the functional importance of various metabolites in the future.
Molecular evolution and interaction of 14-3-3 proteins with H+-ATPases in plant abiotic stresses
Authors: Jiang Wei , He Jing , Babla Mohammad , Wu Ting , Tong Tao , Riaz Adeel , Zeng Fanrong , Qin Yuan , Chen Guang , Deng Fenglin , Chen Zhong-Hua
Published: October 2023

Environmental stresses severely affect plant growth and crop productivity. Regulated by 14-3-3 proteins (14-3-3s), H+-ATPases (AHAs) are important proton pumps that can induce diverse secondary transport via channels and co-transporters for the abiotic stress response of plants. Many studies demonstrated the roles of 14-3-3s and AHAs in coordinating the processes of plant growth, phytohormone signaling, and stress responses. However, the molecular evolution of 14-3-3s and AHAs has not been summarized in parallel with evolutionary insights across multiple plant species. Here, we comprehensively review the roles of 14-3-3s and AHAs in cell signaling to enhance plant responses to diverse environmental stresses. We analyzed the molecular evolution of key proteins and functional domains that are associated with 14-3-3s and AHAs in plant growth and hormone signaling. The results revealed evolution, duplication, contraction, and expansion of 14-3-3s and AHAs in green plants. We also discussed the stress-specific expression of those 14-3-3and AHA genes in a eudicotyledon (Arabidopsis thaliana), a monocotyledon (Hordeum vulgare), and a moss (Physcomitrium patens) under abiotic stresses. We propose that 14-3-3s and AHAs respond to abiotic stresses through many important targets and signaling components of phytohormones, which could be promising to improve plant tolerance to single or multiple environmental stresses.
Impact on Faculty’s Own Development When Assessing Student Performance
Authors: Barry Erin S , Wang Annie , Cole Rebekah , Yarnell Angela M
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Assessing learner performance is a primary focus within simulation-based education in order to prepare students with the knowledge and skills they will need going forward in their careers. In order to properly conduct these assessments of learner performance, faculty must be adequately trained on the scenario, expectations, assessment measures, and debriefing. During Operation Bushmaster, a five-day “deployment” for learners, faculty assess students as they rotate through different leadership roles. The faculty development includes online and in-person training that provides them with an understanding of the scenario; what learners know; the framework used at USU to guide curriculum, development, and assessment; how to assess learners; and how to provide feedback to learners. Research has examined the value of receiving assessment and feedback from a student perspective, but the impact of being the assessor and giving feedback has not been researched from the faculty point of view. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to examine the impact of assessing students in simulation scenarios on faculty’s own development as an educator and leader.

Materials and Methods

Through a phenomenological qualitative study, we explored participants’ lived experiences as faculty at Operation Bushmaster. Eighteen faculty from a variety of medical specialties and military ranks volunteered to participate. Participants were interviewed in-person using a semi-structured interview. Analyses included individually reading through each transcript; then individually coding and taking notes of terms and phrases used by participants; codes were compiled and organized into categories, which became the themes of our study.

Results

The interviews demonstrated the following themes in which providers who serve as faculty of Operation Bushmaster believe they gain from the experience: (1) The experience helps to reground their own thinking; (2) acting as faculty during simulation-based education helps them remain up-to-date on necessary skills; and (3) working with students helps faculty continually develop as an educator and a leader.

Conclusions

This work describes how even when faculty are brought in for learner assessment, they are taking away lessons and experiences that aid in their own development as an educator as well as a leader. Acting as an assessing faculty for students may allow faculty to reground their own thinking, remain up-to-date on necessary skills, and continually develop their skills as an educator and leader. These findings suggest that some faculty involved in simulation events may also gain knowledge, skills, and experiences that can help with their own development even when the focus is on learners.
Joint analysis constraints on the physics of the first galaxies with low-frequency radio astronomy data
Authors: Bevins Harry T J , Heimersheim Stefan , Abril-Cabezas Irene , Fialkov Anastasia , de Lera Acedo Eloy , Handley William , Singh Saurabh , Barkana Rennan
Published: October 2023

The first billion years of cosmic history remains largely unobserved. We demonstrate, using a novel machine learning technique, how combining upper limits on the spatial fluctuations in the 21-cm signal with observations of the sky-averaged 21-cm signal from neutral hydrogen can improve our understanding of this epoch. By jointly analysing data from the Shaped Antenna measurement of the background RAdio Spectrum (SARAS3, redshift z ≈ 15−25) and limits from the Hydrogen Epoch of Reionization Array (HERA, z ≈ 8 and 10), we show that such a synergetic analysis provides tighter constraints on the astrophysics of galaxies 200 million years after the big bang than can be achieved with the individual data sets. Although our constraints are weak, this is the first time data from a sky-averaged 21-cm experiment and power spectrum experiment have been analysed together. In synergy, the two experiments leave only $64.9^{+0.3}_{-0.1}$ per cent of the explored broad theoretical parameter space to be consistent with the joint data set, in comparison to $92.3^{+0.3}_{-0.1}$ per cent for SARAS3 and $79.0^{+0.5}_{-0.2}$ per cent for HERA alone. We use the joint analysis to constrain star formation efficiency, minimum halo mass for star formation, X-ray luminosity of early emitters, and the radio luminosity of early galaxies. The joint analysis disfavours at 68 per cent confidence a combination of galaxies with X-ray emission that is ≲33 and radio emission that is ≳32 times as efficient as present day galaxies. We disfavour at 95 per cent confidence scenarios in which power spectra are ≥126 mK2 at z = 25 and the sky-averaged signals are ≤−277 mK.
T-Cell Exhaustion in HIV-1/Hepatitis C Virus Coinfection Is Reduced After Successful Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Caraballo Cortés Kamila , Osuch Sylwia , Perlejewski Karol , Radkowski Marek , Janiak Maciej , Berak Hanna , Rauch Andri , Fehr Jan S , Hoffmann Matthias , Günthard Huldrych F , Metzner Karin J
Published: October 2023

Background

T-cell responses during chronic viral infections become exhausted, which is reflected by upregulation of inhibitory receptors (iRs) and increased interleukin 10 (IL-10). We assessed 2 iRs—PD-1 (programmed cell death protein 1) and Tim-3 (T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain–containing protein 3)—and IL-10 mRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and their soluble analogs (sPD-1, sTim-3, and IL-10) in plasma in chronic HIV-1/hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection and explored the effect of HCV treatment on these markers. We also aimed to establish whether iR expression may be determined by the HCV CD8+ T-cell immunodominant epitope sequence.

Methods

Plasma and PBMCs from 31 persons with chronic HIV-1/HCV coinfection from the Swiss HIV Cohort Study were collected before and after HCV treatment. As controls, 45 persons who were HIV-1 negative with chronic HCV infection were recruited. Exhaustion markers were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in plasma and by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in PBMCs. Analysis of an HCV epitope sequence was conducted by next-generation sequencing: HLA-A*02–restricted NS31073–1081 and NS31406–1415 and HLA-A*01–restricted NS31436–1444.

Results

The study revealed higher plasma sPD-1 (P = .0235) and IL-10 (P = .002) levels and higher IL-10 mRNA in PBMCs (P = .0149) in HIV-1/HCV coinfection. A decrease in plasma sPD-1 (P = .0006), sTim-3 (P = .0136), and IL-10 (P = .0003) and Tim-3 mRNA in PBMCs (P = .0210) was observed following successful HCV treatment. Infection with the HLA-A*01–restricted NS31436–1444 ATDALMTGY prototype variant was related to higher sTim-3 levels than infection with the ATDALMTGF escape variant (P = .0326).

Conclusions

The results underscore the synergistic effect of coinfection on expression of exhaustion markers, their reduction following successful HCV treatment and imply that iR levels may operate on an epitope-specific manner.
Incidence and Outcomes of Bloodstream Infection After Arterial Aneurysm Repair: Findings From a Population-Based Study
Authors: Tabaja Hussam , Baddour Larry M , Chesdachai Supavit , DeMartino Randall R , Lahr Brian D , DeSimone Daniel C
Published: October 2023

Background

Limited research has focused on bloodstream infection (BSI) in patients with arterial grafts. This study aims to describe the incidence and outcomes of BSI after arterial aneurysm repair in a population-based cohort.

Methods

The expanded Rochester Epidemiology Project (e-REP) was used to analyze aneurysm repairs in adults (aged ≥18 years) residing in 8 counties in southern Minnesota from January 2010 to December 2020. Electronic records were reviewed for the first episode of BSI following aneurysm repair. BSI patients were assessed for vascular graft infection (VGI) and followed for all-cause mortality.

Results

During the study, 643 patients had 706 aneurysm repairs: 416 endovascular repairs (EVARs) and 290 open surgical repairs (OSRs). Forty-two patients developed BSI during follow-up. The 5-year cumulative incidence of BSI was 4.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.0%–6.4%), with rates of 4.0% (95% CI, 1.8%–6.2%) in the EVAR group and 5.8% (95% CI, 2.9%–8.6%) in the OSR group (P = .052). Thirty-nine (92.9%) BSI cases were monomicrobial, 33 of which were evaluated for VGI. VGI was diagnosed in 30.3% (10/33), accounting for 50.0% (8/16) of gram-positive BSI cases compared to 11.8% (2/17) of gram-negative BSI cases (P = .017). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year cumulative post-BSI all-cause mortality rates were 22.2% (95% CI, 8.3%–34.0%), 55.8% (95% CI, 32.1%–71.2%), and 76.8% (95% CI, 44.3%–90.3%), respectively.

Conclusions

The incidence of BSI following aneurysm repair was overall low. VGI was more common with gram-positive compared to gram-negative BSI. All-cause mortality following BSI was high, which may be attributed to advanced age and significant comorbidities in our cohort.
miR-181b-5p/SOCS2/JAK2/STAT5 axis facilitates the metastasis of hepatoblastoma
Authors: Lv Yong , Xie Xiaolong , Zou Guoyou , Kong Meng , Yang Jiayin , Chen Jing , Xiang Bo
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is a malignant liver tumor predominantly found in children and tumor metastasis is one of the main causes of poor prognosis in affected patients. The precise molecular mechanisms responsible for HB metastasis remain incompletely understood. However, there is evidence suggesting a connection between the dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) and the progression of tumor metastasis in HB.

Methods

The study utilized weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to analyze a miRNA microarray dataset of HB. The expression of miR-181b-5p in HB tissues and cells was detected using quantitative real-time PCR. The impact of miR-181b-5p on the metastatic capacity of HB was evaluated through scratch and Transwell assays. The effects of exogenously expressing miR-181b on the metastatic phenotypes of HB cells were evaluated in vivo. Furthermore, a luciferase reporter assay was performed to validate a potential target of miR-181b-5p in HB.

Results

We found that miR-181b-5p was highly expressed in HB tissues and HB cell lines. Overexpression of miR-181b enhanced scratch healing, cell migration, and invasion abilities in vitro, as well as enhancing HB lung metastasis potential in vivo. Dual-luciferase reporter assays showed that Suppressor Of Cytokine Signaling 2 (SOCS2) was a direct target of miR-181b. The overexpression of miR-181b resulted in the suppression of SOCS2 expression, subsequently activating the epithelial–mesenchymal transition and JAK2/STAT5 signaling pathways. The rescue experiment showed that SOCS2 overexpression attenuated the effects of miR-181b on HB cells.

Conclusion

Our study showed that miR-181b promotes HB metastasis by targeting SOCS2 and may be a potential therapeutic target for HB.
Sterol Biosynthesis Contributes to Brefeldin-A-Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Resistance in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Je Sujeong , Choi Bae Young , Kim Eunbi , Kim Kyungyoon , Lee Yuree , Yamaoka Yasuyo
Published: October 2023

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism in most eukaryotes. In this response, sterols in the phospholipid bilayer play a crucial role in controlling membrane fluidity and homeostasis. Despite the significance of both the ER stress response and sterols in maintaining ER homeostasis, their relationship remains poorly explored. Our investigation focused on Chlamydomonas strain CC-4533 and revealed that free sterol biosynthesis increased in response to ER stress, except in mutants of the ER stress sensor Inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1). Transcript analysis of Chlamydomonas experiencing ER stress unveiled the regulatory role of the IRE1/basic leucine zipper 1 pathway in inducing the expression of ERG5, which encodes C-22 sterol desaturase. Through the isolation of three erg5 mutant alleles, we observed a defect in the synthesis of Chlamydomonas’ sterol end products, ergosterol and 7-dehydroporiferasterol. Furthermore, these erg5 mutants also exhibited increased sensitivity to ER stress induced by brefeldin A (BFA, an inhibitor of ER–Golgi trafficking), whereas tunicamycin (an inhibitor of N-glycosylation) and dithiothreitol (an inhibitor of disulfide-bond formation) had no such effect. Intriguingly, the sterol biosynthesis inhibitors fenpropimorph and fenhexamid, which impede steps upstream of the ERG5 enzyme in sterol biosynthesis, rescued BFA hypersensitivity in CC-4533 cells. Collectively, our findings support the conclusion that the accumulation of intermediates in the sterol biosynthetic pathway influences ER stress in a complex manner. This study highlights the significance and complexity of regulating sterol biosynthesis during the ER stress response in microalgae.
Bursts of coalescence within population pedigrees whenever big families occur
Authors: Diamantidis Dimitrios , Fan Wai-Tong (Louis) , Birkner Matthias , Wakeley John
Published: October 2023

We consider a simple diploid population-genetic model with potentially high variability of offspring numbers among individuals. Specifically, against a backdrop of Wright-Fisher reproduction and no selection there is an additional probability that a big family occurs, meaning that a pair of individuals has a number of offspring on the order of the population size. We study how the pedigree of the population generated under this model affects the ancestral genetic process of a sample of size two at a single autosomal locus without recombination. Our population model is of the type for which multiple-mergers coalescent processes have been described. We prove that the conditional distribution of the pairwise coalescence time given the random pedigree converges to a limit law as the population size tends to infinity. This limit law may or may not be the usual exponential distribution of the Kingman coalescent, depending on the frequency of big families. But because it includes the number and times of big families it differs from the usual multiple-merger coalescent models. The usual multiple-merger coalescent models are seen as describing the ancestral process marginal to, or averaging over, the pedigree. In the limiting ancestral process conditional on the pedigree, the intervals between big families can be modeled using the Kingman coalescent but each big family causes a discrete jump in the probability of coalescence. Analogous results should hold for larger samples and other population models. We illustrate these results with simulations and additional analysis, highlighting their implications for inference and understanding of multi-locus data.
Theranostic multifunctional lipid nanoparticles containing curcumin for integrated imaging and stabilizing vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques through an “eat-me” signal
Authors: Shi Zhang , Huang Jun , Chen Chao , Zhang Xuefeng , Ma Zhiqiang , Liu Qi
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Curcumin has emerged as a promising candidate capable of polarization of macrophages, which promote the stability of atherosclerotic plaque. Nevertheless, a notable limitation lies in the non-specific nature of curcumin’s targeting. The present study endeavors to harness multifunctional lipid nanoparticles (MLNPs), which could both facilitate imaging and achieve targeted delivery of curcumin specifically to inflammatory macrophages, to effectively counteract vulnerable plaque and mitigate the risk of ischemic events.

METHODS

The term “MLNPs”, for targeted delivery of curcumin using multimodal imaging techniques including single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), refers to a new type of nanoparticle designed to specifically target and modulate macrophages with phagocytic function. These nanoparticles are cholesteryl-9-carboxynonanoate-(125I-iron oxide nanoparticle/Cur)-lipid-coated nanoparticles [9-CCN-(125I-ION/Cur)-LNPs], which carry hybrid imaging agents. These agents are combinations of 125I-ION and lipids that contain phagocytic “eat-me” signals, which induces macrophages to swallow MLNPs.

RESULTS

The accumulation of the devised 9-CCN-(125I-ION/Cur)-LNPs on the unstable plaque of animal models in vivo was accurately reflected and lesions were highlighted by both SPECT and MRI. The intense radioactive signals on SPECT images facilitated the identification and quantification of the target lesion, while MRI based on ION particles facilitated the visualization of the focal localization and volumetry of atherosclerotic plaque. The targeted distribution of the unstable plaque in the rabbit aorta was further confirmed by ex vivo planar images of nuclide and Prussian blue staining for ION. Additionally, 9-CCN-(125I-ION/Cur)-LNPs were found to specifically and effectively bind to the pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages present in the unstable plaque, resulting in the accumulation of radionuclide and hypointensity on T2W images.

CONCLUSIONS

The 9-CCN-(125I-ION/Cur)-LNPs demonstrated remarkable capability in the delivery of both125I-ION and curcumin to macrophages, ultimately resulting in M1-M2 macrophage polarization, which may offer valuable insights into addressing unstable atherosclerotic plaque.