bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of depressive symptoms and hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment and control among USA adults
Authors: Fang Jing , Zhang Zefeng , Greenlund Kurt J.
Published: July 2022

Objective:

The aim of this study was to measure hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment and control by depressive symptoms among USA adults.

Method:

Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2007 to 2018 (n = 28 532), depressive symptoms were categorized as ‘none or minimum’, ‘mild’, ‘moderate’ and ‘moderately severe or severe’ by the Patient Health Questionnaire. Hypertension was assessed by history, blood pressure measures and antihypertensive medication use. Adjusted prevalence rates and adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs) of hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment and control were measured.

Results:

By depressive, the adjusted prevalence of hypertension (32.0, 34.2, 37.3 and 36.6%), awareness (80.6, 83.9, 85.7 and 89.8%) and treatment (73.1, 75.2, 78.6 and 83.9%) increased with advanced depressive symptoms, respectively (all P < 0.001). However, no difference in hypertension control was noted after full adjustment. Compared with those with no or minimum depressive symptoms, APRs of hypertension prevalence for mild, moderate and moderately severe or severe depressive symptom were 1.07 (1.02–1.12), 1.16 (1.107–1.262) and 1.15 (1.05–1.26), respectively. The corresponding APRs were 1.04 (1.003–1.08), 1.06 (1.01–1.11) and 1.11 (1.06–1.17) for hypertension awareness, and 1.03 (0.98–1.07), 1.08 (1.02–1.14) and 1.15 (1.08–1.22) for hypertension treatment, respectively.

Conclusion:

Among USA adults, depressive symptoms were significantly associated with hypertension prevalence, awareness and treatment, but not with hypertension control. When managing hypertension, healthcare providers should be aware of the mental health status.
Time restricted feeding decreases renal innate immune cells and blood pressure in hypertensive mice
Authors: Sims Braden M. , Goodlett Bethany L. , Allbee Miranda L. , Pickup Emma J. , Chiasson Valorie L. , Arenaz Cristina M. , Henley Marissa R. , Navaneethabalakrishnan Shobana , Mitchell Brett M.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Renal innate immune cell accumulation and inflammation are associated with hypertension. Time restricted feeding (TRF) has been reported to decrease inflammation and blood pressure. Whether TRF can decrease blood pressure by decreasing renal innate immune cells in hypertension is unknown.

Methods and results:

We determined whether TRF can decrease blood pressure in two separate mouse models of hypertension, N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride-induced hypertension (LHTN) and salt-sensitive hypertension (SSHTN). Once hypertension was established after 2 days, TRF (12-h food/12-h no food) for 4 weeks significantly decreased systolic blood pressure in both LHTN and SSHTN mice despite no differences in the amount of food eaten or body weight between groups. Activated macrophages and dendritic cells in the kidneys of both LHTN and SSHTN mice were decreased significantly in mice that underwent TRF. This was associated with an improvement in kidney function (decreased serum creatinine, decreased fractional excretion of sodium, and increased creatinine clearance) which achieved significance in LHTN mice and trended towards improvement in SSHTN mice.

Conclusions:

Our findings demonstrate that TRF can significantly decrease renal innate immune cells and blood pressure in two mouse models of hypertension.
Disentangling the varying associations between systolic blood pressure and health outcomes in the very old: an individual patient data meta-analysis
Authors: Bogaerts Jonathan M.K. , Poortvliet Rosalinde K.E. , van der Klei Veerle M.G.T.H. , Achterberg Wilco P. , Blom Jeanet W. , Teh Ruth , Muru-Lanning Marama , Kerse Ngaire , Rolleston Anna , Jagger Carol , Kingston Andrew , Robinson Louise , Arai Yasumichi , Shikimoto Ryo , Gussekloo Jacobijn
Published: July 2022

Objectives:

While randomized controlled trials have proven the benefits of blood pressure (BP) lowering in participating octogenarians, population-based observational studies suggest an association between low systolic blood pressure (SBP) and faster overall decline. This study investigates the effects of BP-lowering treatment, a history of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and cognitive and physical fitness on the associations between SBP and health outcomes in the very old.

Methods:

Five cohorts from the Towards Understanding Longitudinal International older People Studies (TULIPS) consortium were included in a two-step individual participant data meta-analysis (IPDMA). We pooled hazard ratios (HR) from Cox proportional-hazards models for 5-year mortality and estimates of linear mixed models for change in cognitive and functional decline. Models were stratified by BP-lowering treatment, history of CVD, Mini-Mental State Examination scores, grip strength (GS) and body mass index (BMI).

Results:

Of all 2480 participants (59.9% females, median 85 years), median baseline SBP was 149 mmHg, 64.3% used BP-lowering drugs and 47.3% had a history of CVD. Overall, higher SBP was associated with lower all-cause mortality (pooled HR 0.91 [95% confidence interval 0.88–0.95] per 10 mmHg). Associations remained irrespective of BP-lowering treatment, history of CVD and BMI, but were absent in octogenarians with above-median MMSE and GS. In pooled cohorts, SBP was not associated with cognitive and functional decline.

Conclusion:

While in the very old with low cognitive or physical fitness a higher SBP was associated with a lower all-cause mortality, this association was not evident in fit octogenarians. SBP was not consistently associated with cognitive and functional decline.
Arterial stiffness precedes hypertension and metabolic risks in youth: a review
Authors: Agbaje Andrew O.
Published: July 2022

Arterial stiffness is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in middle-aged and old adults. Arterial stiffness has been limited to being an intermediate marker of atherosclerotic cardiovascular events in adolescents and young adult studies. The paucity of normative longitudinal data and repeated gold-standard assessments of arterial stiffness among the young population has occasioned a huge knowledge gap in its clinical utility. This review summarizes recent longitudinal evidence in a large adolescent population, supporting the value of arterial stiffness as a novel risk factor for hypertension, overweight/obesity and insulin resistance. Preventing or decreasing arterial stiffness during adolescence may confer cardiometabolic health benefits in later life, but further pathological and mechanistic research is needed. The review also offers suggestions for incorporating arterial stiffness measures into routine paediatric and young adult clinical practice.
Brucellosis: A Rare Cause of Febrile Neutropenia in a Child
Authors: Cucuzza Maria Elena , Garozzo Maria Teresa , Coco Marilena , Di Stefano Vita Antonella
Published: July 2022

We report a case of brucellosis-induced severe neutropenia in a 2-year-old girl who presented with a 2-week history of fever. On clinical examination, the patient was febrile with mild aphthous stomatitis. However, her general condition was stable, and systemic examination did not show involvement of any other organ. Laboratory test results revealed severe neutropenia, mild anemia, and an elevated serum C-reactive protein level. Flow cytometry of peripheral blood leukocytes revealed no malignancy, and blood film morphology was unremarkable except for mild microcytosis and hypochromia. Antineutrophil antibody and Coombs test results were negative. We administered intravenous cefuroxime; however, therapy was switched to meropenem plus clarithromycin because fever persisted for 5 days, despite treatment. On the 10th day after admission, Brucella serology tests showed positive results, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole plus rifampicin therapy was prescribed for 8 weeks. The fever defervesced, and the child was discharged in a good state of health. Neutropenia persisted for several months but gradually resolved.

Neutropenia, defined as an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) < 1.5 cells × 109/L beyond the first year of life, is a benign transient condition associated with an intercurrent infection (usually viral illnesses or infections) in immunocompetent children. However, severe neutropenia (ANC < 0.5 × 109/L) associated with fever necessitates hospitalization and administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics to avoid the high risk of sepsis, particularly in children. Brucellosis is rarely associated with hematologic abnormalities such as neutropenia. Early diagnosis of hematologic complications of brucellosis is essential for prompt initiation of specific and aggressive treatment.
Analysis of viral nucleic acids in duodenal biopsies from adult patients with celiac disease
Authors: Calabretto Marianna , Di Carlo Daniele , Falasca Francesca , Mazzuti Laura , Meacci Arianna , Donato Giuseppe , Greco Nicoletta , Mezzatesta Laura , Morrone Anna , Turriziani Ombretta , Picarelli Antonio
Published: July 2022

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of Adenovirus, Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), HHV-6 and cytomegalovirus (CMV) nucleic acids in the gastrointestinal biopsies from active CD patients.

Methods

Gastrointestinal biopsies of 40 active CD patients and 40 non-CD patients were collected during the endoscopic investigation of gastrointestinal symptoms.

Results

HHV-6B was found in 62.5% of CD patients and in 65% of non-CD individuals, whereas the prevalence of EBV-positive samples was 20 and 10%, respectively. Nucleic acids from HHV-6A, CMV and adenovirus were not detected in any group.

Conclusion

These data suggest that these viruses may not play a role in the pathogenesis of acute CD, but they do not exclude the possibility that viruses can act as a trigger for the onset of celiac disease.
Critical roles of RGS16 in the mucosal inflammation of ulcerative colitis
Authors: Zhu Fengqin , Qin Yufen , Wang Yan , Zhang Fan , Xu Zhen , Dai Fengxian , Chu Wenjuan , Wang Yibo , Zhou Guangxi
Published: July 2022

Background

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic and progressive inflammatory disorder. The regulator of the G-protein signaling (RGS) is involved in the pathogenesis of several immune system disorders. RGS16, a member of the RGS protein superfamily, has been shown to play critical roles in several immune system-related diseases. However, the roles of RGS16 in ulcerative colitis remain to be elucidated.

Methods

We analyzed the expression of RGS16 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and inflamed mucosa of ulcerative colitis patients using quantitative reverse transcription-PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry. We performed Spearman’s correlation to analyze the correlation between RGS16 expression and the ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity (UCEIS), Mayo index, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) and IL-17A levels. Further, PBMCs were stimulated with inflammatory cytokines in vitro.

Results

RGS16 expression significantly increased in the colonic mucosa and PBMCs from patients with ulcerative colitis and significantly correlated with the Mayo index, UCEIS, ESR and serum TNF-α and IL-17A levels. TNF-α upregulated RGS16 expression in PBMCs in a dose- and time-dependent manner via the nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-kB) signaling pathway. Moreover, anti-TNF treatment with infliximab significantly decreased RGS16 expression in PBMCs and intestinal mucosa of patients with ulcerative colitis.

Conclusion

Our study revealed a novel mechanism by which RGS16 expression in ulcerative colitis is positively correlated with disease activity. Thus, RGS16 might serve as a potential therapeutic marker for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.
Evaluation of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Children on the Autism Spectrum: A Study Evaluating the Tolerance and Utility of the BRAVO Wireless pH Monitoring
Authors: Rodriguez Leonel , Morley-Fletcher Alessio , Winter Harland , Timothy Buie
Published: July 2022

Objectives:

Children on the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may express pain or discomfort through stereotypic or self-injurious behaviors. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may be challenging to diagnose in a child who is non-verbal or has impaired communication skills, diagnostic testing for GERD may be the only way to establish the diagnosis. We report our experience using the BRAVO wireless pH monitoring device for the evaluation of GERD in this patient population.

Methods:

Tolerance and feasibility as well as pH parameters and symptom correlation of the BRAVO pH were evaluated retrospectively in ASD children and compared it to a large cohort of non-ASD children. Only patients with studies lasting >24 hours were included.

Results:

A total of 172 patients were included, 27 of those were diagnosed with autism (median age 11 years, 17 male). We found no difference in age and weight between both groups but there was a male predominance in the autism group (P = 0.007). We found no difference in the ability to complete at least 24 hours of study duration between both groups (24/27 or 89% in ASD vs 133/145 or 92% non-ASD patients, P = 0.632). We also found no difference in the median reflux index on the worst day (P = 0.27) or the average of both days (P = 0.75), BRAVO pH parameters and the proportion of abnormal studies between ASD and non-ASD children. When evaluating the overall symptom correlation with GER episodes, we did not find a difference between both groups, but we did find a higher symptom correlation for GER symptom during supine position in ASD children. Study was performed for behavioral indication in 11 ASD children, all had normal esophageal mucosa but 4 of those had an abnormal BRAVO pH study. No significant side effects were reported during the study, only 2 patients (1 non-ASD and 1 ASD) complained of self-limited chest pain.

Conclusions:

BRAVO wireless pH is well tolerated and feasible in evaluating GER and behavioral symptoms in ASD children and provides a reasonable alternative to standard trans-nasal pH monitoring.
Improving Delirium Assessments in Vanderbilt Pediatric and Pediatric Cardiovascular Intensive Care Units
Authors: Eken H. Nur , Betters Kristina A. , Fuchs D. Catherine , Smith Heidi A. B. , Williams Stacey R.
Published: July 2022

Introduction:

Delirium is a disturbance of attention and awareness that represents a change from baseline mental status. Accurate diagnosis of delirium is of paramount importance to improving the management of pediatric delirium in the intensive care unit. Despite ongoing education, inconsistencies in delirium assessments occur. Here, we aimed to determine the extent of the problem and increase compliance with delirium assessments.

Methods:

We collected preintervention data to assess baseline compliance of delirium assessments in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU) at Monroe Carell Jr Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in November 2020. We executed 2 Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles with different interventions and collected data after each and approximately 1 year after the interventions. The first intervention consisted of virtual lectures on delirium assessments for the nursing staff. The second intervention included an educational handout and a new electronic medical record documentation tool.

Results:

Five hundred five individual nurse-patient encounters were assessed and collected throughout the project. The mean compliance of delirium documentation before the interventions was 52.5%. Target compliance after interventions was 70%. Mean compliance was 70% after cycle 1, 78% after cycle 2, and 86% in March 2022.

Conclusions:

Using pre- and postintervention data from chart reviews and nurse interviews regarding delirium screenings, we found that interventions targeting nurse education and EMR flowsheet improved compliance with delirium assessment and documentation in the PICU and PCICU. Future work should focus on assessing the clinical implications of this project in diagnosing and treating delirium.
Potential impact of COVID-19 pandemic on endometriosis
Authors: Huang Chen-Yang , Sun Hai-Xiang , Mei Jie
Published: July 2022

The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on endometriosis (EM) is currently unclear. Here, we aimed to describe the potential influence of COVID-19 on the pathogenesis, clinical symptoms, and treatment of EM. The cytokine storm caused by COVID-19 may induce the occurrence and progression of EM, and immunosuppression of COVID-19 may help the ectopic endometrium escape from immune clearance. Consequently, the forced social isolation and the cancelation of non-emergency medical treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic aggravate anxiety and psychological pressure, which can aggravate the symptoms related to EM and delay routine medical services.
Regulation of angiogenesis by microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs in endometriosis
Authors: Lu Rui-Hui , Zhu Jing-Wen , Li Fang-Yuan , Xue Qing
Published: July 2022

Endometriosis (EM) is a benign gynecological disease that affects the fertility and health of women of reproductive age; it is characterized by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity. Although several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the underlying cause of EM, its pathogenesis remains obscure. Recently, non-coding RNAs were reported to be involved in the occurrence and development of EM. MicroRNAs and long non-coding RNAs are the main members of the non-coding RNA family that contribute to EM progression in various aspects, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and angiogenesis. Angiogenesis plays a pivotal role in the initiation and development of EM and provides a substantial background for the invasion, proliferation, and long-term growth of endometriotic implants. This review aimed to investigate the role of microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs in regulating angiogenesis in EM and discuss how this mechanism can be used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in EM.
Use of biological and chemical molecules in regulating embryo implantation and endometrial receptivity
Authors: Chen Xian , Sun Shu-Ya , Ng Ernest Hung-Yu , Li Raymond Hang-Wun , Yeung William Shu-Biu , Lee Kai-Fai
Published: July 2022

This review summarizes the drugs and chemicals that may modulate embryo implantation. Non-hormonal molecules, including aspirin, improved endometrial blood flow, while low molecular weight heparin, vitamin E, sildenafil, and atosiban modulated the expression of endometrial genes. Hormonal factors, including human chorionic gonadotropin and growth hormones, can regulate the expression of endometrial receptivity markers. Other immunomodulatory molecules, including granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, autologous platelet-rich plasma, and intralipid and intravenous immunoglobulins, may improve implantation rate by modulating endometrial immune functions. Medicinal extracts of the Chinese herbs Paeonia lactiflora and Perilla frutescens increased the expression of leukemia inhibitory factors in endometrial epithelial cells. Recently, the use of the commercially available Library of Pharmacologically Active Compounds with a high-throughput screening method has provided an approach to screen for compounds that may potentially enhance or suppress embryo implantation. Whether these biomedical findings translate into clinical effects that enhance or suppress embryo implantation requires further investigation.
MRI Diagnosis of Clival Cancer and Sixth Nerve Palsy
Authors: Halawa Ahmad , Kim John , Liao Eric , Trobe Jonathan D.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Imaging diagnosis of clival cancer may be difficult, in part because of normal variation in marrow signal with aging. Identifying whether clival cancer has damaged the sixth cranial nerve is a further challenge because minimal clival abnormalities could impinge on the nerve, which travels very close to the clivus.

Methods:

Two neuroradiologists, who were unaware of previous imaging and clinical diagnoses, reviewed MRI studies of 25 patients with cancer but no clival involvement and no sixth nerve palsy, 24 patients with clival cancer but without sixth nerve palsy, and 31 patients with clival cancer and sixth nerve palsy. The radiologists were tasked with determining whether there was clival cancer, whether there was a sixth nerve palsy and its laterality, and with indicating the pulse sequences used to make those determinations.

Results:

Both neuroradiologists correctly identified all 25 cases with a normal clivus. In about half of those cases, they depended on finding a homogeneously bright marrow signal; in the remaining cases, they excluded cancer by determining that the clivus was not expanded and that there were no focal signal abnormalities. Both neuroradiologists correctly identified clival cancer in 54 (98%) of the 55 cases with and without sixth nerve palsy. In doing so, they relied mostly on clival expansion but also on focal signal abnormalities. Both neuroradiologists were at least 80% correct in identifying a sixth nerve palsy, but they often incorrectly identified a palsy in patients who did not have one. When there was a one-sided signal abnormality or the clivus was expanded in one direction, both neuroradiologists were accurate in identifying the side of the sixth nerve palsy.

Conclusion:

Current MRI pulse sequences allow accurate differentiation of a normal from a cancerous clivus. When the marrow signal is not homogeneously bright in adults, cancer can be diagnosed on the basis of clival expansion or focal signal abnormalities. MRI is less accurate in predicting the presence of a sixth nerve palsy. However, the side of a unilateral palsy can be predicted when the clivus is clearly expanded in one direction or there is a focal signal abnormality on one side.
The emblematic South African therocephalian
Euchambersia
in China: a new link in the dispersal of late Permian vertebrates across Pangea
Authors: Liu Jun , Abdala Fernando
Published: July 2022

Therapsids were widely distributed in Pangea in the late Permian. South Africa in Gondwana and Russia in Laurasia are the principal areas recording tetrapods (including therapsids) of this age. More recent field explorations have increased the importance of Chinese late Permian fossil assemblages. This is clearly reflected in the discovery of several new therocephalians from the Naobaogou Formation in Nei Mongol. Here, we report a therocephalian from that unit identified as a new species of the emblematic South African taxon
Euchambersia
. The new species,
Euchambersia liuyudongi
, is represented by a well-preserved skull and mandible showing a well-developed maxillary fossa and the absence of postcanine teeth. This is the third akidnognathid therocephalian recovered from the Naobaougou Formation, but oddly, the two basal Chinese akidnognathids previously known were recovered from a younger unit of the formation than the derived
E. liuyudongi
. This is the first time that the same therocephalian genus has been recorded in northern and southern continents, making the record of the Naobaougou Formation key to understanding the evolution of late Permian continental fauna in general, and of akidnognathid therocephalians in particular.
Correlation of biomechanics and cancer cell phenotype by combined Brillouin and Raman spectroscopy of U87-MG glioblastoma cells
Authors: Rix Jan , Uckermann Ortrud , Kirsche Katrin , Schackert Gabriele , Koch Edmund , Kirsch Matthias , Galli Roberta
Published: July 2022

The elucidation of biomechanics furthers our understanding of brain tumour biology. Brillouin spectroscopy is a new optical method that addresses viscoelastic properties down to subcellular resolution in a contact-free manner. Moreover, it can be combined with Raman spectroscopy to obtain co-localized biochemical information. Here, we applied co-registered Brillouin and Raman spectroscopy to U87-MG human glioblastoma cells
in vitro
. Using two-dimensional and three-dimensional cultures, we related biomechanical properties to local biochemical composition at the subcellular level, as well as the cell phenotype. Brillouin and Raman mapping of adherent cells showed that the nucleus and nucleoli are stiffer than the perinuclear region and the cytoplasm. The biomechanics of the cell cytoplasm is affected by culturing conditions, i.e. cells grown as spheroids are stiffer than adherent cells. Inside the spheroids, the presence of lipid droplets as assessed by Raman spectroscopy revealed higher Brillouin shifts that are not related to a local increase in stiffness, but are due to a higher refractive index combined with a lower mass density. This highlights the importance of locally defined biochemical reference data for a correct interpretation of the Brillouin shift of cells and tissues in future studies investigating the biomechanics of brain tumour models by Brillouin spectroscopy.
Experimental and modelling studies of collision avoidance strategy choices and behavioural characteristics in interweaving pedestrian flow
Authors: Luan Qiu Yun , Liu Shao Bo , Fu Zhi Jian , Lyu Jie Yin
Published: July 2022

The mechanisms of collision avoidance (CA) behaviours in interweaving pedestrian flow movements are important for pedestrian space planning and emergency management but not well understood yet. In this paper, a series of controlled interweaving pedestrian flow experiments with different densities are carried out to investigate the CA behaviours, especially CA strategy choices. Four types of CA strategies are manually identified in these experiments. Nine characteristic parameters based on the trajectory data are defined to explore the characteristics of CA behaviours. The experimental results reveal that (i) the CA behaviours change with density levels; (ii) heterogeneities can be found for individual pedestrians; (iii) the defined characteristic parameters show different statistical features for different types of CA strategies, and correlations exist between most of the parameter pairs; (iv) it usually takes 0.5–2.5 s to complete a CA process with a trajectory length of 0.5–3.5 m. A multi-nomial logit (MNL) model and a long-short-term-memory (LSTM) model are established respectively for predicting pedestrians' choices of CA strategies using the selected characteristic parameters as inputs. The modelling results prove the importance of using time-series data for pedestrian behaviour modelling, and the LSTM models show advantages over the MNL model at this point.
Shaken, not stirred: blue whales show no acoustic response to earthquake events
Authors: Barlow Dawn R. , Estrada Jorge Mateo , Klinck Holger , Torres Leigh G.
Published: July 2022

Quantifying how animals respond to disturbance events bears relevance for understanding consequences to population health. We investigate whether blue whales respond acoustically to naturally occurring episodic noise by examining calling before and after earthquakes (27 040 calls, 32 earthquakes; 27 January–29 June 2016). Two vocalization types were evaluated: New Zealand blue whale song and downswept vocalizations ('D calls'). Blue whales did not alter the number of D calls, D call received level or song intensity following earthquakes (paired
t
-tests,
p
> 0.7 for all). Linear models accounting for earthquake strength and proximity revealed significant relationships between change in calling activity surrounding earthquakes and prior calling activity (D calls:
R
2
= 0.277,
p
< 0.0001; song:
R
2
= 0.080,
p
= 0.028); however, these same relationships were true for ‘null’ periods without earthquakes (D calls:
R
2
= 0.262,
p
< 0.0001; song:
R
2
= 0.149,
p
= 0.0002), indicating that the pattern is driven by blue whale calling context regardless of earthquake presence. Our findings that blue whales do not respond to episodic natural noise provide context for interpreting documented acoustic responses to anthropogenic noise sources, including shipping traffic and petroleum development, indicating that they potentially evolved tolerance for natural noise sources but not novel noise from anthropogenic origins.
An Autographa californica nucleopolyhedrovirus-encoded microRNA, AcMNPV-miR-4, downregulates the expression of host gene alg-2
Authors: Zhao Jin , Teng Tingkai , Wang Jinwen
Published: July 2022

Autographa california multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV)-encoded microRNAs (miRNAs) that regulate viral genes to achieve infection have been reported previously. Here, we report another AcMNPV encoded miRNA, AcMNPV-miR-4 (Ac-miR-4), which downregulated the host gene, apoptosis-linked gene (alg-2). This regulation was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assays. The effects of Ac-miR-4 on virus infection were assessed. The results showed that the production of infectious budded virions (BV) was decreased and the occlusion-derived virion (ODV) embedding into polyhedra was delayed when Sf9 cells were administered an overdose of Ac-miR-4. All these findings suggest that Ac-miR-4 prolongs cell lifespan and reduces virus virulence at a relatively early stage but increases ODV at a very late stage. This finding may be attributed to the downregulation effects of alg-2, which lead to weakened ALG-2 related functions, such as cell apoptosis, vesicle budding and protein transport.
Efficient Dlx2-mediated astrocyte-to-neuron conversion and inhibition of neuroinflammation by NeuroD1
Authors: Liu Min-Hui , Xu Yu-Ge , Bai Xiao-Ni , Lin Jian-Hua , Xiang Zong-Qin , Wang Tao , Xu Liang , Li Wen , Chen Gong
Published: July 2022

In vivo astrocyte-to-neuron (AtN) conversion induced by overexpression of neural transcriptional factors has great potential for neural regeneration and repair. Here, we demonstrate that a single neural transcriptional factor Dlx2 converts mouse striatal astrocytes into neurons in a dose-dependent manner. Lineage-tracing studies in Aldh1l1-CreERT2 mice confirm that Dlx2 can convert striatal astrocytes into DARPP32+ and Ctip2+ medium spiny neurons (MSNs). Time-course studies reveal a gradual conversion from astrocytes to neurons in 1 month, with a distinct intermediate state in-between astrocytes and neurons. Interestingly, when Dlx2-infected astrocytes start to lose astrocytic markers, the other local astrocytes proliferate to maintain astrocytic level in the converted areas. Unexpectedly, while Dlx2 efficiently reprograms astrocytes into neurons in the grey matter striatum, it also induces partial reprogramming of astrocytes in the white matter corpus callosum. Such partial reprogramming of white matter astrocytes is associated with neuroinflammation, which can be essentially suppressed by the addition of NeuroD1. Our results highlight the importance of investigating AtN conversion both in the grey matter and white matter in order to thoroughly evaluate therapeutic potentials. This study also unveils a critical role of anti-inflammation by NeuroD1 during AtN conversion.
Power of self-belief: Growth mindset fosters cognitive development via mesocortical functional coactivation and dynamic reconfiguration
Authors: Zhao Yuyao , Cui Junjie , Zhao Hui , Zeng Yimeng , Xu Jiahua , Chen Menglu , Hao Lei , He Ying , Wang Hui , Wang Yanpei , Wang Daoyang , Han Zhuo Rachel , Tan Shuping , Men Weiwei , Gao Jiahong , He Yong , Tao Sha , Dong Qi , Qin Shaozheng
Published: July 2022

Growth mindset is known for its positive impact on learning, problem-solving, and achievement by fostering the belief that one’s abilities can be improved through continuous effort. Theories attributed the promotive effect to its optimization on cognitive and motivational processes, while relevant evidence remained scattered. Although recent studies identified pathways related to growth mindset, we still lack a comprehensive model linking its impacts on cognitive process, brain system dynamics and long-term outcomes. Here, we showed that the growth mindset promoted the development of working memory (WM) through dynamic coordination of the cortico-striatal system and tested its longitudinal effects on decisive processes over three years. Behaviorally, growth mindset improves WM outcomes via accelerating the latent evidence accumulation process, as revealed by the computational modeling on trial-by-trial WM decisive response. Developmental neuroimaging further revealed that the coactivation of the striatum-cingulo-opercular and fronto-parietal systems plays a significant role in such long-term WM improvements. By leveraging Hidden Markov Modeling on cortico-striatal dynamics, we identified two distinct brain states that explain the relationship between the growth mindset and behavioral improvements. The enhanced while flexible cortico-striatal activity mediated the long-term optimization of growth mindset on the evidence accumulation process in WM. Our findings revealed the optimization of growth mindset on cortico-striatal latent dynamics and, for the first time, established a longitudinal model linking the impact of the growth mindset on neural orchestration to cognitive processes and behavioral outcomes.
miR-146a and miR-200b alter cognition by targeting NMDA receptor subunits
Authors: Gunasekaran Sowmya , Omkumar Ramakrishnapillai Vyomakesannair
Published: July 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play pivotal roles in fine-tuning gene regulation. Understanding the mechanism of action of such miRNAs might help in manipulating the respective pathways thus providing therapeutic options. We have investigated the physiological roles of two miRNAs, miR-146a and miR-200b, that are differentially expressed in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease andschizophrenia.We specifically studied their involvement in learning and memory mechanisms. We show through bioinformatics prediction tools that these miRNAs can interact with transcripts of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunits Grin2A and Grin2B. This was further supported by showing interaction of the miRNAs to the 3’UTR sequences of Grin2A and Grin2B through luciferase assay. Overexpression of these miRNAs in primary hippocampal neurons caused downregulation of GluN2B and GluN2A protein levels. Stereotactic injections of these miRNAs into rat hippocampus caused cognitive deficits in multiple behavioural tests along with decreased protein levels of the NMDAR subunits, GluN1, GluN2A and GluN2B, AMPAR subunit GluR1 and Neuregulin 1 (NRG1). During downregulation of NMDAR subunits by other physiological stimuli as in pharmacologically treated rat models [MK-801 treated and methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM) treated], we found upregulated levels of miR-146a-5p and miR-200b-3p implying their involvement in downregulating NMDAR subunits. These results suggest the importance of miR-146a-5p and miR-200b-3p in mediating gene regulation in the hippocampus and their involvement in hippocampus dependent learning and memory.
Respiration-driven brain network: neural underpinning of breathing correlates with resting-state fMRI signal
Authors: Tu Wenyu , Zhang Nanyin
Published: July 2022

Respiration can induce motion and CO2 fluctuation during resting-state fMRI (rsfMRI) scans, which will lead to non-neural artifacts in the rsfMRI signal. In the meantime, as a crucial physiologic process, respiration that can directly drive neural activity change in the brain, and may thereby modulate the rsfMRI signal. Nonetheless, this potential neural component in the respiration-fMRI relationship is largely unexplored. To elucidate this issue, here we simultaneously recorded the electrophysiology, rsfMRI and respiration signals in rats. Our data show that respiration is indeed associated with neural activity changes, evidenced by a phase-locking relationship between slow respiration variations and the gamma-band power of the electrophysiologic signal recorded in the anterior cingulate cortex. Intriguingly, slow respiration variations are also linked to a characteristic rsfMRI network, which is mediated by gamma-band neural activity. In addition, this respiration-related brain network disappears when brain-wide neural activity is silenced at an iso-electrical state, while the respiration is maintained, further confirming the necessary role of neural activity. Taken together, this study identifies a respiration-related brain network underpinned by neural activity, which represents a novel component in the respiration-rsfMRI relationship that is distinct from respiration-related rsfMRI artifacts. It opens a new avenue for investigating the interactions between respiration, neural activity and resting-state brain networks in both healthy and diseased conditions.
acCRISPR: An activity-correction method for improving the accuracy of CRISPR screens
Authors: Ramesh Adithya , Trivedi Varun , Schwartz Cory , Tafrishi Aida , Mohseni Amirsadra , Li Mengwan , Lonardi Stefano , Wheeldon Ian
Published: July 2022

High throughput CRISPR screens are revolutionizing the way scientists unravel the genetic underpinnings of novel and evolved phenotypes. One of the critical challenges in accurately assessing screening outcomes is accounting for the variability in sgRNA cutting efficiency. Poorly active guides targeting genes essential to screening conditions obscure the growth defects that are expected from disrupting them. Here, we develop acCRISPR, an end-to-end pipeline that identifies essential genes in pooled CRISPR screens using sgRNA read counts obtained from next-generation sequencing. acCRISPR uses experimentally determined cutting efficiencies for each guide in the library to provide an activity correction to the screening outcomes, thus determining the fitness effect of disrupted genes. This is accomplished by calculating an optimization metric that quantifies the tradeoff between guide activity and library coverage, which is maximized to accurately classify genes essential to screening conditions. CRISPR-Cas9 and -Cas12a screens were carried out in the non-conventional oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica to determine a high-confidence set of essential genes for growth under glucose, a common carbon source used for the industrial production of oleochemicals. acCRISPR was also used in gain-and loss-of-function screens under high salt and low pH conditions to identify known and novel genes that were related to stress tolerance. Collectively, this work presents an experimental-computational framework for CRISPR-based functional genomics studies that may be expanded to other non-conventional organisms of interest.
Numerical study on strut insertion based thrust vectoring control system
Authors: Soundararajan Harish , B.T.N. Sridhar
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study aims to numerically study the three-dimensional (3D) flow field characteristics in a conical convergent divergent (CD) nozzle with an internal strut system to describe the effect of struts on producing a side force for thrust vectoring applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Struts are solid bodies. When inserted into the supersonic region of the axisymmetric CD nozzle, it induces a shock wave that causes an asymmetric pressure distribution predominantly over the internal surface of the diverging wall of the C-D nozzle, creating a net side force similar to the secondary injection thrust vectoring control method. Numerical simulations were performed by solving Unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes equations with re-normalized group k–ϵ turbulence model. Cylindrical struts of various heights positioned at different locations in the divergent section of the nozzle were investigated at a nozzle pressure of 6.61.

Findings

Thrust vectoring angle of approximately 3.8 degrees was obtained using a single cylindrical strut with a dimensionless thrust (%) and total pressure loss of less than 2.36% and 2.67, respectively. It was shown that the thrust deflection direction could also be changed by changing the strut insertion location. A strut located at half of the diverging length produced a higher deflection per unit total pressure loss.

Practical implications

Using a lightweight and high-temperature resistant material, such as a strut, strut insertion-based thrust vectoring control might provide an alternative thrust vectoring method in applications where a longer period of control is needed with a reduced overall system weight.

Originality/value

This study describes the 3D flow field characteristics which result in side force generation by a supersonic nozzle with an internal strut.
Exploring the role of knowledge management in contexts of crisis: a synthesis and way forward
Authors: Anand Amitabh , Buhagiar Kristina , Kozachenko Ekaterina , Parameswar Nakul
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Based on the scarcity and the fragmented nature of the literature in the field of knowledge management (KM) and crisis, this paper aims to present a systematic literature review of these two constructs, interlinking the literature in KM to the prevention, preparedness, response and recovery (PPRR) phases framework. The output is a critical discussion on the state of the literature in the field, and an overview of avenues for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology adopted in this paper is that of a systematic literature review. Using the Scopus database, this study presents the findings that emerged from 59 publications in the field of KM and crisis.

Findings

Through the application of a systematic literature review, this paper categorizes 59 publications on KM according to the different stages comprising a crisis. The implications of each paper are discussed and critically analyzed, acting as the basis of areas for future research.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to offer a systematic review of the literature on KM in contexts of crisis by integrating the literature into a well-defined PPRR framework. Furthermore, the discussions presented in this review may be used by practitioners as a basis/starting point to identify relevant literature on different phases of crisis, while scholars may use this paper to further develop studies in KM and crisis management.
Exploring dating as an occupation for young heterosexual women in Ireland
Authors: McCarthy Karen , Jackson Jeanne
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Dating is a meaningful occupation for many single people. The occupation of dating has transformed considerably in Ireland due to recent changes in Irish culture and the advent of online dating technology. The purpose of this study was to explore the complexities and intricacies of dating in an Irish context.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research approach was used and data were collected using semi-structured interviews with ten heterosexual women (age 24‐34) living in urban areas of Ireland. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2006).

Findings

Dating did not fully resonate with their experience, but they did not have an alternative term. The form of dating was influenced by cultural, temporal, physical and virtual contexts. Beliefs about dating, fluctuating emotions and feelings of mortification because of the stigma of online dating created meaning for participants and influenced their use of strategies to improve resilience. While dating was not a preferred occupation for participants because of its arduous nature and fluctuations in emotion, it was seen as essential to fulfil the function of finding a romantic partner or partner in occupation. Connections between participant experiences and occupational science are discussed to address the lexicon of dating and the form, function and meaning of dating.

Originality/value

This study contributes to occupational science knowledge by revealing the occupational understandings of dating as an emerging and dynamic occupation in a rapidly changing culture of Ireland.
Capital structure dynamics of Shariah-compliant vs noncompliant firms: evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Akbar Saeed , Khan Shehzad , Haq Zahoor Ul , Khan Muhammad Ibrahim
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study aims to compare capital structure determinants' effect on the leverage levels of Shariah-compliant (SC) and noncompliant (NC) firms in Pakistan. This study also estimates and compares the capital structure adjustment speed for both firm types.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the Karachi Meezan Index screening criterion, a balanced panel of 117 SC and 68 NC firms listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange from 2008 to 2018 was constituted. This study used the generalized method of moments to identify the significant determinants of capital structure and estimate the speed of adjustment. In addition, the F-test was used to check whether the effect of the determinants on the leverage is same for SC and non-SC firms.

Findings

The authors found that different determinants affect both firm types' leverage levels (book and market) differently. The authors also found that the adjustment speed of SC firms toward their target leverage ratio is slower than their NC peers. Lastly, significant variation was observed in the results under different screening criteria.

Research limitations/implications

This study fills the literature gap by providing a comprehensive comparison of the capital structure decisions of the SC and non-SC firms. Because this study is limited to Pakistan, generalizability would be an issue.

Practical implications

This study will guide the management of SC and non-SC firms about which factors are reliably important in choosing their capital structure. The findings also call for bringing harmony in the different Shariah screening criteria being in practice.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first comparative study that identifies the significant capital structure determinants for SC and NC firms and investigates their effect on the leverage of both firm types. By testing joint hypotheses of same relationship, this study seeks to determine if, because of Shariah restrictions, the capital structure determinants of SC firms are similar to NC firms or they exhibit different behavior. The authors also repeat their analysis using other prominent screening criteria to assess the consistency of their results.
The implementation and performance evaluation for a smart robot with edge computing algorithms
Authors: Chen Joy Iong-Zong , Huang Ping-Feng , Pi Chung Sheng
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Apart from, the smart edge computing (EC) robot (SECR) provides the tools to manage Internet of things (IoT) services in the edge landscape by means of real-world test-bed designed in ECR. Eventually, based on the results from two experiments held in little constrained condition, such as the maximum data size is 2GB, the performance of the proposed techniques demonstrate the effectiveness, scalability and performance efficiency of the proposed IoT model.

Design/methodology/approach

Certainly, the proposed SECR is trying primarily to take over other traditional static robots in a centralized or distributed cloud environment. One aspect of representation of the proposed edge computing algorithms is due to challenge to slow down the consumption of time which happened in an artificial intelligence (AI) robot system. Thus, the developed SECR trained by tiny machine learning (TinyML) techniques to develop a decentralized and dynamic software environment.

Findings

Specifically, the waste time of SECR has actually slowed down when it is embedded with Edge Computing devices in the demonstration of data transmission within different paths. The TinyML is applied to train with image data sets for generating a framework running in the SECR for the recognition which has also proved with a second complete experiment.

Originality/value

The work presented in this paper is the first research effort, and which is focusing on resource allocation and dynamic path selection for edge computing. The developed platform using a decoupled resource management model that manages the allocation of micro node resources independent of the service provisioning performed at the cloud and manager nodes. Besides, the algorithm of the edge computing management is established with different path and pass large data to cloud and receive it. In this work which considered the SECR framework is able to perform the same function as that supports to the multi-dimensional scaling (MDS).