bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectral analysis of localized surface phonon polaritons in resonant silicon carbide hollow cylinder array
Authors: Xia Weixiang , Zheng Gaige
Published: July 2022

Manipulation of the amplitude and frequency of resonant optical surface waves in mid-infrared is of great interest for improvement of photonic devices and vibrational molecule sensing applications. Antennas supporting localized surface phonon polaritons (LSPhPs) fold the optical phonons into periodic pillar array to control the scattering process. Energy exchange, mode evolution and near-field coupling mechanism are investigated thoroughly, and it is demonstrated that the transverse dipole mode in the 6H-silicon carbide hollow cylinder array shows excellent absorption efficiency and tunable capability across a wide spectral range. Dependence of local field on structural parameters in the polarized sub-mode is explored to elucidate the optical properties. Near-field coupling is further evaluated by combining the values of current distribution with multipole decomposition. This study also provides a practical guide to establish a general framework for exploring the spectral tuning and coupling mechanisms of LSPhP modes.
Effect of the radiative property change of interference optical filter on the accuracy of a linear pyrometer
Authors: Ejigu Efrem Kebede
Published: July 2022

The multilayer interference filter is an optical component of several optical devices. One such instrument is an infrared thermometer. In a radiation thermometer, optical filters are used to select a specific wavelength range of the radiation signal for detection. The interference filters change their multilayer structure due to variation in the surrounding temperature. There are instances where these variations are big enough to cause an error in temperature measurement. Determining and analysing the extent of this effect is crucial in a high accuracy calibration process. In this paper, we attempted to quantify the effect of temperature variation in the optical thickness of each layer of the interference filter and, subsequently, on its performance. The interference filter design model is modified to accommodate the temperature dependence by considering the therm-optic effect of each dielectric material, medium and substrate. The results showed how the temperature change effect (that was translated into temperature measurement error) could be minimised by optimising the layer thickness of carefully chosen materials with a minimised cumulative therm-optic coefficient effect.
Sample-constrained partial identification with application to selection bias
Authors: Tudball Matthew J , Hughes Rachael A , Tilling Kate , Bowden Jack , Zhao Qingyuan
Published: July 2022

Many partial identification problems can be characterized by the optimal value of a function over a set where both the function and set need to be estimated by empirical data. Despite some progress for convex problems, statistical inference in this general setting remains to be developed. To address this, we derive an asymptotically valid confidence interval for the optimal value through an appropriate relaxation of the estimated set. We then apply this general result to the problem of selection bias in population-based cohort studies. We show that existing sensitivity analyses, which are often conservative and difficult to implement, can be formulated in our framework and made significantly more informative via auxiliary information on the population. We conduct a simulation study to evaluate the finite sample performance of our inference procedure, and conclude with a substantive motivating example on the causal effect of education on income in the highly selected UK Biobank cohort. We demonstrate that our method can produce informative bounds using plausible population-level auxiliary constraints. We implement this method in the $\texttt{R}$ package $\texttt{selectioninterval}$.
Causal links among amyloid, tau, and neurodegeneration
Authors: Bilgel Murat , Wong Dean F , Moghekar Abhay R , Ferrucci Luigi , Resnick Susan M ,   the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: July 2022

Amyloid-β pathology is associated with greater tau pathology and facilitates tau propagation from the medial temporal lobe to the neocortex, where tau is closely associated with local neurodegeneration. The degree of the involvement of amyloid-β versus existing tau pathology in tau propagation and neurodegeneration has not been fully elucidated in human studies. Careful quantification of these effects can inform the development and timing of therapeutic interventions. We conducted causal mediation analyses to investigate the relative contributions of amyloid-β and existing tau to tau propagation and neurodegeneration in two longitudinal studies of individuals without dementia: the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (N = 103, age range 57–96) and the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (N = 122, age range 56–92). As proxies of neurodegeneration, we investigated cerebral blood flow, glucose metabolism, and regional volume. We first confirmed that amyloid-β moderates the association between tau in the entorhinal cortex and in the inferior temporal gyrus, a neocortical region exhibiting early tau pathology (amyloid group × entorhinal tau interaction term β  = 0.488, standard error [SE] = 0.126, P < 0.001 in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging; β  = 0.619, SE = 0.145, P < 0.001 in the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative). In causal mediation analyses accounting for this facilitating effect of amyloid, amyloid positivity had a statistically significant direct effect on inferior temporal tau as well as an indirect effect via entorhinal tau (average direct effect =0.47, P < 0.001 and average causal mediation effect =0.44, P = 0.0028 in Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging; average direct effect =0.43, P = 0.004 and average causal mediation effect =0.267, P = 0.0088 in Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative). Entorhinal tau mediated up to 48% of the total effect of amyloid on inferior temporal tau. Higher inferior temporal tau was associated with lower colocalized cerebral blood flow, glucose metabolism, and regional volume, whereas amyloid had only an indirect effect on these measures via tau, implying tau as the primary driver of neurodegeneration (amyloid–cerebral blood flow average causal mediation effect =−0.28, P = 0.021 in Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging; amyloid–volume average causal mediation effect =−0.24, P < 0.001 in Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative). Our findings suggest targeting amyloid or medial temporal lobe tau might slow down neocortical spread of tau and subsequent neurodegeneration, but a combination therapy may yield better outcomes.
Assessment of high-gain quadratic boost converter with hybrid-based maximum power point tracking technique for solar photovoltaic systems
Authors: Veerabhadra  , Nagaraja Rao S
Published: July 2022

Solar photovoltaic (SPV) modules have a low output voltage and are load-dependent. Therefore, it is critical that the SPV system has an adequate DC–DC converter to regulate and improve the output voltage to get maximum output voltage. To meet load requirements, the voltage must be increased, necessitating the use of energy-efficient power electronic converters. The performance of an SPV system coupled to a high-gain quadratic boost converter (HG-QBC) with a load is investigated in this paper. The suggested HG-QBC for the SPV system at a lower value of duty ratio provides high voltage gain with a boost factor of four times. An analytical comparison is carried out with the various existing boost converters in terms of the components and the boost factor. The issue of locating the maximum power generation point from the SPV system is crucial. As a result, choosing an appropriate maximum power point tracker (MPPT)-based technique to obtain the peak power output of the SPV system under the rapidly varying atmospheric conditions is vital. To determine the highest output power of an SPV system, a hybrid-based MPPT with a neural network assisted by a perturb and observe (P&O) technique is proposed. For the HG-QBC, a comparison of the proposed MPPT with a traditional P&O-based MPPT is illustrated. The comparative analysis takes into account rise time, settling time and voltage ripples. The output voltage and power characteristics of the proposed model are analysed under constant and varying irradiation conditions using MATLAB®/Simulink®. The results of a hybrid-based MPPT show that the oscillations are minimum at the maximum power point with fewer ripples of 0.20% and a settling time of 1.2 s in comparison with the other two techniques.
An eye-opening case report of constrictive pericarditis
Authors: Dhont Sebastiaan , Van Belleghem Yves , De Zaeytijd Julie , Vandecasteele Els
Published: July 2022

Background

Constrictive pericarditis is characterized by the encasement of the heart by a stiff pericardium leading to impaired diastolic function, which ultimately leads to congestive heart failure.

Case summary

We report a case of a young woman, who first presented to the ophthalmologist with the sudden appearance of floaters and vision reduction. Eventually, invasive haemodynamic assessment led to the diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis leading to venous congestion.

Conclusion

Understanding the pathophysiology and integrating the results of invasive and non-invasive diagnostic work up is important in making this challenging diagnosis.
Testing the Drosophila maternal haploid gene for functional divergence and a role in hybrid incompatibility
Authors: Castillo Dean M , McCormick Benjamin , Kean Connor M , Natesan Sahana , Barbash Daniel A
Published: July 2022

Crosses between Drosophila simulans females and Drosophila melanogaster males produce viable F1 sons and poorly viable F1 daughters. Unlike most hybrid incompatibilities, this hybrid incompatibility violates Haldane’s rule, the observation that incompatibilities preferentially affect the heterogametic sex. Furthermore, it has a different genetic basis than hybrid lethality in the reciprocal cross, with the causal allele in Drosophila melanogaster being a large species-specific block of complex satellite DNA on its X chromosome known as the 359-bp satellite, rather than a protein-coding locus. The causal allele(s) in Drosophila simulans are unknown but likely involve maternally expressed genes or factors since the F1 females die during early embryogenesis. The maternal haploid (mh) gene is an intriguing candidate because it is expressed maternally and its protein product localizes to the 359-bp repeat. We found that this gene has diverged extensively between Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila simulans. This observation led to the hypothesis that Drosophila melanogaster mh may have coevolved with the 359-bp repeat and that hybrid incompatibility thus results from the absence of a coevolved mh allele in Drosophila simulans. We tested for the functional divergence of mh by creating matched transformants of Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila simulans orthologs in both Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila simulans strains. Surprisingly, we find that Drosophila simulans mh fully complements the female sterile phenotype of Drosophila melanogaster mh mutations. Contrary to our hypothesis, we find no evidence that adding a Drosophila melanogaster mh gene to Drosophila simulans increases hybrid viability.
Turning coldspots into hotspots: targeted recruitment of axis protein Hop1 stimulates meiotic recombination in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Shodhan Anura , Xaver Martin , Wheeler David , Lichten Michael
Published: July 2022

The DNA double-strand breaks that initiate meiotic recombination are formed in the context of the meiotic chromosome axis, which in Saccharomyces cerevisiae contains a meiosis-specific cohesin isoform and the meiosis-specific proteins Hop1 and Red1. Hop1 and Red1 are important for double-strand break formation; double-strand break levels are reduced in their absence and their levels, which vary along the lengths of chromosomes, are positively correlated with double-strand break levels. How axis protein levels influence double-strand break formation and recombination remains unclear. To address this question, we developed a novel approach that uses a bacterial ParB-parS partition system to recruit axis proteins at high levels to inserts at recombination coldspots where Hop1 and Red1 levels are normally low. Recruiting Hop1 markedly increased double-strand breaks and homologous recombination at target loci, to levels equivalent to those observed at endogenous recombination hotspots. This local increase in double-strand breaks did not require Red1 or the meiosis-specific cohesin component Rec8, indicating that, of the axis proteins, Hop1 is sufficient to promote double-strand break formation. However, while most crossovers at endogenous recombination hotspots are formed by the meiosis-specific MutLγ resolvase, crossovers that formed at an insert locus were only modestly reduced in the absence of MutLγ, regardless of whether or not Hop1 was recruited to that locus. Thus, while local Hop1 levels determine local double-strand break levels, the recombination pathways that repair these breaks can be determined by other factors, raising the intriguing possibility that different recombination pathways operate in different parts of the genome.
Myelin and Physical Activity in Older Adults With Cerebral Small Vessel Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Boa Sorte Silva Nárlon C , Dao Elizabeth , Liang Hsu Chun , Tam Roger C , Lam Kevin , Alkeridy Walid , Laule Cornelia , Vavasour Irene M , Stein Ryan G , Liu-Ambrose Teresa
Published: July 2022

Background

Myelin loss is a feature of cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD). Although physical activity levels may exert protective effects over cSVD pathology, its specific relationship with myelin content in people living with the cSVD is unknown. Thus, we investigated whether physical activity levels are associated with myelin in community-dwelling older adults with cSVD and mild cognitive impairment.

Methods

Cross-sectional data from 102 individuals with cSVD and mild cognitive impairment were analyzed (mean age [SD] = 74.7 years [5.5], 63.7% female). Myelin was measured using a magnetic resonance gradient and spin echo sequence. Physical activity was estimated using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly. Hierarchical regression models adjusting for total intracranial volume, age, sex, body mass index, and education were conducted to determine the associations between myelin content and physical activity. Significant models were further adjusted for white matter hyperintensity volume.

Results

In adjusted models, greater physical activity was linked to higher myelin content in the whole-brain white matter (R2change = .04, p = .048). Greater physical activity was also associated with myelin content in the sagittal stratum (R2change = .08, p = .004), anterior corona radiata (R2change = .04, p = .049), and genu of the corpus callosum (R2change = .05, p = .018). Adjusting for white matter hyperintensity volume did not change any of these associations.

Conclusions

Physical activity may be a strategy to maintain myelin in older adults with cSVD and mild cognitive impairment. Future randomized controlled trials of exercise are needed to determine whether exercise increases myelin content.
Retirement and Sexual Satisfaction
Authors: Henning Georg , Segel-Karpas Dikla , Praetorius Björk Marcus , Bjälkebring Pär , Berg Anne Ingeborg
Published: July 2022

Background and Objectives

Although interest in sexuality in older age has increased over the last decades, few studies have focused on longitudinal change in sexual satisfaction around retirement age. In the present study, we studied change in sexual satisfaction across retirement in a sample of Swedish older adults with a partner.

Research Design and Methods

Our analyses were based on n = 759 participants (359 male, 400 female) from the longitudinal Health, Aging, and Retirement Transitions in Sweden study. For this study, we used 5 waves spanning over a period of 4 years.

Results

On average, sexual satisfaction did not change significantly before retirement, but decreased after retirement. Interestingly, women showed higher sexual satisfaction than men, as well as a more positive development of both pre- and postretirement sexual satisfaction. Individuals with higher relationship satisfaction had a higher sexual satisfaction until retirement, but their sexual satisfaction also decreased faster after retirement, whereas those with lower relationship satisfaction showed a stable but lower sexual satisfaction.

Discussion and Implications

Sexual satisfaction can change in the retirement transition in several important ways and further studies on the impact of retirement and other late-life stage transitions are warranted.
Functional pleiotropism, diversity, and redundancy of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge JAZ family proteins in jasmonate-induced tanshinone and phenolic acid biosynthesis
Authors: Ma Pengda , Pei Tianlin , Lv Bingbing , Wang Mei , Dong Juane , Liang Zongsuo
Published: July 2022

Jasmonate (JA) signaling regulates plant growth and development, biotic and abiotic stress tolerance, and primary and secondary metabolism biosynthesis. It is extensively modulated by JA-ZIM-domain (JAZ) family genes. In previous work, we obtained nine SmJAZ genes of Salvia miltiorrhiza and proved that SmJAZ8 was the core repressor of JA-induced tanshinone and phenolic acid biosynthesis. Here, we demonstrate that SmJAZ3 and SmJAZ4 act as repressors of JA-induced biosynthesis of tanshinones and salvianolic acid B (Sal B). This suggests that SmJAZ3/4 are functionally redundant in tanshinone and Sal B biosynthesis. SmJAZ1/2/5/6/9 are activators of JA-induced tanshinone biosynthesis and repressors of JA-induced Sal B biosynthesis. This demonstrates the redundancy and diversity of SmJAZ1/2/5/6/9 functions. Besides, SmJAZ10 inhibited JA-induced Sal B synthesis, but had no effect on the synthesis of tanshinone. Two-hybrid screening (Y2H) showed that SmJAZs formed homologous or heterogeneous dimers. Y2H and firefly luciferase complementation imaging (LCI) assays revealed that SmJAZs also formed a complex regulatory network with SmMYC2a, SmMYC2b, SmMYB39, and SmPAP1. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) indicated that SmJAZs regulated each other at the transcriptional level. Herein, we prove that SmJAZs have functional pleiotropism, diversity, and redundancy in JA-induced tanshinone and phenolic acid biosynthesis. This study provides an important clue for further understanding the inherent biological significance and molecular mechanisms of the JAZ family as the gene number increases during plant evolution.
Aortopulmonary collaterals in single ventricle: incidence, associated factors and clinical significance
Authors: Schmiel Melvin , Kido Takashi , Georgiev Stanimir , Burri Melchior , Heinisch Paul Philipp , Vodiskar Janez , Strbad Martina , Ewert Peter , Hager Alfred , Hörer Jürgen , Ono Masamichi
Published: July 2022

OBJECTIVES

Clinical significance of aortopulmonary collaterals (APCs) in patients with univentricular heart remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and associated factors for APCs and their influence during staged palliation.

METHODS

In total, 430 patients who underwent staged palliation by bidirectional Glenn shunt and total cavopulmonary connection between 2003 and 2019 were examined. APCs were determined by angiogram. Incidence and interventions for APCs were analysed.

RESULTS

The most frequent diagnosis was hypoplastic left heart syndrome in 146 (34%) patients. The median age at Glenn and Fontan was 4.9 months and 2.1 years, respectively. APCs were observed in 54 (13%) patients at Glenn and in 179 (42%) at Fontan. Closure of APCs was performed before Glenn in 12 (3%) patients, at Glenn in 13 (3%), after Glenn in 8 (2%), before Fontan in 44 (10%), at Fontan in 26 (6%) and after Fontan in 52 (12%). Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (P < 0.01) was highly associated with the development of APCs before Glenn. Lower Nakata-Index and younger age at Glenn shunt were associated with the development of APCs at Fontan procedure. The presence of APCs or intervention for APCs before total cavopulmonary connection did not influence intensive care unit stay or mortality after total cavopulmonary connection.

CONCLUSIONS

APCs were most frequently observed before Fontan procedure. Hypoplastic left heart syndrome was highly associated with the development of APCs before Glenn shunt. Lower Nakata-Index and younger age at Glenn shunt were associated with APCs before Fontan procedure.
Explanted malignancies after lung transplantation: the University of Michigan experience
Authors: Mondoñedo Jarred R , Huang Tao , Lin Jules , Wakeam Elliot
Published: July 2022

The management of patients with an explanted malignancy after lung transplantation is not well understood. We reviewed our institutional experience and outcomes at a single academic medical centre between December 1997 and April 2021 for patients with malignancies of all histologic types identified on explant pathology. Primary lung cancers were reclassified using the 8th Edition TNM staging and the 2021 World Health Organization histologic classification of lung cancers. Of the 733 patients undergoing lung transplantation, 15 (2.05%) were found to have malignancy on the explanted lungs, including 6 (0.82%) primary lung cancers. Four patients were found to have early-stage lung cancers, while 2 patients had advanced-stage IV disease. Survival ranged from 0 to 109 months for the entire cohort with median 23.2 [49.9] months in those with primary lung cancers. There were 2 recurrences following explanted stage I (15 months) and stage IV (53 months) diseases. Other explant pathologies included carcinoid tumourlets in 6 patients, lymphoma in 2 and metastatic leiomyosarcoma in 1. In conclusion, explanted lung malignancies are an infrequent but significant finding on explant pathology. Further data are needed to better characterize and stratify this patient cohort.
A rare case of a retrocrural lymph node metastasis from a chromophobe renal cell cancer: complete thoracoscopic resection with a new multi-joint articulating surgical instrument
Authors: Kern Alexander , Thomas Christian , Holotiuk Olaf , Drewes Steffen
Published: July 2022

We report a rare case of a 69-year-old man with a solitary retrocrural lymph node metastasis in the posterior mediastinum of an oligo-metastatic chromophobe renal cell cancer that was radically resected in a curative intent using new articulating Artisential® instruments.
Sustainability and textile ideas implementation
Authors: Al-Qahtani Laila Amer , Al-Jumaily Ahmed
Published: July 2022

The textile industries in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are considered one of the important industries in which the produced parts are linked to the consumer who may choose them later to buy them. The culture of preserving fabric sustainability in the living room is not intended to retain the history of fabric. Therefore, it was necessary to think of more sustainable ways of implementing and manufacturing textiles by involving consumers in the manufacturing processes. The production of textile pieces in a way that meets his needs and fulfills his own desires and inclinations is the reason for creating that link between them, which makes him aware of the importance of each piece and thus the necessity of preserving it and striving for its sustainability by creating that sense of responsibility towards it. Among them, the aim of the research was to search for the most important different methods of implementing textile manufacturing in internal spaces and highlighting them through a comparison of five different methods. The research followed the analytical and comparative methodology, whereby each method was studied separately and analysed, then a comparison was made between the five different methods. After that, a set of important points were drawn up in the form of research recommendations in the process of sustaining industrial implementation.
Heuristic power flow optimization of hybrid power systems integrated with bulk renewable energy sources and battery storage
Authors: Laly M J , Cheriyan Elizabeth P , Sunitha R , Alhelou Hassan Haes
Published: July 2022

The integration of various types of renewable energy sources and storage systems into power system increases the complexity of the conventional power system, necessitating a comprehensive optimal power flow (OPF) analysis with multiple and/or competing objectives. From this viewpoint, the paper proposes optimal utilization of different power system entities, by solving the OPF problem using the heuristic particle swarm optimization technique. The proposed methodology optimizes the power flow of a complex, nonlinear hybrid power system to fulfill several objectives, viz., line loss minimization, cost minimization and profit maximization under varying environmental conditions and system attributes. A modified IEEE system replacing conventional sources with renewables and storage system is considered for study. Results corroborate the effectiveness of the strategy.
In Utero Activation of Natural Killer Cells in Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection
Authors: Vaaben Anna V , Levan Justine , Nguyen Catherine B T , Callaway Perri C , Prahl Mary , Warrier Lakshmi , Nankya Felistas , Musinguzi Kenneth , Kakuru Abel , Muhindo Mary K , Dorsey Grant , Kamya Moses R , Feeney Margaret E
Published: July 2022

Background

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the most common infectious cause of birth defects and neurological damage in newborns. Despite a well-established role for natural killer (NK) cells in control of CMV infection in older children and adults, it remains unknown whether fetal NK cells can sense and respond to CMV infection acquired in utero.

Methods

Here, we investigate the impact of congenital CMV infection on the neonatal NK-cell repertoire by assessing the frequency, phenotype, and functional profile of NK cells in cord blood samples from newborns with congenital CMV and from uninfected controls enrolled in a birth cohort of Ugandan mothers and infants.

Results

We find that neonatal NK cells from congenitally CMV infected newborns show increased expression of cytotoxic mediators, signs of maturation and activation, and an expansion of mature CD56− NK cells, an NK-cell subset associated with chronic viral infections in adults. Activation was particularly prominent in NK cell subsets expressing the Fcγ receptor CD16, indicating a role for antibody-mediated immunity against CMV in utero.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that NK cells can be activated in utero and suggest that NK cells may be an important component of the fetal and infant immune response against CMV.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT02793622.
21st Century Cures Act: ethical recommendations for new patient-facing products
Authors: Durieux Brigitte N , DeCamp Matthew , Lindvall Charlotta
Published: July 2022

Background

Recent legislation ensuring patient access to their electronic health records represents a promising national commitment to patient empowerment. Access and interoperability rules seek to empower individuals as well as increase opportunities for data sharing by hospitals, apps, and other parties for research and innovation. However, there are trade-offs between data accessibility and oversight. Some third-party apps may not be covered by federal regulations, and receiving records directly from individuals may render some services in possession of health data. To promote consumer trust, these services should follow ethical standards regardless of regulatory status.

Actionable Principles

This Perspective proposes 3 actionable principles, grounded in medical ethics, for services making use of health data: services should (1) provide informed, dynamic, regular consent, including control over data sharing, (2) promote inclusivity and equity, and (3) intentionally focus on consumer trust and the perception of value in the service provided.
Study on HPLC Fingerprint, Network Pharmacology, and Antifungal Activity of Rumex japonicus Houtt
Authors: Xiao Dandan , Wang Juntong , Zhong Yuan , Sun He , Wang Mengtong , Wang Xueyu , Ding Yuling , Li Yong , Wang Ye
Published: July 2022

Background

Rumex japonicus Houtt (R. japonicus) is used mainly to treat various skin diseases in Southeast Asia. However, there are few studies on its quality evaluation methods and antifungal activity.

Objective

To establish the quality control criteria for the effective parts from R. japonicus against psoriasis.

Methods

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was established for its fingerprint, and the similarity evaluation, cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to reveal the differences of those fingerprints among the tested R. japonicus. Network pharmacology analyzed the relationship between the components and psoriasis, revealing the potential targets of R. japonicus. Oxford cup anti-C. albicans experiment was used to verify the antifungal activity of R. japonicus.

Results

HPLC was developed for the R. japonicus fingerprint by optimizing for 10 batches of quinquennial R. japonicus from different habitats; the 18 common peaks were identified with 10 characteristic peaks such as rutin, quercetin, aloe-emodin, nepodin, emodin, musizin-8-O-β-D-glucoside, chrysophanol, emodin-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, chrysophanol-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, and aloin, respectively. The network pharmacology-based analysis showed a high correlation between R. japonicus and psoriasis, revealing the potential targets of R. japonicus. The oxford cup anti-Candida albicans experiment displayed a significant activity response to emodin-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and the ethyl acetate fraction of R. japonicus acidic aqueous extract.

Conclusions

A new and optimized HPLC method was created, and the research provides an experimental basis for the development of effective drugs related to C. albicans.

Highlights

The fingerprint of R. japonicus was organically combined with network pharmacology to further clarify its criteria for quality control.
Deep Learning vs Traditional Breast Cancer Risk Models to Support Risk-Based Mammography Screening
Authors: Lehman Constance D , Mercaldo Sarah , Lamb Leslie R , King Tari A , Ellisen Leif W , Specht Michelle , Tamimi Rulla M
Published: July 2022

Background

Deep learning breast cancer risk models demonstrate improved accuracy compared with traditional risk models but have not been prospectively tested. We compared the accuracy of a deep learning risk score derived from the patient’s prior mammogram to traditional risk scores to prospectively identify patients with cancer in a cohort due for screening.

Methods

We collected data on 119 139 bilateral screening mammograms in 57 617 consecutive patients screened at 5 facilities between September 18, 2017, and February 1, 2021. Patient demographics were retrieved from electronic medical records, cancer outcomes determined through regional tumor registry linkage, and comparisons made across risk models using Wilcoxon and Pearson χ2 2-sided tests. Deep learning, Tyrer-Cuzick, and National Cancer Institute Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool (NCI BCRAT) risk models were compared with respect to performance metrics and area under the receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results

Cancers detected per thousand patients screened were higher in patients at increased risk by the deep learning model (8.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 7.9 to 9.4) compared with Tyrer-Cuzick (4.4, 95% CI = 3.9 to 4.9) and NCI BCRAT (3.8, 95% CI = 3.3 to 4.3) models (P < .001). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curves of the deep learning model (0.68, 95% CI = 0.66 to 0.70) was higher compared with Tyrer-Cuzick (0.57, 95% CI = 0.54 to 0.60) and NCI BCRAT (0.57, 95% CI = 0.54 to 0.60) models. Simulated screening of the top 50th percentile risk by the deep learning model captured statistically significantly more patients with cancer compared with Tyrer-Cuzick and NCI BCRAT models (P < .001).

Conclusions

A deep learning model to assess breast cancer risk can support feasible and effective risk-based screening and is superior to traditional models to identify patients destined to develop cancer in large screening cohorts.
Trends in imported malaria during the COVID-19 pandemic, Spain (+Redivi Collaborative Network)
Authors: Norman Francesca F , Treviño-Maruri Begoña , Ruiz Giardín José Manuel , Gullón-Peña Beatriz , Salvador Fernando , Serre Nuria , Díaz-Menéndez Marta , Calabuig Eva , Rodriguez-Guardado Azucena , Lombide Itxaso , Pérez-Ayala Ana , Torrús Diego , Goikoetxea Josune , García-Rodriguez Magdalena , Pérez-Molina Jose A ,   for the +Redivi Study Group
Published: July 2022

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions in prevention and management strategies for malaria globally. Currently, data analysing trends in travel-related infections during the pandemic years are scarce. The objective of this analysis was to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with imported malaria within the +Redivi network in Spain, focusing on yearly trends from pre-pandemic years to date.

Methods

Cases recorded in +Redivi from October 2009 to December 2021 were analysed and patients with a diagnosis of malaria (standard diagnostic methods using thick/thin peripheral blood smears, with/without a malaria rapid diagnostic test and/or Plasmodium spp. polymerase chain reaction) were identified. The total number of malaria cases, cases according to type of patient and severe cases, per year, were analysed.

Results

In total, 1751 cases of malaria (1751/26 601, 6.6%) were identified. The majority occurred in males (1041, 59.5%), median age was 36.3 (interquartile range: 27–44.7) years and most occurred in visiting friends and relatives (VFR)-immigrants (872, 49.8%). Most infections were acquired in sub-Saharan Africa (1.660, 94.8%) and were due to Plasmodium falciparum (81.3%). There were 64 cases of severe malaria (3.7%) and 4 patients died (0.2% mortality, all in pre-pandemic years). A significant increase in cases of severe malaria was observed during the study period (P < 0.001) (attributable to the increase in 2021). There were 16/93 severe cases in 2021 (17.2%), all due to Plasmodium falciparum, (compared with ≤ 5% in previous years), which mainly occurred in travellers and VFR-immigrants (10/16, 62.5% and 5/16, 31.3%, respectively).

Conclusions

After an initial decline associated with travel restrictions due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in imported malaria and a significant increase in cases of severe malaria was observed. Patients with imported malaria may present and/or be diagnosed late during this public health crisis and health care professionals should be alerted to the recent increase in severe cases.
Using search engines as a retrieval tool for translating newly coined expressions and terminology between Chinese and English
Authors: Wang Zheng
Published: July 2022

Translating terminology and newly coined expressions is a daunting challenge for technical translators. Translation of such words or phrases between, e.g. Chinese and English has received little help from dictionaries. With this as motivation, this study explores four methods by analysing results from an experiment with search engines as a retrieval tool for tackling such translation tasks. Specifically, taking 700 new terminologies from The Oxford English Dictionary as the research objects, this study experimentally examines the four terminology translation extraction methods. For each method, the effectiveness is assessed. This article finds that template-based and dictionary-based translation extraction methods have the highest accuracy rates of 86 and 89%, respectively. The semantic prediction search method proves to be the most flexible with the highest retrieval rate of 95%, although its results are not always accurate. Based on the results, this study proposes a model for quantitatively and qualitatively verifying the accuracy of translation results obtained from search engines. The quantitative analysis examines the use frequency of all translations obtained, while the qualitative analysis looks into their contexts. These findings have implications for translating, via search engine retrieval tools, terminology between other language pairs.
The fall of CSS100217: a tidal disruption-induced low state in an apparently hostless active galactic nucleus
Authors: Cannizzaro G , Levan A J , van Velzen S , Brown G
Published: July 2022

CSS100217 was a nuclear, rapid, and luminous flare in a narrow-line seyfert 1 galaxy, whose initial interpretation as a supernova is now debated between variability of the active galactic nucleus (AGN) and a tidal disruption event (TDE). In this paper, we present and discuss new evidence in favour of a TDE or extreme flaring episode scenario. After the decay of the flare, the galaxy entered a long-term low luminosity state, 0.4 mag lower than the pre-outburst emission in the V band. We attribute this to the creation of a cavity in the accretion disc after the tidal disruption of a star in a retrograde orbit with respect to the accretion disc rotation, making a TDE our favoured interpretation of the flare. We also show how the host galaxy shows a point-like, compact profile, no evidence for an extended component and a relatively low mass, unlike what expected from an AGN host galaxy at z = 0.147. A compact host galaxy may result in an increased TDE rate, strengthening our interpretation of the event.
Study of 2021 outburst of the recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi: Photoionization and morphokinematic modelling
Authors: Pandey Ruchi , Habtie Gesesew R , Bandyopadhyay Rahul , Das Ramkrishna , Teyssier François , Guarro Fló Joan
Published: July 2022

We present the evolution of the optical spectra of the 2021 outburst of RS Ophiuchi (RS Oph) over about a month after the outburst. The spectral evolution is similar to the previous outbursts. Early spectra show prominent P Cygni profiles of hydrogen Balmer, Fe ii, and He i lines. The emission lines were very broad during the initial days, which later became narrower and sharper as the nova evolved. This is interpreted as the expanding shocked material into the winds of the red giant companion. We find that the nova ejecta expanded freely for ∼4 d, and afterwards, the shock velocity decreased monotonically with time as v ∝ t−0.6. The physical and chemical parameters associated with the system are derived using the photoionization code cloudy. The best-fitting cloudy model shows the presence of a hot central white dwarf source with a roughly constant luminosity of ∼1.00 × 1037 erg s−1. The best-fitting photoionization models yield absolute abundance values by number, relative to solar of He/H ∼1.4–1.9, N/H = 70–95, O/H = 0.60–2.60, and Fe/H ∼1.0–1.9 for the ejecta during the first month after the outburst. Nitrogen is found to be heavily overabundant in the ejecta. The ejected hydrogen shell mass of the system is estimated to be in the range of $3.54 - 3.83 \times 10^{-6}\, {\rm M}_{\odot }$. The 3D morphokinematic modelling shows a bipolar morphology and an inclination angle of i = 30° for the RS Oph binary system.
Multiple phase spirals suggest multiple origins in Gaia DR3
Authors: Hunt Jason A S , Price-Whelan Adrian M , Johnston Kathryn V , Darragh-Ford Elise
Published: July 2022

Gaia Data Release 2 revealed that the Milky Way contains significant indications of departures from equilibrium in the form of asymmetric features in the phase space density of stars in the Solar neighbourhood. One such feature is the z–vz phase spiral, interpreted as the response of the disc to the influence of a perturbation perpendicular to the disc plane, which could be external (e.g. a satellite) or internal (e.g. the bar or spiral arms). In this work, we use Gaia Data Release 3 to dissect the phase spiral by dividing the local data set into groups with similar azimuthal actions, Jϕ, and conjugate angles, θϕ, which selects stars on similar orbits and at similar orbital phases, thus having experienced similar perturbations in the past. These divisions allow us to explore areas of the Galactic disc larger than the surveyed region. The separation improves the clarity of the z–vz phase spiral and exposes changes to its morphology across the different action-angle groups. In particular, we discover a transition to two armed ‘breathing spirals’ in the inner Milky Way. We conclude that the local data contain signatures of not one, but multiple perturbations with the prospect to use their distinct properties to infer the properties of the interactions that caused them.
Bell’s palsy with facial bone involvement: A rare presentation of chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis with literature review
Authors: Ailumerab Haider A , Aguiar Cassyanne L
Published: July 2022

Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) is a chronic, sterile, inflammatory disease. It primarily presents with nonspecific bone pain and swelling but ultimately can cause bone destruction and deformities, if left untreated. The involvement of the cranial bones (apart from the mandible) is rare in CNO. In this report, we present a rare case of CNO affecting facial and cranial bones presenting as facial palsy with a review of the literature about similar affection. A 10-year-old, previously healthy female was initially evaluated for swelling of the left side of her face with slight tenderness on palpation, but no fever. Her complete blood count was unremarkable, her inflammatory markers were elevated (C-reactive protein 7.5 mg/dl and erythrocyte sedimentation rate 104 mm/h), and CT of facial and skull bones and MRI of brain showed a destructive osseous process involving the left maxillary, zygomatic, sphenoid bones and the clivus. Bone biopsy of the left maxilla showed fibrous dysplasia with abscess formation, most consistent with an infectious aetiology (acute osteomyelitis). She was started on oral clindamycin for a 3-month course. The facial swelling improved after starting clindamycin, but on her sixth week of treatment, she developed right-sided Bell’s palsy. An MRI of the brain showed hyperenhancement of the right seventh cranial nerve. A month later, she was evaluated for right wrist and knee swelling, pain, and limitation of movement. Skeletal survey and MRI showed multifocal lesions with mixed sclerosis and lucency. Her inflammatory markers continued to be elevated. Another bone biopsy of the right radius showed similar findings of destruction with no evidence of malignancy. She was ultimately diagnosed with CNO. She was started on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with gastric protection and regular follow-up. Over more than a year of follow-up, the patient’s inflammatory markers remain normal, and joint swelling/limitation has remained in remission. We found five additional cases in the literature that presented with a similar presentation. To our knowledge, our patient is the first reported case in the USA involving the cranial/facial bones apart from the mandible presenting with facial palsy. The affection of the facial bones (apart from the mandible) in CNO is very rare, but the awareness of such a presentation by the clinician is an important aspect of reaching the diagnosis.
Vitamin B6 based Pt(II) complexes: biomolecule derived potential cytotoxic agents for thyroid cancer
Authors: Ming Jialin , Bhatti Muhammad Zeeshan , Ali Amjad , Zhang Zeqing , Wang Na , Mohyuddin Aisha , Chen Jiwu , Zhang Yongmin , Rahman Faiz-Ur
Published: July 2022

Vitamin B6 is an essential vitamin that serves as a co-enzyme in a number of enzymatic reactions in metabolism of lipids, amino acids, and glucose. In the current study, we synthesized vitamin B6 derived ligand (L) and its complex Pt(L)Cl (C1). The ancillary chloride ligand of C1 was exchanged with pyridine co-ligand and another complex Pt(L)(py).BF4 (C2) was obtained. Both these complexes were obtained in excellent isolated yields and characterized thoroughly by different analytical methods. Thyroid cancer is one of the most common malignancies of the endocrine system, we studied the in vitro anticancer activity and mechanism of these vitamin B6 derived L and Pt(II) complexes in thyroid cancer cell line (FTC). Based on MTT assay, cell proliferation rate was reduced in a dose-dependent manner. According to apoptosis analysis, vitamin B6 based Pt(II) complexes treated cells depicted necrotic effect and TUNEL based apoptosis was observed in cancer cells. Furthermore, qRT-PCR analyses of cancer cells treated with C1 and/or C2 showed regulated expression of anti-apoptotic, pro-apoptosis and autophagy related genes. Western blot results demonstrated that C1 and C2 induced the activation of p53 and the cleavage of Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). These results suggest that these complexes inhibit the growth of FTC cells and induce apoptosis through p53 signaling. Thus, vitamin B6 derived Pt(II) complexes C1 and C2 may be potential cytotoxic agents for the treatment of thyroid cancer.
Trace and Rare Earth Element Compositions of Lawsonite as a Chemical Tracer of Metamorphic Processes in Subduction Zones
Authors: Kang Patricia , Whitney Donna L , Martin Laure A J , Fornash Katherine F
Published: July 2022

Lawsonite is a major host mineral of trace elements (TEs; e.g. REE, Sr, Pb, U, Th) and H2O in various rock types (metabasite, metasediment, metasomatite) over a wide range of depths in subduction zones. Consequently, the composition of lawsonite is a useful archive to track chemical exchanges that occurred during subduction and/or exhumation, as recorded in high-pressure/low-temperature (HP/LT) terranes. This study provides an extensive dataset of major element and TE compositions of lawsonite in HP/LT rocks from two mélanges (Franciscan/USA; Rio San Juan/Dominican Republic), two structurally coherent terranes (Tavşanlı/Turkey; Alpine Corsica/France), and the eclogite blocks of the Pinchi Lake/Canada complex. Bulk major and TE compositions were also determined for lawsonite-bearing host rocks to understand petrogenesis and assess compositional evolution. Most analyzed mélange and coherent-terrane metabasalts have normal mid-ocean ridge/back-arc basin basalt signatures and they preserve compositional evidence supporting interactions with (meta)sediment ± metagabbro/serpentinite (e.g. LILE/LREE enrichments; Ni/Cr enrichments). Most lawsonite grains analyzed are compositionally zoned in transition-metal elements (Fe, Ti, Cr), other TEs (e.g. Sr, Pb), and/or REE, with some grains showing compositional variations that correlate with zoning patterns (e.g. Ti-sector zoning, core-to-rim zoning in Fe, Cr-oscillatory zoning). Our results suggest that compositional variations in lawsonite formed in response to crystallographic control (in Ti-sector zoning), fluid–host rock interactions, modal changes in minerals, and/or element fractionation with coexisting minerals that compete for TEs (e.g. epidote, titanite). The Cr/V and Sr/Pb ratios of lawsonite are useful to track the compositional influence of serpentinite/metagabbro (high Cr/V) and quartz-rich (meta)sediment (low Sr/Pb). Therefore, lawsonite trace and rare earth element compositions effectively record element redistribution driven by metamorphic reactions and fluid–rock interactions that occurred in subduction systems.