bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary bile acid supplementation in weaned piglets with intrauterine growth retardation improves colonic microbiota, metabolic activity, and epithelial function
Authors: Liu Yang , Azad Md. Abul Kalam , Ding Sujuan , Zhu Qian , Blachier Francois , Yu Zugong , Gao Haijun , Kong Xiangfeng
Published: July 2023

Background

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is one of the major constraints in animal production. Our previous study showed that piglets with IUGR are associated with abnormal bile acid (BA) metabolism. This study explored whether dietary BA supplementation could improve growth performance and colonic development, function, microbiota, and metabolites in the normal birth weight (NBW) and IUGR piglets. A total of 48 weaned piglets (24 IUGR and 24 NBW) were allocated to four groups (12 piglets per group): (i) NBW group, (ii) NBW + BA group, (iii) IUGR group, and (iv) IUGR + BA group. Samples were collected after 28 days of feeding.

Results

The results showed that dietary BA supplementation increased the length and weight of the colon and colon weight to body weight ratio, while decreased the plasma diamine oxidase (DAO) concentration in the NBW piglets (P < 0.05). Dietary BA supplementation to IUGR piglets decreased (P < 0.05) the plasma concentrations of D-lactate and endotoxin and colonic DAO and endotoxin, suggesting a beneficial effect on epithelial integrity. Moreover, dietary BA supplementation to NBW and IUGR piglets increased Firmicutes abundance and decreased Bacteroidetes abundance (P < 0.05), whereas Lactobacillus was the dominant genus in the colon. Metabolome analysis revealed 65 and 51 differential metabolites in the colon of piglets fed a diet with/without BA, respectively, which was associated with the colonic function of IUGR piglets. Furthermore, dietary BA supplementation to IUGR piglets upregulated the expressions of CAT, GPX, SOD, Nrf1, IL-2, and IFN-γ in colonic mucosa (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Collectively, dietary BA supplementation could improve the colonic function of IUGR piglets, which was associated with increasing proportions of potentially beneficial bacteria and metabolites. Furthermore, BA shows a promising application prospect in improving the intestinal ecosystem and health of animals.
BMP4 upregulates glycogen synthesis through the SMAD/SLC2A1 (GLUT1) signaling axis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells
Authors: Zhong Jiamin , Tian Luyao , Gou Yannian , Zhao Piao , Dong Xiangyu , Guo Meichun , Zhao Guozhi , Li Aohua , Hao Ailing , He Tong-Chuan , Fan Jiaming
Published: July 2023

Background

Excessive hepatic glycogen accumulation benefits tumorigenesis and cancer cell survival. We previously reported that BMP4 has the strongest ability to promote glycogenesis among the 14 BMPs in hepatocytes and augmented hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell survival under hypoxia and hypoglycemia conditions by promoting the glycolysis pathway. However, the mechanism underlying BMP4’s effect on glycogenesis in HCC remains elusive.

Methods

The expression of BMP4 and SLC2A1 were acquired by analyzing the TCGA-LIHC dataset, as well as by immunohistochemical analysis of the 40 pairs of human HCC samples and para-tumor tissues. Gene expressions were detected by qPCR, immunoflurorescence staining, and Western blotting. Overexpression and silencing of BMP4 were accomplished through adenoviruses Ad-B4 and Ad-siB4 infection. Hepatic glycogen was detected by PAS staining. SLC2A1 (GLUT1) function was blocked by the inhibitor BAY-876. ChIP assay was used to determine the binding of SMADs to the promoter region of SLC2A1 in HCC cells. Lastly, the in vivo effect of BMP4-regulated SLC2A1 on HCC tumor growth was assessed in a xenograft model of HCC.

Results

The elevated expression of BMP4 in HCC tumor tissues was highly correlated with hepatic glycogen accumulation in clinical samples. SLC2A1 was highly expressed in HCC tumor tissue and correlated with clinical stage and prognosis. Exogenous BMP4 augmented glycogen accumulation and upregulated the expression of glycogen synthesis-related genes in Huh7 and HepG2 cells, both of which were effectively blunted by SLC2A1inhibitor BAY-876. In mechanism, BMP4 activated SMAD5 to regulate the promoter of SLC2A1to enhance its expression. The in vivo xenograft experiments revealed that BMP4 promoted glycogen accumulation and tumor growth, which were effectively diminished by BAY-876.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that BMP4 upregulates glycogen synthesis through the SMAD/SLC2A1 (GLUT1) signaling axis in HCC cells, which may be exploited as novel therapeutic targets for HCC treatment.
Hydroxylases involved in terpenoid biosynthesis: a review
Authors: Zhang Zihan , Wu Qing-Yang , Ge Yue , Huang Zheng-Yu , Hong Ran , Li Aitao , Xu Jian-He , Yu Hui-Lei
Published: July 2023

Terpenoids are pervasive in nature and display an immense structural diversity. As the largest category of plant secondary metabolites, terpenoids have important socioeconomic value in the fields of pharmaceuticals, spices, and food manufacturing. The biosynthesis of terpenoid skeletons has made great progress, but the subsequent modifications of the terpenoid framework are poorly understood, especially for the functionalization of inert carbon skeleton usually catalyzed by hydroxylases. Hydroxylase is a class of enzymes that plays an important role in the modification of terpenoid backbone. This review article outlines the research progress in the identification, molecular modification, and functional expression of this class of enzymes in the past decade, which are profitable for the discovery, engineering, and application of more hydroxylases involved in the plant secondary metabolism.

Graphical Abstract
Diagnostic accuracy of a rapid nucleic acid test for group A streptococcal pharyngitis using saliva samples: protocol for a prospective multicenter study in primary care
Authors: Touitou Robert , Bidet Philippe , Dubois Constance , Partouche Henri , Bonacorsi Stéphane , Jung Camille , Cohen Robert , Levy Corinne , Cohen Jérémie F.
Published: July 2023

Background

Group A streptococcus is found in 20–40% of cases of childhood pharyngitis; the remaining cases are viral. Streptococcal pharyngitis (“strep throat”) is usually treated with antibiotics, while these are not indicated in viral cases. Most guidelines recommend relying on a diagnostic test confirming the presence of group A streptococcus before prescribing antibiotics. Conventional first-line tests are rapid antigen detection tests based on throat swabs. Recently, rapid nucleic acid tests were developed; they allow the detection of elements of the genome of group A streptococcus. We hypothesize that these rapid nucleic acid tests are sensitive enough to be performed on saliva samples instead of throat swabs, which could be more convenient in practice.

Methods

This is a multicenter, prospective diagnostic accuracy study evaluating the performance of a rapid nucleic acid test for group A streptococcus (Abbott ID NOW STREP A2) in saliva, compared with a conventional pharyngeal rapid antigen detection test (EXACTO PRO STREPTATEST, lateral flow assay, comparator test), with a composite reference standard of throat culture and group A streptococcus PCR in children with pharyngitis in primary care (i.e., 27 primary care pediatricians or general practitioners). To ensure group A streptococcus is not missed, the salivary rapid nucleic acid test requires a minimally acceptable value of sensitivity (primary outcome) set at 80%. Assuming 35% of participants will have group A streptococcus, we will recruit 800 consecutive children with pharyngitis. Secondary outcomes will include difference in sensitivity between the pharyngeal rapid antigen detection test and the salivary rapid nucleic acid test; variability in sensitivity and specificity of the salivary rapid nucleic acid test with the level of McIsaac score; time to obtain the result of the salivary rapid nucleic acid test; patient, physician, and parents satisfaction; and barriers and facilitators to using rapid tests for group A streptococcus in primary care.

Ethics and dissemination

Approved by the Institutional Review Board “Comité de protection des personnes Ile de France I” (no. 2022-A00085-38). Results will be presented at international meetings and disseminated in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05521568.
Depression trajectories during the COVID-19 pandemic: a secondary analysis of the impact of cognitive-appraisal processes
Authors: Schwartz Carolyn E. , Borowiec Katrina , Rapkin Bruce D.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study characterized depression trajectories during the COVID pandemic and investigated how appraisal and changes in appraisal over time related to these depression trajectories.

Methods

This longitudinal study of the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic included 771 people with data at three timepoints over 15.5 months. The depression index was validated using item-response-theory methods and receiver-operating-characteristic curve analysis. The Quality of Life (QOL) Appraisal Profilev2Short-Form assessed cognitive-appraisal processes. Sequence analysis characterized depression-trajectory groups, and random effects models examined appraisal main effects, appraisal-by-group, and appraisal-by-group-by-time interactions.

Results

Sequence analysis generated six trajectory groups: Stably Well (n = 241), Stably Depressed (n = 299), Worsening (n = 79), Improving (n = 83), Fluctuating Pattern 1 (No–Yes–No; n = 41), and Fluctuating Pattern 2 (Yes–No–Yes; n = 28). While all groups engaged in negative appraisal processes when they were depressed, the Stably Depressed group consistently focused on negative aspects of their life. Response-shift effects were revealed such that there were differences in the appraisal-depression relationship over time for standards of comparison and recent changes for the Stably Depressed, and in health goals for those Getting Better.

Conclusion

The present work is, to our knowledge, the first study of response-shift effects in depression. During these first 15.5 pandemic months, group differences highlighted the connection between negative appraisals and depression, and response-shift effects in these relationships over time. Egregious life circumstances may play a lesser role for the Stably Depressed but a greater role for people who have transient periods of depression as well as for those with improving trajectories (i.e., endogenous vs. reactive depression). How one thinks about QOL is intrinsically linked to mental health, with clear clinical implications.
Correlation of plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) with radiographic features of congestion in chest CT scan of patients with COVID-19
Authors: Ziaie Naghmeh , Tabatabaie Seyed Mohammad Reza , Ezoji Khadijeh , Bijani Ali , Mouodi Simin
Published: July 2023

Background

Given the importance of chest computed tomography (CT) to differentiate congestion from COVID-19 pneumonia, and considering the association of chest CT findings with cardiac biomarkers in patients with concomitant COVID-19 and heart failure, this study was conducted to identify the correlation between plasma NT-proBNP level and radiographic features of congestion in patients with COVID-19. This retrospective cohort research was carried out on adult hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and the plasma concentration of NT-proBNP was measured. The most important findings in chest CT have been considered to differentiate COVID-19 pneumonia from congestion. The study population was divided into two groups based on the presence of these imaging characteristics.

Results

Totally, 180 patients with a mean age of 59.6 ± 14.6 years were included in the research. The radiographic findings related to congestion have been found in chest CT of 107 (59.4%) patients. Mean plasma concentration of NT-proBNP in patients with and without radiographic features of congestion was 9886.5 ± 12,676 and 2079.9 ± 4209.3 pg/mL, respectively (p < 0.001). The area under the curve of plasma levels of NT-proBNP for identification of patients with COVID-19 who had pulmonary vein enlargement in chest CT was 0.765 (95% CI 0.688–0.842) and 0.731 (95% CI 0.648–0.813) for the individuals who had interlobar fissure thickening (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The diagnostic accuracy of plasma NT-proBNP and its positive correlation with radiographic features of congestion in chest CT scan of patients with COVID-19 can be helpful for administering appropriate medications to prevent blood volume overload.
Assessment of asthma mimics among newly diagnosed bronchial asthma patients in Zagazig University Hospitals
Authors: Shehata Samah M. , Mahmoud Eman M. , Elhawary Abeer
Published: July 2023

Background

Bronchial asthma may mimic different diseases regarding their similar clinical presentations, so accurate assessment is required to exclude other possible diagnosis before confirming the diagnosis of bronchial asthma. The aim of the study was to identify the percentage of patients in whom the diagnosis of current asthma was confirmed or ruled out after clinical, spirometric assessment, and utilizing all the possible investigations.

Methods

A cohort study of newly diagnosed bronchial asthma in adults aged ≥ 18 years were recruited from chest outpatient clinic and chest department. History taking, clinical examination, chest X-ray, and spirometry were done for all patients, while chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), CT pulmonary angiography, or different endoscopies were done when indicated.

Results

Two hundred recently clinically diagnosed asthmatic patients were recruited with a mean age of 43.2 and 53.4 years in the asthma group and asthma rule out group, respectively. About 55.5% of the studied patients were ruled out to have bronchial asthma after serial assessments of symptoms and spirometric function. There was increased chest wheeze as a respiratory symptom among asthma patients than the other group (p ˂ 0.001), while hemoptysis was significantly a more presenting symptom among patient group whose asthma diagnosis is ruled out (p = 0.009). About 87.6% of asthma confirmed group showed predominant reversible airway obstructive. The sputum cytology analysis of the bronchial asthma group of patients was 42.7% eosinophilic, 24.7% neutrophilic, and 32.6% mixed cellularity. After consuming all the available investigational tools, the most common diseases found among asthma rule out group were cardiac disorders, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, psychological disorders, rhinitis, and gastro-esophageal reflux disease with percent of 11.5%, 9%, 8.5%, 8%, and 6%, respectively.

Conclusions

Utilizing all the available investigational tools in the present study allowed to exclude bronchial asthma and diagnose critical diseases that need specific and urgent therapies as heart diseases, subglottic stenosis, pulmonary hypertension, and interstitial lung diseases.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05776537. Retrospectively registered on 6 March 2023.
Solitary fibrous tumor of pleura presenting as respiratory failure: unusual presentation of a rare tumor
Authors: Layek Avishek , Anthony Michael Leonard , Darbari Anshuman , Mishra Mayank
Published: July 2023

Solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura (SFTPs) are rare primary pleural tumors derived from sub-mesothelial mesenchymal tissue that are mostly incidentally diagnosed in asymptomatic subjects. Symptomatic SFTPs usually present with dry cough and chest pain. We report the case of a 55-year-old lady with a 9-month history of shortness of breath, right-sided chest pain, and heaviness, who presented to our institute with hypercapnic respiratory failure and later required invasive mechanical ventilation. Subsequent radiological and histopathological investigations led to the diagnosis of a benign SFTP occupying almost the entire right hemithorax. She was treated with complete surgical resection by thoracotomy resulting in immediate resumption of adequate ventilation in the postoperative period. We emphasize the importance of large pleural tumors as a rare but reversible cause of hypercapnic respiratory failure.
Conceptual frameworks of barriers and facilitators to perinatal mental healthcare: the MATRIx models
Authors: Webb Rebecca , Ford Elizabeth , Easter Abigail , Shakespeare Judy , Holly Jennifer , Hogg Sally , Coates Rose , Ayers Susan ,   the MATRIx Study Team
Published: July 2023

Background

Perinatal mental health (PMH) problems are a leading cause of maternal death and increase the risk of poor outcomes for women and their families. It is therefore important to identify the barriers and facilitators to implementing and accessing PMH care.

Aims

To develop a conceptual framework of barriers and facilitators to PMH care to inform PMH services.

Method

Relevant literature was systematically identified, categorised and mapped onto the framework. The framework was then validated through evaluating confidence with the evidence base and feedback from stakeholders (women and families, health professionals, commissioners and policy makers).

Results

Barriers and facilitators to PMH care were identified at seven levels: individual (e.g. beliefs about mental illness), health professional (e.g. confidence addressing perinatal mental illness), interpersonal (e.g. relationship between women and health professionals), organisational (e.g. continuity of carer), commissioner (e.g. referral pathways), political (e.g. women's economic status) and societal (e.g. stigma). The MATRIx conceptual frameworks provide pictorial representations of 66 barriers and 39 facilitators to PMH care.

Conclusions

The MATRIx frameworks highlight the complex interplay of individual and system-level factors across different stages of the care pathway that influence women accessing PMH care and effective implementation of PMH services. Recommendations are made for health policy and practice. These include using the conceptual frameworks to inform comprehensive, strategic and evidence-based approaches to PMH care; ensuring care is easy to access and flexible; providing culturally sensitive care; adequate funding of services and quality training for health professionals, with protected time to complete it.
Height and Growth Velocity in Children and Adolescents Undergoing Obesity Treatment: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Putri Resthie R , Danielsson Pernilla , Marcus Claude , Hagman Emilia
Published: July 2023

Context

Pediatric obesity affects endocrine conditions, which may alter growth.

Objective

This work aimed to investigate the effect of obesity severity and obesity treatment outcome on growth.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included children (aged 3-18 years) enrolled in the Swedish Childhood Obesity Treatment Register (BORIS) (1998-2020). Obesity was categorized as class I and class II obesity. Obesity treatment outcome was measured as body mass index (BMI) z score changes and categorized into good (BMI z score reduction of ≥0.25), intermediate, and poor (increasing BMI z score). Height for age z score, final height, and growth velocity were compared between class I and class II obesity. Further, the effect of obesity treatment outcome on growth velocity during 2-year follow-up was assessed.

Results

A total of 27 997 individuals (mean age 10.2 ± 3.6 years) were included. Individuals with class II obesity were on average taller than those with class I obesity during childhood. Among males, reduced growth spurt was observed in class I obesity, and even absent in class II obesity. Females exhibited a similar but less pronounced pattern. Good obesity treatment outcome yielded lower growth velocity at ages 3 to 9 years but higher growth velocity at ages 10 to 13 years compared to poor treatment outcome.

Conclusion

Obesity severity is positively associated with height and growth velocity in childhood. A hampered growth spurt during puberty should be anticipated, particularly in adolescents with severe obesity. Therefore no difference in final height between class I and class II obesity is expected. Successful obesity treatment does not harm, but rather normalizes, the growth velocity pattern.
Low ceruloplasmin levels exacerbate retinal degeneration in a hereditary hemochromatosis model
Authors: Anderson Brandon D. , Lee Timothy , Bell Brent , Song Ying , Dunaief Joshua L.
Published: July 2023

In a previous report, a 39-year-old patient with high serum iron levels from hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) was diagnosed with a form of retinal degeneration called bull's eye maculopathy. This is atypical for patients with HH, so it was theorized that the low serum levels of ferroxidase ceruloplasmin (CP) of this patient coupled with the high iron levels led to the retinal degeneration. CP, by oxidizing iron from its ferrous to ferric form, helps prevent the oxidative damage caused by ferrous iron. To test this, a hepcidin knockout (KO) mouse model of HH was combined with Cp KO to test whether the combination would lead to more severe retinal degeneration. Monthly in vivo retinal images were acquired and, after 11 months, mice were euthanized for further analyses. Both heterozygous and homozygous Cp KO increased the rate and severity of retinal degeneration. These results demonstrate the protective role of CP, which is most likely owing to its ferroxidase activity. The findings suggest that CP levels may influence the severity of retinal degeneration, especially in individuals with high serum iron.
Comparison of auditory evoked potential thresholds in three shark species
Authors: Nieder Carolin , Rapson Jimmy , Montgomery John C. , Radford Craig A.
Published: July 2023

Auditory sensitivity measurements have been published for only 12 of the more than 1150 extant species of elasmobranchs (sharks, skates and rays). Thus, there is a need to further understand sound perception in more species from different ecological niches. In this study, the auditory evoked potential (AEP) technique was used to compare hearing abilities of the bottom-dwelling New Zealand carpet shark (Cephaloscyllium isabellum) and two benthopelagic houndsharks (Triakidae), the rig (Mustelus lenticulatus) and the school shark (Galeorhinus galeus). AEPs were measured in response to tone bursts (frequencies: 80, 100, 150, 200, 300, 450, 600, 800 and 1200 Hz) from an underwater speaker positioned 55 cm in front of the shark in an experimental tank. AEP detection thresholds were derived visually and statistically, with statistical measures slightly more sensitive (∼4 dB) than visual methodology. Hearing abilities differed between species, mainly with respect to bandwidth rather than sensitivity. Hearing was least developed in the benthic C. isabellum [upper limit: 300 Hz, highest sensitivity: 100 Hz (82.3±1.5 dB re. 1 µm s−2)] and had a wider range in the benthopelagic rig and school sharks [upper limit: 800 Hz; highest sensitivity: 100 Hz (79.2±1.6 dB re. 1 µm s−2) for G. galeus and 150 Hz (74.8±1.8 dB re. 1 µm s−2) for M. lenticulatus]. The data are consistent with those known for ‘hearing non-specialist’ teleost fishes that detect only particle motion, not pressure. Furthermore, our results provide evidence that benthopelagic sharks exploit higher frequencies (max. 800 Hz) than some of the bottom-dwelling sharks (max. 300 Hz). Further behavioural and morphological studies are needed to identify what ecological factors drive differences in upper frequency limits of hearing in elasmobranchs.
Different Methods of Minimally Invasive Esophagojejunostomy After Total Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer: Outcomes from Two Experienced Centers
Authors: Yan Yongjia , Wang Daohan , Mahuron Kelly , Wang Xi , Lu Li , Zhao Zhicheng , Melstrom Laleh , Li Chuan , Paz I. Benjamin , Liu Jian , Fong Yuman , Li Weidong , Fu Weihua , Woo Yanghee
Published: July 2023

Background

Esophagojejunostomy after minimally invasive total gastrectomy (MITG) for gastric cancer (GC) is technically challenging. Failure of the esophagojejunal anastomosis can lead to significant morbidity, leading to short- and long-term quality of life (QoL) impairment or mortality. The optimal reconstruction method following MITG remains controversial. We evaluated outcomes of minimally invasive esophagojejunostomy after laparoscopic or robotic total gastrectomies.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed MITG patients between 2015 and 2020 at two high-volume centers in China and the United States. Eligible patients were divided into groups by different reconstruction methods. We compared clinicopathologic characteristics, postoperative outcomes, including complication rates, overall survival rate (OS), disease-free survival rate (DFS), and patient-reported QoL.

Results

GC patients (n = 105) were divided into intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy (IEJ, n = 60) and extracorporeal esophagojejunostomy (EEJ, n = 45) groups. EEJ had higher incidence of wound infection (8.3% vs 13.3%, P = 0.044) and pneumonia (21.7% vs 40.0%, P = 0.042) than IEJ. The linear stapler (LS) group was inferior to the circular stapler (CS) group in reflux [50.0 (11.1–77.8) vs 44.4 (0.0–66.7), P = 0.041] and diarrhea [33.3 (0.0–66.7) vs 0.0 (0.0–66.7), P = 0.045] while LS was better than CS for dysphagia [22.2 (0.0–33.3) vs 11.1 (0.0–33.3), P = 0.049] and eating restrictions [33.3 (16.7–58.3) vs 41.7 (16.7–66.7), P = 0.029] at 1 year. OS and DFS did not differ significantly between LS and CS.

Conclusions

IEJ anastomosis generated better results than EEJ. LS was associated with a better patient eating experience, but more diarrhea and reflux compared with CS. Clinical and patient-reported outcomes show the superiority of IEJ with the LS reconstruction method in MITG for GC.
Ιδεολογικό υπόβαθρο στην περιοδολόγηση της ιστορίας της ελληνικής γλώσσας
Authors: Πατεράκης Στυλιανός
Published: July 2023

Η θεμελιώδης πρακτική της περιοδολόγησης/περιοδοποίησης στις ιστορικές σπουδές αποτελεί τη διαδικασία κατάτμησης του ιστορικού χρόνου σε επιμέρους και διακριτές μεταξύ τους χρονικές περιόδους. Η παρούσα διατριβή πραγματεύεται το ζήτημα της περιοδολόγησης στην ιστορία της ελληνικής γλώσσας. Ειδικότερα, εξετάζονται τα χρονικά όρια των εξής δύο περιόδων της ελληνικής γλώσσας: (α) της πρωτοελληνικής και (β) της νεοελληνικής φάσης της ελληνικής γλώσσας. Ως προς την πρώτη περίοδο που εξετάζεται, παρατίθενται και κρίνονται ως προς την ερμηνευτική τους επάρκεια οι απόψεις για τις απαρχές της ελληνικής γλώσσας, όπως αυτές εκφράστηκαν από τα πεδία της γλωσσολογίας, της αρχαιολογίας και της παλαιογενετικής. Συγκεκριμένα, αναλύονται οι διιστάμενες απόψεις για τον χρόνο και τον τρόπο διασποράς των Ινδοευρωπαίων και οι θεωρίες για τη χρονική περίοδο "άφιξης" των ελληνόφωνων πληθυσμών και φορέων του ινδοευρωπαϊκού πολιτισμού στον ελλαδικό χώρο. Η παράθεση και η ανάλυση των πτυχών κάθε θεωρίας αποκαλύπτουν τα μεθοδολογικά προβλήματα στις προσεγγίσεις του ζητήματος των απαρχών της ελληνικής γλώσσας, καθώς και την επίδραση ερμηνευτικών σχημάτων της αρχαιολογικής επιστήμης στην πραγμάτευσή του. Ως προς τη δεύτερη εξεταζόμενη γλωσσική φάση, αναλύονται οι θέσεις της ιστοριογραφίας του νέου ελληνισμού, της ιστορίας της νεοελληνικής λογοτεχνίας και της γλωσσολογίας για το ζήτημα της χρονολογικής αφετηρίας της νεοελληνικής γλώσσας. Ειδικότερα, εξετάζονται τα κριτήρια που τέθηκαν από την έρευνα για τη διάκριση της νεοελληνικής γλωσσικής φάσης από προγενέστερες μορφές της ελληνικής γλώσσας, οι όροι που χρησιμοποιήθηκαν για τον ορολογικό προσδιορισμό της και το ιδεολογικό πλαίσιο εντός των ορίων του οποίου επιχειρήθηκε ο χρονικός καθορισμός της αφετηρίας της.
Computer-aided drug design approaches applied to screen natural product’s structural analogs targeting arginase in Leishmania spp
Authors: Barazorda-Ccahuana Haruna Luz , Goyzueta-Mamani Luis Daniel , Candia Puma Mayron Antonio , Simões de Freitas Camila , de Sousa Vieria Tavares Grasiele , Pagliara Lage Daniela , Ferraz Coelho Eduardo Antonio , Chávez-Fumagalli Miguel Angel
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Leishmaniasis is a disease with high mortality rates and approximately 1.5 million new cases each year. Despite the new approaches and advances to fight the disease, there are no effective therapies.

Methods: Hence, this study aims to screen for natural products' structural analogs as new drug candidates against leishmaniasis. We applied Computer-aided drug design (CADD) approaches, such as virtual screening, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, molecular mechanics–generalized Born surface area (MM–GBSA) binding free estimation, and free energy perturbation (FEP) aiming to select structural analogs from natural products that have shown anti-leishmanial and anti-arginase activities and that could bind selectively against the Leishmania arginase enzyme.

Results: The compounds 2H-1-benzopyran, 3,4-dihydro-2-(2-methylphenyl)-(9CI), echioidinin, and malvidin showed good results against arginase targets from three parasite species and negative results for potential toxicities. The echioidinin and malvidin ligands generated interactions in the active center at pH 2.0 conditions by MM-GBSA and FEP methods.

Conclusions: This work suggests the potential anti-leishmanial activity of the compounds and thus can be further in vitro and in vivo experimentally validated.
Genetic diversity and population structure of Capitulum mitella (Linnaeus, 1767) in Fujian (China) revealed by mtDNA COI sequences
Authors: Sun Rouxin , Zhang Zhilan , Wu Qiong , Xiang Peng , Wang Yanguo , Xing Bingpeng
Published: July 2023

Background: Capitulum mitella is a widely distributed and ecologically important stalked barnacle that settles extensively on rocky shores. This species contributes to the structural complexity of intertidal habitats and plays a critical role in the marine ecosystem. This study aimed to reveal the genetic diversity and population structure of C. mitella by analyzing the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene.

Methods: A 683bp fragment of the COI gene was sequenced from 390 individuals sampled from six localities in Fujian, China.

Results: A total of 84 distinct haplotypes were identified through the analysis of 82 polymorphic sites, resulting in an average haplotype diversity (h) of 0.660 and nucleotide diversity (π) of 0.00182. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and pairwise FST statistics showed no significant population structure. Neutrality tests and mismatch distributions provided evidence of recent population expansion for the species.

Conclusions: We suggest that the species' high dispersal ability, and ocean currents coupled with limited physical barriers in the region, contribute to its current phylogeographic structure. These findings enhance our comprehension of the genetic diversity and population structure of C. mitella, providing valuable insights for future conservation efforts.
Comparison of crestal bone loss and papilla fill after conventional and immediate implant placement: A 12 month clinical and radiographic prospective study
Authors: Raj Akanksha , Pradhan Sweta , Shetty Preetha , Kadakampally David , Shetty Neetha
Published: July 2023

Background: The problem of missing teeth persists in all age groups. The main objective of implants in dentistry is to provide a restoration that reconstructs the shape and restores esthetics and functions of edentulous areas. The objectives of this study are to compare the crestal bone level changes and papillary fill after placement of implants in fresh extraction socket, i.e. immediate implant placement, and healed extraction socket, i.e. delayed or conventional implant placement, and to assess other clinical parameters such as modified plaque index (mPI), modified gingival index (mGI) and gingival biotype in between the groups and within the   groups.

Methods: 18 patients were recruited in the study out of which 9 patients received implants as per immediate implant placement protocol (group 1) and 9 patients received implants as per conventional implant placement protocol (group 2). All patients were evaluated for gingival biotype, mPI and mGI and papillary fill was assessed as per Jemt’s papilla score as clinical parameters. Implant site was assessed for radiographic bone loss using Image J software. Statistical analysis was performed using independent t test, paired t test and chi square test.

Results: At the end of 1 year, results showed that crestal bone loss was seen more in the immediate group than the conventional group. Conventional implants showed better papillary fill than implants placed in fresh extraction sockets. Plaque scores were assessed as per modified plaque index, which showed better results in the conventional group. Modified gingival index was used to assess gingival status which showed better results in the immediate group one year later.

Conclusions: Findings from the study suggest that crestal bone loss was found to be increased in the immediate group than the conventional group and papillary fill was better in the conventional group than the immediate group.

Registration: CTRI (CTRI/2019/09/021340).
Structural and functional abnormalities of the tongue: An epidemiological study from a tertiary care center
Authors: Piplani Angela , Kumar Mathangi , Vineetha Ravindranath , Srinivasan Ranjanee , Pentapati Kalyana Chakravarthy
Published: July 2023

Background: The tongue is a prominent muscular organ of the oral cavity and the integrity of the tongue mucosa frequently can reflect the overall health of an individual. There are a number of notable structural and functional alterations that can affect the tongue. These changes may be symptomatic or asymptomatic. Hence, the aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of structural and functional abnormalities of the tongue in a population reporting to a tertiary care center. We also assessed the prevalence of the normal variants and evaluated the normal tongue protrusion measurement in the study population.

Methods: The cross-sectional study included 1,143 dental outpatients above 18 years of age who visited the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology between October 2021 and February 2022. Demographic details of the patients were noted. Participants were asked questions regarding any symptoms or abnormalities noticed pertaining to tongue. The tongue was examined thoroughly for any structural/ functional abnormalities. The maximal tongue protrusion for each participant was measured by asking them to extend the tongue out. Medical history, drug history and social history were recorded.

Results: The study included 564 male and 579 female participants; tongue lesions were positive in 66.5% of the study population. Coated tongue (26.2%) was the most frequent structural abnormality that was noted in the present study. Taste dysfunction (4.6%) was the most frequent functional abnormality. The lesions were most in the anterior two thirds (4.2%) of the tongue.

Conclusions: The results of the present study showed that tongue lesions were present in 66.5% of the population. Careful and detailed evaluation of the tongue examination is mandated in routine dental checkup. This shall help in prompt identification of various etiological factors causing structural and functional abnormalities of the tongue.
Epidemiology of traumatic spinal fractures in patients aged 50 years or less at a center in Saudi Arabia from 2005 to 2016
Authors: Aldakheel Dakheel , Ali Mir Sadat , Alothman Abdullah , Alsayed Hassan , Amer Ahmad Sh , Alhassan Mohammad A , Mutawwam Ibrahim M , Alhawas Abdulaziz M , Alshehri Abdulhakem H , Alabdullah Hussain A , Alkhateeb Mohammed A
Published: July 2023

Background: We retrospectively reviewed traumatic spinal fractures (TSFs), including their mechanisms of injury and associated injuries in patients aged ≤50 years admitted to our center over a period of 11 years. Our secondary objective was to investigate whether spine injuries have decreased since the introduction of new transportation-related legislation applications.

Methods: Between 2005 and 2016, all patients admitted to the hospital due to TSFs, including cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spinal fractures, who were aged ≤50 years were included in this study. Patient demographics, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, hospital stay duration, treatment, complications, and mortalities were reviewed and analyzed.

Results: Altogether, 373 patients (81% male; 19% female; median age, 28 years) were included in the study, and 579 spinal fractures were identified. The lumbar spine was the most affected part. The most common injury mechanism was motor vehicle accidents (MVA) (69.7%), followed by falls (26.8%). Neurological injuries were detected in 9.4% of patients. Associated injuries were observed in 45.3% of patients, and 33.6% of patients were surgically treated. Thoracic injuries and lower limb fractures were the most common injuries, and the postoperative complication rate was 3.9%.

Conclusions: Although there was a significant decrease in TSFs after the speed control legislation over the study period, MVA and falls remained the most common causes of spinal injuries. Associated injuries, operated patients, and female sex were all associated with a prolonged hospital stay.
Tourette syndrome research highlights from 2022
Authors: Hartmann Andreas , Andrén Per , Atkinson-Clément Cyril , Czernecki Virginie , Delorme Cécile , Monique Debes Nanette Marinette , Müller-Vahl Kirsten , Paschou Peristera , Szejko Natalia , Topaloudi Apostolia , Ueda Keisuke , Black Kevin J.
Published: July 2023

This is the ninth yearly article in the Tourette Syndrome Research Highlights series, summarizing selected research reports from 2022 relevant to Tourette syndrome. The authors briefly summarize reports they consider most important or interesting.
Optimal Electricity Imbalance Pricing for the Emerging Penetration of Renewable and Low-Cost Generators
Authors: Ghiassi-Farrokhfal Yashar , Belo Rodrigo , Hesamzadeh Mohammad Reza , Bunn Derek
Published: July 2023

Problem definition: With the rise of renewables and the decline of fossil fuels, electricity markets are shifting toward a capacity mix in which low-cost generators (LCGs) are dominant. Within this transition, policymakers have been considering whether current market designs are still fundamentally fit for purpose. This research analyses a key aspect: the design of real-time imbalance pricing mechanisms. Currently, markets mostly use either single pricing or dual pricing as their imbalance pricing mechanisms. Single-pricing mechanisms apply identical prices for buying and selling, whereas dual-pricing mechanisms use different prices. The recent harmonization initiative in Europe sets single pricing as the default and dual pricing as the exception. This leaves open the question of when dual pricing is advantageous. We compare the economic efficiency of two dual-pricing mechanisms in current practice with that of a single-pricing design and identify conditions under which dual pricing can be beneficial. We also prove the existence of an optimal pricing mechanism. Methodology/results: We first analytically compare the economic efficiency of single-pricing and dual-pricing mechanisms. Furthermore, we formulate an optimal pricing mechanism that can deter the potential exercise of market power by LCGs. Our analytical results characterize the conditions under which a dual pricing is advantageous over a single pricing. We further compare the economic efficiency of these mechanisms with respect to our proposed optimal mechanism through simulations. We show that the proposed pricing mechanism would be the most efficient in comparison with others and discuss its practicability. Managerial implications: Our analytical comparison reveals market conditions under which each pricing mechanism is a better fit and whether there is a need for a redesign. In particular, our results suggest that existing pricing mechanisms are adequate at low/moderate market shares of LCGs but not for the high levels currently envisaged by policymakers in the transition to decarbonization, where the optimal pricing mechanism will become more attractive.

Funding: R. Belo acknowledges funding by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia [UIDB/00124/2020, UIDP/00124/2020 and Social Sciences DataLab – PINFRA/22209/2016], POR Lisboa, and POR Norte [Social Sciences DataLab, PINFRA/22209/2016].

Supplemental Material: The e-companion is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2021.0555 .
Behavior-Aware Queueing: The Finite-Buffer Setting with Many Strategic Servers
Authors: Zhong Yueyang , Gopalakrishnan Ragavendran , Ward Amy R.
Published: July 2023

In “Behavior-Aware Queueing: The Finite-Buffer Setting with Many Strategic Servers,” Zhong, Gopalakrishnan, and Ward develop a game-theoretic many-server Markovian queueing model with finite or infinite buffers to study the behavior of strategic servers whose choice of work speed depends on managerial decisions regarding (i) how many servers to staff and how much to pay them and (ii) whether and when to turn away customers. In order to predictably control system performance (e.g., lost demand, customer wait times, server burnout, etc.), they show that the system manager must either staff enough servers or pay them enough. For example, when servers are not paid enough, increasing their workload beyond a tipping point may result in a sharp drop in system performance because of server “rebellion.” Their work also establishes key foundational building blocks to advance the analysis of behavior-aware queueing models where both customers and servers are strategic and customers’ decisions endogenously induce a finite buffer.
Real-time Monitoring Technology of Voltage Sag Disturbance in Distribution Network Based on TCN-Attention Neural Network and Flink Flow Computing
Authors: Chen Zexi , Yang Li , Tian Jiannan , Chen Zeng , Xu Xiaoye , Zhao Ergang
Published: July 2023

In the face of the challenges brought by the complexity of power grid, diversification of disturbance factors, isolation of monitoring points and other issues to the cause identification of voltage sag disturbance, this paper proposes a real-time monitoring technology for voltage sag disturbance in distribution network based on TCN-Attention neural network and Flink flow calculation, which has important practical significance for controlling voltage sag and reducing economic losses. This method uses Temporal Convolutional Network (TCN) to extract the cross time nonlinear characteristics of voltage sag time series data, which effectively solves the problems of long-term dependence on time series and low training output efficiency of existing time series models. In order to further improve the recognition accuracy of the model, Attention mechanism is introduced to mine the duration relationship in voltage sag data. At the same time, the method also constructs a parallel real-time monitoring platform based on Flink streaming computing framework, embeds the TCN-Attention voltage sag cause identification model generated by training, so as to realize real-time identification and monitoring analysis of voltage sag disturbances at each monitoring point of the distribution network. In this paper, various voltage sags are simulated on IEEE 14 bus system using PSCAD software, and the proposed method is verified and tested. The deep learning fusion model has high recognition accuracy for the cause of voltage sag, and the flow computing platform has excellent performance in time delay and throughput indicators, and can realize the parallel real-time monitoring and analysis of voltage sag causes in distribution network.
Artificial Neural Networks-Based Fault Diagnosis Model for Distribution Network
Authors: Chen Zexi , Wang Pu , Li Bin , Zhao Ergang , Hao Zhigang , Jia Dongqiang
Published: July 2023

With many branch lines in radiant distribution networks, diagnosing faults in a distribution network is very difficult. It is of great significance to identify different types of faults quickly and accurately for the stable operation of the power grid. This research presents a fault identification model for a distribution network based on artificial neural networks. The principal component analysis first extracts features from transitory data in a distribution network. The resulting low-dimensional data is subsequently used to update the artificial neural network model. The artificial neural network may also identify the type of fault. The proposed model’s fault detection accuracy is improved over the traditional approach by examining distribution network fault data during the simulation test.
E-Figurationen. Schriften zur interdisziplinären Emotionsforschung
Authors: Szczepaniak Jacek , Czachorowska Magdalena
Published: July 2023

Herausgegeben von Gesine Leonore Schiewer und Jacek Szczepaniak

Die Schriftenreihe versteht sich als ein breites Forum für die Publikation von sprach-, literatur- und kultur- sowie medien- und kommunikationswissenschaftlichen Forschungsergebnissen zu Emotionen bzw. Affekten.
Das Profil der Serie entspricht einer Forschungskonzeption, die Emotionen als sozial geprägte Konstrukte erfassen will, welche ihre jeweilige Realisierung in einer konkreten sozialen Praxis erfahren.
Die Reihe ist interdisziplinär ausgerichtet: Ihr Ziel ist es, einer durch die Theorien- und Methodenvielfalt geprägten Forschung Raum zu geben, die Fokus und Flexibilität des Konzepts Emotion als diskursives, kommunikatives und semiotisches Konstrukt produktiv zu nutzen versteht und neue Forschungsimpulse setzen kann. Ihr Spektrum umfasst aktuelle wie historische Perspektiven, die theoretisch angelegt oder durch eine empirische Herangehensweise fundiert sind.
Die Schriftenreihe berücksichtigt verschiedene Formate: Dissertationen und Habilitationen, andere Monographien und Sammelbände.
Publikationssprachen sind in der Regel Deutsch und Englisch.
Solar-pumped fiber laser using a solid-state luminescent solar collector
Authors: Endo Masamori , Yamamoto Kohei , Dottermusch Stephan , Howard Ian A. , Richards Bryce S. , Tomizawa Ryota , Masuda Taizo
Published: July 2023

We have developed a fully planar solar-pumped fiber laser using a solid-state luminescent solar collector (LSC). This laser does not use any focusing device, such as a lens or mirror; thus, it can lase without tracking the sun. Our developed device with an aperture of 30 cm emits 15 mW, corresponding to an optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 0.023% and a collection efficiency of 0.21 W/m2. A 12-fold improvement over a previously developed liquid LSC is achieved by combining the total internal reflection of the solid-state LSC with dielectric multilayer mirrors. The observed laser power is in good agreement with that predicted via numerical simulation, demonstrating the effectiveness of our proposed method.
Critical coupling in cavity-resonant integrated-grating filters (CRIGFs)
Authors: Hemsley Elizabeth , Gauthier-Lafaye Olivier , Monmayrant Antoine , Dubreuil Pascal , Calvez Stéphane , Fehrembach Anne-Laure , Popov Evgeny
Published: July 2023

We experimentally demonstrate critical coupling in miniature grating-coupled resonators known as cavity-resonant integrated-grating filters (CRIGFs). Using previously proposed asymmetric grating coupler designs for non-linear CRIGFs, and introducing a dedicated variant of a coupled-modes theory model to estimate physical properties out of the measured reflection and transmission characteristics of these resonators, we demonstrate fine control over the in-and out-coupling rate to the resonator while keeping constant both the internal losses and the resonant wavelength. Furthermore, the critical coupling condition is also observed to coincide with the maximum enhancement of the second harmonic generation signal.