bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectral characteristics analysis of rocks and ores based on the generalized effective medium theory of induced polarization
Authors: Wang Shu , Wang Tianyi , Yang Jin
Published: June 2023

To study the electrical characteristics of rocks and ores, two- and three-phase medium models with different mineral contents, attenuation coefficients, relaxation times, and ellipticities were established based on the generalized effective medium theory of induced polarization (GEMTIP) model and the Debye decomposition method. Furthermore, the corresponding program was written for numerical simulation, and the complex resistivity (CR) spectral characteristics and relaxation time distribution (RTD) characteristics were analyzed. At the same time, seven representative ore samples from different mining areas were selected, their structural compositions were observed, and their complex resistivity was measured to obtain the variation characteristics and Nyquist curves of ore phase spectra. The differential evolution (DE) algorithm was employed to write a curve parameter fitting program based on which parameter fitting was performed for the theoretical model and the measured curves of ore samples. The physical and electrical parameters of the curves were obtained, and the variation characteristics of each parameter were analyzed. The generalized effective medium theory of induced polarization model could be adopted to further study the induced polarization (IP) anomaly from the structural and electrical properties of rocks and ores, which has important guiding significance for energy resource exploration, deep prospecting beyond 500 m, and environmental investigation by electrical (magnetic) methods.
Challenges of sex education for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder from the Saudi family’s perspective
Authors: Shakuri Manar A. , Alzahrani Hassan M.
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this research was to better understand the challenges, as well as ways to overcome the aforementioned challenges, associated with sex and reproductive health education for parents of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from the perspective of parents. A qualitative multiple case study approach, including interviews and document analysis, was conducted to answer the research questions. The participants included 9 parents of adolescents with ASD, including (4) fathers and (5) mothers. Their children’s ages ranged from (13–19) years. Inductive coding was conducted to analyze the data collected. The findings suggested several challenges exist, including parents’ lack of knowledge regarding sex and reproductive health education and training on how to effectively teach their children. This lack of knowledge may contribute to unacceptable social demonstrations of sexuality by individuals with ASD, which creates another challenge for parents. The findings related to the second research question indicated families of individuals with ASD need more awareness and education, particularly on how to effectively educate their children on sexual matters. The importance of education regarding sexual matters for individuals with ASD within the school and community was also realized. The findings could help the Ministry of Education establish educational programs to ensure schools are equipped to educate individuals with ASD on sexual matters. The programs could also be beneficial if they provided training to parents on how to effectively provide sexual education to their adolescent children. The findings of this research could additionally provide insight to parents, general education teachers, and special education teachers on the importance of sex and reproductive health education for children with ASD.
T-cell immunity to SARS-CoV-2: what if the known best is not the optimal course for the long run? Adapting to evolving targets
Authors: Nowill Alexandre E. , Caruso Manuel , de Campos-Lima Pedro O.
Published: June 2023

Humanity did surprisingly well so far, considering how unprepared it was to respond to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) threat. By blending old and ingenious new technology in the context of the accumulated knowledge on other human coronaviruses, several vaccine candidates were produced and tested in clinical trials in record time. Today, five vaccines account for the bulk of the more than 13 billion doses administered worldwide. The ability to elicit biding and neutralizing antibodies most often against the spike protein is a major component of the protection conferred by immunization but alone it is not enough to limit virus transmission. Thus, the surge in numbers of infected individuals by newer variants of concern (VOCs) was not accompanied by a proportional increase in severe disease and death rate. This is likely due to antiviral T-cell responses, whose evasion is more difficult to achieve. The present review helps navigating the very large literature on T cell immunity induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and vaccination. We examine the successes and shortcomings of the vaccinal protection in the light of the emergence of VOCs with breakthrough potential. SARS-CoV-2 and human beings will likely coexist for a long while: it will be necessary to update existing vaccines to improve T-cell responses and attain better protection against COVID-19.
Leptomeningeal enhancement of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated encephalitis: uncovering novel markers on contrast-enhanced fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images
Authors: Li Li , Liu Wen , Cai Qifang , Liu Yuqing , Hu Wenjing , Zuo Zhichao , Ma Qiuhong , He Siping , Jin Ke
Published: June 2023

Background

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease (MOGAD) is a newly defined autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating central nervous system (CNS) disease characterized by antibodies against MOG. Leptomeningeal enhancement (LME) on contrast-enhanced fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (CE-FLAIR) images has been reported in patients with other diseases and interpreted as a biomarker of inflammation. This study retrospectively analyzed the prevalence and distribution of LME on CE-FLAIR images in children with MOG antibody-associated encephalitis (MOG-E). The corresponding magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features and clinical manifestations are also presented.

Methods

The brain MRI images (native and CE-FLAIR) and clinical manifestations of 78 children with MOG-E between January 2018 and December 2021 were analyzed. Secondary analyses evaluated the relationship between LME, clinical manifestations, and other MRI measures.

Results

Forty-four children were included, and the median age at the first onset was 70.5 months. The prodromal symptoms were fever, headache, emesis, and blurred vision, which could be progressively accompanied by convulsions, decreased level of consciousness, and dyskinesia. MOG-E showed multiple and asymmetric lesions in the brain by MRI, with varying sizes and blurred edges. These lesions were hyperintense on the T2-weighted and FLAIR images and slightly hypointense or hypointense on the T1-weighted images. The most common sites involved were juxtacortical white matter (81.8%) and cortical gray matter (59.1%). Periventricular/juxtaventricular white matter lesions (18.2%) were relatively rare. On CE-FLAIR images, 24 (54.5%) children showed LME located on the cerebral surface. LME was an early feature of MOG-E (P = 0.002), and cases without LME were more likely to involve the brainstem (P = 0.041).

Conclusion

LME on CE-FLAIR images may be a novel early marker among patients with MOG-E. The inclusion of CE-FLAIR images in MRI protocols for children with suspected MOG-E at an early stage may be useful for the diagnosis of this disease.
Netrin-1 controls inflammation in response to ischemic stroke through altering microglia phenotype
Authors: Yang Xiaosheng , Liu Yang , Zhong Weijie , Li Yi , Zhang Wenchuan
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The current approaches that are used to treat ischemic stroke suffer from poor targeting, lack of effectiveness, and potential off-target effects, necessitating the development of new therapeutic strategies to enhance neuronal cell survival and regeneration. This study aimed to investigate the role of microglial Netrin-1 in ischemic stroke, a topic that has not been fully understood.

Methods

Netrin-1 levels and its primary receptor expressions were investigated in cerebral microglia from acute ischemic stroke patients and age-matched control subjects. A public database (GEO148350), which supplied RNAseq results for rat cerebral microglia in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model, was analyzed to assess the expression of Netrin-1, its major receptors, and genes related to macrophage function. A microglia-specific gene targeting approach and a delivery system allowing for crossing the blood-brain barrier were applied in a mouse model for ischemic stroke to investigate the role of microglial Netrin-1. Netrin-1 receptor signaling in microglia was observed and the effects on microglial phenotype, apoptosis, and migration were analyzed.

Results

Across human patients, rat and mouse models, activation of Netrin-1 receptor signaling was mainly conducted via its receptor UNC5a in microglia, which resulted in a shift in microglial phenotype towards an anti-inflammatory or M2-like state, leading to a reduction in apoptosis and migration of microglia. Netrin-1-induced phenotypic change in microglia exerted protective effects on neuronal cells in vivo during ischemic stroke.

Conclusion

Our study highlights the potential of targeting Netrin-1 and its receptors as a promising therapeutic strategy for promoting post-ischemic survival and functional recovery.
Differential analysis of immune reconstitution after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome and chronic granulomatous disease
Authors: Zhou Ya , Zhang Luying , Meng Yan , Lei Xiaoying , Jia Lanzhou , Guan Xianmin , Yu Jie , Dou Ying
Published: June 2023

Objective

To investigate similarities and differences in immune reconstitution after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in children with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) and chronic granulomatous disease (CGD).

Method

We retrospectively analyzed the lymphocyte subpopulations and the serum level of various immune-related protein or peptide on Days 15, 30, 100, 180 and 360 post-transplantation in 70 children with WAS and 48 children with CGD who underwent allo-HSCT at the Transplantation Center of the Department of Hematology-Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2007 to December 2020, and we analyzed the differences in the immune reconstitution process between the two groups.

Results

① The WAS group had higher lymphocyte subpopulation counts than the CGD group. ② Among children aged 1-3 years who underwent transplantation, the WAS group had higher lymphocyte subpopulation counts than the CGD group. ③ Further comparisons were performed between children with non-umbilical cord blood transplantation (non-UCBT) and children with umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT) in the WAS group. On Day 15 and 30 post-transplantation, the non-UCBT group had higher B-cell counts than the UCBT group. On the remaining time points post-transplantation, the UCBT group had higher lymphocyte subpopulation counts than the non-UCBT group. ④ Comparisons were performed between children with non-UCBT in the WAS group and in the CGD group, the lymphocyte subpopulation counts were higher in the WAS group compared to the CGD group. ⑤ On Day 100 post-transplantation, the CGD group had higher C3 levels than the WAS group. On Day 360 post-transplantation, the CGD group had higher IgA and C4 levels than the WAS group.

Conclusion

① The rate of immunity recovery was faster in children within the WAS group compared to those children within the CGD group, which may be attributed to the difference of percentage undergoing UCBT and primary diseases. ② In the WAS group, the non-UCBT group had higher B-cell counts than the UCBT group at Day 15 and 30 post-transplantation, however, the UCBT group had higher B-cell counts than the non-UCBT group at Day 100 and 180 post-transplantation, suggesting that cord blood has strong B-cell reconstitution potentiality after transplantation.
Murine models to study human NK cells in human solid tumors
Authors: Parodi Monica , Astigiano Simonetta , Carrega Paolo , Pietra Gabriella , Vitale Chiara , Damele Laura , Grottoli Melania , Guevara Lopez Maria de la Luz , Ferracini Riccardo , Bertolini Giulia , Roato Ilaria , Vitale Massimo , Orecchia Paola
Published: June 2023

Since the first studies, the mouse models have provided crucial support for the most important discoveries on NK cells, on their development, function, and circulation within normal and tumor tissues. Murine tumor models were initially set to study murine NK cells, then, ever more sophisticated human-in-mice models have been developed to investigate the behavior of human NK cells and minimize the interferences from the murine environment. This review presents an overview of the models that have been used along time to study NK cells, focusing on the most popular NOG and NSG models, which work as recipients for the preparation of human-in-mice tumor models, the study of transferred human NK cells, and the evaluation of various enhancers of human NK cell function, including cytokines and chimeric molecules. Finally, an overview of the next generation humanized mice is also provided along with a discussion on how traditional and innovative in-vivo and in-vitro approaches could be integrated to optimize effective pre-clinical studies.
Machine learning models for maintenance cost estimation in delivery trucks using diesel and natural gas fuels
Authors: Katreddi Sasanka , Thiruvengadam Arvind , Thompson Gregory , Schmid Natalia , Padmanaban Vishnu
Published: June 2023

The maintenance costs can represent about 15%–60% of the cost of produced goods depending on the type of goods transported. To comply with stringent emissions regulations, diesel engines are incorporated with complex after-treatment systems that demand increased maintenance. The availability of alternative fuels such as natural gas and propane has fostered the natural gas and propane powertrain systems as well as electrification options for heavy- and medium-duty vehicles. A critical barrier to adopting alternative fuel vehicles has been the lack of knowledge on comparative vehicle maintenance/repair costs with conventional diesel. Moreover, the region of operation, the type of vehicle operation, and seasonal temperature changes also affect the duty cycle which impacts the maintenance and repair costs. This study focuses on estimating the cost-per-mile for heavy-duty vehicles using machine learning models such as random forest, xgboost, neural networks, and a super-learner model. The super-learner model achieved an error as low as 0.0068 $/mile for mean absolute error and 0.0086 $/mile for root mean square error with a coefficient of determination/R-Squared of 97.28%. Specifically, the paper investigates the data collected from the maintenance and repair costs associated with delivery trucks using diesel and natural gas fuels. Since the availability of data is the major constraint, we leveraged the data collected by West Virginia University and the partnership with fleet companies. This allows for additional information related to maintenance costs and fleet-specific maintenance practices of alternative fuel vehicles. This study promotes clean fuel technologies and enables fleet management companies to adopt alternative fuel vehicles in case of similar or lower cost of maintenance compared to diesel vehicles resulting in reduced emissions and total cost of ownership.
Toxic or not toxic? The specifications of the standard ISO 10993-5 are not explicit enough to yield comparable results in the cytotoxicity assessment of an identical medical device
Authors: Gruber Sarah , Nickel Angela
Published: June 2023

Background

Medical device manufacturers are obliged to prove the biocompatibility of their products when they come into contact with the human body. The requirements for the biological evaluation of medical devices are specified by the international standard series ISO 10993. Part five of this series describes the performance of in vitro cytotoxicity tests. This test evaluates the effects of medical device use on cell health. The existence of the specific standard suggests that the tests will produce reliable and comparable results. However, the ISO 10993-5 offers wide latitude in the test specifications. In the past, we noticed inconsistencies of the results from different laboratories.

Objective

To determine if the specifications of the standard ISO 10993-5 are explicit to ensure the comparability of test results and, if not, identify potential influencing factors.

Methods

An interlaboratory comparison was conducted for the in vitro cytotoxicity test according to ISO 10993-5. Fifty-two international laboratories evaluated the cytotoxicity for two unknown samples. One was polyethylene (PE) tubing, which is expected to be non-cytotoxic and the other was polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing, for which a cytotoxic potential was presumed. All laboratories were asked to perform an elution test with predefined extraction specifications. The other test parameters were freely chosen by the laboratories according to the guidelines set by the standard.

Results

To our surprise only 58 percent of the participating laboratories identified the cytotoxic potential of both materials as expected. Particularly for PVC a considerable variation of the results between the laboratories was observed [mean = 43 ± 30 (SD), min = 0, max = 100]. We showed that ten percent serum supplementation to the extraction medium, as well as longer incubation of the cells with the extract, greatly increased the test sensitivity for PVC.

Conclusion

The results clearly show that the specifications set by the ISO 10993-5 are not explicit enough to obtain comparable results for an identical medical device. To set requirements that ensure reliable cytotoxicity assessments, further research will be necessary to identify the best test conditions for specific materials and/or devices and the standard needs to be revised accordingly.
Identification and characterization of pancreatic infections in severe and critical acute pancreatitis patients using 16S rRNA gene next generation sequencing
Authors: Sun Ning , Chen Yong , Zhang Jiaxun , Cao Jin , Huang Hongjuan , Wang Jie , Guo Wentao , Li Xiaojun
Published: June 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to identify the bacterial composition in the pancreatic fluid of severe and critical acute pancreatitis (SAP and CAP) patients.

Methods

A total of 78 pancreatic fluid samples were collected from 56 SAP and CAP patients and analyze using aerobic culture and 16S rRNA gene next-generation sequencing. The clinical data of the patients were obtained from the electronic medical records.

Results

Among the total 78 samples, 16S rRNA gene NGS identified a total of 660 bacterial taxa, belonging to 216 species in 123 genera. The dominant aerobic bacteria included Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Enterococcus faecium, while the dominant anaerobic bacteria included Bacteroides, Dialister invisus, and Olsenella uli. As compared to aerobic culturing, 95.96% (95/99) of the aerobic cultured bacteria were detected using the 16S rRNA gene NGS.

Conclusion

The pancreatic infections in SAP and CAP patients might originate not only from the gut but also from the oral cavity and airways as well as related environments. Dynamic analysis of bacterial profile and abundance showed that some bacteria with low abundance might become the main pathogenic bacteria. There were no significant differences in the bacterial diversity between SAP and CAP.
From soil to plant: strengthening carrot defenses against Meloidogyne incognita with vermicompost and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi biofertilizers
Authors: Ahamad Lukman , Bhat Aashaq Hussain , Kumar Harendra , Rana Aasha , Hasan Md. Nurul , Ahmed Ishtiaq , Ahmed Shakoor , Machado Ricardo A. R. , Ameen Fuad
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Sustainable agricultural practices for controlling crop pests are urgently needed to reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides, which have long-term detrimental effects on ecosystems. In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and vermicompost (Vc) supplementation, alone and in combination, in mitigating the negative impacts ofMeloidogyne incognitainfestation on carrot (Daucus carotaL.) growth, development, and physiology.

Methods

We measured different plant growth parameters such as plant height and biomass accumulation, several plant physiological parameters such as the levels of photosynthetic pigments, phenolics, and the activity of defense enzymes such as peroxidases and polyphenol oxidases, and evaluated the severity ofMeloidogyne incognitanematode infestation on plants treated or not treated with vermicompost (Vc) and/or arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF).

Results

Our findings show thatM. incognitasignificantly affects plant growth, biomass accumulation, and photosynthetic pigment and carotenoid content. The incorporation of Vc and AMF into the soil, either individually or in combination, significantly alleviates the negative effects of nematode infestation on carrot plants. This was accompanied by the induction of phenolic compounds and defense enzymes such as peroxidases (+15.65%) and polyphenol oxidases (29.78%), and by a reduction in the severity of nematode infestation on Vc and AMF-treated plants compared to nematode-infested plants. Principal component analysis (PCA) shows significant correlations between various of the studied parameters. In particular, we observed negative correlations between the application of AMF and Vc alone and in combination and disease severity, and positive correlations between plant growth, photosynthetic pigments phenol content, and activity of defense enzymes.

Discussion

Our study highlights the relevance of cultural practices and beneficial microorganisms for the sustainable and environmentally friendly management of agricultural pests.
A CRISPR-based approach using dead Cas9-sgRNA to detect SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Aouida Mustapha , Saifaldeen Maryam , Al-Ansari Dana E. , Taleb Sara , Hssain Ali Ait , Ramotar Dindial
Published: June 2023

Rapid, highly specific, and robust diagnostic kits to detect viruses and pathogens are needed to control disease spread and transmission globally. Of the many different methods proposed to diagnose COVID-19 infection, CRISPR-based detection of nucleic acids tests are among the most prominent. Here, we describe a new way of using CRISPR/Cas systems as a rapid and highly specific tool to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus using the in vitro dCas9-sgRNA-based technique. As a proof of concept, we used a synthetic DNA of the M gene, one of the SARS-CoV-2 virus genes, and demonstrated that we can specifically inactivate unique restriction enzyme sites on this gene using CRISPR/Cas multiplexing of dCas9-sgRNA-BbsI and dCas9-sgRNA-XbaI. These complexes recognize and bind to the target sequence spanning the BbsI and XbaI restriction enzyme sites, respectively, and protect the M gene from digestion by BbsI and/or XbaI. We further demonstrated that this approach can be used to detect the M gene when expressed in human cells and from individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2. We refer to this approach as dead Cas9 Protects Restriction Enzyme Sites, and believe that it has the potential to be applied as a diagnostic tool for many DNA/RNA pathogens.
Vascular reconstruction related to the extracranial vertebral artery: the presentation of the concept and the basis for the establishment of the bypass system
Authors: Wang Xuan , Tong Xiaoguang
Published: June 2023

The intracranial vertebrobasilar artery system has a unique hemodynamic pattern (vessel trunk converged bilateral flow with three groups of perforators directly arising from it), is embedded within intense osseous constraints, and is located far from conventional donor vessels. Two major traditional modalities of posterior circulation revascularization encompass the superficial temporal artery to the superior cerebellar artery and the occipital artery to the posteroinferior cerebellar artery anastomosis, which are extracranial-intracranial low-flow bypass with donor arteries belonging to the anterior circulation and mainly supply focal perforators and distal vascular territories. As our understanding of flow hemodynamics has improved, the extracranial vertebral artery-related bypass has further evolved to improve the cerebral revascularization system. In this article, we propose the concept of “vascular reconstruction related to the extracranial vertebral artery” and review the design philosophy of the available innovative modalities in the respective segments. V1 transposition overcomes the issue of high rates of in-stent restenosis and provides a durable complementary alternative to endovascular treatment. V2 bypass serves as an extracranial communication pathway between the anterior and posterior circulation, providing the advantages of high-flow, short interposition grafts, orthograde flow in the vertebrobasilar system, and avoiding complex skull base manipulation. V3 bypass is characterized by profound and simultaneous vascular reconstruction of the posterior circulation, which is achieved by intracranial-intracranial or multiple bypasses in conjunction with skull base techniques. These posterior circulation vessels not only play a pivotal role in the bypass modalities designed for vertebrobasilar lesions but can also be implemented to revascularize the anterior circulation, thereby becoming a systematic methodology.
MSATNet: multi-scale adaptive transformer network for motor imagery classification
Authors: Hu Lingyan , Hong Weijie , Liu Lingyu
Published: June 2023

Motor imagery brain-computer interface (MI-BCI) can parse user motor imagery to achieve wheelchair control or motion control for smart prostheses. However, problems of poor feature extraction and low cross-subject performance exist in the model for motor imagery classification tasks. To address these problems, we propose a multi-scale adaptive transformer network (MSATNet) for motor imagery classification. Therein, we design a multi-scale feature extraction (MSFE) module to extract multi-band highly-discriminative features. Through the adaptive temporal transformer (ATT) module, the temporal decoder and multi-head attention unit are used to adaptively extract temporal dependencies. Efficient transfer learning is achieved by fine-tuning target subject data through the subject adapter (SA) module. Within-subject and cross-subject experiments are performed to evaluate the classification performance of the model on the BCI Competition IV 2a and 2b datasets. The MSATNet outperforms benchmark models in classification performance, reaching 81.75 and 89.34% accuracies for the within-subject experiments and 81.33 and 86.23% accuracies for the cross-subject experiments. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can help build a more accurate MI-BCI system.
Putting forward a model for the role of the cerebellum in cocaine-induced pavlovian memory
Authors: Melchor-Eixea Ignasi , Guarque-Chabrera Julian , Sanchez-Hernandez Aitor , Ibáñez-Marín Patricia , Pastor Raúl , Miquel Marta
Published: June 2023

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) involves emotional, cognitive, and motivational dysfunction. Long-lasting molecular and structural changes in brain regions functionally and anatomically linked to the cerebellum, such as the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, basal ganglia, and ventral tegmental area, are characteristic of SUD. Direct and indirect reciprocal connectivity between the cerebellum and these brain regions can explain cerebellar roles in Pavlovian and reinforcement learning, fear memory, and executive functions. It is increasingly clear that the cerebellum modulates brain functions altered in SUD and other neuropsychiatric disorders that exhibit comorbidity with SUD. In the present manuscript, we review and discuss this evidence and present new research exploring the role of the cerebellum in cocaine-induced conditioned memory using chemogenetic tools (designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drug, DREADDs). Our preliminary data showed that inactivation of a region that includes the interposed and lateral deep cerebellar nuclei reduces the facilitating effect of a posterior vermis lesion on cocaine-induced preference conditioning. These findings support our previous research and suggest that posterior vermis damage may increase drug impact on the addiction circuitry by regulating activity in the DCN. However, they raise further questions that will also be discussed.
The use of plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles as a delivery system of CRISPR/Cas9-based therapeutics for editing long non-coding RNAs in cancer colon cells
Authors: Hillman Tatiana
Published: June 2023

Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer in the United States. Colon cancer develops from the many gene mutations found in the genomes of colon cancer cells. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can cause the development and progression of many cancers, including colon cancer. LncRNAs have been and could be corrected through the gene-editing technology of the clustered repeats of the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated nuclease 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system to reduce the proliferation of cancer cells in the colon. However, many current delivery systems for transporting CRISPR/Cas9-based therapeutics in vivo need more safety and efficiency. CRISPR/Cas9-based therapeutics require a safe and effective delivery system to more directly and specifically target cancer cells present in the colon. This review will present pertinent evidence for the increased efficiency and safety of using plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles as nanocarriers for delivering CRISPR/Cas9-based therapeutics to target colon cancer cells directly.
Targeting sterol-O-acyltransferase 1 to disrupt cholesterol metabolism for cancer therapy
Authors: Tu Teng , Zhang Hongying , Xu Huanji
Published: June 2023

Cholesterol esterification is often dysregulated in cancer. Sterol O-acyl-transferase 1 (SOAT1) plays an important role in maintaining cellular cholesterol homeostasis by catalyzing the formation of cholesterol esters from cholesterol and long-chain fatty acids in cells. Many studies have implicated that SOAT1 plays a vital role in cancer initiation and progression and is an attractive target for novel anticancer therapy. In this review, we provide an overview of the mechanism and regulation of SOAT1 in cancer and summarize the updates of anticancer therapy targeting SOAT1.
Quantitative assessment of the choroidal vasculature in myopic macular degeneration with optical coherence tomographic angiography
Authors: Dan Yee Shan , Cheong Kai Xiong , Lim Shen Yi , Wong Qiu Ying , Chong Rachel S. , Wong Chee Wai , Hoang Quan V.
Published: June 2023

Background

To assess and compare choroidal morphometric vascular parameters, using optical coherence tomographic angiography (OCTA), in highly myopic adults with and without myopic macular degeneration (MMD).

Methods

This is a clinic-based observational study of 148 eyes with axial length (AL) ≥25mm, enrolled from the high myopia clinic of the Singapore National Eye Centre. MMD was graded from fundus photographs. Swept source OCT (SS-OCT) and OCTA were performed and assessed for choroidal layer thickness (CT) and choroidal vasculature (choroidal vessel density (CVD), choroidal branch area (CBA) and mean choroidal vessel width (MCVW)) in the different choroidal layers (overall choroidal layer (CL), medium-vessel choroidal layer (MVCL), large-vessel choroidal layer (LVCL)).

Results

CTCL (r=-0.58, p<0.001), CTMVCL (r=-0.22, p=0.04), MCVWCL (r=-0.58, p<0.001), and CVDCL (r=-0.19, p=0.02) were negatively correlated with AL, while CBACL (r=0.61, p<0.001) was positively correlated. Compared to eyes with no MMD, eyes with MMD2 had lower CTCL (120.37±47.18µm vs 218.33±92.70µm, p<0.001), CTMVCL (70.57±15.28µm vs 85.32±23.71µm, p=0.04), CTLVCL (101.65±25.36µm vs 154.55±68.41µm, p=0.001) and greater CVDCL (71.10±3.97% vs 66.97±3.63%, p<0.001), CVDMVCL (66.96±2.35% vs 65.06±2.69%, p=0.002), CVDLVCL (68.36±2.56% vs 66.58±2.88%, p=0.012), MCVWMVCL (6.14±0.34µm vs 5.90±0.35µm, p=0.007), and CBACL (12.69±1.38% vs 11.34±1.18%, p<0.001). After adjusting for age, thicker CTCL (odds ratio (OR) 0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.97-0.99, p<0.001), CTMVCL (OR 0.97 (0.94-0.99), p=0.002) and CTLVCL (OR 0.97 (0.96-0.98, p<0.001) were significantly associated with lower odds of MMD2, while increased CVDCL (OR 1.37 (1.20-1.55), p<0.001), CVDMVCL (OR 1.39 (1.12-1.73), p=0.003), CVDLVCL (OR 1.31 (1.07-1.60), p=0.009), CBACL (OR 2.19 (1.55-3.08), p<0.001) and MCVWMVCL (OR 6.97 (1.59-30.51), p=0.01) was significantly associated with higher odds of MMD2.

Conclusion

Decrease in choroidal vessel width, density and thickness, and an increase in vascular branching were observed in eyes with long AL. A thinner and denser choroid with greater branching area and vessel width, which may all be signs of hypoxia, were associated with greater odds of MMD2.
Rapid response events with multiple triggers are associated with poor outcomes in children
Authors: Kritz Erin M. , Thomas Jenilea K. , Alawa Nawara S. , Hadad Elit B. , Guffey Danielle M. , Bavare Aarti C.
Published: June 2023

Objective

We describe the characteristics and outcomes of pediatric rapid response team (RRT) events within a single institution, categorized by reason for RRT activation (RRT triggers). We hypothesized that events with multiple triggers are associated with worse outcomes.

Patients and Methods

Retrospective 3-year study at a high-volume tertiary academic pediatric hospital. We included all patients with index RRT events during the study period.

Results

Association of patient and RRT event characteristics with outcomes including transfers to ICU, need for advanced cardiopulmonary support, ICU and hospital length of stay (LOS), and mortality were studied. We reviewed 2,267 RRT events from 2,088 patients. Most (59%) were males with a median age of 2 years and 57% had complex chronic conditions. RRT triggers were: respiratory (36%) and multiple (35%). Transfer to the ICU occurred after 1,468 events (70%). Median hospital and ICU LOS were 11 and 1 days. Need for advanced cardiopulmonary support was noted in 291 events (14%). Overall mortality was 85 (4.1%), with 61 (2.9%) of patients having cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA). Multiple RRT trigger events were associated with transfer to the ICU (559 events; OR 1.48; p < 0.001), need for advanced cardiopulmonary support (134 events; OR 1.68; p < 0.001), CPA (34 events; OR 2.36; p = 0.001), and longer ICU LOS (2 vs. 1 days; p < 0.001). All categories of triggers have lower odds of need for advanced cardiopulmonary support than multiple triggers (OR 1.73; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

RRT events with multiple triggers were associated with cardiopulmonary arrest, transfer to ICU, need for cardiopulmonary support, and longer ICU LOS. Knowledge of these associations can guide clinical decisions, care planning, and resource allocation.
Effectiveness and safety of anti-BCMA chimeric antigen receptor T-cell treatment in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: a comprehensive review and meta-analysis of prospective clinical trials
Authors: Hu Dingyuan , Chen Liming , Yan Diqin , Dong Wenliang , Chen Min , Niu Suping , Wang Simin , Zhang Jiaojiao , Nie Xiaoyan , Fang Yi
Published: June 2023

Background: Chimeric antigen receptor T cells treatment targeting B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is an emerging treatment option for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) and has demonstrated outstanding outcomes in clinical studies.

Objective: The aim of this comprehensive review and meta-analysis was to summarize the effectiveness and safety of anti-BCMA CAR-T treatment for patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Our research identifies variables influencing outcome measures to provide additional evidence for CAR-T product updates, clinical trial design, and clinical treatment guidance.

Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standard was followed for conducting this comprehensive review and meta-analysis, which was submitted to PROSPERO (CRD42023390037). From the inception of the study until 10 September 2022, PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, and WanFang databases were searched for eligible studies. Stata software (version 16.0) was used to assess effectiveness and safety outcomes.

Results: Out of 875 papers, we found 21 relevant trials with 761 patients diagnosed as RRMM and were given anti-BCMA CAR-T treatment. The overall response rate (ORR) for the entire sample was 87% (95% CI: 80–93%) complete response rate (CRR) was 44% (95% CI: 34–54%). The minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity rate within responders was 78% (95% CI: 65–89%). The combined incidence of cytokine release syndrome was 82% (95% CI: 72–91%) and neurotoxicity was 10% (95% CI: 5%–17%). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 8.77 months (95% CI: 7.48–10.06), the median overall survival (OS) was 18.87 months (95% CI: 17.20–20.54) and the median duration of response (DOR) was 10.32 months (95% CI: 9.34–11.31).

Conclusion: According to this meta-analysis, RRMM patients who received anti-BCMA CAR-T treatment have demonstrated both effectiveness and safety. Subgroup analysis confirmed the anticipated inter-study heterogeneity and pinpointed potential factors contributing to safety and efficacy, which may help with the development of CAR-T cell studies and lead to optimized BCMA CAR-T-cell products.

Systematic Review Registration:Clinicaltrials.gov, PROSPERO, CRD42023390037.
High spatial resolution imaging of light localization in hyperuniform disordered patterns of circular air pores in a dielectric slab
Authors: Granchi Nicoletta , Spalding Richard , Stokkereit Kris , Lodde Matteo , Petruzzella Maurangelo , Otten Frank V. , Sapienza Riccardo , Fiore Andrea , Florescu Marian , Intonti Francesca
Published: June 2023

Hyperuniform disordered photonic structures are a peculiar category of disordered photonic heterostructures located between random structures and ordered photonic crystals. These materials, thanks to the presence of a photonic bandgap, exhibit the advantages of random and ordered structures since they have been shown to support in a small spatial footprint a high density of Anderson-localized modes, which naturally occur at the bandgap edges with peculiar features like relatively high Q/V ratios. Different localization behaviors have been recently reported in hyperuniform disordered luminescent materials, with a well-established and widely studied design, based on disordered networks. Here, we explore an alternative design, based on circular holes of different sizes hyperuniformely distributed, that we investigate theoretically and experimentally by means of scanning near-field optical microscopy. We report that the spectral features of hyperuniform disordered networks can also be extended to a different design, which, in turn, displays pseudo-photonic bandgaps and light localization. The ability of generating different kinds of hyperuniform disordered photonic systems that share the same theoretical and experimental optical features can largely extend practical potentialities and integration in many optoelectronic applications.
High repetition-rate photoinjector laser system for S3FEL
Authors: Zhang Baichao , Li Xiaoshen , Liu Qi , Zhu Zexiu , Zhang Weiqing , He Zhigang , Liu Wei , Wu Guorong , Yang Xueming
Published: June 2023

The photoinjector laser system of Shenzhen Superconducting Soft X-Ray Free Electron Laser (S3FEL) is reported in this paper. This laser system operates at up to 1 MHz and produces more than 50 μJ infrared (IR) laser pulses. With a customized fourth harmonic generation (FHG) module, more than 2 μJ ultraviolet (UV) laser pulses were obtained. The power standard deviations of the IR laser and the UV laser are 0.093% and 0.395% respectively. While the pulse energy standard deviations are 1.087% and 1.746% correspondingly. We implemented the pulse stacking scheme to generate flat-top pulses. With four birefringent uniaxial crystals, the Gaussian pulses were converted to flat-top shape, featuring 10 ps pulse width and 0.5 ps rising and falling edges. A cut-Gaussian transverse profile with very sharp rising and falling edges can be produced after the spatial pulse shaper.
Combined analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics on the cumulative effect of nano-titanium dioxide on mulberry seedlings
Authors: Yu Dongliang , Lu Qingyu , Wei Yuting , Hou Di , Yin Xingcan , Cai Kunpei , Qiu Changyu , Xu Kaizun
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are among the most widely used inorganic nanomaterials in industry, medicine and food additives. There are increasing concerns regarding their potential risks to plants and the environment. Mulberry trees are widely grown in China due to their high survival rate and ability to aid ecological recovery.

Methods

Herein, the effects of TiO2 NPs with different concentrations (100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/L) on the growth and physiology of the mulberry tree were systematically evaluated in aspects of physiology, transcriptomics and metabolomics.

Results

Results showed that TiO2 NPs could be absorbed by the mulberry sapling root system and be transferred to the plant shoot. This results in the destruction of mulberry sapling root and leaf tissue. Furthermore, the number of chloroplasts and their pigment contents were reduced and the homeostasis of metal ions was disrupted. The toxic effects of TiO2 NPs attenuated the mulberry sapling’s stress resistance, the contents of malondialdehyde in 100 mg/L, 200 mg/L 400 mg/L and 800 mg/L treatment groups increased by 87.70%, 91.36%, 96.57% and 192.19% respectively compared with the control group. The transcriptomic data showed that TiO2 NPs treatment mainly affected the expression of genes related to energy synthesis and transport, protein metabolism, and response to stress. Meanwhile, the results of metabolomics showed that 42 metabolites produced significant differences in mulberry, of which 26 differential metabolites were up-regulated in expression and 16 differential metabolites were down-regulated, mainly including metabolic pathways such as secondary metabolite biosynthesis, citric acid cycle, and tricarboxylic acid cycle, and was not conducive to the seed germination and or growth of the mulberry sapling.

Discussion

This study enriches the understanding of the effects of TiO2 NPs on plants and provides a reference for the comprehensive scientific assessment of the potential risks of nanomaterials on plants.
Determining the optimum mixture of three essential oils for potato sprout suppression at room temperature storage
Authors: Thoma Jena L. , Cantrell Charles L. , Tamang Prabin , Zheljazkov Valtcho D.
Published: June 2023

As a staple crop, potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) play an important role in meeting daily caloric needs. To ensure adequate supplies for year-round consumption, potato quality must be maintained throughout lengthy storage periods. Towards this end, potato sprouting during storage must be minimized. Due to changing regulations regarding chemical means of potato sprout suppression, increased focus has turned to alternative products including essential oils (EO) as sprout suppressants in recent years. The complex composition of various EOs promises numerous options for sprout suppression. Furthermore, blends of several EOs may achieve enhanced sprout suppressant properties if synergistic interactions are present. We evaluated Syzygium aromaticum, Artemisia herba-alba, and Laurus nobilis EOs and blends thereof as sprout suppressants in potato cultivar Ranger Russet stored at room temperature and also tested for their antifungal activity against Colletotrichum fragariae, a causal organism of anthracnose disease in strawberries including other vegetables and fruits. A. herba-alba EO was an effective sprout suppressant when used alone and suppressed sprouting over the 90-day storage period. Interactions between A. herba-alba and S. aromaticum affected sprout length whereas interactions between A. herba-alba and L. nobilis EOs affected sprout number. An optimum blend of 50% - 82.31% A. herba-alba, 17.69% - 50% L. nobilis, and 0% - 1.01% S. aromaticum EOs could more effectively minimize tuber sprout length and number than any of the three whole EOs used alone. Among these three EOs, only S. aromaticum EO showed antifungal activity against C. fragariae in bioautography assay. These results exhibit the potential of EOs blends as a novel tactic in potato sprout suppression as well as potential natural product-based fungicides in managing C. fragariae.
A quantitative review of the effects of Se application on the reduction of Hg concentration in plant: a meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Jiefei , Hao Shangyan , Bañuelos Gary , Zhou Xinbin
Published: June 2023

Mercury (Hg) is a highly toxic heavy metal entering the human body through the food chain after absorption by plant. Exogenous selenium (Se) has been suggested as a potential solution to reduce Hg concentration in plants. However, the literature does not provide a consistent picture of the performance of Se on the accumulation of Hg in plant. To obtain a more conclusive answer on the interactions of Se and Hg, 1,193 data records were collected from 38 publications for this meta-analysis, and we tested the effects of different factors on Hg accumulation by meta-subgroup analysis and meta-regression model. The results highlighted a significant dose-dependent effect of Se/Hg molar ratio on the reduction of Hg concentration in plants, and the optimum condition for inhibiting Hg accumulation in plants is at a Se/Hg ratio of 1–3. Exogenous Se significantly reduced Hg concentrations in the overall plant species, rice grains, and non-rice species by 24.22%, 25.26%, and 28.04%, respectively. Both Se(IV) and Se(VI) significantly reduced Hg accumulation in plants, but Se(VI) had a stronger inhibiting effect than Se(IV). Se significantly decreased the BAFGrain in rice, which indicated that other physiological processes in rice may be involved in restricting uptake from soil to rice grain. Therefore, Se can effectively reduce Hg accumulation in rice grain, which provides a strategy for effectively alleviating the transfer of Hg to the human body through the food chain.
Assessing pragmatics in early childhood with the Language Use Inventory across seven languages
Authors: Pesco Diane , O’Neill Daniela K.
Published: June 2023

The Language Use Inventory (LUI) is a parent-report measure of the pragmatic functions of young children’s language, standardized and norm-referenced in English (Canada) for children aged 18–47 months. The unique focus of the LUI, along with its appeal to parents, reliability and validity, and usefulness in both research and clinical contexts has prompted research teams globally to translate and adapt it to other languages. In this review, we describe the original LUI’s key features and report on processes used by seven different research teams to translate and adapt it to Arabic, French, Italian, Mandarin, Norwegian, Polish, and Portuguese. We also review data from the studies of the seven translated versions, which indicate that all the LUI versions were reliable and sensitive to developmental changes. The review demonstrates that the LUI, informed by a social-cognitive and functional approach to language development, captures growth in children’s language use across a range of linguistic and cultural contexts, and as such, can serve as a valuable tool for clinical and research purposes.