bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exérese da glândula sublingual para o tratamento de rânula mergulhante
Authors: Gomes Silma Silva , Coli Amanda Achkar , Pereira Raires do Nascimento , Silva Vitor Gabriel Santos , Souza Marina Ferreira de , Aguiar João Eduardo Santos , Sousa Ana Clara Carvalho de , Pereira Estefany Monteiro Lopes
Published: February 2023

As rânulas mergulhantes são pseudocistos que se originam na glândula salivar sublingual e distendem-se até o espaço submandibular e, em seguida, em espaços cervicais mais profundos. Diversas abordagens têm sido descritas na literatura referente ao tratamento da rânula mergulhante, dentre elas, métodos cirúrgicos e não cirúrgicos. Por esse viés, o presente estudo tem como objetivo principal fornecer argumentos baseados em evidencias clínicas e científicas de que a excisão intraoral completa da glândula sublingual é a abordagem mais racional para o tratamento da rânula mergulhante. O artigo foi realizado por meio de uma revisão de literatura sistemática, o qual contou com artigos científicos indexados nas bases de dados como Google Acadêmico, SciELO e PubMed. As etapas metodológicas trataram-se da definição e aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, levantamento bibliográfico segundo as bases de dados mencionadas e síntese na escrita da revisão. Dos 145 resultados obtidos inicialmente, o presente trabalho contou com 27 artigos para sua construção, no qual, relatos adquiridos a partir dos estudos selecionados declaram que a remoção da glândula sublingual é a melhor escolha no manejo cirúrgico da rânula mergulhante ao invés da excisão do cisto, uma vez que a glândula se apresenta como a fonte de formação desse muco cujo acúmulo está relacionado ao processo patológico. Destarte, essa abordagem de tratamento depende da experiência do cirurgião, mediante ao conhecimento sobre as alterações patológicas das glândulas salivares, suas características clínicas e o envolvimento das estruturas adjacentes, levando em consideração a extensão e posição da lesão.
Cornell Woolrich and Radio Noir
Authors: Krutnik Frank
Published: February 2023

Of all the writers to transition from pulp magazines to noir movies, Cornell Woolrich was by far the most prolific. The heyday of ‘classic’ Hollywood film noir saw not only seventeen films based on Woolrich properties but also over seventy radio dramas and a large number of television adaptations that would continue into the early 1960s. Drawing on a range of critical and archival materials, this article assesses Woolrich's contribution to radio drama in the classic noir era and explores several adaptations of his 1936 story ‘The Night Reveals’, one of the most popular selections on the acclaimed CBS anthology series Suspense (1942–62).
Teaching Political Grievances Through Political Speeches and Primary Documents
Authors: Williams Stephanie Lynn
Published: February 2023

This paper discusses how to facilitate learning for students who have limited knowledge of the history and context of critical topics related to political grievances by examining primary documents such as political speeches, op-eds, and other first-person documents to evaluate the grievances, social movements, and political ideologies from the Revolutionary War through the Trump and Biden presidencies. The presentation will describe how students begin to build a foundation of critical thinking, writing, and listening to a broad range of political views to promote life-long civic learning and engagement.
Modeling dynamic behavior of dielectric elastomer muscle for robotic applications
Authors: Jeong Seung Mo , Mun Heeju , Yun Sungryul , Kyung Ki-Uk
Published: February 2023

Recently, as a strong candidate for artificial muscle, dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) have been given the spotlight due to their attractive benefits from fast, large, and reversible electrically-controllable actuation in ultra-lightweight structures. Meanwhile, for practical use in mechanical systems such as robotic manipulators, the DEAs are facing challenges in their non-linear response, time-varying strain, and low load-bearing capability due to their soft viscoelastic nature. Moreover, the presence of an interrelation among the time-varying viscoelasticity, dielectric, and conductive relaxations causes difficulty in the estimation of their actuation performance. Although a rolled configuration of a multilayer stack DEA opens up a promising route to enhance mechanical properties, the use of multiple electromechanical elements inevitably causes the estimation of the actuation response to be more complex. In this paper, together with widely used strategies to construct DE muscles, we introduce adoptable models that have been developed to estimate their electro-mechanical response. Moreover, we propose a new model that combines both non-linear and time-dependent energy-based modeling theories for predicting the long-term electro-mechanical dynamic response of the DE muscle. We verified that the model could accurately estimate the long-term dynamic response for as long as 20 min only with small errors as compared with experimental results. Finally, we present future perspectives and challenges with respect to the performance and modeling of the DE muscles for their practical use in various applications including robotics, haptics, and collaborative devices.
A novel balance training approach: Biomechanical study of virtual reality-based skateboarding
Authors: Kantha Phunsuk , Hsu Wei-Li , Chen Po-Jung , Tsai Yi-Ching , Lin Jiu-Jenq
Published: February 2023

Introduction: The use of virtual reality (VR) technology in training and rehabilitation gained increasing attention in recent years due to its potential to provide immersive and interactive experiences. We developed a novel VR-based balance training, VR-skateboarding, for improving balance. It is important to investigate the biomechanical aspects of this training, as it would have benefited both health professionals and software engineers.

Aims: This study aimed to compare the biomechanical characteristics of VR-skateboarding with those of walking.

Materials and Methods: Twenty young participants (10 males and 10 females) were recruited. Participants underwent VR-skateboarding and walking at the comfortable walking speed, with the treadmill set at the same speed for both tasks. The motion capture system and electromyography were used to determine joint kinematics and muscle activity of the trunk and legs, respectively. The force platform was also used to collect the ground reaction force.

Results: Participants demonstrated increased trunk flexion angles and muscle activity of trunk extensor during VR-skateboarding than during walking (p < 0.01). For the supporting leg, participants’ joint angles of hip flexion and ankle dorsiflexion, as well as muscle activity of knee extensor, were higher during VR-skateboarding than during walking (p < 0.01). For the moving leg, only hip flexion increased in VR-skateboarding when compared to walking (p < 0.01). Furthermore, participants increased weight distribution in the supporting leg during VR-skateboarding (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: VR-skateboarding is a novel VR-based balance training that has been found to improve balance through increased trunk and hip flexion, facilitated knee extensor muscles, and increased weight distribution on the supporting leg compared to walking. These differences in biomechanical characteristics have potential clinical implications for both health professionals and software engineers. Health professionals may consider incorporating VR-skateboarding into training protocols to improve balance, while software engineers may use this information to design new features in VR systems. Our study suggests that the impact of VR-skateboarding particularly manifest when focusing on the supporting leg.
Clcf1/Crlf1a-mediated signaling is neuroprotective and required for Müller glia proliferation in the light-damaged zebrafish retina
Authors: Boyd Patrick , Campbell Leah J. , Hyde David R.
Published: February 2023

Zebrafish possess the innate ability to fully regenerate any neurons lost following a retinal injury. This response is mediated by Müller glia that reprogram and divide asymmetrically to produce neuronal precursor cells that differentiate into the lost neurons. However, little is understood about the early signals that induce this response. Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) was previously shown to be both neuroprotective and pro-proliferative within the zebrafish retina, however CNTF is not expressed following injury. Here we demonstrate that alternative ligands of the Ciliary neurotrophic factor receptor (CNTFR), such as Cardiotrophin-like cytokine factor 1 (Clcf1) and Cytokine receptor-like factor 1a (Crlf1a), are expressed within Müller glia of the light-damaged retina. We found that CNTFR, Clcf1, and Crlf1a are required for Müller glia proliferation in the light-damaged retina. Furthermore, intravitreal injection of CLCF1/CRLF1 protected against rod photoreceptor cell death in the light-damaged retina and induced proliferation of rod precursor cells in the undamaged retina, but not Müller glia. While rod precursor cell proliferation was previously shown to be Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R)-dependent, co-injection of IGF-1 with CLCF1/CRLF1 failed to induce further proliferation of either Müller glia or rod precursor cells. Together, these findings demonstrate that CNTFR ligands have a neuroprotective effect and are required for induction of Müller glia proliferation in the light-damaged zebrafish retina.
Is the Endangered Species Act living to its full potential? The reassessment of the conservation status and recovery of Macbridea alba Chapm. as a case study
Authors: Johnson Sara Ann , Molano-Flores Brenda
Published: February 2023

Since 1988, the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund or “Section 6” fund facilitates partnerships between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and state agencies that aim to provide data pertinent to the recovery of Endangered Species Act (ESA) protected species. Despite the success of these efforts, research for rare plants is chronically underfunded and many species experience long periods of research inactivity that hinders their conservation. One example is Macbridea alba Chapm. (white birds-in-a-nest, Lamiaceae, M. alba from hereon), a federally threatened and state endangered mint endemic to four counties within the Florida panhandle. The species is a candidate for delisting after 30 years of protection under the ESA, however a lack of up-to-date data associated with the species has continually challenged the implementation of effective conservation programs and prolonged the recovery process. The focus of this paper is to review the timeline of recovery goals for M. alba, present a summary of recent research findings (i.e., species distribution models, habitat associations, reproductive ecology), and identify achievements as well as persistent obstacles to recovery and delisting. Our research focused on 5 of 10 recovery actions listed in the recovery plan for M. alba. Our findings provide updated data and make novel contributions to the protection of M. alba that will prioritize and improve management efforts. Overall, our work highlights frequent barriers to the recovery and delisting of rare species, using an endemic plant species as a case-study. Importantly, we outline effective methods for the rapid assessment of at-risk plant species that due to enduring data gaps, face an uncertain future in listing and recovery. We hope our work provides a convincing case demonstrating the critical need for current and expanded ESA funding and encourages a diversity of individuals and institutions to participate in critical rare plant research to swiftly fill research gaps and expedite recovery of some of the rarest plant species across the United States.
Protocol for pyrotinib cardiac safety in patients with HER2-positive early or locally advanced breast cancer–The EARLY-MYO-BC study
Authors: Chai Yezi , Jiang Meng , Wang Yaohui , Liu Qiming , Lu Qifan , Tao Zhengyu , Wu Qizhen , Yin Wenjin , Lu Jinsong , Pu Jun
Published: February 2023

Background and aim

Cardiotoxicity has become the most common cause of non-cancer death among breast cancer patients. Pyrotinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting HER2, has been successfully used to treat breast cancer patients but has also resulted in less well-understood cardiotoxicity. This prospective, controlled, open-label, observational trial was designed to characterize pyrotinib’s cardiac impacts in the neoadjuvant setting for patients with HER2-positive early or locally advanced breast cancer.

Patients and methods

The EARLY-MYO-BC study will prospectively enroll HER2-positive breast cancer patients who are scheduled to receive four cycles of neoadjuvant therapy with pyrotinib or pertuzumab added to trastuzumab before radical breast cancer surgery. Patients will undergo comprehensive cardiac assessment before and after neoadjuvant therapy, including laboratory measures, electrocardiography, transthoracic echocardiography, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). To test the non-inferiority of pyrotinib plus trastuzumab therapy to pertuzumab plus trastuzumab therapy in terms of cardiac safety, the primary endpoint will be assessed by the relative change in global longitudinal strain from baseline to completion of neoadjuvant therapy by echocardiography. The secondary endpoints include myocardial diffuse fibrosis (by T1-derived extracellular volume), myocardial edema (by T2 mapping), cardiac volumetric assessment by CMR, diastolic function (by left ventricular volume, left atrial volume, E/A, and E/E’) by echocardiography, and exercise capacity by CPET.

Discussion

This study will comprehensively assess the impacts of pyrotinib on myocardial structural, function, and tissue characteristics, and, furthermore, will determine whether pyrotinib plus trastuzumab is a reasonable dual HER2 blockade regimen with regard to cardiac safety. Results may provide information in selecting an appropriate anti-HER2 treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer.

Clinical trial registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier NCT04510532
Hydrothermal fluid evolution in the Cuonadong Sn–W–Be polymetallic deposit, southern Tibet: indicated by the in–situ element and boron isotope compositions of tourmaline
Authors: Xie Guozhi , Yan Haibo , Zhang Rongqing , Wang Kun , Zhang Lipeng
Published: February 2023

The Cuonadong Sn–W–Be polymetallic deposit in the Himalayan leucogranite belt is a representative hydrothermal deposit. The role of fluid exsolution directly from magma and the fluid reaction with surrounding rocks for ore-forming element enrichment is still controversial. Tourmaline is a significant B-bearing mineral in the hydrothermal deposit, and its geochemical and B isotopic signatures can record the source and evolution of the ore-forming fluid. Two types of hydrothermal tourmaline in the hydrothermal quartz vein (Tur-1) and skarn (Tur-2) were used in this study. Both Tur-1 and Tur-2 have low X-site occupancy and mainly belong to the alkali group. Tur-1 plots in the schorl field, whereas Tur-2 is largely Mg-rich dravite. The B isotope analyses of Tur-1 have δ11B values of −13.7 to −13.2‰, whereas Tur-2 has higher δ11B values of −11.1 to −9.3‰. The distinct contact relationship and geochemical compositions suggest that Tur-1 in the hydrothermal vein was formed from a magmatic-hydrothermal fluid with little influence from surrounding rocks and had a genetic relationship with the Cuonadong leucogranite, whereas Tur-2 in the skarn involved more fluid from surrounding rocks with high δ11B values and strong metasomatic texture. The higher ore-forming element contents in Tur-2 than those in Tur-1 indicate that the reaction between the magmatic exsolution fluid and the surrounding rock is essential for the enrichment and precipitation of ore-forming elements.
Origin and implication of two newly identified peraluminous A-type granites in the early Paleozoic orogeny, Southeast Asia
Authors: Shu Xu-Jie , Jiang Wei , Wang Dan , Cheng Cheng , Wang Hong-Zuo
Published: February 2023

Abstract: The amalgamation of the Yangtze and the Cathaysia Block in Neoproterozoic time led to the formation of the South China Block (SCB) and generated the Jiangnan Orogen with the occurrences of juvenile magmatic rocks. After this orogeny, a typical collisional orogen formed during the early Paleozoic period in Southeast Asia which is mainly distributed in the Wuyi-Nanling-Yunkai area in the SCB. However, the transitional time from syn-collisional compression to post-collisional extension is debatable. Here, we present new data on zircon U-Pb zircon ages, Lu-Hf isotopes, and geochemistry for the Guzhang and Shadi granites from the Nanling area, South China. Both plutons have similar zircon 238U/206Pb ages of ca. 430 Ma. Petrographic and geochemical characteristics (e.g., FeOt/(FeOt+MgO) = 0.82–0.95) indicate that both granites are peraluminous A-type, with high Ga/Al ratios (2.43–2.91) as well as high concentrations of Zr, Nb, Ce, Y (sum values from 327 to 527 ppm), and formation temperature (820°C–845°C). Shadi granite exhibit high positive εHf(t) values (clustering within 0 to +6) while Guzhang granite show relatively lower εHf(t) values (−8.7 to −2.9). Their mildly negative to positive zircon εHf(t) values are higher than that of many coeval granites and can be derived from anhydrous melting of tonalitic genesis in the middle crustal depth, with the Shadi pluton having more orthometamorphite in the source. The ages and Hf isotopic compositions of inherited zircons (εHf(t = 960 Ma) = 9.2, εHf(t = 950 Ma) = 7.3) suggest that the Neoproterozoic juvenile magmatic rocks in the Jiangnan Orogen were a significant source for these granites. We interpret these A-type granites derived at the post-collisional stage. Their occurrence indicates that the geological setting of this Paleozoic orogen shifted from compression to extension no later than 430 Ma.
Different sleep pattern in over-weight/obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Oberg Emma , Blomberg Liselotte , Åkerstedt Torbjörn , Hirschberg Angelica Lindén
Published: February 2023

Context

Sleep duration and sleep quality have important health implications although our knowledge of objectively measured sleep variables in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is limited.

Objective

To compare sleep variables assessed by actigraphy in over-weight/obese women with PCOS and controls, and to assess sleep variables after behavioral modification intervention in comparison with minimal intervention in a randomized trial.

Design

Randomized controlled trial, and a control group.

Setting

Outpatient gynecological clinic at a university hospital in Sweden.

Participants

39 women fulfilling all Rotterdam PCOS criteria, randomized to behavioral modification intervention or minimal intervention and 21 controls with no other metabolic disease, all aged 18‐40 years with a BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2.

Intervention

A four-month behavioral modification intervention including weekly group meetings focusing on behavioral and healthy lifestyle aspects. Minimal intervention reflecting standard care.

Main outcome measure

Sleep durations and sleep efficiency assessed by actigraphy.

Results

Compared to the control group, women with PCOS had significantly shorter time in bed (501 vs 548 min, p= 0.049), sleep time over 24 hours (448 vs 567 min, p=0.005) and sleep time at night (434 vs 511 min, p=0.002), poorer sleep efficiency (87 vs 93%, p<0.001), and longer wakefulness after sleep onset (64 vs 38 min, p<0.001). However, total sleep time at night for women with PCOS (7.2hrs) was within the normal range. Following behavioral modification intervention, the reduction from baseline in sleep over 24 hours and in the daytime sleep were significant compared to the minimal intervention group (78 min, p=0.009 and 43 min, p=0.003 respectively).

Conclusions

We found over-weight/obese women with PCOS to have normal sleep duration, but worse sleep efficiency than controls. Behavioral modification intervention seems to reduce the amount of daytime sleep, suggesting improved sleep behavior.

Clinical trials registration

https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN48947168, identifier ISRCTN48947168.
Irisin: An anti-inflammatory exerkine in aging and redox-mediated comorbidities
Authors: Trettel Caio dos Santos , Pelozin Bruno Rocha de Avila , Barros Marcelo Paes , Bachi André Luis Lacerda , Braga Pedro Gabriel Senger , Momesso César Miguel , Furtado Guilherme Eustáquio , Valente Pedro Afonso , Oliveira Edilamar Menezes , Hogervorst Eef , Fernandes Tiago
Published: February 2023

Human beings lead largely sedentary lives. From an evolutionary perspective, such lifestyle is not beneficial to health. Exercise can promote many enabling pathways, particularly through circulating exerkines, to optimize individual health and quality of life. Such benefits might explain the protective effects of exercise against aging and noncommunicable diseases. Nevertheless, the miRNA-mediated molecular mechanisms and exerkine interorgan crosstalk that underlie the beneficial effects of exercise remain poorly understood. In this mini review, we focused on the exerkine, irisin, mainly produced by muscle contraction during adaptation to exercise and its beneficial effects on body homeostasis. Herein, the complex role of irisin in metabolism and inflammation is described, including its subsequent effects on thermogenesis through browning to control obesity and improve glycemic regulation for diabetes mellitus control, its potential to improve cognitive function (via brain derived neurotrophic factor), and its pathways of action and role in aging.
A user-friendly nomogram for predicting radioiodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Meng Chao , Song Juanjuan , Long Wen , Mu Zhuanzhuan , Sun Yuqing , Liang Jun , Lin Yansong
Published: February 2023

Background

The diagnosis of radioiodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RAIR-DTC) is primarily based on clinical evolution and iodine uptake over the lesions, which is still time-consuming, thus urging a predictive model for timely RAIR-DTC informing. The aim of this study was to develop a nomogram model for RAIR prediction among DTC patients with distant metastases (DM).

Methods

Data were extracted from the treatment and follow-up databases of Peking Union Medical College Hospital between 2010 and 2021. A total of 124 patients were included and divided into RAIR (n=71) and non-RAIR (n=53) according to 2015 ATA guidelines. All patients underwent total thyroidectomy followed by at least two courses of RAI treatment. Serological markers and various clinical, pathological, genetic status, and imaging factors were integrated into this study. The pre-treatment stimulated Tg and pre- and post-treatment suppressed Tg at the first and second course RAI treatment were defined as s-Tg1, s-Tg2, sup-Tg1, and sup-Tg2, respectively. Δs-Tg denoted s-Tg1/s-Tg2, and Δs-TSH denoted s-TSH1/s-TSH2. Multivariate logistic regression and correlation analysis were utilized to determine the independent predictors of RAIR. The performance of the nomogram was assessed by internal validation and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and benefit in clinical decision-making was assessed using decision curve.

Results

In univariate logistic regression, nine possible risk factors were related to RAIR. Correlation analysis showed four of the above factors associated with RAIR. Through multivariate logistic regression, Δs-Tg/Δs-TSH<1.50 and age upon diagnosis were obtained to develop a convenient nomogram model for predicting RAIR. The model was internally validated and had good predictive efficacy with an AUC of 0.830, specificity of 0.830, and sensitivity of 0.755. The decision curve also showed that if the model is used for clinical decision-making when the probability threshold is between 0.23 and 0.97, the net benefit of patients is markedly higher than that of the TreatAll and TreatNone control groups.

By using 1.50 as a cut-off ofΔs-Tg/Δs-TSH, differing biochemical progression among the generally so-called RAIR can be further stratified as meaningfully rapidly or slowly progressive patients (P=0.012).

Conclusions

A convenient user-friendly nomogram model was developed with good predictive efficacy for RAIR. The progression of RAIR can be further stratified as rapidly or slowly progressive by using 1.50 as a cut-off value of Δs-Tg/Δs-TSH.
A deep learning-based framework for the operation prediction of primary heat transfer loop in nuclear power plants
Authors: Shi Tianzi , She Jingke , Li Pingfan , Jiang Jianjian , Chen Wei
Published: February 2023

A deep learning-based multi-node framework is constructed in this work to provide a data-driven platform that provides predictions for the operation condition of the primary heat transfer (PHT) loop in nuclear power plants (NPPs). Several deep learning models that have been verified and demonstrated in previous researches, such as Long-Short Term Memory (LSTM), Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), and zigmoid-based LSTM (zLSTM), are applied to modeling critical system parameters at three important nodes in the PHT loop. The feature extraction and process memory are enhanced via the collaborative work of CNN and LSTM. zLSTM, on the other hand, is successfully utilized to strengthen the long-term memory, especially for predictions of a node with multivariate inputs such as the steam generator. The node prediction results are also adopted for a polynomial fitting that generates an additional input to the next node, allowing each node to select a more accurate input. According to the verification experiments based on Loss of Coolant Accident (LOCA), the Mean Squared Error (MSE) result (1.29 × 10−3) and the Mean Absolute Error (MAE) result (1.37 × 10−2) of 0.7 cm2 LOCA case demonstrate the functionality and accuracy of the proposed framework. It is found that the fitting error (MSE) in the outlet node at 0.7 cm2 case is 38.5% lower than the prediction, showing the advantage of applying both deep learning and fitting methods. The best performance, in term of MSE, is obtained at SG node in the 0.7 cm2 case, where its processing error (0.001285) is 93.2% lower than that of the baseline models. Both the validation and verification experiments successfully proved the feasibility and advantages of the proposed framework, which offers an alternative option for the operation analysis of PHT performance.
Application of machine learning technologies in biodiesel production process—A review
Authors: Awogbemi Omojola , Kallon Daramy Vandi Von
Published: February 2023

The search for renewable, affordable, sustainable, and ecologically benign fuels to substitute fossil-based diesel fuels has led to increased traction in the search for biodiesel production and utilization in recent times. Biodiesel, a form of liquid biofuel, has been found to alleviate environmental degradation, enhance engine performance, and reduce emissions of toxic gases in transportation and other internal combustion engines. However, biodiesel production processes have been dogged with various challenges and complexities which have limited its expected progression. The introduction of data-based technologies is one of the remedies aimed at deescalating the challenges associated with biodiesel synthesis. In this study, the application of machine learning (ML) –based technologies including artificial neural network (ANN), response surface methodology (RSM), adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), etc. As tools for the prediction, modeling, and optimization of the biodiesel production process was interrogated based on the outcomes of previous studies in the research domain. Specifically, we review the influence of input variables like alcohol: oil molar ratio, catalyst concentration, reaction temperature, residence time, and agitation speed on the biodiesel yield (output variable). The outcome of this investigation shows that the usage of ANN, RSM, ANFIS, and other machine learning technologies raised biodiesel yield to between 84% and 98% while the statistical verification shows that the Pearson correlation coefficient and coefficient of determination are close to 1. Going forward, more targeted and collaborative research is needed to escalate the use of innovative technologies for the entire biodiesel value chain to enhance production efficiency, ensure economic feasibility, and promote sustainability.
Spatial convergence and influencing factors of green total factor productivity of China’s urban agglomerations
Authors: Mao Jinhuang , Yu Zhi , Wang Yifan , Wang Lintao , Wang Meimei
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Based on the green economic growth theory and the background of comprehensive promotion of high-quality development, the article evaluates and analyzes the dynamic evolution, convergence mechanism and influencing factors of Green Total Factor Productivity (GTFP) growth in 19 major urban agglomerations.

Methods: By using the SBM-GML model method, the paper aims to study the existence of differences in green economic operation in urban agglomerations.

Results: (1) The GTFP of Chinese urban agglomerations is in an effective state driven by technological progress, and the core driving role of technical efficiency has not been fully exploited, the constraints and limitations of resources, energy and environment on the space of high-quality development of urban agglomerations still exist. (2) There is no δ convergence in the GTFP growth of urban agglomerations, but there is a trend of β convergence, the pattern of coordinated regional development is gradually forming. (3) The eastern urban agglomerations show the competitiveness of green development and spatial convergence rate of GTFP growth better than other regions, and even present a synergistic development situation. (4) Industrial structure and financial service level have positive effects on GTFP growth of urban agglomerations, while business environment and capital deepening level have negative effects on them.

Discussion: The research aims to provide reference for decision making to comprehensively promote regional synergistic development strategy in urban agglomerations of mainland China.
Reduced reflectance and altered color: The potential cost of external particulate matter accumulation on urban Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) feathers
Authors: Ellis Jennifer L. , Ponette-González Alexandra G. , Fry Matthew , Johnson Jeff A.
Published: February 2023

Feather quality in birds is considered an honest signal of individual health as feather appearance and function depend on an individual’s ability to maintain them. In addition to flight and insulation, feathers are essential for social interactions and sexual selection in the form of visual signals. Airborne particulate matter (PM) can accumulate on feather surfaces and alter feather appearance. We quantified PM accumulation on Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) feathers and analyzed the spectral properties of extracted particulates. Feathers were sampled from two pigeon populations, one rural and one urban, in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, with 47 and 93% developed land cover, respectively, within 2 km of the populations. We determined accumulated PM gravimetrically after rinsing feathers and then measured the visible-near-infrared diffuse reflectance and color properties of extracted particulates. The rate of PM accumulation on rural birds was higher than on urban birds. However, feather particulates collected from urban pigeons had significantly lower total reflectance, reflectance in the visible portion of the spectrum, lightness, and hue angle compared to those of rural pigeons. The hue angle of rural feather particulates displayed a negative relationship with PM accumulation while total reflectance, reflectance in the visible range, and lightness of urban feather particulates were negatively related to PM accumulation. Our findings suggest that wild birds could incur an urban pollution penalty as PM accumulation has the potential to alter feather properties. Further research is needed to better understand the influence of external PM accumulation on the physiological and behavioral health of birds.
An advanced molecular medicine case report of a rare human tumor using genomics, pathomics, and radiomics
Authors: Ma Li , Peterson Erich A. , Shin Ik Jae , Muesse Jason , Marino Katy , Steliga Mathew A. , Atiq Omar , Arnaoutakis Konstantinos , Wardell Christopher , Wooldridge Jacob , Prior Fred , Johann Donald J.
Published: February 2023

Background: Pulmonary Sclerosing Pneumocytoma (PSP) is a rare tumor of the lung with a low malignant potential that primarily affects females. Initial studies of PSP focused primarily on analyzing features uncovered using conventional X-ray or CT imaging. In recent years, because of the widespread use of next-generation sequencing (NGS), the study of PSP at the molecular-level has emerged.

Methods: Analytical approaches involving genomics, radiomics, and pathomics were performed. Genomics studies involved both DNA and RNA analyses. DNA analyses included the patient’s tumor and germline tissues and involved targeted panel sequencing and copy number analyses. RNA analyses included tumor and adjacent normal tissues and involved studies covering expressed mutations, differential gene expression, gene fusions and molecular pathways. Radiomics approaches were utilized on clinical imaging studies and pathomics techniques were applied to tumor whole slide images.

Results: A comprehensive molecular profiling endeavor involving over 50 genomic analyses corresponding to 16 sequencing datasets of this rare neoplasm of the lung were generated along with detailed radiomic and pathomic analyses to reveal insights into the etiology and molecular behavior of the patient’s tumor. Driving mutations (AKT1) and compromised tumor suppression pathways (TP53) were revealed. To ensure the accuracy and reproducibility of this study, a software infrastructure and methodology known as NPARS, which encapsulates NGS and associated data, open-source software libraries and tools including versions, and reporting features for large and complex genomic studies was used.

Conclusion: Moving beyond descriptive analyses towards more functional understandings of tumor etiology, behavior, and improved therapeutic predictability requires a spectrum of quantitative molecular medicine approaches and integrations. To-date this is the most comprehensive study of a patient with PSP, which is a rare tumor of the lung. Detailed radiomic, pathomic and genomic molecular profiling approaches were performed to reveal insights regarding the etiology and molecular behavior. In the event of recurrence, a rational therapy plan is proposed based on the uncovered molecular findings.
Systemic inflammatory regulators and proliferative diabetic retinopathy: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Shi Qiqin , Wang Qiangsheng , Wang Zhenqian , Lu Jiawen , Wang Ruobing
Published: February 2023

Background

Increasing evidence shows that systemic inflammation is an embedded mechanism of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). However, the specific systemic inflammatory factors involved in this process remained obscure. The study aimed to identify the upstream and downstream systemic regulators of PDR by using Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses.

Methods

We performed a bidirectional two-sample MR analysis implementing the results from genome-wide association studies for 41 serum cytokines from 8,293 Finnish individuals, and PDR from FinnGen consortium (2,025 cases vs. 284,826 controls) and eight cohorts of European ancestry (398 cases vs. 2,848 controls), respectively. The inverse-variance-weighted method was adopted as the main MR method, and four additional MR methods (MR-Egger, weighted-median, MR-pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO), and MR-Steiger filtering methods) were used for the sensitivity analyses. Results from FinnGen and eight cohorts were pooled into a meta-analysis.

Results

Our results showed that genetically predicted higher stem cell growth factor-β (SCGFb) and interleukin-8 were positively associated with an elevated risk of PDR, with a combined effect of one standard deviation (SD) increase in SCGFb and interleukin-8 causing 11.8% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.6%, 24.2%]) and 21.4% [95% CI: 3.8%, 41.9%]) higher risk of PDR, respectively. In contrast, genetically predisposition to PDR showed a positive association with the increased levels of growth-regulated oncogene-α (GROa), stromal cell-derived factor-1 alpha (SDF1a), monocyte chemotactic protein-3 (MCP3), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF), interleukin-12p70, and interleukin-2 receptor subunit alpha (IL-2ra).

Conclusions

Our MR study identified two upstream regulators and six downstream effectors of PDR, providing opportunities for new therapeutic exploitation of PDR onset. Nonetheless, these nominal associations of systemic inflammatory regulators and PDR require validation in larger cohorts.
Anti-inflammatory effects of vagus nerve stimulation in pediatric patients with epilepsy
Authors: Kaur Supender , Selden Nathan R. , Aballay Alejandro
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The neural control of the immune system by the nervous system is critical to maintaining immune homeostasis, whose disruption may be an underlying cause of several diseases, including cancer, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Methods

Here we studied the role of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) on gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Vagus nerve stimulation is widely used as an alternative treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy. Thus, we studied the impact that VNS treatment has on PBMCs isolated from a cohort of existing patients with medically refractory epilepsy. A comparison of genome-wide changes in gene expression was made between the epilepsy patients treated and non-treated with vagus nerve stimulation.

Results

The analysis showed downregulation of genes related to stress, inflammatory response, and immunity, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect of VNS in epilepsy patients. VNS also resulted in the downregulation of the insulin catabolic process, which may reduce circulating blood glucose.

Discussion

These results provide a potential molecular explanation for the beneficial role of the ketogenic diet, which also controls blood glucose, in treating refractory epilepsy. The findings indicate that direct VNS might be a useful therapeutic alternative to treat chronic inflammatory conditions.
Vaccination using mutated receptor binding domains of SARS-CoV-2: Evidence for partial immune escape but not serotype formation
Authors: Chang Xinyue , Liu Xuelan , Martina Byron , Zeltins Andris , Augusto Gilles , Vogel Monique , Mohsen Mona O. , Speiser Daniel E. , Bachmann Martin F.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

SARS-CoV-2 has developed a number of Variants of Concern (VOC) with increased infectivity and/or reduced recognition by neutralizing antibodies specific for the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein. Extended studies of other viruses have shown that strong and broad viral escape from neutralizing serum antibodies is typically associated with the formation of serotypes.

Methods

To address the question of serotype formation for SARS-CoV-2 in detail, we generated recombinant RBDs of VOCs and displayed them on virus-like particles (VLPs) for vaccination and specific antibody responses.

Results

As expected, mice immunized with wild type (wt) RBD generated antibodies that recognized wt RBD well but displayed reduced binding to VOC RBDs, in particular those with the E484K mutation. Unexpectedly, however, antibodies induced by the VOC vaccines typically recognized best the wt RBDs, often more than the homologous VOC RBDs used for immunization. Hence, these data do not reveal different serotypes but represent a newly observed viral evolution, suggesting a unique situation where inherent differences of RBDs are responsible for induction of neutralizing antibodies.

Discussion

Therefore, besides antibody (fine) specificity, other qualities of antibodies (e.g. their affinity) determine neutralizing capability. Immune escape of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs only affects a fraction of an individual’s serum antibodies. Consequently, many neutralizing serum antibodies are cross-reactive and thus protective against multiple current and future VOCs. Besides considering variant sequences for next generation vaccines, broader protection will be achieved with vaccines that induce elevated titers of high-quality antibodies.
Novel infrastructure for coral gardening and reefscaping
Authors: Schmidt-Roach Sebastian , Klaus Rebecca , Al-Suwailem Abdulaziz M. , Prieto Alejandro R. , Charrière Julian , Hauser Charlotte A. E. , Duarte Carlos M. , Aranda Manuel
Published: February 2023

Since 1950, coral abundance has declined worldwide by an estimated 60%, and further dramatic declines are predicted. Although global reductions in carbon emissions are essential to prevent further loss, coral reef restoration has become imperative to maintain the ecosystem services that coral reefs provide to humans at local scales. Yet, currently coral restoration and gardening efforts are too expensive to scale up due to the labor-intensive nature of the methods and low success rates. Here, we present a suite of technologies that improve coral reef restoration and rehabilitation’s scalability, efficiency, and effectiveness. Our modular technologies are designed to streamline in and ex situ nursery workflows, reduce maintenance times, solve problems in transporting corals to outplanting sites, and enable rapid outplanting on natural and artificial substrates. These novel structures can act as coral seeding hubs, which placed strategically, can have the capacity to enhance coral reproduction and replenish degraded nearby reefs with larvae. They can be applied to coral restoration and reefscaping, complemented by unique eco-friendly, low-carbon-emission structures for the creation of architecturally and visually appealing habitats and underwater landscapes. Our technologies integrate novel monitoring approaches that support intelligent solutions to track genotypes, optimize and control stock management, apply assisted evolution approaches, and adaptive management through long-term monitoring.
Role of the skin microbiota and intestinal microbiome in rosacea
Authors: Zhu Weitao , Hamblin Michael R. , Wen Xiang
Published: February 2023

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory cutaneous disorder of uncertain etiology that mainly affects the centrofacial region, including cheeks, nose, chin, forehead, and eyes. The pathogenesis of rosacea remains unclear because it involves several complex factors. Additionally, the potential treatment methods need to be explored. We reviewed the common bacterial species in the skin microbiota and gut microbiota of rosacea patients such as Demodex folliculorum, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus oleronius, Cutibacterium acnes, and Helicobacter pylori and identified their role in the pathogenesis. Besides, we summarized the influence factors such as temperature and age on rosacea patients. We also systematically reviewed the commonly used clinical treatment methods, including antibiotics, probiotics. as well as their treatment mechanism and application precautions.
Bacterial effector kinases and strategies to identify their target host substrates
Authors: St. Louis Brendyn M. , Quagliato Sydney M. , Lee Pei-Chung
Published: February 2023

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are critical in regulating protein function by altering chemical characteristics of proteins. Phosphorylation is an integral PTM, catalyzed by kinases and reversibly removed by phosphatases, that modulates many cellular processes in response to stimuli in all living organisms. Consequently, bacterial pathogens have evolved to secrete effectors capable of manipulating host phosphorylation pathways as a common infection strategy. Given the importance of protein phosphorylation in infection, recent advances in sequence and structural homology search have significantly expanded the discovery of a multitude of bacterial effectors with kinase activity in pathogenic bacteria. Although challenges exist due to complexity of phosphorylation networks in host cells and transient interactions between kinases and substrates, approaches are continuously being developed and applied to identify bacterial effector kinases and their host substrates. In this review, we illustrate the importance of exploiting phosphorylation in host cells by bacterial pathogens via the action of effector kinases and how these effector kinases contribute to virulence through the manipulation of diverse host signaling pathways. We also highlight recent developments in the identification of bacterial effector kinases and a variety of techniques to characterize kinase-substrate interactions in host cells. Identification of host substrates provides new insights for regulation of host signaling during microbial infection and may serve as foundation for developing interventions to treat infection by blocking the activity of secreted effector kinases.
Dietary Bacillus licheniformis shapes the foregut microbiota, improving nutrient digestibility and intestinal health in broiler chickens
Authors: Han Yunsheng , Xu Xin , Wang Jiaxin , Cai Hongying , Li Daojie , Zhang Hongwei , Yang Peilong , Meng Kun
Published: February 2023

Bacillus licheniformis is considered a potential alternative to antibiotic growth promoters of animal growth and health. However, the effects of Bacillus licheniformis on the foregut and hindgut microbiota, and their relationships with nutrient digestion and health, in broiler chickens remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to identify the effects of Bacillus licheniformis BCG on intestinal digestion and absorption, tight junctions, inflammation, and the fore- and hind-gut microbiota. We randomly assigned 240 1-day-old male AA broilers into three treatment groups: CT (basal diet), BCG1 (basal diet + 1.0 × 108 CFU/kg B. licheniformis BCG), and BCG2 (basal diet + 1.0 × 109 CFU/kg B. licheniformis BCG). On day 42, the jejunal and ileal chyme and mucosa were subjected to analysis of digestive enzyme activity, nutrient transporters, tight junctions, and signaling molecules associated with inflammation. The ileal and cecal chyme were subjected to microbiota analysis. Compared with the CT group, the B. licheniformis BCG group showed significantly greater jejunal and ileal α-amylase, maltase, and sucrase activity; moreover, the α-amylase activity in the BCG2 group was higher than that in the BCG1 group (P < 0.05). The transcript abundance of FABP-1 and FATP-1 in the BCG2 group was significantly greater than that in the CT and BCG1 groups, and the GLUT-2 and LAT-1 relative mRNA levels were greater in the BCG2 group than the CT group (P < 0.05). Dietary B. licheniformis BCG resulted in significantly higher ileal occludin, and lower IL-8 and TLR-4 mRNA levels than observed in the CT group (P < 0.05). B. licheniformis BCG supplementation significantly decreased bacterial community richness and diversity in the ileum (P < 0.05). Dietary B. licheniformis BCG shaped the ileac microbiota by increasing the prevalence of f_Sphingomonadaceae, Sphingomonas, and Limosilactobacillus, and contributed to nutrient digestion and absorption; moreover, it enhanced the intestinal barrier by increasing the prevalence of f_Lactobacillaceae, Lactobacillus, and Limosilactobacillus. Dietary B. licheniformis BCG decreased microbial community diversity by diminishing Desulfovibrio, Alistipes, Campylobacter, Vibrio, Streptococcus, and Escherichia coli-Shigella levels, and down-regulating inflammatory associated molecule expression. Therefore, dietary B. licheniformis BCG contributed to digestion and absorption of nutrients, enhanced the intestinal physical barrier, and decreased intestinal inflammation in broilers by decreasing microbial diversity and optimizing the microbiota structure.