bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
About this title - Minor Minerals, Major Implications: Using Key Mineral Phases to Unravel the Formation and Evolution of Earth's Crust
Authors: van Schijndel V. , Cutts K. , Pereira I. , Guitreau M. , Volante S. , Tedeschi M.
Published: January 2023

Key minerals, including zircon, apatite, titanite, rutile, monazite, xenotime, allanite and garnet, can retain critical information about petrogenetic and geodynamic processes. This Special Publication showcases snapshots of the latest developments using key minerals in igneous, metamorphic and detrital rocks through current-state reviews, contributions focused on case studies and newly developed techniques.
On Monotonic Determinacy and Rewritability for Recursive Queries and Views
Authors: Benedikt Michael , Kikot Stanislav , Ostropolski-Nalewaja Piotr , Romero Miguel
Published: January 2023

A query
Q
is monotonically determined over a set of views
V
if
Q
can be expressed as a monotonic function of the view image. In the case of relational algebra views and queries, monotonic determinacy coincides with rewritability as a union of conjunctive queries, and it is decidable in important special cases, such as for conjunctive query views and queries. We investigate the situation for views and queries in the recursive query language Datalog. We give both positive and negative results about the ability to decide monotonic determinacy, and also about the co-incidence of monotonic determinacy with Datalog rewritability.
Open-Domain Response Generation in Low-Resource Settings using Self-Supervised Pre-Training of Warm-Started Transformers
Authors: Naous Tarek , Bassyouni Zahraa , Mousi Bassel , Hajj Hazem , Hajj Wassim El , Shaban Khaled
Published: January 2023

Learning response generation models constitute the main component of building open-domain dialogue systems. However, training open-domain response generation models requires large amounts of labeled data and pre-trained language generation models that are often nonexistent for low-resource languages. In this article, we propose a framework for training open-domain response generation models in low-resource settings. We consider Dialectal Arabic (DA) as a working example. The framework starts by warm-starting a transformer-based encoder-decoder with pre-trained language model parameters. Next, the resultant encoder-decoder model is adapted to DA by employing self-supervised pre-training on large-scale unlabeled data in the desired dialect. Finally, the model is fine-tuned on a very small labeled dataset for open-domain response generation. The results show significant performance improvements on three spoken Arabic dialects after adopting the framework’s three stages, highlighted by higher BLEU and lower Perplexity scores compared with multiple baseline models. Specifically, our models are capable of generating fluent responses in multiple dialects with an average human-evaluated fluency score above 4. Our data is made publicly available.
A case study on genomic imprinting facilitates student learning
Authors: Goudsouzian Lara K. , Lo Stanley M.
Published: January 2023

Students often struggle with the concept of genomic imprinting, in part because it violates Mendelian rules of inheritance. Students learned about genomic imprinting, and enjoyed doing it when completing this case study.
The transcription factor Foxi1 promotes expression of V-ATPase and Gpr116 in M-1 cells
Authors: Kui Mackenzie , Pluznick Jennifer L. , Zaidman Nathan A.
Published: January 2023

Transfection of M-1 cells with the transcription factor Foxi1 generates cells that express V-ATPase and Gpr116 as well as other genes associated with renal intercalated cells. This straightforward and novel in vitro system could be used to study processes including transcriptional regulation and cell specification and differentiation in renal intercalated cells.
Mechanisms of reduced cerebral blood flow in cerebral edema and elevated intracranial pressure
Authors: Zadka Yuliya , Doron Omer , Rosenthal Guy , Barnea Ofer
Published: January 2023

Study goal was to elucidate the role of “bulk flow” of ISF through brain parenchyma. A model was developed to simulate fluid shifts in brain edema, ICP elevation, and their effect on CBF. Bulk flow resistance affected by edema elevates ICP and reduces CBF. Bulk flow affects transmural pressure and volume distribution in brain compartments. Changes in bulk flow resistance result in increase of venous resistance to flow and decrease in CBF.
Effects of hydroxyurea on skeletal muscle energetics and force production in a sickle cell disease murine model
Authors: Michel Constance P. , Bendahan David , Giannesini Benoit , Vilmen Christophe , Le Fur Yann , Messonnier Laurent A.
Published: January 2023

Our results highlighted that force production decreases between 2 and 4 mo of age in SCD mice thereby indicating a decrease of muscle function during this period. Of interest, HU treatment seemed to blunt the observed age effect given that SCD4 m-HU mice displayed a higher specific force production as compared with SCD4 m mice. In that respect, HU treatment would help to maintain a higher capacity of force production during aging in SCD.
Two weeks of high-intensity interval training increases skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration via complex-specific remodeling in sedentary humans
Authors: Batterson Philip M. , McGowan Erin M. , Stierwalt Harrison D. , Ehrlicher Sarah E. , Newsom Sean A. , Robinson Matthew M.
Published: January 2023

Aerobic training stimulates mitochondrial metabolism in skeletal muscle that is linked to improvements to whole body fuel metabolism. The mechanisms driving changes to the quantity and quality (function per unit) of mitochondria are less known. We used seven sessions of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to determine functional changes and mechanisms of mitochondrial remodeling in skeletal muscle. HIIT increased mitochondrial respiration per mass for fatty acids, complex I, and complex II substrates. HIIT-induced remodeling pathways including gene transcripts for mitochondrial respiration (via RNA sequencing of muscle tissue) and proteins related to complex I respiration. We conclude that an early feature of aerobic training is increased mitochondrial protein quality via improved respiration and induction of mitochondrial transcriptional patterns.
Faster triceps surae muscle cyclic contractions alter muscle activity and whole body metabolic rate
Authors: Swinnen Wannes , Hoogkamer Wouter , De Groote Friedl , Vanwanseele Benedicte
Published: January 2023

Single muscle fiber studies or research on isolated (ex vivo) muscles demonstrated that faster concentric muscle contractions yield increased energy consumption. Here we translated this knowledge to muscle activation and whole body metabolic rate. Increasing ankle angular velocity increased triceps surae contraction velocity and mechanical work, increasing triceps surae muscle activity and substantially elevating whole body metabolic rate. Additionally, we demonstrated that triceps surae muscle activation strategy depends on the mechanical demands of the task.
Improved Multiscale Learning Dictionary Image Denoising Algorithm in Curved Wave Domain
Authors: Mao Jing , Yu Shunyuan , Chen Jie , Chen Shuo
Published: January 2023

It was proposed to develop a better multiscale learning dictionary picture de-noising technique. The approach improves the adaptive threshold curvilinear transform, which can divide an image into different scale information and be used to build a curvilinear multiscale learning dictionary. The method finished the dictionary and sparse coefficient updates in the picture through circular iterations and then superimposed the matching curvilinear wave domain image blocks and performed the curvilinear inverse transform to generate the denoised image. The test was carried out by adding additive Gaussian noise to a standard grayscale image, and the results revealed that the peak signal-to-noise ratio of the grayscale image de-noising result of this paper’s method was improved by 56.6% on average, and the structural similarity was improved by 0.44 on average, compared to the conventional de-noising algorithm. It was determined that the enhanced approach preserved the picture’s edge and texture information well, that image quality was greatly improved, and that the algorithm’s execution efficiency was superior to that of the conventional de-noising algorithm.
Evaluation of Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Properties of Kojic Acid against Aeromonas sobria and Staphylococcus saprophyticus
Authors: Ye Jing-Xin , Qian Yun-Fang , Lan Wei-Qing , Xie Jing
Published: January 2023

Biofilms composed of microbes and extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) pose a significant risk to human health and lead to economic loss in the food industry. In this study, the antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of kojic acid (KA) against Aeromonas sobria (A. sobria) and Staphylococcus saprophyticus (S. saprophyticus) were investigated by determining the leakage of DNA and protein, cell morphology, biofilm formation, the metabolic activity of biofilms, excretion of EPS, and biofilm architecture. The results indicated that the values of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of A. sobria and S. saprophyticus after KA treatment were 0.4 mg/mL and 1.6 mg/mL, respectively. 1 × MIC KA showed unignorable antimicrobial activity against the two bacteria, leading to alterations in the bacterial physicochemical characteristics and cell death. Sub-MICs of KA can inhibit biofilm formation and decrease the metabolic activity and excretion of EPS, and these inhibition effects were in a dose-dependent manner. These results were further confirmed by the visual images obtained from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Moreover, S. saprophyticus is more susceptible to KA in inhibiting biofilm formation, and for A. sobria, changes in the cell structure and the permeability of the cell membrane were more obvious. This research highlighted the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of KA against A. sobria and S. saprophyticus.
The Prediction of Steel Bar Corrosion Based on BP Neural Networks or Multivariable Gray Models
Authors: Liu Juan , Bai Xuewei
Published: January 2023

The corrosion of steel bars in concrete has a significant impact on the durability of constructed structures. Based on the gray relational analysis (GRA) of the accelerated corrosion data and practical engineering data using MATLAB, a back propagation neural network (BPNN) model, a multivariable gray prediction model (GM (1, N)), and an optimization multivariable gray prediction model (OGM (1, N)) of steel corrosion were established by using a sequence of the key affecting factors. By comparing the prediction results of the three models, it is found that the GM (1, N) model has larger fitting and prediction errors for steel corrosion, while the OGM (1, N) model has smaller prediction errors in the accelerated corrosion data; the BPNN model offers more accurate predictions of the practical engineering data. The results show that the BPNN and OGM (1, N) models are all suitable for the prediction of steel bar corrosion in concrete structures.
Thermal and Dielectric Behaviour of Polymer-Based Nanocomposites Flexible Sheets as Highly Stable Dielectric Materials
Authors: Pervaiz S. , Kanwal N. , Shahzad A. , Saleem M. , Khan I. A.
Published: January 2023

The silica zinc oxide nanoparticles filled poly-vinylidene-fluoride (PVDF)-based nanocomposite flexible sheets (NC FSs) are synthesized by co-precipitation method. The X-ray diffraction patterns reveal the development of various diffraction planes related to zinc oxide (ZnO) and SiO2 phases. The crystallinity of ZnO phase is decreased with increasing weight percent (wt.%) of silica nanofillers (NFs). The scanning electron microscope microstructure of synthesized PVDF-based NCs FSs is changed with increasing wt.% of silica NFs. The energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analyses confirm the presence of different elements and the formation of chemical bonding between them. In high temperature region, the weight-loss of synthesized PVDF-based NCs FSs is decreased from 89.90% to 49.26% with increasing wt.% of silica NFs. The values of dielectric permittivity, loss-factor, impedance, and AC-conductivity of PVDF-based NC FSs synthesized for maximum amount of silica NFs are found to be 13.7, 0.03, 0.16 MΩ, and

19.9
×

10

−
6

 S/m, respectively. Results show that the synthesized PVDF-based NC FSs are the potential candidates of light emitting diodes and energy storage devices.
Hepatitis A: Viral Structure, Classification, Life Cycle, Clinical Symptoms, Diagnosis Error, and Vaccination
Authors: Gholizadeh Omid , Akbarzadeh Sama , Ghazanfari Hashemi Mohamad , Gholami Marjan , Amini Parya , Yekanipour Zahra , Tabatabaie Raheleh , Yasamineh Saman , Hosseini Parastoo , Poortahmasebi Vahdat
Published: January 2023

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is one of the well-known viruses that cause hepatitis all around the globe. Although this illness has decreased in developed countries due to extensive immunization, numerous developing and under-developed countries are struggling with this virus. HAV infection can be spread by oral-fecal contact, and there are frequent epidemics through nutrition. Improvements in socioeconomic and sanitary circumstances have caused a shift in the disease’s prevalence worldwide. Younger children are usually asymptomatic, but as they become older, the infection symptoms begin to appear. Symptoms range from slight inflammation and jaundice to acute liver failure in older individuals. While an acute infection may be self-limiting, unrecognized persistent infections, and the misapplication of therapeutic methods based on clinical guidelines are linked to a higher incidence of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and mortality. Fortunately, most patients recover within two months of infection, though 10–15% of patients will relapse within the first six months. A virus seldom leads to persistent infection or liver damage. The mainstay of therapy is based on supportive care. All children from 12–23 months, as well as some susceptible populations, should receive routine vaccinations, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Laboratory diagnosis of HAV is based on antigen detection, checking liver enzyme levels, and antibody screening. Furthermore, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology has identified HAV in suspected nutrition sources; therefore, this technique is used for preventative measures and food-related laws.
Interaction of Phospholipid, Cholesterol, Beta-Carotene, and Vitamin C Molecules in Liposome-Based Drug Delivery Systems: An In Silico Study
Authors: Hudiyanti D. , Putri V. N. R. , Hikmahwati Y. , Christa S. M. , Siahaan P. , Anugrah D. S. B.
Published: January 2023

This paper investigates the interaction within a liposome-based drug delivery system in silico. Results confirmed that phospholipids, cholesterol, beta-carotene, and vitamin C in the liposome structures interact noncovalently. The formation of noncovalent interactions indicates that the liposomal structures from phospholipid molecules will not result in chemical changes to the drug or any molecules encapsulated within. Noncovalent interactions formed include (i) moderate-strength hydrogen bonds with interaction energies ranging from −73.6434 kJ·mol−1 to −45.6734 kJ·mol−1 and bond lengths ranging from 1.731 Å to 1.827 Å and (ii) van der Waals interactions (induced dipole-induced dipole and induced dipole-dipole interactions) with interaction energies ranging from −4.4735 kJ·mol−1 to −1.5840 kJ·mol−1 and bond lengths ranging from 3.192 Å to 3.742 Å. The studies for several phospholipids with short hydrocarbon chains show that changes in chain length have almost no effect on interaction energy, bond length, and partial atomic charge.
Dietary Fish Meal Level and a Package of Choline, β-Glucan, and Nucleotides Modulate Gut Function, Microbiota, and Health in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar, L.)
Authors: Krogdahl Åshild , Chikwati Elvis M. , Krasnov Aleksei , Dhanasiri Anusha , Berge Gerd M. , Aru Violetta , Khakimov Bekzod , Engelsen Søren Balling , Vinje Hilde , Kortner Trond M.
Published: January 2023

Steatosis and inflammation have been common gut symptoms in Atlantic salmon fed plant rich diets. Choline has recently been identified as essential for salmon in seawater, and β-glucan and nucleotides are frequently used to prevent inflammation. The study is aimed at documenting whether increased fishmeal (FM) levels (8 levels from 0 to 40%) and supplementation (Suppl) with a mixture of choline (3.0 g/kg), β-glucan (0.5 g/kg), and nucleotides (0.5 g/kg) might reduce the symptoms. Salmon (186 g) were fed for 62 days in 16 saltwater tanks before samples were taken from 12 fish per tank for observation of biochemical, molecular, metabolome, and microbiome indicators of function and health. Steatosis but no inflammation was observed. Lipid digestibility increased and steatosis decreased with increasing FM levels and supplementation, seemingly related to choline level. Blood metabolites confirmed this picture. Genes in intestinal tissue affected by FM levels are mainly involved in metabolic and structural functions. Only a few are immune genes. The supplement reduced these FM effects. In gut digesta, increasing FM levels increased microbial richness and diversity, and changed the composition, but only for unsupplemented diets. An average choline requirement of 3.5 g/kg was indicated for Atlantic salmon at the present life stage and under the present condition.
Surface Soil Moisture Estimation Using a Neural Network Model in Bare Land and Vegetated Areas
Authors: Luo Dayou , Wen Xingping , He Ping
Published: January 2023

Most of the approaches to retrieve surface soil moisture (SSM) by optical and thermal infrared (TIR) spectroscopies are purposed to calculate various characteristic bands/indices and then to establish the regression relationship between them in combination with the measurement data. However, due to the combined impact of many factors, the regression relationship often shows nonlinearity. Moreover, the relationship between the single temporal image and the measured data are not transplantable in time and space, which makes it difficult to construct a more general model for the remote sensing (RS) estimation of SSM. In order to solve this problem, the back propagation (BP) neural network (NN) with an excellent nonlinear mapping ability is introduced to determine the relationship between the characteristic band/index and the measurement data. In the BPNN model, the optical and TIR RS data in different periods were taken as the input parameters, and the in situ soil moisture data were treated as the output parameter. There are 12 schemes designed to retrieve SSM. The key findings of study were as follows: (1) the BPNN model could retrieve SSM with a high accuracy that indicates the correlation coefficient between the estimated and measured soil moisture as 0.9001 and (2) the SSM retrieval model based on the BPNN can be applied to estimate the SSM with different spatial resolution values.
Punica granatum L. Polyphenolic Extract as an Antioxidant to Prevent Kidney Injury in Metabolic Syndrome Rats
Authors: Radajewska Anna , Szyller Jakub , Niewiadomska Joanna , Noszczyk-Nowak Agnieszka , Bil-Lula Iwona
Published: January 2023

Introduction. Obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) constitute a rapidly increasing health problem and contribute to the development of multiple comorbidities like acute and chronic kidney disease. Insulin resistance, inappropriate lipolysis, and excess of free fatty acids (FFAs) are associated with glomerulus hyperfiltration and atherosclerosis. The important component of MetS, oxidative stress, is also involved in the destabilization of kidney function and the progression of kidney injury. Natural polyphenols have the ability to reduce the harmful effect of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS). Extract derived from Punica granatum L. is rich in punicalagin that demonstrates positive effects in MetS and its associated diseases. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of bioactive substances of pomegranate peel to kidney damage associated with the MetS. Methods. In this study, we compared biomarkers of oxidative stress in kidney tissue of adult male Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats with MetS and healthy controls that were treated with Punica granatum L. extract at a dose of 100 or 200 mg/kg. Additionally, we evaluated the effect of polyphenolic extract on kidney injury markers and remodeling. The concentration of ROS/RNS, oxLDL, glutathione (GSH), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), metalloproteinase 2 and 9 (MMP-2, MMP-9), and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were measured. Results. The data showed significant differences in oxidative stress markers between treated and untreated MetS rats. ROS/RNS levels, oxLDL concentration, and SOD activity were lower, whereas CAT activity was higher in rats with MetS receiving polyphenolic extract. After administration of the extract, markers for kidney injury (NGAL, KIM-1) decreased. Conclusion. Our study confirmed the usefulness of pomegranate polyphenols in the treatment of MetS and the prevention of kidney damage. However, further, more detailed research is required to establish the mechanism of polyphenol protection.
Price Dispersion, Bargaining Power, and Consumers’ Online Shopping Experience in e‐Commerce: Evidence from Online Transactions
Authors: Li Zongwei , Ren Lingling , Li Zhenyu , Chen Jianing , Tian Xu , Zhang Yanhui
Published: January 2023

With the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning technology, online shopping is increasingly becoming the mainstream shopping method. It is challenging to investigate the correlation between price dispersion and bargaining. In accordance with the assimilation‐contrast theory, this study theorizes about the influence of price dispersion on consumers’ bargaining power and it aims to analyze the moderating role of online shopping experience of consumers. Therefore, this paper develops a discrete price model to measure the dispersion of product prices in the marketplace. Cluster analysis was subsequently conducted to preliminary explore the association between price dispersion and bargaining. With the construction of a multiple regression model, the phenomena found by the cluster analysis are further analyzed. The results indicate that the bargaining power of consumers increases with the increase of the price dispersion level. At high levels of the price dispersion, high‐experienced consumers exhibit greater bargaining power than low‐experienced consumers. At low levels of price dispersion, low‐experienced consumers have higher bargaining power than high‐experienced consumers. Finally, we demonstrate the validity and robustness of the study results by grouping regressions and replacing four measures of price dispersion.
Molecular Mechanism of Long Noncoding RNA SNHG14 in Osteogenic Differentiation of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells through the NEDD4L/FOXA2/PCP4 Axis
Authors: Wang Han , Fan Mingxing , An Yan , He Da
Published: January 2023

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have a superior potential of osteogenic differentiation (OD) and a promising stem cell type to treat bone defects. This study sought to investigate the molecular mechanism of long noncoding RNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 14 (SNHG14) in OD of BMSCs. Western blot analysis or RT-qPCR showed that SNHG14, neural precursor cell expressed developmentally downregulated 4-like (NEDD4L), and Purkinje cell protein 4 (PCP4) were upregulated whereas forkhead box A2 (FOXA2) was declined in OD of BMSCs. RT-qPCR and cell staining showed that SNHG14 downregulation repressed OD of BMSCs, as manifested by reductions in osteopontin and osteocalcin levels, the mineralization degree, and alkaline phosphatase activity. RNA/Co/chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase assays and determination of mRNA stability and ubiquitination level showed that SNHG14 bound to human antigen R improves NEDD4L mRNA stability and expression, further promoted FOXA2 ubiquitination to inhibit FOXA2 expression, and then reduced FOXA2 enrichment on the PCP4 promoter to upregulate PCP4 transcription. Functional rescue experiments showed that the overexpression of NEDD4L or PCP4 and knockdown of FOXA2 both attenuated the inhibition of SNHG14 downregulation on OD of BMSCs. Overall, our findings suggested that SNHG14 promoted OD of BMSCs through the NEDD4L/FOXA2/PCP4 axis.
The Effect of the Nonplastic Fines on the Cyclic Resistance of the Saturated Sand-Fines Mixtures
Authors: Cheng Ke
Published: January 2023

A series of undrained cyclic triaxial tests were carried out to study the nonplastic fines on the cyclic behaviour of saturated sand-fines mixtures. The influences of the fines content (FC), global void ratio (e), and relative density (Dr) were considered. The results show that the cyclic resistance ratio (CRR) of the mixtures firstly decreases and then increases, finally stabilizing with increasing FC when the samples are prepared at a constant Dr. The CRR reaches its minimum when the FC is 20%. However, the CRR decreases and then increases with increasing FC when the samples are prepared at a constant e. The CRR reaches its minimum when the FC is at 30%. The CRR of the mixtures increases with increasing Dr when the FC is given. A single Dr or e cannot describe the dense state of the mixture effectively. A new index, Dr/e, is proposed in this study to describe the dense state of the mixtures. A semiempirical model is proposed to evaluate the CRR of the mixtures using the parameters of Dr/e and FC of the mixture based on the back analysis method. The applicability of the model is verified by the test data from this study and other scholars. In addition, the parameters of Dr/e and FC of the mixture can be obtained from basic geotechnical tests, which is convenient for the application of the model.
Prevalence of Asymptomatic Malaria Parasitemia among Blood Donors in Cape Coast, Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tetteh Ato Kwamena , Arthur Sadick , Bram Prince , Baffe Charles , Aglagoh Godsway
Published: January 2023

Background. Malaria is an important transfusion-associated infection in many parts of the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where it is endemic. We studied the prevalence of malaria parasites among blood donors in the Cape Coast Metropolitan Area. Methods. A malaria parasite examination was added to the blood donor screening protocol for 240 voluntary and replacement blood donors (224 males and 16 females) between December 2020 and July 2021. Results. Overall, 2.5% (6/240) had Plasmodium falciparum trophozoites detected in their blood sample. The remaining had no parasites detected. Four of the 148 who passed the blood donor screening tests were infected. The remaining two with malaria parasites failed one screening test. These included one donor with “hepatitis B + P. falciparum” and another with “syphilis + P. falciparum” parasite coinfection. All blood donors who had malaria parasites detected in their blood were males. Most donors, 45.8% (110/240), were in the 26–35 age group, with the highest prevalence of 1.3% (3/240). Blood group O was predominant (75.0%, 180/240), followed by B (12.9%, 31/240), A (11.3%, 27/240), and AB (0.8%, 2/240). All malaria parasites detected were among individuals with blood group O. Moreover, 96.3% (231/240) were rhesus-positive and had the highest prevalence of 2.1% (5/240). Conclusions. Screening of blood donors in Ghana does not include malaria, although there is the potential for transmission through blood products. Malaria transmission via blood transfusion remains an issue of public health concern, as indicated in the results of this current study. We recommend studies on malaria prevention, pretransfusion and posttransfusion, and pathogen reduction technology.
Bilinear Minimax Optimal Control Problems of the Velocity Term in an Extensible Beam Equation with Rotational Inertia
Authors: Hwang Jinsoo
Published: January 2023

The author studies the minimax optimal control problem for an extensible beam equation that takes into account rotational inertia effects. A velocity term multiplied by the bilinear control and disturbance functions to construct a minimax optimal control strategy is added. The existence of an optimal pair, meaning optimal control and perturbation, is proved by assuming some conditions on the considered quadratic cost function. The optimal conditions for optimal pairs are provided by the adjoint systems that correspond to some physically meaningful observation cases.
PHD2 Constrains Antitumor CD8+ T-cell Activity
Authors: Bisilliat Donnet Charlotte , Acolty Valérie , Azouz Abdulkader , Taquin Anaëlle , Henin Coralie , Trusso Cafarello Sarah , Denanglaire Sébastien , Mazzone Massimiliano , Oldenhove Guillaume , Leo Oberdan , Goriely Stanislas , Moser Muriel
Published: January 2023

The prolyl hydroxylase domain/hypoxia-inducible factor (PHD/HIF) pathway has been implicated in a wide range of immune and inflammatory processes, including in the oxygen-deprived tumor microenvironment. To examine the effect of HIF stabilization in antitumor immunity, we deleted Phd2 selectively in T lymphocytes using the cre/lox system. We show that the deletion of PHD2 in lymphocytes resulted in enhanced regression of EG7-OVA tumors, in a HIF-1α–dependent manner. The enhanced control of neoplastic growth correlated with increased polyfunctionality of CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, as indicated by enhanced expression of IFNγ, TNFα, and granzyme B. Phenotypic and transcriptomic analyses pointed to a key role of glycolysis in sustaining CTL activity in the tumor bed and identified the PHD2/HIF-1 pathway as a potential target for cancer immunotherapy.
Inhibiting IGF1R-mediated Survival Signaling in Head and Neck Cancer with the Peptidomimetic SSTNIGF1R
Authors: Stueven Noah A. , Beauvais DeannaLee M. , Hu Rong , Kimple Randall J. , Rapraeger Alan C.
Published: January 2023

Previous studies have shown that the type I IGFR (IGF1R) suppresses apoptosis when it is autoactivated by coupling its extracellular domain to a matrix adhesion receptor complex consisting of syndecan-1 (Sdc1) and αvβ3 or αvβ5 integrin. We now report that head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) relies on this receptor complex. Disruption of the complex in HNSCC cells in vitro with a peptide mimetic of the organizer site in Sdc1 (called SSTNIGF1R) inactivates IGF1R, even in the presence of IGF1, and relieves the suppression of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase-1 (ASK1), dramatically reducing tumor cell survival. Normal epithelial cells do not assemble this receptor complex, require IGF1 to activate the IGF1R, and are refractory to SSTNIGF1R. In vivo, SSTNIGF1R reduced the growth of patient-derived HNSCC tumors in immunodeficient mice by 85%–95%. IGF1R's assimilation into the matrix receptor complex, which is detected in these tumors using the proximity ligation assay (PLA), is quantitatively disrupted by SSTNIGF1R, coinciding with ASK1 activation. PLA also detects the IGF1R-containing receptor complex in the archival sections of tonsil carcinomas, whereas the adjacent benign epithelium is negative. Likewise, PLA screening of oropharyngeal and adenoid cystic tumor microarrays demonstrated that over 95% of the tumors contained this unique receptor complex with no detectable expression in benign tissue. These findings suggest that HNSCC upregulates and is highly dependent on IGF1R signaling via this adhesion receptor complex. Targeting this mechanism with novel therapeutics, including highly specific SSTNIGF1R, is likely to offer promising outcomes for patients with carcinoma.

Significance:

A newly developed biomarker reveals upregulation of an antiapoptotic IGF1R-integrin-syndecan receptor complex in head and neck cancer and documents disruption of the complex in patient-derived tumor xenografts (PDX) treated with the inhibitor SSTNIGF1R. A corresponding blockade in PDX growth in the presence of this inhibitor demonstrates that therapies designed to target this mechanism will likely offer promising outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer.
HDAC Downregulation of Xiaoqinglong Decoction in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Liu Hao-Lan , Chen Hui-Fang , Liu Qin-Dong , Xu Wei-zhen , Zhang Jia-Jun , He Xue-Cheng , Yan Ya-Jie , Ruan Yan , Zhou Min
Published: January 2023

Introduction: As one of the most common allergic diseases, allergic rhinitis (AR) has attracted wide attention all over the world. More appropriate treatment of AR should be explored thoroughly. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine has attracted more attention in AR treatment. As a classical Chinese medicine prescription, Xiaoqinglong decoction (XQLD) has been commonly used in treating AR. Even though its therapeutic effect on AR has been clinically confirmed, more molecular mechanism remains to be further investigated. Our research aimed to investigate the therapeutic mechanism of XQLD for AR management. Methods: The study was evaluated in an ovalbumin sensitized mouse model and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was adopted to test the stability of XQLD’s effective components. Results: The results confirmed the stability and safety of the effective components of XQLD. XQLD significantly downregulated the expression of HDACs (HDAC1, HDAC3, and HDAC4) and Th2 inflammatory factors (IL4, IL5, and IL13) in AR mice. XQLD and the HDAC inhibitor JNJ-26481585 promoted the expression of epithelial tight junction proteins (claudin-1 and ZO-1) and decreased the expression of mucins (Muc5ac and Muc5b) in the nasal mucosa of AR mice. Conclusions: In conclusion, our findings present the beneficial effects of XQLD on AR and recovery of the nasal epithelium. We also identify the decreased HDAC as a potential target of XQLD for AR treatment. This study provides an important experimental proof for elucidating the therapeutic mechanism of XQLD.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Chronic Kidney Disease and Its Risk Factors among Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders in Hawaii
Authors: Rhee Connie M. , You Amy S. , Page Victoria , Hayashida Glen , Kataoka-Yahiro Merle , Davis James , Wong Linda L. , Narasaki Yoko , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar
Published: January 2023

Background: Several studies suggest that Asian-American and Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (NHOPI) racial/ethnic groups have a heightened risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), but provide limited inference due to the aggregation of these groups into a single racial/ethnic category. We thus examined the association of granularly defined racial/ethnic groups with specific CKD indicators among a diverse group of participants from the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii’s Kidney Early Detection Screening (KEDS) Program. Methods: Among 1,243 participants enrolled in 19 KEDS screening events over 2006–2009, we examined the association between Asian-American and NHOPI groups and specific CKD indicators, defined as self-reported CKD, microalbuminuria, and macroalbuminuria, using multivariable logistic regression. We then examined associations of race/ethnicity with various CKD risk factors. Results: The most predominant racial/ethnic groups were White (22.0%), Multiracial (18.9%), Japanese (19.2%), Filipino (13.4%), NHOPI (8.4%), and Chinese (4.5%) participants. NHOPI and Chinese participants had a higher risk of microalbuminuria (adjusted ORs [aORs] [95% CIs] 2.48 [1.25–4.91] and 2.37 [1.07–5.27], respectively), while point estimates for all other minority groups suggested higher risk (reference: Whites). NHOPI participants also had a higher risk of macroalbuminuria and self-reported CKD. While most minorities had a higher risk of diabetes and hypertension, NHOPI and Multiracial participants had a higher risk of obesity, whereas the East Asian groups had a lower risk. Conclusions: In this community-based cohort, compared with Whites, Asian-Americans had a higher risk of early CKD indicators, whereas NHOPIs had a higher risk of more severe CKD indicators. Further studies are needed to elucidate the distinct pathways leading to CKD across diverse racial/ethnic groups in Hawaii.
Low Rates of Psychosocial Screening and Lifestyle Counseling in Hidradenitis Suppurativa Patients in the USA
Authors: Shih Terri , De Devea R. , Rick Jonathan , Shi Vivian Y. , Hsiao Jennifer L.
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Although hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is associated with psychosocial comorbidities such as depression as well as modifiable comorbidities such as obesity, rates of psychosocial screening and lifestyle counseling in the USA have not been characterized. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized publicly available data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) between 2008 and 2018 to identify visits with a diagnosis of HS (ICD-9 code 705.83, ICD-10 code L73.2). T tests and multivariate logistic regressions analyzed trends in rates of screening and counseling while controlling for race, sex, and age. Survey weights are applied to each visit to represent a national sample. Results: Depression screening was completed in only 2% of reported visits. No visits reported screening for alcohol misuse, substance abuse, or domestic violence. There were low rates of counseling for weight reduction (7.8%), diet and nutrition (3.3%), exercise (2.4%), smoking (1.0%), and substance abuse (0.7%). Black patients and individuals with public health insurance received less screening and counseling overall. Conclusion: Rates of psychosocial screening and counseling on lifestyle modifications are low in ambulatory clinic visits for HS patients, and there are disparities based on race and insurance status. Implementing strategies to incorporate routine psychosocial screening and lifestyle counseling into visits may improve HS patient outcomes.
Relapse and Need for Extended Immunosuppression: Novel Features of Drug-Induced Autoimmune Hepatitis
Authors: Weber Sabine , Gerbes Alexander L.
Published: January 2023

Background: Drug-induced autoimmune hepatitis (DI-AIH) has been proposed as a distinct phenotype of drug-induced liver injury (DILI), and frequently has been associated with specific drugs, such as minocycline and nitrofurantoin. However, no clear definition of DI-AIH has been established thus far. Objectives: We aimed to identify features distinguishing DI-AIH from DILI and idiopathic autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in an attempt to further define a DI-AIH phenotype. Method: A cohort of 38 previously reported DILI and AIH patients who were prospectively recruited at our tertiary centre and who received corticosteroid was analysed regarding the phenotypical presentation and outcome of DI-AIH, DILI, and AIH. Results: AIH (n = 19), DILI (n = 8), and DI-AIH (n = 11) patients presented with similar clinical features at onset, with the only difference being a higher Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM) score in the DILI and DI-AIH patients. Post-treatment AIH scores were lower and a more rapid decrease of alanine aminotransferase in the first week of corticosteroid treatment was observed in both DILI groups when compared to AIH patients, while no significant differences were observed between DI-AIH and DILI patients. Relapse occurred in DI-AIH but not in DILI patients (36% vs. 0%) with a more frequent need for long-term immunosuppression (27% vs. 13%). Conclusions: Our data show that relapse after cessation of corticosteroids and need for further immunosuppressive treatment does occur in a substantial proportion of DI-AIH patients. However, no other phenotypical differences between DILI due to agents commonly associated with DI-AIH and DILI due to other drugs were identified.
Refractory Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Diagnosis to Consider
Authors: Saraiva Rita Ornelas , Saunders Christopher , Varela dos Santos Margarida , Carvalho Diana , Loureiro Rafaela , Ramos Jaime
Published: January 2023

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with multiple comorbidities, and its association with lymphoma has recently been a topic of debate. However, it is still controversial whether this risk can be attributed to the disease itself or whether it has any relationship with immunosuppressive treatment. Here, we describe the case of a patient with severe perianal hidradenitis suppurativa treated with methotrexate and infliximab, whose exacerbation with persistence of severe symptoms refractory to adequate treatment led to the diagnosis of diffuse large non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma. It was decided to perform a colostomy to improve perianal sepsis, and immunochemotherapy was proposed.
Effect of Atropine 0.01% Eye Drops on the Difference in Refraction and Axial Length between Right and Left Eyes
Authors: Liang Xintong , Wei Shifei , Li Shi-Ming , An Wenzai , Du Jialing , Sun Yunyun , Gan Jiahe , Bai Weiling , Cai Zhining , Song Qianqian , Yin Lei , Wang Ningli
Published: January 2023

Introduction: This study sought to determine whether the application of 0.01% atropine eye drops could impact the disparity in refraction and axial length (AL) between the right and left eyes in Chinese children. Methods: The study was designed as a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial. A total of 220 children aged 6–12 years were recruited from the Beijing Tongren Hospital in Beijing, China. Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio and were prescribed 0.01% atropine or placebo eye drops to be administered once a night to both eyes for the duration of 1 year. The cycloplegic refraction and AL were recorded including baseline, 6 months, and again at the 12 months. Results: After 1-year follow-up period, 76 (69%) and 83 (75%) subjects of the initial 220 participants were identified as the 0.01% atropine and placebo groups, respectively. The inter-ocular difference in spherical equivalent refraction (SER) and AL demonstrated stable values in the 0.01% atropine treatment group (SER: p = 0.590; AL: p = 0.322) analyzed after 1 year, but found a significant increase (SER: p < 0.001; AL: p = 0.001) in the placebo group. Furthermore, over 1 year, eyes with greater myopia in the atropine group exhibited slower myopia progression (0.45 ± 0.44 D) than the lesser myopic eye (0.56 ± 0.44 D) (p = 0.003). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that 0.01% atropine could maintain the inter-ocular SER and AL difference. And 0.01% atropine appeared to be more effective in delaying the progression of myopia in eyes with more myopia than in the less myopic eyes.
Effects of Blood Pressure and Arterial Stiffness on Retinal Neurodegeneration: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Evidence From UK Biobank and Chinese Cohorts
Authors: Huang Yining , Yuan Yixiong , Wang Yujie , Hui Ziwen , Shang Xianwen , Chen Yanping , Zhang Shiran , Liao Huan , Chen Yifan , He Mingguang , Zhu Zhuoting , Wang Wei
Published: January 2023

Background:

Hypertension might be a modifiable risk factor for neurodegeneration diseases. However, the associations between blood pressure (BP), arterial stiffness index and retinal neurodegeneration remain unclear.

Methods:

This study used cross-sectional data from the United Kingdom BioBank (UKB) and longitudinal data from the Chinese Ocular Imaging Project (COIP). The macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness (mGCIPLT) and macular retinal nerve fiber layer thickness were measured using spectral domain optical coherence tomography imaging. Swept-source optical coherence tomography was performed to obtain the longitudinal trajectory of the mGCIPLT and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in the COIP cohort. Multivariable linear models were used to analyze the associations between BP and retinal measurements.

Results:

In a cross-sectional analysis of 22 801 participants from UKB, thinner mGCIPLT was related to higher systolic BP (β: −0.103 [−0.146 to −0.061];
P
<0.001), and higher diastolic BP (β: −0.191 [−0.265 to −0.117];
P
<0.001), and was significantly associated with higher mean arterial pressure (β: −0.174 [−0.238 to −0.109];
P
<0.001) and higher mean pulse pressure (β: −0.080 [−0.139 to −0.020];
P
=009). In a longitudinal analysis of 2012 eligible COIP participants, higher levels of baseline systolic BP, diastolic BP, mean arterial pressure, and mean pulse pressure were associated with faster thinning in mGCIPLT and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (all
P
<0.001). The strongest association was the effect of mean arterial pressure on mGCIPLT (β: −0.118 [−0.175 to −0.061];
P
<0.001). The results of the analysis of macular retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness were consistent with those of mGCIPLT.

Conclusions:

BP levels were independently and consistently associated with various retinal neurodegenerative exacerbations.
Adult Age Differences in the Temporal Dynamics of Motivated Attention
Authors: Sullivan Margot D. , Kudus Farrah , Dyson Benjamin J. , Spaniol Julia
Published: January 2023

Reward-based motivation modulates attention and cognitive control across the life span, but little is known about age differences in the temporal dynamics of motivated attention. The current study examined the effects of financial incentives on visual attention using ERPs. Participants (26 younger, aged 18–33 years; 24 older, aged 65–95 years) completed an incentivized flanker task in which trial-level incentive cues signaled the availability of performance-contingent reward, and subsequent alerting cues signaled the onset of the flanker target. ERP components of interest included cue-related components (incentive-cue P2 and contingent negative variation, and alerting-cue N1) as well as target-related components (target N1 and P3). Transient effects of incentives were assessed by comparing ERP amplitudes across incentive and non-incentive trials from mixed-incentive blocks. Sustained effects of incentives were assessed by comparing ERP amplitudes across non-incentive trials from mixed-incentive blocks and non-incentive trials from pure non-incentive blocks. Younger adults showed transient effects of incentives on all components, whereas older adults showed these effects for incentive-cue P2 and alerting-cue N1 only. Both age groups showed sustained effects of incentives on cue-locked ERPs, but only younger adults showed sustained effects on target-locked ERPs. RT patterns mirrored the ERP findings, in that younger adults showed greater incentive-based modulation than older adults, but at a greater cost to accuracy. Overall, these findings reveal widespread age differences in the dynamics of incentive-motivated attention and cognitive control, particularly at longer timescales.