bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
gBLUP-GWAS identifies candidate genes, signaling pathways, and putative functional polymorphisms for age at puberty in gilts
Authors: Wijesena Hiruni R , Nonneman Dan J , Snelling Warren M , Rohrer Gary A , Keel Brittney N , Lents Clay A
Published: February 2023

Successful development of replacement gilts determines their reproductive longevity and lifetime productivity. Selection for reproductive longevity is challenging due to low heritability and expression late in life. In pigs, age at puberty is the earliest known indicator for reproductive longevity and gilts that reach puberty earlier have a greater probability of producing more lifetime litters. Failure of gilts to reach puberty and display a pubertal estrus is a major reason for early removal of replacement gilts. To identify genomic sources of variation in age at puberty for improving genetic selection for early age at puberty and related traits, gilts (n = 4,986) from a multigeneration population representing commercially available maternal genetic lines were used for a genomic best linear unbiased prediction-based genome-wide association. Twenty-one genome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) located on Sus scrofa chromosomes (SSC) 1, 2, 9, and 14 were identified with additive effects ranging from −1.61 to 1.92 d (P < 0.0001 to 0.0671). Novel candidate genes and signaling pathways were identified for age at puberty. The locus on SSC9 (83.7 to 86.7 Mb) was characterized by long range linkage disequilibrium and harbors the AHR transcription factor gene. A second candidate gene on SSC2 (82.7 Mb), ANKRA2, is a corepressor for AHR, suggesting a possible involvement of AHR signaling in regulating pubertal onset in pigs. Putative functional SNP associated with age at puberty in the AHR and ANKRA2 genes were identified. Combined analysis of these SNP showed that an increase in the number of favorable alleles reduced pubertal age by 5.84 ± 1.65 d (P < 0.001). Candidate genes for age at puberty showed pleiotropic effects with other fertility functions such as gonadotropin secretion (FOXD1), follicular development (BMP4), pregnancy (LIF), and litter size (MEF2C). Several candidate genes and signaling pathways identified in this study play a physiological role in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and mechanisms permitting puberty onset. Variants located in or near these genes require further characterization to identify their impact on pubertal onset in gilts. Because age at puberty is an indicator of future reproductive success, these SNP are expected to improve genomic predictions for component traits of sow fertility and lifetime productivity expressed later in life.
Statins and peripheral neuropathy in diabetic and non-diabetic cases: a systematic review
Authors: Daliri Mahla , Johnston Thomas P , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Peripheral neuropathy (PN), as an adverse reaction attributed to statin drugs, as well as the beneficial neuroprotective properties of statins, have been widely reported and discussed in the literature. The aim of this study was to systematically review original publications that investigated the association of statin use and PN in diabetic and non-diabetic models, whether determined as a result of laboratory experimentation, or in a clinical setting.

Key findings

A comprehensive search of the databases Google Scholar, PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus was conducted. Sixty-six articles, which evaluated the link between statins and PN in either a clinical or in-vivo/in-vitro condition were included. Statin treatment in neuropathy-induced animal models demonstrates favourable neurological effects in both the morphological and functional aspects of neurons. However, an extended duration of statin treatment is minimally associated with the development of non-diabetic idiopathic neuropathy. Importantly, statins have the potential to regress diabetic PN through anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory properties.

When interpreting the results from studies that deal with the relationship between statins and PN, it is important to determine the mechanism(s) underlying the development of any potential neuropathies (in the presence or absence of diabetes), the type of model used (human or animal) and the duration of statin treatment.
A case of eosinophilic pancreatitis in a patient with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Toyoda Koji , Katayama Yasumi , Kobori Ikuhiro , Kitahama Akihiro , Kusano Yumi , Ono Yuko , Ban Shinichi , Tamano Masaya
Published: February 2023

Eosinophilic pancreatitis (EP) is very rare and characterised by infiltration of eosinophils into the pancreatic parenchyma. A 40-year-old man was diagnosed with total-colitis-type ulcerative colitis at the age of 15 years. He was then diagnosed with steroid-dependent ulcerative colitis. He was given golimumab, which resulted in remission. Ten months after beginning golimumab, he was urgently hospitalised with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Hence, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy was performed to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Pathologically, abundant infiltration of eosinophils was observed in the edematous intralobular stroma of the pancreas. He was diagnosed with EP, and treated with corticosteroids.
Transcription factor LcNAC002 coregulates chlorophyll degradation and anthocyanin biosynthesis in litchi
Authors: Zou Shi-Cheng , Zhuo Mao-Gen , Abbas Farhat , Hu Gui-Bing , Wang Hui-Cong , Huang Xu-Ming
Published: February 2023

Chlorophyll degradation and anthocyanin biosynthesis, which often occur almost synchronously during fruit ripening, are crucial for vibrant coloration of fruits. However, the interlink point between their regulatory pathways remains largely unknown. Here, 2 litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) cultivars with distinctively different coloration patterns during ripening, i.e. slow-reddening/stay-green “Feizixiao” (FZX) vs rapid-reddening/degreening “Nuomici” (NMC), were selected as the materials to study the key factors determining coloration. Litchi chinensis STAY-GREEN (LcSGR) was confirmed as the critical gene in pericarp chlorophyll loss and chloroplast breakdown during fruit ripening, as LcSGR directly interacted with pheophorbide a oxygenase (PAO), a key enzyme in chlorophyll degradation via the PAO pathway. Litchi chinensis no apical meristem (NAM), Arabidopsis transcription activation factor 1/2, and cup-shaped cotyledon 2 (LcNAC002) was identified as a positive regulator in the coloration of litchi pericarp. The expression of LcNAC002 was significantly higher in NMC than in FZX. Virus-induced gene silencing of LcNAC002 significantly decreased the expression of LcSGR as well as L. chinensis MYELOBLASTOSIS1 (LcMYB1), and inhibited chlorophyll loss and anthocyanin accumulation. A dual-luciferase reporter assay revealed that LcNAC002 significantly activates the expression of both LcSGR and LcMYB1. Furthermore, yeast-one-hybrid and electrophoretic mobility shift assay results showed that LcNAC002 directly binds to the promoters of LcSGR and LcMYB1. These findings suggest that LcNAC002 is an important ripening-related transcription factor that interlinks chlorophyll degradation and anthocyanin biosynthesis by coactivating the expression of both LcSGR and LcMYB1.
Reduced homovanillic acid, SDF-1α and SCGF-β levels in cerebrospinal fluid are related to depressive states in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Fujita Yuya , Iwata Shigeru , Hidese Shinsuke , Ishiwata Sayuri , Ide Satoru , Tanaka Hiroaki , Sonomoto Koshiro , Miyazaki Yusuke , Nakayamada Shingo , Ikenouchi Atsuko , Hattori Kotaro , Kunugi Hiroshi , Yoshimura Reiji , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: February 2023

Objective

This study aimed to seek a new method of evaluation and surrogate markers for diffuse neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE).

Methods

We enrolled 44 patients with SLE between 2017 and 2020 who fulfilled at least one of three specific inclusion criteria: high disease activity, abnormal findings (cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] examination, brain MRI, or electroencephalography), or history of neuropsychiatric illness. Psychiatric symptom rating scales (PSYRATS) were evaluated retrospectively. The primary end point was the PSYRATS positivity rate in SLE patients who had not been diagnosed with diffuse NPSLE.

Results

Based on the 1999 ACR classifications, 7 out of the 44 patients evaluated using PSYRATS had been diagnosed with diffuse NPSLE. PSYRATS positivity was seen in 13 out of 37 SLE patients (35.1%) who had not been diagnosed with diffuse NPSLE, and all these patients were positive for Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), an indicator of depression state in PSYRATS. Additionally, in the 20 SLE patients exhibiting depression symptoms who were MADRS-positive, CSF concentrations of the neuroinflammatory markers homovanillic acid (HVA; P = 0.0400), stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α; P = 0.0431) and stem cell growth factor-β (SCGF-1β; P = 0.0061) were significantly reduced compared with the 24 MADRS-negative SLE patients, and the levels of HVA, SDF-1α and SCGF-1β correlated with one another (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Many patients with active SLE have subclinical depression, and MADRS evaluation of neuropsychiatric symptoms is useful for detecting them. Additionally, the decrease in CSF levels of HVA, SDF-1 α and SCGF-1β reflects the same pathology, and these may serve as surrogate markers.
Neural responses to biological motion distinguish autistic and schizotypal traits
Authors: Hudson Matthew , Santavirta Severi , Putkinen Vesa , Seppälä Kerttu , Sun Lihua , Karjalainen Tomi , Karlsson Henry K , Hirvonen Jussi , Nummenmaa Lauri
Published: February 2023

Difficulties in social interactions characterize both autism and schizophrenia and are correlated in the neurotypical population. It is unknown whether this represents a shared etiology or superficial phenotypic overlap. Both conditions exhibit atypical neural activity in response to the perception of social stimuli and decreased neural synchronization between individuals. This study investigated if neural activity and neural synchronization associated with biological motion perception are differentially associated with autistic and schizotypal traits in the neurotypical population. Participants viewed naturalistic social interactions while hemodynamic brain activity was measured with fMRI, which was modeled against a continuous measure of the extent of biological motion. General linear model analysis revealed that biological motion perception was associated with neural activity across the action observation network. However, intersubject phase synchronization analysis revealed neural activity to be synchronized between individuals in occipital and parietal areas but desynchronized in temporal and frontal regions. Autistic traits were associated with decreased neural activity (precuneus and middle cingulate gyrus), and schizotypal traits were associated with decreased neural synchronization (middle and inferior frontal gyri). Biological motion perception elicits divergent patterns of neural activity and synchronization, which dissociate autistic and schizotypal traits in the general population, suggesting that they originate from different neural mechanisms.
The Learning Crisis of Developing Country Elites: Lessons from PISA-D
Authors: Pritchett Lant , Viarengo Martina
Published: February 2023

How much of the learning crisis can be addressed through “inclusion”—the equalization of grade attainment and learning outcomes across groups (e.g., girls/boys, rural/urban, poor/rich)—and how much of the learning crisis requires improvement in the country's system of basic education to improve learning outcomes across the board? This study uses the data from the seven countries who participated in Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) for Development (PISA-D) to show that for most countries and subjects the average learning outcome for the advantaged (male, urban, native-born, speakers of assessment language), and elite (95th percentile in PISA measured socio-economic status) students was below the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) “minimum learning level” target of PISA level 2. Even if every child in these countries were fully “included”—had the same distribution of learning outcomes as the advantaged, SES elite, public school children—80 percent of all children would still fall short of proposed global minimum levels of learning.
Discovery of Novel Effector Protein Candidates Produced in the Dorsal Gland of Adult Female Root-Knot Nematodes
Authors: Rocha Raquel O. , Hussey Richard S. , Pepi Lauren E. , Azadi Parastoo , Mitchum Melissa G.
Published: February 2023

Root-knot nematodes (RKN) ( Meloidogyne spp.) represent one of the most damaging groups of plant-parasitic nematodes. They secrete effector proteins through a protrusible stylet to manipulate host cells for their benefit. Stylet-secreted effector proteins are produced within specialized secretory esophageal gland cells, one dorsal gland (DG) and two subventral glands (SvG), whose activity differ throughout the nematode life cycle. Previous gland transcriptomic profiling studies identified dozens of candidate RKN effectors but were focused on the juvenile stages of the nematode, when the SvGs are most active. We developed a new approach to enrich for the active DGs of M. incognita adult female RKN for RNA and protein extraction. Female heads were manually cut from the body, and a combination of sonication and vortexing was used to dislodge contents inside the heads. DG-enriched fractions were collected by filtering, using cell strainers. Comparative transcriptome profiling of pre-parasitic second-stage juveniles, female heads, and DG-enriched samples was conducted using RNA sequencing. Application of an established effector mining pipeline led to the identification of 83 candidate effector genes upregulated in DG-enriched samples of adult females that code for proteins with a predicted signal peptide but lack transmembrane domains or homology to proteins in the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. In situ hybridization resulted in the identification of 14 new DG-specific candidate effectors expressed in adult females. Taken together, we have identified novel candidate Meloidogyne effector genes that may have essential roles during later stages of parasitism.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Robust protein-based engineering of hepatocyte-like cells from human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Takashina Tomoki , Matsunaga Akihiro , Shimizu Yukiko , Sakuma Tetsushi , Okamura Tadashi , Matsuoka Kunie , Yamamoto Takashi , Ishizaka Yukihito
Published: February 2023

Background:

Cells of interest can be prepared from somatic cells by forced expression of lineage-specific transcription factors, but it is required to establish a vector-free system for their clinical use. Here, we report a protein-based artificial transcription system for engineering hepatocyte-like cells from human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).

Methods:

MSCs were treated for 5 days with 4 artificial transcription factors (4F), which targeted hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)1α, HNF3γ, HNF4α, and GATA-binding protein 4 (GATA4). Then, engineered MSCs (4F-Heps) were subjected to epigenetic analysis, biochemical analysis and flow cytometry analysis with antibodies to marker proteins of mature hepatocytes and hepatic progenitors such as delta-like homolog 1 (DLK1) and trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (TROP2). Functional properties of the cells were also examined by injecting them to mice with lethal hepatic failure.

Results:

Epigenetic analysis revealed that a 5-day treatment of 4F upregulated the expression of genes involved in hepatic differentiation, and repressed genes related to pluripotency of MSCs. Flow cytometry analysis detected that 4F-Heps were composed of small numbers of mature hepatocytes (at most 1%), bile duct cells (~19%) and hepatic progenitors (~50%). Interestingly, ~20% of 4F-Heps were positive for cytochrome P450 3A4, 80% of which were DLK1-positive. Injection of 4F-Heps significantly increased survival of mice with lethal hepatic failure, and transplanted 4F-Heps expanded to more than 50-fold of human albumin-positive cells in the mouse livers, well consistent with the observation that 4F-Heps contained DLK1-positive and/or TROP2-positive cells.

Conclusion:

Taken together with observations that 4F-Heps were not tumorigenic in immunocompromised mice for at least 2 years, we propose that this artificial transcription system is a versatile tool for cell therapy for hepatic failures.
Stat3 role in the protective effect of FXR Agonist in parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis
Authors: Ghosh Swati , Devereaux Michael W. , Anderson Aimee L. , El Kasmi *Karim C. , Sokol Ronald J.
Published: February 2023

Background and Aims:

Parenteral nutrition (PN) in patients with intestinal failure can lead to cholestasis (PNAC). In a PNAC mouse model, farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist (GW4064) treatment alleviated IL-1β-dependent cholestatic liver injury. The objective of this study was to determine whether this hepatic protection of FXR activation is mediated through IL-6-STAT3 signaling.

Approach and Results:

Hepatic apoptotic pathways [Fas-associated protein with death domain (Fas) mRNA, caspase 8 protein, and cleaved caspase 3] and IL-6-STAT3 signaling, and expression of its downstream effectors Socs1/3 were all upregulated in the mouse PNAC model (dextran sulfate sodium enterally × 4 d followed by total PN for 14 d). Il1r

−/−
mice were protected from PNAC in conjunction with suppression of the FAS pathway. GW4064 treatment in the PNAC mouse increased hepatic FXR binding to the Stat3 promoter, further increased STAT3 phosphorylation and upregulated Socs1 and Socs3 mRNA, and prevented cholestasis. In HepG2 cells and primary mouse hepatocytes, IL-1β induced IL-6 mRNA and protein, which were suppressed by GW4064. In IL-1β or phytosterols treated HepG2 and Huh7 cells, siRNA knockdown of STAT3 significantly reduced GW4064-upregulated transcription of hepatoprotective nuclear receptor subfamily 0, group B, member 2 (NR0B2) and ABCG8.

Conclusions:

STAT3 signaling mediated in part the protective effects of GW4064 in the PNAC mouse, and in HepG2 cells and hepatocytes exposed to either IL-1β or phytosterols, 2 factors critical in PNAC pathogenesis. These data demonstrate that FXR agonists may mediate hepatoprotective effects in cholestasis by inducing STAT3 signaling.
Higher levels of supportive care needs are linked to higher health service use and cost, poor quality of life, and high distress in patients with cirrhosis in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Valery Patricia C. , Stuart Katherine A. , Bernardes Christina M. , Hartel Gunter , Martin Cathy , Gordon Louisa , Powell Elizabeth E.
Published: February 2023

Background:

Australians with cirrhosis have significant practical and psychosocial needs. This longitudinal study examined the association between supportive care needs and health service use and costs, and patient outcomes from June 2017 to December 2018.

Methods:

The Supportive Needs Assessment tool for Cirrhosis (SNAC), quality of life (Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire and Short Form 36), and distress (distress thermometer) were self-reported through an interview at recruitment (n=433). Clinical data were obtained from medical records and through linkage, and health service use and costs through linkage. Patients were grouped as by needs status. Rates of hospital admissions (per person days at risk) and costs were assessed by needs status [incidence rate ratios (IRR), Poisson regression]. Multivariable linear regression was used to assess the differences in SNAC scores by quality of life and distress. Multivariable models included Child-Pugh class, age, sex, recruitment hospital, living arrangements, place of residence, comorbidity burden, and primary liver disease etiology.

Results:

In adjusted analyses, compared with patients with low/no needs, patients with unmet needs had more cirrhosis-related admissions (adjusted IRR=2.11, 95% CI=1.48–3.13; p<0.001), admissions through the emergency department (IRR=2.99, 95% CI=1.80–4.97, p<0.001), and emergency presentations (IRR=3.57, 95% CI=1.41–9.02; p<0.001). Total hospitalization costs for cirrhosis admissions were higher for those with unmet needs ($431,242 per person days at risk) compared with those with met needs ($87,363 per person days at risk, adjusted cost ratio=3.52, 95%CI=3.49–3.54; p<0.001). In multivariable analysis, increasing overall mean SNAC scores (higher needs) were correlated with poorer quality of life and higher level of distress (p<0.001 for all comparisons).

Conclusions:

Patients with cirrhosis and high unmet psychosocial needs and practical and physical needs have poor quality of life, high distress, and very high service use and costs, highlighting the importance of urgently addressing unmet needs.
Factors associated with tracheal intubation–related complications in the prehospital setting: a prospective multicentric cohort study
Authors: Le Bastard Quentin , Pès Philippe , Leroux Pierre , Penverne Yann , Jenvrin Joël , Montassier Emmanuel
Published: February 2023

Background Emergency tracheal intubation is routinely performed in the prehospital setting. Airway management in the prehospital setting has substantial challenges. Objective The aim of the present study was to determine risk factors predicting tracheal intubation–related complications on the prehospital field. Setting A prospective, multicentric, cohort study which was conducted in three mobile ICUs (MICUs; service mobile d’urgence et de réanimation).Outcome measures and analysis Tracheal intubation–related complications were defined as the occurrence of at least one of the following events: oxygen desaturation (SpO2 < 90%) during tracheal intubation, aspiration (regurgitation visualized during laryngoscopy), and vomiting. Difficult intubation was defined as more than two failed direct laryngoscopic attempts, or the need for any alternative tracheal intubation method. Multivariate logistic regressions were used. Results During the 5-year study period, 1915 consecutive patients were intubated in the MICUs participating in the study. Overall, 1287 (70%) patients were successfully intubated after the first laryngoscopic attempt, with rates of 90, 74, 42, and 30% for Cormack–Lehane grade 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Tracheal intubation was difficult in 663 cases (36%). Tracheal intubation–related complications occurred in 267 (14%) patients. In the multivariate analysis, we found that the leading risk factors for tracheal intubation–related complications were Cormack and Lehane grade 3 and 4 [odds ratio (OR) = 1.65; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05–2.61; and OR = 2.79; 95% CI, 1.56–4.98, respectively], a BMI of more than 30 (OR = 1.61; 95% CI, 1.13–2.28), when intubation was difficult (OR = 1.72; 95% CI, 1.15–2.57), and when tracheal intubation required more than one operator (OR = 2.30; 95% CI, 1.50–3.49).Conclusions In this prospective study, we found that Cormack and Lehane more than grade 2, BMI >30, difficult intubation, and tracheal intubation requiring more than one operator were all independent predictors of tracheal intubation–related complications in the prehospital setting. When these risk factors are identified on scene, adapted algorithms that anticipate the use of a bougie should be generalized to reduce morbidity on the prehospital field.
Surgical Implications and Radiologic Classification for the Upward Bulging of the Planum Sphenoidale in Patients With Anterior Skull Base Meningiomas Involving the Tuberculum Sellae Area
Authors: Cao Jianping , Sun Peng , Gu Chunyu , Wang Haoran , Qu Yanming , Zhang Hongwei , Zhang Mingshan , Yu Chunjiang
Published: February 2023

Objective:

To investigate the surgical implications and morphologic type of upward bulging of the planum sphenoidale (PS) in anterior skull base meningiomas involving the tuberculum sellae area.

Methods:

Between January 2014 and June 2021, 96 patients with anterior skull base meningiomas underwent surgery at the Sanbo Brain Hospital of Capital Medical University. A total of 96 patients with nonintracranial space-occupying lesions were selected as the control group. The height of upward bulging of the PS was measured and classified. The authors performed univariate and multivariate analyses to evaluate the rate and effects of upward bulging of the PS.

Results:

The PS upward bulging rate was 23.00% versus 66.70% (P<0.001) between the control and meningioma groups. Multiple linear regression showed that it was correlated with the tumor midsagittal anteroposterior length (P=0.025) and the midsagittal height diameter (P=0.012). According to the height of PS upward bulging, it was divided into types 1, 2, and 3. The tumor gross-total resection rates were 96.9%, 92.3%, and 76.0%, respectively (P=0.042).

Conclusions:

Anterior skull base meningiomas involving the tuberculum sellae area can cause PS upward bulging, which lowers the tumor resection rate and should be considered while determining the treatment approach.
Early-Stage Ampullary Cancer: Is Local Excision an Effective Alternative to Radical Resection?
Authors: Swanson James , Littau Michael , Tonelli Celsa , Cohn Tyler , Luchette Fred A , Abdelsattar Zaid , Baker Marshall S.
Published: February 2023

Background:

The efficacy of local excision (transduodenal or endoscopic ampullectomy) in treating early-stage ampullary cancer has not been well defined.

Study Design:

We queried the National Cancer Database to identify patients undergoing either local tumor excision or radical resection for early-stage (cTis-T2, N0, M0) ampullary adenocarcinoma between 2004 and 2018. Cox modeling was used to identify factors associated with overall survival. Patients undergoing local excision were then 1:1 propensity score-matched for demographics, hospital-level, and histopathological factors to those undergoing radical resection. Kaplan Meier method was used to compare overall survival (OS) profiles for matched cohorts.

Results:

1544 patients met inclusion criteria. 218 (14%) underwent local tumor excision; 1326 (86%) radical resection. On propensity score matching, 218 patients undergoing local excision were successfully matched to 218 patients undergoing radical resection. On comparison of matched cohorts, those undergoing local excision had lower rates of margin negative (R0) resection (85.1% vs 99%, p< 0.001) and lower median lymph node counts (0 vs 13, p< 0.001) but had significantly shorter lengths of initial hospitalization (median days: 1 vs 10 days, p< 0.001), lower rates of 30-day readmission (3.3% vs 12.0%, p=0.001) and lower rates of 30-day mortality (1.8% vs 6.5%, p=0.016) than patients undergoing radical resection. There was no statistically significant difference in OS between the matched cohorts (46.9% vs 52.0%, p=0.46).

Conclusion:

In patients presenting with early-stage ampullary adenocarcinoma, local tumor excision is associated with higher rates of R1 resection but accelerated post-procedure recovery and patterns of OS comparable to those following radical resection.
Nonlinear three-dimensional patterns of the Marangoni convection in a thin film on a poorly conducting substrate
Authors: Samoilova Anna , Permyakova Evelina V.
Published: February 2023

We investigate the dynamics of a thin liquid film that is placed atop a heated substrate of very low thermal conductivity. The direct numerical simulation of the stationary long-wave Marangoni instability is performed with the system of coupled partial differential equations. These equations were previously derived within the lubrication approximation; they describe the evolution of film thickness and fluid temperature. We compare our results with the early reported results of the weakly nonlinear analysis. A good qualitative agreement is observed for values of the Marangoni number near the convective threshold. In the case of supercritical excitation, our results for the amplitudes are described by the square root dependence on the supercriticality. In the case of subcritical excitation, we report the hysteresis. For relatively high supercriticality, the convective regimes evolve into film rupture via the emergence of secondary humps. For the three-dimensional patterns, we observe rolls or squares, depending on the problem parameters. We also confirm the prediction of the asymptotic results concerning the nonlinear feedback control for the pattern selection.

This article is part of the theme issue 'New trends in pattern formation and nonlinear dynamics of extended systems'.
Introduction to ‘New trends in pattern formation and nonlinear dynamics of extended systems’
Authors: Nepomnyashchy Alexander , Samoilova Anna
Published: February 2023

Pattern formation is a widespread phenomenon observed in physical, chemical and biological systems. During the past decades, powerful experimental and theoretical tools for the investigation of that phenomenon have been developed. Also, the set of pattern forming system was diversified. The present issue presents a panorama of pattern formation and other nonlinear dynamical phenomena in different natural and engineering systems. Special attention is paid to nonlinear dynamics of fluids. Non-equilibrium phenomena in chemical and quantum systems are also considered.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘New trends in pattern formation and nonlinear dynamics of extended systems’.
Vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant isolated in Osaka, Japan
Authors: Hiroi Satoshi , Morikawa Saeko , Motomura Kazushi , Mori Haruyo
Published: February 2023

To study vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants isolated in Osaka, Japan, microneutralization tests were performed on serum samples from 32subjects who received a second dose of vaccination, and 10 of those who received the third dose of vaccination. Geometric mean titres (GMTs) for the D614G strain, Alpha variant, Delta variant, and Omicron BA.1 of the subjects after the second dose of vaccination were 19.5, 21.8, 6.3 and 2.0, respectively. The GMT for the Delta variant was significantly lower than that for the D614G strain and Alpha variant, and the GMT for the Omicron BA.1 was significantly lower than that for the Delta variant. Among the subjects who received three doses of vaccination, the GMTs for the Omicron BA.1 (62.8) and BA.2 (38.6) were significantly higher than that for the Omicron BA.1 after the second dose. Thus, in the present study, the second dose of vaccination induced neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 strains, and the reactivity of neutralizing antibodies to the variants was thought to be enhanced by the third dose of vaccination. The serum samples used in this study will be useful in evaluating the reactivity of vaccine-induced antibodies to newly emerging variants.
One year experience of Achromobacter bacteremia at a tertiary care hospital in Northern India
Authors: Kar Mitra , Singh Romya , Tejan Nidhi , Jamwal Ashima , Dubey Akanksha , Chaudhary Radhika , Sahu Chinmoy , Patel Sangram Singh , Kumari Pooja , Ghar Malay
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Achromobacter is a Gram-negative, motile, obligate aerobic, and non-fermentative bacterium. It is an emerging pathogen in the hospital environment as it is frequently found in various solutions.
Hypothesis/Gap Statement: Information about the incidence and risk factors of Achromobacter bacteremia from India is limited.
Aim: We conducted this study to identify the risk factors and underlying conditions predisposing to bacteremia by Achromobacter spp and analyze the antibiotic resistance pattern of the isolates.
Methodology: We performed a retrospective observational study where automated blood cultures positive for Achromobacter spp were assessed for clinical characteristics and antibiotic susceptibility patterns from January 2022 to December 2022 in the microbiology laboratory of a tertiary care center in Northern India.
Results: A total of fourteen cases of Achromobacter spp were identified from bloodstream infections in one year. The mean age of the patients was 37.59 ± 23.17 years with a male predominance (8/14, 57.1%). All patients were managed on intravenous antibiotics and intravenous access as peripheral line catheters and only 5 (5/14, 35.7%) patients were managed on central line catheters. The most common antibiotic found to be susceptible against Achromobacter spp was Ticarcillin- clavulanic acid (14/14, 100.0%) followed by Fluoroquinolones (12/14, 85.72%) and Trimethoprim- sulphamethoxazole (12/14, 85.72%). The all-cause 40-day mortality was observed in 35.7% (5/14, 35.7%) with two death that was directly attributable to sepsis.
Conclusion: This study provides insight into the incidence of Achromobacter bacteremia at our center and the necessary antibiotic therapy to combat it.
The predictors of new-onset atrial fibrillation incidence after on-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery: A prospective study evaluating syntax score
Authors: Mombeini Hoda , Ebrahimi Alireza , Yazdankhah Saeed , Sheikhi Mohammad Ali , Majidi Shahla , Pakdin Majid
Published: February 2023

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is considered the most common supraventricular arrhythmia in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). The predictive value of the SYNTAX score for post-CABG new-onset AF incidence has not been clearly evaluated. This study aimed to assess this association in patients undergoing isolated on-pump CABG.

Method

This study was done in a single-center, randomized, and observational setting. A total of 133 patients undergoing on-pump isolated CABG who were older than 18 years and had sinus rhythm were enrolled. Demographic variables of patients were recorded, and the SYNTAX score was measured for the participants. The multivariate logistic regression model was applied to identify the predictors of post-CABG new-onset AF.

Results

The logistic regression model showed that SYNTAX score of more than 28.25 (p-value= 0.001; OR= 14.25, 95% CI= 2.90_70.11), hypertension (p-value=0.02; OR = 6.59, 95% CI = 1.23_34.57), and calcium channel blocker consumption (p-value=0.02; OR = 8.05, 95% CI = 1.43_45.42) are predictors of new-onset AF after on-pump CABG.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that patients with higher SYNTAX scores in coronary angiography are more likely to develop new-onset AF after isolated on-pump CABG.
Genome-wide Polygenic Risk Score for Type 2 Diabetes in Indian Population
Authors: Pemmasani Sandhya Kiran , Atmakuri Shravya , Acharya Anuradha
Published: February 2023

Genome-wide polygenic risk scores (PRS) for lifestyle disorders, like Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), are useful in identifying at-risk individuals early on in life, and to guide them towards healthier lifestyles. The current study was aimed at developing PRS for the Indian population using imputed genotype data from UK Biobank and testing the developed PRS on data from GenomegaDB™ of Indians living in India. 984 T2D cases and 2,818 controls were selected from Indian participants of UK Biobank to develop the PRS. Summary statistics available for South Asians, from the DIAMANTE consortium, were used to weigh genetic variants. LDpred2 algorithm was used to adjust the effect of linkage disequilibrium among the variants. The association of PRS with T2D, tested with logistic regression, was found to be very significant (AUC = 0.75, OR = 3.06 [95%CI = 2.78 - 3.36]). When participants were divided into four PRS quartile groups, the odds of developing T2D increased sequentially with higher PRS groups. The highest PRS group (top 25%) showed 6.6 fold increased risk compared to the rest of the participants (75%). The derived PRS was found to be significantly associated with T2D in the test dataset of 446 Indians (AUC = 0.6, OR = 1.48 [95%CI = 1.21 - 1.8]). Our results indicate the importance of developing population-specific PRS for T2D to stratify the individuals, and to recommend personalized preventive measures.
A 30-Color Full-Spectrum Flow Cytometry Panel to Characterize the Immune Cell Landscape in Spleen and Tumors within a Syngeneic MC-38 Murine Colon Carcinoma Model
Authors: DeNiro Gabriel , Que Kathryn , Koo Soo Min , Kim Jeong , Schneider Bridget , Mukhopadhyay Anandaroop , Sawant Anandi , Nguyen Tuan Andrew
Published: February 2023

Purpose and Appropriate Sample Types

This panel was designed to characterize the immune cell landscape in the mouse tumor micro-environment as well as mouse lymphoid tissues (e.g., spleen). Previous Optimized Multicolor Immunofluorescence Panels (OMIP) with conventional cytometry were examples of high-quality fluorescent-based flow cytometry panels to characterize either the T-cell compartment or the myeloid compartment [1, 2]. The advent of spectral cytometry has enabled sufficient markers to be included in a panel to comprehensively characterize the immune cell landscape including both the T-cell and the myeloid cell compartments. In this body of work, we demonstrated that we could measure the frequency and characterize the functional status of CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells, regulatory T cells, NK cells, B cells, macrophages, granulocytes, monocytes, & dendritic cells. This panel is especially useful for understanding the immune landscape in “cold” preclinical tumor models with very low immune cell infiltration, and for investigating how therapeutic treatments may modulate the immune landscape.
Computationally Designed Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors Derived from Sulfonamides for Treatment of Glaucoma
Authors: Caruso Danielle J. , Connolly Morgan P. , Nguyen Tram Q. , Siegel Justin B.
Published: February 2023

Glaucoma is a known contributor to blindness in adults. This disease occurs as a result of overactivity of the carbonic anhydrase II (CAII) enzyme. Several of the commonly used sulfonamide drugs have been used to treat the symptoms of glaucoma but have been found to have low potency. To develop a more effective drug for the treatment of glaucoma, two novel CAII inhibitor drugs were designed through bioisoteric replacement and chemical intuition. This research discusses the development of these CAII inhibitor drugs from the existing glaucoma drug known as dichlorphenamide. The drugs created in this research were found to have a better docking score within the CAII binding site than that of dichlorphenamide. The drugs proposed in this paper would need to undergo further research to determine laboratory synthesis and potential clinical trialing.
N-Glycosylation is a Potent Regulator of Prion Protein Neurotoxicity
Authors: Schilling Kevin M. , Jorwal Pooja , Ubilla-Rodriguez Natalia C. , Assafa Tufa E. , Gatdula Jean R. P. , Harris David A. , Millhauser Glenn L.
Published: February 2023

The C-terminal domain of cellular prion protein (PrPC) contains two N-linked glycosylation sites, the occupancy of which impacts disease pathology. In this study, we demonstrate that glycans at these sites are required to maintain an intramolecular interaction with the N-terminal domain, mediated through a previously identified copper-histidine tether, which suppresses the neurotoxic activity of PrPC. NMR and EPR spectroscopy demonstrate that the glycans refine the structure of the protein’s interdomain interaction. Using whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology, we further show that cultured cells expressing PrP molecules with mutated glycosylation sites display large, spontaneous inward currents, a correlate of PrP-induced neurotoxicity. Our findings establish a structural basis for the role of N-linked glycans in maintaining a non-toxic, physiological fold of PrPC.
Feasibility study of topology optimization of the control system frame for the missile with canard configuration
Authors: Abratanski Artur , Grzejda Rafał , Perz Rafał
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the new method for optimizing the topology of the control system frame for a canard missile to create its efficient model. Determining the minimum volume of the part risked losing some of the mechanical interfaces and functionality required of the frame. The proposed method must cope with these requirements and include a validation loop of the improved solution proposed by the software. The processing of the mathematical model to a printable form must take into account manufacturing technologies limitations and appropriate curvature continuities to avoid stress concentrations.

Design/methodology/approach

Real examples from the aerospace industry are presented and the process of determining a prototype is described. The optimization assumed leaving the largest volume of the domain. Strength analyses were performed on both the assembly fasteners and the robust prototype. Once all boundary conditions were validated, topological optimization was performed in the ANSYS environment. The algorithm of the optimization was presented.

Findings

Obtained fatigues showed the vast potential of topology optimization, efficient method of weight reduction in specific situations. It can be considered as an innovative approach to the manufacturing of products with a structure focused on the best possible correlation of weight and strength, for example of a canard rocket.

Originality/value

The paper introduces precise manufacturing technology of the inner frame for the missile’s control system, which ensures sufficient properties of the material, known as EBM.
Sentiment analysis of the Algerian social movement inception
Authors: Laifa Meriem , Mohdeb Djamila
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study provides an overview of the application of sentiment analysis (SA) in exploring social movements (SMs). It also compares different models for a SA task of Algerian Arabic tweets related to early days of the Algerian SM, called Hirak.

Design/methodology/approach

Related tweets were retrieved using relevant hashtags followed by multiple data cleaning procedures. Foundational machine learning methods such as Naive Bayes, Support Vector Machine, Logistic Regression (LR) and Decision Tree were implemented. For each classifier, two feature extraction techniques were used and compared, namely Bag of Words and Term Frequency–Inverse Document Frequency. Moreover, three fine-tuned pretrained transformers AraBERT and DziriBERT and the multilingual transformer XLM-R were used for the comparison.

Findings

The findings of this paper emphasize the vital role social media played during the Hirak. Results revealed that most individuals had a positive attitude toward the Hirak. Moreover, the presented experiments provided important insights into the possible use of both basic machine learning and transfer learning models to analyze SA of Algerian text datasets. When comparing machine learning models with transformers in terms of accuracy, precision, recall and F1-score, the results are fairly similar, with LR outperforming all models with a 68 per cent accuracy rate.

Originality/value

At the time of writing, the Algerian SM was not thoroughly investigated or discussed in the Computer Science literature. This analysis makes a limited but unique contribution to understanding the Algerian Hirak using artificial intelligence. This study proposes what it considers to be a unique basis for comprehending this event with the goal of generating a foundation for future studies by comparing different SA techniques on a low-resource language.
Service agents’ risk behavior and implications for co-creation
Authors: Chathoth Prakash K. , Ungson Gerardo R.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a conceptual framework for further understanding the risks embedded in co-creation services in high-contact service transactions. It delineates behavioral and economic perspectives focusing on agency costs, risk behavior, compensation structure and provides a context in which information is processed.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an extensive review of the literature, propositions are advanced that relate an agent’s risk behavior to information processing, compensation and the propensity to engage in co-creation. These propositions provide a complementary context for understanding risks in the co-creation process.

Findings

The propositions detail how a service agent’s information processing can be enhanced if the customer’s expected utility from transactions is maximized by managing the agent’s risk behavior and earnings potential. A compensation structure that balances fixed base and variable pay can motivate risk-taking and the agent’s propensity to engage in co-creation.

Originality/value

This paper extends the understanding of agency risks in the co-creation of hospitality services that integrates economic and behavioral perspectives with information processing. Theoretical implications include a broader context of the risks underlying co-creation. Practical implications relate to how earnings potential could be maximized by considering the agent’s risk behavior and the expected utility arising from such transactions.
Barriers experienced with multi-agency responses to county line gangs: a focus group study
Authors: Neaverson Aimee , Lake Abbie
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to create a platform for frontline practitioners to share experiences, express opinions and forge new ideas for effective multi-agency work when responding to child exploitation by county line gangs (CLGs).

Design/methodology/approach

CLGs are grooming children as young as age 7. The need for effective multi-agency responses to grooming by CLGs is a key priority for prevention. Using findings from focus groups held with 13 youth practitioners, school staff and charities, this article highlights the barriers that multi-agency frontline practitioners face when they are tasked with responding to instances of child criminal exploitation by CLGs.

Findings

Discussions within the focus groups indicate there are many common barriers and driving factors with regards to young people being successfully groomed by a CLG. More specifically, findings from this research identified school exclusions and a lack of prosocial sense of belonging to be a driving factor that exacerbated the risk of being successfully groomed by a CLG. Lack of a significant adult relationship was also found to be a barrier to successful multi-agency intervention, which was attributed to the lack of funding and resources required for adequate staffing needed to build meaningful relationships.

Originality/value

This study offered the unique opportunity for practitioners from various different sectors and jurisdictions to share their experiences of not only working with young people involved in CLGs, but also their challenges when using a multi-agency approach. These discussions are particularly important in the case of CLGs due to the cross-jurisdiction nature of the gangs’ activities. This research has identified issues with multi-agency responses to CLGs and offers recommendations for improvement. Identifying and understanding the barriers that practitioners face when responding to CLGs can allow for the development and implementation of various measures, which will aid the safeguarding of vulnerable victims of exploitation by CLGs.