bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Next generation antibacterial strategies for regenerative endodontic procedures: A scoping review
Authors: Leveque Marianne , Guittat Marie , Thivichon‐Prince Béatrice , Reuzeau Alicia , Eveillard Matthieu , Faure Marjorie , Farges Jean‐Christophe , Richert Raphaël , Bekhouche Mourad , Ducret Maxime
Published: July 2023

Background

The clinical results following regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) vary according to numerous parameters, including the presence of bacteria. This limitation reduces the indications for REPs and calls for the development of next generation antibacterial strategies (NGAS) providing alternatives to current antibacterial strategies (CAS) such as double or triple antibiotic paste (DAP/TAP) and (Ca(OH)2).

Objectives

The present scoping review aims to describe the current trends regarding the use of such strategies and highlight future perspectives.

Methods

Four databases (PUBMed, Cochrane, ClinicalTrials and Science Direct) were searched until 1st May 2023.

Results

A total of 918 records were identified, 133 were screened and assessed for eligibility, and 87 articles were included. The findings show that (1) clinical studies are only available for CAS, (2) although next generation strategies are the most studied approach since 2017, they are all at the pre‐clinical stage, (3) most of the next generation strategies use galenic forms which offer cell support and colonization and which simultaneously contain antibacterial molecules as alternatives to CAS and to antibiotics in general, (4) standardization is required for future research, specifically regarding the bacterial strains studied, the use of biofilm studies and the cellular behaviour assessments.

Conclusion

Although NGAS are promising strategies to improve REPs in the context of infection, the current evidence is mostly limited to pre‐clinical studies. Further methodological improvement is required to allow relevant comparisons between studies and to reduce the time from bench to bedside.
The association between ambient pollutants and influenza transmissibility: A nationwide study involving 30 provinces in China
Authors: Yang Jiao , Fan Guohui , Zhang Li , Zhang Ting , Xu Yunshao , Feng Luzhao , Yang Weizhong
Published: July 2023

Background

The impact of exposure to ambient pollutants on influenza transmissibility is poorly understood. We aim to examine the associations of six ambient pollutants with influenza transmissibility in China and assess the effect of the depletion of susceptibles.

Methods

Provincial‐level surveillance data on weekly influenza‐like illness (ILI) incidence and viral activity were utilized to estimate the instantaneous reproduction number (Rt) using spline functions. Log‐linear regression and the distributed lag non‐linear model (DLNM) were employed to investigate the effects of ambient pollutants—ozone (O3), particulate matter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5), particulate matter ≤10 μm (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO)—on influenza transmissibility across 30 Chinese provinces from 2014 to 2019. Additionally, the potential effects of the depletion of susceptibles and regional characteristics were explored.

Results

There is a significantly positive correlation between influenza transmissibility and five distinct ambient pollutants: PM2.5, PM10, SO2, CO, and NO2. On average, these ambient pollutants explained percentages of the variance in Rt: 0.8%, 0.8%, 1.9%, 1.3%, and 1.4%, respectively. Conversely, O3 was found to be negatively associated with Rt, explaining 1.5% of the variance in Rt. When controlling for the effect of susceptibles depletion, the effects of all pollutants were more pronounced. The effects of PM2.5, PM10, CO, and SO2 were higher in the eastern and southern regions.

Conclusions

Most ambient pollutants may potentially contribute to the facilitation of human‐to‐human influenza virus transmission in China. This observed association was maintained even after adjusting for variation in the susceptible population.
Competence development in collaborative hybrid learning among health sciences students: A quasi‐experimental mixed‐method study
Authors: Pramila‐Savukoski Sari , Kärnä Raila , Kuivila Heli‐Maria , Oikarainen Ashlee , Törmänen Tiina , Juntunen Jonna , Järvelä Sanna , Mikkonen Kristina
Published: July 2023

Background

Health sciences education prepares students for social‐ and healthcare by developing evidence‐based nursing, leadership and working life skills, including collaboration. Due to the changes caused by the global pandemic, health sciences education has shifted more to online and hybrid contexts, which can challenge students' competence development. Students' competence development and interaction in collaborative hybrid learning is a little researched area.

Objectives

To observe and evaluate health sciences students' competence development in a collaborative hybrid learning context.

Methods

This quasi‐experimental mixed‐method study was implemented by providing educational intervention. First‐year Bachelor's degree health sciences students (n = 18) of a Finnish university completed an educational intervention with synchronous online and face‐to‐face learning. Students' collaborative hybrid learning and interaction were video observed, while self‐evaluation of competence development was made with a questionnaire.

Results

In the collaborative interactions, the students showed analytical thinking, problem‐ solving and communication and technology skills. Extensive knowledge of health sciences and ethics skills was not strongly visible in interaction. The students effectively used collaborative work time to perform tasks. Cognitive interaction (monitoring and evaluating learning) was observed in 85% and socio‐emotional interaction (expressions of emotions and motivation) in 53% of the data. Related to the students' learning results, the students' ability to communicate and interact with culturally different people improved after the educational intervention.

Conclusion

Collaborative learning methods in hybrid learning can create opportunities for students to construct their competence in interaction. Attention should be paid to different areas of competence and the role of socio‐emotional interaction.
Resveratrol inhibits ferroptosis and decelerates heart failure progression via Sirt1/p53 pathway activation
Authors: Zhang Wei , Qian Shaohuan , Tang Bi , Kang Pinfang , Zhang Heng , Shi Chao
Published: July 2023

Resveratrol is an organic compound widely studied for its therapeutic uses. We investigated whether resveratrol exerts cardioprotective effects by inhibiting ferroptosis via the Sirt1/p53 pathway. A heart failure model was established by aortic coarctation in Sirt1 knockout mice. The superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) levels and mitochondrial morphology in murine heart tissues were assessed at different time points to determine the role of ferroptosis in heart failure progression. The cardiac function of mice with heart failure was evaluated by determining the brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and sST2 concentration and conducting echocardiography. Human induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC‐CMs) were transfected with the p53 K382R mutant and Sirt1 interference lentiviral vectors. Immunoprecipitation (IP) experiments were performed to investigate whether Sirt1 influences ferroptosis via p53 K382 acetylation and SLC7A11 expression modulation. Resveratrol improved cardiac function in mice and decelerated ferroptosis and fibrosis progression in heart failure. However, the ability of resveratrol to prevent ferroptosis and treat heart failure was lost after silencing Sirt1. Sirt1 reduced ferroptosis by diminishing the levels of p53 K382 acetylation, reducing the degradation of SLC7A11, and increasing the levels of GSH and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in cells. In conclusion, by activating the Sirt1/p53 pathway in heart failure, resveratrol decreased the depletion of SLC7A11, inhibited ferroptosis, and improved cardiac function.
SD‐RLK28 positively regulates pollen hydration on stigmas as a PCP‐Bβ receptor in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Guo Li , Huang Ziya , Chen Xingyu , Yang Min , Yang Miaomiao , Liu Ziwei , Han Xuejie , Ma Xiangjie , Wang Xiaoli , Gao Qiguo
Published: July 2023

Pollen hydration on dry stigmas is strictly regulated by pollen–stigma interactions in Brassicaceae. Although several related molecular events have been described, the molecular mechanism underlying pollen hydration remains elusive. Multiple B‐class pollen coat proteins (PCP‐Bs) are involved in pollen hydration. Here, by analyzing the interactions of two PCP‐Bs with three Arabidopsis thaliana stigmas strongly expressing S‐domain receptor kinase (SD‐RLK), we determined that SD‐RLK28 directly interacts with PCP‐Bβ. We investigated pollen hydration, pollen germination, pollen tube growth, and stigma receptivity in the sd‐rlk28 and pcp‐bβ mutants. PCP‐Bβ acts in the pollen to regulate pollen hydration on stigmas. Loss of SD‐RLK28 had no effect on pollen viability, and sd‐rlk28 plants had normal life cycles without obvious defects. However, pollen hydration on sd‐rlk28 stigmas was impaired and pollen tube growth in sd‐rlk28 pistils was delayed. The defect in pollen hydration on sd‐rlk28 stigmas was independent of changes in reactive oxygen species levels in stigmas. These results indicate that SD‐RLK28 functions in the stigma as a PCP‐Bβ receptor to positively regulate pollen hydration on dry stigmas.
Patients’ Perspectives on Informational Support and Education in the Perinatal Period: “The Quicker They Could Be Done With Me, the Better”
Authors: Wadsworth Pamela , Graves Lisa , Pogula Mounika , Duerst Abby , Southard James , Kothari Catherine , Presberry Joi
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The overall purpose of this study was to elicit perspectives from a diverse group of postpartum individuals about their perinatal outpatient informational support and education. In addition, suggestions from participants are provided. Although informational support is crucial in the peripartum period, it is often inadequate or biased. Qualitative research, which offers a nuanced and patient‐centered perspective, is limited. The qualitive research that does exist is limited to the prenatal period only, neglecting perspectives throughout the entire peripartum period.

Methods

This qualitative descriptive study was part of a larger observational cross‐sectional study of postpartum individuals in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 2017. Two years after the initial study (2019), participants were recruited into 8 focus groups. Trained facilitators guided focus group conversations using semistructured interview questions. The questions centered on overall experiences with perinatal outpatient health care experiences and informational support. Thematic analyses were used in data analysis. Interrater reliability between coders ranged from 92% to 100%.

Results

Fifty‐four individuals (22.1% response rate) participated in a total of 12 focus groups. The overarching theme was the need for recognition of individuality of patients. Three subthemes emerged, including time, multiple modalities of information support, and agency.

Discussion

This study extended previous qualitative findings across the entire peripartum period and that individualized prenatal care is an important distinction in perceived quality of care. Health care organizations should consider allocating time differently for perinatal office visits, offer flexible visit times based on individualized needs, offer information in multiple modalities, and promote agency of patients. This study was strengthened by the community involvement, women of color only focus groups, and oversampling of Black women. This study was limited by the self‐selected, homogenous sample and potential for recall bias.
Revealing the polar lipidome, pigment profiles, and antioxidant activity of the giant unicellular green alga, Acetabularia acetabulum
Authors: Rey Felisa , Cartaxana Paulo , Cruz Sónia , Melo Tânia , Domingues M. Rosário
Published: July 2023

Marine algae are one of the most important sources of high‐value compounds such as polar lipids, omega‐3 fatty acids, photosynthetic pigments, or secondary metabolites with interesting features for different niche markets. Acetabularia acetabulum is a macroscopic green single‐celled alga, with a single nucleus hosted in the rhizoid. This alga is one of the most studied dasycladalean species and represents an important model system in cell biology studies. However, its lipidome and pigment profile have been overlooked. Total lipid extracts were analyzed using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography‐high resolution mass spectrometry (HILIC‐HRMS), tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The antioxidant capacity of lipid extracts was tested using DPPH and ABTS assays. Lipidomics identified 16 polar lipid classes, corresponding to glycolipids, betaine lipids, phospholipids, and sphingolipids, with a total of 191 lipid species, some of them recognized by their bioactivities. The most abundant polar lipids were glycolipids. Lipid classes less studied in algae were identified, such as diacylglyceryl‐carboxyhydroxymethylcholine (DGCC) or hexosylceramide (HexCer). The pigment profile of A. acetabulum comprised carotenoids (17.19%), namely cis‐neoxanthin, violaxanthin, lutein and β,β‐carotene, and chlorophylls a and b (82.81%). A. acetabulum lipid extracts showed high antioxidant activity promoting a 50% inhibition (IC50) with concentrations of 57.91 ± 1.20 μg · mL−1 (438.18 ± 8.95 μmol Trolox · g−1 lipid) in DPPH and 20.55 ± 0.60 μg · mL−1 in ABTS assays (918.56 ± 27.55 μmol Trolox · g−1 lipid). This study demonstrates the potential of A. acetabulum as a source of natural bioactive molecules and antioxidant compounds.
Adjustment coefficients and exact rational expectations in cointegrated vector autoregressive models
Authors: Johansen Søren , Rygh Swensen Anders
Published: July 2023

In this article, we consider the cointegrated vector autoregressive model with adjustment parameters and cointegration vectors . We discuss estimation of the model under the exact linear rational expectations, when we also have linear restrictions on the adjustment parameters . In particular we consider the same restriction on all vectors in and the hypothesis that some vectors in are known.
Genomic hotspots of chromosome rearrangements explain conserved synteny despite high rates of chromosome evolution in a holocentric lineage
Authors: Escudero Marcial , Marques André , Lucek Kay , Hipp Andrew L.
Published: July 2023

Holocentric organisms, unlike typical monocentric organisms, have kinetochore activity distributed along almost the whole length of the chromosome. Because of this, chromosome rearrangements through fission and fusion are more likely to become fixed in holocentric species, which may account for the extraordinary rates of chromosome evolution that many holocentric lineages exhibit. Long blocks of genome synteny have been reported in animals with holocentric chromosomes despite high rates of chromosome rearrangements. Nothing is known from plants, however, despite the fact that holocentricity appears to have played a key role in the diversification of one of the largest angiosperm genera, Carex (Cyperaceae). In the current study, we compared genomes of Carex species and a distantly related Cyperaceae species to characterize conserved and rearranged genome regions. Our analyses span divergence times ranging between 2 and 50 million years. We also compared a C. scoparia chromosome‐level genome assembly with a linkage map of the same species to study rearrangements at a population level and suppression of recombination patterns. We found longer genome synteny blocks than expected under a null model of random rearrangement breakpoints, even between very distantly related species. We also found repetitive DNA to be non‐randomly associated with holocentromeres and rearranged regions of the genome. The evidence of conserved synteny in sedges despite high rates of chromosome fission and fusion suggests that conserved genomic hotspots of chromosome evolution related to repetitive DNA shape the evolution of recombination, gene order and crossability in sedges. This finding may help explain why sedges are able to maintain species cohesion even in the face of high interspecific chromosome rearrangements.
Targeting Circ‐OCAC suppress oral squamous cell carcinoma progression
Authors: Li Bowen , Ding Yuxun , Huo Chuying , Ren Siqi , Chen Suling , He Haizhang , Li Shurui , Wang Xiaojuan , Cen Meifeng , Yang Hongyu , Li Jinsong
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Circular RNAs (circRNAs), with their multilevel and versatile regulation, have emerged as promising targets for treating complex and heterogeneous malignancies such as oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). It is crucial to explore the function of key circRNAs and elucidate the underlying mechanisms to establish an effective in vivo delivery system to better utilize circRNAs as cancer treatment strategies.

Materials and Methods

circRNA (circ‐OCAC) was identified as significantly downregulated in tumor samples compared to paracancerous tissues by RNA‐seq analysis of eight pairs of OSCC tissues. Functional experiments of circ‐OCAC were performed both in vitro and in vivo. The interactions between circ‐OCAC and miR‐411‐5p were clarified by RNA pull down and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays.

Results

We observed that circ‐OCAC inhibits OSCC growth and metastasis by blocking the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. To translate this observation in vivo, a pH‐responsive nanoparticle (pNP) was developed to target circ‐OCAC. Our results confirmed the advantages of the pNP‐circ‐OCAC system: high tumor enrichment capacity and good biosafety, which resulted in a significantly enhanced antitumor effect.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that targeting circ‐OCAC serves as a promising potential therapeutic strategy for OSCC.
“Diagnostic ability in oral pathology among different population clusters”
Authors: Sbricoli Luca , Zago Riccardo , Cavallin Francesco , Stellini Edoardo , Bacci Christian
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To assess the diagnostic ability in detecting oral lesions among dentists, dental hygienists, dentistry students, oral hygiene students, and non‐healthcare subjects.

Materials and Methods

Participants were invited to classify 30 images of oral lesions in “benign” or “suspected malignant” only based on the visual appearance of the lesion. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed by calculating sensitivity and specificity with 95% confidence intervals and stratified by population group and image features (color, shape, and size of the lesions).

Results

A total of 16,590 examinations by 553 subjects were analyzed. Overall sensitivity and specificity were 57% (95% confidence interval 56%–58%) and 64% (95% confidence interval 63%–65%). Diagnostic accuracy varied among population groups, with experienced dentists showing the lowest sensitivity (52%) and the highest specificity (71%). Red lesions, flat lesions, and large lesions had the lowest sensitivity (42%, 36%, 57%) but the highest specificity (70%, 75%, 76%).

Conclusions

We found worrying low ability to detect suspected malignant oral lesions by both healthcare workers and non‐healthcare subjects. Lesion‐specific characteristics may lead to differences in recognition. Specific courses and more adequate teaching methods should be proposed to increase identification of oral lesions.
Postoperative outcome of neonatal emergency surgeries in a tertiary care institute—A prospective observational study
Authors: Puri Sunaakshi , Sen Indu Mohini , Bhardwaj Neerja , Yaddanapudi Sandhya , Mathew Preethy J. , Bandyopadhyay Anjishnujit , Samujh Ram , Dogra Shivani , Kumar Praveen
Published: July 2023

Aims

Neonatal surgical mortality continues to be high in developing countries. A better understanding of perioperative events and optimization of causative factors can help in achieving a favorable outcome. The present study was designed to evaluate the perioperative course of surgical neonates and find out potential factors contributing to postoperative mortality.

Methods

This prospective observational study enrolled neonates, undergoing emergency surgical procedures in a tertiary care institute. Primary outcome was 6 weeks postsurgical mortality. The babies were observed till discharge and subsequently followed up telephonically for 6 weeks after surgery. Multivariable logistic regression analysis of various parameters was performed.

Results

Out of the 324 neonates who met inclusion criteria, 278 could be enrolled. The median age was 4 days. Sixty‐two (27.7%) neonates were born before 37 weeks period of gestation (POG), and 94 (41.8%) neonates weighed below 2.5 kg. The most common diagnoses was trachea‐esophageal fistula (29.9%) and anorectal malformation (14.3%). The median duration of hospital stay for survivors was 14 days. The in‐hospital mortality was 34.8%. Mortality at 6 weeks following surgery was 36.2%. Five independent risk factors identified were POG < 34 weeks, preoperative oxygen therapy, postoperative inotropic support postoperative mechanical ventilation, and postoperative leukopenia. In neonates where invasive ventilation was followed by non‐invasive positive pressure ventilation in the postoperative period, risk of postoperative surgical mortality was significantly reduced.

Conclusion

Present study identified preterm birth, preoperative oxygen therapy, postoperative positive pressure ventilation, requirement of inotropes, and postoperative leukopenia as independent predictors of 6‐week mortality. The possibility of early switch to noninvasive positive pressure ventilation was associated with a reduction in neonatal mortality.
The policy acknowledgement gap: Explaining (mis)perceptions of government social program use
Authors: SoRelle Mallory E. , Shanks Delphia
Published: July 2023

Nearly, all Americans have received social policy benefits, yet many do not acknowledge “using government social programs.” Why? Work on the submerged state proposes that people who receive social assistance through market mechanisms do not realize that the benefits they get are the result of government policy, and therefore, they do not acknowledge receiving government assistance. Others point to motivated reasoning or social desirability bias to explain the gap between acknowledging and using social programs. We classify the existing literature into three broad explanations—delivery, definition, and desirability—and propose that each may be responsible for people's inability to accurately report using government social programs. We test these mechanisms with original survey experiments. The results of this study provide support for the theory that multiple mechanisms are at work in shaping social policy acknowledgment, but they confirm that a partisan acknowledgement gap exists across a variety of conditions, and it persists despite treatments designed to minimize it. The study has significant implications for the conditions under which partisanship and policy usage coalesce to undermine support for government social expenditures, and it helps to explain the persistence of a “makers vs. takers” logic in American politics.
Effect of physical activity program applied to patients with Alzheimer's disease on cognitive functions and depression level: a randomised controlled study
Authors: Lok Neslihan , Tosun Alime Selçuk , Lok Sefa , Temel Veysel , Aydın Zekiye
Published: July 2023

Background

In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the effect of a physical activity program applied to Alzheimer's disease patients on cognitive functions and depression.

Method

This study is a randomised controlled study designed in a pre‐test post‐test design. It was conducted with 72 patients in total, 36 of whom were interventions and 36 were controls, at the Alzheimer's Day Life Centre. In data collection, a personal information form prepared by the researchers, questioning the socio‐demographic characteristics of individuals, Mini Mental Test and Cornell Dementia Depression Scale were used. In the analysis of the data, the homogeneity between the groups in terms of independent variables was evaluated by performing a Chi‐square analysis. In the evaluation of cognitive functions and depression levels of the experimental and control groups, t‐test was used in the dependent and independent groups. Statistical significance level was accepted as P < 0.05.

Results

In the study, the cognitive functions of the experimental group, in which a 12‐week physical activity program was applied, were higher than the control group and the difference was significant (P < 0.05). Similarly, the depression scale mean score of the experimental group was found to be better than the depression level of the individuals in the control group, and the difference was significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The 12‐week physical activity program applied to Alzheimer's disease patients improved cognitive functions and depression levels of individuals.
The neural correlates of continuous feedback processing
Authors: Hassall Cameron D. , Yan Yan , Hunt Laurence T.
Published: July 2023

Feedback processing is commonly studied by analyzing the brain's response to discrete rather than continuous events. Such studies have led to the hypothesis that rapid phasic midbrain dopaminergic activity tracks reward prediction errors (RPEs), the effects of which are measurable at the scalp via electroencephalography (EEG). Although studies using continuous feedback are sparse, recent animal work suggests that moment‐to‐moment changes in reward are tracked by slowly ramping midbrain dopaminergic activity. Some have argued that these ramping signals index state values rather than RPEs. Our goal here was to develop an EEG measure of continuous feedback processing in humans, then test whether its behavior could be accounted for by the RPE hypothesis. Participants completed a stimulus–response learning task in which a continuous reward cue gradually increased or decreased over time. A regression‐based unmixing approach revealed EEG activity with a topography and time course consistent with the stimulus‐preceding negativity (SPN), a scalp potential previously linked to reward anticipation and tonic dopamine release. Importantly, this reward‐related activity depended on outcome expectancy: as predicted by the RPE hypothesis, activity for expected reward cues was reduced compared to unexpected reward cues. These results demonstrate the possibility of using human scalp‐recorded potentials to track continuous feedback processing, and test candidate hypotheses of this activity.
Thinning enhances success of enrichment planting with selected tree species under a pure stand of Leucaena leucocephala
Authors: Oliveira Carlos D. C. , Melo Antônio C. G. , Durigan Giselda
Published: July 2023

Increasing the biodiversity of Leucaena leucocephala (hereafter leucaena) stands without losing the benefits provided by the forest structure is a challenge for adaptive management. Here, we report the survival and growth (height, stem, and canopy diameter) of five Atlantic Forest tree species planted underneath a pure stand of the exotic leucaena, which was broadcast sown 35 years before in a 0.6 ha area. Two treatments were compared: thinning (cutting all leucaena trees in 4‐m wide rows, where seedlings were planted) and control (seedlings planted under leucaena canopy), with four replicates each (20 seedlings per plot, four per species, 2‐m spaced). The five species selected were long‐lived emergent trees from seasonal forests, with broad canopy, evergreen, and shade‐tolerant. These traits were expected to allow their survival and growth, and, later on, to shade out the leucaena trees. Seven years after planting, survival was high for all species (around 80%), not differing between treatments or species. On average, stem diameter, height, and crown diameter were, respectively, 69, 44, and 36% higher in thinned than in control plots. Response to thinning differed between species in growth, with Gallesia integrifolia and Luehea divaricata standing out. Our results demonstrate that the species used for enrichment planting, selected by their suitable functional traits, can successfully survive under leucaena stands. Reducing competition by thinning, however, is crucial to enhance their growth. Despite the benefits from thinning, enrichment success strongly depends, therefore, on the abilities of the species selected to face the ecological filters acting on the target ecosystem.
Artificial intelligence model substantially improves stratum corneum moisture content prediction from visible‐light skin images and skin feature factors
Authors: Shishido Tomoyuki , Ono Yasuhiro , Kumazawa Itsuo , Iwai Ichiro , Suzuki Kenji
Published: July 2023

Background

Appropriate skin treatment and care warrants an accurate prediction of skin moisture. However, current diagnostic tools are costly and time‐consuming. Stratum corneum moisture content has been measured with moisture content meters or from a near‐infrared image.

Objective

Here, we establish an artificial intelligence (AI) alternative for conventional skin moisture content measurements.

Methods

Skin feature factors positively or negatively correlated with the skin moisture content were created and selected by using the PolynomialFeatures(3) of scikit‐learn. Then, an integrated AI model using, as inputs, a visible‐light skin image and the skin feature factors were trained with 914 skin images, the corresponding skin feature factors, and the corresponding skin moisture contents.

Results

A regression‐type AI model using only a visible‐light skin‐containing image was insufficiently implemented. To improve the accuracy of the prediction of skin moisture content, we searched for new features through feature engineering (“creation of new factors”) correlated with the moisture content from various combinations of the existing skin features, and have found that factors created by combining the brown spot count, the pore count, and/or the visually assessed skin roughness give significant correlation coefficients. Then, an integrated AI deep‐learning model using a visible‐light skin image and these factors resulted in significantly improved skin moisture content prediction.

Conclusion

Skin moisture content interacts with the brown spot count, the pore count, and/or the visually assessed skin roughness so that better inference of stratum corneum moisture content can be provided using a common visible‐light skin photo image and skin feature factors.
Update on the role of cytokines and chemokines in canine atopic dermatitis
Authors: Tamamoto‐Mochizuki Chie , Santoro Domenico , Saridomikelakis Manolis N. , Eisenschenk Melissa N. C. , Hensel Patrick , Pucheu‐Haston Cherie ,   for the International Committee on Allergic Diseases of Animals (ICADA)
Published: July 2023

Background

Cytokines and chemokines play central roles in the pathogenesis of canine atopic dermatitis (cAD). Numerous studies have been published and provide new insights into their roles in cAD.

Objectives

To summarise the research updates on the role of cytokines and chemokines in the pathogenesis of cAD since the last review by the International Committee on Allergic Diseases of Animals in 2015.

Material and Methods

Online citation databases, abstracts and proceedings from international meetings on cytokines and chemokines relevant to cAD that had been published between 2015 and 2022 were reviewed.

Results

Advances in technologies have allowed the simultaneous analysis of a broader range of cytokines and chemokines, which revealed an upregulation of a multipolar immunological axis (Th1, Th2, Th17 and Th22) in cAD. Most studies focused on specific cytokines, which were proposed as potential novel biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets for cAD, such as interleukin‐31. Most other cytokines and chemokines had inconsistent results, perhaps as a consequence of their varied involvement in the pathogenesis of different endotypes of cAD.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Inconsistent results for many cytokines and chemokines illustrate the difficulty of studying the complex cytokine and chemokine networks in cAD, and highlight the need for more comprehensive and structured studies in the future.
Book Review Hollow Fiber Membrane Contactors: Module Fabrication, Design and Operation, and Potential Applications
Authors: Mansourizadeh A. , Mansourizadeh K.
Published: July 2023

The latest developments and applications of hollow fiber membrane contactors (HFMCs) were discussed in this recent published book. Membrane contactor provides gas–liquid or liquid–liquid contact without dispersion of one phase in another, which gives a higher mass transfer coefficient compared to the conventional contactors. Using a microporous hydrophobic or hydrophilic membrane, one of the fluids is immobilized in the pores where the mass transfer is occurred based on the concentration gradient. HFMC technology has been implemented in various applications including gas separation, fermentation, pharmaceuticals, wastewater treatment, chiral separation, semiconductor manufacturing, carbonation of beverages, metal ion extraction, protein extraction, VOC removal from waste gas, and osmotic distillation.
Orbifold Kähler–Einstein metrics on projective toric varieties
Authors: Braun Lukas
Published: July 2023

In this short note, we investigate the existence of orbifold Kähler–Einstein metrics on toric varieties. In particular, we show that every ‐factorial normal projective toric variety allows an orbifold Kähler–Einstein metric. Moreover, we characterize ‐stability of ‐factorial toric pairs of Picard number one in terms of the log Cox ring and the universal orbifold cover.
Gyroscopic Balancer-Enhanced Motion Control of an Autonomous Bikebot
Authors: Wang Pengcheng , Han Feng , Yi Jingang
Published: July 2023

Bikebot (i.e., bicycle-based robot) is a class of underactuated balance robotic systems that require simultaneous trajectory tracking and balance control tasks. We present a tracking and balance control design of an autonomous bikebot. The external-internal convertible structure of the bikebot dynamics is used to design a causal feedback control to achieve both the tracking and balance tasks. A balance equilibrium manifold is used to define and capture the platform balance profiles and coupled interaction with the trajectory tracking performance. To achieve fully autonomous navigation, a gyrobalancer actuation is integrated with the steering and velocity control for stationary platform balance and stationary-moving switching. Stability and convergence analyses are presented to guarantee the control performance. Extensive experiments are presented to validate and demonstrate the autonomous control design. We also compare the autonomous control performance with human riding experiments and similar action strategies are found between them.
A Distributed Multiparticle Precise Stopping Control Model Based on the Distributed Model Predictive Control Algorithm for High-Speed Trains
Authors: Zhao Wentao , Ding Jianming , Zhang Qingsong , He Xia , Liu Weiwei
Published: July 2023

The fixed-point stopping of high-speed trains in stations is generally accomplished through manual operation in China. This situation often leads to a failure to stop at fixed-point signs and causes a fluctuation in the longitudinal acceleration due to the lack of experience of the drivers. To achieve precise, stable, and automatic stopping, a distributed multiparticle precise stopping control model based on the distributed model predictive control (MPC) algorithm is developed in this paper. A two-level hierarchical control structure for the subcontroller of each vehicle is adopted to bring itself to a controlled stop. In the upper control of subcontroller, the MPC algorithm is designed in turn based on the multiparticle mechanism model of the train. In the lower control of subcontroller, the target input from the upper control is converted and distributed. The controlled object, a comprehensive numerical computing model including the spatial dynamic model of the train and its electropneumatic blending braking model, is established and controlled by the corresponding subcontroller and employed to verify the performance of the controller. The influence of the model control parameters on the stopping performance is discussed, and the optimal combination of control parameters is selected. The proposed control model using the optimization parameters is tested and verified through the comprehensive numerical computing model. The results indicate that the stopping error is 0.0075 m, which is much less than the accuracy requirements for fixed-point stopping. The computing time of each subcontroller in real-time is stable at 0.09 s. The coupler impact force between two adjacent vehicles can also be effectively inhibited and eliminated. Its control performance outperforms a proportional–integral–derivative (PID) algorithm. The proposed precise stopping model and comprehensive numerical computing model provide references for the application and algorithm optimization of automatic train operation technology in high-speed trains.
Comment on “Restoration of the original depth distribution from the SIMS profile using the depth resolution function in framework of RMR model” [J. Vac. Sci. Technol. B 41, 024003 (2023)]
Authors: Hofmann Siegfried , Wang JiangYong
Published: July 2023

This comment is a summary of scientifically evident shortcomings of the so-called recoil-mixing-roughness (RMR)-model proposed in several publications by Kudriavtsev et al. in order to describe the formation of sputter depth profiles of concentration.
Effects of 2 Different Protocols of Repeated-Sprint Training in Hypoxia in Elite Female Rugby Sevens Players During an Altitude Training Camp
Authors: Bouten Janne , Brick Maxime , Saboua Antoine , Hadjadj Jean-Loup , Piscione Julien , Margot Chloé , Doucende Gregory , Bourrel Nicolas , Millet Grégoire P. , Brocherie Franck
Published: July 2023

Objectives: Repeated-sprint training in hypoxia (RSH) is an effective way of improving physical performance compared with similar training in normoxia. RSH efficiency relies on hypoxia severity, but also on the oxidative–glycolytic balance determined by both sprint duration and exercise-to-rest ratio. This study investigated the effect of 2 types of RSH sessions during a classic altitude camp in world-class female rugby sevens players. Methods: Sixteen players performed 5 RSH sessions on a cycle ergometer (simulated altitude: 3000 m above sea level [asl]) during a 3-week natural altitude camp (1850 m asl). Players were assigned to 2 different protocols with either a high (RSH1:3, sprint duration: 8–10 s; exercise-to-rest ratios: 1:2–1:3; n = 7) or a low exercise-to-rest ratio (RSH1:5, sprint duration: 5–15 s; exercise-to-rest ratios: 1:2–1:5; n = 9). Repeated-sprint performances (maximal and mean power outputs [PPOmax, and PPOmean]) were measured before and after the intervention, along with physiological responses. Results: PPOmax (962 [100] to 1020 [143] W, P = .008, Cohen d = 0.47) and PPOmean (733 [71] to 773 [91] W, P = .008, d = 0.50) increased from before to after. A significant interaction effect (P = .048, d = 0.50) was observed for PPOmean, with a larger increase observed in RSH1:3 (P = .003). No interaction effects were observed (P > .05) for the other variables. Conclusion: A classic altitude camp with 5 RSH sessions superimposed on rugby-sevens-specific training led to an improved repeated-sprint performance, suggesting that RSH effects are not blunted by prolonged hypoxic exposure. Interestingly, using a higher exercise-to-rest ratio during RSH appears to be more effective than when applying a lower exercise-to-rest ratio.
Next-Generation Models for Predicting Winning Times in Elite Swimming Events: Updated Predictions for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games
Authors: Mujika Iñigo , Pyne David B. , Wu Paul Pao-Yen , Ng Kwok , Crowley Emmet , Powell Cormac
Published: July 2023

Purpose: To evaluate statistical models developed for predicting medal-winning performances for international swimming events and generate updated performance predictions for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Methods: The performance of 2 statistical models developed for predicting international swimming performances was evaluated. The first model employed linear regression and forecasting to examine performance trends among medal winners, finalists, and semifinalists over an 8-year period. A machine-learning algorithm was used to generate time predictions for each individual event for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The second model was a Bayesian framework and comprised an autoregressive term (the previous winning time), moving average (past 3 events), and covariates for stroke, gender, distance, and type of event (World Championships vs Olympic Games). To examine the accuracy of the predictions from both models, the mean absolute error was determined between the predicted times for the Budapest 2022 World Championships and the actual results from said championships. Results: The mean absolute error for prediction of swimming performances was 0.80% for the linear-regression machine-learning model and 0.85% for the Bayesian model. The predicted times and actual times from the Budapest 2022 World Championships were highly correlated (r = .99 for both approaches). Conclusions: These models, and associated predictions for swimming events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, provide an evidence-based performance framework for coaches, sport-science support staff, and athletes to develop and evaluate training plans, strategies, and tactics, as well as informing resource allocation to athletes, based on their potential for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Non-homologous end-joining-deficient filamentous fungal strains mitigate the impact of off-target mutations during the application of CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Garrigues Sandra , Peng Mao , Kun Roland S. , de Vries Ronald P.
Published: July 2023

CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology has been implemented in almost all living organisms. Its editing precision appears to be very high and therefore could represent a big change from conventional genetic engineering approaches. However, guide RNA binding to nucleotides similar to the target site could result in undesired off-target mutations. Despite this, evaluating whether mutations occur is rarely performed in genome editing studies. In this study, we generated CRISPR/Cas9-derived filamentous fungal strains and analyzed them for the occurrence of mutations, and to which extent genome stability affects their occurrence. As a test case, we deleted the (hemi-)cellulolytic regulator-encoding gene
xlnR
in two
Aspergillus niger
strains: a wild type (WT) and a non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ)-deficient strain Δ
kusA
. Initial phenotypic analysis suggested a much higher prevalence of mutations in the WT compared to NHEJ-deficient strains, which was confirmed and quantified by whole-genome sequencing analysis. Our results clearly demonstrate that CRISPR/Cas9 applied to an NHEJ-deficient strain is an efficient strategy to avoid unwanted mutations.

IMPORTANCE

Filamentous fungi are commonly used biofactories for the production of industrially relevant proteins and metabolites. Often, fungal biofactories undergo genetic development (genetic engineering, genome editing, etc.) aimed at improving production yields. In this context, CRISPR/Cas9 has gained much attention as a genome editing strategy due to its simplicity, versatility, and precision. However, despite the high level of accuracy reported for CRISPR/Cas9, in some cases unintentional cleavages in non-targeted loci—known as off-target mutations—could arise. While biosafety should be a central feature of emerging biotechnologies to minimize unintended consequences, few studies quantitatively evaluate the risk of off-target mutations. This study demonstrates that the use of non-homologous end-joining-deficient fungal strains drastically reduces the number of unintended genomic mutations, ensuring that CRISPR/Cas9 can be safely applied for strain development.
CD9 co-operation with syndecan-1 is required for a major staphylococcal adhesion pathway
Authors: Green Luke R. , Issa Rahaf , Albaldi Fawzyah , Urwin Lucy , Thompson Ruth , Khalid Henna , Turner Claire E. , Ciani Barbara , Partridge Lynda J. , Monk Peter N.
Published: July 2023

Epithelial colonization is a critical first step in bacterial pathogenesis.Staphylococcus aureuscan utilize several host factors to associate with cells, including α5β1 integrin and heparan sulfate proteoglycans, such as the syndecans. Here, we demonstrate that a partner protein of both integrins and syndecans, the host membrane adapter protein tetraspanin CD9, is essential for syndecan-mediated staphylococcal adhesion. Fibronectin is also essential in this process, while integrins are only critical for post-adhesion entry into human epithelial cells. Treatment of epithelial cells with CD9-derived peptide or heparin caused significant reductions in staphylococcal adherence, dependent on both CD9 and syndecan-1. Exogenous fibronectin caused a CD9-dependent increase in staphylococcal adhesion, whereas blockade of β1 integrins did not affect adhesion but did reduce the subsequent internalization of adhered bacteria. CD9 disruption or deletion increased β1 integrin-mediated internalization, suggesting that CD9 coordinates sequential staphylococcal adhesion and internalization. CD9 controls staphylococcal adhesion through syndecan-1, using a mechanism that likely requires CD9-mediated syndecan organization to correctly display fibronectin at the host cell surface. We propose that CD9-derived peptides or heparin analogs could be developed as anti-adhesion treatments to inhibit the initial stages of staphylococcal pathogenesis.

IMPORTANCE

Staphylococcus aureusinfection is a significant cause of disease and morbidity.Staphylococciutilize multiple adhesion pathways to associate with epithelial cells, including interactions with proteoglycans or β1 integrins through a fibronectin bridge. Interference with another host protein, tetraspanin CD9, halves staphylococcal adherence to epithelial cells, although CD9 does not interact directly with bacteria. Here, we define the role of CD9 in staphylococcal adherence and uptake, observing that CD9 coordinates syndecan-1, fibronectin, and β1 integrins to allow efficient staphylococcal infection. Two treatments that disrupt this action are effective and may provide an alternative to antibiotics. We provide insights into the mechanisms that underlie staphylococcal infection of host cells, linking two known adhesion pathways together through CD9 for the first time.
Etiological Study of Acute Conjunctivitis Caused by Human Adenovirus in Shanxi Province, China, between 2016 and 2019
Authors: Wang Jitao , Ning Xiaoling , Xu Yang , Wang Rui , Guo Xiaofang , Xu Jihong , Guo Jiane , Ma Qin , Li Hong , Niu Dandan , Liu Ying , Mao Naiying , Zhu Zhen
Published: July 2023

HAdV types in cases of conjunctivitis in Shanxi province, China, in 2016 to 2019 showed evident diversity, with seven types (HAdV-3, HAdV-4, HAdV-8, HAdV-37, HAdV-53, HAdV-64, and HAdV-85) being identified, and relative genome stability of these viruses was observed. In addition, China was the second country to sample and isolate HAdV-85, which suggests that HAdV-85 might be underreported as an important pathogen associated with ocular infections.