bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with diabetes concordant comorbidities among adult diabetic patients in Central Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Negussie Yohannes Mekuria , Getahun Mihiret Shawel , Bekele Nardos Tilahun
Published: December 2023

Background

Diabetes comorbidities are a serious public health issue that raises the risk of adverse health effects and complicates diabetes management. It also harms emotional health, medication adherence, self-management, and general quality of life. However, evidence is scarce in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. Thus, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of diabetes concordant comorbidities and identify factors associated with the presence of concordant comorbidities among adult diabetic patients in central Ethiopia.

Methods

A health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 398 adult diabetic patients. A computer-generated simple random sampling was used to select study participants. Data were collected using a structured data extraction checklist. The collected data were entered into Epi info version 7.2 and exported to SPSS version 27 for analysis. A binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between dependent and independent variables. An adjusted odds ratio with the corresponding 95% confidence interval was used to measure the strength of the association and statistical significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05.

Result

The prevalence of diabetes-concordant comorbidities was 41% (95% CI: 36.2-46.0). The multivariable logistic regression model showed that age 41–60 (AOR = 2.86, 95% CI: 1.60–5.13), place of residence (AOR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.33–3.70), having type two diabetes (AOR = 3.30, 95% CI: 1.21–8.99), and having positive proteinuria (AOR = 2.64, 95% CI: 1.47–4.76) were significantly associated with diabetes concordant comorbidities.

Conclusion

The prevalence of diabetes-concordant comorbidities was relatively high. Age, place of residence, type of diabetes, and positive proteinuria were factors associated with diabetes-concordant comorbidities. Prevention, early identification, and proper management of diabetes comorbidities are crucial.
Identification of efferocytosis-related subtypes in gliomas and elucidating their characteristics and clinical significance
Authors: Gao Mengge , Huang Jinsheng , Yang Bo , Liu Qiong , Luo Miaoqing , Yang Biying , Li Xujia , Liu Xiaofang
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Gliomas, the most prevalent tumors of the central nervous system, are known for their aggressive nature and poor prognosis. The heterogeneity among gliomas leads to varying responses to the same treatments, even among similar glioma types. In our study, we efferocytosis-related subtypes and explored their characteristics in terms of immune landscape, intercellular communication, and metabolic processes, ultimately elucidating their potential clinical implications.

Methods and Results: We first identified efferocytosis-related subtypes in Bulk RNA-seq using the NMF algorithm. We then preliminarily demonstrated the correlation of these subtypes with efferocytosis by examining enrichment scores of cell death pathways, macrophage infiltration, and the expression of immune ligands. Our analysis of single-cell RNA-seq data further supported the association of these subtypes with efferocytosis. Through enrichment analysis, we found that efferocytosis-related subtypes differ from other types of gliomas in terms of immune landscape, intercellular communication, and substance metabolism. Moreover, we found that the efferocytosis-related classification is a prognostic factor with robust predictive performance by calculating the AUC values. We also found that efferocytosis-related subtypes, when compared with other gliomas in drug sensitivity, survival, and TIDE scores, show a clear link to the effectiveness of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy in glioma patients.

Discussion: We identified efferocytosis-related subtypes in gliomas by analyzing the expression of 137 efferocytosis-associated genes, exploring their characteristics in immune landscape, intercellular communication, metabolic processes, and genomic variations. Moreover, we discovered that the classification of efferocytosis-related subtypes has a strong prognostic predictive power and holds potential significance in guiding clinical treatment.
CIZ1 in Xist seeded assemblies at the inactive X chromosome
Authors: Sofi Sajad , Coverley Dawn
Published: December 2023

There is growing evidence that X-chromosome inactivation is driven by phase-separated supramolecular assemblies. However, among the many proteins recruited to the inactive X chromosome by Xist long non-coding RNA, so far only a minority (CIZ1, CELF1, SPEN, TDP-43, MATR3, PTBP1, PCGF5) have been shown to form Xist-seeded protein assemblies, and of these most have not been analyzed in detail. With focus on CIZ1, here we describe 1) the contribution of intrinsically disordered regions in RNA-dependent protein assembly formation at the inactive X chromosome, and 2) enrichment, distribution, and function of proteins within Xist-seeded assemblies.
Application of microalgae in wastewater: opportunity for sustainable development
Authors: Ramírez Mérida Luis G. , Rodríguez Padrón Richard A.
Published: December 2023

Industrial sustainability is a process that has been gaining space in recent years. The use of microalgae for wastewater treatment could solve some environmental challenges, optimize resources, and generate value-added products in agriculture, biofuel, food, and feed. The use of High Rate Algal Pond (HRAP) presents economic benefits, by treating contaminated effluents and taking advantage of the microalgae biomass generated. The microalgae growth in wastewater can be limited by lighting energy or the easily assimilable carbon source, due to the high load of nutrients and organic matter present in these effluents. In the same way, other physical, chemical, and biological parameters must be controlled to guarantee that the process reaches its maximum performance. The technology applied with microalgae for the waste industrial treatment seeks to generate sustainable, economical, and efficient processes that guarantee the discharge of water under standard parameters that allow for preserving the environment, the quality of life of citizens and generating inputs such as biofertilizers that allow avoiding crucial problems such as NPK ratio imbalance, soil hardening, salinization, nutrient depletion, groundwater contamination and food for animal consumption that allows generating nutritional alternatives. In this way, the treatment of wastewater with microalgae is an opportunity to solve sanitary and environmental problems under a sustainable approach to obtain inputs, although some challenges must be solved for scale production. This document intends to show outstanding aspects related to effluent treatment, water reuse, and sustainable production of agricultural inputs through the use of microalgae.
Associated bacterial communities, confrontation studies, and comparative genomics reveal important interactions between Morchella with Pseudomonas spp.
Authors: Cailleau Guillaume , Hanson Buck T. , Cravero Melissa , Zhioua Sami , Hilpish Patrick , Ruiz Celia , Robinson Aaron J. , Kelliher Julia M. , Morales Demosthenes , Gallegos-Graves La Verne , Bonito Gregory , Chain Patrick S.G. , Bindschedler Saskia , Junier Pilar
Published: December 2023

Members of the fungal genus Morchella are widely known for their important ecological roles and significant economic value. In this study, we used amplicon and genome sequencing to characterize bacterial communities associated with sexual fruiting bodies from wild specimens, as well as vegetative mycelium and sclerotia obtained from Morchella isolates grown in vitro. These investigations included diverse representatives from both Elata and Esculenta Morchella clades. Unique bacterial community compositions were observed across the various structures examined, both within and across individual Morchella isolates or specimens. However, specific bacterial taxa were frequently detected in association with certain structures, providing support for an associated core bacterial community. Bacteria from the genus Pseudomonas and Ralstonia constituted the core bacterial associates of Morchella mycelia and sclerotia, while other genera (e.g., Pedobacter spp., Deviosa spp., and Bradyrhizobium spp.) constituted the core bacterial community of fruiting bodies. Furthermore, the importance of Pseudomonas as a key member of the bacteriome was supported by the isolation of several Pseudomonas strains from mycelia during in vitro cultivation. Four of the six mycelial-derived Pseudomonas isolates shared 16S rDNA sequence identity with amplicon sequences recovered directly from the examined fungal structures. Distinct interaction phenotypes (antagonistic or neutral) were observed in confrontation assays between these bacteria and various Morchella isolates. Genome sequences obtained from these Pseudomonas isolates revealed intriguing differences in gene content and annotated functions, specifically with respect to toxin-antitoxin systems, cell adhesion, chitinases, and insecticidal toxins. These genetic differences correlated with the interaction phenotypes. This study provides evidence that Pseudomonas spp. are frequently associated with Morchella and these associations may greatly impact fungal physiology.
The genetic puzzle of a SOD1-patient with ocular ptosis and a motor neuron disease: a case report
Authors: Vacchiano Veria , Palombo Flavia , Ormanbekova Danara , Fiorini Claudio , Fiorentino Alessia , Caporali Leonardo , Mastrangelo Andrea , Valentino Maria Lucia , Capellari Sabina , Liguori Rocco , Carelli Valerio
Published: December 2023

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease with a complex genetic architecture, showing monogenic, oligogenic, and polygenic inheritance. In this study, we describe the case of a 71 years-old man diagnosed with ALS with atypical clinical features consisting in progressive ocular ptosis and sensorineural deafness. Genetic analyses revealed two heterozygous variants, in the SOD1 (OMIM*147450) and the TBK1 (OMIM*604834) genes respectively, and furthermore mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing identified the homoplasmic m.14484T>C variant usually associated with Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON). We discuss how all these variants may synergically impinge on mitochondrial function, possibly contributing to the pathogenic mechanisms which might ultimately lead to the neurodegenerative process, shaping the clinical ALS phenotype enriched by adjunctive clinical features.
Roles and functions of IAV proteins in host immune evasion
Authors: Rashid Farooq , Xie Zhixun , Li Meng , Xie Zhiqin , Luo Sisi , Xie Liji
Published: December 2023

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) evade the immune system of the host by several regulatory mechanisms. Their genomes consist of eight single-stranded segments, including nonstructural proteins (NS), basic polymerase 1 (PB1), basic polymerase 2 (PB2), hemagglutinin (HA), acidic polymerase (PA), matrix (M), neuraminidase (NA), and nucleoprotein (NP). Some of these proteins are known to suppress host immune responses. In this review, we discuss the roles, functions and underlying strategies adopted by IAV proteins to escape the host immune system by targeting different proteins in the interferon (IFN) signaling pathway, such as tripartite motif containing 25 (TRIM25), inhibitor of nuclear factor κB kinase (IKK), mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS), Janus kinase 1 (JAK1), type I interferon receptor (IFNAR1), interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), IRF7, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). To date, the IAV proteins NS1, NS2, PB1, PB1-F2, PB2, HA, and PA have been well studied in terms of their roles in evading the host immune system. However, the detailed mechanisms of NS3, PB1-N40, PA-N155, PA-N182, PA-X, M42, NA, and NP have not been well studied with respect to their roles in immune evasion. Moreover, we also highlight the future perspectives of research on IAV proteins.
The role of pudendal nerve block in hemorrhoid surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of double-blind randomized controlled trials
Authors: Xia Shijun , Luo Lidan , Wu Wenjiang , Lu Kaiyuan , Jiang Tao , Li Yue
Published: December 2023

Background

Pudendal nerve block (PNB) is a commonly used anesthesia method that has been widely used in postoperative analgesia for hemorrhoids in recent years. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of double-blind randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to analyze the effectiveness of PNB in postoperative analgesia for hemorrhoids.

Methods

Relevant data and studies published from inception until August 14, 2023, were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science to evaluate the beneficial effects of PNB for analgesia following hemorrhoidectomy.

Results

This meta-analysis included 6 double-blind RCTs comprising 501 patients. We evaluated the function of PNB in improving outcomes of postoperative analgesia of hemorrhoids. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores on postoperative within 6 h (MD, −3.04; 95% CI, −4.13 to −1.95; P < 0.0001), 12 h (MD, −3.14; 95% CI, −3.87 to −2.40; P < 0.0001), and 24 h (MD, −2.25; 95% CI, −2.95 to −1.55; P < 0.0001) were enhanced by the application of PNB, but not in 48 h (MD, −2.54; 95% CI, −5.29 to 0.20; P = 0.07).

Conclusion

Pudendal nerve block (PNB) could effectively relieve postoperative pain of hemorrhoids. However, our results still need to be confirmed by multi-center clinical studies.
Elucidating the neuroimmunology of traumatic brain injury: methodological approaches to unravel intercellular communication and function
Authors: Abou-El-Hassan Hadi , Bernstock Joshua D. , Chalif Joshua I. , Yahya Taha , Rezende Rafael M. , Weiner Howard L. , Izzy Saef
Published: December 2023

The neuroimmunology of traumatic brain injury (TBI) has recently gained recognition as a crucial element in the secondary pathophysiological consequences that occur following neurotrauma. Both immune cells residing within the central nervous system (CNS) and those migrating from the periphery play significant roles in the development of secondary brain injury. However, the precise mechanisms governing communication between innate and adaptive immune cells remain incompletely understood, partly due to a limited utilization of relevant experimental models and techniques. Therefore, in this discussion, we outline current methodologies that can aid in the exploration of TBI neuroimmunology, with a particular emphasis on the interactions between resident neuroglial cells and recruited lymphocytes. These techniques encompass adoptive cell transfer, intra-CNS injection(s), selective cellular depletion, genetic manipulation, molecular neuroimaging, as well as in vitro co-culture systems and the utilization of organoid models. By incorporating key elements of both innate and adaptive immunity, these methods facilitate the examination of clinically relevant interactions. In addition to these preclinical approaches, we also detail an emerging avenue of research that seeks to leverage human biofluids. This approach enables the investigation of how resident and infiltrating immune cells modulate neuroglial responses after TBI. Considering the growing significance of neuroinflammation in TBI, the introduction and application of advanced methodologies will be pivotal in advancing translational research in this field.
Understanding factors that influence physical activity behavior in people with developmental coordination disorder (DCD): a mixed-methods convergent integrated systematic review
Authors: Purcell Catherine , Schott Nadja , Rapos Victoria , Zwicker Jill G. , Wilmut Kate
Published: December 2023

This systematic review synthesizes the literature on physical activity amongst people with DCD using the COM-B framework. The review questions were: (1) what is the Capability (C), Opportunity (O) and Motivation (M) for physical activity and (2) what does physical activity behavior (B) look like? A mixed-methods systematic review was conducted by searching eight databases (PubMed, APA PsycINFO, EMBASE, Scopus, Child Development and Adolescent Studies, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL) up to July 2023. Data were extracted, thematically analyzed, and mapped to the COM-B model. The quality of studies was assessed with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022319127). Forty-three papers, 42 of which related to children, were included. Fifteen aligned with physical activity behavior, nine with physical capability, thirteen with psychological capability, one with social opportunity, one with physical opportunity, one with reflective motivation and three with automatic motivation. Pre-school-aged children with DCD engage in comparable levels of physical activity behavior, but differences emerge from 6 years of age. Characteristics of DCD result in reduced physical capability and less varied participation in physical activity. This impacts psychological capability, whereby lower self-perceptions result in a negative feedback loop and reduce the motivation to participate. Barriers relating to social opportunities may result in poor reflective and automatic motivation, although there is evidence that interventions can enhance enjoyment in the short term.
A review of structural material requirements and choices for nuclear power plant
Authors: Ortner Susan
Published: December 2023

A nuclear power plant is a highly complex installation. Its design is a response to many drivers, including neutronic efficiency, thermal efficiency, economic efficiency, radiation safety, structural integrity, ease of monitoring and maintenance. The correct selection of structural materials has been key in achieving long term structural integrity, as different plant designs and operating conditions impose different combinations of requirements on the materials. This paper describes the reasoning behind structural materials choices and the changing perspectives on the interplay with other design imperatives in historic, current and future plant designs. It also describes the campaigns of materials development put in place to meet novel materials challenges specific to nuclear plant.
OIP5-AS1/CD147/TRPM7 axis promotes gastric cancer metastasis by regulating apoptosis related PI3K-Akt signaling
Authors: Chen Jianpeng , Wang Wei , Zhang Yujie , Wang Caixia , Wang Weibo , Zheng Aiming
Published: December 2023

Background

To explore the mechanism of OIP5-AS1/CD147/TRPM7 axis to gastric cancer (GC) metastasis.

Methods

Bioinformatic analysis was performed to pick up the candidate genes associated with regulation GC metastasis. Using GC cell lines, AGS and MKN-45 as research objects, identify the effect of candidate genes on GC metastasis, judge cell proliferation status by MTT assay and cell clone number, and detect cell migration by Transwell and Wound-healing assay. The molecular mechanism of CD147/OIP5/TRPM7 axis regulating GC metastasis was further explored by RNA sequencing. The key signaling pathways were subsequently verified by flow cytometry and WB.

Results

Bioinformatic analysis suggested OIP5-AS1/CD147/TRPM7 axis may be involving in GC metastasis. The RNA interference experiment proved that after gene interference, the proliferation ability of GC cells decreased significantly (P<0.05), which was manifested in the reduction of the number of cell clones. In addition, the migration ability of GC cells was also affected, which was based on the results of Wound Healing (P<0.05). CD147, OIP5-AS1 and TRPM7 all have harmful effects on GC cells. The relationship between OIP5-AS1 and CD147/TRPM7 was detected by RNA immunoprecipitation. Moreover, the RNA sequencing data indicated that CD147/OIP5-AS1/TRPM7 may coordinately regulate the PI3K-AKT pathway related to GC cell apoptosis, thereby affecting the proliferation and migration of GC cells. After RNA interference, the level of apoptosis increased both in AGS and MKN-45 cells. Meanwhile, the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins Caspase9 and BAX were up-regulated (P<0.05). In addition, the expression of PI3K and AKT proteins was reduced (P<0.05). The mouse tumorigenesis experiment corroborated the results of the in vitro study.

Conclusion

OIP5-AS1/CD147/TRPM7 axis reduces GC cell proliferation by regulating apoptosis associated with PI3K-AKT signaling, further affecting cancer metastasis.
Lesion segmentation on 18F-fluciclovine PET/CT images using deep learning
Authors: Wang Tonghe , Lei Yang , Schreibmann Eduard , Roper Justin , Liu Tian , Schuster David M. , Jani Ashesh B. , Yang Xiaofeng
Published: December 2023

Background and purpose

A novel radiotracer, 18F-fluciclovine (anti-3-18F-FACBC), has been demonstrated to be associated with significantly improved survival when it is used in PET/CT imaging to guide postprostatectomy salvage radiotherapy for prostate cancer. We aimed to investigate the feasibility of using a deep learning method to automatically detect and segment lesions on 18F-fluciclovine PET/CT images.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively identified 84 patients who are enrolled in Arm B of the Emory Molecular Prostate Imaging for Radiotherapy Enhancement (EMPIRE-1) trial. All 84 patients had prostate adenocarcinoma and underwent prostatectomy and 18F-fluciclovine PET/CT imaging with lesions identified and delineated by physicians. Three different neural networks with increasing levels of complexity (U-net, Cascaded U-net, and a cascaded detection segmentation network) were trained and tested on the 84 patients with a fivefold cross-validation strategy and a hold-out test, using manual contours as the ground truth. We also investigated using both PET and CT or using PET only as input to the neural network. Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), 95th percentile Hausdorff distance (HD95), center-of-mass distance (CMD), and volume difference (VD) were used to quantify the quality of segmentation results against ground truth contours provided by physicians.

Results

All three deep learning methods were able to detect 144/155 lesions and 153/155 lesions successfully when PET+CT and PET only, respectively, served as input. Quantitative results demonstrated that the neural network with the best performance was able to segment lesions with an average DSC of 0.68 ± 0.15 and HD95 of 4 ± 2 mm. The center of mass of the segmented contours deviated from physician contours by approximately 2 mm on average, and the volume difference was less than 1 cc. The novel network proposed by us achieves the best performance compared to current networks. The addition of CT as input to the neural network contributed to more cases of failure (DSC = 0), and among those cases of DSC > 0, it was shown to produce no statistically significant difference with the use of only PET as input for our proposed method.

Conclusion

Quantitative results demonstrated the feasibility of the deep learning methods in automatically segmenting lesions on 18F-fluciclovine PET/CT images. This indicates the great potential of 18F-fluciclovine PET/CT combined with deep learning for providing a second check in identifying lesions as well as saving time and effort for physicians in contouring.
Efficacy and safety of metformin for melasma treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mongkhon Pajaree , Ruengorn Chidchanok , Awiphan Ratanaporn , Phosuya Chabaphai , Ruanta Yongyuth , Thavorn Kednapa , Jamjanya Sirinda , Chuamanochan Mati , Nochaiwong Surapon
Published: December 2023

Objective: Metformin has recently been demonstrated to have an anti-melanogenic activity. Nevertheless, clinical evidence of the effectiveness of metformin in melasma is lacking. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of metformin in the treatment of melasma.

Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), Scopus, CINAHL, and grey literature databases were searched to 4 October 2022 and updated on 26 February 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, observational studies, case series, and case reports investigating the efficacy and safety of metformin for melasma were included. The Melasma Area Severity Index (MASI) scores that changed from baseline were pooled using fixed-effects model and expressed as standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results: Three RCTs including 140 patients with melasma were included. The results demonstrated that after 8 weeks, 15% topical metformin significantly reduced the Melasma Area Severity Index (MASI) score compared to placebo (1 trial; n = 60; MD, −0.56; 95% CI, −1.07 to −0.04; p = 0.034). Furthermore, when compared to triple combination cream (TCC), 30% topical metformin demonstrated similar efficacy in reducing the MASI score after 8 weeks (2 trials; n = 80; MD, 0.19, 95% CI, −0.25 to 0.63; p = 0.390). Patients using 30% topical metformin had fewer adverse events compared to TCC users, although no statistical difference was found.

Conclusion: Topical metformin was as effective as triple combination cream (TCC) in decreasing changes in the MASI score in patients with melasma, with minimum adverse events. Further studies with larger sample sizes, longer follow-up times, and well-designed trials are required.

Systematic Review Registration: Identifier PROSPERO (CRD42022351966).
Combination of anti-CGRP/CGRP-R mAbs with onabotulinumtoxin A as a novel therapeutic approach for refractory chronic migraine: a retrospective study of real-world clinical evidence and a protocol for a double-blind, randomized clinical trial to establish the efficacy and safety
Authors: Corasaniti M. T. , Lawrence G. W. , Bagetta G. , Iannacchero R. , Tarsitano A. , Monteleone A. , Pagliaro M. , Tonin P. , Sandrini G. , Nicotera P. , Scuteri D.
Published: December 2023

Chronic migraine is a disabling neurovascular disorder that ranks amongst the top causes of years lived with disability worldwide. The duration and the frequency of migraine affect cognitive and affective domains, inducing worsening of memory, executive functions, orientation and causing anxiety. Population-based studies report a worrying level of resistance to treatments. Therefore, this study aims: 1) to assess efficacy of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed towards the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) or its receptor (CGRP-R) for chronic migraine resistant to current preventatives; 2) to design a clinical trial protocol to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination therapy utilizing anti-CGRP/CGRP-R together with onabotulinumtoxin A in patients suffering from resistant chronic migraine; 3) to provide a molecular rationale for combination therapy. A controlled trial is warranted as pooled analysis of real-world data from our group highlighted that combined treatment provides ≥50% reduction vs. baseline (onabotulinumtoxin A) of monthly headache days (MHDs) in up to 58.8% of patients, but there has been only sparse application of this combined therapy to date. The mAbs chosen are: erenumab, because its combination effect with onabotulinumtoxin A improved symptoms in 65% of patients; eptinezumab, due to its faster action. The results highlight that early diagnosis of migraine improves therapeutic outcomes with mAbs alone, confirming their effectiveness and the need for an adequately powered clinical trial evaluating the safety and potential superior effectiveness of eptinezumab/erenumab and onabotulinumtoxin A together.
Frustration propagation in tubular foldable mechanisms
Authors: Reddy A. , Karami A. , Nassar H.
Published: December 2023

Shell mechanisms are patterned surface-like structures with compliant deformation modes that allow them to change shape drastically. Examples include many origami and kirigami tessellations as well as other periodic truss mechanisms. The deployment paths of a shell mechanism are greatly constrained by the inextensibility of the constitutive material locally and by the compatibility requirements of surface geometry globally. With notable exceptions (e.g., Miura-ori), the deployment of a shell mechanism often couples in-plane stretching and out-of-plane bending. Here, we investigate the repercussions of this kinematic coupling in the presence of geometric confinement, specifically in tubular states. We demonstrate that the confinement in the hoop direction leads to a frustration that propagates axially, as if by buckling. We fully characterize this phenomenon in terms of amplitude, wavelength, and mode shape in the asymptotic regime, where the size of the unit cell of the mechanism r is small compared to the typical radius of curvature ρ. In particular, we conclude that the amplitude and wavelength of the frustration are of order r/ρ and that the mode shape is an elastica solution. Derivations are carried out for a particular pyramidal truss mechanism. The findings are supported by numerical solutions of the exact kinematics.
Image completion algorithm of anthurium spathes based on multi-scale feature learning
Authors: Wei Hongyu , Li Jiahui , Chen Wenyue , Chu Xuan , Liu Hongli , Mu Yinghui , Ma Zhiyu
Published: December 2023

Machine vision has been used to grade the potted anthurium plant in large-scale production recently. Images are taken to measure the number and size of anthurium spathes. However, due to the limitation of the shooting angle, the occlusion problem reduces the accuracy of measurement. It is necessary to segment the overlapping spathes and repair the incomplete ones. The traditional image completion model has good performance on missing small areas, but it is not satisfactory for missing large areas. In this article, a multi-scale fusion Recurrent Feature Reasoning (RFR) network was proposed to repair the spathe images. Unlike the traditional RFR, a multi-layer component was used in the feature reasoning module. This network can combine multi-scale features to complete the learning task and obtain more details of the spathe, which makes the network more advantageous in image completion when missing large areas of spathes. In this study, a comparison experiment between this network and the widely used image completion network was performed, and the results showed that this network performed well in all types of image completion, especially with large-area incomplete images.
Female-specific pharmacotherapy in ADHD: premenstrual adjustment of psychostimulant dosage
Authors: de Jong M. , Wynchank D. S. M. R. , van Andel E. , Beekman A. T. F. , Kooij J. J. S.
Published: December 2023

Objective

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition which is underdiagnosed and undertreated in women. For decades, the ADHD field has called for more insight into female-specific therapy. Preliminary findings postulate that changes in sex hormones during the menstrual cycle may influence the effectiveness of psychostimulant medication. Yet, pharmacotherapeutic interventions tailored to women with ADHD remain scarce. Previously, our group showed an increase in mood symptoms in the premenstrual week in women with ADHD. Premenstrual worsening of depressive and ADHD symptoms represent a treatment challenge. In our adult ADHD clinic, we noted several women describing exacerbation of their ADHD and depressive symptoms in the premenstrual week and/or insufficient effect of their established dosage of psychostimulant. We responded to the need expressed by these women by increasing their stimulant dosage in the premenstrual week, while monitoring the response and side effects.

Methods

This community case study of nine consecutive women being treated for ADHD and co-occurring conditions (including depression and premenstrual dysphoric disorder), reports our local experience of increasing the individually prescribed psychostimulant dosage during the premenstrual period. We methodically monitored the effect of this increased dosage on ADHD symptoms, mood and somatic symptoms for the following 6–24 months.

Results

With premenstrual dose elevation, all nine women experienced improved ADHD and mood symptoms with minimal adverse events. Premenstrual inattention, irritability and energy levels improved, and now resembled the other non-premenstrual weeks more closely. All women decided to continue with the elevated premenstrual pharmacotherapy.

Discussion

Our preliminary results demonstrate potential benefits of increasing premenstrual psychostimulant dosage in women with ADHD, experiencing premenstrual worsening of ADHD and mood symptoms. The results concur with previous findings of diminished response to amphetamines in the late luteal phase. Increased dosage may help combat premenstrual worsening of cognitive and emotional symptoms in women with ADHD, with significant clinical implications. Better management of premenstrual ADHD and mood symptoms in vulnerable women can improve treatment outcome and meet an unmet need. However, implementation should be individually explored. Further investigation of luteal phase psychostimulant dose adjustment is required for safe, optimal and individualised treatment for women with ADHD.
Research on Neural Network Terminal Sliding Mode Control of Robotic Arms Based on Novel Reaching Law and Improved Salp Swarm Algorithm
Authors: Duan Jianguo , Zhang Hongzhi , Zhang Qinglei , Qin Jiyun
Published: December 2023

Modeling errors and external disturbances have significant impacts on the control accuracy of robotic arm trajectory tracking. To address this issue, this paper proposes a novel method, the neural network terminal sliding mode control (ALSSA-RBFTSM), which combines fast nonsingular terminal sliding mode (FNTSM) control, radial basis function (RBF) neural network, and an improved salp swarm algorithm (ALSSA). This method effectively enhances the trajectory tracking accuracy of robotic arms under the influence of uncertain factors. Firstly, the fast nonsingular terminal sliding surface is utilized to enhance the convergence speed of the system and achieve finite-time convergence. Building upon this, a novel multi-power reaching law is proposed to reduce system chattering. Secondly, the RBF neural network is utilized to estimate and compensate for modeling errors and external disturbances. Then, an improved salp swarm algorithm is proposed to optimize the parameters of the controller. Finally, the stability of the control system is demonstrated using the Lyapunov theorem. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed ALSSA-RBFTSM algorithm exhibits superior robustness and trajectory tracking performance compared to the global fast terminal sliding mode (GFTSM) algorithm and the RBF neural network fast nonsingular terminal sliding mode (RBF-FNTSM) algorithm.
When State-Endorsed Cinema Meets Marvel: A Study of Wolf Warrior II’s Global Superhero Vernacular
Authors: Kong Lilian
Published: December 2023

Chinese state-endorsed films have transformed in the past decade. These films make up the “new mainstream”, a genre defined by its ability to match strides with Hollywood commercial cinema. But, what exactly comprises Hollywood’s impact on official Chinese media? How does it manifest onscreen? Exploring the relationship between state-endorsed blockbusters and Hollywood, this article analyzes a pioneer of the “new mainstream”, Wolf Warrior II (2017). This film stands out as the inaugural collaboration between Chinese media conglomerates and Marvel Cinematic Universe directors. From this collaboration emerges the film’s protagonist, Leng Feng, an ex-soldier who saves civilians from rebel forces in Africa. As Leng enacts justice at home and abroad, however, affective portrayals of his feats foreground ambiguity over coherence and unresolvable impulses over a singular agendum. These melodramatic sites of contradiction, I argue, culminate in the film’s own “global superhero vernacular”. Such a vernacular aligns with transnationally circulating serial franchise logics, pushing the film’s connection with Marvel beyond local–global and state–market binaries. Ultimately, my analysis complicates the smooth thread that links together the superhuman individual, nationalist sovereign power, and international order, thereby re-evaluating state-endorsed cinema’s role within Chinese media cultures and social fields.
Liver-Directed Therapy in Neuroendocrine Neoplasms Metastatic to Both Liver and Bone
Authors: Limbach Kristen E. , Mahuron Kelly M. , Scott Aaron T. , Ituarte Philip H. G. , Singh Gagandeep
Published: December 2023

Bone metastases from gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEPNENs) have been associated with poor prognosis, but it is unclear whether patients with concurrent bone metastases who receive liver-directed therapy (LDT) would derive survival benefit. The California Cancer Registry dataset, merged with data from the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, was used to perform a retrospective study of GEPNENs metastatic to both liver and bone between 2000 and 2012. A total of 203 patients were identified. Of these, 14.8% underwent LDT after bone metastasis diagnosis, 22.1% received LDT prior to that diagnosis, and 63.1% never received LDT. The median overall survival from the time of bone metastasis diagnosis was significantly longer in those that received LDT after diagnosis when compared with those that never received LDT (p = 0.005) and was not significantly different from the median overall survival of those that had received LDT prior to diagnosis (p = 0.256). LDT may still be associated with improved survival even after a diagnosis of bone metastasis.
Development of a HPLC-MS/MS Method to Assess the Pharmacokinetics and Tumour Distribution of the Dimethylarginine Dimethylaminohydrolase 1 Inhibitors ZST316 and L-257 in a Xenograft Model of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer in Mice
Authors: Ceruti Tommaso , Frapolli Roberta , Ghilardi Carmen , Decio Alessandra , Dellavedova Giulia , Tommasi Sara , Zucchetti Massimo , Mangoni Arduino A.
Published: December 2023

We describe the development and validation of an HPLC-MS/MS method to assess the pharmacokinetics and tumour distribution of ZST316, an arginine analogue with inhibitory activity towards dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1 (DDAH1) and vasculogenic mimicry, and its active metabolite L-257 in a xenograft model of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The method proved to be reproducible, precise, and highly accurate for the measurement of both compounds in plasma and tumour tissue following acute and chronic (five days) intraperitoneal administration of ZST316 (30 mg/Kg daily) in six-week-old severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) mice inoculated with MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells. ZST316 was detected in tumour tissue and plasma after 1 h (6.47 and 9.01 μM, respectively) and 24 h (0.13 and 0.16 μM, respectively) following acute administration, without accumulation during chronic treatment. Similarly, the metabolite L-257 was found in tumour tissue and plasma after 1 h (15.06 and 8.72 μM, respectively) and 24 h (0.17 and 0.17 μM, respectively) following acute administration of ZST316, without accumulation during chronic treatment. The half-life after acute and chronic treatment ranged between 4.4–7.1 h (plasma) and 4.5–5.0 h (tumour) for ZST316, and 4.2–5.3 h (plasma) and 3.6–4.9 h (tumour) for L-257. The results of our study demonstrate the (a) capacity to accurately measure ZST316 and L-257 concentrations in plasma and tumour tissue in mice using the newly developed HPLC-MS/MS method, (b) rapid conversion of ZST316 into L-257, (c) good intra-tumour penetration of both compounds, and (d) lack of accumulation of both ZST316 and L-257 in plasma and tumour tissue during chronic administration. Compared to a previous method developed by our group to investigate ZST316 in plasma, the main advantages of the new method include a wider range of linearity which reduces the need for dilutions and the combined assessment of ZST316 and L-257 in plasma and tumour tissue which limits the required amount of matrix. The new HPLC-MS/MS method is useful to investigate the in vivo effects of ZST316 and L-257 on vasculogenic mimicry, tumour mass, and metastatic burden in xenograft models of TNBC.
Gastrodin Induces Ferroptosis of Glioma Cells via Upregulation of Homeobox D10
Authors: Cao Wenpeng , Lan Jinzhi , Zeng Zhirui , Yu Wenfeng , Lei Shan
Published: December 2023

Gastrodin, the primary bioactive compound found in Gastrodia elata, has been shown to exhibit neuroprotective properties in a range of neurological disorders. However, the precise mechanisms through which gastrodin influences glioma cells remain unclear, and there is a scarcity of data regarding its specific effects. To ascertain the viability of glioma cell lines LN229, U251, and T98, the CCK-8 assay, a colony formation assay, and a 3D culture model were employed, utilizing varying concentrations of gastrodin (0, 5, 10, and 20 μM). Gastrodin exhibited a notable inhibitory effect on the growth of glioma cells, as evidenced by its ability to suppress colony formation and spheroid formation. Additionally, gastrodin induced ferroptosis in glioma cells, as it can increase the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and peroxidized lipids, and reduced the levels of glutathione. Using a subcutaneous tumor model, gastrodin was found to significantly inhibit the growth of the T98 glioma cell line in vivo. Using high-throughput sequencing, PPI analysis, and RT-qPCR, we successfully identified Homeobox D10 (HOXD10) as the principal target of gastrodin. Gastrodin administration significantly enhanced the expression of HOXD10 in glioma cells. Furthermore, treatment with gastrodin facilitated the transcription of ACSL4 via HOXD10. Notably, the inhibition of HOXD10 expression impeded ferroptosis in the cells, which was subsequently restored upon rescue with gastrodin treatment. Overall, our findings suggest that gastrodin acts as an anti-cancer agent by inducing ferroptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation in HOXD10/ACSL4-dependent pathways. As a prospective treatment for gliomas, gastrodin will hopefully be effective.
Recent Advances on F-Doped Layered Transition Metal Oxides for Sodium Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Hao , Zhou Lifeng , Cheng Zhenyu , Liu Liying , Wang Yisong , Du Tao
Published: December 2023

With the development of social economy, using lithium-ion batteries in energy storage in industries such as large-scale electrochemical energy storage systems will cause lithium resources to no longer meet demand. As such, sodium ion batteries have become one of the effective alternatives to LIBs. Many attempts have been carried out by researchers to achieve this, among which F-doping is widely used to enhance the electrochemical performance of SIBs. In this paper, we reviewed several types of transition metal oxide cathode materials, and found their electrochemical properties were significantly improved by F-doping. Moreover, the modification mechanism of F-doping has also been summed up. Therefore, the application and commercialization of SIBs in the future is summarized in the ending of the review.
Phloretin Inhibits Quorum Sensing and Biofilm Formation in Serratia marcescens
Authors: Qi Yueheng , Ji Pengcheng , Yin Kunyuan , Zheng Yi , Niu Jiangxiu , Jia Aiqun , Zhou Jinwei , Li Jingguo
Published: December 2023

This study investigated the antivirulence capacity and mechanism of apple-skin-derived phloretin against Serratia marcescens NJ01, a vegetable spoilage bacterium. At 0.5 to 2 mg/mL doses, phloretin considerably inhibited the secretion of acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs), indicating that phloretin disrupted quorum sensing (QS) in S. marcescens NJ01. The dysfunction of QS resulted in reduced biofilms and the decreased production of protease, prodigiosin, extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs), and swimming and swarming motilities. Dysfunctional QS also weakened the activity of antioxidant enzymes and improved oxidative injury. The improved oxidative injury changed the composition of the membrane, improved membrane permeability, and eventually increased the susceptibility of biofilm cells to amikacin, netilmicin, and imipenem. The disrupted QS and enhanced oxidative stress also caused disorders of amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism, and nucleic acid metabolism, and ultimately attenuated the ability of S. marcescens NJ01 to induce spoilage. Our results indicated that phloretin can act as a potent drug to defend against spoilage by S. marcescens.
The Gordian Knot of C. auris: If You Cannot Cut It, Prevent It
Authors: Rapti Vasiliki , Iliopoulou Katerina , Poulakou Garyfallia
Published: December 2023

Since its first description in 2009, Candida auris has, so far, resulted in large hospital outbreaks worldwide and is considered an emerging global public health threat. Exceptionally for yeast, it is gifted with a profoundly worrying invasive potential and high inter-patient transmissibility. At the same time, it is capable of colonizing and persisting in both patients and hospital settings for prolonged periods of time, thus creating a vicious cycle of acquisition, spreading, and infection. It exhibits various virulence qualities and thermotolerance, osmotolerance, filamentation, biofilm formation and hydrolytic enzyme production, which are mainly implicated in its pathogenesis. Owing to its unfavorable profile of resistance to diverse antifungal agents and the lack of effective treatment options, the implementation of robust infection prevention and control (IPC) practices is crucial for controlling and minimizing intra-hospital transmission of C. auris. Rapid and accurate microbiological identification, adherence to hand hygiene, use of adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), proper handling of catheters and implantable devices, contact isolation, periodical environmental decontamination, targeted screening, implementation of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs and communication between healthcare facilities about residents’ C. auris colonization status are recognized as coherent strategies for preventing its spread. Current knowledge on C. auris epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and its mechanisms of pathogenicity are summarized in the present review and a comprehensive overview of IPC practices ensuring yeast prevention is also provided.
Andersen "Klokken" című művének értelmezési lehetőségei
Authors: Császár Klaudia
Published: December 2023

A tanulmány célja, hogy a meséiről ismert Andersen egyik kevésbé elterjedt művét járja körül. A Klokken műfaji kérdéseire nem térek ki, de mind a szövegközpontú, mind a biografikus elemzés során jól látható, hogy meseként megjelölni nem szerencsés. Mindkét megközelítési mód segít azonban a szöveg értelmezési lehetőségeit felvázolni, melyek között ott találjuk a vallásos aspektust, a harangszót mint allegóriát, a természeti hierarchiát és mindenek felett a fejlődést. Az életrajz felől közelítve találkozunk H. C. Ørsted és Grundtvig nevével, akik véleményem szerint nagyban hozzájárultak a mű létrejöttéhez.