bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 2 knockdown restores the ability of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis‐linked SOD1G93A rat astrocytes to support motor neuron survival by increasing mitochondrial respiration
Authors: Miquel Ernesto , Villarino Rosalía , Martínez‐Palma Laura , Cassina Adriana , Cassina Patricia
Published: February 2024

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by progressive motor neuron (MN) degeneration. Various studies using cellular and animal models of ALS indicate that there is a complex interplay between MN and neighboring non‐neuronal cells, such as astrocytes, resulting in noncell autonomous neurodegeneration. Astrocytes in ALS exhibit a lower ability to support MN survival than nondisease‐associated ones, which is strongly correlated with low‐mitochondrial respiratory activity. Indeed, pharmacological inhibition of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) led to an increase in the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation pathway as the primary source of cell energy in SOD1G93A astrocytes and restored the survival of MN. Among the four PDK isoforms, PDK2 is ubiquitously expressed in astrocytes and presents low expression levels in neurons. Herein, we hypothesize whether selective knockdown of PDK2 in astrocytes may increase mitochondrial activity and, in turn, reduce SOD1G93A‐associated toxicity. To assess this, cultured neonatal SOD1G93A rat astrocytes were incubated with specific PDK2 siRNA. This treatment resulted in a reduction of the enzyme expression with a concomitant decrease in the phosphorylation rate of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. In addition, PDK2‐silenced SOD1G93A astrocytes exhibited restored mitochondrial bioenergetics parameters, adopting a more complex mitochondrial network. This treatment also decreased lipid droplet content in SOD1G93A astrocytes, suggesting a switch in energetic metabolism. Significantly, PDK2 knockdown increased the ability of SOD1G93A astrocytes to support MN survival, further supporting the major role of astrocyte mitochondrial respiratory activity in astrocyte‐MN interactions. These results suggest that PDK2 silencing could be a cell‐specific therapeutic tool to slow the progression of ALS.
Associations of visual, hearing, and dual sensory impairment with motoric cognitive risk syndrome: Observational and Mendelian randomization analyses
Authors: Liang Haixu , Liang Yinhao , Zheng Yixuan , Fang Ya
Published: February 2024

Background

Dementia is associated with individual vision impairment (VI) and hearing impairment (HI). However, little is known about their associations with motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR), a pre‐dementia stage. We investigated the association of VI, HI, and dual sensory impairment (DSI) with MCR and to further evaluate causal relationships using Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.

Methods

First, an observational study was conducted in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Evaluate the cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations of VI, HI, and DSI with MCR using the logistic regression models and Cox proportional hazard models, respectively. Second, evaluate the causal association between VI and HI with MCR using MR analysis. The GWAS data was used for genetic instruments, including 88,250 of European ancestry (43,877 cases and 44,373 controls) and 504,307 with “white British” ancestry (100,234 cases and 404,073 controls), respectively; MCR information was obtained from the GWAS with 22,593 individuals. Inverse variance weighted was the primary method and sensitivity analysis was used to evaluate the robustness of MR methods.

Results

In the observational study, VI (HR: 1.767, 95%CI: 1.331–2.346; p < 0.001), HI (HR: 1.461, 95%CI: 1.196–1.783; p < 0.001), and DSI (HR: 1.507, 95%CI: 1.245–1.823; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with increased risk of MCR. For the MR, no causal relationship between VI (OR: 0.902, 95% CI: 0.593–1.372; p = 0.631) and HI (OR: 1.016, 95% CI: 0.989–1.043; p = 0.248) with MCR risk, which is consistent with the sensitivity analysis.

Conclusion

VI, HI, and DSI were significantly associated with MCR, but MR analysis failed to provide evidence of their causal relationship. Emphasized the importance of sensory impairment screening in identifying high‐risk populations for dementia.
Clinical characteristics and prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia patients with Runt‐related transcription factor 1 mutation: A single‐center retrospective analysis
Authors: Wang Lin‐Ya , Li Yao , Jiang Qian , Jiang Hao , Wang Yu , Xu Lan‐Ping , Zhang Xiao‐Hui , Liu Kai‐Yan , Tang Fei‐Fei
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of Runt‐related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) mutant acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients by comparing the features of AML patients with or without RUNX1 mutation. We retrospectively analyzed 180 AML patients including 36 AML patients with mutant RUNX1(AML‐RUNX1mut) and 144 AML patients with wild‐type RUNX1(AML‐RUNX1wt) were selected using the case‐pair method(1:4). Compared to AML‐RUNX1wt, AML‐RUNX1mut showed higher frequency of ASXL1 (p < 0.001), SRSF2 (p < 0.001), BCORL1 (p < 0.001), RAS (p = 0.010) mutations, and absent NPM1 mutations (p = 0.022). The 3‐year overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) of AML‐RUNX1mut and AML‐RUNX1wt were 73.1% versus 68.0% (p = 0.64) and 80.7% versus 71.6% (p = 0.37), respectively. AML‐RUNX1mut receiving allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) showed better survival than those who did not receive allo‐HSCT (3‐year OS, 84.3% vs. 52.7%; p = 0.006). Multivariate analysis showed that EZH2 mutation (p = 0.003), white blood cell (WBC) ≥30 × 109/L (p = 0.036) and age ≥60 years (p = 0.038) were significant independent risk factors for inferior OS of AML‐RUNX1mut; WBC ≥30 × 109/L (p = 0.013) and DNMT3A mutation (p = 0.045) were significant independent risk factors for shorter DFS of AML‐RUNX1mut. In conclusion, AML‐RUNX1mut showed unique clinical characteristics, but the survival between AML‐RUNX1mut and AML‐RUNX1wt were comparable. EZH2 co‐mutation, DNMT3A co‐mutation, old age and high WBC count were associated with inferior survival of AML‐RUNX1mut. Allo‐HSCT can significantly improve the prognosis of AML‐RUNX1mut.
The workforce crisis in healthcare: Moving the debate to bridge evidence and policy
Authors: Kuhlmann Ellen , Lotta Gabriela , Dussault Gilles , Falkenbach Michelle , Correia Tiago
Published: February 2024

This Special Issue aims to advance the healthcare workforce (HCWF) debate by directing its attention to the implementation of policy recommendations and identifying weaknesses. The selection of articles highlights a wide range of HCWF policies and interventions across various countries. The challenges faced often stem from policy failures and governance gaps at the macro‐, meso‐ and micro‐levels of health systems. Recommendations to mitigate the HCWF crisis include interconnected strategies, multi‐/transsectoral policies, solidarity‐based efforts, collaboration, skill‐mix reforms, equity measures, global approaches, and crucially, strong political will. In addition, specific policy solutions are explored, such as community‐centred action and employment of community health workers, mental health support initiatives, inclusion of refugees and displaced healthcare workers into the labour market, and preparing the HCWF for the impact of climate change. This Special Issue calls for transformative HCWF policies and multi‐level transsectoral governance as essential components needed to effectively address the crisis. This will only be possible, if HCWF policy moves higher up in the public policy arena leading, among other things, to the establishment of HCWF research as a distinct academic field.
Substance use‐related problems in mild intellectual disability: A Swedish nationwide population‐based cohort study with sibling comparison
Authors: Påhlsson‐Notini Andreas , Liu Shengxin , Tideman Magnus , Latvala Antti , Serlachius Eva , Larsson Henrik , Hirvikoski Tatja , Taylor Mark J. , Kuja‐Halkola Ralf , Lichtenstein Paul , Butwicka Agnieszka
Published: February 2024

Background

Evidence for substance use‐related problems in individuals with mild intellectual disability is sparse and mainly limited to selected psychiatric populations. We evaluated the risk of substance use‐related problems in individuals with mild intellectual disability compared to the general population. Additionally, we have performed secondary sibling comparison analyses to account for familial confounding.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based cohort study of individuals born in Sweden between 1973 and 2003. A total of 18,307 individuals with mild intellectual disability were compared to 915,350 reference individuals from the general population and 18,996 full siblings of individuals with mild intellectual disability. Information on mild intellectual disability and substance use‐related problems was obtained from several Swedish national and regional school and healthcare registers. Substance use‐related problems were measured via corresponding diagnostic and legal codes and included alcohol use disorder, drug use disorder, alcohol‐related somatic disease, conviction for a substance‐related crime, and substance‐related death.

Results

Individuals with mild intellectual disability had a higher risk of any substance use‐related problem compared to the general population (HR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.72–1.91), both in males (HR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.65–1.89) and females (HR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.74–2.05). The risks of substance use‐related problems were particularly elevated among individuals with mild intellectual disability and psychiatric comorbidities (HR, 2.21–8.24). The associations were attenuated in the sibling comparison models.

Conclusions

Individuals with mild intellectual disability, especially those with psychiatric comorbidity, are at an elevated risk of substance use‐related problems. Familial factors shared by full siblings contribute considerably to the association between mild intellectual disability and substance use‐related problems.
Chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm in adulthood in CBL syndrome harboring a splice‐site CBL variant alongside a novel constitutional CSF3R variant
Authors: Mason George , Aghajani Rhian , Dance Brieanna , Othman Jad , Goodwin Linda , Stevenson William , Mackinlay Naomi
Published: February 2024

Casitas B‐cell lineage (CBL) syndrome is a rare RASopathy known to predispose to CBL‐mutated juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) in childhood. Adulthood acute myeloid leukemia arising out of a genetic aberrancies consistent with prior CBL‐mutated JMML has been twice previously described, but chronic myeloproliferative neoplasia has not. We present a case of progressive myeloproliferative neoplasm in adulthood in the context of CBL syndrome alongside a novel CSF3R variant. We also review pathogenic splice‐site mutations in CBL‐mutated JMML.
Time series prediction of insect pests in tea gardens
Authors: Chen Xuanyu , Hassan Md. Mehedi , Yu Jinghao , Zhu Afang , Han Zhang , He Peihuan , Chen Quansheng , Li Huanhuan , Ouyang Qin
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Tea‐garden pest control is crucial to ensure tea quality. In this context, the time‐series prediction of insect pests in tea gardens is very important. Deep‐learning‐based time‐series prediction techniques are advancing rapidly but research into their use in tea‐garden pest prediction is limited. The current study investigates the time‐series prediction of whitefly populations in the Tea Expo Garden, Jurong City, Jiangsu Province, China, employing three deep‐learning algorithms, namely Informer, the Long Short‐Term Memory (LSTM) network, and LSTM‐Attention.

RESULTS

The comparative analysis of the three deep‐learning algorithms revealed optimal results for LSTM‐Attention, with an average root mean square error (RMSE) of 2.84 and average mean absolute error (MAE) of 2.52 for 7 days’ prediction length, respectively. For a prediction length of 3 days, LSTM achieved the best performance, with an average RMSE of 2.60 and an average MAE of 2.24.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that different prediction lengths influence model performance in tea garden pest time series prediction. Deep learning could be applied satisfactorily to predict time series of insect pests in tea gardens based on LSTM‐Attention. Thus, this study provides a theoretical basis for the research on the time series of pest and disease infestations in tea plants. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Oligosaccharides from black ginseng innovatively prepared by low‐temperature steam‐heating process ameliorate cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease mice via the Keap‐1/Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Xu Weiyin , Yu Peng , Shao Simeng , Xie Zhaoyang , Wu Yi , Liu Jianing , Xu Tianyang , Cai Guangzhi , Yang Hongmei
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Our objective in this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of oligosaccharides extracted from black ginseng (OSBG), innovatively prepared by a low‐temperature steam‐heating process, in the improvement of learning and memory impairment in mice, as well as the mechanism(s).

RESULTS

Eight carbohydrates involving isomaltose and maltotetraose were detected in black gensing; monosaccharide residues including mannose and rhamnose were also discovered. OSBG‐treated mice showed significant amelioration in recognition and spatial memory deficits compared to the scopolamine group. OSBG could decrease acetylcholinesterase activity in a tissue‐dependent fashion but not in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, in contrast, OSBG administration resulted in significant upregulation superoxide dismutase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1, downregulation of malondialdehyde and nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 in the tissues. Finally, at the genus level, we observed that the OSBG interventions increased the relative abundance of probiotics (e.g., Barnesiella, Staphylococcus, Clostridium_XlVb) and decreased pernicious bacteria such as Eisenbergiella and Intestinimonas, compared to the Alzheimer's disease mouse model group. Herein, our results demonstrate that OSBG restores the composition of the scopolamine‐induced intestinal microbiota in mice, providing homeostasis of gut microbiota and providing evidence for microbiota‐regulated therapeutic potential.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed for the first time a clear role for OSBG in improving scopolamine‐induced memory impairment by inhibiting cholinergic dysfunction in a tissue‐dependent manner. Additionally, OSBG administration relieved oxidative stress by activating the Keap‐1/Nrf2 pathway and modulating the gut microbiota. Collectively, OSBG may be a promising target for neuroprotective antioxidants for improving memory and cognition in Alzheimer's disease patients. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Association Between Vestibular Aqueduct Morphology and Meniere's Disease
Authors: Huang Yan , Tang Ruowei , Xu Ning , Ding Heyu , Pu Wei , Xie Jing , Yang Zhenghan , Liu Yuhe , Gong Shusheng , Wang Zhenchang , Zhao Pengfei
Published: February 2024

Objective

To investigate the relationship between vestibular aqueduct (VA) morphology and Meniere's disease (MD) using ultrahigh‐resolution computed tomography (U‐HRCT).

Methods

Retrospective data were collected from 34 patients (40 ears) diagnosed with MD in our hospital who underwent temporal bone U‐HRCT with isotropic 0.05‐mm resolution, magnetic resonance with gadolinium‐enhanced, and pure‐tone audiometry; 34 age‐ and sex‐matched controls (68 ears) who underwent U‐HRCT were also included. VA patency was qualitatively classified as locally not shown (grade 1), locally faintly shown (grade 2), or clearly shown throughout (grade 3). The width of the outer orifice and VA length and angle were quantitatively measured. Differences in VA morphology between the MD and control groups were analyzed. The correlations between VA morphology and the degrees of hearing loss and endolymphatic hydrops (EH) were also analyzed.

Results

VA was classified as grades 1–3 in 11, 17, and 12 ears in the MD group and 5, 26, and 37 ears in the control group, respectively. The patency differed significantly between the groups (p < 0.01). The width of the outer orifice and length of VA were significantly smaller in the MD group than those in the control group (p < 0.05). Both VA patency and length were correlated with the degree of EH in the cochlea and the vestibule (p < 0.05). No difference was found between VA morphology and the degree of hearing loss (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The morphological characteristics of VA were found to be associated with the occurrence of MD and the degree of EH.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:3349–3354, 2024
Efficacy of Adjuvant Sublingual Immunotherapy After Septomeatoplasty
Authors: Hsieh Bing‐Han , Kuo Yu‐Chun , Yong Su‐Boon , Tien Hui‐Chi , Hsu Chun‐chieh , Hsu Che‐Lun , Tsou Yung‐An , Lin Chia‐Der , Tai Chih‐Jaan , Wang Jiu‐Yao , Shih Liang‐Chun
Published: February 2024

Background

The efficacy of adjuvant sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in correcting structural problems in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) caused by mite who have undergone septomeatoplasty (SMP) has not been studied.

Methods

This non‐randomized controlled study recruited patients with AR (caused by mite) and concurrent septal deviation and inferior turbinate hypertrophy, at a tertiary hospital in Taiwan. SMP was performed on all patients as a surgical intervention. The patients were then divided into two groups: the control group, which underwent surgery only, and the experimental group, which received SLIT as an adjuvant treatment. Demographic data and rhinitis control assessment test (RCAT) results were analyzed.

Results

A total of 96 patients were enrolled in the study (SMP + SLIT group, n = 52; SMP only group, n = 44). No significant differences were observed in any of the variables between the two groups before and one month after surgery. However, during evaluations at the third and sixth month, the SMP + SLIT group showed significant improvement in the total RCAT scores compared to the SMP only group (28.6 ± 1.56 vs. 24.5 ± 3.66, p < 0.001; 27.1 ± 2.87 vs. 19.9 ± 5.56, p < 0.001). In addition, significantly better control of all RCAT sub‐categories was observed in the SMP + SLIT group at the third and sixth month evaluations.

Conclusions

SLIT may serve as an ideal adjuvant therapy after SMP in patients with AR.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:3073–3079, 2024
Rubisco in high Arctic tidewater glacier‐marine systems: A new window into phytoplankton dynamics
Authors: Roberts Megan E. , Bhatia Maya P. , Rowland Elden , White Patrick L. , Waterman Stephanie , Cavaco Maria A. , Williams Patrick , Young Jodi N. , Spence Jenifer S. , Tremblay Jean‐Éric , Montero‐Serrano Jean‐Carlos , Bertrand Erin M.
Published: February 2024

The hundreds of tidewater glaciers found in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago have the potential to enhance delivery of nutrients and other material to the surface ocean. Despite this, their influence on marine ecosystems, specifically phytoplankton, is poorly characterized. Here we developed and applied a quantitative mass spectrometry‐based approach to measure phytoplankton ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) concentrations to examine differences in productivity in glacierized and non‐glacierized marine systems in Jones Sound, Nunavut, within Inuit Nunangat. Comparisons to chloroplast 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing data suggested that these measurements detect the majority of Rubisco produced in Jones Sound. Because Rubisco catalyzes carbon fixation, we used these measurements to estimate total and group‐specific primary production potential, which were within the range of historical primary production measurements made using classical methods in this region. Our measurements also revealed that up to 2% of total protein in the water column is Rubisco, and that Rubisco concentrations are correlated with chlorophyll fluorescence, with maxima near the nitracline. Rubisco produced by diatom genera Chaetoceros and Thalassiosira were higher in marine regions influenced by glaciers, while Rubisco from Micromonas (Chlorophyta) was greater in non‐glacierized regions. This suggests that future climate scenarios may favor smaller phytoplankton groups, like Micromonas, with consequences for food webs and carbon cycling. This study broadens our understanding of how tidewater glaciers will impact phytoplankton communities, now and in a warmer future, and lays the foundation for using this mass spectrometry‐based approach to quantify phytoplankton group‐specific carbon fixation potential in other marine regions.
Large‐Area, High‐Numerical‐Aperture, Freeform Metasurfaces
Authors: Zhou You , Mao Chenkai , Gershnabel Erez , Chen Mingkun , Fan Jonathan A.
Published: February 2024

Nanophotonic devices are optical platforms capable of unprecedented wavefront control. To push the limits of experimental device performance, scalable design methodologies that combine the simplicity and fabricability of conventional design paradigms with the extended capabilities of freeform optimization are required. A novel gradient‐based design framework for large‐area freeform metasurfaces is introduced in which nonlocal interactions between simply shaped nanostructures, placed on an irregular lattice, are tailored to produce high‐order hybridized modes that support customizable large‐angle scattering profiles. Utilizing this approach, multifunctional super‐dispersive metalenses are designed and experimentally demonstrated. The approach to high‐numerical‐aperture radial metalenses capable of diffraction limited focusing and the generation of donut‐shaped point spread functions is also extended. It is anticipated that these concepts will have utility in super‐resolution microscopy, particle trapping, additive manufacturing, and metrology applications that require ultra‐high numerical apertures.
Epigenetic regulation in cancer
Authors: Gu Minzhi , Ren Bo , Fang Yuan , Ren Jie , Liu Xiaohong , Wang Xing , Zhou Feihan , Xiao Ruiling , Luo Xiyuan , You Lei , Zhao Yupei
Published: February 2024

Epigenetic modifications are defined as heritable changes in gene activity that do not involve changes in the underlying DNA sequence. The oncogenic process is driven by the accumulation of alterations that impact genome's structure and function. Genetic mutations, which directly disrupt the DNA sequence, are complemented by epigenetic modifications that modulate gene expression, thereby facilitating the acquisition of malignant characteristics. Principals among these epigenetic changes are shifts in DNA methylation and histone mark patterns, which promote tumor development and metastasis. Notably, the reversible nature of epigenetic alterations, as opposed to the permanence of genetic changes, positions the epigenetic machinery as a prime target in the discovery of novel therapeutics. Our review delves into the complexities of epigenetic regulation, exploring its profound effects on tumor initiation, metastatic behavior, metabolic pathways, and the tumor microenvironment. We place a particular emphasis on the dysregulation at each level of epigenetic modulation, including but not limited to, the aberrations in enzymes responsible for DNA methylation and histone modification, subunit loss or fusions in chromatin remodeling complexes, and the disturbances in higher‐order chromatin structure. Finally, we also evaluate therapeutic approaches that leverage the growing understanding of chromatin dysregulation, offering new avenues for cancer treatment.
Digital transformation, external financing, and enterprise resource allocation efficiency
Authors: Liu Yan , He Qiuju
Published: February 2024

In a highly informative society, digital transformation has become a new driving force to enhance enterprise competitiveness and promote high‐quality economic development. This paper examines the impact of digital transformation on firms' resource allocation efficiency using a sample of Chinese A‐share listed companies in the manufacturing industry from 2007 to 2019. The research findings are as follows: The digital transformation has significantly improved enterprise resource allocation efficiency. Mechanisms suggest that digital transformation enhances resource allocation efficiency by attracting external financing, both equity and debt financing. Furthermore, the contribution of digital transformation to enterprise resource allocation efficiency is more pronounced in the eastern region, high‐tech industries, and non‐state‐owned enterprises. This paper provides new evidence for exploring effective paths to improve resource allocation efficiency from the digital transformation perspective. It is significant for accelerating enterprise digital transformation and achieving cost reduction and efficiency enhancement.
Digital economy policy and enterprise digital transformation: Evidence from innovation and structural effect
Authors: Xiao Deheng , Zhang Can , Huang Yongjian
Published: February 2024

Using a sample from 2010 to 2021 of listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen A‐shares, we explore the effect of digital economy policy (DEP) at city level on enterprise digital transformation (EDT). We find that DEP can promote EDT. And the outcome remains valid following a sequence of rigorous tests to assess its robustness and account for endogeneity. Further analysis indicates that DEP plays roles by internal innovation effect and external structural effect. Moreover, this positive effect will be stronger in enterprises in manufacturing and high‐tech industries and those with better staffing structure, higher enterprise productivity and value. Also, we find that the effect of DEP on enterprises varies in regions with different government subsidy, digital infrastructure level, and location.
Can the green experience of CEO improve ESG performance in heavy polluting companies? Evidence from China
Authors: Deng Mingjun , Tang Hao , Luo Wenbing
Published: February 2024

This paper focuses on Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) with green experience, using data from listed companies in China's heavy pollution industry spanning from 2011 to 2021, the study explores the impact of CEO green experience on the Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) performance of companies. The study reveals that CEO green experiences contribute to enhancing firms' ESG performance. The research further unveils that management's green perceptions and corporate green innovations play a partial mediating role in the relationship between CEO green experiences and corporate ESG performance. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that the influence of CEO green experiences on corporate ESG performance is more pronounced in samples characterized by high environmental regulation, capital‐intensive operations, and non‐state ownership. The findings of this study enrich the theory of corporate ESG performance power mechanisms and provide theoretical references for enhancing the ESG performance of heavily polluting firms.
Computed tomography‐based artificial intelligence in lung disease—Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Wang Fangfei , Li Sixiang , Gao Yuanxu , Li Shiyue
Published: February 2024

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) stands as a global health crisis, responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality on a worldwide scale. Its insidious nature underscores the importance of early detection and accurate diagnosis. While spirometry has been the cornerstone for COPD diagnosis, the role of computed tomography (CT) imaging has evolved, offering a valuable avenue for early detection and subtype classification. Recently, the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought forth the potential to revolutionize the accuracy and efficiency of COPD diagnosis, with a specific focus on CT images. This intersection of healthcare and technology signifies a paradigm shift in the way we approach COPD management. The transformative capacity of AI positions it as a vital instrument for early detection and precise subtype classification of COPD. Moreover, the synergistic relationship between medical imaging and AI paves the way for more precise and efficient disease management. Therefore, in this perspective, we tend to offer a comprehensive exploration of the latest breakthroughs in the field of CT‐based AI in COPD diagnosis, aiming to demonstrate the promise and potential of AI in refining the accuracy of COPD classification and to illuminate the evolving landscape of AI's impact on COPD management.
Well‐posedness for a system of diffusion–reaction equations with noncoercive diffusion
Authors: Zawallich Jan , Ippisch Olaf
Published: February 2024

We prove that there is a unique solution for a system of diffusion–reaction equations, which occur when simulating microbiological growth at the pore scale with a high enough spatial resolution. Moreover, we show that the solution depends continuously on initial data. The diffusion for each component of the system is either coercive on
, only elliptic on a subset
(and zero elsewhere), or zero everywhere. This yields a noncoercive diffusion operator for the system of partial differential equations. The reaction is assumed to be Lipschitz continuous.
Dynamics of eugenol included in β‐cyclodextrin by nuclear magnetic resonance and molecular simulations
Authors: Hernández‐Tanguma Alejandro , Ariza‐Castolo Armando
Published: February 2024

Eugenol–β‐cyclodextrin complex has been widely used because of the enhanced stability and conservation of the properties of eugenol. Applications in food and health sciences have been shown previously, which makes this complex an excellent model to understand and develop methodologies for the analysis and prediction of physical properties. In this work, the dynamics of eugenol incorporated into β‐cyclodextrin are presented, using NMR relaxation rates, and the predictive capabilities of molecular dynamics simulations are discussed. Results show a hindered rotation of eugenol around the principal inertial axes when located inside β‐cyclodextrin. Moreover, a translational movement of the whole complex is demonstrated.
A security‐enhanced equipment predictive maintenance solution for the ETO manufacturing
Authors: Cao Xiangyu , Jing Zhengjun , Zhao Xiaorong , Xu Xiaolong
Published: February 2024

With the rapid advancement of intelligent manufacturing, ensuring equipment safety has become a crucial prerequisite for enterprise production. In the engineer‐to‐order (ETO) production mode, characterized by diverse equipment types and frequent adjustments in production lines, equipment maintenance has become increasingly complex. Traditional maintenance plans are no longer adequate to meet the evolving demands of equipment maintenance. This paper proposes a security‐enhanced predictive maintenance scheme specifically designed for ETO‐type production equipment. The scheme utilizes industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technology to monitor machines and equipment, constructs prediction models using machine learning methods, and reinforces the security of the prediction system through adoption of a decentralized architecture with blockchain distributed storage. In this experiment, six supervised learning models were compared, and it was found that the model based on the random forest algorithm achieved an outstanding accuracy rate of 98.88%. Furthermore, the average total response time for generating predictions within the system is 2.0 s, demonstrating a performance suitable for practical equipment maintenance applications.
How to use inclusive teaching strategies in the age of ChatGPT
Authors: Yoho Rachel
Published: February 2024

Perhaps more than any other recent technological innovation, the sudden appearance of ChatGPT and similar large language models (LLMs) has precipitated a teaching and learning crisis in higher education.
Creative collaborations can support students’ mental health
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: February 2024

BURLINGTON, VERMONT — The traumas and losses of the pandemic combined with the pressures and pervasiveness of social media and technology use to create the perfect storm in college students’ lives. That left many students’ mental health in tatters, placing more demand on counseling centers, which had already been stretched thin. And it's not going away soon. It takes about seven years to work through a trauma and about one to two years to work through the loss of a loved one — but that's when support systems are available to help, according to Jeremy Butler, Chief Innovation Officer at Integrated Community Alternatives Network (ICAN), a nonprofit organization (www.ican.family).
A new study finds that online‐only programs hurt graduation rates
Authors: May Rachel
Published: February 2024

Students benefit when enrolled in face‐to‐face or mixed courses, rather than simply taking online‐only classes, according to new research. As institutions emerge from the pandemic days of increased online offerings, the authors of a new study examined how students fare in online‐only environments versus in mixed online and face‐to‐face settings.
Reduced dopamine transporter availability in drug‐naive adult attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Itagaki Shuntaro , Ohnishi Takashi , Toda Wataru , Sato Aya , Matsumoto Junya , Ito Hiroshi , Ishii Shiro , Yamakuni Ryo , Miura Itaru , Yabe Hirooki
Published: February 2024

Aim

This study aimed to clarify the abnormalities in dopamine transporter (DAT) availability in drug‐naive adult patients with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the relationship between ADHD symptoms and abnormalities in DAT availability.

Methods

Single‐photon emission tomography (SPECT) was performed using iodine‐123‐β‐carbomethoxy‐3β‐(4‐iodophenyltropane) (I‐123 β CIT) as a tracer to measure in vivo DAT availability in 20 drug‐naive patients with ADHD [mean age ± standard deviation (SD)]: 25 ± 3.44 years; male:female = 11:9] and 20 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (HCs) (mean age ± SD: 23.9 ± 2.27 years). Comparisons of DAT availability between HCs and adult patients with ADHD and the association between symptom severity and DAT availability within the ADHD group were analyzed using Statistical Parametric Mapping 12.

Results

Drug‐naive adults with ADHD showed significantly reduced DAT availability in the bilateral nucleus accumbens compared with HCs. Correlation analyses revealed a negative correlation between the severity of inattentive symptoms in adult patients with ADHD and DAT availability in the bilateral heads of the caudate nucleus, indicating the association between severe inattentive symptoms and lower DAT availability in the caudate nucleus.

Conclusion

In drug‐naive adult patients with ADHD, DAT availability was reduced in the nucleus accumbens, an important part of the reward system. This finding indicates the importance of the DAT in the reward system in the pathogenesis of ADHD. Inattentiveness was associated with DAT availability in the caudate nucleus, suggesting involvement of the cortico‐striato‐thalamo‐cortical circuit.
Long‐term outdoor study of an organic photovoltaic module for building integration
Authors: Luo Wei , Khaing Aung Myint , Rodriguez‐Gallegos Carlos David , Leow Shin Woei , Reindl Thomas , Pravettoni Mauro
Published: February 2024

Organic photovoltaics (OPV) has attracted tremendous attention as a promising alternative to silicon wafer‐based technologies for building integration. While significant progress has been achieved on the power conversion efficiency of OPV technologies, their field stability is rarely studied. This work investigates the field performance and reliability of a large‐area OPV module designed for building integration in tropical Singapore for 4.5 years. The device suffered more than 14% degradation in power at the standard testing conditions from the initial performance, largely due to losses in fill factor (−12% relative). During the monitoring period, it exhibited comparable performance to more conventional silicon PV technologies, with an average specific energy yield of about 4 kWh/kWp/day and an average performance ratio of 0.96. Excellent performance at low light conditions was also observed. However, its field performance was heavily impacted by soiling, which typically led to a 5 to 10% loss in the current output after several months. Further, the device's outdoor performance also showed a three‐stage degradation process, including (1) an initial slow degradation in the first 2 years (about −1%/year), (2) a stable period with negligible performance loss from Years 2 to 3.5, and (3) a rapid degradation in the last year (about −5%/year).
microRNA‐encoded peptides inhibit seed germination of the root parasitic plant Orobanche cumana
Authors: Tourneur Sabine , Combier Jean‐Philippe , Plaza Serge , Muños Stéphane , Delavault Philippe
Published: February 2024

Societal Impact Statement

The root parasitic plant Orobanche cumana (sunflower broomrape) is one of the major pests of sunflower crops. Despite intense efforts to develop effective agricultural practices and breeding programs, selective control of broomrapes is still rare and ineffective in terms of sustainability. It is thus essential to develop new specific control methods against those pests. miRNA‐encoded peptides (miPEPs) are a new class of peptides regulating the expression of miRNAs and their corresponding target genes. This study demonstrates that certain miPEPs strongly inhibit the germination of broomrape seeds by regulating their miR gene, making them good candidates for use as biocontrol agents against this pathogen.

Root parasitic plants of the Orobanchaceae family are a constant and growing threat to agriculture worldwide. Among them, the parasitic weed Orobanche cumana, the sunflower broomrape, causes significant losses to sunflower production in European‐Asian and North African countries. Despite the use of several conventional control methods against this pathogen, none has proved effective or durable, underlining the need to develop innovative strategies. miRNA‐encoded peptides (miPEPs) are regulatory peptides stimulating the expression of their own primary transcript of miRNA, and plant watering with those molecules leads to down‐regulating specifically miRNA target genes and altering plant physiology.

Through seed germination assays and qRT‐PCR analysis, we investigated the impact of exogenous treatments of synthetic miPEPs on broomrape seed germination.

First, we report that the conserved miRNA repertoire of O. cumana consists of 39 members. Thirty‐nine miPEPs were designed, synthetized, and assayed, 11 of which strongly inhibited O. cumana seed germination. Interestingly, miPEP319a showed the strongest inhibiting effect while miPEP319b did not. Three out of the four corresponding miR319 target genes showed upregulation after treatment with a germination stimulant, which was impaired by treatment with miPEP319a. This downregulation of expression is associated with an increase in the expression of the corresponding pri‐miR319a.

We reveal thus that the use of miPEPs can increase our knowledge of key molecular mechanisms underlying a complex parasite interaction and should provide a new phytosanitary method to control broomrape parasitism with highly specific and biodegradable natural substances.
HSV‐1 ICP0 dimer domain adopts a novel β‐barrel fold
Authors: McCloskey Erick , Kashipathy Maithri , Cooper Anne , Gao Philip , Johnson David K. , Battaile Kevin P. , Lovell Scott , Davido David J.
Published: February 2024

Infected cell protein 0 (ICP0) is an immediate‐early regulatory protein of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV‐1) that possesses E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. ICP0 transactivates viral genes, in part, through its C‐terminal dimer domain (residues 555–767). Deletion of this dimer domain results in reduced viral gene expression, lytic infection, and reactivation from latency. Since ICP0's dimer domain is associated with its transactivation activity and efficient viral replication, we wanted to determine the structure of this specific domain. The C‐terminus of ICP0 was purified from bacteria and analyzed by X‐ray crystallography to solve its structure. Each subunit or monomer in the ICP0 dimer is composed of nine β‐strands and two α‐helices. Interestingly, two adjacent β‐strands from one monomer “reach” into the adjacent subunit during dimer formation, generating two β‐barrel‐like structures. Additionally, crystallographic analyses indicate a tetramer structure is formed from two β‐strands of each dimer, creating a “stacking” of the β‐barrels. The structural protein database searches indicate the fold or structure adopted by the ICP0 dimer is novel. The dimer is held together by an extensive network of hydrogen bonds. Computational analyses reveal that ICP0 can either form a dimer or bind to SUMO1 via its C‐terminal SUMO‐interacting motifs but not both. Understanding the structure of the dimer domain will provide insights into the activities of ICP0 and, ultimately, the HSV‐1 life cycle.
N‐Phenylnorbornenesuccinimide derivatives, agricultural defensive, and enzymatic target selection
Authors: Gomes Sabriny F , Alvarenga Elson S , Baia Vitor C , Oliveira Denilson F
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Faced with the need to develop new herbicides with modes of action different to those observed for existing agrochemicals, one of the most promising strategies employed by synthetic chemists involves the structural modification of molecules found in natural products. Molecules containing amides, imides, and epoxides as functional groups are prevalent in nature and find extensive application in synthesizing more intricate compounds due to their biological properties. In this context, this paper delineates the synthesis of N‐phenylnorbornenesuccinimide derivatives, conducts biological assays, and carries out in silico investigation of the protein target associated with the most potent compound in plant organisms. The phytotoxic effects of the synthesized compounds (2–29) were evaluated on Allium cepa, Bidens pilosa, Cucumis sativus, Sorghum bicolor, and Solanum lycopersicum.

RESULTS

Reaction of endo‐bicyclo[2.2.1]hept‐5‐ene‐3a,7a‐dicarboxylic anhydride (1) with aromatic amines led to the N‐phenylnorbornenesuccinic acids (2–11) with yields ranging from 75% to 90%. Cyclization of compounds (2–11) in the presence of acetic anhydride and sodium acetate afforded N‐phenylnorbornenesuccinimides (12–20) with yields varying from 65% to 89%. Those imides were then subjected to epoxidation reaction to afford N‐phenylepoxynorbornanesuccimides (21–29) with yields from 60% to 90%. All compounds inhibited the growth of seedlings of the plants evaluated. Substance 23 was the most active against the plants tested, inhibiting 100% the growth of all species in all concentrations. Cyclophilin was found to be the enzymatic target of compound 23.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that derivatives of N‐phenylnorbornenesuccinimide are promising compounds in the quest for more selective and stable agrochemicals. This perspective reinforces the significance of these derivatives as potential innovative herbicides and emphasizes the importance of further exploring their biological activity on weeds. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
The right banker plant for the right application: Comparison of three candidates for aphid biocontrol, barley (Hordeum vulgareL.), corn (Zea maysL.), and finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn)
Authors: Fauteux Arlette , Fournier Marc , Soares Antonio Onofre , Lucas Eric
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

In temperate regions, aphid biological control in greenhouses is mostly achieved by the regular release of biocontrol agents. Due to the rapid growth rate of the aphid population, biocontrol agents must be released frequently in order to be present before pest outbreaks and to act rapidly to prevent exceeding the economic threshold. Banker plants reduce these numerous releases by providing natural enemies with a high‐quality environment to develop and reproduce. Optimally, banker plants should be easy to produce, resistant to environmental conditions, provide a large amount of suitable banker prey in order to produce a high number of biocontrol agents, and resist the herbivory pressure of the banker prey. The present study aimed to compare the value of three banker plant candidates of the Poaceae family under laboratory and greenhouse conditions: barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn), and corn (Zea mays L.).

RESULTS

Our results show that the three plants were suitable for different contexts. Finger millet yielded the biggest fresh plant biomass, supported the highest load of banker prey, and resisted aphid feeding longer than the other plant species. Corn was the cheapest to produce, and barley was the fastest to grow.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, finger millet could be more fitted for long crop cycles, pests with rapid population growth rates, and voracious or fast‐reproducing biocontrol agents. Meanwhile, barley and corn may be better suited for rapid crop cycles, pests with slow population growth rates, and biocontrol agents that are not too voracious or have low reproductive rates. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Data‐driven disease progression model of Parkinson's disease and effect of sex and genetic variants
Authors: Jin Ryota , Yoshioka Hideki , Sato Hiromi , Hisaka Akihiro
Published: February 2024

As Parkinson's disease (PD) progresses, there are multiple biomarker changes, and sex and genetic variants may influence the rate of progression. Data‐driven, long‐term disease progression model analysis may provide precise knowledge of the relationships between these risk factors and progression and would allow for the selection of appropriate diagnosis and treatment according to disease progression. To construct a long‐term disease progression model of PD based on multiple biomarkers and evaluate the effects of sex and leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) mutations, a technique derived from the nonlinear mixed‐effects model (Statistical Restoration of Fragmented Time course [SReFT]) was applied to datasets of patients provided by the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative. Four biomarkers, including the Unified PD Rating Scale, were used, and a covariate analysis was performed to investigate the effects of sex and LRRK2‐related mutations. A model of disease progression over ~30 years was successfully developed using patient data with a median of 6 years. Covariate analysis suggested that female sex and LRRK2 G2019S mutations were associated with 21.6% and 25.4% significantly slower progression, respectively. LRRK2 rs76904798 mutation also tended to delay disease progression by 10.4% but the difference was not significant. In conclusion, a long‐term PD progression model was successfully constructed using SReFT from relatively short‐term individual patient observations and depicted nonlinear changes in relevant biomarkers and their covariates, including sex and genetic variants.
Two‐Time Quantum Fluctuations Approach and Its Relation to the Bethe–Salpeter Equation
Authors: Schroedter Erik , Bonitz Michael
Published: February 2024

Correlated quantum many‐particle systems out of equilibrium are of high interest in many fields, including correlated solids, ultracold atoms, or dense plasmas. Accurate theoretical description of these systems is challenging both, conceptionally and with respect to computational resources. A quantum fluctuations approach is recently presented, which is equivalent to the nonequilibrium GW approximation that promises high accuracy at low computational cost. The method exhibits process time scaling that is linear in the number of time steps, like the G1–G2 scheme, however, at a much reduced computer memory cost. In a second publication, this approach is extended to the two‐time exchange–correlation functions and the dynamic density response properties. Herein, the properties of this approach are analyzed in more detail. The physical meaning of the central approximation, the quantum polarization approximation, is established. It is demonstrated that the method is equivalent to the Bethe–Salpeter equation for the two‐time exchange–correlation function when the generalized Kadanoff–Baym ansatz with Hartree–Fock propagators is applied.