bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of hepatitis B virus surface protein in inducing Sertoli cell ferroptosis
Authors: Pan Chengshuang , Kong Xiangbin , Wu Zhigang , Fei Qianjin
Published: August 2023

Backgrounds

Hepatitis B virus infection could result in male infertility with sperm defects and dysfunction. Sertoli cells are essential for testis function and play a crucial role in spermatogenesis. Sertoli cell death contributes to spermatogenesis impairment, leading to poor sperm quality. Ferroptosis has been implicated as a mechanism of Sertoli cell death. The issue in studying the relationship between hepatitis B virus and Sertoli cell ferroptosis has not yet been addressed.

Objectives

To explore the mechanisms underlying ferroptosis in hepatitis B virus‐exposed Sertoli cells.

Materials and methods

Human Sertoli cells were treated in vitro with levels of 25, 50, and 100 μg/mL of hepatitis B virus surface protein (HBs). Cell viability and levels of glutathione, malondialdehyde, cellular ferrous ion (Fe2+), lipid peroxidation, and N6‐methyladenosine in Sertoli cells were detected. The level of glutathione peroxidase 4, transferrin receptor 1, ferritin heavy chain, tripartite motif (TRIM) 37, methyltransferase like 3, and insulin‐like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 2 was examined. Cell transfection was carried out to alter expression of ferroptosis‐related proteins. qPCR and immunoblotting were performed to measure protein expression level. Immunoprecipitation was applied to determine the protein and protein‐RNA interaction. Luminescence analysis was performed to identify the target of methyltransferase like 3.

Results

HBs exposure triggered ferroptosis featured with increased intracellular Fe2+ ion, reduced cell viability and expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 in Sertoli cells. HBs treatment significantly increased TRIM37 expression, which suppressed glutathione peroxidase 4 expression through ubiquitination. TRIM37 silencing attenuated the effect of HBs exposure‐regulated cell viability and ferroptosis. HBs upregulated N6‐methyladenosine modification in TRIM37 3′‐UTR by increasing methyltransferase like 3 expression. The binding of N6‐methyladenosine reader insulin‐like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 2 and TRIM37 3′‐UTR enhanced the stability of TRIM37 mRNA.

Conclusion

HBs can decrease human Sertoli cell viability by promoting ferroptosis induced by the loss of glutathione peroxidase 4 activity through TRIM37‐mediated ubiquitination of glutathione peroxidase 4. The findings highlight the role of TRIM37/glutathione peroxidase 4 signaling responsible for ferroptosis regulation in hepatitis B virus‐infected Sertoli cells.
Disorders related to antineuronal antibodies: Autoimmune epilepsy
Authors: Koto Shusuke , Chihara Norio , Hara Atsushi , Matsumoto Riki
Published: August 2023

Autoimmune epilepsy is characterized as a subtype of autoimmune encephalitis, where epileptic seizures serve as the primary or predominant manifestation of the disease. Among patients who are refractory to antiepileptic drug therapy, a part of them experience improved seizure control with immunotherapy. Some of these individuals have been found to possess autoantibodies that target the neuronal surface, intracellular, or extracellular antigens. In 2017, the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) proposed a new classification of epilepsy syndromes that, for the first time, recognized “immune” as one of the etiologies of epilepsy. Since early and prompt diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune epilepsy may improve the prognosis, it is crucial to actively consider the utilization of reported diagnostic features and treatment with immunotherapy in the management of patients with refractory epilepsy. We herein provide a review of the literature concerning the clinical features, laboratory findings, pathophysiology, and treatment options associated with this disease.
Investigating the role of uric acid and uric acid‐to‐creatinine ratio as a predictive factor of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation in 2019
Authors: Barmehziar Saman , Fadaii Abbas , Samadian Fariba , Shakiba Ali , Koolaji Sogol
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Serum uric acid has been suggested as an independent marker of oxidative metabolism in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a disease with significant social, health, and economic burden. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the role of this factor in COPD exacerbation.

Methods

We investigated 20‐ to 70‐year‐old patients who were admitted due to COPD exacerbation (acute phase) or presented to the pulmonary clinic for follow‐up (non‐acute phase). Correlation of uric acid and uric acid‐to‐creatinine ratio (UCR) with multiple factors and their predictive performance for more exacerbations and acute phase of COPD was investigated (receiver operating characteristic [ROC] analysis).

Results

Overall, 63 patients were enrolled in this study, of whom 79.4% were men. Acute‐phase group encompassed 79.4% of the population with a greater rate of heavy smoking and average exacerbation in a year (p‐value = 0.009 and <0.001). The mean of uric acid and UCR was 5.6 (SD, 2.35) and 4.4 (SD, 1.9) in the total population, respectively, and were significantly higher in the acute phase and patients with frequent exacerbations (FE ≥ 3 exacerbations a year), p‐value <0.05. The area under the curve (AUC) of ROC analysis showed a high performance of uric acid and UCR for predicting acute phase (0.84 [95%CI, 0.73–0.96] and 0.86 [0.74–0.98]), FE (0.72 [0.60–0.85] and 0.75 [0.63–0.87]), and FE among acute‐phase patients (AUC, 0.63 [0.46–0.79] and 0.66 [0.50–0.81], respectively).

Conclusion

Uric acid and UCR could be invaluable predictors of frequent exacerbation and the acute phase of COPD. Therefore, they might be applicable in evaluating the severity and progress of the disease.
Treatment outcomes of secukinumab in adult patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis in China: A real‐world multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Ding Yangfeng , Li Wei , Guan Xin , Liu Na , Zhou Ying , Li Gaojie , Wang Xiaohua , Wang Zhidong , Xiao Xiao , Yang Bin , Lv Chengzhi , Zhang Chunlei , Shi Yuling
Published: August 2023

Secukinumab is effective in treating patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis. However, most studies assessing its effectiveness in routine clinical settings in China are mostly single‐center studies with a limited sample size. The objective of this study was to assess secukinumab's efficacy, treatment patterns, and characteristics in patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis. This 24‐week, multicenter (n = 5) retrospective study analyzed the data of Chinese adult patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis who initiated secukinumab treatment between May 2019 and March 2020. The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), body surface area (BSA), Investigator's Global Assessment Modified 2011 (IGA mod 2011), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were assessed. Dermatologists documented the treatment dosage and modification reasons. Of the 244 secukinumab‐naïve patients, most were men (73.4%, 179/244) and weighed 60–90 kg (72.8%, 177/243). The mean (SD) age at secukinumab initiation was 38.1 (11.6) years, and the disease duration was 13.5 (7.9) years. Most patients (97.1%, 237/244) received secukinumab 300 mg. At weeks 4, 12, 16, and 24, the proportion of patients achieving PASI 75 (≥75% reduction from baseline) was 40.0%, 92.1%, 88.4%, and 88.9%, respectively; PASI 90 was 15.0%, 73.7%, 81.4%, and 68.3%, respectively; and PASI 100 was 8.7%, 40.8%, 58.1%, and 41.3%, respectively. During the same periods, BSA and IGA mod 2011 showed similar improvement trends. An increasing proportion of patients achieved DLQI of 0–1 (21.6%, 65.7%, 75.0%, and 80.3%, respectively). Treatment modification was highest at week 12. The average interval between two administrations after week 4 was 62.95 days. Secukinumab was highly effective in improving the PASI, IGA, BSA, and DLQI in Chinese patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis throughout the first 24 weeks. The treatment pattern for Chinese patients differs from that in the clinical guidelines.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of transplant‐ineligible relapsed or refractory diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma treatment options—Experience of the efficiency frontier approach
Authors: Kurte Melina Sophie , Siefen Ann‐Cathrine , Jakobs Florian , von Tresckow Bastian , Reinhardt Hans Christian , Kron Florian
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The treatment of relapsed/refractory (R/R) diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) changed remarkably since the European Medicines Agency‐approved chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell (CAR‐T) therapies (axicabtagene ciloleucel [axi‐cel], lisocabtagene maraleucel [liso‐cel], tisagenlecleucel [tisa‐cel]) for the third‐line onwards (3+L), and targeted therapies (polatuzumab vedotin–bendamustine–rituximab [pola‐BR], tafasitamab–lenalidomide [Tafa‐L]) for the second‐line (2L) onwards. As associated rising treatment costs represent an economic burden, the cost‐effectiveness of transplant‐ineligible R/R DLBCL interventions was assessed from a German healthcare payer's perspective, using the efficiency frontier (EF) approach.

Methods

A systematic literature review was performed to determine the clinical benefit concerning median overall survival (OS) of bendamustine–rituximab (BR), rituximab–gemcitabine–oxaliplatin (R‐GemOx), axi‐cel, liso‐cel, tisa‐cel, pola‐BR, and Tafa‐L. First‐year treatment costs (drug and medical services costs) were calculated. Results were merged on two‐dimensional graphs illustrating 2L and 3+L EFs.

Results

Second‐line EF is formed by BR (median OS 11.49 months, €23 958) and Tafa‐L (45.7, €104 541), 3+L EF is formed by R‐GemOx (12.0, €29 080), Tafa‐L (15.5, €104 541), and axi‐cel (18.69, €308 516). These interventions build the respective cost‐effectiveness thresholds for novel interventions.

Conclusions

Using the EF approach, the currently most cost‐effective interventions (based on cost‐effectiveness ratios) in the indication of R/R DLBCL were identified to guide international reimbursement decisions.
Auto encoder with mode‐based learning for keyframe extraction in video summarization
Authors: Shambharkar Prashant Giridhar , Goel Ruchi
Published: August 2023

The exponential increase in video consumption has created new difficulties for browsing and navigating through video more effectively and efficiently. Researchers are interested in video summarization because it offers a brief but instructive video version that helps users and systems save time and effort when looking for and comprehending relevant content. Key frame extraction is a method of video summarization that only chooses the most important frames from a given video. In this article, a novel supervised learning method ‘TC‐CLSTM Auto Encoder with Mode‐based Learning’ using temporal and spatial features is proposed for automatically choosing keyframes or important sub‐shots from videos. The method was able to achieve an average F‐score of 84.35 on TVSum dataset. Extensive tests on benchmark data sets show that the suggested methodology outperforms state‐of‐the‐art methods.
How I met your mother: Mitigating forced marriage in the United States
Authors: Imam Maisha
Published: August 2023

Forced marriage in the United States is a hidden issue for a growing number of children and young people. Being trapped in a marriage severely impacts a person's well‐being, with long‐term psychological and physical ramifications. Forced marriage increases the likelihood of domestic violence and sexual abuse, depriving victims of autonomy. To lessen the number of forced marriages, this Note proposes emulating a United Kingdom statute. The statute provides a comprehensive approach with tailored programs and services to serve the needs of victims of forced marriages. Adopting this statute will create uniform law, making forced marriages illegal federally.
Returning to the child welfare system: Understanding the wellbeing, health, education, and placement of children who return
Authors: Irgens Megan Suzanne , Givol Keren‐Or , Tomlinson Claire S. , Davidson Ryan
Published: August 2023

Using longitudinal archival Child Welfare System (CWS) data, this study describes child health and wellbeing at their initial entrance into the CWS and subsequent returns. Associations between child wellbeing, health, placement stability, and frequency of returning to the system were also investigated. Results indicated most children were healthy and developmentally on target. In addition, emotional distress, behavioral concerns, and number of placements in the CWS were significantly correlated with placement stability. Future work should utilize the use of developmental assessments to systematically and reliably document the concerns for children in the system, and investigate factors contributing to stable placements.
Treatment with aripiprazole and N‐acetylcysteine affects anaerobic cysteine metabolism in the hippocampus and reverses schizophrenia‐like behavior in the neurodevelopmental rat model of schizophrenia
Authors: Górny Magdalena , Bilska‐Wilkosz Anna , Iciek Małgorzata , Rogóż Zofia , Lorenc‐Koci Elżbieta
Published: August 2023

Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that the antipsychotic drug aripiprazole and the antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine have unique biological properties. The aim of the study was to investigate, in a rat model of schizophrenia, the effects of chronic administration of these drugs on schizophrenia‐like behaviors and anaerobic cysteine metabolism in the hippocampus (HIP). The schizophrenia‐type changes were induced in Sprague–Dawley rats by repeated administration of the glutathione synthesis inhibitor l‐butionine‐(S,R)‐sulfoximine in combination with the dopamine reuptake inhibitor GBR 12909 in the early postnatal period. Adult model rats were chronically treated with aripiprazole (0.3 mg·kg−1, i.p.) or N‐acetylcysteine (30 mg·kg−1, orally), and their effects on schizophrenia‐like behaviors were assessed using the social interaction test and novel object recognition test. In the HIP, the level of anaerobic cysteine metabolites, H2S, and bound sulfane sulfur were determined by a fluorescence method, while the expression of H2S‐synthetizing enzymes: cystathionine β‐synthase (CBS) and mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MST) by western blot. Long‐term treatment with aripiprazole or N‐acetylcysteine reversed social and cognitive deficits and reduced the exploratory behaviors. In the HIP of 16‐day‐old model pups, H2S levels and MST protein expression were significantly decreased. In adult model rats, H2S levels remained unchanged, bound sulfane sulfur significantly increased, and the expression of CBS and MST slightly decreased. The studied drugs significantly reduced the level of bound sulfane sulfur and the expression of tested enzymes. The reduction in bound sulfane sulfur level coincided with the attenuation of exploratory behavior, suggesting that modulation of anaerobic cysteine metabolism in the HIP may have therapeutic potential in schizophrenia.
Iron‐responsive element of Divalent metal transporter 1 (Dmt1) controls Notch‐mediated cell fates
Authors: Hounjet Judith , Groot Arjan J. , Piepers Jolanda P. , Kranenburg Onno , Zwijnenburg Danny A. , Rapino Francesca A. , Koster Jan B. , Kampen Kim R. , Vooijs Marc A.
Published: August 2023

Notch receptor activation is regulated by the intramembrane protease γ‐secretase, which cleaves and liberates the Notch intracellular domain (Nicd) that regulates gene transcription. While γ‐secretase cleavage is necessary, we demonstrate it is insufficient for Notch activation and requires vesicular trafficking. Here, we report Divalent metal transporter 1 (Dmt1, Slc11A2) as a novel and essential regulator of Notch signalling. Dmt1‐deficient cells are defective in Notch signalling and have perturbed endolysosomal trafficking and function. Dmt1 encodes for two isoforms, with and without an iron response element (ire). We show that isoform‐specific silencing of Dmt1‐ire and Dmt1+ire has opposite consequences on Notch‐dependent cell fates in cell lines and intestinal organoids. Loss of Dmt1‐ire suppresses Notch activation and promotes differentiation, whereas loss of Dmt1+ire causes Notch activation and maintains stem‐progenitor cell fates. Dmt1 isoform expression correlates with Notch and Wnt signalling in Apc‐deficient intestinal organoids and human colorectal cancers. Consistently, Dmt1‐ire silencing induces Notch‐dependent differentiation in colorectal cancer cells. These data identify Dmt1 isoforms as binary switches controlling Notch cell fate decisions in normal and tumour cells.
Psychometrics and applications of a novel self‐report measure of emicizumab adherence: VERITASNexGen
Authors: Okolo Amanda , Shapiro Amy , Janson Isaac , Okungade James , Roberson Chris , Nolte MacKenzie , Littner Lisa , Kronenberger William
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Treatment adherence is critical to minimize bleeding episodes in persons with haemophilia. Suboptimal adherence increases risk of adverse medical outcomes and negatively impacts quality of life. Assessment of treatment adherence is therefore an integral component of intervention to mitigate the adverse impacts of haemophilia.

Aim

To develop and validate a multifactorial, patient (self or caregiver) report adherence measure for emicizumab treatment and report the first patient‐report data on adherence to specific components of emicizumab treatment (dosing, timing, injection, planning and bleeds).

Methods

An IRB approved multi‐site prospective study enrolled 83 participants with factor VIII deficiency being treated with emicizumab. Participants completed the 25‐item VERITAS NexGen (self‐report from 50 adults age 18+ years; caregiver‐report from 33 parents of children aged 6 months to 17 years) as well as a global adherence rating (GAR) scale. Providers of participants also completed a GAR scale.

Results

Most VERITAS‐NexGen subscales had good‐to‐excellent internal consistency reliability, test‐retest reliability, and validity. VERITASNexGen scores revealed globally strong patient‐reported adherence; however timing and bleed management were reported as greater challenges to adherence compared to dosing and injections. Adults struggled more with timing and planning of injections than caregivers.

Conclusion

The VERITASNexGen is the first validated multifactorial patient‐report measure of adherence designed specifically for emicizumab treatment. Results suggest excellent adherence, with only 4%–13% of participants reporting suboptimal adherence to different components of the treatment regimen. Used in conjunction with other adherence measures, VERITAS‐NexGen meets a crucial need for monitoring and understanding patient adherence to emicizumab in clinical and research settings.
The ideological roots of the activation paradigm: How justice preferences and unemployment attributions shape public support for demanding activation policies
Authors: Van Hootegem Arno , Rossetti Federica , Abts Koen , Meuleman Bart
Published: August 2023

Research either focused on self‐interest or left–right ideology to explain support for demanding active labour market policies (ALMPs). This article focuses instead on how attitudes towards these policies are rooted in the underlying policy paradigm. We link attitudes towards ALMPs to two pillars of the activation paradigm: distributive justice and unemployment attributions. Structural equational modeling is employed on the Belgian National Election Study data of 2014 (N = 1901). Individuals supporting the principles of need and equity and who blame the unemployed are more in favour of demanding activation. These frameworks and hence the policy paradigm thus have substantial predictive power.
The impact of tax reforms on human development index: Literature review approach
Authors: Shettigar Jagadish , Misra Pooja , Sanyal Pradipta Kumar , Kawinga Abdul
Published: August 2023

Human development is an important variable in entrepreneurial activities at all levels both nationally and internationally. In any country, the meaning of human development, which is associated with progressiveness in people's life status, is to be evaluated based on people's livelihood. The government is the core institution responsible for human development in any country through financing, coordinating, and supervising different human development projects. Such development projects include the provision of quality public goods and services such as health, education, housing, and other welfare schemes; all necessary infrastructures relating to the provision of such services like schools and hospitals; and respective experts to facilitate such services like teachers, doctors, and nurses, etc. Tax is regarded as an important tool for governments not only for revenue generation but also for achieving various social and economic reforms for individuals and the economy as a whole, both in developed and developing countries. Most of the current economic discussions from the country level to the international level are about human development, with taxation as the main tool. Thus, economic reforms including tax policies are also made for poverty reduction and other purposes. Among policies include progressive taxation and credit approach; establishment of specific taxes and specific revenue pools for improving human development and reducing inequality; and eliminating tax exemption and reliefs in fighting against poverty.
Solubility of 15MgO–15CaO–5P2O5–10SiO2 glass
Authors: Oi Yuki , Nakamura Keita , Obata Akiko , Tamura Tomoyuki , Kasuga Toshihiro
Published: August 2023

Mg2+ and silicate ions are important ionic species in bone formation. Previously, the authors’ group reported a 15MgO–15CaO–8P2O5–4SiO2 glass (silicophosphate invert glass [spIG]) containing orthophosphate and orthosilicate structures. Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions in the glass preferentially formed Si–O–Mg and P–O–Ca bonds, respectively, suppressing the release amount of silicate ions in a tris–HCl buffer solution (TBS). In this study, a new 15MgO–15CaO–5P2O5–10SiO2 invert glass without a silicate 3D‐network structure was prepared via a melt‐quenching method. The new glass exhibits an improved silicate‐ion release ability that promotes bone formation. The dissolution amounts of Ca2+ and phosphate ions from the glass into a TBS were similar to those of spIG, but the amounts of Mg2+ and silicate ions increased by ∼2 and ∼5 times, respectively. 31P and 29Si magic‐angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analyses showed that the glass was composed of orthophosphate and chain silicate structures. Even when the silica content exceeded that of spIG, the formation of a silicate 3D‐network was suppressed. The O1s X‐ray photoelectron spectra indicated that (Si, P)–O–Mg bonds contribute to the glass formation. In a glass model based on classical molecular dynamics, the oxygen coordination numbers of Mg and Ca were determined as 4–7 and 5–8, respectively. Mg2+ ions are predominantly responsible for bridging the silicate/phosphate structures in this glass and play an important role in tuning the glass formation and the release amount of silicate ions.
Saikosaponin A alleviates Staphylococcus aureus‐induced mastitis in mice by inhibiting ferroptosis via SIRT1/Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Zhao Lihua , Jin Lei , Yang Bin
Published: August 2023

Mastitis is a common and serious bacterial infection of the mammary gland. Saikosaponin A (SSA) is a triterpenoid saponin isolated from Bupleurum falcatum that has the ability to treat various diseases. However, little is known about the role of SSA in achieving mastitis remission. Here, we found that SSA alleviated Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)‐induced mastitis by attenuating inflammation and maintaining blood‐milk barrier integrity. Furthermore, S. aureus activated nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) pathway by upregulated p‐p65 and p‐IκB. S. aureus also induced ferroptosis in mammary gland in mice, mainly characterized by excessive iron accumulation, mitochondrial morphological changes and impaired antioxidant production. However, S. aureus‐induced NF‐κB activation and ferroptosis were prevented by SSA. Moreover, SAA could upregulate the expression of SIRT1, Nrf2, HO‐1 and GPX4. And the inhibitory effects of SAA on inflammation and ferroptosis were reversed by SIRT1 inhibitor EX‐527. In conclusion, SAA protected S. aureus‐induced mastitis through suppressing inflammation and ferroptosis by activating SIRT1/Nrf2 pathway.
The Politics of the European Minimum Wage: Overcoming Ideological, Territorial and Institutional Conflicts in the EU Multi‐level Arena
Authors: Natili Marcello , Ronchi Stefano
Published: August 2023

Until recently, the idea of a European minimum wage (EMW) policy had never taken concrete shape, due to the heterogeneity of national wage‐setting and collective bargaining institutions, uncertain EU competence on the matter, and widespread scepticism amongst political actors. In 2022, however, the EU adopted a directive on adequate minimum wages. How did this make it to the EU agenda, despite the many political, territorial and institutional tensions? What coalitions supported and opposed it? Based on a reconstruction of the policy process substantiated by an analysis of news media data and 14 interviews, this article investigates the multi‐level politics of the EMW. It shows that, despite enduring ‘euro‐social scepticism’ in northern Europe, the emergence of pro‐minimum wage coalitions in key member states and the increase of party‐competition dynamics at the EU level were crucial in overcoming the lines of conflict that had long hindered EU initiatives on minimum wage co‐ordination.
Associations of screen use with cognitive development in early childhood: the ELFE birth cohort
Authors: Yang Shuai , Saïd Mélèa , Peyre Hugo , Ramus Franck , Taine Marion , Law Evelyn C. , Dufourg Marie‐Noëlle , Heude Barbara , Charles Marie‐Aline , Bernard Jonathan Y.
Published: August 2023

Background

The associations of screen use with children's cognition are not well evidenced and recent, large, longitudinal studies are needed. We aimed to assess the associations between screen use and cognitive development in the French nationwide birth cohort.

Methods

Time and context of screen use were reported by parents at ages 2, 3.5 and 5.5. Vocabulary, non‐verbal reasoning and general cognitive development were assessed with the MacArthur‐Bates Communicative Development Inventory (MB) at age 2, the Picture Similarities subtest from the British Ability Scales (PS) at age 3.5 and the Child Development Inventory (CDI) at ages 3.5 and 5.5. Outcome variables were age‐adjusted and standardized (mean = 100, SD = 15). Multiple imputations were performed among children (N = 13,763) with ≥1 screen use information and ≥1 cognitive measures. Cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations between screen use and cognitive development were assessed by linear regression models adjusted for sociodemographic and birth factors related to the family and children, and children's lifestyle factors competing with screen use. Baseline cognitive scores were further considered in longitudinal analysis.

Results

TV‐on during family meals at age 2, not screen time, was associated with lower MB scores at age 2 (β [95% CI] = −1.67 [−2.21, −1.13]) and CDI scores at age 3.5 (−0.82 [−1.31, −0.33]). In cross‐sectional analysis, screen time was negatively associated with CDI scores at ages 3.5 (−0.67 [−0.94, −0.40]) and 5.5 (−0.47 [−0.77, −0.16]), and, in contrast, was positively associated with PS scores (0.39 [0.07, 0.71]) at age 3.5. Screen time at age 3.5 years was not associated with CDI scores at age 5.5 years.

Conclusions

Our study found weak associations of screen use with cognition after controlling for sociodemographic and children's birth factors and lifestyle confounders, and suggests that the context of screen use matters, not solely screen time, in children's cognitive development.
Characterization of Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli bacteriophages isolated from agricultural environments and examination of their prevalence with bacterial hosts
Authors: Quintela Irwin A. , Valentine Don C. , Hwang Anya , Vasse Tyler , Ho Kan‐Ju , Wu Vivian C. H.
Published: August 2023

In the natural environment, ruminant livestock, including cattle, are the main reservoir of the outbreak–causing strains of Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC), where bacteriophages sustainably thrive as well. This study focuses on the characterization of STEC‐specific bacteriophages isolated from cow manure samples in Maine farms and examines their prevalence with STEC hosts. Phenotypic features of representative isolates were characterized by using a transmission electron microscope. Similarly, host range, one‐step growth curve, thermal stability, lytic capability, and genomic analyses were performed to fully characterize selected representative isolates. Results showed that representative bacteriophage isolates belong to Myoviridae (S6P10 and S14P12) and Siphoviridae (S19). The most prevalent and common bacteriophages (46%) were specific to the O26 serogroup. The farm C sampling site had highly heterogenous bacteriophage populations that were specific to six STEC serogroups. The most prevalent bacteriophage isolate (S1P5, Escherichia phage vB_EcoM‐S1P5QW) was verified to have a double‐stranded DNA genome (166,102 bp) with 266 CDs of which 130 have known functions. The majority of the diverse bacteriophage isolates had strong lytic capabilities and a narrow host range that could withstand selected temperature conditions (−20, 37, and 62°C). Results of bacterial screening showed that STEC host strains were not detected in Farms A, C, and E, but were detected on Farms B and D. In conclusion, the highly‐diverse bacteriophage ecology found in cow manure samples may have been an important element in shaping the population of STEC serogroups, specifically in its natural environment, which can provide useful tools for potential antibiotic‐free therapeutics and diagnostic technologies.
Bruxism and oro‐facial pain not related to temporomandibular disorder conditions: Comorbidities or risk factors?
Authors: Moreno‐Hay Isabel , Bender Steven D.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Bruxism has historically been of particular interest to the field of dentistry, primarily due to the inferred damage it may cause to the dentition and supporting periodontal structures. The definition of bruxism itself has undergone multiple changes over time. In addition, the effects of bruxism as it relates to oro‐facial pain conditions has remained a debatable topic.

Purpose

To review the available literature relating to bruxism and non‐temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain conditions.

Methods

A literature search was conducted with the assistance of an expert librarian. The following databases were reviewed: PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Google Scholar. For additional references, articles were also retrieved by hand search from the selected papers. Any articles that were not published in English, or the focus were related to temporomandibular disorders were excluded.

Conclusions

While bruxism and certain headache conditions do tend to occur together frequently, evidence relating to any clear common pathophysiological mechanism has yet to be fully elucidated. Robust evidence as it relates to the relationship between bruxism and other non‐TMD oro‐facial pains is also lacking.
Urban–rural differences in cancer mortality: Operationalizing rurality
Authors: Davis Elizabeth S. , Franks Jeffrey A. , Bhatia Smita , Kenzik Kelly M.
Published: August 2023

Objective

To assess urban–rural differences in cancer mortality across definitions of rurality as (1) established binary cut‐points, (2) data‐driven binary cut‐points, and (3) continuous.

Methods

We used Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data between 2000 and 2016 to identify incident adult screening‐related cancers. Analyses were based on one testing and four validation cohorts (all n = 26,587). Urban–rural status was defined by Rural–Urban Continuum Codes, National Center for Health Statistics codes, and the Index of Relative Rurality. Each was modeled using established binary cut‐points, data‐driven cut‐points, and as continuous. The primary outcome was 5‐year cancer‐specific mortality.

Results

Compared to established cut‐points, data‐driven cut‐points classified more patients as rural, resulted in larger White populations in rural areas, and yielded 7%–14% lower estimates of urban–rural differences in cancer mortality. Further, hazard of cancer mortality increased 4%–67% with continuous rurality measures, revealing important between‐unit differences.

Conclusions

Different cut‐points introduce variation in urban–rural differences in mortality across definitions, whereas using urban–rural measures as continuous allows rurality to be conceptualized as a continuum, rather than a simple aggregation.

Policy Implications

Findings provide alternative cut‐points for multiple measures of rurality and support the consideration of utilizing continuous measures of rurality in order to guide future research and policymakers.
Does Leaving Faith Mean Leaving Family? Longitudinal Associations Between Religious Identification and Parent‐Child Relationships Across Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Hendricks Justin J. , Hardy Sam A. , Taylor Emily M. , Dollahite David C.
Published: August 2023

The present study investigated the parent‐child relational repercussions of converting to religion, switching, or deconverting from religion. Qualitative research indicates that these religious changes may negatively affect parent‐child relationship quality, however, few quantitative studies investigate this issue. Subsequently, we utilized structural equation modeling to test if changes in religious identification during adolescence and emerging adulthood predicted worse parent‐child relationship quality using three waves of the National Study of Youth and Religion (N = 2,352). We found that deconversion between Waves 1–2 significantly predicted poorer parent‐child relationship quality at Wave 2 and father‐child relationship quality at Wave 3. Further, deconversion between Waves 2–3 significantly predicted poorer mother‐child relationship quality at Wave 3. Autoregressive cross‐lagged models indicated an association between deconverson and father‐child relationship quality. Deconversion had a significant indirect effect on parent‐child relationship quality through decreased parental warmth and mother‐child religious belief similarity. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Public procurement and reputation. An agent‐based model
Authors: Fiorino Nadia , Galli Emma , Rizzo Ilde , Valente Marco
Published: August 2023

This paper uses an agent‐based computational model to investigate whether and how considering the firm's reputation in the public procurement selection process affects the expected final contract cost. We take account of different sets of simulations and a range of model parameters (such as firm skills, level of opportunistic rebate, relative weights of reputation and rebate) and propose a reputation index based on the cost overruns recorded by winning firms at the conclusion of their contracts. We show that this index allows the awarding authority to (i) select the most efficient and the least opportunistic firms, and (ii) to exclude firms that engage in frequent opportunistic behavior whose reputation has declined. Our results suggest that reputation matters, and we derive some implications for policy.
A bioinformatic workflow for in silico secretome prediction with the lignocellulose degrading ascomycete fungus Parascedosporium putredinis NO1
Authors: Scott Conor J. R. , Leadbeater Daniel R. , Bruce Neil C.
Published: August 2023

The increasing availability of microbial genome sequences provides a reservoir of information for the identification of new microbial enzymes. Genes encoding proteins engaged in extracellular processes are of particular interest as these mediate the interactions microbes have with their environments. However, proteomic analysis of secretomes is challenging and often captures intracellular proteins released through cell death and lysis. Secretome prediction workflows from sequence data are commonly used to filter proteins identified through proteomics but are often simplified to a single step and are not evaluated bioinformatically for their effectiveness. Here, a workflow to predict a fungal secretome was designed and applied to the coding regions of the Parascedosporium putredinis NO1 genome. This ascomycete fungus is an exceptional lignocellulose degrader from which a new lignin‐degrading enzyme has previously been identified. The ‘secretome isolation’ workflow is based on two strategies of localisation prediction and secretion prediction each utilising multiple available tools. The workflow produced three final secretomes with increasing levels of stringency. All three secretomes showed increases in functional annotations for extracellular processes and reductions in annotations for intracellular processes. Multiple sequences isolated as part of the secretome lacked any functional annotation and made exciting candidates for novel enzyme discovery.
Reconstruction of Composite Soft Tissue Defect in the Distal Finger Using Partial Toenail Flap Transfer
Authors: Cai Leyi , Zhang Xian , Zhang Yingying , Xiang Guangheng , Luo Peng , Li Zhijie , Zhou Feiya
Published: August 2023

Objective

Composite tissue loss involving the distal finger pulp and the nail is a common but challenging finger injury to restore. This study introduces a reconstruction procedure for a distal finger pulp and nail defect using a partial toenail flap transfer.

Methods

Twenty digits, including 16 thumbs, two index fingers, and two middle fingers, with composite soft tissue defects were treated with a partial toenail flap transfer from October 2015 to January 2020. Shortening revision of the great toe phalanx, a V‐Y advancement flap of the toe pulp, and a local pedicle flap from a second toe transfer were used to cover the donor sites, and no skin grafts were required. Functionality was evaluated using the validated Spanish version of the Quick‐DASH scale. The aesthetics of both the reconstructed and donor sites were evaluated using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). The static two‐point discrimination (2‐PD) of the finger pulp was used as a measure of tactile agnosia.

Results

All donor site wounds healed well. The average follow‐up time was 23.6 months (6–39 months). The mean Quick‐DASH functional score was 7.1. The VSS scores were 4.02 ± 0.29 and 4.00 ± 0.38 for the reconstructed and donor sites, respectively. The static 2‐PD of finger pulp was 4.5 ± 0.76 mm. The patients were satisfied with finger motion, sensory function, and aesthetic contour.

Conclusions

Partial toenail flap transfer is the recommended treatment to regain motion, sensation, function, and a satisfactory aesthetic appearance when considering repairing a composite soft tissue distal finger defect with accompanying loss of the perionychium, particularly in the thumb, index finger, or middle finger.
Acculturative stress while online dating: An exploration of the experiences of second generation Indian and Pakistani immigrants in the United Kingdom
Authors: Khadhijah Zeba , Nodin Nuno
Published: August 2023

The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the acculturative stress experienced by second generation Indian and Pakistani young adults in the United Kingdom, who use online dating services—a practice common in Western cultures but unapproved in traditional South Asian cultures. Semi‐structured in‐depth interviews were conducted with six participants who were recruited through purposive sampling. Interview transcripts were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The findings indicate that while it is exposure to Western culture that influences participants to engage in online dating, it is their native cultural values that affect most of their online dating attitudes and behaviors such as preference for ethnically congruent partners, avoidance of casual sexual encounters, and expectations of slow‐paced and long‐term relationships. These findings are discussed as strategies used by participants to integrate different cultural orientations and manage their acculturative stress, based on Berry's (2003) Acculturation Model. This study contributes toward expanding literature in the field of cultural psychology and romantic relationships, by adding to an understanding of the pressures and challenges experienced by those navigating differing and often opposing sets of social and cultural norms, in the context of modern online dating.
Sphingosine 1‐phosphate combining with S1PR4 promotes regulatory T cell differentiation related to FAO through Nrf2/PPARα
Authors: Feng Rui , Liu Chuang , Cui Zilin , Liu Zirong , Zhang Yamin
Published: August 2023

Metabolism and metabolic processes have long been considered to shape the tumour immunosuppressive microenvironment. Recent research has demonstrated that T regulatory cells (Tregs) display high rates of fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and a relatively low rate of glycolysis. Sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P), which is a G protein signalling activator involved in immune regulation and FAO modulation, has been implicated in Treg differentiation. However, the precise relation between Treg differentiation and S1P remains unclear. In this study, we isolated naïve CD4+ T cells from the spleens of 6–8‐week‐old BALB/c mice using magnetic bead sorting, which was used in our study for Treg differentiation. S1P stimulation was performed during Treg differentiation. We examined the oxygen consumption and palmitic acid metabolism of the differentiated Tregs and evaluated the expression levels of various proteins, including Nrf2, CPT1A, Glut1, ACC1 and PPARα, through Western blotting. Our results demonstrate that S1P promotes Treg differentiation and enhances FAO, and that the expression of nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (Nrf2) and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARα) is upregulated. Furthermore, Nrf2 or PPARα knockdown dampened the Treg differentiation and FAO that were promoted by S1P, confirming that S1P can bind with S1PR4 to promote Treg differentiation through the Nrf2/PPARα signalling pathway, which may be related to FAO facilitation.
Root growth of monocotyledons and dicotyledons is limited by different tissues
Authors: Petrova Anna , Ageeva Marina , Kozlova Liudmila
Published: August 2023

Plant growth and morphogenesis are determined by the mechanical properties of its cell walls. Using atomic force microscopy, we have characterized the dynamics of cell wall elasticity in different tissues in developing roots of several plant species. The elongation growth zone of roots of all species studied was distinguished by a reduced modulus of elasticity of most cell walls compared to the meristem or late elongation zone. Within the individual developmental zones of roots, there were also significant differences in the elasticity of the cell walls of the different tissues, thus identifying the tissues that limit root growth in the different species. In cereals, this is mainly the inner cortex, whereas in dicotyledons this function is performed by the outer tissues—rhizodermis and cortex. These differences result in a different behaviour of the roots of these species during longitudinal dissection. Modelling of longitudinal root dissection using measured properties confirmed the difference shown. Thus, the morphogenesis of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous roots relies on different tissues as growth limiting, which should be taken into account when analyzing the localization of associated molecular events. At the same time, no matrix polysaccharide was found whose immunolabelling in type I or type II cell walls would predict their mechanical properties. However, assessment of the degree of anisotropy of cortical microtubules showed a striking correlation with the elasticity of the corresponding cell walls in all species studied.
BIOLOGICAL STAIN DETECTION USING OPENCV WITH THE AID OF ULTRAVIOLET A (UVA) LIGHT
Authors: Borhan Nuradlin , Azmin Azwati , Yamakita Masaki , Wan Abdul Aziz Wan Mohd Yusof Rahiman
Published: August 2023

The world are facing threats due to the spread of bacteria and viruses. Thus, a lot of researches are continuously exploring the topic of contaminants. One of the most significant ways to kill the contaminants are by sanitizing. Unfortunately, there is a lack of methods in detecting the contaminants for the sanitization to be performed efficiently. In this paper, we proposed the approach of detecting biological stains using the combination of HSV color segmentation, UVA light and also blue bandpass filter. Using color segmentation with the aid from UVA light, the fluorescent image of detected stains can be extracted. In addition, the blue bandpass filter can filter out the presence of background noises in order to increase the accuracy of the detection. A simple experiment was conducted in order to validate the developed algorithm.
GREEN SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF FE DOPED TIO2 NANOPARTICLES USING LAWSONIA INERMIS LEAF AQUEOUS EXTRACTS AS REDUCTANT FOR PHOTOCATALYTIC ACTIVITY
Authors: Syamsol Bahri Syamsutajri , Harun Zawati , Wan Salleh Wan Norhayati , Hussin Rosniza , Hairom Nur Hanis Hayati , Kamaruddin Noor Hasliza , Basri Hatijah , Rasli Nurul Izwanie , Rosman Afiqah , Jamaluddin Mohd Riduan , Ainuddin Ainun Rahmahwati
Published: August 2023

Recently, the improvement and advancement in synthesizing nanoparticles via eco-friendly technique have been intensively explored since the used conventional physical and chemical methods always associated to the intensive energy usage and toxic waste pollution Therefore, nanoparticles synthesized from green route technique has initiate an interest among researchers due to its clean and eco-friendliness approach. In this study, the Fe doped TiO2 were synthesized using lawsonia inermis aqueous leaf extracts that act as reducing agent as well as capping and stabilizing agent. The green synthesized powder was then calcined and characterized using XRD, FESEM, EDX, FTIR and UV-Vis while photocatalytic activity was evaluated based on photodegradation efficiency of methylene blue (MB). The new obtained green calcined powder was found to have a crystalline phase (anatase structure) with crystallite size, 6.79 nm identified by XRD. The FESEM test shows the average particle size of the green synthesized calcined Fe doped TiO2 is in the range of 54.5 nm with capping agent (phyto-constituents) authorized by FTIR spectra. From EDX analysis, Fe ions was successfully incorporated into TiO2 compound during synthesis process confirmed by the presence of Fe element. It was observed that the band gap energy for green calcined Fe doped TiO2 is approximately 2.66 eV. The green synthesized calcined Fe doped TiO2 sample presented the highest photocatalytic activity efficiency under uv light irradiation for 3 hour which is 92.2% with only 7.8% of MB remained, this value is slightly higher than that of commercial P25 powder which is 90.7%. In conclusion, the green synthesis technique of using lawsonia inermis as natural resources as reduction agent was able to produce nanoparticles Fe doped TiO2. Moreover, the properties of Fe doped TiO2 nanoparticles has strong potential to be used as a photocatalyst since this sustainable green synthesis technique able to produce better nanoparticles properties as compared to conventional synthesis.