bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demographics and outcomes of hemoglobin genotype in hospitalized patients with COVID‐19 and sickle cell disease in the United States
Authors: Ilerhunmwuwa Nosakhare Paul , Inyang Lawrence , Wasifuddin Mustafa , Aiwuyo Henry , Tahir Muhammad , Hakobyan Narek , Ankah Paul , Torere Beatrice E. , Amaechi Uchenna M. , Rayapureddy Aditya Keerthi , Wang Jen Chin
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is associated with poor outcomes in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. However, there is a paucity of data comparing hemoglobin (Hb) genotypes in SCD and infection outcomes.

Methods

The National Inpatient Sample was used to identify the record of hospitalizations with COVID‐19 and SCD in 2020 using the International Classification of Disease, Tenth Revision codes. Study outcomes (invasive mechanical ventilation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, shock, vasopressor use, measures of resource utilization, and in‐hospital mortality) were compared between hemoglobin SS, SC, and S‐beta thalassemia (Sβ).

Results

Of the 102 975 COVID‐19 hospitalizations with SCD, 87.26% had HbSS, 7.16% had HbSC, and 5.58% had HbSβ. Younger patients were more likely to have HbSS, while older patients were likely to have HbSC and HbSβ. HbSS was more frequent with Blacks, while HbSβ was more prevalent with Whites and Hispanics. Though measures of resource utilization were higher in HbSS, there was no significant difference in in‐hospital outcomes between the three genotypes.

Conclusion

There is no difference in COVID‐19 outcomes among Hb genotypes in SCD. Further studies are needed to explore the reasons for this observation.
Effectiveness and safety of secukinumab in Chinese patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in real‐world practice
Authors: Zhou Jian , Yuan Yuan , Liu Yanhua , Chu Mengyang , Liu Huan , Liu Qian , Wang Rui , Shao Shuai , Wang Gang , Yu Chen
Published: July 2023

A number of randomized controlled trials and real‐world studies have demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of secukinumab in the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis, whereas data on a large cohort of Chinese patients in long‐term real‐world practice are limited. This was a single‐centre, uncontrolled, single‐arm, prospective, observational cohort study that included 254 psoriatic patients treated with secukinumab between September 2019 and December 2022. Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients, clinical response and adverse events were evaluated. The 75% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score (PASI 75), PASI 90, and PASI 100 in the 300 mg secukinumab group at 12 weeks were 91.7%, 74.0% and 39.7% respectively, increasing to 94.5%, 74.5% and 47.6% at 52 weeks. High body mass index (BMI), previous exposure to biologic therapies and history of previous conventional systemic therapies were associated with lower rates of PASI response. During the study period, 68 patients reported 83 adverse events (AEs) and the most frequent AEs were eczematous lesions. Up to 14.5% patients withdrew treatment due to disease remission combined with inconvenient transportation during the COVID‐19 pandemic at 52 weeks. The rate of psoriasis exacerbation after COVID‐19 infection in patients treated with secukinumab was 24.3% (17/70). This real‐world study confirmed the high effectiveness of secukinumab in Chinese patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, with an acceptable safety profile.
English learning and use in Hong Kong's bilingual education: Implications for L2 learners’ development of interactional competence
Authors: Chan Jim Yee Him , Walsh Steve
Published: July 2023

The use of English in international communication has focused scholarly attention on L2 learners’ development of interactional competence (IC), that is, the ability to co‐construct interactions purposefully and meaningfully in specific contexts. Under Hong Kong's bilingual education policy, students mainly learn and speak English in two classroom contexts: (1) English language and (2) English‐medium‐instruction (EMI) content‐area subject lessons, which may contribute to their IC development. This study compared the English‐speaking/learning experiences of students in these two classroom settings in three Hong Kong secondary schools. Task‐based language teaching (TBLT) was the recommended teaching approach in the English language subject in all these schools, but they adopted different medium‐of‐instruction arrangements in content‐area subjects. Their students also had different academic attainments. The investigation adopted a case study approach consisting of a questionnaire and semi‐structured focus group interviews (N = 160). Our findings suggest that students generally lacked opportunities to speak English, regardless of the specific school‐based policies. The higher‐proficiency students were given more opportunities to speak English in group/pair activities both in English language and EMI content‐area subjects. In contrast, the lower‐proficiency students received more explicit teaching of the linguistic forms/structures required in English examinations. The paper concludes by highlighting several critical issues concerning students’ IC development in bilingual education, namely, the effects of English‐medium education on students’ speaking ability, implementation of TBLT, the influence of examinations on teaching practices, and teachers’ role in promoting students’ interactional competence through classroom interactions.
Association of depression with hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy in age, sex, and education level‐specific differences
Authors: Shi Shuang , Guan Gongchang , Wang Junkui , Hui Rutai , Zhang Yong , Cui Qianwei , Zhao Jingsha , Zhu Ling
Published: July 2023

Previous studies have shown that hypertension and depression are associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes and reduced quality of life. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is strongly linked to increased mortality and cardiovascular disease, and depression may be one of the key factors contributing to hypertensive LVH. The authors consecutively enrolled 353 patients with uncomplicated hypertension between November 2017 and May 2021. All participants completed the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM‐D) to assess their depression status, with depression defined as a HAM‐D score of 20 or higher. Linear regression analysis revealed a positive association between HAM‐D and LVMI (adjusted β, 1.51, 95% CI, 1.19–1.83, p < .001). Logistic regression models showed that individuals with hypertension and depression had a higher risk of LVH than those with hypertension alone (adjusted OR, 2.51, 95% CI, 1.14–5.52, p = .022). The association between depression and LVH significantly interacted with age, sex, education levels, but not BMI and household income. Following age, sex, and education levels stratification, an independent association of depression and LVH was observed only in age <60 years (age <60 years: OR, 7.36, 95% CI, 2.25–24.13, p < .001), male (male: OR, 16.16, 95% CI, 3.80–68.73, p < .001), and higher education levels (high school and above: OR, 11.09, 95% CI, 2.91–42.22, p < .001). Our findings suggest that depression is a significant risk factor for LVH in hypertensive patients, particularly in those who are under 60 years of age, male, and have higher education levels.
Correlation between serum pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels and the prognosis of the patients with acute liver failure
Authors: Murakami Serami , Uchida Takuro , Imamura Michio , Suehiro Yosuke , Namba Maiko , Fujii Yasutoshi , Uchikawa Shinsuke , Teraoka Yuji , Fujino Hatsue , Ono Atsushi , Nakahara Takashi , Murakami Eisuke , Okamoto Wataru , Yamauchi Masami , Kawaoka Tomokazu , Miki Daiki , Hayes C Nelson , Tsuge Masataka , Ohira Masahiro , Ohdan Hideki , Oka Shiro
Published: July 2023

Background and Aim

The prognosis of acute liver failure (ALF) remains poor, and liver transplantation is an alternative treatment option. Assessing the prognosis of ALF is important in determining treatment strategies. Here, we investigated clinical factors including serum pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels that are associated with the prognosis of ALF.

Methods

Sixty‐six patients who developed ALF were enrolled in this study. Serum concentrations of 12 pro‐inflammatory cytokines were measured on admission. The prognosis and factors associated with survival and development of hepatic coma were analyzed.

Results

Of 66 patients, 4 patients underwent liver transplantation, and 49 patients were rescued without liver transplantation, while the remaining 13 patients died. Serum concentrations of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐13, TNF, IFN ‐γ, IP‐10, and G‐CSF were significantly elevated in ALF patients. IL‐4 and IL‐8 levels were higher in patients who underwent liver transplantation or died than in rescued patients. Multivariable analysis identified age ≥ 55 years and IL‐4 ≥ 1.2 pg/mL on admission as independent factors for mortality. Serum IL‐8 levels were higher in patients with hepatic coma, and prothrombin‐international normalized ratio ≥ 3.5 and IL‐8 ≥ 77.2 pg/mL on admission were associated with development of hepatic coma after admission.

Conclusion

Serum levels of several pro‐inflammatory cytokines were elevated in ALF patients. IL‐4 and IL‐8 were correlated with survival and development of hepatic coma after admission, respectively. Measurement of serum pro‐inflammatory cytokines seems to be useful for the management of ALF.
Role of ferroptosis in periodontitis: An animal study in rats
Authors: Fu Earl , Kuo Chan‐Yen , Hsia Yi‐Jan , Huang Yiao‐Mien , Tseng Hui‐Hwa , Fu Min‐Wen , Shih Kuang‐Chung
Published: July 2023

Objective

This study aimed to investigate (1) the temporal pattern of ferroptosis, an iron‐dependent cell death, in ligation‐induced rat periodontitis and (2) the effect of ferrostatin‐1, a ferroptosis inhibitor, on the model.

Background

Ferroptosis may contribute to various diseases. However, the role of ferroptosis in periodontitis is still fully understood.

Methods

In the first experiment, 25 rats with ligation‐induced periodontitis were sacrificed on days 0, 1, 2, 7, and 10. Gingivae were obtained to determine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, and ferroptotic biomarkers, including solute carrier family 3 member 2 (SLC3A2) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4), via immunoblotting. Using microcomputed tomography (μCT) and histology, the periodontal soft and hard tissue lesions, including dental alveolar bone crest level, bony characteristics of the surrounding alveolus, periodontal tissue inflammation, and periodontal tissue losses, were evaluated. In study two, 16 rats with induced periodontitis were grouped according to ferrostatin‐1 treatment. The rats were intraperitoneally injected with solvent or ferrostatin‐1 (1.5 mg/kg/day) 1 day before ligation and sacrificed on days 7 and 10. Gingival protein changes and periodontal tissue damage were also examined.

Results

In study one, SLC3A2/SLC7A11 and Gpx4 decreased since day 1; however, TNF‐α/IL‐1β increased on days 7 and 10. Moreover, the μCT/histology revealed resorptive bony characteristics, inflamed gingival tissue, and periodontal attachment loss. In study two, ferrostatin‐1‐injected rats exhibited significantly increased SLC3A2/SLC7A11 and Gpx4 but decreased TNF‐α/IL‐1β than vehicle rats. They also revealed lessened bone resorption, tissue inflammation, and attachment loss.

Conclusion

This study highlights the role of ferroptosis, via the system Xc/Gpx4 pathway, in experimental periodontitis and may serve as a regulatory strategy.
The two‐component system CroRS acts as a master regulator of cell envelope homeostasis to confer antimicrobial tolerance in the bacterial pathogen Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Todd Rose Francesca O. , Darnell Rachel L. , Morris Sali M. , Rose Olivia E. , Paxie Olivia , Campbell Georgia , Cook Gregory M. , Gebhard Susanne
Published: July 2023

Antimicrobial tolerance is the ability of a microbial population to survive, but not proliferate, during antimicrobial exposure. Significantly, it has been shown to precede the development of bona fide antimicrobial resistance. We have previously identified the two‐component system CroRS as a critical regulator of tolerance to antimicrobials like teixobactin in the bacterial pathogen Enterococcus faecalis. To understand the molecular mechanism of this tolerance, we have carried out RNA‐seq analyses in the E. faecalis wild‐type and isogenic croRS mutant to determine the teixobactin‐induced CroRS regulon. We identified a 132 gene CroRS regulon and demonstrate that CroRS upregulates biosynthesis of all major components of the enterococcal cell envelope in response to teixobactin. This suggests a coordinating role of this regulatory system in maintaining integrity of the multiple layers of the enterococcal envelope during antimicrobial stress, likely contributing to bacterial survival. Using experimental evolution, we observed that truncation of HppS, a key enzyme in the synthesis of the quinone electron carrier demethylmenaquinone, was sufficient to rescue tolerance in the croRS deletion strain. This highlights a key role for isoprenoid biosynthesis in antimicrobial tolerance in E. faecalis. Here, we propose a model of CroRS acting as a master regulator of cell envelope biogenesis and a gate‐keeper between isoprenoid biosynthesis and respiration to ensure tolerance against antimicrobial challenge.
Spatial Contexts of Language Shift and Heritage Language Retention within a Highly Diverse Population: Sydney, Australia
Authors: Forrest James
Published: July 2023

In immigrant countries like America, Canada and Australia, heritage language retention and language shift (to the language of the receiving society) have long been associated with classical spatial theory, of initial segregation into inner city ethnic enclaves and subsequent intra‐urban migration into majority ‘white’ or ‘mainstream’ residential suburbia, respectively. First through third generation spatial dynamics of shift and retention in Sydney are analysed for the ten largest post‐1945 labour workforce immigrant streams from Europe and the ten post‐1960s mainly skilled immigrant streams from the Middle East and Asia. Quartile and diversity analyses show that the association of intergenerational heritage language retention with spatial concentration and language shift with spatial dispersion has been superceded by a new set of spatial dynamics. Instead, patterns of retention and shift are responding to high levels of population diversity and minority majority suburbs where culturally hegemonic mainstream and minority cultural groups are intermixed across 80 per cent of Sydney's suburbs.
Complete genome sequence of a novel species of
Brevundimonas
(strain NIBR10)
Authors: Min Myeong-Hyeon , Jung Dong-Hyun , Kim Jin Nam , Yu Jaewoong , Choi Ahhyeon
Published: July 2023

The complete genome sequence of strain NIBR10 was sequenced using PacBio RS II (Pacific Biosciences) sequencing platform. The 4,006,378-bp genome has a G + C content of 66.89% and around 3,832 coding sequences. Genomic data will provide valuable research for natural taxonomy and comparative genomics of the genus
Brevundimonas
.
Enhancing Number of Bits Via Mini-Energy Band Transitions Using Si Quantum Dot Channel (QDC) and Ge Quantum Dot Gate (QDG) FETs and NVRAMs
Authors: Jain F. , Gudlavalleti R. H. , Almalki A. , Saman B. , Chan P-Y. , Chandy J. , Papadimitrakopoulos F. , Heller E.
Published: July 2023

This paper presents multi-state QDC-QDG FET structures that has the potential to introduce additional states (8 or 16) by utilizing additional mini-energy sub-bands. Mini-energy bands are formed in Si quantum dot channel (QDC) comprising two silicon oxide cladded Si quantum dots (QDs). Quantum simulations are presented to show more states when additional two germanium oxide cladded Ge dots are added on top of two Si QD layers in the gate region. With the addition of a control gate oxide layer, we transform the QDC-QDG-FET into a quantum dot (QD) nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM). Quantum simulations are presented.
Extended uncertainty principle and Van der Waals black holes
Authors: Oubagha R. , Hamil B. , Lütfüoğlu B. C. , Merad M.
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we investigate the extended uncertainty principle (EUP) effects on the Van der Waals (VdW) black holes whose thermal quantities mimic the VdW liquid. We find that the considered formalism imposes an upper bound on the event horizon radius. Thus, the mass, Hawking temperature, and heat capacity become physically meaningful within a certain range of event horizon radii. At a large event horizon radius, the black hole has a remnant. We observe that for a given set of parameters, the VdW black hole can be completely unstable for all horizon radii, while for another set of parameters, it can be unstable or stable depending on the horizon radius.
Improvement of Bounding Box and Instance Segmentation Accuracy Using ResNet-152 FPN with Modulated Deformable ConvNets v2 Backbone-based Mask Scoring R-CNN
Authors: Shanmugasundaram Suresh , Palaniappan Natarajan
Published: July 2023

A challenging task is to make sure that the deep learning network learns prediction accuracy by itself. Intersection-over-Union (IoU) amidst ground truth and instance mask determines mask quality. There is no relationship between classification score and mask quality. The mission is to investigate this problem and learn the predicted instance mask’s accuracy. The proposed network regresses the MaskIoU by comparing the predicted mask and the respective instance feature. The mask scoring strategy determines the disorder among mask score and mask quality, then adjusts the parameters accordingly. Adaptation ability to the object’s geometric variations decides deformable convolutional network’s performance. Using increased modeling power and stronger training, focusing ability on pertinent image regions is improved by a reformulated Deformable ConvNets. The introduction of modulation technique, which broadens the deformation modeling scope, and the integration of deformable convolution comprehensively within the network enhance the modeling power. The features which resemble region-based convolutional neural network (R-CNN) feature’s classification capability and its object focus are learned by the network with the help of feature mimicking scheme of DCNv2. Feature mimicking scheme of DCNv2 guides the network training to efficiently control this enhanced modeling capability. The backbone of the proposed Mask Scoring R-CNN network is designed with ResNet-152 FPN and DCNv2 network. The proposed Mask Scoring R-CNN network with DCNv2 network is also tested with other backbones ResNet-50 and ResNet-101. Instance segmentation and object detection on COCO benchmark and Cityscapes dataset are achieved with top accuracy and improved performance using the proposed network.
Local Lagrangian Floer homology of quasi-minimally degenerate intersections
Authors: Auyeung Shamuel
Published: July 2023

We define a broad class of local Lagrangian intersections which we call quasi-minimally degenerate (QMD) before developing techniques for studying their local Floer homology. In some cases, one may think of such intersections as modeled on minimally degenerate functions as defined by Kirwan. One major result of this paper is: if [Formula: see text] are two Lagrangian submanifolds whose intersection decomposes into QMD sets, there is a spectral sequence converging to their Floer homology [Formula: see text] whose [Formula: see text] page is obtained from local data given by the QMD pieces. The [Formula: see text] terms are the singular homologies of submanifolds with boundary that come from perturbations of the QMD sets. We then give some applications of these techniques toward studying affine varieties, reproducing some prior results.
A DFT Study on the Impact of Saturated and Conjugated Side Chains on the Optoelectronic Performance of Y-series Nonfullerene Acceptors
Authors: Kalsoom Fareeda , Farooq Umar , Salman M. , Hussain Riaz
Published: July 2023

Organic photovoltaic (OPV) consisting of nonfullerene acceptors have been found to be excellent candidates for harnessing solar energy. Extensive studies are being carried out to modify structures in a number of ways to enhance their efficiency. These include modifications in the acceptor part, use of efficient backbones and insertion of pi spacers. One strategy is the attachment of donor side chains for better assembly of molecules. In this work, the effect of theoretically designed side chains on electrochemical and optical properties of OPVs was studied. A series of molecules consisting of saturated (SC1-4) and conjugated donor (CD1-2) were designed and studied computationally for their potential OPV properties. Parameters like Band gap, absorption spectrum, frontier molecular orbital distribution, binding energy, fill factor, open circuit voltage, excitation energies, density of states (DOS) and transition density matrix (TDM) were studied using DFT and TD-DFT methods. Unsaturated side chains although exhibit better performance in terms of open circuit voltage and hole mobility but reduce light harvesting efficiency. All saturated side chain modifications showed improvement in fill factor and open circuit voltage than reference molecule. SC3 modification with red shift and smaller band gap showed the best performance.
Table S3 from Spatial Transcriptomics of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of the Pancreas Identifies NKX6-2 as a Driver of Gastric Differentiation and Indolent Biological Potential
Authors: Sans Marta , Makino Yuki , Min Jimin , Rajapakshe Kimal I. , Yip-Schneider Michele , Schmidt C. Max , Hurd Mark W. , Burks Jared K. , Gomez Javier A. , Thege Fredrik I. , Fahrmann Johannes F. , Wolff Robert A. , Kim Michael P. , Guerrero Paola A. , Maitra Anirban
Published: July 2023

RCTD cell type prediction for all spots in the IPMN ST dataset
Table S23 from Spatial Transcriptomics of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of the Pancreas Identifies NKX6-2 as a Driver of Gastric Differentiation and Indolent Biological Potential
Authors: Sans Marta , Makino Yuki , Min Jimin , Rajapakshe Kimal I. , Yip-Schneider Michele , Schmidt C. Max , Hurd Mark W. , Burks Jared K. , Gomez Javier A. , Thege Fredrik I. , Fahrmann Johannes F. , Wolff Robert A. , Kim Michael P. , Guerrero Paola A. , Maitra Anirban
Published: July 2023

Differentially expressed genes by overexpressing NKX6-2 in both the Kras;Gnas and KPC cell lines.
Table S17 from Spatial Transcriptomics of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of the Pancreas Identifies NKX6-2 as a Driver of Gastric Differentiation and Indolent Biological Potential
Authors: Sans Marta , Makino Yuki , Min Jimin , Rajapakshe Kimal I. , Yip-Schneider Michele , Schmidt C. Max , Hurd Mark W. , Burks Jared K. , Gomez Javier A. , Thege Fredrik I. , Fahrmann Johannes F. , Wolff Robert A. , Kim Michael P. , Guerrero Paola A. , Maitra Anirban
Published: July 2023

Markers per clusters generated from ST analyses of two pancreas specimens collected from Kras;Gnas mice.
Supplementary_Table4 from Effectors Enabling Adaptation to Mitochondrial Complex I Loss in Hürthle Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Gopal Raj K. , Vantaku Venkata R. , Panda Apekshya , Reimer Bryn , Rath Sneha , To Tsz-Leung , Fisch Adam S. , Cetinbas Murat , Livneh Maia , Calcaterra Michael J. , Gigliotti Benjamin J. , Pierce Kerry A. , Clish Clary B. , Dias-Santagata Dora , Sadow Peter M. , Wirth Lori J. , Daniels Gilbert H. , Sadreyev Ruslan I. , Calvo Sarah E. , Parangi Sareh , Mootha Vamsi K.
Published: July 2023

Supplementary Table4 provides the metabolomics analysis
Supplementary_Table2 from Effectors Enabling Adaptation to Mitochondrial Complex I Loss in Hürthle Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Gopal Raj K. , Vantaku Venkata R. , Panda Apekshya , Reimer Bryn , Rath Sneha , To Tsz-Leung , Fisch Adam S. , Cetinbas Murat , Livneh Maia , Calcaterra Michael J. , Gigliotti Benjamin J. , Pierce Kerry A. , Clish Clary B. , Dias-Santagata Dora , Sadow Peter M. , Wirth Lori J. , Daniels Gilbert H. , Sadreyev Ruslan I. , Calvo Sarah E. , Parangi Sareh , Mootha Vamsi K.
Published: July 2023

Supplementary Table 2 provides the mtDNA and LOH analyses
Supplementary Figures S1-S7 from Effectors Enabling Adaptation to Mitochondrial Complex I Loss in Hürthle Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Gopal Raj K. , Vantaku Venkata R. , Panda Apekshya , Reimer Bryn , Rath Sneha , To Tsz-Leung , Fisch Adam S. , Cetinbas Murat , Livneh Maia , Calcaterra Michael J. , Gigliotti Benjamin J. , Pierce Kerry A. , Clish Clary B. , Dias-Santagata Dora , Sadow Peter M. , Wirth Lori J. , Daniels Gilbert H. , Sadreyev Ruslan I. , Calvo Sarah E. , Parangi Sareh , Mootha Vamsi K.
Published: July 2023

Supplementary Figure 1: Mitochondrial and nuclear DNA alterations in an HCC cohort. Related to Figure 1. Supplementary Figure 2: Transcriptomic landscape of HCC. Related to Figure 2. Supplementary Figure 3: Metabolic signatures of HCC. Related to Figure 3. Supplementary Figure 4: Authentic models of HCC. Related to Figure 4. Supplementary Figure 5: CRISPR screen identifies vulnerability to GPX4 loss in HCC. Related to Figure 5. Supplementary Figure 6: NCI-HCC xenografts are sensitive to ferroptosis. Related to Figure 6. Supplementary Figure 7: Differential effects of OXPHOS inhibition on ferroptosis. Related to Figure 7.
Figure S2 from Immunologic Characterization and T cell Receptor Repertoires of Expanded Tumor-infiltrating Lymphocytes in Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Lee Moon Hee , Theodoropoulos Jason , Huuhtanen Jani , Bhattacharya Dipabarna , Järvinen Petrus , Tornberg Sara , Nísen Harry , Mirtti Tuomas , Uski Ilona , Kumari Anita , Peltonen Karita , Draghi Arianna , Donia Marco , Kreutzman Anna , Mustjoki Satu
Published: July 2023

Figure S2 shows representative flow gating strategies for the immunophenotyping of various sample types (tumor, healthy kidney, pre-REP TILs and REP TILs), as well as the co-culture assays.
Figure S10 from Immunologic Characterization and T cell Receptor Repertoires of Expanded Tumor-infiltrating Lymphocytes in Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Lee Moon Hee , Theodoropoulos Jason , Huuhtanen Jani , Bhattacharya Dipabarna , Järvinen Petrus , Tornberg Sara , Nísen Harry , Mirtti Tuomas , Uski Ilona , Kumari Anita , Peltonen Karita , Draghi Arianna , Donia Marco , Kreutzman Anna , Mustjoki Satu
Published: July 2023

Figure S10 shows correlation of overlapping clonotypes between the tumor and pre-REP TILs.
Conservation and Diversification of Pallial Cell Types across Vertebrates: An Evo-Devo Perspective
Authors: Suryanarayana Shreyas M. , Huilgol Dhananjay
Published: July 2023

As the highest center of sensory processing, initiation, and modulation of behavior, the pallium has seen prominent changes during the course of vertebrate evolution, culminating in the emergence of the mammalian isocortex. The processes underlying this remarkable evolution have been a matter of debate for several centuries. Recent studies using modern techniques in a host of vertebrate species are beginning to reveal mechanistic principles underlying pallial evolution from the developmental, connectome, transcriptome and cell type levels. We attempt here to trace and reconstruct the evolution of pallium from an evo-devo perspective, focusing on two phylogenetic extremes in vertebrates – cyclostomes and mammals, while considering data from intercalated species. We conclude that two fundamental processes of evolutionary change – conservation and diversification of cell types, driven by functional demands, are the primary forces dictating the emergence of the diversity of pallial structures and imbibing them with the ability to mediate and control the exceptional variety of motor behaviors across vertebrates.
Pre-pandemic mental health and coping strategy usage during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional analysis of the Southern Cities Study
Authors: Cho Gawon , Hagen Daniel , Goldmann Emily
Published: July 2023

Background

Little is known about the usage of coping strategies recommended by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic and whether coping strategy usage varies by pre-pandemic mental health. This study examined the prevalence of different coping strategies and associations of their usage with pre-pandemic mental health.

Methods

Data were collected from adults residing in metropolitan areas of the U.S. South in May/June 2020 using random-digit-dialing and web-based surveys (n = 1,644). We estimated the prevalence of each coping strategy: (1) keeping up-to-date about COVID-19; (2) taking breaks from the news or social media; (3) taking care of physical health; (4) engaging in relaxing activities; (5) reaching out to and spending time with others; and (6) trying to find comfort in religious or spiritual beliefs. We examined the association between the use of each strategy and pre-pandemic mental health using modified Poisson regression, adjusting for covariates. We also analyzed the association between pre-pandemic mental health and the number of coping strategies employed using ordered logistic regression.

Results

The most prevalent strategies were: “keeping up-to-date about COVID-19” (53%), “taking care of physical health” (52%), and “reaching out to and spending time with others” (52%). Good pre-pandemic mental health was associated with an increased prevalence of “reaching out to and spending time with others” (adjusted prevalence ratio, 1.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–1.91). The use of other coping strategies and the number of coping strategies used during the pandemic did not vary by pre-pandemic mental health.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that people who had good pre-pandemic mental health were more likely to connect with other people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the well-documented impact of social support on mental health in disaster contexts, efforts to promote safe social connections for those with pre-existing mental health concerns are needed.
Slim the face or not: 3D change of facial soft and hard tissues after third molars extraction: a pilot study
Authors: Wang Xin-Wen , Yang Hui-Fang , Wang En-Bo , Cui Xin-Yu , Zhao Yi-Jiao , Jiang Jiu-Hui
Published: July 2023

Background

Whether slim the face or not after removed third molars is the concern of some orthodontic treatment candidates. The aim of this article is to explore the volume changes of facial soft and hard tissues after third molars extraction, as well as develop a reproducible clinical protocol to precisely assess facial soft tissue volume change.

Methods

A non-randomized, non-blind, self-controlled pilot study was conducted. 24 adults aged 18–30 had ipsilateral third molars extracted. The body weight change was controlled within 2 kg. Structured light scans were taken under a standardized procedure pre-extraction (T0), three (T1), and six (T2) months post-extraction; CBCTs were taken at T0 and T2. The projection method was proposed to measure the soft tissue volume (STV) and the soft tissue volume change (STVC) by the Geomagic software. The hard tissue volume change (HTVC) was measured in the Dragonfly software.

Results

The final sample size is 23, including 5 males (age 26.6 ± 2.5 years) and 18 females (age 27.3 ± 2.5 years). The HTVC was − 2.33 ± 0.46ml on the extraction side. On the extraction side, the STV decreased by 1.396 (95% CI: 0.323–2.470) ml (P < 0.05) at T1, and increased by 1.753 (95% CI: -0.01-3.507) ml (P = 0.05) at T2. T2 and T0 had no difference (P > 0.05). The inter and intra-raters ICC of the projection method was 0.959 and 0.974. There was no correlation between the STVC and HTVC (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

After ipsilateral wisdom teeth extraction, the volume of hard tissue on the extraction side reduces, and the volume of facial soft tissue does not change evidently. However, further research with large sample size is still needed. The STV measurement has excellent repeatability. It can be extended to other interested areas, including forehead, nose, paranasal, upper lip, lower lip and chin, which is meaningful in the field of orthodontics and orthopedics.

Trial registration

ChiCTR, ChiCTR1800018305 (11/09/2018), http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=28868.
A prognostic model using FIGO 2018 staging and MRI-derived tumor volume to predict long-term outcomes in patients with uterine cervical squamous cell carcinoma who received definitive radiotherapy
Authors: Zang Lele , Chen Qin , Lin An , Chen Jian , Zhang Xiaozhen , Fang Yi , Wang Min
Published: July 2023

Background

Uterine cervical carcinoma is a severe health threat worldwide, especially in China. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) has revised the staging system, emphasizing the strength of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We aimed to investigate long-term prognostic factors for FIGO 2018 stage II–IIIC2r uterine cervical squamous cell carcinoma following definitive radiotherapy and establish a prognostic model using MRI-derived tumor volume.

Methods

Patients were restaged according to the FIGO 2018 staging system and randomly grouped into training and validation cohorts (7:3 ratio). Optimal cutoff values of squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) and tumor volume derived from MRI were generated for the training cohort. A nomogram was constructed based on overall survival (OS) predictors, which were selected using univariate and multivariate analyses. The performance of the nomogram was validated and compared with the FIGO 2018 staging system. Risk stratification cutoff points were generated, and survival curves of low-risk and high-risk groups were compared.

Results

We enrolled 396 patients (training set, 277; validation set, 119). The SCC-Ag and MRI-derived tumor volume cutoff values were 11.5 ng/mL and 28.85 cm3, respectively. A nomogram was established based on significant prognostic factors, including SCC-Ag, poor differentiation, tumor volume, chemotherapy, and FIGO 2018 stage. Decision curve analysis indicated that the net benefits of our model were higher. The high-risk group had significantly shorter OS than the low-risk group in both the training (p < 0.0001) and validation sets (p = 0.00055).

Conclusions

Our nomogram predicted long-term outcomes of patients with FIGO 2018 stage II–IIIC2r uterine cervical squamous cell carcinoma. This tool can assist gynecologic oncologists and patients in treatment planning and prognosis.
H3K27me3 of Rnf19a promotes neuroinflammatory response during Japanese encephalitis virus infection
Authors: Zhu Shuo , Tao Mengying , Li Yunchuan , Wang Xugang , Zhao Zikai , Liu Yixin , Li Qi , Li Qiuyan , Lu Yanbo , Si Youhui , Cao Shengbo , Ye Jing
Published: July 2023

Histone methylation is an important epigenetic modification that affects various biological processes, including the inflammatory response. In this study, we found that infection with Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) leads to an increase in H3K27me3 in BV2 microglial cell line, primary mouse microglia and mouse brain. Inhibition of H3K27me3 modification through EZH2 knockdown and treatment with EZH2 inhibitor significantly reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines during JEV infection, which suggests that H3K27me3 modification plays a crucial role in the neuroinflammatory response caused by JEV infection. The chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-sequencing) assay revealed an increase in H3K27me3 modification of E3 ubiquitin ligases Rnf19a following JEV infection, which leads to downregulation of Rnf19a expression. Furthermore, the results showed that Rnf19a negatively regulates the neuroinflammatory response induced by JEV. This is achieved through the degradation of RIG-I by mediating its ubiquitination. In conclusion, our findings reveal a novel mechanism by which JEV triggers extensive neuroinflammation from an epigenetic perspective.
Circ-STC2 promotes the ferroptosis of nucleus pulposus cells via targeting miR-486-3p/TFR2 axis
Authors: Xiong Liangping , Li Xiaoyan , Hua Xi , Qian Zhonglai
Published: July 2023

Background

Low back pain (LBP) has become the second leading cause of disability worldwide, which has brought great economic burden to people. It is generally believed that intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is the main cause of LBP. This study aimed to explore the role of circ-STC2 in the pathogenesis of IDD.

Methods

Nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) were treated with T-Butyl Hydrogen Peroxide (TBHP) to establish IDD model in vitro. RT-qPCR was performed to detect mRNA expressions. The cell viability was detected with CCK-8 assay. The levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), Fe2+ and glutathione (GSH) of NPCs were measured by corresponding kits. The protein expressions were determined by western blot. Dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays were conducted to verify the relationship between circ-STC2 or transferrin recepto 2 (TFR2) and miR-486-3p.

Results

Circ-STC2 and TFR2 expressions were up-regulated in IDD tissues, and miR-486-3p expression was down-regulated. Knockdown of circ-STC2 promoted the cell viability and inhibited the ferroptosis of the NPCs. The GSH levels, and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) protein expressions were increased, the LDH, MDA and Fe2+ levels and achaete-scute complexlike 4 (ASCL4) protein expressions were decreased after circ-STC2 knockdown. Knockdown of miR-486-3p abrogated the si-circ-STC2 effects and overexpression of TFR2 reversed the miR-486-3p mimic effects.

Conclusions

Circ-STC2 inhibits the cell viability, induced the ferroptosis of the TBHP treated NPCs via targeting miR-486-3p/TFR2 axis.
DCF versus doublet chemotherapy as first-line treatment of advanced squamous anal cell carcinoma: a multicenter propensity score-matching study
Authors: Kim Stefano , Vendrely Véronique , Saint Angélique , André Thierry , Vaflard Pauline , Samalin Emmanuelle , Pernot Simon , Bouché Oliver , Zubir Mustapha , Desrame Jérôme , de la Fouchardière Christelle , Smith Denis , Ghiringhelli François , Vienot Angélique , Jacquin Marion , Klajer Elodie , Nguyen Thierry , François Éric , Taieb Julien , Le Malicot Karine , Vernerey Dewi , Meurisse Aurélia , Borg Christophe
Published: July 2023

Triplet DCF (docetaxel, cisplatin and 5-flurouracil) and doublet CP/CF (carboplatin and paclitaxel/cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil) regimens were prospectively evaluated in advanced squamous anal cell carcinoma (SCCA), and validated as standard treatments. Even though the high efficacy and good tolerance of DCF regimen were confirmed in 3 independent prospective trials, doublet CP regimen is still recommended in several guidelines based in its better safety profile with similar efficacy compared to CF regimen. We performed a propensity score-adjusted method with inverse probability of treatment weighted (IPTW) and matched case control (MCC) comparison among patients with metastatic or non-resectable locally advanced recurrent SCCA, treated with chemotherapy as first line regimen. The primary endpoint was the overall survival (OS), and the secondary endpoint was the progression-free survival (PFS). 247 patients were included for analysis. 154 patients received DCF and 93 patients received a doublet regimen. The median OS was 32.3 months with DCF and 18.3 months with doublet regimens (HR 0.53, 95%CI 0.38–0.74; p = 0.0001), and the median PFS was 11.2 months with DCF versus 7.6 months with doublet regimens (HR 0.53, 95%CI 0.39–0.73; p < 0.0001). The hazard ratios by IPTW and MCC analyses were 0.411 (95% CI, 0.324–0.521; p < 0.0001) and 0.406 (95% CI, 0.261–0.632; p < 0.0001) for OS, and 0.466 (95% CI, 0.376–0.576; p < 0.0001) and 0.438 (95% CI, 0.298–0.644; P < 0.0001) for PFS. The triplet DCF regimen provides a high and significant benefit in OS and PFS over doublet regimens, and should be considered as upfront treatment for eligible patients with advanced SCCA.
Η σημασία της γήρανσης των ηπατοκυττάρων στη φυσική ιστορία της χρόνιας λοίμωξης με ιό Ηπατίτιδας Β
Authors: Καρακούσης Νικόλαος
Published: July 2023

Υπόβαθρο: Η χρόνια λοίμωξη με τον ιό της ηπατίτιδας Β αποτελεί ένα σοβαρό ιατρικό ζήτημα παγκοσμίως. Το ελεύθερο κυττάρου κυκλοφορούν DNA (cfDNA) και η ολική DNA μεθυλίωση, η οποία εκφράζεται με τα κυκλοφορούντα επίπεδα της 5-methyl-2’-deoxycytidine, εφαρμόζοντας την μέθοδο της υγρής βιοψίας, φαίνεται πως σχετίζονται ως τώρα με επιγενετικές μεταβολές και γήρανση. Αυτή η μελέτη στοχεύει στη διερεύνηση των επιπέδων του ελεύθερου κυττάρου κυκλοφορούντος DNA και των επιπέδων της 5-methyl-2’-deoxycytidine στους ορούς HBeAg-αρνητικών φορέων και ασθενών με χρόνια ηπατίτιδα Β, χωρίς θεραπεία, αλλά και μετά την εφαρμογή της.Μέθοδοι: Χρησιμοποιήθηκαν οροί από ένα σύνολο 61 ασθενών, μεταξύ των οποίων φορείς και ασθενείς με χρόνια ηπατίτιδα Β, χωρίς και μετά την εφαρμογή από του στόματος θεραπείας, με αντικειμενικό σκοπό την ποσοτικοποίηση των επιπέδων του ελεύθερου κυττάρου κυκλοφορούντος DNA και των επιπέδων της 5-methyl-2’-deoxycytidine.Αποτελέσματα: Η συγκέντρωση του ελεύθερου κυττάρου κυκλοφορούντος DNA αυξήθηκε στατιστικά σημαντικά μετά τη χορήγηση θεραπείας στους ασθενείς με χρόνια ηπατίτιδα Β σε σχέση με προ θεραπείας (15 vs 10 ng/mL, αντίστοιχα, p=0.022). Μία σημαντική τάση αυξημένων κυκλοφορούντων επιπέδων της 5-methyl-2’-deoxycytidine παρατηρήθηκε στους φορείς σε σχέση με τους ασθενείς με χρόνια ηπατίτιδα Β χωρίς θεραπεία (211 vs 176 ng/mL, αντίστοιχα, p=0.089), ενώ επιπλέον αυξημένη τάση των κυκλοφορούντων επιπέδων της 5-methyl-2’-deoxycytidine παρατηρήθηκε στους ασθενείς με χρόνια ηπατίτιδα Β μετά τη χορήγηση θεραπείας σε σχέση με πριν τη λήψη θεραπείας (215 vs 173 ng/mL, αντίστοιχα, p=0.079).Συμπεράσματα: Τόσο το ελεύθερο κυττάρου κυκλοφορούν DNA, όσο και τα κυκλοφορούντα επίπεδα της 5-methyl-2’-deoxycytidine, μπορούν να χρησιμοποιηθούν ως δείκτες της δραστηριότητας του ιού της ηπατίτιδας Β στα ηπατοκύτταρα σε επίπεδο επιγενετικής και της απάντησης στη θεραπεία των HBeAg-αρνητικών ασθενών, αλλά περαιτέρω μελέτες είναι απαραίτητες προς αυτήν την κατεύθυνση.
New European locality of three rare taxa (Zygnematophyceae, Streptophyta): Cosmarium pseudoprotuberans var. sulcatum (Nordstedt) Coesel, Gonatozygon aculeatum W.N.Hastings and Pleurotaenium simplicissimum Grönblad
Authors: Shyndanovina Iryna , Lukash Oleksandr
Published: July 2023

In the current article the new Ukrainian desmid material: three species new for Ukraine and their location are examined. The discussion focuses on comparing newly found species in Ukraine to their previous published descriptions in Europe. The reported distribution of these taxa in Europe: Cosmarium pseudoprotuberans var. sulcatum (Nordstedt) Coesel was reported for five countries, Gonatozygon aculeatum W.N.Hastings was found in eight countries and Pleurotaenium simplicissimum Grönblad was previously revealed only in four European countries. We provide a detailed description of the morphological characters of the Ukrainian cells and supply it with the drawings and pictures. The ecological aspects of the new habitat important for the European flora of desmids are discussed. This article provides information for better understanding of desmids ecology and correct identification of the described rare and sometimes poorly known species.
Bioutilization of the distillery stillage of different grain species from bioethanol production
Authors: Danilova Katerina , Oliynichuk Sergey , Verbytskyi Sergey
Published: July 2023

Wastewater from bioethanol plants is classified as highly concentrated in terms of organic pollution precisely due to distillery stillage. The main problem in the disposal of distillery stillage is the processing of the liquid phase, the volume of which is up to 92% of all wastewater from a bioethanol plant. The existing wastewater treatment technologies of a bioethanol plant can be conditionally divided into four types: evaporation, aerobic biological treatment with fodder yeast production, anaerobic stillage treatment with biogas production, combined schemes. The aim of our work was to study a combined method for cleaning grain stillage by the anaerobic-aerobic method with the immobilization of microorganisms on a fibrous carrier. Physicochemical parameters of grain stillage and purified methane mash were determined according to generally accepted methods for analyzing wastewater from distilleries.
Under anaerobic conditions, biogas was formed from distillery stillage, including low molecular weight organic compounds – methane, carbon dioxide, organic acids. After the first anaerobic stage of treatment, the pollution of wastewater decreased by 8-10 times, after which it was fed to the aerobic stage of post-treatment, which was carried out by microorganisms immobilized on a fixed carrier, which reduced the removal of biomass with the flow of purified water and improved treatment performance. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) of methane mash after the 1st stage of anaerobic fermentation was 1360 mg/dm3 compared to the initial COD of grain stillage of 15800 mg/dm3, which ensured a purification efficiency of 91.4%. The purification efficiency according to biochemical oxygen demand in five days (BOD5) was 97.5%. After the aerobic stage, the purification efficiency was 98.2% in terms of COD and 99.8% in terms of BOD5. The values of the content of total phosphorus also decreased by almost 20 times, nitrogen – by 9 times, sulfates – by 5 times. The advantages of the proposed method of wastewater treatment of bioethanol plants over existing ones are the ability to treat wastewater with any concentration of pollutants and additional obtaining of fuel – biogas, which can be used to replace natural gas, solving the problem of removing the biomass of microorganisms from the purification zone due to their fixation on a fibrous fixed carrier.
Integrated barium titanate electro-optic modulators operating at CMOS-compatible voltage
Authors: Han Huangpu , Wang Jing , Wang Zhengfang , Liu Chenghao , xiang bingxi
Published: July 2023

We propose monolithically integrated electro-optical modulators based on thin film x-cut barium titanate that exhibit large modulation bandwidth and operate at voltages compatible with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor technology. The optical and radio frequency parameters of modulator are systematically simulated, calculated, and optimized, respectively. Our simulation include the evaluation of single-mode conditions, the separation distance between the electrode edge and the waveguide edge, bending loss, optical field distribution, and half-wave voltage-length product for optical parameters, and characteristic impedance, attenuation constant, radio frequency effective index, and −3 dB modulation bandwidth for radio frequency parameters. By engineering both the microwave and photonic circuits, we have achieved high electro-optical efficiencies and group-velocity matching simultaneously. Our numerical simulation and theoretical analysis show that the half-wave voltage-length product was 0.48 V·cm, and the −3 dB modulation bandwidth with a device length of 5 mm and 10 mm were 262 GHz and 107 GHz, respectively. Overall, our study highlights the potential of the proposed modulators for low driving-voltage and high performance optical communication systems.
A computational model of the competitive effects of ESG
Authors: Katsamakas Evangelos , Sanchez-Cartas J. Manuel
Published: July 2023

Environmental and social initiatives within firms, commonly grouped under the ESG term, have attracted significant business interest. However, the mechanism that links ESG investment to firm performance is unclear. We develop a computational model that helps clarify the competitive effects of ESG. In our model, ESG investment attracts consumers, but it can have additional effects on companies, such as reducing production costs, increasing product value, or both. Computational experiments show that ESG intensifies competition when it has such additional effects in addition to attracting consumers. However, ESG can lead to a winner-take-all dynamic in which a firm with an initial advantage dominates the market. Moreover, firms can use strategic disclosure of information to reduce their ESG investments, softening competition. This research contributes to the ESG literature by explaining the strategic impact of firms’ ESG investments and the conditions under which firms can do well by doing good in a competitive setting.